Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giulia Magoga, Diego Fontaneto, Matteo Montagna
Summary: This study tested the efficiency of various single-marker species delimitation methods on leaf beetles and found that factors such as number of haplotypes, geographic distance, difficulty in species identification, and taxonomic rank can affect efficiency. Distance-based methods outperformed phylogenetic tree methods, and a higher number of haplotypes per species had a negative effect on delimitation efficiency. The presence of species that are difficult to identify also significantly decreased the efficiency of delimitation methods.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Daniel Oliveira, Catia Chaves, Joana Pinto, Joana Pauperio, Nuno Fonseca, Pedro Beja, Sonia Ferreira
Summary: This study conducted DNA sequencing of lacewings and snake flies in Portugal for the first time, revealing that most species can be successfully identified through DNA barcoding, except for seven species of the Chrysopidae family. Additionally, distribution data for two neuropteran species in Portugal were published for the first time.
Article
Zoology
David Selnekovic, Katarina Goffova, Jan Soltys, Eva Kovacova, Jan Kodada
Summary: The study describes a new species of Mordellistena (s. str.) platypoda found on the island of Ischia in Italy, based on morphological characters and genetic analysis. The analysis shows that M. platypoda is closely related to M. tarsata, but they differ significantly in vestiture colouration, presence of lateral ctenidia on the third metatarsomere, and presence of sexual dimorphism on the protibia. Interestingly, the new species is currently known only from Ischia and no additional specimens were found in museum material.
Article
Entomology
Wolfgang Paill, Stephan Koblmueller, Thomas Friess, Barbara-Amina Gereben-Krenn, Christian Mairhuber, Michael J. Raupach, Lukas Zangl
Summary: The study provides the first reliable record of Pterostichus adstrictus in the Austrian Alps, confirming its southernmost distribution edge. Further research demonstrates the seasonal occurrence and habitat preferences of P. adstrictus in the region.
Article
Parasitology
Maria Sophia Unterkoefler, Alexandra Huck, Katja Silbermayr, Hans-Peter Fuehrer
Summary: A case of autochthonous O. lupi infection in a dog from Austria, confirming the potential zoonotic risk of this emerging canine ocular pathogen.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Elena Fanelli, Francesca Gaffuri, Alberto Troccoli, Stefano Sacchi, Francesca De Luca
Summary: This study confirms the presence of the rice nematode in Lombardy, Italy, and genetic analysis reveals that the population in this region is distinct from the population in Piedmont, suggesting recent independent introductions. Geographic origin is not the main factor driving population variability in Meloidogyne graminicola.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Subodha Lakruwani Jayasundara, Hirusha Randimal Algewatta, Suhada Jayawardana, Minoli Perera, L. Dinithi C. Peiris
Summary: Researchers used DNA barcoding to identify the Sambar deer in Sri Lanka, revealing its genetic differences from the Indian Sambar deer and other subspecies. These findings are essential for the conservation of Sambar deer species.
Article
Biology
Fevzi Bardakci, Sarah Hilan Mohammed Al-Subaie, Riadh Badraoui, Mohd Adnan, Arif Jamal Siddiqui
Summary: The present study used the mitochondrial barcoding gene COI to identify and characterize hard ticks infesting camels in Ha'il province, Saudi Arabia. Nine haplotypes were found, with six being newly described. Phylogenetic analysis revealed two distinct clades corresponding to H. dromedarii and H. impeltatum. The presence of H. scupense together with H. impeltatum suggests possible asymmetrical hybridization and mitochondrial introgression between these species.
Article
Entomology
Romana Iftikhar, Amalendu Ghosh, Hanu R. Pappu
Summary: This study investigated the genetic variation and evolutionary parameters of Thrips tabaci populations in the United States. The results revealed high genetic diversity and structure of the onion thrips, which is a significant pest that causes severe damage and acts as a vector of plant viruses.
JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Luis Miguel Pires Ceriaco, Mariana Pimentel Marques, Ana Carolina Andrade de Sousa, Joana Verissimo, Pedro Beja, Sonia Ferreira
Summary: The herpetofauna of Sao Tome and Principe consists of nine species of amphibians, all endemic, and 21 species of terrestrial reptiles, of which 17 are endemic. Two important tools, an illustrated key and a DNA barcode reference library, have been provided to support the identification of the country's herpetofauna. The keys enable rapid and unambiguous morphological identification, while the DNA barcodes can provide molecular identification for most species.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Laurence J. Clarke, Leonie Suter, Bruce E. Deagle, Andrea M. Polanowski, Aleks Terauds, Glenn J. Johnstone, Jonathan S. Stark
Summary: The study found that eDNA from water and sediment core samples are complementary sample types, with epifauna more likely to be detected in water column samples and infauna in sediment. More reference DNA sequences are needed for infauna/meiofauna to increase the proportion of sequences and number of taxa that can be identified. Developing a better understanding of the temporal and spatial dynamics of eDNA at low temperatures would aid interpretation of eDNA signals from polar environments.
Article
Ecology
Ashrenee Govender, Sohana Singh, Johan Groeneveld, Sureshnee Pillay, Sandi Willows-Munro
Summary: Metabarcoding is a fast-developing field used to determine the species composition and diversity of marine zooplankton communities, but standardization of methods is still incomplete. The choice of genetic markers and primers is crucial for influencing species detection rates and accuracy. Taxon-specific mini-barcode primers have been developed to enhance species detection rates and accuracy in this study.
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Edward Good, Luke E. Holman, Antonio Pusceddu, Tommaso Russo, Marc Rius, Claudio Lo Iacono
Summary: Using environmental DNA (eDNA) and taxonomic identification of meiofauna communities, this study finds that benthic trawling has community-wide impacts on deep-sea assemblages, with different trawling intensities leading to distinct communities.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Verena Tunnicliffe, Corinna Breusing
Summary: This study revises the Bathymodiolus septemdierum species group, recognizes B. brevior and B. marisindicus as junior synonyms, and proposes the removal of these three taxa from the IUCN Red List.
Article
Cell Biology
Jia Shi, Yi Yang, Ya-Nan Wang, Qing Li, Xue Xing, An-Ying Cheng, Xiao-Na Zhan, Jie Li, Gang Xu, Fan He
Summary: This study reveals the association between metabolism and the progression of vascular calcification in chronic kidney disease (CKD). High phosphate and uremic serum enhance mitochondrial respiration capacity in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), while glycolysis level remains unchanged. Suppression of cytochrome c oxidase (COX) activity attenuates vascular calcification.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Sophie Manson, Marco Campera, Katherine Hedger, Nabil Ahmad, Esther Adinda, Vincent Nijman, Budiadi Budiadi, Muhammad Ali Imron, Ganis Lukmandaru, K. A. I. Nekaris
Summary: This study assessed the effectiveness of a biopesticide on the presence of coffee berry borer in small-holder coffee home gardens in West Java, Indonesia. The results showed that the presence of the pest significantly decreased, with a negative relationship between distance to natural forest and pest presence, and a positive relationship between shade cover and pest presence. Furthermore, farmers perceived the biopesticide to be more effective than conventional pesticides, highlighting its potential.
Article
Zoology
K. A. Nekaris, Katherine Hedger, Amanda Hathaway, Esther Adinda, Nabil Ahmad, Michela Balestri, Muhammad Ali Imron, Sophie Manson, Vincent Nijman, Marco Campera
Summary: The fragmentation of tropical forests has severe consequences for global biodiversity. In Java, Indonesia, deforestation has led to the presence of small forest fragments amidst expanding agricultural land and human settlements. The remaining habitat of the Javan slow loris is largely found in these anthropogenic landscapes. Canopy bridges have been successful in connecting habitat for the slow lorises, but collaboration with local farmers is necessary as the bridges need to be built on private land. Through conversations with farmers, we found a positive attitude towards slow lorises and recognition of the economic importance of the bridges. Farmers suggested improvements, such as ensuring equity of the bridges within the community and increased financial commitment. It is crucial for conservationists to engage in regular discussions with local communities to establish trust and long-term involvement.
FOLIA PRIMATOLOGICA
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Marco Campera, Michela Balestri, Megan Phelps, Fiona Besnard, Julie Mauguiere, Faniry Rakotoarimanana, Vincent Nijman, K. A. I. Nekaris, Giuseppe Donati
Summary: Edge effects are the result of interactions between adjacent habitats, which can alter abiotic and biotic conditions and have negative impacts on biodiversity. Understanding lemur responses to edges is important due to the high forest fragmentation in Madagascar. The study aimed to determine the influence of forest edge in a continuous low-land rainforest and identify the response of six lemur species. The findings highlighted the importance of considering edge effects in estimating population sizes and informing conservation management, as around half of Madagascar's forested areas are within 100 m of a forest edge.
Article
Ecology
Magdalena S. S. Svensson, Vincent Nijman, Chris R. R. Shepherd
Summary: Illegal and unsustainable trade pose significant challenges to primate conservation. The wildlife trade in the EU and UK is significant but poorly studied and reported when it comes to primates.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Mary E. Blair, Giang T. H. Cao, Elora H. Lopez-Nandam, Daniel A. Veronese-Paniagua, Mark G. Birchette, Marina Kenyon, Badrul M. Md-Zain, Rachel A. Munds, K. Anne-Isola Nekaris, Vincent Nijman, Christian Roos, Hoang M. Thach, Eleanor J. Sterling, Minh D. Le
Summary: Genetic analysis of historical museum collections provides an opportunity to study the evolutionary history, improve taxonomic inferences, and inform conservation efforts for understudied primate groups.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Laura C. Praill, Timothy M. Eppley, Sam Shanee, Pamela M. K. Cunneyworth, Fernanda D. Abra, Nestor Allgas, Hassan Al-Razi, Marco Campera, Susan M. Cheyne, Wendy Collinson, Giuseppe Donati, Birthe Linden, Sophie Manson, Marjan Maria, Thais Q. Morcatty, K. A. I. Nekaris, Luciana I. Oklander, Vincent Nijman, Magdalena S. Svensson
Summary: With the expansion of road infrastructure networks globally, the fragmentation of habitats due to road construction has led to an increase in wildlife-vehicle collisions. This is particularly a concern for primates, as their habitats are being increasingly fragmented. The Global Primate Roadkill Database (GPRD) is a comprehensive collection of primate roadkill incidents, which provides valuable data for understanding the impact of road infrastructure on primates and evaluating potential measures to mitigate risks.
Review
Biology
Patrick O. Waeber, Mark W. Roberts, Derek Schuurman, Vincent Nijman, George Wittemyer, Charles Barber, John L. Innes, Porter P. Lowry II, Lucienne Wilme
Article
Ecology
Vincent Nijman
Summary: Pangolins, one of the most heavily trafficked animals, have shown no significant changes in seizure numbers in Indonesia despite international trade regulations. The seizures mainly consist of scales, indicating a possible hidden trade in these parts in Indonesia and elsewhere.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Erik Joaquin Torres-Romero, Vincent Nijman, David Fernandez, Timothy M. Eppley
Summary: Anthropogenic pressures have severely impacted primate species richness globally and regionally, with factors such as croplands, road density, pasture lands, and human footprint having the most negative effects. However, protected areas and Indigenous Peoples' lands play a critical role in safeguarding primate species diversity.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Beth Lewis-Whelan, Ahmad Ardiansyah, Peter D. Roberts, Vincent Nijman, Evros Damianou, Thais Q. Morcatty, Helene Birot, Muhammad Ali Imron, K. A. I. Nekaris
Summary: This article examines the welfare of civets in civet coffee tourism plantations and wildlife markets in Bali, Indonesia. The findings indicate that welfare standards do not meet Indonesian laws and regulations, and factors such as diet and mobility affect the body condition of civets. None of the civets met all of the five freedoms. Improved enforcement of welfare and trade laws is necessary to enhance the welfare of civets and combat illegal trading. Tourists should be informed about the low welfare standards to make informed choices regarding their support for this industry.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ANIMAL WELFARE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Ornithology
Raziyeh Abdilzadeh, Stefan Prost, Mansour Aliabadian, Arya Shafaeipour, Fumin Lei, Aleem Ahmed Khan, Urban Olsson
Summary: Using whole-genome sequence data and phylogeny, admixture, and principal component analysis, this study investigates gene flow among populations of the lesser whitethroat complex and the contradiction between morphological and genetic data. The results suggest that the Zagros Mts population of the species may have diverged from the topotypical curruca lineage and later experienced extensive gene flow. There is no evidence of hybridization between zagrossiensis and althaea in the Zagros Mts, while evidence of gene flow exists between althaea and halimodendri. Admixture from other populations outside the sampled area is also possible but requires further evaluation with a larger dataset.
JOURNAL OF AVIAN BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Alice Hughes, Mark Auliya, Sandra Altherr, Brett Scheffers, Jordi Janssen, Vincent Nijman, Chris R. Shepherd, Neil D'Cruze, Emerson Sy, David P. Edwards
Summary: According to the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, exploitation of wildlife poses a significant threat to species survival. While illegal trade's detrimental effects are well-known, legal trade is often considered sustainable despite lacking evidence. This article reviews the sustainability of wildlife trade, the tools and frameworks to regulate it, and highlights the lack of data that hinders understanding of sustainability. The authors propose a more precautionary approach, strengthening data collection, linking trade quotas to international standards, improving databases, and enhancing understanding of trade bans and market forces.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Vincent Nijman
Summary: Illegal fishing, particularly the hunting of sharks for their meat and fins, poses a significant threat to marine biodiversity conservation. Obtaining accurate data on these illegal activities is challenging due to the lack of reliable official records. This study utilized information from the media, tourists, and artisanal fishermen to investigate the trade of whale sharks, the world's largest fish, in Indonesia.
Article
Microbiology
Vincent Nijman, K. A. I. Nekaris, Chris R. Shepherd, Lucy Vigne, Ahmad Ardiansyah, Muhammad Ali Imron, Qinyong Ni, Katherine Hedger, Marco Campera, Thais Q. Morcatty
Summary: Vector-borne diseases can spread from wild animals to humans and domesticated animals, and wildlife markets are important areas for this transfer. A study in Myanmar and Indonesia assessed the potential for spreading vector-borne diseases in live and wet markets by examining the animals for sale. The results showed the presence of animals carrying various diseases, highlighting the need for an integrated approach to protect public health, economic interests, and biodiversity.
MICROBIOLOGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Hassan Al-Razi, Marco Campera, Sabit Hasan, Marjan Maria, Vincent Nijman, K. Anne-Isola Nekaris
Summary: Agricultural expansion has negatively impacted tropical forests and their dependent animal communities. However, agroforestry systems have been found to be important habitats for globally threatened species, including nocturnal animals. This study examined the encounter rates of seven nocturnal mammal species in relation to agroforestry systems in Bangladesh and found that human population density, presence of plantations, and human access influenced the encounter rates. With declining forest cover in Bangladesh, the study highlights the potential of agroforestry systems as crucial habitats for species conservation.