Article
Ecology
Simona Picardi, Briana Abrahms, Emily Gelzer, Thomas. A. A. Morrison, Tana Verzuh, Jerod. A. A. Merkle
Summary: Site fidelity, which refers to the tendency of individuals to return to previously visited locations, is influenced by various mechanisms such as memory, habitat selection, or chance. However, existing definitions often group different mechanisms under the same label of 'site fidelity', assuming memory as the main driver. In this study, we propose an operational definition of site fidelity that deviates from a null expectation derived from a memory-free movement model. We demonstrate through agent-based simulations that movement characteristics and landscape characteristics play important roles in generating return patterns, even in the absence of memory. We also provide a framework for establishing system-specific null expectations for site fidelity, allowing for hypothesis testing across different systems and scales.
Article
Ecology
Priscila A. Moura, Giberto Corso, Stephen H. Montgomery, Marcio Z. Cardoso
Summary: This study tested whether individuals of two Heliconius species exhibit true site fidelity through a mark-release-recapture experiment, finding that both non-translocated and translocated butterflies display site fidelity. The ability of these butterflies to return to their home sites when artificially dispersed suggests a sophisticated ability to navigate to specific spatial goals, providing insights into the drivers of site fidelity and opening new research directions on navigational mechanisms in insects.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Assiyatou Gueye, El Hadji Malick Ngom, Aissatou Diagne, Baye Bado Ndoye, Mamadou Lamine Dione, Babacar Souleymane Sambe, Cheikh Sokhna, Mawlouth Diallo, Makhtar Niang, Ibrahima Dia
Summary: Studying the behaviour and feeding preferences of mosquitoes is crucial for understanding the transmission of vector-borne diseases. This study in Senegal examined the feeding behaviour of Anopheles mosquitoes and found that they prefer to feed on animals other than humans, which may increase the risk of residual outdoor transmission.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Christopher M. Bunt, Bailey Jacobson, Timothy Fernandes, Luke Ridgway, Bailey McMeans
Summary: This study investigated the long-term movement and habitat utilization of largemouth bass, finding that the fish exhibited exceptional inter-annual site fidelity during winter, spring, and summer, navigating across large distances through spatially and temporally disturbed habitat. The study suggests that adaptive drawdown protocols should be developed to maintain fish population stability in temperate regulated reservoirs.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Matthew J. Smukall, Andrew C. Seitz, Felicie Dhellemmes, Maurits P. M. van Zinnicq Bergmann, Vital Heim, Samuel H. Gruber, Tristan L. Guttridge
Summary: Understanding the space use and movement behavior of tiger sharks is crucial for their conservation. This study found that Bimini serves as an important pupping ground for tiger sharks, with some individuals showing long-term site fidelity. The study also revealed that larger individuals are more likely to disperse from Bimini to other areas in the western North Atlantic.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Samantha Nicole Smith, Max Dolton Jones, Benjamin Michael Marshall, Surachit Waengsothorn, George A. Gale, Colin Thomas Strine
Summary: Investigated the space use and habitat selection of Burmese pythons in a biosphere reserve in Thailand, revealing a preference for aquatic habitats and a lack of avoidance of human settlements despite restricted movement.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Helene de Pontual, Karine Heerah, Jolien Goossens, Francois Garren, Stephane Martin, Loic Le Ru, Didier Le Roy, Mathieu Woillez
Summary: Large-scale electronic tagging is a powerful tool to study fish movements and migrations. We tagged European seabass in various locations and discovered that they exhibit partial migration behavior, with fidelity to specific feeding and spawning areas. These findings have important implications for fishery management and challenge the currently accepted stock structure. Further exploration is needed at both the European level and by regional managers involved in conservation outcomes.
ICES JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biology
Yutaka Watanuki, Katsufumi Sato, Kozue Shiomi, Sarah Wanless, Francis Daunt
Summary: This study investigates the foraging behavior of European shags and finds that they do not actively follow the predictions of optimal foraging theory, but rather feed probabilistically in different habitats.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Nikita Gavrilitchenko, Eva Gazagne, Nicolas Vandewalle, Johann Delcourt, Alain Hambuckers
Summary: In the context of climate change and forest degradation, animal-mediated seed dispersal is crucial for tree colonization potential. This study presents an innovative mathematical model that accurately simulates the movement of wild-ranging primates. The model can improve seed dispersal models and predict tree species distribution changes under future climate scenarios. Conservation efforts in the tropics should consider the close relationship between tree species and animals.
Article
Fisheries
Jolien Buyse, Jan Reubens, Kris Hostens, Steven Degraer, Jolien Goossens, Annelies De Backer
Summary: The study found that the hard substrate structures within offshore wind farms attract flatfish and increase ecological fish production. Additionally, these wind farms provide closed feeding grounds for flatfish during spring and summer, reducing fishing pressure, but may result in spillover effects during winter spawning migrations.
ICES JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Deyong Gong, Zeyuan Hua, Aijia Mao, Luyao Chen, Yu Peng, Shichang Zhang
Summary: Animals consider both biotic and abiotic factors in foraging site choice. Our study focused on the orb-web spider Cyclosa monticola and found that the self-constructed detritus decoration in its web is as important as prey availability and predation risk in mediating foraging site fidelity. Additionally, web area also has a significant impact on the spider's foraging site fidelity. This study enhances our understanding of animal movement and foraging, especially for animals building retreats.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Maureen H. Murray, Sonia M. Hernandez, R. Scott Rozier, Anjelika D. Kidd, Jeffery Hepinstall-Cymerman, Shannon E. Curry, Michael J. Yabsley, Henry Adams, Taylor Ellison, Catharine N. Welch, Erin K. Lipp
Summary: This study suggests that food provisioning in urban parks can influence the infection risk of wildlife, with factors such as diet, space use, and site fidelity playing important roles. Higher prevalence of Salmonella was associated with anthropogenic food in ibis diets and increased site fidelity in certain areas, indicating a potential increase in exposure to bacteria from contaminated sources. These findings highlight the importance of understanding and regulating wildlife feeding practices in order to reduce health risks for both wildlife and the public.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Olga A. Filatova, Ivan D. Fedutin, Tatiana P. Pridorozhnaya, Erich Hoyt
Summary: In zooplankton-feeding baleen whales, gray whales show higher site fidelity compared to humpback whales, which have a broader range of movement. This has important implications for assessing the impact of human activities on whales.
Article
Ecology
Anna M. Knochel, Nigel E. Hussey, Steven T. Kessel, Camrin D. Braun, Jesse E. M. Cochran, Graham Hill, Rebecca Klaus, Tarik Checkchak, Nasereldin M. Elamin El Hassen, Mohammed Younnis, Michael L. Berumen
Summary: This study provides new insights into the habitat use and residency patterns of the reef manta ray in northeastern African coastlines. The results show that the species displays high site fidelity to coastal bays and lagoons, with seasonal shifts in habitat use likely driven by resource availability. These findings have important implications for managing and supporting sustainable ecotourism in the study area.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
A. Brazo, R. Marques, M. Zimmermann, E. Aspillaga, B. Hereu, G. Saragoni, A. Merciere, R. Crec'Hriou, M. Mercader, M. Verdoit-Jarraya, F. Cadene, P. Lenfant
Summary: The study revealed that the black meagre exhibit different vertical activity patterns in different seasons and depths, likely due to foraging and reproductive behaviors as well as regulation by water temperature and thermocline depth. This provides valuable information for management and protection plans.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Ornithology
Alazne Diez-Fernandez, Jose Martin, Josue Martinez-de la Puente, Laura Gangoso, Pilar Lopez, Ramon Soriguer, Jordi Figuerola
Summary: DDT, a widely used pesticide, was banned in Europe in the 1970s and 1980s due to its high toxicity and environmental persistence. However, a recent study found DDT metabolites in the secretions of European Blackbirds in southern Spain. Despite the potential immunosuppressive effect of DDT, there was no association between haemosporidian infection and DDT presence.
Article
Parasitology
Rafael Gutierrez-Lopez, Jordi Figuerola, Josue Martinez-de la Puente
Summary: The risk of autochthonous transmission of Zika virus in Europe depends on the ability of Aedes albopictus to transmit the virus. Experimental studies have shown conflicting results in the vector competence of European populations of this mosquito species, possibly due to differences in mosquito populations and experimental procedures. A systematic review of published studies reveals that differences in infection and transmission rates are mainly attributed to variations in temperature, viral load, and the number of days post-exposure for analysis. The proportion of infected mosquitoes is affected by the viral load and post-exposure days, while the transmission rate is influenced by viral load and temperature. Therefore, methodological differences greatly affect the conclusions about the role of Aedes albopictus as a competent vector for Zika virus in Europe and its epidemiological relevance.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jessica Jimenez-Penuela, Martina Ferraguti, Josue Martinez-De la Puente, Ramon C. Soriguer, Jordi Figuerola
Summary: This study analyzed the relationship between infection of three common blood parasites (Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon) and oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity in wild house sparrows along an urbanization gradient. The results showed that birds infected with Haemoproteus and living in urban areas had higher levels of lipid oxidative damage. Birds infected with Plasmodium showed lower antioxidant activity, while those infected with Leucocytozoon showed slightly higher antioxidant activity. Overall, this study highlights the effects of blood parasite infections and urbanization on the oxidative status of wild birds and the role of bird body condition in regulating oxidative stress.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Ornithology
Duarte S. Viana, Simone Santoro, Ramon C. Soriguer, Jordi Figuerola
Summary: The European population of Eurasian Curlew has declined in the past 30 years, posing a threat to its survival. Demographic rates and survival probabilities at the flyway scale were examined to estimate population growth rates. The observed growth rates were higher than the expected rates from demographic models, indicating geographical variation in demography. The low productivity levels are the most probable cause of population declines, requiring immediate conservation actions.
Article
Parasitology
Maria Ortuno, Ana Bernal, Yaarit Nachum-Biala, Clara Munoz, Jose Risueno, Juana Ortiz, Gad Baneth, Eduardo Berriatua
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of Hepatozoon spp., Babesia spp., and Leishmania infantum infections in stray cats and abandoned dogs in southeast Spain. The study found that the prevalence and parasite load of L. infantum in lymphoid tissue was higher in dogs than in cats, and cats with clinical signs had higher parasite loads compared to asymptomatic cats.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Virology
Maria Jose Ruiz-Lopez, Milagros Munoz-Chimeno, Jordi Figuerola, Ana M. Gavilan, Sarai Varona, Isabel Cuesta, Josue Martinez-de la Puente, Angel Zaballos, Francisca Molero, Ramon C. Soriguer, Maria Paz Sanchez-Seco, Santiago Ruiz, Ana Vazquez
Summary: This study aimed to characterize the genomes of the West Nile virus (WNV) circulating in wild-trapped mosquitoes in Andalusia, Spain in 2020 and 2021. The results showed that the WNV genomes recovered from mosquito samples in 2020 were closely related to those recovered from humans during the same outbreak, and the WNV strain circulating in 2021 was highly related to the strain that caused the 2020 outbreak, indicating overwintering of WNV in the area. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the eco-epidemiology of WNV in Spain.
Article
Ecology
Jorge Sereno-Cadierno, Ramon C. Soriguer, Francisco Carro
Summary: Long-term studies of Mediterranean carnivores in the Iberian Peninsula are rare, despite its high mammal biodiversity. By analyzing 15 years of monitoring data from Donana National Park, we found positive population trends for red fox, stable trends for badger and Egyptian mongoose, and negative trends for common genet and Iberian lynx. This study highlights the importance of long-term datasets and provides novel information on population trends for less well-known species like the Egyptian mongoose and the endangered Iberian lynx.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Ecology
Marta Valldeperes, Paloma Prieto Yerro, Jorge Ramon Lopez-Olvera, Paulino Fandos, Santiago Lavin, Ramon C. Soriguer Escofet, Gregorio Mentaberre, Francisco Javier Cano-Manuel Leon, Jose Espinosa, Arian Raez-Bravo, Jesus M. Perez, Stefania Tampach, Josep Estruch, Roser Velarde, Jose Enrique Granados
Summary: This review compiles the currently available knowledge on diseases of Iberian ibex, including their impact on the health and demography of free-ranging populations, diseases subjected to health surveillance plans, other reported diseases, and diseases of particular relevance in captive populations. It uncovers unpublished reports, scientific communications, and articles, providing the first comprehensive compilation of Iberian ibex diseases. The review also identifies knowledge gaps and challenges managers to assess current priorities and policies in disease management and health surveillance of Iberian ibex.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Guillermo Carmona, Tamara Burgos, Rafael Barrientos, Sara Martin-Garcia, Clara Munoz, Marta Sanchez-Sanchez, Javier Hernandez-Hernandez, Carlos Palacin, Pablo Quiles, Alberto Moraga-Fernandez, Victor Bandeira, Emilio Virgos, Christian Gortazar, Isabel G. Fernandez de Mera
Summary: Data on SARS-CoV-2 infection in wildlife species is limited. However, high prevalences found in mustelid species justify studying this virus in closely related autochthonous free-ranging European polecats. Analysis of lung samples from roadkilled polecats did not detect SARS-CoV-2 infection, but surveillance in wild carnivores and mustelids is still necessary due to their susceptibility.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Maria Ortuno, Clara Munoz-Hernandez, Jose Risueno, Zarima Jumakanova, Alessia Farinella, Slavica Vaselek, Luis J. Bernal, Pedro F. Sanchez-Lopez, Francisco Collantes, Rocio Ruiz de Ybanez, Carlos Martinez-Carrasco, Pedro Perez-Cutillas, Eduardo Berriatua
Summary: This study investigated the efficacy of high-volume spraying with a-cypermethrin and diflubenzuron on the density of sand flies in gardens of households in southeast Spain. The treatments did not consistently decrease sand fly density and had negative impacts on non-target organisms and human health. Therefore, similar outdoor applications to control sand fly vector populations in residential areas should be discouraged.
ZOONOSES AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Correction
Ecology
Marta Valldeperes, Paloma Prieto Yerro, Jorge Ramon Lopez-Olvera, Paulino Fandos, Santiago Lavin, Ramon C. Soriguer Escofet, Gregorio Mentaberre, Francisco Javier Cano-Manuel Leon, Jose Espinosa, Arian Raez-Bravo, Jesus M. Perez, Stefania Tampach, Josep Estruch, Roser Velarde, Jose Enrique Granados
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Alberto Moraga-Fernandez, Pilar Oliva-Vidal, Marta Sanchez-Sanchez, Clara Munoz-Hernandez, Jose Maria Martinez, Antoni Margalida, Jose de la Fuente, Isabel G. Fernandez de Mera
Summary: There is a knowledge gap in the study of Argasidae soft ticks and the pathogens they can transmit. These ticks are widely distributed and are often considered typical bird ectoparasites. Tick-parasitized birds can act as reservoirs of pathogens and also spread these infected ticks to new areas.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Carla Maia, Claudia Conceicao, Andre Pereira, Rafael Rocha, Maria Ortuno, Clara Munoz, Zarima Jumakanova, Pedro Perez-Cutillas, Yusuf Ozbel, Seray Toz, Gad Baneth, Begona Monge-Maillo, Elkhan Gasimov, Yves van der Stede, Gregorio Torres, Celine M. Gossner, Eduardo Berriatua
Summary: This study investigates the distribution and incidence of human and animal leishmaniasis caused by L. infantum in European countries from 2005 to 2020. The findings show inconsistent reporting of autochthonous cases among countries, with Albania having the highest incidence followed by other high-risk countries. Underreporting of animal and cutaneous human leishmaniasis was identified. The study highlights the need for integrated surveillance and accurate reporting following the One Health approach for effective disease control.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Irene Saavedra, Julio Rabadan-Gonzalez, David Aragones, Jordi Figuerola
Summary: Global change is driving the increase in emerging infectious diseases. The interest in nature has led to the development of citizen science platforms for recording wildlife observations. This study examined the utility of bird observations on the platform Observation.org for early detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) outbreaks. The results suggest that the increase in sick and dead bird records on the platform coincides with officially reported HPAIV outbreaks.
