Article
Neurosciences
Jinhong Luo, Manman Lu, Xindong Wang, Huimin Wang, Cynthia F. Moss
Summary: A central aim of neuroethological research is to discover the mechanisms of natural behaviors in the controlled laboratory studies. This study explores the influence of experimental conditions on audiovocal adjustments in echolocating bats, and finds that bats exhibit robust Doppler shift compensation (DSC) in free-flying and moving-pendulum experiments, but not in echo playback experiments.
FRONTIERS IN SYSTEMS NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biology
Diana Schoeppler, Annette Denzinger, Hans-Ulrich Schnitzler
Summary: Doppler shift compensating bats adjust the frequency of their echolocation signals to maintain a constant frequency for the returning echoes. This adjustment is mediated by an audio-vocal control system. Changes in body temperature have a significant effect on the activation state and emission frequency in the cochlea.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Heather J. Baldwin, Peter Vallo, A. Tonatiuh Ruiz, Priscilla Anti, Evans E. Nkrumah, Ebenezer K. Badu, Samuel K. Oppong, Elisabeth K. Kalko, Marco Tschapka, Adam J. Stow
Summary: Research indicates that the West African Hipposideros caffer complex consists of at least four distinct species, with significant genetic and morphological differences between lineages. The taxonomic identity of three similarly sized species from the forest zone of Central Ghana is still unclear and requires further assessment.
JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGICAL SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTIONARY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jianwen Zou, Baoling Jin, Yuqin Ao, Yuqing Han, Baohua Huang, Yuyang Jia, Lijian Yang, Ya Jia, Qicai Chen, Ziying Fu
Summary: This study found that spectrally non-overlapping noise can cause an acoustic masking effect on the echolocation signals of a certain bat species, leading to increased intensity. This highlights the negative consequences of anthropogenic noise on animal behavior and echolocation. The mechanisms involved may include acoustic masking, reduced attention, and noise avoidance.
CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hongxiao Zhu, Anupam Kumar Gupta, Xiaowei Wu, Michael Goldsworthy, Ruihao Wang, Mohitha Mikkilineni, Rolf Mueller
Summary: Many bats use echoes to navigate dense vegetation, but foliage echoes can both provide information and create clutter that hinders prey detection. Therefore, it is important to study foliage echoes and their role in bat's sensory ecology. In this study, we improved an existing foliage echo simulator to better match real experiments, allowing for more flexibility in setup and mimicking natural conditions. By comparing simulated echoes with experimental echoes, we assessed the accuracy of the simulator in replicating the echo-generating process and extended the study to estimating the environment's map.
Article
Plant Sciences
Miguel E. Rodriguez-Posada, Darwin M. Morales-Martinez, Hector E. Ramirez-Chaves, Daniela Martinez-Medina, Camilo A. Calderon-Acevedo
Summary: The study found three species of Histiotus bats in Colombia, including a new species and a reconfirmed species. These species are widely distributed in the Andes of Colombia and Ecuador, with the possibility of coexistence. Additionally, the research revealed the potential hidden diversity of Histiotus in the Andes of Peru and Bolivia.
Article
Zoology
Pengfei Luo, Xiangyang He, Yuzhi Zhang, Jianping Ye, Min Guo, Jin Deng, Chunhui Zhou, Jiang Zhou, Libiao Zhang
Summary: In this study, the existence of Himalayan long-eared bats (Plecotus homochrous) in China was confirmed based on the investigation of four bats captured in Guangxi. The bat's morphological characteristics, such as long auricles and short thumbs, paired with the phylogenetic analysis using Cyt b gene sequences, helped identify them as P. homochrous.
Article
Zoology
Petr Benda, Marek Uvizl, Peter Vallo, Antonin Reiter, Marcel Uhrin
Summary: The Rhinolophus hipposideros group was traditionally defined based on morphological traits, but this study found unexpected diversity within the group using molecular, morphological, and acoustic examinations. There are two geographically exclusive lineages within the group that can be considered separate species.
ACTA CHIROPTEROLOGICA
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Melanie Nolden, Mark J. Paine, Ralf Nauen
Summary: Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases play a crucial role in the oxidative metabolism of xenobiotics in insects and their duplication and upregulation can lead to insecticide resistance. The interaction between P450s and other enzymes like NADPH cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase and cytochrome b5 is complex and can impact metabolic capacity. Recombinant expression of P450s in insect cells with cytochrome b5 can significantly enhance their ability to metabolize certain substrates, but not necessarily insecticides like deltamethrin.
PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xueping Lu, Marilou Vandenhole, Dimitra Tsakireli, Spiros A. Pergantis, John Vontas, Wim Jonckheere, Thomas Van Leeuwen
Summary: Acequinocyl and bifenazate, as powerful acaricides, have been found to induce resistance development in spider mites. Target-site resistance resulting from mutations in the Qo pocket of cytochrome b has been identified as the main resistance mechanism. A new mutation, L258F, has been discovered in field populations of Tetranychus urticae, and its role in resistance has been confirmed. However, the resistance in this strain is likely due to a combination of target-site resistance and increased detoxification through P450 enzymes.
PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Carlos Gutierrez-Merino, Oscar H. Martinez-Costa, Maria Monsalve, Alejandro K. Samhan-Arias
Summary: Membrane cytochrome b(5) reductase is an oxidoreductase that reduces multiple acceptors localized in cellular membranes using NADH as an electron donor. The understanding of the electron transfer process of the reductase towards potential acceptors is still only partially understood. Computational analysis of protein structures provides a potential method to further investigate the roles of different domains within the reductase structure.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Aevelina Rahman, Peter Windes, Danesh Tafti
Summary: This study investigates an ascending right turn of a Hipposideros pratti bat and explores the kinematic features and aerodynamic mechanisms used during the maneuver. The results show that the bat uses roll and yaw rotations of the body to generate the centripetal force for the turn and various adjustments in wing movement and force production. The study also compares the findings with a similar maneuver by another bat species.
ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Rodrigo Petry Correa de Sousa, Paula Sabrina Bronze Campos, Michelly da Silva dos Santos, Patricia Caroline O'Brien, Malcolm Andrew Ferguson-Smith, Edivaldo Herculano Correa de Oliveira
Summary: This study analyzed the chromosomal organization and diversification of the wood stork, and provided evolutionary insights based on phylogenetic data of Ciconiidae. The results confirmed the chromosomal number of the wood stork and identified fusion and fission events involving chromosomes homologous to Gallus gallus. Phylogenetic analyses revealed the monophyletic group of Ciconinii and the paraphyletic clades of Mycteriini and Leptoptlini tribes. The association between phylogenetic and cytogenetic data supported the hypothesis of a reduction in the diploid number throughout the evolution of Ciconiidae.
Article
Zoology
Christiane Denys, Francois Jacquet, Blaise Kadjo, Alain Didier Missoup, Vladimir Aniskine, JoeIle Gouy De Bellocq, Barre Soropogui, Mory Douno, Morlaye Sylla, Violaine Nicolas, Aude Lalis, Ara Monadjem
Summary: This study surveyed 226 shrew specimens from Mount Nimba, identifying 11 species with genetic and morphological analyses. The shrew community on Mount Nimba includes species adapted to different habitats, allowing for coexistence through niche differentiation. The development of an identification key for shrews highlights Mount Nimba as a biodiversity hotspot in tropical Africa.
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Xiaoyan Yin, Rolf Mueller
Summary: Researchers have developed a system inspired by bats' biosonar systems, using a deep convolutional neural network to accurately localize sound sources. Their innovation allows sensors to better process complex sound features, enabling precise sound localization with a single detector.
NATURE MACHINE INTELLIGENCE
(2021)
Article
Anthropology
Romina Frontini, Eufrasia Rosello-Izquierdo, Arturo Morales-Muniz, Christiane Denys, Emilie Guillaud, Yolanda Fernandez-Jalvo, Maria Dolores Pesquero-Fernandez
Summary: The article explores the mechanical deformations of fish vertebrae in archaeological sites to understand predation, deposition of remains, and time-averaging processes. Experimental work comparing modern skeletons to predator-modified fish vertebrae allows for the identification of key features influencing site formation agents. This research provides valuable insights into the formation of archaeological deposits and fish assemblages in the study sites.
JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL METHOD AND THEORY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Josef Bryja, Yonas Meheretu, Zbyszek Boratynski, Ali Zeynu, Christiane Denys, Getachew Mulualem, Kiros Welegerima, Anna Bryjova, Mohammed Kasso, Danila S. Kostin, Aleksey A. Martynov, Leonid A. Lavrenchenko
Summary: This study evaluates the evolutionary uniqueness of recent biodiversity in the Afar Triangle in easternmost Africa. The researchers found that the rodent fauna in this region is relatively poor, but exhibits a high degree of evolutionary distinctiveness, making it a unique center of endemism. This study is important in filling the knowledge gap of mammalian fauna in arid regions of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa.
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Beatrice Azzara, Marco Cherin, Justin Adams, Giovanni Boschian, Marco Crotti, Christiane Denys, Lorenzo Fressoia, Jackson S. Kimambo, Amandus Kwekason, Dawid A. Iurino, Giorgio Manzi, Fidelis T. Masao, Sahleselasie Melaku, Sofia Menconero, Emiliano Mori, Bernhard Zipfel
Summary: This paper investigates the distribution and morphological characteristics of the African porcupine species H. makapanensis, providing a revised diagnosis for the species and improving our understanding of its craniodental anatomy.
JOURNAL OF MAMMALIAN EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lea Terray, Christiane Denys, Steven M. Goodman, Voahangy Soarimalala, Aude Lalis, Raphael Cornette
Summary: This study aims to investigate the evolution of skull morphology of endemic rodents in Madagascar and explore its relationship with the geographical and ecological complexity of the island. The results suggest that skull shape has significant phylogenetic relevance, while skull size does not show a significant phylogenetic signal. Skull shape is significantly influenced by climate, while skull size is not affected by any tested ecological factors.
Article
Ecology
Charles J. Marsh, Yanina V. Sica, Connor J. Burgin, Wendy A. Dorman, Robert C. Anderson, Isabel del Toro Mijares, Jessica G. Vigneron, Vijay Barve, Victoria L. Dombrowik, Michelle Duong, Robert Guralnick, Julie A. Hart, J. Krish Maypole, Kira McCall, Ajay Ranipeta, Anna Schuerkmann, Michael A. Torselli, Thomas Lacher, Russell A. Mittermeier, Anthony B. Rylands, Wes Sechrest, Don E. Wilson, Agustin M. Abba, Luis F. Aguirre, Joaquin Arroyo-Cabrales, Diego Astua, Andrew M. Baker, Gill Braulik, Janet K. Braun, Jorge Brito, Peter E. Busher, Santiago F. Burneo, M. Alejandra Camacho, Paolo Cavallini, Elisandra de Almeida Chiquito, Joseph A. Cook, Tamas Cserkesz, Gabor Csorba, Erika Cuellar Soto, Valeria da Cunha Tavares, Tim R. B. Davenport, Thomas Demere, Christiane Denys, Christopher R. Dickman, Mark D. B. Eldridge, Eduardo Fernandez-Duque, Charles M. Francis, Greta Frankham, William L. Franklin, Thales Freitas, J. Anthony Friend, Elizabeth L. Gadsby, Guilherme S. T. Garbino, Philippe Gaubert, Norberto Giannini, Thomas Giarla, Jason S. Gilchrist, Jaime Gongora, Steven M. Goodman, Sharon Gursky-Doyen, Klaus Hacklander, Mark S. Hafner, Melissa Hawkins, Kristofer M. Helgen, Steven Heritage, Arlo Hinckley, Stefan Hintsche, Mary Holden, Kay E. Holekamp, Rodney L. Honeycutt, Brent A. Huffman, Tatyana Humle, Rainer Hutterer, Carlos Ibanez Ulargui, Stephen M. Jackson, Jan Janecka, Mary Janecka, Paula Jenkins, Rimvydas Juskaitis, Javier Juste, Roland Kays, C. William Kilpatrick, Tigga Kingston, John L. Koprowski, Boris Krystufek, Tyrone Lavery, Thomas E. Lee, Yuri L. R. Leite, Roberto Leonan M. Novaes, Burton K. Lim, Andrey Lissovsky, Raquel Lopez-Antonanzas, Adria Lopez-Baucells, Colin D. MacLeod, Fiona G. Maisels, Michael A. Mares, Helene Marsh, Stefano Mattioli, Erik Meijaard, Ara Monadjem, F. Blake Morton, Grace Musser, Tilo Nadler, Ryan W. Norris, Agustina Ojeda, Nicte Ordonez-Garza, Ulyses F. J. Pardinas, Bruce D. Patterson, Ana Pavan, Michael Pennay, Calebe Pereira, Joyce Prado, Helder L. Queiroz, Matthew Richardson, Erin P. Riley, Stephen J. Rossiter, Daniel I. Rubenstein, Dennisse Ruelas, Jorge Salazar-Bravo, Stephanie Schai-Braun, Cody J. Schank, Christoph Schwitzer, Lori K. Sheeran, Myron Shekelle, Georgy Shenbrot, Pipat Soisook, Sergio Solari, Richard Southgate, Mariella Superina, Andrew B. Taber, Mauricio Talebi, Peter Taylor, Thong Vu Dinh, Nelson Ting, Diego G. Tirira, Susan Tsang, Samuel T. Turvey, Raul Valdez, Victor Van Cakenberghe, Geraldine Veron, Janette Wallis, Rod Wells, Danielle Whittaker, Elizabeth A. Williamson, George Wittemyer, John Woinarski, Dietmar Zinner, Nathan S. Upham, Walter Jetz
Summary: This article introduces a database of global mammal species' native range maps, including various tools for integration with other data. These expert maps provide basic information for broad-scale research and conservation.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Peter John Taylor, Erika Strydom, Leigh Richards, Wanda Markotter, Dawn Cory Toussaint, Teresa Kearney, F. P. D. (Woody) Cotterill, Alexandra Howard, Sina Monika Weier, Mark Keith, Gotz Neef, Mnqobi L. Mamba, Siphesihle Magagula, Ara Monadjem
Summary: The genus-level and species-level taxonomy of African pipistrelloid bats have been changing in the past decade. This study reports on new collections from Angola, Eswatini, and South Africa, revealing genetic and morphological differences from previously known species. The findings support the recent proposed classification of African pipistrelloid bats.
ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Ara Monadjem, Kevin Healy, Thomas Guillerme, Adam Kane
Summary: This study investigates the effects of spatial processes and environmental filtering on the beta diversity of small mammals in Sub-Saharan Africa. The results show that spatial processes are primarily influenced by dispersal ability, and there are variations in beta diversity among different small mammal taxa.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2023)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Amanda L. Grunwald, Terrence C. Demos, Yvette Ngueagni, Martin N. Tchamba, Ara Monadjem, Paul W. Webala, Julian C. Kerbis Peterhans, Bruce D. Patterson, Luis A. Ruedas
Summary: The Cameroon Volcanic Line is an important area for the study of small mammals. A new species of bat was discovered in the central region of Cameroon, but its conservation status is a concern due to the threats to its habitat.
SYSTEMATICS AND BIODIVERSITY
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Christiane Denys, Denne N. Reed, Yannicke Dauphin
Summary: Recent taphonomic studies have revealed that predators, such as owls, are responsible for the accumulation of small mammal fossils and their feeding activities lead to bone loss, breakage, and surface modifications. However, the specific physiological and chemical alterations induced by predators on bones remain poorly understood. To address this, an experimental study was conducted to simulate digestion by owls, where fresh rodent long bones were subjected to various solutions mimicking the effects of predator digestion. The results showed that acid action alone did not replicate the modifications observed in bones recovered from owl pellets, while enzymatic activity (such as trypsin and trypsin + lipase) produced similar modifications. These findings contribute to enhancing our understanding of early diagenetic modifications in small mammal bones caused by digestion, thereby improving our ability to identify nocturnal predators in fossil accumulations.
Article
Ecology
Vusani Mphethe, Sina Weier, Catrin Westphal, Birthe Linden, Lourens Swanepoel, Daniel Parker, Peter Taylor
Summary: In the Limpopo Province of South Africa, fruit bats primarily feed on wild fruit trees, with commercial fruit only contributing 2% to their diet, even during the litchi harvest season. This highlights the important ecosystem services provided by fruit bats in orchards and surrounding natural vegetation, and their ability to mitigate crop damage.
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Mina Anders, Ingo Grass, Valerie M. G. Linden, Peter J. J. Taylor, Catrin Westphal
Summary: More sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices, including ecological intensification, are needed to reduce biodiversity loss and environmental degradation. Our study examined the potential of ecological intensification to enhance pollination services in macadamia orchards. We found that insect pollination significantly increased nut set, and the presence of semi-natural habitats in the surrounding landscape positively influenced flower visitation rates. Orchard design, including the orientation of tree rows and the proximity to natural habitats, had a greater impact on nut set than agronomic practices like irrigation. The restoration and conservation of semi-natural habitats in and around orchards can play a crucial role in boosting insect pollination and improving macadamia nut development.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Ahmad Mahmoudi, Ehsan Mostafavi, Ali Mohammadi, Tahmineh Jalali, Christiane Denys, Violaine Nicolas, Jean-Pierre Hugot, Aude Lalis, Mostafa Salehi-Vaziri
Summary: This study is the first attempt to detect orthohantavirus infections in rodents in Iran, identifying Tula orthohantavirus for the first time in the country. The findings suggest the need for further data collection to better understand the potential reservoirs, ecology, and epidemiological cycle of the virus in Iran.
Article
Biology
Pierre Linchamps, Emmanuelle Stoetzel, Raphael Cornette, Christiane Denys, Raphael Hanon, Nompumelelo Maringa, Thalassa Matthews, Christine Steininger
Summary: This study provides the first taxonomic, taphonomic and palaeoecological description of the micromammal material from the 1.4 Ma assemblage of Cooper's D. The dominant rodent genera in this assemblage, Mystromys and Otomys, suggest an open landscape with grassland and savanna vegetation during the Early Pleistocene, supporting previous indications of a shift in African climate and vegetation towards more open habitats.
HISTORICAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Ecology
Luke L. Powell, Pedro Vaz Pinto, Michael S. L. Mills, Ninda L. Baptista, Kerllen Costa, Klaas-Douwe B. Dijkstra, Amandio Luis Gomes, Patricia Guedes, Timoteo Julio, Ara Monadjem, Ana Filipa Palmeirim, Vladimir Russo, Martim Melo
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Colette Cordonin, Yann Gomard, Ara Monadjem, M. Corrie Schoeman, Gildas Le Minter, Erwan Lagadec, Eduardo S. Gudo, Steven M. Goodman, Koussay Dellagi, Patrick Mavingui, Pablo Tortosa
Summary: Madagascar is a hotspot for endemic mammals and zoonotic pathogens. This study focused on bats and Leptospira infections to investigate whether these pathogens were acquired on the island or brought from continental Africa. The researchers found a wide diversity of Leptospira lineages in bats from Mozambique and concluded that bat colonists likely crossed the Mozambique Channel while infected with pathogenic Leptospira.
