Search Results (31)

Understanding the reproductive ecology of birds and the factors influencing nest predation is essential for developing scientifically sound and effective bird conservation strategies. Certain pheasant species sensitive to environmental changes are vulnerable to threats and face survival pressures such as habitat destruction and human activities. However, research related to their reproductive ecology is lacking. Here for the first time we reported information on breeding biology of the Chinese francolin (Francolinus pintadeanus). This study was conducted during the breeding seasons of the Chinese francolin in 2021, 2023, 2024, and 2025, combining traditional survey and infrared camera technology to monitor its reproductive ecology and nest predators in the Datian and Bangxi Reserves and to identify its potential predators through artificial nest experiments. All nests were open-ground nests located at the roots of dwarf shrubs and grasses. Our findings revealed that the breeding season of the Chinese francolin was mainly in March–September, peaking in May; its clutch size was 4.09 ± 1.27 (N = 22), reproductive success was 27.27%, and 16 nests were failed; and all failed nests were predated, with abandoned nests accounting for 93.75% of the failed nests. In artificial nest experiments, the predation rates of Datian Reserve and Bangxi Reserve were 70.91% (N = 55) and 60.00% (N = 30), respectively, with no significant difference in predation rates between the fully covered and exposed groups (Datian: χ² = 0.258, p = 0.612; Bangxi: p = 0.710). Natural nest monitoring and artificial nest experiments on the Chinese francolin identified snakes and the small Indian civet (Viverricula indica) as the main predators in Datian Reserve, as well as the greater coucal (Centropus sinensis) and wild boar (Sus scrofa) as potential predators. In contrast, the main predators in Bangxi Reserve were snakes and rodents. These findings indicate differences in nest predator taxa between the two reserves. We recommend prioritizing the restoration of dwarf scrub vegetation and optimizing the habitat management strategy in these reserves to better protect the breeding habitats of pheasants while promoting long-term stability and continuation of their populations. Full article

SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV are two coronaviruses that have received significant attention due to their high pathogenicity and mortality rates in human populations. In this study, we compared their evolutionary dynamics to provide a One Health perspective on their differences in terms of the results of disease control. The phylogenetic network of SARS-CoVs showed that human isolates gathered into a “super-spreader” cluster and were distinct from civet isolates. In contrast, dromedary camel- and human-isolated MERS-CoVs were clustered together. Thus, most clades of MERS-CoV can infect humans, and MERS-CoVs seem to more easily spill over the animal-to-human interface. Additionally, the civet can be easily controlled, while the intermediate host (dromedary camels) of MERS-CoV is an important livestock species, so it is impossible to eliminate all animals. This further leads to difficulties in disease control in MERS. Although MERS-CoVs are endemic to dromedary camels in both the Middle East and Africa, human infections are mainly linked to the Middle East. The nucleotide sequences of the MERS-CoV receptor gen (dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4)) from 30 Egyptians, 36 Sudanese, and 34 Saudi Arabians showed little difference. These findings suggest that the observed disparities in MERS prevalence between populations in the Middle East and Africa may be more strongly attributed to inadequate disease surveillance and the limited camel-to-human transmission of clade C MERS-CoV in Africa, rather than variations in DPP4 gene. Full article

The demand for wild animal meat, popularly called “bushmeat”, serves as a driving force behind the emergence of infectious diseases, potentially transmitting a variety of pathogenic bacteria to humans through handling and consumption. This study investigated the microbial load and bacterial diversity in bushmeat sourced from a prominent bushmeat market in Kumasi, Ghana. Carcasses of 61 wild animals, including rodents (44), antelopes (14), and African civets (3), were sampled for microbiological analysis. These samples encompassed meat, intestines, and anal and oral swabs. The total aerobic bacteria plate count (TPC), Enterobacteriaceae count (EBC), and fungal counts were determined. Bacterial identification was conducted using MALDI-TOF biotyping. Fungal counts were the highest across all animal groups, with African civets having 11.8 ± 0.3 log₁₀ CFU/g and 11.9 ± 0.2 log₁₀ CFU/g in intestinal and meat samples, respectively. The highest total plate count (TPC) was observed in rodents, both in their intestines (10.9 ± 1.0 log₁₀ CFU/g) and meat (10.9 ± 1.9 log₁₀ CFU/g). In contrast, antelopes exhibited the lowest counts across all categories, particularly in EBC from intestinal samples (6.1 ± 1.5 log₁₀ CFU/g) and meat samples (5.6 ± 1.2 log₁₀ CFU/g). A comprehensive analysis yielded 524 bacterial isolates belonging to 20 genera, with Escherichia coli (18.1%) and Klebsiella spp. (15.5%) representing the most prevalent species. Notably, the detection of substantial microbial contamination in bushmeat underscores the imperative for a holistic One Health approach to enhance product quality and mitigate risks associated with its handling and consumption. Full article

Purpose—This study examines the interaction of economic openness, governance, and money laundering. The paper’s main objective is to analyze how trade openness, foreign direct investment, and anti-corruption measures influence the risk of money laundering in specific economic blocs. Design/methodology/approach—This study analyzes these economic blocs (EU, G20, BRICS, and CIVETS) using annual data from the Basel Institute on Governance and World Bank statistics for 2012–2021. A panel-corrected standard errors (PCSE) estimator is employed to examine the relationships among the variables, accounting for cross-sectional dependence and ensuring robust parameter estimation. The corruption control index is a proxy for governance effectiveness, though it does not directly measure regulatory strength. Future research should incorporate more specific variables to evaluate the regulatory impact. Findings—This study reveals significant variations in money laundering risks by a country’s income category and economic bloc influenced by economic openness and governance structures. Economic growth and foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows exhibit contrasting effects on money-laundering risks; they tend to exacerbate risks in middle-income countries, while high-income nations demonstrated a lower risk of money laundering, likely due to more robust governance structures. Trade openness and anti-corruption measures generally reduced risks in wealthier countries, highlighting the importance of strong governance frameworks. These insights suggest that anti-money-laundering policies should be tailored to fit different regions’ unique economic and institutional contexts for enhanced effectiveness. Originality—This study employs a structured approach to analyzing a decade of panel data from key economic blocs, providing insights into the intricate relationships between governance, economic openness, and money laundering risks. Bridging the gap between theoretical research and practical, actionable strategies serves as a valuable resource for improving the effectiveness of anti-money-laundering (AML) measures on a global scale. Full article

Novel methods of coffee processing, including animal-assisted fermentation, are gaining popularity—among them, elephant dung coffee stands out for its rarity and high price, making it a likely target for adulteration. This study aims to discover candidate biomarkers for elephant coffee by comparing the chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and volatile profiles of Arabica coffee processed by three methods: conventional, civet-derived, and elephant-derived (all originated from Southeast Asia, medium roast). Analytical methods included HPLC-UV and GC-SPME-MS, along with in vitro antioxidant assays (DPPH, ORAC, ABTS, total phenolics, and total flavonoids). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to evaluate differences between the samples. While elephant coffee showed lower caffeine (0.93%) and antioxidant capacity across all assays, it was richer in selected volatile compounds, such as pyrazines (e.g., 3-ethyl-2,5-dimethylpyrazine; 3.73% RPA), 2- and 3-methybutanal (1.18 and 0.19% RPA), and furfuryl acetate (18.00% RPA; p < 0.05). These changes are likely to be due to fermentation in the gastrointestinal tract. Despite differences, no definitive biomarker of elephant coffee was found, suggesting that discrimination from other coffee samples may not be as simple as previous studies indicated. More studies with a higher number of samples that employ an extensive analytical approach (e.g., omics or NMR) to thoroughly analyze the phytochemical profile of coffee beans before and after digestion by the elephant are needed. Full article

Coffee quality can be modified with microorganism addition during post-harvest processing. While most studies focus on yeasts and lactic acid bacteria, other species identified in the digestive tract of palm civets might also contribute to the quality of luwak coffee. Bacteria akin to those identified in palm civets’ gastrointestinal tract or feces were evaluated for their potential to modify coffee bean composition. Among those, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Gluconobacter sp. KKP 3751 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ATCC 4080 exhibited strong growth in green coffee extract. The use of these bacteria significantly changed the amounts of basic coffee components (taste and aroma precursors), and slightly altered bioactive compound levels in green and roasted beans. The influence of fermentation duration was evaluated using L. plantarum. A stationary growth phase and positive changes regarding phenolic content were achieved after 24 h of fermentation. Overall, the use of bacteria can influence bean composition, offering the potential to create unique coffee products. Full article

The Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHTs) in Bangladesh have a rich biodiversity, hosting a wide range of wild mammal species, underscoring the importance of systematic monitoring focused on conservation efforts. This study aims to assess the diversity and abundance of small- and medium-sized wild mammal species in Pittachhara Forest in the CHTs. A comprehensive wildlife monitoring survey was conducted in this forest using strategically placed camera traps to identify the wild species diversity, and we evaluated the activity patterns and seasonal variations for the period of February 2023 to August 2024. The camera trap identified eight species of small- and medium-sized wild mammals: the Bengal slow loris, northern pig-tailed macaque, leopard cat, large Indian civet, common palm civet, crab-eating mongoose, northern tree shrew, and black rat. The activity patterns showed distinct temporal behaviors among these wild mammals, with nocturnal activity dominating for the Bengal slow loris and leopard cat, while the northern pig-tailed macaque exhibited diurnal activity. Seasonal variations demonstrated a significant difference in increased activity among most wild mammal species throughout the summer, particularly the large Indian civet and crab-eating mongoose, likely due to favorable environmental conditions, and decreased activity in the winter (p < 0.05). The findings suggest an intricate connection between species-specific behaviors and environmental factors that influence activity patterns, with increased activity in summer and a decrease in winter, indicating that summer conditions may enhance the movement and foraging behaviors of mammals. This study underscores the necessity for continuous biodiversity monitoring followed by conservation efforts in Pittachhara Forest to reduce the threats of habitat fragmentation, human disturbances, and inadequate protection, thus protecting the survival of endangered wild mammal species and maintaining the environmental harmony of this small, protected area. Full article

Background: The continuous evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and the emergence of novel variants with numerous mutations have heightened concerns surrounding the possibility of cross-species transmission and the establishment of natural animal reservoirs for the virus, but the host range of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants has not been fully explored yet. Methods: We employed an in vitro model comprising VSV∆G* pseudotyped viruses bearing SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins to explore the plausible host range of SARS-CoV-2 emerging variants. Results: The overall host tropism of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants are consistent with that of the SARS-CoV-2 wuhan-hu-1 strain with minor difference. Pseudotyped viruses bearing spike protein from RaTG13 and RmYN02 can enter cell cultures from a broad range of mammalian species, revealing that mink and hamsters may act as potential intermediate hosts. We further investigated 95 potential site-specific mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that could impact viral infectivity across different species. The results showed that 13 of these mutations notably increased the transduction rates by more than two-fold when compared to the wild-type spike protein. Further examination of these 13 mutations within cell cultures from 31 different species revealed heightened sensitivity in cells derived from palm civets, minks, and Chinese horseshoe bats to the VSV∆G*-SARS2-S mutants. Specific mutations, such as L24F, R158G, and L212I, were seen to significantly enhance the capacity for SARS-CoV-2 of cross-species transmission. Conclusions: This study offers critical insights for the ongoing surveillance and monitoring efforts of SARS-CoV-2 evolution, emphasizing the need for the vigilant monitoring of specific mutations in both human and animal populations. Full article

Mesocarnivores are major components of carnivore assemblages, and they play important roles in structuring communities and regulating community dynamics. In Southwest China, many apex predators have been extirpated, and this has potentially resulted in the ecological release of mesocarnivores. Estimating the sizes of mesocarnivore populations is challenging. We used DNA derived from hairs and spatial capture–mark–recapture techniques to estimate the population size of masked palm civets (Paguma larvata) in Laohegou Nature Reserve in the Minshan Mountains of Sichuan Province, China. In the fall of 2014 and the spring of 2015, we collected 144 and 230 hair samples, respectively, at 30 baited stations. We used 16S rRNA fragments, microsatellite genotyping, and sexing to determine that 191 samples were derived from 44 masked palm civet individuals (24 males and 20 females). Using spatially explicit capture–recapture analysis, we estimated that there were 82 ± 13 masked palm civets in the study area, with a density of 1.7 individuals/km². This is the first study to estimate the population size of masked palm civets in the wild. Our data provide important new information on the density of masked palm civets. Full article

Regional anatomical structures of the brain are intimately connected to functions corresponding to specific regions and the temporospatial pattern of genetic expression and their functions from the fetal period to old age. Therefore, quantitative brain morphometry has often been employed in neuroscience investigations, while controlling for the scanner effect of the scanner is a critical issue for ensuring accuracy in brain morphometric studies of rare orphan diseases due to the lack of normal reference values available for multicenter studies. This study aimed to provide across-site normal reference values of global and regional brain volumes for each sex and age group in children and adolescents. We collected magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations of 846 neurotypical participants aged 6.0–17.9 years (339 male and 507 female participants) from 5 institutions comprising healthy volunteers or neurotypical patients without neurological disorders, neuropsychological disorders, or epilepsy. Regional-based analysis using the CIVET 2.1.0. pipeline provided regional brain volumes, and the measurements were across-site combined using ComBat-GAM harmonization. The normal reference values of global and regional brain volumes and lateral indices in our study could be helpful for evaluating the characteristics of the brain morphology of each individual in a clinical setting and investigating the brain morphology of ultra-rare diseases. Full article

To develop a process for low-cost and ecologically friendly coffee fermentation, civet gut bacteria were isolated and screened to be used for fermentation. Among 223 isolates from civet feces, two bacteria exhibited strong protease, amylase, lipase, pectinase, and cellulase activities. By analyzing 16S rDNA phylogeny, those bacteria were identified to be Lactiplantibacillus plantarum JT-PN39 (LP) and Paenibacillus motobuensis JT-A29 (PM), where their potency (pure or mixed bacterial culture) for fermenting 5 L of arabica parchment coffee in 48–72 h was further determined. To characterize the role of bacteria in coffee fermentation, growth and pH were also determined. For mixed starter culture conditions, the growth of PM was not detected after 36 h of fermentation due to the low acid conditions generated by LP. Coffee quality was evaluated using a cupping test, and LP-fermented coffee expressed a higher cupping score, with a main fruity and sour flavor, and a dominant caramel-honey-like aroma. Antioxidant and anti-foodborne pathogenic bacteria activity, including total phenolic compounds of PM and LP fermented coffee extracts, was significantly higher than those of ordinary coffee. In addition, LP-fermented coffee expressed the highest antibacterial and antioxidant activities among the fermented coffee. The toxicity test was examined in the murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cell, and all fermented coffee revealed 80–90% cell variability, which means that the fermentation process does not generate any toxicity. In addition, qualifications of non-volatile and volatile compounds in fermented coffee were examined by LC-MS and GC-MS to discriminate the bacterial role during the process by PCA plot. The flavors of fermented coffee, including volatile and non-volatile compounds, were totally different between the non-fermented and fermented conditions. Moreover, the PCA plot showed slightly different flavors among fermentations with different starter cultures. For both the cupping test and biological activities, this study suggests that LP has potential for health benefits in coffee fermentation. Full article

The Asian palm civet (APC), Paradoxurus hermaphroditus, is a native Malaysian mammal, and recently, it has increasingly caused conflicts with humans as it ventures into local settlements for food. A study surveying 212 locals and analyzing the APC scats was conducted in Hulu Langat, Selangor, Malaysia, from August 2021 to December 2022 to understand the coexistence potential. The findings show: (1) The conflicts mainly arise due to the APCs’ foraging habits. (2) APCs cause local damage, including cultivated fruit consumption, poultry predation, and agricultural and property damage. (3) Most locals have a positive attitude toward APCs, although, in local settlements, they are considered to be pests. Respondents who experienced losses of cultivated fruits and poultry, and were familiar with APCs, had more negative attitudes. (4) Most locals believe that the APC population has increased over the past decade. (5) Only a few locals actively engage in mitigating the conflict through the use of poison, while most of them do not take any action. Although Malaysia’s human–Asian palm civet conflict is relatively tolerant, prioritizing management strategies is crucial. Conservation practitioners must address these conflicts by highlighting the need for further research and a holistic approach considering social, economic, and ecological factors. Full article

Civet coffee is the world’s most expensive and rarest coffee bean. Indonesia was the first country to be identified as the origin of civet coffee. First, it is produced spontaneously by collecting civet feces from coffee plantations near the forest. Due to limited stock, farmers began cultivating civets to obtain safe supplies of civet coffee. Based on this, civet coffee can be divided into two types: wild and fed. A combination of spectroscopy and chemometrics can be used to evaluate authenticity with high speed and precision. In this study, seven samples from different regions were analyzed using NIR Spectroscopy with various preparations: unroasted, roasted, unground, and ground. The spectroscopic data were combined with unsupervised exploratory methods (hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA)) and supervised classification methods (support vector machine (SVM) and random forest (RF)). The HCA results showed a trend between roasted and unroasted beans; meanwhile, the PCA showed a trend based on coffee bean regions. Combining the SVM with leave-one-out-cross-validation (LOOCV) successfully differentiated 57.14% in all sample groups (unground, ground, unroasted, unroasted–unground, and roasted–unground), 78.57% in roasted, 92.86% in roasted–ground, and 100% in unroasted–ground. However, using the Boruta filter, the accuracy increased to 89.29% for all samples, to 85.71% for unground and unroasted–unground, and 100% for roasted, unroasted–ground, and roasted–ground. Ultimately, RF successfully differentiated 100% of all grouped samples. In general, roasting and grinding the samples before analysis improved the accuracy of differentiating between wild and feeding civet coffee using NIR Spectroscopy. Full article

Civets belong to the family Viverridae, an ancient line of ‘cat-like’ animals. Despite their large geographic distribution across southeast Asia and parts of Africa, little scientific attention has been attributed to Viverrids or Viverrid–human relations. This paper applies the lens of civets to explore the tensive intersection between animal welfare, conservation, and colonialism within the tourism landscape. Through thinking with civets, this paper brings two forms of animal commodification into dialogue: (1) the management of civets in zoos around the globe and (2) the rising trend in civet coffee production and tourism in Asia. By qualitatively analysing the entanglements between colonialism, animal welfare, and conservation and how each impacts the lives and treatment of civets in tourism, this paper calls for enhanced reflexivity and thus the decolonisation of animal-based tourism. Suggestions are made on how zoos may progress towards the decolonisation of animal tourism, and the argument is made that zoos are well positioned and morally obligated to answer this call. By doing so, greater attention can be given to the animals whose lives are most affected by the global tourism landscape. Full article

The Thung Yai Naresuan (East) Wildlife Sanctuary (TYNE), in the core area of the Western Forest Complex of Thailand, harbors a diverse assemblage of wildlife, and the region has become globally significant for mammal conservation. From April 2010 to January 2012, 106 camera traps were set, and, in 1817 trap-nights, registered 1821 independent records of 32 mammal species. Of the 17 IUCN-listed (from Near Threatened to Critically Endangered) mammal species recorded, 5 species listed as endangered or critically endangered included the Asiatic elephant (Elephas maximus), tiger (Panthera tigris), Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus), dhole (Cuon alpinus), and Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica). The northern red muntjac (Muntiacus vaginalis), large Indian civet (Viverra zibetha), Malayan porcupine (Hystrix brachyuran), and sambar deer (Cervus unicolor) were the most frequently recorded species (10–22 photos/100 trap-nights), representing 62% of all independent records, while the golden jackal (Canis aureus), clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), marbled cat (Pardofelis marmorata), and Sunda pangolin were the least photographed (<0.1/100 trap-nights). Species accumulation curves indicated that the number of camera trap locations needed to record 90% of taxa recorded varied from 26 sites for herbivores to 67 sites for all mammals. TYNE holds a rich community of mammals, but some differences in photo-rates from an adjacent sanctuary and comparisons with other research on local mammals suggest that some species are rare and some are missed because of the limitations of our technique. We also conclude that the management and conservation plan, which involves the exclusion of human activities from some protected areas and strict protection efforts in the sanctuaries, is still suitable for providing key habitats for endangered wildlife populations, and that augmented and regular survey efforts will help in this endeavor. Full article