Search Results (3)

The Iberian desman (Galemys pyrenaicus) is a small semi-aquatic mammal that inhabits mountainous areas from the centre to the north of the Iberian Peninsula and the Pyrenees and is listed as endangered because it has suffered a serious decline. Since 1960, only three species of digeneans (Omphalometra flexuosa, Maritrema pyrenaica and Mathovius galemydis) and two nematodes (Aonchotheca galemydis and Paracuaria hispanica) have been reported from the desman, but no further information on health status and no data from Extremadura has been available. The aim of our study was to characterise the diversity and distribution of parasites and microbiomes of desmans in different areas of the Central System of Extremadura. Between 2019 and 2021 we collected 238 fecal samples and one tissue (intestine) sample that was obtained from a dead desman. DNA templates were processed by commercial or customised real-time PCR using TaqMan probes. Representative data were obtained for Cryptosporidium spp., Omphalometra spp., Eimeria spp., Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus spp. and Leptospira spp. Omphalometra spp. was studied using a newly developed PCR test. The screening of the dead desman allowed us to obtain, for the first time, a partial sequence of the 18SrDNA. This study is the most complete study of the desman, allowing us to identify parasites and the microbiome in populations of G. pyrenaicus using non-invasive sampling. Full article

Climate and land use change can affect biodiversity in different ways, e.g., determining habitat loss, altering reproduction periods or disrupting biotic interactions. Here, we investigate the effects of climate and land use change on the spatial distribution of two semi-aquatic mammals, the Pyrenean desman (Galemys pyrenaicus) and the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra). We first modeled the current potential distribution of the desman and the otter in the Iberian Peninsula, considering topographic, climatic and land use variables. Second, we predicted their potential distribution in 2050 under climate and land use change scenarios. We calculated the percentage of range gain/loss and shift predicted for the two species under such scenarios and quantified the present and future spatial overlap between the two species distribution. Irrespective of the scenario, desman models show loss of suitable habitat, whereas the otter will undergo an opposite trend. Aside from a preponderant habitat loss, the desman is predicted to increase its spatial overlap with otter range under the optimistic scenarios, potentially meaning it will face an exacerbated predation by otters. The potential increase of both habitat loss and otters’ predation might represent a major threat for the desman, which may affect the long-term persistence of this endemic species in the Iberian Peninsula. Full article

In alpine biogeographic regions, aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats are important biodiversity reservoirs and habitats for species of community interest, but they are often threatened by multiple factors. The conservation state of protected habitats and species in the EU is expected to worsen as long as no actions or conservation strategies are implemented. LIFE RESQUE ALPYR aims to restore mountain aquatic habitats by improving the conservation of several target habitats/species in four Nature 2000 sites from the alpine biogeographical regions of the Pyrenees (in northeastern Iberian Peninsula) and the Alps (in northwestern Italy). The target habitats include eleven aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats, of which five are prioritary: high mountain lakes (HCIs 3110 and 3130), alpine and subalpine grasslands, heaths and meadows (HCIs 4020*, 6230*, 6410, and 6520), mires (HCIs 7110*, 7140, 7230, and 91D0*) and petrifying springs (HCI 7220*). The target species include native amphibians found either in both areas (Rana temporaria) or solely in the Pyrenees (Euproctus asper and Alytes obstetricans); the semi-aquatic mammal Galemys pyrenaicus living in Pyrenean streams and lakes; and seven insectivorous bats, including Barbastella barbastellus, Myotis myotis, and Plecotus macrobullaris, which are present in the Pyrenees and the Alps, and Rhinolophus hipposideros, Myotis blythii, Myotis bachsteinii, and Nyctalus lasiopterus from the Pyrenees. The target habitats and most of the target species have naturally fragmented distributions, occurring in small areas of the European alpine biogeographic zone, and are affected by anthropogenic pressures. The introduction of trout or minnows in most alpine lakes caused the disappearance of native amphibians and invertebrates at local and landscape scales, indirectly affecting aquatic mammals and terrestrial species, such as bats, that rely on aquatic insects for feeding. Minnows can also cause the strong eutrophication of lakes, leading to drastic habitat degradation. The affected habitats and species are HCIs 3110 and 3130, R. temporaria, E. asper, A. obstetricans, G. pyrenaicus, R. hipposideros, P. macrobullaris, B. barbastellus, M. myotis, M. blythii, M. bachsteinii, and N. lasiopterus. The proposed actions and methods with regard to fish species involve the experimental eradication of non-native fish in high mountain lakes by means of both chemical (rotenone) and mechanical methods (traps, nets, and electrofishing). The project will provide data regarding replicable and exportable conservation actions and will increase awareness of pertinent conservation issues among stakeholders and the public. In addition, the project will promote the transfer of its background data and results to conservation authorities concerned with other European high mountain areas. Full article