Search Results (100)

The grasslands and shrublands of northern and central Mexico cover nearly 25% of the country and harbor high biodiversity. However, they are increasingly degraded by agriculture, urbanization, infrastructure development, and water overexploitation. To assess the status of medium- and large-sized mammals in these threatened ecosystems, we quantified species richness, relative abundance, and naïve occupancy across vegetation types and seasons. From April 2023 to February 2024, monthly track surveys and camera trapping were performed, and the data were analyzed in R. We documented 16 species representing four orders and nine families, with Carnivora being the most diverse (eight species). The species richness varied by habitat, ranging from 11 in montane forest to 13 in semi-desert grassland, the latter habitat having the highest Shannon and Simpson indices, particularly in the dry season. Odocoileus virginianus and Sylvilagus audubonii were consistently the most abundant species in montane forest and desert scrub, whereas Cynomys mexicanus predominated in semi-desert grasslands, accounting for >90% of detections during the rainy season. Rare species included Lynx rufus, Taxidea taxus, and Ursus americanus, each with isolated detections. Rarefaction and sample coverage curves approached asymptotes (>99%), indicating sufficient sampling effort. Naïve occupancy and encounter rates were highest for O. virginianus (0.82) and S. audubonii (0.68), with a strong positive correlation between the two metrics (r² = 0.92). These findings provide robust baseline information on mammalian diversity, abundance, and habitat associations in semi-arid anthropogenic landscapes, supporting future monitoring and conservation strategies. Full article

The metastrongyloid nematodes Angiostrongylus vasorum, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, and Crenosoma vulpis can cause severe cardiopulmonary and respiratory symptoms in domestic dogs and cats and free-ranging canids and felids (e.g., foxes, wolves, wild cats, lynxes). Recent data on the prevalence of A. vasorum infections in dogs and foxes and on the prevalence of Ae. abstrusus and Troglostrongylus brevior infections in free-ranging lynxes and wild cats revealed several endemic and hyperendemic foci in Germany. Nonetheless, long-term investigations on the prevalence of metastrongyloid larvae infecting gastropod intermediate hosts are still scarce for Germany. To fill this gap, we conducted an epidemiological survey on native slugs and snails in a selected meadow close to Obrigheim, previously identified as a hyperendemic focus for canine angiostrongylosis. To re-evaluate this location as a ‘hotspot’ of canine angiostrongylosis, terrestrial slugs and snails (n = 533) were collected in all seasons, artificially digested, and microscopically and molecularly analyzed for the presence of metastrongyloid lungworm larvae. Here, the prevalence ranged greatly between seasons. In summer, 27.46% (59/215) of gastropods were infected with metastrongyloid larvae. In fall, the prevalence dropped to 10.00% (16/160) and lowest infection rates were observed in both winter (5.65%) and spring (1.47%). In total, A. vasorum was detected in 12.01% (64/533), Crenosoma sp. in 0.94% (5/533), and Ae. abstrusus in 0.38% (2/533) of gastropod samples. Even though total A. vasorum infection levels were revealed to be considerably lower than in the prior study, this epidemiological survey in principle reconfirms Obrigheim as a stable hyperendemic focus and thereby as a location with high metastrongyloid infection risk for domestic dogs, cats, and wildlife throughout the year. These results call for continuous epidemiological studies on gastropod populations to better understand metastrongyloid lungworm spread and infection dynamics over the years. Full article

Background/Objectives: Emerging studies have indicated the importance of intra-tumoral neuronal signals in tumor progression and immune modulation. However, there is limited insight into neuroimmune crosstalk, and the molecules involved are largely unknown. This study investigates the relationship between tumor-derived neuropeptides and immune modulation in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC). Methods: By utilizing neuropeptide databases and web tools leveraging TCGA data, neuropeptides’ expression and their associations with neurotrophic factors, immune cell infiltration, and immune checkpoints were analyzed, followed by survival analysis. Results: Over half of the neuropeptides were expressed in HNSC, with 16% exhibiting differential expression compared to normal counterparts. Notably, differentially expressed neuropeptides showed significant correlations with neurotrophic factors, immune cell infiltration, and checkpoint genes. Further, their expression was significantly different in responder and non-responder patient samples subjected to immune checkpoint therapy. Neuropeptide genes—PTHLH, NMB, GAST, APLN, and LYNX1—were identified and emerged as crucial mediators in neuroimmune crosstalk. Additionally, the neurotrophic gene NTRK1 exhibited extensive correlation with immune checkpoint genes, underscoring the prevalence of neuroimmune crosstalk in HNSC. Conclusions: These findings shed light on the role of tumor-derived neuropeptides in neuroimmune regulation in HNSC, offering valuable insights for future studies to decode the cancer neuroscience of HNSC progression and therapy. Full article

Activity patterns constitute a critical adaptive trait in large carnivores, enabling them to manage interspecific competition, enhance their foraging efficiency, and adapt to fluctuating environmental conditions. At the community level, elucidating the temporal activity allocation of sympatric large carnivores is essential for understanding species coexistence mechanisms. However, the activity patterns of most large carnivores remain inadequately explored. In this study, spanning a survey period from June 2014 to April 2024, we employed infrared camera technology to collect a total of 3312, 352, 240, and 79 independently validated photographs of snow leopards (Panthera uncia Schreber, 1775), wolves (Canis lupus Linnaeus, 1758), brown bears (Ursus arctos Linnaeus, 1758), and Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx Linnaeus, 1758), respectively, across six distinct regions in the Sanjiangyuan Region (SR) and during different monitoring time periods. We utilized kernel density estimation and the coefficient of overlaps to assess diel activity pattern overlap and competitive intensities through pairwise comparisons among these four large carnivores. An analysis of the diel activity rhythm curves revealed that all four large carnivores predominantly exhibited nocturnal behavior, although their peak activity periods differed notably. Furthermore, the diel activity rhythm overlap between each pair of species showed moderate to high intensity throughout the year (0.5 ≤ Δ < 1), including during both the cold and warm seasons. Specifically, the diel activity rhythms of snow leopards and wolves, snow leopards and Eurasian lynx, and wolves and Eurasian lynx exhibited high levels of overlap annually and during the cold season (0.8 ≤ Δ < 1) but only moderate overlap during the warm season (0.5 ≤ Δ < 0.8). Our findings suggest that the diel activity rhythms of these four large carnivore species exhibited considerable overlap, potentially intensifying interspecific competition. This study advances our knowledge on the competitive and coexistence mechanisms of large carnivores in high-altitude mountainous ecosystems, offering critical data for their conservation and management. Full article

We examined three decades of changes in the mammal fauna of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in the context of climate variability, land use transformation, and anthropogenic pressures. We compiled distributional, abundance, and status data from publications, atlases, official game statistics, and long-term monitoring programs, and we evaluated trends using compound annual growth rates or temporal indices. Our review identified losses such as regional extinctions of garden dormice and European mink, declines in small insectivores (e.g., pond bats and shrews) and herbivores (e.g., Microtus voles), and the contraction of boreal specialists (e.g., Siberian flying squirrels). However, we also identified gains, including increases in ungulate numbers (e.g., roe deer, red deer, fallow deer, moose, and wild boars before African swine fewer outbreak) and the recovery of large carnivores (e.g., wolves and lynxes). Invasions by non-native species (e.g., American mink, raccoon dog, and raccoon) and episodic disturbances, such as African swine fever and the “anthropause” caused by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, have further reshaped community composition. The drivers encompass climatic warming, post-socialist forest succession, intensified hunting management, and rewilding policies, with dispersal capacity mediating the responses of species. Our results underscore the dual legacy of historical land use and contemporary climate forcing in structuring the fauna dynamics of Baltic mammal communities in the face of declining specialists and invasive taxa. Full article

(1) Background: Scavenger activity can pose significant challenges in forensic investigations. When examining damage on a victim, forensic investigators must first determine whether the damage resulted from human actions or animal scavenging. Accordingly, knowledge of the scavenger populations inhabiting a specific region and their scavenging behaviors is essential for accurately reconstructing the environmental context of the remains and interpreting associated taphonomic evidence in forensic investigations. (2) Methods: This study investigates the scavenging behavior of bobcats (Lynx rufus), a species native to North America, under controlled experimental conditions. The authors placed the carcasses of seven adult white-tailed deer in an outdoor field in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and systematically documented the scavenging activities. (3) Results: Bobcats were observed to primarily scavenge soft tissue from the torso, focusing on musculature while generally avoiding bony regions. When unsatisfied with the torso, they shifted attention to the upper limbs, with minimal interest shown in the head or neck. Bobcats also exhibited a tendency to feed in a single area for extended periods, leading to concentrated damage in specific locations on the remains. (4) Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that bobcats can significantly influence the postmortem conditions of remains, producing characteristic patterns of modification. Recognizing these patterns is essential for forensic investigators and examiners when interpreting scavenger-related alterations in forensic contexts. Full article

The Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) population has been increasing in recent years thanks to the collaboration of several associations within the framework of the Life Lynxconnect project, which promotes captive breeding for the subsequent release of specimens into the environment. It is therefore important to know their population status, the diseases to which these animals are exposed, and how they affect their repopulation. In this sense, this study aims to study how the presence of mycobacteria affects the lynx population in Extremadura (southwest of Spain). To this end, blood samples, tracheal swabs, and tracheobronchial washings from live-captured lynxes, as well as mediastinal and mesenteric lymph nodes from roadkill animals, were collected. The association between the presence of mycobacteria and various factors—including body condition, age, sex, and blood parameters—was subsequently evaluated. Up to date, our findings show the absence of tuberculosis (TB) in all lynxes tested, while they seem to be reservoirs of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), mainly M. lentiflavum, the most isolated species. Nonetheless, these mycobacteria appear to have no significant effect on the health condition of the animals. Full article

Bobcats (Lynx rufus) are an iconic North American predator; however, there is limited knowledge regarding their associated parasites. In this case study, we used a metagenomic approach to identify associated viruses and helminth species from a deceased bobcat. We determined the full mitochondrial genome of the bobcat and three helminths, i.e., tapeworm (Taenia sp.), stomach worm (Physaloptera sp.), and lung worm (Metathelazia sp.). Furthermore, we identified four circovirids; two (identified in a tapeworm and fecal swab) are members of the genus Circovirus and share 96.7% genome-wide identity between isolates and 87.4–88.6% identity with members of the species Circovirus miztontli. These appear to infect vertebrate species common to the Sonoran Desert, which could be a rodent preyed upon by the bobcat, and/or bobcat itself. The other two circovirids are novel members of the genus Cyclovirus (both identified in a tapeworm), one sharing 99.8% with those in the species Cyclovirus misi from a rodent and the other <67.3% with all other Cycloviruses. Our data support that these two Cycloviruses are likely tapeworm-infecting; however, more studies are needed to confirm the host. These findings enhance our understanding of viruses and helminths in bobcats, emphasizing the need for further research to unravel the ecology of parasites in these elusive predators. Full article

Archived, frozen tongues of 56 bobcats (Lynx rufus) from Oklahoma, USA, were tested for parasites. Testing for Sarcocystis infections included microscopic examination of unstained muscle squashes, histological sections of paraffin-embedded tissues, and molecular characterization. By a combination of both compression methods and histology, sarcocysts were found in 28 (50.0%) of 56 bobcats. In compression preparations, the sarcocyst wall appeared thin and protrusions were not clear. Histologically, tissues were degraded and, in most tongues, only a few sarcocysts were found, except bobcat #35. Multilocus genotyping utilizing 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, and cox1 genes yielded sequences exhibiting 98–100% identity with both Sarcocystis arctica and Sarcocystis caninum isolates available in the NCBI database. Hepatozoon rufi-like meronts were found in two tongues and is the first report of Hepatozoon infections in bobcats in Oklahoma. Full article

Globally, national governments have committed to restoring their native biodiversity, which can include the reintroduction of species. Amassing public support can prove difficult when the species is considered a contestable species, such as the Eurasian lynx, Lynx lynx, within the UK. Using an e-questionnaire widely distributed across social media platforms enabled the investigation of public perceptions regarding any proposed lynx reintroduction to England. The majority of the public generally supported the idea of a lynx reintroduction to England. Further investigation by societal groups allowed for greater and more detailed knowledge of perceptions, attitudes, and potential barriers to the potential reintroduction of this contestable species. There were varying opinions both negative and positive, between distinct societal groups, while respondent statements highlighted justifications for their positions. A closer investigation identified specific areas for educational efforts and engagement prior to any public consultation. Many negative opinions were based on either a lack of knowledge or misinformation, which highlighted where educational efforts should be targeted. Misinformation appeared rife within the farmer, vet, and wildlife photography groups. The study highlighted that applying both macro- and micro-scale analyses greatly benefits the identification, detail, and specific issues that need to be addressed, therefore enabling more efficient planning of relevant actions to address concerns before proceeding with such a proposal, especially at a time when funding is limited. Full article

The Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) is listed in CITES Appendix II and is protected under the Bern Convention and the EU Habitats Directive, yet it remains a frequent target of wildlife crime, highlighting the urgent need for reliable identification methods. This study focuses on determination and DNA quantification of the Lynx spp. using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). The Llynx Qplex quantification multiplex system effectively distinguishes Lynx spp. from other Feliformia species by targeting mitochondrial and nuclear markers. Additionally, we present the results of the developmental validation of the Llyn STRplex system for individual identification and databasing using six STR loci. This study followed ISFG recommendations for non-human DNA testing and developmental validation guidelines. Both systems demonstrate high sensitivity (5 pg genomic DNA for Llynx Qplex and 30 pg of mtDNA for Llyn STRplex) and high specificity to Lynx spp., confirmed by testing against 16 related Feliformia species. Robustness was evaluated, showing sensitivity to temperature variation, and both repeatability and reproducibility were successfully tested across replicates and conditions. Given that forensic casework often involves degraded and limited biological material, molecular tools must be both sensitive and specific to ensure accurate results. Developing precise and efficient tools is essential for supporting investigations of wildlife crime involving the Eurasian lynx, as well as efforts aimed at conserving the species. Full article

Three-finger toxins (TFTs), including neurotoxins and cytotoxins, form one of the largest families of snake venom proteins and interact with various biological targets. Neurotoxins target proteinaceous receptors while cytotoxins interact mainly with the lipids of cell membranes and to a lesser extent with carbohydrates. However, no data about the interaction of TFTs with nucleic acids can be found. To detect this interaction, we applied spectrophotometry, ion-paired HPLC and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Using spectrophotometry, we found that TFTs from cobra venom increased the optical density of an RNA solution in a time-dependent manner indicating toxin interaction with RNA. A decrease in the net negative charge of the RNA molecule upon interaction with neurotoxin II from cobra venom was revealed by ion-pair HPLC. EMSA showed decreased electrophoretic mobility of both RNA and DNA upon addition of different TFTs including the non-conventional cobra toxin WTX and water-soluble recombinant human three-finger protein lynx1. We suggest that the interaction with nucleic acids may be a common property of TFTs, and some biological effects of TFTs, for example, cytotoxin-induced apoptosis in cancer cell lines, may be mediated by interaction with nucleic acids. Full article

One of the main threats for the survival of the Iberian lynx is infectious disease. Feline parvoviruses cause often fatal diseases in cats and have been isolated from different species of Felidae and other carnivores. The present study is the first description of a parvoviral sequence isolated from the brain of an Iberian lynx which died four weeks after being transferred to a quarantine centre from a hunting estate in Castilla-La-Mancha (southern border of the Iberian plateau). Four days prior to death, it had developed anorexia and muscle weakness. The nucleotide sequence, at 4589 nt long (GenBank PP781551), was most proximal to that isolated from a Eurasian badger in Italy but also showed great homology with others from cats and other carnivores isolated in Spain and Italy, including that from a cat sequenced by us to elucidate the origin of the infection, which has not been clarified. The phylogenetic analysis of the capsid protein, VP2, which determines tropism and host range, confirmed that the lynx sequence was most proximal to feline than to canine parvoviruses, and was thus typed as Protoparvovirus carnivoran1. More studies, including serology, are needed to understand the pathogenesis of this infection. Full article

The Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), a widespread wild felid on the Eurasian continent, is currently classified as “critically endangered” in Germany. Understanding the impact of infectious agents is of particular importance for the continued conservation of these animals, especially regarding pathogens with broad host ranges and risk of interspecies transmission. Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is known to infect wild and domestic felids worldwide, including several species of lynx, but it has not been reported thus far in the Eurasian lynx. In September 2020, a 16-month-old female Eurasian lynx from the Bavarian Forest, Germany, showed a sudden onset of gastrointestinal signs such as anorexia, diarrhea, and vomiting, and died within one week. Macroscopic and histologic examination revealed hemorrhagic-necrotizing enteritis and typhlocolitis, with the degeneration of crypts and crypt abscesses, as well as depleted Peyer’s patches. In addition, the animal showed lymphoid depletion (lymph nodes, thymus, and spleen) and hypocellularity of the bone marrow. FeLV infection was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and next generation sequencing. A secondary bacterial infection with hemolytic Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens type A was present in the intestine. This is the first report of FeLV-associated enteritis, lymphoid depletion and bone marrow suppression with associated secondary bacterial infection in a Eurasian lynx. Full article

Spider venoms are emerging as a rich source of bioactive peptide toxins with therapeutic potential. Lynx spiders of the genus Oxyopes are small, cursorial hunters that employ complex venom to subdue arthropod prey. However, extracting crude venom from these diminutive arachnids poses significant challenges. This study presents a transcriptome analysis of venom glands from an undescribed Oxyopes forcipiformis species, revealing 339 putative protein and peptide toxin sequences categorized into seven functional groups. The venom composition was dominated by membrane-active peptides (40.71%), venom auxiliary proteins (22.71%), neurotoxins (15.63%), channel active peptides (7.08%) and uncharacterized components (13.87%). Additionally, phylogenetic analysis of 65 disulfide-bond-rich peptides yielded six distinct families based on sequence homology and cysteine framework. Finally, a novel antimicrobial peptide, GK37, was identified using in silico and homology analyses. Our data suggested that GK37 presented significant antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1.552 µM by disrupting bacterial membranes. At 4× MICs, GK37 almost showed no hemolytic activity on blood cells or toxicity against Hek293T cells. Our findings provided a basis for targeted studies of the diversity and pharmacological effects of lynx spider peptide. We elucidated a valuable high-throughput approach for obtaining proteins and peptides from small-group spiders. Full article