Somatic variability in wild boar (Sus scrofa L.) in different areas of Central Italy

A survey of wild boar shot during two consecutive years (hunting seasons 2002-2004) was carried out in order to evaluate which somatic measurements are most significant in identifying and discriminating among different morphotypes in central Italy. Biometric data from 688 wild boars was collected in three different areas of central Italy, two in Viterbo and one in the Province of Rieti. The following somatic measurements were individually recorded for each specimen: head-body length, height at withers, hind-foot length, ear length, ear-snout distance and ear-shoulder distance. Body weight was registered, and age was estimated from tooth eruption and wear. The animals were divided into three age classes; young (aged less then 12 months), sub-adults (aged between 12 and 36 months), and adults (36 months and older). After a preliminary ANOVA procedure, which did not give satisfactory results, a statistical analysis was performed using a canonical discriminant procedure, given an a priori classification (geographical area) and several quantitative variables (somatic measurements and weight). The separation between areas was estimated calculating the squared distance of Mahalanobis. The data referring to all 688 specimens was subjected to factor analysis. The results of the canonical discriminant analysis highlight the existence of two distinct groups within all three age classes. There is a statistically significant difference between the southern- Maremma (SM) vs the Apennine (A) and sub-Apennine (SA) areas, for young (P<0.0001), sub-adults (P<0.001) and adults (P<0.001). The difference between the A and SA areas was significant only for sub-adults (P<0.05). The first canonical variable account for 92.5, 92.7 and 89.9% of the total variance for the three age classes respectively, but this is unequally correlated with the original variables suggesting that the separation between the two areas is due to differences in conformation rather than in body size. On the basis of the discriminant analysis large part of the animals were correctly categorised in the sampling areas. As regards the factor analysis results for the adult group, the first three common factors are able to explain 78, 92, and 64% of the covariance for the data of the SM, A and SA groups respectively. These results suggest that, for the SM group, a differentiation among morphotypes may be possible on the basis of a few somatic measurements. These results confirm the need for biochemical and genetic studies to identify if the different morphotypes refer to the autochthonous wild boar strain

Simulating Brown hare (Lepus europaeus Pallas) dispersion: a tool for wildlife management of wide areas

The second half of the 20th century was characterised by intense processes of urbanisation, industrialisation and agricultural mechanisation, leading to a fragmentation of the agricultural and forest landscape. This, in turn, reduced the bio-permeability of the territory and affected the dispersion of many wild species. Brown hare (Lepus europeus) dispersion is dramatically affected by habitat fragmentation, presence of predators, intense tillage and elevated hunting pressure. Consequently, the only stable populations of hare are often in no-hunting areas where wildlife management is efficient. It is necessary, therefore, to identify not only additional areas suitable for reproduction, but also the most suitable dispersion pathways for hares, in order to optimise management. In the present study, by means of a Geographic Information System (GIS), a deterministic hare suitability model was developed on the basis of a multicriterial approach and fuzzy logic. Subsequently, a fiction surface was derived from the suitability map in order to describe the land bio-permeability. Finally, on the basis of species potential, the spread of hares from stable population areas (source areas) to the remaining territory was simulated. The area of study was the province of Viterbo (central Italy). The suitability map showed good discrimination ability (ROC=0.705). The hare dispersion simulation map allowed the potential spreading of this species throughout the provincial territory to be analysed. Isolated or less connected zones were highlighted, allowing the distribution of habitat enhancements, and/or the institution of new no-hunting areas devoted to the reproduction and consequent spread of hares throughout the territory, to be localised. The presented flexible and reiterable methodology could prove useful for wildlife management and hunting planning over a wide area. It would thus provide an important contribution to reducing the importance of animal translocation and favouring an increase in native resources spontaneously spreading throughout a territory. In a more general sense, this study is in accordance with the sustainable land management perspective, meeting the requirements of environmental protection, without compromising the anthropic development of non-urban areas

Concentrations of some toxic and trace elements in wild boar (<i>Sus scrofa</i>) organs and tissues in different areas of the Province of Viterbo, Central Italy

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Concentrations of some toxic and trace elements in wild boar (Sus scrofa) organs and tissues in different areas of the Province of Viterbo, Central Italy

The aim of the present study was to determine heavy metal reference levels for exposure and risk assessment studies on a local scale. We measured lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd) content in edible tissues and organs of wild boars harvested in dif- ferent areas of the Province of Viterbo, Central Italy. The average levels of cadmium recorded in 75 wild boars were 0.085, 0.079 and 1.052 mg Cd kg–1 wet weight (w.w.) in the liver, muscle and kidney, respectively. The majority of the muscle samples and some of the liver samples contained levels of heavy metal that were over the legal limit [EU Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs)] for pigs. Our data are similar to or lower than the val- ues reported in most of the available literature. For Pb concentration, the average values record- ed were 0.318, 0.126 and 0.298 mg kg–1 w.w. in the liver, muscle and kidney, respectively. The sam- ples that were non-compliant with regulatory limits (MRLs) for pigs were registered only for muscle. Available data on the presence of Pb con- tent in game meat report lower values than ours, most likely because the area around the bullet path was avoided while sampling. The average values of total Cr were 0.141, 0.139 and 0.097 mg kg–1 w.w. in the liver, muscle and kidney, respec- tively. For Zn, the mean values were 49.76, 53.21 and 32.46 mg kg–1 w.w. in the liver, muscle and kidney, respectively. Cu content was 46.12, 12.20 and 5.64 mg Cu kg–1 w.w. in the liver, muscle and kidney, respectively. The results obtained have been validated on the basis of the scarce and inconsistent Italian literature available and on international studies

Análisis multi-temporal de los cambios de uso de la tierra de las zonas urbanas y periurbanas en ciudades medievales del centro de Italia

Debido a la urbanización irresponsable ocurrida en las últimas décadas, algunas ciudades de origen medieval han visto perder su identidad arquitectónica y social. Con el fin de poner de relieve estas modificaciones, se estudiaron los cambios de uso del suelo en las zonas urbanas y periurbanas de 2 pequeñas ciudades medievales del centro de Italia (provincia de Viterbo, región de Lazio), a través de la realización de una investigación multi-temporal de la restitución fotogramétrica de los vuelos históricos (1934-2010). Los resultados mostraron que en el interior de las murallas de la ciudad un número variable de espacios verdes intersticiales y pequeños patios siguen existiendo en el año 2010 y en las áreas suburbanas perviven actividades agrícolas residuales, principalmente el cultivo de frutas y verduras, probablemente para el mercado local y/o el consumo doméstico. La planificación urbana debería tener en cuenta estos elementos, a fin de mejorar los vínculos funcionales entre las áreas urbanas y agrícolas, como las compensaciones pertinentes para mantener la agricultura urbana y de una economía de subsistencia. El mantenimiento de estos hábitats importantes puede ayudar a preservar las peculiaridades históricas de las ciudades medievales y mejorar la calidad de vida de los habitantes de las ciudades.Due to the reckless urbanization occurred in recent years, some towns of medieval origin risk to loose their architectural and social identity. In order to highlight the modifications occurred in the last 80 years, we studied the land use changes in the urban and peri-urban zones of two small medieval towns of central Italy (Viterbo province, Lazio region), performing a multi-temporal investigation by means of the photogrammetric restitution of historical flights (1934-2010). Results showed that inside the city walls a variable number of green spaces and small backyards remain in 2010 and in the suburban areas residual agricultural activities, mainly the cultivation of fruit and vegetables, probably for local market and/or home consumption. Urban planning should take into account these elements, in order to enhance the functional links among urban and agricultural areas, as relevant trade-offs for maintaining urban gardening and for a subsistence economy. The maintenance of these important habitats can help to preserve the historical peculiarities of medieval towns and to improve the quality of life of urban residents

Nifurtimox-Eflornithine Combination Therapy for Second-Stage Gambiense Human African Trypanosomiasis: Médecins Sans Frontières Experience in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Since 2009, nifurtimox-eflornithine combination therapy (NECT) has raised great hopes for the treatment of second-stage human African trypanosomiasis. Data from the first 18 months of NECT use in Médecins Sans Frontières programs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo confirm its good safety profile, especially among childre

First evidence of heteroplasmy in Grey Partridge (Perdix perdix)

Abstract We report for the first time the occurrence of heteroplasmy in Grey Partridge (Perdix perdix) revealed by means of two mitochondrial fragments. The possible serious biological and management implications of this exception to unilateral inheritance of mtDNA were underlined