Recent Sighting of Smooth-Coated Otter Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli in Hawizeh Marsh (Southern Iraq)

Since 1956, there were very few sightings of Iraq Smooth-coated Otter (Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli) especially after the Iraqi marshlands inundation. In April 2015, an adult male Iraq Smooth-coated Otter was trapped near Al-Edheam, in the northern part of Hawizeh Marsh (Southern Iraq). The recent sighting along with present photographic record represents very rare evidence documenting the occurrence of L. p. maxwelli otter in Iraq since the1950s

Preliminary data on the distribution, morphology and genetics of white-clawed crayfish and on their ectosymbionts in Lunigiana (Tuscany, Italy)

The white-clawed crayfish is a complex of species (Austropotamobius pallipes plus A. italicus, Crustacea) pivotal to riverine environments. Regrettably, it is endangered in many European countries due to a recent massive decline. We carried out a fine-scale survey on white-clawed crayfish distribution, morphology and genetics in an under-investigated region of central Italy (Lunigiana, Tuscany) to improve local knowledge and aid conservation management of the species. The torrential fauna of Lunigiana is scarcely known and habitat alterations due to the anthropic exploitation of the territory represent a potential threat to its persistence. We investigated crayfish occurrence in eight streams of the Magra River Basin. We performed nocturnal and diurnal transects, took morphometric measurements, collected samples for genetic analysis and checked for the occurrence of ectosymbionts. Crayfish were disclosed in two streams (Civasola, Verdesina). Morphometric and phylogenetic analysis (mtDNA COI gene Bayesian tree reconstruction) concurrently identified both populations as Austropotamobius italicus carinthiacus. In the Verdesina stream, crayfish were heavily infested by branchiobdellidans (Annelida). Verdesina crayfish were also significantly smaller than those found in the Civasola stream, where branchiobdellidans were absent. Hence, we hypothesized that such difference in size might be related to the high density of ectosymbionts. In the light of habitat features and of data herein provided, we propose that both Civasola and Verdesina streams should be considered as “natural ark sites” for A. italicus, with the Magra River Basin representing a regional stronghold for the conservation of the specie

Human-modified biogeographic patterns and conservation in game birds: The dilemma of the black francolin (Francolinus francolinus, Phasianidae) in Pakistan

The ever-increasing human-mediated wildlife reshuffling is raising concern for the conservation of biodiversity. The loss of biological distinctiveness among regions lessens the genetic diversity and consequently the evolutionary potential of local biotas to tackle present-day global change and human disturbance. This process may be sometimes cryptic unless investigated by means of a molecular approach. In this respect, game birds are a paradigmatic case. The black francolin (Francolinus francolinus, Phasianidae) is a medium-sized galliform whose distribution range stretches from Cyprus to the Gulf of Bengal. Six morphologic subspecies are known, with three of which occurring in Pakistan, where the species is heavily hunted and used as pet for chirping competitions. We genotyped 98 samples (feathers) at both the entire mitochondrial DNA Control Region gene and nine microsatellite loci to get a deeper insight into the genetic diversity of the black francolin in Pakistan in order to offer cogent recommendations for its conservation management. We identified several mtDNA lineages that were consistent with the currently described subspecies/taxonomy whose pattern of co-occurrence is compatible with the geological history and the faunal movement routes of the region under study. However, the biparentally inherited microsatellites returned a quite discordant picture of an extensive, sex-biased genetic mixing due to the intensive relocations of already overharvested male individuals for chirping competitions. Our results indicated that the genetic integrity of the black francolin in Pakistan could be seriously at risk and call for monitoring and limiting its trade other than enhancing the public awareness of the importance of local biodiversity resource

Investigation of ancient DNA to enhance natural history museum collections: misidentification of smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) specimens across multiple museums

Historical and modern natural museum collections are storehouses of extraordinary value for scientific research in a wide range of fields. Recent advances in molecular biotechnology (e.g., next generation genomics) have increased the range of collection material employable for DNA-based analyses to unprecedented levels. Nevertheless, the value of museum specimens strictly depends on reliability of data associated with them. We report on investigations of ancient DNA from specimens of smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata, Mustelidae), the largest otter species living in Asia, in US and European mammal collections. Mitochondrial DNA Cytochrome-b gene sequencing proved that the studied specimens were not the expected taxon. Indeed, they actually belonged to three different species, namely the Asian small-clawed (Aonyx cinereus), Eurasian (Lutra lutra) and African clawless (Aonyx capensis) otters. This represents the first record of mustelid misidentification from museum collections. Detection of errors can be extremely difficult when based only on collectors’ notes and data. Hence, we warn scientists involved in otter research about potential challenges when dealing with museum specimens. We recommend curators pursue a multidisciplinary approach, including DNA analyses, to accurately catalogue the resources under their management and uphold the value of biodiversity information

Introductions over introductions: the genomic adulteration of an early genetically valuable alien species in the United Kingdom.

Invasive alien species are a major cause of biodiversity loss. Nevertheless, non-native species can also contribute to conservation objectives. In 1673, the red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa), a galliform native to southwest Europe, was introduced from France (A. r. rufa) into the UK for hunting purposes. Nowadays, hunters constantly supplement natural populations of A. rufa in its native range with stocks of captive-bred individuals. Such birds are usually genetically unscreened, and human-mediated hybridization with the exotic chukar (Alectoris chukar) has undermined genomic integrity of the species. Alectoris rufa in the UK has never been genetically investigated, and birds from East Anglian estates with no modern history of supplementation offer a potential genomic backup for the highly polluted native-range A. r. rufa. We genotyped modern and ancient (1824–1934) birds at the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) level to determine present and past kinship between East Anglian and native-range A. rufa. We used Short Tandem Repeats (STR) and Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers to identify A. rufa × A. chukar hybrids. The kinship of East Anglian birds with A. r. rufa was confirmed. No A. chukar introgression was found in ancient East Anglian A. rufa. Among modern partridges, we found birds with A. chukar mtDNA, and both STRs and RAPDs disclosed many A. rufa × A. chukar hybrids. While the genetic analysis pointed to the increase of diversity and decline of disparity over time within and among A. rufa populations, respectively, the conservation value of the resource historically introduced to the UK proved to have been quashed by three decades of recent releases of A. chukar and its A. rufa hybrids. © 2014, Springer International Publishing Switzerland

Checklist of the Mammals of Iraq (Chordata: Mammalia)

A checklist of the mammals of Iraq including their current status and geographical distribution is provided. Data were collected from literature and combined with field observations obtained during 2013–2014. The checklist comprises 93 species of wild mammals occurring in Iraq and belonging to eight orders, 28 families, and 65 genera. The status and distribution of three Erinaceomorphs, three Soricomorphs, 20 Bats, 23 Carnivores, eight Artiodactyls, two Lagomorphs, 28 Rodents, and six Cetaceans are reported. The checklist includes 24 species evaluated by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources: one was listed as Extinct, one as Critically Endangered, four as Endangered, eight as Vulnerable, seven as Near Threatened, and three as Data Deficient. One subspecies of carnivores (Smooth-coated Otter Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli) and one rodent species (Long-tailed Nesokia Nesokia bunnii) endemic to Mesopotamian marshlands were highlighted as taxa with conservation priority to Iraq. We also focused on main threats to the most common wild mammals with special attention to impacts of illegal hunting and poaching

Population genetics and forensic DNA for conservation management of the Cypriot mouflon (Ovis orientalis ophion)

The mouflon (Ovis orientalis ophion) is the largest wild terrestrial mammal of Cyprus. Considered as the flagship species of the island, its population (c. 3000 head) has a distribution range limited to the mountainous Paphos Forest and adjacent areas including parts of Troodos National Forest (> 700 Km2). The species is protected by a rigorous national legislation supported since 1996 by management plans carried out by the Game and Fauna Service, and, together with its habitat, by the National Law 152 (I)/2003 for the Protection & Management of Wild Birds and Game Species. The species is listed in the Annexes II and IV of 92/43 Habitats Directive, in the Appendix I of CITES, and classified as “vulnerable” by the IUCN. Poaching, habitat loss, road network building and livestock intrusion (i.e., increased risk of pathogen infection) represent the main threatening factors. We aimed at elucidating the systematic placement of the Cypriot mouflon to enforce its protection within an adaptive conservation framework. Therefore, we attempted to determine its genetic structure and relationships with either historically preserved (Corsica, Sardinia) or recently introduced (central Italy) populations including also GenBank entries from the historical range of the species (Near East). The Game and Fauna Service in collaboration with the Cyprus Veterinary Service collected 63 blood samples: 53 were from mouflons captured in the Paphos forest, eight from captive individuals and two of unknown origin. We also sampled 20 mouflons in Sardinia either in the wild (16) or in captivity (4), and collected scats of both Corsican (19) and central Italy (23: Tuscan Archipelago National Park, 13; Tuscan-Emilian Apennines National Park, 6; Apuan Alps Regional Park, 4) mouflon populations in order to increase geographical scope. We genotyped each sample at the entire mitochondrial DNA Cytochrome-b codifying gene (Cyt-b, 1140 bp) and up to 12 microsatellite DNA markers (Short Tandem Repeats, STR) isolated from goat, sheep and cattle genomes. We found that the Cypriot mouflon strongly diverged from western Mediterranean conspecifics, while North West Iran appeared as the most credited geographic region as the source for its ancient introduction to Cyprus. Although we disclosed much lower mitochondrial and nuclear DNA diversity in the Cypriot than in other island populations, neither evidence of genetic bottleneck nor significant low level of both average pairwise relatedness and inbreeding coefficient was detected. Overall, present mitochondrial and STR dataset worked reliably as crime-fighting tool to tackle illegal mouflon killing in Cyprus. Between 2008 and 2013, the Police and the Game and Fauna Service, in collaboration with the Cyprus Veterinary Services, confiscated 29 samples (meat, hairs, bloodstains) dealing with nine episodes of supposed poaching against the Cypriot mouflon. In all cases, we identified the species in point by sequencing the mtDNA Cyt-b gene. In one case, we were specifically requested to establish if there was a link between three dead mouflons recovered at a roadside and 12 bloodstains collected in the car of suspected poachers at the crime scene. With reference to this case, we were able to match nine bloodstains to two out of the three carcasses (seven with very strong support: Likelihood Ratio >3000 and Random Match Probability <10-3), overall assigning 22 out of 29 samples to the Cypriot mouflon and the remaining ones to wild boar, cow, domestic goat, horse and hare. These results included the first genetic reference for the Cypriot mouflon and the first published material of forensic wildlife investigations in Cyprus

Molecular DNA identity of the mouflon of Cyprus (Ovis orientalis ophion, Bovidae): Near Eastern origin and divergence from Western Mediterranean conspecific populations

The mouflon population of Cyprus (Ovis orientalis ophion) comprises historically preserved feral descendants of sheep domesticated during the Neolithic. We determined genetic identity of this taxon in order to elucidate its systematic placement and enforce its protection. We used 12 loci of microsatellite DNA to infer genetic relationships between the Cypriot mouflon and either long-time isolated (Corsica, Sardinia) or recently introduced (central Italy) European mouflons (O. o. musimon). We also sequenced the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) Cytochrome-b gene to infer the origin of the Cypriot mouflon including many National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) entries of European and Near Eastern conspecifics. Microsatellites disclosed net divergence between Western Mediterranean and Cypriot mouflon. The latter was included in the highly heterogeneous Near Eastern O. orientalis mtDNA group, Iran representing the most credited region as the source for its ancient introduction to Cyprus. Both international and national legislation protect the mouflon of Cyprus as a wild taxon (O. o. ophion). However, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and NCBI include the Cypriot mouflon as subspecies of its respective domestic species, the sheep (O. aries). Unfortunately, people charged with crime against protected mouflon may benefit from such taxonomic inconsistency between legislation and databases, as the latter can frustrate molecular DNA forensic outcomes. Until a definitive light can be shed on Near Eastern O. orientalis systematics, we suggest that the Cypriot mouflon should be unvaryingly referred to as O. o. ophion in order not to impair conservation in the country where it resides

Search for heavy neutral lepton production in K+ decays

A search for heavy neutral lepton production in K + decays using a data sample collected with a minimum bias trigger by the NA62 experiment at CERN in 2015 is reported. Upper limits at the 10−7 to 10−6 level are established on the elements of the extended neutrino mixing matrix |Ue4| 2 and |Uμ4| 2 for heavy neutral lepton mass in the ranges 170–448 MeV/c2 and 250–373 MeV/c2, respectively. This improves on the previous limits from HNL production searches over the whole mass range considered for |Ue4|2 and above 300 MeV/c2 for |Uμ4|2