19 research outputs found
Understanding Attitudes Towards Native Wildlife and Biodiversity in the UK: The Role of Zoos
International audienc
Genetic testing of dung identification for antelope surveys in the Udzungwa Mountains, Tanzania.
Dung counts are frequently employed to infer
abundance of antelope species in African forests, but the
accuracy of dung identification has rarely been tested. We
used non-invasive genetic methods to test the accuracy of
both field identification and morphometrics for identifying
dung samples collected in the Udzungwa Mountains,
Tanzania. Species identity was established by sequencing
part of the mitochondrial control region from faecal DNA.
Field identification was found to be correct in only 58â76%
of cases depending on the observer. Discriminant analysis
of dung pellet length correctly classified 80% of samples
but a larger reference sample size is needed before using
this method to classify dung of unknown origin. The results
of this study illustrate the potential inaccuracy of dung
counts as a monitoring tool for sympatric forest antelope
species when the probability of correct identification is
unknown. We recommend molecular testing of species
identity during forest antelope surveys before conclusions
are drawn on the basis of other identification method
Tracking the amphibian pathogens Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans using a highly specific monoclonal antibody and lateral-flow technology
The fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) causes chytridiomycosis, a lethal epizootic disease of amphibians. Rapid identification of the pathogen and biosecurity is essential to prevent its spread, but current laboratoryâbased tests are timeâconsuming and require specialist equipment. Here, we describe the generation of an IgM monoclonal antibody (mAb), 5C4, specific to Bd as well as the related salamander and newt pathogen Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal). The mAb, which binds to a glycoprotein antigen present on the surface of zoospores, sporangia and zoosporangia, was used to develop a lateralâflow assay (LFA) for rapid (15 min) detection of the pathogens. The LFA detects known lineages of Bd and also Bsal, as well as the closely related fungus Homolaphlyctis polyrhiza, but does not detect a wide range of related and unrelated fungi and oomycetes likely to be present in amphibian habitats. When combined with a simple swabbing procedure, the LFA was 100% accurate in detecting the waterâsoluble 5C4 antigen present in skin, foot and pelvic samples from frogs, newts and salamanders naturally infected with Bd or Bsal. Our results demonstrate the potential of the portable LFA as a rapid qualitative assay for tracking these amphibian pathogens and as an adjunct test to nucleic acidâbased detection methods
Automated detection of European wild mammal species in camera trap images with an existing and pre-trained computer vision model
Captivity for Conservation? Zoos at a Crossroads
Contains fulltext :
142228.pdf (preprint version ) (Open Access
Examining the extinction of the Barbary Lion and its implications for felid conservation
Estimations of species extinction dates are rarely definitive, yet declarations of extinction or extirpation are important as they define when conservation efforts may cease. Erroneous declarations of extinctions not only destabilize conservation efforts but also corrode local community support. Mismatches in perceptions by the scientific and local communities risk undermining sensitive, but important partnerships. We examine observations relating to the decline and extinction of Barbary lions in North Africa. Whilst the extinction predates the era of the scientific conservation movement, the decline is relatively well documented in historical records. Recently unearthed accounts suggest Barbary lions survived later than previously assumed. We use probabilistic methods to estimate a more recent extinction date for the subspecies. The evidence presented for a much later persistence of lions in North Africa, including generations when sightings were nil, suggests caution when considering felid populations as extinct in the wild. The case raises the possibility that captive animals descended from the Moroccan royal collection are closer contemporaries to wild Barbary lions. Furthermore, our results highlight the vulnerability of very small lion populations and the significance of continued conservation of remnant lion populations in Central and West Africa. Ă© 2013 Black et al