Cranometric variability in brown bears of the Russian Far East

Morphometric analysis of 282 skulls of the brown bear Ursus arctos from the Far Eastern part of the range was carried out. The presence of two morphological clusters for both males and females is shown. Samples from two clusters were compared with their geographical location and subspecies. It was found that one cluster or another had no specific reference to the particular region or subspecies of a particular cluster, only the superiority of one over the other in a cluster of different subspecies and regions was changed. A comparison with the spread of brown bear genetic lines in the Far East of Russia is made. It was noted that the precise distribution of a particular cluster to a specific genetic line of haplotypes was not found

Biochemical Content of Cambium of Abies nephrolepis

The peculiarity of bears behavior of stripping of bark is typical for all species. We have described the damage to trees, by Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) and brown bear (U. arctos) in Primorsky Krai and by brown bears on the Sakhalin Island during 1998–2015. In this study, we studied the damaged bark of the tree only in cases where it was clear that part of the cambium was eaten by bears. Cambium of species Abies nephrolepis is the most preferred for bear consumption in Primorsky Krai. We distinguished very large seasonal fluctuations in the amount of its consumption. The greatest interest of bears in this kind of food is in the summer time. We have analyzed the composition of the cambium of A. nephrolepis. These results suggest that the important purpose of the use of this kind of food is to restore and maintain the normal functioning of the intestines

Гельминтозоонозы диких хищных млекопитающих в Приморском крае Дальнего Востока РФ

The purpose of the research is to examine the helminthological status of wild carnivore mammals inhabiting the territory of the Primorsky Krai and to give an epidemiological assessment of their role in maintaining the natural foci of zoonotic infections.Materials and methods. Feces of carnivores were collected in natural habitats of wild animals. Species of animals were identified by the characteristic features of feces and animal tracks. The shape, size, texture and composition of feces were analyzed. The samples were placed in containers with 5% formalin. A part of the material was stored in native form at -12 ºС. Muscle tissue samples were obtained from animal carcasses. Feces were examined by flotation techniques with a solution of zinc sulfate, the formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation technique and using an ammonium nitrate solution. After the study, the samples were disinfected by autoclaving at a pressure of 1.5 atm for 2 hours. Muscle tissue samples were examined by digesting in artificial gastric juice using the Gastros device. The species of Trichinella sp. larvae isolated from the positive samples were identified using the nucleotide sequences. In total, 444 feces samples from 13 species of wild carnivore mammals and 449 muscle tissue samples from 13 species were examined.Results and discussion. Wild carnivore mammals inhabiting the territory of the Russian Far East are often infected with various species of helminths localized in the intestine and tissues, which are causative agents of dangerous parasitic zoonoses. A total of 9 species of helminthes in the Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica), 3 species in the Amur leopard (P. pardus orientalis), 2 species in the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), 4 species in the leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), 5 species in the sable (Martes zibellina), 2 species in the yellow-throated marten (M. flavigula), 5 species in the Siberian weasel (Mustela sibirica), 1 species in the American mink (Neovison vison), 2 species in the Asian badger (Meles leucurus), 8 species in the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), 2 species in the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), and 9 species in the brown bear and Asiatic black bear (Ursus arctos and U. thibetanus) were identified at studying of 444 feces samples of wild carnivore mammals in the Primorsky Krai. Among the detected helminths were highly pathogenic for humans: Toxocara cati, Paragonimus westermani and nematodes of the family Capillariidae. Trichinella sp. larvae were detected in 96 samples in the study of 449 samples of muscle tissue from wild carnivore mammals. The above types of helminths are of zoonotic nature. The pathogenic role of accidental infection with helminth species Baylisascaris transfuga has not yet been revealed in humans, that makes this type of bear ascaride potentially dangerous for humans. The studies have shown the widespread prevalence of helminth zoonoses in the Primorsky Krai. These data will help to organize properly the work of people whose jobs involve contact with wild animals.Цель исследований – изучить гельминтологический статус диких хищных млекопитающих, обитающих на территории Приморского края, и дать эпидемиологическую оценку их роли в поддержании природных очагов зоонозных инвазий.Материалы и методы. Фекалии хищных млекопитающих собирали в естественных биотопах диких животных. Видовую принадлежность фекалий определяли по характерным видовым признакам и следам животных. Анализировали форму, размер, консистенцию и состав фекалий. Пробы помещали в контейнеры с 5%-ным формалином. Часть материала хранили в нативном виде при –12 ºС. Образцы мышечной ткани получали от трупов животных. Фекалии исследовали флотационным методом с раствором сульфата цинка, методом этилацетат-формалинового осаждения и с использованием раствора аммиачной селитры. После исследования образцы материала обеззараживали автоклавированием в течение 2 ч при давлении 1,5 атм. Образцы мышечной ткани исследовали методом переваривания проб в искусственном желудочном соке с помощью аппарата Gastros. Вид личинок Trichinella sp., выделенных из положительных проб, определяли на основании нуклеотидных последовательностей. Всего происследовано 444 пробы фекалий 13 видов диких хищных млекопитающих и 449 проб мышечной ткани 13 видов.Результаты и обсуждение. Дикие хищные млекопитающие, обитающие на территории Дальнего Востока России, часто бывают заражены различными видами гельминтов кишечной и тканевой локализации, являющимися возбудителями опасных антропозоонозов. При исследовании 444 проб фекалий диких хищных млекопитающих в Приморском крае у амурского тигра (Panthera tigris altaica) выявлено 9 видов гельминтов, у амурского леопарда (P. Pardus orientalis) – 3, у евразийской рыси (Lynx lynx) – 2, у бенгальского кота (Prionailurus bengalensis) – 4, у соболя (Martes zibellina) – 5, у харзы (M. flavigula) – 2, у сибирского колонка (Mustela sibirica) – 5, у американской норки (Neovison vison) – 1, у азиатского барсука (Meles leucurus) – 2, у лисицы (Vulpes vulpes) – 8, у енотовидной собаки (Nyctereutes procyonoides) – 2 и у бурого и гималайского медведей (Ursus arctos, U. thibetanus) – 9 видов. Среди обнаруженных гельминтов были высоко патогенные для человека: Toxocara cati, Paragonimus westermani и нематоды сем. Сaрillariidae. При исследовании 449 проб мышечной ткани диких хищных млекопитающих в 96 выявлены личинки Trichinella sp. Вышеперечисленные виды гельминтов имеют зоонозную природу. Патогенная роль при случайном заражении гельминтами вида Baylisascaris transfuga на сегодняшний день у человека не изучена, что делает этот вид потенциально опасным для людей. Исследования свидетельствуют о широком распространении гельминтозоонозов на территории Приморского края. Полученные результаты помогут правильно организовать работу людей, чья профессиональная деятельность предусматривает контакты с дикими животными

Geological nature of mineral licks and the reasons for geophagy among animals

In this paper, the reasons for geophagy (the eating of rocks by wild herbivores) in two regions of the eastern Sikhote-Alin volcanic belt are considered. The mineralogical and chemical features of the consumed rocks, as well as the geological conditions of their formation, are investigated. A comparative analysis of the mineral and chemical composition of the consumed rocks and the excrement of the animals, almost completely consisting of mineral substances, is carried out. It is established that the consumed rocks are hydrothermally altered rhyolitic tuffs located in the volcanic calderas and early Cenozoic volcano-tectonic depressions. They consist of 30–65 % from zeolites (mainly clinoptilolites) and smectites, possessing powerful sorption properties. According to the obtained data, the main reason for geophagy may be connected with the animals' urge to discard excessive and toxic concentrations of certain elements that are widespread in specific habitats and ingested with forage plants

Identification of cement in atmospheric particulate matter using the hybrid method of laser diffraction analysis and Raman spectroscopy

Environmental science; Atmospheric science; Ecology; Environmental chemistry; Environmental pollution; Atmospheric particulate matter, Laser diffraction analysis, PM10, Raman spectroscop

Фауна нематод пищеварительного тракта сибирской косули в Приморском крае

The purpose of the research is to supplement information on the species composition of helminths of the Siberian roe deer.Materials and methods. Digestive tracts of seven Siberian roe deer (Capreolus pygargus) that died from various causes in Primorsky Krai (Russian Far East) from October 2017 to December 2020 were examined for the presence of helminths. Taxonomic differentiation of detected helminths was carried out basing their morphological peculiarities.Results and discussion. In all studied individuals of Siberian roe deer, only representatives of Nematoda were found. All of the nematodes were found in the abomasa. No helminths were detected in other parts of the digestive tract. There were found three species of Trichostrongylidae: Spiculopteragia spiculoptera, S. asymmetrica and Mazamastrongylus dagestanica. In addition, one species from Spiruridae, Pygarginema skrjabini, was detected. S. spiculoptera was found in all of the examined Siberian roe deer, thus, this species of nematode showed the highest extensity of infection in the study. The highest intensity of infection was noted for S. asymmetrica. And M. dagestanica was found only in one of the studied Siberian roe deer, in single specimens. P. skrjabini was found in single specimens in two of the studied Siberian roe deer. The species S. asymmetrica was recorded in Siberian roe deer for the first time.   Цель исследований – дополнить сведения о видовом составе гельминтов сибирской косули.Материалы и методы. В период с октября 2017 по декабрь 2020 г. на наличие гельминтов были исследованы пищеварительные тракты от семи особей сибирских косуль (Capreolus pygargus), погибших по различным причинам на территории Приморского края (Дальний Восток России). Таксономическую дифференциацию обнаруженных гельминтов проводили по особенностям морфологии.Результаты и обсуждение. У всех исследованных особей сибирских косуль были обнаружены только представители типа Nematoda. Все нематоды были найдены в содержимом сычуга, в других отделах пищеварительного тракта гельминты не отмечены. Были обнаружены три вида из семейства Trichostrongylidae: Spiculopteragia spiculoptera, S. asymmetrica и Mazamastrongylus dagestanica. Кроме того, обнаружен один вид из семейства Spiruridae – Pygarginema skrjabini. Наиболее высокий показатель экстенсивности инвазии отмечен для S. spiculoptera; этот вид был зарегистрирован у всех исследованных особей сибирских косуль. Наиболее высокий показатель интенсивности инвазии отмечен для вида S. asymmetrica. Нематода M. dagestanica обнаружена в единичных экземплярах лишь у одной из исследованных сибирских косуль. Спируриды P. skrjabini в единичных экземплярах найдены у двух косуль. Вид S. asymmetrica зарегистрирован у сибирской косули впервые.

Distemper, extinction, and vaccination of the Amur tiger

Canine distemper virus (CDV) has recently emerged as an extinction threat for the endangered Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica). CDV is vaccine-preventable, and control strategies could require vaccination of domestic dogs and/or wildlife populations. However, vaccination of endangered wildlife remains controversial, which has led to a focus on interventions in domestic dogs, often assumed to be the source of infection. Effective decision making requires an understanding of the true reservoir dynamics, which poses substantial challenges in remote areas with diverse host communities. We carried out serological, demographic, and phylogenetic studies of dog and wildlife populations in the Russian Far East to show that a number of wildlife species are more important than dogs, both in maintaining CDV and as sources of infection for tigers. Critically, therefore, because CDV circulates among multiple wildlife sources, dog vaccination alone would not be effective at protecting tigers. We show, however, that low-coverage vaccination of tigers themselves is feasible and would produce substantive reductions in extinction risks. Vaccination of endangered wildlife provides a valuable component of conservation strategies for endangered species

Coat Polymorphism in Eurasian Lynx: Adaptation to Environment or Phylogeographic Legacy?

We studied the relationship between the variability and contemporary distribution of pelage phenotypes in one of most widely distributed felid species and an array of environmental and demographic conditions. We collected 672 photographic georeferenced records of the Eurasian lynx throughout Eurasia. We assigned each lynx coat to one of five phenotypes. Then we fitted the coat patterns to different environmental and anthropogenic variables, as well as the effective geographic distances from inferred glacial refugia. A majority of lynx were either of the large spotted (41.5%) or unspotted (uniform, 36.2%) phenotype. The remaining patterns (rosettes, small spots and pseudo-rosettes) were represented in 11.0%, 7.4%, and 3.9% of samples, respectively. Although various environmental variables greatly affected lynx distribution and habitat suitability, it was the effect of least-cost distances from locations of the inferred refugia during the Last Glacial Maximum that explained the distribution of lynx coat patterns the best. Whereas the occurrence of lynx phenotypes with large spots was explained by the proximity to refugia located in the Caucasus/Middle East, the uniform phenotype was associated with refugia in the Far East and Central Asia. Despite the widely accepted hypothesis of adaptive functionality of coat patterns in mammals and exceptionally high phenotypic polymorphism in Eurasian lynx, we did not find well-defined signs of habitat matching in the coat pattern of this species. Instead, we showed how the global patterns of morphological variability in this large mammal and its environmental adaptations may have been shaped by past climatic change.publishedVersio

Brown bear attacks on humans : a worldwide perspective

The increasing trend of large carnivore attacks on humans not only raises human safety concerns but may also undermine large carnivore conservation efforts. Although rare, attacks by brown bears Ursus arctos are also on the rise and, although several studies have addressed this issue at local scales, information is lacking on a worldwide scale. Here, we investigated brown bear attacks (n = 664) on humans between 2000 and 2015 across most of the range inhabited by the species: North America (n = 183), Europe (n = 291), and East (n = 190). When the attacks occurred, half of the people were engaged in leisure activities and the main scenario was an encounter with a female with cubs. Attacks have increased significantly over time and were more frequent at high bear and low human population densities. There was no significant difference in the number of attacks between continents or between countries with different hunting practices. Understanding global patterns of bear attacks can help reduce dangerous encounters and, consequently, is crucial for informing wildlife managers and the public about appropriate measures to reduce this kind of conflicts in bear country.Peer reviewe

Cranometric variability in brown bears of the Russian Far East

Morphometric analysis of 282 skulls of the brown bear Ursus arctos from the Far Eastern part of the range was carried out. The presence of two morphological clusters for both males and females is shown. Samples from two clusters were compared with their geographical location and subspecies. It was found that one cluster or another had no specific reference to the particular region or subspecies of a particular cluster, only the superiority of one over the other in a cluster of different subspecies and regions was changed. A comparison with the spread of brown bear genetic lines in the Far East of Russia is made. It was noted that the precise distribution of a particular cluster to a specific genetic line of haplotypes was not found