Reduced horn size in two wild trophy-hunted species of Caprinae

Factors affecting horn size in wild Caprinae are of biological and socio-economic interest because several species are selectively harvested on the basis of this heritable character. We analysed temporal trends in horn size in two mountain ungulates from south-eastern Spain, the Iberian wild goat Capra pyrenaica and the aoudad Ammotragus lervia. Trophy harvest is the main way in which these two species are exploited, although 'poor-quality' aoudads are also selectively removed. In recent years, both populations have suffered drastic decreases in number due to outbreaks of sarcoptic mange that led to the suspension of hunting for several years. Horn length in harvested male wild goats and aoudads declined during our study period. Over an 18-year period, the mean age of male goats shot as trophies rose by four years, while the age of trophy-harvested aoudads decreased by around six months over a 9-year period. Age and environmental conditions during the first few years of life explained 20% of variance in horn size in Iberian wild goat and 53% in aoudad. Population density early in life explained much of the reduction in goat horn size over time. Nevertheless, the major fall in population densities after the sarcoptic mange outbreaks did not lead to a recovery in horn size in either species. We suggest that the selective removal of large-horned animals may contribute to a decline in horn size. Other factors that may also explain the observed pattern include changes in interspecific competition, longlasting maternal effects and reduced carrying capacity due to overgrazing during high density periods. Unfortunately, our data sets did not allow us to account for the possible effects of these factors

Recent sedimentary processes in the Prestige site area (Galicia Bank, NW Iberian Margin) evidenced by high-resolution marine geophysical methods

An echo-character analysis of the oil tanker Prestige wreck area was undertaken using high-resolution marine geophysical methods (TOPAS and airgun seismic-reflection profiles, multibeam echosounder and TOBI sidescan sonar). Integration and comparison of the results using all these methods is presented given some practical applications for indirect near-surface and seafloor interpretations. Ten different echo types were identified and grouped into four main classes: I) distinct; II) indistinct; III) irregular and IV) hyperbolic. Echo-character distribution enabled us to determine recent sedimentary processes in the area. Two major depositional systems can be found through the identification of these sedimentary processes: a) a slope depositional system (SDS) located in the eastern and central area, where mass-movement processes are dominant and b) a turbiditic Main Channel depositional system (TDS) located in the western area where channel-related processes are dominant. Both of these interact over the half-graben structure of the southwestern sector of the Galicia Bank, where the Prestige wreck is located. Within the SDS, erosive and depositional mass-movement processes characterised a complex depositional system. Erosive processes occur on the fault scarp, channels head, inter-lobe channels and distal part of the sedimentary lobes. Moreover, depositional processes take place on the top of the fault scarp, sedimentary wedges, sedimentary lobes, and on the west flank of the Main Channel. Both depositional systems interact, but the SDS should be more active during fault-scarp reactivation periods, through relief rejuvenation and new exposed deposits. Microearthquake activity would favour the available materials, being weathered, eroded and transported by mass-movements. In such a situation, the TDS acts as the main collector of eroded sediment derived from the fault scarp throughout the SDS being responsible for its evacuation into the Iberian Abyssal Plain. However, outside of fault reactivation periods, the SDS is less active (such as during the present situation)

Importance of canine distemper virus (CDV) infection in free-ranging Iberian lynxes (Lynx pardinus)

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a morbillivirus that is the etiological agent of one of the most important viral diseases affecting canids and an expanding range of other carnivores. Using real-time RT-PCR, CDV RNA was detected in organs of an Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) found dead in the Doñana National Park, Southwestern Andalusia, Spain. This finding may be of great importance for the conservation of the species; at present the Iberian lynx is the most critically endangered wild felid. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the significance of CDV for the Iberian lynx population. High viral loads were evident in the dead lynx, suggesting an etiological involvement of CDV in its death. When carnivores from the same region were analyzed by CDV RT-PCR, a stone marten (Martes foina) was positive. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated high identity of the two detected CDVs and a close relationship to the European dog lineage of CDV. Antibodies to CDV were detected in 14.8% of 88 tested free-ranging Iberian lynxes. The sample seroprevalence was significantly higher in lynxes from the Doñana Natural Space (22.9%) than Sierra Morena (5%). The stone marten and a red fox (Vulpes vulpes) also tested seropositive. In conclusion, CDV is present in the Iberian lynx population, especially in the Doñana region, with sporadic cases of disease. To reduce the infectious pressure of CDV on this endangered population, a mass dog vaccination should be considered