Assessing the risk of non-native small mammals in the South African pet trade.

Doctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.Humans have introduced non-native small mammalian species for various purposes, including hunting, biological control, farming, fur markets, ornamental, and pet trade. The latter has been cited as one of the main invasion pathways for some small mammals through accidental escapes and intentional releases of pets. In addition, the pet trade has been cited as one of the major threats to biodiversity loss and human health through the spreading of zoonotic diseases. The trade of non-native pets is growing in South Africa, and this is of great concern as some of these species may become invasive should they escape or be released from captivity. There is also a lack of information regarding which non-native small mammalian species are sold in South Africa. As a result, two primary sources of trade (online and pet shops) were assessed to determine the extent of small mammal trade in South Africa. A list of the traded small mammalian species was compiled online and physical pet shops to determine which species pose an invasion risk and have potentially high impacts. Mitochondrial gene regions were used to assess the taxonomy and genetic diversity of 156 rodent specimens collected in the South African pet shops. We also determined if their genetic diversity follows a geographically correlated pattern. A total of seven websites and 122 pet stores in South Africa were recorded, with 24 non-native small mammalian species traded. Three provinces, Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, had the highest number of websites and pet shops selling these species. Overall, online trade had more species diversity when compared with pet shops. Rodents and primates dominated the trade; however, the European rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus, guinea pig Cavia porcellus, Norwegian rat Rattus norvegicus and house mouse Mus musculus were the most available species in both online and pet shops. In terms of the potential impacts, traded small mammalian species were associated with both socio-economic and environmental impacts. Impacts on agricultural and animal production (livestock) prevailed for the socio-economic category, while the impacts on animals (predation) and competition were the main mechanisms in the environmental impacts. Of the species recorded, 14 had potential climatic suitability; however, species such as Guinea pig Cavia porcellus, sugar glider Petaurus breviceps, domesticated ferret Mustela putorius furo, M. musculus, O. cuniculus, European grey squirrel Sciurus carolinensis, and R. norvegicus are likely to become invasive given their popularity in the trade, large climatic suitability, and history of invasion through releases and accidental escapes. A total of 156 rodent samples were identified using molecular analyses, with 115 specimens identified as M. musculus, 35 as R. norvegicus and six as Southern multimammate mouse Mastomys coucha. Phylogenetic trees showed that the three species were monophyletic, and there was a genetic diversity within M. musculus and R. norvegicus. The specimens for M. musculus and R. norvegicus were more geographically diverse when compared with the specimens for M. coucha. As a result, this suggests that most of the provinces comply with the trade regulations as native species are prohibited from trade. The combined data recovered 19 unique haplotypes for M. musculus and eight haplotypes for R. norvegicus. However, the genetic diversity for M. musculus did not show a clear geographical pattern, while R. norvegicus showed a subtle geographic structure. Unique haplotypes in these species may be explained by the desire to breed rare varieties or introduce new strains from different pet trade sources. In conclusion, small mammalian species with high trade volume, suitable climate, potential environmental and socio-economic impacts are likely to become invasive and cause impacts in South Africa. In addition, M. musculus and R. norvegicus individuals may establish feral populations if released from captivity, given that their haplotypes were unique. Therefore, it is recommended to further monitor the pet trade (both online and physical pet shops), including surveillance, to determine if there are any escapes and releases from the trade

An impact assessment of alien invasive plants in South Africa generally dispersed by native avian species

Invasive alien plant species have been identified as a major threat to biodiversity and the relationship with native avian dispersers may increase their invasion potential. The impact of invasive plant species needs to be quantified using comparable assessment tools across different habitats and species to allocate limited resources to high-priority species. Here, we used the Generic Impact Scoring System (GISS) to assess the impacts of 16 fleshy-fruited alien invasive plant species in South Africa generally dispersed by native avian species. The results showed that fleshy-fruited invasive species have both environmental and socio-economic impacts. The cumulated impact scores for lantana (Lantana camara) and the tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) were the highest, with scores of 42 and 32, respectively. Some species, such as white mulberry (Morus alba), camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora), American bramble (Rubus cuneifolius) and Brazilian pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolius), had low overall impact scores of 8, 18, 14 and 16, respectively, but scored the maximum impact of 5 for certain mechanisms. Environmental impacts of fleshy-fruited invasive plant species had a high impact magnitude through effects on the ecosystem and vegetation. Socio-economic impacts were mainly through effects on forest production, agriculture and human health. Species with large crop sizes, small seeds and fruit sizes had higher environmental and socio-economic impact magnitude. The information generated in this study is important for guiding resource allocation and preventing the uncontrolled introduction of invasive species in South Africa. The impact of the fleshy-fruited invasive species transcended sectors and, therefore, effective management of invasive species will require the collaboration of multiple and inter-sectoral stakeholders in South Africa.https://neobiota.pensoft.nethj2022Mammal Research InstituteZoology and Entomolog

Tarantulas (Araneae : Theraphosidae) in the pet trade in South Africa

CITATION: Shivambu, T.C. et al. 2020. Tarantulas (Araneae: Theraphosidae) in the pet trade in South Africa. African Zoology 55(4):323-336. doi:10.1080/15627020.2020.1823879The original publication is available at https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/tafz20/currentMany alien species have been introduced around the world as part of the pet trade, and some have escaped captivity and become invasive. In South Africa, many species of tarantula (Theraphosidae) are kept as pets. It is not known which species are traded, which are most popular, and whether their names are correctly applied. Online traders and physical pet stores were investigated between 2015 and 2016 to determine the extent or size of trade, species composition, most popular species, and their invasion history elsewhere. In total, 36 specimens, three individuals from 12 putative species, were also purchased for DNA barcoding targeting the COI gene region to quantify the accuracy of tarantula identification by traders. In total, 195 tarantula species were advertised for sale, and the most popular species were Brachypelma albopilosum Valerio, 1980 (n = 199), B. vagans Ausserer, 1875 (n = 132), and Grammostola rosea Walckenaer, 1837 (n = 120). The composition of shared species differed between the sources and most of the species were advertised online. Only one of the popular species, B. vagans, has been recorded as being invasive elsewhere. Only 36% of the barcoded specimens matched existing barcodes in online repositories that had the same species name. The three individuals from 12 putative species were not in the same terminal clade as those of conspecifics in the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD) and the NCBI GenBank reference sequences. A large proportion of the known tarantula species are traded in South Africa and must be included in management and risk assessments to avoid potential invasions

Numbers of invasive house sparrows Passer domesticus in a rural landscape of Limpopo province, South Africa

The House Sparrow Passer domesticus is recognised as one of the commonest avian invasive species globally, with its occurrence associated with human existence. However, relatively little on population sizes of this species in rural landscapes has been documented. The study on House Sparrows was conducted in three areas in a rural landscape of Limpopo province, South Africa where it is an invasive, to 1) determine population numbers of the House Sparrow between the years 2014 and 2016, and 2) investigate the interaction between the number of House Sparrows and the number of their active nests. The House Sparrow population numbers showed no significant differences between 2014, 2015 and 2016. The House Sparrow numbers were influenced by the number of active nests in 2014 and 2016. The current study showed that the presence of House Sparrows was not affected by the house type they roosted in, and the number of active nests was not influenced by the house types available in each area. The results also showed that the House Sparrow occurs across a rural landscape with variation in numbers across seasons. The evidence reported provides significant insight into how invasive House Sparrows are well established in rural landscapes around human habitation, and it is recommended that this should be incorporated into the management of such alien invasive birds.Le Moineau Domestique Passer domesticus est considéré comme l’une des espèces aviaires communes à caractère invasif la plus répandue dans le monde, sa présence étant généralement associée à l’activité humaine. Cependant, la densité de population de cette espèce dans le paysage rural a très peu été documentée. Notre étude relative au Moineau Domestique a été menée dans trois zones rurales de la province de Limpopo, en Afrique du Sud afin de 1) dénombrer la population de Moineaux Domestiques entre 2014 et 2016 et 2) d’étudier les interactions entre le nombre de Moineaux Domestiques et le nombre de leurs nids actifs. Il n’y a pas de différence significative entre la population de Moineaux Domestiques en 2014, 2015 et 2016. Le nombre de Moineaux Domestiques a été influencé par le nombre de nids actifs en 2014 et 2016. Nous estimons que la présence des Moineaux Domestiques n’est pas liée au type d’habitation dans laquelle ils s’abritent et que le nombre de nids actifs n’est pas influencé par le type d’habitation présent dans chaque zone. Nos résultats montrent que le nombre de Moineaux Domestiques présents dans un paysage rural varie en fonction des saisons. L’étude menée prouve de manière significative que l’espèce invasive des Moineaux Domestiques est bien établie dans le paysage rural, à proximité des habitations humaines. Il est recommandé d’intégrer cela dans le management de cette espèce exotique invasive aviaire.The National Research Foundation (ZA) and the University of KwaZulu-Natal (ZA).http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/tost202021-08-25hj2021Zoology and Entomolog

Breeding status of invasive Rose-ringed Parakeets Psittacula krameri in Durban, South Africa: Statut de la reproduction des perruches à collier Psittacula krameri envahissantes à Durban, Afrique du Sud

The Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri has established feral populations in South African suburban areas. However, the information on the breeding biology of parakeets remains poorly documented in the country. We assessed parakeets’ breeding status and behaviour by locating their roost and breeding sites in Durban, eThekwini Metropole, KwaZulu-Natal province. We also placed artificial nest boxes to determine the occupancy of parakeets or other bird species. We identified 39 parakeet breeding sites with a total of 72 nests. There were no significant differences between the number of active parakeet nests in the first (n = 53 nests) and second breeding seasons (n = 59). Rose-ringed Parakeets used four tree species for nesting, with the white milkwood Sideroxylon inerme used the most (71%). Only East African lowland honey bees Apis mellifera scutellata and Common Mynas Acridotheres tristis used the artificial nest boxes. Parakeet fledgings recorded ranged between one and three per nest, and their numbers differed significantly between seasons. The number of fledglings was not influenced by any of the tree variables measured and distance or location. The distance between the parakeets’ roosting and breedingsites ranged from 1.43 to 5.0 km. Our study provides essential data for an overall management strategy, including eradication programs for this species in South Africa. La perruche à collier Psittacula krameri a établi des populations sauvages dans les zones suburbaines d’Afrique du Sud. Cependant, les informations sur la biologie de reproduction des perruches restent peu documentées dans le pays. Nous avons évalué le statut et le comportement de reproduction des perruches en localisant leurs sites de perchage et de reproduction à Durban, eThekwini Metropole, province de KwaZulu-Natal. Nous avons également placé des nichoirs artificiels afin de déterminer l’occupation des perruches ou d’autres espèces d’oiseaux. Nous avons identifié 39 sites de reproduction de perruches avec un total de 72 nids. Il n’y avait pas de différences significatives entre le nombre de nids actifs de perruches pendant la première (n = 53 nids) et la deuxième saison de reproduction (n = 59). Les perruches à collier utilisaient quatre espèces d’arbres pour nicher, le Sideroxylon inerme étant le plus utilisé (71%). Seules les abeilles des plaines d’Afrique de l’Est Apis mellifera scutellata et les Martins tristes  Acridotheres tristis ont utilisé les nichoirs artificiels. Le nombre de jeunes perruches enregistrées varie de un à trois par nid, et leur nombre diffère significativement entre les saisons. Le nombre d’oisillons n’a été influencé par aucune des variables de l’arbre mesurées, ni par la distance ou l’emplacement. La distance entre les sites de repos et de reproduction des perruches allait de 1.43 à 5.0 km. Notre étude fournit des données essentielles pour une stratégie de gestion globale, y compris des programmes d’éradication pour cette espèce en Afrique du Sud

Predicting the Potential Distribution of Non-Native Mammalian Species Sold in the South African Pet Trade

The pet trade is one of the main pathways of introduction of several mammals worldwide. In South Africa, non-native mammalian species are traded as pets, and so far, only four of these species are considered invasive. We used a list of 24 companion mammalian species compiled from a previous study. We selected a subset of 14 species for species distribution modeling (SDM) based on their trade popularity, invasion history and potential economic and socio-economic impacts. We aimed to estimate their potential distribution using their distribution records. Our SDM indicated that climate in South Africa was suitable for most traded species. However, commonly and easily available species had the broadest areas of suitable climates, such as house mice (Mus musculus) and Norwegian rats (Rattus norvegicus). In addition, the model with a human footprint suggested a high risk of invasion for Norwegian rats but less for house mice distribution. This assessment suggests the need of strict trade regulations and management strategies for pet mammals with broader suitability, which are already invasive, and most available for sale. In addition, our results provide a baseline approach that can be used to identify mammalian pet species with a potential risk of invasion so that urgent preventive measures can be implemented

Assessing the potential impacts of non-native small mammals in the South African pet trade

The pet trade is one of the most important pathways by which small mammals are introduced to non-native areas. To prevent the introduction and invasion of non-native pets, an impact assessment protocol is useful in understanding which pets might have potential negative impacts should they escape or be released from captivity. In this study, we used the Generic Impact Scoring System (GISS) to assess the potential effects associated with 24 non-native small mammal species sold in the South African pet trade. European rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus, house mice Mus musculus, Norwegian rats Rattus norvegicus and eastern grey squirrels Sciurus carolinensis had the highest potential impacts for both socio-economic and environmental categories. We found no statistically significant difference between the overall environmental and socio-economic impact scores. Impacts on agricultural and animal production (livestock) were the main mechanisms in the socio-economic category, while the impacts on animals (predation), competition and hybridisation prevailed for environmental impacts. The non-native mammal pet species with high impacts should be strictly regulated to prevent the potential impacts and establishment of feral populations in South Africa

Zoonotic pathogens associated with pet and feeder murid rodent species : a global systematic review

BACKGROUND : Pet and feeder rodents are one of the main sources of emerging infectious diseases. These rodents are purchased from pet shops, breeders, and online. Consequently, some of these rodents may subtly transmit diseases as they may be asymptomatic to certain pathogens. MATERIALS AND METHODS : We systematically searched four academic databases viz. Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus to determine zoonotic pathogens associated with pet and feeder rodents globally. Our searches were performed in R statistical software using the packages “metagear” and “revtool”. RESULTS : We found 62 studies reporting on zoonotic pathogens between 1973 and 2022 from 16 countries representing 4 continents, namely Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America. The review identified 30 zoonotic pathogens isolated from pet and feeder rodents, including the African pygmy mouse (Mus minutoides), brown rat (Rattus norvegicus), and the house mouse (Mus musculus). The greatest number of pathogens was reported from the United States, followed by Togo and the United Kingdom. Bacterial pathogens were the most prevalent. However, the Seoul virus and rat bite fever (Streptobacillus moniliformis) were the most studied pathogens, found in more than one country, with reported outbreak cases. Most of the zoonotic pathogens were isolated from rodents acquired from pet shops. CONCLUSIONS : We recommend that pet and feeder rodents purchased from pet shops should be regularly screened for potential zoonotic pathogens as some of these animals may not show clinical signs of the illness. There is also a critical need to develop strict regulations and policies, especially in underdeveloped and developing regions for an effective surveillance process, which will include early detection, rapid response, and control of zoonotic diseases globally.The South African National Research Foundation (NRF) and the University of Pretoria (South Africa).http://online.liebertpub.com/VBZ2024-08-29hj2023Zoology and EntomologySDG-03:Good heatlh and well-bein

Citizen science survey of non-native Rose-ringed Parakeets Psittacula krameri in the Durban metropole, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

The Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri (Scopoli, 1769) has become invasive in several countries, including South Africa, mainly through the pet trade releases and escapees. We conducted an online questionnaire survey targeting the residents in Durban, eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. We aimed to determine the distribution, habitat and diet of the Rose-ringed Parakeet. We also determined if the public perceived parakeets as pests and if control measures were supported. We found that many parakeet sightings were reported in Durban North, primarily in and around shopping centres. Approximately 64.5% of respondents provided feeding stations for parakeets, with most providing seeds and grains. A total of 173 (55.4%) respondents considered parakeets as a pest. Rose-ringed parakeets were reported to chase nine bird species, of which seven were native and two non-natives. Most respondents stated that parakeets should not be controlled. However, most of those who supported their control suggested shooting and destruction of eggs. We concluded that the distribution of parakeets is likely expanding and associated with anthropogenic activities in this urban landscape. However, public perceptions may make invasive Rose-ringed Parakeet management difficult.The South African National Research Foundation (NRF-ZA) and the DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology, University of Stellenbosch (ZA).https://www.tandfonline.com/loi/tafz202023-06-22hj2023Mammal Research InstituteZoology and Entomolog

Breeding status of invasive Rose-ringed parakeets Psittacula krameri in Durban, South Africa

The Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri has established feral populations in South African suburban areas. However, the information on the breeding biology of parakeets remains poorly documented in the country. We assessed parakeets’ breeding status and behaviour by locating their roost and breeding sites in Durban, eThekwini Metropole, KwaZulu-Natal province. We also placed artificial nest boxes to determine the occupancy of parakeets or other bird species. We identified 39 parakeet breeding sites with a total of 72 nests. There were no significant differences between the number of active parakeet nests in the first (n = 53 nests) and second breeding seasons (n = 59). Rose-ringed Parakeets used four tree species for nesting, with the white milkwood Sideroxylon inerme used the most (71%). Only East African lowland honey bees Apis mellifera scutellata and Common Mynas Acridotheres tristis used the artificial nest boxes. Parakeet fledgings recorded ranged between one and three per nest, and their numbers differed significantly between seasons. The number of fledglings was not influenced by any of the tree variables measured and distance or location. The distance between the parakeets’ roosting and breeding sites ranged from 1.43 to 5.0 km. Our study provides essential data for an overall management strategy, including eradication programs for this species in South Africa.La perruche à collier Psittacula krameri a établi des populations sauvages dans les zones suburbaines d’Afrique du Sud. Cependant, les informations sur la biologie de reproduction des perruches restent peu documentées dans le pays. Nous avons évalué le statut et le comportement de reproduction des perruches en localisant leurs sites de perchage et de reproduction à Durban, eThekwini Metropole, province de KwaZulu-Natal. Nous avons également placé des nichoirs artificiels afin de déterminer l’occupation des perruches ou d’autres espèces d’oiseaux. Nous avons identifié 39 sites de reproduction de perruches avec un total de 72 nids. Il n’y avait pas de différences significatives entre le nombre de nids actifs de perruches pendant la première (n = 53 nids) et la deuxième saison de reproduction (n = 59). Les perruches à collier utilisaient quatre espèces d’arbres pour nicher, le Sideroxylon inerme étant le plus utilisé (71%). Seules les abeilles des plaines d’Afrique de l’Est Apis mellifera scutellata et les Martins tristes Acridotheres tristis ont utilisé les nichoirs artificiels. Le nombre de jeunes perruches enregistrées varie de un à trois par nid, et leur nombre diffère significativement entre les saisons. Le nombre d’oisillons n’a été influencé par aucune des variables de l’arbre mesurées, ni par la distance ou l’emplacement. La distance entre les sites de repos et de reproduction des perruches allait de 1.43 à 5.0 km. Notre étude fournit des données essentielles pour une stratégie de gestion globale, y compris des programmes d’éradication pour cette espèce en Afrique du Sud.DATA AVAILABLITY: The data belong to the University of KwaZulu-Natal but are available on reasonable request from the corresponding author.The National Research Foundation (NRF-ZA), the University of KwaZulu- Natal (ZA) and the DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology, University of Stellenbosch (ZA).https://www.tandfonline.com/loi/tost202023-12-15hj2023Mammal Research InstituteZoology and Entomolog