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Martin Salek - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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the effects of local and landscape scale habitat characteristics and prey availability on corridor use by Carnivores a comparison of two contrasting farmlands
Journal for Nature Conservation, 2013Co-Authors: Jaroslav Cervinka, Martin Salek, Eliska Padysakova, Petr SmilauerAbstract:Abstract Corridors are thought to reduce the negative biological effects of habitat loss and fragmentation by providing connectivity and suitable habitat for many species, including Carnivores. Although corridor structure maintenance is considered to be an essential tool for Carnivore conservation in a human-dominated landscape, surprisingly little is known about the effects of different factors at various spatial scales. The main aim of this study was to determine how local and landscape-scale habitat characteristics and prey availability influence the corridor use by Carnivores in a Central European agricultural landscape. Moreover we investigated Carnivore corridor occurrence in two contrasting landscapes that differ in level of habitat loss and fragmentation to evaluate relative effect of species-specific response to regional context. Results show that the availability of principal prey (small mammals) was the most crucial factor affecting Carnivore corridor use. Other important factors influencing corridor use were corridor width (positive), proportion of shrubs (positive) and presence of local, low-traffic, roads (positive). Single species models revealed interspecific and area-specific differences in Carnivore preference at both spatial scales. Our findings confirm the general importance of multi-level approach to evaluating species-specific habitat requirements as a crucial tool for determining suitable methods for Carnivore efficient conservation in human-dominated agricultural landscape.
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do prey densities determine preferences of mammalian predators for habitat edges in an agricultural landscape
Landscape and Urban Planning, 2010Co-Authors: Jakub Kreisinger, Martin Salek, Frantisek Sedlacek, Tomas AlbrechtAbstract:Abstract Increased predation pressure along habitat edges is often associated with increased predator activity. However, factors affecting predator affinity for habitat edges remain largely untested. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the high prevalence of mammalian predators along habitat edges arises due to increased abundance of their principal prey – small mammals. Gradients in the abundance of Carnivores and small mammals across a habitat edge gradient (secondary mixed forest interior vs. secondary mixed forest interior/grassland edge vs. grassland interior) were monitored during a 2-year survey performed in a fragmented central European landscape. Our data provide support for the hypothesis that a high abundance of Carnivores in habitat edges was associated with increased numbers of small mammals. The abundance of mammalian predators and small mammals consistently increased in habitat edges. Moreover, prey densities tended to explain Carnivore patch preferences even when statistically controlling for the effect of habitat type (edge vs. interior habitats), suggesting a direct causality between Carnivore habitat preferences and actual prey density. Interestingly the small mustelids (least weasel, Mustela nivalis, and ermine stoat, Mustela erminea) exhibited lower flexibility in adjustment of their spatial activity according to prey densities, in contrast to remaining Carnivores. We suppose that this pattern may be caused by differences in agility/home-range size or performance intraguild competition between small mustelids and remaining Carnivore species.
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corridor vs hayfield matrix use by mammalian predators in an agricultural landscape
Agriculture Ecosystems & Environment, 2009Co-Authors: Jakub Kreisinger, Martin Salek, Frantisek Sedlacek, Tomas AlbrechtAbstract:Abstract Corridors are assumed to be an efficient conservation tool for reducing changes in local biodiversity induced by fragmentation and loss of natural habitats. The importance of corridors for the management of local biota has been previously demonstrated for a few single species; however, there has been little research on this topic for groups of animals, such as mammalian Carnivores. In this paper, we test the hypothesis that linear strips (2–12 m wide) of shrubby vegetation and dense high grass are more likely to be exploited by diverse Carnivore species than surrounding hayfields. For this purpose a scent station survey was employed. Scent stations placed in linear landscape structures were visited much more frequently than scent stations placed in the surrounding hayfield matrix. The probability of detection was higher in corridors than in the landscape matrix for all Carnivore species detected. In addition, we tested if the use of a corridor by Carnivores was influenced by the amount of shrub and tree cover and corridor width, but none of these variables affected the probability of Carnivore detection. Our study suggests that the maintenance of corridors could be an efficient management practice for the preservation of Carnivore populations in agricultural landscapes.
Tomas Albrecht - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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do prey densities determine preferences of mammalian predators for habitat edges in an agricultural landscape
Landscape and Urban Planning, 2010Co-Authors: Jakub Kreisinger, Martin Salek, Frantisek Sedlacek, Tomas AlbrechtAbstract:Abstract Increased predation pressure along habitat edges is often associated with increased predator activity. However, factors affecting predator affinity for habitat edges remain largely untested. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the high prevalence of mammalian predators along habitat edges arises due to increased abundance of their principal prey – small mammals. Gradients in the abundance of Carnivores and small mammals across a habitat edge gradient (secondary mixed forest interior vs. secondary mixed forest interior/grassland edge vs. grassland interior) were monitored during a 2-year survey performed in a fragmented central European landscape. Our data provide support for the hypothesis that a high abundance of Carnivores in habitat edges was associated with increased numbers of small mammals. The abundance of mammalian predators and small mammals consistently increased in habitat edges. Moreover, prey densities tended to explain Carnivore patch preferences even when statistically controlling for the effect of habitat type (edge vs. interior habitats), suggesting a direct causality between Carnivore habitat preferences and actual prey density. Interestingly the small mustelids (least weasel, Mustela nivalis, and ermine stoat, Mustela erminea) exhibited lower flexibility in adjustment of their spatial activity according to prey densities, in contrast to remaining Carnivores. We suppose that this pattern may be caused by differences in agility/home-range size or performance intraguild competition between small mustelids and remaining Carnivore species.
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corridor vs hayfield matrix use by mammalian predators in an agricultural landscape
Agriculture Ecosystems & Environment, 2009Co-Authors: Jakub Kreisinger, Martin Salek, Frantisek Sedlacek, Tomas AlbrechtAbstract:Abstract Corridors are assumed to be an efficient conservation tool for reducing changes in local biodiversity induced by fragmentation and loss of natural habitats. The importance of corridors for the management of local biota has been previously demonstrated for a few single species; however, there has been little research on this topic for groups of animals, such as mammalian Carnivores. In this paper, we test the hypothesis that linear strips (2–12 m wide) of shrubby vegetation and dense high grass are more likely to be exploited by diverse Carnivore species than surrounding hayfields. For this purpose a scent station survey was employed. Scent stations placed in linear landscape structures were visited much more frequently than scent stations placed in the surrounding hayfield matrix. The probability of detection was higher in corridors than in the landscape matrix for all Carnivore species detected. In addition, we tested if the use of a corridor by Carnivores was influenced by the amount of shrub and tree cover and corridor width, but none of these variables affected the probability of Carnivore detection. Our study suggests that the maintenance of corridors could be an efficient management practice for the preservation of Carnivore populations in agricultural landscapes.
Polina L Perelman - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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The Ancestral Carnivore Karyotype As Substantiated by Comparative Chromosome Painting of Three Pinnipeds, the Walrus, the Steller Sea Lion and the Baikal Seal (Pinnipedia, Carnivora) - Table 1
2016Co-Authors: Violetta R Beklemisheva, Vladimir N Burkanov, Natalia A. Lemskaya, Anastasia I. Kulemzina, Polina L Perelman, Anastasia A Proskuryakova, Alexander S. GraphodatskyAbstract:The Ancestral Carnivore Karyotype As Substantiated by Comparative Chromosome Painting of Three Pinnipeds, the Walrus, the Steller Sea Lion and the Baikal Seal (Pinnipedia, Carnivora) - Table
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Comparative chromosome painting in Carnivora and Pholidota.
Cytogenetic and genome research, 2012Co-Authors: Polina L Perelman, Violetta R Beklemisheva, Dmitry V. Yudkin, T.n. Petrina, V.v. Rozhnov, Wenhui Nie, Alexander S. GraphodatskyAbstract:The order of Carnivora has been very well characterized with over 50 species analyzed by chromosome painting and with painting probe sets made for 9 Carnivora species. Representatives of almost all families have been studied with few exceptions (Otariidae, Odobenidae, Nandiniidae, Prionodontidae). The patterns of chromosome evolution in Carnivora are discussed here. Overall, many Carnivora species retained karyotypes that only slightly differ from the ancestral Carnivore karyotype. However, there are at least 3 families in which the ancestral Carnivore karyotype has been severely rearranged – Canidae, Ursidae and Mephitidae. Here we report chromosome painting of yet another Carnivora species with a highly rearranged karyotype, Genetta pardina. Recurrent rearrangements make it difficult to define the ancestral chromosomal arrangement in several instances. Only 2 species of pangolins (Pholidota), a sister order of Carnivora, have been studied by chromosome painting. Future use of whole-genome sequencing data is discussed in the context of solving the questions that are beyond resolution of conventional banding techniques and chromosome painting.
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The Ancestral Carnivore Karyotype (2n = 38) Lives Today in Ringtails
The Journal of heredity, 2008Co-Authors: William G. Nash, Polina L Perelman, Joan C. Menninger, Hesed Padilla-nash, Gary Stone, Stephen J. O'brienAbstract:Chromosome painting was used to investigate the conservation of high-resolution longitudinal 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI)/G bands in Carnivore chromosomes. Cat (Felis catus) and raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) painting probes were hybridized to the ringtail (Bassaricus astutus), dwarf mongoose (Helogale parvula) , and Malagasy civet (Fossa fossa) to identify homologous chromosome elements. The patterns of chromosome segment homology among Carnivore species allowed us to reconstruct and propose the disposition of a high-resolution banded ancestral Carnivore karyotype (ACK). Three bi-armed chromosomes consistently found among Caniformia species are represented as 6 homologous acrocentric chromosomes among Feliformia species of Carnivora. However, reexamination of the most basal of Feliformia species, the African palm civet Nandinia, revealed the presence of the 3 heretofore Caniformia bi-armed chromosomes. Because these 3 bi-armed chromosomes are found in both Caniformia and Feliformia lineages, they are presumed ancestral for all Carnivora, suggesting that the ACK chromosome number would be 38, rather than the previously supposed 42. Banded chromosomes of the ACK are used to evaluate the consistency between recently determined molecular phylogenetic relationships and postulated cytogenetic dynamics in the same Carnivore species.
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The Ancestral Carnivore Karyotype (2n 5 38) Lives Today in Ringtails
2008Co-Authors: William G. Nash, Joan C. Menninger, Hesed Padilla-nash, Gary Stone, Polina L PerelmanAbstract:Chromosome painting was used to investigate the conservation of high-resolution longitudinal 4#,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI)/G bands in Carnivore chromosomes. Cat (Felis catus) and raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) painting probes were hybridized to the ringtail (Bassaricus astutus), dwarf mongoose (Helogale parvula), and Malagasy civet (Fossa fossa) to identify homologous chromosome elements. The patterns of chromosome segment homology among Carnivore species allowed us to reconstruct and propose the disposition of a high-resolution banded ancestral Carnivore karyotype (ACK). Three bi-armed chromosomes consistently found among Caniformia species are represented as 6 homologous acrocentric chromosomes among Feliformia species of Carnivora. However, reexamination of the most basal of Feliformia species, the African palm civet Nandinia, revealed the presence of the 3 heretofore Caniformia bi-armed chromosomes. Because these 3 bi-armed chromosomes are found in both Caniformia and Feliformia lineages, they are presumed ancestral for all Carnivora, suggesting that the ACK chromosome number would be 38, rather than the previously supposed 42. Banded chromosomes of the ACK are used to evaluate the consistency between recently determined molecular phylogenetic relationships and postulated cytogenetic dynamics in the same Carnivore species
Woo Young Bang - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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comparison of Carnivore omnivore and herbivore mammalian genomes with a new leopard assembly
Genome Biology, 2016Co-Authors: S C Kim, Oksung Chung, Sungwoong Jho, Yun Sung Cho, Hak Min Kim, Hong Seomun, Jeongho Kim, Hyunho Kim, Woo Young BangAbstract:There are three main dietary groups in mammals: Carnivores, omnivores, and herbivores. Currently, there is limited comparative genomics insight into the evolution of dietary specializations in mammals. Due to recent advances in sequencing technologies, we were able to perform in-depth whole genome analyses of representatives of these three dietary groups. We investigated the evolution of carnivory by comparing 18 representative genomes from across Mammalia with carnivorous, omnivorous, and herbivorous dietary specializations, focusing on Felidae (domestic cat, tiger, lion, cheetah, and leopard), Hominidae, and Bovidae genomes. We generated a new high-quality leopard genome assembly, as well as two wild Amur leopard whole genomes. In addition to a clear contraction in gene families for starch and sucrose metabolism, the Carnivore genomes showed evidence of shared evolutionary adaptations in genes associated with diet, muscle strength, agility, and other traits responsible for successful hunting and meat consumption. Additionally, an analysis of highly conserved regions at the family level revealed molecular signatures of dietary adaptation in each of Felidae, Hominidae, and Bovidae. However, unlike Carnivores, omnivores and herbivores showed fewer shared adaptive signatures, indicating that Carnivores are under strong selective pressure related to diet. Finally, felids showed recent reductions in genetic diversity associated with decreased population sizes, which may be due to the inflexible nature of their strict diet, highlighting their vulnerability and critical conservation status. Our study provides a large-scale family level comparative genomic analysis to address genomic changes associated with dietary specialization. Our genomic analyses also provide useful resources for diet-related genetic and health research.
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Comparison of Carnivore, omnivore, and herbivore mammalian genomes with a new leopard assembly
Genome Biology, 2016Co-Authors: Soonok Kim, Oksung Chung, Sungwoong Jho, Yun Sung Cho, Hak Min Kim, Woo Young Bang, Hong Seomun, Jeongho Kim, Hyunho Kim, Changmu KimAbstract:Background: There are three main dietary groups in mammals: Carnivores, omnivores, and herbivores. Currently, there is limited comparative genomics insight into the evolution of dietary specializations in mammals. Due to recent advances in sequencing technologies, we were able to perform in-depth whole genome analyses of representatives of these three dietary groups. Results: We investigated the evolution of carnivory by comparing 18 representative genomes from across Mammalia with carnivorous, omnivorous, and herbivorous dietary specializations, focusing on Felidae (domestic cat, tiger, lion, cheetah, and leopard), Hominidae, and Bovidae genomes. We generated a new high-quality leopard genome assembly, as well as two wild Amur leopard whole genomes. In addition to a clear contraction in gene families for starch and sucrose metabolism, the Carnivore genomes showed evidence of shared evolutionary adaptations in genes associated with diet, muscle strength, agility, and other traits responsible for successful hunting and meat consumption. Additionally, an analysis of highly conserved regions at the family level revealed molecular signatures of dietary adaptation in each of Felidae, Hominidae, and Bovidae. However, unlike Carnivores, omnivores and herbivores showed fewer shared adaptive signatures, indicating that Carnivores are under strong selective pressure related to diet. Finally, felids showed recent reductions in genetic diversity associated with decreased population sizes, which may be due to the inflexible nature of their strict diet, highlighting their vulnerability and critical conservation status. Conclusions: Our study provides a large-scale family level comparative genomic analysis to address genomic changes associated with dietary specialization. Our genomic analyses also provide useful resources for diet-related genetic and health research.
Yun Sung Cho - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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comparison of Carnivore omnivore and herbivore mammalian genomes with a new leopard assembly
Genome Biology, 2016Co-Authors: S C Kim, Oksung Chung, Sungwoong Jho, Yun Sung Cho, Hak Min Kim, Hong Seomun, Jeongho Kim, Hyunho Kim, Woo Young BangAbstract:There are three main dietary groups in mammals: Carnivores, omnivores, and herbivores. Currently, there is limited comparative genomics insight into the evolution of dietary specializations in mammals. Due to recent advances in sequencing technologies, we were able to perform in-depth whole genome analyses of representatives of these three dietary groups. We investigated the evolution of carnivory by comparing 18 representative genomes from across Mammalia with carnivorous, omnivorous, and herbivorous dietary specializations, focusing on Felidae (domestic cat, tiger, lion, cheetah, and leopard), Hominidae, and Bovidae genomes. We generated a new high-quality leopard genome assembly, as well as two wild Amur leopard whole genomes. In addition to a clear contraction in gene families for starch and sucrose metabolism, the Carnivore genomes showed evidence of shared evolutionary adaptations in genes associated with diet, muscle strength, agility, and other traits responsible for successful hunting and meat consumption. Additionally, an analysis of highly conserved regions at the family level revealed molecular signatures of dietary adaptation in each of Felidae, Hominidae, and Bovidae. However, unlike Carnivores, omnivores and herbivores showed fewer shared adaptive signatures, indicating that Carnivores are under strong selective pressure related to diet. Finally, felids showed recent reductions in genetic diversity associated with decreased population sizes, which may be due to the inflexible nature of their strict diet, highlighting their vulnerability and critical conservation status. Our study provides a large-scale family level comparative genomic analysis to address genomic changes associated with dietary specialization. Our genomic analyses also provide useful resources for diet-related genetic and health research.
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Comparison of Carnivore, omnivore, and herbivore mammalian genomes with a new leopard assembly
Genome Biology, 2016Co-Authors: Soonok Kim, Oksung Chung, Sungwoong Jho, Yun Sung Cho, Hak Min Kim, Woo Young Bang, Hong Seomun, Jeongho Kim, Hyunho Kim, Changmu KimAbstract:Background: There are three main dietary groups in mammals: Carnivores, omnivores, and herbivores. Currently, there is limited comparative genomics insight into the evolution of dietary specializations in mammals. Due to recent advances in sequencing technologies, we were able to perform in-depth whole genome analyses of representatives of these three dietary groups. Results: We investigated the evolution of carnivory by comparing 18 representative genomes from across Mammalia with carnivorous, omnivorous, and herbivorous dietary specializations, focusing on Felidae (domestic cat, tiger, lion, cheetah, and leopard), Hominidae, and Bovidae genomes. We generated a new high-quality leopard genome assembly, as well as two wild Amur leopard whole genomes. In addition to a clear contraction in gene families for starch and sucrose metabolism, the Carnivore genomes showed evidence of shared evolutionary adaptations in genes associated with diet, muscle strength, agility, and other traits responsible for successful hunting and meat consumption. Additionally, an analysis of highly conserved regions at the family level revealed molecular signatures of dietary adaptation in each of Felidae, Hominidae, and Bovidae. However, unlike Carnivores, omnivores and herbivores showed fewer shared adaptive signatures, indicating that Carnivores are under strong selective pressure related to diet. Finally, felids showed recent reductions in genetic diversity associated with decreased population sizes, which may be due to the inflexible nature of their strict diet, highlighting their vulnerability and critical conservation status. Conclusions: Our study provides a large-scale family level comparative genomic analysis to address genomic changes associated with dietary specialization. Our genomic analyses also provide useful resources for diet-related genetic and health research.