The Experts below are selected from a list of 306 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Colin A. Chapman - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Group Size Dynamics over 15+ Years in an African Forest Primate Community
Biotropica, 2014Co-Authors: Jan F. Gogarten, Aerin L. Jacob, Ria R. Ghai, Jessica M. Rothman, Dennis Twinomugisha, Michael D. Wasserman, Colin A. ChapmanAbstract:Group size affects many aspects of the ecology and social organization of animals. We investigated group size stability for five primate species in Kibale National Park, Uganda from 1996 to 2011 at three nested spatial scales. Survey data indicated that group sizes did not change for most species, with the exception of red Colobus monkeys (ProColobus rufomitratus), in which group size increased at all spatial scales. Mangabey (Lophocebus albigena) group size increased in old-growth forest, but the sample size and increase were small. To augment this survey data, we collected several years of demographic data on three habituated groups of redtail monkeys (Cercopithecus ascanius), eight groups of black-and-white Colobus (Colobus guereza), and one red Colobus group. The red Colobus group increased from 59 to 104 individuals, while redtail monkey and black-and-white Colobus group sizes were stable, mirroring our survey results. To understand mechanisms behind group size changes in red Colobus versus stability in other primates, we monitored forest dynamics at two spatial scales between 1990 and 2013, considered changes in predator population, and explored evidence of disease dynamics. The cumulative size of all trees and red Colobus food trees increased over 24 yr, suggesting that changing food availability was driving group size changes for red Colobus, while predation and disease played lesser roles. Overall, our results and evidence of changing primate densities suggest that the Kibale primate community is in a non-equilibrium state. We suggest future conservation and management efforts take this into consideration.
-
fecal microbiomes of non human primates in western uganda reveal species specific communities largely resistant to habitat perturbation
American Journal of Primatology, 2014Co-Authors: Aleia I Mccord, Colin A. Chapman, David Hyeroba, Alex Tumukunde, Geoffrey Weny, Kelly Klotz, Avery S Koblings, David N M Mbora, Melissa A CreggerAbstract:Primate gastrointestinal microbial communities are becoming increasingly appreciated for their relevance to comparative medicine and conservation, but the factors that structure primate “microbiomes” remain controversial. This study examined a community of primates in Kibale National Park, Uganda, to assess the relative importance of host species and location in structuring gastrointestinal microbiomes. Fecal samples were collected from primates in intact forest and from primates in highly disturbed forest fragments. People and livestock living nearby were also included, as was a geographically distant population of related red Colobus in Kenya. A culture-free microbial community fingerprinting technique was used to analyze fecal microbiomes from 124 individual red Colobus (ProColobus rufomitratus), 100 individual black-and-white Colobus (Colobus guereza), 111 individual red-tailed guenons (Cercopithecus ascanius), 578 human volunteers, and 364 domestic animals, including cattle (Bos indicus and B. indicus × B. taurus crosses), goats (Caprus hircus), sheep (Ovis aries), and pigs (Sus scrofa). Microbiomes sorted strongly by host species, and forest fragmentation did not alter this pattern. Microbiomes of Kenyan red Colobus sorted distinctly from microbiomes of Ugandan red Colobus, but microbiomes from these two red Colobus populations clustered more closely with each other than with any other species. Microbiomes from red Colobus and black-and-white Colobus were more differentiated than would be predicted by the phylogenetic relatedness of these two species, perhaps reflecting heretofore underappreciated differences in digestive physiology between the species. Within Kibale, social group membership influenced intra-specific variation among microbiomes. However, intra-specific variation was higher among primates in forest fragments than among primates in intact forest, perhaps reflecting the physical separation of fragments. These results suggest that, in this system, species-specific processes such as gastrointestinal physiology strongly structure microbial communities, and that primate microbiomes are relatively resistant to perturbation, even across large geographic distances or in the face of habitat disturbance.
-
RESEARCH ARTICLE Fecal Microbiomes of Non-Human Primates in Western Uganda Reveal Species-Specific Communities Largely Resistant to Habitat Perturbation
2014Co-Authors: Aleia I Mccord, Colin A. Chapman, David Hyeroba, Alex Tumukunde, Geoffrey Weny, Kelly Klotz, Avery S Koblings, Melissa A Cregger, Bryan A. White, Steven R. LeighAbstract:Primate gastrointestinal microbial communities are becoming increasingly appreciated for their relevance to comparative medicine and conservation, but the factors that structure primate “microbiomes” remain controversial. This study examined a community of primates in Kibale National Park, Uganda, to assess the relative importance of host species and location in structuring gastrointestinal microbiomes. Fecal samples were collected from primates in intact forest and from primates in highly disturbed forest fragments. People and livestock living nearby were also included, as was a geographically distant population of related red Colobus in Kenya. A culture‐free microbial community fingerprinting technique was used to analyze fecal microbiomes from 124 individual red Colobus (ProColobus rufomitratus), 100 individual black‐and‐white Colobus (Colobus guereza), 111 individual red‐tailed guenons (Cercopithecus ascanius), 578 human volunteers, and 364 domestic
-
Fecal microbiomes of non‐human primates in Western Uganda reveal species‐specific communities largely resistant to habitat perturbation
American journal of primatology, 2013Co-Authors: Aleia I Mccord, Colin A. Chapman, David Hyeroba, Alex Tumukunde, Geoffrey Weny, Kelly Klotz, Avery S Koblings, David N M Mbora, Melissa A Cregger, Bryan A. WhiteAbstract:Primate gastrointestinal microbial communities are becoming increasingly appreciated for their relevance to comparative medicine and conservation, but the factors that structure primate “microbiomes” remain controversial. This study examined a community of primates in Kibale National Park, Uganda, to assess the relative importance of host species and location in structuring gastrointestinal microbiomes. Fecal samples were collected from primates in intact forest and from primates in highly disturbed forest fragments. People and livestock living nearby were also included, as was a geographically distant population of related red Colobus in Kenya. A culture-free microbial community fingerprinting technique was used to analyze fecal microbiomes from 124 individual red Colobus (ProColobus rufomitratus), 100 individual black-and-white Colobus (Colobus guereza), 111 individual red-tailed guenons (Cercopithecus ascanius), 578 human volunteers, and 364 domestic animals, including cattle (Bos indicus and B. indicus × B. taurus crosses), goats (Caprus hircus), sheep (Ovis aries), and pigs (Sus scrofa). Microbiomes sorted strongly by host species, and forest fragmentation did not alter this pattern. Microbiomes of Kenyan red Colobus sorted distinctly from microbiomes of Ugandan red Colobus, but microbiomes from these two red Colobus populations clustered more closely with each other than with any other species. Microbiomes from red Colobus and black-and-white Colobus were more differentiated than would be predicted by the phylogenetic relatedness of these two species, perhaps reflecting heretofore underappreciated differences in digestive physiology between the species. Within Kibale, social group membership influenced intra-specific variation among microbiomes. However, intra-specific variation was higher among primates in forest fragments than among primates in intact forest, perhaps reflecting the physical separation of fragments. These results suggest that, in this system, species-specific processes such as gastrointestinal physiology strongly structure microbial communities, and that primate microbiomes are relatively resistant to perturbation, even across large geographic distances or in the face of habitat disturbance.
-
Coinfection of Ugandan Red Colobus (ProColobus [PilioColobus] rufomitratus tephrosceles) with Novel, Divergent Delta-, Lenti-, and Spumaretroviruses
Journal of virology, 2009Co-Authors: Tony L. Goldberg, Colin A. Chapman, Innocent B. Rwego, David Sintasath, Kenneth Cameron, William B. Karesh, Shaohua Tang, Nathan D. Wolfe, Nelson Ting, William M. SwitzerAbstract:Nonhuman primates host a plethora of potentially zoonotic microbes, with simian retroviruses receiving heightened attention due to their roles in the origins of human immunodeficiency viruses type 1 (HIV-1) and HIV-2. However, incomplete taxonomic and geographic sampling of potential hosts, especially the African colobines, has left the full range of primate retrovirus diversity unexplored. Blood samples collected from 31 wild-living red Colobus monkeys (ProColobus [PilioColobus] rufomitratus tephrosceles) from Kibale National Park, Uganda, were tested for antibodies to simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), simian T-cell lymphotrophic virus (STLV), and simian foamy virus (SFV) and for nucleic acids of these same viruses using genus-specific PCRs. Of 31 red Colobus tested, 22.6% were seroreactive to SIV, 6.4% were seroreactive to STLV, and 97% were seroreactive to SFV. Phylogenetic analyses of SIV polymerase (pol), STLV tax and long terminal repeat (LTR), and SFV pol and LTR sequences revealed unique SIV and SFV strains and a novel STLV lineage, each divergent from corresponding retroviral lineages previously described in Western red Colobus (ProColobus badius badius) or black-and-white Colobus (Colobus guereza). Phylogenetic analyses of host mitochondrial DNA sequences revealed that red Colobus populations in East and West Africa diverged from one another approximately 4.25 million years ago. These results indicate that geographic subdivisions within the red Colobus taxonomic complex exert a strong influence on retroviral phylogeny and that studying retroviral diversity in closely related primate taxa should be particularly informative for understanding host-virus coevolution.
Thomas T. Struhsaker - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Conservation of Red Colobus and Their Habitats
International Journal of Primatology, 2005Co-Authors: Thomas T. StruhsakerAbstract:A review of the conservation status of red Colobus indicates that ≥38.9% of the taxa are threatened with extinction in the near future. Although no taxon of red Colobus appears to have gone extinct, many of their populations have. The major threats are hunting and habitat loss and degradation, but in some cases intrinsic biotic factors, such as predator-prey imbalance, are leading to serious declines in populations. I propose a general framework for evaluating conservation problems and possible solutions, with an emphasis on distinguishing between proximate and ultimate variables and the time scales involved. In general, most viable populations of red Colobus occur in well-protected forests; usually national parks. I proffer recommendations to improve the conservation status of the parks, which will benefit red Colobus and most other tropical forest species.
-
Colobus monkeys and coconuts a study of perceived human wildlife conflicts
Journal of Applied Ecology, 1999Co-Authors: Kirstin S. Siex, Thomas T. StruhsakerAbstract:Summary 1. Approximately half of the remaining Zanzibar red Colobus ProColobus kirkii, one of Africa's most endangered primates, reside permanently outside protected areas, many within agricultural areas. Consequently, conservation of this endangered species is strongly dependent on the development of effective management plans that address the potential human–wildlife conflicts in these agricultural areas. 2. There are a growing number of complaints about red Colobus consumption of coconuts in the agricultural areas and requests by local farmers for compensation and/or removal of the Colobus. Prior to taking actions that would hinder the conservation of this highly endangered species, it is necessary to quantify and compare the actual impact of the Colobus on coconut harvest with that perceived by the farmers. 3. In this study we monitored five experimental and two control plots to quantify the potential impact of red Colobus on coconut crops and to assess the ecological variables that may influence this impact. 4. We found that red Colobus consumption of coconuts was highest in areas of high red Colobus density and low availability of alternative red Colobus food resources. Despite these correlations, red Colobus feeding on immature coconuts did not appear to limit coconut harvest. On the contrary, red Colobus consumption of coconuts was found to be positively correlated with harvest. This correlation is probably due to a pruning effect. 5. Based upon our findings that red Colobus are having no significant negative impact on coconut harvest and are actually a source of tourist revenue to the region, we recommend no action be taken to remove Colobus from the agricultural areas. 6. This study illustrates the importance of scientific documentation of perceived human–wildlife conflicts.
-
Ecology of the Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkey: Demographic Variability and Habitat Stability
International Journal of Primatology, 1999Co-Authors: Kirstin S. Siex, Thomas T. StruhsakerAbstract:We examined the Zanzibar red Colobus' ( ProColobus kirkii ) social structure and population dynamics in relation to the density, diversity and dispersion of food resources in ground-water forest and agricultural land, which we characterized in terms of red Colobus food species density, diversity, basal area and dispersion. We used transect sampling and group follows to describe population dynamics and social systems. Two agricultural areas, SJF Shamba and Pete Village, had higher densities and more uniformly dispersed red Colobus food tree species than those of the ground-water forest. Red Colobus at these two sites had greater population densities and natality, and smaller home ranges than red Colobus in the ground-water forest. However, these findings apply to a very small area of agricultural land (approximately 18 ha) that is contiguous with an area of the forest reserve having a high density of red Colobus. It is not representative of agricultural areas elsewhere on Zanzibar which support much lower densities or no red Colobus. Although agricultural areas contiguous with the forest reserve had high densities of red Colobus, they appear to be very unstable. Within the agricultural areas, we observed higher intergroup variation in group size and composition, study groups that decreased dramatically in size and disappeared from the study site, significantly lower levels of juvenile recruitment, and red Colobus food trees that exhibited definite signs of overbrowsing. This apparent instability in the subpopulation of red Colobus utilizing agricultural systems probably reflects the lower basal area of food trees and the greater fragmentation of suitable habitat and floristic dynamics due to human activities in these areas. A fusion-fission social system occurred only in the ground-water forest subpopulation, which we hypothesize to be due to highly clumped food resources.
-
Colobus monkeys and coconuts: a study of perceived human–wildlife conflicts
Journal of Applied Ecology, 1999Co-Authors: Kirstin S. Siex, Thomas T. StruhsakerAbstract:Summary 1. Approximately half of the remaining Zanzibar red Colobus ProColobus kirkii, one of Africa's most endangered primates, reside permanently outside protected areas, many within agricultural areas. Consequently, conservation of this endangered species is strongly dependent on the development of effective management plans that address the potential human–wildlife conflicts in these agricultural areas. 2. There are a growing number of complaints about red Colobus consumption of coconuts in the agricultural areas and requests by local farmers for compensation and/or removal of the Colobus. Prior to taking actions that would hinder the conservation of this highly endangered species, it is necessary to quantify and compare the actual impact of the Colobus on coconut harvest with that perceived by the farmers. 3. In this study we monitored five experimental and two control plots to quantify the potential impact of red Colobus on coconut crops and to assess the ecological variables that may influence this impact. 4. We found that red Colobus consumption of coconuts was highest in areas of high red Colobus density and low availability of alternative red Colobus food resources. Despite these correlations, red Colobus feeding on immature coconuts did not appear to limit coconut harvest. On the contrary, red Colobus consumption of coconuts was found to be positively correlated with harvest. This correlation is probably due to a pruning effect. 5. Based upon our findings that red Colobus are having no significant negative impact on coconut harvest and are actually a source of tourist revenue to the region, we recommend no action be taken to remove Colobus from the agricultural areas. 6. This study illustrates the importance of scientific documentation of perceived human–wildlife conflicts.
-
Mating System and Reproductive Success: a Comparison of Two African Forest Monkeys (Colobus Badius and Cercopithecus Ascanius)
Behaviour, 1991Co-Authors: Thomas T. Struhsaker, Theresa R. PopeAbstract:Reproductive success was compared between two species of rainforest monkeys. The folivorous red Colobus lived in patrilineal, multi-male groups, whereas the omnivorous, redtail had matrilineal groups usually with only one adult male, but occasionally experiencing temporary multi-male influxes. Maternal investment by red Colobus in offspring was demonstrated in two ways. Offspring survival was positively correlated with interbirth interval even when cases of neonatal mortality were excluded. Among male red Colobus surviving to at least 24 months, the interbirth interval following their birth was positively correlated with the age at which they disappeared or became breeders. Female red Colobus appear to invest more in sons than daughters. Among the primate species examined, females invested more in their sons and daughters depending upon variables such as intersexual differences in variance in reproductive success, the dispersing sex, and maternal dominance rank as it influenced the offspring's reproductive success. Lifetime reproductive success (LRS) of female red Colobus was influenced most by offspring survivorship and less so by birth rate. In contrast, LRS of male red Colobus was largely a function of reproductive rate and lifespan, with offspring survivorship playing a much smaller role. Variance in LRS was higher in males than females. This difference was much more pronounced in the one-male groups of redtails than the multi-male groups of red Colobus. The coefficient of variation in male reproductive success in these two species was similar to that in other polygynous mammals, except elephant seals. Although offspring mortality and estimated reproductive lifespan were nearly identical for males of the two species, the harem breeding system and highly skewed adult sex ratio lead to greater, more variable LRS in redtail males. Male red Colobus within groups produced about 20% more offspring per year than male redtails, but the large proportion of red Colobus males with zero breeding success reduced mean LRS to 40% less than redtails. While annual fecundity among adult females of both species was similar, variance in annual fecundity among female redtails was over five times greater than in female red Colobus. This, accompanied by a longer reproductive lifespan in red Colobus females, lead to a higher LRS in female red Colobus and a lower coefficient of variation than in female redtails. Although females are the primary dispersers in red Colobus, they did not have a greater coefficient of variation in LRS than in species where females rarely disperse. This is because female red Colobus were readilty accepted into new groups and their intergroup transfer was relatively rapid with little time, if any, spent as a solitary. In both red Colobus and redtails adult males contributed, on average, more offspring to the succeeding generation than adult females, as in other polygynous mammals. This is because fewer males survived to adulthood, but once they reached adulthood, their estimated reproductive lifespans were similar to females.
Melissa A Cregger - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
fecal microbiomes of non human primates in western uganda reveal species specific communities largely resistant to habitat perturbation
American Journal of Primatology, 2014Co-Authors: Aleia I Mccord, Colin A. Chapman, David Hyeroba, Alex Tumukunde, Geoffrey Weny, Kelly Klotz, Avery S Koblings, David N M Mbora, Melissa A CreggerAbstract:Primate gastrointestinal microbial communities are becoming increasingly appreciated for their relevance to comparative medicine and conservation, but the factors that structure primate “microbiomes” remain controversial. This study examined a community of primates in Kibale National Park, Uganda, to assess the relative importance of host species and location in structuring gastrointestinal microbiomes. Fecal samples were collected from primates in intact forest and from primates in highly disturbed forest fragments. People and livestock living nearby were also included, as was a geographically distant population of related red Colobus in Kenya. A culture-free microbial community fingerprinting technique was used to analyze fecal microbiomes from 124 individual red Colobus (ProColobus rufomitratus), 100 individual black-and-white Colobus (Colobus guereza), 111 individual red-tailed guenons (Cercopithecus ascanius), 578 human volunteers, and 364 domestic animals, including cattle (Bos indicus and B. indicus × B. taurus crosses), goats (Caprus hircus), sheep (Ovis aries), and pigs (Sus scrofa). Microbiomes sorted strongly by host species, and forest fragmentation did not alter this pattern. Microbiomes of Kenyan red Colobus sorted distinctly from microbiomes of Ugandan red Colobus, but microbiomes from these two red Colobus populations clustered more closely with each other than with any other species. Microbiomes from red Colobus and black-and-white Colobus were more differentiated than would be predicted by the phylogenetic relatedness of these two species, perhaps reflecting heretofore underappreciated differences in digestive physiology between the species. Within Kibale, social group membership influenced intra-specific variation among microbiomes. However, intra-specific variation was higher among primates in forest fragments than among primates in intact forest, perhaps reflecting the physical separation of fragments. These results suggest that, in this system, species-specific processes such as gastrointestinal physiology strongly structure microbial communities, and that primate microbiomes are relatively resistant to perturbation, even across large geographic distances or in the face of habitat disturbance.
-
RESEARCH ARTICLE Fecal Microbiomes of Non-Human Primates in Western Uganda Reveal Species-Specific Communities Largely Resistant to Habitat Perturbation
2014Co-Authors: Aleia I Mccord, Colin A. Chapman, David Hyeroba, Alex Tumukunde, Geoffrey Weny, Kelly Klotz, Avery S Koblings, Melissa A Cregger, Bryan A. White, Steven R. LeighAbstract:Primate gastrointestinal microbial communities are becoming increasingly appreciated for their relevance to comparative medicine and conservation, but the factors that structure primate “microbiomes” remain controversial. This study examined a community of primates in Kibale National Park, Uganda, to assess the relative importance of host species and location in structuring gastrointestinal microbiomes. Fecal samples were collected from primates in intact forest and from primates in highly disturbed forest fragments. People and livestock living nearby were also included, as was a geographically distant population of related red Colobus in Kenya. A culture‐free microbial community fingerprinting technique was used to analyze fecal microbiomes from 124 individual red Colobus (ProColobus rufomitratus), 100 individual black‐and‐white Colobus (Colobus guereza), 111 individual red‐tailed guenons (Cercopithecus ascanius), 578 human volunteers, and 364 domestic
-
Fecal microbiomes of non‐human primates in Western Uganda reveal species‐specific communities largely resistant to habitat perturbation
American journal of primatology, 2013Co-Authors: Aleia I Mccord, Colin A. Chapman, David Hyeroba, Alex Tumukunde, Geoffrey Weny, Kelly Klotz, Avery S Koblings, David N M Mbora, Melissa A Cregger, Bryan A. WhiteAbstract:Primate gastrointestinal microbial communities are becoming increasingly appreciated for their relevance to comparative medicine and conservation, but the factors that structure primate “microbiomes” remain controversial. This study examined a community of primates in Kibale National Park, Uganda, to assess the relative importance of host species and location in structuring gastrointestinal microbiomes. Fecal samples were collected from primates in intact forest and from primates in highly disturbed forest fragments. People and livestock living nearby were also included, as was a geographically distant population of related red Colobus in Kenya. A culture-free microbial community fingerprinting technique was used to analyze fecal microbiomes from 124 individual red Colobus (ProColobus rufomitratus), 100 individual black-and-white Colobus (Colobus guereza), 111 individual red-tailed guenons (Cercopithecus ascanius), 578 human volunteers, and 364 domestic animals, including cattle (Bos indicus and B. indicus × B. taurus crosses), goats (Caprus hircus), sheep (Ovis aries), and pigs (Sus scrofa). Microbiomes sorted strongly by host species, and forest fragmentation did not alter this pattern. Microbiomes of Kenyan red Colobus sorted distinctly from microbiomes of Ugandan red Colobus, but microbiomes from these two red Colobus populations clustered more closely with each other than with any other species. Microbiomes from red Colobus and black-and-white Colobus were more differentiated than would be predicted by the phylogenetic relatedness of these two species, perhaps reflecting heretofore underappreciated differences in digestive physiology between the species. Within Kibale, social group membership influenced intra-specific variation among microbiomes. However, intra-specific variation was higher among primates in forest fragments than among primates in intact forest, perhaps reflecting the physical separation of fragments. These results suggest that, in this system, species-specific processes such as gastrointestinal physiology strongly structure microbial communities, and that primate microbiomes are relatively resistant to perturbation, even across large geographic distances or in the face of habitat disturbance.
Bryan A. White - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
RESEARCH ARTICLE Fecal Microbiomes of Non-Human Primates in Western Uganda Reveal Species-Specific Communities Largely Resistant to Habitat Perturbation
2014Co-Authors: Aleia I Mccord, Colin A. Chapman, David Hyeroba, Alex Tumukunde, Geoffrey Weny, Kelly Klotz, Avery S Koblings, Melissa A Cregger, Bryan A. White, Steven R. LeighAbstract:Primate gastrointestinal microbial communities are becoming increasingly appreciated for their relevance to comparative medicine and conservation, but the factors that structure primate “microbiomes” remain controversial. This study examined a community of primates in Kibale National Park, Uganda, to assess the relative importance of host species and location in structuring gastrointestinal microbiomes. Fecal samples were collected from primates in intact forest and from primates in highly disturbed forest fragments. People and livestock living nearby were also included, as was a geographically distant population of related red Colobus in Kenya. A culture‐free microbial community fingerprinting technique was used to analyze fecal microbiomes from 124 individual red Colobus (ProColobus rufomitratus), 100 individual black‐and‐white Colobus (Colobus guereza), 111 individual red‐tailed guenons (Cercopithecus ascanius), 578 human volunteers, and 364 domestic
-
Fecal microbiomes of non‐human primates in Western Uganda reveal species‐specific communities largely resistant to habitat perturbation
American journal of primatology, 2013Co-Authors: Aleia I Mccord, Colin A. Chapman, David Hyeroba, Alex Tumukunde, Geoffrey Weny, Kelly Klotz, Avery S Koblings, David N M Mbora, Melissa A Cregger, Bryan A. WhiteAbstract:Primate gastrointestinal microbial communities are becoming increasingly appreciated for their relevance to comparative medicine and conservation, but the factors that structure primate “microbiomes” remain controversial. This study examined a community of primates in Kibale National Park, Uganda, to assess the relative importance of host species and location in structuring gastrointestinal microbiomes. Fecal samples were collected from primates in intact forest and from primates in highly disturbed forest fragments. People and livestock living nearby were also included, as was a geographically distant population of related red Colobus in Kenya. A culture-free microbial community fingerprinting technique was used to analyze fecal microbiomes from 124 individual red Colobus (ProColobus rufomitratus), 100 individual black-and-white Colobus (Colobus guereza), 111 individual red-tailed guenons (Cercopithecus ascanius), 578 human volunteers, and 364 domestic animals, including cattle (Bos indicus and B. indicus × B. taurus crosses), goats (Caprus hircus), sheep (Ovis aries), and pigs (Sus scrofa). Microbiomes sorted strongly by host species, and forest fragmentation did not alter this pattern. Microbiomes of Kenyan red Colobus sorted distinctly from microbiomes of Ugandan red Colobus, but microbiomes from these two red Colobus populations clustered more closely with each other than with any other species. Microbiomes from red Colobus and black-and-white Colobus were more differentiated than would be predicted by the phylogenetic relatedness of these two species, perhaps reflecting heretofore underappreciated differences in digestive physiology between the species. Within Kibale, social group membership influenced intra-specific variation among microbiomes. However, intra-specific variation was higher among primates in forest fragments than among primates in intact forest, perhaps reflecting the physical separation of fragments. These results suggest that, in this system, species-specific processes such as gastrointestinal physiology strongly structure microbial communities, and that primate microbiomes are relatively resistant to perturbation, even across large geographic distances or in the face of habitat disturbance.
-
characterization of the fecal microbiome from non human wild primates reveals species specific microbial communities
PLOS ONE, 2010Co-Authors: Suleyman Yildirim, Bryan A. White, Steven R. Leigh, Tony L. Goldberg, Carl J Yeoman, Maksim Sipos, Manolito Torralba, Brenda A Wilson, Rebecca M Stumpf, Karen E NelsonAbstract:Background: Host-associated microbes comprise an integral part of animal digestive systems and these interactions have a long evolutionary history. It has been hypothesized that the gastrointestinal microbiome of humans and other non-human primates may have played significant roles in host evolution by facilitating a range of dietary adaptations. We have undertaken a comparative sequencing survey of the gastrointestinal microbiomes of several non-human primate species, with the goal of better understanding how these microbiomes relate to the evolution of non-human primate diversity. Here we present a comparative analysis of gastrointestinal microbial communities from three different species of Old World wild monkeys. Methodology/Principal Findings: We analyzed fecal samples from three different wild non-human primate species (blackand-white Colobus [Colubus guereza], red Colobus [PilioColobus tephrosceles], and red-tailed guenon [Cercopithecus ascanius]). Three samples from each species were subjected to small subunit rRNA tag pyrosequencing. Firmicutes comprised the vast majority of the phyla in each sample. Other phyla represented were Bacterioidetes, Proteobacteria, Spirochaetes, Actinobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Lentisphaerae, Tenericutes, Planctomycetes, Fibrobacateres, and TM7. BrayCurtis similarity analysis of these microbiomes indicated that microbial community composition within the same primate species are more similar to each other than to those of different primate species. Comparison of fecal microbiota from nonhuman primates with microbiota of human stool samples obtained in previous studies revealed that the gut microbiota of these primates are distinct and reflect host phylogeny. Conclusion/Significance: Our analysis provides evidence that the fecal microbiomes of wild primates co-vary with their hosts, and that this is manifested in higher intraspecies similarity among wild primate species, perhaps reflecting species specificity of the microbiome in addition to dietary influences. These results contribute to the limited body of primate microbiome studies and provide a framework for comparative microbiome analysis between human and non-human primates as well as a comparative evolutionary understanding of the human microbiome. Citation: Yildirim S, Yeoman CJ, Sipos M, Torralba M, Wilson BA, et al. (2010) Characterization of the Fecal Microbiome from Non-Human Wild Primates Reveals
Thomas R. Gillespie - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
forest fragmentation the decline of an endangered primate and changes in host parasite interactions relative to an unfragmented forest
American Journal of Primatology, 2008Co-Authors: Thomas R. Gillespie, Colin A. ChapmanAbstract:Forest fragmentation may alter host–parasite interactions in ways that contribute to host population declines. We tested this prediction by examining parasite infections and the abundance of infective helminths in 20 forest fragments and in unfragmented forest in Kibale National Park, Uganda. Over 4 years, the endangered red Colobus (ProColobus rufomitratus) declined by 20% in fragments, whereas the black-and-white Colobus (Colobus guereza) in fragments and populations of both colobines in unfragmented forest remained relatively stable. Seven nematodes (Strongyloides fulleborni, Strongyloides stercoralis, Oesophagostomum sp., an unidentified strongyle, Trichuris sp., Ascaris sp., and Colobenterobius sp.), one cestode (Bertiella sp.), and three protozoans (Entamoeba coli, Entamoebahistolytica/dispar, and Giardia sp.) were detected. Infection prevalence and the magnitude of multiple infections were greater for red Colobus in fragmented than in unfragmented forest, but these parameters did not differ between forests for black-and-white Colobus. Infective-stage Colobus parasites occurred at higher densities in fragmented compared with unfragmented forest, demonstrating greater infection risk for fragmented populations. There was little evidence that the nature of the infection was related to the size of the fragment, the density of the host, or the nature of the infection in the other colobine, despite the fact that many of the parasites are considered generalists. This study suggests that forest fragmentation can alter host–parasite dynamics and demonstrates that such changes can correspond with changes in host population size in forest fragments. Am. J. Primatol. 70:222–230, 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
-
Morphology of Enterobius (Colobenterobius) Colobis Vuylstéke, 1964 (Nematoda: Oxyuridae: Enterobiinae) Collected from an Ashy Red Colobus, ProColobus rufomitratus tephrosceles (Elliot, 1907) (Primates: Cercopithecidae: Colobinae), in Uganda
The Journal of parasitology, 2008Co-Authors: Hideo Hasegawa, Ellis C. Greiner, Thomas R. GillespieAbstract:Enterobius (Colobenterobius) colobis Vuylsteke, 1964 (Nematoda: Oxyuridae) is redescribed based on males and females collected from an ashy red Colobus, ProColobus rufomitratus tephrosceles (Elliot, 1907) (Primates: Cercopithecidae: Colobinae), in Uganda. Two morphotypes are recognized among females, which are readily distinguished by tail length, termination level of lateral alae, and egg size. The relative position of cellular wall greatly varied in the ovijector, indicating its limited systematic value. The males possess a much shorter spicule than those in previous descriptions, suggesting the presence of polymorphism.
-
RESEARCH ARTICLE Forest Fragmentation, the Decline of an Endangered Primate, and Changes in Host-Parasite Interactions Relative to an Unfragmented Forest
2008Co-Authors: Thomas R. Gillespie, Colin A. ChapmanAbstract:Forest fragmentation may alter host–parasite interactions in ways that contribute to host population declines. We tested this prediction by examining parasite infections and the abundance of infective helminths in 20 forest fragments and in unfragmented forest in Kibale National Park, Uganda. Over 4 years, the endangered red Colobus (ProColobus rufomitratus) declined by 20% in fragments, whereas the black-and-white Colobus (Colobus guereza) in fragments and populations of both colobines in unfragmented forest remained relatively stable. Seven nematodes (Strongyloides fulleborni, Strongyloides stercoralis, Oesophagostomum sp., an unidentified strongyle, Trichuris sp., Ascaris sp., and Colobenterobius sp.), one cestode (Bertiella sp.), and three protozoans (Entamoeba coli, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, and Giardia sp.) were detected. Infection prevalence and the magnitude of multiple infections were greater for red Colobus in fragmented than in unfragmented forest, but these parameters did not differ between forests for black-and-white Colobus. Infective-stage Colobus parasites occurred at higher densities in fragmented compared with unfragmented forest, demonstrating greater infection risk for fragmented populations. There was little evidence that the nature of the infection was related to the size of the fragment, the density of the host, or the nature of the infection in the other colobine, despite the fact that many of the parasites are considered generalists. This study suggests that forest fragmentation can alter host–parasite dynamics and demonstrates that such changes can correspond with changes in host population size in forest fragments. Am. J. Primatol. 70:222–230, 2008. � c 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
-
Population Declines of Colobus in Western Uganda and Conservation Value of Forest Fragments
International Journal of Primatology, 2007Co-Authors: Colin A. Chapman, Michael D. Wasserman, Lisa Naughton-treves, Michael J. Lawes, Thomas R. GillespieAbstract:The processes of habitat loss and fragmentation are probably the most important threats to biodiversity. It is critical that we understand the conservation value of fragments, because they may represent opportunities to make important conservation gains, particularly for species whose ranges are not in a protected area. However, our ability to understand the value of fragments for primates is limited by the fact that researchers have conducted many studies in protected areas, which do not represent most fragments, and studies are typically short term. Here we determine the long-term survival probability of red ( ProColobus pennantii ) and black-and-white Colobus ( Colobus guereza ) inhabiting forest fragments outside of Kibale National Park, Uganda. Local communities use the fragments primarily for subsistence agriculture and fuelwood. We surveyed primate populations 3 times over 8 yr, made a total inventory of all trees 2 times, contrasted behavior of groups inhabiting 1 fragment with groups in the continuous forest, and judged the conservation value of the fragments by quantifying patterns of forest use by local people. Of the 20 fragments surveyed, 16 supported resident populations of Colobus in 1995, 2 were cleared in 2000, and an additional 2 fragments were cleared by 2003. In 1995 we counted 165 black-and-white Colobus, whereas in 2000 and 2003, we counted 119 and 75 individuals, respectively. Seven fragments supported red Colobus in 1995, 11 in 2000, and 9 in 2003. In 2000 we counted 159 red Colobus, while in 2003, we saw 145 individuals. For both species, activity patterns in continuous forest were similar to those in a fragment, with the exception that individuals in the fragment rested more. Colobus in the fragment ate more mature leaves than Colobus in the continuous forest did. Fragments supported all the fuelwood needs of an average of 32 people who lived immediately adjacent to them, and partially supported families up to 3 farms away ( ca. 400 m), representing 576 people. Intensive harvesting for fuelwood occurred when neighboring households engaged in beer brewing (an average of 9.6% of the households), gin distilling (8.8%), or charcoal production (14.5%). Overall, between 2000 and 2003, the average density of trees declined by 14 trees/ha (range = 0–60 trees/ha). If current rates of clearing continue, the probability that the fragments will continue to support Colobus populations is low.
-
Giardia sp. and Cryptosporidium sp. Infections in Primates in Fragmented and Undisturbed Forest in Western Uganda
The Journal of parasitology, 2007Co-Authors: Johanna S. Salzer, Innocent B. Rwego, Tony L. Goldberg, Mark S. Kuhlenschmidt, Thomas R. GillespieAbstract:In June 2005, we collected 115 fecal samples from wild primates in western Uganda and examined them for Cryptosporidium sp. and Giardia sp. with the use of immunofluorescent antibody (IFA) detection. We sampled primates from an undisturbed forest in Kibale National Park and from 3 highly disturbed forest fragments outside the park. Of disturbed forest samples, red Colobus (PiloColobus tephrosceles) and red-tailed guenons (Cercopithecus ascanius) harbored species of Cryptosporidium or Giardia, but black-and-white Colobus (Colobus guereza) did not. All primate samples from undisturbed forest were negative for both parasites. Seven of 35 (20%) red Colobus and 1 of 20 red-tailed guenons (5%) from forest fragments were infected with either Cryptosporidium sp. or Giardia sp. The presence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia species in primates living in forest fragments, but not in primates in undisturbed forest, suggests that habitat disturbance may play a role in transmission or persistence of these pathogens.