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Michael F Antolin - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Duration of Plague (Yersinia pestis) Outbreaks in Black-Tailed Prairie Dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) Colonies of Northern Colorado
EcoHealth, 2013Co-Authors: Krista St. Romain, Daniel W. Tripp, Daniel J. Salkeld, Michael F AntolinAbstract:Plague, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis , triggers die-offs in colonies of black-tailed prairie dogs ( Cynomys ludovicianus ), but the time-frame of plague activity is not well understood. We document plague activity in fleas from prairie dogs and their burrows on three prairie dog colonies that suffered die-offs. We demonstrate that Y. pestis transmission occurs over periods from several months to over a year in prairie dog populations before observed die-offs.
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climate soils and connectivity predict plague epizootics in black tailed prairie dogs Cynomys ludovicianus
Ecological Applications, 2011Co-Authors: Lisa T Savage, Robin M Reich, Laurel M Hartley, Paul Stapp, Michael F AntolinAbstract:Outbreaks of plague in wildlife are sporadic and spatially dispersed, and they depend on coincidence of susceptible hosts, flea vectors, the plague bacterium (Yersinia pestis), and environmental factors that support pathogen transmission. We fit spatial models of plague outbreaks to a long-term data set (1981–2005) of towns of black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) on the shortgrass steppe of northeastern Colorado. We investigated the effects of spatial distribution (town area and connectivity to other prairie dog towns), climate (spring and summer precipitation and temperature), and soil moisture-holding capacity. In logistic regression models, plague epizootics were predicted by connectivity to other towns experiencing plague during periods with relatively low temperatures, in soils with high moisture-holding capacity. After accounting for connectivity between prairie dog towns and current-year climatic conditions, little additional spatial or temporal autocorrelation was detected. Spatial log...
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forage preferences in two species of prairie dog Cynomys parvidens and cynomus ludovicianus implications for hibernation and facultative heterothermy
Journal of Zoology, 2006Co-Authors: Dean E Biggins, Erin M Lehmer, Michael F AntolinAbstract:Several laboratory studies have shown that the ingestion of dietary linoleic (18:2 ω6) acid before winter can promote deep and continuous torpor, whereas excess consumption of α-linolenic acid (18:3 ω3) can interfere with an animal's ability to reach and maintain low body temperatures during torpor. As mammalian heterotherms obtain linoleic and α-linolenic acid strictly from the diet, diet selection has been proposed as a mechanism that allows hibernators to ingest levels of linoleic and α-linolenic acid that promote favorable torpor patterns. Here diet, dietary nutrient content and patterns of forage preference of a representative hibernator, the Utah prairie dog Cynomys parvidens, and a facultative heterotherm, the black-tailed prairie dog Cynomys ludovicianus, were examined under natural field conditions. Diets of black-tailed (BTPD) and Utah prairie dogs (UTPD) differed across seasons (BTPD F26,108=9.59, P<0.01; UTPD F38,80=3.25, P<0.01) and elevations (BTPD F26,108=20.15, P<0.01; UTPD F38,80=20.51, P<0.01), and forage preference indices indicate that neither species randomly selected plant species relative to their abundance on colonies in any season. Black-tailed prairie dogs did not consume or avoid consumption of plant species based on levels of total lipids, linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid or nitrogen. Considering only the plants consumed, black-tailed prairie dogs appeared to prefer plants with low levels of α-linolenic acid (F1,19=5.81, P=0.03), but there were no detectable relationships between preference and other nutrients. Utah prairie dogs consumed plants higher in α-linolenic acid (t=1.98, P=0.05) and avoided plants high in linoleic acid (t=−2.02, P=0.04), but consumption-avoidance decisions did not appear to be related to nitrogen or total lipids. Of the plants consumed, Utah prairie dogs again preferred plants high in α-linolenic acid (F1,17=4.62, P=0.05). Levels of linoleic and α-linolenic acid were positively correlated in plants consumed by prairie dogs (BTPD Pearson r=0.66, P<0.01; UTPD Pearson r=0.79, P<0.01), reducing the opportunity for independent selection of either lipid.
Tonie E. Rocke - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Burrow Dusting or Oral Vaccination Prevents Plague-Associated Prairie Dog Colony Collapse
EcoHealth, 2017Co-Authors: Daniel W. Tripp, Jonathan P. Runge, Tonie E. Rocke, Rachel C. Abbott, Michael W. MillerAbstract:Plague impacts prairie dogs ( Cynomys spp.), the endangered black-footed ferret ( Mustela nigripes ) and other sensitive wildlife species. We compared efficacy of prophylactic treatments (burrow dusting with deltamethrin or oral vaccination with recombinant “sylvatic plague vaccine” [RCN-F1/V307]) to placebo treatment in black-tailed prairie dog ( C. ludovicianus ) colonies. Between 2013 and 2015, we measured prairie dog apparent survival, burrow activity and flea abundance on triplicate plots (“blocks”) receiving dust, vaccine or placebo treatment. Epizootic plague affected all three blocks but emerged asynchronously. Dust plots had fewer fleas per burrow ( P
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Age at Vaccination May Influence Response to Sylvatic Plague Vaccine (SPV) in Gunnison’s Prairie Dogs (Cynomys gunnisoni)
EcoHealth, 2015Co-Authors: Tonie E. Rocke, Dan Tripp, Faye Lorenzsonn, Elizabeth Falendysz, Susan Smith, Judy Williamson, Rachel AbbottAbstract:Gunnison’s prairie dogs ( Cynomys gunnisoni ) have been considered at greater risk from Yersinia pestis (plague) infection in the montane portion of their range compared to populations at lower elevations, possibly due to factors related to flea transmission of the bacteria or greater host susceptibility. To test the latter hypothesis and determine whether vaccination against plague with an oral sylvatic plague vaccine (SPV) improved survival, we captured prairie dogs from a C. g. gunnisoni or “montane” population and a C. g. zuniensis or “prairie” population for vaccine efficacy and challenge studies. No differences ( P = 0.63) were found in plague susceptibility in non-vaccinated animals between these two populations; however, vaccinates from the prairie population survived plague challenge at significantly higher rates ( P
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population differences in host immune factors may influence survival of gunnison s prairie dogs Cynomys gunnisoni during plague outbreaks
Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 2011Co-Authors: Joseph D Busch, Tonie E. Rocke, Paul Keim, Roger Van Andel, Jennifer Cordova, Rebecca E Colman, Jeff G Leid, William E Van Pelt, David M WagnerAbstract:Over the past 40 yr, epizootics of plague (Yersinia pestis) in northern Arizona have reduced populations of the Gunnison’s prairie dog (Cynomys gunnisoni), with the exception of a large population found in the Aubrey Valley (AV). To examine potential mechanisms accounting for their survival, we collected prairie dog serum samples in 2005–2006 from AV and a neighboring population near Seligman (SE), Arizona. We quantified gene expression at 58 diverse immune proteins using a multiplexed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay panel. We found a subset of proteins important in coagulation and inflammation (tissue factor [TF], calbindin [Cal], and thrombopoietin [TPO]) and T-cell responses (CD40L and CD40) that were present in AV at levels two to eight times greater than SE. These results suggest that AV and SE animals might differ in their ability to mount an immune response.
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protection of black tailed prairie dogs Cynomys ludovicianus against plague after voluntary consumption of baits containing recombinant raccoon poxvirus vaccine
Infection and Immunity, 2004Co-Authors: Jordan S Mencher, Susan R Smith, Tim D Powell, Dan T Stinchcomb, Jorge E Osorio, Tonie E. RockeAbstract:Prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.) are highly susceptible to Yersinia pestis and significant reservoirs of plague for humans in the western United States. A recombinant raccoon poxvirus, expressing the F1 antigen of Y. pestis, was incorporated into a palatable bait and offered to 18 black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) for voluntary consumption; 18 negative control animals received placebo baits. Antibody titers against Y. pestis F1 antigen increased significantly (P < 0.01) in vaccinees, and their survival was significantly higher upon challenge with Y. pestis than that of negative controls (P < 0.01).
Luis E. Eguiarte - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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GenePop File Format (C. ludovicianus and C. mexicanus)
2018Co-Authors: Gabriela Castellanos-morales, Jorge Ortega, Reyna A. Castillo-gámez, Loren C. Sackett, Luis E. EguiarteAbstract:File containing the GenePop format for reads obtained for 10 microsatellite loci amplified for Cynomys ludovicianus from Chihuahua and Sonora, and Cynomys mexicanus from 6 colonies throughout its range
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peripatric speciation of an endemic species driven by pleistocene climate change the case of the mexican prairie dog Cynomys mexicanus
Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 2016Co-Authors: Gabriela Castellanosmorales, Reyna A Castillogamez, Niza Gamez, Luis E. EguiarteAbstract:The hypothesis that endemic species could have originated by the isolation and divergence of peripheral populations of widespread species can be tested through the use of ecological niche models (ENMs) and statistical phylogeography. The joint use of these tools provides complementary perspectives on historical dynamics and allows testing hypotheses regarding the origin of endemic taxa. We used this approach to infer the historical processes that have influenced the origin of a species endemic to the Mexican Plateau (Cynomys mexicanus) and its divergence from a widespread ancestor (Cynomys ludovicianus), and to test whether this endemic species originated through peripatric speciation. We obtained genetic data for 295 individuals for two species of black-tailed prairie dogs (C. ludovicianus and C. mexicanus). Genetic data consisted of mitochondrial DNA sequences (cytochrome b and control region), and 10 nuclear microsatellite loci. We estimated dates of divergence between species and between lineages within each species and performed ecological niche modelling (Present, Last Glacial Maximum and Last Interglacial) to determine changes in the distribution range of both species during the Pleistocene. Finally, we used Bayesian inference methods (DIYABC) to test different hypotheses regarding the divergence and demographic history of these species. Data supported the hypothesis of the origin of C. mexicanus from a peripheral population isolated during the Pleistocene [∼230,000 years ago (0.1-0.43 Ma 95% HPD)], with a Pleistocene-Holocene (∼9,000-11,000 years ago) population expansion (∼10-fold increase in population size). We identified the presence of two possible refugia in the southern area of the distribution range of C. ludovicianus and another, consistent with the distribution range of C. mexicanus. Our analyses suggest that Pleistocene climate change had a strong impact in the distribution of these species, promoting peripatric speciation for the origin of C. mexicanus and lineage divergence within C. ludovicianus.
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genetic variation and structure in contrasting geographic distributions widespread versus restricted black tailed prairie dogs subgenus Cynomys
Journal of Heredity, 2015Co-Authors: Gabriela Castellanosmorales, Jorge Ortega, Loren C. Sackett, Reyna A Castillogamez, Luis E. EguiarteAbstract:Species of restricted distribution are considered more vulnerable to extinction because of low levels of genetic variation relative to widespread taxa. Species of the subgenus Cynomys are an excellent system to compare genetic variation and degree of genetic structure in contrasting geographic distributions. We assessed levels of genetic variation, genetic structure, and genetic differentiation in widespread Cynomys ludovicianus and restricted C. mexicanus using 1997bp from the cytochrome b and control region (n = 223 C. ludovicianus; 77 C. mexicanus), and 10 nuclear microsatellite loci (n = 207 and 78, respectively). Genetic variation for both species was high, and genetic structure in the widespread species was higher than in the restricted species. C. mexicanus showed values of genetic variation, genetic structure, and genetic differentiation similar to C. ludovicianus at smaller geographic scales. Results suggest the presence of at least 2 historical refuges for C. ludovicianus and that the Sierra Madre Occidental represents a barrier to gene flow. Chihuahua and New Mexico possess high levels of genetic diversity and should be protected, while Sonora should be treated as an independent management unit. For C. mexicanus, connectivity among colonies is very important and habitat fragmentation and habitat loss should be mitigated to maintain gene flow.
Dean E Biggins - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Evaluation of Five Pulicides to Suppress Fleas on Black-Tailed Prairie Dogs: Encouraging Long-Term Results with Systemic 0.005% Fipronil
Vector-borne and Zoonotic Diseases, 2019Co-Authors: David A. Eads, Dean E Biggins, Travis M Livieri, Kristina Broerman, Eddie Childers, Phillip Dobesh, Jonathan Bowser, Randall L. GriebelAbstract:Abstract Plague, a flea-borne disease, hampers efforts to restore populations of black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes), which occupy colonies of prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.) in North America. Plag...
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plague in a colony of gunnison s prairie dogs Cynomys gunnisoni despite three years of infusions of burrows with 0 05 deltamethrin to kill fleas
Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 2017Co-Authors: John L. Hoogland, Dustin H. Long, Dean E Biggins, David A. Eads, Nathaniel Blackford, Mariana Rivera Rodriguez, Lauren M Ross, Sarah Tobey, Emma M WhiteAbstract:Abstract: At Valles Caldera National Preserve in New Mexico, US, infusing Gunnison's prairie dog (Cynomys gunnisoni) burrows with an insecticide dust containing 0.05% deltamethrin killed fleas which transmit bubonic plague. The reduction in the number of fleas per prairie dog was significant and dramatic immediately after infusions, with a suggestion that the reduction persisted for as long as 12 mo. Despite the lower flea counts, however, a plague epizootic killed >95% of prairie dogs after 3 yr of infusions (once per year). More research is necessary for a better understanding of the efficacy of insecticide dusts at lowering flea counts and protecting prairie dogs from plague.
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Information on black-footed ferret biology collected within the framework of ferret conservation
Western North American Naturalist, 2012Co-Authors: Dean E BigginsAbstract:ABSTRACT. Once feared to be extinct, black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes) were rediscovered near Meeteetse, Wyoming, in 1981, resulting in renewed conservation and research efforts for this highly endangered species. A need for information directly useful to recovery has motivated much monitoring of ferrets since that time, but field activities have enabled collection of data relevant to broader biological themes. This special feature is placed in a context of similar books and proceedings devoted to ferret biology and conservation. Articles include general observations on ferrets, modeling of potential impacts of ferrets on prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.), discussions on relationships of ferrets to prairie dog habitats at several spatial scales (from individual burrows to patches of burrow systems) and a general treatise on the status of black-footed ferret recovery.
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Resource Selection Models are Useful in Predicting Fine-Scale Distributions of Black-Footed Ferrets in Prairie Dog Colonies
Western North American Naturalist, 2012Co-Authors: David A. Eads, Dean E Biggins, Travis M Livieri, Marc R. Matchett, David S Jachowski, Joshua J. MillspaughAbstract:ABSTRACT. Wildlife-habitat relationships are often conceptualized as resource selection functions (RSFs)—models increasingly used to estimate species distributions and prioritize habitat conservation. We evaluated the predictive capabilities of 2 black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) RSFs developed on a 452-ha colony of black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) in the Conata Basin, South Dakota. We used the RSFs to project the relative probability of occurrence of ferrets throughout an adjacent 227-ha colony. We evaluated performance of the RSFs using ferret space use data collected via postbreeding spotlight surveys June–October 2005–2006. In home ranges and core areas, ferrets selected the predicted “very high” and “high” occurrence categories of both RSFs. Count metrics also suggested selection of these categories; for each model in each year, approximately 81% of ferret locations occurred in areas of very high or high predicted occurrence. These results suggest usefulness of the RSFs in estima...
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Black-Footed Ferrets and Recreational Shooting Influence the Attributes of Black-Tailed Prairie Dog Burrows
Western North American Naturalist, 2012Co-Authors: Dean E Biggins, Shantini Ramakrishnan, Amanda R. Goldberg, David A. EadsAbstract:ABSTRACT. Black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) plug burrows occupied by black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes), and they also plug burrows to entomb dead prairie dogs. We further evaluated these phenomena by sampling connectivity and plugging of burrow openings on prairie dog colonies occupied by ferrets, colonies where recreational shooting was allowed, and colonies with neither shooting nor ferrets. We counted burrow openings on line surveys and within plots, classified surface plugging, and used an air blower to examine subsurface connectivity. Colonies with ferrets had lower densities of openings, fewer connected openings (suggesting increased subsurface plugging), and more surface plugs compared to colonies with no known ferrets. Colonies with recreational shooting had the lowest densities of burrow openings, and line-survey data suggested colonies with shooting had intermediate rates of surface plugging. The extent of surface and subsurface plugging could have consequences for the prair...
Gabriela Castellanosmorales - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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peripatric speciation of an endemic species driven by pleistocene climate change the case of the mexican prairie dog Cynomys mexicanus
Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 2016Co-Authors: Gabriela Castellanosmorales, Reyna A Castillogamez, Niza Gamez, Luis E. EguiarteAbstract:The hypothesis that endemic species could have originated by the isolation and divergence of peripheral populations of widespread species can be tested through the use of ecological niche models (ENMs) and statistical phylogeography. The joint use of these tools provides complementary perspectives on historical dynamics and allows testing hypotheses regarding the origin of endemic taxa. We used this approach to infer the historical processes that have influenced the origin of a species endemic to the Mexican Plateau (Cynomys mexicanus) and its divergence from a widespread ancestor (Cynomys ludovicianus), and to test whether this endemic species originated through peripatric speciation. We obtained genetic data for 295 individuals for two species of black-tailed prairie dogs (C. ludovicianus and C. mexicanus). Genetic data consisted of mitochondrial DNA sequences (cytochrome b and control region), and 10 nuclear microsatellite loci. We estimated dates of divergence between species and between lineages within each species and performed ecological niche modelling (Present, Last Glacial Maximum and Last Interglacial) to determine changes in the distribution range of both species during the Pleistocene. Finally, we used Bayesian inference methods (DIYABC) to test different hypotheses regarding the divergence and demographic history of these species. Data supported the hypothesis of the origin of C. mexicanus from a peripheral population isolated during the Pleistocene [∼230,000 years ago (0.1-0.43 Ma 95% HPD)], with a Pleistocene-Holocene (∼9,000-11,000 years ago) population expansion (∼10-fold increase in population size). We identified the presence of two possible refugia in the southern area of the distribution range of C. ludovicianus and another, consistent with the distribution range of C. mexicanus. Our analyses suggest that Pleistocene climate change had a strong impact in the distribution of these species, promoting peripatric speciation for the origin of C. mexicanus and lineage divergence within C. ludovicianus.
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genetic variation and structure in contrasting geographic distributions widespread versus restricted black tailed prairie dogs subgenus Cynomys
Journal of Heredity, 2015Co-Authors: Gabriela Castellanosmorales, Jorge Ortega, Loren C. Sackett, Reyna A Castillogamez, Luis E. EguiarteAbstract:Species of restricted distribution are considered more vulnerable to extinction because of low levels of genetic variation relative to widespread taxa. Species of the subgenus Cynomys are an excellent system to compare genetic variation and degree of genetic structure in contrasting geographic distributions. We assessed levels of genetic variation, genetic structure, and genetic differentiation in widespread Cynomys ludovicianus and restricted C. mexicanus using 1997bp from the cytochrome b and control region (n = 223 C. ludovicianus; 77 C. mexicanus), and 10 nuclear microsatellite loci (n = 207 and 78, respectively). Genetic variation for both species was high, and genetic structure in the widespread species was higher than in the restricted species. C. mexicanus showed values of genetic variation, genetic structure, and genetic differentiation similar to C. ludovicianus at smaller geographic scales. Results suggest the presence of at least 2 historical refuges for C. ludovicianus and that the Sierra Madre Occidental represents a barrier to gene flow. Chihuahua and New Mexico possess high levels of genetic diversity and should be protected, while Sonora should be treated as an independent management unit. For C. mexicanus, connectivity among colonies is very important and habitat fragmentation and habitat loss should be mitigated to maintain gene flow.
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genetic variation in a peripheral and declining population of black tailed prairie dogs Cynomys ludovicianus from mexico
Journal of Mammalogy, 2014Co-Authors: Gabriela Castellanosmorales, Gerardo Ceballos, Jaime Gascapineda, Jorge OrtegaAbstract:Abstract Across North America, anthropogenically induced habitat fragmentation has led to a severe decline in populations of black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus). Although the area occupied by black-tailed prairie dogs in Chihuahua, northwestern Mexico, also has recently declined, this site remains comparatively unaffected by human disturbance. Cytochrome-b sequences and 10 nuclear microsatellite loci were analyzed across 13 colonies to test if due to large size, absence of plague, and protected status, the black-tailed prairie dogs from Janos possess relatively high levels of genetic variation and low genetic structure; or if recent population decline and peripheral effects result in relatively low genetic variation and high genetic structure. Analysis suggests moderate mitochondrial genetic variation relative to other sciurids, and not significantly different nuclear genetic variation relative to other populations of prairie dogs. Furthermore, in accordance to black-tailed prairie dog social...
