The Experts below are selected from a list of 693 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Marjaliisa Kaisanlahtijokimaki - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
urbanization and nest site selection of the black billed Magpie pica pica populations in two finnish cities from a persecuted species to an urban exploiter
Landscape and Urban Planning, 2017Co-Authors: Jukka Jokimaki, Jukka Suhonen, Timo Vuorisalo, Laszlo Kover, Marjaliisa KaisanlahtijokimakiAbstract:Abstract Urbanization is an important ecological factor that modifies the living conditions of species at multiple levels. Urbanization is also influenced by human-animal relationships. We studied the effects of human-related factors on nest site selection of the Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica) by using both historical and contemporary data on the nest sites of the Magpie both at landscape and micro-habitat levels in Finland. The nest site data on the Magpie were collected by searching old nest site data as well as by collecting data from current nest sites in two Finnish towns. Our results indicate that the population densities of the Magpie have increased in both study areas during 1950–2010, and that the actual adjustment to urban conditions began around 1980. The relative nest height of Magpies has decreased in urban, but no in rural habitats. The Magpie preferred breeding sites with great green area cover and less built-up areas. Moreover, Magpies preferred ever-green coniferous trees over deciduous tree species as their nest sites. The Magpie made its nest in the upper parts of the tree canopies, regardless of the tree species. Our results support the idea that urbanization by the Magpie is related both to changes in human disturbance, and to species-specific habitat needs. Planting coniferous trees may promote the breeding of the Magpie in urban environments in northern areas. We suggest that, the Magpie, as a common and well-known species, may be a good candidate to monitor the state of the urban environment.
Billinis C. - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Serological and molecular investigation into the role of wild birds in the epidemiology of West Nile virus in Greece
'Springer Science and Business Media LLC', 2012Co-Authors: Valiakos G., Touloudi A., Iacovakis C., Athanasiou L., Birtsas P., Giannakopoulos A., Dalabiras Z., Petrovska L., Billinis C.Abstract:Background: A West Nile virus (WNV) disease outbreak occurred in 2010 in northern Greece with a total of 262 laboratory-confirmed human cases and 35 deaths. A serological and molecular surveillance was conducted on samples of hunter-harvested wild birds prior to and during the outbreak. Findings: Serum and tissue samples from 295 resident and migratory wild birds, hunter-harvested during the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 hunting seasons at the epicenter of the outbreak in northern Greece, were tested for the presence of WNV-specific antibodies by immunofluorescence assay and virus neutralization test. WNV neutralizing antibodies were detected in 53 avian samples. Fourteen positive sera were obtained from birds hunter-harvested up to 8 months prior to the human outbreak. Specific genetic determinants of virulence (His249Pro NS3 mutation, E-glycosylation motif) were recognized in a WNV lineage 2 strain isolated from a hunter-harvested Eurasian Magpie and a nucleotide mismatch was revealed between this strain and a mosquito WNV strain isolated one month earlier in the same area. Conclusions: This is the first report regarding exposure of wild birds to WNV prior to the 2010 outbreak, in Greece. Results provide evidence of the implication of wild birds in a local enzootic cycle that could allow maintenance and amplification of the virus before and during the outbreak. Findings of past exposure of migratory birds to WNV upon their arrival in Greece during autumn migration, suggest avian species with similar migration traits as candidates for the introduction of WNV into Greece. The possibility that an endemic circulation of WNV could have caused the outbreak, after an amplification cycle due to favorable conditions cannot be excluded
-
Molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of West Nile virus lineage 2 in sedentary wild birds (Eurasian Magpie), Greece, 2010
2011Co-Authors: Valiakos G., Touloudi A., Iacovakis C., Athanasiou L., Birtsas P., Billinis C.Abstract:A West Nile virus (WNV) lineage 2 strain was molecularly identified and characterised in a Eurasian Magpie hunted in Greece in 2010, during a WNV outbreak in humans. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the highest sequence similarity (> 99%) with other WNV lineage 2 strains derived from birds of prey in Austria and Hungary (2004-2009). This first molecular detection of WNV in sedentary wild birds in Greece, which are possible reservoirs of the virus, is a public health concern
Sang-im Lee - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Microbial abundance on the eggs of a passerine bird and related fitness consequences between urban and rural habitats
2017Co-Authors: Sang-im Lee, Piotr G. Jablonski, Jae Chun Choe, Hyunna Lee, Magne HusbyAbstract:Urban environments present novel and challenging habitats to wildlife. In addition to well-known difference in abiotic factors between rural and urban environments, the biotic environment, including microbial fauna, may also differ significantly. In this study, we aimed to compare the change in microbial abundance on eggshells during incubation between urban and rural populations of a passerine bird, the Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica), and examine the consequences of any differences in microbial abundances in terms of hatching success and nestling survival. Using real-time PCR, we quantified the abundances of total bacteria, Escherichia coli/Shigella spp., surfactin-producing Bacillus spp. and Candida albicans on the eggshells of Magpies. We found that urban Magpie eggs harboured greater abundances of E. coli/Shigella spp. and C. albicans before incubation than rural Magpie eggs. During incubation, there was an increase in the total bacterial load, but a decrease in C. albicans on urban eggs relative to rural eggs. Rural eggs showed a greater increase in E. coli/Shigella spp. relative to their urban counterpart. Hatching success of the brood was generally lower in urban than rural population. Nestling survival was differentially related with the eggshell microbial abundance between urban and rural populations, which was speculated to be the result of the difference in the strength of the interaction among the microbes. This is the first demonstration that avian clutches in urban and rural populations differ in eggshell microbial abundance, which can be further related to the difference in hatching success and nestling survival in these two types of environments. We suggest that future studies on the eggshell microbes should investigate the interaction among the microbes, because the incubation and/or environmental factors such as urbanization or climate condition can influence the dynamic interactions among the microbes on the eggshells which can further determine the breeding success of the parents.
-
Amino acid alignment of representative sequences from each of six supported MHC IIB lineages.
2016Co-Authors: John A. Eimes, Sang-im Lee, Andrea K. Townsend, Piotr Jablonski, Isao Nishiumi, Yoko SattaAbstract:Each lineage (L1 –L4) contains four genera. Dots indicate amino acids identical to reference (L4Cofr28). Cobr = American crow; Coco = carrion crow; Coma = jungle crow; Cofr = Asian rook; Gagl = Eurasian jay; Pipi = Eurasian Magpie; Cycy = Azure-winged Magpie.
-
Statistics for 248 bp fragment of MHC IIB exon 2 in corvid birds used in this study.
2016Co-Authors: John A. Eimes, Sang-im Lee, Andrea K. Townsend, Piotr Jablonski, Isao Nishiumi, Yoko SattaAbstract:Cobr = American crow; Coco = carrion crow; Coma = jungle crow; Cofr = Asian rook; Gagl = Eurasian jay; Pipi = Eurasian Magpie; Cycy = azure-winged Magpie.
-
Effect of Incubation on Bacterial Communities of Eggshells in a Temperate Bird, the Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica)
2014Co-Authors: Won Young Lee, Mincheol Kim, Piotr G. Jablonski, Jae Chun Choe, Sang-im LeeAbstract:Inhibitory effect of incubation on microbial growth has extensively been studied in wild bird populations using culture-based methods and conflicting results exist on whether incubation selectively affects the growth of microbes on the egg surface. In this study, we employed culture-independent methods, quantitative PCR and 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing, to elucidate the effect of incubation on the bacterial abundance and bacterial community composition on the eggshells of the Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica). We found that total bacterial abundance increased and diversity decreased on incubated eggs while there were no changes on non-incubated eggs. Interestingly, Gram-positive Bacillus, which include mostly harmless species, became dominant and genus Pseudomonas, which include opportunistic avian egg pathogens, were significantly reduced after incubation. These results suggest that avian incubation in temperate regions may promote the growth of harmless (or benevolent) bacteria and suppress the growth of pathogenic bacterial taxa and consequently reduce the diversity of microbes on the egg surface. We hypothesize that this may occur due to difference in sensitivity to dehydration on the egg surface among microbes, combined with the introduction of Bacillus from bird feathers and due to the presence of antibiotics that certain bacteria produce.
Jukka Jokimaki - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Niche Analysis and Conservation of Bird Species Using Urban Core Areas
'MDPI AG', 2021Co-Authors: Vasilios Liordos, Jukka Jokimaki, Marja-liisa Kaisanlahti-jokimäki, Evangelos Valsamidis, Vasileios J. KontsiotisAbstract:Knowing the ecological requirements of bird species is essential for their successful conservation. We studied the niche characteristics of birds in managed small-sized green spaces in the urban core areas of southern (Kavala, Greece) and northern Europe (Rovaniemi, Finland), during the breeding season, based on a set of 16 environmental variables and using Outlying Mean Index, a multivariate ordination technique. Overall, 26 bird species in Kavala and 15 in Rovaniemi were recorded in more than 5% of the green spaces and were used in detailed analyses. In both areas, bird species occupied different niches of varying marginality and breadth, indicating varying responses to urban environmental conditions. Birds showed high specialization in niche position, with 12 species in Kavala (46.2%) and six species in Rovaniemi (40.0%) having marginal niches. Niche breadth was narrower in Rovaniemi than in Kavala. Species in both communities were more strongly associated either with large green spaces located further away from the city center and having a high vegetation cover (urban adapters; e.g., Common Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs), European Greenfinch (Chloris chloris), Eurasian Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus)) or with green spaces located closer to the city center and having high gray area cover and anthropogenic disturbance level (urban exploiters; e.g., Western Jackdaw (Corvus monedula), House Sparrow (Passer domesticus), Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica)). The eleven species that were common to both study areas similarly used the environmental variables and had similar niches, indicating that birds respond similarly to urbanization irrespective of latitude. Sixteen species in Kavala and eleven species in Rovaniemi were identified as conservation priority species, based on their niche specialization level and conservation status. The management actions proposed for the conservation of priority species will also benefit other species with similar ecological requirements and ultimately help maintain diverse bird communities in small-sized green spaces in urban core areas
-
urbanization and nest site selection of the black billed Magpie pica pica populations in two finnish cities from a persecuted species to an urban exploiter
Landscape and Urban Planning, 2017Co-Authors: Jukka Jokimaki, Jukka Suhonen, Timo Vuorisalo, Laszlo Kover, Marjaliisa KaisanlahtijokimakiAbstract:Abstract Urbanization is an important ecological factor that modifies the living conditions of species at multiple levels. Urbanization is also influenced by human-animal relationships. We studied the effects of human-related factors on nest site selection of the Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica) by using both historical and contemporary data on the nest sites of the Magpie both at landscape and micro-habitat levels in Finland. The nest site data on the Magpie were collected by searching old nest site data as well as by collecting data from current nest sites in two Finnish towns. Our results indicate that the population densities of the Magpie have increased in both study areas during 1950–2010, and that the actual adjustment to urban conditions began around 1980. The relative nest height of Magpies has decreased in urban, but no in rural habitats. The Magpie preferred breeding sites with great green area cover and less built-up areas. Moreover, Magpies preferred ever-green coniferous trees over deciduous tree species as their nest sites. The Magpie made its nest in the upper parts of the tree canopies, regardless of the tree species. Our results support the idea that urbanization by the Magpie is related both to changes in human disturbance, and to species-specific habitat needs. Planting coniferous trees may promote the breeding of the Magpie in urban environments in northern areas. We suggest that, the Magpie, as a common and well-known species, may be a good candidate to monitor the state of the urban environment.
Roman Fuchs - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
facing a clever predator demands clever responses red backed shrikes lanius collurio vs Eurasian Magpies pica pica
PLOS ONE, 2016Co-Authors: Michaela Syrová, Michal Němec, Petr Veselý, Eva Landova, Roman FuchsAbstract:Red-backed shrikes (Lanius collurio) behave quite differently towards two common nest predators. While the European jay (Garrulus glandarius) is commonly attacked, in the presence of the Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica), shrikes stay fully passive. We tested the hypotheses that this passive response to the Magpie is an alternative defense strategy. Nesting shrikes were exposed to the commonly attacked European kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) in a situation in which i) a harmless domestic pigeon, ii) a commonly attacked European jay, and iii) a non-attacked black-billed Magpie are (separately) presented nearby. The kestrel dummy presented together with the Magpie dummy was attacked with a significantly lower intensity than when it was presented with the other intruders (pigeon, jay) or alone. This means that the presence of the Magpie inhibited the shrike’s defense response towards the other intruder. These results support our previous hypotheses that shrikes use an alternative defense strategy in the Magpie’s presence. We hypothesize that the Magpie is able to associate the active defense of the shrikes with the close proximity of a nest and that shrikes try not to draw the Magpie’s attention to the nest. The reason why this strategy is not used against the jay remains unanswered as jays as well as Magpies show very similar cognitive and foraging skills enabling them to individuate the nest presence according to active parental defense.
