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Robbie A. Mcdonald - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Stoats mustela erminea provide evidence of natural overland colonization of ireland
Proceedings of The Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 2007Co-Authors: Natalia Martinkova, Robbie A. Mcdonald, Jeremy B SearleAbstract:The current Irish biota has controversial origins. Ireland was largely covered by ice at the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and may not have had land connections to continental Europe and Britain thereafter. Given the potential difficulty for terrestrial species to colonize Ireland except by human introduction, we investigated the Stoat (Mustela erminea) as a possible cold-tolerant model species for natural colonization of Ireland at the LGM itself. The Stoat currently lives in Ireland and Britain and across much of the Holarctic region including the high Arctic. We studied mitochondrial DNA variation (1771 bp) over the whole geographical range of the Stoat (186 individuals and 142 localities), but with particular emphasis on the British Isles and continental Europe. Irish Stoats showed considerably greater nucleotide and haplotype diversity than those in Britain. Bayesian dating is consistent with an LGM colonization of Ireland and suggests that Britain was colonized later. This later colonization probably reflects a replacement event, which can explain why Irish and British Stoats belong to different mitochondrial lineages as well as different morphologically defined subspecies. The molecular data strongly indicate that Stoats colonized Ireland naturally and that their genetic variability reflects accumulation of mutations during a population expansion on the island.
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Diseases and pathogens of Mustela spp, with special reference to the biological control of introduced Stoat Mustela erminea populations in New Zealand
Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand, 2001Co-Authors: Robbie A. Mcdonald, Serge LarivièreAbstract:Controlling populations of introduced Stoats is a high priority for the conservation of avian biodiversity in New Zealand Existing technology for Stoat control is labour intensive and expensive, therefore new techniques and approaches, such as biological control, are needed We reviewed the literature on the diseases and pathogens of Stoats, and closely related mustelids, with a view to identifying potential biological control agents Aleutian disease virus, mink enteritis virus, and canine distemper virus hold promise as agents of lethal control, though the risks to non‐target species posed by these viruses are serious Host‐specific ectoparasites such as Tnchodectes ermineae, nematodes such as Skrjabingylus nasicola, and bacteria such as Hehcobacter mustelae and Bartemella spp could have a role as vectors for the transmission of fertility control agents We urge some caution in developing biological control technology without a parallel investigation of the potential effects of biological control on Stoat p...
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the use of trapping records to monitor populations of Stoats mustela erminea and weasels m nivalis the importance of trapping effort
Journal of Applied Ecology, 1999Co-Authors: Robbie A. Mcdonald, Stephen HarrisAbstract:Summary 1. Trapping and hunting records are frequently used as an index of animal abundance. This study demonstrates that these records can be misleading if sampling effort is not controlled for. 2. Mean numbers of Stoats Mustela erminea and weasels M. nivalis trapped by British gamekeepers have been decreasing since 1975 and 1961 respectively, giving rise to concern that populations of both species may be declining. However, trapping effort has not been quantified over this period. 3. A total of 203 gamekeepers in England were questioned about the trapping effort they expended and the number of Stoats and weasels they trapped in 1997. The most significant factor affecting the number of Stoats and weasels trapped was trapping effort. 4. Gamekeepers that relied on hand-rearing game birds for shooting regarded Stoats and weasels as a less serious problem, and made substantially less trapping effort, than gamekeepers that relied on wild game birds. 5. The national decline in the numbers of Stoats and weasels trapped may be the result of a decline in Stoat and weasel populations. However, the decline is equally consistent with a reduction in trapping effort, corresponding to a national increase in reliance on hand-rearing game birds for shooting. 6. When the effect of trapping effort was controlled for, the number of weasels trapped by gamekeepers in 1997 was significantly lower in the south-west than in other regions of England and was unusually low in some local areas. 7. Trapping records can be used effectively to monitor populations of Stoats and weasels, as long as gamekeepers record the number of traps set in each month and monthly totals of animals killed. Ideally, the sex of each animal and whether it was trapped or shot should also be recorded. Similar modifications should also be made to other wildlife monitoring schemes based on trapping and hunting records.
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Anticoagulant rodenticides in Stoats (Mustela erminea) and weasels (Mustela nivalis) in England
Environmental Pollution, 1998Co-Authors: Robbie A. Mcdonald, Stephen Harris, G Turnbull, Peter M. Brown, M FletcherAbstract:Concentrations of six anticoagulant rodenticides were examined in the livers of Stoats Mustela erminea L. and weasels Mustela nivalis L. trapped or shot by gamekeepers between August 1996 and March 1997. Residues of rodenticides were detected in nine out of 40 Stoats (23%) and three out of ten weasels (30%) from five out of eight estates in central and eastern England. Bromadiolone (0.04–0.38 mg kg−1 wet wt) was detected in three Stoats and one weasel, coumatetralyl (0.0085–0.06 mg kg−1) in six Stoats and three weasels and brodifacoum (0.12 mg kg−1) in one Stoat. One Stoat and one weasel contained combinations of two rodenticides. Exposure to rodenticides was more prevalent in female Stoats than in males. Rodenticides were widely used away from buildings on the sampled estates and so mustelids need not forage around buildings to be exposed. We conclude that Stoats and weasels are secondarily exposed to rodenticides mainly by eating non-target species.
Elaine C Murphy - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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unwelcome visitors employing forensic methodologies to inform the Stoat mustela erminea incursion response plan on kapiti island
New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 2014Co-Authors: Diana Prada, Elaine C Murphy, Andrew J Veale, Janine A Duckworth, S Treadgold, Robyn Howitt, S Hunter, Dianne GleesonAbstract:In November 2010, a Stoat (Mustela erminea) was sighted on Kapiti Island, a mammalian pest-free nature reserve 5.2 km off the Wellington coastline. Its presence was confirmed using DNA recovered from a scat that was located by a dog accompanying an incursion response team. Over the following 18 months, three Stoats were trapped, and numerous scat samples and bird carcasses were collected. These were analysed using both molecular and morphological techniques to confirm the presence and activity of Stoats on the island. Five out of nine scats originated from Stoats and the death of one of six killed birds was attributed to a Stoat attack. Data showed that the three Stoats were very likely to be related to each other, with the first, a female, being 1 year older than the other two, and their probable mother. The other two Stoats (a male and a female) were born on the island in 2009. Despite trapping and detection efforts continuing until February 2013, the last Stoat scats were found in October 2011. Evidenc...
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toxicology and ecotoxicology of para aminopropiophenone papp a new predator control tool for Stoats and feral cats in new zealand
New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 2014Co-Authors: Charles Eason, Duncan Macmorran, Aroha Miller, Elaine C MurphyAbstract:Para-aminopropiophenone (PAPP) paste was approved as a Stoat control agent in New Zealand by the Environmental Protection Authority in August 2011 and for feral cat control in November 2011. PAPP was originally researched in Europe and the USA as treatment for cyanide and radiation poisoning. Over the last 10 years, our research has focused on several factors, including determining its toxicity to predators, field effectiveness for controlling Stoats and feral cats, animal welfare profile, toxicology, ecotoxicology, and understanding and reducing non-target risks. PAPP has been developed specifically for the control of Stoats and feral cats because of the special sensitivity displayed by these species. Its toxicity is mediated by the induction of methaemoglobinaemia (the ferric state of haemoglobin). Normally, methaemoglobin levels in the blood are below 1%. Levels of methaemoglobin in the blood above 70% are usually fatal, creating a lethal deficit of oxygen in cardiac muscle and the brain. In Stoats and feral cats, death after a lethal dose usually occurs within 2 h after eating bait, with clinical signs first appearing in 10 to 20 min for Stoats and at around 35 min for cats. Animals become lethargic and sleepy before they die, hence PAPP is relatively humane. A simple antidote exists, namely methylene blue. Further, birds display a lack of toxicity to PAPP when compared with other vertebrate pesticides. A paste containing 40% PAPP has been developed for use in meat baits in New Zealand. A toxic dose for Stoats and feral cats is achieved when pea-sized amounts of paste are delivered in 10–20 g meat baits. When meat baits containing PAPP are applied in bait stations in field settings, Stoat and feral cat numbers can be rapidly reduced. However, there has been limited practical experience with PAPP to date, especially when compared with alternative tools such as traps or sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) baits. Additional practical experience should enable the effective use of PAPP as a tool to help protect native species from introduced predators. In the future, PAPP will be developed in long-life bait and in a resetting toxin delivery system.
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development of a new humane toxin for predator control in new zealand
Integrative Zoology, 2010Co-Authors: Charles Eason, Elaine C Murphy, Duncan MacmorranAbstract:The endemic fauna of New Zealand evolved in the absence of mammalian predators and their introduction has been responsible for many extinctions and declines. Introduced species including possums (Trichosurus vulpecula Kerr), ship rats (Rattus rattus L.) and Stoats (Mustela erminea L.) are targeted to protect native birds. Control methodologies currently rely largely on labor-intensive trapping or the use of increasingly unpopular poisons, or poisons that are linked with low welfare standards. Hence, the development of safer humane predator toxins and delivery systems is highly desirable. Para-aminopropiophenone (PAPP) is being developed as a toxin for feral cats (Felis catus L.) and Stoats. Carnivores appear to be much more susceptible to PAPP than birds, so it potentially has high target specificity, at least in New Zealand. Pen trials with 20 feral cats and 15 Stoats have been undertaken using meat baits containing a proprietary formulation of PAPP. A PAPP dose of 20–34 mg kg−1 was lethal for feral cats and 37–95 mg kg−1 was lethal for Stoats. Our assessments suggest that PAPP, for the control of feral cats and Stoats, is a humane and effective toxin. PAPP causes methaemoglobinaemia, resulting in central nervous system anoxia, lethargy and death.
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Stoat density diet and survival compared between alpine grassland and beech forest habitats
2008Co-Authors: Des H V Smith, Elaine C Murphy, Deborah J Wilson, Henrik Moller, Georgina PickerellAbstract:In New Zealand, alpine grasslands occur above the treeline of beech forest. Historically Stoat control paradigms in New Zealand's montane natural areas have assumed alpine grassland is a marginal habitat that limits dispersal between beech forest Stoat populations. We compared the summer-to-autumn (January-April) density, weight, diet and winter survival of Stoats between these two habitats during years of low beech seedfall. Stoats were live-trapped, marked and released in alpine grassland and low-altitude beech forest in the Borland Valley, Fiordland National Park, during 2003 and 2004, and were caught and euthanased for necropsy in 2005. Stoat density was estimated using spatially explicit capture-recapture (SECR). The proportion of Stoats marked in one year but recaptured in the next was used as a measure of 'observed survival'. Prey remains were identified from scats collected during 2003 and 2004 and stomachs from Stoats killed in 2005. Stoat density was similar in both habitats over the two years, about one Stoat per square kilometre. Observed survival from 2003-2004 was also similar, but survival from 2004-2005 was higher in alpine grassland than in beech forest. In 2003, male Stoats were on average heavier in alpine grassland than in beech forest, although average weights were similar in the other years. Diet differed significantly between the two habitats, with Stoats in alpine grasslands eating mainly ground weta (a large invertebrate) (72%) and hares (23%), while Stoats in beech forest ate mainly birds (31%) and mice (19%). Collectively these results suggest that alpine grasslands are not a poor quality habitat for Stoats. Traditionally it has been thought that Stoats cannot survive on invertebrate prey alone. This research demonstrates that Stoats relying largely on invertebrate prey can occur at similar densities and with equivalent survival to Stoats relying on vertebrate prey.
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advances in new zealand mammalogy 1990 2000 Stoat and weasel
Journal of The Royal Society of New Zealand, 2001Co-Authors: C M King, K Griffiths, Elaine C MurphyAbstract:C. M. King*, K. Griffiths*, E. C. Murphy**27. StoatMustela erminea Linnaeus, 1758For a searchable database of Stoat references, see King, CM. (2000) Stoat bibliography,[online] Available: http://www.invasive-mammals.org.nz/Stoats/ [retrieved Insert Date ofRetrieval].DescriptionAfter combining several phylogenetic analyses, Bininda-Edmonds (1999) reached theconclusion that the Stoat is most closely related to the mountain weasel M. altaica, but is alsovery close to the common weasel (M. nivalis) and the long-tailed weasel (M. frenata). Thenext closest relatives are New World species, the Colombian weasel M. felipei and thetropical weasel M. africana, both previously considered to be part of the sub-genusGrammogale.The change to a white winter coat, typical of Stoats living where winters are predictablycold, is controlled both by genetic and by environmental factors (Feder 1990). Stoats are welladapted to climates much colder than New Zealand, and were among a handful of species tosurvive in Britain throughout the last (Devensian) glaciation (Yalden 1999).Body fat is deposited at several sites in succession, first along the spine and kidneys, thenon gut mesenteries, in cavities under limbs, and finally around shoulders. Even very fat Stoatsthereby retain their tubular shape (King 1989b).In Nearctic populations, long-term geographic variation in size is correlated with climaticvariables, but variation in shape is more likely to be related to the history of recolonisation ofnorthern lands from different glacial refugia (Eger 1990). In the Palaearctic, geographicalvariation in size is more complex and apparently related to the distribution of prey sizes(Erlinge 1987; Meia & Mermod 1992). In New Zealand, there is significant short-termvariation in size, due to nutritional conditions during the period from implantation toindependence (Powell & King 1997). Growth of young Stoats born in beech forest populationsafter a good seed year, when mice are abundant, is temporarily enhanced. In large samplesfrom Fiordland and Craigieburn collected in the 1970s, the difference was detectable in skulllength, which is fixed early, but not in body weight, which is changeable throughout life.
V. V. Shimalov - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Helminth fauna of the Stoat ( Mustela erminea Linnaeus, 1758) and the weasel ( M. nivalis Linnaeus, 1758) in Belorussian Polesie
Parasitology research, 2001Co-Authors: V. V. ShimalovAbstract:Helminthological examinations of 30 Stoat and 31 weasel carcasses were carried out in Belorussian Polesie (southern part of Belarus, Brest and Gomel regions) between 1980 and 1999. The total rate of helminth infection of these animals was 78.7%. A total of 23 Stoats and 25 weasels were infected by helminths. The animals were hosts for 20 species of helminths.
Pia Lassen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Concentrations of anticoagulant rodenticides in Stoats Mustela erminea and weasels Mustela nivalis from Denmark
Science of The Total Environment, 2011Co-Authors: Morten Elmeros, Thomas Kjær Christensen, Pia LassenAbstract:Anticoagulant rodenticides are widely used to control rodent populations but they also pose a risk of secondary poisoning in non-target predators. Studies on anticoagulant rodenticide exposure of non-target species have mainly reported on frequency of occurrence. They have rarely analyzed variations in residue concentrations. We examine the occurrence and concentrations of five anticoagulant rodenticides in liver tissue from 61 Stoats (Mustela erminea) and 69 weasels (Mustela nivalis) from Denmark. Anticoagulant rodenticides were detected in 97% of Stoats and 95% of weasels. 79% of the animals had detectable levels of more than one substance. Difenacoum had the highest prevalence (82% in Stoats and 88% in weasels) but bromadiolone was detected in the highest concentrations in both Stoat (1.290 μg/g ww) and weasel (1.610 μg/g ww). Anticoagulant rodenticide concentrations were highest during autumn and winter and varied with sampling method. Anticoagulant rodenticide concentrations were higher in Stoats and weasels with unknown cause of death than in specimens killed by physical trauma. There was a negative correlation between anticoagulant rodenticide concentrations and body condition. Our results suggest that chemical rodent control in Denmark results in an extensive exposure of non-target species and may adversely affect the fitness of some Stoats and weasels.
Duncan Macmorran - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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toxicology and ecotoxicology of para aminopropiophenone papp a new predator control tool for Stoats and feral cats in new zealand
New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 2014Co-Authors: Charles Eason, Duncan Macmorran, Aroha Miller, Elaine C MurphyAbstract:Para-aminopropiophenone (PAPP) paste was approved as a Stoat control agent in New Zealand by the Environmental Protection Authority in August 2011 and for feral cat control in November 2011. PAPP was originally researched in Europe and the USA as treatment for cyanide and radiation poisoning. Over the last 10 years, our research has focused on several factors, including determining its toxicity to predators, field effectiveness for controlling Stoats and feral cats, animal welfare profile, toxicology, ecotoxicology, and understanding and reducing non-target risks. PAPP has been developed specifically for the control of Stoats and feral cats because of the special sensitivity displayed by these species. Its toxicity is mediated by the induction of methaemoglobinaemia (the ferric state of haemoglobin). Normally, methaemoglobin levels in the blood are below 1%. Levels of methaemoglobin in the blood above 70% are usually fatal, creating a lethal deficit of oxygen in cardiac muscle and the brain. In Stoats and feral cats, death after a lethal dose usually occurs within 2 h after eating bait, with clinical signs first appearing in 10 to 20 min for Stoats and at around 35 min for cats. Animals become lethargic and sleepy before they die, hence PAPP is relatively humane. A simple antidote exists, namely methylene blue. Further, birds display a lack of toxicity to PAPP when compared with other vertebrate pesticides. A paste containing 40% PAPP has been developed for use in meat baits in New Zealand. A toxic dose for Stoats and feral cats is achieved when pea-sized amounts of paste are delivered in 10–20 g meat baits. When meat baits containing PAPP are applied in bait stations in field settings, Stoat and feral cat numbers can be rapidly reduced. However, there has been limited practical experience with PAPP to date, especially when compared with alternative tools such as traps or sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) baits. Additional practical experience should enable the effective use of PAPP as a tool to help protect native species from introduced predators. In the future, PAPP will be developed in long-life bait and in a resetting toxin delivery system.
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development of a new humane toxin for predator control in new zealand
Integrative Zoology, 2010Co-Authors: Charles Eason, Elaine C Murphy, Duncan MacmorranAbstract:The endemic fauna of New Zealand evolved in the absence of mammalian predators and their introduction has been responsible for many extinctions and declines. Introduced species including possums (Trichosurus vulpecula Kerr), ship rats (Rattus rattus L.) and Stoats (Mustela erminea L.) are targeted to protect native birds. Control methodologies currently rely largely on labor-intensive trapping or the use of increasingly unpopular poisons, or poisons that are linked with low welfare standards. Hence, the development of safer humane predator toxins and delivery systems is highly desirable. Para-aminopropiophenone (PAPP) is being developed as a toxin for feral cats (Felis catus L.) and Stoats. Carnivores appear to be much more susceptible to PAPP than birds, so it potentially has high target specificity, at least in New Zealand. Pen trials with 20 feral cats and 15 Stoats have been undertaken using meat baits containing a proprietary formulation of PAPP. A PAPP dose of 20–34 mg kg−1 was lethal for feral cats and 37–95 mg kg−1 was lethal for Stoats. Our assessments suggest that PAPP, for the control of feral cats and Stoats, is a humane and effective toxin. PAPP causes methaemoglobinaemia, resulting in central nervous system anoxia, lethargy and death.
