Microbial implications associated with stomach flushing of little penguins
- Dewar, Meagan, Scarpaci, Carol
- Authors: Dewar, Meagan , Scarpaci, Carol
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Victorian Naturalist Vol. 128, no. 4 (2011), p. 128-131
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: The stomach flushing technique is a vital tool in bird dietary studies. The technique requires a tube to be inserted into the penguin's mouth and passed through the oesophagus to the stomach. General practice does not include cleaning of the tube between penguins. This report investigates if the stomach flushing tube can be a vehicle to transmit potential pathogens from a sick penguin to a healthy penguin, and if implementation of aseptic or disinfection practice is warranted in the stomach flushing technique. A total of 19 tubes from 19 penguins were examined for bacterial presence from May until August 2007. This paper presents new recommendations for stomach flushing procedures from a microbial perspective to ensure that birds subjected to this are not jeopardised by practices that may promote the transfer of potential pathogens from one penguin to another.
- Smith, Stuart, Chalker, Andrea, Dewar, Meagan, Arnould, John
- Authors: Smith, Stuart , Chalker, Andrea , Dewar, Meagan , Arnould, John
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: FEMS Microbiology Ecology Vol. 86, no. 2 (2013), p. 246-255
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: The gut microbiota of Australian fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) was examined at different age classes using fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) and 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing. The FISH results indicated that in the fur seal groups, the predominant phyla are Firmicutes (22.14-67.33%) followed by Bacteroidetes (3.11-15.45%) and then Actinobacteria (1.4-5.9%) consistent with other mammals. Phylum Proteobacteria had an initial abundance of 1.8% in the 2-month-old pups, but < 1% of bacterial numbers for the other fur seal age groups. Significant differences did occur in the abundance of Clostridia, Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria between 2 months pups and 9 months pups and adult fur seals. Results from the 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing supported the FISH data and identified significant differences in the composition of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Verrucomicrobia and Fusobacteria at all ages. Class Clostridia in phylum Firmicutes dominates the microbiota of the 2 months and 9 months seal pups, whilst class Bacilli dominates the 6 months pups. In addition, a high level of dissimilarity was observed between all age classes. This study provides novel insight into the gut microbiota of Australian fur seals at different age classes. © 2013 Federation of European Microbiological Societies. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. All rights reserved.
Interspecific variations in the gastrointestinal microbiota in penguins
- Dewar, Meagan, Arnould, John, Dann, Peter, Trathan, Phil, Groscolas, Rene, Smith, Stuart
- Authors: Dewar, Meagan , Arnould, John , Dann, Peter , Trathan, Phil , Groscolas, Rene , Smith, Stuart
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: MicrobiologyOpen Vol. 2, no. 1 (2013), p. 195-204
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Despite the enormous amount of data available on the importance of the gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota in vertebrate (especially mammals), information on the GI microbiota of seabirds remains incomplete. As with many seabirds, penguins have a unique digestive physiology that enables them to store large reserves of adipose tissue, protein, and lipids. This study used quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing to characterize the interspecific variations of the GI microbiota of four penguin species: the king, gentoo, macaroni, and little penguin. The qPCR results indicated that there were significant differences in the abundance of the major phyla Firmicutes, Bacteroides, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria. A total of 132,340, 18,336, 6324, and 4826 near full-length 16S rRNA gene sequences were amplified from fecal samples collected from king, gentoo, macaroni, and little penguins, respectively. A total of 13 phyla were identified with Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Fusobacteria dominating the composition; however, there were major differences in the relative abundance of the phyla. In addition, this study documented the presence of known human pathogens, such as Campylobacter, Helicobacter, Prevotella, Veillonella, Erysipelotrichaceae, Neisseria, and Mycoplasma. However, their role in disease in penguins remains unknown. To our knowledge, this is the first study to provide an in-depth investigation of the GI microbiota of penguins.
- Authors: Dewar, Meagan , Arnould, John , Dann, Peter , Trathan, Phil , Groscolas, Rene , Smith, Stuart
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: MicrobiologyOpen Vol. 2, no. 1 (2013), p. 195-204
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Despite the enormous amount of data available on the importance of the gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota in vertebrate (especially mammals), information on the GI microbiota of seabirds remains incomplete. As with many seabirds, penguins have a unique digestive physiology that enables them to store large reserves of adipose tissue, protein, and lipids. This study used quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing to characterize the interspecific variations of the GI microbiota of four penguin species: the king, gentoo, macaroni, and little penguin. The qPCR results indicated that there were significant differences in the abundance of the major phyla Firmicutes, Bacteroides, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria. A total of 132,340, 18,336, 6324, and 4826 near full-length 16S rRNA gene sequences were amplified from fecal samples collected from king, gentoo, macaroni, and little penguins, respectively. A total of 13 phyla were identified with Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Fusobacteria dominating the composition; however, there were major differences in the relative abundance of the phyla. In addition, this study documented the presence of known human pathogens, such as Campylobacter, Helicobacter, Prevotella, Veillonella, Erysipelotrichaceae, Neisseria, and Mycoplasma. However, their role in disease in penguins remains unknown. To our knowledge, this is the first study to provide an in-depth investigation of the GI microbiota of penguins.
Influence of fasting during moult on the faecal microbiota of penguins
- Dewar, Meagan, Arnould, John, Krause, Lutz, Trathan, Phil, Dann, Peter, Smith, Stuart
- Authors: Dewar, Meagan , Arnould, John , Krause, Lutz , Trathan, Phil , Dann, Peter , Smith, Stuart
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: PLoS ONE Vol. 9, no. 6 (2014), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Many seabirds including penguins are adapted to long periods of fasting, particularly during parts of the reproductive cycle and during moult. However, the influence of fasting on the gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota has not been investigated in seabirds. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the microbial composition and diversity of the GI microbiota of fasting little (Eudyptula minor) and king penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus) penguins during early and late moult. The results from this study indicated that there was little change in the abundance of the major phyla during moult, except for a significant increase in the level of Proteobacteria in king penguins. In king penguins the abundance of Fusobacteria increases from 1.73% during early moult to 33.6% by late moult, whilst the abundance of Proteobacteria (35.7% to 17.2%) and Bacteroidetes (19.5% to 11%) decrease from early to late moult. In little penguins, a decrease in the abundances of Firmicutes (44% to 29%) and an increase in the abundance of Bacteroidetes (11% to 20%) were observed from early to late moult respectively. The results from this study indicate that the microbial composition of both king and little penguins alters during fasting. However, it appears that the microbial composition of king penguins is more affected by fasting than little penguins with the length of fast the most probable cause for this difference.
- Authors: Dewar, Meagan , Arnould, John , Krause, Lutz , Trathan, Phil , Dann, Peter , Smith, Stuart
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: PLoS ONE Vol. 9, no. 6 (2014), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Many seabirds including penguins are adapted to long periods of fasting, particularly during parts of the reproductive cycle and during moult. However, the influence of fasting on the gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota has not been investigated in seabirds. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the microbial composition and diversity of the GI microbiota of fasting little (Eudyptula minor) and king penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus) penguins during early and late moult. The results from this study indicated that there was little change in the abundance of the major phyla during moult, except for a significant increase in the level of Proteobacteria in king penguins. In king penguins the abundance of Fusobacteria increases from 1.73% during early moult to 33.6% by late moult, whilst the abundance of Proteobacteria (35.7% to 17.2%) and Bacteroidetes (19.5% to 11%) decrease from early to late moult. In little penguins, a decrease in the abundances of Firmicutes (44% to 29%) and an increase in the abundance of Bacteroidetes (11% to 20%) were observed from early to late moult respectively. The results from this study indicate that the microbial composition of both king and little penguins alters during fasting. However, it appears that the microbial composition of king penguins is more affected by fasting than little penguins with the length of fast the most probable cause for this difference.
Interspecific variations in the faecal microbiota of Procellariiform seabirds
- Dewar, Meagan, Arnould, John, Krause, Lutz, Dann, Peter, Smith, Stuart
- Authors: Dewar, Meagan , Arnould, John , Krause, Lutz , Dann, Peter , Smith, Stuart
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: FEMS Microbiology Ecology Vol. 89, no. 1 (2014), p. 47-55
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Despite the enormous amount of data available on the importance of gut microbiota in vertebrates (especially mammals), there is no information available on the microbiota of seabirds. Procellariiformes are long-lived seabirds that consume a diet high in lipids and are characterised by their ability to produce and store large amount of stomach oils through the partial digestion of prey (with the exception of the Pelecanoididae). Examining the faecal microbiota of three Procellariiform species (short-tailed shearwater, common diving petrel and fairy prion) provided a unique opportunity to not only characterise the gastrointestinal (GI) microbial composition of seabirds but to also examine the influence of stomach oils on the microbial community. The results indicated that Procellariiform seabirds host a highly diverse community of faecal microorganisms, dominated by three phyla (Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes) and that each species has its own species-specific GI microbiota. In addition, significant differences were observed in the microbial communities of oil-producing and non-oil-producing seabirds. This study is the first whole-community examination and classification of the faecal microbiota of Procellariiform seabirds.
Macroparasites in Antarctic penguins
- Fusaro, Bruno, Vidal,Virginia, González-Acuña, Daniel, Schneider Costa, Erli, Dewar, Meagan, Gray, Rachael, Power, Michelle, Miller, Gary, Blyton, Michaela, Vanstreels, Ralph, Barbosa, Andres
- Authors: Fusaro, Bruno , Vidal,Virginia , González-Acuña, Daniel , Schneider Costa, Erli , Dewar, Meagan , Gray, Rachael , Power, Michelle , Miller, Gary , Blyton, Michaela , Vanstreels, Ralph , Barbosa, Andres
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Book chapter
- Relation: Biodiversity and evolution of parasitic life in the Southern Ocean Chapter 9 p. 183-204
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Parasitism is a highly common mode of living in animals being parasite species very abundant. Parasites affect in a different ways the host life through subtle effects to more dramatic effects causing population crashes and then regulating host populations. Antarctica and the Southern Ocean wildlife show also parasites although the published information is very scarce. This is even in the case of the most studied group of Antarctic seabirds, the penguins. In this chapter, we analyze the published information about the presence, epidemiology, life cycles, and effects of macroparasites, helminths, and ectoparasites in Antarctic penguins. Most of the publications only give information about the presence/absence of parasites, and very few give data about epidemiology such as prevalence or intensity of parasitization. The information about intermediate host is almost absent, and parasite effects have been addressed very few times. Moreover, the information is based on few areas, and there is not any long-term data set which makes difficult a broad understanding of the impact of parasites in the ecology of penguins. Nevertheless, the little information allows extracting some conclusions. First, the diversity of parasite species is very low which can be explained by the narrow diet spectrum and the harsh conditions. Second, helminths occur at higher prevalence than ectoparasites. In general, a trend of decreased macroparasite prevalence towards more southerly locations can be identified, although the small number of studies precludes a robust conclusion. Third, general parasite effects have been reported causing tissue damage, changes in immune parameters, reduction in body mass, reduction of breeding success, and transmission of diseases, this later in the case of ticks. Finally, it is expected that climate change will affect host-parasite interaction in penguins due to changes in the parasite distribution, host exposure, or resistance, but a higher number of studies with good quality data at long term are needed to confirm the expectations and a deeper understanding of the ecological aspects of parasites such as life cycle, epidemiology, and health impacts in the penguins.
Microbiota of little penguins and short-tailed shearwaters during development
- Dewar, Meagan, Arnould, John, Allnutt, Theo, Crowley, Tamsyn, Krause, Lutz, Reynolds, John, Dann, Peter, Smith, Stuart
- Authors: Dewar, Meagan , Arnould, John , Allnutt, Theo , Crowley, Tamsyn , Krause, Lutz , Reynolds, John , Dann, Peter , Smith, Stuart
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: PLoS ONE Vol. 12, no. 8 (2017), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The establishment and early colonisation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract has been recognised as a crucial stage in chick development, with pioneering microbial species responsible for influencing the development of the GI tract and influencing host health, fitness and disease status throughout life. Development of the microbiota in long lived seabirds is poorly understood. This study characterised the microbial composition of little penguin and short-tailed shearwater chicks throughout development, using Quantitative Real Time PCR (qPCR) and 16S rRNA sequencing. The results indicated that microbial development differed between the two seabird species with the short-tailed shearwater microbiota being relatively stable throughout development whilst significant fluctuations in the microbial composition and an upward trend in the abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were observed in the little penguin. When the microbial composition of adults and chicks was compared, both species showed low similarity in microbial composition, indicating that the adult microbiota may have a negligible influence over the chick’s microbiota.
- Authors: Dewar, Meagan , Arnould, John , Allnutt, Theo , Crowley, Tamsyn , Krause, Lutz , Reynolds, John , Dann, Peter , Smith, Stuart
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: PLoS ONE Vol. 12, no. 8 (2017), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The establishment and early colonisation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract has been recognised as a crucial stage in chick development, with pioneering microbial species responsible for influencing the development of the GI tract and influencing host health, fitness and disease status throughout life. Development of the microbiota in long lived seabirds is poorly understood. This study characterised the microbial composition of little penguin and short-tailed shearwater chicks throughout development, using Quantitative Real Time PCR (qPCR) and 16S rRNA sequencing. The results indicated that microbial development differed between the two seabird species with the short-tailed shearwater microbiota being relatively stable throughout development whilst significant fluctuations in the microbial composition and an upward trend in the abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were observed in the little penguin. When the microbial composition of adults and chicks was compared, both species showed low similarity in microbial composition, indicating that the adult microbiota may have a negligible influence over the chick’s microbiota.
Conventional and molecular analysis of the diet of gentoo penguins: contributions to assess scats for non-invasive penguin diet monitoring
- Xavier, Jose, Cherel, Yves, Medeiros, Renata, Velez, Nadja, Dewar, Meagan, Ratcliffe, Norman, Carreiro, Ana, Trathan, Phil
- Authors: Xavier, Jose , Cherel, Yves , Medeiros, Renata , Velez, Nadja , Dewar, Meagan , Ratcliffe, Norman , Carreiro, Ana , Trathan, Phil
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Polar Biology Vol. 41, no. 11 (2018), p. 2275-2287
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: There is a growing search for less invasive methods while studying the diet of Antarctic animals in the wild. Therefore, we compared the diet of gentoo penguins from stomach contents (i.e. through visual identification of prey remains) and scats (i.e. faeces), and further compared prey DNA assay in fresh and old scats. Prey remains identified visually in stomach contents and scats were broadly comparable: the crustaceans and fish were the most important components, with Themisto gaudichaudii clearly being the most frequent and numerous prey species in both sampling methods. By mass, differences in species frequency were observed in stomach contents (Parachaenichthys georgianus) and scats (Champsocephalus gunnari), with the former fish species absent in scats. Differences were detected in the most frequent prey (T. gaudichaudii and Euphausia superba) and in various fish species, most with bigger sizes in scats. Allometric equations to estimate most crustacean’s sizes (i.e. relationships between carapace and mass/total length) are needed. For DNA studies, when comparing DNA from fresh and old scats, both provided similar results that, in general, were also similar to the visual analysis. In order to use penguin scats (along with the use of DNA analyses) for monitoring purposes, allometric equations to estimate mass and size of prey (most crustaceans) and better designed species-specific primers are needed for targeting key prey species (e.g. Euphausia superba, T. gaudichaudii). These DNA methodologies can complement other methods (i.e. visual analyses and stomach contents analyses) in monitoring programs of penguins.
- Authors: Xavier, Jose , Cherel, Yves , Medeiros, Renata , Velez, Nadja , Dewar, Meagan , Ratcliffe, Norman , Carreiro, Ana , Trathan, Phil
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Polar Biology Vol. 41, no. 11 (2018), p. 2275-2287
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: There is a growing search for less invasive methods while studying the diet of Antarctic animals in the wild. Therefore, we compared the diet of gentoo penguins from stomach contents (i.e. through visual identification of prey remains) and scats (i.e. faeces), and further compared prey DNA assay in fresh and old scats. Prey remains identified visually in stomach contents and scats were broadly comparable: the crustaceans and fish were the most important components, with Themisto gaudichaudii clearly being the most frequent and numerous prey species in both sampling methods. By mass, differences in species frequency were observed in stomach contents (Parachaenichthys georgianus) and scats (Champsocephalus gunnari), with the former fish species absent in scats. Differences were detected in the most frequent prey (T. gaudichaudii and Euphausia superba) and in various fish species, most with bigger sizes in scats. Allometric equations to estimate most crustacean’s sizes (i.e. relationships between carapace and mass/total length) are needed. For DNA studies, when comparing DNA from fresh and old scats, both provided similar results that, in general, were also similar to the visual analysis. In order to use penguin scats (along with the use of DNA analyses) for monitoring purposes, allometric equations to estimate mass and size of prey (most crustaceans) and better designed species-specific primers are needed for targeting key prey species (e.g. Euphausia superba, T. gaudichaudii). These DNA methodologies can complement other methods (i.e. visual analyses and stomach contents analyses) in monitoring programs of penguins.
Happy feet in a hostile world? The future of penguins depends on proactive management of current and expected threats
- Ropert-Coudert, Yan, Chiaradia, Andre, Ainley, David, Barbosa, Andres, Boersma, Dee, Brasso, Rebecka, Dewar, Meagan, Ellenberg, Ursula, García-Borboroglu, Pablo, Emmerson, Loulse, Hickcox, Rachel, Jenouvrier, Stephanie, Kato, Akiko, McIntosh, Rebecca, Lewis, Phoebe, Ramírez, Francisco, Ruoppolo, Valeria, Ryan, Peter, Seddon, Philip, Sherley, Richard, Vanstreels, Ralph, Waller, Lauren, Woehler, Eric, Trathan, Phil
- Authors: Ropert-Coudert, Yan , Chiaradia, Andre , Ainley, David , Barbosa, Andres , Boersma, Dee , Brasso, Rebecka , Dewar, Meagan , Ellenberg, Ursula , García-Borboroglu, Pablo , Emmerson, Loulse , Hickcox, Rachel , Jenouvrier, Stephanie , Kato, Akiko , McIntosh, Rebecca , Lewis, Phoebe , Ramírez, Francisco , Ruoppolo, Valeria , Ryan, Peter , Seddon, Philip , Sherley, Richard , Vanstreels, Ralph , Waller, Lauren , Woehler, Eric , Trathan, Phil
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Marine Science Vol. 6, no. May (2019), p. 1-23
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Penguins face a wide range of threats. Most observed population changes have been negative and have happened over the last 60 years. Today, populations of 11 penguin species are decreasing. Here we present a review that synthesizes details of threats faced by the world's 18 species of penguins. We discuss alterations to their environment at both breeding sites on land and at sea where they forage. The major drivers of change appear to be climate, and food web alterations by marine fisheries. In addition, we also consider other critical and/or emerging threats, namely human disturbance near nesting sites, pollution due to oil, plastics and chemicals such as mercury and persistent organic compounds. Finally, we assess the importance of emerging pathogens and diseases on the health of penguins. We suggest that in the context of climate change, habitat degradation, introduced exotic species and resource competition with fisheries, successful conservation outcomes will require new and unprecedented levels of science and advocacy. Successful conservation stories of penguin species across their geographical range have occurred where there has been concerted effort across local, national and international boundaries to implement effective conservation planning.
- Authors: Ropert-Coudert, Yan , Chiaradia, Andre , Ainley, David , Barbosa, Andres , Boersma, Dee , Brasso, Rebecka , Dewar, Meagan , Ellenberg, Ursula , García-Borboroglu, Pablo , Emmerson, Loulse , Hickcox, Rachel , Jenouvrier, Stephanie , Kato, Akiko , McIntosh, Rebecca , Lewis, Phoebe , Ramírez, Francisco , Ruoppolo, Valeria , Ryan, Peter , Seddon, Philip , Sherley, Richard , Vanstreels, Ralph , Waller, Lauren , Woehler, Eric , Trathan, Phil
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Marine Science Vol. 6, no. May (2019), p. 1-23
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Penguins face a wide range of threats. Most observed population changes have been negative and have happened over the last 60 years. Today, populations of 11 penguin species are decreasing. Here we present a review that synthesizes details of threats faced by the world's 18 species of penguins. We discuss alterations to their environment at both breeding sites on land and at sea where they forage. The major drivers of change appear to be climate, and food web alterations by marine fisheries. In addition, we also consider other critical and/or emerging threats, namely human disturbance near nesting sites, pollution due to oil, plastics and chemicals such as mercury and persistent organic compounds. Finally, we assess the importance of emerging pathogens and diseases on the health of penguins. We suggest that in the context of climate change, habitat degradation, introduced exotic species and resource competition with fisheries, successful conservation outcomes will require new and unprecedented levels of science and advocacy. Successful conservation stories of penguin species across their geographical range have occurred where there has been concerted effort across local, national and international boundaries to implement effective conservation planning.
Marine ecosystem assessment for the Southern Ocean : Birds and marine mammals in a changing climate
- Bestley, Sophie, Ropert-Coudert, Yan, Bengtson Nash, Susan, Brooks, Cassandra, Cotté, Cedric, Dewar, Meagan, Friedlaender, Ari, Jackson, Jennifer, Labrousse, Sara, Lowther, Andrew, McMahon, Clive, Phillips, Richard, Pistorius, Pierre, Puskic, Peter, Reis, Ana, Reisinger, Ryan, Santos, Mercedes, Tarszisz, Esther, Tixier, Paul, Trathan, Philip, Wege, Mia, Wienecke, Barbara
- Authors: Bestley, Sophie , Ropert-Coudert, Yan , Bengtson Nash, Susan , Brooks, Cassandra , Cotté, Cedric , Dewar, Meagan , Friedlaender, Ari , Jackson, Jennifer , Labrousse, Sara , Lowther, Andrew , McMahon, Clive , Phillips, Richard , Pistorius, Pierre , Puskic, Peter , Reis, Ana , Reisinger, Ryan , Santos, Mercedes , Tarszisz, Esther , Tixier, Paul , Trathan, Philip , Wege, Mia , Wienecke, Barbara
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution Vol. 8, no. (2020), p. 1-39
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The massive number of seabirds (penguins and procellariiformes) and marine mammals (cetaceans and pinnipeds) – referred to here as top predators – is one of the most iconic components of the Antarctic and Southern Ocean. They play an important role as highly mobile consumers, structuring and connecting pelagic marine food webs and are widely studied relative to other taxa. Many birds and mammals establish dense breeding colonies or use haul-out sites, making them relatively easy to study. Cetaceans, however, spend their lives at sea and thus aspects of their life cycle are more complicated to monitor and study. Nevertheless, they all feed at sea and their reproductive success depends on the food availability in the marine environment, hence they are considered useful indicators of the state of the marine resources. In general, top predators have large body sizes that allow for instrumentation with miniature data-recording or transmitting devices to monitor their activities at sea. Development of scientific techniques to study reproduction and foraging of top predators has led to substantial scientific literature on their population trends, key biological parameters, migratory patterns, foraging and feeding ecology, and linkages with atmospheric or oceanographic dynamics, for a number of species and regions. We briefly summarize the vast literature on Southern Ocean top predators, focusing on the most recent syntheses. We also provide an overview on the key current and emerging pressures faced by these animals as a result of both natural and human causes. We recognize the overarching impact that environmental changes driven by climate change have on the ecology of these species. We also evaluate direct and indirect interactions between marine predators and other factors such as disease, pollution, land disturbance and the increasing pressure from global fisheries in the Southern Ocean. Where possible we consider the data availability for assessing the status and trends for each of these components, their capacity for resilience or recovery, effectiveness of management responses, risk likelihood of key impacts and future outlook. © Copyright © 2020 Bestley, Ropert-Coudert, Bengtson Nash, Brooks, Cotté, Dewar, Friedlaender, Jackson, Labrousse, Lowther, McMahon, Phillips, Pistorius, Puskic, Reis, Reisinger, Santos, Tarszisz, Tixier, Trathan, Wege and Wienecke.
- Authors: Bestley, Sophie , Ropert-Coudert, Yan , Bengtson Nash, Susan , Brooks, Cassandra , Cotté, Cedric , Dewar, Meagan , Friedlaender, Ari , Jackson, Jennifer , Labrousse, Sara , Lowther, Andrew , McMahon, Clive , Phillips, Richard , Pistorius, Pierre , Puskic, Peter , Reis, Ana , Reisinger, Ryan , Santos, Mercedes , Tarszisz, Esther , Tixier, Paul , Trathan, Philip , Wege, Mia , Wienecke, Barbara
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution Vol. 8, no. (2020), p. 1-39
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The massive number of seabirds (penguins and procellariiformes) and marine mammals (cetaceans and pinnipeds) – referred to here as top predators – is one of the most iconic components of the Antarctic and Southern Ocean. They play an important role as highly mobile consumers, structuring and connecting pelagic marine food webs and are widely studied relative to other taxa. Many birds and mammals establish dense breeding colonies or use haul-out sites, making them relatively easy to study. Cetaceans, however, spend their lives at sea and thus aspects of their life cycle are more complicated to monitor and study. Nevertheless, they all feed at sea and their reproductive success depends on the food availability in the marine environment, hence they are considered useful indicators of the state of the marine resources. In general, top predators have large body sizes that allow for instrumentation with miniature data-recording or transmitting devices to monitor their activities at sea. Development of scientific techniques to study reproduction and foraging of top predators has led to substantial scientific literature on their population trends, key biological parameters, migratory patterns, foraging and feeding ecology, and linkages with atmospheric or oceanographic dynamics, for a number of species and regions. We briefly summarize the vast literature on Southern Ocean top predators, focusing on the most recent syntheses. We also provide an overview on the key current and emerging pressures faced by these animals as a result of both natural and human causes. We recognize the overarching impact that environmental changes driven by climate change have on the ecology of these species. We also evaluate direct and indirect interactions between marine predators and other factors such as disease, pollution, land disturbance and the increasing pressure from global fisheries in the Southern Ocean. Where possible we consider the data availability for assessing the status and trends for each of these components, their capacity for resilience or recovery, effectiveness of management responses, risk likelihood of key impacts and future outlook. © Copyright © 2020 Bestley, Ropert-Coudert, Bengtson Nash, Brooks, Cotté, Dewar, Friedlaender, Jackson, Labrousse, Lowther, McMahon, Phillips, Pistorius, Puskic, Reis, Reisinger, Santos, Tarszisz, Tixier, Trathan, Wege and Wienecke.
Risk assessment of SARS-CoV-2 in Antarctic wildlife
- Barbosa, Andres, Varsani, Arvind, Morandini, Virginia, Grimaldi, Wray, Vanstreels, Ralph, Diaz, Julia, Boulinier, Thierry, Dewar, Meagan, González-Acuña, Daniel, Gray, Rachael, McMahon, Clive, Miller, Gary, Power, Michelle, Gamble, Amandine, Wille, Michelle
- Authors: Barbosa, Andres , Varsani, Arvind , Morandini, Virginia , Grimaldi, Wray , Vanstreels, Ralph , Diaz, Julia , Boulinier, Thierry , Dewar, Meagan , González-Acuña, Daniel , Gray, Rachael , McMahon, Clive , Miller, Gary , Power, Michelle , Gamble, Amandine , Wille, Michelle
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Science of the Total Environment Vol. 755, no. 2 (2021), p. 1-8
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This pathogen has spread rapidly across the world, causing high numbers of deaths and significant social and economic impacts. SARS-CoV-2 is a novel coronavirus with a suggested zoonotic origin with the potential for cross-species transmission among animals. Antarctica can be considered the only continent free of SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, concerns have been expressed regarding the potential human introduction of this virus to the continent through the activities of research or tourism to minimise the effects on human health, and the potential for virus transmission to Antarctic wildlife. We assess the reverse-zoonotic transmission risk to Antarctic wildlife by considering the available information on host susceptibility, dynamics of the infection in humans, and contact interactions between humans and Antarctic wildlife. The environmental conditions in Antarctica seem to be favourable for the virus stability. Indoor spaces such as those at research stations, research vessels or tourist cruise ships could allow for more transmission among humans and depending on their movements between different locations the virus could be spread across the continent. Among Antarctic wildlife previous in silico analyses suggested that cetaceans are at greater risk of infection whereas seals and birds appear to be at a low infection risk. However, caution needed until further research is carried out and consequently, the precautionary principle should be applied. Field researchers handling animals are identified as the human group posing the highest risk of transmission to animals while tourists and other personnel pose a significant risk only when in close proximity (< 5 m) to Antarctic fauna. We highlight measures to reduce the risk as well as identify of knowledge gaps related to this issue. © 2020 The Authors
- Authors: Barbosa, Andres , Varsani, Arvind , Morandini, Virginia , Grimaldi, Wray , Vanstreels, Ralph , Diaz, Julia , Boulinier, Thierry , Dewar, Meagan , González-Acuña, Daniel , Gray, Rachael , McMahon, Clive , Miller, Gary , Power, Michelle , Gamble, Amandine , Wille, Michelle
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Science of the Total Environment Vol. 755, no. 2 (2021), p. 1-8
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This pathogen has spread rapidly across the world, causing high numbers of deaths and significant social and economic impacts. SARS-CoV-2 is a novel coronavirus with a suggested zoonotic origin with the potential for cross-species transmission among animals. Antarctica can be considered the only continent free of SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, concerns have been expressed regarding the potential human introduction of this virus to the continent through the activities of research or tourism to minimise the effects on human health, and the potential for virus transmission to Antarctic wildlife. We assess the reverse-zoonotic transmission risk to Antarctic wildlife by considering the available information on host susceptibility, dynamics of the infection in humans, and contact interactions between humans and Antarctic wildlife. The environmental conditions in Antarctica seem to be favourable for the virus stability. Indoor spaces such as those at research stations, research vessels or tourist cruise ships could allow for more transmission among humans and depending on their movements between different locations the virus could be spread across the continent. Among Antarctic wildlife previous in silico analyses suggested that cetaceans are at greater risk of infection whereas seals and birds appear to be at a low infection risk. However, caution needed until further research is carried out and consequently, the precautionary principle should be applied. Field researchers handling animals are identified as the human group posing the highest risk of transmission to animals while tourists and other personnel pose a significant risk only when in close proximity (< 5 m) to Antarctic fauna. We highlight measures to reduce the risk as well as identify of knowledge gaps related to this issue. © 2020 The Authors
- «
- ‹
- 1
- ›
- »