| helminth fauna of the iberian lynx, lynx pardinus. | specimens of 12 helminth species were collected from carcasses of eight lynx pardinus (temminck, 1827), a carnivore endemic to the iberian peninsula. these species included: brachylaima sp. (12.5%) (trematoda); taenia pisiformis (12.5%), t. polyacantha (25%), t. taeniaeformis (25%) and mesocestoides litteratus (37.5%) (cestoda); eucoleus aerophilus (12.5%), ancylostoma tubaeforme (12.5%), toxocara cati (37.5%), toxascaris leonina (62.5%), vigisospirura potekhina potekhina (12.5%), mastophorus mu ... | 1998 | 9765373 |
| phylogenetic and phylogeographic analysis of iberian lynx populations. | the iberian lynx (lynx pardinus), one of the world's most endangered cat species, is vulnerable due to habitat loss, increased fragmentation of populations, and precipitous demographic reductions. an understanding of iberian lynx evolutionary history is necessary to develop rational management plans for the species. our objectives were to assess iberian lynx genetic diversity at three evolutionary timescales. first we analyzed mitochondrial dna (mtdna) sequence variation to position the iberian ... | 2004 | 14757726 |
| epidemiology of ancylostoma spp. in the endangered iberian lynx (lynx pardinus) in the doñana national park, south-west spain. | the epidemiology of ancylostoma spp. was studied in the endangered iberian lynx (lynx pardinus) in the doñana national park, south-west spain. faecal samples were collected throughout a complete annual cycle (august 1997 to september 1998). the overall egg prevalence of ancylostoma spp. was 57.8%. the pattern of abundance of ancylostoma spp. eggs in faeces was overdispersed. juvenile lynx demonstrated a statistically higher prevalence and abundance of ancylostoma spp. than in adults. these level ... | 2004 | 15153291 |
| bovine tuberculosis in a free ranging red fox (vulpes vulpes) from doñana national park (spain). | during 1997 and 1998, a survey of iberian carnivores was conducted to study the epidemiology of bovine tuberculosis in the doñana national park and surrounding areas in southwestern spain. post-mortem examinations were done on seven red foxes (vulpes vulpes), two egyptian mongoose (herpestes ichneumon), one weasel (mustela nivalis), two genets (genetta genetta), one iberian lynx (lynx pardinus), one eurasian badger (meles meles), and two polecats (mustela putorius). lesions suggestive of bovine ... | 2005 | 16107680 |
| first report of an intraerythrocytic small piroplasm in wild iberian lynx (lynx pardinus). | a wild injured iberian lynx (lynx pardinus) was taken from the sierra morena population. during the health check small intraerythrocytic piroplasms, morphologically indistinguishable from other feline piroplasms, were observed in wright-giemsa-stained blood films. amplification by polymerase chain reaction of a portion of the 18s nuclear small subunit (nss) rrna gene and sequencing revealed similarity of the unknown organism with sequences obtained from pallas's cat from mongolia and from a dome ... | 2005 | 16456175 |
| histopathological and immunohistochemical findings in lymphoid tissues of the endangered iberian lynx (lynx pardinus). | the iberian lynx (lynx pardinus) is the most threatened wild feline in the world. little is known about the diseases and pathology that affect this animal. the aim of this study was to evaluate the histopathological status of the peripheral lymphoid tissues and thymus of iberian lynxes necropsied between 1998 and 2003. seventeen animals including females (n=8) and males (n=9), age range of 10 months to 16 years, with different causes of death were histopathologically and immunohistochemically (a ... | 2006 | 16624407 |
| landscape evaluation in conservation: molecular sampling and habitat modeling for the iberian lynx. | conservation of endangered species requires comprehensive understanding of their distribution and habitat requirements, in order to implement better management strategies. unfortunately, this understanding is often difficult to gather at the short term required by rapidly declining populations of many rare vertebrates. we present a spatial habitat modeling approach that integrates a molecular technique for species detection with landscape information to assess habitat requirements of a criticall ... | 2006 | 16827001 |
| antibodies to mycobacterium bovis in wild carnivores from doñana national park (spain). | we conducted a retrospective serologic survey for antibodies against the mpb70 protein of mycobacterium bovis in wild carnivores from doñana national park (southwestern spain). serum samples from 118 red foxes (vulpes vulpes), 39 iberian lynx (lynx pardinus), 31 eurasian badgers (meles meles), five egyptian mongoose (herpestes ichneumon), four european genet (genetta genetta), and one eurasian otter (lutra lutra) were analyzed using an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunoassay. antibodies a ... | 2006 | 17092907 |
| prevalence of infection and 18s rrna gene sequences of cytauxzoon species in iberian lynx (lynx pardinus) in spain. | the iberian lynx (lynx pardinus) is the most endangered felid in the world. only about 160 individuals remain in 2 separate metapopulations in southern spain (sierra morena and doñana). we obtained blood samples of 20 lynxes captured from 2004 to 2006, and determined the prevalence of infection and genetic diversity of cytauxzoon spp. using 18s rrna pcr and sequence analysis. prevalence of infection was 15% (3 of 20). cytauxzoon sp. was only detected in sierra morena. for phylogenetic analysis, ... | 2007 | 17326847 |
| seroprevalence of toxoplasma gondii antibodies in wild carnivores from spain. | serum samples from 282 wild carnivores from different regions of spain were tested for antibodies to toxoplasma gondii by the modified agglutination test using a cut-off value of 1:25. antibodies to t. gondii were found in 22 of 27 (81.5%) of iberian lynx (lynx pardinus), 3 of 6 european wildcats (felis silvestris), 66 of 102 (64.7%) red foxes (vulpes vulpes), 15 of 32 (46.9%) wolves (canis lupus), 26 of 37 (70.3%) eurasian badgers (meles meles), 17 of 20 (85.0%) stone martens (martes foina), 4 ... | 2007 | 17689869 |
| ectoparasites of the endangered iberian lynx lynx pardinus and sympatric wild and domestic carnivores in spain. | ectoparasites can cause important skin disorders in animals and can also transmit pathogens. the iberian lynx lynx pardinus has been stated to be the most endangered felid in the world and such vector-borne pathogens may threaten its survival. we surveyed 98 wild carnivores (26 iberian lynxes, 34 red foxes vulpes vulpes, 24 egyptian mongooses herpestes ichneumon, 11 common genets genetta genetta, two eurasian badgers meles meles, one polecat mustela putorius) and 75 domestic but free-ranging car ... | 2007 | 17897365 |
| helminth parasites of the endangered iberian lynx (lynx pardinus) and sympatric carnivores. | five critically endangered iberian lynxes (lynx pardinus) and 35 other sympatric carnivores (19 feral cats felis catus, 12 egyptian mongooses herpestes ichneumon, and 4 common genets genetta genetta) were analysed for helminths in sierra morena and doñana area (southern spain). ancylostoma tubaeforme, which was believed to be harmful for lynx cubs according to a previous study, was present in the only lynx and in 53% of cats analysed in doñana (80% in adult cats). other species shared in both ar ... | 2007 | 18021466 |
| levels of heavy metals and metalloids in critically endangered iberian lynx and other wild carnivores from southern spain. | the iberian lynx (lynx pardinus) is the most endangered felid in the world with a wild population which probably stands at less than 200 individuals inhabiting two areas in southern spain (doñana and sierra morena) that are known to have been contaminated by heavy metals and metalloids due to a long history of mining activities. this contamination may pose a threat to long term conservation efforts and hence, the concentrations of seven elements (as, se, cd, zn, cu, pb, hg) were determined in th ... | 2008 | 18455757 |
| detection of feline leukemia virus in the endangered iberian lynx (lynx pardinus). | feline retroviruses are rarely reported in lynx species. twenty-one iberian lynx (lynx pardinus) blood and tissue samples collected from doñana national park and los villares (sierra morena) in southern spain during 1993-2003 were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction to amplify nucleic acids from feline retroviruses. six samples were positive for feline leukemia virus (felv), but no samples tested positive for feline immunodeficiency virus. the blast analysis indicated that 5 of the 6 sequences ... | 2008 | 18460634 |
| disease threats to the endangered iberian lynx (lynx pardinus). | the iberian lynx, (lynx pardinus), is the most endangered felid in the world. to determine whether sympatric carnivores are reservoirs of pathogens posing a disease risk for the lynx, evidence of exposure to 17 viral, bacterial and protozoan agents was investigated in 176 carnivores comprising 26 free-living lynx, 53 domestic cats, 28 dogs, 33 red foxes (vulpes vulpes), 24 egyptian mongooses (herpestes ichneumon), 10 common genets (genetta genetta) and 2 eurasian badgers (meles meles) in the are ... | 2009 | 18555712 |
| neospora caninum antibodies in wild carnivores from spain. | serum samples from 251 wild carnivores from different regions of spain were tested for antibodies to neospora caninum by the commercial competitive screening enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (c-elisa) and confirmed by neospora agglutination test (nat) and/or by indirect fluorescent antibody test (ifat). samples with antibodies detected by at least two serological tests were considered seropositive. antibodies to n. caninum were found in 3.2% of 95 red foxes (vulpes vulpes); in 21.4% of 28 wolve ... | 2008 | 18556128 |
| characterization of widespread canine leishmaniasis among wild carnivores from spain. | visceral leishmaniasis (vl) is an emerging zoonotic parasitic disease caused by leishmania infantum in mediterranean countries, with sand flies (phlebotomus spp.) as vectors and dogs as the main domestic reservoir. the role of wild carnivores in the epidemiology of leishmaniasis is still controversial. in order to determine the prevalence of natural infection with l. infantum in wild carnivores from spain, we analyzed 217 samples by pcr and western blotting and used restriction fragment length p ... | 2008 | 18579311 |
| key role of european rabbits in the conservation of the western mediterranean basin hotspot. | the mediterranean basin is a global hotspot of biodiversity. hotspots are said to be experiencing a major loss of habitat, but an added risk could be the decline of some species having a special role in ecological relationships of the system. we reviewed the role of european rabbits (oryctolagus cuniculus) as a keystone species in the iberian peninsula portion of the mediterranean hotspot. rabbits conspicuously alter plant species composition and vegetation structure through grazing and seed dis ... | 2008 | 18680504 |
| leptospirosis in wild and domestic carnivores in natural areas in andalusia, spain. | leptospirosis is a zoonosis that affects humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. carnivores are at the top of the feeding chain, thus being exposed to pathogens through their preys. from june 2004 to april 2007, we analyzed for evidences of contact with 14 serovars of leptospira interrogans sensu lato serum (analyzed by indirect microscopic agglutination test) and urine or kidney samples (analyzed by microscopic observation, immunostaining and culture) collected from 201 wild and domestic carniv ... | 2009 | 18973450 |
| determination of serum biochemical reference intervals for the iberian lynx (lynx pardinus). | biochemical reference intervals were determined for 31 clinically healthy iberian lynxes (lynx pardinus) between 1 and 6 years of age. thirteen of the lynxes were wild-caught and the other 18 were captive-reared animals. the samples were collected between november 2004 and december 2006. the influence of sex (males vs. females), age (juveniles vs. adults) and habitat condition (free-living vs. captive) on the biochemical analytes were evaluated. serum albumin concentrations were significantly hi ... | 2010 | 19071043 |
| feline leukemia virus and other pathogens as important threats to the survival of the critically endangered iberian lynx (lynx pardinus). | background: the iberian lynx (lynx pardinus) is considered the most endangered felid species in the world. in order to save this species, the spanish authorities implemented a captive breeding program recruiting lynxes from the wild. in this context, a retrospective survey on prevalence of selected feline pathogens in free-ranging lynxes was initiated. methodology/ principal findings: we systematically analyzed the prevalence and importance of seven viral, one protozoan (cytauxzoon felis), and s ... | 2009 | 19270739 |
| assessment of semen quality, sperm cryopreservation and heterologous ivf in the critically endangered iberian lynx (lynx pardinus). | semen traits and factors affecting sperm cryopreservation were assessed in the iberian lynx (lynx pardinus), a species regarded as the most endangered felid in the world. for cryopreservation, semen was washed, resuspended in a tes-tris-based diluent (test) or a tris-based diluent (biladyl), both with 20% egg yolk and 4% glycerol, loaded into straws, cooled to 5 degrees c using an automated programmable system and frozen on nitrogen vapour. heterologous ivf of in vitro-matured domestic cat oocyt ... | 2009 | 19698289 |
| reproductive traits in captive and free-ranging males of the critically endangered iberian lynx (lynx pardinus). | the iberian lynx (lynx pardinus) is the most endangered felid in the world. adequate genetic management of in situ and ex situ populations, and linkage between both, require knowledge on male reproductive biology and factors influencing it. we examined the influence of age, free-ranging versus captive conditions and seasonality on phenotypic, endocrine and semen traits, and links between reproductive traits and male fertility. males had relatively small testes, produced low sperm numbers, a low ... | 2010 | 19736256 |
| factors affecting seroprevalence of toxoplasma gondii in the endangered iberian lynx (lynx pardinus). | wild felids are considered important in maintaining the sylvatic cycle of toxoplasma gondii. although, t. gondii antibodies have been reported in several species of wild felids, little is known of the epidemiology and risk factors associated with t. gondii infection in wild cats. the iberian lynx (lynx pardinus) is the most endangered felid species in the world. in the present study, seroprevalence and associated risk factors for t. gondii infection in a large population of iberian lynx in spain ... | 2010 | 19879052 |
| feline leukemia virus infection: a threat for the survival of the critically endangered iberian lynx (lynx pardinus). | the iberian lynx (lynx pardinus) is considered the most endangered felid species in the world. to date, less than 200 animals remain in the wild. low numbers and genetic uniformity may contribute to render this species particularly susceptible to infectious diseases. different pathogens have been identified in iberian lynxes; including several feline bacterial and viral agents. within a 6-month period starting in december 2006, 12 lynxes living in the northern part of the doñana area were found ... | 2010 | 19896221 |
| detection and identification of bartonella sp. in fleas from carnivorous mammals in andalusia, spain. | a total of 559 fleas representing four species (pulex irritans, ctenocephalides felis, ctenocephalides canis and spilopsyllus cuniculi) collected on carnivores (five iberian lynx lynx pardinus, six european wildcat felis silvestris, 10 common genet genetta genetta, three eurasian badger meles meles, 22 red fox vulpes vulpes, 87 dogs and 23 cats) in andalusia, southern spain, were distributed in 156 pools of monospecific flea from each carnivore, and tested for bartonella infection in an assay ba ... | 2009 | 19941605 |
| importance of canine distemper virus (cdv) infection in free-ranging iberian lynxes (lynx pardinus). | canine distemper virus (cdv) is a morbillivirus that is the etiological agent of one of the most important viral diseases affecting canids and an expanding range of other carnivores. using real-time rt-pcr, cdv rna was detected in organs of an iberian lynx (lynx pardinus) found dead in the doñana national park, southwestern andalusia, spain. this finding may be of great importance for the conservation of the species; at present the iberian lynx is the most critically endangered wild felid. the a ... | 2010 | 20570061 |
| identification, characterization, and application of a recombinant antigen for the serological investigation of feline hemotropic mycoplasma infections. | in felids, three hemotropic mycoplasma species (hemoplasmas) have been described: mycoplasma haemofelis, "candidatus mycoplasma haemominutum," and "candidatus mycoplasma turicensis." in particular, m. haemofelis may cause severe, potentially life-threatening hemolytic anemia. no routine serological assays for feline hemoplasma infections are available. thus, the goal of our project was to identify and characterize an m. haemofelis antigen (dnak) that subsequently could be applied as a recombinan ... | 2010 | 20876820 |
| feline leukemia virus outbreak in the critically endangered iberian lynx (lynx pardinus): high-throughput sequencing of envelope variable region a and experimental transmission. | the iberian lynx is the most endangered felid species. during winter/spring 2006/7, a feline leukemia virus (felv) outbreak of unexpected virulence killed about 2/3 of the infected iberian lynxes. all felv-positive animals were co-infected with feline hemoplasmas. to further characterize the iberian lynx felv strain and evaluate its potential virulence, the felv envelope gene variable region a (vra) mutant spectrum was analyzed using the roche 454 sequencing technology, and an in vivo transmissi ... | 2011 | 21302124 |
| helminth parasites in faecal samples from the endangered iberian lynx (lynx pardinus). | the iberian lynx is the most endangered felid in the world. enteropathogens may threaten its survival, and therefore we analysed faecal samples from 66 different individuals (37 males and 29 females), the largest population representation studied to date. the samples were obtained from november 2005 to october 2008 in the two areas where the iberian lynx survives: sierra morena and doñana (andalusia, southern spain). a total of 56.1% samples were parasitized with at least 6 species of helminths, ... | 2011 | 21349643 |
| The molecular detection of relaxin and its receptor RXFP1 in reproductive tissue of Felis catus and Lynx pardinus during pregnancy. | Relaxin acts as a pregnancy specific signal in feline species, but specific information about protein structure and binding is essential for the improvement of pregnancy diagnosis in endangered feline species, like the Iberian lynx. To generate a felid-specific relaxin antibody, the DNA and protein sequences of lynx and cat were determined; and peptides were chosen for antibody generation. In addition, relaxin and relaxin receptor (RXFP1) mRNA expression were measured in uteri and ovaries of pre ... | 2011 | 22187673 |
| molecular evidence of shared hookworm ancylostoma tubaeforme haplotypes between the critically endangered iberian lynx and sympatric domestic cats. | hookworms of the genus ancylostoma are the most pathogenic parasites of young cats, and a. tubaeforme may cause morbidity or mortality in young individuals of the most endangered felid species in the world, the iberian lynx (lynx pardinus). since the transmission of monoxenous parasites is related to host density and remaining lynx populations are currently very small, the presence of reservoir hosts may be necessary for the maintenance of the hookworm life-cycle, the domestic cat being the most ... | 2011 | 22136770 |
| Levels of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in the critically endangered Iberian lynx and other sympatric carnivores in Spain. | Accumulation of organochlorine compounds is well studied in aquatic food chains whereas little information is available from terrestrial food chains. This study presents data of organochlorine levels in tissue and plasma samples of 15 critically endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) and other 55 wild carnivores belonging to five species from three natural areas of Spain (Doñana National Park, Sierra Morena and Lozoya River) and explores their relationship with species diet. The Iberian lynx, w ... | 2011 | 22099537 |
| pseudorabies virus infection (aujeszky's disease) in an iberian lynx (lynx pardinus) in spain: a case report. | the only natural hosts of pseudorabies virus (prv) are members of the family suidae (sus scrofa scrofa). in species other than suids infection is normally fatal. in these mammals, including carnivores, prv typically causes serious neurologic disease. the endangered iberian lynx (lynx pardinus) is a wild feline endemic to south-western europe (iberian peninsula). the iberian lynx was found to be the world's most endangered felid species in 2002. in wild felines, prv infection has only been previo ... | 2017 | 28056966 |
| extreme genomic erosion after recurrent demographic bottlenecks in the highly endangered iberian lynx. | genomic studies of endangered species provide insights into their evolution and demographic history, reveal patterns of genomic erosion that might limit their viability, and offer tools for their effective conservation. the iberian lynx (lynx pardinus) is the most endangered felid and a unique example of a species on the brink of extinction. | 2016 | 27964752 |
| pcr screening of tick-borne agents in sensitive conservation areas, southeast portugal. | the southeast region of portugal, particularly the guadiana valley, is currently the reintroduction territory of lynx pardinus (iberian lynx), one of the most endangered felids in the world that is only found in the iberian peninsula. over the last century, populations have declined, placing l. pardinus at extremely high risk of extinction in the wild and relying on reintroduction projects. among the aspects taken into account in the establishment of new populations is the sanitary status of the ... | 2017 | 27894847 |
| detection of antibiotic resistant enterococci and escherichia coli in free range iberian lynx (lynx pardinus). | thirty fecal samples from wild specimens of iberian lynx were collected and analyzed for enterococcus spp. (27 isolates) and escherichia coli (18 isolates) recovery. the 45 isolates obtained were tested for antimicrobial resistance, molecular mechanisms of resistance, and presence of virulence genes. among the enterococci, enterococcus faecium and enterococcus hirae were the most prevalent species (11 isolates each), followed by enterococcus faecalis (5 isolates). high percentages of resistance ... | 2013 | 23588135 |
| prevalence of selected pathogens in small carnivores in reintroduction areas of the iberian lynx (lynx pardinus). | | 2017 | 28062843 |
| quantification of the humoral immune response and hemoplasma blood and tissue loads in cats coinfected with 'candidatus mycoplasma haemominutum' and feline leukemia virus. | 'candidatus mycoplasma haemominutum' (cmhm) is a hemotropic mycoplasma (aka hemoplasma) of domestic cats and wild felids. in a transmission study, we exposed eight specified pathogen-free cats to blood from iberian lynxes (lynx pardinus) infected with cmhm. the cats were coinfected with feline leukemia virus (felv) from an iberian lynx or with a prototype felv. the goal of the present study was to quantify the humoral immune response to cmhm and to identify potential target tissues and sequestra ... | 2012 | 22588083 |
| snapshot of viral infections in wild carnivores reveals ubiquity of parvovirus and susceptibility of egyptian mongoose to feline panleukopenia virus. | the exposure of wild carnivores to viral pathogens, with emphasis on parvovirus (cpv/fplv), was assessed based on the molecular screening of tissue samples from 128 hunted or accidentally road-killed animals collected in portugal from 2008 to 2011, including egyptian mongoose (herpestes ichneumon, n = 99), red fox (vulpes vulpes, n = 19), stone marten (martes foina, n = 3), common genet (genetta genetta, n = 3) and eurasian badger (meles meles, n = 4). a high prevalence of parvovirus dna (63%) w ... | 2013 | 23527182 |
| occurrence and molecular genotyping of giardia duodenalis and cryptosporidium spp. in wild mesocarnivores in spain. | there is a surprisingly scarce amount of epidemiological and molecular data on the prevalence, frequency, and diversity of the intestinal protozoan parasites giardia duodenalis and cryptosporidium spp. in wildlife in general and mesocarnivore species in particular. consequently, the extent of the cyst/oocyst environmental contamination attributable to these wild host species and their potential implications for public veterinary health remain largely unknown. in this molecular epidemiological su ... | 2017 | 28215875 |
| retrospective study of morbidity and mortality of captive iberian lynx (lynx pardinus) in the ex situ conservation programme (2004-june 2010). | medical records of 120 iberian lynx (lynx pardinus) from the captive breeding population (cbp), 96 of which were older than 1 wk old, were studied from january 2004 to june 2010. from a total of 413 clinical signs recorded, it was possible to obtain a diagnosis in 258 (62.5%). inappetence, skin wound, and vomiting had the highest incidence. adult (2 to 6 yr old) and juvenile (1 wk to 1 yr old) animals accounted for most of the clinical signs. vitamin d toxicosis and intraspecific trauma accounte ... | 2013 | 24450042 |
| first evidence of hemoplasma infection in free-ranging namibian cheetahs (acinonyx jubatus). | infections with feline hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) have been documented in domestic cats and free-ranging feline species with high prevalences in iberian lynxes (lynx pardinus), eurasian lynxes (lynx lynx), european wildcats (felis silvestris silvestris), african lions (panthera leo) in tanzania and domestic cats in south africa. the prevalence of hemoplasmas has not yet been investigated in free-ranging felids in southern africa. in this study we screened 73 blood samples from 61 cheet ... | 2013 | 23123173 |
| disease-mediated bottom-up regulation: an emergent virus affects a keystone prey, and alters the dynamics of trophic webs. | emergent diseases may alter the structure and functioning of ecosystems by creating new biotic interactions and modifying existing ones, producing cascading processes along trophic webs. recently, a new variant of the rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (rhdv2 or rhdvb) arguably caused widespread declines in a keystone prey in mediterranean ecosystems - the european rabbit (oryctolagus cuniculus). we quantitatively assess the impact of rhdv2 on natural rabbit populations and in two endangered apex ... | 2016 | 27796353 |
| description and life-cycle of taenia lynciscapreoli sp. n. (cestoda, cyclophyllidea). | a new species of tapeworm, taenia lynciscapreoli sp. n. (cestoda, cyclophyllidea), is described from the eurasian lynx (lynx lynx), the main definitive host, and the roe deer (capreolus capreolus and capreolus pygargus), the main intermediate hosts, from finland and russia (siberia and the russian far east). the new species was found once also in the wolf (canis lupus) and the eurasian elk/moose (alces alces), representing accidental definitive and intermediate hosts, respectively. the conspecif ... | 2016 | 27199592 |
| individual identification of endangered species using mosquito blood meals: a proof-of-concept study in iberian lynx. | host identification from mosquito blood meals has been routinely used to identify the feeding preferences of insects in studies on transmission of vector-borne pathogens. here, we identified for the first time the susceptibility of the endangered iberian lynx (lynx pardinus) to the attack of a wild mosquito female, the mosquito anopheles atroparvus. furthermore, we used 11 microsatellite markers to test for the utility of vertebrate dna isolated from insect blood meals for individual identificat ... | 2015 | 25656463 |
| gene sets for utilization of primary and secondary nutrition supplies in the distal gut of endangered iberian lynx. | recent studies have indicated the existence of an extensive trans-genomic trans-mural co-metabolism between gut microbes and animal hosts that is diet-, host phylogeny- and provenance-influenced. here, we analyzed the biodiversity at the level of small subunit rrna gene sequence and the metabolic composition of 18 mbp of consensus metagenome sequences and activity characteristics of bacterial intra-cellular extracts, in wild iberian lynx (lynx pardinus) fecal samples. bacterial signatures (14.43 ... | 2012 | 23251564 |
| progesterone, estrogen, and androgen receptors in the corpus luteum of the domestic cat, iberian lynx (lynx pardinus) and eurasian lynx (lynx lynx). | in contrast to the species studied, the corpus luteum (cl) of iberian and eurasian lynx physiologically persists in the ovary for more than 2 years and continues to secrete progesterone. such persistent cl (percl) transition into the next cycle and are present in the ovary together with the freshly formed cl (frcl) of a new ovulation. to date, the mechanisms supporting such cl persistence are not known. we analyzed the potential receptivity of feline cl to sex steroids through mrna measurements ... | 2016 | 27641676 |
| modelling landscape-level numerical responses of predators to prey: the case of cats and rabbits. | predator-prey systems can extend over large geographical areas but empirical modelling of predator-prey dynamics has been largely limited to localised scales. this is due partly to difficulties in estimating predator and prey abundances over large areas. collection of data at suitably large scales has been a major problem in previous studies of european rabbits (oryctolagus cuniculus) and their predators. this applies in western europe, where conserving rabbits and predators such as iberian lynx ... | 2013 | 24039978 |
| germ cell survival and differentiation after xenotransplantation of testis tissue from three endangered species: iberian lynx (lynx pardinus), cuvier's gazelle (gazella cuvieri) and mohor gazelle (g. dama mhorr). | the use of assisted reproductive techniques for endangered species is a major goal for conservation. one of these techniques, testis tissue xenografting, allows for the development of spermatozoa from animals that die before reaching sexual maturity. to assess the potential use of this technique with endangered species, testis tissue from six iberian lynxes (one fetus, two perinatal cubs, two 6-month-old and one 2-year-old lynx), two cuvier's gazelle fetuses and one 8-month-old mohor gazelle wer ... | 2014 | 23763851 |
| insights into the fecal microbiota of captive iberian lynx (lynx pardinus). | the iberian lynx (lynx pardinus) is an endangered species restricted to several areas of spain and portugal. its low genetic diversity likely provokes immune depression and high susceptibility to infectious diseases. the intestinal microbiota is closely related to host health and nutrition. in order to contribute to the knowledge of the iberian lynx intestinal microbiota, fecal microbiota of captive specimens from two breeding centers ("la olivilla" and "el acebuche"), located in southern spain, ... | 2017 | 28581020 |
| co-existence between iberian lynx and egyptian mongooses: estimating interaction strength by structural equation modelling and testing by an observational study. | we used path analysis to investigate the causal relationships between iberian lynx and egyptian mongoose track numbers, and to estimate the direct effect of the former on the latter in the doñana area (2750 km(2) ), south-western spain. relative abundance of rabbits, shrub cover and protection level were also considered in the path analysis. an observational study consisting of a repeated track survey with a split-plot design was also carried out between 1990 and 1996 to independently test the r ... | 1998 | 26412375 |
| patterns of postnatal development in skulls of lynxes, genus lynx (mammalia: carnivora). | studies on ossification patterns and other ontogenetic events associated with postnatal cranial growth of wild felids are scarce. an analysis of developmental processes undergone by several cranial structures (presphenoidal and sphenooccipital synchondroses, temporal and sagittal crests, and deciduous and permanent teeth) during postnatal growth has been conducted on a sample of 336 specimens belonging to the four recent species of lynxes (lynx pardinus, lynx lynx, lynx rufus, and lynx canadensi ... | 1996 | 8765807 |
| novel efficient genome-wide snp panels for the conservation of the highly endangered iberian lynx. | the iberian lynx (lynx pardinus) has been acknowledged as the most endangered felid species in the world. an intense contraction and fragmentation during the twentieth century left less than 100 individuals split in two isolated and genetically eroded populations by 2002. genetic monitoring and management so far have been based on 36 strs, but their limited variability and the more complex situation of current populations demand more efficient molecular markers. the recent characterization of th ... | 2017 | 28732460 |
| territoriality ensures paternity in a solitary carnivore mammal. | in solitary carnivorous mammals, territoriality is assumed to benefit male fitness by ensuring the exclusivity of matings within territories via mate guarding and female defence. however, this hypothesis remains empirically untested. here, we examined this hypothesis for solitary territorial carnivores using the iberian lynx (lynx pardinus) as a case study. we expected that territorial males sire all litters born within their territories, translating into the absence of multi-paternity cases wit ... | 2017 | 28674454 |
| chronic vitamin d intoxication in captive iberian lynx (lynx pardinus). | to document the biochemical and pathologic features of vitamin d intoxication in lynx and to characterize mineral metabolism in healthy lynx, blood samples were obtained from 40 captive lynx that had been receiving excessive (approximately 30 times the recommended dose) vitamin d3 in the diet, and from 29 healthy free ranging lynx. tissue samples (kidney, stomach, lung, heart and aorta) were collected from 13 captive lynx that died as a result of renal disease and from 3 controls. vitamin d into ... | 2016 | 27243456 |
| acquired antibiotic resistance among wild animals: the case of iberian lynx (lynx pardinus). | the selective pressure generated by the clinical misuse of antibiotics has been the major driving force leading to the emergence of antibiotic resistance among bacteria. antibiotics or even resistant bacteria are released into the environment and contaminate the surrounding areas. human and animal populations in contact with these sources are able to become reservoirs of these resistant organisms. then, due to the convergence between habitats, the contact of wild animals with other animals, huma ... | 2014 | 25220796 |
| early development and growth in captive-born iberian lynx (lynx pardinus). | knowledge on the growth and early development patterns of endangered species can become a useful conservation tool because it may allow detecting anomalous growth in newborns, both in captivity breeding and in the wild. we studied the growth and early development of 40 iberian lynx (lynx pardinus) cubs belonging to 21 litters born in captivity between 2005 and 2012 at "el acebuche" iberian lynx breeding centre. this is the first study on growth in this critically endangered species. the iberian ... | 2014 | 25081419 |
| validation of an enzyme immunoassay for the measurement of faecal glucocorticoid metabolites in eurasian (lynx lynx) and iberian lynx (lynx pardinus). | stress hormone levels are important indicator of an animal's well-being, as stress has harmful effects on reproduction, growth and immune function. the development of enzyme immunoassays (eia) to monitor faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (fgm) contributes a powerful tool to assess an animal's adrenal status non-invasively. we aimed to identify a suitable eia for monitoring fgm by assessing the suitability of six different eias for detecting quantitative changes in fgm concentrations in response ... | 2014 | 25066418 |
| hormone-induced luteolysis on physiologically persisting corpora lutea in eurasian and iberian lynx (lynx lynx and lynx pardinus). | the iberian lynx (lynx pardinus) is the most critically endangered felid. a high reproductive success within the iberian lynx conservation breeding program is crucial to maintaining the goal of reintroducing captive born offspring to the wild and thus increasing the population. lynx follow a unique reproductive strategy with a monoestrous cycle and persisting cls over many years. these persistent cls constantly produce progesterone (on average 5 ng/ml) and are hypothesized to hinder a polyestrou ... | 2014 | 24974257 |
| revisiting food-based models of territoriality in solitary predators. | food availability is considered a major factor determining spacing behaviour in territorial species, especially for females. theoretically, spatial overlap (considered the opposite of territoriality) and food availability are related in a nonlinear manner (hypothesized inverted-u function), with high overlap levels at the extremes of a food availability gradient and low overlap at intermediate levels of this gradient. similar patterns are expected for encounter frequencies owing to its expected ... | 2014 | 24720673 |
| different cryopreservation requirements in foetal versus adult skin cells from an endangered mammal, the iberian lynx (lynx pardinus). | cryobanking somatic foetal cells acquire much relevance in endangered species for biodiversity conservation purposes. such cells could be later used to reintroduce the lost genes into the breeding pool, by inducing pluripotency and/or nuclear transfer if necessary. since requirements for preserving foetal cells are not always the same as for adult ones, we evaluated the cryosensitivity of foetal skin cells in comparison with adult ones from the critically endangered iberian lynx. responses to cr ... | 2014 | 24530371 |
| genetics at the verge of extinction: insights from the iberian lynx. | population viability might become compromised by the loss of genetic diversity and the accumulation of inbreeding resulting from population decline and fragmentation. the iberian lynx (lynx pardinus) provides a paradigmatic example of a species at the verge of extinction, and because of the well-documented and different demographic histories of the two remaining populations (doñana and andújar), it provides the opportunity to evaluate the performance of analytical methods commonly applied to rec ... | 2013 | 24128177 |
| responses of a top and a meso predator and their prey to moon phases. | we compared movement patterns and rhythms of activity of a top predator, the iberian lynx lynx pardinus, a mesopredator, the red fox vulpes vulpes, and their shared principal prey, the rabbit oryctolagus cuniculus, in relation to moon phases. because the three species are mostly nocturnal and crepuscular, we hypothesized that the shared prey would reduce its activity at most risky moon phases (i.e. during the brightest nights), but that fox, an intraguild prey of lynx, would avoid lynx activity ... | 2013 | 23579570 |
| heterozygosity-fitness correlations and inbreeding depression in two critically endangered mammals. | the relation among inbreeding, heterozygosity, and fitness has been studied primarily among outbred populations, and little is known about these phenomena in endangered populations. most researchers conclude that the relation between coefficient of inbreeding estimated from pedigrees and fitness traits (inbreeding-fitness correlations) better reflects inbreeding depression than the relation between marker heterozygosity and fitness traits (heterozygosity-fitness correlations). however, it has be ... | 2012 | 22897325 |
| possible extinction vortex for a population of iberian lynx on the verge of extirpation. | theory suggests that demographic and genetic traits deteriorate (i.e., fitness and genetic diversity decrease) when populations become small, and that such deterioration could precipitate positive feedback loops called extinction vortices. we examined whether demographic attributes and genetic traits have changed over time in one of the 2 remaining small populations of the highly endangered iberian lynx (lynx pardinus) in doñana, spain. from 1983 to 2008, we recorded nontraumatic mortality rates ... | 2012 | 22731698 |
| cryobanking the genetic diversity in the critically endangered iberian lynx (lynx pardinus) from skin biopsies. investigating the cryopreservation and culture ability of highly valuable explants and cells. | cryobanking skin samples permit preserving a maximum of genetic representation from the population biodiversity. this is a relevant aspect for threatened species, potentially menaced by an epizooty and from which it is difficult to obtain gametes. as a first step for properly cryobanking skin samples of a given species, the optimal conditions of culture and freezing have to be studied by covering a broad range of possibilities. this paper presents, for the first time, a systematic study of such ... | 2011 | 21315706 |
| assessment of the conservation efforts to prevent extinction of the iberian lynx. | the iberian lynx (lynx pardinus) may be the first charismatic felid to become extinct in a high-income country, despite decades of study and much data that show extinction is highly probable. the international union for conservation of nature categorizes it as critically endangered; about 200 free-ranging individuals remain in two populations in southern spain. conservation measures aimed at averting extirpation have been extensively undertaken with 4 of the former 10 iberian lynx populations re ... | 2011 | 21091768 |
| pgfm (13,14-dihydro-15-keto-pgf(2alpha)) in pregnant and pseudo-pregnant iberian lynx: a new noninvasive pregnancy marker for felid species. | in mammals, uterine and placental prostaglandin f(2alpha) is involved in the regulation of reproduction-related processes such as embryonic development, initiation of parturition, and resumption of ovarian activity. prostaglandin f(2alpha) (pgf(2alpha)) is rapidly metabolized to its plasma metabolite pgfm (13,14-dihydro-15-keto-pgf(2alpha)), which has also been detected in urine. therefore, the current study aimed to develop and validate an efficient, quick, and inexpensive enzyme immunoassay (e ... | 2010 | 20022361 |
| competitive asymmetries in the use of supplementary food by the endangered iberian lynx (lynx pardinus). | as a conservation tool, supplementary feeding programs may be directed to specific individuals or sectors of the target population whose productivity or survival is thought to be limited by food scarcity. however, the use of supplemental food by different sex and age classes has received little attention. we studied individual variation in the access of the endangered iberian lynx (lynx pardinus) to supplementary food. | 2009 | 19898611 |
| seasonal profiles of ovarian activity in iberian lynx (lynx pardinus) based on urinary hormone metabolite analyses. | the iberian lynx ex-situ conservation programme is an essential part of a co-ordinated action plan to conserve the most endangered felid species of the world. successful captive breeding demands reliable methods for reproduction monitoring including reliable non-invasive pregnancy diagnosis. during a 3-year study, urine samples from six captive iberian lynx females were obtained (one non-pregnant, one pseudo-pregnant and 11 pregnant cycles). progesterone, pregnanediol and oestradiol were determi ... | 2009 | 19754544 |
| pregnancy diagnosis in urine of iberian lynx (lynx pardinus). | diagnosis of pregnancies is an important management tool for the iberian lynx conservation breeding program, a program geared to recover the world's most endangered felid. non-invasive methods such as fecal hormone analyses are not applicable to the lynx, since fecal progestin does not follow the typical pregnancy pattern of felids. therefore, we aimed to test whether urine can be used as an alternative substance for pregnancy diagnosis in the iberian lynx. progesterone immunoreactive metabolite ... | 2009 | 19013637 |
| membranous glomerulonephritis in the iberian lynx (lynx pardinus). | the iberian lynx is the most endangered felid species in the world, confined nowadays to two isolated metapopulations in the southwest of spain, where less than 200 individuals survive. little is known about the diseases that affect these animals in the wild or in captivity. kidney samples from necropsies of 27 iberian lynxes, wild and captive, were examined by histopathology, immunohistochemistry (igg, igm, iga, laminin, type iv collagen, and fibronectin), electron microscopy (n=8) and immunogo ... | 2008 | 17931707 |
| withdrawn: membranous glomerulonephritis in the iberian lynx (lynx pardinus). | this article has been withdrawn consistent with elsevier policy on article withdrawal (http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy). the publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. | 2007 | 17509696 |
| sevoflurane anaesthesia in iberian lynx (lynx pardinus). | | 2007 | 17468323 |
| monitoring testicular activity of male eurasian (lynx lynx) and iberian (lynx pardinus) lynx by fecal testosterone metabolite measurement. | the aim of the present study was to identify relevant fecal testosterone metabolites in the eurasian lynx (lynx lynx) using hplc analysis and to evaluate the specificity of two testosterone immunoassays against these fecal metabolites. finally, fecal hormone analysis was used to characterize seasonal reproductive activity of captive male eurasian and iberian (lynx pardinus) lynx. fecal samples from a male eurasian lynx who received an i.v. injection of [3h]testosterone were subjected to hplc ana ... | 2006 | 16843462 |
| effects of matrix heterogeneity on animal dispersal: from individual behavior to metapopulation-level parameters. | mounting theoretical and empirical evidence shows that matrix heterogeneity may have contrasting effects on metapopulation dynamics by contributing to patch isolation in nontrivial ways. we analyze the movement properties during interpatch dispersal in a metapopulation of iberian lynx (lynx pardinus). on a daily temporal scale, lynx habitat selection defines two types of matrix habitats where individuals may move: open and dispersal habitats (avoided and used as available, respectively). there w ... | 2004 | 15540147 |
| faecal genetic analysis to determine the presence and distribution of elusive carnivores: design and feasibility for the iberian lynx. | noninvasive methods using genetic markers have been suggested as ways to overcome difficulties associated with documenting the presence of elusive species. we present and assess a novel, reliable and effective molecular genetic technique for the unequivocal genetic identification of faeces from the endangered iberian lynx (lynx pardinus). from mitochondrial dna (mtdna) cytochrome b and d-loop region sequences, we designed four species-specific primers (for products 130-161 bp long) that were con ... | 2002 | 12296958 |
| niche relations among three sympatric mediterranean carnivores. | previous studies carried out in the doñana national park reported that red foxes (vulpes vulpes) were killed by iberian lynxes (lynx pardinus), whereas similar-sized eurasian badgers (meles meles) were not. therefore, we predicted that fox would avoid lynx predation risk by niche segregation whereas we did not expect such a segregation between badger and lynx. as an approach for evaluating our predictions, we compared their diet, activity patterns, and habitat use in an area of doñana where the ... | 1999 | 28307883 |
| immobilization of the endangered iberian lynx with xylazine- and ketamine-hydrochloride. | a combination of the dissociative anesthetic ketamine hydrochloride (kh) and the sedative xylazine hydrochloride (xh) was used to immobilize 31 wild iberian lynx (felis pardina) 45 times at doñana national park, spain. a mean (+/- se) dose of 4.6 (+/- 0.2) mg/kg kh and 4.0 (+/- 0.2) mg/kg xh resulted in mean (+/- se) induction time of 5.6 (+/- 0.3) min and mean (+/- se) first reaction time of 59.3 (+/- 6.5) min. convulsions occurred four times (9%), but with no noteworthy consequences. | 1994 | 8151826 |
| exposure to disease agents in the endangered iberian lynx (lynx pardinus). | the iberian lynx (lynx pardinus) is the most endangered felid species in the world. lynx populations have decreased dramatically in size and distribution in the last four decades, thus becoming increasingly vulnerable to catastrophic events such as epizooties. from 1989 to 2000, serum samples were obtained from 48 free-ranging lynx captured in the doñana national park (dnp, n = 31) and mountains of sierra morena (sm, n = 17) in southern spain. samples were tested for antibodies against toxoplasm ... | 2008 | 32214935 |
| foraging ecology of eurasian lynx populations in southwest asia: conservation implications for a diet specialist. | intraspecific variation in key traits of widespread species can be hard to predict, if populations have been very little studied in most of the distribution range. asian populations of the eurasian lynx (lynx lynx), one of the most widespread felids worldwide, are such a case in point. we investigated the diet of eurasian lynx from feces collected mediterranean, mixed forest-steppe, and subalpine ecosystems of turkey. we studied prey preferences and functional responses using prey densities obta ... | 2018 | 30377514 |
| taphonomic criteria for identifying iberian lynx dens in quaternary deposits. | for decades, taphonomists have dedicated their efforts to assessing the nature of the massive leporid accumulations recovered at archaeological sites in the northwestern mediterranean region. their interest lying in the fact that the european rabbit constituted a critical part of human subsistence during the late pleistocene and early holocene. however, rabbits are also a key prey in the food webs of mediterranean ecosystems and the base of the diet for several specialist predators, including th ... | 2020 | 32350363 |
| captivity-induced metabolic programming in an endangered felid: implications for species conservation. | reintroduction of captive-bred individuals into the wild is an important conservation activity. however, environmental conditions can influence developmental programming, potentially causing metabolic disorders in adults. these effects are investigated here for the first time in an endangered species. using body weight and feed intake data for iberian lynx (lynx pardinus) (n = 22), we compared the growth of captive versus wild born and/or reared individuals. captive-born individuals gained weigh ... | 2020 | 32107441 |
| molecular detection of rickettsia rickettsii in ticks associated with the bobcat (lynx rufus) in northeast mexico. | the study of rickettsial agents associated with ticks from wild felines is scarce. in europe, three species of rickettsia have been detected (rickettsia helvetica, rickettsia massiliae, and rickettsia monacensis) in ticks collected from the iberian lynx (lynx pardinus). however, no studies have been conducted on another lynx species. for this reason, the aim of this study was to identify the diversity of rickettsia species in ticks associated with bobcats (lynx rufus) collected in the state of t ... | 2019 | 31201126 |
| first description of sarcoptic mange in the endangered iberian lynx (lynx pardinus): clinical and epidemiological features. | a 6-month-old female iberian lynx (lynx pardinus) cub that was severely affected by mange died in september 2016 in the montes de toledo (spain) with crusts and fissures on its face, outer ears, nipples and footpads. the body condition of the cub was very poor, and it also had a mandibular abscess and a severely ankylosed luxation on its left knee. after confirming that the origin of the deceased cub's dermal lesions was sarcoptes scabiei, the subsequent search for ectoparasites and a comparison ... | 2019 | 32214948 |
| fatal streptoccocus canis necrotizing fasciitis and myositis in a free-ranging iberian lynx (lynx pardinus). | a free-ranging iberian lynx (lynx pardinus) was found dead after 16 mo of being reintroduced. on gross necropsy, necrotic areas in the left biceps femoris and intercostal muscles were identified. streptococcus canis was isolated from both groups of muscles and was confirmed by pcr, corroborating a necrotizing myositis diagnostic. | 2019 | 30507336 |
| dental pathology of the iberian lynx ( lynx pardinus), part ii: periodontal disease, tooth resorption, and oral neoplasia. | the iberian lynx is an endangered felid that has been subject to an intensive, ongoing conservation program to save it from extinction. identification of dental pathologies could play an important role in the survival of this endangered species. the prevalence of periodontal bone loss, tooth resorption, and oral neoplasia was evaluated in this species. skulls of 88 adult specimens of the iberian lynx ( lynx pardinus) from the doñana biological station (ebd-csic), seville, spain, were examined ma ... | 2018 | 30168375 |
| dental pathology of the iberian lynx ( lynx pardinus), part i: congenital, developmental, and traumatic abnormalities. | the iberian lynx is an endangered felid that has been subject to an intensive ongoing conservation program in an attempt to save it from extinction. identification of dental pathologies could play an important role in the survival of this endangered species. the objective of this study is to evaluate the dental pathologies (congenital, developmental, and traumatic abnormalities) of this species of felid. skulls of 88 adult specimens of the iberian lynx ( lynx pardinus) from the doñana biological ... | 2018 | 30168372 |
| the return of the iberian lynx to portugal: local voices. | ethnographic research can help to establish dialog between conservationists and local people in reintroduction areas. considering that predator reintroductions may cause local resistance, we assessed attitudes of different key actor profiles to the return of the iberian lynx (lynx pardinus) to portugal before reintroduction started in 2015. we aimed to characterize a social context from an ethnoecological perspective, including factors such as local knowledge, perceptions, emotions, and opinions ... | 2018 | 29325579 |
| spatiotemporal dynamics of genetic variation in the iberian lynx along its path to extinction reconstructed with ancient dna. | there is the tendency to assume that endangered species have been both genetically and demographically healthier in the past, so that any genetic erosion observed today was caused by their recent decline. the iberian lynx (lynx pardinus) suffered a dramatic and continuous decline during the 20th century, and now shows extremely low genome- and species-wide genetic diversity among other signs of genomic erosion. we analyze ancient (n = 10), historical (n = 245), and contemporary (n = 172) samples ... | 2017 | 28962023 |
| disease surveillance during the reintroduction of the iberian lynx (lynx pardinus) in southwestern spain. | the restoration of iberian lynx (lynx pardinus) populations in extremadura (southwestern spain) have been carried out since 2014. one of the measures to ensure the success of this program is to examine the effects that diseases may have on reintroduction. since diseases may be greatly located at certain sites because of the specific ecological requirements of the pathogens and/or vectors, reintroduced individuals may present a risk of infection once released. to determine which pathogens the rei ... | 2021 | 33669869 |