Social behaviour of endangered European mink ( Mustela lutreola ) litters in captivity

2016 ◽  
Vol 182 ◽  
pp. 61-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kairi Kiik ◽  
Tiit Maran ◽  
Nadja Kneidinger ◽  
Toomas Tammaru
Zoo Biology ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 387-393 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kairi Kiik ◽  
Tiit Maran ◽  
Astrid Nagl ◽  
Kadri Ashford ◽  
Toomas Tammaru

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pauline ML van Leeuwen ◽  
Albrecht I. Schulte-Hostedde ◽  
Christine Fournier-Chambrillon ◽  
Carmen M. Aranda ◽  
Laurie Berthomieu ◽  
...  

Abstract Host’s fitness can be affected by its genotype and gut microbiota, defined as the microbes living in the host’s intestinal tract. This study explored how the genetic diversity of the host influences its bacterial communities in the context of captive breeding programs, for the critically endangered European mink (Mustela lutreola). As stated by the ecosystem on a leash model, loss of host genetic diversity may lead to changes in immunomodulation and will therefore induce modifications of the gut microbiota. We investigated variation in the gut bacteria through 16S rRNA metabarcoding, related to the genetic diversity of European mink held in captivity in two breeding centers representing separate breeding stocks originating from the western and eastern populations. The genetic diversity of the host was assessed through diversity analysis of the adaptive MHC class I and II genes as well as neutral microsatellite markers. Results indicate lower diversity in neutral and MHC class I genes for the western population, and the opposite for MHC class II. A lower MHC class II gene variability led to an increase in microbial phylogenetic diversity and in abundance depending on the presence of specific MHC-II motifs. Those results seem to be linked to management practices that differs between the two programs, especially the number of generations in captivity. Long term Ex situ conservation practices can thus modulate gut microbial communities, that might potentially have consequences on the survival of reintroduced animals. We suggest strategies to foster genetic diversity in captive breeding program to mitigate the effects of genetic drift on those small, isolated populations.


2017 ◽  
Vol 181 ◽  
pp. 86-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kairi Kiik ◽  
Tiit Maran ◽  
Kristel Nemvalts ◽  
Siiri-Lii Sandre ◽  
Toomas Tammaru

Oryx ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 614-616 ◽  
Author(s):  
Santiago Palazón ◽  
Yolanda Melero ◽  
Asun Gómez ◽  
Javier López de Luzuriaga ◽  
Madis Podra ◽  
...  

AbstractHuman intervention is the main cause of the decline of the Critically Endangered European mink Mustela lutreola. In this study we analysed the main causes of direct human-caused mortality of the species in Spain. A total of 47 mortality records were obtained for the period 1950–1989, and 145 for 1990–2008. There was temporal variation in the cause of death, with trapping and shooting being the most common causes of mortality in 1950–1989 and road-kills in 1990–2008. In the case of road-kills there was variation related to road type. Males were more affected by road-kills than females, especially during the mating season when they range more widely. Our results indicate that there has been a change in human social behaviour and in people's awareness of the species, with a reduction in European mink captured and shot but an increase in mortality on roads.


2013 ◽  
Vol 41 (01) ◽  
pp. 63-66
Author(s):  
D. Schaudien ◽  
C. Flieshardt ◽  
I. Moser ◽  
H. Hotzel ◽  
A. Tipold ◽  
...  

SummaryGranulomatous myelitis due to infection with Mycobacterium avium was diagnosed in a 4-year-old male neutered European mink (Mustela lutreola). The causative agent was detected by an acid-fast stain and further characterized by polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing of the PCR product. A thorough histological evaluation of the remaining organs revealed no granulomatous lesions or detectable acid-fast organisms. Although minks are generally highly susceptible for mycobacteria, localised infections, especially of the central nervous system, are unusual and may represent an atypical chronic form of the disease.


2015 ◽  
Vol 84 (9) ◽  
pp. 1472-1481 ◽  
Author(s):  
Astrid Nagl ◽  
Nadja Kneidinger ◽  
Kairi Kiik ◽  
Heli Lindeberg ◽  
Tiit Maran ◽  
...  

2000 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 345-355 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angus Davison ◽  
Huw I. Griffiths ◽  
Rachael C. Brookes ◽  
Tiit Maran ◽  
David W. Macdonald ◽  
...  

1979 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 117 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Smith

1. Feeding behaviour of koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) was observed at a sanctuary near Brisbane, Australia. They fed sporadically throughout the day, for a total of at least 19 h daily, on leaves; they ingested soil and gravel, and drank water when it was provided, but infrequently. Young were seen to leave the pouch at 220 days old and to eat leaves at 217 days old. None under 10 months old was seen to pull leaves forward before biting them.


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