Ecological and anthropogenic factors influencing the Summer habitat use of Bos gaurus and its conservation threats in Chitwan National Park, Nepal.

Background: Gaur (Bos gaurus) is listed as a vulnerable species in the IUCN Red List of threatened species due to the rapid population decline caused by human pressures in their habitats. To develop successful conservation plans, it is essential to understand the relationship between Gaur and their habitats. This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing Gaur habitat use and identify and rank conservation threats in Chitwan National Park, Nepal. Methods: Using line transect surveys, we recorded Gaur's presence via direct sightings and indirect signs (dung, footprints, horns) over an area of 176 km2 in July and August 2022. We used binary logistic regression models to determine the collected ecological and anthropogenic factors influencing the occurrence of Gaur and the relative whole-site threat ranking method to rank conservation threats. Results: The results revealed that the probability of Gaur occurrence increases with moderate to high canopy cover, riverine and Shorea robusta dominated forests, and nearest distance to road/path/firelines, while decreasing with the presence of predators. Uncontrolled fire, invasive species, human disturbances, and climate change were ranked as the most prevailing threats to Gaur in our study area. Conservation managers should implement effective habitat management interventions, such as construction of waterhole, firelines maintenance, grassland management, and control of invasive species in the potential habitats, to safeguard and maintain the sustainability of Gaur populations and associated herbivores. Future studies should consider larger geographical settings and multiple seasons, and habitat suitability assessments should be conducted to determine current and future suitable habitat refugia for Gaur and other threatened wildlife species at the landscape level.

Effect of locomotor preference on the evolution of mitochondrial genes in Bovidae.

Locomotor preferences and habitat types may drive animal evolution. In this study, we speculated that locomotor preference and habitat type may have diverse influences on Bovidae mitochondrial genes. We used selection pressure and statistical analysis to explore the evolution of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) protein-coding genes (PCGs) from diverse locomotor preferences and habitat types. Our study demonstrates that locomotor preference (energy demand) drives the evolution of Bovidae in mtDNA PCGs. The habitat types had no significant effect on the rate of evolution in Bovidae mitochondrial genes. Our study provides deep insight into the adaptation of Bovidae.

X Chromosome-Specific Repeats in Non-Domestic Bovidae.

Repetitive sequences form a substantial and still enigmatic part of the mammalian genome. We isolated repetitive DNA blocks of the X chromosomes of three species of the family Bovidae: Kobus defassa (KDEXr sequence), Bos taurus (BTAXr sequence) and Antilope cervicapra (ACEXr sequence). The copy numbers of the isolated sequences were assessed using qPCR, and their chromosomal localisations were analysed using FISH in ten bovid tribes and in outgroup species. Besides their localisation on the X chromosome, their presence was also revealed on the Y chromosome and autosomes in several species. The KDEXr sequence abundant in most Bovidae species also occurs in distant taxa (Perissodactyla and Carnivora) and seems to be evolutionarily older than BTAXr and ACEXr. The ACEXr sequence, visible only in several Antilopini species using FISH, is probably the youngest, and arised in an ancestor common to Bovidae and Cervidae. All three repetitive sequences analysed in this study are interspersed among gene-rich regions on the X chromosomes, apparently preventing the crossing-over in their close vicinity. This study demonstrates that repetitive sequences on the X chromosomes have undergone a fast evolution, and their variation among related species can be beneficial for evolutionary studies.

The complete mitogenomes of the two grysbok species: Raphicerus melanotis Thunberg 1811 (Cape grysbok) and Raphicerus sharpei Thomas 1897 (Sharpe's grysbok).

In this study, we report the novel, complete mitochondrial genomes of two dwarf African antelope species: Raphicerus melanotis (Cape grysbok) and R. sharpei (Sharpe's grysbok). The circular mitogenomes were 16,384 and 16,392 base pairs in length, respectively, and each contained the expected 37 genes typically found in mammalian mitogenomes. The maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analysis placed R. sharpei as the sister lineage to R. campestris, known as steenbok, which is the only other member of the Raphicerus genus, with 83% bootstrap support, to the exclusion of R. melanotis (100% bootstrap support). This corroborated previous findings based on the cytochrome b gene only. The number of base differences per site between the coding regions of the mitogenomes of R. sharpei and R. campestris was 0.0519, while it was 0.0701 between R. sharpei and R. melanotis and 0.0709 between R. melanotis and R. campestris. The novel grysbok mitogenomes will be valuable resources in future phylogenetic analyses, and phylogeographic and conservation genetics studies.

Relative Abundance of Spermadhesin-1 in the Seminal Plasma of Young Nellore Bulls Is in Agreement with Reproductive Parameters.

This study aimed to evaluate the proteomic profile of seminal plasma from young Nellore bulls. We used 20 bulls aged between 19.8 and 22.7 months, divided into two groups according to the results of the Breeding Soundness Evaluation (BSE): approved (FIT n = 10) and not approved (UNFIT n = 10). The scrotal perimeter was measured and a semen collection was performed through electroejaculation. The percentage of sperm motility, mass motility, and sperm vigor were calculated using conventional microscopy, and the percentage of sperm abnormalities was calculated using phase-contrast microscopy of all ejaculates. Seminal plasma was separated from spermatozoa using centrifugation and processed for proteomic analysis by LC-MS/MS. Seminal plasma proteins were identified using MASCOT Daemon software v.2.4.0 and label-free quantification analysis was carried out by SCAFFOLD Q+ software v.4.0 using the Exponentially Modified Protein Abundance Index (emPAI) method. Functional classification of proteins was performed based on their genetic ontology terms using KOG. Functional cluster analysis was performed on DAVID. There were no differences in scrotal perimeter and physical semen characteristics between FIT and UNFIT groups of bulls. The percentage of sperm abnormalities was higher (p < 0.05) in the UNFIT group of bulls. A total of 297 proteins were identified for the two groups. There were a total of 11 differentially abundant proteins (p < 0.05), two of them more abundant in FIT bulls (Spermadhesin-1 and Ig gamma-1 chain C region) and nine in UNFIT bulls (Vasoactive intestinal peptide, Metalloproteinase inhibitor 2, Ig lambda-1 chain C regions, Protein FAM3C, Hemoglobin beta, Seminal ribonuclease, Spermadhesin 2, Seminal plasma protein BSP-30kDa, and Spermadhesin Z13). Spermadhesin-1 was the protein with the highest relative abundance (36.7%) in the seminal plasma among all bulls, corresponding to 47.7% for the FIT bulls and 25,7% for the UNFIT bulls. Posttranslational modification, protein turnover, and chaperones were the functional categories with the highest number of classified proteins. Protein functional annotation clusters were related to Phospholipid efflux, ATP binding, and chaperonin-containing T-complex. The differentially abundant proteins in the group of FIT bulls were related to sperm capacitation and protection against reactive species of oxygen. In contrast, differentially expressed proteins in the group of UNFIT bulls were related to motility inhibition, intramembrane cholesterol removal and oxidative stress. In conclusion, the proteomic profile of the seminal plasma of FIT bulls presents proteins with participation in several biological processes favorable to fertilization, while the proteins of the seminal plasma of UNFIT bulls indicate a series of alterations that can compromise the fertilizing capacity of the spermatozoa. In addition, the relative abundance of spermadhesin-1 found in the seminal plasma of young Nellore bulls could be studied as a reproductive parameter for selection.

Molecular detection of Theileria annulata, Theileria mutans and Theileria velifera but no evidence of Theileria parva infected or vaccinated cattle in Nigeria despite extensive transboundary migrations.

The extensive livestock management system predominant in Nigeria necessitates active disease surveillance for the early detection and prompt control of transboundary animal diseases. Theileriae are obligate intracellular protozoa which infect both wild and domestic bovidae throughout much of the world causing East Coast Fever (Theileria parva), Tropical or Mediterranean theileriosis (Theileria annulata) or benign theileriosis (Theileria mutans; Theileria velifera). This study aimed to detect and characterize Theileria spp. infecting cattle in Nigeria using conventional PCR and sequencing approach. Five hundred and twenty-two DNA samples obtained from different cattle blood samples were subjected to PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene of piroplasmida and specifically, the p104 kDa and Tp1 genes for the evidence of infection or vaccination respectively, with T. parva. A total of 269 out of 522 (51.5%) of the cattle tested PCR- positive for DNA of piroplasmida. Nucleotide sequence and phylogenetic analyses showed that the cattle were infected with T. annulata, T. mutans and T. velifera. Piroplasmida DNA was associated with sex (ꭓ2 = 7.2; p = 0.007), breed (ꭓ2 = 115; p = 0.000002) of animals and the state where the samples were collected (ꭓ2 = 78.8; p = 0.000002). None of the samples tested positive for T. parva DNA or showed evidence of vaccination (Tp1 gene). This is the first report on the molecular detection and characterization of T. annulata in the blood of cattle from Nigeria. Continuous surveillance of Nigerian cattle for East Coast Fever (ECF) is encouraged considering the recent report of the disease in cattle in the neighboring country, Cameroon, where unregulated transboundary cattle movement into Nigeria has been observed.

Molecular Evolution and Inheritance Pattern of Sox Gene Family among Bovidae.

Sox genes are an evolutionarily conserved family of transcription factors that play important roles in cellular differentiation and numerous complex developmental processes. In vertebrates, Sox proteins are required for cell fate decisions, morphogenesis, and the control of self-renewal in embryonic and adult stem cells. The Sox gene family has been well-studied in multiple species including humans but there has been scanty or no research into Bovidae. In this study, we conducted a detailed evolutionary analysis of this gene family in Bovidae, including their physicochemical properties, biological functions, and patterns of inheritance. We performed a genome-wide cataloguing procedure to explore the Sox gene family using multiple bioinformatics tools. Our analysis revealed a significant inheritance pattern including conserved motifs that are critical to the ability of Sox proteins to interact with the regulatory regions of target genes and orchestrate multiple developmental and physiological processes. Importantly, we report an important conserved motif, EFDQYL/ELDQYL, found in the SoxE and SoxF groups but not in other Sox groups. Further analysis revealed that this motif sequence accounts for the binding and transactivation potential of Sox proteins. The degree of protein-protein interaction showed significant interactions among Sox genes and related genes implicated in embryonic development and the regulation of cell differentiation. We conclude that the Sox gene family uniquely evolved in Bovidae, with a few exhibiting important motifs that drive several developmental and physiological processes.

Draft genome of the lowland anoa (Bubalus depressicornis) and comparison with buffalo genome assemblies (Bovidae, Bubalina).

Genomic data for wild species of the genus Bubalus (Asian buffaloes) are still lacking while several whole genomes are currently available for domestic water buffaloes. To address this, we sequenced the genome of a wild endangered dwarf buffalo, the lowland anoa (Bubalus depressicornis), produced a draft genome assembly and made comparison to published buffalo genomes. The lowland anoa genome assembly was 2.56 Gbp long and contained 103,135 contigs, the longest contig being 337.39 kbp long. N50 and L50 values were 38.73 and 19.83 kbp, respectively, mean coverage was 44× and GC content was 41.74%. Two strategies were adopted to evaluate genome completeness: (1) determination of genomic features with de novo and homology-based predictions using annotations of chromosome-level genome assembly of the river buffalo and (2) employment of benchmarking against universal single-copy orthologs (BUSCO). Homology-based predictions identified 94.51% complete and 3.65% partial genomic features. De novo gene predictions identified 32,393 genes, representing 97.14% of the reference's annotated genes, whilst BUSCO search against the mammalian orthologs database identified 71.1% complete, 11.7% fragmented, and 17.2% missing orthologs, indicating a good level of completeness for downstream analyses. Repeat analyses indicated that the lowland anoa genome contains 42.12% of repetitive regions. The genome assembly of the lowland anoa is expected to contribute to comparative genome analyses among bovid species.

Projected bioclimatic distributions in Nearctic Bovidae signal the potential for reduced overlap with protected areas.

Assumptions about factors such as climate in shaping species' realized and potential distributions underlie much of conservation planning and wildlife management. Climate and climatic change lead to shifts in species distributions through both direct and indirect ecological pressures. Distributional shifts may be particularly important if range overlap is altered between interacting species, or between species and protected areas. The cattle family (Bovidae) represents a culturally, economically, and ecologically important taxon that occupies many of the world's rangelands. In contemporary North America, five wild bovid species inhabit deserts, prairies, mountains, and tundra from Mexico to Greenland. Here, we aim to understand how future climate change will modify environmental characteristics associated with North American bovid species relative to the distribution of extant protected areas. We fit species distribution models for each species to climate, topography, and land cover data using observations from a citizen science dataset. We then projected modeled distributions to the end of the 21st century for each bovid species under two scenarios of anticipated climate change. Modeling results suggest that suitable habitat will shift inconsistently across species and that such shifts will lead to species-specific variation in overlap between potential habitat and existing protected areas. Furthermore, projected overlap with protected areas was sensitive to the warming scenario under consideration, with diminished realized protected area under greater warming. Conservation priorities and designation of new protected areas should account for ecological consequences of climate change.

Prevalence of bovine rotavirus among Bovidae in China during 1984-2021: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Bovine rotavirus (BRV) is a potential zoonotic intestinal pathogen that brings a serious threat to calf health, and has resulted in huge economic losses to China's breeding industry. Here, a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the prevalence of BRV among Bovidae from 1984 to 2021 in China. A total of 64 publications on BRV investigation in China were screened from the databases Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wan Fang Database, Technology Periodical Database (VIP), PubMed, and ScienceDirect. The random-effect model was used to calculate the pooled prevalence of BRV, and the analyzed data were derived from 25 provinces in China. The estimated pooled prevalence of BRV in China was 35.7% (8176/17,292). In addition, the prevalence of BRV in Southwestern China (77.1%; 2924/3600) was significantly higher than that in other regions of China. Regarding geographic and climatic factors, the prevalence of BRV in the subgroup of latitude 30-35° (76.8%; 3303/4659) was significantly higher than that in the subgroup of latitude less than 30° (37.0%; 485/1275) or more than 35° (32.6%; 1703/5722), while the prevalence of BRV in the subgroup of longitude 100-105° (75.4%; 2513/3849) was significantly higher than that in the subgroup of longitude less than 100° (32.6%; 619/2255) or more than 105° (48.9%; 2359/5552). Rainfall was positively correlated with the prevalence of BRV, whereas temperature was negatively correlated with the positive rate of BRV (P < 0.05). Our data showed that the prevalence of BRV was strongly correlated with geographical and climatic conditions. Thus, we recommend that the corresponding prevention and control programs should be formulated according to different geographical conditions. The strengthening of BRV surveillance in areas with high altitude, low temperature, and heavy rainfall may contribute to the decrease of the incidence of BRV infection among Bovidae herds in China.

Bovidae-based gelatin: Extractions method, physicochemical and functional properties, applications, and future trends.

Gelatin is one of the most important multifunctional biopolymers and is widely used as an essential ingredient in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics. Porcine gelatin is regarded as the leading source of gelatin globally then followed by bovine gelatin. Porcine sources are favored over other sources since they are less expensive. However, porcine gelatin is religiously prohibited to be consumed by Muslims and the Jewish community. It is predicted that the global demand for gelatin will increase significantly in the future. Therefore, a sustainable source of gelatin with efficient production and free of disease transmission must be developed. The highest quality of Bovidae-based gelatin (BG) was acquired through alkaline pretreatment, which displayed excellent physicochemical and rheological properties. The utilization of mammalian- and plant-based enzyme significantly increased the gelatin yield. The emulsifying and foaming properties of BG also showed good stability when incorporated into food and pharmaceutical products. Manipulation of extraction conditions has enabled the development of custom-made gelatin with desired properties. This review highlighted the various modifications of extraction and processing methods to improve the physicochemical and functional properties of Bovidae-based gelatin. An in-depth analysis of the crucial stage of collagen breakdown is also discussed, which involved acid, alkaline, and enzyme pretreatment, respectively. In addition, the unique characteristics and primary qualities of BG including protein content, amphoteric property, gel strength, emulsifying and viscosity properties, and foaming ability were presented. Finally, the applications and prospects of BG as the preferred gelatin source globally were outlined.

The Complex and Diverse Genetic Architecture of the Absence of Horns (Polledness) in Domestic Ruminants, including Goats and Sheep.

Horns are the most obvious common feature of Bovidae. The naturally occurring absence of horns in these species, also known as polledness, is of surprisingly heterogeneous nature, although they are Mendelian traits. This review compares in detail the molecular differences among the causes of inherited polledness in the domestic ruminant species of cattle, yak, sheep, and goat based on the causal gene variants that have been discovered in recent years. The genetic causes for the lack of horns in small ruminants seem not only to be more complex, e.g., in sheep, breed-specific characteristics are still unexplained, but in goats, there is also the associated disorder of intersexuality-polled intersex syndrome (PIS). In connection with animal welfare and the associated discussion about a legal ban on the dehorning of all farm animals, naturally hornless animals and the causal genetic variants are of increasing research interest in the age of genome editing. However, the low acceptance of genetic engineering in livestock, especially in European societies, limits its use in food-producing animals. Therefore, genotype-based targeted selection of naturally occurring variants is still a widely used method for spreading this desired trait within and across populations, at least in cattle and sheep.

State of the art on the physical mapping of the Y-chromosome in the Bovidae and comparison with other species - A review.

The next generation sequencing has significantly contributed to clarify the genome structure of many species of zootechnical interest. However, to date, some portions of the genome, especially those linked to a heterogametic nature such as the Y chromosome, are difficult to assemble and many gaps are still present. It is well known that the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is an excellent tool for identifying genes unequivocably mapped on chromosomes. Therefore, FISH can contribute to the localization of unplaced genome sequences, as well as to correct assembly errors generated by comparative bioinformatics. To this end, it is necessary to have starting points; therefore, in this study, we reviewed the physically mapped genes on the Y chromosome of cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, pigs, horses and alpacas. A total of 208 loci were currently mapped by FISH. 89 were located in the malespecific region of the Y chromosome (MSY) and 119 were identified in the pseudoautosomal region (PAR). The loci reported in MSY and PAR were respectively: 18 and 25 in Bos taurus, 5 and 7 in Bubalus bubalis, 5 and 24 in Ovis aries, 5 and 19 in Capra hircus, 10 and 16 in Sus scrofa, 46 and 18 in Equus caballus. While in Vicugna pacos only 10 loci are reported in the PAR region. The correct knowledge and assembly of all genome sequences, including those of genes mapped on the Y chromosome, will help to elucidate their biological processes, as well as to discover and exploit potentially epistasis effects useful for selection breeding programs.

De novo whole-genome assembly and resequencing resources for the roan (Hippotragus equinus), an iconic African antelope.

Roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus) is the second-largest member of the Hippotraginae (Bovidae), and is widely distributed across sub-Saharan mesic woodlands. Despite being listed as "Least Concern" across its African range, population numbers are decreasing with many regional Red List statuses varying between Endangered and Locally Extinct. Although the roan antelope has become an economically-important game species in Southern Africa, the vast majority of wild populations are found only in fragmented protected areas, which is of conservation concern. Genomic information is crucial in devising optimal management plans. To this end, we report here the first de novo assembly and annotation of the whole-genome sequence of a male roan antelope from a captive-breeding program. Additionally, we uncover single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) through re-sequencing of five wild individuals representing five of the six described subspecies. We used 10X Genomics Chromium chemistry to produce a draft genome of 2.56 Gb consisting of 16,880 scaffolds with N50 = 8.42 Mb and a BUSCO completeness of 91.2%. The draft roan genome includes 1.1 Gbp (42.2%) repetitive sequences. De novo annotation identified 20,518 protein-coding genes. Genome synteny to the domestic cow showed an average identity of 92.7%. Re-sequencing of five wild individuals to an average sequencing depth of 9.8x resulted in the identification of a filtered set of 3.4x106 bi-allelic SNVs. The proportion of alternative homozygous SNVs for the individuals representing different subspecies, as well as differentiation as measured by PCA, were consistent with expected divergence from the reference genome and among samples. The roan antelope genome is a valuable resource for evolutionary and population genomic questions, as well as management and conservation actions.

Sequencing and annotation of the endangered wild buffalo (Bubalus arnee) mitogenome for taxonomic assessment.

The wild water buffalo (Bubalus arnee) is one of the most endangered and least studied large bovid in the Indian subcontinent. India retains 90% of the estimated global population of >4000 individuals as two fragmented populations in Assam and Chhattisgarh, both threatened by habitat loss and degradation, hunting, disease from livestock, and hybridization with the domestic buffalos. Small, fragmented population size and potential hybridisation pressures from co-occurring domestic buffalos are the major conservation challenges. For the first time, we sequenced the 16,357 bp long mitogenome of three opportunistically collected wild water buffalo samples from Assam (n = 1) and Chhattishgarh (n = 2). The annotated sequence has a base composition of 26.4% T, 26.6% C, 33.1% A and 13.9% G depicting an AT-rich mitogenome composition, including 13 protein-coding genes (11,361 bp), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) (1514 bp), two ribosomal genes (2525 bp), and a non-coding control region (928 bp). The gene order is conserved with other bovid species. Comparative mitogenome analyses showed both populations are genetically similar but significantly different from domestic buffalo. We also identified structural differences in seven tRNA secondary structures between both species. The genetic distance between wild buffalo and other bovids varied between 0.103 and 0.122. Multiple Bayesian phylogenetic trees showed that both wild and domestic water buffalo formed sister clades which were paraphyletic to other potentially sympatric species of genus Bos. This study provides baseline information on wild buffalo mitogenome for further research on phylogeny, phylogeography and hybrid assessment and help conserving this endangered species.

Morphometric and Molecular Analyses of Ostertagia leptospicularis Assadov, 1953 from Ruminants: Species Diversity or Host Influence?

Ostertagia leptospicularis Assadov, 1953 was formally described in roe deer Capreolus capreolus and has been reported in a wide range of ruminants, including other Cervidae, as well as Bovidae. Nematode specimens derived from various host species exhibit morphological similarity; however, some differences can be observed. It is unclear if this is due to the differential reaction of one nematode species in different host species (i.e., host-induced changes) or because of distinct nematode species in these hosts (i.e., species complex). This paper focuses on specimens resembling O. leptospicularis f. leptospicularis and its closely related species (Ostertagia ostertagi f. ostertagi) collected from various hosts. Morphometric and molecular techniques were applied to assess host-induced changes in nematode morphology and to clarify its systematic classification. There was an overall effect of host species on measurements of nematodes resembling O. leptospicularis (both males and females), but the distinctiveness of the specimens from cattle Bos taurus were highlighted. The results obtained may suggest that the specimens of O. leptospicularis from cattle in Germany and cervids in central Europe belong to different strains. Furthermore, nematodes from the cervid strain appear to circulate within particular host species, which can be seen in the stated morphological variations.

Back to the basics: allometric growth by the horns of bovid mammals.

I used the equivalent of nonlinear analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) to re-examine relative growth by the horns on males and females of alpine ibex (Capra ibex) and mouflon sheep (Ovis gmelini). A prior study of allometric growth by the horns on these animals described a pattern of biphasic allometry for both sexes, with two different mathematical equations being required to capture the pattern of variation over the full range in body size. However, the investigation in question used conventional analytical methods based on logarithmic transformations, which alter bivariate distributions and commonly introduce problems with analysis and interpretation. My new analyses of data for both species revealed that untransformed observations for both males and females are monophasic and that they are described quite well by three-parameter power equations with negative intercepts. Equations for males follow a steep upward trajectory whereas those for females follow much shallower paths. The negative intercepts indicate that males and females of both species must attain a minimum body size before horns begin to develop. Conclusions from the earlier investigation were based on inaccurate perceptions of pattern in the data. Future studies should be based on graphical and analytical analysis of observations expressed on the original arithmetic scale.

Effect of mass and habitat on the shape of limb long bones: A morpho-functional investigation on Bovidae (Mammalia: Cetartiodactyla).

Limb long bones are essential to an animal's locomotion, and are thus expected to be heavily influenced by factors such as mass or habitat. Because they are often the only organs preserved in the fossil record, understanding their adaptive trends is key to reconstructing the paleobiology of fossil taxa. In this regard, the Bovidae has always been a prized group of study. This family is extremely diverse in terms of both mass and habitat, and it is expected that their bones will possess adaptations to both factors. Here, we present the first 3D geometric morphometric study focusing on bovid limb long bones. We used anatomical landmarks as well as curve and surface sliding semi-landmarks to accurately describe the stylopod and zeugopod bones. We included 50 species from ten of the twelve currently recognized tribes of bovids, ranging from 4.6 to 725 kg, and living in open plains, forests, mountains, or anywhere in-between. Shape data were correlated with the mean mass of the species and its habitat, even when taking into account the phylogenetic history of our sample. Bones pertaining to heavy species are more robust, adapted for a better repartition of stronger forces. Articulations are especially affected, being proportionally much larger in heavier species. Muscle insertion areas are unevenly affected. Insertion areas of muscles implied in body support and propulsion show a strong increase in their robustness when compared to insertion areas of muscles acting on the limb mostly when it is off the ground. Habitat influences the shape of the humerus, the radius-ulna, and the femur, but not of the tibia, whether the phylogeny is taken into account or not. Specific habitats tend to be associated with particular features on the bones. Articulations are proportionally wider in open-habitat species, and the insertion areas of muscles involved in limb extension and propulsion are wider, reflecting the fact that open habitat species are more cursorial and rely on fast running to avoid predators. Forest and mountain species generally present similar adaptations for increased manoeuvrability, such as a round femoral head, and generally have more gracile bones.

Morphological diagnosis of Setaria labiatopapillosa in domestic bovids from Marajó Island, Brazil / Diagnóstico morfológico de Setaria labiatopapillosa em bovinos domésticos da Ilha do Marajó, Brasil

Abstract The genus Setaria is known worldwide for parasiting wild and domestic mammals, with 43 species registered, of which five occur in the American continent. The objective of this study was to characterize the occurrence, morphology and morphometry of S. labiatopapillosa in B. taurus and B. bubalis in Marajó Island, Brazil. Carcass inspections of 420 cattle were carried out in two slaughterhouses in Pará. The nematodes were found on the white and serous viscera of the small intestine, being cleaned and discussed for analysis by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The morphological and morphometric characteristics are compatible with S. labiatopapillosa parasitizing both species, with a prevalence of 25% (B. bubalis) and 24% (B. taurus). Information obtained by scanning electron microscopy was added to the description of the species, in addition to expanding the distribution of this parasite in the national territory.

Resumo O gênero Setaria é mundialmente conhecido parasitando mamíferos selvagens e domésticos, sendo registradas 43 espécies, das quais cinco ocorrem no continente americano. Este estudo objetivou caracterizar a ocorrência, morfologia e morfometria de S. labiatopapillosa em B. taurus e B. bubalis na Ilha de Marajó, Brasil. Foram realizadas inspeções de carcaça de 420 bovinos em dois abatedouros no Pará. Os nematódeos foram encontrados sobre as vísceras brancas e serosa do intestino delgado, sendo limpos e conversados para análise por microscopia de luz e microscopia eletrônica de varredura. As características morfológicas e morfométricas são compatíveis com S. labiatopapillosa parasitando ambas as espécies, com prevalência de 25% (B. bubalis) e 24% (B. taurus). Informações obtidas por microscopia eletrônica de varredura foram adicionadas à descrição da espécie, além de ampliar a distribuição desse parasito no território nacional.

Spatial and temporal activity patterns of Golden takin (Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi) recorded by camera trapping.

Understanding animals' migration, distribution and activity patterns is vital for the development of effective conservation action plans; however, such data for many species are lacking. In this study, we used camera trapping to document the spatial and temporal activity patterns of golden takins (Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi) in Changqing National Nature Reserve in the Qinling mountains, China, from April 2014 to October 2017. Our study obtained 3,323 independent detections (from a total of 12,351 detections) during a total camera trapping effort of 93,606 effective camera trap days at 573 sites. Results showed that: (1) the golden takin's utilization distributions showed seasonal variation, with larger utilization distributions during spring and autumn compared to summer and winter; (2) the species was recorded at the highest elevations in July, and lowest elevations in December, with the species moving to higher-elevations in summer, lower-elevations in spring and autumn; (3) during all four seasons, golden takins showed bimodal activity peaks at dawn and dusk, with activity intensity higher in the second peak than the first, and overall low levels of activity recorded from 20:00-06:00; and (4) there were two annual activity peaks, the first being in April and the second in November, with camera capture rate during these two months higher than in other months, and activity levels in spring and autumn higher than in summer and winter. This study is the first application of camera traps to assess the spatial and temporal activity patterns of golden takins at a population level. Our findings suggest that the proposed national park should be designed to include golden takin habitat and that ongoing consistent monitoring efforts will be crucial to mitigating novel and ongoing threats to the species.