Cognitive flexibility in urban yellow mongooses, Cynictis penicillata.

Cognitive flexibility enables animals to alter their behaviour and respond appropriately to environmental changes. Such flexibility is important in urban settings where environmental changes occur rapidly and continually. We studied whether free-living, urban-dwelling yellow mongooses, Cynictis penicillata, in South Africa, are cognitively flexible in reversal learning and attention task experiments (n = 10). Reversal learning was conducted using two puzzle boxes that were distinct visually and spatially, each containing a preferred or non-preferred food type. Once mongooses learned which box contained the preferred food type, the food types were reversed. The mongooses successfully unlearned their previously learned response in favour of learning a new response, possibly through a win-stay, lose-shift strategy. Attention task experiments were conducted using one puzzle box surrounded by zero, one, two or three objects, introducing various levels of distraction while solving the task. The mongooses were distracted by two and three distractions but were able to solve the task despite the distractions by splitting their attention between the puzzle box task and remaining vigilant. However, those exposed to human residents more often were more vigilant. We provide the first evidence of cognitive flexibility in urban yellow mongooses, which enables them to modify their behaviour to urban environments.

Comparison of the effectiveness and efficiency of the grid and link search methods to recover scattered skeletal remains.

The grid and link search methods are used to recover scattered skeletal remains. Neither have not been compared robustly and clear guidelines for the link method have not been sufficiently developed. The study aimed to compare the effectiveness and efficiency of both methods and propose guidelines for the link method. The scattering patterns of two scavengers of forensic relevance-slender mongooses (Galerella sanguinea) and black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas)-were recreated using four pig skeletons (Sus scrofa domesticus). Two groups (n = 6 each) were assigned a different method to recover the scattered remains. The length of the search and when each bone was located for each scatter pattern was recorded for each group and scatter pattern. A Likert scale questionnaire assessed participants' perceptions of their assigned method. A paired t-test (p = 0.005) compared the efficiency of each method and the questionnaire answers. Both methods were effective, recovering 100% of all remains. The link method was more efficient for both scatter patterns, despite there being no statistical significance (jackal: p = 0.089; mongoose: p = 0.464). Participants indicated favorable views for both methods; however, the link method scored significantly more favorably (p = 0.01) for efficiency. Specific guidelines were developed for the use of the link method. The link method is suggested for the recovery of scattered remains in forensic contexts, especially when the scavenger, its behavior, and scattering pattern is known or suspected.

DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY IN SLENDER-TAILED MEERKATS (SURICATA SURICATTA) UNDER HUMAN CARE.

Meerkats (Suricata suricatta) housed at two accredited zoological institutions in the United States were evaluated via echocardiography, thoracic radiography, and blood biomarkers-taurine and feline N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide-to determine the prevalence and severity of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in both populations. In total, 24 meerkats were evaluated and 7 were diagnosed with DCM based on the following parameters: left ventricular internal diameter at end diastole > 1.30 cm, left ventricular internal diameter at end systole > 1.10 cm, and a fractional shortening of <18%. Echocardiographic parameters were identified and reported for normal and affected meerkats, whereas thoracic radiographs were not useful for screening for DCM. Meerkats with DCM were treated with pimobendan and/or benazepril and furosemide if indicated. Seven meerkats died during the study period, with the majority exhibiting myocardial fibrosis. Of the blood parameters tested, elevated taurine levels were associated with DCM. Further research is necessary to characterize the etiology of DCM in meerkats.

Mapping vocal interactions in space and time differentiates signal broadcast versus signal exchange in meerkat groups.

Animal vocal communication research traditionally focuses on acoustic and contextual features of calls, yet substantial information is also contained in response selectivity and timing during vocalization events. By examining the spatiotemporal structure of vocal interactions, we can distinguish between 'broadcast' and 'exchange' signalling modes, with the former potentially serving to transmit signallers' general state and the latter reflecting more interactive signalling behaviour. Here, we tracked the movements and vocalizations of wild meerkat (Suricata suricatta) groups simultaneously using collars to explore this distinction. We found evidence that close calls (used for maintaining group cohesion) are given as signal exchanges. They are typically given in temporally structured call-response sequences and are also strongly affected by the social environment, with individuals calling more when they have more neighbours and juveniles responding more to adults than the reverse. In contrast, short note calls appear mainly in sequences produced by single individuals and show little dependence on social surroundings, suggesting a broadcast signalling mode. Despite these differences, both call categories show similar clustering in space and time at a group level. Our results highlight how the fine-scale structure of vocal interactions can give important insights into the usage and function of signals in social groups. This article is part of the theme issue 'The power of sound: unravelling how acoustic communication shapes group dynamics.'

Evolutionary insights into 3D genome organization and epigenetic landscape of Vigna mungo.

Eukaryotic genomes show an intricate three-dimensional (3D) organization within the nucleus that regulates multiple biological processes including gene expression. Contrary to animals, understanding of 3D genome organization in plants remains at a nascent stage. Here, we investigate the evolution of 3D chromatin architecture in legumes. By using cutting-edge PacBio, Illumina, and Hi-C contact reads, we report a gap-free, chromosome-scale reference genome assembly of Vigna mungo, an important minor legume cultivated in Southeast Asia. We spatially resolved V. mungo chromosomes into euchromatic, transcriptionally active A compartment and heterochromatic, transcriptionally-dormant B compartment. We report the presence of TAD-like-regions throughout the diagonal of the HiC matrix that resembled transcriptional quiescent centers based on their genomic and epigenomic features. We observed high syntenic breakpoints but also high coverage of syntenic sequences and conserved blocks in boundary regions than in the TAD-like region domains. Our findings present unprecedented evolutionary insights into spatial 3D genome organization and epigenetic patterns and their interaction within the V. mungo genome. This will aid future genomics and epigenomics research and breeding programs of V. mungo.

Sequence typing of Bartonella henselae in small Indian mongooses (Urva auropunctata).

This study aimed to determine the sequence type (ST) of Bartonella henselae infecting small Indian mongooses from Saint Kitts via multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). This investigation used stored EDTA blood (n = 22) samples from mongooses previously identified as positive for B. henselae. Chocolate agar plates were enriched with Bartonella alpha-Proteobacteria growth medium (BAPGM) to culture and isolate Bartonella from the blood samples. To perform MLST, DNA was extracted and purified from isolates followed by amplification by conventional PCR (300-500 bp) for eight genes (16S rDNA, batR, gltA, groEL, ftsZ, nlpD, ribC, and rpoB). Bartonella henselae STs were deposited in the PubMLST repository. Out of 22 B. henselae-positive blood samples, isolates were obtained from 12 mongooses (54.5%; 12/22). Each mongoose was infected with one ST. The studied mongoose population was infected with sequence types ST2, ST3, ST8, and a novel ST represented by ST38. Bartonella henselae ST2, ST3 and ST8 infecting mongooses are known to circulate in humans and cats, with ST2 and ST8 associated with Cat Scratch Disease (bartonellosis) in humans. The results presented herein denote the circulation of B. henselae STs with zoonotic potential in mongooses with risk of B. henselae transmission to humans.

Combining ranger records and biogeographical models to identify the current and potential distribution of an expanding mesocarnivore in southern Europe.

Human-wildlife conflicts (HWC) are increasing and are potentially harmful to both people and wildlife. Understanding the current and potential distribution of wildlife species involved in HWC, such as carnivores, is essential for implementing management and conservation measures for such species. In this study, we assessed both the current distribution and potential distribution (forecast) of the Egyptian mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon) in the central part of the Iberian Peninsula. We acquired data concerning mongoose occurrences through an online questionnaire sent to environmental rangers. We used the municipality level as the sampling unit because all municipalities within the study area were covered at least by one ranger. Using the information provided by rangers (i.e. occurrences in their municipalities), we constructed environmental favourability distribution models to assess current and potential mongoose distribution through current distribution models (CDM) and ecological models (EM), respectively. >300 rangers participated in the survey and mongooses were reported in a total of 181 of 921 municipalities studied. The CDM model showed a current distribution mainly concentrated on the western part of the study area, where intermediate-high favourability values predominated. The EM model revealed a wider potential distribution, including the south-east part of the study area, which was also characterised by intermediate-high favourability values. Our predictions were verified using independent data, including confirmation of mongoose reproduction by rangers, reports by other experts, and field sampling in some areas. Our innovative approach based on an online survey to rangers coupled with environmental favourability models is shown to be a useful methodology for assessing the current distribution of cryptic but expanding wildlife species, while also enabling estimations of future steps in their expansion. The approach proposed may help policy decision-makers seeking to ensure the conservation of expanding wildlife species, for example, by designing awareness campaigns in areas where the target species is expected to arrive.

Home range overlap between small Indian mongooses and free roaming domestic dogs in Puerto Rico: implications for rabies management.

The small Indian mongoose (Urva auropunctata) is the primary terrestrial wildlife rabies reservoir on at least four Caribbean islands, including Puerto Rico. In Puerto Rico, mongooses represent a risk to public health, based on direct human exposure and indirectly through the transmission of rabies virus to domestic animals. To date, the fundamental ecological relationships of space use among mongooses and between mongooses and domestic animals remain poorly understood. This study is the first to report mongoose home range estimates based on GPS telemetry, as well as concurrent space use among mongooses and free roaming domestic dogs (FRDD; Canis lupus familiaris). Mean (± SE) home range estimates from 19 mongooses in this study (145 ± 21 ha and 60 ± 14 ha for males and females, respectively) were greater than those reported in prior radiotelemetry studies in Puerto Rico. At the scale of their home range, mongooses preferentially used dry forest and shrubland areas, but tended to avoid brackish water vegetation, salt marshes, barren lands and developed areas. Home ranges from five FRDDs were highly variable in size (range 13-285 ha) and may be influenced by availability of reliable anthropogenic resources. Mongooses displayed high home range overlap (general overlap index, GOI = 82%). Home range overlap among mongooses and FRDDs was intermediate (GOI = 50%) and greater than home range overlap by FRDDs (GOI = 10%). Our results provide evidence that space use by both species presents opportunities for interspecific interaction and contact and suggests that human provisioning of dogs may play a role in limiting interactions between stray dogs and mongooses.

Incidencia del virus rábico en mangostas (Herpestes auropuntactus). Cuba, enero 2004 a diciembre 2011 / Incidence of rabies virus in mongooses (Herpestes auropuntactus). Cuba, January 2004 to December 2011

Objetivo: Analizar la incidencia del virus rábico en mangosta (Herpestes auropunctatus) de vida libre en Cuba, de enero 2004 a diciembre 2011. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo-retrospectivo en el Centro Provincial de Higiene Epidemiología y Microbiología (CPHEM), en el Laboratorio de Rabia, La Habana-Cuba. Se analizaron las muestras colectadas correspondientes a 561 cerebros de mangostas lesionadoras a humanos y de vigilancia epidemiológica perteneciente a catorce provincias del país, diagnosticadas mediante la técnica de inmunofluorescencia directa (IFD) y representadas mediante el sistemas de información Mapinfo. Resultados: El porcentaje total de positividad de las muestras estudiadas es de 47.95 por ciento; desde el punto de vista geográfico la mayor concentración de muestras positivas fue en las províncias del occidente del país y además Ciego de Ávila y Holguín. Conclusiones: El porcentaje de positividad en esta especie es de 47.95 por ciento. Siendo la mangosta el principal reservorio de la rabia en Cuba; no es suficiente el conocimiento, monitoreo, control y erradicación de esta especie; se debe realizar un mayor estudio morfomátrico para su control.

January 2004 to December 2011. Methods: We conducted a retrospective descriptive study at the rabies laboratory of the Provincial Center of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Microbiology (CPHEM), Havana, Cuba. 561 brain samples from human attacker mongooses and epidemiological surveillance were analyzed, belonging to fourteen provinces. The diagnosis was made by direct immunofluorescence (DIF). Data were represented in the information system Mapinfo. Results: Results: The overall rate of positivity of the studied samples is 47.95 percent. From the geographical point of view the greatest concentration of positive samples was in the western provinces of the country and also Ciego de Avila and Holguin. Conclusions: The percentage of positivity in this species is of 47.95 percent. Since the mongoose is the main reservoir of rabies in Cuba, besides knowledge, monitoring, control and eradication of this species, more morphometric studies are needed for control.

Bioecología y estrategias de control de la mangosta(herpestes auropunctatus auropunctatus): importante reservorio de rabia en Cuba / Bioecology and control strategies for mongoose (herpestes auropunctatus auropunctatus), as a major rabies reservoir in Cuba

Las enfermedades zoonóticas tienen una relevante incidencia en la salud del hombre, constituyen un importante reservorio silvestre de rabia en Cuba, Herpestes auropunctatus auropunctatus, conocido como mangosta o mal llamado hurón se trajo a la isla con el propósito de controlar plagas de ratas. A diferencia de otros países, en Cuba existe un programa dirigido a vigilar la rabia, por lo que es muy importante la notificación de casos de manera completa. En este sentido hay que destacar que aunque el número de casos es relativamente reducido, se sabe que la letalidad de la enfermedad es alta, además del impacto psíquico y emocional, el sufrimiento y la ansiedad de las personas mordidas ante el temor de contraer la enfermedad, y de severos daños económicos que causa por las horas/hombres perdidas en los tratamientos antirrábicos, así como los gastos en el control de los vectores. Lamentablemente no se dispone de mucha información sobre la bioecología de H. auropunctatus auropunctatus, en nuestras condiciones naturales, lo cual es esencial a la hora de diseñar e implementar adecuadas estrategias de control. Es por ello que se realizó una revisión con el objetivo de acopiar toda la información publicada y disponible, así como la acumulada después de 20 años de trabajo de campo sobre el más importante reservorio de rabia silvestre en nuestro país. Con ello ayudaremos a ampliar los conocimientos sobre estudios de caracterización de riesgos, y facilitaremos la conformación de planes de promoción y prevención de la enfermedad

Epizootia de Rabia en mangostas, su posible relación con factores climáticos en un poblado del sur de Ciego de Ávila / Epizootic of rabies in mongooses, its possible relationship with climatic factors in a village located in the south of Ciego de Avila

Se estudió una epizootia de rabia en mangostas, ocurrida en el poblado de Júcaro, situado al sur de la provincia Ciego de Ávila. Se presentaron 5 casos, los cuales lesionaron a 5 personas, 2 cerdos y 1 canino. Se evaluó el comportamiento de la rabia animal en el territorio, en el período de 1987 a 1997. Se analizaron las precipitaciones y las temperaturas en el período de 1967 a 1997 (histórico). Se evaluó la presentación de temperaturas records y las precipitaciones en 1997. Se analizó la posible relación de esta epizootia con factores climáticos

Leptospiral carriage by mice and mongooses on the island of Barbados

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, maintained by chronic infection of the kidneys of reservoir animals, usually small mammals. Infection in humans is acquired from direct or indirect exposure to the urine of infected animals. Leptospirosis has a high incidence in tropical regions, and has been studied extensively in several Caribbean countries. We studied the carriage of Leptospira serovars by two small mammals which are potential maintenance hosts of the disease in Barbados. A total of 136 mongooses (Herpestes auropunctatus) and 97 mice (Mus musculus) were caught in live traps. Leptospiral antibodies were detected by microscopic agglutination test (MAT) using antigens representing 12 serogroups, and kidney tissues were inoculated into polysorbate medium for isolation of leptospires. The seroprevalence (at a titre of > or = 100) in mice was 28.2 (24/85, 95 CI 19.0, 39.1) and in mongooses 40.7 (48/118, 95 CI 31.7, 50.1). In mice, antibodies were detected predominantly against serogroups Ballum and Autumnalis, while in mongooses the predominant serogroup was Autumnalis. Leptospires were isolated from 28 mice (28.9, 95 CI 20.1, 39.0) and from 4 mongooses (2.9, 95 CI 0.8, 7.4). Mouse isolates were identified as serovars arborea (17) and bim (7). As in other parts of the world, common house mice (Mus musculus) represent a significant reservoir of leptospirosis. Although carriage of the Ballum serovar, arborea, was not unexpected, this represents the first time that an animal reservoir of serovar bim has been identified. This is significant because bim causes about 63 of human leptospirosis in Barbados, and control efforts and education for prevention can now be targeted at a specific reservoir.

Efectividad de la educación para la salud en la vigilancia de la rabia en mangosta / Effectiveness of health education in the surveillance of rabies in mangooses

Se instrumenta un programa de educación sanitaria sobre el papel de la mangosta como reservorio de rabia a partir de 1983, en la provincia Ciego de Avila. En el presente estudio se compara el número de muestras enviadas de mangostas, y los casos positivos de rabia en los períodos de 1977 a 1982 y de 1983 a 1988. En el primer período Ciego de Avila sólo estudió el 2,5 %del total de muestras del país, mientras que en el segundo investigó el 30,8 %del total de la república, lo que demuestra la efectividad del programa educativo ejecutado. La totalidad de rabia en mangosta varió del 1,8 %del total al 47 %. Se analizan las muestras investigadas de otras especies en la provincia Ciego de Avila, y los casos positivos de rabia