DOCSLIB.ORG

Hyena (Crocuta Crocuta)

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Hyena (Crocuta Crocuta) Original Paper Brain Behav Evol 2003;62:182–192 Received: April 28, 2003 Returned for revision: June 11, 2003 DOI: 10.1159/000073270 Accepted after revision: July 1, 2003 Topography of Photoreceptors and Retinal Ganglion Cells in the Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta) Jack B. Calderone Benjamin E. Reese Gerald H. Jacobs Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Calif., USA Key Words distribution defines a prominent visual streak with high- Mammals W Hyena W Crocuta crocuta W Photoreceptors W est spatial packing (approx. 4,200/mm2) in an area cen- Ganglion cells W Cones W Spatial acuity W Retinal tralis that is located in the temporal retina. The total num- topography ber of ganglion cells is estimated at about 260,000. Using standard assumptions the maximum spatial resolution of the spotted hyena is calculated to be about 8.4 cycles/ Abstract degree, a value similar to estimates obtained for other The spatial distributions of photoreceptors and retinal terrestrial carnivores. ganglion cells were examined in the spotted hyena (Cro- Copyright © 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel cuta crocuta). Two populations of cones were identified by immunocytochemical labeling. The hyena retina con- tains approximately 2.3 million middle- to long-wave- Introduction length sensitive (M/L) cones that reach peak densities of about 7,500/mm2 in the vicinity of the optic nerve head. A Carnivores comprise a diverse group of animals vary- sparser population of short-wavelength sensitive (S) ing greatly in size, natural habitat, and photic rhythmicity cones, totaling about 0.3 million, was also detected. [Macdonald, 2001]. Many of them survive as predators There is a striking disparity in the spatial distributions of and for that they must rely on a range of keen sensory the two cone types with S cones achieving peak density capacities – olfaction, audition and vision – to locate, in a region located well below the optic nerve head. The stalk and capture prey. Although natural observations differences in the spatial distributions of the two cone make clear that vision is an important component of this types have implications both for visual sensitivity and for sensory armamentarium, there are only modest numbers color vision. Hyena rods outnumber cones by about of direct studies of vision in carnivores, and these mostly 100:1 with rod density falling off modestly along a cen- involve laboratory investigations of domesticated species, tral-peripheral gradient. Ganglion cells were identified in principally cats and dogs. An alternative means to under- retinal wholemounts by Nissl staining patterns. Their standing species that might be impractical to test directly © 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel Gerald H. Jacobs ABC Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California Fax + 41 61 306 12 34 Santa Barbara, CA 93106 (USA) E-Mail [email protected] Accessible online at: Tel. +1 805 893 2446, Fax +1 805 893 2005 www.karger.com www.karger.com/bbe E-Mail [email protected] under controlled conditions is to examine various fea- nized for reasons unrelated to the present investigation. This proce- tures of visual anatomy and, from these, draw inferences dure was carried out in accordance with institutional animal care and about vision using as a baseline the wealth of information use guidelines and with NIH Principles of Animal Care. These ani- mals were perfused transcardially with 4% paraformaldehyde. The about how such features generally correlate with visual cornea, lens, and vitreous were rapidly removed from the eyes and capacities in species where both have been studied the eyecups were postfixed in 4% paraformaldehyde for an addition- [Hughes, 1977]. Although this strategy is generally less al period of 4–8 h. Prior to the removal of the retina, spatial orienta- satisfactory than direct studies of vision, these anatomical tion was marked using the prominent tapetum as a reference. For immunocytochemistry, the retinas from the perfused animals indices do yield useful insights. We use this approach to were dissected from the eyecups and rinsed in phosphate-buffered examine some features of vision in a large carnivore, the saline (PBS). Following 5–13 days incubation in a 20% sucrose solu- spotted hyena. tion, the retinas were shock-frozen in liquid nitrogen and rinsed in Spotted hyenas are native across a broad range of Sub- PBS (3 ! 10 min). The retinas were placed in 0.3% hydrogen perox- Saharan Africa where they live in complexly organized ide, again rinsed, and allowed to sit in a solution of 2% bovine serum albumin and 10% normal goat serum for 3 h. They were then exposed social groups [Kruuk, 1972; Holekamp et al., 1997; Wahaj to primary antibodies for 72 h. The primaries used were polyclonal et al., 2001]. Such associations require accurate inter-indi- antibodies either specific to mammalian short-wavelength (S) sensi- vidual recognition and, amongst other cues, spotted hye- tive pigments (JH455; 1:100,000 dilution) or to middle (M) to long nas use visual information to accomplish this task (L) wavelength sensitive pigments (JH492; 1:30,000 dilution; both [Kruuk, 1972], likely taking advantage of the prominent kindly provided by J. Nathans). This was followed by 24 h incubation in goat anti-rabbit biotinylated secondary antibody, a subsequent spot patterns that give the species its common name and 24-h exposure to avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex and a final reac- which are sufficiently unique among individuals that field tion with diaminobenzidine. The retinas were subsequently flat scientists conventionally use them to identify individuals. mounted and labeled cones were counted on average from 700 sites These animals are classified as nocturnal, but they are also taken at 1 mm intervals across the retina. At each site, counts were sporadically active during daylight hours; predominantly made across four adjacent regions each comprising 0.0081 mm2 in area and these counts were averaged to estimate the local cone densi- the 3–4 h after dawn and for a similar period preceding ty. Estimates of rod densities were also obtained by counting cells at nightfall [Kruuk, 1972]. Indeed, the majority of contem- 18 locations throughout two of the retinas. Rods were identified in porary studies of hyena behavior have involved observa- microscopic viewing of the flat mounts under oil immersion by using tions made during these crepuscular transition times. the identification criteria noted below. In deriving receptor density These daily activity patterns suggest that, like the majori- maps no corrections were made for possible tissue shrinkage. To obtain information about retinal ganglion cell distributions, a ty of other mammals, spotted hyenas would be expected retina was dissected from the eye of an adult hyena that had died of to have rod-dominated retinas, but with a sufficient cone natural causes. The retina was flat mounted with the ganglion cell population to allow reasonable vision under daylight con- layer upward and the wholemount was stained with 0.5 % cresyl vio- ditions [Jacobs, 1993]. That prospect receives qualitative let. To distinguish ganglion cell somata from other types of cells support from observations made by Kruuk who, in his present in the ganglion cell layer (principally displaced amacrine cells and glial cells) we used the structural criteria first developed by classic field studies, offered the summary opinion that Hughes [1981] and subsequently employed in quantitative studies of ‘hyenas could see in the daylight about as well as I could’ ganglion cells in a number of other carnivores [Henderson, 1985; [1972, p. 215]. To further examine these possibilities Peichl, 1992; Mass and Supin, 2000]. These criteria identify as gan- opsin antibody staining was used to obtain an indication glion cells those having relatively large cell bodies, a significant of the density and distribution of photoreceptors in the amount of Nissl substance, and a homogenous nucleus. Direct com- parisons of ganglion cell counts made using these structural criteria hyena retina and we have also charted the topographic and counts of ganglion cells identified by retrograde labeling follow- distribution of ganglion cells in retinal wholemounts. ing injection of retinorecipient nuclei in the brain have been shown From these results, inferences can be drawn about spec- to give very similar results in two mammalian species [Pettigrew et tral sensitivity and visual resolution as well as the pros- al., 1988]. Although application of these structural criteria necessari- pects for color vision. ly has a subjective component, their consistent use has been well accepted as a means of estimating ganglion cell density and distribu- tion in mammalian material. Using these cellular identification criteria, ganglion cell counts Materials and Methods were made at over 700 sites taken at 1 mm intervals across the retina. Because the retina was attached to the slide during processing it was Eyes were obtained from adult spotted hyenas that were members assumed, in accord with earlier observations [Wässle et al., 1981], of a colony maintained at the University of California, Berkeley. Sev- that there was no significant amount of tissue shrinkage. eral eyes were removed postmortem from animals that had died of natural causes and these were stored in formalin prior to our exami- nation. Three eyes were obtained from two animals that were eutha- Hyena Photoreceptors and Ganglion Cells Brain Behav Evol 2003;62:182–192 183 Results were similar for the two retinas examined, the maximum density was found to be consistently higher in one animal Gross Eye Characteristics with the result that the estimated total numbers of S cones Size measurements were obtained from 5 fixed eyes. for the two were, respectively, 379,300 and 200,600. The eye of the adult spotted hyena is nearly spherical These counts suggest that the hyena retina has, overall, an (fig. 1A) with a mean axial length of 25.4 mm (SD = M/L:S cone ratio of about 8:1.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Laughing Hyena by Guy Belleranti
    Name: __________________________________ The Laughing Hyena by Guy Belleranti Have you ever heard an animal laugh? Well, if you haven't, you may want to go to your local zoo and visit the hyena exhibit. These large African mammals are known for their loud, chattering laugh! The laughing hyena is another name for the largest species of hyena, the spotted hyena. While they look kind of like very large dogs they are actually more closely related to cats. However, they aren't exactly cats either. Instead, they're in a family of their own along with their smaller relatives -- the striped and brown hyenas and the insect-eating aardwolfs. Do laughing hyenas really laugh? Their cry does sound a little like laughing, but you wouldn't confuse their voices for human beings. They also make whooping calls, groans, squeals and many other noises to communicate with one another. In fact, spotted hyenas are among Africa's most vocal animals. Spotted hyenas live in groups called clans. Some clans have over 80 members. Each clan marks out a territory and it defends against other clans. Females, who are slightly larger and more aggressive than males, are in charge of the clans. Females are also great moms. They usually give birth to two cubs, and are very protective. They provide milk to their cubs for over a year. Spotted hyenas play an important role as scavengers. They clean up predator's leftovers and even garbage left by humans. With their strong jaws and teeth they can even crush and digest bones. While they are mainly meat eaters, they occasionally eat plants, too.
    [Show full text]
  • Character Breakdown BANZAI a Slick Yet Childish Hyena Who Works For
    Character Breakdown BANZAI A slick yet childish hyena who works for Scar. He would be the leader of the group if hyenas weren't so lazy. Look for an outgoing and confident actor who can portray nastiness and gruffness. As Banzai is always featured with Shenzi and Ed, consider auditioning the hyenas in trios. Male or Female, Any Age ED The third member of Scar's trio of lackeys. He has a loud, cackling laugh that is his only form of communication. Ed should be played by an actor who can laugh unabashedly and communicate through physicality and facial expressions rather than words. This role can be played by a boy or girl. Male or Female, Any Age ENSEMBLE The ensemble plays various inhabitants of the Pridelands, such as giraffes, elephants, antelopes, wildebeest, and other creatures you choose to include. This group can have as few or as many performers as your production permits. There are also several moments to showcase individual dancers in "The Lioness Hunt" and "I Just Can't Wait to Be King." HYENAS Scar's army, helping carry out his evil plot to take over the Pridelands. Hyenas are mangy, mindless creatures who sing in "Be Prepared." Male or Female, Any Age LIONESSES The fierce hunters of the Pridelands and featured in "The Lioness Hunt," "The Mourning," and "Shadowland." Female, Any Age MUFASA The strong, honorable, and wise lion who leads the Pridelands. Mufasa should command respect onstage and also show tenderness with his son, Simba. Male, Any Age NALA Grows from a cub to a lioness before she confronts Scar, so cast a more mature actress to play the character beginning in Scene 10, As with older Simba and Young Simba, ensure that this switch in actors performing a single role is clear.
    [Show full text]
  • Animal Symbolism in Yann Martel's Life of Pi 54
    ANIMAL SYMBOLISM IN YANN MARTEL’S LIFE OF PI ANIMAL SYMBOLISM IN YANN MARTEL’S LIFE OF PI Sri Aji Darmastuti English Literature, Faculty of Languages and Arts, State University of Surabaya ( [email protected]) Hujuala Rika Ayu, S.S., MA. English Department, Faculty of Languages and Arts, State University of Surabaya [email protected] Abstrak Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis arti dan pengaruh dari kemunculan empat hewan sebagai simbolisasi pada karakter utama di novel Yann Martel Life of Pi. Didalam penganalisisan simbolisasi hewan yang terdiri dari empat hewan yaitu; Zebra, Orangutan, Hyena dan Harimau dinovel Yann Martel Life of Pi, membutuhkan tiga teori yang telah diterapkan untuk menemukan makna simbolisasi binatang tersebut dan pengaruhnya dalam perkembangan psikologis tokoh utama dalam novel Yann Martel Life of Pi. Dan teori tersebut terdiri dari teori semiotic dari Roland Barthes, teori simbolisme dari Northrop Frye dan teori perkembangan pisikologis pada remaja dari Erik Erikson. Dan dengan cara menggabungkan ketiga teori tersebut, dapat disimpulkan bahwa tujuan Yann Martel memunculkan empat hewan sebagai tokoh utama hewan yang memiliki karakter fisik dan tingkah laku yang berbeda merupakan sebuah konsep simbolisme yang menunjukkan bahwa dibalik kekuatan, kesadaran dan rasa sakit yang diderita keempat hewan tersebut telah menggambarkan sebuah arti filosofis yang terhubung dengan konsep kehidupan manusia dalam pencarian jati diri dan penghargaan diri oleh karakter utama di Yann Martel Life of Pi. Kata Kunci: Hewan, Simbolisasi dan Perkembangan Pisikologis Abstract This study aims to analyze the four main animals and the influence in Pi’s or the main character psychology development in Yann Martel’s Life of Pi.The focused objective is to find what the meaning of four main animals to development of the sixteenth year old boy psychologists when mingling together in the lifeboat.
    [Show full text]
  • Spotted Hyena • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Crocuta Crocuta
    Spotted Hyena • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Crocuta crocuta through human understanding Classification What groups does this organism belong to based on characteristics shared with other organisms? Class: Mammalia (all mammals) Order: Carnivora (all carnivores) Family: Hyaenidae (hyenas and aardwolf ) Genus: Crocuta Species: crocuta Where in the Distribution world does this species live? Spotted hyenas range widely throughout Africa south of the Sahara up to 13,500 ft. (4,100 m). Populations are concentrated in eastern and southern Africa, primarily in protected areas. Habitat What kinds of areas does this species live in? This species is found in a wide variety of habitats: savanna, open woodland, dense dry woodland, montane and semi-desert. Not found in extreme desert conditions, the highest mountain altitudes or tropical rainforests. Physical Description How would this animal’s body shape and size be described? • Although hyenas bear some physical resemblance to wild dogs, but they are not canids. They are a separate family and more closely related to mongooses and meerkats. • Spotted hyenas are the the largest of four hyena species (spotted, brown, aardwolf, and striped hyenas). Weight ranges from 75 to 190 lbs. (34-86 kg). Height at shoulders is 2.5 to 3 ft. (76-91 cm), body length ranges from 4 to 5 ft. (122-152 cm) and bushy tails are 10 to 14 in. (25-36 cm) long. Female hyenas are a bit larger than the males. • Coat is short and coarse, ranging in color from sandy/yellow to grey/brown with black or dark brown spots. • Front legs are longer than hind legs giving their back a sloping appearance.
    [Show full text]
  • 'Patterns of Habitat Use and Segregation Among African Large
    Zurich Open Repository and Archive University of Zurich Main Library Strickhofstrasse 39 CH-8057 Zurich www.zora.uzh.ch Year: 2013 Patterns of habitat use and segregation among African large carnivores Cozzi, Gabriele Posted at the Zurich Open Repository and Archive, University of Zurich ZORA URL: https://doi.org/10.5167/uzh-93646 Dissertation Originally published at: Cozzi, Gabriele. Patterns of habitat use and segregation among African large carnivores. 2013, University of Zurich, Faculty of Science. PATTERNS OF HABITAT USE AND SEGREGATION AMONG AFRICAN LARGE CARNIVORES Dissertation zur Erlangung der naturwissenschaftlichen Doktorwürde (Dr. sc. nat.) vorgelegt der Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftlichen Fakultät der Universität Zürich von Gabriele Cozzi von Vacallo (TI) Promotionskomitee: Prof. Dr. Bernhard Schmid (Leitung der Dissertation und Vorsitz) Prof. Dr. Marta Manser Dr. John W. McNutt Dr. Sarah Durant Zürich, 2013 PATTERNS OF HABITAT USE AND SEGREGATION AMONG AFRICAN LARGE CARNIVORES A CASE STUDY ON THE AFRICAN WILD DOG (LYCAON PICTUS), THE SPOTTED HYENA (CROCUTA CROCUTA) AND THE LION (PANTHERA LEO) Gabriele Cozzi Die vorliegende Dissertaion wurde am 27.11.2012 zur Begutachtung eingereicht. Promotionskomitee: Prof. Dr. Bernhard Schmid (Vorsitz) Prof. Dr. Marta Manser Dr. John W. McNutt Dr. Sarah Durant This thesis is dedicated to the memory of Christine B. Müller a mentor, a colleague, a friend Contents CONTENTS SUMMARY .......................................................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Range Contractions of the World's Large Carnivores
    Downloaded from http://rsos.royalsocietypublishing.org/ on July 12, 2017 Range contractions of the world’s large carnivores rsos.royalsocietypublishing.org Christopher Wolf and William J. Ripple Global Trophic Cascades Program, Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society, Research Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA CW, 0000-0002-5519-3845;WJR,0000-0001-6557-3043 Cite this article: Wolf C, Ripple WJ. 2017 Rangecontractionsoftheworld’slarge The majority of the world’s terrestrial large carnivores have carnivores. R. Soc. open sci. 4: 170052. undergone substantial range contractions and many of these http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsos.170052 species are currently threatened with extinction. However, there has been little effort to fully quantify the extent of large carnivore range contractions, which hinders our ability to understand the roles and relative drivers of such Received: 20 January 2017 trends. Here we present and analyse a newly constructed Accepted: 8 June 2017 and comprehensive set of large carnivore range contraction maps. We reveal the extent to which ranges have contracted since historical times and identify regions and biomes where range contractions have been particularly large. In summary, large carnivores that have experienced the greatest range Subject Category: contractions include the red wolf (Canis rufus) (greater than Biology (whole organism) 99%), Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis) (99%), tiger (Panthera tigris) (95%) and lion (Panthera leo) (94%). In general, the Subject Areas: greatest range contractions occurred in Southeastern Asia ecology and Africa. Motivated by the ecological importance of intact large carnivore guilds, we also examined the spatial extent Keywords: of intact large carnivore guilds both for the entire world and regionally.
    [Show full text]
  • Asiatic Cheetah
    Cheetah 1 Cheetah Cheetah[1] Temporal range: Late Pliocene to Recent Conservation status [2] Vulnerable (IUCN 3.1) Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Carnivora Family: Felidae Genus: Acinonyx Species: A. jubatus Binomial name Acinonyx jubatus (Schreber, 1775) Type species Acinonyx venator Brookes, 1828 (= Felis jubata, Schreber, 1775) by monotypy Subspecies See text. Cheetah 2 The range of the cheetah The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is a large-sized feline (family Felidae) inhabiting most of Africa and parts of the Middle East. The cheetah is the only extant member of the genus Acinonyx, most notable for modifications in the species' paws. As such, it is the only felid with non-retractable claws and pads that, by their scope, disallow gripping (therefore cheetahs cannot climb vertical trees, although they are generally capable of reaching easily accessible branches). The cheetah, however, achieves by far the fastest land speed of any living animal—between 112 and 120 km/h (70 and 75 mph)[3] [4] in short bursts covering distances up to 500 m (1600 ft), and has the ability to accelerate from 0 to over 100 km/h (62 mph) in three seconds.[5] Etymology The word "cheetah" is derived from the Sanskrit word citrakāyaḥ, meaning "variegated", via the Hindi चीता cītā.[6] Genetics and classification The genus name, Acinonyx, means "no-move-claw" in Greek, while the species name, jubatus, means "maned" in Latin, a reference to the mane found in cheetah cubs. The cheetah has unusually low genetic variability. This is accompanied by a very low sperm count, motility, and deformed flagella.[7] Skin grafts between unrelated cheetahs illustrate the former point in that there is no rejection of the donor skin.
    [Show full text]
  • Lion and Hyaena Conservation Planning
    Acknowledgements For steering the process of formulating this conservation and managemnet strategy for Lions and Spotted Hyaenas, we salute the the Kenya National large carnivore task force. We would like to extend our gratitude to the stakeholders who participated in the workshop that formulated the strategy among whom include: • Wildlife biologists & Wildlife Managers (government and private) • Conservation NGO’s • Chairs of IUCN Cat Specialist Group (Dr. Christine Breitenmoser-Wursten and Dr. Urs Breitenmoser) • Chair of the IUCN Hyaena Specialist Group Dr. Gus Mills • Dr. Aaron Wagner for his contribution on the annex on the Striped Hyaena • Lion and Hyeana experts • Those with professional interest in lion and hyaena management • Local People Special thanks also go to Kenya Wildlife Service, USAID and Kenya Wildlife Trust for funding the national workshop. The photographs used in this strategy have been provided by Drs. Laurence Frank, Stephanie Dloniak, Aaron Wagner and Mordecai Ogada. Finally we acknowledge Mr. Patrick Omondi, Dr. Charles Musyoki and Ms. Monica Chege for the fi nal editing and proof- reading of the strategy. 1 Table of Contents Acknowledgements 1 Table of Contents 3 List of Figures 4 List of Tables 5 List of Appendicies 6 List of Annexes 7 Abbreviations 8 Foreword 9 Preface 10 Executive Summary 11 Chapter 1 12 1.0 Introduction 12 1.1 Background 12 1.2 Planning large carnivore conservation in Kenya 12 1.3 National planning within a range wide context 12 1.4 Goal of the lion & hyaena conservation-planning workshop
    [Show full text]
  • How Cheetahs Got Their Names by Carlie Lastine in the Beginning Cheetahs Were Not Called Cheetahs
    How Cheetahs Got Their Names By Carlie Lastine In the beginning cheetahs were not called cheetahs. They were just called cats, just normal cats. But one day, the animals, Leopard, Lion, Hyena, and Cheetah decided to play checkers out in the big field. Lion boasted, “I dare you to verse me in a game of checkers!” The normal cat answered, “I will verse you any time!” They went to go get rocks to make the checker games. They started to argue who was red and who was black. Lion roared, “I am going to be black and you are red or I’ll fight you.” The normal cat sighed, “fine” Lion had jumped five of the normal cat’s players and the normal cat jumped only two of lion’s players. Hyena was watching the game and saw a great chance of playing a trick on lion. Hyena tripped Lion. Lion just looked away but Hyena was cracking up. Then Hyena said,” ha you just fell flat on your face!” Leopard just sat there laughing loudly. Lion chased hyena and scared him away. When none of the animals were looking. Cheetah moved his player and jumped over their players. But when those animals turned around they saw that their players were jumped. They chased normal cat down the street. Normal cat had to be so fast so no one would catch him. Lion yelled, “You are a Cheater! From now on everyone will call you cheetah!” So that is why cheetahs are called cheetahs and they run so fast..
    [Show full text]
  • Communication Hubs of an Asocial Cat Are the Source of a Human–Carnivore Conflict and Key to Its Solution
    Communication hubs of an asocial cat are the source of a human–carnivore conflict and key to its solution Joerg Melzheimera,1, Sonja K. Heinricha, Bernd Wasiolkaa, Rebekka Muellera, Susanne Thalwitzerb, Ivan Palmegiania, Annika Weigoldc, Ruben Portasa, Ralf Roedera, Miha Krofeld, Heribert Hofera,e,f, and Bettina Wachtera aDepartment of Evolutionary Ecology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, 10315 Berlin, Germany; bVeterinary Office Ravensburg, 88212 Ravensburg, Germany; cZoological Garden Wilhelma, 70376 Stuttgart, Germany; dBiotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; eDepartment of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany; and fDepartment of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany Edited by James A. Estes, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, and approved October 22, 2020 (received for review February 11, 2020) Human–wildlife conflicts occur worldwide. Although many nonle- has unlocked new approaches in conservation science (12). In thal mitigation solutions are available, they rarely use the behav- the context of HWC, collaring and tracking of conflict species ioral ecology of the conflict species to derive effective and long- already provided successful applications in geofencing and early lasting solutions. Here, we use a long-term study with 106 GPS- warning systems (13). Their warning signals facilitate quick re- collared free-ranging cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) to demonstrate sponses of livestock herders or owners to an approaching car- how new insights into the socio-spatial organization of this spe- nivore provided they are on continuous standby (13). Here, we cies provide the key for such a solution. GPS-collared territory present a method that takes advantage of this rapidly developing holders marked and defended communication hubs (CHs) in the field of movement ecology and provides an effective and long- core area of their territories.
    [Show full text]
  • What's in the Blood?
    ON LOCATION ON LOCATION WHAT’S IN THE BLOOD? Contributing Authors: Michele Miller, DVM, MPH Peter Buss, BVSc, MMed Vet Sven Parsons, DVM, PhD Paul van Helden, PhD The availability of field tests to provide rapid assessment of health Volume 57 Volume status is critical to decision-making especially for translocation. Vetcom 30 ON LOCATION South Africa YENAS often conjure up negative images due to their scavenging nature and have been associated with gluttony, cowardice and even black magic in some cultures. However, hyenas play an important ecological role especially as scavengers, by helping to recycle carrion inspiring the Hterm “environmental health police”. Once widespread throughout Africa, Arabia, Asia, and the Indian subcontinent, their conservation status is now considered near threatened due to habitat loss and human persecution. There are three species of hyena: spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta), a powerful predator that hunts in packs and is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa; striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), a mostly solitary scavenger with a range including Africa, the Middle East, and Western India; and brown hyena (Parahyaena brunnea), a smaller cousin of the spotted hyena that scavenges in packs or singly in the arid regions of southern Africa. continue Volume 57 Volume Vetcom 31 South Africa ON LOCATION ON LOCATION Two Spotted Hyenas As a keystone predator in Africa, spotted hyenas facility without a history of bovine tuberculosis or other diseases. have the greatest behavioral adaptation to habitat On physical examination, both were in excellent condition change, thus being indicators of ecosystem without any abnormalities. Blood samples from these individuals health. If a spotted hyena population declines were used for a series of immunological tests as well as or disappears, it suggests that the habitat has providing a baseline range for serum chemistry parameters.
    [Show full text]
  • Status and Conservation of the Striped Hyena (Hyaena Hyaena) in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (West Bank)
    Elias N. Handal et al. 11 Status and Conservation of the Striped Hyena (Hyaena hyaena) in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (West Bank) Elias N. Handal*, George H. Qumsieh, Shayma Y. Hammash and Mazin B. Qumsiyeh Abestract: The striped hyena (Hyaena Introduction hyaena) in Palestine is one of the four living hyena species in the whole world. There have Palestine’s location between Europe, been no studies on the status of the striped Asia, and Africa gives it a unique geography hyena in the West Bank over the past twenty- and geology that enhance the local five years. Therefore, this paper presents a biodiversity relative to other countries at the detailed study based on data collection and same latitude (Qumsiyeh, 1996). This country field observations (including camera traps) has five ecozones (the central highlands, the that add to the existing knowledge about this semi-coastal region, the eastern slope, the unique carnivorous mammal. The researchers Jordan valley and the coastal region) and four collaborated with the Environmental Quality biogeographical regions (Mediterranean, Authority in the new animal rehabilitation Irano-Turanian, Saharo-Arabia and Sudanian unit which provided the researchers with Penetration) (Amr et al., 2018; Qumsiyeh both deceased and confiscated animals. The et al., 2016; Whyte, 1950; Zohary, 1945). observations in this study significantly extend Palestine used to have over 130 recorded the distribution range of the hyena from species of land mammals a few millennia ago, the eleven localities reported earlier to over but nearly twenty species became extinct, twenty localities. The study also discusses mostly the large ones (Meiri et al., 2019).
    [Show full text]