PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: Exposure to elevated sea-surface temperatures below the bleaching threshold impairs coral recovery and regeneration following injury
items: Inadequate thermal refuge constrains landscape habitability for a grassland bird species
items: Genomic evidence of bitter taste in snakes and phylogenetic analysis of bitter taste receptor genes in reptiles
items: Extended exposure to elevated temperature affects escape response behaviour in coral reef fishes
items: Shifting communities after­­ typhoon damage on an upper mesophotic reef in Okinawa, Japan
items: Lionfish (Pterois spp.) invade the upper-bathyal zone in the western Atlantic
items: Energetics and evasion dynamics of large predators and prey: pumas vs. hounds
items: Diversity, abundance, and host relationships of avian malaria and related haemosporidians in New Mexico pine forests
items: https://peerj.com/articles/3689
items: Late Pleistocene songbirds of Liang Bua (Flores, Indonesia); the first fossil passerine fauna described from Wallacea

Exposure to elevated sea-surface temperatures below the bleaching threshold impairs coral recovery and regeneration following injury
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Elevated sea surface temperatures (SSTs) are linked to an increase in the frequency and severity of bleaching events due to temperatures exceeding corals’ upper thermal limits. The temperatures at which a breakdown of the coral-Symbiodinium endosymbiosis (coral bleaching) occurs are referred to as the upper thermal limits for the coral species. This breakdown of the endosymbiosis results in a reduction of corals’ nutritional uptake, growth, and tissue integrity. Periods of elevated sea surface temperature, thermal stress and coral bleaching are also linked to increased disease susceptibility and an increased frequency of storms which cause injury and physical damage to corals. Herein we aimed to determine the capacity of corals to regenerate and recover from injuries (removal of apical tips) sustained during periods of elevated sea surface temperatures which result in coral stress responses, but which do not result in coral bleaching (i.e., sub-bleaching thermal stress events). In this study, exposure of the species Acropora aspera to an elevated SST of 32 °C (2 °C below the bleaching threshold, 34 °C) was found to result in reduced fluorescence of green fluorescent protein (GFP), reduced skeletal calcification and a lack of branch regrowth at the site of injury, compared to corals maintained under ambient SST conditions (26 °C). Corals maintained under normal, ambient, sea surface temperatures expressed high GFP fluorescence at the injury site, underwent a rapid regeneration of the coral branch apical tip within 12 days of sustaining injury, and showed extensive regrowth of the coral skeleton. Taken together, our results have demonstrated that periods of sustained increased sea surface temperatures, below the corals’ bleaching threshold but above long-term summertime averages, impair coral recovery from damage, regardless of the onset or occurrence of coral bleaching.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Joshua Louis Bonesso
creator: William Leggat
creator: Tracy Danielle Ainsworth
subject: Ecology
subject: Genetics
subject: Marine Biology
subject: Climate Change Biology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.3719
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2017 Bonesso et al.
abstract: Elevated sea surface temperatures (SSTs) are linked to an increase in the frequency and severity of bleaching events due to temperatures exceeding corals’ upper thermal limits. The temperatures at which a breakdown of the coral-Symbiodinium endosymbiosis (coral bleaching) occurs are referred to as the upper thermal limits for the coral species. This breakdown of the endosymbiosis results in a reduction of corals’ nutritional uptake, growth, and tissue integrity. Periods of elevated sea surface temperature, thermal stress and coral bleaching are also linked to increased disease susceptibility and an increased frequency of storms which cause injury and physical damage to corals. Herein we aimed to determine the capacity of corals to regenerate and recover from injuries (removal of apical tips) sustained during periods of elevated sea surface temperatures which result in coral stress responses, but which do not result in coral bleaching (i.e., sub-bleaching thermal stress events). In this study, exposure of the species Acropora aspera to an elevated SST of 32 °C (2 °C below the bleaching threshold, 34 °C) was found to result in reduced fluorescence of green fluorescent protein (GFP), reduced skeletal calcification and a lack of branch regrowth at the site of injury, compared to corals maintained under ambient SST conditions (26 °C). Corals maintained under normal, ambient, sea surface temperatures expressed high GFP fluorescence at the injury site, underwent a rapid regeneration of the coral branch apical tip within 12 days of sustaining injury, and showed extensive regrowth of the coral skeleton. Taken together, our results have demonstrated that periods of sustained increased sea surface temperatures, below the corals’ bleaching threshold but above long-term summertime averages, impair coral recovery from damage, regardless of the onset or occurrence of coral bleaching.
bibliographic citation: Bonesso et al. (2017) Exposure to elevated sea-surface temperatures below the bleaching threshold impairs coral recovery and regeneration following injury. PeerJ 5:e3719 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3719
date submitted: 2016-09-13
date accepted: 2017-07-29
issued: 2017-08-18
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Bonesso
  given name: Joshua Louis
author list: Agent
  family name: Leggat
  given name: William
author list: Agent
  family name: Ainsworth
  given name: Tracy Danielle
doi: 10.7717/peerj.3719
volume: 5
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2017-08-18
copyright: ©2017 Bonesso et al.
attribution name: Bonesso et al.

Inadequate thermal refuge constrains landscape habitability for a grassland bird species
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Ecologists have long recognized the influence that environmental conditions have on abundance and range extent of animal species. We used the northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus; hereafter bobwhite) as a model species for studying how microclimates serve as refuge against severe weather conditions. This species serves as an indicator or umbrella species for other sensitive ground-nesting, grassland obligate species. We conducted a mensurative field experiment in the rolling plains of Texas, USA, a semi-arid ecosystem on the southwestern periphery of bobwhite range, to determine whether native bunch grasses, apparently suitable for bobwhite nesting, could reduce ambient temperature below levels harmful for eggs. During the nesting season, we compared temperature and relative humidity readings at daily heat maxima (i.e., the 3 h during each day with highest temperatures) during the nesting season over the course of two years at 63 suitable nest sites paired with 63 random locations (n = 126) using two sensors at ∼10 and ∼60 cm above ground level. Mean temperature at nest height was 2.3% cooler at nest sites (35.99 °C ± 0.07 SE) compared to random locations (36.81 °C ± 0.07 SE); at ambient height, nest sites were slightly cooler (32.78 °C ± 0.06 SE) than random location (32.99 °C ± 0.06 SE). Mean relative humidity at nest sites was greater at nest height (34.53% ± 0.112 SE) and ambient height (36.22% ± 0.10 SE) compared to random locations at nest (33.35% ± 0.12 SE) and ambient height (35.75% ± 0.10 SE). Based on these results, cover at sites that appear visually suitable for nesting by bobwhites and other ground nesting birds provided adequate thermal refuge in the rolling plains by maintaining cooler, moister microclimates than surrounding non-nesting locations. Post-hoc analyses of data revealed that habitat conditions surrounding suitable nest sites strongly influenced thermal suitability of the substrate. Given that eggs of bobwhites and probably other species …
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: John M. Tomecek
creator: Brian L. Pierce
creator: Kelly S. Reyna
creator: Markus J. Peterson
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Ecology
subject: Zoology
subject: Climate Change Biology
subject: Natural Resource Management
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.3709
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2017 Tomecek et al.
abstract: Ecologists have long recognized the influence that environmental conditions have on abundance and range extent of animal species. We used the northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus; hereafter bobwhite) as a model species for studying how microclimates serve as refuge against severe weather conditions. This species serves as an indicator or umbrella species for other sensitive ground-nesting, grassland obligate species. We conducted a mensurative field experiment in the rolling plains of Texas, USA, a semi-arid ecosystem on the southwestern periphery of bobwhite range, to determine whether native bunch grasses, apparently suitable for bobwhite nesting, could reduce ambient temperature below levels harmful for eggs. During the nesting season, we compared temperature and relative humidity readings at daily heat maxima (i.e., the 3 h during each day with highest temperatures) during the nesting season over the course of two years at 63 suitable nest sites paired with 63 random locations (n = 126) using two sensors at ∼10 and ∼60 cm above ground level. Mean temperature at nest height was 2.3% cooler at nest sites (35.99 °C ± 0.07 SE) compared to random locations (36.81 °C ± 0.07 SE); at ambient height, nest sites were slightly cooler (32.78 °C ± 0.06 SE) than random location (32.99 °C ± 0.06 SE). Mean relative humidity at nest sites was greater at nest height (34.53% ± 0.112 SE) and ambient height (36.22% ± 0.10 SE) compared to random locations at nest (33.35% ± 0.12 SE) and ambient height (35.75% ± 0.10 SE). Based on these results, cover at sites that appear visually suitable for nesting by bobwhites and other ground nesting birds provided adequate thermal refuge in the rolling plains by maintaining cooler, moister microclimates than surrounding non-nesting locations. Post-hoc analyses of data revealed that habitat conditions surrounding suitable nest sites strongly influenced thermal suitability of the substrate. Given that eggs of bobwhites and probably other species …
bibliographic citation: Tomecek et al. (2017) Inadequate thermal refuge constrains landscape habitability for a grassland bird species. PeerJ 5:e3709 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3709
date submitted: 2017-04-11
date accepted: 2017-07-28
issued: 2017-08-18
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Tomecek
  given name: John M.
author list: Agent
  family name: Pierce
  given name: Brian L.
author list: Agent
  family name: Reyna
  given name: Kelly S.
author list: Agent
  family name: Peterson
  given name: Markus J.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.3709
volume: 5
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2017-08-18
copyright: © 2017 Tomecek et al.
attribution name: Tomecek et al.

Genomic evidence of bitter taste in snakes and phylogenetic analysis of bitter taste receptor genes in reptiles
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: As nontraditional model organisms with extreme physiological and morphological phenotypes, snakes are believed to possess an inferior taste system. However, the bitter taste sensation is essential to distinguish the nutritious and poisonous food resources and the genomic evidence of bitter taste in snakes is largely scarce. To explore the genetic basis of the bitter taste of snakes and characterize the evolution of bitter taste receptor genes (Tas2rs) in reptiles, we identified Tas2r genes in 19 genomes (species) corresponding to three orders of non-avian reptiles. Our results indicated contractions of Tas2r gene repertoires in snakes, however dramatic gene expansions have occurred in lizards. Phylogenetic analysis of the Tas2rs with NJ and BI methods revealed that Tas2r genes of snake species formed two clades, whereas in lizards the Tas2r genes clustered into two monophyletic clades and four large clades. Evolutionary changes (birth and death) of intact Tas2r genes in reptiles were determined by reconciliation analysis. Additionally, the taste signaling pathway calcium homeostasis modulator 1 (Calhm1) gene of snakes was putatively functional, suggesting that snakes still possess bitter taste sensation. Furthermore, Phylogenetically Independent Contrasts (PIC) analyses reviewed a significant correlation between the number of Tas2r genes and the amount of potential toxins in reptilian diets, suggesting that insectivores such as some lizards may require more Tas2rs genes than omnivorous and carnivorous reptiles.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Huaming Zhong
creator: Shuai Shang
creator: Xiaoyang Wu
creator: Jun Chen
creator: Wanchao Zhu
creator: Jiakuo Yan
creator: Haotian Li
creator: Honghai Zhang
subject: Evolutionary Studies
subject: Genetics
subject: Genomics
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.3708
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2017 Zhong et al.
abstract: As nontraditional model organisms with extreme physiological and morphological phenotypes, snakes are believed to possess an inferior taste system. However, the bitter taste sensation is essential to distinguish the nutritious and poisonous food resources and the genomic evidence of bitter taste in snakes is largely scarce. To explore the genetic basis of the bitter taste of snakes and characterize the evolution of bitter taste receptor genes (Tas2rs) in reptiles, we identified Tas2r genes in 19 genomes (species) corresponding to three orders of non-avian reptiles. Our results indicated contractions of Tas2r gene repertoires in snakes, however dramatic gene expansions have occurred in lizards. Phylogenetic analysis of the Tas2rs with NJ and BI methods revealed that Tas2r genes of snake species formed two clades, whereas in lizards the Tas2r genes clustered into two monophyletic clades and four large clades. Evolutionary changes (birth and death) of intact Tas2r genes in reptiles were determined by reconciliation analysis. Additionally, the taste signaling pathway calcium homeostasis modulator 1 (Calhm1) gene of snakes was putatively functional, suggesting that snakes still possess bitter taste sensation. Furthermore, Phylogenetically Independent Contrasts (PIC) analyses reviewed a significant correlation between the number of Tas2r genes and the amount of potential toxins in reptilian diets, suggesting that insectivores such as some lizards may require more Tas2rs genes than omnivorous and carnivorous reptiles.
bibliographic citation: Zhong et al. (2017) Genomic evidence of bitter taste in snakes and phylogenetic analysis of bitter taste receptor genes in reptiles. PeerJ 5:e3708 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3708
date submitted: 2017-03-19
date accepted: 2017-07-28
issued: 2017-08-18
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhong
  given name: Huaming
author list: Agent
  family name: Shang
  given name: Shuai
author list: Agent
  family name: Wu
  given name: Xiaoyang
author list: Agent
  family name: Chen
  given name: Jun
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhu
  given name: Wanchao
author list: Agent
  family name: Yan
  given name: Jiakuo
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Haotian
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Honghai
doi: 10.7717/peerj.3708
volume: 5
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2017-08-18
copyright: ©2017 Zhong et al.
attribution name: Zhong et al.

Extended exposure to elevated temperature affects escape response behaviour in coral reef fishes
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: The threat of predation, and the prey’s response, are important drivers of community dynamics. Yet environmental temperature can have a significant effect on predation avoidance techniques such as fast-start performance observed in marine fishes. While it is known that temperature increases can influence performance and behaviour in the short-term, little is known about how species respond to extended exposure during development. We produced a startle response in two species of damselfish, the lemon damsel Pomacentrus moluccensis, and the Ambon damselfish Pomacentrus amboinensis, by the repeated use of a drop stimulus. We show that the length of thermal exposure of juveniles to elevated temperature significantly affects this escape responses. Short-term (4d) exposure to warmer temperature affected directionality and responsiveness for both species. After long-term (90d) exposure, only P. moluccensis showed beneficial plasticity, with directionality returning to control levels. Responsiveness also decreased in both species, possibly to compensate for higher temperatures. There was no effect of temperature or length of exposure on latency to react, maximum swimming speed, or escape distance suggesting that the physical ability to escape was maintained. Evidence suggests that elevated temperature may impact some fish species through its effect on the behavioural responses while under threat rather than having a direct influence on their physical ability to perform an effective escape response.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Donald T. Warren
creator: Jennifer M. Donelson
creator: Mark I. McCormick
subject: Animal Behavior
subject: Ecology
subject: Marine Biology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.3652
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2017 Warren et al.
abstract: The threat of predation, and the prey’s response, are important drivers of community dynamics. Yet environmental temperature can have a significant effect on predation avoidance techniques such as fast-start performance observed in marine fishes. While it is known that temperature increases can influence performance and behaviour in the short-term, little is known about how species respond to extended exposure during development. We produced a startle response in two species of damselfish, the lemon damsel Pomacentrus moluccensis, and the Ambon damselfish Pomacentrus amboinensis, by the repeated use of a drop stimulus. We show that the length of thermal exposure of juveniles to elevated temperature significantly affects this escape responses. Short-term (4d) exposure to warmer temperature affected directionality and responsiveness for both species. After long-term (90d) exposure, only P. moluccensis showed beneficial plasticity, with directionality returning to control levels. Responsiveness also decreased in both species, possibly to compensate for higher temperatures. There was no effect of temperature or length of exposure on latency to react, maximum swimming speed, or escape distance suggesting that the physical ability to escape was maintained. Evidence suggests that elevated temperature may impact some fish species through its effect on the behavioural responses while under threat rather than having a direct influence on their physical ability to perform an effective escape response.
bibliographic citation: Warren et al. (2017) Extended exposure to elevated temperature affects escape response behaviour in coral reef fishes. PeerJ 5:e3652 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3652
date submitted: 2016-11-13
date accepted: 2017-07-14
issued: 2017-08-18
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Warren
  given name: Donald T.
author list: Agent
  family name: Donelson
  given name: Jennifer M.
author list: Agent
  family name: McCormick
  given name: Mark I.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.3652
volume: 5
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2017-08-18
copyright: ©2017 Warren et al.
attribution name: Warren et al.

Shifting communities after­­ typhoon damage on an upper mesophotic reef in Okinawa, Japan
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Very few studies have been conducted on the long-term effects of typhoon damage on mesophotic coral reefs. This study investigates the long-term community dynamics of damage from Typhoon 17 (Jelawat) in 2012 on the coral community of the upper mesophotic Ryugu Reef in Okinawa, Japan. A shift from foliose to bushy coral morphologies between December 2012 and August 2015 was documented, especially on the area of the reef that was previously recorded to be poor in scleractinian genera diversity and dominated by foliose corals. Comparatively, an area with higher diversity of scleractinian coral genera was observed to be less affected by typhoon damage with more stable community structure due to less change in dominant coral morphologies. Despite some changes in the composition of dominant genera, the generally high coverage of the mesophotic coral community is facilitating the recovery of Ryugu Reef after typhoon damage.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Kristine N. White
creator: David K. Weinstein
creator: Taku Ohara
creator: Vianney Denis
creator: Javier Montenegro
creator: James D. Reimer
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Ecology
subject: Marine Biology
subject: Biosphere Interactions
subject: Natural Resource Management
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.3573
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2017 White et al.
abstract: Very few studies have been conducted on the long-term effects of typhoon damage on mesophotic coral reefs. This study investigates the long-term community dynamics of damage from Typhoon 17 (Jelawat) in 2012 on the coral community of the upper mesophotic Ryugu Reef in Okinawa, Japan. A shift from foliose to bushy coral morphologies between December 2012 and August 2015 was documented, especially on the area of the reef that was previously recorded to be poor in scleractinian genera diversity and dominated by foliose corals. Comparatively, an area with higher diversity of scleractinian coral genera was observed to be less affected by typhoon damage with more stable community structure due to less change in dominant coral morphologies. Despite some changes in the composition of dominant genera, the generally high coverage of the mesophotic coral community is facilitating the recovery of Ryugu Reef after typhoon damage.
bibliographic citation: White et al. (2017) Shifting communities after­­ typhoon damage on an upper mesophotic reef in Okinawa, Japan. PeerJ 5:e3573 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3573
date submitted: 2017-03-26
date accepted: 2017-06-22
issued: 2017-08-18
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: White
  given name: Kristine N.
author list: Agent
  family name: Weinstein
  given name: David K.
author list: Agent
  family name: Ohara
  given name: Taku
author list: Agent
  family name: Denis
  given name: Vianney
author list: Agent
  family name: Montenegro
  given name: Javier
author list: Agent
  family name: Reimer
  given name: James D.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.3573
volume: 5
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2017-08-18
copyright: ©2017 White et al.
attribution name: White et al.

Lionfish (Pterois spp.) invade the upper-bathyal zone in the western Atlantic
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Non-native lionfish have been recorded throughout the western Atlantic on both shallow and mesophotic reefs, where they have been linked to declines in reef health. In this study we report the first lionfish observations from the deep sea (>200 m) in Bermuda and Roatan, Honduras, with lionfish observed to a maximum depth of 304 m off the Bermuda platform, and 250 m off West End, Roatan. Placed in the context of other deeper lionfish observations and records, our results imply that lionfish may be present in the 200–300 m depth range of the upper-bathyal zone across many locations in the western Atlantic, but currently are under-sampled compared to shallow habitats. We highlight the need for considering deep-sea lionfish populations in future invasive lionfish management.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Erika Gress
creator: Dominic A. Andradi-Brown
creator: Lucy Woodall
creator: Pamela J. Schofield
creator: Karl Stanley
creator: Alex D. Rogers
subject: Aquaculture, Fisheries and Fish Science
subject: Conservation Biology
subject: Ecology
subject: Marine Biology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.3683
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2017
abstract: Non-native lionfish have been recorded throughout the western Atlantic on both shallow and mesophotic reefs, where they have been linked to declines in reef health. In this study we report the first lionfish observations from the deep sea (>200 m) in Bermuda and Roatan, Honduras, with lionfish observed to a maximum depth of 304 m off the Bermuda platform, and 250 m off West End, Roatan. Placed in the context of other deeper lionfish observations and records, our results imply that lionfish may be present in the 200–300 m depth range of the upper-bathyal zone across many locations in the western Atlantic, but currently are under-sampled compared to shallow habitats. We highlight the need for considering deep-sea lionfish populations in future invasive lionfish management.
bibliographic citation: Gress et al. (2017) Lionfish (Pterois spp.) invade the upper-bathyal zone in the western Atlantic. PeerJ 5:e3683 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3683
date submitted: 2017-05-29
date accepted: 2017-07-23
issued: 2017-08-17
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Gress
  given name: Erika
author list: Agent
  family name: Andradi-Brown
  given name: Dominic A.
author list: Agent
  family name: Woodall
  given name: Lucy
author list: Agent
  family name: Schofield
  given name: Pamela J.
author list: Agent
  family name: Stanley
  given name: Karl
author list: Agent
  family name: Rogers
  given name: Alex D.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.3683
volume: 5
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2017-08-17

Energetics and evasion dynamics of large predators and prey: pumas vs. hounds
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Quantification of fine-scale movement, performance, and energetics of hunting by large carnivores is critical for understanding the physiological underpinnings of trophic interactions. This is particularly challenging for wide-ranging terrestrial canid and felid predators, which can each affect ecosystem structure through distinct hunting modes. To compare free-ranging pursuit and escape performance from group-hunting and solitary predators in unprecedented detail, we calibrated and deployed accelerometer-GPS collars during predator-prey chase sequences using packs of hound dogs (Canis lupus familiaris, 26 kg, n = 4–5 per chase) pursuing simultaneously instrumented solitary pumas (Puma concolor, 60 kg, n = 2). We then reconstructed chase paths, speed and turning angle profiles, and energy demands for hounds and pumas to examine performance and physiological constraints associated with cursorial and cryptic hunting modes, respectively. Interaction dynamics revealed how pumas successfully utilized terrain (e.g., fleeing up steep, wooded hillsides) as well as evasive maneuvers (e.g., jumping into trees, running in figure-8 patterns) to increase their escape distance from the overall faster hounds (avg. 2.3× faster). These adaptive strategies were essential to evasion in light of the mean 1.6× higher mass-specific energetic costs of the chase for pumas compared to hounds (mean: 0.76 vs. 1.29 kJ kg−1 min−1, respectively). On an instantaneous basis, escapes were more costly for pumas, requiring exercise at ≥90% of predicted $\dot {\mathrm{V }}{\mathrm{O}}_{2\mathrm{MAX}}$ V ̇ O 2 MAX and consuming as much energy per minute as approximately 5 min of active hunting. Our results demonstrate the marked investment of energy for evasion by a large, solitary carnivore and the advantage of dynamic maneuvers to postpone being overtaken by group-hunting canids.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Caleb M. Bryce
creator: Christopher C. Wilmers
creator: Terrie M. Williams
subject: Animal Behavior
subject: Conservation Biology
subject: Ecology
subject: Environmental Sciences
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.3701
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2017 Bryce et al.
abstract: Quantification of fine-scale movement, performance, and energetics of hunting by large carnivores is critical for understanding the physiological underpinnings of trophic interactions. This is particularly challenging for wide-ranging terrestrial canid and felid predators, which can each affect ecosystem structure through distinct hunting modes. To compare free-ranging pursuit and escape performance from group-hunting and solitary predators in unprecedented detail, we calibrated and deployed accelerometer-GPS collars during predator-prey chase sequences using packs of hound dogs (Canis lupus familiaris, 26 kg, n = 4–5 per chase) pursuing simultaneously instrumented solitary pumas (Puma concolor, 60 kg, n = 2). We then reconstructed chase paths, speed and turning angle profiles, and energy demands for hounds and pumas to examine performance and physiological constraints associated with cursorial and cryptic hunting modes, respectively. Interaction dynamics revealed how pumas successfully utilized terrain (e.g., fleeing up steep, wooded hillsides) as well as evasive maneuvers (e.g., jumping into trees, running in figure-8 patterns) to increase their escape distance from the overall faster hounds (avg. 2.3× faster). These adaptive strategies were essential to evasion in light of the mean 1.6× higher mass-specific energetic costs of the chase for pumas compared to hounds (mean: 0.76 vs. 1.29 kJ kg−1 min−1, respectively). On an instantaneous basis, escapes were more costly for pumas, requiring exercise at ≥90% of predicted $\dot {\mathrm{V }}{\mathrm{O}}_{2\mathrm{MAX}}$ V ̇ O 2 MAX and consuming as much energy per minute as approximately 5 min of active hunting. Our results demonstrate the marked investment of energy for evasion by a large, solitary carnivore and the advantage of dynamic maneuvers to postpone being overtaken by group-hunting canids.
bibliographic citation: Bryce et al. (2017) Energetics and evasion dynamics of large predators and prey: pumas vs. hounds. PeerJ 5:e3701 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3701
date submitted: 2017-06-05
date accepted: 2017-07-26
issued: 2017-08-17
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Bryce
  given name: Caleb M.
author list: Agent
  family name: Wilmers
  given name: Christopher C.
author list: Agent
  family name: Williams
  given name: Terrie M.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.3701
volume: 5
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2017-08-17
copyright: ©2017 Bryce et al.
attribution name: Bryce et al.

Diversity, abundance, and host relationships of avian malaria and related haemosporidians in New Mexico pine forests
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Avian malaria and related haemosporidian parasites (genera Haemoproteus, Plasmodium, and Leucocytozoon) affect bird demography, species range limits, and community structure, yet they remain unsurveyed in most bird communities and populations. We conducted a community-level survey of these vector-transmitted parasites in New Mexico, USA, to describe their diversity, abundance, and host associations. We focused on the breeding-bird community in the transition zone between piñon-juniper woodland and ponderosa pine forests (elevational range: 2,150–2,460 m). We screened 186 birds representing 49 species using both standard PCR and microscopy techniques to detect infections of all three avian haemosporidian genera. We detected infections in 68 out of 186 birds (36.6%), the highest proportion of which were infected with Haemoproteus (20.9%), followed by Leucocytozoon (13.4%), then Plasmodium (8.0%). We sequenced mtDNA for 77 infections representing 43 haplotypes (25 Haemoproteus, 12 Leucocytozoon, 6 Plasmodium). When compared to all previously known haplotypes in the MalAvi and GenBank databases, 63% (27) of the haplotypes we recovered were novel. We found evidence for host specificity at the avian clade and species level, but this specificity was variable among parasite genera, in that Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon were each restricted to three avian groups (out of six), while Plasmodium occurred in all groups except non-passerines. We found striking variation in infection rate among host species, with nearly universal infection among vireos and no infection among nuthatches. Using rarefaction and extrapolation, we estimated the total avian haemosporidian diversity to be 70 haplotypes (95% CI [43–98]); thus, we may have already sampled ∼60% of the diversity of avian haemosporidians in New Mexico pine forests. It is possible that future studies will find higher diversity in microhabitats or host species that are under-sampled or unsampled in the present study. Fortunate…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Rosario A. Marroquin-Flores
creator: Jessie L. Williamson
creator: Andrea N. Chavez
creator: Selina M. Bauernfeind
creator: Matthew J. Baumann
creator: Chauncey R. Gadek
creator: Andrew B. Johnson
creator: Jenna M. McCullough
creator: Christopher C. Witt
creator: Lisa N. Barrow
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Parasitology
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.3700
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2017 Marroquin-Flores et al.
abstract: Avian malaria and related haemosporidian parasites (genera Haemoproteus, Plasmodium, and Leucocytozoon) affect bird demography, species range limits, and community structure, yet they remain unsurveyed in most bird communities and populations. We conducted a community-level survey of these vector-transmitted parasites in New Mexico, USA, to describe their diversity, abundance, and host associations. We focused on the breeding-bird community in the transition zone between piñon-juniper woodland and ponderosa pine forests (elevational range: 2,150–2,460 m). We screened 186 birds representing 49 species using both standard PCR and microscopy techniques to detect infections of all three avian haemosporidian genera. We detected infections in 68 out of 186 birds (36.6%), the highest proportion of which were infected with Haemoproteus (20.9%), followed by Leucocytozoon (13.4%), then Plasmodium (8.0%). We sequenced mtDNA for 77 infections representing 43 haplotypes (25 Haemoproteus, 12 Leucocytozoon, 6 Plasmodium). When compared to all previously known haplotypes in the MalAvi and GenBank databases, 63% (27) of the haplotypes we recovered were novel. We found evidence for host specificity at the avian clade and species level, but this specificity was variable among parasite genera, in that Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon were each restricted to three avian groups (out of six), while Plasmodium occurred in all groups except non-passerines. We found striking variation in infection rate among host species, with nearly universal infection among vireos and no infection among nuthatches. Using rarefaction and extrapolation, we estimated the total avian haemosporidian diversity to be 70 haplotypes (95% CI [43–98]); thus, we may have already sampled ∼60% of the diversity of avian haemosporidians in New Mexico pine forests. It is possible that future studies will find higher diversity in microhabitats or host species that are under-sampled or unsampled in the present study. Fortunate…
bibliographic citation: Marroquin-Flores et al. (2017) Diversity, abundance, and host relationships of avian malaria and related haemosporidians in New Mexico pine forests. PeerJ 5:e3700 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3700
date submitted: 2017-05-29
date accepted: 2017-07-26
issued: 2017-08-17
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Marroquin-Flores
  given name: Rosario A.
author list: Agent
  family name: Williamson
  given name: Jessie L.
author list: Agent
  family name: Chavez
  given name: Andrea N.
author list: Agent
  family name: Bauernfeind
  given name: Selina M.
author list: Agent
  family name: Baumann
  given name: Matthew J.
author list: Agent
  family name: Gadek
  given name: Chauncey R.
author list: Agent
  family name: Johnson
  given name: Andrew B.
author list: Agent
  family name: McCullough
  given name: Jenna M.
author list: Agent
  family name: Witt
  given name: Christopher C.
author list: Agent
  family name: Barrow
  given name: Lisa N.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.3700
volume: 5
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2017-08-17
copyright: ©2017 Marroquin-Flores et al.
attribution name: Marroquin-Flores et al.

https://peerj.com/articles/3689
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
title: Diversity of compounds in femoral secretions of Galápagos iguanas (genera: Amblyrhynchus and Conolophus), and their potential role in sexual communication in lek-mating marine iguanas (Amblyrhynchus cristatus)
description: Background Chemical signals are widely used in the animal kingdom, enabling communication in various social contexts, including mate selection and the establishment of dominance. Femoral glands, which produce and release waxy secretions into the environment, are organs of central importance in lizard chemical communication. The Galápagos marine iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) is a squamate reptile with a lek-mating system. Although the lekking behaviour of marine iguanas has been well-studied, their potential for sexual communication via chemical cues has not yet been investigated. Here we describe the diversity of the lipophilic fraction of males’ femoral gland secretions among 11 island populations of marine iguanas, and compare it with the composition of its sister species, the Galápagos land iguana (Conolophus subcristatus). We also conducted behavioural observations in marine iguana territorial males in order to explore the possible function of these substances in the context of male dominance in leks. Methods Femoral secretions were analysed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and chromatography with a flame ionisation detector (GC-FID) in order to characterise the lipophilic composition. To understand the potential role of femoral secretions in marine iguana intraspecific communication, territorial males were sampled for their femoral glands and monitored to record their head bob rate—a territorial display behaviour in males—as well as the number of females present in their leks. Results We found that the gland secretions were composed of ten saturated and unsaturated carboxylic acids ranging in chain length between C16 and C24, as well as three sterols. Cholesterol was the main compound found. Intriguingly, land iguanas have a higher diversity of lipophilic compounds, with structural group of lipids (i.e. aldehydes) entirely absent in marine iguanas; overall the chemical signals of both species were strongly differentiated. Lipid pro…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Alejandro Ibáñez
creator: Markus Menke
creator: Galo Quezada
creator: Gustavo Jiménez-Uzcátegui
creator: Stefan Schulz
creator: Sebastian Steinfartz
subject: Animal Behavior
subject: Evolutionary Studies
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.3689
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2017 Ibáñez et al.
abstract: Background Chemical signals are widely used in the animal kingdom, enabling communication in various social contexts, including mate selection and the establishment of dominance. Femoral glands, which produce and release waxy secretions into the environment, are organs of central importance in lizard chemical communication. The Galápagos marine iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) is a squamate reptile with a lek-mating system. Although the lekking behaviour of marine iguanas has been well-studied, their potential for sexual communication via chemical cues has not yet been investigated. Here we describe the diversity of the lipophilic fraction of males’ femoral gland secretions among 11 island populations of marine iguanas, and compare it with the composition of its sister species, the Galápagos land iguana (Conolophus subcristatus). We also conducted behavioural observations in marine iguana territorial males in order to explore the possible function of these substances in the context of male dominance in leks. Methods Femoral secretions were analysed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and chromatography with a flame ionisation detector (GC-FID) in order to characterise the lipophilic composition. To understand the potential role of femoral secretions in marine iguana intraspecific communication, territorial males were sampled for their femoral glands and monitored to record their head bob rate—a territorial display behaviour in males—as well as the number of females present in their leks. Results We found that the gland secretions were composed of ten saturated and unsaturated carboxylic acids ranging in chain length between C16 and C24, as well as three sterols. Cholesterol was the main compound found. Intriguingly, land iguanas have a higher diversity of lipophilic compounds, with structural group of lipids (i.e. aldehydes) entirely absent in marine iguanas; overall the chemical signals of both species were strongly differentiated. Lipid pro…
bibliographic citation: Ibáñez et al. (2017) Diversity of compounds in femoral secretions of Galápagos iguanas (genera: Amblyrhynchus and Conolophus), and their potential role in sexual communication in lek-mating marine iguanas (Amblyrhynchus cristatus). PeerJ 5:e3689 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3689
date submitted: 2017-06-12
date accepted: 2017-07-24
issued: 2017-08-17
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Ibáñez
  given name: Alejandro
author list: Agent
  family name: Menke
  given name: Markus
author list: Agent
  family name: Quezada
  given name: Galo
author list: Agent
  family name: Jiménez-Uzcátegui
  given name: Gustavo
author list: Agent
  family name: Schulz
  given name: Stefan
author list: Agent
  family name: Steinfartz
  given name: Sebastian
doi: 10.7717/peerj.3689
volume: 5
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2017-08-17
copyright: © 2017 Ibáñez et al.
attribution name: Ibáñez et al.

Late Pleistocene songbirds of Liang Bua (Flores, Indonesia); the first fossil passerine fauna described from Wallacea
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Passerines (Aves: Passeriformes) dominate modern terrestrial bird communities yet their fossil record is limited. Liang Bua is a large cave on the Indonesian island of Flores that preserves Late Pleistocene–Holocene deposits (∼190 ka to present day). Birds are the most diverse faunal group at Liang Bua and are present throughout the stratigraphic sequence. Methods We examined avian remains from the Late Pleistocene deposits of Sector XII, a 2 × 2 m area excavated to about 8.5 m depth. Although postcranial passerine remains are typically challenging to identify, we found several humeral characters particularly useful in discriminating between groups, and identified 89 skeletal elements of passerines. Results At least eight species from eight families are represented, including the Large-billed Crow (Corvus cf. macrorhynchos), the Australasian Bushlark (Mirafra javanica), a friarbird (Philemon sp.), and the Pechora Pipit (Anthus cf. gustavi). Discussion These remains constitute the first sample of fossil passerines described in Wallacea. Two of the taxa no longer occur on Flores today; a large sturnid (cf. Acridotheres) and a grassbird (Megalurus sp.). Palaeoecologically, the songbird assemblage suggests open grassland and tall forests, which is consistent with conditions inferred from the non-passerine fauna at the site. Corvus cf. macrorhynchos, found in the Homo floresiensis-bearing layers, was likely part of a scavenging guild that fed on carcasses of Stegodon florensis insularis alongside vultures (Trigonoceps sp.), giant storks (Leptoptilos robustus), komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis), and probably H. floresiensis as well.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Hanneke J.M. Meijer
creator: Rokus Awe Due
creator: Thomas Sutikna
creator: Wahyu Saptomo
creator: Jatmiko
creator: Sri Wasisto
creator: Matthew W. Tocheri
creator: Gerald Mayr
subject: Biogeography
subject: Paleontology
subject: Zoology
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.3676
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2017 Meijer et al.
abstract: Background Passerines (Aves: Passeriformes) dominate modern terrestrial bird communities yet their fossil record is limited. Liang Bua is a large cave on the Indonesian island of Flores that preserves Late Pleistocene–Holocene deposits (∼190 ka to present day). Birds are the most diverse faunal group at Liang Bua and are present throughout the stratigraphic sequence. Methods We examined avian remains from the Late Pleistocene deposits of Sector XII, a 2 × 2 m area excavated to about 8.5 m depth. Although postcranial passerine remains are typically challenging to identify, we found several humeral characters particularly useful in discriminating between groups, and identified 89 skeletal elements of passerines. Results At least eight species from eight families are represented, including the Large-billed Crow (Corvus cf. macrorhynchos), the Australasian Bushlark (Mirafra javanica), a friarbird (Philemon sp.), and the Pechora Pipit (Anthus cf. gustavi). Discussion These remains constitute the first sample of fossil passerines described in Wallacea. Two of the taxa no longer occur on Flores today; a large sturnid (cf. Acridotheres) and a grassbird (Megalurus sp.). Palaeoecologically, the songbird assemblage suggests open grassland and tall forests, which is consistent with conditions inferred from the non-passerine fauna at the site. Corvus cf. macrorhynchos, found in the Homo floresiensis-bearing layers, was likely part of a scavenging guild that fed on carcasses of Stegodon florensis insularis alongside vultures (Trigonoceps sp.), giant storks (Leptoptilos robustus), komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis), and probably H. floresiensis as well.
bibliographic citation: Meijer et al. (2017) Late Pleistocene songbirds of Liang Bua (Flores, Indonesia); the first fossil passerine fauna described from Wallacea. PeerJ 5:e3676 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3676
date submitted: 2017-04-18
date accepted: 2017-07-20
issued: 2017-08-17
is part of: PeerJ
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Meijer
  given name: Hanneke J.M.
author list: Agent
  family name: Awe Due
  given name: Rokus
author list: Agent
  family name: Sutikna
  given name: Thomas
author list: Agent
  family name: Saptomo
  given name: Wahyu
author list: Agent
  family name: Jatmiko
author list: Agent
  family name: Wasisto
  given name: Sri
author list: Agent
  family name: Tocheri
  given name: Matthew W.
author list: Agent
  family name: Mayr
  given name: Gerald
doi: 10.7717/peerj.3676
volume: 5
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2017-08-17
copyright: ©2017 Meijer et al.
attribution name: Meijer et al.

PeerJ
type: Periodical
uri: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359