Context Conflict between large carnivores and livestock outside the boundaries of wildlife areas frequently results in losses to both predator populations. The endangered African wild dog (Lycaon pictus Temminck, 1820) is wide ranging unrestricted by conventional fences, thereby posing a major challenge conservation managers. Wild dogs are territorial communicate residence using scent marks. Simulating presence other translocated foreign marks may therefore represent means manage behaviour....

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) form a large family of enzymes that collectively can degrade all components the extracellular matrix, and there is widespread interest in developing MMP inhibitors for prevention atherosclerotic plaque rupture. We have therefore investigated effects broad-spectrum inhibitor, RS-130830, on development stability. This compound inhibits wide range MMPs at concentrations below 20 nmol/L.Apolipoprotein E knockout mice were fed Western diet. Dietary administration...

While wind energy remains a preferred source of renewable energy, understanding the full spectrum impacts are vital to balance climate-related benefits against their costs biodiversity. Environmental impact assessments often fail assess cumulative effects at larger spatial scales. In this respect, life cycle better suited, but have date mainly focused on greenhouse gas emissions and accounting. Here, we adapt recent global life-cycle assessment (LCA) methodology evaluate collision,...

Compared to their main competitors, African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) have inferior competitive abilities and interspecific competition is a serious fitness-limiting factor. Lions (Panthera leo) are the dominant large carnivore in savannah ecosystems avoid them both spatially temporally. Wild dog young particularly vulnerable suffer high rates of mortality from lions. Since lions do not utilize all parts landscape with an equal intensity, spatial variation lion densities can be exploited by...

Abstract It has long been recognized that superior carnivores can impact on the demography and ecology of smaller members guild, although exact mechanisms remain unclear. Here we use original data from a unique natural experiment to study some by which African lions Panthera leo wild dogs Lycaon pictus . Using site where outnumbered for several years prior lion population recovery, aimed investigate whether or not, means, dog populations are regulated influenced lions. We used 38 pack‐years...

The conservation of the African savanna elephant (Loxodonta africana) is prime importance for many countries. Interactions between elephants and humans are known to induce stress thereby have potential affect elephants' fitness. In Namibia, anthropogenic disturbances increasing due human population size development, particularly near protected areas, such as national parks. this study, we investigated levels in relation their land use, specifically protection status, comparing within Etosha...

Abstract In East Africa, climate change is predicted to reduce vegetation quality, and pervasive human disturbance has already resulted in significant declines biodiversity. We studied the combined effects of reduced forage quality on faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) concentrations. that decreasing nutritional increasing would have an additive positive effect FGM levels wild impala (Aepyceros melampus). Employing a space-for-time approach, we used normalized difference index (NDVI) as...

Wind energy development continues to expand rapidly meet international climate targets. However, these developments impact biodiversity and associated sustainability targets negatively. Environmental assessments (EIA) predominately focus on site-specific impacts; failing account for cumulative impacts at larger spatial scales. Life cycle (LCA) can take such a holistic view, however models quantifying the main pathways are still lacking. To address this gap, we present methodology quantify...

Abstract In Tanzania, a proposed road through the Serengeti National Park has caused international debate as to whether it will cause irreversible damage ecosystem. We assessed effect of current roads and traffic in ecosystem on model ungulate species, impala antelope ( Aepyceros melampus ). measured how faecal glucocorticoid metabolites FGM ), an indicator physiological stress levels, were affected by different levels while accounting for other stress‐related variables such distance roads,...

Abstract Thiamine deficiency can result in life‐threatening physiological and neurological complications. While a thiamine‐deficient diet may the onset of such symptoms, presence thiaminase – an enzyme that breaks down thiamine is very often cause. In instances, counteracts bioavailability uptake thiamine, even when food‐thiamine levels are adequate. Here, we report on case failed reproduction seven Arctic fox ( Vulpes lagopus ) breeding pairs kept at captive facility, including presentation...

Spacing patterns mediate competitive interactions between conspecifics, ultimately increasing fitness. The degree of territorial overlap neighbouring African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) packs varies greatly, yet the role factors potentially affecting overlap, such as relatedness and pack size, remain unclear. We used movement data from 21 to calculate extent territory (20 dyads). On average, unrelated had low levels restricted peripheral regions their 95% utilisation kernels. Related neighbours...

Understanding habitat preferences and distribution of threatened species is a cornerstone conservation, however many the techniques available can be resource intensive. One cost-effective method by collecting information on presence absence from people who regularly interact with area interest, also known as Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK). However, reliability this type data has been questioned, especially when there possibility that focal being misidentified or their misreported. This...

The Natal mole-rat is a social subterranean rodent that exhibits seasonal reproduction. Nonreproductive females disperse from the natal colony and pair up with unrelated males to establish new colonies. This study set out determine whether dispersing female mole-rats are induced or spontaneous ovulators. Twelve nonreproductive removed colonies during breeding season were housed individually. Urine was collected for period of 5 weeks. Females subjected 1 3 trials: separately without male,...

Abstract Previous studies have shown that the tendency to reject parasitic eggs among certain hosts is strongly dependent on degree of similarity with own eggs, whereas other conditional cues do not affect rejection decisions. This paper examines whether two such hosts, closely related brambling and chaffinch, show a different if they are multiply parasitized. Some individuals were experimentally parasitized both non‐mimetic low–intermediate contrasting egg in same breeding attempt. The was...

Carrion represents an unpredictable and widely distributed primary food source for vultures other avian scavengers. Avian scavengers in African savanna ecosystems are reported to rely exclusively on visual stimuli locate carcasses. However, carnivores' predation of large mammalian herbivores subsequent competition access the carcass can result considerable noise, often audible over long distances prolonged periods. Vultures may therefore detect respond these auditory cues, as do carnivores...

Abstract African lion Panthera leo populations have declined as a result of various anthropogenic factors, and most extant are small, which further compromises their persistence. Lions in unfenced areas more exposed to illegal hunting, snaring poisoning, fenced reserves subject population control by removal selected individuals from particular age sex classes. During 2000–2011 19 lions the mostly Northern Tuli Game Reserve Botswana were shot, snared or poisoned. By contrast, only one lioness...

Human activities can lead to various changes in wildlife populations' behaviour and dynamics. Understanding specific responses disturbances help conservation management better protect populations coexist with local communities. Here, we studied the response of a model ungulate species, impala (Aepyceros melampus), different types human Serengeti ecosystem. Impala were central National Park (CSNP), an area relatively low disturbance, and, increasing levels western (WSNP), Grumeti Game Reserve...

Abstract The cryptic, subterranean ways of golden moles (Chrysochloridae) hamper studies their biology in the field. Ten species appear on IUCN red list, but dearth information available for most inhibits effective conservation planning. New techniques are consequently required to further our understanding and facilitate informed management decisions. We studied endangered Juliana's mole Neamblysomus julianae aimed evaluate feasibility using implantable temperature sensing transmitters...