Browse
Submit Data
Databases
API
Help

Dataset Information

0 Views

0 Connections

0 Citations

0 Reanalyses

0 Downloads

Omics score: 0

Reading the signs: Camera-trapping provides new insights on scent marking in the large-antlered muntjac (Muntiacus vuquangensis).

ABSTRACT: We present evidence of scent marking in the large-antlered muntjac (Muntiacus vuquangensis). Given the importance of scent marking in individual recognition among ungulates, this behavior may serve to communicate the fitness cost of antagonistic interactions among rival males and could serve as a mechanism for mate assessment among females.

SUBMITTER: Tilker A

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9842881 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Json Xml

Publications

Reading the signs: Camera-trapping provides new insights on scent marking in the large-antlered muntjac (Muntiacus vuquangensis).

Tilker Andrew A Sinovas Pablo P

Ecology and evolution 20230116 1

We present evidence of scent marking in the large-antlered muntjac (Muntiacus vuquangensis). Given the importance of scent marking in individual recognition among ungulates, this behavior may serve to communicate the fitness cost of antagonistic interactions among rival males and could serve as a mechanism for mate assessment among females. ...[more]

PMID: 36694550

Similar Datasets

Complete mitochondrial genome of the leaf muntjac (Muntiacus putaoensis) and phylogenetics of the genus Muntiacus.

Project description:The leaf muntjac (Muntiacus putaoensis) is an endemic deer species found in the east trans-Himalayan region. In recent years, population numbers have decreased due to heavy hunting and habitat loss, and little genetic data exists for this species, thus our knowledge of distribution rangs and population sizes likewise remain limited. We obtained mtDNA genes and the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of M. putaoensis using PCR, followed by direct sequencing. The complete mitogenome sequence was determined as a circular 16 349 bp mitochondrial genome, containing 13 protein-coding genes, two rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and one control region, the gene composition and order of which were similar to most other vertebrates so far reported. Most mitochondrial genes, except for ND6 and eight tRNAs, were encoded on the heavy strand. The overall base composition of the heavy strand was 33.1% A, 29.3% T, 24.2% C, and 13.4% G, with a strong AT bias of 62.4%. There were seven regions of gene overlap totaling 95 bp and 11 intergenic spacer regions totaling 74 bp. Phylogenetic analyses (ML and BI) among the Muntiacus genus based on the sequenced of mitogenome and ND4L-ND4 supported M. putaoensis as a member of Muntiacus, most closely related to M. vuquangensis. However, when analyses based on cyt b included two more muntjacs, M. truongsonensis was most closely related to M. putaoensis rather than M. vuquangensis, and together with M. rooseveltorum, likely forming a M. rooseveltorum complex of the species. This study will help in the exploration of the evolutionary history and taxonomic status of the leaf muntjac, as well as its protection as a genetic resource.

| S-EPMC5717431 | biostudies-literature

A haplotype-resolved and chromosome-scale genome assembly of Hainan muntjac (Muntiacus nigripes).

Project description:The Hainan muntjac (Muntiacus nigripes) is a wild animal endemic to Hainan, China. Its species distribution and the diversity of muntjac karyotypes have attracted much attention. Although genomic resources have increased in recent years, relevant genome assembly data of Hainan muntjac are still lacking. Meanwhile, molecular evidence for the taxonomic units of this species remains lacking. In this study, we successfully assembled the Hainan muntjac haplotype genome at the chromosome level using Pacbio long read and long sequencing technologies and Hi-C data. The final assembly size was 2.66 Gb, with allele and scaffold N50 values of 29.27 and 700.27 Mb, respectively, and we scaffolded the genome sequence onto three chromosomes. The genome contains a total of 21,451 genes and 10,056 gene families. Phylogenetic analysis using single-copy gene families revealed that Hainan muntjac is most closely related to red muntjac, with a divergence time of 8-11 Ma. This new genomic resource of Hainan muntjac will be crucial for future comparative genomic analyses and genetic evolutionary studies.

| S-EPMC11659423 | biostudies-literature

Gene Expression Analysis with No Sequence Data: Study on Reeves's Muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi).

Project description:Despite scientific progress, the gene sequences for many species not commonly used in research have not yet been analyzed. This makes it difficult to carry out molecular studies on such animals, as the sequence of genes is the basic information used in many techniques. In this study, we attempt to design primers for a real-time PCR analysis, basing on a comparative analysis of selected gene sequences of species related to Reeves's muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) and by identifying highly conservative regions. Results of PCR products sequencing and their alignment with the GenBank collection show that all selected primers gave products highly similar (> 90%) to the intended target (among compared species), which led us to the conclusion that our primers may be used for further analyses of gene expression.

| S-EPMC8929141 | biostudies-literature

Complete mitochondrial genome of Gongshan muntjac (Muntiacus gongshanensis), a Critically Endangered deer species.

Project description:The first complete mitochondrial genome of the Gongshan muntjac (Muntiacus gongshanensis) was determined and annotated (GenBank accession nos. MK882935). The 16,356 bp circular genome contained 13 protein-coding genes (PGCs), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, and 1 control region (D-loop). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Gongshan muntjac is most closely related to Black muntjac (Muntiacus crinifrons), with Fea's muntjac (Muntiacus feae) as their sister species. These data will be useful for further studies on the genetic diversity and molecular phylogenetic relationship of the genus Muntiacus.

| S-EPMC7707006 | biostudies-literature

Sex of Walker Influences Scent-marking Behavior of Shelter Dogs.

Project description:Interactions with humans influence the behavior and physiology of other animals, and the response can vary with sex and familiarity. Dogs in animal shelters face challenging conditions and although contact with humans typically reduces stress and behaviors associated with stress, evidence indicates that shelter dogs react differently to unfamiliar men and women. Given that some aspects of canine scent-marking behavior change under fearful conditions, we examined whether sex of an unfamiliar walker would influence scent-marking behavior of 100 shelter dogs during leash walks. Male dogs urinated at higher rates when walked by unfamiliar women than when walked by unfamiliar men; female dogs urinated at similar rates when walked by unfamiliar women and unfamiliar men. Sex of walker influenced urinary posture in male dogs, but not in female dogs. Both male and female dogs were more likely to defecate when walked by unfamiliar women than by unfamiliar men. Based on our findings that shelter dogs behave differently in the presence of unfamiliar men and women, we suggest that researchers conducting behavioral studies of dogs record, consider in analyses, and report the sex of observers and handlers as standard practice. We also recommend recording the sex of shelter staff present at behavioral evaluations because the results of these evaluations can impact dog welfare.

| S-EPMC7222742 | biostudies-literature

The complete mitochondrial genome of Fea's muntjac (Muntiacus feae Thomas and Doria, 1889) with phylogenetic analysis†.

Project description:The complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of the rare Fea's muntjac (Muntiacus feae) was sequenced (GenBank accession nos. MG857662-MG857664). The mitogenome was found to be 16,355 bp in length with base compositions of 33.16% A, 24.59% C, 13.46% G, and 28.78% T and a GC content of 38.06%. The genome is comprised of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and a control region (D-loop). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Fea's muntjac is more closely related to Black muntjac (M. cronifrons) than to Red muntjac (M. muntjak). These data will be useful for further studies on the genetic diversity and molecular phylogenetic relationship of the genus Muntiacus.

| S-EPMC7799576 | biostudies-literature

Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of the Reeves' muntjac Muntiacus reevesi (Artiodactyla, Ruminantia, Cervidae) and its phylogeny.

Project description:We present the complete mitogenome of Muntiacus reevesi. We found that the mitogenome of this circle is 16,535 bp in size and includs 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and one noncoding control region (D-loop) that are conserved in most Cervidae mitogenomes. The total base composition of the Muntiacus reevesi mitogenome is 33.18% A, 28.99 % T, 24.43% C, and 13.40% G, which is typical for mammalian mitogenomes. Phylogenetic analyses. Phylogenetic analyses showed that M. reevesi clustered with M. vuquangensis and M. putaoensis as a branch and that they are closely genetically related.

| S-EPMC8725897 | biostudies-literature

Scent Lure Effect on Camera-Trap Based Leopard Density Estimates.

Project description:Density estimates for large carnivores derived from camera surveys often have wide confidence intervals due to low detection rates. Such estimates are of limited value to authorities, which require precise population estimates to inform conservation strategies. Using lures can potentially increase detection, improving the precision of estimates. However, by altering the spatio-temporal patterning of individuals across the camera array, lures may violate closure, a fundamental assumption of capture-recapture. Here, we test the effect of scent lures on the precision and veracity of density estimates derived from camera-trap surveys of a protected African leopard population. We undertook two surveys (a 'control' and 'treatment' survey) on Phinda Game Reserve, South Africa. Survey design remained consistent except a scent lure was applied at camera-trap stations during the treatment survey. Lures did not affect the maximum movement distances (p = 0.96) or temporal activity of female (p = 0.12) or male leopards (p = 0.79), and the assumption of geographic closure was met for both surveys (p >0.05). The numbers of photographic captures were also similar for control and treatment surveys (p = 0.90). Accordingly, density estimates were comparable between surveys (although estimates derived using non-spatial methods (7.28-9.28 leopards/100km2) were considerably higher than estimates from spatially-explicit methods (3.40-3.65 leopards/100km2). The precision of estimates from the control and treatment surveys, were also comparable and this applied to both non-spatial and spatial methods of estimation. Our findings suggest that at least in the context of leopard research in productive habitats, the use of lures is not warranted.

| S-EPMC4822812 | biostudies-literature

Bushmeat Species Identification: Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA) Combined with Lateral Flow (LF) Strip for Identification of Formosan Reeves' Muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi micrurus).

Project description:The identification of animal species of meat in meat products is of great concern for various reasons, such as public health, religious beliefs, food allergies, legal perspectives, and bushmeat control. In this study, we developed a new technique to identify Formosan Reeves' muntjac in meat using recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) in combination with a lateral flow (LF) strip. The DNA extracted from a piece of Formosan Reeves' muntjac meat was amplified by a pair of specific primers based on its mitochondrial cytochrome b gene for 10 min at a constant temperature ranging from 30 to 45 °C using RPA. Using the specific probe added to the RPA reaction system, the amplified products were visualized on the LF strip within 5 min. The total operating time from quick DNA extraction to visualizing the result was approximately 30 min. The RPA-LF system we designed was efficient when using boiled, pan-fried, roasted, stir-fried, or stewed samples. The advantages of simple operation, speediness, and cost-effectiveness make our RPA-LF method a promising molecular detection tool for meat species identification of either raw or variously cooked Formosan Reeves' muntjac meat. It is also possible to apply this method to identify the meat of other wildlife sources.

| S-EPMC7914887 | biostudies-literature

The Role of Scent Marking in Mate Selection by Female Pumas (Puma concolor).

Project description:Mate selection influences individual fitness, is often based on complex cues and behaviours, and can be difficult to study in solitary species including carnivores. We used motion-triggered cameras at 29 community scrapes (i.e. scent marking locations used by multiple individuals) and home range data from 39 GPS-collared pumas (Puma concolor) to assess the relevance of communication behaviours for mate selection by female pumas in California. Female pumas visited community scrapes irregularly and visitation bouts appeared to be correlated with oestrus. Female pumas on average selected from 1.7 collared males, and selection was based on multiple cues that varied among the different time periods measured (i.e. the female's visitation bout and in 90 days previous to the consorting event). Female mate selection over the course of a visitation bout was based on frequency of the male visitation, mass, and age. In the 90 days previous to consorting, the number of scrapes a male created was the most important contributor to selection, which was likely related to his residency status. We also found that at least 14% of females mated with multiple males, thus possibly confusing paternity. Our findings provide a mechanistic understanding of how female pumas use scent and auditory communication at community scrapes to select dominant resident males to mate with.

| S-EPMC4619504 | biostudies-literature