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The environmental conditions experienced by hunter‐gatherers during the second part of the Upper Palaeolithic (ca. 28 000–15 000 cal bp) are poorly known in the mid‐elevation volcanic mountains of the Massif Central in southern France. The stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen (13C/12C and 15N/14N expressed as δ13C and δ15N values) in bone collagen of large herbivores can track their diet and habitat, reflecting local abiotic conditions (temperature, aridity, altitude). Due to poor preservation of skeletal organic matter in the region, new radiocarbon dating was conducted on a limited number of quality‐controlled collagen samples, based on a minimum carbon content of 30%. They document three main phases of occupation corresponding to the Final Gravettian, the Badegoulian and the Magdalenian, each of which is represented in different regions of the Allier and Loire valleys. Over time, a decrease in horse δ15N values, the best documented species of large herbivores, is found between the Final Gravettian (ca. 26 700–25 600 cal bp), around the Last Glacial Maximum and the Badegoulian (ca. 21 900–19 200 cal bp), followed by an increase in δ15N and δ13C values during the Magdalenian (ca. 19 100–16 600 cal bp). During the Badegoulian, the δ15N values of the horses were lower than those of their counterparts in southwestern France, testifying to harsh climatic conditions favourable to a tundra‐like landscape, also reflected in the higher horse and reindeer δ13C values in the Allier valley compared to those in southwestern France. The relatively high δ13C and low δ15N values of a Final Gravettian wolf from the Allier valley suggests reindeer as a preferred prey, in line with their high abundance in the archaeological sites. Game access, rather than climatic conditions or lithic resources, seems to have motivated human groups to occupy the Massif Central during the Upper Palaeolithic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assisted reproductive technologies are key to maintain genetic stocks of endangered wild species, such as the Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica). Due to the low availability of ibex ovaries, heterologous in vitro fertilization (IVF) with domestic goat (Capra hircus) oocytes constitutes an excellent alternative to determine the fertilization capacity of ibex sperm doses. The aim of this study was to optimize heterologous ibex-goat IVF procedures by testing two different IVF media (TALP and SOF) and to determine whether estrous sheep serum (ESS) is required for fertilization. We found that TALP medium provides optimal conditions to conduct heterologous ibex-goat IVF, yielding blastocyst rates above 50%, and that supplementation with ESS is not required. No differences were found in embryo quality between embryos fertilized in TALP, SOF alone, or SOF supplemented with 2 or 20% ESS, based on the analysis of cell lineages development at day (D) 8 and D10 of development. Optimized heterologous ibex-goat IVF, together with embryo quality assessment through lineages development analysis, constitute an excellent system to assess fertilization capacity of ibex sperm doses, and opens the possibility of performing homologous in vitro embryo production in this species.

We analyzed observations of energetic neutral atoms (ENAs) of hydrogen collected from the subsolar magnetosheath by the Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) in Solar Cycle 24. We looked for long‐term solar activity‐related variation and correlation between the H ENA flux and the solar wind parameters. The H ENA flux in the energy range from 0.5 to 6 keV increased during the maximum and declining phases of the solar cycle. This H ENA flux increase happened during a period of enhanced solar wind dynamic pressure observed at 1 au. We study the relation between the ENA flux and solar wind pressure in the subsolar magnetosheath and conclude that the increase in the ENA flux is a consequence of enhanced ENA production. It is because of the increased solar wind pressure during the declining phase of the solar activity that moved the subsolar magnetosheath earthward into a region of denser hydrogen geocorona, thus increasing the H ENA production. Furthermore, we report a positive correlation between the H ENA flux in the subsolar magnetosheath and the solar wind pressure for the first four energy steps observed by IBEX‐Hi and a decrease for the highest energy acquired, which indicates the presence of a different parent ion population for those ENAs from that of the core solar wind. Our study also shows that the ENA flux correlates differently with the solar wind density and speed as a function of increasing energy of ENAs. Key Points: The H energetic neutral atom (ENA) flux in the subsolar magnetosheath measured by Interstellar Boundary Explorer increased during the declining phase of the Solar Cycle 24The H ENA flux variations in the subsolar magnetosheath are positively correlated with the solar wind dynamic pressure variations in time [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultures using mind-altering psychedelic mushrooms in literate periods have been identified in the ancient Near East. key to their recognition in preliterate periods. One may assume that psychedelic substances such as mushrooms were elevated to the status of gods, and their secret identity embedded in the iconography of material items in a variety of media. I trace some of these images from late Holocene cultures until at least the Early Bronze Age, and suggest analogies from known contemporary cultures where the mycological cult was practiced. I note the presence of such a cult in the rock art of the Negev and Sinai deserts in Israel. Most of this art is thought to date within the last 5000 years. I also suggest a symbiotic relationship between man and ibex with the growth and collection of mushrooms linking the two. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inside the magnetosheath, the IBEX‐Hi energetic neutral atom (ENA) imager measures a distinct background count rate that is more than 10 times the typical heliospheric ENA emissions observed when IBEX is outside the magnetosheath. The source of this enhancement is magnetosheath ions of solar wind (SW) origin that deflect around the Earth's magnetopause (MP), scatter and neutralize from the anti‐sunward part of the IBEX‐Hi sunshade, and continue into the instrument as neutral atoms, behaving indistinguishably from ENAs emitted from distant plasma sources. While this background pollutes observations of outer heliospheric ENAs, it provides a clear signature of IBEX crossings over the magnetospheric boundaries. In this study, we investigate IBEX encounters with the magnetosheath boundaries using ∼8 yr of orbital data, and we determine the MP and bow shock (BS) locations derived from this background signal. We find 280 BS crossings from XGSE ∼ 11 Re to XGSE ∼ −36 Re and 241 MP crossings from XGSE ∼ 6 Re to XGSE ∼ −48 Re. We compare IBEX BS and MP crossing locations to those from IMP‐8, Geotail, Cluster, Magion‐4, ISEE, and Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission, and we find that IBEX crossing locations overlap with the BS and MP locations inferred from these other data sets. In this paper, we demonstrate how IBEX can be used to identify magnetosheath crossings, and extend boundary observations well past the terminator, thus further constraining future models of magnetosheath boundaries. Furthermore, we use the IBEX data set to show observational evidence of near‐Earth magnetotail squeezing during periods of strong interplanetary magnetic field By. Plain Language Summary: The Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) spacecraft is designed to use remote‐sensing to examine the outer reaches of the solar system, yet it has been shown to have many magnetospheric applications as well. The primary interaction between the SW and the Earth's magnetosphere is the creation of a comet‐tail like structure known as the magnetosheath. The magnetosheath is highly dynamic, and its size and shape changes in response to changing SW conditions, with the exact details presently unknown. In this paper, we demonstrate how the IBEX's highly eccentric orbit allows for hundreds of encounters with both the inner and outer magnetosheath boundaries, and we use these crossings to create a new magnetosheath boundary data set. We then compare our new data set with data sets from previous magnetospheric missions. Finally, we use our new data set to provide observational evidence for a poorly understood phenomenon known as magnetotail squeezing. Key Points: We demonstrate a technique for producing both Bow Shock and Magnetopause data sets using the Interstellar Boundary ExplorerWe introduce new boundary crossings further tailward than previously used data sets into underexplored magnetosheath regionsWe provide observational evidence of magnetotail squeezing during periods when the interplanetary magnetic field has a strong y‐component [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Model Selection is a key part of many ecological studies, with Akaike’s Information Criterion (AIC) being by far the most commonly used technique for this purpose. Typically, a number of candidate models are defined a priori and ranked according to their expected out-of-sample performance. Model selection, however, only assesses the relative performance of the models and, as pointed out in a recent paper, a large proportion of ecology papers that use model selection do not assess the absolute fit of the ‘best’ model. In this paper, it is argued that assessing the absolute fit of the ‘best’ model alone does not go far enough. This is because a model that appears to perform well under model selection is also likely to appear to perform well under measures of absolute fit, even when there is no predictive value. A model selection permutation test is proposed that assesses the probability that the model selection statistic of the ‘best’ model could have occurred by chance alone, whilst taking account of dependencies between the models. It is argued that this test should always be performed as a part of formal model selection. The test is demonstrated on two real population modelling examples of ibex in northern Italy and wild reindeer in Norway.

The present study focused on the capture myopathy as a fatal consequence of capture and rescue operation in an endangered Himalayan Ibex kid. The Ibex died 48 hours after being captured without showing specific clinical signs. Post-mortem examination revealed renal cortical necrosis, degeneration of tubular cells and congestion as the main histopathological findings in kidneys. Myocardial lesions consisted of multifocal degenerative changes of myofibres, hyalinization and nuclear degeneration with pyknosis. Skeletal muscles that appeared grossly normal showed mild to moderate degeneration and fragmentation with intermittent loss of striation. The pathological findings were indicative of delayed peracute capture myopathy. This is believed to be the first report of capture myopathy in an endangered Himalayan ibex from India underlining the importance of understanding the causes of mortality in such endangered wild species as a prerequisite to successful conservation programme.

Abstract Background Space use by animals is determined by the interplay between movement and the environment, and is thus mediated by habitat selection, biotic interactions and intrinsic factors of moving individuals. These processes ultimately determine home range size, but their relative contributions and dynamic nature remain less explored. We investigated the role of habitat selection, movement unrelated to habitat selection and intrinsic factors related to sex in driving space use and home range size in Iberian ibex, Capra pyrenaica. We used GPS collars to track ibex across the year in two different geographical areas of Sierra Nevada, Spain, and measured habitat variables related to forage and roost availability. Results By using integrated step selection analysis (iSSA), we show that habitat selection was important to explain space use by ibex. As a consequence, movement was constrained by habitat selection, as observed displacement rate was shorter than expected under null selection. Selection-independent movement, selection strength and resource availability were important drivers of seasonal home range size. Both displacement rate and directional persistence had a positive relationship with home range size while accounting for habitat selection, suggesting that individual characteristics and state may also affect home range size. Ibex living at higher altitudes, where resource availability shows stronger altitudinal gradients across the year, had larger home ranges. Home range size was larger in spring and autumn, when ibex ascend and descend back, and smaller in summer and winter, when resources are more stable. Therefore, home range size decreased with resource availability. Finally, males had larger home ranges than females, which might be explained by differences in body size and reproductive behaviour. Conclusions Movement, selection strength, resource availability and intrinsic factors related to sex determined home range size of Iberian ibex. Our results highlight the need to integrate and account for process dependencies, here the interdependence of movement and habitat selection, to understand how animals use space. This study contributes to understand how movement links environmental and geographical space use and determines home range behaviour in large herbivores.

Eight duikers, representing 3 different species cohoused in a single zoological collection, died in a 10-month period. Black, red-flanked, and yellow-backed duikers were affected, appearing clinically with a combination of anorexia, diarrhea, ataxia, tremors, and/or stupor, followed by death within 72 hours of onset of clinical signs. Consistent gross findings were pulmonary ecchymoses (8/8), generalized lymphadenomegaly (6/8), ascites (5/8), and pleural effusion (4/8). Dense lymphocyte infiltrates and arteritis affected numerous tissues in most animals. Ibex-associated malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) viral DNA was detected in all cases by polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization. Identical ibex-MCF virus sequence was detected in spleen of a clinically healthy ibex (Capra ibex) housed in a separate enclosure 35 meters away from the duikers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Perspectiva Empresarial is the property of Fundacion Universitaria Ceipa and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We investigated the performance of multiple radiomics feature extractors/software on predicting epidermal growth factor receptor mutation status in 228 patients with non-small cell lung cancer from publicly available data sets in The Cancer Imaging Archive. The imaging and clinical data were split into training (n = 105) and validation cohorts (n = 123). Two of the most cited open-source feature extractors, IBEX (1563 features) and Pyradiomics (1319 features), and our in-house software, Columbia Image Feature Extractor (CIFE) (1160 features), were used to extract radiomics features. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed sequentially to predict EGFR mutation status using each individual feature extractor. Our univariate analysis integrated an unsupervised clustering method to identify nonredundant and informative candidate features for the creation of prediction models by multivariate analyses. In training, unsupervised clustering-based univariate analysis identified 5, 6, and 4 features from IBEX, Pyradiomics, and CIFE as candidate features, respectively. Multivariate prediction models using these features from IBEX, Pyradiomics, and CIFE yielded similar areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.68, 0.67, and 0.69. However, in validation, areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of multivariate prediction models from IBEX, Pyradiomics, and CIFE decreased to 0.54, 0.56 and 0.64, respectively. Different feature extractors select different radiomics features, which leads to prediction models with varying performance. However, correlation between those selected features from different extractors may indicate these features measure similar imaging phenotypes associated with similar biological characteristics. Overall, attention should be paid to the generalizability of individual radiomics features and radiomics prediction models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work examines the effect of equilibration time with extender on ultra-rapidly frozen-thawed wild ruminant epididymal (origin: Iberian ibex) and ejaculated (origin: mouflon) sperm variables. Sperm samples were prepared either without prior equilibration, or equilibrated for 30 min before freezing. Higher quality (p < 0.05) frozen-thawed spermatozoa were obtained when equilibration was allowed, for ejaculated sperm in terms of sperm motility, acrosome apical ridge integrity, sperm viability, and percentage of normal cells, and for epididymal sperm in terms of linearity and straightness of sperm movement. The sperm head area, head perimeter, head length and head width were smaller (p < 0.01) in the equilibrated than non-equilibrated frozen-thawed epididymal sperm; no such dimensional changes were recorded for ejaculated sperm. In conclusion, equilibration prior to ultra-rapid freezing improves the cryoresistance of sperm cells, although viable sperm cells can be obtained without equilibration. The epididymal sperm showed greater cryoresistance, supporting the idea that it is more resistant to freeze-thawing than ejaculated sperm. • Equilibration prior to ultra-rapid freezing improves the cryoresistance of ejaculated and epididymal sperm cells. • Epididymal sperm showed greater cryoresistance than ejaculated sperm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatially-explicit wildlife habitat models, such as a Habitat Suitability Index Model (HSIM), are increasingly used to understand optimal environmental conditions needed for a species survival and viability. HSIM compares different environmental variables, including vegetation, slope, and aspect to determine optimal habitat for a species. HSIM can compare a species’ use of resources with availability and determine risks for a species viability. Furthermore, decision makers can use HSIM to make decisions regarding resources needed for species of concern and development of protected areas. We used a geographic information system to create a HSIM for Argali sheep (Ovis ammon) and Siberian ibex (Capra siberica), species of conservation concern in Mongolia. We used vegetation and ruggedness layers and compared argali and ibex use with habitat availability. Argali and ibex presence correlated with three habitat classes: dense rock, low-density shrub, and short grass/forb. We found no significance in correlation for ruggedness.

The study of cell signaling within tissues can be enhanced using highly multiplexed immunohistochemistry to localize the presence and spatial distribution of numerous pathways of interest simultaneously. Additional data can also be gained by placing the identified proteins into the context of adjacent structures, stroma, and interacting partners. Here, we outline a protocol for using the recently described IBEX method on tissues. This is an open and simple cyclic immunohistochemistry approach suited to this application. We describe a simplified protocol and provide guidance on the method, using a 12-marker panel on human retina to demonstrate the approach., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Exploration of the heliosphere and the far reaches of our solar system by the Voyagers and New Horizons and near-Earth observations of the Kuiper Belt and exoplanetary systems have all profoundly changed how we view our own home in space. An Interstellar Probe escaping beyond the solar-system boundaries with new observational techniques would be a bold move in space exploration, enabling detailed, new understanding of the global heliosphere in the context of other astrospheres, further discoveries of unexplored Kuiper Belt Objects, and the first observations of our circumsolar dust disk. These would offer insight into the evolution of the solar system and our understanding of exoplanetary systems. With the power supplies on the Voyagers nearing their end of life, the rapid pace of discovery of exoplanets in other stellar systems, and the evolution in our own understanding brought about by results from the Voyager, Cassini, and Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) spacecraft, the time is right for looking at the next steps we can make into our stellar neighborhood. The question facing us today is what the appropriate next step - a true first step - is in negotiating the transition from science fiction to engineering reality. The scientific imperatives associated with reaching the near interstellar medium in order to understand our origins and our own current locale in the Milky Way trace to the beginnings of the Space Age, and they have been debated and refined since that time and into the current epoch. The subjects of interstellar travel, interstellar probes, and interstellar "precursor" missions are not new but have lacked traction with policy makers and the scientific community at large because of the states of both scientific knowledge and engineering realities. The next step in reaching to the stars will require the recognition of engineering limits, scientific trades, and scientific compromises, but this is new neither in science nor exploration. Such a step would be an "Interstellar Probe." The time for that step has come. • An "Interstellar Probe" has been discussed in depth for almost 60 years. • NASA requested a study of this mission to prepare for the upcoming Decadal Surveys. • Traditional science goals are re-examined, updated, and expanded. • Approaches to required payload, spacecraft, and analysis methodology are identified. • Three mission approaches using NASA's large new booster and studied and assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the interwar years the Gran Paradiso ibex population followed two subsequent, contrasting trends: a steady rise once the national park was established in 1922, followed by a precipitous fall after the Fascist regime took direct control of conservation in 1934, which almost led to the colony's extinction. This paper addresses the issue of how models taken from population ecology may inform historical narratives. The data for the interwar years were analyzed using a statistical model based on climate and population density, which has proved reliable for most of the post-World War II period. The article highlights the pivotal role of anthropic variables in determining the inter-war trends and how these are best analyzed using historical scholarship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge about vector-borne pathogens important for human and veterinary medicine in wild ruminants in Tyrol (Austria) is scarce. Blood samples from Alpine ibex (Capra ibex; n = 44), Alpine chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra; n = 21), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus; n = 18) and red deer (Cervus elaphus; n = 6) were collected over a period of 4 years (2015–2018) in four regions in North Tyrol, with a primary focus on the Kaunertal. Blood spots on filter paper were tested for the presence of DNA of vector-borne pathogens (Anaplasmataceae, Piroplasmida, Rickettsia and filarioid helminths). Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia capreoli were detected in two of 89 (2.3%) blood samples. Rickettsia spp., Theileria spp. and filarioid helminths were not documented. One Alpine chamois was positive for A. phagocytophilum and B. capreoli. Moreover, an ibex from the Kaunertal region was positive for A. phagocytophilum. While the ibex was a kid less than 1 year old, the chamois was an adult individual. Further research is recommended to evaluate effects of climate change on infection rates of North Tyrolean wild ruminants by these pathogens and the distribution of their vectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses predation as the main mortality factor of ungulates and giraffes, especially the neonatal ones and the adopted mechanisms by them such as birth synchrony in order to lessen predation on calves. It also discusses the establishment of nursery groups or crèches by animals such as elk, giraffe, and Nubian ibex.

1. Selective hunting can affect demographic characteristics and phenotypic traits of the targeted species. Hunting systems often involve harvesting quotas based on sex, age and/or size categories to avoid selective pressure. However, it is difficult to assess whether such regulations deter hunters from targeting larger "trophy" animals with longer horns that may have evolutionary consequences. 2. Here, we compile 44,088 annually resolved and absolutely dated measurements of Alpine ibex (Capra ibex) horn growth increments from 8,355 males, harvested between 1978 and 2013, in the eastern Swiss Canton of Grisons. We aim to determine whether male ibex with longer horns were preferentially targeted, causing animals with early rapid horn growth to have shorter lives, and whether such hunting selection translated into long-term trends in horn size over the past four decades. 3. Results show that medium- to longer-horned adult males had a higher probability of being harvested than shorter-horned individuals of the same age and that regulations do affect the hunters' behaviour. Nevertheless, phenotypic traits such as horn length, as well as body size and weight, remained stable over the study period. 4. Although selective trophy hunting still occurs, it did not cause a measurable evolutionary response in Grisons' Alpine ibex populations; managed and surveyed since 1978. Nevertheless, further research is needed to understand whether phenotypic trait development is coinfluenced by other, potentially compensatory factors that may possibly mask the effects of selective, long-term hunting pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: High‐throughput sequencing is a powerful tool, but suffers biases and errors that must be accounted for to prevent false biological conclusions. Such errors include batch effects; technical errors only present in subsets of data due to procedural changes within a study. If overlooked and multiple batches of data are combined, spurious biological signals can arise, particularly if batches of data are correlated with biological variables. Batch effects can be minimized through randomization of sample groups across batches. However, in long‐term or multiyear studies where data are added incrementally, full randomization is impossible, and batch effects may be a common feature. Here, we present a case study where false signals of selection were detected due to a batch effect in a multiyear study of Alpine ibex (Capra ibex). The batch effect arose because sequencing read length changed over the course of the project and populations were added incrementally to the study, resulting in nonrandom distributions of populations across read lengths. The differences in read length caused small misalignments in a subset of the data, leading to false variant alleles and thus false SNPs. Pronounced allele frequency differences between populations arose at these SNPs because of the correlation between read length and population. This created highly statistically significant, but biologically spurious, signals of selection and false associations between allele frequencies and the environment. We highlight the risk of batch effects and discuss strategies to reduce the impacts of batch effects in multiyear high‐throughput sequencing studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crucial for the long-term survival of wild populations is their ability to fight diseases. Disease outbreaks can lead to severe population size reductions, which makes endangered and reintroduced species especially vulnerable. In vertebrates, the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) plays an important role in determining the immune response. Species that went through severe bottlenecks often show very low levels of genetic diversity at the MHC. Due to the known link between the MHC and immune response, such species are expected to be at particular risk in case of disease outbreaks. However, so far, only few studies have shown that low MHC diversity is correlated with increased disease susceptibility in species after severe bottlenecks. We investigated genetic variation at the MHC and its correlations with disease resistance and other fitness-related traits in Alpine ibex (Capra ibex), a wild goat species that underwent a strong bottleneck in the last century and that is known to have extremely low genetic variability, both genome-wide and at the MHC. We studied MHC variation in male ibex of Gran Paradiso National Park, the population used as a source for all postbottleneck reintroductions. We found that individual MHC heterozygosity (based on six microsatellites) was not correlated with genome-wide neutral heterozygosity. MHC heterozygosity, but not genome-wide heterozygosity, was positively correlated with resistance to infectious keratoconjunctivitis and with body mass. Our results show that genetic variation at the MHC plays an important role in disease resistance and, hence, should be taken into account for successfully managing species conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We characterized the spectral response of CdTe sensors with different pixel sizes – namely 75, 150 and 300 μ m – bonded to the latest generation IBEX single photon counting ASIC developed at DECTRIS, to detect monochromatic X-ray energy in the range 10–60 keV. We present a comparison of pulse height spectra recorded for several energies, showing the dependence on the pixel size of the non-trivial atomic fluorescence and charge sharing effects that affect the detector response. The extracted energy resolution, in terms of full width at half maximum or FWHM, ranges from 1.5 to 4 keV according to the pixel size and chip configuration. We devoted a careful analysis to the Quantum Efficiency and to the Spectral Efficiency — a newly-introduced measure that quantifies the impact of fluorescence and escape phenomena on the spectrum integrity in high- Z material based detectors. We then investigated the influence of the photon flux on the aforementioned quantities up to 180 ⋅ 10 6 cts/s/mm 2 and 50 ⋅ 10 6 cts/s/mm 2 for the 150 μ m and 300 μ m pixel case, respectively. Finally, we complemented the experimental data with analytical and with Monte Carlo simulations – taking into account the stochastic nature of atomic fluorescence – with an excellent agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildlife reservoirs of infectious diseases raise major management issues. In Europe, brucellosis has been eradicated in domestic ruminants from most countries and wild ruminants have not been considered important reservoirs so far. However, a high prevalence of Brucella melitensis infection has been recently identified in a French population of Alpine ibex (Capra ibex), after the emergence of brucellosis was confirmed in a dairy cattle farm and two human cases. This situation raised the need to identify the factors driving the persistence of Brucella infection at high prevalence levels in this ibex population. In the present paper, we studied the shedding pattern of B. melitensis in ibex fromBargyMassif, French Alps. Bacteriological examinations (1-15 tissues/samples per individual) were performed on 88 seropositive, supposedly infected and euthanized individuals. Among them, 51 (58%) showed at least one positive culture, including 45 ibex with at least one Brucella isolation from a urogenital sample or a lymph node in the pelvic area (active infection in organs in the pelvic area). Among these 45 ibex, 26 (30% of the total number of necropsied animals) showed at least one positive culture for a urogenital organ and were considered as being at risk of shedding the bacteria at the time of capture. We observed significant heterogeneity between sex-and-age classes: seropositive females were most at risk to excrete Brucella before the age of 5 years, possibly corresponding to abortion during the first pregnancy following infection such as reported in the domestic ruminants. The high shedding potential observed in young femalesmay have contributed to the self-sustainedmaintenance of infection in this population, whereas males are supposed to play a role of transmission between spatial units through venereal transmission during mating. This heterogeneity in the shedding potential of seropositive individuals should be considered in the future to better evaluate management scenarios in this system as well as in others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Symbolic plants and animals are recognised as a cultural ecosystem service (CES), which is still underrepresented in ecosystem services assessments. Thus, this study aims at identifying and mapping important symbolic species in the European Alps, which are of cultural significance to large parts of the Alpine population.Methods: Symbolic species were identified by ten expert groups, and their use was assessed in a qualitative way. The spatial distribution of all species across the Alpine Space area was mapped at the municipality level. Through hotspots analysis, we identified spatial patterns in the distribution of species. Spearman correlation was used to evaluate the relationship between symbolic species and selected environmental and social variables.Results: Ten species were identified (edelweiss, gentian, alpenrose, larch, pine, Alpine ibex, chamois, marmot, brown bear, and golden eagle) that are widely used for symbolic representations, i.e., depiction on flags, emblems, logos, and naming of hotels and brands. Hotspots of symbolic species were found in several locations in the European Alps and could be related to high elevation, steep slopes, open land cover, and naturalness.Conclusions: This study proposes a methodology to map and assess symbolic species as a CES. As the spatial distribution of symbolic species depends on environmental characteristics and human activities, our results provide important insights for landscape planning and management. However, it remains unclear whether associated cultural values depend on the presence of the species and further research is needed to understand the relationships between the distribution of symbolic species and social benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Restoration of lost species ranges to their native distribution is key for the survival of endangered species. However, reintroductions often fail and long‐term genetic consequences are poorly understood. Alpine ibex (Capra ibex) are wild goats that recovered from <100 individuals to ~50,000 within a century by population reintroductions. We analyzed the population genomic consequences of the Alpine ibex reintroduction strategy. We genotyped 101,822 genomewide single nucleotide polymorphism loci in 173 Alpine ibex, the closely related Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) and domestic goat (Capra hircus). The source population of all Alpine ibex maintained genetic diversity comparable to Iberian ibex, which experienced less severe bottlenecks. All reintroduced Alpine ibex populations had individually and combined lower levels of genetic diversity than the source population. The reintroduction strategy consisted of primary reintroductions from captive breeding and secondary reintroductions from established populations. This stepwise reintroduction strategy left a strong genomic footprint of population differentiation, which increased with subsequent rounds of reintroductions. Furthermore, analyses of genomewide runs of homozygosity showed recent inbreeding primarily in individuals of reintroduced populations. We showed that despite the rapid census recovery, Alpine ibex carry a persistent genomic signature of their reintroduction history. We discuss how genomic monitoring can serve as an early indicator of inbreeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rate at which lethal intracellular ice forms during sperm cryopreservation is highly dependent on the cooling protocol. The present work compares two cooling protocols for use with Iberian ibex ( Capra pyrenaica ) sperm by assessing the effects on the motility, viability, and size of frozen-thawed sperm cells. Ejaculates, obtained from six adult ibex males via transrectal, ultrasound-guided massage of the accessory sex glands plus electroejaculation if necessary, were cooled via either 1) Protocol 1 (decelerating cooling), involving cooling in liquid nitrogen vapor from 5 °C to −35 °C (40 °C/min), from −35 °C to −65 °C (17 °C/min), and then from −65 °C to −85 °C (3 °C/min); or 2) Protocol 2 (accelerating cooling) involving cooling in a biological freezer from 5 °C to −5 °C (4 °C/min), from −5 °C to −110 °C (25 °C/min), and then from −110 °C to −140 °C (35 °C/min). Compared to fresh ejaculates, sperm quality at thawing was found to be reduced by both protocols (p < .05), but especially by Protocol 1. Sperm head size was also significantly reduced by both protocols, although the Protocol 1 sperm heads were also significantly smaller than those of Protocol 2 sperms heads (p < .05). In fresh sperm samples, clustering analyses revealed two subpopulations of sperms with different morphometric characteristics, SP1 with larger cells, and SP2 with smaller cells. Both cooling protocols caused reduction in the proportion of SP1 cells, and an increase in the proportion of SP2 cells. In conclusion, the decelerating cooling protocol (Protocol 1) caused greater cryodamage to the sperm cells than the accelerating protocol (Protocol 2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biometric measurements of horn, body and physiological variables of 35 Alpine ibex, Capra ibex ibex, (14 females and 21 males, age range: 2-15 years) were analysed in relation to gender and area of origin. Moreover, for the first time hair cortisol concentration was evaluated in this species. The ibexes were live-captured in spring in the Maritime Alps Natural Park. All the horn and body morphometric measurements were significantly different between genders and a statistical difference was found between horn and body data considering the area of origin of ibexes, with the exception of horn circumference and height as well of body and hock length. Among the physiological variables, female ibex showed higher heart rate and glycemia, but tended to have lower respiratory rate than male. The mean hair cortisol concentration was 22.40±1.44 pg/mg (±SE). A different distribution was described for the male hair cortisol concentrations compared to that in females. Obtained data indicate that the geographical area where Alpine ibex lives could affect the endurance of an ibex population but further investigations are needed to understand if intra- and inter-specific competition and different environment could be the basis of the HPA axis activation. Hair cortisol evaluation together with biometric values could be an interesting way to obtain information on the adaptation that the animal attempts to reach in relation to environmental factors and pursuing organism homeostasis. This feature could be important in attempting to preserve wildlife biodiversity that also depends from the state of animal welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Typically, analyze of capture–recapture data rely on standard protocols of individual detection. Encounters and reencounters of marked individuals are made during short sessions separated by constant time intervals. Very often, it can be reasonably assumed that the time between two sessions is the same for all individuals. However, in some studies, data is collected opportunistically within a season. This is often due to difficulties concerning fieldwork and/or a lack of people involved in data collection. It can also be intentionally chosen, for example, if collecting data within a season provides additional information on the status of the individual (e.g. whether it is a breeder or a non-breeder). When using capture–recapture data, opportunistic data has typically been analyzed by using discretize time intervals, to avoid taking into account the continuous-time processes of state and capture. In this study, we modeled the transition between a transient state (non-breeder) to one absorbing state (breeder) in a continuous process over time. A Poisson point process was used to model the capture data, allowing us to directly model the opportunistic data set. The main advantage of this new approach is that it allows a full use of opportunistic data – i.e. all available information can be used. As an illustrative working example, we applied the approach to investigate Alpine ibex ( Capra ibex ) reproduction over one year. We jointly estimated the following parameters: the breeding rate in the summer and the survival rate of the young from birth to the following spring. Our findings suggest that this modeling approach has the potential to open new perspectives in population ecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diagnostic activity on wild animals implies a hard laboratory protocol where multiple disciplines, from biology to pathological anatomy until the biotechnological techniques, must be integrated to establish the causes of death. To demonstrate these concepts, the analytical approach adopted for an alpine ibex (Capra ibex) found dead in a mountain area of North Western Italy was described. The animal showed sub-costal and lymph nodes collections of greenyellow pus, fibrinous pleuropneumonia and catarrhal-hemorrhagic enteritis. Purulent process was ascribed to Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, the causative agent of caseous lymphadenitis or pseudotuberculosis, pleuropneumonia to Pasteurella multocida and Mannheimia haemolytica and enteritis to Mannheimia haemolytica. Parasitic bronchopneumonia in the caudal lobes of the lung, a severe enteric infestation by gastro-intestinal and pulmonary strongyles and coccidia were found. The cause of death in the studied ibex appeared to be a consequence of an association between various pathological processes, with bacteriological and parasitic etiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress (OS) is an imbalance between radical-generating and radical scavenging activity, resulting in oxidation products and tissue damage. Although some studies have been done in other species, there is a lack of information about the oxidative/antioxidant status in the Iberian ibex ( Capra pyrenaica ) affected by sarcoptic mange. To clarify this fact, albumin, catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), glutathione reductase (GR), reduced glutathione (GSH): oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and total oxidant status (TOS) concentrations were measured in peripheral blood of ibexes experimentally infested with Sarcoptes scabiei (n = 25), as well as in the healthy control group (n = 14). During the course of the experiment, the infected ibexes were visually assigned to four categories according to the percentage of skin surface affected by mites. In the infested ibexes, the levels of albumin, PON-1, CAT, SOD, GSH-Px and GSH:GSSG ratio showed a significant (p < 0.01) decrease with disease progression. With respect to the control group, this decrease was significantly (p < 0.001) lower in the more severe clinical stages. No significant changes were observed in GR activity during disease or with respect to the control group. Conversely, the concentrations of TOS and TBARS increased with lesion severity, and with respect to the control group, this increase was significant (p < 0.01) in the more advanced stages of the infection. Additionally, to explore the possible effects of sex, age, haplotype, mange status, and days post infection (dpi) on each of the OS biomarkers, generalized additive mixed models were applied. According to our results, the mange status and dpi explained the highest percentages in the observed changes in the biomarkers analyzed, whereas the haplotype only influenced the observed variability of albumin and TOS. The contribution of sex and age was not significant in any of the OS biomarkers. From the present study, it may be concluded that sarcoptic mange infestation increases OS and decreases antioxidant status in ibex. This imbalance may contribute to the pathogenesis of this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The male ibex is the dominant zoomorphic motif in rock art of the Negev desert, Israel. It recurs in thousands of petroglyphs, either alone or in association with several recurring images; commonly with dogs or other predators but also with hunters. These associations occur in all chronological phases of Negev rock art, implying that they had an enduring symbolic significance. Here we address only some aspects of ibex iconography, focusing on its association with dogs, hunters and astral symbols. We discuss the possible meaning of these associations with regard to the ritual hunting of ibex and connection to deities associated with rainfall, seasonal cycles and celestial constellations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Mycoplasma, a group of free-living, wall-less prokaryotes includes more than 100 species of which dozens are primary pathogens of humans and domesticated animals. Mycoplasma species isolated from wildlife are rarely investigated but could provide a fuller picture of the evolutionary history and diversity of this genus. In 2013 several isolates from wild Caprinae were tentatively assigned to a new species, Mycoplasma (M.) feriruminatoris sp. nov., characterized by an unusually rapid growth in vitro and close genetic proximity to ruminant pathogenic species. We suspected that atypical isolates recently collected from Alpine ibex in France belonged to this new species. The present study was undertaken to verify this hypothesis and to further characterize the French ibex isolates. Phylogenetic analyses were performed to identify the isolates and position them in trees containing several other mycoplasma species pathogenic to domesticated ruminants. Population diversity was characterized by genomicmacrorestriction and by examining the capacity of different strains to produce capsular polysaccharides, a feature now known to vary amongst mycoplasma species pathogenic to ruminants. This is the first report of M. feriruminatoris isolation from Alpine ibex in France. Phylogenetic analyses further suggested that M. feriruminatoris might constitute a 4th species in a genetic cluster that so far contains only important ruminant pathogens, the so-called Mycoplasma mycoides cluster. A PCR assay for specific identification is proposed. These French isolates were not clonal, despite being collected in a restricted region of the Alps, which signifies a considerable diversity of the new species. Strains were able to concomitantly produce two types of capsular polysaccharides, β-(1→6)-galactan and β-(1→6)-glucan, with variation in their respective ratio, a feature never before described in mycoplasmas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The range-shifts of many species are lagging behind climate change, meaning that those species are likely to experience increases in average ambient temperature. Heat-sensitive species may experience increasingly precarious trade-offs between investment in thermoregulation versus other key processes as the climate warms. We investigated the potential for trade-offs to exist between behavioral thermoregulation and foraging, studying a typical heat-sensitive endotherm: the Alpine ibex (Capra ibex). Ibex use higher altitudes when it is hotter, which could restrict them from more profitable foraging areas at lower altitudes. We investigated this potential tradeoff using data on the altitude-use and activity budgets of 43 marked males collected during the vegetation growing season in Gran Paradiso National Park, Italy. We used structural equation modeling to assess the support for models linking ambient temperature, altitude-use, vegetation productivity, and foraging time. Ibex migrated to higher altitudes during spring and summer, maintaining their ambient temperature within a very narrow band. Consequently, when it was warmer ibex utilized areas that were less productive, as indicated by lower normalized difference vegetation indices, and consumed lower quality forage, as indicated by lower levels of fecal crude protein. Ibex did not compensate behaviorally for reduced forage productivity by adjusting their foraging effort. We identify a trade-off between thermoregulation and foraging in ibex, which could affect this species negatively in the future. Such trade-offs could be a general phenomenon for heat-sensitive species. Our study reveals that behavioral thermoregulation can exert a strong influence on animal distributions, even overriding resource productivity in importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article studies local production of an incense altar found at Tell Halif in 2007 through examining its iconography. The carvings depict hunting scenes consisting of a human and various animals. These animals are positively identified as zebu, wild boar, Saluki-type hounds, and Nubian ibexes. The distribution of these five animals indicates that the southern Levant might be the source of primary influence for incense altar production, while southern Arabia is also a visible influential factor. Established trade between the southern Levant and southern Arabia, as early as the 12th-11th centuries b.c.e., might support the idea of cultural ties between the two regions. The taxonomical identifications strongly support the hypothesis that the object was locally produced. And this hypothesis is also in accord with the petrographic provenance analyses of the raw material used for the Tell Halif incense altar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Schmallenberg virus ( SBV) has recently emerged in Europe, causing losses to the domestic livestock. A retrospective analysis of serodata was conducted in France for estimating seroprevalence of SBV among six wildlife species from 2011-2012 to 2013-2014, that is during the three vector seasons after the emergence of the SBV in France. Our objective was to quantify the exposure of wildlife to SBV and the potential protective effect of elevation such as previously observed for bluetongue. We also compared the spatiotemporal trends between domestic and wild animals at the level of the departments. We tested 2050 sera using competitive ELISA tests. Individual and population risk factors were further tested using general linear models among 1934 individuals. All populations but one exhibited positive results, seroprevalence up to 30% being observed for all species. The average seroprevalence did not differ between species but ranged from 0 to 90% according to the area and period, due to the dynamic pattern of infection. Seroprevalence was on average higher in the lowlands compared to areas located up to 800 m. Nevertheless, seroprevalence above 50% occurred in areas located up to 1500 m. Thus, contrary to what had been observed for bluetongue during the late 2000s in the same areas, SBV could spread to high altitudes and infect all the studied species. The spatial spread of SBV in wildlife did not fully match with SBV outbreaks reported in the domestic livestock. The mismatch was most obvious in mountainous areas where outbreaks in wildlife occurred on average one year after the peak of congenital cases in livestock. These results suggest a much larger spread and vector capacity for SBV than for bluetongue virus in natural areas. Potential consequences for wildlife dynamics are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC) is an ocular infectious disease caused by Mycoplasma conjunctivae which affects small domestic and wild mountain ruminants. Domestic sheep maintain the pathogen but the detection of healthy carriers in wildlife has raised the question as to whether M. conjunctivae may also persist in the wild. Furthermore, the factors shaping the dynamics of IKC outbreaks in wildlife have remained largely unknown. The aims of this study were (1) to verify the etiological role of M. conjunctivae in IKC outbreaks recorded between 2002 and 2010 at four study sites in different regions of France (Pyrenees and Alps, samples from 159 Alpine ibex Capra ibex, Alpine chamois Rupicapra rupicapra and Pyrenean chamois Rupicapra pyrenaica); (2) to establish whether there existed any epidemiological links between the different regions through a cluster analysis of the detected strains (from 80 out of the 159 animals tested); (3) to explore selected pathogen, host and environmental factors potentially influencing the dynamics of IKC in wildlife, by joining results obtained by molecular analyses and by field observations (16,609 animal observations). All of the samples were tested for M. conjunctivae by qPCR, and cluster analysis was based on a highly variable part of the lppS gene. Results: We documented infections with M. conjunctivae in epidemic and endemic situations, both in symptomatic and asymptomatic animals. The identified M. conjunctivae strains were site-specific and persisted in the local wild population for at least 6 years. In epidemic situations, peaks of cases and disease resurgence were associated with the emergence of new similar strains in a given area. Social interactions, seasonal movements and the landscape structure such as natural and anthropogenic barriers influenced the spatio-temporal spread of IKC. Adults were more affected than young animals and host susceptibility differed depending on the involved strain. Conclusion: Our study indicates that IKC is a multifactorial disease and that M. conjunctivae can persist in wildlife populations. The disease course in individual animals and populations is influenced by both host and mycoplasma characteristics, and the disease spread within and among populations is shaped by host behavior and landscape structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global Positioning System (GPS) telemetry allows to monitor large herbivores in Alpine habitats that are difficult or impossible to access by humans. However, little is known about the factors influencing the performance of GPS telemetry in these habitats. We used stationary test collars and a data set of over 90000 attempted locations from 11 collared free-ranging Alpine ibex (Capra ibex ibex) females to quantify the loss of scheduled locations and accuracy of GPS telemetry at the high-elevation habitats of the Marmolada massif (eastern Italian Alps). In both tests the fix acquisition rates and proportions of 3D fixes averaged near 90%. After removing outliers, the estimated location error in stationary collar tests was within 10 m for 75% of 3D locations and within 20 m for 75% of 2D locations. In both tests, sky view determined by terrain morphology was the main habitat feature influencing the performance of GPS telemetry, while forest had only minor effects compared to open ground. Both fix acquisition rates and proportions of 3D fixes in free-ranging ibexes were lowest (close to 85%) in winter and highest (close to 95%) in summer, and exhibited contrasting seasonal diel patterns, being lowest during the night and highest at midday in winter, and lowest at midday and highest at dawn and dusk in summer. Fix acquisition rates and proportions of 3D fixes were positively influenced by individual activity, warm temperatures in winter, absence of precipitation in all seasons, and shallow snow depth in winter. These effects could explain the seasonal and diel patterns. The performance of GPS telemetry of large herbivores at Alpine habitats can be as good as or better than in forested habitats at low elevations. However, acquired locations underestimate inactive periods in sheltered habitats, especially in winter and in adverse weather conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dam walls are like open laboratories useful to study the gradient limits of locomotion. Two dam walls, where Alpine ibex (Capra ibex) use to climb searching for the salty exuded, were filmed at 0.2 fps. The straight slope of the walls ranged from 123% to almost vertical. In total 54 animals were filmed and their body mass estimated as medium size, small size and kids. No large males were observed moving on the walls. The overall weighted average incline of their paths was 37% uphill and 46% downhill. They used to climb on zigzag routes and run down on more linear tracks. The gaits employed by the animals were walk and gallop. The steepest paths travelled by kids were 155% up and 157% down, the maximum height was 49 m, while their maximum estimated speeds were 2.6 ms-1 uphill and -4.2 ms-1 downhill. Medium: +143% and -157%; 49 m; +1.1 and -4.1 ms-1. Large: +102% and -123%; 32 m; +0.7 and -1.0 ms-1. The climbing performance of Alpine ibex, in term of speed and inclination, appeared to be negatively influenced by body mass, while the friction coefficient between their hooves and the dam walls was in a range higher than rubber on concrete surfaces. Protection against toppling depends on the slope and the ratio between the basal width and body centre of mass (bCOM) height. We propose a safety factor index (Fst), similar to that used in geology, defined as the ratio between the major distance from a downstream to an upstream leg and the centre of mass height, all divided by the tangent of the slope. An index value of "1"is the discriminant between unsafe and relative safe positions. Animals with shorter legs and lower bCOM, like females and kids, can negotiate steeper paths with a higher safety factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]