Ruth Ramsay - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Ruth Ramsay

Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research, 2021

The captive environment can significantly impact animal behaviour. Relocating a captive group to ... more The captive environment can significantly impact animal behaviour. Relocating a captive group to a more biologically relevant enclosure can positively impact behaviour and welfare. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a new enclosure on the behaviour of a captive group of lion-tailed macaques Macaca silenus located in Fota Wildlife Park. The macaques were moved in late January/early February 2015 to an enclosure that is larger and more complex but is in closer proximity to visitors. Baseline data were collected from February to October 2014, prior to the move. Data in the new enclosure were collected for the 2 months following the move, prior to additional changes occurring in the group. One year since the relocation, data were collected again, in February and March 2016. The results showed that in the months following the move to the new enclosure the macaques spent more time out of sight and less time engaged in self-directed behaviours. Visitor number had an impac...

Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science

Marine Biology, 2003

Within Discussion, paragraph 1, Ôslightly biased to males in P. triqueterÕ should read Ôslightly ... more Within Discussion, paragraph 1, Ôslightly biased to males in P. triqueterÕ should read Ôslightly biased to females in P. triqueterÕ. Within Discussion, paragraph 9, Ô(Cotter et al. 2002)Õ should read Ô(Cotter et al. 2003)Õ. Within References, in Castric-Fey (1983), Ôsur les plages expe´rimentalesÕ should read Ôsur les plaques ex-pe´rimentalesÕ. Within References, ÔCotter E, OÕRiordan RM, Myers AA (2002) Recruitment patterns of serpulids (Annelida: Polychaeta) in Bantry Bay, Ireland. J Mar Biol Assoc UK (in press)Õ should read ÔCotter E, OÕRiordan RM, Myers AA (2003) Recruitment patterns of serpulids (Annelida: Polychaeta) in Bantry Bay, Ireland. J Mar Biol Assoc UK 83:41-48Õ.

Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the UK, 1999

The reproductive cycle, development and spatial organization of the gonads of an exotic ascidian,... more The reproductive cycle, development and spatial organization of the gonads of an exotic ascidian, Styela clava, were studied in Cork Harbour, Ireland. Monthly histological samples enabled the division of gonad development into six main stages, ranging from `inactive' to `regression'. Gonad development was asynchronous in the population, with more than one stage being found within some months. Gametogenesis was observed from February–November, but peaked between August–October. Spawning took place in September–October, followed by gonad regression in November–December.

Management of Biological Invasions, 2020

Accepted/In press). Horizon scan of invasive alien species for the island of Ireland. Management ... more Accepted/In press). Horizon scan of invasive alien species for the island of Ireland. Management of Biological Invasions.

Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2022

Global shipping facilitates the introduction of invasive species and parasites via ballast water ... more Global shipping facilitates the introduction of invasive species and parasites via ballast water and hull fouling. Regional management of invasives may be strengthened by identifying the major routes in a network, to allow for targeted ship inspections. This study used cargo shipping records to establish the connectivity of shipping routes between ports in Ireland and other nations. 9291 records were analysed, investigating vessel residence and journey times. On average, vessels spent up to five days in port and less than five days at sea. However, there was strong variation, with general cargo ships recording up to 13 days in port. A horizon scan for species likely to invade in Ireland was incorporated for five species and their associated parasites: American razor clam, Asian shore crab, Brush clawed shore crab, Chinese mitten crab and American slipper limpet. Routes of concern are highlighted and a general framework for effective management is outlined.

Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research, 2016

Investigations into the effect of the captive environment on zoo and aquarium-housed animals is n... more Investigations into the effect of the captive environment on zoo and aquarium-housed animals is now a well-established area of research, yet little attention is given to the effect of these animals on zoo visitors. It has been suggested that some animals have a greater ability to attract and thus educate visitors, but there is a dearth of information in this area. Furthermore, before a captive species’ educational potential can be determined, its response to the zoo environment should be investigated to ensure its welfare. The current study first considered the effect of visitor presence and environmental enrichment on the behavioural diversity levels of aquarium-housed gentoo penguins ( Pygoscelis papua ), with particular attention given to pool-use and nesting behaviour. Then, based on the animals’ response to the visitors and enrichment, we consider the educational potential of the penguin group. Data were obtained through scan samples taken throughout the breeding season. Result...

Preface. Photographs and List of Participants. Genetic Variability in Littorina saxatilis from Di... more Preface. Photographs and List of Participants. Genetic Variability in Littorina saxatilis from Different Habitats on an Island in Galway Bay I.F. Wilson, E.M. Goslin. Electrophoretic Heterogeneity within and Between Flat Periwinkles (Mollusca: Gastropoda) Along an Intertidal Transect at Ria Ferrol, N.W. Spain C.Olabarria, et al. A Preliminary Study on Genetic Differentiation in Littorina saxatilis from Galway Bay, Ireland: Littorina tenebrosa Montagu - a Valid Species or Ecotype? E.M. Gosling, et al. Lack of Significant Esterase and Myogolobin Differentiation in the Periwinkle, Littorina striata (Gastropoda, Prosobranchia) H. De Wolf, et al. A Comparison of Different Protocols for RAPD Analysis of Littorina N. Mikhailova, K. Johanneson. Radular Myogolobin and Protein Variation Within and Among Some Littorinid Species (Mollusca: Gastropoda) R. Medeiros, et al. Allozyme Variation and Behavioural Dimorphism among Populations of Littorina brevicula (Philippi) from Japan N.I. Zaslavskaya...

Biological Invasions, 2020

Ascidian tunicates frequently display rapid expansion when introduced beyond their native range a... more Ascidian tunicates frequently display rapid expansion when introduced beyond their native range and are considered successful invaders. This invasive potential may be exacerbated by a warming climate, allowing for the occupation of environmental niches previously held by native species. Research into tunicate invasion ecology is prevalent, but less is known about their role in pathogen maintenance. This study investigated the impact of invasive tunicates on the maintenance of pathogens that affect commercial bivalves, including the cultured species Ostrea edulis (European flat oyster) and Crassostrea gigas (Pacific oyster), and the fished species Cerastoderma edule (Common cockle). Focal pathogens included ostreid herpesvirus OsHV-1 lVar, Vibrio aestuarianus, Bonamia ostreae and Minchinia spp. The range of pathogens in their molluscan hosts was determined and the tunicates Botrylloides violaceus, Didemnum vexillum and Styela clava were then screened for these same pathogens, using both field samples from oyster culture sites and marinas and a series of laboratory cohabitation trials. Sample sites reflected areas close to and further away from known pathogen sources. PCR, Sanger sequencing and histology confirmed the presence of B. ostreae and Minchinia mercenariaelike in S. clava, and V. aestuarianus was confirmed by qPCR in B. violaceus and D. vexillum. Furthermore, histology confirmed Minchinia mercenariae-like sporonts in S. clava suggesting that the tunicate can facilitate replication of this species. S. clava also maintained B. ostreae in tanks with no oysters present. The results indicate that tunicates can act as reservoirs of infection in areas where disease occurs and potentially transport diseases to uninfected sites.

Frontiers in Marine Science, 2020

Submarine canyons support high biomass communities as they act as conduits where sediments, nutri... more Submarine canyons support high biomass communities as they act as conduits where sediments, nutrients, and organic matter from continental shelves, or those that are carried along by slope currents, are transported into the abyssal zone. The Porcupine Bank Canyon (PBC), located on the Irish continental margin and isolated from terrigenous inputs, reveals a complex terrain and substrate variation that affect the distribution of benthic fauna. Here, ROV-based benthic video, conductivity-temperaturedepth (CTD), current velocity profiles, suspended particulate organic matter (POM) and bathymetric data were assessed to determine the controls on the distribution of benthic megafauna throughout the canyon. Multivariate analysis of the benthic community reveals significant differences in community structure among habitats and site locations throughout the canyon. Furthermore, these results show that non-reef habitats exhibit more variation in the composition of benthic taxa than coral reef and rubble habitats, with the following species contributing most to the structural differentiation between habitats: Leiopathes glaberrima (12.46%), Hexadella dedritifera (10.37%), Cidaris cidaris (9.31%), Aphrocallistes beatrix (9.33%), Araeosoma fenestratum (9.11%), Stichopathes cf. abyssicola (7.39%), Anthomastus grandiflorus (4.66%), and Benthogone rosea (3.84%). In addition, greater diversity, taxa evenness and high abundance of motile fauna were observed in non-reef habitat and the canyon flank. Seabed terrain features (depth, slope) are the most important environmental drivers that affect benthic taxa distribution while site locations and habitat type are the categorical variables that influence taxa distribution in the PBC. The highest mean current speed was observed on the canyon flank where the highest Shannon's diversity was recorded while mean current speed ranged from 18.2-31.3 cm s −1. As the PBC is cut off from direct terrigenous input, this research contributes to understanding cold-water coral habitat responses to natural

Biological Conservation, 2017

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Marine pollution bulletin, Jan 15, 2016

Total petroleum hydrocarbons, PAH and various trace metal residues were extracted and analyzed fr... more Total petroleum hydrocarbons, PAH and various trace metal residues were extracted and analyzed from fresh whole diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) eggs, whole brackish-water gastropods (terrapin prey) and benthic sediment from anchialine pond environments in Bermuda inhabited by terrapins. Gastropods and terrapin eggs showed higher concentrations of trace metals and organic contaminants than sediments. Conversely, PAHs were mostly found within the sediment and smaller amounts detected in gastropods and terrapin eggs. Results indicated that contaminants in prey were transferred to terrapin eggs, and that concentrations of several contaminants exceeded potentially toxic concentrations for aquatic vertebrates. Necropsy of unhatched eggs from nests that had yielded viable hatchlings showed significantly compromised embryonic development. Bermudian diamondback terrapins reside and feed in brackish wetland habitats characterized by widespread, multifactorial contamination. This st...

Journal of Marine Biology, 2012

Little is known about the biology of the softshell clam in Europe, despite it being identified as... more Little is known about the biology of the softshell clam in Europe, despite it being identified as a potential species to culture for food in the future. Monthly samples of the softshell clam,Mya arenaria, were collected intertidally from Co. Wexford, Ireland, over a period of sixteen months. The mean weight of sampled individuals was74±4.9 g and mean length was8.2±0.2 cm. Histological examination revealed a female-to-male ratio of 1 : 1.15. In 2010,M. arenariaat this site matured over the summer months, with both sexes either ripe or spawning by August. A single spawning event was recorded in 2010, completed by November. Two unusually cold winters, followed by a warmer-than-average spring, appear to have affectedM. arenariagametogenesis in this area, potentially affecting the time of spawning, fertilisation success, and recruitment of this species. No hermaphrodites were observed in the samples collected, nor were any pathogens observed. Timing of development and spawning is compare...

Journal of invertebrate pathology, Jan 10, 2014

The soft shell clam, Mya arenaria, and the razor clam, Ensis siliqua, are widely distributed in I... more The soft shell clam, Mya arenaria, and the razor clam, Ensis siliqua, are widely distributed in Irish waters. Though the reproductive biology and other aspects of the physiology of these species has been previously investigated, little or no data are currently available on their health status. As this knowledge is essential for correct management of a species, M. arenaria and E. siliqua were examined to assess their current health status using histological and molecular methods, over a period of sixteen months. No pathogens or disease were observed in M. arenaria, and low incidences of Prokaryote inclusions, trematode parasites, Nematopsis spp. and eosinophilic bodies were recorded in razor clams for the first time in Northern European waters.

Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 2015

ABSTRACT The invasive barnacle Austrominius (= Elminius) modestus has been present in Europe sinc... more ABSTRACT The invasive barnacle Austrominius (= Elminius) modestus has been present in Europe since the 1940s, and has recently been recorded to outnumber native barnacle species at some locations, including an Irish marine nature reserve. It has been suggested that these increases in abundance following a lag phase since establishment, represent the awakening of an ‘ecological sleeper’, due to changes in environmental conditions. Austrominius modestus was first recorded on the Isle of Cumbrae, Scotland in 1955, and was reported to be well established on the island by 2007. Since this location is close to the northern limit of the invaded range of A. modestus, it has been chosen as a site for the long term monitoring of this species. Quantitative and semi-quantitative surveys of the abundance of A. modestus, together with the native barnacle species Chthamalus montagui and Semibalanus balanoides, have been made on the island on a biannual basis since 2009. This study examined changes in the abundances of these three species from 2009-2013, and reports on the present status of this invasive species on the island. Austrominius modestus was found at all sites surveyed, but did not outnumber native barnacle species at any site. Semibalanus balanoides, a cold water boreal species, was the most abundant barnacle species at most sites from 2009-2013. All three barnacle species underwent a decline in 2011, but had increased in abundance by 2013. Despite undergoing the smallest increase in abundance between 2011 and 2013, S. balanoides remains the dominant barnacle species on the Isle of Cumbrae. Nearly sixty years after its initial discovery on the island, A. modestus is widespread, however it has not outnumbered native species, which continue to recruit at high densities. This competitive pressure makes it unlikely that A. modestus will outnumber native barnacle species at this location, close to its northern limit, in the near future.

From Structures to Strategies of Life, 2007

mammalia, 2014

The European hedgehog is strictly protected in the Republic of Ireland but has been little studie... more The European hedgehog is strictly protected in the Republic of Ireland but has been little studied. Carcasses, such as road kill casualties, can provide valuable information on population demographics, parasite load and general body condition. This study aimed to examine the species of endoparasites present in hedgehogs, their prevalence and intensities and whether differences occurred depending on the age and sex of the hedgehog. Carcasses were collected and examined from around Ireland, over a 3-year period. In 21 of the 23 hedgehogs examined, endoparasites were identified. The nematode species, Crenosoma triatum and Capillaria erinacei were both positively identified. C. striatium was confined to the lungs, whereas C. erinacei was the most prevalent (87%) endoparasite and occurred in the stomach and intestines. There was a significantly higher load of Crenosoma striatum observed in male hedgehogs compared to females, but no significant difference was observed in the intensity of C. erinacei between the sexes. In all tissues, a greater mean endoparasite load was observed in male hedgehogs. Sex differences in exposure or immunity to parasitism could be related to the males ' larger home range and the effects of oestrogen levels on immunity.

Mammalia, 2013

As a non-territorial species with no known dispersal period, there are no obvious factors that re... more As a non-territorial species with no known dispersal period, there are no obvious factors that regulate hedgehog numbers in an area. This study aimed to examine these factors and involved the radio-tracking of rural hedgehogs over a 3-year period. Males had a significantly larger mean annual home range (56 ha) than females (16.5 ha), which was at its maximum during the breeding season. Outside of the breeding season, the home range was relatively small (4–5 ha) in both sexes. The home ranges of males completely overlapped both each other and all of the females. In contrast, females occupied more exclusive areas with little overlap between one another. On a nightly basis, both sexes occupied spatially independent areas with little overlap. Compositional analysis of the data showed that habitats were not used in proportion to their availability but were selected, and this changed seasonally, with the highest preference being for garden and arable land. Hedgehogs tagged for consecutive...

Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 2001

Areas which were under the influence of runoff seeping slowly from upshore rockpools were identif... more Areas which were under the influence of runoff seeping slowly from upshore rockpools were identified at two shores in Co. Cork, Ireland. Surveys of adult and 0+ Chthamalus stellatus and C. montagui were carried out in these areas and compared with adjacent dry areas. A second survey on cleared quadrats examined barnacle abundance in wet and in dry areas at 1 and 5 months after the initiation of settlement. Chthamalus stellatus adults and 0+ individuals were significantly more abundant in wet areas than in dry areas, which in the context of previous laboratory findings suggest that desiccation or some other parameter associated with wetness may be an important factor in limiting the vertical distribution of this species. Chthamalus montagui adults and 0+ individuals were significantly more abundant in dry areas than in wet areas. The lower vertical limit of this species may therefore also be set by some wetness parameter. In 1 month and 5 month old stages, the differences in abundance between wet and dry conditions were apparent in both species but were only significant in both age classes of C. montagui at one of the study shores. The results are discussed in the context of vertical and geographical distribution patterns exhibited by adults of each species on European shores.

Aquatic Toxicology, 2006

Microcystins are produced by bloom-forming cyanobacteria and pose significant health and ecologic... more Microcystins are produced by bloom-forming cyanobacteria and pose significant health and ecological problems. To investigate the impacts of these biotoxins on the physiology of the zebra mussels, Dreissena polymorpha, a series of short-term feeding experiments were conducted in the laboratory. We used five microalgal diets consisting of single-cell suspensions of the green algae, Chlorella vulgaris, the diatom, Asterionella formosa, the cryptophyte, Cryptomonas sp. and two strains of the toxic cyanobacterium, Microcystis aeruginosa (strains CCAP 1450/06 and CCAP 1450/10). A sixth diet was a mixture of the diatom and the CCAP 1450/10 cyanobacterial strain. The low-toxicity strain CCAP 1450/06 contained 7.4 g l −1 of the MC-LR variant while the very toxic strain CCAP 1450/10 contained 23.8 g l −1 of MC-LR and 82.9 g l −1 of MC-LF. A flow-through system was designed to measure the following feeding parameters: clearance, filtration, ingestion and absorption rates. Ultimately the scope for growth (SFG) was determined as a net energy balance. We observed that mussels cleared the cyanobacterial species containing MC-LF (mean ± 95% confidence interval) at a significant lower rate (498 ± 82 ml h −1 g −1 for the single cell suspension and 663 ± 100 ml h −1 g −1 for the mixture diet) than all of the non-toxic species and the cyanobacterium containing MC-LR (all above 1 l h −1 g −1). The same pattern was observed with all the feeding parameters, particularly absorption rates. Furthermore, MC-LF caused an acute irritant response manifested by the production of 'pseudodiarrhoea', unusually fluid pseudofaeces, rich in mucus and MC-LF-producing Microcystis cells, ejected through the pedal gape of the mussels. This overall response therefore demonstrates selective rejection of MC-LF-producing cyanobacteria by zebra mussels, enhancing the presence of the very toxic MC-LF-producing M. aeruginosa in mixed cyanobacterial blooms and in the benthos. Finally, we observed that the SFG (mean ± 95% confidence interval) of mussels feeding on M. aeruginosa containing MC-LF was significantly lower (34.0 ± 18.8 J h −1 g −1 for the single cell suspension and 83.1 ± 53.0 J h −1 g −1 for the mixture diet) than for mussels ingesting non-toxic diets, except for C. vulgaris (all above 200 J h −1 g −1). This reveals a sublethal, stressful effect of microcystins (particularly MC-LF) on the feeding behaviour and energy balance of the zebra mussel.