Oryctolagus cuniculus Research Papers - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

The human botfly, Dermatobia hominis (Linnaeus Jr., 1781) (Diptera: Cuterebridae), is geographically found throughout Neotropical America, is considered the major causal agent of furuncular myiasis. This parasite generates considerable damage in affected livestock. Its low host specificity leads to reports of parasitism in several domestic species. The goal of the present study is to report a case of natural infestation by the human botfly (D. hominis) in the domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

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- Case Report, Feline, Oryctolagus cuniculus, Host Specificity

This work updates the zooarchaeological and taphonomic data available for La Peña de Estebanvela (Ayllón, Segovia). Diverse subsistence strategies appear to have been followed, making use of a wide range of resources. Rabbits, goats, chamois, red deer, roe deer, horses and even carnivores such as the lynx were hunted and processed by humans. The simultaneous presence of these animals in certain layers suggests that Magdalenian hunters exploited many ecological niches, making use of open areas favourable to horses and Equus hydruntinus, wooded areas favourable to red deer, roe deer and rabbits, and mountainous areas favourable to chamois. The skeletal profiles for the different taxa suggest game was brought intact to the site and, therefore, that hunting took place close to the site.

- by jose yravedra
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- Zooarchaeology, Taphonomy, Magdalenian, Small Mammals

The aim of this research was to study the effects of group size and environmental enrichment on behaviour and growth of 108 hybrid growing rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). We compared the behaviour (time budget and reactions to specific behavioural tests: "tonic immobility" and "emergence test") and live weight of growing rabbits housed in cages with a different number of rabbits per cage (2, 3 and 4; same density: 14 rabbits/m 2). Half of the cages were enriched with a wooden stick (cylindrical Robinia Pseudoacacia, 20 cm of lenght and 6 cm of diameter) hanging from the ceiling of the cage. The stick and number of animals per cage had no effect on weight gain or on behavioural tests responses. Interaction with the stick was significantly higher at the beginning of the growing period. Principal component analysis performed on the data for the whole period showed significant differences according to the treatments: increasing the number of rabbits per cage and introducing a wooden stick seemed to affect locomotor activity frequency and social interactions. Rabbits housed 3 and 4 per cage showed less lying behaviour and higher locomotor activity and sitting. The larger functional space allowance enabled rabbits to perform more natural behaviours compared to smaller cages (2 rabbits/cage). Environmental enrichment seems to be related to higher allogrooming behaviour frequency, which could indicate a social behaviour related to pheromonal olfactory stimulation and mutual recognition.

- by Fabio Luzi
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- Social behavior, Environmental enrichment, Meat quality, Group Size

The domestic rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus, is descended from the European rabbit, which lives in large social groups and digs extensive warrens. Behavior problems include urine spraying, failure to use the litter box, fear of humans and humandirected aggression, intraspecies aggression, destructive digging and chewing, and infanticide. These problems are best prevented and treated by understanding their origin in both species-specific behavior and learning. Urine spraying is primarily a problem of intact males. Litter box use results from both rabbits' species-specific tendency to use particular sites for elimination and from training. Rabbits may become fearful of humans because of painful or frightening experiences with them. Rabbits will become comfortable with humans if they have numerous positive interactions with them. Fearful or aggressive rabbits may be treated by repeatedly exposing them to pleasant associations with humans. Rabbits are territorial and may aggressively reject new rabbits that are not members of the group. Introduction of a new rabbit must be gradual, allowing rabbits to become familiar with each other and preventing them from fighting. Digging and chewing are natural, speciesspecific behaviors. Giving rabbits acceptable objects to chew prevents them from destroying household items. Infanticide originates, in part, from intense competition between wild females for safe nesting sites. Housing birthing does separately may prevent infanticide.

- by Sharon Crowell-Davis
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- Behavior, Social Groups, Oryctolagus cuniculus, Behavior Problems

We address cross-border mammal invasions between Chilean and Argentine Patagonia, providing a detailed history of the introductions, subsequent spread (and spread rate when documented), and current limits of mammal invasions. The eight species involved are the following: European hare (Lepus europaeus), European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), wild boar (Sus scrofa), and red deer (Cervus elaphus) were all introduced from Europe (Austria, France, Germany, and Spain) to either or both Chilean and Argentine Patagonia. American beaver (Castor canadensis) and muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) were introduced from Canada to Argentine Tierra del Fuego Island (shared with Chile). The American mink (Mustela vison) apparently was brought from the United States of America to both Chilean and Argentine Patagonia, independently. The native grey fox (Pseudalopex griseus) was introduced from Chilean to Argentine Tierra del Fuego. Few spread rates are available: the lowest are <10 km/yr and correspond to American beaver and American mink; intermediate rates are observed in muskrat and rather questionably, in grey fox; the highest rates (10-20 km/yr) are found among European hare and European rabbit. Because of their frequent migration, it is difficult to estimate the natural spread rate for wild boar and red deer. Not all mammal invasions in Chilean and Argentine Patagonia have been methodical advances of species; some involve an overlap of invasion fronts, with advances and retreats, and perhaps with re-invasions to different areas of either country. Because national policies with regard to introduced species may differ between countries sharing porous borders, it seems advisable to coordinate such policies in order to prevent the entry of unwelcome invaders.

- by jaime jimenez
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- Biological invasions, Biological Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Patagonia

1. Agri-environment schemes (AESs) are designed to create landscape-scale improvements in biodiversity. While the specific aims of AESs do not always include the enhancement of species of conservation concern, associated conservation strategies, such as the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, often rest on the assumption that AESs enhance environmental conditions and thereby improve the conservation status of target species. However, there is little evidence for the general efficacy of AESs in this respect.

- by Ian Montgomery
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- Ecology, Applied Ecology, Conservation Status, Northern Ireland

The exploitation of small game, especially rabbits, by Neandertals as sources of food or for utilitarian purposes is no longer a subject of debate given increasing evidence for such practices in Europe from the Middle Paleolithic onwards. Instead, focus is now on whether rabbits were an occasional prey or were fully integrated into the socio-economic system of these human groups. Here we address this issue based on a detailed analysis of rabbit remains from the Mousterian deposits of Pié Lombard (Tourrettes-sur-Loup, Alpes-Maritimes, France). Dated to the last interglacial period (Marine Isotope Stage 5), rabbit remains (Oryctolagus cuniculus) are the most abundant species throughout the site's Mousterian sequence. Our multi-aspect taphonomical analysis combining mortality profiles, skeletal-part representation, breakage patterns, and bone surface modifications revealed a high incidence of human involvement, demonstrating the rabbit assemblage from Pié Lombard to have been primarily accumulated by Neandertals. Multiple lines of evidence indicate a recurrent and optimised exploitation of carcasses directly on the site, both as sources of meat (preferentially eaten roasted) and marrow as well as for their pelts, which appear to have been transported away from the site. The high frequency of rabbits in the Pié Lombard Mousterian assemblage, comprising at least 225 individuals, is unique for this period and probably reflects the location and function of the rock-shelter. The capture of such a hight number of this small mammal potentially required sophisticated acquisition techniques formerly known only from Upper Palaeolithic contexts. Finally, our results shed new light on the subsistence practices, settlement systems and socio-economic behavior of Neandertals in Western Europe during MIS 5.

- by Maxime Pelletier and +1
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- Taphonomy, Mousterian, Middle Palaeolithic, Small prey (Zooarchaeology)

As on many other islands, most of the seabird species breeding in Portugal's Azores archipelago are now restricted to tiny remnants of their former nesting range, owing in large part to the introduction of mammals by humans. Praia Islet, 0.12 km2 in size, is home to five seabird species, four of which fall under the European listing of "conservation concern." Introduced rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) on Praia had accelerated soil erosion through overgrazing, destroyed seabird nests, and competed for burrows with petrels. Restoration of seabird habitat on the islet began in 1995 and involved rabbit eradication, control of soil erosion, native plant reintroduction, and installation of artificial nests for common terns (Sterna hirundo), roseate terns (Sterna dougallii), and Madeiran storm-petrels (Oceanodroma castro). Rabbits were eradicated in 1997 using broadcast pellets containing poison. Since then, soil erosion has decreased, many of the reintroduced native plants have started to spread, and tern and Madeiran storm-petrel breeding numbers on the islet have increased by 1,548% and 43%, respectively. However, Praia Islet seabirds remain vulnerable owing to human recreational activities. This case study highlights the need to consider local conditions carefully when assessing restoration options to effect rapid mammal eradication. It also confirms the value of combining measures aimed at restoring native vegetation and improving seabird habitat quality with alien herbivore eradication.

- by Maria Magalhaes and +2
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- Ecological restoration, Habitat Restoration, Soil Erosion, Case Study

Blood gas parameters and acid-base balance values were determined in adult pregnant New Zealand rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in standard laboratory housing conditions and during anaesthesia with an association of ketamine-chlorpromazine, administered before surgical procedures. All the variables were also studied in adult non-pregnant female, used as controls. No differences in pH, S02C, 02Hb, COHb, s02m and a-vD02 were found between pregnant and non-pregnant rabbits in physiologicalconditions and during anaesthesia. Ketamine-chlorpromazine and pregnancy seemed to change the other parameters used to assess the acid-base balance and the oxygenation conditions. Anaesthesia affected only Rb, 02et, 02Cap, CC02 and P50. The additive effect of pregnancy and anaesthesia modified pC02, p02, HC0 3 -, TC02, BEb, SBC, BEecf, A-aD0 2 , RI, MetHb, RHb, Ca02 and CV02' The patterns described are close to those of other species, suggesting the New Zealand rabbit might be a reliable animal model for monitoring selected variables.

- by Jose Aramayona
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- Zoology, Carbon Dioxide, Pregnancy, Laboratory Animals

Among mammals, rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) show unusually limited maternal care and only nurse for a few minutes once each day. Successful suckling depends on pheromonal cues on the mother’s ventrum, which release a stereotyped and distinctive pattern of nipple-search behaviour in the young, and which have been termed the nipple-search pheromone. The present report summarizes what is currently known about this unusually effective chemical signal and compares this with information in more recent reports of a rabbit mammary pheromone thought to achieve the same function. We draw attention to anomalies in the present state of knowledge regarding the nature and action of these two sets of chemical signals, and thus to the continuing uncertainty as to the chemical nature and source of the cues governing nipple-search behaviour, and thus successful suckling, in the newborn rabbit.

- by carolina Rojas
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- Maternal care, Oryctolagus cuniculus, Suckling pheromones, chemical signals

The European rabbit is a small burrowing mammal that is particularly abundant in Western Europe since the Pleistocene and introduced around the world over the last few centuries. Rabbit bones are regularly recovered from archaeological and palaeontological sites; however, demonstrating their contemporaneity with associated material is often difficult. Additionally, determining the origin of rabbit remains in fossil sites is equally problematic due to the lack of reference collections for natural accumulations. In order to address these issues, we excavated a modern rabbit warren in southwestern France using modern archaeological field methods and techniques. The bone accumulation was analysed using a taphonomic approach in order to determine the most relevant criteria for identifying fossil warrens. The assemblage is heavily fragmented and dominated by individuals less than three months old and, unlike what could be expected, no preserved anatomical connections were documented. Bone concentration is low and connected to occupation duration. Taken together, the criteria we identify aide in better identifying fossil warrens in fossil sites as well as evaluate the integrity of the deposits. Finally, our results also add precision to environmental, biostratigraphic and palaeoethnographic interpretations.

- by Maxime Pelletier and +3
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- Taphonomy, Bioturbation, Skeletal Representation, Oryctolagus cuniculus

Although the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is used both in agronomics and in research, genomic resources for this species are still limited and no microsatellite-based genetic map has been reported. Our aim was to construct a rabbit genetic map with cytogenetically mapped microsatellites so as to build an integrated genetic and cytogenetic map. A reference population of 187 rabbits comprising eight three-generation families with 10-25 offspring per family was produced. One hundred and ninety-four of 305 previously identified microsatellites were included in this study. Of these, 158 were polymorphic with two to seven alleles. The map reported here comprises 111 markers, including 104 INRA microsatellites, five microsatellites from another source and two phenotypic markers (angora and albino). Ninety markers were integrated into 20 linkage groups. The remaining 21 microsatellites mapped to separate linkage groups, 19 with a precise cytogenetic position and two with only a chromosomal assignment. The genetic map spans 2766.6 cM and covers 20 rabbit chromosomes, excluding chromosomes 20, 21 and X. The density of this map is limited, but we used it to verify the location of angora and albino on chromosomes 15q and 1q, respectively, in agreement with previously published data. This first generation genetic/cytogenetic map will help gene identification and quantitative trait loci mapping projects in rabbit.

- by C. Chantry-Darmon
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- Genetics, Zoology, Animal Genetics, Animal

Se ha seguido la dinámica de los vivares y de las poblaciones naturales de conejo en 6 áreas distintas de 3 fincas de los Montes de Toledo. Se han elegido dos indicadores, el porcentaje de bocas activas (estimador de abundancia) y el porcentaje
de bocas con indicios de reproducción. La abundancia de conejo
detectado se muestra muy dependiente no sólo de la actividad de los vivares, sino de la reproducción existente en los mismos.

A method utilizing PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) in the mitochondrial genes was developed for beef (Bos taurus), pork (Sus scrofa), buffalo (Bubalus bubali), quail (Coturnix coturnix), chicken (Gallus gallus), goat (Capra hircus), rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) species identification and Halal authentication. PCR products of 359-bp were successfully obtained from the cyt b gene of these six meats. AluI, BsaJI, RsaI, MseI, and BstUI enzymes were identified as potential restriction endonucleases to differentiate the meats. The genetic differences within the cyt b gene among the meat were successfully confirmed by PCR-RFLP. A reliable typing scheme of species which revealed the genetic differences among the species was developed.

- by Handan Balta
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- Chemical Engineering, Genetics, Meat Science, Forensic Science

Introduced carnivores have had a significant impact on the fauna of a number of countries, particularly on islands. In the British Isles, several offshore islands holding internationally important aggregations of seabirds and shorebirds support self-sustaining feral ferret Mustela furo populations, often as the top terrestrial predator. However, little is known about the interactions between ferrets and both native and non-native prey in these locations. We examined the diet of feral ferrets on Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland. We determined the frequency of occurrence of prey items and constructed energetic models to determine their potential impact on both native and introduced prey. Rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus occurred in 75% of scats, while birds, carrion and brown rats Rattus norvegicus were important secondary items. There was little difference between the diets of males and females. Estimates of the energy requirements of the population at current, and with hypothetically reduced, rabbit availability revealed the potential for carrion to maintain the ferret population over winter. Management options could thus focus on reducing anthropogenic food sources as an immediate way of mitigating the threat to ground-nesting birds while other strategies, including eradication, are considered.

- by Thomas Bodey
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- Zoology, Invasive Species, Northern Ireland, Oryctolagus cuniculus

El presente trabajo se realizó en la Granja de Animales Menores de la Universidad Agraria La Molina en Oryctolagus cuniculus, dos de raza Rex Chinchilla y dos de raza Rex Negro; los cuales presentaban heridas oculares y genitales teniendo complicaciones para la reproducción. Se realizaron hisopados de los genitales externos de los animales enfermos; dichas muestras fueron sometidas a observación en microscopio de campo oscuro, observándose la presencia de espiroquetas. Además se tomaron muestras de sangre, las cuales fueron positivas a Treponema spp. mediante la prueba de VDRL. Los resultados sugirieron la presencia de infección por Treponema spp. (Sífilis) en conejos, una enfermedad de transmisión sexual (ETS). Se planteó como alternativa farmacológica el consumo y uso de un extracto de Lippia spp., Plantago major, Urtica spp., en concentraciones de 40gr/lt cada una, en una dosis de 5ml por vía oral e hisopados en heridas por un periodo de dos meses y medio. Clínicamente los resultados fueron positivos para la eliminación de exudados y regeneración de lesiones. Se pudo comprobar efecto antibiótico en lesiones externas, se recomienda seguir en proceso de investigación como alternativas farmacológicas naturales para tratamientos veterinarios en áreas rurales.

- by Merelyn Valdivia-Díaz
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- Treponema, Oryctolagus cuniculus, Sífilis

The study of avian diet is one of the most commonly discussed topics in Ornithology. Different methods such as direct observations of hunting, analysis of pellets and collection of prey remains have usually been employed to study avian diet. Fortunately, digital technologies have rapidly advanced in recent years, allowing researchers to increase our understanding of avian behaviour. Here we report the outcomes of a pilot project to study the diet of Bonelli's eagle (Aquila fasciata, Syn = Hieraaetus fasciatus) during the nestling period using digital trail cameras. We describe the monitoring system, provide results on dietary composition and discuss advantages and shortcomings of the method employed. Our results show that the main prey delivered to nests were pigeons (Columba spp.) and common rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). One advantage of the method is the relative low cost of the material employed in contrast to digital video cameras. Disadvantages were the limited duration of power supply of the units and, because recordings can only be obtained at the end of the breeding season, it is not possible to fix the device if a problem arises. Nevertheless, in the light of our results, we recommend the use of digital trail cameras as an efficient, non-intrusive method to study the diet of cliff-nesting raptors, given that, in combination with traditional methods, it facilitates estimation of dietary composition in an objective, economic, contrastable and unbiased manner.

- by Vicente Urios
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- Zoology, Digital Video, Power Supply, Oryctolagus cuniculus

The effect of the digestion process in the gastro-intestinal tract (GIT) of animal models on the fate and integrity of plant DNA has been widely evaluated since DNA availability and integrity is a key factor for hypothetical horizontal gene transfer of recombinant DNA from GM crop-derived feeds to animal and human gut microflora. In this study, plant DNA sequences from high and low copy number genes were monitored in GIT and tissues of buffaloes and rabbits. Using a real-time PCR approach to track plant DNA in animal samples, we demonstrated the persistence of fragmented plant DNA blood and tissues of buffaloes and rabbits raised with conventional feeding.

- by Caterina Morcia
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- Microflora of the Gut, Horizontal Gene Transfer, Animal Production, real time PCR
- by Alfred Sanchis
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- Oryctolagus cuniculus
- by Never Bonino
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- Exotic Species, Biological Invasion, Oryctolagus cuniculus
- by Ignacio García-bocanegra
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- Logistic Regression, Veterinary, Spain, Biological Sciences

Depuis la fin du XIXe siècle, l’Europe occidentale a fait l’objet de très nombreux travaux pour étudier les modes de subsistance des sociétés préhistoriques. À partir du Paléolithique moyen, les Hommes vont alors s’intéresser au petit gibier, tels que les léporidés, taxons relativement abondants sur ce territoire. Or, distinguer l’origine de leur accumulation dans un site archéologique ne constitue pas une tâche aisée tant les agents pouvant en être responsables sont nombreux (i.e. mortalité naturelle, humains, carnivores terrestres, rapaces nocturnes ou diurnes). Dans cette contribution, nous avons mené des études taphonomique et paléontologique sur les léporidés de Regourdou, gisement moustérien ayant livré le squelette d’un Néandertalien. Les indices recensés suggèrent qu’aucun prédateur n’est intervenu dans les processus d’accumulation des restes de lièvres et de lapins, mais leurs assemblages seraient dus, respectivement, à une mortalité naturelle de type accidentelle et de type attritionnelle. La mise en évidence du premier processus montre que la cavité aurait fonctionné comme un aven-piège à un moment donné de son histoire, tandis que le second révèle l’existence d’une Garenne in situ, interprétée comme la dernière occupation du site durant le MIS 4 ou 3, avant la fin du comblement sédimentaire. Les variations morphologiques et de taille corporelle des individus permettent également de préciser les changements d’ordre paléo-environnementaux depuis le début du fonctionnement du site, confirmant l’attribution des niveaux inférieurs à la période tempérée du MIS 5, et les niveaux supérieurs à une phase plus récente du MIS 4 ou 3.

- by Maxime Pelletier
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- Paleontology, Taphonomy, Middle Palaeolithic, Oryctolagus cuniculus

Although the occurrence of burned bones in the archeological record has been widely investigated, very few studies have focused on the distinction of temporality in burned bones assemblages, which would be useful in helping to identify human activity areas, as well as distinguishing combustion residues from those resulting from other activities. In this work, we present the results of an experiment designed to characterize direct/indirect thermal alteration of rabbit bones, based on macroscopic and microscopic surface features. These results are then compared with an archeological burned bone assemblage associated with various Middle Paleolithic combustion structures from El Salt Stratigraphic Unit X (Alicante, Spain). In the experimental assemblage, we observed that rabbit bones tossed into a fire were strongly altered, while bones thrown on the cooled ashes and lying on the surface beneath the fire or slightly buried, were not. We observed a strong thermal surface alteration of fresh bone (color changes, high degrees of fragmentation, cracks and structural changes on the cortical surface), while dry bone showed only color changes. Taking this data into account when analyzing the archeological assemblage, we observed surface features corresponding to thermally altered fresh bone and others more like thermally altered dry bone. Crucially , the archaeological specimens are associated with black layers of combustion structures and exhibit signs of trampling. The results suggest that fresh bones were trampled into human occupation surfaces and were subsequently unintentionally or indirectly burned due to their position beneath hearths, along with other dry bones present there. Our study shows that investigating ways to distinguish temporality in burned bones may be a good tool for isolating different depositional events and thus contributing to archeological palimpsest dissection.

- by Leopoldo J. Pérez Luis and +1
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- Experimental Archaeology, Palimpsests, Neanderthals (Palaeolithic Archaeology), Vertebrate taphonomy
- by murat toplar
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- New Zealand, Oryctolagus cuniculus, Veterinary Sciences, Thoracic Aorta

Wild rabbit; diet; feeding strategies;

- by José Vingada
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- Zoology, Oryctolagus cuniculus, Sand Dune Ecology

To test whether predator odor exposure negatively affects the behavior of prey, we exposed three groups of male house mice (Mus musculus) to the odors of cat (Felis catus) urine, rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) urine and water (control), respectively, for consecutive 58 days and investigated how the treatments affected the response, aggressiveness, dominance, urinary attractiveness to females and pheromone composition of male mice. Compared to mice exposed to rabbit urine or water, those exposed to cat odor did not show any response habituation to the cat odor and became more aggressive, increased mark urine production and were more attractive to females when the latter were tested with their urine. Furthermore, gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry analysis revealed coincident elevations of the well-known male pheromones, E,E-a-farnesene, E-b-farnesene, R,R-dehydroexo-brevicomin or S-2-sec-butyl-dihydrothiazole. In addition, rabbit urine exposure increased urinary attractiveness to females and pheromonal levels of the males in comparison with the mice exposed to water. This could be related to olfactory enrichment of heterospecific chemosignals, suggesting that predator odors were more beneficial. In light of these anti-intuitional findings in the chemical interaction between cats and mice, we conclude that predator odor affects prey more profoundly than previously believed and that its impact may not always be negative.

- by Milos Novotny and +1
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- Zoology, Ethology, Mass Spectrometry, Negative Affect

The production of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) is a major defense mechanism against pathogen infestation and of particular importance for insects relying exclusively on an innate immune system. Here, we report on the characterization of three AMPs from the carpenter ant Camponotus floridanus. Due to sequence similarities and amino acid composition these peptides can be classified into the cysteine-rich (e.g. defensin) and glycine-rich (e.g. hymenoptaecin) AMP groups, respectively. The gene and cDNA sequences of these AMPs were established and their expression was shown to be induced by microbial challenge. We characterized two different defensin genes. The defensin-2 gene has a single intron, whereas the defensin-1 gene has two introns. The deduced amino acid sequence of the C. floridanus defensins is very similar to other known ant defensins with the exception of a short C-terminal extension of defensin-1. The hymenoptaecin gene has a single intron and a very peculiar domain structure. The corresponding precursor protein consists of a signal-and a pro-sequence followed by a hymenoptaecin-like domain and six directly repeated hymenoptaecin domains. Each of the hymenoptaecin domains is flanked by an EAEP-spacer sequence and a RR-site known to be a proteolytic processing site. Thus, proteolytic processing of the multipeptide precursor may generate several mature AMPs leading to an amplification of the immune response. Bioinformatical analyses revealed the presence of hymenoptaecin genes with similar multipeptide precursor structure in genomes of other ant species suggesting an evolutionary conserved important role of this gene in ant immunity.

- by Matteo Cammarata
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- Microbiology, Immunology, Veterinary Microbiology, Computational Biology
- by Stephanie Buijs and +1
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- Social Behaviour, Animal Behaviour, Biological Sciences, Spatial Distribution

The purpose of this study was to find a practical procedure for the extraction of progesterone (P4) from feces and to determine if the P4 plasma profiles during pregnancy were reflected in the total fecal P4 of pregnant rabbits. The rabbit was used as model for the techniques. Plasma and feces were collected from 11 rabbits during a period of 42 days. Three different methods of P4 extraction were used. The total P4 was measured by solid-phase radioimmunoassay (RIA) with 125 I-P4 as the tracer. Results suggested that it was possible to extract total P4 from rabbit feces with methanol and petroleum ether. Plasma and fecal P4 profiles were compared for both pregnant and ovariectomized rabbits. It was possible to differentiate total P4 extracted from day two through 28 after breeding (p<0.01).

- by Ives Bueno
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- Oryctolagus cuniculus, Extraction Method, Radioimmunoassay

The breeding biology of the Red Kite Milvus milvus is still little known in the southern part of its range (Mediterranean), despite recent conservation concerns and major declines in most insular populations (Sicily, Sardinia and Balearics). We report here on the breeding biology of the Red Kite in Corsica in 1996-99 and on recent population trends there. In a 42-km 2 study area located in the northwest of the island (Balagne region), breeding density was locally high (1.17-1.78 breeding pairs/km 2 ). Breeding dispersion ranged from loosely colonial to dispersed, with average nearest-neighbour distance of 444 ± 316 m (range 50-2000) (all data as means ± sd). Kites established breeding territories in January-February, and 92.4% of territorial pairs laid a clutch ( n = 238). Laying took place between February and May (mean lay date: 27 March ± 16 days, n = 147). Clutch size averaged 2.44 ± 0.71 (1-5 eggs, n = 96), hatching success 66.9% and fledging success 78.6%. Productivity averaged 1.33 ± 0.88 young per breeding attempt ( n = 221) and 1.65 ± 0.65 young per successful breeding attempt ( n = 173). Overall breeding success was 51.4 ± 38.0% ( n = 88). We describe the growth of young (wing, weight, tarsus and bill) and show a marked seasonal decline in clutch size and breeding performance, with pairs laying earlier producing larger clutches and being more successful than later breeding pairs. Unlike most other insular Mediterranean Red Kite populations that have recently declined, the breeding population in the northwest of Corsica, which accounts for c .

- by Bretagnolle Vincent
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- Information Systems, Zoology, Western Europe, Ecology

- by Lesley Maurice
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- Chemical Engineering, Genetics, Meat Science, Forensic Science

Chile's wildlife began & 1888 and has evolved especially rapidly s&ce 1990. Legal forms of exploiting Chile's vertebrates (hunting and commercialization) never reached levels typical of most other Latin American nations, and with the imposition of stringent new regulations in 1993 have virtually ceased for all but a small number of bird species, two introduced deer, vertebrate pests, and the two introduced lagomorphs (European hare Lepus timidus and European rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus) that are exploited commercially in southern Chile. Fortunately, the new regulations brought an end to a worrisome surge in the export of reptiles and amphibians, which now enjoy full protection. Captive breeding of fur-bearers and game species (both birds and mammals) continues at moderate levels. Nevertheless, illegal use and commercialization of wildlife is not yet under control, and even Chilean species which are fully protected on paper, continue to generate a substantial clandestine traffic, primarily across the southern frontier to Argentina. Likewise, Chile continues to serve as the transshipment point for wildlife smuggled from other South American countries to the north and east. Thus, the problem lies not in regulations, which are already extensive and strict, but rather in enforcement. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd

The domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) became a common pet nowadays, therefore the number of animals treated increases day after day. Is not rare to find hairballs inside the stomach of rabbits, but other objects may cause serio us obstruction. The present works tells the case of a 3-year-old, female, domestic rabbit that was referred to the Veterinary Teac hing Hospital

- by Carlos Beck
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- Rio Grande do Sul, Oryctolagus cuniculus

For several decades, the populations of the European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) have declined, which is partly due to myxomatosis. Vaccination against this disease is expected to contribute to restoration of rabbit populations but the actual impact of myxomatosis is not well known and vaccination might have some negative effects. We analyzed the capture-mark-recapture data obtained in a 4-year field experiment (1991)(1992)(1993)(1994) in a park near Paris, France wherein 300 out of 565 seronegative juvenile rabbits were vaccinated at first capture against myxomatosis with the nontransmissible Dervaximyxo SG33# vaccine. After accounting for weight at first capture, age-class (juvenile/adult), ''trap-happiness'' and season (spring/ autumn) of the capture event, vaccinated rabbits had 1.8-fold greater odds of surviving than the unvaccinated rabbits. The average summer survival risk for vaccinated juveniles was 0.63 (AE0.08 S.E.) whereas it was 0.48 (AE0.08 S.E.) for unvaccinated juvenile rabbits. #

Summary The breeding biology, behaviour and diet of the Little Eagle Hieraaetus morphnoides were studied throughout 110 hours of observation from nest-renovation until early in the nestling period, and by analysis of prey remains and pellets, at three nests in the New England region of northern New South Wales in 2006. Supplementary observations and collections of food remains were made

- by Stephen Debus
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- New South Wales, Egg Laying, Oryctolagus cuniculus, New England

Summary The breeding biology, behaviour and diet of the Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax were studied by 156 hours of observation from nest-renovation to the post-fledging period, and by analysis of prey remains and pellets, at one nest in the New England region of northern New South Wales in 2005. Supplementary observations and collections of food remains were made at three and two other nests, respectively. Egg-laying occurred in June (n = 5 clutches). At one nest, incubation (by both sexes) lasted 43±2 days, the nestling period lasted 90 days to first flight from the nest-tree (with the young venturing to branches in the nest-tree from 78 days), and the post-fledging dependence period lasted 4 months. Sex- roles, parental behaviour and time-budgets in each phase are described and quantified, and juvenile growth and behavioural development are described. Fledgling productivity was 1.2 young per pair (1.8 per successful pair) in 2005 (n = 6 pairs), and 0.8 young per pair per year in...

- by Stephen Debus
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- New South Wales, Egg Laying, Oryctolagus cuniculus, New England

Translocation of European wild rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus L. is one of the most frequent management tools to increase rabbit density in Spain, both as prey of several predators that are threatened with extinction and for sport hunting. Nevertheless the elevated short-term mortality by predation makes translocations unsuccessful and increases their biological cost. Information on the factors affecting the short-term survival and dispersal of translocated rabbits is required to improve release management and increase performance of translocated rabbits, and to avoid the use of non-selective lethal methods for predator control. In this study we tested electric fencing and night-shooting as alternative to traditional release protocols, and the effects of vegetation cover and warren fencing on short-term survival and dispersal of rabbits. Night shooting performed during the first nights after release increased significantly the survival of rabbits, by hindering the activity of carnivores in the release area. The use of an electric fence enclosure also increased the performance of rabbits, but was not efficient to constraint rabbit dispersal. Rabbits released in areas with low vegetation cover showed higher mortality and dispersal distances than rabbits released in high cover areas. Warren fencing decreased both the dispersal of rabbits and the adverse impact of predation in low cover areas, but had no effect in high cover areas. Selection of high cover areas or warren fencing in low cover areas seem to be the most advantageous release conditions to decrease the short-term predation impact, reducing the biological cost of rabbit translocations and the risks for endangered predators derived from the use of traditional predator control practices during translocations.

The aim of this study was to investigate effects of lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT) on clinical, hematological, biochemical and pathological alterations in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). New Zealand white female rabbits (n ¼ 24) of 4À5 months age having 997.92 + 32.83 g weight were divided into four equal groups. Group A (control) received normal saline intraperitoneally (ip). Animals in groups B, C and D were treated with LCT 1.0, 4.0 and 8.0 mg/kg bw ip. Each group received seven consecutive doses at an interval of 48 hours. Blood and serum samples were collected at an interval of 96 hours. Blood analysis revealed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in red blood cell and white blood cell counts, hemoglobin concentration and lymphocytes, while mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular volume, neutrophils, monocytes and eosinophils were increased. Serum biochemical analysis revealed significant (p < 0.05) decrease in serum total proteins and serum albumin, while an increase was seen in serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities compared with the control group. Serum globulin values varied non-significantly in all treatment groups as compared to control group. A dose-dependent increase in the incidence of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocyte was observed. All gross and histopathological lesions observed in LCT-treated rabbits were dose-dependent. Liver of the treated rabbits exhibited extensive perihepatitis, hyperplasia of bile duct, necrosis, hemorrhages and congestion. In lungs, there were hemorrhages, thickened alveolar walls, congestion, emphysema, collapsed alveoli and accumulation of extensive inflammatory cells. Kidneys were congested and hemorrhagic whereas renal parenchyma and stroma were normal. Microscopically, heart showed congestion of blood vessels and nuclear pyknosis, myodegeneration. It was concluded from the study that LCT produced toxicopathological alterations in rabbits in a dose-dependent manner. On the basis of the results, it can be suggested that overdosing of LCT be avoided while treating animals for ectoparasites.

- by Ahrar Khan
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- DNA damage, Human, Insecticides, Liver

The seasonal and spatial pattern of diet composition of a population of wild rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus L. occupying a southern Portuguese montado was estimated using the n-alkane technique. The diet was analysed in terms of components that are relevant to habitat management. The dietary categories considered were gum cistus leaves and¯owers, cork oak and holm oak seedlings and acorns, cereals, olive tree regrowth and grass-forb species. The objectives were to assess the changes in diet across seasons in relation to the reproductive cycle of the rabbits, and to relate these changes to herbaceous biomass availability and to habitat structure, in terms of density of scrub cover and accessibility to arable crops. The results demonstrated that the diet was dominated by grass-forbs, and cereals when they were available. Browse was an important component of the diet and became more important in a year of low herbaceous biomass availability and in areas dominated by dense scrub. A similar phenomenon was observed in relation to consumption of acorns in winter. Seasonal and spatial variation in diet composition suggested a strategy aimed at maintaining a high quality diet. This was supported by the observed high dry matter digestibility of the diet during most of the year. The relevance of growing arable crops and providing fodder, as a means of increasing the carrying capacity of montados for rabbits and protecting the natural regeneration of trees, is discussed.

- by Helena Martins
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- Zoology, Biomass, Biological Sciences, Seasonality
- by Jan Votýpka
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- Microbiology, Zoology, Molecular Evolution, Evolution

Antibodies raised against a Lagovirus were found in healthy rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus sampled in 2003 and 2004 in the Kerguelen archipelago. The serological test we used enabled the detection of antibodies due to both pathogenic and non-pathogenic viruses related to the rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV). The overall proportion of seropositive rabbits was 35% and differed between sites. Since previous studies have failed to detect antibodies raised against pathogenic RHDV strains, the antibodies detected in the present study were likely due to non-pathogenic strains. The interest of these strains circulating in the Kerguelen archipelago is that they have evolved independently of those detected in the other parts of the world and should derive from an ancestral RHDV precursor. Their characterization may help understanding the evolution of the virus and the emergence of the disease.

- by Ghislaine Le Gall-Reculé
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- Biological Sciences, Oryctolagus cuniculus, Polar Biology

To provide re-description of Cryptosporidium cuniculus Inman and Takeuchi, 1979 (synonymous with rabbit genotype), a species closely related to Cryptosporidium hominis, the morphology, natural and experimental host specificity, and genetic characterisation were investigated. The morphology and diagnostic characteristics are typical of other intestinal species of Cryptosporidium, albeit with slightly larger oocysts (5.55-6.40 Â 5.02-5.92 lm; mean 5.98 Â 5.38 lm; length:width = 1.1; n = 50). Natural hosts appear to be European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and humans (Homo sapiens). Experimental infections have been established in weanling rabbits (O. cuniculus), immunosuppressed Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) and immunosuppressed adult Porton strain mice (Mus musculus), but not in neonatal mice. Patterns of infection measured by oocyst shedding are significantly different compared with C. hominis, particularly in rabbits. Histological examination reveals endogenous stages in the brush border of the epithelium of the small intestinal villi, but clinical signs are absent. Inoculation of human HCT-8 cells results in discrete clusters of endogenous stages. A close relationship with C. hominis is inferred from molecular analyses at the ssrRNA, 70 kDa heat shock protein (HSP70), actin, Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein (COWP), 60 kDa glycoprotein (GP60) genes and a region encoding a product of unknown function (LIB13). Sequences contained limited, consistent polymorphisms at the ssrRNA, HSP70 and actin genes, were identical at the COWP and LIB13 genes and demonstrated two unique families at the GP60 gene. Although genetically closely related, there are significant biological differences between C. cuniculus and C. hominis that support these protozoa being separate species. This is based on the current understanding of these organisms and relies on the assumption that mating between these species would not normally occur. If this is subsequently demonstrated their categorisation may need to be readdressed.

- by Kristin Elwin
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- Genetics, Microbiology, Zoology, Microscopy

This article evaluates the seed dispersal systems of two congeneric and endemic fleshy-fruited plants in the context of two relatively close oceanic archipelagos. For this purpose, representative populations of the endangered junipers Juniperus cedrus in the Canary Islands and Madeira, and Juniperus brevifolia in the Azores were studied. Despite both species sharing the same biogeographic region, we set out to test whether different conditions of the islands and biological characteristics of each juniper species determine the distinctive guilds of seed dispersers involved. We assessed the quantitative and qualitative role of the potential frugivores, showing that the wintering Turdus torquatus and the native Turdus merula were the main seed dispersers for J. cedrus and J. brevifolia, respectively (Frequency of occurrence: 74.9%, 80.2%; germination increase with respect to controls: 11.6%, 15.5%; for J. cedrus and J. brevifolia, respectively). The endemic lizard Gallotia galloti was quantitatively outstanding as seed disperser of J. cedrus, although its qualitative effect does not appear to be beneficial. The introduced rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus acts as a disruptor in both natural seed dispersal systems, as inferred from the high percentage of damaged seeds found in their droppings. Our results indicate that J. cedrus and J. brevifolia are primarily adapted to ornithochory processes, T. torquatus and T. merula being their respective legitimate long-distance dispersers. Although these birds should be playing a key role in the connectivity of fragmented populations, the dependence of J. cedrus on a migrant bird involves a notable fragility of the system.

- by Catarina Melo
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- Plant Ecology, Plant Biology, Seed Dispersal, Ecology

The work is described by microscopic analysis, the serological analysis (IFAT) and the molecular analysis of isolates from clinical samples (blood, faeces and urine) from ten domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), breed Maličký, four New Zealand domestic rabbits, 11 sows of breed Slo0076akian Improved White and 15 clinically healthy laboratory BALB/c mice. The aim of the study was to validate the suitability of species-unspecific primer pairs 530F and 580R for genotype determination of the Microsporidia strain and species-specific primer pairs ECUNF and ECUNR, SINTF and SINTR and EBIER1 and EBIEF1 for the determination of Encephalitozoon cuniculi, Encephalitozoon intestinalis and Enterocytozoon bieneusi species for diagnostic purposes. Sequences of animals were compared with those from the GenBank database. In rabbits, two murine genotypes II and four canine genotypes III were identified. Genotype II was identified in mice. The Encephalitozoon intestinalis identified in the sample from swine showed no genetic heterogeneity.

- by Alexandra Valencakova and +1
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- Genetics, Microbiology, Parasitology, Veterinary Medicine

Se han realizado 30 transectos de abundancia de conejo comparando 3 zonas cazadas y 3 zonas sin cazar de los Montes de Toledo, desde 2003 hasta 2007. Para comprobar si la caza afecta de forma diferencial a las variaciones en la abundancia
de conejo se realiza un análisis ANOVA de medidas repetidas. Los resultados muestran que aquellos transectos en los que se caza mantienen mayores abundancias de conejo y que la caza incide positivamente sobre la evolución de la abundancia del conejo de monte.

A bstract. Abundance of the European hare (Lepus europaeus Pallas, 1778) has been declining dramatically in Europe. In the framework of our long-term ecological studies in the juniper forest at Bugac, Hungary, we have also monitored its... more

- by Nuno Bicho
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- Archaeology, Geochemistry, Archaeological Science, Upper Paleolithic