• Title/Summary/Keyword: Korean aquatic wildlife

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Trypanosoma brucei Infection in Asymptomatic Greater Kudus (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) on a Game Ranch in Zambia

  • Munang'andu, Hetron Mweemba;Siamudaala, Victor;Munyeme, Musso;Nambota, Andrew;Mutoloki, Stephen;Matandiko, Wigganson
    • Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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    • v.48 no.1
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    • pp.67-69
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    • 2010
  • Trypomastogotes of Trypanosoma brucei were detected from 4 asymptomatic kudus (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) on a game ranch located approximately 45 km north east of Lusaka, Zambia. Blood smears examined from 14 wildlife species comprising of the impala (Aepyceros melampus), Kafue lechwe (kobus leche kafuensis), sable antelope (Hippotragus niger), tsessebe (Damaliscus lunatus), warthog (Phacochoerus aethiopicus), puku (Kobus vardoni), zebra (Equus burchelli), waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus), bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus), reedbuck (Redunca arundinum), wilderbeest (Connochaetes taurinus), hartebeest (Alcephelus lichtensteini), African buffalo (Syncerus caffer), and kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) showed that only the kudu had T. brucei. Although game ranching has emerged to be a successful ex-situ conservation strategy aimed at saving the declining wildlife population in the National Parks, our findings suggest that it has the potential of aiding the re-distribution of animal diseases. Hence, there is a need for augmenting wildlife conservation with disease control strategies aimed at reducing the risk of disease transmission between wildlife and domestic animals.

Food and feeding habits of Labeobarbus intermedius in the recently built Ribb Reservoir, Northwest Ethiopia

  • Minwyelet Mingist;Amare Dessie;Dagnew Mequanent;Degsera Aemro
    • Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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    • v.26 no.8
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    • pp.482-490
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    • 2023
  • Food and feeding habits of Labeobarbus intermedius were studied from the newly constructed Ribb Reservoir, Ethiopia during the dry (December-March) season and wet season (June-August) of 2021. The objective of the study was to determine the diet composition, seasonal variation, and ontogenetic dietary shift in the diets of the dominant cyprinid fish in Ribb Reservoir. In this study, frequency of occurrence and volumetric analysis methods were used to present the results. From a total of 203 fish samples, 132 (65%) guts contained food items. Macrophytes (29.4%), phytoplankton (27.2%), detritus (14.8%), and insects (13.6%) were the major food items in the diets volumetrically. During the dry season, L. intermedius was mainly dependent on phytoplankton (58.2%), insects (15.2%), and zooplankton (13.7%) volumetrically. Whereas, macrophytes (50.3%) and detritus (23.3%) were the dominant food items in the wet season. The frequency occurrence and volumetric contribution of the diets of L. intermedius varied significantly (χ2 test, p < 0.05) between seasons. Schoener's diet overlap index revealed a slight ontogenetic dietary shift in the diets of L. intermedius. While insects, nematodes, and zooplankton were the main diets of small-sized L. intermedius, macrophytes and detritus were ingested by large-sized L. intermedius. Generally, L. intermedius fed both plant and animal-origin food items and is considered an omnivorous feeder in Ribb Reservoir.

Isolation and identification of 18 unrecorded prokaryotic species from the intestinal tracts of aquatic animals in Korea

  • Lee, Jae-Yun;Jeong, Yun-Seok;Kim, Pil Soo;Hyun, Dong-Wook;Bae, Jin-Woo
    • Journal of Species Research
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    • v.10 no.1
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    • pp.1-11
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    • 2021
  • Evidence highlighting the importance of gut microbiota in biodiversity conservation is growing; however, gut bacteria in South Korean wildlife have not been well identified. Using a culture-dependent isolation method, we identified the gut bacteria from Korean aquatic wildlife: the gazami crab (Portunus trituberculatus), Korean striped bitterling (Acheilognathus yamatsutae), oily bitterling (Acheilognathus koreensis), leopard mandarin fish (Siniperca scherzeri), Korean dark chub (Zacco koreanus), diving beetle (Cybister lewisianus), spotted steed (Abbottina springeri), and Korean spotted sleeper (Odontobutis obscura interrupta). We identified 18 strains previously unrecorded in South Korea by comparing 16S rRNA gene sequences of isolates against the EzBioCloud and National Institute of Biological Resources(NIBR) databases. The isolated strains belong to the phyla Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria. We also assessed for phylogenetic relatedness, Gram-stain reaction, colony and cell morphology, and biochemical characteristics. Basic information and 16S rRNA gene sequences of the isolates were registered in NIBR, and NIBR accession numbers are provided.

Methods for sampling and analysis of marine microalgae in ship ballast tanks: a case study from Tampa Bay, Florida, USA

  • Garrett, Matthew J.;Wolny, Jennifer L.;Williams, B. James;Dirks, Michael D.;Brame, Julie A.;Richardson, R. William
    • ALGAE
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    • v.26 no.2
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    • pp.181-192
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    • 2011
  • Ballasting and deballasting of shipping vessels in foreign ports have been reported worldwide as a vector of introduction of non-native aquatic plants and animals. Recently, attention has turned to ballast water as a factor in the global increase of harmful algal blooms (HABs). Many species of microalgae, including harmful dinoflagellate species, can remain viable for months in dormant benthic stages (cysts) in ballast sediments. Over a period of four years, we surveyed ballast water and sediment of ships docked in two ports of Tampa Bay, Florida, USA. Sampling conditions encountered while sampling ballast water and sediments were vastly different between vessels. Since no single sample collection protocol could be applied, existing methods for sampling ballast were modified and new methods created to reduce time and labor necessary for the collection of high-quality, qualitative samples. Five methods were refined or developed, including one that allowed for a directed intake of water and sediments. From 63 samples, 1,633 dinoflagellate cysts and cyst-like cells were recovered. A native, cyst-forming, harmful dinoflagellate, Alexandrium balechii (Steidinger) F. J. R. Taylor, was collected, isolated, and cultured from the same vessel six months apart, indicating that ships exchanging ballast water in Tampa Bay have the potential to transport HAB species to other ports with similar ecologies, exposing them to non-native, potentially toxic blooms.

Thelazia rhodesii in the African Buffalo, Syncerus caffer, in Zambia

  • Munang'andu, Hetron Mweemba;Chembensofu, Mweelwa;Siamudaala, Victor M.;Munyeme, Musso;Matandiko, Wigganson
    • Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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    • v.49 no.1
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    • pp.91-94
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    • 2011
  • We report 2 cases of Thelazia rhodesii infection in the African buffaloes, Syncerus caffer, in Zambia. African buffalo calves were captured from the livestock and wildlife interface area of the Kafue basin in the dry season of August 2005 for the purpose to translocate to game ranches. At capture, calves (n = 48) were examined for the presence of eye infections by gently manipulating the orbital membranes to check for eye-worms in the conjunctival sacs and corneal surfaces. Two (4.3%) were infected and the mean infection burden per infected eye was 5.3 worms (n=3). The mean length of the worms was 16.4 mm (95% CI; 14.7-18.2 mm) and the diameter 0.41 mm (95% CI; 0.38-0.45 mm). The surface cuticle was made of transverse striations which gave the worms a characteristic serrated appearance. Although the calves showed signs of kerato-conjunctivitis, the major pathological change observed was corneal opacity. The calves were kept in quarantine and were examined thrice at 30 days interval. At each interval, they were treated with 200 ${\mu}g/kg$ ivermectin, and then translocated to game ranches. Given that the disease has been reported in cattle and Kafue lechwe (Kobus lechwe kafuensis) in the area, there is a need for a comprehensive study which aims at determining the disease dynamics and transmission patterns of thelaziasis between wildlife and livestock in the Kafue basin.

Inventory Development according to Aquatic Environment Fitness and Classification Characteristics of Plants for Urban Water Space (수환경 적응도에 따른 식물 목록 구축 및 도시 수 공간에 적용 가능한 식물 분류특성)

  • Li, Lan;Kwon, Hyo Jin;Kim, Hyeong Guk;Park, Mi Ok;Koo, Bonhak;Choi, Il Ki
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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    • v.16 no.2
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    • pp.93-104
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    • 2013
  • The purpose of this study was to develop a list of plants that adapted to the aquatic environment in urban areas based on the list of plants surveyed through literature review and field surveys, and to classify the types of vegetation according to the five categories of plant distributions set by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1988) in the aspect of the adaptability of plants to the aquatic environment. Results of the classification by category according to the adaptability to the aquatic environment for the plant species surveyed through literature review and field surveys showed that there are 45 species of OBL, 96 species of FACW, 66 species of FAC, and 94 species of FACU, totaling 650 species. In addition, a total of 50 species excluding exotic species, endangered species, and naturally introduced plants are proposed as appropriate plants for the urban aquatic environment that will be artificially constructed. The results of the study can be utilized as the basic information for maintaining diversity and stability of the ecosystem during the restoration of water ecology; they can serve as useful data for the development of an optimum vegetation model when planting in water spaces in the future and preparing proper planting plans for each space. In addition, it is believed that the information will be useful in wetland identification and evaluation by observing plant species that appear only in wetlands.

Detection of Babesia spp. in Free-Ranging Pukus, Kobus vardonii, on a Game Ranch in Zambia

  • Munang'andu, Hetron Mweemba;Munyeme, Musso;Nambota, Andrew Mubila;Nalubamba, King Shimumbo;Siamudaala, Victor M.
    • Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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    • v.49 no.4
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    • pp.437-440
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    • 2011
  • Babesia spp. were detected from 4 asymptomatic pukus captured on a game ranch in central Zambia in October 2008. Blood smears were examined in 4 species of aymptomatic free-ranging antelopes, namely the puku (Kobus vordanii), reedbuck (Redunca arundinum), bushbuck (Tragelaphus sylvaticus), and kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), and showed the presence of Babesia parasites only in the puku. In the puku, the prevalence of babesiosis was estimated at 33.3% (n=12), while the overall prevalence in all examined animals was 8.5% (n=47). The parasites showed morphological characteristics of paired ring-like stages with the length varying between $1.61{\mu}m$ and $3.02{\mu}m$ ($mean=2.12{\mu}m$, n=27; $SD=0.76{\mu}m$). Both the infected and non-infected pukus showed good body condition scores (BCS), while the dominant tick species detected from all animals were Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, Rhipicephalus spp., and Boophilus spp. To our knowledge this is the first report of Babesia spp. infection in pukus in Zambia. These findings suggest that wildlife could play an important role in the epidemiology of babesiosis in Zambia.

A Study on the Biotope Planning of Dong-gang River Watershed in Ecological and Landscape Conservation Area (동강 생태·경관보전지역 내 비오톱(Biotope) 조성 계획)

  • Park, Eun Kyoung;Koo, Bon Hak
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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    • v.16 no.4
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    • pp.115-124
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    • 2013
  • This study was conducted to make a biotop planning and construct 3 types of biotop by each site conditions. Three sites of different types in ecological and scenery conservation area of the Dong-gang river were selected by expert brain-storming process and constructed terrestrial biotops and aquatic biotops. Targets of 3 sites were set up such as constructing a habitat for Kaloula borealis and an ecological education place, building a terrestrial biotopes and monitoring the natural vegetation succession, and constructing a habitat for Luciola unmunsana Doi. The study results can be applied hereafter to ecological restoration projects, after construction of habitat, the priority should be prepare measures of monitoring and maintenance, hereafter continuous study on ecological restoration should be performed actively through construction of biotope and wild animals and plants habitat.

Studies on the Water Quality of the Han River Water, and Water Quality Standards (한강의 수질과 수질규준에 관한 고찰)

  • Choe, Sang
    • 한국해양학회지
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    • v.3 no.2
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    • pp.47-54
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    • 1968
  • Monthly mean values for EDTA hardness in the Han River water were determined for March 1966 through May 1967. The hardness was retained a range of 22-59 mg/L the maximum value of 59 mg/L was approached in the months of mid-winter, indicating a seasonal variation. The annual ranges of Ca and Mg were 3.7-9.1 mg/L, 1.5-10.4 mg/L, respectively. The annual range of Mg:Ca ratio was 0.18-2.60. And the hardness correlated closely with Mg volume. In Korea, fortunately, most river waters are not yet suffering from damaging pollution. We must try to establish our water quality criteria based on scientific data, and make research recommendations for the following water uses; public water supplies, aquatic life and wildlife, industry, recreation and aesthetics.

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Vitellogenin as a Biomarker of Endocrine Disrupter in the Aquatic Environment

  • Ryu, Beoung-Ho
    • Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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    • v.14 no.4
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    • pp.408-414
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    • 1999
  • A number of chemical released into the environment eliciting their effects by disrupting normal hormonal pathways. Endocrine disrupting compounds are present in the aquatic environment and pose potential health consequences to wildlife and humans. This review are designing fur xenobiotic estrogens based on induction of the egg-yolk precursor protein vitelloge-nin. In fish of aquatic environment, it may result in decrease fertility and egg production in females or lead to reduced gonad size or feminization of genetic male fish. It has been known that male fish exposed to estrogenic compounds show induced production of vitellogenin. Vitello-genin production is normally restricted to adult females, which have elevated estrogen levels during egg production. However, vitellogenin can be induced in males by Pollution of environmental endocrine disruptors. Consequently, the presence of vitellogenin in male fish can serve as an indicator of exposure of environmental endocrine disrupting compounds. In immature fish pol-luted at low levels of environmental endocrine disrupter, vitellogenin can serve as a reliable biomarker for exposure to endocrine disrupter. This review demonstrates the utility of vitellogenin as a biomarker fur exposure to estrogenin agents in auqatic environment.

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