Natural Sciences Journal Articles
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Item Editorial: Fundamental knowledge on forgotten species: An exploration of data from rarely studied captive animals(MDPI (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute), 2023-01-09) Descovich, K.; Kemp, Caralyn; Rendle, J.; Unitec, Te Pūkenga; University of Queensland; University of Nottingham; Murdoch UniversityZoological institutions contribute a large amount of fundamental and applied knowledge on a diverse array of animal species. Despite this significant contribution, published research conducted within zoos or other captive wildlife facilities has historically been skewed toward charismatic mammals [1], which comprise only a small proportion of the species that are maintained in zoological collections, and are not reflective of taxonomic group sizing. Modern zoos play an important role in developing effective animal welfare, conservation, and environmental education; therefore, this shortfall in knowledge on “forgotten species” may have large, unseen, and negative impacts. 1. Non-avian reptiles 2. Birds 3. Amphibians 4. Sharks 5. Mammals [NOTE: This article belongs to the Special Issue Fundamental Knowledge on Forgotten Species: An Exploration of Data from Rarely Studied Captive Animals)] The aim of this special issue was to encourage the reporting and publication of data on rarely studied species within captive facilities. This collection of 14 papers brings to light new information on a diverse range of taxonomic groups, from reptiles and birds, to amphibians and sharks.Item Leptospira spp. and Dirofilaria immitis in dogs in Tonga: a pilot study(Mark Allen Group - MA Health Care Ltd., 2023-04) Naden, Kristina; Harder, Kate; Unitec, Te PūkengaDogs are common in Tonga and exist in a close relationship with humans, both as free-ranging pets and guard dogs for domestic properties. Little is known about pathogens present in these animals, and this pilot study aimed to develop a methodology to identify the presence of zoonotic pathogens Leptospira spp. and Dirofilaria immitis (the causative agent of heartworm), in a sample of 82 dogs voluntarily presented to a spey/neuter clinic, using blood samples and point-of-care tests. No positive tests were returned for Leptospira spp. or D. immitis, despite the presence of Leptospira spp. having previously being identified in Tonga.Item Comparison of chemical profiles of Kānuka (Kunzea robusta de Lange & Toelken, Myrtaceae) essential oils(Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Phytochemical Society of Europe, 2023-07-06) Lewe, N.; Young, M.; Vorster, J.; Paenga, B.; Skinner, D.; Harcourt, N.; de Lange, Peter; Haira, T.; Blockley-Powell, S.; Munkasci, A.; Kaysers, R.; Victoria University of Wellington; Hikurangi Bioactives Limited Partnership (Ruatōria, N.Z.); Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research New Zealand Ltd; Unitec, Te PūkengaHIGHLIGHTS • Pilot study statistically comparing GCMS and NMR data of kānuka essential oils. • Both analytical platforms deliver statistically consistent results. • Either approach is suitable for chemometrics analysis of kānuka. •Determination of absolute configuration of α-pinene as (+)-enantiomer. ABSTRACT Kānuka/rawirinui (Kunzea robusta de Lange & Toelken) is an endemic plant species in Aotearoa/New Zealand, which is still used today and traditionally by Māori. Chemical profiling of kānuka essential oils has been performed previously, although comprehensive studies are rare, as is the integration of multiple analytical platforms. In this study, we wished to compare the use of GCMS and NMR metabolomic methods for the analysis of eleven kānuka essential oils, and to apply statistical tools to evaluate how well the data sets corresponded. The main compounds detected were α-pinene (35-59%), p-cymene (0.1-19%), γ-terpinene (not detected-12%), α-terpinolene (0.1-4%), linalool (1-5%), limonene (2-3%), eucalyptol (0.1-7%) and sesquiterpenoid viridiflorol (2-9%). Use of Procrustes analysis to compare the analytical data obtained from a pilot study using both GCMS and NMR metabolomic profiling indicated a high level of correlation between the data sets, suggesting either approach is suitable for analysis of kānuka essential oils in an unbiased fashion. In addition, we also report on the absolute configuration of the major component of the essential oil, (+)-D-α-pinene.Item Hierarchical structure and feeding behaviors of free-range hens (Gallus gallus domesticus)(University of California eScholarship, 2023-05-09) Briden, K.A.; Adams, Nigel; Cameron, Kristie; Unitec, Te PūkengaChickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) are a social species and will form a hierarchy through agonistic dyadic encounters. This hierarchy will affect how different members of the flock access food, which may affect the specific feeding behaviors of the hens. The hierarchy of a 20-hen flock was determined by analyzing videoed dyadic encounters between the hens and creating a dominance matrix. The feeding behaviors were assessed by simultaneously offering free food via a feeder and food distributed in the grass requiring foraging. Overall, all hens preferred to forage, however, significantly more dominant birds ate at the feeder than neutral or subordinate birds. Foraging is a natural behavior that chickens will innately perform and is related to a positive welfare state. The methodology for determining the flock hierarchy and measuring feeding choices could be tested within the intensive farming environment to elucidate potential effects of dominance on feeding methods in commercial hens.Item Genetic analysis of a genus of plant mimics (Alseuosmia A.Cunn; Alseuosmiaceae) reveals incongruence between morphology and phylogeny and possible mimetic polymorphism(Linnean Society of London, 2023-11-17) Shepherd, L.D.; Townsend, A.; de Lange, Peter; Perrie, L.R.; Unitec, Te Pūkenga; Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa; New Zealand. Department of ConservationAlseuosmia (Alseuosmiaceae) is an endemic New Zealand genus of small trees and shrubs, which is unusual in that some taxa appear to morphologically mimic unrelated species. The taxonomy of the group has long been debated, with the extreme morphological diversity in A. banksii causing much of the confusion. Here we use ddRADseq to examine the genetic relationships between species of the genus, with a particular focus on the morphological forms of A. banksii. Our analyses revealed that for species in the northern part of the distribution, genetic relationships largely matched geography rather than species boundaries based on morphology, and that hybridization between morphs appears to be common. A diversity of morphologies is present within these northern Alseuosmia, including multiple forms that appear to mimic unrelated genera, and these may constitute a single gene pool. Further south, two species (A. turneri and A. pusilla) were genetically distinct in sympatry. We suggest maintaining the current taxonomy until further research can be undertaken.