Alpine Ibex Capra ibex Linnaeus, 1758

Brambilla, Alice; Bassano, Bruno; Biebach, Iris; Bollmann, Kurt; Keller, Lukas F.; Toïgo, Carole; Hardenberg, Achaz von

doi:10.1007/978-3-030-24475-0_32

Cited by 4 publications

(4 citation statements)

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“…Some inconsistencies in the ecology of Caprinae mate acquisition nonetheless remain: species such as Alpine ibex and Alpine chamois Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra , for example, share most of their geographic range, yet display radically different mating systems (Brambilla et al 2022, Corlatti et al 2022b). We speculate that phylogenetic constraints must have imposed some limits on mating system plasticity.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mountain ungulate mating systems: patterns and processes

Corlatti

Lovari

2023

Mammal Review

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1. Mountain ungulates of the subfamily Caprinae, including wild sheep, goats and goat-antelopes, show remarkable interspecific diversity in habitat preferences, social organisation and morphological features. We review how this diversity relates to their mating behaviour. 2. After introducing the ecology of mating systems and the evolution of the Caprinae, we investigate the pairwise, sequential relationships between habitat preferences, social behaviour, level of polygyny, and morphological features, and discuss the ecological processes underlying the patterns of mate monopolisation and acquisition. 3. From forest-dwelling, solitary, monogamous and monomorphic goat-antelopes, to highly dimorphic, polygynous and social wild sheep and goats inhabiting open landscapes, mountain ungulates reveal a close relationship between habitat openness and sexual dimorphism, through the level of sociality and that of mate monopolisation. 4. Although over the last few decades some information has been collected on the biology of Caprinae, our understanding of determinants of their mating systems is still hampered by limited data to estimate opportunities for sexual selection, as well as uncertainties over the occurrence and maintenance of alternative reproductive tactics, and lack of information on female mate choice. 5. The study of mating systems and that of the factors influencing them play a key role from an evolutionary and conservation standpoint. This is relevant to the Caprinae, whose main habitat is expected to be strongly affected by the ongoing climatic change, with potential effects on the phenology of their mating systems, and whose economic value is relevant for consumptive and nonconsumptive uses. A better understanding of the diversity and ecology of mating systems will require a wealth of additional field observations on male and female behaviour, as well as genetic assessments of reproductive success.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mountain ungulate mating systems: patterns and processes

Corlatti

Lovari

2023

Mammal Review

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“…In fact, ibex have high sexual dimorphisms and male are certainly more susceptible to parasitism (Markle and Fish, 2014). In addition, ibex segregate by sex (Brambilla et al, 2022), providing less opportunities for intersexual transmission of parasites. Contrary to females and kids, before the grazing period males feed on patches grazed by domestic sheep (Margaillan, 2021), increasing the probability of infection of males by over-wintering nematodes deposited by livestock during the previous transhumance (O’Connor et al, 2006).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It is important to note that while testosterone is necessary for the development of these secondary sexual characteristics in males, high levels of the testosterone have also been linked to an altered immune system (Klein, 2004), leading to increased parasitism. In addition, ibex segregate by sex (Brambilla et al, 2022), providing less opportunities for intersexual transmission of parasites. Contrary to females and kids, males feed on patches grazed by domestic sheep before the grazing period (Margaillan, 2021), increasing the probability of infection of males by over-wintering nematodes deposited by livestock during the previous transhumance (O’Connor et al, 2006).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In this study, we investigated the community of gastrointestinal nematodes infecting Alpine ibex and domestic sheep ( Ovis aries ) and the prevalence of resistance to benzimidazole in three different regions of the French Alps. The Alpine ibex was close to extinction at the beginning of the 19 th century but the reinforcement of its populations by several reintroductions in different parts of the Alps has increased the species’ overall abundance and range (Brambilla et al, 2022). Today, the Alpine ibex population is estimated at 52 000 individuals in Europe (Brambilla et al, 2020).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Cross-transmission of resistant gastrointestinal nematodes between wildlife and transhumant sheep

Beaumelle,

Toïgo,

Papet

et al. 2023

Preprint

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Wild and domestic ungulates can be infected with the same species of gastrointestinal parasitic nematodes. These parasites have a free leaving stage in the environment that contributes to the ease of transmission among different host species. In addition, gastrointestinal nematodes have developed resistance to anthelmintics which is now considered a major problem for the livestock sector. In a context where wild and domestic ungulates share the same pastures, the maintenance and circulation of resistant gastrointestinal nematodes between species have rarely been explored. In the European Alps, domestic sheep are driven in the high-altitude summer pastures leaving in sympatry with wild ungulates for several months. In this study we investigated the nemabiome of domestic sheep and Alpine ibex, Capra ibex, in three different areas of the French Alps to evaluate the parasites circulation between the two host species. The Alpine ibex is a protected mountain ungulate that is phylogenetically related to sheep and hosts nematode species common to sheep. Using internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS-2) nemabiome metabarcoding, we found sheep and ibex sharing similar gastrointestinal nematodes, except for a few species, such as Marshallagia marshalli and Trichostrongylus axei. This suggests that the long-term co-occurrence of sheep and ibex on mountain pastures has promoted the exchange of gastrointestinal nematodes between the two hosts. Based on the sequencing of the isotype 1 of the beta tubulin gene, associated with benzimidazole resistance, we found resistant nematodes in all sheep farms and in all Ibex populations. Our results demonstrated that Ibex can host and shed resistant strains before transhumant sheep arrive on pastures, and then can act as a reservoir or refugia for resistant gastrointestinal nematodes. The relative role of ibex to the nemabiome and in particular to the maintenance and circulation of resistant strains in sheep remain to be determined.

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