Papers by Roisin Campbell-palmer
Herpetological Journal
The stream frog, Mannophryne trinitatis, lives in and beside steep mountain streams of Trinidad's... more The stream frog, Mannophryne trinitatis, lives in and beside steep mountain streams of Trinidad's Northern and Central ranges. Male frogs have strong anti-predator behaviour and prefer to deposit tadpoles in pools that lack predators (particularly the fish Rivulus hartii and the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium carcinus). The two predators are rarely found in the same streams and different M. trinitatis populations may show specific anti-predator behaviour to the predators they encounter in the wild. To assess tadpole spatial avoidance of predators, we presented small and larger tadpoles from four M. trinitatis populations to each predator. Three tadpole sources were from the Northern Range: Mount Saint Benedict, Lopinot (where R. hartii is abundant), and the Maracas Bay area (where M. carcinus is present); the fourth was from Tamana cave, Central Range, where neither predator occurs. To determine predator detection mechanisms employed by the tadpoles, we presented the predators in three container types: a mesh cage (for chemical and visual detection), an opaque container with holes (chemical but no visual detection), and a transparent container (visual but no chemical detection). Different sized tadpoles (large and small) showed the same response to predators, and tadpoles principally used chemical cues to detect predators. All populations showed a stronger response to the presence of R. hartii than to M. carcinus. We attribute this latter difference to the restricted distribution of M. carcinus and to the few sympatric zones between the tadpoles and these predators. Thus tadpoles lacked a specific anti-predator response to M. carcinus. Naïve tadpoles from Mount Saint Benedict and Tamana that had never previously encountered either of the predators showed strong anti-predator responses, suggesting that the anti-predator response is likely to be inherited.
The Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) is thought to have become extinct in Scotland in the 16th cent... more The Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) is thought to have become extinct in Scotland in the 16th century as a result of over-exploitation by humans. Discussions began in the late 1990s with the aim of reintroducing this species to Scotland, following similar initiatives across Europe.Public consultation exercises indicated that, although there was support for the return of the beaver in Scotland, there were some concerns about the potential negative impacts of the species. Therefore a trial reintroduction was proposed by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) in 2000. The site deemed most suitable for such a trial was identified as Knapdale Forest, Mid-Argyll, which is largely managed by Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS). In 2002, an application was submitted to the Scottish Government by SNH for a licence to run such a trial. However, this application was rejected in 2005, largely due to perceived legal problems with the potential impacts on some of the designated sites within Knapdale. In 2...
The Coleopterist
The beaver beetle Platypsyllus castoris Ritsema is an obligate commensal of the two extant specie... more The beaver beetle Platypsyllus castoris Ritsema is an obligate commensal of the two extant species of beaver (Mammalia: Castoridae). The Eurasian beaver Castor fiber can now be found over much of its former native range from central and northern Europe discontinuously across Russia as far east as Mongolia, while its counterpart in the Nearctic region, the North American or Canadian beaver Castor canadensis, occurs widely across North America and as an introduction in Tierra del Fuego (south Argentina), northeast Europe and northwest Russia (Müller- Schwarze & Sun, 2003; Halley et al., 2012). Many European populations of Eurasian beaver have been successfully re-established during the past century as a result of conservation measures including hunting bans and reintroduction programmes (Halley & Rosell, 2002), following their near extinction in the late 19th century. This paper details the discovery of the beaver beetle on a wild-born female Eurasian beaver kit trapped at a trial rei...
The Eurasian beaver was near extinction at the start of the twentieth century, hunted across Euro... more The Eurasian beaver was near extinction at the start of the twentieth century, hunted across Europe for its fur, meat and castoreum. But now the beaver is on the brink of a comeback, with wild beaver populations, licensed and unlicensed, emerging all over Britain. As a keystone species, the beaver plays a vital role in the creation of sustainable wetland habitats through its damming activities, providing living opportunities for a broad spectrum of wildlife. Yet as proposals for reintroducing beavers are underway, re-establishing the beaver in Britain is still a controversial issue. This book presents a case for our future coexistence with beavers by providing factual information on this species that has now passed from national memory, covering the biology, behaviour and ecology of the Eurasian beaver in a British context, from their early history in archaeology and folklore to their contemporary field signs in the wild. This book familiarises readers once again, after almost 400 y...
Biodiversity benfits of beavers through their habitat creation and modification activities are we... more Biodiversity benfits of beavers through their habitat creation and modification activities are well documented and can be quite visually apparent. Reintroduction an translocations have been popular and successful methods in beaver conservation across Europe, bringing about the restoration of this species once threatened with extinction. Britain is one of the last European countries to consider the reintroduction of this former native; however, being physically disconnected from Europe, various statutory quarantine regulations have resulted in increased veterinary screening requirements for translocated wild beavers. Is there a requirement to treat reintroduced mammals for host-specific parasites, or should we accept that reintroductions will include the natural host-parasite lifecycles experienced in a source population and embrace the often unforseen increases in biodiversity that these bring? Through the Scottish Beaver Trial a range of health screening procedures have been develo...
Twenty-seven European beavers (25 Norwegian and 2 Bavarian) underwent cardiac examinations follow... more Twenty-seven European beavers (25 Norwegian and 2 Bavarian) underwent cardiac examinations following induction of anaesthesia with isoflurane (Isoflo® Abbott Animal Health) (Eisele et al., 1997). All animals underwent a full examination of the cardiovascular system, had their arterial blood pressures measured using non-invasive technique, had six lead electrocardiographs recorded and underwent comprehensive Colour Doppler echocardiographic examinations according to guidelines published for other mammalian species.
To date, no complete captive management guidelines for Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber) have been ... more To date, no complete captive management guidelines for Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber) have been published. The following guidelines are based on experience gained by the contributors from the capture, containment and transport of numerous beavers within Europe over the last 20 years. We have also gained extensive experience from the study of wild beavers. This is a European collaboration, aimed at providing advice to zoological and private collections, and those involved in reintroduction and translocation projects following EAZA husbandry guideline protocols. Thanks to all the contributors, including, among others, animal keepers, ecologists, nutritionists, students and veterinary surgeons, these first beaver captive management guidelines have become a reality. We hope these guidelines will increase the welfare of beavers in captivity and in reintroduction projects, and encourage further research on this incredible species. Those interested in more detailed information should brow...
PLOS ONE, 2015
Echinococcus multilocularis is an important pathogenic zoonotic parasite of health concern, thoug... more Echinococcus multilocularis is an important pathogenic zoonotic parasite of health concern, though absent in the United Kingdom. Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber) may act as a rare intermediate host, and so unscreened wild caught individuals may pose a potential risk of introducing this parasite to disease-free countries through translocation programs. There is currently no single definitive ante-mortem diagnostic test in intermediate hosts. An effective non-lethal diagnostic, feasible under field condition would be helpful to minimise parasite establishment risk, where indiscriminate culling is to be avoided. This study screened live beavers (captive, n = 18 or wild-trapped in Scotland, n = 12) and beaver cadavers (wild Scotland, n = 4 or Bavaria, n = 11), for the presence of E. multilocularis. Ultrasonography in combination with minimally invasive surgical examination of the abdomen by laparoscopy was viable under field conditions for real-time evaluation in beavers. Laparoscopy alone does not allow the operator to visualize the parenchyma of organs such as the liver, or inside the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract, hence the advantage of its combination with abdominal ultrasonography. All live beavers and Scottish cadavers were largely unremarkable in their haematology and serum biochemistry with no values suspicious for liver pathology or potentially indicative of E. multilocularis infection. This correlated well with ultrasound, laparoscopy, and immunoblotting, which were unremarkable in these individuals. Two wild Bavarian individuals were suspected E. multilocularis positive at post-mortem, through the presence of hepatic cysts. Sensitivity and specificity of a combination of laparoscopy and abdominal ultrasonography in the detection of parasitic liver cyst lesions was 100% in the subset of cadavers (95%Confidence Intervals 34.24-100%, and 86.7-100% in the form of staff wages and expenses for screening work of Bavarian animals (RCP, SG, RP, FR). Molecular investigations were funded by Swiss respectively). For abdominal ultrasonography alone sensitivity was only 50% (95%CI 9.5-90.6%), with specificity being 100% (95%CI 79.2-100%). For laparoscopy alone sensitivity was 100% (95% CI 34.2-100%), with specificity also being 100% (95% CI 77.2-100%). Further immunoblotting, PCR and histopathological examination revealed one individual positive for E. multilocularis, whilst the other individual was positive for Taenia martis. E multilocularis Detection in Live Beavers PLOS ONE |
British Wildlife
Following its near extinction in the late 19th century, the Eurasian beaver has now recolonised m... more Following its near extinction in the late 19th century, the Eurasian beaver has now recolonised much of its former distribution and seems poised to reconquer the very western edge of its native range - Great Britain. This is the scene of a fascinating social battle, with this remarkable rodent as the central character. In this article we give an overview of the current situation regarding the status of beavers in Britain (including the formal scientific trial reintroduction and a now recognised separate, established unlicenced free-living population within Scotland), and explore some of the key arguments which may decide their future. Sections include historical context, beaver return and the law, beaver populations within Britain including unoffcial releases, arguments for and aganist beaver reintroduction, and speculate on the future of beavers in Britain.
Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Enrichment, broadly the provision of stimuli to improve the welfare of captive animals, is known ... more Enrichment, broadly the provision of stimuli to improve the welfare of captive animals, is known to be important in husbandry practice and in the success of ex situ conservation and reintroduction programs. Practical evidence of the importance of enrichment exists for a number of taxa, yet amphibians are poorly represented. There is no reason to assume a priori that amphibians would not benefit from enrichment and, given their increasing prominence in captive programs, their requirements in captivity beyond basic husbandry should be the focus of more intense study. We review the existing body of research on enrichment for amphibians, as well as that for fish and reptiles, which may be regarded as behaviorally and neurologically broadly similar to amphibians. We also briefly discuss mechanisms by which enrichment might affect amphibian fitness and, therefore, reintroduction success. Our review supports the contention that there may be important consequences of enrichment for both cap...
Veterinary Parasitology
tA novel species-specific anti-beaver-IgG-alkaline-phosphatase conjugate was synthesizedfor the d... more tA novel species-specific anti-beaver-IgG-alkaline-phosphatase conjugate was synthesizedfor the development of a new serological test for echinococcosis in beavers. Two differentELISAs conventionally used for human Echinococcus multilocularis serology (Em18-ELISAand Em2-ELISA) yielded diagnostic sensitivities of 0% and 46%, respectively. In contrast,the subsequently developed immunoblotting assay gave an 85% diagnostic sensitivity(11 out of 13 beavers with alveolar echinococcosis were immunoblotting-positive, i.e.showed reactivity with a specific 21 Mr band), and maximal specificity. In conclusion, thisimmunoblotting assay should be the method of choice for use in serological studies on E.multilocularis in Eurasian beavers, and the test proved suitable to investigate both animalsalive and post-mortem.
PLOS ONE, 2015
Haematology parameters (N = 24) and serum biochemistry parameters (N = 35) were determined for wi... more Haematology parameters (N = 24) and serum biochemistry parameters (N = 35) were determined for wild Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber), between 6 months -12 years old. Of the population tested in this study, N = 18 Eurasian beavers were from Norway and N = 17 originating from Bavaria but now living extensively in a reserve in England. All blood samples were collected from beavers via the ventral tail vein. All beavers were chemically restrained using inhalant isoflurane in 100% oxygen prior to blood sampling. Results were determined for haematological and serum biochemical parameters for the species and were compared between the two different populations with differences in means estimated and significant differences being noted. Standard blood parameters for the Eurasian beaver were determined and their ranges characterised using percentiles. Whilst the majority of blood parameters between the two populations showed no significant variation, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, mean cell haemoglobin and white blood cell counts showed significantly greater values (p<0.01) in the Bavarian origin population than the Norwegian; neutrophil counts, alpha 2 globulins, cholesterol, sodium: potassium ratios and phosphorus levels showed significantly (p<0.05) greater values in Bavarian versus Norwegian; and potassium, bile acids, gamma globulins, urea, creatinine and total calcium values levels showed significantly (p<0.05) greater values in Norwegian versus Bavarian relict populations. No significant differences were noted between male and female beavers or between sexually immature (<3 years old) and sexually mature (3 years old) beavers in the animals sampled. With Eurasian beaver reintroduction encouraged by legislation throughout Europe, knowledge of baseline blood values for the species and any variations therein is essential when assessing their health and welfare and the success or failure of any reintroduction program. This is PLOS ONE |
Veterinary parasitology, Jan 15, 2014
A novel species-specific anti-beaver-IgG-alkaline-phosphatase conjugate was synthesized for the d... more A novel species-specific anti-beaver-IgG-alkaline-phosphatase conjugate was synthesized for the development of a new serological test for echinococcosis in beavers. Two different ELISAs conventionally used for human Echinococcus multilocularis serology (Em18-ELISA and Em2-ELISA) yielded diagnostic sensitivities of 0% and 46%, respectively. In contrast, the subsequently developed immunoblotting assay gave an 85% diagnostic sensitivity (11 out of 13 beavers with alveolar echinococcosis were immunoblotting-positive, i.e. showed reactivity with a specific 21 Mr band), and maximal specificity. In conclusion, this immunoblotting assay should be the method of choice for use in serological studies on E. multilocularis in Eurasian beavers, and the test proved suitable to investigate both animals alive and post-mortem.
Zoo Biology, 2015
Beavers (Castor spp.) tend not to be a commonly held species and little published material exists... more Beavers (Castor spp.) tend not to be a commonly held species and little published material exists relating to their captive care. We review published material and discuss husbandry issues taking into account the requirements of wild beavers. As social mammals with complex chemical communication systems and with such an ability to modify their environments, studies of wild counterparts suggest the captive requirements of beavers may actually be more sophisticated than generally perceived. Common field techniques may have practical application in the captive setting. Their widespread utilisation in conservation, including reintroductions, translocations and habitat management, also requires components of captive care. As welfare science advances there is increasing pressure on captive collections to improve standards and justify the keeping of animals. Conservation science is increasingly challenged to address individual welfare standards. Further research focusing on the captive care of beavers is required. Zoo Biol. XX:XX-XX, 2015.
Evolutionary Applications, 2014
Many reintroduction projects for conservation fail, and there are a large number of factors that ... more Many reintroduction projects for conservation fail, and there are a large number of factors that may contribute to failure. Genetic analysis can be used to help stack the odds of a reintroduction in favour of success, by conducting assessment of source populations to evaluate the possibility of inbreeding and outbreeding depression and by conducting postrelease monitoring. In this study, we use a panel of 306 SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) markers and 487-489 base pairs of mitochondrial DNA control region sequence data to examine 321 individuals from possible source populations of the Eurasian beaver for a reintroduction to Scotland. We use this information to reassess the phylogenetic history of the Eurasian beavers, to examine the genetic legacy of past reintroductions on the Eurasian landmass and to assess the future power of the genetic markers to conduct ongoing monitoring via parentage analysis and individual identification. We demonstrate the capacity of medium density genetic data (hundreds of SNPs) to provide information suitable for applied conservation and discuss the difficulty of balancing the need for high genetic diversity against phylogenetic best fit when choosing source population(s) for reintroduction.
Veterinary Parasitology, 2012
Parasites can alter the physiology and behaviour of host species and negatively impact on their f... more Parasites can alter the physiology and behaviour of host species and negatively impact on their fitness thus affecting population densities. This is the first investigation into the presence of blood parasites in the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber); a species that has been the subject of many translocation and reintroduction programmes. Two hundred and seventy blood slides prepared from the blood of 27 beavers from southern Norway were microscopically analysed for the presence of blood parasites. This study reports an absence of blood parasites in the Norwegian Eurasian beavers sampled.
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Papers by Roisin Campbell-palmer