Browsing by Author "Sluydts, V."

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Arenavirus infection correlates with lower survival of its natural rodent host in a long-term capture-mark-recapture study
Mariën, J.; Sluydts, V.; Borremans, B.; Gryseels, S.; Broecke, B. V.; Sabuni, C. A.; Katakweba, A. A. S.; Mulungu, L. S.; Günther, S.; de Bellocq, J. G.; Massawe, A. W.; Leirs, H
Arenavirus infection correlates with lower survival of its natural rodent host in a long-term capture-mark-recapture study
(2018) Mariën, J.; Sluydts, V.; Borremans, B.; Gryseels, S.; Broecke, B. V.; Sabuni, C. A.; Katakweba, A. A. S.; Mulungu, L. S.; Günther, S.; de Bellocq, J. G.; Massawe, A. W.; Leirs, H
Background: Parasite evolution is hypothesized to select for levels of parasite virulence that maximise transmission success. When host population densities fluctuate, low levels of virulence with limited impact on the host are expected, as this should increase the likelihood of surviving periods of low host density. We examined the effects of Morogoro arenavirus on the survival and recapture probability of multimammate mice (Mastomys natalensis) using a seven-year capture-mark-recapture time series. Mastomys natalensis is the natural host of Morogoro virus and is known for its strong seasonal density fluctuations. Results: Antibody presence was negatively correlated with survival probability (effect size: 5–8% per month depending on season) but positively with recapture probability (effect size: 8%). Conclusions: The small negative correlation between host survival probability and antibody presence suggests that either the virus has a negative effect on host condition, or that hosts with lower survival probability are more likely to obtain Morogoro virus infection, for example due to particular behavioural or immunological traits. The latter hypothesis is supported by the positive correlation between antibody status and recapture probability which suggests that risky behaviour might increase the probability of becoming infected.
Evaluation of short-, mid- and long-term effects of toe clipping on a wild rodent
(Wildlife Research) Leirs, H.; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Sluydts, V.; Borremans, B.
Evaluation of short-, mid- and long-term effects of toe clipping on a wild rodent
(Wildlife Research, 2015) Leirs, H.; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Sluydts, V.; Borremans, B.
Context. Toe clipping is a widely used method for permanent marking of small mammals, but its effects are not well known, despite the ethical and scientific implications. Most studies do not find any clear effects, but there is some indication that toe clipping can affect survival in specific cases. Although effects on survival are arguably the most important, more subtle effects are also plausible, yet very few studies have included body condition and none has investigated effects on mobility. Aims. We analysed the effects of toe clipping on free-living Mastomys natalensis, a common, morphologically and behaviourally intermediate small rodent. Methods. Using a 17-year capture–mark–recapture dataset, we compared movement, body weight and survival between newly and previously clipped animals, and tested whether any of these parameters correlated with the number of clipped toes. Key results. No evidence for a correlation between total number of clips and any of the variables was found. Newly clipped animals had a slightly smaller weight change and larger travel distance than did those that were already clipped, and we show that this is most likely due to stress caused by being captured, clipped and handled for the first time rather than to the actual clipping. Conclusions. The combination of trapping, handling and marking has a detectable effect on multimammate mice; however, there is no evidence for a clear effect of toe clipping. Implications. Our study suggests a re-evaluation of ethical guidelines on small-mammal experiments, so as to reach a rational, fact-based decision on which marking method to use.
Happily together forever: temporal variation in spatial patterns and complete lack of territoriality in a promiscuous rodent
Borremans, B.; Hughes, N. K.; Reijniers, J.; Sluydts, V.; Katakweba, A. A. S.; Mulungu, Loth S.; Sabuni, C. A; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Leirs, H.
Happily together forever: temporal variation in spatial patterns and complete lack of territoriality in a promiscuous rodent
(The Society of Population Ecology and Springer Japan) Borremans, B.; Hughes, N. K.; Reijniers, J.; Sluydts, V.; Katakweba, A. A. S.; Mulungu, Loth S.; Sabuni, C. A.; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Leirs, H.