Publications by authors named "H Will"
Currently, 52% of all raptor species demonstrate a decreasing population tendency, and the American harpy eagle (Harpia harpyja) has been categorized as "near threatened" by the IUCN. Habitat loss, persecution, and subsequent reduction of genetic diversity are regarded as major threats to the world's strongest eagle. Captive breeding and reintroduction into protected habitats are approaches of species conservation projects, but captive propagation is difficult due to low ex-situ numbers and scarce successful breeding pairs.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- - The research aimed to validate a less painful method of sampling feathers (cutting vs. plucking) for analyzing feather corticosterone (CORTf) levels, supporting the principles of animal welfare through reduced stress in studies.
- - Two wild bird species, the Mallard and the Greater Flamingo, were tested, and results showed minor differences between the two sampling methods, indicating that cutting feathers is as effective as plucking for CORTf analysis.
- - The study found no significant influence of sex on CORTf levels, suggesting that while CORTf values should not be viewed in isolation, the new sampling method is a suitable alternative for future animal welfare research.
Article Synopsis
- The study examined the welfare effects of deflighting (feather-clipping) on great white pelicans in German zoos, focusing on different flight statuses: irreversibly deflighted, reversibly deflighted, and airworthy.
- Behavioral observations and feather corticosterone concentration (CORTf) measurements were used to assess stress levels among 215 pelicans across various exhibits.
- Results indicated that reversibly deflighted pelicans showed higher stress levels than airworthy ones, and factors like group size and fluttering behavior were linked to increased stress, suggesting that fluttering could be a sign of stress in these birds.
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) accounts for 5%-10% of all lymphomas. The disease's genetic hallmark is the t(11; 14)(q13; q32) translocation. In younger patients, the first-line treatment is chemoimmunotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe most common feather sampling method for feather corticosterone measurement is by plucking the feathers from the bird's skin. This procedure performed on living, restrained birds is qualified as an animal experiment according to German/European legislation, which has to be applied for from the competent authorities. The Directive 2010/63/EU requires the full implementation of the 3-R Principle of Russel and Burch in animal experiments, which means not only to replace the use of animals, but also to reduce the number of animals used and to refine procedures whenever possible.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF