F. Javier Herrera-Sánchez

Universidad de Granada

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Co-Authors

José María Gil‐Sánchez

Universidad de Granada

MÁ

Miguel Ángel Díaz-Portero

Junta de Andalucía

Javier Rodríguez-Siles

Centro Regional de Selección y Reproducción Animal

Joaquín Pérez

Junta de Andalucía

ÁA

Ángel Arredondo

Habitat for Humanity

Abdeljebbar Qninba

Mohammed V University

Juan Manuel Sáez

Universidad de Granada

Inmaculada Cancio

Universidad Rey Juan Carlos

Jesús de Lucas

Regional Government of Castile-La Mancha

BÁ

Begoña Álvarez

Hospital de Clínicas

Cooperative Institutions

Junta de Andalucía

Universidad de Granada

Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía

Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas

Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

Universidad Complutense de Madrid

Regional Government of Castile-La Mancha

Estación Biológica de Doñana

Centre for Research on Ecology and Forestry Applications

Universidad Rey Juan Carlos

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Contribución al conocimiento corológico de Myriopholis algeriensis en el suroeste de Marruecos

Boletín de la Asociación Herpetológica Española (2014)

Luís García Cardenete Francisco Jiménez Cazalla Juan R. Fernández Cardenete Aitor Valdeón M.T. Garcı́a

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Citations (0)

First Description of Sarcoptic Mange in a Free-Ranging European Wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris) from Spain

Animals (2021)

Fernando Nájera Elena Crespo Amalia García-Talens Rebeca Grande‐Gómez F. Javier Herrera-Sánchez

Sarcoptic mange caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei is a worldwide-distributed skin infestation with a wide range of hosts, among them several species within the Felidae family. Sarcoptes scabiei was diagnosed in a dead adult female European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris) from Spain, based on histological evaluation of skin biopsies and identification of the arthropod from skin scrapings and molecular methods. This is the first description of Sarcoptes scabiei in a European wildcat. Due to its critical demography in the southernmost population of the Iberian Peninsula, the impacts of infectious diseases, including sarcoptic mange, as a new potential threat should be considered during disease surveillance programs of the species’ populations.

Mange

Sarcoptes scabiei

10.3390/ani11092494

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Citations (5)

Fragmentation and low density as major conservation challenges for the southernmost populations of the European wildcat

PLoS ONE (2020)

José María Gil‐Sánchez José Miguel Barea‐Azcón Javier Tamayo Jaramillo F. Javier Herrera-Sánchez José Jímenez

Knowledge of population dynamics of threatened species in the wild is key to effective conservation actions. However, at present, there are many examples of endangered animals for which their current situation is unknown, and not just in remote areas and less developed countries. We have explored this topic by studying the paradigmatic case of the European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris), an endangered small carnivore whose status has been subjectively established on the basis of non-systematic approaches and opportunistic records. Little is known about its demographic situation, prompting the need for information to improve conservation measures. However, the secretive behaviour of felines along with its low density in natural conditions have prevented the gathering of sufficient data. We developed a field sampling strategy for one of the largest populations (Andalusia, South Spain, 87,268 km2), based on a logistically viable systematic non-intrusive survey by camera-trapping. This study offers the first large-scale estimation for any European wildcat population, based on analytical approaches applied on Species Distribution Models. A hierarchical approach based on a Maxent model for distribution estimation was used, along with Generalised Linear Models for density estimation from explicit spatial capture-recapture data. Our results show that the distribution range is smaller and more highly fragmented than previously assumed. The overall estimated density was very low (0.069 ±0.0019 wildcats/km2) and the protected areas network seems to be insufficient to cover a significant part of the population or a viable nucleus in demographic terms. Indeed, the most important areas remain unprotected. Our main recommendations are to improve the protected area network and/or vigilance programs in hunting estates, in addition to studying and improving connectivity between the main population patches.

Carnivore

Rare species

Mark and recapture

Population density

Fragmentation

10.1371/journal.pone.0227708

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Citations (37)

Evaluating methods for surveying the Endangered Cuvier's gazelleGazella cuvieriin arid landscapes

Oryx (2016)

José María Gil‐Sánchez F. Javier Herrera-Sánchez Begoña Álvarez Ángel Arredondo Jesús Bautista

Abstract The Endangered Cuvier's gazelle Gazella cuvieri is an endemic ungulate of north-western Africa. Information on the species has been based primarily on non-systematic surveys, and the corresponding status estimates are of unknown quality. We evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of two field methods for systematic surveys of populations of Cuvier's gazelle in arid environments: distance sampling (based on sightings) and sampling indirect sign (tracks and scats). The work was carried out in the north-western Sahara Desert, in Morocco, where what is possibly the largest population of Cuvier's gazelle persists. A logistically viable survey was conducted over a total area of c. 20.000 km 2 in 10 expeditions during 2011–2014. A total of 67 sites were surveyed, with 194 walking surveys (2,169 km in total). Gazelle signs were detected at 50 sites, and gazelles were sighted at 21 sites (61 individuals). We found a relationship between sightings and abundance indices based on indirect sign, which could be useful for population monitoring or ecological studies. Additionally, the data could be used in occupancy modelling. Density estimates based on distance sampling required considerable effort; however, it is possible to survey large areas during relatively short campaigns, and this proved to be the most useful approach to obtain data on the demographic structure of the population.

Distance sampling

Ungulate

Occupancy

10.1017/s0030605316000430

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Citations (17)

Feeding Specialization of Honey Badgers in the Sahara Desert: A Trial of Life in a Hard Environment

Diversity (2020)

José María Gil‐Sánchez F. Javier Herrera-Sánchez Javier Rodríguez-Siles Juan Manuel Sáez Miguel Ángel Díaz-Portero

The honey badger (Mellivora capensis) is a medium-sized carnivore distributed throughout Africa to the Arabian Peninsula, Iran, Turkmenistan, and India. However, available information on its ecology is very scarce. We studied its feeding ecology in the remote north-western Sahara Desert, based on the contents of 125 fecal samples collected during large scale surveys. Samples were confirmed to belong to honey badgers by camera trapping and genetic analyses. Barely 18 prey species were detected. The diet primarily consisted of spiny-tailed lizards Uromastyx nigriventris and U. dispar (72% of volume in scats). Secondary prey items were arthropods (14%), small mammals (8%), other reptiles (4%), and eggs (0.8%). Some small geographic and temporal differences were related to the consumption of beetle larvae and rodents as alternative prey. Camera trapping and distance sampling surveys showed that diel activities did not overlap between honey badgers and spiny-tailed lizards, suggesting that badgers primarily dig lizards out of their burrows when inactive. Consumption of spiny lizards by other sympatric meso-carnivores was < 6.1% of occurrence (223 analyzed scats); the honey badger behaved as a trophic specialist in the Sahara, probably thanks to exclusive anatomical adaptations for digging. We discuss the role of this circumstance minimizing the exploitative competition, which could allow the survival of this large mustelid in this low productive and highly competitive environment.

Carnivore

10.3390/d12020059

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Citations (4)

Identifying priority conservation areas in a Saharan environment by highlighting the endangered Cuvier’s Gazelle as a flagship species

Scientific Reports (2020)

F. Javier Herrera-Sánchez José María Gil‐Sánchez Begoña Álvarez Inmaculada Cancio Jesús de Lucas

Abstract Monitoring populations and designing effective conservation actions for endangered species present significant challenges. An accurate understanding of current distribution, ecological traits and habitat requirements is imperative in formulating conservation strategies. Recent surveys on the southernmost Cuvier’s Gazelle ( Gazella cuvieri ) population, an ungulate endemic to North Africa, showcase its importance in terms of numbers and genetic diversity. This population inhabits a remote region in the extreme north-western portion of the Sahara Desert and has not been well studied. Here, we examine the potential distribution of Cuvier’s Gazelle and the environmental factors limiting the species in a Saharan environment, by combining broad-scale field survey data and species distribution models. Our objective was to identify high priority conservation areas in the southernmost known portion of the species’ distribution by modelling habitat selection at the landscape scale using a predictive distribution map. Our results show that the distribution of Cuvier’s Gazelle is strongly related to mountainous areas with heterogeneous terrain and remoteness from large human settlements over other ecological factors that had less impact on the species’ presence and distribution. We also provide a quantitative estimate of the potential distribution range of Cuvier’s Gazelle in southern Morocco, identifying two well-demarcated key areas. The two core areas currently contain enough rugged terrain isolated from human encroachment to support the endangered species in this harsh desert environment. We encourage the implementation of conservation planning for Cuvier’s Gazelle as an “ umbrella species ”, which will confer effective protection to higher-quality habitat zones and co-occurring species, leading to sustainable and ecologically responsible development in the region.

Species distribution

Flagship Species

10.1038/s41598-020-65188-6

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Citations (11)

Applications of non-intrusive methods to study the sand cat: a field study in the Sahara Desert

European Journal of Wildlife Research (2023)

José María Gil‐Sánchez F. Javier Herrera-Sánchez Javier Rodríguez-Siles Miguel Ángel Díaz-Portero Ángel Arredondo

Abstract Surveys based on indirect signs and camera trapping are two non-invasive methods extensively used for monitoring elusive mammals. Both approaches can be useful to obtain key information on wildlife in remote areas, since they may allow for the logistically viable design of optimal field frameworks. The sand cat ( Felis margarita ) is a feline that inhabits the Sahara Desert, the Arabian Peninsula, and western Asian deserts. Its basic ecology is poorly known and the status and impacts of threats are difficult to assess. Some local population declines have been detected, and more research is needed. Based on field surveys carried out in the Atlantic Sahara, we have evaluated the applications of both methods to study this species. Our results show that (a) camera trapping provided reliable data on several key aspects of its ecology, (b) walking surveys to collect feces for molecular data failed completely, and (c) for footprints, identification problems and the marked effects of the absence of optimal substrates and the prevalence of wind are relevant handicaps. Beyond this evaluation, we provide for the first time some key aspects of the ecology of sand cats in the Sahara Desert, including habitat selection, density, diel activity, and predator–prey relationships.

Desert (philosophy)

10.1007/s10344-023-01645-7

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Citations (1)

Spatio-temporal ecology of a carnivore community in middle atlas, NW of Morocco

Zoology (2021)

José María Gil‐Sánchez Brais Mañá-Varela F. Javier Herrera-Sánchez Vicente Uríos

Carnivore

Mesopredator release hypothesis

10.1016/j.zool.2021.125904

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Citations (8)

Feeding Ecology of the Cuvier’s Gazelle (Gazella cuvieri, Ogilby, 1841) in the Sahara Desert

Animals (2023)

F. Javier Herrera-Sánchez Omar R. López Javier Rodríguez-Siles Miguel Ángel Díaz-Portero Ángel Arredondo

Knowledge of the feeding ecology of ungulates in arid biomes offers an interesting model for understanding the drought resistance of large desert-adapted herbivores, a crucial issue in the face of increasing desertification due to climate change. To assess the feeding ecology of the endangered Cuvier's gazelle (Gazella cuvieri) in the Sahara desert, we used a multi-method approach combining faecal samples, direct observations, and the recording of indirect signs of feeding. We hypothesised that browser behaviour is the best foraging strategy for species living in hyper-arid environments, mainly due to long periods without grazing opportunities. Complementarily, we explored the effects of the main environmental descriptors (rainfalls and NDVI) on feeding patterns and diet quality. We found that Cuvier's diets are based mainly on acacias (Vachellia tortilis, V. flava) and occasionally on the annual forb Anastatica hierochuntica. In total, eighteen species (five trees, nine shrubs, three herbs, and one grass) belonging to fifteen families were recorded. Our result confirmed the browsers' characteristic of this species, reaffirming its ability to settle in a hostile environment. Acacias stand out as key species consumed at the southernmost limit of their range; hence, future conservation plans and strategies should take this into account for the survival of Cuvier's gazelle in desert environments.

Biome

Desertification

10.3390/ani13040567

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Citations (2)

Publisher Correction: Identifying priority conservation areas in a Saharan environment by highlighting the endangered Cuvier’s Gazelle as a flagship species

Scientific Reports (2020)

F. Javier Herrera-Sánchez José María Gil‐Sánchez Begoña Álvarez Inmaculada Cancio Jesús de Lucas

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

Flagship Species

10.1038/s41598-020-69588-6

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Citations (0)