Two wild adult Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana) were captured and admitted to the Hebrew University Veterinary Teaching Hospital with various neurologic signs, including alerted mentation, head tilt, and pathologic nystagmus. The lesion in the central nervous system was localized to the forebrain in one ibex and to the cerebellum of the other. Both ibex's were diagnosed with brain cyst using computed tomography (CT). Craniectomy was performed to remove the cysts, and both animals returned to their natural environment after a rehabilitation period. Parasitologic examination revealed cysts of Taenia multiceps coenurus. This is the first report to describe the neurologic signs, CT findings, surgical procedure, and follow-up postsurgery information in wild Capra nubiana.

No abstract

Animal social relationships emerge from interactions in multiple ecological situations. However, we seldom ask how each situation contributes to the structure of a population or to the social position of individuals. Griffon vultures interact in multiple situations, including when roosting, flying, and feeding. These social interactions can influence population-level outcomes such as disease transmission and information sharing. We examined the contribution of each ecological situation to the social structure of the population and to individuals’ social positions using GPS-tracking. We found that the number of individuals each vulture interacted with was best predicted by diurnal interactions. However, the strength of social bonds was best predicted by interactions on the ground – both during the day and at night but not by interactions while flying. Thus, social situations differ in their impact on the relationships that individuals form. Given the conservation importance of vultures, these findings can inform wildlife management actions.

No abstract