bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecology, nutrition, and timing of reproductive events in an Asian primate, the Hanuman langur (Presbytis entellus)
Authors: Koenig A. , Borries C. , Chalise M. K. , Winkler P.
Published: March 2009

Ecological conditions, feeding and ranging behaviour as well as physical condition of female Hanuman langurs (Presbytis entellus) were studied in order to analyse the major influences on the timing of reproductive events. The langurs inhabited a semi‐evergreen forest dominated by Sal trees (Skorea robusta). The climate was dominated by the summer monsoon lasting from May to September. Availability of plant phytophases was markedly seasonal, with fruiting as well as flushing of the six main food plants during the monsoon. Feeding and ranging behaviour of the females varied with food availability and its distribution. High dietary quality was only obtained during a short period from May to July. Physical condition of the females varied in accordance with dietary quality and energy expenditure, with a good physical condition during the second half of the year. Births occurred from January until June, with most births around the energetically worst period of the year. The results indicate that, in contrast to several other non‐human primates, most females of this population gave birth too early to meet the optimum lactation requirements. Complete weaning mainly took place during an energetically bad time of the year (October to December). However, it can be inferred that the reduction of suckling bouts prior to the next conception took place when high quality food was available. Conceptions were confined to the months of July to November, coinciding with the time of best physical condition. Moreover, females who conceived were in a better physical condition than those who failed to conceive, suggesting a primary influence of nutrition on the probability of conception. Seasonality and timing of births may be the result of a regular seasonal shortfall of resources influencing the ability of the females to ovulate and to conceive.
The diet of the diadem leaf‐nosed bat Hipposideros diadema: confirmation of a morphologically‐based prediction of carnivory
Authors: Pavey C. R. , Burwell C. J.
Published: March 2009

The diet of Hipposideros diadema was investigated over three seasons at two sites on Cape York Peninsula, Australia using faecal analysis (at both sites) and prey remains identification (at one site). The possibility that this species feeds on terrestrial vertebrates, a behaviour here referred to as carnivory, was suggested by the similarity of three of its morphological features with those of eight of the 10 species of bats known to exhibit carnivory.

The study confirmed that H. diadema is at least occasionally carnivorous. Bird feathers were found in faeces at both sites; however, their occurrence was limited to a collection of faecal pellets from the early dry season at Iron Range and a single pellet from the wet season at Chillagoe. The birds taken could not be identified to family or species. Coleoptera, Lepidoptera and various orthopteroid orders were the main insect taxa in faecal pellets. The frequency of these taxa in the diet varied significantly among the three seasons at both sites. Analysis of prey remains indicated that large, hard‐bodied insects, mainly cerambycid and scarabaeid beetles and acridid grasshoppers, particularly the locust Gastrimargus musicus, were taken frequently. The mean length of intact beetle elytra collected below roosts was 18.0 mm. No vertebrate material was found in prey remains. Hipposideros diadema is similar to several other bats which exhibit carnivory in preying infrequently on vertebrates. The term ‘partial carnivore’ or ‘occasional carnivore’ is suggested for these species.
The associations of phoretic mites (Acarina: Chelicerata) with sand‐hoppers (Amphipoda: Crustacea) on the South Wales coast
Authors: Pugh P. J. A. , Llewellyn P. J. , Robinson K. , Shackley S. E.
Published: March 2009

Mites of the generaHalolaelapsandPhaulodinychus(Gamasida), together withHistiostoma(Acaridida) (Acarina: Chelicerata), occur amongst tidal debris strandlines on the sandy shores of the South Wales coast. Phoretic deuteronymphs of all three mites are dispersed between strandlines via talitrid amphipods (Talitridae: Amphipoda: Crustacea) which provide two principal advantages over the insect hosts used by most other phoretic Acarina. First, amphipods migrate between strandlines throughout the year allowing continual phoretic mite dispersal, and second, even juvenile Talitridae are sufficiently large to transport several mites. The highly aggregated populations of all three mites are distributed independently of amphipod age, sex and species, suggesting that host selection is primarily influenced by other factors. The most likely factors are those related to host behaviour and, in particular, monthly/diurnal quiescence when the mites encounter, and are boarded by, the desiccation‐sensitive phoretic mites. The discrete site selection exhibited by each mite species is at least partly influenced by attachment mechanisms.
Paedomorphosis and skull structure in Malagasy chamaeleons (Reptilia: Chamaeleoninae)
Authors: Rieppel Olivier , Crumly Charles
Published: March 2009

The phylogenetic analysis of skull characteristics, along with data derived from lung and hemipenial morphology, does not support monophyly of the predominantly terrestrial chamaeleons, Brookesiinae (Brookesia plus Rhampholeon), as sister‐taxon of a monophyletic clade of arboreal chamaeleons, the Chamaeleoninae. Instead, the phylogenetic interrelationships of chamaeleonine lizards are (Brookesia (“Rhampholeon” (Bradypodion, Chamaeleo)). The monophyly of the genus Rhampholeon is not demonstrated. The arboreal chamaeleons form a monophyletic group comprising two genera, Bradypodion and Chamaeleo. Bradypodion may be placed as sister‐group of the genus Chamaeleo, but its phyletic position and monophyly cannot at present be corroborated.

This study documents that there is a high degree of intraspecific variability in skull characters which may be due to paedomorphic reduction in the skull, especially of small species. Characters affected by a variable degree of ossification include the separation of a prefrontal fontanelle, the contact of the squamosal with the parietal, the size and position of the fenestra vestibuli, the degree of ossification in the basicranial rim of the fenestra, the extent of ossification of the pterygoid wing, and the shape of the skull roof as indicated by the bones forming the dorsal margin of the orbit. The closure of the lateral aperture of the occipital recess might indicate that miniaturization, and concomitant paedomorphosis, may have played a role in the initial phases of chamaeleonine phylogeny.
Tail autotomy and extinction in Mediterranean lizards. A preliminary study of continental and insular populations
Authors: Pérez‐Mellado V. , Corti C. , Lo Cascioa P.
Published: March 2009

Tail autotomy is one of the main anti‐predator mechanisms of lacertid lizards, but it has been predicted that it is only retained in its full capacity when its benefits exceed its costs (Arnold, 1988). To test this hypothesis, ease of tail shedding was examined in a number of continental and insular lacertid lizard populations, each of which showed a different shedding capacity. Tails are shed more easily in those continental and insular populations where there is a greater probability of predation. In insular populations not subjected to strong predation, the tail tends to be retained. The relationship of these findings to insular Mediterranean lizard populations and to the extinction of the Balearic lizard, Podarcis lilfordi are discussed.
Selection of scent‐marking sites by klipspringers (Oreotragus oreotragus)
Authors: Roberts S. C.
Published: March 2009

Klipspringers deposit scent marks in the form of secretion from the preorbital glands on branches of low trees and shrubs within their territories. Local environmental factors which affect choice of scent‐marking sites in a population of wild klipspringers in Zimbabwe are described. Scent marks were typically placed within a narrow vertical range at the end of upward‐pointing twigs. Twigs were more likely to be selected if they were located above bare rock, particularly if the ground was raised above the immediately surrounding area or was close to a significant break in slope. A substantial proportion of sites were placed on dead wood. Marking sites may remain in use for a number of years, with turnover rates calculated at between 1 and 2% per annum. The species of tree on which marks were placed were recorded and compared with overall abundance in the habitat. Palatable tree species were found to be selected preferentially when compared to unpalatable ones. Several explanations for this are compared. It is concluded that, simply through preferential selection of certain local characteristics, klipspringers may enhance the visibility and predictability of their scent marks.
Optimal patterns of scent marks in klipspringer (Oreotragus oreotragus) territories
Authors: Roberts S. C. , Lowen C.
Published: March 2009

The distribution of preorbital gland scent marks and dung middens within three territories of wild klipspringers in Zimbabwe are described. Nearest‐neighbour analyses revealed that scent marks were distributed non‐randomly and in a rough ring some distance within the territory boundary. Marking densities were greatest at about half the territory radius. In two territories, marking densities were shown to be sensitive to intrusion pressure at the periphery, being higher along contested boundaries than where territories were not contiguous. Marks were placed on branches facing neighbouring territories, where they are more likely to be detected, along contested boundaries but not in other areas. An analytical model is developed which tests the efficacy of scent‐marking strategies along the continuum between extreme hinterland and extreme perimeter marking. This shows that the optimal position for a ring of scent marks is at 0.78 of the territory radius and is the product of a trade‐off between maximizing the probability of mark detection by intruders and minimizing the cost of intrusion.
Evolution of viviparity: variation between two sceloporine lizards in the ability to extend egg retention
Authors: Andrews Robin M.
Published: March 2009

The evolutionary transition between oviparity and viviparity in squamate reptiles presumably occurs via a gradual increase in the duration of egg retention, the production of thinner eggshells, and increases in the vascularity of maternal and embryonic tissues. The ‘ease’ of this transition may differ among taxa. For example, in the genus Sceloporus, the scalaris species group contains both oviparous and viviparous species, and female Sceloporus scalaris can extend egg retention facultatively in response to the absence of a suitable site for oviposition without impairing embryonic development. In contrast, the undulatus species group contains only oviparous species, and, while female Sceloporus virgatus can extend egg retention, doing so retards embryonic development. I tested several hypotheses that would explain the greater ability of 5. scalaris than S. virgatus to extend egg retention. In this study, female S. scalaris retained eggs for 19 d without affecting the mortality of embryos, total developmental time, or dry mass of hatchlings. In contrast, when female S. virgatus retained eggs for 18 d, embryos had very high mortality and eggs took significantly longer to hatch than control (non‐retained) eggs, although the dry mass of hatchlings was not affected. The ability of S. scalaris females to retain eggs with little negative effect on embryonic development was associated with relatively large chorioallantois, relatively thin eggshells, and relatively small clutch masses. These observations suggest that phylogenetic differences in the ability to extend egg retention may facilitate or constrain the evolution of viviparity in some lineages.
The diets of two phonic types of the bat Pipistrellus pipistrellus in Britain
Authors: Barlow Kate E.
Published: March 2009

The pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) occurs as two phonic types in the British Isles, termed the 45 kHz phonic type and the 55 kHz phonic type. The two types are probably sibling species and therefore may have different diets. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in the diets of the two phonic types by using faecal analysis. Droppings were collected from three roosts of the 45 kHz phonic type and three roosts of the 55 kHz phonic type in three standardized time‐periods during June and July 1994. Prey remains were identified in each sample as far as possible to the class, order, or family level, and the Percentage Items of each prey group in the diet of each phonic type was calculated. Analyses of variance were carried out to investigate the effects of time‐period and roost on dietary composition, and to determine differences in the diets of the two phonic types for the main prey groups found. Both phonic types ate mostly the dipteran suborder Nematocera, and there was no difference between the phonic types in dietary breadth. The main prey groups in the diet of bats of the 45 kHz phonic type were the families Psychodidae, Anisopodidae and Muscidae, whereas the main prey groups of bats of the 55 kHz phonic type were the families Chironomidae and Ceratopogonidae. Differences in the diets of the two phonic types are discussed with respect to differences in habitat use by, and differences in echolocation call frequencies of, the two phonic types. The reported dietary differences support the hypothesis that the two phonic types are sibling species.
Evaluation of a non‐destructive method for determining egg composition using total body electrical conductivity (TOBEC) measurements
Authors: Williams T. D. , Monaghan P. , Mitchell P. I. , Scott I. , Houston D. G. , Ramsey S. , Ensor K.
Published: March 2009

It is widely assumed that there is a positive relationship between egg quality (or egg size) and offspring fitness. However, obtaining unequivocal data in support of this hypothesis has been hampered by the lack of any method for non‐destructive determination of egg composition, preventing a direct analysis of egg quality and subsequent chick growth and survival in the same egg(s). In this paper, we describe the application of a rapid, non‐destructive technique using measurement of total body electrical conductivity (TOBEC) for determination of egg composition in intact eggs. The TOBEC index was positively and highly correlated with egg lean mass and with the mass of some egg components (albumen and water content). Values for predicted lean mass, based on the regression equation for lean mass against TOBEC index, were within ±6% of actual lean mass. Egg lipid mass was most accurately predicted (±15%) using a multiple regression model, with fresh egg mass and TOBEC index included as independent variables. Egg temperature, and the position of the egg in the sampling chamber, markedly affected the TOBEC index obtained.
Hunting rates and hunting success in the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta)
Authors: Holekamp K. E. , Smale L. , Berg R. , Cooper S. M.
Published: March 2009

Hunting group size, hunting rates and hunting success were monitored over a seven‐year period among members of one large clan of spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) inhabiting the Masai Mara National Reserve, in south‐west Kenya. Prey availability varied seasonally in this study area, and hyenas tended to hunt whichever prey species were most abundant during each month of the year. Over 75% of 272 hunting attempts were made by lone hyenas, even when they hunted antelope three times their own body mass, such as wildebeest and topi. Of all prey that were commonly hunted, only zebra were usually hunted in groups. Approximately one‐third of all hunting attempts resulted in prey capture. Although no significant sex differences were observed in juvenile or adult hunting rates, low‐ranking adult females hunted at significantly higher hourly rates than did higher‐ranking females. Hunting success was not influenced by the social rank of hunters, but hunting group size and hunter's age strongly influenced success. Young hyenas were poor hunters, and did not achieve adult competency levels until they were 5–6 years old.
A new perspective on the zoogeography of the sibling mouse‐eared bat species Myotis myotis and Myotis blythii: morphological, genetical and ecological evidence
Authors: Arlettaz R. , Ruedi M. , Ibañez C. , Palmeirim J. , Hausser J.
Published: March 2009

The actual geographic distribution of the two sibling mouse‐eared bat species Myotis myotis and Myotis blythii, which occur widely sympatrically in the western Palaearctic region, remains largely controversial. This concerns particularly the specific attribution of marginal populations from the Mediterranean islands and from adjacent areas of North Africa and Asia, which are morphologically intermediate between continental M. myotis and M. blythii from Europe. This study attempts to clarify this question by using four different approaches: cranial morphology, external morphology, genetics and trophic ecology. The three latter methods show unambiguously that North Africa, Malta, Sardinia and Corsica are presently inhabited by monospecific populations of M. myotis. In contrast, cranial morphometrics do not yield conclusive results. These results contradict all recent studies, which attribute North African and Maltese mouse‐eared bats to M. blythii and consider that Sardinia and Corsica harbour sympatric populations of the two species. As concerns south‐eastem populations, doubts are also expressed about the attribution of the subspecific taxon omari which may actually refer to M. myotis instead of M. blythii. Protein electrophoresis is presently the only absolute method available for determining M. myotis and M. blythii throughout their distribution ranges. However, species identification may be approached by relying on less sophisticated morphometrical methods as presented in this study. Species‐specific habitat specializations are probably responsible for the differences observed between the geographic distributions of M. myotis and M. blythii, as they provide a logical groundwork for a coherent model of speciation for these two bat species.
The diets of two high‐flying bats from Africa
Authors: Rydell J. , Yalden D. W.
Published: March 2009

The diets of two fast‐flying, aerial‐hawking bats from north‐east Africa (Ethiopia) were investigated by means of faecal analysis. Otomops martiensseni (Molossidae; c. 35 g body mass), which is remarkably specialized morphologically with very long, narrow wings and large ears, and which uses low frequency echolocation (10kHz), feeds almost exclusively (97% by volume) on moths, mostly of large species. The smaller (20 g) Taphozous perforatus (Emballonuridae) also has long, narrow wings but short ears and is less morphologically extreme than Otomops. It feeds on moths (56%), but also on many other insect groups such as Isoptera (14%). Coleoptera (10o%), Orthoptera (8%), as well as Hemiptera, Neuroptera, Hymenoptera and Diptera. Otomops martiensseni, in particular, appears to be a highly specialized moth predator.
Sexual dimorphism in the canines and skulls of carnivores: effects of size, phylogency, and behavioural ecology
Authors: Gittleman J. L. , Valkenburgh B. Van
Published: March 2009

Sexual dimorphism in craniodental features is investigated in a sample of 45 carnivore species in relation to allometry, phylogeny, and behavioural ecology. Dimorphism is more pronounced in both upper and lower canine size and strength than in carnassial size, skull dimensions and biomechanical features, but all dimorphism indices covary. As with most morphological characters, differences in canine sexual dimorphism are significantly related to phylogeny, estimated from either taxonomic rankings or a limited matrix of molecular distances; in particular, mustelids, felids and procyonids are more dimorphic than other carnivore families. Thus, because of problems related to species dependence in comparative data, remaining analyses are based on phylogenetically transformed values using a spatial autoregressive method.

In contrast to other mammals, sexual dimorphism in carnivore canines is not correlated with differences in body weight, skull length or basicranial axis length. Nor is it correlated with categorical variables of activity pattern, habitat, or diet. In our Carnivore sample, canine dimorphism is related only to breeding system: uni‐male, group‐living (harem) species have significantly greater canine dimorphism than multi‐male, multi‐female groups and monogamous pair‐bonding species. By contrast, dimorphism in carnassial size is related to dietary differences, specifically greater dimorphism in meat‐eating species, and not breeding patterns. Dimorphism in estimates of jaw muscle size suggest functional demands from both diet and breeding type. It is concluded that, befitting patterns of heterodont dentition, sexual selection influences variation in canine dimorphism while feeding ecology is related to carnassial dimorphism.
Repertoires of social behaviour in captive and free‐ranging grey kangaroos, Macropus giganteus and Macropus fuliginosus (Marsupialia: Macropodidae)
Authors: Coulson Graeme
Published: March 2009

The eastern grey kangaroo, Macropus giganteus, and the western grey kangaroo, M. fuliginosus, are sibling species. The behaviour of 48 eastern grey kangaroos and 15 western grey kangaroos was observed for 249 h at Melbourne Zoo. Up to 31 eastern grey kangaroos and 38 western grey kangaroos were observed for 305 h where they occurred syntopically in the Grampians National Park.

In total, 46 social acts were identified in four social contexts between conspecifics. All but one of the acts were performed by both species in captivity, whereas fewer were seen performed by either species in the field. Five general acts were performed by all age/sex classes, and 10 acts occurred in mother‐young contexts. High‐intensity agonistic acts and all sexual acts were performed exclusively by adult males. In captivity, western grey males performed a truncated range of sexual acts directed at eastern grey females, but no interspecific sexual acts were performed by males of either species in the field, supporting the distinctiveness of the two species. The close evolutionary relationship between the two species was confirmed by high degree of concordance between their behavioural repertories, which differed only in the structure of the isolation call given by large pouch young.
Variations in growth of Cape petrel Daption capense chicks
Authors: Weidinger Karel
Published: March 2009

This study reports on the growth of Cape petrel chicks at Nelson Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica, during the breeding seasons 1990/91 and 1991/92. Parameters of logistic growth model fitted to mass, wing, culmen and tarsus measurements were compared between available composite data sets. Differential growth rate of morphometric characters and their proportional development at hatching and fledging conform to the pattern observed in other fulmarine petrels, overall growth rate being among the fastest found in Procellariiformes. Composite growth curves varied significantly between populations, but few annual, seasonal, and intercolony differences were found within the Nelson Island population. As the differences between chicks from equally disturbed colonies were less marked than in comparison with the control colony, regular handling most probably reduced the growth in this study. Larger eggs produced heavier rather than structurally larger hatchlings, which attained higher peak and fledging mass and size. Strength of the relationship between egg‐size and chick measurements initially declined with chick age but, in contrast with results of earlier studies, increased again after around the middle of the chick‐rearing period. This suggests that pre‐hatching maternal factors probably influenced initial and fledging (peak) size and mass of chicks via egg‐size, while intermediate stages of growth were less affected. A difference in mass between chicks from small and large eggs was maintained until fledging and increased gradually until peak mass was reached.
Differential growth patterns between successive litters of the eusocial Damaraland mole‐rat, Cryptomys damarensis, from Namibia
Authors: Bennett N. C. , Navarro R.
Published: March 2009

Differential mean rates of growth were calculated for successive litters of mole‐rats born to genetically unrelated pairs of C. damarensis. The Logistic equation provided the closest fit to the growth data.

Both intra‐ and inter‐colonial variation in mean maximum growth rate between successive litters incorporated into the natal colonies were determined.

The mean asymptote (A), growth rate constant (K) and inflection time (I) were modelled for the first five litters of pups born to pairs of mole‐rats. Inter‐colonial analysis of recruitment to colonies revealed litters 1, 2, and 5 to grow faster than litters 3 and 4. Litters 1 and 2 had significantly higher asymptotes and inflection times than litters 3, 4, and 5 (P < 0.001). All litters were assimilated into their natal colonies. There were no significant differences between males and females for the asymptote, growth rate constant, or inflection time (P < 0.05).

Intra‐colonial variation of litters 1 to 4 born to a single colony revealed comparable results to that obtained for inter‐colonial comparisons. Multiple comparisons showed litters 1 and 2 to have a significantly higher absolute growth rate than litters 3 and 4. The lowest rate of growth being for litter 4.

The patterns of mean differential growth are discussed in the light of the social organization of the colony. It is postulated that growth rates in litters 1, 2, and 3 are more rigid since they constitute the main functional unit of colony organization. Litters 4 and 5 show a greater plasticity in growth; it is speculated that these colony members become incorporated into the various worker and defender groupings which are characteristic of C. damarensis colonies.
Age estimation of the roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) mandibles from the Mesolithic site of Star Carr, Yorkshire, based on radiographs of mandibular tooth development
Authors: Carter Richard J.
Published: March 2009

A scheme developed by Brown & Chapman, (1991a), which allocates scores to stages of tooth development from radiographs, has been applied to 12 of the 28 roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) mandibular rami recovered from the early Mesolithic site of Star Carr, N. Yorkshire (c. 7500 BC). The mandibles of 35 known‐age roe deer kids from Britain and Denmark were also radiographed. The developmental stages of all premolars and molars were analysed and assigned a score using the scheme. After radiographing, four of the Star Carr rami could be paired with a fair degree of confidence, reducing the sample size from 12 to 10 roe deer. Comparisons of scores between the archaeological and modem populations revealed that seven of the Star Carr mandibular rami are aged approximately 10 to 11 months. The youngest is nine months, and the oldest 12 months. These results have significant implications for determining the seasonal presence of humans at the site. Contrary to the received view of a purely late spring/summer occupation of the site, it is now apparent that Star Carr was also visited during the late winter and early spring.
Flight performance, echolocation and foraging behaviour in pond bats, Myotis dasycneme (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae)
Authors: Britton A. R. C. , Jones G. , Rayner J. M. V. , Boonman A. M. , Verboom B.
Published: March 2009

Flight performance and echolocation behaviour of the pond bat, Myotis dasycneme (Boie, 1825), were investigated over canals and a lake in the Netherlands. Multi‐flash stereophotogrammetry, linked with synchronous recording of echolocation calls, was used to reconstruct the three‐dimensional flight paths of bats and to correlate flight behaviour with changes in pulse emission during echolocation. Echolocation calls during commuting flight at the canal were sigmoidal in structure, with an initial steep frequency modulated (FM) sweep followed by a more shallow sweep, ending with a second, rapid FM sweep. Similar calls were produced during the search phase of foraging, though longer duration quasi‐CF (constant‐frequency) calls, with longer interpulse intervals and much reduced initial and final FM sweeps, were produced by bats hunting over a large lake. Overall, calls were generally lower in frequency, with significantly longer pulse durations and interpulse intervals, compared with those of smaller trawling Myotis bats. Flight speeds were compared with predicted optima from aerodynamic models. Commuting bats exceeded predicted maximum range speed, which was considerably higher than that noted for other smaller species of trawling Myotis. Flight speed was significantly higher closer to the roost, at a narrower canal site. A negative correlation between wingbeat frequency and flight speed, and a facultative 1: 1 link between pulse emission and wingbeat during search phase were established. During commuting, the bats flew at a height above that which would normally confer substantial power savings through ground effect. It is argued that, by flying at a lower height, bats would compromise commuting speed. Echolocation calls produced during attempted prey capture were remarkably similar in design to those produced by those other Myotis species that forage in a similar fashion. Prey was detected at 2 m, and reaction distance was 1.8 m. Evidence of a physiological limit on pulse duration and interpulse interval during prey capture is presented. Overlap of emitted pulse and received echo may degrade the performance of echolocation in many bats, and overlap is generally avoided in M. dasycneme except perhaps when the bat is very close to the prey item.
Chinese sources suggest early knowledge of the ‘unknown’ ungulate (Pseudonovibos spiralis) from Vietnam and Cambodia
Authors: Macdonald Alastair A. , Yang Lixin N.
Published: March 2009

A survey of historical Chinese encyclopaedias, compilations and textbooks from the Ming and early Qing dynasties (14th to 18th centuries) was carried out for information that might fit an animal from Vietnam and Cambodia which is known only from its distinctive horns. These horns have a raised, rib‐like pattern of rings round much of their length, and a backward curl of the horn's tip. One illustrated text found in the San Cai Tu Hui, a compilation of knowledge by Wang Chi and his son Wang Si Yi (1607), seems to bear a close resemblance to the information which has recently been gathered during field trips in Cambodia and Vietnam. The authors conclude that additional information on endemic animals in the region may be found in the writings of that part of the world.
Age, sex, and condition as predictors of moult and the efficacy of a novel fur‐clip technique for individual marking of the European badger (Meles meles)
Authors: Stewart P. D , Macdonald D. W.
Published: March 2009

The European badger (Meles meles) moults once a year. In our study site in lowland England, pelage replacement of the guard hairs and a protracted period of fur growth (follicular anagen) occur between May and early November, with a peak in July. The precise timing of the moult depends on the age and condition of the badger. Yearling badgers undergo moult significantly earlier than adults. Adult females that have lactated, moult significantly later than other classes of adult, delaying the moult until autumn which corresponds to an annual period of food abundance. Lactation was significantly associated with poor condition in these badgers. It was not possible to determine whether delayed moult was due to poor condition per se, or due to some other physiological consequence of lactation, e.g. hormonal changes. We hypothesize that delay of moult in laclating/poor condition individuals has the adaptive consequence of delaying the metabolic costs of pelage replacement from a time of energy deficit until a time of relative plenty.

These findings are of practical importance to a novel solution to the problem of individually marking badgers during observational studies. The technique involves clipping the dark band near the tips of the badger's guard hairs to reveal the white under‐fur and produce patterning of the coat. The highly contrasting marks were well suited to visual identification during observations under low light and infra‐red illumination, and they allowed a large number of individuals (over 80 in our study) to be distinctively marked. The mark persists until the badger undergoes its single annual moult, or until three months of the active phase of fur growth have passed. Clip marks on adults made in late August had the greatest longevity, with 80% still visible after nine months. Though clipping had no significant effect on body condition in our study site, it should be cautiously applied with individuals in poor condition or in cold climates.
Parasites in social subterranean Zambian mole‐rats (Cryptomys spp., Bathyergidae, Rodentia)
Authors: Scharff A. , Burda H. , Tenora F. , Kawalika M. , Barus V.
Published: March 2009

Three out of 18 examined common mole‐rats (Cryptomys sp., Xkaryotype 2n = 58) from Zambia were infested with cestodes (Inermicapsifer nmdagascariensis and an undetermined species) and a nematode (Protospirura muricola). Four out of 14 examined Zambian giant mole‐rats (Cryptomys mechowi) hosted cestodes (Raillietina (R) sp. and an undetermined species) and nematodes (Protospirura muricola, Capillaria sp.). Helminths and circumstances of findings are briefly described. No ectoparasites were found. The influences of subterranean and social way of life and feeding habits upon occurrence of parasites in mole‐rats are discussed. Burrow conditions and social behaviour seem not to favour infestation by parasites.
Coastal residence periods and reproductive timing in southern right whales, Eubalaena australis
Authors: Burnell S. R. , Bryden M. M.
Published: March 2009

The duration and timing of coastal residence of individually identified southern right whales at a principal aggregation area on the southern Australian coast differed markedly between females with calves and unaccompanied whales. The mean residence period of females that calved within the aggregation area was 70.9 days, with mean residence mid‐points of 20 August in 1993 and 22 August in 1994. In contrast, unaccompanied adults remained resident for an average of only 20.4 days with mean residence mid‐points of 27 July and 11 August in 1993 and 1994, respectively. Whales have been sighted at this aggregation area from mid May to late October (approx. 160 days), although the effective calving season (95‐100% of calves born) lasted only 88 days in 1993 and 96 days in 1994. The mean birth date based on first sighting with neonatal calf, and corrected for sightability bias, was 15 July in 1993 and 17 July in 1994, with 100% of calves born before 31 August 1993 and 23 September 1994.

The time between birth and dispersal from the aggregation area, at or just prior to the commencement of the southward migration, was highly variable. Calves bom before the mean calving date averaged 80 days within the aggregation area, twice as long as those born after the mean (40 days). The large number of calves estimated to be less than 14 days old at first sighting, combined with the sighting of 26 pregnant females prior to parturition, suggests the majority of births occurred within, or very near to, the aggregation area.
The cost and benefits of territorial tenure, and factors affecting mating success in male Antarctic fur seals
Authors: Arnould J. P. Y. , Duck C. D.
Published: March 2009

The timing, location and duration of territorial tenure, and the mating success and return rates of male Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella) were measured over four consecutive breeding seasons (1984–87) on Bird Island (54°00'S, 38°02'W), South Georgia. Tenure duration (days) followed a heavily skewed, Poisson‐like distribution (median 13.08 days, maximum 75 days) and was positively related to the number of years of tenure (rs= 0.52, P < 0.0001). Mating success was also biased to a few individuals and was positively correlated to both duration of tenure (days) and the previous number of years in which tenure was achieved (P < 0.0001 in both cases). The timing and location of territorial tenure had no measurable effect on mating success (P > 0.05 in both cases). The probability of a male returning to hold a territory in the next year was not related to the number of years tenure that had been achieved (P > 0.7) or to the level of mating success in the current year (P > 0.15). It was, however, positively related to the duration of tenure in the current year (P < 0.0001). The overall annual return rate was 43% which is not significantly different from the survival rate for the general male population and suggests that territorial tenure does not contribute to increased mortality in male Antarctic fur seals.
Body temperature and foraging behaviour of the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), in relation to water temperature
Authors: Kruuk H. , Taylor P. T. , Mom G. A. T.
Published: March 2009

The effects of water temperature (Tw) on core body temperature (Tb) and foraging behaviour were studied in four free‐ranging and one captive otter Lutra lutra in NE Scotland. The free‐ranging animals were observed in and around two freshwater lochs, and measurements were made of Tw (2–16°C), Tb at the beginning and end of swimming bouts, lengths of swimming bouts, and dive times and intervals. Tb ranged from 35.9 to 40.4°C (mean 38.1°C). At the beginning of a period of activity and of a swimming bout. Tb rose significantly; during swimming it fell at a rate of 2.3°C/h, independent of Tw. Dive intervals were longer in colder waters, but this was probably due to other, seasonal environmental changes (perhaps water level). Tw had no significant effect on length of swimming bouts or on Tb. Although otters entered water with increased Tb, they exited when Tb was not significantly different from the mean resting Tb. The data suggest that otters maintain Tb irrespective of Tw, by increasing it before entering water, then either exiting at a given Tb, or at an earlier time determined by other environmental conditions.
Morphometric analysis of black and white European cave salamanders, Proteus anguinus
Authors: Arntzen J. W. , Sket B.
Published: March 2009

Morphometric data for the cave salamander, Proteus anguinus, from the Dinaric Karst of south‐eastern Europe are analysed with data for the recently described black and non‐troglomorphic Proteus anguinus parkelj from south‐eastern Slovenia. Proteus a. anguinus and P. a. parkelj are morphologically distinct. Within P. a. anguinus, inland and coastal populations possess distinguishable phenotypes. Mantel permutation tests show that no firm evidence is available that demonstrates the existence of clinal variation. The characters that best describe differences within P. a. anguinus (head, trunk and tail length, the number of costal grooves) also document the differentiation between P. a. anguinus and P. a. parkelj. The claim that P. a. parkelj falls within the (clinal) variation of P. a. anguinus is untenable. Accordingly, its taxonomic status is upheld.
Characterization of two distinct species of Arvicanthis (Rodentia: Muridae) in West Africa: cytogenetic, molecular and reproductive evidence
Authors: Ducroz J. F. , Granjon L. , Chevret P. , Duplantier J. M. , Lombard M. , Volobouev V.
Published: March 2009

The unstriped grass rat, Arvicanthis Lesson 1842, is one of the most common genera of murid rodents in African savannas. However, from a systematic viewpoint, very little is known about this group. Following recent investigations which showed karyotypic variability within the species A. niloticus, the present study attempts to clarify the nature and distribution of these chromosomal variants, as well as to determine their taxonomic rank.

The chromosomes of 15 individuals from different West African localities were prepared from fibroblast cultures, and R‐ and C‐banded karyotypes were constructed. In addition, the levels of genetic divergence (DNA/DNA hybridization) and reproductive isolation (attempted crossbreeding in captivity) were examined. The results confirm the existence of two differentiated karyomorphs, differing by numerous chromosomal rearrangements such as pericentric inversions and translocations, as well as differences in the quantity of constitutive heterochromatin. These karyomorphs appear to be genetically and reproductively isolated and are parapatrically distributed; their areas of distribution correspond to the sahelian and sudano‐guinean domains, respectively. The distinctness of these karyomorphs, the absence of hybrids in laboratory crosses, and the pronounced genetic divergence provide good evidence for the recognition of two distinct sibling species. We propose to keep the designation A. niloticus for the northern sahelian form and discuss the naming alternatives for the other.
Mechanical properties of the rostrum of the whale Mesoplodon densirostris, a remarkably dense bony tissue
Authors: Zioupos P. , Currey J. D. , Casinos A. , De Buffrénil V.
Published: March 2009

The rostrum of the toothed whale Mesoplodon densirostris is notable for the density of its bone. We examined the mechanical, fractographic, and chemical properties of the rostral material for two purposes: 1) to determine the properties of bone of an extreme density, and to compare these properties with other similar, and also more ordinary, bone; 2) to determine whether the mechanical properties could give any clues as to the function of the very dense rostral bone.

The bone was found to be the most highly mineralized, stiffest, and hardest bone known. It was very weak in bending. The salient properties of the bone, and those of two others which are given for comparison are:

The specific mechanical properties as such are very poor and it is difficult to envisage a particular mechanical function for the rostrum. Being weak, it is unlikely that it would be useful in intra‐ or interspecific fighting. It is possible that the high density has a significance in the emission of sonar signals.
Reproduction and life history in the red‐tailed phascogale, Phascogale calura (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae): the adaptive‐stress senescence hypothesis
Authors: Bradley A. J.
Published: March 2009

A population of the red‐tailed phascogale (Phascogale calura), a marsupial with a restricted distribution, was studied during a three‐year period at a small reserve in the South‐Westem Wheatbelt of Western Australia. This species shows a life‐history pattern which is typical of many Antechinus species and is characterized by a synchronized winter mating period followed by a complete male post‐mating mortality. Mating occurs during a three‐week period in July. In the field, males live only 11.5 months while females may live up to 36 months. Females are monoestrous and polyovular and have eight teats which are usually all occupied by pouch young. The production of supernumerary young is common. Pregnant females become aggressive toward the males.

To explain the semelparous life history in this species, an adaptive‐stress‐senescence hypothesis is proposed. As males enter the mating period they make major physiological adjustments which are beneficial to the success of mating. However, there may be a longer‐term cost, that of hormonally accelerated ageing and senescence, which is finally expressed in impairment of feedback control of adrenocortical function.
Group dynamics of the Nubian ibex (Capra ibex nubiana) in the Tuwayiq Canyons, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Habibi K.
Published: March 2009

Group dynamics of the Nubian ibex (Capra ibex nubiana), a sub‐species adapted to arid environments, were studied at the Ibex Reserve, Saudi Arabia. Most of the animals (83%) were seen in mixed herds during the rut and post‐rut. Mean group size of all sex‐age categories was 7.2, with the majority of the ibex seen in groups of < 10. The sex ratio of adult animals was equal but that of juveniles, older than six months, was skewed towards females. Habitat structure, sparse vegetation cover and a small population size are factors that favour small group size. An equal adult sex ratio and a high number of juveniles indicate that the population has a high reproductive potential.
The role of nutrition, body condition and lactation on calving success in muskoxen
Authors: White R. G. , Rowell J. E. , Hauer W. E.
Published: March 2009

Relationships between nutrition, body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS) and fertility were explored in 11 captive female muskoxen between 1988–1994. In 1987, six adult female muskoxen were allocated to high plane (HP) or low plane (LP) nutritional treatments (HP n= 3; LP n= 3), which were maintained year‐round through spring 1995 (HP n= 6; LP n= 5). Treatment group size fluctuated annually. Age, lactation status, calving date and calf birth weight were recorded for each cow. Body weight was measured weekly and BCS measured bi‐weekly throughout the mating season from 1 August to 31 October. Sixty‐one complete observations of BW and BCS in autumn, lactation status and calving success were collected. Body weight and BCS differed significantly (t‐test) with pregnancy (P < 0.001) and nutritional treatment (P < 0.001). A significant logistic regression model was generated for the relationship between BW in October and pregnancy (P < 0.001). When BCS each month was combined with BW in October, BCS in September was the most significant variable (P < 0.001) and the only one to enter the model. Neither lactational status nor year, in combination or alone, was significant. Both BW in autumn (176 kg provides a 50% probability of a female calving the following spring) and BCS (score of six provides a 50% probability of successful calving) can be useful predictors of fertility in muskoxen. The ability of muskoxen to make significant gains in weight and body condition in autumn may represent a nutritional control point regulating reproduction in this species.
Courtship behaviour of the Ouachita dusky salamander, Desmognathus brimleyorum, and a comparison with other desmognathine salamanders
Authors: Verrell Paul
Published: March 2009

This paper provides the first description of the courtship of the North American Ouachita dusky salamander, Desmognathus brimleyorum (Plethodontidae: Desmognathinae). Heterosexual encounters consist of multiple sequences of courtship, each sequence ending with the deposition of a single spermatophore on the substratum. Insemination is most likely to occur at the end of the final sequence in an encounter. Each sequence contains behaviour patterns that function to orient and synchronize the partners, and enable the male to provide tactile (rubbing and nudging), chemical (snapping and pulling) and, perhaps, visual (jerking) stimulation to the female. In terms of the sequential structure of encounters, the courtship of D. brimleyorum is unique among desmognathine salamanders for which descriptions are available. However, each of the individual behaviour patterns exhibited by D. brimleyorum during sequences of courtship is shown by congeneric taxa. Understanding patterns of similarities among these taxa awaits a phylogenetic analysis of behavioural evolution in the monophyletic Desmognathinae.