bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure, productivité et régime hydrique de phytocénoses halophiles sous climat méditerranéen
Authors: Berger André , Corre Jean-Jacques , Heim G.
Published: November 2022

Des recherches sur le régime hydrique de la couverture végétale (potentiel hydrique et transpiration), les variations de la biomasse végétale (matière sèche, composition chimique et valeur énergétique) et la production primaire ont été effectuées parallèlement à une étude de la composition floristique, de la salinité et de la profondeur de la nappe phréatique le long d’un transect implanté dans une végétation halophile dominée par Salicornia fruticosa et Arthrocnemum glaucum.

Les biomasses végétales se sont avérées relativement élevées dans le Salicornietum fruticosae : de l’ordre de 3 kg de matière sèche par m2, alors qu’elles n’atteignent que 0,4 kg m-2 dans l'Arthrocnemetum. L’analyse des variations saisonnières de cette biomasse a permis de situer la production primaire annuelle du Salicornietum fruticosae entre 0,5 et 1 kg de matière sèche par m2, correspondant à un équivalent énergétique de 8-16 MJ m— 2, pour un rayonnement global incident de l’ordre de 6000 MJ par an. Sans atteindre les valeurs élevées qui caractérisent les marais d’eau douce ou les cultures, elle est du même ordre de grandeur que celle d’un peuplement de Quercus ilex étudié sous le même climat.

La zone étudiée est caractérisée par la présence d’une nappe phréatique salée (10-45 g 1—1) présentant des oscillations saisonnières de niveau. A une période de submersion hivernale, au cours de laquelle il y a des risques d’asphyxie des racines, succède un assèchement, puis un abaissement de la nappe qui descend jusqu’à environ 70 cm dans le courant de l’été. Cet abaissement se manifeste par une chute du potentiel hydrique dans la vascularisation et par une régulation de la transpiration ; parallèlement on observe un ralentissement très net de la croissance, qui fait que la production primaire est réalisée, pour l’essentiel, en trois mois (mai à juillet).

La comparaison de deux zones se distinguant par la salinité de la nappe et le mode d’enracinement a montré la complexité et la nature de certaines relations entre les fluctuations de salinité et de profondeur de la nappe, l’évolution du régime hydrique de la plante et les variations de la biomasse. La répartition des racines en plusieurs strates joue un rôle important dans le maintien du potentiel hydrique de la plante. La présence d’une strate profonde lui permet, en été, de s’affranchir des horizons superficiels, où viennent s’accumuler les sels, et de garder le contact avec la frange capillaire. La présence d’une strate superficielle lui permet, au début de son cycle végétatif, d’éviter l’asphyxie lorsque la nappe est encore proche de la surface.
La végétation du Mont Ventoux
Authors: Barbero Marcel , Du Merle Paul , Guende Georges , Quézel Pierre
Published: November 2022

The vegetation map (see Appendix) is based on the concept of the vegetation series, within which different stages (mature forest, pre-climax forest, scrub, grassland and reafforested areas) are recognised. The most important native trees are Quercus ilex, Q. pubescens, Fagus sglvatica, Pinus halepensis, P. sglvestris, P. uncinata and Abies alba. The vegetation contains elements of both the Mediterranean and the Central European phyto-geogra-phical regions. The former is more typical of the southern slope and the lower part of the northern slope ; the latter occurs on the upper part of the northern slope (extending over to the summit of the southern slope) and part of the eastern ridge. Each of the vegetation series is restricted to one subgroup of these two broad divisions. The Mont Ventoux contains most of the vegetation series known from the limestone regions of southern France ; and the combination of a Mediterranean vegetation on the southern slopes with a Central European type on the northern slopes make it a typical example of the southern prealpine mountains.
Les peuplements de Fourmis et les peuplements d’ Acridiens du Mont Ventoux. I. Remarques préliminaires et définition des milieux étudiés
Authors: Du Merle Paul , Luquet Gérard Christian
Published: November 2022

The different habitats are defined by vegetational characteristics, showing three levels of precision (vegetation zone, vegetation series and vegetation group) ; the aridity changes with the horizontal and vertical zonation of the vegetation groups. The sampling sites in each habitat are described.
La nématofaune de quelques écosystèmes forestiers du Mont Ventoux
Authors: Scotto la Massèse Claude , Du Merle Paul
Published: November 2022

Soil samples were taken in clearings, the forest edge and in the surrounding woodland ; three horizons were distinguished in each sample. Samples were analysed by centrifugal flotation. Nematodes were divided into five groups (based on their mode of feeding) : saprophages, mycophages, phytophages, predators and “others” (whose diet is unknown). 107 species were identified, distributed among 71 genera : most of the species (76) were phytophagous. The richness of the fauna varied between sites, but was independant of altitude. The richness of the phytophygous, mycophagous and predator groups was correlated with the depth of sampling. The richness of the total fauna, the phytophages and the mycophages decreased on passing from a clearing to the surrounding forest.

The saprophages occurred at the highest densities (making up 76 % of the whole collection). Density was independant of altitude. The density of the total fauna, the mycophages and the saprophages was correlated with the depth of sampling. The density of the total fauna, the saprophages and the mycophages also changed on passing from a clearing to the surrounding forest.

The areas replanted with exotic species (Cedrus atlantica and Pinus nigra) sometimes differ from those under native forest or replanted with native trees in that the richness and density of phytophages strongly decrease on passing from the clearings to the forest.
L’«Opération Éléphants » au Rwanda — 2e partie. Acclimatation et régime des jeunes éléphants introduits dans le parc national de l’Akagera
Authors: Monfort Nicole , Monfort Alain
Published: November 2022

In 1975, twenty-six calves and immature elephants were captured in southern Rwanda and relocated in the Akagera National Park in northeastern Rwanda, where no elephants had been sighted for some decades. This paper is a preliminary report on the adaptation of these elephants to their new environment. The young elephants belonged to different family units but, in their new habitat, they formed stable social herds. During the study period, they remained on a 1200 ha home range on a peninsula in the large swampy depression of the Akagera River.

Food habits were studied by direct and indirect observations. Eighty plant species were found to be eaten, and 3071 recorded observations were analysed. There were marked seasonal changes in the diet. The elephants did not seem to be affected by undernutrition in the dry seasons. Creepers, trees, shrubs, and swampy herbs and grasses were abundant and dominant in the diet. Grazing increased at the beginning of wet seasons when food plants were richest in nutritive value. Most of the grasses were avoided at the end of the rains and in dry seasons. The impact of browsing and grazing was most marked in the riverine vegetation utilized intensively all the year round, where some plants, such as Sesbania sesban, were heavily damaged. In the savanna woodland, the vegetation was only lightly damaged. The impact of browsing on the vegetation, was usually compensated by plant growth, but browsing nevertheless affected the stature of some plants.

Ecological succession in the Akagera Park seems to evolve towards a natural reforestation and the clearings made by a small population of elephants might be beneficial for most grazing animals. The possibilities of local competition between elephant and buffalo for some swampy and riverine pastures during drought periods are evoked.
Conséquences comportementales de perturbations sociales répétées sur une troupe de Mones de Lowe Cercopithecus campbelli lowei de Côte-d’Ivoire.
Authors: Galat-Luong Anh , Galat Gérard
Published: November 2022

New observations have been made on the troop of Mona monkeys previously studied at Adiopodoumé, Ivory Coast, by Bourlière et al. (1969-70) and Hunkeler et al. (1972).

Following repeated poaching episodes, a young male leader took over the control of the residual troop in 1977. During this take over, the new male leader became very aggressive at the time the females gave birth (August and September). All of them were seriously hurt, together with their young infants which subsequently died. Such a behaviour suggest deliberate infanticide.

A depressive syndrome has also been observed in a peripheral isolated subadult male, including auto-aggression.
Socio-écologie du Skua antarctique à Pointe Géologie
Authors: Jouventin Pierre , Guillotin Michel
Published: November 2022

Le statut taxonomique du Skua est discuté. La distribution géographique circum-antarctique de l’espèce, sa taille plus petite que celle des autres Skuas, sa coloration plus claire, sa voix beaucoup plus aiguë et la quasi-absence d’hybridation nous paraissent bien confirmer une place à part.

Les données de terrain et celles obtenues à partir du fichier de baguage, qui couvre aujourd’hui 15 années, permettent de préciser certains aspects de la biologie de cette espèce : migration, dimorphisme sexuel, longévité, fidélité au nid et au partenaire, ainsi que leur valeur de survie.

Les Skuas sont des oiseaux opportunistes par exellence puisqu’ils sont à la fois pêcheurs, rapaces et charognards. C’est ce dernier aspect qui est à l’origine de l’expérience naturelle qui a été réalisée involontairement sur la population de Pointe Géologie. Au cours des vingt dernières années, les déchets de la base française de Terre Adélie ont constitué un apport de nourriture qui a provoqué un essor de la population de Skuas de l’archipel. La population globale a quadruplé (80 en 1964 à 320 en 1977), le nombre de couples reproducteurs a presque doublé de l’été austral 1964/1965 à celui de 1976/1977. En conséquence, la distance entre les nids est tombée de 110 mètres en 1965 à 65 mètres en 1976.

La fécondité est passée de 44 œufs pondus en 1965/1966 à 63 en 1976/1977. Par contre, la mortalité au stade des œufs a augmenté de 18 % en 12 ans. Cette relation entre densité et mortalité explique que le nombre de poussins à l’envol s’est maintenu de 1964/1965 à 1976/1977.

La ponte qui est de deux œufs a toujours étonné les auteurs antérieurs qui se demandaient pourquoi un seul poussin par nid arrive généralement à s’envoler. Or, en pleine période d’expansion de la population (1965/1966) les deux poussins achevaient généralement leur croissance (9 sur 10) alors qu’actuellement et à nouveau, seul un poussin survit par nid. De plus les Skuas qui, il y a 10 ans, étaient constamment vus en train d’attaquer les poussins de Manchots Adélie ne le font plus qu’exceptionnellement aujourd’hui.

Il semble que lors de l’installation de la base, la population de Skuas de Pointe Géologie ait été en équilibre avec les ressources naturelles. L’apport de la décharge a permis un accroissement rapide de la population et a mis en évidence la signification biologique de l’existence d’un deuxième poussin qui n’arrivait pas à survivre.

La population reproductrice suivit avec quelque retard la population globale par suite du facteur limitant qu’a dû devenir la surface des îlots rocheux. La source principale d’alimentation n’étant plus le Manchot Adélie, le cycle reproducteur du Skua s’est complètement désynchronisé de celui-ci (des pontes de remplacement apparaissent maintenant un mois et demi après les dernières observées il y a une dizaine d’années). Aujourd’hui, la population de Skuas semble à nouveau en équilibre avec les ressources alimentaires, aussi bien naturelles qu’artificielles, aussi est-il rare de voir survivre le deuxième poussin.
Le concept de niche chez les Drosophiles
Authors: Lachaise Daniel
Published: November 2022

Deux modèles de coévolution entre des insectes et leurs plantes hôtes, les Drosophiles des Ficus en Côte-d’Ivoire et les Drosophiles des cactus dans le désert de Sonora aux Etats-Unis, servent de base à la discussion du concept de niche. Le premier modèle est issu d’un écosystème de savanes tropicales, caractérisé par une grande richesse et une forte diversité des espèces entraînant des concentrations d’espèces et d’importants chevauchements de niches ; le second est issu d’un écosystème désertique caractérisé par une faible richesse et une faible diversité des espèces ne provoquant qu’un chevauchement limité des niches. La niche est conçue comme l’ensemble des pressions du milieu qui s’exercent sur le pool de gènes d’une population locale dans un habitat donné en limitant l’expression de ses potentialités à un moment précis.
La niche écologique des concepts théoriques aux utilisations pratiques
Authors: Lamotte Maxime
Published: November 2022

In concluding the discussions of the Montpellier symposium, the author emphasizes some of the operational difficulties of defining the ecological niche of a species in field conditions. The difficulty of singling out the relevant parameters (from the species viewpoint) is particularly great. A parallel is made with the genotype concept in genetics.
Chapitre premier. Édification de la Camargue et histoire holocène de sa végétation
Authors: Pons Armand , Toni Claude , Triat Hélène
Published: November 2022

The history and past vegetation of the Camargue during the last 11,000 years have been reconstructed on the basis of the pollen analysis of cores from two bore holes, one 42 m deep in the southern part of the delta, and another 13 m deep in northern Camargue.

The holocene history of the delta is well in agreement with that of the surrounding areas. The edaphic vegetation has never completely covered what now constitutes the Camargue. The pollen analysis indicates that from 5300 BP, the present alluvial flat landscape was almost completely settled by man. It also shows that salt production and agriculture were practiced simul¬ taneously in the most recent phases of the history of the delta. The sequence of onlaps and offlaps since the Flandrian epoch is shown on a series of maps and diagrams.
Chapitre 9. Recherche sur l’évolution du comportement alimentaire et de la structure sociale d’un groupe de chevaux camarguais
Authors: Sereni J.L.
Published: November 2022

The social organisation and feeding habits of a small group of Camargue horses (one stallion and seven mares) have been studied in the “sansouire”.

With respect to feeding behaviour, it was found that some plants were eaten over long periods of time, e.g. Scirpus maritimus, Phragmites communis, Juncus maritimus, Juncus subulatus and grasses. Other species were used only during one season, Aeluropus littoralis in summer and Obione portulacoides in autumn. The same plant could be taken from various plant communities. Within the same community one species can be eaten during one season and another species during another season.

In summer, resting and feeding areas were segregated. This did not occur during the rainy season, when the “sansouire” was flooded.

During the first period of the study, the development and stabilisation of dominance-subordination relationships, and of affinity bonds, were examined. A linear dominance hierarchy rapidly developped.

Within this small group, the social roles of different individuals were established. The dominant mare was not the leader. Usually the stallion dominated all the mares. When the group was on the move, the stallion was typically last, following the females.
Harem structure of the Southern Elephant Seal Mirounga leonina al Kerguelen Island
Authors: Van Aarde R.J.
Published: November 2022

L’auteur présente des données quantitatives sur les harems de l’Eléphant de mer des Kerguelen (Mirounga leonina) obtenues pendant l’été austral 1977. Le sex-ratio dans les harems était de 1 ♂ pour 29,97 ♀♀, alors que dans la population adulte générale il était de 1 ♂ pour 15,2 ♀♀. La structure des harems était en moyenne la suivante : 1 «maître-mâle » ; 2,54 ± 4,03 «assistants » ; 1,29 «challengers » ; 1,89 «célibataires » et 102,3 ± 135,43 femelles adultes (taille de l’échantillon : 375 harems observés sur 79 km de côte). La taille comme la structure des harems sont influencées par la superficie de l’aire de reproduction, les plus grands harems étant observés sur les plages sableuses, et les plus petits sur celles de gros cailloux. Alors que l’énorme augmentation de la population sur une côte modérément accueillante depuis 1952 n’a pas entraîné de changement significatif dans la taille des harems, une faible augmentation de population sur une côte déjà densément peuplée a abouti à une forte augmentation de la taille des harems et à une diminution de leur nombre. Une relation statistiquement significative a été mise en évidence entre la taille des harems et la mortalité des jeunes éléphants de mer
Le Hérisson (Erinaceus europaeus L.) et la route
Authors: Berthoud Guy
Published: November 2022

Between 1964 and 1978, 3452 hedgehogs were killed by traffic on motorways and on some roads in the french speaking part of Switzerland.

Observations of these animals have allowed the determination of the periods, weather conditions and places most favourable to their movements.

The following points have been established :

1. In the spring, the majority of hedgehogs move between their winter and summer quarters.

2. The males frequently travel between March and July, their rutting period.

3. The females often travel just before giving birth.

4. Subadults disperse massively in early spring.

5. A number of the young hedgehogs disperse during autumn.

6. The majority of these movements occur when weather conditions change, at the end of a period of high pressure and north wind. 7. Urban areas are more densely populated by hedgehogs than forest or agricultural areas.

8. The outskirts of towns, as well as forest borders, rivers and hedges play an important role in the selection of their routes.

We have concluded that hedgehogs can be protected along roads by creating and maintaining favorable conditions which enable them to move freely. When planning a road, an area, or a farm land redistribution scheme, the conservation or replanting of hedges, for example, would play an essential role in protecting hedgehog populations.
Les emplacements de défécation chez la Genette Genetta genetta L.
Authors: Roeder Jean-Jacques
Published: November 2022

Ce travail a pour but de déterminer le rôle de communication des emplacements de défécation chez la Genette (Genetta genetta L.). Chez cette espèce, les excréments sont déposés sur des endroits fixes et communs à tous les individus d’une même cage. Des expériences de choix d’emplacements de défécation font apparaître qu’un facteur d’accoutumance ainsi que des composantes olfactive et visuelle interviennent dans le choix et la fréquentation de ces emplacements. Il ressort également que les genettes distinguent leurs propres excréments de ceux de congénères étrangers. Ces résultats sont mis en relation avec des observations de terrain. Une comparaison est faite avec d’autres Viverridés.
Estimation des dégâts causés par les oiseaux aux céréales en Algérie
Authors: Metzmacher Maxime , Dubois Daniel
Published: November 2022

En 1977 une méthode d’échantillonnage a été expérimentée pour estimer les dégâts d’oiseaux aux céréales (orge, blé dur) du nord-ouest de l’Algérie.

La distribution des dommages a été analysée en fonction de la présence de colonies de Moineaux espagnols. Les informations recueillies indiquent que les oiseaux préfèrent certains champs et, à l’intérieur de ceux-ci, certains épis à d’autres. Les raisons en sont discutées.

Les résultats apportent aussi un moyen de simplifier la méthode de sondage.
Poids des nouveau-nés et stratégies reproductrices des vipères européennes
Authors: Saint Girons H. , Naulleau G.
Published: November 2022

The reproductive strategies of six species and two subspecies of European vipers are compared. Eighty eight clutches were examined.

The reproductive effort, defined as the ratio of total litter weight over body weight of the female just after parturition, varies widely among individuals. This individual variation is in part due to the variable amount of fat accumulated by pregnant females during vitellogenesis, and therefore is associated with their nutrition during the gestation period. However, a genetic polymorphism cannot be ruled out in certain populations. The average reproductive effort of the various species studied is 0.476 ; it does not significantly differ between the species concerned.

Among the taxa studied, the average female body weight, just after parturition, ranges from 12.1 to 139.0 g, whereas that of the neonates ranges from 2.74 to 7.4 g, and their number from 2.0 to 8.9 per litter. Therefore the variation in neonatal body weight is smaller than that of the number of newborn per litter. Broadly speaking, small viper species bear fewer offsprings than larger ones, but these offspring are proportionately bigger.

The distribution of the reproductive effort not only varies with the body size of the individual adult female ; it also depends on the species concerned, more particularly on the feeding habits and feeding opportunities of the newborn. Those which feed on invertebrates and, to a lesser extent, on small lizards, can afford to be small and numerous. This is not the case for the species whose young feed mostly on small mammals.

Within a given taxon, the size of a litter generally increases with the body weight of the mother, whereas there is no correlation between the individual body weight of the newborn and that of their mother. The mortality rate of the young vipers during their first ten months of life varies greatly within the species concerned, at least in captivity. However, within a given species, the larger the newborn, the lower the mortality rate.

In conclusion, the individual body weight of the newborn, and the variability of the reproductive effort among the various species of European vipers studied, depend on a number of different factors : female body size, feeding habits of the newborn, availability of prey, and mortality rates of the young in the postnatal period. The values observed under natural conditions obviously result from a compromise between different and often conflicting selective pressures.
Influence de l’environnement sur les composantes du groupe social chez le Daim Cervus (Dama) dama L.
Authors: Schaal A.
Published: November 2022

The patterns of social grouping of free ranging fallow deer, Cervus (Dama) dama, have been studied outside the breeding season for two consecutive years, in Alsace (N.E. France).

Comparisons are made between animals living in a forest environment (HF animals) and others living in a more open habitat (HO animals), as well as with fallow deer inhabiting an intermediate, semi-closed environment (HI animals). Group characteristics are compared : occurence of the various grouping patterns (including solitary individuals), group size and composition, stability of social groups, and intra-group spacing.

The composition of social groups varies greatly within a given population, depending upon the environmental conditions. All female groups are the most frequently observed in both forest and open habitats, whereas heterosexual groups rank a close second in open areas. Solitary animals are more frequently seen in forest environments than in open ones (Table I). The average overall group size is larger in open habitats (Table II). Group composition is also less stable, and group splitting more frequent, in open environments (Table III). Inter-individual distances between females are greater in forest habitats.
Survie en milieu insulaire : quelle stratégie? Le cas des mésanges en Corse
Authors: Michelland Dominique
Published: November 2022

The breeding biology and demography of Blue tit (Parus caeruleus) and Coal tit (Parus ater) populations of southern France and Corsica were compared from 1976 to 1980. The following differences between the mainland and the island populations were found :

1. — The onset of the breeding season is delayed in Corsica, egg-laying beginning three to four weeks later than on the mainland.

2. — The clutch-size is smaller on the island, the clutch averaging three more eggs on the mainland. 3. — The mortality of the nestlings is also much higher in Corsica than in southern France, due to heavy parasitism by Trypocalliphora sp. and food shortage which cause heavy mortality.

4. — However, the survival rate of adult tits is higher in Corsica than on the mainland.

5. — Contrary to what is the rule in southern France, Corsican tits do not apparently breed at the time of maximum food abundance.

The demographic strategies of the Corsican populations of Blue and Coal tits are apparently K-selected.
Etude du comportement de prédation du Martin-pêcheur Alcedo atthis (L.) : taille préférentielle de capture du Chabot Cottus gobio (L.) et de la Truite Salmo trutta L.
Authors: Hallet-Libois C.
Published: November 2022

Prey size selection by the European kingfisher Alcedo atthis has been studied from 1975 to 1977 in a breeding population along the Lesse River, Relgium.

The size of the fish taken changes with age of the nestlings. During the first ten days of the rearing period fish of a small size are caught more frequently than large ones. On the other hand, larger fish are caught and brought back to the nest as soon as the fledglings are able to ingest them.

The portion of the fish population preyed upon by kingfishers has also been identified. Fry is caught as soon as it reaches 1.5 to 2.0 cm in length ; larger fry (up to 4 cm long) is only actively saught during the rearing period of young nestlings. Fish 4 to 7 cm long are the most frequently preyed upon, the largest ones measuring 10 cm long.
Community structure of litter Anurans in a tropical forest, Makokou, Gabon : a preliminary analysis in the minor dry season
Authors: Toft Catherine A.
Published: November 2022

Quatre espèces d’anoures, Arthroleptis sylvatica, Cardioglossa leucomystax, Phrynobatrachus batesi (Ranidae) et Bufo camerunensis (Bufonidae) sont actives pendant la journée dans la litière de feuilles de la forêt des environs de Makokou, Gabon, pendant la petite saison sèche. L’abondance et la diversité des anoures de la litière sont faibles dans cette localité, comme d’ailleurs dans les autres régions tropicales du Vieux Monde, comparativement à la situation qui prévaut dans les tropiques humides continentaux américains. Elles sont, par contre, voisines des valeurs observées dans la forêt sèche saisonnière de l’île de Barro Colorado, à Panama. Toutes les espèces d’anoures de la litière forestière de Makokou se nourrissent activement de fourmis et (B. camerunensis excepté) de termites. Le régime d’A. sylvatica, de C. leucomystax et de P. batesi est très voisin, comme l’indique la mesure du chevauchement de leurs niches. P. batesi, cependant, est plus «généraliste » que les autres espèces, comme l’indiquent sa plus grande largeur de niche (Levins, 1968) et sa plus forte variabilité inter-individuelle de régime.
L’infiltration des oiseaux forestiers dans les milieux buissonnants de Corse
Authors: Martin Jean-Louis
Published: November 2022

L’étude comparée d’une série de biotopes corses et continentaux allant de la pelouse à la futaie nous montre que l’appauvrissement en espèces, de l’ordre de 30 %, de l’avifaune corse est réparti de façon inégale entre les différents peuplements. Bien plus, les peuplements des milieux ligneux bas et intermédiaires de Corse se rapprochent bien plus, de par leur structure (diversité et distribution des fréquences), des peuplements forestiers du continent (taillis et futaie) que des peuplements homologues continentaux. L’analyse des compositions spécifiques et de la répartition des espèces communes aux deux séries (79 % des espèces corses) nous montre que ces différences sont dues à l’élargissement des amplitudes d’habitat des espèces forestières ayant colonisé la Corse. Celles-ci s’infiltrent en effet dans tous les milieux ligneux et y possèdent de fortes fréquences d’observation. Différentes interprétations, non exclusives, sont avancées pour tenter d’expliquer ce phénomène.
Structure d’une communauté de Carnivores dans la Cordillère Cantabrique occidentale
Authors: Guitian Rivera José , Callejo Rey Antonio
Published: November 2022

L’étude analyse des aspects déterminés de la structure d’une communauté de mammifères Carnivores dans la Cordillère Cantabrique Occidentale (Galice Orientale, Espagne), à partir de données provenant de l’analyse d’excréments et de contenus stomacaux. La communauté étudiée se compose de 8 espèces : le Loup (Canis lupus), le Renard (Vulpes vulpes), le Blaireau (Meles meles), la Loutre (Lutra lutra), la Belette (Mustela nivalis), la Martre (Martes martes), la Genette (Genetta genetta) et le Chat sauvage (Felis sylvestris).

Au moyen du calcul des valeurs de largeur et de chevauchement de la niche trophique, on constate que le fonctionnement de la communauté est facilité par une nette spécialisation des espèces. Les différences de taille sont également responsables des préférences montrées par chaque prédateur pour la taille de ses proies habituelles. Une analyse en composantes principales fait apparaître, à partir d’une série d’indices qui résument l’information fournie par les régimes alimentaires, les facteurs les plus importants facilitant la coexistence entre les Carnivores de la communauté. Les variables les plus déterminantes sont : l’utilisation de l’habitat, le choix des proies et parfois la tactique de chasse. La figure 2 situe chacune des espèces par rapport aux trois axes principaux (75,7 % de la variance totale).

Pour terminer, les particularités structurelles de la communauté pouvant résulter du caractère saisonnier du milieu et donc de ses ressources, comme de l’hétérogénéité de la région et de ses particularités faunistiques, sont discutées.
Réalisation en circuit hybride d’un émetteur de radiopoursuite (144-148 MHz)
Authors: Taillard C. , Marianneau G. , Baudoin C.
Published: November 2022

Le schéma d’un émetteur miniature (144 -148 MHz) est présenté. La réalisation en circuit hybride permet d’obtenir un poids faible (0,8 g = quartz + circuit + antenne), une consommation (50 λ A) et une bonne portée d’émission (au moins 500 m). Un boitier d’un type nouveau est mis au point qui permet de changer la pile sans soudure.
Les fruits et les graines des espèces végétales pionnières de Guyane Française
Authors: Prévost M.F.
Published: November 2022

Quantitative data are provided on the fruits and seeds of 90 pioneer species of plants characteristic of the young secondary forests in French Guyana : size of the fruits, number of seeds per fruit, size of the seeds. The dispersal mechanisms of the species are described.

Most pioneer species produce berries (51/90), drupes (15/90) or capsules (13/90). The greatest diameter of most (72 %) of the fruits is less than 2 cm ; 60 per cent of the fruits contain more than 50 seeds each, and the greatest diameter of 84 per cent of the seeds is smaller than 5 mm. The seeds of most species (93 %) are dispersed by animals.

The variation of the number of seeds per fruit was studied in 11 species of Solanum and two Passiflora ; the number can vary by a factor of two to four.

The production of seeds per individual plant was estimated in the short-lived pioneer Solarium rugosum ; it can reach 2.3 millions of seeds per individual plant during its average life-span of 4 years.
Étude comparative de l’ichtyofaune des herbiers de Phanérogames marines en milieux tropical et tempéré
Authors: Harmelin-Vivien M. L.
Published: November 2022

The fish communities of seagrass beds around Tulear (Madagascar) and Marseilles (France) are compared, particular attention being given to community structure and resource partitioning.

Physical and biotic conditions are more variable in the polyspecific tropical seagrass meadows of the Mozambique Channel than in the monospecific Mediterranean beds of Posidonia oceanica. Around Tulear seagrasses extend from the surface to a depth of 6 metres, and emerge in part at low tide. Composed of 7 species they form a mosaic of habitats. Around Marseilles, P. oceanica beds are found from 0.3 m to 35 m deep ; our study sites being located between 15 and 20 m. Their internal structure is complex and stratified, and they offer a variety of habitats to the fish fauna.

The overall species richness of fish is lower around Marseilles (49 spp.) than around Tulear (157 spp.), the greater number of species being found in the polyspecific seagrass meadows on the reef. The fish species characteristic of seagrass beds are both more numerous and more abundant in our tropical study site (30 % of the community) than in our temperate one (10 %). In both locations, species richness, species diversity, fish numbers and fish biomasses are higher by night than by day. The diet fo these fish is very different at these two time periods : by night all species actively feeding are carnivorous, whereas all herbivorous and omnivorous fish, as well as those feeding on sessile invertebrates, are active by day. At Tulear and at Marseilles, the main prey of seagrass beds fish are Crustaceans (53 to 70 %), Fish (17 to 25 %), Molluscs (4 to 10 %) and Polychaetes (1 to 5 %). However, herbivorous and omnivorous fish, and nocturnal zooplancton feeders, are less numerous in the North West Mediterranean than in the Mozambique Channel, whereas there are no sessile invertebrate feeders around Marseilles. Fish diet diversity is therefore higher in tropical waters than in the Mediterranean, particularly with regard to the fish population actively feeding during the day.

The potential competition arising from the large number of fish species living in tropical seagrass beds is quite likely avoided in the following three different ways at least : (1) consumption by tropical fish of some foodresources not used in temperate waters, (2) consumption of some very abundant and highly predictable resources by several species, and (3) decrease in niche breadth and dietary overlap of other species.

The only herbivorous fish (Sarpa salpa) found in the Mediterranean only lives in the shallow Posidonia beds, not entering the deeper part of the beds. The seagrass browsers are more numerous in tropical waters, but they only represent a small part of the seagrass beds fish fauna. In both locations, the low consumption rate of live seagrasses by fish may be responsible for the lack of toxic secondary compounds noticed in these aquatic phanerogams.
Un mode de favorisation de la transmission parasitaire : la manipulation du comportement de l’hôte intermédiaire
Authors: Helluy Simone
Published: November 2022

The behavioral modifications induced by certain larval helminths in their invertebrate intermediate hosts are due to changed responses to environmental stimuli. Thus, the niche of intermediate host tends to overlap with the feeding niche of the definitive host (s) (Holmes and Bethel, 1972). Some examples of this process favoring parasite transmission are reviewed. The relationships between the trematode Microphallus papillorobustus and gammarids illustrate the complextity of this phenomenon. The discussion deals with the origin and the impact of behavioral modifications due to parasitism.
Structure d’âge d’une population de Cnemidophorus scalaris (Sauria, Teiidae)
Authors: Maury M.E , Barbault R.
Published: November 2022

The age of 42 wild specimens of Cnemidophorus scalaris (Sauria, Teiidae) from Mexico was determined by counting bone layers in the diaphysis of the humerus and phalanxes. The one year class accounts for 63 % of the sample studied. The two oldest individuals were three years old.
Exploitation alimentaire des zones humides de Camargue par cinq espèces de canards de surface en hivernage et en transit : modélisation spatio-temporelle
Authors: Pirot Jean-Yves , Chessel Daniel , Tamisier Alain
Published: November 2022

Since feeding activity is mainly nocturnal and waterfowl diets are usually composed of prey supporting a broad range of salinity, determining the preferred feeding habitats of ducks wintering in a mediterranean delta is often difficult. A method of assessing these habitats is described which is based on computing the ressources available on the main types of feeding grounds (from
Adaptation comportementale du Blaireau européen (Meles meles L.) à la prédation d’une espèce-proie venimeuse, le Crapaud commun (Bufo bufo L.)
Authors: Henry Claude
Published: November 2022

Le Blaireau Meles meles peut être localement un important consommateur de crapauds communs Bufo bufo. Mais il adopte un comportement de prédation adapté à la capture de cette proie fortement toxique. La valeur adaptative du venin comme mécanisme de défense anti-prédateur est discutée.
L’Albatros fuligineux à dos sombre Phoebetria fusca, exemple de stratégie d’adaptation extrême à la vie pélagique
Authors: Jouventin Pierre , Weimerskirch Henri
Published: November 2022

Fifteen hundred sooty albatrosses (Phoebetria fusca) were ringed since 1966 at the Ile de la Possession, Crozet Archipelago, Southern Indian Ocean, and a detailed ecological and behavioural study of this population has been carried out from 1978 to 1982.

Adult males and females are sexually dimorphic, and their song is also different. They feed mostly on squid and forage up to 1,200 km off-shore.

The breeding biology of the species is described. As a rule adults breed every second year. The chick is fed every 5-6 days by both parents. The duration of the rearing period averages 164.5 days, and is the longest of all the smaller albatrosses. Mortality is high at the egg and chick stages (57.9 %), but the low survival rate of the immatures (68.5 %) is balanced by a high survival rate of the adults (96.3 %).

The seasonal distribution and demographic structure of the Possession Island’s population is described. It varies throughout the year, but the breeding birds never represent more than one third of the population present on the island. This is due to the fact that sexual maturity is delayed in this species ; on average birds do not return to their native colony until 8.4 years of age and are unabe to reproduce before 11.9 years of age. Among adults we can therefore distinguish at least three different categories of birds : successful breeders, potential breeders and temporary visitors.

The sooty albatrosses normally pair for life, 99.2 % of the breeders did not change partners during our study period. This long-lasting pair bond is slowly established during the prolonged immature stage and involves complex sexual displays. It takes the members of a pair 3.35 years on the average to completely synchronize their respective breeding cycles and be able to success¬ fully rear a chick.

As an extreme K-strategist, the Sooty Albatross appears to be remarkably adapted to exploit the pelagic resources of the sub-antarctic Indian Ocean.
Le régime alimentaire de la Grive musicienne, (Turdus philomelos) en automne et en hiver dans les garrigues de Montpellier (France méditerranéenne) et ses relations avec l'ornithochorie
Authors: Debussche Max , Isenmann Paul
Published: November 2022

Dans la région de Montpellier (France méditerranéenne) le régime alimentaire de la Grive musicienne (Turdus philomelos) en automne et en hiver est polyphage avec une dominance marquée des fruits. Parmi eux prédominent le raisin (Vitis vinifera ssp. vinifera) de consommation automnale, trouvé chez 64 % des individus frugivores et les cônes charnus de Genévriers (Juniperus spp.) de consommation hivernale, trouvés chez 45 % des individus frugivores. La part prise par ces deux catégories de fruits évolue en sens inverse dans le temps. Au niveau régional des Garrigues du Montpelliérais, c’est un total de 18 espèces de plantes dont les fruits sont consommés et les graines disséminées par la Grive musicienne ; la forte liaison avec les Genévriers est soulignée. Grâce à la part prépondérante des fruits dans son régime, cette espèce constitue avec quatre autres espèces (Sylvia atricapilla, Sylvia melanocephala, Turdus merula et Erithacus rubecula) le groupe au rôle disséminateur le plus important en automne et en hiver dans la région étudiée et par extension dans l’ensemble de la zone méditerranéenne.
The spreading of sarcoptic mange among swedish Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes L) in relation to Fox population dynamics
Authors: Lindström Erik , Mörner Torsten
Published: November 2022

Une épidémie de gale sarcoptique en Suède (1975-1984) a été suivie et confrontée à un modèle de régulation des populations de renards roux. La zone a été infestée en trois vagues, chacune étant associée à un nouveau cycle de population des campagnols. L’extension vers le sud s’est trouvée retardée lorsque le front de la gale a atteint les régions agricoles des zones némorales et boréo-némorales. La cause immédiate de ce retard résulte probablement d’une déviation vers le nord de la direction de dispersion des renards, provoquée par une pression sociale plus élevée dans le sud du pays.
Connaissance du Chien viverrin en Europe
Authors: Duchêne Marie-José , Artois Marc
Published: November 2022

Since 1938 the Raccoon dog has spread from the Soviet Union to West Germany and Norway. The biology of this opportunistic omnivore and major rabies vector is unfortunately very poorly known in Europe. This is why Dr H. Ikeda has been asked to review what is known of its ecology and behaviour in Japan.
Le Renard et ses helminthes en France
Authors: Petavy A.F. , Deblock Stéphane , Contat François , Gilot B.
Published: November 2022

The Nematode and Cestode parasites of french red foxes are reviewed, and their possible sources of infection discussed. A special mention is made of the epidemiological data concerning Echinococcus multilocularis in Auvergne and Haute-Savoie. Arvicola terrestris, Microtus arvalis and Clethrionomys glareolus are natural intermediate hosts, while the domestic dogs may act as definitive hosts. Our data are compared with those mentioned in the western european litterature
Field trials of oral immunization of wildlife animals against rabies in the Federal Republic of Germany : a mid course assessment
Authors: Schneider Lothar G. , Cox James H. , Muller W.W.
Published: November 2022

The authors present a first assessment of their vaccination trials of foxes by the oral route in West Germany. The experiments were started in Spring 1983. The strain used (SAD-B19) appears to be well adapted to the target (stability, immunity, no accidents) ; 167,000 doses of vaccine have been distributed over an area of 6200 km², 70 to 80 % of the foxes have taken baits and between 2/3 and 3/4 of them were immunized.
Les oiseaux des régions forestières du Nord-Est du Gabon. I. Ecologie et comportement des espèces
Authors: Brosset André , Erard Christian
Published: November 2022

This first volume summarizes the observational data obtained by the CNRS/MNHN team, from 1963 to 1985, in the Makokou-Belinga area, North-East Gabon.

Four hundred and twenty four species of birds were recorded in this area, and many of them were photographed, tape-recorded, or collected for identification purposes. Nine other species were seen, but not definitely identified. Three hundred and sixty three bird species were recorded on the 2 kma of the M’Passa field station alone. Detailed information is given for most of the species on the status, habitat preferences, abundance, life-history characteristics, diet and reproduction.

A second volume will deal with more general problems of community and population ecology. Comparisons will then be made with the results of similar studies carried out elsewhere in the humid tropics.
Régime alimentaire automnal de la Perdrix bartavelle, Alectoris graeca saxatilis, dans les Alpes-Maritimes
Authors: Bernard-Laurent Ariane
Published: November 2022

The autumn diet of the Rock partridge Alectoris graeca saxatilis in the southern sector of the French Alps (Alpes-Maritimes) is described, based on 114 crop contents collected between 1981 and 1983. Seventy five per cent, dry weight, of the crop contents were made up of vegetable food, including green plant parts, dry fruits and seeds. Animal prey, mostly Orthoptera (Caelifera and Ensifera), made up ca 25 per cent of the diet. Juvenile partridges, however, ate more animal food than adults.

The rock partridge’s diet varied from one year to the next, apparently depending on the amount of rainfall in autumn which influences the availability of food. Altitude also plays a role ; the diet was more varied at middle elevations (1000-1900 m) than higher up (1900-2600 m), reflecting the higher plant species richness at middle altitudes. The possibility that rock partridges deliberately select in autumn dry fruits, seeds and (at higher elevation) animal prey, rather than fresh plants parts, is discussed.
Etude de l'écologie des micromammifères à partir des pelotes de réjection de Tyto alba (Scopoli, 1769). Application au Bas-Chablais (Haute-Savoie, France)
Authors: Taberlet Pierre
Published: November 2022

A method of investigating the ecology of small mammals in open habitats is proposed, based on the author’s own investigations carried out in Bas Chablais, Haute-Savoie, France.

Pellets of Barn Owl (Tyto alba) were collected at 15 sites within a defined study area. The remains of 14,056 small mammals found in these pellets were identified to the species level. The environmental descriptors of each of the 15 sites were identified, and a correlation matrix between the percentage occurence of each prey category and the environmental variables was calculated. The occurence of each prey species was subjected to a correspondence analysis, and the environmental parameters were projected onto the axes thus produced.

The overall results confirm the view that Barn Owl captures its prey at random in open environments ; the analysis thus suggests that the pellets provide a goad random sample of the prey populations.

The ecology of the 16 species of small mammals captured by the Barn Owl is discussed. For the species living in open environments the habitat is defined by the first three factors of the correspondence analysis, i.e. rainfall, area under cereal cultivation, and grassland type (Mesobrometum or Arrhenatheretum).

A strong positive relationship is suggested between the percentage occurence of Apodemus sylvaticus and the total area under cereal cultivation. Interspecific competition is shown by the opposite position of species on the axis of the correspondence analysis. Such is the case for Sorex coronatus versus Crocidura russula, and Microtus arvalis versus Arvicola terrestris. The results also provide information on the movements and dispersal of several woodland species : Clethrionomys glareolus, Sorex minutus, Neomys anomalus and N. fodiens mostly move within the understorey ; N. fodiens would appear to have higher power of dispersal than N. anomalus.

Such a method might be useful in other regions, and provide data on regional variations in habitat preferences of small mammals.