bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energetics of burrowing, running, and free‐living in the Namib Desert golden mole (Eremitalpa namibensis)
Authors: Seymour R. S. , Withers P. C. , Weathers W. W.
Published: February 2006

The Namib Desert golden mole (Eremitalpa granti namibensis) is a small (c. 20 g), blind, sand‐swimming, chrysochlorid insectivore that inhabits the sand dunes of one of the driest and least productive areas of the world. Its food, largely termites, is sparse and occurs in widely distributed patches, and free water is unavailable. The moles forage by running on the surface and burrowing below the sand. We estimated their daily energy expenditure in the field to be 11.8 kJ d‐1 by constructing a ‘distance‐energy budget’ based on measurements of tracks in the sand and the energy cost of running (4.2 kJ d‐1), burrowing (3.2 kJ d‐1), and resting (4.4 kJ d‐1). We also measured field metabolic rate (12.5 kJ d‐1) and water turnover (2.3 ml d‐1) independently with doubly‐labelled water. The resting metabolic rate (0.5 ml O2 g‐1 h‐1 at 35 °C) is about a fifth of that predicted for a normal insectivorous mammal, and the daily field energy expenditure and water turnover are about a half. The low daily energy expenditure stems mainly from the low resting metabolic rate, which is associated with low body temperatures and metabolic depression. Moles save more energy during foraging by running on the surface of the sand, rather than burrowing under it. The gross energy cost of sand‐swimming (80 J m‐1) is 26 times more expensive than running on the surface (3.0 J m‐1), but is less than a tenth of the energy required by mammals that tunnel through compact soil. Nevertheless, it would be energetically impossible for the moles to obtain enough food by foraging only underground at our study site. The mean track length was 1.4 km, but only 16 m of it was below the surface. There is evidence that the track length and fraction underground depend on food abundance which is influenced by rainfall.
Vocalizations in red deer (Cervus elaphus), sika deer (Cervus nippon), and red × sika hybrids
Authors: Long A. M. , Moore N.P. , Hayden T. J.
Published: February 2006

Rutting calls of male and alarm calls of female red deer (Cervus elaphus), sika deer (C. nippon), and their hybrids were recorded from wild and captive‐bred populations. Vocal variations between these species and their hybrids (C. elaphus×C. nippon) were examined using multivariate analysis to determine whether these groups could be successfully discriminated. There were highly significant differences between the vocalizations of each group for both sexes (males: Wilks' Λ= 0.0233, P<0.0001; females: Wilks' Λ= 0.1338, P<0.0001). The greatest differences were between analogous calls of red and sika deer. Vocalizations of hybrids from both captive‐bred and feral populations were intermediate between the two parent species. The differences between the groups were most highly influenced by the pitch of calls. The results of this study indicate that the vocalizations of deer, rather than being learned or mimicked from similar species in their proximity, are strongly influenced by the genetic background of their parents.
Morphology of the kidney in a nectarivorous bird, the Anna's hummingbird Calypte anna
Authors: Casotti G. , Beuchat C.A. , Braun E.J.
Published: February 2006

The kidneys of Anna's hummingbird (Calypte anna) differ in several significant ways from those of other birds that have been examined. The kidneys of this nectarivore contain very little medullary tissue; 90% of the total volume of the kidneys is cortical tissue, with medulla accounting for only an additional 2%. More than 99% of the nephrons are the so‐called ‘reptilian type’), which lack the loop of Henle. The few looped (‘mammalian type’) nephrons are incorporated into only a few medullary cones per kidney. The loopless nephrons are similar to those of other birds. However, the looped nephrons differ in that they lack the thin descending limb of the loop of Henle, which is found in other birds and is thought to play an important role in the countercurrent multiplier system in the avian kidney. Instead, the cells of the nephron segment following the pars recta of the proximal tubule resemble those of the thick ascending limb, with the large populations of mitochondria that are typical of transporting epithelia and no reduction in cell height. The absence of a descending thin limb in Anna's hummingbird is not necessarily a correlate of the hummingbird's liquid diet, because thin limbs have been documented in the kidneys of two other hummingbird species, the rufous hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) and the broad‐tailed hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus). The functional correlates of the unique renal morphology in Anna's hummingbird warrant further study.
A comparative study of trophi morphology in Seisonidea (Rotifera)
Authors: Segers Hendrik , Melone Giulio
Published: February 2006

We report on a comparative scanning electron microscopical study of trophi morphology of the two species making up the Class Seisonidea of Phylum Rotifera. The trophi of the two are generally similar, with morphological differences being interpreted as the result of adaptations to different food sources: the trophi of Seison nebaliae are adapted to particle‐feeding, that of Seison annulatus probably functions by piercing the integument of the host using the fulcrum tip, and subsequently sucking out haemolymph. This difference in feeding ecology is believed to contribute to the co‐occurrence of both species on the same host. A new hypothesis on the evolution of rotifer trophi is proposed.
Phenology of butterflies along an altitudinal gradient in northern Spain
Authors: Gutiérrez David , Menéndez Rosa
Published: February 2006

The annual cycle of adult butterflies was studied at seven rocky outcrops located along an altitudinal gradient in a northern Spanish mountain area (Picos de Europa) with a Eurosiberian climate in 1993 and 1995. Both total abundance and number of species of butterflies peaked in summer at all study sites. The cumulative species number uniformly increased over the season until late summer. These results imply that butterflies concentrated their activity when temperatures were higher in the year. Regardless of their diversity and total abundance, timing of the flight period was later for assemblages at high altitude than for assemblages at low altitude. A similar trend in increasing delay in flight period was found when data were analysed separately for each species. The duration of the flight period of assemblages was correlated with abundance in 1993, but it was correlated with altitude in 1995. Most species tended to show shorter flight periods at high altitudes in both study years. These altitudinal changes in timing of adult flight are likely to be linked with effects of temperature on developmental rates of early stages of the life cycle. Changes in duration of the flight period, however, might be partly related to variability in species abundance.
Scanning electron microscopic identification of Sarcocystis gracilis from roe deer and cattle
Authors: Stolte M. , Bockhardt I. , Odening K.
Published: February 2006

Sarcocysts morphologically not distinguishable from Sarcocystis gracilis of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus, Cervidae) were found in the skeletal musculature of dwarf zebu and humpless cattle (Bos taurus, Bovidae). We contribute to the identification of this species by means of scanning electron microscopy. Special attention is paid to the species‐specific cyst wall structure. Our findings confirm previous descriptions by light and transmission electron microscopy and support the peculiarity and uniqueness of the cyst wall type ‘gracilis’.
Home‐range and movements of leopards (Panthera pardus) on a livestock ranch in Kenya
Authors: Mizutani F. , Jewell P. A.
Published: February 2006

The ranches of Laikipia District, Kenya, provide a very important refuge and conservation area for wildlife. Leopards (Panthera pardus) are the most numerous large predator and create problems by killing livestock. Both small and young wild ungulates, as well as small domestic stock, provide prey so that the leopards achieve unusually high densities. This study, using radio‐tagging techniques, examines the spatial relationships between resident and transient leopards on a 200 km² ranch in the Lolldaiga Hills. About 25 leopards (including estimates of subadults and cubs) live on the ranch. Typically, females occupy exclusive home‐ranges of mean extent 14.0 km² although there is some overlap with subadult females. The home‐ranges of resident males, with a mean of 32.8 km², do not overlap each other but do overlap female territories. Transient males move through the area. Analysis of home‐range and home‐range occupancy, was carried out using three methods: minimum convex polygon, grid cell, and harmonic mean. The information provided by these three different methods is compared, and the social status of the leopards is discussed.
The effects of otter (Lutra lutra) activity on spraint production and composition: implications for models which estimate prey‐size distribution
Authors: Carss D. N. , Elston D. A. , Morley H. S.
Published: February 2006

This study is an investigation into the influence of activity on otter (Lutra lutra) spraint production and composition, based on feeding trials involving captive, tame otters. Trials were of two types: ‘active’ where animals were encouraged to run, swim and dive for at least 33% of the time during the first six hours after each meal, and ‘inactive’ where activity varied between zero and 18% of this period. Trial types were balanced for number of fish, meal volume and fish size. Activity was found to have a large effect on spraint production and composition. For active trials, median minimum gut transit time was 67 minutes and median number of spraints per trial was 23. Corresponding figures for inactive trials were 170 minutes and 14, respectively. Of ingested salmonid (Salmo spp.) atlas vertebrae, 60% were recovered in spraints after active trials, while only 32% were recovered after inactive ones. Analyses of these effects showed that our previous models for estimating prey size distribution from bones recovered in spraints gave a better fit for inactive than for active trials. As otters in the wild are likely to spraint mostly during periods of activity, especially foraging, further feeding trials were undertaken to refine an earlier model better to mimic the field situation. Trials, involving active otters, were undertaken to: (i) produce in vivo bone to fish length equations for salmonid atlases and eel (Anguilla anguilla) thoracic vertebrae; and (ii) model the size‐related differential recovery of these bones. These refined equations are more soundly based to provide estimates of prey size distribution than the earlier ones and their use in future studies of size‐selection is recommended. The present study also highlights the potential limitations of extrapolating from the captive situation to the wild.
Survival of nests of the terecay turtle (Podocnemis unifilis) in the Nichare‐Tawadu Rivers, Venezuela
Authors: Escalona Tibisay , Fa John E.
Published: February 2006

Mortality factors and hatching success of 422 terecay turtle (Podocnemis unifilis) nests on seven beaches in the Nichare and Tawadu Rivers, Venezuela, were studied following the oviposition phase. Beaches (3.4‐28.4 km2), predominantly sandy, and bordered by riparian vegetation, were searched to record nest numbers and their distribution. Elevation and surrounding plant cover were measured for each nest. Most nests were found close to the vegetation's edge (0‐11 m), at a significant distance from the water's edge (21‐80 m), in more open ground, and along the highest points of the beach (1‐2.5 m above the water's edge). Nest density was positively correlated with beach elevation but not with beach dimensions. Most nests were concentrated in less than 10% of beach area, along the upper 20% of the beach. Average clutch size was 20.1±1.7 eggs, but larger clutches were found significantly further away from vegetation. No significant correlation between hatching success and clutch size was found.

A large proportion of nests were subject to animal and human predation but environmental factors (especially flooding) affected some. The major cause of egg loss was human predation. Most clutches collected by humans were found away from vegetation, on the upper 10‐20% of beaches, in exposed unvegetated sites. Animals preyed upon those nests along the vegetation's margin (1‐2 m) in the upper 0‐9% of beaches, in sites of high plant cover (75‐100%). Nests reaching the incubation phase were mainly located in the open areas, which are more prone to human predation. About three‐quarters of nests showed high hatching rates (91‐100%). However, hatchability was highest furthest away from the vegetation. Our results indicate that humans are collecting eggs mostly from sites in which nests have the larger clutches and the higher potential hatching success. Because of this relationship between nest viability and location, sustainable yield programmes must consider where harvesting can take place and must avoid the application of standard harvests per nest.
Temporal changes in the social structure of a captive colony of the Damaraland mole‐rat, Cryptomys damarensis: the relationship of sex and age to dominance and burrow‐maintenance activity
Authors: Gaylard A. , Harrison Y. , Bennett N. C.
Published: February 2006

Crytomys damarensis is a eusocial subterranean rodent occurring in colonies in which a sole reproductive female and one to two males are involved in procreation; the remaining colony members are non‐reproductive. Within each sex the reproductive animals are usually the largest and most dominant animals.

The dominance hierarchy of a young colony consisting of a founding reproductive pair of genetically unrelated animals and the first three successive litters, comprising 12 offspring, from this pair had a non‐linear dominance hierarchy, h= 0.32. Dominance was found to be correlated positively to body mass as well as to the age of the animal. A subsequent study, which followed the incorporation of two subsequent litters and growth of the first three litters, and comprised 15 offspring, revealed that the dominance hierarchy had attained linearity, h= 0.9. Dominance was again positively correlated with the age and body mass of respective colony members. In both studies there was no clear relationship between dominance and sex within the colony.

The relationship between body mass and burrow‐maintenance activity revealed that frequent workers in the colony had a greater mean body mass than infrequent workers. It is suggested that in establishing colonies, the older, stronger and hence larger animals may constitute the initial workforce. In addition the colony exhibits frequency‐related work determination into frequent and infrequent workers. Gender was found to play no role in the frequency of work associated with burrow maintenance.

The social organization and temporal changes with recruitment are discussed in the light of events occurring in the field.
Dragline‐associated behaviour of the orb web spider Nephila clavipes (Araneoidea, Tetragnathidae)
Authors: Barth F. G. , Gorb S. N. , Landolfa M. A.
Published: February 2006

Dragline use by an orb web spider (Nephila clavipes) was analysed by observing both intact spiders and those prevented from producing a dragline. The behaviours observed were those associated with returning to the web hub and prey capture. Upon returning to the hub, spiders resume the resting position by rotating within the hub, producing several new dragline attachment points during the rotation. The importance of the spider's use of the dragline was made clear by preventing experimental animals from producing the dragline. During resting, the permanent dragline‐to‐web attachment enabled the spider to maintain the correct posture. Prey capture behaviour was adversely affected in spiders prevented from using the dragline: without a dragline, all relevant components of the behaviour required more time to perform, and movements within the web (e.g. toward prey and back toward the hub) were directed less accurately. The benefit of the dragline to the spider, in terms of safety, time, energy and reduced exposure to predators, is likely to be significant.
Home ranges, movements and habitat associations of red foxesVulpes vulpesin suburban Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Authors: Adkins C. A. , Stott P.
Published: February 2006

A radio‐tracking study of two adjacent social groups of red foxes was conducted in a suburban residential district of greater Toronto from late July through December 1990. This was the first radio‐tracking study of red foxes living completely within a large metropolitan centre in North America. The groups had non‐overlapping home ranges and included both breeding and non‐breeding adult females. Mean group home range size was 52 ha, toward the small end of home ranges documented for the species, and distances travelled nightly by adults of both sexes ranged from 2‐20 km. The home ranges of both groups were primarily located in a bushy ravine containing golf courses and park land, but individual foxes readily utilized areas of low‐density housing characterized by large, well‐vegetated lots. However, the foxes avoided adjacent medium‐density housing areas, indicating that this population may not be as habituated to urban life as some populations described from Great Britain and mainland Europe. Because of their constant proximity to, and frequent use of, some residential habitat types, these foxes have ample opportunity to transmit diseases such as rabies to domestic pets and humans in the vicinity.
Coprophagy in Lepidoptera: observational and experimental evidence in the pyralid moth Aglossa pinguinalis
Authors: Sánchez Piñero F. , Pérez López F. J.
Published: February 2006

Larvae of Lepidoptera are mainly herbivores, and only the larval stages of Bradypodicola and Cryptoses pyralid moths are known to be specialized coprophages. Here, we report coprophagy as a main feeding habit for the larvae of another pyralid moth, Aglossa pinguinalis, on the basis of observational and experimental evidence. The larvae of this moth require two years to complete development, and construct silk tubes connecting the food source with a shelter chamber. Larvae of A. pinguinalis were mostly found inside caves, where they were about 700 times more abundant than in the open field. Inside the caves, observational results indicate that 98% of the larvae fed mostly on excrement and only 2% were recorded as eating other kinds of detritus (decayed mushrooms). No larvae were recorded eating plant detritus in the censuses nor in experimental detritus patches. The larvae did not show preferences for different types of excrement in the caves. Experimental dog and sheep excrement corroborated this result, showing that the abundance of larvae did not differ between these two excrement types over the entire study. We suggest that habitat selection of A. pinguinalis is ecologically similar to the trophic specialization of Bradypodicola and Cryptoses, in spite of the differences in natural history traits among these moths. Feeding on dry excrement inside caves, or in buried sloth dung, may reflect the constraints for Lepidoptera successfully to colonize excrement: in more exposed excrement, they cannot compete with other coprophagous specialists owing to the lack of parental care (e.g. resource relocation) and slow growth rates. We hypothesize that coprophagous Lepidoptera will be restricted to competition‐ and predation‐free habitats and resources, feeding on excrement inside caves and animal burrows.
An example of segregation between age and sex classes only weakly related to habitat use in mouflon sheep (Ovis gmelini)
Authors: Cransac N. , Gerard J.‐F. , Maublanc M.‐L. , Pépin D.
Published: February 2006

Sexual segregation reported in many wild ruminants is generally assumed to result from either different habitat choices by adult males and females or ‘social factors’. In this framework, we studied group composition and habitat use of mouflon sheep (Ovis gmelini) over an annual cycle in the low‐mountain range of Caroux‐Espinouse (continental France). The analysis of group composition revealed segregation outside the rut, not only between the sexes, but also between the young (2‐3 years) and old rams ( 4 years). Moreover, ewes, young rams, and old rams exhibited some differences in patterns of habitat use in the mid‐rutting and lambing seasons, but showed similar patterns in winter and summer. These results, juxtaposed with those of studies of interactions and proximity between individuals within groups, suggest that segregation between age‐sex classes has a strong social basis in mouflon sheep.
Social structure of three sympatric bat species (Vespertilionidae)
Authors: Park K. J. , Masters E. , Altringham J. D.
Published: February 2006

The social structure of three sympatric bat species occupying bat boxes in woodland in southern England was studied: Pipistrellus pipistrellus (pipistrelle), Plecotus auritus (brown long‐eared bat) and Myotis nattereri (Natterer's bat). Before parturition, P. pipistrellus populations were heavily skewed towards solitary males. After parturition, the sex ratio was closer to unity. Recaptures of marked bats suggested that after parturition a resident male population of P. pipistrellus is invaded by a transient female population. The sex ratios of populations of P. auritus and M. nattereri were very close to unity, both pre‐ and post‐parturition. The numbers of recaptures of individual bats were similar for both sexes in P. auritus and slightly higher for females in M. nattereri. In the mating season (August‐October), solitary male P. pipistrellus were found with small groups (1‐9) of females. In contrast, in both P. auritus and M. nattereri, mixed sex groups were found pre‐ and post‐parturition, and roosting groups in the mating season contained up to 20 females and up to 10 males. The stability of female groups in P. auritus appeared to be higher than M. nattereri and P. pipistrellus as known females were found together more frequently. These patterns are discussed with reference to the possible differences in foraging and social behaviour.
The ecology ofEngina armillata(Gastropoda: Buccinidae) in the Cape d'Aguilar Marine Reserve, Hong Kong, with particular reference to its preferred prey (Polychaeta: Serpulidae)
Authors: Tan K. S. , Morton B.
Published: February 2006

The egg capsules and larvae ofEngina armillata(Reeve) (Gastropoda: Buccinidae) are described for the first time. Its general ecology in the Cape d'Aguilar Marine Reserve, Hong Kong, is also described, the species occurring under stable boulders with a community of encrusting species, notably sedentary tubicolous polychaetes. The diet ofE. armillataat Cape d'Aguilar consists of serpulid and spirobid polychaetes. Of the four commonest such species,Hydroides eleganswas preferred toPomatoleios kraussi,Simplicaria pseudomilitarisandSpirorbis foraminosus. Consumption rates byE. armillatavaried considerably amongst individuals, but generally ranged between 1.2 and 6.5% of predator dry weight day‐1during conditions wherein prey quantity was maintained. Such a figure is low when compared to other boring naticid and muricid predatory gastropods which spend much time and energy accessing their prey. The ready availability of easily accessible prey may account for the low consumption rate ofE. armillata(as also seen in other non‐boring predatory gastropods) and explain its apparent specialist feeding habits.
The allometry of life‐history traits: insights from a study of giant snakes (Python reticulatus)
Authors: Shine R. , Harlow P. S. , Keogh J. S. , Boeadi
Published: February 2006

Many life‐history traits are allometrically tied to body size, in snakes as well as in other animals. Two problems with previous analyses on this topic for snakes are that: (i) the range of body sizes within species is generally small, so that most analyses have relied on interspecific comparisons; and (ii) available data have been heavily biased towards small, temperate‐zone colubroid species. We test the generality of results from previous work with data on a species of giant tropical snake that is phylogenetically and ecologically distinctive, and encompasses such a massive size range that we can examine intraspecific allometries. We use data from >1,000 field‐collected reticulated pythons from southern Sumatra to ask two questions: (i) do life‐history traits show intraspecific allometries similar to those revealed by interspecific comparisons?; and (ii) are mean values for life‐history traits in a giant snake consistent with allometric trends in smaller species? As predicted, strong intraspecific allometry was evident for most of the life‐history traits we measured, including reproductive output (e.g. clutch size, frequency of reproduction in females, testis volume relative to body mass) and energy stores (relative size of the abdominal fat bodies). For many traits (e.g. the means and variances of clutch sizes and maternal body sizes, relative offspring size, body size at maturation relative to size at hatching and maximum adult size), these giant pythons were near or beyond the extremes reported for smaller species of snakes, supporting the importance of allometry. None the less, reticulated pythons deviate from many of these previously‐documented allometries in significant ways, suggesting that current generalizations about life‐history allometry in snakes may be premature.
Predation on burrowing petrels by the brown skua (Catharacta skua lönnbergi) at Mayes Island, Kerguelen
Authors: Mougeot F. , Genevois F. , Bretagnolle V.
Published: February 2006

The diet of the brown skua (Catharacta skua lönnbergi) was studied at Mayes Island, Kerguelen archipelago, by collection of prey remains on 11 territories during the complete breeding cycle of the species there. In nine territories, collections were daily or every two days for a quantitative investigation of the diet. The blue petrel (Halobaena caerulea) and thin‐billed prion (Pachyptila belcheri) accounted for, respectively, 72.9 and 19% of the remains. Differences in diet and prey capture rate were analysed according to territory size, local abundance of prey inferred from the vegetation cover of territories, colony attendance patterns of prey, and according to the breeding timing and success of skuas. Skuas holding large territories caught more prey, and especially more blue petrels than those with small territories. Diet reflected local abundance of blue petrel and thin‐billed prion but the blue petrel was apparently preferred to other available prey. Failure to breed was not significantly related to hunting performance of the skua or to food availability, but sample size was small. Variations over time of prey capture rates reflected the colony attendance patterns of the main prey. Captures of blue petrel and thin‐billed prion were most numerous during their respective laying, incubation and hatching periods, decreasing during chick‐rearing. Prey capture rates were greatest when brown skuas were hatching, and decreased during chick‐rearing to a minimum when young skuas were fledged. Capture rate patterns differed according to laying date of skuas: early breeding skuas caught more prey and were well synchronized with the breeding cycle of the blue petrel and late breeders exhibited more dependence on the thin‐billed prion for some periods. Finally, this study has allowed us to assess the impact of the brown skuas upon the burrowing petrels on this locality.
Habitat preference and flight activity of bats in a city
Authors: Gaisler J. , Zukal J. , Rehak Z. , Homolka M.
Published: February 2006

Pipistrellus pipistrellus, Eptesicus serotinus, Nyctalus noctula, N. leisleri, Myotis daubentonii, M. myotis, unidentified small Myotis spp. and Plecotus spp. were recorded during bat detector transects within a central European city of 350,000 inhabitants. Bats were recorded in all seven habitat types under study, the levels of activity for each species and habitat type were significantly different. The relative activity of the whole bat community was highest in old outskirts (low density housing) and at the river, and lowest in the city centre and new housing estates (high density housing). Significant differences were found in the timing of bat activity during the night and the season. Within the first two hours after sunset, relative activity of P. pipistrellus and E. serotinus was highest in the first 0.5 h and decreased thereafter. In N. noctula, it was highest during the second and third 0.5 h and in Myotis spp. it was low in the first 0.5 h and increased till the end of monitoring. Flying bats were recorded from March till October; the lunar cycle had no significant effect on the amount of flight activity. The relative activity of E. serotinus was positively correlated with temperature. No significant correlation was found between the activity of bats and the number of trees and streetlamps per transect. Comparison with the results of an earlier visual census showed that more bats were recorded acoustically than visually except in the city centre. This is attributed to the effect of white streetlamps during the visual census. During the acoustic census, most white lamps were replaced by yellow lamps which biased the impact of lamps on bat traffic. Nevertheless, bat species known to benefit from white streetlamps remained the most common foragers within the city.
The functional and biomechanical modifications of the spine of Scutisorex somereni, the hero shrew: skeletal scaling relationships
Authors: Cullinane Dennis M. , Aleper Daniel , Bertram John E. A.
Published: February 2006

The vertebral column of Scutisorex somereni (the hero shrew), and its size and morphology, is probably the most modified among the vertebrates (Kingdon, 1974). We examined the scaling of diameter versus length in the long bones and ribs, and spine mass versus body mass of this species, in comparison to 19 other mammalian taxa (including fossorial species). The ribs of Scutisorex are significantly more robust than any genus examined, and the spine of this species, relative to its body mass, is four times more robust than that reported for any other vertebrate. Paradoxically, the long bones of the limbs of Scutisorex demonstrate no difference in robustness from that predicted for an animal of its body mass. There is no satisfactory ecological, behavioural, or functional explanation for this unique spinal morphology.
The functional and biomechanical modifications of the spine of Scutisorex somereni, the hero shrew: spinal musculature
Authors: Cullinane D. M. , Aleper D.
Published: February 2006

The spine of Scutisorex somereni, the hero shrew, is probably the most highly modified among the vertebrates (Kingdon, 1974), yet no description of the accompanying spinal musculature has been published. This paper describes the anatomy and proposed functions of the major epaxial and hypaxial muscle groups of Scutisorex. The unusual vertebral morphology of this species is accompanied by major modifications in some of the spinal muscle groups. The transverse spinalis muscles are the most modified, and this is probably related to the presence of bony interdigitating tubercles on the vertebrae. The longissimus muscles possess long tendons that share attachment with the iliocostalis muscles. The iliopsoas muscles and their sites of attachment are greatly enlarged in comparison to those of Blarina and Rattus. Much of the spinal musculature reflects the highly modified state of the Scutisorex vertebrae. The unique behavioural function of the Scutisorex spinal modification, if any exists, is not known
The phylogeny of box crab genera (Crustacea: Brachyura: Calappidae) with notes on their fossil record, biogeography and depth distribution
Authors: Bellwood Orpha
Published: February 2006

The phylogenetic relationships of eight genera within the Calappidae H. Milne Edwards, 1837 (Crustacea: Brachyura) were examined based on a cladistic analysis of 55 adult morphological characters. A single tree was produced (CI=0.833, RCI=0.717). The data revealed two major lineages within the Calappidae: the ‘calappine’ clade, consisting of Calappa, Cryptosoma, Cycloes, Paracyclois and Cyclozodion, and the ‘mursiine’ clade, consisting of Acanthocarpus, Mursia and Platymera. Analyses of the fossil record and biogeographic patterns point to vicariance events associated with Gondwanan fragmentation. Optimization of depth distributions on the cladogram suggests that the family had a deep‐water origin with only a single lineage moving into shallow waters.
A population study of the dicrocoeliid trematode Paradistomum orientalis in the garden lizard Calotes versicolor
Authors: Madhavi R. , Nirmala E. , Subbalakshmi C.
Published: February 2006

The population biology of Paradistomum orientalis, a dicrocoeliid trematode occurring in the gall bladder of the garden lizard Calotes versicolor, was investigated during 1991‐1993. The prevalence and abundance of the fluke were high throughout the year and demonstrated no seasonal fluctuations. The maturation cycle of the fluke followed an annual pattern. The recruitment of the fluke was restricted to the period September to February, with a peak during September. Mature flukes occurred throughout the year, facilitating continuous release of eggs into the macroenvironment. Rainfall plays a major role in governing the maturation cycle, by regulating the population density of the snail host and the feeding activity of the definitive host. The frequency distribution of the fluke followed the overdispersion pattern, fitting the negative binomial model. There is no evidence for the existence of parasite‐induced host mortality. On the other hand, competition for space and nutritive resources under crowded conditions serves as a major regulatory force and is the key factor responsible for maintaining the equilibrium of parasite densities during different months. The infrapopulation of the fluke remained stable over several years.
Timing and synchrony of birth in a hider species, the roe deer Capreolus capreolus
Authors: Linnell J. D. C. , Andersen R.
Published: February 2006

Timing of birth was determined for 292 roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) fawns belonging to 146 litters on an island in central Norway between 1991 and 1994, and for 33 fawns belonging to 19 litters from an inland site from 1995 to 1997. On the island site there was no significant variation between years in the mean date of birth, 22 May, nor was there any significant effect of dam age, fawn sex, or litter size. Individual does tended to give birth close to the same date in consecutive years. Mean birth date at the inland site was 5 June. The births showed a relatively high degree of synchrony with 80% occurring within 26 days and 24 days at the island and inland sites, respectively. Copulation dates were much more synchronized than birth dates on the island site. Gestation length averaged 301 days, although individuals varied by up to 26 days. When comparing published data from European populations, there appears to be extensive variation in timing of birth, while birth synchrony is very conservative. There appears to be little possible anti‐predator benefit for roe deer in any pattern of birth synchrony. Because of their high post‐natal investment and large litter size, we hypothesize that roe deer are constrained to give birth close to the peak of forage productivity.
Risks of calling by the field cricket Teleogryllus oceanicus; potential predation by Australian long‐eared bats
Authors: Bailey W. J. , Haythornthwaite S.
Published: February 2006

Male Teleogryllus oceanicus prefer to call from refuges and from these protected sites produce signals that contain more trill elements than produced by males calling without the protection of refuges. We tested the vulnerability of male crickets to predation from two species of gleaning bats, Nyctophilus major and N. geoffroyi. Crickets called from the floor of darkened fly‐ways where bats preyed on calling rather than silent males. Both species of bat used passive listening to locate their prey rather than echolocation. Those crickets calling from refuges avoided predation. By counting the number of passes each bat made over paired speakers emitting different digitized songs, we tested the bat's preference for different call elements or the total number of sound elements in the song per unit time. When the total number of sound elements of each signal was balanced, bats preferred trills to chirps, and when call length differed, bats preferred those signals with more total sound elements. We discuss the possibility that predation by bats is a form of counter‐selection on calling in T. oceanicus.
Comparative studies on the predatory behaviour of Stenus spp. (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae): the significance of its specialized labial apparatus
Authors: Betz O.
Published: February 2006

Among insects, the modified labium of Stenus species is one of the most specialized prey‐capture structures. However, the question of its adaptive value has remained unanswered, since many species make use of their mandibles as an alternative capture technique (Bauer & Pfeiffer, 1991). In order to elucidate the biological significance of the specialized labium, within‐ and between‐species comparisons of the performance abilities (i.e. velocity, mode of prey seizure, range, rate of occurrence and capture success) of both capture techniques were carried out. These investigations were performed in standardized prey‐capture experiments, primarily by means of video‐recordings and prey‐capture cinematography. In addition, direct observations under semi‐field conditions concerning habitat choice and searching behaviour were used to assess possible selection factors arising from the environment.

In standard experiments, most investigated species catch springtails much more successfully with the labium than with the mandibles, thereby stressing the selective value of the labium. The marked capture success of the latter is attributable to its large range, its high capture velocity and its capability of fixing prey at the moment of contact. The prey‐capture experiments revealed interspecific differences in agility and reaction ability, which, to some extent, can be explained by differences in eye morphology. Some agile species, which usually forage on bare ground (e.g. S. comma), depend on the labium capture mechanism to a lesser degree. However, most species are not agile and forage in densely structured habitats such as plant debris or vegetation. The specialized labial apparatus of Stenus is thought to provide a biological advantage in that it permits these predators, in spite of their limited reaction ability and agility, to catch prey that are capable of rapid escape responses.
Population dynamics of the fossorial rodent Ctenomys talarum (Rodentia: Octodontidae)
Authors: Malizia Ana I.
Published: February 2006

As part of a study on the ecological strategies related to adaptation to the subterranean habitat of genus Ctenomys (tuco‐tucos), a natural population of C. talarum was live‐trapped at Necochea (Buenos Aires Province, Argentina) with the aim of providing information on its population ecology. Population size was consistently low throughout the study and was related to the low habitat productivity. Mortality rates were low, although for juveniles the estimations were higher than for adults. Individuals have an average life expectancy of 22‐25 months, but some individuals lived at least three years. Reproductive activity started by July and ended by March, when last known pregnancies were recorded. This long reproductive season allowed a gradual incorporation of young over an extended period of time, with a restricted period of recruitment lacking. Sex ratio did not depart from 1:1 and appears to be density dependent. The spatial distribution of individuals was clumped and corresponded to the patchy distribution of suitable habitats. The results are compared and contrasted with those from previous demographic studies performed in other conspecifics as well as in other subterranean rodents.
Investigations on periparturient behaviour in free‐ranging mouflon sheep (Ovis orientalis musimon)
Authors: Langbein J. , Scheibe K.‐M. , Eichhorn K.
Published: February 2006

We studied the behaviour of free‐ranging female mouflon sheep (age 3‐5 years) in the period periparturition. The study area is situated in the north‐east of Germany (52°59′N, 13°50′E). For continuous data collection, we used the storage‐telemetry‐system ETHOSYS. Activity and foraging behaviour of five females were recorded every second by electronic sensors integrated in a collar round the sheep's neck (weight 300 g). Whenever the animals visit a special ‘link‐station’, installed at a combined saltlick/feeder station, the recorded data are transmitted from the collar to the station and then to a laptop. In addition, we recorded continuously the presence of sheep at the saltlick using a camera‐system, including a daylight and an infra‐red camera.

Activity of female mouflon ranged from 8 to 10 hours daily during late winter. The animals spent the major part of that time feeding (70‐80%). The sheep visited the saltlick every two to three days regularly. However, from late March to early April, every animal stayed away from the ‘link‐station’ for about two weeks. This meant spatial isolation from social companions. When returning, these sheep were accompanied by a lamb. Parturition was assumed to take place during 2‐3 consecutive days of markedly decreased activity. In the night from the first to the second day of this period, we found a unique activity pattern observed in all sheep. A short activity bout during the second half of the night was interpreted as the exact time of lambing. Spatial and temporal changes in behaviour during parturition are discussed with regard to other wild ungulates as well as domestic animals.
A survey of the helminth parasites of cetaceans stranded on the coast of England and Wales during the period 1990‐1994
Authors: Gibson D. I. , Harris E. A. , Bray R. A. , Jepson P. D. , Kuiken T. , Baker J. R. , Simpson V. R.
Published: February 2006

The helminth parasites from more than 300 cetaceans stranded on the coast of England and Wales during the period 1990‐1994 were identified, this being the largest organized survey of cetacean parasites yet undertaken. Thirteen species of cetaceans were examined, although the majority were common (harbour) porpoises Phocoena phocoena (n=173) and common dolphins Delphinus delphis (n=101). The parasites found included 11 species of nematode (Anisakis simplex, Pseudalius inflexus, Torynurus convolutus, Stenurus globicephalae, S. minor, Halocercus delphini, H. invaginatus, H. lagenorhynchi, H. taurica, Crassicauda boopis, Crassicauda sp.), five cestodes (Diphyllobothrium polyrugosum, D. stemmacephalum, Phyllobothrium delphini, Monorygma grimaldii, Tetrabothrius sp.), five digeneans (Campula oblonga, Oschmarinella albamarina, O. rochebruni, Lecithodesmus palliatus, Pholeter gastrophilus) and two acanthocephalans (Bolbosoma capitatum, B. physeteris). The results of this survey are tabulated and each helminth species is discussed in terms of its biology and pathogenicity.
Genital mechanics in some neotropical pholcid spiders (Araneae: Pholcidae), with implications for systematics
Authors: Huber Bernhard A.
Published: February 2006

Genital mechanics are studied in five species from three genera of neotropical pholcid spiders. The study focuses on the function of a pointed and upward projecting (‘pup’) apophysis on the male pedipalpal femur: it engages an indentation in the genital bulb during copulation. This character is geographically restricted to spiders in Central and North America and the West Indies and is considered a key character of the monophyletic ‘Modisimusgroup’. This includes the generaModisimusSimon, 1893,PsilochorusSimon, 1893,BryantinaBrignoli, 1985,AnopsicusChamberlin & Ivie, 1938, and some species now misplaced inCoryssocnemisSimon, 1893 andBlechroscelisSimon, 1893. Evidence for the polyphyly of the following genera is presented:Psilochorus,Coryssocnemis, andBlechroscelis. Some notes on the reproductive biology of the species studied are briefly presented.
Modelling survival and capture probabilities of the mountain brushtail possum (Trichosurus caninus) in the forests of south‐eastern Australia using trap‐recapture data
Authors: Lindenmayer D. B. , Lacy R. C. , Viggers K. L.
Published: February 2006

The results are described of a capture–recapture study of the Australian arboreal marsupial, the mountain brushtail possum (Trichosurus caninus Ogilby). Adult, subadult and juvenile T. caninus were captured during 11 trapping periods and at 70 different trap placement sites between June 1992 and November 1995 in a 40 ha area of mountain ash (Eucalyptus regnans F. Muell.) forest in the central highlands of Victoria, south‐eastern Australia. A total of 80 (37 male and 43 female) T. caninus were captured, comprising 45 adults, 14 subadults and 21 juveniles when first trapped. This gave a total of 333 captures of T. caninus from approximately 4600 trap nights.

The Jolly–Seber–Cormack approach was employed to model the frequency of recapture as simple product functions of the survival and capture probabilities for each inter‐trapping interval. Using this method, we explored the relationships between survival and capture probabilities of T. caninus and a range of potential explanatory variables including sex, age class, time, and trap location.

The results of our analyses indicated that there was a high probability of recapture of T. caninus–P= 0.80 (0.03 SE – with females significantly (P < 0.05) more likely to be caught than males. There was spatial heterogeneity across our study site in the probability of recapture of T. caninus, and animals inhabiting areas of old growth were more likely to be retrapped than animals in younger forest where potential nest sites within large standing dead trees with hollows are decaying rapidly and are at high risk of collapse. There were no significant differences between the survival rates of different sexes or age classes, and the monthly value for the probability of persistence calculated for T. caninus was 97.7% (0.48%).

Our study demonstrated that T. caninus is long‐lived with high levels of survival among individuals of all age classes once young animals have emerged from the pouch. Animals have relatively high site affinity and are readily recaptured, often at exactly the same place, or very close to, where they were first caught. Some juveniles have taken up permanent residence in the natal territory, which may result in opportunities to mate with close relatives.
Seasonal and diel variation in group size among Japanese sika deer in different habitats
Authors: Borkowski J. , Furubayashi K.
Published: February 2006

Influence of habitat type on the group size of sika deer was analysed on the basis of 2718 individuals observed in 708 groups, in the area where deer are under pressure neither from predators nor hunters. From spring to autumn, the percentage of individuals observed in the largest groups in open woodland was higher than both in clearings and closed woodland. In early winter, the percentage of individuals aggregated in the largest groups was highest in the clearings, while in late winter, the percentage of individuals observed in the largest groups was highest in the closed woodland. Besides, the percentage of large groups observed in the morning and evening (when most of deer are active) was much higher than during daytime (when level of deer activity is lower). Changes in food availability are suggested to be a factor responsible for variation in sika deer group size in different habitats.