bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic management of chondrodystrophy in California condors
Authors: Ralls Katherine , Ballou Jonathan D. , Rideout Bruce A. , Frankham Richard
Published: February 2006

Five out of 169 fertile California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) eggs laid in captivity have exhibited chondrodystrophy, a lethal form of dwarfism. Pedigree records indicate that this chondrodystrophy, like similar conditions in chickens, turkeys and quail, is probably inherited as an autosomal, recessive allele. We estimate that the frequency of this putative allele is about 9%. This high frequency is probably due to a founder effect. We consider three management options for the allele: ignoring it, eliminating it by selection and minimizing its phenotypic manifestation by avoiding matings between possible carriers. We recommend minimizing its phenotypic expression because an unacceptably large proportion of condors (up to 78 out of 146) would be prevented from breeding under a selection strategy designed to eliminate the allele. We predict that many captive populations will prove similar to the California condor population in that it will prove inadvisable or impractical to select against one or more deleterious alleles detected in the population.
Biogeographic regionalization of Australia: assigning conservation priorities based on endemic freshwater crayfish phylogenetics
Authors: Whiting Alison S. , Lawler Susan H. , Horwitz Pierre , Crandall Keith A.
Published: February 2006

There are many methods available for evaluating conservation priorities. Traditional methods of species richness, genus richness and critical species counts were compared with newer methods of phylogenetic and genetic diversity. Conservation priorities for areas designated by theInterim biogeographic regionalisation for Australia(Thackway & Cresswell, 1995) were assessed on the basis of the freshwater crayfish fauna of Australia. Distributions for all crayfish species were taken from the literature, and plotted in the IBRA areas. Species and genus richness, as well as the number of rare or endangered species were calculated for each area. A phylogeny of 35 representative crayfish based on 16 S rDNA sequence data was used to assess phylogenetic and genetic diversity of species and genera. Methods of species richness and phylogenetic diversity agreed to a large extent in their ranking of areas, both methods agreed that the north‐west coast of Tasmania and the south‐eastern portion of the continent were of highest priority for conserving the greatest amount of diversity. These results differ greatly from high priority areas based on other taxonomic groups, emphasizing the importance of broad taxonomic and ecological sampling in making conservation decisions.
Investigating the Genetic Determinants of Cardiovascular Disease Using Candidate Genes and Meta‐analysis of Association Studies
Authors: Casas Juan P. , Cooper Jackie , Miller George J. , Hingorani Aroon D. , Humphries Steve E.
Published: March 2006

Coronary artery disease (CAD) has a polygenic basis, and identification of CAD susceptibility genes has the potential to aid the development of new treatments and enhance prediction of disease risk. Thus far, the strategy has firstly been to choose “candidate” genes coding for important “rate‐limiting” proteins in the homeostatic systems involved in maintaining cardiovascular health; secondly to identify common variants in these candidate genes; thirdly to carry out genotyping and statistical analysis using genetic association studies; and finally to test the functional effects of the identified variants in vitro and in vivo. However, lack of reproducibility of genetic association studies has led to uncertainty about the nature and number of genes involved. In part this is because many of the studies conducted have not been adequately powered to detect small risk effects, or to permit adequate exploration of gene‐gene or gene‐environment interactions in a robust manner. Spurious positive and negative associations due to type I and type II statistical errors are likely to co‐exist with real associations in the published literature. By utilising all available data to increase statistical power, meta‐analysis of genetic association studies is increasingly being used to identify genotypic risk with a greater degree of precision. Though potentially powerful, this approach may be prone to publication bias. Therefore, very large genetic association studies will also be required to identify risk genes for CAD. This review lays out the framework for the candidate gene approach for CAD and illustrates this with published results from a UK prospective study of 3000 middle‐aged men.
A survey of Cryptosporidium species in Skomer bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus skomerensis)
Authors: Bull S. A. , Chalmers R. M. , Sturdee A. P. , Healing T. D.
Published: February 2006

A survey of Skomer voles (Clethrionomys glareolus skomerensis) conducted in August of 1994 and 1995 discovered that 51% of live‐trapped animals were positive for Cryptosporidium species (Coccidia). Of the positive animals, 85% were shedding C. muris in their faeces, 5%C. parvum and 10% apparently both parasite species. On the U.K. mainland, the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus) is a quarter of that on Skomer and the species normally found is C. parvum. Interest in C. parvum stems from the often severe diarrhoeal disease cryptosporidiosis which it can cause in humans and livestock. The parasite occupies the gastro‐intestinal tract and is transmitted between hosts by the faecal‐oral route. It has been suggested that wild rodents may be an important reservoir of infection by C. parvum for livestock. However, on Skomer island, C. muris, which is rarely found in livestock, is the dominant species infecting voles.
Static biting in lizards: functional morphology of the temporal ligaments
Authors: Herrel A. , Aerts P. , De Vree D.
Published: February 2006

In lizards, the basic lepidosaurian bauplan of the skull is modified by the reduction of one or more skull elements such as the lower temporal bar (e.g. iguanids), the upper temporal bar (e.g. varanids) and the postorbital bar (e.g. geckos). Skull modifications in Plocederma stellio, Uromastix acanthinurus, Corucia zebrata and Tiliqua scincoides are restricted to the reduction of the lower temporal arcade (the plesiomorph condition for lizards; i.e. possessing a ‘basic’ skull). In spite of the potential mobility (streptostyly) of the quadrate, none of these species shows streptostylic movements during the static power phase of biting. It is assumed that the temporal ligaments fulfil the role of the lower temporal arcade in stabilizing the quadrate. This function is supported by the results of mathematical simulations, which demonstrate that static biting loads the ligament in tension. Apparently, these basic lizard skulls show a shift of the attachment site of the temporal ligament from the quadrate to the lower jaw. This does not affect its quadrate‐stabilizing function. However, analyses of forces occurring in the quadratomandibular joint suggest that skull configurations with a jugomandibular ligament confine the possible orientations of the joint forces to a narrow range, more aligned with the quadrate. In this way, optimization of the joint morphology to resist loads imposed by biting might more easily be reached. This is assumed to be important for lizards with a robust skull built for forceful biting.
Persistence of passerine ectoparasites on the diederik cuckoo Chrysococcyx caprius
Authors: Lindholm Anna K. , Venter Gert J. , Ueckermann Edward A.
Published: February 2006

Using the African diederik cuckoo Chrysococcyx caprius and four sympatric passerine foster species in the subfamily Ploceinae, we show that nestling cuckoos are infested by feather lice and mites derived from the ectoparasite fauna typical of the foster species. Adult cuckoos had five species of lice and mites normally found on ploceines, which demonstrates that these ectoparasites are able to survive on foreign hosts. This is the first record of persistence of passerine ectoparasites on a cuckoo. Adult diederik cuckoos also harboured four species of mites and lice specific to cuckoos; since these were not detected on nestlings, cuckoo‐specific lice and mites apparently transfer to cuckoos after they leave the nest. Contrary to prediction, ectoparasites with a life cycle involving a permanent association with their host (feather mites and lice) were more likely to transfer to cuckoo nestlings than ectoparasites which spend part of their life cycle away from their host (haematophagous mites and phoretic skin mites). New host records are established for the lice genera Brueelia, Cuculoecus, Machaerilaemus, Myrsidea, Philopterus as well as for the mite species Microlichus americanus, Ornithonyssus bursa, Ornithocheyla megaphallos, Pellonyssus reedi, Pteronyssoides passeris, Pternonyssus glossifer, Trouessartia baupi, T. carpi, Xolalges plocei, X. scaurus and the mite genus Passeroptes.
WINNER TAKES ALL? SOCIAL CONTROL OF REPRODUCTION IN CO‐OPERATIVE BREEDERS
Authors: Cotgreave Peter
Published: February 2006

Why would a female animal forego her opportunity to pass on her own genes into the next generation and, instead, help to raise somebody else's young? One potential answer comes in the form of kin‐selection. If the youngsters she helps to raise are related to her, then they will share some of her genes, and it may pay to invest in them rather than attempting to breed herself.
Evidence for female‐biased dispersal in North American porcupines (Erethizon dorsatum)
Authors: Sweitzer R. A. , Berger J.
Published: February 2006

Although sex biases in natal dispersal are well known among birds and mammals, female‐biased dispersal in polygynous mammals is rare. North American porcupines are polygynous and recent evidence suggests that natal dispersal in this species may be female‐biased. We used data on disappearances, immigration, and reproductive behaviours to characterize natal dispersal and examine the extent to which inbreeding avoidance may motivate natal dispersal in porcupines. We predicted that, if female porcupines were the predominant dispersers, rates of disappearance and immigration would be higher for females than for males. Also, if females disperse to avoid mating with fathers, then the mean age of females at first conception should be less than the mean residence time of adult males. Population data suggested that natal dispersal was female‐biased because a higher proportion of females (31%) disappeared than males (11%), and 78% of 18 immigrants observed in the population were females. Data on pregnancies indicated that female age at first conception (≊25 months) was less than the mean residence time of adult males (≊26 months), suggesting that female porcupines may disperse to avoid incestuous matings with fathers. Little is known regarding potential resource competition between mothers and offspring, or on how philopatric males avoid mating with their mothers. Additional data are needed in these areas to interpret dispersal tendencies in porcupines.
The acquisition of host‐specific feather lice by common cuckoos (Cuculus canorus)
Authors: Brooke M. de L. , Nakamura Hiroshi
Published: February 2006

This study addresses the question of how three species of flightless feather lice (Phthiraptera) specific to a brood parasitic bird, the common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus), are transmitted from one cuckoo generation to the next in the absence of any direct contact between parent and young. None of 21 cuckoo nestlings examined shortly before fledging carried cuckoo lice; nor were any lice found in 19 nests in which cuckoos had laid. Cuckoos returning to Japan for their first breeding season were as likely to be lousy as, and carried similar louse loads to, older birds. These field observations are consistent with data arising from examination of museum skins from European breeding areas and from African wintering areas, and it is concluded that cuckoos acquire their lice between leaving the nest in summer and returning to the breeding grounds the following spring. This acquisition probably occurs via direct body‐to‐body contact between cuckoos, a supposition bolstered by some observations.
Spent females of deepwater squid Galiteuthis glacialis under the ice at the surface of the Weddell Sea (Antarctic)
Authors: Nesis K. N. , Nigmatullin Ch. M. , Nikitina I. V.
Published: February 2006

Two large (dorsal mantle length 42.5 and 47.5 cm), mated spent females of circum‐Antarctic bathypelagic cranchiid squid Galiteuthis glacialis were caught early in March 1992 at the surface of the ice hole in the western Weddell Sea over depths 1915‐1920 m by the team of the U.S.A.‐Russian Ice Station Weddell‐I. The structure of the reproductive system of adult females is described for the first time in detail.

Both were gelatinous, devoid of tentacles, with empty or almost empty stomachs. The empty spermatangia (sperm reservoirs of spermatophores) 30‐35 mm in length were distributed in the mantle tissues parallel to the mantle surface and to each other in the dorso‐anterior part of the mantle: 13 in one female, parallel to the body axis, and 20 in the other, parallel (13) or perpendicular (7) to the body axis. In the latter case, they represented probably two mating events. The spermatangia lay nearer to the inner than the outer mantle side and opened by a round window on the inner side; the skin with chromatophores above them remained intact. The spermatozoa had one flagellum and rod‐like heads, length 5.0‐5.3 μm, width 1.2‐1.5 μm. The most characteristic features are: a very simple type of blood vessel branching making each micro‐gonad currant‐like, not grape‐like; a very compact disposition of oviducal, nidamental glands and gill, forming a united complex located on both sides of the mantle cavity; and an ovary connected by mesentery along all its length with the continuation of the stomach from the caecum to the end of the gastrogenital ligament. Only immature degenerating trophoplasmatic oocytes, length 0.9‐1.4, av. 1.0‐1.2 mm, were contained in ovaries; only one mature egg (length 3.3 mm, width 2.4‐2.5 mm) was found in each female. The absence of oocytes <0.9 mm and 1.5‐3.2 mm indicates that the maturation of oocytes proceeds rather synchronously, one large portion of eggs (some tens of thousands) matures in a short time while others degenerate. The residual fecundity is assessed to be approximately 20,000 eggs.

It is hypothesized that mating occurs shortly before spawning and that mature males do not undergo gelatinous degeneration and do not lose tentacles. Spermatophores are placed on the inner side of the female's mantle with the aid of the male's tentacles and/or arms (less probably by the penis), but the exact mode of implantation is unclear. Spawning probably occurs at depths of adult habitat (approx. 500–2500m), may be multiportional but short; the exhausted female loses neutral buoyancy, rises to the surface and dies. Rising to the surface after spawning is a common feature of females of many meso‐ and bathypelagic squids undergoing gelatinous degeneration during maturation (Onychoteuthidae, Gonatidae, Histio‐teuthidae, Cranchiidae, etc.) and may explain the common occurrence of large deep‐water squids in the stomachs of seabirds, including those incapable of diving, and marine mammals.
Variations in harbour seal Phoca vitulina diet and dive‐depths in relation to foraging habitat
Authors: Tollit D. J. , Black A. D. , Thompson P. M. , Mackay A. , Corpe H. M. , Wilson B. , Van Parijs S. M. , Grellier K. , Parlane S.
Published: February 2006

We use information on the at‐sea distribution of radio‐tagged seals to identify the summer foraging areas used by 31 harbour seals from two different haul‐out sites in the Moray Firth, N.E. Scotland. We then determine whether seals tend to occur over particular sediment types or water depths as hypothesized by Härkönen (1987b), and assess whether local geographical variations in diet composition can be related to local differences in available foraging habitat.

The majority of seals foraged within 30 km of their haul‐out site, consequently there was broad overlap between the foraging areas used by animals from the same site, but little overlap in the areas used by seals from different sites. Most seals foraged in water depths of 10‐50 m with mainly sandy sea‐bed sediments. Data on the distribution of dive depths of five seals which were fitted with time‐depth‐recorders indicated that seals were generally diving on, or close to, the sea‐bed. Occasional pelagic dives between the more common benthic dives were also observed. Between‐site differences in the seals' use of different water depths and sea‐bed sediments suggest that local geographical variations in diet were related to local differences in foraging habitats, but that habitat use also differed between individual seals.
Population dynamics, sexual activity, and reproduction failure in the fat dormouse (Myoxus glis)
Authors: Bieber C.
Published: February 2006

Population ecology and reproduction of the fat dormouse (Myoxus glis L.) were studied in central Germany in the years 1992 and 1993. Animals were captured in wooden live‐traps twice a month, during trapping periods lasting three days each, and marked individually by tattooing. Demographic results show that, in three subpopulations, population structure differed extremely between 1992 and 1993. In 1992, more adult than subadult dormice occurred in the study area and the reverse was found in 1993. Subadults emerged from hibernation a little before or together with adult dormice. Adult males emerged significantly earlier than adult females. After a year with good reproductive success (1992), a total lack of reproduction was observed in 1993. Juvenile dormice were neither found in traps nor in nest‐boxes. The assessment of gonadal states indicated that all males (adult and subadult) remained in a state of testicular regression throughout the year 1993. Also, no female was found lactating. Reproductive failure coincided with a lack of food resources in the autumn of 1993 (e.g. fruits of oaks and beeches). Body mass changes imply high energy expenditure prior to mating in adult males. It seems likely that males in years with low food availability do not invest energy in reproduction.
Morphological and pelage characteristics of wild living cats in Scotland: implications for defining the ‘wildcat’
Authors: Daniels M. J. , Balharry D. , Hirst D. , Kitchener A. C. , Aspinall R. J.
Published: February 2006

The indigenous wildcat, Felis silvestris Schreber, 1775, and the introduced domestic cat, F. catus L., have been sympatric in Britain for more than 2000 years. As a result of interbreeding, any distinction between these two forms has become obscured, although a range of morphological criteria (pelage patterns, body measurements, gut lengths, skull morphometrics) and genetic techniques (immunological distances, electrophoresis, DNA hybridization) have been used previously to distinguish between them.

A sample of 333 wild‐living cats in Scotland was assessed for coloration and markings of pelage, standard body measurements and weights, and (for carcasses only) limb bone lengths, intestine lengths, and skull measurements. These cats were also classified as wildcat, hybrid, or domestic cat according to traditional pelage criteria.

Multivariate analyses on these variables, for adult cats, failed to show any clearly distinct groups. When each of the variables was analysed separately, only the distribution of limb bone and intestine length measurements suggested the possibility that two groups might exist. Group 1 cats had short intestines and long limb bones. Group 2 consisted of cats with long intestines and short limb bones. Although the characteristics defining cats in Group 1 were similar to those traditionally associated with wildcats, they exhibited a much broader range of pelage and coloration than traditionally described.

The groups exhibited a degree of geographical separation. The distribution of Group 1 cats was found to be related to certain environmental variables, namely mean annual temperature and land with poor potential for forestry and agriculture, suggesting that there may be a biological basis for the separation. The implications of these results on the identification and taxonomy of the wildcat are significant. The concept of the wildcat and the domestic cat as separate species can be challenged. The paper highlights the complexity and difficulties for conventional taxonomy when used as a means for distinguishing between a wild type and its domesticated form where there is interbreeding.
A comparison of the gross morphology and micro‐anatomy of the foot pads in two fossorial and two climbing rodents (Mammalia)
Authors: Haffner Marianne
Published: February 2006

The foot pads of five rodents were studied by means of gross morphology and histology. The secretory portions of the glands are placed caudad to the openings of the ducts in species that mostly walk on the ground. This way the secretions are pressed out during walking by rolling on the foot pads craniad. In climbing species, the secretory portions are placed underneath the openings of the ducts and lead to secretion delivery during climbing by grasping. With their small and flat pads with few glands, digging species have a rather smooth and dry volar aspect to work in a shovel‐like way. In contrast, climbing species have large and soft foot pads with a lot of glands. The thickness of the cornified layer is positively correlated with the density of glands and increases strikingly from digging to climbing species. Although scent production is possible for these glands, this points to a function of the secretions in connection with the cornified layer. In climbing species, the secretions of glands can moisten the skin and thereby heighten the friction between volar and climbing surface to prevent the animal from slipping. The density of glands per unit of surface is doubled in the ridged skin of Muscardinus avellanarius in comparison with the coned skin in Micromys minutus. While M. minutus mainly climbs by grasping stalks of reed and can tighten the grip by increasing the grasping force, M. avellanarius often climbs by pressing the volar aspect on to the bark, whereby friction is increased by the moistened skin.
Effects of digestion, putrefaction, and taxidermy processes onDidelphis albiventrishair morphology
Authors: Quadros J. , Monteiro‐Filho E. L. A.
Published: February 2006

Hair morphology has been studied and applied in several subjects, such as food quality control, archaeology, criminology, and ecology. Although medullar and scale patterns of hair structure are well known for a variety of mammal species, the effects of hazardous conditions on the internal and external morphology of hair are not known. In the present work, white‐eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris) hairs were submitted to taxidermy, digestion, and putrefaction processes, and afterwards their structure was compared to control hairs, under the scanning electron microscope and light microscope. The results obtained indicate that the processes tested do not cause damage to the medullar and scale patterns of the opossum's hairs. In conclusion, based on the experiments withD. albiventrishairs, it is possible to compare hairs from museum collections or freshly collected hairs to hairs found in scats, gut contents, pellets, or other sources.
Condition and fecundity of translocated rock‐dwelling cichlid fish in Lake Malawi
Authors: Munthali S. M. , Ribbink A. J.
Published: February 2006

The condition factor and fecundity of the translocated rock‐dwelling cichlid fish, Cynotilapia afra, Pseudotropheus callainos, and Pseudotropheus tropheops‘red cheek’ at Thumbi West Island, southern Lake Malawi, were compared with those at their sites of origin, in the north of the lake. The guiding hypothesis was that these species, having originated from a region of the lake which is generally poor in nutrients, and been introduced to an area richer in nutrients, would be in better condition and more fecund there than at their sites of origin. That seemed to be the case. P. callainos and P. tropheops‘red cheek’ had significantly higher condition factors and fecundity indices at Thumbi West Island than at their sites of origin. However, both condition factor and fecundity of all the species studied fluctuated seasonally. The major peaks in condition factor coincided with either the wind‐induced lake upwelling from June to August, or the rains. Major peaks in fecundity occurred at the end of the rainy season, between February and April, or at the end of the upwelling period between September and October. The translocated species began to breed at a smaller size at their sites of origin in the north than at Thumbi West Island, probably as an adaptive response to a poor nutrient regime in the north.

The increase in population of some translocated species can be partly attributed to their improved condition and fecundity due to enhanced nutrient availability at the site where they have been introduced. This may have negative implications for the native taxa, more particularly as competition for breeding space is rife among the rock‐dwelling cichlids of Lake Malawi.
Temporal variation of predation on rodents and shrews by small African forest carnivores
Authors: Ray Justina C.
Published: February 2006

Analysis of 904 small carnivore scats collected over a two‐year period in a seasonal forest in the south‐western Central African Republic yielded the remains of 732 shrews, rodents (<1 kg), and bats comprising at least 34 species. Most scats belonged to the long‐nosed mongoose, Herpestes naso, the numerically dominant carnivore in the study area. Shrews were the principal small mammal prey with respect to number of individuals and frequency of occurrence. The mean monthly frequency of occurrence of shrews was 21.7% and of small rodents (<100 g) was 20.8%. Both shrews and small rodents occurred significantly more often in scats collected during dry season months, and live‐trapping of rodents over a 22‐month period revealed similar peaks in availability. In contrast to many mammalian carnivores, shrews did not appear to be used as an alternative prey source: not only did consumption levels of both prey types fluctuate in synchrony, but the availability of rodents apparently had no effect upon the likelihood of including shrews in the diet. Preferential use of small mammals by long‐nosed mongooses was tested for the 10 rodent species for which abundance indices were calculated. Mongooses preyed selectively on several rodent species (Praomys spp., Deomys ferrugineus, Stochomys longicaudatus, and Grammomys rutilans), while the most common rodent in the study area, Hylomyscus spp., was found in scats at lower frequencies than expected. In accordance with the habitat specificities of these ‘preferred’ rodent prey, it is suggested that mongooses and perhaps other small carnivores were foraging in micro‐habitats characterized by higher‐than‐average vegetation understorey thickness where the simultaneous rate of encounter with arthropods, their main prey, and shrews was apt to be high.
Functional morphology, comparative behaviour, and adaptation in two sympatric subterranean rodents genus Ctenomys (Caviomorpha: Octodontidae)
Authors: Vassallo Aldo I.
Published: February 2006

Two species of tuco‐tucos, Ctenomys talarum and C. australis, overlap geographically in south‐eastern Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. C. talarum (100‐180 g) occupies habitats with clayey and harder soils, while the larger C. australis (300‐600 g) occupies sandy and quite friable soils. This study compares the digging apparatus and digging performance of both species, and also provides additional ecological data to describe the adaptations of both species. When confronted with sandy, friable soils, both tuco‐tucos exclusively use their forelimbs (‘scratch digging’ mode) to break the soil. When confronted with harder and clayey soils, C. australis used its forelimbs and, less frequently, its incisors, but no appreciable effectiveness was observed in breaking the soil. On the other hand, C. talarum behaved as a ‘scratch’ and ‘chisel‐tooth digger’ species, using both forelimbs and incisors to dig tunnels in extremely hard soils. C. talarum showed relatively larger forelimb extensors than C. australis. Moreover, I hypothesize that the structure of the ulna in C. talarum may increase the effective forces of the digital and carpal flexors, thus accounting for the enhanced digging ability in this species. Outward forces exerted by the distal elements (claws‐digits‐carpals) when forelimbs impact the soil appear to be a critical factor in loosening soil fragments. In addition, the increased upper incisor procumbency of C. talarum correlated with an effective chisel‐tooth digging behaviour. Finally, I briefly examine phylogenetic and biogeographical factors that may account for some C. australis morphological and physiological traits. It is suggested that the digging ability of C. australis could be a by‐product of its larger size, a likely adaptation to evade predation.
Demography of the Serengeti cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) population: the first 25 years
Authors: Kelly Marcella J. , Laurenson M. Karen , FitzGibbon Clare D. , Collins D. Anthony , Durant Sarah M. , Frame George W. , Bertram Brian C. , Caro T. M.
Published: February 2006

Data are presented on the demography and reproductive success of cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) living on the Serengeti Plains, Tanzania over a 25‐year period. Average age at independence was 17.1 months, females gave birth to their first litter at approximately 2.4 years old, interbirth interval was 20.1 months, and average litter size at independence was 2.1 cubs. Females who survived to independence lived on average 6.2 years while minimum male average longevity was 2.8 years for those born in the study area and 5.3 years for immigrants, with a large proportion of males dispersing out of the Plains population. Females produced on average only 1.7 cubs to independence in their entire lifetime and their average reproductive rates were 0.36 cubs per year or 0.17 litters per year to independence. Variance in lifetime reproductive success in the cheetah is similar to that of other mammals.

No significant negative correlations were found between adult cheetah population size and numbers of cubs reaching independence, implying that the Plains population had not reached carrying capacity. Annual numbers of adult female cheetahs only were correlated with rainfall. Adult female cheetah numbers were not correlated with adult female lion numbers on the Plains, however, reproductive rates of cheetahs were negatively correlated with the presence of lions while cheetahs had cubs. Moreover, cheetah reproductive success was lower during the period of high lion abundance (1980‐1994) than during the earlier period of relatively few lions (1969‐1979). Litter size at independence dropped from 2.5 to 2.0, lifetime reproductive success declined from 2.1 to 1.6 cubs reared to independence, and the reproductive rate (cubs/year) decreased from 0.42 to 0.36 from the earlier to the later period.

Cheetah reproductive success showed little association with the presence of Thomson's gazelle at sightings except for a negative correlation between large numbers of gazelle (200±500) and reproductive success possibly because hunting success decreases with increasing prey herd size, or because cheetahs always lose in direct competition with other predators which are attracted to large congregations of prey. In addition, cheetah reproductive success was negatively correlated with the presence of Grant's gazelles (11 or more) perhaps because Grant's gazelles were more likely to occur consistently in dry areas.
Ontogeny of resistance to desiccation in the bush‐dwelling snail Theba pisana (Helicidae)
Authors: Arad Zeev , Avivi Tzameret R.
Published: February 2006

The distribution of the bush‐dwelling snail Theba pisana (Helicidae) in Israel is restricted to the coastal plain. It is known as an annual semelparous species, but recent studies revealed that part of the population has a biennial life cycle.

The present study examined the water economy and resistance to desiccation throughout the life cycle under natural conditions in the field, and by exposing samples of various size (age) groups to three weeks of laboratory desiccation during various seasons.

We found that resistance to desiccation in Theba pisana is age‐dependent as young snails lost more water than adults during desiccation. In general, high rates of water loss during desiccation were noted in growing snails during winter and spring, and low rates were recorded during the summer aestivation in all age groups. A small part of the natural population ceased growing and entered an early aestivation, thereby avoiding the otherwise high rates of water loss.

We conclude that resistance to desiccation is entrained in the annual life cycle of T. pisana and that survival under natural desiccating conditions depends on the maturation, and on the ontogenetic development of the water preserving mechanisms. The age‐dependent water economy of the snail dictates the timing of aestivation and the establishment of a new set‐point which is reflected in the clustering behaviour, secretion of a calcareous epiphragm, and a selective compartmentalization of body fluids.
Foraging behaviour and energetics of a nectar‐feeding bat, Leptonycteris curasoae (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae)
Authors: Horner M. A. , Fleming T. H. , Sahey C. T.
Published: February 2006

We studied the foraging behaviour and energetics of the nectar‐feeding bat, Leptonycteris curasoae (=L. sanborni), in the Sonoran Desert near Bahia Kino, Sonora, Mexico, using radio‐telemetry, light‐tagging, and focal plant observations to answer three questions: (1) How far do these bats fly in a night and at what energetic cost? (2) How do they harvest nectar and pollen from columnar cacti that offer large but temporally variable nectar rewards? (3) What are the implications of their foraging behaviour for gene flow within populations of their food plants?L. curasoae visited flowers of three species of columnar cacti in April through June. Many bats roosted on Isla Tiburon 20 km from the Mexican mainland and commuted about 30 km to the mainland to feed. Bats flew for about 5 h each night for a total distance of about 100 km. Individuals foraged alone or in small groups in overlapping areas of 1‐3 km2; and visited the same feeding areas on successive nights. Within feeding areas, bats visited the flowers of many cactus plants, visited most flowers <5 times, and removed about 0.1 mL of nectar per visit. Although bats flew nearly continuously early in the evening, they did most of their feeding between 24:00 and 02:00. When visiting flowers of Pachycereus pringlei (cardon), bats apparently waited until flowers had accumulated 0.8 mL of nectar before feeding, which suggests that rates of nectar secretion influence the timing of feeding in these bats. We estimate that the daily energy budget of L. curasoae is at least 40 kJ and that bats make about 80‐100 visits to cactus flowers to acquire this energy. Foraging areas typically contain thousands of cactus flowers, and thus food does not appear to be a limited resource for these bats during the spring. The cost‐efficient flight of this bat makes it an excellent pollen vector for self‐incompatible, widely spaced desert cacti.
Variation in size at birth and post‐natal growth in the insectivorous bat Pipistrellus subflavus (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae)
Authors: Hoying K. M. , Kunz T. H.
Published: February 2006

We describe the size and developmental state at birth, examine factors which influence intra‐ and inter‐year variation in post‐natal growth, and derive age‐predictive equations and logistic growth parameters for the eastern pipistrelle bat, Pipistrellus subflavus. Ambient and roost temperature and insect abundance were lowest, and precipitation highest, before and during the post‐natal growth period in 1982, as compared to 1981. We found no sex differences in the size of pups at birth or in post‐natal growth rates in a given year; however, body mass and length of forearm of neonates differed significantly between years, being smaller in 1982 than in 1981. During the first two weeks of post‐natal growth in both years, the body mass and length of forearm of pups increased linearly at mean rates of 0.15 g.day−1 and 1.12 mm.day−1, respectively. Post‐natal growth rates for length of forearm and body mass were the same during the early linear phase of growth, but the intercept for body mass was less and growth trajectories were more variable in 1982. Length of forearm was the least variable and thus most reliable character for estimating age of P. subflavus pups during the first 14 days of post‐natal growth. When length of forearm was used in combination with mean changes in the length of the fourth metacarpal‐phalangeal epiphyseal gap, we derived reliable age‐estimation equations ranging from 1 to 45 days. Litter size averaged 1.96 and 1.93 at birth, but this was reduced to one by the time pups became volant. At birth, litter mass represented 44, and 54% of the post‐partum mass of females in 1981 and 1982, respectively. This maternal effort during pregnancy is among the highest reported for bats. At weaning, the body mass of pups approached 80% of adult post‐partum body mass, and the length of forearm exceeded 90% of adult female size. Our results suggest that size at birth and post‐natal growth are influenced by ambient and roost temperature, rainfall, and the quantity of insects available to pregnant and lactating females. Thus, energetic constraints on both mothers and pups can lead to inter‐year and inter‐individual differences in maternal effort and post‐natal growth of pups.
A new species of giant gecko of the genus Tarentola (Reptilia: Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Jamaica
Authors: Sprackland R. G. , Swinney G. N.
Published: February 2006

A new species of gecko of the genus Tarentola is described from a single specimen in the herpetological collection of the National Museums of Scotland. The gecko was part of a presentation made in 1884 by a resident of Jamaica, and is presumed to be a Jamaican endemic, possibly now extinct. Though clearly a member of the predominantly African genus Tarentola, the new species bears no specific affinity with the only other known New World species, and is very distinct in lepidosis from similar African taxa. A complete description is given for this new species, and it is named Tarentola albertschwartzi. Its possible relationship to the fossil Aristelliger titan Hecht, 1951, is discussed.
Habitat selection by five ottersLutra lutrain rivers of northern Scotland
Authors: Durbin Leon S.
Published: February 2006

Understanding the effects of habitat structure on otter (Lutra lutra) movements is critical to conservation management, but such information is scarce for riverine habitats where the species is most vulnerable. Between 1987 and 1990 the patterns of habitat use by five otters from river catchments in north‐east Scotland were examined by using radio‐telemetry. The main habitat variables analysed were channel width, substrate size, riparian vegetation, proximity to roads and buildings, and the coverage of surrounding vegetation and land use. All of the otters spent more of their time in relatively wide sections of river or stream, with high boulder cover and many riparian trees. However, when use was calculated as the time spent per unit area of water, narrow, gravelly streams were selected by most animals. Some of the habitat features traditionally thought to influence otter movements (e.g. riparian vegetation, land use) did not show the predicted effects. The conservation implications of these observations are discussed.
New short communications section: call for papers
Authors: Clutton‐Brock Juliet
Published: February 2006

Communications from the Mammal Society, which have been published twice yearly, in June (see pp. 209–244, this issue) and December, will cease from the end of this year. From January 1999, this Section of the Journal of Zoology will be allocated to Short Communications, and contributions will be welcomed on all taxa within the general field of zoological research, both invertebrate and vertebrate. Three copies of each paper, following the Instructions for Contributors printed at the back of the Journal of Zoology, should be sent directly to Dr M. L. Gorman, Editor of Short Communications, Journal of Zoology, Department of Zoology, Aberdeen University, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, Scotland, U.K. Tel.: +44 (0)1224 272850; fax: +44 (0)1224 272396; e‐mail: m.gorman@abdn.ac.uk.
Fallow deer (Dama dama) winter defecation rate in a Mediterranean area
Authors: Massei G. , Genov P. V.
Published: February 2006

This study investigated the winter daily defecation rate (DDR) of fallow deer in a Mediterranean area, and reviewed the existing literature on the defecation rate of this species. A mean number of 26.5 pellet groups deer−1 day−1 was found in this study. This value was similar to that found in studies carried out in winter in the U.K. and Germany, suggesting that different diets and habitats do not affect fallow deer DDR.
Dietary response of the Eurasian badger,Meles meles, to a decline of its main prey in the Doñana National Park
Authors: Fedriani J. M. , Ferreras P. , Delibes M.
Published: February 2006

The Eurasian badger (Meles meles) is considered to be a harvester rather than a hunter (Kruuk, 1989), because its food usually consists of vegetables and small and easily captured animals, such as worms and insects, and it rarely captures mammals (Neal, 1986). However, in the Doñana National Park of Mediterranean Spain the badger apparently behaves as a facultative specialist in the consumption of young rabbits,Oryctolagus cuniculus(Martín, Rodríguez & Delibes, 1995). In 1990, an outbreak of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD) caused high mortality among adult rabbits in most of the Doñana area (Villafuerteet al., 1994), although all sites of Doñana were not affected to the same extent. This situation offered the possibility of comparing the food habits of badgers in the Doñana Biological Reserve (DBR) before (data of Martínet al., 1995) and after the outbreak of RHD, while using another site where rabbit density has changed little over the last few years as a control area.
Diet of two species of mink in Estonia: displacement of Mustela lutreola by M. vison
Authors: Maran T. , Kruuk H. , Macdonald D. W. , Polma M.
Published: February 2006

During a period in the 1980s when both European mink Mustela lutreola and American mink M. vison were present in Estonia, their food was significantly different. European mink ate a greater proportion of fish and crustaceans, whereas American mink took relatively more mammals and frogs. This was probably related to a difference in habitat selection. After the disappearance of the European mink, the diet of the American mink in our main study area was similar to that of the European in the same area previously. Two alternative hypotheses are presented for the mechanisms which led to the replacement of European mink by the American species: (i) the two species have a different niche, and the American mink could replace the European mink after the latter had disappeared for unrelated reasons, or (ii) the American mink aggressively ousted the European mink, a process starting in the American mink's preferred habitat (slow flowing rivers). At present there are insufficient data to reject either of these scenarios.
Body mass dynamics in the Mediterranean pine vole Microtus duodecimcostatus
Authors: Paradis Emmanuel , Wang Xiaoming , Guédon Gérald , Croset Henri
Published: February 2006

The occurrence of large individuals in fluctuating populations of microtine rodents (the Chitty effect) has received considerable attention. Recent studies showed that there are no causal relationships between the Chitty effect and the multi‐annual population cycles of voles and lemmings. We studied five populations of Microtus duodecimcostatus in southern France with capture‐recapture methods. Mean body mass was constant in all populations. Maximum observed body mass was more variable, and slightly positively correlated with density, except in the most fluctuating population where the correlation was strong. A careful study of the occurrence of large voles in these populations showed that most were pregnant females, and that the few large males were present when density was high and sample sizes were large. Comparison with published studies indicates that the Chitty effect, though not restricted to microtines, is not a general phenomenon in small mammal populations. Our field results and laboratory data on the same species suggest that M. duodecimcostatus has a determinate body growth, contrary to some Microtus species which have an indeterminate growth.
Nathusius' pipistrelle bats (Pipistrellus nathusii, Keyserling & Blasius 1839) breeding in Ireland
Authors: Russ J. M. , O'Neill J. K. , Montgomery W. I.
Published: February 2006

We describe the most westerly known maternity colony of Nathusius' pipistrelle bats (Pipistrellus nathusii). The bats were identified by using morphometric measurements and analysis of time‐expanded echolocation and social calls. The roost, containing approximately 150 individuals, was located in a mid 19th century farm stable block and store house situated in parkland in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The roost was visited on 30 April, 1 May and 22 June 1997. Over this period, 11 bats were caught: one adult male, five pregnant females, four lactating females and a juvenile male. Direct observation of behaviour patterns suggests that mating groups of P. nathusii may occur in Ireland as late as May. The migratory nature of this species is discussed.
Scent‐marking and territorial behaviour of Ethiopian wolves Canis simensis
Authors: Sillero‐Zubiri Claudio , Macdonald David W.
Published: February 2006

Scent‐marking behaviour and inter‐pack aggression were studied in wild Ethiopian wolf, Canis simensis, packs. Raised‐leg urinations, followed by ground scratching, were the most frequently deposited scent‐mark. Scent‐marking rates were highest along or near territory boundaries, where distances between scent‐marking sites were reduced and the proportion of multiple marks was increased, relative to other areas. Marking rates increased with wolf numbers during patrols but not during other activities. Although all adult members of a pack contributed to scent‐marking, the dominant pair marked most frequently. Subadult males scent‐marked occasionally but subadult females never did. Wolves vigorously over‐marked neighbours' scent‐marks. Most direct encounters between neighbouring wolves at territory borders were aggressive and involved repeated chases, and the larger group was most likely to win. Resident wolves were more tolerant of opposite‐sex than same‐sex neighbours. Resident wolves therefore signalled pack composition and status at home range borders by olfactory and auditory cues and by aggressive contests. Such signalling may reduce the occurrence of potentially costly inter‐pack aggressive encounters at territory borders and provide information on reproductive status.
Blood supply to the eyes and brain of lamniform sharks (Lamniformes)
Authors: Alexander R. L.
Published: February 2006

The arterial supply to the eyes and brain of the common thresher shark, Alopias vulpinus, was examined and compared with that of five other lamniform shark species. Temperatures of the eyes and brain in two of these species were shown in previous studies to be higher than ambient. This was considered to be correlated with the presence of an orbital rete mirabile derived from the hyoidean efferent and pseudobranchial arteries. This study shows that the pseudobranchial artery forms a rete in only one of the two species previously shown to be warm, indicating that the brain of the other species is warmed by a non‐retial vessel. This finding raises the possibility of brain and eye warming in Alopias vulpinus, which lacks an orbital rete mirabile.