bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The bioluminescent organs of the deep‐sea cephalopod Vampyroteuthis infernalis (Cephalopoda: Vampyromorpha)
Authors: Herring P. J. , Dilly P. N. , Cope Celia
Published: May 2009

Vumpyroteuthis infernalis Chun is the sole member of the cephalopod subclass Vampyromorpha. The three putative types of photophore (fin base, dorsomedial or composite, and skin nodules) are described and it is concluded that the composite organ is not a light‐emitting structure. It has structural similarities to an extra‐ocular photoreceptor.

The fin‐base photophore is capable of being everted from the pigmented pit in which it is seated. Its surface bears chromatophores which may modulate the emission and the photocytes contain an extensive network of microtubular elements and proteoglycan particles. The reflector is formed of a very thick layer of collagen fibrils in different orientations. The skin nodules are widely distributed over the animal. They have a collagenous reflector and core cells with structural similarities to those of the fin‐base photocytes.

The photocytes have no morphological links with those of octopods or decapods. The thick collagen reflector, and absence of the iridosomal platelets present in the other subclasses, suggests an early separation of the Vampyromorpha from other coleoids.
Seasonality of reproduction in the European badger Meles meles in south‐west England
Authors: Page R. J. C. , Ross J. , Langton S. D.
Published: May 2009

The reproductive cycle of male and female badgers in the south‐west of England was studied by post‐mortem examination of 1875 badgers collected in 1973–80. The sample was obtained by several methods and showed that animals obtained as road casualties were not representative of the total population samples. Active spermatogenesis was present throughout the year, and in some males aged 8–9 months. A few females first ovulated as yearlings but most primiparous females were adults. Births were in general confined to the early part of the year, but ovulations and matings also occurred at other times. Almost all (97%) adult females possessed corpora lutea. Unimplanted blastocysts were found in females for 11 months of the year (over 80% of adult females in July‐November). Implanted embryos were found in only 32% of adults in January and February: the number of blastocysts per female and the number of implanted embryos per female were not significantly different, indicating that sows implanted all blastocysts or none. Foetal mortality was 36% and post‐natal losses were estimated at 42% from the proportion of lactating females.
Dynamics of spatial relationships among members of a fox group (Vulpes vulpes: Mammalia: Carnivora)
Authors: Poulle M. L. , Artois M. , Roeder J. J.
Published: May 2009

The ‘Resources Dispersion Hypothesis’ (RDH, Macdonald, 1983) suggests that, for solitary foragers such as the red fox Vulpes vulpes, group formation is dependent on resource distribution heterogeneity. Our data are compatible with this hypothesis. Rodents, which constituted the main fox prey, were heterogeneously distributed in time and space. Six foxes (three males and three females) were radiotracked continuously from February 1989 to October 1990 (20 months) and we observed spatial sharing between one male and two or three females, considered as members of a ‘spatial group’. Even though their home ranges overlapped between 30 and 100%, members of the group foraged alone and had very few contacts with conspecifics during the night. Furthermore, they partitioned the common home range so that each fox made exclusive use of foraging patches. In contrast, during the daytime, two to four members of the group were frequently in association in a communal resting place. Such associations were observed all year round; they were durable and dynamic. Their advantages were examined. We suggest that they play a role in the maintenance of social cohesion within the group in providing the opportunity for direct contact between foxes. They might also permit increased security through mutual vigilance during resting.
‘Home’ choice and modification by juvenile Octopus vulgaris (Mollusca: Cephalopoda): specialized intelligence and tool use?
Authors: Mather Jennifer A.
Published: May 2009

Analysis of ‘homes’ occupied by juvenile Octopus vulgaris shows flexible behaviour which may indicate specialized intelligence and tool use. Octopuses occupied sheltered areas for a short time, average 10 days, but stayed longer in larger homes and in areas where preferred prey was available. They did not simply respond to perceptual characteristics of a site, but instead chose locations potentially suitable and modified them by removing rocks and sand and bringing in items partially to block the aperture.
A critical period for nutritional control of early gametogenesis in female winter flounder, Pleuronectes americanus (Pisces: Teleostei)
Authors: Burton M. P. M.
Published: May 2009

When female winter flounder (Pleuronectes americanus) were subjected to periods of satiation feeding alternating with starvation it was found that the first part of their normal six‐month feeding period could be associated with subsequent gametogenesis, whereas feeding in the later part of the normal feeding period was not necessary. Conversely if females were not fed during the first part of the normal feeding season they were likely to become non‐reproductive, although high condition fish or a non‐spawner could become gametogenic in spite of starvation at this time. Feeding restricted to the later part of the normal feeding season was therefore not generally associated with successful gametogenesis for the following year's spawn. When the first part of the feeding period was further subdivided with satiation feeding limited to one or more months within it, most fish became non‐reproductive. The exceptions which became reproductive were females which had high post‐spawn condition maintained in the month following the immediate spawning period for the individual fish. A nutritionally sensitive period for early gametogenesis in female winter flounder therefore appears to occur in the early part of the normal feeding season, close to the normal spawning period. The experimentally produced non‐reproductive females were generally halted in a previtellogenic stage of development for the most advanced oocytes which is consistent with a nutritionally related inhibition of gametogenesis close to the previous spawning period.
Rapid chromosome evolution in Jamaican frogs of the genus Eleutherodactylus (Leptodactylidae)
Authors: Bogart J. P. , Hedges S. Blair
Published: May 2009

Chromosomes from all 17 species of native Jamaican Eleutherodactylus as well as introduced E. johnstonei were subjected to computer‐assisted analyses. Diploid chromosome numbers of 24, 26, 28, 30 and 32 were found and no two species had identical karyotypes. Karyotypic data were superimposed on a phylogeny derived from allozyme and immunological data in order to assess karyotypic changes that occurred in lineages of Jamaican Eleutherodactylus. Chromosome number changes have occurred at least nine times on the island and have involved both fission and fusion mutational events. C‐bands and the sites of secondary constrictions varied and provide very little phylogenetic information. In most instances, karyotypically determined interspecific evolutionary relationships corresponded with the molecular data. The combination of karyological analyses and molecular data clarified lineages which involved convergent chromosome numbers or extremely divergent karyotypes. Karyotypic changes in Jamaican Eleutherodactylus are best explained by chromosome fission, fusion, translocations and inversions which arose in isolated demes and have been fixed through inbreeding and genetic drift. Rates of karyotypic evolution among Jamaican Eleutherodactylus are much faster than previous published rates for frogs. Karyotypic evolution appears to be dictated by behavioural factors and effective population sizes irrespective of taxonomic groupings.
Baculum length and copulatory behaviour in carnivores and pinnipeds (Grand Order Ferae)
Authors: Dixson A. F.
Published: May 2009

Relationships between baculum length, body weight and copulatory behaviour were examined in 66 species of carnivores and pinnipeds (Grand Order Ferae). Elongated bacula occur in most carnivore species of the families Ursidae, Canidae, Procyonidae and Mustelidae as well as in all pinnipeds studied. By contrast, members of the family Felidae have short bacula in relation to their body weights. Elongate bacula are found in carnivores and pinnipeds with a prolonged single intromission (PI) copulatory pattern. This finding agrees with results of a previous study of baculum length and PI copulatory patterns in primates. The enlarged baculum may serve to strengthen the penis and protect the urethra during prolonged intromissions. The distal pole of the baculum may also assist sperm transport since in some species it projects beyond the tip of the penis and probably contacts the female's os cervix during copulation. It is possible that stimulation of the female's genitalia by the baculum might also be important in mammals which are induced ovulators (e.g. Mustelidae). However, it is notable that elongation of the baculum has also occurred in some groups where females ovulate spontaneously (e.g. Canidae, Primates).
The consequences for deer of ingesting oilseed rape (Brassica napus): feeding experiments with roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and red deer (Cervus elaphus)
Authors: Sibbald A. M. , Iason G. R. , Bristow I. A. , Davidson G. C. , Smith W. H. Macfarlane
Published: May 2009

In two experiments, in the growing season March–May, freshly harvested double‐low oilseed rape (Brassica napus) plants were fed ad libitum to penned roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and red deer (Cervus elaphus). In Experiment 1, oilseed rape was fed to five roe and 12 red deer as 60% of their daily dry matter (DM) intake for four weeks, after a two‐week dietary change‐over period. The rest of the diet comprised cattle‐rearing pellets (33%) and freshly cut heather (Calluna vulgaris) plants (7%). In Experiment 2, oilseed rape was fed to seven roe and eight red deer as 100% of the diet for up to six weeks, after a two‐week change‐over period.

In both experiments, Heinz bodies were found in roe deer blood 2–3 weeks after the start of the change‐over period, with a fall in mean packed cell volume (PCV) and blood glutathione (GSH) concentration. In Experiment 2, after 5–8 days of feeding on 100% oilseed rape, four roe deer showed signs of inappetance and were changed to a diet of 80% oilseed rape. At the same time, the other three roe deer had very low PCV (< 60% of normal values) and oilseed rape feeding was discontinued for those animals. The red deer showed no symptoms of haemolytic damage nor any change in blood GSH concentration in either experiment, but showed a gradual fall in PCV in Experiment 2. No other ill‐effects were observed in any of the animals.

Intakes of oilseed rape (gDM/kg0–75/day) were lower for the roe deer than the red deer in both experiments. The severity of haemolytic anaemia in the roe deer was related to the proportion of oilseed rape in the diet, rather than the amount ingested. It was concluded that the health of roe deer ingesting oilseed rape may be affected if other foods are not available.
The fine structure of the pigment body complex in the intrapigmented aesthetes of Callochiton achatinus (Mollusca: Polyplacophora)
Authors: Sturrock M. G. , Baxter J. M.
Published: May 2009

The detailed ultrastructure of the pigment body complex located on the dorsal surface of each intrapigmented megalaesthete in the valves of Callochiton achatinus (Brown, 1827) is described. The pigment body complex comprises a single, large rhabdomer, surrounded by a number of pigment cells, linked to an adjacent myeloid body which characteristically consists of an area of extensive, complex, lamellate whorls consisting of myelin. The rhabdomer probably has no specific visual function. However, the simultaneous contraction of the myeloid body and the increased pigmentation of the cells surrounding the rhabdomer after long‐term exposure to light suggests that the myeloid body is involved in a mechanism controlling pigment movement which would modify the amount of light penetrating the rhabdomer.
Ontogenetic and anatomic variation in mineralization of the wing skeleton of the Mexican free‐tailed bat, Tadarida brasiliensis
Authors: Papadimitriou Helen M. , Swartz Sharon M. , Kunz T. H.
Published: May 2009

We examined patterns of variation in the mineral content of the wing skeleton of the Mexican free‐tailed bat, Tadarida brasiliensis. We ashed humeri, radii, metacarpals II‐V, and phalanges of digit III, and quantified mineralization differences among elements at specific ages, and ontogenetically for each element. The most mineralized elements are the humerus and the radius, followed by the metacarpals, of which the third and fifth are the most mineralized. The proximal and middle phalanges of the third digit exhibit the lowest mineral content, and the distal phalanges have no mineral content according to our ashing protocol. Histological examination shows a thin (< 10 μm) shell of unmineralized osteoid surrounding a cartilaginous core in distal phalanges. Mineral content of each bone increases linearly with age during post‐natal development, but there are differences in the rate and extent of this increase among the different elements.

The mineralizaton differences we observed parallel substantially different bone loading patterns found in different parts of the wing in other studies. The humerus and radius are subjected to large torsional loads during flight, while the metacarpals and phalanges experience dorsoventral bending. The high mineral content of the humerus and radius and the low mineral content of the metacarpals and phalanges may resist torsion proximally and promote bending distally. Furthermore, the decrease in mineral content along the wing's proximodistal axis decreases bone mass disproportionately at the wing tips, where the energetic cost of accelerating and decelerating limb mass is greatest.
Spatial organization of leopards Panthera pardus in Taï National Park, Ivory Coast: is rainforest habitat a ‘tropical haven’?
Authors: Jenny David
Published: May 2009

Between June 1992 and July 1994, two female leopards and one male were radio‐tracked. Regular locations of the leopards, the use of a phototrap, and spoor data, provided the first detailed ecological data about this elusive felid in tropical rainforest habitat. The home range of the male was 86 km2, those of the two females were 29 km2 and 22 km2, respectively. One female's home range was fully included within that of the male. Home ranges of neighbouring residents were not exclusive. Population density is estimated at one leopard per 9‐14 km2. Intraspecific interactions were rare and predominantly involved mating. The large size of the home ranges and a relatively high population density imply large overlap between adjacent resident leopards' ranges. Differences in the leopard's land tenure system between the rainforest and the savanna are discussed. Doubt is cast on the validity of the often‐quoted estimate of one leopard per 1 km2 in tropical rainforest habitat.
Does long‐term storage of spermatozoa occur in the adder (Vipera berus)?
Authors: Höggren M. , Tegelström H.
Published: May 2009

In the adder (Vipera berus) multiple inseminations during the spring mating season have been demonstrated, with fertilization taking place several weeks after mating activities have ceased. Subsequent sperm competition in the female reproductive tract can result in within‐season mixed paternity. Prolonged sperm storage between mating seasons has been suggested as another mechanism of sperm competition in the adder. Competition between new and old spermatozoa would obstruct efforts to reveal reproductive strategies that correlate observed behaviour to paternity in natural populations. In the present study, controlled breeding experiments with adders were performed and DNA fingerprinting was used to determine paternity among all offspring of a total of 15 litters. The offspring of 11 large females, that had most probably also mated in a previous season, were sired exclusively by enclosure males. This result and earlier empirical data support the hypothesis that long‐term sperm storage, over one or several reproductive cycles, does not occur in the adder.
Temperature and the tropical tortoise Kinixys spekii: constraints on activity level and body temperature
Authors: Hailey A. , Coulson I. M.
Published: May 2009

Movements of five Kinixys spekii were measured continuously during six weeks of their activity season, by thread‐trailing. The mean daily movement distance was negatively correlated with maximum shade air temperature, but not significantly related to minimum temperature, rainfall, or humidity. There was a midday period of inactivity of increasing length as maximum air temperature exceeded 29° C. Temperatures of models suggest that lower activity on hot days was due to the risk of overheating in this small (mean mass 617 g) tortoise. Kinixys spekii had a mean field body temperature (Tb) of 27° C, which is low compared to other tortoises (including sympatric Geochelone pardulis, mean Tb= 32.5° C), but salivated at a similar Tb (38.4° C). This pattern also occurs in other small species; mean and maximum field Tbs of tortoises are positively correlated with body mass, but salivation and critical maximum Tbs do not vary with body mass. Low field Tb provides a wide safety margin before evaporation of water becomes necessary. Kinixys sprkii had a short annual activity period, with about 95% of sightings in four months (December to March). Monthly sightings of K. spekii were correlated with rainfall, but not significantly related to temperature or humidity. Seasonal activity is therefore related to rainfall, but within the rainy season the level and pattern of daily activity is related to temperature.
Prey‐capture techniques and prey preferences of Habrocestum pulex, an ant‐eating jumping spider (Araneae, Salticidae) from North America
Authors: Li Daiqin , Jackson R. R. , Cutler Bruce
Published: May 2009

The prey‐catching techniques and prey preferences of Habrocestum pulex (Hentz), ant‐eating jumping spider (Araneae: Salticidae) from North America, were studied in the laboratory. H. pulex uses prey‐specific, prey‐catching behaviour against ants. Ants, but not other insects, were consistently attacked head‐on. After attacking an ant, but not after attacking other insects, H. pulex kept its forelegs extended laterally and forwards without touching the ground. H. pulex feeds on ants in preference to other insects. Preference for ants and prey‐specific predatory behaviour do not depend on prior experience with ants. As in earlier studies of other ant‐eating salticids, three different types of tests for prey preference were carried out, using active, living prey: Type 1 (one type of prey presented to salticid at a time on alternate days); Type 2 (two types of prey presented to salticid simultaneously); and Type 3 (salticid feeding on one type of prey presented with alternative prey of another type). However, newly‐designed apparatus made testing more efficient. Preference for ants over other insects is shown not to depend on level of activity or any other cues from prey movement pattern: Type 1 and Type 2 tests were carried out using motionless (dead) lures, and again ants were taken in preference to other insects. Findings from this study are discussed in relation to recent findings on other ant‐eating salticids.
Ultrastructural observations on rhabdite formation in the planarian, Artioposthia triangulata
Authors: McGee C. , Fairweather I. , Blackshaw R. P.
Published: May 2009

The epidermis of the predatory terrestrial flatworm, Artioposthia triangulata has been examined by transmission electron microscopy for the presence of rhabdiform secretions. Two types of secretion are present: epidermal rhabdoids, produced by a special type of epidermal cell and true adenal rhabdites produced by gland cells beneath the epidermis. The epidermal rhabdoids are formed from Golgi‐derived vesicles, which fuse together to form the developing rhabdoid. Within the latter is a filamentous network on which granular material is deposited and coalesces to form a rod‐shaped inclusion. The rhabdoids accumulate in the apical region of the cell and release their contents from the apical surface. The adenal rhabdites are formed by Golgi‐derived vesicles, which become more elongated and their contents more electron‐dense as they mature. The vesicles fuse together to form the primordial rhabdite, which continues to lengthen with the addition of further vesicles. The neck of the rhabdite‐forming cell passes between the muscle layers and through the basement membrane to open into the base of the epidermal cell. The rhabdites move from the cell body through the neck into the cytoplasm of the epidermal cell and make their way to the apical surface where they are released to the exterior.
On habitat selection by the goral Nemorhaedus goral bedfordi (Bovidae, Artiodactyla)
Authors: Mishra C. , Johnsingh A. J. T.
Published: May 2009

Habitat selection, diet, and escape behaviour of grey goral (Nemorhaedus goral bedfordi) were studied in Majhatal Harsang Wildlife Sanctuary (MHWS) in the Indian Himalaya. Five trails covering a total length of 8.5 km were monitored in the morning hours for availability of habitat components and their use by goral. Habitat components quantified were: vegetation type, tree density, shrub understorey, shrub height, and slope angle. Diet composition of goral was determined through faecal analysis. Information on escape strategy was gathered by recording the escape areas used by disturbed animals.

Goral fed almost entirely on grass (92.2% in the cold season and 98.3% in the warm season). They preferred open vegetation communities with good grass cover and avoided shrub‐rich patches, especially areas where the shrub height exceeded their shoulder height. Goral selected patches with fresh grass sprout and were partial to steep (>30°) slopes.

In the morning, goral avoided most forested vegetation types in the area owing to extensive understorey. However, there was high use of forest cover with little understorey ‘for escape’ (32%, n= 200). Other escape terrain used were cliffs (31%), open gullies (16%), and rocky areas (13%).
Incubation time in reptilian eggs
Authors: Birchard G. F. , Marcellini D.
Published: May 2009

An allometric analysis of reptilian incubation time was performed. Incubation time increased with increasing egg mass (allometric exponent = 0.14, r2= 0.31). However, significant heterogeneity was found within the Reptilia for this character. If periods of developmental arrest are excluded the orders Crocodylia, Testudinata, and the suborder Serpentes have the shortest incubation times and the lizards the longest. Significant differences within lizard families were also observed (Iguanidae, Agamidae, Gekkonidae, and Lacertidae have shorter incubation times than the Varanidae and Teiidae). Preliminary analyses indicate the heterogeneity in incubation time observed within the Squamata is correlated with differences in brain mass; this is similar to findings for mammals. The variation in incubation time indicates the existence of differences in growth rates in reptilian groups and suggests a partial explanation for the observed distribution of viviparity within the Squamata.
Distribution of bats along an elevational gradient in the Andes of south‐eastern Peru
Authors: Patterson B. D. , Pacheco V. , Solari S.
Published: May 2009

At least 193 species of mammals are known to occur within the Manu Biosphere Reserve in south‐eastern Peru, contributing to its stature as one of the world's richest protected areas. Bats (Order Chiroptera) comprise more than 42% (82 species) of this diversity. Analyses of bat capture records over a transect extending more than 3 km in elevation show that most bat species at Manu are widely distributed in the Amazon Basin. Few are montane endemics or are localized in south‐eastern Peru, although exceptions to this generalization include two species new to science. Highland bat faunas tend to be attenuated versions of those found below, and the elevational zonation of bat communities is weak. Species turnover with elevation is monotonic and more‐or‐less smooth, with Jaccard's similarity values falling to 0.5 for sites differing by 750m in elevation. Subtle and orderly change in species composition with elevation is also reflected in the nested‐subset structure of these communities; over 19 different levels, this pattern of hierarchical structure is both striking and highly significant. Elevational ranges of species generally increase with elevation, in accordance with Stevens' extension of ‘Rapoport's rule’ of range amplitude. However, support for ‘Stevens' rule’ may be trivial, given Amazonian richness and Andean impoverishment. Reduced richness and poorly developed endemism in Andean bat communities contrast with patterns shown by sympatric rodent faunas, which are diverse and strongly endemic on the Altiplano and markedly zoned along the Eastern Versant. Contrasts are less sharp with bird communities, which nevertheless exhibit stronger zonation and higher endemicity. Factors responsible for these distinctive distributional patterns are discussed.
Pronounced heterochely in the ghost shrimp, Neotrypaea californiensis (Decapoda: Thalassinidea: Callianassidae): allometry, inferred function and development
Authors: Labadie Linda V. , Palmer A. R.
Published: May 2009

To understand their function and ontogeny better, we conducted a morphometric analysis of claw size and shape variation in the strikingly heterochelous, north‐eastern Pacific ghost shrimp, Neotrypaea (formerly Callianassa) californiensis. Master claws approached 25% of total body weight in mature males, but rarely exceeded 10% in females. Minor claws were less than 3% of body weight in both sexes. The proportions of right and left master claws did not differ significantly from 50:50. Males exhibited a greater positive allometry than females in both master and minor claw size, though master claws differed more than minor claws. Sexual dimorphism was also observed in master but not minor claw shape: compared to females, mature male master claws: a) were proportionally higher relative to their length; b) exhibited a deeper propodal notch and consequently a larger gape; c) developed a more slender and more distally hooked dactyl; and d) exhibited more well‐developed teeth about the periphery of the claw gape.

The shape of the conspicuous gape in mature male master claws bore a close resemblance to the cross‐section of similar‐sized master claws. The shape of this gape, and the presence of fine teeth about its periphery, strongly suggests that master claws function in a highly stereotyped form of grappling during agonistic encounters or perhaps during mating between similar‐sized conspecifics. In addition, a landmark morphometric analysis of relative growth suggested that the pronounced propodal notch develops via localized deformations near the base of the fixed finger rather than via a more generalized contraction of the ventral manus region. Finally, a preliminary survey suggests that the distinctive propodal notch, which may be diagnostic of the hypothesized grappling function, has evolved at least twice in the Callianassidae, once in the Callianassinae and once in the Callichirinae. Sexual selection may have significantly influenced the evolution of these unusual master claws.
New findings in body mass regulation in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) in response to photoperiod and temperature
Authors: Meijer T. , Rozman J. , Schulte M. , Stach‐Dreesmann C.
Published: May 2009

Small birds in temperate zones increase body mass in winter (Lehikoinen, 1987). We investigated daily and annual variation of body mass and fat reserves of locally‐reared Australian zebra finches Taeniopygia guttata, by exposing them to different photoperiods, feeding periods, and temperatures.

Experiments with long and short photoperiods and long and short feeding periods, showed that long photoperiods increased body mass and fat reserves of the zebra finches, and readiness to breed, independently of the actual feeding period.

Furthermore, the zebra finches in indoor aviaries with constant temperature (22‐24°C) and in outdoor aviaries with ambient temperature, both exposed to the natural daylength changes of Bielefeld, Germany (52 °N), had high dawn body mass in summer (12.9 and 12.0‐12.4g, respectively) and low in winter (10.7 and 11.1 g, respectively). Thirty to sixty percent of these mass changes were related to changes in fat reserves, so that the finches had only 0.1‐0.2g of metabolizable fat reserves in short photoperiods (or in winter), which increased up to 1.5g in long photoperiods (or in summer).

Indoor finches consumed more seeds in summer than in winter (3.3 vs. 2.7g/day), while outdoor finches consumed 4‐5g of seeds per day throughout the year, which probably represented the limit of energy intake for a 11‐13g bird (Kirkwood, 1983). Nightly mass loss, increasing from 0.7g in summer up to 2.0g in winter, was highly positively correlated with night length, not influenced by ambient temperature. Foraging before dawn and after dusk, roosting with well‐filled crops, and decreasing body mass and fat reserves, seem to be adaptations of zebra finches for survival in winter. The summer fattening probably accelerates reproduction in this opportunistic breeder, by allocating more time to reproductive behaviour and more endogenous nutrients to egg‐formation.
Population dynamics of the Ethiopian endemic rodent Praomys albipes in the Menagesha State Forest
Authors: Bekele Afework
Published: May 2009

Bimonthly live‐trapping over 15 months of 1 ha grid in the Menagesha State Forest, Ethiopia, revealed six species of rodents, dominated by Praomys albipes (64.3% of the catch). All age groups were recorded at each trapping occasion, and pregnant females were observed throughout the year. Both snap‐trapping and captive breeding programmes suggest a mean litter size greater than 4 (range 2–8). Despite this, the monthly density and biomass of captured rodents declined towards the last trapping occasions from 35 to 12/ha and 1546 to 454 g/ha, respectively.
The morphology and life cycle of Ophryodendron mysidacii sp. nov. a marine suctorian epibiont on a mysid crustacean
Authors: Fernandez‐Leborans G. , Tato‐Porto M. L. , Sorbe† J. C.
Published: May 2009

A new species of suctorian protist epibiont of the mysid Schistomysis parkeri is described. The individuals show two types of adult form: elongated and flattened, both with 4‐8 tentacular lobes. This new suctorian differs from described species of pro‐Ophryodendron group by size, number of tentacular lobes, insertion of the tentacles, union of the lorica with the body, shape of the macronucleus, number of micronuclei and the lack of stalk (adult forms). The life cycle of this species is analysed and a succession pattern of its different stages is proposed.
Data on haemodynamics of splenic circulation in the newt
Authors: Frangioni G. , Borgioli G.
Published: May 2009

In the newt, Triturus cristatus carnifex (Laurenti), the spleen normally contains a reserve of erythrocytes which varies according to the respiratory condition of the animal. In chlorobutanolanaesthetized specimens, histological analyses and in vivo observations following the injection into the bloodstream of fluorescent microspheres 10 μm in diameter (FluoresbriteTM YG, Polysciences Inc., USA) show that, in steady conditions, the stored red blood cells are not segregated in the spleen but pass through the organ with a very slow flow; their time of transit in a spleen maintained in a state of maximum congestion is 41.5 ± 14.2 minutes (mean ± standard deviation.
Analysis of otter (Lutra lutra) spraints: Part 1: Comparison of methods to estimate prey proportions; Part 2: Estimation of the size of prey fish
Authors: Jacobsen L. , Hansen H. ‐M.
Published: May 2009

The accuracy of five different methods used in spraint analysis for extimating prey proportions is tested through a feeding experiment with three otters in captivity. Estimated prey proportions are copared to the actual diet of the otters. The results of analysing 362 spraints and the time budget indicated a score‐bulk estimate to be the most appropriate method of estimating prey diet and it is concluded that dietary studies using different methods can be compared in broad outlines. The relatins between the methods are confirmed in the analysis of 978 spriaints, collected in the field.
A comparison of the strengths of gastropod shells with forces generated by potential crab predators
Authors: Preston S. J. , Revie I. C. , Orr J. F. , Roberts D.
Published: May 2009

Carcinus manenas, Liocarcinus puberandCancer pagursare thought to be three likely crab predators of the gastropodCalliostoma Zizyphinum.In order to compare the strenghts of predators and their prey, the whole shell and aperture lip strengh of white and pinkCalliostomamorphotypes and the maximum forces exerted by the chelipeds of three crab species were measured. Although white shells were thicker than pink shells,Calliostomacolour morphotyes did not differ significantly in either the force required to break the shell lip or the whole shell. BothLiocarcinus puberandCarcinus maenashave dimorphic chelipeds and their “crusher” chelipeds deliver almost double the forces generated by the‘cutter’chelipeds. In constrast,Cancer pagurushas monomorphic chelipeds both delivering similar forces.

When compared withCalliostomashell strenght, the forces generated by the‘crusher’chelipeds of mostL. pubertested were, in general, sufficient to break the shell lip ofCalliostomashells, whereas forces generated by the‘cutter’chelipeds of only the larger individuals were sufficient to break the shell lip. InC. manenas, forces generated by both the‘cutter’and‘crusher’chelipeds often exceeded the minimum recorded force required to break the shell lip and the‘crusher’cheliped reached the minimum force required to break wholeCalliostomashells. Both chelipeds of allC. pagurustested generated forces in excess of the minimum required to break the shell lip, and the proportion of individuals capable of generating the minimum force required to break the whole shell increased with the size of the size of the crab.Carcinus maenasandCancer paguruswere capable of breaking both the shell lips and the whole shells of a wider range of shell sizes thanL. puber.
Long‐term scatterhoarding by Eurasian red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris)
Authors: Wauters L. A. , Casale P.
Published: May 2009

Hoarding behavious, seed species hoarded and hoarding intensity by red squirrels (Sclurus vulgaris L.) are described for two population; one in a coniferous woodland with few deciduous trees, the other in a mixed deciduous woodland with some conifers. Seasonal variation in the recovery of hoards and the importance of hoarded food with regard to a squirrel's annual energy demands are discussed. The importance of having hoards is compared among tree squirrel species.
Loss of male outcrossing ability in simultaneous hermaphrodites: phylogenetic analyses of pulmonate snails
Authors: Schrag S. J. , Read A. F.
Published: May 2009

Phally, a genital polymorphism found in some species of self‐compatible pulmonates (Mollusca: Gastropoda), presents an opportunity to examine factors maintaining outcrossing within an animal species in the presence of recombination. Euphallics, aphallics, and hemiphallics can selffertilize but only euphallics develop a functional penis and prostate allowing them to donate sperm. Taxa containing aphallics and/or hemiphallics are rare within pulmonates (occurring in about 0.3% of species and genera) and are found near the tips of the phylogenetic tree at the species and genus level, suggesting that the loss of male outcrossing ability is unstable and has limited evolutionary potential. Phylogenetic analysis based on parsimony reveals that male outcrossing ability has been lost a minimum of 13 times. We find no unambiguous evidence of reversions from aphally and/or hemiphally back to pure euphally. In plants, self‐fertilization is often associated with habitat and geographic range, and these variables, together with body size, have been hypothesized as factors facilitating the evolution of aphally. When we control for phylogeny using comparisons of sister taxa, loss of male outcrossing ability is associated with geographic range but not body size or habitat. Furthermore, polyploidy is not associated with the loss of male outcrossing ability, contrary to predictions that low levels of inbreeding depression in polyploids will facilitate the evolution of aphally and/or hemiphally
Errors associated with otter Lutra lutra faecal analysis. I. Assessing general diet from spraints
Authors: Carss D. N. , Parkinson S. G.
Published: May 2009

Althoug frequency of occurrence (either as percentage or relative frequency) is the most common method of expressing the content of otter Lutra lutra faeces (spraints), the accuracy of the method, and the effects of varying sampling procedures (e.g. inter‐collection interval) and sample sizes, have not been quantified. The validity of the technique was assessed in the present study by feeding trials involving captive, tame otters and computer simulation of various spraint sub‐sampling regimes. Four animals were fed known quantities (numbers and biomass) of a total of nine fish species, two bird species and one mammal over a 28‐day period. Most prey remains were passed in spraints within 24 h, although perch Perca fluviatilis scales appeared up to 10d after consumption. Remains from single meals of perch were recorded in 60 subsequent spraints from two otters, and remains of individual eels Anguillu anguilla were recorded in up to 11 spraints. Some single spraints contained the remains of up to seven individual salmonids, Salmo spp. Minnows Phoxinus phoxinus placed within the body cavities of larger rainbow trout Onrorhynchus mykiss were easily identified in spraints, as were the remains of Dytiscus spp. beetles which were not included in trial meals. The latter confirms that otters actively consumed large free‐swimming insects. Spraint analysis accurately determined the rank order of prey groups for individual otters and for all four combined. However, few of the true proportions consumed fell within the 95% confidence limits calculated from spraints. Over the month‐long trial, the overall picture of otter diet was altered little by increased inter‐sampling period for spraints. But as samples were reduced, coefficients of variation for the mean estimates of each prey group increased and were often too large for estimates to be meaningful. It is not possible to quantify otter diet accurately by frequency of occurrence methods, and the results of previous studies attempting to quantify the amount of a specific prey item consumed by otters using this method must be treated with caution. Diet could be estimated more accurately from spraint analysis by concentrating on the main prey species and using keybones, which are resistant to digestion, to determine relative size‐frequency distributions.
Effects of blood parasites on sexual and natural selection in the pied flycather
Authors: Dale S. , Kruszewicz A. , Slagsvold T.
Published: May 2009

The occurrence of the blood parasitesHaemoproteusandTrypanosomain the pied flycatcher,Ficedula hypoleuca, was examined to test current hypotheses that parasites reduce the expression of secondary sexual traits, mating success, breeding success, and survival of infected individuals. The results showed that there was no significant relationship between male plumage brightness andTrypanosomainfection, but males infected withHaemoproteustended to be brighter than uninfected males, partly because first‐year males were less often infected than older males. Polygynous males did not have fewer parasites than monogamous males. Females did not choose uninfected males among those they had sampled. Clutch size and laying date were not related to female infection status, and the number and quality of nestlings was not related to parasite infections of either male or female parent. The ability of males to provide parental care was not related to their infection status. The return rate from one breeding season to the next of infected males was not lower than that of uninfected males. The lack of correlations between parasites and male plumage colour and female mate choice apparently do not support the Hamilton‐Zuk hypothesis of sexual selection. However, the absence of demonstration of any negative effects of parasites suggests that infection status may not be a direct measure of parasite resistance, or the degree to which the host suffers. Instead, the results support the alternative view that infected individuals have demonstrated their ability to survive and to cope with the parasites, while uninfected individuals are probably not yet tested for their resistance. This points to problems in using parasite prevalences and distributions, at least of some protozoan blood parasites, for tests of Hamilton‐Zuk hypothesis, even though this was done in the first test by Hamilton and Zuk and by many later researchers
The influence of size, shape, and phenolic content on the selection of winter foods by the Azores bullfinch (Pyrrhula murina)
Authors: Ramos Jaime A.
Published: May 2009

Although the quality of foods may change through the seasons, few studies have assessed shifts in food preferences. I studied winter food selection of the Azores bullfinch to evaluate whether physical characteristics (size and accessibility), or phenolic content of food items better explained changes of winter diet. The birds preferred larger items of all winter foods: seeds, sori and flower buds and more accessible seeds. In autumn, seeds seemed preferred to sori, but in spring birds switched from seeds to sori and flower buds, once the latter became larger. Phenols may influence food preference but they did not explain diet shifts or preferences for individual trees. Food selection is a complex mechanism, depending on the alternatives available and seasonal shifts in food preference may continually change the availability of ‘good quality food’.
Milk consumption and estimates of growth energetics in pouch young of the northern brown bandicoot, Isoodon macrourus (Peramelidae, Marsupialia), in captivity
Authors: Merchant J. C. , Libke J. A. , Newgrain K.
Published: May 2009

Milk consumption was measured in pouch young of the northern brown bandicoot, Isoodon macrourus, using the 22Na turnover technique. Milk consumption rates increased from about 2.3 ml young−1 d−1 at 23 days post‐partum to about 17.2ml young−1 d−1 at 52 days, just prior to weaning. Young increased in mass from 8.5 g to around 112 g over the same period. Masś gained for each ml of milk consumed ranged from 0.28 to 0.65 gml−1. The efficiency with which young converted milk energy and protein into body energy and protein ranged from 16.1 to 39.6% and 38.4 to 82.3%, respectively.
Minor dental traits in East African cape hares and savanna hares (Lepus capensis and Lepus victoriae1): A study of intra‐ and interspecific variablity
Authors: Suchentrunk F. , Flux J. E. C.
Published: May 2009

Occlusal variants of a total of 6252 teeth of 246 specimens of cape hares and 42 specimens of savanna hares were studied. Most hares were collected in the Great Rift Valley (Kenya) during 1967‐1968. Some savanna hares were obtained from the Queen Elizabeth National Park (now Ruenzori NP, Uganda) in the same period. In total, 61 variants concerning enamel folds, plication, and lakes were described. Only three teeth (I2, M3, I1) proved invariant in both species. In each species, three regional units (sampling locations) were specified. Quantitative analyses of nonmetric (epigenetic) variability and geographic divergence between the regional units and between the two species were based on 31 dichotomized (0/1 scores) characters. They were created from the commonly encountered variants. A high degree of bilateral symmetry was revealed in most characters, but characters varied independently from one another. This indicated a lack of complex morphotypes in the occlusal patterns. The frequencies of all character states were calculated for all regional units and the combined species samples. No categorical differences were found in occlusal characters between the two species. The interindividual epigenetic variability was calculated as the mean of standard deviations of single characters in each sample based on the character scores. It did not differ between the two species and among the regional units within each species. Only in savanna hares from the Queen Elizabeth Park was the tendency of folding and plication of enamel structures somewhat reduced. Divergence of occlusal character states between the two species and among regional units was assessed by using C. A. B. Smith's ‘mean measure of divergence’as a distance measurement. Thirteen of 15 pairwise morphological distances differed significantly from zero. A UPGMA dendrogram based on these distance measurements revealed distinct epigenetic separation of the two species. Within each species, slight geographic divergence corresponded to the spatial distribution of the regional units. In cape hares, spatial divergence also paralleled some changes in climatic conditions. In view of the lack of complex occlusal types and the larger interspecific divergence as compared to the intraspecific, character variation is likely to be caused by phylogenetic rather than by ecogenetic processes.
Genetic resource banks in wildlife conservation
Authors: Holt W. V. , Bennett P. M. , Volobouev V. , Watwon P. F.
Published: May 2009

Recent advances in reproductive technologies for animal breeding, together with improvements in techniques for storage of gametes and embryos, have encouraged the view that the time is now appropriate for developing systematic policies of germplasm banking. Such activities would aim to support more conventional breeding programmes for threatened species, by providing the opportunity to store valuable genetic material for use on some future occasion. A number of pertinent issues should be addressed, however, before embarking upon the large scale implementation of genetic bank programmes. This review raises and discusses some of the issues involved.
Diet of stone martens: an example of ecological flexibility
Authors: Genovesi P. , Secchi M. , Boitani L.
Published: May 2009

The feeding ecology of the stone marten in a rural area of Central Italy was assessed by faecal analysis. Habitat analysis, performed through a Geographical Information System, and intensive radio‐tracking allowed us to investigate intra‐population variations of diet in relation to habitat. The species’feeding habits were opportunistic: fruit and berries were the staple diet but mammals and birds were also important. Diet varied seasonally in relation to resource availability, with a predominance of fruit in autumn and frequent presence of insects in summer. Individuals living in adjacent areas but in different habitats (wooded and rural) showed significant variations of diet, adapting their feeding habits to local availability of foods. The great adaptability of the stone marten to very different resource conditions can represent a key to the species’success through its wide range.