bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Détermination de l’âge et de la longévité chez le Desman des Pyrénées (Galemys pyrenaicus)
Authors: Richard P. B.
Published: November 2022

La recherche d’une méthode pratique et sûre pour déterminer l’âge du Desman des Pyrénées se heurte à plusieurs difficultés dont la principale est la méconnaissance de l’âge exact de certains des animaux capturés, qui aurait pu servir de mesure absolue.

En utilisant les mesures relatives de l’usure de certaines dents et de leur déchaussement en fonction de la date de capture, on obtient une répartition de la population en trois ou quatre groupes selon la saison ; les plus vieux, âgés vraisemblablement de trois ans, disparaissant au moment où apparaissent les plus jeunes, en mars et avril. Un animal bagué et repris en mars, avait au moins deux ans et demi. L’usure des dents est plus rapide et moins régulière que leur déchaussement, car l’animal vit très bien avec plusieurs dents usées jusqu’à la racine. Le déchaussement semble donc le meilleur caractère ; ce que confirme la statistique.

Cependant la corrélation des deux caractères dentaires au cours de l’année met en lumière la distribution et l’évolution des groupes d’âge.
Contribution à la connaissance des Ophidiens de la Grande Camargue
Authors: Guillaume Claude
Published: November 2022

A check list is given of the 21 species of «herptiles » presently found living in the Camargue : 7 Amphibians, 1 Turtle, 7 Lizards and 6 Snakes.

The preferential biotopes of the four most abundant species of snakes are described. Elaphe scalaris is found in the «gallery forests» and vineyards. Malpodon monspessulaniis lives in all kinds of Camargue habitats, sand dunes excepted. Natrix maura is mostly found in rice fields and Natrix n. helvetica in fresh water marshes.
Ecologie des populations de rongeurs de Bandia (Sénégal) en zone sahélo-soudanienne
Authors: Hubert B.
Published: November 2022

The rodent population of the Bandia forest, a dry deciduous woodland S.E. from Dakar, Senegal, has been studied from 1971 to 1973. Comparisons were made with adjacent areas under cultivation.

Out of the 17 species recorded in the area, five were present in large numbers : Mastomys erythroleucus, Tatera gambiana, T. guineae, Taterillus gracilis and T. pygargus.

Data are given on population density, size of the home range and breeding season of these dominant species. A multivariate analysis is made of the distribution of these rodents in relation to their habitat characteristics. Each species is shown to have its distinctive environmental preferences, including the two species of Taterillus which cannot be distinguished from each other morphologically.

Particular attention is given to the seasonal changes in population density, size of the home ranges and their modifications during the breeding season. All the species studied breed at the end of the rains (from September-October to January-March), and the populations consequently reach their lowest densities at the beginning of the next rainy season.

At any time of the year population densities of rodents are about 10 times larger in cultivated areas than in the forest itself. The same applies to the annual net production of rodents.
Recherches écologiques sur une savane sahélienne du Ferlo septentrional, Sénégal : Premières données sur Commiphora africana (Rich.) Engl.
Authors: Poupon H.
Published: November 2022

Les biomasse et production primaire nette de Commiphora africana (Rich.) Engl., ont été mesurées dans la savane sahélienne du Ferlo, au Nord du Sénégal. Après avoir étudié la structure de la population sur une mise en défens de vingt-cinq hectares, comprenant cinq types d’éléments de relief, l’auteur cherche des relations liant le nombre de cernes à la longueur de la circonférence mesurée à la base du tronc.

L’évolution des biomasses aérienne et souterraine en fonction de l’âge des arbres montre que les jeunes individus développent rapidement leur système racinaire. Pour un arbre d’une vingtaine d’années la biomasse totale est également répartie entre les racines et l’appareil aérien.

Les productions caduques varient d’une année à l’autre et sont très sensibles aux conditions hydriques : faibles en année sèche (1972) elles n’atteignent pas en années pluvieuses des valeurs élevées car elles sont consommées par les sauterelles.

L’auteur donne, enfin, une évaluation de la productivité foliaire en 1973.
Le succès de reproduction de quatre espèces d’ArdeidésEgretta g. garzetta L., Ardeola r. ralloides Scop., Ardeola i. ibis L., Nycticorax n. nycticorax L. en Camargue
Authors: Hafner Heinz
Published: November 2022

The breeding success of four species of herons (Egretta garzetta, Ardeola ralloides, Ardeola ibis, Nycticorax nycticorax) has been studied in the Camargue. Egg-loss and nestling mortality were greater in E. garzetta and N. nycticorax than in A. ralloides. The major causes of mortality were bad weather and asynchronous hatching leading (especially for E. garzetta and N. nycticorax) to poor performances of younger siblings when competing for food with older ones. Predation was of little importance. Breeding success is generally higher in the Camargue than in other european areas studied so far.
Sensibilité des milieux et impacts des activités humaines sur le massif du Ventoux
Authors: Guende Georges
Published: November 2022

A map depicting the fragility of the environment has been drawn up (see Appendix), which distinguishes two main groups.

1) Areas of natural vegetation with low human influence. These include :

a) the mature forests. These are poorly represented (only 5300 ha) due to previous overexploitation ;

b) the pre-climax forest stages (mainly coniferous) covering about 1000 ha ;

c) “degraded” habitats (scrub and grassland), which are mapped in terms of their value as pasture. Scrub covers about 2800 ha, and grassland about 1200 ha.

These natural ecosystems make up about half of the non-cultivated areas.

2) Areas with severe human pressure. This pressure may be due to one of several activities. Extensive reafforestation has been carried out since about 1860 (much of the natural forest having been destroyed by then), so that the new forests now cover the other half of the non-cultivated areas. In addition to native species, the exotics Pinus nigra ssp. austriaca and Cedrus atlantica have been widely planted. The cultivated areas are restricted to the foot of the mountain, although sheep are grazed to much higher altitudes. The type of agriculture is related to the natural vegetation series being exploited, and in most places is tending towards monoculture (mainly of vines, fruit-trees or lavender). Other human pressures include housing, roads, military activities and tourism ; industry is very limited in extent.

The Mont Ventoux shows a fairly balanced relationship between man and his environment for several reasons.

1) Forest is by far the dominant vegetation type (covering about 75% of the massif).

2) The areas of non-climax and degraded vegetation are relatively restricted in extent, and have a considerable landscape value and economic importance.

3) The impact of forestry and agriculture is negligible, since these areas harmonise remarkably well with the natural landscape.

4) There has been no excessive development of other human activities, although the increasing number of holiday homes is a potential threat.
La niche écologique, mythe ou réalité ?
Authors: Blondel Jacques , Bourlière François
Published: November 2022

The niche concept in ecology can be approached either empirically or theoretically. The emphasis is laid in this paper on the empirical approach, and the authors make use of their personnal field experience to illustrate the points discussed.

The usefullness of the Hutchinsonian concept of a multi-dimensonial niche is first emphasized, together with that of the distinction between the fundamental and the realized niche. Examples are given which will help to define and quantify a niche dimension in field conditions. Taking the spectrum of seed size eaten by four sympatric species of finches as an example, a number of concepts are discussed, such as the ecological profile of a species, the barycenter of its niche, niche breadth and niche overlap.

Niche packing and the number of niches in a given ecological universe are then discussed, together with the concepts of alpha-, beta-and gamma-diversity.

Niche regulation is also discussed at some length. The notion of a “ vacant niche” is shown to be a non-problem, and this is illustrated by some examples. It is pointed out that the mechanisms of niche regulation cannot be understood without reference to the concept of adaptive strategy, whether it be at the individual or demographic level. It is hard to understand how a species has developped its ecological niche without considering the nature of the selection pressures operating in more or less changing environments.

To sum up, it is suggested that although it will always remain difficult (if not impossible) to identify and quantify all the n-dimensions of the niche of a given species, the concept remains most useful to stimulate working hypotheses, some of which at least can be tested in field conditions.
Régénération et reconstitution de forêts naturelles à l'île de la Réunion
Authors: Miguet J.M.
Published: November 2022

Although still densely forested, the vegetation of the island of La Reunion (Mascarenes) has been drastically modified by human intervention during the past three hundred years.

Little is left of the lowland coastal forest, except in the small reserve of Saint Philippe.

The hill forests still cover most of the mountain slopes between 700 and 1300 m above sea level, although some tree species have suffered from overexploitation in the past.

The open forest of the endemic tree, le Tamarin des hauts (Acacia heterophyila), is found between 1300 and 1800 m above sea level, in the highest ranges. The biology of this tree is described and the successful techniques devised by the Reunion Forest Service to ensure its regeneration after forest fires or landslides is described.
Evolution annuelle des effectifs et des biomasses des oiseaux antarctiques
Authors: Mougin Jean-Louis , Prévost J.
Published: November 2022

An estimation is made of the population numbers of the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic birds, their biomasses and their food consumption at sea, and of their seasonal variations. The total populations of the 46 species represent a grand total of about 350 million birds and a biomass of ca 850,000 tons. Forty nine percent of this population and 36 % of this biomass are found in the sub-Antarctic zone, as against 51 % and 64 % respectively in the Antarctic zone. The penguins represent 52 % of the total bird population and 92 % of the total bird biomass. Some seasonal variations occur, the difference between maximum and minimum values not exceeding 20 % however. On the average, 80 % of the birds live offshore, as against 20 % on land.

The daily energy requirements are estimated to be of c 112 X 109 kcal, and the daily energy demands of c 160 X 109 kcal.

The monthly food consumption at sea is about 4.7 million tons, 61 % of which are crustaceans, 24 % squids and 14 % fish. Penguins are the major consumers. The amount of food consumed does not vary much from month to month, the monthly maximum being only 70 % higher than the monthly minimum in the Antartic zone, and 56 % in the sub-Antarctic zone.

Some hypotheses are formulated concerning competition for food between birds, seals and whales. There was probably no competition when whales were numerous in Southern Oceans, feeding on the huge summer planctonic production, little being left for birds and seals. The present situation is quite different, most of the summer production of plancton no longer being used on a large scale by mammals and birds.
L’évolution des peuplements d’oiseaux le long d’un gradient altitudinal dans l'Himalaya central
Authors: Thiollay Jean-Marc
Published: November 2022

The breeding bird communities along an altitudinal gradient ranging from 100 to 5,000 metres, South of the Annapurna range, have been studied in central Nepal, from 30 May to 14 August 1977, and from 6 October to 5 November 1978. Two comparative surveys were also conducted between 2,500 and 5,500 m, during July and September-October 1978, in the Manang and Mustang valleys, on the northern slope of the main Himalaya range. For 1,892 observation periods of 20 minutes each, carried out at 31 different altitudinal levels, a total of 15,116 birds belonging to 344 species were recorded. Birds of prey, swifts, swallows, goatsuckers, and birds living along water-courses were not included in the counts. A grand total of 554 species was observed during our trips. Most of the counts were made under difficult conditions, especially during the monsoon.

Species richness, species diversity and population density, although remaining high throughout the elevation gradient, diminish very slowly from the tropical lowlands to the subalpine forests. This unusual feature apparently results from a high speciation rate of such families as the Timaliidae, the Muscicapidae, the Turdidae and the Sylviidae in the temperate and alpine zones. Community structure, and the size of the various trophic guilds, are more closely related to the availability of the various food categories than to vegetation structure per se. Frugivorous birds are prominent only in the tropical lowlands, and seed-eaters in the upper altitudinal levels. Terrestrial insectivores and arboreal gleaners are common at all levels, but flycatchers and bark-feeders disappear in the upper Rhododendron forest, where nectarivores reach their highest density.

The narrow distribution of most species, the altitudinal zonation of allopatric congeneric species, the high turnover rate of avian communities between adjacent altitudinal levels and the differences observed between similar habitats in different valleys are pointed out. These characteristics, together with some intraspecific differences in altitudinal distribution and habitat preferences among the localities studied, suggest a strong interspecific competition. The large number of species present at various altitudes most likely explains why “density compensation” and “competition release” were not apparent in the area studied.

Some information is also given on the breeding periods, clutch size and altitudinal migrations of birds observed along the Annapurna transect.
Observations on the ecology and behavior of the Giant River Otter Pteronura brasiliensis in Suriname
Authors: Duplaix Nicole
Published: November 2022

L’écologie et le comportement de la Loutre géante du Brésil Pteronura brasiliensis ont été étudiés de juillet 1977 à mars 1978 au Suriname.

L’espèce est diurne et grégaire, formant des groupes familiaux durables qui défendent certaines portions de leur domaine vital contre les incursions de leurs congénères.

Pteronura brasiliensis est piscivore. Les modalités de reproduction et les déplacements saisonniers des poissons Characoides qui forment l’essentiel de son régime ont une influence profonde sur l’écologie de cette loutre. Pendant la saison des pluies, par exemple, les Pteronura suivent leurs proies dans la forêt inondée, abandonnant temporairement leurs «bivouacs » et tanières habituels.

La reproduction a lieu d’août à octobre. Les jeunes loutres restent avec leurs parents quand naît la portée suivante, peut-être même jusqu’à leur propre maturité. Le répertoire comportemental de Pteronura brasiliensis est décrit et comparé avec celui des Lutra solitaires.

Lutra enudris peut cohabiter avec Pteronura dans certains cours d’eau de Suriname. Ses mœurs solitaires, son activité surtout crépusculaire et la taille moyenne de ses proies, tout comme le fait qu’elle peut également habiter dans les marais côtiers et les petites rivières de la grande forêt, minimisent les chances d’une éventuelle compétition avec Pteronura.
Les pontes de la Tortue luth Dermochelys coriacea en Guyane française
Authors: Fretey Jacques
Published: November 2022

Les pontes de 26 Dermochelys coriacea ont été étudiées en Guyane française. Le nombre total d’œufs par nid est de 114,52 ± 21,47. Le pourcentage d’œufs infertiles est généralement très important et peut atteindre 45,5 %. Les œufs fertiles ont un diamètre de 44,5 à 64,7 mm. Leur poids est de 87,88 ± 8,19 g.
Rythme journalier d’activité chez quelques Crocidurinae africains et européens (Soricidae, Insectivora)
Authors: Vogel P. , Genoud M. , Frey H.
Published: November 2022

The daily activity pattern of seven species of tropical African shrews belonging to the sub-family Crocidurinae (Sylvisorex megalura, Crocidura bottegi, C. jouvenetae, C. poensis, C. wimmeri, C. flavescens and C. giffardi) has been recorded in laboratory conditions, and compared with that of two temperate species (Suncus etruscus and Crocidura russula). The live body weight of the seven African shrews ranged from 4 to 100 g, and that of their temperate counterparts from 2 to 10 g. The activity recordings were carried out at an environmental temperature of 25° C for the tropical species, and at 5° C and 20° C for the European species.

There is no correlation between the body weight and the total daily activity in the species studied.

All seven African shrews studied are nocturnal. Their activity periods last for 4 to 30 minutes per hour during the night, versus 2 min/hour during the day. Episodes of torpor were regularly observed during day time in Crocidura jouvenetae. In contrast, European Crocidurinae have a more important diurnal activity. However, their activity clearly presents a daily rhythm with nocturnal predominance in summer, when temperature is higher ; this rhythm progressively becomes less pronounced as temperature lowers.

The reduced daily activity of Crocidurinae is interpreted in relation to their tropical origin.
Le peuplement herpétologique d’un massif du Haut-Languedoc. I. Inventaire et répartition altitudinale des espèces
Authors: Livet F. , Bons Jacques
Published: November 2022

The amphibia and reptilia of a mountain range in Southern France (the north-eastern slope of “La Montagne Noire” in Languedoc) have been studied for three consecutive years.

The community consists of seven amphibian species, six lizard species and nine snake species. The altitudinal distribution of each species is discussed particularly that of Coluber viridiflavus, Coronella girondica and Malpodon m. monspessulanus, whose altitudinal limits in the area studied differ from what is commonly observed elsewhere in Europe.

Species richness is high for such a small study area (ca 70 km²) ; however, it decreases as altitude increases. The Shannon Weaver index reaches its highest value at an altitude of 500 to 600 m.

The occurence of melanism increases with altitude.
Variations saisonnières du régime alimentaire chez le Blaireau européen (Meles Meles L.)
Authors: Mouches Alain
Published: November 2022

European Badger feces (n = 410) were collected at monthly intervals during 1978 and 1979 in two habitats in Western France (Deux-Sèvres). Feces were analysed to estimate the frequency of occurrence and the relative bulk of identifiable undigested items. Significant statistical differences were observed between different seasons and habitats. Various types of feeding strategies are distinguished and discussed.

Despite a definite seasonal preference for earthworms, the European Badger is shown to be a “ generalist ”, feeding upon a wide range of food items.
Les stratégies adaptatives des oiseaux de mer
Authors: Jouventin Pierre , Mougin Jean-Louis
Published: November 2022

The striking convergences in morphology, behaviour and physiology existing between various species of sea birds are discussed, both on the basis of personal observations, mostly carried out in the Antarctic and Sub Antarctic zones, and from data in the literature. The morphological adaptations are reviewed first. The body weight of species nesting underground is shown to be lighter than that of species nesting above ground. Plankton-feeders usually have a broad bill, while fish-feeders have a long and narrow one. There is a broad and continuous range of flight capabilities, ranging from frigate-birds and albatrosses at one extreme to flightless penguins at the other. The difficulty of a proper comparison of flight and diving abilities between different categories of sea birds is pointed out, and the results given by various measurements and indices are compared.

The adaptive value of cryptic coloration of both eggs and nestlings to their background is discussed, as well as the protective role of some immature and adult plumages. The adaptive function of sea bird ritualized displays and vocalizations is suggested.

Further data supporting David Lack’s (1968) conclusions on the adaptive value of variations in egg weight and incubation length are provided. Most sea birds have a low reproductive rate which is counter -balanced by a relatively high survival rate. They can be considered K-strategists.

Some estimates of the resting metabolic rate of adult sea birds are given.

The interdependence of the various adaptations is emphasized. To better understand the variety of adaptive strategies displayed by sea birds, the factors which are responsible for the heterogeneity of the oceanic environment are reviewed. Further, the variations in foraging distances observed in the various bird groups during the breeding season in emphasized (fig. 11). Foraging distance is significantly correlated with the average number of eggs produced per year per female, and with the aspect ratio of the wing.
Le Dauphin de Commerson aux îles Kerguelen
Authors: Pascal Michel
Published: November 2022

Preliminary observations on the distribution and habits of the Commerson’s dolphin Cephalorhynchus commersoni in Kerguelen waters, including a first description of its mating behaviour.
L’activité du Hérisson européen (Erinaceus europaeus L.)
Authors: Berthoud Guy
Published: November 2022

Vingt hérissons porteurs d’émetteurs radio ont été suivis nuit après nuit, pendant 4 à 6 semaines réparties sur la belle saison, de manière à déterminer leur type d’activité. On constate ainsi que le repos occupe 87 % du temps au cours de l’année. Parmi les activités, l’alimentation occupe une place importante en début de nuit. D’autres activités telles que les contacts sociaux, l’exploration, les migrations et la construction de nids peuvent également être momentanément importantes selon la saison, mais essentiellement en fin de nuit.

Les plus importants facteurs biotiques et abiotiques qui conditionnent les activités du Hérisson sont d’ordre climatique, physiologique et alimentaire. Cependant, d’importantes variations existent entre individus.
Quelques arbres utiles, en voie de disparition, dans le Centre-Est du Niger
Authors: Gillet Hubert , Peyre de Fabregues Bernard
Published: November 2022

Attention is called on the rapid disappearance, mostly due to human interference, of a number of tree species in the sahelian savanna between Zinder and the Nigerian border. This a particularly the case for Terminalia avicennioides and Khaya senegalensis.
Structure et dynamique de la population de girafes du Parc national de Waza, Cameroun
Authors: Ngog Nje Jean
Published: November 2022

L’auteur a étudié l’écologie de la Girafe du Parc national de Waza de 1974 à 1980. Le présent article résume le résultat de ces observations sur la structure et la dynamique de cette population.

Son effectif est estimé à environ 1 000 individus répartis par groupes. La densité de l’espèce dans la savane arborée à Acacia seyal (son habitat principal) est de 2,22 girafes par km². Cette population compte 69 % d’adultes, 11 % de subadultes, 8 % de juvéniles et 12 % de jeunes. Ces classes d’âge comptent respectivement 26, 34, 39 et 47 % des mâles. La taille moyenne des troupeaux est de 5,8 girafes. Les solitaires sont les plus communs (17,3 %), suivis des groupes binaires (14,5 %), puis des groupes ternaires (11,7 %). Environ 89 % des animaux solitaires sont des adultes et 11 % des subadultes. La taille des troupeaux est liée à la disponibilité de la nourriture et elle est plus importante quand celle-ci est abondante.

La Girafe se reproduit toute l’année à Waza. Cependant la «pointe» des naissances a lieu entre novembre et janvier, lorsque la nourriture est abondante et de haute qualité. Le taux de natalité est estimé à 23,3 % (par rapport aux femelles adultes) et à 12 % (par rapport à la population totale). Le taux de mortalité pour l’ensemble de la population est estimé à environ 8,5 %. Le braconnage reste la principale cause de mortalité (57 %).

C’est la disponibilité de la nourriture (donc la phénologie de l' Acacia seyal, l’espèce préférée) qui détermine essentiellement, ainsi que les besoins en eau, les mouvements locaux des girafes de Waza.
Surveillance à distance des pièges destinés à la capture des animaux sauvages
Authors: Boillot Françoise , Duval D.
Published: November 2022

A remote control device for ascertaining whether a trap is set or released is described. A radio-transmitter is automatically switched on by the closure of the trap. The signal is picked up by a receiver equiped with an antenna, which then indicates that the trap is released and that an animal has probably been captured.
La photographie sur pellicule infrarouge : une méthode pour l’étude du régime alimentaire des oiseaux cavicoles
Authors: Juillard Michel
Published: November 2022

In the framework of a general study of the Little Owl (Athene noctua) in Switzerland (Juillard, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981), the author has used a method which allows the diet of young cavity-dwelling birds to he examined. This method, inspired by Royama’s studies (1959) of the Great Tit (Parus major), is based on the use of infra-red film to take pictures of the adults when the latter come into the nesting cavity to feed their young.

After having applied this system to four species of nocturnal birds of prey (the Tawny Owl Strix aluco ; the Tengmalm’s Owl Aegolius funereus ; the Barn Owl Tyto alba, the Little Owl Athene noctua, and to a species of duck (the Goosander Mergus merganser), the author thinks that this method can be generalized to all the species of cavity-dwelling birds, given small modifications for the particular species concerned.
Évaluation du rayon d’action moyen de la chouette effraie, Tyto alba (Scopoli, 1769) à partir de ses pelotes de réjection
Authors: Taberlet Pierre
Published: November 2022

A significant correlation between the length of the permanent water courses in a given study area and the percentage of skulls of water shrews Neomys anomalus and Neomys fodiens found in the rejection pellets of the Barn owls resident in the same area, is used to estimate the average foraging radius of these nocturnal predators.

In the area studied (Bas-Chablais, Haute-Savoie, French Alps) the foraging radius of the Barn owl is found to average 2.5 km.
La typologie des gîtes du Castor rhodanien, Castor fiber
Authors: Erome Georges
Published: November 2022

The different types of shelters built by European beavers (Castor fiber) in the Rhone basin, between Lyon and Pierrelatte, are described.

Natural holes present along the banks are often utilized at first. When such holes are not available, beavers dig their own burrows, provided that the soil substrate is hard enough, and the bank high enough. When this is not the case, intermediates between ordinary burrows and true lodges are often found. They are here called «terriers-huttes» and correspond with the «bank lodges» of Wilsson (1971). More and more woody material is brought in by the animal, either to conceal the burrow’s entrance (stage 1), to compensate for the looseness of the soil (stage 2), or to make up for a lack of soil depth (stage 3). True lodges, made entirely of woody material are built only when the beaver cannot dig burrow or «terrier-hutte» ; they are very rare in the area studied.

Temporary resting places, e.g. in bramble bushes, are used during floods.
Breeding and moult cycles of some montane forest birds in South-Central Africa
Authors: Dowsett Robert J. , Dowsett-Lemaire Françoise
Published: November 2022

The authors studied breeding and moult in the montane forest birds of the Nyika Plateau (Malawi - Zambia) for three successive years (1979-1982). This paper analyses more than 1000 egg-laying records and moult data from more than 2000 birds handled. With the exception of two species (Nectarinia spp.), breeding activities are concentrated at the end of the dry season and at the beginning of the single rainy season (Table III, Fig. 1). The short breeding seasons (two to four months in most species) are associated with single-broodedness ; the start of breeding is likely to be influenced by an increase in food supply.

In most species a complete moult is undertaken only by adults, independent juveniles replacing only the body feathers. Primary (remiges) moult score can be used as an index of the progress of moult as a whole, and is correlated with date (Figs 3 - 5). Regression lines agree with data from retraps of individual birds. In nine forest passerines the mean duration of individual moult ranges between 83 and 145 days. All but two (Nectarinia spp.) of the 24 passerine species studied moult in the summer months (October -April), and there is some evidence that those species that start moulting latest in the summer have the shortest individual moult durations. Moult immediately follows breeding (Figs 6 and 7), but there is no evidence of overlap between the two activities in any individual bird.

In most species individual weights are high at the beginning of breeding (laying females of course are heaviest), low when feeding young, and high again when moulting (e.g. in Pogonocichla stellata, Fig. 8). Though data for the cool dry season are few, there is evidence of «winter fattening» in at least some species.
L’impact du feu sur la végétation, les oiseaux et les micromammifères dans diverses formations méditerranéennes des Pyrénées-Orientales : premiers résultats
Authors: Prodon Roger , Fons Roger , Peter Anne-Marie
Published: November 2022

A four year study of the impact of fire on different types of Mediterranean vegetation has been carried out in the Eastern part of the Pyrenean range (Département des Pyrénées-Orientales, France).

Following fire, a number of transient plant species colonize the open ground, while the original vegetation regenerates from stumps, rhizomes or buried seeds. This results in an increase in species richness of the vegetation at this stage.

The time necessary for the bird communities to reach their pre-fire species composition and population levels differs in Cork-oak and Holm-oak forests. This takes three years in the first case, but is much slower in the second vegetation type. Bird-species richness is higher in the burned maquis during the second and third years following the fire.

The population densities of small mammal species, particularly that of Apodemus sylvaticus, can be higher in all burned areas during the second and third post-fire years, but population structures (age and sex ratios) are different.

Changes in the physical structure of the above-ground vegetation following the fire is apparently the major factor influencing the bird community, whereas the small mammal community is more influenced by modification of the litter and the subsequent changes in food and shelter availability.
Une étude des relations spatiales entre jeunes avocettes sur leurs lieux d’élevage
Authors: Adret Patrice
Published: November 2022

This study examines the spatial organization in broods of young Avocets, Recurvirostra avosetta, on their rearing grounds. In order to describe the development of the ranging behaviour within the colony, detailed observations are reported on one of these broods (brood A), studied from hatching to 60 days of age.

Before the young were fledged, there was a small overlap in the daily ranges of different broods, and these moved slightly on successive days. This brood spacing is achieved through the territorial behaviour of the parents. In contrast, interbrood disputes never arise. Brood movement in the colony occur when the parents lead their young away or when a resident family is forced to leave its area, after being supplanted by another.

Home range size of brood A shows a discontinuous increase, up to 47 ha, as a result of the movements of the young which often shift around. During the pre-fledging period (40 days), brood A did not wander through its whole area ; instead, the home-range (including the nest-site) could be subdivided into five parts, each of which was used intensively for several consecutive days. After fledging of the young, a shift in the home-range use was observed. Between 40-52 days of age, two exclusive areas were visited in flight, with a pronounced daily variation. Moreover, a predominent activity (resting or feeding) was associated with each of them. From 53 to 60 days of age, brood A expanded its home range considerably, by using a new area 600 m apart from the rearing site. During the post-fledging period, territorial behavior became less consistent and the birds (adults and juveniles) gradually form small unstable flocks.

Brood movements within the colony and social relationships between juveniles both emphasize the dynamics of the spatial organization in the Avocet colony.
L’utilisation spontanée d’outils pour le toilettage chez les Cercopithecidae africains captifs
Authors: Galat-Luong Anh
Published: November 2022

Further examples of the use of tools (mostly sticks) to scratch various body parts are reported among four species of captive cercopithecines.

The alternative use of hand and stick to scratch the same body part suggests that the two grooming techniques are percieved differently by the animal. Instrumental scratching seems to be pleasurable and to lead to a decrease of «emotional tension» ; when prolonged, it can even lead to sleep. This suggests an analogy with the self-stimulation of brain’s «pleasure centers» by rats.
Un système racinaire adventif dans un tronc creux d'Eperua falcata Aubl.
Authors: Foresta H. de , Kahn Francis
Published: November 2022

Eperua falcata Aubl. is the most common of the large tree species in the lowland rain-forest of Piste Saint Elie (French Guiana). One of these tall trees was felled for scientific purposes and found to have a bole hollowed throughout its entire length. This hollow trunk was filled with organic soil in which a complete adventitious root system had developped. This internal root system originated at the first fork (16 m above ground level) and penetrated the hollow trunk down to soil level through numerous fine roots. In this case the life span of the tree was probably increased, as its stability and its nutrition were improved by the extra roots. Such a situation is quite likely to be exceptional and due to accidental circumstances where both termites (or ants) and microorganisms played an important role.
Importance des buttes de déracinement dans la régénération forestière en Guyane française
Authors: Riera Bernard
Published: November 2022

Cecropia obtusa is the first pioneer tree to appear after clear felling on

the Piste de St. Elie study site, French Guiana ; in natural forest gaps, its

seedlings grow preferentially on treefall mounds. A study of the microclimatic conditions prevailing on such treefall mounds shows that Cecropia obtusa seedlings are more often found on a given mound in locations where the soil temperature ranges are the greatest, i.e. close to those prevailing on more open ground where Cecropia obtusa generally thrives.

A field experiment carried out with Cecropia obtusa seeds sown in different locations within forest gaps and on treefall mounds shows that seedling survival is definitely influenced by their location.
Quelques caractéristiques écologiques du Singe des marais, Allenopithecus nigroviridisLANG 1923
Authors: Gautier Jean-Pierre
Published: November 2022

A one-month survey was carried out in Zaire in order to clarify the distribution of Allenopithecus nigroviridis and describe the main ecological features of the area. The species was abundant in the districts of Mbandaka, Géména, Mondombé and Lisala. Moreover it is known from the Kasongo-Lundo district : consequently its southern limit should be extended to 6° 30 S instead of the previously quoted limit of 3° S.

Allenopithecus troops were observed in swamp forests near Mbandaka. Troops were large (more than 40 members) and had a multi-male structure. Their sleeping sites were situated on river banks and the same sites appeared to be occupied regularly. Allenopithecus troops associated with Cercopithecus ascanius troops. Moreover commensal troops are known near villages. These monkeys are semi-terrestrial and exhibit a strong size dimorphism in favor of males.

Apart from these two latter characteristics, the main socioecological features of Allenopithecus are strongly reminiscent of those cf M. talapoin.

The species composition of Cercopithecine communities living in inundated forests in N-E Gabon and Central Zaire are very similar. In both areas, Cercopithecus neglectus is abundant and equivalent species belonging to the same superspecies are generally found in each habitat. However in the study area, we did not find any member of the superspecies nictitans nor of Cercocebus galeritus, while A. nigroviridis seemed to replace M. talapoin. The local absence of the semi-terrestrial mangabey raises the question of its sympatry with Allenopithecus : although their distributions overlap extensively, the two* species may not in fact occupy the same habitat.
Une espèce inattendue pour la faune française : un Ecureuil asiatique acclimaté sur le Cap d’Antibes
Authors: Jouanin Christian
Published: November 2022

An asiatic squirrel quite likely belonging to the subspecies Calliosciurus flavimanus hendeei has successfully established itself, since 5 years at least, at Cap d’Antibes, Southern France. It has resisted the harsh 1984-85 winter, and would probably enter other coastal areas if not prevented by the densely built city center.

Some information is given on its diet and feeding habits.
Etude d’une succession terrestre en milieu tropical : les relations entre la physionomie végétale et la structure du peuplement avien en mangrove guyanaise
Authors: Tostain Olivier
Published: November 2022

The relationships between bird community structure and habitat structure were studied along a gradient of successional changes in the mangrove of French Guiana. Sites representative of seven seral stages were sampled. The White Mangle (Avicennia germinans) is dominant in all mangrove profiles, from the sub-pioneer to the oldest stage. Further away from the river bank, a stage characterized by a larger number of Red Mangles (Rhizophora sp.), preceeds stage 6, distinguished by the presence of a large number of palms (Euterpe oleracea) and of trees bearing fleshy fruits, all characteristic of the swamp forest that replaces the mangrove when the oldest Avicennia die out.

Seventy five species of birds (waterbirds, raptors, swifts and swallows excepted) were found to be associated with these successional stages. A marked change in bird community structure was found to take place at stages 5 and 6, when the occurence of trees bearing fleshy fruits provides new feeding opportunities for frugivorous species. The progressive increase of frugivorous birds along the gradient in shown on figure 6. As a matter of fact, both changes in vegetation structure and floristic composition explain the changes observed in bird community structure. «Foliage Stratification Diversity Index» is the best descriptor for bird diversity in this kind of habitat.

Along with common mangrove birds such as the Black-crested Antshrike (Sakesphorus canadensis) or the Bicolored Conebill (Conirostrum bicolor), the Blakish-grey Antshrike (Thamnophilus nigrocinereus) was found to be characteristic of the mangrove ecosystem of French Guiana. Some diurnal raptors proved also to be valuable indicators of this kind of habitat, for instance the Rufous Crab Hawk (Buteogallus aequinoctialis) at stages 3 to 5, or the Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture (Cathartes burrovianus) and the Slate-coloured Hawk (Leucopternis schistacea) at more mature stages.
Ecologie trophique d’une population de lézards des murailles Podarcis muralis dans l’Ouest de la France
Authors: Mou Yung-Ping
Published: November 2022

The feeding ecology of a population of the Wall Lizard Podarcis muralis was studied in the West of France from 1982 to 1983. The consumption and the availability of prey have been compared considering taxonomic categories and size classes. The wide taxonomic spectra, the great size range of ingested prey, and the important temporal variability of the diet stressed the opportunistic feeding behaviour of this species. However, a detailed comparison between the consumption and the availability of prey, and the comparison with another population (Mou et Barbault, 1986) reveal some degree of prey selection, which modulates the trophic opportunism characteristic of this species.
Social behavior of the New England cottontail, Sylvilagus transitionalis (Bangs), with a review of social behavior in New World rabbits (Mammalia : Leporidae)
Authors: Tefft Brian C. , Chapman Joseph A.
Published: November 2022

The social and reproductive behavior of the New England cottontail, Sylvilagus transitionalis (Bangs) was studied between January 1980 and September 1980. The behavioral repertoire of the rabbit is divided into non-social and social behavior. Non-social behavior is commonly observed behavior of lone rabbits. Social behavior includes basic postures, vocalizations, movements, reproductive interactions and dominant-subordinate interactions of adult males and females. The basic behavioral patterns of S. transitionalis are stereotyped and ritualized, much like behavioral patterns reported for some other Leporids. Many of the behavior sequences and postures are illustrated.

The development and maintenance of a social organization in a population of three adult New England cottontails (two males, one female) is presented in detail. The onset of estrus occurred between 12 and 18 March for the 1980 breeding season. Access to the female, and reproduction, was regulated by the formation of a dominance order in the males. Estrus activity was observed at five periods throughout the breeding season. Intervals between estrus periods were characterized by little social interaction.

The reproductive, nesting, and nestling behavior of S. transitionalis is described. Reproductive behavior signaling the onset of estrus appears two to three days prior to parturition and post-partum breeding. A regular, recognizable sequence of events preceeds post-partum breeding in this rabbit. Three successful litters of S. transitionalis were produced in the enclosure during the breeding season. Methods of nest construction and behavior of the young are described. The behavior of adult and juvenile S. transitionalis is contrasted with published available data on behavioral patterns and postures of other rabbits, including : S. floridanus, S. aquaticus, S. nuttallii, S. aubudonii, S. palustris, S. bachmani, S. idahoensis, S. brasiliensis, Oryctolagus cuniculus, and Romerolagus diazi.
Étude quantitative de l’effet de lisière sur les populations d’oiseaux : définitions et principes méthodologiques
Authors: Frochot Bernard , Lobreau Jean-Pierre
Published: November 2022

A definition of the «edge effect», considered as a case of synergism at the ecosystem level, is given.

A quantitative method to study edge effects is proposed, with fitted sam¬ple designs. This «triple census technique» was tested during the pilot-study of a woodland-open field mosaic in Burgundy, whose results are summarized. A better knowledge of edge effect values on bird abundance and species richness is important when studying patchy habitats.
Avifaune et caractérisation des milieux hétérogènes anthropisés
Authors: Coquillart Hervé
Published: November 2022

The results of bird counts carried out at the same time as a habitat description using a number of descriptors of natural and man-modified environments, were used to characterize heterogeneous landscapes. This study took place at the Mont Pilat Regional Park, central France, on a grid of 212 sample points, and the data were processed by multivariate analysis.

Ponderate correlations between the first factor of the analysis and several landscape parameters, show the prime role of two of them, altitude and height of the vegetation.

Dispersion ellipses describing the habitat niche of each bird species are drawn in the plane formed by the two above mentioned factors. Some other parameters can also be represented in the same way.

Such diagrams fairly well depict the relationships between animals, plants, landscape characteristics, and management practices.
Organisation et fonctionnement du peuplement d’oiseaux en forêt guyanaise application à la conservation
Authors: Thiollay Jean-Marc
Published: November 2022

Ornithological surveys were carried out, from 1981 to 1986, in the hinterland of French Guiana, in order to find out the best possible location, and estimate the optimal size, of a national park in this rain forest area. The structure of the bird community, together with the structure of the assemblages of small foliage gleaners and of diurnal raptors, were studied in ten sites within the unbroken primary forest. The main results of these studies are briefly summarized : local and regional species richness, diversity, trophic guilds, population density, vertical and horizontal distribution, etc.

In mature undisturbed rain forest, about 1% of the species are abundant, and up to 80% and more may be considered as rare. Any kind of large scale perturbation (either logging or hunting) leads to an increase of common species, and to a decrease of the rare ones, eventually leading to a reduction of richness, diversity, and equitability, as well as of the density and biomass of the bird community as a whole.

Al least along the habitat axis, species niches are densely packed and often widely overlapping. There is a roughly equal trend among species toward specialization and generalism. Competition is likely to be reduced at least as much by low densities, uneven distribution and interspecific territoriality or avoidance, than by ecological segregation. Apparent coexistence is thus limited by low spatial overlap, whatever the similarity of the niches, and rarity of many species is a major condition of community richness. There are different ecological correlates of rarity according to specific responses to the strong constraints of this ecosystem (habitat heterogeneity, food seasonality, interspecific competition, predation pressure). The relatively low level of food availability for insectivores is investigated. The numerous tree fall gaps and other disturbances (flooding, army ants, ...), randomly distributed, and colonized by fugitive species, are other important factors maintaining species diversity.

Rain forest bird communities are very sensitive to human disturbance. Any kind of logging or hunting must be excluded from reserves designed for the conservation of «pristine» bird communities. From our estimates in Guiana, the minimum critical area of such reserves, including long term viable populations of every species (when isolated), may probably be over 10 000 km2.
Les tétras-lyres des vallons de Salèse et Mollières, parc national du Mercantour. Domaine vital et influence du tourisme
Authors: Houard Thierry , Mure Michel
Published: November 2022

The home ranges of 4 male and 2 female Black Grouses in the Mercantour National Park, south-east France, were studied by radiotelemetry. The areas ranged from 69.5 to 236 ha for males, and from 98 to 130 ha for females. These home ranges overlapped broadly, and all were included within park limits.

Tourism is a potential disturbing factor for Black Grouse in the Mercantour National Park. The percentage occurence of these birds was indeed low within a 50 m wide strip on each side of the two paths studied. However, beyond this 50 m limit, the distribution of the birds was mostly influenced by the structure of the vegetation.