bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Warmer springs, laying date and clutch size of tree sparrows Passer montanus in Croatia
Authors: Dolenec Z. , Dolenec P. , Møller A.P. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Global surface air temperatures increased during the past 100 years. Many long-term studies of birds have reported a climatic influence on breeding performance. We analysed long-term changes in first laying date and clutch size for first clutches of sedentary, hole-nesting and socially monogamous tree sparrows Passer montanus during 1980–2009 in northwestern Croatia. Laying date advanced and spring temperature increased significantly during the study. Date of laying was significantly correlated with mean air spring temperature and advanced by 8.6 days during the 30 years period. Laying date was delayed in extremely cold, but not in extremely warm springs compared to years with normal temperatures. These results suggest that current climate change including extreme change does not have negative effects on timing of laying or clutch size. In contrast to laying date, clutch size did not vary systematically during the study period or with mean spring air temperature changes.
Invasion of the raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides in Europe: History of colonization, features behind its success, and threats to native fauna
Authors: Kauhala Kaarina , Kowalczyk Rafal 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
We aimed to review the history of the introduction and colonization of the raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides in Europe, the features behind its successful expansion and its impact on native fauna. The raccoon dog quickly colonized new areas after being introduced to the European part of the former Soviet Union. Today it is widespread in Northern and Eastern Europe and is still spreading in Central Europe. Features behind its success include its adaptability, high reproductive potential, omnivory, hibernation in northern areas, multiple introductions with &gt; 9000 individuals from different localities, and tendency to wander enabling gene flow between populations. Firm evidence of the raccoon dog’s negative impact on native fauna, such as a reduction in bird populations, is still scarce. Raccoon dogs may destroy waterfowl nests, although a nest predation study in Latvia did not confirm this. Predator removal studies in Finland suggested that the raccoon dog’s impact on game birds is smaller than expected. However, raccoon dogs may have caused local extinction of frog populations, especially on islands. Raccoon dogs may compete with other carnivores for food, for example for carrion in winter, or for the best habitat patches. In northern Europe potential competitors include the red fox Vulpes vulpes and the badger Meles meles, but studies of their diets or habitat preferences do not indicate severe competition. The raccoon dog is an important vector of diseases and parasites, such as rabies, Echinococcus multilocularis and Trichinella spp. and this is no doubt the most severe consequence arising from the spread of this alien species in Europe.
Genetic variation and population dispersal of Yangtze voles Microtus fortis calamorum in the Dongting Lake region
Authors: Guo Zongming , Song Pengfei , GUO Cong , Song Zhaobin , Wang Yong , Li Bo , Zhang Meiwen , Ran Jianghong 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
To understand genetic variation and population dispersal in the Yangtze vole Microtus fortis calamorum distributed in the Dongting Lake region, 144 individuals were collected from six habitat patches. The mitochondrial DNA control region was sequenced and 17 haplotypes were observed. Of the six investigated populations, haplotype and nucleotide diversities of those from larger patches were higher than those from smaller patches. Nonparametric correlation analysis showed that patch size had a positive correlation with haplotype diversity (r = 0.943, P &lt; 0.01). A neighbour-joining tree of the 17 haplotypes showed no geographic genetic structure among the six populations. Analysis of isolation by distance showed that genetic differentiation among the six populations was not positively related to geographic distance. Analysis of mismatch distribution indicated that the voles had passed through a population expansion. The pattern of haplotype distribution in the Changsha population suggests that the population was established by a founder effect [Current Zoology 58 (2): 211–220, 2012].
Social cliques in male northern muriquis Brachyteles hypoxanthus
Authors: Tokuda Marcos , Boubli Jean P. , Izar Patrícia , Strier Karen B. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Analyses of spatial relationships and social interactions provide insights into the social structure of animal societies and the ways in which social preferences among and between dyads affect higher order social relationships. In this paper we describe the patterns of spatial associations and social interactions among adult male northern muriquis in order to evaluate the dynamics of their social networks above the dyadic levels. Systematic observations were made on the 17 adult males present in a multi-male/multi-female group from April 2004 through February 2005, and in July 2005. Analyses of their spatial relationships identified two distinct male cliques; some adult males (called “N” males) were more connected to the females and immatures than other adult males (“MU” males), which were more connected to one another. Affiliative interactions were significantly higher among dyads belonging to the same clique than to different cliques. Although frequencies of dyadic agonistic interactions were similarly low among individuals within and between cliques, MU males appeared to be subordinate to N males. Nonetheless, there were no significant differences in the copulation rates estimated for MU males and N males. Mutual benefits of cooperation between MU and N cliques in intergroup encounters might explain their ongoing associations in the same mixed-sex group [Current Zoology 58 (2): 342–352, 2012].
Conflictive management of small mammals considered as pests: A long way to evidence-based policy making
Authors: Ferreira Catarina , Delibes-Mateos Miguel 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
This paper discusses the controversial management decisions made by policy-makers worldwide regarding poisoning campaigns aimed to control small mammal populations, often considered harmful economic pests. Aside from considerations regarding the biological consequences of these campaigns, we argue that when society rejects all values of science and expertise then only badly supported and negligent decisions will be made about conservation and management issues. The extermination of small mammal species, some of which play crucial ecological roles in several regions of the world, is just an example of such discredit and misinformation. Without a strong commitment towards evidence-based policy-making, economic investments in research and development could be entirely compromised [Current Zoology 58 (2): 353–357, 2012].
Genomes and evolutionary genomics of animals
Authors: Song Luting , Wangs Wen 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Alongside recent advances and booming applications of DNA sequencing technologies, a great number of complete genome sequences for animal species are available to researchers. Hundreds of animals have been involved in whole genome sequencing, and at least 87 non-human animal species’ complete or draft genome sequences have been published since 1998. Based on these technological advances and the subsequent accumulation of large quantity of genomic data, evolutionary genomics has become one of the most rapidly advancing disciplines in biology. Scientists now can perform a number of comparative and evolutionary genomic studies for animals, to identify conserved genes or other functional elements among species, genomic elements that confer animals their own specific characteristics and new phenotypes for adaptation. This review deals with the current ge-nomic and evolutionary research on non-human animals, and displays a comprehensive landscape of genomes and the evolutionary genomics of non-human animals. It is very helpful to a better understanding of the biology and evolution of the myriad forms within the animal kingdom.
Construction of a microsatellite-based genetic linkage map for half-smooth tongue sole Cynoglossus semilaevis
Authors: Song Wentao , Miao Guidong , Zhao Yongwei , Niu Yuze , Pang Renyi , Liao Xiaolin , Shao Changwei , Chen Songlin 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
The half-smooth tongue sole Cynoglossus semilaevis is an important cultured marine fish and a promising model fish for the study of sex determination. Sex-specific genetic linkage maps of half-smooth tongue sole were developed with 567 markers (565 microsatellite markers and two SCAR markers). The parents and F1 progeny (92 individuals) were used as segregating populations. The female map was composed of 480 markers in 21 linkage groups, covering a total of 1388.1 cM, with an average interval 3.06 cM between markers. The male map consisted of 417 markers in 21 linkage groups, spanning 1480.9 cM, with an average interval of 3.75 cM. The female and male maps had 474 and 416 unique positions, respectively. The genome length of half-smooth tongue sole was estimated to be 1522.9 cM for females and 1649.1cM for males. Based on estimations of map length, the female and male maps covered 91.1% and 89.8% of the genome, respectively. Furthermore, two female-specific SCAR markers, f-382 and f-783, were mapped on LG15f (linkage group 15 in female maps). The present study presents a mid-density genetic linkage map for half-smooth tongue sole. These improved genetic linkage maps may facilitate systematic genome searches to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL), such as disease resistance, growth and sex-related traits, and are very useful for marker-assisted selection breeding programs for economically important traits in half-smooth tongue sole.
Mating behavior and sexual selection in a polygamous beetle
Authors: Lu Wen , Wang Qiao , Tian Mingyi , Xu Jin , Lv Jian , Qin Aizhi 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Mating behavior and sexual selection in relation to morphometric traits in a polygamous beetle, Glenea cantor (F.) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), were investigated. Upon encounter, a male approached a female, mounted her, grasped her terminal abdomen with his hind tarsi, and attempted to mate. Successful mating lasted about 3.5 h. Although all traits measured in females and half of traits in males were significantly correlated with mating success, the primary selection on virgin females was the genital trait, the bursa copulatrix length, and that on males was the body length and hind tarsal length. Longer bursa copulatrix accommodated a larger ejaculate, suggesting that this female trait benefits the male that first mates with the female in terms of increasing ejaculate size to beat subsequent males in sperm competition. Under a female-biased sex ratio, more than 20% of matings failed within 20s after the male genitalia had been inserted into hers, suggesting that males assess genital features of the female before insemination and undertake cryptic male mate choice. Larger males were more capable of grasping females and achieving mating. During the premating struggle the male almost always used his hind tarsi to lift the female terminal abdomen to the position for his genitalia to insert, and as a result, males with longer hind tarsi achieved higher mating success.
Predicting wild boar damages to croplands in a mosaic of agricultural and natural areas
Authors: Ficetola Gentile Francesco , Bonardi Anna , Mairota Paola , Leronni Vincenzo , Padoa-Schioppa Emilio 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Crop damages by wildlife is a frequent form of human-wildlife conflict. Identifying areas where the risk of crop damages is highest is pivotal to set up preventive measures and reduce conflict. Species distribution models are routinely used to predict species distribution in response of environmental changes. The aim of this paper was assessing whether species distribution models can allow to identify the areas most at risk of crop damages, helping to set up management strategies aimed at the mitigation of human-wildlife conflicts. We obtained data on wild boar Sus scrofa damages to crops in the Alta Murgia National Park, Southern Italy, and related them to landscape features, to identify areas where the risk of wild boar damages is highest. We used MaxEnt to build species distribution models. We identified the spatial scale at which landscape mostly affects the distribution damages, and optimized the regularization parameter of models, through an information-theoretic approach based on AIC. Wild boar damages quickly increased in the period 2007-2011; cereals and legumes were the crops more affected. Large areas of the park have a high risk of wild boar damages. The risk of damages was related to low cover of urban areas or olive grows, intermediate values of forest cover, and high values of shrubland cover within a 2-km radius. Temporally independent validation data demonstrated that models can successfully predict damages in the future. Species distribution models can accurately identify the areas most at risk of wildlife damages, as models calibrated on data collected during only a subset of years correctly predicted damages in the subsequent year.
Evaluating preservation medium for the storage of DNA in African lion Panthera leo faecal samples
Authors: Tende Talatuxs , Hansson Bengt , Ottosson Ulf , Bensch Staffan 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Lion faecal samples, collected in the field between 1 hour to 1 week after defecation were preserved in three different media (ethanol, ASL buffer and Two-step storage). The aim was to determine which faecal DNA field preservation method best enhances PCR amplification success. Samples stored in ethanol showed a significantly higher amplification success of microsatellite loci than samples stored in the other two media. In contrast, amplification success of a mitochondrial locus was similar among the samples stored in the three types of media. We reviewed twelve previous studies that employed different media for the storage of faeces, although patterns of success were not fully consistent among different media, ethanol storage was scored highest in the majority of these tests.
Stable isotope evidence for trophic niche partitioning in a South African savanna rodent community
Authors: Codron Jacqueline , Duffy Kevin J , Avenant Nico L , Sponheimer Matt , Leichliter Jennifer , Paine Oliver , Sandberg Paul , Codron Daryl 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Species’ partitioning of resources remains one of the most integral components for understanding community assembly. Analysis of stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes in animal tissues has the potential to help resolve patterns of partitioning because these proxies represent the individual’s diet and trophic niche, respectively. Using free-ranging rodents in a southern African savanna as a model community, we find that syntopic species within habitats occupy distinct isotope niches. Moreover, species with strongly overlapping isotope niches did not overlap in their spatial distribution patterns, suggesting an underlying effect of competitive exclusion. Niche conservatism appears to characterize the behaviour of most species in our sample - with little or no observed changes across habitats - with the exception of one species, Mastomys coucha. This species displayed a generalist distribution, being found in similar abundances across a variety of habitats. This spatial pattern was coupled with a generalist isotope niche that shifted across habitats, likely in response to changes in species composition over the same spatial gradient. The case for M. coucha supports contentions that past competition effects played a significant evolutionary role in shaping community structures of today, including the absence of strong interspecific niche overlaps within particular habitats. Our study highlights the value of stable isotope approaches to help resolve key questions in community ecology, and moreover introduces novel analytical approaches to quantifying isotope niche breadths and niche overlaps that are easily comparable with traditional metrices.
Rethinking phylogeographic structure and historical refugia in the rufous-capped babbler Cyanoderma ruficeps in light of range-wide genetic sampling and paleodistributional reconstructions
Authors: Hosner Peter A. , Liu Huatao , Peterson A. Townsend , Moyle Robert G. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Combining ecological niche modeling with phylogeography has become a popular approach to understand how historical climate changes have created and maintained population structure. However, methodological choices in geographic extents and environmental layer sets employed in modeling may affect results and interpretations profoundly. Here, we infer range-wide phylogeographic structure and model ecological niches of Cyanoderma ruficeps, and compare results to previous studies that examined this species across mainland China and Taiwan only. Use of dense taxon sampling of closely related species as outgroups question C. ruficeps monophyly. Furthermore, previously unsampled C. ruficeps populations from central Vietnam were closely related to disjunct western populations (Nepal, Tibet, Myanmar, Yunnan), rather than to geographically proximate populations in northern Vietnam and eastern China. Phylogeographic structure is more complex than previously appreciated; niche model projections to Last Glacial Maximum climate scenarios identified larger areas of suitable conditions than previous studies, but potential distributional limits differed markedly between climate models employed and were dependent upon interpretation of non-analogous historical climate scenarios. Previously identified population expansion across central China may result from colonization from refugial distributions during the Last Interglacial, rather than the Last Glacial Maximum, as previously understood.
Using the BirdTree.org website to obtain robust phylogenies for avian comparative studies: A primer
Authors: Rubolini Diego , Liker András , Garamszegi László Z. , Møller Anders P. , Saino Nicola 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Comparative studies of trait evolution require accounting for the shared evolutionary history. This is done by including phylogenetic hypotheses into statistical analyses of species’ traits, for which birds often serve as excellent models. The online publication of the most complete molecular phylogeny of extant bird species (www.birdtree.org, BirdTree hereafter) now allows evolutionary biologists to rapidly obtain sets of equally plausible phylogenetic trees for any set of species to be incorporated as a phylogenetic hypothesis in comparative analyses. We discuss methods to use BirdTree tree sets for comparative studies, either by building a consensus tree that can be incorporated into standard comparative analyses, or by using tree sets to account for the effect of phylogenetic uncertainty. Methods accounting for phylogenetic uncertainty should be preferred whenever possible because they should provide more reliable parameter estimates and realistic confidence intervals around them. Based on a real comparative dataset, we ran simulations to investigate the effect of variation in the size of the random tree sets downloaded from BirdTree on the variability of parameter estimates from a bivariate relationship between mass-specific productivity and body mass. Irrespective of the method of analysis, using at least 1,000 trees allows obtaining parameter estimates with very small (&lt; 0.15%) coefficients of variation. We argue that BirdTree, due to the ease of use and the major advantages over previous ‘traditional’ methods to obtain phylogenetic hypotheses of bird species (e.g. supertrees or manual coding of published phylogenies), will become the standard reference in avian comparative studies for years to come.
Economic Activity and the Spread of Viral Diseases: Evidence from High Frequency Data *
Authors: Adda Jérôme 
Published: February 2016

AbstractViruses are a major threat to human health, and—given that they spread through social interactions—represent a costly externality. This article addresses three main questions: (i) what are the unintended consequences of economic activity on the spread of infections; (ii) how efficient are measures that limit interpersonal contacts; (iii) how do we allocate our scarce resources to limit the spread of infections? To answer these questions, we use novel high frequency data from France on the incidence of a number of viral diseases across space, for different age groups, over a quarter of a century. We use quasi-experimental variation to evaluate the importance of policies reducing interpersonal contacts such as school closures or the closure of public transportation networks. While these policies significantly reduce disease prevalence, we find that they are not cost-effective. We find that expansions of transportation networks have significant health costs in increasing the spread of viruses, and that propagation rates are pro-cyclically sensitive to economic conditions and increase with inter-regional trade.