bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The distribution of Apodemus flavicollis in Britain
Authors: CORKE DAVID 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTThe restricted distribution of the Yellow‐necked woodmouse (Apodemus flavicollis (Melchior)) in Britain is reviewed and compared with that of the widely distributed woodmouse (A sylvaticus (Linn.)). It appears that A. flavicollis occurs mostly in low‐lying woodland intermixed with arable land, although not all the data agree with this and the precise distribution pattern remains incompletely explained.
Man's impact on seals
Authors: BONNER W. NIGEL 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe major direct effects of man on seal populations are caused by hunting. Subsistence hunting using traditional methods has a long history and generally resulted in a balance between the hunters and the seals. More recently commercial hunting, using sophisticated methods, has reduced many seal stocks to low levels. In some cases no balance was achieved and either the seals or the industry became extinct. Minor direct effects of man on seals include sport hunting and the destruction of seals for fisheries protection. These are generally of local importance only. Indirect effects may be either detrimental or beneficial to seal stocks. Detrimental effects include fishing operations which may result in the unintentional destruction of seals or compete with seals for available limited fish stocks, habitat destruction, pollution, and anthropogenic disturbance. Beneficial indirect effects include increase of available food stocks resulting from the reduction of another predator, increase of available breeding habitat as a result of human population shifts, and changes in ethical attitudes to seals.
Habitat preferences of ungulates in closed savanna of central Africa
Authors: EVANS P. G. H. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractHabitat preferences of fifteen species of ungulate were studied between July and September 1975 in dry savanna woodland of Mwabvi Game Reserve, Southern Malawi, Central Africa.Thirteen vegetation types were recognized using vegetation transects and plotless sampling techniques (but three of these are omitted from further analysis here either because of the difficulty of sampling in a representative manner or because of their infrequency). A combination of six methods was used to study habitat preferences since each had particular advantages or disadvantages, although quadrat sampling of fresh pellets/spoor counts was the most satisfactory and so used predominantly.The most common and widely distributed species was the Greater kudu, although abundance estimates in different habitats varied according to the method used. Pellet/spoor counts showed heavy use of open grassland by kudu which was not detected by daytime drives. Temporal patterns of activity indicated that the species was moving into more closed woodland during the day and only coming out into open grassland at night. Relative abundance estimates of a species may also be affected by changing group size. The mean group size of kudu increased in more open vegetation, although group size in warthog did not show this relationship. Some species, e.g. impala, reedbuck, and klipspringer showed narrow habitat preferences, occurring in only one or a few vegetation types, whilst others, e.g. kudu, sable, duiker, suni, and grysbok showed much broader preferences.Mixed Colophospermum mopane /Acacia woodland had the highest species diversity but rather low abundance. Open grassland and Acacia/Albizia woodland had high species diversity together with the greatest abundance of ungulates. Open Julbernardia/Diplorynchus, Brachystegia/Julber‐nardia woodland, and particularly Pterocarpus/Diplorynchus/Combretum hill woodland had the lowest species diversity and abundance of ungulates. Ready access to cover and availability of suitable food plants probably account for the preferences of certain vegetation types over others, whilst the different behavioural ecology and food preferences of each species account for individual species differences. Access to water probably also determines habitat preferences in particular species, and studies during the wet season may show different distributions.
Marine mammal chemoreception
Authors: LOWELL W. R. , FLANIGAN W. F. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe presence or absence of a chemoreceptive capacity in marine mammals has drawn relatively little attention from the research community outside the Soviet Union. Toothed whales are typically labelled anosmic (lacking a sense of smell) since they do not have the peripheral olfactory structures typically associated with terrestrial mammals. Baleen whales are known to possess reduced olfactory tracts; their olfactory bulbs also may be reduced or absent. Although the neural structures that mediate taste in terrestrial mammals have been reported to be present in both groups of whales, cetaceans have been considered to have a poor sense of taste because typical mammalian taste receptors have been thought to be absent. Soviet researchers, however, recently have reported that gustatory receptors are present on some cetacean tongues and that the tongue of Tursiops truncatus appear to be well innervated. These workers also have been conducting investigations which seem to be aimed at describing a specialized gustatory capability in cetaceans. No experimental work has been reported by Western scientists. Little work has been done by either Western or Soviet researchers with regard to chemoreception among the other orders of marine mammals (Pinnipedia, Carnivora and Sirenia). Pinnipedia are typically labelled microsmatic (having a poor sense of smell); research has been restricted to histological examination of the nasal pathways, and neural anatomy. Sea otters are credited with a keen sense of smell, but no quantitative work has been reported. The chemosensory abilities of Sirenia remain unknown. The tongues of non‐cetacean marine mammals have been histologically examined and found to resemble those of terrestrial mammals. No other investigations of gustation in non‐cetacean marine mammals have been reported.
A review of the occurrence in British mammals of the major organisms of zoonotic importance
Authors: TWIGG G. I. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe occurrence of the major zoonoses in British mammals is discussed. The distribution of leptospiral serotypes across the British Isles and North–West Europe, together with the current absence of rabies, plague and other pathogenic organisms in Britain suggests conditions inimical to their maintenance in the British Isles. It is suggested that this region may represent the end of a geographical line of success for these organisms and the term ‘pathocline’ is proposed.
Wheel‐running activity: a new interpretation
Authors: MATHER JANICE G. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe wheel‐running activity of caged mammals has been misinterpreted for many years as a measure of ‘general activity’. A review of the literature and recent experimental evidence suggests that this behaviour has a far more specific function for the animal, and that its major and invaluable experimental use lies as both a field and laboratory tool for the studies of particular forms of migration. This new interpretation allows a greater understanding of the motivations underlying this widely‐monitored behaviour.SummaryIt is apparent that the nature of the response to an activity‐wheel has been greatly misunderstood for many years. The behaviour appears to be far more specific than previously thought, reflecting a type of inherent response which is not evident when activity is recorded by other methods. This report indicates that the wheel is used by a caged animal when the individual is motivated to reach an unattainable resource. This results in an urge to travel, either to remove itself from the immediate area, or to search for specific resources. It is proposed that when the goal is perceptually not present, the activity wheel is a specific monitor of ‘exploratory migration’, and reflects the urge to collect information about the location of resources. It implies, therefore, that the use of the activity‐wheel as a simple measure of ‘general activity’ should cease; the major future uses of this particular activity recording device should be in the studies of the daily, ontogenetic and seasonal variation in the incidence of exploratory migration, and the influence upon it of other environ‐ mental factors, as well as a method of investigating goal‐orientation, both in the field and the laboratory. This new interpretation provides a more precise explanation of what is being measured in wheel‐running experiments, and should result in a more specific use of wheel‐activity in experimentation.
Associations between seabirds and cetaceans: a review
Authors: EVANS P. G. H. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract(1) Seabird‐cetacean associations involve many genera.(2) Some seabirds/cetaceans associate with more species than others, e.g. minke and pilot whales, Common dolphins and porpoises amongst cetaceans, and gannet & kittiwake amongst seabirds. Killer whale, sperm whale, shag and cormorant have not been recorded in associations, in the N.E. Atlantic.(3) All observed associations would be predicted on the basis of the diets of the associated species.(4) Most associations are probably opportunistic or incidental, as a result of concentration of shared prey.(5) Some species, however, may associate more regularly, e.g. minke & pilot whales, Common dolphin and porpoise amongst cetaceans and gannet amongst seabirds. It is not possible to say which derives benefit from the association, but on theoretical grounds it is most likely to be the seabird.(6) Minke and pilot whales may drive towards the surface food normally out of reach of seabirds, particularly Procellariformes. Common dolphins feed by herding fast‐moving fish shoals into tight groups which will be a more concentrated food source for diving sea‐birds, such as gannets, and make food more accessible to other species. Porpoises may achieve the same result with inshore shoals of sprats and sand eels, particularly for auks and kittiwakes, and terns.
Some factors influencing the distribution of otters (Lutra lutra)
Authors: MACDONALD S. M. , MASON C. F. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe number of sites at which evidence of otters was found and the total number of signs were recorded on fifty 5‐km stretches of rivers in Wales and the West Midlands of England. Data were collected on fifteen parameters of habitat considered to be of importance to otters and subjected to a multivariate analysis.Evidence of otters was found at thirty‐four stretches. The distribution of sites and signs was correlated with the presence of potential holts (of which 107 were found) and with mature sycamore and ash trees. The measured variables accounted for 52 5% of the overall variation in otter sites and 60 2% of the variation in otter signs. The conservation of otters is discussed in light of the results of the analysis.
The otter (Lutra lutra L.) in Spain
Authors: ELLIOT K. M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractIn a survey of Spain during June 1981, signs of otters were found at seventy (40%) of the 176 stations investigated. Otters were mainly concentrated in the mountainous north and north‐west and in the plains and mountains of the south‐west. Water pollution appears to be an important limiting factor in some areas.
The otter (Lutra lutra) in Tunisia
Authors: MACDONALD S. M. , MASON C. F. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe otter is common and widespread in northern Tunisia and the Oued Medjerda effectively represents a southern limit for the species. The distribution of otters is largely coincident with dense bankside cover, provided mainly by Nerium oleander. Rivers south of the O. Medjerda offer little shelter for the animals.
Activity patterns of the Red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris)
Authors: TONKIN J. M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractDaily and seasonal patterns of free‐ranging Red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) were studied by means of radiotracking. On a seasonal basis, two distinct daily activity rhythms were exhibited. In winter, the squirrels had a short, uninterrupted active phase which is probably an adaptation for conserving energy by minimizing the period of heat loss. In summer, the active phase was more than twice as long as in winter, and was usually broken by a rest period. The activity patterns at the equinoxes were intermediate between summer and winter patterns.In summer, the biphasic pattern of daily activity of individuals gave rise to a trend towards bimodality in the activity pattern of the population as a whole, although the rest periods and second active periods of different squirrels were not synchronized. Onset of daily activity was associated with daybreak, but cessation occurred well before nightfall.Superimposed onto the basic seasonal patterns of activity were the effects of feeding requirements, foraging accounting for a mean of 82% of a month's activity. As well as immediate nutritional requirements, the habit of scatter‐hoarding mast had a marked influence on the duration of foraging, causing a peak in activity in September. Although throughout most of the year the foraging time appeared to influence the duration of activity, active time in late winter appeared to be self‐determining, causing squirrels to lose body‐weight rather than to extend the foraging period. Other factors affecting activity patterns are discussed.
Diseases of squirrels in Britain
Authors: KEYMER I. F. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractForty Red (Sciurus vulgaris) and thirty‐five Grey squirrels (S. carolinensis) have been subjected to full post‐mortem examinations since 1967. The results, together with other reports of disease in Britain affecting free‐living squirrels, are discussed. There appears to be a higher incidence of disease in Reds than in Greys.Parapoxvirus infection, which closely resembles contagious pustular dermatitis or orf of sheep, appears to be common in Reds in Norfolk, but does not appear to occur in Grey squirrels. Coccidiosis (Eimeria sciurorum infection) is common in Reds. Both species of squirrels frequently harbour Eimeria spp. parasites in the intestinal tract. Other protozoa that occur include haemogregarines (probably Hepatozoon sp.) and Toxoplasma. Helminths are relatively uncommon, but Enterobius spp. were found in the gut of Reds. Both species of squirrels are commonly infested with fleas, mainly Monopsyllus sciurorum in Reds and Orchopeas howardi in Greys. Lice, especially Neohaematopinus sciuri, and ticks (Ixodes ricinus) also occur in both species.In spite of reports to the contrary, there is no proof that either species of squirrels contract mange caused by Sarcoptes mites. It is likely that alopecia due to ectoparasitism in both species and parapoxvirus infection in Reds have been mistaken for mange. Fungal and bacterial infections appear to be unusual, although Pasteurella multocida infection was diagnosed in a Red and Yersinia enterocolitica in a Grey squirrel.
Prospects for the chemical control of reproduction in the Grey squirrel
Authors: JOHNSON ELIZABETH , TAIT A. J. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractA review of the successes and failures of chemosterilization procedures, as applied to a variety of mammalian pest species, is given. Oestrogens and progestins act to prevent ovulation in the female mammal; the frequency of dosing required makes them impractical for use with many species, although they have provided a viable method of contraception for feral cats. Prostaglandins which act to terminate pregnancy might prove more useful, but have so far only been used in humans and domestic animals. Control of male fertility depends either on the inhibition of spermatogenesis or on methods to render the spermatozoa infertile. The actions of the antiandrogen, cyproterone acetate, and chlorohydrin and 6‐chloro‐6‐deoxy sugars are discussed. Preliminary data on the action of prostaglandin F2α and cyproterone acetate on the Grey squirrel are presented.
The distribution and status of large mammals in Benin
Authors: SAYER J. A. , GREEN A. A. 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTRecords of the occurrence of larger mammals in Benin for the period 1974—79 are summarized. Quarter degree square distribution maps are given for the more conspicuous species. Abundant populations of savanna mammals exist in the Pendjari and ‘W’ National Parks and adjoining hunting reserves in the north. Programmes to eradicate trypanosomiasis and onchocerciasis will lead to increased agricultural development and a consequent loss of savanna wildlife outside these parks and reserves. There are no effectively protected areas in the forested south and uncontrolled logging followed by agricultural development threatens all forest mammals.
The large mammals of Central Spain. An introductory view
Authors: TELLERÍ JOSÉ LUIS , SÁEZ‐ROYUELA CARLOS 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTIn this paper, the characteristics of the community of large mammals in the Province of Burgos (Old Castile, Spain) are evaluated by means of a method of census based on the battues carried out by two parties of hunters specializing in big game. The exhaustive character of the battues guarantees reliable results (Table 1). The historic evolution of these populations is also studied (Fig. 1).On the other hand, considering predator‐prey relations, the community in question is clearly favourable to the survival of the wolf.
Facts from faeces
Authors: PUTMAN R. J. 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTFor any frustrated field‐mammalogists seeking observational data on their elusive study animals, dung may represent the most readily‐available and easily‐collected source of information upon which they may fall back in despair. Yet it is surprising how much ecological information may be deduced from an analysis of faecal depositions. This present article reviews some of the current methods available to the mammalogist for ecological detection from dung and some of the ecological areas in which it may offer information.
Homosexual behaviour and female‐male mounting in mammals—a first survey
Authors: DAGG ANNE INNIS 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTInformation from the literature is given on the presence or absence of homosexual behaviour and female‐male mounting in 125 species of mammals, both captive and wild. Such behaviour occurs in the male and often female young of many species soon after their birth. It is more common in young, often in play, than in adults. Adult homosexual behaviour is widespread in male and female mammals (recorded in 63 and 71 species respectively), but common in few species. In males it is most likely to be correlated with dominance and thus to occur in species with hierarchies such as terrestrial monkeys and members of the sheep and goat tribe. In females it is often correlated with sexual condition; a female in heat most often mounted another female, and one in heat was next most likely to be mounted by another female. Anoestral females rarely mounted other anoestral females. Females of 43 species mounted males, which often excited them sexually. Captive mammals tended to mount animals of the same sex more often than did wild ones when comparative data were available. Domestic animals also mounted more man did wild ones, with several exceptions. Some phylogenetic groups of animals displayed similar degrees of homosexual mounting, but there was often considerable variation between closely related species. Nor could homosexual mounting be always correlated with the social structure of a group. The four reasons for, or contexts of, homosexual and female‐male mountings were social play (in 34 species), aggression (19 species), sexual excitement (36 species), and physical contact—non‐play (30 species). This last category included a state of tension, getting attention, greeting, grooming, caressing, reassurance and appeasement. There was some overlap between categories. Homosexual pair‐bonds occur in captive mammals and have been observed throughout the year in non‐captive female Japanese monkeys.
A survey of intraspecific predation within the class Mammalia
Authors: POLIS GARY A. , MYERS CHRISTOPHER A. , HESS WILLIAM R. 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTThe occurrence of cannibalism in mammals was studied during a general review of cannibalism (Polis, 1981). In total, there were 146 references documenting intraspecific predation in 75 species of mammals distributed between seven orders. Of these references, 138 refer to cannibalism whereas eight studies refer to intraspecific killing unaccompanied by cannibalism. Of the papers that specified the identity of both the predator and the prey, approximately 80% referred to infanticide (including cannibalism). It appears that infanticide often functions as part of a reproductive strategy. Juveniles and adults are occasional intraspecific prey for some species of Insectivora, Chiroptera, Primates, Lagomorpha, Rodentia, Carnivora, and Artio‐dactyla. Cannibalism was best documented for the carnivores, rodents and primates. In general, cannibalism often occurs during normal predatory activities and is a function of low food availability, environmental stress, and a high density of conspecifics.
The ecology of the golden mole Amblysomus hottentotus
Authors: KUYPER M. A. 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTThe Hottentot golden mole Amblysomus hottentotus is a small, blind, burrowing insectivore of solitary habit. It lives in a wide climatic range of terrestrial habitats from sea‐level to 3300 metres in soil temperatures ranging from 0–8d̀C to 32d̀C. Morphological, physiological and behavioural studies were carried out on Amblysomus caught at various altitudes in Natal, South Africa.
Lick use by large herbivores: a review of benefits and banes of soil consumption
Authors: KREULEN D.A. 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTIt has been suggested that soil ingestion in herbivores provides an extra source of essential minerals. The present paper is a follow‐up to this theory, intended to show that other soil properties, like buffering capacity and adsorption capacity, could also form major attractive reasons for soil consumption. Notably, lactic acidosis and disorders caused by forage anti‐quality components (secondary compounds etc.) might be prevented or alleviated by selective soil intake. Harmful effects of soil intake are also briefly reviewed.
Autumn‐winter energetics of Holarctic tree squirrels:a review
Authors: REYNOLDS JONATHAN C. 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTSimilarities in general size, geometry, lifestyle, and environment mean that certain energetic constraints are common and peculiar to Holarctic tree squirrels as a group. Holarctic tree squirrels are relatively small, diurnal mammals which, in association with their food niche, maintain activity throughout the autumn‐winter period. Despite this, they exhibit no major morphological or physiological adaptations to minimize energy expenditure at low temperatures; on the contrary, both basal metabolism and conductance are higher than expected on the grounds of physical size. When they are active energy expenditure is therefore strongly influenced by effective ambient temperature for these species when active in their natural autumn‐winter environments. Nest use allows near‐basal metabolism at most natural ambient temperatures. The balance of economical inactivity against feeding rewards offset by cold exposure must therefore be a crucial aspect of the lifestyle of these squirrels.