bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Geese and Red‐knobbed Coot on the Kafue Flats in Zambia, 1970–1974
Authors: DOUTHWAITE R. J. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThe occurrence, chronology of breeding and wing‐moult, and feeding habits of the Pigmy Goose Nettapus auritus, Knob‐billed Goose Sarkidiornis melanotos, Spur‐winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis, Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca and Red‐knobbed Coot Fulica cristata on the Kafue Flats in Zambia are described based on observations made between October 1970 and January 1974 at Lochinvar National Park and, from the air, over the central section of the Flats.The Pigmy Goose, Knob‐billed Goose, Egyptian Goose and Red‐knobbed Coot fed largely by grazing. They were most abundant between March and June, occurring in greatest numbers at Lochinvar. Egyptian Geese occasionally nested on the flood‐plain at Lochinvar between August and January, but there was no proof of the other species nesting there. Many Pigmy Geese and male Knob‐billed Geese moulted on the lagoon at Lochinvar between March and June; small numbers of Egyptian Geese and Red‐knobbed Coot also moulted in the Park, the former between February and May, the latter in June and July.The Spur‐winged Goose fed mostly by grazing and grubbing. Numbers on the Flats were greatest between June and November when 60,000–90,000 moved downriver as the floods subsided. Many bred between January and March in the fringing zone and moulted on the floodplain between May and July.A hydroelectric scheme, completed in 1975, may benefit the Pigmy Goose and Red‐knobbed Coot but harm the Spur‐winged Goose.
Observations on the biology and nutritive value of the African giant snail Archachatina marginata
Authors: AJAYI S. S. , TEWET O. O. , MORIARTY C. , AWESU M. O. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryFood habits, growth rate, reproductive performance, carcass characteristics and nutritive value of the giant snail were investigated in the field and with captive snails.Food consumed included fresh plant material, livestock faeces and dead animals. Clutch sizes varied from six to twelve and incubation periods from 30 to 45 days. Weight gains of young snails of average weight 20 g fed on diets of single plant species ranged from 18% on Talinum triangulare leaves to 200% on pawpaw fruit. Best growth was shown on leaves of cassava and cocoyam, grain chaff of maize and fruit of pawpaw.Dressing‐out percentage of snails of 200 g weight was 37.8%. Nutrient composition of the edible portion compared closely with that of domestic livestock. Nitrogen‐free extractive content was high at 5% and fat low at 1.3%. Mineral analysis revealed a high iron content of 12.2 mg/100 g in the edible carcass.The experiments showed that the snail could thrive in captivity on a variety of locally produced feeds, many of them rejected as waste products. It shows great promise as a domestic animal capable of being reared with negligible capital outlay.
Distribution of burrows of the African giant rat (Cricetomys gambianus Waterhouse) in relation to soil characteristics
Authors: AJAYI S. S. , TEWE O. O. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryA study was made of soil characteristics in giant rat habitat in order to examine the possibility that the location of their burrows is related to soil texture and minerals. Physical and mineral analysis of soils from giant rat burrows have been carried out. Significant chemical differences were observed between soils from occupied or vacated burrows and from locations without burrows. Striking differences in correlation coefficients of different minerals (calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium and manganese) were observed in vacated and occupied burrows. The implication of these findings are discussed in relation to present knowledge of the animal's nutritional requirements.
Feeding ecology and its influence on social organization in Brown hyenas (Hyaena brunnea, Thunberg) of the Central Kalahari Desert
Authors: OWENS MARK J. , OWENS DELIA D. 
Published: April 2008

Summary(1) Observations are presented on the diet, feeding habits, hunting and foraging behaviour of Brown hyaenas of the Central Kalahari.(2) The remains of kills left by other predators are the single most important food item in the Brown hyaena's diet. The diet also consists of small scavenged items, small prey such as rodents which the hyaena itself kills, and wild fruits.(3) Brown hyaenas hunt and scavenge small items solitarily, but congregate for communal scavenging of the large kills left by other predators.(4) Individual hyaenas are not territorial and there is great overlap in home ranges. They use common pathways and frequently meet to socialize while foraging.(5) Resident adults form a group with a social hierarchy maintained through neck‐biting, muzzle‐wrestling, chasing, and other social interactions. Subadult hyaenas often leave the group when approximately 22 months old.(6) Brown hyaenas have a complex system of communication including visual displays, social interactions, vocalizations, and extensive pasting. These are described.(7) Since carrion is an important source of food, Brown hyaenas have developed distinct relationships with other predators and these are described.(8) In conclusion, the Brown hyaena exhibits a highly flexible social system, foraging and hunting small items solitarily and congregating for the common utilization of a large carcass. The social organization is therefore influenced by the feeding ecology.
Behavioural changes in the African giant rat (Cricetomys gambianus Waterhouse) under domestication
Authors: AJAYI S. S. , TEWE O. O. , FATUROTI E. O. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryA gradient of behavioural patterns was observed among the wild and the first four generations of the African giant rat. Escape reactions and agonistic behaviour were completely lost as from the second generation. Wild rats were easily tamed and those born in captivity were very social. However, being a burrowing rodent, preferring a cool environment in nature, they had a low tolerance to heat. Cannibalism was an important management problem which persisted to the fourth generation resulting in the mortality of 40% of the newly born. From the fifth generation onwards, rats became completely tame and docile. Cannibalism was reduced to less than 10% of the newly born at the fifteenth generation. At this stage, for all practical purposes the giant rat can be regarded as a domestic animal.
A diagnosis of coccidiosis in captive bush fowl (Francolinus bicalcaratus) and identification of the causative coccidia
Authors: ADENE D. F. , AKANDE D. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryFollowing the observation of enteritis in captive bush fowls (Francolinus bicalcaratus) undergoing experimental domestication, a diagnosis of coccidiosis was established on pathological, parasitological and therapeutic criteria. Oocysts isolated from the ceaca of the dead fowls when sporulated under laboratory conditions produced four sporocysts in contrast to the three other known genera of coccidia in avian hosts. The morphology and the site of recovery of the oocysts and pattern of lesions in the intestines of the hosts were similar to those of Eimeria necatrix infection in domestic fowls. These observations are of considerable economic importance to the husbandry and ecology of bush fowls which are being considered as potential source of animal protein and are undergoing trial domestication under intensive management.RésuméAu cours de l'observation d'une entérite chez des Francolins de brousse (Fran‐colinus bicalcaratus) en captivité, dans le cadre d'une domestication expérimentale, une diagnose de coccidiose fut établie sur base de critèxes pathologiques, parasito‐logiques et thérapeutiques. Sporulant dans des conditions de laboratoire, les oocystes isolés des coecums de Francolins morts produisirent quatre sporocystes, contraire‐ment aux trois autres genres de coccidies connus chez les hôtes aviens. La morpho‐logie et les endroits où I'on a retrouvé les oocystes, ainsi que le modèle des lésions dans les intestins des hôtes sont similaires à ceux de l'infection par Eimeria necatrix chez la volaille domestique. Ces observations sont d'une importance économique considérable pour I'exploitation et l'écologie des Francolins de brousse, qu sont en passe d'être considérés comme source potentielle de protéines animales et qui sont soumis à des essais de domestication préliminaires à une gestion intensive.
Daytime activity patterns of gerenuk and giraffe in Tsavo National Park, Kenya
Authors: LEUTHOLD BARBARA M. , LEUTHOLD WALTER 
Published: April 2008

SummaryIndividual daytime activity patterns of gerenuks (Litocranius walleri) and giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) varied considerably, being influenced by such factors as the social environment, reproductive status, predators, and weather conditions. In male gerenuks and female giraffes, relative feeding time per day was inversely correlated with ambient temperature at 14.00 hours; the same relationship applied to mean distance moved per hour by female giraffes. Gerenuks commonly lay down during rain; this probably serves to reduce heat loss. Most individual daily activity patterns showed some degree of alternation between feeding and ruminating, which is probably characteristic of ruminants generally. In the pooled data, this is evident qualitatively in gerenuks, particularly males, but it is difficult to substantiate quantitatively. In both species, females spent more time feeding than males in the daytime.RésuméL'activité diurne de plusieurs gérénuks (gazelles girafes) et girafes variait individuelle‐ment et entre différents jours, sous I'influence de divers facteurs tels que l'environne‐ment social, la condition reproductive, la présence de prédateurs, et le temps. Les m5les du gérénuk et les femelles de la girafe manifestaient une corrélation inverse entre la température à 14.00 heures et la durée relative du broutement diurne. Une relation correspondante s'appliquait à la distance moyenne couverte par heure par des girafes femelles. Les gérénuks se couchaient souvent pendant des chutes de pluie, ce qui réduit probablement les pertes de chaleur. En général, broutement et rumination alternaient en phases assez prononcées pendant un jour; ceci est probablement caractéristique des ruminants, une conséquence de leur mode d'alimentation. Cette alternation se manifeste bien dans les résultats qualitatifs, mais elle est difficile à confirmer quantitativement. Chez les deux espèces les femelles passaient plus de temps en broutant que les mâes durant la journée.
Savanna burning in Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria
Authors: AFOLAYAN T. A. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryA study of the effects of burning and grazing regimes on savanna structure and bio‐mass was conducted in three vegetation types from August 1972 to April 1976 in the Borgu section of Kainji Lake National Park. The six treatments carried out annually in each vegetation type are: (a) early burning with grazing; (b) early burning without grazing; (c) late burning with grazing; (d) late burning without grazing; (e) Are excluded with grazing; (f) both fire and grazing excluded. The results obtained from this study indicated that both burning and grazing treatments had highly significant effects on the habitats (P<0.001). It was also shown that late burning destroyed tree seedlings and young trees, while early burning encouraged their growth. Maximum grass production was under late burning treatment in the three vegetation types while the lowest was in complete protection from Are. Early burning showed intermediate results. Early burning was recommended for narrow strips along the game‐viewing tracks to improve visibility, concentrate animals for game viewing and promote a new flush of grass which is more palatable than the old coarse grass. Occasional late burning, say at 3–year intervals was recommended for the woody areas of the Park to promote better visibility.RésuméUne téude des effets du feu et du broutage sur la structure et la biomasse de la savane a été menée dans trois types de végétation, depuis août 1972 jusqu'avril 1976, dans la Section de Borgu au Parc National du Lac Kainji. Les six traitements pratiqés annuel‐lement dans chaque type de végétation sont: (a) feu précoce avec broutage; (b) feu précoce sans broutage; (c) feu tardif avec broutage; (d) feutardif sans broutage; (e) absence de feu avec broutage; (f) absence de feu et de broutage. Les résultats obtenus par cette étude indiquent que les traitements de feu et de broutage ont tous deux des effets hautement significatifs sur les habitats (P<0.001). II a aussi été montré que le feu tardif détruisait les semences et les jeunes arbres, alors que le feu prtcoce favorisait leur croissance. Une production maximale d'herbe correspond a une pratique de feu tardif dans les trois types de végétation, et une production minimale à une protection totale contre le feu. L'incendie précoce entraine des résultats intermédiaires. Ce dernier est recommandé en bandes étroites pour augmenter la visibilité le long des pistes d'observation, concentrer les animaux pour voir le gibier, et provoquer la repousse d'une herbe plus appétissante que la vieille herbe rêche. Des incendies tardifs occasionnels, par exemple tous les 3 ans, est recommandé dans les parties boisées du Parc pour ménager une bonne visibilité.
A histological study on the ovary of the African cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus)
Authors: ODUOR‐OKELO DOMINIC 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThe cane rat, Thryonomys swinderianus is a relatively large rodent weighing between 2.5 and 3.5 kg. It lives in marshy areas along river banks. The histology of the ovaries was studied during pregnancy and non‐pregnancy. The ovaries are charac terized by numerous preovulatory follicles and considerable amounts of well‐vascularized interstitial gland tissue. During pregnancy the ovaries have many corpora lutea and there is extensive luteinization of atretic follicles and interstitial gland tissue. The number of corpora lutea in the two ovaries always exceeded the number of conceptuses carried to term.RésuméL'Aulacode, Thryonomus swinderianus, est un assez gros rongeur pesant de 2,5 à 3,5 kg qui vit dans les régions marécageuses le long des berges de rivière. L'histologie des ovaires fut étudiée chez la femelle gestante et non gestante. Les ovaires sont carac‐tkrisks par de nombreux follicules préovulatoires et une quantité considérable de tissu glandulaire intersticiel tres vascularisé. Durant la grossesse, les ovaires ont de nombreux corpora lutea et il y a une lutéinisation extensive des follicules atrétiques et du tissu glandulaire intersticiel. Le nombre de corpora lutea dans les deux oviares ont toujours excédé le nombre des eufs portés à terme.
Histological aspects of the preorbital and interdigital glands of the red duiker (Cephalophus natalensis)
Authors: AINOYA J. R. M. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryIn the red duiker Cephalophus natalensis, the preorbital and interdigital glands are well developed. The preorbital gland consists of tubular apocrine and alveolar sebaceous gland components. The latter is highly branched and produces pigmented secretion. The apocrine glands appear be to more developed than the sebaceous glands. The main glandular complex is surmounted by skin containing non‐specialized sebaceous glands in association with hair follicles.The interdigital glands in this animal are sac‐like invaginations of the interdigital cleft. These glands consist predominantly of coiled tubular apocrine glands which are equally developed in both fore and hindfeet.Secretions from the preorbital and interdigital glands may play an important role in the behaviour of duikers.RésuméLes glandes préorbitales et interdigitales chez 12 Céphalophe du Natal, Cepharlophus natalensis, sont bien developpées' La glande préorbitale comprend les composants d'une glande tubulaire apocrine et d'une glande alvéolaire sébacée. Cette dernière est largement ramifiée et produit une sécrétion pigmentée. Les glandes apocrines semblent plus développées que les glandes sébacées. Le complexe glandulaire principal est re‐couvert de peau contenant des glandes sébacées non spécialisées en association avec des follicules pileux.Les glandes interdigitales de cet animal sont des invaginations en forme de sac de la fente interdigitale. Elles consistent principalement en des glandes tubulaires apocrines repliées qui sont aussi développées dans les pattes antérieures que postérieures.Les sécrétions des glandes préorbitales et interdigitaIes peuvent jouer un rô1, important dans le comportement des Céphalophes.
Burrow structure and fossorial ecology of the springhare Pedetes capensis in Botswana
Authors: BUTYNSKI THOMAS M. , MATTINGLY ROSANNA 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThe fossorial ecology of the springhare was studied in the Republic of Botswana (August 1971‐August 1974). Springhare burrows were located on well‐drained sandy soils and were generally associated with an abundant short‐grass food resource and flat open terrain. The composition of grasses in the vicinity of the burrows differed markedly from that of the surrounding areas as a result of springhare activities.Digging behaviour is discussed. Excavation of burrows occurred during all times of the year, but was most frequent during the wet season. The overall pattern of three excavated burrows was circular with most entrances on the periphery of the system; mean depth = 78 cm, mean length = 42.1 m, greatest depth =122 cm, tunnel height = 17–25 cm, tunnel width = 10–23 cm, and mean number of entrances = 9.3. Both temporary and permanent earthen plugs were formed within the burrows. No chambers, side‐pockets, blind tunnels, food or nesting materials were found in the burrows. Two types of entrances, ‘mound’ and ‘clean’ holes, were present.Springhares are not colonial. One springhare, or at most a mother with its one young, was associated with each burrow.RésuméL'écologie souterraine du lièvre sauteur fut étudiée en République du Botswana (août 1974). Les terriers des lièvres sauteurs sont situés dans des sols sablonneux bien drainés, et sont généralement associés aved d'abondantes resources alimentaires en courtes graminées et avec un terrain plat et dégagé. La composition des graminées au voisinage des terriers, qui différe nettement de celle des zones environnantes, est le résultant des activités du lièvre sauteur. Le comportement de creusage est discuté. L'excavation de terriers se produit tout au long de l'année mais est plus fréquente durant la saison des pluies. La structure en plan de trois terriers dégagés est circulaire, avec la plupart des entrées sur la périphérie du réseau (profondeur moyenne: 78 cm, longueur moyenne: 42.1 m, profondeur maximale: 122 cm, hauteur de galerie:17–25 cm, largeur de galerie: 10–23 cm, nombre moyen d'entréees: 9.3). Des bouchons de terre temporaires et permanents sont édifiés à l'intérieur du terrier. Aucune chamber poche latérale, cul‐de‐sac, nourriture ou matériaux de nidification n'a été trouvé. Deux types d'entrés sont notés: des trow ‘en remblai’ et des trous ‘nets’. Les lièvres sauteurs ne sont pas coloniaux; un individu, ou tout au plus une mère avec son unique jeune occupe un seul terrier.
Diurnal trends and relationship to forage quality of ruminal volatile fatty acid concentration, pH and osmolarity in wildebeest on dry range in Tanzania*
Authors: KREULEN D. A. , HOPPE P. P. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryOne tamed wildebeest cow with a rumen fistula provided rumen fluid samples at four times of the day during 2 weeks, whilst grazing dry natural rangeland. The VFA level showed a peak after the early morning grazing period and then kept declining until the last sample was taken at 16.00 hours. However, the minimum was recorded at 13.00 hours on days when water was offered at 11.00 hours. The osmolarity behaved similarly, but changes in the pH were non‐significant. The mean daytime VFA level was 101meq/1. Literature has been reviewed to show that this variable is a useful index to forage quality. Data on the energy and protein content of the diet and on digestible organic matter intake are therefore presented to aid future comparisons. The range of VFA concentrations found (65–194 meq/l) is not different from other ungulates. It is also intimated that wildebeest and sheep derive the same amount of VFA (0.85 mol) from 100 g digestible organic matter.RésuméUn gnou apprivoisé et muni d'un fistule permettais le prélèvement du jus du rumen quatre fois par jour pendant deux semaines, lorsqu'il broutait l'herbe naturelle sèche. La concentration en acides gras volatiles (AGV) était élevée dans le bon matin et diminuait après jusqu'à 13h00 ou 16h00. L'osmolarité changeait d'un mode similaire, mais la mesure du pH variait trés peu. La concentration moyenne en AGV était 101 meq/l. De la littérature a été résumée, indiquant que cette mesure est très utile pour évaluer la qualité de la nourriture. A cet égard, nous avons présenté des données sur le contenu en énergie et protéines du fourrage et sur la quantité de matière organique digestible ingérée. Les résultats ont été comparés avec ceux des autres ruminants sauvages et domestiques. II apparaît qu'ils sont semblables.
The vegetation of the Simanjiro Plains, Northern Tanzania
Authors: KAHURANANGA J. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryIn a general ecological study of the Simanjiro Plains, northern Tanzania carried out from 1970 to 1972, the vegetation was studied as part of the habitat of large herbivores using this area. The main vegetation types are short Digitaria macroblephara and Panicum coloratum grassland covering 51%, Acacia tortillis and Commiphora schimperi woodland occupying 26%; the Acacia stuhlmannii and A. drepanolobium bushland occupying 13% and the Pennisetum mezianum and Acacia stuhlmannii (seasonally water‐logged) bushed grassland occupying 10%. Low grass cover (46%) and widespread occurrence of unpalatable or even poisonous species is an indication of overgrazing. For a full list see the appendix.RésuméDans le cadre de I'étude écologique des plaines de Simanjiro (Nord Tanzanie), réalisée de 1970 à 1972, le végétation a étéétudiée en tant que composante de l'habitat des grands herbivores de la zone. Les principaux types de végétation sont une prairie àDigitaria macroblephara et Panicum coloratum qui couvre 51 % de la surface d'étude; une savane boiste àAcacia tortilis et Commiphora schimperi pour 26%; une savane arbustive àAcacia stuhlmannii et A. drepanolobium pour 13%, et la prairie emboissonée et temporairement engorgée àPennisetum mezianum et Acacia stuhlmannii pour 10%. Un couvert herbacé faible (46%) et l'existence frtéuente d'espéces refusées par les animaux ou même toxiques sont des preuves de surpâturage. Une liste de plantes usuelles collectées au cours de l'étude est fournie en annexe.
The conservation status of the black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis, L.) in the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Authors: MAKACHA S. , MOLLEL C. L. , RWEZAURA J. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryA study on the conservation status of the black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis, L.) in the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania was undertaken in order to investigate recent allegations that this species is fast disappearing in the area. Comparison of census data on rhinos were made from 1958 to 1978 during which time there has been a notable steady decline in the mean population density mainly due to increased poaching pressure. Other factors that may have caused this fall are discussed. Urgent management measures to conserve the rhino population in the Ngorongoro Crater and the surrounding areas are recommended.RésuméUne étude sur I'état de la conservation des rhinocéros (Diceros bicornis, L.) dans le Cratére du Ngorongoro (Tanzanie) fut entreprise dans le but de vérifier de récentes affirmations concernant la disparition rapide de cette espéce dans la région. La comparaison de données de recensements de rhinos entre 1958 et 1978 fut faite; on constate durant cette période un manifeste et régulier déclin de la densité de population moyenne, attribuée principalement a I'augmentation de la pression de braconnage. D'autres facteurs ayant pu causer ce déclin sont discutés. Des mesures urgentes d'intervention pur conserver la population de rhinos dans le cratére du Ngorongoro et les régions périphériques sont recommandées.