bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.