bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Notes sur la biologie de Vipera aspis L. dans les Pyrénées
Authors: Duguy Raymond 
Published: November 2022

Le cycle annuel de Vipera aspis a été étudié, dans les Pyrénées centrales, entre 1 500 et 2 300 m d’altitude. Dans l’étage subalpin, le plus fréquenté par les Vipères, la répartition locale est déterminée par deux facteurs essentiels : l’exposition permettant une insolation optimale, et le biotope, généralement constitué par une zone d’éboulis fixé à petites touffes de végétation. Aux environs de 1 800 m, la période active s’étend, en moyenne, sur 6 mois 1/2 chez les mâles et 5 mois 1/2 chez les femelles. Quelques mâles apparaissent dès la mi-mars, mais la majorité surtout dans la deuxième quinzaine d’avril. Les premières sorties des femelles ont lieu en fin d’avril ou début de mai, et les accouplements commencent aussitôt. L’hivernage, au contraire, commence plus tôt chez les mâles (fin septembre) que chez les femelles (début octobre), et il ne semble pas exister de période d’accouplement en automne.
La survie des Vipères en montagne n’est possible qu’en raison de l’intensité et de la fréquence de l’insolation qui leur permet d’assurer leur thermorégulation écologique suivant le même mode qu’en plaine. Toutefois, la période d’alimentation se réduit à 4 mois environ, chez les deux sexes, et le nombre des mues semble limité à 3. L’échelle thermique d’activité et, en particulier, l’optimum de «basking period» (27 à 29°) laisse supposer qu’il n’y a pas d’adaptation spéciale, sur ce plan, chez les Vipères de montagne.
Données préliminaires sur l’écologie des Termites
Authors: Lepage M. 
Published: November 2022

Nineteen species of termites have been found within the 1 Km2 reference quadrat of Fété Olé. Eight species (Bellicositermes bellicosus, Psammotermes hybostoma, Odontotermes smeathmani and five species of Trinervitermes) feed entirely upon grass material, whereas seven species are wood-eaters, three are fungus-growers and only three are humivorous. The distribution of the various species is undoubtedly influenced by soil conditions. Only four species are found in each of the four major micro-habitats (table II).
The mounds of Bellicositermes bellicosus are conspicuous components of the local landscape. The density of living colonies reach 0.5/ha and the volume of earth used for mound-building averages 20-25 m3/ha. Population estimates for colonies of Bellicositermes bellicosus at various stages of growth are given in table IX. The standing crop biomass averages 4,750-5000, g/ha for Bellicositermes bellicosus and 750-900 g/ha for Trinervitermes trinervius (fresh weight).
An estimate of the trophic impact of Bellicositermes bellicosus upon the grass cover has been attempted (table VIII). This species alone is able to consume at least 5.4 % of the grass produced in the quadrat as a whole. In the shallow depressions, where this termite is particularly abundant, it can consume up to 49.2 % of the grass produced.
An attempt has been made to estimate the production of sexuals in two species : Bellicositermes bellicosus and Trinervitermes trinervius. The production of sexuals of these two species is respectively of 10,000 -20,000/ha (2,800 g/ha, fresh weight) and 15,000/ha (500 g/ha, fresh weight). Swarming takes place at different times of the year in different species : Rhino termitidae, Amitermitinae and Termitinae generally swarm at the beginning, and Nasutitermitinae at the end, of the rains.
L'avifaune et son cycle annuel
Authors: Morel Gérard J. , Morel Marie-Yvonne 
Published: November 2022

Monthly counts of the birds present on a 25 ha area located within the 1 Km2 reference quadrat of Fété Olé have been made during two consecutive years. Some 108 different species were observed, 40 % of which are migrants, both ethiopian and palaearctic.
Seasonal changes in the number of species present, their densities and biomass, are summarized in tables III and VI. Densities and biomass of ethiopian birds (both resident species and local migrants) are generally higher during the rainy season than during the rest of the year. For instance, the montly standing crop biomass of ethiopian species averages 370 g/ha (fresh weight) during the rains and ranges from 145 to 336 g/ha during the dry season, depending upon the importance of the previous rains. Palaearctic migrants are present during ten months of the year, but their numbers and biomass are at highest levels from November to March. Their monthly biomass is low, 9-15 g/ha during the rains and 21-28 g/ha during the dry season, depending upon the length and magnitude of the previous rains.
Data are given on the food preferences and periodicity of reproduction of 22 of the most common resident species. The duration of the breeding season, at least in some doves, depends upon the importance of the previous rains.
The ecological isolation of the seven sympatric species of Columbidae living in the area is discussed. The four commonest species of doves certainly select between different kinds of seeds, at least during the dryer period of the year.
A preliminary estimation is made of the trophic impact of the graminivorous birds upon the stock of seeds produced in the area. Birds probably consume up to 10 % of the available biomass of seeds.
Évolution de la structure des peuplements de Laro-limicoles nicheurs
Authors: Blondel Jacques , Isenmann Paul 
Published: November 2022

The aim of this paper is to provide information on the composition of the breeding population of waders and gulls in the Camargue (Southern France). It also gives details on the changes in status of these species between 1937 and 1970.
The profound changes the Camargue has undergone (embankments of the lagoons, invasion of ricefields, various other agricul¬ tural developments, increase in the number of rubbish dumps just outside the area) have had a great effect on these populations :
1) three new species have become established as breeding birds. 2) most species have shown no noticeable changes in status, except the Black-headed Gull and the Yellow-legged Herring Gull which have increased strikingly ; these two species have been able to take advantage of the possibilities provided by changes in the ecosystem.
3) the diversity (measured with the Shannon & Weaver diversity index) has first increased then decreased when the numbers of Yellow-legged Herring Gulls and Black-headed Gulls reached a given high level.
4) on the contrary, the dominance (measured with the Mc Naughton & W oi.f dominance index has first decreased and then increased. This indicates that the Camargue ecosystem has become «harsh».
The predominance of the Black-headed Gull and the Yellow-legged Herring Gull is due essentially to the widening of their ecological niches, but they have not displaced any other species.
La fin du cycle parental de Labidura riparia
Authors: Vancassel M. 
Published: November 2022

In the field as well as in the laboratory Labidura riparia females bring prey into their burrows at the end of the parental cycle, that is 3 or 4 days after the eggs have hatched. Food intake, inexistant since egg laying, reappears at the same time. Nymphs can benefit from food thus brought in, but disperse rapidly and abandon the burrow.
A female abandons an empty burrow, at the latest the third night after her first outing. Bringing food into the burrow and contacts with nymphs therefore stay extremely labile in this species, contrary to others such as Forficula auricularia or Anechura bipunctata.
Quelques effets de la sécheresse sur le peuplement mammalien
Authors: Poulet A. 
Published: November 2022

The results of the 1972-73 drought on the mammal populations of the IBP study area, at Fété Olé, Sénégal, are summarized.
Some desert species, like Desmodilliscus braueri and Gazella dama were observed more often than usual. The numbers of Taterillus pygargus, the commonest granivorous rodent, decreased sharply but the species succeeded to breed despite the almost complete lack of grass cover : these rodents probably fed upon the surplus of seeds of the preceeding year remaining on the ground. Most Carnivore populations declined in numbers during this unusually dry period.
Ecologie comparée des lézards Mabuya blandingi et Panaspis kitsoni dans les forêts de Lamto (Côte-d’Ivoire)
Authors: Barbault R. 
Published: November 2022

Two species of Scincid lizards, Mabuya blandingi and Panaspis kitsoni, live at ground level in the Bandama gallery forest, near Lamto, Ivory Coast. Although sympatric, the two lizards are ecologically isolated. They differ in their preferred environmental temperatures, daily activity rythms and food preferences.
Both species breed all the year long, although less frequently during the dry season. Clutch size is always much smaller than
Structure et dynamique d’un peuplement de Lézards : les Scincides de la savane de Lamto (Côte-d'Ivoire)
Authors: Barbault R. 
Published: November 2022

Population densities of terrestrial lizards were estimated monthly, for five consecutive years, in the Lamto savanna (Ivory Coast), by collecting all individuals within 900 m2 quadrats.
Although their breeding cycles were different, the three most numerous species Mabuya buettneri, M. maculilabris and Panaspis nimbaensis were more abundant during the wet season.
These skinks require six months to reach a mature size ; their daily rate of growth is about 0.2 to 0.3 mm. The average reproductive potential of females of Mabuya buettneri, M. maculilabris and Panaspis nimbaensis were determined by counting yolked ovarian follicles and eggs in oviducts, and by estimating clutch size. The average annual egg production was 13.4, 30.4 and 12.8 eggs in the above three species, and the number of clutches 1.5, 5.5 and 5.0 per female per year.
Mortality of eggs and hatchings is high and survivorship to maturity is low : 18.2 %, 8,5 % and 25.1 % of eggs laid respectively by Mabuya buettneri, M. maculilabris and Panaspis nimbaensis. From sexual maturity onwards, the death rate for females is lower than that of males in all species, but is fairly high for both sexes. The longest average life expectancy is about 9.0 months for females of Mabuya maculilabris, and the shortest 1.3 months for males of M. buettneri.
Although they are opportunistic feeders, these sympatric lizards do not compete for the same preys because their activity patterns, their behaviours and their sizes are fairly different. The annual food consumption of the ground lizard community in Lamto savanna is about 3 kg/ha (live weight) and its average net production, calculated from life tables, is about 300 g/ha/year. Ecological efficiency of the Mabuya species is 10 %.
The development of a breeding population of grey herons (Ardea Cinerea) in the Camargue
Authors: Walmsley J.G. 
Published: November 2022

The Camargue is the breeding ground of eight European breeding species of Ardeidae, Cattle Egret and Grey Heron being the most recent additions to the list. Grey Herons were first discovered breeding in 1964, but only established themselves as a breeding population in 1968. During the intermediate years 1965 -1967 there was no evidence of further nesting.
Annual censuses have shown a steady expansion of the population in the Camargue since 1968 (Table I).
Delayed breeding recorded in 1972 was probably caused by exceptional climatic conditions in April and May (Figure 1).
The composition of 110 nests has been examined, and six types of nest construction have so far been determined (Table II).
No detailed study has yet been made of the prey taken by Grey Herons in the Camargue, but it would appear that fish is the predominant food.
The south of France is situated on a direct south-westerly migration route for populations in central and northern Europe, and is an important wintering ground as well as a port of call for passage migrants.
Ringing recoveries show that 65.5 % of birds recovered in the south of France between 1921 and 1970 came from Switzerland or Germany. This fact, together with the fact that there have been recoveries from one or other of these two countries in every month of the year, may suggest that the new breeding population in the Camargue is of Swiss or German origin, unless there is some change in the trend of movement of Grey Herons in Europe.
Densités et biomasses de Camponotus acvapimensis (Hym. Formicidae) dans une savane de Côte-d’Ivoire
Authors: Lévieux Jean 
Published: November 2022

Camponotus acvapimensis is the commonest species of terricolous ant found in the Lamto savanna of the Ivory Coast. Estmates of the population densities and standing crop biomasses for each cast have been made for the three major soil categories (Tables I a -c).
The standing crop biomass (dry weight) of this species of ant averages 0.52 g/m2 in black soils, 0.47 g/m2 in ferralitic soils and 0.20 g/m2 in hydromorphic soils (Table II).
The lack of suitable space appears to be the major limiting factor for the establishment of new colonies.
Dynamique de la population camarguaise de Mouettes rieuses Larus ridibundus L.: un modèle mathématique
Authors: Lebreton Jean-dominique , Isenmann Paul 
Published: November 2022

La dynamique de la population camarguaise de Mouette rieuse Larus ridibundus L. a été étudiée à l’aide d’un modèle matriciel de Leslie (1945), d’estimation au maximum de vraisemblance des survies à partir des reprises de bagues, et d’études de sensibilité du modèle aux valeurs des paramètres démographiques.
Nous avons pu mettre en évidence le facteur déterminant de l’explosion démographique de la Mouette rieuse en Camargue : la diminution de la mortalité hivernale des adultes. Les autres paramètres n’ont joué qu’un rôle secondaire. La réduction de la mortalité hivernale est mise en relation avec l’utilisation intensive, en période internuptiale, des sources de nourriture artificielles, comme les décharges publiques. La périodicité liée aux saisons des sources de nourriture naturelles de l’espèce a ainsi été supprimée. Une brève comparaison est tentée avec les opinions émises sur le même sujet par différents auteurs. Il est probable que les résultats obtenus à partir de ce modèle expliquent d’autres explosions démographiques chez la Mouette rieuse en particulier, et chez d’autres espèces de Laridés en général.
Evaluation des densités de grand mammifères dans le parc national de Bouba Ndjida, Cameroun
Authors: Van Lavieren L. P. , Bosch Marc Louis 
Published: November 2022

Les résultats de plusieurs dénombrements terrestres de populations de grands mammifères dans le Parc National de Bouba Ndjida, Cameroun, sont présentés. Ces dénombrements, entrepris entre mars 1974 et mars 1976, comme «travaux pratiques de terrain» pour les étudiants de l’Ecole d’Aménagement de la Faune pour les pays francophones d’Afrique, Garoua, Cameroun, et également comme partie d’un programme séparé de recherches, ont fait appel aux méthodes suivantes : méthode de la «visibilité moyenne», comptage sur bandes-échantillons, méthode de dénombrement de King, toutes réalisées dans une parcelle centrale du Parc, d’une surface de 111 km², et recensement à partir d’une piste, sur véhicules se déplaçant dans l’ensemble du parc. Le parc avait été divisé en strates, en ce qui concerne des animaux tels que le bubale ou le redunca, dont la densité varie localement.
Les densités moyennes calculées sont fournies pour sept espèces d’ongulés et les erreurs standard, avec une limite de confiance de 95 % sont données pour quatre autres. L’importance des populations totales de tous les autres grands mammifères rencontrés dans le parc est estimée. Le «biais» inhérent aux résultats de dénombrements effectués à partir de la piste a été mesuré en comparant les données recueillies lors de transects sur véhicules et lors de transects parcourus à pied. La validité de chaque méthode et les sources d’erreurs sont discutées. Les densités de sept espèces à Bouba Ndjida sont comparées avec celles que l’on a trouvées dans la réserve de Borgou, Nigéria et dans le Parc National de la Comoué, Côte-d’Ivoire. Les résultats peuvent fournir une base pour la surveillance continue des populations d’animaux sauvages du Parc.
Richesse comparée des peuplements d’oiseaux en milieux hétérogènes pour différentes densités de points d’écoute
Authors: Bournaud Michel , Corbillé Marie-Cécile 
Published: November 2022

A comparison is made between two methods of systematic sampling, using the resident populations of Mont Pilat Regional Park, France, as an example.
Although mostly covered by an evergreen forest, the study area was made of a mosaic of different habitats.
212 “ census spots” (points d’écoute) were first selected at random on a rectangular grid whose lines were 1.6 km apart. Identification (by sound) of resident birds was made during 20 minutes, once during the breeding season on each “ census spot”. 84 species of resident birds were identified in this way.
These results are compared with those obtained by a simpler technique, where a smaller number of “census spots” (23 and 24) were selected at random on a wider grid (5 X 5.6 km) laid in the same study area. The duration of the single census period was also limited to 10 minutes in this instance. Such a simplified technique enabled a smaller number of species to be identified (56 and 52 respectively).
150 “census spots”, each of a 20 minutes duration, are shown to be able to detect 95 % of the resident bird species in such a mosaic of habitats.
Détermination de l’âge chez un Anoure déserticole Bufo pentoni, Anderson 1893
Authors: Barbault Robert , Castanet Jacques , Francillon H. , Ricqlès A. de 
Published: November 2022

Bone growth marks have been used to assess the age of thirty six individuals of the sub-desertic African toad Bufo pentoni.
The dynamics of growth of the long bones is described on the basis of the histological changes of the femoral shaft : number of growth marks (L.A.C.) , vascularization and remodelling of the bony tissue, etc. The following growth pattern can be inferred from the morphological changes observed :
— The rate of growth is very rapid during the first months following metamorphosis (amounting to a daily length increment of about 0,53 mm/day).
— Bufo pentoni does not reach its sexual maturity before about 2 years of age.
— Endosteal removal of bone may destroy as much as the first two yearly growth marks in older individuals.
— The maximum longevity of this species can exceed 4 years. Some specimens in the sample had five yearly growth marks.
Such a growth pattern is compatible with what is known of the development and ecology of this species.
Ecologie d’une population de Crocidura russula en milieu rural montagnard. (Insectivora, soricidae)
Authors: Genoud M. , Hausser J. 
Published: November 2022

Crocidura russula is restricted to the vicinity of human dwellings in the northern parts of its range and in the mountain regions of Central and Western Europe. In order to better understand the causes of such a distribution, a population was studied in a rural mountain habitat (750 m above sea level), where the species was found almost exclusively in the neighbourhood of human dwellings. The study was conducted on a 2000 m2 area, over a period of 20 months, by live-trapping and radioactive tracking. The abundance, the local distribution and the behaviour of the shrews vary greatly throughout the year. In summer, they chiefly inhabit areas with a dense herbaceous cover or shruby vegetation ; they are mainly active at ground level, in the litter. In autumn, changes in the environmental conditions (lowering of temperatures, subsidence of the herbaceous vegetation, presence of snow) create important energetic problems. At that time, the shrews gradually become more active around and inside compost-heaps and buildings. The microclimate of such environments is mild and prey are numerous. The winter population is reduced (reaching its lowest level in late winter) and consists only of shrews frequenting these sites.
The observed spatial distribution is the result of the energetic dependence of the wintering shrews on human dwellings and their surroundings. This dependence is probably related to the physiological characteristics of the species. In the prospected region, Crocidura russula is the only shrew which regularly takes advantage of man-made habitats ; the maintenance of the species in the rural mountain environment is probably favoured by the social organization of the populations in winter. The other native Soricids are observed only occasionaly in the neighbourhood of human dwellings.
Chapitre 5. Structure des communautés végétales et animales (Invertébrés) en Basse-Camargue
Authors: Corre Jean-Jacques 
Published: November 2022

A petite échelle les formations végétales permettent en Camargue de repérer aisément les différentes unités géomorphologiques. C’est ainsi que les formations lagunaires émergées sont indiquées principalement par des formations végétales de salicornes appelées enganes * ou sansouires *.
Malgré leur pauvreté floristique ces formations végétales présentent une grande diversité qui tient aux différences quantitatives prises localement par chacune des espèces. Les groupements que l’on peut ainsi définir forment des mosaïques révélatrices de différentes conditions du milieu, singulièrement des conditions de submersion et de salinité comme cela a déjà été démontré.
Les mesures entreprises portent sur deux coupes le long desquelles les observations ont été effectuées durant respectivement quatre et sept ans.
Les conditions de salinité ont été appréciées à partir des analyses de la nappe phréatique, source des sels présents dans la rhizosphère. Elles montrent que le taux de sels mais aussi son rythme de variations ont un rôle dans la définition des biotopes.
Les conditions de submersion interviennent par leur durée, leur hauteur ainsi que le rythme des mises en eau au fil des années.
L’étude permanente de la végétation permet d’analyser le mécanisme d’action des variations pluriannuelles de la submersion et de la salinité. Ces dernières sont liées essentiellement à la variabilité climatique. Elles déterminent pour chaque population des tendances évolutives réversibles dont la résultante agit sur la structure des groupements. Une période de transition entre une faible puis une forte pluviosité a, seule, pu être étudiée, mais des observations à plus long terme devraient permettre de définir pour chaque biocénose, un stade moyen affecté d’une certaine variabilité.
Les mosaïques de végétation peuvent être classées en deux catégories : exogènes lorsque l’hétérogénéité est antérieure à l’installation de la végétation, c’est le cas des auréoles sédimentaires liées aux anciens déversoirs du Rhône dans les lagunes ; endogènes lorsqu’elles résultent d’une action de la végétation sur son biotope, c’est le cas, par exemple, des bourrelets de bords d’étang où la végétation favorisant l’accumulation de sédiments et de matières organiques modifie les caractères du milieu édaphique. Cette distinction est importante à prendre en compte lorsque l’on veut étudier la dynamique des paysages végétaux.