Prey selection of Epixanthus dentatus (Crustacea: Brachyura: Eriphiidae) as determined by its prey remains

2001 ◽  
Vol 81 (3) ◽  
pp. 455-459 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Vannini ◽  
Stefano Cannicci ◽  
Sara Fratini
Keyword(s):  
Prey Species ◽  
Prey Selection ◽  
High Tide ◽  
Crab Species ◽  
East African ◽  
Natural Diet ◽  
Active Selection ◽  
Prey Remains ◽  
Swimming Crabs ◽  
Selection Of

Epixanthus dentatus (Crustacea: Brachyura: Eriphiidae) is a predator crab, commonly inhabiting East African mangroves, whose nocturnal and elusive behaviour usually prevents analysis of its natural diet and prey selection. The present study was carried out on a population inhabiting a peculiar mangrove habitat in which E. dentatus produces heaps of non-ingested parts of its prey. Fifty-nine of these accumulations of prey remains were examined and 17 species were identified as part of the diet of E. dentatus. Relative prey consumption was then analysed with respect to the relative abundance of prey species within the local faunal community. This methodology provided important information about prey selection by E. dentatus; in particular, gastropods were always strongly under-represented, while there was an active selection among the different crab species. Uca species were under-represented, while swimming crabs were also part of the E. dentatus diet, which shows that the latter is able to prey both at low and high tide.

scholarly journals Prey species and prey selection of dholes at three different sites in Thailand

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
KHWANRUTAI CHARASPET ◽  
Ronglarp - Sukmasuang ◽  
NORASET KHOEWSREE ◽  
MANANYA PLA-ARD ◽  
YUWALUK CHANACHAI
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Prey Species ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Prey Selection ◽  
Selection Index ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Total Biomass ◽  
Wildlife Sanctuary ◽  
Khao Yai National Park ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract. Charaspet K, Sukmasuang R, Khoewsree N, Pla-ard M, Chanachai Y. 2020. Prey species and prey selection of dholes at three different sites in Thailand. Biodiversitas 21: 5248-5262. The study of prey species and prey selection of Dholes at 3 different sites was conducted at Khao Yai National Park, Salak Pra, and Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries from 2013 to 2020. Information on Dhole prey at the sites was collected from the residues of dhole scats, from which the selection index, the relative biomass of the prey, and the relative amounts of the consumed prey were calculated. The data were collected simultaneously with the use of camera traps at each site. The study revealed that there were 13 species of Dhole prey with body weight over 5 kg. The result indicated that there were 7 species of even-toed ungulates. The relative biomass of even-toed ungulates ranged between 76.78 - 90.50% of the total biomass of all the Dholes’ consumed prey for all study sites. The dietary diversity index unveiled a similar index in all areas, which proved the adequacy of the analyzed scats. However, the Niche breadth index, which indicates the relevance of prey selection and prey species to the appearances of the prey at each site, was found to be high at Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Khao Yai National Park, while the index was found to be low at Salak Pra Wildlife Sanctuary. The results revealed that Dholes consumed viverrid species and Malayan porcupine more often at the site where there were large carnivores. The recommendation from this study was the conservation and restoration of the ungulate populations, the main prey, as it greatly affects the conservation of the Dhole populations in Thailand.  Grassland and salt lick sites, water sources improvements are also important to promote prey population. The conservation of wildlife prey by releasing them to nature, as currently conducted, has an effect on the increase of Dholes’ prey species.

Prey selection by terrestrial carnivores in a lower Pleistocene paleocommunity

Paleobiology ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 514-534 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Palmqvist ◽  
Bienvenido Martínez-Navarro ◽  
Alfonso Arribas
Keyword(s):  
Prey Species ◽  
Prey Selection ◽  
Average Weight ◽  
Long Bones ◽  
Crown Height ◽  
Fresh Meat ◽  
Lower Pleistocene ◽  
Venta Micena ◽  
Wild Dogs ◽  
Selection Of

We report quantitative paleoecologic data on the large mammal assemblage preserved in lower Pleistocene deposits at Venta Micena (Orce, Granada, southeastern Spain). Taphonomic studies show that bones were collected mainly by hyaenids, which transported and deposited them near shallow dens. Differential fragmentation of major long bones was produced by hyaenas as a function of their density and marrow content. Strong selection of prey by carnivores—which preferentially killed juveniles, females, and individuals with diminished locomotor capabilities among ungulate prey species of larger body size—is indicated by (1) the abundance of remains of juvenile ungulates in relation to the average weight of adult individuals in each species, (2) attritional mortality profiles for ungulate species deduced from crown height measurements, (3) the presence of many metapodials with different osteopathologies in their epiphyses, such as arthrosis, and (4) a biased intersexual ratio of large bovids. Comparison of the frequencies with which modern African carnivores kill and scavenge ungulates from various size classes with the abundance of these size categories in the assemblage suggests that the Venta Micena hyaena (Pachycrocuta brevirostris) was a bone-cracking scavenger that fed largely on carcasses of ungulates preyed upon and partially consumed by fresh meat-eating carnivores such us saber-toothed felids (Homotherium latidens and Megantereon whitei) and wild dogs (Canis falconeri).

The Ecology of the Dingo in Northeastern New-South-Wales .4. Prey Selection by Dingoes, and Its Effect on the Major Prey Species, the Swamp Wallaby, Wallabia-Bicolor (Desmarest)

1986 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 141 ◽  
Author(s):  
JD Robertshaw ◽  
RH Harden
Keyword(s):  
Native Species ◽  
Prey Species ◽  
Prey Selection ◽  
New South ◽  
Optimal Foraging Theory ◽  
Major Effect ◽  
Breeding Cycle ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Swamp Wallaby ◽  
Selection Of

Prey selection and its effect on the major prey species was examined between 1979 and 1980 by comparing the diet of dingoes and the biology of the swamp wallaby at two sites where the relative numbers of dingoes and wallabies differed. Selection of prey by dingoes was not opportunistic but demonstrated a preference for larger native species, and was similar to that found in the same area between 1972 and 1974. In particular, dingoes had a strong preference for swamp wallaby, the occurrence of which in the diet was disproportionate to its observed numbers; and switching was not observed even when numbers of swamp wallaby were reduced and alternative macropod prey present. Contrary to Optimal Foraging Theory predictions that the predator should become more catholic in prey selection, this species was more frequent in the diet when its availability was lower. At one site the major effect of this predation was the disruption of the breeding cycle, as a result of the loss of large pouch young because of the harassment of their mothers.

Factors Affecting the Diet of Crested Terns, Sterna-Bergii

1989 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 475 ◽  
Author(s):  
K Hulsman ◽  
NPE Langham ◽  
D Bluhdorn
Keyword(s):  
Tidal Cycle ◽  
Prey Species ◽  
Consistent Pattern ◽  
Site Specific ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Active Selection ◽  
Different Ages ◽  
The Times ◽  
Strongly Consistent ◽  
Selection Of

For crested terns, Sterna bergii Lichtenstein, changes in the accessibility of prey may cause changes in the composition of the terns' diet during the course of the tidal cycle, or in where and when the terns hunt. Some active selection of prey may also occur, for the terns feed fish of different sizes to chicks of different ages. Furthermore, some adults may hunt in specific places at specific times since many of the prey species are site-specific and are accessible only at certain times during the tidal cycle. More skill may be required to catch prey species that dwell on the bottom or in mid-water than those that dwell at or near the surface. We did not find a strongly consistent pattern in the times at which the terns feed their chicks, which may reflect the terns' opportunistic foraging habits.

Diet composition and prey selection of vendace Coregonus albula in the mesotrophic, temperate Lake Ostrowite (Northern Poland)

2008 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomasz Kakareko ◽  
Paweł Napiórkowski ◽  
Jacek Kozłowski
Keyword(s):  
Diet Composition ◽  
Prey Selection ◽  
Temperate Lake ◽  
Coregonus Albula ◽  
Northern Poland ◽  
Mesotrophic Lake ◽  
Selection Of

Diet composition and prey selection of vendaceLake Ostrowite is a mesotrophic lake in Northern Poland 280.7 ha in area and 43 m deep at its deepest point. To study vendace (

PATTERNS OF GASTROPOD MOLLUSK PREDATION ON BIVALVE MOLLUSKS ALONG THE UPPER TEXAS GULF COAST

2018 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Serena J. Randolph ◽  
Alan D. Maccarone
Keyword(s):  
Shell Thickness ◽  
Prey Species ◽  
Gulf Coast ◽  
Prey Selection ◽  
Drill Hole ◽  
The United States ◽  
Hole Diameter ◽  
Bivalve Mollusks ◽  
Collection Site ◽  
Drill Holes

Abstract Predation on bivalve mollusks by gastropod mollusks is common in coastal regions of the United States; however, few previous studies have examined whether drilling gastropods exhibit prey selection. In 2016, shells with small holes drilled by as many as two gastropod predators were collected at three sites separated by 30 km along the Texas Upper Gulf Coast on the Bolivar Peninsula (29° 40′N, 94° 90′W). The likeliest predators in these waters are the southern oyster drill (Stramonita haemastoma Linnaeus 1767) and the moon snail (Neverita duplicate Say 1822). Collected shells were identified to species and measurements were taken to examine statistical relationships between predators and prey species. These measurements included drill-hole diameter, shell thickness, drill-hole completeness, number of drill attempts, and collection site. Across the three locations, 17 different species of shells with drill holes were collected; of these, we focused on the ten most abundant species (n = 277 shells). The sample showed high variation in drill-hole diameter, shell thickness, and drill-hole completeness. Both the total number of holes and mean drill-hole diameter differed significantly among prey species (ANOVA, both P < 0.0001). In addition, drill-hole diameter correlated directly with prey shell thickness (P < 0.0001). Shells whose drill holes were complete were significantly thinner than shells with incomplete holes (P < 0.0001). Mean prey shell thickness, mean drill-hole diameter, and mean number of drill holes all differed significantly by collection site (all P < 0.0001). Ecological and morphological implications related to gastropod predation on mollusks are discussed.

Prescreening in large populations as a tool for identifying elevated CO2-responsive genotypes in plants

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroyuki Shimono ◽  
Graham Farquhar ◽  
Matthew Brookhouse ◽  
Florian A. Busch ◽  
Anthony O'Grady ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Selection ◽  
Co2 Concentration ◽  
Elevated Atmospheric Co2 ◽  
High Performing ◽  
Active Selection ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Large Populations ◽  
Increase Productivity ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Selection Of

Elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration (e[CO2]) can stimulate the photosynthesis and productivity of C3 species including food and forest crops. Intraspecific variation in responsiveness to e[CO2] can be exploited to increase productivity under e[CO2]. However, active selection of genotypes to increase productivity under e[CO2] is rarely performed across a wide range of germplasm, because of constraints of space and the cost of CO2 fumigation facilities. If we are to capitalise on recent advances in whole genome sequencing, approaches are required to help overcome these issues of space and cost. Here, we discuss the advantage of applying prescreening as a tool in large genome×e[CO2] experiments, where a surrogate for e[CO2] was used to select cultivars for more detailed analysis under e[CO2] conditions. We discuss why phenotypic prescreening in population-wide screening for e[CO2] responsiveness is necessary, what approaches could be used for prescreening for e[CO2] responsiveness, and how the data can be used to improve genetic selection of high-performing cultivars. We do this within the framework of understanding the strengths and limitations of genotype–phenotype mapping.

scholarly journals Intrinsic Prey Preference and Selection of the Giant Gartersnake: A Threatened Predator in a Nonnative Prey-Dominated Community

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 164-173
Author(s):  
Julia S.M. Ersan ◽  
Brian J. Halstead ◽  
Erica L. Wildy ◽  
Michael L. Casazza ◽  
Glenn D. Wylie
Keyword(s):  
Exotic Species ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Prey Selection ◽  
Central Valley ◽  
Prey Preference ◽  
Live Prey ◽  
Species Of Conservation Concern ◽  
Conservation Concern ◽  
Behavioral Trials ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract The introduction of exotic species into an environment can introduce great change in the trophic dynamics of native species. This is of even greater concern if the native species is of conservation concern. The giant gartersnake, Thamnophis gigas, an endemic predator of the Central Valley of California and a species of conservation concern at the state and federal levels, has declined as a result of conversion of its once vast wetland habitat to agriculture. Another anthropogenic factor contributing to this snake's changing ecology is the introduction of nonnative prey into the species' habitats. These introductions have resulted in a prey community that is almost completely composed of exotic species and have potential for considerable effects. In order to assess prey preference and selection we performed three sets of behavioral trials on naïve neonates. We examined 1) neonate prey preference in response to olfactory cues of prepared prey extracts, 2) neonate consumption of different live prey items presented simultaneously; and 3) terrestrial feeding behavior and/or latency to successful attack. Results from the olfactory study suggest that native Sierran treefrogs, Pseudacris sierra, are preferred by neonates. Results from consumption trials suggest that neonates are more likely to select frog species than fish species. This is the first study that we are aware of that examines prey selection of this threatened species and serves to inform its conservation and management.

scholarly journals Feeding Ecology of Short-Toed Snake-Eagle (Circaetus gallicus [Gmelin, 1788]) in the Montados of Iberian Peninsula

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 155-179
Author(s):  
Nuno Onofre ◽  
Luís Sampaio
Keyword(s):  
Relative Abundance ◽  
Diet Composition ◽  
Prey Species ◽  
Prey Selection ◽  
Prey Type ◽  
Generalist Predator ◽  
Important Prey ◽  
Psammodromus Algirus ◽  
Circaetus Gallicus ◽  
Water Snakes

The diet of Short-toed Snake-eagle (Circaetus gallicus) during the breeding season in an area dominated by cork and holm oak parkland forests (Montados) was analyzed in this study. As expected, results showed that snakes are the dominant prey in the diet of this eagle, comprising up to 92.5% of the identified items, if potential secondary prey species were excluded. The Montpellier Snake (Malpolon monspessulanus) was the most consumed one (42.2%), followed by the Ladder Snake (Zamenis scalaris) (28.0%), and the water snakes (Natrix spp.) (14.2%). According to the same criteria, lizards (mainly Psammodromus algirus) and mammals represent between 4.8 and 2.2%, respectively. Other animals such as pond turtle and amphibians are irregular prey (<1%), and no bird remains were found at all. Short-toed Snake-eagle is usually referred as a stenophagic predator where snakes are by far its most important prey type, and where within this taxonomic group it behaves as a generalist predator. In this study this premise was then tested comparing the relative abundance of the snake species with their proportion in the diet composition of the eagle in order to know whether or not prey selection exists with regard to the species of snakes in this region. Results point to a quite plausible "preference" for the Ladder Snake and an "avoidance" for the smooth snakes group (Macroprotodon brevis/Coronella girondica), and possibly for the Horseshoe Whip (Hemorrhois hippocrepis). The avoidance to the Horseshoe Whip must be indirect and habitat related, while in relation to the two smooth snakes it may be due in large extend to its small size, in particular.

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