Polygyny with mate fidelity in the saxicolous frog

Abstract Basic information on natural history is crucial for assessing the viability of populations, but is often lacking for many species of conservation concern. One such species is the White-tailed Tropicbird, Phaethon lepturus (Mathews, 1915). Here, we address this shortfall by providing detailed information on reproductive biology, distribution and threats on the Fernando de Noronha archipelago, Brazil – the largest colony of P. lepturus in the South Atlantic. We assessed reproduction from August 2011 to January 2012 by monitoring tropicbird nests and their contents. A population estimate was obtained through a combination of active searches for nests and by census at sea between 2010 and 2012. Breeding success was calculated by traditional methods. The growth curve of chicks and life table were also calculated. Additional information on nest and mate fidelity and on age of breeding birds was obtained from the banded birds. Our results indicate that the unusual nest form (limestone pinnacles) and predation by crabs may be responsible for the observed patterns of hatching and fledging success. Although the Fernando de Noronha population appears to be stable (at between 100-300 birds), a long term monitoring program would be desirable to assess fluctuations in this globally important population. Conservation strategies should focus on controlling predation by land crabs and tegu lizards.

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Time budget and parental behavior of breeding American Black Oystercatchers (Haematopus bachmani) in British Columbia

Canadian Journal of Zoology ◽

10.1139/z88-252 ◽

1988 ◽

Vol 66 (8) ◽

pp. 1742-1751 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

M. A. Purdy ◽

E. H. Miller

Keyword(s):

British Columbia ◽

Parental Behavior ◽

Time Budget ◽

Egg Laying ◽

Mate Fidelity ◽

Large Size ◽

American Black ◽

Sedentary Life ◽

Sedentary Life Style

A study on parental behavior in American Black Oystercatchers (Haematopus bachmani) in British Columbia revealed sexual differences and seasonal variation in behavior. Before the egg-laying period, females tended to forage more, whereas males were more aggressive and alert. Females initially incubated more than males, but the sexes shared incubation duties almost equally toward the end of the incubation period. Males remained aggressive throughout incubation, but female aggression declined after eggs were laid. Females did most of the brooding, but the sexes participated equally in foraging for chicks and feeding them. After their eggs hatched, parents were more alert and aggressive toward other species. Patterns of parental care in oystercatchers appear to be related to their relatively large size, long-term mate fidelity, longevity, specialized feeding behavior, and sedentary life style, compared with other shorebirds.

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