scholarly journals Homing and Egg Discrimination in the Western Slimy Salamander,Plethodon albagula(Caudata: Plethodontidae)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robyn R. Jordan ◽  
Joseph R. Milanovich ◽  
Malcolm L. Mccallum ◽  
Stanley E. Trauth
Keyword(s):  
Parental Care ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Maternal Investment ◽  
Brooding Female ◽  
Egg Discrimination ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Alternative Hypotheses ◽  
Egg Guarding ◽  
Egg Brooding ◽  
Plethodon Albagula

AbstractIn some species of vertebrates egg brooding is a costly form of parental care. Therefore, misdirection of parental care can significantly lower a female’s fitness. Because of the maternal investment and increased survivorship to offspring from egg guarding, a brooding female should home to her nest site after being displaced a short distance and discriminate between her own eggs and eggs from other females. In this study, we experimentally tested, in the field, alternative hypotheses concerning homing ability and egg discrimination in a population of nesting western slimy salamanders (Plethodon albagula). Fourteen brooding females were displaced 1 m to the left or right of their nest sites (determined randomly) for the homing experiment. Furthermore, brooding females (n = 13) were presented with their own clutches, which were displaced 50 cm to the left or right (determined randomly), and unfamiliar egg clutches at their original nest sites. The females were released at an equal distance from both egg clutches. After 24 hours, 12 displaced females (86%) had returned to their own nest sites and were brooding their egg clutches. Also, after 24 hours, nine test females had returned to their own nest sites and were brooding the unfamiliar egg clutches. No control or test females were present at the other new nest site locations. Therefore, we suggest that brooding femaleP. albagulado home to their nest sites and exhibit indirect egg discrimination.

The terrestrial breeding biology of the ranid rock frog Nannophrys ceylonensis

Behaviour ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 141 (7) ◽  
pp. 899-913 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
◽  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Parental Care ◽  
Site Fidelity ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Hatching Success ◽  
Paternal Care ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Nest Site Fidelity ◽  
Males And Females

Abstract Nannophrys ceylonensis (Ranidae) is a terrestrial breeding anuran, found on wet vertical or near-vertical rock surfaces. Non-breeding adult males and females take refuge in separate crevices in the rock surfaces during the day and emerge at night to forage. Males can be polygynous; mating takes place inside crevices. Fathers exhibit paternal care for multiple clutches of eggs and guard eggs from predators. Paternal care of this species is obligatory; hatching success decreases without it. Females do not contribute to parental care. Males show nest site fidelity and defend territories against conspecifics. A scarcity of suitable nest sites may limit reproductive success in N. ceylonensis. Larvae hatch at Gosner stages 21-22 and leave their nests at stages 24-25 to live as truly terrestrial tadpoles, foraging on the rock surfaces near their natal nests.

scholarly journals Common Terns Sterna hirundo incubating a Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena egg

Ornis Svecica ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 30 ◽  
pp. 53-59
Author(s):  
Lars Bern
Keyword(s):  
Dna Sequencing ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Behavioural Response ◽  
Sterna Hirundo ◽  
Egg Discrimination ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Common Terns ◽  
Natural Nest ◽  
Species Assignment ◽  
Podiceps Grisegena

During a study of Red-necked Grebes Podiceps grisegena in Lake Slagsmyren, Sweden, a pair of Common Terns Sterna hirundo were observed to have placed their two eggs on a deserted, floating nest of a Red-necked Grebe. Prior to this, the grebes had laid one egg of their own in the nest and this egg was included by the terns in their clutch and incubated by them. The species assignment of the odd egg was confirmed with DNA sequencing. A lack of natural nest sites for the terns to use at the lake could have caused this somewhat unusual choice of a nest site. I discuss possible explanations for adopting a foreign egg, including the adaptive behavioural response to roll an egg into the nest bowl to salvage lost eggs, the incubation stimulus that foreign eggs or egg-like objects potentially provide, and the limited egg discrimination abilities of Common Terns. The incubation of a foreign egg may reasonably be assumed to cost energy but to be of little benefit, if any, to the incubator.

The importance of grasstrees (Xanthorrhoea preissii) as habitat for mardo (Antechinus flavipes leucogaster) during post-fire recovery

2007 ◽  
Vol 34 (8) ◽  
pp. 640 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marnie L. Swinburn ◽  
Patricia A. Fleming ◽  
Michael D. Craig ◽  
Andrew H. Grigg ◽  
Mark J. Garkaklis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fire Management ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Radio Telemetry ◽  
Important Resource ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Single Feature ◽  
Management Policies ◽  
Nesting Resources ◽  
Selection For ◽  
The One

Grasstrees (Xanthorrhoea) are an important structural component of many Australian ecosystems and also an important resource for many fauna species. Grasstrees have distinctive morphologies, with a crown of long thin leaves and skirts, the latter of which are accumulated dead leaves; both are incinerated by fire. This study determined the morphological features of Xanthorrhoea preissii, which change in response to fire from 6 months to 21 years post-burn. In addition, using radio-telemetry and spool-tracking, we determined that grasstrees are utilised as foraging and nesting resources for mardos (Antechinus flavipes leucogaster (Gray, 1841), Marsupialia: Dasyuridae). Recently burnt grasstrees (6 months post-burn) appeared not to be used by mardos at all. We found few mardos in these recently burnt sites, and the one individual we managed to track for 126 m utilised only a single grasstree: a 2-m-tall multiple-crowned grasstree that had escaped the fire was used as a nest site. For sites 5 years post-burn, mardos selectively utilised grasstrees with larger crown areas and those with a greater number of crowns compared with a random sample of available trees. At the 14-year post-burn sites, mardos still demonstrated some selection for grasstrees, although no specific single feature could be determined as most significant. We recorded humidity and temperature buffering effects in association with post-burn accumulation of grasstree skirt material and found that even dead grasstree ‘logs’ were an important resource for nests. We conclude that mardos utilise both live and dead grasstrees for foraging and nest sites, possibly owing to the availability of dense cover, a buffered microclimate, and potentially also food resources. Fire-management policies that promote habitat heterogeneity and retain several intact-skirted grasstrees within the landscape are likely to benefit mardos.

Social context alters retreat- and nest-site selection in a globally invasive gecko, Hemidactylus frenatus

2019 ◽  
Vol 129 (2) ◽  
pp. 388-397
Author(s):  
Benjamin J Muller ◽  
Robin M Andrews ◽  
Lin Schwarzkopf ◽  
David A Pike
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Species ◽  
Site Selection ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Gravid Female ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Invasion Success ◽  
Ceramic Tiles ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Gravid Females ◽  
Hemidactylus Frenatus

Abstract Microhabitat orientation and structure and the presence of conspecifics may strongly influence the choice of habitat. We studied how these variables influence retreat- and nest-site selection in gravid females of a globally successful invasive species, the Asian house gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus). When provided with various substrates (vertical and horizontal ceramic tiles, vertical and horizontal plywood tiles, horizontal bark over leaf litter, vertical bark over a log, and sand) gravid female geckos preferred to retreat to, and nest in, materials with crevices commonly found in urban habitats. When housed alone, gravid females most frequently retreated to vertical ceramic tile or wooden crevices, and 66.7% nested in vertical ceramic tiles. When housed with two other conspecifics, gravid females most frequently retreated to vertical ceramic tiles, but selected a wider range of nest sites. Overall, gravid geckos housed alone typically nested in the same substrates that they used as diurnal retreats; when housed in groups, however, females oviposited in locations different from those they selected as retreats. Thus, H. frenatus females use a wider range of substrates when conspecifics are present. Invasion success in this species might be driven, in part, by preferences for retreat and nest substrates that are common in human-dominated habitats.

Spawning Behavior of Chum Salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) and Rainbow Trout (Salmo gairdneri)

1975 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 633-642 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. F. Tautz ◽  
C. Groot
Keyword(s):  
Rainbow Trout ◽  
Chum Salmon ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Salmo Gairdneri ◽  
Oncorhynchus Keta ◽  
Spawning Behavior ◽  
Current Pattern ◽  
Chum Salmon Oncorhynchus Keta ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Gravel Size

Detailed accounts of the spawning behavior of chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) and rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) in laboratory flumes are provided. The behavioral activities, quivering, probing, and crossing over increase in frequency as a function of time prior to spawning whereas digging remains constant or decreases slightly. Maps of digging locations and movie films suggest nest shape and current pattern are monitored by the female, allowing her to intensify her digging activity near the center of the nest. Probing appears to be a signal to the male indicating approach of oviposition and also provides information to the female regarding the shape and suitability of the nest site. The probing act is also used in the synchronization of the male and female spawning acts. Changes in velocity do not appear to markedly affect nest construction either in terms of number of digs to oviposition or in size of nest constructed. It is inferred that velocity and gravel size are important insofar as they influence the construction of a suitable nest depression. Nest sites would appear to be selected on the basis of acceleration of flow rather than velocity per se though high limits must obviously exist.

Nest-site selection in the barn swallow, Hirundo rustica: What predicts seasonal reproductive success?

2006 ◽  
Vol 84 (11) ◽  
pp. 1533-1539 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Jo Safran
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Site Selection ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Hirundo Rustica ◽  
Barn Swallow ◽  
Nest Location ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Site Characteristics

Despite hundreds of studies, we know very little about the causes and fitness-related consequences of nest-site selection. For example, it is not typically known whether the rarely reported fitness consequences of site selection are the result of nest, individual, or nest-site variables or combinations of these factors. Reuse of previously constructed nest sites is a prevalent behavior in many animals and offers the opportunity to experimentally tease apart whether seasonal reproductive success is a function of nest, individual, or nest-site characteristics. I used observational and experimental data to test three hypotheses related to these factors in association with barn swallow ( Hirundo rustica L., 1758) nest reuse. While both nest and individual characteristics explain variation in seasonal reproductive success, nest location per se is not an important factor defining the outcome of nest-site selection. Whereas traits related to habitat and individual characteristics are likely confounded in correlational studies, my experiments demonstrate a causal relationship between seasonal reproductive success and aspects of the nest and individual, the latter explaining more variation in the model than nest characteristics. Knowledge of the relative roles of individual, nest, and nest-site attributes are important for understanding the causes and consequences of habitat selection behavior.

The Availability of Tree Hollows for Use as Nest Sites by White-tailed Black Cockatoos

1979 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 205 ◽  
Author(s):  
DA Saunders
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Mature Trees ◽  
Breeding Range ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Tree Hollows ◽  
Selection Of

Data on nest hollows were collected from four study areas throughout the range of the short-billed form of the white-tailed black cockatoo, Calyptorhynchus baudinii latirostris, in south Western Australia. Hollows in trees are formed as a result of some destructive agent such as termites or fungi attacking the heartwood of the tree and breaking down the structure of the wood cells. The breaking off of part of the tree provides access to the hollow from the outside, and allows it to be used as a nest site. Throughout their breeding range, white-tailed black cockatoos will nest in any species of eucalypt which has a hollow of suitable size. The aspects of the entrances of hollows are not randomly distributed among compass groups, but the birds' selection of hollows was random. The aspect, depth to the floor and height of the entrance from the ground do not affect the success or failure of the nesting attempt. Female white-tailed black cockatoos searching for and preparing nest hollows chase female conspecifics from an area around their prospective nest tree. They continue this activity until they are incubating; this may result in suitable hollows not being accessible to other females. The rate of loss of hollows was 4.8 and 2.2% at two of the study areas. Hollows are being destroyed by all causes, particularly clearing for agriculture, faster than they are being created. Guidelines for the management of woodland must be drawn up so as to maintain a continuing supply of mature trees and protect hole-nesting species.

scholarly journals Lizard nest environments differ between suburban and forest habitats

2019 ◽  
Vol 126 (3) ◽  
pp. 392-403 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarin Tiatragul ◽  
Joshua M Hall ◽  
Nathaniel G Pavlik ◽  
Daniel A Warner
Keyword(s):  
Parental Care ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Quantitative Assessment ◽  
Developmental Rate ◽  
Nesting Success ◽  
Suburban Area ◽  
Habitat Types ◽  
Complete Development ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Forest Habitats

AbstractNesting success is critical for oviparous species to maintain viable populations. Many species often do not provide parental care (e.g. oviparous reptiles), so embryos are left to develop in the prevailing conditions of the nest. For species that occupy diverse habitats, embryos must be able to complete development across a broad range of environmental conditions. Although much research has investigated how environmental conditions influence embryo development, we know little about how nest conditions differ between diverse habitats. Anolis lizards are commonly found in various habitats including those heavily modified by humans (e.g. cities). We describe nest sites of anoles in two different habitat types: a suburban area and a nearby forest. The suburban area had less total nesting habitat but a greater variety of microenvironment conditions for females to use for nesting, compared to the forest. Suburban nests were warmer and drier with greater thermal variance compared to forest nests. Finally, we use data from the literature to predict how nest conditions may influence development. Our study provides the first quantitative assessment of anole nest sites in human-modified environments and shows how suburban habitats may generate variation in developmental rate.

scholarly journals Understanding resource driven female–female competition: ovary and liver size in sand gobies

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (9) ◽  
pp. 190886 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aurora García-Berro ◽  
Johanna Yliportimo ◽  
Kai Lindström ◽  
Charlotta Kvarnemo
Keyword(s):  
Baltic Sea ◽  
North Sea ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Operational Sex Ratio ◽  
Female Competition ◽  
The Baltic Sea ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
The North ◽  
The North Sea ◽  
The Baltic

The operational sex ratio (OSR, ready-to-mate males to females) is a key factor determining mating competition. A shortage of a resource essential for reproduction of one sex can affect OSR and lead to competition within the opposite sex for resource-holding mates. In the sand goby ( Pomatoschistus minutus ), a fish with paternal care, male readiness to mate depends on acquiring a nest-site, whereas food abundance primarily impacts female egg production. Comparing body condition and gonadal investment of fish from two populations with different availability in resources (Baltic Sea: few nest-sites, more food; North Sea: many nest-sites, less food), we predicted females carrying more mature eggs in the Baltic Sea than in the North Sea. As predicted, ovaries were larger in Baltic Sea females, and so was the liver (storage of energy reserves and vitellogenic compounds) for both sexes, but particularly for females. More females were judged (based on roundness scores) to be ready to spawn in the Baltic Sea. Together with a nest colonization experiment confirming a previously documented difference between the two areas in nest-site availability, these results indicate a more female-biased OSR in the Baltic Sea population, compared to the North Sea, and generates a prediction that female–female competition for mating opportunities is stronger in the Baltic population. To our knowledge, this is the first time that female reproductive investment is discussed in relation to OSR using field data.

scholarly journals Nest-site selection in a fish species with paternal care

Hydrobiologia ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theo C. M. Bakker ◽  
Beat Mundwiler
Keyword(s):  
Dissolved Oxygen ◽  
Water Temperature ◽  
Oxygen Concentration ◽  
Fish Species ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Paternal Care ◽  
Small Fish ◽  
Dissolved Oxygen Concentration ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Higher Temperature

AbstractFish that perform paternal care may increase their fitness by choosing nest sites that enhance survival and development of embryos. We studied nest-site choice with respect to dissolved oxygen concentration and water temperature in males of the three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus), a small fish species with exclusive male parental care that usually breeds in the littoral zone of freshwaters of the Northern hemisphere. Fathers oxygenate the embryos by fanning movements of their pectoral fins. We expected choice for conditions at potential nest sites that would benefit offspring development, i.e., higher temperature and higher dissolved oxygen concentration. In the laboratory, we offered males a choice between two potential nest sites that differed in dissolved oxygen concentration or water temperature. Males preferred to build a nest at sites with a higher dissolved oxygen level or higher temperature and thus chose sites that would promote embryo development.

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