Importance of niche quality for Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella nestling survival, development and body condition in its native and exotic ranges: the role of diet

Ibis ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 147 (2) ◽  
pp. 270-282 ◽  
Author(s):  
CATRIONA J. MACLEOD ◽  
DAVID M. B. PARISH ◽  
RICHARD P. DUNCAN ◽  
STEVE MOREBY ◽  
STEPHEN F. HUBBARD
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Emberiza Citrinella ◽  
Nestling Survival

Differences in growth rate, body condition, habitat use and food availability between island and mainland lizard populations ofAnolis nebulosusin Jalisco, Mexico

2014 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 493-501 ◽  
Author(s):  
Héctor Hugo Siliceo-Cantero ◽  
Andrés García
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Habitat Use ◽  
Food Availability ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Geographic Isolation ◽  
Seasonal Fluctuations ◽  
Continental Population ◽  
Two Populations

Abstract:Lizards of the genusAnolishave been widely studied, however, little is known about the effects of environmental seasonality, food availability and geographic isolation on body condition, growth rate and habitat use of lizards. The existence of an insular and a continental population ofAnolis nebulosus(clouded anole), separated by only 0.47 km, represents an ideal opportunity to address this topic. We compared seasonal fluctuations in food availability (arthropod density) for anoles, as well as body condition, growth rate and habitat use in the two populations. Food availability throughout the year was sampled every 2 mo by trapping arthropods at each site. Lizards were also monitored and measured every 2 mo by surveying three quadrats in each site over 2 y giving a total of 30 visits for each quadrat. Results suggested that composition and density of food supply was similar for the two populations. Nevertheless, food supply responded to seasonality of rainfall, with an increase of 1.5 times during the rainy season. Despite similarity in food availability, insular anoles had body condition that was 5–10 times better, with growth rate twice as fast, and used similar perches. The role of predation, and inter- and intraspecific competition are discussed as possible drivers.

scholarly journals Dentition and body condition: tooth wear as a correlate of weight loss in roe deer

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberta Chirichella ◽  
Anna Maria De Marinis ◽  
Boštjan Pokorny ◽  
Marco Apollonio
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Physical Condition ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Tooth Wear ◽  
The Body ◽  
Permanent Teeth ◽  
Tooth Surface ◽  
Mandible Length

Abstract Background In many mammalian species, once the permanent teeth have erupted, the only change to dentition is a gradual loss of tooth surface/height through wear. The crown of the teeth cannot be repaired once worn. When dental crown tissue has been depleted due to wear, the animal is expected to have a suboptimal body condition. We evaluated the role of tooth wear in causing a reduction of physical condition in adult roe deer females (Capreolus capreolus). Results The progressive wearing of the lower cheek teeth was assessed in a Northern Apennines (Italy) population with a new scoring scheme based on objectively described tooth characteristics (morphotypes) being either present or absent. Eviscerated body mass and mandible length, which is a good proxy for body size in roe deer, were related to the tooth wear score by the use of linear regressions. The sum of wear scores for molariform teeth correlated most strongly with body condition (i.e., eviscerated body mass/mandible length), showing the importance of the entire chewing surface for acquiring energy by food comminution, chewing, and digestion. In comparison with individuals of comparable size experiencing minor tooth wear, the body mass of those with the most advanced stage of tooth wear was decreased by 33.7%. This method was compared to the height and the hypsodonty index of the first molar, the most commonly used indices of tooth wear. The sum of molariform wear scoring scheme resulted in a more suitable index to describe the variation in body condition of roe deer. Conclusions Describing tooth wear patterns in hunted populations and monitoring at which tooth wear level (and therefore dental morphotype) an animal is no longer able to sustain its physical condition (i.e. when it begins to lose body mass) can be a useful tool for improving the management of the most widespread and abundant deer species in Europe. At the same time, such an approach can clarify the role of tooth wear as a proximate cause of senescence in ungulates.

Equine obesity and the role of the veterinary nurse

UK-Vet Equine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (6) ◽  
pp. 265-268
Author(s):  
Clarissa Seeley ◽  
Stella Chapman
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
The Body ◽  
Body Condition Scoring ◽  
Client Education ◽  
Inherent Problem ◽  
Equine Obesity ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Uk

Equine obesity is defined as a medical disease in which excess body fat has accumulated to such an extent that it has an adverse effect on the general health of the horse. Obesity is a cause for concern, with one-third of the equine population in the UK being regarded as obese, although owner recognition of obesity in horses is an inherent problem, with many underestimating the body condition or weight of their horse. This is further complicated by the fact that with larger framed horses, or horses that are already overweight, assessing body condition is more difficult. There are a number of ways to assess body condition and the most practical means of regular assessment is body condition scoring, although this is regarded as subjective. As with many diseases and disorders, the cause of obesity is multifactorial. However, the most common reason for a horse to become obese is overfeeding, coupled with a lack of exercise. Obesity can be addressed with client education and veterinary nurses can provide advice on weight management programmes. However, these need to be tailored to the individual horse and owners need to recognise that they are entering into a long-term commitment.

scholarly journals The role of forage availability on diet choice and body condition in American beavers (Castor canadensis)

2013 ◽  
Vol 78 (2) ◽  
pp. 87-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
William J. Severud ◽  
Steve K. Windels ◽  
Jerrold L. Belant ◽  
John G. Bruggink
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Castor Canadensis ◽  
Diet Choice ◽  
Forage Availability

scholarly journals Ecological role of hunting in population dynamics and its implications for co-management of the Porcupine caribou herd

Rangifer ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas A. Hanley ◽  
Donald E. Russell
Keyword(s):  
Population Dynamics ◽  
Monitoring System ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Population Model ◽  
Census Data ◽  
Herd Size ◽  
The Past ◽  
Adult Females ◽  
Herd Dynamics

At a present population size of 160 000 animals, the Porcupine caribou herd has been subjected to an annual harvest rate of 2% for the past couple of decades. We modeled potential sensitivity of herd population dynamics to hunting and used that relation as a basis for a herd monitoring system. Maximum number of adult cows that could be harvested without causing a subsequent decline in herd size was calculated as a function of total number of adult cows in the herd and recruitment of calves to yearling age-class. Maximum cow harvest, therefore, is a threshold above which hunting has destabilizing effects on herd dynamics. Actual harvest in relation to theoretical maximum harvest provides a basis for prediction of herd sensitivity to hunting. Maximum harvest is a linear function of recruitment. Herd dynamics are especially sensitive to low recruitment, however, when combined with low herd size. The two relations involving recruitment and herd size provide the basis for predicting herd dynamics and sensitivity to hunting. Herd size is best estimated by aerial census, while an index of recruitment can be predicted by monitoring autumn body condition of adult females. Body condition can be estimated on the basis of a few simple metrics measured by hunters in the field. The hunters' data on body composition, combined with aerial census data on herd size, provide a useful tool for managers and co-management boards to devise policies and regulations to manage the herd. The population model and monitoring system can operate on the Internet and be accessible to all users in villages within the range of the Porcupine caribou herd.

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