Breeding-site selection by the poison frog Ranitomeya biolat in Amazonian bamboo forests: an experimental approach

2009 ◽  
Vol 87 (5) ◽  
pp. 453-464 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rudolf von May ◽  
Margarita Medina-Müller ◽  
Maureen A. Donnelly ◽  
Kyle Summers
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Breeding Site ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
High Water ◽  
Water Volume ◽  
Field Observations ◽  
Poison Frog ◽  
Breeding Sites ◽  
Water Volumes ◽  
Bodies Of Water

Habitat selection in amphibians has typically been investigated using species that breed in medium-sized to large bodies of water. So far, few studies have focused on tropical, phytotelm-breeding species. We examined habitat selection in the context of reproductive resource use by Ranitomeya biolat (Morales, 1992), a poison frog that uses bamboo internodes as breeding sites. We conducted field observations and experiments using bamboo and PVC sections to test the effect of physical and biotic factors on tadpole deposition. Our field observations indicated that water volume, as well as internode length, height, and angle, may be important for tadpole deposition. We predicted that adult R. biolat would deposit tadpoles in pools that are close to the ground, pools with high water volume, pools contained in long structures, and pools without conspecific tadpoles or heterospecific predators. Our experiments demonstrated that water volume and the length of the structure containing the pool affect the pattern of tadpole deposition. Tadpoles were also deposited more frequently in experimental pools containing no other tadpoles or no predators. Our results support the prediction that phytotelm-breeding species, to maximize their reproductive success, should deposit their tadpoles in pools with water volumes that maximize nutrient content and that present no competitors or predators.

Breeding-site selection by red-belly toads, Melanophryniscus stelzneri (Anura: Bufonidae), in Sierras of Córdoba, Argentina

2011 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerardo Leynaud ◽  
Julián Lescano ◽  
Laura Pereyra
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Water Body ◽  
Site Selection ◽  
Breeding Site ◽  
Breeding Habitat ◽  
Heterogeneous Environments ◽  
Breeding Sites ◽  
Ephemeral Ponds ◽  
Spawning Sites ◽  
Habitat Variables

AbstractDifferences among wetlands can have important consequences on reproductive success of amphibians; therefore habitat selection is expected to be of particular importance for anurans inhabiting heterogeneous environments. To investigate if the red-belly toad (Melanophryniscus stelzneri; Anura: Bufonidae) uses available habitats differentially and to determine the main factors influencing the use of certain water bodies as breeding habitat, we surveyed 30 spawning sites used by red-belly toads, and 30 adjacent unused sites, in an area of the Sierras of Córdoba, Argentina. We evaluated the relative importance of morphological and biotic features of ponds, and the presence of other organisms within the water body on the use of ponds as breeding sites by red-belly toads. Eight habitat variables related to important water body features were recorded and were used to fit a habitat selection model with GLM. Red-belly toads presented a positive selection to mallines, a wetland characteristic of the Sierras of Córdoba. They were associated with small, shallow ephemeral ponds with muddy banks and a high percent of vegetation cover. In general, the ponds used did not host other anuran species or potential predators. Breeding site selection by red-belly toads is largely consistent with records for other species of the genus in other parts of Argentina.

scholarly journals A Survey of Water and Fertilizer Management During Cutting Propagation

2008 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 597-604 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn M. Santos ◽  
Paul R. Fisher ◽  
William R. Argo
Keyword(s):  
New Hampshire ◽  
Irrigation Water ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Nutrient Supply ◽  
Water Volume ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Fertilizer Management ◽  
Considerable Potential ◽  
Cutting Propagation ◽  
Water Volumes

The objective of this study was to quantify water volume and nutrient content leached during propagation of herbaceous cuttings in commercial greenhouses. Nutrient concentrations in the fertigation solution, substrate, tissue, and leachate were measured between Jan. and Mar. 2006 at eight greenhouse locations in Michigan, Colorado, New Hampshire, and New Jersey. Grower management of the timing and concentration of nutrients applied to vegetatively grown calibrachoa (Calibrachoa ×hybrida) or petunia (Petunia ×hybrida) liner trays varied among the eight locations, ranging from 0.5 to 80 mg·L−1 nitrogen (N) in week 1 and from 64 to 158 mg·L−1 N in week 4. Over a 4-week crop period, applied nutrients averaged 4.9 g·m−2 N, 0.8 g·m−2 phosphorus (P), and 5.8 g·m−2 potassium (K), and leached nutrients averaged 1.1 g·m−2 N, 0.3 g·m−2 P, and 1.6 g·m−2 K. Leaching of nutrients and irrigation water was highly variable among locations. Leached water volumes ranged from 4.5 to 46.1 L·m−2 over 4 weeks and contained 0.29 to 1.81 g·m−2 N, 0.11 to 0.45 g·m−2 P, and 0.76 to 2.86 g·m−2 K. The broad range in current commercial fertigation practices, including timing of nutrient supply, concentration of applied fertilizer, and leaching volume, indicate considerable potential to improve efficiency of water and fertilization resources during propagation and reduce runoff.

Habitat selection in the Pampa de Achala toad, Bufo achalensis

2007 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 129-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriela Jofré ◽  
Christopher Reading ◽  
Ismael di Tada
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Habitat Type ◽  
Breeding Site ◽  
Breeding Sites ◽  
Larval Survivorship ◽  
Stream Bank ◽  
Granite Outcrops ◽  
Tussock Grassland ◽  
Management Plans

AbstractHabitat selection in adult and juvenile Bufo achalensis was studied at La Ciénaga Stream, Pampa de Achala, Central Argentina from December 1998 to October 2001. Habitat preference was evaluated by comparing the observed use of each habitat type with its availability. Juveniles were surveyed on 32 occasions between January 1999 and March 2001 using 13 permanent transects. The effect of cattle on larval survivorship was also evaluated. Most adult and juvenile B. achalensis occurred within 300 m of each side of the breeding site stream. No correlation was found between body size and distances moved. Juveniles and adults selected granite outcrops after the breeding season and avoided the heavily grazed areas. Adults also selected the stream and used tall tussock grassland in proportion to its availability. Juveniles used loose, flat, relatively small stones as shelters whilst adults used larger rocks. The presence of cattle at the breeding sites directly reduced larval survivorship by trampling, and indirectly through sediment deposition at the breeding sites resulting from increased stream bank erosion. The habitat preferences of B. achalensis suggest that long term cattle grazing also affects them adversely through deterioration of their transition habitat from tall tussock grassland to short sward. Future conservation management plans for B. achalensis must include the protection of the breeding sites and the surrounding terrestrial area if they are to be effective.

Comparação de testes coproparasitológicos em criadouro comercial de psitacídeos exóticos

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
pp. 100-107
Author(s):  
Marina Camargo de Sousa ◽  
◽  
Julia Ronzani Vial ◽  
Rodrigo Hidalgo Friciello Teixeira ◽  
Andrea Cristina Higa Nakaghi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Clinical Importance ◽  
Breeding Site ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Fecal Samples ◽  
Breeding Sites ◽  
Specificity And Sensitivity ◽  
Nematode Eggs ◽  
Commercial Breeding

Birds of the psittaciform order, composed by the Psittacidae and Loridae family have several characteristics making them more frequently kept as companion animals, promoting the increase of breeding sites in Brazil. The present study aimed to analyze the specificity and sensitivity of three different coproparasitological tests, Willis, Hoffman and Direto de feces, through statistical tests: Chi-Square and Kappa. 70 fecal samples of exotic parrots were collected from a commercial breeding site and these were submitted to the three tests, totaling 210 coproparasitological exams. Among the tests performed, 29,5% were positive for nematode eggs, cestodes and oocysts. Coproparasitological exams are inexpensive, have clinical importance, indicating the population of endoparasites and therapeutic treatments.

Spray Volume, Canopy Density, and Other Factors Involved in Thinner Efficacy

HortScience ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 553d-553
Author(s):  
C.R. Unrath
Keyword(s):  
Tree Height ◽  
Tree Canopy ◽  
Tree Size ◽  
Water Volume ◽  
Canopy Density ◽  
The North ◽  
Run Off ◽  
Tree Canopies ◽  
Average Water ◽  
Water Volumes

Historically, most airblast chemical applications to apple orchards used a single “average” water volume, resulting in variability of coverage with tree size and also the greatest variable in chemical thinning. This coverage variability can be eliminated by properly quantifying the tree canopy, as tree row volume (TRV), and relating that volume to airblast water rate for adequate coverge. Maximum typical tree height, cross-row limb spread, and between-row spacing are used to quantify the TRV. Further refinement is achieved by adjusting the water volume for tree canopy density. The North Carolina TRV model allows a density adjustment from 0.7 gal/1000 ft3 of TRV for young, very open tree canopies to 1.0 gal/1000 ft3 of TRV for large, thick tree canopies to deliver a full dilute application for maximum water application (to the point of run-off). Most dilute pesticide applications use 70% of full dilute to approach the point of drip (pesticide dilute) to not waste chemicals and reduce non-target environmental exposure. From the “chemical load” (i.e., lb/acre) calculated for the pesticide dilute application, the proper chemical load for lower (concentrate) water volumes can be accurately determined. Another significant source of variability is thinner application response is spray distribution to various areas of the tree. This variability is related to tree configuration, light, levels, fruit set, and natural thinning vs. the need for chemical thinning. Required water delivery patterns are a function of tree size, form, spacing, and density, as well as sprayer design (no. of nozzles and fan size). The TRV model, density adjustments, and nozzle patterns to effectively hit the target for uniform crop load will be addressed.

scholarly journals Biological and environmental factors associated with risk of schistosomiasis mansoni transmission in Porto de Galinhas, Pernambuco State, Brazil

2013 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 357-367 ◽  
Author(s):  
Onicio Batista Leal Neto ◽  
Elainne Christine de Souza Gomes ◽  
Fernando José Moreira de Oliveira Junior ◽  
Rafael Andrade ◽  
Diego Leandro Reis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Infection Rate ◽  
Breeding Site ◽  
Transmission Risk ◽  
Host Snail ◽  
Breeding Sites ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Snail Density ◽  
One Year ◽  
Transmission Foci

Schistosomiasis has expanded to the coast of Pernambuco State, Brazil, where there are frequent reports of Biomphalaria glabrata snails and human cases of the disease. This study analyzes factors related to schistosomiasis transmission risk in Porto de Galinhas. A one-year malacological survey was conducted to identify biological, abiotic, and environmental factors related to the host snail breeding sites. Data analysis used Excel 2010, GTM Pro, and ArcGis 10. A total of 11,012 B. glabrata snails were captured in 36 breeding sites, and 11 schistosomiasis transmission foci were identified. A negative correlation was found between breeding site temperature and snail density and infection rate, and a positive correlation with pH and salinity. The rainy season showed a positive correlation with snail density and infection rate. The study emphasizes the factors involved in the maintenance of schistosomiasis breeding sites, in light of persistence of this disease in Porto de Galinhas for more than 10 years.

scholarly journals Comparação de testes coproparasitológicos em criadouro comercial de psitacídeos exóticos

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
pp. 100-107
Author(s):  
Marina Camargo de Sousa ◽  
◽  
Julia Ronzani Vial ◽  
Rodrigo Hidalgo Friciello Teixeira ◽  
Andrea Cristina Higa Nakaghi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Clinical Importance ◽  
Breeding Site ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Fecal Samples ◽  
Breeding Sites ◽  
Specificity And Sensitivity ◽  
Nematode Eggs ◽  
Commercial Breeding

Birds of the psittaciform order, composed by the Psittacidae and Loridae family have several characteristics making them more frequently kept as companion animals, promoting the increase of breeding sites in Brazil. The present study aimed to analyze the specificity and sensitivity of three different coproparasitological tests, Willis, Hoffman and Direto de feces, through statistical tests: Chi-Square and Kappa. 70 fecal samples of exotic parrots were collected from a commercial breeding site and these were submitted to the three tests, totaling 210 coproparasitological exams. Among the tests performed, 29,5% were positive for nematode eggs, cestodes and oocysts. Coproparasitological exams are inexpensive, have clinical importance, indicating the population of endoparasites and therapeutic treatments.

Breeding site selection by coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in relation to large wood additions and factors that influence reproductive success

2014 ◽  
Vol 71 (10) ◽  
pp. 1498-1507 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven M. Clark ◽  
Jason B. Dunham ◽  
Jeffrey R. McEnroe ◽  
Scott W. Lightcap
Keyword(s):  
Site Selection ◽  
Coho Salmon ◽  
Oncorhynchus Kisutch ◽  
Breeding Site ◽  
Large Wood ◽  
Fitness Components ◽  
Breeding Sites ◽  
Habitat Features ◽  
Egg Incubation ◽  
Wide Range

The fitness of female Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) with respect to breeding behavior can be partitioned into at least four fitness components: survival to reproduction, competition for breeding sites, success of egg incubation, and suitability of the local environment near breeding sites for early rearing of juveniles. We evaluated the relative influences of habitat features linked to these fitness components with respect to selection of breeding sites by coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch). We also evaluated associations between breeding site selection and additions of large wood, as the latter were introduced into the study system as a means of restoring habitat conditions to benefit coho salmon. We used a model selection approach to organize specific habitat features into groupings reflecting fitness components and influences of large wood. Results of this work suggest that female coho salmon likely select breeding sites based on a wide range of habitat features linked to all four hypothesized fitness components. More specifically, model parameter estimates indicated that breeding site selection was most strongly influenced by proximity to pool-tail crests and deeper water (mean and maximum depths). Linkages between large wood and breeding site selection were less clear. Overall, our findings suggest that breeding site selection by coho salmon is influenced by a suite of fitness components in addition to the egg incubation environment, which has been the emphasis of much work in the past.

scholarly journals Insecticidal Activity of Bacteria from Larvae Breeding Site with Natural Larvae Mortality: Screening of Separated Supernatant and Pellet Fractions

Pathogens ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 486 ◽  
Author(s):  
Handi Dahmana ◽  
Didier Raoult ◽  
Florence Fenollar ◽  
Oleg Mediannikov
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Insecticidal Activity ◽  
Breeding Site ◽  
Bacterial Strains ◽  
Activity Prediction ◽  
Pcr Screening ◽  
Breeding Sites ◽  
Insecticide Activity ◽  
New Compounds

Mosquitoes can transmit to humans devastating and deadly pathogens. As many chemical insecticides are banned due to environmental side effects or are of reduced efficacy due to resistance, biological control, including the use of bacterial strains with insecticidal activity, is of increasing interest and importance. The urgent actual need relies on the discovery of new compounds, preferably of a biological nature. Here, we explored the phenomenon of natural larvae mortality in larval breeding sites to identify potential novel compounds that may be used in biological control. From there, we isolated 14 bacterial strains of the phylum Firmicutes, most of the order Bacillales. Cultures were carried out under controlled conditions and were separated on supernatant and pellet fractions. The two fractions and a 1:1 mixture of the two fractions were tested on L3 and early L4 Aedes albopictus. Two concentrations were tested (2 and 6 mg/L). Larvae mortality was recorded at 24, 48 and 72 h and compared to that induced by the commercialized B. thuringiensis subsp. israelensis. Of the 14 strains isolated, 11 were active against the A. albopictus larvae: 10 of the supernatant fractions and one pellet fraction, and mortality increased with the concentration. For the insecticide activity prediction in three strains of the Bacillus cereus complex, PCR screening of the crystal (Cry) and cytolytic (Cyt) protein families characteristic to B. thuringiensis subsp. israelensis was performed. Most of the genes coding for these proteins’ synthesis were not detected. We identified bacterial strains that exhibit higher insecticidal activity compared with a commercial product. Further studies are needed for the characterization of active compounds.

Female Choice and Male Courtship Behaviour in the Beaugregory Damselfish

Behaviour ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 141 (4) ◽  
pp. 391-405 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Female Choice ◽  
Individual Variation ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Breeding Site ◽  
Male Courtship ◽  
Egg Survival ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Breeding Sites ◽  
Experimental Group

AbstractDuring courtship in the beaugregory (Stegastes leucostictus), a coral reef fish, males turn the dorsal half of their bodies from dull brown to bright yellow, and perform a series of rapid dipping movements in front of females. To look for evidence that females select males on the basis of these characteristics, we provided males with artificial breeding sites in the field, measured their reproductive success, and videotaped courtship. Reproductive success was measured by monitoring both the number and size of egg clutches present in the breeding site that was defended by the male. Both unmanipulated and experimentally induced courtship events were videotaped in separate groups of 88 (of which 32 were videotaped courting females) and 30 males, respectively. Experimental induction of courtship was done by placing a female in a clear plastic cylinder 0.5 m away from the breeding site of a territorial male; each of the 30 males received 8 different female presentations, but never more than one a day, and with a different female every time. We compared (i) the cumulative amount of eggs and number of clutches with the amount of yellow colouration and dipping rate for individual males in both the observational and experimental groups, (ii) individual variation in percentage yellow and dipping rate (for the experimental group only) with reproductive success on the same day when courtship was videotaped, and (iii) egg survivorship (ratio of final to early stage eggs) with yellow colouration and dipping rate, to see if these characteristics indicate male parental ability. Individual variation in courtship characteristics was not correlated with reproductive success on that day. In contrast, however, mean values of percentage yellow and dip rate were correlated with both the number of clutches and amount of eggs, for both the observational and experimental group of males, indicating that females preferentially spawn with males that have the brightest yellow colouration and the highest dip rate. Percentage yellow colouration was correlated with egg survival in the unmanipulated males, but not in the experimental group, while dipping rate was not correlated with egg survival in either group. We argue here that female assessment of male courtship is part of a complex process of female choice, in which females either simultaneously or sequentially examine territorial, breeding site, and male characteristics, and thereby attempt to enhance the survivorship of their offspring.

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