Spontaneous ingestion of water by a free-ranging maned sloth, Bradypus torquatus, in the Ibura National Forest, northeastern Brazil

Behaviour ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Natasha Moraes de Albuquerque ◽  
Juan Ruiz-Esparza ◽  
Patrício Adriano da Rocha ◽  
Raone Beltrão-Mendes ◽  
Stephen Francis Ferrari
Keyword(s):  
Water Sources ◽  
Northeastern Brazil ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
National Forest ◽  
Complete Understanding ◽  
Local Conditions ◽  
Mature Leaves ◽  
Access To Water ◽  
Free Ranging

Abstract Water is an important limiting factor in the ecology of many animals, and even in rainforests, arboreal mammals, such as sloths, may have limited access to water sources. Here, we describe the spontaneous ingestion of water by a free-ranging three-toed sloth (Bradypus torquatus). The event occurred in the Ibura National Forest, in northeastern Brazil, where a sub-adult B. torquatus was monitored over three days in January, 2014. On the third day, the sloth was feeding on mature leaves and, at 16:22 h, it began raining heavily. Once the rain ceased, the sloth began to ingest the rainwater trickling down a vertical branch by licking it, and continued to ingest water for approximately 26 minutes. This behaviour indicates that the water was a valuable resource for this sloth, and sheds new light on the previous assumptions that these animals are able to satisfy their water requirements through their diet alone. This observation, together with an overview of the data on the ingestion of water by arboreal mammalian folivores, indicates that the direct ingestion of water may depend on specific local conditions, in particular, the availability of water sources, as well as the specific necessities of the mammal. As the lack of previous records of this behaviour in sloths is likely due to the cryptic behaviour of these animals, this finding highlights the importance of continuous, long-term behavioural monitoring for a more complete understanding of sloth ecology.

scholarly journals Transforming a Liability into an Asset: A System Dynamics Model for Free-Ranging Dog Population Management

Systems ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 56
Author(s):  
Urmila Basu Mallick ◽  
Marja H. Bakermans ◽  
Khalid Saeed
Keyword(s):  
System Dynamics ◽  
Social Integration ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
System Dynamics Model ◽  
Dynamics Model ◽  
Innovative Strategies ◽  
Management Context ◽  
Free Ranging ◽  
Social Rewards

Using Indian free-ranging dogs (FRD) as a case study, we propose a novel intervention of social integration alongside previously proposed methods for dealing with FRD populations. Our study subsumes population dynamics, funding avenues, and innovative strategies to maintain FRD welfare and provide societal benefits. We develop a comprehensive system dynamics model, featuring identifiable parameters customizable for any management context and imperative for successfully planning a widescale FRD population intervention. We examine policy resistance and simulate conventional interventions alongside the proposed social integration effort to compare monetary and social rewards, as well as costs and unintended consequences. For challenging socioeconomic ecological contexts, policy resistance is best overcome by shifting priority strategically between social integration and conventional techniques. The results suggest that social integration can financially support a long-term FRD intervention, while transforming a “pest” population into a resource for animal-assisted health interventions, law enforcement, and conservation efforts.

scholarly journals The role of JrPPOs in the browning of walnut explants

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shugang Zhao ◽  
Hongxia Wang ◽  
Kai Liu ◽  
Linqing Li ◽  
Jinbing Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tissue Culture ◽  
Production Efficiency ◽  
Phenolic Content ◽  
Leaf Tissue ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Mature Leaves ◽  
Survival Percentage ◽  
Highly Active ◽  
Young Leaves

Abstract Background Tissue culture is an effective method for the rapid breeding of seedlings and improving production efficiency, but explant browning is a key limiting factor of walnut tissue culture. Specifically, the polymerization of PPO-derived quinones that cause explant browning of walnut is not well understood. This study investigated explants of ‘Zanmei’ walnut shoot apices cultured in agar (A) or vermiculite (V) media, and the survival percentage, changes in phenolic content, POD and PPO activity, and JrPPO expression in explants were studied to determine the role of PPO in the browning of walnut explants. Results The results showed that the V media greatly reduced the death rate of explants, and 89.9 and 38.7% of the explants cultured in V media and A media survived, respectively. Compared with that of explants at 0 h, the PPO of explants cultured in A was highly active throughout the culture, but activity in those cultured in V remained low. The phenolic level of explants cultured in A increased significantly at 72 h but subsequently declined, and the content in the explants cultured in V increased to a high level only at 144 h. The POD in explants cultured in V showed high activity that did not cause browning. Gene expression assays showed that the expression of JrPPO1 was downregulated in explants cultured in both A and V. However, the expression of JrPPO2 was upregulated in explants cultured in A throughout the culture and upregulated in V at 144 h. JrPPO expression analyses in different tissues showed that JrPPO1 was highly expressed in stems, young leaves, mature leaves, catkins, pistils, and hulls, and JrPPO2 was highly expressed in mature leaves and pistils. Moreover, browning assays showed that both explants in A and leaf tissue exhibited high JrPPO2 activity. Conclusion The rapid increase in phenolic content caused the browning and death of explants. V media delayed the rapid accumulation of phenolic compounds in walnut explants in the short term, which significantly decreased explants mortality. The results suggest that JrPPO2 plays a key role in the oxidation of phenols in explants after branch injury.

Is the water permit system a panacea or a bed of inefficiency? The case of South Africa

Water Policy ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 570-584 ◽  
Author(s):  
Devi Datt Tewari ◽  
Saidou Baba Oumar
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Water Distribution ◽  
Water Markets ◽  
Water Management System ◽  
Administrative Costs ◽  
System A ◽  
Access To Water ◽  
License System ◽  
Institutional Efficiency

Although South Africa has adopted a very modern permit/license system to control access to water as a resource, the attainment of the lofty objectives (efficiency, equity and sustainability) of the National Water Act of 1998 depends on two critical factors: (1) the institutional efficiency of the water management system; and (2) the development of water markets and their efficient functioning. This study lists a number of concerns that the Act is not geared to resolve efficiently or in a timely manner. These concerns include the high administrative costs of implementation, poor incentives for long-term investments, bureaucratic inefficiency, practical problems in water pricing and adaptability to climate change threat. There is a need to re-think the ways and means with which to make water distribution more efficient in the country. One possible solution would be to develop water markets in the country.

scholarly journals The effect of long-term ovariectomy on midbrain stress systems in free ranging macaques

2012 ◽  
Vol 1488 ◽  
pp. 24-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cynthia L. Bethea ◽  
Arubala P. Reddy
Keyword(s):  
Free Ranging

scholarly journals The Observatorio Astronómico Nacional - Tonantzintla: Site Evaluation

2009 ◽  
Vol 5 (S260) ◽  
Author(s):  
H.M. Hernández-Toledo ◽  
L.A. Martínez-Vázquez ◽  
A. Pani-Cielo
Keyword(s):  
Ccd Photometry ◽  
Local Conditions ◽  
Astronomy Education ◽  
Site Evaluation ◽  
New Instrumentation ◽  
Sky Conditions ◽  
Alternative Solutions ◽  
Term Monitoring

AbstractThe objective of this contribution is to present some results of an evaluation on the local conditions at the site that were considered in order to propose that the Observatorio Astronómico Nacional, Tonantzintla, (OAN-Tonantzintla) become a National Facility for Astronomy Education. The evaluation included a quantitative diagnostic (CCD photometry) on the quality of the local sky. The attributes of the 1-m telescope, the current instrumentation and a well planned upgrading that includes new instrumentation is considered at the basis for a successful transition maintaining the attractiveness of the site for astronomy education. A 3-year upgrading program actually in progress at UNAM is providing funding for that purpose. Physics and astronomy programs at college and graduated levels at UNAM will benefit from this, yielding clear connections among astronomy researchers and educators and students at various levels. Although the OAN-Tonantzintla faces the danger of deteriorating its sky conditions, we are maintaining awareness of the night sky characteristics in long-term monitoring campaigns and encouraging the local authorities to find alternative solutions to this problem.

scholarly journals Long-Term Projections of the Natural Expansion of the Pine Wood Nematode in the Iberian Peninsula

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 849
Author(s):  
Begoña de la Fuente ◽  
Santiago Saura
Keyword(s):  
Iberian Peninsula ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Average Rate ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Pine Wood Nematode ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Pine Wood ◽  
Pine Tree ◽  
Informative Content

The invasive pine wood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, causal agent of pine wilt disease, was first reported in Europe, near Lisbon, in 1999, and has since then spread to most of Portugal. We here modelled the spatiotemporal patterns of future PNW natural spread in the Iberian Peninsula, as dispersed by the vector beetle Monochamus galloprovincialis, using a process-based and previously validated network model. We improved the accuracy, informative content, forecasted period and spatial drivers considered in previous modelling efforts for the PWN in Southern Europe. We considered the distribution and different susceptibility to the PWN of individual pine tree species and the effect of climate change projections on environmental suitability for PWN spread, as we modelled the PWN expansion dynamics over the long term (>100 years). We found that, in the absence of effective containment measures, the PWN will spread naturally to the entire Iberian Peninsula, including the Pyrenees, where it would find a gateway for spread into France. The PWN spread will be relatively gradual, with an average rate of 0.83% of the total current Iberian pine forest area infected yearly. Climate was not found to be an important limiting factor for long-term PWN spread, because (i) there is ample availability of alternative pathways for PWN dispersal through areas that are already suitable for the PWN in the current climatic conditions; and (ii) future temperatures will make most of the Iberian Peninsula suitable for the PWN before the end of this century. Unlike climate, the susceptibility of different pine tree species to the PWN was a strong determinant of PWN expansion through Spain. This finding highlights the importance of accounting for individual tree species data and of additional research on species-specific susceptibility for more accurate modelling of PWN spread and guidance of related containment efforts.

scholarly journals Summer Watering Patterns of Mule Deer in the Great Basin Desert, USA: Implications of Differential Use by Individuals and the Sexes for Management of Water Resources

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew V. Shields ◽  
Randy T. Larsen ◽  
Jericho C. Whiting
Keyword(s):  
Water Resources ◽  
Great Basin ◽  
Mule Deer ◽  
Free Water ◽  
Water Sources ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Mountain Range ◽  
Great Basin Desert ◽  
Water Developments ◽  
Conservation And Management

Changes in the abundance and distribution of free water can negatively influence wildlife in arid regions. Free water is considered a limiting factor for mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) in the Great Basin Desert. Consequently, a better understanding of differential use of water by individuals and the sexes could influence the conservation and management of mule deer and water resources in their habitats. We deployed remote cameras at all known water sources (13 wildlife water developments and 4 springs) on one mountain range in western Utah, USA, during summer from 2007 to 2011 to document frequency and timing of water use, number of water sources used by males and females, and to estimate population size from individually identified mule deer. Male and female mule deer used different water sources but visited that resource at similar frequencies. Individual mule deer used few water sources and exhibited high fidelity to that resource. Wildlife water developments were frequently used by both sexes. Our results highlight the differing use of water sources by sexes and individual mule deer. This information will help guide managers when siting and reprovisioning wildlife water developments meant to benefit mule deer and will contribute to the conservation and management of this species.

Long-term observations of spontaneous electrical activity of the uterine smooth muscle

1959 ◽  
Vol 196 (2) ◽  
pp. 343-350 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Y. Kao
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Electrical Activity ◽  
Action Potentials ◽  
Local Conditions ◽  
Pregnant Uterus ◽  
Implanted Electrodes ◽  
Spontaneous Electrical Activity ◽  
Myometrial Cells ◽  
Uterine Smooth Muscle

The spontaneous electrical activity of uterine smooth muscle was rather variable when acute observations were made. Therefore, a series of chronic experiments was performed with implanted electrodes to monitor a group of myometrial cells under different physiological conditions for periods up to eight weeks. The results showed that consistent behavior of myometrial cells could be observed provided similar hormonal status was maintained. Action potentials were rare or absent in myometrium of oophorectomized animals but were caused to appear by estrogen. In the pregnant uterus, action potentials increased both in amplitude and frequency of discharge as parturition approached, reached a peak at that time, and then declined in the postpartum days. The results indicated that in estrogen treatment and in parturition activities of myometrial cells were more synchronous. There was suggestive evidence that there were central impulses initiating activity in the pregnant uterus, and that the responses of the myometrium were affected by the local conditions.

scholarly journals Local soil quality assessment of north-central Namibia: integrating farmers' and technical knowledge

SOIL ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brice Prudat ◽  
Lena Bloemertz ◽  
Nikolaus J. Kuhn
Keyword(s):  
Soil Quality ◽  
Soil Degradation ◽  
Clay Content ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Technical Knowledge ◽  
Local Conditions ◽  
North Central ◽  
Local Soil ◽  
Soil Units

Abstract. Soil degradation is a major threat for farmers of semi-arid north-central Namibia. Soil conservation practices can be promoted by the development of soil quality (SQ) evaluation toolboxes that provide ways to evaluate soil degradation. However, such toolboxes must be adapted to local conditions to reach farmers. Based on qualitative (interviews and soil descriptions) and quantitative (laboratory analyses) data, we developed a set of SQ indicators relevant for our study area that integrates farmers' field experiences (FFEs) and technical knowledge. We suggest using participatory mapping to delineate soil units (Oshikwanyama soil units, KwSUs) based on FFEs, which highlight mostly soil properties that integrate long-term productivity and soil hydrological characteristics (i.e. internal SQ). The actual SQ evaluation of a location depends on the KwSU described and is thereafter assessed by field soil texture (i.e. chemical fertility potential) and by soil colour shade (i.e. SOC status). This three-level information aims to reveal SQ improvement potential by comparing, for any location, (a) estimated clay content against median clay content (specific to KwSU) and (b) soil organic status against calculated optimal values (depends on clay content). The combination of farmers' and technical assessment cumulates advantages of both systems of knowledge, namely the integrated long-term knowledge of the farmers and a short- and medium-term SQ status assessment. The toolbox is a suggestion for evaluating SQ and aims to help farmers, rural development planners and researchers from all fields of studies understanding SQ issues in north-central Namibia. This suggested SQ toolbox is adapted to a restricted area of north-central Namibia, but similar tools could be developed in most areas where small-scale agriculture prevails.

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