scholarly journals Feeding ecology of the culpeo in southern Ecuador: wild ungulates being the main prey

2017 ◽  
Vol 86 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Guntiñas ◽  
Jorge Lozano ◽  
Rodrigo Cisneros ◽  
Carlos Narváez ◽  
Jorge Armijos
Keyword(s):  
Temporal Variation ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Wild Ungulates ◽  
Diet Diversity ◽  
Wiener’S Index ◽  
Relative Contribution ◽  
Southern Ecuador ◽  
Carnivorous Species ◽  
First Time ◽  
Andean Fox

This study details for the first time the food habits of the culpeo or Andean fox (Lycalopex culpaeus) in high areas of the Ecuadorian Andes during a complete annual cycle. Our objective was to identify prey species, calculate their contribution to diet and test for temporal variation. In total, 304 Andean fox scats were collected within the Podocarpus National Park (Loja province, southern Ecuador). By analysing the content of scats 413 prey items were identified and classified into eight prey groups. Sub-sequently, the frequency of occurrence (FO) for each prey group was calculated per month together with the relative contribution of estimated consumed biomass (CB). In addition, the Shannon-Wiener’s index was calculated as a measurement of monthly diet diversity. The results show a diet dominated by cervids belonging to the Mazama and Pudu genus (70% FO), followed by small mammals (30% FO), large rodents (12% FO), carnivorous species (10% FO) and lagomorphs (8% FO). There was temporal variation in the consumption of both deer and small mammals. Cervids also provided the major part of the consumed biomass (70% CB), the remaining prey categories each accounted for less than 11% CB. Negative correlations in consumption were observed between cervids and two other groups, rabbits and small mammals. Trophic diversity values fluctuated throughout the year showing a mean of 1.7. The results obtained show a diets very different from those previously reported; deer being the bulk of the diet instead of rodents or other mammals. The consumption of carnivorous species in the area was also high in comparison with other regions. Overall, this study clearly demonstrates that the culpeo is an important top predator in the high-Andean ecosystem.

scholarly journals Fauna of gamasina mites (Gamasoidea) of small mammals of a natural region «Samarskaya Luka»

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 57-63
Author(s):  
Irina Anatol’evna Sorokopud
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
Water Vole ◽  
Separate Species ◽  
Natural Region ◽  
Mole Vole ◽  
Ecological Complex ◽  
Tundra Vole ◽  
First Time ◽  
Samarskaya Luka

Data on fauna of gamasina mites parasitizing on small mammals are provided in article. Data are obtained during long-term monitoring of an ecological complex of small mammals of a natural and territorial complex Samarskaya Luka, which is realized since 1999. Also data on fauna of gamasina mites in 14 years of researches (2000-2003, 2005, 2007-2015 years), including literary data about the gamasina mites of this territory, are generalized and analysed. Specific accessory of 7439 individuals of mites, seven childbirth of three families relating to fifteen types is defined. Parasitizing the gamasina mites on 16 species of small mammals, including groups rodents, soricomorpha, carnivora (least weasel) is established. Domination of separate species of mites is revealed, so to eudominant Laelaps hilaris and Hirstionyssus isabellinus are belong, dominants are - Hirstionyssus ellobii , Haemolaelaps glasgowi , Hyperlaelaps arvalis , L. agilis . Myonyssus rossicus , L. algericus , Haemogamasus ambulans and Hirstionyssus macedonicus were extremely rare species met in single copies. For the first time for this territory types of H. ellobii , L. micromydis , H. ambulans , H. macedonicus are noted. Conclusions on degree of a confinedness of parasites to certain types of hosts are drawn. Monohostal types: L. agilis (the host - a yellow-necked mouse), L. muris (the host - a tundra vole and a water vole), L. micromydis (the host - a small mouse), L. algericus (the host - a house mouse), H. arvalis (the host - a tundra vole and a water vole), H. ellobii (the host - a northern mole vole). Polihostal: H. musculi , L. hilaris , H. isabellinus , H. glasgowi , E. stabularis , H. nidi .

scholarly journals Small mammals from Miri, northeastern region of Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo: note on new locality records

Check List ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 1863 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nursyafiqah Shazali ◽  
Sultana Parvin Habeebur Rahman ◽  
Nurul Farah Diyana Ahmad Tahir ◽  
Rafik Murni ◽  
Nurshilawati Abdul Latip ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
Small Mammal ◽  
National Park ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
Northeastern Region ◽  
First Time ◽  
Mammal Diversity ◽  
Malaysian Borneo

Small mammal surveys were conducted at Niah National Park, Lambir Hills National Park and Gunung Mulu National Park, Miri Division, in the northeastern region of Sarawak, using ground-level and canopy mist-nets, harp traps, and cage traps. The main objective of these surveys was to assess small mammal diversity in the northeastern region of Sarawak. Gunung Mulu National Park recorded the highest diversity of small mammals with 29 species, followed by Niah National Park with 19 species, and Lambir Hills National Park, 17 species. These surveys revealed nine new locality records for Miri, including eight bat species (Dyacopterus spadiceus, Megaerops wetmorei, Nycteris tragata, Hipposideros cineraceus, Hesperoptenus blanfordi, Kerivoula pellucida, Murina suilla and Myotis muricola)and a squirrel (Sundasciurus brookei). Megaerops wetmorei is also reported for the first time in Sarawak.

New evidence for mammal pollination of Protea species (Proteaceae) based on remote-camera analysis

2016 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. C. Zoeller ◽  
S.-L. Steenhuisen ◽  
S. D. Johnson ◽  
J. J. Midgley
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
Remote Cameras ◽  
Flower Visitation ◽  
Flowering Season ◽  
Pollen Vectors ◽  
Remote Camera ◽  
Flower Visiting ◽  
Mus Minutoides ◽  
First Time ◽  
New Evidence

Flower visitation by small mammals is difficult to observe directly on account of their sensitivity to human presence and the nocturnal activity of some species. Their role in pollination has, thus, been inferred mostly from analysis of fur and faecal pollen loads of field-trapped animals. The development of motion-activated remote cameras allows for unprecedented insights into natural behaviours of small mammals on flowers. We used remote cameras to assess the identity of flower visitors, and the frequency and timing of their visitation to flower heads of four poorly studied Protea species (P. cordata, P. decurrens P. scabra and P. subulifolia) that were predicted to be rodent-pollinated on the basis of floral traits. Camera footage revealed that small mammals (typically three to six rodent species per Protea species) were frequent visitors to flower heads over one flowering season, making up 100% of visits to P. cordata and P. subulifolia, 98% of visits to P. decurrens, and 90% of visits to P. scabra. Rodents that are known pollinators of other ground Protea species, such as Acomys subspinosus, Micaelamys namaquensis and Rhabdomys pumulio, were observed to make contact with reproductive parts of the flowers, but further work would be required to demonstrate unequivocally that they are the main pollen vectors of these species. Mus minutoides was recorded for the first time to frequently visit inflorescences of P. subulifolia. Other visitors included genets that visited P. scabra inflorescences to lick nectar off florets, and birds that were relatively infrequent visitors to all species. Together with recent literature, the present study has shown that the utilisation of remote cameras in pollination studies provides an efficient, discreet method for observing vertebrate flower-visiting behaviour.

scholarly journals Non-volant small mammals (Rodentia and Didelphimorphia) diversity in an isolated area of the Serra da Mantiqueira, Minas Gerais state, Brazil

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 643-662
Author(s):  
Michel Barros Faria ◽  
Rayque De Oliveira Lanes ◽  
Cibele Rodrigues Bonvicino
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
Minas Gerais ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
Minas Gerais State ◽  
Extreme North ◽  
Oligoryzomys Flavescens ◽  
First Time ◽  
Excellent Tool ◽  
High Diversity ◽  
Southeastern Atlantic

The southeastern Atlantic Forest of the Zona da Mata Mineira is located in the extreme north of Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The Serra da Mantiqueira, is a mountainous region with a high diversity of small non-volant mammal species, several of which are rare species or endemic lineages. The presence of cryptic species in small mammals makes the karyotype an excellent tool for identification and detection of new lineages. We analyzed the karyotype of 14 species: 11 rodents – Abrawayaomys ruschii, Akodon cursor, Blarinomys breviceps, Delomys sublineatus, Juliomys ossitenuis, Oligoryzomys nigripes, Oligoryzomys flavescens, Oxymycterus dasytrichus, Rhipidomys tribei, Sooretamys angouya, and Thaptomys nigrita; and three marsupials – Monodelphis scalops, Philander quica, and Marmosops incanus. We described for the first time the fundamental autosomal number and the morphology of sex chromosomes of Abrawayaomys ruschii, a rare sigmodontine species, and described a new karyotype for Blarinomys. The revision of published karyotypes of the species herein studied enabled the expansion of the geographic distribution of Oligoryzomys nigripes and Delomys sublineatus.

scholarly journals Appetite regulating genes may contribute to herbivory versus carnivory trophic divergence in haplochromine cichlids

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ehsan P Ahi ◽  
Anna Duenser ◽  
Pooja Singh ◽  
Wolfgang Gessl ◽  
Christian Sturmbauer
Keyword(s):  
East African ◽  
Complex Behaviour ◽  
Haplochromine Cichlids ◽  
Cichlid Species ◽  
African Great Lakes ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Carnivorous Species ◽  
And Control ◽  
First Time ◽  
The Brain

Feeding is a complex behaviour comprised of satiety control, foraging, ingestion and subsequent digestion. Cichlids from the East African Great Lakes are renowned for their diverse trophic specializations, largely predicated on highly variable jaw morphologies. Thus, most research has focused on dissecting the genetic, morphological and regulatory basis of jaw and teeth development in these species. Here for the first time we explore another aspect of feeding, the regulation of appetite related genes that are expressed in the brain and control satiety in cichlid fishes. Using qPCR analysis, we first validate stably expressed reference genes in the brain of six haplochromine cichlid species at the end of larval development prior to foraging. We next evaluate the expression of 16 appetite related genes in herbivorous and carnivorous species from the parallel radiations of Lake Tanganyika, Malawi and Victoria. Interestingly, we find increased expression of two anorexigenic genes, cart and npy2r, in the brain of carnivorous species in all the lakes. This supports the notion that herbivory compared to carnivory requires stronger appetite stimulation in order to feed larger quantity of food and to compensate for the relatively poorer nutritional quality of a plant- and algae-based diet. Our study contributes to the limited body of knowledge on the neurological circuitry that controls feeding transitions and adaptations and in cichlids and other teleosts.

Fascioloides magna (Bassi, 1875) Ward, 1917 (Trematoda) in woodland caribou, Rangifer tarandus caribou (Gmelin), of northeastern Quebec, and its distribution in wild ungulates in Canada

1971 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 280-281 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. P. E. Choquette ◽  
G. G. Gibson ◽  
B. Simard
Keyword(s):  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus Caribou ◽  
Wild Ungulates ◽  
Woodland Caribou ◽  
New Host ◽  
Fascioloides Magna ◽  
First Time

Fascioloides magna (Bassi, 1875) Ward, 1917 was found in a new host, woodland caribou, Rangifer tarandus caribou (Gmelin), for the first time in Quebec, in eastern Ungava. The distribution of F. magna in wild ungulates in Canada is reviewed.

scholarly journals Atractiellomycetes belonging to the ‘rust’ lineage (Pucciniomycotina) form mycorrhizae with terrestrial and epiphytic neotropical orchids

2009 ◽  
Vol 277 (1685) ◽  
pp. 1289-1298 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ingrid Kottke ◽  
Juan Pablo Suárez ◽  
Paulo Herrera ◽  
Dario Cruz ◽  
Robert Bauer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Land Plants ◽  
Its2 Region ◽  
Tropical Mountain ◽  
Mycorrhizal Associations ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Southern Ecuador ◽  
Hyphal Coils ◽  
Septal Pores ◽  
First Time

Distinctive groups of fungi are involved in the diverse mycorrhizal associations of land plants. All previously known mycorrhiza-forming Basidiomycota associated with trees, ericads, liverworts or orchids are hosted in Agaricomycetes, Agaricomycotina. Here we demonstrate for the first time that Atractiellomycetes, members of the ‘rust’ lineage (Pucciniomycotina), are mycobionts of orchids. The mycobionts of 103 terrestrial and epiphytic orchid individuals, sampled in the tropical mountain rainforest of Southern Ecuador, were identified by sequencing the whole ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region and part of 28S rDNA. Mycorrhizae of 13 orchid individuals were investigated by transmission electron microscopy. Simple septal pores and symplechosomes in the hyphal coils of mycorrhizae from four orchid individuals indicated members of Atractiellomycetes. Molecular phylogeny of sequences from mycobionts of 32 orchid individuals out of 103 samples confirmed Atractiellomycetes and the placement in Pucciniomycotina, previously known to comprise only parasitic and saprophytic fungi. Thus, our finding reveals these fungi, frequently associated to neotropical orchids, as the most basal living basidiomycetes involved in mycorrhizal associations of land plants.

scholarly journals Lessons learnt from the first EMEP intensive measurement periods

2012 ◽  
Vol 12 (17) ◽  
pp. 8073-8094 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Aas ◽  
S. Tsyro ◽  
E. Bieber ◽  
R. Bergström ◽  
D. Ceburnis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mineral Dust ◽  
Inorganic Compounds ◽  
Measurement Data ◽  
Chemical Compositions ◽  
Aerosol Composition ◽  
Diurnal Variability ◽  
Relative Contribution ◽  
Lessons Learnt ◽  
Pm10 And Pm2.5 ◽  
First Time

Abstract. The first EMEP intensive measurement periods were held in June 2006 and January 2007. The measurements aimed to characterize the aerosol chemical compositions, including the gas/aerosol partitioning of inorganic compounds. The measurement program during these periods included daily or hourly measurements of the secondary inorganic components, with additional measurements of elemental- and organic carbon (EC and OC) and mineral dust in PM1, PM2.5 and PM10. These measurements have provided extended knowledge regarding the composition of particulate matter and the temporal and spatial variability of PM, as well as an extended database for the assessment of chemical transport models. This paper summarise the first experiences of making use of measurements from the first EMEP intensive measurement periods along with EMEP model results from the updated model version to characterise aerosol composition. We investigated how the PM chemical composition varies between the summer and the winter month and geographically. The observation and model data are in general agreement regarding the main features of PM10 and PM2.5 composition and the relative contribution of different components, though the EMEP model tends to give slightly lower estimates of PM10 and PM2.5 compared to measurements. The intensive measurement data has identified areas where improvements are needed. Hourly concurrent measurements of gaseous and particulate components for the first time facilitated testing of modelled diurnal variability of the gas/aerosol partitioning of nitrogen species. In general, the modelled diurnal cycles of nitrate and ammonium aerosols are in fair agreement with the measurements, but the diurnal variability of ammonia is not well captured. The largest differences between model and observations of aerosol mass are seen in Italy during winter, which to a large extent may be explained by an underestimation of residential wood burning sources. It should be noted that both primary and secondary OC has been included in the calculations for the first time, showing promising results. Mineral dust is important, especially in southern Europe, and the model seems to capture the dust episodes well. The lack of measurements of mineral dust hampers the possibility for model evaluation for this highly uncertain PM component. There are also lessons learnt regarding improved measurements for future intensive periods. There is a need for increased comparability between the measurements at different sites. For the nitrogen compounds it is clear that more measurements using artefact free methods based on continuous measurement methods and/or denuders are needed. For EC/OC, a reference methodology (both in field and laboratory) was lacking during these periods giving problems with comparability, though measurement protocols have recently been established and these should be followed by the Parties to the EMEP Protocol. For measurements with no defined protocols, it might be a good solution to use centralised laboratories to ensure comparability across the network. To cope with the introduction of these new measurements, new reporting guidelines have been developed to ensure that all proper information about the methodologies and data quality is given.

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