scholarly journals Diet composition of the Pharaoh Eagle Owl, Bubo ascalaphus (Strigiformes, Strigidae) in a Steppe region of Algeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 177-182
Author(s):  
Naceur Benamor ◽  
Toufik Guetouache ◽  
Farid Bounaceur
Keyword(s):  
Diet Composition ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Total Biomass ◽  
Food Items ◽  
Important Prey ◽  
Steppe Region ◽  
Eagle Owl ◽  
Western Algeria ◽  
North Western ◽  
Prey Items

Abstract The diet composition of Pharaoh Eagle Owl (Bubo ascalaphus) was investigated in a semiarid area of North-western Algeria. A total of 65 pellets regurgitated by the B. ascalaphus were analysed, 288 food items were composed primarily of mammal remains (4 rodents, 1 bat and insectivore, 93.7%), and 1 bird species (passerine, 6.3%). The most frequent prey among the mammals were rodents (83.3%), which included Mus musculus (59.7%), Meriones shawi (11.1%), Meriones libycus (11.1%) and Jaculus jaculus (1.4%). The rodents were the most important prey items in biomass (91.4%), M. shawi made up to 41.9% of the total biomass. We may conclude that the Pharaoh Eagle Owl relies, in its feeding, very broadly on small mammals, completed by other groups.

Population diet variation and individual specialization in the poison toad, Melanophryniscus rubriventris (Vellard, 1947)

2011 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 261-265 ◽  
Author(s):  
María Fernanda Quiroga ◽  
Marcos Vaira ◽  
Maria Ines Bonansea
Keyword(s):  
Entire Range ◽  
Diet Composition ◽  
Foraging Strategies ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Individual Specialization ◽  
Generalist Species ◽  
Defensive Strategies ◽  
Important Prey ◽  
Diet Variation ◽  
Prey Items

AbstractFew studies have investigated the level of individual variation in diet composition of poisonous frogs and toads. We compare the diet composition of three populations of a poisonous toad, Melanophryniscus rubriventris, and predicted that toads within a population might be constrained to forage on particular types of alkaloid-containing prey and consequently diets among populations might not diverge from each other. Most important prey categories in the diets of the three populations consisted of the same ground-dwelling arthropods. We found evidence for individuals consuming different arrays of prey types in all populations implying that this “generalist” species is actually comprised of individuals eating different sets of the available range of prey. Formicidae, Acari, and Coleoptera were all important alkaloid-containing prey items in the diets of all populations and individuals, although there were differences in their order of importance among populations and individuals use different sets of the entire range of alkaloid-containing preys. Future research should evaluate individual diet variation in other poisonous anurans taxa given that shifts in diet composition might have important implications for understanding the consequences of alternate foraging strategies in the evolution of defensive strategies among species.

scholarly journals Trophic ecology and foraging behavior of Tropidurus hispidus and Tropidurus semitaeniatus (Squamata, Tropiduridae) in a caatinga area of northeastern Brazil

2011 ◽  
Vol 101 (3) ◽  
pp. 225-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonardo B. Ribeiro ◽  
Eliza M. X. Freire
Keyword(s):  
Foraging Behavior ◽  
Diet Composition ◽  
Trophic Ecology ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Northeastern Brazil ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Lizard Species ◽  
Important Prey ◽  
Lepidopteran Larvae ◽  
Prey Items

This study aimed to analyze the seasonal variation in diet composition and foraging behavior of Tropidurus hispidus (Spix, 1825) and T. semitaeniatus (Spix, 1825), as well as measurement of the foraging intensity (number of moves, time spent stationary, distance traveled and number of attacks on prey items) in a caatinga patch on the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Hymenoptera/Formicidae and Isoptera predominated in the diet of both species during the dry season. Opportunistic predation on lepidopteran larvae, coleopteran larvae and adults, and orthopteran nymphs and adults occurred in the wet season; however, hymenopterans/Formicidae were the most important prey items. The number of food items was similar between lizard species in both seasons; however the overlap for number of prey was smaller in the wet season. Preys ingested by T. hispidus during the wet season were also larger than those consumed by T. semitaeniatus. Seasonal comparisons of foraging intensity between the two species differed, mainly in the wet season, when T. hispidus exhibited less movement and fewer attacks on prey, and more time spent stationary if compared to T. semitaeniatus. Although both lizards are sit-and-wait foragers, T. semitaeniatus is more active than T. hispidus. The diet and foraging behavior of T. hispidus and T. semitaeniatus overlap under limiting conditions during the dry season, and are segregative factors that may contribute to the coexistence of these species in the wet season.

scholarly journals Change in diet of the Eurasian eagle owl (Bubo bubo) suggests decline in biodiversity in Wadi Al Makhrour, Bethlehem Governorate, Palestinian Territories

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zuhair S. Amr ◽  
Elias N. Handal ◽  
Faysal Bibi ◽  
Mohammad H. Najajrah ◽  
Mazin B. Qumsiyeh
Keyword(s):  
Diet Composition ◽  
Rattus Rattus ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Bubo Bubo ◽  
Palestinian Territories ◽  
Black Rat ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Reptile Species ◽  
Eagle Owl ◽  
Meriones Tristrami

Abstract The diet of the Eurasian eagle owl (Bubo bubo) was studied in Wadi Al Makhrour, Bethlehem, Palestinian Territories in 2015 with fresh and several year old pellets. Three species of arthropods, one reptile species, at least four bird species, and six species of mammals were recovered from the studied pellets. Black rat (Rattus rattus) was the most common prey (37.0%), followed by the southern white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor) (29.4%) and birds (21.8%). Comparison of recent and older pellets showed change in diet composition. Recent pellets contained more Rattus rattus compared to older ones. Older pellets included more naturally-occurring species such as Meriones tristrami, Microtus guentheri, and Rousettus aegyptiacus, which were absent in newer pellets.

The association between diet of periurban wild dogs and zoonotic pathogen carriage

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lana Harriott ◽  
Matthew Gentle ◽  
Rebecca Traub ◽  
Ricardo J. Soares Magalhães ◽  
Rowland Cobbold
Keyword(s):  
Diet Composition ◽  
Prey Species ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Stomach Contents ◽  
Infection Status ◽  
Zoonotic Pathogens ◽  
Dietary Preference ◽  
Wildlife Populations ◽  
Wild Dogs ◽  
Prey Items

Established wildlife populations in periurban environments provide an opportunity to spread zoonotic pathogens within human-associated environments. Characteristics of prevalent pathogens harboured by periurban wild dogs suggest that dietary preference could influence their infection status; however, data comparing diet composition and pathogen presence are rarely available. We analysed the stomach contents of 170 periurban wild dogs (Canis familiaris) for the occurrence and biomass of prey items, and then associated this with their known infection status of key zoonotic pathogens. The staple prey items detected were mammalian prey species, most commonly swamp wallabies (Wallabia bicolor) (20.6±6.1%), canines (C. familiaris) (prey) (10.6±4.6%), eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) (10.0±4.5%), and deer (various species) (10.0±4.5%). Unidentified bird species (10.0±4.5%) were also common. Wild dogs that were positive for Echinococcus granulosus were significantly more likely to have consumed swamp wallabies. These findings demonstrate the importance of managing both the definitive and intermediate stages of E. granulosus, and suggest that diet correlates with pathogen presence in some cases. This information may assist the development of specific strategies to manage zoonotic pathogens of wild dogs, which are currently lacking.

Feeding ecology of Enteroctopus megalocyathus (Cephalopoda: Octopodidae) in southern Chile

2008 ◽  
Vol 88 (4) ◽  
pp. 793-798 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian M. Ibáñez ◽  
Javier V. Chong
Keyword(s):  
Diet Composition ◽  
Detrended Correspondence Analysis ◽  
Mantle Length ◽  
High Population Density ◽  
Southern Chile ◽  
Food Items ◽  
Gastric Contents ◽  
Prey Composition ◽  
Fishing Area ◽  
Prey Items

In this research we studied the diet of Enteroctopus megalocyathus from three principal locations of the octopus fishery (Ancud, Quellón and Melinka) in southern Chile. The gastric contents of 523 individuals, collected between October 1999 and September 2000, were examined and statistically analysed. Diet composition was described using detrended correspondence analysis and analysed as a function of predator gender, body size and fishing area. Food items were found in ~50% of the octopuses examined and a total of 14 prey items were recognized. The diet of E. megalocyathus consisted primarily in brachyuran and anomuran crustaceans, fish and conspecifics. The diet differed in composition between fishing zones and mantle length of the specimens and size of octopuses varied between locations. After adjusting for octopus mantle length, diet composition was found to be different between fishing areas. Large octopuses fed on large crabs at Ancud, while in Quellón and Melinka small octopuses fed mainly on small crustaceans. There were no differences in prey composition between the gender and the size of octopuses was a better predictor of the variance in the diet composition (16%) than the fishing zone (6%). Cannibalism may become an important issue when food is scarce and/or at high population density.

scholarly journals Density dynamics, diet composition and productivity of sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus L. population in central Poland

2018 ◽  
Vol 79 (3) ◽  
pp. 245-251 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jakub Gryz ◽  
Dagny Krauze-Gryz
Keyword(s):  
Columba Livia ◽  
Average Height ◽  
Total Biomass ◽  
Important Prey ◽  
Accipiter Nisus ◽  
Nesting Sites ◽  
Forest Mosaic ◽  
Term Monitoring ◽  
Prey Items

Abstract Long-term monitoring of raptor populations can serve as a proxy for the evaluation of whole ecosystem health. The aim of the study was to compare the current abundance of the sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus L. with data from past decades. Additionally, we examined the diet of this species in the breeding season and recorded the number of fledglings. The study area encompassed 105 km2 of field and forest mosaic, located in the vicinity of the Rogów village (51°49'17,98''N, 19°53'54,5''E). Forests covered approximately 24% of the area and formed eight individual complexes ranging in size from 65 ha to 1000 ha. In the years 2011–2017, an average of 20.1 sparrowhawk pairs were recorded resulting in a population density of 19.1 pairs per 100 km2 of total area and 8.2/10 km2 of forested area. This is an increase of 26% compared to the years 2001–2003, when only 16 pairs nested in the same study area. Each successful pair of sparrowhawk produced between one and five fledglings with the average being 3.4. Larch Larix spp. and Scots pine Pinus sylvestris L. dominated as nesting trees accounting for 36.9 and 35.9% of nesting sites respectively. The average age of the nesting trees was 31 years and nests were built at an average height of 11.7 m. The sparrowhawk diet was dominated by birds, which amounted to 81.5% of prey items and over 95% of the consumed biomass. Among the birds identified to the species level, the domestic pigeon Columba livia f. domestica Gm. constituted the biggest share in biomass. Further important prey items were starling Sturnus vulgaris L., with 5.6% of prey items and 9.8% of the total biomass, and hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes (L.), with 6.3% of prey items and 7.6% of the total biomass. Sparrowhawks also consumed significant numbers of thrush Turdus spp. that formed in total over 11% of the total consumed biomass. It would appear that the observed population growth was a result of prohibited persecution and the ban on DDT usage in agriculture.

scholarly journals Feeding habits of oriental sole (Brachirus orientalis) on the Bushehr coast of the Persian Gulf

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 175-185
Author(s):  
Dima Alghada ◽  
Yazdan Keivany ◽  
Fatemeh Paykan-Heyrati
Keyword(s):  
Coastal Waters ◽  
Persian Gulf ◽  
Diet Composition ◽  
Prey Species ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Important Prey ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
The Persian Gulf ◽  
Prey Items

AbstractThe feeding habits of oriental sole, Brachirus orientalis (Bloch & Schneider) were investigated using 300 male and female specimens collected from coastal waters of Bushehr Province (Persian Gulf) between June 2015 and July 2016. The total length of females and males ranged from 16.2 to 38.5 cm and 14.1 to 29.1 cm, respectively. Of the total number of stomachs examined, 225 were empty (vacuity index = 77%). This index varied significantly over the year (P < 0.05), with maximum values in April and September and minimum in October and May. The B. orientalis diet was composed of nine prey species belonging to five classes. The most important prey items were Crustacea and Mollusca (Bivalvia and Gastropoda). Diet composition showed little seasonal variation, and Crustacea, Bivalvia, and Gastropoda were the most important prey items in all seasons. Sex did not appear to have any significant effects on dietary composition, and the main prey items were consumed by both males and females (P > 0.05).

scholarly journals Deforestation May Trigger Black-and-Chestnut Eagle (Spizaetus isidori) Predation on Domestic Fowl

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 194008291983183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Sebastián Restrepo-Cardona ◽  
César Márquez ◽  
María Ángela Echeverry-Galvis ◽  
Félix Hernán Vargas ◽  
Diana M. Sánchez-Bellaizá ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Fowl ◽  
Forest Cover ◽  
Landscape Management ◽  
Domestic Animals ◽  
Educational Programs ◽  
Birds Of Prey ◽  
Total Biomass ◽  
Management Tools ◽  
Important Prey ◽  
Prey Items

In anthropogenically transformed habitats, some birds of prey feed on domestic animals, triggering conflict between people and predators. To manage this conflict, it is important to understand the ecological circumstances associated with the predation of domestic animals. We studied variation in the diet of the endangered Black-and-chestnut Eagle ( Spizaetus isidori) in four different Andean landscapes in Colombia. We analyzed 261 prey items brought to five S. isidori nests during the period when the nestlings were being raised. Domestic fowl are relatively frequent prey in the diet of S. isidori in three of the four localities studied (frequency: 9.3%–36%), representing 12.2% to 37.1% of the total biomass of prey consumed. In terms of biomass, in Ciudad Bolívar, Jardín, and Campohermoso, the sites with the greatest forest cover, mammals were the most important prey in the diet of S. isidori, while in Gachalá, the most deforested site, domestic fowl were the most important prey. We recommend that forest cover be maintained and increased to provide habitat for wild prey in the breeding territories of S. isidori using the landscape management tools best suited to the specific socioecological contexts of this eagle’s territories. We also suggest that the management of domestic fowl under controlled conditions or the use of some deterrent be examined as strategies to mitigate or prevent conflict between people and S. isidori. Socioecological research and educational programs should be carried out to increase the public’s understanding of this eagle and its benefits to the ecosystem.

Chemical composition, antibacterial and antioxidant activities of Juniperus oxycedrus essential oils from North Western Algeria

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 74-83
Author(s):  
Cherifa Zahaf ◽  
Djilali Achour ◽  
Meriem Mokhtar ◽  
Moussa Brada
Keyword(s):  
Essential Oils ◽  
Steam Distillation ◽  
Antioxidant Activities ◽  
Inhibition Zone ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Juniperus Oxycedrus ◽  
Germacrene D ◽  
Western Algeria ◽  
North Western ◽  
Β Carotene

The aim of the current study was to identify the essential oils of Juniperus oxycedrus from North Western Algeria (Mostaganem) by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometer (GC-MS), and to evaluate their antibac-terial and antioxidant activities. Extraction was carried out by two processes, hydrodistillation (HD) and steam distillation (SD). Analysis by GC-MS led to the identification of 38 components using both methods. HD was found to be the best process for the extraction of Juniperus essential oil, and the ma-jor identified compounds were: germacrene-D (38.28%), followed by α.-pinene (17.66%), and δ-cadinene (5.91%). In the antibacterial test, SD oil had a higher inhibitory effect. The strain Staphylococcus aureus was the most sensitive with an inhibition zone of 15.25 mm and a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.25 mg/mL. The antioxidant activity of J. oxycedrus es-sential oils obtained by HD was more important than SD (IC50= 19.52 mg/mL and IC50= 38.62 mg/mL) with DPPH and β-carotene bleaching tests respec-tively. Essential oils of J. oxycedrus could therefore represent good candidates to be used as antioxidant and antibacterial agents.

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