Effects of environmental factors on the behaviour and nest group sizes of Smith's bush squirrels, Paraxerus cepapi, in a Zambezian bioregion

The responses of wildlife to environmental factors are of conservation importance. However, the absence of relevant information due to inadequate studies, and lack of understanding of the influences of environmental factors on wildlife, particularly in the Zambezian bioregion, remain a conservation concern. For instance, there is a shortage of knowledge on the relationship between fixed effects of environmental factors and behaviour as well as nest group sizes of Smith’s bush squirrels, Paraxerus cepapi Smith, 1836. Our study examined the relationship between fixed effects of several environmental factors (i.e., with focus on ecological factors) and the behaviour as well as nest group sizes of the bush squirrels in and around Zambia’s Chembe Bird Sanctuary (CBS). Flight initiation distances (FIDs) as an index of bush squirrel behaviour, and nest group sizes were simultaneously surveyed to understand the drivers of biological and population responses, respectively. The results revealed that higher tree height (m) and larger canopy coverage (%) could increase FIDs for bush squirrels. The nest group sizes of bush squirrels could also increase with canopy coverage (%) and presence of termite mounds. By focusing on the two different squirrels' responses, the results of this study highlight the most important environmental factors to consider in minimizing the impacts of human activities on bush squirrels, especially in conservation planning and management by taking into consideration the bush squirrels’ natural history, habitat protection and safe distance between humans and bush squirrels.

The Role of Marital Satisfaction and Perceived Social Support on Depression of Empty and Full Nest Elderly

Background: Elderly psychopathology has a special significance that nest status (living with or without offspring) can make it more complicated. This study aimed to assess predictors of depression in the elderly empty and nonempty nest. Methods: This correlational descriptive-casual and effect research was conducted in elderly day care centers, some city locations such as parks and streets, and retirement department of administrations and companies. Participants who answered 7 of 10 questions of Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT) were entered into the research. 274 valid questionnaires were selected from 350 questionnaires distributed between older adults 60 years old and older. The sample was selected by sampling availability but location and population variations were considered. To collect the data we used the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale (12 items, MSPSS), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), and Marital Satisfaction Index (IMS). Regression analysis was performed to analyze the data. Results: Depression was negatively correlated with marital satisfaction and all subscales of MSPSS in both groups (empty and nonempty nest). In the empty nest group, the correlation of depression and family (-0.552), significant others (-0.372), and friends (-201) support, and marital satisfaction (+0.552) were significant (p < 0.01). In the full nest group, the correlation of depression and family (-0.435), and friends (-0.385) support was significant (p < 0.01). Also correlation of depression and significant others (0.279) support, and marital satisfaction (-0.424) were significant (p < .05). In the empty nest group, marital satisfaction and family support reversely predicted depression. In the full nest group marital satisfaction reversely predicted depression. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that considering nest status in elderly depression is important and the type and power of variables in predicting depression in empty and full nest elderly are different. The findings of this study can have significant implications for geriatric health professionals.

Social organisation of the northern giant mouse lemur Mirza zaza in Sahamalaza, north western Madagascar, inferred from nest group composition and genetic relatedness

Shelters such as leaf nests, tree holes or vegetation tangles play a crucial role in the life of many nocturnal mammals. While information about characteristics and availability of these resources may help in conservation planning, nest use gives an indication about a species’ social organisation. The northern giant mouse lemur (Mirza zaza) is threatened by habitat loss within its restricted range. Our aim was to examine nest site preferences of M. zaza and to explore the species’ social organisation by examining sleeping site aggregation size and genetic relatedness within and between such aggregations. In the Ankarafa Forest inside Sahamalaza – Iles Radama National Park, northwestern Madagascar, we radio-tagged five male and three female M. zaza and followed them for 2.5 months during the dry season. We identified sleeping trees and observed animals during emergence in the evening and return in the morning. We compared sleeping trees and microhabitats around nest sites to trees and habitat used during nightly activity and to random sites. We found that nests were well covered by canopy, even during the dry season, and were located near the tree trunk a few meters below the tree top. Nest sites were characterised by large (> 30 cm DBH) and tall trees (>16 m) with many lianas. Up to four animals shared one to three group-exclusive nests for up to 50 days. Two of the nest groups included two and three males with fully developed testes. Relatedness data revealed that the adult males sharing nests were either unrelated or closely related. These data suggest that M. zaza is sleeping in social nest groups including multiple males, which is unusual among nocturnal strepsirrhines. Apart from protecting suitable sleeping trees and discouraging selective logging of large trees, we recommend conducting further studies on the species’ social organisation throughout an entire season.

Comparative Studies On the Reproductive Behaviour of Two Closely Related Weaver Bird Species (Ploceus Cucullatus and Ploceus Nigerrimus) and Their Races

I. This paper provides quantitative data on the precise differences in breeding behaviour between two closely related weaver bird species, some of which function in reproductive isolation. 2. Ploceus cucullatus (7 races) and P. nigerrimus (2 races) have a wide broadly sympatric distribution in West, Central and East Africa south of the Sahara. P. nigerrimus is restricted to forest fringe and secondary growth around cultivation in forest lands while cucullatus, in addition to these, inhabits humid savannah and riverine areas in arid country. In one locality hybridisation has been reported. The races of each species are partially allopatric with interbreeding in zones of overlap. 3. The birds breed in crowded colonies and are polygamous, the males constructing up to five nests successively and acquiring a number of females. Each male defends a territory around his nest group. 4. Territorial behaviour in cucullatus consists of "supplants", "song bows" and "lunging matches" and the posturing is particularly static. In nigerrimus more mobile behaviour