The distribution of the Redshank Tringa totanus in the winter range

An analysis of the ringing recoveries of the Redshank and a new method of obtaining computer recoveries based on measurements provide information on the wintering areas of the breeding population throughout the range of the species. Selection for size does not appear to take place in winter, as suggested by Salomonsen (1954) but in the breeding range. There is a close correlation between size and the minimum recorded temperature early in the breeding season.     

Breeding site fidelity and natal philopatry in the Redshank Tringa totanus

This paper presents the results of a study carried out on breeding Redshank in the Ribble Marshes, Lancashire, England.
Redshank tend to return to the same breeding area year after year. There was no detectable sex bias in return rates. Experienced birds were more site faithful than inexperienced birds, with previously successful birds exhibiting the highest degree of breeding site fidelity. Older, more experienced birds were more successful at hatching eggs than inexperienced birds.
Breeding dispersal was the same both within and between years. Faithful pairs and males nesting with a new mate dispersed significantly shorter distances than females nesting with a new partner. Dispersal distances in female Redshank were affected by breeding success: unsuccessful females, nesting with a new mate, dispersed significantly farther than successful females. A pair's breeding success influenced the following year's mate fidelity. However, other factors such as overwintering survival and date of return may also have influenced mate fidelity.
Redshank were highly faithful to their natal area; a high proportion of birds that survived post-fledging mortality returned to breed in their area of birth. No sex bias in natal dispersal was detected. Approximately 50% of Redshank breed in their first year of life.     

Adult survival and numbers in a coastal breeding population of Redshank Tringa totanus in northwest England

The results of a long-term capture-mark-recapture ringing programme carried out on a coastal population of breeding Redshanks Tringa totanus between 1974 and 1988 are presented.
Both sexes were equally likely to be recaptured in subsequent years, as were birds captured for the first time compared with those that had been captured previously. Older birds were more frequently recaptured than were young birds. There was no significant difference in male and female adult survival rates, with a mean of 72% of females and 75% of males surviving each year.
The breeding population fluctuated annually with estimated breeding densities of 122–285 pairs per km². Variation in breeding numbers (males), but not survival, was partially attributable to winter air temperature.     

Seasonal variation in the diet of South African Galagos

The feeding behavior and diet of two species of bushbaby, Galago senegalensisand Galago crassicaudatus,in South Africa were examined in relation to seasonal changes in climate. The populations studied were allopatric, but both fed predominantly on Acaciagum and invertebrates. Data on their diet were collected by direct observation of a radiocollared female of each species and by analysis of fecal samples. Differences in diet were found between the species within seasons and within species between the seasons. Both spent more time gum-feeding in winter than in summer. Prey size and type differed between the species in summer but converged in winter. The quantity of insects taken was fairly similar between seasons for G. senegalensisbut dropped considerably for G. crassicaudatusin winter. These observations are interpreted in terms of interspecific differences in feeding strategies, which are considered to be a function of the difference in body size of the two galago species.     

Seasonal variation of airborne fungal spore concentrations in a vineyard of North-West Spain

Conidial types collected daily in the air above a vineyard in northwest Spain were identified and counted. A total of 26 fungal spore types were recognised; ten of which (Cladosporium, Botrytis, Fusarium-Leptosphaeria type,Torula, Puccinia, Alternaria, Uncinula, Helminthosporium type,Agrocybe andStemphylium) gave a seasonal total concentration exceeding 1000 spores. Seasonal patterns are shown for 12 of the identified taxa.     

Seasonal variation in the invertebrate community and diet of a top fish predator in a thermally stable spring

Hydrobiologia - Many life-history events in aquatic invertebrates are triggered by seasonal changes in water temperature, but other ecological factors may be important as well. To rule out the...     

巴基斯坦旁遮普中部仓鸮食性的季节性变化

在巴基斯坦对仓鸮食性的季节变化进行了研究。通过分析连续3年在6个地区搜集的2 360个仓鸮回吐食物团,发现其食物主要是小型哺乳动物(95.6 %)。其中,家(Suncus murinus)有最高的比例,达65.6%(冬季最多78%,夏季最少27%)。就生物量而言,小型哺乳动物占仓鸮食物总生物量的99% 。     

DNA-based faecal dietary analysis: a comparison of qPCR and high throughput sequencing approaches

The genetic analysis of faecal material represents a relatively non-invasive way to study animal diet and has been widely adopted in ecological research. Due to the heterogeneous nature of faecal material the primary obstacle, common to all genetic approaches, is a means to dissect the constituent DNA sequences. Traditionally, bacterial cloning of PCR amplified products was employed; less common has been the use of species-specific quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays. Currently, with the advent of High-Throughput Sequencing (HTS) technologies and indexed primers it has become possible to conduct genetic audits of faecal material to a much greater depth than previously possible. To date, no studies have systematically compared the estimates obtained by HTS with that of qPCR. What are the relative strengths and weaknesses of each technique and how quantitative are deep-sequencing approaches that employ universal primers? Using the locally threatened Little Penguin (Eudyptula minor) as a model organism, it is shown here that both qPCR and HTS techniques are highly correlated and produce strikingly similar quantitative estimates of fish DNA in faecal material, with no statistical difference. By designing four species-specific fish qPCR assays and comparing the data to the same four fish in the HTS data it was possible to directly compare the strengths and weaknesses of both techniques. To obtain reproducible quantitative data one of the key, and often overlooked, steps common to both approaches is ensuring that efficient DNA isolation methods are employed and that extracts are free of inhibitors. Taken together, the methodology chosen for long-term faecal monitoring programs is largely dependent on the complexity of the prey species present and the level of accuracy that is desired. Importantly, these methods should not be thought of as mutually exclusive, as the use of both HTS and qPCR in tandem will generate datasets with the highest fidelity.     

Comparison and quantification of carnivore diet by faecal analysis: a critique, with recommendations, based on a study of the Fox Vulpes vulpes

Failure to address many of the difficulties inherent in the analysis of carnivore faeces has hitherto limited the value of this technique in comparing carnivore diets or quantifying carnivore food consumption. In this review, major problems are discussed, and improved procedures designed to overcome them are recommended.
The principal improvements recommended for laboratory procedures address the microscopic fraction of faeces, which cannot be analysed visually. This fraction may be derived from a variety of sources, leading to bias in previous techniques, particularly with regard to the importance of earthworms and birds. Attention to the microscopic fraction is necessary for correct comparison or quantitative determination of diet.
Particular attention is given to statistical procedures which quantify the errors that arise in collection of samples, or during analysis. Clear statement of such errors will lead to greater comparability between studies. The procedures recommended here define the limits to accuracy in relation to sample size, total faecal production, and laboratory methods. In conjunction with adequate pilot studies, these techniques will allow more effective design of ecological studies relating to carnivore diet and food consumption.     

Internal transport of seeds by migratory waders in the Odiel marshes, south-west Spain: consequences for long-distance dispersal

Waders (Charadriiformes) undergo particularly long migratory flights, making them ideal vectors for long-distance dispersal. We present a study of dispersal of plant seeds by migratory waders in the Odiel saltworks in south-west Spain. This is the first field study to demonstrate excretion of viable seeds by waders. Viable seeds of Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum (Aizoaceae), Sonchus oleraceus (Asteraceae) and Arthrocnemum macrostachyum (Chenopodiaceae) were frequent in pellets and faeces of redshank Tringa totanus , spotted redshank Tringa erythropus , and black-tailed godwit Limosa limosa during spring and autumn migrations, but less frequent during winter. Another 11 seed types were recorded at low density. More intact M. nodiflorum seeds were present in redshank faeces than in their pellets, but seeds extracted from pellets were more likely to germinate. More S. oleraceus seeds were transported per redshank pellet in spring, but more redshank migrated through the area in autumn. The distributions of the plants transported are consistent with an important role for long-distance dispersal by waders. M. nodiflorum and S. oleraceus are introduced weeds in the Americas and Australasia, and dispersal by birds may contribute to their rapid spread. Although S. oleraceus is generally thought to be wind-dispersed, birds may be responsible for longer distance dispersal events.     

Seasonal variation in abundance of total and pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteria in oysters along the southwest coast of India

The seasonal abundance of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in oysters from two estuaries along the southwest coast of India was studied by colony hybridization using nonradioactive labeled oligonucleotide probes. The density of total V. parahaemolyticus bacteria was determined using a probe binding to the tlh (thermolabile hemolysin) gene, and the density of pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus bacteria was determined by using a probe binding to the tdh (thermostable direct hemolysin) gene. Furthermore, the prevalence of V. parahaemolyticus was studied by PCR amplification of the toxR, tdh, and trh genes. PCR was performed directly with oyster homogenates and also following enrichment in alkaline peptone water for 6 and 18 h. V. parahaemolyticus was detected in 93.87% of the samples, and the densities ranged from <10 to 10(4) organisms per g. Pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus could be detected in 5 of 49 samples (10.2%) by colony hybridization using the tdh probe and in 3 of 49 samples (6.1%) by PCR. Isolates from one of the samples belonged to the pandemic serotype O3:K6. Twenty-nine of the 49 samples analyzed (59.3%) were positive as determined by PCR for the presence of the trh gene in the enrichment broth media. trh-positive V. parahaemolyticus was frequently found in oysters from India.     

Leader of the pack: faecal pellet deposition order impacts PCR amplification in wombats

DNA sourced from faeces is notoriously less reliable than that from tissue. Hence, understanding whether faecal pellet quality varies within faecal piles may be important for sample selection. We hypothesized that the order in which faecal pellets are deposited may influence microsatellite polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification success from sampled faeces, more specifically, that first pellets deposited will have signatures of greater success than later ones. In a first test of the hypothesis, first and later-deposited pellets, as determined from the direction of footprints, were collected from fresh (overnight) faecal piles of northern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus krefftii). DNA extracts were typed for seven microsatellite loci. We found that faecal deposition order significantly affected optical density of bands on autoradiographs (a measure of PCR amplification success) when the first faecal pellet was compared with the last one, but not when the first pellet was only distinguishable from later ones. The absence of a difference in amplification rate between first and later pellets is likely a reflection of the overall high amplification success in this study. That first pellets deposited yield more product suggests they contain more intestinal cells. Although further comparisons are needed, these results may inform sample selection in species for which success of microsatellite PCR amplification of faecal DNA is low. Deposition order may have more of an impact on amplification success and genotyping errors as faecal age increases.     

Spatial and temporal fluctuations in presence and use of chironomid prey by shorebirds in the Odiel saltpans, south-west Spain

We studied the seasonal variation in abundance and distribution of shorebirds and chironomid Chironomus salinarius larvae in both traditional and industrial salines in the Odiel marshes, south-west Spain, in 2001. We selected 12 ponds that were representative of the different phases of the salt production process. The benthic chironomids were sampled in each pond every 2 months, and the birds were counted weekly. Chironomid larvae were most abundant in spring and autumn, and in the ponds of lower salinity. The density of larvae averaged 7023 ± 392 m⁻² (±SE) over the six sampling events. Shorebirds were always more abundant at high tide than at low tide, and were especially abundant during the spring and autumn migration periods when up to 20,775 birds were counted. A total of 24 species were recorded, six of which were present in internationally important numbers. The salines were especially important as foraging and roosting habitat during migration. The percentage of birds that were feeding in the ponds was positively correlated with the abundance of chironomid larvae at accessible depths. The number of feeding birds was also higher in ponds with more chironomid larvae available. Despite more intensive management, industrial salines held higher densities of birds and a similar abundance of chironomids when compared with traditional salines.     

Seasonal variation and the immune response: a fish perspective

The environment in which an animal lives affects the physiology and psychology of that animal. The greater the distance from the equator the more profound this influence becomes, as the environment becomes more variable over the years. Temperature, photoperiod, precipitation and other environmental conditions, which are directly or indirectly controlled by the season, can affect an animal. It is becoming apparent that these conditions may impact on the immune system, and this can affect animal health. This review looks at the known mechanisms for transducing environmental cues and how these can affect immune parameters and function. The main focus is fish, especially in relation to aquaculture and the associated disease risks. Work on other animal classes is included for comparison.     

Seasonal variation, weather and behavior in day-care children: a multilevel approach

This study analyzes the effect of weather variables, such as solar radiation, indoor and outdoor air temperature, relative humidity and time spent outdoor, on the behavior of 2-year-old children and their affects across different seasons: winter, spring and summer. Participants were a group of 61 children (33 males and 28 females) attending four day-care centers in Florence (Central Italy). Mean age of children at the beginning of the study was 24.1 months (SD?=?3.6). We used multilevel linear analyses to account for the hierarchical structure of our data. The study analyzed the following behavioral variables: Activity Level, Attentional Focusing, Frustration, and Aggression. Results showed a different impact of some weather variables on children’s behavior across seasons, indicating that the weather variable that affects children’s behavior is usually the one that shows extreme values during the studied seasons, such as air temperature and relative humidity in winter and summer. Studying children and their reactions to weather conditions could have potentially wide-reaching implications for parenting and teaching practices, as well as for researchers studying social relationships development.     

Seasonal variation in net carbon exchange and evapotranspiration in a Brazilian rain forest: a modelling analysis

Tropical rain forests account for a significant fraction of global net primary productivity, and are important latent energy (LE) sources, affecting extra-tropical atmospheric circulation. The influence of environmental factors on these fluxes has until recently been poorly understood, largely due to a paucity of data, but in recent years the amount of available data has been increased greatly by use of eddy covariance techniques. In this paper we examine the factors that control daily and seasonal carbon (C) and LE fluxes, by comparing a detailed model of the soil–plant–atmosphere continuum against a unique long-term data-set collected using eddy covariance at an undisturbed rain forest site north of Manaus, Brazil. Our initial application of the model was parametrized with simple measurements of canopy structure, and driven with local meteorological data. It made effective predictions of C and LE exchange during the wet season, but dry season predictions were overestimates in both cases. Sensitivity analyses indicated that the best explanation for this behaviour was a seasonal change in soil and root hydraulic resistances ( R _b). An optimization routine was then used to estimate the increase in R _b during the dry season that would be required to explain the reduced dry season fluxes. The local soil, a clay latosol, is typical of much of Amazônia, having very low available water and low hydraulic conductivity. We conclude that an increase in soil–root hydraulic resistance in the dry season introduces a significant seasonal cycle to carbon and water fluxes from this tropical forest. Furthermore, our model structure appears to be an effective tool for regional and temporal scaling of C and LE fluxes, with primary data requirements being regional and temporal information on meteorology, leaf area index (LAI), foliar N, critical leaf water potentials, and plant and soil hydraulic characteristics.     

Seasonal variation in occurrence of pulmonary embolism: analysis of the database of the Emilia-Romagna region, Italy

Seasonal variation in the occurrence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, including pulmonary embolism (PE), has been reported; however, recent large-scale, population-based studies conducted in the United States did not confirm such seasonality. The aim of this large-scale population study was to determine whether a temporal pattern in the occurrence of PE exists. The analysis considered all consecutive cases of PE in the database of all hospital admissions of the Emilia Romagna region in Italy at the Center for Health Statistics between January 1998 and December 2005. PE cases were first grouped according to season of occurrence, and the data were analyzed by the chi(2) test for goodness of fit. Then, inferential chronobiologic (cosinor and partial Fourier) analysis was applied to monthly data, and the best-fitting curve for the annual variation was derived. The total sample consisted of 19,245 patients (8,143 male, mean age 71.6+/-14.1 yrs; 11,102 female, mean age 76.1+/-13.7 yrs). Of these, 2,484 were <65 yrs, 5,443 were between 65 and 74, and 11,318 were > or = 75 yrs. There were 4,486 (23.3%) fatal-case outcomes. PE occurred least frequently in spring (n=4,442 or 23.1%) and most frequent in winter (n=5,236 or 27.2%, goodness of fit chi(2)=75.75, p<0.001). Similar results were obtained for subgroups formed by gender, age, fatal/non-fatal outcome, presence/absence of major underlying co-morbid conditions, and specific risk factors. Inferential chronobiological analysis identified a significant annual pattern in PE, with the peak between November and December for the total sample of cases (p<0.001), males (p<0.001), females (p=0.002), fatal and non-fatal cases (p<0.001 for both), and subgroups formed by age (<65 yrs, p=0.012; 65-74 yrs, p<0.001; > or = 75 yrs, p=0.012). This pattern was independent of the presence/absence of hypertension (p=0.003 and p<0.001, respectively), pulmonary disease (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively), stroke (p<0.001 and p=0.004, respectively), neoplasms (p=0.005 and p=0.001, respectively), heart failure (p=0.022 and p<0.001, respectively), and deep vein thrombosis (p=0.002 and p<0.001, respectively). However, only a non-statistically significant trend was found for subgroups formed by cases of diabetes mellitus, infections, renal failure, and trauma.