External characteristics and associated developmental changes in two species of Sulawesi macaques,Macaca tonkeana andM. hecki,with special reference to hybrids and the borderland between the species

The degree of intergradation between two species of Sulawesi macaques,Macaca tonkeana andM. hecki, was studied by examining the diagnostic external characteristics of more than 100 monkeys kept as pets by natives. Two possible hybrid monkeys were found and both originated from the borderland between the two species, located in the most proximal region of the northern peninsula of Sulawesi. The previously postulated wide area of integradation between the two species at the possible contact zone was, however, not recognized, and typical examples oftonkeana orhecki were found to be present on the two sides of a narrow “hybrid” zone which was defined by direct observations. Furthermore, despite considerable individual variations, we were able to allocate most monkeys to one or other of the species. Each of ten external characteristics of the members of both species more or less encompassed the individual variations, but may undergo changes with the development of the monkeys. The mechanisms of reproduction of hybrid monkeys and the maintenance of differences between the species are discussed.     

The borderlands and possible hybrids between three species of macaques,M. nigra,M. nigrescens,andM. hecki,in the northern peninsula of Sulawesi

The borderlands between three species of macaques,Macaca nigra, M. nigrescens, andM. hecki, which live on the northern peninsula of Sulawesi were surveyed mainly via observations of pet monkeys kept by local people. The borderlands between these species could be delineated. Some monkeys of peculiar appearance and/or with mixtures of the external characteristics of two species were found in the borderlands between the respective pairs of species. However, such possibly hybrid monkeys were seen or originated only in the very limited areas where the species might come into contact with each other.     

Look before leaping: foraging selectivity of capuchin monkeys on acacia trees in Costa Rica

Acacia trees in Costa Rica have an obligate mutualism with three species of Pseudomyrmex ants, which vigorously defend their host tree from insect and mammalian herbivores. Depending on the size and species of ant colony, individual acacia trees may be differentially protected. For animals able to discern between weakly and highly aggressive ant colonies, costs of ant stings from less active colonies might be offset by nutritional value acquired from feeding on acacia fruit or ant larvae in swollen thorns. We examined foraging selectivity of capuchin monkeys on acacia trees in Santa Rosa National Park, Costa Rica. We measured four characteristics of the acacia trees from which capuchins fed and of acacias immediately adjacent to those in which the monkeys fed: diameter at breast height (DBH), accessibility, species of closest tree and ant species present. We found that capuchins prefer to forage in acacias that are large and accessible. We also made two measurements of ant colony activity on each tree, one before and one after disturbing the ant colony. We found that the three species of mutualistic ants differ in baseline activity levels and that mutualistic ants are more active than non-mutualistic ant species found in acacia trees. We also found that capuchins foraged more frequently in trees colonized by non-mutualistic ants, but the explanatory value (r ²) of this model was low. Furthermore, monkeys did not discriminate between acacias on the basis of baseline ant activity or the ant colony’s response to disturbance. We conclude that these monkeys select acacia trees in which to forage based on characteristics of the trees rather than the ants. In addition, our study suggests that white-faced capuchins act as predators on the acacia ants but they probably benefit the dispersal and reproductive success of acacia trees. Capuchins may in fact function as an additional mutualistic partner for acacia trees via seed dispersal, but they must overcome the ants’ defense of the trees to do so.     

Prevalence of coccidia parasites (Protozoa) in red squirrels ( Sciurus vulgaris): effects of host phenotype and environmental factors

We investigated the relative importance of environmental factors versus host phenotype in determining parasite prevalence in Eurasian red squirrels ( Sciurus vulgaris). One hundred and forty-three fecal samples of 116 different squirrels collected in 2000 and 2001 from five study areas in the Italian Alps, were examined for intestinal protozoans. Two species of Eimeria were present with a medium to high prevalence in both years and in all areas, while two other species were rare, occurring only in some areas and not in all years. Cryptosporidium parvum had a high prevalence in the two study areas of the Western Alps, while in the three areas of the Central Alps it was recorded only once. The prevalence of Eimeria sciurorum and C. parvum fluctuated in parallel with squirrel density, suggesting a possible correlation between the presence of these protozoans and host density. A gender effect on E. sciurorum prevalence at low density could be explained by different space use patterns and social organization of males and females. C. parvum occurred more frequently in young squirrels, suggesting an acquired immunity in adults, but age-related susceptibility was not found for eimerian species. The coccidian community was more similar within than between regions, and study area and year were key parameters in predicting coccidia infection. There was no evidence of competition between coccidian species, but one positive interaction between E. sciurorum and E. andrewsi was observed. Our results suggest that the effects of geographic region, area features, and year effects probably related to fluctuations in host population density, were more important than individual phenotypic host characteristics in structuring the coccidian assemblage and determining levels of parasite prevalence in red squirrel populations.     

Reedbed structure and habitat preference of reed passerines during the post-breeding period

Post-breeding habitats of nine passerine species were studied in the permanently flooded reed beds of ponds near the village Pusté úlany (SW Slovakia) in 2002. Structural features of reed beds and the abundance of all birds studied were sampled at two sites and eight study plots. The reed bed structure and abundance of four passerines differed considerably between the individual study plots. The variations in vegetation structure were also caused by winter reed burning in the SE part of study area. Stems in burnt reed beds were smaller and thinner than unburnt. Abundance of the reed warbler and to a lesser extent sedge warbler was higher in tall reed beds, while the bearded tit preferred thick reed stems. Position of reed beds along the shore — open water gradient was an important factor in terms of abundance at the study plots in the case of the reed bunting. This species showed a strong preference for the reed bed edge with open water. Horizontal distribution of other species seems to be random, however, the birds with the exception of Savi’s warbler preferred the upper stratum of reed bed in vertical distribution. Our field data corroborate with those found in experimental studies concerning with ecomorphological characteristics of birds. Some inconsistencies, however, could also be caused by other factors (e.g. foraging preferences). Comparison of breeding and post-breeding habitat requirements of the studied bird species confirmed a more or less random distribution of the majority of species in the post-breeding period. Some variation was found in the cases of only the reed warbler and bearded tit.     

Report on the distribution,population, and ecology of the yunnan snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus bieti)

The Yunnan snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus bieti), an endangered species in China, has received more protection in theory than in practice. Therefore it is on the very verge of extinction. The population of the species was estimated less than 2,000 individuals spread in 19 distinct groups. It was confirmed that the monkey was confined to the Yunling Mountain System, the area between the Yangtze River (Changjiang, aka Jinshajiang) to the east and the Mekong River (Lancangjiang) to the west. We further concluded that a lowland belt to the east, about 100 km long and 20 – 30 km wide was not suitable habitat for the monkeys, and appeared to serve as the natural ecogeologic barrier for the species. Our results indicated that the southern limit of the distribution was at Longma (26°14′N), and that the northern limit of the distribution was at Xiaochangdu (29°20′N). The distribution area of the species was substantially smaller than previously estimated. There were substantial ecological differences between the southern and northern parts of the species range. The monkey was found only in fir-larch forest.     

Pollen-ovule ratios in some Neotropical Araceae and their putative significance

The correlation between pollen-ovule (P/O) ratio and breeding system has generally been analysed with respect either to pollination efficiency, or in terms of sex allocation theory. Pollen/ovule ratios were measured in nine species of Araceae belonging to two genera with bisexual flowers (Anaphyllopsis, Monstera) and three genera with unisexual flowers (Dieffenbachia, Philodendron, Montrichardia). The family Araceae with its unique inflorescence morphology allows the analysis of variations of the P/O ratio with respect to two basal morpho-functional pollination units: the flower or the inflorescence. We found a relationship between the value of the P/O ratio and the breeding system that is partially different from Cruden's results (1977). Some facultative xenogamous species have a higher P/O than the obligatory xenogamous species. A link was found between the P/O and the type of inflorescence, the floral cycle, and the mode of growth.     

Genetic variability in natural populations of the Brazilian night monkey (Aotus infulatus)

Seventy-one night monkeys from both banks of the Tocantins River in Brazilian Amazonia were examined for 12 blood protein loci. The results indicate remarkable differences between the subpopulations of the two banks for the CA2, PGD, and GPI polymorphic systems. The average heterozygosity values of Aotusfor the west and east bank populations were 2.2 and 5.9, respectively. These results and the difficulties in delimiting species in this genus may indicate a relatively recent spur of evolutionary differentiation.     

Diet and activity in black howler monkeys (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Alouatta pigra</Emphasis>) in southern Belize: does degree of frugivory influence activity level?

This study reports on the diet and activity budgets of Central American black howling monkeys (Alouatta pigra) at Monkey River, Belize. This is a previously unstudied population, close to the southern boundary of the species range, and it provides comparative data on A. pigra from a new study site. Both diet and activity are within the ranges reported for other A.pigra sites and for mantled howlers (A. palliata). No age-sex differences could be discerned in either diet or activity, though monthly variation was apparent. The monkeys switch from consuming leaves 86% of the time in January to March to consuming 67% fruit in April to July. This difference was statistically significant, and provided the opportunity to compare activity levels of the monkeys over two dietary periods, one characterized primarily by folivory, the other by frugivory. Howlers are often seen as a relatively inactive species, something that is associated with a low quality, folivorous diet. However, A. pigra have been described as being as frugivorous as possible and as folivorous as necessary. Yet, despite the opportunistic consumption of large quantities of high-energy foods, A. pigra has been observed as conforming to the howler lifestyle, resting as much as 80% of the day. The data in this paper support both of these reports. Black howlers at Monkey River Belize are typically inactive, maintaining high levels of inactivity even during months characterized by frugivory, suggesting that diet is more flexible and varied than is behavior and calling into question the assumption that howler inactivity is due to the digestion of large quantities of leaves.     

Chromosomal variation and zoogeography inAteles

Karyotypes are reported from 21 spider monkeys distributed among five taxa of the genus Ateles.G- and C- banding techniques revealed variations between taxa. Two variants were discovered for chromosome 5, for chromosome 7, and for the Y chromosome. Four forms of chromosome 6 were seen. The variations are all probably pericentric inversions. One individual was heteromorphic at position 6. The data are compared with prebanding reports of Ateleschromosomes and reports of five animals studied with banding techniques. The variation in Ateleschromosomes is similar in degree to that found in other ceboid genera. The variants may be related to forest refugia formed during the Plio-Pleistocene. Karyotyping of many New World primates is required to ensure a homogeneous experimental group.     

Not only size matters: Acorn selection by the European jay (Garrulus glandarius)

A strong selection for acorn characteristics is expected to have evolved in the mutualistic relationship between the European jay (Garrulus glandarius) and the oak (Quercus spp.). Bossema's pioneer work suggested that jays do not select acorns randomly, but rather they preferentially select some size and species. Preference for some seeds over others may have implications on plant community dynamics by conferring advantages (or disadvantages) on the selected (avoided) seed characteristics. In this paper we test to what extent jays select acorns by species and/or by size and the relation between these two traits in Mediterranean oak species. The experiments consist of a set of field tests in which acorns from four different coexisting Mediterranean oak species (Quercus ilex, Quercus faginea, Quercus suber, and Quercus coccifera) were placed in artificial feeders accessible to wild jays. The acorns were previously measured to control individual acorn characteristics. Using video-recording techniques, we followed jay activity and the fate of each acorn (sequence of acorn selection and method of transport). Q. ilex acorns were preferred over other acorns, and Q. coccifera acorns were avoided when other acorns were available. Preference for Q. faginea and Q. suber acorns was intermediate, that is, they were preferred over Q. coccifera acorns but not over Q. ilex acorns. Large acorns were also preferred although acorn species selection was stronger than size selection. Jays selected species and size both by visual means and by using acorn area as an indicator of size. Acorns wider than 17–19 mm were carried in the bill because of throat limitation. Our results confirm Bossema's study on temperate oaks and extend it to Mediterranean oak species, revealing implications on mixed oak forest dynamics.     

Reliability of the emotions profile index,primate form,withPapio hamadryas,Macaca fuscata,and twoSaimiri species

An evaluation of the reliability of the Emotions Profile Index (EPI), primate form, was carried out using two captive species of Old World monkeys (Papio hamadryas andMacaca fuscata) and two species (?) of New World monkeys (Saimiri sciureus andS. boliviensis). Observers, some familiar with the animals and some unfamiliar, rated members of the four groups at different times. Inter-rater reliability was high for most members of all species, but only when the observers were familiar with the animals. Assessments remained stable over at least one year.     

Spawning season, ovarian development and fecundity of female Trichomycterus corduvense (Osteichthyes, Siluriformes)

We studied female reproductive biology of Trichomycterus corduvense. The study was carried out in the Anizacate River (Córdoba, Argentina). Samples were collected throughout one year on a monthly basis. Seven oocyte phases were identified. Five ovarian stages were described based on the macroscopic analysis of the oocyte phases. The spawning season for the species ranges from October to February; it was determined based on variations in GSI and the existence of mature females. The dynamics of oocyte development of T. corduvense, indicated the asynchronism of maturation. The correlation coefficient between fecundity and the individual weight was very low. Therefore, we suggest that this coefficient cannot be used to predict T. corduvense fecundity.     

江西赣江源区域两栖动物的群落组成和物种多样性特征

赣江发源于武夷山脉南段西麓的高山岭间,该区域独特的地理环境和气候特征蕴育了丰富的生物多样性。然而关于该区域两栖动物群落组成和物种多样性调查非常匮乏,不利于赣江源头两栖动物物种多样性的保护。于2016年4-9月期间在江西赣江源区域采用样线法调查了两栖动物的资源状况、群落组成及物种多样性特征,比较了它们在山地森林区、丘陵森林与农田区和盆地农田区3类栖息地之间的差异性。结果表明：赣江源区域分布有8科23种两栖动物,新增记录3个物种,包括尖舌浮蛙、寒露林蛙和九龙棘蛙,泽陆蛙和饰纹姬蛙为优势种。赣江源区域的两栖动物群落组成和物种多样性存在显著的季节间差异和栖息地间差异;两栖动物季节性繁殖是造成前者差异的主要因素,而土地利用类型、栖息地特征、空间距离、生活习性的物种特性等因素成就了后者差异的出现。因此,春、夏季一般有比秋季见到更高的两栖动物物种丰富度和多样性;山地森林区的两栖动物物种丰富度和多样性最高,盆地农田区次之,丘陵森林与农田区的最低。山地森林区应成为赣江源区域两栖动物多样性保护的优先区域。国家Ⅱ级重点保护野生动物虎纹蛙,在3类栖息地中均有分布,且在盆地农田区和山地森林区能见到更多个体,但农田区分布的虎纹蛙遭受到更大的威胁,建议加强对农田区虎纹蛙及其栖息地的保护。     

Ploidy level and origin of the European invasive weed Senecio inaequidens (Asteraceae)

Native to South-Africa, species of the Senecio inaequidens complex are presently invasive in Europe, Australia and South-America. Previously, different ploidy levels have been found in these different areas, with only tetraploid individuals reported in Europe, and only diploids in South-Africa and Australia. In the present study chromosome counts and flow cytometry were used to survey DNA ploidy levels in a large sample of 66 native and 21 European invasive populations. One Mexican individual was also added to the study. We found only tetraploid individuals occurring in Europe, whereas both ploidy levels, diploid and tetraploid, were found in South-Africa. Moreover, based on genome size, we suggest that two largely allopatric varieties of diploids exist in South-Africa. The Mexican individual was diploid. We suggest that European tetraploid individuals come from South-Africa and hypothesize that a hybridization event between the two DNA types of diploids occurred in the Lesotho area. The taxonomic difficulties surrounding species of theS. inaequidens complex are briefly discussed.     

Rhizobium tropici nodulates field-grown Phaseolus vulgaris in France

Two hundred and eighty seven isolates of Rhizobium nodulating Phaseolus vulgaris L. were sampled in France from four geographically distant field populations. They were characterized by their colony morphology and by plasmid profiles. A representative sample was further characterized: a) by the ability of each isolate to nodulate a potential alternative host Leucaena leucocephala and to grow on specific media, and b) by RFLP analysis of PCR amplified 16S rRNA genes. On the basis of their phenotypic and genetic characteristics the isolates could be assigned either to Rhizobium leguminosarum bv phaseoli, or to R. tropici. The two species co-occurred at three sites. R. leguminosarum bv phaseoli represented 2%, 4%, 72% and 100% of the population at the four different sites. Eighteen and 22 different plasmid profiles were identified within R. tropici and R. leguminosarum bv phaseoli, respectively. Some of them were conserved between distant geographical regions. The fact that R. tropici was found in France shows that this species is not limited to tropical regions and gives additional evidence of the multi-specific nature of the Phaseolus microsymbiont, even over a geographically limited area.     

Mycoflora of Argentinian corn harvested in the main production area in 1990

Corn (Zea mays) is the main cereal produced in and exported from Argentina. The risk of contamination by mycotoxins is related to the mycoflora associated with the corn kernels. This paper reports on the identification of internal and external mycoflora of corn kernels harvested in the main production area in Argentina in 1990. A mycological survey was carried out on 178 corn samples, from five locations in that area and the isolation frequency and relative density of the prevalent fungal genera compared. GenusFusarium was the most prevalent component of the internal seedborne mycoflora in the five locations.Penicillium was prevalent in all locations, taking into account the frequency. However, this genus was predominant only in two locations, when the relative density was considered. The predominantFusarium wasF. moniliforme and the most frequently isolated species ofAlternaria, Aspergillus andPenicillium wereA. alternata, A. flavus andP. decumbens, respectively.Diplodia species were not isolated from any of the samples.     

Further laboratory studies on the interspecific competition between Helisoma duryi (Wetherby) and the intermediate hosts of schistosoma mansoni sambon: Biomphalaria alexandrina (Ehrenberg) and B. camerunensis (Boettger)

Biological control of schistosomiasis by means of introduction of a competitor, Helisoma duryi, of the intermediate host snails has been proposed. In the present laboratory studies the competitive relationships between H. duryi and two Biomphalaria species were investigated both when direct interference between the two competing species was possible and when not. A reduction of growth and reproduction of Biomphalaria was found when direct interference was involved but the effect of competition was lessened when the two species were separated by a mesh.The data showed that despite continuous presence of food in the aquaria food competition was involved in the direct interference between the two species, while the role of chemical interactions could not be evaluated conclusively from the present experiments.The role of food is discussed.     

Ophiostomatoid fungi isolated from Japanese red pine and their relationships with bark beetles

We isolated ophiostomatoid fungi from bark beetles infesting Pinus densiflora and their galleries at 24 sites in Japan. Twenty-one ophiostomatoid fungi, including species of Ophiostoma, Grosmannia, Ceratocystiopsis, Leptographium, and Pesotum, were identified. Among these, 11 species were either newly recorded in Japan or were previously undescribed species. Some of these fungal species were isolated from several bark beetles, but other species were isolated from only a particular beetle species. Thus, it is suggested that some ophiostomatoid fungi have specific relationships with particular beetle species. In addition, fungus-beetle biplots from redundancy analysis (RDA) summarizing the effects of beetle ecological characteristics suggested that the association patterns between bark beetles and the associated fungi seemed to be related to the niches occupied by the beetles.     

Rates of predation on mammals by gombe chimpanzees, 1972–1975

Rates of chimpanzee predation on mammals are calculated using data on 75 kills recorded during focal observation in Gombe National Park, Tanzania, from January 1972 to April 1975. The chimpanzees were members of two study communities (Kanyawara, or Northern, and Kahama, or Southern, community), and were observed as focal individuals for 14,583 hr by more than 30 researchers and field assistants working in pairs. The rate of predation by females was too low to allow reasonable estimates. For males, the mean rate of killing during the study period was 0.31 kills per male per 100 hr (N=17 males), or 4.65 kills per 100 hr in the two communities. In contrast to results from Mahale Mountains, there was no difference in predation rate between wet and dry seasons. However, predation rates varied over time, increasing by four times between the first three and last four seasons of the sample period. In an average year the 15 adult and subadult male chimpanzees are calculated to have killed 204 prey per year in an area of 16 km², varying between 99 and 420 prey per year in periods of low and high predation rate. Red colobus were the most frequent prey, followed by bushpig and bushbuck. Predation rates varied greatly on different prey species, and were not related to either the proportion of time spent within 200 m of male chimpanzees, or to their population densities. In relation to encounter rates and population density, baboons, blue monkeys, and redtail monkeys were killed at a fraction of the rate of red colobus monkeys, which suffered severe mortality from chimpanzee predation. Predation on bushpig and bushbuck also appears to have been high in relation to population density. The amount of food provided by predation is estimated to have averaged 600 kg per year for chimpanzees in the two communities (totalling 14–17 adult or subadult males, 18–20 adult of subadult females, and about 19 infants or juveniles). This suggests that adult males consumed around 25 kg of meat per year, although any average figure undoubtedly masks considerable individual variation. Present data suggest that chimpanzees in Gombe and Tai National Park, Ivory Coast, prey on mammals at rates higher than other populations.