梵净山保护区食蟹獴(Herpestes urva)栖息地选择与日活动节律

野生动物栖息地选择与日活动节律是其长期生存适应的结果,对物种生存繁衍具有重要意义。2017年4月至2019年7月,组在梵净山国家级自然保护区内布设了41台红外相机进行监测和研究。基于红外相机监测数据,利用占域模型（Occupancy model）和核密度估计方法（Kernel density estimation）,对食蟹獴（Herpestes urva）的栖息地选择和日活动节律进行了分析探讨。结果表明：（1）食蟹獴在常绿落叶阔叶混交林出现频率最高,在落叶阔叶林和针阔混交林出现频率最低,并集中出现于中低海拔区域;（2）在8种栖息地选择影响因素中,具有重要影响的因子为针阔混交林、海拔、水源地和常绿阔叶落叶混交林4种。其中,食蟹獴明显选择常绿阔叶落叶混交林（β=1.79±1.19 SE）,明显排斥针阔混交林（β=-1.93±1.30 SE）,海拔高度、离水源地的距离与占用率呈明显负相关;（3）年活动节律显示,食蟹獴在雨季活动明显增多,4-9月的活动频次在全年活动中占比达83.50%;（4）食蟹獴为完全昼行性物种,日活动时间分配较为平均,在9：00-10：00和13：00-14：00活跃度低,日活动高峰出现在11：00-13：00。梵净山地区作为食蟹獴分布区的北端,其典型的山地气候特征和植被类型与其他分布区存在显著差异,并面临不同的捕食风险和不同程度的人为干扰,食蟹獴对栖息地的选择方式和活动节律也出现了适应性的变化。     

四川邛崃山脉雪豹与赤狐时空生态位关系

食肉动物是生态系统中关键的功能类群,探究顶级捕食者和次级捕食者的种间作用和共存机制有助于我们深入理解生态系统变化和物种种群动态变化的驱动机制,是目前全球大型兽类种群衰退背景下的重要议题。在动物物种生态位的诸多维度中,空间与时间生态位是其中最为关键的两个维度,了解同域分布物种之间在时、空生态位上的相互关系是探究物种共存机制的基础。本研究以邛崃山脉中部的卧龙国家级自然保护区为研究区域,使用红外相机技术与粪便DNA技术在区内的高山生境开展野外调查,收集雪豹（Panthera uncia,分布点数量n=198）与赤狐（Vulpes vulpes,n=68）的分布数据,分别使用MaxEnt物种分布模型和日活动模式分析来探究区内雪豹和赤狐在时、空生态位上的相互作用关系。结果显示,在空间上,研究区域内雪豹和赤狐的潜在适宜分布区重叠面积404.08 km²,主要集中在保护区西北部的高海拔区域,分别占二者适宜栖息地总面积的77.74%和80.79%,重叠程度较高;在垂直分布上,区内雪豹分布的平均海拔较赤狐稍高,赤狐的海拔分布范围较雪豹稍广,但两物种在垂直方向上的重叠程度也较高,均在海拔4 300 m左右出现分布高峰。在时间生态位上,雪豹（独立探测数n=351）与赤狐（n=155）的日活动模式均为双峰型,雪豹偏向晨昏性而赤狐更偏向夜行性,整体上二者日活动节律重叠度较高（Δ=0.68）;在有雪豹活动的位点上以及两周内曾有雪豹活动的情况下,赤狐会加强夜间活动,降低其日活动节律与雪豹之间的重叠程度,但其日活动模式未有显著改变。本研究的结果初步揭示了雪豹与赤狐的时空生态位关系,将为深入理解高山生态系统中顶级捕食者与次级捕食者的共存机制提供实例与基础信息,同时也将为保护区针对这些食肉动物种群的精细化管理提供支持。     

四川贡嘎山狼的分布、群体大小和活动节律

狼(Canis lupus)是世界上分布最广的大型食肉动物之一，曾广布于中国大陆，但由于栖息地丧失和人类迫害，分布范围锐减。2011—2020年在四川贡嘎山195个1 km×1 km网格(286个位点)放置红外相机，结果仅在46个网格、56个位点拍摄到狼，累计278次独立探测，网格与位点的占有率分别为23.6%和19.6%。狼分布海拔为3 097～4 563 m,3 000 m以下区域未拍摄到狼。狼偏好单独活动，群体大小仅为(1.2±0.5)头，不同生境和季节的群体大小没有差异(t=-1.119, P=0.266; t=-0.251, P=0.801)。活动节律显示狼是日夜兼行性动物，旱季(11月至翌年4月)活动高峰在03:00—07:00及15:00—17:00，雨季(5—10月)活动高峰在03:00—07:00及13:00—15:00。狼与6种野生有蹄类的时间生态位重叠度均较高，旱季与中华鬣羚(Capricornis milneedwardsii)的重叠度最高(Δ4=0.908)，雨季与水鹿(Rusa unicolor)的重叠度最高(Δ4=0.895)。本研究初步探明狼在贡嘎山的分...     

NP配施对平茬后云南松苗木N、P、K化学计量比的影响

为了解NP配施对平茬后云南松（Pinus yunnanensis）苗木各器官N、P、K化学计量比的影响,分析云南松苗木不同器官（根、茎、叶、萌条）的ω（N）∶ω（P）、ω（N）∶ω（K）、ω（P）∶ω（K）化学计量比的季节变化特征,探讨各器官间N、P、K化学计量比的相关性及其变异来源。采用N、P二因素三水平的3×3回归设计开展不同施肥试验,并对苗木采样测定,研究NP配施对平茬后云南松根、叶、茎及其萌条N、P、K化学计量特征的影响。结果表明：平茬后云南松苗木不同器官的营养元素分配没有统一的规律,展现出丰富的变异。随着施肥季节的变化, ω（N）∶ω（P）在根、茎和萌条中逐渐下降,在叶中先下降后上升,但总体差异不大。单施N肥、P肥和NP配施均对云南松苗木生长的影响产生一定差异,总体来看NP配施更有利于促进苗木的生长,且以处理5（N₁P₁）表现为极显著（P<0.01）。云南松苗木各器官N、P、K化学计量比主要受N×P交互作用的影响,其次是N,影响最小的是P。除在根和叶中ω（N）∶ω（P）与ω（N）∶ω（K）之间相关性发生改变之外,其余两两间的正负相关性均保持不变,而 ω（N）∶ω（P）与ω（P）∶ω（K）、ω（N）∶ω（K）与ω（P）∶ω（K）的相关性均随着施肥季节的变化相关性发生改变,且相关系数降低,分别受P和K的调控。平茬改变植株体内的营养元素含量,不同施肥处理促使云南松各器官中N、P、K化学计量特征差异极显著（P<0.01）。NP配施可以有效缓解单施N肥、P肥对植株的限制作用,使养分处于一个平衡状态,从而满足植株对生长的需要。     

土层厚度对刺槐旱季水分状况和生长的影响

该研究测定了旱季和雨季刺槐(Robinia pseudoacacia)林不同土层厚度的土壤含水量, 刺槐的树高、胸径、小枝凌晨水势、叶片碳稳定同位素组成(δ¹³C)、叶面积、比叶重和气体交换指标; 分析了刺槐旱季和雨季的水分状况和土层厚度之间的关系; 通过刺槐对季节性干旱胁迫的反应, 估计华北石质山区不同土层厚度土壤水分对刺槐的承载能力; 并求证近年来该地区刺槐衰败和水分因素的关系。结果显示: 随着土层厚度减小, 旱季土壤含水量下降、凌晨小枝水势降低; 气孔导度和最大光合速率都减小, 而瞬时水分利用效率增加, 雨季上述指标无显著性差异, 旱季土壤含水量只有雨季的60%左右。随着土层变薄, 刺槐叶片δ¹³C增高, 叶面积减小, 比叶重增加; 刺槐树高和胸径减小。以上结果表明: 刺槐在不同季节下的水分状况综合反映土壤的供水能力, 土层浅薄导致土壤水分承载力不足, 致使刺槐在旱季受到较严重的水分胁迫, 这可能是刺槐出现衰败的重要原因。     

亚热带地区常绿阔叶林SPAC系统水分的氢氧稳定同位素特征

森林的土壤-植物-大气连续体(SPAC)是陆地重要的水循环连续界面过程。本研究通过分析亚热带常绿阔叶林的降水、大气水汽、土壤水、叶片水的同位素组成,探讨森林SPAC系统水分的氢氧同位素组成特征以及植物蒸腾与叶片性状和环境因子的关系。结果表明: 研究区大气降水、土壤水、竹柏枝条水、竹柏叶片水和大气水汽的δD-δ¹⁸O线性回归方程分别为: δD_P=7.97δ¹⁸O_P+12.68(R²=0.97)、δD_S=4.29δ¹⁸O_S-18.62(R²=0.81)、δD_B=3.31δ¹⁸O_B-29.73(R²=0.49)、δD_L=1.49δ¹⁸O_L-10.09(R²=0.81)、δD_V=3.89δ¹⁸O_V-51.29(R²=0.46)。在降水→土壤水→植物水的界面水输送过程中,氢氧同位素逐渐富集,而从土壤蒸发和从植物蒸腾的水汽同位素贫化。在降水和蒸发作用的影响下,土壤水同位素随深度增加有贫化的趋势,而且整体上旱季土壤水同位素比雨季富集。观测期间,枝条水同位素比土壤水略微富集,说明水分在植物体内运输过程中存在受到蒸腾富集作用的可能性。旱季,乔木的枝条水同位素比灌木贫化,说明根系分布更深的乔木植物更倾向于利用深层土壤水。由于在叶片性状、蒸腾速率以及对环境因子的响应程度等方面存在差异,不同植物的叶片水同位素组成随叶龄增长的变化特征有所不同。雨季的环境条件更有利于叶片蒸腾,使雨季的叶片水同位素比旱季富集。叶片水同位素组成与植物叶片含水量呈正相关关系,与相对湿度呈负相关关系,综合反映了植物应对环境变化的水分调控功能。     

基于红外相机技术的贺兰山同域分布阿拉善马鹿和岩羊活动规律研究

为了探究同域分布的阿拉善马鹿(Cervur alashanicus)与岩羊(Pseudois nayaur)的日活动节律,及两者在时间生态位上的分化情况。于2014.10—2015.10,在贺兰山利用红外相机技术,对两者进行野外监测。相关监测数据,在R软件中利用"overlap"统计包,采取核密度估计(Kernel density estimation)、重叠指数(Coefficient of overlap):■进行分析。结果表明,马鹿日活动节律模式属于晨昏活动类型(日活动高峰期:5:00—10:00、16:00—21:00),存在季节性变化(冷暖季日活动节律重叠指数■=0.77),由暖季到冷季晨昏活动高峰期均向中午移动(暖季:4:00—8:00、16:00—22:00,冷季:6:00—11:00、15:00—20:00),昼间活动强度大于暖季,而夜间低于暖季。岩羊日活动节律为主要在昼间活动的模式,其活动高峰期在8:00—10:00、13:00—15:00两个时间段。由暖季到冷季存在季节性变化特征(■=0.74),昼间活动高峰期向后推迟(暖季7:00—9:00、12:00—14:00,冷季9:00—11:00、13:00—17:00),夜间活动降低。两者在日活动节律模式上的相似度较高(■=0.67),存在冷季(■=0.66)高于暖季(■=0.61)的季节变化。在日活动节律模式分离特征为:马鹿为晨昏活动模式,岩羊为昼间活动模式;前者昼间活动强度低于后者,而夜间强于后者;两者活动在高峰期上大体错开。本研究不仅提供了马鹿与岩羊的日活动节律模式,而且还分析了两者在时间生态位上的分化方式和共存机制,并为两者行为生态学研究的深入提供必要的科学依据。     

平顶闭壳龟和黄额闭壳龟日活动节律与时间分配

2015年6—10月,采用瞬时扫描取样法,在海南省吊罗山国家级自然保护区对同域分布的平顶闭壳龟(Cuora mouhotii)与黄额闭壳龟(C.galbinifrons)日活动节律和时间分配进行研究,比较两种闭壳龟日活动节律差异,探究两种闭壳龟资源利用分化模式,揭示两种闭壳龟的野外共存机制。结果显示,平顶闭壳龟和黄额闭壳龟均为昼行性节律,日活动以静息行为为主。平顶闭壳龟的运动行为和摄食行为分别在(06:00—07:00)和(10:00—11:00)有一个高峰期,黄额闭壳龟的摄食行为(13:00—14:00)有一个高峰期,而运动行为有两个高峰期(09:00—10:00和17:00—18:00)。在活动时间分配上,黄额闭壳龟分配在静息行为上的时间多于平顶闭壳龟,而分配在运动行为和摄食行为上的时间少于平顶闭壳龟。比较两种闭壳龟的活动节律,运动行为节律重叠指数较高(Qik=0.78),摄食行为重叠指数较低(Qik=0.38)。研究表明,两物种在利用食物资源上存在时间异质性和分配差异性,达到食物资源的最优利用,实现两者的稳定共存。     

生境因子对海南五指山白鹇和红原鸡分布的影响

为了解白鹇（Lophura nycthemera）whiteheadi亚种与红原鸡（Gallus gallus）jabouillei亚种的生境选择。利用2018年9月至2020年9月在海南热带雨林国家公园五指山片区东北部获得的红外相机数据,分析生境因子对同域分布的白鹇和红原鸡分布的影响。结果显示,白鹇偏好低地雨林和山地雨林,红原鸡偏好次生林和低地雨林;白鹇分布的海拔、坡向较均匀;红原鸡分布海拔呈单峰,旱季分布海拔峰值575.8 m,雨季分布海拔峰值497.7 m,偏好阳坡;白鹇坡度选择呈双峰型,旱季其选择坡度峰值为19.7°和34.5°,雨季峰值为20.1°和34.3°;红原鸡旱季选择坡度呈单峰,峰值35.7°,雨季呈双峰,峰值12.5°和35.1°;白鹇和红原鸡二者温度选择均呈单峰型,旱季二者峰值均为20.3 ℃,雨季白鹇峰值为22.2 ℃,红原鸡峰值为26.1 ℃。两物种海拔的生态位重叠度最低,旱季和雨季,二者海拔因子上的生态位重叠度分别为0.375 1和0.353 2,温度和坡向的生态位重叠度较高。本研究结果表明,白鹇的环境适应性优于红原鸡,二者主要通过对海拔的选择来实现生态位分化,其他环境因子中也存在不同程度的分化特征。     

两种不同来源的绿色木霉降解木质纤维素研究

利用纤维素酶高产菌绿色木霉Trichoderma viride降解木质纤维素是实现废料资源化的重要手段。本研究选取来自不同生境的两株T. viride,分别以玉米秸秆和甘草药渣为基质,测定两者滤纸纤维素酶（filter paper cellulase,FPase）活性和还原糖产量。从时间、温度、水分、pH 4个方面比较两株T. viride的环境适应性和不同基质的差异性。结果表明,以玉米秸秆为基质,T. viride XJ最适初始料液比为1:4-1:5.5,T. viride AG最适初始料液比为1:5-1:5.5。初始料液比1:5.5时,T. viride AG产FPase活性显著高于T. viride XJ。两株T. viride最适发酵温度均为28℃,各温度处理下不同菌株间无显著差异。两株T. viride均表现为还原糖消耗。以甘草药渣为基质,T. viride XJ最适初始料液比为1:2-1:2.5,T. viride AG最适初始料液比为1:3-1:3.5。料液比高于1:3,T. viride AG产FPase活性显著高于T. viride XJ。T. viride AG最适发酵温度为28℃,T. viride XJ最适发酵温度为23-28℃。温度低于28℃,T. viride XJ产FPase活性显著高于T. viride AG。两株T. viride均表现为还原糖积累。两株T. viride最适初始pH均为6-7,最适发酵时间均为3d。最优发酵条件下FPase活性：T. viride AG>T. viride XJ。对T. viride产FPase诱导能力：甘草药渣>玉米秸秆。变差分解表明两株T. viride产FPase活性差异主要源于菌株对生境的生态适应。比较分析菌种来源、基质类型、环境条件对T. viride发酵效果的影响,将有助于该菌大规模应用性研究。     

甘肃祁连山脉雪豹及其同域分布大型食肉动物时间生态位关系

<正>群落内多物种如何共存是群落生态学和生物多样性研究的核心内容之一。经典物种共存理论强调物种之间的生态位分化,侧重于物种对环境的需求,Hutchinson (1957)提出超体积生态位概念,认为物种适合度是由多个因素共同决定,即物种只有在满足其生态位需求的多维空间,     

First survey of seasonal abundance and daily activity of Stomoxys spp. (Diptera: Muscidae) in Kamphaengsaen Campus, Nakornpathom province, Thailand

The seasonal changes and the daily activity of Stomoxyine species (Diptera: Muscidae) were examined, using Vavoua traps, in a dairy and a beef cattle farm in Nakhonpathom province, Thailand during July 2004 to June 2005. Over this period, Stomoxys calcitrans was the most commonly trapped species, followed by S. sitiens and S. indica. For the later species, this is the first report of its presence in Thailand. A total of 80 % of flies were captured during the rainy season from May to October and 20 % during the dry season from November to April. No major difference of fly density was observed between the dairy and the beef cattle farm. The activity pattern of S. calcitrans was diurnal with a peak between 08:00 am to 10:00 am and another less marked one in the afternoon. The activity pattern of S. sitiens and S. indica was mainly crepuscular with 2 peaks, early in the morning (06:00 a.m.) and late in the afternoon (6:00 p.m.). Those species are important pests of livestock in Thailand, where they are known as a mechanical vector of trypanosomes. A better knowledge of their ecology is a prerequisite for more efficient control measures.     

弄岗熊猴的活动节律和活动时间分配

2005年9月至2006年9月,采用瞬时扫描取样法,在弄岗国家级自然保护区对野生熊猴(Macaca assamensis)进行了连续跟踪观察,收集相关的活动节律和活动时间分配的数据,通过分析其与气候及食物组成的关系,从中探讨影响熊猴活动节律及活动时间分配的因素。研究结果发现:在熊猴的日活动节律中,觅食活动表现为逐渐增强的趋势,最高峰值出现在下午15:00,休息活动在中午出现一个小的高峰;其日活动节律表现出明显的季节性差异,主要表现为旱季大部分时间段的觅食强度均高于雨季,且早上7:00-10:00出现一段长时间的休息,而雨季里长时间的休息则发生在中午12:00-14:00;在活动时间分配上,熊猴平均花费39.6%时间用于休息,33.2%用于移动,18.3%用于摄食,5.1%用于理毛,2.4%用于玩耍,1.4%用于其他行为,其活动时间分配也表现出明显的季节性差异;与雨季相比,在旱季熊猴明显增加用于觅食的时间,而相应地减少用于休息的时间,活动时间分配的季节性变化明显与食物组成的变化有关;在不同年龄组个体间,青少年猴花费更多的时间用于玩耍,而用于休息和理毛的时间明显少于成年猴。     

长江源区同域分布兔狲、藏狐和赤狐的时空重叠度

兔狲(Otocolobus manul)、藏狐(Vulpes ferrilata)和赤狐(V. vulpes)是青藏高原三江源区域分布的重要小型食肉兽。本研究于2014年6月至2019年9月在青海省长江源区沱沱河和通天河沿岸选取208个位点布设红外相机, 通过所获取的时空分布数据比较了上述3种同域分布小型食肉兽的时空利用情况。通过空间重叠度系数的比较分析, 兔狲和藏狐、兔狲和赤狐以及藏狐和赤狐之间的空间重叠度系数分别为0.25、0.48和0.17, 这表明兔狲、藏狐和赤狐三者在空间利用上存在一定的差异。通过核密度估计方法分析, 兔狲和藏狐属典型的昼行性动物, 而赤狐以夜行性活动为主。兔狲、藏狐和赤狐每个物种在冷暖两季的日活动节律重叠指数分别为0.83、0.78和0.88。两两比较分析表明, 兔狲和藏狐二者的日活动节律重叠指数最高(0.84), 兔狲和赤狐在夜间活动时段存在一定重叠(0.63), 而藏狐和赤狐的时间生态位分化最明显, 重叠指数最低(0.48)。此外, 在暖季, 两两物种之间的日活动节律重叠指数均小于其冷季的重叠指数。综上所述, 长江源区兔狲、藏狐和赤狐3种小型食肉兽可通过空间和时间资源的利用差异来降低物种间的干扰和竞争, 从而达到同域物种共存的目的。     

邦亮东黑冠长臂猿日食性与活动节律的季节性变化

日食性变化和活动节律是动物行为的重要方面,通过对日食性变化与活动节律的研究,可以了解食物、温度和光照时间等环境因素的变化对动物行为的影响,以及动物在行为上的应对策略。2009 年1 -12 月,在广西靖西县邦亮东部黑冠长臂猿自治区级自然保护区内,采用瞬时扫描取样法对2 群东黑冠长臂猿觅食行为和活动节律进行了研究。结果显示,东黑冠长臂猿的活动和食性在旱季和雨季都具有明显的节律。鸣叫只发生在12:00之前,但旱季的鸣叫时间偏晚。在日节律上,东黑冠长臂猿在离开过夜树后和进入过夜树前各有一个取食高峰,07:00 喜欢取食果实和无花果,16:00 也选择更多的果实,但无花果较少,13:00 - 15:00 取食更多的叶和芽。在10:00 - 12:00,其用于休息和社会活动的时间增加。在雨季,东黑冠长臂猿以果实和无花果为主要食物,并且花大量时间觅食无脊椎动物;但在旱季,其食物以叶和芽为主。与之相适应,东黑冠长臂猿在旱季通过减少移动增加休息来节约能量开支和应对低温,同时它们增加取食的时间以获得等价的能量和营养。雨季时社会行为的比例明显高于旱季,而且其高峰出现在08:00 - 10:00,但旱季社会行为主要出现在11:00 - 14:00。在雨季东黑冠长臂猿没有出现休息高峰,相反在旱季10:00 左右出现一个明显的休息高峰。上述行为节律体现了东黑冠长臂猿对环境季节性变化的良好适应,使其能够在寒冷并且退化的喀斯特森林中生存繁衍。     

Food habits of three carnivore species (Viverricula indica, Herpestes urva, and Melogale moschata) in Fushan Forest, northern Taiwan

The food habits and degrees of dietary overlap of lesser oriental civet ( Viverricula indica ), crab-eating mongoose ( Herpestes urva ), and ferret badger ( Melogale moschata ) inhabiting the Fushan Forest, northern Taiwan, were studied using faecal analysis between February 1993 and June 1994. Laboratory analysis of 154 civet faeces, and 174 mongoose faeces showed that both species fed on a wide variety of food items, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, crustaceans, insects, oligochaetes, gastropods, chilopods, arachnids, and plants. Insects, oligochaetes, plants, and mammals were the four most important food items in the civets' diet, whereas crustaceans, insects, amphibians, and reptiles were the four most important food items consumed by mongooses. Amphibians were the only vertebrates, together with invertebrates and plants, found in the 64 ferret badger faeces we analysed, and oligochaetes, insects, and amphibians were the most important food items consumed by ferret badgers. The diversity of diet was highest in the mongoose, followed by the civet, and was lowest in the ferret badger.
The degree of dietary overlap was greatest between the civet and the ferret badger, followed by that of the civet and mongoose. The mongoose and ferret badger had the lowest degree of dietary overlap. However, the degree of dietary overlap varied in different seasons. Invertebrates were the most important food source for the carnivores in Fushan Forest.     

基于红外相机监测的藏酋猴日活动节律及其季节性变化

日活动节律是动物在一天中不同时间段的活动强度及其周期性变化规律,与身体控制代谢和能量收支成本密切相关。2015年8月至2017年8月,在贵州赤水桫椤国家级自然保护区,借助红外相机监测,对藏酋猴(Macaca thibetana)日活动节律及不同季节的日活动节律的变化进行了研究。调查期间红外相机累计6370个工作日,共收获687张藏酋猴照片,其中独立有效照片105张。日活动节律分析显示,藏酋猴属于典型性的昼行性动物,日活动呈现"M"型,活动高峰出现在12:00—16:00。不同季节的日活动节律比较结果显示,藏酋猴在雨季和旱季的行为节律差异不显著(P>0.05)。与雨季相比,旱季的行为差异表现为活动时间缩短、日出时段活动减少以及主要活动时间从中午推移到下午。另外,随着年气温的变化,藏酋猴日活动温度范围在-2~34℃,其中,15~25℃时活动频次较高(占比59%)。本研究从红外相机的视角揭示了藏酋猴的日活动节律及其变化,为藏酋猴行为生态学研究的深入提供了科学依据。     

Parity and age composition for Anopheles darlingi root (Diptera: Culicidae) and Anopheles albitarsis Lynch-Arribálzaga (Diptera: Culicidae) of the northern Amazon Basin, Brazil.

Parity and age composition for Anopheles darlingi and Anopheles albitarsis in the northern Amazon Basin, Brazil, were investigated. Anopheline ovaries and ovarioles were examined in order to determine whether hourly and seasonal parity status for the vectors An. albitarsis and An. darlingi would vary in two different landscapes (forest and savanna/forest) where malaria is endemic in the northern Amazon Basin. A total of 1,199 anophelines (535 An. darlingi and 664 An. albitarsis) was dissected for parity status, ovariole dilatations, and follicular stages. The total number of nulliparous and parous females for both species varied by time of collection, locality, and season. During the rainy season for the first two h of collection, more nulliparous An. albitarsis and An. darlingi females were collected in the first hour (18:00-19:00), but during the second hour (19:00-20:00) more parous females of both species were captured. During the dry season in Copaíbas, more parous females of An. albitarsis were observed in the first hour while more nulliparous females were observed in the second hour. Nulliparous and parous females of both species for both hours were not significantly different at Road 19 in the dry season. This location was characterized by a forest malaria pattern of transmission with higher numbers of parous females and population stability in the dry season. In Copaíbas, the density and parity of An. darlingi increased during the rainy season, and it could be classified as an alluvial malaria pattern of transmission. For Copaíbas, control measures would be more successful if adopted at the transition from dry to rainy season. Further investigation on longitudinal spatio-temporal change in longevity and survival rates would help us to clarify differences in vector competence for An. darlingi and An. albitarsis and add to the understanding of differences regarding prevailing landscapes in malaria epidemiology in the northern Amazon Basin.     

Ecological niche of family farmers in southern Minas Gerais State (Brazil).

The concept of ecological niche, considered by the food dimension point of view, was used to characterize a small farmers community from the south of Minas Gerais State (Brazil). Ten small farmer families and 76 different meals eaten by them were evaluated in this study, during three different periods: September 1995 (end of the dry season), December 1995 (rainy season) and April 1996 (end of the rainy season). The analysed community appeared to depend markedly on certain food items showing little seasonal variation in their diet and appeared also to be self-sufficient in food supply, with satisfactory nutritional status. The food niche breadth for the studied small farmer families was always below 50%, with high seasonal overlap of the food niche, around 72% to 80%. The results are discussed based on social-cultural, economical and agrarian context.     

Diurnal resting in brown lemurs in a dry deciduous forest, northwestern Madagascar: implications for seasonal thermoregulation

Decreased activity has been reported in both nocturnal and diurnal primates during the prolonged dry season in western Madagascar, and this has been interpreted as a reaction to the severe environment, with its food scarcity and/or thermal stress. Several day-active lemurs rest more as trees defoliate, although the reason for this is unclear. To understand the mechanism underpinning the diurnal resting of lemurs in seasonal deciduous forests, I observed common brown lemurs (Eulemur fulvus fulvus) for one year in Ankarafantsika National Park, northwestern Madagascar. In Ankarafantsika, despite high fruit availability during the dry season, brown lemurs are known to engage in diurnal resting. To examine the effects of thermal factors and defoliation on lemur inactivity, I recorded the activity of a troop at 1 min intervals, hourly ambient temperature, daily rainfall, and weather during observations (06:00-18:00). I quantified the amount of leaves biweekly for 680 trees. I tested correlations between percentages of resting time and each factor across hours during the day and across seasons. During the rainy season, resting time did not differ between sunny and cloudy days, and lemurs were active throughout the daytime. At the hourly level during the dry season, lemurs rested exclusively at midday, apparently at peak sunlight intensity rather than at peak ambient temperature. At seasonal level, percentages of total resting time from 08:00 to 16:00 were greater during dry season (81.9%) than during rainy season (62.6%), and percentages increased as ambient temperatures increased. Defoliation was related to seasonal decrease in weekly rainfall, which served as an index of water retained in the forest. Defoliation probably reflected aridification as well as the penetration of sunlight into the forest. Diurnal resting increased as both the amount of leaves and weekly rainfall decreased seasonally. These results suggest that heat stress under dry conditions may promote resting. Diurnal resting may function as behavioral thermoregulation to avoid overheating and to minimize water loss via excessive evaporative respiration.