Seasonal coat changes in grazing Red deer (Cervus elaphus)

Seasonal change in the coat of four male and four female Red deer (Cervus elaphus) was studied in coat and skin samples taken monthly for two years. Changes in coat length were measured, the times of moult recorded, and the cycle of follicle activity determined from histological preparations.     

Ranging behaviour of feral cattle (Bos taurus) in Doñana National Park, S.W. Spain

The cattle of Doñana (139 individuals in four social groups in 1989) have lived under free-ranging conditions for centuries. Their ranging behaviour was analysed during a three-year period. A total of 17,603 locations corresponding to 247 different animals allowed both for the estimation of global and seasonal home ranges of individuals and social groups and for the comparison of movement patterns. Cattle ranging behaviour was not affected by human interference, and was shown to be regulated by a complex interaction of environment, individual and social factors. Habitat structure and seasonal fluctuations in abundance and distribution of resources determined general patterns of ranging behaviour: the greater the concentration of resources, the smaller the home ranges of individuals and social groups. These patterns were modified at an individual level by the sex of the animal and its reproductive status if male. Social influences on ranging behaviour were important because these implied the segregation of home ranges among dominant bulls and among social groups. As a result, there was a great variability in space use and home-range behaviour.     

Antler growth and morphology in a feral sika deer (Cervus nippon) population in Killarney, Ireland

Antler growth and form was examined for a sample of 303 sika stags (Cervus nippon) culled over an eight-year period from a feral population in Killarney National Park, County Kerry, Ireland. Most antler measurements taken were highly correlated with each other and growth was complete after the sixth year. Few abnormalities were recorded and the degree of asymmetry in structure was less than previously reported for other sika populations. Variability in structure decreased with age and there was no effect of year of birth or cull on antler size for either adult or yearling stags. The growth pattern was similar to that of other populations except that the proportion of 'eight pointers' was low. An examination of antler damage was used to estimate fighting frequency across age classes. The results are discussed in relation to the genetic history of the herd and the use of antlers as weapons for intra-specific combat.     

Seasonal fluctuations of the wolf diet in the Hustai National Park (Mongolia)

Seasonal fluctuations in the wolf diet in the Hustai National Park (Mongolia) were determined by analysing wolf scats that were collected from 1994–1997. Except for July, August and September, at least 50% of the frequency of occurrence of prey items in wolf scats consisted of livestock. The frequency of occurrence of wild ungulates ranged from 8–43%, and wild ungulates were most often consumed in July, August and October, but seldom in June. Our study suggested that most seasonal changes in the wolf diet were effected by the life history of red deer. The occurrence of wild ungulates in the wolf diet coincided with the availability and vulnerability of calves. To reduce livestock losses and poaching of wolves we recommend more wolf research, protection and monitoring of both wild prey populations and wolves, and the reintroduction of livestock guarding dogs and year-round guarding of domestic horses.

Zusammenfassung

Saisonale Fluktuationen von Wolfsnahrung im Hustai Nationalpark (Mongolei)Anhand von Kotproben von Wölfen, die von 1994 bis 1997 gesammelt wurden, konnten saisonale Fluktuationen der Wolfsdiät im Nationalpark Hustai (Mongolei) festgestellt werden. Mit Ausnahme der Monate Juli, August und September bestand mindestens 50% der im Wolfskot vorgefundenen Beutereste aus Nutztieren. Wildungulat–traten in 8 bis 43% der Proben auf und wurden am häufigsten in den Monaten Juli, August und Oktober genutzt, jedoch kaum im Juni. Diese Untersuchung deutet darauf hin, dass saisonale Veränderungen der Wolfsdiät wahrscheinlich von der Biologie der Rothirsche beeinflusst werden, da die Abnahme von Wildungulaten in der Wolfnahrumg in den Zeitraum der Kälbergeburten fiel, während die Zunahme von Wildungulaten mit jener Periode koinzidierte, in der sich neu geborene Kälber den Herden anschlossen und die Brunftzeit stattfand. Um sowohl den Verlust von Nutzvieh als auch das Wildern auf Wölfe zu vermindern, empfehlen wir die Wolfsforschung zu verstärken, das Monitoring und den Schutz von Wolfs- und Wildbeutepopulationen zu verbessern, die Wiedereinführung von Hütehunden sowie die ganzjährige Überwachung von Nutzpferden.     

Observations on the distribution of some chironomids (Diptera) and caddisflies (Trichoptera) in the Killarney area,Ireland

The Killarney region, south-west Ireland, has a mild oceanic climate, yet elements of the flora and fauna in the area appear to have disjunct distributions. Eleven chironomid and two trichopteran taxa, which are considered cold stenothermous and generally occur outside Ireland at high altitudes or northern latitudes, are found in waters around 25 metres above sea level in Killarney. These are believed to be glacial relict elements which have survived in the region to live with a fauna depauperate in comparison to western Europe.     

Seasonal patterns of predation for gray wolves in the multi-prey system of Yellowstone National Park

1.?For large predators living in seasonal environments, patterns of predation are likely to vary among seasons because of related changes in prey vulnerability. Variation in prey vulnerability underlies the influence of predators on prey populations and the response of predators to seasonal variation in rates of biomass acquisition. Despite its importance, seasonal variation in predation is poorly understood. 2.?We assessed seasonal variation in prey composition and kill rate for wolves Canis lupus living on the Northern Range (NR) of Yellowstone National Park. Our assessment was based on data collected over 14 winters (1995-2009) and five spring-summers between 2004 and 2009. 3.?The species composition of wolf-killed prey and the age and sex composition of wolf-killed elk Cervus elaphus (the primary prey for NR wolves) varied among seasons. 4.?One's understanding of predation depends critically on the metric used to quantify kill rate. For example, kill rate was greatest in summer when quantified as the number of ungulates acquired per wolf per day, and least during summer when kill rate was quantified as the biomass acquired per wolf per day. This finding contradicts previous research that suggests that rates of biomass acquisition for large terrestrial carnivores tend not to vary among seasons. 5.?Kill rates were not well correlated among seasons. For example, knowing that early-winter kill rate is higher than average (compared with other early winters) provides little basis for anticipating whether kill rates a few months later during late winter will be higher or lower than average (compared with other late winters). This observation indicates how observing, for example, higher-than-average kill rates throughout any particular season is an unreliable basis for inferring that the year-round average kill rate would be higher than average. 6.?Our work shows how a large carnivore living in a seasonal environment displays marked seasonal variation in predation because of changes in prey vulnerability. Patterns of wolf predation were influenced by the nutritional condition of adult elk and the availability of smaller prey (i.e. elk calves, deer). We discuss how these patterns affect our overall understanding of predator and prey population dynamics.     

Seasonal and social correlates of changes in hair,skin, and scrotal condition in vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) of Amboseli National Park,Kenya

In a 20-month study of six groups of vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) in Amboseli National Park, Kenya, I documented changes in hair loss in all individuals, and scrotal color and hyperpigmentation in all adult males. Hair loss occurred seasonally and was most pronounced in low-ranking individuals, especially males. The mean shade of scrotal color for all males and the percentage of males with scrotal hyperpigmentation both covaried with hair loss over time. Scrotal color was strongly negatively correlated with scrotal hyperpigmentation. The underlying causes are not yet known. I present three scenarios based on nutrition, stress from competition, or a combination of the two, that might explain these patterns. Awareness of these easily observable changes may provide field-workers with a quickly assessed visual measure of physical or emotional stress in free-ranging vervets. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Aerial surveying of grey seal breeding colonies on the Blasket Islands, Co. Kerry, the Inishkea Group, Co. Mayo and the Donegal Coast, Ireland

The status of Ireland's grey seal population and its relationship with that of Britain and Western Europe, are poorly understood. The existing population estimate for grey seals in Ireland is outdated and urgency exists to establish a reliable national population estimate for this species, listed as an Annex II species under the EU Habitats Directive. Prior to the initiation of a survey on a national scale, the success or otherwise of aerial techniques in surveying grey seal breeding habitat on the Irish coastline first needs to be established. Previously, surveys were boat-based and were susceptible to adverse weather conditions frequently encountered during the autumn breeding season. The feasibility of using aerial techniques to survey grey seal breeding colonies in Ireland was tested during the breeding season of 2003.     

Seasonal variations of pollution indicators in a wildfowl reserve (Do∼nana National Park, Spain)

Pollution indicators in Do∼nana National Park show a cyclic seasonal pattern with maximum level in the autumn and minimum in the spring. While faecal streptococci proved to be the best indicator micro-organisms in this type of salty, alkaline environment, total coliforms gave an overestimation of pollution because of the presence of hydroteluric coliforms.     

Seasonal and habitat differences in the abundance of primates in the Amazon (Tapajos) National Park,Brazil

Twelve species of primates occur in the Amazon (Tapajós) National Park. The abundance of these species varies with habitat type and extent of human disturbance. Seasonality of rainfall and river level significantly affect the abundance of primates in seasonally inundated forest but not in upland forest types.     

Woodland changes in Ruaha National Park (Tanzania) between 1976 and 1982

Tree surveys made in 1976 and 1977 were repeated in 1982. Three species were measured: Commiphora ugogensis, Acacia albida, and Adansonia digitata. All three showed significant decreases due to elephant browsing. These results confirm the predictions of the earlier surveys: elephants are causing a rapid and severe change in the rift valley woodlands of the Park.     

Utilization of the grazing resources by buffaloes in the Arusha National Park, Tanzania

The purpose of the survey was to develop a meaningful method for assessing the utilization of the existing edaphic and serai grasslands in the park. Particular attention was given to the effect of grazing on the growth of different species of grasses, the course of plant succession and the fire hazard, in relation to the productivity and diversity of the environment. The distribution and composition of the different types of grassland are described and their suitability as pasture at different seasons is discussed. Utilization was assessed by recording the extent of short grass that is maintained by grazing in relation to the unused mature grass at different seasons of the year. Near optimum utilization of the edaphic (high water-table) grasslands in the bottom lands takes place over a prolonged period. Utilization of the derived grasslands on the hills and uplands is increasing as the buffalo herds benefit by protection in the park. It is estimated that the available pastures can still accommodate an increased population of buffaloes and other grazing animals. Furthermore, advantages to the environment will accrue as a result of the reduced fire hazard. Buffaloes are the dominant grazing animals throughout and so mainly their impact on the vegetation is considered. The distribution and density of the buffalo population is recorded, and it is concluded that the existing number is well within the carrying capacity of the park. It is suggested that under-grazing could be serious because of the increased fire risk that would result. In order to improve the grazing in the secondary grasslands preliminary trials for managing fire by patch burning have been successfully initiated.     

Activity patterns of yellow baboons (Papio cynocephalus) in the amboseli National Park,Kenya

Quantitative data on the ways in which adult yellow baboons (Papio cynocephalus) distribute their time among various activities are presented. Baboons spend approximately three-quarters of their time feeding or moving. Interseasonal variability in the proportions of time spent feeding and socializing is statistically significant, as are individual differences in the proportions of time spent feeding and moving. Although males and females spend approximately equal proportions of time in each of the activity states, the distributions of the durations of activity bouts show significant intersexual differences in central tendency and dispersion that are consistent with a model of intersexual differences in overall foraging strategies. Consistent diurnal patterns are conspicuously absent, and the relationship between this finding and other ecological variables is discussed.     

Seasonal changes in the plasma isoenzymes of lactate: NADH oxidoreductase in Hereford cows under range conditions

Plasma levels of lactate: NADH oxidoreductase (LD) and the proportions of five major isoenzymes were estimated in samples taken in January, March, June, July and November from Hereford cows kept under range conditions. Seasonal changes were observed in both total LD and the proportions of the isoenzymes. Levels of total LD and all isoenzymes were low in winter and high in summer. Proportions of LD4 and LD5, the electrophoretically slow isoenzymes which predominate in muscle, increased in summer at the expense of LD1, the fast isoenzyme which predominates in liver and erythrocytes. LD1 was increased in November, at the time when other isoenzyme levels were decreasing from summer high levels. The seasonal changes observed in plasma LD were attributed to changes in diet and/or water supply and activity of the range cows.