The Occurrence and Age Distribution of Harris Lines in Turkey

Harris lines are widely accepted as indicators of physiological stress and provide valuable data for determining the extent and nature of the physiological stress factors acting on a human community. Traditionally, Harris lines are studied in skeletal populations. In the study reported here, data were collected on living children to eventually clarify if stress is basically chronic or acute in nature, if it has a greater impact on children or adults, and if it is correlated with increased rates of mortality. The existence of Harris lines was determined in a sample of 400 children, 210 males and 190 females, randomly selected from those under examination in the radiology services of hospitals. Radiological analysis was used to analyze Harris lines. The age of Harris line formation and variations in the number of lines with age were established to determine at which age the densest line population was present. For this sample, the formation of Harris lines is around 2–3 years of age, in agreement with published literature. It should be taken into consideration that Harris lines are the end result of multiple factors, rather than a single stress factor, and are influenced by an individual’s immune system and resistance to stress.     

Factors affecting daily ranges of red deer<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cervus elaphus</Emphasis> in Białowieża Primeval Forest,Poland

Daily ranges of 19 (6 males, 13 females) adult red deerCervus elaphus Linnaeus, 1758 were studied using 24-h tracking sessions in Białowieża Primeval Forest (BPF), Poland, from 2001 to 2004. Overall, size of mean (± SE) daily ranges was larger for males (1.22 ± 0.10 km²) than females (1.00 ± 0.09 km²), although the difference was not significant. Similarly, mean daily ranges were 6–46% larger for males than females in each season, although there were no statistical differences in mean daily ranges among seasons for each sex. Abiotic factors, especially temperature, significantly affected daily ranges of females, but not males, suggesting sexual differences in response to weather variables. On a daily basis, males used 3% of their annual home range, whereas females used 12% of their annual home range, indicating females used their annual home ranges more intensely than males. Consecutive daily ranges overlapped little for each sex. Daily ranges of red deer in BPF were considerably larger than previously reported in Europe, suggesting factors unique to BPF also influenced size of daily ranges.     

Reproductive Structure of the Adult Green Sturgeon, Acipenser medirostris, Population in the Rogue River, Oregon

The primary objective of this study was to determine the reproductive structure of the adult green sturgeon population in the Rogue River. Green sturgeon were captured by gillnet in the lower 11.6–68.4 river kilometers in April to July 2000–2003 and September and October 2002–2003. Gonadal tissue, collected by biopsy, was processed histologically, blood was collected from the caudal vasculature, and fork length (FL) and total length (TL) (±0.5 cm) were measured for each individual. Sex steroids, testosterone (T), 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT), and estradiol-17β (E2), were measured by radioimmunoassay. Biological samples were collected from a total of 88 green sturgeon of which 37 females and 41 males were confirmed by histological analysis. Four gravid females, captured in the spring, were visually identified, and oocyte polarization index and ovarian follicle diameter indicated that these females were in spawning condition. Gonadal samples collected from six individuals did not contain gonial cells, hence the sex and stage of maturity in these individuals remains unknown. Of the 20 females captured in the spring, 1 was vitellogenic, 4 were post-vitellogenic, and 15 were post-ovulatory. Twenty-one females were captured in the fall of which 6 were pre-vitellogenic, 7 vitellogenic, and 8 post-ovulatory. Of the 16 males captured in the spring, 2 were pre-meiotic, 8 were ripe or actively spermiating, and 6 were post-spermiation. Twenty-five males were captured in the fall: 11 pre-meiotic males and 14 post-spermiation. The majority of green sturgeon captured in the Rogue River were reproductively active or had recently spawned indicating the importance of this river for the preservation of green sturgeon.     

Determination of copper and zinc levels in human hair

The Cu and Zn levels of both 607 men (1–85 y old) and 649 women (1–92 y old) were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Sex does not influence Cu (14.89±0.89 μg/g and 15.26±0.79 μg/g hair for males and females, respectively) and Zn contents (200.97±9.68 μg/g for men and 209.81±9.49 μg/g hair for women). Age influences Cu and Zn concentrations, but only significantly in females: Cu levels decrease over 60 y of age; whereas Zn levels increase significantly from age groups 2–5 to 20–40 years. Hair color influences Cu concentrations in both males and females. In males, white hair containes less Cu than black hair; in females, white hair's Cu levels are significantly lower than those of dark blond, red, light brown, and brown hair. There are no significant differences in Zn concentrations with respect to different hair colors, in either males or females.     

Ontogenesis of the cricket Gryllus argentinus Sauss. (Orthoptera, Gryllidae)

The development of Gryllus argentinus Sauss. was studied under stable laboratory conditions: the temperature of 26°C, the air humidity of 60%, and the photoperiod of 12h light: 12 h dark. The life cycle of Gryllus argentinus includes four stages: egg, pronymph, nymph, and adult. The duration of embryonic development is 18 days. The depth of egg bedding in the peat is 9.63 ± 0.12 mm (n =145), the clutch containing 2–4 eggs. A female can lay over 1100 viable eggs during the entire oviposition period. Nymphal development includes 9 instars and lasts 97 days. The duration of nymphal instars (days) is: I—5; II—6; III—6; IV—6; V—8; VI—10; VII—13; VIII—14; IX—29. The duration of the adult life is 51 days in males and 69 days, in females. In the imaginal ontogenesis of males and females, three periods can be distinguished: pre-reproductive, reproductive, and postreproductive. Males start to emit the aggressive signal on the 6th (5–8th) day (the pre-reproductive period). They enter the reproductive period (start to emit the calling song) on the 9th (8–13th) day. Females enter the reproductive period (become capable of responding to the calling song and of copulation) on the 9th (8–10th) day. Oviposition starts on the day after the first copulation. The reproductive period lasts about 40 (15–59) days in males and 58 (21–70) days in females. The post-reproductive period starts in females at the moment of finishing the egg laying period and in males, with disappearance of reproductive behavior. The period ends in the animal’s death.     

Spawning population characteristics of pike <Emphasis Type="Italic">Esox lucius</Emphasis> L. in Lake Rubikiai (Lithuania)

The aim of the study was to describe the peculiarities of pike spawning in mesotrophic Lake Rubikiai, to determine the spawning population structure and evaluate the influence of some environmental factors on year-class strength formation. The data were collected in April and May (1994–2011). A total of 1586 individuals were caught. The age of pike ranged from 1 to 12 years; 2–5-yearold males (96.0%) and 3–8-year-old females (89.1%) prevailed. The overall sex ratio of females to males was 1:4.1. One-year-old spawning males (26.5–28.5 cm) and two-year-old spawning females (31.5–35.5 cm) constituted 2.1% and 2.6%, respectively. Water temperature during the spawning period was relatively stable, between 4 and 6°C, during March and increased slightly towards 10°C in the middle of April. No correlation was observed between female length and spawning date. Year-class strength did not correlate with the last day of ice presence and the minimal water level at the end of spawning (WL_min), but statistically significantly negatively correlated with the maximum water level at the beginning of spawning (WL_max) and the difference between WL_max and WL_min. The mean annual survival rate for pike (aged ≥2) was 0.74 and the mean annual instantaneous mortality rate was 0.45.     

Seasonal and sexual variation in diel activity rhythms of pine martenMartes martes in the Białowieża National Park (Poland)

From 1991–1996, the activity rhythms of 14 radio-collared pine martensMartes martes (Linnaeus, 1758) (6 males and 8 females) were studied in the pristine deciduous and mixed forests of the Białowieża National Park. Tracking data (5823 h) indicated that the activity rhythms of pine martens varied between sexes and seasons. In spring, male activity peaked at 20.00–00.00 h, whereas in summer and autumn-winter, activity was bimodal, peaking at 18.00–22.00 h and 02.00–04.00 h. Female activity in spring was more evenly distributed than that of males, but in summer their activity peaked at 20.00–00.00 h, while in autumn-winter females had a bimodal rhythm with peaks at 18.00–20.00 h and 02.00–06.00 h. In breeding females, activity rhythms changed in the course of pregnancy and nursing. On average, martens started their activity 73±209 (SD) min before sunset and finished 87±245 min after sunrise. Females became active earlier than males but both sexes terminated activity at the same time. For both males and females the daily activity rhythm was not related to the diurnal course of temperature.     

Temperature-dependent development of the predatory mite <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cheyletus malaccensis</Emphasis> (Acari: Cheyletidae)

The effect of temperature on the development of immature stages of the predator Cheyletus malaccensis Oudemans, produced by either fertilized or virgin females, was studied at 17.5, 20, 25, 30, 32.5, and 35°C, 80 ± 5% relative humidity, in complete darkness, and fed Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank). The population maintained at 15°C failed to reproduce. The thermal data obtained were used for the estimation of the thermal requirements (developmental thresholds, thermal constant, optimum temperature) of this predator by a linear and nonlinear model (Logan type I model). Upper and lower developmental thresholds ranged between 37.4–37.8 and 11.6–12.0°C, respectively. Optimum temperature for development was estimated at between 33.1 and 33.5°C. The thermal constant ranged between 238.1 and 312.5 degree-days. Based on the data of the total pre-imaginal period, immatures’ survival peaked at 25°C. Arrhenotokous parthenogenesis (haplodiploidy) is confirmed in the species: virgin females always produce males, whereas fertilized females give rise to offspring of both sexes. Survival of the immature stages and offspring sex ratio were not significantly influenced by temperature.     

Modelled population growth based on reproduction differs from life tables based on age determination in Danish raccoon dogs ( Nyctereutes procyonoides )

The population of raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) in Denmark has increased rapidly from 1995 when the first was recorded until today where 3291 raccoon dogs are trapped, shot by hunters or road killed. The aims of this study are to present the first data on reproduction and life tables of raccoon dogs in Denmark and to compare mortality from modelled life tables with game bag records and sampled raccoon dogs in different age groups. In this study, the uteri of 89 adult females (> 10 months) were examined for placental scars (PSC), and 561 individuals (289 males, 272 females) were aged using pulp cavity width and dental lines in canine teeth. The litter size of raccoon dogs in Denmark is to date the largest litter size recorded in the wild (mean ± SE) 10.8 ± 0.4, range 1–16 pubs and fecundity 8.4 ± 0.6 pubs. The percent-reproducing females are 78–83%, based on dark and all PSC, respectively. A significant difference was found between the proportion of individuals composing the different age groups based on age determination of individuals collected (Ntage) and the modelled number of individuals in age groups based on fecundity and different mortality rate (Ntmodel), X2 = 8, p < 0.05. The discrepancy between the relatively high reproduction and lifetables may be due to older and more experienced animals that avoid culling. A low population density in a newly founded Danish population of raccoon dogs, together with a milder climate where raccoon dogs can forage during the winter, may cause an exceptionally high reproduction in Danish raccoon dogs.     

Observations on the behaviour and ecology of a threatened and poorly known dwarf antelope: the beira (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Dorcatragus megalotis</Emphasis>)

Observations on the behaviour and ecology of the beira (Dorcatragus megalotis) were made during spring 2004 in a wild population discovered in 1993 in a low mountain range in the South of the Republic of Djibouti. Spring was found to be both a birthing and a mating season. Beiras fed in the first and last daylight hours, mainly on dicotyledons and in patches supporting trees and/or bushes. They spent the warmest hours of the day in the shade of trees, or in rock shelters when the temperature became too hot. Observed groups (n = 56) ranged in size from one to five individuals (mean ± SD = 2.70 ± 1.49). Most of these groups included a single adult male (62.5%) or no adult male at all (33.9%). The only encounter observed between two adult males resulted in the chasing of one by the other. Furthermore, the mixed-sex groups including a single adult male seemed rather stable, and their members used collective urination–defecation sites. From a behavioural point of view, the beira thus appears not very far from the dik-diks (Madoqua spp.), but differs from them by a greater sociability between adult females and its type of habitat.     

Effects of parental age at mating on the fecundity and progeny sex ratio of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Campoletis chlorideae</Emphasis>, an endolarval parasitoid of the pod borer, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Helicoverpa armigera</Emphasis>

Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), commonly called gram pod borer, is a serious pest of pulse crops in India and damages chickpea (Cicer arietinum L). On average a 30% crop loss is reported. One of the potential natural enemies reported for its biological control is Campoletis chlorideae Uchida (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), an idiobiont parasitic wasp that attacks second instar larvae of the pod borer. Male-biased sex ratios hinder efforts to mass release parasitic Hymenoptera for biological control by making the production of females costly. Parental age at time of mating is known to affect the progeny sex ratio in some Braconidae. In this view, we examined the reproduction and survival of the parasitoid C. chlorideae in the laboratory [22 ± 4°C, 70 ± 10% R.H. and 10:14 h light:dark photoperiod]. All the nine (i.e. 3 × 3) combinations of possible mating were made for males and females, being each of different age groups (0–12, 48–60 and 96–108 h old). Second instar larvae of the pod borer were reared on chickpea and exposed to mated females of different mating age group combinations. Results revealed that (a) newly emerged females (0–12 h old) mated to aged males yielded more progeny contrasted to the older females inseminated by newly emerged males (0–12 h old). This implies that increased maternal age at mating caused greater reduction in the progeny yield than that of paternal age; (b) the progeny sex ratio was lowest (0.344 ± 0.057) (mean ± SD) when parents mated just after emergence (0–12 h old). It became more and more male biased as parents were deprived of mate and was highest (0.666 ± 0.701) for 96–108 h old parents. The analysis of variance of the data shows that mate deprived males caused greater contribution in the production of sons, resulting a male-biased progeny sex ratio. Our conclusion indicate that newly emerged parasitoids (0–12 h old) are most fecund and should be used in rearing practices in order to enhance the progeny yield, particularly with respect to daughters. Handling Editor: Torsten Meiners     

Sex‐related differences in the postmolt distribution of Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) in the southern Weddell Sea

The population of Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) in the southern Weddell Sea is in a unique position on the continental shelf edge, with vast shelf waters to the south, and deep Southern Ocean to the north. We describe sex‐related differences in the winter distribution of this population, from data collected by 20 conductivity‐temperature‐depth satellite relay data loggers deployed in February 2011 at the end of the annual molt. The regional daily speed was calculated, and a state‐space model was used to estimate behavioral states to positions along individuals’ tracks. GLMMs estimated that males and smaller individuals, diving in shallower water, traveled less far per day of deployment (males 14.6 ± 2.26 km/d, females 18.9 ± 2.42 km/d), and males were estimated to dive in shallower water (males 604 ± 382 m, females 1,875 ± 1,458 m). Males and smaller individuals were also estimated to be more resident; males spent an average 83.4% ± 7.7% of their time in a resident behavioral state, compared to females at 74.1% ± 7.1%. This evidence that male and female Weddell seals in the southern Weddell Sea are adopting different strategies has not been shown elsewhere along their circumpolar distribution.     

Comparison of xylazine–ketamine and medetomidine–ketamine anaesthesia in the Iberian ibex (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Capra pyrenaica</Emphasis>)

A comparison was made between two anaesthetic combinations in 35 free-ranging adult Iberian ibexes (Capra pyrenaica), from May to December 2005. Sixteen ibexes (10 males, 6 females) were captured using xylazine–ketamine (3.0 ± 0.4 + 3.0 ± 0.4 mg/kg) and 19 ibexes (12 males, 7 females) with medetomidine–ketamine (0.10 ± 0.02 + 2.1 ± 0.3 mg/kg). Anaesthetic times were evaluated, as well as clinical variables (respiratory and heart rates, rectal temperature, haemoglobin oxygen saturation), haematological and biochemical variables, at the time of induction and after 1 h. The heart rate of ibex immobilized with medetomidine–ketamine was higher than those immobilized with xylazine–ketamine. Stabilization of the heart rate of ibex immobilized with medetomidine–ketamine came earlier than those immobilized with xylazine–ketamine. Rectal temperature decreased and stabilized in both groups, but earlier in the xylazine–ketamine group, and hypoxemia was observed in both groups. The white blood cell count of ibex immobilized with medetomidine–ketamine was lower than those immobilized with xylazine–ketamine throughout anaesthesia, while sodium concentration was higher only after 1 h of anaesthesia. In ibex immobilized with xylazine–ketamine, the neutrophil count, serum creatinine kinase activity and aspartate aminotransferase activity increased after 1 h of immobilization, while triglycerides decreased. Changes found in haematological and biochemical variables suggest no major differences in the different drug combinations used, but clinical findings of this study, as well as hypoxemia, hypothermia and bradycardia, were important records that should be taken into account when performing a safe operation.     

Survival and population growth of a long-lived threatened snake species, Drymarchon couperi (Eastern Indigo Snake)

Demographic data provide a basis for understanding the life history and ecology of species, factors which are vital for informing conservation efforts; however, little is known regarding the population ecology of most snake species, including the threatened Eastern Indigo Snake (Drymarchon couperi). We used 11 years (1999–2009) of capture-mark-recapture (CMR) and 2.5 years (2003–2005) of radiotelemetry data from southeastern Georgia, USA, in a CMR modeling framework to estimate apparent survival, capture and transition probabilities, and evaluate factors influencing these parameters. The model-averaged estimate of overall apparent annual survival probability was 0.700 (±0.030 SE) and is comparable to that obtained from known fate analysis (radiotelemetry) at the same site. Body size positively influenced survival, regardless of sex. Capture probability differed seasonally by sex, suggesting lower capture probability for females in fall and males in winter. There was no evidence for effect of precipitation or site-specific differences in survival. Model averaged estimate of annual adult survival estimated using multistate CMR models was 0.738 ± 0.030 and 0.515 ± 0.189 for subadults. We estimated population growth rate (λ) and elasticity (proportional sensitivity) of λ to vital rates using a stage-structured matrix population model. Population growth rate ranged from 0.96 to 1.03 depending on the value of the probability of transitioning from subadult to adult stage. The λ was proportionally most sensitive to changes in adult survival rate, followed by subadult survival. Our results suggest that protecting adult snakes and their habitats would result in the highest likelihood of long-term population stability and growth.     

High survival rate of a critically endangered species, the Azores Bullfinch Pyrrhula murina, as a contribution to population recovery

This paper reports analyses of a capture–mark–recapture (CMR) dataset of 149 Azores Bullfinches ringed on S?o Miguel island (Azores) between 2005 and 2007, and recaptured–resighted on a monthly basis over a 4-year period (2005–2008) throughout their breeding range. We examined the effect of time, age (adults vs. juveniles), gender (adult males and females), and environmental covariates (temperature, rainfall, NAO index) on survival probabilities. The modelling found a high and constant monthly survival probability (mean ± SE) estimated at 0.96 ± 0.01, similar between both adults and juveniles and independent of environmental conditions and gender. These findings agree with expectations from island-based life-history theory where relatively mild conditions and lack of predators should favour high survival rates to compensate for the low reproductive output. The annual survival rate was estimated at 0.62, which was also consistent with this pattern when compared with survival estimates of mainland bullfinch and passerine species on other subtropical islands obtained in similar CMR studies. Based on a canonical estimator, the size of the studied population (mean ± SE) was estimated at 1608 ± 326 individuals. Given that the population size was only around 120–400 individuals in the early 1990s, we suggest that the high survival probabilities currently applying to this critically endangered species may have substantially contributed to the recent recovery of this population. Future research studies on the species’ demography should continue to monitor survival in order to measure the effect of management interventions currently taking place within the range of the Azores Bullfinch, including the restoration of the biodiversity rich laurel forest, but also focusing on nest success, which is important for understanding population dynamics.     

The biology of the predatory miteHypoaspis miles (Acari: Laelapidae), a potential biological control agent ofBradysia paupera (Dipt.: Sciaridae)

The following aspects ofHypoaspis miles' biology were investigated; development rate of egg to adult at different temperatures, fecundity, longevity and rate of predation on sciarids. With an increase in temperature the time taken for development decreased from 33.7 days at 15°C to 9.2 days at 28°C. The threshold temperature forH. miles to complete its life cycle was between 10° and 12°C. When fed onAcarus siro, H. miles laid 2–3 eggs a day and unfertilized eggs only developed into males. Adults ofH. miles (0–1 day old) survived for 24.0±1.4 days without food and if fed for 6 days and then starved, females lived for 65.4±2.6 days which was significantly longer than males (45.2±3.0 days). With food, 60% of males and females survived for 142 days. All larval instars of sciarids were attacked byH. miles although the numbers consumed were dependent on the size of the larvae. Egg predation was negligible and pupae were not attacked. In productivity studies ofH. miles in culture (fed onA. siro), the time taken for the mites to reach a density of 45–65,000/litre ranged from 76 to 23 days at 15° and 28°C respectively.

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Résumé Différents aspects de la biologied'Hypoaspis miles sont examinés: vitesse de développement de l'oeuf à l'adulte à différentes températures, fécondité, longévité et voracité sur les sciarides. Avec une augmentation de la température, la durée du développement passe de 33,7 jours à 15°C à 9,2 jours à 28°C. La température minimale qui permet le développement complet deH. miles est située entre 10 et 12°C. Quand il est nourri d'"itAcarus siro, H. miles pond 2 à 3 oeufs par jour et seuls les oeufs non fécondés donnent des males. Les adultes deH. miles (agés de 0 à 1 jour) survivent pendant 24±1,4 jours sans nourriture et si elles sont nourries pendant 6 jours puis privées de nourriture, les femelles vivent 65,4±2,6 jours, ce qui est significativement plus long que les males (45,2±3 jours). Avec de la nourriture, 60% des males et des femelles vivent pendant 142 jours. Toutes les larves de sciarides sont attaquées parH. miles, mais le nombre de proies consommées dépend de la taille des larves. La prédation des oeufs est négligeable et les pupes ne sont pas attaquées. Dans des études sur la productivité deH. miles en élevage (nourri deA. siro), la durée nécessaire aux acariens pour atteindre une densité de 45–65 000/1 est de 76 et 23 jours à 15°C et 28°C respectivement.

     

Biology of Mastrus ridibundus (Gravenhorst), a potential biological control agent for area‐wide management of Cydia pomonella (Linneaus) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

The codling moth Cydia pomonella (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is a serious pest of pome fruit crops. A natural enemy of codling moth, the larval ectoparasitoid Mastrus ridibundus (Gravenhorst) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) has been imported into South America from the USA but little is known about the biology and ecology of the wasp, knowledge that is needed to design an efficient strategy of release and establishment. Experiments were carried out to assess important traits of the biology of the parasitoid in relation to its possible use as a biocontrol agent for codling moth. When M. ridibundus females were offered larvae ranging in weight from 37 to 78 mg, they oviposited more eggs on heavier hosts. In another study, the adult wasps were offered honey, diluted honey (10%) or pollen in paired choice tests and both males and females preferred honey over the other two foods. Females preferred 10% honey over pollen, while the males showed the opposite preference. Honey‐fed females lived longer than starved females. Adults died rapidly at 35°C, while they lived 20 days at 25°C and 12–17 days at 15°C. Female wasps had on average 25 ± 14 and 18 ± 11 progeny at 15 and 25°C, respectively, but they did not had progeny at 35°C. The development time (egg to adult emergence) was on average 44 ± 7 and 24 ± 2 days at 15 and 25°C respectively. Immature insects did not reach the adult stage at 35°C.     

Male pheromone stimulates ovarian follicular development and body growth in juvenile female opossums (Monodelphis domestica)

Female opossums are induced into estrus by direct exposure to a non-volatile pheromone in male scentmarks. Juvenile females develop this responsiveness by 150 days of age (days), and earlier (130 days) if exposed to male pheromone beginning at 90 days. The goal of this study was to examine the effect of male pheromone on body growth and ovarian follicular development in young opossums. Females (n = 28) were weaned at 56 days and caged individually with ad libitum food and water from 84 days. Body mass was recorded 2–3 times weekly and the onset of estrus was monitored by urogenital sinus cytology. Exposed females were given continuous access to adult male scentmarks from 90 days and randomly selected for necropsy at 105 and 130 days. Unexposed females were isolated from direct contact with males and their scentmarks and randomly selected for necropsy at 90, 105, 130, and 150 days. Exposed females were larger (63.5 ± 1.1 g) than unexposed females (56.6 ± 1.1 g) at 130 days, and 4 of 5 had expressed estrus or proestrus. Uterine mass at 130 days was higher (P < 0.05) in exposed (129.8 ± 28.8 mg) than in unexposed (25.4 ± 6.7 mg) females, none of which expressed estrus by 150 days. The mean number of developing, antral follicles per female increased from 1.5 ± 1.5 at 90 days to 17.8 ± 5.2 at 130 days. Mean diameter of developing antral follicles at 130 days was larger in exposed (534 ± 54 μm) than in unexposed females (393 ± 4 μm). The results of this study demonstrate that pheromonal induction of first estrus in juvenile opossums is associated with an increased rate of body growth and follicular development.     

Frequency and demographic parameters of white-tipped common dormiceMuscardinus avellanarius

Out of 1154 marked common dormiceMuscardinus avellanarius (Linnaeus, 1758), 219 animals (19.0%) had white tail tips at Vilkaraistis forest (Moletai district, east Lithuania) in 1984–1993. The extent of white tail-tip varied from a slight tuft to a notable 22 mm length of white hair in the tail tip. In this population white-tipped individuals represented, on average, 25.7% among juvenile females, 24.9% among adult females, 13.4% among juvenile males, and 15.7% among adult males. White-tipped females were significantly more frequent than males, both in juveniles and in adults. The share of white-tipped dormice fluctuated in different years from 12.5% to 25.6% among adult dormice, and from 9.2% to 28.3% among juveniles. The percentage of white-tipped dormice among juveniles in different years was directly proportional to population density in autumn. There was no clear difference or trend in the mortality rate in white-tipped versus normal dormice. The contribution of white-tipped females to population reproduction was relatively lower than that of normal females: only 18.4% out of all registered breeding cases (n=212) were due to white-tipped females.     

Determining minimum ultimate size, setting size limits, and developing trophy standards and indices of comparable size for maintaining quality muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) populations and sports fisheries

Growth and ultimate size can provide important population insights and a sound biological basis for setting length limits, which can be the best single regulation for preventing overexploitation of muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) populations. A system was developed, using cleithral age and total length at age confidence limits (CL) data, to determine reproductive and growth potential (ultimate size) for calculating and setting increased size limits based on minimum reproductive size (upper 99% CL at age at first maturity + 2 year) and minimum ultimate size (MUS) calculated from the lower 99% CL—minimum ultimate size limit (MUSL). MUS also provides a trophy standard and an index of relative size for comparing trophy potential of individuals within and among populations. Guidelines are provided for determining minimum sample size (mean ± 95% confidence interval = 12 ± 4) and minimum age (8–10 ± 2.0 year) required to produce valid von Bertalanffy growth trajectories. MUS, MUSL, and trophy standards for both length and estimated weight are provided for female and male muskellunge from 14 Ontario sources. Mean MUS, or trophy standard, for females was 115 ± 10.3 cm (MUSL range 75–135) and 11.1 ± 2.6 kg (2.5–17.5) and for males was 95 ± 7.5 cm (66–110) and 6.1 ± 1.3 kg (1.9–9.2). These indices can precisely define growth and growth potential for muskellunge populations and individuals and can be used to better manage and maintain or improve the quality of muskellunge populations and fisheries. Dedicated to the late Dr. E.J. Crossman.