Are European starlings breeding in the Azores archipelago genetically distinct from birds breeding in mainland Europe?

The European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) has recently been found to eat eggs of the endangered roseate tern (Sterna dougallii) in the Azores. Azorean starlings are considered an endemic subspecies (S. vulgaris granti), so we investigated how much genetic divergence has accumulated between the Azores and other European populations in order to assess whether lethal control measures might be possible, as previous experiments have found that taste aversion is not likely to be successful. For this purpose, we sequenced a region of the protein-coding mitochondrial gene ND2 for samples from six different populations. Of the 1,026 base pairs sequenced, 19 (1.7%) were variable and formed 15 different haplotypes. The Azores had high and significant genetic differentiation from all the other populations studied. Haplotype diversity was high in the mainland populations studied, ranging from 0.767 to 0.900, but there was no variation among the Azores samples, which were collected from a geographically broad region. Given the lack of genetic variability in the Azores birds and their abundance throughout the archipelago, lethal control on a local basis and as part of an integrated control plan can be seen as a reasonable measure to protect tern colonies.     

Changes in the breeding avifauna of Israel during 2003–2016

Based on information obtained from publications, online material and experienced birdwatchers we describe changes in the breeding avifauna of Israel between 2003 and 2016. We provide details on nine species that were found breeding in Israel during this period for the first time (Common Shelduck, Great Cormorant, Black-winged Kite, Caspian Tern, White-cheeked Tern, Common Wood Pigeon, Black Bush Robin, Basra Reed Warbler, Chiffchaff); two species that were found breeding in Israel after they were not documented breeding for more than 50 years (Great Crested Grebe, Pallid Scops Owl), one species that significantly extended its breeding range in Israel (Striated Heron), and two exotic species that have recently established populations in Israel (Monk Parakeet, Vinous-breasted Starling). This brings the number of bird species breeding in Israel in 2016 to 220. We also report here that out of six new breeding species reported in 2003, three species established breeding populations in Israel, while the other species did not continue to breed in Israel regularly.     

Captive breeding—a useful tool in the preservation of biodiversity?

Within the next decades species extinction may eliminate between 20 and 50% of the Earth's species. Captive breeding has often been claimed to be a useful tool in preservation of biodiversity. The role of zoos in conservation work and the value of captive breeding are discussed; the latter exemplified by the Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) Programme and the Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) Programme. Captive breeding programmes are very resource demanding and can only be afforded for a very small number of species, which limits their value significantly. Zoos deal mainly with vertebrates, but these comprise less than 3% of the described species, and although the 878 zoos considered hold more than 20 000 specimens of 140 threatened mammal species, they probably only contribute to the conservation of 20 full species. The situation for birds, reptiles and amphibians is even worse. Zoos face serious problems with minimum viable population sizes and hybridization. However, zoos can make a major contribution to preservation of biodiversity through educating and informing the public. Today, where the crisis of extinction of species has reached such daunting dimensions, captive breeding and otherex situ conservation tools should be the last resort for preserving biodiversity, and captive breeding must not become an excuse to avoid dealing with preservation of habitats.     

How much do we know about the breeding biology of bird species in the world?

Knowledge on species’ breeding biology is the building blocks of avian life history theory. A review for the current status of the knowledge at a global scale is needed to highlight the priority for future research. We collected all available information on three critical nesting parameters (clutch size, incubation period and nestling period) for the close to 10 000 bird species in the world and identified taxonomic, geographic and habitat gaps in the distribution of knowledge on avian breeding biology. The results show that only one third of all extant species are well known regarding the three nesting parameters analyzed, while the rest are partly or poorly known. Most data deficient taxonomic groups are tropical forest nesters, particularly from the Amazon basin, southeast Asia, Equatorial Africa and Madagascar – the places that harbor the world's highest bird diversity. These knowledge gaps could be hampering our understanding of avian life histories. Ornithologists are encouraged to pay more efforts to explore the breeding biology of those poorly‐known species.     

Can you shrinkwrap a cow? Protections available for the intellectual property of the animal breeding industry

There are currently four main intellectual property protection statutory schemes available: copyright, trade secret, trademark and patent. Each of these protects a different aspect of intellectual property, which leaves gaps of protection when an innovation does not fit squarely within the boundaries of the statutes. Contracts allow the industry to tailor the protection desired. One very common approach is to license the product via contract. Licences allow intellectual property owners to retain ownership and give permission to others to use the product. Although there are several types of licences, the most common is the field of use licence, which limits the licensee's use of the product. This often leads to price discrimination where various levels of restriction are offered at corresponding prices. The more rights retained by the owner, the more restricted the buyer is and the lower the purchase price allowing customers to choose the level of restriction they are willing to accept. Therefore, the different uses and needs of various customers can be accounted for and reflected in the price. The animal breeding industry is currently struggling to protect their innovations falling into these statutory gaps. The protection for animal breeding industry innovations is most likely through contract law rather than traditional intellectual property law. By taking advantage of the unique nature of contracts, industry will be able to tailor protection and pricing to best suit the variety of customers and uses for the products sold.     

A record of breeding–moulting overlap in the Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus

Capsule Moult-breeding overlap in a male Common Redstart feeding a second brood may reflect time pressure to fit moult between the completion of breeding and migration.     

Was monogamy a key step on the hominin road? reevaluating the monogamy hypothesis in the evolution of cooperative breeding

Because human mothers routinely rely on others to help raise their young, humans have been characterized as cooperative breeders.^1–9 Several large‐scale phylogenetic analyses have presented compelling evidence that monogamy preceded the evolution of cooperative breeding in a wide variety of nonhuman animals.^10–14 These studies have suggested that monogamy provides a general rule (the monogamy hypothesis) for explaining evolutionary transitions to cooperative breeding.¹⁵ Given the prevalence of cooperative breeding in contemporary human societies, we evaluate whether this suggests a monogamous hominin past.     

How does parental role influence the activity and movements of breeding wolves?

We studied the activity and movements of a male and a female wolf during breeding in the Bieszczady Mountains, Poland. The female was less active and mobile and on average closer to the den than the male. The male was less active and mobile when the pack size was seven compared to a year when the pack consisted only of the breeding pair. We conclude that the roles played by breeding males and females rearing pups influence their activity, and that breeding males in larger packs move less during the nursing period because of help by other pack members.     

Combination of the ram effect with PGF2α estrous synchronization treatments in ewes during the breeding season

The role of the ram effect on the reproductive performance of ewes that have initiated estrous cycles following lambing in combination with synchronization of estrus using PGF(2α) was examined. A total of 1264 Corriedale × Merino ewes in the breeding season (March-April) were allocated to one of three treatments. The control group (PG2) of ewes (n=415) were in permanent direct contact with vasectomized rams throughout the experiment from 60 d prior to the administration of the first luteolytic dose of PGF(2α) which was followed by a second dose 13 d later (Day 0 of the experiment). Ewes assigned to the other two treatments remained isolated from rams until Day 0. In the second treatment, ewes (PG2RE; n=445) were administered PGF(2α) in the same manner and were joined with vasectomized rams at Day 0. Ewes allocated to the third treatment (PGRE; n=404) did not receive the second dose of PGF(2α) but were introduced to vasectomized rams on Day 0. Sexual receptivity, as indicated by tail-head marking, was recorded until d 11. More PG2RE ewes (407/445; 92%) were observed in estrus by Day 11 than occurred for PG2 ewes (353/415; 85%; P=0.003). The accumulated frequency of PG2RE ewes in estrus was greater than for PG2 ewes for each period from Day 3 (P<0.001) to Day 11 (P<0.01). The onset of estrus was earlier in PG2RE ewes (2.98±0.07 d) than for PG2 ewes (3.31±0.07 d; P<0.0001). In contrast, the total frequency of PGRE ewes observed in estrus by Day 11 (356/404; 88%) was similar to that observed for PG2 ewes. However, the trajectory of the accumulated frequency of the incidence of estrus was less for the PGRE ewes initially, particularly during the period of Days 3-6 of observation (P<0.0001). Consequently, onset of estrus was earlier in PG2 ewes (3.31±0.07 d) than for PGRE ewes (5.30±0.11 d; P<0.0001). It was concluded that the introduction of vasectomized rams simultaneously with the second administration of PGF(2α) advanced the onset of estrus and increased the number of ewes that responded. The introduction of rams 13 d after a single dose of PGF(2α) did not substitute for the second administration of PGF(2α).     

What are the consequences of growth selection on wood density in the French maritime pine breeding programme?

Volume and stem straightness were the main selection criteria for the first two generations of the French maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.) breeding programme. In this article, we investigate the consequences of this selection on wood quality. Wood density, as a predictor of wood quality, is studied both in the breeding populations and in commercial varieties. Phenotypic and genetic correlations between wood density and growth traits are investigated in successive breeding populations with three genetic field experiments of respectively 30, 29 and 12 years old. Correlation estimates were either slightly negative or non-significantly different from zero depending on the test considered. Consequently, a low impact of growth selection on wood quality should be expected in improved seed sources. However, we observed a significant wood density decrease in two improved varieties as compared to unimproved seed sources at age 15. In addition to this first effect on wood density, growth improvement is also expected to reduce the rotation age and thus increase the proportion of juvenile wood, which is known as having a lower density than mature wood. This change was studied and quantified using a growth model. Finally, a wood density decrease reaching up to 6% was predicted in the improved varieties compared to unimproved material, when both the observed decrease in wood density and the predicted increase in juvenile wood proportion were taken into account. Implications for the breeding programme were considered.     

An updated assessment of the seabird populations breeding at Príncipe and Tinhosas

The Príncipe Autonomous Region is recognised as a marine biodiversity hotspot, although little is known about the status of its marine fauna. It holds most breeding seabirds of the tropical eastern Atlantic Ocean. Based on anecdotal accounts of increased fishing and seabird harvesting, regular monitoring of seabird populations is considered a priority. Therefore, a survey of Príncipe’s seabird colonies was conducted in 2017. The results revealed that the more accessible seabird colonies have disappeared. Around Príncipe, Boné de Joquei is the present main stronghold for Brown Boobies Sula leucogaster and White-tailed Tropicbirds Phaethon lepturus. The Tinhosas islands hold an estimated 300 000 seabirds, predominantly Sooty Terns Onychoprion fuscatus, but also Brown Boobies, Black Noddies Anous minutus and Brown Noddies Anous stolidus. Long-term multi-annual monitoring is needed to understand the breeding phenology of each species and to better assess population trends. Ensuring a protective status for both Tinhosas and the seabirds under national legislation is a key priority for future conservation policy in São Tomé and Príncipe.     

Pollination patterns and plant breeding systems in the Galápagos: a review

Background

Despite the importance of the Galápagos Islands for the development of central concepts in ecology and evolution, the understanding of many ecological processes in this archipelago is still very basic. One such process is pollination, which provides an important service to both plants and their pollinators. The rather modest level of knowledge on this subject has so far limited our predictive power on the consequences of the increasing threat of introduced plants and pollinators to this unique archipelago.

Scope

As a first step toward building a unified view of the state of pollination in the Galápagos, a thorough literature search was conducted on the breeding systems of the archipelago''s flora and compiled all documented flower–visitor interactions. Based on 38 studies from the last 100 years, we retrieved 329 unique interactions between 123 flowering plant species (50 endemics, 39 non-endemic natives, 26 introduced and eight of unknown origin) from 41 families and 120 animal species from 13 orders. We discuss the emergent patterns and identify promising research avenues in the field.

Conclusions

Although breeding systems are known for <20 % of the flora, most species in our database were self-compatible. Moreover, the incidence of autogamy among endemics, non-endemic natives and alien species did not differ significantly, being high in all groups, which suggests that a poor pollinator fauna does not represent a constraint to the integration of new plant species into the native communities. Most interactions detected (approx. 90 %) come from a single island (most of them from Santa Cruz). Hymenopterans (mainly the endemic carpenter bee Xylocopa darwinii and ants), followed by lepidopterans, were the most important flower visitors. Dipterans were much more important flower visitors in the humid zone than in the dry zone. Bird and lizard pollination has been occasionally reported in the dry zone. Strong biases were detected in the sampling effort dedicated to different islands, time of day, focal plants and functional groups of visitors. Thus, the existing patterns need to be confronted with new and less biased data. The implementation of a community-level approach could greatly increase our understanding of pollination on the islands and our ability to predict the consequences of plant invasions for the natural ecosystems of the Galápagos.     

Oestrous cycles and the breeding season of the Père David's deer hind (Elaphurus davidianus)

Reproductive cycles were studied in a group of tame Père David's deer hinds. The non-pregnant hind is seasonally polyoestrous and, in animals studied over 2 years, the breeding season began in early August (2 August +/- 3.3 days; s.e.m., N = 9) and ended in mid-December (18 December +/- 5.7 days; N = 8) and early January (6 January +/- 3.2 days; N = 11) in consecutive years. During the anoestrous period, plasma progesterone concentrations were low (0.2 +/- 0.01 ng/ml) or non-detectable. There was a small, transient increase in progesterone values before the onset of the first cycle of the breeding season. In daily samples taken during an oestrous cycle in which hinds were mated by a marked vasectomized stag, progesterone concentrations remained low (less than 0.5 ng/ml) for a period of about 6 days around the time of oestrus, showed a significant increase above oestrous levels by Day 4 (Day 0 = day of oestrus) and then continued to increase for 18 +/- 2.8 days to reach mean maximum luteal levels of 3.5 +/- 0.6 ng/ml. The plasma progesterone profiles from a number of animals indicated that marking of the hinds by the vasectomized stag did not occur at each ovulation during the breeding season and therefore an estimate of the cycle length could not be determined by this method. In the following year, detection of oestrus in 5 hinds was based on behavioural observations made in the absence of the stag. A total of 19 oestrous cycles with a mean length of 19.5 +/- 0.6 days was observed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Structure of the breeding bird assemblage of a primeval alder swamp in the ?úr National Nature Reserve

The structure of a breeding bird assemblage of a primeval alder swamp in the Šúr National Nature Reserve (the Danube Basin) was studied in the period 1992–1995. A 16 ha forest interior study plot was established for bird censusing. Population abundances were estimated by a combined version of the mapping method from the end of March to the beginning of July. Altogether, 42 breeders were recorded and the mean total density of species total across years was 125.15 ± 12.73 pairs/10 ha (CV = 10.17%). Two species were eudominant (≥ 10%): Sturnus vulgaris and Anas platyrhynchos, and six species were dominant (5% ≤ 10% <): Ficedula albicollis, Fringilla coelebs, Phylloscopus collybita, Parus major, Sylvia atricapilla, Erithacus rubecula. The Shannon diversity index (H′) varied between 3.98–4.10 bites. The evenness index (J′) reached values between 0.79–0.81. Expected species diversity in a random sample of 100 pairs calculated by rarefaction [E (S _{100 pairs})] was 21.35 ± 0.92 species derived as a mean value from the years 1992–1995. The mean rarefaction estimate on the area [E (S _{10 ha})] was 22.75 ± 1.58 species. Bird species richness and diversity were significantly higher in the study plot in comparison to the mean value of European wet alder forests. These results are comparable with the values of structural assemblage parameters of the primeval stands dominated by alder within the Białowieża National Park, Poland.     

Marker-based parentage analysis facilitates low input ‘breeding without breeding’ strategies for forest trees

Controlled crosses and progeny testing are important components of tree breeding programs. Recently, a new approach, ‘breeding without breeding’ (BWB), has been proposed to obtain structured pedigrees for the breeding and testing from wind-pollinated progenies; the technique uses high-resolution markers instead of conventional approaches. The BWB approach is attractive for outcrossing conifers where the breeding cycle is long and reproductive maturity is often delayed. For the application of the BWB approach, the accurate assignment of parents is essential. The first step in the application of the BWB approach is to conduct tests into the reliability of paternity and parent-pair exclusion procedures in complex situations. In this study we conducted multi-locus-based empirical and simulation analyses for a Scots pine seed orchard crop, in order to develop the appropriate parentage assignment techniques for BWB and to investigate whether pedigrees from a seed orchard crop can be determined with sufficient accuracy. The results were promising, as 93–97% of the seeds generated by mating among the seed orchard clones were correctly assigned to a parent-pair. When mating occurred with foreign pollen, the success rate of identifying mother clones was 60–78%. Based on these results, we propose three novel low input breeding strategies for forest trees. The principles of the different options and their potential benefits and costs are described and discussed using Scots pine as a case study.     

Could Miscanthus replace maize as the preferred substrate for anaerobic digestion in the United Kingdom? Future breeding strategies

Fodder maize is the most commonly used crop for biogas production owing to its high yields, high concentrations of starch and good digestibility. However, environmental concerns and possible future conflict with land for food production may limit its long‐term use. The bioenergy grass, Miscanthus, is a high‐yielding perennial that can grow on marginal land and, with ‘greener’ environmental credentials, may offer an alternative. To compete with maize, the concentration of non‐structural carbohydrates (NSC) and digestibility may need to be improved. Non‐structural carbohydrates were quantified in 38 diverse genotypes of Miscanthus in green‐cut biomass in July and October. The aim was to determine whether NSC abundance could be a target for breeding programmes or whether genotypes already exist that could rival maize for use in anaerobic digestion systems. The saccharification potential and measures of N P and K were also studied. The highest concentrations of NSC were in July, reaching a maximum of 20% DW. However, the maximum yield was in October with 300–400 g NSC plant^?1 owing to higher biomass. The digestibility of the cell wall was higher in July than in October, but the increase in biomass meant yields of digestible sugars were still higher in October. Nutrient concentrations were at least twofold higher in July compared to November, and the abundance of potassium showed the greatest degree of variation between genotypes. The projected maximum yield of NSC was 1.3 t ha^?1 with significant variation to target for breeding. Starch accumulated in the highest concentrations and continued to increase into autumn in some genotypes. Therefore, starch, rather than sugars, would be a better target for breeding improvement. If harvest date was brought forward to autumn, nutrient losses in non‐flowering genotypes would be comparable to an early spring harvest.     

Prospecting in the collared flycatcher: gathering public information for future breeding habitat selection?

Visiting breeding patches can allow prospecting individuals to gather information on local patch quality to make optimal decisions about selecting a breeding habitat in the following year. This prospecting behaviour has been described in many bird species. However, the nature of the information gathered by prospectors often remains unknown. We collected data on prospecting behaviour in the collared flycatcher, Ficedula albicollis, a small hole-nesting passerine bird, to investigate whether prospectors could gather information on their conspecifics' reproductive success, that is, ‘public information’. If they could, they would be expected to inspect conspecific nests, prospect at the time when public information is reliable, and be attracted to, and spend time at, successful sites. Prospecting at conspecific nests was frequent. Prospectors were mainly males, and prospecting activity closely matched the peak of nesting activity. The probability of observing a prospector at a nest increased with parental activity, measured by feeding rate and vigilance behaviour, but did not depend on direct measures of success of the inspected nest (nestling number and condition), or on female characteristics. Because feeding rate and vigilance behaviour were predictors of breeding success at fledging, prospectors were attracted to the most successful nests when cueing on conspicuous parental activity. Therefore, prospectors could gather accurate information on local conspecific reproductive success that may be used for breeding patch choice in the following year. We discuss alternative explanations for our results, and the need to test experimentally whether prospectors gather public information. We also discuss the role of breeding constraints on, and the origin of sex differences in, prospecting.     

The status of breeding Barn Owls Tyto alba in the United Kingdom 1995–97

A national survey of breeding Barn Owls was undertaken between 1995 and 1997 using intensive fieldwork methods within a stratified sample of 1100 2 × 2-km survey squares selected at random from those available. Each year, fieldwork was divided into two sessions: one to locate potential nest-sites (winter session) and one to determine occupancy of these sites (summer session). Fieldworkers spent an average of 30 hours on fieldwork within each survey square. The survey produced national population estimates of 2830 (95% confidence intervals: 1952–3761) breeding pairs for 1995, 3967 (95% CI: 2785–5252) for 1996 and 3951 (95% CI: 2769–5214) for 1997. Analysis taking account of the poor coverage in certain regions of high Barn Owl density in 1995 suggests that a population estimate of 3480 would be more accurate for that year. Regional and temporal variations in estimates were examined and interpreted in relation to Barn Owl productivity and ecology. Validation of fieldwork efficiency was carried out within a random selection of the available survey tetrads, demonstrating that fieldworkers achieved a high degree of survey reliability. This paper provides a baseline population estimate and standardized, repeatable methods, allowing future population changes to be monitored effectively.