Behavior as a tool for welfare improvement and conservation management in the endangered lizard (Gallotia bravoana)

The study assessed the behavior of Gallotia bravoana (La Gomera, Canary Islands, one of the world's most threatened reptiles) to facilitate management decisions and improve welfare during initial stages of a species' recovery plan. The study analyzed—and remote-controlled video cameras filmed—the behavior of lizards housed in 3 outdoor enclosures, from May to September 2000. Daily activity showed a bimodal or unimodal pattern, all specimens basking more during June, with the largest male was the most active. Adults ate a higher percentage of vegetable items; subadults, a comparatively larger proportion of larvae and adult insects. The study analyzed individual compatibility; all interacted during 2 short periods. Aggression occurred mainly between males; because most directed high-intensity aggression toward a specific lizard, the study recommended isolating this lizard in a separate enclosure. The study recommended keeping 2 male-female pairs, who demonstrated social tolerance, as breeding pairs in separated terraria. Typical courtship behavior (head-bob sequences) occurred mainly during July, with highest frequency by the oldest male. Behavioral assessment provided data for improving the individuals' welfare in the enclosures and to select specific pairs for breeding.     

Asynchronous Eye Closure as an Anti-Predator Behavior in the Western Fence Lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis)

Asynchronous eye closure (ASEC), one eye open while the other is closed, is a behavior observed in birds, some aquatic mammals, and reptiles. In birds and aquatic mammals, ASEC is associated with unihemispheric sleep wherein the cerebral hemisphere contralateral to (i.e. neurologically connected to) the closed eye sleeps while the other cerebral hemisphere remains awake with its associated eye open and functional. Evidence from birds suggests that ASEC is an important anti‐predator adaptation to mediate the trade‐off between the need to remain vigilant and the need to sleep. However, the anti‐predator correlates of ASEC remain largely unstudied in other animals. Here, we present behavioral evidence that ASEC in reptiles is also an anti‐predator adaptation used in response to an increase in the risk of predation. ASEC was measured in captive western fence lizards (Sceloporus occidentalis) individually exposed to three experimental treatments: (1) an empty terrarium, (2) a terrarium housing a novel moving object, and (3) a terrarium housing a live predator (snake). Predator exposure elicited significantly higher levels of vigilance, mostly due to an increase in ASEC. This increase in ASEC came largely at the expense of synchronous eye closure (both eyes closed). Lizards in ASEC also showed a strong tendency to orient their open eye in the direction of the predator. We suggest that lizards engaged in ASEC are sleeping unihemispherically and are thus able to maintain a level of vigilance concurrent with sleep.     

Coccidian Parasites and Conservation Implications for the Endangered Whooping Crane (Grus americana)

While the population of endangered whooping cranes (Grus americana) has grown from 15 individuals in 1941 to an estimated 304 birds today, the population growth is not sufficient to support a down-listing of the species to threatened status. The degree to which disease may be limiting the population growth of whooping cranes is unknown. One disease of potential concern is caused by two crane-associated Eimeria species: Eimeria gruis and E. reichenowi. Unlike most species of Eimeria, which are localized to the intestinal tract, these crane-associated species may multiply systemically and cause a potentially fatal disease. Using a non-invasive sampling approach, we assessed the prevalence and phenology of Eimeria oocysts in whooping crane fecal samples collected across two winter seasons (November 2012–April 2014) at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge along the Texas Gulf coast. We also compared the ability of microscopy and PCR to detect Eimeria in fecal samples. Across both years, 26.5% (n = 328) of fecal samples were positive for Eimeria based on microscopy. Although the sensitivity of PCR for detecting Eimeria infections seemed to be less than that of microscopy in the first year of the study (8.9% vs. 29.3%, respectively), an improved DNA extraction protocol resulted in increased sensitivity of PCR relative to microscopy in the second year of the study (27.6% and 20.8%, respectively). The proportion of positive samples did not vary significantly between years or among sampling sites. The proportion of Eimeria positive fecal samples varied with date of collection, but there was no consistent pattern of parasite shedding between the two years. We demonstrate that non-invasive fecal collections combined with PCR and DNA sequencing techniques provides a useful tool for monitoring Eimeria infection in cranes. Understanding the epidemiology of coccidiosis is important for management efforts to increase population growth of the endangered whooping crane.     

Biological Control as a Tool for Ecosystem Management

Biological control is proposed as a tool useful for ecosystem management and compatible with the goals of often competing interests regarding the restoration and maintenance of ecosystems. We summarize the effects of introduced species on ecosystems in three broad groups: insects, vertebrates, and weeds. We then discuss the role of biological control for each of these groups in the context of ecosystem management and realistic outcomes. Of the three groups, we show that biological control of weeds appears to have the best chance for success in ecosystem management. We provide two case studies to support our ideas and finally discuss future needs and trends including fiscal considerations, cost/benefits associated with biological weed control, and potential funding sources.     

Genetic Variation in the Endangered Endemic Species Cycas fairylakea (Cycadaceae) in China and Implications for Conservation

Cycas fairylakea is an endangered endemic species in China. Genetic diversity within and among four natural populations of this species in China was investigated using amplified fragments length polymorphism (AFLP). A moderate to low level of intraspecific genetic diversity was detected in this species (at population level: P = 39.57 %, H₀ = 0.244; at species level: P = 60.22%, H₀ = 0.356). The among-population component accounted for, respectively, 25.7 and 31.5% of the genetic variation, according to AMOVA and Shannon’s index, indicating most of the genetic variation was found between individuals within populations. All four populations have opposite pyramid age structure, and few coning individuals, which is still decreasing. Possibly because of habitat degradation and environmental pollution, plant diseases and insect pests in the populations were extremely serious, suggesting that the main factors threatening the survival of C. fairylakea populations were not genetic variation, but human activities and the breeding system of this species.     

Community-Based Ecotourism and Primate Watching as a Conservation Tool in the Amazon Rainforest

International Journal of Primatology - Community-based tourism is a participatory approach implemented to support the economic and social development of local communities. Here, we present the...     

Conservation planning for the extraordinary and Endangered Spesbona damselfly

The damselfly Spesbona angusta is one of the world’s rarest insects, is Red Listed as Endangered, and occurs today at only one known locality in the Cape Floristic Region (CFR), South Africa. It has some unusual characteristics, including rapid and reversible colour change in both sexes, and a larva with frilled lamellae that lives in a micro-habitat free of competitors and large anisopteran enemies. We define here the characteristics of its habitat and record some other unusual behavioural traits, including the adult male’s ability to sail on the water surface, very strong site selection for oviposition, and female approach to males, all in the context of its conservation. We used satellite imagery to determine the location of habitats within its locality. We further used infrared imagery to identify warmer and cooler habitats within the area. Details of its occurence were mapped, based on observational data acquired throughout the flight season. From this, we were able to establish that its population moves around its locality, and we also establish its environmental requirements for conservation. We also indicate its umbrella value for representing two other threatened odonate species, Endangered Proischnura polychromatica and Vulnerable Syncordulia legator, as well as some other CFR endemic odonates. Conservation of this species requires continual monitoring and removal of invasive alien trees as a priority. Translocation should also be considered as various risks to this one locality are high. A potential site is identified.     

Rice (Oryza sativa) as a Remediation Tool for Nutrient Runoff

Hypereutrophication of U.S. surface waters is one of the leading causes of impairment for water quality. With nutrient criteria development and total maximum daily load (TMDL) issues looming for regulators, agricultural research is focusing on practices aimed at decreasing nutrient contributions to receiving aquatic ecosystems. This study examined the use of rice (Oryza sativa) for luxury uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus components associated with agricultural storm runoff. Mesocosms (379 L) planted with rice were exposed to two concentrations (5 and 10 mg/L) of nitrate, ammonia, and orthophosphorus. Results from these mesocosms were compared to unvegetated controls (also amended with 5 or 10 mg/L nitrate, ammonia, and orthophosphorus) to determine efficiency of rice in remediating nutrient runoff. Statistically significant differences in ammonia and nitrate retention of vegetated mesocosms amended with 5 mg/L versus vegetated mesocosms amended with 10 mg/L were noted after the first exposure. Although rice is a nutrient-dependent aquatic plant, this study suggests that more efficient mitigation is possible at lower inflow concentrations as opposed to higher inflow concentrations.     

Helminth infracommunities of Gallotia caesaris caesaris and Gallotia caesaris gomerae (Sauria: Lacertidae) from the Canary Islands (Eastern Atlantic)

A survey of gastrointestinal helminth communities of Gallotia caesaris caesaris (Lehrs, 1914) and G. c. gomerae (Boettger and MUller, 1914), from the islands of El Hierro and La Gomera, respectively, in the Canary Archipelago, Spain, was conducted to determine the prevalence, intensity, and diversity of intestinal parasites of these lacertid lizards. Larval forms of cestodes, nematodes, and acanthocephalans were found in the body cavity of G. c. caesaris; this lizard is the intermediate or paratenic host in the life cycle of these helminths. Pharyngodonid nematodes were the most common intestinal helminths in both hosts, 4 of them being Gallotia spp. specialists. Helminth infracommunities of both hosts were depauperate and isolationist, according to the low values of helminth diversity.     

Potential Component Allee Effects and Their Impact on Wetland Management in the Conservation of Endangered Anurans

Effective management of wetland quantity and quality is crucial for effective conservation of declining amphibian populations. In particular, frogs and toads that employ aggregative breeding strategies may suffer negative population impacts in response to changes in availability of aquatic breeding habitat, including overabundance of suitable habitat, if density of conspecifics attending aggregations is positively correlated with reproductive success. Here we document such a positive relationship, potentially the first example of a component Allee effect in an anuran, in the critically endangered Houston toad (Bufo houstonensis). We assessed the relationship between mean yearly chorus size and reproductive success of males at the pond level using an information theoretic model selection approach and a two-sample t-test. The chosen model contained the single variable of mean yearly chorus size to predict probability of reproduction, as selected using the Akaike Information Criterion corrected for small sample size and Akaike weight. Mean chorus sizes were significantly higher among ponds exhibiting evidence of reproduction than in those that showed no evidence of reproduction. Our results suggest that chorusing alone is a poor proxy for inference of population stability and highlight a need for reassessment of widely-used amphibian monitoring protocols. Further, amphibian conservation efforts should account for potential Allee effects in order to optimize benefits and avoid underestimating critical population thresholds, particularly in species exhibiting rapid population declines.     

The Kill Date as a Management Tool for Cover Cropping Success

Integrating cover crops (CC) in rotations provides multiple ecological services, but it must be ensured that management does not increase pre-emptive competition with the subsequent crop. This experiment was conducted to study the effect of kill date on: (i) CC growth and N content; (ii) the chemical composition of residues; (iii) soil inorganic N and potentially mineralizable N; and (iv) soil water content. Treatments were fallow and a CC mixture of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and vetch (Vicia sativa L.) sown in October and killed on two different dates in spring. Above-ground biomass and chemical composition of CC were determined at harvest, and ground cover was monitored based on digital image analysis. Soil mineral N was determined before sowing and after killing the CC, and potentially mineralizable N was measured by aerobic incubation at the end of the experiment. Soil water content was monitored daily to a depth of 1.1 m using capacitance sensors. Under the present conditions of high N availability, delaying kill date increased barley above-ground biomass and N uptake from deep soil layers; little differences were observed in vetch. Postponing kill date increased the C/N ratio and the fiber content of plant residues. Ground cover reached >80% by the first kill date (∼1250°C days). Kill date was a means to control soil inorganic N by balancing the N retained in the residue and soil, and showed promise for mitigating N losses. The early kill date decreased the risk of water and N pre-emptive competition by reducing soil depletion, preserving rain harvested between kill dates and allowing more time for N release in spring. The soil potentially mineralizable N was enhanced by the CC and kill date delay. Therefore kill date is a crucial management variable for maximizing the CC benefits in agricultural systems.     

Movements and Habitat Use of an Endangered Snake,Hoplocephalus bungaroides (Elapidae): Implications for Conservation

A detailed understanding of how extensively animals move through the landscape, and the habitat features upon which they rely, can identify conservation priorities and thus inform management planning. For many endangered species, information on habitat use either is sparse, or is based upon studies from a small part of the species’ range. The broad-headed snake (Hoplocephalus bungaroides) is restricted to a specialized habitat (sandstone outcrops and nearby forests) within a small geographic range in south-eastern Australia. Previous research on this endangered taxon was done at a single site in the extreme south of the species’ geographic range. We captured and radio-tracked 9 adult broad-headed snakes at sites in the northern part of the species’ distribution, to evaluate the generality of results from prior studies, and to identify critical habitat components for this northern population. Snakes spent most of winter beneath sun-warmed rocks then shifted to tree hollows in summer. Thermal regimes within retreat-sites support the hypothesis that this shift is thermally driven. Intervals between successive displacements were longer than in the southern snakes but dispersal distances per move and home ranges were similar. Our snakes showed non-random preferences both in terms of macrohabitat (e.g., avoidance of some vegetation types) and microhabitat (e.g., frequent use of hollow-bearing trees). Despite many consistencies, the ecology of this species differs enough between southern and northern extremes of its range that managers need to incorporate information on local features to most effectively conserve this threatened reptile.     

An Analysis of Inter-Population Divergence in Visual Display Behavior of the Green Anole Lizard (Anolis carolinensis)

Variation in habitat structure can profoundly affect the evolution of visual displays in animals. We compared the field display behavior of two populations of the green anole lizard (Anolis carolinensis) in Southern Louisiana. These two populations occupy habitats varying markedly in structure (clumped vs. continuous), ecological setting (urban vs. natural) and the degree of male competition and predation. We filmed 56 large adult male lizards during the active spring reproductive period and detected substantial divergence in display behavior between populations. We found that (1) relative dewlap areas did not differ significantly between populations, (2) Tulane anoles spent about twice as much time displaying compared with Good Hope field anoles, although the average display duration did not differ significantly between populations, and (3) the two populations differed significantly in the relative frequency of display types: lizards from the Tulane population used a higher proportion of A and B display types, whereas Good Hope Field anoles used C displays more often. Finally, we detected differences in other aspects of display behavior (use of display modifiers, volley length distributions). We suggest that these display differences may result from differences in green anole male density (three times higher at Tulane), combined with habitat differences (clumped vs. continuous).     

A Neuroethological Study of Display Behavior in the Lizard Anolis Carolinensis (Reptilia, Lacertilia, Iguanidae)

A behavior inventory and ethogram for display behavior, an atlasof the principal forebrain nuclei and fiber tracts, and microtechniquesfor stereotaxic surgery were developed in conjunction with astudy of forebrain involvement in the display behavior of Anoliscarolinensis In a behavior inventory of 100 units consistingof states and events, forty-seven were observed exclusivelyor frequently in social situations. An analysis of the effectsof forebrain lesions on two stereotyped displays indicated involvementof the striatal area of the basal forebrain in species-typical"challenge" displays that are characteristic of territorialencounters between adult conspecifics. "Assertive" displaysassociated with elevated behavioral arousal were not significantlyaffected Lesions confined to the dorsal ventricular ridge resultedin no significant deficits in either display type.     

The Use of Habitat Models in Conservation of Rare and Endangered Leafhopper Species (Hemiptera,Auchenorrhyncha)

For conservation of Auchenorrhyncha species, knowledge of their habitat requirements is essential. However, for most species there is no ‘quantitative’ knowledge that would allow e.g. spatially explicit predictions. Such predictions can be made by habitat models, which quantify the relationship between the environment and the occurrence of species. In two plot-based case studies – the endangered leafhopper Verdanus bensoni in mountainous grasslands and four endangered Auchenorrhyncha in urban brownfields – we used habitat models to quantify the habitat requirements of these five species and to exemplify their use for creating habitat suitability maps. In the first case study, the multivariate model showed that occurrence probabilities of the leafhopper V. bensoni increase with both decreasing nitrogen indicator values and decreasing tree cover. On urban brownfields, successional age was a driving factor for species’ occurrence. Site age largely determines a range of vegetation characteristics, which, in multivariate models, often replaced the variable age. Internal validation showed the robustness of all models. The models allow predictions of habitat quality under different management regimes (e.g. response to fertilization or abandonment for V. bensoni or to different turnover rates on brownfield sites). We discuss the application of habitat models in the conservation of Auchenorrhyncha, especially the use of habitat suitability maps.     

珍稀濒危植物三棱栎种子的储藏特性鉴定

由于三棱栎种子存在较高败育率,导致无法准确检测种子初始萌发率,因此对三棱栎种子的储藏特性一直不清楚,无法对该珍稀濒危物种提供最佳长期保存方案。本研究通过种子重力分离技术和X光成像系统检测技术,对三棱栎（Formanodendron doichangensis）的成熟种子进行优化清理,成功排除了空瘪种子对萌发实验的影响,通过研究脱水、低温和超低温对三棱栎种子活力的影响,明确鉴定了三棱栎种子的储藏特性,为该珍稀濒危物种提出最佳长期储藏方案。结果表明,种子重力分离技术有效地将三棱栎种子的饱满率从处理前的47%,提高到处理后的86%。根据国际种子储藏特性鉴定方法,三棱栎种子的含水量降到5%以下,种子活力为95%,仍与对照（92%）一致。极低含水量 （〈5%）的种子,在低温（-20℃）和超低温（-196℃）保藏处理3个月后,其活力仍为90%和91%。以上数据表明,三棱栎的种子能够耐受极端脱水和低温保藏,属于正常型种子,可以运用常规的种子库保存技术和储藏条件（即脱水低温条件）长期保存,该方法是珍稀濒危植物三棱栎种质资源进行长期保藏的最佳方法。     

Spatial and Social Organization in a Burrow-Dwelling Lizard (Phrynocephalus vlangalii) from China

Shared ecological resources such as burrow complexes can set the stage for social groupings and the evolution of more complex social behavior such as parental care. Paternity testing is increasingly revealing cases of kin-based groupings, and lizards may be a good system to inform on the early evolution of sociality. We examined spatial and social organization in the lizard Phrynocephalus vlangalii from China and tested genetic relatedness (based on eight microsatellite DNA loci) between offspring and parents that shared burrow complexes. Adult males and females had similar spatial patterns: they overlapped most with members of the opposite sex and least with their own sex. Males in better body condition overlapped with more females, and both sexes showed high site fidelity. Most lizards used a single burrow, but some individuals used two or three burrows. While high site fidelity is consistent with sociality in lizards, juveniles did not preferentially share burrows with parents, and we documented only a few cases of parent-offspring associations through burrow sharing. We suggest that P. vlangalii conforms to a classical polygynous mating system in which the burrow forms the core of the male's territory and may be offered as an important resource for females, but this remains to be determined.     

Cogrinding as a Tool to Produce Sustained Release Behavior for Theophylline Particles Containing Magnesium Stearate

The aim of the present study was to explore the cogrinding technique as a tool to slow down the drug release from capsule formulations. To this end, the physical mixtures of theophylline–magnesium stearate were prepared and subjected to different milling times (1, 15, 30, 120 min). In order to investigate the effect of magnesium stearate concentration on drug release, various concentrations of magnesium stearate (1%, 3%, 5%, and 10%, w/w) were used. The dissolution rate of the drug from coground samples and physical mixtures were determined at pH 6.5 according to USP. The results showed that all coground formulations showed slower release rates than their physical mixture counterparts. The effect of cogrinding time on the drug release was complex. Cogrinding time had no significant effect on drug release when the amount of magnesium stearate was 1% (w/w). When the amount of magnesium stearate was increased from 1% to 3% and cogrinding time increased from 1 to 5 min, there was a significant reduction in drug release. Beyond 5-min cogrinding, the drug release increased again. For coground samples containing 5% or 10% (w/w) magnesium stearate, generally, the highest drug release was obtained at higher cogrinding time. This was due to a significant increase in surface area of particles available for dissolution as proven by scanning electron microscopy results. Fourier transform infrared and differential scanning calorimetry results ruled out any significant interaction between theophylline and magnesium stearate in solid state.