Seasonal and between-sex differences in the diet of Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix

Capsule Dietary differences between sexes and seasons reflected diversity in plant availability and habitat preferences.

Aims To analyse Black Grouse diet through the identification of plant and invertebrate material found in the crop.

Methods Crops were dissected and the content categorized into plant species and components (i.e. leaf, stem, flower, fruit and seed). Multivariate analysis was used to test for seasonal, sex- or location-related differences in the diet.

Results Plant fragments accounted for 98% of the diet and included 53 plant species or taxa. Invertebrates made up the remaining 2%. Diet varied significantly between seasons and sexes. Both sexes ate more ericaceous shrubs in autumn and winter, with females eating more than males. The plant parts eaten varied seasonally. In summer, fruits, flowers and seeds were favoured over leaves, which dominated in winter.

Conclusions With few trees, birds were reliant upon Heather in autumn and winter.     

Seasonal variation in the diet and food preference of the Woodpigeon Columba palumbus in Ireland

Capsule The Woodpigeon Columba palumbus has a wide and varied diet, dominated by vegetable matter. This study found no significant difference in the diet of male and female birds in North-East Ireland; however, diet differed significantly between the seasons. In summer and autumn, the grains of cereal crops constituted the largest proportion of the diet, whereas in spring and winter, diet was dominated by the fruit and seeds of trees. This varied diet allows Woodpigeons to feed on seasonally abundant food sources, that have a high calorific content and that are ignored by most other seed-eating birds.     

干旱绿洲区枸杞林地面节肢动物功能群结构季节分布特征

为了解枸杞林地面节肢动物功能群结构季节分布特征,以宁夏绿洲枸杞林为研究对象,于2018年的春、夏、秋季节,采用陷阱诱捕法,调查了地面节肢动物功能群季节分布特征及其与环境因子之间的关系。结果显示:(1)枸杞林地面节肢动物功能群包括植食性、捕食性、腐食性和杂食性动物,个体数分别占6.31%、86.75%、2.01%和4.89%,其中以捕食性动物为主。(2)植食性地面节肢动物个体数和生物量表现为春季显著高于秋季,夏季居中;类群数表现为夏季显著高于秋季,春季居中。捕食性地面节肢动物生物量表现为夏季和秋季显著高于春季;个体数和类群数在不同季节间均无显著差异。腐食性地面节肢动物个体数、生物量和类群数在不同季节间均无显著差异。杂食性地面节肢动物个体数和类群数表现为春季显著高于夏季,秋季居中;生物量在不同季节间均无显著差异。(3)相关分析表明,捕食性地面节肢动物个体数与土壤含水量呈正相关关系,腐食性地面节肢动物个体数与土壤全磷呈正相关关系,杂食性地面节肢动物与土壤全氮呈正相关关系。但植食性地面节肢动物个体数则与土壤含水量呈负相关关系,杂食性地面节肢动物个体数与土壤温度和土壤全碳呈负相关关系。(4)pRDA分析表明,土壤含水量是影响地面节肢动物功能群结构季节分布的主要环境因子。结论:随着季节更替,宁夏干旱绿洲区枸杞林地面节肢动物的功能群组成差异较大,功能多样性差异较小。说明每个功能群的个体数和类群数对季节变化敏感,但功能多样性较稳定。     

Diet of the nominate Southern Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis meridionalis in the north of its range (Mediterranean France)

Capsule In this region the diet is mainly cold-blooded prey, mostly insects such as beetles.

Aims To describe the diet of this newly separated, poorly documented and endangered species.

Method Diet was inferred from pellet analysis, collected during a single breeding and winter period in the steppe of the Crau.

Results A total of 5409 prey were identified from 257 pellets. Vertebrates were seldom taken, except by adults (small passerines) during the fledgling period. High seasonal differences were found. Hymenoptera were largely consumed in autumn, Arachnida in autumn and winter, Orthoptera in summer and autumn and Lepidoptera larvae in winter and spring and by fledglings. Nevertheless, Coleoptera were ingested in large proportions all year round. Carabidae were the main prey in winter and Melolonthidae were especially important for adults during the nestling period, as were Cetoniidae for the fledglings.

Conclusion Small mammals and small birds were less exploited in France and Spain (L. m. meridionalis) than in Israel (L. m. elegans or L. m. aucheri), whereas the opposite might be expected, following a north–south climatic gradient. Thus, the nominate subspecies L. m. meridionalis differed in diet from L. m. elegans or L. m. aucheri.     

Seasonal variation of circulating plasma carotenoids in Mediterranean Great Tit males Parus major

Capsule Mediterranean Great Tits showed a marked increase in levels of circulating carotenoids during moult and autumn.

Aims To study seasonal variation in plasma carotenoid content during a whole annual cycle for Great Tits Parus major inhabiting a Mediterranean woodland.

Methods We used a sample of 71 adult male Great Tits captured in NE Spain during a whole year. Data were organized into four seasons (winter, breeding, moult and autumn). We sampled blood to extract plasma. Carotenoid plasma concentrations were analysed by High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Results Lutein and zeaxanthin content varied seasonally, with a marked increase in levels during moult and autumn. Within the moulting period, levels increased gradually as the season progressed. This pattern differed significantly from that previously described in northern European populations, where high values appear mainly in the breeding season. Carotenoid concentrations (lutein: 1.2?±?0.25, zeaxanthin: 0.07?±?0.03?µg mL^?1) were also lower than in northern Europe.

Conclusion Mediterranean Great Tits show a very different pattern of circulating carotenoids and lower levels than northern European populations. The increasing pattern of carotenoid availability found within the moulting period raises the need to control for the effect of sampling date when analysing data on carotenoid concentrations at different times of year.     

Diet composition of the juvenile chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) in the Aegean Sea (Izmir Bay, Turkey)

Stomach contents of 296 juvenile chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus Houttuyn, 1782) specimens were examined based on samplings carried out in Izmir Bay (Aegean Sea, Turkey) during 2001. In terms of percentage weight (W%), fishes were the main food during summer and autumn. Thaliaceans (Salpa sp.) constituted the most important food source in winter, whereas planktonic crustaceans (Amphipoda, Copepoda) were the main prey during spring. According to the Bray–Curtis similarity index, diet of the chub mackerel was 64.1% similar during the summer, winter and autumn seasons.     

Seasonal variation in the diet of Redshank Tringa totanus in the Odiel Marshes,southwest Spain: a comparison of faecal and pellet analysis

Capsule Redshank diet from southern Europe during migration shows spatial and seasonal variations.

Aims To assess seasonal variation in Redshank diet at a major passage site, and to compare data derived from analysing pellets or faeces.

Methods At the Odiel Marshes in 2001, pellets from spring migration (39), autumn migration (121) and midwinter (15) were analysed, together with faecal samples from autumn (84).

Results The abundance of different invertebrate groups in pellets varied between seasons. In spring, Chironomus salinarius pupae and larvae dominated by volume, followed by Ephydridae larvae and the beetle Paracymus aenus. Polychaetes and molluscs dominated in autumn, and isopods in midwinter. In autumn, chironomid larvae, Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum seeds and Artemia cysts were relatively more abundant in faeces, whereas polychaetes, isopods, molluscs and cestode cysticercoids were more abundant in pellets. Harder and/or larger items were thus relatively more abundant in pellets than faeces. Pellet analysis gave more emphasis to mudflat prey, and faeces to saltpan prey.

Conclusion Pellet and faecal analysis give different results for wader diet, and it is useful to combine the two methods. However, they show significant correlations both in diet range and rank abundance of prey items. Redshank diet shows much seasonal and spatial variation in southern Europe.     

乌拉特荒漠草原红砂(Reaumuria soongorica)灌丛林地地面节肢动物群落季节分布特征

以乌拉特荒漠草原红砂(Reaumuria soongorica)灌丛林地作为研究样地,分别于2018年春季、夏季和秋季,利用国际通用的陷阱诱捕法,调查了地面节肢动物群落季节动态分布特征及其与环境因子间的关系。结果显示:(1)3个季节内共捕获地面节肢动物560只,隶属于10目23科。其中,春季优势类群为拟步甲科,夏季为拟步甲科和蚁科,秋季为拟步甲科,其个体数分别占总个体数的51.54%、59.11%和64.88%;常见类群春季和夏季均有8类,秋季有10类,其个体数分别占总个体数的43.08%,37.33%和32.68%;稀有类群春季有7类,夏季有6类,秋季有3类,其个体数分别占总个体数的5.38%、3.56%和2.44%。(2)3个季节内生物量占比超过10%的地面节肢动物类群仅有拟步甲科,春季、夏季和秋季其分别占群落总生物量的88.59%、72.56%和80.90%;1%—10%的地面节肢动物类群生物量,春季、夏季和秋季其分别占群落总生物量的9.76%、25.51%和17.78%;小于1%的地面节肢动物类群生物量,春季、夏季和秋季其分别占群落总生物量的1.62%、1.94%和1.32%。(3)随季节变化,地面节肢动物的密度、类群数、Shannon-Wiener指数和Simpson指数均存在显著差异性(P0.05),表现为夏季显著高于春季或秋季。(4)RDA和Spearman相关分析结果表明,降雨量、气温、土壤含水量、土壤pH和电导率及土壤粒径组成是地面节肢动物季节分布的重要影响因素。研究表明,随着季节更替乌拉特荒漠草原红砂灌丛林地地面节肢动物群落组成季节分布差异性较大,夏季地面节肢动物多样性较高,而且不同类型环境因子对于地面节肢动物的个体数分布影响不同。     

Feeding ecology of the vulnerable aoudad (Ammotragus lervia) in north-western Sahara

The feeding ecology of the aoudad (Ammotragus lervia) was investigated for the first time in north-western Sahara, Djebel Antar (Bechar province, Algeria), from autumn 2015 to summer 2016. Microhistological analyses of faeces revealed an annual diet composed of 23 identified taxa belonging to 16 plant families. The highest species diversity was recorded in spring and summer (23 species), despite a marked consumption of two species: Vachellia tortilis (17.7%) and Avena sterilis (14.0%); diet diversity was lower in autumn and winter (16 species), including mainly Teucrium polium (14.7%, 21.0%) and Gymnocarpos decander (19.7%, 10.0%). The main plant parts consumed during these seasons were stems (77.7%, 65.3%), while leaves and inflorescences were mostly consumed during spring and summer (54.7%, 52.3%). Forbs dominated the aoudad's diet, with 46.3% average relative abundance, including mainly T. polium, Limoniastrum feei, and Chrysanthemum macrocarpum. Woody plants including mainly V. tortilis and G. decander accounted for 33.3% (50.0% in autumn), and grasses including A. sterilis and H. murinum for 20.4% (32.0% in summer). Based on this diet, A. lervia can be classified as a “generalist mixed-feeder.”     

Seasonal Variation in the Diets of Bluefish, Pomatomus saltatrix (Pomatomidae) and Striped Weakfish, Cynoscion guatucupa (Sciaenidae) in Southern Brazil: Implications of Food Partitioning

The stomach contents of 516 Pomatomus saltatrix and 506 Cynoscion guatucupa from southern Brazil were examined. Both species preyed primarily upon teleosts and crustaceans and occasionally squid. Seasonal variation in the diet was related to prey availability in the area, confirming the opportunistic feeding behaviour of both species. During the summer, P. saltatrix preyed upon four prey species (Loligo sanpaulensis, Artemesia longinaris, Mullus argentinae and Paralonchurus brasiliensis), whereas in the autumn and winter Engraulis anchoita was the predominant prey. C. guatucupa similarly preyed upon A. longinaris and P. brasiliensis during the summer, with juvenile C. guatucupa and E. anchoita also consumed. The latter species was an important dietary constituent during other seasons, as were A. longinaris (autumn), Umbrina canosai (winter), Trachurus latami and euphausids (spring). Although P. saltatrix had a broader diet than C. guatucupa during the summer, the latter species had a broader diet overall. Diet breadths were lower from autumn to spring, due to the predominance of E. anchoita in the diet of both species. This restricted diet resulted in significant intra- and inter-specific diet overlap during the winter but, because of the seasonal abundance of E. anchoita, the high levels of diet overlap do not necessarily indicate competition.     

Diet composition and selection of Père David's deer in Hubei Shishou Milu National Nature Reserve,China

Hubei Shishou Milu National Nature Reserve is an ideal place to restore the wild population of Père David's deer (Elaphurus davidianus). Understanding foraging ecology and diet composition is essential for assessing population development or establishing long-term effective conservation measures for endangered species. However, little is known about the diet composition of Père David's deer and its diet selection mechanism. In this study, we used stable isotope technology to investigate the diet composition of Père David's deer according to various tissues (i.e., fur, muscle, liver, heart, and feces) and seasons, and evaluated the correlation between the nutrient composition of plants and diet composition. Bayesian isotope analysis showed that the autumn and winter diet estimated by fur and fecal samples indicated a diet dominated by C₃ grasses (42.7%–57.2%, mean), while the summer diet estimated by muscle and liver samples was dominated by C₃ forbs (30.9%–41.6%, mean). The Pearson correlation test indicated that the contribution of winter diet composition reflected by fur and fecal samples was associated with correlations with crude protein (r = .666, p < .01) and soluble sugars (r = .695, p < .01). The results indicated that crude protein and soluble sugars were important factors influencing the winter diet selection of Père David's deer. In the context of the current reintroduction facing many challenges, such as habitat fragmentation, wetland degradation, and human disturbance, comprehensively evaluating the diet selection mechanism of Père David's deer under different resource specificities and temporal changes should be considered in the future.     

Foods of the silvereye (Zosterops lateralis; Aves) near Nelson,New Zealand

Abstract

The foods of 98 silvereyes (Zosterops lateralis) collected in winter from an orchard near Nelson, New Zealand, consisted of 61 different arthropods belonging to 14 orders. Commonest were Hemiptera in 54% of the birds, Diptera 53%, Coleoptera 34%, Lepidoptera 32%, and Araneida 23%. In addition earthworms, fruit, and seeds were eaten. Except for more beetles (Coleoptera) in males, the diets of the sexes were not significantly different.     

Assessing habitat and resource availability for an endangered desert bird species in eastern Morocco: the Houbara Bustard

In Morocco we tested the consistency between an a priori habitat classification based on topography, hydrology, vegetation structure and composition, and an a posteriori classification based on arthropod assemblages, in a plain supporting wild endangered Houbara Bustards. According to vegetation structure, we defined seven a priori habitats that differed significantly in perennial cover and height. A multivariate multiple regression analysis showed a significant relationship between arthropod assemblages and vegetation structure. Canonical Analyses of Principal Coordinates, conducted simultaneously on direct searches of arthropods and trapping data, showed significant differences between assemblages in both cases, and produced two similar constrained ordinations of six a posteriori habitats: esparto grass (Stipa tenacissima), temporarily flooded areas, fields, “reg” with short perennials, “reg” with tall perennials and wadis. The two sampling methods reflected a dominance of ants and beetles. Arthropod biomasses increased significantly in spring and then decreased significantly in summer for beetles, and in autumn for ants. No strong differences appeared between habitats within seasons, especially in spring, indicating a uniform distribution of food resources during the Houbara breeding season. The “reg” with short perennials had the highest ant biomass in summer. This “reg” and fields also supported the highest arthropod biomass in autumn. Variation in arthropod biomass was a pertinent factor that should be integrated into Houbara habitat selection studies. The definition of habitat availability based on easily identifiable landscape units, combined with empirical tests on arthropod communities provided an accurate classification for habitat selection studies and conservation planning.     

Feeding activity and dietary composition of roe deer at the southern edge of their range

We studied feeding activity and dietary components of hand-reared European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in Israel. Our ultimate goal was to assess habitat suitability for future reintroduction of the species, which has been locally extinct for nearly a century. Activity patterns, diet composition, and body mass of four does were monitored in two (fenced) typical east Mediterranean habitats: mature forest and scrubland recovering from fire. Food supplements were provided between trials. Throughout the year, the deer exhibited diurnal and nocturnal activity, mostly at dawn and dusk. Diet composition varied considerably between seasons and habitats, demonstrating the opportunistic flexibility of the deer. In both habitats, the deer fed on over 85% of the plant species but preferred a particular plant species or parts. In summer and early autumn, fruits and seeds became the dominant portion of their diet. In our semi-natural experimental setup, deer maintained body mass through the winter and spring. Weight loss occurred as the dry season advanced, but the animals rapidly regained mass when annuals and grasses became available following the first rains. In the east Mediterranean habitats, water availability seems more problematic for deer survival than food availability.     

Diet selection by European hares (Lepus europaeus) in the alpine zone of the Snowy Mountains, Australia

European hares (Lepus europaeus) are grazers and open grassland specialists that are replaced in mountain areas of their natural range in the northern hemisphere by browsing/intermediate feeding mountain hares (Lepus timidus), but in their introduced range in the southern hemisphere, occupy the alpine zone. We used micro-histological identification of plant fragments and germination of seeds in faecal pellets of L. europaeus from the Snowy Mountains, Australia, to determine diet. We asked whether diet shifted and/or diet breadth expanded in response to seasonally reduced food availability, particularly during winter. If so, did the constraints of food availability in the alpine zone lead to the diet mirroring that of L. timidus in its native alpine habitat. The diet of L. europaeus was dominated by grasses, herbs and shrubs. The main diet items in summer were grasses (70 %) and herbs (28 %). Grasses declined in the diet between summer and autumn when herbs increased to co-dominance, with a further change after establishment of the winter snowpack to a greater preponderance of shrubs (43 % compared with a maximum of 3 % in snow-free months). L. europaeus selected a wider range of plants in winter (59 species compared with 39 in summer) and diet was significantly more variable in winter than in autumn or summer (and in autumn than summer). We concluded that the persistence of L. europaeus in alpine areas of the southern hemisphere is testament to their ability to expand their dietary breadth to occupy mountain climatic zones normally occupied by L. timidus.     

Mycophagy in small mammals: A comparison of the occurrence and diversity of hypogeal fungi in the diet of the long-nosed potoroo Potorous tridactylus and the bush rat Rattus fuscipes from southwestern Victoria,Australia

Abstract Three broad dietary categories—fungus, plant and arthropod—were identified from faecal samples of two species of small terrestrial mammal in forest vegetation in southwestern Victoria. Fungal material formed the major component of the diet of the long-nosed potoroo Potorous tridactylus throughout the year and of the bush rat Rattus fuscipes during autumn and winter. Fungal material was most abundant for both species during autumn and winter and significantly less common in spring and summer. These results confirm previous studies which found P. tridactylus to be highly mycophagous throughout the year and R. fuscipes to be strongly mycophagous seasonally. Particular consideration was given to the composition of fungi in the diet. Fungal spores in faecal material were assigned to spore classes, which represent one or more fungal species that have similar spore morphology. Twenty-four fungal spore classes were recorded, but for both animal species most of the fungi consumed were from seven major spore classes. The proportions of major spore classes in the diet of both animals were generally similar, even though the composition of spore classes differed markedly across seasons. Minor differences between species in the fungi consumed may be related to differences in selectivity, foraging, or microhabitat use. If fungal resources are limiting, competition for such resources may be important in this and other small mammal communities. The amount and diversity of hypogeal fungi consumed by the two animal species makes them both important spore dispersal agents in forest ecosystems. The capacity of R. fuscipes and other seasonally mycophagous mammals in this role may be more important than previously recognized, especially in habitats where species of the Potoroidae are absent.     

Seasonal variations of the digestive tract of the Eurasian beaver <Emphasis Type="Italic">Castor fiber</Emphasis>

Forage availability for wild rodents varies with season. In turn, the composition of food can affect morphometric parameters of the digestive tract. This study was performed in Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber) whose population was close to extinction in most Eurasian countries, but has now increased. Due to the previous low number of studies, information about the effect of forage availability on the digestive tract morphology has previously been lacking. This study was performed using beavers captured from the natural environment during three seasons of different forage availability: winter, summer and autumn. It was found that the diet of the beaver varied during the year; in winter it was dominated by woody material consisting of willow shoots, whereas in summer the diet was primarily herbs, grass and leaves. Season also affected the mass of digested contents of the digestive tract. The digestive content increased in the caecum and colon in winter and autumn, when poor-quality food dominated the beaver’s diet. The results indicated that the digestive tract parameters of beavers varied based on the composition of available forage.     

模拟四季温度层积对南方红豆杉种子生理性状的影响

为了解濒危物种南方红豆杉(Taxus chinensis var. mairei)种子内含物含量受温度和湿度层积的影响,设置4个季节、2种湿度(16%和24%)基质层积处理,对种子的可溶性糖、淀粉、可溶性蛋白和脂肪等内含物质的变化进行研究。结果表明,不同层积处理下种子贮藏物质的含量有显著变化,春季层积9个月后,可溶性蛋白含量达到最高值;可溶性糖含量呈现降低-升高-降低的变化趋势;淀粉和脂肪含量均随层积逐渐减少。秋季层积9个月后,淀粉含量降至最低。相比于24%湿度,16%湿度的春季、秋季、冬季层积9个月后,脂肪含量均减少较多,说明16%湿度下种子代谢活动更强。春季和秋季的暖温更能促进种子代谢,促进种子形态后熟。夏季温度过高,导致种子生活力下降,夏季层积处理3个月后,种子已经发霉和腐烂。层积过程中,种子内含物在相关酶的作用下,降解为可溶性蛋白、可溶性糖等,为种子萌发提供物质与能量。种子层积时间、温度和湿度及交互作用可作为种子内含物的调控因子。     

Moose summer and winter diets along a large scale gradient of forage availability in southern Norway

Studies on dietary functional responses in large herbivores are traditionally conducted by following individual animals. The method is very time-consuming, and hence, typically provides only a narrow array of forage species compositions. Here we use a range level approach to look at moose (Alces alces) selectivity for and utilization of forage species in relation to availability in both summer and winter. We compare 12 Norwegian ranges representing a large scale gradient in plant communities. The most important forage species in the diet were birches (Betula spp., comprising 43% of all trees browsed in summer and 27% in winter), rowan (Sorbus aucuparia, 25% of trees browsed in summer, 37% in winter), and bilberry (Vaccinum myrtillus, 42% of herbaceous epidermal fragments in summer feces). Selectivity for birches was positively related to its availability and negatively related to availability of rowan, Salix spp., and aspen (Populus tremula) together (all more selected for than birches). Multiple regression models including availability of several forage species were thus superior to single-species models in explaining the diet content of main forage plants. Selectivity for birches was also stronger in summer than in winter, while the opposite pattern was found for rowan. The finding is relevant for our evaluation of the quality of summer and winter ranges, and hence, their relative influence on population productivity. Our study underlines the need to incorporate species composition of available forage when quantifying dietary functional responses in selective herbivores such as moose. Furthermore, care should be taken when extrapolating data on moose diet across ranges or seasons.     

Seasonal and successional dietary shifts of two sympatric rodents in coastal heathland: A possible mechanism for coexistence

Abstract Using microscopic analysis of faecal pellets, we compared the seasonal and successional patterns of food resource use of two Australian native rodents, the eastern chestnut mouse (Pseudomys gracilicaudatus) and the swamp rat (Rattus lutreolus) in a coastal heathland at Myall Lakes National Park, New South Wales. Using the Mantel test, the diets of the two mammal species were significantly different in autumn and winter but not in spring and summer. Further, the two species showed differential use of resources at the young and middle-aged stages of vegetation succession following fire. The mean dietary overlaps for pairs of individuals between the two species were relatively high in all seasons and successional stages, but they were significantly lower than those for pairs of individuals within each species in autumn and winter, and at the young and middle successional stages. Analysis of dietary niche position (γ) and breadth (β) showed lower γ and larger β for P. gracilicaudatus than for R. lutreolus, confirming previous observations that R. lutreolus is more specialized, and less opportunistic in diet than P. gracilicaudatus. Overall, the dietary separations of the two species were less marked in canonical space than they were for specific seasons and successional stages. These results, together with previous studies, indirectly suggest that while these two mammal species may be partitioning diet in autumn and winter in the middle stages, for spring and summer in the old successional stage they might need to partition habitats to facilitate their coexistence. Our results indicate that the local community is more dynamic and complex than previously thought and that other mechanisms of coexistence (e.g. temporal rotation of food resources) may be operating rather than traditional habitat and diet separation.