Retrieval of four adaptive lineages in duiker antelope: evidence from mitochondrial DNA sequences and fluorescence in situ hybridization

Independent molecular markers (mitochondrial DNA sequences from two genes and fluorescence in situ hybridization with satellite DNA sequences as hybridization probes) were employed to investigate phylogenetic relationships among duiker antelope. When analyzed singly or taken together, the molecular and cytogenetic data allowed for the delimitation of four adaptive groups: the conservative dwarfs which are basal, a savanna specialist which groups apart from the forest duikers, the giant duikers, and the red duikers. Within the latter, a further subdivision comprising an east African and a west African red duiker clade is evident. The placement of the endangered zebra duiker and Aders' duiker remains problematic. Several of the nomenclatural divisions in current use are questioned by our results. These include the recognition of Philantomba as genus name for the blue and Maxwell's duiker and that Harvey's duiker be relegated to a subspecies of the Natal red duiker. We place our results in a biogeographic context and argue that duiker speciation has been driven predominantly by habitat fragmentation which probably led to the disruption of gene flow between geographic populations.     

A multi-locus species phylogeny of African forest duikers in the subfamily Cephalophinae: evidence for a recent radiation in the Pleistocene

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Duikers in the subfamily Cephalophinae are a group of tropical forest mammals believed to have first originated during the late Miocene. However, knowledge of phylogenetic relationships, pattern and timing of their subsequent radiation is poorly understood. Here we present the first multi-locus phylogeny of this threatened group of tropical artiodactyls and use a Bayesian uncorrelated molecular clock to estimate divergence times. RESULTS: A total of 4152 bp of sequence data was obtained from two mitochondrial genes and four nuclear introns. Phylogenies were estimated using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian analysis of concatenated mitochondrial, nuclear and combined datasets. A relaxed molecular clock with two fossil calibration points was used to estimate divergence times. The first was based on the age of the split between the two oldest subfamilies within the Bovidae whereas the second was based on the earliest known fossil appearance of the Cephalophinae and molecular divergence time estimates for the oldest lineages within this group. Findings indicate strong support for four major lineages within the subfamily, all of which date to the late Miocene/early Pliocene. The first of these to diverge was the dwarf duiker genus Philantomba, followed by the giant, eastern and western red duiker lineages, all within the genus Cephalophus. While these results uphold the recognition of Philantomba, they do not support the monotypic savanna-specialist genus Sylvicapra, which as sister to the giant duikers leaves Cephalophus paraphyletic. BEAST analyses indicate that most sister species pairs originated during the Pleistocene, suggesting that repeated glacial cycling may have played an important role in the recent diversification of this group. Furthermore, several red duiker sister species pairs appear to be either paraphyletic (C.callipygus/C. ogilbyi and C. harveyi/C. natalensis) or exhibit evidence of mitochondrial admixture (C. nigrifrons and C. rufilatus), consistent with their recent divergence and/or possible hybridization with each other. CONCLUSIONS: Molecular phylogenetic analyses suggest that Pleistocene-era climatic oscillations have played an important role in the speciation of this largely forest-dwelling group. Our results also reveal the most well supported species phylogeny for the subfamily to date, but also highlight several areas of inconsistency between our current understanding of duiker taxonomy and the evolutionary relationships depicted here. These findings may therefore prove particularly relevant to future conservation efforts, given that many species are presently regulated under the Convention for Trade in Endangered Species.     

Distinguishing dung from blue, red and yellow-backed duikers through noninvasive genetic techniques

Dung counts have been widely used to estimate duiker abundance and densities in tropical African forests. However, one of the major limitations of this method is that species' identification of dung based on morphological characteristics is extremely difficult in most cases. Some authors made the assumption that dung pellets could at least be distinguishable between the blue duiker, the red duikers and the yellow-backed duiker. However, this study is the first attempt to test the reliability of field identification. In this study, we suggest a method based on a noninvasive genetic protocol to identify duiker species. The comparison of field and genetic identifications shows that only dung from Cephalophus silvicultor was identified in the field without error. The rate of error for red duikers and the blue duiker is high and any attempt to distinguish among those species will result in wrong estimations for each species. We recommend the use of DNA tests to ensure reliable species' identification when duiker censuses based on dung counts are used. This methodological input will probably strengthen the dung count technique and increase its reliability for duiker species abundance estimations and spatial distribution studies.     

Evidence of a specific nidation site in ruminants

The site of umbilical cord attachment in ruminants indicates the limited segment of the uterus where the blastocyst attachment occurs and could have potential significance for locating presumptive nidation sites. Measurements of the site of cord attachment were made on impala (Aepyceros melampus) and common duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia) at several stages of gestation. Both implant only in the right uterine horn although they ovulate from either ovary. Relative to uterine length, cord attachment in impala is somewhat closer to the cervix than it is in common duiker. As pregnancy advances in common duiker, the relative position of cord attachment becomes closer to the tubal end. This relationship was not seen in impala and may perhaps to be attributed inadequate data. Upon extrapolation of the data from common duiker, a presumptive attachment area is suggested for this species. This region is located at about 41% of the distance from the internal cervical os to the uterotubal junction. Similar cord attachment data could be used in any ruminant species to indicate the existence and location of a specific nidation site.     

Differential response of seven duiker species to human activities in Taï National Park,Côte d'Ivoire

African rainforest is severely impacted by human activities, ranging from resource collection, selective logging to fragmentation and scale deforestation. Consequently, large mammal communities occurring therein are strongly modified. Here, we present a study conducted in Taï National Park (TNP), which characterises the spatial distribution and differential response of seven duiker species to human activities. Based on extensive survey data recorded between 2005 and 2015, we used a maximum entropy modelling approach for predicting duiker species distribution and a hierarchical clustering approach to identify potential subgroups in the duiker community. The seven duiker species clearly differed in their spatial distribution, with Cephalophus dorsalis and Philantomba maxwellii being the most common and widely distributed with no clear response towards gradients of impact from human activities. In contrast, Cephalophus ogilbyi, Cephalophus jentinki, Cephalophus sylvicultor and Cephalophus zebra showed increasing responses towards anthropogenic impact gradients, with the latter two being particularly sensitive. These duikers are not found in areas of illegal human activities. The restricted distribution of Cephalophus niger seems artificial and may indicate species misidentification. The strong spatial signature of human activities in the duiker community of TNP is of concern. Effective park management, including extensive ranger patrols, is vital for ensuring the persistence of this unique duiker community in West Africa.     

The significance of chicory to the diet of common duiker at Grants valley, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

South Africa is considered one of the top four chicory (Chichorium intybus) producing countries of the world and commercial growing of the plant in the country is restricted to a small area in three districts of the Eastern Cape Province. Faecal analysis technique was used to study the diet of common duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia Linnaeus, 1758) in a chicory growing region at Grants valley. One of the principal items in the diet of these antelopes was chicory and the crop provided more than one third (35.6%) of the winter diet and a substantial proportion (14.4%) of the spring diet of common duiker. These findings confirmed earlier reports of common duiker feeding on cultivated crops and may have profound implications for the South African chicory industry. The study also confirmed earlier findings that common duiker are selective feeders and predominantly browsers, consuming only a very small proportion of monocotyledonous plants.     

Local depletion of two larger Duikers in the Oban Hills Region,Nigeria

Across West and Central Africa, duikers are important for trade and consumption; their populations are expected to become depleted. Reliable data on their status are scanty in Nigeria. We assessed duiker populations in the Oban Sector of Cross River National Park through diurnal and nocturnal surveys along 32 transects of 2 km each. After 508‐km survey effort, only Ogilby's duiker (Cephalophus ogilbyi) and blue duiker (Philantomba monticola) were recorded. Using habitat as a covariate in modelling detection probability in DISTANCE 6.0, we estimated densities for the blue duiker ranging from 15.5 (95% CI: 7.8–30.9) in the core, 5.8 (CI: 2.6–12.9) in the buffer and 0.9 (CI: 0.09–10.1) km² in farm fallow to no duikers in the plantation. For Ogilby's duiker, densities ranged from 1.6 (95% CI: 0.7–3.7) km² in the core, 2.0 (CI: 0.8–5.1) in buffer to no duikers in farm fallow and plantation. The apparent absence of yellow‐backed and Bay duikers may indicate local depletion. We call on all stakeholders to rise up to the challenge of rescuing this biological hotspot in Nigeria from further degradation and species loss through improved funding for well‐equipped field staff and institutionalized community wildlife management.     

THE EFFECTS OF TSETSE CONTROL OPERATIONS ON COMMON DUIKER IN EASTERN ZAMBIA

The effects of intensive Tsetse Control hunting operations on a duiker population (Sylvicapra grimmia) were investigated in a 200 sq. mile area in Eastern Zambia. Two years of hunting were insufficient to reduce this population so significantly that a marked shift of its age composition towards the juvenile age classes resulted. There were, however, indications of beginning accelerated population growth through increased breeding and inclusion of more juveniles in the reproduction process, as a first response to the hunting pressure. Although general availability of duiker did not diminish, they became increasingly difficult to shoot because of behavioural adaptation and changing periods of feeding activity. Neither hunting nor various other human disturbances provoked emigration from the area or a change of the seasonal pattern of localised movement. The studied hunting operation failed to remove more than the annual increment to the duiker population and in respect of this species was thus ineffective as a means of Tsetse Control. Implications of the results of this study for the management of duiker for sustained meat production are discussed.     

Answering the call! Adapting a traditional hunting practice to monitor duiker populations

In several regions of the Congo Basin the call of an endangered duiker is traditionally used by hunters to attract animals. We explore the possibility to standardize this call method to improve day time transect counts. Our study shows that the call is particularly efficient for the most common duiker species [ Philantomba monticola (previously Cephalophus monticola ), Cephalophus callipygus and Cephalophus dorsalis ]. The call increases the number of direct sightings in secondary forests and counterbalances the bias caused by vegetation density in classic day time counts. The method is more effective during the first 4 min of the call and from 9.00 to 11.00 hours, particularly during the dry season. Hunting using the call does not significantly increase the sex bias (more males killed) obtained without the call. Compared with day time visual counts, the call method ensures a more reliable species identification because animals are better seen and for a longer time. Derived from a traditional practice, the call can be easily appropriated by local communities in participatory duiker surveys. However, the method is not recommended when multi-species surveys are to be carried out or when densities are to be estimated because the area surveyed per unit call is unknown.     

Age determination and body growth of the Common duiker Sylvicapra grimmia(Mammalia)

Age determination in the Common duiker Sylvicapra grimmia was investigated by analysis of tooth eruption and replacement sequence, incremental lines of tooth cementum and tooth wear in a unique collection of 48 known-age skulls, and also by analysis by post-natal body growth in known-age duiker. In both the mandible and maxilla, permanent molariform teeth were fully erupted and in wear by 26 months of age. There was little variation in the age of eruption and replacement of all molariform teeth, making this a particularly useful feature of the duiker for age determination purposes. In contrast, the variability in eruption of the incisiforms, coupled with the difficulty in distinguishing deciduous incisiforms from the permanent counterparts, placed an unexpected limitation on the use of these teeth. Although the apparent linear relationship between tooth attrition and age has potential for further investigation as an age determination technique, the cementum annuli were not correlated with chronological age. Theoretical Von Bertalanffy equations were used to analyse body growth with age. It was concluded that because the asymptote of growth was reached at such an early age, and because there is so much individual variation in growth, body growth, including horn growth, is of very limited value for age determination. Female duiker were significantly larger than males.     

L‘écologie et la vie sociale du Céphalophe bleu (Cephalophus monticola Thunberg), petit ruminant forestier africain

The blue duiker is a small, frugivorous, strictly diurnal ruminant that occupies forest with open undergrowth. The social group consists of a ♂-♀ pair with the young of the last two litters. Pairs seem permanent in small territories adjacent to each other, without any noticeable overlap. The population density is high. The life style adopted by the blue duiker represents an exception among forest ruminants, and appears to be a well adapted response to various ecological pressures, especially predation.     

Temporal and spatial patterns in blue duikers Philatomba monticola and red duikers Cephalophus natalensis

Forest duikers spend a large proportion of the day engaged in sedentary behaviour. Both species were most active shortly after dawn and just before dusk and were relatively more active in habitats of higher quality. Though home-range boundaries were dynamic (changing slightly during the year), core areas were permanent and remained fixed.
Blue duikers showed exclusive family home ranges with no overlap between neighbours, for this species home range and territory are synonymous. Red duiker home-range overlap varied greatly (up to 100% in some cases) indicating the absence of territoriality. Core areas in the home range of both duiker species were usually associated with bedsites. In blue duiker, home ranges and core areas were fixed all year with no overlap between neighbours, while home ranges and core areas of red duikers overlapped extensively. Temporal separation in red duikers is suggested between some individuals and not others.     

小熊猫种内遗传及亚种分化研究(食肉目:浣熊科)

到目前为止,多数学者认为小熊猫种内已分指名亚种A.f.fulgens和川西亚种A.f.styani。然而,由于其个体毛色变异较大,一些学者对其亚种分化问题提出质疑。本文采用DNA指纹方法,对小熊猫的种内遗传和亚种分化进行了研究。结果表明,川西亚种所有个体在分子量约为8.4kb处均有一条指名亚种不具有的共有谱带,指名亚种所有个体则在分子量约为1.8kb处具有另外一条川西亚种不具有的共有谱带,且这两条谱带可通过双亲遗传给子代,说明此共有谱带可分别作为区分小熊猫川西亚种和指名亚种的特征带。另外,种内的遗传分化研究表明,川西亚种基因组的多态性强于指名亚种,且川西亚种内各个体之间的遗传变异高于指各亚种,说明小熊猫种内已形成遗传分化。因此,笔者认为以上研究结果为基因水平上进一步证明小熊猫种内已产生遗传分化,并形成两独立亚种,目前的亚种地位成立。     

A new form of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Kailasius autocrator</Emphasis> (Lepidoptera,Papilionidae) from the eastern Pamirs

A new subspecies, Kailasius autocrator pshartanus, from the eastern Pamirs (the Muzkol Ridge, Sasyk River) is described. The new subspecies is distinguished from the nominative subspecies by the wing pattern and ecology. This subspecies has the most primitive wing pattern in the genus. The range of this species is considered to be the center of Kailasius genus origin.     

A morphometric assessment of geographical variation and subspecies in impala

The single species of Aepyceros, Aepyceros melampus (impala), is native to central and southern Africa, from Uganda to South Africa. It inhabits open woodlands, sandy bush country and acacia savannah. This study tested the morphological and geographical variation among specimens of impala and their possible relation with described subspecies. Nineteen skull and horn measurements were taken. A multivariate analysis was used and size and shape were explored. Facial coat patterns were also coded. The results supported four out of five traditionally described subspecies: Aepyceros melampus petersi from Angola/Namibia, Aepyceros melampus melampus from South Africa, Aepyceros melampus suara from East Africa and Aepyceros melampus johnstoni from Zambia and Malawi. We consider Aepyceros melampus rendilis to be a synonym of suara . A revised synopsis is suggested, with comments on the geographical ranges of the subspecies. Skull dimensions also allowed us to estimate the geographical origin and subspecies of some individuals of unknown provenance. Coat patterns showed no clear relation with subspecies or geographic location, with the exception of A. m. petersi .     

Redescription and remarks on the species Minniza persica (Pseudoscorpiones: Olpiidae) from Iran

Minniza persica, which has been described briefly by Beier in 1951 on the basis of specimens from Hormozgan and Mazandaran provinces of Iran, was recently collected again from Hormozgan and Fars provinces and is described and illustrated here. The subspecies M. persica deminuta Beier is regarded as synonymous with the nominate subspecies.     

中国鳞刺蛾属订正(鳞翅目,刺蛾科)(英文)

经过系统研究,发现我国的鳞刺蛾并不是一直被称为的眼鳞刺蛾Squamosa ocellata(Moore),共有2种和1亚种.首次报道了姹鳞刺蛾S.chalcites Orhant在我国有分布,描述了1新种,短爪鳞刺蛾S.brevisunca和1新亚种,云南亚种S.brevisunca yunnanensis.本文还描述了云南亚种的茧和老熟幼虫形态,编制了分种和亚种检索表,提供了成虫彩色照片和外生殖器特征图.模式标本保存在中国科学院动物研究所国家动物博物馆.     

First report of prey capture from human laid snare-traps by wild chimpanzees

Chimpanzees regularly hunt for meat in the wild, including both solo and group hunting; however, theft of prey from non-chimpanzee hunters, or scavenging of carcasses is extremely rare. Here we report the first observations of a novel prey capture technique by the chimpanzees in two adjacent communities in the Budongo Conservation Field Station, Uganda. In both cases blue duikers were found caught in human laid snare traps, and then retrieved by the chimpanzees. In one case the duiker was still alive when retrieved and subsequently fully consumed by the chimpanzees. In the other, the chimpanzees encountered the duiker while alive, but retrieved it soon after its death; here only a small portion was consumed. These observations are discussed in comparison to observations of chimpanzee hunting, scavenging, and their exploitation of an environment increasingly modified by human activity.     

Lathyrus nivalis subsp. sahinii subsp. nov. (sect. Platystylis, Leguminosae) from Turkey

The new subspecies Lathyrus nivalis Hand.-Mazz. subsp. sahinii H. Genç (sect. Platystylis , Leguminosae) from Turkey is described and illustrated with diagnostic characters and taxonomic comments. The characters of the new subspecies are compared with those of the type subspecies, from which it differs mainly in the shape, length, width and venation of leaflets, length and width of the stipules, flower color, legume, and style length. In addition, the geographic distribution of the new subspecies is outlined.     

The taxonomy and affinities of Papaver gorgoneum from the Cape Verde Islands

A new subspecies of Papaver gorgoneum , ssp. theresias is described from the Cape Verde Islands, West Africa. A detailed comparison of the 2 subspecies is made and the ecology, the affinities of the species in the genus and the origin are discussed. The chromosome numbers of both subspecies (2n = 38) are reported for the first time and a note on the compatibility system is made.