REPRODUCTIVE CYCLES OF CERASTODERMA GLAUCUM(BRUGUIERE) AND C. EDULE (L.) WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE EFFECTS OF THE 1981-82 SEVERE WINTER

Gonadal changes in two species of Cerastoderma occurring indiscrete populations in South Wales were monitored by stereologicalanalysis during the breeding seasons of 1981 and 1982. Fecundityand spawning efficiencies were determined quantitatively. Therelationship between reproductive activity and changes in meatcondition are discussed. Both species are opportunistic breeders. Their normal patternsof reproduction are similar, consisting of minimum activityin winter and peak activity during spring/early summer. Thetwo species were affected differently by the severe winter of1981–82—C. glau-cum exhibited a single, ‘epidemic’spawning and resumed gametogenesis after a 4-month resting period.C. edule adopted a ‘polycyclic’ pattern withouta resting period. Both of these unusual reproductive strategies,augmented by reduced predation resulted in heavy spatfalls. (Received 20 March 1985; revised 20 March 1985;     

Reproductive biology of the rock shrimp Sicyonia dorsalis (Decapoda: Penaeoidea) from the southeastern coast of Brazil

Summary

Sicyonia dorsalis is not commercially exploited in Brazil, but it forms a critical link in marine food chains by converting detritus food sources into microorganism biomass that is available for higher trophic levels. We examined the reproductive biology of this species, sampled for five and a half years in a tropical locality, the southeastern coast of São Paulo (23° S), Brazil. Monthly samples were taken from January 1998 to June 2003 at depths of 5 to 45 m. Degree of ovarian development was used to examine breeding in adult females. Recruitment was estimated by changes in proportion of individuals in juvenile size classes of carapace length (CL #8.2 mm) in relationship to the total number of individuals. The largest immature female measured 9.2 mm CL, but 75% of females were smaller than 7.3 mm CL. The largest immature male measured 6.8 mm CL. The relative frequency of reproductive females was negatively correlated with the relative frequency of recruitment (p <0.001). Reproductive females were found in every season, with peaks in December-February following the recruitment peak in March-June, and a second peak of spawning in May-July and of recruitment in September-November. The continuous reproductive pattern observed for S. dorsalis, combined with the hypothesis that during spring and summer the phytoplankton production is higher, when the South Atlantic central water mass intrudes into the region during upwelling events, suggests that food availability for protozoeal and mysis larvae may be an important selective factor shaping the seasonal breeding pattern for S. dorsalis. The classical paradigm of continuous reproduction at lower latitudes, with increased seasonality of the breeding period at higher latitudes, seems to be valid for this species.     

Postmetamorphic dispersal and recruitment of first breeders in a Bufo calamita metapopulation

The migratory capacity of metamorphs and their later integration into local breeding populations was studied in a Bufo calamita metapopulation inhabiting the northern Rhineland, Germany (1991–1994). A new tagging method allowed unequivocal distinction among metamorphs (n = 1,709), which originated either from the spring-breeding cohort in 1991 and 1992 or from the summer-breeding cohort in 1991. The life history of batch-marked individuals was followed until adulthood, focusing on postmetamorphic dispersal, choice of breeding locality and timing of adult reproduction. Almost all metamorphs left the patches used for breeding within a few weeks after emergence. They were found at about the same density in all favourable microhabitats in a radius of up to 2 km around their native patch. This demonstrates that even small toadlets (6–11 mm snout-to-vent length) migrate distances of several hundred metres within a short time and that they significantly help prevent local extinction in sink populations (rescue effect). Recaptures of reproductive adults originating from tagged metamorphs were limited to males belonging to the 1997 spring and summer cohorts. The absence of recaptured females was probably due to their greater vagility and later sexual maturation. First-breeding males (2 years old) without exception joined the breeding cohort from which they originated: early breeders originated from spawn of the spring cohort, mid-summer breeders from spawn of the summer cohort. This result is in accordance with the hypothesis that the integration of first breeders to a specific breeding cohort is genetically controlled in central European natterjacks. The exchange of individuals between different cohorts in the same patch is considerably less than the migratory exchange between the same breeding cohorts among local populations, as predicted from the allozyme data. Received: 28 October1996 / Accepted: 4 June 1997     

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

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

Population studies on the Amphipoda of Mazoma Lagoon (Greece)

The life cycles of four amphipod species—Gammarus insensibilis, Dexamine spinosa, Microdeutopus gryllotalpa andCorophium insidiosum—were studied in the brackish-water lagoon Mazoma of the Amvrakikos Gulf, Ionian Sea.G. insensibilis has an annual life cycle with limited recruitment over the year and maximum reproductive activity in the winter months.D. spinosa exhibits continuous recruitment in the lagoon with a maximum in summer. Both species produce a single brood per female per yer. Continuous recruitment was observed during the summer months forM. gryllotalpa andC. insidiosum, and multiple breeding per female per year. Sex ratios varied considerably over the year, with a persisting preponderance of the females.     

Behavioral rhythms of the Japanese newts, Cynops pyrrhogaster, under a semi-natural condition

 Locomotor activity rhythms of the Japanese newt, Cynops pyrrhogaster, were recorded under a semi-natural condition using phototransistor systems. The daily activity rhythm showed a seasonal change: the locomotor activity was mainly diurnal (active during the daytime) from spring to early summer; mainly nocturnal (active during the night-time) from summer to autumn; and showed either a diurnal or nocturnal pattern, depending on the ambient temperature, in winter. To analyze the daily activity in detail, we observed the behavior of a group of newts (three males, three females) throughout 24 h. Four types of behavior (respiration, feeding, mating, and resting on the land) were observed. Each behavior had daily rhythms and showed a seasonal change. The behavior on land showed mainly a nocturnal or bimodal pattern (activity rhythms with two peaks) throughout the year and was more frequently observed in summer. Mating behavior also showed a seasonal change: high activity in spring, with peaks in the early morning and evening, but no activity in summer. Except in winter, feeding and respiratory behavior showed no seasonal changes in either activity period or frequency. Coupling between behavior and the clock seems to be weak in the Japanese newt because of indistinct daily rhythms and frequent phase changes of locomotor activity in water. Physical factors such as humidity and temperature seem to affect strongly the daily activity of the newts. Received: 21 April 1997 / Accepted: 1 September 1997     

Coexistence of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Placobdella costata</Emphasis> (Fr. Müller, 1846) (Hirudinida: Glossiphoniidae) and mud turtle <Emphasis Type="Italic">Emys orbicularis</Emphasis>

Emys orbicularis is receding from Europe, mainly due to anthropogenic habitat changes. Its parasite, Placobdella costata, is widely distributed within both the former and the present distribution range of the host. Though closely associated with the mud turtle, it may have other hosts (birds, amphibians, reptiles). Its reproductive period coincides with that of its host’s migration to the breeding grounds, thus facilitating dispersal of the parasite. Based on literature data we have analyzed the geographic spread of P. costata and mud turtle to observe the possible overlap of their habitats. Observations on the population of mud turtle and the associated leech species (P. costata) were carried out in eastern Poland — Podlasie Lowland. The studies were conducted in spring and summer in 1986–1993. The leeches were collected from the turtles caught in the water and on land. Observations showed that most leeches were found on turtles inhabiting the lake or moving to a breeding area. The greatest intensity of invasion was observed in June and July and that most leeches were observed in female E. orbicularis characterized by greater length of the carapace and weight, compared with males and juvenile individuals.     

Breeding seasonality among long-tailed macaques,Macaca fascicularis,in Peninsular Malaysia

The females among more than 7000 long-tailed macaques, Macaca fascicularis,that had recently been trapped for biomedical research were examined for pregnancy. The animals were taken from the wild in the north of Peninsular Malaysia during the period 1978 to 1979 and in the south from 1978 to 1982. Both samples showed some pregnancies in all months of the year and a peak during the months of May to July. Additional peaks in other months in some years showed that, while the midyear pregnancy peak was significant, it was not as marked a phenomenon as is the breeding peak in many other species. This might be due to the complexity and unpredictability of both the climate and the macaques’ food supply in Peninsular Malaysia. The additional peaks also illustrated the pitfalls of generalizing about breeding seasonality on the basis of small samples.     

Breeding biology of Tenagomysis tasmaniae Fenton,Anisomysis mixta australis (Zimmer) and Paramesopodopsis rufa Fenton from south-eastern Tasmania (Crustacea: Mysidacea)

The number, size and developmental stage of young in the brood pouch of female Tenagomysis tasmaniae, Anisomysis mixta australis and Paramesopodopsis rufa was recorded throughout the year. Breeding was intensive from spring till the end of autumn for the three species. Calculation of the egg ratio for each species showed that their major reproductive peaks occurred during spring and summer. A winter depression in the breeding cycle was observed for T. tasmaniae and P. rufa, but A. mixta australis ceased breeding during winter. Seasonal variation in the length of gravid females and number of young carried was evident for these three species. Females were longer in spring and summer and carried more young than in autumn and winter. A linear relationship between female length and brood size was demonstrated for each species; annual and seasonal equations were calculated for females carrying each developmental stage. The seasonal equations showed that for a female of given length fecundity was greater during spring than any other season. Natality was estimated to be highest during late spring, summer and early autumn for the three species. No seasonal variation in the size of eggs was evident for the three species. The reproduction pattern of T. tasmaniae, A. mixta australis and P. rufa appears to be very similar to that reported for the majority of iteroparous coastal temperate mysids throughout the world.     

Life history, aspects of reproductive biology and production of Corophium orientale (Crustacea: Amphipoda) in Monolimni lagoon (Evros Delta, North Aegean Sea)

Monthly samples of Corophium orientale were collected during February 1998–February 1999 in both parts of Monolimni lagoon (0.3 < Sal. < 6 psu, 2 < Temp. < 28.5 °C). Corophium orientaleshowed a semiannual life cycle. In the southern part, breeding occurred from early spring to mid autumn having three peaks, in early spring, early summer and early autumn, and three cohorts were produced, a spring cohort, a summer cohort and an overwintering one. In the shallower innermost northern part of Monolimni lagoon, breeding peaked in mid-spring and, also, in early autumn, and two discrete cohorts, a spring and an overwintering one, were produced. A lack of large individuals, attributed to a temporary size – selective predation by migrating shorebirds, was observed during summer. That lack possibly contributed to the hiatus in reproduction. Photoperiod seemed to be a more important cue than temperature in the initiation of the reproductive cycle, while extremely low salinities (<1 psu) did not deter breeding. Females attained maturity at a smaller size in late spring and, especially, in summer than in early spring at lower temperatures. Brood size was a function of females body size. Females, matured during summer at high temperatures, showed the lowest brood size, body length ratio. Mean brood size was small (12–13 early embryos) and embryo loss during development high (54%), possibly due to a negative effect of low salinities. A 1:1 sex ratio existed in the small body length classes, but females preponderated in the large ones. The spring cohort in the southern part, which developed at moderate temperatures, showed the highest growth rate (40 m day^–1). Secondary production of C. orientalecalculated by Hyness method gave a mean annual density of 4562.5 and 9327.6 ind. m^–2, a mean annual crop (B) of 1.03 and 2.67 g DW m^–2, an annual production (P) of 6.91 and 22.54 g DW m^–2 and a P/B ratio of 6.7 and 8.4 in the northern and southern part of the lagoon, respectively.     

The diel activity pattern of mountain hare (Lepus timidus) on managed heather moorland in Scotland

The research presented in this paper provides an insight into the behavioral ecology of mountain hares on heather moorland in the Lammermuir Hills of southeast Scotland. We examine the seasonal and diel activity patterns using camera traps over a period of 12 months. The rate of camera detections was calculated for the different divisions of the 24‐hr cycle (daylight, dusk, night, and dawn). During autumn and winter (October–February), the activity pattern was crepuscular with greater activity at dusk than at dawn. Daylight activity was relatively low, and there was a regular pattern of small peaks of activity during the night. In spring and summer (March–September), peaks of crepuscular activity remained evident but daylight activity was much more prevalent than during autumn and winter, and night activity was lower. We discuss the problematic definition of twilight and present an explanation for seasonal changes in the pattern of diel activity that is linked to the reproductive cycle of the mountain hare.     

Annual dynamics of den use by red foxesVulpes vulpes and badgersMeles meles in central Poland

This study on den use by red foxesVulpes vulpes (Linnaeus, 1758) and badgersMeles meles (Linnaeus, 1758) was conducted in central Poland (51°48’N, 19°53’E) over two years. We found a strong negative correlation between monthly den utilisation rate by foxes and air temperature (r=−0.83,p=0.0001). Correlation between temperature and den use by badgers was positive but less distinct (r=0.40,p=0.036). During the whole study period, a negative correlation between the monthly intensity of den use by badgers and by foxes was found (r=−0.51,p=0.008). The seasonal pattern of den utilisation differed between the species. Foxes used the dens mainly in winter and spring whereas in summer and autumn the intensity of den utilisation sharply decreased to a minimum in August-September. A peak in den use by foxes was observed in March and coincided with rut and selection of future breeding dens. In badgers, two peaks in den use were observed: the first in April and the second in August-September. An individual badger used more dens and used them more evenly throughout the year than an individual fox. The same dens were visited by foxes and badgers mostly from January to April, with a maximum in March.     

SEASONAL LIGHT AND TEMPERATURE INTERACTION EFFECTS ON DEVELOPMENT OF LAMINARIA SACCHARINA (PHAEOPHYTA) GAMETOPHYTES AND JUVENILE SPOROPHYTES1

In previous studies, Laminaria saccharina L. (Lamour.) sporophytes were found to exhibit two major peaks of sporogenesis and an annual life cycle in Long Island Sound, New York. Young sporophytes were observed shortly after the sporogenesis peaks in early autumn and spring, but most of the mature sporophytes decayed during summer. A new study was conducted to determine if the spring sporogenesis activity contributed to the recruitment observed in autumn through oversummering of gametophytic and juvenile sporophytic stages, as previously suggested. Reproduction and growth in gametophytes and growth in juvenile sporophytes were studied under crossed gradients of light and temperature. Periodic outplantings of substrata seeded with gametophytic and sporophytic stages to the field were conducted to assess actual survival. The optimum temperature and light conditions for gametophyte development, growth and reproduction varied with the time of year meiospores were obtained. Most of this variation was attributable to temperature. A seasonal adaptation to temperature in most developmental stages was observed. Higher temperatures resulted in greater numbers of male gametophytes. Gametophytic stages could develop at all times, suggesting that oversummering in this stage was possible. Juvenile sporophytes had a narrower optimum temperature range and again photon fluence rate contributed little to observed variances. Out planting of sporophytic stages at various times during the year indicated only sporophytes prepared from autumn and winter could survive summer conditions. The thalli of these plants grew rapidly in spring and eroded back to the meristematic region in summer. Most of these plants then quickly became reproductive, resulting in another autumn sporogenesis peak. Gametophytic and sporophytic outplantings prepared from spring meiospores did not survive the summer. Thus, the recruitment observed in autumn can only be the result of the previous autumn's sporogenesis activity. The sporogenous activities of spring and early summer appear to be unimportant, despite the fact that all reproductive indices are superior at those times.     

Foraging activity patterns in the goosander (Mergus merganser) and the red-breasted merganser (M. serrator) in relation to patterns of activity in their major prey species

Summary Diel and seasonal foraging activity patterns of goosanders (Mergus merganser L.) and red-breasted mergansers (M. serrator L.) were studied during the breeding season on the Rickleå River in northern Sweden (64°05N). In addition, the locomotor activity patterns of their most important prey species, the river lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis (L.)) and the three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus L.), were recorded.During spring, as mergansers arrived in the breeding area, both species exhibited a bimodal, diurnal pattern of activity with morning and evening peaks. By June (the spawning period for the river lamprey and the migratory period for the three-spined stickleback), goosander activity had shifted to late in the evening. This new activity peak correlated well with the main activity period in the river lamprey. Red-breasted mergansers remained predominantly diurnal throughout the observation period. Their diurnal activity correlated with the activity of their major prey, the three-spined stickleback.Both merganser species utilize a specialized foraging technique, i.e. probing the river-bottom with the bill, to catch hiding fish more or less at random. This behaviour probably helps them to forage during the relatively bright summer nights and thus prey upon the abundant nocturnal river lamprey. The goosander preys upon the river lamprey to a greater extent than does the red-breasted merganser, thus leading to a temporal segregation in food resource utilization between the two duck species.     

Seasonal activity patterns of seven vespertilionid bat species in Polish lowlands

Data on seasonal dynamics of bat activity in central Europe are scarce, mostly restricted to either summer period or autumn swarming. Few studies provide extensive interspecific comparisons of temporal activity patterns. Through broadband ultrasound detection, temporal variation of flight activity was studied in seven insectivorous bat species in N Poland for the first time. Seasonal activity pattern ofMyotis daubentonii (Kuhl, 1817) was clearly bimodal with the higher peak of activity in April and the second, smaller peak in August–September. The first peak is possibly associated with post-hibernal restoration of fat reserves, while the second one might result either from pre-hibernal fat accumulation, increase in energy demands of males during spermatogenesis or from dispersal of newly weaned juveniles. The highest flight activity ofNyctalus, Eptesicus andPipistrellus bats was noted in summer months, reflecting mainly an increase in energy demands between pregnancy and lactation. However, a distinct, second peak in activity ofN. noctula appeared at the end of September, probably matching the late migration wave of individuals from E Europe. The cluster analysis of species’ activity patterns reflected division on different hunting tactics, but not migratory behaviour.     

Patterns of progesterone secretion in free-living California ground squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi)

During a long-term field study of a free-living population of California ground squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi), blood samples were drawn at regular intervals from marked females via femoral venipuncture, and plasma progesterone (P) and prolactin (PRL) were measured by radioimmunoassay. Marked fluctuations with season and reproductive condition occurred in circulating levels of both hormones, with peak levels occurring during the spring breeding season. Two peaks in P concentrations were observed each spring, the first occurring during pregnancy, and the second during lactation. Peak PRL levels in females were also reached during the lactation interval, midway between the two P peaks. Analysis of repeated measures from individual females showed a marked decline in circulating P around the time of parturition. Juveniles had lower mean P levels than adults, and yearlings had lower peak levels during their initial reproductive episodes than older females did. The observed pattern of P secretion in S. beecheyi differs from that known for most mammals, but resembles those reported for other ground-dwelling sciurid rodents.     

Space use of common genets<Emphasis Type="Italic">Genetta genetta</Emphasis> in a Mediterranean habitat of northeastern Spain: differences between sexes and seasons

The seasonal home range size and spatial relationships of 16 adult genetsGenetta genetta Linnaeus, 1758 (6 males and 10 females) were estimated in a Mediterranean habitat of northeastern Spain. Genets minimum density was estimated as 0.98/km². Mean annual home range was 113.1 ha in males and of 72.0 ha in females. Males had larger home ranges than females in all seasons, but differences were only significant in winter. Home range size changed seasonally and showed a similar pattern in both sexes, with lower values in summer (males — 41.2 ha, females — 29.0 ha) and maximum ones in spring (males — 78.8 ha, females — 56.1 ha). Animals displayed spatial fidelity throughout the year. Core areas (MCP50) represented 27% and 19% of total home range size for males and females, respectively. Resting home ranges (based on locations of inactive animals) were 9 times lower than overall home range size. Individuals of the same sex overlapped less than individuals of different sexes, especially with regard to core areas, which showed almost no overlap. The results obtained suggest that (1) different factors are likely to affect the space use of genets, such as body mass, food abundance and reproductive cycle; (2) genets use space in a heterogeneous way, with areas of greater activity than others within their home range; (3) there was intrasexual segregation with regard to space use.     

Phase delay of the natural photoperiod alters reproductive timing in the marsupial Antechinus stuartii

The dasyurid marsupial Antechinus stuartii (20–40 g) has a brief, highly synchronized mating period in spring followed by complete male mortality. Analysis of breeding times in nature suggests that the rate of change of photoperiod is the main Zeitgeber for reproductive timing in this species. To test this hypothesis the natural photoperiod was phase delayed by two months, one experiment beginning in late summer, and the other in the autumn, before the spring breeding period.
The reproductive cycle of males and females exposed to the delay in summer was synchronously delayed by two months, coincident with the exact duration of the delay. Animals exposed to the two month phase delay in autumn also exhibited a delay in reproductive timing, but it was less synchronized than either the control or the other experimental group. Reproduction in control animals exposed to natural photoperiod was synchronous with that of a wild population monitored simultaneously. It is therefore likely that the rate of change of photoperiod is the dominant Zeitgeber for the reproductive cycle in this species.     

Progress report: Results of a long-range captive breeding program for the bottlenose dolphin,Tursiops truncatus and Tursiops truncatus gilli

There have been 36 bottlenose dolphins born in breeding colonies at Sea World, California, and Sea World, Florida, from 1978–1985. Significant features of this successful reproductive program are construction of a compatible breeding colony, early hormonal detection of pregnancy, pre- and postnatal association of inexperienced mothers with experienced females and their calves, and minimized handling of the mothers and calves until the calves are over 1 year of age. Inclusion in the breeding colonies of males old enough to be effective breeders is stressed. Females in the colonies have successfully bred from 8–9 years of age to 23–24 years of age. Calving intervals in the colonies vary from 2 to over 3 years. Calves are born all year round, with some peaking in calving activity in the spring and fall months. Serum progesterone levels greater than 6,000 pg/ml, maintained over a 4–6-week period, are considered indicative of pregnancy. Progesterone levels vary from less than 10,000 to over 50,000 pg/ml during gestation, averaging 25,000 pg/ml. The need for further study of variation in the pattern of progesterone levels during pregnancy is emphasized. A gestation period for Tursiops of 11.5 to 12 months is consistent with our cumulative progesterone data.     

The reproductive cycle of the male sleep snake Sibynomorphus mikanii (Schlegel, 1837) from southeastern brazil

This study describes the male reproductive cycle of Sibynomorphus mikanii from southeastern Brazil considering macroscopic and microscopic variables. Spermatogenesis occurs during spring–summer (September–December) and spermiogenesis or maturation occurs in summer (December–February). The length and width of the kidney, the tubular diameter, and the epithelium height of the sexual segment of the kidney (SSK) are larger in summer–autumn (December–May). Histochemical reaction of the SSK [periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS) and bromophenol blue (BB)] shows stronger results during summer–autumn, indicating an increase in the secretory activity of the granules. Testicular regression is observed in autumn and early winter (March–June) when a peak in the width of the ductus deferens occurs. The distal ductus deferens as well as the ampulla ductus deferentis exhibit secretory activities with positive reaction for PAS and BB. These results suggest that this secretion may nourish the spermatozoa while they are being stored in the ductus deferens. The increase in the Leydig cell nuclear diameter in association with SSK hypertrophy and the presence of sperm in the female indicate that the mating season occurs in autumn when testes begin to decrease their activity. The peak activity of Leydig cells and SSK exhibits an associated pattern with the mating season. However, spermatogenesis is dissociated of the copulation characterizing a complex reproductive cycle. At the individual level, S. mikanii males present a continuous cyclical reproductive pattern in the testes and kidneys (SSK), whereas at the populational level the reproductive pattern may be classified as seasonal semisynchronous. © J. Morphol., 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.