Modeling the effects of El Niño, density-dependence, and disturbance on harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) counts in Drakes Estero, California: 1997–2007

Harbor seal ( Phoca vitulina ) haul-out site use may be affected by natural or anthropogenic factors. Here, we use an 11-yr (1997–2007) study of a seal colony located near a mariculture operation in Drakes Estero, California, to test for natural (El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), density-dependence, long-term trends) and anthropogenic (disturbance or displacement related to oyster production activities) factors that may influence the use of haul-out subsites. Annual mariculture related seal disturbance rates increased significantly with increases in oyster harvest ( r _s= 0.55). Using generalized linear models (GLMs) ranked by best fit and Akaike's Information Criteria, ENSO and oyster production (as a proxy for disturbance/displacement) best explained the patterns of seal use at all three subsites near the mariculture operations, with effects being stronger at the two subsites closest to operations. Conversely, density-dependence and linear trend effects poorly explained the counts at these subsites. We conclude that a combination of ENSO and mariculture activities best explain the patterns of seal haul-out use during the breeding/pupping season at the seal haul-out sites closest to oyster activities.     

Reproductive biology of the male bent-winged bat, Miniopterus schreibersii (Vespertilionidae) in southeast South Australia

The seasonal chronology of the events of the reproductive cycle, and changes in the structure and function of the primary and accessory organs of the male bent-winged bat, Miniopterus schreibersii, were studied at latitude 37 degrees S in temperate southeastern Australia. The testicular cycle commenced in late spring (November), and sperm appeared in the seminiferous tubules and epididymides in early fall (March). The cycle of the accessory sex gland complex generally paralleled the testicular cycle, reaching maximum hypertrophy at the time of insemination in late fall (April/May). Thereafter, the primary and secondary sex glands (except the ampullary gland) involuted as the animals entered winter torpor. However, a cauda epididymal store of sperm persisted until late spring, and sperm were often observed, as well, in the ampullary gland duct and alveoli throughout winter. This study has confirmed that male Miniopterus differs from other vespertilionids in that accessory gland activity declines following the fall breeding in keeping with the fact that, unlike in other vespertilionids, insemination, ovulation and conception are concurrent events in the fall in this species. The reduced secretory status of the Leydig cells and exceptionally low levels of circulating androgens throughout the year, in combination with the presence of viable epididymidal sperm for most of gestation, are all interesting features of this reproductive cycle.