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Captive Population (captive + population)
Selected AbstractsSpawning of a Captive Population of California Sheephead, Semicossyphus pulcherJOURNAL OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY, Issue 1 2007Dave Jirsa This study represents the first detailed description of spawning and patterns of egg production in a captive population of California sheephead. In March 2004, females ranged in size from 369 to 430 mm total length (TL) and weighed 0.8,1.5 kg. Males ranged in size from 475 to 510 mm TL and weighed 1.7,2.3 kg. Spawning began in April and continued daily through September and then sporadically through October. Egg production ranged from 1000 to 375,000 eggs/d, with an average of 130,000 eggs/d. Egg production peaked in May at 222,000 eggs/d and decreased throughout the remainder of the season. Total annual fecundity from this group was 1,942,000 eggs/kg female body weight. Egg viability ranged from 0 to 80% with an average of 50%. Viability showed a general increase at the beginning of the season and a decrease at the end of the season. Eggs were 0.9,1.0 mm in diameter and hatched in approximately 48 h at 18,19 C. Hatch rates showed a general decline throughout the season. This study shows that California sheephead will spawn readily in captivity providing thousands of viable eggs daily and lays the groundwork for culture of this species. [source] The fig wax scale Ceroplastes rusci (Linnaeus) (Homoptera: Coccidae) in south-east Vietnam: Pest status, life history and biocontrol trials with Eublemma amabilis Moore (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH, Issue 4 2006Nga Thi VU Abstract The fig wax scale Ceroplastes rusci (Linnaeus) is a serious pest of fruit trees in many countries. In the present study we investigated the extent of C. rusci infestation and the range of host species, particularly in fruit orchards, in south-east Vietnam. Captive populations of C. rusci were established to record life history parameters and to investigate the efficacy of an endemic predacious moth, Eublemma amabilis Moore, as a potential biocontrol agent. Heavy infestation of C. rusci (up to 100%) was recorded in soursop and other fruit orchards, and the culturally important Hoa Mai flower was also affected. Captive breeding trials found E. amabilis to be an efficient predator of C. rusci, but an unusual hyperactive trait in early instars of E. amabilis resulted in lower than expected survival rates. The implications of this trait in terms of the laboratory environment, augmentative release protocols and as a survival strategy are discussed. [source] Characterization of microsatellite loci in silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), and cross-amplification in other cyprinid speciesMOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES, Issue 3 2006A. A. GHEYAS Abstract Captive populations of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), a major aquaculture species in Asia, would undoubtedly benefit from genetic monitoring and improvement programs. We report the isolation and preliminary characterization of 16 microsatellite loci derived from both conventional and microsatellite-enriched libraries. Inheritance studies confirmed the allelic nature of observed polymorphisms at all loci, while identifying null alleles at two loci. These loci, having varying degrees of polymorphism, should provide useful markers for applied genetic studies. A high degree of cross-amplification among 10 other cyprinid species suggests that these loci may have more widespread utility. [source] Spatial Association in a Highly Inbred Ungulate Population: Evidence of Fine-Scale Kin RecognitionETHOLOGY, Issue 2 2008Jorge Cassinello We present the first evidence of fine-scale kin recognition, based on a continuous measure of relatedness, in ungulates. The spatial association between herdmates of a captive population of aoudad (Ammotragus lervia), where all the individuals are related, is analysed during resting time. Our goal was to estimate which factors influence individuals' associations. The study population is highly inbred, although it does not show serious deleterious effects caused by consanguinity. It comprises a single captive herd, reproducing freely and in good conditions for more than 10 yr. It emerges that kin, measured as the coefficient of relationship between two given herdmates, is the main factor determining the spatial association (e.g. average distance) of male,male and female,female dyads, as more-related individuals tend to rest closer to each other than less-related ones. As for male,female dyads, individuals of a similar age tend to stay closer. To rule out any familiarity confounding effects, individuals' cohabitation time in the herd was added as a random factor in the analyses. Concerning the type of dyad, mother,calf dyads are characterized by higher proximity than others, particularly during the suckling period, whereas males tend to stay closer to each other than females or male,female dyads, being also more kin-related. Female social rank does not influence spatial association between herdmates. These results are related to group composition of the species in the wild, which are characterized by intense mother,calf bonds and all-male groups that are probably kin-related. It is seen that adult male,female associations are not related to kinship, but to age similarity, which is in accord with the assumption that main family groups in the wild are formed by matrilineal lines, whereas males are the dispersing sex. [source] Analysis and discussion of Maned wolf Chrysocyon brachyurus population trends in Brazilian institutions: lessons from the Brazilian studbook, 1969,2006INTERNATIONAL ZOO YEARBOOK, Issue 1 2010R. E. T. VANSTREELS The Maned wolf Chrysocyon brachyurus is the largest canid of South America and is considered Near Threatened by IUCN. Annual studbook questionnaires were sent to 62 institutions in Brazil, and data were obtained for 932 animals (422.406.104) from 1969 to 2006. The historical trend has shown that the Brazilian captive population has progressed towards a maximum size plateau of 140 individuals; several demographic parameters indicated a poor overall breeding success in the population (only 14% of all the potential founders have effectively bred, mean breeding population each year was 18%), low gene flow (only 22% of the animals were transferred between institutions), high infant mortality (79% of all captive-born cubs die within their first year) and poor management of over-represented individuals (20% of the breeding animals had ten or more cubs). A high influx of wild-caught animals was noted (median 12 captures year,1), with most being captured in the economically developed south-eastern region. It is concluded that the captive population is demographically unstable and highly dependent on the influx of wild-caught animals. Broader collaborations with field conservationists and paired research programmes are advised to maximize future ex situ contribution to the conservation of Maned wolf in Brazil. [source] The role of the Species Survival Plan in Maned wolf Chrysocyon brachyurus conservationINTERNATIONAL ZOO YEARBOOK, Issue 1 2010N. SONGSASEN The Association of Zoos and Aquariums Maned Wolf Species Survival Plan (MWSSP) was established almost 25 years ago. The goals of the MWSSP are to (1) maintain a viable self-sustaining captive population in North America, (2) enhance health and well-being of individuals living in North American zoos and (3) promote conservation of this species through education and field-conservation initiatives. Since its inception, the MWSSP and member institutions have supported studies on nutrition, medical management, behaviour and reproductive biology, and published a husbandry manual, which serves as a guide for captive management of Maned wolves Chrysocyon brachyurus in North and South American zoos. Furthermore, the MWSSP has provided funding for field studies aimed at identifying potential threats to wild populations in range countries, including Brazil, Bolivia and Argentina, as well as for the first Population and Habitat Viability Assessment Workshop for this species. Finally, the MWSSP has played an active role in promoting education and outreach efforts in both the United States and range countries. In this paper, we review and discuss the roles of the MWSSP in ex situ and in situ conservation of the Near Threatened Maned wolf. [source] Husbandry and breeding of the Striped possum Dactylopsila trivirgata at London ZSLINTERNATIONAL ZOO YEARBOOK, Issue 1 2005A. McKENNA Detailed information on either wild or captive Striped possums Dactylopsila trivirgata (Gray, 1858) is sparse. In 1996 a number of specimens became available to the European Monotreme and Marsupial Taxon Advisory Group (TAG), which recommended that the animals should be distributed to three zoos (London ZSL, Poznan Zoo and Berlin Zoologischer Garten) so that a management and breeding protocol could be developed in case this fairly common species becomes threatened in the future. London ZSL acquired 3.3 Striped possums to establish a founder captive population and two joeys were born, one in April 1999 and the other in March 2000. This article charts the husbandry protocols, breeding behaviour and infant development for Striped possums in captivity. [source] Relative abundance of males to females affects behaviour, condition and immune function in a captive population of dark-eyed juncos Junco hyemalisJOURNAL OF AVIAN BIOLOGY, Issue 3 2007Timothy J. Greives Relative numbers of males and females in breeding groups may vary from expected values owing to a variety of factors. To determine how sex ratio might influence individual phenotypes in a captive population of dark-eyed juncos Junco hyemalis during the breeding season, we established three treatment groups: a male-biased (2:1), equal (1:1), and female-biased group (1:2). Within-group density (birds/m2) was constant across groups. We assessed the frequency of flight chases (a proxy for social instability), measured changes in body mass and pectoral muscle condition, assayed plasma levels of testosterone (T) and compared cell-mediated immunity of individuals. We found significantly more chases in the male-biased group than in the female-biased group. Birds in the male-biased group lost more mass and displayed poorer pectoral-muscle condition than birds in the equal group. Cell-mediated immune responses were reduced in individuals in the male-biased group in comparison to the female-biased group. Plasma T levels in both sexes did not vary with sex ratio. Collectively, these results suggest that during the breeding season, social instability is greater in male-biased populations, and instability may lead to decreased general health and vigour. [source] Sexual imprinting on continuous variation: do female zebra finches prefer or avoid unfamiliar sons of their foster parents?JOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY, Issue 5 2008H. SCHIELZETH Abstract Sexual imprinting on discrete variation that serves the identification of species, morphs or sexes is well documented. By contrast, sexual imprinting on continuous variation leading to individual differences in mating preferences within a single species, morph and sex has been studied only once (in humans). We measured female preferences in a captive population of wild-type zebra finches. Individual cross-fostering ensured that all subjects grew up with unrelated foster parents and nest mates. Females from two cohorts (N = 113) were given a simultaneous choice between (two or four) unfamiliar males, one of which was a genetic son of their foster parents (SFP). We found no significant overall preference for the SFP (combined effect size d = 0.14 ± 0.15). Additionally, we tested if foster parent traits could potentially explain between-female variation in preferences. However, neither the effectiveness of cooperation between the parents nor male contribution to parental care affected female preferences for the son of the foster father. We conclude that at least in zebra finches sexual imprinting is not a major source of between-individual variation in mating preferences. [source] MHC haplotype frequencies in a UK breeding colony of Mauritian cynomolgus macaques mirror those found in a distinct population from the same geographic originJOURNAL OF MEDICAL PRIMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2009Edward T. Mee Abstract Background, Mauritian cynomolgus macaques have greatly restricted genetic diversity in the MHC region compared to other non-human primates; however, the frequency of common MHC haplotypes among captive-bred populations has not been reported. Methods, Microsatellite PCR was used to determine MHC haplotype frequencies among captive macaques at a UK breeding facility. Allele-specific PCR and reference strand conformational analysis were used to determine the allele expression profile of a subset of animals. Results, Haplotypes H3 (21%) and H1 (19%) were most common in the captive population of Mauritian cynomolgus macaques. Predicted alleles were detected by allele-specific PCR-SSP in 98% of animals. Allele expression profiles were similar in animals with identical haplotypes. Conclusions, Mauritian cynomolgus macaques in the UK breeding facility have restricted MHC diversity comparable to a previously described population. Microsatellite-derived haplotypes are highly predictive of allele expression. A selective breeding program has been established to produce MHC-identical animals for biomedical research. [source] Secondary sexual coloration and CSF 5-HIAA are correlated in vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops sabaeus)JOURNAL OF MEDICAL PRIMATOLOGY, Issue 6 2007M.S. Gerald Abstract Background, Identifying indirect markers of the physiology or neuroendocrinology of a primate can provide a powerful tool to scientists. Anecdotal descriptions and recent experimental evidence suggests that the colorful sexual skin in adult male vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops sabaeus) might be sensitive to social changes, including dominance relationships, which could be related to serotonergic activity. The present study examined whether individual differences in scrotal coloration were related to cisternal cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (CSF 5-HIAA) in a captive population of vervet monkeys. Results, Darkly colored males had relatively higher CSF 5-HIAA concentrations than paler males, and scrotal color hue was also related CSF 5-HIAA concentrations. Conclusions, These preliminary data are compatible with the hypothesis that scrotal coloration serves as an indirect marker of serotonergic activity. These findings suggest that color assessments might be useful to consider for study design, as well as for animal welfare and captive management. [source] Use of intrauterine devices (IUDs) for contraception in the common chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes)JOURNAL OF MEDICAL PRIMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2000Kenneth G. Gould The common chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) is a species phylogenetically very close to man. It was not many years ago that the captive population of chimpanzees (P. troglodytes) was considered at risk because of perceived problems with reproductive success. With the potential need for many individuals for research in a variety of areas, particularly in the areas of parasitic and viral infections, an NIH-funded program was established to promote the breeding of the species. That program, the ,National Chimpanzee Breeding and Research Program', was highly successful, so successful, in fact, that there is now a surplus of animals available for current research programs. This situation has prompted the use of intrauterine devices (IUDs) as a method of fertility control. Overall, this method is successful and associated with a failure (of pregnancy) rate similar to that reported in the human. Physical and logistic constraints, however, render the method less than ideal for situations where a pregnancy rate of zero is desired. [source] Spawning of a Captive Population of California Sheephead, Semicossyphus pulcherJOURNAL OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY, Issue 1 2007Dave Jirsa This study represents the first detailed description of spawning and patterns of egg production in a captive population of California sheephead. In March 2004, females ranged in size from 369 to 430 mm total length (TL) and weighed 0.8,1.5 kg. Males ranged in size from 475 to 510 mm TL and weighed 1.7,2.3 kg. Spawning began in April and continued daily through September and then sporadically through October. Egg production ranged from 1000 to 375,000 eggs/d, with an average of 130,000 eggs/d. Egg production peaked in May at 222,000 eggs/d and decreased throughout the remainder of the season. Total annual fecundity from this group was 1,942,000 eggs/kg female body weight. Egg viability ranged from 0 to 80% with an average of 50%. Viability showed a general increase at the beginning of the season and a decrease at the end of the season. Eggs were 0.9,1.0 mm in diameter and hatched in approximately 48 h at 18,19 C. Hatch rates showed a general decline throughout the season. This study shows that California sheephead will spawn readily in captivity providing thousands of viable eggs daily and lays the groundwork for culture of this species. [source] Genetic diversity of captive binturongs (Arctictis binturong, Viverridae, Carnivora): implications for conservationJOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY, Issue 4 2007L. Cosson Abstract The binturong Arctictis binturong is a threatened carnivore (Mammalia) that ranges throughout the forests of South-east Asia. This study evaluates the genetic diversity of captive binturong populations in European zoos and attempts to assess their geographic origin. We sequenced the hypervariable region 1 of the mitochondrial control region of 56 binturongs, among which 20 had a known geographic origin. We showed that at least two distinct geographic clades exist and were able to assess the geographic clade to which captive individuals belong. Moreover, a low genetic diversity was observed among the captive population of European zoos. Although our results are preliminary, zoo managers should consider the evolutionary significant units identified by this study, and which correspond to recognized sub-species, when planning binturong reproduction programs. [source] The ruddy duck Oxyura jamaicensis in Europe: natural colonization or human introduction?MOLECULAR ECOLOGY, Issue 6 2006VIOLETA MUÑOZ-FUENTES Abstract Native to North America, ruddy ducks Oxyura jamaicensis now occur in 21 countries in the western Palaearctic (including Iceland) and their expanding population threatens the native white-headed duck, Oxyura leucocephala, through hybridization and possibly competition for food and nest sites. We used mitochondrial DNA sequences and nuclear microsatellites to test whether the European ruddy duck population is descended solely from the captive population in the UK, which traces to seven individuals imported from the USA in 1948, or, alternatively, has been augmented by natural dispersal of birds from North America. Limited genetic diversity in the European population is consistent with a founder population as small as seven birds. In addition, shifts in allele frequencies at several loci, presumably due to genetic drift in the founding population, result in significant differentiation between the European and North American populations. Despite the recent separation of these populations, almost all individuals could be unambiguously assigned based on their composite genotypes, to one of two distinct populations, one comprising all of the European ruddy ducks we sampled (including those from Iceland and captive birds in the UK) and the other comprising all North American samples. Our results confirm that the European ruddy duck population is likely to derive solely from the captive population in the UK and we find no evidence of recent arrivals from North America or of admixture between ruddy ducks from Europe and North America. [source] Phylogeography and conservation genetics of Eld's deer (Cervus eldi)MOLECULAR ECOLOGY, Issue 1 2003Christopher N. Balakrishnan Abstract Eld's deer (Cervus eldi) is a highly endangered cervid, distributed historically throughout much of South Asia and Indochina. We analysed variation in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region for representatives of all three Eld's deer subspecies to gain a better understanding of the genetic population structure and evolutionary history of this species. A phylogeny of mtDNA haplotypes indicates that the critically endangered and ecologically divergent C. eldi eldi is related more closely to C. e. thamin than to C. e. siamensis, a result that is consistent with biogeographic considerations. The results also suggest a strong degree of phylogeographic structure both between subspecies and among populations within subspecies, suggesting that dispersal of individuals between populations has been very limited historically. Haplotype diversity was relatively high for two of the three subspecies (thamin and siamensis), indicating that recent population declines have not yet substantially eroded genetic diversity. In contrast, we found no haplotype variation within C. eldi eldi or the Hainan Island population of C. eldi siamensis, two populations which are known to have suffered severe population bottlenecks. We also compared levels of haplotype and nucleotide diversity in an unmanaged captive population, a managed captive population and a relatively healthy wild population. Diversity indices were higher in the latter two, suggesting the efficacy of well-designed breeding programmes for maintaining genetic diversity in captivity. Based on significant genetic differentiation among Eld's deer subspecies, we recommend the continued management of this species in three distinct evolutionarily significant units (ESUs). Where possible, it may be advisable to translocate individuals between isolated populations within a subspecies to maintain levels of genetic variation in remaining Eld's deer populations. [source] Characterization of polymorphic microsatellite markers in a captive population of the eagle owl (Bubo bubo) used for supportive breedingMOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES, Issue 2 2002M. Isaksson Abstract The Scandinavian eagle owl population decreased to a few hundred individuals during the first 80 years of the last century as a result of hunting, collecting of chicks, and reproductive problems because of pollution. When most threats against the population were gone, supportive breeding was initiated. Since then the population has recovered remarkably. We describe how seven polymorphic microsatellite markers (Bb-42, 100, 101, 111, 126, 131 and 145) were developed from an enriched genomic library. These loci have three to 12 alleles and observed heterozygosities ranging from 0.20 to 0.94 in a sample of 66 individuals from a Swedish captive population. [source] Rhesus macaque milk: Magnitude, sources, and consequences of individual variation over lactationAMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY, Issue 2 2009Katherine Hinde Abstract Lactation represents the greatest postnatal energetic expenditure for mammalian mothers, and a mother's ability to sustain the costs of lactation is influenced by her physical condition. Mothers in good condition may produce infants who weigh more, grow faster, and are more likely to survive than the infants of mothers in poor condition. These effects may be partially mediated through the quantity and quality of milk that mothers produce during lactation. However, we know relatively little about the relationships between maternal condition, milk composition, milk yield, and infant outcomes. Here, we present the first systematic investigation of the magnitude, sources, and consequences of individual variation in milk for an Old World monkey. Rhesus macaques produce dilute milk typical of the primate order, but there was substantial variation among mothers in the composition and amount of milk they produced and thus in the milk energy available to infants. Relative milk yield value (MYV), the grams of milk obtained by mammary evacuation after 3.5,4 h of maternal-infant separation, increased with maternal parity and was positively associated with infant weight. Both milk gross energy (GE) and MYV increased during lactation as infants aged. There was, however, a trade-off; those mothers with greater increases in GE had smaller increases in MYV, and their infants grew more slowly. These results from a well-fed captive population demonstrate that differences between mothers can have important implications for milk synthesis and infant outcome. Am J Phys Anthropol 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Parallel effects of genetic variation in ACE activity in baboons and humansAMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY, Issue 1 2007Jenny Tung Abstract Like humans, savannah baboons (Papio sp.) show heritable interindividual variation in complex physiological phenotypes. One prominent example of such variation involves production of the homeostatic regulator protein angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), which shows heritable variation in both baboons and humans. In humans, this phenotypic variation is associated with an Alu insertion,deletion polymorphism in the ACE gene, which explains approximately half of the variation in serum ACE activity. We identified a similar Alu insertion,deletion polymorphism in the baboon ACE homologue and measured its frequency in a wild population and a captive population of baboons. We also analyzed the contribution of ACE genotype at this indel to variation in serum ACE activity in the captive population. When conditioned on weight, a known factor affecting ACE activity in humans, age and ACE genotype both accounted for variance in ACE activity; in particular, we identified a significant nonadditive interaction between age and genotype. A model incorporating this interaction effect explained 21.6% of the variation in residual serum ACE activity. Individuals homozygous for the deletion mutation exhibited significantly higher levels of ACE activity than insertion,deletion heterozygotes at younger ages (10,14 years), but showed a trend towards lower levels of ACE activity compared with heterozygotes at older ages (,15 years). These results demonstrate an interesting parallel between the genetic architecture underlying ACE variation in humans and baboons, suggesting that further attention should be paid in humans to the relationship between ACE genetic variation and aging. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Sex Identification of the Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) using the Locus-specific PCR and Implications for its ReproductionREPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS, Issue 3 2005P-J He Contents Over the last 4,5 years the small captive population of black swans (Cygnus atratus) has consistently failed to reproduce at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. The probable cause was hypothesized to be an abnormal sex distribution of the population. The black swan is an example of a sexually monomorphic species. The locus-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) approach based on the chromo-helicase-DNA-binding 1 (CHD1) gene, was adopted for the sex determination of the black swans. For this purpose, F1, F2 and R primers were designed using the primerselect software for amplification of the CHD1 gene region. DNA agarose gel electrophoresis showed that the female control displayed two bands, whereas only a single band was found in the male control. Sequence analyses of all seven unknown sex black swans demonstrated the sex-specific DNA band for female. Therefore, it was inferred that all the individuals of the black swan population are females, which has resulted in unfertilized eggs and reproduction failure. This method can be extended to the sexing of other monomorphic avian species and will assist in the design of breeding projects. [source] Reproductive parameters in Guizhou snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus brelichi)AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2009Mouyu Yang Abstract In this study, we present data on reproductive parameters and birth seasonality of Guizhou snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus brelichi). Our analyses are based on data from a small captive population collected over 15 years and on 5 years of observations of free-ranging snub-nosed monkeys. Captive females (n=4) mature at an age of 70.8±6.7 months and reproduce for the first time at 103.4±7.5 months. The mean interbirth interval was 38.2±4.4 months if the infant survived more than 6 months, which is longer than that in R. roxellana and R. bieti. In the wild and in captivity, births are very seasonal and occur only in a period from the end of March to the end of April. Our data suggest that population growth in Guizhou snub-nosed monkeys is slow compared with the other two Chinese snub-nosed monkey species. The risk of extinction is therefore particularly high in this species, given the small overall population size and slow population recovery potential. Am. J. Primatol. 71:266,270, 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Milk composition varies in relation to the presence and abundance of Balantidium coli in the mother in captive rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY, Issue 6 2007Katherine Hinde Abstract Primate infants require extensive maternal investment, and lactation is the most expensive aspect of this investment. However, the relationship between maternal condition and milk composition has been largely uninvestigated in primates. To better understand this relationship, I collected mid-lactation milk samples from 46 captive multiparous rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) at the Caribbean Primate Research Center, Sabana Seca Field Station, Puerto Rico. The maternal variables assessed were age, weight, weight for crown,rump length (CRL), and presence of parasites. Additionally the analysis included infant age, weight, and sex. Protein concentration in milk showed little interindividual variation, whereas fat had a high variance. Mothers without the lower intestinal parasite Balantidium coli had a significantly higher fat concentration in milk than mothers with B. coli, but other parasite species (Trichuris trichiura and Strongyloides fulleborni) were not associated with milk fat concentration. Females with younger infants had a higher fat concentration in their milk than mothers with older infants; however, the association between B. coli and milk fat remained significant after controlling for infant age. These results, obtained from a well fed captive population, indicate that even small differences among mothers are associated with milk composition. Am. J. Primatol. 69:625,634, 2007. © 2007 Wiley Liss, Inc. [source] Strategic planning for captive populations: projecting changes in genetic diversityANIMAL CONSERVATION, Issue 1 2004Joanne M. Earnhardt Maintenance of genetic diversity is critical for the preservation of small populations. Most captive populations are small and managers focus their efforts on reducing extinction risks by minimising loss of genetic diversity. To project changes in genetic diversity, managers use a genetic drift model. We used data from 40 managed captive populations to test whether this drift model is a good predictor of change in genetic diversity by comparing projected 10-year trajectories of annual loss in expected heterozygosity with the changes estimated from pedigree analysis. We found that the drift model frequently overestimated the rate at which genetic diversity would be lost and could not predict increases, which we observed in 22 species. We suggest that the drift model does not adequately reflect the potential for management strategies, such as prioritised breeding recommendations and recruitment of potential founders, to slow the loss of genetic diversity. In many cases, the drift model may be overly pessimistic, leading managers to seek solutions such as importation, increased population size or the abandonment of a captive population, that may be unnecessary or premature. Managers should be cautious when interpreting results from genetic drift models, taking care to assess how management actions might lead to more optimistic prognoses. [source] Conservation breeding for reintroductions: assessing survival in a captive flock of houbara bustardsANIMAL CONSERVATION, Issue 3 2001Yolanda van Heezik Conservation breeding for reintroduction is becoming a popular option for restoring threatened populations. Whereas post-release results are widely reported in the conservation literature, little empirical information is presented on the captive populations that often make such releases possible, even though fecundity, fertility and survival rates can have an impact on the outcome and cost of wild population re-establishment. We present results of survival analyses carried out on a captive population of houbara bustards to determine peak periods of mortality, and by identifying sources of variations in mortality to recognize the potential impact of management practices on productivity. There were two main mortality peaks: during incubation (53% survival of fertile eggs), and by 6 months post-hatching (75% survival of hatchlings). Management-related variables influencing survival of eggs and chicks included the year when laid, the cohort of females laying them, and possibly sex. Most post-hatching deaths were due to trauma and infectious diseases. Trauma-related deaths usually follow collisions with cages, and imply selection for the captive environment, an undesirable trend in populations maintained for reintroductions. Reducing losses during incubation would have the largest impact on production of birds for reintroduction, enabling the release of more birds, and reducing the overall costs of the project. [source] Scrub-itch mite infestation in the endangered bridled nailtail wallabyAUSTRALIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 8 2009JM Old Skin lesions on the ears and inguinal and axillary regions of a number of adult animals within a captive population of the endangered bridled nailtail wallaby (Onychogalea fraenata) were associated with the trombiculid mite, Eutrombicula hirsti. The local inflammatory response of these Australian marsupials is described. [source] Increased Behavioral Variation and the Calculation of Release Numbers for Reintroduction ProgramsCONSERVATION BIOLOGY, Issue 3 2004M. ELSBETH McPHEE This increased variation can translate into decreased survivorship upon reintroduction to native habitats. Data show that captive populations of oldfield mice (Peromyscus polionotus subgriseus) exhibit such an increase in variation. Motivated by these results, we developed a series of calculations for a "release ratio" that can be used to determine the number of captive-bred animals needed to compensate for the increased variance. We present calculations of release ratios for behavioral and morphological variables with different distributions and illustrate the functional relationship between release numbers, increased variation, and change in average behavior and morphology. Our calculations indicated that the release of 130,150 captive-bred oldfield mice is equivalent to the release of 100 wildlike animals. Release ratios will vary among species, however, and perhaps among different populations of the same species and should be calculated separately for each situation. Development of the release ratio is the first rigorous effort to incorporate behavioral and morphological changes due to captivity into reintroduction planning. Release ratios will help conservation biologists ensure that the appropriate number of animals is released, thus increasing the success of reintroduction programs. Resumen:,Las poblaciones cautivas pueden exhibir mayor variación conductual que sus contrapartes silvestres como resultado del relajamiento de presiones selectivas en el ambiente de cautiverio. Esta variación incrementada puede traducirse en una disminución de la supervivencia en la reintroducción a hábitats nativos. Hay datos que muestran que poblaciones cautivas de ratones Peromyscus polionotus subgriseus exhiben tal incremento en la variación. Motivados por estos resultados, desarrollamos una serie de cálculos para un "índice de liberación" que pueda utilizarse para determinar el número de animales criados en cautiverio requerido para compensar la variación incrementada. Presentamos los cálculos de 2 índices de liberación para variables conductuales y morfológicas con distribuciones diferentes e ilustramos la relación funcional entre el número de liberaciones, la variación incrementada y el cambio en la conducta promedio y la morfología. Nuestros cálculos indicaron que la liberación de 130 a 150 ratones es equivalente a la liberación de 100 animales silvestres. Sin embargo, los índices de liberación varían entre especies y quizás entre poblaciones diferentes de la misma especie y deben calcularse por separado en cada situación. El desarrollo de índices de liberación es el primer esfuerzo riguroso para incorporar cambios conductuales y morfológicos debido al cautiverio en la planificación de reintroducciones. Los índices de liberación ayudarán a que los biólogos de la conservación se aseguren que el número de animales liberados es el apropiado, incrementando con ello el éxito de los programas de reintroducción. [source] Phylogenetic Reanalysis of the Saudi Gazelle and Its Implications for ConservationCONSERVATION BIOLOGY, Issue 4 2001Robert L. Hammond The Saudi gazelle ( Gazella saudiya) was endemic to the Arabian peninsula but is now considered extinct in the wild and is potentially a candidate for captive breeding and reintroduction. Using 375 base pairs of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) cytochrome b gene derived from museum samples collected from the wild prior to the presumed extinction of this species, we show that G. saudiya is the sister taxon of the African dorcas gazelle ( G. dorcas). Reciprocal monophyly of G. saudiya mtDNA haplotypes with G. dorcas, coupled with morphological distinctiveness, suggests that it is an evolutionarily significant unit. These data indicate that captive populations identified previously as potential sources of G. saudiya for captive breeding appear incorrectly designated and are irrelevant to the conservation of G. saudiya. The polymerase chain reaction,restriction fragment length polymorphism ( PCR-RFLP) analysis of several private collections of living gazelles in Saudi Arabia provides no evidence for the survival of G. saudiya. We recommend that field surveys be undertaken to establish whether G. saudiya is indeed extinct in the wild and that other private collections within the Arabian peninsula be screened genetically. We urge caution when captive animals of unknown provenance are used to investigate the phylogenetics of cryptic species groups. Resumen: La identificación de poblaciones taxonómicamente apropiadas de especies en peligro para programas de reproducción en cautiverio y de reintroducción es fundamental para su éxito. La Gacela Saudi (Gazella saudiya) fue endémica a la península de Arabia pero ahora está considerada como extinta en su medio y es un candidato potencial para reproducción en cautiverio y reintroducción. Utilizando 375 pares de bases de ADN mitocondrial (ADNmt) del gene citocromo b derivados de muestras de museos colectadas en el medio silvestre antes de la extinción de la especie, mostramos que G. saudiya es el taxón hermano de la gacela dorcas africana (G. dorcas). La monofilia recíproca de haplotipos de ADNmt de G. saudiya con G. dorcas, aunado a diferencias morfológicas, sugiere que es una unidad evolutiva significativa. Estos datos indican que las poblaciones cautivas identificadas previamente como fuente potencial de G. saudiya para reproducción en cautiverio están incorrectamente identificadas y son irrelevantes para la conservación de G. saudiya. El análisis PCR-RFLP de varias colecciones privadas de gacelas vivas en Arabia Saudita no proporcionan evidencia para la supervivencia de G. saudiya. Recomendamos que se realicen muestreos en el campo para establecer si en efecto G. saudiya está extinta en su hábitat y que se examinen genéticamente las otras colecciones privadas en la península Arábiga. Recomendamos precaución cuando animales cautivos de origen desconocido son utilizados para investigar la filogenia de grupos de especies crípticas. [source] Genetic diversity of endangered brown bear (Ursus arctos) populations at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and AfricaDIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS, Issue 5 2009Sébastien Calvignac Abstract Aim, Middle East brown bears (Ursus arctos syriacus Hemprich and Ehrenberg, 1828) are presently on the edge of extinction. However, little is known of their genetic diversity. This study investigates that question as well as that of Middle East brown bear relationships to surrounding populations of the species. Location, Middle East region of south-western Asia. Methods, We performed DNA analyses on 27 brown bear individuals. Twenty ancient bone samples (Late Pleistocene to 20th century) from natural populations and seven present-day samples obtained from captive individuals were analysed. Results, Phylogenetic analyses of the mitochondrial sequences obtained from seven ancient specimens identify three distinct maternal clades, all unrelated to one recently described from North Africa. Brown bears from Iran exhibit striking diversity (three individuals, three haplotypes) and form a unique clade that cannot be linked to any extant one. Individuals from Syria belong to the Holarctic clade now observed in Eastern Europe, Turkey, Japan and North America. Specimens from Lebanon surprisingly appear as tightly linked to the clade of brown bears now in Western Europe. Moreover, we show that U. a. syriacus in captivity still harbour haplotypes closely linked to those found in ancient individuals. Main conclusion, This study brings important new information on the genetic diversity of brown bear populations at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa. It reveals a high level of diversity in Middle East brown bears and extends the historical distribution of the Western European clade to the East. Our analyses also suggest the value of a specific breeding programme for captive populations. [source] Adult mortality and oviposition rates in field and captive populations of the blowfly Lucilia sericataECOLOGICAL ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 6 2004K. M. Pitts Abstract., 1. Adult mortality and oviposition rates were determined for populations of the blowfly Lucilia sericata (Meigen) (Diptera: Calliphoridae). This species is of economic importance as the primary agent of sheep myiasis throughout north-western Europe. 2. Populations of marked flies in six, 1 m3, outdoor field cages and unmarked wild flies at two farms in south-west England were studied simultaneously between May and September 1998. 3. In the field, wild female L. sericata were caught and aged using a combination of wing-fray and ovarian dissection techniques. Survivorship analysis gave estimates of mortality of 1.94% (± 0.037) and 2.09% (± 0.044) per day-degree and mean life expectancy of 51.5 and 47.9 day-degrees above a threshold of 11 °C, at the two farms studied. Mean lifetime reproductive output in the field was estimated to be 159.6 and 138.4 eggs per female at the two farms respectively. 4. The survivorship of cohorts of marked female flies in cages was followed by counting the number of dead individuals each day; the mortality rate of these flies was 0.81% per day-degree (± 3.49 × 10,4%) and the mean life expectancy was 123.1 day-degrees above a threshold of 11 °C. Mortality rate was shown to increase significantly with average ambient temperature and relative humidity lagged for two sample periods (approximately 10 days). Oviposition rate also increased with average temperature but declined with average relative humidity. A best-fit multiple regression model incorporating both ambient temperature and humidity explained 60.5% of the variance in the pattern of oviposition. 5. The differences between the field and cage populations highlight the caution required when extrapolating life-history parameters from artificial to natural habitats. [source] Persistence of Alarm-Call Behaviour in the Absence of Predators: A Comparison Between Wild and Captive-Born Meerkats (Suricata Suricatta)ETHOLOGY, Issue 11 2007Linda I. Hollén Performing correct anti-predator behaviour is crucial for prey to survive. But, are such abilities lost in species or populations living in predator-free environments? How individuals respond to the loss of predators has been shown to depend on factors such as the degree to which anti-predator behaviour relies on experience, the type of cues evoking the behaviour, the cost of expressing the behaviour and the number of generations under which relaxed selection has taken place. Here we investigated whether captive-born populations of meerkats (Suricata suricatta) used the same repertoire of alarm calls previously documented in wild populations and whether captive animals, as wild ones, could recognize potential predators through olfactory cues. We found that all alarm calls that have been documented in the wild also occurred in captivity and were given in broadly similar contexts. Furthermore, without prior experience of odours from predators, captive meerkats seemed to distinguish between faeces of potential predators (carnivores) and non-predators (herbivores). Despite slight structural differences, the alarm calls given in response to the faeces largely resembled those recorded in similar contexts in the wild. These results from captive populations suggest that direct, physical interaction with predators is not necessary for meerkats to perform correct anti-predator behaviour in terms of alarm-call usage and olfactory predator recognition. Such behaviour may have been retained in captivity because relatively little experience seems necessary for correct performance in the wild and/or because of the recency of relaxed selection on these populations. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||