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Certain Species (certain + species)
Selected AbstractsBENTHIC MARINE ALGAL HERBARIUM OF LONG ISLAND SOUND DIGITAL COLLECTIONJOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY, Issue 2001Article first published online: 24 SEP 200 Cudiner, S.2, Gillies, N.2 & Yarish, C.1 1Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, Stamford, CT 06901-23151; 2Jeremy Richard Library, University of Connecticut, Stamford, CT 06901-2315 University of Connecticut presents the "Benthic Marine Algal Herbarium of Long Island Sound Digital Collection." When Phase One of this project is completed, this collection will include an online herbarium of all Long Island Sound macroalgae species. The database will be on the web and open to the public. The taxonomy and descriptive text are part of a collaboration between the University of Connecticut and NEAS. Database features include the ability to create searches and generate sets based on subjects, division, class, order, family, genus, habitat, species, keyword, location, etc. Each record will be cataloged according to Dublin Core cataloging guidelines. All species have a thumbnail image and a larger image for full viewing. TIFF files will be archived and available in the future (10mg images). Certain species will be marked as a teaching collection and made available upon request on a CDrom for teaching purposes. Future plans include expanding the database geographically in the Northeast. The database is located and maintained on a server at the Homer Babbidge Library on the UConn Storrs campus. The information is in Microsoft Access, and is made available for viewing and searching on the web through ColdFusion. This online collection is in the process of being created, a test site is now available at: http://norman.lib.uconn.edu:6550/algae/algaesearch.cfm (hit enter for all records or use search term: lamin) [source] Small-scale spatial dynamics of vegetation in a grazed Uruguayan grasslandAUSTRAL ECOLOGY, Issue 4 2009MARCOS TEXEIRA Abstract We explored the small-scale plant species mobility in a subhumid native grassland subjected to grazing by cattle in south-western Uruguay. We established four permanent plots of 40 × 40 cm, divided in 16 × 16 cells. In each cell, the presence of species was seasonally recorded for 2 years and annually recorded for 4 years. By nesting the cells, we studied the mobility at different scales, from 6.25 cm2 to 400 cm2. At each scale we measured species richness, cumulative richness and the turnover rates of the dominant species. We found that the cumulative species richness was an increasing power function, with higher accumulation rates with smaller spatial scale. Although species richness showed seasonal fluctuations, the mean species richness was constant during the study period. We detected significant spatio-temporal variability in mobility patterns among species. Certain species showed a high capacity to colonize new sites, whereas other species rotate among sites that they previously occupied. Grazed communities in Uruguayan Campos are structured as a dense matrix of perennials grasses and forbs, where vegetative propagation is the main form of growth of the species. The small-scale dynamics and the high variability in the mobility characteristics could be linked with the diversity of growth forms and spatial strategies of the species in this community. We believe that a high degree of small-scale spatial dynamics contribute to explain the species coexistence and the apparent stability of communities at local scales. [source] Arboreal substrates influence foraging in tropical antsECOLOGICAL ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 4 2010NATALIE A. CLAY 1. Physically complex substrates impart significant costs on cursorial central-place foragers in terms of time spent outside the nest and total distance travelled. Ants foraging in trees navigate varied surfaces to access patchy resources, thus providing an appropriate model system for examining interactions between foraging efficiency and substrates. 2. We expected that the speed of recruitment, body size distribution and species richness of foraging arboreal ants would differ predictably among common substrate types occurring on tropical tree trunks. We measured changes in ant abundance and species composition over time at baits placed on bare tree bark, moss-covered bark, and vine-like vegetation appressed to bark. We also measured average body size and body size frequency on the three substrate types. Ants discovered baits sooner and accumulated at baits relatively faster when using vine substrates as the primary foraging trail. Average body size was smaller on vine substrates than on bark. Experimental removal of vine and moss substrates nullified these differences. Contrary to our predictions, species richness and body size distributions did not differ among the three substrate types, due in part to the frequent presence of a few common ground-nesting species at baits on bare bark. 3. Our results collectively indicate that linear substrates facilitate access of foraging ants to patchy resources. Ant use of vine-like substrates appears to be opportunistic; vine use is not confined to certain species nor constrained by body size. [source] Lack of CbrB in Pseudomonas putida affects not only amino acids metabolism but also different stress responses and biofilm developmentENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2010Cristina I. Amador Summary The CbrAB two-component system has been described in certain species of Pseudomonads as a global regulatory system required for the assimilation of several amino acids (e.g. histidine, proline or arginine) as carbon or carbon and nitrogen sources. In this work, we used global gene expression and phenotypic analyses to characterize the roles of the CbrAB system in Pseudomonas putida. Our results show that CbrB is involved in coordination with the nitrogen control system activator, NtrC, in the uptake and assimilation of several amino acids. In addition, CbrB affects other carbon utilization pathways and a number of apparently unrelated functions, such as chemotaxis, stress tolerance and biofilm development. Based on these new findings, we propose that CbrB is a high-ranked element in the regulatory hierarchy of P. putida that directly or indirectly controls a variety of metabolic and behavioural traits required for adaptation to changing environmental conditions. [source] Selective Defecation and Selective Foraging: Antiparasite Behavior in Wild Ungulates?ETHOLOGY, Issue 11 2004Vanessa O. Ezenwa Selective defecation and selective foraging are two potential antiparasite behaviors used by grazing ungulates to reduce infection by fecal,oral transmitted parasites. While there is some evidence that domestic species use these strategies, less is known about the occurrence and efficacy of these behaviors in wild ungulates. In this study, I examined whether wild antelope use selective defecation and selective foraging strategies to reduce exposure to gastrointestinal nematode parasites. By quantifying parasite levels in the environment in relation to the defecation patterns of three species, dik-dik (Madoqua kirkii), Grant's gazelle (Gazella granti), and impala (Aepyceros melampus), I found that nematode larval concentrations in pasture were higher in the vicinity of clusters of feces (dung middens) compared to single fecal pellet groups or dung-free areas. In addition, experimental feeding trials in free-ranging dik-dik showed that individuals selectively avoided feeding near concentrations of feces. Given that increased parasite contamination was found in the immediate vicinity of fecal clusters, fecal avoidance could help reduce host consumption of parasites and may therefore be an effective antiparasite behavior for certain species. On the other hand, while the concentration of parasite larvae in the vicinity of middens coupled with host avoidance of these areas during grazing could reduce host contact with parasites, results showing a positive correlation between the number of middens in a habitat and larval abundance at control sites suggest that dung middens might increase and not decrease overall host exposure to parasites. If this is the case, dung midden formation may not be a viable antiparasite strategy. [source] Singing in the Face of Danger: the Anomalous Type II Vocalization of the Splendid Fairy-WrenETHOLOGY, Issue 3 2001Bethanne Zelano Males of certain species of fairy-wrens (Aves: Maluridae) emit a unique vocalization, the Type II vocalization, in response to the calls of potential predators. We conducted field observations and playback experiments to identify the contexts in which the Type II vocalization is emitted by splendid fairy-wren (Malurus splendens) males, and to examine social and genetic factors that influence its occurrence. In field observations and controlled playback experiments, Type II vocalizations were elicited most consistently by calls of the predatory gray butcherbird (Cracticus torquatus). Some vocalizations from other avian species also elicited Type II vocalizations, and the majority of these were vocalizations from avian predators. Splendid fairy-wrens are cooperative breeders, and males that responded with Type II vocalizations to playbacks of butcherbird calls tended to be primary rather than secondary males, had larger cloacal protuberances, and were older than those that did not respond. In addition, secondary males that were sons of resident females were more likely than non-sons to respond with a Type II vocalization. In another playback experiment, females responded similarly to the Type I song and Type II vocalizations of their mates. Although the Type II vocalization is emitted primarily in response to predator calls, it is inconsistent with an alarm call explanation. Patterns of reproductive success among Type II calling males suggest that it does not function as an honest signal of male quality. At present, the function of the vocalization remains anomalous, but indirect fitness benefits may play a role in its explanation. [source] Mimicry in plant-parasitic fungiFEMS MICROBIOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 2 2006Henry K. Ngugi Abstract Mimicry is the close resemblance of one living organism (the mimic) to another (the model), leading to misidentification by a third organism (the operator). Similar to other organism groups, certain species of plant-parasitic fungi are known to engage in mimetic relationships, thereby increasing their fitness. In some cases, fungal infection can lead to the formation of flower mimics (pseudoflowers) that attract insect pollinators via visual and/or olfactory cues; these insects then either transmit fungal gametes to accomplish outcrossing (e.g. in some heterothallic rust fungi belonging to the genera Puccinia and Uromyces) or vector infectious spores to healthy plants, thereby spreading disease (e.g. in the anther smut fungus Microbotryum violaceum and the mummy berry pathogen Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi). In what is termed aggressive mimicry, some specialized plant-parasitic fungi are able to mimic host structures or host molecules to gain access to resources. An example is M. vaccinii-corymbosi, whose conidia and germ tubes, respectively, mimic host pollen grains and pollen tubes anatomically and physiologically, allowing the pathogen to gain entry into the host's ovary via stigma and style. We review these and other examples of mimicry by plant-parasitic fungi and some of the mechanisms, signals, and evolutionary implications. [source] COMPARING INVASIVE NETWORKS: CULTURAL AND POLITICAL BIOGRAPHIES OF INVASIVE SPECIES,GEOGRAPHICAL REVIEW, Issue 2 2004PAUL ROBBINS ABSTRACT. Under what cultural and political conditions do certain species become successful invaders? What impact does species invasion have on human culture and politics? The work assembled in this special issue of the Geographical Review suggests complex interspecies interactions that complicate any answer to these questions. It demonstrates the need to advance a more integrative human/environment approach to species invasion than has hitherto been seen. Reviewing the concepts demonstrated in these articles and applying them to case histories of Mimosaceae (a family that includes genera such as Acacia, Prosopis, and Mimosa) invasion, two general principles become clear. The status and identification of any species as an invader, weed, or exotic are conditioned by cultural and political circumstances. Furthermore, because the human "preparation of landscape" is a prerequisite for most cases of invasion, and because species invasions impact local culture and politics in ways that often feed back into the environmental system, specific power-laden networks of human and non-human actors tend to create the momentum for invasion. It is therefore possible to argue a more general cultural and political account of contemporary species expansion: It is not species but sociobiological networks that are invasive. [source] Recognition of southern Gondwanan palynomorphs at Gondwana's northern margin,and biostratigraphic correlation of Permian strata from SE Turkey and AustraliaGEOLOGICAL JOURNAL, Issue 2-3 2010Ellen Stolle Abstract This study focuses on the palynology of Guadalupian (Middle Permian) strata of SE Turkey, especially on late Wordian and earliest Capitanian deposits, which are dated by foraminifers and can be chronostratigraphically related to the geological timescale. Herein, palynological species, such as Altitriletes densus, Cymatiosphaera gondwanensis and Praecolpatites sinuosus, previously characteristic for Pakistan, Australia and Antarctica are recorded. Therefore, the Permian biozones of marine fauna and the palynology of SE Turkey and the rest of the Arabian area and Australia are compared and correlated. This long-distance, eastern Gondwana-wide biostratigraphical correlation, conducted for the first time in the Guadalupian epoch in this study, showed that Corisaccites alutas has a similar Last Occurrence Datum in SE Turkey and in Australia. The correlation also showed that in the late Wordian a number of species were present throughout eastern Gondwana, whereas the distribution of other certain species was influenced by provincialism. Hence, it may be concluded that certain species of parent plants probably co-occurred Gondwana-wide, while the distribution of others was dependant on climate. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Paraspermatogenesis in Littoraria (Palustorina) articulata, with reference to other Littorinidae (Littorinoidea, Caenogastropoda)INVERTEBRATE BIOLOGY, Issue 3 2000John A. Buckland-Nicks Abstract. The ultrastructure of paraspermatogenesis is examined in the littorinid subfamily Littorininae, with special emphasis on Littoraria (Palustorina) articulata (PHILIPPI 1846). In particular the study focuses on the fate of the nucleus and origin of the rod bodies during parasperm development. Parasperm of the Littorininae are rounded or oblong cells, which undergo an abortive meiosis and eliminate part of the nucleus but often retain a nuclear remnant. The cytoplasm is filled with numerous spherical vesicles in all Littorininae, but in Littoraria (and in certain species of Nodilittorina, Tectarius and Cenchritis) dense ,rod-bodies' also occur. Littoraria (Palustorina) are unique in possessing a flagellum-like structure termed the ,pseudotrich", which lacks an axoneme but contains microtubules during its development. Paraspermatogonia differ from euspermatogonia in the structure of the nucleus and in the extensive rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and swollen cytoplasm. Two types of secretions develop in Littoraria: (1) numerous, spherical granules (composed of putative glycoprotein, also seen in other Littorininae) and (2) rhomboid granules (composition uncertain but reacting positively to RNA stains; these granules arising within RER cisternae close to the nucleus). As the rhomboid granules fuse to form the larger, rod-bodies (polygonal in cross section), the RER membrane enclosing the rod-bodies becomes confluent with the outer nuclear membrane, thereby forming a common compartment. Results of this study clearly show that the rod-bodies are secretions of the RER cisternae and not, as claimed in some light microscopic accounts, the product of fusion of eusperm nuclei which have entered the parasperm cytoplasm (either by active eusperm penetration or by phagocytosis). Developmental characteristics of littorinid parasperm show differences between species and may, in some cases, provide characters diagnostic of subgenera. [source] Decomposition of Allelopathic Plants in SoilJOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AND CROP SCIENCE, Issue 3 2005T. D. Xuan Abstract Higher plants with strong allelopathic properties are commonly incorporated into soil for weed-control purposes. To understand the phytotoxic variation in the soil, which can be utilized for weed control through the use of allelopathic plants, the decomposition of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. cv. Rasen) and kava (Piper methysticum L.) after soil amendment were evaluated. Both alfalfa and kava strongly inhibited barnyardgrass and monochoria growth for up to 10 days (80,100 % weed control). After 20,25 days, the magnitude of inhibition was drastically reduced, but was still effective (50 % weed control). A number of phenolic acids were detected in the soil even 50 days after incorporation in low concentration, but their concentrations reached a maximum after 10,15 days and were efficacious until 20,25 days. Phenolic acids varied between alfalfa and kava. The variations in electrical conductivity (EC) and osmotic pressure (OP) were strongly related to chemicals and toxic compounds exuded into the soil during decomposition and were proportional to the magnitude of inhibition observed, whereas pH did not appear to be correlated with inhibition. The decomposition of several unknown inhibitors present in kava was also analysed and assessed. Our findings indicate that these growth inhibitors were almost disintegrated in soil after 10 days, but strong inhibition was detected until 25 days after amendment. Results from this study demonstrate that chemicals released from allelopathic plants incorporated into soil are toxic and cause inhibition of certain species and could be exploited as a biological tool for weed management. [source] Are Humanitarian Military Interventions Obligatory?JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHILOSOPHY, Issue 2 2008JOVANA DAVIDOVIC abstract I argue here that certain species of war, namely humanitarian military interventions (HMIs), can be obligatory within particular contexts. Specifically, I look at the notion of HMIs through the lens of just war theory and argue that when a minimal account of jus ad bellum implies that an intervention is permissible, it also implies that it is obligatory. I begin by clarifying the jus ad bellum conditions (such as just cause, right intentions, etc.) under which an intervention is permissible. I then turn to the claim that permissibility necessitates obligation, by first showing that whenever an intervention is permissible, it is also minimally decent. Second, I show that minimally decent actions are morally obligatory by arguing that the notion of minimal decency is a conceptual bridge between negative and positive duties. Third, I argue that performing minimally decent actions is necessary for a state to be just. Ultimately, my conclusion arises from the following observation: if a humanitarian crisis is bad enough for one to hold that it is permissible to breach sovereignty of a nation, then it is bad enough to hold that there is an obligation to intervene. [source] The evolutionary species pool hypothesis and patterns of freshwater diatom diversity along a pH gradientJOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY, Issue 3 2005Jason Pither Abstract Aim, To interpret the unimodal relationship between diatom species richness and lake pH within the context of the evolutionary species pool hypothesis (SPH). We test the following primary prediction arising from the SPH: the size of the potential species pool (PSP) will increase along a gradient representing the historical commonness of different pH environments (pH commonness). To do this we assume that the present-day spatial dominance of near-neutral pH conditions compared with acidic and alkaline conditions reliably mimics the relative spatial availabilities of historical pH conditions among freshwater lakes. We also determine whether local richness represents a constant proportion of PSP size along the pH commonness gradient. Location, Two hundred and thirty-four lakes distributed over a 405,000 km2 region of the north-eastern United States of America. Methods, Sediment diatom morphospecies lists and pH data were acquired from the US Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP) website. Using 248 morphospecies that occurred in at least 10 of the 234 lakes, four different measures of PSPs were calculated along the pH gradient. Local species richness was equated with the number of species occurring within the lake. Alpha diversity was equated with the average species richness of lakes with similar pH values. A combination of statistical methods were employed, including correlations, quadratic regression and piecewise regression. Results, PSP size increased significantly with pH commonness for all four measures of PSP size, thus supporting the primary prediction of the evolutionary SPH. Local richness comprised a larger proportion of the PSP within acidic lakes than within circumneutral lakes. Alpha diversity and lake species richness both increased significantly with pH commonness, but the former did so in a two-step fashion. We test and reject several alternative contemporary time-scale explanations for our findings. Main Conclusions, Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that diatom taxonomic richness is presently lower within acidic and highly alkaline lakes than in circumneutral lakes owing to the limited opportunity in space and/or time for the evolution of suitably adapted species. Whereas ecological processes can explain why certain species are excluded from particular habitats, e.g. acidic lakes, they cannot account for why so few species are adapted to those habitats in the first place. [source] Community organization and species richness of ants (Hymenoptera/Formicidae) in Mongolia along an ecological gradient from steppe to Gobi desertJOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY, Issue 12 2003Martin Pfeiffer Abstract Aim, Ants (Hymenoptera/Formicidae) have strong influences on ecosystems especially in arid regions. However, little is known about ants of the vast steppe and desert regions of Central Asia. Here we provide the first comprehensive study of ant communities in Mongolia, conducted along a north-to-south gradient in climate. We examined ants' distribution patterns, assessed the impact of climatic parameters on community structure and species diversity and investigated the influence of the corresponding communities of plants. Location, Mongolia (Central Asia). Methods, We observed 31,956 ants at seed baits at 11 study sites along a transect from steppe to Gobi desert for which we attained meteorological data (mean yearly precipitation: 197 to 84 mm). Extra sampling was conducted at sugar and protein baits and by the inspection of different microhabitats. Vegetation patterns of each plot were recorded. Statistical evaluation comprised ordination and correlation. Results, We observed 15 species of ants at seed baits. Three faunal complexes of ants could be distinguished by detrended correspondence analysis (DCA): (1) in steppe baits were dominated by Formica - and Myrmica -species, (2) in semi desert we found mostly species of Tetramorium, Myrmica, Proformica, Plagiolepis, and Leptothorax, and (3) in desert Cataglyphis aenescens and Messor aciculatus dominated, and Lasius was exclusively found there. Another 11 rare ant species were sampled by hand and at sugar baits. Altogether five ant species were new to the Mongolian fauna: Cardiocondyla koshewnikovi, Myrmica koreana, Myrmica pisarskii, Polyergus nigerrimus, and Proformica kaszabi. Assignment of taxa to functional groups showed that in steppe cold climate specialists dominated, in semi desert we found mainly opportunists, and in desert hot climate specialists. Several functional groups know from arid zones in other parts of the world were missing. In desert certain species were highly dominant. First DCA scores of ant- and plant-communities were highly correlated with each other and with climatic parameters. While plant species diversity was positively correlated with increasing northern latitude, ant diversity and ant species richness were not correlated with latitude and responded neither to precipitation, nor to any other climatic parameter. Semi desert was a transition zone between steppe and desert, with high species richness. Ant genus composition of the ecotone overlapped with both other regions. However, beta diversity between pairs of plots within this zone was low, indicating a small-scale mosaic pattern. Main conclusions, The ant communities in the Mongolian steppe and desert zones were strongly influenced by low temperatures and differed in many aspects from the ant fauna in other arid ecosystems, especially in terms of species richness, diversity of feeding guilds, and richness of functional groups. [source] Indications of higher diversity and abundance of small rodents in human-influenced Sudanian savannah than in the Niokolo Koba National Park (Senegal)AFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY, Issue 3 2010Adam Kone Abstract Expansion of human activities in the Sudanian savannah is changing natural habitats together with their animal communities. The abundance and diversity of small mammal communities were investigated in human-influenced savannahs in close proximity to Niokolo Koba National Park (NKNP) in south-eastern Senegal and compared with those from NKNP. Two localities were sampled in natural and two in human-influenced areas during two dry and two rainy seasons. Total sampling effort was 5400 trap-nights. Ninety-eight individuals of eleven species were captured outside NKNP, while only 28 individuals of five rodent species were caught inside the park (all of which were found also outside NKNP). The most abundant species outside NKNP was Mastomys erythroleucus, while inside NKNP it was Praomys daltoni. Both relative abundance and diversity were significantly higher in human-influenced landscape than in natural savannahs of NKNP. The difference in species richness may be linked with lower population densities of certain species in NKNP and the effect of traditional agriculture, which may support the presence of species typical for deforested landscape. Furthermore, food availability, and predator abundances are discussed as possible reasons for the higher rodent abundances outside NKNP. Résumé L'expansion des activités humaines dans la savane soudanienne est en train de modifier des habitats naturels et, avec eux, les communautés animales. L'abondance et la diversité de communautés de petits mammifères ont étéétudiées dans des savanes soumises à l'influence humaine à proximité immédiate du Parc national de Niokolo Koba (PNNK), au sud-est du Sénégal, et elles ont été comparées à celles du PNNK. On a prélevé des échantillons dans deux endroits situés dans des zones naturelles et dans deux autres influencés par les hommes, pendant deux saisons sèches et deux saisons des pluies. L'effort total d'échantillonnage représentait 5400 nuits de piégeage. On a capturé 98 individus appartenant à eleven espèces en dehors du PNNK alors que, dans le parc, on n'a capturé que 28 individus appartenant à cinq espèces de rongeurs (et dont toutes se retrouvent aussi à l'extérieur du PNNK). L'espèce la plus abondante en dehors du parc était Mastomys erythroleucus alors que, dans le PNNK, c'était Praomys daltoni. L'abondance relative et la diversitéétaient significativement plus grandes dans le paysage sous influence humaine que dans les savanes naturelles du PNNK. La différence de la richesse en espèces est peut-être liée à la plus faible densité de population de certaines espèces dans le PNNK et à l'effet de l'agriculture traditionnelle qui peut favoriser la présence d'espèces typiques de paysages où la forêt a été coupée. De plus, on discute de la disponibilité en nourriture et de l'abondance de prédateurs qui pourraient être des raisons de la plus grande abondance de rongeurs en dehors du PNNK. [source] Relationship of cigarette smoking to the subgingival microbiotaJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 5 2001A. D. Haffajee Abstract Background: The relationship of cigarette smoking to the composition of the subgingival microbiota is not clear. Some studies indicated higher levels of certain species in smokers, while other studies failed to detect differences in the microbiota between subjects with different smoking histories. Thus, the purpose of the present investigation was to examine the prevalence, proportions and levels of the subgingival species in adult subjects who were current, past or never smokers. Method: 272 adult subjects ranging in age from 20,86 years with at least 20 teeth were recruited for study. Smoking history was obtained using a questionnaire. Clinical measures were taken at 6 sites per tooth at all teeth excluding third molars at a baseline visit. Subgingival plaque samples were taken from the mesial surface of all teeth excluding third molars in each subject at baseline and assayed individually for counts of 29 subgingival species using checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization. Subjects were subset according to smoking history into never (n=124), past (n=98) and current smokers (n=50). Uni-variate and multi-variate analyses were used to seek associations between smoking category and the counts, proportions and prevalence of subgingival species. Results: Greater differences were observed for the prevalence (% of sites colonized) of the test species in the 3 smoking groups than were observed for counts or proportions of total counts. Members of the orange and red complexes including E. nodatum, F. nucleatum ss vincentii, P. intermedia, P. micros, P. nigrescens, B. forsythus, P. gingivalis and T. denticola were significantly more prevalent in current smokers than in the other 2 groups. The difference in prevalence between smokers and non-smokers was due to greater colonization at sites with pocket depth <4 mm. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis indicated that combinations of the prevalence of 5 microbial species and pack years accounted for 44% of the variance for mean pocket depth (p<0.000001), while the prevalence of 3 microbial taxa along with age, pack years, current smoking and gender accounted for 31% of the variance in mean attachment level (p<0.000001). The difference in prevalence between current and never smokers of all members of the red complex and 8 of 12 members of the orange complex was significantly greater in the maxilla than in the mandible. Conclusions: The major difference between the subgingival microbiota in subjects with different smoking history was in the prevalence of species rather than counts or proportions. The greater extent of colonization in smokers appeared to be due to greater colonization at pocket depths <4 mm. Differences in colonization patterns between current and never smokers were greater in the maxilla than in the mandible. Zusammenfassung Grundlagen: Die Beziehung zwischen dem Zigarettenrauchen und der Zusammensetzung der subgingivalen Mikroflora ist nicht klar. Einige Studien verweisen auf höhere Titer von bestimmten Spezies bei Rauchern, während andere Studien keine Unterschiede in der Mikroflora zwischen Personen mit unterschiedlichem Raucher- oder Nichtraucherverhalten nachweisen konnten. Daher war der Zweck der vorliegenden Studie die Untersuchung von Prävalenz, Anteil und Titer der subgingivalen Spezies bei erwachsenen Patienten, die zur Zeit, früher oder niemals Raucher waren. Methode: Für die Studie wurden 272 erwachsene Patienten im Alter zwischen 20 und 86 Jahren und wenigstens 20 Zähnen rekrutiert. Die Anamnese des Rauchverhaltens wurde under Verwendung eines Fragebogens durchgeführt. Bei einer Eingangsuntersuchung erfolgten die klinischen Messungen an 6 Stellen pro Zahn bei allen Zähnen außer den dritten Molaren. Bei der Eingangsuntersuchung wurden, bei allen Zähnen außer den dritten Molaren, von den Mesialflächen subgingivale Plaqueproben entnommen. Für die einzelnen Flächen wurde die Anzahl von 29 subgingivalen Spezies mittels Schachbrett-DNA-DNA-Hybridisierung bestimmt. Die Patienten wurden entsprechend der Rauchervorgeschichte in folgende Gruppen eingeteilt: niemals (n=124), früher (n=98) und zur Zeit (n=50). Um Assoziationen zwischen den Rauchkategorien und der Anzahl, dem Anteil und der Prävalenz der subgingivalen Spezies herauszufinden wurden eine uni-variate und multi-variate Analyse verwendet. Ergebnisse: Es wurden größere Unterschiede zwischen den 3 Gruppen hinsichtlich der Prävalenz der Testspezies (% der Taschen die kolonisiert waren) beobachtet als bei der Anzahl oder dem Anteil an der Gesamtzahl der Keime beobachtet wurde. Die Prävalenz der Keime des orangen und roten Komplexes einschließlich. E. nodatum, F. nucleatum ss vincentii, P. intermedia, P. micros, P. nigrescens, B. forsythus, P. gingivalis und T. denticola war bei den aktuellen Rauchern stärker prävalent als in den anderen beiden Gruppen. Die Differenz in der Prävalenz zwischen Rauchern und Nichrauchern wurde verursacht durch eine stärkere Kolonisation in Taschen mit einer Taschentiefe <4 mm. Die schrittweise multiple lineare Regressionsanalyse zeigte, dass Kombinationen der Prävalenz von 5 mikrobiellen Spezies und der Packungsjahre für 44% der Varianz der mittleren Taschentiefe verantwortlich waren (p<0.000001), während die Prävalenz von 3 mikrobiellen Taxa zusammen mit Alter, Packungsjahre, Raucherstatus und Geschlecht für 31% der Varizna im mittleren Attachmentniveau verantwortlich waren (p<0.000001). Die Differenz in der Prävalenz zwischen den aktuellen Rauchern und den die niemals rauchten war für alle Keime der roten Komplexes und 8 von 12 Keimen des orangen Komplexes im Oberkiefer signifikant größer als im Unterkiefer. Schlussfolgerung: Der Hauptunterschied zwischen der subgingivalen Mikroflora bei Patienten mit unterschiedlicher Rauchervorgeschichte lag mehr bei der Prävalenz der Spezies als bei der Anzahl der Keime oder den Anteilen an der Gesamtflora. Das größere Maß an Kolonisation bei den Rauchern schien durch eine stärkere Kolonisation in Taschen <4 mm verursacht zu sein. Differenzen im Kolonisationsmuster zwischen aktuellen Rauchern und Nichtrauchern die niemals rauchten waren im Oberkiefer größer als im Unterkiefer. Résumé Origine, but: La relation entre l'usage de la cigarette et la composition de la microflore sous gingivale n'est pas claire. Certaines études indiquent d'importants niveaux de certaines espèces chez les fumeurs, alors que d'autres études n'arrivent pas à détecter de différences dans la micrflore entre des sujets ayant des histoires tabagiques différentes. Aussi, le propos de cette recherche est d'examiner la prévalence, les proportions et le niveau des espèces sous gingivales chez des sujets adultes fumeurs, anciens fumeurs ou non-fumeurs. Méthodes: 272 sujets adultes, âgès de 20 à 86 ans, ayant au moins 20 dents furent recrutés pour l'étude. L'histoire tabagique fut obtenue à l'aide d'un questionnaire. Des mesures cliniques furent prises sur 6 sites par dents, sur toutes les dents à l'exception des troisièmes molaires lors de la première visite. Des échantillons de plaque sous gingivale étaient prélevés sur la face mésiale de chaque dent à l'exception des troisièmes molaires chez chaque sujet lors de la première visite et individuellement testés pour le comptage de 29 espèces sousgingivales par hybridisation en damier ADN-ADN. Les sujets étaient groupés en sous ensembles en fonction de leur histoire tabagique en non-fumeurs (n=124), ancien fumeurs (n=98), et fumeurs (n=50). Des analyses monovariées et multivariées furent utilisées pour rechercher des associations entre les catégories de fumerus et les comptages, proportions et prévalences des espèces bactériennes. Résultats: De plus grandes différences étaient observées pour la prévalence (% de sites colonisés) des expèces testées dans les 3 groupes, que pour le comptage ou la proportion des comptages totaux. Les membres des complexes orange et rouge dont E. nodatum, F. nucléatum ss vicentii, P. intermedia, P. micros, P. nigrescens, B. forsythus, P. gingivalis, et T. denticolaétait significativement plus prévalent chez les fumeurs que dans les 2 autres groupes. La différence de prévalence entre les fumeurs et les non-fumeurs était due à une plus grande colonisation des sites dont la profondeur de poche était <4 mm. L'analyse par régression linéaire multiple stepwise indiquait que les combinaisons de la prévalence de 5 espèces microbiennes et les paquets-années comptaient pour 44% de la variance pour la moyenne de profondeur de poche (p<0.000001), alors que la prévalence de 3 taxons microbiens avec l'âge, les paquets-années, le tabagisme présent et le sexe comptaient pour 31% de la variance pour le niveau d'attache moyen (p<0.000001). La différence de prévalence entre les fumerus en activité et les non-fumeurs (jamais fumé) de tous les membres du complexe rouge et de 8 des 12 membres du complexe orange était significativement plus élevée au maxillaire qu'à la mandibule. Conclusions: La différence majeure entre les microflores sous gingivales chez les sujets ayant des histoires tabagiques différentes se trouvaient dans la prévalence des expèces plutôt que dans leurs quantité ou leurs proportions. La plus grande importance de colonisation chez les fumerus apparaît être dûe à une colonisation plus grande dans les poches <4 mm. Des différences des caractéristiques de colonisation entre les fumerus actifs et les personnes n'ayant jamais fuméétaient plus importantes au maxillaire qu'à la mandibule. [source] Changes in carabid beetle diversity within a fragmented agricultural landscapeAFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY, Issue 1 2003C. N. Magagula Abstract The distribution of carabid and cicindelid (Coleoptera: Carabidae) beetles in five distinct habitats (riparian, mature orchard, pine windbreak, young orchard, natural veld), within Tambuti Citrus Estate (Swaziland) was examined by pitfall trapping over 18 months. Habitats with high vegetation and litter cover had the highest species diversity and larger specimens, e.g. riparian border and pine windbreak, while the lowest diversity was observed in intensively managed mature citrus orchards. While species such as Tefflus delagorguei Guérin occurred in all the habitats sampled, certain species illustrated habitat specificity; e.g. Dromica ambitiosa Péringuey was observed only in the pine windbreaks while Haplotrachelus sp. Chaudoir occurred mainly in the vegetated riparian and natural veld habitats. Four unidentified carabid beetles were exclusive to the riparian border habitat. This habitat was the only one with a distinct assemblage of species in the agricultural mosaic studied. Multivariate analyses were used to assess the role of soil and environmental variables in relation to the ground beetle diversity within the agricultural mosaic studied. Résumé La distribution des carabes et des cicindèles (Coléoptères: Carabidae) dans cinq habitats distincts (riverain, verger mature, coupe-vent de pins, jeune verger, prairie naturelle) dans le Tambuti Citrus Estate (Swaziland) a été examinée pendant 18 mois au moyen de pièges. Les habitats qui avaient la végétation la plus haute et une litière présentaient la plus forte diversité en espèces et les plus grands spécimens, c'est-à-dire l'habitat riverain et les coupe-vent de pins, tandis qu'on observait la plus faible diversité dans les vergers de citronniers intensément gérés. Alors que des espèces comme Tefflus delagorguei Guérin se retrouvaient dans tous les habitats étudiés, certaines espèces illustraient une certaine spécificité, par exemple Dromica ambitiosa Péringuey, qui n'a été observée que dans les coupe-vent de pins tandis que Haplotrachelus sp. Chaudoir se trouvait surtout dans les habitats riverains et les prairies naturelles. Cinq coléoptères carabidés non identifiés se trouvaient exclusivement dans l'habitat riverain. Cet habitat était le seul à avoir un assemblage d'espèces distinct dans la mosaïque agricole étudiée. Des analyses multivariées ont été utilisées pour évaluer le rôle du sol et des variables environnementales par rapport à la diversité des coléoptères dans le sol de la mosaïque agricole étudiée. [source] Reproductive phenology over a 10-year period in a lowland evergreen rain forest of central BorneoJOURNAL OF ECOLOGY, Issue 4 2007FRANCIS Q. BREARLEY Summary 1The aim of this study was to document patterns in tree reproductive phenology in a rain forest of central Borneo and examine relationships between phenology and climatic patterns. 2A 10-year data set (1990,2000) of monthly observations of flowering and fruit production of 171 trees (including 39 members of the Dipterocarpaceae) at Barito Ulu, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, showed that most trees (73%) underwent reproductive activity on a supra-annual timescale. 3There were three general flowering (GF) events, in 1991, 1994 and 1997, which were preceded by major drought periods (30-day sliding total rainfall of less than 100 mm for more than 10 days) in which at least 40% of dipterocarps and at least 18% of all other trees underwent synchronized reproductive activity; there was also a minor event in 1990. Around 1.3% of trees flowered and 3.8% produced fruit in months outside of these four events. 4At the community level, the strongest negative correlation was found between the percentage of flowering individuals and total rainfall in the preceding 150 days. 5Within three genera of dipterocarps examined in more detail (Dipterocarpus, Shorea and Vatica) there were clear and consistent patterns of sequential flowering with certain species flowering early in the GF events and others towards the end of these events. 6Our results confirm the importance of large-scale climatic fluctuations (El Niño-Southern Oscillation) on plant reproductive phenology in South-east Asian tropical forests and indicate that drought may be a more important cue than low night-time temperatures. [source] Factors affecting human supragingival biofilm composition.JOURNAL OF PERIODONTAL RESEARCH, Issue 4 2009Background and Objective:, Little is known regarding the factors that affect the microbial composition of supragingival biofilms. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that tooth location affects the microbial composition of supragingival plaque beyond the effect due to plaque mass as reflected by total DNA probe count. Material and Methods:, Supragingival plaque samples were taken from the mesiobuccal aspect of each tooth in 187 subjects (n = 4745 samples). All samples were individually analyzed for their content of 40 bacterial species using checkerboard DNA,DNA hybridization. Significance of differences in mean species counts and proportions were determined among tooth surfaces and six tooth type categories: molars, bicuspids, incisors/canines in the mandible and maxilla separately using the Kruskal,Wallis test. Stepwise multiple linear regression was employed to examine the relationship between species proportions and total DNA probe count, tooth location, periodontal and smoking status, age and sex. Results:, All species differed significantly among tooth types and among the six tooth categories. Higher plaque levels were seen on molars and lower incisors. Some differences observed between tooth types could be partly explained by the level of plaque. Teeth with high plaque mass exhibited high levels of Capnocytophaga gingivalis, Actinomyces naeslundii genospecies 2, Campylobacter rectus and Campylobacter showae. However, certain species, such as Veillonella parvula and Streptococcus sanguinis, differed significantly at different tooth locations despite similarities in plaque mass. Twenty of the test species exhibited a significant association with tooth location after adjusting for total DNA probe count and subject level factors. Conclusion:, While plaque mass was associated with differences in proportions of many species in supragingival biofilms, tooth location also was strongly associated with species proportions in both univariate and multivariate analyses. [source] 97 Sensitivity of cyanobacteria to a potential biological control agent, bacterium SG-3JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY, Issue 2003K. Wilkinson Cyanobacteria cause many problems in freshwater ecosystems. For example, the production of off-flavor compounds by cyanobacteria causes serious problems in catfish aquaculture. Control of cyanobacteria is generally limited to treatment with copper compounds, which are non-selective and sometimes ineffective at controlling certain species of cyanobacteria. Biological control could provide selective management by removing unwanted species while leaving desirable algae species. A bacterium (SG-3) (NRRL B-30043) lyses a number of planktonic species of cyanobacteria including bloom-forming species of Anabaena and Oscillatoria. We tested SG-3 for activity against 10 isolates, representing seven species, of mat-forming cyanobacteria within the genera Oscillatoria, Lyngbya, and Phormidium. Plugs (0.5 cm diameter) were cut from mats of the cyanobacterium, inoculated with liquid cultures of SG-3, and incubated as static cultures. The reduction in dry weights ranged from ,0.5% to 90% compared to the untreated controls and appeared to be species specific. For example, dry weight reductions of Oscillatoria deflexoides and O. amoena ranged from 80 to 90% whereas the reduction of O. limosa tended to be lower at 36 to 72%. Although results varied among and within species, they indicate that this bacterium could have potential for use as a biological control for mat-forming cyanobacteria. Light microscopic observations indicate the bacteria do not penetrate the cyanobacteria cells. Currently, we are studying the possible causes of the observed cell lysis. [source] The local introduction of strongly interacting species and the loss of geographic variation in species and species interactionsMOLECULAR ECOLOGY, Issue 1 2008CRAIG W. BENKMAN Abstract Species introductions into nearby communities may seem innocuous, however, these introductions, like long-distance introductions (e.g. trans- and intercontinental), can cause extinctions and alter the evolutionary trajectories of remaining community members. These ,local introductions' can also more cryptically homogenize formerly distinct populations within a species. We focus on several characteristics and the potential consequences of local introductions. First, local introductions are commonly successful because the species being introduced is compatible with existing abiotic and biotic conditions; many nearby communities differ because of historical factors and the absence of certain species is simply the result of barriers to dispersal. Moreover, the species with which they interact most strongly (e.g. prey) may have, for example, lost defences making the establishment even more likely. The loss or absence of defences is especially likely when the absent species is a strongly interacting species, which we argue often includes mammals in terrestrial communities. Second, the effects of the introduction may be difficult to detect because the community is likely to converge onto nearby communities that naturally have the introduced species (hence the perceived innocuousness). This homogenization of formerly distinct populations eliminates the geographic diversity of species interactions and the geographic potential for speciation, and reduces regional species diversity. We illustrate these ideas by focusing on the introduction of tree squirrels into formerly squirrel-less forest patches. Such introductions have eliminated incipient species of crossbills (Loxia spp.) co-evolving in arms races with conifers and will likely have considerable impacts on community structure and ecosystem processes. [source] A novel repressor of nif and glnA expression in the methanogenic archaeon Methanococcus maripaludisMOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2003Thomas J. Lie Summary Nitrogen assimilation in the methanogenic archaeon Methanococcus maripaludis is regulated by transcriptional repression involving a palindromic ,nitrogen operator' repressor binding sequence. Here we report the isolation of the nitrogen repressor, NrpR, from M. maripaludis using DNA affinity purification. Deletion of the nrpR gene resulted in loss of nitrogen operator binding activity in cell extracts and loss of repression of nif (nitrogen- fixation) and glnA (glutamine synthetase) gene expression in vivo. Genetic complementation of the nrpR mutation restored all functions. NrpR contained a putative N-terminal winged helix,turn,helix motif followed by two mutually homologous domains of unknown function. Comparison of the migration of NrpR in gel-filtration chromatography with its subunit molecular weight (60 kDa) suggested that NrpR was a tetramer. Several lines of evidence suggested that the level of NrpR itself is not regulated, and the binding affinity of NrpR to the nitrogen operator is controlled by an unknown mechanism. Homologues of NrpR were found only in certain species in the kingdom Euryarchaeota. Full length homologues were found in Methanocaldococcus jannaschii and Methanothermobacter thermoautotrophicus, and homologues lacking one or more of the three polypeptide domains were found in Archaeoglobus fulgidus, Methanopyrus kandleri, Methanosarcina acetivorans, and Methanosarcina mazei. NrpR represents a new family of regulators unique to the Euryarchaeota. [source] Parasites boosts biodiversity and changes animal community structure by trait-mediated indirect effectsOIKOS, Issue 2 2005Kim N. Mouritsen Parasitism has long been emphasised as an important process structuring animal communities. However, empirical evidence documenting the impact of parasites in other than simple laboratory settings is lacking. Here we examine the trait-mediated indirect effects of echinostome trematodes on a New Zealand soft bottom intertidal community of macroinvertebrates. Curtuteria australis and a second related but undescribed trematode both utilise the cockle Austrovenus stutchburyi as second intermediate host in which the parasites infect the foot tissue. Heavily infected cockles are therefore more sessile than lightly infected individuals, and, unable to bury, often rest on the sediment surface. We utilised these behavioural changes in two long term field experiments, respectively manipulating the parasite load of buried cockle (i.e. bioturbation), and the density of surfaced cockles (i.e. surface structures and seabed hydrodynamics). Both high parasite loads in buried cockles and the presence of surfaced cockles increased species richness and generally also the density of certain species and of major systematic and functional groups of benthic macroinvertebrates. Species diversity (alpha) peaked under intermediate densities of surfaced cockles. Our results demonstrate that parasites, solely through their impact on the behaviour of a single community member, can be significant determinants of animal community structure and function. [source] Exploring cultural drivers for wildlife trade via an ethnoprimatological approach: a case study of slender and slow lorises (Loris and Nycticebus) in South and Southeast AsiaAMERICAN JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY, Issue 10 2010K.A.I. Nekaris Abstract Illegal and unsustainable trade in wildlife is a major conservation challenge. For Asian primates, economic and cultural traditions, and increased forest access mean that trade may have become detrimental for certain species. Slow and slender lorises (Nycticebus and Loris) are primates particularly prevalent in trade, determined until now by focused counts of lorises in regional markets. Here, we use international trade statistics and a participant,observer approach to assess culturally specific drivers for trade in lorises in South and Southeast Asia, to provide a broader context to help mitigate this practice. Analysis of international records for the last 30 years revealed that live animal trade was more prevalent than trade in body parts (slow lorises, 86.4%; slender lorises, 91.4%), with Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand the largest exporters. We then examine drivers of international and domestic trade based on long-term data from 1994,2009 in Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Indonesia. We show that slender lorises are important in Sri Lankan folklore, but their use as pets and for traditional medicine is rare. Trade in Bengal slow and pygmy lorises in Cambodia for use in traditional medicines, a practice with deeply historical roots, is widespread. Despite its own set of myths about the magical and curative properties of lorises, trade in Javan, Bornean, and greater slow lorises in Indonesia is largely for pets. Conservation practices in Asia are often generalized and linked with the region's major religions and economies. We show here that, in the case of wildlife trade, culturally specific patterns are evident among different ethnic groups, even within a country. Revealing such patterns is the foundation for developing conservation management plans for each species. We suggest some participatory methods for each country that may aid in this process. Am. J. Primatol. 72:877,886, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Distribution and abundance of sacred monkeys in Igboland, southern NigeriaAMERICAN JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY, Issue 7 2009Lynne R. Baker Abstract Although primates are hunted on a global scale, some species are protected against harassment and killing by taboos or religious doctrines. Sites where the killing of sacred monkeys or the destruction of sacred groves is forbidden may be integral to the conservation of certain species. In 2004, as part of a distribution survey of Sclater's guenon (Cercopithecus sclateri) in southern Nigeria, we investigated reports of sacred monkeys in the Igbo-speaking region of Nigeria. We confirmed nine new sites where primates are protected as sacred: four with tantalus monkeys (Chlorocebus tantalus) and five with mona monkeys (Cercopithecus mona). During 2004,2006, we visited two communities (Akpugoeze and Lagwa) previously known to harbor sacred populations of Ce. sclateri to estimate population abundance and trends. We directly counted all groups and compared our estimates with previous counts when available. We also estimated the size of sacred groves and compared these with grove sizes reported in the literature. The mean size of the sacred groves in Akpugoeze (2.06,ha, n=10) was similar to others in Africa south of the Sahel, but larger than the average grove in Lagwa (0.49,ha, n=15). We estimated a total population of 124 Sclater's monkeys in 15 groups in Lagwa and 193 monkeys in 20 groups in Akpugoeze. The Akpugoeze population was relatively stable over two decades, although the proportion of infants declined, and the number of groups increased. As Sclater's monkey does not occur in any official protected areas, sacred populations are important to the species' long-term conservation. Despite the monkeys' destruction of human crops, most local people still adhere to the custom of not killing monkeys. These sites represent ideal locations in which to study the ecology of Sclater's monkey and human,wildlife interactions. Am. J. Primatol. 71:574,586, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Reconciliation and consolation in captive bonobos (Pan paniscus)AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2004Elisabetta Palagi Abstract Although reconciliation in bonobos (Pan paniscus) has previously been described, it has not been analyzed heretofore by the postconflict (PC) match-control (MC) method. Furthermore, although reconciliation has been investigated before in this species, consolation has not. In this study we analyzed agonistic and affiliative contacts in all sex-class combinations to clarify and reevaluate the occurrence of reconciliation in bonobos via the PC-MC method. We also investigated the occurrence of consolation by analyzing the victims' triadic contact tendency (TCT), the influence of the sex of victims, and the relative occurrence of consolation and reconciliation. We collected 167 pairs of PC-MC observations in a captive group of bonobos (in Apeldoorn, The Netherlands). The conciliatory tendency (CCT) we obtained was tendentially lower than the mean value previously found for Yerkes captive chimpanzees. Close relationships, which were present in all female,female (FF) and some male,female (MF) dyads, positively affected reconciliation rates. When only adult PC-MC pairs (157) were considered, the mean TCTs and CCTs did not differ significantly. When we focused on types of PC affiliative contact, in the case of consolation we found a striking preference for sociosexual patterns. As to the relative occurrence of consolation and reconciliation, the highest level of the former was found in the absence of the latter. When reconciliation took place, consolation generally preceded it, suggesting that consolation may be a substitutive behavior. Our findings suggest that even if reconciliation remains the best option, consolation may be an alternative substitute for reconciliation that is used to buffer the tension originating from an unresolved conflict. Reconciliation and consolation are complex phenomena that are probably related to the life history of a group. Given that few studies have been conducted on this subject, we can not at this time make any generalizations regarding conflict resolution in certain species by comparing results among studies. Am. J. Primatol. 62:15,30, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Conflicts between traditional pastoralism and conservation of Himalayan ibex (Capra sibirica) in the Trans-Himalayan mountainsANIMAL CONSERVATION, Issue 2 2004Sumanta Bagchi There is recent evidence to suggest that domestic livestock deplete the density and diversity of wild herbivores in the cold deserts of the Trans-Himalaya by imposing resource limitations. To ascertain the degree and nature of threats faced by Himalayan ibex (Capra sibirica) from seven livestock species, we studied their resource use patterns over space, habitat and food dimensions in the pastures of Pin Valley National Park in the Spiti region of the Indian Himalaya. Species diet profiles were obtained by direct observations. We assessed the similarity in habitat use and diets of ibex and livestock using Non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling. We estimated the influence of the spatial distribution of livestock on habitat and diet choice of ibex by examining their co-occurrence patterns in cells overlaid on the pastures. The observed co-occurrence of ibex and livestock in cells was compared with null-models generated through Monte Carlo simulations. The results suggest that goats and sheep impose resource limitations on ibex and exclude them from certain pastures. In the remaining suitable habitat, ibex share forage with horses. Ibex remained relatively unaffected by other livestock such as yaks, donkeys and cattle. However, most livestock removed large amounts of forage from the pastures (nearly 250 kg of dry matter/day by certain species), thereby reducing forage availability for ibex. Pertinent conservation issues are discussed in the light of multiple-use of parks and current socio-economic transitions in the region, which call for integrating social and ecological feedback into management planning. [source] Seed dispersal in fensAPPLIED VEGETATION SCIENCE, Issue 2 2006Beth Middleton Anon. (2004) Abstract Question: How does seed dispersal reduce fen isolation and contribute to biodiversity? Location: European and North American fens. Methods: This paper reviews the literature on seed dispersal to fens. Results: Landscape fragmentation may reduce dispersal opportunities thereby isolating fens and reducing genetic exchange. Species in fragmented wetlands may have lower reproductive success, which can lead to biodiversity loss. While fens may have always been relatively isolated from each other, they have become increasingly fragmented in modern times within agricultural and urban landscapes in both Europe and North America. Dispersal by water, animals and wind has been hampered by changes related to development in landscapes surrounding fens. Because the seeds of certain species are long-lived in the seed bank, frequent episodes of dispersal are not always necessary to maintain the biodiversity of fens. However, of particular concern to restoration is that some dominant species, such as the tussock sedge Carex stricta, may not disperse readily between fens. Conclusions: Knowledge of seed dispersal can be used to maintain and restore the biodiversity of fens in fragmented landscapes. Given that development has fragmented landscapes and that this situation is not likely to change, the dispersal of seeds might be enhanced by moving hay or cattle from fens to damaged sites, or by reestablishing lost hydrological connections. [source] Striking a balance between retaining populations of protected seahorses and maintaining swimming netsAQUATIC CONSERVATION: MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS, Issue 2 2010David Harasti Abstract 1.The fish family Syngnathidae (seahorses, pipefish, pipehorses and seadragons) is fully protected in New South Wales, Australia, but in some countries certain species are threatened by unsustainable collecting, capture as incidental bycatch, and habitat degradation. 2.Within Sydney Harbour, two species of seahorses (Hippocampus abdominalis and Hippocampus whitei) have been found to colonize artificial structures such as jetty pylons and protective netted swimming enclosures. These protective nets are subject to fouling from epibiotic growth (algae, ascidians, bryozoans, etc.) and rubbish, which causes the nets to collapse from the additional weight. Local authorities employ diving contractors on an ad hoc basis to remove the epibiota from nets. 3.Surveys showed a significant decline in the numbers of both seahorse species at one site following the replacement of a net, and recovery of the H. whitei population took more than 15 months. 4.A manipulative experiment tested the importance of epibiotic growth for seahorses. H. whitei, tagged with individual marks, were allocated to sections of a net that had undergone different cleaning procedures. Seahorse size, position on the net and total population abundance were recorded every 2 weeks over a 3 month period. It was demonstrated that seahorses have a significant positive association with epibiotic growth and proximity to the sea floor. Seahorse populations also showed seasonal variation in abundance with increased numbers on the net during the breeding season (spring,summer). 5.This project has led to the development of best practice net cleaning procedures for local authorities in Sydney Harbour to manage growth on the nets while minimizing impacts on seahorse populations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The influence of changes in habitat structure on the species composition of bird assemblages in the southern KalahariAUSTRAL ECOLOGY, Issue 5 2010COLLEEN L. SEYMOUR Abstract Land use management practices often change habitat structure, which in turn influence diversity and the composition of floral and faunal assemblages. In the southern Kalahari, southern Africa, heavy grazing after above-average rainfall has lead to bush thickening, and widespread use of arboricides and/or removal of large trees for firewood has also impacted habitat structure. At sites near Kimberley, in South Africa, we investigated the effects of these changes on bird species richness and which aspects of habitat structure most influenced bird assemblage diversity and composition. We also investigated correlations between bird life history traits and habitat characteristics using RLQ analysis. Bird species richness and abundance were both explained by vertical habitat heterogeneity and density of woody species between the heights of 0,2 m, with bird species richness also explained by the density of woody species at heights above 6 m. Large trees within bush-thickened areas dampened the effects of bush thickening on bird assemblages by enabling certain species to persist, consistent with the idea that large trees are keystone structures. Smaller insectivorous gleaners, ball- and cup-nesters, birds with parts of their range extending into arid areas and birds with long-wavelength plumage (i.e. red, orange or yellow plumage) dominated bush-thickened habitats. Seed-eaters, burrow- and ground-nesters, bark-foragers, birds that perch and sally, or perch and swoop to the ground, were all negatively associated with bush thickening. Cavity-nesters, bark-foragers, hawkers, frugivores, birds that perch and sally and species with iridescent plumage were negatively affected by the loss of large trees. Of the common species analysed, nearly 40% of species had life history traits tied to large trees; and 68% had traits negatively associated with bush thickening and removal of large trees together, suggesting that where these changes in habitat occur simultaneously, bird diversity will be strongly affected. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||