Small Mammals Research Papers - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Whether predators can limit their prey has been a topic of scientific debate for decades. Traditionally it was believed that predators take only wounded, sick, old or otherwise low-quality individuals, and thus have little impact on prey... more

Whether predators can limit their prey has been a topic of scientific debate for decades. Traditionally it was believed that predators take only wounded, sick, old or otherwise low-quality individuals, and thus have little impact on prey populations. However, there is increasing evidence that, at least under certain circumstances, vertebrate predators may indeed limit prey numbers. This potential role of predators as limiting factors of prey populations has created conflicts between predators and human hunters, because the hunters may see predators as competitors for the same resources. A particularly acute conflict has emerged over the past few decades between gamebird hunters and birds of prey in Europe. As a part of a European-wide research project, we reviewed literature on the relationships between birds of prey and gamebirds. We start by analysing available data on the diets of 52 European raptor and owl species. There are some 32 species, mostly specialist predators feeding on small mammals, small passerine birds or insects, which never or very rarely include game animals (e.g. hares, rabbits, gamebirds) in their diet. A second group (20 species) consists of medium-sized and large raptors which prey on game, but for which the proportion in the diet varies temporally and spatially. Only three raptor species can have rather large proportions of gamebirds in their diet, and another seven species may utilise gamebirds locally to a great extent. We point out that the percentage of a given prey species in the diet of an avian predator does not necessarily reflect the impact of that predator on densities of prey populations. Next, we summarise available data on the numerical responses of avian predators to changing gamebird numbers. In half of these studies, no numerical response was found, while in the remainder a response was detected such that either raptor density or breeding success increased with density of gamebirds. Data on the functional responses of raptors were scarce. Most studies of the interaction between raptors and gamebird populations give some estimate of the predation rate (per cent of prey population taken by predator), but less often do they evaluate the subsequent reduction in the pre-harvest population or the potential limiting effect on breeding numbers. The few existing studies indicate that, under certain conditions, raptor predation may limit gamebird populations and reduce gamebird harvests. However, the number and extent of such studies are too modest to draw firm conclusions. Furthermore, their geographical bias to northern Europe, where predator-prey communities are typically simpler than in the south, precludes extrapolation to more diverse southern European ecosystems. There is an urgent need to develop further studies, particularly in southern Europe, to determine the functional and numerical responses of raptors to gamebird populations in species and environments other than those already evaluated in existing studies. Furthermore, additional field experiments are needed in which raptor and possibly also mammalian predator numbers are manipulated on a sufficiently large spatial and temporal scale. Other aspects that have been little studied are the role of predation by the non-breeding part of the raptor population, or floaters, on the breeding success and survival of gamebirds, as well as the effect of intra-guild predation. Finally there is a need for further research on practical methods to reduce raptor predation on gamebirds and thus reduce conflict between raptor conservation and gamebird management.

Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a neurological disease caused by Sarcocystis neurona, an apicomplexan parasite. S. neurona is also associated with EPM-like diseases in marine and small mammals. The mechanisms of transmission... more

Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a neurological disease caused by Sarcocystis neurona, an apicomplexan parasite. S. neurona is also associated with EPM-like diseases in marine and small mammals. The mechanisms of transmission and ability to infect a wide host range remain obscure; therefore, characterization of essential proteins may provide evolutionary information allowing the development of novel chemotherapeutics that target non-mammalian biochemical pathways. In the current study, two-dimensional electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-ToF) mass spectrometry were combined to characterize and identify an enolase protein from S. neurona based on peptide homology to the Toxoplasma gondii protein. Enolase is thought to be a vestigial, nonphotosynthetic protein resulting from an evolutionary endosymbiosis event of an apicomplexan ancestor with green algae. Enolase has also been suggested to play a role in parasite stage conversion for T. gondii. Characterization of this protein in S. neurona and comparison to other protozoans indicate a biochemical similarity of S. neurona enolase to other tissue-cyst forming coccidians that cause encephalitis.

The abilities of species to use the matrix of modi®ed habitats surrounding forest fragments may aect their vulnerability in fragmented landscapes. We used long-term (up to 19-year) studies of four animal groups in central Amazonia to test... more

The abilities of species to use the matrix of modi®ed habitats surrounding forest fragments may aect their vulnerability in fragmented landscapes. We used long-term (up to 19-year) studies of four animal groups in central Amazonia to test whether species' abundances in the matrix were correlated with their relative extinction proneness in forest fragments. The four groups, birds, frogs, small mammals, and ants, had varying overall responses to fragmentation: species richness of small mammals and frogs increased after fragment isolation, whereas that of birds and ants decreased. For all four groups, a high proportion of nominally primary-forest species were detected in matrix habitats, with 8±25% of species in each group found exclusively in the matrix. The three vertebrate groups (birds, small mammals, frogs) exhibited positive and signi®cant correlations between matrix abundance and vulnerability to fragmentation, suggesting that species that avoid the matrix tend to decline or disappear in fragments, while those that tolerate or exploit the matrix often remain stable or increase. These results highlight the importance of the matrix in the dynamics and composition of vertebrate communities in tropical forest remnants, and have important implications for the management of fragmented landscapes. # 0006-3207/99/$ -see front matter # 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. P I I : S 0 0 0 6 -3 2 0 7 ( 9 9 ) 0 0 0 8 0 -4

The presence of Salmonella and Campylobacter spp. in rodents and insectivores (n ‫؍‬ 282) was investigated on organic farms. Infections were encountered in house mice (8 of 83 Campylobacter positive and 1 of 83 Salmonella sp. strain... more

The presence of Salmonella and Campylobacter spp. in rodents and insectivores (n ‫؍‬ 282) was investigated on organic farms. Infections were encountered in house mice (8 of 83 Campylobacter positive and 1 of 83 Salmonella sp. strain Livingstone positive) and brown rats (1 of 8 Campylobacter positive) but not in other species. No shared Campylobacter genotypes were found between rodent and pig manure isolates. Effective on-farm rodent management is recommended.

The karyotype of Peromyscus grandis (Rodentia: Cricetidae)

Amaç: 2007 - 2015 yılları arasında arazide karşılaşılan, hakkında kısıtlı da olsa veriler edinilen memelilere ilişkin bilginin paylaşılması mevcut çalışmanın amacını teşkil etmektedir. Bu veriler, fotoğraflar, kısmen düzenli olarak... more

Amaç: 2007 - 2015 yılları arasında arazide karşılaşılan, hakkında kısıtlı da olsa veriler edinilen memelilere ilişkin bilginin paylaşılması mevcut çalışmanın amacını teşkil etmektedir. Bu veriler, fotoğraflar, kısmen düzenli olarak kaydedilmiş veriler ve kısa notlar olarak sunulmuştur. Bildiriye numaralandırılmış bir isim verilmesi sayesinde çalışmaların tekrarlı hale getirilmesi amaçlanmaktadır.
Gereçler ve Yöntemler: Çalışma kapsamında, karşılaşılmış 9 memeli organizmanın (Sciurus vulgaris, Sus scrofa, Vulpes vulpes, Martes sp., Tursiops truncatus, bir Chiroptera üyesi, Erinaceus concolor, Lutra lutra ve Meles meles), 3 ilde (Aydın, Denizli ve Muğla) bulundukları yerler harita üzerinde gösterilmiş, karşılaşma tarihleri, koordinatları, bulunuş şekilleri ve birey sayıları kaydedilmiştir. Ayrıca her organizmaya ait görsellerle çalışma zenginleştirilmiştir. İhbarlarla gelen bilgiler sayesinde veriler desteklenmiştir. Aktif saha çalışmalarının gerçekleştirilmesinde hem profesyonel fotoğraf makinalarından hem de fotokapan kullanım yöntemlerinden yararlanılmıştır.
Sonuç: Çalışmanın çıktıları değerlendirildiğinde, türlerin bulunuşlarının zorluğu dikkat çekmektedir. Ayrıca Meles meles gibi bazı türlerin ölü olarak bulunması gibi sorunların varlığı göze çarpmaktadır. Bu bakış açısı geliştirildiğinde, ülkemizde yapılacak kapsamlı mamalojik çalışmaların önemi ön plana çıkmaktadır. Bu çalışmalara ait sonuçların, söz konusu organizmalarla iç içe yaşam süren yöre insanları ile paylaşılması bilim insanlarının yükümlülüğüdür.

In this study, we investigated the environmental factors driving small mammal (rodents and shrews) assemblages in permanent habitat patches in response to a gradient of agricultural intensification. Small mammals were sampled using a... more

In this study, we investigated the environmental factors driving small mammal (rodents and shrews) assemblages in permanent habitat patches in response to a gradient of agricultural intensification. Small mammals were sampled using a trapping standard method in the hedgerow networks of three contrasted landscapes differing by their level of landuse intensity and hedgerow network density (BOC1: slightly intensified; BOC2: moderately intensified and POL: highly intensified). We hypothesized that habitat and landscape characteristics have to be considered to understand the structure of local community. In that way, we carried out a multi-scale study using environmental variables ranging from local habitat (structure and composition of the hedgerows) to hedgerows neighbourhoods in a radius of 300 m (land cover and connectivity around hedges) and to landscape units (three sites). During 1 year, 24 hedgerows were sampled seven times, representing a total of 1,379 captures (86% of rodents and 14% of shrews) and eight species, dominated by the wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) and the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus). Inter-site variability was significant and accounted for 18% of total variation in small mammal species abundances. But intra-site variability was also highlighted: species abundance profiles may differ greatly among hedgerows within a site. The more explanatory variables were identified at the different scales of the study: the landscape unit POL was shown to be an important factor in structuring the community, but the predominant factors explaining differences of abundances among hedgerows were about local habitat. In fact, the width of hedges and the tree species richness appeared to be significant and explaining the greatest part of the total variation of the small mammal community composition.

The effects produced by emissions from coal-fired power plants, including mainly SO2, NO X and particulates, on natural populations and caged specimens of birds and small mammals were studied. The field-captured species used to evaluate... more

The effects produced by emissions from coal-fired power plants, including mainly SO2, NO X and particulates, on natural populations and caged specimens of birds and small mammals were studied. The field-captured species used to evaluate these effects were passerine birds: Parus major (coal tit) and Emberiza cia (rock bunting), and the rodent Apodemus sylvaticus (wood mouse). In parallel to this study on animals captured in the field, we used other animals, Mus musculus (house mouse) and Carduelis carduelis (goldfinch) which were placed in cages near the source of pollution. Some of the animals were killed and their tracheas were removed and prepared for conventional optic studies (1000 x) and electron microscopy (TEM and SEM). The results show that atmospheric air pollutants from coal-fired power plants produce alterations in the tracheal epithelium. In passerine birds, an increase in the mucus which covers the tracheal epithelium, shortening of the cilia, and increase in the number of secretory granules and vesicles were observed. In mammals, variation of the uniformity of the pseudostratified epithelium with a wide stratum of mucus, shortening of the cilia, and increase in the number of secretory granules were observed.

A meta-analysis approach was used to test for chromosomal speciation in rodents. Forty-one pairs of sister species, identified in the two most species-rich rodent families (Cricetidae and Muridae), were used as phylogenetically... more

A meta-analysis approach was used to test for chromosomal speciation in rodents. Forty-one pairs of sister species, identified in the two most species-rich rodent families (Cricetidae and Muridae), were used as phylogenetically independent data points, each resulting from a speciation event. About 30% of sister species have an identical karyotype. There was a significant difference in the number of chromosomal differences between sympatric and allopatric sister species, compatible with a direct role of chromosomal rearrangements in speciation.

Herein we document the first case of albinism in Black Mastiff bat Molossus rufus É. Geoffroy St.-Hilaire, 1805. The specimen was collected in Iquitos City (Northwestern Peru); it was an adult male with ventral and dorsal white pelage,... more

Herein we document the first case of albinism in Black Mastiff bat Molossus rufus É. Geoffroy St.-Hilaire, 1805. The specimen was collected in Iquitos City (Northwestern Peru); it was an adult male with ventral and dorsal white pelage, red eyes, and depigmented wing membranes, nose leafs and ears.

Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world and the first of the megadiversity countries, accounting for roughly 14% of the world's biota. It has the largest mammal diversity (more than 530 described species) with many yet to be... more

Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world and the first of the megadiversity countries, accounting for roughly 14% of the world's biota. It has the largest mammal diversity (more than 530 described species) with many yet to be discovered and cataloged. Very few sites have been adequately surveyed, and local lists are usually incomplete, which makes for knowledge gaps that hamper conservation and management initiatives and regional analyses. According to the Brazilian Institute for the Environment (IBAMA), 66 species are threatened, and the World Conservation Union lists 74. Primates, mostly Atlantic Forest endemics, are the most endangered group (40% of the threatened taxa). Carnivores and rodents are also notable members of the lists. Twenty-nine percent of listed species are marine, 18% occur in the Atlantic Forest, 13% in the Pampas, 12% in the Cerrado, 11% in the Pantanal, 7% in the Amazon, and 6% in the Caatinga. Human-induced habitat loss and fragmentation are major threats to land mammals in Brazil, and large-and medium-sized mammals are hunted. The major threat to small mammals is the scarcity of basic scientific knowledge-taxonomy, systematics, distribution, and natural history. Aquatic mammals are threatened by commercial hunting, accidental netting, long-line fisheries, chemical pollution, habitat degradation, tourism, and boat traffic. Mammal conservation has benefited from a number of recent initiatives by government and nongovernmental organizations, including legislation, nationwide initiatives to define priority areas for conservation, management plans for some threatened species, sustainable landscape planning, and new protected areas. Given the rate of habitat loss, a nationwide program of short-and long-term field surveys and increased support for natural history collections is of particularly urgency. Progress has been made toward conserving Brazilian mammals in recent years, but threats are growing fast, and conservation science must keep growing to provide the wherewithal to minimize and remove these threats.

Olduvai Bed-I Small mammals Taphonomy Palaeoenvironment

Butterflies, bees, parasites

This work updates the zooarchaeological and taphonomic data available for La Peña de Estebanvela (Ayllón, Segovia). Diverse subsistence strategies appear to have been followed, making use of a wide range of resources. Rabbits, goats,... more

This work updates the zooarchaeological and taphonomic data available for La Peña de Estebanvela (Ayllón, Segovia). Diverse subsistence strategies appear to have been followed, making use of a wide range of resources. Rabbits, goats, chamois, red deer, roe deer, horses and even carnivores such as the lynx were hunted and processed by humans. The simultaneous presence of these animals in certain layers suggests that Magdalenian hunters exploited many ecological niches, making use of open areas favourable to horses and Equus hydruntinus, wooded areas favourable to red deer, roe deer and rabbits, and mountainous areas favourable to chamois. The skeletal profiles for the different taxa suggest game was brought intact to the site and, therefore, that hunting took place close to the site.

We report on the extent of disturbance (including habitat alteration and road and trail proliferation) in chaparral near urban development and analyze the effects of disturbance on small mammal and resident bird species. Disturbance... more

We report on the extent of disturbance (including habitat alteration and road and trail proliferation) in chaparral near urban development and analyze the effects of disturbance on small mammal and resident bird species. Disturbance patterns were evaluated in a 6700 ha study area in southern California; effects on mammals and birds were investigated by analyzing relationships between vegetation structure and animal species richness and abundance. Disturbance was prevalent throughout the study area and included extensive human-altered habitat (from past human activities such as vegetation clearing, human-caused fires, refuse dumping, and vegetation trampling) and 157 km of roads and trails. A nonsignificant trend was found between human-altered habitat and proximity to development, but human-altered habitat was significantly associated with roadway proximity. Trails were also more frequent near urban development and roads. Small mammals responded strongly to disturbance-related vegetation changes, while birds showed little or no response. Mammals endemic to chaparral vegetation were less diverse and abundant in disturbed sites, whereas disturbance-associated species increased in abundance. Close proximity of urban development to natural areas resulted in alteration of natural habitat and proliferation of roads and trails. Variation in life history traits between birds and mammals may affect response to disturbance and influence persistence if disturbance continues. Conservation efforts must recognize the potential for habitat damage and associated declines in native animal species caused by disturbance near urbanization and implement strategies to reduce these threats.

Article history: Available online xxx a b s t r a c t

The distribution of S. etruscus in South-East Bulgaria was traced on the basis of Barn Owl pellet collections. The species was found at 39 out of 41 collecting sites. The effect of eight environmental variables, describing the proportion... more

The distribution of S. etruscus in South-East Bulgaria was traced on the basis of Barn Owl pellet collections. The species was found at 39 out of 41 collecting sites. The effect of eight environmental variables, describing the proportion of the main habitat types within the owl's hunting territory and the climatic and landscape context, on the structure of the shrew prey spectra was investigated by means of redundancy analysis. It has been found out that the percentage of of moist areas within the hunting territory and the temperature sums affect significantly the structure of shrew prey spectra. The percentages of S. etruscus were positively related to the temperatures. On the basis of the obtained results and comparisons with published data, it was hypothesized that the S. etruscus was a recent invader in the area. The spreading route probably follows the valleys of the Maritsa and Tundzha rivers and curves eastward north of the Sakar and Strandzha Mountains reaching the Black Sea shore. The proportion of S. etruscus in the Barn Owl's food spectra tends to lower compared with the true Mediterranean areas in Europe. Comparisons with craniometric data from literature indicate that the SE Bulgarian population represents a relatively large form in agreement with a well expressed size cline from south to north that complies with Bergmann's rule. Within the analyzed data set from S Europe the palatal length and zygomatic breadth increase significantly with decreasing of the mean annual temperature.

A survey of ectoparasites was carried out during Eco-Zoonoses Expedition in Bukit Aup Jubilee Park (BAJP), Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo from 5 th to 9 th June 2008. A total of nine individuals comprising two species of rodents were... more

A survey of ectoparasites was carried out during Eco-Zoonoses Expedition in Bukit Aup Jubilee Park (BAJP), Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo from 5 th to 9 th June 2008. A total of nine individuals comprising two species of rodents were captured. The species of rodents screened for ectoparasites were Sundamys muelleri and Callosciurus notatus. Four genera and six species of ectoparasites were collected, namely, Ixodes granulatus, Ixodes sp., Laelaps sedlaceki, Laelaps nuttalli, Hoplopleura dissicula and Listrophoroides sp. Three species of the ectoparasites are known to have potential health risk. The species were Ixodes granulatus, Laelaps nuttalli and Hoplopleura dissicula. This survey produced the first list of ectoparasites in Bukit Aup Jubilee Park, Sarawak, Malaysia.

We sequenced 965 base pairs of the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b from 102 woodmice ( Apodemus sylvaticus ) collected from 40 European localities. The aims of the study were to answer the following questions. (i) Did the Mediterranean... more

We sequenced 965 base pairs of the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b from 102 woodmice ( Apodemus sylvaticus ) collected from 40 European localities. The aims of the study were to answer the following questions. (i) Did the Mediterranean peninsulas play a role as refuge for woodmice? (ii) Is genetic variability of A. sylvaticus higher in the Mediterranean region compared with northern Europe? (iii) Are the patterns of the postglacial colonization of Europe by woodmice similar to those presently recognized for other European species? The results provide a clear picture of the impact of the Quaternary glaciations on the genetic and geographical structure of the woodmouse. Our analyses indicate a higher genetic variability of woodmice in the Mediterranean peninsulas compared to northern Europe, suggesting a role of the former as refuge regions for this small mammal. An original pattern of postglacial colonization is proposed where the Iberian and southern France refuge populations colonized almost all European regions.

Fossil records are integral part of many evolutionary studies nowadays as these records combined with genetic data can be used to estimate speciation events. As there were 2 new species of Tupaia was recently discovered, a re-analysis of... more

Fossil records are integral part of many evolutionary studies nowadays as these records combined with genetic data can be used to estimate speciation events. As there were 2 new species of Tupaia was recently discovered, a re-analysis of the time line of speciation events for tree shrews ( Scandentia ) was done. DNA sequences from 12S gene of tree shrews and selected mammals was used in a Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo ( MCMC ) analysis calibrated with 5 fossil records implemented in BEAST v2. Our analysis indicates there may probably be more species yet to be discovered in populations of treeshrews as there was a possibility that the Pleistocene period may have played a role in shaping tree shrew diversity in the Indo-Malayan region.

First sighting record of Indian tree shrew A Anathana ellioti ellioti (Waterhouse, 1850) was made at Manudevi forest, 35 km North of Jalgaon, Maharashtra along the boundaries of Yawal Wildlife Sanctuary (21 o 18'32.2" N, 75 o 33'38.2" E)

La implementación de bebederos artificiales para fauna silvestre es una práctica de manejo comúnen regiones con escasez estacional de agua. En muchos casos los bebederos se instalan para beneficiar a especies de interés... more

La implementación de bebederos artificiales para fauna silvestre es una práctica de manejo comúnen regiones con escasez estacional de agua. En muchos casos los bebederos se instalan para beneficiar a especies de interés humano, sin embargo, éstos pueden ser usados por otras especies. En esta nota reportamos observaciones de pequeños roedoresvisitando los bebederos en una localidad en la Reserva de Biosfera Tehuacán-Cuicatlán. Se monitorearon los bebederos empleando 12 cámaras-trampa durante la temporada seca de 2018 en la localidad de San Gabriel Casa Blanca, Oaxaca. Se calculó la tasa de visita de roedores y se comparó entre dos tipos de bebederos. Se registraron 154 visitas de roedores de al menos cuatro géneros: Peromyscus, Liomys, Sigmodon y Dipodomys.No se encontraron diferencias en la tasa de visita promedio entre tipos de bebederos. Se sugiere implementar medidas como rampas o paredes cóncavas en los bebederos, que disminuyan el riesgo de ahogamiento para especies pequeñas. Son necesarios también otros estudios para evaluar el posible efecto de los bebederos sobre la biomasa, supervivencia y abundancia de roedores en bosques secos.

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of human pressure and spatial structure of landscape on the occurrence of populations of small mammals in the environment of a large urban agglomeration. The investigations were carried... more

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of human pressure and spatial structure of landscape on the occurrence of populations of small mammals in the environment of a large urban agglomeration. The investigations were carried out in Warsaw, Poland in 17 locations. The study sites were located on both sides of the Vistula River, of different landscape spatial structure, in various distances from the city center, and were subject to different degrees of human pressure. Part of the city located on the left bank of the Vistula River is more strongly transformed by man than the part located on the right bank of the river. A total of 933 specimens of 8 species of small mammals were caught using the live-trapping method (Catch-Mark-Release). The richest species composition was found at the city borders and in rural areas. On the left side of Vistula, the species diversity was lower than on the right side, showing significant negative correlation with the human pressure degree. Such pattern was not confirmed on the right side of the river. The only species to occur in all sites on the left side of Vistula was the striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius). On the right side of Vistula, the striped field mouse was accompanied by the yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis) in all research sites. The results indicate that the degree of human pressure and spatial isolation are crucial for composition of small mammal community. Less advanced urbanization processes in areas on the right bank of Vistula, as compared to districts on the left side, provide better contact between local populations of small mammals, and offer better living conditions to a large number of species, even in areas located in the center of the city.

The Lulanda forest cover a portion of the Udzungwa mountains in Mufindi district, Tanzania, ranging from 1480 -1640 meters above sea level. The forest consists of three forest patches dominated by Parinari excelsa and a corridor between... more

The Lulanda forest cover a portion of the Udzungwa mountains in Mufindi district, Tanzania, ranging from 1480 -1640 meters above sea level. The forest consists of three forest patches dominated by Parinari excelsa and a corridor between two of them that is being regenerated to a forest under the help of the Tanzania Forest Conservation Group (TFCG). A capture-mark-recapture study was carried out to document the small mammal species found in Lulanda forest patches and corridor. There is a considerable difference in small mammal species composition between the montane forest and the corridor with a higher diversity in the corridor.

Many studies have demonstrated the importance of terrestrial mammal fauna to ecosystem functioning and services. To date, however, few studies of mammal abundance in Trinidad and Tobago have been conducted. Our main objective here was to... more

Many studies have demonstrated the importance of terrestrial mammal fauna to ecosystem functioning and services. To date, however, few studies of mammal abundance in Trinidad and Tobago have been conducted. Our main objective here was to compare the relative abundance (RA) of agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina), an important bushmeat species, in a lowland, multi-use recreational forest surrounded by urbanization, with a former plantation that is now a protected nature reserve containing upland secondary forest. We hypothesized that coarse-scale factors such as hunting, elevation, proximity to paved roads, and vegetation density, would affect the relative abundance of these two agouti populations. As part of the first pilot survey of the ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) on Trinidad, using the same camera setup, we deployed paired camera-trap stations at 10 sites in the recreational forest, and five sites in the smaller nature reserve, along a 1 km2 grid of each study site’s trail system between 24 June and 6 November 2016. To test the relative importance of these key ecological factors on agouti relative abundance, we conducted simple linear regressions of each covariate. We found that hunting was significantly associated with lower relative abundance of agouti (p<0.05), whereas increases in elevation had a significant positive effect on relative abundance of agouti (p<0.05). Interestingly, we also found a significant inverse relationship between agouti abundance and the proximity to paved roads (p<0.05), i.e., agouti’s relative abundance was greater at shorter distances or closer to paved roads. We also found no relationship between vegetation density and agouti relative abundance (p>0.05). We concluded that hunting, elevation, and proximity to paved roads, all significantly impact the relative abundance index (RAI) of local agouti populations.

Escape theory predicts that a prey should flee from an approaching predator at a point in which the cost of staying equals the cost of escape. We manipulated the cost of fleeing upon approaching human predators by providing the small... more

Escape theory predicts that a prey should flee from an approaching predator at a point in which the cost of staying equals the cost of escape. We manipulated the cost of fleeing upon approaching human predators by providing the small mammal Octodon degus (Molina, 1782) with varying amounts of supplementary food likely to disappear while the animals are not in the food patch (e.g., hidden in their burrows). Simultaneously, we manipulated the risk of remaining in the patch by providing supplementary food at varying distances from the nearest burrow. Degus fled at a shorter distance to approaching predators when foraging in patches closer to the nearest burrow and supplied with relatively high abundance of food, but only when these rodents were foraging socially. Also, degus fled at a greater distance to approaching predators when foraging in patches far from the nearest burrow. Thus, functions linked to the loss of feeding opportunities and the risk of predation interact to influence flight initiation distance after a simulated attack. This study represented one of the few demonstrations of an interactive effect between cost and risks on antipredator behavior in a small, social prey mammal.

Le Chott de Djendli (3700 ha) appartient au complexe des zones humides Sud-constantinoises. L’étude menée de février 2006 à mars 2007 nous a permis la caractérisation bioécologique des éléments tant biotiques qu’abiotiques du site. Elle... more

Le Chott de Djendli (3700 ha) appartient au complexe des zones humides Sud-constantinoises. L’étude menée de février 2006 à mars 2007 nous a permis la caractérisation bioécologique des éléments tant biotiques qu’abiotiques du site. Elle nous a également permis d’avoir un aperçu sur son importance, en étudiant et en suivant plusieurs paramètres physico-chimiques du sol et de l’eau ainsi que la richesse floristique et faunistique. En effet, nous avons déterminé le…

The movement of vertebrates through 17 culverts under roads and railways in Central Spain was analysed over the course of an annual cycle. Passage was detected for amphibians, lizards, snakes, small mammals, rats, hedgehogs, rabbits and... more

The movement of vertebrates through 17 culverts under roads and railways in Central Spain was analysed over the course of an annual cycle. Passage was detected for amphibians, lizards, snakes, small mammals, rats, hedgehogs, rabbits and several species of carnivorous mammals, including Felis sylvestris and Genetta genetta. The intensity of animal movement, which varied considerably among the groups, was influenced by various factors such as the culvert dimensions, road width, height of boundary fence, the complexity of the vegetation along the route, and the presence of detritus pits at the entrance of culverts. It is concluded that adequately designed culverts can aid the conservation of vertebrate populations.

Pest control through integrated pest management systems stands as a very convenient sustainable hazard-free alternative to pesticides, which are a growing global concern if overused. The ability of the soprano pipistrelle bat... more

Pest control through integrated pest management systems stands as a very convenient sustainable hazard-free alternative to pesticides, which are a growing global concern if overused. The ability of the soprano pipistrelle bat (Pipistrellus pygmaeus) to control the rice borer moth (Chilo supressalis), which constitutes a major pest of rice around the world, was studied in the Ebre Delta, Northeastern Iberia. Evidence was found on the ability of this particular bat species to control borer infestations: a) the moth was consumed during at least the last two peaks of the moth activity, when most crop damage is done; b) the activity of bats significantly increased with moth abundance in the rice paddies; c) the pest levels have declined in the study area (Buda Island, Eastern Ebre Delta) after the deployment of bat boxes and their subsequent occupation by soprano pipistrelles. The value of the ecosystem service provided by bats was estimated at a minimum of 21€ per hectare, equivalent to the avoided pesticide expenditure alone. We suggest that this natural service can be enhanced by providing bat populations with artificial roosts in rice paddies were some key ecosystem features are present.

In this study we investigated vegetation changes superimposed by grazing and their effect on small mammals in the Karoo (South Africa) on grazed farmland and an adjacent, 10-year livestock enclosure. Plains and drainage line habitats were... more

In this study we investigated vegetation changes superimposed by grazing and their effect on small mammals in the Karoo (South Africa) on grazed farmland and an adjacent, 10-year livestock enclosure. Plains and drainage line habitats were compared by monitoring vegetation height and cover, and small mammal species composition and abundance along transects. Animals were captured by live trapping. Vegetation cover was low on the grazed compared to the ungrazed study site, but vegetation height did not differ. The number of small mammal individuals and the number of species captured was higher at the ungrazed study site. Two species of climbing rodents captured in the ungrazed drainage line were absent from the grazed drainage line. Numbers of small mammals captured on the plains were similar for grazed and ungrazed land, but grazed plains were dominated by a single species of gerbil.

Farming landscapes Small mammals community Diversity Biomass A B S T R A C T Over the last decades, profound changes in agricultural practices in the world have led to modifications of land-use as well as landscape structure and... more

Farming landscapes Small mammals community Diversity Biomass A B S T R A C T Over the last decades, profound changes in agricultural practices in the world have led to modifications of land-use as well as landscape structure and composition. Major changes resulted in enlargement of parcel size, increase of cultivated areas and drastic reduction of permanent elements such as woods, hedges or natural meadows. In this context we chose to investigate the composition and structure of small mammal communities in the hedgerow networks of three landscape units of Western France (Brittany) differing by their level of agricultural land-use intensity and hedgerow network density: a slightly intensified dense hedgerow network landscape unit (BOC1), a moderately intensified and fragmented hedgerow network landscape unit (BOC2) and a highly intensified landscape unit on an area reclaimed from the sea (POL). Characterization of small mammal communities was performed using live trapping on permanent habitats (eight hedges per landscape unit). In each of the 24 trapping units, a standardized method was used consisting of a baited 100-m trap-line. Diversity indices were used to compare the three communities. Species richness didn't vary across landscapes whereas Shannon's index of diversity underlined a clear difference between, on the one hand, the most intensified landscape unit (POL) which displayed the lowest diversity and, on the other hand, the two other less intensified units. The abundance of small mammals differed between the three sites: they were significantly more numerous in the hedges of the most intensified site than in hedges of the two other sites. Differences between species also appeared: for example, the Bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus) was very characteristic of POL, whereas the Pygmy shrew (Sorex minutus) was much more associated with BOC sites.

Rodents of the Meriones shawii/grandis complex have been attested to in North Africa since the Middle Pleistocene and are abundant in archaeological sites. Today, they are widely spread and represent a major pest to local human... more

Rodents of the Meriones shawii/grandis complex have been attested to in North Africa since the Middle Pleistocene and are abundant in archaeological sites. Today, they are widely spread and represent a major pest to local human populations. This complex, therefore, represents an accurate model for investigating the roles of climate change and human impact in shaping Quaternary faunal diversity and distribution. Many gray areas still exist regarding the systematics, ecology and geographical distribution of this complex, for both present and past populations. The purpose of this study is to compare modern gen-otyped and fossil Meriones specimens in order to 1) clarify the current systematics and distribution of the Meriones populations of the shawii/grandis complex, 2) document the taxonomic diversity in fossil Meriones from northwestern Africa, and 3) track their phenotypic and biogeographic evolution through time. To answer these questions we used geometric morphometrics on skulls (landmarks) and first upper molars (landmarks and sliding landmarks). We evidenced the existence of two morpho-groups within the M. shawii/grandis complex, with a clear geographic pattern (M. grandis in Morocco vs. M. shawii in Algeria and Tunisia). Currently only one morpho-group, attributed to M. grandis, seems to exist in Morocco, with a small overlap with M. shawii in the most eastern part of the country. However, according to fossil data, M. shawii was also present in Atlantic Morocco during the Late Pleistocene. We have also highlighted the impact of Holocene climate change and habitat anthropization on this arid adapted group. During the Middle Holocene, a major climatic event (last interglacial optimum) seems to have induced a demographic collapse in Moroccan populations and the disappearance of the shawii clade from Morocco (except in the most eastern areas). Both species then re-expanded, benefitting from the increasing aridity and the new ecological niche driven by agriculture dispersal from the Neolithic onwards.

In this review, we compiled published results on biological interactions at different spatial scales in the Monte desert of Argentina and identified gaps in current knowledge. We presented evidence of competitive and facilitative... more

In this review, we compiled published results on biological interactions at different spatial scales in the Monte desert of Argentina and identified gaps in current knowledge. We presented evidence of competitive and facilitative plant-plant conspecific and heterospecific interactions, and plant-soilmicrobes interactions in relation to the abiotic environment at the fine patch-scale. We also showed evidence of animal-animal interactions and plant-animal interactions at the community scale through study cases involving both native and introduced herbivores. Moreover, we identified bottom-up and top-down forces governing the interactions between granivores (birds, ants, and small mammals) and seed availability/production at the community scale. At the landscape scale, we discussed feedbacks between domestic grazers and the spatial patterns of resources and their interrelationships with processes occurring at other scales. We concluded that research has steadily increased during the last 6 years but knowledge on biological interactions in the Monte desert is still scarce, particularly at a landscape scale.

Additional remains of small mammals (rodents-Hystrix sp., Bandicota cf. bengalensis, Millardia cf. kathleenae, cf. Rattus rattus; Lagomorph-Lepus sp.) reptiles (Python sp. and serpentes indet., Varanus sp.), amphibian (cf. Bufo... more

Additional remains of small mammals (rodents-Hystrix sp., Bandicota cf. bengalensis, Millardia cf. kathleenae, cf. Rattus rattus; Lagomorph-Lepus sp.) reptiles (Python sp. and serpentes indet., Varanus sp.), amphibian (cf. Bufo melanostictus) and aves (cf. Gallus gallus) are reported from deposits spanning the last 20,000 yrs BP of Muchchatla Chintamanu Gavi (MCG). In the Late Pleistocene, the area around the Kurnool Caves had a very diverse fauna indicating the presence of wooded grassland, gallery forest and a wellwatered landscape. In contrast, today the area is an arid shrubland and only a fraction of the Late Pleistocene vertebrate fauna has survived. The disappearance of several vertebrate taxa was probably due to a very arid phase of the Last Glacial Maxima (LGM). Excessive hunting by prehistoric man largely in Holocene time could have caused the demise of the mammals such as Rhinoceros, Equus, Bubalus, Bos, Boselephas, Antilope and Gazella. r