Mating systems in the steppe lemming (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lagurus lagurus)</Emphasis> and narrow-skulled vole (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Microtus gregalis</Emphasis>) from the Northern Kulunda Steppe

A comparative analysis of reproductive behavior has been performed in the steppe lemming (Lagurus lagurus) and narrow-skulled vole (Microtus gregalis). The results show that the species are similar in certain behavioral features indicative of the stability of mating pairs. However, in the narrow-skulled vole, unlike in the steppe lemming, mature males in olfactory tests show preference for receptive sibling females versus non-kin females. Probably, it is the absence of the incest taboo that allows the involvement of young of the year in reproduction within growing family groups and accounts for “coloniality” of the species.     

Coat color polymorphism in populations of the northern mole vole in the Ural Region

Collections made in the course of long-term field studies on ecology of the northern mole vole Ellobius talpinus Pall. in the Ural Region and neighboring areas (more than 2000 individuals from 24 points of the species range) were used to analyze geographic variation in its coat color (color morphs). On the basis of long-term observations (1985–1999) on marked animals from a polymorphic population (Kurtamyshskii raion, Kurgan oblast), the life spans of males and females and the dependence of life span on population density and structure were estimated in animals of different color morphs. Each color morph of E. talpinus was shown to have specific features of the seasonal dynamics of age structure and migrations.     

Sex-specific predation on two lizard species by kestrels

Sex-biased predation is thought to have important implications for sexual selection, sex allocation, and population dynamics (Magnhagen, 1991; Le-Galliard et al., 2005 for an example in lizards). Most studies found that males are subjected to higher predation pressure than females during the reproductive season (Korpimäki, 1985; Lodé et al., 2004; Christe et al., 2006; Costantini et al., 2007). In that period, males are very mobile, emit acoustic signals and exhibit brilliant colourations, which are needed to attract females but may make them more visible to predators. With regard to lizards, a recent study provided the first evidence that males of a lizard species may be preyed on more than females (Costantini et al., 2007). In the present study, we investigated whether there is sex-biased predation on two small lacertid species, the common wall lizard Podarcis muralis (Laurenti, 1768) and the Italian wall lizard Podarcis sicula (Rafinesque-Schmaltz, 1810), by Eurasian kestrels (Falco tinnunculus) during the reproductive season. We also examined whether (1) the rate of predation differed between species and (2) the rate of predation differed across years or among hunting habitats for each species.     

The Outcome of Northern Fur Seal Harvesting: The Results of Calibration of Mathematical Models Based on Observation Data (the Example of Tyulenii Island Population)

Tendencies in the dynamics of harvested northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus) population on the Tyulenii Island have been analyzed in detail. The results show that retardation of reproduction (decrease in the numbers of pups) and decline in the survival of young females (up to 3 years of age) by the late 1980s resulted in a reduction of the total number of females and a significant increase in the proportion of older females. This tendency changed during the later observation period (after 1988–1989) due to increase in the survival of young females: the female population has gradually recovered, with the proportion of young females increasing at the expense of old females (aged over 10 years). The age composition of males has also changed: the proportion of young animals has decreased, while that of large mature males (bulls) has increased. Moreover, the number of bulls continues to increase and has already exceeded the level that formerly provided for the well-being of the population. This, a paradoxical situation has arisen: the numbers of females and bulls are increasing, whereas pup production remains at a low level.

     

The Toad-Headed Agama Phrynocephalus guttatus (Reptilia: Agamidae): The Correlates of Survival in a Translocated Population in the Southwestern Kalmyk Republic

Observations of a translocated population of toad-headed agamas (Phrynocephalus guttatus) in the south of the Kalmyk Republic (1998–2001) have shown that seasonal differences in animal survival are manifested only in juveniles and the survival rate of juveniles is higher than that of adult individuals. A significant correlation between survival rate and sex is also characteristic only of juveniles: survival rate is higher in females than in males. In adult males, survival positively correlates with the level of activity; in juvenile males, with body size. In adult females, survival inversely correlates with body size and weight.     

Age,Survivorship and Life Expectancy in Near Eastern Fire Salamander, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Salamandra infraimmaculata</Emphasis> (Caudata: Salamandridae)

Populations from different environmental habitats indicate variation in life history traits and these differences are mostly related to longevity, age and size at maturity. In this study, age structure, longevity, survivorship and sexual size dimorphism of Near Eastern fire salamander (Salamandra infraimmaculata) were assessed by means of skeletochronological analysis. Maximum lifespan was recorded to be twelve years in females and eleven years in males and age at maturity was estimated as three and four years for both sexes. Females had significantly larger SVL than that of males, while age structure and mean age did not differ between sexes. Age and body size were positively correlated with each other for both females and males. Since the populations of the Near Eastern fire salamander in Turkey are in decline, the present study which provides preliminary data on life history traits of this species could be helpful for future biological studies.     

Dechlorane Plus in serum from e-waste recycling workers: Influence of gender and potential isomer-specific metabolism

Dechlorane Plus (DP) and its dechlorinated product, anti-Cl₁₁-DP, were measured in serum of 70 occupationally exposed workers in an e-waste recycling region and 13 residents of an urban area in South China. The DP levels were significantly higher in the workers (22–2200 ng/g with median of 150 ng/g lipid) than in the urban residents (2.7–91 ng/g with median of 4.6 ng/g lipid). The DP concentrations in females were found to be associated with their age but such relation was not found for males. Significant differences in DP levels and DP isomer composition were found between genders. The females had remarkably higher DP levels and f_anti values (fraction of anti-DP to total DPs) in serum than the males. Anti-Cl₁₁-DP was significantly correlated with anti-DP for both genders but with different slope of regression line. The ratios of anti-Cl₁₁-DP to anti-DP (mean of 0.017) in males were significantly higher than those (mean of 0.010) in females. Combining with the lower f_anti values in males, it is likely that males have higher metabolic potential for DPs than females which resulted in the lower DP loading in serum. However, the different patterns of selective uptake and/or excretion of different compounds between genders cannot be eliminated as a possible reason for the observed gender differences. This study is the first to report on the gender difference in DP accumulation in human, and its mechanism is worth further investigation.     

Use and knowledge of fuelwood in three rural caatinga (dryland) communities in NE Brazil

The woody species known, used, and preferred as fuelwood were examined in three rural communities within the county of Soledade, Paraíba State, NE Brazil. Ethnobotanical information was collected using semi-structured interviews with more than 90% of the local households (55 adult residents; 31 women, and 24 males). The interviewees cited 36 plant species as fuelwoods, distributed among 30 genera and 15 families, in addition to two unidentified plants. The plant families represented by the largest numbers of species were Euphorbiaceae, Anacardiaceae, Mimosaceae, Caesalpiniaceae, Sapotaceae, and Fabaceae. The species Caesalpinia pyramidalis Tul. (“catingueira”) was cited with the greatest frequency in all three communities. Within the communities we found significant differences on the number of plants cited and actually used (p < 0.05), indicating that the residents knew more fuelwood species than they effectively harvest. The different distances from the communities to the urban centers were not related to differences on the use or the size of the stocks of fuelwood. Additionally, the study revealed that the communities examined still maintain a significant knowledge of the use of energy-providing plants in spite of the widespread use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Readers should send their comments on this paper to: BhaskarNath@aol.com within 3 months of publication of this issue.     

Juvenile Dispersal in the Colonies of Spermophilus majorand S. suslicus Ground Squirrels

Natural dispersal of young animals was studied in the colonies of Spermophilus major and S. suslicus ground squirrels in the Volga region. On the basis of data obtained, this process was modeled taking into account the spatial–ethological structure of the colonies. In both species, male dispersal was more active, whereas the degree of natal philopatry was higher in females. The results of the study do not confirm the aggression concept of juvenile dispersal and indicate that its causes are related to hereditary behavioral tendencies. These results are compared with data on juvenile dispersal in other species of the genus Spermophilus.     

Succession in the Abra ovata Community on Soft Grounds of a Newly Flooded Area of the Caspian Sea

Studies on succession in the Abra ovata community inhabiting the flooded area in Sulak Bay, Caspian Sea, that have been carried out since the mid-1980s were continued. It has been found that the pioneer species A. ovata and Cerastoderma glaucum are still dominant in the structure of this community, determining the course of its succession. Its second stage does not fit the framework of the models characteristic of benthic communities. On the one hand, it conforms to the tolerance model: the pioneer species A. ovata, despite its dominance at all stages of succession, has not prevented the spread of other numerous colonizers of the same trophic level. On the other hand, it conforms to the facilitation model: due to their abundance, the pioneer species as grazing species have attracted organisms of a higher trophic level, namely, sturgeons.     

Hormonal response to conspecific chemical signals as an indicator of seasonal reproduction dynamics in the desert hamster, Phodopus roborovskii

Changes in male blood plasma testosterone and cortisol in response to exposure to scent marks (urine and midventral gland secretion, MVGS) of conspecific males and diestrous females in different seasons have been studied in the desert hamster (Phodopus roborovskii), a species whose ecological features are poorly known. The results show that a significant increase in the plasma testosterone level is observed in winter (only to female MVGS), spring (to female MVGS and urine), and summer (to female urine), but not in autumn. The level of plasma cortisol significantly increases only in response to female urine in spring and male MVGS in summer.     

Dynamics of the Mite Communities (Acari: Parasitiformes) in Nests of the Parus major

The dynamics of nest-dwelling mites from the nests of the great tit in the protected area of Kamchia Mountain in Northeastern Bulgaria was investigated. The mite fauna inhabiting the nests of great tit differs significantly in terms of the degree of infestation, species richness, abundance and structure of communities in study years. There are statistically significant differences in the specimens’ number between 2014 and the other years 2012, 2013 and 2015. The mite species such as Dermanyssus gallinae, Androlaelaps casalis and Ornithonyssus sylviarum demonstrated significant changes in the abundance over the study years. A relation between the abundance of a species and the species diversity in the nests was not registered. Comparison of the annual dynamics of mites in the nests of great tit and the nests of semi-collared flycatcher for the same period of time and for the same environment, showed similarities—a significant fluctuation in the abundance of mites over the years and differences—in the species richness. Regarding the structure of the communities, both similarities and differences were recorded.

     

Heavy metal contamination by Al-fabrication plants in Hong Kong

Leaf samples of six plant species collected from locations near the Al-fabrication plants in Sai Kung, Hong Kong were found to be heavily contaminated by Al, Cd, Pb, Ni, Cu and Zn, as determined by inductively — coupled plasma emission spectrophotometer (ICP). Studies using scanning electron microscope incorporated with X-ray microanalyzer showed that significant amounts of dust, with elevated concentrations of heavy metals, were deposited on the leaf surface. The stomatal pores were partially plugged and the guard cells were distorted. The amount of dust deposition and metal contamination varied significantly among different species. Lantana camara had the highest concentrations of all metals. Washing with deionized water could remove the surficial dust particles and reduce the metal contamination, with a degree of effectiveness depending on plant species and metal species. About 50% of Al and other metals were removed from leaves of L. camara and Fiscus variegata by washing, whereas only 20% removal was recorded in Bauhina variegata, the species had the least dust deposition. The soil samples and Al wastes collected from the same sites also exhibited higher values of total metal concentrations than the control. However, the contents of extractable metals were extremely low and were almost below the limits of detection. Experimental data further suggested that the source of leaf metals was mainly accumulated from metal-enriched aerosols, either from Al-fabrication plants or from automobile exhausts, and contribution from soil was relatively unimportant.     

A New Analytical Approach to the Study of the Spatial Structure of the Amur Leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis) Population

Based on data from camera traps installed throughout the model territory in southwest Primorye, information was received during an annual cycle on the presence of individually identified Amur leopards in the area of study. Analysis of the data using a combination of different techniques has determined the mutual spatial arrangement and sizes of approximated home ranges for both male and female leopards. The dataset of individually identified animals proves sufficient in describing the social organization of the studied group of Amur leopard using the spatial overlapping of individual home ranges as a characteristic of social relationships. Each individual home range overlaps with several home ranges belonging to both individuals of the opposite and same sex, with the overlapped portion larger in males than in females.

     

雅鲁藏布江异齿裂腹鱼生活史对策和种群资源利用现状

2008年8月至2009年8月在西藏雅鲁藏布江中游采集到异齿裂腹鱼（Schizothorax oconnori）1 126尾,对其生活史对策和种群资源利用现状进行了研究。结果显示：异齿裂腹鱼的总死亡系数（Z）雌性为0.090/a,雄性为0112/a;自然死亡系数（M）雌雄分别为0053/a和0064/a;捕捞死亡系数（F）雌雄分别为0037/a和0048/a;开发率（E）雌雄分别为0415/a和0428/a。以达氏鳇（Huso dauncus）和尖头塘鳢（Eleotris oxycephaoa）作为参照物,运用模糊聚类进行分析,表明异齿裂腹鱼属于比较典型的K 选择类型鱼类。在现捕捞死亡系数、现起捕年龄和现自然死亡系数下,异齿裂腹鱼的繁殖潜力比雌雄分别为5280%和5164%,都大于目标参考点40%。通过单位补充量亲鱼生物量模型分析,显示目前雅鲁藏布江中游异齿裂腹鱼种群资源的开发水平较为合理     

Composition and Some Ecological Features of Winter Zooplankton in Deep Stratified Lakes

For the first time, zooplankton and environmental factors have been studied in winter in the deep stratified lakes Siverskoe, Borodaevskoe, and Vydogoshch. The zooplankton consists of 18–22 species of rotifers, copepods, and cladocerans, including 15–18 specifically winter, cryophilic and eurythermic forms. The populations of zooplankters reproduce actively: males and egg-bearing females (in copepods), females with embryos and eggs in brood pouches (in cladocerans), and females with attached eggs (in rotifers) are present. In lakes Siverskoe and Borodaevskoe (depth 20–24 m), where oxygen deficiency is observed only in the bottom water layer, the zooplankton populates the greater part of the water column and forms a large aggregation in the oxycline and near the bottom. The abundance of bacteria in these zones is high (up to 4–6 × 10⁶ cells/ml). In Lake Vydogoshch (depth 16 m), oxygen deficiency extends to the middle layers, and all zooplankton is distributed above the oxycline. The biomass of winter zooplankton in Lake Siverskoe in 1983 averaged 1.26 g/m³, with a maximum of 4 g/m³; in 1993, 1.4 and 8.04 g/m²; the respective values in Lake Borodaevskoe were 0.98 and 3.1 in 1983 and 0.14 and 1.6 in 1993; in Lake Vydogoshch, 0.15 and 0.24 in 1983 and 1.25 g/m³ in 1993. The development of winter zooplankton is limited by the size of the zone of oxygen deficiency and depends on the amount of food (bacterioplankton). The distribution of zooplankton in the water column and its biomass in individual layers is determined by the rate of methane formation and oxidation.__________Translated from Ekologiya, No. 3, 2005, pp. 201–214.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Rivier.     

Foliar uptake of Cs from the water column by aquatic macrophytes

A transplant experiment was performed to determine the relative importances of root uptake from the sediments and foliar uptake from the water column in determining the accumulation of ¹³⁷Cs by aquatic macrophytes. Uncontaminated individuals of three species, Brasenia schreberi, Nymphaea odorata and Nymphoides cordata, were transplanted into pots containing either contaminated sediments (i.e. 1.2 Bq ¹³⁷Cs g⁻¹ dry mass) or uncontaminated sediments (i.e. < 0.1 Bq g⁻¹ dry mass) and immersed in Pond B, a former reactor cooling pond where ¹³⁷Cs concentrations in surface waters range from 0.4 to 0.8 Bq liter⁻¹. The plants in uncontaminated sediments rapidly accumulated ¹³⁷Cs from the water column and after 35 days of immersion had ¹³⁷Cs concentrations in leaves that were: (1) not statistically significantly different from those for plants in contaminated sediments; and (2) similar to those for the same species growing naturally in Pond B. The similarity in ¹³⁷Cs concentrations between naturally-occurring plants and those in pots with uncontaminated sediments suggests that foliar uptake from the water column is the principal mode of Cs accumulation by these species in Pond B.     

Combined influence of food level and inoculation density on competition between <Emphasis Type="Italic">Anuraeopsis fissa</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brachionus patulus</Emphasis> or <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brachionus macracanthus</Emphasis> (Rotifera: Brachionidae)

We tested separately the effect of two taxonomically related rotifers (B. patulus and B. macracanthus) on the population dynamics of another species (A. fissa) at low (0.5 ×10 ⁶) and high food levels (1.5 × 10⁶ cells/ml of Chlorella vulgaris) using different inoculation densities (0–100%). We also quantified the impact of A. fissa on the two brachionid species. Regardless of the presence of the competing species, an increase in the availability of food led to increase in the abundances of the three rotifers. The population growth of B. patulus, B. macracanthus, or A. fissa was affected negatively when cultured together with another species. An increase in the initial density of any one of the competing species became advantageous to maintain a certain population size. At a low algal food level, B. patulus was able to suppress A. fissa more strongly than B. macracanthus. On the other hand, at a high food level, B. macracanthus suppressed the population of A. fissa more strongly than B. patulus. Peak population densities for A. fissa varied from about 150 to 1000 ind./ml, depending on food density and the presence of competitors. The rate of population increase (r) of A. fissa, B. patulus, and B. macracanthus increased with an increase in food availability but decreased with increasing initial density of the competitor. Both Brachionus spp. experienced negative growth rates in the presence of A. fissa, especially at a high initial density of the latter. Published in Russian in Ekologiya, 2007, Vol. 38, No. 5, pp. 381–390. The article was submitted by the authors in English.     

Drying wastes from urban forestry as an option for their recovery and use in furniture and small wooden objects

The management of urban trees generates wood wastes that are commonly destined for use as firewood or compost. However, they can be used for more noble purposes such as making furniture or small wooden objects. This study aimed to investigate the drying and the shrinkage of the wood of seven typical urban afforestation species to determine the possibility of high-valued alternative use(s). Samples of these species (Cenostigma pluviosum (DC.) E. Gagnon & G.P. Lewis.; Delonix regia (Bojer ex Hook.) Raf.; Ficus benjamina L.; Licania tomentosa (Benth.) Fritsch; Nectandra megapotamica (Spreng.) Mez; Terminalia catappa L.; and Tipuana tipu (Benth.) Kuntze) underwent a drastic drying test in a laboratory oven at 103?±?2 °C, followed by weighing on an analytical balance to monitor the weight over a 24-h period, separated into four intervals of 4 h and one of 8 h. The drying rate, shrinkage and anisotropy coefficient of the species were evaluated. Wood wastes of the species C. pluviosum and L. tomentosa showed greater shrinkage during drying, with the lowest drying rates being found among the other species. F. benjamina, D. regia, N. megapotamica, T. catappa and T. tipu showed lower values of shrinkage and regular anisotropy coefficients close to ideal for application to make small wooden objects according to the characteristics of the species already present in the industrial market. The seven species thus have potential for application in the production of small wooden objects and furniture. This use is a potential alternative for environmental and social betterment.

     

Forest structure and regeneration along the altitudinal gradient in the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary,Uttarakhand Himalaya,India

Forest structure and regeneration were studied along the altitudinal gradient in the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary of Uttarakhand Himalaya in India. Stratified random sampling of tree species was done by placing minimum 15 quadrats of 10 × 10 m at each aspect and altitude. The results reveal that along the altitudinal gradient there were three types of forest communities in the Sanctuary viz., chir pine (Pinus roxburghii), oakchir pine (Quercus leucotrichophora and Pinus roxburghii) and oak (Quercus floribunda and Quercus leucotrichophora). Rhododendron arboreum, Cornus macrophylla and Lyonia ovalifolia were main associates of these forest communities. The oak forests had larger shrub population as compared to chir pine. Myrsine africana was the most dominant shrub across the altitudinal gradient, whereas few shrub species were restricted to a certain altitudinal range. The regeneration of chir pine was best at lower altitude on south and east aspects, which indicates that it mostly regenerates on warm and dry slopes. In general, the regeneration potential in most of the tree species declines with the altitude. The density of saplings and seedlings also represented the dominant species at each altitudinal range, which indicates the cyclic regeneration of forests in the Sanctuary area.