Population dynamics of three lizard species from the genus Sceloporus: short‐term changes in demographic parameters

Most demographic studies focus on numerical changes that occur within populations across years. However, typically studies at an interannual scale do not provide information on the particular times of the year (particular months or seasons) when rates of survival, recruitment, or migration increase or decrease due to physiological, behavioral or ecological processes. These monthly or seasonal changes in demographic parameters may lead to substantial variations in population abundance. In this study, we collected capture–mark–recapture data on 3 species of lizards of the genus Sceloporus (Sceloporus torquatus, Sceloporus grammicus and Sceloporus megalepidurus) found in ecologically similar habitats to examine potential changes in demographic rates among 3 different climatic seasons: rainy, cold‐dry and warm‐dry seasons. We tested different hypotheses about the effect of these seasons on survival, recruitment of new adults, and temporary emigration. We found that during the season with severe thermal constraints, the cold‐dry season, survival of S. torquatus decreased markedly. We also detected a considerable increase in the recruitment rate of S. grammicus during the rainy season, when these lizards are establishing territories and finding mates. In contrast, we found no evidence of intra‐annual changes in the rate of temporary emigration. In addition, we calculated abundance and population growth rates for each species and for each season. Our study represents a significant contribution to the understanding of intra‐annual demographic variation in lizards.     

One hundred years of population ecology: Successes,failures and the road ahead

Population ecology is the most mature of the three subdisciplines of ecology partly because it has a solid mathematical foundation and partly because it can address the primary questions of distribution and abundance with experimental protocols. Yet there is much left to do to integrate our population knowledge into community and ecosystem ecology to help address the global issues of food security and the conservation of biodiversity. Many different approaches are now being developed to bring about this integration and much more research will be necessary to decide which if any will be most useful in achieving our goals of explaining the changes we see in the distribution and abundance of animals and plants. Food web ecology would appear to be the best approach at present because it uses the detailed information of the population ecology of particular species in combination with data on consumer–resource interactions to apply to the applied problems of biodiversity conservation, food security, pest management and disease prevention. If we can use our understanding of population ecology to address the practical problems of our time in a creative way, we will benefit both the human population and the Earth's biodiversity. Much remains to be done.     

试论国土生态治理与"以林为主"、"退耕还林"主导方针问题

通过对国土生态治理上实行“以林为主”、“退耕还林”为主导方针而出现的问题进行了阐述，分析了问题的症结和实质，提出了实施以草业为基础，草、灌、乔结合的国土绿化治理方针，并提出了政策性建议，以期我国国土环境得到根本治理。     

Plant selection and grazing activity of the invasive snail Theba pisana in coastal Algoa Bay,South Africa

The land snail Theba pisana is a coastal species native to the Mediterranean but has been introduced to regions all over the world, including South Africa and Australia, where it is considered a pest. This study examines the diet of T. pisana and its preference for certain dune plants in the Cape Recife Nature Reserve of Algoa Bay in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Field observations identified plants being fed on by T. pisana, accounting for almost half of the dune plant species present in the study area. Five plant species, on which snails were found frequently and in high abundance, were selected for feeding preference experiments. Laboratory experiments and field observations indicate that T. pisana feed preferentially on Tetragonia decumbens over Osteospermum moniliferum, Osyris compressa and Cynanchum obtusifolium. It is clear that while T. pisana is reported to have a generalist diet, consuming a range of plant species commonly found in South African dune vegetation, it also exhibits a definite preference for T. decumbens. The reasons for this preference need to be investigated further.     

南极长城站及附近地区巨鹱的分布与种群数量

１９９３年１１月至１９９４年２月对南极长城站及其周围地区的巨鹱的分布和数量进行了调查，结果表明巨鹱（Ｍａｃｒｏｎｅｃｔｅｓｇｉｇａｎｔｅｕｓ）在研究区内呈不均匀分布；调查期间共发现繁殖群体６４个，繁殖鸟２２２对，繁殖种群数量估计在３００对左右；种群的繁殖成功率为３７．３９％；人类活动对巨鹱的分布和繁殖成功率都有显著影响。     

A First Record of Beamys from Tanzania With Observations on its Breeding and Habits in Captivity

The holothuroid family Rhopalodinidae currently contains three genera and 16 species, all restricted in their distribution to the East Atlantic Ocean from Senegal to the Cape of Good Hope. Their peculiar morphology is discussed and new information is presented on the southern African forms. A key for the identification of the 16 known species is provided. It issuggested that the appearance of the proboscis was probably a response to the shallow turbulent waters of the tropical East Atlantic. Because of the polytentaculate nature of most species, the branched nature of the tentacles of some species, the shape of the calcareous ring, the ambulacral restriction of the pedicels and the form of the body wall tables, the Rhopalodinidae could well be classified within the Dendrochirotida, close to the Phyllophorinae. However, this point of view is not supported by recent work based on analysis of rDNA and numerous morphological characters. According to this analysisRhopalodinidae should be included within the Dactylochirotida.     

Macroscopic anatomy of the lower respiratory system in a nocturnal burrowing rodent: African giant pouched rat (Cricetomys gambianus, Waterhouse 1840)

Cricetomys gambianus is a rat that lives principally in burrows, coming out at night in search of food. The design and structure of the lower respiratory system reflects its oxygen and metabolic demand which can be attributed to its habitat. A morphological and morphometric investigation of its lower respiratory system was undertaken to document the normal anatomical features and assess its morpho-functional paradigm. Specifically, an anatomical detail of the lungs and conductive airway was described, the structures being elucidated by dissection and radiography. Evaluation of dissected specimens showed that tracheal cartilages ranged from 21 to 33 rings with an average of 25.5. They exhibited a random pattern of anastomoses between adjacent rings. Transverse diameters of the principal bronchus in the male and female rats were 3.767 and 3.759 mm respectively. The right lung consisted of four lobes while the left lung was not lobed. Bronchogram revealed that lung lobation corresponded with bronchial tree division. Inter-lobar fissures were absent on the right lung except for the ventral boarder separating the cranial lobe from the caudal lobe. The entire lungs provided stability to the heart in situ, through the cardiac notch. This study also included correlation analysis of the dimensions, weights and volumes of the lower respiratory organs with the nose-rump length and body weight of 18 African giant pouched rats of both sexes. The relationship of the anatomy of the lower respiratory system of the rodent to the oxygen tension in their burrow and to their energy utilization is discussed.     

Body weight and blood parameters of Old Norse Sheep grazing coastal heathland

Abstract

This study describes development in body weight and blood parameters of Old Norse Sheep grazing coastal heathland throughout the year without supplementary feeding. A group of approximately 80 ewes were observed for five years. The average body weight in October was 23.0 kg for lambs and 31.9 kg for ewes two years and older. The growth rate of lambs was 150–200 g/day during the first four months from birth but decreased to 51 g/day from August to October. The autumn weight increased the first five years of life. Ewes displayed weight loss and low levels of serum protein during winter, indicating moderate undernutrition. The weight loss was positively related to age and initial weight. The levels of vitamin B₁₂ were higher than normally found in sheep on cultivated pasture. The serum levels of Ca, Mg and Cu were within the reference values, whereas the levels of inorganic P was slightly below the reference values.     

Dermatomycosis caused by Paranannizziopsis australasiensis in five tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) and a coastal bearded dragon (Pogona barbata) in a zoological collection in New Zealand

CASE HISTORY: Health monitoring of tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) at Auckland Zoo between 2001 and 2009 showed that 58/93 tuatara had been affected by dermatitis of unknown origin. From 2011 onwards, cases of suspected fungal dermatitis underwent extensive diagnostic investigations.

CLINCAL FINDINGS: Six cases of dermatomycosis were attributed to Paranannizziopsis australasiensis, five in tuatara and one in a coastal bearded dragon (Pogona barbata). Cases presented typically as raised, yellow to brown encrustations on the skin. Severe cases progressed to necrotising ulcerative dermatitis, and in the bearded dragon to fatal systemic mycosis. Following topical and systemic treatments, lesions resolved in all five tuatara.

LABORATORY FINDINGS: Histopathological examination of skin biopsy samples revealed dermatitis with intralesional septate branching hyphae. Fungal culture yielded isolates morphologically resembling Chrysosporium species, and isolates were submitted for molecular confirmation and sequencing of DNA.

DIAGNOSIS: All six cases were confirmed as dermatitis due to infection with P. australasiensis, on the basis of fungal culture and DNA sequencing of isolates.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These are the first reported cases of dermatomycosis associated with P. australasiensis infection in tuatara, and the first cases in which systemic therapeutic agents have been used in the treatment of such disease. Tuatara at the Auckland Zoo are now routinely examined every 3 months and tissue samples from any lesions sent for histopathology and fungal culture. Further work to elucidate the epidemiology and significance of P. australasiensis infections in reptiles in New Zealand is important for both welfare and conservation purposes.     

Anatomical and scanning electron microscopic study of the tongue in the African giant pouched rats (Cricetomys gambianus,Waterhouse)

The African giant pouched rat is a nocturnal, fossorial and omnivorous wild rodent widely distributed in sub‐Saharan Africa. The morphology of lingual surface has not previously examined and was investigated by gross dissection, stereomicroscopy, scanning electron and light microscopy. Grossly, it was elongated and dorso‐ventrally flattened with rounded tip. It measured 3.48 ± 0.33 cm in length, with a median groove of 1.4 ± 0.1 cm in length and well‐developed lingual prominence. Stereomicroscopically, filiform, fungiform and vallate papillae were indicated in the apex, body and root. Fungiform papillae intermingled with filiform on the ventral and dorsal surface of the apex and body. Three vallate papillae were located in triangular arrangement on the root. The surface ultrastructural features distinguished four types of filiform which varied in size, shape and distribution: first type with long pointed process was preponderant on the apex and body of tongue; the second with robust base was located on central lingual prominence; the third (caudal body) was conically shaped with pointed process; and the fourth type (root) had forked filamentous process. Large oval‐shaped fungiform papillae were apparent. Each vallate was surrounded by a circumferential groove into which taste pores opened. Histologically, the tongue surface displayed moderately keratinized stratified squamous epithelium, and lamina propria that varied in places. Fungiform and vallate showed spindle‐shaped taste buds. Serous and mucous acini containing neutral and acidic mucins were observed in lamina propria of root. The structural adaptations of the tongue to omnivorous diet and food manipulation in oral cavity were comparatively discussed.     

不同栽培方式下C4牧草在沿海滩涂的生产性能评价

本研究利用杂交狼尾草、高丹草和墨西哥玉米3种不同类型的C₄牧草在江苏沿海滩涂进行种植,采取覆膜、起垄、覆膜+起垄等3种栽培方式,从分蘖期到开花期等不同生育期分4次进行取样,分别测定株高、单株叶面积等形态指标,及单株干重和干物质含量等产量性状,并分别测定茎、叶及全株饲用品质(可溶性碳水化合物,粗蛋白,中性洗涤纤维、酸性洗涤纤维、干物质体外消化率)。结果表明,覆膜、起垄、覆膜+起垄3种栽培方式均能有效增加牧草产量、改善牧草饲用品质,其中以覆膜+起垄方式改善效果最显著;杂交狼尾草和高丹草在9月3日收割能获得最优的产量和品质,墨西哥玉米则在9月24日收获饲用品质最好、产量最高。墨西哥玉米和高丹草饲草中可溶性碳水化合物(WSC)含量显著高于杂交狼尾草;高丹草和墨西哥玉米植株体内WSC主要集中于茎秆,且两者茎中WSC含量明显高于叶中的含量,而杂交狼尾草茎中的WSC含量稍高于叶片。本研究的结果明确了不同栽培方式下3种C₄牧草生产性能的差异,为加快滩涂种草开发提供理论依据。     

Introduction,establishment and spread of the Southern mouthbrooder Pseudocrenilabrus philander in the Baakens River,Eastern Cape,South Africa

This paper provides evidence for the extralimital establishment and spread of Pseudocrenilabrus philander in the Baakens River, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Since the first occurrence record at a single locality in 1994 this species has now spread throughout the river and the population contains both reproductive adults and juveniles. Gut content analysis demonstrated potential dietary overlap with native fishes and predation on fish larvae. Pseudocrenilabrus philander in the Baakens River therefore satisfies all criteria for an invasive species in this river and was categorised as invasive using a unified framework for biological invasions.     

Distribution studies of theophylline: microdialysis in rat and horse and whole body autoradiography in rat

After intravenous administration of theophylline, microdialysis has been used for studying the non protein bound theophylline concentration in blood and in lung tissue in the rat as well as in two horses. The distribution pattern of 14C-theophylline in the rat was also investigated. When the distribution of theophylline was completed the time course of free drug in the interstitial fluid in lung tissue was in good agreement with the total concentration-time profile in plasma in both species. In the rat the free concentration of theophylline in the lung was slightly lower than the free concentration in the blood from 40 to 300 min. The in vivo protein binding in blood was 48.8 +/- 6.2% in the rats (n = 9) and 8-25% in the horses (n = 2). The whole body autoradiography study in rat showed that the concentration of radioactivity in the lung followed the blood concentration very closely up to 24 h after injection. The effect of theophylline in the lung can be assumed to be related to the plasma concentration of theophylline, since the concentration-time profile in plasma reflects the time course in the lung.     

Deep fungal dermatitis caused by the Chrysosporium anamorph of Nannizziopsis vriesii in captive coastal bearded dragons (Pogona barbata)

Deep fungal dermatitis caused by the Chrysosporium anamorph of Nannizziopsis vriesii (CANV) was diagnosed in a group of coastal bearded dragons (Pogona barbata). The outbreak extended over a 6-month period, with four of six lizards from the same zoological outdoor enclosure succumbing to infection. A fifth case of dermatomycosis was identified in a pet lizard originally sourced from the wild. Diagnosis of infection with the CANV was based on similar clinical signs and histopathology in all animals and confirmed by culture and sequencing of the fungus from one animal. This is the first report of the CANV causing disease in a terrestrial reptile species in Australia and the first in the coastal bearded dragon.     

体外产气法研究椰子油对瘤胃发酵、菌群数量及酶活性的影响

试验旨在研究椰子油(CCO)对瘤胃发酵、菌群数量及酶活性的影响,各组CCO添加量为日粮干物质的0%(对照组)、1%、3%、5%、7%和9%,体外发酵48 h。结果表明:5%、7%和9%添加组pH高于其余各组(P<0.05),总挥发性脂肪酸(TVFA)浓度低于其余各组(P<0.05);与对照组、1%和3%添加组相比,7%和9%添加组乙酸摩尔百分比和乙酸/丙酸降低(P<0.05),丙酸摩尔百分比增加(P<0.05);添加CCO降低了甲烷产量和原虫数量(P<0.05);7%和9%添加组羧甲基纤维素酶活性低于其余各组(P<0.05);5%、7%和9%添加组纤维二糖酶、木聚糖酶和蛋白酶活性低于对照组和1%添加组(P<0.05),细菌总数、白色瘤胃球菌、黄色瘤胃球菌、产琥珀酸丝状杆菌、嗜淀粉瘤胃杆菌和栖瘤胃普雷沃氏菌数量低于其余各组(P<0.05)。综上可知,TVFA浓度、微生物数量及酶活力随CCO的添加量增加而降低;CCO的最大添加量不宜超过日粮干物质的3%。     

豫西黄土丘陵区洛阳市森林植被碳储量和碳密度研究

利用豫西黄土丘陵区代表区域洛阳地区2007年二类森林资源调查数据,采用政府间气候变化委员会（IPCC）推荐的方法和平均生物量法,估算该地区不同森林植被类型和乔木林不同树种、林龄、起源的碳储量和碳密度,并对其分布特征进行研究。结果表明：洛阳地区森林植被总碳储量为31．45 Tg （1 Tg＝1×1012 g）,乔木林碳储量为25．06 Tg,森林植被平均碳密度为38．81 Mg／hm2（1 Mg＝1×106 g）,乔木林平均碳密度为42．08 Mg／hm2,不同森林植被类型的碳储量依次为：乔木林＞四旁树＞经济林＞灌木＞竹林＞散生木＞疏林,乔木林树种中栎类的碳储量最高,落叶松的碳密度最高。森林植被碳储量、碳密度空间分布不平衡,但大致呈自东北向西南递增的趋势。乔木林碳储量以幼、中龄林为主,各龄级中成熟林的碳密度最高。洛阳地区森林植被具有较大的固碳潜力。     

甘南亚高山草甸弃耕演替过程中的物种多样性与生产力变化模式及相互关系研究

物种多样性与生产力之间的关系一直是生态学领域的研究热点。本研究通过采用空间代替时间的方法,对甘南亚高山草甸退耕时间为5,9,14,19,30年以及顶极群落样地的物种多样性、地上生物量进行调查、分析,探讨亚高山草甸弃耕地演替过程中物种多样性、生产力的变化规律及其相关关系,结果表明,1)弃耕地演替过程中,随着演替时间的推移,植物物种多样性先升后降,呈单峰曲线;2)在演替的前期生产力迅速提高,在第19年时达到最高的183.77g/m²,之后,生产力基本保持稳定;3)在演替过程中物种多样性与生产力呈正相关关系,在顶极群落中物种多样性与生产力之间无明显的相关关系;4)演替过程中群落中物种-多度分布模式由生态位优先占领型逐渐转变为对数-正态分布。     

The origin and course of the greater,lesser and least thoracic splanchnic nerves in New Zealand rabbits

In this study, the origin and course of the greater, lesser and least splanchnic nerves was investigated in 12 adult New Zealand rabbits with regard to sex and the side of the body. There were no significant differences between the female and male rabbits. The greater and lesser splanchnic nerves were present in all the cadavers examined. However, the least splanchnic nerve was found on the right side in 50% of the cadavers (nos. 2, 4, 6, 7, 11 and 12), and on the left side in 75% (1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11 and 12). With regard to the origin and pattern of the greater, lesser and least splanchnic nerves, there were significant differences between the right and left sides of the body even in the same rabbit. No significant difference was observed between sexes.     

Distribution and sequence of pyknotic cells in rat fetuses exposed to busulfan

Busulfan, an antineoplastic bifunctional-alkylating agent, is known to induce developmental anomalies. In the present study, we examined the distribution and sequence of pyknotic cells in rat fetal tissues exposed to busulfan. Pregnant rats on gestation day 13 were administered intraperitoneally 30 mg/kg of busulfan, and fetal tissues were examined at 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96 hours after treatment (HAT). Pyknosis of component cells was observed markedly in the brain, moderately in the eyes and spinal cord and mildly in the craniofacial tissue, mandible, limb buds, tail bud, ganglions, alimentary tract, lungs, kidneys, pancreas and liver. In the brain, mitotic inhibition was also detected. Most of the pyknotic cells were considered to be apoptotic cells judging from the results of TUNEL staining and electron microscopic examination. Commonly in the above-mentioned tissues, pyknotic cells began to increase at 24 HAT, peaked at 36 or 48 HAT and disappeared at 96 HAT, which is when the histological picture returned to normal in most tissues except for the brain, spinal cord and eyes. The present study clarified the outline of busulfan-induced apoptosis in rat fetuses.     

鸭茅生理生态及育种学研究进展

对鸭茅生理、生态及育种的国内外研究进展进行综述.结果显示,鸭茅适宜于气候凉爽(日均温低于25℃)、土壤水分充足(田间持水量78%～84%)、土壤肥力较高(含氮量为60～80 mg/kg土,N、P、K比率为6∶1∶2)的生境,且短日照和低温条件有利于诱导开花.鸭茅的耐盐性较差,抗寒性及抗病性则因原产地不同而差异显著,对夏季干旱表现为半休眠和不适应.但鸭茅竞争适应能力较强,可与部分豆科草和禾本科草形成稳定、高产的混生群落,适宜放牧、刈割,且通过人工摘顶可提高人工草地中鸭茅种群的适应性.近20年来,通过抗性选育、组织培养及转基因技术等方法已经获得大量优良的品种.我国鸭茅栽培应用日益广泛,但严重缺乏相应配套技术和满足生产不同需求的品种.