Web spider abundance is affected by sheep farming in the Karoo§

Impacts of livestock farming include effects on arthropods and a range of related ecological processes. Grazing by sheep may indirectly affect web spider populations by changing vegetation structures available for web construction, or directly by trampling the spiders or their webs. We tested these two potential impacts by surveying spiders along transects and found that web spider abundance was 52% lower in a sheep grazing area compared with inside the adjacent Tierberg-LTER (Long Term Ecological Research) sheep exclosure. This reduction in web-spider abundance could be due to the 10% lower shrub cover in the sheep pasture than in the exclosure. Further support for the hypothesis that web spider abundance is affected by shrub cover came from spider abundance being higher on densely vegetated mounds, termed heuweltjies, than in the surrounding shrub matrix in both the exclosure and the sheep pasture, with heuweltjies showing cross-fence differences, consistent with grazing impacts. In addition, there may be a direct effect of trampling, as suggested by experimental removal of webs. By depressing spider populations, sheep grazing may affect a number of ecological factors, such as trophic relationships or nutrient cycling.     

The long-term effects of fire regime on primary production of montane grasslands in South Africa

Natural grasslands deliver essential ecosystem services through plant production, which enhances water supply, nutrient cycling, soil retention and greenhouse gas mitigation. Although the condition of montane grasslands for provision of ecosystem services is maintained by regular annual or biennial burning, controversy exists over the impact of different frequencies and seasons of burning on grassland productivity. The objective of this study was to determine the long-term effects of different burning regimes on primary production and quality of the montane grasslands of the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg. There were no significant differences in the mean standing live mass between 30 years of annual winter and biennial spring burning. However, in unburnt areas productivity was 20% lower (118.2?g m?2) than in regularly burnt grassland (144.7–154.5?g m?2). Crude protein did not vary between the annual winter and biennial spring treatments (95–113?kg ha?1), but was significantly lower in unburned areas (45?kg ha^?1). However, an infrequent fire in a protected area caused a temporary spike in crude protein (16%) compared with regular burning (5–10%), which can benefit wildlife. We conclude that montane grasslands can be burnt annually or biennially in the dormant season to promote long-term productivity.     

Short-Term Response of Two Beneficial Invertebrate Groups to Wildfire in an Arid Grassland System,United States

Rangeland invertebrates contribute greatly to biodiversity and provide important services including pollination, pest control, and nutrient cycling. As wildfire frequency increases across these areas of the United States, it is imperative to understand how these disturbances affect beneficial invertebrate communities. We examined bee (Hymenoptera), spider (Araneae), and vegetative communities 1 yr before and 1 yr after a large wildfire swept across an intact grassland in eastern Oregon. Several sites were left unburned after the fire, and a before-after-control-impact study design was used to assess changes within the communities. Fire had no effect on bee or spider abundance, or spider diversity or richness; however, fire significantly increased native bee diversity and richness. In addition, composition of both native bee and spider communities differed significantly between burned and unburned areas 1 yr after the fire. Sheet web spiders (Linyphiidae) and several bee species (primarily large, generalist species) were associated with burned sites. Invasive annual grass and biological soil crust cover decreased significantly in burned sites, but maximum vegetation height and litter cover did not differ significantly among treatments. Forb abundance increased in burned sites; however, species richness of forbs in burned and unburned sites did not differ significantly 1 yr after the fire. Several forbs were indicative of burned areas including non-native species, such as Douglas’ knotweed (Polygonum douglasii) and Russian thistle (Salsola tragus), and native species such as Canadian horseweed (Conyza canadensis), hoary tansyaster (Machaeranthera canescens), and tall willowherb (Epilobium brachycarpum). This study demonstrates that both invertebrate and plant communities show strong short-term responses to wildfire, and our results can be used to inform management of rare habitat and biodiversity in rangelands impacted by wildfire in arid grasslands.     

The effect of fire on a small mammal community

Information is provided on the survival of a small mammal community monitored before and after fire passed through part of a grassland study area. Praomys natalensis and Lem- niscomys griselda populations were not affected by the fire itself. Possible survival strategies are discussed. All the L. griselda survivors were retrapped in the unburnt grassland after the fire. Some of the P. natalensis survivors were re- trapped in unburnt grassland whilst some remained in the burnt area. Post-burn mortality of the latter group was high. Factors involved in post-burn habitat selection are discussed.     

Effects of seed and seedling predation by small mammals on seedling recruitment of Protea neriifolia in Swartboskloof,Cape Province

Seed and seedling predation by small mammals, thought to be significant factors controlling the recruitment of Proteaceae in fynbos shrublands, were studied in a fynbos shrubland before and after a fire in March 1987. Seeds of Protea neriifolia R.Br. were planted inside and outside 14 mm mesh exclosures. The abundance of small mammals was recorded at two fynbos and five forest sites before the fire and at an additional forest and fynbos site after the fire. Seed predation reduced seedling recruitment from seeds planted in March 1986 in mature fynbos, but the reduction was significant only at the site with the highest abundance of small mammals. Seed predation did not significantly reduce seedling recruitment from seed planted in July, August and September 1986 in mature fynbos. The primary cause of seedling mortality before the fire was wilting, presumably owing to moisture stress. After the fire small mammal abundance decreased in burnt fynbos and increased in unburnt forest refuges until eight months after the fire when it increased again in the fynbos to a maximum of 41 animals per 100 trapnights two years after the fire. Seedling predation by small mammals had a limited impact after the fire probably because their numbers dropped soon after the fire. The effects of seed predation did not decrease with increasing distance from a forest refuge. Fungal pathogens and herbivory by insects were the primary causes of seedling mortality after the fire. Small mammal abundance in mature fynbos 25–30 years after a fire may have been too low to prevent the recruitment of a second cohort of P. neriifolia seedlings.     

Vegetation dynamics after experimental fire disturbance in the arid Succulent Karoo,South Africa

Disturbance by fire in the Succulent Karoo is rare but fire events could increase as a result of an increase in grassiness (alien and indigenous species). This study assessed the effects of fire eight years after an experimentally induced burn in Succulent Karoo vegetation. Post-fire monitoring was conducted using the line intercept method and species counts per plot (1 m²) for each of three fire disturbance treatments: control/unburnt, high and low fuel load. Vegetation cover and abundance were compared across treatments and growth forms. Vegetation cover and abundance on fire-disturbed plots had not returned to pre-fire levels after eight years. Resprouters exhibited a rapid recovery and early dominance on burnt plots. Succulent seedlings established slower, but after eight years occurred at higher densities on the burnt than control plots. Recovery after disturbance of density and cover of long-lived, woody non-resprouter non-succulents was slow relative to resprouting non-succulents and reseeding succulents. This study of vegetation change following fire disturbance in an arid system highlights the slow return of canopy cover, immediate regrowth of only two resprouter species and slower re-establishment by seed of non-resprouter species. In addition, fire disturbance led to the numerical dominance of succulents within the first decade after the fire.     

冬季火烧对青藏高原亚高山草甸草地地上生产力和植物群落的影响

以2010年1月21日发生于青藏高原亚高山草甸草地火灾的过火草地为对象,通过对比2010年生长季火烧与未火烧草地生产力及植物群落的变化,发现火烧后第1年草地生产力有不同程度提高,以高寒灌丛草甸线叶嵩草+发草+苔草草地增产影响最大(P0.05)。火烧对植物群落中的种类成分没有明显影响,但在各火烧草地牧草经济类群中,以占优势的莎草科植物呈现出明显的增产效果(P0.05),说明火烧对根茎型莎草科植物起着刺激生长的作用。群落中禾本科植物产草量均有较大幅度下降(P0.05),表明火烧对根茎型禾本科高草的叶层高度有明显的抑制。火烧对各类草地植物生长期产生不同的影响,牧草返青期提前15~25d,生长期延长。     

Bone-collecting habits of spotted hyaenas Crocuta crocuta in the Kruger National Park

An examination of 18 Crocuta crocuta dens in the Kruger National Park, showed that this species can be responsible for bone assemblages at dens, more so at permanent sites such as granite or calcrete caves than at temporarily occupied aardvark holes or road culverts. Because of the facultative nature of food-transporting behaviour, the rate at which bones are accumulated at dens varies, ranging from no bones collected to nine food items collected per month. The relative abundance of ungulate species represented in the large assemblages resembles that of ungulates living in the region surrounding a den.     

Fleas parasitizing domestic dogs in Spain

In addition to their importance to veterinary clinical practice as ectoparasites, fleas of domestic dogs are of special concern because they can be vectors of disease, including zoonoses. Flea assemblages parasitizing domestic dogs usually comprise several flea species whose distribution is determined by factors acting at several scales. Knowledge of these factors will aid in assessment of the distribution patterns of flea parasitism, and is an important tool in developing control strategies and in evaluation of flea-borne disease risk in dogs and humans. In this survey we used data from 744 domestic dogs from 79 localities in Spain to explore the associations between the abundance of flea species, host-dependent factors (sex and age), and host habitat factors including abode (farm, house with garden, apartment), location (urban or rural), the presence of other pets, and dog activity (measured as the frequency with which dogs left their abode). We also considered environmental factors including the time of year and mean annual temperature and rainfall. Variations in flea community structure at infracommunity and component community levels were also explored. Four flea species were found parasitizing dogs. Ctenocephalides felis was the most abundant (88.02% of fleas identified), followed by Ctenocephalides canis (10.38%), Pulex irritans (1.47%) and Echidnophaga gallinacea (0.13%). Overall flea abundance was higher on dogs living on farms than in apartments, as was the abundance of Ct. felis, Ct. canis and P. irritans. Ct. felis was more abundant on dogs living in houses than in apartments, but the reverse was found for P. irritans. Overall flea abundance and Ct. canis abundance were highest in rural areas, whereas the presence of other pets sharing the abode was associated with higher overall flea abundance and Ct. felis abundance. Only P. irritans abundance was positively related to the activity of dogs. Ct. canis and P. irritans abundances were higher during the warm period of the year. Mean annual temperature was negatively correlated with overall, Ct. canis and P. irritans abundances, but positively related to Ct. felis abundance. Annual rainfall was negatively correlated with Ct. canis and P. irritans abundances. Variations in the number of flea species found on a dog reflected the abundance distribution patterns for each species and their associations with host habitat and environmental factors. At the component community level, flea species richness was inversely related to annual mean temperature. The structure of flea assemblages on dogs was mainly associated with host habitat and environmental variables, and not with host-dependent variables. However, a large amount of variation in flea abundance remained unexplained, suggesting the effect of other non-controlled factors.     

Composition and seasonal variability of the suprabenthic reef-fish assemblage in False Bay,South Africa

The composition and seasonal variability of a False Bay suprabenthic reef-fish assemblage was investigated monthly at a protected reef site (to a depth of 25 m) for 14 months. In total, 25 484 fish from 28 species (26 demersal) were counted. Sparids dominated the assemblage (50 % of species and 87.3 % of individuals), followed by cheilodactylids (15.4 % of species and 7.5 % of individuals). Pachymetopon blochii (30.6 %), Sarpa salpa (17.7 %), Boopsoidea inornata (16.1 %), Chrysoblephus laticeps (10.4 %) and Spondyliosoma emarginatum (9.2 %) were the five most abundant species, while the ten most abundant species made up over 93 % of censused individuals. Composition was relatively stable year round, irrespective of water temperature variations, with 16 of the 26 reef-fish species censused encountered during more than 10 monthly censuses. Triakus megalopterus and large Chrysoblephus gibbiceps were the only species whose abundance appeared to vary seasonally.     

A survey of the fish fauna of Transkei estuaries Part Two: The Mbashe Estuary

The species composition, seasonal abundance and spatial distribution of the fish fauna of the Mbashe estuary (8 km long) was determined by means of gill nets. During the 37 month survey period, 2908 fish (2319,8 kg), comprising 27 species, were caught. The family Mugilidae, representing 58,8% of the numbers and 57,4% of the biomass, predominated the catches. In terms of biomass M. cephalus, A. hololepidotus and P. commersonnii were the most important species. Seasonal patterns for 10 of the 27 species were observed. M. cephalus, A. hololepidotus and L. amia were more abundant in spring/summer, E machnata and V. buchanani in spring, P. commersonnii and L. tricuspidens increased numerically in winter and M. capensis in autumn, Johnius dussumieri and Valamugil cunnesius were rare in winter and summer, respectively. Largest catches were made in the middle reaches of the estuary followed by the upper and lower reaches, respectively.     

How seed defense and seed abundance predict dispersal and survival patterns in Camellia

Little is known about how seed defense and seed abundance interact with behavioral responses of seed dispersers to predict dispersal and survival dynamics in animal‐dispersed plants. By tracking the fate of individual seeds in Camellia stands with high and low seed abundance in Southwest China in 2007, we investigated the dispersal and survival of 2 high‐saponin Camellia species (Camellia oleifera and Camellia sinensis and 1 non‐saponin species (peanut Arachis hypogaea) as a control. Saponins in Camellia seeds are chemical compounds that act as seed defense. Our results were most consistent with the predictions based on the predator satiation hypothesis and the plant defense hypothesis. At the abundant Camellia stand (predators and dispersers were satiated), more Camellia seeds survived at the source but fewer were hoarded and survived at cache sites. At the sparse Camellia stand (predators and dispersers were not satiated), no Camellia seeds survived at the source, but more Camellia seeds were hoarded and survived at cache sites. Unlike Camellia seeds, no peanuts survived at the source at both stands, while more peanuts were hoarded and then survived at cache sites in the abundant Camellia stand compared to none at the sparse Camellia stand. In addition, the 2 Camellia species showed similar trends for seed fates across different dispersal stages. Our study indicates that the combined effects of seed abundance and seed defense, compared to their separate effects, provide a more accurate prediction for dispersal and survival patterns in animal‐dispersed Camellia species.     

湖南省黄鳝源胃瘤线虫生物学特性研究

胃瘤线虫病是一种由寄生于鱼类、鸟类体内的线虫引起的疾病,对野生动物保护、养殖业均构成较大威胁。试验于2012年4月-2013年4月用蠕虫学剖检方法检查了58839副黄鳝内脏胃瘤线虫的感染情况,并对其感染平均丰度、虫体长度、体长与存活时间关系进行观察与分析,同时测定了黄鳝血液pH。结果显示,胃瘤线虫的平均丰度为5.45%,其中春夏季平均丰度（7.85%）大于秋冬季平均丰度（4.08%）,野生黄鳝平均丰度（4.08%）明显高于养殖黄鳝平均丰度（1.10%）,表明胃瘤线虫平均丰度受季节及养殖方式的影响;测量300条胃瘤线虫平均长度为49.69 mm(体长范围为26.80～70.50 mm),春夏季及秋冬季虫体平均长度分别为47.10、54.86 mm,表明胃瘤线虫秋冬季长度整体长于春夏季;虫体长度在＜30、30～39.9、40～49.9、50～59.9、＞60 mm的平均存活时间分别为2.5、3.6、4.4、5.4、9.0 d,表明虫体存活时间与虫体长度呈一定的正相关;黄鳝血液pH无明显季节性变化。本试验结果可为湖南省胃瘤线虫病防制提供依据。     

Plant and Small Vertebrate Composition and Diversity 36–39 Years After Root Plowing

Root plowing is a common management practice to reduce woody vegetation and increase herbaceous forage for livestock on rangelands. Our objective was to test the hypotheses that four decades after sites are root plowed they have 1) lower plant species diversity, less heterogeneity, greater percent canopy cover of exotic grasses; and 2) lower abundance and diversity of amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals, compared to sites that were not disturbed by root plowing. Pairs of 4-ha sites were selected for sampling: in each pair of sites, one was root plowed in 1965 and another was not disturbed by root plowing (untreated). We estimated canopy cover of woody and herbaceous vegetation during summer 2003 and canopy cover of herbaceous vegetation during spring 2004. We trapped small mammals and herpetofauna in pitfall traps during late spring and summer 2001–2004. Species diversity and richness of woody plants were less on root-plowed than on untreated sites; however, herbaceous plant and animal species did not differ greatly between treatments. Evenness of woody vegetation was less on root-plowed sites, in part because woody legumes were more abundant. Abundance of small mammals and herpetofauna varied with annual rainfall more than it varied with root plowing. Although structural differences existed between vegetation communities, secondary succession of vegetation reestablishing after root plowing appears to be leading to convergence in plant and small animal species composition with untreated sites.     

Habitat use and demography of Mus musculus in a rural landscape of Argentina

The main goal of the paper was to determine the habitat distribution of the house mouse (Mus musculus) within a rural landscape of Buenos Aires province, Argentina. We also studied the seasonal variation in abundance and reproductive activity. The habitats studied were poultry farms, human houses in a small village, cropfields, pastures, cropfield and pasture edges, riparian habitats (streams), railway embankments and woodlots. We captured 817 M. musculus and 690 individuals of 5 native rodent species. M. musculus was captured in poultry farms, houses, riparian habitats, cropfield and borders, but it showed a significantly higher abundance in poultry farms compared to the other habitats. Its presence outside poultry farms was significantly related to the distance to streams and poultry farms. The mean trapping success index of M. musculus did not show significant variations between periods, but the proportion of active males was significantly higher in the spring–summer period than in the autumn–winter period. All captures of M. musculus in cropfields, borders and riparian habitats occurred in the spring–summer period. The capture of M. musculus in many types of habitats suggests that it can disperse outside poultry farms, and streams may be used as corridors.     

Spatial and Temporal Variation of Whirling Disease Risk in Montana Spring Creeks and Rivers

Abstract

Spring creeks are important spawning and rearing areas for wild trout, but the stable flows, cool temperatures, and high nutrient levels that characterize these unique habitats may also make them highly susceptible to establishment and proliferation of the whirling disease pathogen Myxobolus cerebralis. We evaluated the spatial and temporal dynamics in whirling disease risk by using sentinel rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss fry in nine different spring creeks and their conjoining rivers or reservoirs in Montana over a 20-month period. Whirling disease risk was high in five of the seven pathogen-positive spring creek study sites; at these sites, prevalence levels exceeded 90% and over 50% of sentinel fry had moderate to high infection severity scores. Spring creeks generally had higher disease prevalence and severity than paired river or reservoir sites. Fine sediment levels varied widely among springs creeks with high and low whirling disease risk, and we found no significant association between fine sediment level and infection severity. The low risk measured for some spring creeks was likely attributable to the pathogen invasion being in its early stages rather than to environmental characteristics limiting the severity of infection. High whirling disease risk occurred over a wide range of temperatures at spring creek sites (4.5–13°C) and river sites (1.7–12.5°C). There was an unusual seasonal cycle of infection in spring creeks, with peak infection levels occurring from late fall to early spring and declining to near zero in late spring to early fall. The low infection risk during spring suggests that spring-spawning trout would be at a low risk of infection, even in spring creeks with otherwise high disease severity. In contrast, fry of fall-spawning trout may be much more susceptible to infection in spring creek environments.

Received November 22, 2011; accepted May 7, 2012     

Shoot and root biomass allocation and competitive hierarchies of four South African grass species on light,soil resources and cutting gradients

We examined the competitive ability and response to light (shaded or unshaded), nutrients (50% Hoaglands solution or tap water), water (frequent or infrequent watering) and cutting (cut or uncut) of four grass species that differ in their traits, habitat preferences and responses to management practices in KwaZulu-Natal. All species produced the greatest biomass in high-nutrient high-water treatments. Short to medium-height grass species, such as Themeda triandra and Aristida junciformis, produced nearly double the biomass of taller species such as Hyparrhenia hirta and Eragrostis curvula in the low-nutrient treatments, with the reverse being true in the high-nutrient treatments. Themeda triandra and A. junciformis produced the greatest root biomass both in the low- and high-nutrient treatments. The shorter species produced relatively greater root than shoot mass, with the reverse being true of the taller species. Tall species did not produce relatively less, when cut, or relatively more, when shaded, than the shorter species. However, A. junciformis and E. curvula were more shade-tolerant than the other species, suggesting that their increase in abundance with infrequent fire is due to the shading by litter in unburnt grassland. The competitive hierarchy among species reversed between low- and high-nutrient treatments, with A. junciformis and H. hirta having the greatest competitive effect on T. triandra in low- and high-nutrient treatments, respectively. These results contribute to an understanding of species distributions on fertility and burning gradients.     

Hemolymph biochemistry reference ranges for wild-caught Goliath birdeater spiders (Theraphosa blondi) and Chilean rose spiders (Grammostola rosea).

Theraphosid spiders have become increasingly popular for private and public uses in the United States. However, little is known about their physiology from a medical standpoint. This study represents the first attempt to establish reference hemolymph values for two common species of theraphosids, the goliath birdeater spider (Theraphosa blondi) and the Chilean rose spider (Grammostola rosea). Eleven T. blondi and twelve G. rosea, all wild-caught subadults, were obtained after importation and hemolymph was collected for biochemical analysis. After 8 wk of captivity, hemolymph was again collected from the spiders and analyzed. The biochemical analytes measured in the study included aspartate transferase, creatine kinase, glucose, total protein, albumin, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen, phosphorous, calcium, potassium, and sodium. The osmolality of the hemolymph was estimated for each spider using two different formulae. There were significant differences in body weight, sodium, potassium, and osmolality between the sampling times for both species. There were also significant differences in creatine kinase, calcium, total protein, and blood urea nitrogen between sampling periods for T. blondi. The results of this study suggest that serial hemolymph samples may be used to assess the hydration status of theraphosid spiders. In addition, the differences in hemolymph analytes between spiders suggest that there may be differences between species that should be addressed in future studies.     

冬季火烧对黄土高原典型草原群落特征及土壤特征的影响

本研究采用野外样方调查和室内分析相结合的方法,分析了黄土高原典型草原冬季火烧区和未火烧区植物群落的物种组成、功能群组成、物种多样性、地上生物量,以及土壤有机碳和全氮。结果表明：冬季火烧显著降低了多年生禾草的重要值,而提高了多年生杂类草的重要值,而对一、二年生草本和灌木、半灌木功能群的重要值影响不显著。冬季火烧显著提高了灌木、半灌木在群落中的比例,并且降低了一、二年生草本的比例,但对多年生禾草和多年生杂类草的比例影响不显著。灌木、半灌木功能群的丰富度指数在火烧地显著大于未火烧地,而一、二年生草本的丰富度指数显著小于未火烧地。冬季火烧显著降低多年生禾草功能群的生物量和显著提高多年生杂类草功能群的生物量。火烧草地的土壤有机碳和全氮含量在0～10 cm土层中均显著高于未火烧草地。     

Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) Diets Relative to the Energy Requirements of Small Mygalomorph Spiders (Paraphysa sp.)

This article describes the basic prey requirements of Paraphysa sp., a small mygalomorph spider from the central Andes. Paraphysa sp. can be maintained in captivity using mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) as its primary food source. During a period of 66 days the prey requirements (larvae/day) were calculated for weight maintenance and compared with findings of previously reported resting and active metabolic rates. The spiders in this study ate at frequencies between 0.18 and 0.59 larvae/day, with an average of 0.43 ± 0.14 larvae/day. From the regression line between frequency of feeding (larvae/day) and weight gain, we determined that 0.31 larvae/day were needed for a weight gain of 0. Thus, for the spiders to increase their weight, they would need to eat more than 1 larva every 3 days. This frequency yields a caloric intake of 0.193 kcal/d, or equivalently, a carbon dioxide production of 0.189 mL CO₂/g·h. The findings in this report are greater than the resting metabolic rate at 35°C, and they agree with the active metabolic requirements of this spider in the field.