Successful eradication of the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and house mouse (Mus musculus) from the island of Selvagem Grande (Macaronesian archipelago), in the Eastern Atlantic

The Portuguese island of Selvagem Grande (Great Salvage) in Macaronesia is an important seabird breeding station in the eastern Atlantic. Significant populations of Cory's shearwater Calonectris diomedea (Scopoli, 1769), Bulwer's petrel Bulweria bulweria (Jardine & Selby, 1828) and little shearwater Puffinus assimilis baroli (Bonaparte, 1857) are present, and white-faced storm-petrel Pelagodroma marina (Latham, 1790) and Madeiran storm-petrel Oceanodroma castro (Harcourt, 1851) populations are of global significance. Selvagem Grande also provides diverse habitats for an extensive flora, including 11 endemic species. The 270-ha island was also inhabited by two alien invasive mammals: the European rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus (Linnaeus, 1758) and the house mouse Mus musculus (Linnaeus, 1758). Both are known to have had adverse impacts on breeding seabirds and island vegetation. In 2002, the Natural Park of Madeira conducted a program using brodifacoum bait formulations aimed at rabbit and mouse eradication. Approximately 17 000 individual baiting points were established on a 12.5 × 12.5 m grid. Baits were also applied by hand “seeding” on steep slopes and cliffs where bait stations could not be placed. Rabbits were removed after a month. However, mice persisted for considerably longer and strategic bait applications against them continued for a further six months. Subsequent assessments by trapping, bait takes and systematic observation of signs over three years, has confirmed the removal of both alien invasive species. This paper presents information on these operations, on measures adopted to mitigate adverse impacts of the eradication program on important vertebrate non-target species, including Berthelot's pipit Anthus berthelotii Bolle, 1862 and a species of gecko Tarentola bischoffi Joger, 1984 and on the initial response of the island's ecosystem to the eradication of rabbits and mice.     

Colour Change in Leptotyphlops Scutifrons (Peters) and Notes on its Defensive Behaviour

Some adult males defended territories of up to 40 ha in size all year round. Most males were seen both alone and with females on their territories. Males did not have permanent harems, since groups of females were fluid in composition and highly mobile. Groups of females moved into and out of male territories at will, despite attempts by the male to prevent them leaving.

For ten marked males the minimum period spent on a territory ranged from 6,5 to 26 months. These males appeared to cover a wide age-range from young adult to old. Results of a quantitative study of daily activity of selected territorial males are presented. Males were observed for 12 consecutive daylight hours for a total of 13 days. The most important activity on a year-round basis was grazing. Courtship and defence of territory were second in importance.

Aspects of territorial behaviour, such as courtship displays, defence of territory (by chasing out trespassing males), and advertising of territory by means of linked urination-defaecation displays on discrete dung-sites, are described.     

成都平原区植物群落种间机遇机率(PIE)与种间联结测定分析

通过测定论述了成都平原区荒芜草坪2个群落及20个(直径30 cm)随机分布不同样圈中优势种之间及优势种与伴生种、偶见种之间的数量特征。重点探讨不同植物种间相遇机率(PIE)、种间联结与相关、物种相似性、种群密度(D)与频度(F)的关系。统计分析获知:优势种间的相遇机率较高,伴生种、偶见种较低。但2个群落的PIE均属较高,分别为0．8787和0．8166。种间联结关系是马唐与狗牙根、马兰与香附子均属正联结,相关关系显著,互为依存。     

干旱和盐胁迫对鸭茅叶绿素荧光动力学参数的影响

为了研究鸭茅对干旱、盐胁迫的回馈,采用随机区组盆栽试验。试验包括4种相对含水量处理,相对含水量为75%(CK)、55%、35%、20%和3种盐浓度(100,70和35 mmol/L),以相对含水量75%作为对照,研究干旱胁迫和盐胁迫对叶绿素荧光参数的影响。结果表明:随着相对含水量的减少,鸭茅的非光化学荧光淬灭(NPQ)幅度逐渐降低,光化学淬灭系数(qP)逐渐增加;最大光化学效率(Fv/Fm)、潜在活性(Fv/F0)逐渐减少;电子传递速度(ETR)逐渐降低;实际原初光能的捕获效率Y(Ⅱ)降低。但在极度干旱胁迫时,热耗散能力降低,光合作用上升,潜在最大光合效率和潜在光合效率增加,实际原初光能的捕获效率增加;表明在极度干旱的条件下,鸭茅的内部机制会做出相应的反应,来避免恶劣的环境。盐胁迫时,低浓度促进热耗散幅度抑制光合作用,相反高浓度抑制剩余光能的转化和促进光合效率;鸭茅的Fv/Fm先上升后下降,Fv/F0与Fv/Fm有相同的趋势;ETR先上升后减少,原初光能的捕获效率先增加后降低。综合评定,鸭茅受盐胁迫影响大于干旱胁迫。     

宁夏大农业内部系统耦合初探--I 牧区育成农区育肥畜牧业生产体制现状调查(以平罗县为例)

从宁夏灌溉农业区与草原牧区、半牧区的地理分布、饲草料资源的种类、数量以及冷暖两季农牧两区的生产特点进行分析,以平罗县城关家畜交易市场的上市羊只的数量、价格变化规律等为依据,初步论述了宁夏农牧两大区在时空上实现牧区育成、农区充 的畜牧业生产机制的可能性与发展潜力。     

不同草地恢复方式对新麦草草地土壤和植被的影响

通过草地补播、草地施肥、草地重耙以及草地施肥结合地重耙等不同的草地恢复方式,对退化新草草地土壤和植被影响进行研究,探讨华北农牧交错带地区人工草地恢复的最佳方式。试验结果表明：不同的草地恢复方式对草地的恢复效果不同,补播适合于重度退化的新麦草草地,施氮肥、重耙和施氮＋重耙适合轻度退化的草地。     

Prevalence of Salmonella, Yersinia and Campylobacter spp. in feral raccoons (Procyon lotor) and masked palm civets (Paguma larvata) in Japan

To estimate the public and animal health risk that alien species pose, the prevalence of Salmonella, Yersinia, and Campylobacter spp. in feral raccoons (Procyon lotor, n=459) and masked palm civets (Paguma larvata, n=153), which are abundant alien species in Japan, was investigated in urban and suburban areas of Japan. Salmonella enterica was detected from 29 samples [26 raccoons, 5.7%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 7.8-3.5%; three masked palm civets, 2.0%, 95% CI 4.2-0%]. Many of the isolates belonged to serovars that are commonly isolated from human gastroenteritis patients (e.g. S. Infantis, S. Typhimurium, and S. Thompson). The antimicrobial susceptibility test showed that 26.9 % of the isolates from raccoons were resistant to at least one antimicrobial agent, whereas none of the isolates from masked palm civets were resistant. Yersinia sp. was detected from 193 samples (177 raccoons, 38.6%, 95% CI 43.0-34.1%; 16 masked palm civets, 10.5%, 95% CI 15.3-5.6%). All virulent Yersinia strains belonged to Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, which was isolated from seven (1.5%, 95% CI 2.6-0.4%) raccoons and six (3.9%, 95% CI 7.0-0.8%) masked palm civets. According to the detection of virulence factors, all the Y. pseudotuberculosis isolates belonged to the Far Eastern systemic pathogenicity type. Campylobacter spp. was detected from 17 samples (six raccoons, 1.3%, 95% CI 2.3-0.3%; 11 masked palm civets, 7.2%, 95% CI 11.3-3.1%). Among these, three isolates from raccoons were identified as C. jejuni. These results showed that these pathogens can be transmitted by human activities, other wild animals, and the environment to feral raccoons and masked palm civets, and vice versa. As these animals have omnivorous behaviour and a wide range of habitats, they can play an important role in the transmission of the enteric pathogens.     

关于长江、黄河源头地区草地现状以及成因的调查

综述了长江、黄河源头地区草地现状 ,分析了导致草地退化的主要原因 ,为江河源头植被保护提供了一定的参考价值     

Description and ecology of larvae of Glossogobius callidus and Redigobius dewaali (Gobiidae) from temperate South African estuaries

This paper describes the morphology and ecology of the larvae and early juveniles of two common gobiids in warm temperate South African estuaries. The early developmental stages of Glossogobius callidus and Redigobius dewaali were collected during plankton surveys in seven permanently open and five intermittently open estuaries along southeastern South Africa. Larval G. callidus have a characteristic ventral row of pigment that extends from the cleithral symphysis along the ventral midline of the tail to the end of the caudal peduncle; notochord flexion takes place at the yolk-sac stage, between 3 and 4 mm BL. Larval R. dewaali are characterized by having two very large stellate melanophores on the ventral surface of the trunk and tail, and internal pigment between the snout and hindgut; notochord flexion takes place between 4 and 6 mm. Body lengths at settlement for G. callidus and R. dewaali are 13 mm and 16 mm, respectively. G. callidus and R. dewaali dominate the larval gobiid catch in warm temperate estuaries. Estuary type and freshwater input played a defining role in the occurrence of larvae of these, often sympatric, species in temperate estuaries. Larval G. callidus occurred in both permanently open and intermittently open estuaries, and were most abundant in mesohaline regions over the spring/summer period. By contrast, larval R. dewaali occurred exclusively in permanently open estuaries and were more prevalent in the fresh and oligohaline regions in autumn. Larvae of both species were more prevalent in freshwater-rich estuaries. Densities of G. callidus and R. dewaali peaked at 101 and 3829 larvae per 100 m³respectively. The usefulness of using the early stages of these gobiids as indicators of estuarine health based on their specific and often prolific estuarine occurrence is discussed.     

圈养条件下东北松鼠对植物种子进食与贮藏的选择

20015年秋季，在哈尔滨针对圈养条件下的枣北松鼠对松子、核桃、橡子、玉米和瓜子等9种植物种子的进食和贮藏开展了研究。结果表明，东北松鼠对各种植物种子的进食选择和贮藏选择具有很大的差异性；松鼠的饥饿状况、食物的适口性、营养成分、可保存性都会影响松鼠对种子的进食和贮藏，特别是进食所需时间和贮藏所需时间是影响到其进食选择和贮藏选择的主要因素。松鼠对各种植物种子进食与贮藏的选择体现了其高效合理的觅食策略。     

Disentangling the identities and distribution patterns of the introduced beachfleas Orchestia gammarellus and Platorchestia platensis (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Talitridae) in South Africa

Two introduced beachfleas, Orchestia gammarellus and Platorchestia platensis, have been recorded from South Africa, but have been misidentified by some earlier researchers and, prior to this study, each was also known from just a few, scattered observations, such that their true distributions remained obscure. We illustrate both species to clarify the features that identify and distinguish them and determine their true distributions by re-examining historical samples and by collecting new material from estuaries and lagoons along the west and south coasts of South Africa. Adult males of O. gammarellus have slender antennae and characteristic expanded, flattened, oar-like distal segments on pereopod 7. Adult males of P. platensis have the peduncle of antenna 2 strongly swollen and have bulbous, but not flattened, distal segments on pereopod 7. Both species occur under wrack and other debris along the banks of estuaries and sheltered lagoons. Orchestia gammarellus is found only along the south-west coast, in the Berg River Estuary, Langebaan Lagoon and the Diep River Estuary. Previous records from Knysna were misidentifications of P. platensis. Platorchestia platensis is found at one west coast site, Langebaan Lagoon, but is widely distributed from Cape Point eastwards to at least Algoa Bay. Both species share the same habitats as several other native beachfleas and competitive interactions between native and introduced species merit investigation.     

Characteristics of prolactin-releasing response to salsolinol (SAL) and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in ruminants

The secretion of prolactin (PRL) is stimulated by thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), and inhibited by dopamine (DA). However, we have recently demonstrated that salsolinol (SAL), a DA-derived endogenous compound, is able to stimulate the release of PRL in ruminants. The aims of the present study were to compare the characteristics of the PRL-releasing response to SAL and TRH, and examine the relation between the effects that SAL and DA exert on the secretion of PRL in ruminants in vivo and in vitro. Three consecutive intravenous (i.v.) injections of SAL (5 mg/kg body weight (b.w.): 19.2 μmol/kg b.w.) or TRH (1 μg/kg b.w.: 2.8 nmol/kg b.w.) at 2-h intervals increased plasma PRL levels after each injection in goats (P < 0.05); however, the responses to SAL were different from those to TRH. There were no significant differences in each peak value between the groups. The rate of decrease in PRL levels following the peak was attenuated in SAL-treated compare to TRH-treated animals (P < 0.05). PRL-releasing responses to SAL were similar to those to sulpiride (a DA receptor antagonist, 0.1 mg/kg b.w.: 293.3 nmol/kg b.w.). In cultured bovine anterior pituitary (AP) cells, TRH (10⁻⁸ M) significantly increased the release of PRL following both 15- and 30-min incubation periods (P < 0.05), but SAL (10⁻⁶ M) did not increase the release during the same periods. DA (10⁻⁶ M) completely blocked the TRH-induced release of PRL for a 2-h incubation period in the AP cells (P < 0.05). Sulpiride (10⁻⁶ M) reversed this inhibitory effect but SAL (10⁻⁶ M) did not have any influence on the action of DA. These results show that the mechanism(s) by which SAL releases PRL is different from the mechanism of action of TRH. Furthermore, they also show that the secretion of PRL is under the inhibitory control of DA, and SAL does not antagonize the DA receptor's action.     

Effect of a prostaglandin F2 alpha analogue prostinfenem (15-methyl-PGF2 alpha), to induce luteolysis and oestrus in heifers.

Different doses of 15-methyl-PGF2 alpha (0.125-10 mg) were used to induce luteolysis and oestrus in 7 heifers with 28 treatments on day 8-12 of the oestrous cycle. Twenty-three out of 28 treatments gave the desired response and the animals showed signs of oestrus within 5 days post-injection. The doses of 0.25-10 mg can be used to induce luteolysis and oestrus. The dose of 0.125 mg was not effective to induce luteolysis and only 1 out of 4 treatments responded. When higher doses were given (1-10 mg), progesterone levels decreased more rapidly and reached 1 nmol/l 16.2 h earlier than in animals which responded to doses less than 1 mg. The minimum effective dose was considered to be 0.25 mg. Clinical signs of oestrus, regression of corpus luteum and variation in the interval to oestrus were similar as for PGF2 alpha or its other analogues. By measurement of the main circulating prostaglandin F2 alpha metabolite, it was found that an endogenous PGF2 alpha release occurred 1-3 days post-injection of 15-methyl-PGF2 alpha. Furthermore in cases of post-oestrous bleedings an endogenous PGF2 alpha release was also seen concomitantly with the bleeding. This prostaglandin analogue seems to be useful for farm management and can be an alternative to other PGF2 alpha analogues.     

Transmission of Cowdria ruminantium by Amblyomma gemma from Infected African Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) and Eland (Taurotragus oryx) to sheep

Two African buffalo (Syncerus caffer), an eland (Taurotragus oryx) and a waterbuck (Kobus defassa) were intravenously inoculated with Cowdria ruminantium (Kiswani). Amblyomma gemma nymphs were fed on the animals at 3 weekly intervals. Jugular blood was also collected at 3 weekly intervals and inoculated into sheep. Nymphal ticks that fed on one buffalo on days 16 and 37 and on the other buffalo on day 58 after infection transmitted the disease as adults to sheep. Nymphs that were applied to the eland 16 days after infection also transmitted the disease to sheep. No nymphs that had fed on the waterbuck transmitted the disease. This is the first report of transmission of heartwater by Amblyomma gemma from infected wild ruminant species to a susceptible domestic ruminant species.     

Production and Characterization of Monoclonal Antibodies to Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) Virus

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is an acute, febrile viral disease of small ruminants, caused by a virus of the genus Morbillivirus. PPR and rinderpest viruses are antigenically related and need to be differentiated serologically. In the present study, 23 mouse monoclonal antibodies were produced by polyethyleneglycol (PEG)-mediated fusion of sensitized lymphocytes and myeloma cells. Among these, two belong to the IgM class and the remaining 21 to various subclasses of IgG. The MAbs from the IgG class designated 4B6 and 4B11 neutralized PPR virus in vitro. In radioimmunoprecipitation assay, 10 MAbs recognized nucleoprotein, 4 recognized the matrix protein and one each haemagglutinin and phosphoprotein. The remaining 7 MAbs failed to precipitate any defined viral protein. The reactivity pattern of the monoclonal antibodies in indirect ELISA indicated a close antigenic relationship within three Indian PPR (lineage 4) virus isolates and also within two rinderpest vaccine strains. All PPR virus isolates could be distinguished from rinderpest vaccine viruses on the basis of the reactivity pattern of all MAbs and anti-N protein MAbs. A set of six monoclonal antibodies specific to PPR virus could also be identified from the panel. From the panel of MAbs available, two MAbs were selected for diagnostic applications, one each for the detection of antigens and antibodies to PPR virus.     

持久性有机污染物(POPs)对动物健康的危害及其对策

本文介绍《关于持久性有机污染物的斯德哥尔摩公约》已在我国生效,并阐述了POPs的概念、性质及分类;POPs对动物危害的事件;12种POPs对动物健康的危害以及防制对策.     

Behavioral and physiological responses of striped field mice (Apodemus agrarius) to predator odor

Predation risk is one of the most important selective forces in nature and has significant effects on the behavior and physiology of prey individuals. Prey species have evolved several different traits to reduce and avoid this predation pressure. This research aimed to determine the behavioral and physiological responses of striped field mice to predator risk. In the present study, we compared the agonistic behavior in male and female striped field mice (Apodemus agrarius Pallas, 1771) of the same sexes under the odor derived from a male Himalayan weasel (Mustela sibirica). Dyads were subjected to 5 min staged encounters in neutral arenas once a week for 3 weeks during which agonistic and social behaviors were recorded and fecal hormone concentrations were determined using pre‐column derivatization and high performance liquid chromatography methods. Furthermore, we also tested the effects of weasel odor on the adrenal glands. The results showed that: (i) male striped field mice did not exhibit any change in body weight and physiological characteristics but their aggressive behavior changed over time, and (ii) females responded to predation risk by significantly decreasing body mass and through increases in fecal cortisol levels and adrenal gland indices. These data show significant sex differences in the body weight, adrenal gland indices and fecal cortisol levels of striped field mouse under predation risk.     

猪乙型脑炎乳胶凝集试验与血凝抑制试验方法的比较

用血凝抑制试验 (HI)和乳胶凝集试验 (LAT)两种方法检测乙型脑炎弱毒疫苗免疫猪血清 ,结果均呈阳性反应。用LAT对来自 12个猪场的 94份猪血清进行了乙型脑炎病毒 (JEV)抗体检测 ,并与HI进行了对比 ,两种方法检测结果阳性符合率和总符合率分别为 90 .3% (5 6 /6 2 )和 88.3% (83/94 ) ,两种方法检测结果差异不显著 (p >0 .0 5 )。对来自无乙型脑炎的 12头健康猪血清进行检测 ,两种方法检测结果均为阴性。结果表明 ,用LAT与HI检测乙型脑炎结果符合 ,前者更为简便和实用。     

An Introduction and Practical Guide to Use of the Soil-Vegetation Inventory Method (SVIM) Data

Long-term vegetation dynamics across public rangelands in the western United States are not well understood because of the lack of large-scale, readily available historic datasets. The Bureau of Land Management’s Soil-Vegetation Inventory Method (SVIM) program was implemented between 1977 and 1983 across 14 western states, but the data have not been easily accessible. We introduce the SVIM vegetation cover dataset in a georeferenced, digital format; summarize how the data were collected; and discuss potential limitations and biases. We demonstrate how SVIM data can be compared with contemporary monitoring datasets to quantify changes in vegetation associated with wildfire and the abundance of exotic invasive species. Specifically, we compare SVIM vegetation cover data with cover data collected by BLM’s Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) program (2011–2016) in a focal area in the northern Great Basin. We address issues associated with analyzing and interpreting data from these distinct programs, including differences in survey methods and potential biases introduced by spatial and temporal variation in sampling. We compared SVIM and AIM survey methods at 44 plots and found that percent cover estimates had high correspondence for all measured functional groups. Comparisons between historic SVIM data and recent AIM data documented significant declines in the occupancy and cover of native shrubs and native perennial forbs, and a significant increase in exotic annual forbs. Wildfire was a driver of change for some functional groups, with greater change occurring in AIM plots that burned between the two time periods compared with those that did not. Our results are consistent with previous studies showing that many native shrub-dominated plant communities in the Great Basin have been replaced by exotic annuals. Our study demonstrates that SVIM data will be an important resource for researchers interested in quantifying vegetation change through time across public rangelands in the western United States.     

Responses to condensed tannins of flowering sulla (Hedysarum coronarium L.) grazed by dairy sheep: Part 1: Effects on feeding behaviour, intake, diet digestibility and performance

The concentration of condensed tannins (CT) in sulla (Hedysarum coronarium L.) is moderate and overall regarded as beneficial. However, the intake of this forage can reduce diet digestibility, particularly during flowering phase. An experiment was run to assess the effect of CT on feeding behaviour, intake, diet digestibility and performance of dairy sheep rotationally grazing sulla at flowering phase. Twenty-four late-lactating sheep were blocked in two homogeneous groups and submitted to the following treatments: i) twice daily drenching with 200 g/day of a 50% w/v water solution of an anti-tannic substance, polyethylene glycol, group PEG; ii) twice daily drenching with 200 g/day of water, group CON (Control group). All the sheep rotationally grazed as a flock two sulla plots from April to June (8 weeks in total). Sward height, herbage mass, botanical and chemical composition of the herbage were measured at the beginning and the end of each grazing period. The feeding behaviour (3 sheep per group) was continuously monitored for 24 h in 6 weeks using the IGER behaviour recorders. Herbage DM intake (DMI), dietary DM digestibility (DMD) and apparent CP digestibility (CPD) were estimated on 8 sheep per group by the n-alkane method. On average, PEG group had longer total grazing (503 ± 12 vs 460 ± 12 min, P < 0.05) and eating time (425 ± 13 vs 391 ± 13 min, P < 0.07) than CON group. Moreover PEG group showed shorter inter-meal intervals (41 ± 3 vs 52 ± 3, min, P < 0.05) and higher number of daily meals than CT-exposed group (24 ± 1 vs 19 ± 1 min, P < 0.01). The herbage DMI was not affected by the treatment whereas DMD (74.60 ± 3.48 vs 58.30 ± 3.01%), and CPD (60.14 ± 4.83 vs 38.21 ± 4.83%) were both increased by PEG administration (P < 0.05) confirming the negative effect of sulla CT on these variables. Milk yield tended to be higher in PEG than CON (1331 ± 45 vs 1205 ± 59 ml, P < 0.11). Milk protein content was similar between groups while milk fat content was higher in CON than PEG ewes (6.61 ± 0.15 vs 6.11 ± 0.15%, P < 0.05), being the reverse true for milk urea (46.04 ± 1.27 vs 53.04 ± 0.76%, P < 0.001). To conclude, this experiment shows that when sulla is grazed at flowering as monoculture, dietary CT can exert negative effects on DM and CP apparent digestibility, in this study partially counterbalanced by a better metabolic utilisation of the nutrients up-taken.