Dental microwear texture analysis in mammalian ecology
Abstract
Neoecology and paleoecology both seek to answer the same questions, albeit using different material, at different time scales and with different limitations. Nevertheless, too often, neoecologists neglect paleoecology, and paleoecologists only use neoecology as a baseline for actualism. One reason for this is the lack of tools that can be applied to both fields.
This is a review of the contributions to both neoecology and paleoecology of three‐dimensional (3D) dental microwear texture analysis (DMTA), a method that can act as a bridge between these fields.
DMTA studies can be grouped according to the type of ec...
Source: Mammal Review - January 20, 2016 Category: Zoology Authors: Ivan Calandra, Gildas Merceron Tags: Review Source Type: research
Biological matrices for sampling free‐ranging cetaceans and the implications of their use for reproductive endocrine monitoring
Abstract
Monitoring reproductive rates in wild cetaceans is a crucial step towards adequate management of their populations. Their reproductive hormone profiles can be of importance, especially when combined with behavioural or life history monitoring. Sampling biological matrices of wild, free‐ranging cetaceans can be a difficult task.
The purposes of this review are: to describe briefly the different methods available for monitoring the reproductive endocrine parameters of wild and captive cetaceans, and to evaluate the feasibility of using various matrices – blood, urine, faeces, saliva, bubbler, muscle, ocular sec...
Source: Mammal Review - January 11, 2016 Category: Zoology Authors: Daniela Magalhães Drummond de Mello, Cláudio Alvarenga de Oliveira Tags: Review Source Type: research
Bats and aquatic habitats: a review of habitat use and anthropogenic impacts
The objectives of the present review were to evaluate the importance of aquatic resources for bats and to identify the effects that eutrophication, water pollution, and other anthropogenic impacts on water bodies have on bats.
Most studies on bats and aquatic habitats have been conducted in Europe or in North America. They show, directly or indirectly, how bats use aquatic resources.
Acoustic survey is the most common technique employed to assess habitat use by bats, although some researchers have used radio telemetry or other methods.
Myotis daubentonii is the most commonly studied species. Within this topic, research doe...
Source: Mammal Review - January 5, 2016 Category: Zoology Authors: Ioanna Salvarina Tags: Review Source Type: research
Understanding trends in biological invasions by introduced mammals in southern South America: a review of research and management
Abstract
Invasive introduced mammals (IIMs) have ecological and social dimensions that require holistic research to integrate academic disciplines with basic and applied sciences.
We assessed current knowledge of IIMs to determine trends in their study and management in southern South America.
A keyword search was used to select indexed papers in the Web of Science. These were reviewed to assess each study's objective, methodology, country, publication year, and taxa. Unpublished ‘grey’ literature was added to evaluate further each species’ native range, year of introduction, the reason for its introduction, its dis...
Source: Mammal Review - January 1, 2016 Category: Zoology Authors: Sebastián A. Ballari, Christopher B. Anderson, Alejandro E. J. Valenzuela Tags: Review Source Type: research
Bats as prey of diurnal birds: a global perspective
Abstract
Predation is an important selective pressure that can influence prey species in numerous ways. Predator–prey relationships are, however, poorly understood in taxa not typically associated with these interactions; this is especially the case when bats (Chiroptera) are the prey.
The main aim here is to review and synthesise global information on the predation of bats by birds of prey (Accipitriformes and Falconiformes) and other diurnal bird groups.
We compiled data on incidences of predation of bats by diurnal birds, through an extensive multilingual study of bibliographic and Internet‐based sources. Scientifi...
Source: Mammal Review - January 1, 2016 Category: Zoology Authors: Peter Mikula, Federico Morelli, Radek K. Lučan, Darryl N. Jones, Piotr Tryjanowski Tags: Review Source Type: research
Multiple mortality events in bats: a global review
Abstract
Despite conservation concerns for many species of bats, factors causing mortality in bats have not been reviewed since 1970. Here, we review and qualitatively describe trends in the occurrence and apparent causes of multiple mortality events (MMEs) in bats around the world.
We compiled a database of MMEs, defined as cases in which ≥ 10 dead bats were counted or estimated at a specific location within a maximum timescale of a year, and more typically within a few days or a season. We tabulated 1180 MMEs within nine categories.
Prior to 2000, intentional killing by humans caused the greatest proportion of MME...
Source: Mammal Review - January 1, 2016 Category: Zoology Authors: Thomas J. O'Shea, Paul M. Cryan, David T.S. Hayman, Raina K. Plowright, Daniel G. Streicker Tags: Review Source Type: research
Roan antelope Hippotragus equinus in Africa: a review of abundance, threats and ecology
Abstract
The roan antelope Hippotragus equinus, Africa's second largest antelope species, is widely distributed throughout Africa. Many populations are isolated, occur at low densities, and are declining. The species' interactions with and adaptations to the diverse environmental conditions throughout its geographic range remain largely unknown. Most studies have taken place in southern Africa, near the range limit for the species; few studies have been conducted on the historically large Central and West African populations.
We reviewed available published and accessible unpublished data related to the ecology of roan an...
Source: Mammal Review - January 1, 2016 Category: Zoology Authors: Carl P. Havemann, Tarryn A. Retief, Cheryl A. Tosh, P. J. Nico Bruyn Tags: Review Source Type: research
An integrative systematic revision of the European southern birch mice (Rodentia: Sminthidae, Sicista subtilis group)
We present a systematic review of these European southern birch mice using an integrative taxonomic approach.
In this review, we evaluate the degree of genetic and morphological differentiation of the Sicista subtilis complex by analysing 12 European populations, and propose a new taxonomic treatment for the subtilis group based on an integrative approach combining phylogenetic and morphometric analyses with a review on previously published cytogenetic and morphological data.
The phylogenetic relationship was reconstructed using sequences of the whole mitochondrial cytochrome b (CytB) and the nucleus‐encoded interphotore...
Source: Mammal Review - December 12, 2015 Category: Zoology Authors: Tamás Cserkész, Mikhail Rusin, Gábor Sramkó Tags: Review Source Type: research
Carnivory in the common hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius: implications for the ecology and epidemiology of anthrax in African landscapes
Abstract
The common hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius (‘hippo’) is a keystone species whose foraging activities and behaviour have profound effects on the structure and dynamics of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems within its habitat.
Although hippos are typically regarded as obligate herbivores and short‐grass grazing specialists, field studies have demonstrated that hippos are facultative carnivores that consume flesh and intestinal tissues from the carcasses of other animals. Carnivory by hippos is not an aberrant behaviour restricted to particular individuals in certain localities, but a behaviour pattern tha...
Source: Mammal Review - December 8, 2015 Category: Zoology Authors: Joseph P. Dudley, Bernard Mudenda Hang'Ombe, Fabian H. Leendertz, Leejiah J. Dorward, Julio Castro, Amanda L. Subalusky, Marcus Clauss Tags: Review Source Type: research
Diet composition of the Eurasian otter Lutra lutra in different freshwater habitats of temperate Europe: a review and meta‐analysis
Abstract
The Eurasian otter Lutra lutra is a top predator that feeds mostly on fish. Yet, studies show the high plasticity of otter foraging behaviour and the varying importance of alternative food types in the species' diet.
The aims of this study were, firstly, to demonstrate by meta‐analysis how the diet composition of otters varies depending on the habitat occupied, in terms of the types of land use, waterbody, and bank vegetation. Secondly, we tested whether the choice of method of presenting prey percentages in the diet of otters influenced the conclusions of the meta‐analysis.
The percentage of fish in the diet...
Source: Mammal Review - December 4, 2015 Category: Zoology Authors: Agata Joanna Krawczyk, Michał Bogdziewicz, Katarzyna Majkowska, Adam Glazaczow Tags: Review Source Type: research
The mammals of northern Melanesia: speciation, ecology, and biogeography
Abstract
Analyses of the distributions of northern Melanesia's avifauna have helped researchers formulate major theories of evolution, speciation, and biogeography. In comparison, the region's mammalian fauna has been the subject of few empirical analyses of biogeography. Knowledge of mammalian biogeography is needed to formulate sound conservation strategies for mammals in the region and will help further advance these theories.
We aim to assess the relative importance of biogeographic variables to mammalian zoogeography in northern Melanesia and empirically describe patterns of species richness.
Using published literatu...
Source: Mammal Review - December 3, 2015 Category: Zoology Authors: Tyrone H. Lavery, Andrew D. Olds, Jennifer M. Seddon, Luke K.‐P. Leung Tags: Review Source Type: research
Decades of population genetic research reveal the need for harmonization of molecular markers: the grey wolf Canis lupus as a case study
Abstract
Following protection measures implemented since the 1970s, large carnivores are currently increasing in number and returning to areas from which they were absent for decades or even centuries. Monitoring programmes for these species rely extensively on non‐invasive sampling and genotyping. However, attempts to connect results of such studies at larger spatial or temporal scales often suffer from the incompatibility of genetic markers implemented by researchers in different laboratories. This is particularly critical for long‐distance dispersers, revealing the need for harmonized monitoring schemes that would ...
Source: Mammal Review - November 18, 2015 Category: Zoology Authors: G. Arjen Groot, Carsten Nowak, Tomaž Skrbinšek, Liselotte W. Andersen, Jouni Aspi, Luca Fumagalli, Raquel Godinho, Verena Harms, Hugh A.H. Jansman, Olof Liberg, Francesca Marucco, Robert W. Mysłajek, Sabina Nowak, Małgorzata Pilot, Ettore Randi, Ilka Tags: Review Source Type: research
The Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus: status, biology, threats, and conservation priorities
Abstract
The Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus is the most endangered seal species. In this review we summarize the status, ecology, and behaviour of the Mediterranean monk seal, and identify the main threats that currently affect the species and the conservation priorities for securing its survival.
Once abundant throughout the Black Sea and Mediterranean, as well as off the Atlantic coasts of northwestern Africa and Macaronesia, the Mediterranean monk seal has recently suffered dramatic declines, both in abundance and geographical range. It is now estimated that fewer than 700 individuals survive in three or fou...
Source: Mammal Review - November 18, 2015 Category: Zoology Authors: Alexandros A. Karamanlidis, Panagiotis Dendrinos, Pablo Fernández Larrinoa, Ali Cemal Gücü, William M. Johnson, Cem O. Kiraç, Rosa Pires Tags: Review Source Type: research
Ecology and status of the jaguarundi Puma yagouaroundi: a synthesis of existing knowledge
Abstract
The ecology of the jaguarundi is poorly known, so I reviewed the literature for all original data and remarks on jaguarundi observations, ecology, and behaviour, to synthesize what is known about the species.
Jaguarundis occupy and use a range of habitats with dense undergrowth from northern Mexico to central Argentina, but may be most abundant in seasonal dry, Atlantic, gallery, and mixed grassland/agricultural forest landscapes.
Jaguarundis are principally predators of small (sigmodontine) rodents, although other mammals, birds, and squamate reptiles are taken regularly.
The vast majority of jaguarundi camera...
Source: Mammal Review - October 1, 2015 Category: Zoology Authors: Anthony J. Giordano Tags: Review Source Type: research
Status of Savi's pipistrelle Hypsugo savii (Chiroptera) and range expansion in Central and south‐eastern Europe: a review
Abstract
Savi's pipistrelle Hypsugo savii is a Mediterranean faunal element among the bats; it occurs in southern Europe, the Canary Islands, north‐western Africa, most of the Mediterranean islands, in the northern part of the Middle East, in the Crimea, Caucasus, West Turkestan, and northern Afghanistan. The northern margin of its geographical range in Europe reaches the Pyrenees, Massif Central, southern Alps, Dalmatia, Balkan Mountains and southern Crimea, like that of other similar biogeographical elements.
Since the 1990s, Hypsugo savii started to be found in inland areas of south‐eastern Europe and in Central Eu...
Source: Mammal Review - October 1, 2015 Category: Zoology Authors: Marcel Uhrin, Ulrich Hüttmeir, Marina Kipson, Péter Estók, Konrad Sachanowicz, Szilárd Bücs, Branko Karapandža, Milan Paunović, Primož Presetnik, Andriy‐Taras Bashta, Edita Maxinová, Blanka Lehotská, Roman Lehotský, Levente Barti, István Cs Tags: Review Source Type: research
