Growth in fossil and extant deer and implications for body size and life history evolution

© Kolb et al.; licensee BioMed Central. 2015 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly credited. The attached file is the published version of the article

Seed storage conditions change the germination pattern of clonal growth plants in Mediterranean salt marshes.

8 páginas, 4 tablas, 8 figuras.The effect of salinity level and extended exposure to different salinity and flooding conditions on germination patterns of three saltmarsh clonal growth plants (Juncus subulatus, Scirpus litoralis, and S. maritimus) was studied. Seed exposure to extended flooding and saline conditions significantly affected the outcome of the germination process in a different, though predictable, way for each species, after favorable conditions for germination were restored. Tolerance of the germination process was related to the average salinity level measured during the growth/germination season at sites where established individuals of each species dominated the species cover. No relationship was found between salinity tolerance of the germination process and seed response to extended exposure to flooding and salinity conditions. The salinity response was significantly related to the conditions prevailing in the habitats of the respective species during the unfavorable (nongrowth/nongermination) season. Our results indicate that changes in salinity and hydrology while seeds are dormant affect the outcome of the seed-bank response, even when conditions at germination are identical. Because these environmental-history-dependent responses differentially affect seed germination, seedling density, and probably sexual recruitment in the studied and related species, these influences should be considered for wetland restoration and managementFinancial support from the Spanish Ministry of the Environment (MMA, project 05/99) and the Junta de Andalucía (research group 4086)enabled us to carry out the present work.Peer reviewe

Seed storage conditions change the germination pattern of clonal growth plants in Mediterranean salt marshes.

8 páginas, 4 tablas, 8 figuras.The effect of salinity level and extended exposure to different salinity and flooding conditions on germination patterns of three saltmarsh clonal growth plants (Juncus subulatus, Scirpus litoralis, and S. maritimus) was studied. Seed exposure to extended flooding and saline conditions significantly affected the outcome of the germination process in a different, though predictable, way for each species, after favorable conditions for germination were restored. Tolerance of the germination process was related to the average salinity level measured during the growth/germination season at sites where established individuals of each species dominated the species cover. No relationship was found between salinity tolerance of the germination process and seed response to extended exposure to flooding and salinity conditions. The salinity response was significantly related to the conditions prevailing in the habitats of the respective species during the unfavorable (nongrowth/nongermination) season. Our results indicate that changes in salinity and hydrology while seeds are dormant affect the outcome of the seed-bank response, even when conditions at germination are identical. Because these environmental-history-dependent responses differentially affect seed germination, seedling density, and probably sexual recruitment in the studied and related species, these influences should be considered for wetland restoration and managementFinancial support from the Spanish Ministry of the Environment (MMA, project 05/99) and the Junta de Andalucía (research group 4086)enabled us to carry out the present work.Peer reviewe

Doñana. Acta vertebrata. vol 24(1/2)

Alimentación de la lagartija colilarga Psammodromus algirus (L) (Sauria, Lacertidae), en el litoral de Huelva (SO EspañaLa alimentación de Myotis myotis Borkh, 1791 (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) en la cuenca del rio Guadix (sureste de España)Distribución y selección de hábitat de la garduña (Martes foina, Erxleben, 1777) en Vizcaya y Sierra Salvada (Burgos).Nuevo modelo de trampa para reducir el impacto de la pesca de cangrejos sobre los vertebrados en las marismas del GuadalquiviThe functions of song and the spatial pattern of song production in the rufous bush chat (Cercotrichas galactotes)Migración e invernada de las lavanderas cascadena Motacilla cinerea y blanca M. alba en la Penínula Ibérica e Islas BalearesAbundancia y reproducción de Glis glis (Linnaeus, 1766) (Rodentia, Gliridae) en el Pirineo occidental.Estatus de residencia, categorización trófica y abundancia de aves en el zoológico de La Plata, ArgentinaAvifauna reproductora y estructura del hábitat en la campiña y sierras Subbéticas de JaénDispersión de semillas de retama (Retama sphaerocarpa (L.) Boiss por el conejo (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.) en el centro de EspañaGuía para la identificación de restos óseos pertenecientes a algunos peces comunes en las aguas continentales de la Península Ibérica para el estudio de la dieta de depredadores ictiófagosDistribución y abundancia del corzo (Capreolus capreolus L. 1758) en la provincia de JaénAlimentación de las larvas de anuros en ambientes temporales del sistema del rio Paraná, Argentina.Mauremys leprosa como presa de Lutra lutraNota sobre la alimentación del lince ibérico en el Parque Natural de la Sierra de Andújar (Sierra Morena oriental)Presencia de Echinococcus granulosus (Cestoda) en un lobo ibérico (Canis lupusLa orientación de los nidos de paseriformes estepariosComparación de la dieta obtenida a partir de muestras estomacales y fecales del Tuco-tuco, Ctenomys mendocinus, en dos poblaciones de la precordillera de los Andes, ArgentinaEstructura genética y distribución de la variabilidad enzimática en poblaciones naturales de estornino negro (Sturnus unicolor)Estimación de la disponibilidad trófica para el quebrantahuesos (Gypaetus barbatus) en Cataluña (NE España) e implicaciones sobre su conservaciónPeer reviewe

An integrative assay to quantify the nutritional quality of the selected diet of two Mediterranean free-living deer by faecal-FT-NIRS

Integrating the interaction between cell wall components through a lignin and neutral detergent fibre ratio as a cell wall digestibility (CWD) index may provide a suitable method for diet quality and fibre digestibility estimation. Predictive faecal-Fourier-transform (FT)-near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) equations useful for CWD determination were developed as an integrative assessment of the digestibility and quality of the diet selected by red (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) and fallow (Dama dama) deer in southern Spain. A chemometric regression was used from spectra of faeces and wet chemical rumen contents analysis as reference data coupled with partial least-squares. The accuracy and feasibility of the equations obtained for red and fallow deer samples separately were evaluated, as well as after pooling all samples for both species. The predictive equations had a high linearity with correlation coefficients (r) ranging between 0.89 and 0.99, as well as a reliable accuracy considering the errors of prediction (RMSEP 0.57–0.87), calibration (RMS 0.04–0.45) and cross-calibration (RMSECV 0.80–1.12) in relation to the range of values for which the NIRS calibration was set for each parameter, giving very good RER (residual error value) indices (7.44–13.23). The ability of the calibration equations to predict new samples from the same deer populations was also assessed through an external validation. Equations obtained for the red deer data were successfully applied not only to red deer but also to fallow deer, and vice versa. Feasible CWD simultaneous determination in red and fallow deer was also obtained by using the broad-based equations. There was variation of the CWD index throughout the year and differences between the two deer species. A lower CWD of the forage was recorded in red deer, while a lower CWD ratio was detected at the end of winter coinciding with the highest browsing levels in both species. This technique has potential to enable closer examination of the non-grass variables and distinguish between browse and herbage feeding behaviour. The faecal-NIRS method of CWD ratio determination is a useful, non-invasive tool for monitoring variations in the diet quality of Mediterranean deer in their natural environment. </jats:p

Cloisonné kidney in mouflon sheep (Ovis orientalis musimon)

This study describes a case of cloisonné kidney associated with infection by Babesia ovis in a wild mouflon (Ovis orientalis musimonj found dead in year in eastern Sierra Morena (Andalusia, Spain). The major macroscopic lesions were a) icteric coloration in ocular and oral mucosa, and b) dark metal coloration on the kidneys' external surface. Intense dark coloration alternating with intense greyish strips was observed on renal cortex sections. Blood samples were collected for haematological and parasitological analyses, as well as samples from various organs for histopathological examination. Infection by B. ovis was confirmed by using the Polymerase Chain Reaction test (PCR). Histopathological examination revealed tubulonephrosis associated with thickening of the basal membrane of the convoluted portions of the renal tubules (both proximal and distal), which took on an intense brownish pigmentation. These renal lesions have been described as "cloisonné" kidney. Cloisonné kidneys show uncommon coloring of the renal tubular system, associated with ferritin and hemosiderin deposits in these structures resulting from a chronic hemolitic process (hemoparasites, toxins, etc.). In our case, hemolitic phenomena are associated with infection by B. ovis. The seroprevalence of this hemoparasite in wild mouflon populations in other regions of Spain (Catalonia) is up to 15%.[fr]Nous étudions un cas de rein cloisonné associé à l'infection par Babesia ovis sur un mouflon sauvage (Ovis orientalis musimon) qui a été trouvé la même année dans la partie orientale de la Sierra Morena (Andalousie, Espagne). Les principales lésions macroscopiques étaient: a) coloration ictérique sur les muqueuses oculaire et orale, et b) coloration métallique foncée sur la partie extérieure du rein. Cette coloration foncée intense alternait avec des bandes grisâtres dans les sections du cortex rénal. Nous avons pris des échantillons de sang pour les analyses hémathologique et parasitologique, ainsi que d'autres échantillons de divers organes pour l'analyse histopathologique. L'infection pr B. ovis était confirmée par le test de la réaction en chaîne de Polymerase (PCR). L'analyse histopathologique a révélée une tubulonephrose associée avec l’épaississement de la membrane basale des portions en boucle des tubules rénaux (aussi bien proximaux que distaux), lesquels prenaient une intense pigmentation brunâtre. Ces lésions rénales ont été décrites comme rein "cloisonné". Le rein cloisonné montre une coloration extraordinaire du système rénal tubulaire, associé avec un dépôt de ferritine et hémosidérine sur ces structures à la suite d'un procesus hémolytique chronique (hémoparasites, toxines, etc.). Dans notre cas, les phénomènes hémolytiques étaient associés à l'infection par B. ovis. La séroprévalence de cet hémoparasite dans les populations sauvages du mouflon d'autres régions d'Espagne (Catalogne) s'élève jusqu'à 15%. [es]En el presente estudio se describe un caso de riñon lacado asociado a una infección por Babesia ovisen un muflón salvaje (Ovis orientalis musimon) encontrado muerto en Sierra Morena (Andalucía, España). Las lesiones macroscópicas más aparentes fueron: a) coloración ictérica en la mucosa oral y ocular y b) coloración metálica oscura en la superficie externa de los ríñones. Una intensa coloración oscura alternando con unas bandas grisáceas era visible en las secciones del cortex renal. Se tomaron muestras de sangre para los análisis parasitológicos y hematológicos, además de muestras de varios órganos para su examen histopatológico. Se confirmó la infección por B. ovis gracias a la Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa (PCR). El análisis histopatológico reveló tubidonefrosis asociada a un engrosamiento de la membrana basal del sistema contorneado de los túbulos renales (tanto proximal como distal), la cual adquiere una intensa pigmentación marronácea. Estas lesiones renales han sido descritas como riñón "cloisonné" o riñon lacado. Los riñones lacados muestran un color poco común en el sistema tubular renal, asociado a depósitos de ferritina y hemosiderina como resultado de un proceso crónico hemolítico (hemoparásitos, toxinas, etc.). En este caso, el fenómeno hemolítico está asociado a una infección por B. ovis. La seroprevalencia de este hemoparásito en el muflón salvaje de otras regiones de España (Cataluña) puede alcanzar un 15%

Seasonal and specific diet variations in sympatric red and fallow deer of southern Spain: a preliminary approach to feeding behaviour

We studied the diet composition and diet overlap in sympatric red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) and fallow deer (Dama dama) throughout a whole year in order to determine variation due to season, species, sex and age class by analysing rumen contents samples of 81 red and 69 fallow deer shot monthly during 2008–09 in Sierra de Andújar Natural Park, southern Spain. We assessed diet similarity and possible inter- and intra-specific foraging competition. We found different foraging strategies for both species and sexes during constraint periods, and several theoretical considerations of specific interactions and behaviour are discussed with respect to the Mediterranean environment. In both species an annual diet dominated by grasses was recorded, peaking in spring. Browses were an important food resource at the end of winter and at the end of summer, and fruit more in autumn and winter. Red deer ingested a higher proportion of browse than fallow deer, which consumed more acorns and for a longer time showed a better ability to compensate for nutritional constraint periods. An overall decline in diet similarity in summer and at the end of winter led us to assume that exploitative competition between red and fallow deer and even between sexes was probable. Red deer females showed low diet similarity to other deer, while there was a great diet overlap between red deer males and fallow deer females at the end of summer. Differences detected between both two species and sexes do not always support predictions deriving from specific body size and morpho-physiological characteristics, but can probably be explained as a consequence of different metabolic demands. The relationship between plant nutritional attributes and food selection according to reproductive or physiological status and seasonal demands for both sexes and species should be researched in order to perform a better assessment of deer feeding behaviour. </jats:p

Fecal-FT-NIRS as a noninvasive tool for assessing diet quality of mediterranean deer

In order to assess the diet quality of two Mediterranean deer species we developed and validated a Fourier transform near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy methodology on feces (Fecal-FT-NIRS) for the determination of acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), lignin, C:N ratio, and enzymatic digestibility of organic matter (EDOM). We used rumen contents and fecal samples from 149 red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) and 111 fallow deer (Dama dama) from southeast Spain (n = 520 observations). Spectra from the feces were related with rumen conventional chemical analysis through chemometric regression with partial least-squares (PLS). Specific predictive equations from red and fallow deer data separately were generated, as well as merged equations after pooling all deer samples. All the predictive equations had a high linearity with high correlation coefficients (r = 0.8 - 0.99). The selected equations had a reliable accuracy considering the root-mean-square errors of prediction (RMSEP), calibration (RMSEC), and cross-validation (RMSECV) in relation to the range of values for which the NIRS calibration was set for each parameter. Broad-based equations from combined samples were demonstrated as being useful for all nutritional parameters determination in red and fallow deer simultaneously. Equations obtained for the red deer data were also successfully applied to fallow deer and vice versa for NDF, ADF, C:N, and lignin determination, while for EDOM assessment the specific equations for each species were more accurately applied. Once validated, the Fecal-FT-NIRS technique can be considered as a suitable noninvasive tool for monitoring deer diet quality variations in Mediterranean environment. This method has the possibility to overcome interspecific barriers of direct fecal analysis by using rumen digesta as its reference method. © 2015 Society for Range Management. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.The Rangeland Ecology & Management archives are made available by the Society for Range Management and the University of Arizona Libraries. Contact [email protected] for further information

Periodontal disease and fluoride bone levels in two separate Iberian red deer populations

The mandibles of 209 red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) from 6 months to 15 years old, shot between 2001 and 2002 in the Sierra de Andújar Natural Park (n = 173) and National Park of Doñana (n = 36) in southern Spain, were studied in order to assess spatial variations in the occurrence of periodontal disease and bone fluoride levels in two separate populations. Similarities were found in periodontal disease prevalence between the study areas (20.8% in Sierra de Andújar Natural Park and 33.3% in National Park of Doñana), and enamel defects or abnormal abrasion (7–10%, respectively). There were also variations in fluoride levels according to the area and the occurrence of periodontal disease, irrespective of age. Fluoride content was significantly lower in deer in Sierra de Andújar (250.5 ± 158.9 mg F/kg ash) than in Doñana (752.4 ± 451.0 mg F/kg ash), and the higher levels of bone fluoride occurred in mandibles showing periodontal disease in both areas (358.6 ± 201.7 and 1224.9 ± 422.34 mg F/kg, respectively). The fluoride levels were lower than expected, typical of non-polluted areas, and there was no significant influence of the occurrence of enamel defects on the bone fluoride concentration. In these areas pathologically increased attrition, enamel discolouration or enamel surface lesions seem not to be caused by fluorosis, so that special care must also be taken in using macroscopic lesions instead of fluoride determination as an indicator for monitoring the magnitude of environmental contamination. Research into the global mineral content and possible deficiencies in certain minerals such as selenium, phosphorus and calcium interacting with fluoride is necessary in order to understand the high prevalence of periodontal disease in younger animals and the higher concentrations of fluoride in mandibles with periodontal disease.</jats:p

High expression of canines in some Mediterranean roe deer populations against the general evolutionary trend

Upper canines do not usually appear in the roe deer Capreolus capreolus, Linnaeus 1758 and their occasional appearance represents the expression of a tooth, as a rudimentary canine, which has been suppressed in the evolution of the group. These dental anomalies could be potentially useful for tracing ancestral genes in local ecotypes and populations. We studied the skulls of 517 adult roe deer males from seven Iberian Peninsula hunting populations looking for canine occurrence and the variations depending on region and ecomorphological variety. A total of 18 specimens had canines (3.48 %) but a relationship was detected between the geographic origin and the canine presence. We found upper canines in three populations which were those located in the Tagus river basin, with 6.08 %, 10.91 % and 20 % prevalences, respectively. In the population with the highest prevalence, we also found a case of duplicated canines on either side of the upper jaw. Here, the high prevalence of upper canines against the evolutionary trend may be a sign of atavistic populations, possibly adapted to a less fibrous diet, in a geographical area connected through the Tagus river basin, and probably regarding one of the glacial refuges of the Iberian Peninsula.The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the pdf file of the accepted manuscript may differ slightly from what is displayed on the item page. The information in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript reflects the original submission by the author