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Iglesias Pastrana C, Navas González FJ, Delgado Bermejo JV, Ciani E. Lunar Cycle, Climate, and Onset of Parturition in Domestic Dromedary Camels: Implications of Species-Specific Metabolic Economy and Social Ecology. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12040607. [PMID: 37106807 PMCID: PMC10136027 DOI: 10.3390/biology12040607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Given energy costs for gestating and caring for male offspring are higher than those of female newborns, external environmental conditions might be regarded as likely to affect the timing of delivery processes differentially depending on the sex of the newborn calf to be delivered. The aim of the present paper is to evaluate the association between environmental stressors such as the moon phase and weather-related factors and the onset of labor in female dromedaries. A binary logistic regression model was developed to find the most parsimonious set of variables that are most effective in predicting the probability for a gravid female dromedary to give birth to a male or a female calf, assuming that higher gestational costs and longer labor times are ascribed to the production of a male offspring. Although the differences in the quantitative distribution of spontaneous onset of labor across lunar phases and the mean climate per onset event along the whole study period were deemed nonsignificant (p > 0.05), a non-negligible prediction effect of a new moon, mean wind speed and maximum wind gust was present. At slightly brighter nights and lower mean wind speeds, a calf is more likely to be male. This microevolutionary response to the external environment may have been driven by physiological and behavioral adaptation of metabolic economy and social ecology to give birth to cooperative groups with the best possible reduction of thermoregulatory demands. Model performance indexes then highlighted the heterothermic character of camels to greatly minimize the impact of the external environment. The overall results will also enrich the general knowledge of the interplay between homeostasis and arid and semi-arid environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Iglesias Pastrana
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
| | | | | | - Elena Ciani
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', 70125 Bari, Italy
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2
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Kusano T, Miura T, Terui S, Shiga Y. Factors Affecting the Surface Activity of Japanese Common Toad, Bufo japonicus formosus (Amphibia: Bufonidae) during the Non-breeding Season. CURRENT HERPETOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.5358/hsj.42.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tamotsu Kusano
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Minami-ohsawa 1–1, Hachioji, Tokyo 192–0397, JAPAN
| | - Tomoyo Miura
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Minami-ohsawa 1–1, Hachioji, Tokyo 192–0397, JAPAN
| | - Shunta Terui
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Minami-ohsawa 1–1, Hachioji, Tokyo 192–0397, JAPAN
| | - Yu Shiga
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Minami-ohsawa 1–1, Hachioji, Tokyo 192–0397, JAPAN
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3
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Environmental Drivers of Amphibian Breeding Phenology across Multiple Sites. DIVERSITY 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/d15020253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
A mechanistic understanding of phenology, the seasonal timing of life history events, is important for understanding species’ interactions and the potential responses of ecological communities to a rapidly changing climate. We present analysis of a seven-year dataset on the breeding phenology of wood frogs (Rana sylvatica), tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum), blue-spotted salamanders (Ambystoma laterale), and associated unisexual Ambystoma salamanders from six wetlands in Southeast Michigan, USA. We assess whether the ordinal date of breeding migrations varies among species, sexes, and individual wetlands, and we describe the specific environmental conditions associated with breeding migrations for each species/sex. Breeding date was significantly affected by species/sex identity, year, wetland, and the interactions between species/sex and year as well as wetland and year. There was a great deal of variation among years, with breeding occurring nearly synchronously among groups in some years but widely spaced between groups in other years. Specific environmental triggers for movement varied for each species and sex and changed as the breeding season progressed. In general, salamanders responded to longer temperature lags (more warmer days in a row) than wood frogs, whereas wood frogs required longer precipitation lags (more rainy days in a row) than salamanders. Wood frogs were more likely to migrate around the time of a new moon, whereas in contrast, Ambystoma salamander migration was not associated with a moon phase. Ordinal day was an important factor in all models, suggesting that these amphibians require a latency period or similar mechanism to avoid breeding too early in the year, even when weather conditions appear favorable. Male wood frogs migrated earlier than female wood frogs, and male blue-spotted salamanders migrated earlier than female A. laterale and associated unisexual females. Larger unisexual salamanders migrated earlier than smaller individuals. Differences in species’ responses to environmental cues led to wood frogs and A. laterale breeding later than tiger salamanders in colder years but not in warmer years. This suggests that, as the climate warms, wood frog and A. laterale larvae may experience less predation from tiger salamander larvae due to reduced size differences when they breed simultaneously. Our study is one of few to describe the proximate drivers of amphibian breeding migrations across multiple species, wetlands, and years, and it can inform models predicting how climate change may shift ecological interactions among pond-breeding amphibian species.
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Cronin AD, Smit JAH, Halfwerk W. Anthropogenic noise and light alter temporal but not spatial breeding behavior in a wild frog. Behav Ecol 2022; 33:1115-1122. [PMID: 36518635 PMCID: PMC9735234 DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arac077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing urbanization has led to large-scale land-use changes, exposing persistent populations to drastically altered environments. Sensory pollutants, including low-frequency anthropogenic noise and artificial light at night (ALAN), are typically associated with urban environments and known to impact animal populations in a variety of ways. Both ALAN and anthropogenic noise can alter behavioral and physiological processes important for survival and reproduction, including communication and circadian rhythms. Although noise and light pollution typically co-occur in urbanized areas, few studies have addressed their combined impact on species' behavior. Here, we assessed how anthropogenic noise and ALAN can influence spatial and temporal variation in breeding activity of a wild frog population. By exposing artificial breeding sites inside a tropical rainforest to multiple sensory environments, we found that both anthropogenic noise and ALAN impact breeding behavior of túngara frogs (Engystomops pustulosus), albeit in different ways. Males arrived later in the night at their breeding sites in response to anthropogenic noise. ALAN, on the other hand, led to an increase in calling effort. We found no evidence that noise or light pollution either attracted frogs to or repelled frogs from breeding sites. Thus, anthropogenic noise may negatively affect calling males by shifting the timing of sexual signaling. Conversely, ALAN may increase the attractiveness of calling males. These changes in breeding behavior highlight the complex ways that urban multisensory pollution can influence behavior and suggest that such changes may have important ecological implications for the wildlife that are becoming increasingly exposed to urban multisensory pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Cronin
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan, HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Judith A H Smit
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan, HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter Halfwerk
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan, HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Lorrain-Soligon L, Secondi J. Quantification of underwater calling and foraging activities in the African clawed frog Xenopus laevis. AMPHIBIA-REPTILIA 2022. [DOI: 10.1163/15685381-bja10107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Aquatic anuran species are difficult to detect and observe and this is a major limit to the study of their behaviour and ecology. This habit limits the direct monitoring of sexual and foraging activity, and the investigation of how environmental factors influence their expression as well as how individuals allocate time between competing activities. We investigated this issue in Xenopus laevis, a mostly aquatic frog that forages and emits calls underwater. This model species in biology has been extensively studied in the lab but its behaviour in nature remains poorly described. We carried out a study in a pond during the breeding season in the French invasive range. We recorded underwater vocal activity as a proxy for sexual activity using a hydrophone, set food-baited traps to quantify foraging activity, and recorded environmental conditions (moonlight intensity, temperature and rainfall) over two lunar cycles. We found that individuals engage in these two activities during the breeding season. At the peak of the breeding period, vocal activity was expressed during the day. The investment in reproduction (calling activity) may reduce the time allocated to foraging on a circadian scale. The two activities seem to be partitioned depending on moonlight intensity, with a stronger effect on males. Foraging activity decreased and vocal activity increased when moonlight intensity increased. We also observed a negative effect of temperature and a positive effect of rainfall on vocal activity only. Our method is promising to monitor the activity of other aquatic anurans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léa Lorrain-Soligon
- Faculté des Sciences, Univ Angers, 2 Bd de Lavoisier, 49000 Angers, France
- Centre d’Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, CEBC UMR 7372 CNRS – La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers en Bois, France
| | - Jean Secondi
- Faculté des Sciences, Univ Angers, 2 Bd de Lavoisier, 49000 Angers, France
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR5023 LEHNA, F-69622, Villeurbanne, France
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6
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Hlatshwayo TI, Stam EM, Collinson-Jonker WJ, Dawood A. An inventory of amphibian roadkill in the western Soutpansberg, Limpopo province, South Africa. AFR J HERPETOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/21564574.2022.2115154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thabo I Hlatshwayo
- Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa
- The Endangered Wildlife Trust, Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Eduard M Stam
- Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa
| | - Wendy J Collinson-Jonker
- The Endangered Wildlife Trust, Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Research Fellow: South African Research Chair in Biodiversity Value and Change, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa
| | - Abeda Dawood
- Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa
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Grinfeder E, Lorenzi C, Haupert S, Sueur J. What Do We Mean by “Soundscape”? A Functional Description. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.894232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The concept of soundscape was originally coined to study the relationship between humans and their sonic environment. Since then, several definitions of soundscapes have been proposed based on musical, acoustical and ecological perspectives. However, the causal mechanisms that underlie soundscapes have often been overlooked. As a consequence, the term “soundscape” is frequently used in an ambiguous way, alternatively pointing to objective realities or subjective percepts. Through an interdisciplinary review, we identified the main biotic and abiotic factors that condition non-anthropogenic terrestrial soundscapes. A source-filter approach was used to describe sound sources, sound propagation phenomena and receiver’s characteristics. Interdisciplinary information was cross-referenced in order to define relationships between factors, sound sources and filters. Those relationships and the associated references were organized into a functional block diagram. This representation was used to question the different uses and meanings of the soundscape concept found in the literature. Three separate categories were then suggested: distal soundscape, proximal soundscape and perceptual soundscape. Finally, practical examples of these different categories were described, in relation to the diagram. This new systemic approach to soundscapes should help ecoacousticians, bioacousticians, psychoacousticians and environmental managers to better understand soundscapes and protect natural areas in a more significant way.
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8
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Asad S, Vitalis V, Guharajan R, Abrams JF, Lagan P, Kissing J, Sikui J, Wilting A, Rödel MO. Variable species but similar amphibian community responses across habitats following reduced impact logging. Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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9
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Lamamy C, Delgado MM, Kojola I, Heikkinen S, Penteriani V. Does moonlight affect movement patterns of a non‐obligate carnivore? Brown bears do not mind that the moon exists. J Zool (1987) 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C. Lamamy
- Forest is life, TERRA Research Unit Gembloux Agro‐Bio Tech Université de Liège Gembloux Belgium
| | - M. M. Delgado
- Biodiversity Research Institute (IMIB, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)‐University of Oviedo‐Principality of Asturias), Campus Mieres Mieres Spain
| | - I. Kojola
- LUKE, Natural Resources Institute Rovaniemi Finland
| | - S. Heikkinen
- LUKE, Natural Resources Institute Rovaniemi Finland
| | - V. Penteriani
- Biodiversity Research Institute (IMIB, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)‐University of Oviedo‐Principality of Asturias), Campus Mieres Mieres Spain
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10
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Hoffmann EP, Mitchell NJ. Breeding phenology of a terrestrial‐breeding frog is associated with soil water potential: Implications for conservation in a changing climate. AUSTRAL ECOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.13122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emily P. Hoffmann
- School of School of Biological Sciences The University of Western Australia Crawley Western Australia 6009 Australia
| | - Nicola J. Mitchell
- School of School of Biological Sciences The University of Western Australia Crawley Western Australia 6009 Australia
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11
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Secondi J, Mondy N, Gippet JMW, Touzot M, Gardette V, Guillard L, Lengagne T. Artificial light at night alters activity, body mass, and corticosterone level in a tropical anuran. Behav Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arab044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Photoperiod is a major factor regulating biological rhythms in animals and plants. At low latitudes, annual variation in daylength is low and species are expected to strongly rely on photic cues to reset their circadian clocks. A corollary is that individuals should be strongly affected by sudden changes in the photic regime as those generated by artificial light at night (ALAN). We tested this hypothesis in an anuran in Costa Rica (10°N). Using an outdoor experimental design, we exposed adult cane toads Rhinella marina, a broadly distributed tropical anuran species to two ALAN intensities (0.04 and 5 lx). Locomotor activity was reduced at the lowest intensity, and the activity pattern shifted from crepuscular to nocturnal. Contrary to humans and mice in which ALAN favor obesity, toads from the two exposed groups did not gain mass whereas controls did. Corticosterone was reduced at the highest intensity, a possible consequence of the reduced activity of toads or the altered regulation of their circadian pattern. Thus, the behavioral and physiological disruption that we observed supports the hypothesis of the strong reliance on photic cues to regulate circadian rhythms and control homeostasis in this intertropical anuran. Furthermore, our results suggest that the negative effects of ALAN on physiology, in particular body mass regulation, may differ between vertebrate groups, thus preventing anticipated generalization before more comparative studies have been carried out. We stress the importance of considering the impact of the changing nocturnal environment in the intertropical zone which host the largest fraction of biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Secondi
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR5023 LEHNA, F-69622, Villeurbanne,France
- Faculté des Sciences, Université d’Angers, 49045 Angers, France
| | - Nathalie Mondy
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR5023 LEHNA, F-69622, Villeurbanne,France
| | - Jérôme Marcel Walter Gippet
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR5023 LEHNA, F-69622, Villeurbanne,France
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Le Biophore, UNIL-Sorge, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Morgane Touzot
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR5023 LEHNA, F-69622, Villeurbanne,France
| | - Vanessa Gardette
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR5023 LEHNA, F-69622, Villeurbanne,France
| | - Ludovic Guillard
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR5023 LEHNA, F-69622, Villeurbanne,France
| | - Thierry Lengagne
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR5023 LEHNA, F-69622, Villeurbanne,France
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12
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Wang Q, Zhang L, Zhao H, Zhao Q, Deng J, Kong F, Jiang W, Zhang H, Liu H, Kouba A. Abiotic and Biotic Influences on the Movement of Reintroduced Chinese Giant Salamanders ( Andrias davidianus) in Two Montane Rivers. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:1480. [PMID: 34063797 PMCID: PMC8224018 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding animal movement is a key question in ecology and biodiversity conservation, which is particularly important for the success of reintroduction projects. The movement of critically endangered Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus) remains poorly understood due to the rareness of wild individuals of this species. We lack movement details about the full annual cycle after reintroduction, especially the abiotic and biotic influences that affect its movement. We utilized pilot reintroduction projects as opportunities to fill in some knowledge gaps on their movement ecology. We released 31 juvenile captive-reared Chinese giant salamanders of two age groups in two rivers in the Qinling Mountains of central China and monitored their daily movements for 16 months using surgically implanted radio transmitters. We examined the impacts of individual traits (body mass, body condition) and environmental conditions (temperature, precipitation, and moon phase) on their daily movement patterns. Data were analyzed using a mixed-effects logistic regression model to understand the drivers of their movement tendency (i.e., whether they move or not) and a linear mixed-effects model was used to understand the drivers of their movement distance. We found that movement tendency of the older salamander cohort was positively affected by the moon phase, increasing near the Full Moon, whereas the younger cohort of animals were not impacted by the moon phase. For daily distance moved, we found temperature had a strong positive effect on both cohorts, whereas precipitation had moderate but opposite effects on the two cohorts Body mass and body condition did not have any significant impacts on either age classes' movement tendency or distance. This study provides insight into the abiotic factors that impact the temporal and spatial movement ecology of reintroduced giant salamander, which will in turn help with designing best practices for future releases and conservation of this iconic montane aquatic predator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qijun Wang
- College of Fisheries, Key Lab of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affair/Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China;
- Shaanxi Institute of Zoology, 88 Xingqing Road, Xi’an 710032, China; (H.Z.); (J.D.); (F.K.); (W.J.); (H.Z.)
| | - Lu Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China;
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA
| | - Hu Zhao
- Shaanxi Institute of Zoology, 88 Xingqing Road, Xi’an 710032, China; (H.Z.); (J.D.); (F.K.); (W.J.); (H.Z.)
| | - Qing Zhao
- School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA;
| | - Jie Deng
- Shaanxi Institute of Zoology, 88 Xingqing Road, Xi’an 710032, China; (H.Z.); (J.D.); (F.K.); (W.J.); (H.Z.)
| | - Fei Kong
- Shaanxi Institute of Zoology, 88 Xingqing Road, Xi’an 710032, China; (H.Z.); (J.D.); (F.K.); (W.J.); (H.Z.)
| | - Wei Jiang
- Shaanxi Institute of Zoology, 88 Xingqing Road, Xi’an 710032, China; (H.Z.); (J.D.); (F.K.); (W.J.); (H.Z.)
| | - Hongxing Zhang
- Shaanxi Institute of Zoology, 88 Xingqing Road, Xi’an 710032, China; (H.Z.); (J.D.); (F.K.); (W.J.); (H.Z.)
| | - Hong Liu
- College of Fisheries, Key Lab of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affair/Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China;
| | - Andrew Kouba
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA
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O’Brien DM, Silla AJ, Forsythe PS, Byrne PG. Sex differences in response to environmental and social breeding cues in an amphibian. BEHAVIOUR 2021. [DOI: 10.1163/1568539x-bja10072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The relative influence of climatic and social factors on sex-specific variation in reproductive behaviour remains poorly understood. Here, we examine the influence of multiple climatic cues in combination with a social cue on the reproductive behaviours of males and females in a terrestrial breeding toadlet (Pseudophryne coriacea). Over a 115-day breeding season, arrival patterns of each sex, and male calling activity, were recorded daily, while climatic variables were logged continuously. Multivariate analysis showed that arrival of males at the breeding site, as well as male nightly calling activity, were most strongly influenced by a climatic variable (rainfall). By contrast, female arrival was strongly correlated with a social variable (male calling activity), with abiotic conditions having no influence, other than a moderate influence of lunar phase (lunar illumination). These results suggest that cues used for breeding are sex specific and provide new evidence that combinations of climatic and social cues can be integrated into breeding decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M. O’Brien
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Aimee J. Silla
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Patrick S. Forsythe
- University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, Department of Natural and Applied Sciences, 2420 Nicolet Drive, Green Bay, WI 54311, USA
| | - Phillip G. Byrne
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
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14
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Jarvis LE, Grant RA, SenGupta A. Lunar phase as a cue for migrations to two species of explosive breeding amphibians—implications for conservation. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-020-01453-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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15
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Stream Amphibian Detectability and Habitat Associations in a Reduced Impact Logging Concession in Malaysian Borneo. J HERPETOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1670/19-136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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16
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Bonnefond A, Courtois EA, Sueur J, Sugai LSM, Llusia D. Climatic breadth of calling behaviour in two widespread Neotropical frogs: Insights from humidity extremes. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2020; 26:5431-5446. [PMID: 32654304 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is severely altering precipitation regimes at local and global scales, yet the capacity of species to cope with these changes has been insufficiently examined. Amphibians are globally endangered and particularly sensitive to moisture conditions. For mating, most amphibian species rely on calling behaviour, which is a key weather-dependent trait. Using passive acoustics, we monitored the calling behaviour of two widespread Neotropical frogs in 12 populations located at the humidity extremes but thermal mean of the species distribution. Based on 2,554 hr of recordings over a breeding season, we found that both the aquatic species Pseudis paradoxa and the arboreal species Boana raniceps exhibited calling behaviour at a wide range of relative humidity. Calling humidity was significantly lower in conspecific populations subjected to drier conditions, while calling temperature did not differ between populations or species. Overall, no variation in climatic breadth was observed between large and small choruses, and calling behaviour was scarcely detected during the driest, hottest and coldest potential periods of breeding. Our results showed that calling humidity of the studied species varies according to the precipitation regime, suggesting that widespread Neotropical anurans may have the capacity to exhibit sexual displays in different climatic environments. Regardless of the underlying mechanism (plasticity or local adaptation), which should be determined by common garden experiments, a wide and population-specific climatic breadth of calling behaviour may assist species to deal with changing humidity conditions. To our knowledge, this is the first study to explore the response capacity of anurans to perform calling behaviour under contrasting precipitation regimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaïs Bonnefond
- Centre de recherche Montabo, LEEISA UMSR 3456 CNRS-UG Ifremer, Cayenne, French Guiana
| | - Elodie A Courtois
- Centre de recherche Montabo, LEEISA UMSR 3456 CNRS-UG Ifremer, Cayenne, French Guiana
| | - Jérôme Sueur
- Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Paris, France
| | - Larissa Sayuri M Sugai
- Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Rio Claro, Brazil
- Terrestrial Ecology Group, Departamento de Ecología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Ciudad Universitaria de Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
| | - Diego Llusia
- Terrestrial Ecology Group, Departamento de Ecología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Ciudad Universitaria de Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Global (CIBC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Ciudad Universitaria de Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
- Laboratório de Herpetologia e Comportamento Animal, Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
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Shier DM, Bird AK, Wang TB. Effects of artificial light at night on the foraging behavior of an endangered nocturnal mammal. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 263:114566. [PMID: 32320890 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Modification of nighttime light levels by artificial illumination (artificial light at night; ALAN) is a rapidly increasing form of human disturbance that affects natural environments worldwide. Light in natural environments influences a variety of physiological and ecological processes directly and indirectly and, as a result, the effects of light pollution on species, communities and ecosystems are emerging as significant. Small prey species may be particularly susceptible to ALAN as it makes them more conspicuous and thus more vulnerable to predation by visually oriented predators. Understanding the effects of disturbance like ALAN is especially important for threatened or endangered species as impacts have the potential to impede recovery, but due to low population numbers inherent to at-risk species, disturbance is rarely studied. The endangered Stephens' kangaroo rat (SKR), Dipodomys stephensi, is a nocturnal rodent threatened by habitat destruction from urban expansion. The degree to which ALAN impacts their recovery is unknown. In this study, we examined the effects of ALAN on SKR foraging decisions across a gradient of light intensity for two types of ALAN, flood and bug lights (756 vs 300 lumen, respectfully) during full and new moon conditions. We found that ALAN decreased probability of resource patch depletion compared to controls. Moreover, lunar illumination, distance from the light source and light type interacted to alter SKR foraging. Under the new moon, SKR were consistently more likely to deplete patches under control conditions, but there was an increasing probability of patch depletion with distance from the source of artificial light. The full moon dampened SKR foraging activity and the effect of artificial lights. Our study underscores that ALAN reduces habitat suitability, and raises the possibility that ALAN may impede the recovery of at-risk nocturnal rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debra M Shier
- Recovery Ecology, Beckman Center for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, USA; Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, 621 Charles E. Young Dr. South, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Alicia K Bird
- Recovery Ecology, Beckman Center for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, USA; Department of Evolution & Ecology, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Thea B Wang
- Recovery Ecology, Beckman Center for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, USA
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Moler PE, Enge KM, Tornwall B, Farmer AL, Harris BB. Status and Current Distribution of the Pine Barrens Treefrog (Hyla andersonii) in Florida. SOUTHEAST NAT 2020. [DOI: 10.1656/058.019.0215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paul E. Moler
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Wildlife Research Laboratory, 1105 S.W. Williston Road, Gainesville, FL 32601
| | - Kevin M. Enge
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Wildlife Research Laboratory, 1105 S.W. Williston Road, Gainesville, FL 32601
| | - Brett Tornwall
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Wildlife Research Laboratory, 1105 S.W. Williston Road, Gainesville, FL 32601
| | - Anna L. Farmer
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Wildlife Research Laboratory, 1105 S.W. Williston Road, Gainesville, FL 32601
| | - Bess B. Harris
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Wildlife Research Laboratory, 1105 S.W. Williston Road, Gainesville, FL 32601
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Leach WB, Reitzel AM. Decoupling behavioral and transcriptional responses to color in an eyeless cnidarian. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:361. [PMID: 32410571 PMCID: PMC7222589 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-6766-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Animals have specific molecular, physiological, and behavioral responses to light that are influenced by wavelength and intensity. Predictable environmental changes – predominantly solar and lunar cycles – drive endogenous daily oscillations by setting internal pacemakers, otherwise known as the circadian clock. Cnidarians have been a focal group to discern the evolution of light responsiveness due to their phylogenetic position as a sister phylum to bilaterians and broad range of light-responsive behaviors and physiology. Marine species that occupy a range of depths will experience different ranges of wavelengths and light intensities, which may result in variable phenotypic responses. Here, we utilize the eyeless sea anemone Nematostella vectensis, an estuarine anemone that typically resides in shallow water habitats, to compare behavioral and molecular responses when exposed to different light conditions. Results Quantitative measures of locomotion clearly showed that this species responds to light in the blue and green spectral range with a circadian activity profile, in contrast to a circatidal activity profile in the red spectral range and in constant darkness. Differences in average day/night locomotion was significant in each condition, with overall peak activity during the dark period. Comparative analyses of 96 transcriptomes from individuals sampled every 4 h in each lighting treatment revealed complex differences in gene expression between colors, including in many of the genes likely involved in the cnidarian circadian clock. Transcriptional profiling showed the majority of genes are differentially expressed when comparing mid-day with mid-night, and mostly in red light. Gene expression profiles were largely unique in each color, although animals in blue and green were overall more similar to each other than to red light. Conclusions Together, these analyses support the hypothesis that cnidarians are sensitive to red light, and this perception results in a rich transcriptional and divergent behavioral response. Future work determining the specific molecular mechanisms driving the circadian and potential circatidal rhythms measured here would be impactful to connect gene expression variation with behavioral variation in this eyeless species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney B Leach
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd, Woodward Hall, Room 381A, Charlotte, NC, 28223, USA.
| | - Adam M Reitzel
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd, Woodward Hall, Room 381A, Charlotte, NC, 28223, USA
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Ecological light pollution affects anuran calling season, daily calling period, and sensitivity to light in natural Brazilian wetlands. Naturwissenschaften 2019; 106:46. [PMID: 31280391 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-019-1640-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Ecological light pollution alters an environment's light cycle, potentially affecting photoperiod-controlled behavior. Anurans, for example, generally breed nocturnally, and the influence of light pollution on their natural history may therefore be especially strong. In this study, we tested this hypothesis by measuring male calling behavior of anuran communities in natural wetlands in southern Brazil exposed or not exposed to street lights. We recorded seasonal and diel calling activity and calling response to a light pulse. The peak calling season differed between continuously lit and unlit locations with most species in illuminated wetlands shortening their calling season and calling earlier in the year. In unlit breeding sites, Boana pulchella, Pseudis minuta, and Pseudopaludicola falcipes confined their calling activity to well-defined hours of the night, but in continuously lit areas, these species called more continuously through the night. A 2-minute light pulse inhibited calling, but only in unlit wetlands. After a light pulse, frogs quickly resumed calling-suggesting acclimatization to brief artificial light exposure. Our field experiment presents a convincing example of ecological light pollution showing that artificial light alters the seasonal and diel calling time of some South American wetland anurans. It also documents their acclimatization to brief lighting when being continuously exposed to light.
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22
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Henrique RS, Grant T. Influence of Environmental Factors on Short-Term Movements of Butter Frogs (Leptodactylus latrans). HERPETOLOGICA 2019. [DOI: 10.1655/d-18-00018.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael S. Henrique
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biosciences, University of Sa˜o Paulo, Sa˜o Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Taran Grant
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biosciences, University of Sa˜o Paulo, Sa˜o Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Rosencrans RF, Leslie CE, Perkins KA, Walkowski W, Gordon WC, Richards-Zawacki CL, Bazan NG, Farris HE. Quantifying the relationship between optical anatomy and retinal physiological sensitivity: A comparative approach. J Comp Neurol 2018; 526:3045-3057. [PMID: 30198557 PMCID: PMC10075234 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Light intensity varies 1 million-fold between night and day, driving the evolution of eye morphology and retinal physiology. Despite extensive research across taxa showing anatomical adaptations to light niches, surprisingly few empirical studies have quantified the relationship between such traits and the physiological sensitivity to light. In this study, we employ a comparative approach in frogs to determine the physiological sensitivity of eyes in two nocturnal (Rana pipiens, Hyla cinerea) and two diurnal species (Oophaga pumilio, Mantella viridis), examining whether differences in retinal thresholds can be explained by ocular and cellular anatomy. Scotopic electroretinogram (ERG) analysis of relative b-wave amplitude reveals 10- to 100-fold greater light sensitivity in nocturnal compared to diurnal frogs. Ocular and cellular optics (aperture, focal length, and rod outer segment dimensions) were assessed via the Land equation to quantify differences in optical sensitivity. Variance in retinal thresholds was overwhelmingly explained by Land equation solutions, which describe the optical sensitivity of single rods. Thus, at the b-wave, stimulus-response thresholds may be unaffected by photoreceptor convergence (which create larger, combined collecting areas). Follow-up experiments were conducted using photopic ERGs, which reflect cone vision. Under these conditions, the relative difference in thresholds was reversed, such that diurnal species were more sensitive than nocturnal species. Thus, photopic data suggest that rod-specific adaptations, not ocular anatomy (e.g., aperture and focal distance), drive scotopic thresholds differences. To the best of our knowledge, these data provide the first quantified relationship between optical and physiological sensitivity in vertebrates active in different light regimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert F Rosencrans
- Neuroscience Center, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Caitlin E Leslie
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas, Austin, Texas
| | - Keith A Perkins
- Neuroscience Center, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Whitney Walkowski
- Neuroscience Center, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - William C Gordon
- Neuroscience Center, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana.,Department of Ophthalmology, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | | | - Nicolas G Bazan
- Neuroscience Center, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana.,Department of Ophthalmology, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Hamilton E Farris
- Neuroscience Center, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana.,Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
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Muller BJ, Cade BS, Schwarzkopf L. Effects of environmental variables on invasive amphibian activity: using model selection on quantiles for counts. Ecosphere 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J. Muller
- Centre for Tropical Biodiversity and Climate Change College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville Queensland 4814 Australia
| | - Brian S. Cade
- U.S. Geological Survey Fort Collins Science Centre 2150 Centre Ave, Bldg C Fort Collins Colorado 80526 USA
| | - Lin Schwarzkopf
- Centre for Tropical Biodiversity and Climate Change College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville Queensland 4814 Australia
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Variability of surface and underwater nocturnal spectral irradiance with the presence of clouds in urban and peri-urban wetlands. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186808. [PMID: 29117235 PMCID: PMC5695598 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Artificial light at night (ALAN) is an increasing phenomenon worldwide. It causes a wealth of biological and ecological effects that may eventually affect populations and ecosystems. Despite the growing concern about ALAN, little is known about the light levels species are exposed to at night, especially for wetlands and underwater habitats. We determined nocturnal irradiance in urban and peri-urban wetlands above and under water, and assessed the effect of cloud cover on the variability of ALAN across the urban gradient. Even in aquatic habitats, cloud cover could increase irradiance beyond values observed during clear full moon nights. We report a negative relationship between baseline irradiance and the increase in irradiance during overcast nights. According to this result and previous studies, we propose that the change in the variation regime of ALAN between the urban center and rural land at its periphery is a usual feature. We discuss the ecological and evolutionary implications of this spatial variation in the urban and peri-urban environment.
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Underhill VA, Höbel G. Variation in nocturnal light levels does not alter mate choice behavior in female eastern gray treefrogs (Hyla versicolor). Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-017-2386-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Höbel G. Social facilitation is a better predictor of frog reproductive activity than environmental factors. Biotropica 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/btp.12437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gerlinde Höbel
- Behavioral and Molecular Ecology Group; Department of Biological Sciences; University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee; Milwaukee WI 53201 USA
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Onorati M, Vignoli L. The darker the night, the brighter the stars: consequences of nocturnal brightness on amphibian reproduction. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blw007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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29
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Green T, Das E, Green DM. Springtime Emergence of Overwintering Toads,Anaxyrus fowleri, in Relation to Environmental Factors. COPEIA 2016. [DOI: 10.1643/ce-15-323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Reichert MS, Höbel G. Modality interactions alter the shape of acoustic mate preference functions in gray treefrogs. Evolution 2015; 69:2384-98. [DOI: 10.1111/evo.12750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Revised: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael S. Reichert
- Department of Biological Sciences; University of Wisconsin; 3209 N. Maryland Avenue Milwaukee Wisconsin 53201
| | - Gerlinde Höbel
- Department of Biological Sciences; University of Wisconsin; 3209 N. Maryland Avenue Milwaukee Wisconsin 53201
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Kusano T, Miura T, Terui S, Maruyama K. Factors Affecting the Breeding Activity of the Japanese Common Toad,Bufo japonicus formosus(Amphibia: Bufonidae) with Special Reference to the Lunar Cycle. CURRENT HERPETOLOGY 2015. [DOI: 10.5358/hsj.34.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Gill HS, Choi KY, Kammili L, Popratiloff A. Rescue of the temperature-sensitive, autosomal-recessive mutation R298S in the sodium-bicarbonate cotransporter NBCe1-A characterized by a weakened dimer and abnormal aggregation. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2015; 1850:1286-96. [PMID: 25743102 PMCID: PMC4424423 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2015.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2014] [Revised: 02/15/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Band keratopathy, an ocular disease that is characterized by hypercalcemia and opaque bands across the cornea, has been associated with kidney disease. Type-II renal tubular acidosis (RTA), a condition in which the kidneys fail to recover bicarbonate (HCO3-) in the proximal tubule of the nephron, results in HCO3- wastage in the urine and low blood pH. The development of these diseases is associated with autosomal-recessive mutations in the Na+-coupled HCO3- cotransporter NBCe1-A located at the basolateral membranes of either cell type. METHODS We provide insight into the devastating R298S mutation found in type-II RTA-afflicted individuals using confocal-microscopy imaging of fluorescently-tagged NBCe1-A and NBCe1-A-R298S molecules expressed in human corneal endothelial and proximal tubule cells and from in-depth biophysical studies of their cytoplasmic N-terminal domains (Nt and Nt-R298S), including Nt crystal structure, melting-temperature, and homodimer dissociation constant (KD) analyses. RESULTS We illuminate and rescue trafficking defects of the R298S mutation of NBCe1-A. The KD for Nt monomer-dimer equilibrium is established. The KD for Nt-R298S is significantly higher, but immeasurable due to environmental factors (pH, temperature, concentration) that result in dimer instability leading to precipitation. The crystal structure of Nt-dimer shows that R298 is part of a putative substrate conduit and resides near the dimer interface held together by hydrogen-bond networks. CONCLUSIONS The R298S is a temperature-sensitive mutation in Nt that results in instability of the colloidal system leading to abnormal aggregation. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Our findings provide new perspectives to the aberrant mechanism of certain ocular pathologies and type-II RTA associated with the R298S mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harindarpal S Gill
- Department of Medicine, The George Washington University; Division of Renal & Hypertension, The GW Medical Faculty Associates, 2300 I (eye) Street NW, Ross Hall Room 436B, Washington D.C. 20052, United States.
| | - Kun-Young Choi
- Department of Medicine, The George Washington University; Division of Renal & Hypertension, The GW Medical Faculty Associates, 2300 I (eye) Street NW, Ross Hall Room 436B, Washington D.C. 20052, United States
| | - Lakshmi Kammili
- Department of Medicine, The George Washington University; Division of Renal & Hypertension, The GW Medical Faculty Associates, 2300 I (eye) Street NW, Ross Hall Room 436B, Washington D.C. 20052, United States
| | - Anastas Popratiloff
- Department of Medicine, The George Washington University; Division of Renal & Hypertension, The GW Medical Faculty Associates, 2300 I (eye) Street NW, Ross Hall Room 436B, Washington D.C. 20052, United States
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Heinermann J, Rodríguez A, Segev O, Edmonds D, Dolch R, Vences M. Year-round activity patterns in a hyperdiverse community of rainforest amphibians in Madagascar. J NAT HIST 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2015.1009513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Van Cao N, Thien Tao N, Moore A, Montoya A, Redsted Rasmussen A, Broad K, Voris HK, Takacs Z. Sea snake harvest in the gulf of Thailand. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2014; 28:1677-1687. [PMID: 25388500 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2013] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Conservation of sea snakes is virtually nonexistent in Asia, and its role in human-snake interactions in terms of catch, trade, and snakebites as an occupational hazard is mostly unexplored. We collected data on sea snake landings from the Gulf of Thailand, a hotspot for sea snake harvest by squid fishers operating out of the ports of Song Doc and Khanh Hoi, Ca Mau Province, Vietnam. The data were collected during documentation of the steps of the trading process and through interviewers with participants in the trade. Squid vessels return to ports once per lunar synodic cycle and fishers sell snakes to merchants who sort, package, and ship the snakes to various destinations in Vietnam and China for human consumption and as a source of traditional remedies. Annually, 82 t, roughly equal to 225,500 individuals, of live sea snakes are brought to ports. To our knowledge, this rate of harvest constitutes one of the largest venomous snake and marine reptile harvest activities in the world today. Lapemis curtus and Hydrophis cyanocinctus constituted about 85% of the snake biomass, and Acalyptophis peronii, Aipysurus eydouxii, Hydrophis atriceps, H. belcheri, H. lamberti, and H. ornatus made up the remainder. Our results establish a quantitative baseline for characteristics of catch, trade, and uses of sea snakes. Other key observations include the timing of the trade to the lunar cycle, a decline of sea snakes harvested over the study period (approximately 30% decline in mass over 4 years), and the treatment of sea snake bites with rhinoceros horn. Emerging markets in Southeast Asia drive the harvest of venomous sea snakes in the Gulf of Thailand and sea snake bites present a potentially lethal occupational hazard. We call for implementation of monitoring programs to further address the conservation implications of this large-scale marine reptile exploitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Van Cao
- Institute of Oceanography, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam
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Gaston KJ, Duffy JP, Gaston S, Bennie J, Davies TW. Human alteration of natural light cycles: causes and ecological consequences. Oecologia 2014; 176:917-31. [PMID: 25239105 PMCID: PMC4226844 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-014-3088-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2014] [Accepted: 09/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Artificial light at night is profoundly altering natural light cycles, particularly as perceived by many organisms, over extensive areas of the globe. This alteration comprises the introduction of light at night at places and times at which it has not previously occurred, and with different spectral signatures. Given the long geological periods for which light cycles have previously been consistent, this constitutes a novel environmental pressure, and one for which there is evidence for biological effects that span from molecular to community level. Here we provide a synthesis of understanding of the form and extent of this alteration, some of the key consequences for terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, interactions and synergies with other anthropogenic pressures on the environment, major uncertainties, and future prospects and management options. This constitutes a compelling example of the need for a thoroughly interdisciplinary approach to understanding and managing the impact of one particular anthropogenic pressure. The former requires insights that span molecular biology to ecosystem ecology, and the latter contributions of biologists, policy makers and engineers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J Gaston
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, UK,
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York JE, Young AJ, Radford AN. Singing in the moonlight: dawn song performance of a diurnal bird varies with lunar phase. Biol Lett 2014; 10:20130970. [PMID: 24429683 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2013.0970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well established that the lunar cycle can affect the behaviour of nocturnal animals, but its potential to have a similar influence on diurnal species has received less research attention. Here, we demonstrate that the dawn song of a cooperative songbird, the white-browed sparrow weaver (Plocepasser mahali), varies with moon phase. When the moon was above the horizon at dawn, males began singing on average 10 min earlier, if there was a full moon compared with a new moon, resulting in a 67% mean increase in performance period and greater total song output. The lack of a difference between full and new moon dawns when the moon was below the horizon suggests that the observed effects were driven by light intensity, rather than driven by other factors associated with moon phase. Effects of the lunar cycle on twilight signalling behaviour have implications for both pure and applied animal communication research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E York
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter Cornwall Campus, , Tremough, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, UK
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Gunn J, Hawkins D, Barnes RFW, Mofulu F, Grant RA, Norton GW. The influence of lunar cycles on crop-raiding elephants; evidence for risk avoidance. Afr J Ecol 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.12091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jody Gunn
- Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory; Alice Springs PO Box 1120 NT 0871 Australia
| | - Dawn Hawkins
- Animal & Environmental Research Group; Faculty of Science and Technology; Anglia Ruskin University; East Road Cambridge CB 1 1PT U.K
| | - Richard F. W. Barnes
- Centre for Community Health; Division of Academic General Pediatrics; School of Medicine; University of California; 9500 Gilman Drive San Diego La Jolla CA 92093-0927 U.S.A
| | - Fredrick Mofulu
- Animal & Environmental Research Group; Faculty of Science and Technology; Anglia Ruskin University; East Road Cambridge CB 1 1PT U.K
- Tanzania National Parks; Tarangire National Park; Arusha PO Box 3134 Tanzania
| | - Rachel A. Grant
- Animal & Environmental Research Group; Faculty of Science and Technology; Anglia Ruskin University; East Road Cambridge CB 1 1PT U.K
| | - Guy W. Norton
- Animal & Environmental Research Group; Faculty of Science and Technology; Anglia Ruskin University; East Road Cambridge CB 1 1PT U.K
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