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Pisu MC, Andolfatto A, Ferro A, Esposito S, Veronesi MC, Probo M. Effect of a subcutaneous implant of deslorelin acetate on serum testosterone concentrations in male Hermann's (Testudo hermanni sp.) and Greek (Testudo graeca sp.) tortoises. Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:2279-2284. [PMID: 37173553 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10138-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Deslorelin acetate is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist formulated in a controlled-release subcutaneous implant and designed for reversible suppression of testosterone production in dogs. It has also been demonstrated to be effective in other animal species, but no data on its effectiveness in male land tortoises are available. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a 4.7-mg deslorelin acetate implant on serum testosterone concentrations in male Hermann's (Testudo hermanni sp.) and Greek (Testudo graeca sp.) tortoises. Twenty adult male tortoises housed under the same environmental conditions were enrolled for the study and randomly assigned to a treatment (D, n = 10) or a control (C, n = 10) group. Starting in May, males from the D group were implanted with a 4.7-mg deslorelin acetate device, whereas males from the C group did not receive any treatment. Blood samples were collected once immediately before implant application (S0-May) and at 15 days (S1-June), 2 (S2-July), and 5 (S3-October) months after application. Serum testosterone at each sampling time was measured through a solid-phase, enzyme-labeled, competitive chemiluminescent immunoassay. Median serum testosterone concentrations were not significantly different between the two groups in all sampling times, and no interaction between treatment and sampling time was observed. The present study, therefore, suggests that a single treatment with a 4.7-mg deslorelin acetate implant has no effect on testosterone circulation in male Hermann's and Greek tortoises during the following 5 months.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Angelica Ferro
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Maria Cristina Veronesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Lodi, Italy
| | - Monica Probo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Lodi, Italy.
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2
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Clive J, Flintham E, Savolainen V. Same-sex sociosexual behaviour is widespread and heritable in male rhesus macaques. Nat Ecol Evol 2023; 7:1287-1301. [PMID: 37429903 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-023-02111-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Numerous reports have documented the occurrence of same-sex sociosexual behaviour (SSB) across animal species. However, the distribution of the behaviour within a species needs to be studied to test hypotheses describing its evolution and maintenance, in particular whether the behaviour is heritable and can therefore evolve by natural selection. Here we collected detailed observations across 3 yr of social and mounting behaviour of 236 male semi-wild rhesus macaques, which we combined with a pedigree dating back to 1938, to show that SSB is both repeatable (19.35%) and heritable (6.4%). Demographic factors (age and group structure) explained SSB variation only marginally. Furthermore, we found a positive genetic correlation between same-sex mounter and mountee activities, indicating a common basis to different forms of SSB. Finally, we found no evidence of fitness costs to SSB, but show instead that the behaviour mediated coalitionary partnerships that have been linked to improved reproductive success. Together, our results demonstrate that SSB is frequent in rhesus macaques, can evolve, and is not costly, indicating that SSB may be a common feature of primate reproductive ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackson Clive
- Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet, Department of Life Sciences, Silwood Park Campus, Imperial College London, Ascot, UK
| | - Ewan Flintham
- Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet, Department of Life Sciences, Silwood Park Campus, Imperial College London, Ascot, UK
| | - Vincent Savolainen
- Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet, Department of Life Sciences, Silwood Park Campus, Imperial College London, Ascot, UK.
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3
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Thompson DM, Ligon DB, Edmond BS, Jane Spangler S, Fillmore BM, Graves KG, Lovern M. Reproductive Cycles of Alligator Snapping Turtles (Macrochelys temminckii). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023:114310. [PMID: 37244410 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2023.114310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) is a species for which captive propagation and reintroduction programs are well established; however, little is known about its reproductive behavior and physiology. In this study, we measured monthly plasma sex steroid hormone concentrations of androgen (T+DHT) estradiol-17B (E2), and progesterone (P4), and used ultrasonography to monitor annual reproductive cycles of a captive population of alligator snapping turtles that is maintained under semi-natural conditions in southeastern Oklahoma. Concurrently, we used automated radio telemetry to measure the relative activity levels of male and female alligator snapping turtles and examine these activity patterns in the context of their reproductive cycles. We also measured monthly concentrations of the glucocorticoid (GC) corticosterone (CORT). Seasonal variation was only detected for T in males, but was observed for T, E2, and P4 in females. Vitellogenesis began in August and ended in April and coincided with elevated E2. Ovulation took place 10-29 April and the nesting period lasted from 11 May - 3 June. Males exhibited greater relative activity levels than females in the fall, winter, and early spring, which coincided with the period when mature sperm would be available for mating. Females were more active than males during the peri-nesting period in the spring. Seasonal changes in CORT were detected and did not differ between males and females. CORT concentrations were elevated in the late spring and summer, coincident with the foraging season, and depressed in the fall, and winter, and at their nadir in the early spring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise M Thompson
- Department of Biology, Missouri State University, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, MO 65897, USA; Department of Integrative Biology, Oklahoma State University, 501 Life Sciences West, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA.
| | - Day B Ligon
- Department of Biology, Missouri State University, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, MO 65897, USA
| | - Brian S Edmond
- Computer Services, Missouri State University, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, MO 65897, USA
| | - S Jane Spangler
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Klamath Falls Fish and Wildlife Office, 1936 California Ave., Klamath Falls, OR 97601, USA; Tishomingo National Fish Hatchery, 5501 W. Hwy 7, Tishomingo, OK 73460, USA
| | - Brian M Fillmore
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Oklahoma Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office, 5700 W. Hwy 7, Tishomingo, OK, 73460, USA; Tishomingo National Fish Hatchery, 5501 W. Hwy 7, Tishomingo, OK 73460, USA
| | - Kerry G Graves
- Tishomingo National Fish Hatchery, 5501 W. Hwy 7, Tishomingo, OK 73460, USA
| | - Matthew Lovern
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oklahoma State University, 501 Life Sciences West, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
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4
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Kappeler PM, Benhaiem S, Fichtel C, Fromhage L, Höner OP, Jennions MD, Kaiser S, Krüger O, Schneider JM, Tuni C, van Schaik J, Goymann W. Sex roles and sex ratios in animals. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:462-480. [PMID: 36307924 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In species with separate sexes, females and males often differ in their morphology, physiology and behaviour. Such sex-specific traits are functionally linked to variation in reproductive competition, mate choice and parental care, which have all been linked to sex roles. At the 150th anniversary of Darwin's theory on sexual selection, the question of why patterns of sex roles vary within and across species remains a key topic in behavioural and evolutionary ecology. New theoretical, experimental and comparative evidence suggests that variation in the adult sex ratio (ASR) is a key driver of variation in sex roles. Here, we first define and discuss the historical emergence of the sex role concept, including recent criticisms and rebuttals. Second, we review the various sex ratios with a focus on ASR, and explore its theoretical links to sex roles. Third, we explore the causes, and especially the consequences, of biased ASRs, focusing on the results of correlational and experimental studies of the effect of ASR variation on mate choice, sexual conflict, parental care and mating systems, social behaviour, hormone physiology and fitness. We present evidence that animals in diverse societies are sensitive to variation in local ASR, even on short timescales, and propose explanations for conflicting results. We conclude with an overview of open questions in this field integrating demography, life history and behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter M Kappeler
- Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology Unit, German Primate Center - Leibniz Institute of Primatology, Kellnerweg 4, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Sociobiology/Anthropology, University of Göttingen, Kellnerweg 6, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sarah Benhaiem
- Department of Ecological Dynamics, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Strasse 17, D-10315, Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia Fichtel
- Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology Unit, German Primate Center - Leibniz Institute of Primatology, Kellnerweg 4, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lutz Fromhage
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Ambiotica, University of Jyväskylä, PO Box 35, 40014, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Oliver P Höner
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Strasse 17, D-10315, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael D Jennions
- Division of Ecology & Evolution, Research School of Biology, ANU College of Science, The Australian National University, RN Robertson Building, 46 Sullivans Creek Road, Canberra, ACT, 2600, Australia
| | - Sylvia Kaiser
- Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Münster, Badestr. 13, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Oliver Krüger
- Department of Animal Behavior, Bielefeld University, Morgenbreede 45, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Jutta M Schneider
- Department of Biology, Institute of Zoology, Universität Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King Platz 3, 20146, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Cristina Tuni
- Department of Biology II, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Großhaderner Str 2, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Jaap van Schaik
- Applied Zoology and Nature Conservation, University of Greifswald, Loitzer Str. 26, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Goymann
- Department of Behavioural Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Eberhard-Gwinner-Str. 6a, D-82319, Seewiesen, Germany
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5
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Schacht R, Beissinger SR, Wedekind C, Jennions MD, Geffroy B, Liker A, Kappeler PM, Weissing FJ, Kramer KL, Hesketh T, Boissier J, Uggla C, Hollingshaus M, Székely T. Adult sex ratios: causes of variation and implications for animal and human societies. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1273. [PMID: 36402823 PMCID: PMC9675760 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04223-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Converging lines of inquiry from across the social and biological sciences target the adult sex ratio (ASR; the proportion of males in the adult population) as a fundamental population-level determinant of behavior. The ASR, which indicates the relative number of potential mates to competitors in a population, frames the selective arena for competition, mate choice, and social interactions. Here we review a growing literature, focusing on methodological developments that sharpen knowledge of the demographic variables underlying ASR variation, experiments that enhance understanding of the consequences of ASR imbalance across societies, and phylogenetic analyses that provide novel insights into social evolution. We additionally highlight areas where research advances are expected to make accelerating contributions across the social sciences, evolutionary biology, and biodiversity conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Schacht
- grid.255364.30000 0001 2191 0423Department of Anthropology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC USA
| | - Steven R. Beissinger
- grid.47840.3f0000 0001 2181 7878Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management and Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA
| | - Claus Wedekind
- grid.9851.50000 0001 2165 4204Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michael D. Jennions
- grid.1001.00000 0001 2180 7477Ecology & Evolution, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Acton, Canberra 2601 Australia
| | - Benjamin Geffroy
- MARBEC Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - András Liker
- grid.7336.10000 0001 0203 5854ELKH-PE Evolutionary Ecology Research Group, University of Pannonia, 8210 Veszprém, Hungary ,grid.7336.10000 0001 0203 5854Behavioural Ecology Research Group, Center for Natural Sciences, University of Pannonia, 8210 Veszprém, Hungary
| | - Peter M. Kappeler
- grid.418215.b0000 0000 8502 7018Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology Unit, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute of Primate Biology, 37077 Göttingen, Germany ,grid.7450.60000 0001 2364 4210Department of Sociobiology/Anthropology, University of Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Franz J. Weissing
- grid.4830.f0000 0004 0407 1981Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Karen L. Kramer
- grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096Department of Anthropology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Therese Hesketh
- grid.83440.3b0000000121901201Institute of Global Health, University College London, London, UK ,grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XCentre for Global Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Jérôme Boissier
- grid.4444.00000 0001 2112 9282IHPE Univ Perpignan Via Domitia, CNRS, Ifremer, Univ Montpellier, Perpignan, France
| | - Caroline Uggla
- grid.10548.380000 0004 1936 9377Stockholm University Demography Unit, Sociology Department, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mike Hollingshaus
- grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, David Eccles School of Business, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Tamás Székely
- grid.7340.00000 0001 2162 1699Milner Centre for Evolution, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY UK ,grid.7122.60000 0001 1088 8582ELKH-DE Reproductive Strategies Research Group, Department of Zoology and Human Biology, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
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6
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Bech N, Nivelle D, Caron S, Ballouard JM, Arnal V, Arsovski D, Golubović A, Bonnet X, Montgelard C. Extent of introgressive hybridization in the Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni hermanni) from the south of France. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-022-01585-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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7
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Gilbert JD, Brindle M, Faulkes CG. Anecdotal observation of a sexual encounter between two male naked mole-rats. BEHAVIOUR 2022. [DOI: 10.1163/1568539x-bja10162] [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
Same-sex sexual behaviours (SSBs) are widespread across the animal kingdom, yet little consensus exists regarding their potential adaptive functions or evolutionary history. To fully address questions such as why or how a trait has evolved, it is important to first understand its natural history. Here, we present evidence of SSBs in two male naked mole-rats for the first time. Due to extreme natal philopatry, most naked mole-rats never disperse, making encounters with potential mates valuable in fitness terms. However, in captive colonies of naked mole-rats, a rare disperser morph has been described. We speculate that such dispersing individuals may be indiscriminatory in their mating strategy, copulating with conspecifics regardless of sex, to counter the risk of missed reproductive opportunities. This behavioural strategy would contrast with the common characterisation of naked mole-rats, which describes them as fiercely xenophobic and hostile to unfamiliar individuals. Further, the observation of an indiscriminate mating strategy in a species with limited opportunities for dispersal provides interesting context for the study of the evolution of SSBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- James D. Gilbert
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, 14 Taviton Street, London WC1H 0BW, UK
| | - Matilda Brindle
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, 14 Taviton Street, London WC1H 0BW, UK
| | - Christopher G. Faulkes
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
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8
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How do biases in sex ratio and disease characteristics affect the spread of sexually transmitted infections? J Theor Biol 2021; 527:110832. [PMID: 34252402 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2021.110832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The epidemiology of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is inherently linked to host mating dynamics. Studies across many taxa show that adult sex ratio, a major determinant of host mating dynamics, is often skewed - sometimes strongly - toward males or females. However, few predictions exist for the effects of skewed sex ratio on STI epidemiology, and none when coupled with sex biased disease characteristics. Here we use mathematical modelling to examine how interactions between sex ratio and disease characteristics affect STI prevalence in males and females. Notably, we find that while overall disease prevalence peaks at equal sex ratios, prevalence per sex peaks at skewed sex ratios. Furthermore, disease characteristics, sex-biased or not, drive predictable differences in male and female STI prevalence as sex ratio varies, with higher transmission and lower virulence generally increasing differences between the sexes for a given sex ratio. Our work reveals new insights into how STI prevalence in males and females depends on a complex interaction between host population sex ratio and disease characteristics.
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9
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Tomović L, Arsovski D, Golubović A, Bonnet X. Inside the shell: body composition of free-ranging tortoises (Testudo hermanni). ZOOLOGY 2020; 142:125821. [PMID: 32763652 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2020.125821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Body condition indices (BCI - mass scaled by size) are widely used in ecological studies. They presumably reflect variations of endogenous fat reserves in free-ranging animals. In the field, however, accurately quantifying internal body reserves is a difficult task. This is especially true in armoured animals where convenient clues that may guide BCI assessment (e.g. visible subcutaneous fat deposits) remain inaccessible. Alternatively, inclusive dissections may provide anatomical abacuses to estimate body reserves in living individuals. Sacrificing animals for this purpose is not acceptable. We opportunistically tested the ability of BCI to estimate body reserves in 13 free-ranging Hermann's tortoises (Gmelin, 1789) dissected soon after they died from natural causes. On average, BCI values were lower in dissected tortoises relative to living individuals (N > 10,000 measurements), but they remained within the range of variation of the studied populations. Shell mass relative to body mass was high and showed considerable inter-individual variation (33.5% to 52.3%). Stomach and digestive tract content represented another important and variable part of total body mass (4.4% to 14.5%). The contribution of fat bodies was negligible (0.0% to 0.5%). Overall, in the studied tortoises, variations of body condition are weakly determined by variations of fat stores. Other endogenous (e.g. muscles, visceral tissues, liver) and "exogenous" (e.g. digestive tract content, clutch) elements should be considered to better understand age and sex specific life-history trade-offs faced by chelonians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ljiljana Tomović
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Zoology, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dragan Arsovski
- Macedonian Ecological Society, Arhimedova 5, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Ana Golubović
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Zoology, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Xavier Bonnet
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, UMR 7372, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Université de la Rochelle, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France.
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10
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Bernheim M, Livne S, Shanas U. Mediterranean Spur-thighed Tortoises (Testudo graeca) exhibit pre-copulatory behavior particularly under specific experimental setups. J ETHOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10164-020-00657-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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11
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Chitty J. Tortoise orchiectomy - treatment tool or management option? Vet Rec 2019; 184:552-554. [PMID: 31048523 DOI: 10.1136/vr.l1920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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12
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El Hassani MS, El Hassan EM, Slimani T, Bonnet X. Morphological and physiological assessments reveal that freshwater turtle (Mauremys leprosa) can flourish under extremely degraded-polluted conditions. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 220:432-441. [PMID: 30594794 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.12.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Freshwater turtles are long-lived sedentary organisms used as biological sentinels to assess anthropogenic perturbations in freshwater-ecosystems; notably because pollutants tend to accumulate in their tissues. Pollution has detrimental effects in sea turtles, but studies in freshwater turtles have provided contrasted results: several species have been impacted by habitat perturbation and pollution while others not. It is important to explore this issue since freshwater turtles are threatened worldwide. We compared two populations of the stripe necked terrapin (Mauremys leprosa) in a relatively pristine area (piedmont of the Atlas mountain) versus an extremely degraded-polluted area (sewers of a large city) in Morocco. All morphological and physiological proxies showed that turtles were able to cope remarkably well with highly degraded-polluted habitat. Population density, body size, and body condition were higher in the sewers, likely due to permanent water and food availability associated with human wastes. Stress markers (e.g. glucocorticoids) provided complex results likely reflecting the capacity of turtles to respond to various stressors. Reproductive parameters (testosterone level, indices of vitellogenesis) were lower in the relatively pristine area. The deceptive overall image provided by these analyses may hide the disastrous human impact on rivers. Indeed, Mauremys leprosa is the only aquatic vertebrate able to survive in the sewers, and thus, might nonetheless be a pertinent indicator of water quality, providing that the complexity of eco-physiological responses is considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Said El Hassani
- Cadi Ayyad University Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Laboratory Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, P.O. Box 2390, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
| | - El Mouden El Hassan
- Cadi Ayyad University Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Laboratory Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, P.O. Box 2390, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
| | - Tahar Slimani
- Cadi Ayyad University Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Laboratory Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, P.O. Box 2390, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
| | - Xavier Bonnet
- Centre d'Etude Biologique de Chizé, UMR 7372, CNRS, Université de La Rochelle, 79360 Villiers en Bois, France.
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13
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Hatt JM, Kummrow M, Wenger S, Clauss M. Orchiectomy in Testudo species: technical aspects and effect on courtship behaviour. Vet Rec 2019; 184:555. [PMID: 30878949 DOI: 10.1136/vr.105095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Courtship behaviour of tortoises includes biting, ramming, chasing, same-sex sexual behaviour, and it commonly is excessive in European tortoise species kept as pets. As a result, males are kept individually. To assess the effect of orchiectomy on excessive courtship behaviour in European tortoises, 50 tortoises (Testudo graeca , T hermanni and T marginata ) underwent endoscopically assisted orchiectomy from April through September 2013 to 2017. Statistical analyses were performed in relation to species, body mass, testicular size and season and owners were invited to fill out a follow-up questionnaire. Body mass of the tortoises ranged from 334 to 2645 g (mean 1056 g) and the age from 5 to estimated 60 years. Testicular length ranged from 1.4 to 7.0 cm (mean 2.7 cm) and testicular mass from 0.6 to 12.6 g (mean 3.9 g). A complete or partial reduction (allowing group-housing) of the excessive courtship behaviour was noted by 95 per cent of owners and 59 per cent of the owners reported a noticeable change of behaviour within a month of surgery. Given the seasonal variation in testicular size, the best period for castrations in male European tortoises is shortly after brumation (April, May), when testes are proportionally smaller.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Michel Hatt
- Clinic for Zoo Animals, Exotic Pets and Wildlife, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maya Kummrow
- Clinic for Zoo Animals, Exotic Pets and Wildlife, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Marcus Clauss
- Clinic for Zoo Animals, Exotic Pets and Wildlife, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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14
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Bókony V, Milne G, Pipoly I, Székely T, Liker A. Sex ratios and bimaturism differ between temperature-dependent and genetic sex-determination systems in reptiles. BMC Evol Biol 2019; 19:57. [PMID: 30777013 PMCID: PMC6378719 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-019-1386-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sex-determining systems may profoundly influence the ecology, behaviour and demography of animals, yet these relationships are poorly understood. Here we investigate whether species with temperature-dependent (TSD) and genetic sex determination (GSD) differ in key demographic traits, using data from 181 species representing all major phylogenetic lineages of extant reptiles. RESULTS We show that species with TSD exhibit significantly higher within-species variance in sex ratios than GSD species in three major life stages: birth or hatching, juvenility and adulthood. In contrast, sex differences in adult mortality rates do not differ between GSD and TSD species. However, TSD species exhibit significantly greater sex differences in maturation ages than GSD species. CONCLUSION These results support the recent theoretical model that evolution of TSD is facilitated by sex-specific fitness benefits of developmental temperatures due to bimaturism. Our findings suggest that different sex-determination systems are associated with different demographic characteristics that may influence population viability and social evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Bókony
- Lendület Evolutionary Ecology Research Group, Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Herman Ottó út 15, Budapest, 1022 Hungary
| | - Gregory Milne
- Milner Centre for Evolution, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY UK
| | - Ivett Pipoly
- MTA-PE Evolutionary Ecology Research Group, University of Pannonia, Pf. 158, Veszprém, 8201 Hungary
| | - Tamás Székely
- Milner Centre for Evolution, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY UK
- Department of Evolutionary Zoology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, Debrecen, 4032 Hungary
| | - András Liker
- MTA-PE Evolutionary Ecology Research Group, University of Pannonia, Pf. 158, Veszprém, 8201 Hungary
- Department of Limnology, University of Pannonia, Pf. 158, Veszprém, 8201 Hungary
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15
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Bailey NW, Moore AJ. Evolutionary Consequences of Social Isolation. Trends Ecol Evol 2018; 33:595-607. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2018.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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16
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Regaiolli B, Sandri C, Rose PE, Vallarin V, Spiezio C. Investigating parental care behaviour in same-sex pairing of zoo greater flamingo ( Phoenicopterus roseus). PeerJ 2018; 6:e5227. [PMID: 30042888 PMCID: PMC6054785 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Same-sex pair bonds have been documented in several animal species and they are widespread in birds. However, little is known about the evolutionary origin and the adaptive value of such behaviour. The aim of this study was to investigate the parental behaviour of four zoo female greater flamingos involved in two breeding pairs, housed in a flock at Parco Natura Viva, Italy. Further, the behaviour of the study females was compared with that of male and female flamingos in heterosexual pairs described in a previous published work on this same flock. For each pair, the behaviour of both birds during the incubation period was recorded and twenty 10-minute sessions were run within the incubation period. A continuous focal animal sampling method was used to collect data on location (on the nest or not on the nest) and the parental care behaviour (e.g.: agonistic behaviours toward disturbing conspecifics, egg-care, nest-building, self-comfort behaviour, sleeping) of the two pairs. Data of the current study females were compared with those of females and males involved in heterosexual pairs of this same flock. Results showed that within each pair the egg-layer female stayed away from the nest more than the other female. In addition, the female that did not lay an egg was more involved in agonistic behaviour compared to other females, particularly when in specific locations. In heterosexual pairs, male flamingos were more involved in the incubation and in nest protection. Moreover, no significant differences in the time spent on the nest and away from the nest between the heterosexual male and the non-layer females of same-sex pairs were found. The same findings were reported when comparing heterosexual females and the egg-layer females of the same-sex pairs. Therefore, our findings suggest that in greater flamingos the behaviour of the female–female pairs seems to be equivalent to that of male-female bonds. Such research provides more insight into flamingo social behaviour, and their reproductive cycle, and provides information on why pair bonds may form and how these affect the wider breeding behaviour of the flock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Regaiolli
- Research & Conservation Department, Parco Natura Viva-Garda Zoological Park, Verona, Italy
| | - Camillo Sandri
- Department of Animal Health Care and Management, Parco Natura Viva-Garda Zoological Park, Verona, Italy
| | - Paul E Rose
- College of Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | | | - Caterina Spiezio
- Research & Conservation Department, Parco Natura Viva-Garda Zoological Park, Verona, Italy
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17
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Arsovski D, Olivier A, Bonnet X, Drilholle S, Tomović L, Béchet A, Golubović A, Besnard A. Covariates streamline age‐specific early life survival estimates of two chelonian species. J Zool (1987) 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D. Arsovski
- CEBC UMR‐7372 CNRS ULR Villiers en Bois France
| | - A. Olivier
- Institut de recherche de la Tour du Valat Arles France
| | - X. Bonnet
- CEBC UMR‐7372 CNRS ULR Villiers en Bois France
| | - S. Drilholle
- Institut de recherche de la Tour du Valat Arles France
| | - L. Tomović
- Institute of Zoology Faculty of Biology University of Belgrade Belgrade Serbia
| | - A. Béchet
- Institut de recherche de la Tour du Valat Arles France
| | - A. Golubović
- Institute of Zoology Faculty of Biology University of Belgrade Belgrade Serbia
| | - A. Besnard
- EPHE, CNRS, UM, SupAgro, IRD, INRA UMR 5175 CEFE PSL Research University Montpellier France
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18
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Golubović A, Arsovski D, Tomović L, Bonnet X. Is sexual brutality maladaptive under high population density? Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/bly057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Golubović
- Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Ljiljana Tomović
- Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg, Belgrade, Serbia
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19
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Experimental evolution with an insect model reveals that male homosexual behaviour occurs due to inaccurate mate choice. Anim Behav 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2018.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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20
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Bókony V, Kövér S, Nemesházi E, Liker A, Székely T. Climate-driven shifts in adult sex ratios via sex reversals: the type of sex determination matters. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2018; 372:rstb.2016.0325. [PMID: 28760766 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2016.0325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex reversals whereby individuals of one genetic sex develop the phenotype of the opposite sex occur in ectothermic vertebrates with genetic sex-determination systems that are sensitive to extreme temperatures during sexual differentiation. Recent rises in global temperatures have led researchers to predict that sex reversals will become more common, resulting in the distortion of many populations' sex ratios. However, it is unclear whether susceptibility to climate-driven sex-ratio shifts depends on the type of sex determination that varies across species. First, we show here using individual-based theoretical models that XX/XY (male-heterogametic) and ZZ/ZW (female-heterogametic) sex-determination systems can respond differentially to temperature-induced sex reversals. Interestingly, the impacts of climate warming on adult sex ratio (ASR) depend on the effects of both genotypic and phenotypic sex on survival and reproduction. Second, we analyse the temporal changes of ASR in natural amphibian populations using data from the literature, and find that ASR shifted towards males in ZZ/ZW species over the past 60 years, but did not change significantly in XX/XY species. Our results highlight the fact that we need a better understanding of the interactions between genetic and environmental sex-determining mechanisms to predict the responses of ectotherms to climate change and the associated extinction risks.This article is part of the themed issue 'Adult sex ratios and reproductive decisions: a critical re-examination of sex differences in human and animal societies'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Bókony
- Lendület Evolutionary Ecology Research Group, Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Herman Ottó út 15, 1022 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Szilvia Kövér
- Department of Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Rottenbiller u. 50, 1077 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Edina Nemesházi
- Lendület Evolutionary Ecology Research Group, Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Herman Ottó út 15, 1022 Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Rottenbiller u. 50, 1077 Budapest, Hungary
| | - András Liker
- Department of Limnology, University of Pannonia, Pf. 158, 8201 Veszprém, Hungary.,MTA-PE Evolutionary Ecology Research Group, University of Pannonia, Pf. 158, 8201 Veszprém, Hungary
| | - Tamás Székely
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Milner Centre for Evolution, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
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21
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Arsovski D, Tomović L, Golubović A, Nikolić S, Sterijovski B, Ajtić R, Ballouard JM, Bonnet X. When carapace governs size: variation among age classes and individuals in a free-ranging ectotherm with delayed maturity. Oecologia 2018; 186:953-963. [PMID: 29480451 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-018-4090-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Juvenile growth strongly impacts life-history traits during adulthood. Yet, in juveniles with delayed maturity, elusiveness has hindered age-specific studies of growth, precluding any detailed research on its consequences later in life. Different complex growth patterns have been extracted from captive animals, suggesting species-specific trajectories occur in free-ranging animals. How pronounced are growth and body size variation (VBS) throughout a long-lived ectotherm's life? Is VBS constant among age classes prior to maturity, or do compensatory and/or cumulative effects driven by long-lived-animal-specific strategies create distinct VBS cohorts, to ensure survival? To tackle the issue, we modelled growth data from continuous and dense annual capture-mark-recapture sampling (5096 body measurements of 1134 free-ranging individuals) of both immature and mature, long-lived Hermann's tortoises. We analysed population, cohort, and individual-based growth and VBS. Growth ring inferred ages were cross validated with annual recaptures in 289 juveniles. Analyses unravelled an S-shaped growth curve and identified three age cohorts across which VBS increases in a step-wise manner. Neonate-specific constraints and compensatory effects seem to control VBS until 4 years of age, possibly promoting survival with size. Subsequently, a hardened carapace takes over and cumulative effects fuelled by faster growth progressively increase VBS. Whereas ungulates are in a hurry to attain adult size before growth ceases (minimizing VBS), indeterminately growing tortoises can shape individual asymptotic sizes even after growth decelerates. Tortoise size is clearly shaped by age-specific ecological constraints; interestingly, it is likely the carapace that conducts the strategy, rather than maturity per se.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dragan Arsovski
- CEBC, UMR-7372, CNRS ULR, 79360, Villiers en Bois, France. .,Macedonian Ecological Society, Bulevar "Kuzman Josifovski-Pitu" 28/3-7, 1000, Skopje, Macedonia.
| | - Ljiljana Tomović
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Zoology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ana Golubović
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Zoology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sonja Nikolić
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Zoology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Bogoljub Sterijovski
- Macedonian Ecological Society, Bulevar "Kuzman Josifovski-Pitu" 28/3-7, 1000, Skopje, Macedonia
| | - Rastko Ajtić
- Institute for Nature Conservation of Serbia, Dr Ivana Ribara 91, 11070, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jean-Marie Ballouard
- Station d'Observation et de Protection des Tortues et de leurs Milieux (SOPTOM), B.P. 24, 83590, Gonfaron, France
| | - Xavier Bonnet
- CEBC, UMR-7372, CNRS ULR, 79360, Villiers en Bois, France
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22
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Jankowiak Ł, Tryjanowski P, Hetmański T, Skórka P. Experimentally evoked same-sex sexual behaviour in pigeons: better to be in a female-female pair than alone. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1654. [PMID: 29374281 PMCID: PMC5785962 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20128-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Same-sex sexual behaviour has been noted among social animals. However, because of the large number of observations necessary, data from controlled experiments are lacking. In this study, we performed experiments to evaluate the effects of male and female removal in colonies of the feral pigeon (Columba livia f. urbana). After the experimental removal of males, five long-lasting female-female pairs occurred. We found that those pairs could successfully raise offspring in a manner comparable to female-male pairs. Same-sex sexual behaviour and pairing in females is thus a better alternative to postponed breeding or breeding alone without the help of a partner. In contrast, in the case of female-removal experiments, same-sex pairing behaviour occurred in males as a temporary phenomenon with characteristic mutual aggression. Additionally, under a male-biased sex ratio, we observed father-son and father-daughter copulations. To the best of our knowledge, these results are the first obtained under controlled experimental conditions which demonstrate that the sex ratio of a population can shift the social structure and cause cooperative same-sex breeding behaviour to arise in a monogamous species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Jankowiak
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology and Anthropology, Institute for Research on Biodiversity, University of Szczecin, Wąska 13, PL-71-415, Szczecin, Poland.
| | - Piotr Tryjanowski
- Institute of Zoology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71C, PL 60-625, Poznań, Poland
| | - Tomasz Hetmański
- Department of Zoology, Pomeranian University, Arciszewskiego 22b, 76-200, Słupsk, Poland
| | - Piotr Skórka
- Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, al. Mickiewicza 33, 31-120, Kraków, Poland
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23
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Sibeaux A, Michel CL, Bonnet X, Caron S, Fournière K, Gagno S, Ballouard JM. Sex-specific ecophysiological responses to environmental fluctuations of free-ranging Hermann's tortoises: implication for conservation. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2016; 4:cow054. [PMID: 27933166 PMCID: PMC5142051 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cow054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Revised: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Physiological parameters provide indicators to evaluate how organisms respond to conservation actions. For example, individuals translocated during reinforcement programmes may not adapt to their novel host environment and may exhibit elevated chronic levels of stress hormones and/or decreasing body condition. Conversely, successful conservation actions should be associated with a lack of detrimental physiological perturbation. However, physiological references fluctuate over time and are influenced by various factors (e.g. sex, age, reproductive status). It is therefore necessary to determine the range of natural variations of the selected physiological metrics to establish useful baselines. This study focuses on endangered free-ranging Hermann's tortoises (Testudo hermanni hermanni), where conservation actions have been preconized to prevent extinction of French mainland populations. The influence of sex and of environmental factors (site, year and season) on eight physiological parameters (e.g. body condition, corticosterone concentrations) was assessed in 82 individuals from two populations living in different habitats. Daily displacements were monitored by radio-tracking. Most parameters varied between years and seasons and exhibited contrasting sex patterns but with no or limited effect of site. By combining behavioural and physiological traits, this study provides sex-specific seasonal baselines that can be used to monitor the health status of Hermann's tortoises facing environmental threats (e.g. habitat changes) or during conservation actions (e.g. translocation). These results might also assist in selection of the appropriate season for translocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adélaïde Sibeaux
- CRCC Centre for Research and Conservation of Chelonians, SOPTOM, Var, 83590 Gonfaron, France
- CIE Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, 3125 Victoria, Australia
| | - Catherine Louise Michel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, CEBC UMR-7372, CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 79360 Villiers en bois, France
| | - Xavier Bonnet
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, CEBC UMR-7372, CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 79360 Villiers en bois, France
| | - Sébastien Caron
- CRCC Centre for Research and Conservation of Chelonians, SOPTOM, Var, 83590 Gonfaron, France
| | - Kévin Fournière
- CRCC Centre for Research and Conservation of Chelonians, SOPTOM, Var, 83590 Gonfaron, France
| | - Stephane Gagno
- CRCC Centre for Research and Conservation of Chelonians, SOPTOM, Var, 83590 Gonfaron, France
| | - Jean-Marie Ballouard
- CRCC Centre for Research and Conservation of Chelonians, SOPTOM, Var, 83590 Gonfaron, France
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24
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Rodrigues JFM, Liu Y, Werner YL. Revisiting the same-sex mounting in chelonians under the concept of whole-animal. J ETHOL 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10164-016-0482-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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