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Razali NB, Mansor MS, Ismail NA, Patah PA, Husin SM, Hussein MSR, Nor SM. The use of salt licks by birds in Peninsular Malaysia. Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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2
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Evidence of sodium limitation in ants and termites in a Neotropical savanna. JOURNAL OF TROPICAL ECOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1017/s0266467421000535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Nutritional ecology of ropical ecosystems like Neotropical savannas, which are of high conservation concern, is understudied. Sodium is essential for heterotrophs but availability often falls short relative to plant consumer requirements. Savanna plant consumers like ants and termites should be sodium-limited due to high temperatures, nutrient-poor soils, and lack of oceanic sodium deposition. We tested the hypothesis that Neotropical savanna ants and termites are sodium-limited. Termites were tested by supplementing 0.25 m2 plots with H2O (control), 0.1%, 0.5%, or 1.0% NaCl and measuring termite presence and artificial substrate mass loss after 1 week. Ants were tested by collecting ants that recruited to H2O (control), 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1.0% NaCl and 1.0%, 10%, and 20% sugar baits on paired diurnal–nocturnal transects. Termites were 16 times more likely to occur on 1% NaCl than H2O plots and wood-feeding termites were most frequent. However, the decomposition rate did not differ among treatments. Ant bait use increased with increasing NaCl concentration and 1% NaCl usage was similar to sugar bait usage. Ants were 3.7 times more active nocturnally than diurnally, but contrary to predictions bait type (water, sugar or NaCl) usage did not differ between day and night. Together, these results provide strong evidence of sodium limitation in Neotropical savannas.
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Griffiths BM, Cooper WJ, Bowler M, Gilmore MP, Luther D. Dissimilarities in species assemblages among Amazonian mineral licks. Biotropica 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/btp.13012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Brian M. Griffiths
- School of Integrative Studies George Mason University Fairfax Virginia USA
| | | | - Mark Bowler
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering University of Suffolk Ipswich UK
- Suffolk Sustainability Institute Ipswich UK
| | - Michael P. Gilmore
- School of Integrative Studies George Mason University Fairfax Virginia USA
| | - David Luther
- Department of Biology George Mason University Fairfax Virginia USA
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Razali NB, Shafie MSH, Mohd Jobran RA, Abdul Karim NH, Khamis S, Mohd-Taib FS, Md Nor S, Ngadi E, Atiqah Razali SH, Husin SM, Redza Hussein MS. Physical factors at salt licks influenced the frequency of wildlife visitation in the Malaysian tropical rainforest. TROPICAL ZOOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.4081/tz.2020.69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Mineral reservoirs or salt licks are commonly used by wildlife to regulate the concentration of salt and minerals in their bodies. Salt lick utilisation is known to be influenced by the chemical composition, but information on their physical properties, particularly vegetation surrounding the salt licks is scarce. In this study, physical factors and wildlife utilisation at two natural salt licks (SPU and SPS) located in Perak, Malaysia, were determined. Wildlife visitation data were retrieved from camera traps. SPU exhibits two reservoirs represented by rocky and clay substrate, with minimally dense vegetation dominated by hardwood species and climbers. SPS encompasses muddy topsoil, open canopy cover, with highly dense forest floor vegetation. The wildlife survey shows a higher frequency of visitation in SPS, especially by ungulates, potentially due to dense understorey foliage that provides foraging sites for these animals. SPU exhibits more diverse but less frequent wildlife species, particularly primates, carnivores, and avian groups. High emergence and closed canopy cover at this lick serve as perching sites for primates and birds, while less dense understory vegetation could aid in prey detection among carnivore. Regardless of their physical assemblages, salt licks are an essential local hotspot for wildlife, therefore, elucidating the need to prioritise conservation areas by maximising the complementarities of salt licks.
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Griffiths BM, Bowler M, Gilmore MP, Luther D. Temporal patterns of visitation of birds and mammals at mineral licks in the Peruvian Amazon. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:14152-14164. [PMID: 33391706 PMCID: PMC7771178 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mineral licks are key ecological resources for many species of birds and mammals in Amazonia, providing essential dietary nutrients and clays, yet little is known about which species visit and their behaviors at the mineral licks. Studying visitation and behavior at mineral licks can provide insight into the lives of otherwise secretive and elusive species. We assessed which species visited mineral licks, when they visited, and whether visits and the probability of recording groups at mineral licks were seasonal or related to the lunar cycle. We camera trapped at 52 mineral licks in the northeastern Peruvian Amazon and detected 20 mammal and 13 bird species over 6,255 camera nights. Generalized linear models assessed visitation patterns and records of groups in association with seasonality and the lunar cycle. We report nocturnal curassows (Nothocrax urumutum) visiting mineral licks for the first time. We found seasonal trends in visitation for the black agouti (Dasyprocta fuliginosa), red howler monkey (Alouatta seniculus), blue-throated piping guan (Pipile cumanensis), red brocket deer (Mazama americana), collared peccary (Pecari tajacu), and tapir (Tapirus terrestris). Lunar trends in visitation occurred for the paca (Cuniculus paca), Brazilian porcupine (Coendou prehensilis), and red brocket deer. The probability of recording groups (>1 individual) at mineral licks was seasonal and related to lunar brightness for tapir. Overall, our results provide important context for how elusive species of birds and mammals interact with these key ecological resources on a landscape scale. The ecological importance of mineral licks for these species can provide context to seasonal changes in species occupancy and movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian M. Griffiths
- Department of Environmental Science and PolicyGeorge Mason UniversityFairfaxVAUSA
| | - Mark Bowler
- School of Science, Technology and EngineeringUniversity of SuffolkIpswichUK
- Suffolk Sustainability InstituteIpswichUK
| | | | - David Luther
- Department of Biology and Smithsonian Mason School of ConservationGeorge Mason UniversityFairfaxVAUSA
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Terrestrial Behavior in Titi Monkeys (Callicebus, Cheracebus, and Plecturocebus): Potential Correlates, Patterns, and Differences between Genera. INT J PRIMATOL 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10764-019-00105-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Rahman A, Choudhury P, Talukdar NR. Assessing Essential Trace Elements in Cave Nectar Bat (Eonycteris spelaea): A Study in Barak Valley of Assam, India. Biol Trace Elem Res 2019; 188:451-460. [PMID: 30019209 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-018-1431-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated trace elements in the different organs of Eonycteris spelaea, a hill cave from the Bhuban Hills of Sonai Reserve Forest, Cachar, Assam (India). Six bats were collected from the site and concentrations of four trace elements (Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn) were examined from the tissues of liver, lungs, kidney, and patagium using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer (graphite furnace model-Analytic Jena Vario-6). The results of the study revealed that concentration of essential trace elements in the body tissues of E. spelaea were less than the maximum permissible limit. During the study, it was found that the concentration of copper in all the four organs are of the following order: liver (3 ± 0.11 μg/g dw) > lungs (2.4 ± 0.14 μg/g dw) > kidney (1.8 ± 0.10 μg/g dw) > patagium (1.8 ± 0.06 μg/g dw). For zinc, this sequence was kidney (61.8 ± 0.32 μg/g dw) > liver (61.2 ± 0.14 μg/g dw) > lungs (58.8 ± 0.19 μg/g dw) > patagium (46.8 ± 0.16 μg/g dw). For manganese, kidney (1.2 ± 0.15 μg/g dw) > lungs (0.6 ± 0.13 μg/g dw) > liver (0.6 ± 0.11 μg/g dw) > patagium (0.6 ± 0.10 μg/g), and for iron, it was liver (98.4 ± 0.22 μg/g) > lungs (78.6 ± 0.47 μg/g dw) > kidney (25.8 ± 0.23 μg/g dw) > patagium (16.2 ± 0.26 μg/g dw). Analysis of variance revealed significant differences (d.f. = 15, F = 44.84, P < 0.01) in the accumulation pattern in all the studied tissues of Eonycteris spelaea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anisur Rahman
- Wildlife Research and Conservation Laboratory, Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Assam University, Silchar, Assam, 788011, India
| | - Parthankar Choudhury
- Wildlife Research and Conservation Laboratory, Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Assam University, Silchar, Assam, 788011, India.
| | - Nazimur Rahman Talukdar
- Wildlife Research and Conservation Laboratory, Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Assam University, Silchar, Assam, 788011, India
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Molina E, Espelta JM, Pino J, Bagaria G, Armenteras D. Influence of clay licks on the diversity and structure of an Amazonian forest. Biotropica 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/btp.12568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Molina
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Paisaje y Modelación de Ecosistemas (ECOLMOD); Departamento de Biología; Universidad Nacional de Colombia; Carrera 30 # 45-03, Edificio 421 Bogotá Colombia
| | | | - Joan Pino
- CREAF; Cerdanyola del Vallès 08193 Catalonia Spain
| | | | - Dolors Armenteras
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Paisaje y Modelación de Ecosistemas (ECOLMOD); Departamento de Biología; Universidad Nacional de Colombia; Carrera 30 # 45-03, Edificio 421 Bogotá Colombia
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Sánchez MS, Giannini NP. Trophic structure of frugivorous bats in the Neotropics: emergent patterns in evolutionary history. Mamm Rev 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mariano Sebastián Sánchez
- Instituto de Biología Subtropical - nodo Posadas; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas and Laboratorio de Genética Evolutiva; Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Químicas y Naturales; Universidad Nacional de Misiones; Félix de Azara 1552 N3300LQH Posadas Misiones Argentina
| | - Norberto Pedro Giannini
- Unidad Ejecutora Lillo; Centro Científico Tecnológico Tucumán; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Miguel Lillo 255 C.P. 4000 Tucumán Argentina
- Cátedra de Biogeografía; Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo; Universidad Nacional de Tucumán; Miguel Lillo 205 C.P. 4000 Tucumán Argentina
- Department of Mammalogy; American Museum of Natural History; Central Park West at 79th Street New York 10024 NY USA
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Bohlender EE, Pérez-Torres J, Borray-Escalante NA, Stevens RD. Dietary variation during reproduction in Seba’s short-tailed fruit bat. J Mammal 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyx189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Erin E Bohlender
- Department of Natural Resources Management, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Jairo Pérez-Torres
- Department of Biology, Laboratorio de Ecología Funcional, Unidad de Ecología y Sistemática (UNESIS), Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Natalia A Borray-Escalante
- Department of Biology, Laboratorio de Ecología Funcional, Unidad de Ecología y Sistemática (UNESIS), Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Richard D Stevens
- Department of Natural Resources Management, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
- Museum of Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA (RDS)
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Moreno-Brush M, Portillo A, Brändel SD, Storch I, Tschapka M, Biester H. Mercury concentrations in bats (Chiroptera) from a gold mining area in the Peruvian Amazon. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2018; 27:45-54. [PMID: 29101638 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-017-1869-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In the southeastern Peruvian Amazon, artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is estimated to have released up to 300 tonnes of mercury (Hg) to the environment between 1995 and 2007 alone, and is claimed to be responsible for Hg concentrations above international thresholds for aquatic wildlife species. Here, we examined whether Hg concentrations in bat populations are potentially related to regional ASGM-Hg releases. We determined Hg concentrations in the fur of bats collected at three different distances from the major ASGM areas in Peru. Our findings from 204 individuals of 32 species indicate that Hg concentrations in bat fur mainly resulted from differences in feeding habits, because Hg concentrations were significantly higher in omnivorous bats than in frugivorous bats. At least in two species, populations living in ASGM-affected sites harbored higher Hg concentrations than did populations in unaffected sites. Because Hg concentrations reflect Hg dietary exposure, Hg emissions from amalgam roasting sites appear to deposit locally and enter the terrestrial food web. Although our study demonstrates that ASGM activities (and Hg point sources) increase Hg exposure in wildlife, the overall Hg concentrations reported here are relatively low. The measured Hg concentrations were below the toxicity threshold at which adverse neurological effects have been reported in rodents and mink (>10 µg g-1), and were in the range of Hg concentrations in the fur of bats from nonpoint source affected sites in other latitudes. This study emphasizes the importance of considering feeding habits when evaluating Hg concentrations in bats and other vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Moreno-Brush
- Chair of Wildlife Ecology and Management, University of Freiburg, Tennenbacher Str. 4, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
- Institut für Geoökologie, Abt. Umweltgeochemie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Langer Kamp 19c, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - Alejandro Portillo
- Museo de Historia Natural, Universidad Nacional San Antonio Abad del Cusco, Plaza de armas S/N (Paraninfo Universitario), Cusco, Peru.
| | - Stefan Dominik Brändel
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Luis Clement Ave., Bldg. 401 Tupper, Balboa Ancon, Panama, Panama
| | - Ilse Storch
- Chair of Wildlife Ecology and Management, University of Freiburg, Tennenbacher Str. 4, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marco Tschapka
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Luis Clement Ave., Bldg. 401 Tupper, Balboa Ancon, Panama, Panama
| | - Harald Biester
- Institut für Geoökologie, Abt. Umweltgeochemie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Langer Kamp 19c, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
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12
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Brightsmith DJ, Cáceres A. Parrots consume sodium-rich palms in the sodium-deprived landscape of the Western Amazon Basin. Biotropica 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/btp.12479] [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]
Affiliation(s)
- Donald J. Brightsmith
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology; Schubot Exotic Bird Health Center; Texas A&M University; College Station TX 77843-4467 U.S.A
| | - Aimy Cáceres
- Escuela de Ingeniería Ambiental; Facultad de Ingeniería; Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola; Av. La Fontana 550 La Molina Lima Perú
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13
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Bravo
- Center for Biodiversity and Conservation; American Museum of Natural History; Central Park West at 79th street New York NY 10024 USA
| | - Kyle E. Harms
- Department of Biological Sciences; Louisiana State University; 202 Life Sciences Bldg. Baton Rouge LA 70803 USA
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Ampeng A, Shukor MN, Sahibin AR, Idris WMR, Ahmad S, Mohammad H, Madeline GP, Ali N, Bujang M, Hashim I, Bujang A, Md-Zain BM. Patterns of mineral lick use by Northwest Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus) in the Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary, Sarawak, Malaysia. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-015-0983-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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15
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Lee ATK, Brightsmith DJ, Vargas MP, Leon KQ, Mejia AJ, Marsden SJ. Diet and Geophagy Across a Western Amazonian Parrot Assemblage. Biotropica 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/btp.12099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alan T. K. Lee
- Division of Biology and Conservation Ecology; School of Science and the Environment; Manchester Metropolitan University; Chester Street Manchester M1 5GD U.K
- Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology; University of Cape Town; Rondebosch 7701 South Africa
- Climate Change and Adaptation Division; South African National Biodiversity Institute; Private Bag X7 Claremont 7735 South Africa
| | - Donald J. Brightsmith
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology; Schubot Exotic Bird Health Center; Texas A&M University; College Station TX 77843-4467 U.S.A
| | - Mario P. Vargas
- Herbario Vargas; Universidad Nacional San Antonio de Abad de Cusco; Cusco Peru
| | - Karina Q. Leon
- Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina; Av. La Molina s/n La Molina Lima Peru
| | - Aldo J. Mejia
- Servicio Nacional de Adiestramiento Técnico Industrial; Puerto Maldonado Peru
| | - Stuart J. Marsden
- Division of Biology and Conservation Ecology; School of Science and the Environment; Manchester Metropolitan University; Chester Street Manchester M1 5GD U.K
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Molina E, León TE, Armenteras D. Characteristics of natural salt licks located in the Colombian Amazon foothills. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2014; 36:117-129. [PMID: 23595632 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-013-9523-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2012] [Accepted: 04/10/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Salt licks are key places for the ecological dynamics of wildlife communities around the world and are locations where animals develop geophagical behaviours. Geophagy is a method for animals to supplement their diets or facilitate their digestive processes and is related to the health of individuals and populations. This study characterises a series of salt licks located in the Colombian Amazon foothills and describes their structural, mineralogical and physicochemical properties, as well as the fauna that visit these locations. The results are analysed in reference to the geological characteristics of the study area and in relation to the role of the salt lick in the nutritional ecology of the Amazonian fauna. Located in the study area are two types of salt licks that are significantly different in composition. These salt licks are located in an area where young geological materials have been exposed. The characteristics of the salt licks supports the hypothesis that they are used to solve nutritional problems that result from herbivorous diets. The clear importance of salt licks in the ecology of several Amazonian animal species emphasises the need to prioritise conservation areas by maximising the complementarities of salt lick sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Molina
- Instituto de Estudios Ambientales (IDEA), Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, DC, Colombia
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Ghanem SJ, Voigt CC. Defaunation of tropical forests reduces habitat quality for seed-dispersing bats in Western Amazonia: an unexpected connection via mineral licks. Anim Conserv 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. J. Ghanem
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research; Berlin Germany
- Verhaltensbiologie; Freie Universität Berlin; Berlin Germany
| | - C. C. Voigt
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research; Berlin Germany
- Verhaltensbiologie; Freie Universität Berlin; Berlin Germany
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Frugivorous bats drink nutrient- and clay-enriched water in the Amazon rain forest: support for a dual function of mineral-lick visits. JOURNAL OF TROPICAL ECOLOGY 2013. [DOI: 10.1017/s0266467412000740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Abstract:In Central Amazonia, large mammals create water-filled puddles when consuming soil. These mineral licks are visited by pregnant and lactating frugivorous bats; possibly for two reasons. Frugivorous bats could supplement their mineral-depleted fruit diet by drinking salty water, or they could buffer dietary plant secondary compounds by consuming soil. We analysed bat fruits from Ecuador and showed that they are depleted in elemental concentrations (Na, K, P) compared with similar fruits collected from Costa Rica, where no mineral licks occur (n = 32). Analyses of water from Ecuador revealed that water samples from six mineral licks contained more physiologically relevant elements (Na, K, Mg, Ca) than four samples from river and stream water control sites (Mann–WhitneyU-test). In support of the nutrient supplement hypothesis, we observed bats drinking mineral-enriched water at these licks (video observation). Furthermore, blood collected from 68 bats differed in composition with respect to physiologically relevant minerals (Na, K, Mg, Fe) from that of frugivorous bats captured at control sites. To test whether frugivorous bats also consumed clay for detoxification, we checked for soil tracer elements in 31 faecal samples. Soil tracers are insoluble in water and, thus, are not included in a strict fruit diet. Bats from mineral licks showed higher aluminium soil tracer concentrations in their faeces than bat species that never visit licks, suggesting that frugivorous bats take up clay material at mineral licks. Our results provide evidence that frugivorous bats ingest soluble mineral nutrients and insoluble soil by consuming soil-enriched water at mineral licks, thus supporting the hypothesis that frugivorous bats of western Amazonia may derive a dual benefit from drinking water from mineral licks.
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Blake JG, Mosquera D, Salvador J. Use of mineral licks by mammals and birds in hunted and non-hunted areas of Yasuní National Park, Ecuador. Anim Conserv 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. G. Blake
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation; University of Florida; Gainesville; FL; USA
| | - D. Mosquera
- Estación de Biodiversidad Tiputini; Universidad San Francisco de Quito; Quito; Ecuador
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Bravo A, Harms KE, Emmons LH. Keystone resource (Ficus) chemistry explains lick visitation by frugivorous bats. J Mammal 2012. [DOI: 10.1644/11-mamm-a-333.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
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Lima Filho JA, Martins J, Arruda R, Carvalho LN. Air-breathing Behavior of the Jeju Fish Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus in Amazonian Streams. Biotropica 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1744-7429.2011.00839.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- João Alves Lima Filho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade; Instituto de Biociências; Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso; Campus; de Cuiabá; 78060-900; Cuiabá; Mato Grosso; Brazil
| | - Jhany Martins
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade; Instituto de Biociências; Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso; Campus; de Cuiabá; 78060-900; Cuiabá; Mato Grosso; Brazil
| | - Rafael Arruda
- Núcleo de Estudos da Biodiversidade da Amazônia Mato-Grossense (NEBAM); Instituto de Ciências Naturais; Humanas e Sociais; Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso; Campus; Universitário de Sinop; 78557-267; Sinop; Mato Grosso; Brazil
| | - Lucélia Nobre Carvalho
- Núcleo de Estudos da Biodiversidade da Amazônia Mato-Grossense (NEBAM); Instituto de Ciências Naturais; Humanas e Sociais; Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso; Campus; Universitário de Sinop; 78557-267; Sinop; Mato Grosso; Brazil
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Kaspari
- EEB Graduate Program; Department of Zoology; University of Oklahoma; Norman; Oklahoma; 73019; U.S.A
| | - Stephen P. Yanoviak
- Department of Biology; University of Arkansas at Little Rock; Little Rock; Arkansas; 72204; U.S.A
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Young SL, Sherman PW, Lucks JB, Pelto GH. Why on earth?: Evaluating hypotheses about the physiological functions of human geophagy. THE QUARTERLY REVIEW OF BIOLOGY 2011; 86:97-120. [PMID: 21800636 DOI: 10.1086/659884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Geophagy has been hypothesized to be an adaptive behavior, either as a means to allay nutrient deficiency or to protect against ingested pathogens and toxins. Others have proposed that geophagy is non-adaptive, occurring either to allay hunger or as an epiphenomenon of nutrient deficiencies. This paper evaluates these hypotheses using 482 published cultural-level accounts of human geophagy and 330 accounts of geophagy among 297 species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Information was extracted from reports of human geophagy to permit statistical analysis; reports of non-human geophagy were tabulated. Human geophagy did not parallel changes in nutrient requirements, occurred most frequently among children and pregnant women and in tropical areas (where pathogen densities are highest), and was associated with ingestion of toxic substances and gastrointestinal distress. Earth ingested by humans was craved and carefully selected and prepared; it had high clay content, but few bioavailable mineral nutrients. In primates, geophagy was associated with both protection from toxins and obtaining nutrients, whereas in other vertebrates it was associated mainly with obtaining nutrients. Our results indicate that human geophagy is best explained as providing protection from dietary chemicals, parasites, and pathogens, whereas animal geophagy may involve both micronutrient acquisition and protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sera L Young
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, San Francisco, California 94105, USA.
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Mineral Licks as Diversity Hotspots in Lowland Forest of Eastern Ecuador. DIVERSITY-BASEL 2011. [DOI: 10.3390/d3020217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Link A, Galvis N, Fleming E, Di Fiore A. Patterns of mineral lick visitation by spider monkeys and howler monkeys in Amazonia: are licks perceived as risky areas? Am J Primatol 2010; 73:386-96. [PMID: 21328597 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.20910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2010] [Revised: 11/07/2010] [Accepted: 11/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Mineral licks--also known as "salados," "saladeros," or "collpas"--are specific sites in tropical and temperate ecosystems where a large diversity of mammals and birds come regularly to feed on soil. Although the reasons for vertebrate geophagy are not completely understood, animals are argued to obtain a variety of nutritional and health benefits from the ingestion of soil at mineral licks. We studied the temporal patterns of mineral lick use by white-bellied spider monkey (Ateles belzebuth) and red howler monkey (Alouatta seniculus) in a lowland rain forest in Amazonian Ecuador. Using camera and video traps at four different mineral licks, combined with behavioral follows of one group of spider monkeys, we documented rates of mineral lick visitation by both primate species and the relative frequency and intensity of mineral lick use by spider monkeys. On the basis of 1,612 days and 888 nights of mineral lick monitoring, we found that A. belzebuth and A. seniculus both visit mineral licks frequently throughout the year (on average ∼14% of days for both species), and mineral lick visitation was influenced by short-term environmental conditions (e.g. sunny and dry weather). For spider monkeys, the area surrounding the lick was also the most frequently and most intensively used region within the group's home range. The fact that spider monkeys spent long periods at the lick area before coming to the ground to obtain soil, and the fact that both species visited the lick preferentially during dry sunny conditions (when predator detectability is presumed to be relatively high) and visited simultaneously more often than expected by chance, together suggest that licks are indeed perceived as risky areas by these primates. We suggest that howler and spider monkeys employ behavioral strategies aimed at minimizing the probability of predation while visiting the forest floor at risky mineral lick sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres Link
- Center for the Study of Human Origins, Department of Anthropology, New York University, New York, New York 10003, USA
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Puddles created by geophagous mammals are potential mineral sources for frugivorous bats (Stenodermatinae) in the Peruvian Amazon. JOURNAL OF TROPICAL ECOLOGY 2010. [DOI: 10.1017/s0266467409990472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Abstract:Natural licks are activity hotspots for frugivorous bats in the Peruvian Amazon. Large numbers of frugivorous bats congregate at licks to drink water. Because most Amazonian soils are relatively poor in nutrients, plants may contain low concentrations of some nutrients; consequently, frugivorous bats may face nutrient limitations. Accordingly, a potential explanation for lick visitation by bats is to obtain key limited resources. We assessed this hypothesis by comparing concentrations of cations (Ca, K, Mg, Na) in water at three licks and associated non-lick sites across years and seasons at Los Amigos Conservation Concession in south-eastern Peru. We also examined bat activity patterns between lick and non-lick sites. Regardless of the season, at licks >10 bats per net h−1 were captured compared with forest and gap sites where <1 bat per net h−1 was captured. At licks bats belonged primarily to the subfamily Stenodermatinae and over 70% were reproductive females. Although calcium, magnesium and potassium concentrations varied across water sources, sodium concentrations were consistently higher in lick water (>50 ppm) compared with creeks and oxbow lakes (<2 ppm) across seasons. Therefore, since sodium is one of the most limiting nutrients for vertebrates in the tropics, licks may function as sources of sodium (or other elements) for bats. In any case, licks are reliable potential sources of sodium in the south-eastern Peruvian Amazon, an otherwise mineral-poor landscape.
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Function, size and form of the gastrointestinal tract of the collared Pecari tajacu (Linnaeus 1758) and white-lipped peccary Tayassu pecari (Link 1795). EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-009-0348-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Powell LL, Powell TU, Powell GVN, Brightsmith DJ. Parrots Take it with a Grain of Salt: Available Sodium Content May DriveCollpa(Clay Lick) Selection in Southeastern Peru. Biotropica 2009. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1744-7429.2009.00514.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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