Breeding Record Research Articles

The first documented breeding record of White-tailed Lapwing Vanellus leucurus (Lichtenstein, 1823) in Georgia

The first documented breeding record of White-tailed Lapwing Vanellus leucurus (Lichtenstein, 1823) in Georgia

NOTES ON THE ROSEATE TERN Sterna dougallii BREEDING IN KARIMUNJAWA ISLANDS, JAVA, INDONESIA

Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii is a rare to uncommon resident and migrant species in Greater Sundas, with only a handful records in Java. On 24 May 2021, a nest containing a single egg of the species was found in Karang Ketel islet, Karimunjawa Islands and constitute the first breeding record of Roseate Tern in the area, filling the breeding information gap of the species in Java for about 80 years since it first reported. Follow up surveys after the findings carried out for three consecutive years from May 2021-June 2023, reveals the species regularly breeding in three locations, i.e., Karang Ketel islet, Karang Kapal islet, and Krakal Besar I. Breeding recorded from May to August, with only small colony of 2-20 birds present.

The white-capped albatross: a new breeding record for the Diego Ramírez Islands, Chile

Albatrosses are renowned for their high philopatry, which has been proposed as a major barrier to their dispersal and hybridization with other albatross species. Except for shy-type albatross species from New Zealand, examples of colonization of new breeding sites and interbreeding with closely related species are rare. During the austral summer of 2022, while conducting land-based monitoring of resident Black-browed (Thalassarche melanophris) and Grey-headed (T. chrysostoma) albatross populations on the Diego Ramírez Islands, Chile (56 S), we documented the first (and southernmost) breeding record of a nesting pair of White-capped Albatross (T. steadi), a species endemic to the Auckland Islands, New Zealand (~ 7000 km away). The species identity was confirmed through molecular analysis. This discovery underscores the importance of Diego Ramírez and its surrounding waters as a hotspot for global albatross conservation.

New distribution and breeding record of Wroughton’s free-tailed bat (Otomops wroughtoni) (Chiroptera: Molossidae) from Meghalaya, India

Abstract The Wroughton’s free-tailed bat (Otomops wroughtoni) is classified as Data Deficient under IUCN Red List due to inadequate information on its distribution, population, and ecology. The species was previously recorded from Belgaum district of Karnataka and from East Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills districts of Meghalaya and from Cambodia, represented by a single specimen. Through our study on Chiroptera taxa across 19 Community Reserves between October 2021 and January 2022 using physical search, mist netting and acoustic study we have identified a new colony of O. wroughtoni from the Mikadogre village in South Garo Hills District of Meghalaya, which extends the current distribution to 135 km from the nearest known distribution site. Interestingly, unlike other known roosts of O. wroughtoni which are in large caves with high roofs and deep crevices or cupolas, this roost was in the open limestone cliff located next to a stream. In addition to this, we have also documented the breeding colony of the species from a previously known site at Pynurkba. This new finding emphasises that there are more potential roosts across the Northeast region of India with similar habitats and altitudes waiting to be identified.

Discrepancies in University of California Fig Breeding Records

A 1975 fig crop reference chapter written by W.B. Storey contains pedigree information involving 30 cultivars from the University of California breeding program and early California. The data were compared with the records from the US Department of Agriculture and statements from two other sources. Graphical representations were used to determine differences among the authors. All data are supplied in this article and supplemental materials. An estimate of correct parentage is presented in the final graph.

Surviving amid the Saharan sands: first breeding record and nesting ecology of the Mallard in the Algerian Sahara

Surviving amid the Saharan sands: first breeding record and nesting ecology of the Mallard in the Algerian Sahara

Geckos in zoos: A global approach on distribution patterns of threatened geckos (Gekkota) in zoological institutions

According to the One Plan Approach to Conservation, proposed by the IUCN SSC Conservation Planning Specialist Group (CPSG), there is, besides in situ conservation measures, also increased need for ex situ conservation breeding of threatened taxa. To gain a better overview of the current situation, we have compiled information from the zoo databases ZIMS (Zoological Information Management System) and ZTL (Zootierliste) on the husbandry of gecko species (suborder Gekkota) worldwide. Only 9.3 % (n = 201) of the 2151 currently recognized gecko species from seven families were kept according to ZIMS, of which about 20.4 % (n = 41) were classified as threatened. Most species were kept in European, North American and Australian zoos. Many of the species were kept outside the natural distributional range hotspots of geckos. However, institutions in Oceania kept mainly native geckos. The species richness of the natural distributional ranges of zoo-kept geckos was highest in Australia, Southeast Asia, Madagascar and lowest in South America. About 38.0 % (n = 25) of zoo-kept species with a successful breeding record were threatened, and most reproductive successes of threatened species have been recorded from only one institution per species. Although Gekkota is the most species-rich group among lizards (Sauria), they are still relatively poorly represented in zoological institutions, and most of the kept species are not threatened. Zoos inside and outside the distributional range can play a key role in conservation (breeding) programs, when they continue to provide their expertise and resources for the buildup of insurance colonies for threatened taxa. Preferably this is carried out in cooperation with experts and conservation centers from the species’ range countries and also in cooperation with Citizen Conservation programs.

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Blyth’s Swift, endemic to the Indian subcontinent, is one of the four taxa of the Pacific Swift Apus pacificus complex. It is known to breed in high altitudes (>2,000 m) and disperse widely in winters, as far as the southern extremity of Nilgiri Region of the Western Ghats of India. However, the true extent of its non-breeding range remains uncertain. The present study reports the extended breeding range of the species and also an attempt to confirm its breeding range using the Species Distribution Modeling (SDM). In April 2020 in Anaikatty Hills of Southern Western Ghats, Coimbatore, we recorded an assemblage of four aerial foraging Aves; Indian Swiftlet Aerodramus unicolor (Jerdon, 1840), Asian Palm Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis (J.E. Gray, 1829), Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica (Laxmann, 1769), and a large-sized swift. After referring to the experts’ field guides and discussions, we confirmed the species’ identification as the Blyth’s Swift Apus pacificus leuconyx (Blyth, 1845). The observed individuals of the Blyth’s Swift were carrying food bolus, confirming active breeding of the species in the Nilgiri region of the Southern Western Ghats of India. Also, the available breeding records were projected using Species Distribution Model SDM, the breeding range included the extent of Southern Western Ghats. We claim the first confirmed breeding record of the Blyth’s Swift in the region and an extension of the species breeding range.

First breeding record of the black-headed penduline tit (Remiz macronyx) in China.

Black-headed penduline tit (Remiz macronyx) is a poorly known bird species mainly distributed in Iran, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan. The distribution of black-headed penduline tit is disjointed and fragmented, and it occurs only along lakes or rivers surrounded by extensive reedbeds. Four subspecies of R. macronyx have been recognized (macronyx, neglectus, nigricans, and ssaposhnikowi). The ssaposhnikowi subspecies was previously known to occur only around lakes in southeastern Kazakhstan. In this study, we reported the first confirmed breeding record of R. m. ssaposhnikowi in the Nalati wetland, Ili, Xinjiang, China, extending the distribution range of the black-headed penduline tit by 350 km to the east. We also obtained new information about the morphology and breeding behavior of R. m. ssaposhnikowi, which can be useful for the taxonomy of penduline tits, especially in distinguishing black-headed penduline tits from Eurasian penduline tits (R. pendulinus).

Northern Shoveler Spatula clypeata: a possible first breeding record for Algeria

Breeding events of a waterbird species outside of their normal breeding grounds could be important to address how population changes on wintering areas are impacted by changes elsewhere in the birds’ annual cycle. In this note we confirm the first breeding record of Northern Shoveler Spatula clypeata in Algeria. The breeding site was a saline lake, Sebkhet El-mahmel, located 180 km from the Mediterranean Sea and subject to a semi-arid climate. The area was visited on 16 June 2019 and the species was confirmed as a pair of Northern Shoveler accompanied by eight juveniles. The Northern Shoveler is an unmistakable waterbird species in the northern hemisphere due to its distinctive bill. The female and her juveniles looked healthy and they spent almost the entire daytime foraging and swimming.

A new high-quality variety of spring barley Omsky

Within the framework of the grant “Creation of selection and seed production and breeding centers in agriculture to create and implement in the agricultural sector of modern technologies based on own developments of scientific and educational organizations” in 2021, the variety of spring barley Omsky 103 was transferred for state variety testing. The research aims to characterize the productivity and grain quality of the new promising Omsky 103. The study was conducted from 2017 to 2021. Optimal moisture conditions were represented in 2019 (GTC = 1.10), excessive moisture was observed in 2018, and dry conditions in 2017, 2020, and 2021 (GTC = 0.58-0.77). The new promising variety Omsky 103 (variety medium) belongs to the intermediate array, is a droughtproof variety, and has low susceptibility to black, stone, and dust smut. In the breeding record of sort Omsky 103, there are varieties and lines of breeding of Omsk Agrarian Research Center (Pallidum 3733, Medicum 4602, Medicum 4771, Ricotense 3928, Ricotense 3928, Ricotense 4432, Omsky 85, Omsky 89), other scientific centers of Russia (Belgorod K-22089, Cyclone, Kind, Olimp) and foreign breeding (Keystone). The advantages of the new variety Omsky 103 in terms of grain quality are higher protein content (13,27%; +0,15% towards the standard and +0,49% towards the type Omsky 102) and starch (56,41%; +0,62% towards the bar and +0,35% towards the variety Omsky 102). A positive characteristic of the array Omsky 102 is also an increased grain size (+10.04 g against the standard). Due to the increased yield (5.36 t/ha; +0.77 t/ha against the norm and +0.26 t/ha against the variety Omsky 102), the new perspective variety forms an increased grain harvest per unit area of protein (580.8 kg/a; +12.0% vs. standard and 22.5% to the Omsky 102) and starch (2.6 t/ha; +13.0% vs. standard and 21.7% to the variety Omsky 102).

Theoretical, methodological, and breeding results of the DIAS program in increasing grain production using the example of creation of a soft spring wheat variety - Kazakhstanskaya rannespelaya (origin, characteristics, economic value)

The selection of parental pairs is carried out considering their genealogical trees and the dynamics of the lim factors of the environment, in the creation area, with further hybridization, and subsequent multiple re-sowing of the population. The Kazakhstanskaya rannespelaya variety was created by selection from the F5 hybrid combination of Novosibirskaya 67 × Omskaya 9, the Interdepartmental program DIAS. The breeding record of Novosibirskaya 67 consists of 9 and Omskaya 9 – of 37 varieties, of which 19 are of winter origin. The inheritance of ear productivity, in both varieties, followed the type of complementary epistasis, with incomplete dominance and overdominance, with a large proportion, of recessive genes. In conditions of the Northern Trans-Urals, an early-ripening, yielding line was selected in F5 - Lutescens 1227-8-79, which became the ancestor of the Kazakhstanskaya rannespelaya variety. The variety has successfully passed the State variety testing and is registered in the Qostanay, North Kazakhstan and Kokchetav regions of Kazakhstan, and in the Chelyabinsk region of the Russian Federation, according to the grain quality it is included in the list of strong varieties. In the north of Kazakhstan, Kazakhstanskaya rannespelaya is cultivated on large areas. This variety, as a genetic source, has a good variety-forming ability. With its participation, 6 varieties were created in the Research Institute of the Northern Trans-Urals. Of these, Tyumenskaya 29 and Grenada are registered in 9 and 10 zones of the Russian Federation. It is used in the breeding programs of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The pygmy cormorant <em>Microcarbo pygmaeus</em> in central Italy: the status in the Marche region and the first confirmed breeding record in the province of Pesaro e Urbino (PU)

We report the first confirmed breeding record of the pygmy cormorant Microcarbo pygmaeus within the province of Pesaro e Urbino, in a recently discovered heronry located along the Metauro river, where at least 4 nests were found occupied in 2021. In the same year, a further breeding attempt occurred at Miralfiore urban park in the city of Pesaro, proving the species’ distribution expansion at regional level and affirming its breeding status.

Firstever Breeding Record of Painted Stork along with Greater Adjutant Stork in the Flood Plains of Kosi River in Bhagalpur, Bihar, India

Painted stork (Mycteria leucocephela) is a large resident wetland bird of stork family- Ciconidae and has been categorized as near threatened. A new nesting colony of wild Painted stork, breeding along with Lesser (Leptoptilos javanicus) and Greater Adjutant stork (Leptoptilos dubius) have been observed on the same nesting tree (Kadamb- Anthocephalus cadamba) at Bagritola village of Kadwa panchayat located on the flood plains of the Kosi river in district of Bhagalpur, Bihar, India. In October, 2015, a single nest and three Painted storks were observed (of which one bird was seen incubating) on a Kadamb tree in the village Bagritola. This breeding site was studied from October, 2015 to March, 2020 to observe the detailed nesting and breeding behaviors. From October, 2015 onwards a significant increase in the number of nests of Painted storks was recorded at the same breeding site and the storks adopted 2-5 separate but closely situated kadamb trees for nesting. In the month of September, 2017, two adjacent Kadamb trees were adopted by the Lesser and Greater Adjutant storks for nesting and they built two nests (one on each) Kadamb tree. In October, 2017, Painted storks also started to build their nest on the same trees which were already occupied by the Adjutant storks. From 2018 onwards, no nests of Lesser adjutant stork were observed and the Painted storks were found to breed along with Greater adjutant storks only, till the end of the study period i.e. March, 2020. Similar to the other two stork species, both the male and female Painted storks were sharing the process of nest building, incubation, nursing and guarding the chicks by rotation. Fragments of old branches of nearby trees as well as from abandoned nests were used for building the nests which were cushioned with the leaves. The Painted storks were successfully breeding along with the Greater adjutant storks on the same nesting trees peacefully without any obvious disturbances. The breeding season of Painted storks was observed to continue between October to March and their incubation period was estimated to range between 27-30 days. The breeding season of Lesser adjutant stork was observed to continue between mid-August to Feb whereas of Greater adjutant stork was observed between September to March with slight variation of 6-10 days in Bihar, India.

Fregetta lineata (Peale, 1848) is a valid extant species endemic to New Caledonia

We present evidence that confirms the streaked Fregetta lineata is a valid extant species that breeds on New Caledonia and endorse the vernacular name New Caledonian Storm Petrel. We review taxonomic deliberations over the historic five ‘Pealea’ streaked storm petrel specimens. Three belong to the recently rediscovered New Zealand Storm Petrel F. maoriana. We study six biometrics of the other two identical-looking specimens, one from Samoa, the other from the Marquesas Islands, a third ‘new’ specimen collected off Brisbane, and other Fregetta taxa. Results of Principal Component Analyses, Discriminant Analyses, and a review of phylogenetic relationships between Fregetta storm petrels, F. lineata and F. maoriana, lead us to conclude that the three specimens represent a single taxon, F. lineata. Furthermore, F. lineata is clearly separated from F. maoriana, White-bellied Storm Petrel F. grallaria and Black-bellied Storm Petrel F. tropica. We further conclude that storm petrels photographed at sea, off New Caledonia and in the Coral Sea, are F. lineata. We then redescribe F. lineata from at-sea observations, photographs taken at sea, and study of the three museum specimens. Criteria for in-hand and at-sea identification are presented. We report the first breeding record, from New Caledonia, a grounded fledgling presumably disoriented by onshore artificial lights. We explore likely breeding locations and conservation issues.

First Breeding Record of the Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) in Vermont

We report the first breeding record of Coragyps atratus (Black Vulture) in Vermont. The birds nested in a dilapidated barn in downtown Burlington, and successfully reared a single chick despite the barn's partial demolition shortly after the chick hatched. This record represents the northernmost breeding record in the US for the species, whose US range has extended steadily northwards in the past century.

First Breeding Record of the European Robin Erithacus rubecula in Lebanon 2020

European Robin Erithacus rubecula has an extremely large range, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion. The population trend appears to be increasing and the size is extremely large. For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern. In Europe, the breeding population is estimated to number 58,700,000-90,500,000 pairs, which equates to 117,000,000-181,000,000 mature individuals. This species is found in forest undergrowth and edge, preferring conifer tracts in some parts of its range and deciduous woodland in others. It uses copses and adjacent open land, farmland woodlots, thickets along watercourses, hedgerows with some tall trees, orchards, gardens and parks and is also found in urban areas in parts of Europe. It requires cool shade, medium-height cover with perches, and patches of bare ground. Breeding occurs from early April to mid-June in the U.K., from the end of April to late July in central Europe and from mid-May in northern Russia and mid-April in southern Russia. On the 28th of April 2020, I was birdwatching in Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve Zgharta-Ehden District, north Lebanon when I encountered a couple of European Robins carrying insects to a nest in a hole in a big rock near the river. Following the birds, they entered the whole and went outside immediately watching me cautiously. I went to see what’s inside that rock and I saw the nest of the European Robin with 3 nestling inside of it. Later after 3 weeks I went again to see the nest I found the juveniles wandering around it. Reporting it to Dr Ghassan Ramadan Jaradi, it was accepted as a first breeding record of this species to Lebanon. Later on, I was able to identify many juvenile individuals near the same location.

The first breeding record of a Great Grey Shrike pair exhibiting phenotypic characters of "Homeyer's Grey Shrike" Lanius excubitor homeyeri subspecies in Poland

The first breeding record of a Great Grey Shrike pair exhibiting phenotypic characters of "Homeyer's Grey Shrike" Lanius excubitor homeyeri subspecies in Poland

A breeding record of the brown hawk owl (Ninox scutulata) in Assam, India

The brown hawk owl, Ninox scutulata (Raffles, 1822) is a common, medium sized bird of prey on the Indian subcontinent and listed as of least concern. Its distribution range extends up to eastern Siberia, Japan, the Andmans, the Malay Peninsula, the Great and Lesser Sundas, Wallacea, Taiwan, the Philippines and Australia. There are 11 well documented subspecies across this wide distribution. A pair of brown hawk owls was observed nesting on a Dillenia indica tree (Family Dilleniaceae), in Guwahati, Kamrup District, Assam, India. The nest was in a cavity at a height of about 4 m. The tree was about 14 m tall and the main trunk was about 7 m in girth. It had a dense canopy with its large elliptical leaves.

The influence of birth season on the growing of heifers and their further productivity

The results of studies on the effect of the birth season factor on the lifetime productivity and growth rate of cows are presented. The material for the research was the information database of the "Selex" breeding record program for the highly productive herd of black-motley cattle of the "Pre-Baikal type". The research was carried out under the conditions of the Irkutsk region in 20152019. Replacement heifers, which were evaluated for growth and development, and subsequently for milk production during the 1st and 3rd lactations and lifetime production, were chosen as an object of research. Heifers born in the summer-autumn period, according to the 1st lactation, gave the highest productivity, their milk yield was 6151-6179 kg of milk with a fat content of 3.85%. By the 3rd lactation, cows born in the summer months retained high productivity (7001 kg with a milk fat content of 3.83%). From the cows born in winter, a maximum lifetime production of 30,519 kg was obtained. The cows born in spring have 856 kg less lifetime productivity. With the maximum lifelong productivity, the age in lactations was 4.5, with the minimum - 4.0. This indicates that the shorter the period of productive use, the lower the lifetime milk yield of cows. The cows that gave the highest milk production in the first lactations dropped out of the herd sooner for various reasons, thereby not having reached their full genetic potential and not having shown their possible maximum milk production.