Anthropoides Virgo Research Articles

Diet Composition of the Demoiselle Crane (Anthropoides virgo) Migrating Through Lakki Marwat, Pakistan

Demoiselle Cranes (A nthropoides virgo) migrate through Pakistan between their breeding and wintering grounds. We undertook macro and micro-analyses of 16 gizzards and 35 faecal samples of this elegant bird during its stopovers in the Lakki Marwat area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan. Analysis of 16 gizzards and 16 faecal samples of spring season showed that the bird was predominantly vegetarian and fed on cultivated crops ( viz: wheat, sorghum, chickpea, Egyptian clover and garlic) and wild flora ( viz: wild onion, beard grass and bur clover). Similarly, analysis of 19 faecal samples collected during the autumn revealed the presence of cultivated crops ( viz: chickpea, mustard and spinach) and wild plant species ( viz: wild onion, bur clover, salt cedar, beard grass and alkali seep weed). The Demoiselle Crane supplemented its diet with animal matters (ranging from 3 to 20%) derived from invertebrates belonging to Phylum Arthropoda (Order Pauropodina and Order Plecoptera) and vertebrate species i.e. tadpoles, Mus spp. and nestlings of birds. In addition, large quantities of grit composed of small stones and quartz crystals were found in the gizzards and faecal samples. This study provides information on the important flora and fauna that contribute to the diet of migratory Demoiselle Cranes. This aids strategies to conserve and protect the natural habitats from intensive anthropogenic use and livestock grazing, and helps to sustain and enhance numbers of this avian species.

Bonelli's record of the demoiselle crane,Grus virgofrom Piedmont, Italy

Bonelli's record of the demoiselle crane,<i>Grus virgo</i>from Piedmont, Italy

A global overview of cranes: status, threats and conservation priorities

This paper reviews the population trends and threats for the 15 species of cranes, and comments on conservation priorities for the family as a whole. Cranes occur on five continents, with greatest diversity in East Asia (nine species) and Sub-Saharan Africa (six species). Eleven crane species are threatened with extinction according to the IUCN Red List, including one species Critically Endangered, three species Endangered, and seven species Vulnerable. Of the four species of Least Concern, population sizes for the Demoiselle (<i>Anthropoides virgo</i>) and Brolga (<i>Grus rubicunda</i>) are not well known but these species are declining in some areas. The Sandhill (<i>G. canadensis</i>) and Eurasian Cranes (<i>G. grus</i>) are the most abundant cranes and have rapidly increased in part due to their flexible selection of foraging habitats and use of agriculture lands and waste grain as a food source. Status for six species-Grey Crowned (<i>Balearica regulorum</i>), Blue (<i>Anthropoides paradise</i>), Black-necked (<i>G. nigricollis</i>), Red-crowned (<i>G. japonensis</i>), Sandhill, and Siberian (<i>G. leucogeranus</i>)-are summarized in more detail to illustrate the diversity of population shifts and threats within the crane family. A crane threat matrix lists the major threats, rates each threat for each species, and scores each threat for the crane family as a whole. Four of the five greatest threats are to the ecosystems that cranes depend upon, while only one of the top threats (human disturbance) relates to human action directly impacting on cranes. Four major threats are discussed:dams and water diversions, agriculture development, crane trade, and climate change. Conservation efforts should be strongly science-based, reduce direct threats to the birds, safeguard or restore habitat, and strengthen awareness among decision makers and local communities for how to safeguard cranes and wetlands. Especially for the most severely threatened species, significantly stronger efforts will be needed to incorporate our understanding of the needs of cranes and the ecosystems they inhabit into decisions about agriculture, water management, energy development and other human activities.

Non-invasive method of sex identification of crane chicks by the DNA from capillary vessels of allantois

The non-invasive method of determining the sex of chicks after hatching based on the DNA isolated from capillary vessels of allantois of the egg-shell membranes was demonstrated on four crane species (Gruinae, Aves), which were bred in the Crane Breeding Centre of the Oka Nature Reserve in 2009-2012. Using the EE0.6 molecular marker of sex, the gender of 26 Siberian (Grus leucogeranus), 15 Red-crowned (G. japonensis), 4 Common (G. grus) and 1 Demoiselle (Anthropoides virgo) crane chicks was identified. This method can be recommended for determining the sex of chicks and the ratio of sexes in cranes that reproduce both in captivity and natural populations.

IDENTIFICATION OF BACTERIAL FLORA ISOLATED FROM APPARENTLY HEALTHY WATER BIRDS OF DHAKA ZOO OF BANGLADESH

A total of 72 samples (Oral swab, cloacal swab and faeccal sample) were aseptically collected from different species (Purple Heron, Demoiselle Crane Pond Heron (adult), Pond Heron (young), Cattle Egret, Night Heron (adult), Night Heron (young) and Little Cormorant) of apparently healthy water birds of Dhaka Zoo of Bangladesh for The isolation and identification of bacterial flora. All the collected samples were inoculated in different bacteriological media for the study of their cultural properties. Gram’s staining, motility test and biochemical tests were also performed for the proper diagnosis of the isolated bacteria. Slide agglutination test was also performed to confirm the suspected Salmonella. Five types of bacteria were isolated and identified. The antibiogram of five randomly selected isolated bacteria of each genus were also studied. Among the isolated bacteria the isolation rate of E. coli was 54.16 % followed by Salmonella spp.31.94 %, Staphylococcus spp. 27.78%, Bacillus spp. 26.38 % and Proteus spp. 8.33%. Among the isolates, E.coli was found to be most prevalent bacteria. Among the samples the isolation rate of bacteria was higher in cloacal swab 54.16%, followed by oral swab 51.38% and faecal sample 43.05%. There was marked variation in the antibiotic sensitivity and resistant patterns of the isolated bacteria to the antibiotics available in the markets. It was found that most of the isolated bacteria were highly sensitive to enrofloxacin and norfloxacin. Ampicillin and furazolidone could not affect the growth of any isolated bacteria. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v10i1-2.15642

Crane dances as play behaviour

All species of crane (Gruidae) engage in a spectacular behaviour known as dancing (Ellis et al. 1998). Crane dances have inspired humans since the Stone Age (Russell & McGowan 2003), and imitation dances are known in numerous human cultures worldwide (Armstrong 1943). However, the function of this behaviour is poorly understood, and explanations for it are sometimes contradictory. Lorenz (1963) considered crane dance to be an appeasement ceremony. However, this explanation cannot be true in many situations in which dances are performed. Cranes dance most often when relaxed, and often while not involved in any obvious social interaction; they also sometimes dance while alone (Potapov et al. 1987; V. Dinets pers. obs.). It is known that dances are particularly common in unpaired sub-adults; a common explanation is that dancing facilitates socialization and pair formation (Archibald & Meine 1996). However, sub-adults in well-established flocks dance more often than in those in recently formed flocks, where the need for socialization would presumably be higher (Potapov et al. 1987). Also, birds begin dancing very early in life, sometimes when just 2 days old, long before they are old enough to form pairs (Archibald & Meine 1996). In the reintroduced flock of Whooping Crane Grus americanus in Louisiana, year-old birds in flocks dance frequently (V. Dinets pers. obs.), even though cranes of this species do not start breeding until they are at least 2, and more commonly 3 years old (Allen 1952). Interestingly, yearlings that are not in flocks dance less often (V. Dinets pers. obs.); adults in established pairs seldom dance (Archibald & Meine 1996). So while it seems likely that dancing is a form of social behaviour, it seems unlikely that its primary function in subadults is socialization and pair formation. Dancing can also serve as displacement activity when cranes are nervous, but in most cases it is not performed in response to readily apparent stimuli (Archibald & Meine 1996). It usually occurs when the birds are relaxed and at ease (Potapov et al. 1987) and is often contagious (Archibald & Meine 1996). At the autumn staging grounds of Demoiselle Crane Antropoides virgo in Mongolia, thousands of individuals can sometimes be seen dancing at the same time (V. Dinets pers. obs.). Finally, it is important to note that courtship rituals of cranes involve prolonged bouts of dancing. In this case, the function of dancing seems to be obvious. But this is unlikely to apply to dances by immature birds, unpaired adults and migratory/ wintering flocks. Cranes are known to be playful birds. Although no study of play behaviour in cranes has been published, people working with captive cranes report that play behaviour is common, particularly in juveniles and sub-adults. Such observations exist for Whooping and Sandhill Grus canadensis Cranes (J. Chandler pers. comm.), for Redcrowned Grus japonensis, White-naped Grus vipio, Common Grus grus, Siberian Grus leucogeranus, Hooded Grus monachus and Demoiselle Cranes (V.E. Flint pers. comm.), and for Grey Crownedcrane Balearica regulorum (B. Machedra pers. comm.). Re-introduced Whooping Cranes (yearlings) in Louisiana have been reported to play with Styrofoam duck and geese decoys, sometimes breaking them apart in the process (P. Lamartiniere pers. comm.). On some occasions, dancing is combined with object play (T.L. Perkins pers. comm.). It is reasonable to suggest that dancing is also a form of play behaviour, at least when performed outside a pair-forming context. This has been suggested before (Archibald & Meine 1996), but only in passing. Burghardt (2005) developed a set of five criteria for determining whether a certain behaviour can be classified as play. These criteria are now widely *Email: dinets@gmail.com

Sex determination in ten crane species by DNA marker EE0.6

Using a unique DNA sequence of W-chromosome EE0.6, we carried out molecular sex determination in 383 individuals often species of cranes (Grusgrus L., G. leucogeranus Pallas, G. japonensis Muller, G. vipio Pallas, G. Canadensis L., G. antigone L., G. monacha Temminck, Anthropoides virgo L., Balearica regulorum Bennett, and B. pavonia L.) kept in zoos and other centers of captive propagation. In 211 birds, sex was determined or verified for the first time. The efficiency of using the sex marker EE0.6 for chicks and immature and adult cranes of different species, as well as for interspecific hybrids was shown.

The current state of the Demoiselle crane population in the Transural steppe

The Demoiselle crane population was studied in the southern Chelyabinsk region (52°12′N; 60°21′E) during 1988–2008. Counts of nesting pairs were annually conducted over an area of 100–130 km2 in May. The number of breeding pairs varied from 6.5 to 9.5 per 100 km2; on average, there were 8 pairs per 100 km2 during 1989–1991. In 2000–2008, the population density increased from 7.5 to 12 pairs per 100 km2, on average, 9.3 pairs per 100 km2. Demoiselle crane nesting in steppe pastures and perennial grass fields has been rarely observed for the last decade. Now the main nesting biotopes of the species are stubble fields accounting for up to 70% of all nidification cases documented. The decline in agricultural production in recent decades has resulted in the appearance of long-fallow lands, in which 17 to 35% crane pairs nest.

Disseminated visceral coccidiosis in Eurasian cranes (Grus grus) in the UK

Clinical disease and mortalities due to disseminated visceral coccidiosis were identified for the first time in a group of captive juvenile Eurasian cranes (Grus grus) in the UK during 2008....

ON THE SEMANTICS OF ANIMAL STYLE ORNITHOMORPHIC IMAGES IN PAZYRYK RITUAL ARTIFACTS

The paper focuses on animal style images and compositions in Pazyryk art. An attempt is made to reconstruct the semantics of certain images, proceeding from the assumption that art is a special language used to express perceptions of the Universe. The mythical griffi n is the most popular fi gure in Pazyryk art, suggesting that the Pazyryk people may be identifi ed with the “griffi ns guarding gold,” mentioned by Aristeas and Herodotus. The griffi n image is interpreted in the context of Pazyryk ritual grave goods and specifi cally in griffon – horse predatory scenes represented in the attire of the sacrifi cial horses that accompanied the deceased to their tombs. The same mythical predation scene, believed to bring good luck, is mentioned in the descriptions of Scythia given by Classical historians and geographers. The realistic image of a bird (probably the demoiselle – Anthropoides virgo – inhabiting the alpine steppes of the Altai) decorated the tops of Pazyryk ceremonial headwear. This image also appears in mythological belief. Its interpretation is suggested, relating the meaning of the bird image and the symbolism of Pazyryk headwear to Indo-European and Uralic mythology.

The status of cranes in Africa in 2005

Of the six species of cranes occurring in Africa, the Black Crowned Crane (Balearica pavonina) is Near-threatened, the Wattled Crane (Grus carunculatus) and Blue Crane (Anthropoides paradiseus) are Vulnerable, the Grey Crowned Crane (B. regulorum) is rapidly declining, and the Atlas Mountain population of Demoiselle Crane (A. virgo) may be Extinct. Over the past decade, intensive coordinated surveys have resulted in significant revisions to the population estimates for Africa's cranes. The total population of Wattled Crane, previously estimated at 13 000–15 000 birds, now numbers less than 8 000 individuals and the species is in decline in as many as nine of 11 countries in its range. The B. p. pavonina population is highly fragmented and has been reduced to approximately 15 000 birds, whilst it is likely that the B. p. ceciliae population is also in decline. The East African population of Grey Crowned Crane (B. r. gibbericeps) has been reduced to 43 000–55 000 birds, an almost 50% decline in the past 20 years. The estimated population of Blue Cranes (>25 580) reflects a slight increase over previous estimates but is substantially lower than historical levels. Crane numbers are seriously affected by degradation and disturbance of breeding grounds and capture for domestication and trade.

The World Crane Action Plan: implications for conservation of cranes and wetlands in Africa

Beilfuss, R.D., Meine, C.D., & Archibald, F.W. 2000. The World Crane Action Plan: implications for conservation of cranes and wetlands in Africa. Ostrich 71 (1 & 2): 227. The IUCN Species Survival Commission recently published The Cranes: Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan. Prepared over the past three years by the IUCN Crane Specialist Group, the document reviews the status of the world's cranes (Family: Gruidae) and their habitats, summarises recent crane conservation actions, and specifies priority measures for the future. Eleven of the 15 crane species are now proposed for inclusion on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals, and several subspecies and populations are critically endangered. Africa supports six species of cranes in 39 countries. The Black Crowned Crane Balearica pavonina, national bird of Nigeria, is resident in western and central Africa. The Grey Crowned Crane B. regulorum, national bird of Uganda, spans eastern and southern Africa. The Wattled Crane Bugeranus carunculahrs, largest and. rarest of Africa's cranes, ranges from Ethiopia to South Africa. The Blue Crane Anthropoides paradiseus, national bird of South Africa, is endemic to South Africa and Namibia. The Demoiselle Crane A. Virgo and Eurasian Crane Grus grus are winter visitors. Cranes have been the focus of intensive captive propagation and reintroduction programs as well as extensive habitat protection efforts. They are also excellent umbrella species for ecosystem-level conservation efforts. Wetlands that provide a home for cranes include the floodplains of the great river systems of Africa, such as Kafue Flats and Zambezi Delta of the Zambezi River system, the Okavango River Delta, the Sudd of the Upper Nile River, the Bangweulu Basin and swamps of the Zaire River system, the Senegal River Delta, and the Inner Niger River Delta, and the wetlands of Lake Chad. Small, isolated wetlands provide vital breeding habitat. This presentation will provide an overview of the action plan for those interested in cranes in particular, as well as those working in ecosystems and regions where cranes occur.

Distribution of cranes in Hulunber Grassland and Daxing’an mountains forest region in inner Mongolia

The Daxing’an Mountains and Hulunber Grassland are located in the northeastern border area of China. This region covers a large area of rich biodiversity. The natural environment here is well protected because of low pressure of human activity. There are 5 species of cranes here. They are Red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis), White-napped crane (Grus vipio), Siberian White crane (Grus leucogeranus), Grey crane (Grus lifordi) and Demoiselle crane (Anthropoides virgo). Red-crowned crane is a breeding species that is widely distributed in this area. The main breeding population of this species is in Heilongjiang Province. They migrate to the south of China in winter. White-napped crane, Grey crane, Demoiselle crane are also summer birds. It remains unknown if Siberian White crane breeds here. Since the population of Red-crowned crane, White-napped crane, Siberian White crane in China are at the edge of endangering, so they are listed in the namelist of national protected species. But Grey crane, Demoiselle crane have a larger population, and are widely distributed.

Study on the development and feeding management of young demoiselle cranes

Demoiselle crane (Anthropoides virgo) is the smallest one of all cranes, which migrates to north China in March, and leaves in October each year. The demoiselle crane is a premature bird. The average weight of a one-day nestling is about 76.0 g, and the new hatched nestling can’t stant until 20 h later. The weight of the nestling can be increased from 76 to 600 within 30 days, but decreased within the first 8 days, and increased gradually after 10 days. From 30 days to 60 days, the body weight increasing speed is the greatest, and is gradually slow after 60 days. The growth of other organs is similar to the body weight. The demoiselle crane is a omnivorous bird. During the early period, the main food is small fish, other small animals and fresh grasses. The grain feed is incrased gradully with the digesting organs developed. The demoiselle crane is easy domesticated, and is able to be oestrus, mating and laying eggs.

Demoiselle Cranes Wintering near Khichan, Rajasthan

Demoiselle Cranes winter near Khichan, West Rajasthan, India and are traditionally fed by the villagers. The Society for Cranes Protection and Care was founded in 1992 and the cranes are now fed twice a day at a feeding station called "Birds feeding home." The number of Demoiselle Cranes has increased to several hundreds or even thousands as a result of the increased feeding. Age ratios of the cranes show that 12.1% of the population is made up of first-year birds (born in 1994). The feeding project is costly, with daily expenses ranging from $15 to $65.

The Demoiselle Crane,Antropoides virgo, in Turkey: distribution and population of a highly endangered species

Abstract The Demoiselle Crane is one of the rarest bird species of Turkey. 20–30 pairs breed at a few sites in Eastern Anatolia. In contrast to the major part of its ranges, it is confined to wetlands. Compared to Cyprus, the number of migrants is relatively low, which might be explained by a low observation activity during migration seasons.

Respiratory responses to acute heat stress in cranes (Gruidae): The effects of tracheal coiling

Some species of cranes have extensive coiling of their trachea that substantially increases their anatomical dead space. We subjected individuals of four species of cranes ( Anthropoides virgo, Balearica regulorum, Grus grus and Grus Japonensis) to acute heat stress to investigate the effectiveness of this trait as the thermoregulatory adapatation. We measured cloacal temperature, respiratory flow and frequency and arterial pH during normothermic breathing and thermal panting. Extra tracheal length appears to be a helpful but nonessential adaptation to prevent cranes from becoming alkalotic while panting. Cranes in our study had relatively lower panting frequencies and greater tidal volumes than have been reported for other birds subjected to heat stress. Tracheal coiling is probably more important to vocalization than to respiration or thermoregulation.

Herpesviruses and Newcastle disease viruses in white storks (Ciconia Ciconia)

Three herpesviruses were isolated from white storks (Ciconia ciconia). All isolates reacted in cross-neutralisation tests with homologous antisera and with sera prepared against a herpesvirus from a black stork (Ciconia nigra). These data indicate serologic relatedness of the herpesviruses from both stork species. Antisera prepared against herpesviruses from the domestic chicken (viruses of Marek's disease and infectious laryngotracheitis), turkey, duck and pigeon as well as from the blue-fronted amazon (Amazona aestiva), prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus), eagle owl (Bubo bubo), Lake Victoria cormorant (Phalacrocorax melanoleucos), bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) and desmoiselle crane (Anthropoides virgo) did not react with the stork herpesviruses. Neutralising antibodies against stork herpesvirus were detected in the majority of 72 blood samples from white and black storks. In addition, three Newcastle disease viruses (NDV) could be isolated from white storks. One isolate was highly virulent the two others were avirulent for the chicken. Haemagglutination inhibition tests have shown that some storks have antibodies against Paramyxovirus- (PMV)-1 (NDV), PMV-2 and PMV-3. No antibodies could be detected in stork sera against PMV-4, -6 and -7.

Newcastle disease in a zoo affecting demoiselle cranes (anthropoides virgo), greater flamingos(Phoenicopterus ruber)and a pied imperial pigeon(ducula bicolor)

Newcastle disease virus could be isolated from demoiselle cranes (Anthropoides virgo), greater flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber) and a pied imperial pigeon (Ducula bicolor) in chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) cultures. All of these birds died without prominent symptoms and had no typical pathological lesions. Identification and characterisation studies of the viruses were performed in CEF cultures and embryos. Serological cross reactions could be detected between NDV strain B1 and the new isolates by haemagglutination inhibition and plaque reduction tests. Electron microscopic examination revealed particles with paramyxovirus morphology. Inoculation of susceptible cockerels resulted in severe clinical symptoms and mortality. The distribution of lesions in the digestive tract indicates that the isolated viruses are of the velogenic viscerotropic type.

Gruidae of Japan and its adjacent territories

There are four categories on the species of cranes found in Japan. The first, the resident that breeds at a certain district of Japan is Grus japonensis. The second, the winter visitors from the north yearly migrate to Japan in large flocks are Grus monacha and G. vipio: the first was the commonest crane in Japan in the olden days. The third, Grus leucogeranus was a common winter visitor in Kyushu district before the Meiji Era, but no longer found in Japan since that time; the reason of which is not possible to explain. The fourth is stragglers which have two or three capture records chiefly in the olden days; they are Grus grus lilfordi and Anthropoides virgo. If Saghalin, Korea, Manchuria, China, Hainan and Formosa are included besides Japan we have to enumerate one extra besides the above mentioned six species, which is Grus nigricollis.Besides the native cranes several foreign species i. e. Gras nigricollis, Balearica pavonina ceciliae, B. p. regulorum, Grus antigone sharpii, G. a, antigone, G. rubicunda have been brought over to the Jananese zoos and parks as caged birds.