Female Deer Research Articles

Influence of interspecific competition on mule deer birthing and rearing site selection

AbstractUngulates often alter behavior and space use in response to interspecific competition. Despite observable changes in behavior caused by competitive interactions, research describing the effects of competition on survival or growth is lacking. We used spatial modeling to determine if habitat use by female mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) was affected by other ungulate species prior to, during, and after parturition. We conducted our study in the Book Cliffs region of eastern Utah, USA, during 2019 and 2020. We used resource selection function (RSF) analysis to model space use of 4 ungulate species that potentially competed with mule deer: bison (Bos bison), cattle, elk (Cervus canadensis), and feral horses. We incorporated RSF models for competing species into a random forest analysis to determine if space use by mule deer was influenced by these other ungulate species. We used survival and growth data from neonate mule deer to directly assess potential negative effects of other ungulates. Habitat use by elk was an important variable in predicting use locations of mule deer during birthing and rearing. The relationship was positive, suggesting interference competition was not occurring. Survival of neonate mule deer increased as the probability of use by elk increased (hazard ratio = 0.185 ± 0.497 [SE]). Further, probability of use by elk in rearing habitat had no influence on growth of neonate mule deer from birth to 6 months of age, suggesting that exploitative competition was not occurring.

Monitoring of Cortisol Levels in Hog Deer with Varying Environment Exposure

Hog deer (Axis porcinus) is one of the least studied animal species in Pakistan. It belongs to Order Artiodactyla and the family Cervidae. IUCN classified Axis porcinus as an endangered species in 2008. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of varying environmental exposure, genders, and seasonal changes on captive hog deer (A. porcinus) at Lahore Zoo, Safari Zoo, and Jallo Park in Lahore, Pakistan. Non-invasive techniques were used to monitor stress levels in hog deer. For sample collection, four definite months belonging to two seasons’ winter and summer were considered. A total of 48 urine and faecal samples were collected from both male and female hog deer. Seasonal fluctuations have been found to have a significant impact on faecal and urinary cortisol levels. Higher cortisol levels were found in both male and female hog deer in the summer season at all three visited sites. Fluctuations in environmental exposure at three research sites had a significant impact on faecal and urinary cortisol levels. Higher levels of cortisol were found in both male and female hog deer at Jallo park and Lahore Zoo, as compared to Safari Zoo. It was concluded that lower cortisol levels at Safari Zoo might be due to better environmental conditions and more flexible enclosure size and interaction of various species of deer. Temperature affected hog deer cortisol levels in summer, as higher levels were measured in summer compared to winter. In addition, sex did not predict any stress levels in hog deer. It has been suggested that a large enclosure size can control levels of cortisol in hog deer.

Spatiotemporal patterns of male and female white-tailed deer on a hunted landscape.

Resource selection in sexually dimorphic ungulates is at least partially explained by sex‐specific resource requirements and risk aversion strategies. Females generally spend more time in areas with less risk and abundant, high‐quality forage due to their smaller body size. However, demographically variable responses to risk are context dependent, and few have concurrently quantified male and female behavior within areas with the same resource base. We captured 111 (54 males, 57 females) adult white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) from 2009 to 2018 on a site in South Carolina, USA, where hunters were the primary source of adult mortality. We fit each deer with a GPS collar programmed to collect locations at 30‐min intervals. Upon collar recovery, we analyzed the data to estimate sex‐ and time‐specific selection for, and distance to, various cover types. While both sexes generally avoided risky areas (i.e., sites hunted more frequently) during the day, females (p = .41) were more likely than males (p = .16) to use risky areas containing abundant food resources during the day, where p = probability of selection. Our findings indicate that female white‐tailed deer may be forced to utilize high risk areas during high risk periods due to their smaller body size and increased nutritional demands, whereas larger males are better able to forgo foraging opportunities during risky periods to mitigate risk; however, our study design left room for the possibility that our observations were driven by innate sex‐specific patterns in white‐tailed deer. Nonetheless, our study contributes information to the literature by describing sex‐specific resource selection by diel period on a site where sexes shared the same resources and were presented with the same landscape of risk.

Haematological and Chosen Biochemical Parameter Assessment of the Antioxidant System in Red Deer (Cervus Elaphus) Blood in Early and Late Pregnancy.

The aim of this study was to investigate changes in haematological parameters and the antioxidant system in the early and late pregnancy of red deer (Cervus elaphus). Blood samples were collected from 30 red deer females 50 days after impregnation and 40 days before calving. Complete blood counts and stained blood smears were assessed. Paraoxonase 1 (PON1), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR) activities, glutathione disulphide (GSSG), total glutathione, total bilirubin, total protein, albumin, uric acid, malondialdehyde (MDA), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides, cholesterol levels and total antioxidant status (TAS) were measured. The haematological characteristics of blood collected in the third trimester showed higher haemoglobin levels, haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (P < 0.05) and a lower mean cell haemoglobin concentration (P < 0.05) in comparison to samples collected on the 50th day after mating. Activity of CAT and MDA, LDL, and triglyceride levels were lower while GR, GSSG, total glutathione, total protein and BHB levels were increased in blood samples drawn in the third trimester compared with the first trimester blood samples. There were no changes in SOD, PON1 activities, TAS, bilirubin, albumin, HDL, cholesterol or uric acid concentrations. Red deer's compensatory mechanisms facilitate its optimal adaptation to seasonal changes evidenced by mild pronounced haematological disturbances and an effective antioxidant system during pregnancy.

Study of Timor Deer Behavior at the Exit Conservation Location of Cakura Village, Takalar Regency

The study of the behavior of the Timor deer was carried out at an ex-situ conservation site in Cakura Village, Takalar Regency. This study aims to determine the daily activities of Timor deer which are conserved in semi-open captivity by applying the Talaparusi system, with the method of focal animal sampling. This research was conducted in May 2022. Observations were carried out for 14 days (2 weeks). The results of this study indicate that differences in the time period of the morning, afternoon and evening affect the duration of daily activities carried out by both male and female Timor deer. The activities observed included resting activities, ingesting activities, playing activities, grooming activities. Observations on the behavior of the Timor deer in captivity showed that the activities of the Timor deer were dominated by resting activities of 53.99%. Then, followed by eating or ingesting activities by 22.13%. Furthermore, playing activities are in third position with a percentage of 17.17%. The least activity carried out was self-cleaning or grooming by 6.69%. This study also describes the difference in the duration or time required for male Timor deer and female Timor deer in carrying out the observed activities.

On the Colorimetry of Neuropeptide Y Hypothalamus and Ligamentous Parts in Male and Female Deer: Immunohistochemical Analysis Report- May 2021

It is since 1992 that this research began after reading numerous articles which placed Neuropeptide Y (NPY) antibody in the regulation of calcium and stomach function. Research in posturology and osteopathy carried out since 1988 highlights the oral afferents in the postural balance of verticalization and hominization. In parallel, paleontological research, on the ventro-caudal concavity flexion of the sphenoid, by Pr Anne Dambricourt, CNRS and the study on the evolution of the neurocranium by Pr Yves Lignereux of the Toulouse natural history museum, have allowed this research to position itself on the anatomical and embryological level. Researchers such as Gulgun Sengul and Charles Watson took up the work of Dr.Yew Chan, et al., in 1999 showed the relevance of NPY, at the high dorsals level, up to the 12th week of gestation in humans. In their work on the spine, Lumbar Spine Discover, the authors Aspden and Porter showed that this ligament relevance would be verifiable on the whole of the supraspinous ligament up to the lumbar vertebrae, which was further studied in the 2016.

First Detection and Molecular Identification of Entamoeba bovis in Farm-Raised Sika Deer from Anhui Province, China.

Protozoans of Entamoeba spp. are one of the most common enteric parasites that infect humans and diverse animals including deer. However, data regarding the prevalence and species/genotypes of Entamoeba spp. in deer in China is scarce. This study investigated the prevalence and species distribution of Entamoeba spp. in sika deer (Cervus nippon) in Anhui Province. In our survey, 336 fecal samples were collected from five sika deer farms in different regions of Anhui Province. All samples were examined for the presence of Entamoeba spp. by PCR and phylogenetic analysis of the conserved 18S rRNA gene. 106/336 (31.5%) fecal samples were positive for Entamoeba spp. A statistically significant difference in the prevalence of Entamoeba spp. infection was observed between sampling farms (p < 0.001), and the prevalence of Entamoebaspp. in male and female sika deer showed no significant difference (p > 0.05). Sequence and phylogenetic analysis revealed the single species, E. bovis, was identified in this study. This is the first report about the identification of E. bovis in farm-raised sika deer in China, and these results expand our understanding of host range and species distribution of Entamoeba spp. in ruminants.

Perilaku Harian Rusa Timor (Rusa timorensis) di Stasiun Penelitian Bu’at Kecamatan Mollo Selatan, Kabupaten Timor Tengah Selatan, Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Timur

A study that aims to determine the daily behavior of the Timor deer (Rusa timorensis) at the Bu'at Research Station, South Mollo District, South Central Timor Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province; and to find out the daily behavior comparison between Timor deer (Rusa timorensis) individuals based on sex and age (adult male, adult female, male child and female child) at the Bu'at Research Station, South Mollo District, South Central Timor Regency, Nusa Tenggara Province. East from October - December 2019. The method used is the scan sampling method and the object of research is one adult male individual, one adult female individual, one male juvenile individual, and one female juvenile individual. The results of the study were ingestive/eating behavior (38.23%); resting/resting behavior (28.54%); locomotion/walking behavior (29.27%), vocalization/voice behavior (1.46%), eliminative behavior/pooping (0.61%); social behavior (1.82%); sexual behavior (0%); and other behaviors (0.07%); and the comparison of daily behavior between individuals of Timor deer (Rusa timorensis) which were significantly different were adult male deer and juvenile female deer on locomotion (walking) behavior. While in ingestive behavior, resting behavior, vocalization behavior, eliminative behavior, social behavior, and sexual behavior there are no significant differences or can be considered the same

Daily Behavior of the Timor Deer (Cervus timorensis) at The Tahura of Wan Abdul Rachman Lampung of Tahura in Year 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia may affect changes in the daily behavior of the Timor deer in the Deer Captivity at the Grand Forest Park, Wan Abdul Rachman. The purpose of this study was to determine the daily behavior of the Timor deer (Cervus timorensis) during the COVID-19 pandemic at the Wan Abdul Rachman (WAR) Forest Park Deer Captivity (Tahura). The objects used are 4 male and female Timor deer. This study uses the Scan Sampling method with an interval of 10 minutes and starts from 08.00 - 17.00 WIB. Based on observations of the behavior of the Timor deer in captivity of the Tahura WAR Deer, it can be concluded that the most common behaviors are resting behavior (54.42%), eating behavior (34.95%), shifting behavior (6.37%), other behavior (2 ,6%), sleeping behavior (1,28%), self-playing behavior (0.79%) and social behavior (0.37%). During the COVID-19 pandemic (in 2021) there was an increase in the percentage of resting behavior (54.42%), sleeping (1.28%), social (0.37%), playing alone (0.79%) and others ( 2.6%) compared to the results of research before the covid-19 pandemic (in 2018) namely resting behavior (33.1%), sleeping (0.05%), social (0.26%), playing alone (0.6%) 1%) and others (2.45%). Meanwhile, the results of observations of the daily behavior of the Timor deer at the Tahura WAR Deer Captivity during the covid-19 pandemic (in 2021) showed a decrease in the percentage of eating behavior (34.95%) and moving (6.37%) compared to before the covid-19 pandemic (year). 2018) with the value of eating behavior (54.05%) and shifting behavior (9.99%). The difference in daily behavior shown to Timor deer in captivity is due to a decrease in the number of visitors due to the pandemic.

Pendidikan Tasawuf Ibnu Thufail dalam Novel Hayy bin Yaqdzan

&lt;p&gt;Self-experience and the state of the soul of all people will give rise to expressions, like Ibn Tufail who expressed it through fictional prose (novel). It is said that a baby is left alone in the forest and then raised by a female deer; he has noble morals and can arrive at the meaning of Allah even though not everyone can feel it. Departing from that, this research tries to classify the values of Sufism teaching and the process of planting Sufism teaching education contained therein by research based on library research (literature study) and using a semiotic reading analysis system. The results of this study indicate that there are thirteen maqomats and maqomats will increase if they are always reviewed by looking at the signs of His power. In addition, his Sufism is classified as philosophical Sufism, a concept of Sufism that uses a ratio approach.&lt;/p&gt;

Risky business: How an herbivore navigates spatiotemporal aspects of risk from competitors and predators.

Understanding factors that influence animal behavior is central to ecology. Basic principles of animal ecology imply that individuals should seek to maximize survival and reproduction, which means carefully weighing risk against reward. Decisions become increasingly complex and constrained, however, when risk is spatiotemporally variable. We advance a growing body of work in predator-prey behavior by evaluating novel questions where a prey species is confronted with multiple predators and a potential competitor. We tested how fine-scale behavior of female mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) during the reproductive season shifted depending upon spatial and temporal variation in risk from predators and a potential competitor. We expected female deer to avoid areas of high risk when movement activity of predators and a competitor were high. We used GPS data collected from 76 adult female mule deer, 35 adult female elk, 33 adult coyotes, and six adult mountain lions. Counter to our expectations, female deer exhibited selection for multiple risk factors, however, selection for risk was dampened by the exposure to risk within home ranges of female deer, producing a functional response in habitat selection. Furthermore, temporal variation in movement activity of predators and elk across the diel cycle did not result in a shift in movement activity by female deer. Instead, the average level of risk within their home range was the predominant factor modulating the response to risk by female deer. Our results counter prevailing hypotheses of how large herbivores navigate risky landscapes and emphasize the importance of accounting for the local environment when identifying effects of risk on animal behavior. Moreover, our findings highlight additional behavioral mechanisms used by large herbivores to mitigate multiple sources of predation and potential competitive interactions.

Effect of season and diet on heart rate and blood pressure in female red deer (Cervus elaphus) anaesthetised with medetomidine-tiletamine-zolazepam.

Temperate zone ungulates like red deer (Cervus elaphus) show pronounced seasonal acclimatisation. Hypometabolism during winter is associated with cardiovascular changes, including a reduction in heart rate (fH) and temporal peripheral vasoconstriction. How anaesthesia with vasoactive substances such as medetomidine affect the seasonally acclimatised cardiovascular system is not yet known. We anaesthetised eleven healthy female red deer with medetomidine (0.1 mg/kg) and tiletamine/zolazepam (3 mg/kg) twice in winter (ad libitum and restricted feed) and in summer (ad libitum and restricted feed), with a two-week washout-period in-between, to test for the effect of season, food availability and supplementation with omega-3 or omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) on fH and arterial blood pressure (ABP) during anaesthesia. Six animals received pellets enriched with omega-6 fatty acids (FA), and five animals with omega-3 FA. Anaesthesia significantly decreased fH in summer but not in winter and ABP was lower in winter (p < 0.05). The combination of omega-6 FA enriched pellets and food restriction resulted in a lower fH and higher ABP during anaesthesia with more pronounced changes in winter (p < 0.001). Our results demonstrate that season, food availability and type of PUFA supplementation in red deer affect the cardiovascular system during anaesthesia.

Distribution, prevalence, and intensity of Sarcocystis infections in sika deer (Cervus nippon) of free-ranging populations in Germany and Austria.

Sika deer (Cervus nippon), which are native to the Japanese islands and the adjacent mainland of eastern Asia, have been introduced into Europe and established free-ranging populations in several countries. Various Sarcocystis species have been identified recently from farmed "mainland sika" deer in Lithuania and native "Japanese sika" deer in Japan. To study the distribution, prevalence and intensity of Sarcocystis infection in free-ranging sika deer outside of their natural range heart and/or diaphragm samples of 311 animals from nine populations in Germany and Austria were examined by histology.Overall, sarcocysts were detected in either heart or diaphragm of 107/311 deer (34.4%) with prevalence ranging roughly from 5 to 50% among the populations. Considering the 263 animals with both heart and diaphragm available, prevalence varied significantly (p < 0.0001) among calves (20.2%), yearlings (40.3%), and adult deer (49.1%) but did not differ between male and female deer (48.3% vs. 43.7%; p = 0.6483). Occurrence of sarcocysts in heart vs. diaphragm indicated a marginal difference (27.8% vs. 20.9%; p = 0.0839). Intensity of infection in all but one heart positive and all diaphragm positive animals was low (< 10 sarcocysts per square centimeter muscle cut). While heart sarcocyst counts of yearlings and adult deer were higher than those of calves and were higher in male compared to female sika deer, diaphragm sarcocyst counts did not differ significantly between age groups and sexes. Sarcocystis infection was demonstrated at variable prevalence in sika deer in all populations but intensity is apparently low. Further studies are needed to identify the species of Sarcocystis infecting sika deer naturalized outside their natural range.

Deer Behavior Affects Density Estimates With Camera Traps, but Is Outweighed by Spatial Variability

Density is a key trait of populations and an essential parameter in ecological research, wildlife conservation and management. Several models have been developed to estimate population density based on camera trapping data, including the random encounter model (REM) and camera trap distance sampling (CTDS). Both models need to account for variation in animal behavior that depends, for example, on the species and sex of the animals along with temporally varying environmental factors. We examined whether the density estimates of REM and CTDS can be improved for Europe’s most numerous deer species, by adjusting the behavior-related model parameters per species and accounting for differences in movement speeds between sexes, seasons, and years. Our results showed that bias through inadequate consideration of animal behavior was exceeded by the uncertainty of the density estimates, which was mainly influenced by variation in the number of independent observations between camera trap locations. The neglection of seasonal and annual differences in movement speed estimates for REM overestimated densities of red deer in autumn and spring by ca. 14%. This GPS telemetry-derived parameter was found to be most problematic for roe deer females in summer and spring when movement behavior was characterized by small-scale displacements relative to the intervals of the GPS fixes. In CTDS, density estimates of red deer improved foremost through the consideration of behavioral reactions to the camera traps (avoiding bias of max. 19%), while species-specific delays between photos had a larger effect for roe deer. In general, the applicability of both REM and CTDS would profit profoundly from improvements in their precision along with the reduction in bias achieved by exploiting the available information on animal behavior in the camera trap data.

Assessing migration strategies and cause specific mortality of adult female White-tailed Deer (&lt;i&gt;Odocoileus virginianus&lt;/i&gt;) in North Dakota, USA

Life-history characteristics of White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) have been documented in areas of the Northern Great Plains, but limited information is available in grassland dominated regions. We documented migration strategy, home range use, and survival of adult female White-tailed Deer in central North Dakota. We monitored 62 radio-collared adult (&gt;1.5 year-old) female White-tailed Deer from February 2010 to December 2012. We documented 86 summer home ranges and classified deer as resident, migratory, or exhibiting a late season movement. Mean migration distance between non-overlapping summer and winter home ranges was 11.76 km (SE 0.86, n = 21). Mean late season movements were 20.69 km (SE 2.94, n = 7) and were likely the result of deer exhausting food resources throughout winter. We also developed five competing models that represented variation in survival among time periods (e.g., pre-hunt, hunt, and post-hunt in 2010 and 2011). Our top model indicated that survival (S) was similar between hunt 2010 and post-hunt 2011 periods but was lower (S = 0.82; SE 0.04, 95% CI 0.73–0.89) than the remaining time periods (S = 0.97; SE 0.01, 95% CI 0.93–0.99). Our results suggest that deer migration strategies and survival are likely influenced by a combination of winter severity and food availability. Mortalities attributed to hunter harvest were low during our study, which may indicate that increased recreational opportunities could be made available, even after severe winters.

Himalayan musk deer (Moshcus leucogaster) behavior at latrine sites and their implications in conservation.

Elusive species often use latrines which also serves as communication and information hubs. Thus, studying behavior at latrines may provide critical insights into the species’ ecology and behavior. While it is established that musk deer use latrines for defecating, very little is known about the endangered Himalayan musk deer (Moschus leucogaster) and their latrines. We examined musk deer behavior from the various video clips lasting 238 min altogether, captured at latrine sites during both breeding and non‐breeding seasons in the Annapurna Conservation Area of Nepal. A total of 428 visits by musk deer and 479 behavioral events by them were captured. We constructed an ethogram to describe musk deer behavior and compared behavior across individuals and sex using parametric and non‐parametric tests. We found that musk deer are crepuscular and nocturnal animals. Both male and female musk deer repeatedly and independently visited shared latrine sites as well as exclusively used latrine sites. The proportion of male musk deer visited latrine sites were significantly higher than that of female musk deer. Hence, male musk deer were found more active (>2 times) than females during both seasons. The most frequently observed behavioral activities at the latrine sites were defecating, sniffing and browsing, followed by scrapping and covering, and ignoring the latrine sites. The defecating and sniffing activity were performed throughout breeding and non‐breeding seasons to establish communication among peers and to claim territory. Based on the behaviors observed at the latrine sites, we can presume that Himalayan musk deer likely use latrines to convey various messages, including personality, maturity, sexual status, and territory marking among conspecifics. These findings of this study can be used for the conservation of musk deer in its natural habitat and replicated in captivity to enhance breeding performance that improves long‐term conservation prospects for this species.

Non-Invasive Measurement of Progesterone and Cortisol Metabolites in the Faeces of Captive Female Rusa unicolor at Zoo Negara, Malaysia and Its Reproductive and Stress Behaviour

Sambar deer are listed as vulnerable and are bred in captivity under governmental management. The success of captive breeding programs varies, and the underlying causes are unclear. The advantage of using non-invasive faecal samples to obtain hormonal profiles without the animal being sedated or restrained has not been tested in sambar deer. This experiment was aimed to study the reproductive and stress behaviours of sambar deer and to measure the levels of reproductive and stress hormones in captive female sambar deer via a non-invasive procedure using faeces samples. Data on reproductive and stress behaviour were collected from six sambar deer for six months. Behaviours were recorded by instantaneous sampling method using direct observation. The reproductive and stress hormones in faecal samples were analysed using ELISA procedures. There are differences in frequency of certain reproductive behaviours recorded within different sessions of data collections while stress behaviour was in the low count and no huge difference in frequency between different sessions. Progesterone metabolites showed some trend of high concentrations in July and started to drop at the end of July till the end of December with constantly negative concentrations. Sambar deer in Zoo Negara can be considered not in stress due to low reading of cortisol concentration even though there was a presence of visitors. In future, it is important to make sure the faecal samples for hormonal analysis are collected daily to look for the pattern of the oestrus cycle in sambar deer.

Anaesthetic management in adult fallow deer undergoing orthopaedic surgery

AbstractBambi, an adult female captive fallow deer (Dama dama), was presented to Beirut Pet Hospital in March 2021 for left metacarpal fracture. Bambi appeared to be exceptionally tolerant to physical restraint, so examination and preparation were performed carefully in a quiet room to avoid stress‐induced hyperthermia. Bambi was injected with butorphanol–medetomidine combination intravenously, followed by induction with diazepam and ketamine. Surgical anaesthesia and analgesia were maintained under isoflurane and a continuous rate infusion of fentanyl. Fracture reduction was employed followed by internal fixation, and the anaesthetic protocol was effective at maintaining deep anaesthesia and controlling pain allowing a good recovery. Limited data are found in the literature describing deer species undergoing orthopaedic surgeries under general anaesthesia. This case report represents an effective anaesthetic protocol that could be considered in cervids admitted to the veterinary clinics for orthopaedic surgeries.

An Upper Paleolithic Perforated Red Deer Canine With Geometric Engravings From QG10, Ningxia, Northwest China

Personal ornaments are key archaeological remains to investigate prehistoric symbolic systems, and, whenever hard animal remains were used for their manufacture, explore topics on the status attributed to faunal resources by past human groups. Since the onset of the Upper Paleolithic, animal tooth pendants have been widely used in Eurasia as personal adornments or grave goods. However, only two Late Paleolithic Chinese sites have yielded such adornment types until today, i.e., Zhoukoudian Upper Cave, near Beijing, and Xiaogushan, in the Liaoning Province. Here, we present results from the multidisciplinary analysis of a perforated animal tooth from QG10, a multi-stratified archaeological site located on the Ordos Plateau between the arid and sub-arid belts of Northwest China. Although only partially preserved, zooarchaeological analysis indicates the tooth is a right upper canine of a female red deer (Cervus elaphus). Scraping marks on the labial aspect suggest the tooth was extracted from the animal maxillary shortly after its death. Technological analysis of the perforation confirms it was made by rotation with the help of a lithic point hafted onto a drill. The root and occlusal aspect of the tooth were further modified with five sets of notches and incisions, including four incisions making a hashtag pattern on the occlusal aspect. Technological and morphometric analyses indicate these sets were made by two, perhaps three, individual, i.e., one left-handed and one, perhaps two right-handed, with different tools and techniques. Use wear analysis suggests that the adornment was affixed to the body with the tooth crown facing upward. Finally, chemical characterization of red and black residues still adhering to the root indicates that hematite and charcoal may have been used in the production of an adhesive that would have helped stabilize the personal ornament on the body. Collectively, our results and interpretations shed a new light on the complexity of Late Glacial symbolic system carried by populations living in Northern China. We argue this perforated red deer tooth was introduced in the site following a number of social exchanges over long distance and a long period of time rather than producedin situ.

Epidemiological differences between sexes affect management efficacy in simulated chronic wasting disease systems

Abstract Sex‐based differences in physiology, behaviour and demography commonly result in differences in disease prevalence. However, sex differences in prevalence may reflect exposure rather than transmission, which could affect disease control programmes. One potential example is chronic wasting disease (CWD), which has been observed at greater prevalence among male than female deer. We used an age‐ and sex‐structured simulation model to explore harvest‐based management of CWD under three different transmission scenarios that all generate higher male prevalence: (1) increased male susceptibility, (2) high male‐to‐male transmission or (3) high female‐to‐male transmission. Both female and male harvests were required to limit CWD epidemics across all transmission scenarios (approximated by R0), though invasion was more likely under high female‐to‐male transmission. In simulations, heavily male‐biased harvests controlled CWD epidemics and maintained large host populations under high male‐to‐male transmission and increased male susceptibility scenarios. However, male‐biased harvests were ineffective under high female‐to‐male transmission. Instead, female‐biased harvests were able to limit disease transmission under high female‐to‐male transmission but incurred a trade‐off with smaller population sizes. Synthesis and applications. Higher disease prevalence in a sex or age group may be due to higher exposure or susceptibility but does not necessarily indicate if that group is responsible for more disease transmission. We showed that multiple processes can result in the pattern of higher male prevalence, but that population‐level management interventions must focus on the sex responsible for disease transmission, not just those that are most exposed.