Grey Francolin Research Articles

The first ecological contamination study of avian mercury and lead in southeast Iran, Hamun International Wetlands.

The concentrations of mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) in feather samples of nine bird's species (n = 65) were determined from southeastern areas of Iran, Hamun International Wetlands. Hg concentrations were ranged from 0.40 to 3.00 mg/kg dry wt and from 0.38 to 1.76 mg/kg for primary and secondary feathers, respectively. Furthermore, Pb concentrations were ranged from 1.43 to 4.10 mg/kg and from 1.28 to 3.65 mg/kg for primary and secondary feathers, respectively. Deposition of metals varied significantly among the primary and secondary feathers of systematic category (families) for Hg and Pb (p < 0.001). It was found that there is a significant difference in feather Hg and Pb concentrations across species (p < 0.001) with highest concentrations in saker falcon (Falconidae) (Hg = 3.00 mg/kg and Pb = 4.10 mg/kg, primary feather) followed by little owl (Strigidae). Grey francolin (Phasianidae) contained the least amount of Hg (0.40 mg/kg) and Pb (1.43 mg/kg) in primary feather. The results showed that the highest concentrations of heavy metals were related to carnivores. Fish predators, omnivores, and insectivores were examined at the next level of metal concentration, with herbivores having the lowest concentrations of lead (1.43 mg/kg) and mercury (0.40 mg/kg). Birds with an open grasslands feeding strategy had the highest mercury and lead concentration. The average value for Pb was on the border of harmful effects (4 mg/kg). The results of this study indicate that mercury levels are lower than the threshold level for reproductive and behavioral harm (5 mg/kg).

Interspecific variations in external and internal egg quality among various captive avian species from Punjab, Pakistan.

Present study was planned to determine variations in external and internal quality egg parameters of different avian species including ostrich Struthio camelus, ducks Anas platyrhynchos, chicken Gallus gallus, turkeys Meleagris gallopavo and grey francolin Francolinus pondicerinus. All the birds were kept under similar rearing conditions. A total of 150 eggs were collected for each species to record external features of these eggs. Statistically significant (p<0.05) variations were recorded in egg weight, egg length and egg width between ostrich, ducks, chicken, turkey and quail eggs. Significantly (p<0.05) higher egg weight, egg length and egg width was observed for ostrich eggs while the same was lowest for grey francolin eggs. Similarly, significantly (p<0.05) greater shape index and egg volume values were observed for ostrich eggs while lowest shape index values were recorded for turkey eggs and egg volume was lowest for grey francolin. Significantly, higher (p<0.05) values of egg density were noted for eggs of the quail and the same were lowest for ostrich eggs. Non-significant variations in egg density values were observed between eggs of the ducks, chicken, turkey and grey francolin. It has been concluded that the positive correlations between the internal and external egg quality traits indicated that the traits can be improved through selection.

Studies on the habitats of Grey Francolin Francolinus pondicerianus (J.F. Gmelin, 1789) (Galliformes: Phasianidae) in northern districts of Tamil Nadu, India

This paper pertains to the habitats of the Grey Francolin Francolinus pondicerianus with specific reference to populations, habitat type, vegetation, foraging, impact of human dwellings, and probable threats to populations in 20 villages covering four northern districts of Tamil Nadu, India. A total of 252 individuals were enumerated. During the non-breeding season, birds move in small groups of 2–6. Of four habitats identified, the maximum number of 143 birds was observed foraging in grasslands, while 61 were seen in dry fallow agricultural lands, 37 in dry lakes/canals, and 11 in harvested fields. No significant association was observed between habitat type and bird behaviour. They feed on termites and spilled paddy grains. Males have repeated loud calls and fight with each other. Four species of tall grasses, six of stunted trees and two shrubs were identified to provide bird habitat. Birds preferred to live away from human dwellings, with 193 found 1,000 m away from settlements. The study area continues to be a suitable habitat for Grey Francolin populations, hence this habitat needs protection.

Helminthological studies in francolins (Galliformes: Phasianidae) of Sindh, Pakistan with two new species and epidemiological parameters.

Francolins are among the very gregarious variety of game birds severely infected by various parasites that may cause an important source for infection transmission in humans by eating them very fondly in the country. During this study, two commonly found francolins species of the region; Francolinus francolinus (Black Francolin) and F. pondicerianus (Grey Francolin), were examined for helminthes fauna. The study deals with the primary survey of helminthic infection occur in the francolin birds (Phasianidae: Perdicinae) with reference to their forage in gut content. It is the first helminthological and epidemiological study in Sindh, Pakistan. At present, a total of 20 birds were examined, out of which 17 were found infected with cestode larvae of two species of genus Cotugnia and genus Raillietina, one species of trematode, Prosthogonimus potentially new species; one new species of acanthocephalan, Mediorhynchus francolinae sp. nov.; one species of nematode, Subulura brumpti (López-Neyra, 1922) were recovered, with new host records. The forage content and comparative incidence of helminth species were also observed and discussed in the current study, which revealed the high prevalence of infection in grey francolins than that of black francolin. The mean intensity of infection relative to the forage in guts of hosts was found significant (P<0.05), observed 9.14±1.65 in black francolins than in grey francolins (5.8±0.51). The parasitic abundance was compared using Fisher's Exact Test, which showed no significant difference between cestodes and nematodes in the two hosts, however trematode and acanthocephalan was found only in grey francolin. The parasitic frequencies along with the confidence intervals were recorded higher in black francolins by cestodes and nematodes than the black francolins during the present study.

Impact of Feeding Habits on Population Ecology and Breeding Biology of Grey Francolin (Francolinus pondicerianus) in District Bhakkar, Punjab, Pakistan

Impact of Feeding Habits on Population Ecology and Breeding Biology of Grey Francolin (Francolinus pondicerianus) in District Bhakkar, Punjab, Pakistan

Distribution and Habitat Selection of Grey Francolin (Francolinus Pondicerianus) in Swegali Game Reserve District Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Animals use some habitats and quit others. It is essential to examine resource which is of great interest to the animal for its survival. Distribution and habitat selection of Grey Francolin was examined in Swegali game reserve during June 2007. Twelve line transects 200 meters wide and average 3.73 kilometers long were laid down randomly for collection of data from 06h00-20h00 and observed 58 Grey francolins singly or in pairs. Distributed of Grey francolin was observed in three of the available six habitat types including woody ravines, shrub land and agricultural fields. Chi-squared test showed that Grey francolin displayed significant habitat selection and highly significant preference for woody ravines, northerly aspects and foraged in the morning and evening, a slight drag to the afternoon was also observed. The study can contribute to planning of management interventions for the study species and its preferred habitats. It might assist policy makers to devise policies pertaining to agriculture, study species and their habitats to mitigate encroachment into marginal lands for agriculture, human settlements, use of pesticides and unregulated hunting, assessment of the effects of resource use on wild populations, planning and policy decisions for habitat management and harvest levels.

CAPTIVE BREEDING AND REINTRODUCTION OF BLACK FRANCOLIN, GREY FRANCOLIN AND CHUKAR PARTRIDGE (2015-2020) IN DISTRICT DIR LOWER, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA, PAKISTAN

Purpose: The ex-situ conservation aims to discover new populations or supports the populations that yet survive in the wild. To breed animals in captivity and release them in their natural control habitats is one of the conservation methods. Amongst other species partridges also breed in captivity and can be release in the wild but presently data lacking, need to examine. Chukar partridge, Black francolin and Grey francolin are used for sports hunting in Pakistan. The available record on captive breeding of Chukar partridge, Black francolin and Grey francilin and their release in the wild for the years 2015-2020 was reviewed using a developed questionnaire.&#x0D; Methodology: Review record of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department Pakistan through a developed questionnaire&#x0D; Findings: It was found that the maximum number of chukar partridge breed was 36, Black francolin (6) and Grey francolin (24). Out of the breeding stock, Chukar partridges (44) and Grey francolin (28) were released in the wild to its natural habitat by hard release technique.&#x0D; Unique contribution to the theory, practice and policy: The researchers recommended decrease in dissimilarity of habitat quality between breeding center environment and the release habitat besides providing a pre-release training to the release experts so as to improve habitat selection and survival of captive-bred. This study will help researchers for further in depth study in the area and will also facilitate conservation organization in making captive breeding of partridges as a successful program.&#x0D; Key words: Partridges, Captive breeding, Dir Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Golden Jackal Canis aureus Linnaeus, 1758 (Mammalia: Carnivora: Canidae) distribution pattern and feeding at Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, India

Golden Jackal Canis aureus, a medium-sized omnivore belonging to the family Canidae, ranges widely from Europe and extends across the middle-east to India. It’s adaptable social system according to the distribution of food resources enabling it to range widely from desert to evergreen forests, mangroves, rural, and semi-urban human-agro-ecosystems. Despite its wide distribution, the species has not received adequate scientific attention in much of its southern India range. This study was carried out to assess its distribution pattern, diet composition, and prey preference at Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, a well-known habitat for the jackal and the only predator of the sanctuary. Data on distribution collected through extensive field surveys revealed that the species distribution is uniform in southern and southeastern parts of the sanctuary, in areas where the habitat is more open with grasslands and mudflats and is patch in the tropical dry-evergreen habitat. Analysis of 155 scat samples revealed that the diet comprised 19 species of food items, including mammals, birds, insects, other invertebrates, and plant matter characterizing omnivorous nature. Temporal variation in diet composition—with significantly higher proportion of birds during winter than in summer—coincides with abundance of prey species in relation to season, which indicate the opportunistic foraging and hunting nature of the species. Data on diet preference showed that jackals in the area preferred Black-naped Hare, Spotted Dove and Lapwing followed by Chital, Grey Francolin, Cattle Egret, and Large Egret, while Blackbuck, Bonnet Macaque, and cattle were not preferred, which is discussed under optimal foraging. The jackal being the only large-sized predator of this natural system, more detailed studies and effective measures to conserve the species are vital not only to understand the prey-predator mechanism, but also to conserve the biodiversity of this unique ecosystem.

Population Estimation of Grey Francolin (Francolinus pondicerianus) in Salt Range, Punjab, Pakistan

The genus Francolinus belongs to Order Galliformes and Family Phasianidae and is diverse genus of game birds. Grey francolin (Francolinus pondicerianus) belongs to this genus and is a medium size game bird, serving as an operator of biological control. Population of grey francolin has declined over the time mainly due to excessive hunting and habitat destruction. Research studies have not been carried out on Grey francolin in the Salt Range and data on their biological and ecological aspects is lacking. The current study was conducted in two protected areas i.e. Chumbi Surla Wildlife Sanctuary (CSWS) and Diljabba Domeli Game Resrve (DDGR) to generate information about population density and distribution pattern of Grey francolin in the Salt Range. For population estimation, 40 transects were laid in the both areas and Grey francolin population were recorded both by direct sighting and calls and data was analyzes by DISTANCE Software 6.0. Significant difference was recorded in population densities among different sites both by sighting and calls method. In CSWS, population density by sighting was the highest at Open land habitat (3.23 individual ha -1 ) while lowest at cultivated habitat (1.58 individual ha -1 ) and by calls was the highest at (2.87 individual ha -1 ) from natural forest habitat, while lowest at (1.59 individual ha -1 ) from cultivated habitat. In DDGR population density by sighting was highest from wetland (2.47 individual ha -1 ) and lowest at (2.09 individual ha -1 ) from natural forest habitat, by calls highest from open land habitat (2.45 individual ha -1 ) and lowest from wetland habitat (1.10 individual ha -1 ). This study would provide essential scientific base about population and distribution patterns of grey francolin in the study area that is required for the conservation of grey francolin, ultimately helping in sustaining the population of this important game bird in the Salt Range.

Taxonomic and Phylogenetic Utility of Variation in Advertising Calls of Francolins and Spurfowls (Galliformes: Phasianidae)

Systematists have not often made use of avian vocalizations to assess the taxonomic rank of birds, or to infer their phylogenetic relationships. The likely reasons for this stem from the perceived inability to distinguish genetic and ecological components of variation in vocalizations, the difficulty in detecting homology across taxa, as well as the diverse selection pressures acting on vocal characters which may make such characters particularly prone to convergent evolution. In this study, we scored and analysed DNA and vocal characters of two delineated assemblages of gamebirds, francolins and spurfowls. Our phylogenetic results suggest that short strophes evolved from longer strophes among taxa within the genera Scleroptila and Peliperdix. More generally, our results corroborate the francolin-spurfowl dichotomy, with francolin calls generally being long and tonal, containing a series of discrete elements that have detectable harmonics. In contrast, most spurfowls render short, atonal calls with elements that generally have no harmonics, although they may contain discrete elements. Phylogenetically, Ortygornis sephaena is placed with ‘true’ francolins and its closest relatives are the two phylogenetically enigmatic Asian francolins, the grey francolin, Ortygornis pondicerianus, and swamp francolin, O. gularis.

Taxonomic and phylogenetic utility of variation in advertising calls of francolins and spurfowls (Galliformes: Phasianidae)

Systematists have not often made use of avian vocalizations to assess the taxonomic rank of birds, or to infer their phylogenetic relationships. The likely reasons for this stem from the perceived inability to distinguish genetic and ecological components of variation in vocalizations, the difficulty in detecting homology across taxa, as well as the diverse selection pressures acting on vocal characters which may make such characters particularly prone to convergent evolution. In this study, we scored and analysed DNA and vocal characters of two delineated assemblages of gamebirds, francolins and spurfowls. Our phylogenetic results suggest that short strophes evolved from longer strophes among taxa within the genera Scleroptila and Peliperdix. More generally, our results corroborate the francolin–spurfowl dichotomy, with francolin calls generally being long and tonal, containing a series of discrete elements that have detectable harmonics. In contrast, most spurfowls render short, atonal calls with elements that generally have no harmonics, although they may contain discrete elements. Phylogenetically, Ortygornis sephaena is placed with ‘true’ francolins and its closest relatives are the two phylogenetically enigmatic Asian francolins, the grey francolin, Ortygornis pondicerianus, and swamp francolin, O. gularis.

Impact of fencing on the conservation of wildlife habitat in a sub-mountainous open scrub forest

In Pakistan, Lehri/Jindi evergreen open scrub forest is a characteristic habitat of critically or locally endangered species including Punjab urial (Ovis vignei punjabiensis) and leopard (Panthera pardus), and the important game species desert hare (Lepus nigricollis), black francolin (Francolinus francolinus), grey francolin (Francolinus pondicerianus), see–see partridge (Ammoperdix griseogularis) and chukor partridge (Alectoris chukar). Four separate fenced enclosures were established to maintain captive Punjab urial population in a semi-wild state. Vegetation surveys were conducted through permanently laid quadrats to explore its impact on native flora in 1987–1992 before the fencing was installed and then 2003–2007 over a decade after the fencing was installed.

Molecular evolution of the Asian francolins (Francolinus, Galliformes): A modern reappraisal of a classic study in speciation

We investigated the evolution of the Asian francolins, five little known species in the genus Francolinus (Phasianidae). Evolutionary affinities of two of these species, F. gularis (swamp francolin) and F. pondicerianus (grey francolin), has long remained unclear. In contrast, the other three species, F. pintadeanus (Chinese francolin), F. pictus (painted francolin) and F. francolinus (black francolin) have been cast among the “spotted francolins” on a morphological and ecological basis. Previous molecular DNA investigations including Asian francolins mostly relied upon partial gene sequencing of one specimen per species (no more than three species and with the exclusion of F. pictus). Therefore, fundamental questions do persist. What relationship exists among the spotted and the other Asian francolins? What is the geographic origin of the black francolin, the species with the largest distribution range? How did the geological history influence the diversification of francolins across Asia? We sequenced the entire Control Region of the mitochondrial DNA in 228 samples of all five Asian francolin species, which were collected in 16 countries (from East Europe to East Asia). We constructed a molecular phylogeny according to four different procedures. We showed the monophyly of each of the Asian francolins and the spotted group, while that of the entire Asian group was presumed according to a biogeographical model we proposed. The splitting of the genus Francolinus occurred ∼17.4Ma (95% HPD: 13.4–22.1) while the spotted francolins diverged ∼10.5Ma (7.0–14.9). We resolved the most recent common ancestor to painted and black francolin as being in the Indian sub-continent, thus suggesting a westwards adaptive radiation of the latter. In Pakistan, we identified F. f. asiae representatives in the Northern Areas and in the Sindh. The latter represents a relict population of Indian fauna within the Pakistani range of the Great Rann of Kachchh.

Population biology of the Grey Francolin (Francolinus pondicerianus) in an agro-ecosystem of the Pothwar Plateau, Pakistan

The field biology of the Grey Francolin ( Francolinus pondicerianus) was studied in 2009 in an agro-ecosystem of the Pothwar area, an important range of its distribution in Pakistan. The bird density was estimated as 1.59 ± 0.39 (mean ± standard error) birds per ha in crop fields and 0.87 ± 0.14 birds per ha in forest tracks, with some seasonal fluctuations in its habitat. All bird nests were located on the ground in vegetation mainly comprised of Desmostachia bipinnata, Acacia modesta, Imperata cylindrical, Zizipus jujuba and Euphorbia spp. Egg laying was recorded during the spring and summer months, with a mean egg laying span of 6 ± 0.36 days (range 5-7 days) and a mean clutch size of 7 ± 0.36 (range of 6-8 eggs). The mean incubation period was 20.6 ± 0.50 days (range 19-22 days). Out of a total number of 42 eggs recorded, 32 hatched (76.19% success) with a mean hatch- ing rate of 5.33 ± 1.22 eggs per clutch. The fledgling success was estimated as 3.83 ± 0.83 per clutch (63.08%). The species was found to be omnivorous and euryphagus in its feeding habit. There were 10 identifiable food items in the diet of the species, consisting of seven plant species ( Pennisetum ty- phoideum, Sorghum bicolor, S. halepense, Prosopis juliflora , Phaseolus radiates, Carthemus axycantha and Acacia sp.), two insect species (Coptotermes formosanus and Formica rufa) and one grit.

Mitochondrial DNA diversity in Francolinus pondicerianus interpositus (grey francolin, Galliformes) from Pakistan

Francolinus pondicerianus interpositus (grey francolin, Galliformes) is the only francolin present in the Suleiman Range (central Pakistan), one of the poorest and least developed areas in Pakistan. As a game bird, the francolin is an important income source for the region, but no demographic data are available. Therefore, the aim of this work was to study the polymorphism pattern of the Control Region gene (mitochondrial DNA, mtDNA), in order to obtain some initial information about genetic diversity, possible structure and demographic dynamics in this population. In 29 individuals captured in four sampling areas in the western and the eastern Suleiman Range, we detected nine polymorphic sites in a 511 bp fragment of the mtDNA Control Region gene, resulting in seven haplotypes. Haplotype (h = 0.818 ± 0.032) and nucleotide diversity (π % = 0.308 ± 0.210) values suggested a large population size and a low divergence among the haplotypes. AMOVA (Φ(ST) = 0.005; P = 0.352) did not detect any significant differences among the western and eastern populations; therefore, specimens of both sampled areas could be considered as drawn from a single population. The observed distribution of pairwise mismatches was bimodal, revealing significant departure from a growing-decreasing population model (P = 0.030); these results would point to a demographic equilibrium. Tribal control of hunting might provide an explanation for this situation, but future overhunting would threaten the survival of this population.

A panel of polymorphic microsatellite markers in Himalayan monal Lophophorus impejanus developed by cross-species amplification and their applicability in other Galliformes

Isolation and development of new microsatellite markers for any species is still labour-intensive and requires substantial inputs of time, money and expertise. Therefore, cross-species microsatellite amplification can be an effec- tive way in obtaining microsatellite loci for closely related taxa in bird species. We have reported microsatellite loci for Himalayan monal for the first time. Fifteen microsatellite markers developed for chicken were cross-amplified in Himalayan monal. All the tested 15 microsatellite markers were polymorphic, with mean (± s.e.) allelic number of 4± 1.51, ranging 2-7 per locus. The observed heterozygosity in the population ranged between 0.285 and 0.714, with mean (± s.e.) of 0.499±0.125, indicating considerable genetic variation in this population. While 12 loci conformed to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P >0.05), 3l oci, i.e. MCW0295, MCW0081, MCW0330 deviated from it (P< 0.05). No evidence for linkage disequilibrium was observed among pair of loci. Our study show that these 15 micro- satellites loci could be employed in population genetic studies for Himalayan monal and their applicability in Jungle Bush Quail, Grey francolin and Kalij pheasant.

A survey of phthirapteran ectoparasites on the Grey Francolin, Francolinus Pondicerianus (Galliformes: phasianidae) in North-India.

As many as 144 brown francolin (Francolinus pondicerianus) were netted from 6 sites of Uttarakhand during the period from October, 2006 to September, 2008, to note the occurrence of phthirapteran species. Out of 144 birds, 45.83% were found to be infested with two species of lice i.e. Menacanthus kalatitar and Goniocotes jirufi, the former species occurring in 29.17% of birds (mean intensity 11.45 and sample mean abundance 3.34) whereas the later infesting only 25.69% of birds (mean intensity 8.22 and sample mean abundance 2.11). Significant positive correlation existed between mean monthly lice index and mean monthly temperature as well as photoperiod, while negative correlation was seen with respect to relative humidity and rainfall.

Evidence of balanced diversity at the chicken interleukin 4 receptor alpha chain locus

BackgroundThe comparative analysis of genome sequences emerging for several avian species with the fully sequenced chicken genome enables the genome-wide investigation of selective processes in functionally important chicken genes. In particular, because of pathogenic challenges it is expected that genes involved in the chicken immune system are subject to particularly strong adaptive pressure. Signatures of selection detected by inter-species comparison may then be investigated at the population level in global chicken populations to highlight potentially relevant functional polymorphisms.ResultsComparative evolutionary analysis of chicken (Gallus gallus) and zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) genes identified interleukin 4 receptor alpha-chain (IL-4Rα), a key cytokine receptor as a candidate with a significant excess of substitutions at nonsynonymous sites, suggestive of adaptive evolution. Resequencing and detailed population genetic analysis of this gene in diverse village chickens from Asia and Africa, commercial broilers, and in outgroup species red jungle fowl (JF), grey JF, Ceylon JF, green JF, grey francolin and bamboo partridge, suggested elevated and balanced diversity across all populations at this gene, acting to preserve different high-frequency alleles at two nonsynonymous sites.ConclusionHaplotype networks indicate that red JF is the primary contributor of diversity at chicken IL-4Rα: the signature of variation observed here may be due to the effects of domestication, admixture and introgression, which produce high diversity. However, this gene is a key cytokine-binding receptor in the immune system, so balancing selection related to the host response to pathogens cannot be excluded.

Contrasting evolution of diversity at two disease-associated chicken genes

There have been significant evolutionary pressures on the chicken during both its speciation and its subsequent domestication by man. Infectious diseases are expected to have exerted strong selective pressures during these processes. Consequently, it is likely that genes associated with disease susceptibility or resistance have been subject to some form of selection. Two genes involved in the immune response (interferon-gamma and interleukin 1-beta) were selected for sequencing in diverse chicken populations from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Kenya, Senegal, Burkina Faso and Botswana, as well as six outgroup samples (grey, green, red and Ceylon jungle fowl and grey francolin and bamboo partridge). Haplotype frequencies, tests of neutrality, summary statistics, coalescent simulations and phylogenetic analysis by maximum likelihood were used to determine the population genetic characteristics of the genes. Networks indicate that these chicken genes are most closely related to the red jungle fowl. Interferon-gamma had lower diversity and considerable coding sequence conservation, which is consistent with its function as a key inflammatory cytokine of the immune response. In contrast, the pleiotropic cytokine interleukin 1-beta had higher diversity and showed signals of balancing selection moderated by recombination, yielding high numbers of diverse alleles, possibly reflecting broader functionality and potential roles in more diseases in different environments.

Seasonal study of the adrenal gland of some Indian avian species.

Adrenal glands of eight Indian species of birds, namely Columba livia, Passer domesticus, Corvus splendens, Acridotheres tristis, Acridotheres ginginianus, Milvus migrans, Francolinus pondicerianus and Bubulcus ibis were examined during the sexually active and inactive phases of their annual reproductive cycles. Excepting A ginginianus and M. migrans, among members of either sex of the remaining six species the weight of the adrenal gland increases during the period of sexual activity. Histologically, the interrenal tissue of these birds could be divided into a peripheral subcapsular zone and a central zone. The cytochemical content of these two zones varies between sexual activity and inactivity. In sexually active birds of both sexes, interrenal cells of the central zone exhibit an increased concentration of alkaline phosphatase, glycogen, acid mucopolysaccharides and gross lipids, while in the subcapsular interrenal cells there is a prominent increase of ascorbic acid content. Cytochemical contents of chromaffin cells remain unchanged except acid phosphatase, which increases during the sexually active phase.