Nest Position Research Articles

Nest Age as Predictor of Nest Survival in Three Sympatric Dove Species Breeding in a Mediterranean Arid Agroecosystem

Identifying the factors that influence nest survival insympatric species is important for the proper and effective management of their breeding populations. We used logistic-exposure models to estimate the daily survival rate and evaluate habitat traits, such as characteristics of trees supporting nests, position of nest in a tree, nesting micro- and macrohabitat, nest timing and weather, that may affect nest survival in Date Palm plantations in Biskra, Algeria. We monitored 68 Laughing Doves Spilopelia senegalensis, 65 Eurasian Collared Doves Streptopelia decaocto and 92 European Turtle Doves Streptopelia turtur nests during the 2019 breeding season. Our results showed that daily survival rate was positively associated with nest age for Laughing Dove and Eurasian Collared Dove, whereas a cubic trend was found for European Turtle Dove. Furthermore, daily survival rate of Laughing Doves was associated negatively with nest height and positively with distance to cereal crops. The beginning of the incubation phase is a critical period for nest survival in the three sympatric Columbidae species. However, in the European Turtle Dove, a second period of vulnerability was recorded between the end of the incubation phase and the beginning of the nestling phase, i.e. between day 11 and 18 of the 30-day nesting cycle. Overall, the highest daily survival rates were recorded for Laughing Doves (0.970 ± 0.006 SE) and European Turtle Doves (0.960 ± 0.005), whereas the lowest (0.937 ± 0.004) was found for Eurasian Collared Doves. Laughing doves and, to a lesser degree, European Turtle Doves are better adapted to conditions prevailing in North African Date Palm plantations. Nevertheless, to enhance dove reproduction, management focusing on ensuring the availability of food, water and suitable nesting trees should be undertaken.

Description of a fossil camelid from the Pleistocene of Argentina, and a cladistic analysis of the Camelinae

We describe a well-preserved South American Lamini partial skeleton (PIMUZ A/V 4165) from the Ensenadan (~ 1.95–1.77 to 0.4 Mya) of Argentina. The specimen is comprised of a nearly complete skull and mandible with full tooth rows, multiple elements of anterior and posterior limbs, and a scapula. We tested this specimen’s phylogenetic position and hypothesized it to be more closely related to Lama guanicoe and Vicugna vicugna than to Hemiauchenia paradoxa. We formulate a hypothesis for the placement of PIMUZ A/V 4165 within Camelinae in a cladistic analysis based on craniomandibular and dental characters and propose that future systematic studies consider this specimen as representing a new species. For the first time in a morphological phylogeny, we code terminal taxa at the species level for the following genera: Camelops, Aepycamelus, Pleiolama, Procamelus, and Alforjas. Our results indicate a divergence between Lamini and Camelini predating the Barstovian (16 Mya). Camelops appears as monophyletic within the Camelini. Alforjas taylori falls out as a basal member of Camelinae—neither as a Lamini nor Camelini. Pleiolama is polyphyletic, with Pleiolama vera as a basal Lamini and Pleiolama mckennai in a more nested position within the Lamini. Aepycamelus and Procamelus are respectively polyphyletic and paraphyletic. Together, they are part of a group of North American Lamini from the Miocene epoch.

Social enrichment by separated pair housing of male C57BL/6JRj mice

Laboratory male mice are often housed individually due to aggressive behavior or experimental requirements, though social isolation can cause welfare issues. As a strategy to refine housing of male mice, we introduce the separated pair housing system. A perforated transparent wall divides the cage into two compartments and allows olfactory, acoustic, and visual communication between the two mice but prevents fighting and injuries. Long-term effects of separated pair housing on well-being and distress of adult male C57BL/6JRj mice were investigated and compared with both single- and group-housed mice. Behavioral analysis after eight weeks in three different housing systems revealed no differences in burrowing performance, social interaction, anxiety, and stress hormone concentrations. However, pair-housed mice built more complex nests compared to single-housed mice and the nest position suggested that pair-housed mice preferred the close proximity to their cage mates. Moreover, pair-housed mice showed less locomotor activity compared to group- and single-housed mice. Body weight was higher in group-housed mice. All in all, no unambiguous long-term beneficial effects of pair housing on the well-being were found. However, the findings emphasized that effects of the housing systems on behavioral, physical, and biochemical parameters must be considered in the design of animal experimental studies.

Nesting behavior of reintroduced Bornean Orangutan in Bukit Batikap Conservation Forest, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract. Nayasilana IN, Atmoko SS, Suyoko A, Hadisusanto S. 2020. Nesting behavior of reintroduced Bornean Orangutan in Bukit Batikap Conservation Forest, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 2088-2096. Great apes such as orangutans build a nest to rest in every night. Orangutan’s nest making skills correlate with their adaptability in a new habitat. Here we analyzed the nest skill on the reintroduced orangutan. Skills process and thought training there is a back to remembers in forest school and pre-release islands in the rehabilitation center. The study aimed to observe the skill adaptation of reintroduced orangutans (semi-wild and ex-rehabilitate) for nest building and the characteristic of the tree chosen for their nests in a new habitat. The study was 16 individuals (8 semi-wild and 8 ex-rehabilitate) from February 2012 to November 2014 at the release site of Bukit Batikap Conservation Forest, Central Kalimantan. The method used in the study was instantaneous focal animal sampling, which follows the behavior of each orangutan from the morning nest to the night nest. Non-parametric statistics test (Kruskal-Wallis) was used to nesting behavior, Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) is used to determine the relationship between nesting behavior and nesting tree species, and ArcMap GIS 10.3 to find out the distribution of nest trees in the research location. The result of the study revealed that reintroduced orangutan prefers to build a nest to rest at night rather than day nest. Semi-wild orangutans prefer tree species with dense canopy and branching, while ex-rehabilitation orangutans pay less attention to this. Mostly, reintroduced Bornean orangutan created new nests rather than reusing and/or repairing old nests. Species of Syzygium sp. Lithocarpus sp. and Xanthophyllum sp. are a preferred species of the nest tree, the nest position of 2 (nests are constructed on the main side-branch) and 3 (the crown of the tree) is dominance. Orangutan prefer height tree species between 26-30m for day nests, are selectively determined as part of the adaptation process. However, each individual will choose the nest type species of tree, positions, and height according to their characteristics of the nest tree.

Managed marshes can be good alternatives to natural marshes as breeding habitats for birds

Loss of natural tidal marshes has caused rapid population declines for many bird species, raising the question about whether managed marshes can be used for bird conservation. Although many studies have indicated that managed marshes can provide a complementary habitat for birds, it is unclear how the breeding habitats provided by managed marshes compare with those provided by natural marshes. We compared habitat conditions (vegetation and food) and breeding performance of a common reed specialist, the Oriental reed warbler (Acrocephalus orientalis), in natural and managed artificial reed marshes (about 2 km × 5 km) at Chongming Dongtan, an estuarine wetland in China. We found that vegetation was denser and warbler food resources were greater in managed than in natural marshes. The density of breeding territories, nest density, clutch size, egg size, and fledgling number per nest were greater in managed than in natural marshes. Breeding failure was reduced in managed marshes because of a reduced risk of nest predation. However, the high nest position on the reeds in the managed marshes increased the risk of nest destruction by strong wind. The better breeding performance in managed than in natural marshes could be attributed to the following factors: the high and stable water level in the managed marshes increased reed growth and arthropod reproduction and decreased access by terrestrial predators; dense vegetation helped conceal nests from predators; and human activities in the managed marshes deterred nest predators. The results suggest that managed marshes can provide quality breeding habitat for the Oriental reed warbler and probably for other marsh birds and can therefore help compensate for the loss of natural marshes. The preference of the Oriental reed warbler for managed marshes largely depends on the suitable habitat conditions. The current study highlights the importance of maintaining a relatively high and stable water level.

Gone with the rain: negative effects of rainfall on male reproductive success in a nest-building arachnid

AbstractIn nest-building species, offspring survival and reproductive success of parental individuals are strongly influenced by nest quality. Thus, quantifying the influence of abiotic conditions on nest integrity is important to predict the effects of weather variability on the fitness of parental individuals. Here, we investigated how rainfall affects nest integrity and how nest integrity influences males’ attractiveness and nest tenure. Our study species was the harvestman Quindina limbata, in which males build mud nests on fallen logs and protect the eggs against predators and fungi. Our data set comprises 12 months of regular inspections of 149 nests in a Costa Rican rainforest. We found that almost 50% of the nests were destroyed by rainfall. The drag force caused by rainfall running on the fallen log surface negatively affected nest integrity. Fungi cover on nests was influenced by an interaction between rainfall and nest position on the fallen log. Irrespective of their body size, males in nests with high integrity received more eggs than males in nests with low integrity. Fungi cover did not influence the number of eggs received by the males. Finally, nest integrity and fungi cover did not affect nest tenure, but males that did not receive eggs for a long time tended to abandon their nests. Considering that intense rainfall occurs all year long in tropical forests, males should build their nests in protected sites that preserve nest structure. Protected sites may keep nest structure better preserved, improve offspring survival, attract more females, and increase males’ reproductive success.

Great variability in nest lining size: support for thermoregulation but not for anti-predatory adaptation hypothesis

Nest lining is a key component in nests of many bird species. Among ground-nesting birds with open nests, it usually consists of dry sticks and stalks creating a thermoregulatory insulating layer for the eggs. However, a bigger nest lining can attract predators and increase nest mortality. The factors influencing behavioural plasticity in birds facing the trade-off between nest lining thermoregulation and conspicuousness for predators have remained poorly understood. The Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, a visibly incubating shorebird with an active nest defence against potential predators, demonstrates great variability in the size of nest lining and, at the same time, is subject to a high frequency of nest predation. We analysed the variability of nest-lining size across time and space in 915 measurements of 601 lapwing nests in South Bohemia, Czech Republic, during 2010–2015. We show that lapwing nests placed closer to small water pools with generally cooler microclimates had bigger nest lining. The size of nest linings also reflected the availability of nest lining material in the vicinity of the nest. On the other hand, there was no effect of nest position within the breeding association and distance to the nearest perch as a possible stand for predators on nest lining size. Furthermore, nest lining size did not predict nest predation rate. Our findings suggest that lapwings adjust the size of their nest lining to local microclimate conditions rather than potential predation risk which is in concordance with the thermoregulation hypothesis of the nest size in birds.

An insect-inspired model for acquiring views for homing.

Wasps and bees perform learning flights when leaving their nest or food locations for the first time during which they acquire visual information that enables them to return successfully. Here we present and test a set of simple control rules underlying the execution of learning flights that closely mimic those performed by ground-nesting wasps. In the simplest model, we assume that the angle between flight direction and the nest direction as seen from the position of the insect is constant and only flips sign when pivoting direction around the nest is changed, resulting in a concatenation of piecewise defined logarithmic spirals. We then added characteristic properties of real learning flights, such as head saccades and the condition that the nest entrance within the visual field is kept nearly constant to describe the development of a learning flight in a head-centered frame of reference, assuming that the retinal position of the nest is known. We finally implemented a closed-loop simulation of learning flights based on a small set of visual control rules. The visual input for this model are rendered views generated from 3D reconstructions of natural wasp nesting sites, and the retinal nest position is controlled by means of simple template-based tracking. We show that naturalistic paths can be generated without knowledge of the absolute distance to the nest or of the flight speed. We demonstrate in addition that nest-tagged views recorded during such simulated learning flights are sufficient for a homing agent to pinpoint the goal, by identifying nest direction when encountering familiar views. We discuss how the information acquired during learning flights close to the nest can be integrated with long-range homing models.

KARAKTERISTIK DAN KERAPATAN SARANG ORANGUTAN (Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii) DI DUA TIPE HABITAT YANG BERBEDA DI STASIUN PENELITIAN CABANG PANTI TAMAN NASIONAL GUNUNG PALUNG KABUPATEN KAYONG UTARA

Cabang Panti Research Station has diverse habitat, therefore the researchers are interested to conducting a research on the characteristic and densities of Orangutan nests (Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii) in two on different habitat namely in alluvial bench forests and peat swamp forests. The purpose of this study want to see a comparison of the characteristic and density as an Orangutan nest (Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii) in two different habitat types. The method used in this research was Line transect survey. The nests were searched by walking through the midline while observing and recording the discovered nests in the line transect. Based on the result of the Independent Sample Test, it showed that there was no difference of tree trunk diameter, but there was a difference of height of the nest tree and the nest itself. The nest position was almost similar which was position 3 (tip top) in the amount of 83% in alluvial bench habitat while it was position 1 (among the main branching) in the amount of 42% and 3 (the canopy of the tree in form of fork) in the amount of 42%. The class of the nest which mostly found in both habitat was nest class D in the amount of 50% in the alluvial bench habitat and 83% in the peat swamp forest. The type of tree which was mostly used by the Orangutan to create their nest in both habitat was Shorea spp. The densities of the nest of Orangutan was 30 nest/km² in the alluvial bench habitat and 60 nest/km² in the peat swamp habitat. Keyword: Cabang Panti, Nest Characteristics, Nest Densities, Orangutan

Biogeostatistics confirm: Even a low total number of red wood ant nests provide new information on tectonics in the East Carpathian Orogen (Romania)

Recent statistical analyses revealed that the spatial distribution of nests of red wood ants (RWA; Formica rufa-group) and actively degassing fault zone are strongly correlated. We now applied the modified Hough Transform (mHT) and Iterative Mode Detection (IMD) to RWA nest positions in four study areas of the Eastern Carpathian Orogen. The aim of this analysis was (1) to evaluate relationships between spatial distribution of RWA nests and complex tectonic stress regimes in the Eastern Carpathian Orogen, (2) to test if this procedure is also applicable even when only a low total number of RWA nests is available, and (3) to further verify the validity of this statistic approach. By applying a double-blind study, we minimized bias by researchers’ preconceptions. Since irregular shapes of the study areas were found to strongly influence the findings of distribution patterns, all subsequent analyses were carried out for circular areas. Statistical results substantiated our hypothesis that RWA nest distributions clearly show very pronounced directions even in complex tectonic environments such as the Eastern Carpathian Orogen. Dominant NW-SE directions (scattering between 120° and 150°) are corresponding to the 1st order regional stress field in the East Carpathians. Additionally, our analyses revealed the 2nd order stress field in NE-SW orientation. Furthermore, directions of re-activated shear systems, e.g. from Late Miocene and Pliocene that had been modified by overprinting due to changes of the main stress field, could be identified. For the Moldavian and East European Platform, which are characterized by thick sediment cover, our analyses could significantly contribute to otherwise concealed tectonics. Furthermore, the mode of some faults identified in previous tectonic studies could be complemented and specified and assigned to the corresponding tectonic regime. Our study thus confirms the validity of our statistic approach even when the total number of RWA nests is low.

Investigation of the Mechanical Punch Loads during Fine Blanking of High-Strength Steels with Cemented Carbide

Abstract The increasing ecological demands require emissions reduction of automotive vehicles. This challenges the automotive industry for the increased application of light-weight components made of high-strength steels. The processing of high-strength steels brings many manufacturing processes to its mechanical limitations. In fine blanking, conventional tool materials lack on compressive strength in order to separate high-strength sheet metal. Nowadays, high-speed steels used for tool applications must be substituted with materials having a higher compressive strength, such as cemented carbides. However, with the increased compressive strength the carbides show a significantly lower ductility. During a repeated stripping off process, the low ductility of cemented carbides leads to a premature punch fracture and with this reduced economic feasibility of the process. The stripping off force required for the final punch ejection is generated by the clamping force applied by elastic deformation of the scrap material. Currently, phenomenological models exist allowing only approximate prediction of the clamping force. The precise prediction is not possible, since the clamping force depends on plenty parameters, such as sheet material strength and thickness, as well as punch geometry, ambient temperature, nest positioning, etc. A comprehensive investigation of the influence of these parameters on the punch load is strictly required. In order to enhance the applicability of cemented carbides as an alternative punch material in fine blanking of high-strength steels, a tool for process forces quantification, such as clamping and stripping off forces during one cutting-ejection cycle, must be provided. To achieve this goal, a comprehensive numerical study on the influence of process parameters such as sheet metal strength, sheet thickness and cemented carbide grade on the cutting, clamping and stripping off forces is performed. The developed three-dimensional numerical model of a fine blanking process with an elastic punch is validated by means of the experimentally measured punch force during an industrial fine blanking process of spacer discs. Based on the obtained numerical results, a basic correlation between the clamping force during the cutting step and the stripping off force during the ejection step are analyzed. The identified tendencies are used to create an analytical model of the clamping force and a regression model of the stripping off forces. The developed models allow for improved prediction of the expected process forces during fine blanking of high-strength steels and with this for the selection of the appropriate grade of cemented carbide as a punch material.

Are farming and birds irreconcilable? A 21-year study of bustard nesting ecology in intensive agroecosystems

Farmland landscapes in developed countries have undergone major habitat changes over the past 60 years leading to the decline of many species. Of these, the little bustard, a medium-sized, long-lived, ground nesting bird, has declined by 95% in France over the last 35 years. Here we present the results of a 21 year survey of the nesting ecology of this elusive species, analyzing 157 breeding attempts, the largest data set ever collated for this species. Females had a strong preference for meadows for breeding, yet this habitat only represented 14% overall habitat. Alfalfa alone accounted for 50% of nest locations. However, apart from vegetation type, females did not show any other pattern of habitat selection (vegetation height, nest position within field, field under agri-environmental contract-AES-). In addition, the laying period was extremely extended, spanning almost 3 months. We did not detect any strong effect of crop, date or whether the nesting field was in AES or not, on clutch size, egg size and egg-laying date. However, there were long-term changes in breeding phenology (females breed earlier than 20 years ago), and selection of vegetation between years and within years. Hatching success was very low (about half of the broods were destroyed by farm work), and both fecundity and productivity per female were found to be approximately one third of the values expected for a stable population. Overall, nesting females of Little Bustards select meadows in regard to their availability, but do not show any particular preference within meadows' vegetation structure or height. We show that in such system, meadows act as ecological traps, and furthermore, because females do not appear selective, it is impossible to manage meadows in order to limit this trap. We finally analyze whether the land-sharing AESs can conserve this species in intensive arable systems and conclude that the land sharing may not be sustainable. We discuss our results in light of the alternative of land sparing, and suggest that this is probably a better fit for the conservation of large-bodied bird species given their ecological constraints (large home ranges, presence of semi-natural landscape components and freedom from human interference).

Effects of temporal factors, nesting microhabitat and nest position on the survival of passerine nests in a Tunisian oasis habitat

Identifying the ecological factors shaping bird nest survival is essential for understanding bird population dynamics, as well as for conservation purposes. Using data obtained by monitoring natural bird nests in one oasis in south-eastern Tunisia, we fitted logistic exposure models to investigate the effects of nesting microhabitat, nest position and temporal parameters on nest survival rates. Nest age was the most important predictor of daily nest survival rate for the five focal species. However, contrary to many previous studies, daily nest survival rate was positively related to nest age. This finding could be explained by the fact that the main nest predators in Tunisian oases are rodents that are more likely to consume eggs rather than chicks and therefore their impact on bird nests is assumed to be higher during incubation than after hatching. Nesting microhabitat variables and nest position as well as date of nest initiation and year did not significantly affect bird nest survival in the studied oasis. Further studies on the ecology and behaviour of nest predators are needed to more accurately identify the determinants of bird nest survival in the oasis habitat.

Isothecium myosuroides var. brachythecioides (Dixon) Braithw. reinstated as a species, I. interludens Stirt.

The taxon currently known as Isothecium myosuroides var. brachythecioides (Dixon) Braithw. is reinstated as a species, I. interludens Stirt., the name originally assigned by Stirton when it was first described. The morphological characters separating I. myosuroides s.s. and I. interludens are summarised. The sporophytes of I. interludens, described here for the first time, differ in shape, and pattern of exothecial cells from those of I. myosuroides. A molecular analysis based on variation of the ITS region shows that I. holtii Kindb. and I. alopecuroides (Lam. ex Dubois) Isov. are not monophyletic, calling for a re-assessment of these species, whereas the monophyly of the other species, including I. interludens, cannot be rejected. The analysis failed, however, to yield molecular synapomorphies for I. interludens and other species within I. myosuroides s.l., which we interpret as the incomplete sorting of alleles among recently evolved species. Isothecium interludens is a European endemic with a hyperoceanic temperate distribution. Its nested position within a clade including the two Macaronesian endemics I. prolixum (Mitt.) M.Stech and I. montanum Draper, Hedenäs, M.Stech, T.Lopes & Sim-Sim is suggestive of a Macaronesian origin, in line with the idea that the European Atlantic fringe flora assembled during the course of the last interglacial from Macaronesian ancestors. Isothecium therefore offers a model of prime importance for the study of ongoing speciation in mosses.

Nesting Characteristics of The Tapanuli Orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis) in Two Unprotected Forests of Batang Toru, North Sumatra

Tapanuli orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis) is the new great ape species that only occurred in the Batang Toru forest. The long term survival of this population is threatened due to habitat loss and hunting. Performing a nest survey is important to give a deeper understanding of the ecology and help determine the best protective management measures. We provide a basic data of orangutan nesting characteristics in two unprotected forests of Batang Toru: Sitandiang (West Batang Toru) and Hopong (East Batang Toru). A line transect method was conducted to obtain the nest data and sampling quadrat method was used to analyze the condition and sustainability of the habitat. Our result showed that there were similarities in the choosing of tree diameter and species, while there were disparities in the choosing of tree height, nest height, and nest position for nesting. The species diversity index in Sitandiang and Hopong was categorized high, with values found to be 4.5 and 4.6 respectively which mean that these locations potentially serve nest and food tree for the orangutans. Considering our findings, we recommend to allocating these areas into protected forests for long-term survival of Tapanuli orangutan in Batang Toru.

Noise and biases in genomic data may underlie radically different hypotheses for the position of Iguania within Squamata.

Squamate reptiles are a major component of vertebrate biodiversity whose crown-clade traces its origin to a narrow window of time in the Mesozoic during which the main subclades diverged in rapid succession. Deciphering phylogenetic relationships among these lineages has proven challenging given the conflicting signals provided by genomic and phenomic data. Most notably, the placement of Iguania has routinely differed between data sources, with morphological evidence supporting a sister relationship to the remaining squamates (Scleroglossa hypothesis) and molecular data favoring a highly nested position alongside snakes and anguimorphs (Toxicofera hypothesis). We provide novel insights by generating an expanded morphological dataset and exploring the presence of phylogenetic signal, noise, and biases in molecular data. Our analyses confirm the presence of strong conflicting signals for the position of Iguania between morphological and molecular datasets. However, we also find that molecular data behave highly erratically when inferring the deepest branches of the squamate tree, a consequence of limited phylogenetic signal to resolve this ancient radiation with confidence. This, in turn, seems to result from a rate of evolution that is too high for historical signals to survive to the present. Finally, we detect significant systematic biases, with iguanians and snakes sharing faster rates of molecular evolution and a similarly biased nucleotide composition. A combination of scant phylogenetic signal, high levels of noise, and the presence of systematic biases could result in the misplacement of Iguania. We regard this explanation to be at least as plausible as the complex scenario of convergence and reversals required for morphological data to be misleading. We further evaluate and discuss the utility of morphological data to resolve ancient radiations, as well as its impact in combined-evidence phylogenomic analyses, with results relevant for the assessment of evidence and conflict across the Tree of Life.

Igdabatis marmii sp. nov. (Myliobatiformes) from the lower Maastrichtian (Upper Cretaceous) of north-eastern Spain: an Ibero-Armorican origin for a Gondwanan batoid

Microvertebrate fossil assemblages (chondrichthyans, osteichthyans, lissamphibians and squamates) from the Campanian and Maastrichtian of south-western Europe include taxa with very different palaeobiogeographical affinities. However, most of these biogeographical histories remain unclear. As inhabitants of shallow marine waters, batoids are considered good palaeobiogeographical indicators that could reveal connections between continental platforms. Igdabatis is a stingray (Myliobatiformes) with an abundant Gondwanan fossil record, whereas its occurrence in the Ibero-Armorican landmass is intriguing. In this paper, a new species of Igdabatis – Igdabatis marmii sp. nov. – is reported from the lower Maastrichtian of Spain. Based on this new record, the phylogenetic relationships of Myliobatiformes are assessed, including Igdabatis taxa for first time. In addition, three new morphological characters are proposed based on the diagnoses of the different species and added to the dataset. The palaeobiogeographical events that these stingrays underwent during their speciation were explored through a Statistical Dispersal-Vicariance Analysis (S-DIVA) performed in RASP 2.1. The phylogenetic analysis suggests a highly nested position within Myliobatidae for the genus Igdabatis; and the new species was recovered as the most basal taxon in the clade. The S-DIVA results point to an Ibero-Armorican ancestral area for Igdabatis, from where its species diverged by a combination of vicariant and dispersal events. Both phylogenetic and palaeobiogeographical analyses were congruent with occurrences in the fossil record. Results and fossil evidence allow the proposal of a dispersal route between European and Gondwanan landmasses for these stingrays. The dispersal of Igdabatis between Ibero-Armorica and India during the Late Cretaceous was promoted by the proximity of the European and African continental platforms and then by the Kohistan-Ladakh island arc.http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:F5C51029-2E26-48C6-8A87-A2D4310887EF

DESIGN OF THE MAPPING OF ORANG UTAN WITH SPATIAL DATA APPROACH TO WEB-BASED GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Orangutans are the only great apes that live in Asia and have the most threatenedstatus in the world. Currently there are three types of orangutans in Indonesia; the Sumatranorangutan (Pongo abelii), the Borneo orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) and the Tapanuliorangutan (Pongo tapanuliensi). The types of colors that enter critical status are endangered(critical) based on International Unity for Nature Conservation in 2017. Approximately 75%of the distribution of orangutans will be outside the sexuality area need data distributionand orangutan population to meet data needs for the benefit of orangutans.This study used a method to collect data which were of library studies, data retrieval,consultation and discussion studies. After the data was collected, it was conducted needanalysis and system design using the W2000 Software Development Method, which includedprocess design, database design, menu structure design and interface design. Then thesystem implementation utilized Google Map Service and the PHP programming languagebased on the website with the MySQL database.The results of the testing are several locations of orangutan nests where every pointowns information in the form of the number of orangutans and their population. The resultsof this study are the mapping of orangutan’s nests with a GIS web-based spatial dataapproach that will provide information on nest position, nest density, orangutan populationdensity which is at the position of the nest radius.

New combinations in the Neotropical genus Miconia (Melastomataceae: Miconieae)

In our published monograph of the Octopleura clade of Miconia (Ruiz & Pavón 1794: 60), we proposed a number of new combinations and new names to reflect the nested position of this group of 33 species within the large and megadiverse neotropical genus Miconia based on morphological and molecular data sets (Gamba & Almeda 2014). At least three of the species names we proposed or accepted in that monograph present nomenclatural problems in need of correction. The name Miconia magnifolia Gamba & Almeda (2014: 91), which was illegitimate and nomenclaturally superfluous, has been rejected and replaced with Miconia solearis (Naudin 1851: 339) Gamba & Almeda (2015: 199). Two other names, Miconia spiciformis Gamba & Almeda (2014: 130) and Miconia neomicrantha Judd & Skean (1991: 62) must also be rejected and replaced. The former is superfluous and illegitimate and our acceptance of the latter species overlooked the epithet of a heterotypic synonym that was available and should have been adopted for a new combination. We here replace these latter two names with the following combinations and provide a summary of relevant synonymy.

On the development of a predictive functional trait approach for studying terrestrial arthropods.

The characterization of ecological communities with functional traits allows to consider simultaneously the ability of a species to survive and reproduce in an environment, its interactions with other species and its effects on the ecosystem. Functional traits have been studied mainly by plant ecologists, but are increasingly common in the study of other taxa including arthropods. Arthropods represent a group for which a functional trait approach could be highly profitable because of their high diversity, abundance, ubiquity and role in many important ecological processes. This review synthesizes two decades of functional trait research on terrestrial arthropods. We show that while the approach has gained popularity, particularly in the last decade, the absence of clearly postulated hypotheses is a recurrent problem limiting generalization. Furthermore, studied traits are often poorly related to studied functions. To address these problems, we propose a step-by-step protocol to postulate clear hypotheses prior to trait selection and emphasize the need for a common set of more generalizable traits in future studies. Extending the functional trait approach to arthropods opens the door to improving our understanding of interspecific interactions and potential links between response and effect traits. We present the concept of trait-matching with several examples of arthropod traits known to be effective predictors of consumer-resource interactions. The development of a successful functional trait approach for terrestrial arthropods will necessitate an understanding of relevant traits, standardized measurement protocols and open access databases to share this information. Such progress will provide ecologists with a new set of tools to answer broad questions in several fields including the study of community assembly, ecological networks and multitrophic functionality.