Lunar Cycle Research Articles

Reproductive characteristics and gamete development of the soft coral Sclerophytum cf. heterospiculatum in Okinawa Island, Japan

AbstractSexual reproduction data are important to understand how organisms can replenish their populations and proliferate on coral reefs. Despite the importance of such data, the reproductive characteristics of most soft coral species are still unknown. Here, we examined the reproductive strategies of a species from the often‐dominant genus Sclerophytum in a coral reef on subtropical Okinawa Island, Japan. DNA barcoding and histological examinations of the tissues were conducted to confirm colony conspecificity and identify reproductive characteristics, respectively, between March 2020 and March 2021. Results indicated that the studied species, identified as Sclerophytum cf. heterospiculatum, exhibits gonochorism with longer oogenesis and shorter spermatogenesis. Female colonies produced immature oocytes throughout the year, with mature oocytes observed from late July to early September, and thus, extended spawning is likely characteristic of this species. In male colonies, spermatogenesis took place over ~5 months, with spermaries present from April through August. Mature spermaries were noted beginning in July and the inferred peak of sperm release was between late August and early September, which suggests that spermatogenesis duration was ~5 months. The largest mean oocyte and spermary sizes (628.45 ± 61.36 and 240.04 ± 49.49 μm, respectively) were both recorded in August. Gamete spawning presumably occurred during the summer season, which suggests seasonality in reproduction as influenced by changes in seawater temperature. However, the proximate cue for exact dates of spawning could be the lunar period because the inferred release of spawning materials seemed to occur between full moon and last‐quarter moon phases in both the months of August and September. The results of this study represent the first detailed report of reproductive characteristics of the genus Sclerophytum in Japan.

Natural spawning of the leopard grouper (Mycteroperca rosacea) in captivity in La Paz, Mexico

Natural spawning of the leopard grouper (Mycteroperca rosacea) was studied in captivity from 2004 to 2008 under natural photoperiod conditions. Fish spawned naturally in 2006, but only 90,000 unfertilized eggs were collected. A total of 43 and 27 spawning days were observed in 2007 and 2008, respectively. Spawning season began in March and lasted until May–June and was related to an increase in water temperature from 21.1 to 23.8 °C. The mean (SE) number of eggs released each day was 101,705 (13,876) in 2007 and 40,510 (7,874) in 2008, and the total number of eggs collected in 2007 and 2008 was 4.37 × 106 and 1.07 × 106, respectively. The number of eggs collected per month was not significantly different within each year (P > 0.05), although a significant difference was observed between 2007 and 2008 (P < 0.05). The annual relative number of eggs released was 288,750 eggs·kg–1 in 2007 and 72,919 eggs·kg–1 in 2008, and viable egg production was 184,800 eggs kg–1 in 2007 and 25,375 eggs kg–1 in 2008. The fertilization rate (%) of the eggs collected daily differed significantly throughout the spawning season of 2007 (P < 0.05). The fertilization rate also differed (P < 0.05) between 2007 (61.10%) and 2008 (32.30%). Statistical analysis of the 2 consecutive spawning seasons indicated no correlation between the fertilization rate and fecundity. The effect of the moon phase on spawning was also considered. The fish spawned at dusk before total darkness. Mean (SD) egg diameter was 864.0 ± 22.0 μm.

Desiring the Sweet Perfume of Closeness in the Oscillating Tawajjuh of the Letter Rāʾ

This article delves into the concept of tawajjuh through a poem and a prayer ascribed to the Arabic letter rāʾ, which expresses key themes in the Akbarian tradition. Using the hermeneutical approach of Ibn ʿArabī to interpret word polysemy in the texts, the article sheds light on the science of letters and key metaphysical ideas cultivated in this tradition. The letter rāʾ represents various aspects of cosmic duality and hence a strong desire for intimacy. The Arabic word tawajjuh, meaning the projection of spiritual energy, orientation, or attentiveness, refers to turning to face God. There is contemplation and continuous turning, like the phases of the moon facing the sun.

Popular solunar tables fail to predict fishing success in North American recreational freshwater trout fisheries

The solunar theory proposes that the position of the sun and moon can be used to predict activity rates in fish and game species. Several free and premium services use this theory to provide tables predicting optimal dates and times for fishing and hunting success. The efficacy of these services was tested by comparing catch per unit effort (CPUE) in a recreational freshwater trout fishery with daily solunar values and coincidence of fishing trips with peak solunar times. CPUE was also compared to environmental variables including lunar phase, lunar illumination, and wind speed. Values predicted by each of the solunar services were strongly correlated to each other and to lunar phase, however, no significant relationship was found between CPUE and any of the solunar values tested, lunar phase, or lunar illumination. Ambient air temperature showed a positive relationship with CPUE, and was a more effective predictor of fishing success than any of the solunar tables tested.

Accounting for cloud cover and circannual variation puts the effect of lunar phase on deer–vehicle collisions into perspective

Abstract Although several studies have focused on the influence of moonlight on deer–vehicle collisions, findings have been inconsistent. This may be due to neglect of the effects of cloud cover, a major impediment to moon illumination and circannual variation in both deer and human activity. We assessed how median cloud cover interacted with the illuminated fraction of the moon in affecting daily roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) roadkill in Slovenia (Central Europe). Data included nationwide roadkill (n = 49,259), collected between 2010 and 2019 by hunters, as required by law. Roadkill peaked under medium to high cloud cover and decreased during nights with low or extremely high cloudiness. This pattern was more pronounced on nights with a full moon. However, the effects of moon illumination and cloud cover had a lower predictive potential than circannual variation, as collisions clearly peaked in April/May, July and August/September. Our results suggest that moonlight could influence roe deer movements through compensatory foraging. However, on nights with a full moon, collisions could also be affected by weather. On bright nights, roe deer might be less active due to increased human presence and sustained vehicular traffic. Then, with medium to high cloud cover and also rainfall, human presence in the environment may be low enough to increase deer movements, but vehicular traffic can still be intermediate, maximizing the risk of collisions. Finally, with overcast skies, widespread rainfall can reduce both traffic volume and human outdoor activity, decreasing the risk of collisions. Moon illumination may indeed affect wildlife–vehicle collisions and roadkill, but its effects should be quantified as a function of cloud cover. Moreover, to make studies truly comparable, research about wildlife–vehicle collisions should also account for time of the year. Policy implications. Because collisions with roe deer peak at particular periods of the year, signs should be installed seasonally. By doing so, they would warn drivers about the risk, improve drivers' awareness and increase their safety. Moreover, as collisions also increase on nights with a full moon and overcast skies, interactive warning signs that are activated by ground illumination should also be useful.

Lunar nodal tidal cycle influences on the input of coarse sediments during the last glaciation in the deep South China Sea

Cross-slope transport of coarse sediments is thought to be dominated by gravity-flow or hyperpycnal-flow processes triggered by hydrodynamic events. However, whether long-term non-event hydrological processes can affect longitudinal transport is still unclear. Here, high-resolution (1 mm) X-ray fluorescence core scanning combined with coarse-fraction observation has been conducted on a laminated sequence (dated as last glacial 14.3–20.8 cal ka BP) of Core MD05-2892 in the South China Sea. The laminae show interbedded millimeter-scale dark and light layers. Dark layers are distinguished by coarse-grained (sand-containing clayey silt) sediments rich in Ca, Zr, and Si, whereas light layers are characterized by fine-grained (silty clay) deposits rich in K, Ti, and Fe. Accordingly, Zr/K and Si/K ratios are used to indicate lamina occurrences, and the ratios are well correlated to grayness. Spectral analyses of the ratios and grayness all present a persistent ∼18.6-yr cycle, which is interpreted as the lunar nodal tidal cycle. This signal in laminae could be related to remobilization of coarse sediments via mean high-water-line variations driven by the lunar nodal tide during the last glacial sea-level lowstand. Coarse sediments were more likely transported from the shelf break via suspended-load-dominated hyperpycnal flow to the slope to form dark layers during periods of strengthened tidal activity, while fine sediments were dispersed via hemipelagic transport to form light layers during periods of weakened tidal activity. Our study highlights for the first time that the lunar nodal tide could periodically trigger the transport of coarse sediments from the shelf to the deep sea.

Modified Model for the Moon Sighting and Phases

The modified moon sighting model is developed from the basic moon sighting model by adopting more phases. The preference of the new model is proved by its ability to predict extra three moon phases, first quarter, last quarter and dark moon. The modified model predicts the start date of 18 lunar months, from March 2022 to July 2023. The results of the new modified model correct the results of the basic model in 3 months, Dul-Hejjah 1443 H and Safar and Rabi-Second 1444 H. The comparisons of the new model 18 results are performed against the available results of different 3 references. The improved results of the new model are concluded by achieving the highest agreement rate of 79.2% with no single odd-result. The calendar of the modified moon sighting model is presented in a new innovative format..

THE CHRONOLOGY OF WESTERN ZHOU

AbstractBy systematically analyzing the relative relationship between complete bronze inscription dates, this study deduces the lunar phases described by the specialized terms jishengba 既生霸, jiwang 既望, and jisiba 既死霸, finding that the term chuji 初吉 is unrelated to the lunar phase. The study then reconstructs a complete chronology of Western Zhou that is highly consistent with archaeological and textual evidence. The results support the traditional notion that the Zhou calendar year began in the month containing the winter solstice, and show that the Western Zhou calendar month began with the first invisibility of the waning lunar crescent while the calendar day began at sunrise. The overall evidence indicates that King Wu 武王 led an initial campaign against the Shang in 1046 b.c.e. and defeated Zhòu 紂 in 1044 b.c.e., lending credence to the narrative of the military display at Mengjin (觀兵孟津). The derived chronology reveals a previously unknown seven-year gap between King You's 幽王 final year and King Ping's 平王 first year, thus explaining the discrepancies between Shi ji 史記 and the archaeological evidence. This study demonstrates that the Modern Text (jinben 今本) Bamboo Annals 竹書紀年 is unsuitable for use in chronological studies, and suggests that the dates of Western Zhou were already obscure in Eastern Zhou. These results provide testable hypotheses and raise new questions that can guide further research into Western Zhou archaeology, history, society, and culture.

Avian heterothermy: a review of patterns and processes.

Many birds reduce rest-phase energy demands through heterothermy, physiological responses involving facultative, reversible reductions in metabolic rate and body temperature (Tb). Here, we review the phylogenetic distribution and ecological contexts of avian heterothermy. Heterothermy has been reported in 140 species representing 15 orders and 39 families. Recent work supports the view that deep heterothermy is most pronounced in phylogenetically older taxa whereas heterothermy in passerines and other recently-diverged taxa is shallower and confined to minimum Tb > 20 °C. The reasons why deep heterothermy is absent in passerines remain unclear; we speculate an evolutionary trade-off may exist between the capacity to achieve low heterothermic Tb and the tolerance of hyperthermic Tb. Inter- and intraspecific variation in heterothermy is correlated with factors including foraging ecology (e.g., territoriality and defence of food resources among hummingbirds), food availability and foraging opportunities (e.g., lunar phase predicts torpor use in caprimulgids) and predation risk. Heterothermy also plays a major role before and during migration. Emerging questions include the magnitude of energy savings associated with heterothermy among free-ranging birds, the role phylogenetic variation in the capacity for heterothermy has played in evolutionary radiations into extreme habitats, and how the capacity for heterothermy affects avian vulnerability to rapid anthropogenic climate change.

Brushtail possum terrestrial activity patterns are driven by climatic conditions, breeding and moonlight intensity

Ecological studies of common brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) in their extant range have been limited by technology and the species’ nocturnal habit. However, camera traps now allow the investigation of possum ethology without observer interference. Here, we analysed terrestrial possum activity patterns using a large dataset collected over 3 years from 133 camera traps in mesic eucalypt woodland and open forest in three national parks on the New England Tablelands, New South Wales, Australia. We investigated how weather and moonlight intensity influenced possum activity patterns throughout the night, and across seasons and years, by using the timestamps assigned to each detection by the camera trap. Terrestrial possum activity increased as ambient temperatures decreased in autumn and peaked in winter when females were rearing offspring. Nightly possum detections decreased significantly with rain and increasing mean temperature. Possums were almost exclusively nocturnal, with most terrestrial activity earlier in the evening in winter and later at night in summer. During longer nights, higher temperatures also delayed activity. While nightly detection rates were not affected by lunar phase, possums preferred parts of the night with the highest moonlight intensity, and this effect was stronger on brighter nights. Overall, brushtail possums were most active on the ground when temperatures were mild and moonlight bright, presumably assisting foraging and predator avoidance, and during the breeding season; they avoided rain. These patterns suggest that reproduction, thermoregulation and risk of predation strongly shape the nocturnal activity cycle. Furthermore, our research adds to the evidence that camera traps can help greatly expand our knowledge of the ecology and behaviour of nocturnal mammals.

116 Incidence of colic and lunar phase

Equine colic is defined as pain in the abdominal cavity; the etiology is commonly gastrointestinal. There is no known definitive cause, but conditions such as poor forage, poor dentition, parasites, or reduced water intake increase the risk of colic. Previous research on a small scale showed there is a weak but significant increase in the incidence of colic with the waxing gibbous and full moon. The objective of this study was to determine if the association between the incidence of colic and lunar phase was repeatable on a larger scale. Data on yearly equine admissions from Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center (2133 admissions) and Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Equine Hospital (1429 admissions) was aggregated, and the number of daily colic diagnoses was standardized into the number of daily colic diagnoses per 1000 yearly hospital admissions. Referred colic cases were confirmed by attending veterinarians. The corresponding moon phases were distributed into 3 levels: new moon + 2 d (n = 480), full moon + 2 d (n = 470) and remaining normal days (n = 1,850) and for each phase, the mean number of daily colic diagnoses per 1000 yearly admissions was foundto be 0.294 (SD = 0.478), 0.290 (SD = 0.463) and 0.304 (SD = 0.486), respectively. A priori power analysis showed the sample size was adequate to test the hypothesis (Statistical Power = 80%, α = 0.05). The data were strongly right skewed with multiple outliers, driving the decision to use the median and interquartile range (IQR) to represent the measure of center and dispersion and a Kruskal-Wallis H test for statistical analysis. The distribution of the number of colic cases per day were similar across all moon phases, as assessed by visual inspection of comparative boxplots. For all 3 lunar phases, the median number of daily colic diagnoses per 1000 yearly hospital admissions was 0 (IQR = 0.47). At the 0.05 significance level, there were no significant differences found in the median number of daily diagnoses per 1000 yearly admissions among the 3 lunar phases (χ2(2) = 0.261, P = 0.878). In conclusion, this data does not find an association between the incidence of referred colic cases and lunar phase.

Effects of Lunar Phases on Foot Temperature, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Type 2 Diabetic Subjects.

It has been observed that the lunar phases alter the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level in type-2 diabetic (T2DM) subjects. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) was also reported to be associated with elevated foot temperature (FT), oxidative stress, and inflammation in T2DM subjects. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the changes in FT, oxidative stress, and inflammation levels and assess the relationship of FT with oxidative stress, antioxidant enzyme activity, and inflammatory markers in T2DM subjects at different lunar phases. The plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and dorsal and plantar surface temperatures of the feet by infrared dermal thermometer were measured in 88 randomly selected T2DM subjects at different lunar phases. The levels of oxidative stress and inflammation were assessed by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA), glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), and tumor necrosis factoralpha (TNF-α). The FTs, MDA, and TNF-α were significantly increased, and G6PDH activity was significantly decreased in the new moon (NM) and full moon (FM) than in the third quarter (TQ) and first quarter (FQ) for both sexes. The FTs, MDA, and TNF-α levels were significantly positively correlated, whereas G6PDH activity was significantly negatively correlated with FPG at NM and FM in both sexes. The MFT was significantly positively correlated with MDA and TNF-α and significantly negatively correlated with G6PDH at NM and FM in T2DM subjects. The lunar phases showed a prominent influence on the FT, oxidative stress, and inflammatory status in T2DM subjects, which might be due to the existence of biological rhythm interaction with lunar electromagnetic radiations.

Efficiency of capture of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) with mosquito killer light traps

Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) is a cosmopolitan pest that affects leaves and fruits, causing damage to crops. Various control techniques are used to eliminate adults and larvae; however, none of themis completely effective. Thus, this study tested the use of a light trap with an ultraviolet lamp and an electrical device to control T. absoluta in a tomato greenhouse (‘Grazianni’) located in Paty do Alferes (Brazil) and recorded the best capture period. For this, three FIX model mosquito traps were placed inside the greenhouse (2.4 m high, 1.2 m apart) during one lunar cycle. The catch was evaluated in the following time periods: from 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm, from 10:30 pm to 02:00 am, and from 02:00 to 05:30 am. A total of 6,886 specimens were collected. The time interval from 7:00-10:30 pm resulted in the highest abundance captured (54.3%), similar to previous data on the flight period of T. absoluta. These results contribute to the Integrated Pest Management of the tomato crop, an alternative to the exclusive use of chemical control methods which fail to efficiently control the tomato moth.

Multi-decadal shoreline mobility of a managed sandy tidal coast (Normandy, France): Behavioural variability in a context of sea-level rise and increasing storm intensity

A unique dataset of 27 years of shoreline changes along the western coast of Cotentin Peninsula (Normandy, France) with a high temporal resolution (about 60 fields surveys) provides an opportunity to analyse the space and time variability of a tidal sandy wave-exposed shoreline and to identify the main drivers of this variability. Spatially, as often observed around the world, this coast shows a clear balance between erosional and accretionary sectors. Maximum shoreline retreat and mean annual erosional rates are, however, greater by a factor of two than maximum and mean accretion rates, with hotspots mainly observed in the vicinity of tidal inlets. A cluster analysis highlighted nine groups of shoreline behaviour that show important contrasts, depending on locations, between erosional and accretionary trends. Linear trends over the nearly three decades of monitoring are uncommon and reverse trends are frequent. Clear divergences in behaviour were observed over the same time periods depending on location, e.g., erosion and accretion can be contemporaneous as can accretion and stability, independently of the antecedent multi-annual trends. Ebb delta zones show heterogeneous patterns, and survey locations belonging to the same clusters appear spatially scattered. The temporal shoreline behaviour can be linked to combinations of high wave energy and high spring tides only for at best 37.5% of the survey locations, and this only over the last decade. No obvious link with mean sea-level rise and the 18.6 y lunar tidal cycle was observed. However, as in the case of wave activity, these external drivers can often be masked by local factors such as inlet dynamics or/and anthropogenic influences (essentially shoreline engineering). Further insight on sand supply and beach elevation changes is necessary to improve the understanding of the main factors driving space and time variability in shoreline mobility, and it is expected that sea-level rise in the future will be of increasing concern, with important, potentially negative, implications for shoreline mobility on the low sandy sectors of the Normandy coast.

Predicting new crescent moon visibility applying machine learning algorithms

The world's population is projected to grow 32% in the coming years, and the number of Muslims is expected to grow by 70%—from 1.8 billion in 2015 to about 3 billion in 2060. Hijri is the Islamic calendar, also known as the lunar Hijri calendar, which consists of 12 lunar months, and it is tied to the Moon phases where a new crescent Moon marks the beginning of each month. Muslims use the Hijri calendar to determine important dates and religious events such as Ramadan, Haj, Muharram, etc. Till today, there is no consensus on deciding on the beginning of Ramadan month within the Muslim community. This is mainly due to the imprecise observations of the new crescent Moon in different locations. Artificial intelligence and its sub-field machine learning have shown great success in their application in several fields. In this paper, we propose the use of machine learning algorithms to help in determining the start of Ramadan month by predicting the visibility of the new crescent Moon. The results obtained from our experiments have shown very good accurate prediction and evaluation performance. The Random Forest and Support Vector Machine classifiers have provided promising results compared to other classifiers considered in this study in predicting the visibility of the new Moon.

Predator and duck behaviours at depredated nests in wetlands of Great Salt Lake, Utah

Abstract Nest depredation is one of the greatest threats posed to ground-nesting ducks. We employed cameras to monitor 164 duck nests (71 cinnamon teal, Spatula cyanoptera, 44 gadwall, Mareca strepera, 38 mallard, Anas platyrhynchos, and 11 nests of unknown species) in the wetlands surrounding Great Salt Lake, from 2015–2021. Of the 164 nests, 21% were successful, 73% were depredated and 7% were abandoned. We observed predators at 99 of the 119 depredated nests; predators at 20 nests went undetected. Raccoons (Procyon lotor, depredated nests) and striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis, ) were the most common of the 99 nest predators recorded. Other predators that depredated nests included long-tailed weasels (Mustela frenata), northern harriers (Circus hudsonius), California gulls (Larus californicus), Sandhill cranes (Antigone canadensis), common ravens (Corvus corax), coyotes (Canis latrans) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). Neither the number of eggs removed per depredation event nor the number of eggs remaining varied by predator species. Depredated nests were easier for predators to find than undisturbed, incubated nests, resulting in 68% of depredated nests being visited by multiple predators. All hens detected the approach of a predator and flushed before the predator reached the nest; no hens attempted to defend their nest or attack the predator. Only 21% of hens returned to their depredated nest, and those that did remained off their nest an average of 33 h and 23 h after their nest was depredated by a raccoon or skunk, respectively. Seventeen percent of hens resumed incubation of their depredated nest, but only 1 nest to which a hen returned successfully hatched an egg. Depredation events of raccoons and skunks were not distributed randomly during the 24-hour day, but rather occurred most often during the night and nautical twilight, and rarely during the day. Depredation events of avian predators occurred during the day, rarely during twilight, and none during the night. Depredation events during the night were more likely when the wind was calm but temperature, humidity, and actual moon illumination had no impact. Depredation events by skunks and raccoons occurred more often during the 1st and 4th phases of the moon (new moon) than in the 2nd or 3rd phase.

The modelled climatic response to the 18.6-year lunar nodal cycle and its role in decadal temperature trends

Abstract. The 18.6-year lunar nodal cycle arises from variations in the angle of the Moon's orbital plane. Previous work has linked the nodal cycle to climate but has been limited by either the length of observations analysed or geographical regions considered in model simulations of the pre-industrial period. Here we examine the global effect of the lunar nodal cycle in multi-centennial climate model simulations of the pre-industrial period. We find cyclic signals in global and regional surface air temperature (with amplitudes of around 0.1 K) and in ocean heat uptake and ocean heat content. The timing of anomalies of global surface air temperature and heat uptake is consistent with the so-called slowdown in global warming in the first decade of the 21st century. The lunar nodal cycle causes variations in mean sea level pressure exceeding 0.5 hPa in the Nordic Seas region, thus affecting the North Atlantic Oscillation during boreal winter. Our results suggest that the contribution of the lunar nodal cycle to global temperature should be negative in the mid-2020s before becoming positive again in the early 2030s, reducing the uncertainty in time at which projected global temperature reaches 1.5 ∘C above pre-industrial levels.

Experimental Mixed Gillnets Improve Catches of Narrow-Barred Spanish Mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson)

A new gillnet made from multiple mesh sizes ranging from 125 to 180 mm of stretched mesh (experimental gillnet) was tested under commercial fishing conditions to compare the fishing performance with that of conventional gillnets with a 125 mm mesh opening (control gillnet). Catch efficiency and size selectivity between the two gillnet types were evaluated throughout one year of fishing in three different locations in the waters of Vietnam. Experimental gillnets caught narrow-barred Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson), spotted mackerel (Scomberomorus guttatus), and wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri) in comparable amounts to the control gillnets, with the moon phase, month, and depth explaining some of the variation in the catch per unit effort (CPUE). An analysis of the size-dependent catch comparison rates and selectivity parameters showed that the experimental gillnets captured a wider range of narrow-barred Spanish mackerel sizes, but with a substantial proportion of individuals larger than those caught by the control gillnets. This is of higher weight per unit effort, and fishing enterprises therefore could improve their economic benefits by using modified gillnets with multiple mesh sizes. Our findings also support the biological and environmental benefits of the modified gillnet size selection, which might also extend to other species.

Lunar Cycle, Climate, and Onset of Parturition in Domestic Dromedary Camels: Implications of Species-Specific Metabolic Economy and Social Ecology.

Given energy costs for gestating and caring for male offspring are higher than those of female newborns, external environmental conditions might be regarded as likely to affect the timing of delivery processes differentially depending on the sex of the newborn calf to be delivered. The aim of the present paper is to evaluate the association between environmental stressors such as the moon phase and weather-related factors and the onset of labor in female dromedaries. A binary logistic regression model was developed to find the most parsimonious set of variables that are most effective in predicting the probability for a gravid female dromedary to give birth to a male or a female calf, assuming that higher gestational costs and longer labor times are ascribed to the production of a male offspring. Although the differences in the quantitative distribution of spontaneous onset of labor across lunar phases and the mean climate per onset event along the whole study period were deemed nonsignificant (p > 0.05), a non-negligible prediction effect of a new moon, mean wind speed and maximum wind gust was present. At slightly brighter nights and lower mean wind speeds, a calf is more likely to be male. This microevolutionary response to the external environment may have been driven by physiological and behavioral adaptation of metabolic economy and social ecology to give birth to cooperative groups with the best possible reduction of thermoregulatory demands. Model performance indexes then highlighted the heterothermic character of camels to greatly minimize the impact of the external environment. The overall results will also enrich the general knowledge of the interplay between homeostasis and arid and semi-arid environments.

Pre-rut behavioural changes in farmed red deer with reference to atmospheric conditions

Red deer (Cervus elaphus) exhibit specific behaviour during the rutting season, which may have an impact on the safety on cervid farms, both due to aggressive interactions between animals and the safety of people staying there, such as staff and tourists. This issue applies especially to stags whose behaviour changes radically, and the correct interpretation of the observed changes is very important. Therefore, the aim of the study was to analyse the pre-rut behaviour of stags and to show the influence of atmospheric conditions on vocalization and other elements of their behaviour, which facilitate determination of the onset of the rutting season. The observations were conducted in August and September of 2017 and 2018. It was shown that lower temperatures, declines in air humidity, increasing atmospheric pressure, and transition of the moon phase towards the full moon resulted in intensification of the vocalization activity in the red deer in the pre-rutting season, which may accelerate the rutting period in the deer males. The number of vocalizations varied between the years and depended on the mean temperature, air humidity, atmospheric pressure, and moon phase in the prerutting and rutting seasons. Through observation of the changing weather conditions, it is possible to predict the time of increased activity of stags and the onset of the rutting period. Predicting the date of mating season in farm breeding, based on daily observations of changes in the behaviour of stags, can be helpful in planning veterinary treatments or selecting the composition of the hinds to be covered by specific stags, which can also contribute to the improvement of their welfare.