Restocking Programs Research Articles

The effect of geographical region of birth on the reproductive performance of the Nguni in southern Mozambique

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of place of birth on the reproductive performance of two Nguni ecotypes (Nguni and Landim) raised in a sub-tropical environment to enhance strategies for livestock development and restocking programmes within the southern African region. Reproduction data collected between 1994 and 2009 from 301 cows of the Landim (n = 122) and Nguni (n = 179) ecotypes were analysed. Results indicated that ecotype and place of birth had significant effects on age at first calving (AFC) and calving interval (CI). The means for AFC were 1085 and 1003 days, those for CI were 422 and 436 days, while the calving rate (CR) was 90.0% and 85.7% for the Nguni and Landim, respectively. This study demonstrates for the first time a possible genotype by environment interaction between Nguni ecotypes. This might aid future cattle development and restocking programmes in southern Africa, taking into consideration the adaptation of indigenous genotypes and climate change.Keywords: Age at first calving, calving interval, ecotypes, Landim, environment

Larval growth and biochemical composition of the protected Mediterranean spider crab Maja squinado (Brachyura, Majidae)

AB Aquatic Biology Contact the journal Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections AB 20:13-21 (2014) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/ab00540 Larval growth and biochemical composition of the protected Mediterranean spider crab Maja squinado (Brachyura, Majidae) G. Rotllant1,*, G. Guerao2, N. Gras2, A. Estévez2 1Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain 2IRTA, Unitat Operativa de Cultius Experimentals, Ctra. Poble Nou, Km 5.5, 43540 Sant Carles de la Ràpita, Tarragona, Spain *Corresponding author: guio@icm.csic.es ABSTRACT: The spider crab Maja squinado is restricted to the Mediterranean Sea, and as captures of this species became very rare in the last decades, it is a protected species. To improve spider crab production in experimental or commercial hatcheries and allow the future success of re-stocking programmes, knowledge of larval growth and biochemical characteristics is mandatory. In the present study, larvae from 4 different batches were studied. Larvae were examined to determine the larval instar and moulting stages. In each moulting stage for all larval instars, carapace length, dry weight, ash and proximal composition (protein, carbohydrates and lipids) were measured. Metamorphosis began at 14 d posthatching (dph), with metamorphosis to the first juvenile crabs completed in about 90% of the specimens at 17 dph. Survival dropped from 59.25 ± 19.53% to 33.49 ± 19.53% between the zoea II and megalopa stages, and only 7.74 ± 1.94% of newly hatched larvae (NHL) reached the first juvenile crab stage. NHL weighed 120.40 ± 18.95 µg, increasing their dry weight and ash content 6-fold after metamorphosis. Dry weight also increased through the moulting cycle in each larval instar, while ash content was higher in early premoult stages. Proximal composition increased between 8- and 6-fold from NHL to megalopa in the premoult stage and then decreased 2-fold during metamorphosis. Lipid and protein content varied among moulting stages from the postmoult to the premoult stages, with more significant alterations seen during the megalopa instar stage. KEY WORDS: Decapoda · Majoidea · Larval instars · Moult stages · Size · Biomass · Protein · Lipids Full text in pdf format PreviousNextCite this article as: Rotllant G, Guerao G, Gras N, Estévez A (2014) Larval growth and biochemical composition of the protected Mediterranean spider crab Maja squinado (Brachyura, Majidae). Aquat Biol 20:13-21. https://doi.org/10.3354/ab00540 Export citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in AB Vol. 20, No. 1. Online publication date: January 13, 2014 Print ISSN: 1864-7782; Online ISSN: 1864-7790 Copyright © 2014 Inter-Research.

Contributions for larval development optimization of Homarus gammarus

Event Abstract Back to Event Contributions for larval development optimization of Homarus gammarus Pedro T. Sá1*, Sónia C. Marques2 and Sergio M. Leandro1 1 GIRM - Marine Resources Research Group; Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, School of Tourism and Maritime Technology, Portugal 2 University of Coimbra, CFE - Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, Portugal The European lobster, Homarus gammarus, is considered one of the most important fishery resources in Europe, with high economic value and very appreciated seafood. However, in the last century their catch has been decreasing dramatically. Several restocking programs have been developed, but their larval development is quite demanding, hindering its cultivation. The present study aimed to contribute to increased knowledge about the larval development and growth of H. gammarus in order to optimize the protocols of captive cultivation. To fulfill these objectives, three complementary and distinct tests were performed, namely: (1) evaluate the effect of different lyophilized diets and live food, (2) evaluate the probiotic effect added to larval rearing and, finally, (3) define the relationship between the temperature effect and the larval development. The diet effect experiment, showed that the dry food, for this type of larval rearing, it is not suitable for H. gammarus larvae, resulting in 100% of mortality before reaching Zoea II, contrasting with the obtained results using live brine shrimp nauplii, with 4.17% survival to PL stage. The addition of probiotics in seawater, proved to be ineffective, with no differences in survival and growth rates, and intermoult period, compared to larvae grown without addition of probiotic in rearing water. The seawater rising temperature resulted in a decrease of intermoult period in all larval development stages and at all tested temperatures, ranging from 4.77 (Z1) to 16.5 days (Z3) at 16°C, whereas at 23°C, ranged from 3:02 (Z1) and 9.75 days (Z3). The results obtained are an extremely useful guide for future optimization of protocols on larval development of H. gammarus. Keywords: Homarus gammarus, larval rearing conditions, live and dry diets, probiotic, temperature effect Conference: IMMR | International Meeting on Marine Research 2014, Peniche, Portugal, 10 Jul - 11 Jul, 2014. Presentation Type: Poster Presentation Topic: AQUACULTURE Citation: Sá PT, Marques SC and Leandro SM (2014). Contributions for larval development optimization of Homarus gammarus. Front. Mar. Sci. Conference Abstract: IMMR | International Meeting on Marine Research 2014. doi: 10.3389/conf.fmars.2014.02.00074 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 10 May 2014; Published Online: 18 Jul 2014. * Correspondence: Mr. Pedro T Sá, GIRM - Marine Resources Research Group; Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, School of Tourism and Maritime Technology, Peniche, Portugal, pedrotfsa@gmail.com Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Pedro T Sá Sónia C Marques Sergio M Leandro Google Pedro T Sá Sónia C Marques Sergio M Leandro Google Scholar Pedro T Sá Sónia C Marques Sergio M Leandro PubMed Pedro T Sá Sónia C Marques Sergio M Leandro Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

European rabbit restocking: a critical review in accordance with IUCN (1998) guidelines for re–introduction

European rabbit restocking is one of the most frequent actions in hunting estates and conservation projects in Spain, France and Portugal where rabbit is a keystone species. The aim of this work was to review current knowledge regarding rabbit restocking in accordance with the IUCN (1998) guidelines for re–introduction in order to identify gaps in knowledge and highlight the techniques that improve the overall success rate. Eight of 17 items selected from these guidelines were identified as partly studied or unknown, including important items such as the management and release of captive–reared wild rabbits, the development of transport and monitoring programs, the application of vaccine programs, and post–release long–term studies. Researchers should therefore concentrate their efforts on bridging these knowledge gaps, and wildlife managers should consider all the factors reviewed herein so as to establish accurate management guidelines for subsequent rabbit restocking programs.

Determination of Heavy Metal (Zn, Pb, Cd and Cr) Concentration in Benthic Fauna Tissues Collected from the Southeast Caspian Sea, Iran

The aim of the present study was to determine zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) content of benthic fauna in the southeast coast of the Caspian Sea, where the major fish restocking programs are conducted. Seasonal sampling was performed in three sampling sites: north Miankaleh (NM), south Miankaleh (SM) and Gharesoo coast (GC). Results showed that sampling sites, sampling seasons and sampling sites × sampling seasons interaction had a significant effect on the heavy metal levels (p < 0.05). The yearly heavy metal concentration order was as follows: Zn > Pb > Cd > Cr. Yearly Pb levels of the NM site were significantly higher than the other sites. Also, yearly Cr levels of the SM site were significantly higher than site GC. Comparison of the benthos heavy metal levels with the available reference values suggests that the benthos tissues might be highly polluted which can intoxicate the fish feeding on them.

Genetic Diversity of Captive and Wild Threatened Catfish Pseudoplatystoma corruscans in the São Francisco River

A genetic analysis was conducted of the critically endangered migratory catfish Pseudoplatystoma corruscans from the São Francisco River basin, the basin with the second highest hydropower capacity installed in Brazil. The analysis was conducted using five microsatellite markers previously described in the literature. Genetic diversity was analyzed and compared in three wild populations and a captive broodstock for a restocking program. Catfish populations of this river showed high genetic diversity in terms of heterozygosities; however, only half of the total number of alleles found in other basins were detected. Seven private alleles occurred in this basin and most of them at low frequencies, indicating they are under threat of extinction. Overall FST and assignment test suggested low differentiation among the three wild populations; however, a marked distinction between these populations and the captive broodstock was observed. The number of alleles and low average relatedness estimates found for the captive population suggest that it could be used for restocking in areas where the wild population has collapsed, but should not be used for stock enhancement in areas where the wild population is extant. These results are important as a reference for genetic aspects that should be considered in fish management activities.

Genetic differences between wild and hatchery populations of red sea cucumber (Stichopus japonicus) inferred from microsatellite markers: implications for production and stocking programs design

Red sea cucumber Stichopus japonicus is the most important and valuable commercial sea cucumber species in Korea. Its farming and stock enhancement started in the early 2000s and is still rapid expansion in Korea. Therefore, the analyses of genetic status of wild and hatchery populations are necessary to maintain the genetic diversity of this valuable marine resource. In this study, possible genetic similarity and differences between the wild population and hatchery population in Jeju, Korea were accessed using multiplex assays with eight highly polymorphic microsatellite loci. High levels of polymorphism were observed between the two populations. A total of 93 different alleles were found. Although a considerable loss of unique alleles and relatively high inbreeding coefficient value were observed in the hatchery samples, no statistically significant reductions were found in heterozygosity or allelic diversity in the hatchery population, compared with the wild population. However, significant genetic heterogeneity was found between two populations. These results suggest that genetic drift has probably promoted differentiation between populations, and stocking intensity in wild populations may correlate with loss of genetic integrity. Therefore, the sustainable exploitation plans of the fishery resource should be developed by applying basic genetic principles combined with molecular monitoring. This genetic baseline information of Korean red sea cucumber has important implications for designing of genetically sustainable restocking programs and more efficient conservation management guidelines for these valuable genetic materials.

Habitat selection in translocated gregarious ungulate species: An interplay between sociality and ecological requirements

AbstractThe adaptation of translocated organisms to a new environment in the first years after their release is crucial in translocation programs because it may affect survival and reproductive success. Therefore, identifying the factors determining resource selection by the relocated animals is essential to improve the planning and the outcome of such programs. Using data collected in 2006–2009 in the framework of a restocking program, we studied the temporal variation of habitat selection in 14 translocated Alpine ibex (Capra ibex) during the year of their release and the following 3 years. We hypothesized a progressive adaptation of the translocated individuals, highlighted by a gradual decrease in the dissimilarities between translocated and resident individuals in ecological characteristics and social behavior. We tested the differences in habitat selection and home range size between the translocated and resident individuals and compared the spatial overlap between the groups. As expected, the dissimilarities decreased annually. The translocated and resident ibex almost immediately selected the same habitat resources, but the translocated individuals required 3 years to become fully socially assimilated. Our results indicated that habitat selection by gregarious species in a new environment is primarily driven by specific ecological requirements and that sociality plays a significant role. The translocated individuals tended to colonize areas already occupied by residents, either to fulfill social requirements and/or because the location of resident individuals may indicate high‐quality habitat. This pattern of behavior must be considered in the planning of translocation programs because habitat selection can affect the outcomes of the programs. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.

Reproductive strategy and fecundity of meagre &lt;i&gt;Argyrosomus regius&lt;/i&gt; Asso, 1801 (Pisces: Sciaenidae): implications for restocking programs

Because the meagre ( Argyrosomus regius ) is not currently found around the Balearic Islands (western Mediterranean), the Balearic government is carrying out a restocking programme to recover its population. The success of this programme is critically dependent on improved knowledge of the meagre’s life cycle, and particularly its reproductive biology. Data on key reproductive parameters based on both reared and wild specimens are reported here. Histological examinations and gonadosomatic indices from 342 reared specimens demonstrated that 1) the potential reproductive season ranged from April to June and peaked in May, and 2) length at maturity (L 50 ) was 49.3 cm for males and 57.2 cm for females, age at maturity (A 50 ) was 2.7 years for males and 3.5 years for females, and weight at maturity (W 50 ) was 1396 g for males and 1892 g for females. Histological examinations of 37 wild fish from Cadiz (SW Spain) demonstrated that the meagre has determinate fecundity. The annual potential fecundity of reared females ranged from 0.9 to 4.2 million oocytes, which is exponentially dependent upon female size.

COCCIDIAN AND NEMATODE INFECTIONS INFLUENCE PREVALENCE OF ANTIBODY TO MYXOMA AND RABBIT HEMORRHAGIC DISEASE VIRUSES IN EUROPEAN RABBITS

The interaction among several parasites in European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is crucial to host fitness and to the epidemiology of myxomatosis and rabbit hemorrhagic disease. These diseases have caused significant reductions in rabbit populations on the Iberian Peninsula. Most studies have focused on the epidemiology and pathogenesis of these viruses individually, and little is known about interactions between these viruses and other parasites. Taking advantage of an experimental restocking program in Spain, the effects of coccidian and nematode infections on the probability of having detectable antibody to myxoma and rabbit hemorrhagic disease viruses were tested in European wild rabbits. For 14 mo, we monitored rabbit abundance and parasite loads (coccidia and nematodes) in three reintroduced rabbit populations. While coccidian and nematode loads explained seasonal antibody prevalences to myxoma virus, the pattern was less clear for rabbit hemorrhagic disease. Contrary to expectations, prevalence of antibody to myxoma virus was inversely proportional to coccidian load, while nematode load seemed to play a minor role. These results have implications for viral disease epidemiology and for disease management intended to increase rabbit populations in areas where they are important for ecosystem conservation.

Early life behavioural differences in wild caught and domesticated sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

Behavioural studies comparing hatchery and wild-caught fish are useful to improve selection for aquaculture and restocking programmes. We examined swimming behaviour characteristics in wild captured and domesticated sea bass juveniles before and after eliciting a startle response at 8 different ages and always on naive individuals. We specifically investigated whether domestication impacts juvenile sea bass behaviour and whether the first months of captivity induce behavioural modifications in wild juveniles. An apparatus was designed to mimic a predator attack by presenting a sudden visual and mechanical stimuli simultaneously in 8 arenas where single individuals were placed and video recorded. The reactivity response was evaluated and different swimming variables including angular velocity, total distance travelled, mean velocity, immobility and distance from stimulus point were analysed from videos taken 5min before stimulus actuation, 5 and 15min after. Otolith readings showed that wild and domesticated juveniles were of similar age (∼55 days at the start of the experiment and ∼125 at the end of experiment). There were consistent behavioural differences (e.g. higher angular velocity and distance from stimulus point in wild fish) demonstrating that domestication reduces flight response behaviour. There were also similarities between both fish origins (similar response to stimulus actuation: decrease of total distance travelled and mean velocity, increase of angular velocity and immobility). A decrease over time in reactivity and variability in swimming responses among fish of both origins showed that captivity only does not fully explain wild fish behaviour changes and ontogenic modifications are likely interplaying.

Post-release spatial and social behaviour of translocated male Alpine ibexes (Capra ibex ibex) in the eastern Italian Alps

In this 3 years study (2006–2009), we described the space-use and social patterns exhibited by a group of adult male Alpine ibex relocated into the colony of the Marmolada massif (eastern Italian Alps). Our aim was to analyse the post-release behaviour of translocated Alpine ibexes in comparison with resident males, in order to test the short-term success of the restocking, provide some insight on the duration of the adaptation process and furnish some indications for future restocking programs. None of the translocated males abandoned the colony; however, their integration into the colony was a slow and complex process. The released ibexes needed 1 or even 2 years to conclude explorative movements, settle down to home ranges comparable in size to those of resident males and fully associate with them. Individual heterogeneity in behaviour played an important role in the length of the adaptation process. These results highlight the importance of conducting a long-term monitoring program after restocking intervention and suggest the need of behavioural studies to improve knowledge on the process of integration of ibexes in a new colony.

The effect of temperature and substrate on the development of the cortisol stress response in the lake sturgeon, Acipenser fulvescens, Rafinesque (1817)

Lake sturgeon, Acipenser fulvescens, are considered threatened or endangered throughout most of their North American Range. Current hatchery rearing for re-stocking programs utilise conventional methods with little to no understanding of the relationship between rearing conditions and the development of the hypothalamic-pituitary-interrenal (HPI) stress axis. In the present study we examined the effects of substrate type and temperature on the development of the HPI stress axis in prolarval and larval lake sturgeon. Lake sturgeon raised over either gravel or no substrate did not consistently show an increase in whole body cortisol at the prolarval stage. However, after the onset of exogenous feeding a consistent increase in whole body cortisol following a stress was evident. Lake sturgeon larvae raised in gravel substrate demonstrated a sustained increase in whole body cortisol for at least 240 min post stress whereas whole body cortisol in larvae raised in no substrate returned to baseline within 240 min post stress. Lake sturgeon larvae raised at 9, 12 and 15°C exhibited markedly different cortisol responses with baseline whole body cortisol being, 38.6 ± 3, 5.67 ± 0.41 and 25.38 ± 2.84 ng.g−1 respectively. Furthermore, the chase induced increases in whole body cortisol at the larval stage were significantly different for each temperature treatment. These experiments demonstrate that physical environment has a significant impact on the development of the HPI stress axis in lake sturgeon.

First results of embryonic development, spawning and larval rearing of the Mediterranean spider crabMaja squinado(Herbst ) under laboratory conditions, a candidate species for a restocking program

The Mediterranean spider crab, Maja squinado, is depleted due to overfishing. The crab has virtually disappeared from areas where it was abundant, such as the Balearic Islands and the Catalan coast. Maja squinado, is economically and ecologically very valuable, and it is essential to obtain information on its biology and rearing conditions to attempt to repopulate the damaged stocks of the species in the Mediterranean basin. Herein, we describe the first successful rearing of M. squinado under laboratory conditions. Our results show that M. squinado is an excellent candidate for restocking using cultured juveniles. Two consecutive broods with a 1–4 day interbrood period were observed in the laboratory in wild-caught females, the maximum observed duration of embryonic development of the egg mass being 32 days at 18.4 ± 0.9°C, and went through four different stages. The complete larval and first juvenile development was studied in laboratory cultures fed enriched Artemia metanauplius. At 19.6 ± 0.6°C, development from hatching to first crab moult took 17 days, and it comprised two zoeae stages and one megalopa stage. The survival rate at the different stages was monitored, and 7.13 ± 2.3% was achieved at the first crab instar.

Method for Determining Apparent Digestibility of Carbohydrate and Protein Sources for Artificial Diets for Juvenile Sea Cucumber, Australostichopus mollis

Effective nursery diets can greatly reduce the cost of producing juvenile sea cucumbers for release to aquaculture or restocking programs. However, methods for systematically testing the bioavailability of artificial diet ingredients for sea cucumbers are poorly developed, and consequently, there has been little research in this field. The current study presents methods developed to test the suitability of common carbohydrate and protein sources for inclusion in artificial diets for juvenile Australostichopus mollis. Apparent digestibility of carbohydrates was moderate and did not exceed 50% for any carbohydrates assayed. Wheat starch and carrageenans showed the highest digestibility amongst carbohydrates. Differences in apparent digestibility were not reflected in growth performance of juvenile A. mollis fed carbohydrate diets; overall growth performance was poor for all diets. Artificial protein sources consistently exhibited higher apparent digestibility, ranging from 75.1% for fish meal to 98.1% for casein. Low‐cost protein sources, like meat meal, show promise for future use in artificial diet formulation. However, delivering high protein content may reduce ingestion rates and thereby lower overall digestive efficiency in juveniles. Results show that artificial carbohydrate sources have some potential as diet constituents for juvenile sea cucumbers but are unsuitable as primary energy sources. Future testing of artificial carbohydrate sources for A. mollis may require predigestion to improve digestibility.

Nursery of Pink ShrimpFarfantepenaeus paulensisin Biofloc Technology Culture System: Survival and Growth at Different Stocking Densities

Farfantepenaeus paulensis postlarvae were reared at different stocking densities during the nursery phase in a biofloc technology (BFT) culture system without water exchange. An experimental system comprising a 70-m3 macrocosm tank containing shrimp cultured in the BFT system at 300 shrimp/m2, with a productivity of 2.7 kg/m2 was used, which supplied twelve 0.5-m2 tanks at densities of 500, 1,000, 1,500, and 2,000 shrimp/m2 through pumping. The experiment lasted for 30 days. The water was recirculated 48 times a day from the macrocosm to the microcosm tanks. The growth rate, final weight, survival, and productivity of the shrimp were analyzed. There were no significant differences in the water quality parameters among treatments because the water input and output from the macrocosm tank to the experimental units was constant. There were also no significant differences (P > 0.05) in survival. However, the final weight and productivity were significantly different (P < 0.05) among treatments. The treatments with the lowest stocking densities were associated with the highest weights, whereas the treatments with the highest stocking densities presented the highest productivities. The study demonstrates that the use of a BFT culture system may enable the culture of this species at high stocking densities in nurseries. The results also demonstrate the possibility of using a high stocking density for commercial culture and restocking programs.

Factors influencing reproductive performance of cows from different Nguni ecotypes in southern Mozambique

The objective of this study was to assess the reproductive performance of two Nguni ecotypes (Nguni and Landim) raised in a subtropical environment to enhance strategies for livestock development and restocking programmes within the southern African region. Reproduction data collected between 1996 and 2009 from 365 cows of the Landim and Nguni ecotypes were analysed. From the results, ecotype, place of birth, year and season of birth/calving had significant effects on age at first calving (AFC) and calving interval (CI). Overall means for AFC and CI were 1,071 ± 166days and 432 ± 85days, respectively, while average calving rate was 88.0 ± 4.7%. Heifers born in the dry season had lower AFC than heifers born in the wet season. Heifers born at Impaputo Breeding Center were the youngest at first calving, followed by the South African born ones. Heifers of the Landim ecotype also calved younger than heifers of the Nguni ecotype. CI was shorter in wet seasons (main breeding seasons) than in dry seasons. Interaction between ecotype and year-season (p < 0.005) showed that, in wet and dry seasons, Nguni cows had shorter CI than the Landim. This study demonstrates for the first time a possible genotype-by-environment interaction between Nguni ecotypes. This might aid future cattle development and restocking programmes in southern Africa taking into consideration the adaptation of indigenous genotypes and climate change.

Reproductive success and fry production of the paiche or pirarucu, Arapaima gigas (Schinz), in the region of Iquitos, Perú

Arapaima gigas (paiche) is the largest scaled fish species living in the Amazon basin. Its biology is both fascinating and misunderstood. In a context of overfishing, hence reduced natural populations, aquaculture of a fish with such interesting characteristics (large size, high growth rate, no intramuscular spines) is an important issue. The development of farming production would also reduce the fishing pressure on natural populations and allow re-stocking programmes in certain areas. To determine what factors may influence the reproductive success in captivity, data from breeding reports for 2007–2010 were collected among fish farmers in the region of Iquitos. In parallel, we carried out physicochemical measurements in different ponds where these paiches breed, and conducted personal interviews about the general fish management conditions. The results show that reproduction occurs throughout the year but with a higher intensity during the rainy season. It also highlights farms that have performed much better than others, but no single factor except feeding level has been clearly associated with reproductive success. The environmental control of reproduction in paiche, therefore, remains partly mysterious. To deepen this study, we recommend the systematic sexing of breeders, extending reproductive behavioural studies, and examining the limnological factors involved in fry mortality.

Linking Relief and Development in Pakistan-administered Kashmir

In response to the devastating earthquake that hit northern Pakistan on 8 October 2005, the German Red Cross (GRC), in partnership with the Economic Security Unit of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), implemented a complex livestock restocking program combined with structural interventions in the basic animal health sector. Livestock restocking, which was a new experience for both GRC and ICRC, indicates a shift from the relief operations that are traditionally the main domain of both organizations toward development approaches that aim to provide sustainable support for affected populations. The project activities are an example of an agency's move to facilitate a transition from relief measures to lasting development, with the aim of reducing the frequency, intensity, and impact of livelihood shocks, while simultaneously reducing the need for emergency relief. The question remains whether the project's rehabilitation efforts succeeded in connecting the end of relief with the establishment of sustainability in the livestock sector, including the support of local livestock production, processing, and marketing systems. Overall, the livestock intervention project helped restore rural livelihoods in a remote mountain area and heightened coping capacities in households that succeeded in making productive and sustainable use of the animals.

DNA barcoding to support conservation: species identification, genetic structure and biogeography of fishes in the Murray - Darling River Basin, Australia

Freshwater fish stocks worldwide are under increasing threat of overfishing, disease, pollution and competition from introduced species. In the Murray—Darling Basin (MDB), the largest river system of Australia, more than half the native species are listed as rare or endangered. Active management is required to counteract reduction in population sizes, prevent local extinctions and to maintain genetic diversity. We describe the first comprehensive set of DNA barcodes able to discriminate between all 58 native and introduced species of freshwater fish recorded in the MDB. These barcodes also distinguish populations from those in adjacent basins, with estimated separation times as short as 0.1 million years ago. We demonstrate the feasibility of using DNA fingerprinting of ribosomal RNA (12S and 18S rRNA) genes and mitochondrial DNA control region (mtDNA CR) sequences to identify species from eggs, larvae, tissues and predator gut contents as well as differentiate populations, morphologically cryptic species and hybrids. The DNA barcode resource will enhance capacity in many areas of fish conservation biology that can benefit from improved knowledge of genetic provenance. These include captive breeding and restocking programs, life history studies and ecological research into the interactions between populations of native and exotic species.