Wild Adult Females Research Articles

Brain and circulating steroids in an electric fish: Relevance for non-breeding aggression.

Steroids play a crucial role in modulating brain and behavior. While traditionally it is thought that the brain is a target of sex steroids produced in endocrine glands (e.g. gonads), the brain itself produces steroids, known as neurosteroids. Neurosteroids can be produced in regions involved in the regulation of social behaviors and may act locally to regulate social behaviors, such as reproduction and aggression. Our model species, the weakly electric fish Gymnotus omarorum, displays non-breeding aggression in both sexes. This is a valuable natural behavior to understand neuroendocrine mechanisms that differ from those underlying breeding aggression. In the non-breeding season, circulating sex steroid levels are low, which facilitates the study of neurosteroids. Here, for the first time in a teleost fish, we used liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to quantify a panel of 8 steroids in both plasma and brain to characterize steroid profiles in wild non-breeding adult males and females. We show that: 1) systemic steroid levels in the non-breeding season are similar in both sexes, although only males have detectable circulating 11-ketotestosterone, 2) brain steroid levels are sexually dimorphic, as females display higher levels of androstenedione, testosterone and estrone, and only males had detectable 11-ketotestosterone, 3) systemic androgens such as androstenedione and testosterone in the non-breeding season are potential precursors for neuroestrogen synthesis, and 4) estrogens, which play a key role in non-breeding aggression, are detectable in the brain (but not the plasma) in both sexes. These data are consistent with previous studies of G. omarorum that show non-breeding aggression is dependent on estrogen signaling, as has also been shown in bird and mammal models. Overall, our results provide a foundation for understanding the role of neurosteroids, the interplay between central and peripheral steroids and potential sex differences in the regulation of social behaviors.

Thermal Response of Circulating Estrogens in an Emydid Turtle, Chrysemys picta, and the Challenges of Climate Change

Maternal hormones such as estrogens deposited into the yolk of turtle eggs follow circulating levels in adult females, and they may alter the sexual fate of developing embryos in species with temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD). In temperate regions, this deposition occurs during the spring when estrogens increase in adult females as ambient temperatures rise, drop after the first clutch, and peak again (albeit less) in the fall. Global warming alters turtle nesting phenology (inducing earlier nesting), but whether it affects circulating hormones remains unknown, hindering our understanding of all potential challenges posed by climate change and the adaptive potential (or lack thereof) of turtle populations. Here, we addressed this question in painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) by quantifying estradiol, estrone, and testosterone via mass spectrometry in the blood of wild adult females exposed to 26 °C and 21 °C in captivity between mid-August and mid-October (15 females per treatment). Results from ANOVA and pairwise comparisons revealed no differences between treatments in circulating hormones measured at days 0, 2, 7, 14, 28, and 56 of the experiment. Further research is warranted (during the spring, using additional temperatures) before concluding that females are truly buffered against the indirect risk of climate change via maternal hormone allocation.

Lipid and fatty acid composition of muscle, liver, ovary, and peritoneal fat in wild flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) according to ovarian development

Wild adult females of a low trophic omnivore teleost species, the flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus), caught in the western Mediterranean were sampled. The lipid and fatty acid composition of ovaries, liver, muscle, and peritoneal fat were analysed at previtellogenesis, early-vitellogenesis —first observed at mid-summer (early August)—, late-vitellogenesis, and the post-spawning period —from mid-September to mid-October—. During ovarian development, the lipid content of muscle was low and constant (3.85%–4.92%), indicating that the muscle was not used to store lipids for gonadal growth. Although constant, lipid content in the liver was higher (18.46%–22.62%) than in the muscle, and HSI% increased during gonad development, suggesting a dynamism in the mobilization of the hepatic lipids. Total lipids in the gonads significantly increased with maturation (from 4.90% to 34.59%) in parallel with the GSI (from 0.8% to 15.5%) to decrease after spawning. Peritoneal fat was probably transitional fat that could be rapidly metabolized or transferred to other tissues but no specific function could be assigned because its presence in previtellogenic and early-vitellogenic females varied greatly. One of the main sources of lipids accumulated in the ovary was most likely diet. The total percentage of ΣMUFA, mainly 17:1 —previously not identified in high quantities in teleost vitellogenic ovaries and likely of bacterial origin— and 16:1, strongly increased in the ovaries with maturation. The 16:1 might be an important source of lipids for embryo development. High percentages of DHA, EPA, and ARA were found in the ovary during previtellogenesis available to be used during gonadal maturation. Understanding lipid and fatty acid changes in broodstock tissues can increase our knowledge of the nutritional requirements of the fish used in aquaculture breeding programs.

Experimental removal of nematode parasites increases growth, sprint speed, and mating success in brown anole lizards.

Parasites interact with nearly all free-living organisms and can impose substantial fitness costs by reducing host survival, mating success, and fecundity. Parasites may also indirectly affect host fitness by reducing growth and performance. However, experimentally characterizing these costs of parasitism is challenging in the wild because common antiparasite drug formulations require repeated dosing that is difficult to implement in free-living populations, and because the extended-release formulations that are commercially available for livestock and pets are not suitable for smaller animals. To address these challenges, we developed a method for the long-term removal of nematode parasites from brown anole lizards (Anolis sagrei) using an extended-release formulation of the antiparasite drug ivermectin. This treatment eliminated two common nematode parasites in captive adult males and dramatically reduced the prevalence and intensity of infection by these parasites in wild adult males and females. Experimental parasite removal significantly increased the sprint speed of captive adult males, the mating success of wild adult males, and the growth of wild juveniles of both sexes. Although parasite removal did not have any effect on survival in wild anoles, parasites may influence fitness directly through reduced mating success and indirectly through reduced growth and performance. Our method of long-term parasite manipulation via an extended-release formulation of ivermectin should be readily adaptable to many other small vertebrates, facilitating experimental tests of the extent to which parasites affect host phenotypes, fitness, and eco-evolutionary dynamics in the wild.

Ultrastructure of sensilla on the antennae and maxillary palpi of the human-biting black flies, Simulium nigrogilvum and Simulium umphangense, (Diptera: Simuliidae) in Thailand

Antennae and maxillary palpi are the most important sensory organs involved in the behaviors of black flies. The ultrastructure of sensilla on these sensory appendages of two human-biting black fly species, Similium nigrogilvum and Simulium umphangense, was studied for the first time. Wild adult females of both species were collected in Umphang District, Tak Province, western Thailand. The morphology and distribution of sensilla were examined using scanning electron microscopy. Overall, the morphology of the antennae and maxillary palpi and distribution of sensilla are similar in the two species. Four major types of sensilla were found on the antennae of both species: sensilla basiconica (three subtypes), coeloconica, chaetica (four subtypes), and trichodea. However, sensilla basiconica subtype IV are only present on the antennal surface of S. nigrogilvum. Sensilla trichodea are the most abundant among the four types of sensilla that occur on the antennae of both species. Significant differences in the length of the antennae (scape and flagellomere IX), length of the maxillary palpi (whole and palpal segments I, III, IV and V), and the length and basal width of four sensilla types (trichodea, chaetica, basiconica, and coeloconica) were found. In addition, two types of sensilla were observed on the maxillary palpi: sensilla chaetica (three subtypes) and bulb-shaped sensilla. Differences were observed in the numbers of bulb-shaped sensilla in the sensory vesicles of S. nigrogilvum and S. umphangense. The findings are compared with the sensilla of other insects, and the probable functions of each sensillum type are discussed. The anatomical data on sensory organs derived from this study will help to better understand black fly behavior.

Molecular identification of blood meal sources in black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) suspected as leucocytozoon vectors

Identification of the host blood meal of hematophagous insects can provide significant information regarding host preferences and the possibility of the transmission of disease agents. Currently, this knowledge is limited for black flies in the Oriental region. In this study, we used cytochrome b gene sequences for identification of blood meal sources of two black fly taxa, the Simulium asakoae complex and S. chumpornense Takaoka & Kuvangkadilok in Thailand. A total of 4,260 wild adult females were visually screened revealing 24 blood-engorged females from which cytochrome b was successfully amplified in 19 individuals. Comparisons in GenBank database revealed that all are closest to chicken (Gallus gallus) with sequence similarity of >98%. Therefore, these black fly species are feeding on chickens. We also molecularly investigated the hemosporidian blood protozoa genus Leucocytozoon in black flies and found 13 of 19 blood-engorged females positive for this protozoon. Sequence analysis revealed that this Leucocytozoon DNA could be assigned into two previously recognized groups, one with a Leucocytozoon reported from domestic chickens and black flies in Thailand, and another close to the L. schoutedeni. Our results indicate a high possibility that the S. asakoae complex and S. chumpornense are natural vectors of Leucocytozoon.

Manipulation of natal host modifies adult reproductive behaviour in the butterflyHeliconius charithonia

Advances in understanding non-genetic inheritance have prompted broader interest in environmental effects. One way in which such effects may influence adaptation is via the transmission of acquired habitat biases. Here I explore how natal experience influences adult host orientation in the oligophagous passion vine butterfly Heliconius charithonia. As an exemplar of the 'pupal mating' system, this species poses novelty among diurnal Lepidoptera for the extent to which male as well as female reproductive behaviours are guided by olfactory host cues. I sampled wild adult females breeding exclusively upon Passiflora incarnata, assigned their offspring to develop either upon this species or its local alternative Passiflora suberosa, and then assessed the behaviour of F1 adults in a large rainforest enclosure. Despite the fact that juvenile performance was superior upon P. incarnata, females oviposited preferentially upon their assigned natal species. Mate-seeking males also indicated a bias for the proximity of their natal host, and there was evidence for assortative mating based upon host treatment, although these data are less robust. This study is, to my knowledge, the first to support Hopkins' hostplant principle in butterflies, and points to inducible host preferences capable of reinforcing ecological segregation and ultimately accelerating evolutionary divergence in sympatry.

Midichloria mitochondrii, endosymbiont of Ixodes ricinus: evidence for the transmission to the vertebrate host during the tick blood meal

Ticks are important vectors of a variety of pathogens affecting humans and other animals, but they also harbor numerous microorganisms whose role is still limitedly investigated. Ixodes ricinus harbors the endosymbiont Midichloria mitochondrii, which is localized in ovaries and in salivary glands. The bacterium is vertically transmitted and is present in 100% of wild adult females, while prevalence values drop after some generations under laboratory conditions. Molecular and serological evidences showed that M. mitochondrii molecules are transmitted to the vertebrate hosts by I. ricinus during the blood meal. Our work was focused on monitoring M. mitochondrii antigens and DNA in a vertebrate model after infestation with I. ricinus for a time-span of four months. Two groups of rabbits were infested with I. ricinus females, respectively from the wild (naturally infected with the symbiont) and laboratory strain (lab; considered devoid of M. mitochondrii after quantitative PCR investigations) and screened using molecular and serological assays at nine time points. M. mitochondrii presence was detected in rabbits infested with wild I. ricinus ticks, but surprisingly also in those infested with lab ticks, albeit at later time points. This result prompted a more sensitive molecular screening of lab ticks, which were found to harbor very low symbiont loads.Our results indicate that transmission of the bacterium occurs even at low bacterial loads, and that antibody response against M. mitochondrii antigens begins within one week post-infestation with wild I. ricinus. Circulating DNA was detected in the blood of rabbits belonging to both groups up to the end of the experiment, suggesting a replication of the symbiont inside the vertebrate host.

Stronger social bonds do not always predict greater longevity in a gregarious primate.

In group‐living species, individuals often have preferred affiliative social partners, with whom ties or bonds can confer advantages that correspond with greater fitness. For example, in adult female baboons and juvenile horses, individuals with stronger or more social ties experience greater survival. We used detailed behavioral and life history records to explore the relationship between tie quality and survival in a gregarious monkey (Cercopithecus mitis stuhlmanni), while controlling for dominance rank, group size, and life history strategy. We used Cox proportional hazards regressions to model the cumulative (multi‐year) and current (single‐year) relationships of social ties and the hazard of mortality in 83 wild adult females of known age, observed 2–8 years each (437 subject‐years) in eight social groups. The strength of bonds with close partners was associated with increased mortality risk under certain conditions: Females that had strong bonds with close partners that were inconsistent over multiple years had a higher risk of mortality than females adopting any other social strategy. Within a given year, females had a higher risk of death if they were strongly bonded with partners that changed from the previous year versus with partners that remained consistent. Dominance rank, number of adult female groupmates, and age at first reproduction did not predict the risk of death. This study demonstrates that costs and benefits of strong social bonds can be context‐dependent, relating to the consistency of social partners over time.

Biochemical and hematological evaluations of black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) in highly degraded landscapes in Mexico.

Loss and fragmentation of Neotropical primates' habitat can alter the health and individual adaptation. Physiological parameters reflect health status and individuals responses to the habitat conditions. We captured six wild adult females and six adult males of Alouatta pigra to evaluate their physical condition (body mass, respiratory and heart rate, and rectal temperature), hematology and blood chemistry on fragmentation habitat condition at southeastern Mexico. The males weighed more than females, but the female' temperature, respiratory rate, and heart rate were higher. Low values of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cells suggest some degree of anemia in these howler monkeys. Low levels of the total protein, albumin, albumin/globulin Ratio, and low levels of blood urea nitrogen suggest that howler monkeys could have protein and carbohydrate deficiencies. Howler monkeys living under the highly degraded conditions at Balancán, Tabasco, could be showing adaptability by modifying their physiology, hematology, and blood chemistry in response to the conditions of their fragmented landscape.

Pattern of ovulation in the East African root rat (Tachyoryctes splendens) from Tanzania: induced or spontaneous ovulator?

The East African root rat (Tachyoryctes splendens (Rüppell, 1835)) is a solitary subterranean rodent that exhibits a marked seasonal reproduction linked to the bimodal rainfall pattern of East Africa. The current study sets out to determine whether the East African root rat is an induced or spontaneous ovulator. Five wild caught adult females were monitored noninvasively for ovarian cyclicity by measuring urinary progesterone every 2 days over a period of 120 days. Females were subjected to three different experimental treatments, namely, initially singly housed or control (C), nonphysical contact with a male (NPC), and physical contact with a vasectomised male (PC), respectively. The concentration of urinary progesterone was higher during PC than during either NPC or C. The act of coitus appears to be necessary for ovulation to occur in the females. The male East African root rats were found to possess epidermal spines on the penis that can be used to bring about cervical stimulation during coitus. The spines result in the induction of ovulation as has been proposed for other solitary subterranean rodents. The findings from the female progesterone profiles and the assessment of penile morphology suggest that the female East African root rat is an induced ovulator stimulated by penile intromission during coitus.

Hormone Levels and Ultrasound Evaluation ofCaiman latirostris(Crocodylia, Alligatoridae) Ovulation

Fil: Costa Goncalves Portelinha, Thiago. Provincia de Entre Rios. Centro de Investigaciones Cientificas y Transferencia de Tecnologia a la Produccion. Universidad Autonoma de Entre Rios. Centro de Investigaciones Cientificas y Transferencia de Tecnologia a la Produccion. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet - Santa Fe. Centro de Investigaciones Cientificas y Transferencia de Tecnologia a la Produccion; Argentina. Universidade Federal do Tocantins; Brasil. Universidad Nacional del Litoral; Argentina

Seasonal Reproductive Biology of the Bignose Fanskate Sympterygia acuta (Chondrichthyes, Rajidae)

Most skates are adapted to shelf and slope environments experiencing less seasonal variation than coastal ecosystems. Here, we analyze the reproductive ecology of Sympterygia acuta. We hypothesize that, like its congener Sympterygia bonapartii, S. acuta has a seasonal reproductive cycle. To test this hypothesis, we examined multiple lines of evidence: (1) time of appearance of females carrying egg cases and wild neonates; (2) seasonal variation in gonadosomatic index and follicle diameter, as indicators of reproductive activity; and (3) egg-laying season, incubation time, and fecundity in captive individuals. A total of 351 specimens were examined. Size at 50 % maturity was 475 and 478 mm total length for males and females, respectively. A marked seasonal reproductive cycle was observed. Both gonadosomatic index and follicle diameter of wild adult females increased from winter to spring and reached their lowest value during summer. Fecundity was, on average, 52 eggs per female per laying season. Egg laying of captive females peaked between August and December; eggs hatched after 119–131 days. This schedule predicts the appearance of neonates in the wild by January through April. Accordingly, wild neonates and young-of-the-year were observed between January and May. Unlike most other skates, southwest Atlantic Sympterygia species are adapted to life in shallow, coastal waters, matching the seasonality of the coastal environment with egg-laying activity in spring and hatching in summer. These shallow coastal waters, which are important in the life cycle of Sympterygia spp., are threatened by human impacts.

Spatial regression analysis of Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann (Diptera: Tephritidae) on Terceira Island, Azores

The fruit fly Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann is one of the most important threats to the trade of fresh fruits in the world due to its ability to survive in a wide range of hosts and climatic conditions. The main goal of this study is to evaluate if there is any significant relationship between the abundance of wild adults of C. capitata and the spatial characteristics of the location. The ordinary least squares estimation model calculated for each gender cannot provide a satisfactory general explanation for abundance of both genders of wild adults, yet it might generate some hypotheses about wild adult females of C. capitata fruit-seeking behaviour. Results from geographically weighted regression analysis can provide a satisfactory general explanation for abundance of both genders of wild adults. Both methods suggest that males are more dispersed than females, and because of that they might play an important role in scouting the surroundings for additional fruit hosts. The presence of some host-plants, even in places offering less protection (like pasture areas), provides an ecological corridor that supports the spread of wild adults of C. capitata.

Survival estimates of wild and captive-bred released Puaiohi, an endangered Hawaiian thrush

ABSTRACT Estimating and monitoring adult and juvenile survival are vital to understanding population status, informing recovery planning for endangered species, and quantifying the success of management. We used mark–recapture models to estimate apparent annual survival of the Puaiohi (Myadestes palmeri), an endangered thrush endemic to the Hawaiian island of Kauai, from 2005 to 2011. Our sample included 87 wild birds and 123 captive-bred birds that were released at various ages. Survival was higher for wild adult males (0.71 ± 0.09) than for wild adult females (0.46 ± 0.12). Survival of wild juveniles (0.23 ± 0.06) was lower than that of wild adults of both sexes, indicating that recruitment may limit population growth. Captive-bred birds released when <1 yr old had survival (0.26 ± 0.21) comparable with that of wild juveniles, but captive-bred birds released at 1–3 yr old had very low survival (0.05 ± 0.06). Only 8 of 123 (7%) captive birds were seen again after release. Two wild birds resighted five ye...

The “Auto-Dissemination” Approach: A Novel Concept to Fight Aedes albopictus in Urban Areas

BackgroundThe main constraint to the fight against container-breeding mosquito vectors of human arboviruses is the difficulty in targeting the multiplicity of larval sources, mostly represented by small man-made water containers. The aim of this work is to assess the feasibility of the “auto-dissemination” approach, already tested for Aedes aegypti, as a possible alternative to traditional, inefficient control tools, against Ae. albopictus in urban areas. The approach is based on the possibility that wild adult females, exposed to artificial resting sites contaminated with pyriproxyfen, can disseminate this juvenile hormone analogue to larval habitats, thus interfering with adult emergence.MethodologyWe carried out four field experiments in two areas of Rome that are typically highly infested with Ae. albopictus, i.e. the main cemetery and a small green area within a highly urbanised neighbourhood. In each area we used 10 pyriproxyfen “dissemination” stations, 10 “sentinel” sites and 10 covered, control sites. The sentinel and control sites each contained 25 Ae. albopictus larvae. These were monitored for development and adult emergence.Principal FindingsWhen a 5% pyriproxyfen powder was used to contaminate the dissemination sites, we observed significantly higher mortality at the pupal stage in the sentinel sites (50–70%) than in the controls (<2%), showing that pyriproxyfen was transferred by mosquitoes into sentinel sites and that it had a lethal effect.ConclusionsThe results support the potential feasibility of the auto-dissemination approach to control Ae. albopictus in urban areas. Further studies will be carried out to optimize the method and provide an effective tool to reduce the biting nuisance caused by this aggressive species and the transmission risk of diseases such as Dengue and Chikungunya. These arboviruses pose an increasing threat in Europe as Ae. albopictus expands its range.

The Annual Ovarian Cycle of the Reeves' Pond Turtle Chinemys reevesii (Reptilia: Geoemydidae) Based on Seasonal Variations in the Serum Vitellogenin Level and Follicular Growth

To demonstrate the annual ovarian cycle of a multiclutched turtle Chinemys reevesii, we quantified vitellogenin (VTG, a yolk-precursor protein) in the serum collected monthly from turtles kept in an outdoor enclosure. We also sacrificed wild adult females (one or two individuals per month) captured from a river site in Kyoto, Japan, and observed oviductal eggs and follicles assigned to five size classes: C1 to C5, in ascending order. The seasonal variation in the serum VTG level showed a sharp peak in late spring and a broad peak during autumn, indicating that vitellogenesis accelerated rapidly in spring, decreased in summer, increased slowly but steadily in autumn, and ceased in winter. From May to July, ovulations occurred in succession preceded by the C4-to-C5 growth of follicles, but without substantial growth of C1–C3 follicles. The vernal peak of vitellogenesis would therefore contribute largely to the sequential growth of the follicles prepared for the second and third clutches of the breeding season. In August, when the successive ovulations had been completed, no remarkable growth of C1–C3 follicles was observed anymore, reflecting the ovarian quiescence. Newly-formed C1 follicles appeared in September when C2 and C3 follicles markedly increased in number but C4 and C5 follicles were still absent. In October and November, C4 and C5 follicles were observed again, suggesting that the follicles for the first clutch of the next breeding season reached preovulatory size before hibernation. The production and remarkable growth of follicles occurring from September to November would account for the broad peak of vitellogenesis in autumn. Thus the observed seasonal variations in the serum VTG level and follicular growth were concordant with each other.

Reproductive biology of the wild red brocket deer ( Mazama americana) female in the Peruvian Amazon

Knowledge of the reproductive biology is critical for the development of management strategies of the species both in captivity and in the wild, and to address conservation concerns regarding the sustainable use of a species. The present report characterizes some aspects of the reproductive biology of the wild red brocket deer inhabiting the North-eastern Peruvian Amazon region, based on the anatomical and histological examination of the female reproductive organs of 89 wild adult females in different reproductive states. The red brocket deer female presented ovarian follicular waves involving the synchronous growth of a cohort of an average 25 follicles but only one follicle generally survived and continued development, reaching maturity at 4 mm. Mean ovulation rate was 1.14 and litter size was 1 fetus. Females presented a low rate of reproductive wastage of 14.3% of embryos. Among the 89 adult females studied, 41 (46.1%) were pregnant and 48 (53.9%) were non-pregnant females. In the Northeastern Peruvian Amazon, conceptions occurred year-round in the red brocket deer but there were peaks in the rate of conception. Estimated yearly reproductive production was 0.76–0.82 young per adult female. Most pregnant females in advanced stage of pregnancy had at least one active CL, suggesting the persistence of CL throughout gestation.

Aerial Vocalizations by Wild and Rehabilitating Mediterranean Monk Seals (Monachus monachus) in Greece

It is important that all aspects of the life history and behavior of Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus) are documented to ensure effective management and conservation of this critically endangered species. Little is known about either airborne or underwater vocalizations for this species. Field research and rehabilitation of Mediterranean monk seal pups by MOm (MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal) provided opportunistic video recordings of the airborne sounds of this species. This study is the first to report acoustic features of airborne vocalizations from eight wild adult females and six of their pups, short-term recordings of a sick pup, and longer-term recordings of three rehabilitating pups. Although sample sizes are small, every effort was made to garner the most acoustic information from these recordings. The aims of this study were to document the acoustic properties and types of aerial vocalizations from wild and rehabilitating Mediterranean monk seals and to compare the acoustic features of their sound repertoire to the airborne vocalization characteristics of other monachids. Audio-tracks were spectrographically analyzed using six frequency and five time variables with Spectrogram software. Through examination of realtime spectrograms and audibly distinguishable characteristics, this study classified four airborne vocalization types (bark, snort, scream, and chirp) for adult females. Three aerial vocalization types (bark, gaggle, and squawk) were documented from pups. The bark was the most common vocalization type from wild and rehabilitating pups. Wild adult female Mediterranean monk seal vocalizations ranged in frequency from 438 to 3,050 Hz and consisted of 1 to 6 components within a series with a total duration from 42 to 8,171 ms. Airborne vocalization types of rehabilitating pups ranged in frequency from 269 to 1,584 Hz and consisted of 1 to 11 components within a series with a total duration from 88 to 12,006 ms. Using Pearson’s correlation analyses, many of the frequency and time variables were highly correlated. Principle Component Analysis (PCA), using nine variables, produced a 3-factor model that explained 98.8% of the variability in the acoustic features of the whole repertoire. A more parsimonious, 3-factor PCA model, using only six variables, still explained a high percentage of variability (81.5%). These results indicated that collecting only two frequency measurements (beginning frequency and first harmonic interval) and four time measurements (number of components within a series, total duration, component duration, and the component interval) is sufficient to distinguish among species-specific vocalizations. Results of this acoustical analysis are from a small number of Mediterranean monk seals, and further acoustic research is warranted to record adult males, and to increase the sample sizes of vocalizations from wild adult females and pups. In addition, more recordings of ill, stressed, and captive monk seals are needed. Lastly, vocalizations of wild Mediterranean monk seals should be studied at the other two main population sites (i.e., Archipelago of Madeira and Cabo Blanco region), at other times of the year, and outside of the breeding season to provide a better understanding of the overall vocal behavior of this species. The preliminary analyses presented herein hold promise that with sufficient data on acoustic features of airborne vocalizations researchers could acoustically monitor wild Mediterranean monk seals and determine their sex, pup age, and perhaps their health.

The Annual Ovarian Cycle of the Reeves’ Pond Turtle Chinemys reevesii (Reptilia: Geoemydidae) Based on Seasonal Variations in the Serum Vitellogenin Level and Follicular Growth

To demonstrate the annual ovarian cycle of a multiclutched turtle Chinemys reevesii, we quantified vitellogenin (VTG, a yolk-precursor protein) in the serum collected monthly from turtles kept in an outdoor enclosure. We also sacrificed wild adult females (one or two individuals per month) captured from a river site in Kyoto, Japan, and observed oviductal eggs and follicles assigned to five size classes: C1 to C5, in ascending order. The seasonal variation in the serum VTG level showed a sharp peak in late spring and a broad peak during autumn, indicating that vitellogenesis accelerated rapidly in spring, decreased in summer, increased slowly but steadily in autumn, and ceased in winter. From May to July, ovulations occurred in succession preceded by the C4-to-C5 growth of follicles, but without substantial growth of C1–C3 follicles. The vernal peak of vitellogenesis would therefore contribute largely to the sequential growth of the follicles prepared for the second and third clutches of the breeding season. In August, when the successive ovulations had been completed, no remarkable growth of C1–C3 follicles was observed anymore, reflecting the ovarian quiescence. Newly-formed C1 follicles appeared in September when C2 and C3 follicles markedly increased in number but C4 and C5 follicles were still absent. In October and November, C4 and C5 follicles were observed again, suggesting that the follicles for the first clutch of the next breeding season reached preovulatory size before hibernation. The production and remarkable growth of follicles occurring from September to November would account for the broad peak of vitellogenesis in autumn. Thus the observed seasonal variations in the serum VTG level and follicular growth were concordant with each other.