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Chirichella R, Apollonio M, Luccarini S, Berlinguer F. Laterality in roe deer embryos implantation. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 339:994-1002. [PMID: 37602642 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Female reproductive success is one of the most important life-history traits to be monitored when determining population dynamics in free-ranging ungulates. Several studies have described how phenotypic characteristics of the mother, climatic conditions, population status, and habitat can impact on potential reproductive output in wild ungulates. However, little is known regarding the internal, physiological factors, that may account for differences in implantation rates. The present study investigated the differences in implantation rates and site on the basis of site and number of ovulations through the examination of about 3000 intact uteri collected from pregnant roe deer does (Capreolus capreolus). Although ovulation occurs with the same frequency in the left and right ovary, we revealed a higher frequency of embryos implantation in the left uterine horn in odd litter size, demonstrating that embryos can migrate between the uterine horns. In our study, a greater proportion of reproductive wastage was associated to females with three and four corpora lutea and interestingly, in relation to the site of ovulation, the percentage of corpora lutea that did not correspond to a fetus was higher in the right ovary than in the left one (73.2% vs. 26.8%). Our research described for the first time the absence of laterality in ovulation and the presence of laterality in implantation in roe deer, thus laying the foundations for in-depth studies about the functionality of this uterine side and for comparisons with populations located in other geographical areas to understand whether it is a widespread phenomenon or a local adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Chirichella
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Marco Apollonio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Siriano Luccarini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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Benoit L, Morellet N, Bonnot NC, Cargnelutti B, Chaval Y, Gaillard JM, Loison A, Lourtet B, Marchand P, Coulon A, Hewison AJM. Reproductive tactics, birth timing and the risk-resource trade-off in an income breeder. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20230948. [PMID: 37876188 PMCID: PMC10598439 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.0948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In variable environments, habitats that are rich in resources often carry a higher risk of predation. As a result, natural selection should favour individuals that balance allocation of time to foraging versus avoiding predation through an optimal decision-making process that maximizes fitness. The behavioural trade-off between resource acquisition and risk avoidance is expected to be particularly acute during gestation and lactation, when the energetic demands of reproduction peak. Here, we investigated how reproductive female roe deer adjust their foraging activity and habitat use during the birth period to manage this trade-off compared with non-reproductive juveniles, and how parturition date constrains individual tactics of risk-resource management. Activity of reproductive females more than doubled immediately following parturition, when energy demand is highest. Furthermore, compared with non-reproductive juveniles, they increased their exposure to risk by using open habitat more during daytime and ranging closer to roads. However, these post-partum modifications in behaviour were particularly pronounced in late-parturient females who adopted a more risk-prone tactic, presumably to compensate for the growth handicap of their late-born offspring. In income breeders, individuals that give birth late may be constrained to trade risk avoidance for foraging during peak allocation to reproduction, with probable consequences for individual fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Benoit
- Université de Toulouse, INRAE, CEFS, 31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France
- LTSER ZA PYRénées GARonne, 31320 Auzeville-Tolosane, France
| | - Nicolas Morellet
- Université de Toulouse, INRAE, CEFS, 31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France
- LTSER ZA PYRénées GARonne, 31320 Auzeville-Tolosane, France
| | - Nadège C Bonnot
- Université de Toulouse, INRAE, CEFS, 31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France
- LTSER ZA PYRénées GARonne, 31320 Auzeville-Tolosane, France
- INRAE, EFNO, 45290 Nogent-sur-Vernisson, France
| | - Bruno Cargnelutti
- Université de Toulouse, INRAE, CEFS, 31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France
- LTSER ZA PYRénées GARonne, 31320 Auzeville-Tolosane, France
| | - Yannick Chaval
- Université de Toulouse, INRAE, CEFS, 31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France
- LTSER ZA PYRénées GARonne, 31320 Auzeville-Tolosane, France
| | - Jean-Michel Gaillard
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive UMR 5558, CNRS, Université Lyon 1, 69622 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Anne Loison
- Laboratoire d'Ecologie Alpine, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Univ. Savoie Mont-Blanc, CNRS, LECA, 38058 Grenoble, France
| | - Bruno Lourtet
- Université de Toulouse, INRAE, CEFS, 31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France
- LTSER ZA PYRénées GARonne, 31320 Auzeville-Tolosane, France
| | - Pascal Marchand
- Office Français de la Biodiversité, Direction de la Recherche et de l'Appui Scientifique, Service Anthropisation et Fonctionnement des Ecosystèmes Terrestres, 147 avenue de Lodève, Les Portes du Soleil, 34990 Juvignac, France
| | - Aurélie Coulon
- Centre d'Ecologie et des Sciences de la Conservation (CESCO), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Sorbonne Université, CP 135, 57 rue Cuvier 75005 Paris, France
- CEFE, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - A J Mark Hewison
- Université de Toulouse, INRAE, CEFS, 31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France
- LTSER ZA PYRénées GARonne, 31320 Auzeville-Tolosane, France
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Zini V, Wäber K, Dolman PM. Relative influence of inter- and intraspecific competition in an ungulate assemblage modified by introduced species. J Mammal 2023; 104:879-891. [PMID: 38328638 PMCID: PMC10847828 DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyad030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Interspecific competition from introduced and naturally colonizing species has potential to affect resident populations, but demographic consequences for vertebrates have rarely been tested. We tested hypotheses of interspecific and intraspecific competition for density, body mass, and fertility of adult female Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus) across a heterogeneous forest landscape occupied by two introduced deer species: Mediterranean Fallow Deer (Dama dama); and subtropical Reeve's Muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi). Species-specific deer densities in buffers around culling locations of 492 adult female Roe Deer, sampled over seven years, were extracted from spatially explicit models calibrated through annual nocturnal distance sampling. Roe Deer fertility and body mass were related to species-specific deer densities and extent of arable lands using piecewise structural equation models. Reeve's Muntjac density was lower at higher Fallow Deer densities, suggesting interspecific avoidance via interference competition, but greater when buffers included more arable land. Roe Deer body mass was marginally greater when buffers included more arable land and was independent of deer densities. However, Roe Deer fertility was unrelated to female body mass, suggesting that fertility benefits exceeded an asymptotic threshold of body condition in this low-density population. However, Roe Deer fertility was slightly greater rather than reduced in areas with greater local Roe Deer density, suggesting negligible intraspecific competition. In contrast, Roe Deer was less fertile in areas with greater Reeve's Muntjac densities; thus, interspecific exceeded intraspecific competition in this assemblage. In contrast, we found no support for any effects of Fallow Deer density on Roe Deer density, body mass, or fertility. Complex networks of interspecific competition operating in this deer assemblage include: interspecific interference from Fallow Deer exceeded habitat effects for Reeve's Muntjac; and interspecific competition from introduced, smaller sedentary Reeve's Muntjac reduced fertility, unlike intraspecific, or potential competition with larger, more mobile, Fallow Deer for native Roe Deer. Mechanisms driving Roe Deer fertility may include interspecific behavioral interference or stress-resource depletion is considered less likely because Roe Deer fertility was independent of body mass. Findings emphasize the importance of ensuring appropriate management strategies for controlling invasive species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Zini
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
- Natural Capital Solutions, 1 Lucas Bridge Business Park, 1 Old Greens Norton Road, Towcester, Northamptonshire NN12 8AX, United Kingdom
| | - Kristin Wäber
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
- National Trust, Westley Bottom, Westley, Bury Saint Edmunds IP33 3WD, United Kingdom
| | - Paul M Dolman
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
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Rivieccio E, Troiano C, Petrelli S, Maselli V, de Filippo G, Fulgione D, Buglione M. Population development and landscape preference of reintroduced wild ungulates: successful rewilding in Southern Italy. PeerJ 2022; 10:e14492. [PMID: 36530413 PMCID: PMC9756874 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the past decades, the abandonment of traditional land use practices has determined landscape changes inducing reforestation dynamics. This phenomenon can be contrasted with rewilding practices, i.e., the reintroduction of animals that may promote the recovery of landscape diversity. In this study, we explore the dynamics of expansion of two reintroduced populations of wild ungulates, Italian roe deer (Capreolus capreolus italicus) and red deer (Cervus elaphus), assessing their contribution in the recovery of landscape diversity. Methods By using direct and indirect information on the two species, collected by nocturnal and diurnal surveys and camera trapping, we modelled a habitat suitability map, and estimated the density and distribution of the populations. We also performed a land use changes analysis, combining the presence of wild ungulates and livestock. Results and Discussion We demonstrated that deer dispersed gradually from their release location, increasing in population size, and this occurred in the entire study area. Moreover, we show that areas with lower grazing density are significantly affected by forest encroachment. A possible interpretation of this result could be that wild grazers (roe deer and red deer) prefer semi-open areas surrounded by the forest. This, in association with other factors, such as domestic grazing, could be one of the main responsible in maintaining landscape mosaic typical of the Apennine mountain, confirming the value of grazers as a landscape management tool. Moreover, we show the possibility to conserve through reintroduction the vulnerable C.c. italicus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Rivieccio
- Department of Humanities, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy,Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudia Troiano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Petrelli
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria Maselli
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Domenico Fulgione
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Buglione
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Naciri M, Aars J, Blanchet MA, Gimenez O, Cubaynes S. Reproductive senescence in polar bears in a variable environment. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.920481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproductive senescence is ubiquitous in mammals. However, patterns of senescence vary across reproductive traits, even within populations, perhaps because of differences in selection pressures, physiological constraints, and responses to environmental conditions. We investigated reproductive senescence in wild female polar bears (Ursus maritimus), using 31 years of capture-recapture data from the Svalbard area. We studied the influence of environmental conditions on age-specific litter production and litter size using generalized linear mixed models. Further, using a capture-recapture model that handles the dependency between vital rates of individuals belonging to the same family unit, we assessed maternal-age-related changes in first year cub and litter survival. We provide clear evidence for reproductive senescence in female polar bears. Litter production and litter size peaked in middle-aged females and declined sharply afterward. By contrast cub and litter survival did not decline after prime age. We found no evidence of terminal investment. The reproductive output of all females was affected by sea-ice conditions during the previous year and the Arctic Oscillation, with some effects differing greatly between age groups. Old females were affected the most by environmental conditions. Our results suggest that the decline in reproductive output is a combination of fertility and body-condition senescence, with a weak contribution of maternal-effect senescence, possibly due to benefits of experience. Further, as predicted by evolutionary theory, senescence appears to be a consequence of failures in early stages of the reproductive cycle rather than in late stages, and environmental variation affected old females more than prime-aged females. Our study emphasizes the need to study several reproductive traits and account for environmental variation when investigating reproductive senescence. Differences in senescence patterns across reproductive traits should be interpreted in light of evolutionary theory and while considering underlying physiological drivers.
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Hagen R, Ortmann S, Elliger A, Arnold J. Evidence for a male‐biased sex ratio in the offspring of a large herbivore: The role of environmental conditions in the sex ratio variation. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8938. [PMID: 35600697 PMCID: PMC9120210 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have examined whether the primary and/or secondary sex ratio in mammals, including humans, deviates from an equilibrium of 1:1. Although effect size in the sex ratio variation is expected to be low, a large sample size allows the identification of even small deviations from parity. In this study, we investigated whether the sex ratio of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) offspring at birth approaches parity, using a large data set from roe deer offspring tagged in Baden‐Württemberg (Germany, 1972–2019, N = 12,437). In addition, a systematic re‐analysis of available data on the secondary sex ratios of roe deer was conducted to test whether our finding withstood the accumulation of further data. The null hypothesis that the sex ratio of roe deer (prenatal sex ratio and sex ratio at birth) approaches parity was rejected. Moreover, the secondary sex ratio of roe deer offspring deviated from the male‐biased mean for relatively cold or warm weather conditions during autumn and winter. Our study provides strong evidence for a male‐biased sex ratio in a large herbivore and weak evidence for variations in the secondary sex ratio owing to environmental conditions. The pattern is highly relevant in the context of climate change and its impact on the population dynamics of large herbivores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Hagen
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research Berlin Germany
- Wildlife Research Unit Agricultural Centre Baden‐Württemberg Aulendorf Germany
| | - Sylvia Ortmann
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research Berlin Germany
| | - Andreas Elliger
- Wildlife Research Unit Agricultural Centre Baden‐Württemberg Aulendorf Germany
| | - Janosch Arnold
- Wildlife Research Unit Agricultural Centre Baden‐Württemberg Aulendorf Germany
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Chirichella R, De Marinis AM, Pokorny B, Apollonio M. Dentition and body condition: tooth wear as a correlate of weight loss in roe deer. Front Zool 2021; 18:47. [PMID: 34544436 PMCID: PMC8454088 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-021-00433-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In many mammalian species, once the permanent teeth have erupted, the only change to dentition is a gradual loss of tooth surface/height through wear. The crown of the teeth cannot be repaired once worn. When dental crown tissue has been depleted due to wear, the animal is expected to have a suboptimal body condition. We evaluated the role of tooth wear in causing a reduction of physical condition in adult roe deer females (Capreolus capreolus). Results The progressive wearing of the lower cheek teeth was assessed in a Northern Apennines (Italy) population with a new scoring scheme based on objectively described tooth characteristics (morphotypes) being either present or absent. Eviscerated body mass and mandible length, which is a good proxy for body size in roe deer, were related to the tooth wear score by the use of linear regressions. The sum of wear scores for molariform teeth correlated most strongly with body condition (i.e., eviscerated body mass/mandible length), showing the importance of the entire chewing surface for acquiring energy by food comminution, chewing, and digestion. In comparison with individuals of comparable size experiencing minor tooth wear, the body mass of those with the most advanced stage of tooth wear was decreased by 33.7%. This method was compared to the height and the hypsodonty index of the first molar, the most commonly used indices of tooth wear. The sum of molariform wear scoring scheme resulted in a more suitable index to describe the variation in body condition of roe deer. Conclusions Describing tooth wear patterns in hunted populations and monitoring at which tooth wear level (and therefore dental morphotype) an animal is no longer able to sustain its physical condition (i.e. when it begins to lose body mass) can be a useful tool for improving the management of the most widespread and abundant deer species in Europe. At the same time, such an approach can clarify the role of tooth wear as a proximate cause of senescence in ungulates. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12983-021-00433-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Chirichella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Anna Maria De Marinis
- Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Ca' Fornacetta 9, 40064, Ozzano dell'Emilia (BO), Italy
| | - Boštjan Pokorny
- Environmental Protection College, Trg mladosti 7, 3320, Velenje, Slovenia.,Slovenian Forestry Institute, Večna pot 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marco Apollonio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100, Sassari, Italy
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Sugianto NA, Heistermann M, Newman C, Macdonald DW, Buesching CD. Alternative reproductive strategies provide a flexible mechanism for assuring mating success in the European badgers (Meles meles): An investigation from hormonal measures. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2021; 310:113823. [PMID: 34044013 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Selection-pressures differ with population density, but few studies investigate how this can affect reproductive physiology. European badger (Meles meles) density varies from solitary to group-living across their range, with reported mating periods throughout the entire year to specific seasonal periods. Badger reproduction is evolutionarily distinct, interrupting the direct progression from conception to gestation with delayed implantation (DI), allowing for superfecundation (SF). To establish the tactical mating flexibility afforded by DI*SF, we used cross-sectional population-level seasonal variation of circulating sex-steroids for 97 females from a high-density population. Oestradiol was highest in spring among non-parous females, then lower in summer, and remained low during following seasons, suggesting that the mating period was restricted to just spring. Oestrone was consistently higher than oestradiol; it was elevated in spring, lowest during summer, peaked in autumn, and remained elevated for pregnant females in winter. This suggests that oestrone sustains pre-implanted blastocysts throughout DI. Progesterone was low throughout, except during winter pregnancy, associated with implantation and luteal development. In contrast to multiple mating periods reported by lower-density studies, our oestradiol data suggest that, at high-density, females exhibit only one mating period (congruent with testosterone patterns in males studied previously in this same population). While additional mating periods during DI enhance fertility assurance at low-density, at high-density, we propose that when coitus is frequent, fertilisation is assured, precluding the need for further cycles and associated mating risks. This endocrinologically flexible DI*SF mating strategy likely represents a form of balancing selection, allowing badgers to succeed at a range of regional densities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Adrianna Sugianto
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
| | - Michael Heistermann
- Endocrinology Laboratory, German Primate Center, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Chris Newman
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Cook's Lake Farming Forestry and Wildlife Inc (Ecological Consultancy), Queens County, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - David W Macdonald
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Christina D Buesching
- Cook's Lake Farming Forestry and Wildlife Inc (Ecological Consultancy), Queens County, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Biology, Irving K. Barber Faculty of Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
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Buzan E, Gerič U, Potušek S, Flajšman K, Pokorny B. First Insights into the Population Genetic Structure and Heterozygosity-Fitness Relationship in Roe Deer Inhabiting the Area between the Alps and Dinaric Mountains. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10122276. [PMID: 33276566 PMCID: PMC7761463 DOI: 10.3390/ani10122276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary We determined the genetic variability, population structure, and influence of genetic factors on two parameters of fitness (body mass and reproductive ability) in roe deer females in the contact zone between the Alps and the Dinaric Mountains by utilizing microsatellite variations in 214 individuals collected throughout Slovenia, Central Europe. Spatial differences in the genetic diversity of the species can be explained by population history, different approaches to population management and/or different connectivity among subpopulations. The population genetic structure confirms the high side fidelity of roe deer, but also shows the existence of admixtures of genes among different areas. We found evidence that genetic factors, including individual heterozygosity, influence body mass, confirming that heterozygosity positively affects fitness in wild populations. However, as the effect of genetic factors is usually masked or overruled by the influence of environmental factors, i.e., availability of resources, data on the joint influence of external and intrinsic factors on fitness and other life-history traits are needed to better predict the population dynamics of targeted species, which would enable sustainable, science-based population management. Abstract Across its pan-European distribution, the European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) faces a wide diversity of environmental and climatic conditions; therefore, several factors, including intrinsic ones, shape life-history traits and cause significant variability in parameters of fitness. By utilizing microsatellite variations in 214 roe deer females collected throughout Slovenia, Central Europe, we determined the genetic variability and population structure of this species in the contact zone between the Alps and the Dinaric Mountains, i.e., over a wider area where data on the genetic outlook for this—the most common and widespread European wild ungulate—have been completely lacking so far. Throughout the country, we found moderate microsatellite diversity (Ho = 0.57–0.65) in relation to the observed heterozygosity reported for other roe deer populations in Europe. Spatial differences in genetic diversity of the species in Slovenia can be explained by population history linked to varying approaches to population management and/or different connectivity among subpopulations in topographically differentiated habitats. A country-wide pattern of genetic structure is clearly defined by separation of the populations into three groups present in the following regions: (i) Southern sub-Mediterranean and Karst regions, (ii) Central Slovenia, and (iii) the Sub-Pannonian Region in the north-east. This is also confirmed by evidencing a moderate isolation by distance, especially by separating southern samples (coastal Slovenia) from others. Levels of genetic differentiation vary among populations, which can be explained by the effect of natural geographical barriers or the presence of anthropogenic barriers such as urban areas and highways. In the subset of 172 yearling females, we analyzed the influence of genetic advantage (individual heterozygosity) and other genetic data (reflected in the structuring of the population) on body mass and reproductive ability. We found evidence that genetic factors influence the body mass of roe deer yearling females (explaining altogether 18.8% of body mass variance), and the level of individual heterozygosity alone also positively affected body mass, which is in accordance with the theory that heterozygosity is commonly positively correlated with fitness in wild populations. However, we did not uncover any effect of heterozygosity on two parameters of reproductive ability (fertility and potential reproductive outcome), indicating that several other factors, especially environmental ones, have a predominant effect on the parameters of fitness in roe deer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Buzan
- Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, Glagoljaška 8, 6000 Koper, Slovenia; (E.B.); (U.G.); (S.P.)
- Environmental Protection College, Trg mladosti 7, 3320 Velenje, Slovenia
| | - Urška Gerič
- Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, Glagoljaška 8, 6000 Koper, Slovenia; (E.B.); (U.G.); (S.P.)
| | - Sandra Potušek
- Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, Glagoljaška 8, 6000 Koper, Slovenia; (E.B.); (U.G.); (S.P.)
| | - Katarina Flajšman
- Slovenian Forestry Institute, Večna pot 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Boštjan Pokorny
- Environmental Protection College, Trg mladosti 7, 3320 Velenje, Slovenia
- Slovenian Forestry Institute, Večna pot 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
- Correspondence:
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10
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Young and mature males have similar energy expenditure during the rut in a trophy-hunted population of Mediterranean mouflon. Mamm Biol 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s42991-020-00084-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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11
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Veiberg V, Nilsen EB, Rolandsen CM, Heim M, Andersen R, Holmstrøm F, Meisingset EL, Solberg EJ. The accuracy and precision of age determination by dental cementum annuli in four northern cervids. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-020-01431-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AbstractIndividual age is an important element in models of population demographics, but the limitations of the methods used for age determination are not always clear. We used known-age data from moose (Alces alces), red deer (Cervus elaphus), semi-domestic reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) and Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus) to evaluate the accuracy and repeatability of age estimated by cementum annuli analysis of longitudinally sectioned permanent incisors. Four observers with varying experience performed blind duplicate age estimation of 37 specimens from each cervid. The relationship between known age and estimated age was linear, except for Svalbard reindeer where a quadratic model gave a slightly better fit. After correcting for observer ID and animal ID, there was a slightly declining probability to assess the correct age with increasing age for moose, red deer and Svalbard reindeer. Across cervids and observers, estimated age equalled known age in 69% of all readings, while 95% age ± 1 year. Predicted probability of correct age assessment for experienced observers was 93% for red deer, 89% for Svalbard reindeer, 84% for moose and 73% for semi-domestic reindeer. Regardless of observer experience and cervid, there was a high agreement between repeated assessments of a given animal’s tooth sections. The accuracy varied between cervids but was generally higher for observers with former ageing experience with a given cervid. We conclude that the accuracy of estimated age using longitudinally sectioned incisors is generally high, and even more so if performed by observers with former ageing experience of a given species. To ensure consistency over time, a reference material from known-age individuals for each species analysed should be available for calibration and training of observers.
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Zini V, Wäber K, Dolman PM. Habitat quality, configuration and context effects on roe deer fecundity across a forested landscape mosaic. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0226666. [PMID: 31881043 PMCID: PMC6934308 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Effective landscape-scale management of source-sink deer populations will be strengthened by understanding whether local variation in habitat quality drives heterogeneity in productivity. We related female roe deer Capreolus capreolus fecundity and body mass to habitat composition and landscape context, separately for adults and yearlings, using multi-model inference (MMI) applied to a large sample of individuals (yearlings: fecundity = 202, body mass = 395; adults: fecundity = 908, body mass = 1669) culled during 2002-2015 from an extensive (195 km2) heterogeneous forest landscape. Adults were heavier (inter-quartile, IQ, effect size = +0.5kg) when culled in buffers comprising more arable lands while contrary to our prediction no effects on body mass of grassland, young forest or access to vegetation on calcareous soil were found. Heavier adults were more fertile (IQ effect size, +12% probability of having two embryos instead of one or zero). Counter-intuitively, adults with greater access to arable lands were less fecund (IQ effect of arable: -7% probability of having two embryos, instead of one or zero), and even accounting for greater body mass of adults with access to arable, their modelled fecundity was similar to or lower than that of adults in the forest interior. In contrast, effects of grassland, young forest and calcareous soil did not receive support. Yearling body mass had an effect on fecundity twice that found in adults (+23% probability of having one additional embryo), but yearling body mass and fecundity were not affected by any candidate habitat or landscape variables. Effect of arable lands on body mass and fecundity were small, with little variance explained (Coefficient of Variation of predicted fecundity across forest sub-regions = 0.03 for adults). More variance in fecundity was attributed to other differences between forest management sub-regions (modelled as random effects), suggesting other factors might be important. When analysing source-sink population dynamics to support management, an average value of fecundity can be appropriate across a heterogeneous forest landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Zini
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Kristin Wäber
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
- Forestry Commission, East England, Santon Downham, Brandon, United Kingdom
| | - Paul M. Dolman
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
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13
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Vanpé C, Gaillard JM, Hewison AJM, Quemere E, Kjellander P, Pellerin M, Lemaître JF. Old females rarely mate with old males in roe deer, Capreolus capreolus. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blz110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Little is known about whether female mating tactics vary with age based on their preference for mates. To fill this knowledge gap, we examined how maternal age is related to the age of their mates using detailed individual long-term monitoring of a genotyped and pedigreed European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus Linnaeus, 1758) population. We found that mating between old females and prime-aged males was more frequent than mating between prime-aged females and prime-aged males. This suggests that old females avoid old mates. Old females might be more selective in their mate choice than prime-aged females owing to increased mate-sampling effort. Our finding is in line with the terminal investment/allocation hypothesis. The study of age-related variation in female mating behaviour is particularly important because this behaviour can influence the intensity and direction of sexual selection and the maintenance of variation in male sexually selected traits. Further studies are needed to quantify the exact fitness benefits of age-specific mating tactics in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Vanpé
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et de Biologie Evolutive, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR5558, Université Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Jean-Michel Gaillard
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et de Biologie Evolutive, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR5558, Université Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
| | - A J Mark Hewison
- Comportement et Ecologie de la Faune Sauvage, Université de Toulouse, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Castanet Tolosan, France
| | - Erwan Quemere
- Comportement et Ecologie de la Faune Sauvage, Université de Toulouse, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Castanet Tolosan, France
| | - Petter Kjellander
- Grimsö Wildlife Research Station, Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Riddarhyttan, Sweden
| | - Maryline Pellerin
- Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage, Direction de la Recherche et de l’Expertise – Unité Ongulés Sauvages, Gières, France
| | - Jean-François Lemaître
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et de Biologie Evolutive, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR5558, Université Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
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14
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Leivesley JA, Bussière LF, Pemberton JM, Pilkington JG, Wilson K, Hayward AD. Survival costs of reproduction are mediated by parasite infection in wild Soay sheep. Ecol Lett 2019; 22:1203-1213. [PMID: 31111651 DOI: 10.1111/ele.13275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
A trade-off between current and future fitness potentially explains variation in life-history strategies. A proposed mechanism behind this is parasite-mediated reproductive costs: individuals that allocate more resources to reproduction have fewer to allocate to defence against parasites, reducing future fitness. We examined how reproduction influenced faecal egg counts (FEC) of strongyle nematodes using data collected between 1989 and 2008 from a wild population of Soay sheep in the St. Kilda archipelago, Scotland (741 individuals). Increased reproduction was associated with increased FEC during the lambing season: females that gave birth, and particularly those that weaned a lamb, had higher FEC than females that failed to reproduce. Structural equation modelling revealed future reproductive costs: a positive effect of reproduction on spring FEC and a negative effect on summer body weight were negatively associated with overwinter survival. Overall, we provide evidence that parasite resistance and body weight are important mediators of survival costs of reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Leivesley
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK
| | - Luc F Bussière
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK
| | - Josephine M Pemberton
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, Charlotte Auerbach Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Jill G Pilkington
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, Charlotte Auerbach Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FL, UK.,School of Biology, University of St Andrews, Sir Harold Mitchell Building, St Andrews, KY16 9TF, UK
| | - Kenneth Wilson
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Adam D Hayward
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK
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15
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Chirichella R, Pokorny B, Bottero E, Flajšman K, Mattioli L, Apollonio M. Factors affecting implantation failure in roe deer. J Wildl Manage 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Chirichella
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Sassarivia Vienna 2I‐07100 SassariItaly
| | - Boštjan Pokorny
- Environmental Protection CollegeTrg mladosti 73320 VelenjeSlovenia
| | - Elisa Bottero
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Sassarivia Vienna 2I‐07100 SassariItaly
| | | | - Luca Mattioli
- Regione ToscanaSettore Attività Faunistico VenatoriaPesca Dilettantistica, Pesca in Mare, via Testa 2I‐52100 ArezzoItaly
| | - Marco Apollonio
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Sassarivia Vienna 2I‐07100 SassariItaly
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16
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Bender LC, Piasecke JR. Reproductive senescence in free-ranging North American elk Cervus elaphus Cervidae. MAMMALIA 2019. [DOI: 10.1515/mammalia-2018-0076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Successful production of calves is necessary for growth of North American elk (Cervus elaphus Linnaeus 1758) populations, but few studies have evaluated age-related effects on both the conception and survival of a calf to weaning in multiple free-ranging populations. Conception and survival of calves to weaning were both affected by maternal age, with old (age 9 and older) females showing reproductive senescence as compared to prime-aged (ages 2–8) females despite achieving similar or greater size and condition. Reproductive senescence in our free-ranging populations ultimately resulted in old females weaning fewer calves (0.42 calves/female) than did prime-aged females (0.64 calves/female). Other factors, especially maternal size, also influenced conception and survival to weaning, and these interacted with age in a consistent manner, i.e. larger females or females in better condition were more likely to conceive and successfully wean calves within each age class. Female age structure receives less consideration in ungulate management than does male age structure, despite demonstrated impacts on population productivity of multiple species because of reproductive senescence. Because of the large proportion of individuals in senesced age classes in elk populations, low productivity in populations may simply reflect female age structure, rather than other frequently hypothesized factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis C. Bender
- Extension Animal Sciences and Natural Resources , New Mexico State University , P.O. Box 30003 MSC 3AE , Las Cruces, NM , USA
| | - Jessica R. Piasecke
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife , New Mexico State University , P.O. Box 30003 MSC 3001 , Las Cruces, NM , USA
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17
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Pasquale DD, Dondina O, Scancarello E, Meriggi A. Long-term viability of a reintroduced population of roe deer Capreolus capreolus, in a lowland area of northern Italy. FOLIA ZOOLOGICA 2019. [DOI: 10.25225/fozo.045.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Davide De Pasquale
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Adolfo Ferrata 1, 27100 Pavia, Italy; e-mail:
| | - Olivia Dondina
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Elisa Scancarello
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Adolfo Ferrata 1, 27100 Pavia, Italy; e-mail:
| | - Alberto Meriggi
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Adolfo Ferrata 1, 27100 Pavia, Italy; e-mail:
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18
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Flajšman K, Borowik T, Pokorny B, Jędrzejewska B. Effects of population density and female body mass on litter size in European roe deer at a continental scale. MAMMAL RES 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s13364-017-0348-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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19
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Hagen R, Heurich M, Storch I, Hanewinkel M, Kramer-Schadt S. Linking annual variations of roe deer bag records to large-scale winter conditions: spatio-temporal development in Europe between 1961 and 2013. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-017-1155-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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20
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Lieury N, Drouet-Hoguet N, Ruette S, Devillard S, Albaret M, Millon A. Rural populations of the red fox Vulpes vulpes show little evidence of reproductive senescence. Mamm Biol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mambio.2017.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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21
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Bender LC, Hoenes BD. Age-related fecundity of free-ranging mule deer Odocoileus hemionus Cervidae in south-central, New Mexico, USA. MAMMALIA 2017. [DOI: 10.1515/mammalia-2016-0166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Mule deer Odocoileus hemionus (Rafinesque 1817) populations in southern New Mexico have declined significantly since the 1980s, similar to trends across the arid Southwestern USA. Because production of fawns is critical to population growth, we evaluated factors influencing fecundity in two mule deer populations in southern New Mexico. Conception, litter size and survival of ≥1 fawn to weaning were all affected by maternal age, with older (age 8 and older) females exhibiting reproductive senescence as compared to prime-aged (age 2–7) females for the latter two traits despite achieving similar condition as did prime-aged females. Litter size and survival to weaning were also positively affected by increasing spring precipitation and survival to weaning was also positively affected by increased maternal condition, and size during late gestation. Unlike most previous work, reproductive senescence was evident in mule deer in our study populations, possibly because deer in both populations were in poor condition and older females produced on average 0.24 (95% CI=0.10–0.42) fawns through weaning compared to 0.76 (95% CI=0.60–0.94) for prime-aged females. The positive effect of precipitation during gestation on litter size and fawn survival also indicated that both income (i.e. nutritional intake) and capital (i.e. body reserves) were important determinants of fecundity in our arid Southwestern populations. The relatively early onset of senescence compared to the lifespan of female mule deer indicates that more intensive management of female age structure may be necessary to enhance population-level productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis C. Bender
- Extension Animal Sciences and Natural Resources , New Mexico State University , P.O. Box 30003 MSC 3AE , Las Cruces, NM , USA
| | - Brock D. Hoenes
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife , 600 Capitol Way N , Olympia, WA , USA
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22
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Flajšman K, Jerina K, Pokorny B. Age-related effects of body mass on fertility and litter size in roe deer. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0175579. [PMID: 28403161 PMCID: PMC5389817 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0175579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We analysed effects of females' body mass and age on reproductive capacity of European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in a large sample set of 1312 females (305 yearlings and 1007 adults), hunted throughout Slovenia, central Europe, in the period 2013-2015. Body mass positively affected probability of ovulation and potential litter size (number of corpora lutea), although its effect was more pronounced in yearlings than in adults. Between age groups, we found clear differences in responses of both reproductive parameters to body mass which influences primarily reproductive performance of younger, and in particular, lighter individuals: at the same body mass yearlings would at average have smaller litters than adults, and at lower body mass also young to middle-aged adults would have smaller litters than old ones. In addition, while yearlings have to reach a critical threshold body mass to attain reproductive maturity, adult females are fertile (produce ova) even at low body mass. However, at higher body mass also younger individuals shift their efforts into the reproduction, and after reaching an age-specific threshold the body mass does not have any further effects on the reproductive output of roe deer females. Increased reproductive capacity at more advanced age, combined with declining body mass suggests that old does allocate more of their resources in reproduction than in body condition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Klemen Jerina
- Department of Forestry and Renewable Forest Resources, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Boštjan Pokorny
- Slovenian Forestry Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Environmental Protection College, Velenje, Slovenia
- Ecological Research and Industrial Cooperation, Velenje, Slovenia
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23
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Flajšman K, Pokorny B, Chirichella R, Bottero E, Mattioli L, Apollonio M. I can produce more offspring as you can imagine: first records on exceptionally large litters in roe deer in central/southern Europe. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-017-1102-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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24
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Influence of weather and phenotypic characteristics on pregnancy rates of female roe deer in central Italy. POPUL ECOL 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10144-017-0577-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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25
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Reproductive allocation in pulsed-resource environments: a comparative study in two populations of wild boar. Oecologia 2017; 183:1065-1076. [PMID: 28154966 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-017-3821-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Pulsed resources influence the demography and evolution of consumer populations and, by cascading effect, the dynamics of the entire community. Mast seeding provides a case study for exploring the evolution of life history traits of consumers in fluctuating environments. Wild boar (Sus scrofa) population dynamics is related to seed availability (acorns/beechnuts). From a long-term monitoring of two populations subjected to markedly different environmental contexts (i.e., both low vs. high frequency of pulsed resources and low vs. high hunting pressure in Italy and in France, respectively), we assessed how pulsed resources shape the reproductive output of females. Using path analyses, we showed that in both populations, abundant seed availability increases body mass and both the absolute and the relative (to body mass) allocation to reproduction through higher fertility. In the Italian population, females equally relied on past and current resources for reproduction and ranked at an intermediate position along the capital-income continuum of breeding tactics. In contrast, in the French population, females relied on current more than past resources and ranked closer to the income end of the continuum. In the French population, one-year old females born in acorn-mast years were heavier and had larger litter size than females born in beechnut-mast years. In addition to the quantity, the type of resources (acorns/beechnuts) has to be accounted for to assess reliably how females allocate resources to reproduction. Our findings highlight a high plasticity in breeding tactics in wild boar females and provide new insight on allocation strategies in fluctuating environments.
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26
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27
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Indicators of ecological change (IEC) as efficient tools for managing roe deer populations: a case study. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-016-0992-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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28
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Monestier C, Morellet N, Gaillard JM, Cargnelutti B, Vanpé C, Hewison AM. Is a proactive mum a good mum? A mother’s coping style influences early fawn survival in roe deer. Behav Ecol 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arv087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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29
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Biological and environmental influences on parturition date and birth mass of a seasonal breeder. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0124431. [PMID: 25885545 PMCID: PMC4401666 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2014] [Accepted: 03/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Natal features (e.g. Julian birth date and birth mass) often have fitness consequences and can be influenced by endogenous responses by the mother to seasonal fluctuations in nutritional quality and photoperiodic cues. We sought to further understand the biological and environmental factors that influence the natal features of a polytocous species in an environment with constant nutritional resources and limited seasonal variation. During a 36-year study we assessed the influence of biological factors (maternal age and litter type [i.e., litter size and sexual composition]) and environmental factors (total precipitation and mean maximum temperature during months encompassing conception, the last trimester of gestation, and the entire length of gestation) on Julian birth date and birth mass using linear-mixed effects models. Linear and quadratic functions of maternal age influenced both natal features with earliest Julian birth dates and heaviest birth masses occurring at prime-age and older individuals, which ranged from 5-9 years of age. Litter type influenced Julian birth date and birth mass. Interestingly, environmental factors affected Julian birth date and birth mass even though mothers were continuously allowed access to a high-quality diet. Random effects revealed considerable variation among mothers and years. This study demonstrates that, in long-lived polytocous species, environmental factors may have a greater influence on natal features than previously supposed and the influence from biological factors is also complex. The documented responses to environmental influences provide unique insights into how mammalian seasonal reproductive dynamics may respond to current changes in climate.
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30
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Berger V, Lemaître JF, Gaillard JM, Cohas A. How do animals optimize the size–number trade‐off when aging? Insights from reproductive senescence patterns in marmots. Ecology 2015; 96:46-53. [DOI: 10.1890/14-0774.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vérane Berger
- Université de Lyon, F-69000, Lyon; Université Lyon 1; CNRS, UMR5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive, F-69622, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Jean-François Lemaître
- Université de Lyon, F-69000, Lyon; Université Lyon 1; CNRS, UMR5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive, F-69622, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Jean-Michel Gaillard
- Université de Lyon, F-69000, Lyon; Université Lyon 1; CNRS, UMR5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive, F-69622, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Aurélie Cohas
- Université de Lyon, F-69000, Lyon; Université Lyon 1; CNRS, UMR5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive, F-69622, Villeurbanne, France
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31
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Jégo M, Lemaître JF, Bourgoin G, Capron G, Warnant C, Klein F, Gilot-Fromont E, Gaillard JM. Haematological parameters do senesce in the wild: evidence from different populations of a long-lived mammal. J Evol Biol 2014; 27:2745-52. [DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2014] [Revised: 10/20/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Jégo
- Université de Lyon; Université Lyon 1; UMR CNRS 5558; Villeurbanne Cedex France
- Université de Lyon; VetAgroSup; Marcy-l'Étoile France
| | - J.-F. Lemaître
- Université de Lyon; Université Lyon 1; UMR CNRS 5558; Villeurbanne Cedex France
| | - G. Bourgoin
- Université de Lyon; Université Lyon 1; UMR CNRS 5558; Villeurbanne Cedex France
- Université de Lyon; VetAgroSup; Marcy-l'Étoile France
| | - G. Capron
- Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage; Centre National de Recherches Appliquées sur les Cervidés-Sanglier; Bar-le-Duc France
| | - C. Warnant
- Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage; Centre National de Recherches Appliquées sur les Cervidés-Sanglier; Bar-le-Duc France
| | - F. Klein
- Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage; Centre National de Recherches Appliquées sur les Cervidés-Sanglier; Bar-le-Duc France
| | - E. Gilot-Fromont
- Université de Lyon; Université Lyon 1; UMR CNRS 5558; Villeurbanne Cedex France
- Université de Lyon; VetAgroSup; Marcy-l'Étoile France
| | - J-M. Gaillard
- Université de Lyon; Université Lyon 1; UMR CNRS 5558; Villeurbanne Cedex France
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32
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Hušek J, Panek M, Tryjanowski P. Long-term trends and correlates of antler anomalies in roe deer. J Wildl Manage 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Hušek
- Faculty of Applied Ecology and Agricultural Sciences; Hedmark University College; Campus Evenstad, 2480 Koppang Norway
| | - Marek Panek
- Polish Hunting Association; Research Station; Sokolnicza 12, 64-020 Czempiń Poland
| | - Piotr Tryjanowski
- Institute of Zoology; Poznań University of Life Science; Wojska Polskiego 71C, 60-625 Poznań Poland
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33
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Marchand P, Garel M, Bourgoin G, Michel P, Maillard D, Loison A. Habitat-related variation in carcass mass of a large herbivore revealed by combining hunting and GPS data. J Wildl Manage 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Marchand
- Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage-Centre National d'Etudes et de Recherche Appliquée Faune de Montagne; 147 Route de Lodève Les Portes du Soleil F-34990 Juvignac France
- Laboratoire d'Ecologie Alpine CNRS UMR5553; Université de Savoie; Bâtiment Belledonne F-73376 Le Bourget-du-Lac France
| | - Mathieu Garel
- Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage-Centre National d'Etudes et de Recherche Appliquée Faune de Montagne; 147 Route de Lodève Les Portes du Soleil F-34990 Juvignac France
| | - Gilles Bourgoin
- Université de Lyon; VetAgro Sup-Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon; Laboratoire de Parasitologie Vétérinaire; 1 Avenue Bourgelat BP 83 F-69280 Marcy l'Etoile France
- Université Lyon 1; CNRS UMR 5558; Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive; F-69622 Villeurbanne France
| | - Patricia Michel
- Groupement d'Intérêt Environnemental et Cynégétique du Caroux-Espinouse; Fagairolles F-34610 Castanet-le-Haut France
| | - Daniel Maillard
- Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage-Centre National d'Etudes et de Recherche Appliquée Faune de Montagne; 147 Route de Lodève Les Portes du Soleil F-34990 Juvignac France
| | - Anne Loison
- Laboratoire d'Ecologie Alpine CNRS UMR5553; Université de Savoie; Bâtiment Belledonne F-73376 Le Bourget-du-Lac France
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Simard MA, Huot J, de Bellefeuille S, Côté SD. Linking conception and weaning success with environmental variation and female body condition in a northern ungulate. J Mammal 2014. [DOI: 10.1644/13-mamm-a-036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Marcil-Ferland D, Festa-Bianchet M, Martin AM, Pelletier F. Despite catch-up, prolonged growth has detrimental fitness consequences in a long-lived vertebrate. Am Nat 2013; 182:775-85. [PMID: 24231538 DOI: 10.1086/673534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Individuals experiencing poor growth early in life may later make up their size deficit. Compensatory growth or growth prolongation may lead to such catch-up, involving different life-history trade-offs under natural conditions. Frequent recaptures and detailed monitoring of animals surviving to asymptotic size are required to compare growth tactics and their fitness consequences. No study to date has obtained such detailed information for wild animals. We used repeated mass measurements (mean 11.6/animal) spanning the lifetime of 104 bighorn ewes (Ovis canadensis) to quantify growth tactics and identify the determinants and life-history costs of these tactics. Growth prolongation, not compensatory growth, led to partial catch-up: mass difference at age 7 was reduced to 4%, for two groups that differed by nearly 20% as yearlings. Ewes that had been light as yearlings prolonged their growth regardless of density or age of primiparity. Growth prolongation did not affect fecundity or longevity. Ewes that experienced poor early growth prolonged growth at the expense of reproductive fitness, weaning a smaller proportion of their lambs. By tracking multiyear growth patterns and comparing events at different life-history stages, we quantified a trade-off between growth and reproduction that would be overlooked if only the adult phenotype was considered. Compensatory growth in long-lived animals appears unlikely when early growth restrictions are mostly density dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Marcil-Ferland
- Département de biologie et Centre d'Études Nordiques, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500 boulevard de l'Université, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1K 2R1, Canada
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Gaillard JM, Nilsen EB, Odden J, Andrén H, Linnell JDC. One size fits all: Eurasian lynx females share a common optimal litter size. J Anim Ecol 2013; 83:107-15. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2011] [Accepted: 06/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Michel Gaillard
- Unité Mixte de Recherche 5558 “Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive”; Bât. G. Mendel; Université de Lyon; Université Lyon1; 43 bd du 11 novembre 1918 69622 Villeurbanne Cedex France
| | - Erlend B. Nilsen
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research; P.O. Box 5685 Sluppen NO-7485 Trondheim Norway
| | - John Odden
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research; P.O. Box 5685 Sluppen NO-7485 Trondheim Norway
| | - Henrik Andrén
- Grimsö Wildlife Research Station; Department of Ecology; Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences; SE-730 91 Riddarhyttan Sweden
| | - John D. C. Linnell
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research; P.O. Box 5685 Sluppen NO-7485 Trondheim Norway
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Nussey DH, Froy H, Lemaitre JF, Gaillard JM, Austad SN. Senescence in natural populations of animals: widespread evidence and its implications for bio-gerontology. Ageing Res Rev 2013; 12:214-25. [PMID: 22884974 PMCID: PMC4246505 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2012.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 404] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2012] [Revised: 07/24/2012] [Accepted: 07/30/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
That senescence is rarely, if ever, observed in natural populations is an oft-quoted fallacy within bio-gerontology. We identify the roots of this fallacy in the otherwise seminal works of Medawar and Comfort, and explain that under antagonistic pleiotropy or disposable soma explanations for the evolution of senescence there is no reason why senescence cannot evolve to be manifest within the life expectancies of wild organisms. The recent emergence of long-term field studies presents irrefutable evidence that senescence is commonly detected in nature. We found such evidence in 175 different animal species from 340 separate studies. Although the bulk of this evidence comes from birds and mammals, we also found evidence for senescence in other vertebrates and insects. We describe how high-quality longitudinal field data allow us to test evolutionary explanations for differences in senescence between the sexes and among traits and individuals. Recent studies indicate that genes, prior environment and investment in growth and reproduction influence aging rates in the wild. We argue that - with the fallacy that wild animals do not senesce finally dead and buried - collaborations between bio-gerontologists and field biologists can begin to test the ecological generality of purportedly 'public' mechanisms regulating aging in laboratory models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel H Nussey
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, UK.
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Tiilikainen R, Solberg EJ, Nygrén T, Pusenius J. Spatio-temporal relationship between calf body mass and population productivity in Fennoscandian mooseAlces alces. WILDLIFE BIOLOGY 2012. [DOI: 10.2981/10-116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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Garel M, Forsyth D, Loison A, Dubray D, Jullien JM, Tustin K, Maillard D, Gaillard JM. Age-related male reproductive effort in two mountain ungulates of contrasting sexual size dimorphism. CAN J ZOOL 2011. [DOI: 10.1139/z11-062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In polygynous ungulates, the reproductive effort of adult males peaks during a short period in which feeding activities are sacrificed for mating activities. Hence, both fat reserves and body mass are predicted to decline markedly during this period. The decline is also predicted to be greater in fat reserves than in body mass because fat is catabolized before muscle, and to increase with the intensity of sexual selection. In contrast, no specific patterns are expected in females for which late gestation and lactation rather than mating are the energetically most demanding periods. We tested these hypotheses in two mountain ungulates of contrasting sexual size dimorphism (SSD): Himalayan tahr ( Hemitragus jemlahicus (H. Smith, 1826)) (SSD = 123%) and alpine chamois ( Rupicapra rupicapra (L., 1758)) (SSD = 26%). As expected, kidney fat declined more rapidly than body mass in adult males of both species. Kidney fat declined faster in adult male tahr compared with adult male chamois. There was no consistent pattern of changes in body mass or kidney fat in female tahr or female chamois. Our results suggest that adult males of species with strong SSD allocate more energy to mating than males of less dimorphic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Garel
- Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage, Centre National d’Étude et de Recherche Appliquée sur la Faune de Montagne, Portes du soleil, 147 route de Lodève, F-34990 Juvignac, France
| | - D.M. Forsyth
- Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Department of Sustainability and Environment, 123 Brown Street, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
| | - A. Loison
- Laboratoire d’Écologie Alpine (LECA), CNRS, UMR 5553, Université de Savoie, F-73376 Le Bourget du Lac, France
| | - D. Dubray
- Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage, Centre National d’Étude et de Recherche Appliquée sur la Faune de Montagne, Portes du soleil, 147 route de Lodève, F-34990 Juvignac, France
| | - J.-M. Jullien
- Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage, Centre National d’Étude et de Recherche Appliquée sur la Faune de Montagne, Portes du soleil, 147 route de Lodève, F-34990 Juvignac, France
| | - K.G. Tustin
- Bull Creek Road, RD, Milton 9292, Otago, New Zealand
| | - D. Maillard
- Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage, Centre National d’Étude et de Recherche Appliquée sur la Faune de Montagne, Portes du soleil, 147 route de Lodève, F-34990 Juvignac, France
| | - J.-M. Gaillard
- Université de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon; Université Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, F-69622 Villeurbanne, France
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PRICE-REES SAMANTHAJ, CONGDON BRADLEYC, KROCKENBERGER ANDREWK. Size delays female senescence in a medium sized marsupial: The effects of maternal traits on annual fecundity in the northern brown bandicoot (Isoodon macrourus). AUSTRAL ECOL 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-9993.2011.02279.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Body G, Ferté H, Gaillard JM, Delorme D, Klein F, Gilot-Fromont E. Population density and phenotypic attributes influence the level of nematode parasitism in roe deer. Oecologia 2011; 167:635-46. [DOI: 10.1007/s00442-011-2018-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2010] [Accepted: 05/04/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Hewison AJM, Gaillard JM, Delorme D, Van Laere G, Amblard T, Klein F. Reproductive constraints, not environmental conditions, shape the ontogeny of sex-specific mass-size allometry in roe deer. OIKOS 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0706.2011.19316.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Vanpé C, Gaillard JM, Kjellander P, Liberg O, Delorme D, Hewison AJM. Assessing the intensity of sexual selection on male body mass and antler length in roe deer Capreolus capreolus: is bigger better in a weakly dimorphic species? OIKOS 2010. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0706.2010.18312.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Viallefont A. Capture-Recapture Smooth Estimation of Age-Specific Survival Probabilities in Animal Populations. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL, BIOLOGICAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL STATISTICS 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/s13253-010-0031-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Weladji R, Steinheim G, Post E, Holand Ø, Ådnøy T. Effect of Pre-oestrus Body Weight on Lambing Success in Primiparous Sheep ( Ovis aries). ACTA AGR SCAND A-AN 2010. [DOI: 10.1080/09064700310002026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R. Weladji
- a Department of Animal Science , Agricultural University of Norway , N-1432 , P.O. Box 5025 , Ås
| | - G. Steinheim
- a Department of Animal Science , Agricultural University of Norway , N-1432 , P.O. Box 5025 , Ås
| | - E. Post
- b Department of Biology , The Pennsylvania State University, 208 Mueller Laboratory , PA , 16802 , University Park
| | - Ø. Holand
- a Department of Animal Science , Agricultural University of Norway , N-1432 , P.O. Box 5025 , Ås
| | - T. Ådnøy
- a Department of Animal Science , Agricultural University of Norway , N-1432 , P.O. Box 5025 , Ås
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Ward EJ, Holmes EE, Balcomb KC. Quantifying the effects of prey abundance on killer whale reproduction. J Appl Ecol 2009. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2664.2009.01647.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Garel M, Solberg EJ, Saether BE, Grøtan V, Tufto J, Heim M. Age, size, and spatiotemporal variation in ovulation patterns of a seasonal breeder, the Norwegian moose (Alces alces). Am Nat 2009; 173:89-104. [PMID: 19072136 DOI: 10.1086/593359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
In seasonal environments, timing of reproduction is an important fitness component. However, in ungulates, our understanding of this biological process is limited. Here we analyze how age and body mass affect spatiotemporal variation in timing of ovulation of 6,178 Norwegian moose. We introduced a parametric statistical model to obtain inferences about the seasonal timing of ovulation peak, the degree of synchrony among individuals, and the proportion of individuals that ovulate. These components showed much more spatiotemporal variation than previously reported. Young (primiparous) and old (> or =11.5 years of age) females ovulated later than prime-aged (2.5-10.5 years of age) females. In all age classes, ovulation was delayed with decreasing body mass. Ovulation rates were lower and more variable among primiparous females than among older females. Young females required higher body mass than older females did to ovulate. The body-mass-to-ovulation relationship varied with age, showed large regional variation, and differed among years within region. These results suggest that (1) environmental and population characteristics contribute to shape seasonal variation in the breeding pattern and (2) large regional variation exists in the size-dependent age at maturity in moose. Hence, the life-history trade-off between reproduction and body growth should differ regionally in moose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Garel
- Université de Lyon, Centre National de Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, 43 Boulevard du 11 Novembre 1918, Villeurbanne F-69622, France.
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Sex ratio variation and mixed pairs in roe deer: evidence for control of sex allocation? Oecologia 2008; 158:361-70. [PMID: 18813958 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-008-1142-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2007] [Accepted: 08/22/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Sex allocation has provided rich ground for the development of evolutionary theory. The dominant models in vertebrates have provided predictions of sex ratio based on asymmetry in variance in breeding success between sexes in the breeding system, and the relative effect of local competition. In ungulates, empirical work has provided some support for these models, but has also generated apparently contradictory observations. Recent models have provided some predictions for both individual and population sex ratio, showing that the availability of high-quality habitat patches and dispersal rates can critically affect both population- and individual-level expectations. We explore patterns in offspring sex ratio among a large sample of roe deer, a species with some interesting aspects of the breeding system. We found that in singleton pregnancies (the minority) there was an excess of male embryos, which was more marked in does in good condition at most sites. While the sex ratio among twins was close to parity, and unaffected either by average condition among populations or by individual condition within populations, we observed a clear excess of mixed pregnancies (sub-binomial variance, SBV). The excess was greater where the average condition was high. Within sites, population changes in average condition were associated with changes in SBV: in populations declining in condition, SBV also declined. There was no tendency for mixed twins to be more likely in individuals in better condition within a population. We conclude that condition-dependent allocation of sex does occur in roe deer. We suggest that in these "income breeders", mixed pairs might offer the greatest opportunity to optimize maternal investment during lactation, when conditions will be unpredictable, and that this is increasingly the case when average condition is poor.
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Vanpé C, Kjellander P, Galan M, Cosson JF, Aulagnier S, Liberg O, Hewison AJM. Mating system, sexual dimorphism, and the opportunity for sexual selection in a territorial ungulate. Behav Ecol 2007. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arm132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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