This masters project was undertaken to have a better knowledge of the female lion reproductive tract and to equip the author for future surgical studies on this organ system. The objectives of this study were to describe the arterial supply and histology of the female reproductive organs of the African lion. The reproductive organs of three embalmed cadavers and two fresh carcasses from three-year-old known aged nulliparous lionesses weighing between 120 kg and 140 kg were studied. The project was approved by the Animal Use and Care Committee and Research Committee of the University of Pretoria (protocol number V038-09). The arterial supply of the reproductive organs was studied and described in situ and after removal and histology was subsequently performed. A novel technique in Veterinary anatomy involving the maceration of a silicone cast was used in the two fresh carcasses and all five specimens were incorporated in the comparative and arterial studies. Histology was performed on organs from the three embalmed cadavers. The anatomical information obtained during this study was subsequently applied in a surgical study on sixteen lionesses using laparoscopy to perform laparoscopic ovariectomy and salpingectomy. The availability of these two laparoscopic procedures subsequently led to a wider interest to its application in population control of lions in the smaller national parks of South Africa. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / gm2014 / Anatomy and Physiology / unrestricted

Over the past 20 years both morphological and molecular phylogenies have been proposed for extant and extinct members of the family Felidae. However, there remain several discrepancies, particularly within the genus Panthera and the position of Panthera atrox. Consequently, morphologic characters from the skull and dentary were analyzed within Panthera (including all extant and one extinct taxa) to gain a better understanding of pantherine phylogeny. Multiple specimens of each taxon were analyzed, including: P. leo, P. tigris, P. onca, P. pardus , Uncia uncia, and Neofelis nebulosa. Four outgroups were used; Crocuta crocuta, Metailurus ssp., Proailurus lemanensis, and Pseudaelurus validus. From each phylogeny created, despite the outgroup, apparent grouping between Panthera leo, P. tigris, and P. atrox was present. Therefore, P. atrox is likely more closely related to the African lion and the tiger than the jaguar, in contrast to what has been recently suggested.

The elusive jaguar (Panthera onca) is extremely difficult to study due to its wide-ranging behavior, crepuscular activity peaks and its occurrence in low population densities in often dense forest habitats. Jaguars are also a species of concern, but our ability to provide for their survival is hampered by our inability to obtain reliable information on the status of their wild populations. This study combines innovative noninvasive research techniques such as scat detector dogs and molecular scatology to conduct the first genetic study on wild populations of Neotropical felids coexisting across fragmented forest habitats in Belize, Central America. Specifically, we analyzed multi-locus data in jaguars (Panthera onca), pumas (Puma concolor) and ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) collected from 1053 scat samples across their range in the country. First, we optimized 14 polymorphic microsatellite loci for jaguars (Panthera onca), pumas (Puma concolor), and ocelots (Leopardus pardalis), and assessed their utility for cross-species amplification. Additionally, we tested their reliability for species and individual identification using fecal DNA as he primary DNA source. All microsatellite loci examined successfully cross-amplified in the three target species, and were polymorphic. Second, to maximize PCR amplification success and genotyping accuracy rates, and to minimize genotyping error rates for fecal DNA samples, we evaluated the performance of two fecal DNA storage techniques (dimethyl sulfoxide saline solution/DET buffer, 95% EtOH) suitable for long-term preservation at remote tropical sites. Additionally, we tested fecal DNA samples collected from four different scat locations (top, side, bottom, inside). DET buffer was the superior fecal DNA preservation method and collecting fecal DNA from side and top locations of the scat resulted in the highest PCR success rates. For the main genetic study, we assessed the genetic conservation status of all three target species across the country of Belize. We examined levels of genetic diversity within different sites, (2) defined potential genetic clusters/populations, (3) and examined levels of gene flow and population structure for all three target species on a countrywide scale. Furthermore, we compared genetic diversity and gene flow levels among the three target species. Wild felids in Belize showed moderate levels of heterozygosity (HE = 0.60 - 0.70) with jaguars having the lowest genetic diversity with average expected heterozygosities of HE = 0.60 ± 0.05 and allelic richness (AR) of 4.94 ± 0.44 followed by pumas with HE = 0.65 ± 0.06 and AR of 7.52 ± 0.86 and ocelots with HE = 0.70 ± 0.05 and AR of 3.89 ± 0.23. We observed low to moderate levels of differentiation (FST = 0.00 - 0.15) and weak population structure using spatial Bayesian clustering techniques for all three target species. Although levels of genetic diversity and gene flow across the country are still fairly high, we did detect evidence of fragmentation indicating the risk of further habitat loss and fragmentation for wild felids. Felids were simultaneously monitored across all study sites by remote sensing camera traps, which allows for a comparison of density estimates obtained from two different noninvasive survey approaches. Furthermore, analytical methods for density estimation are advancing rapidly, making it difficult to choose the optimal technique. Thus, we compared a variety of density estimators including the conventional approach of estimating abundance ( ) in programs CAPTURE and MARK and dividing abundance by the effective trapping area (ETA), the recently developed spatially explicit capture-recapture (SECR) models, both the likelihood-based approach (ML-SECR) in program DENSITY and the Bayesian approach (B-SECR) in program SPACECAP, and finally the genetic-based mark-recapture one sampling occasion estimator in program CAPWIRE. Although different survey methods using various density estimators produced similar density estimates, confidence levels and coefficients of variation varied, with SECR methods resulting in the least precise estimates. Detection probabilities were generally higher for noninvasive genetic sampling than for camera trapping. Both techniques were shown to be reliable and highly efficient survey methods for density estimation of low-density Neotropical felids living in challenging environments such as the tropics. While less precise, SECR CMR models are probably a more realistic reflection of our uncertainty. They hold great promise for density estimation studies for wide-ranging and territorial carnivore species, especially if precision can be improved through study design or analysis advancements in the future. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that noninvasive sampling techniques such as molecular scatology and remote camera trapping are efficient research approaches to study multiple Neotropical felids in a multifaceted way and on a countrywide scale. We believe that the techniques and analyses developed in this study are widely applicable and relevant to the conservation and management of other elusive and difficult to study wild felids worldwide. / Ph. D.

Cette étude présente un relevé et une analyse systématique des passages de la littérature rabbinique (Mishna – Tosefta – Talmud de Jérusalem – Talmud de Babylone – Midrashim) se rapportant à Jésus ou susceptibles de s'y rapporter. Les documents sont examinés, critiqués et confrontés à d'autres sources d'origine juive ou chrétienne (littérature judéo-hellénistique, apocryphes juifs, sources rabbiniques, Targumim, Toledot Yeshu – Nouveau Testament, Pères apostoliques, Père de l'église). L'enquête tente de répondre à plusieurs questions : - Quelle connaissance les rabbins avaient-ils exactement de Jésus ? - Quelle est la valeur historique de ces informations ? - Leur perception du personnage a-t-elle connu une évolution ? - Les scribes du Talmud consultaient-ils le texte écrit des évangiles ? La conclusion de cette thèse est que tous ces documents sont enracinés dans leur Sitz im leben. Ils attestent sans ambages – contra Peter Schäfer (Jesus in the Talmud, 2007) – que les rabbins n'avaient pas une connaissance directe des évangiles en tant que documents écrits. Cette étude montre également, concernant le Talmud de Babylone, que tous les passages se rapportant à Jésus appartiennent à la dernière couche éditoriale de ce corpus (VIIe-VIIIe siècle). / This study presents a survey and a systematic analysis of the passages of Talmudic literature (Mishna – Tosefta – Palestinian Talmud – Babylonian Talmud – Midrashim), relative to Jesus or are supposed to be. The documents are examined, criticized and confronted to other sources of Jewish or Christian origin (Hellenistic Jewish literature, Jewish Apocrypha, rabbinic sources, Targumim, Toledot Yeshu – New Testament, Apostolic Fathers, Church Fathers). The investigation tries to answer to several questions: - What did the rabbis exactly know about Jesus? - Has their information any historical value? - Has their perception undergone some evolution? - Did the rabbis of the Talmud have access to the Gospels as a written source? The conclusion of this thesis is that all these documents are rooted in their Sitz im leben. They obviously attest – contra Peter Schäfer (Jesus in the Talmud, 2007) – that the rabbis had no direct acquaintance with the Gospels as written documents. This study also shows, concerning the Babylonian Talmud, that all the passages relative to Jesus belong to the last editorial layer of this corpus (VIIe-VIIIe century).

No description available.

Single-species research dominates the field of ecology; however there is a growing appreciation of the importance of a multi-species approach to holistic conservation. Carnivores exert a top-down control on other species, and are vital components of stable ecosystem functioning. Physiologically adapted for predation upon other animals, competition between carnivores can be particularly aggressive; frequently resulting in mortality, and even population suppression. Big cat research has historically focused on those species that are most easily observable; in particular the lion Panthera leo. The majority of the Felidae however are secretive and elusive, and receive relatively little scientific attention. In particular, there are few data available that measure the effect of direct intraguild interactions between carnivores. Using leopards Panthera pardus as a model species, this research aimed to investigate the impact of lions on the behavioural ecology of a socially subordinate carnivore. Leopards are the most abundant large carnivore in Africa, and have the largest global range of all felids; their ecological niche overlapping with that of both lions and tigers. The knowledge gained from examining their competitive interactions is therefore widely relevant, and may be applicable to other subordinate carnivore species that remain unstudied. Biotelemetry and camera-trap data were modelled using novel algorithms to show that lions impact on leopard population density, demographics and spatial ecology. Faecal analyses suggest that dietary niche segregation may facilitate sympatry. These results indicate the level of impact that large carnivores can exert over smaller species, and the potential for a focus on single-species conservation to undermine holistic conservation. The manifestation of intraguild competition has a significant influence on an animal’s ecology; leopards are generalist species that cope with persecution by adapting their behaviour and niche. Ecological specialists may not fare as well under competitive pressure, and proactive conservation initiatives may be required for endangered species.

Although the opportunistic feeding habits of leopards were evident in this study, scat analysis showed that ungulates were by far the predominant food, with impala being the most frequent item. The fact that cattle calves were only taken up to ± 100 days old, emphasize the relevance of a proper stock management program to prevent stock losses. In addition, where such measures were impractical, temporary physical barriers such as electric fencing showed potential for application. Modification on different capture techniques were investigated not only to capture leopards for radio collaring but also for the elimination of problem leopards. The effective home range size of a resident male and female leopard in the Naboomspruit area were calculated at 303 km2 and 157 km2 respectively. A density of one leopard per 53 km2 are suggested for the Naboosmpruit study area. Both leopards were predominantly nocturnal with some crepuscular activity. Translocation experiments revealed different results. The conducting of translocations in farming areas, where problem leopards are involved are however not suggested. Leopard density and distribution patterns showed that numbers are relative safe, and that populations are currently to a large extent linked, which makes natural gene flow a possibility. Although suitable areas for leopards thus exist, these may not be available as homogenous units in the future, due to increasing human pressure. / Dissertation (MSc (Zoology))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Zoology and Entomology / unrestricted

Praticamente todos os ecossistemas naturais têm sido afetados pelas atividades humanas. A construção de usinas hidrelétricas produz grandes impactos ambientais causando problemas notáveis como a fragmentação e perdas de habitats. No Brasil aproximadamente 70% da matriz energética é formada por hidrelétricas e há previsão de expansão nos próximos anos. A degradação ambiental é apontada como a principal ameaça à conservação da biodiversidade e a maior causa do declínio das populações de espécies ameaçadas, especialmente de grandes mamíferos e, particularmente, de grandes carnívoros. Apesar da ampla distribuição no continente, as populações de onça-pintada (Panthera onca) têm sido reduzidas ou extintas pela pressão antrópica, tendo sua área de distribuição reduzida aproximadamente à metade. No Brasil é considerada uma espécie Vulnerável e está Criticamente Ameaçada de extinção na Mata Atlântica. Na Ecorregião Florestas do Alto Paraná está distribuída na forma de metapopulação, possivelmente em processo de isolamento de suas subpopulações. No Alto Rio Paraná a Usina Hidrelétrica de Porto Primavera (UHEPP) alagou em 1998 uma área de cerca de 2.250 km². A dissertação aborda este impacto ambiental e tem por objetivo avaliar como o enchimento do reservatório da UHEPP afetou a população de onças-pintadas na região, em relação à distribuição espacial e adequabilidade de habitat. Foram monitorados 11 indivíduos por radiotelemetria em dois períodos (1992 a 1995 e 1998 a 2002), investigando-se o tamanho de área de uso e movimentação. Com estes dados mais a cobertura de solo foram avaliadas adequabilidade ambiental e seleção de habitat. A distribuição espacial e a adequabilidade do habitat foram avaliadas em dois cenários, anterior e posterior ao enchimento, relacionando as mudanças ocorridas com o impacto na área sob o efeito direto do enchimento. Um terceiro cenário foi também avaliado, englobando toda a área de várzea remanescente no Alto Rio Paraná e incluindo as Unidades de Conservação (UCs), quanto à adequabilidade e seleção de habitat. Para este cenário foram utilizadas localizações de outros 10 indivíduos monitorados no Parque Estadual das Várzeas do Rio Ivinhema, Mato Grosso do Sul e no Parque Estadual Morro do Diabo, São Paulo, entre 1998 e 2005. Após o enchimento houve um aumento significativo nas dimensões das áreas de uso das onças-pintadas (fêmeas: anterior, 78 km² [n=8]; posterior, 197 km² [n=5]; macho [n=1]: anterior, 111 km²; posterior, 149 km²) bem como em seus deslocamentos máximos, pois passaram a ocupar áreas mais degradadas de fazendas, com poucos refúgios e presas naturais. Porém não foram observadas diferenças nos deslocamentos médios e sobreposição de áreas, assim como as áreas de uso não diferiram sazonalmente. A modelagem de habitat demonstrou que o enchimento atingiu principalmente as áreas mais favoráveis para a espécie suprimindo cerca de metade dessas. As onças selecionaram várzeas e florestas enquanto que a paisagem altamente modificada pelo homem foi evitada. Com as áreas mais degradadas ocupadas e o conflito com o homem, grande parte dos animais foram mortos em retaliação à predação de animais domésticos, levando praticamente a extinção local da espécie na área sob o efeito direto do enchimento. A área remanescente do Alto Rio Paraná comporta ainda cerca de 50 onças-pintadas adultas, sendo um terço em UCs. Portanto áreas adjacentes às UCs, na sua maioria com várzeas, devem ser preservadas e áreas florestais devem ser restauradas para a conservação da espécie em longo prazo na região. As informações geradas nesta dissertação podem auxiliar nas ações de conservação e manejo da onça-pintada no Alto Rio Paraná e mostra que a modelagem de habitat pode ser uma importante ferramenta para avaliação de impactos ambientais. / Virtually all natural ecosystems have been affected by human activities. The construction of hydroelectric power plants is the cause of major environmental impacts, such as habitat destruction and fragmentation. Brazil's energy matrix is mostly based on hydroelectricity, which comprises approximately 70% of all produced energy in the country, and the national government plans to expand it in the coming years. Habitat destruction is considered the main threat to biodiversity conservation and the major cause of the decline of endangered species, especially large mammals and large carnivores. Despite their wide distribution in the Americas, jaguar (Panthera onca) populations have been reduced or extinguished by human pressure, and the species current distribution represents half of its past distribution. In Brazil, the jaguar is considered a vulnerable species and it is critically endangered in the Atlantic Rain Forest. In the Upper Paraná Forest Ecoregion the species is distributed as a metapopulation, possibly in an isolation process of its subpopulations. In the Upper Paraná River (UPR), the reservoir filling of the Porto Primavera Hydroelectric plant (PPHE) began in 1998, and flooded an area of approximately 2250 km ². I evaluated the effects of the PPHE reservoir filling on the local jaguar population, its effects on the species spatial distribution and habitat suitability. I monitored a total of 11 jaguars using radio telemetry in two periods (1992-1995 and 1998-2002). I investigated jaguar home range size and movements, and evaluated habitat selection and suitability combing spatial and land cover data (Geographic Information System). These two metrics were measured before and after reservoir filling, linking the impact with changes in the species spatial patterns between these two phases. I evaluated three scenarios: the area affected directly by the PPHE filling, before and after, and all the remaining wetlands in the UPR, including protected areas. Jaguars’ home ranges increased significantly after reservoir filling (females: 78 km ² before [n = 8], 197 km ² after [n = 5]; male [n = 1]: 111 km ² before, 149 km ² after). Maximum movement of the four jaguars (3 females and 1 male) also increased from one phase to the other (10.75 km before; 25.05 km after). The increase in movement patterns results from jaguars using new and more degraded areas in farms, where there are few refuges and natural preys. Home ranges did not differ seasonally on the first period; neither did the mean movements and overlapping areas. The PPHE filling mainly affected jaguars by suppressing approximately half of their suitable area. Jaguars selected wetlands and forests and avoided landscapes heavily modified by Man. Most jaguars were killed in retaliation to cattle predation as they commenced to occupy the most degraded areas, nearly driving the population to extinction. The remaining area of the UPR still holds approximately 50 adult jaguars and one third of them are in protected areas. Therefore, the long-term species conservation depends on the preservation of the adjacent wetlands and on the restoration of forest patches. My results can subsidize jaguar conservation and management plans in the UPR and show that habitat suitability modeling can be a useful tool for assessing environmental impacts.

<p>This thesis combines behavioral observations of African lions (<i>Panthera leo</i>) with genetic analyses, in an attempt to clarify causes and consequences of lion group living. The numerous complex cooperative behaviors of lions present an excellent opportunity to investigate the evolution and maintenance of group living. This thesis focuses on female group living and male dispersal patterns.</p><p>Lion sociality is found to be more complex than previously thought. Short dispersal distances result in strong kinship ties among prides, creating the potential for kin selection to operate among prides. Simultaneously, some prides contained unrelated females, depriving females in such prides of inclusive fitness benefits from group living. Concurrent with short dispersal distances in both males and females, significant genetic differentiation could be detected over relatively short distances in analyses of males. Extensive behavioral observations showed that territorial behaviors were unaffected by kinship ties to intruders. Instead, favorable odds and several environmental conditions were important factors. Space use analyses showed large overlap among prides. Again, kinship did not affect degree of overlap. </p><p>Conclusively, these results show that the ultimate causes of lion sociality remain elusive, but that kin selection may be less important than generally thought. Lion sociality seems to be explicable mainly in terms of direct fitness benefits, which therefore should be given more attention.</p>

This thesis combines behavioral observations of African lions (Panthera leo) with genetic analyses, in an attempt to clarify causes and consequences of lion group living. The numerous complex cooperative behaviors of lions present an excellent opportunity to investigate the evolution and maintenance of group living. This thesis focuses on female group living and male dispersal patterns. Lion sociality is found to be more complex than previously thought. Short dispersal distances result in strong kinship ties among prides, creating the potential for kin selection to operate among prides. Simultaneously, some prides contained unrelated females, depriving females in such prides of inclusive fitness benefits from group living. Concurrent with short dispersal distances in both males and females, significant genetic differentiation could be detected over relatively short distances in analyses of males. Extensive behavioral observations showed that territorial behaviors were unaffected by kinship ties to intruders. Instead, favorable odds and several environmental conditions were important factors. Space use analyses showed large overlap among prides. Again, kinship did not affect degree of overlap. Conclusively, these results show that the ultimate causes of lion sociality remain elusive, but that kin selection may be less important than generally thought. Lion sociality seems to be explicable mainly in terms of direct fitness benefits, which therefore should be given more attention.