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Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:30:14Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2005-06-14Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:00:00Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 zilio_f_me_rcla.pdf: 677952 bytes, checksum: 730aacd8d898fa3703faa38025012043 (MD5) / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / Duas espécies só podem coexistir durante um longo período de tempo se diferirem em alguns aspectos ecológicos. Essas são premissas do conceito de nicho ecológico de uma espécie. Falco sparverius e Athene cunicularia são aves de rapina de ocorrência comum na maioria da região neotropical. Usualmente encontradas em simpatria, ocorrem em ambientes abertos, com pouca vegetação e apresentam uma dieta similar, baseada em insetos, e comportamentos de caça semelhantes. Os ambientes costeiros do Rio Grande do Sul são sistemas frágeis, protegidos pela legislação nacional e pouco estudados. Os objetivos deste estudo são analisar como estas espécies segregam ecologicamente no ambiente em questão, avaliando as dimensões trófica, espacial e temporal de nicho. Adicionalmente, objetiva-se contribuir para o conhecimento da ecologia destas espécies. Entre março/2000 e janeiro/2004 foram realizadas 31 excursões mensais à área de estudo quando se coletaram pelotas de regurgitação e restos de presas. Realizaram-se ainda observações de captura de presas, análise de comportamento circadiano e uso de hábitat de F. sparverius e A. cunicularia. Corroborando outros estudos, ambas espécies mostraram-se predadores generalistas e oportunistas, consumindo predominantemente invertebrados, com baixo consumo de vertebrados, havendo, aparentemente, variação sazonal na dieta. / Two species can coexist during a long time period only if both differ in some ecological aspect. This is a premise of the ecological niche theory. Falco sparverius and Athene cunicularia are two most common raptors in the neotropical region. Usually sympatric, these species inhabit open countries, with few vegetation and have similar diets, including mainly insects, and similar foraging behaviors. The coastal habitats of Rio Grande do Sul are fragile and poorly studied ecosystems under Brazilian legislation protection. This study aims to analyze how these species segregate themselves in coastal habitats by investigating the trophic, spatial and temporal niche dimensions. Additionally, it is our intention to contribute to knowledge of the ecology of these species. Between March/2000 and January/2004, 31 monthly field expeditions were conducted to the study area during which pellets and prey remains were collected. Further, captures attempts were recorded and daily behavior and foraging habitat use of the F. sparverius and A. cunicularia were analyzed. Corroborating previous studies, both species showed to be generalist and opportunist predators, eating mainly invertebrates, with little vertebrate consumption, having, apparently, seasonal variation in their diet.

Satellite tracking technology was used to acquire previously unavailable data relating to habitat use, dispersal and survivorship of juvenile Peregrine Falcons, a species currently designated as “Endangered” in Manitoba. A partnership between Manitoba Conservation, Manitoba Hydro, the Sustainable Development Innovations Fund of the Province of Manitoba, Parkland Mews Falconry and Bird of Prey Education Centre, and the University of Manitoba facilitated the purchase and deployment of twenty solar-powered Global Positioning System-enabled Platform Transmitting Terminals (PTTs). Thirty Peregrine Falcons were equipped with PTTs between 2011 and 2013, including both wild and hacked falcons. Home range analysis based on kernel density estimation identified a space-filling pattern of landscape use as peregrines dispersed from the natal areas. Habitat associations determined for PTT-equipped peregrines confirm their association with open habitats, human developments and aquatic areas. Conversely, peregrines were generally not found in areas characterized by dense tree cover. Throughout the study area, juvenile falcons readily utilized human features including the support structures comprising the Manitoba Hydro Distribution and Sub-Transmission Line network. The period following fledging and dispersal from the natal area was characterized by expansive movement quantified using a Brownian Bridge Movement Model. The importance of the natal area was evident throughout the dispersal period. Fifteen falcons (50%) survived to initiate fall migration. Of these, ten (33%) successfully reached wintering grounds located in the United States, Mexico, and Belize. Four Peregrine Falcons were confirmed alive to project end (13%). Sixteen of 30 Peregrine Falcons were confirmed dead during the study period (53%); mortality was suspected for seven others (23%). Survivorship outcomes could not be determined for three falcons (10%). All of the observed mortality occurred during the first year of life. Although the annual production of peregrines in Manitoba currently shows an increasing trend, the population has not yet demonstrated the stability and growth to be considered secure. Ensuring a stable population will require continued active management. The provincial population may also benefit from supplementation based on delayed hack techniques. / May 2017

Orientador: Marco Aurélio Pizo Ferreira / Banca: José Carlos Motta Júnior / Banca: Roberto Goitein / Resumo: Duas espécies só podem coexistir durante um longo período de tempo se diferirem em alguns aspectos ecológicos. Essas são premissas do conceito de nicho ecológico de uma espécie. Falco sparverius e Athene cunicularia são aves de rapina de ocorrência comum na maioria da região neotropical. Usualmente encontradas em simpatria, ocorrem em ambientes abertos, com pouca vegetação e apresentam uma dieta similar, baseada em insetos, e comportamentos de caça semelhantes. Os ambientes costeiros do Rio Grande do Sul são sistemas frágeis, protegidos pela legislação nacional e pouco estudados. Os objetivos deste estudo são analisar como estas espécies segregam ecologicamente no ambiente em questão, avaliando as dimensões trófica, espacial e temporal de nicho. Adicionalmente, objetiva-se contribuir para o conhecimento da ecologia destas espécies. Entre março/2000 e janeiro/2004 foram realizadas 31 excursões mensais à área de estudo quando se coletaram pelotas de regurgitação e restos de presas. Realizaram-se ainda observações de captura de presas, análise de comportamento circadiano e uso de hábitat de F. sparverius e A. cunicularia. Corroborando outros estudos, ambas espécies mostraram-se predadores generalistas e oportunistas, consumindo predominantemente invertebrados, com baixo consumo de vertebrados, havendo, aparentemente, variação sazonal na dieta / Abstract: Two species can coexist during a long time period only if both differ in some ecological aspect. This is a premise of the ecological niche theory. Falco sparverius and Athene cunicularia are two most common raptors in the neotropical region. Usually sympatric, these species inhabit open countries, with few vegetation and have similar diets, including mainly insects, and similar foraging behaviors. The coastal habitats of Rio Grande do Sul are fragile and poorly studied ecosystems under Brazilian legislation protection. This study aims to analyze how these species segregate themselves in coastal habitats by investigating the trophic, spatial and temporal niche dimensions. Additionally, it is our intention to contribute to knowledge of the ecology of these species. Between March/2000 and January/2004, 31 monthly field expeditions were conducted to the study area during which pellets and prey remains were collected. Further, captures attempts were recorded and daily behavior and foraging habitat use of the F. sparverius and A. cunicularia were analyzed. Corroborating previous studies, both species showed to be generalist and opportunist predators, eating mainly invertebrates, with little vertebrate consumption, having, apparently, seasonal variation in their diet / Mestre

Nest box programs provide supplemental nest sites for American Kestrels, Falco sparverius. When the availability of nest sites is a limiting factor, the addition of nest boxes can increase local breeding populations. These programs also facilitate the collection of data on breeding kestrels. This study focuses on an American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) nest box trail along Interstate 26 in northeastern Tennessee during the breeding seasons of 1998, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2006, and 2009. Productivity measures and reproductive success of nesting birds are provided and compared to other programs. The data are analyzed across years and by box. Finally, a discussion of the habitat surrounding the most and least active boxes provides recommendations for increased efficiency of the program.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:27:57Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2011-03-18Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:57:20Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 candioto_cg_me_jabo.pdf: 1268753 bytes, checksum: 33fa5ad0387bc80fb30d39654299dced (MD5) / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / O bulbo do olho é uma parte do organismo pouco estudada e que carece de mais valores fisiológicos nas diversas espécies de animais. Neste sentido, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os cortes histológicos dos olhos de Falco tinnunculus (peneireiro-de-dorso-malhado), por meio da morfometria da córnea, retina, coróide e esclera. As aves eram adultas e de vida livre. Os resultados obtidos foram comparados entre machos e fêmeas e entre os olhos direito e esquerdo. Após enucleação dos olhos, os mesmos foram fixados em solução tamponada de formaldeído por 48 horas e posteriormente, descalcificados. Os olhos direitos foram cortados verticalmente (dorsoventral), e os esquerdos horizontalmente (temporonasal). Após inclusão em parafina, foram confeccionados cortes de 5m de espessura e corados pelas técnicas rotineiras de hematoxilina e eosina. Para a análise dos cortes, foram definidos e medidos, seis pontos (1 a 6) na retina, coróide e esclera, e três pontos referentes na córnea (A, B e C). Com um software de análise de imagens, avaliou-se a espessura em micrômetros da córnea total, e suas camadas (epitelial, “camada média”, endotelial), além da retina, coróide e esclera nos seus respectivos pontos pré-determinados. Na córnea as maiores espessuras foram na periferia (ponto A e C) e as menores na área central (ponto B). As comparações entre as médias foram feitas pelo teste de Tukey (p<0,05). Nas fêmeas a retina foi mais espessa que nos machos. O dados descritos no trabalho complementam os conhecimentos básicos da histomorfologia do olho de Falco tinnunculus necessários para avaliação de cortes histopatológicos / The bulb of the eye is not a well-studied part of the body and needs more physiological values for various animal species. In this manner, the objective of the study was to evaluate the histological eye Falco tinnunculus (commom kestrel), through measurements of the cornea, retina, choroid and sclera. The birds were adults from wild life. The results were compared between males and females and between the right and left eyes. After enucleation of the eyes, they were fixed in buffered formaldehyde for 48 hours and subsequently decalcified. The right eyes were cut vertically (dorsoventral), and left horizontally (temporonasal). After paraffin embedding, sections were prepared from 5m thick and stained using routine hematoxylin and eosin. For the analysis of the cuts, six points (1-6) in the retina, choroid and sclera, and three points on the cornea (A, B and C) have been defined and measured. With an image analyzing software, the corneal thickness and its layers (epithelium, middle layer, endothelial), were evaluated in total microns, as well as the retina, choroid and sclera in their respective pre-determined points. Corneal thickness was greater in the periphery (A and C) and lower in the central area (B). Comparisons between means were made using the Tukey test (p <0.05). In females retina was thicker than the males. The data described in the paper complement the basic knowledge of histomorphology eye Falco tinnunculus for the assessment of histopathology

Orientador: Karin Werther / Banca: Fabiano Montiani-Ferreira / Banca: Rosimeri de Oliveira Vasconcelos / Resumo: O bulbo do olho é uma parte do organismo pouco estudada e que carece de mais valores fisiológicos nas diversas espécies de animais. Neste sentido, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os cortes histológicos dos olhos de Falco tinnunculus (peneireiro-de-dorso-malhado), por meio da morfometria da córnea, retina, coróide e esclera. As aves eram adultas e de vida livre. Os resultados obtidos foram comparados entre machos e fêmeas e entre os olhos direito e esquerdo. Após enucleação dos olhos, os mesmos foram fixados em solução tamponada de formaldeído por 48 horas e posteriormente, descalcificados. Os olhos direitos foram cortados verticalmente (dorsoventral), e os esquerdos horizontalmente (temporonasal). Após inclusão em parafina, foram confeccionados cortes de 5m de espessura e corados pelas técnicas rotineiras de hematoxilina e eosina. Para a análise dos cortes, foram definidos e medidos, seis pontos (1 a 6) na retina, coróide e esclera, e três pontos referentes na córnea (A, B e C). Com um software de análise de imagens, avaliou-se a espessura em micrômetros da córnea total, e suas camadas (epitelial, "camada média", endotelial), além da retina, coróide e esclera nos seus respectivos pontos pré-determinados. Na córnea as maiores espessuras foram na periferia (ponto A e C) e as menores na área central (ponto B). As comparações entre as médias foram feitas pelo teste de Tukey (p<0,05). Nas fêmeas a retina foi mais espessa que nos machos. O dados descritos no trabalho complementam os conhecimentos básicos da histomorfologia do olho de Falco tinnunculus necessários para avaliação de cortes histopatológicos / Abstract: The bulb of the eye is not a well-studied part of the body and needs more physiological values for various animal species. In this manner, the objective of the study was to evaluate the histological eye Falco tinnunculus (commom kestrel), through measurements of the cornea, retina, choroid and sclera. The birds were adults from wild life. The results were compared between males and females and between the right and left eyes. After enucleation of the eyes, they were fixed in buffered formaldehyde for 48 hours and subsequently decalcified. The right eyes were cut vertically (dorsoventral), and left horizontally (temporonasal). After paraffin embedding, sections were prepared from 5m thick and stained using routine hematoxylin and eosin. For the analysis of the cuts, six points (1-6) in the retina, choroid and sclera, and three points on the cornea (A, B and C) have been defined and measured. With an image analyzing software, the corneal thickness and its layers (epithelium, "middle layer", endothelial), were evaluated in total microns, as well as the retina, choroid and sclera in their respective pre-determined points. Corneal thickness was greater in the periphery (A and C) and lower in the central area (B). Comparisons between means were made using the Tukey test (p <0.05). In females retina was thicker than the males. The data described in the paper complement the basic knowledge of histomorphology eye Falco tinnunculus for the assessment of histopathology / Mestre

In our ever more populated world, the rapid expansion and intensification of agriculture is driving worldwide biodiversity loss, and the interactions between production landscapes and wildlife conservation are becoming increasingly important. Farming systems depend on ecosystem services such as biological control, while conservationists are calling for the establishment of conservation initiatives in non-preserve landscapes. Despite this, the goals of agriculture and the goals of predator-conservation are rarely mutual. Here, I demonstrate one of the first examples of a mutually beneficial scenario between agriculture and predator conservation. I used, as a case study, a reintroduction project that translocated individuals of the threatened New Zealand falcon (Falco novaeseelandiae) from the hills of Marlborough into vineyards, to determine if predators can survive within an agricultural landscape while simultaneously providing that landscape with biological control services. Examples of vertebrates providing biological control to agriculture are rare. I show that the presence of falcons in vineyards caused an economically important reduction in grape damage worth over US $230/ ha. Falcon presence caused a 78- 83% reduction in the number of introduced European pest birds, which resulted in a 95% reduction in the damage caused by these species. Falcon presence did not cause a reduction in the abundance of the native silvereye (Zosterops lateralis), but did halve the damage caused by this species. To assess the conservation value of the falcon translocations, I used remote videography, direct observations and prey analysis to measure the behavioural changes associated with the relocation of falcons from their natural habitat in the hills and into vineyards. Falcons in vineyard nests had higher nest attendance, higher brooding rates, and higher feeding rates than falcons in hill nests. Additionally, parents in vineyard nests fed their chicks a greater amount of total prey and larger prey items compared to parents in hill nests. I also found an absence of any significant diet differences between falcons in hill and vineyard habitats, suggesting that the latter may be a suitable alternative habitat for falcons. Because reintroduced juvenile falcons were released in areas devoid of adult falcons, it was possible that they were missing essential training normally provided by their parents. I used direct observations to demonstrate that the presence of siblings had similar effects to the presence of parents on the development of juvenile behaviour, with individuals flying, hunting, and playing more often when conspecifics were present. Finally, through the use of artificial nests and remote videography, I identified that falcons nesting in vineyards are likely to suffer lower predation rates. I also found that falcons in vineyards are predated by a less dangerous suite of animals (such as hedgehogs, Erinaceus europaeus, and avian predators), than their counterparts in the hills, which are predated by more voracious species (such as stoats, Mustela erminea, and feral cats, Felis catus). The work presented in this thesis has also added to the current knowledge of New Zealand falcon breeding behaviour, prey preferences, and behavioural development. Although agricultural regions globally are rarely associated with raptor conservation, and the ability of raptors to control the pests of agricultural crops has not been previously quantified, these results suggest that translocating New Zealand falcons into vineyards has potential for both the conservation of this species, and for providing biological control services to agriculture

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:35:11Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2008-07-22Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T18:46:32Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 pereira_rjg_dr_jabo.pdf: 242711 bytes, checksum: 723f7381e49b4cd2159897db271a8b96 (MD5) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / Apesar da radiotelemetria ser considerada uma ferramenta valiosa em estudos ornitológicos, algumas teorias relativas ao impacto de radiotransmissores sobre a estimativa de parâmetros comportamentais, ecológicos e reprodutivos podem ser encontradas em literatura. Com o intuito de avaliar os potenciais efeitos fisiológicos de radiotransmissores do tipo mochila em falcões quiri-quiri (Falco sparverius) de vida livre, oito machos desta espécie foram capturados e divididos em dois grupos: indivíduos marcados com radiotransmissores (aproximadamente 5% do peso vivo, n = 6) e indivíduos controle (anilhados, n = 2). Em seguida, amostras fecais foram coletadas duas horas após a captura (dia −1) e durante os dias 0 (definido como o dia de soltura dos animais), 4, 7, 15, 30, 40 e 55. Previamente às análises laboratoriais, o ensaio imunoenzimático para dosagem de glucocorticóides fecais foi testado empregando procedimentos padrões de validação hormonal (paralelismo, curva de dose-resposta, validação fisiológica e coeficientes de variação inter- e intra-ensaio). Em relação aos machos monitorados, ambos os grupos apresentaram um aumento significativo nos níveis de glucocorticóides fecais durante o dia 0 (P < 0,001), mas as concentrações retornaram aos níveis pré-equipagem após 4 dias da soltura. Além disso, os níveis de glucocorticóides fecais não diferiram significativamente entre os falcões radiomarcados e os anilhados durante os 55 dias de monitoramento (P > 0,05). Embora o número de indivíduos neste estudo seja reduzido, estes resultados sugerem que radiotransmissores do tipo mochila não induzem efeitos persistentes sobre a atividade adrenal de machos de falcões quiri-quiri de vida livre. Considerando a literatura consultada, esta é a primeira pesquisa a analisar os efeitos de radiotransmissores sobre a resposta adrecortical de aves de vida livre. / Although radiotelemetry is considered a valuable technique for ornithological field studies, several assumptions have been made about the impact that transmitters may cause on the estimation of behavioral, ecological and reproductive parameters. To assess potential effects of backpack radiotransmitters, we captured and assigned 8 male American kestrels (Falco sparverius) in 2 groups: radio-tagged (n = 6) and control individuals (leg-banded, n = 2). Thereafter, we collected feces two hr after capture (day −1), and subsequently during days 0 (releasing day), 1, 4, 7, 15, 30, 40 and 55. Prior to fecal analysis, EIA corticosterone assay was validated using standard procedures (e.g. parallelism, dose-response curve), and physiological significance of fecal glucocorticoid metabolites was confirmed through adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) challenge, which induce an increase of 4-fold (446.10 ± 60.73 ng/ g) above baseline (114.27 ± 15.23 ng/ g) within 4 hr (P < 0.001). Both groups exhibited a significant increase in fecal glucocorticoids during day 0 (P < 0.001), but concentrations returned to pre-attachment values within 4 days. Fecal glucocorticoid concentrations did not differ between samples of radio-tagged and leg-banded kestrels (P > 0.05). In spite of the small number of monitored subjects, these findings suggested that radiotransmitters did not affect adrenocortical activity in male American kestrel. To our knowledge, this is the first research to evaluate the effects of transmitters on stress responses in free-ranging birds.

This project describes various aspects of the breeding ecology and behaviour of the brown falcon Falco berigora, a common but poorly study Australian raptor. In particular it examines (a) the main influences on reproductive success; (b) tests predictions of theories proposed to explain the evolution and maintenance of sexual size dimorphism (RSD; females the larger sex) in raptors; and (c) investigates sex allocation patterns in the light of current sex ratio and parental investment theory. The study was conducted between July 1999 and June 2002 approximately 35 km southwest of Melbourne, at the Western Treatment Plant (WTP), Werribee (38°0’S 144°34’E) and surrounds, a total area of approximately 150 km2.¶ · In all plumage and bare part colouration of 160 free-flying falcons was described. The majority of variation in these characters could be attributed to distinct age and/or sex differences as opposed to previously described colour ‘morphs’.¶ · Nestling chronology and development is described and formulae based on wing length derived for determining nestling age. An accurate field-based test for determining nestling sex at banding age is also presented.¶ · Strong sex role differentiation was apparent during breeding; typical of falcons females performed most parental duties whilst males predominantly hunted for their brood and partner. Based on observations of marked individuals, both sexes of brown falcons aggressively defended mutual territories throughout the year, with just 10% of each sex changing territories during the entire study period. Males performed territorial displays more frequently than females, the latter rarely displaying alone.¶ · The diet of the population as a whole was very broad, but within pairs both sexes predominantly specialised on either lagomorphs, small ground prey (e.g. house mice Mus musculus), small birds, large birds or reptiles, according to availability.¶ · Reproductive parameters such as clutch size and the duration of parental care were constant across all years, however marked annual differences in brood size and the proportion of pairs breeding were evident.¶ · Age was an important influence upon reproductive success and survival, with immature birds inferior to adults in both areas. However, interannual differences were by far the most influential factor on breeding success and female survival. Heavy rain downpours were implicated as the main determinant of reproductive success and adult female mortality in a population largely devoid of predation or human interference.¶ · Female-female competition for territorial vacancies was intense; larger adult females were more likely to be recruited and once breeding fledged more offspring. In contrast, male recruitment and breeding success was unrelated to either body size or condition indices, although smaller immature males were more likely to survive to the next breeding season. This directional selection is consistent only with the predictions of the intrasexual competition hypothesis.¶ · Despite marked RSD (males c. 75% of female body mass), throughout the nestling phase female nestlings did not require greater quantities of food than their male siblings. However, female parents fed their last-hatched sons but not daughters, resulting in the complete mortality of all last-hatched female offspring in focal nests. Given last-hatched nestlings suffered markedly reduced growth rates and female, but not male, body size is important in determining recruitment patterns, the biased allocation amongst last-hatched offspring is likely to reflect differing benefits associated with investing in small members of each sex, consistent with broad-scale Trivers-Willard effects. Recruitment patterns support this, with surviving last-hatched females, in contrast to males, unable to gain recruitment into the breeding population upon their return to the study site.¶ Thus selection appears to act at the nestling, immature and adult stages to maintain RSD in the focal population. Larger females were favoured in the nestling phase, at recruitment and once breeding had greater reproductive success. In contrast, selection favoured a reduction or maintenance of immature male size as smaller birds had a greater chance of survival in the year following recruitment than their larger counterparts; thereafter male size was unimportant. Together, this directional selection favouring increased female competitive ability is consistent only with the predictions of the intrasexual competition hypothesis, which appears the most probable in explaining the maintenance and perhaps evolution of RSD in raptors.