Odour plays an important role in many predator/prey interactions. In the northern hemisphere, many mammalian prey species have been shown to respond to predator odours. It is also widely assumed that mammalian predators utilise odours to locate their prey. This thesis explores the importance of odour in Australian mammalian predator/prey interactions. Responses of native Australian species to the faecal odour of two predators; the native tiger quoll Dasyurus maculatus and the introduced red fox Vulpes vulpes, were evaluated through live-trapping and focussed behavioural studies of captive animals. Tiger quoll responses to prey olfactory cues were investigated in a captive experiment. Native rodents (bush rats Rattus fuscipes, swamp rats R. lutreolus and eastern chestnut mice Pseudomys gracilicaudatus) equally avoided traps scented with either quoll or fox faeces, and in captive experiments, bush rats and swamp rats reduced their average speed in response to both predator odours. Of the marsupial species, northern brown bandicoots Isoodon macrourus and common brushtail possums Trichosurus vulpecula were captured more frequently in quoll-scented traps than unscented traps or foxscented traps, while captures of brown antechinus Antechinus stuarttii, long-nosed bandicoots Perameles nasuta and southern brown bandicoot I. obesulus were unaffected by the either predator odour. In captive experiments, brown antechinus, long-nosed and northern brown bandicoots decreased their foraging in response to both predator odours, and spent less time in areas scented with quoll faeces. Tiger quolls didn't appear to detect odour sources from a distance of >65 cm, but they did follow scent trails and spent more time in areas scented with the urine and faeces of potential prey. Chemical analysis revealed no common components in fox and quoll odour which prey species could be responding to. Therefore, these native species have evolved to respond to fox odour since foxes were introduced to Australia 130 years ago. The stronger response of native rodents to fox odour may be a legacy of their co-evolution with canid predators prior to entering Australia. A better understanding of how odour is utilised in Australian predator/prey interactions may lead to a greater ability to protect Australia's unique mammalian fauna from introduced predators.

No description available.

Les rodenticides anticoagulants (RA) constituent le principal moyen de lutte contre les rongeurs. L’exposition aux RA du renard roux et l’impact des RA sur les populations de ce prédateur sont étudiés. En France, on distingue un contexte « biocide » (BCD) où les RA sont principalement utilisés près des bâtiments et un contexte « phytopharmaceutique » (PP) où la bromadiolone (un RA) est également utilisée en plein champs contre le campagnol terrestre. La contamination des rongeurs aux RA est mesurée : 5 RA sont détectés en contexte BCD alors que la bromadiolone est la molécule majoritaire en contexte PP ; les espèces de rongeurs non ciblées par les RA étant exposées dans les2 contextes. L’exposition est maximale chez les espèces ciblées ou celles au mode de vie similaire.L’exposition du renard est évaluée par la mesure des résidus de RA dans des fèces collectées in situ.La bromadiolone est retrouvée dans 97 % des fèces positives et les RA sont plus retrouvés dans les fèces en cas de traitements PP. En contexte PP, le ratio de fèces positives augmente non linéairement avec la surface traitée dans un rayon d’1 km autour des fèces. L’impact des traitements PP sur les populations de renards est évalué (période 2003-2009, département du Doubs). Les indices d’abondance de renard mesurés sur une commune le printemps d’une année n diminuent avec l’augmentation des quantités d’appâts utilisées les années n-1 et n-2. Pendant la période suivie,la mise en place d’une lutte intégrée contre le campagnol terrestre s’est traduite par une diminution des quantités d’ AR utilisées et donc par une diminution des impacts sur les populations de renards. / Rodents are mainly controlled with anticoagulant rodenticides (AR). AR exposure and impact were studied for red fox populations. In France, we distinguish 2 contexts of AR use: “biocide” (BCD) where AR are used next to buildings and “phytopharmaceutical” (PP) where bromadiolone (an AR) is also applied in the field against the water vole. Rodent contamination to AR was characterized: 5 differentAR were detected in rodents in the BCD context while bromadiolone was predominantly found in thePP context; non target rodents being exposed in both contexts. AR contamination was the highest fortarget species or species with similar lifestyle. Red fox exposure was assessed through themeasurement of AR residues in faeces sampled in the field. ARs were detected more frequently where PP treatments occurred. Every positive faeces contained only bromadiolone except one (BCD context)with chlorophacinone. In PP context, the ratio of positive faeces varied non-linearly with the area of PPtreatments within a 1km-radius around faeces. The impact of bromadiolone PP treatments on red fox populations was assessed (period 2003–2009, Doubs department). Kilometric Abundance Index offoxes measured a year n decreased with higher treatment intensities the years n-1 and n-2. Moreoverwe have shown that a shift to preventive treatments with reduced AR use is less harmful to fox populations.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-05-02T13:55:16Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Juliana Yoshida Publio-dissertacao.pdf: 1433924 bytes, checksum: f76aaa29ff10b2a7e4052e7a161ab87e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-08-30 / The therapeutic activity of Ziziphus joazeiro Mart. (raspa-de-Juá) has been demonstrated from some studies, such as, antifungal, antibacterial, antipyretic and antioxidant properties. The aim of this research was to evaluate the mutagenicity of glycolic extract of Z. joazeiro Mart. (GEZJ) barks using the micronucleus assay in bone marrow of mice (heterogenetic Swiss albinus Unib: SW). The interaction between GEZJ and the genotoxic effects of doxorubicin (DOX) was also analysed. Experimental groups were evaluated after 24-48 h of treatment with N-Nitroso-N-ethylurea (NEU) and DOX (positive controls), NaCl (a negative control) and GEZJ (250-2,000 mg.Kg-1). Anti-mutagenic assays were carried out using the GEZJ in combination with these positive controls (GEZJ+NEU and GEZJ+DOX). The frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs) was significantly different (p < 0.05) between (i) the positive and negative control treatments, (ii) the positive controls and animals treated with GEZJ and (iii) animals treated with positive controls (NEU or DOX) and GEZJ combined with these positive controls. There was no mutagenicity (clastogenicity/aneugenicity) observed in GEZJ regardless of the dose and time, but a variable response was observed among genders of mouse. The anti-mutagenic effects of GEZJ suggest a potential protective mechanism against DOX-induced genotoxic effects. / A atividade terapêutica de Zizyphus joazeiro Mart. (Raspa-de-Juá) tem sido demonstrada a partir de algumas pesquisas, como por exemplo, propriedades antifúngica, antibacteriana, antipirética e antioxidante. O objetivo dessa pesquisa foi avaliar a mutagenicidade do extrato glicólico da casca de Z. joazeiro Mart. (GEZJP) usando o ensaio do micronúcleo in vivo na medula óssea de camundongos heterogenéticos Swiss albinus (Unib:SW). A sua associação sobre os efeitos genotóxicos induzidos pela DOX também foi analisada. Grupos experimentais foram avaliados após 24-48h de tratamento com NEU e DOX (controles positivos), NaCl (controle negativo), e GEZJP (500-2.000 mg.Kg-1). Ensaios anti-mutagênicos foram realizados usando os controles positivos associados à GEZJP, separadamente. As freqüências de PCEs e PCEMNs, e a relação PCE/NCE por animal foram analisadas. Diferenças significantes (p < 0,05) foram observadas (i) entre as freqüências de PCEMNs dos tratamentos controles positivos e negativos, (ii) entre os tratamentos controles positivos (NEU/DOX) e experimentais mutagênicos (500-2.000 mg.Kg-1 de GEZJP), e (iii) entre os tratamentos controles positivos (NEU/DOX) e experimentais anti-mutagênicos (GEZJP+DOX ou GEZJP+NEU). Quanto à relação PCE/NCE, diferenças significativas não foram encontradas entre (i) os tratamentos controles negativos e anti-mutagênicos (i.e., GEZJP+DOX), e (ii) entre os tratamentos mutagênicos (GEZJP), controles positivos e anti-mutagênicos (i.e., GEZJP+NEU). Os resultados sugerem inexistência de mutagenicidade (mecanismos clastogênicos e/ou aneugênicos) do GEZJP, independentemente da dose e do tempo de tratamento, muito embora uma resposta variável tenha sido observada entre os gêneros (masculino e feminino). As relações PCE/NCE observadas sugerem toxicidade sistêmica do GEZJP, independentemente da dose, do tempo e do gênero do animal. Contudo, o GEZJP pode apresentar propriedades fitoquímicas contra os efeitos genotóxicos e/ou tóxicos induzidos pelo quimioterápico DOX.

Dermatophytes (order Onygenales, Ascomycota) are microscopic filamentous keratinophilic fungi that can cause skin infections known as dermatophytosis. The most diverse but not very studied genus Arthroderma has been revised recently (Míková 2018) which was essential for further research. This genus comprises mostly species with a supposed reservoir in soil. Lack of information about their ecology and frequent isolation of some species from the hair of free- living mammals (mainly rodents) may testify a strong host association. Rodents could thus represent the hidden reservoir of this species. For this thesis, I have chosen three ecologically distinct rodent species: Mus musculus, Apodemus flavicollis, and Clethrionomys glareolus. I obtained the material by brushing the hair of asymptomatic individuals and used this material for cultivation on selective medium. I identified the isolates of dermatophytes (n = 30) using molecular methods. I used sequences of three highly variable loci (ITS, tubb a tef1α) to incorporate these isolates in the phylogenetic analysis based on the monography of the genus Arthroderma (Míková 2018). I characterized the phenotype of selected strains based on morphological and physiological data including the ability to utilize keratin and the production of siderophores. The...

Fire is an important disturbance mechanism in big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) communities, yet little is known about wildlife population dynamics during post-fire habitat succession. I estimated the abundance of small mammals and birds in relation to fire history in mountain big sagebrush (A.t. spp. vaseyana) communities on the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge in the northwestern Great Basin, USA. I employed a chronosequence approach that took advantage of multiple wildfires that had occurred in similar plant communities between 7 to 20 years prior to sampling. Belding’s ground squirrel (Spermophilus beldingii) were approximately 10 times as abundant in burned areas relative to adjacent unburned habitat regardless of the number of years since a burn occurred. Deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) was more abundant on more recently burned sites, but not at sites closer to full vegetation recovery. Great basin pocket mouse (Perognathus parvus), sagebrush vole (Lemmiscus curtatus), and least chipmunk (Tamius minimus) abundance did not vary as a function of fire history, but some variance was explained by habitat features such as rocky areas and the canopy characteristics of sagebrush. Bird diversity was higher in unburned habitats irrespective of the number of years of recovery out to 20 years. Nine of the 12 most widely occurring species of birds in the study have population densities influenced by fire or post-fire habitat succession to at least 13 to 20 years following a burn. Sage Sparrow (Amphispiza belli), Black-throated Sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata), and Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus) occurred at relatively low densities and were nearly restricted to unburned habitats. Green-tailed Towhee (Pipilo Chlorurus), Gray Flycatcher (Empidonax wrightii), American Robin (Turdus migratorius), and Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothus ater) occurred at lower densities in burned areas than adjacent unburned areas although the relationship was not strong for the latter two species. The magnitude of the difference in density between burned and unburned sites within a landscape diminished with the number of years of vegetation recovery for Green-tailed Towhee. Brewer’s Sparrow (Spizella brewerii) occurred at lower densities relative to adjacent habitat in the most recent burn, but occurred at higher densities after 20 years of habitat succession, suggesting a positive response with a multiple decade lag period. Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris) and Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus) respond positively to fire, but densities were similar to unburned areas after 20 years of habitat succession. An ordination analysis captured 86% of the variation in 12 bird species with 3 orthogonal axes. My research demonstrates that strong community structure exists for birds associated with mountain big sagebrush habitats, and that fire influences community structure for multiple decades. / Graduation date: 2011 / Access restricted to the OSU Community at author's request from Dec. 22, 2010 - Dec. 22, 2011.

Brodifacoum is a highly effective anticoagulant rodenticide that presents a secondary hazard to some non-target wildlife. The high acute toxicity of brodifacoum to mammals and birds, and its prolonged persistence in liver predicates secondary risk to predators and scavengers of poisoned rodents. Hence there is a need to improve ability to monitor and predict hazards of brodifacoum to non-targets, and optimise use patterns accordingly. Use of a less persistent anticoagulant rodenticide, diphacinone, is an alternative approach currently under investigation in New Zealand. This thesis describes a series of laboratory and pen studies that address information gaps relevant to the assessment of non-target hazards in continued use of brodifacoum, and of using diphacinone as an alternative. Non-lethal techniques for determining sublethal brodifacoum exposure in birds was investigated in chickens. Elevation of prothrombin time was a less reliable index than residual concentrations in tissues. Samples requiring less invasive procedures, such as dried blood spots or faeces, have potential to detect recent sublethal brodifacoum exposure and refinement of these indices could be useful in proactive monitoring of avian wildlife. Residual brodifacoum in eggs of sublethally-exposed hens raised further questions regarding wider non-target hazard and adverse effects on development of fertile eggs or chicks. A laboratory trial with rats found a positive correlation between residual brodifacoum concentrations in liver and the amount of brodifacoum ingested as bait. An estimated 14-22% of ingested brodifacoum was excreted in rat faeces in the period between ingestion of a lethal dose and death, indicating another potentially significant environmental pathway for brodifacoum transfer. In considering diphacinone as a less persistent alternative rodenticide to brodifacoum, evaluation of residual concentrations and persistence in pig tissues was required to estimate secondary hazard to human consumers and adequate with-holding periods for hunting feral pigs in areas where diphacinone was applied. A pen trial showed that domestic pigs were more susceptible to diphacinone toxicity, and thus primary poisoning risk, than previously estimated. Hepatic half-life of diphacinone in pigs was approximately 14 days, indicating reduced persistence in comparison to brodifacoum and enabling estimates of with-holding periods for hunting feral pigs from areas where diphacinone baits were applied. To investigate potential hazards of diphacinone use to invertebrates a trial using tree weta, a native New Zealand invertebrate, was undertaken. Weta readily ate diphacinone wax block baits with no mortality or weight loss evident, indicating low susceptibility. Residual whole-body diphacinone concentrations did not increase with the amount of diphacinone bait eaten. A simple, deterministic risk assessment suggested that, as a single secondary exposure, the maximum diphacinone concentration measured in weta would present a low risk to non-target birds. Given international recognition of the high secondary hazard and corresponding restrictions on use of brodifacoum, continued availability of brodifacoum to non-licensed users and sustained field applications for possum and rodent control in New Zealand is an exceptional use pattern. New data in this thesis suggest that baiting strategies that minimise the amount of brodifacoum available in the environment are important and regulatory review of some New Zealand brodifacoum applications should address this. In parallel, development of diphacinone as an alternative to brodifacoum should continue, as new data here confirms lower persistence in mammalian liver than brodifacoum, and also indicates low toxicity to invertebrates. However further investigation of multiple-exposure hazard and potential sublethal effects of diphacinone on non-target mammals and birds is warranted before extensive and sustained field applications of diphacinone are undertaken.

La connaissance de la dynamique des écosystèmes forestiers face à l’anthropisation est plus qu’indispensable à l’établissement de bases satisfaisantes pour leur utilisation durable et rationnelle. Ces perturbations anthropiques sont à la base de la fragmentation des forêts et de l’augmentation des lisières. Ainsi, depuis plus de trois-quarts de siècle la notion de « lisière » préoccupe la communauté scientifique. La grande diversité des espèces qui lui est associée est connue comme le principe de « l’effet de lisière » et est largement considéré comme un concept fondamental de l’écologie. Après l’énonciation de ce principe, les gestionnaires de la faune avaient estimé créer autant de lisières que possible du fait que la plus grande diversité de la faune y était observée. Paradoxalement, en accordant plus l’accent sur la faune au cours des deux dernières décennies, nombreuses caractéristiques des lisières, désormais considérées comme néfastes, ont été mises en évidences. C’est ainsi que des études sur la compréhension des réponses écologiques de la faune face aux lisières se sont multipliées afin de parvenir aux recommandations adéquates pour une meilleure conservation. La présente étude a pour but de tester si les Rongeurs peuvent servir comme bioindicateurs des effets de lisière dans la forêt de Masako. Les captures ont été faites durant 38 mois à l’intérieur de 4 grilles d’échantillonnage (1 ha/grille/habitat) installées dans une forêt à Gilbertiodendron dewevrei, une forêt secondaire vieille, une jachère d’au moins 5 ans et une lisière jachère/forêt secondaire. Les espèces ont été identifiées à l’aide de données morphométriques et d’analyses moléculaires (ADN du Cyt b). La richesse, la diversité, la densité, les abondances, le sex-ratio et la structure d’âges des espèces capturées ont été analysés. Une richesse et une diversité élevées sont observées dans la lisière probablement suite à son hétérogénéité et à la présence d’une diversité de niches sur une surface réduite. Les abondances de différentes espèces y sont en général faibles mais quelques fois intermédiaires ou similaires à celles des milieux adjacents. Quatre groupes d’espèces ont été distingués :(i) les généralistes ;(ii) celles qui évitent la lisière (faibles abondances dans la lisière) ;(iii) celles ayant des abondances distinctes selon les habitats ;(iv) celles ayant des abondances intermédiaires dans la lisière. L’étude a montré que les Rongeurs pourraient bien servir comme bioindicateurs des effets de lisière. Leur diversité et abondance étant des paramètres prioritaires à analyser. / Doctorat en Sciences agronomiques et ingénierie biologique / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished