Lizard behaviour suggests a new design for artificial burrows

2012 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 295 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehregan Ebrahimi ◽  
Aaron L. Fenner ◽  
C. Michael Bull
Keyword(s):  
Optimal Design ◽  
Endangered Species ◽  
Surface Activity ◽  
Conservation Management ◽  
Internal Space ◽  
Normal Behaviour ◽  
Natural Behaviour ◽  
Management Interventions ◽  
Occasional Occurrence ◽  
Common Strategy

Context The use of artificial refuges is a common strategy for the conservation management of endangered species. However, artificial refuges may alter an animal’s natural behaviour that in turn may be detrimental to the species. The endangered pygmy bluetongue lizard from Australia is one species that will accept artificial burrows. Aims The aim of the present research was to determine whether the normal behaviour of the pygmy bluetongue lizards differed between artificial and natural burrows, so as to determine whether the existing artificial burrow is an optimal design for this species. Methods In the present study, we filmed the behaviour of lizards as they entered artificial and natural burrows. We compared the number of times a lizard entered a burrow, the time that lizards spent inspecting burrows, and the behaviours that lizards used when entering artificial and natural burrows. Key results We found that in natural burrows, lizards always entered head first, and then usually reversed direction inside, using an enlarged basal chamber, to sit with their head uppermost in the entrance. In artificial burrows, however, lizards had to enter head first, then reverse tail-first back out, and then reverse tail-first back into the burrow (so as to have their head facing upwards) We called this behaviour reversing from outside. Key conclusion The stereotyped reversing-from-outside behaviour when entering artificial burrows, and its occasional occurrence in natural burrows, suggest that it has evolved to allow lizards to use narrow burrows as well as those with a chamber, even though it can increase lizard’s surface activity and exposure to predation. Implication The reversing behaviour from outside the artificial burrow increases exposure to potential predators, and our observations suggest that a re-design of artificial burrows to incorporate internal space for turning around may improve their effectiveness in conservation management interventions.

scholarly journals Predator recognition and responses in the endangered Macquarie perch (Macquaria australasica)

2015 ◽  
Vol 66 (2) ◽  
pp. 127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Culum Brown ◽  
Jennifer Morgan
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Species ◽  
Endangered Species ◽  
Introduced Species ◽  
Visual Cues ◽  
Chemical Cues ◽  
Conservation Management ◽  
Perca Fluviatilis ◽  
Habitat Destruction ◽  
Perch Perca Fluviatilis ◽  
Threatening Processes

Macquarie perch, Macquaria austalasica, is an endangered species endemic to southern Australia whose distribution is highly fragmented and continues to decline. Key threatening processes include habitat destruction, dams and weirs, overfishing and interactions with introduced species. Here, we examined the responses of small and large Macquarie perch to two native predators and to the introduced redfin perch, Perca fluviatilis. Our results showed that Macquarie perch generally avoided large-bodied native predators but was attracted to small-bodied native predators. Responses to large and small redfin perch lay between these two extremes, suggesting that the Macquarie perch does treat these foreign fish as potential threats. Macquarie perch relied on both visual and chemical cues to identify predators, although its response tended to be stronger when exposed to visual cues. The results suggest that Macquarie perch has the capacity to recognise and respond to invasive species in a threat-sensitive manner, which has positive implications for the conservation management of the species.

scholarly journals Taxonomic revision of the threatened African genus Pseudohydrosme Engl. (Araceae), with P. ebo, a new, Critically Endangered species from Ebo, Cameroon

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Cheek ◽  
Barthelemy Tchiengue ◽  
Xander van der Burgt
Keyword(s):  
Endangered Species ◽  
Protected Areas ◽  
Type Species ◽  
Conservation Management ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Distinct Species ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Critically Endangered Species ◽  
The Usa ◽  
African Genus

ABSTRACTThis is the first revision in nearly 130 years of the African genus Pseudohydrosme, formerly considered endemic to Gabon. Sister to Anchomanes, Pseudohydrosme is distinct from Anchomanes because of its 2–3-locular ovary (not unilocular), peduncle concealed by cataphylls at anthesis and far shorter than the spathe (not exposed, far exceeding the spathe), stipitate fruits and viviparous (vegetatively apomictic) roots (not sessile, roots non-viviparous). Three species, one new to science, are recognised, in two sections. Although doubt has previously been cast on the value of recognising Pseudohydrosme buettneri, of Gabon, it is here accepted and maintained as a distinct species in the monotypic section, Zyganthera. However, it is considered to be probably globally extinct. Pseudohydrosme gabunensis, type species of the genus, also Gabonese, is maintained in Sect. Pseudohydrosme together with Pseudohydrosme ebo sp.nov. of the Ebo Forest, Littoral, Cameroon, the first addition to the genus since the nineteenth century, and which extends the range of the genus 450 km north from Gabon, into the Cross-Sanaga biogeographic area. The discovery of Pseudohydrosme ebo resulted from a series of surveys for conservation management in Cameroon, and triggered this paper. All three species of Pseudohydrosme are morphologically characterised, their habitat and biogeography discussed, and their extinction risks are respectively assessed as Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct), Endangered and Critically Endangered using the IUCN standard. Clearance of forest habitat for logging, followed by agriculture or urbanisation are major threats. One of the species may occur in a formally protected areas and is also cultivated widely but infrequently in Europe and the USA for its spectacular inflorescences.

scholarly journals The Use of Genomics in Conservation Management of the Endangered Visayan Warty Pig (Sus cebifrons)

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rascha J. M. Nuijten ◽  
Mirte Bosse ◽  
Richard P. M. A. Crooijmans ◽  
Ole Madsen ◽  
Willem Schaftenaar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endangered Species ◽  
Conservation Management ◽  
Demographic History ◽  
Genetic Research ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Island Populations ◽  
Threatened And Endangered Species ◽  
Captive Populations ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Recent Developments

The list of threatened and endangered species is growing rapidly, due to various anthropogenic causes. Many endangered species are present in captivity and actively managed in breeding programs in which often little is known about the founder individuals. Recent developments in genetic research techniques have made it possible to sequence and study whole genomes. In this study we used the critically endangered Visayan warty pig (Sus cebifrons) as a case study to test the use of genomic information as a tool in conservation management. Two captive populations ofS. cebifronsexist, which originated from two different Philippine islands. We found some evidence for a recent split between the two island populations; however all individuals that were sequenced show a similar demographic history. Evidence for both past and recent inbreeding indicated that the founders were at least to some extent related. Together with this, the low level of nucleotide diversity compared to otherSusspecies potentially poses a threat to the viability of the captive populations. In conclusion, genomic techniques answered some important questions about this critically endangered mammal and can be a valuable toolset to inform future conservation management in other species as well.

scholarly journals Long and short term residence in refuge burrows by endangered pygmy bluetongue lizards

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 119-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Michael Bull ◽  
Stephanie S. Godfrey ◽  
Mehregan Ebrahimi ◽  
Aaron L. Fenner
Keyword(s):  
Endangered Species ◽  
Conservation Management ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Entire Study Period ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Entire Study ◽  
Invertebrate Prey ◽  
Occupancy Dynamics ◽  
Native Grassland

The pygmy bluetongue lizard (Tiliqua adelaidensis) is an endangered species which is restricted to native grassland remnants in South Australia. Individuals live in vertical burrows with a single entrance from which they ambush invertebrate prey. We monitored marked burrows over two entire spring-summer seasons, the period when the lizards are active, and found that the population contained a mixture of dispersers that remained in a burrow briefly, and residents that occupy a burrow for the entire study period. There were more females than males among the residents and most of the burrow abandonment happened in the early spring, the time when male lizards probably move around to seek matings. Our study described burrow occupancy dynamics, and will assist the conservation management of this endangered species.

scholarly journals Artificial burrows with basal chambers are preferred by pygmy bluetongue lizards, Tiliqua adelaidensis

2013 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 114-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elijah J. Staugas ◽  
Aaron L. Fenner ◽  
Mehregan Ebrahimi ◽  
C. Michael Bull
Keyword(s):  
Endangered Species ◽  
Conservation Management ◽  
Artificial Structures ◽  
Key Features

Natural refuges are sometimes supplemented with artificial refuges to enhance populations of endangered species, or to improve the success of translocation and relocation programs. The design and structure of these artificial structures should incorporate key features of natural refuges. We aimed to improve the design of artificial burrows currently used in the conservation of the pygmy bluetongue lizard, Tiliqua adelaidensis, by comparing burrows with or without a basal chamber. We found that lizards chose burrows with chambers significantly more often, but that neither the size of the chamber, nor the substrate lining the chamber influenced the choice. Incorporating a basal chamber into the design of artificial burrows should provide more favourable artificial refuges for these lizards and should be incorporated into future conservation management programs.

scholarly journals Maritime Usability Study by Analysing Eye Tracking Data

2017 ◽  
Vol 70 (5) ◽  
pp. 927-943 ◽  
Author(s):  
Odd Sveinung Hareide ◽  
Runar Ostnes
Keyword(s):  
Optimal Design ◽  
Eye Tracking ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Tracking Data ◽  
Integrated Navigation ◽  
Normal Behaviour ◽  
Integrated Navigation System ◽  
High Speeds ◽  
Maritime Navigation ◽  
Pros And Cons

The aim of the Integrated Navigation System (INS) on a ship bridge should be to provide the navigator with added value and aid in the complex task of conducting a safe and efficient passage at high speeds in demanding waters. This article presents a method for analysing eye tracking data to reveal sub-optimal design in the bridge layout and in the software graphical user interface on a maritime navigation display. The analysis of eye tracking data with a focus on scan path events indicates sub-optimal design, and the paper provides suggestions for improvement in design and interfaces. Pros and cons of using Eye Tracking Glasses in a maritime environment are presented. The importance of not affecting the normal behaviour of the navigator by collecting data is stressed, and how the software should provide good visualisation and interpretation of the eye tracking data.

scholarly journals A tale of two valleys: endangered species policy and the fate of the giant gartersnake

2021 ◽  
pp. 264-283
Author(s):  
Brian J. Halstead ◽  
Patricia Valcarcel ◽  
Richard Kim ◽  
Anna C. Jordan ◽  
Jonathan P. Rose ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endangered Species ◽  
Habitat Loss ◽  
Conservation Management ◽  
Legal Protection ◽  
Public Lands ◽  
Central Valley ◽  
Endangered Species Act ◽  
The Past ◽  
Private And Public ◽  
The U.S

By the mid-20th Century, giant gartersnakes (Thamnophis gigas) had lost more than 90% of their Central Valley marsh habitat and were extirpated from more than two-thirds of their range. This massive habitat loss led to their inclusion in the inaugural list of rare species under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). Listing under the CESA provided giant gartersnakes legal protection and mechanisms for recovery, and subsequent listing under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (federal ESA) further fortified these protections. But how effective has listing under these endangered species acts (ESAs) been at achieving their goal of giant gartersnake recovery? Herein, we review relevant aspects of giant gartersnake ecology, illustrate how listing has benefited giant gartersnakes and what challenges have been faced in slowing declines and recovering populations, and chart a course toward improved conservation, management, and recovery of giant gartersnakes. Although listing as threatened under both state and federal ESAs has not yet achieved recovery of giant gartersnakes, the increased knowledge gained and mechanisms for protecting giant gartersnake habitat on private and public lands developed over the past 50 years has improved conservation of this endemic California snake.

Use of burrows by the endangered pygmy blue-tongue lizard, Tiliqua adelaidensis (Scincidae)

2003 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 523 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tim Milne ◽  
C. Michael Bull ◽  
Mark N. Hutchinson
Keyword(s):  
Endangered Species ◽  
Conservation Management ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Early Summer ◽  
Mating Activity ◽  
Adequate Supply ◽  
Invertebrate Prey ◽  
Video Recordings ◽  
Management Scheme ◽  
Burrow Entrance

The pygmy blue-tongue lizard, Tiliqua adelaidensis, had been considered extinct until its recent rediscovery near Burra in the mid-north of South Australia. The lizards apparently rely on spider burrows with a single entrance as refuge sites. In this paper we describe observations from all-day video recordings of the entrances of burrows occupied by lizards on 31 days across the spring and early summer of 1996. The lizards spent most of each day either retreated down the burrow or basking at the burrow entrance. Early in the season, when temperatures were cooler, lizards spent more of each day basking, and more of their basking time fully emerged from the burrow, than later in the season. Results are consistent with the hypothesis that the lizards thermoregulate by moving in and out of the burrow. Lizards also fed by making short excursions from the burrow, often to catch passing invertebrate prey, although they also fed on flowers early in spring. Later in the season lizards were more likely to vacate their burrows for longer times, or to move away from their burrows, and mating activity was observed when males approached burrows occupied by females. The observations suggest that pygmy blue-tongue lizards rely heavily on burrows for many activities, and that any conservation management scheme for this endangered species will rely on maintaining an adequate supply of burrows.

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