Mane variation in African lions and its social correlates

2002 ◽  
Vol 80 (3) ◽  
pp. 471-478 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roland W Kays ◽  
Bruce D Patterson
Keyword(s):  
Group Size ◽  
Adult Male ◽  
National Park ◽  
Social Groups ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Female Group ◽  
Small Male ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
African Lions ◽  
Male Hormone

Manes are generally thought to characterize all adult male lions (Panthera leo). Here we document a population of lions in Tsavo National Park, Kenya, that is largely maneless and describe aspects of their social organization. Because Tsavo's arid landscape supports sparse prey populations, we expected that surveys of lions there would document small social groups. We hypothesized that Tsavo lions would consequently experience reduced sexual selection pressures for mane development. Adult males from Tsavo typically have sparse blond hair forming a dorsal crest, beard, chest tufts, and (or) sideburns, but lack the large flowing manes reported from other lion populations. No fully maned lions were seen. Maneless males in Tsavo appear to be well integrated into pride life, and were observed copulating, hunting, and otherwise interacting with groups of females, playing with dependent cubs, and advertising territories with scent markings and roars. Only one adult male was observed in each of five prides, which differs surprisingly from the coalitions of 2–4 pride males noted in other lion groups. However, female group size was large (mean 7.4) and comparable with what has been documented in the Serengeti and elsewhere, refuting our "group size – mane size" hypothesis. Future research should focus on the effect of Tsavo's physical and physiological effects on mane condition, and the possible correlation of male hormone levels with both manelessness and small male-group size.

Serum uric acid levels in optic neuritis

2004 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 278-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
C M Knapp ◽  
C S Constantinescu ◽  
J HY Tan ◽  
R McLean ◽  
G R Cherryman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Uric Acid ◽  
Optic Neuritis ◽  
Serum Uric Acid ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Female Group ◽  
Small Male ◽  
Recent Onset ◽  
Male Cohort ◽  
The Difference

Uric acid, an antioxidant, is reduced in multiple sclerosis (MS). Patients with gout have a reduced incidence of MS. O ptic neuritis (O N), often the first manifestation of MS, is not known to be associated with reduced uric acid. Patients with recent onset of O N were investigated to determine whether uric acid levels were reduced at presentatio n. Twenty-o ne patients with O N were included, 17 females and 4 males. The mean (SD) serum uric acid in the O N female group was 184.4 (±55.1) mmol/L (range, 116- 309 mmol/L), whilst in the control group it was 235.2 (±50.2) mmol/L (range, 172- 381 mmol/L). The difference was statistically significant (x2 = 8.93, P = 0.003). In the small male cohort, mean (SD) serum uric acid was 305 (±52.1) mmol/L, whilst in the control group it was 328 (±80.4) mmol/L. These differences were not statistically significant. Reduced antioxidant reserve is possibly an early patho genic mechanism in inflammatory demyelination, and raises the possibility that low uric acid levels could be an indicator of disease activity. Since optic neuropathies of other causes were not investigated, future research needs to determine whether low uric acid represents a unique feature of optic neuritis or is seen in other optic neuropathies.

Short-term association patterns of humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) groups on their feeding grounds in the southern Gulf of Maine

1991 ◽  
Vol 69 (12) ◽  
pp. 3005-3011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mason T. Weinrich ◽  
Anne E. Kuhlberg
Keyword(s):  
Group Size ◽  
Adult Female ◽  
Adult Male ◽  
Gulf Of Maine ◽  
Humpback Whale ◽  
Distinct Pattern ◽  
Megaptera Novaeangliae ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Feeding Ground ◽  
Social Nature

Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) feeding ground associations show a distinct pattern of group size and composition. Median group size was 2 (mean 1.67), and frequency decreased as group size increased. Adult females and juvenile males were observed in pairs significantly more often than singly, whereas adult males and juvenile females were more often alone. Adult female–female pairs occurred significantly more frequently than adult male–male pairs, and adult female – juvenile male pairs formed more frequently than adult male – juvenile female pairs. The majority of groups remained associated for at least 10 min; however, as the size of a group increased, so did its tendency to separate within that period. Adult male–male pair associations were of significantly shorter duration than female–female or male–female pair associations. It is hypothesized that adult males may avoid other males on the feeding ground as an extension of breeding competition. The energetic burden of reproduction, and hence the need to forage cooperatively to maximize efficiency, may account for the adult female's social nature. Juveniles of both sexes, less constrained by reproductive costs, exhibit less structured social behavior.

Identifying hotspots of chimpanzee group activity from transect surveys in Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire

2011 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 621-630 ◽  
Author(s):  
Célestin Yao Kouakou ◽  
Christophe Boesch ◽  
Hjalmar S. Kuehl
Keyword(s):  
Group Size ◽  
Cote D'ivoire ◽  
National Park ◽  
Côte D’Ivoire ◽  
Social Groups ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Nest Distribution ◽  
Taï National Park ◽  
Direct Observations ◽  
Tai National Park

Abstract:Locating activity hotspots – areas of higher density, more intense use, or distinct social units – is a prerequisite for answering many questions in animal ecology. However, for many species, carrying out such research from direct observations in tropical habitat is time-consuming and unrealistic for non-habituated animals. This study aimed to locate chimpanzee home ranges from transect nest counts. For validation purposes, 233 line transects were sampled within the home ranges of four habituated social groups of chimpanzees in Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire. In total, 373 km of transects were surveyed over 188 days and 683 nests of chimpanzee were recorded. First, we characterized heterogeneity of nest distribution patterns, including variation in density and group size within the area. Second, we used scan statistics, a likelihood-based cluster technique to locate chimpanzee social groups and compared them with the known home range boundaries. Chimpanzee nest distribution was characterized by a positive density and group-size gradient away from the range periphery. Furthermore, nest distribution clusters corresponding to the four groups could be successfully identified, although additional clusters for, for example, low-density areas between social groups seem to be an unavoidable by-product. The approach taken can be extended to a wide spectrum of data stemming from direct observations, camera traps, acoustic or genetic sampling to derive information about structure and patchiness of wild animal populations.

HAPTEN-RADIOIMMUNOASSAY OF PLASMA OESTRADIOL

1973 ◽  
Vol 72 (2) ◽  
pp. 330-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Doerr
Keyword(s):  
Adult Male ◽  
Normal Values ◽  
Normal Adult ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Reagent Blank ◽  
Keyhole Limpet Haemocyanin ◽  
Ether Extraction ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Assay Precision ◽  
Plasma Oestradiol

ABSTRACT A hapten-radioimmunoassay for plasma oestradiol is described and information about the reliability of the method is given in detail. Oestradiol-3-hemisuccinate coupled to keyhole limpet haemocyanin is used for immunization of rabbits. The antiserum utilized for the assay is characterized by its titer, affinity and specificity. Following ether extraction and NaOH-light petroleum partition oestradiol is separated from crossreacting oestrogens by TLC. Oxidation of oestradiol on the plate is prevented by mercaptoethanol. To separate free and antibody bound ligand 250 μg dextran-coated charcoal per tube is used in the presence of bovine serum gammaglobulin (1 mg/ml). The between-assay precision based on 15 different determinations of control samples from normal adult male plasma was 9.4% (C. V.). The mean reagent blank value of 31 determinations was equivalent to 0.3 pg oestradiol and the detection limit in terms of the 99% confidence limit for a single blank value, was equivalent to 4.3 pg oestradiol. A procedure for detecting plasma blanks is described. Plasma oestradiol is separated from approximately all concomitant substances originally present in the sample by enzymatic conversion into oestrone and a second TLC. No plasma blanks could be detected with respect to normal adult male plasma. Normal values for adult males based on 51 subjects were characterized by a median of 17.2 pg/ml and the 95 percentiles of 9.5–27.6.

Bonobo baby dominance: Did female defense of offspring lead to reduced male aggression?

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kara Walker ◽  
Brian Hare
Keyword(s):  
Adult Male ◽  
Social System ◽  
Dominant Species ◽  
Potential Solution ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Male Aggression ◽  
Dominance Style ◽  
The Social ◽  
Initial Support

The dominance style of bonobos presents an evolutionary puzzle. Bonobos are not male dominant but female bonobos do not show traits typical of female-dominant species. This chapter proposes the offspring dominance hypothesis (ODH) as a potential solution. ODH suggests the social system of bonobos evolved as a defence against infanticide and is not due to pressure to monopolize resources. Females that prevented aggression towards offspring and preferred mating with less aggressive males were most successful. Supporting ODH, during observations at Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary it was found that: 1) adult male bonobos are rarely aggressive towards offspring with mothers, 2) some mother-reared juvenile bonobos attain rank higher than adult males and 3) mother-reared offspring often socially interact with adult males without their mothers nearby. These preliminary findings provide initial support that the bonobo social system evolved due to fitness advantages of effectively protecting offspring against consequences of male aggression. Le style de dominance des bonobos présente un puzzle évolutionnaire. Les bonobos ne sont pas dominés par les mâles mais les bonobos femelles ne montrent pas les traits caractéristiques d’une espèce dominée par femelles. On propose l’hypothèse de dominance de progéniture (ODH) comme une solution potentielle. La ODH suggère que le système social des bonobos a évolué en défense contre l’infanticide et pas sous pression pour la monopolisation des ressources. Les femelles qui préviennent l’agression vers leur progéniture et leur préférence d’accouplement avec des mâles moins agressives étaient très efficaces. À l’appui de la ODH on a trouvé pendant nos observations à Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary que: 1) les mâles adultes bonobos agressent rarement vers les bébés avec mères, 2) quelques adolescents bonobos qui furent élevés par leurs mères atteignent un rang plus haut que les mâles adultes et 3) la progéniture élevée par la mère interagissent avec avec d’adultes mâles sans la présence de leur mère. Ces trouvailles préliminaires donnent appuie à l’hypothèse que le système social des bonobos a évolué par les avantages corporelles de la protection de la progéniture contre les conséquences de l’agression mâle.

The Development of Moral Self-Presentation

2020 ◽  
pp. 91-109
Author(s):  
Robin Banerjee ◽  
Gail D. Heyman ◽  
Kang Lee
Keyword(s):  
Social Groups ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Truth Telling ◽  
Moral Self ◽  
Self Presentation ◽  
Emotional Processes ◽  
The Social ◽  
Moral Context

Children come to recognize that the impressions one makes on other people can be controlled and managed. In this chapter, the authors situate the development of such “self-presentation” in the moral context, with attention to a range of relevant social, cultural, cognitive, motivational, and emotional processes. Children’s appreciation of self-presentational tactics such as self-promotion, modesty, and ingratiation is reviewed before turning specifically to the factors involved in deception and truth-telling. The authors analyze the emergence of children’s self-presentational competencies in shaping both their own individual reputations and the reputations of the social groups with which they identify, especially in contexts where moral and social-conventional rules have been transgressed. Key goals for future research that illuminates the nature and implications of children’s moral self-presentation are identified.

scholarly journals Sex-Segregated Range Use by Black-and-White Ruffed Lemurs (Varecia variegata) in Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-33
Author(s):  
Andrea L. Baden ◽  
Jelisa Oliveras ◽  
Brian D. Gerber
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
National Park ◽  
Social Groups ◽  
Day Length ◽  
Ranomafana National Park ◽  
Home Range Overlap ◽  
Range Use ◽  
Black And White ◽  
Varecia Variegata ◽  
Range Overlap

Ranging behavior is one important strategy by which nonhuman primates obtain access to resources critical to their biological maintenance and reproductive success. As most primates live in permanent social groups, their members must balance the benefits of group living with the costs of intragroup competition for resources. However, some taxa live in more spatiotemporally flexible social groups, whose members modify patterns of association and range use as a method to mitigate these costs. Here, we describe the range use of one such taxon, the black-and-white ruffed lemur (<i>Varecia variegata</i>), at an undisturbed primary rain forest site in Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar, and characterize sex differences in annual home range area, overlap, and daily distances traveled. Moreover, we characterize seasonal variability in range use and ask whether ranging behaviors can be explained by either climatic or reproductive seasonality. We found that females used significantly larger home ranges than males, though sexes shared equal and moderate levels of home range overlap. Overall, range use did not vary across seasons, although within sexes, male range use varied significantly with climate. Moreover, daily path length was best predicted by day length, female reproductive state, and sex, but was unrelated to climate variables. While the patterns of range use and spatial association presented here share some similarities with “bisexually bonded” community models described for chimpanzees, we argue that ruffed lemurs best conform to a “nuclear neighborhood” community model wherein nuclear (core) groups share the highest levels of home range overlap, and where these groups cluster spatially into adjacent “neighborhoods” within the larger, communally defended territory.

scholarly journals Group size and aquatic vegetation modulates male preferences for female shoals in wild zebrafish, Danio rerio

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aditya Ghoshal ◽  
Anuradha Bhat
Keyword(s):  
Group Size ◽  
Aquatic Vegetation ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Ecological Factors ◽  
Choice Test ◽  
Female Group ◽  
Aquatic Flora ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
The Individual

AbstractShoaling decisions in the wild are determined by a combination of innate preferences of the individual along with the interplay of multiple ecological factors. In their natural habitat as well as in the laboratory, zebrafish is a shoaling fish. Here, we investigate the role of group size and associated vegetation in shaping shoaling preferences of wild male zebrafish. We studied the association preference of males to groups of female shoals in a multi-choice test design. We found that males made greater proportion of visits to an 8-female group compared to 2 and 4-female groups. However, males spent similar proportions of time across the three female-containing groups. When artificial vegetation was incorporated along with female number as an additional factor, we found that males prefer high and moderately vegetated patches compared to low or no-vegetation groups, irrespective of the number of females in these patches. Based on experiments using a novel multi-choice design, our results show that preference for group size can change due to interaction of two separate factors. This work is a first attempt to understand the role of aquatic flora in determining shoaling preferences in zebrafish, using an experimental paradigm consisting of a gradation in female and vegetation densities.

Are We Loving Our National Parks to Death? A Call for Research on Crime and Law Enforcement in the U.S. National Park System

2021 ◽  
pp. 073401682110157
Author(s):  
William Andrew Stadler ◽  
Cheryl Lero Jonson ◽  
Brooke Miller Gialopsos
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
National Parks ◽  
National Park ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Road Map ◽  
Current State ◽  
Park Service ◽  
Service Data ◽  
National Park System ◽  
The U.S

Despite a recent surge of visitation and frequent media accounts of lawlessness in America’s national parks, little empirical research has been dedicated to crime and law enforcement in the U.S. national park system. The absence of systematic crime and justice research within these protected spaces should raise concern, as recent park service data and intra-agency reports suggest visitor growth, funding and personnel declines, operational shortcomings, and technology constraints may endanger the capacity of the National Park Service (NPS) to adequately address anticipated crime threats in the 21st century. This call for research aims to raise awareness of the contemporary law enforcement challenges facing this federal agency and encourage the study of crime and justice issues within the U.S. national park system. We briefly examine the evolution and current state of NPS law enforcement and its associated challenges and conclude with a conceptual road map for future research occurring in these protected spaces.

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