scholarly journals Response distances of wild forest reindeer (Rangifer tarandus fennicus Lönnb.) and semi-domestic reindeer (R. t. tarandus L.) to direct provocation by a human on foot/snowshoes

Rangifer ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauri Nieminen

The objective of the study was to examine response distances of wild forest reindeer (Rangifer tarandus fennicus Lönnb.) and semi-domestic reindeer (R. t. tarandus L.) in Finland and Norway to direct provocation by a human on foot/snowshoes in 5 areas and in 15 reindeer herding cooperatives during different seasons in 2010-12. There were no significant differences in mean herd size or in sight, alert, flight and closest response distances of wild forest reindeer in the Kuhmo and Suomenselkä areas. The encounter distance in wild forest reindeer was significantly (P< 0.005) longer than in semi-domestic reindeer in Finland and in Finnmark, Norway, and it increased with the group size. The sight and the alert distances in wild forest reindeer were significantly (P< 0.001) longer than in semi-domestic reindeer. In addition, the flight distance for wild forest reindeer (mean 192 m) was significantly (P< 0.001) and almost three times longer than in semi-domestic reindeer in Finland (mean 68 m). The closest mean distance was in wild forest reindeer 191m (range 100-320 m) but only 44 m (range 2-110 m) in semi-domestic reindeer (P< 0.001). The sight, alert, flight and closest response distances were slightly longer in Norwegian than in Finnish semi-domestic reindeer. However, these distances were significantly (P<0.005) longer in Pohjois-Salla (no supplementary feeding) than in other Finnish reindeer herding cooperatives and at the Kaamanen experimental station. The mean flight distance of reindeer in Pohjois-Salla was 115 m but only 65 m in other cooperatives (P< 0.001). The closest distance of semi-domestic reindeer in Pohjois-Salla (mean 105 m) was more than 2.5 times longer than in other reindeer herding cooperatives (mean 40 m). The mean sight, alert and flight distances in wild forest reindeer in autumn and winter were significantly longer (P<0.005) than in semi-domestic reindeer in Finland. However, during summer these distances in wild forest reindeer herds with young calves were significantly longer (P<0.005). The mean herd size of Finnish semi-domestic reindeer was almost the same in different seasons, but in wild forest reindeer it was slightly bigger during winter and spring and smaller during summer and autumn, only 7-23 reindeer. The mean encounter and sight distances in semi-domestic reindeer were significantly longer (P<0.005) in winter, but the mean alert and flight distances were almost the same in winter and summer and slightly longer than during other seasons. The results suggest that the supplementary feeding practice during winter may likely cause a reduction in flight distances in semi-domestic reindeer.

Rangifer ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauri Nieminen ◽  
Harri Norberg ◽  
Veikko Maijala

During the period 1999 to 2004 the reindeer calf survival and mortality were studied in two reindeer-herding cooperatives and in five herding-groups in northern Finland, where in total 1725 calves were fitted with mortality indicating radio-transmitters fixed on expandable neck collars. The calves were weighed and marked at the age of 2-5 days in calving corrals and also during earmarking in June/July, when the age of calves was 2-8 weeks. The rate, timing and causes of mortality of calves were investigated. In 1999-2001 in Ivalo reindeer-herding cooperative 4.6% of radiocollared calves and in 2002-04 in Käsivarsi reindeer cooperative 5.2% was found dead. The average mortality of the calves radio-collared during calving time in May, and monitored to the end of October, was 6.7% in Ivalo and 9.0% in Käsivarsi. From July on, the average mortality rates varied between 1.8-5.7% among reindeer herding-groups. On average 54 and 42% of all radio-collared calves found dead in Ivalo and Käsivarsi cooperatives were attributed to predation, and golden eagle was the most significant cause of death in both cooperatives killing 0-3.5% of radio-collared calves in different study areas and years. Golden eagle predation accounted for 33-43% of all radio-collared calves found dead, 55-59% of the cases with identified cause of death and 80% of all identified predation. Most of the calves killed by golden eagle were found during July and August mainly in the open areas, as in highlands, bogs and clear-cut forest areas. The mean body weight of the calves radio-collared in May (weights adjusted on June 1st) and found dead during the summer was significantly (P<0.01) lighter than the mean weight of survivors both in Ivalo and Käsivarsi. Furthermore, the midsummer body weights of the calves (weights adjusted on July 1st) killed by all predators and by golden eagles were significantly (P<0.001) lower than the mean weight of surviving calves in both cooperatives. However, the weights did not differ between depredated calves and those calves that succumbed due to other causes than predation. The results of this study emphasize the relative importance of golden eagle as a mortality factor for reindeer calves in the northern part of the Finnish reindeer husbandry area.


2014 ◽  
Vol 1010-1012 ◽  
pp. 1059-1063
Author(s):  
Wei Guan ◽  
Tao Fan ◽  
Xiu Qin Zhu

To elucidate the relationship between stable isotopes of precipitation (SIP) and the extreme drought in Kunming area, based on the stable isotopes data of the GNIP in Kunming site from 1986 to 2003, the precipitation line equation is brought forward and the seasonal change rule of stable isotopes are discussed. The stable isotopic compositions of precipitation exhibit great diversities in different seasons during to influences of multiple factors, such as monsoon, rainfall amount moisture source and others. The δ18O values in rainwater exhibit significant seasonal variations, the average of-10.12‰ in rainy season, the dry season is-4.5‰, having lower values in the rainy season and higher one in the dry season. The amount effect of precipitation is very distinct, that concealed the temperature effect. Got the special geographical position,dvalues present unique characteristics, the average ofdvalues is 10.78‰ in rainy season, and is 4.86‰ in dry season, the mean value is generally lower than most parts of the world.


2017 ◽  
Vol 56 (8) ◽  
pp. 2221-2237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ping Yang ◽  
Guoyu Ren ◽  
Wei Hou

AbstractHourly datasets obtained by automatic weather stations in Beijing, China, are developed and employed to analyze the spatial and temporal characteristics of relative humidity (RH) and urban dryness island intensity (UDII) over built-up areas. A total of 36 stations inside the sixth ring road are considered as urban sites, while six stations in suburban belts surrounding the built-up areas are taken as reference sites. Results show that the RH is obviously smaller in urban areas than in suburban areas, indicating the effect of urbanization on near-surface atmospheric moisture and RH. A further analysis of relations between RH and temperature on varied time scales shows that the variations in RH in the urban areas are not due solely to changes in temperature. The annual and seasonal mean UDII are high in central urban areas, with the strongest UDII values occurring in autumn and the weakest values occurring in spring. The diurnal UDII variations are characterized by a steadily strong UDII stage from 2000 to 0800 LT and a minimum at 1500 or 1600 LT. The rapid shifts of UDII from high (low) to low (high) occur during the periods 0800–1600 LT (1600–2000 LT). The occurrence time of the peaks varies among different seasons: the peaks appear at 0700, 2100, 2000, and 0800 LT for spring, summer, autumn, and winter, respectively. Further analysis shows that large UDII values appear in the evenings and early nights in late summer and early to midautumn and that low UDII values mainly occur in the afternoon hours of spring, winter, and late autumn.


Rangifer ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jon M. Arnemo ◽  
Birgit Ranheim

<p>Serum concentrations of glucose and Cortisol were measured in five adult captive reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) at 24 h and 10 min before, and at 0.5, 1,2,4, 8, 12 and 24 h after, treatment with 60 p.g/kg of medetomidine i.v. followed by 300 jig/kg of atipamezole i.v. 60 min later. The experiments were performed in January and repeated in July-August. The animals were used as their own controls and treated with saline in July-August. The wash-out period between experiments in summer was 2 weeks or more. No obvious seasonal differences were observed. Mederomidine induced a 2.5-fold increase in glucose (mean &plusmn; standard error of the mean being 15.4 &plusmn; 0.6 mmol/1 at 1 h) and a 3.5-fold increase Cortisol (349 &plusmn; 28 nmol/1 at 0.5 h). Serum glucose reached control levels within 12 h, and Cortisol declined to baseline levels within 4 h after injection og medetomidine. The use of blood concentrations of glucose and Cortisol to assess nutritonal status, body condition and stress may be significantly biased in animals chemically immobilized with medetomidine or other alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonists.</p>


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 36
Author(s):  
Joko Kurniawan ◽  
Alifah Anggraini ◽  
Madarina Julia

Background In developing countries, 5-10% of infants suffer from failure to thrive. Adequate feeding is the most crucial factor for optimal growth in early life.Objective To assess the differences in growth velocity at 4 to 6 months of age, based on the infant feeding practices.Methods This cross-sectional study involving 4 to 6 month-old babies from 6 public health centres in Yogyakarta was performed from August to November 2016. Data on body weight, and growth velocity as they related to weight at birth were collected. Subjects were divided into groups according to their feeding practices.Results Of 173 subjects, 130 (75%) infants were exclusively breastfed, 19 infants (11%) were given breast milk and formula, 14 (8%) infants were given breast milk and complementary food (8%), and 10 (6%) infants were given formula and complementary food. The mean growth velocity z-scores by group were as follows: exclusively breastfed 0.04 (SD 1.15) (95%CI -0.16 to 0.24), breast milk and formula -0.61 (SD 0.84) (95%CI -1.01 to -0.21), breast milk and complementary food -0.69 (SD 1.14) (95%CI -1.35 to -0.04), formula and complementary food 0.23 (SD 1.50) (95%CI: -0.84 to 1.31). The mean difference in growth velocity between the exclusively breastfed vs. breast milk and formula groups was 0.65 (SD 0.28) (95%CI: 0.10 to 1.20; P=0.02); vs. breast milk and complementary food was 0.73 (SD 0.32) (95%CI: 0.10 to 1.37; P=0.02); and vs. formula and complementary food was -0.19 (SD 0.37) (95%CI: -0.93 to 0.55; P=0.61).Conclusion Exclusively breastfed have the most optimal growth velocity compared to infants who experience other feeding practices.


Author(s):  
Tuğba Sağlam ◽  
Serdar Düşen ◽  
Meral Apaydın Yağcı ◽  
Abdülkadir Yağcı

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess both the presence and seasonal variability of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. in Eğirdir Lake within the borders of Isparta province, which is used for drinking, agricultural irrigation and recreational purposes. Method: The research was carried out between July 2016 and January 2017 and water samples were taken from five different stations in three different seasons in Lake Eğirdir. After direct microscopic examination of the samples (Native-Lugol method), they were stained with Modified Acid Fast (MAF), and examined under the light microscope for parasites. Results: Cryptosporidium spp and Giardia spp were detected in 15 water samples in summer months, with an average density of 99.2% and 93.3% respectively, in Lake Eğirdir. In addition, both parasites were also detected intensively in autumn and winter Conclusion: The use of Lake Eğirdir for daily needs of people, agriculture andrecreational purposes cause increase in protozoal density. Thus, it is necessary to conduct parasitological studies on Lake Eğirdir, especially during the periods of swimming tourism, to determine the protozoal epidemiology in humans and animals. In addition, it is important to carry out adequate disinfection processes and plan the necessary control programs in terms of public health in the regions where Lake Eğirdir is used as drinking water.


Rangifer ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauri Nieminen

During 2006-2008 the survival of reindeer calves was studied in the reindeer-herding cooperative of Halla in Kainuu area where totally 546 calves were equipped with radio mortality collars mainly at the age of 1-3 days. The survival was monitored from the calving in May until winter round-ups in October to January. The rate, timing and causes of mortality of reindeer were assessed. In 2006-08 totally 177 radio-collared calves were found dead (mean mortality 32.4%) until mid-January. The results showed significant annual variation in calf mortality and predation. Independent of year the mortality of radio-collared calves was highest during the first two months after birth, and the total mortality was 30.7% at the end of October and reached 34.6% by mid-January. The sex of calves and pelt colour did not affect significantly survival of calves. Predation comprised 70.0% of total mortality. Predation by wolf, bear, lynx and wolverine comprised on average 38.4%, 20.3%, 9.0% and 2.3%, respectively. Birth weight of calves lost or killed by predators did not differ from surviving calves. However, birth weight of calves killed by brown bears was significantly lighter (mean 5.84 kg), whereas calves killed by Eurasian lynx was significantly heavier (mean 6.67 kg) than birth weight of calves that survived (mean 6.26 kg). Bears killed calves mainly in May to July, wolves in July to October and lynx in August to December. Of 209 radio-collared adult females, 17 were found dead (8.0%). These females had calved in May and they were killed mainly by wolves (52.0%) in August to October.


Rangifer ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 20 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geir Gotaas ◽  
Eric Milne ◽  
Paul Haggarty ◽  
Nicholas J.C. Tyler

The doubly labelled water (DLW) method was used to measure total energy expenditure (TEE) in three male reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) aged 22 months in winter (February) while the animals were living unrestricted at natural mountain pasture in northern Norway (69&deg;20'N). The concentrations of 2H and l8O were measured in water extracted from samples of faeces collecred from the animals 0.4 and 11.2 days after injection of the isotopes. Calculated rates of water flux and CO2-production were adjusted to compensate for estimated losses of 2H in faecal solids and in methane produced by microbial fermentation of forage in the rumen. The mean specific TEE in the three animals was 3.057 W.kg-1 (range 2.436 - 3.728 W.kg1). This value is 64% higher than TEE measured by the DLW method in four captive, non-pregnant adult female reindeer in winter and probably mainly reflects higher levels of locomotor activity in the free-living animals. Previous estimates of TEE in free-living Rangifer in winter based on factorial models range from 3.038 W.kg-1 in female woodland caribou (R. t. caribou) to 1.813 W.kg-1 in female Svalbard reindeer (R. t. platyrhynchus). Thus, it seems that existing factorial models are unlikely to overestimate TEE in reindeer/caribou: they may, instead, be unduly conservative. While the present study serves as a general validation of the factorial approach, we suggest that the route to progress in the understanding of field energetics in wild ungulates is via application of the DLW method.


1988 ◽  
Vol 66 (2) ◽  
pp. 475-479 ◽  
Author(s):  
Murray W. Lankester ◽  
Stu Luttich

Fifty-eight percent of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) of the George River herd, Labrador, were infected with up to 110 giant American liver flukes (Fascioloides magna). The prevalence and intensity of infection did not differ between 2 sampling years or between sexes. Prevalence tended to increase with age while intensity did not differ among age groups. Liver weight increased with intensity of infection but condition, as measured by the mean depth of back fat, did not differ between infected and uninfected animals. Caribou must be considered a suitable host of F. magna since the growth and maturation of the parasite and lesions produced in Rangifer resemble those in deer and wapiti.


Author(s):  
Stanislav Staněk ◽  
Eliška Nejedlá ◽  
Petr Fleischer ◽  
Alena Pechová ◽  
Soňa Šlosárková

Prevalence of failure of passive transfer (FPT) of immunity remains relatively high worldwide. The aim of this study was to estimate the FPT prevalence in Czech dairy calves and to evaluate the selected factors – breed, herd size, sex of calves, single versus twin births and the influence of the season of birth. A total of 1,175 serum samples were taken from calves of Czech Fleckvieh and Holstein breed from 33 herds between October 2015 and October 2017. Serum IgG concentration was determined by reference method for IgG determination – radial immunodiffusion. Statistical evaluation was performed by Kruskal‑Wallis test. The concentration of IgG ranged from 1.5 to 46.6 g/L with average value 13.7 g/L and was significantly influenced by breed, size of the herd and season. Using the criterion IgG < 10 g/L, it was found that 34.6 % of calves had FPT. The prevalence of FPT by breed was 42.9 % vs. 24.2 % (Czech Fleckvieh vs. Holstein), by size of the herd 45.0, 44.4, 25.5 and 22.0 % (< 200, 200–399, 400–599 and ≥ 600 cows per herd, respectively) and by season 25.3, 34.6, 29.9 and 52.5 % (spring, summer, autumn and winter, respectively). The sex of calves was not found to be a statistically significant factor. The study in newborn calves showed that FPT is still an important problem in Czech dairy herds, especially in the Czech Fleckvieh breed. In smaller herds and especially in the winter, the prevalence of FPT was very high.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document