Dowling, D. K. & Mulder, R. A. 2006: Red plumage and its association with reproductive success in red-capped robins. — Ann. Zool. Fennici 43: 311–321.

Red plumage is produced mainly by deposition of carotenoid pigments into the feathers and is assumed to be costly. Recent studies suggest red plumage may be a condition-dependent, sexually selected signal. To date, few studies have explored the relationship between carotenoid-based plumage colour and genetic (realised) reproductive success. This is despite the rarity of genetic monogamy among avian mating systems. We studied this relationship in the red-capped robin (Petroica goodenovii) across two breeding seasons, using spectrophotometric techniques to score colour and molecular markers to assign paternity. Males with the highest within-pair reproductive success during the first season moulted into the most colourful plumage at the conclusion of that season. We found no such correlations when using putative measures of reproductive success, underlining the importance of unambiguous paternity assignment. However, males that moulted into the most colourful plumage did not go on to attain highest reproductive success during the subsequent breeding season (while displaying this plumage). Instead, variation in male reproductive success was explained by male body condition and age. These results suggest that the information value of male plumage colour is unpredictable.

Back to the top

Canestrelli, D., Caputo, F. P., Bagnoli, C. & Nascetti, G. 2006: Integrating genetic, demographic and ecological issues for the conservation of the Alpine newt in central Italy. — Ann. Zool. Fennici 43: 322–334.

In this paper, we used a multidisciplinary approach to investigate the present conservation status of the Alpine newt in central Italy, particularly of the relict population from the Laga Mts. With respect to other European populations studied, those from peninsular Italy show a degree of genetic differentiation (using mitochondrial cytochrome-b gene sequences and 23 allozyme loci) resembling that found among several species of salamanders (p distance = 5.6%; D_Nei = 0.30), clearly individuating these populations as a distinct Evolutionary Significant Unit, thus in need of separate conservation efforts. From both the genetic and the demographic point of view, the population from the Laga Mts. appears to be under serious threat of disappearance, showing the lowest levels of genetic diversity observed for the species and an adult population size well below the estimated threshold value for a Minimum Viable Population. Finally, the analysis of habitat correlates of newt abundance suggest that human activities in the area (tree-cutting and grazing) may be important causal factors. Therefore, possible ways in which these activities could have an impact on the Alpine newt populations are also discussed.

Back to the top

Fartmann, T. 2006: Oviposition preferences, adjacency of old woodland and isolation explain the distribution of the Duke of Burgundy butterfly (Hamearis lucina) in calcareous grasslands in central Germany. — Ann. Zool. Fennici 43: 335–347.

Analyses of phenology, oviposition preference and patch occupancy of Hamearis lucina were made in calcareous grasslands in the Diemel Valley (central Germany) at its northwestern latitudinal limit in continental Europe. Distribution and range dynamics in Germany are shown. The patch occupancy of H. lucina in calcareous grasslands could best be explained by oviposition-habitat preferences, adjacency of old woodland and isolation. H. lucina mainly colonised shrubby semi-dry calcareous grasslands with Primula veris and a high total vegetation coverage on west-facing slopes. The key factors determining the oviposition habitat are (i) the presence of the host plant and (ii) the vegetation structure and, partly interrelated with this, the meso-/microclimate. The spatial structure and the climate near ground drive the host plant availability. The colonies of H. lucina in calcareous grasslands showed a strong association with adjacent old woodlands, which suggests that the current distribution pattern still reflects the historical habitat shift from coppiced woods into calcareous grassland after abandonment of coppicing and grazing. The present study showed that H. lucina tolerates a wide range of grazing intensities in Germany. The most favourable tool is traditional rough grazing. Habitat heterogeneity could buffer populations against climate change. Therefore it is necessary to create and secure sites with a high structural and aspectual variety.

Back to the top

Kauhala, K. & Holmala, K. 2006: Contact rate and risk of rabies spread between medium-sized carnivores in southeast Finland. — Ann. Zool. Fennici 43: 348–357.

Spatial and temporal interaction between medium-sized carnivores (raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides, red fox Vulpes vulpes, European badger Meles meles and domestic cat Felis silvestris catus) was studied in southeast Finland using radio-telemetry to estimate the risk of contact and contact rate (number of contacts) between individuals. There was a high level of overlap between home ranges both within and between species and individuals had frequent contact. The risk of contact was high for members of raccoon dog pairs, individual cats and badgers, but also for raccoon dogs and badgers and for raccoon dogs and cats. The lowest risk of contact was for neighbouring raccoon dogs and for male foxes. In this carnivore community the transmission of disease, such as rabies, both within and between species is likely. The role of the badger as a vector of rabies is probably much greater than previously assumed.

Back to the top

Mitrus, C. 2006: The influence of male age and phenology on reproductive success of the red-breasted flycatcher (Ficedula parva Bechst.). — Ann. Zool. Fennici 43: 358–365.

I studied arrival time, breeding phenology, and breeding success in relation to the age class (second year and older) of male red-breasted flycatchers for six breeding seasons (2000–2005) in the primaeval Bialowieza Forest, eastern Poland. Older males, i.e. older than two years (ASY), arrived on average five days earlier than younger, second-year (SY) males. Moreover, early-arriving ASY males and experienced males were more likely to pair than were SY males and males that arrived later. Arrival time and age of males also influenced the first egg date of their mates. Arrival time, first egg date and age of male, however, did not influence clutch size, breeding success, or the number of offspring fledged. The richness and abundance of food under natural conditions may reduce the influence of age and experience on feeding effort and, as a consequence, reproductive success. High predation pressure may favour a "no restraint" breeding strategy and young birds should take full advantage of every breeding opportunity.

Back to the top

Steinmann, A., Priotto, J., Sommaro, L. & Polop, J. 2006: The influence of adult female absence on the spacing behaviour of juvenile corn mice, Calomys musculinus: a removal experiment. — Ann. Zool. Fennici 43: 366–372.

We tested the hypothesis that the absence of adult females promotes a restriction in spacing behaviour in juvenile male Calomys musculinus at the beginning of the breeding period. Our study was carried out in four 0.25 ha enclosures (two control and two experimental enclosures), between December 2004 and February 2005. Mothers were removed from the experimental enclosures. Home range size depended on the sex of juveniles and the treatment. Female home range sizes were always smaller than those of males. Male home ranges were larger in control enclosures than in experimental enclosures. Treatment and overlap type (intra- and inter-sexual) were not independent. The overlap proportions of male home ranges were lower in experimental enclosures than in control enclosures, in both overlap type (male/male, male/female). The intra- and inter-sexual overlap proportions of female home ranges were independent of treatment. The results are discussed in the light of spacing behaviour and competition for resources.

Back to the top

Tikkanen, O.-P., Martikainen, P., Hyvärinen, E., Junninen, K. & Kouki, J. 2006: Red-listed boreal forest species of Finland: associations with forest structure, tree species, and decaying wood. — Ann. Zool. Fennici 43: 373–383.

Using data from expert assessments, we classified the habitat and resource requirements of red-listed boreal forest species in Finland. All major taxa were included and represented by 466 species. Of the four major groups studied, red-listed Plantae & Fungi and Aphyllophorales were mainly inhabitants of shady coniferous forests, whereas the habitats used by Animalia and Coleoptera were more diverse. Of the boreal tree species, Picea abies harbours the greatest number of red-listed species, but Pinus sylvestris and Populus tremula host almost as many. The proportion of critically endangered species is highest on Populus. Our results emphasise the importance of dead wood and the conservation value of natural early successional forest habitats in addition to old-growth natural forests. Red-listed forest species are a highly heterogeneous group in their habitat and resource requirements, and this has to be taken into consideration in conservation and when seeking for cost-efficient conservation measures.

Back to the top