Zoology Commons^™

The Trade-Off Between Tooth Strength And Tooth Penetration: Predicting Optimal Shape Of Canine Teeth, Patricia W. Freeman, Cliff A. Lemen

University of Nebraska State Museum: Mammalogy Papers

We investigate the shape of canine teeth under the assumption that the tooth’s morphology is optimized by the evolutionary trade-off to minimize breakage and maximize ease of the penetration of prey. A series of experiments using artificial teeth to puncture the hides of a deer Odocoileus virginianus and pig Sus scrofa domesticus were conducted to establish the relationships between the tooth shape and the force needed to puncture the hide. The shapes of these teeth were also used in a beam theory analysis to calculate the strength of the teeth. Because the relative costs of puncturing and breakage were not …

Bats Of Anguilla, Northern Lesser Antilles, Hugh H. Genoways, Carleton J. Phillips, Scott C. Pedersen, Linda K. Gordon

University of Nebraska State Museum: Mammalogy Papers

Five species of bats are known in the literature from Anguilla—Monophyllus plethodon, Brachyphylla cavernarum, Artibeus jamaicensis, Natalus stramineus, and Molossus molossus. These records are scattered in the literature as parts of simple reports of the species from the island or included in revisions of taxonomic groups that occur on the island, but the first comprehensive study of bats of Anguilla is presented herein. In addition to providing morphometric and natural history information for the five species of bats previously known from the island, records of a species of bat new to the fauna of the island of Anguilla—Tadarida …

Bats Of Barbuda, Northern Lesser Antilles, Scott C. Pedersen, Peter A. Larsen, Hugh H. Genoways, Matthew Morton, Kevel C. Lindsay, Jerry Cindric

University of Nebraska State Museum: Mammalogy Papers

Five species of bats are known to occur on the Lesser Antillean island of Barbuda—Noctilio leporinus, Monophyllus plethodon, Brachyphylla cavernarum, Tadarida brasiliensis, and Molossus molossus. During the present study, two additional species of bats—Artibeus jamaicensis and Natalus stramineus—were added to the chiropteran fauna of the island. Although the ecological diversity of Barbuda is limited, this bat fauna matches those of islands in the region such as Antigua, Nevis, and St. Kitts. It is proposed that this biodiversity of bats is maintained because of the geology of Barbuda provides ample roosting sites and access to freshwater …

Summer Field Report, June-July 2007, W. Ross Silcock

Nebraska Bird Review

This summer was a "something for everyone" season. Ecologists, already excited by the apparent ability of Greater Prairie-Chickens to lek in improbable habitats, such as corn fields and dirt edges of Rainwater Basin playas, will welcome the use by Lark Buntings and Vesper Sparrows of wheat stubble fields with a growing corn crop. The Vesper Sparrows of the east, a different subspecies from those in the north and west, have been at the mercy of full-tillage cropping systems, but now have a reprieve and may even be increasing because of no-till and minimum tillage methods currently in vogue due to …

Nebraska Bird Review (September 2007) 75(3), Whole Issue

Nebraska Bird Review

Summer Field Report, June-July 2007 by W. Ross Silcock ... 70

2006 (18th) Report of the NOU Records Committee compiled by Mark A. Brogie ... 86

Subscription and Organization Information ... 95

Subscription And Organization Information [September 2007]

Nebraska Bird Review

The Nebraska Bird Review is published quarterly by the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union, Inc., as its official journal, and is sent to members not in arrears of dues. Annual subscription rates (on a calendar-year basis only): $15 in the United States, $18 in Canada and $30 in all other countries, payable in advance. Single copies are $4 each, postpaid, in the United States, $5 in Canada, and $8 elsewhere. Send orders for back issues to Mary Lou Pritchard, NOU Librarian, c/o University of Nebraska State Museum, W-436 Nebraska Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588-0514.

Memberships in the NOU (on a calendar-year basis only): …

"Species Accounts," From Nebraska Bird Review (September 2007) 75(3)., Nebraska Ornithologists' Union

Nebraska Bird Review

Greater White-fronted Goose: Summer stragglers are rare, but one was in Clay Co 17 Jun (JGJ).

Snow Goose: About 25 stragglers or non-migrants were found; largest group was 20 at Harvard Marsh 2 Jun (PD), and westerly, where rare, was one at LM 10 Jun (SJD).

Ross's Goose: One at LM 9 Jun (SJD) was only the 3rd Jun record.

Canada Goose: Routine reports.

Trumpeter Swan: Routine reports.

Wood Duck: Routine reports.

Gadwall: Routine reports.

American Wigeon: A male at LM 9 Jun (SJD) was likely a late migrant; breeding is not known …

2006 (18th) Report Of The Nou Records Committee, Mark A. Brogie

Nebraska Bird Review

The functions and methods of the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union (NOU) Records Committee are described in its bylaws (NOU Records Committee 1986). The committee's purpose is to provide a procedure for documenting unusual bird sightings and to establish a list of all documented birds for Nebraska. The "'Official List of the Birds of Nebraska" was first published in 1988 (NOU Records Committee 1988) and has been updated two times (NOU Records Committee 1997, 2004).

The "Official List" has been appended sixteen times: (Mollhoff 1989; Grenon 1990, 1991; Gubanyi 1996a, 1996b, 1996c; Brogie 1997, 1998, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006; Jorgensen 2001, …

2006 (18th) Report Of The Nou Records Committee, Mark A. Brogie

Nebraska Bird Review

The functions and methods of the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union (NOU) Records Committee are described in its bylaws (NOU Records Committee 1986). The committee's purpose is to provide a procedure for documenting unusual bird sightings and to establish a list of all documented birds for Nebraska. The "Official List of the Birds of Nebraska" was first published in 1988 (NOU Records Committee 1988) and has been updated two times (NOU Records Committee 1997, 2004).

The "Official List" has been appended sixteen times: (Mollhoff 1989; Grenon 1990, 1991; Gubanyi 1996a, 1996b, 1996c; Brogie 1997, 1998, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006; Jorgensen 2001, …

Spring Field Report, March–May 2007, W. Ross Silcock

Nebraska Bird Review

INTRODUCTION

Extremes of weather conditions and resulting variation in water conditions were noteworthy this spring. The west was very dry, but the Rainwater Basin had ample rains resulting in excellent breeding conditions for various waterbirds, notably Eared Grebe and American Coot. Shorebird numbers were unremarkable, although there was plenty of variation between species. Indeed, Dunlin, with record numbers, and Ruddy Turnstones were numerous. Arrival dates were pushing early but not record early. Species earlier than average were American Golden-Plover, Mountain Plover, Black-necked Stilt, White-rumped Sandpiper, and Stilt Sandpiper.

Increasingly associated with wetlands, albeit unrelated to water levels, Greater Prairie-Chicken continued …

A Preliminary Survey Of Southeast Nebraska Grassland Habitat And Potential Henslow’S Sparrow Habitat, W. Ross Silcock

Nebraska Bird Review

INTRODUCTION

The decline in numbers of Henslow’s Sparrows in North America (Sauer et al. 2001) is generally considered to be due to reduction in the extent of its preferred breeding habitat, “relatively large fields consisting of tall, dense grass, a well-developed litter layer, standing dead vegetation, and sparse or no woody vegetation” (Herkert et al. 2002). Since 1985, however, the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) has allowed payments to landowners by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to idle croplands and to seed them to various grasses. This has provided habitat that appears to …

Masthead From Nebraska Bird Review (June 2007)

Nebraska Bird Review

The Nebraska Bird Review is published quarterly by the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union, Inc., as its official journal, and is sent to members not in arrears of dues. Annual subscription rates (on a calendar-year basis only): $15 in the United States, $18 in Canada, and $30 in all other countries, payable in advance. Single copies are $4 each, postpaid, in the United States, $5 in Canada, and $8 elsewhere. Send orders for back issues to Mary Lou Pritchard, NOU Librarian, c/o University of Nebraska State Museum, W-436 Nebraska Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588-0514.

Memberships in the NOU (on a calendar-year basis only): …

Spring Field Report, March-May 2007, W. Ross Silcock

Nebraska Bird Review

Extremes of weather conditions and resulting variation in water conditions were noteworthy this spring. The west was very dry, but the Rainwater Basin had ample rains resulting in excellent breeding conditions for various waterbirds, notably Eared Grebe and American Coot. Shorebird numbers were unremarkable, although there was plenty of variation between species. Indeed, Dunlin, with record numbers, and Ruddy Tumstones were numerous. Arrival dates were pushing early, but not record early. Species earlier than average were American Golden-Plover, Mountain Plover, Black-necked Stilt, White-rumped Sandpiper, and Stilt Sandpiper.

Increasingly associated with wetlands, albeit unrelated to water levels, Greater Prairie-Chicken continued to …

Nebraska Bird Review Whole Issue (June 2007) 75(2)

Nebraska Bird Review

Spring Field Report, March–May 2007 ... 34

A Preliminary Survey of Southeast Nebraska Grassland Habitat and Potential Henslow’s Sparrow Habitat ... 53

Remembering Sue Amiotte, Mildred Gross, and Izen Ratzlaff ... 61

NOU Annual Meeting at North Platte, May 18–20, 2007 ... 63

Subscription and Organization Information [masthead] ... 67

[Nou] Annual Meeting At North Platte [May 18-20, 2007]

Nebraska Bird Review

The 108th Annual Meeting of the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union was held in North Platte at the Sandhills Convention Center/Quality Inn on May 18–20, 2007. Field trips to surrounding counties for the 60 members and friends in attendance were organized by T. J. Walker and led by Robin Harding. Lanny Randolph, Wayne Mollhoff, and T. J. Walker.

Friday evening’s speaker was John Sidle, Threatened and Endangered Species Specialist with the United States Forest Service in Chadron, who spoke about efforts to monitor populations of Burrowing Owls and associated species, such as Ferruginous Hawks and Black-footed Ferrets.

Saturday evening, Dr. Josef Kren, …

Remembering Sue Amiotte, Mildred Gross, And Izen Ratzlaff

Nebraska Bird Review

This past spring the NOU lost three longtime members whose contributions to the organization are noteworthy. In March, Amelia "Sue" Amiotte passed away in Kearney. In April, we lost another loyal member in the person of Mildred Gross. Mildred was born in 1920 and, with her husband Everett, was a familiar sight at NOU meetings for decades. In May, Izen Ratzlaff lost her battle with cancer.

Phylogenetics And Phylogeography Of The Artibeus Jamaicensis Complex Based On Cytochrome-B Dna Sequences, Peter A. Larsen, Steven R. Hoofer, Matthew C. Bozeman, Scott C. Pedersen, Hugh H. Genoways, Carleton J. Phillips, Dorothy E. Pumo, Robert J. Baker

University of Nebraska State Museum: Mammalogy Papers

The phylogenetics and phylogeography of the Jamaican fruit-eating bat (Artibeus jamaicensis) were examined based on analysis of DNA sequence variation in the mitochondrial cytochrome-b gene for 176 individuals representing all 13 subspecies of A. jamaicensis (sensu Simmons 2005). Results document that A. jamaicensis (sensu Simmons 2005) comprises 3 monophyletic assemblages that are separated phylogenetically by the presence of A. obscurus, A. lituratus, and . amplus. According to the mitochondrial DNA sequence variation, A. jamaicensis, A. schwartzi, and A. planirostris are appropriate species-level names for these lineages. Haplotypes identifiable as A. jamaicensis were absent east …

Bats Of Saint Martin, French West Indies/Sint Maarten, Netherlands Antilles, Hugh H. Genoways, Scott C. Pedersen, Peter A. Larsen, Gary G. Kwiecinski, Jeffrey J. Huebschman

University of Nebraska State Museum: Mammalogy Papers

Six species of bats have been previously reported from the Antillean island of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten—Artibeus jamaicensis, Brachyphylla cavernarum, Molossus molossus, Tadarida brasiliensis, Noctilio leporinus, and Myotis nigricans nesopolus. Our field research reported herein documents an additional three species of bats from the island for the first time—Monophyllus plethodon, Ardops nichollsi, and Natalus stramineus. Re-examination of the single voucher of Myotis nigricans nesopolus has led us to exclude this species from the fauna of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten. Based on our field research and the study of specimens housed in museum collections, we present information …

Henslow’S Sparrow Status In Nebraska, W. Ross Silcock, Joel G. Jorgensen

Nebraska Bird Review

Henslow's Sparrow (Ammodramus henslowii) is a grassland species of considerable conservation concern endemic to southern and eastern North America (Herkert et al. 2002; Reinking 2002). Annual declines of about 7.5% from 1966 to 2000 (Sauer et al. 2001) and the extirpation of breeding birds from large portions of the historic range have led to the sparrow being listed as a species of "Highest Concern"' on the Partners in Flight National Watch List (PIFNWL:http://www.partnersinflight.org/cont_plan/PIF3_Part2WEB.pdf).

While the Henslow's Sparrow is not listed as federally threatened or endangered, most species on this list are prime candidates for such consideration. The Nebraska …

2006–2007 Christmas Bird Counts In Nebraska

Nebraska Bird Review

Despite snow and ice storms which forced postponement of several counts and prevented participation by a number of birders, all 14 counts which were held last winter took place again this winter. The total number of species (131) was two more than last year's 129, and the total number of individuals was 177,590, down some 30,000.

Waterfowl numbers were about normal. Canada Goose numbers were down 16,000 from last year, but this is a number which fluctuates on that scale from year to year. Northern Pintails are becoming more abundant on Christmas Counts. Their tallies in the early 1990s were …

Nebraska Bird Review Whole Issue (March 2007) 75(1)

Nebraska Bird Review

NOU Annual Treasurer’s Report for 2006 ... 2

Winter Field Report, December 2006 to February 2007 ... 4

Henslow’s Sparrow Status in Nebraska ... 13

2006–2007 Christmas Bird Counts in Nebraska ... 17

Subscription and Organization Information [masthead] ...31

Masthead From Nebraska Bird Review (March 2007)

Nebraska Bird Review

The Nebraska Bird Review is published quarterly by the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union, Inc., as its official journal, and is sent to members not in arrears of dues. Annual subscription rates (on a calendar-year basis only): $15 in the United States, $18 in Canada, and $30 in all other countries, payable in advance. Single copies are $4 each, postpaid, in the United States, $5 in Canada, and $8 elsewhere. Send orders for back issues to Mary Lou Pritchard, NOU Librarian, c/o University of Nebraska State Museum, W-436 Nebraska Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588-0514.

Memberships in the NOU (on a calendar-year basis only): …

Winter Field Report, December 2006 To February 2007, W. Ross Silcock

Nebraska Bird Review

INTRODUCTION

Although temperatures varied substantially during the winter, the winter average temperature was above normal. There were noticeably more individuals of "half-hardy" species reported, possibly as a consequence. These included Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Mourning Dove, Loggerhead Shrike, Hermit Thrush, and Yellow-rumped Warbler. Otherwise, the period was unremarkable ornithologically.

…

SPECIES ACCOUNTS

Greater White-fronted Goose: Unexpectedly late were 2 at LO 28 Dec (SJD) and 5 at Desoto NWR 3 Jan (BB). First arrivals reported were in Gage and Lancaster Cos 26 Feb (WF); several hundred were between North Platte and York 27 Feb (AO).

Snow Goose: Large numbers arrived "overnight" in …

Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union Treasurer’S Report, December 31, 2006

Nebraska Bird Review

Two-page spreadsheet constituting the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union treasurer's report at year end (December 31) of 2006. The grand total is $56,183.12.

Geographic Distribution: Ramphotyphlops Braminus (Brahminy Blindsnake). Usa: Florida: Alachua Co., Louis A. Somma

Papers in Herpetology

One adult within a temiite colony, beneath rock. UF 151211; additional specimens (UF 151212-14) were also found. All specimens were collected between 1200-1240 h at the Division of Plant Industry (DPI), Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. In 2006, another adult Ramphotyphlops braminus was collected by an employee at this site, near a greenhouse, and was kept in captivity until it escaped. Rhamphotyphlops is occasionally encountered by employees of DPI and it may be expanding its range, as there is one specimen (UF 147001) collected from the University of Florida campus (Powell Hall) adjacent to the DPI site (29°38'7.9080"N, …

Morphology, Reproduction And Mortality Of Equus Hemionus Hemionus In Mongolia, Annegret Stubbe, Michael Stubbe, Nyamsuren Batsaikhan

Erforschung biologischer Ressourcen der Mongolei / Exploration into the Biological Resources of Mongolia, ISSN 0440-1298

There are collected materials on morphology, reproduction rate, and mortality of Dschiggetajs Equus h. hemionus between 2001 and 2006 in the South Gobi of Mongolia. It were found 794 skeletons of wild asses, 95% of these were pouched, ⅔ of them in winter coat. Pouching was also located in the protected areas of this region. The main living resources of Equus hemionus are registered in the South eastern Gobi. For the first time statistical data on morphology measurements of body length, tail and tuft, ear length, and hoofs are given. There are no significant differences between the sexes. The reproduction …

Up-Date On The Behaviour And Status Of The Critically Endangered Onager, Equus Hemionus Onager, From Iran, Laurent Tatin, Bijan F. Darreh-Shoori, Christophe Tourenq, David Tatin, Bijan Azmayesh

Erforschung biologischer Ressourcen der Mongolei / Exploration into the Biological Resources of Mongolia, ISSN 0440-1298

The onager, Equus hemionus onager, an Asiatic wild ass endemic to Iran, is categorized as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Its biology and conservation requirements are poorly documented. We report some observations made in 1997 and 2000 on the behavior and ecology of the two remaining populations, located in the Touran Protected Area and the Bahram-e-Goor Reserve. Recent population counts by the Department of Environment of Iran (471 in the Protected Area, and 96 in the Reserve) are markedly lower than the count of 600-770 made in the 1970s in the Touran Protected Area. We observed social …

Asiatic Wild Ass In Israel, David A. Blank

Erforschung biologischer Ressourcen der Mongolei / Exploration into the Biological Resources of Mongolia, ISSN 0440-1298

The Syrian wild ass (Equus hemionus hemippus) lived in Israel in historic times until the 1930s, when it disappeared from the entire Middle East region. Khulans from other subspecies (E. h. onager - six individulas and E. h. kulan - five individuals) were brought to Israel from European zoos during 1968-69 (the authors of project considered that onager and kulan were the same subspecies) and these animals bred together in the semi-captivity conditions of the Haibar Yotvata Reserve. Later, during a 12-year period from 1982 through 1993, six groups totalling 38 khulans (17 males and 21 females) …

Surviving A Drought: Population Dynamics Of Ochotona Pallasi Pricei In A Dry Steppe, Gobi Altai, Mongolia, Karin Nadrowski, Georg Miehe

Erforschung biologischer Ressourcen der Mongolei / Exploration into the Biological Resources of Mongolia, ISSN 0440-1298

Two distinct life history traits are described from the genus Ochotona, the group of “burrowing” species exhibiting high but fluctuating population densities and the “non-burrowing” species exhibiting relatively stable low population densities. The life history traits are linked to ecosystem dynamics with climatically variable steppe environments hosting “burrowing” species and relatively stable mountainous and rocky habitats hosting “non-burrowing” species. There are few intermediate species, living in both steppe and rocky environments. This study presents survival rates, reproductive rates and a tentative model of population dynamics for Ochotona pallasi pricei, an intermediate species with respect to habitat preference. We …

The Emerging Dziggetai (Equidae: Equus Hemionus Pallas): An Illustrated History Of Taxonomic Concepts For The Identification, Classification, And Distribution Of Hemiones From Central Asia, Arnd Schreiber

Erforschung biologischer Ressourcen der Mongolei / Exploration into the Biological Resources of Mongolia, ISSN 0440-1298

The history of the discovery and the exploration of the hemione populations (Equus hemionus PALLAS) from Central Asia (Mongolia, northwest China, northeast Tibet, Kazakhstan, and Russian Siberia) from the 13th century to approximately 1950 are compiled with the aim to provide materials for a taxonomic and population genetic revision of the dziggetais. Data on their phenotypic differentiation, historical distribution status, and their husbandry history in European zoological gardens, are reviewed, as is the gradual emergence of concepts of how to identify and to classify these populations. Hemiones were an important historical case in the discussion of how to represent …