Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Commons^™

Macrofungi Of The Tennessee River Gorge, William D. Starrett

Honors Theses

Representative macro fungi of the Tennessee River Gorge were collected on the Tennessee River Gorge Trust (TRGT) property during 18 forays I conducted fom May to November 2004. This dramatically added to the baseline data on the macrofungi of the TRGT by adding 15 orders, 34 families, and 138 species to the existing list. These data were recorded in the herbarium of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga database. I converted the University's File Maker Pro fungi database into Microsoft Excel and Access, which allows it to be processed for introduction into the National Biological Information Infrastructure and onto the …

Big Brains Do Matter In New Environments, Lori Marino

Evolutionary Biology Collection

No abstract provided.

Facts From Faeces: Prey Remains In Wolf, Canis Lupus, Faeces Revise Occurrence Records For Mammals Of British Columbia’S Coastal Archipelago, Michael H. H. Price, Chris T. Darimont, Neville N. Winchester, Paul C. Paquet

Biogeography and Ecological Opportunity Collection

Archipelagos often harbour taxa that are endemic and vulnerable to disturbance. Conservation planning and research for these areas depend fundamentally on accurate and current taxonomic inventories. Although basic ecological information is in its infancy, the temperate rainforest islands of coastal British Columbia are undergoing rapid human-caused modification, particularly logging. We report herein new mammal records for these islands as determined by prey remains in the faeces of Wolves (Canis lupus), the area’s apex mammalian terrestrial predator. Of particular interest is our detection of Marten (Martes americana) on islands previously inventoried and island occupancy by Moose (Alces alces), which have apparently …

Availability Of Suitable Habitat For Northern River Otters In South Dakota, Alyssa M. Kiesow, Charles D. Dieter

Great Plains Research: A Journal of Natural and Social Sciences (through 2013)

Currently, the northern river otter (Lontra canadensis) is listed as a threatened species in South Dakota. We determined whether adequate habitat was available for reintroducing river otters in South Dakota. The 17 rivers/creeks included in the analysis were selected according to stream size, water gradient, and water permanence. A vegetation transect was conducted and a water sample was collected at each study site, ranging from one to four per river. Rivers/creeks were rated (1 = least suitable to 5 = most suitable) according to habitat requirements of river otters in the following categories: stream characteristics, watershed features, water …

Bearing The Costs Of Human-Wildlife Conflict: The Challenges Of Compensation Schemes, Philip J. Nyhus, Steve A. Osofsky, Paul Ferraro, H Fischer, Francine Madden

Faculty Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Indoor Cats, Scratching, And The Debate Over Declawing: When Normal Pet Behavior Becomes A Problem, Katherine C. (Kasey) Grier, Nancy Peterson

State of the Animals 2005

When pet animals share our living spaces, their needs and natural behaviors sometimes are at odds with the varying standards for household appearance, sanitation, and polite social life that Americans have established over time. How pet owners have resolved these issues provides insight into their changing ideas about the role of animals in their households and suggests how much, or how little, people may actually know about the biological behaviors and psychological needs of the creatures they care for. This essay examines one particular issue associated with the problem of sharing spaces: declawing pet cats as a common solution to …

Dogs And Dog Control In Developing Countries, J. F. Reese

State of the Animals 2005

The relationship between a community and its dogs is not always entirely positive, and many cultures identify similar problems associated with having dogs in their midst. For example, in South Africa, the Soweto community identified the problems caused by dogs as road accidents, barking and fighting, biting children and killing livestock, and uncontrolled fecal contamination (Beck 2000). Such problems exist in many cultures, throughout the developed and developing worlds.

It is against this background of a wide range of man-dog relationships that dogs in the developing world must be seen and understood. Knowledge about and understanding of the complexity of …

Feral Cats: An Overview, Margaret R. Slater, Stephanie Shain

State of the Animals 2005

Humans and cats have a long and complex history together. Since the nineteenth century, contradictory ideas about the need to protect and care for cats have moved us toward a shift in ideas, values, and behaviors to a more benign perception of cats than was generally the case in previous centuries. In some quarters, but not all, even feral cats have begun to be seen as worthy of our study and humane treatment. In many countries, the welfare of all cats has become a focus of public concern, but nowhere is the shift in values reflected more than in the …

Competition Between Marine Mammals And Fisheries: Food For Thought, Kristin Kaschner, Daniel Pauly

State of the Animals 2005

Marine mammals and humans have co-existed on this planet for several hundred thousand years. Both rely heavily on the exploitation of marine resources, though whales, dolphins, and pinnipeds have been doing so for much longer, roaming the oceans for millions of years, long before the emergence of modern humans (Hoelzel 2002). It is not surprising that, when there is a “new kid on the block,” co-existence is not always very peaceful, and many of the encounters between humans and marine mammals result in a variety of conflicts.

Zur Nahrungsökologie Des Uhus Bubo Bubo In Der Mongolei = Feeding Ecology Of The Eagle Owl Bubo Bubo In Mongolia, Thomas Hoffmann, Michael Stubbe, D. Heidecke, R. Piechocki, R. Samjaa, J. Erfurt, D. Sumjaa

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

This paper presents further results on the food ecology of the eagle owl in western Mongolia for the years 1984 to 1992. Additional to the already known sites we investigated two new resting places. At least 27 mammal and 17 bird species were recorded. The results confirm previous studies. Small to medium sized mammals (Cricetidae, Dipodidae, Arvicolidae) dominate the prey of the eagle owl whereas birds and invertebrates are less important.

Ecology Of Soil Microarthropods In Gobi Gurvan Saykhan Mountains, Southern Mongolia, Tsedev Bolortuya, Badamdorj Bayartogtokh

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

In the present paper, we describe the community structure, species diversity, population density, and the character of distribution of soil microarthropods of the Gobi Gurvan Saykhan mountains. In total 45 species of soil microarthropods belonging to 37 genera and 24 families were identified. Twenty-seven species of soil microarthropods belonging to 25 genera and 20 families were found in the Züün Saykhan, 31 species belonging to 27 genera and 19 families in the Dund Saykhan. Oribatid mites are the dominant group (35 species = 77.8% of total species richness), while mesostigmatid mites account for 7 species (15.6 %). Other groups are …

Avifaunistische Beobachtungen Im Westchentej, Ulrich Zöphel, Jochen Schulenberg, Wolf-Dieter Busching, Ingolf Todte

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

This paper reports the results of bird observations at four study sites with many different habitats in the western Chentej-mountains (forest steppe, taiga) at the end of the spring-migration and the beginning of the breeding time. Altogether 134 bird species were observed, about 107 of which are probably breeding birds. Additional birds were caught using 6 mist-nets. In this way 98 birds of 21 species were caught, measured, and ringed. Furthermore feathers have been collected (molting feathers and near two breeding places of Accipiter nisus).

The bird fauna of the larch forests shows a high species richness (108 species), …

Types Of Areas And The Origin Of Black Flies Fauna In Mongolia (Diptera: Simuliidae), Josef Halgoš

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

The survey of Mongolian Black Flies species (Diptera: Simuliidae) is given in the presented work. The classification based on Emelyanov (1974) and Gorodkov (1984) appeared to be as most advantageous one. Black Flies species found on the Mongolian territory up to now were classified according to the character of their distribution among 5 groups: Holoarctic species (7 species), Eurasian (15), Eastern Palaearctic (20), Turanian-Mediterranean (7), Mongolian endemic species (8). Individual groups are divided according to the type of area into smaller subgroups. The zoogeographical analysis has shown big similarity with Black Flies zoogeography in Siberia and Far East (in percentage …

Reproductive Ecology Of Two Common Woody Species, Juniperus Sabina And Artemisia Santolinifolia, In Mountain Steppes Of Southern Mongolia, Katrin Ronnenberg

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

The present study describes the reproductive ecology of the prostrate shrub Juniperus sabina and the dwarf shrub Artemisia santolinifolia in dry mountain steppes of southern Mongolia. Whereas stands of the juniper are located at the drought limit of the genus’ distributional range, the genus Artemisia is typical of central Asian drylands. Both species produce large numbers of reproductive organs. For Juniperus sabina, however, only 2.5% of the morphologically intact seeds were found to be viable. Correspondingly, neither seedlings nor saplings were found in the field, and recruitment by reseeding happens at most rarely under the present climatic conditions.

Instead, …

Beaver Research In The Uvs Nuur Region, Michael Stubbe, N. Dawaa, R. Samjaa, Annegret Stubbe, A. P. Saveljev, D. Heidecke, D. Sumjaa, H. Ansorge, S. Shar, J.-F. Ducroz

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

In 1985, 1988, and 2002 Castor fiber birulai was introduced to the Tes Gol of the Uvs Nuur basin in North-western Mongolia. The beavers migrated through the Republic of Tyva and settled in the middle part of Tes Gol near the Tyvinian-Mongolian border. About 10 colonies were recorded in this region in 2002. Strict protection of Castor fiber birulai has to be ensured in Mongolia and the Republic of Tyva in future.

Vergleichende Untersuchungen Zur Besiedlung Von Ausgewählten Hochgebirgen Der Nordwest- Und Südmongolei Durch Laufkäfer (Coleoptera: Carabidae) = Comparing Investigations Of The Distribution Of Carabid Beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) In Different High Mountain Regions In Northwest- And South Mongolia, Peer Schnitter

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

In the years 1977-1979 and 1986 two high mountain regions of Mongolia are observed, especially in regard of the carabid fauna within different altitudes. In one of the investigation areas--the mountains of Charchiraa in Northwest-Mongolia the first transect with any plots was arranged from the Mount Suslan-Chamar to the salt lake Uvs Nuur. The second transect in the mountains of Ich-bogd in South-Mongolia starts at the Mount Baruun-bogd and reaches the salt lake Orog Nuur. The species combinations are very different, only some species could be found in both areas. The carabid coenoses and their distribution within the different altitudes …

Das Arteninventar Der Avifauna Der Mongolei Während Einer Nord-Süd-Durchquerung 1997, Tobias Stenzel, Michael Stubbe, R. Samjaa, Annegret Stubbe, C. Dulamsuren

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

Here we present a detailed report on bird biodiversity of ecosystems along a North-South transect through Mongolia in 1997whic h serves as a guideline for further research projects and training for students in all Mongolian vegetation zones from northern steppes to southern deserts.

Two hundred fifty-five bird species were observed between 21st of July and 10th of August 1997. The main study sites were located in the North the Selenge-Orchon-basin with meadows and dune woodlands 15 km southern from Suchbaatar, the Middle Gobi-Aimag with desert steppes and sajrs (covered with Ulmus pumila) and in the Bordzongijn-gobi in the South …

First Results Of Wild Ass Research In The South Gobi Aymag/Mongolia In 2003 And 2004, Annegret Stubbe, Michael Stubbe, N. Batsajchan, R. Samjaa, S. Doržderem

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

The population of the Mongolian wild ass belongs to the nominate form Equus hemionus hemionus described by Pallas in 1775. This species is adapted to semidesert habitats in the Gobi region and is listed in the Red Book of Mongolia as well as on appendix I of the Washington Convention (CITES). Mapping of the northern border of the distributional range showed a remarkable decrease in size in comparison to the maps of Murzaev (1954) or Bannikov (1954). The pressure of civilization, settlements, motorization, and increasing numbers of domestic livestock in connection with the occupation of water resources and illegal hunting …

Is Degradation A Major Problem In Semi-Desert Environments Of The Gobi Region In Southern Mongolia?, Karsten Wesche, Vroni Retzer

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

This paper tests predictions derived from the non-equilibrium theory of rangeland science. Data were collected in livestock enclosures situated in the relatively moist desert steppes of the Gobi Gurvan Saykhan region of southern Mongolia from 2000 to 2003. Plant community composition and species’ richness in enclosures showed clear differences between years, but these were equally strong in ungrazed controls. Thus, changes were mainly attributed to differences in precipitation between years as opposed to grazing, as no significant effects thereof were detected. This was also confirmed by data on above-ground standing biomass. This changed tremendously over the years, with differences between …

Quantitative Investigations On Bird Communities In Different Habitats In The Orkhon-Selenge-Valley In Northern Mongolia, Tobias Stenzel, Michael Stubbe, Ravčigijn Samjaa, Sundev Gombobaatar

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

In the breeding seasons 2001 to 2003, the avifauna of a study area of about 80 km² in the Selenge Aymag was studied.

The area is characterized by loose groves of elms (Ulmus pumila) and pine trees (Pinus sylvestris), and a chain of barchan dunes which separate the Orkhon valley from the up to 70 m higher situated forest steppe. Steppe species (Stipa spp.) dominate in the south; the northern steppe part is characterized by Caragana bushes (Caragana microphylla, locally C. stenophylla). Between Orkhon Gol and the eastern dunes, dry steppe …

Beiträge Zur Ökologie Und Verbreitung Der Steppenwühlmaus Microtus Brandti Radde, 1861 In Der Mongolei = Ecology And Distribution Of The Steppe Vole Microtus Brandti Radde, 1861 In Mongolia, N. Dawaa, Michael Stubbe, Annegret Stubbe

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

Microtus brandti is one of the most important pest species of Mongolian rodents. Since the publication of Bannikov (1954) the area of expansion is increased, in the Archangaj-Aimag 200 km westward, in the Central Aimag 70 km to the North and in the north-eastern part of Dornogov’- Aimag about 110 km to the South. In years of gradation the plant cover was exterminated up to 100%. We can distinguish a zone of exposed harmfulness with a damage of 70-100%. In this region 16 great centers of infestation were listed. Between 1925 and 1985 six important calamities were noticed, in intervals …

Der Einsatz Der Luzerne-Blattschneiderbiene, Megachile Rotundata (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae), Zur Bestäubung Von Luzerne In Der Mongolei = Management Of The Alfalfa Leaf-Cutter Bee, Megachile Rotundata (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae), For Alfalfa Pollination In Mongolia, Karsten Seidelmann, Čojrog Batchujag, Manfred Dorn

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

The propagation of the alfalfa leaf-cutter bee, Megachile rotundata was tested from 1988 to 1991 on alfalfa seed growing fields at the Uvs-Nuur Basin in the North-West of Mongolia. We used the loose-cell technology in combination with wooden grooved boards (dimensions of the nesting holes: 8 × 110 mm). The climatic conditions at the investigation area proved to be favorable for the rearing of the bees. The average temperature was above 21 °C during 8.5 h by a mean sunshine duration of 6.4 h and sporadic rainfall. Nevertheless, the night temperatures felled below 10 °C and are responsible for a …

Die Parasitierung Der Luzerne-Blattschneiderbiene, Megachile Rotundata (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae), Durch Physocephala Pusilla (Diptera: Conopidae) In Der Mongolei = Parasitization Of The Alfalfa Leaf-Cutter Bee, Megachile Rotundata (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae), By Physocephala Pusilla (Diptera: Conopidae) In Mongolia, Karsten Seidelmann

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

Physocephala pusilla Meigen (Diptera: Conopidae) was found to be a dangerous endoparasitoid of the alfalfa leafcutter bee Megachile rotundata F. (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) in Mongolia. The conopid fly parasitizes adults and causes their early death. In 1989 and 1990, 16% and 15% respectively of the M. rotundata females were found dead in front of the bee shelter. However, the number of bees (females and males) dying in the field is unknown. These bees cause a contamination of the alfalfa fields due to an increase of the conopid population. Therefore, Ph. pusilla becomes a serious problem for the management of M. rotundata …

Facts From A Year Of Drought: Forage Competition Between Livestock And The Mongolian Pika (Ochotona Pallasi) And Its Effects On Livestock Densities And Body Condition, Vroni Retzer

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

Burrowing small mammals in grasslands have long been regarded as pests because they compete for forage with livestock and reduce the forage availability for livestock by destroying pastures through their intensive digging activity.

In order to investigate forage competition between the Mongolian Pika (Ochotona pallasi) and livestock an exclosure experiment consisting of four different treatments was set up. The treatments were: 1) accessible only for pikas, (only pika) 2) accessible only for livestock, (only livestock) 3) accessible for both herbivore groups (pika & livestock) and 4) no grazing (no grazing). During the investigation period all requirements for forage …

Natürliche Und Nutzungsbedingte Land- Und Bodendegradationsprozesse, Untersucht Am Unteren Orchon (Nord-Mongolei) = Naturally And Land Use Caused Land And Soil Degradation Processes, Studied At The Lower Orchon (Northern Mongolia), Christian Opp

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

Landscape-ecological investigations were carried-out within the forest steppe of Northern Mongolia. The site conditions of the partly by agriculture used area of Cagaan Tolgoj at the Lower Orchon (Aimag Selenge) were analysed in seven test areas. Results of soil analysis are given. The evaluation of soil cover and partly vegetation cover was carried-out with special regard, to degradation phaenomena. It is based on field analysis, measurements during the soil survey and the detection of soil degradation parameter with the help of laboratory analysis. Among naturally and land use caused factors of soil status and of the changing conditions within forest …

Die Gasteromyceten Der Mongolei Und Ihre Bedeutung Für Die Systematik, Chorologie Und Ökologie) = The Mongolian Gasteromycetes And Their Importance For The Systematics, Chorology, And Ecology, Heinrich Dörfelt

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

More than fifty species of Gasteromycetes were collected in Mongolia from 1970 to 2002. Five new species in the genera Geastrum, Lycoperdon, Gastrosporium, and Colus were described by Pilát (1972), Kreisel (1975), Dörfelt (1981) and Dörfelt & Bumžaa (1986). The importance of Mongolian Gasteromycetes for few taxonomical, chorological or ecological problems is discussed in this paper, especially for the species Battarraea phalloides, Disciseda arida, D. bovista, D. candida, Gastrosporium asiaticum, Geastrum simplex, G. corollinum (G. recolligens), G. deylii, G. floriforme, G. huneckii, G. hungaricum, G. …

Über Die Federmerkmale Der Mongolischen Sakerfalken Falco Cherrug Milvipes Im Vergleich Zu Den Westlichen Sakerfalken Der Unterart F. Ch. Cherrug Und Bemerkungen Über Die Gefiedermerkmale Des “Altaifalken”, Wolf-Dieter Busching

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

The different plumage characteristics of the Mongolian Saker Falco cherrug milvipes and the nominate race F. ch. cherrug are discussed. It could be shown that both races are polymorphic. According to Baumgart (1997), Sakers don’t need uniform plumages because they live on nearly blind voles. Due to that there seems to be no selection pressure from victims side. The same phenomenon is observable with Buteo buteo and the typical Mongolian Buteo hemilasius.

Whereas young Sakers of the nominate race cherrug equal more or less already adults, are the differences in the plumage of juv. and ad. milvipes great enough. …

Wild Bactrian Camel Conservation, Richard P. Reading, Evan S. Blumer, Henry Mix, Jadamsuren Adiya

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

The wild Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus ferus) is critically endangered throughout its range in China and Mongolia. Yet, wild camels remain poorly understood, with knowledge derived primarily from a few short studies and anecdotal information. We initiated a wild camel conservation project to determine the reasons for camel decline and to develop a program to address those problems.

We are employing satellite telemetry to gather data on wild camel movement patterns, home ranges, habitat use, and sources of mortality. We are also collecting feces from camels and wolves to determine important forage plants and to begin to assess …

Winter Pasture Conditions And Forage Use By Argali (Ovis Ammon) In Gobi Gurvan Saykhan National Park, Bayart Mandakh, Ganchimeg J. Wingard, Richard P. Reading

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

Conservation of Argali sheep (Ovis ammon) presents a significant challenge to biologists and conservation managers in Mongolia. Argali are endangered and available data suggest that their numbers are declining. However, the mechanisms causing this decline are poorly understood. Recent research suggests that declines in Argali sheep numbers may be due in part to competition with domestic livestock for forage.

Following privatization of herd ownership in 1991, livestock numbers increased dramatically across Mongolia. With this increase, many herders expanded grazing onto more marginal rangeland resulting in increased competition with wild ungulates and displacement of Argali from their former population …

Ecology Of Argali In Ikh Nartiin Chuluu, Dornogobi Aymag, Richard P. Reading, Sukhiin Amgalanbaatar, Ganchimeg J. Wingard, Danny Kenny, Anthony Denicola

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

Argali sheep (Ovis ammon) are listed as threatened in both Mongolia and internationally. Yet, little is known about the biology and ecology of this species. Available data suggests that Argali in Mongolia are declining due to direct poaching and competition with domestic livestock. We initiated several research projects to better understand and conserve the species. In this report we discuss Argali ecology using radio telemetry.

We captured and radio-collared 36 Argali using drive-nets, lamb captures, and dating from 2000–2004. Fifteen collared animals have died: 2 due to capture techniques, 8 from predation, 1 from starvation and exposure, 1 …