87th Annual Meeting of the German Society of Mammalogy, Prague (Czech Republic), 8th–12th September 2013

Mammalian Biology 78S (2013) 5–27

Contents lists available at ScienceDirect

Mammalian Biology journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/mambio

Abstracts

An artificial cave for bats in Turkey I˙ . ALBAYRAK, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Arts, University of Kırıkkale, 71450 Yahsihan, Kırıkkale, Turkey, e-mail: [email protected] The project was initiated to create an artificial cave for the bats living in a nearby natural cave. The natural cave was to be flooded following the construction of a new dam. An artificial cave, 350 m long, was created above the natural cave in Balıkesir Havran, Turkey. First, a tunnel between the caves was opened and the soil from the floor of the natural cave was moved to the artificial cave for the settlement of invertebrate fauna. Temperature and humidity values were recorded for both caves. Ecological conditions in the artificial cave were monitored in order to decide on the optimum time for the evacuation of the bats. In November 2009, bats were evacuated by closing the entrance to the natural cave three hours after they had left on evening foraging flights. At the end of this process most of the bats had moved to the artificial cave after finding the entrance to the natural cave blocked. In the following years, the artificial cave was controlled in winter and summer months and the number of individuals recorded ranged between 90 and 8000, with smallest numbers being present in winter. Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, R. hipposideros, R. blasii, Myotis myotis, M. blythii, M. mystacinus, M. capaccinii, M. emarginatus, and Miniopterus schreibersii were all found in the artificial cave. Rhinolophus blasii was recorded both in winter and summer months and the other species were observed to use the cave for nursery colonies in spring. Most of the early colonies in the artificial cave were of Myotis myotis and M. blythii, while colonies of the other bat species were fully developed in June. This project has made two important objectives possible; for the bats to continue living and breeding in a new shelter and the construction of a dam that will supply water to agricultural areas. Mammals in the summer diet of long-eared owl, Asio otus Linnaeus, 1758 from central Anatolia N. AS¸AN BAYDEMI˙ R, A.M. KARÖZ, M. GENC¸, E. KAS¸KA C¸ALIS¸KAN, D. ˘ ATASOY, A. GÜNDÜZ, S. AKDOGAN, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Art, Kırıkkale University, 71450, Kırıkkale-Yahsihan, Turkey, e-mail: [email protected] The summer diet of long-eared owl from various districts of Ankara, Central Anatolia was studied between May and September 2012. A total of 240 pellets were collected and analyzed. We found 1616-5047/$ – see front matter http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mambio.2013.07.002

the following mammal species in the pellets: Microtus guentheri, M. levis, Apodemus sylvaticus, Meriones tristrami, Mesocricetus auratus, Crocidura sp. Mus musculus and Rattus rattus. Voles showed the highest frequency in the diet while A. sylvaticus and M. tristrami were alternative preys. In addition to the mammal species, bird species Fringilla coelebs, F. montrifringilla, Parus major, P. ater, P. caeruleus, Passer montanus and P. domesticus, amphibians and undetermined items of insects were also detected in the diet of long-eared owl. Guano mining and bats in Turkey: Winners and losers N. AS¸AN BAYDEMI˙ R, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Art, Kırıkkale University, 71450 Yahsihan, Kırıkkale, Turkey, e-mail: [email protected] Although the positive roles of bats in ecosystems are numerous, bat species face many threats caused by humans. Some of the major threats to bats include habitat loss, renovation of old buildings, constructing wind farms, stone quarrying, cave tourism, viral diseases, pesticides, WNS, and guano mining. In recent years, the guano of bats, birds, and seals has seen resurgence in popularity as a natural organic fertilizer in many countries around the world. Some companies have been marketing bat guano from the caves in Bursa and Konya provinces in Turkey since 2010. Thirty-six bat species are recorded in Turkey. Turkish bats mainly prefer karstic caves as roosts. Improper guano collection may devastate populations of bats in caves, especially those containing roosting colonies including maternity colonies and hibernacula of bats. In addition, the collection of guano is hazardous to humans not wearing proper respirator masks, gloves, or clothes. They can be exposed to the risk of developing histoplasmosis caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, which is often found in caves and has not yet been fully studied in Turkey. In this study, the state of bat roosts was examined in Bursa and Konya provinces where the guano is collected and guidelines for guano miners and farmers have been developed to mitigate the threats to bats, cave ecosystems and human health. Mating behaviour of Zambian Fukomys anselli mole-rats S. BEGALL, C. VOLE, A. GARCIA-MONTERO, E.P. MALKEMPER, H. BURDA, University of Duisburg-Essen, Faculty of Biology, Department of General Zoology, 45117 Essen, Germany; e-mail: [email protected] Mole-rats of the genus Fukomys are subterranean rodents that live in eusocial multi-generational families. Only the founder

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pair, the queen and the king, reproduces whereas their offspring (non-breeders) remains reproductively quiescent while staying within their home family. Incest avoidance between parents and offspring and between brothers and sisters is based on individual recognition, most likely via olfactory signals. If two unfamiliar mature non-breeders of opposite sex meet, in many cases mating takes place soon after their first encounter. Here, we describe the mating behaviour of Ansell’s mole-rats (Fukomys anselli) from Zambia. We paired 18 Ansell’s mole-rats, which were all non-reproductively active at the time of first testing. Since several attempted pairings were unsuccessful we tried different mating constellations. Often the male became aggressive during an encounter. Although in these cases the female occasionally attempted to appease the male e.g. by means of lordosis and soliciting, we interrupted the trials if the male’s aggressiveness escalated. All pairs that showed increased interest and courtship behaviour were tested repeatedly (maximally three times a week over a period of 10 weeks); between the trials the animals were put back to their respective family. We analyzed the frequency, duration and specific features (e.g. vocalizations emitted by the female) of copulations and anogenital grooming. In addition to the detailed description of the mating behaviour of first encounter copulations, we present data on copulation frequency of breeding pairs of established colonies under different experimental conditions. Our results are of considerable importance for fertility studies in wild animals and could prove valuable for successful keeping and breeding of mole-rat colonies in the lab. How tolerant are resting and feeding lynx to recreational activities? E. BELOTTI1,2 , J. KREISINGER3,4 , M. HEURICH5 , L.BUFKA1,2 , 1 Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sci´ ences Prague, Kamycká 1176, CZ-16521 Prague, Czech Republic, e-mail: belotti@fld.czu.cz; 2 Department of Research and Nature ˇ Protection, Sumava National Park Administration, Suˇsická 399, CZ-34192 Kaˇsperské Hory, Czech Republic; 3 Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Viniˇcná 7, CZ-12844 Prague 2, Czech Republic; 4 Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Kvˇetná 8, CZ-603 65 Brno, Czech Republic; 5 Department of Research and Documentation, Bavarian Forest National Park, Freyunger Str.2, D-94481 Grafenau, Germany Optimal foraging theory assumes that animals increase fitness by maximizing net rate of energy intake. Therefore, it should be advantageous for predators if they can consume prey items as completely as possible. Large carnivores generally hunt large prey species, which provide them with food for several nights. In this case, patterns of prey consumption may also be affected by habitat structure and human activities at the kill site. Resting is another important biological function and access to safe resting sites is fundamental, particularly for felids which spend several hours per day inactive. In the Bohemian Forest, we investigated prey consumption and choice of daytime resting sites for the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx). In the field, we located large killed prey, and daytime resting sites, for 10 GPS collared lynx and recorded the habitat features at both types of site. We calculated how many nights, and how many hours, in one night lynx fed at a single prey and we checked whether these two parameters varied depending on prey size, sex and status of the lynx, habitat characteristics and intensity of recreational activities around the kill sites. By comparing habitat characteristics and intensity of recreational activities between lynx daytime resting sites and a set of randomly chosen locations, we tested whether these factors affected habitat selection by resting lynx. Both prey consumption and choice of

daytime resting sites were influenced by habitat features and the intensity of recreational activities. These results should be taken into consideration when planning forest management operations and tourism development in areas where Lynx are present. Bat fauna of the Sultanate of Oman P. BENDA1,2 , A. REITER3 , M. UHRIN4,5 , 1 Department of Zoology, National Museum, Václavské nám. 68, 115 79 Praha 1, Czech Republic, e-mail: petr [email protected]; 2 Department of Zoology, Charles University, Viniˇcná 7, 128 44 Praha 2, Czech Republic; 3 South Moravian Museum in Znojmo, Pˇremyslovcu˚ 6, 669 45 Znojmo, Czech Republic, e-mail: [email protected]; 4 Department of Zoology, Institute of Biology and Ecology, P.J. ˇ Safárik University, Moyzesova 11, 040 01 Koˇsice, Slovakia, e-mail: [email protected]; 5 Department of Game Management and ´ Wildlife Biology, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamycká 1176, 165 21 Praha 6, Czech Republic The bat fauna of the Sultanate of Oman is composed of at least 25 species distributed in three main biogeographical regions of the country; the Al Hajar Mts. and surrounding lowlands (NE Oman); Dhofar region (SW Oman); and extensive deserts of the Empty Quarter (C Oman). Literature data are available on some hundred records of 20 bat species. During an intensive survey carried out in 2009–2012, we made almost two hundred additional records of 23 bat species from all parts of the Sultanate. The new data originate from more than a hundred sites at altitudes between sea level and 2000 m. Five species (Rhinopoma microphyllum, Rhinolophus hipposideros, Triaenops parvus, Coleura afra, and Hypsugo ariel) are reported from the country for the first time. The bat fauna of Oman is composed of three almost equally diversified types: (1) Palaearctic fauna, recorded solely in the region of NE Oman (nine species; Rhinopoma microphyllum, R. muscatellum, Rhinolophus hipposideros, R. blasii, Myotis emarginatus, Eptesicus bottae, Hypsugo arabicus, Pipistrellus kuhlii, and Nyctalus noctula), making up 37.6% of the records; (2) Afro-Arabian fauna, inhabiting the Dhofar region (eight species; Eidolon helvum, Rhinopoma cystops, Rhinolophus clivosus, Asellia arabica, Triaenops parvus, Coleura afra, Nycteris thebaica, and Hypsugo ariel), making up only 12.8% of the records; and (3) widespread fauna, occuring in both the above-mentioned regions or in all three bioregions of Oman, respectively (eight species; Rousettus aegyptiacus, Asellia tridens, Triaenops persicus, Taphozous perforatus, T. nudiventris, Rhyneptesicus nasutus, Otonycteris hemprichii, and Nyctinomus aegyptiacus), making up 49.7% of the records. With more than 50 records, Rhinopoma muscatellum represents the most common and widespread bat of NE Oman, while Rousettus aegyptiacus with almost 60 records is the most common bat of the whole Sultanate. Despite considerable effort in the faunal survey, five bat species remain known in Oman from only a single record. Microhabitat selection by small mammals in a low moor C. BLATT1 , S. RESCH2 , 1 Department of Organismic Biology, ParisLodron-Universität Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstraße 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria, e-mail: [email protected]; 2 Department of Organismic Biology, Paris-Lodron-Universität Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstraße 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria, e-mail: [email protected] Between the years 2010 and 2012 in the Triebener Moos (Austria) a small mammal survey was conducted using box traps, pitfall traps, nest-tubes and boxes, and hair tubes at 82 trapping sites, along a 1 km transect and 4 plots. In addition to the objective of gaining information about the occurrence of small mammals in characteristic habitats, the relationships between environmental gradients and the distribution of each species was also investigated. This

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was achieved using 8 sample plots where the use of microhabitats (root stock, tree, shrub, forest floor without high grass, forest floor with high grass, grass felt, tussock grass) was recorded. Regressions and principal component analyses showed following results: the climbing behaviour of M. glareolus was positively related with accessibility and negatively related with the amount of deadwood on the ground. On the forest floor with high grass, interspecific competition with M. agrestis negatively influenced the microhabitat choice of M. glareolus. However, for A. sylvaticus the simultaneous occurrence of M. agrestis and M. glareolus had fewer influences in habitat use. In the fen woodland M. glareolus preferred covered rootstocks on dry sites filled with soil substrate. Interspecific competition between M. glareolus and A. flavicollis on the forest floor without high grass led to segregation of activity phases and microhabitat selection. In wet meadows, M. agrestis preferred places with several plant species and sites that were ideal for building nests and runways. The study shows that the use of microhabitats differs between species, is influenced by interspecific competition and varies between the habitats. Multiple use of the kills in solitary carnivore: The case of Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in Central Europe

L. BUFKA1,2 , E. BELOTTI1,2 , K. BUFKOVÁ DANISZOVÁ3 , M. HEURICH4 , 1 Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Czech University of Life Sciences ´ Prague, Kamycká 1176, CZ-165 21 Prague, Czech Republic; 2 The Administration of the National Park and Protected Landscape Area of Sumava, Suˇsická 399, CZ-341 92 Kaˇsperské Hory, Czech Republic; 3 Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Viniˇcná 7, 128 43 Prague, Czech Republic; 4 Bavarian Forest National Park, Department of Research and Documentation, Freyunger Strasse 2, D-94481 Grafenau, Germany, e-mail: [email protected] Eleven different cases of multiple use of the same kill, by adult lynx were registered during telemetry studies on the Eurasian lynx population in the Bohemian Forest (SW Czech Republic). Three of them were discovered in 2001–2002 within radiotracking sessions, combined with direct observations, snowtracking and the kill controls. Other observations were taken in 2009–2012 within GPS-GSM telemetry studies, and some were documented using camera-traps. In the main, the adult lynx shared red deer kills (2× female, 7× fawn), the largest potential lynx prey species available in the area, and roe deer (2 cases), which represents the main prey species for the lynx in the study area. The kills were recorded at different localities within study area, 8 times close to the feeding places and/or winter enclosures of deer. Nine observations of shared kills were recorded in the winter season (December–March), and mainly during mating period (February–March). Close contact between sexes during mating season, as well as a spatio-source knowledge, could play an important role in accounting for the described pattern of feeding behaviour. Social structure and dynamics in two house mouse subspecies under semi-natural conditions K. BUFKOVA DANISZOVA1,2 , K. JANOTOVA1,2 , L. DUREJE1 , Z. HIADLOVSKA3,4 , B. VOSLAJEROVA BIMOVA1,3 , M. MACHOLAN3,4 , 1 Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Studenec 122, 67502 Konˇesˇ ín, Czech Republic, e-mail: [email protected]; 2 Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Vinicna 7, 128 43 Prague, Czech Republic; 3 Laboratory of Mammalian Evolutionary Genetics, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Veveˇrí 97, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic; 4 Institute of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, Masaryk

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University, Kotláˇrská 2, 11 37 Brno, Czech Republic, e-mail: [email protected] The importance of hybrid zones for research is widely acknowledged today. These zones, where two distinct populations meet and hybridize, serve as a potential “laboratory” for studying evolutionary processes. Scientific attention is traditionally focused on the house mouse (Mus musculus) hybrid zone in Europe. Despite these efforts, many questions concerning, for example, the social aspects of the two subspecies, M. m. domesticus and M. m. musculus, remain unresolved. Recent studies indicate that these two subspecies may differ in forming their social hierarchy and, consequently, their population structure. However, revealing the secrets of the social life of mice appears to be a great challenge. For this purpose we set up a monitoring system in two semi-natural enclosures which allowed us to record mice activity without interfering with the experimental animals. Each enclosure was designed for six pairs of the first captivity-bred generation derived from both wild M. m. domesticus and M. m. musculus. Transponders attached to each experimental individual allowed us to infer the spatial structure in both groups. Moreover, analysis of DNA samples, urine and faeces yielded information on the level of dominance and aggression, multiple paternity and extra-pair fertilization. Our preliminary results show significant differences between the two mouse subspecies in the tested parameters with implications for their social structure. These differences could play an important role in the dynamics of secondary contact for these taxa. The Bohemian-Bavarian lynx population in view of genetic analysis K. BUFKOVA DANISZOVA1,2 , P. MUNCLINGER2 , L. BUFKA3,4 , 1 Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Studenec 122, 67502 Konˇesˇ ín, Czech Republic, Czech Republic, e-mail: [email protected]; 2 Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Viniˇcná 7, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic; 3 Department of Game Management and ´ Wildlife Biology, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamycká 1176, 165 21 Prague-Suchdol, Czech Republic; 4 Sumava NP and PLA Administration, Suˇsická 399, 341 92 Kaˇsperské Hory, Czech Republic, e-mail: [email protected] The Bohemian-Bavarian population of Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) was established by reintroducing approx. 25 animals from the Carpathians in the 1970s and 1980s. The population inhabits suitable forested landscape in South-western Bohemia and adjacent areas of Bavaria and Austria and appears to be isolated. Populations which remain small and isolated for many generations may suffer inbreeding depression and genetic drift, increasing their susceptibility to decline or even extinction. One of the main goals of the international Czech – Bavarian project was to accurately assess lynx population numbers and density and enrich these findings with data obtained from genetic analysis using microsatellite markers. These data enable the study of kinship and population structure as well as the evaluation of genetic variability. They are also essential for modelling population viability. Our results can help to improve the concepts which inform the monitoring, conservation and management of the Bohemian-Bavarian lynx population. Contact calls of the northern and southern white rhinoceros contain information about individual and species identity I. CINKOVÁ1 , R. POLICHT2,3 , 1 Department of Zoology and Lab of Ornithology, Palacky´ University, 17. listopadu 50, 771 46 Olomouc, Czech Republic, e-mail: [email protected]; 2 Institute of Animal Science, Department of Ethology, Prague, Czech Republic; 3 Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Czech Republic

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Advanced intra-species communication is essential mainly in socially living animals. Although northern (Ceratotherium cottoni) and southern white rhinos (Ceratotherium simum) have the most developed social system of all rhinoceros species, there has been very little research into their communication until now. White rhinos have a wide range of vocal repertoire, however, it is not yet known what information is encoded in their calls. They produce a contact ‘pant’ call, which is formed by a series of inhalations and exhalations and which is not paralleled in any other rhinoceros species. We analysed pant calls of six northern and 14 southern white rhinos in several zoological gardens and South African wildlife reserves and investigated whether pant calls contain information about individual identity and species of the caller. Discriminant analysis assigned a high percentage of pant calls correctly to particular individuals. Temporal parameters of calls and ratio of harmonic to non-harmonic energy in an inhalation were the most important parameters for distinguishing between individuals. Calls of individuals clustered into apparently separated groups according to the species, and both species significantly differed in call duration and in some frequency parameters of their calls. Our results also indicate that age class and social status has an influence on the call structure in males. White rhino pant calls have a complex structure and could potentially encode also other information. Better understanding of vocal communication of northern and southern white rhinos is essential to enhance their management in zoological gardens and wildlife reserves. Wild southern white rhinos (Ceratotherium simum) are able to recognize information about familiarity and sex in the dung of their conspecifics I. CINKOVÁ1 , R. POLICHT2,3 , 1 Department of Zoology and Lab of Ornithology, Palacky´ University, 17. listopadu 50, 771 46 Olomouc, Czech Republic, e-mail: [email protected]; 2 Institute of Animal Science, Department of Ethology, Prague, Czech Republic; 3 Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Czech Republic Olfactory communication via dung or urine is reported to be highly important for the white rhinoceros. However, studies on the olfactory communication of free-ranging white rhinos have been only descriptive until now. The white rhinoceros has the most developed social system of all rhinoceros species and olfactory recognition of familiar animals, in particular individuals, group members or neighbours might allow the rhinos to be informed about the movements of specific animals even in their absence. Improved knowledge about the processes of olfactory communication in rhinos might have an important use in their management and conservation especially because their reproduction success in captivity is very low and the reasons for this are not clear. We experimentally studied the olfactory communication of wild southern white rhinos in Welgevonden Game Reserve and Lapalala Wilderness in South Africa and examined their reactions (number of sniffing events, duration of sniffing and latency of vigilance posture) to the faeces of familiar and unfamiliar adult females and males. The animals sniffed the dung of unfamiliar rhinos longer and more often. There were no differences in the number of sniffing events or duration of sniffing between the female and male dung. However, the rhinos showed shorter latency of vigilance posture to familiar compared to unfamiliar male dung. For female dung, they showed shorter latency of vigilance posture to unfamiliar than familiar dung. Recognition of familiarity and sex from the dung might therefore be important for the social behaviour and spatial organization of the southern white rhinoceros.

Field mapping of economic damage in agricultural crops caused by wild boar (Sus scrofa) with kite aerial photography (KAP) and GIS support A. DAIM1,2 , L. HAUKE2 , O. KEULING2 , 1 Institute of Wildlife Biology and Game Management, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Gregor-Mendel-Str. 33, A-1180 Vienna, Austria, e-mail: [email protected]; 2 Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany, e-mail: [email protected] It is common for economic damage in agricultural crops to be estimated using a variety of different methods, rather than attempting accurate quantification. For a more precise calculation we tested the kite aerial photography technique (KAP). With this method a camera is fixed via a rig on the line and lifted up by the kite into the air to take photos. We used a 2 m hexagonal kite to lift a water- and shockproof GoPro HD Hero 2. This camera can take photos in 5 and 8 MP resolution and has a FOV of 127◦ and 170◦ . Fields of barley, wheat, rye and rapeseed were checked on a first “search mode” a short time before harvest by flying the kite with the camera over the fields in a height of about 60m, always considering the wind direction, taking photos of 5 MP resolution with 170◦ every 10 s. Large fields had to be checked by using parallel tractor tracs. Detected damage was inspected to make sure it was caused by wild boar. Afterwards photos were taken with 8 MP resolution and 127◦ which captured an area of about 90 m × 70 m. These photos were georeferenced in ESRI ArcGIS® 10 combining GPS points, taken with an Ashtech® MobileMapperTM 10 running ArcPad® marked by colored pickets within the fields. Finally the damaged areas were calculated by drawing polygons over the concerning areas. Even taking photos without GIS calculations using KAP can be a fast and relatively cheap method for a more precise estimation of wildlife damage. Results of a baseline study of terrestrial small mammals in the Putu Range of Liberia with the rediscovery and a molecular genetic assessment of the Nimba Otter Shrew (Micropotamogale lamottei) at Putu J. DECHER1 , C.R. GRAY2 , J.C. GARTEH3 , H.W. GARBO4 , C.W. KILPATRICK2 , R. HUTTERER1 , M.D. CARLETON5 , H.J. KUHN6 , B. PHALAN7 , P. VOGEL8 , A. MONADJEM9 , B. KADJO10 , F. JACQUET11 , C. DENYS11 , 1 Zoologisches Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koenig, Adenauerallee 160, Bonn, Germany, e-mail: [email protected]; 2 302 Marsh Life Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA, e-mail: [email protected]; 3 BirdLife International, Care Building, Tubman Boulevard, Monrovia, Liberia, e-mail: [email protected]; 4 Department of Biology, University of Liberia, P.O. Box 9020, Capitol Hill, Monrovia, Liberia, e-mail: [email protected]; 5 Mammal Division, MRC 108, P.O. Box 37012, National Museum of Natural History Washington, DC 20013-7012, USA, e-mail: [email protected]; 6 Forschungsinstitut Senckenberg, Mammalogie, Senckenberganlage 25, D-60325 Frankfurt/M., Germany, e-mail: [email protected]; 7 Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK, e-mail: [email protected]; 8 Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland, e-mail: [email protected]; 9 All Out Africa Research Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Swaziland, Private Bag 4, Kwaluseni, Swaziland, e-mail: [email protected]; 10 Université de Cocody-Abidjan-UFR Biosciences, 22 BP 582 Abidjan 22, Côte d’Ivoire, e-mail: [email protected]; 11 Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Department of

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Systématics & Evolution, UMR 7205,55 rue Buffon, 75005 Paris cedex 05, France, e-mail: [email protected]

In 2010 and 2012 we surveyed 15 sites along Mount Jideh and Mount Ghi in the Putu Range and in the northeastern buffer zone of Sapo National Park, Liberia. Our trap effort of 5732 trapnights resulted in the capture of 284 individual small mammals belonging to 9 species of shrews, including the Near Threatened species Crocidura grandiceps and C. nimbae and the recently described Upper Guinea endemic giant shrew C. nimbasilvanus, and 11 species of rodents including the small anomalurid squirrel Idiurus macrotis. Three additional rodent species were verified by camera trapping and incidental finding. Camera trapping also revealed two viverrid and one herpestid carnivore species. Most traplines were located in high forest or relatively undisturbed mature secondary forest. All sites showed signs of moderate past or present anthropogenic impact ranging from previous farming, to trail-cutting and past mineral prospecting, to hunting pressure indicated by the abundant presence of shotgun shells along trails. We also confirmed the continued presence of the Endangered Nimba otter shrew (Micropotamogale lamottei) from the same mountain stream as its first capture at Putu in December 1970 (Kuhn 1971). A molecular genetic comparison of Micropotamogale specimens across the limited range of this Upper Guinea endemic revealed a 0.21% divergence between the 12S rRNA sequence of the new Putu specimen to a GenBank sequence (AF390539) from Yealé, Côte d’Ivoire. This is a first indication that the outlying Putu population is an evolutionary significant unit, increasing our concern for their conservation. On the reproductive biology of the precocial brown hare (Lepus europaeus) in Turkey Y. DEMI˙ RBAS¸, I˙ . ALBAYRAK, Biology Department, Science & Arts Faculty, Kırıkkale University, 71451 Yahs¸ihan, Kırıkkale, Turkey, e-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Neonates of placental mammals are either altricial (ears and eyes are closed at birth) or precocial (ears and eyes are opened at birth). Hares (Lepus sp.) are precocial mammals, and neonates are born with already developed teeth. The brown hare (Lepus europaeus Pallas, 1778) is the single hare species distributed in Turkey. In this study, records on the reproductive biology of this species in Turkey are presented for the first time. The study is based on 92 specimens collected throughout the calendar year. It presents data on the breeding period and litter sizes of hares collected from various localities in Turkey between 2006 and 2012. The breeding period of hares from Turkey was generally found to be between December and September. Reproductive patterns of hares in Turkey varied depending on latitudes, with a positive correlation between latitude and litter size: smaller litters were observed in southern regions of Anatolia. Based on the limited sample size, it was found that litter size in Central Anatolia amounted to a maximum of four embryos, but in the Mediterranean region to a maximum of two embryos. In addition, the data revealed that litter size could vary with respect to the season, with smaller litters earlier in the reproductive season and larger litters from later in the season. While the smallest number of embryos was found in January, with one embryo, the largest number of embryos was found in August with four embryos. Body weights (93, 97, 99 and 106 g, respectively) of four fully furred fetuses of a doe obtained from August indicated that their development was almost complete. In general, outside of the reproductive period the position of testicles was inguinal (i.e., in the abdominal cavity), but full descensus was observed during the breeding period.

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Some morphological and karyological features of Meriones tristrami (Rodentia: Muridae) from Central Anatolia ˘ Y. DEMI˙ RBAS¸, N. PAMUKOGLU, N. AS¸AN BAYDEMI˙ R, Biology Department, Science & Arts Faculty, Kırıkkale University, 71451 Yahs¸ihan, Kırıkkale, Turkey, e-mail: [email protected], [email protected], nurselas¸[email protected] There are 30 genera and 67 species of rodents in Turkey. Among these, there are six species of the genus Meriones; Meriones tristrami, Meriones vinogradovi, Meriones dahli, Meriones crassus, Meriones persicus, and Meriones libycus in Turkey. We examined the morphological and karyological features of 46 Meriones tristrami specimens collected from various localities from Kırıkkale, Ankara and Kırs¸ehir provinces in Central Anatolia between 2002 and 2005. The diplopid number, fundamental number and fundamental autosomal number of M. tristrami were 72, 84, 80, respectively. The chromosome set consisted of 5 metacentric and submetacentric pairs and 30 acrocentric pairs. The X chromosome was a large metacentric, whereas the Y chromosome was a medium-sized metacentric. Our morphological evaluations revealed that there were two populations with different coat colors. The Meriones tristrami specimens in one district, where there is a reddish soil type, possessed reddish-light brown coat color, where as those in other districts with brown soil type possessed grayish-light brown coat color. There were no significant differences between the populations in terms of any external and cranial measurements (t-test, p > 0.05). These results indicate that the coat colors of M. tristrami specimens may closely comply with the color of the soil in their home range. Discrimination of brown hare (Lepus europaeus) populations in Turkey using landmark-based geometric morphometric analysis Y.DEMI˙ RBAS¸1 , A. ÖZKAN KOCA2 , F. SUCHENTRUNK3 , 1 Biology Department, Science & Arts Faculty, Kırıkkale University, 71451 Yahs¸ihan, Kırıkkale, Turkey, e-mail: [email protected]; 2 Fine Arts Faculty, Maltepe University, 34857 Maltepe, I˙ stanbul, Turkey, e-mail: [email protected]; 3 Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Savoyenstrasse 1, 1160 Vienna, Austria, e-mail: [email protected] The biogeographical and taxonomic status of the brown hare (Lepus europaeus Pallas, 1778) in the Palaearctic region is unresolved, because of its morphological similarity with other Lepus species (L. capensis sensu lato, L. tolai), and the possibility of complex reticulate evolutionary scenarios. Taxonomy and distribution of the many described subspecies of this species are uncertain by modern standards. The objective of this research was to attempt to differentiate brown hare populations from different regions in Turkey that are separated by potential geographic barriers (Bosphorus, Dardanelles, “Anatolian Diagonal”) using a landmarkbased geometric morphometric approach based on 71 adult individuals. Twenty-two landmarks on the dorsal maxilla and 32 landmarks on the ventral maxilla were digitized and considered for the analysis. The pattern of maxillar shape differentiation was investigated using statistical analysis such as MANOVA and Pairwise and Canonical variate analysis. A significant shape differentiation among brown hare populations was found both in the dorsal and the ventral part of the maxilla. Based on ventral shape variables, populations from eastern/southeastern Anatolia and the population from Turkish Thrace (European part of Turkey) were significantly different from all other populations. Similarly, based on dorsal shape variables, the population from Thrace was

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Abstracts / Mammalian Biology 78S (2013) 5–27

significantly different from the populations from eastern/southeastern Anatolia (P < 0.001). The canonical variate analysis resulted in a clear separation of populations within Turkey when dorsal and ventral shape variables were used. Moreover, the results obtained from ventral shape variables were more successful and displayed better clustering and higher classification percentages among the proposed groups. In conclusion, our landmark-based geometric morphometric approach supports the hypothesized impact of geographic barriers for the morphological discrimination of Turkish brown hare populations. Illegal slaughter of domestic mammals unveiled by the forensic analysis of mixed DNA traces R. FANELLI1 , L. GAROFALO1 , R. FICO2 , R. LORENZINI1 , 1 Centro di Referenza Nazionale per la Medicina Forense Veterinaria, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale di Lazio e Toscana, Via Tancia 21, 02100 Rieti, Italy, e-mail: [email protected]; 2 Centro di Referenza Nazionale per la Medicina Forense Veterinaria, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale di Lazio e Toscana, Viale Europa 30, 58100 Grosseto, Italy The owner of an abattoir, authorized to slaughter only sheep and goats, was suspected of killing unauthorized species. To ascertain the offence, four butcher’s tools (one captive bolt pistol and three knives) were confiscated in the abattoir by the authorities. DNA was isolated from traces of biological material (including blood, hair shafts and small fragments of tissues) collected from the surface of the tools. In order to identify the animal species from putative mixed DNA, two approaches were chosen: (1) two DNA segments in the 12S and cytochrome b mitochondrial (mt) genes were amplified and sequenced using newly designed universal primers; (2) multiplexes of species-specific nuclear STR (Short Tandem Repeats) loci were used to identify different domestic and wild species, which were suspected of being slaughtered illegally. The following species were identified using mtDNA markers from trace samples collected on the pistol and two knives: Equus caballus (horse), Ovis aries (sheep) and Bos taurus (cow). Multilocus STR genotypes indicated the presence of biological traces from more than one individual of Sus scrofa (pig) on the pistol and one knife. In conclusion, the combined use of different genetic markers proved that three species were slaughtered in the abattoir without legal permission. Moreover, the finding of a minimum of two individuals Sus scrofa indicated the reiteration of a crime. The cumulative evidences led the suspect being charged with illegal slaughter (Art. 1, clause 1 of the Italian DL 193/07; directive 2004/41/CE). The case is still ongoing. Threatened Apennine chamois and reintroduced red deer: Deer as a limiting factor F. FERRETTI1,2 , M. CORAZZA3 , I. CAMPANA1 , I. MINDER1,2 , V. PIETROCINI1 , A. COSTA1 , G. CESARETTI1 , C. FERRARI3 , N. TROIANI3 , S. LOVARI1,2 , 1 Research Unit of Behavioural Ecology, Ethology and Wildlife Management, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100, Siena, Italy, e-mail: [email protected]; 2 BIOCONNET, Biodiversity and Conservation Network, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy; 3 Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 42, 40126, Bologna, Italy Information is scarce on mechanisms of interspecific competition between wild ungulates. In Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park (ALMNP, Central Apennines, Italy), we analysed the effects of space/diet overlap between red deer Cervus elaphus and Apennine chamois Rupicapra pyrenaica ornata (“Vulnerable”, IUCN) on both the quality of grasslands and the foraging efficiency of chamois.

In summer-autumn 2012, we used micro-histological analyses of faeces, pellet group counts, vegetation sampling and behavioral observations at three sites. Diet overlap was great (>90%) between these ungulates. Red deer used 88% (Site 1), 67% (Site 2) and 0.1% (Site 3) of chamois feeding grounds. In Site 1, the alteration of grasslands through trampling was the highest and, irrespective of vegetation type, female chamois showed the highest step rate and the lowest bite rate. In all study sites, the seasonal increase of trampling depended significantly on density of deer, not on that of chamois. In the warm season, red deer affected the quality of grasslands and, in turn, the foraging efficiency of chamois. In mountain ungulates, environmental conditions and the access to high quality forage in the warm season can influence winter survival of offspring. In ALMNP, chamois numbers have decreased by 30% in the last decade (2005: c. 650 ind.; 2010: c. 450 ind.), whereas red deer (reintroduced from 1972 to 1987: 81 ind.) have greatly increased (2010: >2000 ind., ALMNP archive). Red deer could be the ultimate factor triggering the decrease of Apennine chamois in areas with interspecific overlap. The orbito-temporal region of the mammalian skull—Issues and problems P. GIERE, Museum für Naturkunde, Leibniz Institute for Research on Evolution and Biodiversity, Invalidenstraße 43, 10115 Berlin, Germany, e-mail: [email protected] As central part of the mammalian skull and bearing the modifications from its reptilian ancestors, the orbito-temporal region and its scholarly interpretation has caused scientific disputes when used in comparative morphological research over the past century. Results from ontogenetic and osteological studies have addressed phylogenetic and morphological problems in a variety of mammalian taxa, including primates, Lipotyphla, marsupials and monotremes. Issues addressed in this presentation comprise the inclusion of formerly extracranial space into the cavum cranii (secondary wall of the cranium as proposed by Gaupp), the topography of the bony elements forming the orbital mosaic as discussed for primates and Lipotyphla and the exposure of a usually hidden element, the ethmoid in the orbit of some mammals. Estimating the abundance of fallow deer (Dama dama) by collecting shed antlers P. GONC¸ALVES, P. FERNANDEZ-LLARIO, D. RISCO, W.L. GARCÍAJIMÉNEZ, C. MATEOS, Red de grupos de investigación Recursos Faunísticos, Facultad de Veterinaria, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain, e-mail: [email protected] There has been an increase in the number of wild ungulates inhabiting the Iberian Peninsula in the last few decades. This phenomenon has driven the need to continue the search for census techniques that will enable us to complete and improve existing methods. In the Iberian Peninsula, annual collection of shed antlers is an additional source of revenue in certain hunting estates, which encourages an intensive search for the antlers during the months after they have been shed. Our study set out to investigate whether the collection of shed antlers from male fallow deer (Dama dama) could be used as the basis for a census method. We carried out a comparison between individuals counted by a traditional method based on the concentration of individuals in certain points, with the information provided by annual collecting of shed antlers. Results show that the information provided by shed antlers improves the precision of the census, since a percentage (from 6.6 to 41.6%) of the adult fallow deer male counted from shed antlers had not been previously counted in the traditional census method.

Abstracts / Mammalian Biology 78S (2013) 5–27

This result indicates that counting shed antlers could be used as a technique to calculate the number of males in certain fallow deer populations. In addition counting shed antlers could be used as a tool to correct population structure estimates which are usually derived from counting adult males, thus improving the precision of other indicators of abundance. Drivers of large herbivores diet selection in Altai Mts, Russia P. HEJCMANOVÁ1 , M. HEJCMAN2 , M. CHYTRY´ 3 , 1 Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, ´ Kamycká 129, 16521 Prague-Suchdol, Czech Republic, e-mail: [email protected]; 2 Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech ´ University of Life Sciences, Kamycká 1176, 16521 Prague-Suchdol, Czech Republic, e-mail: [email protected]; 3 Faculty of Sciences, ˇ ckovice, Brno, Masaryk University, Terezy Novákové 1283/64, Reˇ e-mail: [email protected] Grasslands in South Siberia are very species rich and herbivores can thus compose their diet from many plant species. The aim of this study was therefore to study which plant species they select and whether are drivers of diet selection concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, fibre and lignin contents. Availability of 74 plant species, their macro-elements and fiber concentrations and intensity of grazing marks were recorded on 19 pastures (2× European bison, 3× Siberian deer, 6× cattle and 8× horse) at two localities in Altai Mts., Russia, contrasting in altitudes (Cherga 1500 m a s l, Sarlyk 2200 m a s l) and consequently in plant biomass production. In Cherga, on pastures with high plant biomass production, diet selection was very similar for ruminants and non-ruminants. Intensity of species selection was positively correlated with P and K concentrations in biomass, negatively with N:P ratio and lignin content and independent on N and fiber content. In Sarlyk with limited plant biomass production, diet selection between ruminants and non-ruminants was different, being for non-ruminants closely positively correlated with plant availability and with high fiber and lignin content, and with N:P ratio, negatively correlated with P, K, Ca and Mg which were insufficient in the biomass. On the other hand, ruminants maintained their diet selection correlated similarly as in Cherga locality. We concluded that selection of particular plant species can be highly affected by biomass availability and by their chemical composition. Social preferences of the giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) M. HEJZLAROVA1 , L. MALYJURKOVA1 , P. JUNKOVA VYMYSLICKA2 , K. BRANDLOVA1 , 1 Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, e-mail: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]; 2 Faculty of Enviromental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, e-mail: [email protected] Social bonds between giraffes are often described as very weak. Giraffes have been described as random groups of individuals, without permanent ties. Nevertheless, complex social structure has been detected among females in captivity. Our aim was to test social preferences in wild giraffes. We expected that stronger relationships will occur between: mother–calf, mother–mother, calf–calf. The social preferences of 28 introduced giraffes (13 males, 15 females) were observed in Bandia reserve in Senegal. In total 144 contacts were recorded (88 group and 56 individual sightings) in 34 days. The average number of individuals in the group was 4.8 ± 0.37. Group size was not dependent on the presence of the male, but on the presence of females and/or calves and/or subadult individuals (MW U-test, p < 0.001). We defined “friends” as pairs with association index (AI) higher than 0.4. Two animals were seen together 7 ± 0.35 times (0–26) with mean AI: 0.16 (0–0.76).

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The highest AI was recorded for mother-calf pairs as expected. Three pairs of female giraffes met the criteria of AI > 0.4 and were considered as “friends“. Female giraffes associated more often with filial offspring and the offspring of their “friends” than with other offspring (KW test, p < 0.001). If the females were “friends”, so were their calves. Preference for particular giraffe and their offspring were proved. We suppose the formation of social structure and social bonds among wild giraffes. The research is supported by CIGA 20135010, CIGA 2134217 and IGA FTZ 51120/1312/3110 and ˇ ESF/MSMT CZ.1.07/2.3.00/30.0040. Thyroid hormone levels do not explain differences in lifespan between Ansell’s mole-rats of different reproductive status Y. HENNING1 , P. DAMMANN1,2 , C. VOLE1 , M. BROECKER-PREUSS2 , S. BEGALL1 , H. BURDA1 , 1 Department of General Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45117 Essen, Germany, e-mail: [email protected]; 2 Animal Laboratory, University Clinic Medical School Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45117 Essen, Germany, e-mail: [email protected] African mole-rats (Bathyergidae) represent a group of subterranean animals that are unusual in many aspects, such as physiology and anatomy compared with other groups of rodents. Recent studies suggest that Ansell’s mole-rats (Fukomys anselli), that live in eusocial, multigenerational families, have low thyroid hormone levels, compared to other rodent species. This results in a low metabolic rate and a retina with a high density of S-Opsins. While there is no difference in lifespan between breeders and non-breeders of naked mole-rats, a well-known species of African mole-rats, maximum life span of breeders is twice as long as nonbreeders in F. anselli. In the present study we investigated thyroid hormone levels of breeders and non-breeders of F. anselli to examine if a relation between reproductive status (and/or) lifespan and thyroid hormones exists. Serum samples of 20 non-reproductive and 12 reproductive animals were analyzed for free triiodothyronine (fT3), free tetraiodothyronine (thyroxin; fT4) and thyreotropin (TSH). We also tested 4 rats and 4 guinea-pigs as control. The hormone levels were not significantly different between animals of different reproductive status, gender, age or weight. TSH could not be measured either for F. anselli or control. Interestingly fT4 of F. anselli was more than 10 times lower than control levels, whereas the fT3 levels, the biologically mainly active form, did not differ significantly. Although we could not find any significant relation between lifespan and thyroid hormones, the study suggests, that F. anselli has differences in thyroid hormone regulation compared to other rodent species. Further research is required to investigate which regulatory mechanisms are responsible for the unusual proportion of fT3 and fT4. The ontogeny of male aggression and its hormonal basis in two house mouse subspecies Z. HIADLOVSKÁ1,2 , K. BUFKOVÁ DANISZOVÁ3,4 , K. JANOTOVÁ3,4 , ˇ N. RUSOVÁ1,5 , P. HAMPLOVÁ 2 , B. VOSLAJEROVÁ BÍMOVÁ1,3 , M. MACHOLÁN1,2 , 1 Laboratory of Mammalian Evolutionary Genetics, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Veveˇrí 97, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic, e-mail:[email protected]; 2 Institute of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, Masaryk University, Brno; 3 Institute of Vertebrate Biology, ASCR, Brno; 4 Biodiversity Research Group, Department of Zoology, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic; 5 Department of Ecology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague

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Abstracts / Mammalian Biology 78S (2013) 5–27

Male aggression is important in shaping the social structure of animal communities. In mice, testosterone driven males are usually the more aggressive sex and with a strict hierarchy. In this study we focused on the ontogeny of male aggression and exploration in two house mouse subspecies (Mus musculus domesticus and M. m. musculus) which hybridize in Europe. These two taxa differ in the level of aggression displayed, however, little is known about the ontogeny of these differences. We assessed the timing of both physiological characteristics and hormonal development along with the amount of pheromonally active Major Urinary Proteins (MUPs) which are involved in the signalling of male competitive abilities. Males of inbred strains derived from both subspecies and laboratory reared offspring of wild trapped mice were raised in fraternal pairs. The day of reaching sexual maturity and onset of aggression were estimated. The social rank among brothers (dominant/subordinate) was determined and individual exploration activity evaluated. During the whole process hormone and MUP levels were measured. When inbred strains are taken in to account, it seems to be advantageous for the domesticus males to invest in body growth and delay sexual maturity, which is then immediately followed by the onset of aggression. In wild mice, the situation is more obscure, with high levels of variability in our results. Financial support: Czech Science Foundation grants nos. 206/08/0640 and P506-11-1792. Spatial genetic patterns of the wildboar (Sus scrofa) in periurban Vienna E. HIMMLER, M. HABE, S. VETTER, C. BIEBER, F. SUCHENTRUNK, Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Savoyenstrasse 1, 1160 Vienna, Austria, e-mail: [email protected] The wild boar (Sus scrofa) is increasingly considered as invasive to metropolitan, peri-urban, and suburban areas, particularly in Europe and the U.S.A., providing various conflicts with human interests. Moreover, they may transmit infectious diseases to humans, their pets, and livestock. Successful control of the wild boar in these areas depends in part on the identification of source populations, immigration routes, and population structure. In particular, the cohesion of subpopulations, as well as dispersal and migration patterns between local areas are of interest. In a preliminary study we used sixteen unlinked and highly variable (119 alleles) microsatellite markers for 97 individuals of different sex and age from eight regional collection areas in peri-urban Vienna and for 14 animals from the larger environs of Vienna, to investigate genetic cohesion, migration, and dispersal among those peri-urban areas. A hierarchical analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated a tendency (7.6%, p = 0.069) for population differentiation due to the River Danube, and an overall effect (5.0%, p < 0.00005) of genetic differentiation among subpopulations (sampling areas). Various population genetic statistics, such as F-statistics, absolute genetic distances, Bayesian STRUCTURE analyses, and multivariate factorial correspondence analysis agreed with the AMOVA result, and revealed a marked genetic separation of local populations, even in the forested western part of Vienna that provides a more or less a continuous habitat for the wild boar. Apparently, the revealed clear genetic distinction of almost all local subpopulations was not due to multiple samples of closely related family members of social units, as we found only a few significant indices of genetic relationship for pairs of individuals per local subpopulation. A Bayesian classification analysis identified two individuals as first generation migrants, one having immigrated from the envrions to peri-urban Vienna and one having dispersed within Vienna. One STRUCTURE model suggested that only a few individuals were first or later generation descendents of migrants

within peri-urban Vienna, this included one ancestor that has dispersed across the River Danube. Overall, our set of microsatellites is apparently useful for identifying fine-scale spatial genetic patterns and migration of wild boar and we expect it will be helpful for control of the species in Vienna. Variation in food quality for herbivores along a large-scale latitudinal gradient M. HOLA1 , J.P. BALL2 , 1 Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, ´ Kamycká 1176, 165 21 Prague-Suchdol, Czech Republic, e-mail: mhola@fld.czu.cz; 2 Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 901 83, Umeå, Sweden, e-mail: [email protected] The spatial and temporal variation in nutritional quality of plants consumed by herbivores is among the main factors determining their feeding patterns and influencing their productivity, as well as one of the main forces driving their distribution and habitat selection. Plant nutrients vary in space and time, both within and among plant species, at fine scales, and across large geographical scales. In such heterogeneous environments, herbivores have to deal with variation in food quality at different spatiotemporal scales and make trade-offs between acquisition of digestible nutrients (e.g. nitrogen) and reduction of digestibility-reducing compounds (e.g. phenolics or tannins). Here, we evaluated spatial and temporal patterns in food quality (i.e. the concentration of nitrogen, fiber, total phenolics and condensed tannins) across a large-scale north-south gradient covering the length of Sweden. Northern areas like Sweden are expected to suffer the strongest and earliest impacts of climate change, and this north-south gradient provides great insight into how climate change may alter food quality for herbivores in the near future. Two important plant species, fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium) and downy birch (Betula pendula), in the summer diet of moose (Alces alces) were sampled during three consecutive years and assessed with near infrared reflectance spectroscopy. There was a clear latitudinal gradient in the concentrations of these aspects of food quality for herbivores in which nitrogen and fiber increased towards the south in both species, and phenolics and tannins increased towards the north in fireweed. Our findings have important implications for researchers investigating large scale questions like climate change and its effects on herbivores, ecosystem structure and functioning. The plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae)—An indicator for pasture degradation on the Tibetan Plateau? M. HOLZAPFEL1 , G. MIEHE2 , K. WESCHE1 , H. ANSORGE1 , Museum of Natural History Görlitz, PF 300154, 02826 Görlitz, Germany, e-mails: [email protected]; [email protected], [email protected]; 2 Faculty of Geography, Philipps-University Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany, e-mail: [email protected] 1 Senckenberg

The soil-dwelling plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae) has coexisted with pastoralists and their livestock for millennia on the Tibetan Plateau. The region, one of the largest rangeland areas in the world, is increasingly influenced by land use intensification (increasing population and livestock numbers), changes in the traditional Tibetan livelihoods (sedentarization policy), as well as climatic changes. The consequence is the degradation of the grasslands. In this changing ecosystem small mammals gain importance, because they are forage competitors for livestock and influence pasture

Abstracts / Mammalian Biology 78S (2013) 5–27

quality. According to local people and some scientists, the endemic pikas cause and accelerate pasture degradation. They are hence regarded as “pests”. The BMBF-funded project PaDeMoS (Pasture Degradation Monitoring System) tries to assess potential degradation effects using a set of mostly biotic indicators; including data on pollen, vegetation, soil, ants and small mammals in combination with information from remote sensing and human ecology. Field work was conducted in 2011 and 2012 at 20 different study sites on the Tibetan Plateau, representing the major vegetation types along the major altitudinal and climatic gradients. At each site small mammals were studied by a grid-based sampling, with the aim to compare modestly grazed and intensively grazed plots. In general, species richness of small mammals tended to decrease with grazing intensity. The plateau pika represents the most common small mammal on the Tibetan Plateau. Tentative results suggest that pika density increased with grazing intensity. Regarding to the species richness and density of small mammals, grazing may have stronger effects than differences imposed by site conditions. Mammals of Central Europe: Chorologic structure and historical biogeography ˇ I. HORÁCEK, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University Prague, Viniˇcná 7, 128 44 Praha, Czech Republic, e-mail: [email protected] When considering origin, paleobiogeographic history and the way in which particular species contributed to actual communities, the extant mammalian fauna of central Europe can be subdivided into three chorologic units: (a) paleochoric elements of the interglacial communities, (b) paleochoric elements of the glacial communities, and (c) apochoric elements of the present interglacial. However, not all species can be unambiguously arranged in just one of these units, and their role in actual communities could vary quite a lot. The inter-region variation in dynamics of faunal rearrangements during the present glacial cycle (Weichselian-Holocene) is demonstrated in a rich fossil record obtained from continuous sedimentary sequences in Czech Republic and Slovakia (900 community samples, 30,000 MNI) and neighbouring countries of Central Europe. The inter-regional differences are apparent particularly in (a) the prolonged survival of the glacial elements Ochotona pusilla and Microtus gregalis in the Pannonian basin and (b) Dicrostonyx gulielmi in the Carpathian foredeep, contrasting with (c) the early disappearance of them in S-Germany and Bohemia, (d) continuous survival of several woodland elements (Clethrionomys glareolus, Sorex araneus, Micotus subterraneus, Microtus agrestis) throughout Weichselian (including LGM) in the Carpathians, and (e) similar differences were found also in other cenologic traits. While the glacial communities were nearly homogenous in their structure throughout whole the region, the Holocene development produced a considerable faunal provincialism, which was most pronounced during the Boreal. At that stage also the degree of habitat patchiness reached its maximum. A split of continuous ranges into a gruer-like patternwith a mosaic of local populations which were more or less resistant to medium-intensity environmental changes, seems to be a very characteristic facet of that phenomenon. This kind of faunal dynamic was characteritic throughout the Pliocene and Early Pleistocene stages, and the available fossil record from the SE-Europe and Asia Minor show that it persisted there even quite recently (comp. no essential rearrangements during the Vistulian and Holocene, no glacial immigrants except for Lagurus in Balkans).

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However traces of this kind of dynamic persisted in Central European mammals as well – both the molecular data and repeated fossil record (including the continuous sedimentary sequences such as that in Hunas in Bayern or Dzeravá skala in Malé Karpaty Mts.) have proved continuous survival of more forms in the region including the demanding species like Sorex araneus, Clethrionomys glareolus, Microtus agrestis and M.oeconomus throughout whole that period. Bats of the Eastern Mediterranean: Biogeography of range margins 1 , M. UHRIN2,3 , P. BENDA4,1 , ˇ 1 , V. HANÁK1 , R. LUCAN ˇ I. HORÁCEK 1 Department of Zoology, Charles University, Viniˇ cná 7, 128 44 Praha 2, Czech Republic, e-mail: [email protected], [email protected]; 2 Department of Zoology, Institute of Biolˇ ogy and Ecology, P.J. Safárik University, Moyzesova 11, 040 01 Koˇsice, Slovakia, e-mail: [email protected]; 3 Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Czech University of ´ Life Sciences, Kamycká 1176, 165 21 Praha 6, Czech Republic; 4 Department of Zoology, National Museum, Václavské nám. 68, 115 79 Praha 1, Czech Republic, e-mail: petr [email protected]

A large set of bat records has been collected over recent decades from various regions of the Eastern Mediterranean (Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, Iran, Libya, Egypt). These comprise of about 8000 faunal records, and have enabled us to analyse biogeographic specificities of the East-Mediterranean bats in detail. With current additions to the species list, the fauna consists of 64 species. For 56 of them, the Eastern Mediterranean represents a zone of range margin or the very center of their West-Palaearctic range. We analysed localisation and structure of range margins in the region, and in several model taxa we analysed patterns of geographic variation using both morphological and molecular approaches. We examined in detail geographic congruence in the distribution of range margins, effects of climatic and environmental variables as possible correlates of chorologic transitions and background factors responsible for dynamics of the respective range margins. In a large number of cases, of course, no clear correlations were found as is the case with the most pronounced zone of faunal rearrangements (congruent with the major phylogeographic shed) along the Zagros and Talysh Mts., respectively. A specific situation appears in the Levant (Lebanon and Cyprus in particular). The expected historical background factors (such as effects of the Messinian Salinity Crisis) are discussed. Mother–calf interaction and activity synchronization of Eland (Taurotragus oryx) under farm conditions ˚ K. HOZDECKÁ1 , P. HEJCMANOVÁ1 , P. JUNKOVÁ VYMYSLICKÁ2 , R. KOTRBA1 , K. BRANDLOVÁ1 , 1 Faculty of Tropical Agrisciences, ´ Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamycká 129, 16521 Praha 6-Suchdol, Czech Republic, e-mail: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]; 2 Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sci´ ences Prague, Kamycká 129, 165 21 Praha 6-Suchdol, Czech Republic, e-mail: [email protected] In the wild, mother–offspring interactions and behaviour are frequently driven by the potential for predation, in particular a mother’s vigilance over its offspring. However, some types of behaviour are adaptive and may change, or disappear, in an environment without predators. We investigated whether a mother’s activity is affected by calf activity, whether these interactions change with the age of offspring and whether calves synchronize

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Abstracts / Mammalian Biology 78S (2013) 5–27

their activities in the case of the Common eland (Taurotragus oryx) under farm conditions. We observed 11 pairs, of mother and calf, of Common elands at our University Farm Estate in Lány, from birth to weaning over a period of 11 months. In total there were 68 observation days (458.2 total hours with 6.7 h per 1 observation day on average). Both mothers and calves spent most of their time foraging, resting and moving. However their activities were mutually independent and not affected within the pairs over the period from birth until weaning. On the other hand, we revealed mutual synchronization of calves, of similar ages, during foraging and resting behaviours. We concluded that under farm conditions on a limited grazing area and without predators, the vigilance of a mother over her calf has lost its importance and mothers do not respond in any way to the activities of their own calf. Calves form a nursery herd associate together and synchronise their principal activities. Females can take care of their own or other infants much more easily and they spend less time on vigilant behaviour. Historical distribution and decline of large mammals in former Sudan T. JENTKE, D. RÖDDER, R. HUTTERER, Zoologisches Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koenig, Adenauerallee 160, 53113 Bonn, Germany, e-mail: [email protected] We analysed the historical distribution of large mammals, mostly ungulates, in South and North Sudan. The purpose was to explore the scientific potential of museum vouchers, hunting trophies and written historical records and documents in testing potential range shifts on the basis of distribution maps. To develop distribution maps historical material such as literature, original documents and museums vouchers from 16 natural history museums in Europe and North America were analysed. The data extracted were sorted by species and year and converted into spatial data to create distribution maps. The study assembled more than 900 records of large mammals dating from 1823 to 1998, which we grouped in three successive time sectors (1823–1898/1899–1953/1954–1998). Records for 23 species were plotted on distribution maps. For five species (Loxodonta africana, Syncerus brachyceros, Kobus defassa, Hippotragus equinus, Giraffa camelopardalis) these distribution maps indicate a strong range contraction, predominantly in a south-westerly direction. The other species showed no clear pattern in their distribution, due to insufficient numbers of records. Five species vanished from the territory of North and South Sudan within the time period studied, or went extinct. The reasons for the decline may have been the expansion of the Sahara, the civil war from 1955 to 2011, or excessive large game hunting. The results are limited by the number of records available but demonstrate the potential of historical vouchers for zoogeographic studies. Furthermore they show a need for additional research, especially regarding current mammal distributions in South and North Sudan after the civil war. Effect of supplementary feeding on spatial activity of wild boar during the winter season ˇ ˇ ´ Department of Game M. JEZˇ EK, T. KUSTA, M. HOLÁ, J. CERVEN Y, Management and Wildlife Biology, Czech University of Life Sci´ ences Prague, Kamycká 1176, 165 21 Prague-Suchdol, Czech Republic, e-mail: jezekm@fld.czu.cz Supplementary feeding affects the spatial activity of game species. In winter 2012–2013 we collared and tracked seven wild boars (2 adult males, 5 adult females) in the Sumava National Park, Czech Republic. We used GPS-GSM collars from Vectronic Aerospace, Germany (GPS device, a GSM module, a temperature logger and an activity sensor). The area is relatively low in tree species diversity

with the main core area being spruce forest (>90%). The supplementary feeding locations are fixed, with a regular frequency of feeding (several times a week). During the winter there is a stable layer of snow (20–100 cm). We caught the boar in traps and then tranquilized them (mixture of Zoletil + Xylazin + Ketamin). The results showed that there was strong wild boar dependency to feeding stations. Each of them visited the feeding place every night and used the same feeding place throughout the whole winter. Wild boar activity during the winter can be divided into 3 types of behavior: rest (>75% of daytime), movement to and back from feeding place (<5% of daytime) and visiting of feeding stations (<20%of daytime). Individual boar showed a strong fidelity to feeding stations and strong fidelity to the rest places as well. The individual winter home range size varied from 130 ha to 550 ha (MCP). The minimum average walked distance of each boar varied from 500 m to 950 m during whole day. These results showed: that the feeding stations are the main sources of food for these wild boar during the winter season, and their behavior can be highly predictable when using a regular type of feeding management. This study was supported by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic, Grant no. QJ1220314. Social distances of semi-captive ungulates: Consequences for social behaviour 1 , M. ˚ ˚ P. JUNKOVÁ VYMYSLICKÁ1 , K. BRANDLOVÁ2 , T. JUNEK HEJZLAROVÁ2 , 1 Department of Ecology, Faculty of Environmental ´ Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamycká 1176, 165 21 Prague 6 – Suchdol, Czech Republic; 2 Department of Animal Science and Food Processing in Tropics and Subtropics, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sci´ ences Prague, Kamycká 129, 165 21 Prague 6 – Suchdol, e-mail: [email protected]

Studies of ungulate social behaviour in zoos or in other captive breeding facilities form a considerable part of behavioural research; however, there is a lot of evidence which shows that animal behaviour is influenced by captivity. Wild ungulates maintain typically species-specific social distance. To recognize the relationships between the social behaviour and inter-individual distances in ungulates we conducted a pilot study, in semi-captivity, which will be compared with wild and captive conditions in future. We conducted our study in semi-captive conditions, a 3500 ha fenced wildlife reserve in Senegal, on three gregarious African ungulate species: giraffe, Giraffa camelopardalis, common eland, Taurotragus oryx, and impala, Aepyceros melampus. We tested whether there was a difference in social distances within the three species, whether they differed in frequency and intensity of social interactions, and whether there were differences within the age-sex categories. We proved the differences between the three species as well as the differences within the age-sex categories. Giraffes maintained the highest social distances and lowest frequency of social interactions, while young stayed close to adult females. Common elands preferred to stay with their peers and individuals in the herd kept shorter social distances. Impalas kept the closest social distances from the three observed species and the distances did not differ significantly within the age-sex categories. The research is supported by grants CIGA 20114203, CIGA 20134217, ˇ ˇ by project Postdok CZU (ESF/MSMT CZ.1.07/2.3.00/30.0040). Wild boar rooting on grassland: Influencing factors and management considerations O. KEULING1 , A. DAIM1,2 , L. GIESE1,3 , 1 Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany, e-mail: [email protected]; 2 Institute of Wildlife

Abstracts / Mammalian Biology 78S (2013) 5–27

Biology and Game Management, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Gregor-Mendel-Str. 33, A-1180 Vienna, Austria, e-mail: [email protected]; 3 University of Potsdam, Am Neuen Palais 10, 14469 Potsdam, Germany Increasing wild boar populations result in a high risk for epidemics and agricultural damage. In particular damage by rooting on grassland is of high economic importance. We investigated the causes of rooting behaviour and the factors influencing its distribution. Rooting on grassland was mapped and categorised using GPS and GIS-techniques. Factors including soil consistency, height of grass, distance to structures, etc. were noted. We collected soil samples on transects within different habitats, searching for edaphon as activating factors. Rooting activity was closely related to the presence of earthworms and larvae of Tipula spec. However, there was an uneven distribution of rooting. 99% of rooting was less than 10 cm deep, 85% were on moist grassland. Both distributions are explained by edaphon. 50% of all rooting took place on less than 10% of the area, which means there must be factors other than soil biota involved. 66% of areas were rooted repeatedly, 80% of rooting was found on areas less than 10 cm lawn height. 96% of all rooting was within a distance of 45m to shelter like forest or hedge rows. Thus not only the availability of food but also distance to shelter and easy rooting influence intensity and distribution of rooting activity. Most grassland rooting originates after a spring thaw due to the opportunity for easy digging and the availability of active earthworms. Summer rooting occurs after mowing and seems to be predominantly due to the presence of Tipulid larvae. Due to the importance of soil fauna as a food for wild boar, banishing them from areas where they cause damage will always be very difficult. Only electric fences, specific hunting and especially a general population reduction seem likely to be helpful here. Holocene biogeography of the genus Apodemus (Mammalia, Rodentia) in Central Europe ˇ M. KNITLOVÁ, I. HORÁCEK, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Viniˇcná 7, 128 44 Prague, Czech Republic, e-mail: [email protected], [email protected] The wood mice of the genus Apodemus are dominant elements of the Recent and Pleistocene interglacial vertebrate communities of the Western Paleartics. They are closely linked to woodland habitats and can be considered as index fossils of the woodland assemblages. Nevertheless, despite a large fossil record, there is no detailed information on the history of their range dynamics and phenotypic variation is not sufficiently well understood. We performed a re-examination of these topics using material coming from a continuous sedimentary series covering the Late Pleistocene and Holocene. The detailed morphometric analysis (57 metric and 24 non-metric characters) was carried out using measurements from 2358 molars belonging to 111 community samples from the Czech Republic and Slovakia. In agreement with previous conclusions, the genus is invariably absent during Pleistocene glacial cycles in Central Europe. However it was found that it was not A. sylvaticus (as reported by previous studies) but A. flavicollis that was found to be the species which appeared first in Central Europe (late Vistualian in Pannonia, preboreal in the Bohemian Massif) and predominated throughout the region until the late Boreal. In the early Holocene A. uralensis also occured frequently, but much beyond the limits of its present day distribution in the region. A. sylvaticus appeared first during the Boreal in the Bohemian Massif, but in the Carpathians it

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was as late as the Atlantic before it became frequent. Considerable differences in dental phenotype between the Early Holocene and Late Holocene samples of A. flavicollis suggest possible character displacement. The results of our study are in agreement with previous molecular-phylogeography studies. This study was supported by grant GAUK 355511. Calves under high voltage power lines—Design of an experimental study T. KOLBABOVÁ1 , L. BARTOSˇ 2 , H. BURDA1 , E.P. MALKEMPER3 , of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Czech ´ University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamycká 1176, 165 21 Prague-Suchdol, Czech Republic, e-mail: kolbabova@fld.czu.cz; 2 Department of Zoology, Institute of Animal Science, Pˇ rátelství 815, 104 00 Prague-Uhˇrínˇeves, Czech Republic; 3 Department of General Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45117 Essen, Germany 1 Department

Exposure to extremely low-frequency (50/60 Hz) electromagnetic fields (ELFMF) produced by high voltage power lines is associated with an increased risk of childhood leukemia and Alzheimer’s disease. Question of biological effects on man and animals, however, remains controversial. Previous study showed significant changes in spatial behavior of domestic cattle and deer grazing under and near high voltage power lines. Other studies introduced a hypothesis that ELFMF may negatively affect physiology through disruption of circadian rhythmicity through interaction with magnetoreception. The aim of this study is to test this hypothesis experimentally. It is hypothesized that the effect is pronounced in young individuals, in which multisensory integration is still immature. In the experiments, calves are (as the most accessible model, also suitable in terms of endocrinological analysis) housed in outdoor individual boxes exposed to ELFMF simulated by specially designed coils for at least four weeks. Parallely, the saliva will be collected at regular intervals. In these samples, the concentration of melatonin will be assessed as a marker of circadian rhythmicity. In the case of positive interaction between ELFMF and magnetoreception, difference in circadian melatonin production (specifically, inhibition of the nocturnal production of the hormone) is expected. This effect should be more evident in younger individuals. Experiments should also provide information about which parameters of the magnetic fields (intensity, frequency, vector) have the greatest impact. Simultaneously, the influence of the age and duration of exposure of the animal will be estimated. Effectivness of hunting—Is weather important? ˇ M. KOSATOVÁ, Department of Ecology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, ´ Kamycká 1176, 165 21 Praha – Suchdol, Czech Republic, e-mail: [email protected] According to actual findings it is evident that the success of game observation and hunting in natural conditions depends on a number of factors which we can to some extent influence and thus increase the success of hunting. However many factors we cannot influence. Such factors include meteorological elements, of which the most important are total precipitation, wind speed, daily temperature, and snow depth. Research data on game hunting from 2005 in the Doupovské hory Mts. and data provided by meteorological stations Karlovy Vary and Tuˇsimice were analysed. Four methods of game hunting were examined: still hunting, battue, drive hunting and deer stalking. Hunted game species were predominantly large mammals and specifically the red deer (Cervus elaphus), fallow deer (Dama dama),

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Abstracts / Mammalian Biology 78S (2013) 5–27

mouflon (Ovis musimon), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), wild boar (Sus scrofa), and sika deer (Cervus nippon). Data on small mammals were represented mainly by red fox (Vulpes vulpes). The aim of this research is to evaluate the success of hunting depending on the weather conditions and the type of environment. The results suggest that the effect of temperature influences the success of hunters equally as precipitation or snow depth. Hunting in the autumn months had higher success rate. A wolf SNP marker panel optimised for non-invasive samples R.H.S. KRAUS1 , B. VONHOLDT2 , B. COCCHIARARO1 , V. HARMS1 , H. BAYERL3 , D.W. FÖRSTER4 , R. KÜHN3 , J. FICKEL4 , C. ROOS5 , L. WALTER5 , C. NOWAK1,6 , 1 Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum, Conservation Genetics Group, Clamecystrasse 12, D-63571 Gelnhausen, Germany, e-mail: [email protected]; 2 Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; 3 Unit of Molecular Zoology, Chair of Zoology, Department of Animal Science, Technische Universität München, Hans-Carl-vonCarlowitz-Platz 2, 85354 Freising, Germany; 4 Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Evolutionary Genetics, Alfred-KowalkeStr. 17, D-10315 Berlin, Germany; 5 Primate Genetics Laboratory, German Primate Center, Kellnerweg 4, Göttingen 37077, Germany; 6 Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F), Senckenberganlage 25, D-60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany Across large parts of Europe wolves became extinct due to systematic persecution. Conservation efforts over the last decades, however, enabled the comeback of this elusive carnivore. Since the late 1990s, microsatellites have been used to genotype noninvasive samples (mainly scat), because data for management and conservation, such as population size and dynamics, is difficult to obtain otherwise. This marker system has a number of drawbacks, most notably a lack of straight-forward data exchangeability among laboratories. Recently, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have gained attention as molecular markers because they have several advantages compared to microsatellites, e.g., transferability between working groups. In this study, we used a representative set of 79 wolf samples from 12 European countries genotyped on the Affymetrix dog SNP chip (tens of thousands of SNPs). From these we filtered for non-genic SNPs in HardyWeinberg and linkage equilibrium with minor allele frequency of at least 0.1. A set of 192 SNPs were then genotyped in 288 reference samples, mainly non-invasive samples, such as scat, hair, and urine. Further, we analysed DNA dilution series isolated from tissue to investigate assay sensitivity, and genotyped pedigreed families to be able to trace potential genotyping errors. Nanofluidic technology enabled us to technically multiplex 96 SNPs and genotype 96 samples at a time. Adjustments of the genotyping protocols to facilitate successful application to noninvasive sample material led to the selection 96 SNPs that are fit for the monitoring challenges of the future, i.e., quick and easy genotyping while preserving exchangeability of data between laboratories. Genetic diversity of the Czech red deer population based on mitochondrial DNA 1 , M. BARANCEKOVÁ 1 , P. KOUBEK2 , ˇ ˇ J. KROJEROVÁ-PROKESOVÁ 1 Institute of Vertebrate Biology Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Kvˇetná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic, e-mails: [email protected], [email protected]; 2 Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, ´ Kamycká 1176, 165 21 Prague 6 – Suchdol, Czech Republic, e-mail: [email protected]

The red deer (Cervus elaphus) is an autochthonous and the most abundant deer species in the Czech Republic. Its current population numbers and distribution are highly influenced by long-time traditional hunting management in the Czech Republic and by the changes which transformed the forested habitats into an intensively managed agricultural landscape during the last few centuries. The distribution range of red deer was consequently fragmented and reduced, mainly to border mountain areas. Further, many translocations throughout the Czech Republic and throughout the whole European region as well as introductions of several closely related taxa (sika, wapiti, maral) could have highly influenced the genetic diversity and population structure of the Czech red deer population. The genetic variability of Czech red deer was analysed using mitochondrial sequences of the cytochrome b gene and the control region. So far, we have isolated and analysed mtDNA from 150 tissue samples collected during the hunting seasons 2006–2012 from different parts of the Czech Republic. Haplotype diversity was relatively high; we detected 12 cytochrome b and 25 control region haplotypes. Bayesian and maximum likelihood analyses resulted in trees with similar topologies and high bootstrap support for the major clades. The sequences of both markers were divided into two clades, elaphus1 and elaphus2, with the difference between them varying from 1 to 4%. This confirms the presence of at least two different haplogroups in the Czech Republic. Genetic database of selected species of mammals of the Czech Republic 1 , M. ERNST2 , 1 Department of Ecology, ˇ T. LIBOSVÁR1 , T. SIKULA HBH Projekt spol. s.r.o., Kabátníkova 5, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic, e-mail: [email protected], [email protected]; 2 Department of Forest Protection and Wildlife Management, Mendel University, Zemˇedˇelská 3, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic, e-mail: [email protected]

The aim of the project is the evaluation of landscape fragmentation impact caused by transport infrastructure on population genetic variability in selected mammal species (deer, roe deer, wild boar, fox, badger, hare and moose). For the project places with significant migration barriers (highways) were chosen, where population isolation is to be expected due to high traffic volumes and the consequent absence of migration possibilities. At these locations tissue samples were collected in cooperation with local gamekeepers or from roadkill. After collection of a sufficient number of samples, microsatellite DNA analysis will be performed to evaluate genetic variability and the degree of population fragmentation. Another objective of the project is to create a genetic database of mammals for storing records of samples that were collected during this project for further evaluation. At the end of the project the database will be accessible on the Internet to the professional public as a resource for research in the field of road ecology and landscape fragmentation, nature conservation and land use planning. The database will be available at www.genedbase.cz and www.genedbase.eu, where current information about the project is also available. Research project no. TA02031259 “Creating a genetic database of selected species of mammals in the Czech Republic to be used for sustainable transport development” is supported by the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic.

Abstracts / Mammalian Biology 78S (2013) 5–27

Common and snow leopards share prey but not habitats: Competition, climate change and upper treeline S. LOVARI1,2,3 , I. MINDER1,2,3 , F. FERRETTI1,2,3 , N. MUCCI4 , E. RANDI4 , B. PELLIZZI1,2 , 1 Ev-K2-CNR, Via San Bernardino 145, 24126 Bergamo, Italy, e-mail: [email protected]; 2 Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy; 3 BIOCONNET, Biodiversity and Conservation Network – University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; 4 I.S.P.R.A., Via Ca’ Fornacetta 9, 40064 Ozzano Emilia (BO), Italy Resource exploitation and behavioural interference underlie competition between carnivores. Competition is reduced by specialising on different prey and/or spatio-temporal separation, usually leading to different food habits. We predicted that two closely related species of large cats, the endangered snow leopard and the near-threatened common leopard, living in sympatry, would coexist through habitat separation and exploitation of different prey species. In central Himalaya, we assessed (2006–2010) habitat and diet overlap between these carnivores. The snow leopard used grassland and shrubland, whereas the common leopard selected forest. Contrary to our prediction, snow leopard and common leopard preyed upon similar wild (Himalayan tahr, musk deer) and domestic species (Bos spp., dogs). Seasonal dietary overlap between snow leopard and common leopard was ≥60–76%. Thus, habitat separation should be the result of other factors, most likely avoidance of interspecific aggression. Habitat separation does not always lead to the use of different prey. Avoidance of interspecific aggression, rather than exploitation of different resources, could allow the coexistence of potentially competing large predators. On mountains, climate change has been elevating the upper forest limit, where both leopard species occur. This means a habitat increase for common leopards and a substantial habitat reduction for snow leopards, whose range is going to be squeezed between the forest and the barren rocky altitudes, with medium-long term undesirable effects on the conservation of this endangered cat. Hearing in red foxes: Behaviour and morphology E.P. MALKEMPER1 , V. TOPINKA2 , H. BURDA1,2 , 1 Department of General Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45117 Essen, Germany, e-mail: [email protected], [email protected]; 2 Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 16521 Praha 6, Czech Republic, e-mail: [email protected] Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) have the widest geographic range of all carnivores and are the prevailing terrestrial predators in Europe. Surprisingly, behavioural and morphological data on red fox sensory perception are scarce. Since hunting red foxes particularly rely on auditory cues, it is most likely that their hearing system exhibits high sensitivity and conceivably special adaptations. In this study, a combination of behavioural and histological investigations was employed to unravel the mystery of red fox’s acute hearing. Hearing sensitivity was assessed under semi-laboratory conditions by means of a mobile anechoic conditioning chamber using classical reinforcement psychoacoustic techniques. The results of these experiments are discussed with respect to the morphological structure of the fox middle and inner ear. From the size and form of the ossicles to cochlear hair cell densities and other measurements related to cochlea mechanics, the functional anatomy of the fox ear is discussed in the context of the behavioural audiogram and morpho-functional correlations in other species.

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The results of this study provide the basis for an on-going research project designed to give insight into a peculiar behavioural pattern in hunting red foxes: they align their mousing jumps along the earth magnetic field lines to enhance their success rate. Thus, foxes seem to be able to sense magnetic fields. Several hypotheses have been proposed about the significance of this phenomenon which will be presented in this talk along with some first results of experiments on fox magnetoreception. Microsatellite data for the conservation of Bulgarian chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra L., 1758) G.G. MARKOV1 , P. ZHELEV2 , H. BEN SLIMEN3 , F. SUCHENTRUNK4 , 1 Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, 1 Tsar Osvoboditel, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria, e-mail: [email protected]; 2 University of Forestry, 10 Kliment Okhridsky Blvd., 1756 Sofia, Bulgarian, e-mail: peter [email protected]; 3 Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Béja, Avenue Habib Bourguiba, Béja 9000, B.P. 382, Tunisia, e-mail: ben slimen [email protected]; 4 Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Savoyenstraße 1, 1160 Vienna, Austria, e-mail: [email protected] According to the “IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesTM 2012.1” Balkan chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra balcanica) are potentially threatend regionally and need certain attention and protection. The “Action Plan for the Balkan Chamois in Bulgaria 2007–2016” (2006, Sofia) identifies several risks for chamois populations in Bulgaria. Erosion of genetic diversity, due to small and relatively isolated populations in Bulgaria and possible inbreeding is one such risk, among others. To date it is unclear if and to what extent historic introductions of chamois from Switzerland and Austria have spoiled the indigenous gene pool of Bulgarian chamois and if inbreeding does occur. Future restocking operations in local populations on different moutain massifs in Bulgaria should on the one hand avoid translocation of chamois with potential Alpine gene pool signature and on the other hand rest on individuals with high genetic diversity. In an initial attempt to identify possible genetic risks, we screened 81 chamois from the “Izvora State Hunting Reserve” in the western Rhodopes Mountains, the only area where chamois hunting is open to the public in Bulgaria, for allelic variation at 12 micorsatellite loci, and compared them to 135 chamois (R. r. rupicapra) from five regions in the Austrian Alps. We found 93 alleles, with an average of 7.75 alleles per locus, ranging from 2 to 15 alleles. Values for absolute and relative genetic differentiation among population samples, the Bayesian STRUCTURE models, as well as a Bayesian assignment test and a factorial correspondence analysis indicated concordantly a distinct genetic divergence of the Bulgarian chamois sample from all Austrian samples. However, several (3.7% or more) chamois from the Bulgarian population harboured genetic characteristics typical for Alpine chamois. Moreover, the Bulgarian population (and several of the Alpine populations) revealed a significant signal of a genetic bottleneck in the recent past (BOTTLENECK test). Accordingly, we found a significantly increased inbreeding coefficient Fis for the Bulgarian population (Fis = 0.156 95% c.i.: 0.06307–0.20558), which was apparently not due to a bias of sampling many closely related individuals from family groups. Overall, the studied chamois population in Bulgaria exhibits genetic characteristics distinct from those of the Alpine populations. However, some Bulgarian chamois carry Alpine genetic signature. Inbreeding seems to occur to some degree, which might be due to a relatively small effective population size in the Bulgarian population.

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Abstracts / Mammalian Biology 78S (2013) 5–27

New data on the Robertsonian (Rb) chromosomal variation of the house mouse Mus musculus domesticus (Rodentia: Murinae) from Greece G.P. MITSAINAS, ALKISTIS MANOUSOPOULOU, E.B. GIAGIAATHANASOPOULOU, Laboratory of Zoology, Department of Biology, University of Patras, GR-26504 Patras, Greece, e-mail: [email protected] The house mouse, Mus musculus domesticus, is characterized by the appearance of Robertsonian (Rb) fusions in its karyotype that cause a reduction in the diploid chromosome number from the typical 2n = 40 down to 2n = 22. Different acrocentric chromosomes combine to form Rb fusions which in turn lead to the formation of many Rb races and complex Rb systems. In Greece there are 3 Rb systems, i.e. in Peloponnese, in Ipeiros and around Thebes, Sterea Ellada, the first being the most well-known. The aim of this study was to expand our knowledge of the Rb variability of the house mouse populations from Greece, focusing mainly on the contact zones among the Rb races of the Rb system of Peloponnese (2n = 30 against the two Rb races with 2n = 24 and 2n = 28). More than 50 individuals from more than 10 localities were karyologically studied, using the G-banding staining technique. Results showed that there appears to be a southward shift of the Rb race with 2n = 30 against the Rb race with 2n = 24, since localities that were previously occupied by the latter, now possess hybrids with 2n = 26–27. A similar shift of the Rb race with 2n = 30 against the Rb race with 2n = 28 is possible. When investigating whether this Rb system expands also into Sterea Ellada, i.e. at the other side of the sea, we only found representatives of the acrocentric population (2n = 40). Other findings, e.g. the unexpected discovery of a heterozygote with 2n = 39 near Athens, indicate that there still remains a lot to be discovered about this chromosomal variability within Greece. Small mammals in East and West of Austria P. MÜHLBÖCK1,2 , C. WALDER2 , A. VORAUER2 , 1 University ˇ ˇ of Ceské Budˇejovice, Institute of Zoology, CZ-37005 Ceské Budˇejovice; 2 Ecotone OEG, A-6063 Rum/Innsbruck, Austria; e-mails: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] Two studies about small-mammals with different methodology in Vorarlberg (W-Austria) and in the Burgenland (Lake Neusiedl, E-Austria) are compared with regard to distribution, ecological situation and life-form types (Muridae, Arvicolidae, Soricidae). In 9702 trap-nights 687 individuals of 15 species were found at 27 ecological homogeneous plots and grouped to three habitatgroups (HG) reflecting the ecological situation (soils, hydrology, vegetation density and height, human influences). HG A (high and dense vegetation, much humidity, less human influence) inhabited 14 species with 70% of the individuals, HG B (medium density and height of vegetation, medium humidity, moderate influence of human management) showed only 21% of the individuals, but 13 species. Only 9% of the individuals, but 10 species were caught at HG C (sparse and low cut vegetation, hard soils, low humidity, high human influence). There was also an inhomogeneous distribution of each life-form type at all the habitat-groups with a maximum number of animals at HG A and a minimum at HG C for both study locations, but in E-Austria the differences weren’t as high as in the West. Whereas Sorex araneus and Apodemus sylvaticus were most abundant in E-Austria, in W-Austria Apodemus sylvaticus and Clethrionomys glareolus did so. In E-Austria solely Microtus subterraneus, M. oeconomus, Neomys anomalus, S. minutes and Crocidura suaveolens were caught, in W-Austria M. agrestis, Clethrionomys glareolus, S. coronatus and Crocidura russula did so.

Conservation of Western Derby eland in Senegal: History, evolution and perspectives S. NDIAYE1 , K. BRANDLOVA2 , 1 Directorate of National Parks of Senegal, Parc zoologique et forestier du Hann, BP 5135, Dakar, Senegal, e-mail: [email protected]; 2 Department of Animal Sciences and Food Processing in Tropics and Subtropics, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, ´ Kamycká 129, 165 21 Prague-Suchdol, Czech Republic, e-mail: [email protected] The Derby eland (Taurotragus derbianus) is considered to be the largest antelope species and has two subspecies, Western Derby eland – WDE (T. d. derbianus) and Eastern Giant eland (T. d. gigas). WDE is restricted to a small area of Niokolo Koba National park in Senegal and probably extends to the borders of Mali and Guinea. The WDE is classified as Critically Endangered by IUCN. Former range of WDE was larger, extending across Sudano-Guinean savannah south of the Sahara. Affected by poaching and habitat degradation, WDE population declined and since the 1960s has been protected. During the 1970s and 1980s the population was estimated at 500–700 individuals. Since 1980 very little information about presence of WDE has been available with only scattered herds noted. In 1987, 9 eland were captured for a reproduction project in San Diego Zoo, USA. However, the project was unsuccessful and all animals died during transport. IUCN tried to census the population in 1997, but because of insufficient funding it was not completed. In 1999, the Directorate of National Parks of Senegal, together with private partners, captured nine derby eland (1 male and 8 females) from the National Park Niokolo-Koba for semi-captive breeding. Six of the captured animals survived and since 2000 the breeding programme runs ex situ in the Bandia and Fathala reserves. Nowadays, almost 100 WDE individuals are kept in semi-captivity, and work of the in situ breeding programme progresses as planned. The conservation programme has been running in close cooperation with Czech University of Life Sciences Prague since 2000 and the Species Strategy Planning Workshop for Western Derby eland was held in 2013 in Saly, Senegal. Distribution of Coypu, Myocastor coypus (Mammalia: Rodentia) in Turkey ˘ N. PAMUKOGLU, A. I˙ LI˙ KER, Y. DEMI˙ RBAS¸, Biology Department, Science & Arts Faculty, Kırıkkale University, 71451 Yahs¸ihan, Kırıkkale, Turkey, e-mail:[email protected], [email protected], [email protected] In todays world the coypu, which belongs to the class Mammalia, is represented by the single genus Myocastor. The coypu is native to Chile, in South America. The species has had the opportunity to spread across the east of England, Germany, France, the Caucasus, South Turkistan, Turkey, and Japan by escaping from fur farms or planned moves to various countries. In the Balkans, there is very little data about the invasive coypu. The population which is distributed within the European part of Turkey is probably the largest in Europe. The species was first recorded in Karasu/Aralık and Arpac¸ay around the borders with Armenia and I˙ ran. Later, coypu were detected in the European part of Turkey. A single record has been made on the Tunca river and nine records have been taken from the Meric¸ river. The present study is based on the field research records reported from the Karasu area in Karakoyunlu and Aralık districts of I˘gdır, where the species lives in relatively high densities, the Arpac¸ay river of Kars and surrounding area, Meric¸ and Tunca rivers and vicinities of Edirne between June 2009 and June 2012. The distribution of coypu populations is reported by observing in the field at day and

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night. We determined that coypu are present in three location from I˘gdır and vicinities, in one location from Kars and vicinities and in two different locations from Edirne and vicinities. Although the area where the species is distributedaround I˘gdır, Kars, Edirne, is not designated as wetland or national park, the species is well protected because it is a military training areas. The distribution of Myocastor coypus, an exotic species which is considered important for the diversity of Turkey, remains limited in Turkey. Seasonal changes in the diet composition of the golden jackal: A case study from Veliko Gradiˇste (Serbia) ´ ´ ´ A. PENEZIC, D. CIROVI C, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, Belgrade, Serbia, e-mail: [email protected] The golden jackal is one of the most widespread canid species. Its population growth in Europe has been remarkable during the last three decades, especially in the southeast, with its range now extending towards central Europe. In Serbia, it is a very common species. We studied the diet of the golden jackal in the region of Veliko Gradiˇste which is located in the core area of jackal distribution in Serbia. The study was based on stomach content analyses. During the period of 9 years (2005–2013), 189 jackal specimens were analyzed: from spring (n = 26), summer (n = 27), autumn (n = 25) and winter (n = 111). Diet composition was expressed as the relative frequency of occurrence (%O) and the percentage of biomass consumed (%B). Carcasses of domestic ungulates were the main source of food during winter (74.38%B, 46.75%O) and spring (74.7%B, 40.54%O). During summer, the main food source was plant material (berries, fruits, grass etc.) with 36.09%B and 29.82%O. In autumn, according to frequency of occurrence, domestic ungulates and small mammals presented the most common food category (30.61%O and 26.53%O) but according to biomass, domestic ungulates were predominant – 52.59%B. Our research shows that the golden jackal, as an opportunistic forager, feeds mostly on carcasses of domestic ungulates during the unfavorable part of the year and on plant material and small mammals when they are abundant (summer–autumn). Testing the estimation of red deer activity using the Lotek GPS telemetry collars T. PETERKA1 , F. CEACERO2 , L. BARTOSˇ 2 , R. KOTRBA2 , 1 Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Viniˇcná 7,128 44 Praha, Czech Republic; 2 Department of Ethology, Institute of Animal Science, Pˇrátelství 815, 104 01 Praha – Uhˇrínˇeves, Czech Republic, e-mail: [email protected] GPS telemetry has become a frequently used tool in studying wild animals since the second part of 90s’, with a rapid increase in the number of experiments using it, and the number of species monitored. This technology was initially widely used for automatic scanning of position, but also in the last few years to determine activity patterns. Here we show the results of a pilot study, which was carried out on tame males red deer (Cervus elaphus). Our goal was to assess the possibility of using GPS collars (Lotek series 3300S) to estimate animal behaviour through threshold levels. Dual axis motion sensors in GPS collars generate data in three ways: HEAD (which is a measure of the vertical movements of the head), X and Y axis. These values are summarized at 5 minute intervals (adjusted on the observer’s request), and stored in the collar’s on-board memory. Each variable ranged from 0 to 255. Four males were video-reordered for 42 hours and the behaviours displayed were measured and classified in 4 categories (standing, resting, slow moving and fast moving). Comparing the actual behaviour observed and the records obtained by the collar activity sensor, we

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found many irregularities in the data generated by the collars. Very low values were frequently found during highly active periods. Recorded values for X and Y axes were often remarkably different, which is usually referred as a signal of failure. In the generated data we failed to define thresholds for any of the behavioural activities recorded. Our results suggest that recording behavioural activity using this GPS collar this system is not practical. Broad geographical distribution of rat hepatitis E virus in wild Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) from Europe S. PETRI1 , P. DREMSEK1 , M. ZUMPE1 , M. SCHLEGEL2 , M.H. GROSCHUP1 , J. REETZ3 , G. HECKEL4,5 , S. WOLF6 , R. JOHNE3 , R.G. ULRICH1 , 1 Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute for Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, D-17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany, e-mails: [email protected], [email protected], martin.groschup@fli.bund.de and rainer.ulrich@fli.bund.de; 2 MICROMUN, Walther-Rathenaustraße 49A, D-17489 Greifswald, e-mail: [email protected]; 3 Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Diedersdorfer Weg 1, D-12277 Berlin, Germany, e-mails: [email protected] and [email protected]; 4 University of Bern, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Baltzerstrasse 6, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland, e-mail: [email protected]; 5 Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Genopode, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; 6 Institute for Microbiology, Technische Universität Dresden, Zellescher Weg 20b, D-01217 Dresden, Germany, e-mail: [email protected] Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) from Hamburg, Germany, had previously been found to harbour a novel hepatitis E virus, designated ratHEV, which is genetically only distantly related to other HEV strains found in human and mammalian reservoirs such as domestic pig, wild boar, deer, ferrets and bats. Further investigations of Norway rats from Germany confirmed the presence of ratHEV at different urban sites. The genome organisation of ratHEV is similar to that of the other HEV strains, but contains a fourth putative open reading frame. Recently, ratHEV was detected in rats from Vietnam, the US, Indonesia, China and Denmark. Here we report on a survey of additional rats from Germany, Denmark, France, Switzerland, Austria and Hungary. ratHEVspecific real-time and conventional RT-PCR investigations revealed the presence of ratHEV in rats from the majority of investigated sites. In contrast, application of a genotype 3-specific real-time RT-PCR did not detect any infections with this domestic pig/wild boar associated HEV that can cause zoonotic infections in humans. Nucleotide sequence divergence between ratHEV strains within Europe reached a maximum of about 16%, whereas the sequences from Europe differ to the previously described sequence from Vietnam at about 21%. This investigation shows a broad geographical distribution of ratHEV in Norway rats from Europe. Future investigations will have to test phylogeographical relationships of Norway rats and ratHEV. In addition, the potential role of ratHEV (or related agents) as zoonotic pathogens has to be examined. The network “Rodent-borne pathogens” would like to thank all colleagues that support this study. Comparing two techniques for rapid assessment of brown bear abundance in Romania V.D. POPESCU1 , I.M. POP1 , L. BERDE2 , S. CHIRIAC3 , 1 Association for Biological Diversity Conservation, Ion Creanga nr.12, RO-620083 Focsani, Vrancea County, Romania, e-mail: [email protected]; 2 Environmental Protection Agency Covasna County, B-dul Grigore Balan nr.10, RO-520013 Sfantu Gheorghe, Romania, e-mail: [email protected]; 3 Environmental Protection Agency Vrancea

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County, B-dul. Dinicu Golescu nr.2, RO-620160 Focsani, Romania, e-mail: silviu [email protected] The abundance of the brown bear (Ursus arctos) in the Romanian Carpathians is highly uncertain, and this negatively affects the effectiveness of management agencies when setting biologically meaningful hunting quotas. Current estimations of abundance do not rely on modern statistical techniques, and lack uncertainty estimates. In this study, we tested the use of two cost-effective sampling techniques for estimating brown bear abundance from unmarked individuals in an occupancy framework: (1) track counts on 2-km forest road segments, and (2) camera traps within 3 km × 3 km grids. We collected track count and camera trap data using repeated surveys during spring and fall 2011 as well as spring 2012 in four Hunting Management Districts in the Eastern Carpathians. From track data recorded on snow or mud, we estimated mean seasonal abundances per transect of 1.34 (95% Confidence Interval: 0.96–2.70), 1.65 (0.72–3.72), and 1.43 (0.88–3.00) bears/transect, respectively. Camera trap data was less reliable (insufficient detections during spring 2011); mean abundances were 1.29 (0.40–3.52) and 2.78 (0.58–5.95) bears/3 km × 3 km grid for the last two seasons. Detection probability varied across seasons (0.2–0.5), and was consistently lower for camera traps (0.2–0.25). Variables used to model abundance had low explanatory power. Considering bears/transect estimates and a mean home range of 14 km2 (calculated from independent telemetry data), we calculated densities of 10 (7–17), 12 (5–25), and 10 (6–18) bears/100 km2 for the three seasons. We conclude that track count data yields more reliable estimates of brown bear abundance compared to camera traps. We suggest implementing a mark-recapture DNA-based study to validate our estimated abundances. Investigations on the arboreality of bank voles Myodes glareolus, wood mice Apodemus sylvaticus and yellow-necked mice Apodemus flavicollis in a low moor habitat S. RESCH1 , C. BLATT2 , 1 Department of Organismic Biology, Paris-Lodron-Universität Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstraße 34, 5020-Salzburg, Austria, e-mail: [email protected]; 2 Department of Organismic Biology, Paris-Lodron-Universität Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstraße 34, 5020-Salzburg, Austria, e-mail: [email protected] In the year 2011 a small mammal survey was conducted in the Triebener Moos (Austria) with the objective of assessing the relevance of possible causes like exploratory behavior, inter- and intraspecific competition and food availability for the expression of climbing behavior of the species Myodes glareolus, Apodemus sylvaticus and A. flavicollis. Live trapping at 64 stations and in height levels up to 4 meters as well as the use of hair-adhesive tubes and camera traps provided 1134 evidences of small mammal activity and principal component analyses were conducted. The results showed that in M. glareolus, 35% of individuals were caught in about 1 m above the ground level and arboreal activity took place in all times of day. The extent of arboreal behavior was related to the vegetation coverage, its lower agility appeared in preferring well-structured trees. In A. flavicollis the share of arboreal captured animals reached 55%. The climbing rates of A. flavicollis showed no correlations between environmental factors or structural features. For M. glareolus, A. flavicollis and A. sylvaticus the occurrence was documented up to 4 meters above ground level. General differences in climbing activity between age groups and genders were detected neither in M. glareolus nor in A. flavicollis and inter-specific aspects as well as predation were found to possibly play a minor role in influencing arboreal activity. Among

the reasons for arboreal activity the targeted use of known food sources is seen to be highly important for both species. An equivocal relation between demographic structures of harvested brown bears and damage occurrence in the Eastern Romanian Carpathian Mountains A. SALLAY1 , I.M. POP1 , L. BERDE2 , L. BERECZKY3 , S. CHIRIAC4 , for Biological Diversity Conservation, Ion Creanga nr.12, RO-620083 Focsani, Vrancea County, Romania, e-mail: [email protected], [email protected]; 2 Environmental Protection Agency Covasna County, B-dul Grigore Balan nr.10, RO-520013 Sfantu Gheorghe, Romania, e-mail: [email protected]; 3 Association for Conserving Natural Values, 1st Decembrie nr.22, RO-535200 Balan, Romania, e-mail: [email protected]; 4 Environmental Protection Agency Vrancea County, B-dul. Dinicu Golescu nr.2, RO-620160 Focsani, Romania, e-mail: silviu [email protected] 1 Association

Under the terms of the Bern Convention and the European Union Habitat Directive brown bears (Ursus arctos) are protected in Romania, though they are hunted according to a yearly revised quota. This harvest quota is basically set due to the population size in the hunting units and the number of nuisance reports. To clarify if the present hunting method is responding to these regulations, we analyzed the impact of overall 341 hunted bears with sex and age profiles on 343 damage reports on livestock and agricultural fields between 2007 and 2011 in three counties of the Eastern Romanian Carpathians. The data analyses revealed no correlation between the harvest rates and the number of damages across the years, except for the autumn hunting seasons, indicating that bears generally were removed from the population selectively or by their availability. Even the bear density estimates reflected hunter takes overall poorly. 65% of bears removed in the study area were more than 8 years old with a median age of 9 years. Overall, removal was strongly male-biased (84%), basically due to the high proportion of hunted males over 8 years (66%). According to the CIC Hunting Trophy Rating 49% of the male bear skulls obtained more than 55.00 points corresponding to a gold medal. We conclude that the current bear hunting management represents a poor tool for damage mitigation in the study area but shows a strong tendency for the persisting trophy hunting. The present hunting pattern that favors removal of large adult males may have negative consequences for bear population dynamics. Habitat preferences of active European hares (Lepus europaeus) in an agricultural area with low hare density S. SCHAI-BRAUN1 , D. WEBER2 , K. HACKLÄNDER1 , 1 Institute of Wildlife Biology and Game Management, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Gregor-Mendel – Str. 33, A-1180 Vienna, Austria, e-mail: [email protected], [email protected]; 2 Hintermann & Weber AG, Ecological Consultancy, Planning & Research, Austrasse 2a, CH-4153 Reinach, Switzerland, e-mail: [email protected] The number of European hares (Lepus europaeus) has been declining throughout much of Europe since the 1960s. Consequently, many studies have focused on analysing habitat selection of European hares in order to improve the suitability of the habitat for this species. Habitat preferences of European hares are known to be affected by hare density, but most studies have been conducted in agricultural areas where hare densities were medium to high. Finding habitat preferences at high densities is difficult as most available habitats are occupied. In this study, we analysed the habitat preferences of European hares in spring and autumn during the activity period in an agricultural area with low hare density

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using Chesson’s electivity index. Our results show that in this agricultural area with low hare density, European hares avoided several habitat types which were preferred in other study areas with higher hare densities. Therefore, we assume that hare density has an influence on the species’ habitat selection. In conclusion, our results imply that studies on habitat preferences have to be conducted in areas with low hare density to be able to gain knowledge on the species’ habitat requirement and hereinafter improve the suitability of the habitat for this species. How does cereal harvest influence the space use of the European hare (Lepus europaeus)? S. SCHAI-BRAUN, K. HACKLÄNDER, Institute of Wildlife Biology and Game Management, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Gregor-Mendel – Str. 33, A-1180 Vienna, Austria, e-mail: [email protected], [email protected] In intensively farmed areas where the cultivation of one field crop type is prevalent, crop harvesting changes the landscape structure within a short time frame. In this context food and cover availability for the European hare (Lepus europaeus) thus alter temporally and spatially. For this study, we tracked European hares by GPS (n = 9) in an agricultural area with 54% of cereal cropping before, during and after cereal harvest took place. We were not only interested in harvest related changes in 24-hour and weekly home-range use, but also during the European hares’ active and resting period. Neither the hares’ 24-hour, nor weekly, resting home-range size was affected by cereal harvest. As 24-hour resting home-range sizes were extremely small, we assume that European hares are able to find small habitat patches suitable for resting irrespective of changes in agricultural land use. 24-hour home-ranges during activity were significantly larger after compared with before and during cereal harvest, whereas on weekly home-range size the harvest had only a significant effect when calculated by the 100% MCP method. In conclusion, our results show that cereal harvesting has an effect on European hares’ home-range use, but this influence is only discernible on the small time scale and not on larger time scales. Structural variability of vocalization emitted by the Asian house shrew Suncus murinus during resting I. SCHNEIDEROVÁ, Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, ´ Kamycká 1176, 165 21 Prague-Suchdol, Czech Republic, e-mail: schneiderova@fld.czu.cz Domesticated Suncus murinus individuals from laboratory colonies are considered to be aggressive to one another and individual housing is recommended, while individuals from pet breeders can be housed in pairs or family groups and collective resting is usually manifested by these individuals. Some of the animals living in groups emit a remarkable vocalization (whimper) during resting. The aim of this study was to describe the acoustic structure of this vocalization in more detail. Although six structurally different types of whimpers were described, the most commonly uttered type was a tonal one with a low-frequency click visible at the beginning. This type formed 86% of all whimpers produced by males and 95% of all whimpers produced by females. It was emitted almost continuously with a mean interval of 1.6 ± 0.9 s and it could be further characterized by a mean duration of 5.5 ± 2.2 ms, a mean fundamental frequency of 1.3 ± 0.2 kHz and minimal frequency modulation. The duration was significantly shorter in females than in males, which could be the result of females being smaller than males, and thus having smaller lung capacity. For all the measured acoustic parameters,

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significant differences between the studied individuals were found. However, these individual differences were smaller than those formerly described in other kinds of vocalizations produced by socially or colonially living mammals or birds. Despite this fact, the whimper vocalizations allow discrimination of family members, i.e. male and female with juveniles, collectively resting at a common nest. Population dynamics and management of European brown hare (Lepus europaeus, Pall.) in Slovakia 2 , J. ˇ 1, 2 , T. SLÁDECEK ˇ 3 , J. JANOTA2 , J. KUTOVÁ ˚ J. SLAMECKA 3 , 1 Animal Production Research Centre Nitra, Hloˇ GASPARÍK hovecká 2, 951 41 Luˇzianky, Slovakia, e-mail: [email protected]; 2 Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Czech ´ University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamycká 1176, 165 21 PragueSuchdol, Czech Republic; 3 Slovak University of Agriculture Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 01 Nitra, Slovakia

European brown hare (Lepus europaeus, Pall.) is traditionally one of the most hunted species in Slovakia. The highest bag was recorded in 1973–1974 (342,866 individuals), which was followed with rapid decline in 1979 (24,771 ind.). Annual numbers of hare killed by hunters are declining (R2 = 0.609), and it is proposed that this is mostly influenced by negative climatic factors (years 1996, 2003 and 2010). In the hunting regions for small game, the spring stocks fluctuate from 4.50 to 27.52 individuals per 1 km2 , and hare bags at the end of the hunting season from 0.17 to 6.93 individuals per 1 km2 . Only 11.31% from spring stocks are shot, and the trend is declining. Recruitment is calculated as the proportion of young in the bag according to the dried eye lens weight. Recruitment of hare population is relatively low, last 5 years 40.67%. Recruitment correlates negatively with the proportion of adult females in the population (r = −0.757). In the hunting grounds where carrying capacity has been achieved, the recruitment is negatively correlated with spring stocks (r = −0.745). There is essential influence of predators; hare bag is negatively influenced by fox population (r = −0.703) and also by wild boar (−0.490). Positive development of population dynamics parameters are noted in the hunting grounds with improved habitat. The size of the hare bag is positively correlated with the acreage of land set-aside from intensive agriculture. Population genetic study of Rhinolophus hipposideros in Saxony, Germany using fecal samples C. STEFEN, M. TUMA, M. BARTEL, H. STUCKAS, Senckenberg Naturhistorische Sammlungen Dresden, Museum für Tierkunde, Königsbrücker Landstraße 159, 01109 Dresden, Germany, e-mails: [email protected]; [email protected] The genetic variability of Rhinolophus hipposideros was studied in two regions of Saxony, Germany, using non-invasive sampling methods for genetic analysis. The study set out to determine whether the colonies from two regions show similar levels of genetic diversity, or whether those from one region show a reduced variability. About 20–30 fecal samples of the lesser horseshoe bat were collected in each of 12 colonies in the Pirna and Meißen regions at the northern margin of the species’ distribution in Saxony. From about 170 samples the DNA of the selected D-loop locus was sequenced successfully. From these nucleotide sequences two datasets with different assumptions were generated, one with shorter sequences (393 bp) in which no undetermined nucleotide was left and one with longer sequences (492 bp) in which the undetermined bases were replaced with the most common nucleotide in the position. In this way the variability was not artificially increased, but a

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longer sequence was available for analysis. In these two datasets 5 and 15 haplotypes were defined respectively. The colonies of the two regions of Pirna and Meißen showed different haplotypes and thus genetic diversity. In both datasets the regions showed some haplotypes that were common to both and some that occurred only in one or the other region. In the dataset with 15 haplotypes the diversity increased particularly in two colonies (Ottendorf and Cotta) which are geographically close to colonies with fewer haplotypes. Potentially here might be a correlation with the number of individuals in a colony. With the sampling method used it is not clear that one sample represents one individual, therefore only limited population genetic statistical analyses are possible. Further studies to assess how the sampling method represents the individuals of the colonies are ongoing. Analyses of microsatellites helps to indicate the minimum number of individuals present. The study shows that it is possible to undertake population genetic studies of Rhinolophus hipposideros using minimally invasive sampling techniques which could be developed further for population monitoring. Predicting the spatio-temporal dynamics of human–wildlife conflicts in a Trans-Himalayan landscape for a dynamic conservation V. STEINBERG1 , K. SURYAWANSHI2 , Y.V. BHATNAGAR3 , N.J. SINGH4 , 1 Department of Wildlife Ecology and Management, AlbertLudwigs-University of Freiburg, Tennenbacher Straße 4, 79106 Freiburg, Germany, e-mail: [email protected]; 2 Nature Conservation Foundation, 3076/5 IV Cross, Gokulam Park, Mysore, Karnataka, Pin 570001, India, e-mail: [email protected]; 3 Nature Conservation Foundation, 3076/5 IV Cross, Gokulam Park, Mysore, Karnataka, Pin 570001, India, e-mail: [email protected]; 4 Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Skogsmarksgränd, 90183 Umeå, Sweden, e-mail: [email protected] Human wildlife conflicts are common in both the developed and the developing world, especially in the scenario where habitat loss is rampant and human populations are surging. One of the most frequent form of conflict reported, is the large carnivore predation on domestic livestock. This conflict has implications on conservation of biodiversity and tolerance of humans towards wildlife. We studied the spatio-temporal patterns of human–carnivore (Snow leopard, wolf and feral dogs) conflict in the trans-Himalayan landscape in Northern India. Based on semi-structured interviews with local herders (n = 44) from 6 villages, and direct observations of kill sites over space and time (n = 118) we found that conflicts were most common in the spring season (April–June) and least common in summer (July–August). Feral dog was the most frequent predator on sheep (n = 320) in three out of the 6 villages surveyed, whereas snow leopard primarily killed yaks and horses (n = 106). The conflict mostly occurred when livestock was unattended and foraged closer to the snow leopard habitat characterized by steep (>30◦ ) and rugged-rocky areas. Forage for the livestock and water were the key determinants of herder movements in the study area and snow leopard attack did not deter the herders from going back to the same area, although waiting for 2-3 days after the kill was common. We provide evidence that human-carnivore conflict frequency in the study area is variable in space and time, feral dogs appear to be a growing problem and both of these aspects require adaptive strategies from the management.

Does the nutritional value of leaf fodder trees differ with ongoing season? M. STEJSKALOVA1 , P. HEJCMANOVA2 , M. HEJCMAN1 , 1 Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, ´ Kamycká 1176, Prague 6 – Suchdol, 16521, Czech Republic, e-mail: [email protected]; 2 Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech ´ University of Life Sciences, Kamycká 129, Prague 6 – Suchdol, 16521, Czech Republic, e-mail: [email protected] Broad-leaved trees play an important role in the nutrition of wildlife and have been used as a source of leaf fodder for livestock, especially during winter time, since the Neolithic period. In many parts of Europe the use of leaves for animal fodder still has a long standing tradition, for example in Greece, Great Britain, Italy, France or Scandinavia. The aim of our study was to determine the content of macro-elements of nine tree species in terms of nutritional value for livestock and the dynamics of nutritional value with advancing season. We collected the leaf biomass of nine tree species at four localities in the Czech Republic in late May 2012 and in September 2012. Acer platanoides, Carpinus betulus, Corylus avellana, Fagus sylavtica, Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus robur, Populus tremula, Tilia cordata and Ulmus glabra were sampled and analysed for the concentration of macro-elements such as N, P, K, Ca, Mg and fibre fractions and lignin. Ulmus glabra, Fraxinus excelsior, Tilia cordata and Acer platanoides were found to be trees with leaves of high concentrations of N, P, K, Mg and Ca. Corylus avellana and Populus tremula had intermediate quality of leaves and Carpinus betulus, Fagus sylvatica and Quercus robur were species with leaves with low concentrations of macro-elements and high fibre and lignin content. The change of nutritional value of Carpinus betulus, Fagus sylvatica and Quercus robur between May and September was moderate, whereas in other tree species the seasonal change of macro-element and fibre content were conspicuous. Selective browsing by wildlife and traditional harvesting for livestock of Acer, Fraxinus, Tilia and Ulmus follows therefore their nutritive value and its seasonal dynamics. Population genetics of golden jackals (Canis aureus) from Bulgaria, Serbia, and Hungary F. SUCHENTRUNK1 , G. MARKOV2 , J.-P. GEORGE1 , S. SMITH1 , M. HELTAI3 , L. SZABÓ, F. ZACHOS4 , 1 Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Savoyenstrasse 1, 1160 Vienna, Austria, e-mail: [email protected]; 2 Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, 1 Tsar Osvoboditel, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria, e-mail: [email protected]; 3 Szent István University, ˝ Hungary, eInstitute for Wildlife Conservation, 2103 Gödöllo, mail: [email protected]; 4 Mammal Collection, Natural History Museum Vienna, Burgring 7, 1014 Vienna, Austria, e-mail: [email protected] Golden jackals (Canis aureus) have been expanding their Balkan range more or less continuously for about the last 50 years from SE Bulgaria towards central Europe. Apparently, this expansion continues as indicated by the established breeding populations in Hungary and recent breeding reports from northern Italy and eastern Austria. Initial microsatellite and mtDNA data for Serbian populations indicated low genetic diversity, which suggested a genetic founder effect in Serbia, that most likely has been colonized by jackals from Bulgaria. To test for an overall reduction of genetic diversity along the expansion axis (SE Bulgaria – central Europe) and to test for an increase in genetic differentiation of regional populations, due to possible consecutive founder events in the course of expansion period, we analyzed 132 Bulgarian and 26

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Hungarian jackals. We combined the analysis of new samples with results from the earlier study of Serbian samples by using the same eight microsatellite markers and Serbian marker individuals for direct comparison. All new individuals were also sequenced for the same mitochondrial control segment as the Serbian jackals. All 279 jackals from Bulgaria, Serbia, and Hungary had the same mtDNA haplotype, except for a single new one, which differed by only one substitution and occurred in only one Bulgarian jackal. Indices of microsatellite variability did not differ significantly across the whole study range, and the recently established pioneer population in Hungary did not exhibit lower genetic diversity compared to all other populations. Moreover, despite significant genetic differentiation amongst most of the studied populations, gene flow among them was not much impaired, as evidenced by a coalescence model-based migration analysis, Bayesian STRUCTURE models, as well as Bayesian inference of first generation migrants. The latter suggested lifetime dispersal of six jackals over longer geographic distances without any preferred direction. Concordantly, no single regional population revealed a significant signal for a recent genetic bottleneck. The low population size of jackals in SE Bulgaria prior to their expansion could have resulted in the low genetic diversity across the whole study area. However, all our results suggest that no essential additional loss in genetic diversity has occurred in the course of their range expansion and there has been no increase in genetic differentiation among more recently established populations. Age and body weight as limiting factors on wild boar reproductive traits 1 , M. PIRIA, S. PRÐUN, T. TREER, 1 University of Zagreb, ˇ N. SPREM Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Fisheries, Beekeeping, Game Management and Special Zoology, Svetoˇsimunska cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia, e-mail: [email protected]

Evaluation of the current reproductive performance of wild boar populations is necessary due to recent population increases throughout Europe. This study was conducted in three different regions of Croatia over a 7-year period (2006–2012) during regular drive hunts. A total of 468 pregnant females and 2.819 fetuses were analyzed. The age distribution indicated a relatively young population: 62% of the examined animals were younger than 24 months, and nearly 65% of juvenile females were pregnant. The mean number of fetuses was 6.02 per animal (4.62 per juvenile, 6.39 per yearling and 6.77 per adult). A Friedman test determined the most significant difference in the number of fetuses between age groups (2 = 96.448; d.f. = 2; P < 0.01). The mean live body weight was 40.90 kg for the juvenile class, 68.76 kg for the yearling class and 88.73 kg for the adult class. The number of fetuses correlated positively with live body weight (r = 0.533; P < 0.001); however, the strength of correlation increased up to 85 kg (r = 0.580; P < 0.01) and then began to decrease. The number of active/extended teats varied between 3 and 12, but the mean number was 6.96. The reproductive parameters observed in our study reflect a relatively high reproductive capacity compared to the populations in southern and northern Europe, but are comparable with some populations in central Europe. More generally, the results documented the reproductive performance of the species, and drew attention to the importance of designing better plans for sustainable wild boar management. Tooth wear gradients most prominent in browsing species: The case of the Rhinocerotids L.A. TAYLOR1,2 , T.M. KAISER3 , CH. SCHWITZER2 , D.W.H. MÜLLER4,5 , D. CODRON4 , M. CLAUSS4 , E. SCHULZ3 , 1 School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; 2 Bristol Conservation and

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Science Foundation, c/o Bristol Zoo Gardens, Bristol, UK; 3 Biocenter Grindel and Zoological Museum, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany; 4 Clinic for Zoo Animals, Exotic Pets and Wildlife, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; 5 National Park “Bavarian Forest”, Freyunger Str. 2, 94481 Grafenau, Germany; e-mail: [email protected] Extant rhinoceros species are the largest remaining herbivores exhibiting dietary specialisations for both browse and grass. However, the adaptive value of the wear-induced tooth morphology in rhinos has not been widely studied. We evaluated upper cheek dentitions of browsing Diceros bicornis and Rhinoceros sondaicus, mixed-feeding R. unicornis and grazing Ceratotherium simum using an extended mesowear method including single cusp scoring (EM(R)-S) to investigate inter-cusp and inter-tooth wear patterns in rhinos. In accordance with previous reports, mesowear patterns in D. bicornis and R. sondaicus were attrition-dominated and C. simum abrasion-dominated. Mesowear patterns for R. unicornis were more attrition-dominated than previously reported, indicating a less abrasive diet than previously assumed. EM(R)-S increased differentiation power, with significant inter-cusp and inter-tooth differences. In D. bicornis the anterior cusp was consistently more abrasion-dominated than the posterior, which may relate to tooth morphology. Cusp differences may be an adaptation to browse material, with a heterogeneous occlusal surface facilitating comminution. In D. bicornis, R. sondaicus and R. unicornis wear patterns became less abrasion-dominated from premolars to molars. Several intrinsic (jaw biomechanics) and extrinsic factors (environmental abrasives) may explain the observed gradients. In browsers, premolars may be exposed to higher relative grit loads and lower chewing forces, which may result in the development of wear gradients. No such gradients were evident in C. simum. In grazers, high amounts of ingested abrasives will override other signals, leading to a uniform (homodont) wear pattern and dental function along the tooth row, which should relate to the observed evolution into homodonty. Molecular phylogenetics of Lepus spp. in Ethiopia as inferred from mtDNA and nuclear sequences Z.G. TOLESA1,2,3 , E. BEKELE2 , K.T. GELATA2,4 , H. BEN SLIMEN5 , J. VALQUI1 , A. GETAHUHN6 , G.B. HARTL1 , F. SUCHENTRUNK3 , 1 Zoologisches Institut, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, 24118 Kiel, Germany; 2 Department of Microbial, Cellular, and Molecular Biology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, e-mail: [email protected]; 3 Research Institute of Wildlfe Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Savoyenstrasse 1, 1160 Vienna, Austria, e-mail: [email protected]; 4 Centre of Biotechnology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; 5 Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Béja, Avenue Habib Bourguiba, Béja 9000, B.P. 382, Tunisia; 6 Department of Zoological Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Three hare species are currently considered to occur in Ethiopia: the Ethiopian hare (Lepus fagani Thomas, 1902), the Abyssinian Hare (L. habessinicus Hemprich and Ehrenberg, 1832), and the Ethiopian Highland Hare (L. starcki Petter, 1963). However, in addition to some limited phenotpyic, morphologic, and caryologic data, mostly in the older literature, only two mtDNA sequences are available for molecular phylogenetic assessment. To provide an initial molecular phylogenetic resolution for these taxa we analysed sequences of mtDNA (ATPase subunit6 – ATP; n = 145/419 bp), transferrin (TF; n = 155/434 bp) and thyroglobulin (n = 96/464 bp) of the three species collected in Ethiopia and

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identified by their external phenotypes and skull morphology, as well as other Lepus species from South (L. capensis, L. saxatilis) and North Africa (cf. L. capensis), Anatolia (L. europaeus), and Europe (L. europaeus, L. timidus). Additional TF & TG sequences from diverse Lepus species were downloaded from GenBank for phylogenetic analyses. All phylogenetic reconstruction methods used (Neighbor Joining, Maximum Likelihood, Bayesian inference, median joining networks) resulted in similar topologies for mitochondrial and nuclear sequences, respectively. Overall, our results indicate that the three hare species from Ethiopia are not monophyletic, respectively, but with signatures of both unidirectional and bidirectional introgression among each other and/or shared ancestral polymorphism due to incomplete lineage sorting. L. habessinicus carries mtDNA distinct from South and North African L. capensis, with no sign of introgression, contrary to earlier suggestions to include L. habessinicus into L. capensis. Similarly, L. starcki has distinct mtDNA relative to L. capensis and L. europaeus as opposed to previous suggestions to include L. starcki either in L. capensis or L. europaeus. Despite the phenotypic and morphological distinctness of L. fagani, it shows a high degree of haplotypic ATP sharing with the other two species from Ethiopia. Both nuclear sequences revealed phylogenetically and geographically meaningful clusters, albeit with a fair amount of indications of shared ancestral polymorphism. In line with ATP, both nuclear sequences indicate close phylogenetic relationships among all three Lepus species from Ethiopia, with L. fagani being surprisingly tightly connected to L. habessinicus. Moreover, both nuclear sequences suggest close evolutionary relationships between hares from Ethiopia and cape hares from South and North Africa. Diversity and structure of shrew communities in Khonin-Nuga, West Khentey Mongolia P. TSERENDAVAA1 , K. HACKLÄNDER1 , R. SAMJAA2 , B. SHEFTEL3 , E. UNDRAKHBAYAR2 , M. MUEHLENBERG4 , 1 Institute of Wildlife Biology and Game Management, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Gregor Mendel Str. 33, 1180, Vienna, Austria, e-mail: [email protected]; 2 National University of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, e-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]; 3 A.N. Severtsov Institute Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, e-mail: [email protected]; 4 Centre for Nature Conservation of the University of Göttingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 2, 37075 Göttingen, Germany, e-mail: [email protected] We surveyed small mammals by means of pitfall trapping in the area around the ecological research station Khonin-Nuga (at the upper reaches of the river Eroo in West Khentey Mountains) over a period of 13 years, from 2000 to 2012. We recorded seven species, among which Sorex caecutiens, S. daphaenodon, and S. isodon were the most abundant and S. roboratus was also regularly captured. The other shrew species (S. minutissimus, S. tundrensis and Crocidura shantungensis) were captured only twice. Diversity estimates using rarefaction method indicate a species richness of seven, consistent with our collection. Three dominant species of shrews were recorded in all major habitats. The capture rates of Sorex daphaenodon, S. caecutiens, and S. isodon were highest at the floodplain meadows, and dark and light taiga plots. Among the rarer species the following habitat preferences were observed: S. roboratus was captured often on open grass bog plots, S. minutissimus on rocky slopes, and Crocidura shantungensis occurred on southern steppe slopes. Finally, few occurrences of S. tundrensis was recorded on small floodplain meadows of the Eroo river’s tributary. Thus, the majority of species were associated with open bottomland habitats, while only one species (Crocidura shantungensis) preferred steppe slopes, despite the fact that these

two habitats types cover comparable areas. We also report the first record of Crocidura shantungensis in Mongolia. Our study is of significance for the biogeography record and conservation of small mammals in the region. New distribution record data for the wildcat (Felis silvestris) from Artvin, Turkey Y. UC¸ARLI, Department of Hunting and Wildlife, Artvin Coruh University, Artvin/Turkey, e-mail: [email protected] Large carnivores are believed to be in decline in Turkey because of loss, degradation and fragmentation of habitats and also poaching. The distribution of the wildcat (Felis silvestris) comprises a few small isolated populations, especially in the western region of Turkey. At the conclusion of a three-year period of field studies, with direct and indirect observation and nearly 3600 camera trap days, the tracks and faeces of wildcat were recorded in the Artvin region. Also, a female wildcat killed by a motor vehicle was recorded on 1 May 2013 on the Artvin-Yusufeli road in northeastern Turkey. These records are crucial in the assessment of wildcat distribution in Turkey. Habitat alteration, fragmentation and loss, especially associated with dam construction, are the main threats for wildcat and other large mammals in the regions. Blood, tissue and faeces samples from wildcat have been collected to shed light on population structures, and to assist species survival using genetic analysis in the future. Habitat use, distribution and the population status of wildcat must be investigated and conservation action taken immediately. Current status and distribution of Savi’s pipistrelle Hypsugo savii (Chiroptera) in Central Europe M. UHRIN1,2 , E. MIKOVÁ1 , M. RENDOSˇ 1 , B. LEHOTSKÁ3 , R. ˇ DANKO6 , S. BÜCS7 , C. JÉRE7 , I. LEHOTSKY´ 4 , P. ESTÓK5 , S. 7 7 ˝ CSOSZ , L. BARTI , F. SZODORAY-PARÁDI7 , I. POCORA8 , A.T. ˇ CÍK ˇ 11 , BASHTA9 , I. DOMBI10 , T. GÖRFÖL10 , I. IVASHKIV9 , M. SEV 11 1 ˇ M. CEL’UCH , Institute of Biology and Ecology, P.J. Safárik University in Koˇsice, Moyzesova 11, 040 01 Koˇsice, Slovakia, e-mail: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]; 2 Department of Game Management ´ and Wildlife Biology, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamycká 1176, 165 21 Praha 6, Czech Republic; 3 Department of Landscape Ecology, Comenius University, Mlynská dolina, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia, e-mail: [email protected]; 4 Miniopterus, Slovak Union for Nature and Landscape Conservators, Hlaváˇciková 14, 841 05 Bratislava 4, Slovakia, e-mail: [email protected]; 5 Eszterházy Károly College, Eszterházy tér 1., 3300 Eger, Hungary, ˇ e-mail: [email protected]; 6 J. Svermu 1, 071 01 Michalovce, Slovakia, e-mail: [email protected]; 7 Romanian Bat Protection Association, 440014 Satu Mare, str. I.B. Deleanu nr. 2, Romania; e-mail: szilard [email protected]; 8 Department of Zoology, “Al. I. Cuza” University of Ias¸i, 20 A Carol I Boulevard, 700505 Ias¸i, Romania, e-mail: [email protected]; 9 Institute of Ecology of the Carpathians, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kozelnytska st. 4, Lviv 79026, Ukraine, e-mail: [email protected]; 10 Nature Conservation Foundation of Tolna County, Szent István tér 10, 7100 Szekszárd, Hungary, e-mail: gorfi@tmta.hu; 11 Slovak Bat Conservation Society, Andraˇscˇ íkova 1, 085 01 Bardejov, Slovakia, e-mail: [email protected], [email protected] In the last decades, a range expansion of Hypsugo savii in western and central Europe has been observed. The dynamics of the range margins have most often been discussed as a consequence of the global climate change. All available records of H. savii, both published and original, from Central Europe, with the main focus on the Carpathian region (incl. the Pannonian Lowland) were

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gathered and analysed; almost two hundred records were evaluated from Slovakia, Hungary and Romania. It seems to be clear, that since the 1990s the species has undergone a progressive range change in this region. During this period, the species became a rather common bat in the Pannonian Lowland with a preference for inhabiting large cities. Later on, the species has been more frequently recorded also in the area of the Carpathian Range in both its typical habitats, large cities (e.g. Bratislava, Miskolc, Michalovce, etc.) and rocky canyons (e.g. Turda Gorge, Intregalde Gorge). In 2009, the first records outside of the Carpathian Arc (Carpathian Ruthenia, Ukraine) were confirmed. The progression and pattern of this range change is discussed with emphasis also on the possibilities of detecting of such changes in bats. Preliminary research results of epigenetic variability in different populations of the Przewalski’s wild horse Equus przewalskii Poljakov, 1881 by non-metric characters of the skulls D. USUKHJARGAL1 , N. BANDI1 , O. GANBAATAR2 , M.V. SABLIN3 , R. SCHAFBERG4 , H. ANSORGE5 , 1 Hustai National Park, Mongolia, e-mail: [email protected]; 2 Thakiin tal, Great Gobi B Strictly Protected Area, Mongolia; 3 Zoological Museum of Saint-Petersburg, Russia; 4 Institut fuer Agrar- und Ernaehrunswissenschaften, Museum fuer Haustierkunde “Julius Kuehn” – ZNS der MLU, Halle/Saale, Germany; 5 Senckenberg Museum of Natural History Goerlitz, PF 300154, 02806 Goerlitz, Germany, e-mail: [email protected] Przewalski’s wild horse (Takhi in Mongolian) is considered to be the one and last remaining truly wild horse species in the world today. Because of competition with livestock, illegal hunting and harsh climate conditions the wild horse “takhi” probably became extinct in the wild in 1960s. Between 1898 and 1903, 88 foals were caught in the Mongolian gobi with the aim of transporting to zoos in Europe, but only 53 foals survived the journey. Transported takhi’s lived and died in zoos. Skulls and other materials were then kept in museum collections. Between 2010 and 2013 we studied the skulls of 28 original, 64 captive bred and 38 reintroduced takhi. The studies were based on 76 non-metric traits, 70 of them bilateral, 6 of them unilateral. 21 characters had to be excluded from further analyses because of inhomogeneity in age and sex. The epigenetic variability (Iev ) of all takhi samples pooled together was 0.23, the original takhi was 0.21, captive bred takhi was 0.22 and reintroduced takhi was 0.25. According to a similar study on the Asiatic wild ass, epigenetic variability was 0.22. An interesting point is that the epigenetic variability of isolated small populations of takhi is similar to abundant populations of the Asiatic wild ass indicating that takhi express few signs of inbreeding when maintained in a small population. It is suggested that non-metric skull character analysis is needed in future studies of Przewalski’s wild horse to monitor the genetic situation of the species in the wild. Impact of hunting on the populations of wild ungulates in the Baikal region (Siberia, Russia) Yu.E. VASHUKEVICH, Faculty of Game Management, Irkutsk State Academy of Agriculture, Poselok Molodezhny, 664038, Irkutsk, Russia, e-mail: [email protected] The impact of hunting (legal and uncontrolled) on the population of Siberian roe deer, musk deer, elk, red and Northern deer in the Baikal region have been studied. We analyzed the data on the dynamics of the number of animals, the results of hunting for them and specified effects of other limiting factors, such as predators and

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weather conditions for comparison. The reasons for the low number of wild ungulates are determined and the ways to solve any arising problems are proposed. Materials of the study were collected on the territory of Irkutsk region during 2009–2013. We used data of the reports of Department on the protection and use of fauna of Irkutsk region and experts’ information. It was determined that poaching, wolves and legal hunting have maximum negative impact on wild ungulates of the region (in descending order). For this reason, the actual number of hunted animals ranges from 10 to 25% of the optimal number. To increase the number of animals up to the estimated number it is necessary to establish an independent Federal Service for monitoring the status of populations of wild ungulates and large predators; to introduce modern methods of regulating the number of wolves and stimulate the hunting farms to the regulation of predator population; to increase the number of state hunting inspectors up to 3 persons for administrative region; to motivate users of hunting grounds for the long-term use of these grounds through the mechanism of government support. Knee clicks as an indicator of age and social status in whitelipped deer (Cervus albirostris) M. VOLDRICHOVA1 , P. KRAL2 , J. ROBOVSKY3 , 1 Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, ˇ Braniˇsovská 31, 370 05 Ceské Budˇejovice, Czech Republic, e-mail: [email protected]; 2 Ústí nad Labem Zoological Garden, Dráˇzd’anská 23, 400 07 Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic, e-mail: [email protected]; 3 Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Uniˇ versity of South Bohemia, Braniˇsovská 31, 370 05 Ceské Budˇejovice, Czech Republic, e-mail: [email protected] Cervus albirostris (Artiodactyla: Cervidae) (Przewalski 1883) is morphologically unique species of cervid endemic to the Eastern Tibetian Plateau. The range of white-lipped deer is fragmented and the species is considered vulnerable by the IUCN. One of its curious traits is a distinctive clicking noise produced when animals are moving, or shifting weight, when standing. From the family Cervidae only Pére David’s deer and Reindeer have been described in literature as making similar peculiar sounds when walking and several theories have been proposed as to its function and mechanism of origin. However none of these hypotheses regarding clicking cervids have been scientifically tested nor has the sound been recorded and its auditory parameters described. We recorded clicking noises made by nine animals from captive herd in Ústí nad Labem Zoological Garden using a solid state recorder with microphone. The recordings took place every month during a one-year period. The dominant frequency of each click was then measured using Avisoft Bioacoustic software and statistically correlated with season, condition, age and estimated hierarchical position in herd for each individual. Our work revealed significant correlation between the depth of dominant frequency of the click and the age and dominance of the individual. Older and higherranking animals produced clicks with markedly lower dominant frequency compared with other mature, but younger and less dominant, individuals. In view of these results we propose that the clicking noise can be a reliable signal indicating age and social status of the animal, and an interesting example of non-vocal communication in mammals.

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Molecular basis of delayed ageing in mammals with highly divergent ageing rates: African mole-rats Fukomys sp. C. VOLE1 , M. BENS2 , H. BURDA1 , K. SZAFRANSKI2 , M. PLATZER2 , P. DAMMANN1, 3 , 1 Department of General Zoology, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45117 Essen, Germany, e-mail: [email protected], [email protected]; 2 Genome Analysis, Leibniz Institute for Age Research, Fritz Lipmann Institute, Jena, Germany; 3 Central Animal Laboratory, University Duisburg-Essen Medical School, 45122 Essen, Germany African mole-rats of the genus Fukomys are subterranean, longlived rodents (max. lifespan approx. 20 years) living in enlarged family groups where only one breeding pair is reproductively active while all others forego their own reproduction. They are the only vertebrates known so far in which attainment of breeding status slows down the ageing process dramatically. On average, Fukomys breeders live approximately twice as long as non-breeders. Such a pronounced benefit for longevity is unparalleled in any other vertebrate group studied thus far and greater than most experimental interventions that extended the lifespan in vertebrates, such as caloric restriction or application of resveratrol or rapamycin. Here, we present preliminary results in respect to Fukomys telomere biology, oxidative stress, proteomic stability, and gene expression patterns. The aim is to examine the ageing process from various viewpoints, which includes the identification of candidate genes involved in the process of ageing as well as testing several of the most influential (and, sometimes, controversial) theories of ageing. Last but not least: M3 compensates functional loss of anterior teeth in the plains zebra (Equus quagga) D.E. WINKLER1 , V. HALLAY2 , T.M. KAISER3 , 1 Biocenter Grindel & Zoological Museum Hamburg, University of Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King Platz 3, 20146 Hamburg, e-mail: [email protected]; 2 e-mail: [email protected]; 3 Biocenter Grindel & Zoological Museum Hamburg, University of Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King Platz 3, 20146 Hamburg, [email protected]

Using genotyping to assess the status of red deer populations in Rhineland-Palatinate (Germany)—Development of a gene bank for Cervus elaphus S. WIRTZ, A. HOCHKIRCH, Trier University, Faculty of Geography/Geosciences, Department of Biogeography, D-54286 Trier, Germany, e-mail: [email protected] The fragmentation and loss of habitats are increasingly problematic for wildlife in modern European landscapes. Reduced migration may increase the risk of inbreeding and lead to decreasing genetic diversity within populations. Red deer, Cervus elaphus, is adapted to range over large areas of open or semi-open habitats. It is often considered a key species in conservation, hunting and forestry and therefore is of particular interest in the development of effective hunting and conservation management. Microsatellites have become one of the most important marker systems for population genetic studies. Due to their high variability they are particularly useful in the study of the effects of habitat fragmentation. Genetic diversity, and the genetic population structure, of red deer populations in Rhineland-Palatinate (Germany) were studied. From 2009 to 2013, a total of 2300 individuals were sampled. The individuals were genotyped at 17 microsatellite loci and one sex-specific locus. Measures of genetic diversity (allelic richness, expected heterozygosity, etc.) were calculated as well as measures of genetic differentiation (FST , Dest ). Parentage analyses were also conducted. Genetic diversity differed between the management areas. For one area, marginal signs of inbreeding were detected. Significant genetic differentiation occurred among the areas; particularly for those which were separated by larger distances or river systems. The assignment test conducted with the software STRUCTURE inferred five genetic clusters. The location of these clusters fitted well with natural landscape elements (particularly rivers), but may also be explained by the management in separated red deer areas. Our set of microsatellite loci appear to be suitable for use in creating the basic data for future Cervus elaphus management plans. Mammals in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic

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towards the chewing direcEnamel ridges aligned close to tion should be most efficient for shearing. We use the plains zebra (Equus quagga), a specialized grazer, to investigate enamel ridge alignment (ERA). Hypothetical occlusal surfaces (representing successive ontogenetic wear stages) are created based on CT-data of one subadult individual with all (pre-)molars in early wear, thus covering the functional time span of the permanent dentition. A functional residuum of each enamel pattern is computed. Only leading edges are considered. ERA close to 90◦ towards the chewing direction should be more efficient for shearing, but forces required would be highest. Lower or higher angulated ridges, however, would be less efficient at lower forces required. A functional trade-off point should be related to distance of tooth position and jaw joint as well as biomechanical properties of chews at the tooth position under consideration. We find a high similarity in ERA for the tooth positions P3-M2. Upper and lower M3 show less dispersed angles towards the chewing direction at all crown heights than other tooth positions. Angular dispersion increases in the later ontogenetic stages for all tooth positions except M3. Approximately 80% crown height is identified as the functional optimum, with angles closest to 90◦ and least dispersion. Hence we conclude that the functional optimum of the dentition is reached in early adult life. In later life, functionality of anterior molars decreases, which the M3 compensates by maintaining an ERA with low dispersion and angles close to 90◦ also at low crown heights.

ˇ ˇ K. ST’ASTN Y´ 1 , J. CERVEN Y´ 2 , 1 Faculty of Environmental Sciences, ´ Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamycká 129, 165 21 Prague 6 – Suchdol, Czech Republic, e-mail: [email protected]; 2 Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life ´ Sciences Prague, Kamycká 129, 165 21 Prague 6 – Suchdol, Czech Republic, e-mail: cerveny@fld.czu.cz Although the oldest records of the presence of mammals come from the 17th century, the first checklists of Czech mammals, including data from Prague, were elaborated two centuries later. Nine species of insectivores have been recorded up to now in Prague. Of the several species of shrews only Crocidura suaveolens is considered a genuine Prague inhabitant. It is the only shrew inhabiting isolated parks and other green areas in the centre. The bats are clearly the most researched group of mammals of Prague. When both horseshoe bat species (the historical record of Rhinolophus hipposideros and R. ferrumequinum present until 1970) as well as two other species with uncertain records (Myotis emarginatus and M. bechsteinii), a total of 20 bat species were recorded in Prague. Twelve species of carnivores have been recorded in Prague. One of them, Felis silvestris, was wiped out long ago in historical times. A newer case of extinction is Mustela eversmannii, originally a species of forest-steppe habitats. Its close cousin, M. putorius, is also extremely rare. In the past few decades Neovison vison, a non-native species, became part of the Prague fauna.

Abstracts / Mammalian Biology 78S (2013) 5–27

Another non-native species invading suburbs and periphery of Prague is Nyctereutes procyonoides. On the other hand, Martes foina is extremely numerous in the centre of the city. Another beast of prey increasingly invading built-up urban areas is Vulpes vulpes (density in suburban areas 8–13 ind./km2 ). Of the two Lagomorph species Oryctolagus cuniculus is non-native. It has apparently been present in the country since the 13th century, but now it only inhabits several shrubby suburban sites. On the contrary, Lepus europaeus is increasingly spreading from suburban farmland to typical urban habitats such as city parks or the greenery of housing estates. A total of 19 rodent species were confirmed, one of them probably as an escape from Prague zoo (Eliomys quercinus) a one only in the history (Castor fiber), but its occurrence in the territory of Prague is apparently only a question of time. There are four nonnative rodent species found in Prague: Rattus rattus, R. norvegicus,

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Ondatra zibethicus and Myocastor coypus. Spermophilus citellus and Cricetus cricetus have almost vanished from Prague in the past years. Apodemus sylvaticus, Microtus arvalis and Mus musculus, represent widely distributed species covering most of the territory of Prague, including the city centre. Of the eight even-toed ungulates recorded in the territory of Prague, three are non-native species: Dama dama, Cervus nippon and Ovis ammon musimon. All three were originally kept only in Prague deer parks, although the mouflon is currently found also in the wild. It often expands to the surrounding built-up areas and even inhabits the grounds of the local hospital throughout the whole year (photo). The only widely dispersed species are Capreolus capreolus and Sus scrofa. About 150 individuals of wild boar are hunted annually within the territory of the capital city of Prague, with additional hundreds in the suburban areas.