Texte Thèse Numérisé

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Texte Thèse Numérisé 1 UNIVERSITÉ DE LIÈGE INSTITUT DE PSYCHOLOGIE ET DES SCIENCES DE L'ÉDUCATION Étude expérimentale de l'amassage de nourriture chez les Rongeurs Lien du comportement avec l'hibernation et sa rythmicité circadienne et circannienne chez un Sciuridé Tamias striatus quebecensis Thèse présentée pour l'obtention du grade de Docteur en Psychologie par J. GODEFROID Licencié en Psychologie ___ Année académique 1978-1979 2 REMERCIEMENTS Tout au long des années qu'a duré cette recherche, nombreux sont ceux qui nous ont apporté leur concours ou leur soutien et à qui nous tenons à exprimer ici notre reconnaissance. Qu'il nous soit permis, tout d'abord, de remercier nos deux directeurs de thèse. Monsieur le Professeur M. Richelle, directeur du Service de Psychologie expérimentale de l'Université de Liège, n'a jamais cessé de manifester son intérêt pour notre travail et de nous procurer les encouragements et l'aide nécessaires afin qu'il soit mené à bien. Quant à Monsieur le Professeur J-C. Ruwet, directeur du Service d'Ethologie, il nous a toujours réservé un accueil chaleureux lors de nos brefs retours en Europe. Le fait de savoir qu'après tant d'années, ceux auxquels nous devons notre formation et notre orientation scientifique demeuraient disponibles, malgré l'éloignement, et ne cessaient de nous accorder leur confiance, nous a largement aidé à aller au bout de notre entreprise. Nous exprimons également notre gratitude à Monsieur le Professeur J. Bovet, directeur du Service d'Ethologie de l'Université Laval à Québec, qui nous a fourni le programme informatique permettant la constitution des périodogrammes nécessaires à l'analyse de nos données, et dont les conseils pour leur interprétation nous ont été des plus précieux, ainsi qu’à Monsieur le Professeur G. Baron qui nous a ouvert les portes du Service d'Ethologie qu'il dirige à l'Université de Montréal, mais également celles de la Station de Biologie de cette institution, dans les Laurentides. Un merci spécial va à Viviane Gagnon pour l'aide qu'elle nous a apportée dans la constitution de notre bibliographie relative aux Sciuridés. Le support technique de notre recherche a été assuré, depuis 1971, par notre appariteur et ami, Michel Bisson, dont les compétences nous ont été du plus grand secours. Qu'il en soit remercié. Nos remerciements vont aussi aux responsables des divers services du Collège du Nord-Ouest, desquels nous avons reçu une aide précieuse et spécialement à R. Aubry, du service Audio-visuel, à qui nous devons les photos accompagnant ce travail, à P. Bibeau, du service de l'Informatique, pour la diligence apportée au traitement des périodogrammes, à A. Béland qui a permis la mise à jour de notre bibliographie, par le canal de l'ordinateur de la Bibliothèque, ainsi qu'à R. Ducheneau, du Service de l'Equipement, pour le soutien logistique et les conseils reçus lors de la construction du terrarium. Nous ne voulons pas oublier, dans ces remerciements, nos étudiants du Collège du Nord-Ouest et de l'Université du Québec à Rouyn qui ont contribué, au long des années et à des degrés divers, à la bonne marche de nos expériences. Notre gratitude va particulièrement à ceux qui nous ont apporté leur appui lors de la 3 réalisation de cette thèse, et surtout à Jeanine Descy qui s'est chargée de la disposition et de la copie des tableaux, ainsi qu'à Betty Godefroid, pour tout le temps et la minutie qu'elle a accordés à la reproduction des figures illustrant ce travail. Nous profitons également de l'occasion pour manifester notre reconnaissance à nos autres sœurs, Marie-Thérèse, Suzanne et Ninette dont le soutien et l'aide efficace ne nous ont jamais été ménagés, ainsi surtout qu’à notre mère, dont le dévouement de toute une vie a notamment permis que nous puissions écrire ces pages, un jour. À Nadine, enfin, nous voulons dire combien nous sommes sensibles à la manière dont elle a toujours su être présente, principalement au cours des mois pendant lesquels s'est effectuée la rédaction du manuscrit, dont elle a assuré, avec le plus grand soin, la mise en page et la transcription. 4 TABLE DES MATIÈRES 5 TABLE DES MATIÈRES TABLE DES ILLUSTRATIONS ................................................................................... 10 FIGURES ................................................................................................................. ......10 TABLEAUX ……………………………………………………………………………………...12 INTRODUCTION GÉNÉRALE …………………………………………………………… .13 1. RECHERCHES ANTÉRIEURES SUR L'AMASSAGE ……………………………… ..17 1.0 INTRODUCTION ……………………… …………………………………………………… 18 1.1 L'AMASSAGE CHEZ LES ANIMAUX DE LABORATOIRE ……………………………….20 1.1.1 Historique ……………………………………………………………………………….20 1.1.2 Les diverses approches explicatives du comportement ………… …………20 1.1.3 Études expérimentales du rôle des variables externes et internes ………… 22 1.1.3.1 Eclairement ………………………………………………………………………….23 1.1.3.2 Température……………………………………………………………………...…..23 1.1.3.3 Familiarité avec la cage et l'allée……………………………………………….…24 1.1.3.4 Longueur des trajets ……………………………………………………………….25 1.1.3.5 Type de matériau employé ………………………………………………………...25 1.1.3.6 Privation de nourriture ……………………………………………………………..26 1.1.3.7 Régime alimentaire et déficits du métabolisme …………………………………27 1.1.3.8 Expérience antérieure ……………………………………………………………. 28 1.1.3.9 Frustration …………………………………………………………………………. 29 1.1.3.10 Privation dans le jeune âge ……………………………………………………… 29 1.1.3.11 Sexe des sujets …………………………………………………………………….30 1.1.3.12 Âge des sujets ……………………………………………………………………...31 1.1.3.13 Activité ……………………………………………………………………………….31 1.1.3.14 Rythmes circadiens ………………………………………………………………...32 1.1.3.1 5 Facteurs sociaux…………………………………………………………………….32 1.1.3.16 Emotivité …………………………………………………………………………… 34 1.1.3.17 Facteurs corticaux……………………………………………….………………….34 1.1.4 Conclusion ..………………………………………………………………………….....36 1.2 L’AMASSAGE EN MILIEU NATUREL ……………………………………………………. .. 39 1.2.1 Présence du comportement dans le règne animal ……………………………...39 6 1.2.2 Recherches de laboratoire sur des espèces sauvages . ………..…………….. 42 1.2.2.1 Les Cricétidés . ………………………………………………………………...44 a. Mesocricetus auratus (Hamster doré) b. Peromyscus spp. (Souris d’Amérique) 1.2.2.2 Les Hétéromyidés …………………………………………………………………… 46 1.2.2.3 Les Sciuridés ………………………………………………………………………… 46 a. Glaucomys volans (Polatouche) b. Eutamias rufucaudus (Tamia à queue rousse) c. Tamias striatus (Suisse) d. Eutamias amœnus (Tamia amène) 1.2.2.4 Discussion ………..……………………………………………………………………48 2. AMASSAGE ET HIBERNATION …………………………………………………………53 2.0 INTRODUCTION …………………………… …………………………………………………54 2.1 AMASSAGE ET HIBERNATION CHEZ LES SCIURIDÉS...............................................54 2.1.1 Amassage de nourriture ………..…………………………………………………… 54 2.1.2 Hibernatíon ….......................................................................................................57 2.1.2.1 Caractéristiques sur le plan physiologique ………………………………………57 2.1.2.2 Rôle de certains facteurs dans l'entrée, le maintien et la sortie de la léthargie. 59 a. l’entrée en léthargie 1) Thermorégulation 2) Activité corticale b) au cours de l’hibernation c) la sortie de la léthargie 2.1.2.3 Etudes expérimentales sur le rôle des facteurs externes…………………………62 1) Photopériode 2) Température 3) Présence et absence de nourriture 2.1.2.4 Rythme annuel……………………………………………………………………… 63 2.1.2.5 Conclusion...…………………………………………………………………………...64 2.2 CARACTÉRISTIQUES DU SUISSE (T. STRIATUS ) ...............................................65 2.2.1 Systématique et distribution de l'espèce ………………………………………….65 2.2.2 Description et mœurs ………………………………………………………………...66 2.2.3 Cycle annuel ……………………………………………………………………………69 2.2.4 Amassage chez T. striatus …………………………………………………………..70 7 2.2.5 Engraissement pré-hivernal …………………………………………………………72 2.2.6 Hibernation chez T. striatus …………………………………………………………73 2.2.6.1 Physiologie …………………………………………………………………………….73 1) Variations de la glycémie 2) Consommation d’oxygène 3) Rôle de la graisse brune 4) Relation entre température corporelle et ambiante 5) Période de torpeur 6) Vitesse d’éveil 2.2.6.2 Rôle des facteurs externes..………………………………………………………….75 1) Photopériode 2) Température 3) Hypoxie et anoxie 4) Présence de nourriture avant l’entrée en léthargie 2.2.7 Conclusion ……………………………………………………………………………...77 3. MÉTHODE ET MATÉRIEL ………………………………………………………………..79 3.1 MÉTHODE …………………………………………………………………………………..80 3.1.1 Utilisation de la méthode de conditionnement opérant ……………………... 80 3.1.2 Procédure ……………………………………………………………………………… 83 3.1.2.1 Manipulation des sujets……………………………………………………………. ..83 3.1.2.2 Façonnement de la réponse opérante………………………………………………83 3.1.2.3 Relevé des données ………………………………………………………………….83 3.2 MATÉRIEL ……………………………………………………………………………….. 84 3.2.1 Sujets ……………………………………………………………………………………. 84 3.2.2 Matériel proprement dit ………………………………………………………………85 3.2.2.1 Cages …………………………………………………………………………………. 85 3.2.2.2 Terrarium …………………………………………………………………………….. 85 a) conception b) éclairage d’appoint c) relevé des températures 3.2.2.3 Distributeurs de nourriture ………………………………………………………….. 90 a) les distributeurs de pastilles b) les distributeurs de graines 3.2.2.4 Méthodes d'enregistrement ...…………………………………………………….....89 a) les compteurs b) l’enregistreur polygrahe 3.2.2.5 Méthodes d'analyse ………………………………………………………………… 90 a) les histogrammes 8 b) les actogrammes c) les périodogrammes 4. ÉTUDE EXPÉRIMENTALE DE L'AMASSAGE CHEZ T. STRIATUS ……………... 90 4.0 INTRODUCTION………………………………………………………………….......... 91 4.1 PLACE DE L'AMASSAGE DANS LE CYCLE ANNUEL ……………………………
Recommended publications
  • No Evidence for Proteolytic Venom Resistance in Southern African Ground Squirrels
    1 No evidence for proteolytic venom resistance in southern African ground squirrels Molly A. Phillips, Jane M. Waterman, Pg Du Plessis, Martin Smit, and Nigel C. Bennett Abstract Many species that interact with venomous snakes show resistances to their venoms. The family Sciuridae has several North American members that harass venomous snakes and show proteolytic resistances in their sera. We examined sera collected from an African ground squirrel (Xerus inauris) against two sympatric venomous snakes (Bitis arietans and Naja annulifera) and found no support for proteolytic resistance. Our results add to our understanding of the risks in predator defense within the family Sciuridae. Keywords: Xerus inauris; Bitis arietans; Naja annulifera; Venom; Venom resistance; Predator-prey Animal venoms are a complex mixture of proteins and peptides that induce many destructive physiological effects for a variety of purposes, including prey capture (Fry et al., 2008; Jansa and Voss, 2011), digestion (Thomas and Pough, 1979), and defense (Kardong, 1982). The evolution of venom in snakes is thought to be a major factor leading to the radiation of over 2500 advanced snake species (Vidal, 2002). Some animals that interact with venomous snakes have physiological resistance to venom. As a predator, the Indian grey mongoose (Herpestes edwardsii) is resistant to the haemorrhagic effects caused by the venom of many snake species (Tomihara et al., 1990). California ground squirrels (Spermophilus (Otospermophilus) beecheyi) defend against snake predation by mobbing and have resistance against the proteolytic activity of the venom from northern Pacific rattlesnakes (Crotalus oreganus) (Biardi, 2000). The Cape ground squirrel (Xerus inauris) is a ground-dwelling sciurid that inhabits the arid regions of southern Africa (Skurski and Waterman, 2005).
    [Show full text]
  • A Review of Bristly Ground Squirrels Xerini and a Generic Revision in the African Genus Xerus
    Mammalia 2016; 80(5): 521–540 Boris Kryštufek*, Ahmad Mahmoudi, Alexey S. Tesakov, Jan Matějů and Rainer Hutterer A review of bristly ground squirrels Xerini and a generic revision in the African genus Xerus DOI 10.1515/mammalia-2015-0073 Received April 28, 2015; accepted October 13, 2015; previously Introduction published online December 12, 2015 Bristly ground squirrels from the arid regions of Central Abstract: Bristly ground squirrels Xerini are a small rodent Asia and Africa constitute a coherent monophyletic tribe tribe of six extant species. Despite a dense fossil record the Xerini sensu Moore (1959). The tribe contains six species group was never diverse. Our phylogenetic reconstruction, in three genera of which Atlantoxerus and Spermophilop­ based on the analysis of cytochrome b gene and including sis are monotypic. The genus Xerus in its present scope all known species of Xerini, confirms a deep divergence (Thorington and Hoffmann 2005), consists of four species between the African taxa and the Asiatic Spermophilopsis. in three subgenera: X. inauris and X. princeps (subgenus Genetic divergences among the African Xerini were of a Geosciurus), X. rutilus (subgenus Xerus), and X. eryth­ comparable magnitude to those among genera of Holarc- ropus (subgenus Euxerus). Recent phylogenetic recon- tic ground squirrels in the subtribe Spermophilina. Evi- struction based on molecular markers retrieved Xerus to dent disparity in criteria applied in delimitation of genera be paraphyletic with respect to Atlantoxerus (Fabre et al. in Sciuridae induced us to recognize two genera formerly 2012), therefore challenging the suitability of the generic incorporated into Xerus. The resurrected genera (Euxerus arrangement of the group.
    [Show full text]
  • Facts and Misconceptions on the Palaearctic Existence of the Striped
    Mammalia 2017; aop Boris Kryštufek, Cătălin Stanciu, Danijel Ivajnšič*, Sidi Imad Cherkaoui and Franc Janžekovič Facts and misconceptions on the Palaearctic existence of the striped ground squirrel https://doi.org/10.1515/mammalia-2017-0060 echo the exclusive ecological requirements of species Received May 26, 2017; accepted July 27, 2017 and their evolutionary history in response to past eco- logical and geological processes (Lomolino et al. 2006). Abstract: The striped ground squirrel has a wide distri- Species’ ranges can be studied at various temporal and bution in the Ethiopian region but is restricted to a small spatial scales provided they are already documented. isolated area in Palaearctic Africa. This fragment was first Before a distributional map can be produced, data on recorded in the late 1940s in the Souss Valley (Morocco), spatial occurrence must be collected in the field. Despite however, not a single new observation has been published its obvious simplicity, field work constitutes a crucial step in the following decades. In September 2016 we surveyed and affects the consistency of analyses which may depend the Souss Valley and found squirrels at 43 sites within upon sophisticated tools and concepts. Incomplete or the triangle between Agadir–Taroudant–Tiznit. Occupied misleading distributional data will unavoidably compro- sites were not distributed at random but occurred between mise subsequent analyses and assessments. an altitude of 45–254 m and on a substrate with coarse tex- In this study we have addressed the only Palaearctic ture containing >65% sand. The vast majority of the sites occurrence of the striped ground squirrel Euxerus with squirrels (69%) were classified as suburban, culti- erythropus (Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire 1803) (formerly Xerus vated or both.
    [Show full text]
  • List of 28 Orders, 129 Families, 598 Genera and 1121 Species in Mammal Images Library 31 December 2013
    What the American Society of Mammalogists has in the images library LIST OF 28 ORDERS, 129 FAMILIES, 598 GENERA AND 1121 SPECIES IN MAMMAL IMAGES LIBRARY 31 DECEMBER 2013 AFROSORICIDA (5 genera, 5 species) – golden moles and tenrecs CHRYSOCHLORIDAE - golden moles Chrysospalax villosus - Rough-haired Golden Mole TENRECIDAE - tenrecs 1. Echinops telfairi - Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec 2. Hemicentetes semispinosus – Lowland Streaked Tenrec 3. Microgale dobsoni - Dobson’s Shrew Tenrec 4. Tenrec ecaudatus – Tailless Tenrec ARTIODACTYLA (83 genera, 142 species) – paraxonic (mostly even-toed) ungulates ANTILOCAPRIDAE - pronghorns Antilocapra americana - Pronghorn BOVIDAE (46 genera) - cattle, sheep, goats, and antelopes 1. Addax nasomaculatus - Addax 2. Aepyceros melampus - Impala 3. Alcelaphus buselaphus - Hartebeest 4. Alcelaphus caama – Red Hartebeest 5. Ammotragus lervia - Barbary Sheep 6. Antidorcas marsupialis - Springbok 7. Antilope cervicapra – Blackbuck 8. Beatragus hunter – Hunter’s Hartebeest 9. Bison bison - American Bison 10. Bison bonasus - European Bison 11. Bos frontalis - Gaur 12. Bos javanicus - Banteng 13. Bos taurus -Auroch 14. Boselaphus tragocamelus - Nilgai 15. Bubalus bubalis - Water Buffalo 16. Bubalus depressicornis - Anoa 17. Bubalus quarlesi - Mountain Anoa 18. Budorcas taxicolor - Takin 19. Capra caucasica - Tur 20. Capra falconeri - Markhor 21. Capra hircus - Goat 22. Capra nubiana – Nubian Ibex 23. Capra pyrenaica – Spanish Ibex 24. Capricornis crispus – Japanese Serow 25. Cephalophus jentinki - Jentink's Duiker 26. Cephalophus natalensis – Red Duiker 1 What the American Society of Mammalogists has in the images library 27. Cephalophus niger – Black Duiker 28. Cephalophus rufilatus – Red-flanked Duiker 29. Cephalophus silvicultor - Yellow-backed Duiker 30. Cephalophus zebra - Zebra Duiker 31. Connochaetes gnou - Black Wildebeest 32. Connochaetes taurinus - Blue Wildebeest 33. Damaliscus korrigum – Topi 34.
    [Show full text]
  • Life History Traits, Social Organisation and the Drivers of Sociality in an Invasive Ground Squirrel
    Life history traits, social organisation and the drivers of sociality in an invasive ground squirrel by Anne Marie van der Marel A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies of The University of Manitoba in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY Department of Biological Sciences University of Manitoba Winnipeg, MB, Canada Copyright © 2019 by Anne Marie van der Marel Thesis abstract Sociality evolves when the benefits outweigh the costs of interacting with conspecifics and can be influenced by genetic, phylogenetic, life history, or ecological constraints. Many groups are formed by natal philopatry with the environment constraining levels of sociality. For example, diurnal rodents living in harsh environments can be social to avoid the costs of predation. I used the invasive population of the Barbary ground squirrel (Atlantoxerus getulus) on the arid island of Fuerteventura, Spain, as my study system to explore this idea. Two Barbary ground squirrels were introduced to Fuerteventura in 1965. As they are invasive, I first questioned whether life history traits influenced their invasion success. Then, I used observational, experimental and genetic data to investigate whether they are social and whether predator avoidance is a selective pressure influencing their social patterns by studying their vigilance and alarm vocalisations. Barbary ground squirrels have large and frequent litters, and thus show potential for rapid population growth with a generation time of approximately one year, which may have contributed to their invasion success. They are social, as both males and females interact throughout the day, but they show sexual segregation of sleeping burrows.
    [Show full text]
  • CONTROL of the AFRICAN STRIPED GROUND SQUIRREL, Xerus Erythropus, in KENYA
    University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln Proceedings of the Fourteenth Vertebrate Pest Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings Conference 1990 collection March 1990 CONTROL OF THE AFRICAN STRIPED GROUND SQUIRREL, Xerus erythropus, IN KENYA Gillian E. Key Centro de Investigacion y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpc14 Part of the Environmental Health and Protection Commons Key, Gillian E., "CONTROL OF THE AFRICAN STRIPED GROUND SQUIRREL, Xerus erythropus, IN KENYA" (1990). Proceedings of the Fourteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference 1990. 48. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpc14/48 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings collection at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Proceedings of the Fourteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference 1990 by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. CONTROL OF THE AFRICAN STRIPED GROUND SQUIRREL, Xerus erythropus, IN KENYA. GILLIAN E. KEY, Centro de Investigacion y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Apartado Postal 629, Irapuato, GTO, Mexico. ABSTRACT: The African striped ground squirrel, Xerus erythropus (E. Geoffroy), has been found to constitute a serious pest to maize seed at the planting stage, causing mean losses of 9.7% and accounting for 57.3% of total damage found. A feature of ground squirrel damage is its unpredictable nature. Methods of reducing losses of planted maize seed to X. erythropus at the subsistence farmer level in southern Kenya were investigated. Constraints affecting a control programme by farmers were identified as follows: low standards of living and education, limited financial resources, strong individualistic attitude of farmers and small field size in relation to the home range size of squirrels.
    [Show full text]
  • List of Taxa for Which MIL Has Images
    LIST OF 27 ORDERS, 163 FAMILIES, 887 GENERA, AND 2064 SPECIES IN MAMMAL IMAGES LIBRARY 31 JULY 2021 AFROSORICIDA (9 genera, 12 species) CHRYSOCHLORIDAE - golden moles 1. Amblysomus hottentotus - Hottentot Golden Mole 2. Chrysospalax villosus - Rough-haired Golden Mole 3. Eremitalpa granti - Grant’s Golden Mole TENRECIDAE - tenrecs 1. Echinops telfairi - Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec 2. Hemicentetes semispinosus - Lowland Streaked Tenrec 3. Microgale cf. longicaudata - Lesser Long-tailed Shrew Tenrec 4. Microgale cowani - Cowan’s Shrew Tenrec 5. Microgale mergulus - Web-footed Tenrec 6. Nesogale cf. talazaci - Talazac’s Shrew Tenrec 7. Nesogale dobsoni - Dobson’s Shrew Tenrec 8. Setifer setosus - Greater Hedgehog Tenrec 9. Tenrec ecaudatus - Tailless Tenrec ARTIODACTYLA (127 genera, 308 species) ANTILOCAPRIDAE - pronghorns Antilocapra americana - Pronghorn BALAENIDAE - bowheads and right whales 1. Balaena mysticetus – Bowhead Whale 2. Eubalaena australis - Southern Right Whale 3. Eubalaena glacialis – North Atlantic Right Whale 4. Eubalaena japonica - North Pacific Right Whale BALAENOPTERIDAE -rorqual whales 1. Balaenoptera acutorostrata – Common Minke Whale 2. Balaenoptera borealis - Sei Whale 3. Balaenoptera brydei – Bryde’s Whale 4. Balaenoptera musculus - Blue Whale 5. Balaenoptera physalus - Fin Whale 6. Balaenoptera ricei - Rice’s Whale 7. Eschrichtius robustus - Gray Whale 8. Megaptera novaeangliae - Humpback Whale BOVIDAE (54 genera) - cattle, sheep, goats, and antelopes 1. Addax nasomaculatus - Addax 2. Aepyceros melampus - Common Impala 3. Aepyceros petersi - Black-faced Impala 4. Alcelaphus caama - Red Hartebeest 5. Alcelaphus cokii - Kongoni (Coke’s Hartebeest) 6. Alcelaphus lelwel - Lelwel Hartebeest 7. Alcelaphus swaynei - Swayne’s Hartebeest 8. Ammelaphus australis - Southern Lesser Kudu 9. Ammelaphus imberbis - Northern Lesser Kudu 10. Ammodorcas clarkei - Dibatag 11. Ammotragus lervia - Aoudad (Barbary Sheep) 12.
    [Show full text]
  • CONTROL of the AFRICAN STRIPED GROUND SQUIRREL, Xerus Erythropus, in KENYA
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by UNL | Libraries University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln Proceedings of the Fourteenth Vertebrate Pest Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings Conference 1990 collection March 1990 CONTROL OF THE AFRICAN STRIPED GROUND SQUIRREL, Xerus erythropus, IN KENYA Gillian E. Key Centro de Investigacion y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpc14 Part of the Environmental Health and Protection Commons Key, Gillian E., "CONTROL OF THE AFRICAN STRIPED GROUND SQUIRREL, Xerus erythropus, IN KENYA" (1990). Proceedings of the Fourteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference 1990. 48. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpc14/48 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings collection at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Proceedings of the Fourteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference 1990 by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. CONTROL OF THE AFRICAN STRIPED GROUND SQUIRREL, Xerus erythropus, IN KENYA. GILLIAN E. KEY, Centro de Investigacion y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Apartado Postal 629, Irapuato, GTO, Mexico. ABSTRACT: The African striped ground squirrel, Xerus erythropus (E. Geoffroy), has been found to constitute a serious pest to maize seed at the planting stage, causing mean losses of 9.7% and accounting for 57.3% of total damage found. A feature of ground squirrel damage is its unpredictable nature. Methods of reducing losses of planted maize seed to X. erythropus at the subsistence farmer level in southern Kenya were investigated.
    [Show full text]
  • Sex-Biased Parasitism and the Reproductive Costs of Parasites in a Social African Ground Squirrel
    University of Central Florida STARS Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2004-2019 2007 Sex-biased Parasitism And The Reproductive Costs Of Parasites In A Social African Ground Squirrel Melissa Ann Hillegass University of Central Florida Part of the Biology Commons Find similar works at: https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd University of Central Florida Libraries http://library.ucf.edu This Masters Thesis (Open Access) is brought to you for free and open access by STARS. It has been accepted for inclusion in Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2004-2019 by an authorized administrator of STARS. For more information, please contact [email protected]. STARS Citation Hillegass, Melissa Ann, "Sex-biased Parasitism And The Reproductive Costs Of Parasites In A Social African Ground Squirrel" (2007). Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2004-2019. 3202. https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd/3202 SEX-BIASED PARASITISM AND THE REPRODUCTIVE COSTS OF PARASITES IN A SOCIAL AFRICAN GROUND SQUIRREL by MELISSA ANN HILLEGASS B.S. University of Central Florida, 2004 A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in the Department of Biology in the College of Sciences at the University of Central Florida Orlando, Florida Fall Term 2007 © 2007 Melissa Hillegass ii ABSTRACT Vertebrate males frequently carry higher numbers of parasites than females. This bias in parasite loads could be a consequence of sexual selection. Grouping species are also assumed to be afflicted with larger numbers of parasites than solitary animals and associated costs of this parasitism could vary with group size or structure. I examined sex-biased parasitism and the influence of group size on parasite loads in Cape ground squirrels (Xerus inauris), a highly social species that occurs in the arid regions of southern Africa.
    [Show full text]
  • Nature Feature
    Nature Feature KOEKAIS To update this pdf download the newest edition on http://koekais.co.za/Nature-Feature/ This is an initiative of our Field Guide, Masha de Klerk and updates done by Nadia van Zyl Featuring a new plant or animal species that calls Koekais Guest Farm home Birds / Voëls Southern Yellowbilled Hornbill / Suidelike Geelbekneushoringvoël Tockus leucomelas Hadida / Hadeda Ibis Bostrychia hagedash Nonnetjie-uil / Common barn owl / Ghost owl Tyto alba Gewone Tarentaal / Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris Gompou / Kori Bustard / Kgori Ardeotis kori kori Mammals / Soogdiere Meerkat/Suricate Scientific Name: Suricata suricatta Warthog / Vlakvark Phacochoerus africanus Aardwolf Proteles cristata Steenbok / Steenbuck Raphicerus campestris Dassie / Klipdassie / Rock Hyrax / Rock Badger Procavia capensis Duiker / Common, Grey or Bush Duiker Sylvicapra grimmia Blou-aap / Vervet monkey / Tumbili Chlorocebus pygerythrus / Cercopithecus pygerythrus Koedoe / Kudu / Greater Kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros Grondeekhoring / Waaierstermeerkat / South African Ground Squirrel / Cape Ground Squirrel Xerus inauris Iietermago / Ietermagog / Common Ground Pangolin Manis temmincki Reptiles / Reptiele Geelslang / Koperkapel / Kaapse Kobra / Cape Cobra / Yellow Cobra Naja nivea Likkewaan / Leguaan / White Throated Monitor Lizard / Rock Monitor Lizard Varanus albigul Bloukopkoggelmander / Southern Rock Agama Agama atra Pofadder / Puff Adder / Ibululu Bitis arietans Tortoises / Skilpaaie Bergskilpad / Leopard Tortoise / Mountain
    [Show full text]
  • Understanding the Relationship Between Farmers and Burrowing Mammals on South African Farms: Are Burrowers Friends Or Foes?
    Understanding the relationship between farmers and burrowing mammals on South African farms: Are burrowers friends or foes? Izak B. Foster, Trevor McIntyre, Natalie S. Haussmann Abstract Burrowing mammals are ubiquitous on farms in South Africa and can hinder agricultural practices. This study explored farmer perspectives of these species, and specifically the factors that influence these perspectives. Forty-four farmers responded to a questionnaire that assessed their ecological knowledge of, tolerance towards and lethal management of burrowing mammals that occur on their farms. The results from generalised linear models showed that neither farmer age, nor level of education are accurate predictors of ecological knowledge, overall tolerance towards burrowers, or their lethal management. Knowledge of burrowing mammals showed a significant relationship with tolerance, with more knowledgeable individuals displaying higher levels of tolerance. However, a farmer’s overall tolerance towards burrowing species did not affect the number of species managed. Our results also suggest that different values are attached to different species when it comes to lethal management. Thus, farmers commonly controlled the numbers of the problem rodent species, Highveld gerbil (Gerbilliscus brantsii) and Cape ground squirrel (Xerus inauris), but were less likely to manage black-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas) and warthog (Phacochoerus africanus), even when experiencing these as problematic. We suggest that the larger, more charismatic species possibly evoke more sympathy from farmers. Agro- ecosystems are likely to become increasingly important for conservation in the future, and we encourage continued studies on the environmental attitudes and approaches of agricultural practitioners as a means to understanding the current status and future trends in ecologically sustainable agriculture.
    [Show full text]
  • Squirrels and Relatives II Ground Squirrels
    ᭝ Squirrels and relatives II Ground squirrels Class Mammalia Order Rodentia Suborder Sciuragnathi Family Sciuridae Subfamily Sciurinae Thumbnail description Short and stout short-haired rodent with a slender or bushy tail that is one quarter to one half the total squirrel’s length; coloration varies between species from uniform to distinctive contrasting patches, dark and light stripes, or speckled with small light spots Size 7.2–30 in (18.3–75 cm); 0.09–24 lb (0.04–11 kg) Distribution Number of genera, species North America, north Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, central to eastern Europe, west 9 genera; 95 species and central Asia, north Asia, and east Asia Habitat Desert, prairie, savanna, shrub, temperate forests, subalpine forests, rocky slopes, alpine meadows, and arctic tundra Conservation status Endangered: 4 species; Vulnerable: 6 species; Lower Risk/Near Threatened: 6 species; Lower Risk/Conservation Dependent: 2 species; Data Deficient: 1 species Evolution and systematics exchange and radiation of tree squirrels, however forests fol- The ground-dwelling squirrels are grouped into three lowed by the formation of a marine barrier (7.4 to 4.8 mya) tribes: 1. Xerini—the African ground squirrels (Xerus and At- prevented the movement of North American Marmota sp. and lantoxerus) and a central-Asian ground squirrel (Spermophilop- Spermophilus sp. into Asia until after an unforested land bridge sis); 2. Marmotini—the marmots (Marmota), antelope was established as glaciers expanded and sea level declined. squirrels (Ammospermophilus), prairie dogs (Cynomys), ground Tamias crossed the land bridge at this time as well but a North squirrels (Spermophilus), and Chinese rock squirrels (Sciuro- American or Eurasian origin of this group is still debated.
    [Show full text]