DOCSLIB.ORG

The Social Integration of European Badger (Meles Meles) Cubs Into Their Natal Group

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Social Integration of European Badger (Meles Meles) Cubs Into Their Natal Group The social integration of European badger (Meles meles) cubs into their natal group Rebecca J. Fell, Christina D. Buesching1) & David W. Macdonald (Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Dept. of Zoology, Oxford University, Abingdon Road, Tubney, OX13 5QL, UK) (Accepted: 23 March 2006) Summary Three main reasons have been suggested to explain the evolution of stable social groups in mammals: cooperation, resource dispersion, and natal philopatry. Here, we investigate the driving forces behind the social integration of badger Meles meles cubs into their natal group as a model for those species, where group-living has been attributed to ecological constraints. Between March 1995 and June 1996, we observed the cub/adult interactions of 9 litters in 2 badger social groups in Wytham Woods, Oxfordshire, from the time of their first emergence to full independence using remote controlled IR-video surveillance equipment. Our results show that with increasing age, cubs emerge earlier from the sett, interact with an increasing number of adults, and initiate a greater proportion of social interactions. Young cubs exhibit a specific behaviour (here termed ‘scent-theft’) to mark themselves with the subcaudal gland secretion of adult group-members, shown to carry group-specific information. In contrast to other social carnivores, badger cubs are not the focus of attention from adult group-members, but, supporting our hypothesis, their social integration into the natal group is gradual and cub-driven. Keywords: offspring retention, social integration, natal philopatry, scent-marking, group- odour, group-living, badger. Introduction Three main, and non-exclusive, explanations have been proposed for the formation of stable social groups (e.g., Emlen, 1982; Gittleman, 1989): firstly, the advantage of cooperative behaviours between group-members 1) Corresponding author’s: e-mail address: christina.wild-spirits.com © Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, 2006 Behaviour 143, 683-700 Also available online - www.brill.nl 684 Fell, Buesching & Macdonald (e.g., cooperative hunting: Kruuk, 1975; Gittleman, 1989; cooperative de- fence against predators: Rood, 1975; Rasa, 1986; cooperative breeding and alloparental behaviour: Rood, 1990); secondly, the resource dispersion hy- pothesis, which postulates that the pattern of resource availability may fa- cilitate group-formation at low or even no extra cost (Macdonald, 1983; Macdonald & Carr, 1989); and thirdly, natal philopatry, where young are retained in the maternal territory due to ecological constraints on their dis- persal (Emlen, 1982; Lindstrom, 1986). Whereas the first hypothesis emphasises the resulting benefits of offspring retention for all group-members, the later two argue that the resulting bene- fits for the offspring outweigh the costs to existing group-members. As syn- thesised by, e.g., Macdonald et al. (2004a), the sociological benefits of social- ity in the framework of costs and benefits are ultimately determined by eco- logical factors. The balance of these sociological and ecological factors will determine the likelihood that existing group members will either welcome, merely tolerate, or reject new recruits, and will also determine the extent of the recruits’ efforts to join the group (Macdonald & Carr, 1989). The dif- ferent costs and benefits affecting each individual group member, and each recruit, should therefore be reflected in the social dynamics between them during the process of integration. In this paper we will describe the underly- ing behavioural mechanisms of adult-offspring interactions in the European badger Meles meles as a model. Within the order of the Carnivora, and the mustelid family in particu- lar, social organisation varies widely from solitary species (e.g., Mustela vison: Yamaguchi et al., 2004), to monogamous pairs (e.g., Aonyx capen- sis: Estes, 1989), spatial groups (Lutra lutra: Kruuk, 1995) to highly inte- grated group-living (e.g., Aonyx cinerea: Mason & Macdonald, 1986). One mustelid species, the Eurasian badger (Meles meles) displays all of these variants, its flexible social system (Johnson et al., 2000) ranging from solitary or pair-living individuals in Scotland (Kruuk & Parish, 1982) and parts of continental Europe (e.g., Goszczynski, 1999) and Japan (Yamamoto, 1995) to large, highly stable social groups of over 25 individuals in southern Eng- land (Rogers et al., 1998; Macdonald & Newman, 2002). This variability, together with the fact that intensive research has not yet revealed compelling evidence of cooperative behaviour beyond that of mutual grooming in this species (Johnson et al., 2004), make badgers an interesting model species for studies of social behaviour (Kruuk, 1989)..
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The 2008 IUCN Red Listings of the World's Small Carnivores
    The 2008 IUCN red listings of the world’s small carnivores Jan SCHIPPER¹*, Michael HOFFMANN¹, J. W. DUCKWORTH² and James CONROY³ Abstract The global conservation status of all the world’s mammals was assessed for the 2008 IUCN Red List. Of the 165 species of small carni- vores recognised during the process, two are Extinct (EX), one is Critically Endangered (CR), ten are Endangered (EN), 22 Vulnerable (VU), ten Near Threatened (NT), 15 Data Deficient (DD) and 105 Least Concern. Thus, 22% of the species for which a category was assigned other than DD were assessed as threatened (i.e. CR, EN or VU), as against 25% for mammals as a whole. Among otters, seven (58%) of the 12 species for which a category was assigned were identified as threatened. This reflects their attachment to rivers and other waterbodies, and heavy trade-driven hunting. The IUCN Red List species accounts are living documents to be updated annually, and further information to refine listings is welcome. Keywords: conservation status, Critically Endangered, Data Deficient, Endangered, Extinct, global threat listing, Least Concern, Near Threatened, Vulnerable Introduction dae (skunks and stink-badgers; 12), Mustelidae (weasels, martens, otters, badgers and allies; 59), Nandiniidae (African Palm-civet The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is the most authorita- Nandinia binotata; one), Prionodontidae ([Asian] linsangs; two), tive resource currently available on the conservation status of the Procyonidae (raccoons, coatis and allies; 14), and Viverridae (civ- world’s biodiversity. In recent years, the overall number of spe- ets, including oyans [= ‘African linsangs’]; 33). The data reported cies included on the IUCN Red List has grown rapidly, largely as on herein are freely and publicly available via the 2008 IUCN Red a result of ongoing global assessment initiatives that have helped List website (www.iucnredlist.org/mammals).
    [Show full text]
  • 3. Aonyx Congicus Red List 2020
    Aonyx congicus - Lönnberg, 1910 ANIMALIA - CHORDATA - MAMMALIA - CARNIVORA - MUSTELIDAE - Aonyx - congicus Common Names: Congo Clawless Otter (English), Cameroon Clawless Otter (English), Kleinkrallen- Fingerotter (German), Kongo-Fingerotter (German), Loutre à joues blanches du Cameroun (French), Loutre à joues blanches du Congo (French), Nutria Inerme de Camerún (Spanish; Castilian), Paraonyx tacheté (French), Small-clawed Otter (English), Small-toothed Clawless Otter (English), Zaire Clawless Otter (English) Synonyms: No Synonyms Taxonomic Note: Allen (1924) and Davis (1978) treated A. capensis and A. congicus as being conspecific, arguing that they represent clinal variations of the same species. However, mainly based on tooth size and skin differences, Rosevear (1974), Van Zyll de Jong (1987), Wozencraft (1993), and Larivière (2001) considered A. capensis and A. congicus as separate species, but this remains debated, and Wozencraft (2005) did not retain A. congicus as a valid species, contrary to the opinion of the IUCN SSC Otter Specialist Group (www.otterspecialistgroup.org) (Jacques et al. 2009). The name Aonyx congica is often found in the literature but A. congicus is the correct spelling as Aonyx, from the Greek ‘onux’, is masculine (Van Bree et al. 1999). Red List Status NT, A3cde (IUCN version 3.1) Red List Assessment Assessment Information Date of Assessment: 31/01/2020 Reviewed: 27/02/2020 Assessor(s): Jacques, H., Reed-Smith, J., Davenport, L. & Somers, M.J. Reviewer(s): Hussain, S.A., Duplaix, N. Contributor(s): Hoffmann, M. Facilitators/Compilers: NA Assessment Rationale All of Africa's otter species are threatened by alteration and/or degradation of freshwater habitats and riparian vegetation which are the preferred settlements of human population.
    [Show full text]
  • Small Carnivores of Karnataka: Distribution and Sight Records1
    Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, 104 (2), May-Aug 2007 155-162 SMALL CARNIVORES OF KARNATAKA SMALL CARNIVORES OF KARNATAKA: DISTRIBUTION AND SIGHT RECORDS1 H.N. KUMARA2,3 AND MEWA SINGH2,4 1Accepted November 2006 2 Biopsychology Laboratory, University of Mysore, Mysore 570 006, Karnataka, India. 3Email: [email protected] 4Email: [email protected] During a study from November 2001 to July 2004 on ecology and status of wild mammals in Karnataka, we sighted 143 animals belonging to 11 species of small carnivores of about 17 species that are expected to occur in the state of Karnataka. The sighted species included Leopard Cat, Rustyspotted Cat, Jungle Cat, Small Indian Civet, Asian Palm Civet, Brown Palm Civet, Common Mongoose, Ruddy Mongoose, Stripe-necked Mongoose and unidentified species of Otters. Malabar Civet, Fishing Cat, Brown Mongoose, Nilgiri Marten, and Ratel were not sighted during this study. The Western Ghats alone account for thirteen species of small carnivores of which six are endemic. The sighting of Rustyspotted Cat is the first report from Karnataka. Habitat loss and hunting are the major threats for the small carnivore survival in nature. The Small Indian Civet is exploited for commercial purpose. Hunting technique varies from guns to specially devised traps, and hunting of all the small carnivore species is common in the State. Key words: Felidae, Viverridae, Herpestidae, Mustelidae, Karnataka, threats INTRODUCTION (Mukherjee 1989; Mudappa 2001; Rajamani et al. 2003; Mukherjee et al. 2004). Other than these studies, most of the Mammals of the families Felidae, Viverridae, information on these animals comes from anecdotes or sight Herpestidae, Mustelidae and Procyonidae are generally records, which no doubt, have significantly contributed in called small carnivores.
    [Show full text]
  • Small Carnivore CAMP 1993.Pdf
    SMALL CARNIVORE CONSERVATION ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT PLAN Final Review Draft Report 1G May 1994 Edited and compiled by Roland Wirth, Angela Glatston, Onnie Byers, Susie Ellis, Pat Foster-Turley, Paul Robinson, Harry Van Rompaey, Don Moore, Ajith Kumar, Roland Melisch, and Ulysses Seal Prepared by the participants of a workshop held in Rotterdam, The Netherlands 11-14 February 1993 A Collaborative Workshop IUCN/SSC MUSTELID, VIVERRID, AND PROCYONID SPECIALIST GROUP IUCN/SSC OTTER SPECIALIST GROUP IUCN/SSC CAPTIVE BREEDING SPECIALIST GROUP Sponsored by The Rotterdam Zoo IUCN/SSC Sir Peter Scott Fund United Kingdom Small Carnivore Taxon Advisory Group A contribution of the IUCN/SSC Captive Breeding Specialist Group, IUCN/SSC Mustelid, Viverrid, and Procyonid Specialist Group and the IUCN/SSC Otter Specialist Group. The Primary Sponsors of the Workshop were: The Rotterdam Zoo, IUCN/SSC Peter Scott Fund, United Kingdom Small Carnivore Taxon Advisory Group. Cover Photo: Malayan Civet, Viverra tangalunga by Roland Wirth. Wirth, R., A Glatston, 0. Byers, S. Ellis, P. Foster-Turley, P. Robinson, H. Van Rompaey, D. Moore, A Kumar, R. Melisch, U.Seal. (eds.). 1994. Small Carnivore Conservation Assessment and Management Plan. IUCN/SSC Captive Breeding Specialist Group: Apple Valley, MN. Additional copies of this publication can be ordered through the IUCN/SSC Captive Breeding Specialist Group, 12101 Johnny Cake Ridge Road, Apple Valley, MN 55124. Send checks for US $35.00 (for printing and shipping costs) payable to CBSG; checks must be drawn on a US Bank. Funds may be wired to First Bank NA ABA No. 091000022, for credit to CBSG Account No.
    [Show full text]
  • Asian Small-Clawed Otter Husbandry Manual/Health Care -19- Small-Clawed Otters
    Introductiion IV--VII Status…………………………………………………………… V SSP Members…………………………………………………... V-VI Management Group Members………………………………….. VI Husbandry Manual Group………………………………………. VI-VII Chapter 1—Nutriitiion & diiet 1--18 Feeding Ecology…………………………………………………. 1 Target Dietary Nutrient Values………………………………….. 2 Food Items Available to Zoos……………………………………. 2 Zoo Diet Summary……………………………………………….. 2-4 Recommendations for Feeding…………………………………… 4-6 Hand Rearing/Infant Diet………………………………………… 6-7 Alternative Diets…………………………………………………. 7-8 Reported Health Problems Associated with Diet………………… 8-9 Future Research Needs…………………………………………… 9 Table 1.1 & 1.2…………………………………………….…….. 10 Table 1.3…………………………………………………………. 11 Table 1.4 ….…………………………………………………….. 12 Table 1.5,1.6 & 1.7……………………………………………… 13 Survey Diet Summary……………………………………..……. 14-15 Appendix 1.1…………………………………………………….. 16 Appendix 1.2…………..…………………………………..…….. 17-18 Chapter 2—Health 19 -- 47 Introduction………………………………………………………. 19 Physiological norms…………………………………………….. 19 Blood baseline values……………………………………………. 19-20 Medical Records………………………………………………….. 21 Identification…………………………………………………….. 21 Preventive Health Care………………………………………….. 21-22 Immunization……………………………………………………. 22 Parasites…………………………………………………………. 23 Pre-shipment examination recommendations…………………… 24 Quarantine………………………………………………………. 24 Control of Reproduction………………………………………… 24-25 Immobilization/anesthesia……………………………………… 25-26 Necropsy Protocol……………………………………………… 26-28 Tissues to be saved…………………………………………….. 29 Table of Contents/Introduction I Diseases
    [Show full text]
  • The Chemical Ecology of Mustelids - M
    CHEMICAL ECOLOGY – The Chemical Ecology of Mustelids - M. J. Davies THE CHEMICAL ECOLOGY OF MUSTELIDS M. J. Davies Department of Biological Sciences, Hull University, UK Keywords: Mustelid, otter, badger, scent marking, anal sac, sub-caudal gland, territoriality, resource marking. Contents 1. Introduction: what are Mustelids? 2. Scent marking in Mustelids 2.1 The Function of scent marking 2.2 Sources of odor 2.2.1 Urine and Faeces 2.2.2 Skin glands 2.2.3 Scent producing organs. 2.3 The chemistry of scent marking 2.4 Initial work on scent-marking behavior 3. The Eurasian or European Otter (Lutra lutra) 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Difficulties in surveying otter populations. 3.3 Spraints and scent marking behavior. 3.3.1 Seasonal spraint deposition and sexual behavior 3.3.2 Territoriality 3.3.3 Social organization 3.3.4 Resource marking 3.3.5 Individual identity 3.4 Road kill and manipulation of otter movements 3.5 Investigation of gland material 4. The European Badger (Meles meles) 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Badger scent sources. 4.3 Scent marking behavior 4.3.1 Food LocationUNESCO and Detection of danger – EOLSS 4.3.2 Individual and clan identity 4.3.3 Navigation 4.3.4 Territoriality 4.3.5 Social statusSAMPLE CHAPTERS 4.4 Investigation of gland material 4.5 Badgers and Bovine Tuberculosis 5. The Future of Mustelid Chemical Ecology Research Glossary Bibliography Biographical Sketch ©Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS) CHEMICAL ECOLOGY – The Chemical Ecology of Mustelids - M. J. Davies Summary The Mustelidae or weasel family is the largest family in the order of mammals known as the Carnivora with sixty-seven highly specialized species having the ability to exploit a variety of contrasting environments.
    [Show full text]
  • ILLEGAL OTTER TRADE REPORT an Analysis of Seizures in Selected Asian Countries (1980–2015)
    TRAFFIC ILLEGAL OTTER TRADE REPORT An analysis of seizures in selected Asian countries (1980–2015) Lalita Gomez, Boyd T. C. Leupen, Meryl Theng, Katrina Fernandez JULY 2016 and Melissa Savage Otter Specialist Group TRAFFIC REPORT TRAFFIC, the wild life trade monitoring net work, is the leading non-governmental organization working globally on trade in wild animals and plants in the context of both biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. TRAFFIC is a strategic alliance of WWF and IUCN. Reprod uction of material appearing in this report requires written permission from the publisher. The designations of geographical entities in this publication, and the presentation of the material, do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of TRAFFIC or its supporting organizations con cern ing the legal status of any country, territory, or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The views of the authors expressed in this publication are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of TRAFFIC, WWF or IUCN. Published by TRAFFIC. Southeast Asia Regional Office Unit 3-2, 1st Floor, Jalan SS23/11 Taman SEA, 47400 Petaling Jaya Selangor, Malaysia Telephone : (603) 7880 3940 Fax : (603) 7882 0171 Copyright of material published in this report is vested in TRAFFIC. © TRAFFIC 2016. ISBN no: 978-983-3393-49-7 UK Registered Charity No. 1076722. Suggested citation: Gomez, L., Leupen, B T.C., Theng, M., Fernandez, K., and Savage, M. 2016. Illegal Otter Trade : An analysis of seizures in selected Asian countries (1980-2015). TRAFFIC. Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
    [Show full text]
  • Asian Small-Clawed Otter Aonyx Cinerea Claws, Paws and Whiskers
    Asian Small-Clawed Otter Aonyx cinerea Claws, Paws and Whiskers These otters have very short claws that do not extend past the fleshy pads of their partly webbed toes making their forepaws very dexterous. They forage with their sensitive paws to locate prey in murky water or mud. They also have stiff whiskers called “vibrissae” that can detect the movement of prey in the water. They catch prey with their paws not with their mouth like other otters. Musky Warning Otters communicate mainly through the use of scent marking to establish territorial boundaries. Scent glands near the tail deposit a strong musky scent on their feces. Their scent marked feces called “spraint” is then deposited on tree trunks, trails and rocks. They also communicate with a vocabulary of a dozen calls including a distress call used when they need help. Classification Class: Mammalia Order: Carnivora Family: Mustelidae Genus: Aonyx Species: cinerea Distribution Southeast Asia from northern India to southeastern China, the Malay Peninsula and parts of Indonesia. Habitat Small-clawed otters adapt to a variety of aquatic habitats from tropical coastal wetlands to freshwater rivers and creeks as well as mountain streams and even rice paddies. Physical Description • Small-clawed otters have a head-body length of 18-24 inches (45-61 cm) with a 10-14 inch (25-35 cm) tail. • They weigh six to 12 pounds (2.7-5.4 kg). • They have long, slender bodies with dark gray-brown fur on their body and lighter cream- colored fur on the face and throat. • They have partially webbed toes and very short claws that do not extend past the fleshy pads of the toes.
    [Show full text]
  • Procyonid (Procyonidae) Care Manual
    PROCYONID (Procyonidae) CARE MANUAL CREATED BY THE AZA Small Carnivore Taxon Advisory Group IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE AZA Animal Welfare Committee Procyonid (Procyonidae) Care Manual Procyonid (Procyonidae) Care Manual Published by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in association with the AZA Animal Welfare Committee Formal Citation: AZA Small Carnivore TAG 2010. Procyonid (Procyonidae) Care Manual. Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Silver Spring, MD. p.114. Original Completion Date: 13 August 2008, 1st revision June 2009, 2nd revision May 2010 Authors and Significant contributors: Jan Reed-Smith, M.A., Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Celeste (Dusty) Lombardi, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, AZA Small Carnivore TAG (SCTAG) Chair Mike Maslanka, M.S., Smithsonian‟s National Zoo, AZA Nutrition SAG Barbara Henry, M.S., Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, AZA Nutrition SAG Chair Miles Roberts, Smithsonian‟s National Zoo Kim Schilling, Animals for Awareness Anneke Moresco, D.V.M., Ph.D., UC Davis, University of California See Appendix L for additional contributors to the Procyonid Care Manual. AZA Staff Editors: Lacey Byrnes, B.S. ACM Intern Candice Dorsey, Ph.D., Director of Animal Conservation Cover Photo Credits: Liz Toth Debbie Thompson Cindy Colling Reviewers: Sue Booth-Binczik, Ph.D., Dallas Zoo Denise Bressler, Logan & Abby‟s Fund Kristofer Helgen, Smithsonian Institution Kim Schilling, Animals for Awareness Mindy Stinner, Conservators‟ Center, Inc. Debbie Thompson, Little Rock Zoo Rhonda Votino Debborah Colbert Ph.D., AZA, Vice President of Animal Conservation Paul Boyle Ph.D., AZA, Senior Vice President of Conservation and Education Disclaimer: This manual presents a compilation of knowledge provided by recognized animal experts based on the current science, practice, and technology of animal management.
    [Show full text]
  • Report Status of Otters in the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve, West
    IUCN Otter Spec. Group Bull. 31(2) 2014 R E P O R T STATUS OF OTTERS IN THE SUNDARBANS TIGER RESERVE, WEST BENGAL, INDIA Manas P. MANJREKAR*,1 and Charles Leo PRABU1 *Corresponding author: 303, B-wing, Manorama APT, Gurumandir Rd, Dombivli (East), Dist-Thane, Maharashtra, Pin-421201, India, e-mail: [email protected] 1Wildlife Institute of India, P.O. Box No. 18, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Pin-248001, Uttarakhand, India (Received 14th December 2013, accepted 20th March 2014) Abstract: Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world comprising a large network of small rivers and innumerable islands. During February 2010 to May 2010 boat transects were carried out in the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve, India to estimate the sign encounter rates of tiger and its prey species. During these transect surveys otter signs and sightings were also recorded. A total of 237.8 km of transect surveys were carried out in which four sightings of smooth coated otter groups were recorded and otter signs at seven different locations (tracks at six locations and a spraint at one location) were recorded on the mud banks of the forested islands. The mean group size of the smooth coated otter groups was 2.75 (S.E. = 0.85, Range = 1-5) and the encounter rate of the otter signs was 0.03/km (S.E. = 0.01). As the speed of the mechanised boat was maintained at 4.5 km/hr it was not possible to identify the species of otter based on the pugmarks on the mud banks. In the past few decades due to the decline in the fresh water flow in the Indian Sundarbans the biodiversity in this region has been affected to a large extent.
    [Show full text]
  • Standards for Caniform Sanctuaries
    Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries Standards For Caniform Sanctuaries Version: February, 2018 ©2012 Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries – Standards for Caniform Sanctuaries Table of Contents INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................................... 1 GFAS PRINCIPLES ................................................................................................................................................... 1 ANIMALS COVERED BY THESE STANDARDS ............................................................................................................ 1 STANDARDS UPDATES……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4 CANIFORM STANDARDS ........................................................................................................................................ 4 CANIFORM HOUSING ............................................................................................................................ 5 H-1. Types of Space and Size ..................................................................................................................................... 5 H-2. Containment ...................................................................................................................................................... 7 H-3. Ground and Plantings ........................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • CITES Appendices I, II and III Valid from 26.11.19
    CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA Appendices I, II and III valid from 28 August 2020 Interpretation 1. Species included in these Appendices are referred to: a) by the name of the species; or b) as being all of the species included in a higher taxon or designated part thereof. 2. The abbreviation “spp.” is used to denote all species of a higher taxon. 3. Other references to taxa higher than species are for the purposes of information or classification only. The common names included after the scientific names of families are for reference only. They are intended to indicate the species within the family concerned that are included in the Appendices. In most cases this is not all of the species within the family. 4. The following abbreviations are used for plant taxa below the level of species: a) “ssp.” is used to denote subspecies; and b) “var(s).” is used to denote variety (varieties). 5. As none of the species or higher taxa of FLORA included in Appendix I is annotated to the effect that its hybrids shall be treated in accordance with the provisions of Article III of the Convention, this means that artificially propagated hybrids produced from one or more of these species or taxa may be traded with a certificate of artificial propagation, and that seeds and pollen (including pollinia), cut flowers, seedling or tissue cultures obtained in vitro, in solid or liquid media, transported in sterile containers of these hybrids are not subject to the provisions of the Convention.
    [Show full text]