Background: Investigating population ecology of urban bird species,particularly the invasive and expending spe?cies,is the key for the success of urban management and planning strategies.Methods: Populations of two Co...Background: Investigating population ecology of urban bird species,particularly the invasive and expending spe?cies,is the key for the success of urban management and planning strategies.Methods: Populations of two Columbidae species,the Woodpigeon(Columba palumbus) and the Eurasian Collared Dove(Streptopelia decaocto),were monitored from 1992 to 2010 in the Algiers Sahel,the Mitidja Plain and surround?ing areas(Northern Algeria).Monitoring of species densities was performed by the mapping?plot method.The foraging flight routes of Woodpigeon and the distribution of Eurasian Collared Dove were assessed by systematic observations.Results: The number of counted birds was statistically constant at first years of the survey,and then increased sig?nificantly,beginning from low numbers,their densities accelerated sharply between 2001 and 2006,then reached to an equilibrium state.The significant increase in Woodpigeon's population could be explained by the reduced hunt?ing pressure and by species adaptation to new food resources provided by nearby agriculture.Indeed,monitoring of flight directions of the species revealed the use of agricultural landscapes and habitats,which is a good indicator explaining adaptation and trophic niche of the species.The occurrence of the Eurasian Collared Dove in Algiers began in 2000.Its density experienced a rapid increase with similar trend pattern as that of Woodpigeon.Its distributional range is confined mainly in suburban environments of the Mitidja Plain.Conclusion: The modifications of habitats,urbanization increase and the lessening of hunting in the Mitidja Plain facilitated the rapid expansion of the Eurasian Collared Dove and Woodpigeon as well contributed to the increase in their numbers over time.展开更多
Objective;To determine the presence of zoonotic tick-borne bacteria in feral pigeons(Columba lixia domestica) from urban areas.Methods:Spleen samples from 84 feral pigeons,found dead with traumatic injuries in urban a...Objective;To determine the presence of zoonotic tick-borne bacteria in feral pigeons(Columba lixia domestica) from urban areas.Methods:Spleen samples from 84 feral pigeons,found dead with traumatic injuries in urban areas,were examined by PCR to detect DNA of Anaplasma phagocytophilum,Bartonella spp.,Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato.Coxiella burnetii.Rickettsia spp.,and Chlamydnphila spp.Results:Twenty(23.8%) pigeons were infected by tick-borne agents,in particular 2(2.38%) animals resulted positive for Bartonella spp.,5(5.95%) for Coxiella burnetii.5(5.95%) for Rickettsia spp.,13(15.47%) for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato.All birds scored negative for anaplasma phagocytophilum.Moreover,17(20.23%) pigeons were positive for Chlamydophila spp.and among them 10(11.9%) for Chlamydophila psittaci,Mixed infections by two or three agents were detected in 8(9.52%) animals.Conclusions:Feral pigeons living in urban and periurban areas are a hazard for the human health as source of several pathogens.The obtained results confirm pigeons as reservoirs of chlamydial agents and suggest that they may be involved in the epidemiology of zoonotic tick-borne infections too.展开更多
Foraging ecology of the globally endangered Nilgiri Wood Pigeon(Columba elphinstonii) was investigated in the Western Ghats,India,using faecal sampling and direct observations.The birds fed on fruits of 39 plant speci...Foraging ecology of the globally endangered Nilgiri Wood Pigeon(Columba elphinstonii) was investigated in the Western Ghats,India,using faecal sampling and direct observations.The birds fed on fruits of 39 plant species,on seeds of 11 species,flowers and leaf buds of four species and a few ground invertebrates.Direct observations across seasons showed nine plant species were selected more often(47% of observations),with fruits of the members of the family Lauraceae the most preferred.Gleaning accounted for 76% of feeding methods throughout the year.Feeding was mainly from twigs at the edges on the upper and middle canopy(> 6 m).Frequency of feeding on fruits correlated significantly with fruit abundance,which depended on rainfall.The present study indicates that the pigeon requires a wide variety of diets from different forest environments.Conservation of this species depends on preserving all habitat types required to meet their resource needs throughout the year.展开更多
Cold spells and severe weather may have detrimental effects in wild birds,but owing to the stochastic nature of these events,it is not always possible to measure their impacts.In January 2021,a strong snowstorm known...Cold spells and severe weather may have detrimental effects in wild birds,but owing to the stochastic nature of these events,it is not always possible to measure their impacts.In January 2021,a strong snowstorm known as‘Filomena’affected Spain,mainly the region of Madrid(Central Spain),which was fully covered with snow and suffered freezing temperatures for a fortnight.Using bird surveys conducted in the winter-spring of 2020 and 2021(before and after Filomena)at same locations,we addressed the possible impact of the cold spell in three widespread gamebirds:Wood Pigeon(Columba palumbus),Eurasian Magpie(Pica pica)and Red-legged Partridge(Alectoris rufa).No significant abundance differences were found between years for none of the species and hunting pressure was only significantly reduced for Partridges,hence this species may have been negatively affected by Filomena.Results suggest that in response to Filomena,Pigeons conducted partial migration in search of better conditions,while Magpies aggregated in certain areas of Madrid and Partridges endured the harsh conditions within their home ranges.Our results highlight the importance to alleviate negative impacts of extreme weather events in wild birds through management actions,especially for sedentary species.展开更多
Birds have well-developed ability to detect weak vibrational disturbances of the ground or perch. Recent electrophysiological studies have demonstrated that vibration sensitive receptors could be the Herbst corpuscles...Birds have well-developed ability to detect weak vibrational disturbances of the ground or perch. Recent electrophysiological studies have demonstrated that vibration sensitive receptors could be the Herbst corpuscles, which are only found in birds, widely distributed in such regions as the beak, dermis and interosseous membrane between the tibia and fibula. Their structures and functions are similar to those of mammailin Pacinian corpuscles.展开更多
The woodpigeon(Columba palumbus)is a common and widespread bird in Morocco(North Africa).I examined,over 2 years(2010 and 2011),the breeding density and nest placement of this game species in relation to nest si...The woodpigeon(Columba palumbus)is a common and widespread bird in Morocco(North Africa).I examined,over 2 years(2010 and 2011),the breeding density and nest placement of this game species in relation to nest site habitat and degree of human disturbance.The study area was in the Middle Atlas Tighboula mountain forest,Morocco,in a disturbed and an undisturbed site.Using data collected in the 2 study sites,I aimed to identify the factors influencing the placement of nests within holm oak trees(Quercus rotundifolia)and their densities.I found that habitat structures,influenced by grazing disturbance,have affected nesting density and the location of nests of this species.Woodpigeons place their nests in a higher position(3.42±0.19 m)when disturbance intensity is high and lower(1.68±0.1 m)when disturbance intensity is low,and show higher nesting density in less disturbed zone(3.1±0.4 nests/ha)than in highly disturbed zones(1.4±0.2 nests/ha).Grazing disturbance could pose a threat to population persistence at a broader scale and could potentially reduce the abundance of this species by altering the composition and the structure of the forest nesting habitat.Further multi-scale studies are needed to assess the effects of different levels of grazing disturbance on woodpigeon nest density and placement,and to enhance our knowledge of the breeding behavior of this game species under variable environments.展开更多
窖蛋白(Caveolin)是一类构成细胞膜上胞膜窖主要结构的标志蛋白,由Caveolin基因家族编码而成。Caveolin-1基因是Caveolin基因家族的成员之一。该实验采用RT-PCR与RACE(rapid amplification of cDNA ends)技术成功地克隆了家鸽Caveolin-...窖蛋白(Caveolin)是一类构成细胞膜上胞膜窖主要结构的标志蛋白,由Caveolin基因家族编码而成。Caveolin-1基因是Caveolin基因家族的成员之一。该实验采用RT-PCR与RACE(rapid amplification of cDNA ends)技术成功地克隆了家鸽Caveolin-1基因的全长cDNA。该cDNA全长2605bp,包含537bp的完整编码区,编码178个氨基酸;分析发现家鸽Caveolin-1基因编码区与牛、家犬、鸡、褐家鼠等核苷酸同源性为80.1%～93.4%,氨基酸同源性高达85.4%～97.2%;半定量RT-PCR分析表明该基因在家鸽各种组织广泛表达,脂肪中表达量最高,各种肌肉中表达量次之,肝脏中表达量最低。此结果说明家鸽Caveolin-1基因可能与脂肪、肌肉中的某些代谢途径有关。展开更多
基金the framework of Franco-Algerian cooperation program"Tassili"No.08MDU726
文摘Background: Investigating population ecology of urban bird species,particularly the invasive and expending spe?cies,is the key for the success of urban management and planning strategies.Methods: Populations of two Columbidae species,the Woodpigeon(Columba palumbus) and the Eurasian Collared Dove(Streptopelia decaocto),were monitored from 1992 to 2010 in the Algiers Sahel,the Mitidja Plain and surround?ing areas(Northern Algeria).Monitoring of species densities was performed by the mapping?plot method.The foraging flight routes of Woodpigeon and the distribution of Eurasian Collared Dove were assessed by systematic observations.Results: The number of counted birds was statistically constant at first years of the survey,and then increased sig?nificantly,beginning from low numbers,their densities accelerated sharply between 2001 and 2006,then reached to an equilibrium state.The significant increase in Woodpigeon's population could be explained by the reduced hunt?ing pressure and by species adaptation to new food resources provided by nearby agriculture.Indeed,monitoring of flight directions of the species revealed the use of agricultural landscapes and habitats,which is a good indicator explaining adaptation and trophic niche of the species.The occurrence of the Eurasian Collared Dove in Algiers began in 2000.Its density experienced a rapid increase with similar trend pattern as that of Woodpigeon.Its distributional range is confined mainly in suburban environments of the Mitidja Plain.Conclusion: The modifications of habitats,urbanization increase and the lessening of hunting in the Mitidja Plain facilitated the rapid expansion of the Eurasian Collared Dove and Woodpigeon as well contributed to the increase in their numbers over time.
文摘Objective;To determine the presence of zoonotic tick-borne bacteria in feral pigeons(Columba lixia domestica) from urban areas.Methods:Spleen samples from 84 feral pigeons,found dead with traumatic injuries in urban areas,were examined by PCR to detect DNA of Anaplasma phagocytophilum,Bartonella spp.,Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato.Coxiella burnetii.Rickettsia spp.,and Chlamydnphila spp.Results:Twenty(23.8%) pigeons were infected by tick-borne agents,in particular 2(2.38%) animals resulted positive for Bartonella spp.,5(5.95%) for Coxiella burnetii.5(5.95%) for Rickettsia spp.,13(15.47%) for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato.All birds scored negative for anaplasma phagocytophilum.Moreover,17(20.23%) pigeons were positive for Chlamydophila spp.and among them 10(11.9%) for Chlamydophila psittaci,Mixed infections by two or three agents were detected in 8(9.52%) animals.Conclusions:Feral pigeons living in urban and periurban areas are a hazard for the human health as source of several pathogens.The obtained results confirm pigeons as reservoirs of chlamydial agents and suggest that they may be involved in the epidemiology of zoonotic tick-borne infections too.
基金conducted as a part of a project on endemic birds in the Western Ghats,funded by the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India(23-1/2001-RE)
文摘Foraging ecology of the globally endangered Nilgiri Wood Pigeon(Columba elphinstonii) was investigated in the Western Ghats,India,using faecal sampling and direct observations.The birds fed on fruits of 39 plant species,on seeds of 11 species,flowers and leaf buds of four species and a few ground invertebrates.Direct observations across seasons showed nine plant species were selected more often(47% of observations),with fruits of the members of the family Lauraceae the most preferred.Gleaning accounted for 76% of feeding methods throughout the year.Feeding was mainly from twigs at the edges on the upper and middle canopy(> 6 m).Frequency of feeding on fruits correlated significantly with fruit abundance,which depended on rainfall.The present study indicates that the pigeon requires a wide variety of diets from different forest environments.Conservation of this species depends on preserving all habitat types required to meet their resource needs throughout the year.
基金fully funded by the Regional Government of Madrid(Comunidad de Madrid),through the‘Subvenciones públicas a entidades sinanimo de lucro destinadas a financiar la realizacion de actividades y proyectos ambientales en la Comunidad de Madrid 2020-2021’.
文摘Cold spells and severe weather may have detrimental effects in wild birds,but owing to the stochastic nature of these events,it is not always possible to measure their impacts.In January 2021,a strong snowstorm known as‘Filomena’affected Spain,mainly the region of Madrid(Central Spain),which was fully covered with snow and suffered freezing temperatures for a fortnight.Using bird surveys conducted in the winter-spring of 2020 and 2021(before and after Filomena)at same locations,we addressed the possible impact of the cold spell in three widespread gamebirds:Wood Pigeon(Columba palumbus),Eurasian Magpie(Pica pica)and Red-legged Partridge(Alectoris rufa).No significant abundance differences were found between years for none of the species and hunting pressure was only significantly reduced for Partridges,hence this species may have been negatively affected by Filomena.Results suggest that in response to Filomena,Pigeons conducted partial migration in search of better conditions,while Magpies aggregated in certain areas of Madrid and Partridges endured the harsh conditions within their home ranges.Our results highlight the importance to alleviate negative impacts of extreme weather events in wild birds through management actions,especially for sedentary species.
文摘Birds have well-developed ability to detect weak vibrational disturbances of the ground or perch. Recent electrophysiological studies have demonstrated that vibration sensitive receptors could be the Herbst corpuscles, which are only found in birds, widely distributed in such regions as the beak, dermis and interosseous membrane between the tibia and fibula. Their structures and functions are similar to those of mammailin Pacinian corpuscles.
文摘The woodpigeon(Columba palumbus)is a common and widespread bird in Morocco(North Africa).I examined,over 2 years(2010 and 2011),the breeding density and nest placement of this game species in relation to nest site habitat and degree of human disturbance.The study area was in the Middle Atlas Tighboula mountain forest,Morocco,in a disturbed and an undisturbed site.Using data collected in the 2 study sites,I aimed to identify the factors influencing the placement of nests within holm oak trees(Quercus rotundifolia)and their densities.I found that habitat structures,influenced by grazing disturbance,have affected nesting density and the location of nests of this species.Woodpigeons place their nests in a higher position(3.42±0.19 m)when disturbance intensity is high and lower(1.68±0.1 m)when disturbance intensity is low,and show higher nesting density in less disturbed zone(3.1±0.4 nests/ha)than in highly disturbed zones(1.4±0.2 nests/ha).Grazing disturbance could pose a threat to population persistence at a broader scale and could potentially reduce the abundance of this species by altering the composition and the structure of the forest nesting habitat.Further multi-scale studies are needed to assess the effects of different levels of grazing disturbance on woodpigeon nest density and placement,and to enhance our knowledge of the breeding behavior of this game species under variable environments.
文摘窖蛋白(Caveolin)是一类构成细胞膜上胞膜窖主要结构的标志蛋白,由Caveolin基因家族编码而成。Caveolin-1基因是Caveolin基因家族的成员之一。该实验采用RT-PCR与RACE(rapid amplification of cDNA ends)技术成功地克隆了家鸽Caveolin-1基因的全长cDNA。该cDNA全长2605bp,包含537bp的完整编码区,编码178个氨基酸;分析发现家鸽Caveolin-1基因编码区与牛、家犬、鸡、褐家鼠等核苷酸同源性为80.1%～93.4%,氨基酸同源性高达85.4%～97.2%;半定量RT-PCR分析表明该基因在家鸽各种组织广泛表达,脂肪中表达量最高,各种肌肉中表达量次之,肝脏中表达量最低。此结果说明家鸽Caveolin-1基因可能与脂肪、肌肉中的某些代谢途径有关。
