A guide for selecting the appropriate plot design to measure ungulate browsing

Ungulate browsing often impairs tree regeneration,thus preventing the achievement of economic or conservation goals.Forest ungulate management would thus benefit from a practical decision tool that facilitates method selection from a wide range of monitoring methods and indicators currently available.In this study,we first provide an overview of the different browsing-impact monitoring methods and indicators currently applied.We then present a newly developed decision matrix for method evaluation that can assist forest stakeholders in choosing the browsing-impact monitoring method best suited to their needs,based on the selected indicators.The first step involved two separate literature reviews to create an overview of the currently applied methods and to select the indicators best suited for measuring browsing impact.Three types of indicator groups with their respective parameters were considered important for method evaluation:browsing indicators(e.g.regeneration density,browsing incidents),performance indicators(e.g.expense,expertise)and data quality indicators(e.g.susceptibility to measurement errors).Subsequently,all parameters defined within each indicator group were categorised and a grade was assigned to each category.To create the final method-indicator matrix,each browsing-impact monitoring method received a grade for each parameter within all indicator groups,reflecting the specific advantages and disadvantages of implementing the respective parameter within a specific method.The utility of the matrix in selecting the most suitable monitoring method was then demonstrated using the example of Germany's national parks.Based on the weights added to the method-indicator matrix,as defined by national park representatives,and considering local requirements the nearest-tree method was favoured over the other two methods.This newly developed matrix provides a more scientific objectification of ungulate browsing-impact measures and can be easily used by forest managers to address their own requirements,based on a consideration of the advantages and disadvantages of the included methods.

Status and distribution of ungulates in Xinjiang,China

Based on a long-term field investigation and other research results, we reviewed the status and distribution of ungulates in Xinjiang, China. The ungulates in Xinjiang included 19 ungulate species （30 subspecies） from 6 families and 2 orders. Among them, 3 species （2 subspecies） relate to Equidae （Per- risodactyla）, and 16 species （28 subspecies） are from 5 families of Artiodactyla. In this paper, we analyzed the conservation status of most rare and important 13 ungulate species. Firstly, we proposed the protec- tion of genetic diversity of Camelus ferus and the distribution areas of Moschus sifanicus, Procapra przewalskii and Saiga tatarica in Xinjiang. We found that Moschus sifanicus but not Procapra przewalskii distributed in Xinjiang. It was not clear whether the remnant populations of Saiga tatarica existed in Xinjiang and China-Kazakhstan border or not. We discussed that the protection level and rational use of Capra si- birica and enhancing protection level and enlarging monitoring and research projects for Pantholops hodgsoni and Gazella subgutturosa. And we would like to suggest Forestry Department to develop the captive breeding of Tibetan antelope for rational use. In addition, the captive breeding of Cervus elaphus in Xinjiang was reviewed. Local government should lessen strong control to Cervus elaphus because of many breeding centers＇ establishment.

Assessment of Three Methods for Estimating Abundance of Ungulate Populations

The accuracy of three methods (pellet group count, inverse line transect method and track count) for estimat-ing the density of ungulate population was assessed, based on a wapiti population with the known size in the enclosure of500 hm2 on Tonghe Hunting Farm, Heilongjiang province, China, during 1992-1993. The estimation of population densityusing the Pelld group count method was the closeSt to the actual value, whereas the density of the wapiti population wasunderestimated by the inverse line transect method and overestimated by the track count method. No signilicant differenceexisted the estimated and actual values for the pellet group method and the inverse line transed method, but thesignificant differen was found for the track count method. Therefore, it is suggested that the pellet group method should begiven the priority in the survey of ungulate population abundance in practice.

Assessment and Management Strategies for Ungulate Population in Jiangxi Matoushan National Nature Reserve:Predicting the Prey-base from Empirical Field Data

In order to investigate the feasibility of reintroducing the South China tiger （Panthera tigris amoyensis） in the Jiangxi Matoushan National Nature Reserve, field surveys were conducted to assess prey distribution in the reserve. Twelve permanent transects were set in three distinct functional zones from February to April 2012 and May to July 2013. A total of 112 ungulate signs were recorded on these transects. In addition, 20 camera traps were used to survey ungulates and predators in 2012, while the following year we extended the survey site by using 30 cameras. Overall, 6641 capture events on 2930 camera days were obtained, presenting a variety of ungulate spe- cies： muntjak （Muntiacus muntjak）, tufted deer （Elaphodus cephalophus）, serow （Capricornis sumatraensis） and wild boar （Sus scrofa）. Population structure and composition of ungulates was compared in different functional zones using a single factor of variance analysis in SPSS software. Significant differences in the distribution of un- gulates were recognized between the core zone and experimental zone, but not in other zones due to differences in habitat types and management practices of the nature reserve. Using ArcGIS analysis and Salford Predictive Modeler software, we ran several predictive models to understand which areas are most suitable for ungulates. We conclude that muntjac and wild boar are mainly distributed in the experimental zone, serow are more common in the core zone, while tufted deer are located evenly in the three functional zones. Finally, suggestions for effective and feasible management strategies and techniques for Matoushan National Nature Reserve were recom- mended based on the results and analysis in this study.

Ungulate Mortality due to Fencing and Perceptions of Pasture Fences in Part of the Future Qilianshan National Park

Fencing is an important part of husbandry for pastoral communities;however, these same fences can have unintended consequences for wildlife populations by restricting movement, reducing connectivity, and causing direct mortality. This paper assesses the current status and effects of fencing present in Yanchiwan National Nature Reserve, soon to be part of the recently proposed Qilianshan National Park. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 70 households to gauge local herders’ perceptions of fences, threats of fencing to native ungulates, and the number of wildlife found entangled in fencing. We found that local communities rely on fencing for livestock management and individuals who had encountered wildlife entangled in fences were more likely to perceive fences as having negative effects. Furthermore, those who perceived fencing as harmful to wildlife were more likely to support the dismantling of fences. On the other hand, families who needed to hire others to tend to their livestock were less likely to support dismantling efforts. However, the best model was only able to account for some of the data variability, suggesting that while perceptions of fences are important, other factors could be influencing support for fence dismantling. Hence, increasing awareness of threats alone may not be enough to generate community support of a fence dismantling program. Therefore, outreach and community collaboration to reduce the impacts of fence alterations upon livestock management will be necessary for a successful fence dismantling program within the new national park. Finally, those surveyed reported finding kiang, argali, and Tibetan gazelle dead in fences, with kiang found more often than the other two. This suggests that these three species may be more vulnerable to fence entanglement and that they are good targets for future studies and dismantling efforts.

Rut-induced changes in the activity budgets of male tropical ungulates： Eld＇s deer on Hainan Island

Aspects of time budgets, activity patterns and rut-related changes in behavior are well documented in temperate un-gulates; however, the application of this understanding to tropical and sub-tropical ungulate species has attracted less attention and remains an area that may re-shape our knowledge of ungulate behavior. Eld＇s deer Cervus eldi hainanus has a tropical and sub-tropical distribution on Hainan Island, China, and males have an extended rut exceeding five months during which they do not maintain harems or defend resources. We studied males from the only remaining population on Hainan Island, and describe rut-related changes in behavior by collecting data on time budgets and activity patterns. We show that male Eld＇s deer do not fol- low a strict crepuscular activity pattern, do not spend the majority of their time foraging and do not increase foraging nor display rut-induced hypophagia during rut, in obvious contrast to temperate ungulates. These results are discussed in light of current hy- potheses explaining the proximate mechanisms governing feeding time in ungulates, while appreciating the need for further re-search .

Wolf predation on wild ungulates:how slope and habitat cover influence the localization of kill sites

Based on data collected along the Ligurian Apennines and Alps(N-W Italy),we analysed the main environmental and human-related factors influencing the distribution of kill sites of the wolf Canis lupus.We mapped and digitized 62 kill sites collected during 2007-2016.Around each kill site,we defined a buffer corresponding to the potential hunting area of wolves.We compared kill site plots and an equal number of random plots.We formulated a model of kill site distribution following an approach presence versus availability by binary logistic regression analysis;we tested the hypothesis that wolf choice of kill sites is influenced by the physiography and the land use of the area.Among the preyed wild ungulates,we identified 23 roe deer Capreolus capreolus,18 fallow deer Dama dama,16 wild boars Sus scrofa,and 5 chamois Rupicapra rupicapra.Binary logistic regression analysis showed a negative effect of the road density,the urban areas,the mixed forests,and a positive effect of steep slopes and open habitats.Prey are more vulnerable to predators under certain conditions and predators are capable of selecting for these conditions.Wolves achieved this by selecting particular habitats in which to kill their prey:they preferred steep,open habitats far from human presence,where wild ungulates are more easily detectable and chasable.

Growth and chemical responses of trembling aspen to simulated browsing and ungulate saliva

Aims Woody plant-browser systems represent an understudied facet of herbivory.We subjected four genotypes of trembling aspen to artificial browsing,similar to that of a large mammalian herbivore,and applied deer saliva to clipped and unclipped trees to assess:(i)the effects of artificial browsing on aspen growth and phytochemistry of leaves and stems,(ii)genotypic variation in responses and(iii)potential alterations of responses by mammalian saliva.Methods Potted aspen trees were grown outdoors on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus.The experiment consisted of a fullycrossed,2×2×4 randomized complete block design,with two levels of artificial browsing(unclipped and clipped),two levels of saliva application(no saliva and saliva)and four aspen genotypes.To simulate ungulate browsing damage,we removed the upper 50%of the stem of half of the trees by pinching the stem with needle-nosed pliers and then separating it by tearing.For half of the damaged trees,we immediately swabbed the wound with deer saliva.Trees in the unclipped plus saliva treatment were swabbed with saliva at the 50%height mark.To assess the effects of clipping and saliva application,we harvested all trees after 2 months and measured various growth and chemical properties.Growth measurements included height,vertical growth,mass of leaves,stems and roots,leaf number and area and bud set.Chemical parameters included defensive,nutritional and structural components of both foliage and stems.Important Findings Clipping affected most of the growth parameters measured,decreasing tree height,leaf,stem,root and total tree mass and leaf area.Clipped trees had greater vertical growth,more leaves and higher specific leaf area(SLA)than unclipped trees.Deer saliva had little to no effect on plant growth response to the clipping treatment.Terminal budset was delayed by clipping and varied among genotypes but not in response to saliva application.Clipping also affected most of the phytochemical variables measured,reducing defensive compounds(phenolic glycosides and condensed tannins(CTs))and nutrients(N),but increasing structural components(cellulose and lignin)in both leaves and stems.Saliva had very little effect on tree chemistry,causing only a slight decrease in the amount of CTs in leaves.In general,leaves contained more defensive compounds and nutrients,but much less cellulose,compared with stems.Genotypes differed for all physical and chemical indices,and in tolerance to damage as measured by vertical growth.In addition,for most of the physical and chemical variables measured,genotype interacted with the clipping treatment,suggesting that in natural stands some genotypes will resist or tolerate browsing better than others,affecting forest genetic composition and ultimately forest dynamics.

Survival is negatively associated with glucocorticoids in a wild ungulate neonate

It is unknown how ungulate physiological responses to environmental perturbation influence overall population demographics.Moreover,neonatal physiological responses remain poorly studied despite the importance of neonatal survival to population growth.Glucocorticoid(GC)hormones potentially facilitate critical physiological and behavioral responses to environmental perturbations.However,elevated GC concentrations over time may compromise body condition and indirectly reduce survival.We evaluated baseline salivary cortisol(CORT;a primary GC in mammals)concentrations in 19 wild neonatal white-tailed deer(Odocoileus virginianus)in a northern(NS)and southern(SS)area in Pennsylvania.After ranking survival models consisting of variables hypothesized to influence neonate survival(i.e.weight,sex),the probability of neonate survival was best explained by CORT concentrations,where elevated CORT concentrations were associated with reduced survival probability to 12 weeks of age.Cortisol concentrations were greater in the SS where predation rates and predator densities were lower.As the first evaluation of baseline CORT concentrations in an ungulate neonate to our knowledge,this is also the first study to demonstrate CORT concentrations are negatively associated with ungulate survival at any life stage.Glucocorticoid hormones could provide a framework in which to better understand susceptibility to mortality in neonatal white-tailed deer.

Ungulate bocaparvovirus 4 and rodent bocavirus are different genotypes of the same species of virus

Bocaviruses are associated with many human infectious diseases, such as respiratory tract infections, gastroenteritis, and hepatitis. Rats are known to be reservoirs of bocaviruses, including rodent bocavirus and rat bocavirus.Recently, ungulate bocaparvovirus 4, a known porcine bocavirus, has also been found in rats. Thus, investigating bocaviruses in rats is important for determining the origin of the viruses and preventing and controlling their transmission. To the best of our knowledge, no study to date has investigated bocaviruses in the livers of rats. In this report, a total of 624 rats were trapped in southern China between 2014 and 2017. Liver and serum samples from rats were tested for the prevalence of bocaviruses using PCR. Sequences related to ungulate bocaparvovirus 4and rodent bocavirus were detected in both liver and serum samples. Interestingly, the prevalence of ungulate bocaparvovirus 4(reference strain: KJ622366.1) was higher than that of rodent bocavirus(reference strain:KY927868.1) in both liver(2.24% and 0.64%, respectively) and serum samples(2.19% and 0.44%, respectively).The NS1 regions of ungulate bocaparvovirus 4 and rodent bocavirus related sequences displayed over 84% and88% identity at the nucleic acid and amino acid levels, respectively. Furthermore, these sequences had similar genomic structure, genomic features, and codon usage bias, and shared a common ancestor. These viruses also displayed greater adaptability to rats than pigs. Our results suggested that ungulate bocaparvovirus 4 and rodent bocavirus may originate from rats and may be different genotypes of the same bocavirus species.

Comparative sensitivity to environmental variation and human disturbance of Asian tapirs (Tapirus indicus) and other wild ungulates in Thailand

Southeast Asia’s tropical forests suffer the highest rates of deforestation and disturbance of any on Earth,with poorly understood impacts on native fauna.Asian tapirs(Tapirus indicus)are among the least studied of the large mammals in these forests.Using records from 9 camera trap surveys in 7 of the largest(>1000 km2)pro-tected area complexes,we assessed the influence of environmental variation and human-induced disturbance on tapir occurrence.Tapirs were detected at 13%of locations sampled,significantly associated with evergreen for-est(P<0.001).A multiple logistic regression model predicted tapir presence 87%of the time.According to this model,tapir occurrence was positively influenced by annual rainfall and proximity to the forest edge.Howev-er,tapirs may not avoid edges but instead prefer wetter evergreen forest,a habitat type that tended to occur fur-ther from the forest edge at higher elevations in our particular study sites(P<0.001).By comparison,4 other wild ungulate species that share habitats with tapirs showed a range of differing responses.Tapirs are expect-ed to be less sensitive to disturbance because they are not targets for hunting and trade,and are almost entire-ly active at night,so avoid peak traffic periods in parks.Tapir populations in Thailand may be more stable than in other parts of their global range because rates of forest loss have decreased>40%over the past 20 years.We recommend surveys to fill gaps in the understanding of the status in lesser-known protected areas,research to better understand the fine-scale environmental influences on behavior and habitats of tapirs,and other forest un-gulates,and continued legal status for tapirs in the highest category of protection.

Browse silage as potential feed for captive wild ungulates in southern Africa:A review

The objective of the review was to assess the potential of indigenous browse trees as sustainable feed supplement in the form of silage for captive wild ungulates.Several attempts to use silage as feed in zoos in temperate regions have been conducted with success.Information on silage from the indigenous browse trees preferred by wild ungulates in southern Africa is scanty.The use of silage from the browse trees is of interest as it has potential to reduce or replace expensive feed sources(pellets,fruits and farm produce) currently offered in southern African zoos,game farms and reserves,especially during the colddry season.Considerable leaf biomass from the indigenous browse trees can be produced for silage making.High nutrient content and minerals from indigenous browsable trees are highly recognised.Indigenous browse trees have low water-soluble carbohydrates(WSC) that render them undesirable for fermentation.Techniques such as wilting browse leaves,mixing cereal crops with browse leaves,and use of additives such as urea and enzymes have been studied extensively to increase WSC of silage from the indigenous browse trees.Anti-nutritional factors from the indigenous browse preferred by the wild ungulates have also been studied extensively.Indigenous browse silages are a potential feed resource for the captive wild ungulates.If the browse trees are used to make silage,they are likely to improve performance of wild ungulates in captivity,especially during the cold-dry season when browse is scarce.Research is needed to assess the feasibility of sustainable production and the effective use of silage from indigenous browse trees in southern Africa.Improving intake and nutrient utilisation and reducing the concentrations of anti-nutritional compounds in silage from the indigenous browse trees of southern Africa should be the focus for animal nutrition research that need further investigation.

Regional Copper Deficiency in White-Tailed Deer

Minerals are critical in maintaining health and physiological function in wildlife. Geographic variation in soil and forage mineral concentration may predispose wildlife to mineral imbalances, where a common symptom is restricted somatic growth. We investigated if mineral imbalances could explain localized differences in morphology of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) occurring in geographically proximate sites with similar management, climate, and habitat. We collected serum samples and morphological measurements from free-ranging white-tailed deer captured during 2011-2019 from coastal and inland rangeland sites in South Texas, USA. We measured mineral concentrations in serum from captured deer at each location. Asymptotic deer body mass and antler size averaged 8% - 20% smaller for deer at the coastal compared to the inland site. The proportion of deer with deficient levels of serum copper was greater at the coastal site (66% versus 14%). Our results suggest regional mineral deficiencies in deer may limit antler and body development. Wildlife managers should be aware of all aspects of wildlife nutrition and the importance of considering nutrients beyond energy and protein.

An annotated checklist of mammals of Kenya

Kenya has a rich mammalian fauna. We reviewed recently published books and papers including the six volumes of Mammals of Africa to develop an up-to-date annotated checklist of all mammals recorded from Kenya. A total of 390 species have been identified in the country, including 106 species of rodents,104 species of bats, 63 species of even-toed ungulates(including whales and dolphins), 36 species of insectivores and carnivores, 19 species of primates,five species of elephant shrews, four species of hyraxes and odd-toed ungulates, three species of afrosoricids, pangolins, and hares, and one species of aardvark, elephant, sirenian and hedgehog. The number of species in this checklist is expected to increase with additional surveys and as the taxonomic status of small mammals(e.g., bats, shrews and rodents) becomes better understood.

Forest pasturing of livestock in Norway: effects on spruce regeneration

Forest pasturing of free-roaming livestock is a common prac- tice in many parts of the world, but knowledge on how it affects tree regeneration in boreal forests is lacking. We mapped tree density, live- stock site use and accumulated damage to young trees of commercial interest （Norway spruce, Picea abies L. Karst.） on 56 clearcuts inside and outside a fenced forest area used for livestock pasturing in Ringsaker, Norway. Inside the fence 56-1.8% of spruce trees were damaged com- pared to 37-3.4% outside. Proportion of damaged spruce trees was posi- tively related to cattle use of the clearcut, but not so for sheep. On the most intensively used clearcuts, four out of five trees were damaged. The density of deciduous trees was five times lower inside compared to out- side of the fence （varying with plant species）. While livestock grazing may reduce resource competition in favour of spruce, the current animal density clearly is impeding forest regeneration in the study area.

Modeling habitat suitability and utilization of the last surviving populations of fallow deer(Dama dama Linnaeus,1758)

DüzlerçamıWildlife Reserve Area(WRA)is the last natural habitat of fallow deer(Dama dama)in the world.Fallow deer is native to Turkey,however,its geographical range is currently confined to DüzlerçamıWRA,Antalya.To date,a detailed habitat investigation of fallow deer dis-tribution has not been conducted.This study is vital for the last surviving populations of fallow deer in Turkey.There-fore,we studied the habitat suitability and utilization of fal-low deer in the DüzlerçamıWRA.Vegetation and wildlife inventory was surveyed across a total of 304 sample areas between 2015 and 2017.Plant species were recorded accord-ing to the Braun-Blanquet method and wildlife surveys were based on footprints,feces,and other signs of fallow deer.Classification and regression tree techniques,as well as MAXENT,were used to model vegetation and fallow deer habitat.Topographic position index,terrain ruggedness index,roughness index,elevation,and bedrock formation were also calculated and included in the models.Based on our results,we drafted a habitat protection map for fallow deer.To ensure sustainability of habitats where populations of fallow deer are found in Turkey,we developed recommen-dations such as closuring human access of the 1st-degree Protection Area and reintroduction of the species to other potential habitats.

Environmental and biological factors affecting the abundance of Prosopis flexuosa saplings in the central-west Monte of Argentina

Background:Trees and forests in drylands help mitigate the challenges through provision of economic products and vital environmental services such as habitat for biodiversity,prevention of erosion and desertification,regulation of water,microclimate,and soil fertility.The condition and changes in dry forests can be assessed by using ecological indicators able to quantify spatial and temporal changes in vegetation.One of the ways to determine the condition of the forest is to study the dominant tree species and its regeneration.Our study aimed to assess whether the abundance of Prosopis flexuosa saplings is affected by environmental and biological factors.Results:To evaluate the first variables we used data from remote sensing such as satellite images and Aster Global Digital Model(GDEM).The second set of variables was about exotic and native ungulates and we used feces of these animals and camera traps to take data.We found that sapling abundance related positively to sandy substrates and negatively to Wetness Index.On the other hand,in relation to biological variables,the abundance of saplings was positively affected by density of adult trees and by number of seeds dispersed by equines,but space use by Lama guanicoe had a negative relationship with saplings.This research shows that P.flexuosa saplings are benefited from sandy substrates and the conditions around adult trees.In addition to this,we found that exotic ungulates in low densities have neutral(i.e.cattle)or positive(i.e.equines)effects on sapling abundance.Conclusions:Based on these findings,we conclude that regeneration of the population of P.flexuosa in our study area has no major problems.In addition,we corroborated that the presence of exotic and domestic ungulates in low densities does not have deleterious consequences for saplings of the dominant tree,P.flexuosa.

Sustainable use of wildlife resources in Central Asia

Initially,hunting was the primary means for getting food for the survival of ancient people.As time passed,people started to breed livestock and develop agriculture,gradually reducing their reliance on unpredictability of hunting.People,however,continued to hunt and,even though their survival did not depend on hunting.During the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics(USSR)period,attitudes toward the use of natural resources fluctuated significantly,and after the establishment of new reserves for wildlife protection,the government soon weakened protections it had introduced.In the current,the organizations in dependent countries of the USSR that are chartered to protect areas with wildlife diversity are very weak and have no sufficient material resources to provide any real control of poaching,especially when hunting weapons and ammunition are easily available.Trophy hunting companies exploit wildlife resources but do not make protecting wildlife from poaching as a priority in their work;they just use whatever resources are available as if they are unlimited.To help solve this problem,we suggest to organize the local people to join the wildlife protection societies and give them official rights to benefit from the development of hunting tourism in the future.There are numerous examples of successful and very profitable hunting businesses in different countries in the world.In Central Asia,all the prerequisites exist for organizing highly effective trophy hunting tourism,maintaining the richness of biodiversity,and at the same time providing a sustainable and significant income for local communities as the country as a whole.The sustainable use of wildlife resources is a very tangible challenge in the countries of Central Asia,and the most important consideration is to establish and enforce hunting laws equally,irrespective of a person’s social status or financial assets,otherwise no laws will work.

Spatiotemporal behavior of predators and prey in an arid environment of Central Asia

The mechanisms of interactions between apex and smaller carnivores may range from competition to facilitation.Conversely,interactions between predators and prey are mainly driven by the prey reducing the likelihood of encounters with predators.In this study,we investigated(1)the spatiotemporal interactions between an apex(the snow leopard)and a meso-predator(the red fox),and(2)the temporal interactions between the snow leopard and its potential prey(Siberian ibex,argali,Asian wild ass,Tolai hare)through camera trapping in the Mongolian Great Gobi-A.The probability of occurrence for the red fox was higher in the presence of the snow leopard than in its absence.Moreover,the red fox activity pattern matched that of the snow leopard,with both species mostly active at sunset.This positive spatiotemporal interaction suggests that the presence of the snow leopard may be beneficial for the red fox in terms of scavenging opportunities.However,other explanations may also be possible.Amongst prey,the Siberian ibex and the argali were mainly active during the day,whereas the Asian wild ass and the Tolai hare were more nocturnal.These findings suggest that potential prey(especially the Siberian ibex and the argali)may shape their behavior to decrease the opportunity for encounters with the snow leopard.Our results have revealed complex interactions between apex and smaller predators andbetween apexpredatorand its potential prey.

Reproductive biology of Gazella arabica: Predictors of offspring weight and short- and long-term offspring survival

Reproductive traits are central to organismal fitness,and so the factors influencing patterns of reproduction and offspring survival are at the heart of biology.Making use of breeding data collected over 16 years at the King Khalid Wildlife Research Centre in Saudi Arabia,we investigated the reproductive biology of Arabian gazelles Gazella arabica.Offspring survival was mainly a function of birth weight,with heavier offspring having higher survival rates than lighter offspring.However,while sons were heavier than daughters,daughters had higher survival rates.We could not find evidence that giving birth to sons negatively impacts offspring weight in the following year.We uncovered large narrow-sense heritability(h2)in offspring weight at birth,while maternal effects(m2)on birth weight were of lesser importance.However,maternal effects on offspring survival were strong until weaning age,while paternal effects dominated survival to sexual maturity and first reproduction.We propose that variation in maternal postnatal care might overshadow the effects of maternal inheritance of birth weights,while the overall strong heritability of weight at birth and the paternal effects on survival llustrates strong variance in sire fitness based on genetic quality,suggesting a role for sexual selectionbyfemalemate choiceinwildpopulations.