Elucidating the historical processes that led populations to their current spatial and genetic arrangement is relevant in conserving threatened species. We interpreted the phylogeographic structure of the threatened Y...Elucidating the historical processes that led populations to their current spatial and genetic arrangement is relevant in conserving threatened species. We interpreted the phylogeographic structure of the threatened Yellow-headed Parrot (Amazona oratrix) with mitochondrial markers and analyzed 98 samples from Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize. We performed analyses of genetic structure, genealogical relationships, demographic history, and divergence times and illustrated the phenotypic variation qualitatively of the sampled individuals. The studies revealed that 92% of the genetic variation is explained between the Mexican Tres Marías Islands, the Mexican Pacific Coast, and the Atlantic groups. These three groups were segregated into two main lineages (Pacific and Atlantic), separated by 26 mutations, leaving A. auropalliata within the Atlantic. We found that both lineages diverged 0.55 million years ago, from which the Atlantic lineage experienced population expansion, high levels of genetic diversity, and a low genetic structure with two phenotypes. The Pacific experienced demographic stability, low levels of diversity, and a genetic structure marked with two phenotypes. Our estimates indicate that this separation occurred in the Pleistocene when the Atlantic clade diverged from Panama and dispersed overland to the Gulf of Mexico. Simultaneously, the Pacific clade departed from the same area to Tres Marías Islands and the Mexican Pacific coast. We deduce that this long-distance event was probably produced by assisted dispersal, but other scenarios appear more parsimonious. We conclude that there is no gene flow between both lineages and that the phylogeographic structure resulted significantly from historical events and climatic changes during the Pleistocene. We propose undertaking other analyses in the future to compare our results and the paraphyletic relationships in A. oratrix.展开更多
The unique alpine-living kea parrot Nestor notabilis has been the focus of numerous cognitive studies, but its com- munication system has so far been largely neglected. We examined 2,884 calls recorded in New Zealand...The unique alpine-living kea parrot Nestor notabilis has been the focus of numerous cognitive studies, but its com- munication system has so far been largely neglected. We examined 2,884 calls recorded in New Zealand＇s Southern Alps. Based on audio and visual spectrographic differences, these calls were categorised into seven distinct call types： the non-oscillating ＇screech＇ contact call and ＇mew＇; and the oscillating ＇trill＇, ＇chatter＇, ＇warble＇ and ＇whistle＇; and a hybrid ＇screech-trill＇. Most of these calls contained aspects that were individually unique, in addition to potentially encoding for an individual＇s sex and age. Additionally, for each recording, the sender＇s previous and next calls were noted, as well as any response given by conspecifics. We found that the previous and next calls made by the sender were most often of the same type, and that the next most likely pre- ceding and/or following call type was the screech call, a contact call which sounds like the ＇kee-ah＇ from which the bird＇s name derives. As a social bird capable of covering large distances over visually obstructive terrain, long distance contact calls may be of considerable importance for social cohesion. Contact calls allow kea to locate conspecifics and congregate in temporary groups for social activities. The most likely response to any given call was a screech, usually followed by the same type of call as the ini- tial call made by the sender, although responses differed depending on the age of the caller. The exception was the warble, the kea＇s play call, to which the most likely response was another warble. Being the most common call type, as well as the default response to another call, it appears that the ＇contagious＇ screech contact call plays a central role in kea vocal communication and social cohesion [Current Zoology 58 （5）： 727-740, 2012].展开更多
Background:Dietary specialization should arise when there is a relatively high abundance of a particular resource,where animals may select food items to obtain an optimal diet that maximizes energy intake.Large‑bodied...Background:Dietary specialization should arise when there is a relatively high abundance of a particular resource,where animals may select food items to obtain an optimal diet that maximizes energy intake.Large‑bodied psittacines frequently exhibit a narrow dietary niche with specific habitat use,but few studies have determined whether psittacines select food resources,and how this influences habitat use.Methods:We established fruiting phenology transects to evaluate food resource availability for the large‑bodied Military Macaw(Ara militaris)in semi‑deciduous,deciduous,and pine‑oak forest at two sites along the coast of Jalisco,during the dry season when macaws are nesting.We also determined Military Macaw diet by observations of foraging macaws along transect routes,and conducted bromatological analysis of the nutritional content of the most consumed resource.Results:Military Macaws used six plant species as food items during the dry season,and had a narrow dietary niche(Levins’B=0.28),with 56%of foraging macaws consuming the seeds of Hura polyandra.No food resources were recorded in pine‑oak forest during the dry season,with food resources and foraging by macaws concentrated in tropical deciduous and semi‑deciduous forest,where H.polyandra was the most abundant fruiting tree species.When considering the proportional availability of food resources,we determined a broad Hurlbert dietary niche breadth of H=0.67,indicating that Military Macaws consumed food resources according to their availability.Furthermore,the seeds of H.polyandra were an important source of protein,carbohydrates,minerals and moisture,and the hard fruitcasing means that these seeds are exclusively available for macaws.Conclusions:By concentrating their diet on the most abundant resources,Military Macaws may increase foraging efficiency in the dry season.The high nutrient content also means that concentrating the diet on seeds of H.polyandra may be an optimal foraging strategy for Military Macaws to meet their energy requirements during the breeding season.展开更多
Urban ecosystems are evolutionarily recent novel environments acting as biodiversity filters.Psittacidae birds are considered successful urban adapters mainly due to their generalist feeding and opportunistic behavior...Urban ecosystems are evolutionarily recent novel environments acting as biodiversity filters.Psittacidae birds are considered successful urban adapters mainly due to their generalist feeding and opportunistic behavior,allowing them to occupy environments from cold temperate to dry xeric areas.Therefore,it is important to understand how these species interact in the urban environment.We studied the interannual(2013–2016)abundance of the White-fronted Parrot(Amazona albifrons)in the Neotropical cities of Xalapa and Coatepec,in Central Veracruz,México.Additionally,we studied the feeding ecology during 13 months of 6 parrot species detected in the city of Xalapa.The abundance of the White-fronted Parrot was significantly higher in Xalapa than in Coatepec,and it was homogeneous across years.Non-native plants represented 30–41%of Psittacidae diets in Xalapa,where seeds were the most commonly consumed resource.We recorded the highest Psittacidae species richness and highest diet overlap among species by the end of the dry season(April–May).The White-fronted Parrot had the highest plant richness in its diet,followed by the Monk Parakeet(Myiopsitta monachus)and the Green Parakeet(Psittacara holochlorus);yet,the White-fronted Parrot had a specialized diet dominated by two plant species(Grevillea robusta and Ficus aurea).The diet overlap among the three above-mentioned parrot species was not significantly different to a null model,where the White-fronted Parrot and the Monk Parakeet overlapped during the months of February,April,June,and September.The White-fronted Parrot is an urban adapter that has successfully expanded its geographic range via natural means and by human activities.The invasive Monk Parakeet is currently restricted to one park in Xalapa,and it has remained in that stage for many years(i.e.,pre-expansion phase).Exotic plant species in Xalapa represent∼55%of the woody vegetation,some of which have longer flowering and fruiting periods that may have aided the successful establishment of parrot species in urban environments.展开更多
Background: The Slender-billed Parakeet(Enicognathus leptorhynchus) is a psittacine endemic to southern Chile and an obligate secondary cavity-nester. In the central valley of southern Chile, most(94%) of the known Sl...Background: The Slender-billed Parakeet(Enicognathus leptorhynchus) is a psittacine endemic to southern Chile and an obligate secondary cavity-nester. In the central valley of southern Chile, most(94%) of the known Slender-billed Parakeet nests have occurred in large, mature southern beech(Lophozonia obliqua) trees(locally known as "pellines"). As relicts of the original old-growth forests of southern Chile, most pellines have been lost due to extensive landclearing throughout the region, potentially threatening long-term persistence of the Slender-billed Parakeet.Methods: We conducted our study in the central valley of southern Chile, near the city of Osorno during three consecutive nesting seasons(November–January, 2008–2011). Nest trees used by Slender-billed Parakeets were located by direct observation of parakeet activities and through interviews with local residents, some of whom were former parrot nest poachers. Nest cavities were accessed, inspected and measured using single-rope climbing techniques. We report means, standard errors, 95% confidence intervals and ranges for 11 cavity-related variables. We also report clutch sizes encountered in active nests, and age estimates of nest trees based on known growth rates of Lophozonia trees in southern Chile. Linear regressions were used to evaluate potential relationships between cavity-related variables and clutch size.Results: We located and measured 38 Lophozonia tree cavities used for nesting by Slender-billed Parakeets. Compared to those used by other psittacines, nest trees were relatively large, averaging 30.4 breast height of 134.5 ter ± 1.1 m in height with a mean diameter at ± 4.7 cm. Based on estimated annual diameincrement, ages of nest trees ranged from approximately 209–485 years. Nest cavities entrances averaged 12.5 ± 0.9 m in height above ground level. Cavity entrance widths averaged 51.0 ± 13.3 cm(vertical) by 11.5 ± 0.7 cm(horizontal). Cavity entrance orientations were apparently random, with no directional preferences detected. Nest cavities were also relatively large, with a mean internal diameter of 39.6 psittacines of this size(ca. 280± 2.4 cm and mean depth of 90.3 –300 g) and broods of up to seven± 24.2 cm. Clutch sizes(2–9) were unusually large for well-developed nestlings were observed.Conclusions: We found that the deep and spacious cavities provided by pellines facilitate successful rearing of large broods, thereby maximizing productivity and fitness. The existence of pellines has apparently allowed Slender-billed Parakeets to adapt successfully to a wholesale loss of ancestral habitat to anthropogenic modifications. Immediate and strategic conservation measures, such as protection of existing pellines and the regeneration and recruitment of additional ones, are recommended for ensuring the survival of Slender-billed Parakeet populations throughout the central valley of southern Chile.展开更多
基金funded by the Program of Support for Research and Technological Innovation Projects (PAPIIT) of the Dirección General de Asuntos del Personal Académico, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México with project number PAPIIT_IT200722funded by the Consejo Nacional de Humanidades, Ciencia y Tecnologíathe Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
文摘Elucidating the historical processes that led populations to their current spatial and genetic arrangement is relevant in conserving threatened species. We interpreted the phylogeographic structure of the threatened Yellow-headed Parrot (Amazona oratrix) with mitochondrial markers and analyzed 98 samples from Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize. We performed analyses of genetic structure, genealogical relationships, demographic history, and divergence times and illustrated the phenotypic variation qualitatively of the sampled individuals. The studies revealed that 92% of the genetic variation is explained between the Mexican Tres Marías Islands, the Mexican Pacific Coast, and the Atlantic groups. These three groups were segregated into two main lineages (Pacific and Atlantic), separated by 26 mutations, leaving A. auropalliata within the Atlantic. We found that both lineages diverged 0.55 million years ago, from which the Atlantic lineage experienced population expansion, high levels of genetic diversity, and a low genetic structure with two phenotypes. The Pacific experienced demographic stability, low levels of diversity, and a genetic structure marked with two phenotypes. Our estimates indicate that this separation occurred in the Pleistocene when the Atlantic clade diverged from Panama and dispersed overland to the Gulf of Mexico. Simultaneously, the Pacific clade departed from the same area to Tres Marías Islands and the Mexican Pacific coast. We deduce that this long-distance event was probably produced by assisted dispersal, but other scenarios appear more parsimonious. We conclude that there is no gene flow between both lineages and that the phylogeographic structure resulted significantly from historical events and climatic changes during the Pleistocene. We propose undertaking other analyses in the future to compare our results and the paraphyletic relationships in A. oratrix.
文摘The unique alpine-living kea parrot Nestor notabilis has been the focus of numerous cognitive studies, but its com- munication system has so far been largely neglected. We examined 2,884 calls recorded in New Zealand＇s Southern Alps. Based on audio and visual spectrographic differences, these calls were categorised into seven distinct call types： the non-oscillating ＇screech＇ contact call and ＇mew＇; and the oscillating ＇trill＇, ＇chatter＇, ＇warble＇ and ＇whistle＇; and a hybrid ＇screech-trill＇. Most of these calls contained aspects that were individually unique, in addition to potentially encoding for an individual＇s sex and age. Additionally, for each recording, the sender＇s previous and next calls were noted, as well as any response given by conspecifics. We found that the previous and next calls made by the sender were most often of the same type, and that the next most likely pre- ceding and/or following call type was the screech call, a contact call which sounds like the ＇kee-ah＇ from which the bird＇s name derives. As a social bird capable of covering large distances over visually obstructive terrain, long distance contact calls may be of considerable importance for social cohesion. Contact calls allow kea to locate conspecifics and congregate in temporary groups for social activities. The most likely response to any given call was a screech, usually followed by the same type of call as the ini- tial call made by the sender, although responses differed depending on the age of the caller. The exception was the warble, the kea＇s play call, to which the most likely response was another warble. Being the most common call type, as well as the default response to another call, it appears that the ＇contagious＇ screech contact call plays a central role in kea vocal communication and social cohesion [Current Zoology 58 （5）： 727-740, 2012].
基金funded by UNAM-DGAPA-PAPIIT Grant IN205716the Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología(MX)project 179877+2 种基金the Loro Parque Fundación A.C.,all to KRThe Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología(MX)provided study grants(Doctoral Grant 220278 to SMdP-M,Post-doctoral Grant 98294 to AS-M,and Masters student grant to LGM-L)a Graduation Bonus from the Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas
文摘Background:Dietary specialization should arise when there is a relatively high abundance of a particular resource,where animals may select food items to obtain an optimal diet that maximizes energy intake.Large‑bodied psittacines frequently exhibit a narrow dietary niche with specific habitat use,but few studies have determined whether psittacines select food resources,and how this influences habitat use.Methods:We established fruiting phenology transects to evaluate food resource availability for the large‑bodied Military Macaw(Ara militaris)in semi‑deciduous,deciduous,and pine‑oak forest at two sites along the coast of Jalisco,during the dry season when macaws are nesting.We also determined Military Macaw diet by observations of foraging macaws along transect routes,and conducted bromatological analysis of the nutritional content of the most consumed resource.Results:Military Macaws used six plant species as food items during the dry season,and had a narrow dietary niche(Levins’B=0.28),with 56%of foraging macaws consuming the seeds of Hura polyandra.No food resources were recorded in pine‑oak forest during the dry season,with food resources and foraging by macaws concentrated in tropical deciduous and semi‑deciduous forest,where H.polyandra was the most abundant fruiting tree species.When considering the proportional availability of food resources,we determined a broad Hurlbert dietary niche breadth of H=0.67,indicating that Military Macaws consumed food resources according to their availability.Furthermore,the seeds of H.polyandra were an important source of protein,carbohydrates,minerals and moisture,and the hard fruitcasing means that these seeds are exclusively available for macaws.Conclusions:By concentrating their diet on the most abundant resources,Military Macaws may increase foraging efficiency in the dry season.The high nutrient content also means that concentrating the diet on seeds of H.polyandra may be an optimal foraging strategy for Military Macaws to meet their energy requirements during the breeding season.
基金supported by the Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia (CONACYT) who provided study grant (450578) to CA-C to conduct her master’s studies at INECOLsupported by CONACYT program Problemas Nacionales project number 2015-01-1628
文摘Urban ecosystems are evolutionarily recent novel environments acting as biodiversity filters.Psittacidae birds are considered successful urban adapters mainly due to their generalist feeding and opportunistic behavior,allowing them to occupy environments from cold temperate to dry xeric areas.Therefore,it is important to understand how these species interact in the urban environment.We studied the interannual(2013–2016)abundance of the White-fronted Parrot(Amazona albifrons)in the Neotropical cities of Xalapa and Coatepec,in Central Veracruz,México.Additionally,we studied the feeding ecology during 13 months of 6 parrot species detected in the city of Xalapa.The abundance of the White-fronted Parrot was significantly higher in Xalapa than in Coatepec,and it was homogeneous across years.Non-native plants represented 30–41%of Psittacidae diets in Xalapa,where seeds were the most commonly consumed resource.We recorded the highest Psittacidae species richness and highest diet overlap among species by the end of the dry season(April–May).The White-fronted Parrot had the highest plant richness in its diet,followed by the Monk Parakeet(Myiopsitta monachus)and the Green Parakeet(Psittacara holochlorus);yet,the White-fronted Parrot had a specialized diet dominated by two plant species(Grevillea robusta and Ficus aurea).The diet overlap among the three above-mentioned parrot species was not significantly different to a null model,where the White-fronted Parrot and the Monk Parakeet overlapped during the months of February,April,June,and September.The White-fronted Parrot is an urban adapter that has successfully expanded its geographic range via natural means and by human activities.The invasive Monk Parakeet is currently restricted to one park in Xalapa,and it has remained in that stage for many years(i.e.,pre-expansion phase).Exotic plant species in Xalapa represent∼55%of the woody vegetation,some of which have longer flowering and fruiting periods that may have aided the successful establishment of parrot species in urban environments.
基金Laboratorio de Vida Silvestre at Universidad de Los Lagos,the United States Fish and Wildlife Service-Puerto Rican Parrot Recovery ProgramParrots International,Amigos de las Aves-USA,Canadian Parrot Society,International Conure Association,Parrot Conservation FundTony Pittman for funding and/or logistical support of this research
文摘Background: The Slender-billed Parakeet(Enicognathus leptorhynchus) is a psittacine endemic to southern Chile and an obligate secondary cavity-nester. In the central valley of southern Chile, most(94%) of the known Slender-billed Parakeet nests have occurred in large, mature southern beech(Lophozonia obliqua) trees(locally known as "pellines"). As relicts of the original old-growth forests of southern Chile, most pellines have been lost due to extensive landclearing throughout the region, potentially threatening long-term persistence of the Slender-billed Parakeet.Methods: We conducted our study in the central valley of southern Chile, near the city of Osorno during three consecutive nesting seasons(November–January, 2008–2011). Nest trees used by Slender-billed Parakeets were located by direct observation of parakeet activities and through interviews with local residents, some of whom were former parrot nest poachers. Nest cavities were accessed, inspected and measured using single-rope climbing techniques. We report means, standard errors, 95% confidence intervals and ranges for 11 cavity-related variables. We also report clutch sizes encountered in active nests, and age estimates of nest trees based on known growth rates of Lophozonia trees in southern Chile. Linear regressions were used to evaluate potential relationships between cavity-related variables and clutch size.Results: We located and measured 38 Lophozonia tree cavities used for nesting by Slender-billed Parakeets. Compared to those used by other psittacines, nest trees were relatively large, averaging 30.4 breast height of 134.5 ter ± 1.1 m in height with a mean diameter at ± 4.7 cm. Based on estimated annual diameincrement, ages of nest trees ranged from approximately 209–485 years. Nest cavities entrances averaged 12.5 ± 0.9 m in height above ground level. Cavity entrance widths averaged 51.0 ± 13.3 cm(vertical) by 11.5 ± 0.7 cm(horizontal). Cavity entrance orientations were apparently random, with no directional preferences detected. Nest cavities were also relatively large, with a mean internal diameter of 39.6 psittacines of this size(ca. 280± 2.4 cm and mean depth of 90.3 –300 g) and broods of up to seven± 24.2 cm. Clutch sizes(2–9) were unusually large for well-developed nestlings were observed.Conclusions: We found that the deep and spacious cavities provided by pellines facilitate successful rearing of large broods, thereby maximizing productivity and fitness. The existence of pellines has apparently allowed Slender-billed Parakeets to adapt successfully to a wholesale loss of ancestral habitat to anthropogenic modifications. Immediate and strategic conservation measures, such as protection of existing pellines and the regeneration and recruitment of additional ones, are recommended for ensuring the survival of Slender-billed Parakeet populations throughout the central valley of southern Chile.
