The only autochthonous population of Tatra chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra tatrica) occurs in the Tatra Mountains (northern Slovakia and southern Poland). Another population has been introduced to the Low Tatra Mts., while Alpine chamois (R. r. rupicapra) has been introduced to the neighbouring mountain ranges, Veľká Fatra and Slovenský raj. All these populations have undergone intensive bottlenecks. Any resulting low genetic variability would mean that only few genetic markers could be used for population genetic studies due to prevailing monomorphism. We tested 65 markers previously used in chamois or other Caprinae species, from which 20 most suitable loci for noninvasive genetic study of the Tatra chamois were selected. These polymorphic loci were used for optimisation of three multiplex sets and revealed a mean number of alleles of 2.1 and mean expected heterozygosity of 0.331 for the Tatra population. Low genetic diversity was also observed in the Low Tatra population while slightly higher values were obtained for Alpine chamois population in Slovenský raj. We subsequently assessed the amplification success rate for noninvasively obtained samples (faeces), which ranged from 85.1% to 92.7% for particular loci. The developed polymorphic microsatellite sets provide a unique tool for population genetic study of the endangered Tatra chamois, even when using noninvasive sampling, and is also suitable for Alpine chamois.
Large hibernating aggregations and behaviour called late summer or autumn “invasions” when large groups of bats enter buildings are known in pipistrelles. We investigated differences in roosting behaviour between two cryptic species (common pipistrelle, Pipistrellus pipistrellus, and soprano pipistrelle, Pipistrellus pygmaeus) during autumn and winter periods. In total 463 bats were sampled in both caves and buildings with temporary occurrence during the period of late summer and autumn mating and presumable migrations from late July to September (10 sites), and in all known types of hibernacula from late November to March (34 sites). Sampling sites were located within the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Serbia and Romania in areas where the two species occur sympatrically throughout the summer. Using a DNA-based identifi cation method, all but four individuals were identifi ed as P. pipistrellus. It means that winter roosts of P. pygmaeus remain largely unknown in the area. Similarly, no P. pygmaeus was found in the “invasion” assemblages. Very abundant groups of P. pipistrellus in underground hibernacula and its exclusive occurrence in sites of “invasions” suggest that roosting behaviour during this time may be species-specifi c.
The attractiveness hypothesis predicts that females should bias the sex ratio of their offspring towards sons when mated to attractive males. Females of many socially monogamous bird species commonly engage in extra-pair fertilizations (EPFs). Assuming that extra-pair males are more attractive to females than their social partners, and that sons inherit superior traits from their fathers, extra-pair young should be more likely males. According to the maternal condition hypothesis male-biased sex ratio in offspring should be also associated with better female body condition. We evaluated these ideas in the scarlet rosefinch (Carpodacus erythrinus), socially monogamous songbird with moderate level of extra-pair fertilizations. Contrary to the attractiveness hypothesis we have found no significant effect of paternity (within-pair or extra-pair) on the sex of individual offspring. Furthermore, data did not suggest that females mated to males with more elaborated plumage colour were more likely to produce sons. However, consistently with the maternal condition hypothesis, high-quality females produced more sons than daughters. Our results indicate that scarlet rosefinch females may not be able to manipulate the primary sex ratio of their offspring in relation to the attractiveness of their mate, but they may adjust it according to their own condition.
everal primer sets were described for PCR amplification of the Sry gene that became very suitable method for sex identification in mammals. We tested applicability of two primer sets for sex identification in one bat and 12 rodent species from Central Europe. Rapid DNA extraction with non-ionic detergents, which is very suitable for large-scale population studies, was used. Primers SRY-A from Pomp et al. (1995) did not amplify Sry fragment in males of Myotis myotis, four species of Microtus, and Clethrionomys glareolus, while amplification was successful in four species of Apodemus, two species of Mus, and Sciurus vulgaris. On the other hand, primers from Sánchez et al. (1996) gave clear Sry band in males of all tested species, only with one exception, i.e. male of Sciurus vulgaris.
Ethiopian rats (genus Stenocephalemys) represent a monophyletic group of Ethiopian endemic rodents that diverged in the Ethiopian Highlands during the Pleistocene. Because of the frequent occurrence of so-called reticulate evolution (i.e. repeated hybridization of partially diverged populations), their taxonomy has not been adequately resolved, despite the fact that they belong to the most abundant rodent genus in Ethiopia and are important as pests and carriers of pathogens (e.g. hantaviruses). Here we analysed material for 623 Stenocephalemys specimens using integrative taxonomy composed of genomic analyses (388 nuclear markers and complete mitogenomes), 2D-geometric morphometry of skulls and classical morphometry of external traits. The genus consists of six clearly defined gene pools (= species), characterized by specific morphology, ecology and distribution. Two of them, described here as new species, live in fragmented populations in Afroalpine habitats in the north-western part of the Ethiopian Highlands. We also showed that mitochondrial DNA is not applicable as a universal diagnostic tool for species discrimination in Stenocephalemys, because of multiple cases of mitochondrial introgression. This finding illustrates the utility of the genus as a suitable model for future studies of mito-nuclear coevolution along an elevational gradient.
A male Myotis alcathoe was identified morphologically among 119 road traffic casualties sampled in 2007 in southern Moravia (Czech Republic). Two additional male M. alcathoe were found among six carcasses collected in 1999 on roads in northern Moravia. Identification of all three specimens was confirmed by sequencing of mtDNA. The first photo of a M. alcathoe mandible is presented. The species, described in 2001, has actually been known from 12 localities within the Czech Republic.
Absence of accuracy in species recognition can lead to inter-specific mating and hybridization. Aside from acoustic signals, bats can also use olfactory signals to search for mates. We compared the level of attractiveness of facial glands scents and urinary scents for discrimination in two cryptic bat species. Both sexes of two sympatric bat species Pipistrellus pipistrellus and P. pygmaeus were used as model. Possible sexual preferences using two olfactory signals were studied in a dual choice experiment in a glass Y-maze. Both sexes, without reference to the species, performed lower searching activity in tests with urinary scents than in the case of signals composed of scents of facial glands. Males of both species were able to discriminate and prefer the odour of conspecific females, with small proportion of disassortative choices. Females of both species did not have species-specific preferences. Absence of females’ odour preferences and small proportion of males’ disassortative choices can provide theoretical background for the existence of inter-species hybridization or point at more important role of acoustic signals in pre-mating behaviour.
Perlorodka říční (Margaritifera margaritifera) patří v České republice k nejohroženějším mlžům. V rámci Záchranného programu proběhl i výzkum genetické diverzity českých populací perlorodek, který odhalil významné rozdíly mezi populacemi z jižních a západních Čech. and The freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) is one of the most endangered molluscs in the Czech Republic. Following the Action Plans for Endangered Species we performed an analysis of the genetic diversity of Czech freshwater pearl mussel populations, which revealed significant genetic differences between populations from western and southern Bohemia.
The taxonomy and distribution of rodents in Zambia was comprehensively summarized in 1978 by W.F.H. Ansell in his excellent book Mammals of Zambia. Despite the fact that during the last three decades many new taxonomic revisions of African rodents were published and extensive new material collected, not much work has been done on Zambian rodents since the book publication. Here we summarize the current knowledge of one of the most speciose group of African rodents, the tribe Praomyini, in Zambia. We review available historical records and revise our recently collected material by sequencing the mitochondrial DNA gene of cytochrome b. The presence of eight species of Praomyini in Zambia is documented and the pattern of their geographical distribution is described and discussed. Two species, Praomys minor and Mastomys coucha, are reported for the first time from Zambia and Praomys cf. jacksoni probably represents a new undescribed species. On the other hand, the actual occurrence of Colomys goslingi, known in Zambia only from one historical record, is questionable. The results document the usefulness of the DNA barcoding approach for description of species diversity of taxonomically complicated groups with many cryptic species.
Succession of weeds and small mammal species was studied and compared on alfalfa field in two periods (cultivated 1996–1998 and set-aside 2001–2003). Composition of the plant community changed between the two periods of study. In the first period high biomass of green alfalfa biomass was available to the common vole which dominated small mammal community (88.7 %) and pronounced variation in maximal autumnal densities, typical of cyclic vole populations. Massive invasion of seed bearing weeds was stated after the field was set-aside and alfalfa biomass lowered. With the succession of weeds other rodent species such as Apodemus sp. increase their relative abundance (RA) and that of the pygmy field mouse was higher in the abandoned field compared with the common vole. The trend toward increasing RA was quite distinct (Z = 1.883; P = 0.060). Diversity of herb species and the small mammal species increased with abandonment. The monthly RA of the common vole was, on average, lower in the abandoned field than in the former period (Z = 2.353, P = 0.019). Also the cyclicity disappeared and RA of the population exhibited only seasonal oscillations. Biomass of the small mammal community decreased after the field was set-aside (Z = 3.021, P = 0.002).