Using step width to compare locomotor biomechanics between extinct, non-avian theropod dinosaurs and modern obligate bipeds

How extinct, non-avian theropod dinosaurs locomoted is a subject of considerable interest, as is the manner in which it evolved on the line leading to birds. Fossil footprints provide the most direct evidence for answering these questions. In this study, step width—the mediolateral (transverse) distance between successive footfalls—was investigated with respect to speed (stride length) in non-avian theropod trackways of Late Triassic age. Comparable kinematic data were also collected for humans and 11 species of ground-dwelling birds. Permutation tests of the slope on a plot of step width against stride length showed that step width decreased continuously with increasing speed in the extinct theropods (p < 0.001), as well as the five tallest bird species studied (p < 0.01). Humans, by contrast, showed an abrupt decrease in step width at the walk–run transition. In the modern bipeds, these patterns reflect the use of either a discontinuous locomotor repertoire, characterized by distinct gaits (humans), or a continuous locomotor repertoire, where walking smoothly transitions into running (birds). The non-avian theropods are consequently inferred to have had a continuous locomotor repertoire, possibly including grounded running. Thus, features that characterize avian terrestrial locomotion had begun to evolve early in theropod history

Short communications: The first documented record of Western Reef Heron Egretta (gularis) schistacea for Tanzania

No Abstrac

Hobbies (Falco cuvieri and F. subbuteo) versus bats over Kampala skies

No Abstract

Notes on the increasing use of urban nesting and roosting sites in Kenya: a nesting site for Yellow-billed Storks Mycteria ibis and Pink-backed Pelicans Pelecanus rufescens in Naivasha

No Abstract

Amphibian and Reptilian Inventories Augmented by Sampling at Heronries

An alternate method for supporting amphibian and reptilian inventory was tested. This experimental method involved the collection of regurgitated food from water bird nestlings from a total of 10 heronries: four mixed-species and six single-species heronries in Gujarat State, India, during 1997 to 1999. We verified the presence of twelve species of amphibians, and twelve species of reptiles were recovered intact. Various methods are used to evaluate the diversity of amphibians and reptiles, many of which are resource-dependent in terms of both time and money (e.g., Heyer et al. 1994). The verification process in such diversity surveys generally requires the collection of voucher specimens for establishing the credibility of the work (Dubois and Nemesio 2007; Funk et al. 2005). Vouchers also facilitate further taxonomic studies and the identification of cryptic species, especially when species complexes occupy the area being surveyed. The collection of specimens requires permission from the appropriate government authority. Because relevant authorities in India are often hardcore believers of the philosophy of “Jiv Daya” (a Jainist concept involving compassion for all beings) and unaware of the need for voucher specimens, acquisition of permits to collect in protected areas (sanctuaries and national parks), even for studies of biodiversity and environmental assessments is extremely difficult. Even when permission for voucher collection is granted, strict time constraints are imposed. These render surveys of large areas almost impossible, particularly because vouchers ideally involve a series of specimens of various species (Goodman and Lanyon 1994) and collection methods often are very time consuming. Consequently, methods that are less time-consuming and less expensive are needed. Herein, we test one such alternative

Seleção de habitat pela galinhola Bostrychia bocagei, ave criticamente ameaçada e endémica de São Tomé

O conhecimento ecológico é fundamental para a conservação. Em especial quando se trata da conservação de uma espécie em perigo crítico como a galinhola Bostrychia bocagei, endémica da ilha de São Tomé. Nesta tese estudámos a seleção de habitat desta espécie a uma escala local durante a época de reprodução. Para tal, foram avaliadas 12 variáveis em 50 pontos, metade dos quais com presença confirmada da espécie. Utilizámos escalonamento multidimensional não métrico para identificar espécies vegetais associado à presença da galinhola e modelos lineares generalizados para identificar as variáveis que melhor explicam a sua presença. Os resultados sugerem que a galinhola prefere áreas mais planas, a maior altitude, com maior densidade arbórea e de cobertura de copa. Aparece associada à presença de mamão-d'Obô Drypetes glabra, nêspera-d'Obô Sterculia tragacantha e cata-d'Obô Tabernaemontana pachysiphon. A proteção de áreas florestais com estas características é essencial para a conservação da galinhola; Habitat selection by the dwarf olive ibis Bostrychia bocagei, a critically endangered bird endemic to São Tomé Abstract: Ecological knowledge is essential for conservation. Especially when a critically endangered species such as the dwarf olive ibis Bostrychia bocagei, endemic to São Tomé Island is concerned. In this thesis we studied habitat selection by this species at a local scale during the breeding season. We assessed 12 variables in 50 points, half of which with confirmed presence of the species. We used non-metric multidimensional scaling to identify plant species associated with the presence of the dwarf olive ibis and generalized linear models to identify the variables that best explain its presence. Our results suggest that the species prefers flatter areas at higher altitudes, with high tree density and canopy cover. It is associated with the presence of Drypetes glabra, Sterculia tragacantha and Tabernaemontana pachysiphon. The protection of forest areas with these characteristics seem to be essential for the conservation of the dwarf olive ibis

Reproductive phenology of subalpine moss, Polytrichum ohioense Ren. et Card.

The reproductive phenology of Polytrichum ohioense was investigated in a sub-alpine forest at the foot of Mt. Tyausu, in the Yatsugatake Mountains, Central Honshu, Japan. Shoots were collected every 2 weeks from May to October from the study site. Developmental stages of gametangia and sporophytes formed in the current and previous year were registered. The temperature above the turf occasionally dropped below 0℃ before June, while the temperature in the turf did not drop below 0℃. Juvenile antheridia formed about one month earlier than archegonia. Mature antheridia and archegonia are observed from late May to early August and from late June to mid-July, respectively. Fertilization seems to occur from late June to mid-July. Longer persistence of mature antheridia is supposed to contribute to higher efficiency of fertilization to supply its sperm for a relatively long period. And delayed formation of archegonia in the warm season may contribute to the adaptation to the temperature decrease at the beginning of the growing season. Sporophytes were found first at the end of June, then gradually grew and reached the ECI stage by October. The sporophytes seemed to spend the period of snow cover in the ECI stage, and started to grow again in the next growing season in May. Spore dispersal was observed from mid-July to mid-August. Sporophytes took 13 months to mature including a 6 month resting period. The phenological parameters observed in the present study provide a way to adapt to the the short growing season in the sub-alpine zone in Central Honshu, Japan