Habitat Selection of Three Neotropical Grassland Birds Is Dependent on Vegetation Structure and Resources

Grassland birds are globally imperiled. Those of endemic Neotropical savannas may be particularly threatened as knowledge of the ecology of many species is lacking, restricting our ability to take decisive conservation action. During the dry (non-breeding) season of 2010, we studied the population size, distribution, and habitat associations of the Cock-tailed Tyrant (Alectrurus tricolor), Black-masked Finch (Coryphaspiza melanotis), and Wedge-tailed Grass-finch (Emberiziodes herbicola) across a disturbance-mediated savanna–grassland gradient in Beni, Bolivia. We used distance sampling and surveyed structural and resource-specific habitat features at plots where birds were present versus random locations. Occupancy models identified fine-scale habitat associations. Cock-tailed Tyrant (7.1 ind./km2) specialized on open habitats in areas expected to be heavily inundated in the wet season, avoided trees, and selected tall grassy swards. Black-masked Finch (25.1 ind./km2) occurred across the gradient, associating with tall, forb-rich swards, sparse shrubs, and low levels of fruiting and seeding vegetation. Wedge-tailed Grass-finch (27.9 ind./km2) also occurred across the gradient, particularly associated with tall, forb-rich swards, abundant seeding grasses, and sparse shrubs. Our results offer the first quantitative abundance estimates for these species in Beni, provide vital baselines for future monitoring, and improve knowledge of the ecology and conservation management needs of these species. Importantly, our results suggest that populations of these three grassland birds may be best maintained in heterogenous, mosaic landscapes that can be produced by carefully managed burning and grazing. Further research in the breeding season would facilitate making stronger, more specific management recommendations

Phloroglucinol Inhibits the Bioactivities of Endothelial Progenitor Cells and Suppresses Tumor Angiogenesis in LLC-Tumor-Bearing Mice

Background: There is increasing evidence that phloroglucinol, a compound from Ecklonia cava, induces the apoptosis of cancer cells, eventually suppressing tumor angiogenesis. Methodology/Principal Findings: This is the first report on phloroglucinol’s ability to potentially inhibit the functional bioactivities of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and thereby attenuate tumor growth and angiogenesis in the Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC)-tumor-bearing mouse model. Although Phloroglucinol did not affect their cell toxicity, it specifically inhibited vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) dependent migration and capillary-like tube formation of EPCs. Our matrigel plug assay clearly indicated that orally injected phloroglucinol effectively disrupts VEGF-induced neovessel formation. Moreover, we demonstrated that when phloroglucinol is orally administered, it significantly inhibits tumor growth and angiogenesis as well as CD45 2 /CD34 + progenitor mobilization into peripheral blood in vivo in the LLC-tumorbearing mouse model. Conclusions/Significance: These results suggest a novel role for phloroglucinol: Phloroglucinol might be a modulator of circulating EPC bioactivities, eventually suppressing tumorigenesis. Therefore, phloroglucinol might be a candidat

Indirect estimates of breeding and natal philopatry in an obligate avian brood parasite

In theory, obligate brood parasitic birds are freed from several of the temporal and spatial constraints of parental care for dependent young. Yet, similar to parental bird species, adults in several avian brood parasites show a territorial spacing system while breeding, including site fidelity within and across years. Banding-based capture and sighting studies are also suggestive of non-parasite-like lower levels of natal philopatry in avian brood parasites. We analyzed the potential correlation of physical distance with genetic structure of a Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater population, sampling parasitic chicks from nests across different temporal and spatial scales of its common host, the Eastern Phoebe Sayornis phoebe, near Ithaca, New York, USA. In support of extensive breeding but not historical patterns of natal philopatry, we detected no significant covariation of genetic similarity by distance of nestling parasites at the scale beyond that of individual host nest sites. These results contribute towards a baseline for future behavioral and genetic comparisons of whether and how parasitic versus parental reproductive strategies impact patterns of avian population genetic structure across space and time.Mark E. Hauber, Bill M. Strausberger, Kevin A. Feldheim, Justin Lock, Phillip Casse