Resemblance Reporting on Children: Sisters Are More Proactive than Brothers

The asymmetric grandparental investment in humans may ultimately be explained by the paternity uncertainty hypothesis. The proximate mechanisms leading to grandparental bias in investment in grandchildren are, however, unclear. In a study of 233 males and females with an opposite sexed sibling, we examined whether comments on resemblance regarding one’s own child, or one’s sibling’s child, changed in frequency after both siblings became parents. We found that comments among siblings on resemblance of children occurred more frequently after both became parents, compared to when only one of the siblings had children, suggesting that resemblance descriptions may become more important after both siblings have children. Furthermore, and in line with the suggestion that mothers may mentally exploit the alloparenting environment by holding a stronger belief about resemblance, brothers reported that their sisters commented on resemblance concerning their own child more often and more intensely. Additionally, sisters corroborated this fnding by self-reporting that they were the most proactive during resemblance descriptions of their brothers’ child. Thus, sisters might, through more frequent voicing of stronger opinions on parent–child resemblance than their brothers, infuence alloparents’ perception of resemblance to their children and thus infuence alloparental investments. Communicating resemblance · Paternal uncertainty · Sex differences · Phenotypic resemblance · Grandparental investment · Manipulative mother hypothesi

Genetic structure and origin of semi-domesticated reindeer

This chapter discusses the genetic variation and structure of semi-domesticated reindeer, as well as the genetic effects of the domestication process in connection with the pastoral transition from hunters to herders. The research material analysed includes data on the ancestors of the Fennoscandian semi-domesticated reindeer, as well as on genetic diversity in extant reindeer. The study provides a better understanding of when and how domestication occurred, as well as the implications for future adaptation to a changing environment.publishedVersio

Hunting for ecological indicators: are large herbivore skeleton measures from harvest data useful proxies for monitoring?

Hunter-collected data and samples are used as indices of population performance, and monitoring programs often take advantage of such data as ecological indicators. Here, we establish the relationships between measures of skeleton size (lower jawbone length and hind-leg length) and autumn carcass mass of slaughtered individuals of known age and sex of the high Arctic and endemic Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus). We assess these relationships using a long-term monitoring dataset derived from hunted or culled reindeer. The two skeleton measures were generally strongly correlated within age class. Both jaw length (R2 = 0.78) and hind-leg length (R2 = 0.74) represented good proxies of carcass mass. These relationships were primarily due to an age effect (i.e. due to growth) as the skeleton measures reached an asymptotic size at 4–6 years of age. Accordingly, strong positive correlations between skeleton measures and carcass mass were mainly evident at the young age classes (range r [0.45–0.84] for calves and yearlings). For the adults, these relationships weakened due to skeletal growth ceasing in mature animals causing increased variance in mass with age—potentially due to the expected substantial impacts of annual environmental fluctuations. As proxies for carcass mass, skeleton measurements should therefore be limited to young individuals. Although body mass is the ‘gold standard’ in monitoring large herbivores, our results indicate that skeleton measures collected by hunters only provide similar valuable information for young age classes, particularly calves and yearlings. In sum, jaw length and hind-leg length function as proxies identical to body mass when documenting the impacts of changing environmental conditions on important state variables for reindeer and other herbivores inhabiting highly variable environments. Arctic · Citizen science · Hunter-collected data · Life history · Terrestrial large herbivoreHunting for ecological indicators: are large herbivore skeleton measures from harvest data useful proxies for monitoring?publishedVersio

A natural antipredation experiment: predator control and reduced sea ice increases colony size in a long-lived duck

Anthropogenic impact on the environment and wildlife are multifaceted and far-reaching. On a smaller scale, controlling for predators has been increasing the yield from local natural prey resources. Globally, human-induced global warming is expected to impose severe negative effects on ecosystems, an effect that is expected to be even more pronounced in the scarcely populated northern latitudes. The clearest indication of a changing Arctic climate is an increase in both air and ocean temperatures leading to reduced sea ice distribution. Population viability is for long-lived species dependent on adult survival and recruitment. Predation is the main mortality cause in many bird populations, and egg predation is considered the main cause of reproductive failure in many birds. To assess the effect of predation and climate, we compared population time series from a natural experiment where a trapper/down collector has been licensed to actively protect breeding common eiders Somateria mollissima (a large seaduck) by shooting/chasing egg predators, with time series from another eider colony located within a nature reserve with no manipulation of egg predators. We found that actively limiting predator activity led to an increase in the population growth rate and carrying capacity with a factor of 3–4 compared to that found in the control population. We also found that population numbers were higher in years with reduced concentration of spring sea ice. We conclude that there was a large positive impact of human limitation of egg predators, and that this lead to higher population growth rate and a large increase in size of the breeding colony. We also report a positive effect of warming climate in the high arctic as reduced sea-ice concentrations was associated with higher numbers of breeding birds. Carrying capacity, climate change, high Arctic, population growth rate, predator effects, sea ice, Svalbard.A natural antipredation experiment: predator control and reduced sea ice increases colony size in a long-lived duckpublishedVersio

Temporal Trends of Organochlorine and Perfluorinated Contaminants in a Terrestrial Raptor in Northern Europe Over 34 years (1986–2019)

Fourteen legacy organochlorine (OC) contaminants and 12 perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were measured in eggs of tawny owls (Strix alueco) in central Norway (1986–2019). We expected OCs to have reached stable equilibrium levels due to bans, and that recent phase-out of some PFASs would have slowed the increase of these compounds. ∑OC comprised on average approximately 92% of the measured compounds, whereas ∑PFAS accounted for approximately 8%. However, whereas the ∑OC to ∑PFAS ratio was approximately 60 in the first 5 years of the study, it was only approximately 11 in the last 5 years. Both OC pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) showed substantial declines over the study period (~85%–98%): hexachlorocyclohexanes and chlordanes seemed to be levelling off, whereas p,p′-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p′-DDE) and hexachlororbenzene (HCB), and most PCB congeners still seemed to decline at a more or less constant rate. While the concentration of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), the dominating PFAS, was reduced by approximately 43%, other perfluorinated sulfonates (PFSAs) showed only minor changes. Moreover, the median concentrations of seven perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) increased approximately five-fold over the study period. Perfluorononanoic acid and perfluoroundecanoate acid, however, seemed to be levelling off in recent years. In contrast, perfluorododecanoic acid, perfluorodecanoate acid, perfluorotridecanoic acid, and perfluorotetradecanoic acid seemed to increase more or less linearily. Finally, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was increasingly likely to be detected over the study period. Hence, most legacy OCs and PFOS have not reached a lower threshold with stable background levels, and voluntary elimination of perfluoroalkyl carboxylates still has not resulted in declining levels in tawny owls in central Norway

The impact of climate sensitive factors on the exposure to organohalogenated contaminants in an aquatic bird exploiting both marine and freshwater habitats

To assess how climate-sensitive factors may affect the exposure to organochlorines (OCs) and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), we monitored concentrations in eggs of the common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) over two decades (1999–2019) in central Norway. The goldeneye alternates between marine and freshwater habitats and is sensitive to climate variation, especially due to alterations in ice conditions which may affect feeding conditions. We assessed how biological factors such as diet (stable isotopes δ13C and δ15N), the onset of egg laying, and physical characteristics such as winter climate (North Atlantic Oscillation: NAOw) influenced exposure. We predicted compounds to show different temporal trends depending on whether they were still in production (i.e. some PFASs) or have been banned (i.e. legacy OCs and some PFASs). Therefore, we controlled for potential temporal trends in all analyses. There were declining trends for α- and γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), oxychlordane, cis-chlordane, cis-nonachlor, p,p′-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p.p′-DDT) and less persistent polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners (e.g. PCB101). In contrast, the dominant compounds, such as p,p′-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p′-DDE) and persistent PCB congeners, were stable, whereas hexachlorobenzene (HCB) increased over time. Most OCs were positively related to δ15N, suggesting higher exposure in birds feeding at upper trophic levels. Chlordanes and HCB were positively associated with δ13C, indicating traces of marine input for these compounds, whereas the relationships to most PCBs were negative. Among PFASs, perfluorooctanesulfonamide (PFOSA) and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) declined. Most PFASs were positively associated with δ13C, whereas there were no associations with δ15N. Egg laying date was positively associated to perfluoroheptanesulfonic acid (PFHpS), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), suggesting that some of the PFAS load originated from the wintering locations. Although NAOw had little impact on the exposure to organohalogenated contaminants, factors sensitive to climate change, especially diet, were associated with the exposure to OHCs in goldeneyes

Welfare Criteria in Reindeer Husbandry

Formålet med prosjektet var å identifisere ulike faktorer som kunne påvirke velferd hos tamrein, og som kunne implementeres i produksjonssystemene, på beite, i gjerdet, på slakteriet, gjennom produktmerking og fremtidige kvalitetssikringssystemer. I den senere tid har det vært et økt fokus på dyrehelse og -velferd i reindrifta. Det har for eksempel vært et fokus på lave slaktevekter, spesielt i Finnmark, der redusert kjøttkvalitet og dårlig omdømme for næringen som helhet har vært trukket frem som mulige konsekvenser. I tillegg har håndteringsstress vist seg å ha negativer effekter på kjøttkvalitet og holdbarhet. Ved bruk av enkle og målbare velferdsindikatorer har en lykkes å vurdere velferd hos produksjonsdyr i landbruket. Hvis lignende systemer for vurdering av velferd hos tamrein kan utvikles, vil det kunne bidra til en, økonomisk økologisk og kulturelt bærekraftig næring. Varekjeder, foredlere og forbrukerne etterspør store slakt av god kvalitet. Med dokumentasjon av god dyrevelferd i hele verdikjeden, kan en markedsføre reinprodukter ut til butikkene og trolig skape et større marked. Dyrevelferd kan defineres som «Individets subjektive opplevelse av sin tilstand i sitt forsøk på mestre sitt miljø». Velferdsindikatorer vil i denne sammenheng være et utvalg enkle, målbare faktorer eller tilstander ved dyret og/eller driften. Utfordringen her var å foreslå riktige faktorer som var praktisk tilpasset dyrearten og reindriftens behov. En god indikator forteller mye om dyrets velferd, er praktisk målbar og måles likt av ulike observatører. Velferdsindikatorer kan måles på dyret selv (dyrebaserte indikatorer) og i det miljøet dyret lever i inkludert stellrutiner (ressursbaserte indikatorer). Produksjonsparametere (som slaktevekt/kjøttfylde) kan inngå, men med en viss forsiktighet i tolkningen. Gode produksjonsresultater og fine slakteskrotter er ikke alene en garanti for god dyrevelferd, mens lav kalvingsprosent, små og magre slakt definitivt kan tyde på mangler i dyrets levemiljø. Dagens moderne reindrift har mange dyrevelferdsmessige fordeler sammenlignet med øvrig husdyrhold. Reinen holdes ekstensivt på helårsbeite der de fritt kan utnytte naturen og få utløp for instinkter og adferdsmessige behov, uten de begrensninger som fjøs og et kunstig husdyrmiljø medfører. Norsk tamrein er i tillegg relativt frisk og plaget av få smittsomme sykdommer. Basert på allerede utviklede avkryssings skjema for dyrevelferd til andre husdyrarter, har forskerne kommet med et forslag til spørsmål som reindriftsutøveren selv kan bruke til egenkontroll og dokumentasjon av god drift i reinflokken gjennom året. Disse spørsmålene er ikke absolutte og skjemaet er ment som et første utkast. Det kan godt tenkes at flere og andre punkter bør være med, avhengig av lokale forhold og behov. Ved å gå gjennom sin flokk to ganger per år, kan reineier bli klar over både sterke og svake sider ved egen drift og motiveres til å gjøre forbedringer der de trengs mest. Godt formulerte spørsmål kan dessuten bidra til økt bevisstgjøring om de krav som gjelder, og fungere som tips og råd til hvordan drifta kan optimaliseres. En slik dokumentasjon kan i neste omgang være et viktig verktøy for å kunne kreve tiltak eller tilskudd fra forvaltningen. Til slutt kan slakteriet bruke dokumentasjonen som kriterium for god kvalitet og eksempelvis gi bedre pris for kjøtt med god lagringskapasitet, som dermed egner seg for å omsettes som ferskvare.The aim of this project was to identify different factors that might affect welfare of reindeer and that could be implemented in the production systems, on pasture, in fences, at the slaughterhouse, through product marking and future quality systems. In later years there has been an increased focus on animal health and welfare in reindeer production. Negative focus has been enhanced by media with reports of low carcass weights, especially in Finnmark, and with reduced meat quality and bad reputation for the reindeer industry as a result. Animal stress during handling has in addition to this, been shown to give negative effects on meat quality and shelf life. Using simple and practical welfare indicators, the welfare of other production animals in agriculture have been systematically evaluated. If a similar system for the assessment of reindeer welfare could be developed, it would contribute to a economic and cultural sustainable industry. Food chains, processers and consumers demand large carcasses of good quality. With a documentation of good animal welfare throughout the value chain, the marketing of reindeer products would be improved and markets could also expand. Animal welfare could be defined as “the individual’s subjective experience of its mental and physical condition as regards its attempt to cope with its environment”. Welfare indicator will thus be a selection of simple, easy to measure factors or conditions of the animal and/or the production environment. The challenge was here to suggest correct factors that also were practically adjusted to the animal species and the needs of the reindeer industry. A good welfare indicator will tell a lot about the animals welfare, it is easy to measure and is measured the same by different observers. Welfare indicators can be measured on the animal itself (animal based indicators) and its living environment (resource based indicators). Production parameters (carcass weights and –composition) may be included, but with careful interpretation. Good production results and nice carcasses are not a guarantee for good animal welfare per se, while low calving percentage, small and skinny carcasses definitively may indicate deficiencies in the animal environment. Modern reindeer production involves many benefits regarding animal welfare compared to animal production in agriculture. The reindeer are allowed to range free on pastures all year round where they can utilize nature resources, without the limiting factors of a barn environment and its limitations on instincts and natural behaviour. Norwegian reindeer are also relatively healthy and have few infectious diseases in the current population. Based on other standardized forms with checkboxes developed for agriculture, the researchers in the present project have suggested a selection of questions that may be used for self-control and documentation of good management in the reindeer herd throughout the year. These questions are not comprehensive but meant as a first draft. Other checkpoints and questions might be more relevant for other local conditions and needs. A review of the flock twice a year can reveal both strengths and weaknesses of own management and motivate for improvements where most needed. If questions are formulated correctly, they may also raise awareness on rules and regulations and function as advice on how flock management could be optimized. Such documentation may in turn be used as a tool when applying for subsidies or preventive measures from the government administration. Slaughter houses may also use the documentation as criteria for good quality and give extra price for meat that is suited for distribution as fresh produce

Shifts in risk sensitivity and resource availability alter fat stores for a large mammal following extreme winter conditions

For species that inhabit environments where resource availability may be unpredictable, balance of resource allocation to life-history traits can have heightened consequences for survival, reproduction, and ultimately, fitness. Acquisition and allocation of energy to maintenance, capital gain and reproduction should be in tune with the landscape an animal inhabits—environmental severity, food availability and population size all influence the resources animals have and dictate the ways they should be allocated. In seasonal environments, animals that experience periods of extreme resource limitation (e.g. harsh winters) may favour allocation of resources to body reserves to secure their survival at the cost of reproduction (i.e. risk averse). In contrast, the same accumulation of body reserves may not be necessary to survive in relatively benign landscapes where instead, allocation to reproduction is favoured (i.e. risk prone). According to the theory of risk-sensitive allocation of resources, when animals are exposed to unprecedented or life-threatening conditions, they may shift resource allocation to favour building capital over allocation in reproduction to preempt against encountering another life-threatening event in the future. Using data from a long-term project on a highly site-faithful and long-lived species, mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), we evaluated how a life-threatening winter and the associated changes in resource availability resulting from a population reduction influenced how animals acquired and allocated energy to survival (i.e. fat accumulation). Per capita precipitation, and the associated reduction in population abundance after the severe winter, had a positive influence of accrual of fat over summer. After the extreme physiological stress of a hard winter, deer starting spring with low body reserves accumulated 2.8 percentage points more fat over summer compared with before the experience of a bad winter and had an increased probability of recruiting fewer offspring. Fat stores can interact with environment, life history and behaviour to influence survival during periods of resource scarcity. For a long-lived herbivore, we documented shifts in risk tolerance associated with fat accrual in preparation for winter, supporting the notion that risk-sensitive allocation of resources may be plastic—an essential adaptation for animals to cope with rapidly changing landscapes.publishedVersio

Impacts of a warming climate on concentrations of organochlorines in a fasting high arctic marine bird: Direct vs. indirect effects?

The present study examined how climate changes may impact the concentrations of lipophilic organochlorines (OCs) in the blood of fasting High Arctic common eiders (Somateria mollissima) during incubation. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 1-dichloro-2,2-bis (p-chlorophenyl) ethylene (p,p′-DDE), hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and four chlordane compounds (oxychlordane, trans-chlordane and trans- and cis-nonachlor) were measured in females at chick hatching (n = 223) over 11 years (2007–2017). Firstly, median HCB and p,p′-DDE concentrations increased ~75 % over the study period, whereas median chlordane concentrations doubled (except for oxychlordane). PCB concentrations, in contrast, remained stable over the study period. Secondly, both body mass and clutch size were negatively associated with OC levels, suggesting that females with high lipid metabolism redistributed more OCs from adipose tissue, and that egg production is an important elimination route for OCs. Thirdly, the direct climate effects were assessed using the mean effective temperature (ET: air temperature and wind speed) during incubation, and we hypothesized that a low ET would increase redistribution of OCs. Contrary to expectation, the ET was positively correlated to most OCs, suggesting that a warmer climate may lead to higher OCs levels, and that the impact of ET may not be direct. Finally, potential indirect impacts were examined using the Arctic Oscillation (AO) in the three preceding winters (AOwinter 1–3) as a proxy for potential long-range transport of OCs, and for local spring climate conditions. In addition, we used chlorophyll a (Chla) as a measure of spring primary production. There were negative associations between AOwinter 1 and HCB, trans-chlordane and trans-nonachlor, whereas oxychlordane and cis-chlordane were negatively associated with Chla. This suggests that potential indirect climate effects on eiders were manifested through the food chain and not through increased long-range transport, although these relationships were relatively weak.Impacts of a warming climate on concentrations of organochlorines in a fasting high arctic marine bird: Direct vs. indirect effects?publishedVersio