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At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources
USGS2003

The humerus of Cryptotis colombiana and its bearing on the species' phylogenetic relationships (Soricomorpha: Soricidae)

The Colombian small-eared shrew, Cryptotis colombiana Woodman and Timm, was described from the Colombian Andes in 1993. Its original allocation to the C. nigrescens group recently was questioned based on several cranial characters the species appeared to share with some members of the C. thomasi group. We review characteristics of the C. nigrescens and C. thomasi groups, and we describe the humerus of C. colombiana and the humerus and manus of C. medellinia . The morphology of the humerus joins the suite of characters that supports the hypotheses that C. colombiana is not a member of the C. thomasi group and that all remaining South American species form a cohesive, definable set that is probably monophyletic.

Antioquia↗
USGS2004

Genetic methods improve accuracy of gender determination in beaver

Gender identification of sexually monomorphic mammals can be difficult. We used analysis of zinc-finger protein (Zfx and Zfy) DNA regions to determine gender of 96 beavers ( Castor canadensis ) from 3 areas and used these results to verify gender determined in the field. Gender was correctly determined for 86 (89.6%) beavers. Incorrect assignments were not attributed to errors in any one age or sex class. Although methods that can be used in the field (such as morphological methods) can provide reasonably accurate gender assignments in beavers, the genetic method might be preferred in certain situations.

Journal of Mammalogy↗
USGS2004

Stable hydrogen isotope analysis of bat hair as evidence for seasonal molt and long-distance migration

Although hoary bats ( Lasiurus cinereus ) are presumed to be migratory and capable of long-distance dispersal, traditional marking techniques have failed to provide direct evidence of migratory movements by individuals. We measured the stable hydrogen isotope ratios of bat hair (δD h ) and determined how these values relate to stable hydrogen isotope ratios of precipitation (δD p ). Our results indicate that the major assumptions of stable isotope migration studies hold true for hoary bats and that the methodology provides a viable means of determining their migratory movements. We present evidence that a single annual molt occurs in L. cinereus prior to migration and that there is a strong relationship between δD h and δD p during the molt period. This presumably reflects the incorporation of local δD p into newly grown hair. Furthermore, we present evidence that individual hoary bats are capable of traveling distances in excess of 2,000 km and that hair is grown at a wide range of latitudes and elevations. Stable hydrogen isotope analysis offers a promising new tool for the study of bat migration.

Journal of Mammalogy↗
USGS1956

Ringworm in a population of snowshoe hares

The occurrence of ringworm, or dermatomycosis, in wild animals has been rarely reported. DeLamater (1939) described infections of Trichophyton mentagrophytes in common gray squirrels on and near the Johns Hopkins University campus at Baltimore. Errington (1942) and Charles (1946) reported on the occurrence of T. mentagrophytes in 35 of 364 litters (9.6%) of muskrats ( Ondatra zibethicus zibethicus ) in northwestern Iowa. Ninety-eight of 134 members (73%) of infected litters were recorded as contracting the fungus disease; of the 98, 90 died. Paul (1917), Lawrence (1918), and Connor (1932) mentioned ringworm epidemics of T. mentagrophytes among mice in wheat stacks of New South Wales and Victoria.

Montana↗
USGS1964

Notes on the ecology of the opossum in Maryland

Livetrapping of opossums at the Patuxent Research Refuge in Maryland over an 8-year period resulted in the capture of 224 opossums, with 541 trap records. The maximum recorded trap life was 29 months, and the greatest estimated age was 36 months. Opossums did not enter traps readily, and the average period between consecutive captures was 31 days. Trap records indicated that opossums range over long, narrow areas rather than circular ones, probably associated with stream courses. Opossums begin to breed in Maryland in early February and young are found in the pouch until August. Evidently the first breeding period accounts for most of the young produced. The sex ratio of those trapped was slightly higher for males than females, but did not differ significantly from an expected sample from an even sex ratio. The trapping results indicated a production rate of from 4 to 5.4 young per adult female, but this is based on the assumption that young and adults have the same trap response. Opossums appear to favor low, damp woods rather than upland woods or open areas.

Maryland↗
USGS1967

The Peromyscus guardia-interparietalis complex

Peromyscus interparietalis is considered to be specifically distinct from P. guardia , of which it was originally considered a subspecies. Each species includes three subspecifically distinct populations, each endemic to an island in the northern Gulf of California, Baja California, Mexico. Two subspecies of P. interparietalis and one of P. guardia are newly described here. The mice are widespread on the islands, apparently favoring no particular microhabitat. Reproduction takes place in early spring.

Gulf of California↗