The Learning Zone

[EasternGirl]

I will...thanks.

[Stefan-A]

While pursuing a hunch, I came across this:

ScienceDirect.com - Experimental Parasitology - Hibernation: Intestinal protozoa populations in ground squirrels

Hibernation: Intestinal protozoa populations in ground squirrels
Stanley D. Davis
Department of Zoology, University of California, Davis, U.S.A.
Received 17 January 1969. Available online 13 April 2004.

Abstract

Quantitative analyses of protozoans provided estimates of caecal populations before and after periods of hibernation in squirrels. In Citellus lateralis and C. beldingi, Entamoeba citelli is lost from the caecum during hibernation, whereas Entamoeba sp. (similar to E. muris) survives. Animals removed from the cold room while torpid failed to regain infections of E. citelli after resumption of normal activity. Both amoebae survived in caeca of animals kept active throughout winter at warmer temperatures.

Few cysts of either amoeba were passed by active animals. The average number of cysts passed (0.42/pellet) was not increased by short periods of starvation. After the first week of hibernation, no cysts were recovered.

Viable cysts of Entamoeba citelli were recovered from dried feces stored for 168 days. Cysts of Entamoeba sp. from the same feces were nonviable. This exceptional ability to survive may be due in part to the uniquely thick cyst wall of E. citelli. Ingestion of feces containing cysts was observed in animals not infected with Entamoeba. Several of these animals acquired infections and began passing cysts within 1 month.

E. citelli survives winter as an infectious cyst outside its hibernating host. Reinfection occurs in the spring when hibernation is over.

http://www.int-res.com/articles/esr2010/11/n011p113.pdf


Seasonal variations in gastrointestinal parasites excreted by the gray mouse lemur Microcebusmurinus in Madagascar
ABSTRACT: We describe seasonal variations in gastrointestinal parasites found in feces of the gray
mouse lemur Microcebus murinus. Our study was carried out in the evergreen littoral forest of Mandena,
Madagascar. Fecal samples from M. murinus caught during monthly trapping sessions were screened
for eggs and larvae of intestinal parasites. Gastrointestinal parasite infection of M. murinus was characterized
by parasite species richness, the prevalence of parasites, and the intensity of infection expressed
as the number of parasite eggs, larvae, and cysts per g feces. We used a modification of the McMaster
flotation egg counting technique to quantify parasite egg shedding. Parasite excretions changed seasonally
when analyzed on the level of individual hosts. The number of parasite species and the abundance
of parasite eggs and larvae in Microcebus feces were higher during the hot season than during the cold
season. Reduced parasite excretion during the cold season could be due to environmental factors or to
the ability of M. murinus to enter torpor and hibernation during the cold season, which might lead to reduced
metabolism of intestinal parasites and might thus result in reduced shedding of eggs. No such
variation was found when the analyses were based on samples of unknown origin.

[ConcinusMan]

You definitely cannot rely on just one or two negative fecal tests to rule out all internal parasites. In a related matter, I have noticed that garters (concinnus') coming fresh out of brumation, and carrying a heavy tapeworm infestation tend to pass a lot of dead tapeworms (or segments) once they start eating and pooping again so brumating must be hard for the worms too.

[Stefan-A]

The new Noah's Ark: beautiful and useful species only. Part 1. Biodiversity conservation issues and priorities

Abstract

Most of the world's species at risk of extinction are neither particularly attractive nor obviously useful, and consequently lack conservation support. In contrast, the public, politicians, scientists, the media and conservation organisations are extremely sympathetic to a select number of well-known and admired species, variously called flagship, charismatic, iconic, emblematic, marquee and poster species. These are extremely attractive, large, entertaining or useful, and they receive the lion's share of public and private financial support, publicity, research, conservation and protective legislation. Such species have proven to be the best available means of increasing public awareness of the biodiversity crisis, and of mobilising financial support for conservation. They are widely touted as critical to the cause of conservation, not just symbolically, but also because preservation of their habitats, it has been claimed, can simultaneously preserve other species at risk. However, there is only limited evidence of ‘trickle-down’ benefits to rare, endemic and endangered species. Indeed, management strategies based on various ecologically-defined representative species (surrogate species, focal species, indicator species, keystone species, umbrella species) are only partially useful for aiding non-targeted species at risk. Aesthetic and commercial standards have become the primary determinants of which species in the natural world deserve conservation. Accordingly, the world's biodiversity is being beautified by selective conservation of attractive species, while the plight of the overwhelming majority of species is receiving limited attention.

Full text:
Taylor & Francis Online :: The new Noah's Ark: beautiful and useful species only. Part 1. Biodiversity conservation issues and priorities - Biodiversity - Volume 12, Issue 4

[guidofatherof5]

Read half of it and saved it. Will finish up later. Thanks Stefan.

[guidofatherof5]

Here you go. Nice read on our west coast garters.
Maps and photos.
http://www.public.iastate.edu/~fjanzen/pdf/02MolEcol.pdf

[ConcinusMan]

Awesome. Thanks Steve. I've read this before but had lost track of where to find it.

[guidofatherof5]

Her is an awesome article about an issue we have all discussed. "A snake's hearing" Check out this article.
Thanks Stefan for the heads-up on this and thank you viperkeeper for posting it on your FB page.
viperkeeper https://www.facebook.com/pages/Viper...ref=ts&fref=ts

C. atrox response to airbore sounds.pdf

[guidofatherof5]

Here is a link to a recent study in Denmark with regards to hearing in snakes. Thank you Steve Schmidt for the heads-up on this one.
http://pure.au.dk/portal/files/48050...ryland_cbc.pdf

[Invisible Snake]

PLOS ONE: Chemical Basis of Prey Recognition in Thamnophiine Snakes: The Unexpected New Roles of Parvalbumins

And

Are snakes right-handed ? Asymmetry in hemipenis size and usage in gartersnakes (Thamnophis sirtalis)