The localization of calbindin in the kidney and cerebellum of Hystrix cristata was investigated immunohistochemically using an antiserum against the 28k Da calbindin of chicken duodenum. Calbindin-D28k is an intracellular protein with a high affinity for calcium. This protein is exclusively localized in the distal convoluted tubules of the kidney and in Purkinje cells of the cerebellum. Functio...

Helminths and bot fly larvae were collected from 11 wild ungulate species on a game ranch in the Central Province of Zambia. New host-parasite records are: Calicophoron sp. from defassa waterbuck Kobus ellipsiprymnus defassa and Kafue lechwe Kobus leche kafuensis; Avitellina centripunctata, Gaigeria pachyscelis and Gedoelstia cristata from tsessebe Damaliscus lunatus lunatus; Cooperia rotundisp...

Weed species Anoda cristata, Ipomoeahederacea,and I. trilobaare reported for the first time for the flora of Iran. Trianthema portulacastrum, andMerremiadissecta, which have been previously reported as a doubtful and an ornamental species respectively from non-agricultural areas, are recorded for the first time from arable and farmlands of the country. Exact localities, crops, distribution, ill...

Studies have emphasized the importance of wild birds in the transmission of pathogenic microorganisms to other animals, whether wild or industrial birds, as well as in humans. Among these microorganisms, Salmonella spp. has shown relevant importance. Sousa et al. (2010a) captured 48 wild birds near poultry facilities in the North of São Paulo city, Brazil and detected three birds positive for S...

The uropygial gland waxes of the South American red-legged Seriema (Cariama cristata (L., 1766)) were found to be composed of unbranched alcohols and 2,2'-dialkyl-substituted acetic acids which so far have not been found in skin lipids. When used as a chemosystematic character, the occurrence of this lipid class separates the order Cariamiformes (Seriemas) from all other avian orders hitherto i...

The Crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata L.) has been shown to have considerably increased in numbers, and to have occupied new territories in Tuscany, which is the northernmost part of its range. New data on its ecology and biology, and the negative effects of an excessive density of these rodents on the rural and natural environment are reported. Since this species is protected by law in Italy...

What are star-nosed moles? The star-nosed mole, Condylura cristata, is one of about 30 species of mole in the mammalian order Insectivora. Although they are rarely seen, they are relatively common in the wetlands of eastern North America and Canada. They weigh about 30–50 grams and have large clawed forelimbs for digging their extensive underground burrows. Like most other moles, they give birt...