Ectoparasites are often difficult to detect in the field. We developed a method that can be used with occupancy models to estimate the prevalence of ectoparasites on hosts, and to investigate factors that influence rates of ectoparasite occupancy while accounting for imperfect detection. We describe the approach using a study of fleas (Siphonaptera) on black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovic...

Exotic species have often been introduced into a new country in zoological or botanical gardens or on game and fur farms. When accidentally or deliberately released, these alien species can become invasive and have negative impacts on native plant and animal communities and human activities. This article focuses on a selection of such invasive species: principally the American mink (Neovison vi...

The present paper demonstrates novel results confirming the phenomenon of multipaternity in Finn raccoons. The purpose of the study was to affirm the occurrence of bi-paternal litters in Finn raccoons using polymorphic microsatellite markers. The study was carried out on 37 Finn raccoon females, males that mated with them and the resulting offspring (176 individuals). The offspring came from fe...

Application of the FISH technique with the human 28S rDNA probe on metaphase spreads of the Chinese raccoon dog confirmed the presence of the NOR sequences on three A autosome pairs and the Y chromosome. Moreover, NOR-like sequences were found on the B chromosomes in the telomeric region of the long arm and in the proximal half of these chromosomes.

Parents determine habitat selection for precocial young by leading their young to foraging areas until the chicks attain full independence. There are potential benefits and costs to reproductive success associated with changing habitats while caring for young. This study investigated the relationship between different types of habitats and their quality on chick survival and brood movements of ...

Efficient targeting of actions to reduce the spread of invasive alien species relies on understanding the spatial, temporal, and individual variation of movement, in particular related to dispersal. Such patterns may differ between individuals at the invasion front compared to individuals in established and dense populations due to differences in environmental and ecological conditions such as ...

From the origin of dog and its diffusion to light mythology. Using phylogenetic tools, it is possible reconstruct how myths about dogs spread around world, as well their probable point origin. The tree built from mythological motifs associated with takes root between Central East Asia. It shows two diffusions these in America, second only affecting northern part continent. seem have followed sa...

During a 2-year period, 31 cases of a hereditary retinal degeneration in dogs bred in India were found mainly suspected for progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) with typical history of initial nyctalopia followed by hemeralopia. Out of 31 PRA suspected dogs, 8 dogs (26%) were from the age group of 1-5 years, 15 (48%) 6-10 years and the rest (26%) 11-15 years. The most predominant breed was Spitz (...

Dogs and wild canidae in Iran are highly infected with Toxocaria­sis  This and the poor hygienic conditions ruling in rural regions  let to expect the visceral larva migrans to be an entity of high incidence in this-country. Therefore, Patients Presenting with hepatomegaly, fever, leucocytosis and eosinophilia-specially when originating from villages-have to be surveyed for this syndrome. An ef...

Canine ehrlichiosis has emerged as one of the most clinically important tick-borne diseases affecting dogs. Eighty-five naturally infected dogs have been investigated, the most consistent clinical signs recorded were fever, emaciation and lymphoadenopathy, anemia, monocytosis, thrompocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia, elevation in liver enzymes and total bilirubin were the most remarkable changes asso...