1,721,102 research outputs found
A partridge in danger
No full textThe Italian grey partridge Perdix p. italica is in danger of extinction. It has been overhunted and stocks have been polluted by the importing and release of other subspecies. The author urges that the few small flocks of the pure native bird known to survive should be located and given strict protection. © 1975, Fauna and Flora International. All rights reserved
Temporal relationships, transitions and structure of the behavioural repertoire in male Apennine chamois during the rut
No full textThe reproductive behaviour of adult male Rupicapra pyrenaica ornata was studied in the Abruzzo National Park. Older males grouped and succesesfully defended larger harems, containing a greater number of prime females. Males herded females mainly by the Head Down threat, in both the still and moving postures. The aggressive connotation of the Snort, a usually assumed "alarm' call, is discussed in the harem formation context. The courtship sequences is described. The function of female reactive urination is evaluated in this context. A harem holder did not only have to prevent females from leaving, but he had also to deal with male competitors. -from Author
The Abruzzo chamois
No full textThe chamois in the Appennine Mountains of central Italy are reduced to under 400 animals scattered in a few places in the Abruzzo National Park. Shooting outside the park and the presence of livestock and shepherd dogs make it impossible for the chamois to spread. A field study is now being made and reinrroductions are planned. © 1977, Fauna and Flora International. All rights reserved
The brown bear population of Abruzzo
No full textThe Ursus arctos population of the Abruzzo National Park seems relatively stable, despite occasional fluctuations. An increase of the bear range has occurred recently for a mean distance of 36km beyond the former range. Invading wild boars Sus scrofa from outside areas may compete for food with the bears.-Author
Nature conservation in Italy: proposed National and Regional Parks and other areas deserving protection
No full textThe complex geological history of Italy is responsible for the remarkable number of different landscapes and ecosystems present today. The immigration of animals and plants from neighbouring lands, when natural bridges were available, the survival of warm species along the coast during the Quaternary glaciations, and the relict populations which remained in the Apennines after the withdrawal of the ice, have all contributed to the richness of wildlife. In order to preserve adequately this biotic variety it is necessary to protect a large number of separate areas as National or Regional Parks or as nature reserves. In addition, the existence of important bird migration routes along or across the Italian peninsula and islands makes it necessary to provide safe areas where these birds can rest and feed. In spite of these needs, the State and the Regional Governments are not sufficiently concerned with wildlife and environmental conservation and so far have done very little to improve the protection of nature in Italy. In this paper 56 main areas are discussed which are in urgent need of protection from commercial speculation and the threat of irreparable damage. The authors hope that national and international public opinion will encourage the Italian Government to establish many more protected territories and to provide the resources for realistic management. © 1976
Seasonal habitat selection and group size of the Abruzzo chamois Rupicapra pyrenaica ornata
No full textMixed flocks of chamois females, kids, yearlings and Class 1 males were observed in the Alpine meadows mainly during the warm season. They still attended such areas in winter, as long as grass patches became temporarily available otherwise they moved to the forested lower slopes. In the cold season the chamois attended mainly wind protected, very steep slopes. During the winter, flock size was small, however it increased during the warm months when most chamois moved to open habitats at higher altitudes. Class 3 and 4 males preferred wooded areas all year long, except at rutting time (November). All‐male groups were rare, small and restricted to the summer and autumn, whereas female groups were larger and their sightings were evenly scattered throughout the year. Sightings of solitary males decreased during the rutting season, while sightings of males in mixed groups increased. Class 1 and 2 males, as well as many Class 3 and 4 billies, failed to hold females. Only a few Class 4 and, to a lesser extent, Class 3 males were seen with females. On the whole, environmental (snow depth, food quality and distribution, slope exposition) and behavioural (dominance, herding strategies, etc.) factors contribute in determining habitat selection, group size and structure
Sexual differences in aggressive behaviour of the Apennine chamois, Rupicapra pyrenaica ornata (Neumann, 1899)
No full textThe aggressive behaviour of female and male Apennine chamois has been compared quantitatively. As opposed to what males did, females significantly attacked each other less often; preferred to gore body regions with a low risk of lethal injury, made a greater use of direct forms of aggression; seldom interacted with the opponent before attacking and gored it more often. Front clashing and fighting were very rare in both sexes. Females live in resident kin‐groups, while young males disperse and adults are solitary. To a large extent habitat separation occurs between the sexes. Sexual differences in patterns of aggressive behaviour may be related to the different gregariousness of females and males, probably influenced by resource availability in the habitats they use. Chamois sexes are nearly monomorphic, females bearing slightly less hooked horns than males. This species may have evolved strongly hooked weapons as a first step to advanced wrestling or butting type horns from the ancestral stiletto shape, as goats and sheep, as well as deer, have done. 1990 Blackwell Verlag Gmb
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