We analyzed the effect of forest management and wolf (Canis lupus) space-use on diet composition red deer (Cervus elaphus) European bison (Bison bonasus) in Białowieża Primeval Forest (BPF), Poland. The is main prey species for wolf, whereas rarely preyed upon. As both behave as intermediate feeders BPF, we expected a large overlap their composition. perceives risk predation; thus, hypothesized...

The vertebrate extinction rate over the past century is approximately 22-100 times greater than background extinction rates [1], and large mammals are particularly at risk [2, 3]. Quaternary megafaunal extinctions have been attributed to climate change [4], overexploitation [5], or a combination of the two [6]. Rhinoceroses (Family: Rhinocerotidae) have a rich fossil history replete with iconic...

Reintroduction of European bison into the natural environment is one most important conservation measures applied for this species. After creating a free herd bison, spatial monitoring crucial. It allows observation population, as well detection potential threats and needs intervention. In 2016, new was introduced to Żednia District in Knyszyńska Forest. few months spent acclimation enclosure, ...

Specific chewing lice from European bison and some selected species of common European ungulate mammals – cattle, horses, goats, roe deer, red deer, were examined. The faunistic research was on four species of chewing lice, including Bisonicola sedecimdecembrii from European bison (prevalence – 46%, mean intensity – 11 specimens), Bovicola bovis from cattle (29%, 5), Bovicola caprae from goat (...

Complete mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genomes from 43 bison and bison-cattle hybrids were sequenced and compared with other bovids. Selected animals reflect the historical range and current taxonomic structure of bison. This study identified regions of potential nuclear-mitochondrial incompatibilities in hybrids, provided a complete mtDNA phylogenetic tree for this species, and uncovered evidence ...

The American Bison (Bison bison Linnaeus) in the Henry Mountains are one of the last free-roaming, genetically pure herds of bison remaining in North America. Anecdotal evidence indicates that this herd is utilising a cattle winter range during the summer and fall, creating a conflict between the state agency that manages the bison, and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and local ranchers. In...

BACKGROUND Although numerous studies model species distributions, these models are almost exclusively on single species, while studies of evolutionary lineages are preferred as they by definition study closely related species with shared history and ecology. Hermit spiders, genus Nephilengys, represent an ecologically important but relatively species-poor lineage with a globally allopatric dist...

Adaptation to novel conditions beyond current range boundaries requires the presence of suitable sites within dispersal range, but may be impeded when emigrants encounter poor habitat and sharply different selection pressures. We investigated fine-scale spatial heterogeneity in ecological dynamics and selection at a local population boundary of the annual plant Gilia tricolor. In two years, we ...

This study demonstrates the value of legacy literature and historic collections as a source of data on environmental history. Chenopodium vulvaria L. has declined in northern Europe and is of conservation concern in several countries, whereas in other countries outside Europe it has naturalised and is considered an alien weed. In its European range it is considered native in the south, but the ...