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There has always been a taxonomic controversy over the Middle Pleistocene raccoon-dogs, such as those from ZKD (=Zhoukoudian), which have previously been referred to either as Nyctereutes sinensis or N. procyonoides. Here, the specimens from ZKD Loc.1 and 13 have been re-evaluated and a number of diagnostic features have been identified and summarised. It is strongly recommended that they be classified as a new species, Nyctereutes peii, characterised by the robust dentition. The rationale and necessity for the establishment of N. peii has also been addressed from a number of perspectives. In addition, the evolution of the raccoon-dog's foraging habits was outlined here for the first time using the molar ratio method. Surprisingly, the evolution of the foraging habits is not linear and gradual, but rather complex or tortuous. N. peii unexpectedly showed a less omnivorous habit than other populations. After that, however, there was a sudden reversal in the evolutionary trajectory, a major turning point in the evolution of the raccoon-dog that heralded the arrival of the extant population. Although the mechanism and dynamics are not fully understood and will need to be studied, the authors suggest that it may be linked to the dramatic fluctuations in global climate. LSID urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:EF024839-3475-4249-902F-6E68D7A901BC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Fungi and Aves are present in all ecosystems and interact with a variety of organisms. The purpose of this study was to compile and analyze in the literature the mycophagy and association of birds with fungi to evaluate the aspects of interaction habits and habitat in natural and industrial environments. In this study, 64 species of wild birds were found with documented interactions involving fungi. However, only 32 had the consumed or used-for-nesting fungi species fully identified. In these cases, there is a correlation between the birds’ foraging habits and the habitats of fungi. According to the findings of this review study, birds’ foraging habits are closely linked to fungi habitats in relation the interactions between the groups. Also, the poultry industry is increasingly using mushrooms as a nutritional supplement due to their benefits. Despite the limited knowledge about the nutritional benefits of these associations in the wild, results from the industry indicate that the benefits would be similar.

Trophic niche width and individual specialization among marine predators are often subjected to seasonal constraints. Differences are expected to arise for sexually dimorphic species exposed to distinct ecological opportunities, as well as intrinsic differences in physiological abilities or energetic requirements. We assess seasonal and sexual differences in isotopic niche overlap and width and analyze inter-individual foraging variation throughout the year of the South American fur seal (Arctocephalus australis). We obtained chronologically ordered δ13C and δ15N data from vibrissae of 25 males and 24 females from southern Brazil and Uruguay. There were significant differences between sexes for both isotopes with males showing higher values (δ13C = − 14.5 ± 0.5‰; δ15N = 18.9 ± 1.2‰) than females (δ13C = − 15.2 ± 0.5‰; δ15N = 17.8 ± 1.2‰), but not among seasons or years. A very small isotopic niche overlap found between sexes (1.1–9.5%), with limited seasonal variation, likely resulted from differences in prey consumption and foraging habitats. Compared to other seasons, females had a wider isotopic niche in spring. While males showed seasonal stability in the foraging niche, females showed some small variation, which is probably influenced by central place foraging. Both sexes had considerable interindividual variation in estimated dietary composition and had different proportions of potential prey contribution at the population level. These findings enlighten the knowledge of South American fur seal trophic ecology, and how they may seasonally and spatially shift their foraging strategies according to their distinct life histories. It ultimately reflects in a small niche partitioning and possibly low intraspecific competition at the species northernmost area of occurrence in the western South Atlantic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rapid but intense survey was conducted using visual landmarks in the Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary to enumerate the flora and foraging habits of the Blackbuck Antelope cervicapra. The area was divided into various segments such as the sanctuary entrance, Maattu muni kovil, Savukku plot or Casuarina plantation, S-Bend road and the old light house for precise enumeration. A total of 111 plant species that include 50 herbs, 16 climbers/lianas, 30 shrubs and sub-shrubs, and 15 trees belonging to 39 plant families were recorded in this study. Visual observations showed that Blackbucks grazed on grasses such as the Mangrove Grass Aeluropus lagopoides (L.) Thwaites, Dog’s Tooth Grass Cynodon barberi Rang. & Tadul., Indian Durva Grass Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., Feather Finger Grass Chloris virgata Sw., and a sedge, the pointed fimbristylis Fimbristylis acuminata Vahl during the day time. They were also observed browsing on the leaves and pods of Algaroba Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. in the evenings. Our observation on the presence of feral horses and stray cattle in the Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary shows that they compete for food and water with the Blackbuck. The spread of invasive alien plant species competes with and reduces the space for native species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The exotic pestiferous flies Drosophila suzukii ( Matsumura) and Zaprionus indianus Gupta ( Diptera: Drosophilidae) were recently identified in traps used for monitoring tephritid pests of guava, Psidium guajava L. ( Myrtaceae), in Veracruz, Mexico. To determine whether both drosophilids were infesting guava, a previously unreported host, samples were taken from fruits on trees and fallen fruits on the ground. Overall, 74 and 36% of visually intact fruits attached to the tree were infested by D. suzukii and Z. indianus, respectively. Under laboratory conditions, small artificial punctures on the surface of ripe guavas did not result in increased oviposition by D. suzukii compared to undamaged fruit, whereas Z. indianus almost completely avoided oviposition, or were not capable of developing in fruit. Females of D. suzukii were capable of ovipositing in early ripe guavas in laboratory tests (23% of fruits were used for oviposition), although a high penetration force is required to pierce fruit (mean ± SEM = 89.0 ± 3.0 cN). Fully ripe and overripe guavas were softer (52.2-53.5 cN penetration force) and were more frequently infested (ca. 60% infestation). Numbers of females that developed in guavas were not influenced by ripeness/firmness, whereas male development was reduced in early ripe fruit compared to ripe and overripe fruit. In laboratory choice experiments with crushed fruits, D. suzukii adults were equally attracted to guava and blueberry, independent of gender and age. However, raspberry was more attractive than guava. This study demonstrates that D. suzukii is attracted to guava, is capable of ovipositing in fruit and, under field conditions, is more abundant in fruits still attached to the tree compared to fallen fruit that remain intact. In contrast, Z. indianus was not capable of developing in intact guavas and, although present in fruits attached to the tree, was most abundant in fallen damaged fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the feeding behaviour of the non-native invasive predatory fishes largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides and bluegill Lepomis macrochirus was studied in the Ezura River, a northern tributary of Lake Biwa, Japan. Prey composition was estimated based on visual examination of stomach contents and faecal DNA analysis to determine feeding habits of these predatory fishes. Stomach content analysis showed that native fishes ( e.g. ayu Plecoglossus altivelis and gobies Rhinogobius spp.) and shrimps ( e.g. Palaemon paucidens) were the major prey items for M. salmoides, while snails, larval Chironomidae and submerged macrophytes were the dominant prey items of L. macrochirus. Micropterus salmoides tended to select larger fish in the case of crucian carp Carassius spp., but smaller fishes in the case of P. altivelis and Rhinogobius spp. Faecal DNA analyses revealed prey compositions similar to those identified in predator stomach contents, and identified additional prey species not detected in stomach content inspection. This study demonstrated that both stomach content inspection and DNA-based analysis bear several inherent shortcomings and advantages. The former method is straightforward, although identification of species can be inaccurate or impossible, whereas the latter method allows for accurate species identification, but cannot distinguish prey size or stage. Hence, integration of morphology-based and DNA-based methods can provide more reliable estimates of foraging habits of predatory fishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Following behavior is a widespread feeding tactic among marine fishes, but remains poorly documented for freshwater fishes. The present study describes such association between two freshwater species: the minute armored catfish Parotocinclus maculicauda and the South American darter Characidium sp. During underwater observations in an Atlantic Forest stream, we recorded Characidium sp. closely following P. maculicauda (