We compared the occurrence of the red fox and the stone marten in Warsaw during three periods (1976–1978, 2005–2008, 2015–2021) using snow tracking. GLM models showed that the frequency of occurrence of tracks of these two species on transects increased over time and was explained by habitat type and distance from the city centre. The frequency of fox tracks was higher in more‐natural habitats located far from the city centre, while the stone marten was recorded in a wider range of habitats from the first period and it colonised all habitat types in the subsequent periods. No relationship betw ..read more

Our study utilized commercially available light‐level geolocating dataloggers to quantify the basking behavior of northern map turtles (Graptemys geographica) on the Kalamazoo River, Michigan, USA. We compared weekly differences in time spent aerial basking and light‐level recorded between adult males (2nd and 3rd turtles from the left) and adult females (4th and 5th turtles from the left) by attaching radio transmitters and dataloggers to the rear margin of the carapace of the turtles. You can see the wire of the attached radio transmitter on the 4th turtle from the left. Abstract Daily activ ..read more

Journal of Zoology, Volume 322, Issue 4, Page i-iv, April 2024 ..read more

This study investigated background matching and thermoregulation in western diamond‐backed rattlesnakes (Crotalus atrox) in situ with a full spectrum camera (UV/VIS). Crotalus atrox matched the color, luminance, and pattern of the background better than a randomly selected background, thus enhancing background matching. Additionally, rattlesnake coloration varied independently of temperature indicating that rattlesnakes are behaviorally modifying crypsis regardless of thermoregulation. Abstract Coloration is crucial for ambush mesopredators' survival as they depend on it for camouflage to hunt ..read more

In the Brazilian Pantanal, Pampas Deer exhibits higher concentrations of fecal glucocorticoids during mating, lactation (females), and the hard antler phase (males). These relationships suggest that the reproductive cycle is associated with physiological stress, such as during agonistic and courtship interactions and parental care by females. Non‐invasive monitoring will be useful for detecting changes in physiological stress caused by human disturbance, such as cattle ranching in the Pantanal and similar disturbances elsewhere. Abstract Understanding how fecal glucocorticoid (GC) concentratio ..read more

The unique defence system of Latia neritoides (Gastropoda) involves secretion of a luminescent mucus. More knowledge on this mucus system will be helpful to understand the basic principle of this luminescent biopolymer. The mucus has incredible underwater bonding abilities, opening up new possibilities for adhesives in moist environments. In this study, our main focus is the examination of the general morphology of L. neritoides using state‐of‐the‐art techniques. In addition, we closely investigated the mantle cavity gland cells, potentially involved in L. neritoides' defence system. Moreover ..read more

This study investigated the effects of juvenile situational experiences on adult male Brandt's voles (Lasiopodomysbrandtii) in terms of personality traits, anxiety levels, cognition, and memory, with experiments involving daily exploration of novel objects during the weaning process. The results indicated that voles exposed to these experiences showed enhancements in spatial cognition and memory, along with reduced anxiety levels and higher individual personality scores compared to the control group. These findings underscore the significant role of juvenile situational experiences in shaping ..read more

Otherwise apparently cryptic mammals often have conspicuous patches of colour on distal regions of their body, possibly for signalling. To investigate ideas about communication within sociosexual contexts, we used a comparative dataset for 2726 terrestrial mammals to match the coloration and patterning of distal body areas (head, chest, rump, and tail) to activity cycle, group size, sexual size dimorphism, mating system, and congener overlap at both Class and Order levels. Using phylogenetic controls, we uncovered repeated associations between white colour patches and nocturnality, conspicuous ..read more

We explore whether Oophaga pumilio exhibit sex differences in consistent individual differences in boldness and exploration, and a behavioural syndrome between these behaviours. We found no sex differences in behavioural consistency in boldness and exploration, but we demonstrate that our study population exhibit a bold personality trait that co‐varies with exploration. Abstract There is a burgeoning interest in studying consistent individual differences in animal behaviour. Most studies consider mainly males, but sexes are subject to distinct selection pressures that may drive differences in ..read more

This study assessed the functional connectivity of two sympatric species of subterranean rodents, Ctenomys australis and Ctenomys talarum, examining the impact of landscape changes on their population genetic structure at a fine spatial scale. Ctenomys talarum showed greater structure than C. australis, indicating differences in dispersal capacity and habitat specificity. The results indicated varying sensitivities to landscape changes; temporal landscape variations primarily impacted C. australis' genetic connectivity, whereas for C. talarum, the current landscape configuration was more influ ..read more