Co-existence between Iberian lynx and Egyptian mongooses: estimating interaction strength by structural equation modelling and testing by an observational study.

We used path analysis to investigate the causal relationships between Iberian lynx and Egyptian mongoose track numbers, and to estimate the direct effect of the former on the latter in the Doñana area (2750 km(2) ), south-western Spain. Relative abundance of rabbits, shrub cover and protection level were also considered in the path analysis. An observational study consisting of a repeated track survey with a split-plot design was also carried out between 1990 and 1996 to independently test the results obtained by path analysis. Maximum likelihood ratio tests of the goodness-of-fit of the model to the data and other indices used all indicated that the proposed theoretical model depicting the relationships among variables was adequate. Egyptian mongooses suffered a significant direct negative effect from lynx, and rabbits and protection level positively, and significantly affected lynx track abundance; rabbits were also significantly affected by shrub cover (all these standardized partial correlation coefficients ranged from 0.34 to 0.41). Shrub cover did not directly affect either lynx or mongoose tracks. Relatively important indirect effects were found between shrubs and lynx (0.12), and between rabbits and mongooses (-0.14), and protection and mongooses (-0.17). The two latter non-intuitive indirect effects were through the lynx path, as a consequence of the negative direct influence of lynx on mongooses. The repeated track censuses confirmed that lynx presence significantly affects number of mongoose tracks. In areas without lynx, mean number of mongoose tracks were 3.6 times higher than in areas with lynx. It remains an interesting question which of several proposed hypotheses explains co-existence of both species in south-western Spain.

Immobilization of free-ranging red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) with tiletamine hydrochloride and zolazepam hydrochloride.

We evaluated Zoletil on free-ranging red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Spain. Twenty-two pup and 49 adult wild-caught red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) were immobilized with a combination of tiletamine hydrochloride and zolazepam hydrochloride in a 1:1 proportion (Zoletil). Mean (+/- SE) Zoletil doses were 10.57 (+/- 0.41) mg/kg (range = 7.58-15.39 mg/kg, n = 22) for pups and 10.51 (+/- 0.33) mg/kg (range = 5.88-16.67 mg/kg, n = 45) for adults. Mean induction and first recovery times for pups were 2.3 (+/- 0.2) minutes (range = 1 to 5 minutes) and 35.5 (+/- 3.28) minutes (range = 18 to 78 minutes), respectively. Mean induction and first recovery times for adults were 3.7 (+/- 0.21) minutes (range = 2 to 8 minutes) and 35.4 (+/- 2.22) minutes (range = 13 to 90 minutes), respectively. We recommend Zoletil doses of 10 mg/kg for red foxes. For wild adult red foxes of unknown weight, an initial dose of 60 to 70 mg Zoletil should be administered. This dose should allow about 40 minutes of handling time.

Xylazine hydrochloride-ketamine hydrochloride immobilization of free-living red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Spain.

A combination of xylazine hydrochloride-ketamine hydrochloride was used to immobilize 83 wild red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) (15 pups and 68 adults) at Doñana National Park (Spain). Mean ketamine hydrochloride doses were 17.1 mg/kg (SE = 1.53) and 12.3 mg/kg (SE = 0.4) for pups and adults, respectively, and mean xylazine hydrochloride doses for the same groups were 6.2 mg/kg (SE = 0.63) and 4.7 mg/kg (SE = 0.14), respectively. Mean induction times and first reaction times were 1.6 minutes and 22.5 minutes for pups and 3.8 minutes and 39.4 minutes for adults, respectively. Recommended doses for wild adult foxes of unknown weight are 75 mg of ketamine hydrochloride and 20 mg of xylazine hydrochloride.

[Presence of Triatoma infestans in relation to various cultural patterns in a rural population of the Province of San Juan, Argentina]. / Presencia de Triatoma infestans en relación con algunas características culturales de una población rural de la Provincia de San Juan, Argentina.

This paper reports results from a punctual epidemiological survey performed in San Juan, at Bermejo, a rural village located 100 km east from the provincial capital, in December 1987. The village had been rebuilt after almost complete destruction by an earthquake, in 1977. According to a census performed by local Primary Health Care Agents, there were 82 households, where 72 (88%) of them were inhabited, with a total human population of 198 people. Forty-eight from those inhabited dwellings (67%) were visited, and a general questionnaire was completed. Information gathered included, sex, age, working activity, number of people and domestic animals at the house, construction patterns of houses and outdoor premises, resting habits of animals, specially dogs, domestic use of insecticides and migration patterns of inhabitants. A timed collection of triatomines (man-hour method) was undertaken in 17 out of 48 of the visited households. Sampled triatomines were kept and classified by collection site, instar, and sex at the field. Species identification, microscopical examination of fecal contents to detect trypanosomes and blood-meals identification, were performed at the laboratory. Sixty-nine per cent (33/48) of the dwellings were "ranchos" with mud-brick ("adobe") and cane walls, roofs made of cane and mud dirt floors. The remainder were as follows: 11 (23%), partially improved houses and 4 (8%) had brick walls and were tiled or had zinc roofs. Data of migration patterns of local population were obtained in 31 (65%) out of 48 households. Seasonal movements within San Juan Province, mainly related to vintage were reported in 20/31 (65%) families.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)