Phylogeography and genetic ancestry of tigers (Panthera tigris).

Eight traditional subspecies of tiger (Panthera tigris),of which three recently became extinct, are commonly recognized on the basis of geographic isolation and morphological characteristics. To investigate the species' evolutionary history and to establish objective methods for subspecies recognition, voucher specimens of blood, skin, hair, and/or skin biopsies from 134 tigers with verified geographic origins or heritage across the whole distribution range were examined for three molecular markers: (1) 4.0 kb of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence; (2) allele variation in the nuclear major histocompatibility complex class II DRB gene; and (3) composite nuclear microsatellite genotypes based on 30 loci.

Reactions to fear as a proximate factor in the sociospatial organization of baboon progressions.

The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that fearfulness is a key proximate factor determining the nonrandom order repeatedly reported for baboon troops progressing from one location to another. According to this hypothesis, the most vulnerable troop members, the walking immatures, are expected in most circumstances to be cautious and to keep others between themselves and potential danger. The more confident adults, especially large powerful males, should tend toward the front and rear of progressing troops.

Human predation and Kloss's gibbon (Hylobates klossii) sleeping trees in Siberut Island, Indonesia.

Kloss's gibbons (Hylobates klossii) and Mentawai langurs (Presbytis potenziani) on Siberut Island, Indonesia, both sleep in emergent trees 34-55m tall, situated on crests and upper slopes of hills. They differ in that 91% of gibbon sleeping trees examined were free of lianas, whereas 89% of langur sleeping trees were draped with thick, woody lianas hanging from the branches to the ground. Because indigenous hunters climb lianas to shoot primates in treetops, gibbons are less susceptible than langurs to nocturnal human predation.

Interspecific spacing between gibbons (Hylobates klossii) and langurs (Presbytis potenziani) on Siberut Island, Indonesia.

Spatial arrangement and social interactions of two sympatric and ecologically similar primate species, Hylobates klossii and Presbytis potenzianai, are described from field observations made between July 1972 and October 1974 on Siberut Island, Indonesia. Gibbon territories and langur home ranges overlap extensively. Because gibbons have the ability to supplant langurs at shared food sources, langurs are at a competitive disadvantage.

Solitary male chacma baboons in a desert canyon.

Solitary and paired adult (nine) and subadult (one) male chacma baboons, Papio ursinus, were observed over a period of years living in part of a wooded desert canyon not used by adjacent troops. These extratroop males were silent when alone and gave only one alarm vocalization, the "wa-hoo" call, when paired. The space occupied by them is unsuitable for use by troops according to criteria for adequate sleeping sites and access to water.