Similar Datasets
Project description:The Oriental Skylark (Alauda gulgula) is a small songbird in the Alaudidae. Here we assembled the complete mitochondrial genome of Alauda gulgula which is 17,055 bp in length and consisting of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNA, 22 transfer RNA, and 2 extensive heteroplasmic control regions. The overall A + T content of the mitogenome is 52.3%The maximum-likelihood (ML) tree based on the complete mitochondrial genome of A. gulgula revealed the close genetic relationship between A. gulgula and A. arvensis, but separate from A. cheleensis.
| S-EPMC8043529 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Estimating and understanding variation in survival rates is crucial for the management of threatened species, especially those with limited population sizes and/or restricted ranges. Using a capture-resighting dataset covering 2004-2017, we estimate adult survival in the Raso lark Alauda razae, a Critically Endangered single-island Cape Verdean endemic, whose population varied 25-fold during the study. Average annual adult survival was similar for males (0.813 ± 0.011) and females (0.826 ± 0.011) over the period. These values are high for a temperate passerine but not unusual for an insular tropical species like the lark. The oldest bird was recorded 13 years after first ringing. There was strong evidence that survival varied among years (between 0.57 and 0.95), being generally higher in wetter years. Survival, especially of males, was lower when the population was large, but only in drier years. Survival declined with age but there was no evidence that this decline was other than linear. High survival, even in the face of dry conditions, at least when the population is depressed, has probably contributed to the persistence of the species on its 7 km2 island home over several centuries.
| S-EPMC6925214 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Agent-based simulation models provide a viable approach for developing applied models of species and systems for predictive management. However, there has been some reluctance to use these models for policy applications due to complexity and the need for improved testing and communication of the models. We present the development and testing of a comprehensive model for Skylark (Alauda arvensis) in Danish agricultural landscapes. The model is part of the ALMaSS system, which considers not only individual skylarks, but also the detailed dynamic environment from which they obtain the information necessary to simulate their behaviour. Population responses emerge from individuals interacting with each other and the environment. Model development and testing was carried out using pattern-oriented modelling. The testing procedure was based on the model's ability to represent detailed real world patterns of distribution and density, reproductive performance and seasonal changes in territory numbers. Data to support this was collected over a 13-year period and comprised detailed field observations of breeding birds and intensive surveys. The model was able to recreate the real world data patterns accurately; it was also able to simultaneously fit a number of other secondary system properties which were not formally a part of the testing procedure. The correspondence of model output to real world data and sensitivity analysis are presented and discussed, and the model's description is provided in ODdox format (a formal description inter-linked to the program code). Detailed and stringent tests for model performance were carried out, and standardised model description and open access to the source code were provided to open development of the skylark model to others. Over and above documenting the utility of the model, this open process is essential to engender the user trust and ensure continued development of these comprehensive systems for applied purposes.
| S-EPMC3675089 | biostudies-literature