Abstract: Mixed breedings of African Spoonbill (Platalea alba) at Valle Mandriole (RA, Italy) An African Spoonbill has been present at Valle Mandriole at least since 2004. As Valle Mandriole hosts the largest Italian breeding colony of Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia, with over 100 pairs, it is no surprise that some hybrids (African Spoonbill x Eurasian Spoonbill) were found (and ringed). A little more surprising is that hybrid chicks African Spoonbill x Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus) were observed, one in 2007 and two in 2008. These birds were ringed, and whoever may spot them, should report them to ISPRA (as for all other ringed birds).
Abstract: The action of intra- and interspecific competition, mediated by density-dependent effects on growth, was investigated among the 3 helminth species found in the alimentary tract of 104 cormorants, Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis. Intraspecific density-dependent effects on worm sizes were observed in the abundant nematode Contracaecum rudolphii, as shown by a negative correlation between mean worm size and intensity of infection. Higher intensities of infection by C. rudolphii were also associated with more variable worm sizes in the nematode Syncuaria squamata, suggesting a one-sided and density-dependent interspecific effect. There was also clear evidence of some form of negative interaction between the nematode S. squamata and the acanthocephalan Southwellina hispida from two fronts. First, there was a strong negative correlation between the intensities of infection of the 2 species across hosts. Second, sizes of worms of 1 species became more variable as the number of worms of the other species per host increased, and vice versa. This interspecific density-dependent effect on growth was thus apparently symmetrical. We also found evidence that worm size is a predictor of egg output in the 3 helminth species, indicating that intra- and interspecific density-dependent effects on growth can affect population dynamics in these worms. These results illustrate the complex nature of density dependence in helminth growth, and how its effects can act both within and among species.
Abstract: The action of intra- and interspecific competition, mediated by density-dependent effects on growth, was investigated among the 3 helminth species found in the alimentary tract of 104 cormorants, Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis. Intraspecific density-dependent effects on worm sizes were observed in the abundant nematode Contracaecum rudolphii, as shown by a negative correlation between mean worm size and intensity of infection. Higher intensities of infection by C. rudolphii were also associated with more variable worm sizes in the nematode Syncuaria squamata, suggesting a one-sided and density-dependent interspecific effect. There was also clear evidence of some form of negative interaction between the nematode S. squamata and the acanthocephalan Southwellina hispida from two fronts. First, there was a strong negative correlation between the intensities of infection of the 2 species across hosts. Second, sizes of worms of 1 species became more variable as the number of worms of the other species per host increased, and vice versa. This interspecific density- dependent effect on growth was thus apparently symmetrical. We also found evidence that worm size is a predictor of egg output in the 3 helminth species, indicating that intra- and interspecific density-dependent effects on growth can affect population dynamics in these worms. These results illustrate the complex nature of density dependence in helminth growth, and how its effects can act both within and among species.
Abstract: In questo lavoro vengono presentate le attività ed i risultati del piano sperimentale per la riduzione della predazione operata dal Cormorano nelle valli da pesca del Delta del Po veneto. Tra novembre 1999 e marzo 2000 sono stati compiuti lâallontanamento dei cormorani dai dormitori localizzati nellâarea di intervento, la dissuasione della predazione nelle valli da pesca mediante mezzi incruenti e lâabbattimento di un numero limitato di individui, la raccolta di dati per la valutazione dei risultati ottenuti. Vengono inoltre discussi gli effetti diretti (distribuzione e numero di cormorani, predazione) e indiretti (rapporti tra amministrazione e vallicoltori) delle attività svolte. Infine, vengono proposti alcuni affinamenti per la continuazione del piano.
Abstract: Regular censuscs of the cormorant population have bcen carried out in the Po Delta during the wintcrs of 1988/89 and 1989/90. The local distribution of [ora- ging areas, and flight directions of flocks le- aving and reaching the roost have been recordcd. Some 400-3700 birds are present in the Po Delta in winter. The main factors affecting distribution among the fceding areas and the use of them are discussed.
Abstract: The occurrence of a congenital malformation in the Pygmy Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pygmeus) is reported. In 1995, a cross-billed chick was observed in the natural reserve of Punte Alberete (southern Po Delta, northern Italy) where a small colony of Pygmy Cormorant became established in 1994.
Abstract: Le collezioni ornitoloqiche del Museo Civico di Storia Naturale di Ferrara sono co- stituite da una Collezione Storica iappresentata da 542 esemplati comprendente 23 oÃini,99 famiglie e 353 specie; e dalla Collezione Landi di recente acquisizione, cantterizzata da 251 esemplari di 15 ordini, 42 Ã.amiglie e 140 specie. Viene evidenziato il valore didattico e storico- scientifico delle collezioni analizzandonela rappresentativita tassonomica e zoogeografica.
