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The Journal of Zoology is where different fields of zoology meet and combine.
Our research papers are original and of broad interest. Our Editors seek studies that are hypothesis-driven and interdisciplinary in nature. We cover animal behaviour, ecology, physiology, anatomy, biology, evolution, systematics, and genomics. We also welcome reviews and perspectives on current topics. We are proud to be an official journal of the Zoological Society of London.
Articles
Temporal relationships between the red fox and the European badger in a Mediterranean protected area
-  6 November 2024
Graphical Abstract
We assessed spatiotemporal partitioning between the red fox and the European badger in a Mediterranean protected area using intensive camera trapping. Both species displayed nocturnal temporal activity patterns with peaks at dawn and dusk. A significant temporal overlap (Δ > 0.78) was observed, with no evidence of interspecific spatiotemporal avoidance. Temporal partitioning at a finer scale during the night may facilitate coexistence between these carnivore species.
Influence of captive breeding environment on the locomotor performance and metabolism of the threatened Alcatraz Snouted Treefrog, Ololygon alcatraz
-  5 November 2024
Graphical Abstract
Ex situ conservation complements in situ efforts and involves maintaining and breeding endangered species in captivity for future reintroduction into their natural habitats. However, prolonged captivity can negatively impact the abilities of these organisms over generations. This study investigates how captivity affects locomotor performance, morphology, and metabolism in threatened treefrogs (Ololygon alcatraz). Results show that wild adult frogs have larger limbs, greater jumping abilities, and a more glycolytic metabolism compared to captive-bred adults, who exhibit smaller limbs and enhanced aerobic enzyme activity. These differences, likely due to phenotypic plasticity, are not observed in juveniles. The findings highlight the need for improved management strategies for captive O. alcatraz to enhance their chances of successful reintroduction and strengthen ex situ conservation efforts.
Exploring the protective role of jelly capsules in jelly‐nest tree frog eggs based on proteomic and peptidomic studies
-  5 November 2024
Graphical Abstract
The jelly-nest tree frog (Feihyla palpebralis) has evolved a unique reproductive strategy with terrestrial eggs protected by a gelatinous envelope. Proteomic and peptidomic investigations unveiled a diverse array of 83 proteins and 1642 peptides, exhibiting critical functions such as predator deterrence, anti-inflammatory responses, antioxidant protection, and proteinase inhibition. These findings enhance our understanding of the protective mechanisms essential for the development of their embryos in terrestrial environment.
Cascading effects driven by population recovery of sika deer on habitat use of sympatric mammals under heavy snow conditions
-  5 November 2024
Graphical Abstract
This study focused on direct/indirect ecological impacts of sika deer (Cervus nippon), one of the most influential ecosystem engineers. Although the destructive disturbances on local flora caused by overpopulations of deer have been easier to observe, here we aimed to identify bottom-up cascading effects driven by sika deer during midwinter on four sympatric mammals (Japanese serow Capricornis crispus, Japanese hare Lepus brachyurus angustidens, red fox Vulpes vulpes, and Japanese marten Martes melampu), highlighting the important role of large herbivores in trophic rewilding.
Variation in white‐tailed and mule deer dental metrics is associated with precipitation gradients in the Americas
-  27 October 2024
Graphical Abstract
This project characterizes molar hypsodonty indices and mesowear scores of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) populations across North and Central America, investigating if and how molar wear and morphology vary over the deer's large and ecologically variable geographic distribution. While mesowear scores generally do not strongly track environmental signals within and between Odocoileus species, hypsodonty indices reveal a strong correlation between crown height and aridity, which likely represents an adaptive response to abrasive diets in areas with low precipitation.
Mammal coloration as a social signal—the debate is still open: a comment on Howell and Caro (2024)
-  97-100
-  18 October 2024
Further thoughts on comparative analyses of coloration
-  101-102
-  18 October 2024
We prefer nighttime, they prefer daytime: Biological rhythm variability in cave‐dwelling whip spiders (Amblypygi: Charontidae) in the Neotropics
-  13 October 2024
Rivers and spatial distance are drivers of genetic diversity in the south American dwarf caiman (Paleosuchus palpebrosus)
-  11 October 2024
Graphical Abstract
Paleosuchus palpebrosus is one of the smallest crocodilians in the world and has a wide geographic distribution in South America, occurring in different habitat conditions. Here we investigate how elements of landscape heterogeneity impact genetic differentiation and evaluate the evolutionary and phylogeographic history of the species. Photo credit: Leandro Alves.
Effects of geographical location and size on the functional properties of harvest mouse Micromys minutus nests in Great Britain
-  10 October 2024
Graphical Abstract
This study investigated the effect of geographical location on the size, thermal and rainproofing characteristics of harvest mouse nests collected in Great Britain. Mass but not geographical location affected insulatory values. Rainproofing was affected by longitude, with larger nests from the west perhaps being better able to cope with heavy rain.
More and bigger lizards reside on islands with more resources
- Journal of Zoology
-  163-174
-  12 November 2022
Graphical Abstract
We evaluated measures of resource availability (island area and seabird density), intraspecific competition (lizard abundance) and predation risk (presence of rats, carnivorous mammals, vipers, and birds of prey) as possible factors affecting lizard body size. Lizard body size increased with island size overall, as well as with seabird colony density, suggesting a role for increased food resources and especially seabird subsidies in the evolution of body size. Overall, our results suggest that local resource levels predict population density and body size in these lizards, and that nesting seabirds in particular can substantially affect lizard body size.
Grip it good: in vivo grip force across substrate diameters in the brown-throated three-toed sloth (Bradypus variegatus)
- Journal of Zoology
-  254-263
-  19 December 2022
Graphical Abstract
Sloths are among the most specialized suspensory species. While sloths generally show a reduction in skeletal muscle mass, the digital flexor musculature (i.e., the muscles associated with grip strength) remains relatively large. In this study, we demonstrate the brown-throated three-toed sloth (Bradypus variegatus) have remarkably high grip forces exceeding 100% bodyweight.
Costs and benefits of solitary living in mammals
- Journal of Zoology
-  9-18
-  3 January 2024
Graphical Abstract
Seven main factors that influence the social organization of a species. + indicates which condition favours solitary living, − which favours group living. Combined, these factors influence whether solitary or group living leads to a net benefit for females. In mammals, social organization is mainly determined by how females distribute themselves, while males follow female social organization, being solitary living when females are solitary, joining groups when females form groups.
Demographic plasticity in an invasive species: The effects of time since invasion and population management history on beavers in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
- Journal of Zoology
-  175-187
-  10 November 2022
Graphical Abstract
The North American beaver (Castor canadensis) has been an invasive species in the Tierra del Fuego archipelago since its intentional introduction and release in 1946. In this study we demonstrate that invasive beavers exhibited demographic plasticity in relation to time since invasion (increasing survivorship, generation time, life expectancy, and cohort life expectancy consistent with populations close to carrying capacity in areas with low or null management). They also exhibited plasticity in response to management histories (advanced breeding onset and reduced survivorship and life expectancy in managed areas—similar to managed populations in their native range).
Allometry of the pectoral flight muscles in birds: Flight style is related to variability in the mass of the supracoracoideus muscle
- Journal of Zoology
-  264-273
-  6 January 2023
Graphical Abstract
Allometry of the pectoralis and supracoracoideus flight muscles with body mass was explored in birds. Pectoralis muscle exhibited isometry but the supracoracoideus exhibited significant negative allometry. Both muscles were significantly affected by order. Flight style in birds reflects differing proportions of the flight muscles.
Inability of yellow‐bellied toad to accelerate metamorphosis in desiccation conditions
- Journal of Zoology
-  96-107
-  16 February 2023
Graphical Abstract
We studied the responses of yellow-bellied toads (Bombina variegata) to different water levels (constant high, decreasing water level, and constant low water level) in the laboratory using individuals collected from natural ponds. We found that B. variegata cannot accelerate their developmental rate in response to pond drying. The metamorphs from decreasing and constant low water levels had similar size, mass, growth rate and body condition indices at metamorphosis, and all these traits were lower than in the constant high water level treatment. These changes in life-history traits at metamorphosis did not affect tail shape although they had carry-over effects on life-history and morphological traits after metamorphosis. Post-metamorphic individuals reared in desiccation treatments had similar but smaller lengths of femur and tibiofibula, but these changes did not have negative consequences on jumping performances.
Exceptional features of the embryonic ontogeny of a direct‐developing Robber frog
- Journal of Zoology
-  120-130
-  13 March 2023
Graphical Abstract
We report morphological aspects of the embryonic ontogeny in the Confused Robber frog Oreobates berdemenos, which stand out from what is known in other related direct-developing frogs. For instance, the tail fins in terraranan embryos are well-developed and vascularized, and likely compensate the reduction or absence of gills. In O. berdemenos, tail development is also polymorphic, with some tail fins enveloping the embryo completely and some only its posterior half. Our preliminary experiments suggest that fin expansion could respond to individual conditions of humidity and/or oxygenation of eggs within the clutch: a fully enveloping tail would provide a larger and more efficient surface for gas exchange under dry conditions. Further unusual features in this species are a complete operculum concealing part of the forelimb development, and putative hatching gland cells present at hatching. These features, not described to date in terraranan frogs, represent embryonic/larval aspects retained from ancestral biphasic ontogenies.
Morphological shifts in response to spatial sorting of dispersal behaviour in red flour beetles across multiple generations
- Journal of Zoology
-  131-142
-  31 March 2023
Graphical Abstract
Dispersal is a process that can lead to rapid changes in traits at range edges. We investigated the responses of dispersal and morphological traits to simulated spatial sorting into disperser and non-disperser red flour beetles in laboratory dispersal systems over seven generations. We found sex-specific effects of spatial sorting on dispersal, where males diverged rapidly and more strongly than females, and dispersers of both sexes became smaller and narrower, likely due to the biomechanics of climbing that was favoured during dispersal.
Behavioural responses to temporal variations of human presence: Insights from an urban adapter
- Journal of Zoology
-  215-224
-  23 August 2023
Graphical Abstract
To investigate animals' plastic responses to temporal variations of disturbance, we modelled the behaviour-specific resource selection of 15 wild boars GPS-tracked between 2017 and 2019 in a tourist area in Italy characterized by high seasonal variability of human presence. By means of activity sensor data, we differentiated between two behavioural states with different ecological needs: resting (safe shelter) and activity (food intake). We investigated the variability of selection/avoidance of infrastructures and beaches, across seasons and behavioural states, expecting resource selection patterns to follow the seasonal touristic flow. As expected, the selection for infrastructure and avoidance of beaches peaked in summer (maximum human presence) and was negligible in winter (least human presence), showing that a variable human presence elicits intra-individual plastic responses in animal populations. Our results suggest the behavioural flexibility of wild boars as a key factor enabling them to rapidly colonize human-dominated environments.
Spotted hyaena population density across habitat and land use types in southern Tanzania
- Journal of Zoology
-  89-100
-  19 October 2023
Graphical Abstract
This study uses spatially explicit capture-recapture (SECR) modelling of camera trap data from the Ruaha-Rungwa landscape to present the first spatially explicit population density estimates for spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta) from Tanzania. Spotted hyaena population densities varied from 3.55 ± 0.72 to 10.80 ± 1.08 adults and sub-adults per 100 km2 and were generally positively correlated with densities of lion and leopard. Our study provides some of the first insights into an under-studied species in an under-researched part of its range and suggests that spotted hyaena may be less resilient to human pressures than widely thought. Photo credit: Charlotte Searle.
Variation in white‐tailed and mule deer dental metrics is associated with precipitation gradients in the Americas
- Journal of Zoology
-  27 October 2024
Graphical Abstract
This project characterizes molar hypsodonty indices and mesowear scores of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) populations across North and Central America, investigating if and how molar wear and morphology vary over the deer's large and ecologically variable geographic distribution. While mesowear scores generally do not strongly track environmental signals within and between Odocoileus species, hypsodonty indices reveal a strong correlation between crown height and aridity, which likely represents an adaptive response to abrasive diets in areas with low precipitation.
Further thoughts on comparative analyses of coloration
- Journal of Zoology
-  101-102
-  18 October 2024
Effects of geographical location and size on the functional properties of harvest mouse Micromys minutus nests in Great Britain
- Journal of Zoology
-  10 October 2024
Graphical Abstract
This study investigated the effect of geographical location on the size, thermal and rainproofing characteristics of harvest mouse nests collected in Great Britain. Mass but not geographical location affected insulatory values. Rainproofing was affected by longitude, with larger nests from the west perhaps being better able to cope with heavy rain.
Beaver dams in Mediterranean ecosystems: trait‐specific effects on macroinvertebrates
- Journal of Zoology
-  8 October 2024
Graphical Abstract
Being ecosystem engineers, beavers have attracted great attention in the restoration of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Nonetheless, the effects of the species on aquatic invertebrates known to date are not univocal and mostly refer to central European riverine systems. Here, we evaluated the effects of beaver presence on aquatic macroinvertebrates for the first time in a Mediterranean riverine ecosystem, by applying a sound control-impact sampling design and controlling for seasonal variation in macroinvertebrate assemblage composition. Our results indicate that beavers and their engineering activity may induce highly variable species-specific responses in macroinvertebrates, thus possibly representing a driver of environmental heterogeneity along Mediterranean rivers.
Night life: Positional behaviors and activity patterns of the Neotropical kinkajou, Potos flavus (Carnivora, Procyonidae)
- Journal of Zoology
-  30 September 2024
Graphical Abstract
Understanding positional behaviors (i.e., locomotor and postural behaviors), as well as daily activity patterns, is relevant for elucidating the fundamental ecology and eco-evolutionary dynamics of animals, particularly arboreal species. In this paper, we utilized camera trap data to underscore the diverse range of primate- and cat-like positional behaviors, coupled with the general daily activity patterns exhibited during the nocturnal periods of the Neotropical kinkajou.
Assessing the phenology and reproductive output of loggerhead turtles in relation to climatic variables at Patara Beach, Türkiye
- Journal of Zoology
-  30 September 2024
Graphical Abstract
Loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta), being ectothermic organisms, could be especially susceptible to climate change effects. This study investigated the reproductive phenology and outputs of loggerhead turtles and their relationships with climatic variables over a 5-year period (2019–2023) at Patara Beach, Türkiye. The findings from this study indicate that atmospheric temperature significantly affected incubation period, hatching success rate, the number of dead embryos and the number of empty eggshells. Additionally, relative humidity had a significant impact on the incubation period and the number of empty eggshells. In this context, rising temperatures led to drier nest conditions, decreased incubation periods and increased nest temperatures, resulting in higher proportions of female offspring. More studies are needed at both the Mediterranean and global scales to better understand these effects.
Feeding mode drives mandibular shape in extant Delphinidae
- Journal of Zoology
-  15 September 2024
Graphical Abstract
Delphinidae exhibit fascinating morphological adaptations linked to their feeding strategy, biosonar mode and habitat. This study integrates phylogenetic and 2D geometric morphometric analyses to investigate the adaptive significance of mandible morphological variation in response to ecological pressures in Delphinidae. Our results show: (i) that feeding mode drives the mandible shape and highlights the importance of the precoronoid crest with feeding mechanisms; (ii) while the cranium dictates the mean and minimum prey size available, the mandible acts on the maximum prey size; (iii) biosonar mode drives mandibular occlusal shape, confirming the dual role of the mandible: feeding and hearing; (iv) distantly related species adapted their mandible shape primarily to an Artic and cold climate (brevirostrines) and successively to a warm, temperate and tropical environment (longirostrines).
Evaluating effects of natural and anthropogenic factors on American black bear occupancy in northern Georgia, USA
- Journal of Zoology
-  15 September 2024
Graphical Abstract
We evaluated the effects of environmental factors and anthropogenic activity on habitat use of black bears (Ursus americanus) within a wildlife management area open to public recreation in Georgia, USA. The spatial distribution of food resources likely contributed to the observed black bear occupancy pattern related to elevation and distance to water, while human disturbance in the study area also influenced black bear occupancy. Our results suggest that in a landscape open to public recreation, black bear occupancy was driven by a combination of environmental and anthropogenic factors.
Co‐occurrence in snake and lizard sister species is unrelated to major ecomorphological traits
- Journal of Zoology
-  15 September 2024
Graphical Abstract
Understanding how so many kinds of species coexist in a limited world has puzzled ecologists for more than a century. Our study examined this by looking at squamate sister species. We examined whether co-occurring sisters have dissimilar niches to reduce competition or similar niches due to habitat constraints. Our findings reveal a complex picture, with no consistent support for either theory, prompting us to revisit the concepts of niche-based species coexistence.
Multimodal courtship communication in a wolf spider
- Journal of Zoology
-  30 August 2024
Graphical Abstract
Many animals communicate using multiple sensory modes (e.g., vibratory, visual, chemical), and there is current interest in the role of multimodal signals in mate choice. We tested the hypotheses that male Gladicosa bellamyi wolf spiders (Lycosidae) court females using multimodal signals, and that these signals were related to male mating success. We characterized the vibratory and visual courtship signals of male G. bellamyi. Males courted females with a vibratory signal made of pulses of stridulation and abdominal percussion, along with two visual displays, a foreleg extension/tap and squared leg arch. Female G. bellamyi show visual receptivity displays comparable to some other lycosid species females. We found a strong correlation between vibratory signals and visual foreleg displays of males, suggesting a multimodal signal.