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Geology topics

L.D. Mech

Publications and source records attributed to L.D. Mech.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
USGS1990

The influence of social and endocrine factors on urine-marking by captive wolves (Canis lupus)

Although serum hormones varied seasonally in all adult animals, only dominant male and female wolves urine-marked. Serum testosterone and urine-marking rates, which increased during the fall/winter breeding season, were positively correlated in both male and female dominant wolves. Estradiol, which increased in conjunction with proestrus and estrus, was not correlated with female urine-marking. These findings suggest that hormonal influence on urine-marking in the wolf is modulated by social factors and contrast with those for both domestic dogs and coyotes, two other members of the genus Canis.

Hormones and Behavior↗
USGS1989

Polygyny in a wild wolf pack

This is the first recorded case of a single free-ranging male wolf breeding two females. The male settled with one at a den. Both females produced pups, and there is some evidence that the pups survived their first winter despite the male's being killed in summer.

Journal of Mammalogy↗
USGS1989

Stubborn hunter in a harsh land

About 110 wolves in 13 packs inhabit Denali National Park. Pack sizes vary from 2 to 15 in winter, and minimum pack territory sizes range from 250 to 805 square miles.

National Wildlife↗
USGS1988

Detection of parvoviruses in wolf feces by electron microscopy

One hundred fifteen wolf (Canis lupus) feces were collected between 1980 and 1984 from northeastern Minnesota and were examined for canine parvovirus by negative contrast electron microscopy. Of these, seven (6%) samples revealed the presence of parvovirus. Some of these viruses were able to grow in cell cultures forming intranuclear inclusion bodies and giant cells.

Journal of Wildlife Diseases↗
USGS1988

Response of urinary hydroxyproline to dietary protein and fasting in white-tailed deer

The effects of dietary protein, fasting, and refeeding on urinary hydroxyproline of nine captive female white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ) were examined from 23 February to 3 May 1984 in northern Minnesota. In the fasted group, mean hydroxyproline: creatinine (OHP:C) was greater ( P < 0.05) at week 4 compared to baseline at week 0. Between fasted deer and deer fed high protein-high energy (HPHE) and low protein-high energy (LPHE) diets, no difference in OHP:C ratios was detected during the initial 4 wk of the study. Urinary OHP:C ratios were significantly ( P < 0.05) greater in the fasted group during refeeding, concomitant with greater feed consumption and weight gain. There was also a significant ( P < 0.02) time effect in the fasted-refed group; OHP:C ratios increased during these two phases of the study. There was no difference between the HPHE and LPHE fed deer in renal OHP excretion. However, mean OHP:C ratios in yearlings (16.8 ± 2.2) were greater ( P <0.001) than in the adults (7.5 ± 1.2) of those groups, indicating a higher collagen turnover rate. Urinary OHP:C shows potential as an indicator of growth and starvation, and the data presented may serve as reference values.

Journal of Wildlife Diseases↗