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Atomic nuclei contain a number of protons and neutrons. Most heavy nuclei contain more neutrons than protons in order to remain stable. The nuclear proton distribution can be measured via elastic scattering of charged particles, but the neutron distribution remains poorly constrained. Nuclear structure theory also predicts a "neutron skin" ΔRnp where the mean radii of neutrons in the nucleus exceeds that of protons. Two experiments were run in 2019 and 2020 to measure the neutron skin in two different nuclei. The first experiment, PREX-II, was designed to measure the neutron skin in 208Pb, while the second experiment, CREX, was designed to measure the neutron skin in 48Ca. Both experiments employed the parity-violating electron scattering (PVES) technique in which longitudinally spin-polarized electrons are scattered off an unpolarized target. The parity-violating asymmetry Apv is then measured which is the normalized difference of scattering cross section from electrons in alternating positive and negative helicity states. PREX-II performed this experiment with 950 MeV electrons scattered at a 5° angle with Q^2=0.00616 +/- 0.00004 (GeV/c)^2, while CREX used 2182 MeV electrons at the same angle with Q^2=0.0297 +/- 0.0002 (GeV/c)^2. One of the potentially largest sources of systematic uncertainty for both experiments arises from the measurement precision of the beam polarization Pe. To accurately measure Pe a Compton scattering polarimeter was used. The electron beam for the main experiment was passed through a resonant laser optical cavity. The Compton backscattered photons then entered the photon detector where their asymmetry was measured yielding Pe. The Compton polarimetry data from PREX-II lacked the statistical precision necessary to make a final polarimetry measurement. However, for CREX the Compton polarimetry measurement was Pe=(87.115 +/- 0.453)% with negligible contribution from statistical uncertainty. The measurement of Pe was then incorporated into both experiments' calculation of Apv. Additionally, both experiments used a dynamic beam correction system to correct for any sources of false asymmetry. For PREX-II the asymmetry was Apv=550 +/- 16 (stat) +/- (syst) ppb, which corresponds to ΔRnp(208)=0.278 +/- 0.078 (exp.) +/- 0.012 (theo.) fm. The CREX asymmetry was Apv=2658.6 +/- 106.1 (stat) +/- 39.3 (syst) ppb, although the analysis for ΔRnp(48) is not yet complete. The results of these two experiments will have significant implications for the theory of nuclear structure, and even for the nuclear equation of state which governs neutron stars.

Crex crex (Linnaeus, 1758) LITERATURE. — Borrow & Demey (2001). STATUS. — Excluded. REMARK. — No confirmed records., Published as part of Boano, Giovanni, Belemsobgo, Urbain, Silvano, Fabrizio, Hema, Emmanuel M., Belemsobgo, Aristide, Dimobe, Kangbéni & Pavia, Marco, 2022, An annotated checklist of the birds of Burkina Faso, pp. 27-107 in Zoosystema 44 (2) on page 41, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2022v44a2, http://zenodo.org/record/5999691, {"references":["BORROW N. & DEMEY R. 2001. - Birds of Western Africa. Christopher Helm, London, 832 p."]}

Crex egregia (W. K. H. Peters, 1854) LITERATURE. — Dowsett (1993); Borrow & Demey (2001, 2014); Portier (2002c); Balanca et al. (2007); Sinclair & Ryan (2010); Dowsett et al. (2013). MUSEUM MATERIAL. — USNM 533778. STATUS. — Resident., Published as part of Boano, Giovanni, Belemsobgo, Urbain, Silvano, Fabrizio, Hema, Emmanuel M., Belemsobgo, Aristide, Dimobe, Kangbéni & Pavia, Marco, 2022, An annotated checklist of the birds of Burkina Faso, pp. 27-107 in Zoosystema 44 (2) on page 41, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2022v44a2, http://zenodo.org/record/5999691, {"references":["DOWSETT R. J. 1993. - Afrotropical avifaunas: annotated country checklists, in DOWSETT R. J. & DOWSETT- LEMAIRE F. (eds). A Contribution to the Distribution and Taxonomy of Afrotropical and Malagasy birds Tauraco Research Report 5, Tauraco Press, Liege: 1 - 322.","BORROW N. & DEMEY R. 2001. - Birds of Western Africa. Christopher Helm, London, 832 p.","BORROW N. & DEMEY R. 2014. - Field Guide of the Birds of Western Africa. II edition. Christopher Helm, London, 592 p.","PORTIER B. 2002 c. - Liste de l'avifaune du Ranch de Gibier de Nazinga. http: // environnement. wallonie. be / projet _ nazinga / PDF / Liste _ oiseaux _ Nazinga. pdf.","BALANCA G., CORNELIS D. & WILSON R. 2007. - Les oiseaux du complexe WAP. ECOPAS. Cirad, Montpellier.","SINCLAIR I. & RYAN P. 2010. - Birds of Africa south of the Sahara. II edition. Struik Nature, Cape Town, 768 p.","DOWSETT R. J., ATKINSON P. W. & CADDICK J. A. 2013. - Checklist of the birds of Burkina Faso: 1 - 12. https: // www. africanbirdclub. org / [accessed 14 October 2013]."]}

SummaryThe preservation of genetic diversity is an important aspect of conservation biology. Low genetic diversity within a population can lead to inbreeding depression and a reduction in adaptive potential, which may increase extinction risk. Here we report changes in genetic diversity over 12 years in a declining population of the CorncrakeCrex crex, a grassland bird species of high conservation concern throughout Europe. Despite a twofold demographic decline during the same period, we found no evidence for a reduction of genetic diversity. The gradual genetic differentiation observed among populations of Corncrake across Europe suggests that genetic diversity is maintained in western populations by constant gene flow from the larger and more productive populations in eastern Europe and Asia. The maintenance of genetic diversity in this species is an opportunity that may help the implementation of effective conservation actions across the Corncrake’s European range.

The article presents the records and brief descriptions of trematodes Brachylaima fuscata (Rudolphi, 1819), Prosthogonimus cuneatus (Rudolphi, 1809), Prosthogonimus ovatus (Rudolphi, 1803), and a nematode Cardiofilaria pavlovskyi Ström, 1937 based on the specimens collected from four corncrakes, Crex crex Linnaeus examined on the territory of Ukraine. In the country, P. cuneatus, P. ovatus, and C. pavlovskyi are reported for the first time in this host-species. Brachylaima fuscata, Cardiofilaria pavlovskyi, Prosthogonimus cuneatus, Prosthogonimus ovatus, bird, Ukraine.

The Corncrake Crex crex breeds mainly in managed grasslands in Europe. Agri-environment schemes (AES) were introduced in many European countries to protect broods from earlier and more frequent mowing. In order to assess the efficacy of these AES on the scale of regional populations, we obtained information on current AES options for Corncrakes in 33 countries and administrative regions within the European Union (EU) and European free Trade Association (EFTA) using a questionnaire. Options suitable for Corncrake conservation were available in 18 regions, but coverage of the regional Corncrake populations was highly variable. Coverage with AES was high in selected western regions, but low throughout eastern Europe where most Corncrakes breed. The various suitable options together covered only 6.2% of the total Corncrake population inside the EU and EFTA. While AES were effective at restoring Corncrake populations in Scotland, no evidence was found for effects on populations in other EU regions.Limited coverage of Corncrake populations in countries holding the largest populations, as well as its low breeding-site fidelity suggest that the Corncrake’s future is not secured by the current extent of AES. If current farming practices in eastern European countries become more intensive as expected, the species’ future may be at risk. Besides developing AES which are more attractive to farmers and better targeting the requirement of Corncrakes, conservation of farmland birds in Europe should pay more attention to continent-wide changes of breeding conditions in order to be successful.

Resume Dix ans apres l’introduction des CREX (Comites de retour d’experience) dans les centres de radiotherapie, nous avons interroge 168 centres pour connaitre leur ressenti. Au total, 100 nous ont repondu, et 95 % sont satisfaits de la demarche. Le temps, l’implication de la direction et la formation des acteurs semblent preponderants. Les repondants ne remettent pas en question l’analyse systemique des evenements, dominee par la methode Orion©. Le defi qui reste a relever est celui de l’evaluation des actions, principale difficulte pointee par les repondants.

We studied the response of Water Rails (Rallus aquaticus) to conspecific and heterospecific playback to reveal any variation in reaction to playbacks of rail and crake and if and how these reactions change in intensity. Ten observation points, 100 m from each other within a reedbed, were selected. We made our observations three times a day over three days in three sessions (Apr, Jun, and Sept). We quantified the response of Water Rails to the playback of conspecifics and the heterospecifics: Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus), Corn Crake (Crex crex), Little Crake (Porzana parva), Spotted Crake (P. porzana), and Baillon's Crake (P. pusilla), in terms of phenological periods. We found that there is a difference in aggressive reaction between conspecific and heterospecific playbacks across all sessions and also within each session. The aggressive reaction decreases significantly in the direction (Water Rail = Common Moorhen) > (Corn Crake = Little Crake = Spotted Crake) > (Baillon's Crake), during...

Capsule: Forb-rich and diverse, annually mown vegetation is the preferred Corncrake Crex crex breeding habitat in floodplains.Aims: To identify habitat preferences of female Corncrakes and characteristics of breeding sites in floodplain habitats and derive recommendations for management.Methods: We tracked six female Corncrakes and compared vegetation characteristics at 78 male calling sites with regard to breeding records and diurnal call activity of males, because we expect the latter to indicate female occurrence. Additionally, we analysed how practice and timing of land use in the preceding year affected vegetation structure.Results: Females preferred areas with high cover of forbs and a distinct relief heterogeneity, which was associated with overall vegetation diversity. All calling sites with breeding records and diurnal call incidence of males showed high forb and low sedge cover, low litter heights and a close location to ditches. Favourable conditions were best provided by mowing in the ...

Capsule: Corncrake Crex crex males shift their territories and change habitat preferences across the breeding season as a consequence of anthropogenic pressure and/or to enhance the chances of reproduction through sequential polygamy.Aims: To examine how habitat structure changed during the breeding season, whether Corncrake males responded to those changes and which habitat features were crucial when males settled and occupied territories.Methods: Calling male Corncrakes were surveyed six times during the breeding season. In each location where a calling male was recorded, the habitat and vegetation structure was described from one to three times during the season.Results: Corncrake males avoided extremely wet and extremely dry habitats, whereas large sedge and reed communities were much more preferred. There were significant seasonal changes in the density of vegetation and moisture content. Males were more sedentary at the beginning of the breeding season. Males significantly changed habitat pr...

The Miocene was an important period for the assembly of present-day avian faunas of the North Temperate Zone. Details of this process, however, remain largely unexplored due to the scarcity of diverse late Miocene avian localities throughout the Eurasian continent. Here, we present a survey of the osteological diversity of extant rails and, based on these results, assess the diversity of rails from the late Miocene (7.5–7.1 Ma) locality Morskaya-2 in the south of European Russia. We document three taxa, two of which are described as Crexica crexica gen. et sp. nov. and Miohypotaenidia tanaisensis gen. et sp. nov. These taxa show affinities with the modern species Crex crex and Hypotaenidia (Gallirallus) philippensis respectively and thus may represent the oldest records of the Crex and Hypotaenidia-Gallirallus lineages in the fossil record. The taxonomic composition of rails from Morskaya-2 locality considerably differs from that observed at the roughly coeval locality Polgardi in Hungary, which likely reflects palaeogeographic differences during the late Miocene in Europe. Although Central Europe was already inhabited by modern-type rails in the late Miocene, more ancestral groups were present in the East. Some other aspects of the evolution of the modern fauna of Rallidae are discussed.

SummaryCorncrakes Crex crex mainly breed in grassland, where they are threatened by mowing. Conservation requires delayed mowing or modified mowing methods. In large fields, it has been suggested that leaving strips of uncut grass may reduce mortality, especially of unfledged chicks. We attended mowing operations (2012–2015) in the Lower Oder Valley National Park in north-eastern Germany, where 10-m refuge strips were introduced. We documented the escape behaviour of adults and chicks and their use of refuge strips by observations and radio-telemetry. Flightless chicks crossed significantly shorter distances of mown area (< 20 m) than adults. When mowing from the outside inwards, chicks were not able to successfully escape to the field edge at > 31 m, adults at > 60 m distance to the edge and returned to the unmown block. Twenty-three percent of adults, 30% of families and 49% of independent chicks survived in 10 m-wide strips until such strips were either mown or left as refuges. Whereas adults departed the strips the next day, independent chicks stayed for up to 22 days after mowing in 15–30 m wide refuges. We recommend refuge strips for breeding sites where more effective measures cannot be applied. Farmers face less additional effort and lower financial losses compared with delayed mowing. A width of 10 m should be considered as the absolute minimum, because most birds left the cover already > 10 m for the first time and only wider refuges served as temporary habitat for young.

The Corncrake is a strictly protected species in Hungary and a qualifying species of many Natura 2000 sites. Despite its Least concern global conservation status, it receives much attention and was elected as “Bird of the Year” by MME BirdLife Hungary in 2016. In this paper, we estimate its population trends and analyse the suitability of the protected area system and agri-environment schemes for the species. We compiled information on major threatening factors and conservation measures applied for the species. We reviewed international publications on the ecology and conservation management of the species to extract information for practical conservation. We estimated that 500–2000 pairs of Corncrakes breed in Hungary. Although their breeding sites are well covered by protected areas, Natura 2000 sites (42%) and High Nature Value Areas (67%), their population has declined by 55% over the last 20 years. We found that most of the major threatening factors are addressed by conservation management, and appropriate measures are applied in most cases. Recent research findings and recommendations by the BirdLife International Corncrake Conservation Team suggest that mowing of grasslands around nesting places should be delayed until 1–15 August either in the entire field or at least on 2 hectares around nests. Prescriptions of agri-environment schemes should also be adjusted to the above requirements and more farmers should be encouraged to enrol in Corncrake conservation programmes. We strongly suggest that more emphasis should be devoted to combat important threats for the most important breeding sites such as aridification and flooding.

Since the negative trends in bird populations breeding in intensified farming systems of western Europe could be difficult to reverse, this article highlights the importance of also considering conservation measures in key-sites for grassland birds in European Russia where farming abandonment is the prevailing threat. Non-passerine bird species frequency was studied in the period 2007–2009, within 193 count points in diversely managed meadows of 36 key-regions in Russia and compared to the outcomes of 492 count points in hay meadows of 25 key-regions in France. In Russia, five species were recorded in at least 35% of the plots, among which the Corncrake Crex crex in 75% of total sample. Pair density was defined in two hay meadow systems in Russia with the Territory Mapping method. Bird biomass density was not different when compared to the most favourable conditions recorded in France, but with a Corncrake density of 2.1 calling males per 10 ha vs.1.0 in the major French stronghold. Experimental results of alternative management showed the limits of mowing postponement programmes in French grassland ecosystems and enabled us to explore the effects of rotational mowing for limiting habitat loss due to farming abandonment in Russia.

After losing their nests or broods due to mowing of grassland, ground-breeding birds may re-nest or disperse from the previous home-range. Breeding corncrakes are frequently affected by mowing of grasslands and often disperse over long distances afterwards. We studied the effects of mowing on departure rates of radio-tagged males from two river floodplain areas in Germany (LOV) and the Netherlands. Birds left from both study areas throughout the breeding season. Daily probabilities that birds survived and remained in the study areas varied between the study areas and within seasons, with lowest values in LOV in June 1998–2000, when mowing was most intensive. When mowing of corncrake habitats was almost completely postponed in LOV 2012–2015, males stayed more than three times as long as previously. Mowing had a strong direct effect on departure rates. The model results show that more than 50% of males died or dispersed within a week after mowing. At the same time, males which were not affected by mowing departed from all study areas, too. Postponed mowing increases the probability of males remaining at the breeding sites thus enabling them to re-nest or initiate second broods. Because dispersing birds can re-nest far away, assessing the situation of the population properly will require a large-scale approach.

The Corncrake is a threatened umbrella species for wet meadows, which mostly depends on managed grasslands. Therefore, effective conservation requires bird-friendly land management schemes and subsidies. Although the most important populations in Hungary usually breed in protected areas, some of these are regularly flooded, which forces Corncrakes to find breeding sites elsewhere. Such movements from protected/subsidised areas to suboptimal sites have risks for Corncrake populations and their conservation. Here, we describe a large-scale dynamic system of interlinked populations based on data from 4194 Corncrake territories found at four different sites (Aggtelek, Bodrogzug, Szatmár-Bereg and Zemplén regions) across eight years between 1997 and 2006 in NE Hungary (c. 1500 km2). The results showed that the total population fluctuated between 407 and 631 pairs and that the populations were more-or-less stable in the first four years (1997–2000). However, extended floods caused the disappearance of the species from the Bodrogzug region in 2005–2006, while in the other sites, the number of territories increased five-fold (Zemplén), three-fold (Aggtelek) and two-fold (Szatmár-Bereg). The correlation between the number of territories and maximum water level of river Tisza in April-May was negative in the Bodrogzug site and positive in the three other sites, indicating that interlinkages of the populations were associated with water levels. Our data thus support the hypothesis that many of the birds driven out by inundation of floodplain meadows moved to other sites in NE Hungary in flood years. These results suggest that even large, centrally located populations of Corncrake can be greatly exposed to risks of flooding and that it is highly important to maintain suitable alternative breeding sites for the species. The High Natural Value Areas programme may allow administrative and funding support to provide or extend protection and/or subsidies to maintain this large-scale dynamic system. To this end, the area managed in bird-friendly ways and subsidised under agri-environmental schemes was extended by 35,000 hectares in NE Hungary in 2009.

We used microsatellite DNA to assign probable parentage of young Corn Crakes to adult males and females and used these assignments to estimate the distribution of distances between broods of chicks and juveniles and the night-time singing place of the father at the time of initiation of the clutch. Estimated distances for broods of young chicks were in accord with those estimated previously by radiotracking, but distances were greater for older unfledged independent chicks not studied previously. Our results indicate that modifications of the timing and method of mowing to reduce losses of nests and chicks should be implemented inside an area within about 500 m of the singing places of male Corn Crakes, rather than the 250 m previously considered to be safe.

In 2014, 162 bird species were recorded during the bird ringing activities in Slovenia. Of 155 species, 62,275 birds were ringed, and 107 recoveries of birds ringed in Slovenia and found abroad, 148 foreign recoveries in Slovenia and 1395 local recoveries were recorded. The most frequently ringed species were Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla and Great Tit Parus major. As far as ringed nestlings are concerned, Great Tits and Barn Swalllows Hirundo rustica predominated. Considering the recoveries ringed of found birds abroad, the commonest were Black-headed Gulls Chroicocephalus ridibundus and Mute Swans Cygnus olor. The farthest recovery was a Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica found in the Democratic Republic of Congo (5171 km away). Among the more interesting finds was also the so far southernmost recovery of a Sand Martin Riparia riparia found in Israel. Let us also mention the first recovery of a Corncrake Crex crex, which bred and was ringed in 2013 at Planinsko polje (central Slovenia) and was found in the 2014 breeding season in the Czech Republic. Among rare species, two Little Buntings Emberiza pusilla were caught and ringed. After nine years, the Roller Coracias garrulus bred again in Slovenia in 2014 and its nestlings were ringed. The paper also brings the description of the migration route of the first African migrant, the Black Stork Ciconia nigra, marked with a GPS/GSM telemetric device, which migrated across the Adriatic Sea, Sicily and Sahara to Nigeria.

Eimeria crecis and Eimeria nenei have been detected in association with enteric disease ("coccidiosis") in the corncrake (Crex crex: Family Rallidae, Order Gruiformes). Both parasite species are common in apparently healthy free-living corncrakes, but captive-bred juvenile birds reared for reintroduction appeared particularly susceptible to clinical coccidiosis. We investigated the occurrence and relative pathogenicity of these Eimeria species in this juvenile corncrake population and developed a diagnostic species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for their identification. PCR amplification and sequencing of 18S rDNA were performed on genomic DNA extracted from samples of corncrake intestine, liver and spleen. Sequences generated were used to design a GeneScan diagnostic PCR assay targeting a species-specific TTA indel located within the 18S rDNA - the results suggested this assay was more sensitive than the 18S rDNA/amplicon sequencing approach. Eimeria sp. DNA (consistent with Eimeria sp. infection) was detected at a high prevalence and E. crecis was the predominant species. Each Eimeria species was detected in cases with and without histological evidence of coccidiosis: parasite detection was not statistically associated with disease. In addition to intestinal tissue, liver and spleen samples were positive for Eimeria sp. DNA. Its detection in tissues other than intestine is unusual and a novel finding in corncrakes, although extra-intestinal infection occurs with closely related Eimeria species in cranes (Family Gruidae, Order Gruiformes). Eimeria sp. infection of corncrakes appears typically to be chronic, and to exhibit extra-intestinal spread: as in cranes, these characteristics may be adaptations to the host's migratory nature.

SummaryDuring autumn migration, people set trammel nets along most of the Mediterranean coast of Egypt, with migrating Common Quail Coturnix coturnix as their primary target. These nets capture large numbers of quail, but also illegally capture other birds, which are then killed. We present the results of surveys from 2008 to 2012 along these lines of nets on the coast of North Sinai, Egypt. In desert scrub, which covers most of the Sinai coast, the mean number of quail killed reached a high of 357.1 per km per day in 2012, with a grand mean over the study period of 191.9 per km per day. Trammel nets also captured 54 other bird species in 28 families. Species captured at the highest rates in desert scrub included Corncrake Crex crex, Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina and Greater Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla. Based on mean rates of capture from 2008 to 2012 in desert scrub and sand bar habitats, we estimate 2.0 million quail and 0.5 million birds of other species are killed annually in North Sinai during the 45 days of peak migration. In 2012, however, after the use of MP3 players to attract quail became widespread, we estimate that 3.3 million quail and 0.5 million other birds were captured. Hunters near the coast have recently begun covering shrubs and trees with mist nets to catch passerines. From 2010 to 2012, mist nets along our survey routes caught birds of 17 species in three families, with seven of these species caught only in this type of net. Hunting is likely to be a contributing factor to population declines for some species that migrate across Egypt and further studies of migratory bird hunting along the southern Mediterranean shore are badly needed.

Capsule The UK Corncrake population increase has slowed, but has rapidly recovered from a large decline in 2013.Aims To provide an update on the population size and distribution of breeding Corncrakes in the UK, including the results of the most recent full national survey and annual monitoring of the core population.Methods A full survey of singing Corncrakes was undertaken in the UK and the Isle of Man in 2009, following the last full censuses in 1978/79, 1988, 1993, 1998 and 2003. Monitoring of singing male Corncrakes within the core range in northern and western Scotland has been undertaken annually since 1993.Results The 2009 results show that numbers increased substantially since 2003, from 829 to 1166 singing males. Corncrake numbers in the core range have increased in 17 of the 21 years between 1993 and 2014, and peaked at 1274 singing males, in 2014. Numbers of singing males dropped by 24% between 2012 and 2013, probably due to a particularly cold spring in 2013 that inhibited growth of vegetatio...

Since the late 2,000 years, under the incentive of the French agencies ANAP (previously MEAH) and HAS and following the decision DC-0103 of the ASN, experience feedback committees (known as 'Comite de retour d'experience or Crex' in French) have widely been implemented within radiation oncology departments in France. Based on the declaration of error/near misses (precursor events) occurring during medical care to patients, an intuitive method of systematic analysis of these events is basically the aim of such committees (such as the Orion method(©) derived from the air transportation industry). Our article aims at summarizing the paths and pitfalls attached to this methodology, emphasizing what could be the next step, beyond the 'Crex' committees, in the long march to know how to secure care to patients within a radiotherapy medical team.

Capsule A comparison of various methods of counting a Corncrake population revealed that the accuracy of the methods depends on population density, which could have important ramifications for a monitoring scheme.Aims We examined the accuracy of three counting methods – territory mapping, point-based censusing, and point counting – in evaluating the population size and spatial distribution of the Corncrake, a species that uses long-range acoustic communication.Methods We performed single-visit counts within ten study plots (1 km2). Each study plot was censused in a single night using all counting methods. With territory mapping, we approached each calling male and recorded his position with a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. In point-based censusing, we estimated the distance and direction to calling males from five points in each study plot, while with the point-counting method, we only recorded the number of males within each of four distance categories, which estimated the distance from the sa...

Background Colorectal cancer is common in humans where treatment involves surgical removal of the cancerous part of the intestines. In the anastomosis procedure a purse-string suture may be time consuming to perform. The aim was to replace the purse-string suture, to develop and test a self-locking loop for temporary sealing of the lumen in colon anastomosis. Methods A new device, a flexible band with a locking mechanism was constructed, the I-Tie®. Small protrusions, designed for increased friction between device and tissue, were added to one side of the flexible band in order to enhance the grip at closure of the loop around tissue. The device was initially tested in vitro on pig intestines. In an in vivo study, the short-term implant was tested in a new suture-free method, CREX, and with traditional circular staplers for colonic anastomosis. Ten female pigs of approximately 50 kg were used in the in vivo test. The self-locking device was used for closure of the lumen around anvils in CREX (n = 5), and around anvil in traditional circular stapler anastomosis (n = 5). Two self-locking devices were used in each animal. Results The self-locking device could close the lumen of colon around the anvil and trocar. Subjectively, the device achieved a tight closure of the colon and did not interfere with the anastomosis techniques. Conclusions The technology was perceived as potentially timesaving and easy to use. We conclude the device may be an alternative to the traditional purse-string suture for temporary closure of the colon lumen in colon anastomosis.

In Europe, Miocene rails (Aves, Rallidae) are quite abundant, but their phylogenetic placement in the context of recent forms has remained elusive. Rails from the early Miocene of the Saint-Gerand-le-Puy area in central France were first described in the 19th century, and currently, only two species are recognized, namely Palaeoaramides christyi and Paraortygometra porzanoides. Our examination of the material however suggests the presence of four, likely coeval, species of rail from these deposits. Palaeoaramides eximius, previously synonymized with Palaeoaramides christyi, is here shown to probably be a distinct species, and a previously unrecognized rail, Baselrallus intermedius gen. et sp. nov., is described. To find out how these fossil rails are related to modern Rallidae, we compared them with an extensive sample of extant rails and identified plesiomorphic and derived features for crown group Rallidae. Our assessment does not support a particularly close relationship of either Palaeoaramides to Aramides or Paraortygometra to Crex (Ortygometra), and overall, these fossil rails are more primitive than previously assumed. Based on our observations of the morphology of the previously undescribed humerus of Palaeoaramides, we show this taxon to be outside crown group Rallidae, and perhaps closely related to the early Oligocene taxon Belgirallus. On the other hand, Paraortygometra porzanoides bears a resemblance to recent flufftails (Sarothrura spp.) in some elements, but whether it can be included in a clade together with flufftails is uncertain.

Th is study was conducted to characterise macrogeographic variation in the vocalisation of the corncrake Crex crex , a bird species with a non-learned and highly stereotyped call. We also examined: 1) whether call characteristics remained stable across successive breeding seasons within two of the study populations and 2) whether call similarity was related to distance between populations. Recordings of 352 males from eight populations were analysed. Th e analyses focused on variation in 1) temporal characteristics (duration of syllables and intervals, duration of the intervals between consecutive maximal amplitude peaks within syllables, called pulse-to-pulse duration (PPD)), and 2) spectral characteristics (minimal and maximal frequency, frequencies below which 25%, 50% and 75% acoustic energy of signal is distributed). We found signifi cant diff erences in most of the temporal and all of the spectral characteristics between populations. No diff erences were found in PPD. Signifi cant interannual diff erences in spectral characteristics were found in both of the populations examined, whereas diff erences in temporal characteristics were only observed in one population. In general, geographic variation in calls showed clinal distance-dependence, where distant populations showed larger diff erences in call than neighbouring populations. Our results show that geographic variation in corncrake calls may be very dynamic in the short term and that within-population variation may occur on the same scale as between-population variation. Th is fi nding is surprising because call characteristics in non-learners are essentially inherited, and genetic transmission should be very slow. We suggest that the social interactions between males and/or the specifi c dispersal patterns of this species and the low site fi delity of adult and young birds may be responsible for such pattern.

In this study we describe 2 new species of coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) parasites isolated from the feces of corncrake (Crex crex) (Gruiformes: Rallidae), bred in captivity in the U.K. Oocysts of Eimeria crecis n. sp. were approximately spherical and measured 15.3 μm (13-18) × 14.3 (12-16), providing an oocyst shape index of 1.1. A micropyle and oocyst residuum were absent, but a polar granule was present. Oocysts of Eimeria nenei n. sp. were ellipsoidal and measured 23.6 (21-26) × 18.1 (17-20), providing an oocyst shape index of 1.3. A micropyle and polar granule were present. Surveying free-living, wild adult corncrakes in Scotland (U.K.) demonstrated both parasite species to be widespread. These are the first species described to infect the corncrake, and they are distinct from those previously found to infect members of the closely related crane family (Gruiformes: Gruidae). Partial amplification and sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene and internal transcribed spacer 2 indicated a close relationship between the 2 proposed new species as a group distinct from the Eimeria species known to infect cranes. These newly identified parasite species have been associated with enteric disease in corncrakes being prepared for reproduction in captivity and reintroduction into England (U.K.).

Capsule We analysed Corncrake population trends between 1997 and 2012 and evaluated changes before and after the introduction of subsidies for grassland conservation in 2000, which indirectly promoted unfavourable mowing practices over most grasslands in Trento province. According to both early and late season counts, the species has significantly declined in the study area since the early 2000s. Agri-environmental subsidies that are not adapted to the ecological requirements of the species may fail to achieve conservation objectives.

Although the use of sounds in spatial orientation is widespread among animals, only a few groups advanced such specific adaptations as echolocation. In contrast, practically all animals and night-active species in particular, must occasionally orient themselves relative to invisible but audible objects such as a hidden rival or predator. In this study, I would like to determine the impact of locating which involves the use of acoustic parameters of sender’s vocalisations by receivers and changes of positions and triangulation of sender’s vocalisations by receivers in estimating the distance to the sender during night-time territorial interactions of the corncrake (Crex crex). Males were subjected to two kinds of stimuli: approaching one, imitating the change of the distance of the calling intruder toward the focal male while keeping the direction constant, or stationary stimuli, involving acoustic stimulation with no motion. Although males subjected to approaching stimulation moved longer distances, in both stimuli groups, males moved predominantly toward or out of the playback speaker, and only occasionally made sideway movements. However, the results gave no evidence of corncrakes moving specifically in order to locate the source of the sound; they suggest that males moved toward or away from the already located sound. The fact that males moved longer distances in response to approaching than stationary stimuli indicates that they were able to perceive the change of the distance to the playback speaker based only on structural parameters or amplitude of the calls played.

A dramatic decline in the Corncrake (Crex crex) population has been observed in Western Europe over the last century. This species is still widespread and occurs at high densities in Eastern and Central Europe. In the present study, we focused on the habitat preferences of Corncrake males in agricultural meadows of Eastern Poland, where large areas are managed by mowing. We counted calling males two times during the same breeding season and noted habitat features within the territory and at the calling location. Our study revealed that Corncrake males were abundant in agricultural meadows. We recorded 59% of the studied populations in meadows which are mowed at least one time during breeding season. We also found differences in the habitat preferences of Corncrakes between the first and second parts of the breeding season. In the first part of the season, when territories are established, males preferred abandoned meadows as the primary habitat type within their territory and as the habitat type of their calling location. The proximity of shrubs or abandoned meadows positively affected the probability of Corncrake occurrence. In the second part of the season, males significantly increased their mean distance from shrubs, ditches and abandoned meadows. Calling places were mainly situated in abandoned or extensively mowed meadows, while extensively mowed meadows was the most common habitat at the larger territory scale. In addition, the distances to the nearest (negatively) and second nearest (positively) neighbours significantly affected the probability of Corncrake occurrence. Regarding the management and protection of Corncrake populations in agricultural meadows, we propose leaving even small uncultivated fragments of meadows around ditches or shrubs as refuges. These uncultivated areas could be sufficient for Corncrakes during the period of territory occupancy. The “Corncrake-friendly” mowing should be done not earlier than after the first hatch and unmowed meadows areas should be left.

Movements of animals at large spatial scales are important in ecology and conservation biology, but current methods for monitoring long-distance movements (e.g. ringing or telemetry) are resource demanding and limit sample sizes. Many birds have individually characteristic calls and songs, and recordings may provide an alternative method for monitoring movements. Previous studies have shown that Corncrake Crex crex night-time calls are individually characteristic. We recorded and analysed Corncrake calls from 60 different territories (30 % of all known territories) in two widely separated areas of Norway in one breeding season to assess the potential of recordings to identify individuals that had moved. Due to extensive mowing of meadows, many territories were used for only a short time, and Corncrakes appeared in new places throughout the breeding season, suggesting movements. By using recordings from the same territory during different nights as a measure of variability within individuals, and recordings from different territories during the same night as a measure of variability between individuals, discriminant analyses indicated that 86 pairwise comparisons of calls from different territories had a high probability (≥0.80) of being from the same bird. Movements could be excluded for 20 of those pairs (23 %) because observations in the two territories overlapped in time. In another 26 cases (30 %), there was overlap in observation dates with other pairs that included the same recording. Thus, chance similarity between different individuals is a problem for individual recognition. Overlap in time decreased with increasing call similarity and, for pairs with very high call similarity (probability ≥0.95), only 5 % overlapped in time. Depending on degree of similarity in calls, the data suggested that 18–48 % of males made movements >10 km, and that the 60 recording sites only represented 31–45 different males. In conclusion, analyses of call recordings suggested that long-distance movements occurred, although positive identification of individual movements is difficult because the likelihood of chance similarity increases with the increasing number of birds recorded.

The acoustic signals of birds are commonly used for individual recognition. Calls or songs allow discrimination between parent and offspring, between mates and between territorial neighbours and strangers. In this study, we investigated vocal neighbour–stranger discrimination in a nocturnally calling rail species, the Corncrake, Crex crex. We conducted interactive playback experiments with 43 males. All males were tested twice on the same night, and their responses to the calls of a familiar neighbour and the calls of an unfamiliar stranger were measured. The Corncrake males responded more aggressively to the playback of a stranger’s calls. They approached the speaker more rapidly, spent more time close to the speaker and physically attacked the speaker more frequently. We found no significant differences between the vocal responses to the playback of neighbours’ and strangers’ calls. Thus, although calling plays an important role in Corncrake territorial interactions, it is only a first line of defence in which males signal aggression towards intruders by calling, similar to singing in passerines. The lack of differences in vocal responses and the presence of clear differences in other behavioural responses demonstrate that the absence of a differential vocal response does not imply the absence of discrimination. Although the individual nature of the Corncrake call has been mentioned in a few previous studies, this study provides the first experimental evidence that Corncrake males indeed use calls for neighbour–stranger discrimination. Notably, because of the Corncrake’s dense wet meadow habitat and its tendency to signal at night, it is probable that acoustic individual discrimination in the Corncrake is crucial for making correct decisions during aggressive encounters with rivals.

Corncrake has been poorly studied in the southern part of its range. We investigated population trend and breeding density of the species in Alpine meadows of northern Italy (Trento province), between 1996 and 2010. We separately assessed trend and density for early and late season. This is virtually the first quantitative detailed estimate of Italian populations of the species. In the selected study areas, corncrakes occurred at high density and showed fluctuations, but the general trends clearly suggest a decreasing population (with a decline of 6–9% per year), with significant declines in several sites/periods. Relative abundance and density greatly varied among different areas in the same year, suggesting that local effects could be important in determining habitat suitability for corncrake and thus its abundance. The area where grasslands appeared to be mostly partitioned among different owners and thus most likely to be mown at different times (Tesino area) was the only one where the specie...

SummaryThe Corncrake Crex crex breeds in the Palearctic but overwinters in central and southern Africa. While some information had previously been gathered about the Corncrake’s African wintering distribution, we here analyse a much more comprehensive database of 1,284 records based on a five-year desk study completed in January 2011 and use those records selected for spatio-temporal accuracy to build a continental distribution model. Our model was based mostly on climatic variables and predicts a high suitability for most eastern Africa countries south of the equator, but none of the western African countries with the exception of Angola and Namibia. Both the actual number of records as well as the distribution model thus indicates that the vast majority of Corncrakes migrate through and overwinter in the eastern parts of Africa. Because large parts of Angola, Mozambique, north-eastern Namibia, and Tanzania are predicted as suitable but have yielded very few actual records so far, they should be targeted for future field work. A very small number of Corncrakes may oversummer in Africa but such individuals are possibly unable to migrate due to sickness or injury, or may be first-year birds that are not ready to breed. An analysis of habitat and population density data indicates that, within the continental distribution, Corncrakes are mostly concentrated within grass-dominated habitats, mirroring their habitat preferences in the breeding areas. Corncrakes reach their wintering distribution mostly through an eastern migration route, but some individuals or subpopulations from the Western breeding population also use a western migration route. We also document the food choices, weights, and causes of injury and death within Africa. Because habitat conversion is accelerating all across Africa, we recommend constant monitoring of habitat availability and population densities within the Corncrake’s wintering distribution.

A power line located 100 km south of Jeddah was monitored for four years (2008–2011) and the results show that collision and electrocution of birds by power lines are of conservation concern in Saudi Arabia. The White Stork (Ciconia ciconia), Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix), Corncrake (Crex crex) and Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus) were the most affected species in the study area. However, the Common Quail seems to be more susceptible than other species and was found in high numbers. Although the number of species affected is probably low, the increases in energy demands and the introduction of new power lines will lead to an increase in bird deaths by electrocution and collision unless a conservation measure is applied to minimize the effect of power lines especially among the migratory species.

Knowledge of the timing of migration of young Corncrakes is required for effective implementation of conservation measures. Forty Corncrake chicks were radiotracked during the period between independence and departure from the natal area to determine the age and time at which fledged juveniles depart on migration. Departure occurred between early August and mid-September at a mean age of 44 days, around the age at which growth of the primary feathers ceases. Chicks from later broods are exposed to greater risk of being killed during mowing, but provision of late mowing options in conservation schemes could enhance their survival.

SummaryAs a double-brooded species inhabiting grassland habitats subject to mowing and located at different elevations, the Corncrake Crex crex in the Alps is potentially affected by changes in its breeding habitat within a season, thus leading to shifts in occurrence and habitat association, with potentially relevant consequences for conservation. We investigated Corncrake abundance in four sites in Trento province (N Italy); two sites were defined as ‘low elevation’ (mean elevation 975 m and 976 m a.s.l., respectively) and two as ‘high elevation’ (mean elevation 1,173 m and 1,177 m). The number of calling males showed a clear variation in relative abundance between early and late periods of the breeding season; in particular, at low elevation sites, abundance decreased from the early to late periods, while the opposite was recorded at high elevation sites. A mixed model suggested that the number of males decreased in the second half of the breeding season and at high elevations, and changed according to mid-season altitudinal shifts. Conservation strategies for this species should take into account the mid-season territory shift.

Capsule Density of Corncrakes is greater in areas of positively managed non‐crop cover vegetation which occur alongside fields managed to enhance breeding success.

The behaviour of most animals has evolved in a communication network environment, in which signals produced by senders are perceived by many intended and unintended receivers. In this study, we tested whether the corncrake (Crex crex), a nocturnal rail species with innate (non-learned) calls, is able to eavesdrop on the interactions of conspecific males and how this eavesdropping affects subsequent responses by the eavesdropper to territorial intrusion. In the first step, simulated aggressive or neutral interactions between male dyads were presented to a focal male. In the second step, the calls of winning, losing or neutral males from the first step were played within the territory of the focal male. We measured behavioural and vocal responses of focal males. We found that corncrakes eavesdropped on signal exchange between rivals. Males often began responding to distant aggressive interactions during the eavesdropping phase, and they responded strongly during the intrusion phase of the experiments. The response was significantly weaker to playback of males from neutral interactions than to those involved in aggressive interactions, and we found no differences between the responses to Winners and Losers entering a focal male territory.