Chris Merkord

In 1954, when I obtained my B. Sc. (Honours School) degree in Zoology, I was asked by my advisor, the late Professor Vishwa Nath, to make comparative cytological studies of oogenesis in birds for my M. Sc. (Honours School) thesis submitted to the Panjab University in 1956. Using the classical techniques of cytology, I studied the various aspects of follicle growth and atresia in five species of birds. Professor Vishwa Nath, who himself devoted most of his life to the study of the comparative cytology of gametogenesis in animals, was so much impressed by my findings on avian oogenesis that he asked me to continue my research work for the Ph. D. degree under his supervision. During my research work on avian oogenesis, I became very much interested in further comparative study of ovarian follicles in vertebrates and thus decided to make comparative, morphological and histochemical studies of ovarian follicles in reptiles, birds and mammals. Actually, very little information was available in this regard in 1957 when I started working for the Ph. D. degree. In subsequent years, I and my numerous dedicated and highly motivated M. Sc. and Ph. D. students con­ tinued to make comparative, morphological, histochemical, biochemical and physiological studies of ovarian follicles in all groups of vertebrates. In connection with the subject of this book, I would like to make special mention of my two brilliant students, namely Dr. S. K. Varma and Dr. R. K.

In this book we have described the major events of embryonic development and considered the underlying mechanisms which result in the production of a viable hatchling. We have, as the subtitle of the book indicates, con­ centrated on behavioural and physiological topics: it is not our purpose to consider the early embryology of the bird - which is adequately covered by other texts - but we have included morphogenetic information where appropriate. The form of the book was dictated by a belief that interest in this aspect of development is not confined to embryologists, biochemists and physiolo­ gists. Therefore after describing the conditions in which the egg normally develops we have considered first the whole embryo: what it is like at different stages, what it does, how it gets from one position to another within the shell and how, later, it comes to interact with the wider environ­ ment of the nest. Only after this have we considered the development of the nervous and sensory mechanisms on which this transformation depends and on the problem of the level of behavioural maturity with which the chick emerges from the egg. With the main lines of development described we have, in the second part of the book, turned to a detailed consideration of the physiology of development: ranging from what may be conveniently described as the 'life-support' systems - gaseous exchange, provision of energy, etc. - to the of hormones in avian development.

The approach of this treatise is physiological throughout. In the eyes of the author it answers the rhetorical question raised by Maurice B. Visscher at the Physiology Congress in Washington D. C. in 1968: Does physiology exist? What he meant by this question was whether the fields of cellular physiology and physiology of the various organ systems had become so large that physiology as such had vanished. The firm answer is that physiology does indeed exist. Although it is important to study physiological problems at the subcellular level, it is importan- and equally difficult - to study organ regulation at the cellular level, organ interaction, and integration into the whole organism. An account of avian osmoregulation from an integrated point of view is attempted in this book. Since reading Homer W. Smith's From Fish to Philosopher and August Krogh's Osmoregulation in Aquatic Animals verte­ brate osmoregulation has been in the center of the author's interest. The focus was set on avian osmoregulation after personal contact with the School of Krogh when working in the laboratory of Bodil M. Schmidt-Nielsen. The fundamental concepts and isotope techniques introduced by Hans H. Ussing have been of constant inspiration. An excellent example for the study of osmoregulation at the cellular level was given by the late Jean Maetz. The writing of this book was suggested by Donald S. Farner who is thanked for thorough editorial assistance, and especially with help in the subtle semantic peculiarities of the English language.

Of all the classes in the animal kingdom, birds represent the best known. There are in total about 8600 living species, and the systematic study of this class is more or less complete. Extensive observations - to a large extent by amateur ornithologists - with respect to geographical distribution, life cycles, demands on and adaptations to the environment, breeding habits, migration, and so forth have contributed towards basic and more widely relevant knowledge, e. g. , in the areas of ethology, ecology, and evo­ lution and also in social biology (Hilprecht 1970; Farner and King 1971). Together, all these aspects are affected by the reproductive biology of birds, and studies have therefore been carried out for many years with special emphasis on this subject. How­ ever, until now this emphasis in avian reproductive biology has been physiological and in particular endocrinological (Murton and Westwood 1977; Roosen-Runge 1977). The morphology of the gonads has been treated in far less detail, and has been confined to a comparatively small number of species, compared with other classes of vertebrates. Reproduction is the section in the life cycle of an animal which is most dependent upon environmental conditions. Reproduction therefore usually takes place at a par­ ticular time, when stress for the adult animals is at its lowest and the chances of sur­ vival for the newborn are at their highest, i. e.

"Seabird Energetics" is a composite volume with a coherent theme. It makes a valuable contribution to our understanding of the costs of breeding, the significance of which goes far beyond physiology as a brief historical perspective may illustrate. After decades of mainly anecdotal observations by natu­ ralists with an interest in seabirds, there was still so little information that in 1954, David Lack in his book "The Natural Regulatiori of Animal Numbers" was forced to ignore seabirds in a way that would be unthinkable today. The late fifties, however, produced a seminal contribution to seabird ecology and behaviour in the series of papers which stemmed from the Centenary Expedi­ tion of the British Ornithologists' Union to Ascension Island. Not only had quantitative ecology become the norm but the interest aroused by the European Ethological approach to bird behaviour had led to properly descriptive and analytical studies of seabird behaviour. The complex interactions between social behaviour and ecology then received more attention and the sixties and seventies brought a flood of papers on ecology and on some social aspects of breeding ecology. V.C. Wynne-Edwards linked these two as part of his attempt to understand the mechanism of the regulation of animal populations in his book "Animal Dispersion in Relation to Social Behaviour" (1962). He paid considerable attention to seabirds and the phenomena of clutch and brood-size, deferred breeding, "rest" years, etc., although, unfortunately, the most relevant studies were yet to come.

Since the publication of earlier editions, there has been The new edition has a number of new contributors, a considerable increase in research activity ina number who have written on the nervous system, sense organs, of areas, with each succeeding edition including new muscle, endocrines, reproduction, digestion and immu­ chapters and an expansion of knowledge in older chap­ nophysiology. Contributors from previous editions ters. have expanded their offerings considerably. The fourth edition contains two new chapters, on The authors are indebted to various investigators, muscle and immunophysiology, the latter an area journals and books for the many illustrations used. Indi­ where research on Aves has contributed significantly vidual acknowledgement is made in the legends and to our general knowledge of the subject. references. Preface to the 'Third Edition Since the publication of the first and second editions, pathways of birds and mammals. New contributors in­ there has been a considerable increase of research activ­ clude M. R. Fedde and T. B. Bolton, who have com­ ity in avian physiology in a number of areas, including pletely revised and expanded the chapters on respira­ endocrinology and reproduction, heart and circulation, tion and the nervous system, respectively, and J. G. respiration, temperature regulation, and to a lesser ex­ Rogers, Jr. , W. J. Mueller, H. Opel, and D. e. Meyer, who have made contributions to Chapters 2,16, 17, tent in some other areas. There appeared in 1972-1974 a four volume treatise and 19, respectively.

Key Features Includes new chapters on endocrine disruptors, magnetoreception, genomics, proteomics, mitochondria, control of food intake, molting, stress, the avian endocrine system, bone, the metabolic demands of migration, behavior and control of body temperature Features extensively revised chapters on the cardiovascular system, pancreatic hormones, respiration, pineal gland, pituitary gland, thyroid, adrenal gland, muscle, gastro-intestinal physiology, incubation, circadian rhythms, annual cycles, flight, the avian immune system, embryo physiology and control of calcium. Stands out as the only comprehensive, single volume devoted to bird physiology Offers a full consideration of both blood and avian metabolism on the companion website (http://booksite.elsevier.com/ 9780124071605). Tables feature hematological and serum biochemical parameters together with circulating concentrations of glucose in more than 200 different species of wild birds Description Sturkie's Avian Physiology[/size] is the classic comprehensive single volume on the physiology of domestic as well as wild birds. The Sixth Edition is thoroughly revised and updated, and features several new chapters with entirely new content on such topics as migration, genomics and epigenetics. Chapters throughout have been greatly expanded due to the many recent advances in the field. The text also covers the physiology of flight, reproduction in both male and female birds, and the immunophysiology of birds. The Sixth Edition, like the earlier editions, is a must for anyone interested in comparative physiology, poultry science, veterinary medicine, and related fields. This volume establishes the standard for those who need the latest and best information on the physiology of birds. Readership Researchers in comparative physiology, animal physiology, and ornithology, behavioral and ecological biology and ecology; as well as advanced undergraduate & graduate students in these areas

The occasional series Notulae Naturae began in 1939 as a means to quickly publish short items, usually not longer than 16 pages. Nearly 500 titles have thus far been published in numerous subject areas of zoology, botany, ecology, geology and paleontology.

The GOB (Balearic Group of Ornithology and Defence of Nature) is a non governmental organisation and registered charity, legally founded in 1973. The objectives of GOB are the conservation, dissemination and study of nature and the environment of the Balearic Islands. Besides carrying out research in Ornithology, most of GOB's efforts are addressed to the defence of the environment, in different fronts (natural sites, biodiversity, water, transport, waste, energy, etc.). The environmental education service offers to schools, associations and interested groups a large educational programme with many didactic activities and materials. Furthermore, members and sympathisers can take part in walking trips, work camps, campaigns, conferences, training courses and many other activities that are continuously organized.

L'Anuari ornitològic de les Balears és una publicació ornitològica d'àmbit de les Illes Balears. Dividida en tres seccions, la primera s'inicia amb articles i notes breus que abarquen temes sobre reproducció, alimentació, migració, longevitat, conservació, hivernada, paleornitologia, estatus, etc. La segona part s'inicia amb l'informe anual del Comitè de Rareses Ornitològiques, seguit pel capítol de més extensió i que donà origen a la publicació dels registres. La darrera part està dedicada a les activitats, balanços (anellaments i recuperacions) i bibliografia. És una revista científica que s'edita des del 1985. Recull articles d'investigació ornitològica així com una compilació de les observacions més rellevants sobre l'avifauna balear. De periodicitat anual, s'intercanvia amb més de 400 entitats científiques del món.

Since the inception of Conservation Biology in 1987, the journal has published groundbreaking papers and has been instrumental in defining issues that contribute to the science and practice of conserving Earth’s biological diversity. Consistent with the mission and goals of the Society, the journal promotes the highest standards of quality and ethics in conservation research and encourages communication of results to facilitate their application to management, policy, and education. Conservation Biology is the most influential and frequently cited journal in its field. The journal publishes groundbreaking papers and is instrumental in defining the key issues contributing to the science and practice of conserving Earth’s biological diversity. Conservation Biology welcomes submissions that address the science and practice of conserving Earth's biological diversity. We encourage submissions that emphasize issues germane to any of Earth's ecosystems or geographic regions and that apply diverse approaches to analyses and problem solving. Nevertheless, manuscripts with relevance to conservation that transcend the particular ecosystem, species, or situation described will be prioritized for publication. Online access is by subscription only. Members of the Society for Conservation Biology can access all volumes of the journal on the journal's web page on Wiley Online Library. Institutional subscribers can access some or all volumes, depending on their institution's subscription.

Physiological Reviews provides state of the art coverage of timely issues in the physiological and biomedical sciences. It appeals to physiologists, neuroscientists, cell biologists, biophysicists, and clinicians with special interest in pathophysiology. Topics are covered in a broad and comprehensive manner. These articles are very useful in teaching and research as they provide interesting, clearly written updates on important new developments.

A classic on ornithology and mammal distribution in Ladakh Around 440 photos in colour and black & white Ladakh in the northwestern trans-Himalayan region is a land of rich biodiversity. It has remained closed to visitors for many years. Yet, during recent years, tourism has 'discovered' the land of scenic landscapes, unspoiled nature, and hospitable people. Due to its isolation and inaccessibility, serious research on Ladakh's fauna has started only recently. This book is a complete inventory of all bird and mammal species in the Ladakh region. It describes and illustrates the numerous species of birds and mammals, including their local names, alternative names, habitat, behaviour, status, and distribution. A total of 305 bird species has been reported from the Ladakh region, of which 34 species have not been sighted after 1960. Similarly, two of the 33 mammal species have not been seen for some time. Ladakh, like any other cold desert in the world, is a fragile ecosystem that can be easily spoiled by unimaginative planning and uncontrolled tourism. This book gives practical and specific suggestions on how to conserve the ecosystem and enjoy the region's beauty without destroying it.

A new edition of a truly comprehensive, up-to-date, modern guide to the region's abundant avifauna Contains 74 stunning colour plates by Alan Pearson All species on the official list for the region are described in the text Introductory chapters and appendices provide additional information on the region New to this edition Includes the latest information on the habits and distribution of the region's bird species New and revised colour plates reflect recent changes to the classification of some species, and the growing number of species on the official list Includes a new checklist to enable quick reference and record sightings This new edition is the most comprehensive field guide to the birds of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore, covering all 673 species known to occur in the region. The birds are illustrated in a series of 74 stunning full-colour plates, painted for this book by Alan Pearson, an artist with considerable first-hand experience of the region. The plates illustrate the various plumage variations for each bird, and show the birds perched and also in flight, where relevant to their identification. The text, written and revised by Allen Jeyarajasingam, is accessible to experienced ornithologists and beginners alike, and highlights the important identification features such as plumage variations, size, calls and songs, range, distribution, and status for every species. Introductory sections describe the region and highlight some of the best sites for watching the abundant avifauna. The beautiful, precise plates and clearly-written text make this book a must-have for all birdwatchers travelling to the region.

Identifies most threatened and near threatened bird species in India Recommends measures for long-term protection Close to 645 colour photographs and 155 maps Identification, protection, and monitoring of Important Bird Areas (IBAs) is a major global conservation programme initiated by BirdLife International, and recognized and appreciated by many governments, NGOs, and conservationists. This book is an extension of the BNHS's IBA programme to identify the most threatened and near threatened bird species in India and to recommend measures for their long-term protection. It discusses trade in threatened birds in India, status of pesticide contamination in birds in India, dams and threatened birds in the Brahmaputra floodplains, India's tiger reserves and threatened bird species, threats and opportunities of Avian conservation in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, management and conservation perspectives for Avian species in the Terai region, and taxonomy, distribution, and conservation status of strophocincla laughingthrushes of Western Ghats. Covering Critically Endangered (like Himalayan quail or mountain quail, pink-headed duck, white-bellied heron, etc.), Endangered (green peafowl, red-breasted goose, white-headed duck, etc.), Vulnerable (Nicobar megapode, marbled duck, Kashmir flycatcher, etc.), and Near Threatened (Japanese quail, Nicobar pigeon, Andaman hawk-owl, etc.) species, this volume will help in expanding the scope of conservation in India beyond tiger conservation to make it more inclusive.

Focuses on IBAs of Jammu & Kashmir Extension of Important Bird Areas in India, published in 2004 Contributions by six field scientists and wildlife officers Close to 30 maps and 70 colour photographs This volume is part of a series of books on important bird areas (IBAs) of specific states, which is an extension of Important Bird Areas in India: Priority Sites for Conservation (2004) that described 466 IBAs for India. The third book in the series, this volume focuses on the IBAs of Jammu & Kashmir. Co-authored by six field scientists and wildlife officers, Important Bird Areas of Jammu & Kashmir is a collaborative effort of BNHS, WWF-India, RSPB, and BirdLife International. Profusely illustrated with more than 70 images showing habitats and birds and with a polygon map for each IBA, this book will help advocate for the protection of all wildlife and wild areas, as IBAs are also Key Biodiversity Areas.

Identifies threatened and near threatened bird species in Maharashtra. Recommends measures for long-term protection. Authors are eminent ornithologists. Close to 92 colour photographs and 39 maps. Threatened Birds of Maharashtra is the third in the 'Threatened Birds' series published by the BNHS and OUP. This book brings information about the globally threatened bird species that are presently reported from Maharashtra state. The book will help to assess the present status and distribution of the threatened bird species found in Maharashtra, and the recommendations for each species show the way ahead.

Identifies threatened and near threatened bird species in Uttarakhand. Recommends measures for long-term protection. Authors are eminent ornithologists. Close to 66 colour photographs and 46 maps. Identification, protection, and monitoring of Important Bird Areas (IBAs) is a major global conservation programme initiated by BirdLife International, and recognized and appreciated by many governments, NGOs, and conservationists. This book is an extension of the BNHS's IBA programme to identify the threatened and near threatened bird species in Uttarakhand and to recommend measures for their long-term protection. Covering Critically Endangered (like Himalayan quail or mountain quail, White-backed or Oriental White-rumped Vulture, etc.), Endangered (Egyptian Vulture and Black-bellied Tern), malayan Quail or mountain Quail, pink-headed duck, white-bellied Heron, etc., Endangered Vulnerable (Western Tragopan, Marbled Duck, Sarus Crane, etc.), and Near Threatened (Ferruginous Duck, Painted Stork, Great Hornbill, etc.) species, this volume will help in expanding the scope of conservation in India beyond tiger conservation to make it more inclusive.

Comprehensive information about the Important Bird Areas of Maharashtra Authors are eminent ornithologists Close to 77 colour photographs and 21 maps This volume is part of a series of books on important bird areas (IBAs) of specific states, which is an extension ofImportant Bird Areas in India: Priority Sites for Conservation (2004) that described 466 IBAs for India. This book provides comprehensive information about the IBAs in the state of Maharashtra. As a part of the IBAs series, this book has up-to-date scientific information on twenty important sites which need conservation attention. Also contains information on seven additional sites that have been identified by using the global IBA criteria set by BirdLife International, UK.

Adopts a broad, cross-taxonomic approach to animal movement across both temporal and spatial scales Addresses how and why animals move, and in what ways they differ in their locomotion and navigation performance Synthesizes our current knowledge of the genetics of movement/migration, including gene flow and local adaptations Provides a future perspective on how patterns of animal migration may change over time, together with the potential evolutionary consequences Movement, dispersal, and migration on land, in the air, and in water, are pervading features of animal life. They are performed by a huge variety of organisms, from the smallest protozoans to the largest whales, and can extend over widely different distance scales, from the microscopic to global. Integrating the study of movement, dispersal, and migration is crucial for a detailed understanding of the spatial scale of adaptation, and for analysing the consequences of landscape and climate change as well as of invasive species. This novel book adopts a broad, cross-taxonomic approach to animal movement across both temporal and spatial scales, addressing how and why animals move, and in what ways they differ in their locomotion and navigation performance. Written by an integrated team of leading researchers, the book synthesizes our current knowledge of the genetics of movement, including gene flow and local adaptations, whilst providing a future perspective on how patterns of animal migration may change over time together with their potential evolutionary consequences. Novel technologies for tracking the movement of organisms across scales are also discussed, ranging from satellite devices for tracking global migrations to nanotechnology that can follow animals only a millimetre in size. Animal Movement Across Scales is particularly suitable for graduate level students taking courses in spatial animal ecology, animal migration, and 'movement ecology', as well as providing a source of fresh ideas and opinions for those already active within the field. It will also be of interest and use to a broader audience of professional biologists interested in animal movements and migrations.

El boletín de la Unión de Ornitólogos del Perú (UNOP) es una revista publicada on-line que publica artículos originales revisados por pares (peer-review). El boletín tiene como objetivo crear un espacio para la publicación de artículos relacionados al tema de las aves y a la ornitología; y que además sirva de medio de comunicación entre ornitólogos e interesados en la ornitología nacional. -- The Boletín de la Unión de Ornitólogos del Perú (UNOP) is an online journal that publishes original peer-reviewed articles. The journal aims to create a place for the publication of articles related to the theme of birds and ornithology; and also serve as a means of communication among ornithologists and those interested in Peruvian ornithology.

Zoologica (published since 1888) is a series of in-depth, monographic contributions to zoology on all animal groups, notably insects. Zoologica distinguishes itself from competing publications by its high-quality large format illustrations, figures and plates. In contrast to journals, which mostly do not publish, lengthy, image-heavy contributions of monographic character, Zoologica recognizes the scholarly value of these and invites the submission of such manuscripts. All recent contributions are in the English language, while older contributions are in German. Potential authors are encouraged to contact Zoologica's editor, Hannes F. Paulus (Vienna). Zoologica is indexed in Fisheries Review, Georef, Speleological Abstracts, Zoological Record

The first issue of Revista Brasileira de Biologia was published in April 1941, after the establishment of Sociedade de Biologia do Brasil [brazilian Society of Biology] and it was financed by the philanthropist Guilherme Guinle. Only in 1971 the journal came to be published by Academia Brasileira de Ciências. As from 1998, Revista Brasileira de Biologia has been published by Instituto Internacional de Ecologia. Its purpose is to publish articles with the results of original research in any branch of Biological Sciences. The Editorial board coordinates the assessment of the articles submitted. It is a quarterly publication. The journal began using the name Brazilian Journal of Biology sometime before 2000 and received a new ISSN in 2001. The last issue published under the current name was volume 61 number 2, with number 3 being published under the new name and ISSN.