Summary: Moosman et al. (2009)

Animal signals evolve in a variety of contexts. Some male fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) produce bioluminescent courtship signals during mate searching, and these males are often chemically defended. These courtship signals may have consequences (positive/negative) that are unrelated to mating. Moosman et al. (2009) examined whether Photinus flash signals are aposematic signals for insectivorous bats. They observed four species of North American bats in the field, then conducted behavioural and diet experiments in the laboratory to assess taste responses to the fireflies. Interestingly, fireflies were not found in bat faeces, even though they co-occurred in the field. Bats found the taste of meal worms coated with homogenized fireflies aversive, but responded differentially to moving lures based on a combination of lure size and flash cues. Moosman et al. (2009) suggest that flash signals of Photinus fireflies probably act as aposematic warnings to the common bat Eptesicus fuscus. This indicates that bioluminescent courtship signalling in fireflies may operate under competing selective pressures.

Summary: Paulisson (2008)

After long periods of training, lizards and snakes show spatial learning (an animal's ability to learn the location of resources for access in the future). It has been suggested that the natural environment is more conducive to spatial learning in squamates than the laboratory, as the animals become familiar with vital resources and landmarks within their home ranges. Paulisson (2008) hypothesised that spatial learning in little brown skinks (Scincella lateralis) can be improved with prior experience of a habitat. He subjected individual lizards to simulated predatory attacks and tested their ability a) to choose between 1 of 2 cardboard retreats (Experiment 1); 2) to choose a designated "correct" retreat without prior experience (Experiment 2); and 3) to choose the "correct" retreat after 48 hours of prior experience in the habitat (Experience 3). Paulisson (2008) found that little brown skinks learn to take refuge (Experiment 1), and experience leads them to choose the "correct" retreat in a short period of time (Experiment 3). He discusses the role of experience and the use of ecologically relevant landmarks in laboratory-based learning experiments.

Summary: Gerber et al. (2011)

Oceans are challenging areas for conservation, as large marine mammals move large distances, but are typically only protected in small areas. In 2006, the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM), one of the largest conservation areas in the world, was established with the primary aim of conserving marine wildlife. However, despite this goal, one of the endemic species of this area, the Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi) is declining as a result of high juvenile mortality. In contrast, populations outside of the protected area are increasing. The ecological drivers of the decline are currently unknown. Gerber et al. (2011) evaluated an intervention proposal by the Pacific Island Fisheries Science Centre. The benefits proposed included maintainance of subpopualtions in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands through preservation of metapopulation structure. Gerber et al. (2011) indicate that this would provide more time for studies on the factors driving the population decline. They suggest that the inability of the PMNM to conserve monk seals reflects the differing ideals of conservation agendas, the necessity for understanding ecosystem and large-scale ecosystem interactions, and the necessity of adaptive management.