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Studies of Asiatic ibexes (Capra ibex sibirica) were conducted in the Himalaya Mountains ofIndia during winter and summer 1985-1986, with activity data collected during NovemberDecember. Ibexes were observed in Ladakh at elevations of 4,000-4,800 m, on slopes averaging 31°, and predominantly within 50 m of rugged terrain or cliffs. Groups (median size = 11; range, 1-40) primarily were comprised of both sexes during summer and winter, although more males were in all-male groups during summer. Ibexes fed farther from cliffs than they bedded, and fed in larger groups the farther from cliffs; differences probably associated with avoidance of predation. During early winter, peaks in daily activity occurred near sunrise and sunset. Population and habitat-use characteristics of ibex appear to be related to site-specmc predation pressure, winter snowpack, forage availability, and human activities.

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Rhinoceroses are among the most endangered mammals in the world. Despite a recent increase in numbers in most wild populations, poaching or political instability may exterminate large populations very quickly. Therefore, captive or ex situ rhinoceros populations can play an important role in their conservation. Previous studies identified infant mortality and interbirth intervals among the main parameters affecting the viability and survival of rhinoceros populations. In our study, we tested the recently suggested prediction that in captive Indian rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis, longer interbirth intervals may result in higher infant mortality. We also examined the factors that are the main predictors of infant mortality and interbith intervals using the studbook data on Indian rhinoceros born in zoos worldwide as well as data from Dudhwa National Park, India, where rhinoceroses were successfully reintroduced. We found no association between interbirth intervals and infant mortality. In both populations, the main predictor of infant mortality was mother’s parity, with higher mortality in calves born to primiparous mothers. In addition, we found that the interbirth intervals were shorter in zoos than in Dudhwa and that they increased with increase in age of the mother, which was the only factor affecting interbirth interval in both populations. Our results show that the same factors affect both parameters in both populations and thus illustrate that the reproduction and infant survival of Indian rhinoceros in zoos reflect the natural pattern. Furthermore, we suggest that in captivity, the interbirth intervals could be slightly prolonged to approach the situation in the wild.

The primary purpose of this study is to detect and describe chloride and nitrate in the groundwater, as well as volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) in the vadose zone, in selected parts of Hays, Kansas. The study also describes the subsurface behavior of these potential contaminants. Big Creek alluvial aquifer is an important source of groundwater for the city of Hays. Groundwater samples collected from different locations in the city were geochemically analyzed to determine the inorganic composition of the groundwater. Geochemical analysis suggests that groundwater in Hays is very hard and is of the Ca- HCO3 type. Computer calculations show that the water samples are saturated to oversaturated with respect to calcite. Therefore, calcite may control much of the water composition. The basic chemical characteristics of groundwater was studied using Stiff diagrams. Similar patterns of Stiff diagrams suggest that chloride and nitrate affect the groundwater quality. Animal or human waste sources could be an appreciable contributor to the total chloride and nitrate concentrations. Also, the Blue Hill Shale contributes to chloride, while leaky sewer lines could be another possible source for nitrate. Organic contaminants were detected in south Hays in the vadose zone using a soil-gas survey method conducted by Layne Geosciences, Inc. (LGI). Spills or casual dumping of petroleum products, leaking of underground storage tanks, and chemicals used in other cleaning processes are possible sources of the contamination.