Advanced search
Start date
Betweenand
Related content
(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Fecal sex steroids and reproductive behaviors in harpy eagles (Harpia harpyja)

Full text
Author(s):
Blank, Marcel H. [1] ; de Oliveira, Marcos J. [2] ; Cubas, Zalmir S. [2] ; de Morae, Wanderlei [2] ; Moreira, Nei [3] ; Pereira, Ricardo J. G. [1]
Total Authors: 6
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Vet Med & Anim Sci, Dept Anim Reprod, Av Prof Dr Orlando Marques Paiva 87, BR-05508900 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Refugio Biol Bela Vista, Itaipu Binacl, Criadouro Anim Silvestres Itaipu Binacl, Foz Do Iguacu, Parana - Brazil
[3] Univ Fed Parana, Dept Biosci, Palotina, Parana - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: ZOO BIOLOGY; v. 39, n. 5 JUL 2020.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Aiming to improve our reproductive knowledge of large birds of prey, behavioral data and fecal steroids were assessed in captive pairs of Harpy eagles, a keystone species that is monogamous and resides in the Neotropics year-round. Adult individuals exhibited different reproductive outcomes and a breeding season extending beyond summer solstice (5-9 months) suggests that harpy eagles may not be absolutely photorefractory. Comparisons among breeding stages in males revealed that mean androgen levels in courtship were higher than in copulation and incubation, but no differences were detected in fecal progestagens or estrogens. Females had higher mean estrogen concentrations in courtship and copulation, whereas mean progestagen levels peaked during egg laying. Mean androgen concentrations were not significantly different among breeding stages in females. Assessment of six egg-lay cycles from three females demonstrated that fecal estrogens peaked predominantly between 31 and 18 days before oviposition (-31 to -18 days), and then remained low until 45 days after laying the first egg (+45 days). In contrast, fecal progestagens raised mostly between -20 and +1 day, lowering to baseline concentrations by +3 days. To our knowledge, this is the first study to describe in detail endocrine and behavioral data regarding reproduction in tropical eagles, which may serve in the future as a reference to developing breeding programs. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 12/08621-1 - Conservation of avian germplasm by interspecies spermatogonial transplantation: influence of recipient age on restoration of spermatogenesis by donor cells
Grantee:Ricardo Jose Garcia Pereira
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants