No. 2 - Autumn 1994

TIME AND WARINESS IN YELLOW-BELLIED MARMOTS.
K. B. Armitage & Marta Chiesura Corona

Abstract - Twenty-five Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) and 8 Alpine ibex (Capra ibex ibex) with infectious keratoconjunctivitis were captured in the Gran Paradiso National Park. Only seven chamois and 4 alpine ibex showed signs of nervousness. The histopatological findings showed that 12 chamois and 4 ibex were affected by inflammatory alterations of the brain, represented by: foci of nono-purulent leptomeningitis as small accumulations of mononuclear cells; perivascular cuffings in the cerebral hemispheres; severe infiltration of lymphocytes in the choroid plexus fo the cerebral ventricles. The non-purulent morphology of the inflammation might be a consequence of the action of the primary pathogenic agent (Mycoplasma, Chlamydia or Rickettsia).

SURVIVORSHIP AMONG YOUNG ALPINE MARMOTS AND THEIR PERMANENCE IN THEIR NATAL TERRITORY IN A HIGH ALTITUD COLONY.
Daniela Lenti Boero

Abstract - During an eight year study on the ethology and ecology of the alpine marmot (Marmota marmota L.), carried out in the Gran Paradiso National Park, Aosta, Italy, 41 young marmots were individually recognized and data on birth rate, litter size, permanence beyond maturity, and productivity were recorded. Litter size had a median of four (range 4-5). No female had a litter in the first year of settling and all females but one had a one year interval in reproduction. 36.6%; 34.1%; 21.5% and 0 animals born in the colony were found in the natal territory when one, two, three and four years old, respectively. The differences found in comparison to other geographical areas might be related to the high turnover rate of social groups and indirectly to the harshness of the habitat where the study area is located.

BRAIN LESIONS ASSOCIATED WITH INFECTIOUS KERATO-CONJUNCTIVITIS IN CHAMOIS AND ALPINE IBEX.
B. Bassano, E. Bollo, V. Peracino & F. Guarda

Abstract - Twenty-five Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) and 8 Alpine ibex (Capra ibex ibex) with infectious keratoconjunctivitis were captured in the Gran Paradiso National Park. Only seven chamois and 4 alpine ibex showed signs of nervousness. The histopatological findings showed that 12 chamois and 4 ibex were affected by inflammatory alterations of the brain, represented by: foci of nono-purulent leptomeningitis as small accumulations of mononuclear cells; perivascular cuffings in the cerebral hemispheres; severe infiltration of lymphocytes in the choroid plexus fo the cerebral ventricles. The non-purulent morphology of the inflammation might be a consequence of the action of the primary pathogenic agent (Mycoplasma, Chlamydia or Rickettsia).

REPORT ON THE SECOND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MARMOTS.
M. Le Berre & R. Ramousse