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The physical and demographic characteristics of chamois in th~ Avoca region are evaluated from 306 animals shot and autopsied between 1975 and 1978. These data are compared with published and unpublished information for chamois populations in Westland and Canterbury. Avoca chamois were large-framed, but weighed less than Westland chamois. The weight difference suggests better habitat condition and food resources for Westland animals, but the large skeletal size of Avoca chamois is unexplained.High rates of juvenile mortality were caused by acute bacterial-pneumonia infections (Pasteurella). These deaths and other losses by natural causes were offset by the good breeding success of adult females so that stable population numbers were maintained.

. 1992. Reproductive characteristics of feral pigs in New Zealand. Acta theriol. 37: 259 -270.Breeding was studied in feral pigs Sus scrofa Linnaeus, 1758 inhabiting the northern part of the South Island, New Zealand. In a sample of 1,117 female pigs 50.4% showed evidence (pregnancy or lactation) that they were breeding. There was no statistically significant regional variation in the breeding status of females. Breeding occurred throughout the year with birth peaks in July-November and March. Among 101 females 5-8 months old, 30 (29.7%) were pregnant. The oldest breeding sow was 14 years old. Breeding females up to 17 months old were significantly heavier than non-breeding females, but the difference ceased to be significant for older animals. Pregnant females averaged 6.2 foetuses (range 1-11). Lactating females had on average 5.4 teats extended (range 1 -12). For areas where pigs are considered a pest species a simulation model predicted a population recovery time of 30 months from a 70% kill.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to establish the prevalence and risk factors for intergenerational (IG)-sex in females aged 15–19 residing in Barbados.MethodsThis cross sectional cluster survey was conducted in a 2.6% national sample in the age range (n = 261) recruited from multiple polling districts chosen with a probability proportional to size. Consent was obtained from participants aged ≥18 years or from parents/guardians of participants <18 years, with participant assent. The prevalence of age at first sex was analyzed using a life table approach and risk factors for IG sex (defined as sexual relations with a male 10 or more years older) were analyzed by logistic regression, adjusting for age.Results51.0% of adolescent females in the survey reported ever having had sex, among whom prevalence of IG-sex was 13.2% (95% CI: 6.7-19.8) at first sex, 29.0% (22.3-35.7) within the preceding twelve months, and 34.8% (24.3-45.4) ever. Condom use at first sex was positively related to willingness to have sex (F statistic = 9.8, p = 0.001). The strongest determinant for IG-sex was age of sexual debut (age adjusted Odds Ratio [95% CI]: 0.58[0.41-0.83]), followed by money or gifts received from the partner (2.91[1.17-7.23] and self-esteem (0.33[0.11-0.95]).ConclusionsThe survey establishes a high rate of IG-sex in Barbados, a ‘high income’ country. Most insightful is that risk of IG-sex nearly halved for every year at which first sex was delayed. A high proportion of coerced sex was reported at first sexual experience and this was linked to poor condom use. Affirmative prevention approaches are recommended to boost self-acclamation of adolescent women within less coercive relationships, especially during their first sexual encounter.

This study evaluates dental ageing techniques for feral pigs in northern South I., New Zealand. Ages of pigs were estimated by three techniques: tooth eruption and replacement on criteria calibrated from pen-reared American-bred European wild pigs; tooth eruption, development, and wear calibrated from known-age feral pigs from the study area; and annular growth in cementum of molariform teeth. All age estimations showed strong agreement with each other and with known ages. The eruption and replacement criteria were most useful for ageing pigs less than 30 months old, whereas the other two criteria were more suited to ageing pigs more than 30 months old. All permanent teeth of New Zealand feral pigs erupted 1-2 months earlier than in European and Malayan wild pigs, and permanent premolars erupted up to 4 months earlier than in Japanese wild pigs. Earlier eruption may reflect early onset of maturity in New Zealand pigs. The clarity of annuli observed varied between animals, but generally increased with age. Pigs from unforested habitat had a higher percentage of clearly defined annuli than those from forested habitat. This may be explained by a climatic or dietary factor.