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07 July 2008, Volume 28 Issue 3

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Habitat selection by sympatric chiru and Tibetan gazelle in the Aru Basin,Chang Tang Nature Reserve, Tibet Autonomous Region,China

Migmar Wangdwei,Joseph L Fox

2008, 28(3):  225-231. 

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Habitat selection was examined between two sympatric ungulate species of the high Tibetan plateau,the chiru (Tibetan antelope)Pantholops hodgsoni and the Tibetan gazelle Procapra picticaudata. The study was conducted in a high elevation area of low human presence during the early part of two summers (2000 - 2001),within the Aru Basin,Tibet Autonomous Region,China. Potential niche divergence between chiru and Tibetan gazelle was assessed in relation to elevation, slope angle,distance to hills,aspect and vegetation type and resource selection functions were used to attempt to differentiate habitat selection between species. However,habitat selection by the two species was similar in most respects, with both selecting low elevation,relatively flat,northerly facing aspects in Stipa-forb vegetation. Both species strongly avoided Carex vegetation that was present in flat,low elevation sites. Differences between the two species were noted primarily in the gazelle’s somewhat greater use of near-hill and hill habitats,possibly related to both food selection and predator avoidance. The results suggest that the scale on which habitat separation occurs between these two species is generally both larger and smaller than that measured here,with plant community patchiness,within the Stipa-forb vegetation type for example, probably a key factor in determining differential habitat selection within the study site

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Seed dispersal by black crested gibbons (Nomascus concolor)in the Wu- liang Mountains,Central Yunnan

FAN Pengfei HUANG Bei JIANG Xuelong

2008, 28(3):  232-236. 

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Gibbons are the main frugivores in the forests of Southeast Asia,and consequently have long been considered to be good seed dispersers. The purpose of this study was to describe seed dispersal patterns of the black crested gibbon (Nomascus concolor). We studied one well habituated free-ranging gibbon group over 8 months in Wuliang Mountain,Central Yunnan. When a gibbon defecated,the time and individual were noted and the feces were collected when possible. We tried to collect the whole feces,but it was very difficult because of the high canopy and the steep terrain. Seed species found in feces were identified by comparing them with seeds collected from trees in which gibbons fed. When entire defecations were obtained,we noted the species and counted the number of seeds larger than 3 mm . We also measured weight, length and width of each seed larger than 3 mm. We collected 60 entire feces;mean weight of wet feces was 22.7 g. Each feces contained one seed species and 12 seeds larger than 3 mm. Individual gibbons defecated on average twice daily. Gibbons consumed seeds of 31 species and dispersed seeds of 27 of these. The largest seeds we documented in feces were of Symplocos ramosissima,averaging 21.2 mm long and 12.7 mm wide. Fruits with elongated seeds (high ratio of length/width)were more likely to be dispersed than round seeds (low ratio of length/ width)

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Preliminary study on digging and eating underground plant corms by wild Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys at Tacheng,Yunnan,China

REN Baoping LI Ming WEI Fuwen

2008, 28(3):  237-241. 

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We followed a free-ranging group of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopitheucs bieti)at Tacheng,Yunnan,March 2006 to May 2007,to investigate its habitat use. We observed some individuals excavating for something on the ground along the daily travel pathway. Further investigation using photography revealed that such behavior resulted in obtaining plant corms. We used multi-focal animal sampling to investigate sex-age class differences in digging behavior. We compared time-spent for each digging bout and acquisition rate of corms,frequency of digging behaviors among different age-sex classes. Adult males obtained plant corms more easily than other age-sex categories. We found no significant differences between adult males and adult females in time-spent digging. Subadult males showed a distinct digging pattern,with shorter time-spent and more frequent site-transfer than adult males and females. Monkeys did not share corms with others, although some individuals displayed scramble behavior. An adult female with its new born was also observed to dig for the corm,but no acquisition was recorded.

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Seasonal variations in spleen mass and delay hypersensitivity responses of root voles (Microtus oeconomus)in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

BIAN Jianghui CAO Yifan WU Yan JING Zengchun

2008, 28(3):  242-249. 

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Animal’s immune functions are not only closely associated with environmental conditions but also may play a role in regulating population dynamics. The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau has a severe and long cold season (September - April) and short warm season (May - August). To explore seasonal variations in immune function of root voles (Microtus oeconomus), we captured root voles monthly by using live-trap methods from May 2006 to April 2007 at the Haibei Research Station of Alpine Meadow Ecosystem,the Chinese Academy of Science,and monitored spleen mass and delay hypersensitivity induced by dinitrofluorobenzene. To examine the variation of immune parameters in the cold season,it was divided into cold season 1 (September -october,2006),cold season 2 (November,2006 - January,2007)and cold season 3 (February - April,2007). Individual’s spleen mass and delay hypersensitivity response in cold season 1 did not significantly differ from those in warm season,but the spleen index in cold season 2 and cold season 3 was significantly reduced compared to cold season 1 and warm season,respectively. Individual’s delay hypersensitivity response in cold season 3 was also significantly lower than those in cold season 1 and warm season,respectively. Age differences in spleen mass were found during the cold season 2,with sub-adults having smaller spleen weights compare to adults. The results show that immune function of root voles is gradually reduced during the cold season. We suggest that low temperature in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau may be responsible for the seasonal variation in immune parameters. Our results also suggest that the age difference in immune function may play an important role in population auto-regulation for root voles.

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Maternal social stress affects immunocompetence of offspring in root voles (Microtus oeconomus):a field experiment

WU Yan BIAN Jianghui CAO Yifan

2008, 28(3):  250-259. 

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We studied the effects of maternal social stress induced by high density on offspring immunocompetence by experimentally altering population densities in field enclosures. We established high-density and low-density populations,with two replicates per density,in 4 enclosures (30 m ×50 m). F1 generation individuals born into the enclosures were taken to laboratory and housed in standardized conditions with ambient light and temperature until sexual maturity. We tested serum corticosterone concentrations of founders,and tested the serum antibody contents of anti-keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH)after injections with KLH antigen,spleen index and numbers of blood cells of mature offspring. We found that the founders of populations with high density had higher plasma corticosterone levels than those with low density. Offspring from high density populations had lower antibody contents of anti-KLH and greater spleen weight compared to the those from low densities. However,a significant difference in number of blood cells between offspring from different densities was not found. The results suggest that maternal social stress induced by high density can affect offspring’s immunocompetence in root voles,which may be play an important role in population regulation. In addition,based on ecological view,a concept of maternal stress effect is exploited.

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根田鼠幼体食物选择的社群学习

LI Junnian LIU Jike TAO Shuanglun1

2008, 28(3):  260-265. 

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Social learning is a plastic phenotypic behavior that enables animals to acquire the behavioral modes to adapt to their inhabited environment. Experiment were performed using root voles (Microtus oeconomus)to investigate the effect of multi- and single-conspecifics,and familiar and new conspecifics on the food selection of weaned voles using a cafeteria type preference trial in the laboratory. Experimental voles were caught at the Haibei Alpine Ecological System Station,the Chinese Academy of Sciences in May 2001. Experimental diets were prepared by adding cocoa powder or cinnamon powder at 1% of total dry matter of the basal diet. The results showed that conspecifics significantly affected the food preference by learning in voles,and the proportion of ingested food items that conspecifics had was up to 71% in weaned voles. The conspecifics had highly significant effects on food selection by learning in voles over 4 h with the interaction between multiple and single conspecifics and learning voles (P < 0.01),24 h later the effects disappeared (P > 0.05). No significant difference existed between effects of multiple and single conspecifics on food selection in weaned root voles (P > 0.05). Familiar conspecifics had significant effects on food selection of learning voles,but there was no significant effect of new conspecifics on food preference in learning voles.

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Cellular activation of the main olfactory bulb and accessory olfactory bulb after exposure to urine odor of same or opposite sex in mandarin voles (Microtus mandarinus)

ZHANG Huan TAI Fadao REN Baojun JIA Rui YUAN Aifang ZENG Shuangyan

2008, 28(3):  266-273. 

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In many vertebrates,odor cues from urine and anal and genital sebaceous gland secretions play important roles in heterosexual partner selection,reproductive success,recognition of strain and gender,etc. Detection,transduction,and processing of these odors are accomplished through either the main olfactory system or the accessory olfactory system. Many studies have indicated that pheromones induced the activities of neurons in the Accessory olfactory bulb (AOB),and nonsocial odors activated those of main olfactory bulb (MOB) In our study,neuronal activation in the MOB and AOB of the mandarin voles (Microtus mandarinus)was investigated using Fos-immunoreactivity (FOS-ir)as an indicator following exposure to the urine of same or opposite sex Mandarin voles exposed to urine of the same and opposite sex produced significantly more Fos-ir neurons in the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB)compared with voles in the control group;Voles exposed to urine of the opposite sex had more Fos-ir neurons in the AOB than voles exposed to urine from same sex,suggesting that AOB participated in sex discrimination of mandarin voles Furthermore,mandarin voles exposed to urine of the same and opposite sex produced more or significantly more Fos-ir neurons in the MOB than did control voles Voles exposed to urine of the opposite sex had more Fos-ir neurons in the MOB than did voles exposed to urine from the same sex,indicating that MOB also participated in sex discrimination of mandarin voles Our result suggests that both AOB and MOB were involved in sex discrimination by chemosensory signals in urine.

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Copulatory behavior of semifree-ranging Amur tigers (Panthera tigris altaica)

QIAO Zhenglei ZHANG Honghai WANG Xiaoming

2008, 28(3):  274-279. 

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We used behavioral sampling to investigate mating behavior and copulatory patterns of 7 semi-free-ranging Amur tigers (Panthera tigris altaica;4 males,3 females)housed in a 2 ha enclosure at the Taishan Amur Tiger Park. We observed no copulatory locks during 22 days of observation;males usually ejaculated following a single intromission after several thrusts. Approximately 74% of ejaculations within a 1-hour period were repeated ejaculations. Amur tigers had a copulatory pattern with no lock,thrusting,multiple intromission,and a single ejaculation,consistent with No 11 in Dewsbury’s copulatory-patterned system. Females averaged 28 ±3 sexual solicitations/day,lasting 20.0 ± 1.2 seconds. Males averaged 14 ± 1 mounts of females/ day. The mean duration of thrusting was 20.9 ± 0.5 seconds,and the mean mating duration was 45.2 ±1.3 seconds.

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Food habits of goitered gazelles (Gazella subgutturosa sairensis)in northern Xinjiang

XU Wenxuan QIAO Jianfang LIU Wei YANG Weikang

2008, 28(3):  280-286. 

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We quantified food habits of goitered gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa sairensis)and domestic sheep at Kalamaili Mountain Nature Reserve in northern Xinjiang,October 2006 - August 2007,using faecal microscopic methods. We identified 47 plant species in goitered gazelle fecal samples,representing 16 families. Diets varied seasonally:in autumn,we documented 24 plant species from 7 families consumed by gazelles;in winter,gazelles consumed 17 plant species from 6 families;41plant species from 16 families used by gazelle in spring;and 30 plant species from 12 families used by gazelles in summer. Chenopodiaceae and Gramineae were major foods of goitered gazelles,comprising 38.8 -85.1% ,and the forbs were often grazed by the gazelle;spring ephemeral plants and ephemeroid plants were very important to the gazelle,comprising 27% of its spring food components. Over all seasons,Stipa glareosa was a major food of gazelles,Ceratoides latens was mainly used in spring and summer,whereas in autumn and winter,gazelles consumed a large amount of Haloxylon ammodendron. Because of the hot and dry climate,forbs with higher water content,such as Allium polyrhizum,Zygophyllum rosovii,Salsola subcrassa were favored by gazelles. In winter,domestic sheep had similar food niche breadth with goitered gazelle,and food overlap index was 77% .

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Seasonal variations of testosterone in wild adult male Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana)at Huangshan,China

XIA Dongpo LI Jinhua ZHU Yong CHEN Ran SUN Binghua

2008, 28(3):  287-292. 

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This study was conducted to help clarify seasonal changes in fecal testosterone of wild Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana). The study was conducted over a 12-month period (October 2005 - September 2006)at the Huangshan National Park. The study period encompassed the 7-month mating season as well as the 5-month non-mating period. A total of 426 fecal samples from five wild,adult male Tibetan macaques were collected. Fecal testosterone was analyzed via radioimmunoassay (RIA)following standardized procedures. The results showed that testosterone levels varied significantly across the 12 months in the Yulinkeng YA2 troop (P <0.01),and that the concentration of fecal testosterone during mating season [12.28 ± 5.75 ng/ ml (Mean ± SD)]was significantly greater (P < 0.01)than during non-mating season (9.42 ±4.99 ng/ ml). Testosterone levels were significantly different between mating season and non-mating season for all the five adult males (P <0.01). There also were positive correlations between fecal testosterone and environmental temperature (P< 0.05),and were highest or lowest in the early or later parts of the mating season,respectively. These results support earlier reports that wild Tibetan macaques display seasonal breeding. Further,seasonal variation in testosterone appears to be influenced by environmental temperature.

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Characteristics of metabolic heat production and thermoregulation in Melano-bellied oriental voles (Eothenomys melanogaster)

WANG Xiaolin BAO Yixin LIU Jingsong CHEN Ting LIN Xiaorong

2008, 28(3):  293-299. 

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To understand the ecophysiological characteristics of Melano-bellied oriental vole (Eothenomys melanogaster) inhabiting the central China region of Oriental realm,we measured their metabolic rates,body temperatures (Tb),and thermal conductances in a range of temperatures (5 - 35℃ ). Eight animals were used in the experiment. Their average body mass was 28.17 ± 0.35 g (mean ± SE). The animals were kept in large cages under natural temperature and photoperiod, and fed with laboratory ‘rat chow’pellets for a week (comments:exact number of days here). Food and water were available ad libitum. The metabolic rates of the animals were measured using a respirometer in a chamber with a constant temperature (0.5℃ ). The body masses (Mb)and body temperature (Tb)of the animals were measured before and after each measurement. Tb was measured by insertion of a digital thermometer into the rectum at a depth of 3 cm. Prior to each measurement,the animal was fasted for three hours to minimize food interference. Each measurement lasted for one hour. Measurements were taken daily between 9:00 and 17:00 for twenty days. Metabolic rates were expressed as ml O₂ / g· h. Thermal conductance (C,in ml O₂ / (g· h· ℃ )was calculated at each temperature below the thermal neutral zone using the formula:C = MR/ (Tb - Ta),where MR refers to the metabolic rate (ml O₂ / g· h),Tb is body temperature (℃ ) and Ta is ambient temperature (℃ ). The results showed that the mean basal metabolic rate within the neutral temperature region (25 - 30℃ )was 2.99 ±0.09 ml O₂ / (g· h). When amibient temperature was between 5 and 25℃ ,Melano-bellied oriental voles can maintain a stable body temperature at 36.5 ± 0.1℃ . Total thermal conductance (C)in the temperature range of 5 - 25℃ was 0.26 ±0.01 ml O₂ / (g· h· ℃ ). When the ambient temperature was below the neutral temperature region,the metabolic rate (MR)increased with decline in ambient temperature. The relationship between MR and Ta can be described using the equation,MR (ml O₂/ g· h) = 6. 56 - 0.16 Ta (℃ ). Our results provide basic characteristics of melano-bellied oriental voles in metabolic heat production and thermal regulation.

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Effect of preparations from Tripterygium wilfordii on reproduction of Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus)

HUO Xiufang WANG Deng GUO Yongwang SHI Dazhao

2008, 28(3):  305-310. 

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This study tested the effects of extracts of the climbing vine,Tripterygium wilfordii on the fertility of male Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). Based on pre-tests,three groups of animals were used to compare treatments:one group (n = 16)received an oral dose (40 mg/ kg)daily for 4 weeks,a second group (n = 10)received a single dose of 100 mg/ kg and a third,control group (n = 14)received the vehicle (1%CMC). All animals were autopsied 42 days after the start of treatment and the status of the testes and epdidymis were assessed. Animals treated with 40 mg / kg daily for 28 days showed significantly reduced fertility after mating trials (df = 1,P <0.05). Their testis and epididymis/ body weight ratios were significantly reduced as were the number and motility of their sperm which were also misshapen For the group receiving a single dose of 100 mg/ kg,the epididymis organ/ body weight ratio was significantly decreased and number of misshapen sperm was increased markedly,but no other parameters were different from the control group. These results indicate that continuous presentation of this plant extract over 4 weeks has a marked sterilizing effect on male Mongolian gerbils. A single treatment with a higher dose of the extract was not effective.

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Cloning and sequence analysis of H and F genes of a canine distemper vi- rus isolated from fox

LU Pin HU Chuanwei YANG Dubao XIE Zhijing

2008, 28(3):  311-315. 

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Based on the H and F genes of canine distemper virus isolates reported in GenBank (CDV 5804(AY386315)、CDV 01-2689(AY649446)、CDV A75-17(AF164967)、CDV 00-2601(AY443350)、CDV 98-2645(AY445077)、CDV 98-2654(AY466011)and CDV Onderstepoort(AF378705)),two pairs of primers were designed. The H and F genes of CDV-FOX-TA were amplified by RT-PCR,and were cloned into pMD18-T vector,which were sequenced and analyzed. The H gene of CDV-FOX-TA contained a ORF including 1 824 bp,and had the lower identity with the CDV vaccine strains (Onderstpoort and Convac ),only 89.2% and 90.6% ,respectively. However,it had 98.6% identity with CDV A75-17, and 98.7% identity with CDV LP which was isolated from lesser panda. The ORF of CDV-FOX-TA F gene was 1 889 bp. The major difference among various CDV strains was in the signal peptide domain,but the RRQRR,the thirteen serine residues, the four protential asparagines glycosylation sites and the two hydrophobic regions were highly conserved. According to phylogenetic analysis,it showed that CDV-FOX-TA,CDV A75 - 17 and CDV LP had the nearer inherited distance.

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New record of Tylonycteris robustula (Chiroptera:Vespertilionidae ) from Hainan,Guizhou,and Sichuan Province

ZHANG Libiao ZHU Guangjian YU Dongmei YE Jianping ZHANG Wei HONG Tiyu TAN Min

2008, 28(3):  316-320. 

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Since the 1990s,surveys of bats in China have resulted in outstanding results:Three new species have been described; five new country records;and ten new provincial records have been found. Tylonycteris (Chiroptera:Vespertilionidae) includes three species,T.pachypus,T. robustula and T.pygmaeus (a new species described by Feng et al. [2008] found in Yunnan Province). These three species all roost within internodes of bamboo. The northernmost recorded distribution of T. pachypus is at Mt. Jincheng (N30°40′,E106°18′),Nanchong City,Sichuan Province founded by Zhou et al. (2005). In November,2006,T. robustula was also found in Yuechi County and Nanchong City,Sichuan Province. Yuechi County (N30°46′,E106°28′;altitude 633 m)is the northernmost distribution of T. robustula recorded in the world and the first record of this species in Sichuan Province. From October to December 2007,T.robustula was found in Guizhou and Hainan Provinces,both also first provincial recordings for this species. The external measurements, morphological character,distribution, and conservation status of this species were recorded. These specimens were preserved at the Guangdong Entomological Institute,Guangzhou. We also reviewed the distributions of T.robustula in China,including Guangxi,Yunnan,Hainan, Guizhou,and Sichuan Provinces. The bamboo,which provides roosts for these three Tylonycteris sp. ,is heavily used in these regions. Protection of bamboo forest habitat may ensure China's endemic Tylonycteris sp.survival.

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Sequence analysis of giant panda NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase iron- sulfur protein 6 gene (NDUFS6)

WANG Zuxiu HAO Yanzhe HOU Wanru

2008, 28(3):  321-324. 

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The multisubunit NADH ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I)is the first enzyme complex in the electron transport chain of mitochondria. The iron-sulfur protein (IP)fraction is made up of 7 subunits,including NDUFS6 (NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase Fe-S protein 6). In order to understand the giant panda’s NDUFS6 gene and coding of protein using RT-PCR combined with in silico cloning,we isolated and sequenced the cDNA encoding NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase iron-sulfur protein 6 of the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). The deduced protein sequence showed that the protein is composed of 124 amino acids and the estimated molecular weight of the NDUFS6 protein is 13.632 kDa with an isoelectric point (PI)of 9.51 Alignment analysis reveals that the deduced protein sequence shares 85.6 % ,82.4% ,76.6 % and 76.1 % homology with that of Homo sapiens,Bos taurus,Rattus norvegicus and Mus musculus,respectively. In particular,there are 2 Protein kinase C phosphorylation sites (₁₄ SGK₁₆ and ₅₁ SRK₅₃ )in the NDUFS6 protein of the giant panda.