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Table of Content

    07 July 2008, Volume 27 Issue 2
    Differences on hoarding habitat selection of squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) and Eurasian nutcrackers (Nucifraga caryocatactes) in Liangshui Nature Reserve
    ZONG Cheng, CHEN Tao, MA Jianzhang, XUAN Lifeng
    2007, 27(2):  105-111. 
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    We investigated habitat selection and hoarding microhabitat use of squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) and Eurasian nutcrackers (Nucifraga caryocatactes) in Liangshui National Nature Reserve during September 2003 - October 2005. We sampled 365 400m2 quadrats and 1463 4m2 quadrats in 11 forest types. Squirrels and nutcrackers differed in their hoarding behavior and habitat selection. Squirrels selected major forest types (from most to least preferred): natural spruce, primary Korean pine, planted Korean pine, mixed conifer-broadleaf, planted spruce, secondary birch, mixed-conifer, planted larch; ninth mix-broadleaf, natural fir, other forest. Eurasian nutcrackers selected major forest types (from most to least preferred): planted Korean pine, primary Korean pine, natural spruce, planted spruce, mixed conifer-broadleaf, mixed broadleaf, secondary birch, mixed conifer, planted larch, natural fir, other forest. We used Vanderploeg and Scavia selectivity index, Wi and Ei, to evaluate microhabitat utilization selection of squirrels and Eurasian nutcrackers. Order of selection was as above except shrub type.
    Activity rhythms and food habits of Leschenault's rousette (Rousettus leschenaulti) in Hainan Island
    CHEN Zhong, MENG Yihang, ZHOU Feng, LI Yuchun
    2007, 27(2):  112-119. 
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    The activity rhythms and food habits of Leschenault's rousette (Rousettus leschenaulti)were studied monthly during February to November 2005 in the northern part of the Hainan Island,China. Food habits were studied using food remant analysis, feces analysis, and artificial feeding experiments. Nocturnal activity hours outside of roosts changed significantly (ANOVA, P < 0.001) and were shorter in May to July (552.2± 26.7 min) than that in other months (634.7±16.7 min, LSD, P < 0.05). Partial correlation analysis showed that onset and peak times of emergence at dusk were mainly determined by light intensity, and correlated significantly with temperature but not with humidity. It is considered that seasonal changes of nocturnal activity time span of Leschenault's rousette were responses to availability of food resources and artificial fruits. A total of 21 species of plants in 14 families were examined as Leschenault’s rousette's food including 11 unreported food species including Melia azedarach, Terminalia catappa, Coccinia grandis, Solanum verbascifolium and nectar of Bombax ceiba,etc. We found Leschenault 's rousette fed on nectar of B. ceiba, indicating Leschenault 's rousette is also a nectar feeder.
    Preliminary date on the social organization of black-and-white snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus bieti ) at Tacheng, China
    LIU Zehua,DING Wei,Cyril C.Grueter
    2007, 27(2):  120-122. 
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    We recorded on video a band of Rhinopithecus bieti while crossing a gully and drinking at a water hole in a montane forest near Tacheng in Yunnan,China. This footage allowed us to analyze the size and composition as well as the spatial
    distribution of individuals in the band. We used time intervals between successively passing individuals to reveal social clusters. The R. bieti band at Tacheng consisted of 366 animals which is the largest grouping of this species ever known. There was a skewed sex ratio in favor of females. The band was divided into 26 units:19 one-male units (OMUs), 5 multi-male units (MMUs), and 2 all-male units (AMUs). The mean interindividual time intervals within units were significantly shorter than between units. More than 2/3 of the subadult males in the band travelled with the AMU. AMUs were peripheral and formed either the rear or front units while moving terrestrially. The demographic results of the Tacheng band are largely in accord with those of the Wuyapiya band,with the social system of R.bieti being multilayered where single OMUs and AMUs form a very large band. The fact that most subadult males were in AMUs makes male dispersal from natal OMUs likely.
    Effects of voluntary wheel exercise on body mass and energy metabolism in male Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus)
    HU Zhendong,WANG Dehua
    2007, 27(2):  123-129. 
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    In order to explore the effects of voluntary wheel exercise on body mass and energy metabolism in male Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus),we determined the body mass,energy intake,digestibility, resting metabolic rate (RMR),nonshivering thermogenesis (NST), body fat content,serum thyroid hormones (T3 and T4 )and leptin concentrations in two groups,the control and the exercise group which are treated with 8-week-wheel running exercise. Body mass and energy intake increased in exercise group compared with control. Voluntary wheel exercise had no effects on digestibility, RMR,body fat content,serum leptin levels and T3 and T4 concentration, and mitochondrial protein content in brown adipose tissue,but the concentrations of T3 and T4 of wheel running gerbils were lower than those in the control by 10% and 38%, respectively, while the leptin levels and body fat mass increased by 27% and 33%, respectively. Serum leptin concentration was correlated positively with body fat mass but not related with energy intake. Altogether,voluntary wheel exercise stimulated the increase in body mass and food intake (exercise induced hyperphagia) but not in body fat contents in male Mongolian gerbils. The potential roles of leptin and thyroid hormones in the regulation of energy metabolism and energy balance in male Mongolian gerbils need to to be further studied.
    Mitochondrial phylogeography and genetic diversity of plateau zokor(Myospalax baileyi)
    CAI Zhenyuan,ZHANG Tongzuo,CI Haixin,TANG Lizhou,LIAN Xinming, LIU Jianquan,SU Jianping
    2007, 27(2):  130-137. 
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    The subterranean plateau zokor (Myospalax baileyi) is endemic to the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. It remains unknown how the subterranean living affects its genetic structure and geographical distribution. In this paper,the mitochondrial D-loop region was sequenced for 37 individuals of eight small populations from three regions of the eastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Among the aligned sequences of 627 bp,50 variable nucleotide sites among all individuals recovered 26 haplotypes,most of which were locally distributed. Haplotype diversity (H)was high and nucleotide diversity (πn )was low.Phylogenetic analyses suggested that the sampled individuals clustered into three clades:Huangyuan (HY)-Datong (DT), Hualong (HL) in eastern Qinghai Province and southern Gansu Province (GS), corresponding well their geographical distributions. Mantel test and regression analyses further confirmed that genetic differentiation is positively correlated with the geographic distance. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) similarly recovered the distinct differentiation between geographical populations:more than 80% of the total variation occurred between them. The unique genetic structure of this species was probably shaped together by the Quaternary climatic oscillation,the limited dispersal as well as the stable habitats of the subterranean living.
    Genetic variation and geographicial differentiation of Cytochrome b gene of Clawed jird (Meriones unguiculatus)
    LIANG Jun,ZHOU Lizhi,ZHAO Tianbiao,ZHANG Baowei,NING Shulong
    2007, 27(2):  138-145. 
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    In order to investigate genetic structure and population history of Meriones unguiculatus,a total of 1 140 base pairs (bp)of the mitochondrial Cyt b gene were sequenced from 52 individuals of six populations in the arid regions of China. Among the sequences of 1140 bp,74 nucleotide sites were variable,including 65 transitions and 9 transversions. Significant genetic subdivision existed between Baotou population and the other populations,however not among other populations. A total of 37 haplotypes were detected and phylogenetic analyses recovered two distinct clades (Clade A and Clade B). Clade B consisted of tree haplotypes from the Eastern Helan Mountains population,the other haplotypes were in Clade A. A unimodal mismatch distribution of the Clade A was observed,and the Tajima's D test and Fu test were all significantly negative (D = - 1.86, P <0.05 and Fs = - 21.89, P<0.05), and suggests that a population colonization and expansion of M. unguiculatus occurred. The expansion times were estimated as 0.011 million years ago at the last interglaciation stage. The climatic oscillation during the Quaternary ice ages might resulted in the intra-specific divergences (Clades A and B)and the Eastern Helan Mountains might have served as a glacial refugium and harbored both distinct lineages. The present distribution of this species was probably shaped through the rapid range expansion from the refugium during the last interglaciation stage.
    Habitat assessment for giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) on the northern slope of the Daxiangling Mountains
    ZHANG Wenguang,TANG Zhonghai,QI Dunwu,HU Yuanman,HU Jinchu
    2007, 27(2):  146-152. 
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    We investigated giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) habitats on the northern slopes of the Daxiangling Mountains during March - November 2005. Habitat suitability was assessed using a Geographic Information System (GIS). The study area covers 2267 km2, of which bamboos cover about 842.3 km2. Suitable,less suitable and marginally suitable habitats respectively covered 56.8 km2, 96.3 km2 and 177.4 km2 , and constituted 39.3% of the bamboos area. Suitable habitats were mainly distributed on flat slopes at elevations of 2200 - 2800 m. More than 60% of the study area was unsuitable for pandas. Human activities greatly influenced habitats inhabited by giant pandas,including reduction of suitable habitats and decreasing landscape connectivity among subpopulations. We propose management measures for giant panda habitat.
    Serum concentrations of estradiol and progesterone during the estrous cycle in female red pandas (Ailurus fulgens)
    XIU Yunfang,SHAO Liangping,WANG Dechun,CHEN Yucun,XU Suhui
    2007, 27(2):  153-157. 
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    The purpose of this study was to determine serum concentrations of estradiol and progesterone during the estrous cycle of female red pandas (Ailurus fulgens) with chemiluminescence immunoassay. Serum concentrations of estradiol and
    progesterone in 2 females were assessed 16 times during the estrous cycle, including diestrus,estrus, and 2 gestation periods. Serum concentrations of progesterone in 7 females were assessed 9 times during gestation periods. The results follow: (1) Serum concentrations of estradiol were maintained continuously at a lower level (basal level)during diestrus. The concentrations rose during proestrus and were maintained at a higher level throughout estrus until metestrus. (2) Serum concentrations of progesterone were maintained at a lower level during diestrus and estrus. The concentrations were not elevated until metestrus and were maintained at a higher level during the entire gestation period. The peaks for serum concentrations of progesterone in normal estrous animals occurred in May. (3) Regardless of whether the females who displayed signs of heat in estrus were pregnant or not,their serum concentrations of progesterone during their expected gestation period were maintained at higher levels. The study indicates that the estrous cycle of the animals can be explained by the variations of serum estradiol and estradiol was an important factor for promoting female seasonal estrus. The elevation of serum progesterone during gestation period cannot be used as a judgment standard for pregnancy in red pandas. Pseudopregnancy was found in females who nested in the end of gestation period.
    The odor recognition of cross-fostered female root vole (Microtus oeconomus) to male' urine
    SUN Ping, YU Honghao, ZHAO Yajun, ZHAO Xinquan
    2007, 27(2):  158-164. 
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    The laboratory population,which include sibling reared together (SRT), non-sibling reared together (NSRT), sibling reared apart (SRA), and non-sibling reared apart (NSRA),was founded by cross-fostering method. We assessed behavioral responses of female root voles to urine odors from familiar and unfamiliar kin and non-kin to investigate mechanisms of sibling recognition by odor cues. The results showed that:(1)The approach latency of female root voles was significantly shorter to male SRT than to NSRT (P <0.01). There were no differences in visit duration (P > 0.05) and sniff duration (P > 0.05) between SRT and NSRT,respectively. (2) The behavioral responses of females to urine odors from male SRA and NSRA indicated that they had no bias to the odor of SRA or NSRA. The differences in approach latency, visit duration and sniff duration between SRT and SRA were insignificant (P >0.05). (3)There were insignificant differences in all behavioral patterns,which include approach latency,visit and sniff duration,by females in response to male NSRT and NSRA (P > 0.05). (4) There was significant difference in approach latency between SRT and SRA (P <0.05). The differences in visit and sniff duration between SRT and SRA were insignificant (P >0.05). In conclusion, at 80 ages in days,female voles adopt a multiple pattern of mechanism for sibling recognition,which included both association and phenotype matching.
    Relationship between the infective characters of Capillaria hepatica and the body mass of the Brandt's vole (Lasiopodomys brandtii)
    WAN Xinrong,LIU Wei,ZHAO Tianbiao,JING Yu,GUO Pengfei,SHI Yansheng,WANG Guanghe
    2007, 27(2):  165-169. 
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    The infection characters of Capillaria hepatica on the Brandt's vole (Lasiopodomys brandtii) was investigated in Xilinguole, Inner Mongolia in 2005. Current analysis showed that there was no apparent sexual discrepancy on the infection rate of C. hepatica in the Brandt's vole. The infection rate of females was the same as that of male voles. However,the infection rate is highly associated with the body mass and age of the voles. Juveniles were rarely infected by C. hepatica. Based on our data,the lowest body mass of vole infected by the C. hepatica is 24.3 grams. The infective rate is significantly positive correlated with age,the older age groups suffer higher infection rates than relatively younger groups. Moreover, the infection index is also significantly positively correlated with age. Furthermore, Body mass is another indictor which is significantly positively correlated with infection rate and infection index. Our data also showed that the density of vole population had no apparent influence on the mean infective rate of C. hepatica,neither on the infection index. The infection rate of C. hepatica on the Brandt's vole in May was higher than in August. However,the infection rates of C. hepatica on voles in different seasons are highly correlated in the same sample plot.
    Isolation and identification of Feline panleukopenia virus in tiger
    YANG Songtao,WANG Ligang,GE Rui,LIU Dan,ZOU Xiaohuan,WANG Wei,WANG Tiecheng,ZHOU Ming,FENG Na,HUANG Geng,HUA Yuping,XIA Xianzhu
    2007, 27(2):  170-174. 
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    A parvovirus strain TPV/ HT-69 was successfully isolated from intestinal contents of diarrhea tiger from a wildlife zoo of China by cell culture. The TPV/ HT - 69's property consistented with FPV by morphology survey,physicochemistry test,serological neutralization test,artificial challenge,PCR detection and sequencing analysis of VP2 gene as well. The results showed that the strain TPV/ HT-69 was a feline anleukopenia virus.
    Distribution patterns and species diversity of mammals in Anhui Province
    WANG Xinjian,ZHOU Lizhi,ZHANG Youyu,XING Yajun,GU Changming
    2007, 27(2):  175-184. 
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    Geographical distribution patterns of mammal species in Anhui Province were studied using cluster analysis in this paper 425 equal-area quadrangle grids that each had an area of 404. 685 km2 were used as geographical units to collect the distribution data,and based on species range and range types of mammals,all geographical units were designated into groups by hierarchical cluster analysis according to Jaccard similarity and Chi-square. The results of species richness patterns showed that there was higher species richness of mammals in the mountainous regions than plain regions,that is species richness in the mountainous region of southern Anhui was higher than in Dabieshan,western Anhui,and species richness in the hilly region between Yangtze River and Huaihe River is higher than the plain region of northern Huaihe River. Cluster analysis of distribution units by species showed that the 425 units could be designated into 9,5,3 and 2 groups,where Jaccard similarity was 0.647,0.570,0.461 and 0.399. The result indicated the distribution of mammal species were relative to human activities and landform. Cluster analysis of distribution units by range types showed that the 425 units could be designated into 9,5,3 and 2 groups,when Chisquare was 1.561,1.759,2.521 and 3.509. In order to study the boundary between the Palearctic and Indomalayan (or Oriental) Regions in Anhui,we sorted all mammals species into 4 range types according to their ranges and origin. These range types were identified as: (1) Palearctic (species with ranges or major ranges in Palearctic),(2) Indomalayan (species with ranges or major ranges in Indomalayan),(3) Southeast-Asian (species with ranges extending to both sides of the boundary between the Palearctic and Indomalayan regions and that only in Southeast China,Korea,and Japan),and (4)Widely Distributed (species with wild ranges both in Palearctic and Indomalayan). All species of the 4 range types were analyzed into 9 groups. The approximate fauna boundary could be drawn along Yangtze River,and there was an evid nt tr nsit onal one, ith t e nor hern orde alon the orth rn sl pe of Dabieshan Mountain - Lu'an City - Shucheng County - Hefei City - Dingyuan County - Lai'an County, and southern border along the north of Dongzhi County - Guichi City - Qingyang County -Nanling County - the northern of Xuanzhou City - Guangde County.
    Use of PVC fencing sheath to reduce rodent damage to young forest stands of converting the land for forest
    WANG Zhenlong,ZHANG Zhibin
    2007, 27(2):  185-189. 
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    We tested the effects of using fencing of PVC fencing sheath on young forest stands in an area of converting the land for forestry. From September of 2004 to April of 2005,the experiments were conducted in area of converting the land for forestry in Hangjinhouqi, Bayannaor, Inner Mongolia and the damage was monthly census. The results as follow:The damage duration in the area was from September to November of 2004, and the accumulative damage rate was 34.25% ,especially during September of 2004,which was up to 17.42%. The PVC fencing sheath was of availability in avoiding damage of young forest stands by rodents. There was no one sapling damaged by rodents;and furthermore,the treatment did not increase the proportion of damage in other young stands. We suggest fencing measures should be done before September.
    cDNA cloning and sequences analysis of ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase complex ubiquinone-binding protein (QP-C)from giant panda
    HOU Wanru,CHEN Yu,PENG Zhengsong,WU Xia,TANG Zongxiang
    2007, 27(2):  190-194. 
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    In order to provide scientific material for promulgating the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) nucleus gene inheritance characteristic,for the formulation gene protection countermeasure and to put resources to rational use,the expression
    sequence of ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase complex ubiquinone-binding protein (QP-C) gene from the giant panda was analyzed. The result indicates that the cDNA sequence length is 335 bp and contains a 246-nucleotide open reading frame encoding 81 amino acid residues. The pI of the protein is 10.50 and its mole cular weight is 9. 60 ×103 Da. Topology prediction shows these QP-C proteins contain a N-glycosylation site,a potential protein kinase C phosphorylation site and a Casein kinase II phosphorylation site. Comparing the cDNA sequence with amino acid sequence of giant panda's QP-C gene and cDNA sequence with the amino acid sequence of other species'QP-C gene shows high similarity. The similarity is 82.3% to 95.2% and 81.5% to 95.1%.
    Relationship between population density and rainfall in great gerbil (Rhombomys opimus)
    ZHAO Tianbiao,YANG Chi,ZHOU Lizhi,ZHANG Zhongbin, JIN Feihu, WU Jianping,NING Shulong
    2007, 27(2):  195-199. 
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    Based on population surveys of great gerbil (Rhombomys opimus) by blocking up the mouseholes and inspecting the opened ones conducted in three different habitats in Tengenor, Damaolianheqi, Baotou City of Inner Mongolia in February, April, June, August, October and December from 2003 to 2005, relationship between density of the great gerbil and rainfall was analyzed. Results showed that population densities of the great gerbil vary with seasons and years, and its density curves have a single peak value every year. A regression equation Y8 = - 8.7202 + 0. 8806X (df = 16, r =0. 5394 > r0.05 = 0.468) resulted from analyzing the relationship of the density to the rainfall the previous month indicates that the population size of the great gerbil was positively related to the previous month's rainfall. The density occurring in August and October can be predicted by that in April. The forecasting models for the density in August and October are Y8= - 1.0925 +2.6133X4 (df = 6, r = 0.9776 > r0.01 = 0.834) and Y10 = - 0.2097 + 2. 4992X4 (df = 6, r = 0.9672 >r0.01 =0.834)respectively.
    Concentration of iron in tissues and organs of two Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) from Xiamen waters,China
    RAN Chunli,BIAN Xuesen,GONG Xiaoqing,YU Ruipeng,LIU Hongbo,YANG Jian '
    2007, 27(2):  200-202. 
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    Samples of liver, pancreas, stomach, kidney, intestine, lung, muscle, heart, skin, and brain from two stranded Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) near Xiamen harbor of China in April 2004 were analyzed for iron (Fe ) concentration. The highest levels of Fe were found in the blood (2 471.0 μg/g,dry weight ) and liver (2968.2 μg/g, dry weight) of the animal XM20040429 (female, body weight 86 kg,body length 1.88m, estimated age 2-3 year-old) and XM20040430 (female,204 kg, 2.45 m, 4 - 5 year-old), respectively. In general, Fe concentrations were higher in blood, liver, lung, kidney and muscle than any other organs or tissues in both individuals,although there were obvious differences in body length, body weight and age between these two dolphins. This tissular distribution pattern of Fe concentration of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in the present study is similar to those of Dall's porpoises (Phocoenoides dalli),finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides) and striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) in the previous literatures.
    A new record of the chiroptera in Jiangxi Province— Myotis formosus
    JIANG Tinglei,FENG Jiang,SUN Keping,ZHAO Yunjiao,ZHANG Zhenzhen
    2007, 27(2):  203-205. 
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    Two specimens of Myotis formosus were collected at the Shiyan cave in Liping village of Jinggangshan Nature Reserve in Jiangxi Province. The findings shows Jiangxi is a new locality records of this species. The two bats were described detailedly and compared with specimens of other regions. In addition,according as the characteristics of echolocation calls, it is speculated that M . formosus may prey upon medium-sized insects in relative open space.
    Herbage utilization of Tibetan antilope (Pantholops hodgsoni)during cold season
    CAO Junhu,XU Shixiao,ZHAO Xinquan,YU Minsheng
    2007, 27(2):  206-208. 
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    Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsoni), a ruminant endemic to the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, inhabit alpine regions above 4000 m elevation. An important constraint for Tibetan antelope is the sparse and limited vegetation available at these high elevations, but there is little information on their physiological adaptations and nutrition. We estimated dry matter digestibility of 5 captive Tibetan antelope at the Tiebujia Grassland Station (3 250 m) in early April 2006, using acid insoluble ash. Dry matter digestibility of blended herbage was approximately 70%, and dry matter digestibility of graminoids was 65% - 73% . Tibetan antelope have higher dry matter digestibility than domestic ruminants such as Tibetan sheep and goats. These preliminary results will be helpful for study on herbage utilization of Tibetan antelope.