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29 February 2012, Volume 32 Issue 3

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Genetic diversity and genetic structure of the mid-day gerbil population in Inner Mongolia-Xinjiang Plateau

2012, 32(3):  179-187. 

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To understand the impact of landscape and environmental factors on the population structures of the mid-day gerbil(Meriones meridianus)in Inner Mongolia-Xinjiang Plateau,we analyzed eight microsatellite loci for a total of 160 individuals from 14 regions. The results showed that there was a high level of genetic diversity in the population for the number
of alleles per locus (A)22. 50 ±3. 02 (19 to 28),and polymorphic loci (PIC)0. 912 ± 0. 02 (0.872 to 0. 929). The observed heterozygosity (HO )was 0. 68 ± 0. 19 (0.52 to 0.85),and the expected heterozygosity (HE )was 0. 79 ± 0. 08 (0. 71 to 0. 85). The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA)suggested that the gerbils were divided into three discrete groups (P < 0.001). The result of Mantel test showed that there were no significant correlations between genetic distance and geographic distance (P = 0.270 0). But,in the distance-based multivariate analysis for a linear model (DISTLM), altitude plays a key role in increasing genetic structure of the gerbil population in the plateau.

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Seasonal differences in microhabitat use by tufted deer (Elaphodus cephalophus)in Tangjiahe Nature Reserve

2012, 32(3):  188-192. 

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Detailed understanding of seasonal differences in habitat use by wildlife is essential for the development of sound conservation and habitat management plans We assessed seasonal differences in habitat use by a poorly known forest ungulate, tufted deer (Elaphodus cephalophus),in Tangjiahe Nature Reserve from December 1,2005 to March 30,2006 and from July 10 to September 30,2006. Transects were surveyed in various locations within the reserve to locate droppings and traces left by the deer as the indicators of their habitat use. We found that tufted deer displayed seasonal vertical movements between high and low slope positions,staying at sites with lower slope positions and closer to a road in winter compared to those in summer.

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Comparison of spatial positioning between radio telemetry (RT)and GPS in temperate mountain forests:A case study on tracking the reintroduction of captive giant pandas

2012, 32(3):  193-202. 

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Population structure of wild Macaca mulatta in three different regions of Yunnan

2012, 32(3):  203-208. 

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The age and body weight of Macaca mulatta had been judged through the measuring body weight and observing tooth sequence and teeth wear method.These Macaca mulatta (670)belongs to 23 populations,were captured from Jingdong County,Zhenyuan County and Ninglang County of Yunnan Province from 2004 to 2010.The composition of population age,sex proportion and the difference of body weight were investigated. Results showed that (1)sex ratio (♂:♀)of Macaca mulatta populations in Jingdong, Zhenyuan, Ninglang were 1∶ 1. 21,1∶ 1. 55,1∶ 1. 52,respectively; (2) more than 80% of the Macaca mulatta population were composed by juvenile,young and adult groups,which indicated the population is in the developing stage;(3)sexual dimorphism phenomenon was showed in adult group,the body weight of males was significantly higher than females (P < 0.01),especially in Ninglang regions where significantly higher than other two counties (P < 0.01). These three regions are at a higher fertility,showing a trend of development for Macaca mulatta in Yunnan resources protection and rational development and utilization to provide some basis,but also for understanding population structure and Yunnan wild Macaca mulatta growth and development law,the establishment of artificial breeding ofthe different regions (species,subspecies)Macaca mulatta germplasm characteristics database and further studies provide data to support the foundation.

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Effects of burrowing activity of plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae)on plant species richness and aboveground biomass

2012, 32(3):  216-220. 

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Using an approach of spatial sequence instead of temporal sequence,we analyzed the change in plant community species richness,species composition and aboveground biomass among plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae)mounds and nonmound( control),and explained the effect of burrowing activities of pikas on the plant community on mounds.The results showed that the plant species richness in the older mound increased by 25. 0% and 17. 5% respectively compared to the two-year mound and control. The trend of species diversity index was control > older mound > two-year mound,and species evenness was control > older mound > two-year mound. There were great differences in plant composition among the twoyear mound,the older mound and the control,and the community coefficients were 0.346 2 and 0. 285 7 respectively. The aboveground biomass of the older mound was significant higher than two-year mound and the control (F _{old mound-control} = 13.544 0,F _{old mound-two-year} =11. 768 2,P < 0. 05),and increased by 66.3% ,77. 8% respectively compared to the two-year mound and control. Burrowing activities of pikas favor an increase in species richness and the fitness to themselves,but in
terms of habitat plant community of pikas,taking a certain number new mounds into account,the aboveground biomass declined.

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Efficacies of coccidian parasites (Protozoa)in control of plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae)and their effects on embryo development

2012, 32(3):  221-227. 

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The plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae)has been recorded as one of the serious pests in alpine meadows on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. However,biological control,recognized as a primary way in pest control,generally does not display visible effectiveness in the short term. Coccidian parasites are intestinal protozoans,and are currently recognized as the main
parasite infecting plateau pika populations. Infection with coccidia seriously impairs the survival of hosts. In order to test whether coccidia could be used for control pikas,we incorporated coccidia into bait and tested its efficacies in both laboratory and field. Our results showed that the bait (containing 300 ×104 oocysts and synergist)led 63. 6% adults to die in the laboratory, and 54. 9% and 71. 0% decreases in numbers of adults and juveniles in field,respectively. In addition,embryo weight was significant lower in the treatment group than that in the control group. Infection rate and infection intensity were significantly higher in treatment plots than those in control plots. Our results suggest that coccidian parasites have good effectiveness in pika control,and it may also influence embryo development of pregnant female infected in the field.

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cDNA,genomic sequence cloning and overexpression of troponin C type(TNNC1)gene of the giant panda and the black bear

2012, 32(3):  228-238. 

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Troponin C type 1 (TNNC1)regulates the contraction of slow-twitch skeletal muscle and cardiac muscle,which may lead to differences in animal muscle growth,evolution,and function. In this study,the genomic sequences and cDNA of the TNNC1 gene of the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)and the black bear (Ursus thibetanus)were cloned successfully using RT-PCR. The TNNC1 gene length of cDNA fragment of the giant panda contains an open reading frame of 486 bp encoding 161 amino acids and the length of the genomic sequence is 2 831 bp,contains six exons and five introns. Cloned TNNC1 gene cDNA fragment of the black bear contains a 486 bp open reading frame encoding 161 amino acids,the gene structure is 2 758 bp,also contains six exons and five introns. Alignment analysis indicated that the nucleotide sequences and the deduced amino acid sequences for TNNC1 gene of the two species are highly conserved with other 13 species which have been reported. Topology prediction shows that there are 5 Casein kinaseⅡphosphorylation sites,1 Protein kinase C phosphorylation site,1 N-myristoylation site,3 EF-hand calcium-binding domains and 1 N-glycosylation site in the TNNC1 protein of
the giant panda and the black bear. The cDNA of TNNC1 for the giant panda and the black bear were transfected into E. coli, the TNNC1 fused with the N-terminally His-tagged protein gave rise to the accumulation of an expected 23.5 kDa polypeptide, which was consistent with the predicted protein. The results of this study provide information to further explore the structure, function and evolution of TNNC1 gene and protein of the giant panda and the black bear.

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Polymorphism of partial sequence of FSHR genes and their association with some reproductive traits in yaks

2012, 32(3):  239-247. 

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To provide a basic information for solving the long-time calving interval in yak through the method of selective breeding,the present study was carried out to analyze the polymorphism of the 5’flank region and exon 1 of the follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR)gene,and to determine their association with reproductive traits.PCR-SSCP assay was used to screen the polymorphisms of FSHR gene in 667 yaks from 4 yak breeds. A least square linear model was used to determine the relationship between the polymorphism of FSHR gene and calving interval.Three fragments of 940 bp in size for yak FSHR gene were amplified and sequenced,including the 5’flank region and exon 1. It had high homology with the corresponding sequences of other mammalian species both at mRNA and amino acid levels.Altogether 9 mutation sites were found and one of them was in the open reading frame with leading to synonymous mutation. The calving intervals among different populations were significantly different (P < 0. 05). No significant difference (P >0.05)existed between calving interval in different genotypes of the FSHR gene,while a trend for shortening calving interval was found in the genotypes of AB, LL,LM,LN and RT.

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Taxonomy and conservation status of gibbons in China

2012, 32(3):  248-258. 

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This paper reviews the taxonomy and conservation status of gibbons (Hylobatidae)and provides basic and comprehensive data for future conservation and research of gibbons in China. Based on the latest taxonomy of gibbons,4 genera and 17 species are recognized. Of these,6 species in 3 genera (Nomascus concolor, N. nasutus, N. hainanus,
N. leucogenys,Hoolock leuconedys,Hylobates lar)are distributed in China. Gibbons once were widely distributed in China, but are now restricted in Yunnan,Guangxi and Hainan because of habitat loss and degradation,and hunting. Conservation of gibbons in China is an urgent problem. H. lar and N. leucogenys might have disappeared from China;the populations of N. nasutus,N. hainanus are less than 30 individuals;the populations of H.leuconedys is less than 200 individuals; and as for the largest population,N. concolor has 1 000 -1 300 individuals. Law enforcement,conservation awareness education,promotion of popular science,and long-term conservation oriented research will help to conserve China’s last surviving gibbons.

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Morphological differences of internal organs in two species of zokor and their significance in classification

2012, 32(3):  259-265. 

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Molecular biology evidence from mitochondrial 12S RNA and cytochrome b genes indicate that Eospalax baileyi and Eospalax cansus are descended from a common ancestor. However,they both spend their whole lives underground and have similar life-styles,resulting in homoplasy in their skulls and teeth. This homoplasy thus has resulted in classification controversies and confusion of application. In order to make clear distinctions between these two zokor species,we examined morphological differences between internal organs of Eospalax baileyi and those in Eospalax cansus.E. baileyi inhabit the eastern and middle region of Qinghai Province,the southern region of Gansu,and the western region of Xizang. E. cansus inhabits the loess plateau regions such as Shaanxi Province,Gansu Province,Ningxia and the eastern part of Qinghai Province. The habitat climate of E. baileyi is colder than that of E. cansus,and at higher altitude. Oxygen partial pressure is lower as well. So according to the geographical distribution and the potential selection pressures,we conducted a comparative study measuring the 21 internal organs indices between the two zokor species. The field work was carried out in the
eastern Qinghai Province in spring,2011. Captured animals were dissected on the spot. The species of each specimen was identified,and age and sex were also determined. Measurements of weight were taken before dissecting. The internal organs were carefully removed and the digestive tracts were separated from adhesive and adipose tissue. Weights of stomach,small intestine,large intestine,caecum (all without contents),heart,liver,spleen,kidney,and lung,and lengths of small intestine, large intestine and caecum were measured. Our results showed that:the wet and dry masses and the length indices of small intestine from E. baileyi were conspicuously greater than that of E. cansus, -1. 3,1.25 and 1. 69 times respectively .The wet and dry masses of stomach,wet masses of kidney and large intestine from E. cansus were conspicuously greater than that of E. baileyi. There were no significant differences between the two zokor species in the wet and dry weights of liver and spleen,the wet weights of lung,the dry masses of kidney, caecum and large intestine and the length of large intestine.These results present one way to distinguish the two zokor species using the length of small intestine.The way we recommend in this article is easier,more economical and reliable compared with previous classification methods.So it is more suitable for the application in zokor surveys.

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The determination of blood physiological indices for the giant panda

2012, 32(3):  266-270. 

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To establish a reference range for the blood physiological indicators of the giant pandas (Aluropoda melanoleuca) and make comparisons between sexes and among age groups. A total of 120 giant pandas were used in this study and were divided into four age groups:old,adult,sub-adult,and juvenile. Five hundred blood samples (75% from females and 25% from males)were collected from the pandas for comprehensive analyses. The red blood cell count,white blood cell count,absolute neutrophil count and hematocrit (HCT)value of the male pandas are significantly higher than those of the female pandas (P <0. 05).The mean corpuscular volume (MCV)and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH)of the male pandas are significantly lower than those of the female pandas (P <0. 05). The differences in other physiological indicators between the male and female pandas were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Significant differences on some indicators were also found among different age groups (P < 0. 05).

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An etiopathogenesis analysis of sudden death cause for Baird’s tapir

2012, 32(3):  271-273. 

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November 2011,a two-year-old Baird’s tapir (Tapirus bairdii)suddenly died in the Beijing Zoo. This paper records the pathogen testing results. Cultures showed that the organs of Baird’s tapir did not contain any bacteria,but there were two main bacteria Clostridium perfringens and Streptococcus bovis,in the intestinal contents. The serotype of the
C. perfringens was found to be type A by multiplex PCR method. Clinical characteristics and autopsy pathology ultimately determined that C. perfringens type A was the primary pathogen in the death of the Baird’s tapir,The role of S. bovis was minor.