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02 March 2011, Volume 31 Issue 4

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Effectiveness of small rodents dispersing seeds of Castanopsis indica in Xishuangbanna tropical seasonal rain forest

CAO Lin,GUO Cong

2011, 31(4):  323-329. 

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The effectiveness of Castanopsis indica seed dispersal was studied in the tropical rain forest in the Xishuangbanna region, Yunnan Province, China. We experimentally tracked the fate of 600 tagged nuts of C. indica under three focal trees (200 nuts for each tree) each year from November 2007 to November 2009. We investigated the proportion of experimental nuts moved away from the seed stations, the proportion of cached nuts buried beneath leaf litter or in soil, the number of nuts per cache, the distance that nuts were transported, and finally the proportion of nut surviving after being removed by rodents. Our results show that 69. 3% of the tagged C. indica nuts under focal trees were dispersed by rodents, 18% of which were cached. All cached nuts were buried beneath leaf litter or in soil,and most caches contained only one

nut, which may benefit nuts germination and seedling establishment. The dispersal distance of cached nuts averaged 7.1 m, ranging from 0.5 to 43.8 m, and there was no significant difference in distance variation among these three years. No nut survived to the end of the experiments in 2007 (when seeds were less abundant and rodents were more abundant), whereas 0.3% and 1. 5% nuts survived to the end of the experiments in 2008 and 2009 (years with high seed abundance and fewer rodents). Overall, our results suggest that rodents are effective dispersers of C. indica, but the dispersal effectiveness is largely dependent on the relative abundances of rodents and available seeds.

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Selection of sleeping sites and sleeping trees by black-and-white snub- nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus bieti) in Honglaxueshan National Nature Reserve,Tibet

XIANG Zuofu,XIAO Wen,HUO Sheng

2011, 31(4):  330-337. 

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Arboreal primates spend about half their lives at sleeping sites; hence, selection of sleeping sites and sleeping trees are crucial for individual survival. We collected data on sleeping sites and sleeping trees for a group of the endangered snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus bieti) at Xiaochangdu, Tibet, from June 2003 to March 2005. Sleeping sites were identified by keeping the monkeys in sight till they fall asleep. Sleeping trees were identified by feces on the ground in the sleeping sites. All sleeping sites were located in the conifer forest, with sunlight, wind shadow, and low altitude in winter. Sleeping trees were taller, larger in diameter at breast height, and had longer bottom branches than did non-sleeping trees. There was no significant difference in the height from the ground to the bottom branch between sleeping trees and non-sleeping trees. These results suggest that predation risk, thermoregulation and/ or climate stresses might be the main determining factors in the selection of sleeping sites for this temperate primate species.

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Diet of Rhinopithecus bieti at Xiangguqing in Baimaxueshan National Nature Reserve

LI Dayong,REN Baoping,HE Xinming,HU Gang,LI Baoguo,LI Ming

2011, 31(4):  338-346. 

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From June 2008 to May 2009, we studied the diet composition for an over-large group of the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus bieti) by direct observation and instantaneous scan sampling method at Xiangguqing (27°37′N, 99°22′E) in the Baimaxueshan National Nature Reserve, Yunnan Province. The results indicated that the diet composition of R. bieti included 105 plant species in 42 families. The annual diet consisted of 50. 6% lichens,16. 3% mature leaves,10.5% fruits and seeds,8.4% young leaves, 7.9% bamboo shoots, 3.0% buds,1.9% flowers, 0.8% bark/ petiole/stem, and 0.5% fungi. The results also indicated that the monkey consumed more young leaves in spring, and more fruits and seeds in autumn, which suggested their dietary diversity varied seasonally. Bamboo shoots became one of primary foods of R. bieti in summer. We also found that their feeding the 10 families occupied 39.6% of the total, and Rosaceae occupied 17. 57%, which showed significantly selectivity for food. Thus,all results suggested that feeding behaviors of R. bieti were significantly influenced by the seasonal variation of diverse foods.

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Geographic variation in mitochondrial DNA sequences and subspecies divergence of the Tamarisk Gerbil (Meriones tamariscinus) in China

GU Dengzhi,ZHOU Lizhi,MA Yong,NING Shulong,HOU Yinxu,ZHANG Baowei

2011, 31(4):  347-357. 

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The Tamarisk Gerbil (Meriones tamariscinus), widely distributed in Central Asia desert, also is found in arid western Mongolia-Xinjiang region of China. In the present study, we combined the mitochondrial Cyt b gene (1 140 bp) and D-loop control regions (429 bp), a total of 1 569 bp, as molecular markers. Based on mtDNA sequence analyses, we calculated the nucleotide diversity, haplotype diversity and phylogeographic structure of the local populations, then discussed the geographical differentiation of the species. We detected 142 variable sites (9.05% of the total sequence) from 45 samples, including 34 single-state sites and 108 parsimony informative sites. No base insertions or deletions were detected.A total of 33 haplotypes were defined. Haplotype-based phylogenetic tree and haplotype network showed the 45 tamarisk gerbils clustered into two branches, of which the Ili Basin branch was the more primitive one. The divergence time for these two branches was 0.24 Ma years ago, about in the Lushan glaciation. The population had a rapid recession in the past 15 000 years, probably a result of the Last Glacial Maximum. Based on the phylogeographic patterns inferred from the genetic variation in mtDNA Cyt b gene and D-loop region, we suggest that the population in the Ili Basin should belong in M. t. jaxartensis, and those in Jungar Basin, Gansu,and Inner Mongolia should be regarded as M. t. satchouensis.

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Bats (CHIROPTERA) and their zoogeographic distribution characteristics in the Qinling and Daba Mountain Ranges

WU Jiayan,PEI Junfeng

2011, 31(4):  358-370. 

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There have been different ideas over whether or not the Qinling and Daba mountain ranges are part of the dividing line in Central China between the Palaearctic realm and the Oriental realm in the zoogeographical distribution of animals. Our predecessors have tried to prove this hypothesis from the perspectives of different disciplines by conducting surveys of birds, fishes, amphibians, reptiles and some mammals. The authors have carried out 3 major collections of bat (CHIROPTERA) specimens in the Qinling and Daba mountain ranges since 1964. Over 2 000 obtained specimens were identified and classified as 32 species belonging to 4 families and 4 subfamilies. The analytical results indicate that 23 species belong to the Oriental realm, accounting for 71.8% of the total, and 9 belong to the Palaearctic realm, accounting for 28.2% . These species are all seen in every Chinese zoogeographic region and their frequencies range as follows: Central China region, Southwest China region, South China region, North China region, Inner Mongolia-Xinjiang region, and Qinghai-Xizang region. Some of China’s endemic genera and species, including monotypic ones, also are distributed in the Qinling and Daba mountain ranges. The authors believe that bats are a class affected by climate, topography, and vegetation, and their geographic distribution is relatively sensitive and therefore restricted. According to the regional composition and distribution characteristics of bats in the Qinling and Daba ranges, the Oriental realm is limited to the northern slopes of Qinling range while the Palaearctic realm gradually declines in number from the southern slopes of Qinling range to the northern slopes of Daba range. There is a gradual transition for bats between the two realms in the southern slopes of the Qinling range and the northern slopes of Daba range,demonstrating that this is a transitional region for bats. All this further proves that the view is correct to consider the Qinling range within Central China region and that the Qinling range is the dividing line between the two realms in central China.

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Distribution and analysis of the importance of underground habitats of cave-dwelling bats in the south of Taihang Mountain

LIU Wei,WANG Yanxiao,HE Xinhuan,NIU Hongxing

2011, 31(4):  371-379. 

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Populations and underground habitats of cave-dwelling bat species were investigated in the south of Taihang Mountain. Data were collected during 76 surveys in 38 underground sites, 28 of which had not been surveyed previously by bat researchers. Between August 2009 and September 2010, approximately 17 000 bats were recorded. They represented nine species which belonged to four genera of two families. The most abundant species was Rhinolophus ferrumequinum. Data were collected on many cave variables such as the total length of passages (L), the maximal width (W)and the maximal height (H). A conservation scoring system was proposed for the sites investigated, and the roosts were evaluated for their conservation importance. Each site was assigned a combined total by adding scores for the species observed in the cave. Scores for the individual species were obtained by multiplying the species abundance (Ai)and the species points (Mi). The most important sites in the area were Huanglianshu Tunnel and Jianhe Caves. The former served as hibernaculum and nursery roost to c 2 500 bats representing eight species and the latter to c 2 100 bats representing five species. Based on cluster and principal component analyses, there were no significant difference between the two sides of the southern Taihang Mountain in terms of either bat species and population sizes. There were significant difference in the total length of passages, the maximal width, the maximal height and canopy cover between hibernation and non-hibernation sites. Principal component analysis indicated that topographic condition, concealment and human disturbance were the first three components of bat habitat selection. The load of the first three components was 85. 96%. At present, many big caves which contained large bat populations and several species of concern have been, or will be, developed as tourist sites. Cave-dwelling bats in the region are a facing serious crisis of survival The data will help local governments and policymakers develop suitable strategies to promote local tourism sites while protecting important habitats of animal species.

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Relationships between rodent communities and environmental factors in different habitats of Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city during summer

QIN Xuebo,ZENG Zhaohui

2011, 31(4):  380-386. 

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Relationships between environmental factors and the rodent community sampled by a trap-day method was studied by redundancy analysis (RDA) in different habitats of Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city from June to August 2008. Relatively high population densities of rodents (ind. /100 traps / ha) were found in the village area (8.33), the Ji canal side(8.00), the highway (7.00) and the bulrush area (6 00). Low population densities were found in the alkali area (1.00), the estuary (1.00), and the salt pond (0.66). The highest diversity index was found in the village area (1.97) and the highway (1.68), following by the bulrush area (1.40) and the Ji canal side (1.18), the lowest were the salt pond (1.00), the alkali area (0.92), and the estuary (0.92). There were differences in community structures of rodents among the 7 habitats based on the similarity indices, indicating that the structures of rodent communities were affected by environmental factors. RDA with forward selection showed that variation of rodent communities was significantly related to water salinity (F = 6.30,P = 0.016) and plant coverage (F = 4.6, P = 0.026),suggesting that these two environmental factors are the most important environmental factors defining the structure of rodent communities in Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city during summer.

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Hibernation patterns and changes of body temperature in Daurian ground squirrels (Spermophilus dauricus) during hibernation

YANG Ming,XING Xin,GUAN Shujun,ZHAO Yan,WANG Ziying,WANG Dehua

2011, 31(4):  387-395. 

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In order to understand the patterns of body temperature changes and hibernation, we used iButtons to monitor body temperatures (Tb )in a typical hibernator, the Daurian ground squirrel (Spermophilus dauricus),before, during, and after their hibernation period. Hibernation patterns and thermoregulation characteristics were analyzed. In the laboratory, there were great individual differences in the length of the hibernation time. Three types of torpor were distinguished, deep hibernation, short hibernation, and no hibernation. Three different kinds of torpor bouts could also be distinguished during the hibernation season, deep hibernation bouts (the minimal body temperature, T_bmin < 20℃, the duration of the hibernation bout, BD > 24 h), short hibernation bouts (T_bmin <20℃, BD≤24 h), and daily torpor bouts (T_bmin ≥20℃,BD≤24 h). The T_bmin in deep hibernation bouts (2.54℃ ± 0.35℃ ) was lower than in short hibernation bouts (10.05℃ ±1.97℃ ), but the T_bmax in daily torpor bouts (38.09℃±0.17℃) was higher than in either of the other conditions (37.31℃±0.15℃ and 37.22℃±0. 31℃ ). These results suggest that the regulation mechanism for daily torpor may be different from the other two kinds. T_bmin in deep hibernation bouts and daily torpor bouts was significantly correlated with ambient temperature (T_a ). The lowest Tb we recorded was – 2.43℃. In deep hibernation bouts, most individuals were able to tolerate temperatures as low as - 2℃ to 0℃. The fluctuation amplitude of Tb within 10 days before hibernation was greater than after hibernation. Most animals displayed very “careful”body temperature reductions before entering hibernation, which imply that the thermoregulatory mechanism is schanged to a new state before hibernation starts.

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Cloning and sequencing of HDAC1 coding cDNA sequence from Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii)

LIU Fang,GE Rili

2011, 31(4):  396-403. 

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In order to explore the correlation between chronic hypoxia adaptation mechanism and a hypoxic environment at high altitude, the coding region of the HDAC1 gene was cloned for the first time from the total RNA of Tibetan antelope’s cardiac muscle using RT-PCR. The encoding sequence was 1 449 bp in full length encoding 482 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of about 55 kDa. Sequence analysis showed that the coding region of the HDAC1 gene cloned from the total RNA of Tibetan antelope shared more than 90% similarity with that of other mammals, in which the similarity reached as much as 98.27%. The amino acid sequence of HDAC1 of Tibetan antelope was 98.76% - 99.59% similar with that of other mammals, which was highly conservative. Cluster analysis of the molecular phylogenetic tree based on the HDCA1 gene sequences and constructed by the NJ method showed that the Tibetan antelope and the cow were classified to one cluster, which was basically consistent with the evolutionary relationship of traditional species. The successful cloning of the coding region of the HDAC1 gene from Tibetan antelope lays a foundation for further revealing the genetic mechanism of the Tibetan antelope’s adaption to chronic hypoxia.

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Effects of a contraceptive compound (EP-1) on population growth of wild Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus)

FU Heping,ZHANG Jinwei,SHI Dazhao,GUO Zhicheng,GAO Wenyuan,ZHANG Zhuoran,YU Yidong,YANG Jiya,HOU Shaoqing,

2011, 31(4):  404-411. 

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Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) are widely distributed in Inner Mongolia. This species not only has caused damage to grassland or crop production, but has also been a channel for transmitting human plagues in the abovementioned region. From March to October in 2009,we used a contraceptive compound (EP-1) to test its fertility control effect on a wild population of Mongolian gerbils in the Ordos Desert Grasslands, Inner Mongolia. The results show that the breeding, structures and densities of Mongolian gerbil populations were significantly influenced by EP-1. During the first of the two peak breeding periods for gerbil populations, from May to June, juvenile recruitment significantly declined. The proportions of juveniles and of adults fluctuated significantly in the experiment and check areas (P < 0.01). Similar fluctuations were seen in August to October in both areas (P < 0.05,P < 0.01). In the EP-1 treatment area, juvenile recruitment began in June, reached its peak in September, and their population density declined during the population growth period. In the control area, the juvenile recruitment peaked in May, and their population density showed an increase during the breeding period. In summary, reproduction, juvenile recruitment, the proportion of juveniles, and the population densities of Mongolia gerbils were significantly reduced during reproductive periods. These observations suggest that EP-1 is a very effective contraceptive for fertility control of this wild species, and may reduce the risk of damage to grass or crop production as well as the spreading of human plagues.

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Research advances and perspectives on the ecology of wild giant pandas

WEI Fuwen,ZHANG Zejun,HU Jinchu

2011, 31(4):  412-421. 

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Among the order Carnivora, the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is one of the most attractive animals, possessing high value for scientific research and being a symbol of worldwide nature conservation. In early 1980s, the Chinese government, cooperating with the WWF in initiated a research project on wild giant pandas in Wolong Nature Reserve. Since then, extensive research activities have been conducted in different mountain ranges inhabited by the animal. The application of new techniques such as 3S (GIS, RS, GPS)and molecular markers in the ecological study of the giant panda has greatly improved our understanding of its ecology. To date,a huge body of knowledge and information has been accumulated, potentially helpful for developing adaptive conservation strategies. In this paper, we summarize research findings and progress in understanding the ecology of wild giant pandas during the past 30 years on various aspects, including habitat ecology, feeding ecology, reproductive ecology, behavioral ecology, molecular ecology, population ecology and community ecology. Meanwhile, given the demands of research and management, future research directions are suggested.

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Infant-care behaviors exhibited toward 0 -6 month-old infants of a provi- sioned group of Sichuan snub-nosed monkey in Shennongjia National Nature Reserve

LUO Fang,CHEN Jiuyi,YU Peilong,BAO Weidong

2011, 31(4):  422-427. 

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Detailed observations of female primate infant care are important for clearly understanding maternal behavior and the behavioral development of the infant. From March to November 2009, field observations of maternal behaviors toward 0 - 6 month-old infants of a provisioned Sichuan Snub-nosed monkey group were conducted using objective animal sampling, point-recording and whole event recording methods at Dalongtan, Shennongjia National Nature Reserve of Hubei Province. Of all of the mother-infant behaviors observed maternal carrying behavior occurred most frequently, followed by breast-feeding, hugging, grooming, and restraining. Restraining behavior between provision and non-provision periods was significantly different and reached a higher peak in 2-and 3-month-old infants. Maternal carrying, hugging, and grooming behaviors gradually decreased as infants aged. Maternal care behaviors in this provisioned group of Snub-nosed monkey were similar to those in other populations and no independent behavioral evolution resulted from geographical segregation between these populations.

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Structural and functional identification of Toll-like receptor genes in wild boar

YANG Xiuqin,LI Haitao,XU Yang,ZHAI Chunyuan,MA Jianzhang,LIU Di

2011, 31(4):  428-432. 

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Toll-like receptors (TLRs),which play an important role in the immune responses, are candidate genes for resistance to a large number of diseases in animals. In order to provide more useful information for analyzing the structure and function of TLRs, this study was designed to clone TLR4/5 genes in Wild boar and to characterize their tissue expression patterns using RT - PCR. The complete coding sequences of Wild boar TLR4/ 5 genes were obtained, and each predicted polypeptide contained important structural domains including signal peptide, LRRs and TIR. Wild boar TLR4 /5 genes were expressed ubiquitously in all tissues tested. The results will provide molecular biological evidence further revealing the structure and function of TLR4/5.