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07 July 2008, Volume 24 Issue 3

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Habitat Selection by Red Pandas in Fengtongzhai Natural Reserve

HAN Zongxian WEI Fuwen ZHANG Zejun LI Ming ZHANGBaowei HU Jinchu

2004, 24(3):  185-192. 

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From April to November 2002, we studied the habitat selection of red pandas by using Resource Selection Functions and Resource Selection Index in Fengtongzhai Natural Reserve, Qionglai Mountains. The results indicated that the key factors notably influenced on habitat selection were the water source, bamboo basal diameter and shrub density. The secondary key factors were the slope position, tree stump density and fallen log density. The secondary factors were the slope aspect and tree density. The randomfactors were the canopy, slope degree, vegetation type, tree height, shrub height, tree stump height, tree hole density and human disturbance. Red pandas preferred to select the coniferous forest and broad-leaved coniferous forest located in the middle or the higher parts of the hillside in our study area with water source close by ( < 250 m) , finer bamboo growth (basal diameter > 4.0mm), higher density of tree and shrub ( > 1.5 culms/20 m² ) and abundant tree stumps and fallen logs. The red panda preferred to choose habitats with a southward aspect. Resource selection functions is a log-linear model : logit ( P) = -13.527 - 3.180 ×water distance + 2.702 ×bamboo basal diameter + 2.582 ×shrub density + 2.134 ×tree stump density +2.104 ×slope position + 1.622 ×fallen log density - 1.066 ×slope aspect + 0.934 ×tree density ......From this model, we can estimate a habitat selection probability : P = e^{logit ( P})/(1 + e^{logit ( P)} ).

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Group Structure and Diurnal Behavior of Tibetan Gazelle during the Birth Period

LU Qingbin WANG Xiaoming

2004, 24(3):  192-199. 

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The group structure and diurnal behavior of Tibetan gazelle ( Procapra picticaudata) were studied in Shiqu county of Sichuan Province in August 1996, fromJune to August of 1999 and fromJuly to August of 2003. A total of 77 groups were observed.Group size was mainly composed of 2 - 8 individuals , which was 77.9% of total groups observed. The largest group observed was 20 individuals. Tibetan gazelle groups could be divided into three types: male-only groups ( 43.3%) , female-only groups (33.3%) and mother-offspring groups (23.3%) . The sex ratio of adults was 1:1.74 (female : male) . The ratio of juveniles to adult females was 44:100 , and the ratio of juveniles to all adults was 16:100. Daylight time budgets were calculated and animals spent 37% of their time feeding, 25% moving, 19 % standing and gazing and 18% bedding. Tibetan gazelle prefered to feed and move on the middle and upper slope of mountains and bed on the middle and lower slopes, but there were some behavioral differences between males and females.
Two feeding and moving activity peaks of Tibetan gazelle during the daytime were from 08 : 00 to 10 : 00 and from 14 : 00 to 17 : 00 , and the main resting-bedding period was from 11 : 00 to14 : 00. The positive correlation ( r = 0.628, P = 0.035) between feeding and moving behavior indicated that Tibetan gazelle usually feeds while moving. There was a negative correlation between feeding and bedding behavior ( r = - 0.929, P = 0.000) , and between moving and bedding behavior ( r = - 0.860, P = 0.001) . Observations of standing and gazing behavior were seen throughout the day, which showed the Tibetan gazelle's consistent state of vigilance.

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The Seasonal Change of Blue Sheep Population

YU Yuqun GUO Songtao BAI Qingsheng LI Zhigang HU Tianhua LU Haijun

2004, 24(3):  200-204. 

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From March 2001 to February 2002, we observed 690 groups with 3 929 blue sheep ( Pseudois nayaur), including 129 solitary individuals, in Helanshan Mountains at the northern extent of the species'range. Each month, we surveyed blue sheep in 8 sample lines (3 - 4 km each) within 3 ravines. The blue sheep population had been protected for 20 years, and we noted that animals were easier to be observed than in 1984. Blue sheep primarily used low hills with sparse grassland at elevations of 1 400 -1 800 m. Population density was estimated at 8.3 individuals/km², higher than that of blue sheep on the Qinghai2Tibet Plateau. The
solitary consisted of 60% males and 40% females, which appeared throughout the year except December. The mean year-round herd size was 5.5, but varied with season. This group size was smaller than the blue sheep distribution within the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and neighboring ranges, we attribute to topographic differences between the Helanshan and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The average size of male herd was 4.5, while female herd was 3.5. With such male herd had a higher average within its range than female herd in Helanshan because female-infant group occured with high frequency. The mean size of mixed-sex groups was 8.0. The year-round mean sex ratio (F:M) was 100∶71; however, during February-June varied from 100:130 to 100:155 (i.e. , favored males), whereas during July-December varied from 100:43 to 100∶68 (favored females). The year-round adult female: young ratio was 100:481 Among males, age groups 3.5 - 8.5 years old constituted 63.9 %, whereas 1.5 - 3.5 year old and over 8.5 year old ramswere observed significantly less often.

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The Reproductive Behavior of Captive Mandrills ( Mandrillus sphinx)

ZHANGJun HU Jinchu ZHONG Shunlong FEI Lisong WANGQiang CHEN Hongwei DENGJiabo

2004, 24(3):  205-210. 

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The reproductive behavior of seven captive mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) were observed in Chengdu Zoo by using Alloccurrence SamplingMethods fromJanuary to September in 2001. The results indicated that During estrus, the perineumof the female swelled and turned to be red. Estrus synchrony between the females and the males in a group was found in captive. Reproduction was not apparently seasonal. The menstrual cycle was 30.55 ±0.77 days (N = 11) and the menstrual duration was 2.38 ±0.13 days. The mandrills were found to have apparent copulatory patterns that included teeth-chattering, mounting, inserting, and thrusting. The mating behavior occurs generally in daytime and it lasted 14.90 ±0.34 seconds (N = 246). Mating gesture was face-to-back type. The gestation was about 163 - 175 days, with an average of 171.13 ±4.19 (N = 8) days. The birth occured at night and lasted 2 - 3 hours. The mandrill observed gave birth to only one offspring each. The lactating time decreased as the young grew up, but lactation played an important role before weaning took place.

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Measurement and Comparison of Skull Variables

WU Shibao LIU Naifa ZHANG Yingmei OU Zhi CHEN Hai

2004, 24(3):  211-214. 

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There are 7 species of pangolin in the world. The data of skull morphology on Manis pentadactyla and Manis javanica were reported in this paper, which involved the measurement and comparison of skull variables of the 2 species. Measured variable include the greatest length of skull, the basilar length, the palatilar length, the greatest cranial breadth, the inter orbital breadth, the length of auditory bulla, the height of brain case, the nasal bone length, the greatest breadth of nasal bone, and the mandibula length. All variables measured were compared respectively between the 2 species. The results indicated that: (1) Skulls of the 2 species were very similar in shape, an elongated cone, but Manis javanica was thinner and longer, the length of auditory bulla was no more than 10 mm (n = 12); nasal bone was narrower and longer, nearly the same width throughout or a slight concave at the middle both sides; the width length ratio was less than 0.300 0 (0.202 5 - 0.281 1, n = 12). Compared with skull of Manis javanica, Manis pentadactyla was thicker and shorter; the length of auditory bulla was longer than 11 mm (n = 46); nasal bone was wider and shorter; and wider at the posterior than at front part; both sides was convex; the width length ratio was more than 0.300 0 (0.315 4 - 0.532 5 , n = 33). The differences between 2 species might be regarded as basis of identifying them. (2) The skull difference between Manis pentadactyla aurita and M. p. pusilla was not significant (P> 0.05), so it is untenable to identify the 2 subspecies on the basis of whether their skull length is longer than 83 mm or not. But, at all events, the maxillary bone and the squamosal process of skull of M. p. pusilla are usually completely bridged the orbito-temporsal fossa, their tips touching, or, if they don't quite touch, a small bony element between them completes the bridge.

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Small Rodents Community Composition and Seasonal Changes

LI Hongjun ZHANG Zhibin WANG Yushan WANG Fusheng CAO Xiaoping

2004, 24(3):  215-221. 

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The composition of the small rodents community were investigated by using method of trap-night in Dongling Mountain of Beijing in September 2000 and September 2001. There were 209 individuals of 6 species small rodents trapped. The total rate of small rodents captured was 16.08 %. The Apodemus peninsulae was the most dominant species of the small rodents community in study area. The small rodents were divided into 7 communities. Namely : Larch forest A. peninsulae + Niviventer confucianus community; shrubland A. peninsulae + N. confucianus community, Liaodong oak coppice A. peninsulae + Cricetulus triton community; abandoned farmland A. peninsulae + A. agrarius community, Chinese pine forest A. peninsulae + N. confucianus community, Conifer and broad-leaved mixed forest A. peninsulae + N. confucianus community, Liaodong oak forest A. peninsulae + N. confucianus community. The index of similarity of small rodents communities was generally high , and the index of the similarity between small rodents in Chinese pine artificial forest community and Liaodong oak forest community was the highest. The highest diversity and evenness index were in the shrub A. peninsulae + N. confucianus community. The numbers of small rodents were investigated monthly from May to October in 2000 and 2001. The population fluctuation in A. peninsulae and N. confucianus had singled-peak curve, and the highest population density was in August. The fluctuation of two populations in two years were high.

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Population Reproductive Characteristics of Plateau Pika

YIN Baofa WANG Jinlong WEI Wanhong ZHANG Yanming CAO Yifan

2004, 24(3):  222-228. 

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From April to August of 2002, the population reproductive ecology of plateau pikas (Ochotona curzoniae) were studied in the Haibei Research Station of Alpine Meadow Ecosystem by mark－recapture method. The reproduction of the plateau pika had significant difference in different reproductive periods. From late of April to May, it was the breeding peak of pika, at that time, the testis weight and the rate of gestation are the biggest. The body weight and testis weights of male adult also had apparent difference in different reproductive periods. There was a positive correlations between body weight and testis weights during 11 April to 10 May and 11 June to 10 July. The litter size had apparent difference in different reproductive time. But the litter size had no apparent difference in early stage of pregnancy and parturient stage. The young pikas which were borned from May to August were marked as L₁, L₂, L₃ , L₄ by the method of cohort. The survival rates of L₁ and L₂ were much higher than that of L₃ and L₄ at 20 days after birth. The survival rate of L₁ was evident higher than that of L₂ at 80 days after birth. The growth of different gender young pikas were not synchronization maturation. The young female pikas were developing faster than young male pikas in sexual maturation. So some young female pikas could take part in reproductive activity directly but young male could not. These results indicated that the reproductive strategy of plateau pikas had changed with the habitats in Haibei area. The plateau pika had decreased the investment of every reproductive activity, increased the times of reproductive activity and extended the reproductive period.

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Reproductive Pattern of Cohort and Its Adaptation in Life History of Mongolian Gerbils ( Meriones unguiculatus)

LIU Wei WAN Xinrong WANG Guanghe LIU Wendong ZHONG Wenqin

2004, 24(3):  229-234. 

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Capture-mark-recapture method and directly behavioral sighting techniques were used to census wild population of Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) in grassland in Inner Mongolia, China. The reproductive patterns were analyzed based on cohort. Results revealed that 34.6 % of male gerbils born in April and May could reach sexual maturation, which was indexed by scrotal testis and their ventral scent glands had definite outline or lager visible pores, some or much secretion at about 3 months old. Only a few matured-newborn males, but the most of over-winter males, could remain sexual active status across the whole breeding season. Our results also detected that female born in April and May could reach sexual maturation, which was indexed by vagina opening, at 2.5-month-old and firstly brood at more 3-month-old. The number of litters was different among the different age females : over-winter females could breed 3 or 4 litters , and those born in early spring time (in April or May) could breed. times during current year. The data indicated that it was non-synchronous in sexual maturation between young male and female Mongolian gerbils, and the reproductive strategies were different between newborn and over-winter gerbils. These results suggested the characteristic of life history strategies of Mongolian gerbil born in different season.

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Effects of Maternal Stress Induced by a Predator During Pregnancy on Masculinization of Female Offspring in Root Voles ( Microtus oeconomus)

BIAN Jianghui WU Yan LIU Jike

2004, 24(3):  234-241. 

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This study investigated the influence of predator-induced stress during pregnancy on female offspring sexual behavior, vaginal opening and anogenital distance in root voles. The root voles studied were daughters whose mothers were stressed by placing cages of these mothers at sites located 200 cmfrom the cage of the steppe polecat or by restricted food during pregnancy, in term of reduced amount of taking food due to predation stress; in addition, the root voles were daughters which were stressed by predators after weaning. When mothers were stressed by predators during pregnancy, the daughters not only displayed significantly higher amounts of male-typical courtship such as sniff nose, sniff anogential area, trying to explore opponent, mount and follow, but also delayed the day of vaginal opening and increased the anogenital distance compared to daughters whose mothers were stressed by restricted food or they were not stressed during pregnancy as well as daughters which were stressed after weaning. On the other hand, prenatally stressed daughters significantly decreased sexual attraction for males. These results indicated that predator-induced maternal stress caused a distinct masculinization of female offspring in sexual behavior and body characteristics and sexual attraction. We suggest that the effects are due to the changes of maternal endocrine system induced by stress, and the effects occur only during a critical phase caused sexual differentiation of the female embryonic hypothalamus. We also suggest that the effect of maternal stress on offspring's sexual differentiation may have great significance for population dynamic.

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Influence of Male Surgical Sterilization on the Copulatory Behavior and Reproduction of Brandt's Vole

ZHANGJianjun ZHANG Zhibin SUN Lixing

2004, 24(3):  242-247. 

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The influence of sterilized male on the copulatory behavior and reproduction of Brandt's vole was studied by using the method of surgical sterilization. It was showed no influence of male surgical sterilization on the copulatory behavior of Brandt's vole. Mating times with intact mates and litter size of female Brandt's voles in male sterilized groups decreased compared with the control groups. The results supported the hypothesis of competitively reproductive interference of sterilized male. Thus, sterilization can be a viable method to control voles.

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Cloning, Sequence Analysis and Expression in E. coli of Nucleoprotein Gene of Canine Coronavirus Giant Panda Isolate

QIAO Jun XIA Xianzhu HU Guixue HU Rongliang XIE Zhijing YAN Fang

2004, 24(3):  248-253. 

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Nucleoprotein (N) gene of canine coronavirus giant panda isolate (CCV GP) was firstly cloned and sequenced. According to nucleoprotein gene sequence of CCV strain Insavc-1 accessed by GenBank, a pair of specific primers was designed to amplify N gene of CCV strain GP. The PCR product was purified and cloned into pGEM-T. The positive recombinant pTN was used for sequencing. The complete length of N gene of CCV GP was 1 146 bp, which encoded 382 amino acids. The homologies of nucleic acid and amino acid between CCV strain GP and Insavc-1 were 92.6 % and 93.2 %, respectively. A region abounding with SRXX was found, which located in the same region with that of MHV. It was deduced to bind genomic RNA. There were some differences in the hydrophobicity and antigenic index plots between two strains. The N gene was further subcloned into the prokaryotic expressing vector pET28a and then transformed into E.coli strain BL21 for expression under the induction of IPTG. The recombinant protein was identified by SDS - PAGE and Western-blotting analysis. The results revealed that it had a molecular weight of 48 KD, which could be specifically recognized by multiclonal antibody against CCV. The recombinant protein N can account for 49.3 % in the total protein of the induced recombinant bacteria by analysis of gel scanning, which can be used for antigen to detect specific antibody against CCV in giant panda's sera.

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Leks Mating System and Its Mechanism

YOU Zhangqiang JIANG Zhigang

2004, 24(3):  254-259. 

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Lek is the aggregated male display that females attend primarily for the purpose of copulation. A group of males aggregate at a traditional mating site , where they perform intricate vocal, visual or chemical displays to attract receptive females. Since 1995, leks and lekking have attracted the attention of many researchers, but there is no report on lek research in China yet. Lekking has been found in a large number of taxa, such as insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and ungulates. During the two decades since 1995, there has been about 10 hypotheses or models proposed to answer why lek exists in some species and what cause its evolution. We introduced the categories and the characteristics of lekking, aiming to benefit the animal behavior research in China. We also proposed some suggestion on the relationship between lekking and conservation.

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Self-Regulation Hypothesis for Cycles in Populations of Small Mammals

ZHANG Zhiqiang WANG Dehua

2004, 24(3):  260-266. 

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Population regulation is one of the most important problems in population ecology. Compared with intrinsic factors , researchers who emphasized on extrinsic factors rarely pay much attention on the variation among individual qualities, so they can't completely explain the potential mechanism for the periodic fluctuations in populations of small mammals. This paper examined the main viewpoints and related experimental evidences of four hypotheses since the birth of self-regulation school. Understanding the low phase is critical in explaining population cycles. At present, senescence-maternal effect hypothesis attracts to most scientists who are devoted to study cycles in populations of small mammals. On contrast, little experimental evidence has been found on polymorphic behavior hypothesis, social biology hypothesis and outbreeding hypothesis, there is much work to be done. The senescence-maternal effect hypothesis is based on stress hypothesis. It proposes that a change in maternal quality occurs in animals present during the peak phase, carries over into the decline and low. There are much older animals in the low phase than other phases duo to a shift in age structure. The older animals can't effectively maintain homeostasis in the face of environmental challenges and may serve to maintain the low phase by affecting survival and reproduction. This hypothesis is considered to be a very hopeful one to account for this problem and is still lacking enough field data. Some problems and directions need to be answered in the future were provided.

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Scatter-hoarding Behavior of Rodents

LU Jiqi XIAO Zhishu CHENGJinrui ZHANG Zhibin

2004, 24(3):  266-272. 

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Food hoarding for future use is suggested to be an important adaptive behavior for many animals. Caches are distributed in wide variety of ways, from highly clumped to highly dispersed. The extreme of this spectrumof cache-dispersion have been termed larder hoarding and scatter hoarding. Scatter hoarding means that the caches made by rodents distributed in a widely spaced pattern, and that small quantities of food items, usually seeds of different plant species, were stored in each cache. Based on experimental and field studies, four hypotheses were proposed to explain why animal employ the strategy of scatter-hoarding: non-adaptive hypothesis, lack of space hypothesis, pilfering-avoidance hypothesis and rapid-sequestering hypothesis. Rodents benefit from scatter-hoarding because of the decreased probability of seed-consumed by other intra-and inter-specific individuals. The benefit will favor rodents' survival over the period of food scarcity in winter, and thus facilitate their reproductive success. On the other hand, plant species gain some advantages from scatter hoarding by rodents: 1) seeds predation by non-hoarding animals was decreased; 2) seeds have been transported to safe sites where are suitable to germination and 3) the regeneration of plants will be promoted and the distribution of plants will spread eventually. In the future, more attention should be paid on the food hoarding behavior of key species inhibited in different areas and on the factors influencing food hoarding behavior of rodents. Only those being done, can we understand better the interaction and mutualism and co-evolution between rodents and plant species.

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A Primary Investigation on the Excrete Site and Its Ecological Purpose of Microtus oeconomus Feces

SUN Ping ZHAO Xinquan XU Shixiao

2004, 24(3):  273-276. 

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The distribution sites of feces marks of root vole were investigated by eyeballing method. The investigations showed that: (1) There were feces mark or not at the hole of the vole. (2) It distributed mainly at the crotches and the terminals of the channel. (3) Comparison among three kinds of feces mark percentage, the maximum is the percentage at the crotches. The minimum is the percentage at the hole and the middle at the terminals of the channel. The results indicated that the difference of intensity of feces mark distributed in different sites predicated that feces may played an important communication role in territory behavior of root voles.