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Research advances in conservation genetics and genomics of snow leopard ( Panthera uncia) Yubo HAO, Hong JIN, Lin YANG, Kexin LI, Yibo HU ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2022, 42 (5): 508-518.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150687 Abstract （1681）      PDF （1521KB）（1570）       Knowledge map    Save The snow leopard (Panthera uncia) (Carnivora, Felidae, Panthera) is a flagship species distributed in the Qinghai?Tibet Plateau and surrounding regions. With the development of molecular biology and high-throughput sequencing technology, snow leopard conservation genetics and conservation genomics have developed rapidly. Noninvasive genetic sampling has provided genetic samples and facilitated the conservation genetics research of snow leopards. In this review, we summarize the application of noninvasive genetic sampling in species identification, individual identification and sex determination of snow leopards, the phylogenetic status, phylogeographic pattern, population genetic structure, and subspecies controversies in snow leopards. Furthermore, the evolutionary history, adaptive evolution, and genome characteristics of snow leopards are reviewed. Finally, we discuss the future development trends of snow leopard conservation genetics and genomics, aiming to better promote snow leopard conservation biology research and science-based conservation decisions. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Research advances in conservation and management of endangered mammals on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Tongzuo ZHANG, Feng JIANG, Bo XU, Bin LI, Chengbo LIANG, Haifeng GU ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2022, 42 (5): 490-507.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150696 Abstract （1563）   HTML （53）    PDF （1607KB）（1622）       Knowledge map    Save The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) is a global biodiversity hotspot and a priority area for conservation.It hosts a variety of key protected and endemic wildlife species, contributing to a high level of species richness and a large proportion of endangered species. We reviewed the research advances in the conservation and management of 7 fauna groups on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (ungulates, felids, ursids, canids, mustelids, chiropterans, and other small mammals) from the perspectives of the endangered status, threatening causes, strategies and effects of conservation and management. The proportion of endemic species of ungulates was much higher than that of the other 6 groups. 81% ? 100% of ungulate, felid, ursid, and canid species were listed as the national key protected wildlife. 45% to 100% of ungulate, felid, and ursid species were listed as threatened by the Red List of China’s Vertebrates or Red List of IUCN, which is far higher than the global average. Habitat fragmentation, global warming, overgrazing, poaching and illegal trade, and environmental pollution were the major threats to the survival of endangered mammals on the QTP. The implementation of relevant laws and policies, the construction of nature reserves, as well as the carrying out of a large number of investigations, monitoring, and researches have provided legal guarantees and scientific basis for the conservation and management of endangered mammals on the QTP. In view of the limitations of current conservation and management, we suggest building a comprehensive and systematic big data platform, so as to conduct rapid assessment of conservation effectiveness on the QTP and research on spatial optimization of protected areas. We also suggest combining internationally advanced interdisciplinary theoretical methods and practical innovation to provide guidance and suggestions for the protection and management of endangered mammals, so as to provide important scientific and technical support for the biodiversity conservation and ecological civilization construction of China. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Habitat suitability evaluation of snow leopard ( Panthera uncia ) in the Qilian Mountain National Park ( Qinghai area) , China Zhanlei RONG, Yayue GAO, Shengyun CHEN, Tongzuo ZHANG ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2022, 42 (5): 553-562.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150545 Abstract （1434）   HTML （47）    PDF （1919KB）（1448）       Knowledge map    Save Snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is a flagship species for global biodiversity conservation. Accurate assessment of snow leopard habitat quality can provide scientific reference for population conservation. In this study, we assess the habitat suitability of snow leopards in the Qilian Mountain National Park (Qinghai area) using landscape connectivity analyses and MaxEnt model. The main environmental factors such as topography, climate, landcover type, and human disturbance were selected. The results showed that highly suitable habitat was mainly distributed in the west and middle of the study area, which comprisesand 71.8% ? 77.5% of the Qinghai area. The overlap area of the suitable habitat predicted by the two methods was 8 979.1 km2, representing 56.7% of the Qinghai area. The suitable habitat accounts for 39.8% ? 43.3% of the general control area and 56.7% ? 60.2% of the core reserve. The maximum area of suitable habitat is distributed in the Shule River Basin and the minimal area is distributed in the Shiyang River Basin. The highest proportion of suitable habitat is located in the Heihe River Basin, which was about 77.1% ? 91.8%. The suitable habitat showed an increasing trend from east to west and we detected a large area of snow leopard habitat in the general control area. Human activities will be a potential threat to the snow leopard habitat in the general control area. This study provides a scientific reference for optimizing in situ protection measures for snow leopards. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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The utilization of wildlife passages by migratory Tibetan antelope in Sanjiangyuan National Park: a case study of Wubei Bridge of Qinghai‒Tibet Railway gaowa Saiqing, Hongqi LI, Dong WANG, Zihan WANG, Xinming LIAN ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2022, 42 (5): 601-608.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150670 Abstract （1401）   HTML （20）    PDF （2583KB）（1300）       Knowledge map    Save The Qinghai?Tibet Railway (QTR) crosses the migration routes of the Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii) in the Sanjiangyuan National Park (SNP) and the female antelopes have to cross the QTR by wildlife passages to continue their migrations. In this study, a remote monitoring camera was set up near the Wubei Bridge to record the utilization of the bridge by migratory antelopes. Based on the monitoring data of the returning migration period from July to September 2019 and the calving migration period from April to June 2020, the results showed that: Tibetan antelopes crossed the Wubei Bridge mainly in the daytime and mostly in the morning. The peaks during the calving migration and the returning migration were in 09: 00?12: 59 and 11: 00?11: 59 respectively. Compared with the returning migration period, female antelopes gathered into smaller groups during the calving migration period, which was related to the sequence of roads to be crossed and the lower predation risk of calves in larger groups. We found individuals in larger groups spent less time crossing the Wubei Bridge. Larger groups could accelerate crossing speed and then reduce the average crossing time of individuals. However, there was no significant difference in the average crossing time of individuals between the two migratory periods, indicating that the presence of calves had little effect on the speed and time of antelope groups. In conclusion, there was a significant difference in the group size of Tibetan antelope between the returning and calving migration periods and the group size affected the average crossing time of individuals. We also detected a temporal pattern in the use of wildlife passage by Tibetan antelope. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Physiological Ecology of Small Mammals in Qinghai‒Tibetan Plateau: from individual to ecosystem Dehua WANG, Zuwang WANG ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2022, 42 (5): 482-489.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150722 Abstract （1361）   HTML （33）    PDF （1404KB）（1439）       Knowledge map    Save We reviewed the development and advances in physiological ecology of small mammals on the Qinghai?Tibetan Plateau, including the characteristics of energy metabolism and physiological adaptation the environment, adaptive thermogenesis and thermoregulation, energy balance and body weight regulation, physiological limits, populations energy flow, and recent advances in some new areas, such as using double-labeled water method to measure energy expenditure in free?living animals, geographic physiology, physiological function of gut microbiota, plant secondary metabolites and their physiological functions, and population physiology. Several works such as ecological energetics, adaptive thermogenesis, and physiological adaptation have been leading the development of animal physiological ecology in China. We also proposed some possible directions and areas for development and enhancement in physiological ecology for alpine small mammals in the future in order to establish and enrich the discipline of Physiological Ecology of Small Mammals on the Qinghai?Tibetan Plateau. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Effects of hypoxia stress on liver function and gene expression in mice Haiping TAO, Shuang LI, Gongxue JIA, Luyao ZHANG, Yougui FANG, Yongwei CHEN, Qien YANG ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2022, 42 (5): 590-600.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150697 Abstract （1332）   HTML （19）    PDF （4711KB）（1293）       Knowledge map    Save As one of the most characteristic environmental factors on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, hypoxia has a profound impact on the adaptive evolution of plateau animals. Continued exposure to a hypoxic environment causes metabolic dysfunction of the body. In non-acclimated animals, long-term hypoxia exposure affects liver function, but there is still a lack of knowledge regarding its effect on offspring liver. In this study, adult mice were transferred to a high altitude hypoxic environment (altitude 3 220 m) for breeding. Mice reared under normoxic conditions were used as a control and the growth and live function of hypoxic-treated mice (hypoxic generation 0) and their offspring (hypoxic generation 1 ? generation 5) were evaluated.The results showed that long-term hypoxia exposure led to morphological and functional changes in the liver. Hepatocytes of hypoxia-exposed animals were swollen, caused by red blood cells infiltrating between hepatic cords. Specifically, the fatty degeneration appeared in the liver lobules of hypoxic generation 1 mice. Blood biochemical analyses showed that compared with the normoxia generation 0, the levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in hypoxia generation 0 and hypoxia generation 1 increased significantly (P < 0.05).Albumin, globulin, total bilirubin and total cholesterol levels decreased in hypoxia generation 0 and increase in hypoxia generation 1 (P < 0.05). After fasting injection of glucose and insulin, the glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity of mice in the hypoxic group were greatly reduced (P < 0.05). RNA-seq analysis of liver tissue from normoxic generation 0, hypoxic generation 0, and hypoxic generation 1 identified 459 differential expression genes (DEGs) in livers of hypoxia-exposed animals. These genes were significantly enriched in the MAPK signaling pathway, apoptosis, lipid metabolism, and endoplasmic reticulum pathway. This study demonstrated that hypoxic exposure has important effects on the liver in mice and the outcomes of these findings provide information to further elucidate the physiological and pathological changes induced by hypoxia at high altitudes. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Viewpoints of the wildlife conservation biology research on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Fuwen WEI ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2022, 42 (5): 475-476.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150734 Abstract （1331）   HTML （45）    PDF （1188KB）（1534）       Knowledge map    Save The Qinghai?Tibet Plateau, as an important ecological barrier in China, is a natural laboratory for wildlife conservation biology research due to the uniqueness and richness in animal resources. Although the wildlife conservation researches have made great achievements in this area, we could further strengthen the following three aspects benefited from the development of science and technology. First, the long-term monitoring of wildlife populations and habitats on the plateau should be maintained; Second, multi and crossing disciplines and macro and micro points of view should be combined to conduct integrative biology researches; Third, the training of youth scientists for the wildlife conservation on the plateau should be further strengthened. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Effects of hypobaric hypoxia on spermatogenesis and the expression of small RNA in mice Shuang LI, Gongxue JIA, Haiping TAO, Yujun WANG, Binye LI, Qien YANG ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2022, 42 (5): 579-589.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150649 Abstract （1294）   HTML （19）    PDF （4698KB）（1224）       Knowledge map    Save As the most crucial environmental factors, low atmospheric pressure and low oxygen content have adverse effects on the reproductive system of non-adapted animals living in the Qinghai?Tibet Plateau. Compelling evidence has shown that hypoxia exposure caused increased germ cell apoptosis and lower sperm quality, leading to defects in fertilization and preimplantation embryo development. Currently, how hypoxia affects testicular gene expression and sperm function is not well-understood. small RNA regulates gene expression at the post-transcriptional and translational level and participates in spermatogenesis by inducing gene silencing or transcription. In this study, a hypoxia mouse model was established by simulating the environment at an altitude of 5 000 m in a hypobaric oxygen chamber for 4 weeks. The results showed that the germ cells within seminiferous tubules of hypoxic mice were arranged disorderly. Although the total number of sperm did not change significantly, the proportion of abnormal sperm had a 17.5 fold increase in Hypo-4W animals (P < 0.001). small RNA sequencing revealed that the number of small RNAs with a length of 21 nt in hypoxic mouse sperm was reduced by 4.4% (P < 0.05), and the first base had a strong preference for Uracil (U). There were no significant differences in piRNA and tsRNA in sperm of control and hypoxia exposed animals, however, 21 miRNAs were up-regulated and 58 were down-regulated. Furthermore, we analyzed the target genes of these miRNAs and differentially expressed genes in the hypoxia-treated testicular tissues of mice. The results showed that 429 target genes of up-regulated miRNAs and 813 target genes of down-regulated miRNAs were differentially expressed. Finally, enrichment analysis revealed that the target genes of up-regulated miRNAs were enriched in FoxO signaling pathway, thyroid hormone signaling pathway, steroid biosynthesis and HIF-1 signaling pathway, while the targets of down-regulated miRNAs were enriched in fatty acid metabolism. In summary, the miRNA expression dynamics of hypoxic mouse sperm obtained in the present study provides an important reference value for further dissecting changes in sperm epigenome in humans and other animals under hypoxic environment. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Comparative analysis of gut microbial composition and functions of forest musk deer in different breeding centres Feng JIANG, Pengfei SONG, Jingjie ZHANG, Hongmei GAO, Haijing WANG, Zhenyuan CAI, Daoxin LIU, Tongzuo ZHANG ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2023, 43 (2): 129-140.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150701 Abstract （1291）   HTML （84）    PDF （4706KB）（1076）       Knowledge map    Save Intestinal diseases are common in the breeding of forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii, FMD). Gut microbiota has evolved with the host and formed a complex microecosystem with the gastrointestinal tract of animals. To compare the effects of different breeding environments on gut microbial composition and functions of captive FMD, a total of 215 fresh feces samples were collected from 5 different breeding centres in China, and a 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing was performed. The differences in gut microbial composition, diversity, and functions of FMD from different breeding centres were analyzed. The results showed that Firmicutes and Bacteroides were the absolute dominant bacteria phyla in the gut microbiota of FMD fed without compound probiotics from Qilian County, while Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were the absolute dominant bacteria in the gut microbiota of FMD fed with compound probiotics from Liangdang County and Feng County. The composition, dominant bacteria phyla, dominant bacteria genera, potential pathogenic bacteria, metabolism-related, and disease-related functions of gut microbiota in FMD from different breeding centres were significantly different. The α diversity and disease-related function enrichment of gut microbiota in FMD from Qilian were significantly lower than those from other breeding centres, and enterotype 2 was dominant, with Firmicutes, UCG-005, and Bacteroides as the marker bacteria. The relative abundance of potential pathogenic bacteria of gut microbiota in FMD from Liangdang and Feng Counties was low. We speculated that the difference in food composition might be the main factor leading to the difference in the gut microbiota of FMD from different breeding centres, and the use of compound probiotics might be an important factor leading to the decrease of α diversity and potential pathogenic bacteria. The results of this study can provide a scientific basis for the artificial breeding management of FMD, and also have certain significance for the assessment of the artificial breeding environment and the plan of reintroduction in the future. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Risk of transmission and infection of gastrointestinal parasites in the Tibetan antelope ( Pantholops hodgsonii) aggregation Yifan CAO, Guozhen SHANG, Wenjing LI, Yuangang YANG, Tong WU, Yahui ZHU, Jianghui BIAN, Ruiqiang ZHANG, Tongzuo ZHANG, Xinquan ZHAO ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2022, 42 (5): 563-571.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150556 Abstract （1252）   HTML （39）    PDF （1633KB）（1269）       Knowledge map    Save Herbivores aggregation is beneficial to reduce the predation risk but it can also increase the transmission and infection risk of parasites. Zhuonai Lake, located in Hoh Xil, Qinghai Province, an important calving ground of Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii). The aggregating time of Tibetan antelope in Zhuonai Lake area is mainly concentrated from early June to July (less than 30 days).Climate factors such as temperature and humidity in this region might have an important impact on the development of parasite eggs/oocysts in the host’s feces. In this study, a microclimate observer was constructed in the calving ground of Zhuonai Lake to collect local meteorological data on June 9th, 2018. In this area, fresh feces of Tibetan antelope were collected and placed outdoors for 0, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 days, and nearly one year (300 days). We used the flotation technique to detect the development status of eggs/oocysts in different periods within 35 days and the species of surviving larvae in the feces placed outdoors for nearly one year. Our aim was to preliminarily test the development, hatching, and overwintering survival of the dominant parasite eggs/oocysts in the feces of aggregated Tibetan antelope in the Zhuonai Lake area and evaluate whether the calving ground increases the risk of gastrointestinal parasite transmission and infection in Tibetan antelope. The results showed that: (1) between June 9 and July 16, the 35 days average temperature was 5℃ and the average relative humidity was 81%. (2) During the aggregating period of Tibetan antelope in Zhuonai Lake area (less than 30 days), the dominant parasite eggs/oocysts in the feces did not develop to the infective stage (Third larvae stage). For example, dominant nematode eggs, including Trichostrongylus sp., Marshallagia sp., and Nematodirus sp., only developed to the first larvae stage within 30 days. Additionally, the sporulation rates of dominant coccidian species Eimeria pantholopensis and E. wudaoliangensis were 0, 18.9 %, 54.0 % and 0, 13.5 %, 30.4 % on the 25th days, 30th days, and 35th days, respectively. (3) Few parasite eggs survived over the winter until the next year. Only a few larvae of the Marshallagia sp. and Nematodirus sp. were found in feces which were placed for nearly one year to survive over the winter in the calving ground of Zhuonai Lake. This study suggests that the risk of gastrointestinal parasite transmission and infection was low during the aggregating period of Tibetan antelope in Zhuonai Lake area. Short-term utilization of calving ground and rapid back-migration were important behavioral strategies for Tibetan antelope to avoid increasing the risk of gastrointestinal parasitic infection. Furthermore, the climate environment such as low temperature was beneficial to the natural purification of parasites. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Research advance and perspective on mammalogy in Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Jianghui BIAN, Dehua WANG ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2022, 42 (5): 477-481.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150718 Abstract （1249）   HTML （29）    PDF （1327KB）（1377）       Knowledge map    Save The year 2022 marks the 60th anniversary (1962?2022) of the establishment of Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology (NWIPB), Chinese Academy of Sciences. The mammalogy research of NWIPB has also gone through the course of 60 years, which has experienced the continuous development and expansion process from nothing to nothing. Over the past 60 years, the research in mammalogy at NWIPB has always been based on the Qinghai?Tibet Plateau, based on basic research and basic application research. To meet the needs of the state, serve for the regional economy and ecological protection, a large number of corresponding work has been carried out on mammalogy, a large number of scientific and technological talents have been cultivated, several academic publictions have been published by NWIPB，which has made a significant contribution to the development of mammalogy and mammalogy ecology. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Expression analysis of gap junction protein 40 in lung of plateau pika exposed to hypoxia Xuze ZHANG, Lin FU, Xiaoyan ZOU, Yurong DU ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2022, 42 (5): 572-578.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150686 Abstract （1208）   HTML （23）    PDF （2816KB）（1231）       Knowledge map    Save Blunted hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction response is a major adaptation to hypoxia in plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae). However, the genes involved in this physiological compensation remained unclear. In the present study, plateau pikas and Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were challenged with a hypoxia condition simulating an altitude of 5 000 m for 28 days. Morphological structure analysis by immunohistochemistry was carried out for the pulmonary in both species and the expression levels of Connexin40 (Cx40), a member of the Connexon family expressed in pulmonary vascular endothelia in mammals, were determined by both qPCR and Western blot. The results showed that upon hypoxia challenge the alveoli of plateau pika appeared to be vacuolated sacs. Cx40 expression was detected in both bronchi and pulmonary blood vessels in both species. In plateau pikas, mRNA level of Cx40 increased after hypoxia challenge, while its protein level decreased. In contrast, protein levels of Cx40 had no significant change with prolonged hypoxia exposure in pulmonary blood vessels of SD rats. No significant change in the Cx40 protein in the lung bronchi was observed in both species. Our results indicate that with hypoxia exposure, pulmonary vasoconstriction response in plateau pikas could be suppressed by down-regulation of Cx40, contributing to their adaptation to a hypoxic environment on the plateau. Our results can provide a reference for the expression analysis of gap junction proteins in the lungs of indigenous animals living on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Effects of captivity on the assembly process of microbiota communities of plateau pikas Liangzhi ZHANG, Xianjiang TANG, Shien Ren, Yaqi ZHAO, Yanming ZHANG ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2022, 42 (5): 519-530.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150721 Abstract （1206）   HTML （30）    PDF （3659KB）（1415）       Knowledge map    Save Revealing the community assembly process is helpful to better understand the mechanism of biodiversity generation and maintenance, which has been an emerging topic in microbial community ecology in recent years. Studies have shown that captivity can cause drastic changes in the composition and diversity of intestinal microbiotas, however, whether captivity can alter the assembly processes of gut bacterial communities in plateau pikas is still unknown. Here, we employed 16S rRNA gene-based large-scale structural profiling to explore the effect of captivity and breeding status on the gut microbial composition, diversity, functions, and assembly processes in plateau pikas (Ochotona curzoniae). The results showed that the community richness and community coverage index of captivity animals were significantly lower than those of wild groups. For the wild groups, the indexes were significantly higher in non-breeding groups than those of breeding groups. The relative abundance of Bacteroidetes was significantly higher in the captivity group than that of the wild groups, while the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Planctomycetes were significantly higher in wild groups than those of the captivity group. For the wild groups, the richness of Epsilonbacteraeota and Tenericutes were higher in the breeding period group than those of the non-breeding group. The results of functional prediction revealed that the abundance of genes involved in cardiovascular disease and cell communication were significantly different between captivity and wild breeding groups. The abundance of genes involved in the pathway of amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and lipid metabolism enriched in non-breeding groups compared with breeding groups. The results of neutral model revealed that captivity reduced the importance of stochastic processes in governing the bacterial community assembly, while breeding status increased the importance of stochastic processes in structuring the community assembly. Our results provided new insights on the effects of captivity on the microbial composition, diversity, function, and assembly processes and the interactions between microbiotas and physiological state of plateau pika, which provided a new theoretical basis to promote the possibility of successful reproduction in laboratory. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Genetic diversity of male specific region of Y chromosome in Tibetan antelope Ruotong CHENG, Yibo CHEN, Xiangqiong MENG, Jiarui CHEN, Qing WEI ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2022, 42 (5): 609-614.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150688 Abstract （1141）   HTML （20）    PDF （1794KB）（1209）       Knowledge map    Save Genetic diversity is an important indicator of population health, especially for assessing population recovery of endangered species. To characterize the genetic diversity of Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii) populations, we used muscle and placental tissues from accidentally killed Tibetan antelopes in Qinghai and Xinjiang and screened 11 Tibetan antelope Y-SNP-specific loci from 30 published polymorphic Y-SNP loci in bovids, of which AMELY3 (g.723 C > T) and SRYOY1 (g.167 G > A) 2 pairs of primers were polymorphic. Based on the AMELY3 locus, the haplotype diversity of Tibetan antelope Y chromosome was 0.048 ± 0.045 and the nucleotide polymorphism was 0.00006 ± 0.00005. According to the SRYOY1 locus, Tibetan antelope was divided into two haplotypes, of which H1 (g.167 G) was the dominant haplotype. Maximum likelihood tree suggests that Tibetan antelope might have two paternal origins. The haplotype diversity of Tibetan antelope Y chromosome was 0.439 ± 0.050 and the nucleotide polymorphism was 0.0008 ± 0.0004. The genetic differentiation index showed that the FST value between the male population of Tibetan antelope in Qinghai and Xinjiang was 0.6846 ± 0.0389, suggesting a strong population genetic differentiation. Therefore, integrated conservation across regions and research on sex chromosomes need more attention in the future conservation of Tibetan antelope. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Grassland degradation affects serum total IgG level, intestinal parasitic infection and liver and kidney indices of plateau pika Xueqin WU, Huiqing CHEN, Lu ZHANG, Guozhen SHANG, Yan WU, Jianghui BIAN ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2022, 42 (5): 531-539.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150715 Abstract （1128）   HTML （23）    PDF （1797KB）（1221）       Knowledge map    Save As a key species in the alpine grassland ecosystem of the Qinghai?Tibet Plateau, the plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae) population increased rapidly with grassland degradation. Understanding the changes in innate immune function and organ index of liver and kidney indices of plateau pika is of great significance for further revealing the physiological mechanism of plateau pika population outbreak caused by grassland degradation on the Qinghai?Tibet Plateau. In this study, we investigated the number of burrow entrances, measured serum total IgG levels, intestinal parasitic infection, and liver and kidney indices of adult plateau pikas inhabiting lightly, moderately, and heavily degraded grassland (LD, MD and HD) at Qinghai Haibei National Field Research Station of Alpine Grassland Ecosystem. Our results showed that with grassland degradation, the number of burrow entrances and serum total IgG levels increased significantly, while the prevalence and intensity of infection of cestodes and nematodes as well as liver and kidney indices decreased markedly. The prevalence of infection of cestodes and liver index in males were significantly lower than those in females, and the prevalence and intensity of infection of cestodes and nematodes in females in HD were significantly lower than those in LD. These results indicate that grassland degradation induced by overgrazing enhances the innate immune of plateau pika and alleviate the damage of toxins to liver and kidney, which may promote population outbreaks. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Advances and prospects of the gut microbiome in non-human primate Qiuyan GUO, Xiao WEI, Meijing LU, Penglai FAN, Qihai ZHOU ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2023, 43 (1): 69-81.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150669 Abstract （1105）   HTML （4）    PDF （1408KB）（1055）       Knowledge map    Save The gut microbiome is the second set of animal genomes and interacts with hosts in development, nutrition metabolism, physiological function, and immunity. Non-human primates (NHPs) are close to humans in terms of ecological niche, social structure, geographical distribution and evolution. The research of NHPs gut microbiome not only contributes to understanding primate ecology, conservation, and evolution but has also important reference value for in-depth understanding of the role of the gut microbiome in human evolution. This paper summarizes the factors influencing the composition of the gut microbiome in NHPs, including host species and phylogeny, diet, habitat fragmentation, age/sex, captivity, and community life. We also explore the application of gut microbiome research in NHPs ecology, behavior, conservation, and adaptive evolution. Future studies of the gut microbiome of NHPs will offer new insight into primate ecology and evolution as well as human health. They will also provide a new theoretical basis and means for primate conservation. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Climate change results in imbalance population growth and change in suitable habitat for red deer in the Qinghai‒Tibet Plateau: a case study in the Leiwuqi National Nature Reserve Xiulin YE, Keji GUO, Xinrui LI, Qing WU, Mengfei ZHANG, Ming LI, Xumao ZHAO ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2023, 43 (2): 149-156.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150706 Abstract （1101）   HTML （37）    PDF （15121KB）（701）       Knowledge map    Save The Qinghai?Tibet Plateau is the highest geographical unit on Earth and has warmed at about two times the rate of global warming over the past 50 years, which has had a great impact on high-altitude species. We used field survey information collected in the Leiwuqi National Nature Reserve (LNNR) combined with species distribution models (SDMs) and population growth model to find that (1) the population size of Cervus elaphus increased from 890 to 1 400 between 2013 and 2021, and may reach 1 735 in 2050 (1 760 in 2070), and (2) the present suitable habitat of C. elaphus will decrease by 43.4% and 5.1% in 2050s and 2070s, respectively. In addition, the suitable habitats of C. elaphus have 19%, 60% and 37% overlap with that of domestic yaks in the present, 2050s, and 2070s, which decreases the suitable habitat for C. elaphus due to food competition. The estimated increase in population size, decrease in suitable habitats, and competition with yaks will increase the threat to C. elaphus in 2050s. To protect C. elaphus, human activities, particularly for grazing yaks in and around the LNNR, should be reduced to 1 000 ? 1 500. This study integrated SDMs, population growth model, and interspecific relationships to evaluate the impact of climate change on species to the population level, which has significance for other species conservation. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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An overview of population survey methods of non-human primates Xier CHEN, Lijie YIN, Dagong QIN, Jinxian YAO, Xiaoyu LI, Wenshi PAN ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2022, 42 (6): 716-727.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150656 Abstract （1092）   HTML （31）    PDF （903KB）（1188）       Knowledge map    Save Monitoring and estimating wildlife population size is essential to conservation. Affected by global climate change and human activities, wildlife populations could be relatively unstable. Primates are a group of highly evolved taxa in the animal kingdom and are among the most social of animals. As many as 701 species or subspecies of primates are recognized globally, forming a rich diversity. They could be found in various types of habitats, including rain forests, swamp forests, mangroves, secondary forests, deciduous forests, monsoon forests and montane forests, as well as in grasslands (savannah and steppe) including forest outliers, gallery forests, wooded steppes, thorn forests, Mediterranean scrubs and montane meadows, and even in deserts, dry uplands or permanent snow. Most primate species are endangered from different causes, and therefore effective long-term monitoring is of significant value to primate conservation. Species and habitat diversity have contributed to the numerous methods of censusing primate populations. This article offers a summary of widely-used non-human primate population censusing methods, including the classifications, the fundamentals, the various scenarios for application, and their limitations. The methods are analyzed with case studies and research. Furthermore, we introduce the latest applications of drones, thermal imaging and computer deep learning in primate population surveys, hoping to offer some insights into future non-human primate censusing and population monitoring. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Association between personality and SERT gene polymorphisms in plateau pikas ( Ochotona curzoniae) at different altitudes Hongjuan ZHU, Jing LI, Suqin WANG, Qi TANG, Xianyong LAN, Jiapeng QU ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2022, 42 (5): 540-552.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150702 Abstract （1088）   HTML （27）    PDF （3665KB）（1269）       Knowledge map    Save Given the stable and heritable individual differences in animal behaviors, personality is associated with the polymorphisms of related genes and reflects the adaptation patterns of animals to variable environments. Exploring the variations in personality-related genes will contribute to the improved understanding of the evolutionary and adaptation mechanisms of animals’ response to environments. In this study, we used plateau pikas (Ochotona curzoniae) inhabiting five altitudinal regions of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau as study objects to determine their personality variations, explore the associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of serotonin transporter (SERT) and personality, and obtain the expression level of the SERT gene. Results showed that the exploration and boldness of pikas at high altitudes were significantly higher than those at low altitudes, whereas the expression level of SERT at high altitudes was significantly lower than that at low altitudes, suggesting that the personality of pikas in different altitudes might be correlated with the mRNA expression of the SERT gene. Furthermore, SERT gene polymorphisms and their distribution differences among different altitudes were detected. Six SNP mutations were detected in the SERT gene (5 and 1 SNP mutations were located in exons 3 and 5, respectively). Significant correlations between c.A1063C synonymous mutation in exon 5 and altitudes were observed, suggesting that the distribution frequencies of the CC genotype of c.A1063C at high altitudes were significantly higher than those at low altitudes. No significant correlation between c.A1063C genotypes and exploration or boldness was observed, whereas significant correlations between c.A1063C genotypes and docility were detected. Our results suggested that with increasing altitude, the exploration and boldness of plateau pikas increased for food resource and survival opportunities to adapt to environments at different altitudes and that the difference in docility might be related to the synonymous mutation of exon 5 of the SERT gene c.A1063C. This study attempted to elaborate on the differences in personality of plateau pikas adapted to different altitudes from the perspective of gene expression and mutation, providing the potential molecular mechanism of plateau pika’s behavioral strategies at different altitudes. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Diet conversions of pre-released giant panda ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca) cubs Shiqiang ZHOU, Shengshan HE, Yuanyuan QU, Yong LUO, Daifu WU, Yan HUANG, Desheng LI, Hemin ZHANG ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2022, 42 (6): 652-664.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150655 Abstract （1082）   HTML （18）    PDF （3446KB）（970）       Knowledge map    Save This paper takes 15 giant panda cubs undergoing pre-release training, including female animals with cubs, monitored from 2010 to 2020 as the research object. Based on the behavior data observed and interpreted by infrared video monitoring system and audio collar, and the fecal sample data collected by GPS collar tracking and positioning, this paper analyzes the behavior development process and food conversion characteristics of giant pandas undergoing pre-release training. The results show that with the growth and development of giant pandas undergoing pre-release training, the behaviors related to foraging and vigilance are fully developed, and have a strong temporal correlation，including feeding, crawling, walking, playing with objects, climbing trees, biting and playing with bamboo, drinking water and eating bamboo. Generally, at the age of 8 ? 10 months, giant panda cubs begin to eat bamboo organs, and the process of developmental dietary transition is clearly divided into three stages: ready?to?eat milk period (1 ? 7 months old), breast milk bamboo conversion period (8 ? 28 months old) and bamboo eating period (29 ? 39 months old). The conversion period can be divided into critical period (8 ? 18 months old) and transition period (19 ? 28 months old). According to the statistical test, there are significant differences between different feeding stages, and the giant panda in the transition period can leave the mother animal and live independently in the study area. The proportions of food components in the transition period are not significantly different from that in the bamboo feeding stage. The seasonal dietary shift pattern of the wild training giant panda is similar to the mother animal with offspring and the wild giant panda in that is the main food is bamboo shoots in spring, young bamboo stems and leaves in summer and autumn, and bamboo leaves and stems in winter. The results of this study not only verify the scientific basis and feasibility of the pre-release training method of female animals with cubs, but also provide a reference for the pre-release training and reintroduction of captive giant pandas in the future. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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A review of wildlife conservation and management strategies of Sanjiangyuan National Park Tongzuo ZHANG, Feng JIANG, Jingjie ZHANG, Zhenyuan CAI, Hongmei GAO, Haifeng GU, Pengfei SONG ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2023, 43 (2): 193-205.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150698 Abstract （1082）   HTML （44）    PDF （1493KB）（1098）       Knowledge map    Save Sanjiangyuan National Park (SNP) is one of the first and largest national parks in China and the first national park on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It has landmark significance for the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and even for China's accelerated construction of national parks as a natural areas protection system. The diversity of wildlife in SNP is high and the proportion of endangered species is large, among which the proportion of mammals and birds under threat is 32.26% and 19.90%, respectively. SNP also harbors abundant national key protected species and rare species endemic to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, including 46.77% of mammals endemic to China or the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and 7.65% of birds endemic to China. Its rich biodiversity has conservation value of national and even global significance. We briefly reviewed the progress and achievements of global wildlife conservation research, analyzed the causes of wildlife endangerment in SNP, and proposed several wildlife conservation and management strategies, such as strengthening the monitoring of wildlife dynamics in SNP, innovating habitat protection techniques, establishing wildlife migration corridors and refuges, conducting research on the balanced management of grass and livestock, disease control, human-animal conflict, and establishing wildlife gene resource bank. There strategies will provide useful guarantees for the achievement of strict protection of ecological environment, harmonious coexistence between human and nature, as well as regional sustainable development strategic needs in SNP. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Preliminary survey of mammals and birds diversity by using camera traps in the Guangxi Encheng National Nature Reserve Bo XIE, Xiuping NONG, Guoli HUANG, Rong HUANG, Wei YAO, Jianzhong LIN, Qihai ZHOU ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2023, 43 (2): 215-223.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150653 Abstract （1045）   HTML （41）    PDF （12877KB）（746）       Knowledge map    Save In order to document the wildlife resources in Guangxi Encheng National Nature Reserve. We set up 58 infrared camera traps in this natural reserve to monitor mammals and forest birds from December 2019 to January 2021. The surveys produced a total of 17 332 camera-days of data, and 6 680 independent wildlife photographs were collected. We identified 20 mammal species belonging to 5 orders and 13 families, as well as 61 bird species belonging to 9 orders and 20 families. Among the detected species, one species is listed as first-class National Protected Wildlife: Fran?ois’s Langur (Trachypithecus francoisi), and 26 species (6 mammal species and 20 bird species) are listed as second-class National Protected Wildlife. There are 2 species are classified as Endangered (EN), 6 as Vulnerable (VU) and 19 as Near Threatened (NT) according to the Red List of China’s Vertebrates. Based on the relative abundance index, the mammal with the highest relative abundance index was Leopoldamys edwardsi, the bird was Lophura nycthemera. Camera traps technique is an effective method for wildlife survey. Our results provided the primary records on the species composition and relative abundance of mammals and birds in the Guangxi Encheng National Nature Reserve. These will provide the basic information for future investigation of wildlife and management in the reserve. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Temporal and spatial niche differentiation of sympatric black muntjac and Reeves’ muntjac Juan HU, Peigen XIE, Tingting LI, Rui GUO, Lijuan XU, Xiao SONG, Aichun XU ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2022, 42 (6): 641-651.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150638 Abstract （1022）   HTML （34）    PDF （4862KB）（1166）       Knowledge map    Save Niche differentiation is an important ecological theory in explaining the coexistence of species. Schonenr believes that the spatial dimension has the highest influence on the formation of niche differences, followed by the nutritional dimension, and the time dimension is the last to be activated. To verify this hypothesis, we used the kilometer grid method to place 52 infrared cameras in the Longtangshan area of the Qingliangfeng National Nature Reserve in Zhejiang from December 2018 to November 2019. We monitored the populations of sympatric black muntjac and Reeves’ muntjac that have similar feeding habits. The average capture rate was calculated to analyze the differences in the species’ selection of vegetation type, altitude, slope position, and distance from water sources in different seasons. The nuclear density estimation method was used to analyze the daily activity rhythm and the degree of overlap in the activities of the two species. The results indicate that black muntjac and Reeves’ muntjac have different choices in spatial niche: black muntjac prefers mixed broadleaf-conifer forest, primarily inhabiting areas with high altitude between 1 301 - 1 500 m and avoiding areas with low altitudes and valleys. Activities of the black muntjac are frequent in areas closer to water sources. The Reeves’ muntjac prefers deciduous broadleaved forests, mainly inhabits areas with an elevation of 901 - 1 100 m, prefers mid-slope positions, avoids valleys, and has no obvious tendency towards choosing water sources. The black muntjac and the Reeves’ muntjac are both diurnal animals with morning and twilight activities, and the overlap of their daily activity rhythms throughout the year is relatively high (Δ4 = 0.86), and only lower in winter (Δ1 = 0.65). The above results support the hypothesis of Schonenr. First, spatial dimension has a greater impact on species niche differentiation than the temporal dimension. The black muntjac and Reeves’ muntjac in the Longtang Mountain area mainly choose different habitats to avoid overlapping territories and reduce the competition between both species. Secondly, there are seasonal differences in this model. In winter, due to the reduction of available resources, competition intensifies. Both species adjust their rhythm of daily activities to increase the degree of temporal niche differentiation in order to achieve coexistence in the same region. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Characteristics of food plants consumed by Hainan gibbon ( Nomascus hainanus) in fragmented habitat Huaiqing DENG, Baoping REN, Yun LIU, Jiang ZHOU ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2022, 42 (6): 615-623.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150658 Abstract （1018）   HTML （28）    PDF （3372KB）（1036）       Knowledge map    Save Quantity, availability, and diameter structure of feeding plant species of Hainan gibbons (Nomascus hainanus) were investigated in Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park of Bawangling Bureau from January 2013 to July 2014. Sixty-four food species with 1 484 plant samples of tree diameter at breast height ≥ 5 cm were recorded in the habitat of Group C of Hainan gibbon. The gibbons highly preferred large and tall trees to feed on. Fifteen tagged plant species have a fructiferous rate of more than 50.0%. The maximum is 76.7% by Monoon laui and the minimum is 9.6% by Heptapleurum heptaphyllum. Among 18 main food plants, 15 species showed a growing structure and only Pouteria annamensis showed the recession structure. Food plants consisted of young individuals and only 37 species (71.2%) can fruit every year for the gibbons. Fruit rate of feeding tree species was not affected by altitude and was significantly associated with tree height and diameter at breast height. Hainan gibbons ate tender leaves (15.6%) when fruits were scarce in the dry season. High fluctuations in fruit availability yearly might limit the population growth of Hainan gibbons in a long run. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Bird and mammal diversity inventory by camera trapping in the Neixiang Baotianman National Nature Reserve, Henan Province Qinghao ZHANG, Song YAO, Kai XU, Tong LIU, Wenhong XIAO, Bingyong BAI, Xiaoqun HUANG, Zhishu XIAO ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2023, 43 (2): 206-214.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150633 Abstract （1007）   HTML （44）    PDF （30066KB）（833）       Knowledge map    Save We conducted a 3-year survey for large and medium-sized mammals and ground-dwelling birds using infrared cameras from April 2015 to September 2018 in the Neixiang Baotianman National Nature Reserve, Henan province. Based on 12 040 independent images and 37 923 effective camera days from 62 camera traps sites, we identified 54 species belonging to 12 orders and 26 families, including 35 bird species belonging to 6 orders and 12 families and 19 mammal species belonging to 6 orders and 14 families. Turdus rubrocanus, Pomatorhinus hypoleucos, and Latoucheornis siemsseni were newly recorded in the reserve. Among the recorded species, Moschus berezovskii and Aquila chrysaeto are listed as Class Ⅰ National Protected Species, and 13 species as Class Ⅱ national protected animals, e.g. Prionailurus bengalensis, Martes flavigula, Macaca mulatta, Naemorhedus griseus. According to the IUCN Red List, M. berezovskii is listed as endangered, N. griseus as vulnerable, and Arctonyx collaris as near endangered. Based on the Red List of China’s Vertebrates, M. berezovskii is classified as critically endangered, four species are listed as vulnerable and ten species as near endangered. The top three mammals with the highest relative abundance index and site occupancies were Sus scrofa, Hystrix hodgsoni, and A. collaris. The birds with higher relative abundance index and site occupancies were Pucrasia macrolopha and Chrysolophus pictus. Moreover, human activities and livestock grazing were the main disturbance in the reserve. We obtained for the first time images of captured macaques kept for ecotourism. The study provides baseline information for long-term monitoring and research of wildlife and biodiversity management and conservation of the reserve. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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The activity budget and the influencing factor of a monogamous western black crested gibbon ( Nomascus concolor) group Ziqian LI, Yongliang ZHU, Linguo LI, Wei LI, Jianguang YANG, Zhenhua GUAN, Xuelong JIANG ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2023, 43 (2): 141-148.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150726 Abstract （977）   HTML （46）    PDF （1940KB）（834）       Knowledge map    Save The behavioral adaptation of primates to high-altitude habitats has long been a topic of interest in primate research, and recent years have seen a growing focus on behavioral differences of the same species across different habitats. The western black crested gibbon (Nomascus concolor) is a National First-Class Protected Wild Animal in China and boasts the largest population of gibbons in the country. While the species is concentrated in the Mt. Ailao and Mt. Wuliang areas of central Yunnan, there are significant differences in their habitats and social organization between the two locations, and limited research has been conducted on Mt. Ailao gibbons. This study presents the first report on the activity budget, diet, and seasonal variations of a monogamous gibbon group in the high-altitude habitat of Mt. Ailao. Between 2014 - 2015, observations totaling 468 hours were recorded using the instantaneous scanning method at 3-minute intervals. Behavioral data showed that moving behavior was the most prevalent at 38.1%, followed by resting at 36.4%, feeding at 23.3%, singing at 1.9%, and other behavior at 1.3%. Food types were identified in 3 784 feeding behaviors, with leaves accounting for 41.1%, fruit for 33.3%, flowers for 21.0%, epiphytes for 3.9%, and other foods for 0.6%. The study found significant differences in the activity and diet of gibbons between the rainy and dry seasons, with increased fruit consumption during the former and an increased proportion of leaves and flowers during the latter. Additionally, the gibbons increased their resting time and reduced feed and move time during the cold and dry season, while they increased move time and reduced rest and feed time during the hot and rainy season, demonstrating energy-conservative behavioral strategies adopted by gibbons in high-altitude habitats. The results also highlight the influence of habitat food distribution patterns on behavioral strategies, as seen in the comparison with Mt. Wuliang. In conclusion, the study emphasizes the need for systematic research on more monogamous western black crested gibbon groups to gain a full understanding of the adaptive behavior and evolution of social organization in gibbons. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Wild camel space use as determined by different home range estimators Yongxiang ZHOU, Yadong XUE, Shaochuang LIU, Jianquan LIU, Duoliang ZHOU ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2023, 43 (1): 102-108.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150672 Abstract （975）   HTML （2）    PDF （5421KB）（924）       Knowledge map    Save Satellite tracking and positioning technology has been widely used to estimate species home ranges, habitat selection, and migration behavior, which can provide the scientific basis necessary for endangered species conservation and management. In this study, the home ranges of two wild camels (Camelus ferus) were determined using minimum convex polygons, Kernel density estimators, and dynamic Brownian Bridge Movement Models (dBBMM).The advantages, disadvantages, and applicable scenarios of these methods were discussed and key habitats and conservation priority areas of wild camels were identified. The dBBMM home range was the most accurate in relation to the distribution of the camels studied. The average home range (95% dBBMM) and the average core home range (50% dBBMM) were 300.11 km2 and 7.02 km2, respectively. The average monthly home range (95% dBBMM) of the two wild camels was 164.98 km2 and 39.67 km2, respectively, and the average monthly core home range (50% dBBMM) was 4.69 km2 and 2.71 km2, respectively. The northern and western regions of the nature reserve harbored key habitats for wild camels, and should be regarded as conservation priority areas. We propose the use of a multi-method estimation to comprehensively and holistically identify key habitats. The dBBMM home range calculations of wild camels at different life history stages can identify their stopover sites and corridors, which is helpful for the development of management measures and fine-scale conservation actions. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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The pellet-decay rate of red deer ( Cervus elaphus) in the Lesser Xing’an Mountains Xuefeng SHAO, Xiaoying PING, Yueyuan LI, Long CHEN, Zhiwen NIE, Yuanman HU, Yuehui LI ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2023, 43 (2): 157-163.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150682 Abstract （964）   HTML （18）    PDF （1437KB）（714）       Knowledge map    Save The pellet-decay rate is the time period during which pellet piles disappeared under natural conditions. Pellet-decay rate is a significant parameter for estimating the population size of deer by using the method of pellet distance sampling, providing the foundation for research on population size. In this study, we aim to answer the question of what is the pellet-decay rate of deer under continental climates in high-latitude temperate zones and solve the time-consuming and labor-consuming problem of revisiting each pellet group at their original positions when pellet piles are scattered due to low density and hidden behavior of those species in China. Within the Lesser Xing’an Mountains (46°28′ - 49°21′N)located in the temperate continental climate zone, we selected the Jianshe forest farm in Tieli Forestry Bureau as study area. In January 2015, we collected 38 groups of fresh pellets from red deer (Cervus elaphus) and moved them to a typical conveniently-revisited red deer habitat characterized by coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forest and sunny slope, and recorded the original number of pellets in each pile. After that, we made eight visits at certain intervals to record the remaining pellets in each pile and whether each pile was completely decayed. Then, we used logistic binary regression using the R 4.1.2 software to calculate the intercept b0 and slope b1 of the model and the MATLAB R2020b software to calculate the pellet-decay rate. The result showed that the average pellet-decay rate of red deer was 646 ± 53 days. In this study, pellet piles were manually moved and set in one place for observation, which provided a feasible way to study the pellet-decay rate in areas with low density of the target population. This study enriched the research on the pellet-decay rate of deer in China, thus alleviating the obstacle of using the pellet-based distance sampling method to estimate the population size. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Effects of food resources seasonality on home range utilization of wild Tibetan macaque ( Macaca thibetana) Yadong LI, Bowen LI, Xi WANG, Penghui LI, Jinhua LI ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2022, 42 (6): 624-633.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150647 Abstract （938）   HTML （21）    PDF （8947KB）（911）       Knowledge map    Save Distribution and availability of food sources dramatically influence home range dynamics. Studies on home range utilization are critical for revealing the ecological adaptations and behavioral complexity in wild animals. From September 2020 to August 2021, we studied one group of Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana, Tianhu group, TH) in Huangshan, Anhui province, China. We directly observed and recorded spatial positions of the study group and monitored habitat conditions, vegetation distribution and food availability. 4 307 GPS positions were obtained and the kernel density estimation of GPS sites revealed that the Tibetan macaque’s home range area decreased from spring to winter, with areas of 7.16 km2, 5.09 km2, 3.85 km2, and 0.35 km2, respectively. The average daily ranging distance (d = 1735.67 m ± 288.35 m, n = 12) of the monkeys was positively correlated with food availability, with the longest average daily ranging distance in July and the shortest one in January. Monkeys preferred to stay in the mixed coniferous and mixed evergreen deciduous broadleaf forests. The monkeys used bamboo forests more in spring, mixed coniferous and broad forests in summer and winter, and mixed evergreen deciduous broadleaf forests in autumn. Tibetan macaques use their home ranges to adapt to low altitudes based on food resource distribution, food availability, and other factors. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Distinct patterns of microsatellite and functional analysis of forest musk deer and its closely related species Qi ZHAO, Qi ZHANG, Haoling LI, Yue LAN, Xingan YAN, Guijun ZHAO, Wenhua QI ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2022, 42 (6): 705-715.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150645 Abstract （926）   HTML （11）    PDF （1019KB）（929）       Knowledge map    Save Muscidae and Cervidae belong to artiodactyl ruminants and have important economic value. There is still a lack of relevant studies on using simple sequence repeats (SSRs) to reveal the phylogenetic relationship among species at the genomic level and to explore the gene functions of SSRs and their enriched signaling pathways. With the completion of the genome sequence of the forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii), Siberian musk deer (Moschus moschiferus), the red deer (Cervus elaphus), the Reeves’ muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi), and the red muntjac (Muntiacus vaginalis), we extracted the coding sequences (CDS) of these species by bioinformatics method and analyzed the distribution patterns of coding SSR and their biological functions. The containing-SSR genes were enriched in the signal pathways and their association with disease were explored. The results prove that the proportion of their coding SSRs were 6.96% (1 696), 7.18% (2 359), 7.29% (3 005), 7.36% (1 916), and 7.48% (1 924), respectively. In addition, the distribution pattern of coding SSRs of the five species was similar, triplet repeats SSR (Tri- and Hexa-SSRs) of the five species were the most similar, which were 96.85%, 94.87%, 65.44%, 64.23%, and 88.04%, respectively. The GO functional enrichment showed that the SSR sequences in the CDS of the five species had many same enriched functions in three aspects: molecular function, cellular component, and biological process, including DNA binding, chromatin, growth, and development. The result of the KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that there are 7 KEGG pathways that were significantly co?enriched in forest musk deer and other species.These include protein families: genetic information processing, transcription factors, chromosome and associated proteins, spliceosome, transcription machinery, Notch signaling pathway, and maturity?onset diabetes of the young. By analyzing the SSR-containing key immune genes and their associated KEGG pathways in the CDS region of forset musk deer, 10 SSR-containing key immune genes corresponding to the KEGG pathway were found to be closely associated with the disease. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Diagnosis of peste des petits ruminants and genetic evolution analysis of N and F genes of Pseudois nayaur in Qinghai Wei KAN, Leibin LI, Xuyang ZHAO, Lin YANG, Yu SUN, Jinshan CAI ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2023, 43 (2): 171-181.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150673 Abstract （924）   HTML （21）    PDF （20997KB）（613）       Knowledge map    Save On January 19, 2021, an unexplained death of a Pseudois nayaur occurred in the Yikegaoli area, Balong Township, Dulan County, Haixi Prefecture, Qinghai Province. The animal was characterized by being alone, lying on the ground, physical weakness, difficulty in foraging, and black attachments around the anus. It was diagnosed as peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) infection by clinical symptoms, pathological autopsy, and qRT-PCR. Part of PPRV N and F genes were amplified from the diseased tissues of the dead P. nayaur by RT-PCR. Megalig, NT1, and MEGA 6.0 software were used to compare and analyze the N and F gene sequences of P. nayaur PPRV and the phylogenetic tree was constructed. The results show that the homology between the N and F genes of PPRV infecting the P. nayaur from Qinghai and the Xinjiang strain (China/Xinjiang/2015/16) was 99.43% and 99.73% respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that it belonged to the lineage Ⅳ. At the nucleic acid sequence level of N and F genes, it has the closest genetic relationship with the strains isolated in Xinjiang. Compared with foreign strains, the N gene is more related to the strains isolated from Senegal and Nigeria and the F gene is distantly related to foreign strains. In conclusion, Qinghai P. nayaur PPR strains belong to the gene Ⅳ lineage, which is the same pedigree as the wild virus strains currently prevalent in China. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Two new records of Chodsigoa hypsibia and Sorex bedfordiae from Ningxia in China Li ZHOU, Rui LIAO, Quanfen HOU, Shunde CHEN, Shaoying LIU ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2023, 43 (2): 224-228.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150709 Abstract （922）   HTML （38）    PDF （7850KB）（688）       Knowledge map    Save In September 2011, six shrew specimens were collected with traps from Mt. Liupanshan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (35°36′76″N, 106°32′79″E, 2 000 m asl). Pelage, skull, and teeth morphologies of one specimen are similar to Chodsigoa hypsibia and the others are similar to Sorex bedfordiae. Molecular analyses supported the two species C. hypsibia and S. bedfordiae to be monophyletic, and the K2P genetic distance of Cyt b gene is 0.4% (C. hypsibia) and 6.7% - 7.4% (S.bedfordiae). Thus, these specimens were identified as C. hypsibia and S. bedfordiae based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses. They represent the first records of C. hypsibia and S. bedfordiae in Ningxia, and expand the known distribution range of the two species. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Effects of cohabitation on emotion and hypothalamic oxytocin expression in middy gerbils Fei MIAO, Zixuan KONG, Shaobin YANG, Peng YU ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2023, 43 (2): 164-170.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150725 Abstract （917）   HTML （22）    PDF （8670KB）（558）       Knowledge map    Save Cohabitation between male and female is an important stage of long lasting pair bonding, which involves a series of physical and emotional changes. However, due to the lack of monogamous animal models, the neurobiological regulation, especially the sex difference, in the process of pair bonding is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of male and female cohabitation on emotion and the numbers of oxytocin-neuron in relative brain regions in middy gerbils (Meriones meridianus) using elevated plus maze, forced swimming and immunohistochemical methods. The results showed that, after 10 days of cohabitation, the frequency of entering the open arm of female gerbils in the cohabitation group (FF) was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and the anxiety index was significantly increased (P < 0.05). In the forced swimming experiment, the frequency and time in immobility in FF were significantly increased (P < 0.05). The expression level of oxytocin in paraventricular nucleus and supraoptic nucleus of hypothalamus in FF was significantly increased (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant changes in behavior and oxytocin levels in cohabiting males, which may be related to sexual dyssynchrony in the formation of pair bonds. In conclusion, cohabitation only causes anxiety-like behavior in female middy gerbils, which may be related to hypothalamic oxytocin system. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Analysis of the Père David’s deer population mortality in Dafeng Milu National Nature Reserve Yijun REN, Daming SUN, Junai ZHEN, Libo WANG, Yumeng ZHAO, Hua SHEN, Bin LIU, Yuqing CHEN ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2022, 42 (6): 741-748.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150631 Abstract （912）   HTML （17）    PDF （2350KB）（919）       Knowledge map    Save From 2009 to 2020, we systematically investigated the population, mortality, and death factors of Père David’s deer (Elaphurus davidianus) in the Dafeng Milu National Nature Reserve, Jiangsu, China. The result showed the annual growth rate of the population was 13.09% ± 5.96%, which continuously increased in the 12 years. The annual mortality rate was 3.53% ± 2.27%, with an obvious fluctuation every 2 years. There was no significant difference in mortality of adults and sub-adults in different seasons, but significant in juveniles.Significant differences in mortality among different age groups were observed. The adults died most in summer and autumn, while the juveniles died most in winter and spring. 48.77% of subjects tend to choose the underbrush for dying. The death factors among different age groups were significantly different. The elders and the juveniles mainly died of epidemic diseases, including viral, bacterial, and parasitic. While the sub-adults died in accidents. We suggested that it is necessary to strengthen the daily monitoring and epidemic disease prevention in wildlife management. Our data provided important information for the protection of Père David’s deer in Dafeng Reserve. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Habitat prediction of Asiatic golden cat ( Catopuma temminckii) in Baishuijiang National Nature Reserve, Gansu Province Liwen HE, Xiaotong YANG, Jirong TENG, Junliang WANG, Sheng LI, Lingyun XIAO, Jian HUANG ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2023, 43 (3): 237-247.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150737 Abstract （909）   HTML （1451）    PDF （11457KB）（846）       Knowledge map    Save The Asiatic golden cat (Catopuma temminckii) is listed as a First Class species in the National Key Protected Wild Animals in China, and assessed as Near Threatened (NT) and Endangered (EN) by IUCN Red List and China Species Red List, respectively. Once widely distributed from East to Southeast Asia, the Asiatic golden cat inhabits diverse habitats ranging from lowland rainforests to montane coniferous forests and subalpine rhododendron forests, whereas its habitat selection preference remains poorly understood. In this research we determined the habitat selection strategy of this species in the montane forest ecosystem in Southwest China. We collected the occurrence data (292 independent detections at 117 sites) of the Asiatic golden cat through camera-trapping surveys from 2016 - 2019 in Baishuijiang National Nature Reserve in Gansu Province, and constructed a MaxEnt model with 7 environmental variables (altitude, aspect, slope, distance to river, land use type, distance to road, distance to residents) to predict its suitable habitats in the reserve. The results showed that the suitable habitats were estimated as 1 045.90 km2 in the reserve, yet separated into the northern and southern parts by natural and anthropocentric barriers including the Bailongjiang River, 212 National Highway and the residential area along the low valley. The model response curves showed that the Asiatic golden cat prefers the evergreen coniferous forests close to rivers, at an elevation of around 2 400 m. The results indicated that, the wide river and anthropogenic impacts (e.g. roads) are possibly key factors driving the fragmentation status of the Asiatic golden cat’s habitat at the landscape scale. Future studies shall further examine the impacts of different types of human disturbance on Asiatic golden cats, and explore their basic ecology including diet composition, activity rhythm, population status and dynamics by integrating multiple methods. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Use of an artificial water source by wild camels in the Gansu Annanba Wild Camel National Nature Reserve Yongxiang ZHOU, Jianquan LIU, Duoliang ZHOU, Hao WU, Xiaomei YANG, Tianhui WANG, Yadong XUE ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2022, 42 (6): 634-640.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150663 Abstract （906）   HTML （23）    PDF （3147KB）（963）       Knowledge map    Save Artificial water sources are an important conservation tool for endangered species living in desert landscapes because they increase water availability and survival likelihood. To determine the degree to which artificial water sources are used by wild animals, video surveillance data collected from August 2020 to August 2021 of an artificial water source in the Gansu Annanba Wild Camel National Nature Reserve were analyzed. During the monitoring period, a total of 533 video records were obtained, including 299 independent records. Our results showed that a variety of wild animals used the artificial water source, including 7 mammalian species and 7 avian species. Wild camel (Camelus ferus), the main target of species protection in the reserve, had the highest number of records (205), accounting for 67% of total independent records. The average time wild camels spent at the artificial water source was (15.66 ± 15.35) min and the average number of camels present was 6.82 ± 7.01. Time spent at the artificial water source by wild camels was significantly correlated with the number of camels present (P < 0.001), and the number of wild camels was significantly different among seasons (P < 0.005). The use of the artificial water source was the highest in summer and the lowest in spring. Daily activity patterns revealed a unimodal pattern, with the highest peak of activity occurring at 12: 00. This study revealed that artificial water sources are used by animals of conservation concern, such as wild camels. These results provide a useful reference for further revealing the behavior and ecological habits of wild camels and for promoting the conservation and management of imperiled wildlife by artificial measures. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Distribution, group size and activity rhythm of wolves ( Canis lupus) in the Gongga Mountains, Sichuan Province Jiang QIAO, Xiaoli GONG, Wei JIA, Guoqing JIA, Yong JIANG, Huaming ZHOU, Jiaqi LI, Anxiang WEN, Jie WANG ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2023, 43 (3): 248-257.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150542 Abstract （904）   HTML （2727）    PDF （52429KB）（729）       Knowledge map    Save The wolf (Canis lupus) is one of the largest and most widely distributed carnivores in the world. Historically, it occurred throughout mainland China, but its range has shrunk dramatically due to habitat loss and human persecution. We conducted wildlife camera trapping in 1 km grid cells, with 195 cells and 286 sites in total, in Mt. Gongga from 2011 to 2020. Wolves were detected in 46 cells and at 56 sites, with 278 independent detections. The detection percentage was 23.6% and 19.6% for grid cells and sites, respectively. Wolves were found at altitudes ranging from 3 097 m to 4 563 m. The group size of wolves averaged (1.2 ± 0.5) ind., with no significant variance among vegetation types or between seasons (t = -1.119, P = 0.266; t = -0.251, P = 0.801). Wolves were active at 03: 00 - 07: 00 and 15: 00 - 17: 00 in the dry season (November - April), and were active at 03: 00 - 07: 00 and 13: 00 - 15: 00 in the rainy season (May - October). The temporal activity pattern significantly overlapped between wolves and sympatric herbivores. The highest degree of overlap was with the Chinese serow Capricornis milneedwardsii (Δ4 = 0.908) in the dry season and with the sambar deer Rusa unicolor (Δ4 = 0.895) in the rainy season. This study determined the distribution, population size and activity rhythm of wolves in Mt. Gongga for the first time, providing reliable information for further studies and large carnivore management in the nature reserve. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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An investigation of brodifacoum resistance and Vkorc1 gene polymorphism in the Rattus norvegicus from Macao Min GUO, Jie LIANG, Xiangyang HE, Weixin OU, Dingxiong PENG, Zhanzhao MAI, Haitao HUANG, Libiao ZHANG ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2022, 42 (6): 698-704.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150579 Abstract （877）   HTML （7）    PDF （925KB）（911）       Knowledge map    Save The 2nd-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are widely used for their higher eradicative rate and safety than the 1st-generation ARs. However, long-term use of the 2nd generation ARs could cause AR resistance in rats. Recently, researchers have reported resistance to the 2nd generation ARs bromadiolone and difenacoum in rats. Brodifacoum is a widely used 2nd-generation ARs of high toxicity that causes coagulation dysfunction and cytotoxicity in rats, but at present, the evolution of rat resistance against brodifacoum remains unclear. Macao has continuously used brodifacoum since 1995, allowing us to explore the development of rat resistance against brodifacoum. In this study, a total of 61 rats (Rattus norvegicus) were captured in Macao from October to December 2019. Among them, 44 rats were chosen to perform the LFP test (with 0.005% brodifacoum). The results showed that these rats consumed (15.28 ± 1.40) mg/kg (mean ± SE) brodifacoum on average, resulting in all of them dying within 7 days. Furthermore, we detected the nucleotide polymorphism of vitamin K-epoxide reductase complex 1 (Vkorc1) in all the 61 captured rats, and found none of the previously identified AR-resistant nonsynonymous mutations in Vkorc1 genes, but did detect 2 synonymous mutations [at amino acid locus 68: H (CAC)-H (CAT), mutation rate: 100%; and amino acid locus 82: I (ATA)-I (ATT), mutation rate: 32.72%]. The fact that none of the rats were brodifacoum-resistant suggests that no resistance propagated in R. norvegicus population after 25 years of use of brodifacoum in Macao. Nevertheless, persistent surveillance on the development of rat resistance to brodifacoum in the region is still needed. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Vkorc1 polymorphism of two rodent species in different habitats Xingen YANG, Yanlong WANG, Bo ZOU, Wenying CHANG, Yu HOU, Youyou ZHAO, Tinglin WANG, Jianxu ZHANG ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2022, 42 (6): 687-697.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150692 Abstract （876）   HTML （11）    PDF （1682KB）（912）       Knowledge map    Save To explore the polymorphism of vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 gene (Vkorc1), which is closely related to the resistance to anticoagulant rodenticides in the long-tailed hamster (Cricetulus longicaudatus) and the Asian house rat (Rattus tanezumi), the mutation sites of Vkorc1 and their distribution were detected. In present study, samples were collected using the trapping methods from farms at 14 sites and agricultural fields at 13 sites. The exons of Vkorc1 were amplified and sequenced. The sequences were aligned using MEGA X to visually detect the mutation sites in exons and their distribution. The results showed that C. longicaudatus samples were captured in all the 13 sampling sites and accounted for 23.29% of wild rodents. R.tanezumi were distributed in 8 sampling sites, accounting for 68.63% of commensal rodents. Six silent mutation sites and 5 missense mutation sites in Vkorc1 were detected in C. longicaudatus samples (n = 105). Among them, silent mutation C438T (His146His) had the highest mutation rate of 67.62%. A total of 17 C. longicaudatus samples existed missense mutation sites. We found 6 silent mutation sites and 1 missense mutation site in R. tanezumi samples (n = 70). The mutation rates of the most common silent mutation sites A321C (Ile107Ile) and T411C (Thr137Thr) was up 18.57%. The missense mutation A416G (Tyr139Cys) associated with drug resistance was found in 8 R. tanezumi samples, of which 7 were captured from Xiaodian, Taiyuan, with a mutation rate of 35.00%. In conclusion, Vkorc1 mutations were detected both in anthropogenic habitats and natural ecosystems. We should strengthen the monitoring of R. tanezumi in Xiaodian, Taiyuan, since the formation of the resistant population. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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The variations of nephrons and relevant function factors between hibernating and non-hibernating Daurian ground squirrels Xiujing ZHANG, Heng WANG, Qiumei ZHONG, Chenxi YANG, Jianli WANG ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2022, 42 (6): 677-686.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150587 Abstract （872）   HTML （16）    PDF （9873KB）（878）       Knowledge map    Save Hibernation is an adaptive survival strategy through which the hibernating species copes with months of low ambient temperature and a lack of food. The Daurian ground squirrel (Spermophilus dauricus) is a typical fat-storing hibernator. To further investigate the renal adaptive mechanisms of hibernators, the nephronal morphology changes and the concentrations of serum creatinine, urine and antidiuretic hormone (ADH) were examined during summer active (July), winter hibernating (December), and early spring arousal (March) periods in the Daurian ground squirrel by the means of histology, blood biochemical analysis, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The gene expression of aquaporins (AQP1, AQP2, and AQP3), ADH receptor (V2R), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) were also examined by the means of real-time PCR. The density of glomerulus, relative diameter of distal tubules and proximal tubules, and ratio of corticomedullary proximal tubules to distal tubules were found to be lower during hibernating and arousal periods compared to active period. The concentration of serum creatinine and urine increased significantly during hibernating period compared to those during active and arousal periods. The serum ADH concentration and V2R gene expression level decreased significantly during hibernating period compared to those during active periods. The gene expression of AQP1 during hibernating period was higher than that during arousal period, and the AQP3 gene expression was lower than that during active period, while the AQP2 gene expression level did not change significantly. The eNOS gene expression during hibernating period was lower than that during arousal period. These results indicate that the Daurian ground squirrel lowered its renal function during hibernation. The aquaporins, eNOS, and ADH show functional adjustments to adapt to different periods. These results might provide a better understanding of the renal adaptation mechanism in hibernating animals. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics