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07 July 2008, Volume 26 Issue 4

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Status and prognosis of genetic diversity in captive giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)in Wolong

Yan Li,HUANG Yan, ZHANG Baowei, ZHANG Shanning, ZHANG Hemin, WEI Fuwen, WANG Pengyan,LI Ming

2006, 26(4):  317-324. 

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The evolutionary potential of species is determined by its genetic diversity. Thus, management plans should integrate genetic concern into active conservation efforts. The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is an endangered species, endemic to China. Previous studies have focused primarily on genetic diversity among wild giant panda. We compared genetic diversity of captive with giant pandas by obtaining 27 blood samples from pandas held at the China Research and Conservation Center for the Giant Pandas with 39 samples (feces and skin) collected from the wild. We quantified genetic diversity in each sample using microsatellite loci. Genetic diversity of captive pandas was lower (A=5.5, He=0.620, Ho=0.574 ) than in wild pandas (A=9.8,He=0.779,Ho=0.581), but was higher than that of other 7 endangered species (He=0.13-0.46). Simulations showed that the average number of alleles would increase by only 0.4 within 100 generations with a doubling of population size. Thus, we suggest that the management strategy for the captive giant panda population should develop effective reproductive plans so as to avoid inbreeding.

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Taxonomic placement and origin of yaks: implications from analyses of mtDNA D-loop fragment sequences

Guo Songchang, Liu Jianquan, Qi Delin, Yang Jie, Zhao Xinquan

2006, 26(4):  325-330. 

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The origin and generic placement of the yak (Bos grunniens), a large ungulate endemic to Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, remains unresolved. 637 bp of mitochondrial DNA control region of both wild and domesticated yaks were sequenced. We found that D-loop region sequences were similarly informative to commonly used cytochrome b gene in constructing phylogeny for tribe bovini. Based on the genetic variation of this sequence, we firstly constructed a more discernable phylogeny of Bovini with high support than previous analyses. The analyses suggested that in Bovini, two monophyletic lineages were recovered: one comprising Bubalus and the other consisting of all species of Bos and Bison. Two species of Bison, the extinct species B. priscus and the extant species B. bison, clustered as a monophyletic lineage which is a sister to Bos grunniens. These results suggested that yaks are more closely related to North American Bison than to other species of Bos in Asia, and that yaks and North American bison have a common recent ancestor. Our results did not support a previous suggestion of establishing a monotypic genus (Poephagus) to accommodate yaks. Because species of neither Bos nor Bison clustered as respective monophyletic lineages, these two should be taxonomically treated as one genus. Based on our results and other available fossil evidence, we discuss the historical context regarding the origin of yaks. The divergence between yaks and bison may have occurred in the Eurasia during the Quaternary climatic oscillation, when rising temperature following the ice ages restricted yaks to the cold Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Bison migrated to North America through the Bering Land Bridge and differentiated two species. It seems likely that American bison originated directly from extinct steppe bison.

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Impacts of plateau pikas on soil organic matter and moisture content in alpine meadow

LI Wenjing, ZHANG Yanming

2006, 26(4):  331-337. 

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We investigated the impact of plateau pikas (Ochotona curzoniae) on the organic content and moisture content of soil in alpine meadow. Soil samples were collected in late summer 2005 from layers up to 50 cm deep from an area where pikas were at a density of ca. 50 ha^-1 (medium density) and from an area where no pikas were present following intensive control 18 years ago. The amount of organic matter in the soil was determined by mass loss on ignition (% by weight). Soil moisture content was determined by mass loss following drying (% by weight). In the top 10 cm of soil there was more organic matter and a higher moisture content in areas where pikas were present than where they were absent (organic matter ca. 23.20% vs. ca. 17.05% and ca. 17.28% vs. ca. 15.35% ;moisture content ca. 54.05% vs. ca. 41.03% and ca. 44.48% vs. ca. 39.49% ). Between 11 -30 cm deep, both areas had similar soil organic matter (average ca. 15.35%;ca.14.44% and ca. 13.55%)and water content (average ca. 39.15% ;ca. 37.60% and ca. 34. 00% ). Between 31 – 50 cm deep there was more organic matter (ca. 13.74% )in areas where pikas were present than where they were absent (ca. 12.83% ),but both areas had similar soil moisture content (average ca. 30. 40% ). Our results show that medium densities of plateau pikas can promote the material cycle in alpine meadow ecosystems.

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Seasonal changes in immune function,body fat mass and organ mass in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus)

ZHANG Zhiqiang,WANG Dehua

2006, 26(4):  338-345. 

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Body fat mass is related to immune function in some small mammal species and can be affected by temperature, photoperiod, and population density. In order to understand their survival strategies, we measured seasonal changes in body mass, body fat mass, and organ masses in male and female wild Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) in summer (July and August)in 2004 and winter (January to March) in 2005,as well as the serum antibody contents of anti-keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH)after injections with KLH antigen in wild male gerbils. No sexual differences were found in organ mass but the carcass dry mass and body fat mass in male gerbils were higher than in females. Body mass, carcass dry mass, body fat mass, and brown adipose tissue mass for both sexes, as well as testes wet mass in males were significantly higher in winter than that in summer. Spleen mass showed a tendency to decrease in winter. Serum antibody levels of anti-KLH were significantly higher in KLH-challenged gerbils than controls in both summer and winter and also higher in winter compared with summer. Our results provide new evidence from wild Mongolian gerbils to support the hypothesis of “winter immunoenhancement hypothesis”. No trade-offs were detected between thermogenic and immunological organs and between reproductive and immunological organs.

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Short photoperiod induces the thermogenesis in Daurian ground squirrels

HUANG Chenxi,LIN Lin,LI Qingfen

2006, 26(4):  346-353. 

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Thermogenesis and thermoregulation induced by short photoperiod were investigated in Daurian ground squirrels (Spermophilus dauricus) by measuring resting metabolic rate (RMR), nonshivering thermogenesis (NST),activity of cytochrome C oxidase (CCO) of liver and brown adipose tissues (BAT), BAT mitochondrial GTP-binding capacity, and hypothalamic thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) levels in squirrels. The results showed that the RMR,NST,CCO activity, and BAT mitochondrial GTP-binding capacity were markedly increased by exposure to short photoperiod (8D∶16L,SP)and constant ambient temperature (22 ± 2℃ ) relative to those for long photoperiod (16D∶ 8L,22 ± 2℃ ,LP),while body weight and BAT mass,hepatic mitochondrial respiration,and BAT α-glycerophosphate oxidase activity were not significantly hanged. The short photoperiod induced higher hypothalamic TRH and CRH levels than did the LP. However, the serum concentration of triiodothyronine (T₃ ),thyroxine (T₄ ), the ratio of T₃ and T₄, the activity of T₄ 5'-deiodinase in BAT, and the adrenal corticosterone level showed no significantly change. The results suggest that the short photoperiod may induce an increased thermogenesis in Daurian ground squirrel’s through activating CCO and enhancing ncoupling-protein levels in BAT, and simultaneously activating hypothalamic TRH and CRH that do not directly induce an increased hermogenesis but may be a potential factor.

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Effect of acute administration of corticosterone on male sexual behavior in root voles

WU Yan, BIAN Jianghui

2006, 26(4):  354-358. 

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In this study we investigated the effect of corticosterone on the copulatory behavior of male root vole (Microtus oeconomus). Three doses of corticosterone (0.10 ug /g body mass、0.60 ug /g body mass and 1.00 ug/g body mass) were administered once to mature males. Copulatory behavior was assessed 1 hour after injection. The following sexual behaviors were recorded:mount,thrusting,ejaculation latencies and frequencies,as well as the percentages of individuals with ejaculation. After the behavior test,males were sacrificed and plasma testosterone was measured by RIA. None of male copulatory behavior parameters or levels of plasma testosterone were changed when compared to controls. These data show that corticosterone does not alter copulatory behavior in male root vole. This suggests that the effects of acute stress on mating
behavior are not induced by increased plasma corticosterone.


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Population and activity characteristic of wild Asian elephants in the Wild Ele- phant Valley,Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve,Yunnan,China

YUAN Zhiqiang,ZHANG Li

2006, 26(4):  359-367. 

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The morphological characteristics of wild Asian elephants (Elephas maximus)were recorded by still film and video tapes during Oct. 2004 to Oct. 2005 at the Watching Site in the Wild Elephant Valley in Xishuangbanna,Yunnan, China. Groups and individuals were identified based on data recorded,including group number,sex ratio,age structure, ear characteristics,length,shape,degree and number of tusk,back characteristics,normal or deformed tail hair,the number and distribution of bumps,and the characteristics of face skeleton,etc. During 13 months,we recorded 508 direct observations of wild elephants,and 286 photo or video records were also studied. Based on their morphological characteristics, a total of 46 different elephants were identified,of which 38 belonged to one of seven family groups,and 8 males were bull tuskers. It was also found that elephant groups and bulls appeared seasonally in the area. The appearance frequencies for these 7 groups in the Wild Elephant Valley were significantly different,and were positively related to the group size.


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Habitat suitability evaluation for the Chinese water deer (Hydropotes inermis) in Yancheng Nature Reserve,China

ZHANG Endi,TENG Liwei,WU Yongbei

2006, 26(4):  368-372. 

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Habitat suitability was evaluated for the Chinese water deer (Hydropotes inermis)during pre-breeding,breeding and post-breeding periods using geographic information system (GIS)analysis based on field survey from 1999 to 2000 in
Yancheng Nature Reserve and surrounding regions,Jiangsu Province,China. The water deer's range and the distribution of the potential habitat in optimal condition was compared with the actual habitat. According to habitat evaluation procedure, the most suitable potential habitats for the water deer cover an area of 361. 0 km²,267.5km²,and 338. 5 km² respectively during above three periods,most of which were located at the core area of the reserve and the mudflat of Xindong Village,south of ionggang,Dongtai. However the most suitable actual habitats for the water deer are only 44.75 km²,36.00 km²,and 54.50 km² in size respectively in all three periods,which was one-seventh as much as the most suitable potential habitat. Comparing habitat suitability index of potential habitat with that of actual habitat,we found that the suitable habitat for the deer appears to be severely fragmented. The most suitable actual habitat is less than 1% of the total area, while unsuitable actual habitat amounts to 40% of the total area. The remaining habitat is less suitable for the water deer. Influenced by roads and residential areas,the Chinese water deer's suitable habitats were lost. We suggest that efforts should be made to reduce various human activities and to protect exiting suitable habitat to help the survival of the wild water deer.


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The investigation about distribution and population size of Przewalski's gazelle (Procapra przewalskii) in Qinghai Province,China

YE Runrong,CAI Ping,PENG Min,LU Xuefeng,MA Shizhen

2006, 26(4):  373-379. 

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There were 4 populations and less than 350 individuals of the Przewalski's gazelle (Procapra przewalskii),an endemic and critically endangered species,in Qinghai Province. In order to provide accurate information about this species, the distribution and population size of Przewalski's gazelle in Qinghai Province,were specially investigated from August to September,2003. The results of this investigation showed that there are 7 isolated populations and 602 individuals of Przewalski's gazelle in Qinghai Province presently. These populations include Yuanzhe population,Hudong-Ketu population, Haiyan-Gangcha population,Talixuanguo population,Bird-island population,Shengge population and Qiejitan population.The Talixuanguo population was reported for the first time. Comparing our results with those of the earlier report
shows:(1)the population counts in Yuanzhe and Bird-island show declining tendencies;(2)the count for the Haiyan-Gangcha population obviously increased;and (3)the Hudong-Ketu population size appears to be increasing. These changes are related to the quality of animal habitat and the degree of artificial disturbance. These results were demonstrate:(1) the extant populations of Przewalski's gazelle show evidently patchy distribution,(2)the habitat of this animal is descreasing,(3)the habitat quality of the gazelle is still deteriorating. Accompanying economic development of this species’distribution
area,protection will be very important.


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Activity rhythm and diurnal time budget of François langur (Trachypithecus françoisi)in Guangxi, China

HUANG Chengming, ZHOU Qihai,LI Youbang,CAI Xiangwen, WEI Fuwen

2006, 26(4):  380-386. 

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We studied activity patterns and time budgets of a group of François langurs (Trachypithecus françoisi) in Fusui Nature Reserve, Guangxi, August 2002 - July 2003. These langurs live in karst formations completely surrounded by cultivated land. We used focal group sampling, during 10 consecutive days each month. We identified 8 activity categories during the March - October period and 9 during the November - February period. Resting, moving and feeding occurred most often, and sun-bathing only occurred between November and February. Resting constituted the largest proportion of daily time budgets, followed by feeding, moving, sunbathing and grooming. Daily time budgets displayed significant monthly variation. Daily time budgets were correlated with mean daily highest temperature, mean lowest temperature, food abundance and sunlight intensity. Activity patterns and time budgets of these langurs were similar to those of other folivorous primates.

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PCR detection of selected viruses in captive red pandas (Ailurus fulgens) in China

QIN Qin, ZHANG Shanning, LI Ming, WEI Fuwen

2006, 26(4):  387-391. 

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We used nested PCR/ RT-PCR method to detect canine distemper virus (CDV),canine parvovirus (CPV),canine adenovirus (CAV),canine coronavirus (CCV),and canine herpesvirus (CHV)in 71 rectal and 61 saliva swabs from captive red pandas without any clinical signs in ten zoos in China to evaluate the threat of captive red pandas by these viruses. Positive PCR products were sequenced and compared with those from the GenBank. We detected three CPV and six CCV positive results from rectal swabs samples,but we found nothing in saliva samples and didn’t detect CDV,CAV
and CHV in any sample. The homologies of CPV and CCV sequences between PCR positive samples and the GenBank are 99% -100% ,respectively. One parvovirus strain was isolated from one of the three parvovirus positive samples. These results showed captive red pandas in China were infected with CPV and CCV,so we should place more emphasis on the prevention of CPV and CCV for better conservation of red pandas. The PCR method can detect trace template of virus and may be a diagnostic method for detecting early viral infection of red pandas.


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Effect of the contraceptive compound (EP-1)on reproduction of the Djungarian hamster (Phodopus campbelli) in the typical steppe

WAN Xinrong,SHI Yansheng,BAO Xiang,GUAN Qige,YU Chen,WANG Guanghe,LIU Wei,ZHANG Zhibin,ZHONG Wenqin,JIAO Yusheng,HASI Qimuge

2006, 26(4):  392-397. 

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In this study we have assessed the effect of the EP - 1 contraceptive compound (quinestrol,33.3%, and levonorgestrel 66.7% ) on recruitment in a field population of the Djungarian hamster (Phodopus campbelli). We applied the EP-1 compound to a wheat bait at a ratio of 1∶10 000, in a 800 ha pasture in Abagaqi for the month of May 2004. An adjacent pasture was used as the control site. Wheat bait was delivered by 1.25 kg per hectare. A trapping census was conducted over 3 days each month from before baiting commenced in May through to September,to assess the reproductive status of the population of Djungarian hamsters. Our analyses show that EP-1 affects the reproductive success of the female hamsters. In the baited area,the EP-1 affected the uterus of 80% of mature females. The uterus was enlarged and remained oedematous for more than 4 months. Compared to the control area,in the baited area,the pregnancy rate and the litter size of females were reduced to 20% and 66% respectively. EP-1 had no effect on the proportion of males in the population with scrotal testes. Our study has shown that EP-1 affects the fertility of female hamsters for more than 4 months following a single application of the compound in the field in spring. This prolonged effect may be related to the food-caching behaviour of the Djungarian hamster. We conclude that EP-1 has the potential to control recruitment for the
duration of the breeding season of the hamster.

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Effects of soil depth,cache spacing and cache size of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) seeds on seed discovery by Siberian chipmunk (Tamias sibiricus senescens)

ZHANG Hongmao,ZHANG Zhibin

2006, 26(4):  398-402. 

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We conducted three experiments during May - June,2005,to study the effects of artificial depth of placement, cache spacing,and cache size of sunflower (Helianthus annuus Linn. )seeds on seed discovery by Siberian chipmunks (Tamias sibiricus senescens) in the Dongling Mountains,northwestern Beijing,China. We found that the proportions of seeds discovered were negatively correlated with depth from the soil surface,were extremely low,and but did not differ when seeds were buried at 5 - 8 cm vs. ≥ 10 cm depths. Proportions of seeds discovered were negatiyely correlated with
distance between caches,with caches spaced at 1.5 m intervals discovered significantly less often than those spaced more closely together. Proprotions of seeds discovered were positively correlated with cache size,with caches of 1 g found less often than caches of larger size.


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Karyology of seven species of bats (Mammalia:Chiroptera ) from Guangdong,China

WU Yi, Masashi Harada

2006, 26(4):  403-406. 

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Karyotypes and chromosomal data were presented for 7 species of bats that represent 4 families collected during field studies in Guangdong,China. The species investigated here were Cynopterus sphinx (2n = 34,FN = 58),Megaderma lyra (2n = 54,FN = 104),Hipposideros pomona (2n = 32,FN = 60), H. larvatus (2n =32,FN =60), Myotis davidii (2n =46,FN = 52),Scotophilus heathi (2n = 36,FN =54), Miniopterus australis (2n = 46,FN = 50). Hipposideros pomona and Myotis davidii were karyotyped for the first time. In addition,karyotypes of Cynopterus sphinx, Megaderma lyra, Hipposideros larvatus,Scotophilus heathi,and Miniopterus australis had not been previously reported in China.

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A new technique for temporary slide mounting in microhistological herbi- vore fecal analysis

CAO Yifan,SU Jianping

2006, 26(4):  407-410. 

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Microhistological fecal analysis is an important technique for investigating herbivore diets. The conventional mounting technique uses Hoyer's mounting medium to seal the plant fragment to the slide. However,Hoyer's seal liquid inevitably causes plant fragments to crinkle and overlap during the mounting process because of the liquid's stickiness, which leads to a poor identification of sample plant fragments. To reduce this problem,we developed a new mounting technique to replace Hoyer's mounting medium:non-viscous saturated NaCl. We performed a controlled experiment in which ten slides of the same feces sample were made and observed,using new and the conventional mounting technique. The percentage of crinkled fragments declined from 10.4% (conventional mounting technique) to 3.8% (new mounting technique) and of overlapping fragments from 25% (conventional mounting technique)to 8.1% (new mounting technique). We recommend the new mounting technique over the conventional mounting technique.

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Serum transferrins of Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides asiaeorientalis) and bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)

RAN Chunli, LONG Hua, WANG Ding,YANG Jian

2006, 26(4):  411-416. 

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Serum transferrins (Tf)of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides asiaeorientalis) were analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE),and the molecular weight of bottlenose dolphin Tf was determined by sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis(SDS-PAGE). Bottlenose dolphin Tf and Yangtze finless porpoise Tf appeared to be β-globulins. Both species have five bands even though they belong to different families,which is more bands than previously reported for some fish and terrestrial mammals. The distance between the Tf bands was gradually less from the fastest band to the slowest band. The last two bands were close to each other. However,there were no difference among the two bottlenose dolphins and three finless porpoises. Bottlenose
dolphin Tf is composed of two components,whose molecular weight disparity is about 3 000 Da. The Tf molecular weights from two bottlenose dolphins were 72 700 Da/69 900 Da and 73 100 Da/ 69 700 Da, respectively. These values are obviously lower than those in previous studies of humans,rabbits,rats,Guinea pigs,horses,dogs,mice and cats.


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Skulls of Rhinopithecus roxellana discovered from the Guantaoyuan Neolithic archaeological site in Baoji and their significance

HU Songmei, LI Baoguo

2006, 26(4):  417-420. 

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A large quantity of animal bones were unearthed at the Neolithic Guantaoyuan site in Baoji city,Shaanxi province, China. These faunal remains were systematically collected according to the archaeological units at the site,and at least 26 species have been identified. The skulls of Rhinopithecus roxellana have been unearthed for the first time from ash pits,dating to the pre-Yangshao culture-the Lower Beishouling phase (7300- 7000 BP.) and the Guantaoyuan type (7500-7300 BP. ). This discovery also marks the northernmost distribution of this species in China.This article discusses the significance of the discovery in archaeology and animal evolution.