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07 July 2008, Volume 23 Issue 3

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A Preliminary Study on the Habitat and Behaviors of Asian Elephant ( Elephas maximus) in Simao , Yunnan , China

ZHANGLi WANGNing WANG Yuning MA Lichao

2003, 23(3):  185-192. 

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Trace-tracking and transects were used in the surveys on the habitat and behaviors of Asian elephant ( Elephas maximus) during dry and rain seasons in Simao , Yunnan of China. The transects were made about 2 km each through the elephant habitat and collected data on vegetation type , food species , habitat disturbances , population status , frequency of elephant sightings and other wildlife sightings reported from the area. Totally 21 transects and 170 elephant trace points were tracked from March 2000 to March 2002. All transect locations and villages have been recorded through GPS. There were 457 species of wild plants recorded in 5 different vegetations types in the elephants’range. Behavioral study focused on a herd of five female elephants (3 adults , 1 juvenile and 1 calf) roaming in the area. The home range size of the herd , determined by trace spots during dry season survey , was totally 35.67 km² , and with 3 core foraging areas (3.65 km² , 2.79 km² and 3.29 km² ) where provided most of the foods resources for the herd. The home range size of the herd determined by trace spots during rain season survey was 18.42 km² , and with only showed one core foraging area (9.08 km² ) .There were 19 species of wild plants recorded as the main elephants’food resource in the field during the dry season , and 8 of them were major elephant’s food. During the raining season , only 5 wild plant species were recorded that were seldom eaten by elephants. Mean while , we found the elephants foraged on 7 kinds of local crops during the dry season. We also found that wheat , corn and other crops supported nearly 80 % the food supplies of the elephants in this period1 It was indicated that natural food supplies in elephant’s habitat in Simao were not enough for them , so that the elephants herd relied on crops to satisfy their food desires during rain season under the high pressure and threats of human activities in the habitat , the elephants adapted the environment well towards food resource and human disturbance. How to prevent the habitat fragmentation , and to restore the original vegetation for providing enough natural food resources will be key tasks to the conservation efforts for the elephants in Simao.

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Differences in Mammal's Abundance in Different

Shin-Jae RHIM Wee-Haeng HUR Young-Su PARK Seo-Youn CHOI Chang-Bae LEE Renzhu PIAO Woo-Shin LEE

2003, 23(3):  193-197. 

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This study was conducted fromJune 2001 to March 2002 to obtain the basic information in mammal′s abundance caused by the road construction in different distance areas for sound protection and management of mammal′s and their habitats in 8 fragmented forest areas of Baekdudaegan mountain range. Field signs such as feces , foot print , feeding , roosting , and resting site of 10 mammal species could be found. Mammals abundances were much lower near roads. This means that roads would affect habitat usage patterns of mammals. Road design , management , and restoration need to be more carefully tailored to address full requirement of ecological processes for wildlife species that may be affected.

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Preliminary Observations on Feeding Behavior of Finless Porpoises in a Semi-nature Reserve of Yangtze River

YU Daoping JIANG Wenhua MI Li

2003, 23(3):  198-202. 

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Between April 2000 and March 2002 , we observed feeding behavior of the five finless porpoises ( Neophocaena phocaenoides asiaeorientalis) in a Semi-nature Reserve of Yangtze River. Our results indicated that the porpoises required about two months to adapt to the environments of the semi-nature reserve. At the beginning of the captivity , most of their body weights were decreased by about 13.8 %. In view of the economics and edibility of their baits , common carp ( Cyprinus carpio) was considered the best , however , grass carp ( Ctenopharyngodon idellus ) and silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) should be the first choice to be released into the semi-nature reserve. After feeding them in captivity , daily food consumption of the dolphins averaged 6.3 % of their body weight annually ; and with only 4.1 % and 9.5 %of their body weights during summer and winter months , respectively. This was 3 % less than they were kept in the pool indicating that they obtained one-third of the energy required from the reserve. Variations of feeding rates of the porpoises in the morning were significantly different from the feeding in the afternoon ( P< 0.05) . The feeding in the reserve during summer occurred at dawn or dusk while feeding during winter often appeared in the afternoon.

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Analysis of Seasonal Diet Composition of Sable ( Martes zibellina) in Daxinganling Mountains , Northeastern China

BAO Xinkang MA Jianzhang ZHANG Yingmei

2003, 23(3):  203-207. 

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The seasonal diet composition of sable (Martes zibellina) was analysed during 1995 - 1996 based on the analysis of 295 sable dungs collected from Daxinganling Mountains of China1 Two methods were used for comparison , i.e. , percentage occurrence and percentage of dry weight of remains. Results indicated that sable consumed primarily small rodents [mainly voles ( Clethrionomys spp. ) with 72.09 % occurrence and 84.06 % dry weight ]. Other food items included plant food (occurrence frequency 14.51 % and 11.09 % dry weight ; primarily pine nuts and berries) , birds [7.69 %occurrence and 4.24 % dry weight ; mainly hazel grouse ( Tetrastes bonasia) ] and insects (5.71 % occurrence and 0.96 % dry weight). The food items consumed by sable during summer are various and its diet diversity is obviously high during summer and low during winter. The two methods were testified no apparent difference on analysis of main compositions of sable diet.

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Observations on Tree Seed Selection and Caching by Edward's

XIAO Zhishu ZHANG Zhibin WANG Yushan

2003, 23(3):  208-213. 

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Edward's long-tailed rat ( Leopoldamys edwardsi), a dominant rodent species in the forest of Dujiangyan Region , Sichuan Province , China , consumes seeds and fruits of many tree species, which may influence the regeneration of these tree species.During the autumn of 2001, we investigated seed selection and caching of six important tree species ( Quercus varialilis, Q. serrata, Castanopsis fargesii, Lithocarpus harlandii, Cyclobalanopsis glauca, and Camellia oleifera) by Edward's long-tailed rats, and discussed its effect on forest regeneration. The results showed that Edward's long-tailed rats had a strong selection on seeds of these six tree species , and seed selection and caching seemed to be largely affected by the nutrient and tannin content of the tree seeds.Edward's long-tailed rats preferred to consume and cache the low-tannin seeds of Castanopsis fargesii, Camellia oleifera and Lithocarpus harlandii, over the high-tannin seeds of Q. serrata, Cyclobalanopsis glauca and Q.varialilis. Edward's long-tailed rats scatter-hoarded many seeds (especially seeds of Camellia oleifera and Lithocarpus harlandii) in the exclosures, and most caches contained only one seed. Seed selection and scatter-hoarding by Edward's long-tailed rats may have a positive effect on the regeneration of these six tree species.

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Studies on Destruction , Prevention and Control of Plateau Pikas in Kobresia pygmaea Meadow

LIU Wei WANG Xi ZHOU Li ZHOU Huakun

2003, 23(3):  214-219. 

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This paper studied effects of various plateau pika population sizes in different levels of degraded grasslands , planted grassland and weeds control treatment , and analyzed the response of plateau pikas to environmental changes.The results indicated that plateau pika population sizes increased with the degrees of grassland deterioration1 Population sizes of plateau pika were relative low in heavily degraded grassland because of limited food resource. Population sizes show significant differences among different treatments of non-degraded grassland (NDG) , lightly degraded grassland (LDG) , moderately degraded grassland (MDG) , and heavily degraded grassland (HDG) , i.e. , ( t_{NDG- LDG} = 25.369 7 , t_{NDG- MDG} = 25.55 , t_{NDG- HDG} = 36.406 0 , t_{LDG- MDG} =23.279 4 , t_{LDG- HDG} = 14.343 9 , and t_{MDG- HDG} = 20.178 5 , df = 3 , P < 0.001) . Areas destroyed by plateau pikas had significantly positive correlation with area per hollow ( F = 220.46 , df = 3 , P < 0.001) . Before grassland became heavily degraded grassland , the degree of degradation aggravate when population sizes increased. The changes of the spatial structure of plant community could cause the changes of population sizes of plateau pika. Population sizes were decreased when height and coverage of plant community were reduced.

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Study on Reproductive Behavior of Different Social Hierarchy of Brandt's Vole

CHEN Guokang SHI Dazhao

2003, 23(3):  220-224. 

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In order to understand the relationship between the social hierarchy and reproductive characteristic , the reproductive behavior of different social ranks of Brandt's vole was studied in laboratory during the breeding season fromMay to September of 2000. Observation of the behavior was carried out after the ninety nine adult voles in fifteen typical families were sexually confirmed , weighed , numbered by cutting toes and marked by the hair cut. The behavioral frequencies of different voles and the serial numbers of pregnant females were recorded. The detailed results of behavioral analysis were shown as follows. The competition among females for male partners was fierce. The dominant female acquired the most chances of being selected to mate with , while the subordinate female might be chosen and its hierarchy got higher. The dominant male , which may select all rank's females , has the most aggressive attacking behavior to other males in order to obtain more breeding opportunities. Based on the experimental analysis , as a result of population evolution in long period , the conclusion that Brandt's voles with high hierarchy played the most important role in social reproduction could be drawn , with agreement on the mating system of one male with females or mixed mating.

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Influence of Male Surgical Ligation Sterilization on

ZHANG Jianjun LIANG Hong ZHANG Zhibin

2003, 23(3):  225-229. 

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In Y-shape labyrinth , by using the nesting material of surgical ligation sterilized males and intact males as the odor stimuli , the odor preference of the female Brandt's vole are conducted. The sterilized and intact males were also shown to the female vole in the individual preference test. The results showed that the female voles did not show significant preference either in the odor preference study or in the individual preference study. The content of testosterone and cortisol in blood serum that were determined by ¹²⁵I radioimmunity in surgical sterilized male voles were somewhat higher than that in intact male voles , but it showed no influence on the female preference experiments. Sterilization is ideal for studying the fertility control for Brandt's vole.

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Relationship Between Metabolic Rate and Organ Size in Brandt's Voles ( Microtus brandti)

SONG Zhigang WANGDehua

2003, 23(3):  230-234. 

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A central problem in evolutionary physiology concerns the physiological origin and functional significance of the great intra-and inter-specific variations in basal metabolic rate (BMR) . We analyzed the relationships between BMR, cold-induced maximum metabolic rate (MMR) , daily energy expenditure (DEE) and 11 body organs. Brandt's voles (Microtus brandti) were divided into 8 groups and acclimated in different photoperiod [ long day (16 Light : 8 Dark , and short day (8 Light : 16 Dark) ], temperature [ cold (5 ℃) , and warm (23 ℃) ], and diet quality [ high-fiber diet (56. 9 %) and low-fiber diet (35. 6 %) ] . After 3 weeks of acclimation , BMR , MMR and DEE were measured. Then voles were killed and 11 body organs were dissected. After removal of the effects of photoperiod, temperature, diet quality and body mass , we found that BMR was positively related to the sizes of heart, liver, kidneys, stomach' and cecum. The heart, kidneys, stomach, and cecum were highly correlated with DEE. And the brain was negatively correlated with MMR. These results indicate that there is a relationship between the sizes of internal organs and their contribution to BMR. And the energy turnover rate and thermogenic limitation were related to the metabolic machinery of the body. There is a significant correlation between BMR and DEE. However , no significant correlation between BMR and MMR was detected. Our results do not support the prediction that high BMR can generate high MMR, but support the prediction that high BMR can generate high DEE. Furthermore, the results in the present study support the“assimilation capacity model”, rather than the“aerobic capacity model”of endothermy.

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Karyotype and Classif ication Status of Cansumys canus (Cricetidea , Rodentia)

YANGLili CHEN Xiuqi ZHAO Xiaofan WANGJinxing

2003, 23(3):  235-238. 

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The mitotic chromosomes of Cansumys canus , from Ningshan , Shaanxi Province of China were analyzed by conventional, C-banding , and Silver-staining techniques. The species has a diploid number of 24, consists of 16 metacentrics , 4 submetacentrics , 2 subtelocetrics and 2 telocentrics. Because of no male specimens it is not determined the sex chromosomes. Centromeric C bands were found in 2 pairs of chromosomes and a large heterochromatin block in long arm of one pair of subtelocentric chromosomes. Silver-stained NORs were found on the three to four pairs of chromosomes. As the comparisons of the results with the chromosome of the species Tscherskia (Cricetulus) triton [2n = 28 , 22 t + 4 m + XY (st , m) ] and other species in the Genus Cricetulus, there are several differences among them in the diploid chromosome number and karyotypes. We suggest that Cansumys canus should be one valid species.

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Effects of Compound Enzymes on Digestion and Metabolism of Protein in Different Growing Phases of Alopex lagopus

ZOU Xinghuai LI Xinhong

2003, 23(3):  239-244. 

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Different doses of compound enzyme preparations were added into diets of Alopex lagopus in different growing phases.Based on feeding and digestion metabolism experiments , their effects on digestion , metabolismof protein were investigated from the point view of nutriology. Results showed : compound enzyme could improve digestibility and metabolic rates of protein effectively. In growing phase , contrasted with control group , digestibility and metabolic rates of crude protein increased 13.05 % ( P < 0.01) and 13.28 % ( P < 0.05) respectively in group IIIwhich were the highest among six groups. In winter fur phase , maximal digestibility and metabolic rates of crude protein occuried in group II which increased 10.43 % ( P < 0.05) and 10.09 % ( P < 0.05) respectively compared with control group. Effects of compound enzymes on digestion and metabolism were positively correlated with their doses. Feasible doses of compound enzyme preparations could improve digestibility and metabolic rates of crude protein , so should be recommended for breeding Alopex lagopus. Analysis from the point viewof economical benefit , the feasible doses of compound enzymes additive was 0.6 % in growing phase and 0.4 % in winter fur phase.

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The Reproduction of Cetaceans in Artif icial Feeding

LIU Renjun YANG Jian Richard T.C.Chen

2003, 23(3):  245-249. 

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This paper introduces achievements over many years of research concerning problems of the reproduction of cetaceans at Artificial feeding. It includes cetacean's anatomy of reproduction organs , feeding , keeping and artificial insemination , requirements for reproduction in Artificial feeding , care during pregnancy and parturition , and the hand rearing of calves. The purpose of this paper is hoping to provide scientific information for the expediting the development of reproduction technology of cetaceans in captivity in China.

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The Rodent Pest Control of the Social-Economical-Natural

ZHANG Meiwen WANG Yong LI Bo CHEN Anguo

2003, 23(3):  250-258. 

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It is considered that some species of rodents are pests especially when their population outbreak. In many cases , the outbreaks of rodent populations were due to the disturbance of ecosystem , especially in agro-ecosystem. Since rodent pests cause damages on crops and hazard to health of people , great efforts have been made to control their populations. In fact , rodents including those pest species play an important role in ecosystem. They become pests only when the ecosystem balance has been broken down and their density became high. Therefore , the efforts to control the rodent pests could impact the environment and ecosystem. The management of rodent pests is a social process. Government policy and knowledge of people are very important in the process. This social engineering not only needs many measures by ecological principles , but also the strong support by the government and society. It is related to policy , guide , organization and management of government , and cultural level , the level of knowledge and popular science , and others such as religious values or beliefs in some areas. In the long-term , as the progress of society and the improvement of living standard , the population of rodent pests will keep deceasing in China. However , the present economic and social activities may cause the population density of rodent pests high in some areas. Therefore , it is necessary to pay attention to take effective measures in forecasting the possible effects of our economic activities on the survival environments of rodents and the population dynamic of rodent pests , and their community during the economic activities. Proper strategies for rodent control should consider factors of social , economical , and ecosystem. It is also suggested to pay close attention to the impacts of current major moves in social2economic activities on rodent populations.

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Reproductive Investment and Reproductive Success of Small Mammals

YIN Baofa WEI Wanhong ZHANG Yanmin CAO Yifan WANGJinlong

2003, 23(3):  259-265. 

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The existence or extinction of population was controlled by reproductive activity. Reproductive investment and reproductive success were the main contents of reproduction ecology. The influencing factors of reproductive investment and reproductive success of small mammals, such as environment, age, reproductive frequency , hierarchy, social mating systems, reproductive effort were reviewed based on both empirical and theoretical literature. This includes classification of reproductive investment and technologies used in molecular biology. Small mammals could adjust reproductive investment by themselves according to their own conditions in order to increase their fitness. They could adapt various strategies under different situations. In addition , molecular technology could accelerate the development of reproduction ecology in small mammals.

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The Summer Microhabitat Selection of Tibetan Fox in the Northwest Plateau of Sichuan

GONGMinghao HU Jinchu

2003, 23(3):  267-269. 

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This study on microhabitat selection of Tibetan fox (Vulpes ferrilata) was conducted in July 1999 at Shiqu , Sichuan Province of China. It set 10 factors in 97 sample spots and collected them every 10 days , the Vanderloeg Scavia's index was chosen as the discrimination index for the microhabitat selection of Tibetan fox to analyse the factors. The results shown that fox prefer to select those habitats , in which , the base diameter of shrub is between 50 cm and 100 cm and the height range is between 30 cm and 50 cm. Furthermore , the slope range is between 20^o and 30^o and the relative altitude range is between 100 m and 200 m. Our researches demonstrated that , for Tibetan fox , the main threat comes from human activity. The local people should pay more care on fox and protect the shrubs in it's habitat.

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Clone and Sequence Analysis on 3'Coding Region of Wild Boar and Crossbred Pig Myostatin Gene

LIU Di YANG Xiuqin YANG Jiafang ZHANG Xiangzhe MA Jianzhang

2003, 23(3):  270-272. 

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Myostatin , which is a highly conservative gene among breeds , is a negative regulator of muscle. The 3'coding region of wild boar and crossbred pig myostatin was cloned by RT- PCR and sequenced. Compared with that of GenBank , the homology of the nucleotide sequence between wild boar and crossbred pig is identical in this region indicating that domestic pigs were evolved from wild boar and there was not changed in this region during the evolution processes.

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A Preliminary Study of Plateau Pika ( Ochotona curzoniae) Hypoxia-Induced Factor-1α

ZHAO Tongbiao ZHAO Xinquan CHANG Zhijie ZHU Shanshan ZHAO Wei SUN Ping XU Shixiao

2003, 23(3):  273-276. 

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Hypoxia-induced factor-1 plays a key role during the cell hypoxia transduction. Hypoxia induced factor-1α (HIF-1α) is a functional subunit of hypoxia-induced factor-1. Plateau pika ( Ochotona curzoniae) , which is a Qinghai-Tibet plateau native animal lived above 3 000 m , has high ratio of oxygen utilization to adapt to plateau hypoxia environments. One fragment of the coding region of cDNA sequence of plateau pika HIF-1α was obtained by RT-PCR technique using a degeneracy PCR primer based on previously reported cDNA sequence in human , cattle , house mouse and Norway rat HIF-1αgene. It was directly inserted into the vector pMD18-T. DNA sequencing proved that it was highly homology with human (91%) , cattle (91%) , house mouse (89%) and Norway rat (89%) HIF-1α gene. The study provides basic important information for the HIF-1α cDNA whole sequence cloning of plateau pika and its functional study.