黑脸琵鹭在澳门的越冬分布和人为干扰影响

澳门路凼连贯公路西侧的湿地保护区是黑脸琵鹭(Platalea minor)重要的越冬地之一,每年的越冬数量稳定增长。2007～2009年度2个冬季的调查结果显示,黑脸琵鹭每年11月初至次年4月底在澳门越冬,12月至翌年2月份种群数量达到最大,超过50只。其中人工湿地是黑脸琵鹭主要的休息场所,沿岸滩涂是其重要觅食地。黑脸琵鹭昼间栖息行为以休息为主,其次是护理行为。栖息地周边主要人为干扰为噪声污染,但噪声水平较低,经噪声预测模型计算出传播至黑脸琵鹭停歇处的噪声水平为45.4dB(A)及46.5dB(A),低于鸟类耐受阈值,警觉受惊行为多数由大型牵引车和直升飞机引起。随着保护区周边地区的开发,车流量将进一步增加,建议加强保护区的科学管理,控制周边交通干线的车流量,并调整直升飞机飞行路线,尽量绕行保护区上空,以减少对黑脸琵鹭栖息的干扰。     

广东海丰鸟类自然保护区黑脸琵鹭越冬种群现状

黑脸琵鹭(Platalea minor)是全球性濒危鸟类,广东海丰鸟类自然保护区作为新发现的重要越冬地,具有全球保护意义.2004~2007年对保护区内黑脸琵鹭越冬种群的调查结果表明,该越冬种群数量逐年增加(27~72只),占全球总数比例也相应增加(2.2%~4.1%).其主要分布在红树林、沿海滩涂和人工养殖塘3种生境,其中,沿海滩涂累计记录到的个体数最多,达217只;人工养殖塘记录剑最大集群,为52只.需积极采取有效措施保护该越冬种群及其生境.     

Genetic structure in Brazilian breeding colonies of the Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea ajaja, Aves: Threskiornithidae)

Roseate Spoonbills (Platalea ajaja, Linnaeus) are wading birds present in two of the most important Brazilian wetlands: the Pantanal wetlands and Rio Grande do Sul marshes. Natural populations of these species have not been previously studied with variable nuclear molecular markers. In order to support decision making regarding the management and conservation of these populations, we estimated and characterized the distribution of genetic variability among five Brazilian breeding colonies. The average observed heterozygosity in Brazilian Roseate Spoonbill populations (Ho = 0.575) did not differ significantly from the value determined in a U.S. wild-caught sample of 15 individuals, using data generated by the same set of microsatellite loci. Considering that the U.S. population underwent a recent reduction in size, we discuss this result supposing that the U.S. population was not genetically affected or that both populations had suffered a bottleneck. Global F(ST) indicated the lack of genetic differentiation among colonies, indicating the occurrence of past and/or present gene flow among them. Analysis of molecular variance revealed that most of the genetic variation is distributed within the colonies. Results are explained by a recent origin of colonies or by high levels of gene flow. Management decisions should take into consideration the fact that, even in the presence of high genetic exchange, ecological adaptations to different environments are important for species survival.     

福建省黑脸琵鹭的分布及栖息地现状

2003年3月~2006年4月,对福建省海岸湿地的黑脸琵鹭(Platalea minor)及其栖息地进行了研究。在福建省越冬的黑脸琵鹭约60~90只,每年迁徙停歇的种群数量在80只以上,黑脸琵鹭主要选择河口的滩涂湿地作为越冬和迁徙停歇地。栖息地的丧失和破坏是其面临的最大生存威胁。实施湿地保护和可持续利用工程,并帮助当地政府和民众寻找到发挥湿地更高经济效益的产业是保护黑脸琵鹭栖息地的重要途径。     

Genetic variation in populations of Populus davidiana Dode based on microsatellite marker analysis

Populus davidiana Dode, the only aspen in Korea, is useful for restoration because of its fast growth and vigorous reproduction. This study was conducted to estimate the genetic diversity and subdivision in populations of P. davidiana in South Korea using microsatellite markers. DNA from 113 individuals from five populations was amplified using five microsatellite primers. Fifty-three alleles were detected, and the expected heterozygosity was 0.603. The populations of P. davidiana in Korea have high genetic variation despite their peripheral distribution. R _ST (0.213) indicated a significant level of genetic subdivision among populations compared to the differentiation among other aspen populations. The high conservation value of the populations is attributed to its ecological and commercial importance.     

福建兴化湾黑脸琵鹭觅食生境的鱼类和虾类组成

黑脸琵鹭(Platalea minor)的食物主要由鱼类和虾类组成,对其觅食生境中潜在食物的分析有助于对该濒危物种的保护。福建兴化湾是我国大陆黑脸琵鹭最重要的越冬地之一,对湾内越冬黑脸琵鹭的观察发现,黑脸琵鹭白天在养殖塘休息,黄昏则飞到离养殖塘约8km处的滩涂觅食至黎明返回。在黑脸琵鹭觅食的滩涂共采集到42种鱼类和6种虾类。根据对体长、生活习性和数量状况的分析,认为其中的19种鱼类和6种虾类为黑脸琵鹭的潜在食物,以鲻科鱼类最为重要。建议对黑脸琵鹭的保护应重视其觅食滩涂生境中鱼类和虾类资源的保护。     

Microsatellite population genetics of the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire): comparisons between Asian and North American populations

The emerald ash borer (EAB) (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) (Coleoptera; Buprestidae), is an invasive wood-boring beetle native to northeast Asia. This species was first detected in Michigan USA in 2002, and is a significant threat to native and ornamental ash tree species (Fraxinus spp.) throughout North America. We characterized seven polymorphic microsatellite markers for EAB and used these to investigate EAB population structure in the early invasive populations within North America and in comparison with Asia. We found 2–9 alleles per microsatellite locus, no evidence of linkage disequilibrium, and no association with known coding sequences, suggesting that these markers are suitable for population genetic analysis. Microsatellite population genetic structure was examined in 48 EAB populations sampled between 2003 and 2008 from five regions, three in the introduced range, Michigan (US) and Ontario and Quebec (Canada) and two Asian regions, China and South Korea, where EAB is native. We found significant genetic variation geographically but not temporally in EAB populations. Bayesian clustering analyses of individual microsatellite genotypes showed strong clustering among multiple North American populations and populations in both China and South Korea. Finally, allelic richness and expected heterozygosity were higher in the native range of EAB, but there was no difference in observed heterozygosity, suggesting a significant loss of alleles upon introduction but no significant change in the distribution of alleles within and among individuals.     

五个罗氏沼虾群体遗传多样性的微卫星分析

利用16对微卫星标记对来自泰国(CP)、缅甸(MN)、孟加拉(BD)和中国(MP和DP)的共5个罗氏沼虾群体进行了遗传多样性和遗传结构的分析。结果显示, 16个微卫星位点均具有较高的多态性, 平均等位基因数(N_a)、期望杂合度(H_e)、Shannon信息指数(I)和多态信息含量(PIC)分别为17.563、0.8316、2.1662和0.7328。5个群体的期望杂合度(H_e)介于0.7025—0.8594, 多态信息含量(PIC)介于0.6538—0.8048, 表明所有群体均具有高度遗传多样性, 遗传多样性水平CP>MP>BD>MN>DP。遗传分化指数(F_st)值介于0.03430—0.17333, 表明所有群体间均有不同程度的遗传分化。16个微卫星位点的F_st值均大于0.05, 均值为0.0977, 与群体间有遗传分化相符。AMOVA分析显示群体间变异占总变异的6.22%, 群体内个体间的变异占总变异的40.72%, 个体内部的遗传变异占总变异的53.07%。基于Nei氏遗传距离构建的UPGMA系统进化树显示, MN群体首先与MP群体聚为一类, 再与DP群体聚为一类, 之后再与BD群体聚为一类, 最后与CP群体聚为一类, 表明中国群体与泰国群体亲缘关系较远。遗传结构分析显示, 参试样本被划分为5个理论群体, 除MP群体中个体遗传结构混杂外, 其余群体中个体遗传结构相对独立。研究为罗氏沼虾种质资源的开发利用和优良品种的选育提供了参考数据。     

福建省兴化湾黑脸琵鹭的越冬及迁徙

福建省兴化湾是我国大陆黑脸琵鹭(Platalea minor)最重要的越冬地之一.2005年1月至2008年4月连续4个冬季的调查显示,在湾内的江镜华侨农场越冬的黑脸琵鹭种群数量为40~60只,其中2007年越冬种群的数量较前3个冬季显著增加.黑脸琵鹭主要栖息在农场面积约320 hm2的养殖塘内,多集群.昼间栖息的各种行为中休息行为所占比例最高,达到80%;其次是维护行为,约10%;觅食等其他行为所占的比例很低,因此养殖塘主要作黑脸琵鹭昼间的休息场所之用.兴化湾同时是黑脸琵鹭重要的迁徙停歇地,2007年秋季南迁的时间为11月3日至12月12日;2008春季北迁的时间为3月8日至4月加日.江镜华侨农场南迁停歇的种群数量约为136只,北迁的数量约为226只.春季北迁种群中具繁殖羽的个体比例最高时超过60%,表明种群中能够参与繁殖的个体数量较多.建议加强兴化湾滩涂及养殖塘人工湿地的科学管理,促进黑脸琵鹭的保护.     

Genetic status of Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) reintroduced into South Korea based on mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite loci analysis

The Asiatic black bear is one of the most endangered mammals in South Korea owing to population declines resulting from human exploitation and habitat fragmentation. To restore the black bear population in South Korea, 27 bear cubs from North Korea and Russian Far East (Primorsky Krai) were imported and released into Jirisan National Park, a reservoir of the largest wild population in South Korea, in 2004. To monitor the success of this reintroduction, the genetic diversity and population structure of the reintroduced black bears were measured using both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA markers. Mitochondrial D-loop region DNA sequences (615 bp) of 43 Japanese black bears from previous study and 14 Southeast Asian black bears in this study were employed to obtain phylogenetic inference of the reintroduced black bears. The mitochondrial phylogeny indicated Asiatic black bear populations from Russian Far East and North Korea form a single evolutionary unit distinct from populations from Japan and Southeast Asia. Mean expected heterozygosity (H(E)) across 16 microsatellite loci was 0.648 for Russian and 0.676 for North Korean populations. There was a moderate but significant level of microsatellite differentiation (F(ST) = 0.063) between black bears from the 2 source areas. In addition, genetic evidences revealed that 2 populations are represented as diverging groups, with lingering genetic admixture among individuals of 2 source populations. Relatedness analysis based on genetic markers indicated several discrepancies with the pedigree records. Implication of the phylogenetic and genetic evidences on long-term management of Asiatic black bears in South Korea is discussed.     

Genetic diversity in the US ex situ populations of the endangered Puerto Rican Boa,Chilabothrus inornatus

The Puerto Rican Boa (Chilabothrus inornatus) was placed on the US Endangered Species List in 1970. Progress has been made since to clarify the recovery status of this species, though the design of a new recovery plan must include information regarding genetic variation within and among populations of this species. While measures of genetic diversity in wild populations of this species are finally becoming available, relative genetic diversity represented in ex situ populations is unknown, which hampers efforts to develop an ex situ species management plan. Here, we provide an analysis of genetic diversity in US public and private collections (zoos and breeders) using mitochondrial sequence data and five highly polymorphic nuclear microsatellite loci. We analyzed 50 boas from the US ex situ population and determined overall genetic diversity and relatedness among these individuals. We then compared these data to mitochondrial and microsatellite data obtained from 176 individuals from wild populations across the native range of the species. We found little inbreeding and a large amount of retained genetic diversity in the US ex situ population of C. inornatus relative to wild populations. Genetic diversity in the ex situ population is similar to that found in wild populations. Ours is only the second explicit attempt to characterize genetic diversity at the molecular level in ex situ populations of boid snakes. We anticipate that these results will inform current breeding strategies as well as offer additional information that will facilitate the continuation of ex situ conservation breeding or management in boas.     

Individual identification and sex determination of Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) in Daegu city based on genetic analysis of otter spraint

The Eurasian otter, Lutra lutra, is a well known endangered species in South Korea that experienced rapid population decreases through poaching and industrialization until the 1980’s. To evaluate the genetic diversity and the existing number of otters recently found in Daegu City, 81 fecal samples collected from the Gumho River and Shincheon stream were subjected to DNA extraction for sex determination and genetic analysis using nuclear genetic markers. Individual identification and relatedness between individuals were detemined by genotypic data using twelve microsatellite loci, and sex identification was also determined based on sequence variation of the zinc finger protein gene on sex chromosomes. Our results showed that at least seven otter individuals were identified and the kinship relationships of seven individual pairs were determined. It was concluded that otters distributed widely in Daegu City have moderate levels of genetic diversity, and close monitoring of the small-sized otter population is necessary to promote successful settlement of the otters in the area.     

Relationships among cave swallow populations (Petrochelidon fulva) determined by comparisons of microsatellite and cytochrome b data

The cave swallow (Petrochelidon fulva) is a polytypic species with isolated populations in northwestern South America, southwestern North America, Yucatan, Greater Antilles, and Florida. We compared microsatellite genotypes of at least five individuals each from five populations and cytochrome b sequence data of two individuals each from seven populations plus two outgroups. Microsatellite allelic diversity was substantial, and the North American populations were about equally variable. In contrast, the Ecuadorian population had far less genetic variation. Gene flow was apparent among populations, especially between Texas and Florida. Genetic structure was greater than in widespread North American species but less than that of sedentary Neotropical birds. Microsatellite genetic distances indicated a close affinity between Ecuadorian and northern populations, especially Texas and Florida, but this finding was inconsistent with cytochrome b data, which indicated that the Ecuadorian population is the clear outgroup to the northern populations. Its outgroup status is consistent with recent classifications that designate South American populations as their own species (P. rufocollaris). The cytochrome b data further suggested that the northern populations are divided into two clades: Texas/Yucatan and Florida/Greater Antilles. The microsatellite data incorrectly measured the diversity and affinities of Ecuadorian birds apparently because of an ascertainment bias that results from the use of heterologous PCR primers. Despite these problems in measuring phylogenetic relationships, the microsatellite data appeared to work well as a population genetic marker in indicating population structure and gene flow.     

Population genetic structure of wild and hatchery black rockfish Sebastes inermis in Korea, assessed using cross-species microsatellite markers

The population structure of the black rockfish, Sebastes inermis (Sebastidae), was estimated using 10 microsatellite loci developed for S. schlegeli on samples of 174 individuals collected from three wild and three hatchery populations in Korea. Reduced genetic variation was detected in hatchery strains [overall number of alleles (N(A)) = 8.07; allelic richness (A(R)) = 7.37; observed heterozygosity (H(O)) = 0.641] compared with the wild samples (overall N(A) = 8.43; A(R) = 7.83; H(O) = 0.670), but the difference was not significant. Genetic differentiation among the populations was significant (overall F(ST) = 0.0237, P < 0.05). Pairwise F(ST) tests, neighbor-joining tree, and principal component analyses showed significant genetic heterogeneity among the hatchery strains and between wild and hatchery strains, but not among the wild populations, indicating high levels of gene flow along the southern coast of Korea, even though the black rockfish is a benthic, non-migratory marine species. Genetic differentiation among the hatchery strains could reflect genetic drift due to intensive breeding practices. Thus, in the interests of optimal resource management, genetic variation should be monitored and inbreeding controlled within stocks in commercial breeding programs. Information on genetic population structure based on cross-species microsatellite markers can aid in the proper management of S. inermis populations.     

Sex-linked and autosomal microsatellites provide new insights into island populations of the tammar wallaby

The emerging availability of microsatellite markers from mammalian sex chromosomes provides opportunities to investigate both male- and female-mediated gene flow in wild populations, identifying patterns not apparent from the analysis of autosomal markers alone. Tammar wallabies (Macropus eugenii), once spread over the southern mainland, have been isolated on several islands off the Western Australian and South Australian coastlines for between 10 000 and 13 000 years. Here, we combine analyses of autosomal, Y-linked and X-linked microsatellite loci to investigate genetic variation in populations of this species on two islands (Kangaroo Island, South Australia and Garden Island, Western Australia). All measures of diversity were higher for the larger Kangaroo Island population, in which genetic variation was lowest at Y-linked markers and highest at autosomal markers (θ=3.291, 1.208 and 0.627 for autosomal, X-linked and Y-linked data, respectively). Greater relatedness among females than males provides evidence for male-biased dispersal in this population, while sex-linked markers identified genetic lineages not apparent from autosomal data alone. Overall genetic diversity in the Garden Island population was low, especially on the Y chromosome where most males shared a common haplotype, and we observed high levels of inbreeding and relatedness among individuals. Our findings highlight the utility of this approach for management actions, such as the selection of animals for translocation or captive breeding, and the ecological insights that may be gained by combining analyses of microsatellite markers on sex chromosomes with those derived from autosomes.     

Genetic variation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Picea jezoensis</Emphasis> populations in South Korea revealed by chloroplast,mitochondrial and nuclear DNA markers

Genetic variation associated with Picea jezoensis populations of South Korea was investigated using chloroplast (cp), mitochondrial (mt) and nuclear DNA markers. In South Korea, P. jezoensis is distributed across a very restricted area, being found on the summits of three mountains: Mts. Jiri, Dokyu and Gyebang. Examination of five region restriction enzyme combinations for mtDNA and four for cpDNA revealed haplotypes endemic to South Korea. The Gyebang population, the most northerly and most isolated, was genetically distinct from the other populations. Nuclear microsatellite markers indicated, overall, a low level of genetic diversity (H _e = 0.406) in South Korea; this could be attributed to genetic drift and/or founder effects associated with historical events. The Wilcoxon sign-rank test did not indicate a recent bottleneck in any of the populations irrespective of the model considered (infinite allele model, two-phased model of mutation, and stepwise mutation model). Microsatellite markers also demonstrated that the Gyebang population was distinct from the others. The results of this study could be used as the basis for conservation guidelines for the management of this species in South Korea.     

Abundance,genetic diversity and conservation of Louisiana black bears (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Ursus americanus luteolus</Emphasis>) as detected through noninvasive sampling

Although the Louisiana black bear (Ursus americanus luteolus) is currently listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, there have been no attempts to estimate range-wide abundance. This subspecies was thought to occupy a near contiguous range across southern Mississippi, Louisiana and east Texas but is now restricted to three isolated areas in Louisiana. In 1964, Louisiana initiated a restocking program in which black bears from Minnesota were introduced into two of these areas. It is not clear how the additions affected population structure or if substantial breeding occurred between native and introduced bears. Using baited sites to snare hair samples, and microsatellite DNA analysis to distinguish individuals, we estimated abundance of two geographically isolated bear populations in south central Louisiana: Inland and Coastal. Additionally, we examined genetic variation both within and between the two populations. Mark recapture analysis of the distribution of individual captures during two primary sampling periods resulted in population estimates of 77 ± 9 for Coastal and 41 ± 6 for Inland. Genetic analysis revealed significant population differentiation (F _ST = 0.206) between the two populations. The apparently smaller Inland population exhibited more diversity than the Coastal, which suggests that the genetic structure of the Inland population has been influenced by the reintroduction. Both of these populations are isolated and face considerable demographic and genetic threats, thus conservation measures to protect both are warranted. However, the Coastal population is more representative of Louisiana black bears prior to reintroduction and special consideration should be given to insure its integrity.     

Development and validation of microsatellite markers for the tiny dragonfly, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nannophya pygmaea</Emphasis> (Odonata: Libellulidae), which is endangered in South Korea

The tiny dragonfly, Nannophya pygmaea (Odonata: Libellulidae), is listed as a second-degree endangered wild animal in South Korea. The application of molecular markers to assess genetic diversity and population relationships can provide information necessary to establish an effective conservation strategy. In this study, we developed 12 microsatellite markers specific to N. pygmaea using the NextSeq 500 platform. Forty individuals of N. pygmaea collected from three currently known localities in South Korea were genotyped to validate these markers and to preliminarily assess population genetic characteristics. The observed number of alleles, observed heterozygosity, and expected heterozygosity at a locus ranged from 2 to 9, 0.421–1.0, and 0.508–0.766 in a population with the largest sample size (20 individuals), respectively, thereby validating the suitability of the markers for population analysis. Five of 12 loci showed significant deviation from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium in the population. Our preliminary data indicate an absence of inbreeding in all populations and an absence of obvious genetic difference. The microsatellite markers developed in this study will be useful for studying the population genetics of N. pygmaea collected from other regions worldwide, including additional sites in South Korea.     

Multilocus assignment analyses reveal multiple units and rare migration events in the recently expanded yellow-eyed penguin (Megadyptes antipodes)

The identification of demographically independent populations and the recognition of management units have been greatly facilitated by the continuing advances in genetic tools. Managements units now play a key role in short-term conservation management programmes of declining species, but their importance in expanding populations receives comparatively little attention. The endangered yellow-eyed penguin ( Megadyptes antipodes ) expanded its range from the subantarctic to New Zealand's South Island a few hundred years ago and this new population now represents almost half of the species' total census size. This dramatic expansion attests to M. antipodes' high dispersal abilities and suggests the species is likely to constitute a single demographic population. Here we test this hypothesis of panmixia by investigating genetic differentiation and levels of gene flow among penguin breeding areas using 12 autosomal microsatellite loci along with mitochondrial control region sequence analyses for 350 individuals. Contrary to our hypothesis, however, the analyses reveal two genetically and geographically distinct assemblages: South Island vs. subantarctic populations. Using assignment tests, we recognize just two first-generation migrants between these populations (corresponding to a migration rate of < 2%), indicating that ongoing levels of long-distance migration are low. Furthermore, the South Island population has low genetic variability compared to the subantarctic population. These results suggest that the South Island population was founded by only a small number of individuals, and that subsequent levels of gene flow have remained low. The demographic independence of the two populations warrants their designation as distinct management units and conservation efforts should be adjusted accordingly to protect both populations.     

人工养殖与选育对罗氏沼虾遗传多样性的影响

为探讨人工养殖与选择育种对罗氏沼虾(Macrobrachium rosenbergii)遗传多样性的影响,实验测定了孟加拉野生群体、缅甸野生群体、浙江养殖群体、广西养殖群体及选育群体"南太湖2号"共111只罗氏沼虾核糖体转录间隔区2(Internal transcribed spacer 2,ITS2)基因序列,结果发现58个碱基变异位点,定义56个单倍型。在5个群体中,孟加拉野生群体的遗传多样性最高(平均核苷酸差异数K和核苷酸多态性指数Pi分别为7.186和0.0155),依次为缅甸野生群体、浙江养殖群体、广西养殖群体,选育群体"南太湖2号"遗传多样性最低(K和Pi分别为3.032和0.0065)。5个群体间配对Fst分析表明,养殖群体与野生群体遗传分化显著(P<0.01),选育群体"南太湖2号"不仅与野生群体遗传分化显著,同时还与广西养殖群体产生了显著的遗传分化(P<0.01)。系统树显示,孟加拉野生群体和缅甸野生群体聚为一支,浙江养殖群体、广西养殖群体和选育群体"南太湖2号"则聚为另一支。研究结果表明,人工养殖和选育降低了罗氏沼虾的遗传多样性水平,并导致群体间发生了显著的遗传分化。