湖北万朝山自然保护区珍稀濒危植物优先保护定量研究

该研究采用样线法和样地法,对湖北万朝山自然保护区的珍稀濒危保护植物资源进行了调查,并运用濒危系数、遗传价值系数和物种价值系数,计算出综合评价值,对其优先保护顺序进行了定量分析。结果表明:保护区内共有珍稀濒危保护植物47种,隶属于34科44属;根据综合评价值对珍稀濒危保护植物物种进行优先保护评价排序,其中Ⅰ级优先保护物种有9种,Ⅱ级优先保护物种有23种,Ⅲ级优先保护物种有12种,Ⅳ级优先保护有物种3种。通过分析珍稀濒危保护植物分布特征,发现该保护区珍稀濒危植物分布相对集中,并且在900~1 600 m海拔段,珍稀濒危保护植物物种和数量分布最多。该研究结果更加真实有效地为该保护区管理部门制定该地区珍稀濒危植物保护计划提供了科学依据,使其更加高效有力地指导本保护区的保护工作。     

中国华东区涉猛禽案件的时空规律

为了解华东区涉猛禽案的时空规律,分析其发展趋势。统计国家林业局森林公安司法鉴定中心存档的2011至2018年间华东区涉猛禽案的鉴定报告,整理涉案信息数据库。利用Excel2016和Arc GIS10.2进行案件的时空规律描述性分析。共统计华东区涉案猛禽35种,涉及个体530只,涉案179次,分别占全国同期总涉案猛禽个体数的40.5%,猛禽类总案件量的37.8%。涉案个体和涉案次数均达9以上的9个常涉案物种均属于国家Ⅱ级保护野生动物。近8年的案件数、物种数和个体数均呈逐年上升趋势,以春季和秋冬季为案件高发期。华东区中江苏和浙江的案件数及物种数均超过安徽和山东,涉案地点集中在省界、主要公路和铁路沿线。建议将华东区两省交界处作为猛禽保护的重点监管区域,尤其在春季和秋冬季加大水陆交通的监管力度。     

基于相机陷阱技术的阿尔金山北坡水源地鸟兽物种监测

为调查阿尔金山北坡的鸟兽物种多样性和丰富度,2010 - 2012 年,利用相机陷阱调查技术对阿尔金山北坡的7 个水源地进行了监测。监测期间共记录到26 个物种,其中兽类11 种,鸟类15 种。记录到野骆驼、藏野驴等国家一级保护动物以及雪豹、猞猁、豺等稀有兽类,胡兀鹫、金雕、高山兀鹫等珍稀猛禽。食草动物中野骆驼是水源地占优势地位的物种,也是该地区分布最广的物种。食肉动物中狼和赤狐为广泛分布的物种。对于荒漠地区动物的调查,基于水源地的红外相机监测是一个较为可行的方法,同时也为研究社群结构、种间竞争以及不同物种资源利用生态位重叠和分离提供了可能。利用红外相机的水源地监测有助于评估环境变化和人为干扰对野生动物水源利用的影响,并为荒漠地区水源管理和保护提供参考。     

神农架地区珍稀植物沿河岸带的分布格局及其保护意义

在神农架香溪河流域从源头到河口的不同海拔高度沿河岸带共设置 4 0个与河流方向平行的10 0m× 10m的样带 ,进行了植物群落学调查研究 .结果表明 ,沿河岸带分布有珍稀植物 14种 ,占神农架地区珍稀植物总数的 4 2 .4 % .这些珍稀物种主要分布在海拔 12 0 0～ 180 0m山地常绿阔叶落叶阔叶混交林带 ,珍稀植物种类的物种丰富度在中等海拔高度上最大 .珍稀植物的种类可划分为低海拔、中等海拔和高海拔 3组 .针对珍稀植物的分布特点 ,明确指出应重视河岸带在生物多样性、尤其是珍稀物种保护方面的重要作用 .     

动植物检疫在生物多样性保护中的作用

生物多样性保护不仅包括对野生物种的保护,也包含对栽培和驯化物种的遗传多样性的保护,动植物检疫在保护栽培和驯化物种的安全和防止野生物种资源外流两个方面发挥了重要作用。可以认为,动植物检疫系统是生物多样性保护中的一支生力军。文章强调,一要加强动植物检疫,减少国际贸易对生物多样性的影响;二要增强口岸把关,有效地保护我国濒危、珍稀物种资源。文中例举了过去我国濒危、珍稀生物资源破坏和流失情况,并介绍了在加强对濒危、珍稀物种进出口管理中,动植物检疫机关所起的把关作用。     

尤溪县生物多样性保护优先地区分析

选择人类活动频繁的常绿阔叶林林区具有代表性的福建尤溪县进行了生物多样性保护的优先性分析。在多次实地调查基础上,利用野生动物野外实地样带调查数据,已有的珍稀淑危鸟,兽和植物物种的分布资料,同时结合利用地理信息系统软件ARC/INFO数字化1：10万林相图和1：5万地形图,建立了基于GIS的尤溪县生物多样性信息系统,然后根据物种多样性,珍稀濒危物种保护和生态系统保护目标,确立了保护优先性分析原则,即珍稀濒危物种尽可能包含在保护区和保护小区内,同时在优先保护区尽可能包含更多的其它物种,用最新的森林分布图及调查物种分布与生境关系,生态系统在保护物种与生态系统功能等方面的作用等,提出了生态系统的保护优先地区,将提出保护优先地区与已建保护小区和保护点分布图进行叠加分析表明,保护小区和保护点的方法是保护珍稀濒危物种的有效方法,但是需要考虑保护小区之间的联系,在对大型哺乳动物保护时需要建立面积较大的自然保护区,最后,提出了建立自然保护区规划。     

湖北赛武当自然保护区野生珍稀植物优先保护定量研究

通过对湖北赛武当国家级自然保护区内的野生珍稀植物资源进行调查,运用濒危系数、遗传价值系数和物种价值系数,计算出物种优先保护值,以确定物种濒危等级和优先保护等级。结果显示：（1）该区内共有珍稀保护植物33种,隶属于26科33属,其中易危15种、近危11种、安全种7种;（2）该区珍稀植物优先保护值的范围为0.2631~0.6985,据此得出33种珍稀植物的优先保护等级为：Ⅰ级6种、Ⅱ级13种、Ⅲ级12种、Ⅳ级2种。（3）本研究结果与相关珍稀保护植物名录的濒危等级和优先保护级别存在较大差异,这可能是由于生境破碎化和人为干扰导致大部分植物在本区受威胁程度加重,因此应强化管理。     

生境丧失对具有似Allee效应集合种群的影响及对策——以江苏盐城为例

似Allee效应对物种续存是潜在的扰动因素,稀有物种更易受其影响,可能增加生存于破碎化栖息地中的珍稀物种的死亡风险;但似Allee效应对多物种集合种群续存的影响及其在珍稀物种保护中的应用未能引起足够重视。将似Allee效应引入集合种群动力模式,建立了生境丧失下具有似Allee效应的n-珍稀物种的集合种群模式,并以江苏盐城滩涂湿地中的29种珍稀物种为研究实例。研究结果表明:(1)似Allee效应导致n-物种集合种群多度作长期变周期振荡,原本竞争共存物种可能无法继续共存,甚至灭绝。(2)似Allee效应增强对次强种及劣势种的生存极为不利,导致次强物种由强至弱灭绝,劣势物种由弱至强依次灭绝。(3)盐城天然湿地丧失29%后,11种劣势物种的集合种群由弱到强将最终依次灭绝,灭绝迟豫时间为304～890a,这些物种即Hanski所指的"活死者"。(4)适度增加栖息地面积是保护珍稀物种多样性的有效方法之一,在盐城现存3200km2的天然湿地基础上适度增加1801～2064km2左右栖息地面积,可以有效保护29种濒危物种的多样性,同时应注意结合针对具体物种的保护措施来提高濒危物种多度。研究结果对物种多样性保护及自然保护区建设具有重要的理论指导意义。     

湖北省野生药用植物资源现状

对湖北省野生药用植物资源种类、地道植物药材种类、中国特有科、属、种和珍稀、濒危物种等在湖北省的分布情况进行了分析,为政府制定有力的资源保护政策以及湖北省和全国的生物物种(含野生物种,药用动、植物物种)保护执法评估标准的制定提供了科学依据。     

两种珍稀植物群落物种多度分布的核方法研究

首次提出物种多度分布的非参数核密度估计方法,介绍了此方法的构造和主要性质。珍稀濒危植物观光木群落和长苞铁杉群落的乔木层、灌木层、所有木本植物物种多度分布实例拟合结果表明,核方法能很好地描述群落物种多度分布。非参数核估计方法是群落物种多度分布模拟的一种有效方法,它丰富了物种多度分布拟合方法,为珍稀濒危植物的管理与保护提供了理论参考。     

Potential impact of wind farms on territories of large eagles in southeastern Spain

Although wind farms in Spain have increased in numbers in recent years, their impact on birds, particularly large raptors, has received relatively little attention in the scientific literature. We study the potential impact of 72 wind energy developments planned for the south-east of Spain covering 128 golden eagle and 152 Bonelli’s eagle territories using nearest neighbour distances (NND) as an indicator of potential future interactions (abandonment, displacement and collision risk). Our analyses indicate low levels of potential interactions between wind farms and large eagles, and suggest that, of the two species studied, golden eagles will be the more affected because a greater proportion of wind farms will be constructed close to the breeding territories of this species. In the light of these findings, we discuss various management strategies in order to improve the compatibility of harvesting wind energy with the conservation of both species.     

Minimising mortality in endangered raptors due to power lines: the importance of spatial aggregation to optimize the application of mitigation measures

Electrocution by power lines is one of the main causes of non-natural mortality in birds of prey. In an area in central Spain, we surveyed 6304 pylons from 333 power lines to determine electrocution rates, environmental and design factors that may influence electrocution and the efficacy of mitigation measures used to minimise electrocution cases. A total of 952 electrocuted raptors, representing 14 different species, were observed. Electrocuted raptors were concentrated in certain areas and the environmental factors associated with increased electrocution events were: greater numbers of prey animals; greater vegetation cover; and shorter distance to roads. The structural elements associated with electrocutions were shorter strings of insulators, one or more phases over the crossarm, cross-shaped design and pylon function. Of the 952 carcasses found, 148 were eagles, including golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), Spanish imperial eagle (Aquila adalberti) and Bonelli's eagle (Aquila fasciata). Electrocuted eagles were clustered in smaller areas than other electrocuted raptors. The factors associated with increased eagle electrocution events were: pylons function, shorter strings of insulators, higher slopes surrounding the pylon, and more numerous potential prey animals. Pylons with increased string of insulators had lower raptor electrocution rates than unimproved pylons, although this technique was unsuccessful for eagles. Pylons with cable insulation showed higher electrocution rates than unimproved pylons, both for raptors and eagles, despite this is the most widely used and recommended mitigation measure in several countries. To optimize the application of mitigation measures, our results recommend the substitution of pin-type insulators to suspended ones and elongating the strings of insulators.     

The digestive enzymes and acidity of the pellets regurgitated by raptors

The activity of six digestive enzymes (amylase, chitinase, trypsin, chymotrypsin, carboxypeptidase A, pepsin) was examined in the water-soluble contents of the pellets egested by ten species of raptors (kestrel, saker, lanner, goshawk, barn owl, tawny owl, little owl, long-eared owl, African great-owl and steppe eagle). All the enzymes studied were present in the pellets from these birds, except for chitinase which was not detected in the pellets of the goshawk and the steppe eagle, and amylase and carboxypeptidase absent in the material egested by the lanner. The origin of the enzymes studied was examined. Pancreatic enzymes, which are present in the pellets, arise from a reflux of intestinal fluid into the stomach. The importance of this phenomenon is discussed. The acidity of the pellets was measured. Relations existing between the type of food, characteristics of the pellet and the digestive process in raptors are analysed. The evolutionary advantage of pellet egestion is discussed.     

Raptor distribution in relation to landscape composition in semi-arid Mediterranean habitats

1. Breeding sites of raptors were studied in relation to land-use and edge habitat using two different scales in semi-arid Mediterranean landscapes in south-eastern Spain. Habitat relationships were analysed using Generalized Linear Models.
2. The proportion of forest cover at a small scale was the best predictor for all species. At a larger scale, the proportion of forest cover was also a good predictor, and the amount of edge habitat between forest and extensive agriculture was a very good predictor of booted and short-toed eagle densities.
3. Models for sedentary species of raptor were similar using both scales whereas trans-Saharan migrant raptors seemed to be more sensitive to larger landscape features that included longer edges between forest and extensive agriculture.
4. Habitat mosaics created by forestry and traditional farming were especially important for Mediterranean raptors. Strengthening of the Agri-environmental Regulation (2078/92) will be necessary to compensate for agricultural intensification proposals promoted under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).     

Demography and habitat availability in territorial occupancy of two competing species

Although metapopulation dynamics have become the focus of considerable theoretical research, little attention has been paid to its role when examining the coexistence of species. When two or more species live in the same patch network, interspecific interactions may affect their dispersal, colonization and extinction rates, and it may be possible to incorporate competition affecting these parameters in metapopulation models. Here, we extend the territorial occupancy model proposed by Lande to competing species. Our model estimates an equilibrium proportion of habitat occupancy as a function of life‐history parameters, dispersal behavior, habitat suitability and interspecific interactions. Moreover, it could prove to be useful as a tool in the assessment of potential management decisions. We apply the model to the golden Aquila chrysaetos and the Bonelli's eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus, two territorial raptors that coexist in the Mediterranean region, sharing food and nesting habitats. Over the last twenty years, while the golden eagle has maintained and, in some cases, increased its breeding numbers, Bonelli's eagle has suffered a marked decline, with many territories abandoned by the latter now occupied by the former. This suggests that the dynamics of these species could be influenced by interspecific competition. The model identified the relative importance of competition (stable equilibrium that allows long‐term coexistence) and predicted that, when habitat overlap is slight as in the study area, intraspecific dynamics are much more important for the persistence of each species than interspecific ones. Our results suggest that the improvement of territorial bird survival and productivity are the most urgently needed actions to be undertaken in the case of the golden eagle, while for Bonelli's eagle efforts should be focused on improving territorial and non‐territorial bird survival. As habitat conservation measures, the proportion of suitable exclusive habitat should be increased for both species.     

Geographic patterns of species richness of diurnal raptors in Venezuela

Knowledge of a species’ geographic distribution is crucial to assessing its vulnerability. It is also important to know if protected areas provide effective protection for raptor species. Here, we examine the species richness (S) patterns, factors predicting S and the effectiveness of protected areas (EPA) in the conservation of diurnal raptors in Venezuela. We modeled geographic distributions (SDM) of 64 raptor species using ecological niche models. Nine climatic and seven landscape metrics were used as environmental predictors. SDM were stacked to examine S and predictors of S were investigated using regression models. This study evaluated S patterns in the 13 bioregions defined for Venezuela. A gap analysis was performed to evaluate the EPA in the conservation of raptor diversity. Forty species showed a continuous distribution, whereas as disjunct distributions were observed in 24 species. Species richness differed among bioregions; six pairwise compared bioregions did not show differences. Guyana Massif and the mountains of northern Venezuela had the highest species richness. Landscape features, specifically canopy height, land cover and terrain slope explained most of the species richness. Environmental heterogeneity affected the distribution of S and is therefore important in conservation planning for Neotropical raptors. Responses from environmental variables used to predict S were scale dependent; it is necessary to standardize methods/experimental design to study the biogeography of raptors. Priority-setting for the conservation of raptors in Venezuela must consider restricted range species, even if they are not threatened. A new territorial ordering is urgent to improve the protection of this group of birds.     

Solving man-induced large-scale conservation problems: the Spanish imperial eagle and power lines

Background

Man-induced mortality of birds caused by electrocution with poorly-designed pylons and power lines has been reported to be an important mortality factor that could become a major cause of population decline of one of the world rarest raptors, the Spanish imperial eagle (Aquila adalberti). Consequently it has resulted in an increasing awareness of this problem amongst land managers and the public at large, as well as increased research into the distribution of electrocution events and likely mitigation measures.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We provide information of how mitigation measures implemented on a regional level under the conservation program of the Spanish imperial eagle have resulted in a positive shift of demographic trends in Spain. A 35 years temporal data set (1974–2009) on mortality of Spanish imperial eagle was recorded, including population censuses, and data on electrocution and non-electrocution of birds. Additional information was obtained from 32 radio-tracked young eagles and specific field surveys. Data were divided into two periods, before and after the approval of a regional regulation of power line design in 1990 which established mandatory rules aimed at minimizing or eliminating the negative impacts of power lines facilities on avian populations. Our results show how population size and the average annual percentage of population change have increased between the two periods, whereas the number of electrocuted birds has been reduced in spite of the continuous growing of the wiring network.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that solving bird electrocution is an affordable problem if political interest is shown and financial investment is made. The combination of an adequate spatial planning with a sustainable development of human infrastructures will contribute positively to the conservation of the Spanish imperial eagle and may underpin population growth and range expansion, with positive side effects on other endangered species.     

Antipredator behavior in lemurs: Evidence of an extinct eagle on Madagascar or something else?

Goodman (1994) related the antipredator response exhibited by two species of lemurs from southwestern Madagascar against extant birds of prey to the predatory efforts of an extinct eagle, inhabiting the same region about 4000 years ago. He argued that today’s smaller raptors, hunting young individuals perhaps only occasionally, represent marginal danger to lemurs. Nevertheless,their activity would be sufficient to impose a continuous reinforcement to a strong antipredator response. I question such an interpretation and instead suggest that extant birds of prey may indeed represent a strong threat to lemurs and that the same might not have been necessarily true for the extinct eagle. In addition, I propose four optional hypotheses, all of which encompass a marginal role for the extinct eagle.     

Taphonomic study of leporid remains accumulated by the Spanish Imperial Eagle (Aquila adalberti)

Distinguishing leporid bones accumulated by different agents such as diurnal raptors, owls, mammals and humans is essential to gain an understanding of not only human subsistence activities but also past ecology. This is particularly relevant in Iberian Palaeolithic sites where leporid remains usually constitute the most abundant taxon. Among diurnal raptors the Spanish Imperial eagle (Aquila adalberti) has been one of the most important leporid predators throughout the Iberian Peninsula. In order to investigate the taphonomic signature of this raptor, rabbit remains from 79 pellets were examined. Results show a high proportion of distal elements of the limb bones and skull. Compared with other diurnal birds of prey, the assemblages produced by this species appear to show a higher degree of breakage and corrosion from digestion. These results place this predator within a category similar to the small mammal carnivores (category 5) in terms of skeletal element abundance, breakage and digestion. It is hoped that these data will enable analysts to identify leporid fossils accumulated by the Spanish Imperial Eagle in archaeological assemblages.     

Predicting the distribution of four species of raptors (Aves: Accipitridae) in southern Spain: statistical models work better than existing maps

Aim To test the effectiveness of statistical models based on explanatory environmental variables vs. existing distribution information (maps and breeding atlas), for predicting the distribution of four species of raptors (family Accipitridae): common buzzard Buteo buteo (Linnaeus, 1758), short‐toed eagle Circaetus gallicus (Gmelin, 1788), booted eagle Hieraaetus pennatus (Gmelin, 1788) and black kite Milvus migrans (Boddaert, 1783). Location Andalusia, southern Spain. Methods Generalized linear models of 10 × 10 km squares surveyed for the presence/absence of the species by road census. Statistical models use as predictors variables derived from topography, vegetation and land‐use, and the geographical coordinates (to take account of possible spatial trends). Predictions from the models are compared with current distribution maps from the national breeding atlas and leading reference works. Results The maps derived from statistical models for all four species were more predictive than the previously published range maps and the recent national breeding atlas. The best models incorporated both topographic and vegetation and land‐use variables. Further, in three of the four species the inclusion of spatial coordinates to account for neighbourhood effects improved these models. Models for the common buzzard and black kite were highly predictive and easy to interpret from an ecological point of view, while models for short‐toed eagle and, particularly, booted eagle were not so easy to interpret, but still predicted better than previous distribution information. Main conclusions It is possible to build accurate predictive models for raptor distribution with a limited field survey using as predictors environmental variables derived from digital maps. These models integrated in a geographical information system produced distribution maps that were more accurate than previously published ones for the study species in the study area. Our study is an example of a methodology that could be used for many taxa and areas to improve unreliable distribution information.