海南尖峰岭自然保护区淡水龟类调查

2005年3~4月,采用野外调查和访问调查结合的方法,对尖峰岭自然保护区淡水龟类进行了专项调查。在海拔300~1 000 m设5个研究样区,采用系统抽样法在样区内选取443个研究样点,用笼捕法进行调查。野外调查共发现淡水龟类3种11只,包括8只平胸龟(Platysternon megacephalum)、2只四眼斑水龟(Sacalia quadriocellata)和1只锯缘摄龟(Pyxidea mouhotii)。访问调查得知当地还有黄额闭壳龟(Cuora galbinifrons)、三线闭壳龟(C.trifasciata)、中华鳖(Pelodiscus sinensis)和山瑞鳖(Palea steindachneri)分布。研究表明,尖峰岭自然保护区淡水龟类至少有2科7种,约占海南淡水龟类总种数的60%,其中四眼斑水龟和锯缘摄龟为本次调查到的尖峰岭淡水龟的新记录,三线闭壳龟和山瑞鳖为访问新记录。保护区内淡水龟类种群密度非常低,人为捕猎对淡水龟类资源破坏严重,需要加强保护和管理。     

周氏闭壳龟的人工繁殖

笔者作为龟类养殖爱好者,在北京家中饲养闭壳龟属龟类十余年.于2000年12月经出售人自广西购得成体周氏闭壳龟Coura zhoui 1对.购得时公龟有严重残疾,两后肢均无后脚掌,母龟正常.几年来与三线闭壳龟、潘氏闭壳龟以及金头闭壳龟混养,养殖池内设有产卵场,平时投喂小鱼、小虾、猪内脏、蟋蟀和香蕉,每周1次,以吃饱为准.     

6种中国特有闭壳龟的人工驯养繁育种群状况

2003年1月～2006年6月期间,调查了6种中国特有闭壳龟的人工驯养繁育种群状况。结果显示,三线闭壳龟（含越南三线闭壳龟和中国三线闭壳龟）的人工驯养繁育种群数量最多,种龟8000～10000,其中30％～40％是中国三线闭壳龟;金头闭壳龟134只,潘氏闭壳龟49只;百色闭壳龟39～44只,周氏闭壳龟29只;云南闭壳龟最少,仅2只。6种中国特有闭壳龟中,除中国三线闭壳龟外,其他种类人工驯养繁育种群数量均不超过50～150只;没有形成稳定的人工种群数量。     

基于线粒体Cyt b基因的全长序列探讨闭壳龟类的系统进化

采用PCR技术对淡水龟科具闭壳结构的黄缘盒龟、黄额盒龟、金头闭壳龟、潘氏闭壳龟、锯缘龟和白腹摄龟的线粒体Cytb基因的全长序列进行了PCR扩增和序列测定,并结合GenBank中16种淡水龟科物种的同源序列,进行了序列变异和系统发生分析。经C lustalX1.8软件对位排列后共有1154个位点,其中可变位点413个,简约信息位点301个;A＋T的平均含量（56.5%）高于G＋C（43.5%）。在氨基酸密码子中,第一位富含A,第二位富含T,第三位富含C;碱基转换/颠换率为5.97,碱基替换多发生在密码子第三位。以中华鳖和马来鳖为外群,通过最大简约法,最大似然法和贝叶斯法重建了分子系统树,均具有一致的拓扑结构,结果表明：金头闭壳龟和潘氏闭壳龟最先聚成一支,再和三线闭壳龟聚成一组,说明形态上相似的三种闭壳龟亲缘关系最近;闭壳龟属、盒龟属和单种锯缘龟属聚成一个单系的闭壳龟群,建议合并为闭壳龟属;齿缘龟属和果龟属聚为一支,它们与新的闭壳龟属关系较远,揭示闭壳结构的形成不是由一个共同祖先分化而来;乌龟属、花龟属和拟水龟属三属为并系起源,建议三属可以合并为一属。     

安徽黄缘闭壳龟（ Cuora flavomarginata） 野生种群的现状及其保护建议

安徽是濒危物种黄缘闭壳龟的重要分布区之一,由于人类活动使得该龟栖息地日益减少,生存空间被挤占。加之近年来日益频繁的黄缘闭壳龟贸易所带来的肆意滥捕以及缺乏有效的保护措施,导致其野生种群衰减严重,数量已经十分稀少,同时买卖和饲养也进一步加剧了黄缘闭壳龟的非自然扩散和引入。目前黄缘闭壳龟在安徽的具体产地一直缺乏一个较为科学的研究,而了解黄缘闭壳龟在安徽的具体分布状况,对于该龟的保护至关重要。2011年—2012年5月至10月间,采用市场和访问调查以及野外实地调查相结合的方法,对安徽黄缘闭壳龟野生种群现状进行了研究,并对调查结果进行了报道,同时针对保护管理中存在的问题,提出相应的保护建议。     

金关闭壳龟及其濒危现状

本文报道珍稀龟类金头闭壳龟的生物学特性、分布、数量及濒危现状，并提出了新的保护措施。     

金头闭壳龟及其濒危现状

本文报道珍稀龟类金头闭壳龟的生物学特性、分布、数量及濒危现状,并提出了新的保护措施。     

野生金头闭壳龟栖息地植被多样性

2006年8—9月通过样方法,对安徽黟县、泾县2地记录有野生金头闭壳龟分布的34个栖息地进行了实地调查,分析了植被的改变对野生金头闭壳龟栖息地其它环境因子的影响。结果表明:对金头闭壳龟栖息地产生较大影响的环境因子包括植物群落结构、溪边沙地、溪流水体环境等;野生金头闭壳龟栖息地植被多是天然林砍伐后形成的次生林、人工毛竹林和杉木林;统计样方中共有维管植物443种,分属129科232属,其中,河柳、枫杨、毛竹、水杨梅、鬼针草、线穗苔草、水蓼等植物在样方中出现频度较高(>50%)。植被的改变对金头闭壳龟生存繁殖产生很大影响,是导致金头闭壳龟濒危的主要原因之一。     

家庭饲养金头闭壳龟15年的体会

金头闭壳龟Ｃｕｏｒａａｕｒｏｃａｐｉｔａｔａ是我国特产的一种珍稀龟类 ,目前仅知分布于安徽省的少数地区。该龟体色艳丽 ,性格温和 ,很受龟类爱好者青睐。由于分布面窄 ,数量稀少 ,长期的盗捕和走私使其濒于灭绝。笔者自 1 987年起对其进行家庭饲养至今。现将自己饲养中的体会加以总结 ,以供爱好者参考。1　关于性成熟的判定1 988年购得雌龟 1只重约 4 0 0ｇ。根据雌龟体重和背甲量度确定年龄在 1 0岁左右。该龟 1 992年体重约 60 0 ｇ时首次产卵 2枚 ,可惜都被咬碎。 1 993～ 2 0 0 1年该雌龟每年都正常产卵 3～ 7枚 (年均 4 6枚 ) ,…     

基于DNA分子标记的潘氏闭壳龟遗传多样性分析

潘氏闭壳龟（Cuora pani）是中国特有种,国家二级重点保护野生动物。由于非法贸易加之栖息地破坏等,其野外种群数量十分稀少。本研究旨在利用线粒体基因与核基因标记揭示潘氏闭壳龟的遗传多样性和遗传结构,以期为中国潘氏闭壳龟的种群保护和管理提供科学依据。本次共研究14只潘氏闭壳龟个体,其中,6只原产地为四川广元,8只产地未知。结果表明,在14只潘氏闭壳龟样本中鉴定出Cyt b单倍型、ND4单倍型和R35单倍型各2个,且均有1个新单倍型;Cyt b、ND4和R35基因单倍型多样性分别为0.440、0.143和0.154,核苷酸多样性分别为0.000 41、0.000 19和0.000 63;各单倍型的平均遗传距离（p）均小于0.01。基于三个基因联合数据集的系统发育分析表明,潘氏闭壳龟与金头闭壳龟（C.aurocapitata）互为单系进化支,且中性检测和核苷酸错配分析显示,潘氏闭壳龟群体近期历史上可能未经历群体扩张事件。潘氏闭壳龟群体遗传多样性低,种内变异小,群体应对环境变化的能力低,建议应加强对中国潘氏闭壳龟野外种群的基础研究和保护力度,同时规范人工繁殖,以避免近亲繁殖和种群衰退。     

Temporal changes in the breeding ecology of European Turtle Doves Streptopelia turtur in Britain, and implications for conservation

The migratory European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur has undergone a 69% decline in population size and a 25% contraction in breeding range in Britain over the last 30 years. An investigation of the breeding ecology of this summer visitor was undertaken in 1998–2000 at two study sites in East Anglia, England. The only previous study of Turtle Dove reproduction in Britain provided pre-decline data for comparison with the current situation in a modern agricultural environment. Territory sizes ranged from 1.91 to 3.08 ha, were established in areas with scrub, hedges and woodland and contained less cropped land than expected from its availability. The majority of nests were sited 1–3 m above ground level within thorny bushes, particularly Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna . Nests found by radiotelemetry were significantly higher above ground level and were found in greater numbers than expected in woodland and coniferous trees than those found by cold searching, which were lower and found predominantly in hedges and thorny bushes. Turtle Dove nest success rate averaged 53% during incubation and 65% during the nestling stage, so that only 35% of nests successfully produced young. A comparison with data collected during the 1960s showed that Turtle Doves today have a shorter breeding season and consequently produce about half the number of clutches and young per pair than formerly. A simple simulation model suggested that the reduction in productivity alone would lead to a population decline of 17% per annum. This study suggests that the recovery of Turtle Doves in Britain is dependent upon the provision and sympathetic management of nesting and foraging habitats. The current arrangements for set-aside and agri-environmental schemes provide the framework for delivering these requirements.     

Health assessment of free-ranging alligator snapping turtles (Macrochelys temminckii) in Georgia and Florida

The Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) is a large freshwater turtle endemic to river systems that drain into the Gulf of Mexico. Turtle populations were sharply reduced by commercial harvest in the 1970s and 1980s; however, the species has yet to be protected under the Endangered Species Act. While anthropogenic stressors such as habitat fragmentation and degradation and illegal capture continue to threaten populations, the degree to which disease may be contributing to any decline of the Alligator Snapping Turtle is unknown. Data were collected from 97 free-ranging Alligator Snapping Turtles in nine waterways in Florida and Georgia from 2001 to 2006. Eleven turtles were captured more than once, resulting in a total sample pool of 123. Reference ranges were established for complete blood count, plasma biochemistry values, trace metals (mercury, zinc, copper, lead, and arsenic), and nutrient parameters (vitamins A, E, D, and selenium). Variations by capture location, sex, and season were detected and likely resulted from external factors such as habitat and diet. Turtles sampled in one location were positive for tortoise herpesviral antibodies. Blood mercury values also differed among populations. This study provides justification for the use of these long-lived aquatic turtles as biologic monitors of the health of local freshwater ecosystems.     

Primary moult and body-mass of the Cape Turtle Dove Streptopelia capicola,and its abundance relative to the Laughing Dove S. senegalensis,in the Western Cape

Underhill, L.G., Underhill, G.D. & Spottiswoode, C.N. 1999. Primary moult and body-mass of the Cape Turtle Dove Streptopelia capicola, and its abundance relative to the Laughing Dove S. senegalensis, in the Western Cape. Ostrich 70 (3&4): 196–199.

The duration of primary moult of adult Cape Turtle Doves Streptopelia capicola was estimated to be 192 days. 23 November was the estimated mean starting date, with 95% of birds starting within 88 days of this date. The mean body-mass of adults was 148 g and of first-year birds was 130 g. In residential areas, Cape Turtle Doves were trapped less frequently than Laughing Doves S. senegalensis; at most rural sites, Cape Turtle Doves comprised about two-thirds of the catch. On a dairy farm, where doves were attracted to cattle feed, 1 % of doves were Cape Turtle Doves. The emerging pattern is that Laughing Doves predominate at sites where food is provided on a long-term basis.     

Which features of UK farmland are important in retaining territories of the rapidly declining Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur?

Capsule Turtle Doves continue to show a strong population decline; territories were more likely to be retained in areas with more nesting habitat, and more suitable foraging habitat.

Aim To determine which features of farmland in England are important for retaining Turtle Dove territories

Methods Fifty-eight grid squares with recent records of territorial Turtle Doves were resurveyed, and squares retaining Turtle Dove territories compared with those from which Turtle Doves had been lost.

Results Turtle Dove territories were detected in 48% of squares resurveyed. When correcting for the 70% detection rate of the survey methodology, territories were present in 66% of squares surveyed suggesting a 34% decline over a 2-year period. Established scrub and hedgerows?>?4 m tall positively influenced Turtle Dove presence and abundance, as did standing water. Bare ground and fallow had positive effects on Turtle Dove abundance whereas grazed land negatively impacted abundance.

Conclusion The positive effects of area of established scrub and volume of large hedgerows are likely to represent a declining density of birds selecting the best quality nest sites. We suggest instead that foraging habitat may be limiting distribution.     

Timing of migration dates and detection of first wintering sites for the Turtle Dove in Northwest Africa

The identification of migration dates and wintering zones for migratory birds are key elements for the understanding of the Afro-Palearctic migration system. From 2015 to 2022, a large-scale survey of Turtle Doves Streptopelia turtur, a vulnerable species, was established in Northwest Africa, including Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. We monitored migration dates and wintering individuals using the line-transect method. We found that Turtle Doves arrived in the last week of March and left the North African region in mid-October. Compared with Morocco, Doves arrived significantly earlier in Algeria and Tunisia. Moreover, Doves were discovered wintering on nine Northwest African sites, from October to February, where individuals feed in groups. We found that the occurrence probability of wintering Turtle Doves decreased significantly with increasing temperature and rainfall. Birds wintered most often close to wetlands since the overwintering probability decreased with the increasing distance from the recording area to the nearest water body. These are the first and only detailed findings on the migration phenology of the globally vulnerable Turtle Dove in north western Africa.     

Lipid and water depletion in migrating passerines following passage over the Gulf of Mexico

Lipid depletion is currently believed to be the primary factor limiting flight duration of migrating birds in North America, while the influence of water loss is thought to be small. Three migrating species of passerines, wood thrush (Hylocichla mustelina), Swainson's thrush (Catharus ustulatus), and summer tanager (Piranga rubra) were captured during the 1993 spring migration just after crossing the Gulf of Mexico and examined for lipid and water depletion. The redwinged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), a winter resident, was examined for comparison. Although some migrants had low levels of fat, most were not seriously fat-depleted and had much higher lipid levels than red-winged blackbirds. Migrants appeared dehydrated, usually having less than 60% body water and significantly less water than the blackbirds. Recaptured wood thrushes had significantly higher mass than when initially captured. Many of these birds were replenishing significant amounts of water, while the acquisition of lipid mass was dependent on the amount of time the birds spent on the study site. Migrants were significantly fatter but had significantly less water mass when captured during unfavorable weather than under favorable conditions. It appears that both dehydration and lipid depletion are major physiological constraints on migrating passerines.     

四眼斑水龟血浆生殖激素季节性变化

为了进一步探讨四眼斑水龟(Sacalia quadriocellata)的繁殖生理周期和生殖激素分泌特征,使用放射免疫分析测定法(RIA)分别测定了8月(夏季)、10月(秋季)、1月(冬季)、3月(春季)四眼斑水龟血浆中卵泡刺激素(FSH)、促黄体生成素(IJH)、睾酮(T)、雌二醇(E2)、孕酮(P)五种生殖激素的含量.结果显示,四眼斑水龟生殖激素分泌呈现较明显的周期性,激素水平与环境温度的变化有关;雄性T含量夏季开始升高,秋季达到高峰,与精子的发生和成熟同步;雌性T水平升高促进其接受雄性爬胯,且作为雌激素合成的前体物质,间接作用于雌激素的合成;排卵会出现LH峰,E2含量排卵前几个月开始增长,刺激肝生成卵黄;排卵期间P含量较高,可能在排卵过程中发挥作用.     

Isolation and structural characterization of insulin, glucagon and somatostatin from the turtle, Pseudemys scripta

The chelonians occupy an important position in phylogeny representing a very early branching from the ancestral reptile stock. Hormonal polypeptides in an extract of the pancreas of the red-eared turtle were purified to homogeneity by reversed phase HPLC and their primary structures were determined. Turtle insulin is identical to chicken insulin. Turtle glucagon differs from chicken glucagon by the substitution of a serine by a threonine residue at position 16 and from mammalian glucagon by an additional substitution of an asparagine by a serine residue at position 28. Turtle pancreatic somatostatin is identical to mammalian somatostatin-14. The crocodilians are phylogenetically much closer to the birds than are the chelonians. Alligator insulin, however, contains three amino acid substitutions relative to chicken insulin. Thus, caution is required when inferring phylogenetic relationships based upon a comparison of amino acid sequences of homologous peptides.     

Habitat use, foraging ecology and diet of Turtle Doves Streptopelia turtur in Britain

Since 1968, Turtle Doves Streptopelia turtur in Britain have declined in number by 70% and in breeding range by at least 25%. This study was undertaken during the 1998–2000 breeding seasons at two sites in East Anglia to examine habitat use and foraging ecology. Home ranges of radiotagged Turtle Doves were 0.3–1130 ha in size and contained more woodland than expected from availability. Radiotagged birds undertook foraging trips of up to 10 km. Turtle Doves were recorded feeding primarily at 'man-made' sites (i.e. spilt grain, animal feed and grain stores) and were only infrequently recorded feeding at 'natural' sites. Diet analysis showed that wheat and rape seed averaged 61% of the seeds eaten by Turtle Doves. This contrasts with a study undertaken in Britain in the 1960s, when the seeds of wild plants (weeds) constituted over 90% of those eaten, with wheat and rape seeds making up only 5%. The current arrangements for set-aside and agri-environmental schemes provide a framework for the establishment and maintenance of weed-rich areas on farmland as a source of wild food.     

A new method for catching cavity‐nesting birds during egg laying and incubation

ABSTRACT The physiological condition of female birds during the egg‐laying and incubation periods is of considerable interest and yet is relatively understudied in wild birds, primarily due to the difficulty of catching birds during this period without causing nest desertion. We therefore developed a box‐net to capture cavity‐nesting birds using sections of a mist‐net placed around a metal cubic frame. We captured female Great Tits (Parus major) as they left nest boxes during the egg‐laying and incubation periods and measured desertion rates. Using box‐nets, we captured 108 of 119 (90%) females during egg laying and 10 of 12 (83%) during incubation. Our recapture rate over two consecutive days during incubation was 50% (5 of 10). Females not captured left nest boxes before we attempted to capture them, escaped through a hole in the mist‐net, or remained in nest boxes for more than 2 h, after which we ended capture attempts. Overall, 22% of egg‐laying females deserted, with desertion rates highest early in the egg‐laying period. Desertion rates of females captured using box‐nets did not differ from those of undisturbed females. One of 10 females captured in a box‐net deserted during the incubation period. Box‐nets are portable, can be set up and taken down quickly and easily, and could potentially be used with nest boxes or natural cavities at any height. Box‐nets are easy to construct and adaptable for use with an array of cavity‐nesting birds, and can be an important tool for studying female physiology during egg laying and incubation.