Success of Grizzly Bear Population Augmentation in Northwest Montana

Abstract: Augmentation of large carnivore populations can be a valuable management and recovery tool, but success of many programs has not been well documented. The Cabinet—Yaak grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) population was located in northwestern Montana and northern Idaho, USA, and was estimated at 30–40 individuals. The Cabinet Mountains portion of this area may be isolated from the remainder of the zone and was the site of a test of grizzly bear population augmentation. Experimental objectives included evaluating site fidelity, reproduction, and long-term survival of the translocated bears. Four subadult females (2–6 yr old) were translocated from southeastern British Columbia, Canada, from 1990 to 1994. Three of 4 transplanted bears remained in the target area for ≥1 year and satisfied the short-term goal for site fidelity. Recent genetic evidence gathered through hair-snagging efforts has determined that at least one of the original transplanted animals has reproduced, thereby providing evidence of success for the long-term goals of survival and reproduction.     

Genetic structure and differentiation of Gentiana atuntsiensis W. W. Smith and G. striolata T. N. Ho (Gentianaceae) as revealed by ISSR markers

The Hengduan Mountains are the core region of the Himalaya hotspot, and are renowned for their high levels of endemism. Gentiana atuntsiensis and G. striolata are two closely related and morphologically similar species endemic to this region. In this study, inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were used to investigate the genetic structure within these two species, as well as the differentiation between them. An analysis of molecular variance-derived estimate demonstrated only 13.5% of genetic differentiation between the two species. Considering their adjacent distribution patterns, low genetic divergence, and clear clustering into two groups, it is hypothesized that the two species arose from a rapid and recent speciation event induced mainly by geographical isolation. A relatively high level of genetic diversity was revealed in each species (Shannon's index of diversity: H _sp = 0.324 and 0.391; H _pop = 0.225 and 0.274; for G. atuntsiensis and G. striolata , respectively). Most of the genetic variation was partitioned within populations ( Ø _ST = 0.232 and 0.226 in G. atuntsiensis and G. striolata , respectively). The large population sizes, outcrossing breeding system, and small, light seeds that disperse widely may explain the genetic structure in both species.  © 2007 The Linnean Society of London. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2007, 154 , 225–232.     

Feeding habitats of blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) during winter and spring in Helan Mountains, China

The feeding habitat selection of blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur)was studied by direct observation method in the Helan Mountains,China during winter (from November to December)and spring (from April to June)from 2003 to 2004.We established 25 line transects to collect information on feeding habitats used by blue sheep.Blue sheep in the study area preferred mountain savanna forests,a habitat dominated by Ulmus glaucescens,with medium tree density (＜4 individuals/400 m2),moderate tree height (4-6 m),higher shrub density (＞5 individuals/100 m2),higher shrub (＞1.3 m),higher food abundance (＞50 g),moderate distance to human disturbance (＜500 m),and mild distance to bare rock (＜2 m).Such habitats characterized by 12 ecological factors were preferred as feeding areas by blue sheep during winter.Similar to habitat selection by the species during winter,blue sheep also showed a preference for mountain savanna with tree dominated by Ulmus glaucescens and medium tree density (＜4 individuals/400 m2)during spring.Nevertheless,blue sheep preferred medium tree height (＜6 m),moderate tree density (5-10 individuals/100 m2),medium shrub height (1.3-1.7 m),higher food abundance (＞100 g),moderate altitude (＜2 000 m),moderate distance to water resource (＜500 m),and medium hiding cover (50%-75%)during spring.Selection of the feeding habitats by sheep showed a significant difference in vegetation type,landform feature,dominant tree,tree height,shrub density,distance to the nearest shrub,food abundance,slope direction,slope degree,distance to water resource,and hiding cover between winter and spring.Results of principal components analysis indicated that the first principal component accounted for 24.493%of the total variance among feeding habitat variance during winter,with higher loadings for vegetation type,dominant tree,tree height,distance to the nearest tree,shrub density,shrub height,altitude,distance to water resource,and distance to human disturbance.In spring,the first principal components explained 28.777%of the variance,with higher loadings for vegetation type,distance to the nearest tree,shrub height,distance to the nearest shrub,food abundance,altitude,and distance to human disturbance.     

Spatio-temporal ecology and density of badgers <Emphasis Type="Italic">Meles meles</Emphasis> in the Swiss Jura Mountains

This study reports for the first time data on the spatio-temporal ecology of badgers living in a cold and wet mountain region (Swiss Jura Mountains). The home range, movements, activity patterns and habitat use of three badgers (two males, one female) were examined using radiotelemetry. Average home range size was 320 ha (MCP 100%), but the ranging behaviour of badgers varied at a seasonal scale. As in other regions, badgers were strictly nocturnal or crepuscular and showed a marked reduction of activity in the winter period. From spring to autumn, animals were active for an average (±SD) of 8.1 ± 2.4 h and travelled up to 9,460 m each night (mean±SD, 5,160 ± 2,600 m). The nightly distance travelled by badgers was positively correlated with their travel speed, the duration of the activity period and the used area, but not with night length. Year-round, the radio-collared animals avoided pastures and the vicinity of houses during their night trips. In winter and spring, individual badgers used forests and wooded pastures more than expected according to their availability, whereas cereal fields were actively selected in summer and autumn. Den-watching, night-lighting and radio-tracking data suggest that badgers live in pairs in this wet and cold region. Population density estimates range from 0.4 to 1.5 individuals/100 ha. We discuss the importance of trophic resources and climate as factors influencing badger behavioural ecology.     

Microbial assemblages reflect environmental heterogeneity in alpine streams

Alpine streams are dynamic habitats harboring substantial biodiversity across small spatial extents. The diversity of alpine stream biota is largely reflective of environmental heterogeneity stemming from varying hydrological sources. Globally, alpine stream diversity is under threat as meltwater sources recede and stream conditions become increasingly homogeneous. Much attention has been devoted to macroinvertebrate diversity in alpine headwaters, yet to fully understand the breadth of climate change threats, a more thorough accounting of microbial diversity is needed. We characterized microbial diversity (specifically Bacteria and Archaea) of 13 streams in two disjunct Rocky Mountain subranges through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Our study encompassed the spectrum of alpine stream sources (glaciers, snowfields, subterranean ice, and groundwater) and three microhabitats (ice, biofilms, and streamwater). We observed no difference in regional (γ) diversity between subranges but substantial differences in diversity among (β) stream types and microhabitats. Within‐stream (α) diversity was highest in groundwater‐fed springs, lowest in glacier‐fed streams, and positively correlated with water temperature for both streamwater and biofilm assemblages. We identified an underappreciated alpine stream type—the icy seep—that are fed by subterranean ice, exhibit cold temperatures (summer mean <2°C), moderate bed stability, and relatively high conductivity. Icy seeps will likely be important for combatting biodiversity losses as they contain similar microbial assemblages to streams fed by surface ice yet may be buffered against climate change by insulating debris cover. Our results show that the patterns of microbial diversity support an ominous trend for alpine stream biodiversity; as meltwater sources decline, stream communities will become more diverse locally, but regional diversity will be lost. Icy seeps, however, represent a source of optimism for the future of biodiversity in these imperiled ecosystems.     

大小兴安岭针叶树倒木上木腐真菌的物种多样性

木腐真菌在森林生态系统中具有丰富的物种多样性, 并在倒木的降解过程中发挥重要的生态功能。针叶树是大小兴安岭森林生态系统的优势树种, 因此研究针叶树倒木木腐真菌物种多样性和影响其物种分布的相关环境因子有助于揭示大小兴安岭森林生态系统物质循环的机理。本研究收集了近16年对大小兴安岭地区冷杉属(Abies)、落叶松属(Larix)、云杉属(Picea)和松属(Pinus) 4类针叶树倒木上1,561份木腐真菌标本的采集信息, 统计了物种种类及其腐朽类型, 并选取具有代表性的地点开展木腐真菌群落多样性及其与环境因子的相关性分析。结果显示, 大小兴安岭针叶树倒木木腐真菌有166种, 隶属于70属, 其中白腐真菌有111种, 占所有种类的66.9%, 褐腐真菌为55种, 占所有种类的33.1%。在4类针叶树倒木上均能生长的真菌种类有19种, 占所有种类的11.5%, 其中柔丝干酪孔菌(Oligoporus sericeomollis)是各类倒木上木腐真菌群落中的优势种。大兴安岭地区落叶松属为优势寄主, 其倒木上生长的木腐真菌种类数和个体数在4类倒木中均为最高; 而小兴安岭地区松属倒木上木腐真菌种类数和个体数比其他3类倒木高, 是该地区的优势寄主。对6个代表性地区木腐真菌群落的研究显示, 有11种真菌在6个地区均有分布, 小兴安岭地区木腐真菌多样性普遍高于大兴安岭地区; 聚类分析显示树种比地理位置对木腐真菌物种分布的影响更大。     

大兴安岭地区可培养毛霉门真菌多样性与分布

为查明大兴安岭地区可培养毛霉门真菌的资源、多样性及其分布, 本研究选取9个代表市县, 采集了279份枯枝落叶、腐殖质、土壤和粪便样品, 采用稀释平板挑取法、稀释平板切块法和样品直接培养挑取法进行分离培养。通过形态初步观察鉴定, 共得到毛霉门真菌1,153株。选取代表性的菌株706株, 基于真菌分子条形码ITS rDNA进行分子系统发育多样性分析, 明确了毛霉门真菌总计3目8科10属38种。优势属为被孢霉属(Mortierella)、伞形霉属(Umbelopsis)和毛霉属(Mucor), 优势种为类变形被孢霉(Mortierella amoeboidea)、冻土毛霉(Mucor hiemalis)和深黄伞形霉(Umbelopsis isabellina)。本文同时汇总了全国已报道毛霉亚门和被孢霉亚门共计26属的分布, 分析了大兴安岭优势属和优势种在全国的分布。按三大主要生态区(东部湿润、半湿润生态区, 西北干旱、半干旱生态区和青藏高原高寒生态区)对所有属进行区域分析, 结果表明: 有9个属在3个大区都有分布; 对特有属而言, 东部湿润、半湿润生态区发现9个, 西北干旱、半干旱生态区仅有1个, 青藏高原高寒生态区未发现。     

A Levalloisian jasper cache from the Arts Bogdyn Nuruu massif in the Gobi Altai Mountains,southern Mongolia

A Pleistocene deposit of jasper cores was discovered in the Gobi Altai Mountains, within the Arts Bogdyn Nuruu massif in southern Mongolia. It was situated on a mountain ridge above the Khutul Usny valley at a height of ca. 1500 m a.s.l., away from human settlement (N44°16′09.3″, E102°53′41.5″). Examination of traces of the artefacts’ use proved that at least some of them display evidence of working. Technological analysis of the artefacts revealed that the find should be related to the Levallois-Mousterian population of the central Asian Middle Palaeolithic. The cache from Arts Bogdyn Nuruu is the first discovery of this type recorded within the Gobi Desert. It is a potential source of information contributing to the discussion of the specific nature of raw material exploitation, the dynamics of settlement and hunting strategies in the Altai region.     

气候变化和不同强度造林对大兴安岭主要树种林分信息和地上生物量的长期影响

气候变化及相应火干扰在不同尺度上影响着我国大兴安岭地区森林动态,且在未来的影响可能继续加剧。为了提高森林生态功能和应对气候变暖,国家在分类经营基础上全面实施抚育采伐和补植造林,效果较好,但抚育采伐对森林主要树种的长期影响知之甚少,其在未来气候下的可持续性也有待进一步评估,同时,探讨造林措施对未来森林的影响也显得尤为重要。本文运用森林景观模型LANDIS PRO,模拟气候变化及火干扰、采伐和造林对大兴安岭地区主要树种的长期影响。结果表明:1)模型初始化、短期和长期模拟结果均得到了有效验证,模拟结果与森林调查数据之间无显著性差异(P0.05),基于火烧迹地数据的林火干扰验证亦能够反映当前火干扰的效果,模型模拟结果的可信度较高;2)与当前气候相比,气候变暖及火干扰明显改变了树种组成、年龄结构和地上生物量,B1气候下研究区森林基本上以针叶树种为主要树种,A2气候下优势树种向阔叶树转变;3)与无采伐预案相比,当前气候下,抚育采伐使落叶松的林分密度和地上生物量分别降低了(165±94.9)株/hm~2和(8.5±5.1) Mg/hm~2,增加了樟子松、白桦和云杉等树木株数和地上生物量(3.3—753.4株/hm~2和0.2—4.0 Mg/hm~2),而对山杨的影响较小;B1和A2气候下抚育采伐显著改变林分密度,降低景观尺度地上生物量,进而表现为不可持续;4)B1气候下,推荐实施中低强度造林预案(10%和20%强度),在A2气候下,各强度造林均可在模拟后期增加树种地上生物量。     

积雪对祁连山亚高山草甸土壤呼吸速率的影响

草地作为陆地生态系统的重要组成部分,是分布最广的植被类型之一,全球草地面积约占陆地面积的1/4,土壤碳储量约占全球总碳储量的1/5,在气候变化和陆地生态系统的碳循环方面起着重要作用。我国各类天然草原面积近4亿hm~2,约占国土面积的41.7%,草地的总碳储量约占陆地生态系统总碳储量的16.7%,其中土壤层占93.1%,在碳储量中占有重要的地位。土壤呼吸是陆地生态系统碳循环的主要环节,其中草地土壤呼吸占陆地土壤呼吸量的5.6%,因此草地土壤碳库正成为草地生态系统研究的热点。祁连山草地资源丰富,亚高山草甸是祁连山自然保护区的基质景观。积雪作为冰冻圈的重要组成部分,对土壤温度和土壤水分具有调控作用,是影响土壤呼吸的重要因素,但是目前关于积雪对土壤呼吸的影响研究少见。研究区选择祁连山中部天涝池流域,利用LI-8100开路式土壤碳通量测定系统,探讨了土壤不同融化状态下积雪对祁连山亚高山草甸生态系统呼吸速率和土壤呼吸速率的影响,并分析了地表温度和土壤温度、地表空气相对湿度和土壤体积含水量对土壤呼吸的影响。结果表明:(1)雪覆盖降低了生态系统呼吸和土壤呼吸速率,但当日融化的积雪对次日生态系统呼吸有促进作用;(2)呼吸速率与土壤温度和地表温度呈显著指数关系(P0.01),与地表空气相对湿度呈线性相关关系。降雪后,全融土壤中呼吸速率与温度和地表空气相对湿度间的相关性好;(3)温度较高时,温度对呼吸速率的作用强;温度较低时,温度对呼吸速率的影响不大。