An additional specimen of a large-bodied Miocene hominoid from Chiang Muan, northern Thailand

Chiang Muan is the first Miocene fossil site in Southeast Asia, from which large-bodied Miocene hominoids have been discovered (Kunimatsu et al., Primate Res 16:299, 2000a). In this article, we describe a hominoid lower molar (CMu15-501) recovered from the Upper Lignite Member of Chiang Muan. The age of Chiang Muan is estimated to be latest Middle or earliest Late Miocene (around 11 Ma), based on the mammalian fauna.This revised version was published online in April 2005 with corrections to the cover date of the issue.     

Analysis of Pig Consumption by Smallholders in a Hillside Swidden Agriculture Society of Northern Thailand

Previous studies on the hillside farmers of northern Thailand often focused on their swidden (slash-and-burn) agriculture of upland rice and cash crop cultivation and paid little attention to livestock production and consumption, including that of pigs. I describe the household-level pig production and consumption in terms of the number of pigs slaughtered and the number of pigs supplied to others, or acquired from others, in a Hmong village of smallholders in northern Thailand. Study results are based on pig consumption in 17 selected households over two years (January 2005 to December 2006). The number of pigs slaughtered in each household ranged from zero to ten, with an average of 2.4 pigs per household per year. Pigs were slaughtered mainly for ritual events, particularly for annual ancestor worship and New Year ceremonies. A total of 80 pigs were slaughtered, with 78% being killed during ritual events including Christmas and 22% for non-ritual events including children moving up a grade in school. Most Christian households stopped slaughtering of pigs in ancestor worship conducted by a shaman, but continued to do so in Christmas and New Year rituals. A total of 23 pigs were supplied to others, of which two were given to people outside the village, while of a total of 37 pigs acquired, 17 were obtained from outside the village. A total of 80 pigs were slaughtered, including one improved-breed pig that was killed during a marriage ceremony soon after it was acquired from the city. The following changes in pig consumption are inferred to have taken place due to recent socioeconomic changes: (1) diversification of the type of events in which pigs are slaughtered as a result of the introduction of Christianity and the national educational system; (2) active pig acquisition from outside the village as a result of the use of motor vehicles; and (3) the acquisition and slaughtering for events of improved-breeds of pigs which are not kept and used for breeding.     

西双版纳生物多样性保护和可持续发展研究:本论文集的说明

西双版纳是保存有大面积热带森林的地区,倍受海内外的关注.从本世纪30～40年代到90年代的研究表明西双版纳处于热带亚热带过渡地带的特殊性,其生态环境和生物成分不仅在生物演化中意义显要而且也是发展地方经济的重要资源.西双版纳为多民族聚居区,居住着傣族、爱尼族约20个民族或未定族群.各民族有其特殊的土地和自然资源利用传统.随着人口增加和经济发展,特别是橡胶种植的扩大,严重地损坏了西双版纳的热带森林及其生态环境,也使优秀传统文化在丧失.保护生态环境和优秀传统文化成了西双版纳可持续发展的关键.     

Antimicrobial resistance in Campylobacter isolated from food animals and humans in northern Thailand

A study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Campylobacter with antimicrobial resistance from chickens, pigs, dairy cows, healthy farm workers, and children hospitalized with diarrhea in northern Thailand. Resistance was highest in pig samples and lowest in healthy farm workers. Resistance to fluoroquinolones and tetracycline was high in all study populations. The increased prevalence of resistant isolates from meat samples collected at markets, compared to isolates collected from animals on the farm or the slaughterhouse, suggests that contamination after carcasses leave the slaughterhouse is an important factor in the spread of resistant bacteria into the human food chain.     

Identifying complementary areas for conservation in Thailand: an example using owls, hawkmoths and tiger beetles

Setting priorities in biodiversity conservation requires that explicit, efficient and appropriate methods are developed and made available to conservation managers. The principle of complementarity is fundamental to the most efficient of these methods. Given a goal of only a single representation of each taxon, complementarity analysis of data sets of owls, hawkmoths and tiger beetles in Thailand yields near-minimum sets of 6, 14 and 34 areas, respectively. The consensus of these sets comprises 48 areas. However, when the data are combined into a single data set, complementarity analysis gives a more efficient solution of 46 areas. Over 90% of the owls, hawkmoths and tiger beetles are already represented as a minimum of one population within the current protected areas network of Thailand. However, an additional 18 areas are still required for complete representation. Several of these additional areas are discussed and their potential contribution to biodiversity conservation in Thailand examined. Khao Pok Yo and Doi Pa Hom Pok are noted as being of particular importance. The case of Sanpatong emphasizes the need to remain aware of the biology and ecology of the species under study.     

Plant collecting spread and densities: their potential impact on biogeographical studies in Thailand

Aims To produce representative aggregate maps of plant collection locations in Thailand and discuss their impact on biogeographical studies in Thailand and the surrounding region. Location Thailand. Methods A representative data set comprising 6593 plant specimen records for Thailand has been assembled. The data set contains ± all known collections for fifteen representative plant families and further records for another 104. All records are localized to Changwat (province), 6441 to at least quarter degree square. Results Analysis shows that the spread of collecting activity in Thailand is markedly uneven; 20% of collections come from a single Changwat (Chiang Mai) and 53% of Changwat have fifty or fewer collections. The distribution of collections by Changwat and by quarter degree square is erratic with most squares and Changwat having few collections, both in proportionate and absolute terms. Some of the most densely forested Changwats and squares appear undercollected. Distribution maps for common, easily recognized tree species in the genus Syzygium show distributional gaps. Conclusions Thailand is defined as an undercollected country. Even within the few well‐collected quarter degree squares the spread of collecting is still poor; almost all collections being localized to one of three mountain ranges or their foothills. There are many gaps in collecting activity which make impossible a straightforward interpretation of biogeographical pattern. It is argued that targeted collecting activity is needed, that assembly of this type of data set is therefore essential and that our data set and its interpretation is a model for all countries in the region.     

The ecology and distribution of lichens in tropical deciduous and evergreen forests of northern Thailand

During three years of research on epiphytic lichen communities as indicators of environmental change in northern Thailand plots were set up in a range of forest types between 400 and 1600 m in 1991/2 and revisited in 1993. Other areas were visited in 1993 and collections made in a wider range of geographical, altitudinal and vegetation conditions in Thailand. From this data factors influencing the distribution of lichens in a monsoon climate are outlined and characteristic components of the lichen flora given at family, generic and where possible specific level. Dominant taxa of the montane forests include hygrophilous macrolichens of the 'Lobarion' that are also a characteristic component of old growth fagaceous forests in Europe, whereas the evergreen forests are dominated by moisture-dependent crustose taxa with a trentepohlioid photobiont, and the deciduous dipterocarp forests by often brightly coloured xerophytic lichens with a trebouxioid photobiont. Taxa are proposed as indicators of forest type including those that are indicators of old-growth forests and of disturbance. Quantitative recording of selected taxa at genus and species level is suggested to estimate rates of change in monsoon forests in southeast Asia.     

印度－太平洋史前学会第15届大会在泰国召开

印度－太平洋史前学会第１５届大会在泰国召开新年伊始,来自２０多个国家和地区的２００多名代表云集泰国北部名城清迈,出席１９９４年１月５－１２日举行的印度一太平洋史前学会第１５届大会．在这次四年一度的学术盛会上,学者们就本区早期人类及文化、早期农业及商品...     

The persistence and conservation of Borneo’s mammals in lowland rain forests managed for timber: observations, overviews and opportunities

Lowland rainforests on Borneo are being degraded and lost at an alarming rate. Studies on mammals report species responding in various ways to habitat changes that occur in commercial forestry concessions. Here we draw together information on the relationship between the ecological, evolutionary, and biogeographic characteristics of selected Bornean non-volant mammals, and their response to timber harvesting and related impacts. Only a minority of species show markedly reduced densities after timber harvesting. Nonetheless there are many grounds for concern as various processes can, and often do, reduce the viability of wildlife populations. Our review of what we know, and of current understanding, helps predict mammalian dynamics and subsequent mammal-induced ecosystem changes in logged forests. We identify groups of mammal species that, although largely unstudied, are unlikely to tolerate the impacts associated with timber harvesting. On a positive note we find and suggest many relatively simple and low-cost ways in which concession management practices might be modified so as to improve the value of managed forests for wildlife conservation. Improving forest management can play a vital role in maintaining the rich biodiversity of Borneo’s tropical rain forests.     

Relationships between predatory aquatic insects and mosquito larvae in residential areas in northern Thailand

In order to elucidate the poorly understood relationships between mosquito larvae and their predatory aquatic insects in urban and suburban areas of tropical Southeast Asia, where vector‐borne diseases are prevalent, aquatic insects were sampled from 14 aquatic habitats in residential areas of Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, during the rainy season (July to November) in 2016. Correlations among biological variables, densities of major predatory aquatic insect groups (i.e., Odonata, Coleoptera, and Hemiptera: OCH group) in wetlands and artificial lentic habitats, and the density of mosquito larvae were analyzed. Among the sampled mosquito larvae, Culex spp. were the most abundant, and both OCH density and water quality were major determinants of Culex spp. density (r_s = ?0.302 and ?0.396, respectively). Logistic regression analyses indicated that the probability of Culex spp. occurrence was significantly and negatively correlated with OCH density. Furthermore, high macrophyte abundance was associated with higher predator density, potentially reducing mosquito density. Hemipteran predators were most negatively correlated with Culex spp. density, regardless of whether macrophyte abundance was high or low (r_s = ?0.547 and ?0.533, respectively). Therefore, hemipteran predators were the most important aquatic insect predators in the urban and suburban residential areas of Chiang Mai, Thailand, and OCH species, such as the hemipteran Micronecta scutellaris, could be used as biological control agents against mosquitoes in the region.     

Morphological and molecular profiling of Spirogyra from northeastern and northern Thailand using inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers

Green algae, Spirogyra (Chlorophyta), are found in a wide range of habitats including small stagnant water bodies, rivers, and streams. Species identification of Spirogyra based on morphological characteristics has proven to be a difficult process. An accurate identification method is required to evaluate genetic variations. This study is aimed at investigating the molecular profiling of 19 samples of Spirogyra from northern and northeastern Thailand. The morphological characteristics of each sample were recorded, viz. cell dimensions (width and length), along with the number and arrangement of chloroplast spirals/pyrenoids. With regard to a correlation of the biological and ecological parameters, conductivity was clearly significantly related to the number of pyrenoids. While DO is negatively related to the number of chloroplast spirals. Molecular studies with 10 ISSR primers were amplified to examine the DNA fingerprints. Morphological characters were determined to be significantly different by revealing 5 traits (P < 0.05) for all specimens. In addition, the DNA markers of all specimens were investigated using 10 ISSR primers. The results show that the PCR technique amplified 108 fragments. An analysis of the DNA fragments grouped all samples by ISRR-PCR, which were then separated into two groups according to their distribution.     

Occurrence and HAT-RAPD analysis of gastrointestinal helminths in domestic chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) in Phayao province,northern Thailand

The present study determined the prevalence and distribution of gastrointestinal helminths in domestic chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) between November 2012 and August 2013. One hundred and twenty domestic chickens were purchased from villages in four districts of Phayao province; Mae Chai, Dok Khamtai, Chun and Chiang Kham. Morphological differences were used to identify the helminth species, and HAT-RAPD technique was used to differentiate among closely related species. The results revealed that the total prevalence of infection was 99.2%. Cestode and nematode infections showed the highest prevalence in rainy season, while trematode infections were low and only found in hot season. The species and their prevalence were: Ascaridia galli (50.8%), Heterakis gallinarum (86.7%), Prosthogonimus macrorchis (1.7%), Echinostoma revolutum (0.8%), Raillietina echinobothrida (48.3%), Raillietina tetragona (57.5%), Raillietina cesticillus (12.5%), Raillietina sp. (35.8%), Cotugnia chiangmaii (14.2%) and Cotugnia sp. (32.5%). The prevalence of helminth infections did not differ significantly between male and female chickens. HAT-RAPD analysis, the specific fragment of 400 and 250 bp indicated that Raillietina sp. and Cotugnia sp. found, respectively, differ from other closely related species. This study has confirmed that HAT-RAPD technique can be used to differentiate among related species combined with morphological observations.     

泰国Khao Yai国家公园豹猫和云豹的生态和保护

于1997年10月到1999年10月在泰国KhaoYai国家公园对两种同域分布的物种（即豹猫和云豹）进行了研究。使用带诱饵的陷阱捕捉了这些动物,进行麻醉,确定了性别、年龄,并戴上了无线电项圈,对6只雌性豹猫和4只雄性豹猫进行了1—18个月的无线电追踪。豹猫在干旱季节的利用区域大于雨季,雄性利用的区域大于雌性。在夜间和晨昏时节,豹猫活动增加,但是并没有节律性活动。所有豹猫个体在旱季和雨季的活动都相似,但雄性个体的白天活动多于雌性。豹猫的行走距离有性别差异但是没有季节差异;其食物以鼠类为主。分别对1只雌性云豹和1只雄性云豹进行了17个月和7个月的无线电追踪,雌性个体的活动面积为39．4km^2,而雄性个体活动面积为42．2km^2,核心区都是2．9km2。云豹对半绿林的使用大于其它类型的植被,在晨昏和夜间的活动增加,其活动无节律。     

Detection of Rickettsia and Anaplasma from hard ticks in Thailand

We collected a total of 169 adult hard ticks and 120 nymphs from under the leaves of plants located along tourist nature trails in ten localities. The results present data examining the vector competence of ticks of different genera and the presence of Rickettsia and Anaplasma species. The ticks belonged to three genera, Amblyomma, Dermacentor, and Haemaphysalis, comprising 11 species. Rickettsia bacteria were detected at three collection sites, while Anaplasma bacteria were detected at only one site. Phylogenetic analysis revealed new rickettsia genotypes from Thailand that were closely related to Rickettsia tamurae, Rickettsia monacensis, and Rickettsia montana. This study was also the first to show that Anaplasma bacteria are found in Haemaphysalis shimoga ticks and are closely related evolutionarily to Anaplasma bovis. These results provide additional information for the geographical distribution of tick species and tick‐borne bacteria in Thailand and can therefore be applied for ecotourism management.     

Biology and control of the fruit borer, Conopomorpha sinensis Bradley on litchi （Litchi chinensis Sonn.） in northern Thailand

Fruit and leaf shoot of litchi （Litchi chinensis） infestation by naturally occurring populations of the fruit bprer, Conopomorpha sinensis larvae and C. sinensis parasitization rates were determined in litchi orchards in northern Thailand at high （ca. 1 400 m ASL） and low （ca. 800 m ASL） elevations with different, non-overlapping fruiting seasons. In addition, spray applications of Bacillus thuringiensis var. aizawai, the natural compound spinosad and the chemical pesticide imidacloprid were conducted in the field to test the effects of these agents on C. sinensis fruit infestation rate. Fruit infestation rate and fruit growth, studied in a low elevation orchard, were sigmoidal and showed a highly significant positive correlation （P ≤ 0.01）. Leaf shoot infestation rate in the low elevation orchard decreased in the course of the fruiting season （March until May）, but increased in the high elevation orchard, where no fruits were present within the same period of time. Together, these results indicate that females of C. sinensis clearly prefer fruits over shoots for oviposition. If no fruits are available, which was the case in the high elevation orchard during that time, they are constrained to lay their eggs on shoots. The parasitization rate of C. sinensis larvae in untreated fruits was 54.3%. The parasitoid species were Chelonus chailini （90.8%） and Phanerotoma sp. （9.2%）. In the leaf shoots, C. sinensis was found to be parasitized by Phanerotoma sp. and Apanteles briareus. The applications of the different active agents had no significant effect on C. sinensis fruit infestation compared to the untreated control. Besides the cryptic life of the larvae, this is most probably explained by the fact that C. sinensis has several generations during the fruiting season. Because of the high parasitization rates recorded, an alternative and more effective control measure than the application of pesticides might be the augmentative release of parasitoids.     

Biodiversity and biodiversity conservation in Yunnan, China

Yunnan, an inland province at a low latitude and high elevation, lying between 21°09–29°15 N and 97°32–106°12 E in southwestern China, has a vast territory with diversified and unique nature resources. There are more than 18000 high plant species (51.6% of China's total) and 1836 vertebrate species (54.8% of China's total) living in Yunnan on a land area of 39.4 × 10⁴km², i.e., only 4.1% of China's total. Among 15000 seed plants found in Yunnan there are 151 rare and endangered plant species (42.6% of China's protected plants). Out of 335 China priority protected wild animals, Yunnan has 243 species, accounting for 72.5% of China's total, 15% of which are species endemic to Yunnan. However, Yunnan's biodiversity is faced with the menace of excessive exploitation of resources and changes in environmental conditions caused by the activities of an expanding human population. This paper discusses the background, the composition, and the structure of Yunnan's biodiversity. Its biodiversity fragility and the threatened situation are also discussed. Suggestions and recommendations on the strategy and actions of Yunnan biodiversity conservation and sustainable development are proposed.     

Wildlife trade,consumption and conservation awareness in southwest China

Commercial trade in wildlife is the major cause of species endangerment and a main threat to animal welfare in China and its neighboring countries. Driven by consumptive use for food and traditional medicine, the large volume of both legal and illegal trade in wildlife has caused great destruction to ecosystems and pushed many species to the brink of extinction. Data gathered from trading hubs at ports, boundary markets, city markets and stores, indicates the large amount of wildlife traded in the region of Guangxi, Yunnan and Qinghai provinces, a direct result of the numerous wildlife markets available. In a survey distributed in various trading places, while about half of the respondents agreed that wildlife should be protected, 60% of them had consumed wildlife at some point in the last 2 years. The results also indicated that law and regulation on wildlife trade control is insufficient. Wildlife trade controls are very limited because of bias on the utilization of wildlife as a natural resource to be exploited by the government agencies. The survey also shows that the current situation of wildlife consumption in key cities in China is serious, especially the consumption for food. The main consumption groups in China are male and young people with high education levels and good incomes. The key in public awareness publicity and education is to give them more information on the negative impacts of wildlife consumption and knowledge of protection.