新疆木垒波斑鸨的繁殖成功率

作者于 1998～ 2 0 0 0年 4～ 7月 ,采用野外直接观察、栖息地植被样方调查和无线电跟踪等方法对分布于新疆木垒的波斑鸨 (Chlamydotiundulatamacqueenii)种群的繁殖生态进行了初步观察与研究。考察中共发现45个巢、 84窝幼雏。研究结果表明 ,木垒波斑鸨有两个产卵高峰期 ,表明雌鸟第一次繁殖失败后可能再次产卵。雌鸟营巢成功率平均为 0 5 0 5。波斑鸨的窝卵数在 2～ 6枚之间 ,出现 4枚卵的频率最高。第一产卵期内的平均窝卵数 ( 4 0± 0 8枚 /窝 )大于第二产卵期内的平均窝卵数 ( 3 3± 0 8枚 /窝 )。木垒波斑鸨种群三年间卵孵化率分别为 0 84、 0 80和 1,繁殖成功率为 0 45 6。种群在繁殖期几乎不受人类活动干扰 ,巢卵及幼雏损失主要来自天敌捕食 ,如沙狐、大和棕尾等.     

新疆木垒波斑鸨卵的孵化温度及雌鸟孵化行为的初步研究

1999年 5月 2 2日到 6月 11日 ,在新疆木垒波斑鸨分布区利用装有温度记录仪的假卵成功地监测了2只雌性波斑鸨 (Chlamydotisundulatamacqueenii)的繁殖行为。研究表明 :在孵化期 ,雌鸟的日活动节律呈现出双峰模式 ,即晨昏活动。雌鸟平均每天离巢 3～ 9次 ,每次 8～ 2 6min。孵化过程中 ,雌鸟每天花费 (94±2 ) %的时间孵卵。当雌鸟孵卵时 ,卵的日均孵化温度为 31 9～ 36 5℃。当雌鸟离开巢时 ,卵的温度平均下降到(2 4 9± 3 2 )℃。随着孵化的进行 ,卵的日均温从 31 9℃上升到 36 2℃ ,与环境温度的变化呈正相关。     

吉林白城地区草原栗斑腹(巫鸟)窝卵数、营巢成功率和繁殖成功率的研究

对分布于吉林白城地区草原生境中栗斑腹巫鸟的窝卵数、营巢成功率和繁殖成功率的初步研究结果表明 ,繁殖期栗斑腹巫鸟种群的平均窝卵数为 5 .0 9± 0 .5 8枚 /巢 ;窝卵数与产卵期、出巢数与产卵期、窝卵数与卵大小之间呈负相关 ,产卵期与孵化率之间存在极显著的负相关关系 ,巢外径与窝卵数之间存在显著的正相关关系 ,巢的其余指标均与窝卵数呈正相关 ;平均孵化期为 12± 0 .4 9d ,孵化率为 36 .3% ,繁殖成功率为 11.11% ;7日龄以上的雏鸟群体大小为 2 .5 6± 1.5 3只 ,栗斑腹巫鸟的雏鸟存活率为 2 7.6 9% .     

营巢类型、巢捕食和窝卵数对高寒草甸雀形目雏鸟生长期的影响

根据1998—2001年高寒草甸10种雀形目鸟类的窝卵数、雏期和巢捕食数据,以Logistic方程拟合雏鸟生长过程,并计算出有关生长率参数;根据营巢类型将10种雀形目鸟划分为开放或半开放类群(GOB)和全封闭穴居类群(HCB)两类,将把雏鸟的生长过程划分为3个生长期(缓增期、快增期和渐增期)。3个生长期占雏期的比例因营巢类型而异,GOB类群快增期>渐增期>缓增期;HCB类群渐增期>快增期>缓增期。分析营巢类型、巢捕食和窝卵数与各生长期之间的关系,结果表明3个生长期的体重积累占离巢时体重的比例因巢型不同而有显著差异;营巢类型和巢捕食显著影响各生长期占雏期的比例和体重积累占离巢时体重的比例;窝卵数影响快增期和渐增期长度,而不影响缓增期长度。快增期体重积累与渐增期的生长率不相关,但与渐增期长度显著相关。因此,前期的能量积累不影响后期生长率,而影响后期生长的长度。该结果进一步印证在晚成鸟中不存在补偿性生长。     

苍鹭营巢习性的初步观察

2000年3－4月在辽宁省凌源市对苍鹭的营巢习性进行观察表明：苍鹭在营巢过程中雄性外出取材,雌性筑巢,营巢期6－9天;雄性取材次数随着营巢天数的增加而增多,每日取材次数有两个高峰期,即上午7－9时、下午3－5时;巢平均值为外径50cm,内径29．2cm,巢高24cm,巢深11cm,巢材主要为树木枯枝。     

朱Xuan的营巢、产卵、孵化和育雏

系统地总结了1981－200年朱Xuan筑巢、产卵、孵化和育雏的情况,对朱Xuan的繁殖情况进行了全面的评价。在此期间,朱Xuan野生群体共计营巢123窝,产卵363枚,出壳276只,离巢出飞幼鸟216只。朱Xuan的平均窝卵数为3．04枚,窝卵数在年际间无显著差异,孵化期为28天,育雏期为40－45天。在孵化过程中朱Xuan的每日晾卵次数和时间逐渐增加,在育幼过程中亲鸟的喂食量在育雏中期最多,雌雄亲鸟对后代的贡献没有显著差异。近年来朱Xuan营巢地的海拔高度逐渐降低。     

圈养大熊猫营巢行为初步观察

2002年2～6月对卧龙保护大熊猫研究中心的圈养大熊猫“雷雷”在半散放条件下的营巢行为和日摄食量的变化首次进行研究。该雌体在自然交配人工授精后一个月开始表现营巢行为。在4个月的观察过程中,大熊猫“雷雷”大约有371%的时间用于营巢或卧在巢中。营巢和卧巢的时间基本发生在上午900～1130时。营巢行为出现前后,个体的日均摄食量不存在显著差异(P=0519)。相关分析表明,日均摄食量与日营巢频次不存在显著相关关系(R=-063,P>005,n=116)。大熊猫“雷雷”总共在圈舍内3个地点营巢,最终在安全性较高、采光好而郁闭度较低的地点营巢成功。圈养大熊猫对营巢材料没有表现选择性。结果表明复杂多样、接近自然状态的圈舍可能有助于大熊猫物种特有行为的发生。研究结果对大熊猫和其它珍稀濒危动物的保护和管理工作具有一定的指导意义。     

朱鹮营巢生境的分析

在陕西省洋县境内调查了 1 3个朱巢的生境 ,分 1 2个属性记载 ,并做定量统计分析。由模糊聚类分析法把样点分成了近湿地类型区和远湿地类型区 ;由主分量分析证明 ,树型高大、隐蔽度和周围植被条件好、离居民点较近的马尾松或栓皮栎树是朱营巢的优选条件。     

朱()营巢生境的分析

在陕西省洋县境内调查了13个朱()巢的生境,分12个属性记载,并做定量统计分析.由模糊聚类分析法把样点分成了近湿地类型区和远湿地类型区;由主分量分析证明,树型高大、隐蔽度和周围植被条件好、离居民点较近的马尾松或栓皮栎树是朱()营巢的优选条件.     

Restoration of Chlamydotis undulata macqueenii (Houbara Bustard) Populations in Saudi Arabia: A Progress Report

During the last two decades Chlamydotis undulata (houbara bustard) has declined drastically throughout its range, due primarily to over-hunting and severe habitat degradation. The threatened extinction of local populations led the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development of Saudi Arabia to implement ex- and in-situ conservation measures: (1) a captive breeding program initiated in 1986, which achieved production of a self-sustaining breeding flock as well as a surplus for reintroduction by 1992; (2) establishment of a 13,775-km2 protected area around the last known breeding population in Saudi Arabia; (3) studies of wild birds, to determine densities, feeding ecology, and habitat requirements; and (4) studies on different release techniques (adult releases, sub-adult releases, feather-cut sub-adult releases, and covey releases), carried out since 1991 within the 2,300-km² fenced and protected area of the Mahazat as-Sayd reserve.     

Genetic variability characterization of the moroccan houbara bustard (Chlamydotis undulata undulata) inferred from pedigree analysis

A Moroccan Houbara Bustard pedigree was analyzed to evaluate the genetic variability in captive breeding population using genealogical approaches. The whole Houbara breeding flock (WP) for the period 1993–2004 was made up of 531 birds comprising 346 females and 185 males. The reference population (RP) comprised 198 individuals ready for reproduction from 2000 to 2004 cohorts. The corresponding percentage of known ancestors was estimated as 98.23% for the parent generation, 41.19% for the grandparent generation and 7.00% for the great grandparents generation. The average generation interval for Houbara was computed as 4.64 years. Genetic variability loss per generation was ascertained using the effective population size (), the founder genome equivalent (fge), the effective number of ancestors and founders (fa) and (fe), respectively, for the RP and across each cohort. The results showed no bottleneck events in the breed but some loss of genetic variability just after the initiation of the conservation program. However, the annual effective population size based on the realized increase in inbreeding () was estimated to be 207 for the RP and 1,000 for the WP. With regard to conservation breeding schemes, the genealogical evidence presented here is very useful as it revealed the positive effect of migration on Houbara breeding. The mating strategies will assist in the future control and management of the genetic variability of this population. Zoo Biol. 32:366‐373, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Characterization of 22 microsatellites loci from the endangered Houbara bustard (Chlamydotis undulata undulata)

Here we present a new set of 22 microsatellite loci isolated from Chlamydotis undulata undulata, an endangered Houbara bustard found across North Africa. The number of alleles per locus ranged from one to nine, and heterozygosities ranged from 0.167 to 0.944. Total exclusionary probabilities using these loci for the first and the second parent were 0.992932 and 0.999915, respectively. Successful cross‐amplification was observed in eight other Otididae species (12–22 of the 22 loci). These microsatellite markers are powerful tools for genetic identification, paternity assignment and population genetic studies.     

Breeding success in a Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis [undulata] macqueenii population on the eastern fringe of the Jungar Basin, People's Republic of China

Nesting success and chick survival of a migratory population of Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis [undulata] macqueenii were studied during three consecutive years (1998–2000) in the Xinjiang province of north‐west China. A total of 45 nests was monitored and 85 broods comprising 227 chicks were captured, of which 82 chicks were radio‐tracked. Start of laying varied between 6 and 17 April between years but the laying mode fell consistently between 26 and 30 April. Mean clutch size was 4.0 (sd = 0.8) (range 2–6) for early clutches and 3.3 (sd = 1.1) for late clutches (range 2–5). The average nesting success was 0.588 (sd = 0.270) but great variations were observed between years –0.882 in 1998, 0.530 in 1999 and 0.351 in 2000. This was related to increased predation in 1999 and 2000, which is reflected by increased predator density (chiefly Corsac Fox Vulpes corsac and Long‐legged Buzzards Buteo rufinus). The overall hatchability, defined as the proportion of eggs hatched in successful nests was 0.839 sd = 0.238). The average brood size at hatching varied from 2.9 (sd = 0.8) to 3.3 (sd = 0.9) according to years, and no significant decrease in brood size was observed in the first 5 days post‐hatching. In 1999 and 2000 the brood size diminished sharply (14% and 27%, respectively) in prefledging chicks. A further severe decrease (37%) was observed in fledglings in 2000, probably due to predation by raptors. For the 3 years of the study, a successful female Houbara would bring on average 2.3 (sd = 0.9) chicks to fledging and would have lost 30.2% (sd = 14.9%) of its brood to adversity during the rearing process. The proportion of females that lost their entire brood was 0.181 in 1998, 0.708 in 1999 and 0.453 in 2000. For the 3 years of the study, only 55.3% (sd = 26.3%) of the females hatching eggs brought chicks to fledging. The overall chick production was 0.827 per breeding female per year and the probability of an egg laid producing a fledgling of 8 weeks old was 0.190.     

Genetic variation across the current range of the Asian houbara bustard (Chlamydotis undulata macqueenii)

The houbara bustard (Chlamydotisundulata), the main quarry for Arab falconry,is currently threatened by excessive huntingand poaching as well as by habitat loss andfragmentation. We have investigated the geneticdiversity, population structure and demographichistory of houbara bustards across theirgeographical range by analyzing mitochondrial(mt)DNA sequences (a 370 bp fragment of controlregion I and a 264 bp fragment of thecytochrome b gene) and 4 microsatelliteloci in 74 individuals sampled from the CanaryIslands to China. Both markers revealed low tomoderate diversity that could be partitionedinto two monophyletic groups or evolutionarysignificant units belonging to the NorthAfrican (C. u. undulata) and Asian (C. u. macqueenii) subspecies. A history ofrelatively recent population growth (35,000years ago) accompanied by range expansion isthe most likely demographic scenario for theAsian subspecies. In addition, Macqueen'sbustards are able to disperse efficiently overbroad areas, which is consistent with ourinference of weak phylogeographic structure(global F _ST = 0.20 and 0.04 formtDNA and microsatellites, respectively) andhigh levels of homogenizing gene flow on widegeographical scales. We therefore suggest thatmanagement actions should focus on maintainingmigratory connectivity between breeding andnon-breeding areas.     

Neurotransmitters regulating acid secretion in the proventriculus of the Houbara bustard (Chlamydotis undulata): a morphological viewpoint

Endocrine cells containing somatostatin (Som), gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and nerve fibers containing choline acetyl transferase (ChAT), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), galanin (Gal), substance P (SP), and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) were immunolocalized in the proventriculus of the Houbara bustard, Chlamydotis undulata. While GRP-immunoreactive (GRP-IR) cells occur in the inner zone, somatostatin (Som-IR) and polyclonal nNOS (nNOS-IR) immunoreactive cells were localized mainly in the peripheral zone of submucosal glands. GRP-IR, Som-IR, and nNOS-IR cells were occasionally observed in the walls of the gastric glands. Endocrine cells are of the closed variety and usually possess apical processes extending along the basal surfaces of adjacent nonreactive cells. Ultrastructural features of these cells are typical. ChAT, Gal, SP, VIP, and TH were immunolocalized in nerve fibers and terminals in the walls of arterioles and capillaries at the periphery of submucosal glands. Immunoreactivity to monoclonal nNOS occurred mainly in neuronal cell bodies in ganglia located around the submucosal glands. ChAT and TH immunoreactive cell bodies were also occasionally seen around the submucosal glands in the peripheral region. Immunoreactivity to Gal, SP, and VIP, but not ChAT or TH, was discernible around the walls of gastric glands. It was concluded that the distribution of neurotransmitters in neuronal structures is similar, but that of the endocrine cells varies from that of some avian species. The roles of these neurotransmitters in the regulation of acid secretion are discussed.     

Forest Restoration Treatment Effects on the Nesting Success of Western Bluebirds (Sialia mexicana)

We examined the effects of presettlement forest restoration treatments on the nesting success of Western Bluebirds in ponderosa pine forests of northwestern Arizona, U.S.A. From 1998 to 2001 we monitored 97 active Western Bluebird nests, 41 in current‐condition untreated forest and 56 in restoration‐treated forest. We found no effect of restoration treatments on clutch size and little effect on the number of nestlings per nest. However, in treated forest stands number of fledglings per nest averaged 1.6 times greater, and probability of a nest surviving to successfully fledge at least one young was up to 4.2 times greater than in untreated forest. Probability of a nest succeeding averaged 0.39 ± 0.11 (SE) and 0.75 ± 0.06 from 1999 to 2001 in untreated and treated forests, respectively. In addition, in treated forest, average number of nests infested with the blowfly parasite Protocalliphora sialia was up to 4.3 times greater, and number of parasites per fledgling was up to 10.7 times greater than in untreated forest. Overall, the data suggest that in treated forest Western Bluebirds have a higher probability of successfully fledging young, but they are at greater risk of parasitic infestations, of which the ultimate effects on post‐fledging survival are unknown.