Predation on giant flying squirrels (Petaurista philippensis) by black crested gibbons (Nomascus concolor jingdongensis) at Mt. Wuliang, Yunnan, China

Predation on vertebrates is infrequent in gibbons. In a 14-month field study of the central Yunnan black crested gibbon (Nomascus concolor jingdongensis) at Mt. Wuliang, Yunnan, China, we observed gibbons attacking, killing and eating giant flying squirrels (Petaurista philippensis). During 845 h of observation on one study group, the gibbons attacked giant flying squirrels 11 times, and succeeded in 4 cases. Although all members of the group attempted to attack the squirrels, all four successful attacks were made by the same adult female. The victims were infants in three cases and a juvenile or sub-adult in one case. Black crested gibbons also attacked adult giant flying squirrels by grabbing their long tails and throwing them from the canopy, but they failed to catch or kill the prey in three cases observed. Passive meat sharing occurred in three out of four successful cases. Besides hunting giant flying squirrels, the black crested gibbons also ate eggs or chicks in two birds’ nests and one lizard.     

Gibbons under seasonal stress: the diet of the black crested gibbon (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Nomascus concolor</Emphasis>) on Mt. Wuliang,Central Yunnan,China

The diet of a habituated group of black crested gibbon (Nomascus concolor jingdongensis) was studied from March 2005 to April 2006 in the Wuliang Mountains, central Yunnan, China. Gibbons consumed 77 different plant species, one mammal-, two bird-, one lizard-, and two insect-species. Buds and leaves constituted 46.5% of the diet (21.0% vine leaves and buds, 19.2% tree leaves and buds, and 6.3% epiphyte leaves). Fruits, figs and flowers accounted for 25.5, 18.6 and 9.1% of the diet, respectively. There was marked seasonal variation in dietary proportions. Fruit varied from 0.3 to 82.7%; figs from 0 to 68.2%; tree leaves and buds from 1.5 to 83.3%; vine leaves and buds from 3.1 to 61.9%; and epiphyte leaves from 0 to 22.2% of the diet. Different food types dominated the diet in different months during the study period. The foli-frugivorous diet and extreme seasonal variation in the diet may be related to the harsh habitat of the study group.     

Seasonal Variations in the Activity Budget of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nomascus concolor jingdongensis</Emphasis> at Mt. Wuliang,Central Yunnan,China: Effects of Diet and Temperature

We studied seasonal variation in the activity budget of a habituated group of Nomascus concolor jingdongensis at Mt. Wuliang, Central Yunnan, China from March 2005 to April 2006 via scan sampling at 5-min intervals. The study site is near the northern extreme of the distribution of hylobatids, at high altitude with extreme seasonality of temperature and rainfall. During the day, feeding manifested a bimodal pattern of high activity levels in mid-morning and mid-afternoon, whereas resting reached a peak at midday, with proportionally less time used for traveling. Annually, the group spent an average of 40.0% of the time resting, 35.1% feeding, 19.9% traveling, 2.6% singing, 1.2% playing, and 1.3% in other activities. The proportion of time allocated to activities showed significant monthly variations and was influenced by the diet and temperature. Gibbons increased traveling and playing time and decreased feeding time when they ate more fruit, and they decreased traveling, singing, and playing time and increased feeding time when they ate more leaves. Moreover, when the temperature was low, the gibbons decreased time traveling and increased time resting. In summary, black-crested gibbons employed high-effort activities when they ate more fruit and energy-conservation patterns when they ate more leaves and in low temperature. Behavioral data from the site are particularly useful in understanding gibbon behavioral adaptations to different sets of ecological conditions.     

云南新平哀牢山西黑冠长臂猿分布与群体数量

西黑冠长臂猿(Nomascus concolor)主要分布于中国云南,滇中哀牢山是其重要分布区之一.哀牢山地处三州(市)六县(市),其中新平辖区是至今尚未全面开展西黑冠长臂猿种群数量与分布调查的地区.2009年11月—2010年1月,结合2007年和2009年对具有狩猎、放牧、林下资源采集经历的社区人员进行的访问调查,采用鸣声记数法对辖区内可能分布有长臂猿的区域进行了实地调查.调查结果显示,滇中哀牢山新平县辖区内分布有西黑冠长臂猿124群,其中85群栖息于国家级自然保护区及与其接壤的国有林内、30群栖息于县级自然保护区,9群栖息于自然保护区与国有林外的集体林中.可见,滇中哀牢山新平县辖区是迄今为止西黑冠长臂猿种群数量最大、分布最集中的区域,对西黑冠长臂猿保护具重要意义.但西黑冠长臂猿在该区域也呈现出斑块状集中分布的格局,以及种群分布密度和海拔梯度分布出现北高南低的趋势.     

Population and distribution of western black crested gibbon (Nomascus concolor) at Ailao Mountain, Xinping, Yunnan

The western black crested gibbon (Nomascus concolor) is mainly distributed in Yunnan, China. Ailao Mountain is located in central Yunnan and divided into three prefectures and six counties. This mountain forms the principle distribution range for western black crested gibbon; however, there are no published data on the gibbon population inhabiting the Xinping administrative. Take the interview results conducted in 2007 and 2009 with local people as the reference, this study conducted an extensive field survey covering all possible habitats from November 2009 to January 2010 using call surveys. Among the one hundred and twenty-four gibbon groups which were confirmed across the Ailao Mountain, the largest known population of western black crested gibbons yet, 85 groups inhabit the national nature reserve and adjacent national forest, 30 groups inhabit the provincial nature reserve and nine groups inhabit the collective forest located outside the reserve and national forest. We found that the western black crested gibbons here have a patchy distribution pattern and occur at higher densities in certain areas. Moreover, the population distribution density and elevation gradient distribution decline from north to south. The results also demonstrated the importance of Ailao Mountain in the western black crested gibbon protection.     

Population differences and acoustic stability in male songs of wild western black crested gibbons (Nomascus concolor) in Mt. Wuliang, Yunnan

Population differences and acoustic stability in male songs of the western black crested gibbon (Nomascus concolor) at Mt. Wuliang, Yunnan, were investigated using data collected over 4 years. Detectable vocal differences were found between the western and eastern populations within Mt. Wuliang. Discriminant functions calculated using the phrases recorded in 2007-2008 correctly classified phrases recorded in 2009, and discriminant functions produced from phrases recorded in 2007-2009 could correctly classify phrases recorded in 2010 for 4 of 5 males. Results showed that the male songs of western black crested gibbons remain relatively stable over years. In light of the acoustic individuality in male songs of this gibbon species, which has recently been proved, and the acoustic stability shown in this research, we suggest that the song of male individuals may be useful in monitoring individuals or family groups of this species.     

Abundance, distribution and conservation of Chinese White Dolphins (Sousa chinensis) in Xiamen, China

In recent years, human activities appear to present the greatest threat to the Chinese white dolphin (Sousa chinensis). Increasing death records of this species in Xiamen have already become a focus of attention among the local government, the public, and the media. A comprehensive understanding about the status of Xiamen population is important not only to evaluate the conservation measures taken previously, but to design adaptive measures appropriate to this population. In this study, a survey using line-transect methodology was carried out to cover an area of about 700 km² in Xiamen waters. A total of 102 separate sightings were made on 6157 km of transect line. The abundance estimate ranged from 67 (CV=41.6%) to 93 (CV=26.34%), with an average of 86 (CV=20.16%). Overall, Xigang (West harbor) and Jiyu represented the major area of distribution in Xiamen. Significant seasonal changes in distribution were found. In spring, significant numbers of dolphins occurred in Xigang and few in other areas, while in other seasons, the sighting rate in Xigang decreased relatively with sightings in Jiyu, Dapan, and Dadeng increasing obviously, suggesting an outward movement pattern of Chinese white dolphins from the inside harbor to outside waters after spring. Some suggestions for redesigning the Xiamen Nature Reserve and other management measures are put forward.     

Preliminary observations of wild black-crested gibbons (Hylobates concolor concolor) in Yunnan province,people's republic of China

Black-crested gibbons (Hylobates concolor concolor), which inhabit the subtropical forests of southern China and northern Vietnam, have until now never been the subject of any systematic behavioral or ecological field study. This report presents the findings of a three-month field study of wild black-crested gibbons in the Wuliang and Ailao Mountain Game Reserves in Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China. The sites visited consisted of temperate, subtropical, broadleaf evergreen forests, with trees belonging to the families Elaeocarpaceae, Fagaceae, Lauraceae, Magnoliaceae, and Theaceae. Black-crested gibbons were documented from four sites visited and were found to be polygynous, with an average group size of seven to eight animals. The family groups were observed to comprise one adult male, from one to four adult females, and numerous offspring of various ages. Both sexes of this species emit interactive songs, and various features of this loud vocal behavior were analyzed and are discussed here. Since all other gibbon species were found to inhabit only tropical rain forests and live in strictly monogamous family groups, some of the ecological and evolutionary implications of these findings are also presented.     

Importance of secondary habitats and need for ecological management for the conservation of Diphasiastrum tristachyum (Lycopodiaceae, Pteridophyta) in the Vosges Mountains (France)

Diphasiastrum tristachyum, which is a rare Pteridophyte under national protection in France, has been discovered in several places in the Vosges Mountains during the last two decades. With its 20 currently existing populations in these mountains, it appears to be the Diphasiastrum species with the largest current distribution in the Vosges. This species mainly occurs on Vosgian sandstone substrate, in northern or northeastern exposures up to 600 m a.s.l., corresponding to the lower and middle montane levels in the Vosges Mountains. The main habitat (16 sites) are forest track borders. Only in single cases could D. tristachyum be found in other habitats such as a skiing track, a heath submitted to regular fire, an abandoned quarry and a limit of a forest plantation weeded with herbicides. All of these sites are secondary places of young anthropic origin. No really natural and primary habitats of D. tristachyum in the Vosges Mountains could be found. All localities show fragments or beginnings of heath communities belonging to the Genistion alliance. Because of the progressive succession of these communities towards forests if no human regulation occurs, D. tristachyum may have only ephemeral existence in such secondary Vosgian sites. This shows the need for a conservation and management programme which comprises measures like keeping open growing sites by the removal of invading trees, controlled pruning of dwarf shrubs and removal of the soil vegetation and the humus layer. A long-term stabilisation of the Vosgian populations of D. tristachyum may only be possible in this way.     

Intra-population genetic diversity of two wheatgrass species along altitude gradients on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau: its implication for conservation and utilization

A fluorescence-based AFLP fingerprinting was applied to investigate genetic diversity in 22 natural populations of two wheatgrasses from Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau at different altitudes: the hexaploid Elymus nutans Griseb and the tetraploid E. burchan-buddae (Nevski) Tzvelev (Poaceae). Five selective primer combinations used in this study generated a total of 637 AFLP fragments across all the samples, with 612 fragments in E. nutans and 570 in E. burchan-buddae. About 45% of the scored fragments were <200 bp and about 13% of the fragments were >400 bp. Results showed that genetic diversity within populations of the two Elymus species increased gradually with the increase in altitudes from the lowest sampling sites (2800 m) and reached a plateau at the medium altitudes, and then started to decrease with the increase in altitudes. Regression analysis demonstrated a clear pattern between the expected heterozygosity (H _e) or Shannon index (I) and altitude variation, where the highest H _e values (0.3449 for E. nutans and 0.3167 E. burchan-buddae) and I values (0.5123 and 0.4759) were expected at the altitudes 3399 m and 3418 m across all sampling sites, respectively for E. nutans and E. burchan-buddae. In other words, higher genetic diversity was observed in populations occurring at the medium altitudes (3200–3600 m) than those at the low and high altitudes for the two Elymus species. Principal coordinate analysis (PCA) did not show clear association between genetic relationships of populations and their occurrences at a particular altitude. The above results suggest that efforts for conservation and utilization of two wheatgrasses species should focus more on populations occurring at the medium altitudes.     

Identification of black muntjac (Muntiacus crinifrons) in Tibet, China, by cytochrome b analysis

Full cytochrome b gene sequence of mtDNA was used to identify and analyze four skin samples collected from Tibet, China in this research. By searching for highly similar sequences (megablast) on NCBI, we found all four samples have the highest similarities with the published sequence: AY239042 of the black muntjac (Muntiacus crinifrons). By comparing our sequences to those available on GenBank, all four samples were identified as the black muntjac (Muntiacus crinifrons) by high sequence similarity. We therefore record two new localities for the black muntjac and it is a new distribution in Tibet and hope this study will not only promote more advanced researches on the evolution and phylogeny about this species, but also enhance the conservation work for this species and local biodiversity.     

A new miniature species of the genus Triplophysa (Balitoridae: Nemacheilinae) from Yunnan, China

During a re-examination of museum specimens of Triplophysa species, some specimens that had been collected from the Jialonghe River in Yunnan Province, China, in April 1975, were identified as a new species. Triplophysa parvus n. sp. can be distinguished by the following combination of characters: dorsal fin rays 3, ; anal fin rays 3, ; pectoral fin rays 1, 11; scales absent; two saddle-like blotches with fuzzy borders cranial to the dorsal fin and four saddle-like blotches caudal to the dorsal fin; distal margin of the dorsal fin emarginate; pelvic fin reaching caudally almost to the anus; anus located immediately cranial to the origin of the anal fin; caudal fin forked; caudal chamber of air bladder reduced to a small free protuberance; head slightly laterally compressed, head deeper than wide at nape; length of caudal peduncle being 18.0–20.0% of standard length; depth of caudal peduncle being 7.8–8.4% of standard length; eye diameter 17.6–21.4% of head length; body depth being 60.7–70.2% of head length; caudal peduncle depth being 39.1–45.0% of caudal peduncle length; and body width at the base of caudal peduncle 59.0–68.0% of the body depth at the base of caudal peduncle. These characters allow a distinction from the similar species of T. nasobarbatula, T. nandanensis, and T. macromaculata.     

Population trends,distribution and conservation status of semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) in China

The reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) is listed as a species of “least concern” on the Red List of Threatened Species of the World Conservation Union (IUCN). It is distributed in the northern part of China and semi-domesticated in the region. Here we present a comparison of the historical and current distribution and numbers of reindeer in China, as well as an assessment of the factors limiting population growth. Based on this information we explore potential protective measures for reindeer in China.The reindeer has been herded extensively by the Ewenki people, the only people to do so in China. Reindeer in China originated from the Wenduosenlin tundra highlands of Siberia. Capable of migrating more than 3000 km/year, the reindeer moved from the highlands to the Weitimu river during the 16th century and on to the Northeast area of China in 1654. Since 1957, 600 reindeer have settled in Qiqian in Inner Mongolia, and from 1965 more than 900 reindeer migrated from there to Mangui. In response to frequent flooding and a fluctuating reindeer population in the Mangui region, in 2003 the Ewenki people and more than 260 reindeer translocated from there to Aoluguya.Currently, eight meta-populations of reindeer comprising 773 individuals inhabit in the Arctic region of China. The reindeer population peaked in the 1970s at more than 1080 animals, but declined markedly from 1998 onwards mainly as a result of inbreeding, poaching, predation and tourism. The Chinese government's interest in wildlife protection is increasing, as evidenced by the introduction of wildlife protection laws and regulations, the importation of new reindeer varieties from Russia and the joining of the Association of World Reindeer Herders. However, natural reserves and national parks have still not been established within the reindeer's range in China to conserve this fragile population.     

Report on the distribution,population, and ecology of the yunnan snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus bieti)

The Yunnan snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus bieti), an endangered species in China, has received more protection in theory than in practice. Therefore it is on the very verge of extinction. The population of the species was estimated less than 2,000 individuals spread in 19 distinct groups. It was confirmed that the monkey was confined to the Yunling Mountain System, the area between the Yangtze River (Changjiang, aka Jinshajiang) to the east and the Mekong River (Lancangjiang) to the west. We further concluded that a lowland belt to the east, about 100 km long and 20 – 30 km wide was not suitable habitat for the monkeys, and appeared to serve as the natural ecogeologic barrier for the species. Our results indicated that the southern limit of the distribution was at Longma (26°14′N), and that the northern limit of the distribution was at Xiaochangdu (29°20′N). The distribution area of the species was substantially smaller than previously estimated. There were substantial ecological differences between the southern and northern parts of the species range. The monkey was found only in fir-larch forest.     

Spatial distribution patterns and implications for conservation ofScrophularia takesimensis (Scrophulariaceae), an endangered endemic species on Ulleung Island, Korea

As part of an on-going effort to conserve endangered and endemicScrophularia takesimensis (Scrophulariaceae), we analyzed its spatial distribution patterns by applying an index of dispersion, plant-to-all-plant distances, and the varying quadrat size method. Three indices — Dispersion, Morisita, and Standardized Morisita — all revealed clumping with small aggregates, and distances between aggregates were more or less regular. The asymptote level occurred at a distance of 20 to 30 m; the distance showing 90% of cumulative frequency coincided with 20 to 21 m; 95%, 24 to 25 m; and 99%, 31 to 32 m. The 20 m× 20 m and 40 m×40 m quadrats contained 25 and 40 plants, respectively. We conclude that this number of individuals and size of area are the minimum required for the conservation of this species.     

Ecological distribution of the shrimp Pleoticus muelleri (Bate, 1888) (Decapoda: Penaeoidea) in southeastern Brazil

The abundance and ecological distribution of the shrimp Pleoticus muelleri as a function of certain environmental factors were investigated from January 1998 through December 1999 in the region of Ubatuba, São Paulo, Brazil. The collections were made monthly in the bays of Ubatumirim (UBM), Ubatuba (UBA) and Mar Virado (MV). Each bay was divided into six sampling transects, four transects parallel to the shoreline and two near the rocky shores on the opposite side. We employed a commercial shrimp boat equipped with two double-rig nets. A total of 6252 shrimp were collected, including 3321 from MV, 1467 from UBM, and 1464 from UBA. Most of the shrimp were caught in the deeper, higher-salinity areas. The high abundance of P. muelleri observed in the southern part of the region studied was related to a sediments with a higher percentage of silt and clay. The numbers of P. muelleri were positively correlated with periods of cooler temperatures. Thus, temperature and the type of sediment were determinant factors in the distribution of P. muelleri in this region.     

Status and structure of the griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) population in Crete

Griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) population surveys were conducted during 1996–2002 in the island of Crete (Greece) to document population status and structure. Fieldwork was carried out during the breeding period when birds could be monitored in their colonies. Total population size was estimated at 379 individuals (range = 341–417) with adult birds comprising 63%. The breeding population was estimated at 141 pairs, which were distributed on an average in 23 colonies per year (range = 16–30) while the mean number of breeding pairs that laid eggs was 98 (range= 64–126). Crete thus supports the largest insular population of the species in the world and hosts 70–80% of the breeding population of the species in Greece. Population density was estimated at 6.9 individuals/100 km², 2.6 breeding pairs/100 km² and 1.8 nesting pairs/100 km². The average home range of an occupied colony (i.e., breeding group) was estimated at ca. 204 km² producing a theoretical foraging range of 8 km radius around the breeding cliff. No trends in the total number of individuals and breeding pairs appeared to exist, although significant differences in population size of individual colonies occurred between the years. The majority of the population was concentrated in small-sized colonies, which showed a low occupancy rate. The number of abandoned sites and the colonization of new ones could represent a shift of breeding pairs to alternative colonies provoked by local food abundance and conspesific attraction.     

New Species of Genus Hedotettix Bolivar (Orthoptera: Tetrigoidea) from Yunnan Province, China

A study on three new species of the genus Hedotettix Bolivar (namely, Hedotettix grossivalva sp. nov., Hedotettix brachynota sp. nov., and Hedotettix xueshanensis sp. nov.) from Yunnan Province, China, was performed. All their specimens are deposited in the insect specimen laboratory of the Department of Resources, Southwest Forestry College (Kunming, China). The appendix presents a catalog of subcategories of Hedotettix Bolivar from China. Translated from the Journal of Shaanxi University (Natural Science), 2005, 33(1) (in Chinese)     

Diversity variation and tempo-spatial distribution of Otozamites (Bennettitales) in the Mesozoic of China

Otozamites is a representative fossil leaf morphogenus of the extinct Bennettitales, with an extensive distribution during the Mesozoic, especially in China. Understanding the fossil diversity variation and distribution pattern of Otozamites in China will provide information on biodiversity of bennettitalean plants as well as for reconstruction of palaeogeography and palaeoclimate conditions during the Mesozoic. So far, 46 species of this genus have been described in China, excluding unspecified species. The results show that the fossils of Otozamites are extensively recorded in the Late Triassic, and then reach their maximum development in the Early Jurassic, followed by a reduction in diversity in the Middle and Late Jurassic, and finally become extinct at the end of Early Cretaceous. Geographically, they occur in both Northern and Southern Floristic Provinces in the Mesozoic of China, with a relatively higher abundance in the Southern Floristic Province. It implies that the diversity variation and distribution of Otozamites are closely related to the change of the palaeoclimatic conditions. The warm and humid climate prevailed in the Late Triassic and Early Jurassic in South China, propitious to the development of Otozamites. After the Middle Jurassic, dry and hot climate may have caused the lower diversity level and blocked the development of Otozamites; finally at the end of the Early Cretaceous, the frequent arid climate may be a major cause for the extinction of Otozamites.     

Suitability of Aphis fabae, Myzus persicae (Homoptera: Aphididae) and Aleyrodes proletella (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) as prey for Coccinella undecimpunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

The suitability of Aphis fabae Scopoli, Myzus persicae Sulzer and Aleyrodes proletella L. as food sources for Coccinella undecimpunctata L. was evaluated by studying the impact of prey consumption on the predator’s population growth parameters and feeding parameters. Unlike A. proletella, A. fabae and M. persicae supported the development and reproduction of C. undecimpunctata. A. fabae and M. persicae were considered to be essential prey, whereas A. proletella was considered to be an alternative prey. Aphid species showed different degrees of suitability: M. persicae significantly decreased the pre-oviposition period and increased adult longevity, fecundity and fertility compared with A. fabae. Moreover, A. fabae represents a suitable diet for larval development, but is not a suitable food source for adult reproduction. The predator’s population growth parameters, R₀, r_m and λ were increased with M. persicae, whereas T decreased. We found that the 4th instar larvae were the most voracious, particularly when fed on M. persicae; nevertheless, with this prey daily weight gain and feeding efficiency of 4th instar larvae were similar to that of individuals fed with A. fabae.