Natal dispersal in great bustards: the effect of sex, local population size and spatial isolation

1. We investigated the causes of natal dispersal in four Spanish areas where 35 breeding groups of the polygynous great bustard Otis tarda were monitored intensively. A total of 392 juveniles were radio-tracked between 1991 and 2006 by ground and via aeroplane to avoid potential biases derived from the non-detection of long-distance dispersers. 2. We explored 10 explanatory variables that were related to individual phenotypic features, habitat and conspecific traits in terms of group size and breeding performance, and spatial distribution of available breeding groups. Probability of group change and natal dispersal distances were investigated separately through multifactorial analyses. 3. Natal dispersal occurred in 47.8% of the birds and median natal dispersal distance of dispersers was 18.1 km (range 4.97-178.42 km). Sex largely determined the dispersal probability, with 75.6% of males being dispersers and 80.0% of females being philopatric, in contrast to the general pattern of female-biased dispersal found in most avian species. 4. Both the frequency of natal dispersal and dispersal distances were affected by the spatial distribution of breeding groups. More isolated groups showed a higher proportion of philopatric individuals, the effect being more evident in males than in females. This implies a reduction in gene flow in fragmented populations, as most genetic exchange is achieved through male dispersal. Additionally, dispersers hatched in more isolated groups tended to exhibit longer dispersal distances, which increases the associated energetic costs and mortality risks. 5. The dispersal decision was influenced by the number of conspecifics in the natal group. The individual probability of natal dispersal was related inversely to the size of the natal group, which supports the balanced dispersal model and the conspecific attraction hypothesis. 6. Overall, our results provide a good example of phenotypic plasticity and reinforce the current view that dispersal is an evolutionary complex trait conditioned by the interaction of individual, social and environmental causes that vary between individuals and populations.     

贵州闽楠天然种群特征、空间分布格局及空间关联分析

为更好地保护闽楠天然种群,探究闽楠天然种群特征、空间分布格局及其空间关联性,对针对性地提出保护措施具有重要意义。以贵州台江县登鲁村闽楠天然种群为研究对象,通过野外设置60 m×60 m固定样地,采用种群径级结构代替年龄结构、点格局分析方法分析闽楠种群年龄结构、不同生长阶段空间分布格局及其关联性。结果表明：（1）闽楠种群年龄结构呈倒"J"型分布,幼龄个体数量多,随着年龄增加,能够成功进入后期的个体数量急剧下降,死亡率高。存活曲线趋于Deevey-Ⅱ型,属于稳定型种群。种群在第5龄级（7.5 cm≤DBH<12.5 cm）的生命期望（e_x）最高。（2）闽楠种群分布格局由随机分布转向随机分布。在幼苗、幼树、中树阶段空间分布格局趋于集群分布,大树阶段趋于集群分布。（3）不同生长阶段之间空间关联性表现有所差异。小尺度上,大树与幼树呈负关联,大尺度上,两者呈正关联;小尺度上,幼树与幼苗、大树与幼树都呈正关联,大树和中树无关联,在大尺度上,大树和中树、幼树与幼苗、中树与幼苗以及中树和幼树都呈负关联且随着空间尺度的增加负关联性逐渐增强。总体而言,该闽楠天然种群较稳定,但对环境干扰敏感,幼龄个体因呈聚集分布受密度制约而竞争剧烈,成年个体则因对环境的竞争而呈随机分布。为维持种群的长期稳定,需要分阶段适时进行人工调控。     

Clonal diversity, population structure, and dispersal in the parthenogenetic moth Ectoedemia argyropeza

Populations of the parthenogenetic moth Ectoedemia argyropeza (Lepidoptera, Nepticulidae) were studied for their clonal composition. Clones were characterized by 6 polymorphic enzyme loci. In a geographic survey 32 clones were observed among 812 individuals. Two clones were predominant, together they explained over 75% of the total variation. Relationships among clones hinted at a monophyletic origin of the species. Analysis of the life cycle and population structure indicated that E. argyropeza is a very sedentary species, with bottlenecks, drift, and passive migration as important population genetical factors moulding the variation.     

Genetic structure in a population of a tropical tree Ocotea tenera (Lauraceae): influence of avian seed dispersal

We studied the influence of avian seed dispersal on the structuring of genetic diversity in a population of a tropical tree, Ocotea tenera (Lauraceae). The seeds of O. tenera are principally dispersed by four, relatively specialized, fruit-eating bird species (emerald toucanets, keel-billed toucans, resplendent quetzals, and three-wattled bellbirds). We found high genetic diversity within the overall population and significant, nonrandom structuring of that diversity among subpopulations. Subpopulations contained members of several sibling groups, and most saplings within subpopulations were shown not to be the progeny of adult trees within the same subpopulation. Our data indicate that O. tenera subpopulations are founded with several seeds from few maternal families, and that this mode of establishment is an important determinant of population genetic architecture.     

Consequences of unequal population size, asymmetric gene flow and sex-biased dispersal on population structure in brook charr (Salvelinus fontinalis)

Unravelling relationships between dispersal and population structure requires considering the impacts of assumption violations of indirect gene flow models in a given system. We combined temporal, individual and coalescent-based analyses of microsatellite DNA variation to explore the general hypothesis that unequal effective population size (Ne), asymmetric gene flow (m) and nonrandom (sex-biased) individual dispersal had an important effect on spatiotemporal population structuring in lake-dwelling brook charr (Salvelinus fontinalis). This integrative examination shed light on the dichotomous structuring observed between an outlet and three tributary-spawning populations and their potential for adaptive divergence. It revealed further that finer tributary population structuring incongruent with drainage structure has been shaped by asymmetric m from one population with a large Ne towards two populations of smaller Ne. Gene flow among the tributaries was also mediated mainly by male-biased dispersal. However, longer distance dispersal from tributaries to the outflow was female-biased. Spatially dependent sex-biased dispersal may have contributed therefore to gene flow at different levels of population structuring. Our results demonstrate how dispersal and population structure may interrelate to produce spatial variation in intraspecific diversity, and are therefore relevant for conservation programmes seeking to define conservation units or predict recolonization rates of extirpated populations.     

秦岭大熊猫种群扩散格局及研究方法

种群扩散格局是研究种群扩散规律和机制的关键信息,也是制定物种保护对策的重要基础。大型动物种群扩散格局研究方法为扩散生态学研究的薄弱领域,并制约扩散生态学的发展。以秦岭大熊猫为研究对象,根据2000年以来的种群调查数据,基于大熊猫领域的特性,利用GIS的扩展区分析功能和景观分析方法研究了大熊猫种群分布区及动态;基于聚集的特性,利用GIS的核密度分析功能对大熊猫种群多度和聚集状况及空间变化进行了分析。发现2012年的秦岭大熊猫种群分布区较2000年增加5.5%(即15307.8hm~2),高密度种群聚集区从2处变成1处,种群聚集程度进一步增加、聚集格局的完整性大大提升,尤以中密度聚集区增长最显著,种群格局呈明显的分布区扩张、聚集度增加的态势。表明基于物种的生物学特性,立足于种群分布和多度格局变化,通过长期调查和监测可以有效掌握物种的种群扩散格局;大型动物可根据其生物学特性探索可行的方法与量化种群扩散的参数来研究其扩散格局,从而促进大型动物种群扩散研究的开展。     

Larval dispersal from potential hosts within a population of a generalist herbivore, Choristoneura rosaceana

The dispersal behavior of Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) first instar larvae was studied in the laboratory. The objectives were to investigate the proximal factors influencing larval dispersal and to establish whether a correspondence exists between larval host acceptance and performance. A dispersal bioassay was validated by demonstrating the presence of a positive correlation between larval host acceptance in the laboratory and in the field. Larval age and family origin, as well as host species attributes were shown to influence larval dispersal rates. Seasonal changes in host plants slightly changed the rank order of larval host acceptance. Leaf texture and the availability of refuges on host plants seemed to be important factors influencing the rate of larval dispersal. Plant odor appeared to be used by the larvae to locate leaves. Nitrogen content of plant species corresponded to larval dispersal rates, but the cause of this association is unclear. Larval dispersal did not match host suitabilities as measured by larval performance. The relationship between host preference and suitability in the obliquebanded leafroller is discussed in an ecological and evolutionary perspective.     

Delayed dispersal and the costs and benefits of different routes to independent breeding in a cooperatively breeding bird

Why sexually mature individuals stay in groups as nonreproductive subordinates is central to the evolution of sociality and cooperative breeding. To understand such delayed dispersal, its costs and benefits need to be compared with those of permanently leaving to float through the population. However, comprehensive comparisons, especially regarding differences in future breeding opportunities, are rare. Moreover, extraterritorial prospecting by philopatric individuals has generally been ignored, even though the factors underlying this route to independent breeding may differ from those of strict philopatry or floating. We use a comprehensive predictive framework to explore how various costs, benefits and intrinsic, environmental and social factors explain philopatry, prospecting, and floating in Seychelles warblers (Acrocephalus sechellensis). Not only floaters more likely obtained an independent breeding position before the next season than strictly philopatric individuals, but also suffered higher mortality. Prospecting yielded similar benefits to floating but lower mortality costs, suggesting that it is overall more beneficial than floating and strict philopatry. While prospecting is probably individual‐driven, although limited by resource availability, floating likely results from eviction by unrelated breeders. Such differences in proximate and ultimate factors underlying each route to independent breeding highlight the need for simultaneous consideration when studying the evolution of delayed dispersal.     

洞庭湖区自然野化麋鹿种群的偏性扩散行为

大多数鹿科动物表现出偏向雄性的扩散行为。麋鹿(Elaphurus davidianus)于20世纪初在中国灭绝,1985年被重引入中国。1998年长江流域特大洪水导致部分麋鹿个体从湖北石首麋鹿国家级自然保护区围栏内外逸,最终在洞庭湖区形成自然野化种群。野化麋鹿是否也存在偏性扩散行为?1995—2012年,采用样带调查法、分区直数法、特殊个体识别法和访问调查法,按性别组成将扩散群分为雄性群、混合群和雌性群,对洞庭湖区自然野化麋鹿种群的扩散行为进行了研究,共记录到118次扩散。其中,有65次扩散可确认扩散群的类型;60次可确认扩散群准确的个体数。结果显示:(1)雄性麋鹿较雌性更倾向于扩散。雄性群的扩散频次高于雌性群和混合群;50%的雄性扩散群仅由单一成年雄体组成。(2)雄性麋鹿的扩散能力最强,雄性群、混合群和雌性群的平均扩散距离分别为(13.73±8.74)km、(11.05±4.16)km和(8.95±2.16)km,但三者之间的差异不显著(χ2=1.896,df=2,P=0.387)。雌性群和混合群的扩散距离均短于25km,而5.88%的雄性群扩散距离长于25 km。(3)雄性群的平均个体数与混合群的差异显著(F=5.324,df=24,P=0.000.05),与雌性群的差异不显著(F=9.830,df=35,P=0.813),而混合群与雌性群之间的差异显著(F=48.085,df=55,P=0.000.05)。(4)50.00%的雄性群和53.57%的混合群选择芦苇草地作为扩散目的地的生境。洞庭湖区自然野化麋鹿种群与其他野生鹿科动物一样,也存在"雄鹿较雌鹿更倾向于扩散"的现象,雄性的扩散能力比雌性强,雌性的扩散可能依赖于雄性。以上结果对麋鹿的野外放归和自然野化种群的管理与保护具有重要的意义。     

珍稀濒危树种陆均松天然种群结构与空间分布格局

为研究陆均松(Dacrydium pectinatum)种群生存现状及分布格局,对BWL、DLS、JFL三种不同分布区域的陆均松天然种群进行了调查,分析了其天然群落乔木层物种多样性及优势种组成、龄级结构及分布格局三个方面的空间异质性,结果表明:(1)三种陆均松天然群落乔木层物种丰富度及多样性指数均较高,基本表现为BWL>JFL>DLS,且远高于中高纬度温带及亚热带森林群落;群落内多为小密度种群,少有占绝对优势地位的树种,符合热带山地雨林物种组成的一般规律。(2)龄级结构有所差异,BWL和JFL种群呈衰退趋势,共同特点是幼年树数量较少,成年和老年树比例较高;DLS种群幼年树数量在所有个体中比例最高,属于增长型种群。(3)BWL和DLS种群整体呈聚集分布,幼年至老年阶段由聚集分布转变为均匀分布,JFL种群整体及不同发育阶段均呈均匀分布状态;聚集强度表现为DLS>BWL>JFL,幼年树>成年树>老年树。陆均松是热带山地雨林的关键种和建群种,对研究海南热带雨林的起源及其区系特征具有重要意义,针对其生存现状,可根据实际情况,利用人工辅助措施如开辟林窗、合理疏伐...     

广西猫儿山鹅掌楸天然种群动态研究

为进一步探讨鹅掌楸濒危的机制,对广西桂林猫儿山鹅掌楸天然种群进行了调查,以种群生命表及生存分析理论为基础,以林木径级结构代表龄级结构,编制鹅掌楸种群静态生命表,分析种群结构的动态变化特点.结果表明:鹅掌楸种群龄级结构为金字塔型,幼龄个体数量较多,中龄个体数居中,而老龄个体则相对数量较少,表现为增长型种群;在第Ⅳ龄级时该种群出现死亡高峰,其种群存活曲线属Deevey-Ⅱ型;猫儿山鹅掌楸天然种群具有前期种群数量快速减少,中后期稳定,末期衰退的特点.该研究结果对鹅掌楸天然种群的保护提供参考依据.     

桂江流域福寿螺种群结构时空分布特征及其驱动机制

福寿螺(Pomacea canaliculata)是我国重点防治的入侵种,对农业生产和淡水生态系统危害严重。而有关福寿螺种群结构及其驱动机制的研究不足。以亚热带桂江流域为例,基于2021—2022年枯平丰的野外调查,系统评估了福寿螺种群结构的时空分布格局,探索福寿螺种群结构变化的关键过程和驱动机制。结果显示：桂江流域福寿螺年均密度((2.21±2.35)个/m²),时空变化不明显;螺重、壳高、壳宽、壳口宽和壳口长时空差异极显著,表现为丰水期>平水期>枯水期和上游>中游>下游的趋势;年龄结构以中螺(壳高30—50 mm)为主,表明桂江流域福寿螺种群处于稳定期;雄雌比0.36±0.40,时空变化不明显。典范对应分析表明：影响福寿螺种群结构的关键环境和空间因子在不同季度间存在差异。pH、海拔、溶氧和盐度等是关键环境因素,PCNM2、PCNM5、PCNM8和PCNM9等是关键空间因素。变差分解显示：环境和空间因子共同决定桂江流域福寿螺种群结构,但两者的相对作用因季度而异。除枯水期外,其它季度的环境因子解释率均大于空间因子。研究结果可为建立有效的福寿...     

Philopatry in the alpine grasshopper, Podisma pedestris: a novel experimental and analytical method

Abstract.

• 1 Local dispersal and philopatric behaviour of the alpine grasshopper, Podisma pedestris, were studied at two sites in the Alpes Maritimes using a new mark—release—resight technique featuring marking in situ, and multiple resighting without handling. The time-consuming nature of the design was justified by the quantity and quality of the data yielded.
• 2 Philopatry is defined independently of any concept of home range as a phenomenon by which movements over longer periods are less than would be expected by extrapolation of measures over shorter periods.
• 3 By this definition, the grasshoppers are shown to exhibit philopatry. Nymphs comprise two heterogenous classes of those which move little and those which move considerable distances.
• 4 Daily dispersal estimates were obtained from movements of 1055 nymphs and adults at one site, and of 593 adults at another.
• 5 Differences are demonstrated in daily dispersal distances for age, sex and site combinations.
• 6 Some differences in microhabitat preference were observed.
• 7 The findings are compared with previous measurements of dispersal in this species, and the merits of the new technique are discussed.

     

江西九连山常绿阔叶林优势种群的年龄结构与分布格局

以江西九连山常绿阔叶林为研究对象,用空间序列代替时间变化的方法,应用统计软件对该地区常绿阔叶林群落优势种群的年龄结构特征和分布格局进行线性回归分析。结果表明:润楠的存活曲线表现为极显著的线性关系,罗浮栲与赤楠等种群的存活曲线表现为显著的线性关系;种群的年龄结构既有稳定型或增长型,也有衰退波动型,如木荷、润楠等种群的年龄结构为稳定增长型,拟赤杨、枫香等种群的年龄结构为衰退型,丝线吊芙蓉、罗浮槭、鹿角栲等种群的年龄结构由稳定型趋向衰退型。应用聚集度指标、方差和均值比率、负二项式分布等方法研究各主要优势种群的分布格局,结果为构成群落乔木层的12个主要优势种群的分布格局均属聚集分布,并符合负二项式分布。