标记重捕法对模式产地霸王岭睑虎种群资源调查

霸王岭睑虎Goniurosaurus bawanglingensis是海南岛特有种,自2002年被命名以来,因种群数量小、分布区窄、栖息地破碎化等因素被《中国生物多样性红色名录》列为易危(VU)等级,种群资源现状尚不清楚。2018年7—8月,根据霸王岭睑虎种群分布,在模式产地霸王岭国家级自然保护区内选择了2个样区,首次采用植入电子标签的标记重捕法对种群密度、性比、窝卵数、成幼比等开展调查,并比较了雌雄个体的形态特征。结果显示:样区A种群密度为846只/hm^2,性比1.6∶1,成幼比7∶1;样区B种群密度为591只/hm 2,性比1.2∶1,成幼比10∶1。窝卵数为1~3枚,87%的窝卵数为2枚。身体量度特征(除吻长外)在两性间差异无统计学意义。研究结果进一步补充了霸王岭睑虎的基础生态学资料,可为资源状况评估和保护提供依据。此外,本研究证实了植入电子标签是对睑虎属Goniurosaurus物种野外标记研究的一种简单、有效的方法,可对动物进行长期标记。     

基于标记-重捕模型开展野生动物红外相机种群监测的方法及案例

红外相机技术的广泛应用推动了动物种群生态学研究方法的发展和革新, 特别是基于标记-重捕模型框架通过非损伤取样方式对物种数量和密度等种群参数的可靠估计, 为保护濒危物种和评估保护成效提供了有力的科学依据。对于身体上具有独特天然标记的动物(如多数猫科动物), 可依据红外相机拍摄身体上的独特斑点或条纹鉴别个体, 再运用标记-重捕模型, 估计动物种群数量、密度等参数。本文概述了标记-重捕模型的基本原理、特点以及国内外的应用, 特别是近年来发展出的空间标记-重捕模型。总结了从相机布设到数据分析的具体流程、操作原则, 并以青城山家猫为实例, 展示了应用红外相机数据通过空间标记-重捕模型估计种群密度和数量的基本步骤。最后展望了该模型在种群动态、景观廊道设计、资源选择等方面的应用和发展趋势。     

基于GPS追踪的大耳猬背包设计

随着科学技术的不断发展,动物追踪技术也得到改进,基于GPS的动物追踪器功能强大且定位精准。但对体型较小、形态及行为特殊的夜行性刺猬,如何解决设备背负及个体标记至关重要。本研究设计了一款用于大耳猬Hemiechinus auritus的GPS背包,该背包由1个GPS追踪器和人工缝制的布袋组成,用万能胶水将布袋固定到大耳猬背部,便于安放和更换GPS追踪器。2019年4月28日-5月3日追踪大耳猬17只、重捕15只,共获得有效GPS数据位点3226个,追踪期间没有发现背包对大耳猬的正常活动、进出洞穴和体质量变化等有不利影响。此外还改进了个体标记方法。该背包设计及个体标记方法是一种简便且经济的短期监测大耳猬方法。     

应用红外相机监测结果估计小型啮齿类物种的种群密度

红外相机(或称相机陷阱)技术可以提供物种组成、种群数量和行为等信息,广泛应用于野生动物的监测与管理。对于可以个体识别的物种,红外相机结合标志重捕法可准确估计其种群密度。但对于不可个体识别的动物,目前尚无成熟方法来估计其种群密度。建立了一个新方法,通过模拟个体运动并匹配红外相机监测数据来估计动物的种群密度。在长白山国家级自然保护区25hm2森林动态监测样地中,以每公顷一台的密度布设红外相机,调查小型啮齿动物的种群数量。在2011年和2012年冬季分别监测41d和40d。然后,设计模型模拟不同密度下啮齿类物种的运动过程,同时记录它们在25hm2的区域内被25台相机拍摄的次数。应用随机森林算法建立回归模型来匹配模拟结果与监测结果,估计啮齿类物种在样地内的密度及其置信区间。这是一种全新的利用红外相机监测数据估计种群密度的方法,可以填补对不可个体识别物种密度估计方法的空缺。     

基于红外相机数据评估华南地区豹猫的种群密度和活动节律

可靠的种群密度数据对野生动物的保护和管理十分重要。豹猫(Prionailurus bengalensis)是中国分布最广且常见的猫科动物, 但野生种群密度估算的研究并不多。本研究于2020年6月至2021年5月在香港新界嘉道理农场暨植物园开展红外相机调查, 利用空间标记-重捕法估算当地豹猫的种群密度并用核密度估计方法分析其活动节律。本次调查以网格方式布置红外相机, 在约1.5 km²的研究范围之内设置了19个相机位点, 每个位点安装2台相机以获取豹猫身体两侧花纹来进行个体识别。连续12个月调查共捕获113次有效的豹猫拍摄事件, 当中仅61次事件的照片足够清晰以进行个体识别。基于种群封闭的要求, 我们以2个月为单位将12个月的数据分为6个采样期去分析豹猫种群密度, 结果显示仅两个采样期的估算值最为准确, 分别为0.64 ± 0.31 (0.26-1.55)只/km²和0.87 ± 0.48 (0.31-2.40)只/km², 是已知全球豹猫密度最高的地点之一。结果还发现, 雨季研究地点的豹猫并无明显的日活动节律, 在旱季则偏夜行-晨昏行性多一些, 但也有一定的日间活动; 雨季和旱季的日活动节律无显著差异。本研究是首次以个体识别配以空间标记-重捕模型对中国大陆地区豹猫种群密度调查的研究; 我们也提出一些关于红外相机架设方法的建议, 以提高照片个体识别的准确度并增加重捕次数, 最后提高密度估算的准确度。本研究也进一步证明豹猫适应性极强, 在活动节律上表现出极高的可塑性, 在严格保护下可以恢复健康的种群。     

大熊猫DNA指纹在野生种群数量调查中的应用

本文用荧光素标记ＬＺＦ－１基因指纹探针,以四川省冕宁县冶勒野外大熊猫的脱落被毛及尽量新鲜的粪便作样品,进行了ＤＮＡ指纹检测。１．在相同或不同时间、巢域采集的粪便与被毛样品,显现出相同或不同的ＤＮＡ指纹图谱,达到个体认定的目的．表明了大熊猫野外脱落被毛和粪便,能作为ＤＮＡ指纹分析材料,进行野生种群数量调查．２．根据检测６个被毛和９个粪便样品的结果,认定该生境中有７只大熊猫个体,纠正了有８只和８±２只的记载．３．应用ＤＮＡ指纹技术及微机个体识别进行大熊猫野外数量调查,准确可靠,节省人力、物力和财力,能获得大熊猫在野外的真实个体数量。     

大理洱海西岸农耕区鸟类多样性

2011年在大理洱海西岸农耕区选择5片调查样区,每个样区布设1条调查样线,采用不定宽样线法对鸟类物种和数量及其栖息生境进行了4个季节的观察记录,共记录鸟类87种,隶属11目25科。研究结果表明秋季鸟类多样性最高;不同生境类型中,防护林内的鸟类多样性最高。以小时为单位统计每小时遇见鸟类个体数,春季为70.71只,夏季为79.36只,秋季为76.65只,冬季为70.37只。     

东灵山辽东栎林啮齿动物群落组成及多样性

1999～ 2 0 0 1年采用标记重捕法对东灵山小龙门林场辽东栎林啮齿动物群落进行了 1 2次调查。共布 2 93 6笼日 ,捕得啮齿动物 2 68只 ,平均捕获率为 9%。啮齿动物群落包括三科四属 ,由朝鲜姬鼠(Apodemuspeninsulae)、社鼠 (Niviventerconfucianus)、棕背 (Clethrionomysrufocanus)和花鼠 (Eotamiassibiricus)组成 ,分别占群落的 85 5 %、8 6%、3 0 %和 2 6%;朝鲜姬鼠为优势鼠种。标记重捕调查表明朝鲜姬鼠重捕率无性别差异 (t =0 91 3 ,P >0 0 5 )。啮齿动物物种多样性指数和均匀度指数均呈“低 高 低”年间波动趋势 ,差异不显著 (t=0 1 65 ,P >0 0 5 ) ;生态优势度指数变化趋势反之 ,样地间无显著差异(t=0 0 64,P >0 0 5 )。可以认为该地区辽东栎林中啮齿动物群落结构较稳定。     

干旱绿洲区枸杞林地面节肢动物功能群结构季节分布特征

为了解枸杞林地面节肢动物功能群结构季节分布特征,以宁夏绿洲枸杞林为研究对象,于2018年的春、夏、秋季节,采用陷阱诱捕法,调查了地面节肢动物功能群季节分布特征及其与环境因子之间的关系。结果显示:(1)枸杞林地面节肢动物功能群包括植食性、捕食性、腐食性和杂食性动物,个体数分别占6.31%、86.75%、2.01%和4.89%,其中以捕食性动物为主。(2)植食性地面节肢动物个体数和生物量表现为春季显著高于秋季,夏季居中;类群数表现为夏季显著高于秋季,春季居中。捕食性地面节肢动物生物量表现为夏季和秋季显著高于春季;个体数和类群数在不同季节间均无显著差异。腐食性地面节肢动物个体数、生物量和类群数在不同季节间均无显著差异。杂食性地面节肢动物个体数和类群数表现为春季显著高于夏季,秋季居中;生物量在不同季节间均无显著差异。(3)相关分析表明,捕食性地面节肢动物个体数与土壤含水量呈正相关关系,腐食性地面节肢动物个体数与土壤全磷呈正相关关系,杂食性地面节肢动物与土壤全氮呈正相关关系。但植食性地面节肢动物个体数则与土壤含水量呈负相关关系,杂食性地面节肢动物个体数与土壤温度和土壤全碳呈负相关关系。(4)pRDA分析表明,土壤含水量是影响地面节肢动物功能群结构季节分布的主要环境因子。结论:随着季节更替,宁夏干旱绿洲区枸杞林地面节肢动物的功能群组成差异较大,功能多样性差异较小。说明每个功能群的个体数和类群数对季节变化敏感,但功能多样性较稳定。     

帽儿山候鸟环环志初报

１９９５年秋季环志斑鸫,北朱雀,红胁蓝尾鸲,黄喉等候鸟１７种３９９只,原地重捕３种７只。     

Long-term retention of internal elastomer tags in a wild population of painted crayfish (Panulirus versicolor [Latreille]) on the Great Barrier Reef

Many crustaceans are highly exploited fisheries species, but determining the population parameters of these animals via mark-recapture techniques is problematic, primarily due to tag-loss during moulting of the exoskeleton. Recently developed internal elastomer tags may overcome this challenging problem, since they are completely encased in the tissues beneath the exoskeleton. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of internal elastomer tags in a wild population of painted crayfish (Panulirus versicolor) over an 18-month period. Seventy animals were double-tagged in the abdominal musculature, with individuality obtained using different combinations of tag colour and tag location. Forty individuals were recaptured after 6, 12 and (or) 18 months, giving an overall recapture rate of 57%. Annual tag retention was estimated to be 98%, since only one instance of tag-loss was observed, despite numerous episodes of moulting among tagged individuals. The majority of tags (95%) were easily visible, even after 18 months at liberty. Nonetheless, small reductions in tag condition were observed after the first six months (mostly due to fading and [or] fragmentation), but this did not interfere with overall tag readability. Tag condition did not decline in the following 12 months, nor did it vary with gender or tag location. It is concluded that internal elastomer tags are an effective method for marking wild crayfish over long-term periods. Given the durability of elastomer, and the capacity for individual identification of large numbers of animals, such tags may be suitable for commercial-scale fishery applications.     

The behavioural response of the white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) to five standard marking techniques over a 14-day period

ABSTRACT

The white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes), is classified as endangered in the 2010 IUCN Red List and is protected under Irish and European legislation due to a drastic decline in abundance and range over the past century. Mark-recapture methods play a vital role in the process of estimating population size, and in the monitoring and conservation of mobile species. A variety of marking techniques are routinely used in a range of crayfish species for ecological research. The majority of information on the effects of these marking techniques on the physiology of crayfish species focuses on survivability and growth, whereas information is scarce on the effects on crayfish behaviour. This study investigates the behavioural changes of crayfish in reaction to five commonly used marking techniques in laboratory conditions. The marking techniques used were internal and external passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags, visible implant elastomer (VIE) tags, cauterisation and ablation. Effects of marking technique on behaviour were evaluated immediately after marking, and over a 14-day period, on 78 crayfish. Results indicated that the internal passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags negatively affected crayfish behaviour by increasing resting levels. Ablation and cauterisation also increased grooming levels, while marking reduced activity levels in general. These effects on behaviour occurred immediately after marking, but quickly dissipated. These results suggest that the use of internal PIT tags for marking white-clawed crayfish may need to be avoided as increased resting levels could lead to increased exposure out of refuge and predation. This may have a detrimental impact on the welfare and conservation of white-clawed crayfish and also lead to biased population estimates during mark-recapture projects. The remaining marking techniques (external PIT tag, VIE tag, ablation, cauterisation) may be used, as changes in behaviour will not have a detrimental impact and therefore should not lead to biased population estimates.     

Low Rates of PIT-Tag Loss in an Insectivorous Bat Species

The rate of loss of tags used to mark individuals is an important consideration in wildlife research and monitoring. Passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags (or microchips) generally have high retention rates; however, tag loss rates for small mammals such as insectivorous bats are poorly understood. We double-marked a population of Gould's wattled bats (Chalinolobus gouldii) with forearm bands and PIT tags (with the injection site sealed with surgical adhesive) in January and February 2020 to determine rates of subsequent tag loss over the short- (1–2 months) and medium- (13–14 months) term. Loss of PIT tags occurred in 4 (2.7%) of 146 recaptured individuals, all within 2 months of microchipping. We also recorded 1 occurrence of band loss 11 months after banding. Our study supports assertions that PIT-tag retention rates in small mammals are high, and suggests that rates of tag loss in small bat species are low when surgical adhesive is applied. Quantifying the rate of tag loss enables this variable to be incorporated into mark-recapture models. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.     

A novel use of passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags as nest markers

ABSTRACT.   Double-observer methodology requires independent collection of data to accurately estimate population parameters. Use of visual nest markers to facilitate matching, relocating, and monitoring nests as part of a double-observer study violates this assumption, but few reliable alternatives exist, especially when working with cryptic nests and high nest densities in homogeneous habitat. We used passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags to nonvisually mark the nests of ground-nesting birds at the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge in western Alaska in a double-observer study of nest density. We marked 70 nests with PIT tags and naïve observers subsequently detected tags at 44 of 50 re-scanned nests (88% correct identification). Failed detections were likely due to either suboptimal tag orientation or tags falling through nest material, and such failures may be an inherent, but uncommon, feature of this nest-marking technique. PIT tags facilitated nest monitoring among independent observers, uniquely and reliably marked nests, provided a minimum of cues to potential nest predators, and allowed us to estimate densities in a double-observer framework while not violating assumptions. These tags should be useful in other studies of nesting birds where nonvisual, reliable nest markers are needed, and they provide a new tool for double-observer studies.     

Visual Implant Elastomer Mark Retention Through Metamorphosis in Amphibian Larvae

Abstract: Questions in population ecology require the study of marked animals, and marks are assumed to be permanent and not overlooked by observers. I evaluated retention through metamorphosis of visual implant elastomer marks in larval salamanders and frogs and assessed error in observer identification of these marks. I found 1) individual marks were not retained in larval wood frogs (Rana sylvatica), whereas only small marks were likely to be retained in larval salamanders (Eurycea bislineata), and 2) observers did not always correctly identify marked animals. Evaluating the assumptions of marking protocols is important in the design phase of a study so that correct inference can be made about the population processes of interest. This guidance should be generally useful to the design of mark-recapture studies, with particular application to studies of larval amphibians.     

Permanent marking of colored mice using dry ice

Freeze marking, using dry ice, was successfully applied to colored mice for permanent, individual, identification. By this method, a 5-8 mm piece of dry ice is pressed against the skin of mice for 10 seconds. About 3 weeks after this treatment, spots of white hair growing at the site of treatment became recognizable to the naked eye, and allowed permanent identification of individual animals thereafter. The white spots were very clear in colored mice, and greatly facilitated animal identification as compared to conventional marking methods. Treatment of the animals with dry ice for 10 seconds has no discernible effects on the site of the treatment or the general condition of the animals.     

No effect of passive integrated transponder tagging method on survival or body condition in a northern population of Black‐capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus)

Passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags allow a range of individual‐level data to be collected passively and have become a commonly used technology in many avian studies. Although the potential adverse effects of PIT tags have been evaluated in several species, explicit investigations of their impacts on small (<12 g) birds are limited. This is important, because it is reasonable to expect that smaller birds could be impacted more strongly by application of PIT tags. In this study, we individually marked Black‐capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus), a small (circa 10 g) passerine, at the University of Alberta Botanic Garden to evaluate potential lethal and sublethal effects of two PIT tagging methods: attachment to leg bands or subcutaneous implantation. We used a Cox proportional hazards model to compare the apparent survival of chickadees with leg band (N = 79) and implanted PIT tags (N = 77) compared with control birds that received no PIT tags (N = 76) over the subsequent 2 years based on mist net recaptures. We used radio‐frequency identification (RFID) redetections of leg band PIT tags to evaluate sex‐specific survival and increase the accuracy of our survival estimates. We also used a generalized linear regression model to compare the body condition of birds recaptured after overwintering with leg band PIT tags, implanted PIT tags, or neither. Our analysis found no evidence for adverse effects of either PIT tagging method on survival or body condition. While we recommend carefully monitoring study animals and evaluating the efficacy of different PIT tagging methods, we have shown that both leg band and subcutaneously implanted PIT tags ethical means of obtaining individualized information in a small passerine.     

Using stable isotope analysis with telemetry or mark-recapture data to identify fish movement and foraging

Information about animal movements has often been inferred from stable isotope analysis (SIA), but is dependent on animals assimilating site-specific isotopic signatures via diet. This potential weakness in ecological interpretation can be overcome by using other investigative tools that provide precise information about individual movement patterns. In this paper, we demonstrate the value of combining SIA with telemetry or mark-recapture data from trapping, electrofishing and remote detection of individuals to study the movement and feeding ecology of fishes in different habitats. In a fjord lake system in Newfoundland, Canada, juvenile Atlantic salmon delayed downstream migration (smolts) or actively moved into a large lake (parr) where they foraged for periods reflecting different life history strategies. In the Miramichi River (New Brunswick, Canada), SIA provided evidence of distinct foraging habitats (tributary versus large river). By tracking fish implanted with passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags, we distinguished between movements related to foraging versus seeking cool water refugia during high temperature events. Finally, site fidelity and limited mobility of slimy sculpin, a small benthic fish, was established where δ¹³C in muscle tissue showed a progressive enrichment downstream and where a median displacement of <10 m was estimated for sculpin tagged with PIT tags. Technological improvements have permitted non-destructive tissue sampling of wild fishes for SIA, and the tagging and remote detection of animals smaller than was previously possible. These advancements and the combination of investigative tools promise new insights into animal ecology.     

Effect of invasive tagging on the activity of Holothuria whitmaei [Echinodermata: Holothuroidea]: A suitable mark-recapture method for short-term field studies of holothurian behaviour

Although mark-recapture techniques traditionally have been used to obtain ecological data, tagging of soft-bodied holothurians has proven difficult, and the degree to which invasive tags may confound the behaviour of holothurians remains unclear. In this study, diurnal patterns of activity were monitored in the commercial sea cucumber Holothuria whitmaei (black teatfish) after marking the tegument superficially with a number measuring 30?×?20?mm (to a depth of?≤2?mm). Rates of activity in marked specimens increased significantly in the initial hours following marking, and remained higher than those of unmarked control animals for up to 3 days following the procedure. These results suggest (a) that behaviour in holothurians may initially be compromised by marking the tegument and (b) that improved measures of activity may be obtained following a suitable recovery period. This is a useful finding given the need for improved knowledge of commercial holothurian biology, including diurnal and seasonal patterns of behaviour.     

Migratory behaviour of adult cisco, Coregonus albula L., in the Bothnian Bay

The population of adult cisco in the Bothnian Bay consists of a number of spawning populations. Each one of these returns to the same inshore area for spawning every autumn. In the summer these populations are mixed and occur mainly offshore. These are the main conclusions of an experiment in which cisco were marked with Carlin-type tags. The cisco were caught mainly in fyke nets both in the summer and in the autumn and released after tagging in the area where they had been caught. Fish tagged in the autumn and recaptured in the autumn one or more years later showed a strong affinity to the point of release, while fish from the same group recaptured in the summer had migrated far from the release site. The distribution of cisco that were tagged in the summer and caught in the autumn showed no correlation with the release site.