Semen evaluation of giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) at the Wolong Reserve

Semen from 4 wild-caught giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) held at the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda was collected (22 samples during 1991–1993) by electroejaculation, and evaluated for use in artificial insemination. Semen characteristics (mean ± SD) recorded were as follows: semen volume–1.5 ± .9 ml (range—0.3–3.5); sperm density 1.5 ± 0.1 × 10⁹/ml (range—0.24–4.2); motility 79 ± 10% (range—60–95); abnormal sperm 14 ± 5% (range—10–27); and pH 7.1 ± 0.2 (range—6.7–7.5). There were significant differences from year to year (P < 0.05) in semen volume collected and in the percentage abnormal sperm in 1993 compared to other years. There were no significant differences among semen produced from the four different pandas. Data collected were similar to reports for other giant pandas, and semen from all 4 giant pandas was considered suitable for use in artificial insemination. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

野生大熊猫行为谱及PAE编码系统

行为谱是动物行为学研究的基础。大熊猫(Ailuropoda melanoleuca)是生物多样性保护中的旗舰物种,其行为生态的研究备受关注,然而由于大熊猫数量稀少且警惕性强,很难在野外进行观察,有关其行为谱等基础行为研究结果主要是基于圈养大熊猫的观察研究。为了促进野生大熊猫行为学的深入研究,2015年1月—2016年6月,2018年8月— 2019年4月我们在卧龙自然保护区基于红外相机图片和视频数据,利用PAE编码系统建立了野生大熊猫行为谱和PAE编码系统。研究共计在14种环境背景中记录到大熊猫12种姿势、52种动作、56种行为。一方面,本研究结果基本涵盖了大熊猫的主要行为,并发现了一些未在圈养大熊猫行为谱中记录到的行为,如野生大熊猫利用植物的茎进行自我除雪行为;另一方面丰富了观察大熊猫行为的环境因素。以上结果为深入研究野生大熊猫行为生态学提供了基础信息。       

Vocal discrimination of potential mates by female giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

In the current study, we used male giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) bleats in a habituation–discrimination paradigm to determine whether females discriminate between the vocalizations of different males. We found that females habituated to the bleats of a specific male showed a significant dishabituation when they were presented with bleats from a novel male. Further playbacks, in which we standardized the mean fundamental frequency (pitch) and amplitude modulation of male bleats, indicated that amplitude modulation is the key feature that females attend to when discriminating between male callers. Our results show that female giant pandas can discriminate between the vocalizations of potential mates and provide a platform for further studies investigating the functional role of caller identity in giant panda sexual communication.     

Behavioral preferences for bamboo in a pair of captive giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

Giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) are members of the order Carnivora. Their diet, however, consists almost entirely of bamboo. Herbivores are under strong pressure to be selective in what they eat because of the low digestibility of plant material. The purpose of this study was to determine whether two captive giant pandas exhibited preferences among three species of bamboo: black (Phyllostachys nigra), bissetii (Phyllostachys bissetii), and arrow (Pseudosasa japonica). Eighteen classic choice trials were conducted in which the species were randomly paired and placed in one of two predetermined locations in the giant pandas' indoor enclosures. The pandas preferred leaves to culms or branches for each bamboo species. In the first hour of exposure, both pandas exhibited a preference for arrow bamboo. A comparison of total bamboo consumption over the course of the night indicated a strong preference for arrow bamboo by the male. The female exhibited equal preference for both arrow and bissetii over black bamboo. Further examination of feeding behavior determined that the pandas processed arrow bamboo behaviorally more efficiently than the other two species. This is the first study to experimentally assess bamboo preferences in giant pandas, and may have implications for husbandry and management programs as well as strategies for in situ conservation. Zoo Biol 24:177–183, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Microsatellite variability reveals the necessity for genetic input from wild giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) into the captive population

Recent success in breeding giant pandas in captivity has encouraged panda conservationists to believe that the ex situ population is ready to serve as a source for supporting the wild population. In this study, we used 11 microsatellite DNA markers to assess the amount and distribution of genetic variability present in the two largest captive populations (Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Sichuan Province and the China Research and Conservation Center for the Giant Panda at Wolong, Sichuan Province). The data were compared with those samples from wild pandas living in two key giant panda nature reserves (Baoxing Nature Reserve and Wanglang Nature Reserve). The results show that the captive populations have retained lower levels of allelic diversity and heterozygosity compared to isolated wild populations. However, low inbreeding coefficients indicate that captive populations are under careful genetic management. Excessive heterozygosity suggests that the two captive populations have experienced a genetic bottleneck, presumably caused by founder effects. Moreover, evidence of increased genetic divergence demonstrates restricted breeding options within facilities. Based on these results, we conclude that the genetic diversity in the captive populations is not optimal. Introduction of genetic materials from wild pandas and improved exchange of genetic materials among institutions will be necessary for the captive pandas to be representative of the wild populations.     

Daily activity of captive giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) at the wolong reserve

Daytime activity patterns of captive giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) (n = 21) were observed for 2 week periods during October 1991 and January, April, and July 1992. A daytime bimodal activity pattern was seen with increased activity coinciding with feeding times at 1000 and 1600 h. The animals spent an average of 40 ± 10% of their time sleeping, 21 ± 10% resting, 25 ± 11% eating, 13 ± 9% walking, and 1 ± 3% interacting with other giant pandas. Adult females were less active than males or juveniles. During July, giant pandas were less active during the daytime than during other seasons of the year. There was no difference in activity patterns between pregnant and non-pregnant females. Two infants had similar activity patterns to the adults by the time they were 6 months old. Comparison with wild giant pandas (n = 5) at the Wolong Nature Reserve revealed similar bimodal activity cycles, although the time of peak activity differed and foraging/feeding time was greater for wild pandas than for captive animals. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

大相岭北坡大熊猫生境适宜性评价

2005 年3 ～11月采用样线法和样方法对大相岭北坡大熊猫栖息地进行了调查,通过利用样方法发现的大熊猫痕迹频次对栖息地的适宜性进行景观连接度(适宜性)赋值,对大相岭北坡大熊猫栖息地的质量进行了分析评价。研究区面积约为2266.79 km² ,其中竹林分布面积约为842.3 km² 。仅有约56.8 km² 占6.8%的竹林面积是适宜大熊猫生存的地区,次适宜地区面积为96.3 km² ,约占11.4%,较差适宜地区面积为177.4 km²,约占21.1%,3 个等级加到一起共为330.5 km² ,占竹林面积的39.3%,主要分布在2200～2800 m 的平缓山坡,有60% 以上为不适宜地区。人为活动对大熊猫栖息地的影响主要是不仅减少了大熊猫的生境面积,也降低了大熊猫亚种群之间的景观连接度,对大熊猫种群之间的基因交流产生阻碍。作者通过实际调查提出了管理措施。     

Dietary vitamin and mineral concentrations of two juvenile female giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

During a 7 mo exhibit loan, diets of two juvenile female giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) were monitored. Mineral [calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), zinc (Zn)] and vitamin (beta-carotene and total tocopherol) concentrations in the diet were quantified as well as in a serum sample obtained from one of these animals. Diets consumed by the pandas contained (dry matter basis): 0.82% Ca, 0.62% P, 1.05% K, 14.3 mg/kg Cu, 31.8 mg/kg Zn, 12.2 mg/kg beta-carotene, and 12 mg/kg total tocopherol. Serum values for these vitamins and minerals were within reported normal limits for the spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus). This diet appeared to provide adequate nutrition for maintenance and growth.     

Characterizing the spatial distribution of giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) in fragmented forest landscapes

Aim To examine the effects of forest fragmentation on the distribution of the entire wild giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) population, and to propose a modelling approach for monitoring the spatial distribution and habitat of pandas at the landscape scale using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectro‐radiometer (MODIS) enhanced vegetation index (EVI) time‐series data. Location Five mountain ranges in south‐western China (Qinling, Minshan, Qionglai, Xiangling and Liangshan). Methods Giant panda pseudo‐absence data were generated from data on panda occurrences obtained from the third national giant panda survey. To quantify the fragmentation of forests, 26 fragmentation metrics were derived from 16‐day composite MODIS 250‐m EVI multi‐temporal data and eight of these metrics were selected following factor analysis. The differences between panda presence and panda absence were examined by applying significance testing. A forward stepwise logistic regression was then applied to explore the relationship between panda distribution and forest fragmentation. Results Forest patch size, edge density and patch aggregation were found to have significant roles in determining the distribution of pandas. Patches of dense forest occupied by giant pandas were significantly larger, closer together and more contiguous than patches where giant pandas were not recorded. Forest fragmentation is least in the Qinling Mountains, while the Xiangling and Liangshan regions have most fragmentation. Using the selected landscape metrics, the logistic regression model predicted the distribution of giant pandas with an overall accuracy of 72.5% (κ = 0.45). However, when a knowledge‐based control for elevation and slope was applied to the regression, the overall accuracy of the model improved to 77.6% (κ = 0.55). Main conclusions Giant pandas appear sensitive to patch size and isolation effects associated with fragmentation of dense forest, implying that the design of effective conservation areas for wild giant pandas must include large and dense forest patches that are adjacent to other similar patches. The approach developed here is applicable for analysing the spatial distribution of the giant panda from multi‐temporal MODIS 250‐m EVI data and landscape metrics at the landscape scale.     

卧龙圈养大熊猫遗传多样性现状及预测

以中国最大的大熊猫圈养种群—四川卧龙中国大熊猫保护中心的圈养种群为对象,以８个大熊猫微卫星位点为分子标记, 探讨了大熊猫圈养种群的遗传多样性, 并与邛崃野生种群及其他７个濒危物种进行比较。微卫星数据表明, 圈养种群的遗传多样性水平(A＝5.5, He ＝0.620, Ho＝0.574) 低于邛崃野生种群(A＝9.8,He＝0.779,Ho＝0.581),但高于其他7 个濒危物种的种群(He＝0.13~0.46)。在此数据的基础上对未来100个世代内圈养种群遗传多样性的变化情况做出了预测。结果表明假设种群数量比现在扩大一倍, 经历100个世代后也只会使平均等位基因数少减少0.4。因此继续增加野生个体对保持遗传多样性的意义已经不大, 建议该圈养种群的保护策略应将重点放到制定更有效的繁殖计划以避免近交上。     

中国大熊猫保护区发展历史、现状及前瞻

大熊猫是我国的特产动物,古时被列为贡品,在近代被视为国宝。新中国成立以前,由于乱捕滥猎等因素,该物种已处于濒危状态。解放以后,我国政府于20 世纪50 年代开始了自然保护区建设,并于20 世纪60 年建立了卧龙等5 个大熊猫自然保护区,并将大熊猫列为禁猎动物。20 世纪70 年代我国进行了第一次全国大熊猫资源调查,基于调查结果新建了佛坪、唐家河、蜂桶寨等自然保护区,使有关大熊猫的自然保护区总数达到了13 个。1985 -1988 年全国第二次大熊猫资源调查结果显示,野生大熊猫种群数量较第一次减少了54 ﹪。进入90 年代,全国大熊猫保护区增至36 个,迄今共建立了63 个与保护大熊猫这一珍稀物种相关的自然保护区。全国大熊猫栖息地已由80 年代衰落期时22 220 km2 增加至34 000 km2 ,其中分布在保护区内的栖息地面积达29 000 km2 ,有效地保护了约85% 的大熊猫栖息地总面积以及约50% 的野生大熊猫种群数量。现存野生大熊猫种群数量估计约2 000只,因密度稀疏,发展空间大。目前,国家主管部门已出台了各种就地与迁地保护措施,只需各方通力合作,野生大熊猫的未来将是光明的。     

Growth and development of infant giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) at the Wolong Reserve,China

From 1991 to 1993 inclusive, seven infant giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) were born at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda. Average daily weight gain in the first 6 months for mother-reared infants (n = 5) was 71.3 g/day; for one partially mother-reared and partially hand-reared infant, 41.5 g/day; and for one completely hand-reared infant, 50.3 g/day. There was a significant difference in growth rates across the first 6 months in all methods of rearing. In addition, a comparison of growth rates across the three rearing methods showed significant differences in the first, second, third, fifth, and sixth months. Average daily body length increase for mother-reared infants was 4.1 mm/day; for partially mother-reared/partially hand-reared infants, 4.0 mm/day; and for the completely hand-reared infant, 2.8 mm/day. In mother-reared infants, body length increase during the first month was significantly greater than during the following months, and was slowest during the sixth month. At birth, infants were all pink in color with a light white coat of lanugo. Black pigmentation was first noted at 7–10 days of age, which was also the time that initial hair coat growth was seen. Eyes opened at 35–48 days of age. Ears opened at 31–50 days of age. Deciduous dentition was first seen at 82–121 days of age, while permanent dentition began to erupt at 350 days of age. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Study of crude protein intake and growth response in captive subadult giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

Feeding trials were conducted on seven subadult giant pandas (1.5–4.7 years old). The giant pandas consumed diets with 20 various levels of crude protein (CP): 132.9, 186.8, 206.0, 233.1, 251.4, 255.2, 288.5, 290.8, 299.1, 334.6, 370.7, 378.7, 379.9, 399.2, 372.6, 411.4, 436.1, 484.4, 509.3, and 563.7 g/day. According to the differences in the body weight (BW) gain (weight/month (W/M)) and the amounts of ingested CP, subadult giant pandas are divided into at least three age groups: 1.5–2.0, 2.5–3.9, and 4.0–4.7 years. Although there apparently is no direct relationship between the ΔW/M and the CP consumed by all the giant pandas, a linear relationship existed between the square root of CP ingested (g) per unit BW (W^0.75, Kg) and weight gain per month (ΔW/M, Kg/M) of giant pandas aged 1.5–2.0 years. No such relationship existed in the giant pandas aged 2.5–4.7 years, but ΔW/M decreased with the increasing CP per unit gross energy (GE) consumed (CP/GE). For the 1.5–2.0‐year‐old giant pandas, CP for maintenance was determined at 3.6576 g/Kg W^0.75/day when ΔW/M was 0, and CP for growth was 1.7541 g/Kg W^0.75/day when ΔW/M was equal to 1 Kg/M; thus, suitable intake of total CP is 9.95 g/Kg W^0.75/day. The average value of ingested CP was 13.54 ± 3.01 g/KgW^0.75/day for 2.5–3.9‐year‐old pandas, and 12.25 g/KgW^0.75/day for 4.5–4.7‐year‐old pandas. Zoo Biol 21:223–232, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Behavior of giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) in captive conditions: Gender differences and enclosure effects

The behavior of giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) was studied under captive conditions. Both male and female pandas spent similar amounts of time engaged in eating and locomotion. Males performed anogenital‐marking more but rested less than females, which suggests a sexually dimorphic pattern of behavior. Furthermore, females housed in the seminatural environment spent significantly less time engaged in stereotyped behavior than did females housed in the traditional enclosure, indicating that an enclosure environment affects the behavior of giant pandas. These data illustrate the importance of careful management and facility design for captive giant pandas. Zoo Biol 22:77–82, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Monitoring stress in captive giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca): behavioral and hormonal responses to ambient noise

Anthropogenic noise may impact captive breeding programs for endangered species. We recorded ambient noise and monitored potential behavioral and hormonal indices of stress in two captive giant pandas for 4 years. Statistical analyses were conducted for each individual separately, which allowed us to generalize only to these two animals. These preliminary findings indicate that ambient noise can have long‐lasting effects on stress indices. Days characterized by louder levels of noise were associated with increased locomotion, restless manipulation of the exit door of the enclosure, increased scratching and vocalizations indicative of agitation, and/or increased glucocorticoids excreted in urine. These general effects were modulated by several factors: 1) Brief loud noise evoked behavioral distress, but not pituitary‐adrenal activation. More chronic, moderate‐amplitude noise was associated with higher levels of glucocorticoids. 2) Some responses were frequency‐dependent, with loud low‐frequency noise having the greatest impact. 3) Female reproductive condition interacted significantly with noise amplitude for all behavioral measures, with stronger effects for the loudest acute noises. The female appeared especially sensitive to noise during estrus and lactation, and less so during pregnancy/pseudopregnancy and nonreproductive periods. Despite these statistical effects, we found no compelling evidence that these adjustments indicate substantive detrimental effects on well‐being or reproduction. Nonetheless, careful monitoring of giant pandas and other captive‐held species is advisable, especially during reproductively sensitive periods such as implantation and birth. Zoo Biol 23:147‐164, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

贮存温度和时间对大熊猫粪便样品皮质醇浓度的影响

通过非损伤性取样比如粪便样品监测野生动物受胁迫的水平已成为一个重要的手段,然而针对从野外采集的样品,其运输和贮存温度条件是否干扰分析结果,尚未有过报道。为评估不同贮存温度和天数对野生动物粪便样品中皮质醇浓度的影响,我们将大熊猫的新鲜粪便置于3 种模拟条件(0℃ 、10℃ 和22℃ ),并进行连续6 d的检测分析。结果表明,贮存天数对粪样中皮质醇浓度有显著影响(F _5,107 = 7.501,P = 0.001),但温度则无显著影响(F _2,107 = 1.094,P = 0.366)。粪样在0℃ 、10℃ 和22℃ 条件下贮存6 d,皮质醇浓度与贮存前的基准值之间均不存在显著差异(0℃ :F _6,41 = 1.274,P = 0.290;10℃ :F _6,41 = 2.027,P = 0.084;22℃ :F _6,41 =1.009, P = 0.434)。结果提示在室温条件下短期运输和贮存(不超过6 d),不会引起大熊猫粪便样品中皮质醇浓度的显著变化。该结果对于野外所采集的粪便样品运输和贮存具有一定的指导意义。