Distribution and status of bustards in China

This article presents the distribution and status of bustards, which are listed as first-category protected animals according to the survey results during 1990-2002 in China. The Chinese populations of Otis tarda dybowskii are breeding in south-west of Heilongjiang Province, west-ern Jilin Province, east and middle Inner Mongolia, north Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, and Gansu Province. A few can winter in the south breeding-range. Its winter-range lies from the south to the Yellow River, as far as to Guizhou Province and Jiangxi Province. Its population number is about 200-300 or 500-800. The Chinese popula-tions of O. t. tarda are breeding in the north and west of Xinjiang. It is unclear about its winter-range, which is pre-sumed to be in south Asia. Recently we found individuals wintering in Chabuchaer and west Xinjiang. The popu-lation number is about 2000-3000. The habitat in breeding range includes steppe, grassland, desert grassland, and farmland. The habitat in winter range is the beach of rivers and lakes, meadows, meadow-grassland, and wheatland. The Chinese populations of Chlamydotis undulata mac-queeni are breeding in the fringe of the Jungar Basin, the banks of the Ulungur River, Balikun and south Turpan Basin in Xinjiang, west Inner Mongolia, and west Gansu. Northeast Mulei in eastern Jungar Basin of Xinjiang is the main breeding-range in the world. The bird uses desert and desert grassland as its habitat. Its winter-range is west Asia and south Asia. Its population number is about 2000. The Chinese populations of Tetrax tetrax are breeding in north Xinjiang, and China is located on the east border of its breeding-range. Its habitat is grassland and semi-desert, and its winter-range lies in south Asia. Its population in China is very scarce. In addition, we analyzed the causes of their endangerment and put forward protection tactics of Chinese Bustards.     

Field determination of age in male great bustards (Otis tarda) in spring

During a long-term study of individually marked, free-living male great bustards captured as chicks and radio-tracked through several years in Spain, we studied the development with age of two secondary sex traits, the moustachial feathers and the neck plumage pattern. Juvenile males acquired full adult plumage between their fourth and seventh years. The main changes occurred at the neck, coinciding with the onset of sexual maturity. The grey colour typical of immature males turned to ivory white around the fourth to fifth spring, and a gradual increase was appreciated in adults in the brightness of the white colour of the upper neck and in the contrast between this and a progressively more intense chestnut brown at the neck base. Based on these changes, we proposed four neck plumage patterns that can be used to differentiate male age classes during the mating period. The development of moustachial feathers showed more interindividual variability and was not as useful as the neck plumage to estimate male age.     

Distribution, density and productivity of great bustards Otis tarda in northwestern Spain: a regional approach

This paper describes at a regional scale the distribution pattern, density, productivity and sex ratio of great bustards in northwestern Spain and explores the role played by habitat type, terrain characteristics and human disturbance on variation in its demographic parameters. Data from 136 plots covering an area of 7314 km² were obtained in two censuses carried out in the spring and summer of 1998. The density of the great bustards was 1.39 individuals/km² in the pre-breeding period, decreasing by 22% in the post-breeding period. Density was significantly higher in central plots than in peripheral plots. Mean productivity was 0.24 chicks per female and showed a high variability among plots, being significantly lower in the densest plots. The overall sex ratio was 1.35 females per male during the pre-breeding period. Productivity related positively to areas holding small fields and a high interspersion of land uses. Density and productivity were negatively affected by river density and altitude, and seasonal density variation was positively correlated with human population density.     

Faeces as a source of DNA for molecular studies in a threatened population of great bustards

With recent advances in molecular biology, it is now possible to use the trace amounts of DNA in faeces to non-invasively sample endangered species for genetic studies. A highly vulnerable population of approximately 100 great bustards (Otis tarda) exists in Morocco necessitating the use of non-invasive protocols to study their genetic structure. Here we report a reliable silica-based method to extract DNA from great bustard faeces. We found that successful extraction and amplification correlated strongly with faeces freshness and composition. We could not extract amplifiable DNA from 30% of our samples as they were dry or contained insect material. However 100% of our fresh faecal samples containing no obvious insect material worked, allowing us to assess the levels of genetic variation among 25 individuals using a 542 bp control region sequence. We were able to extract DNA from four out of five other avian species, demonstrating that faeces represents a suitable source of DNA for population genetics studies in a broad range of species. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

内蒙古图牧吉冬季大鸨调查初报

大鸨(Otis tarda)属大型草原鸟类,过去曾广泛分布于黑龙江省西部及内蒙古的东部,目前已经处于濒危状态。图牧吉自然保护区是大鸨的主要栖息地,繁殖数量约200多只。1998年开始记录到越冬大鸨个体,2003年冬季,本区越冬数量达到165只(其中保护区内记录到85只)。本文对图牧吉自然保护区大鸨的越冬数量分布进行了调查,并对大鸨越冬行为及食性进行了初步的观察和分析,对大鸨越冬地管理及越冬鸟类的保护提出了建议。     

Distribution dynamics of a great bustard metapopulation throughout a decade: influence of conspecific attraction and recruitment

Dispersing individuals can use conspecifics as indicators of habitat quality and aggregate at traditionally occupied sites, leaving other favourable patches unoccupied. Here we test the predictions of the conspecific-based habitat selection hypothesis on a Spanish great bustard (Otis tarda) metapopulation, currently fragmented due to recent human-induced habitat changes. The number of birds had increased by 23% between 1988 and 1998, but not consistently among leks. Leks that were large in 1988 increased, while those that were small decreased, which suggests that dispersing individuals used the numbers of conspecifics as cues for breeding-site selection. Moreover, leks with high productivity increased, while those with low productivity decreased. Finally, lek distribution was markedly stable throughout the decade, with no establishment of new leks, and suitable habitat patches remained unoccupied, as predicted by the conspecific attraction hypothesis. These results were corroborated by a simulation model which incorporated natal dispersal rates between leks as obtained through radio-tracking of 15 birds that survived throughout their 4-year dispersal period. In conclusion, in spite of the apparent increase in total numbers throughout the decade, both conspecific attraction and local differences in reproductive success contributed to a more aggregated distribution, increasing the species' vulnerability to local catastrophes, and the risks of reduced genetic diversity and extinction of small leks.     

内蒙古图牧吉大鸨种群动态及时空分布稳定性

大鸨（Otis tarda）是我国I级重点保护野生鸟类,对大鸨重要栖息地种群数量的变化趋势进行研究,将为大鸨及其栖息地的保护提供科学依据。2017年至2020年,对内蒙古图牧吉国家级自然保护区内及周边的大鸨种群数量动态进行了全面调查,共选择33个监测地点,对大鸨的数量、性别和分布地点进行了调查。结果表明,大鸨种群数量从2017年193只增加至2020年253只;大鸨1月的越冬种群数量从2017年67只减少至2019年55只,2020年重新恢复至67只。各月大鸨种群数量呈现较大的变化,数量高峰期分别是5月和10月。12月至次年2月,越冬种群数量50 ~ 70只。雌性大鸨从3月开始监测到,数量高峰值出现在4月和5月,达到50 ~ 70只,不同的年份略有差别;6月之后数量开始下降,至9月开始略有回升,在10月以后,野外基本观察不到雌性个体。在野外易于观察的4月,2017至2020年4年中雌雄比的平均值是1︰2。2017年和2018年,大鸨在马鞍山区域分布较多,数量也较为稳定。然而进入2019年,分布地点减少,这可能与当地人类活动的干扰有关;2020年保护区功能区进行了调整,将2014年调整出保护区范围的马鞍山区域重新划入保护区中,湿地和草地面积均有所增加,大鸨分布地点数量逐渐恢复。针对目前保护区存在的问题,建议采取退耕还草、加强保护空缺管理及禁牧等保护措施对大鸨及其栖息地进行保护。     

大鸨的现状和研究动态

大鸨(Otistarda)是栖息于广阔草原的重要濒危鸟类,属国家Ⅰ级保护动物。本文根据近年国内外对该物种的研究结果,对其亚种分布、种群数量、生态生物学、种群遗传结构及组织形态学观察等方面作了综述。通过对其生存现状、受胁原因、研究动态的论述,为该物种的保护和管理提供科学的依据。     

Genetic diversity of the great bustard in Iberia and Morocco: risks from current population fragmentation

We studied the genetic diversity of great bustards (Otis tarda) in Iberia and Morocco, the main stronghold of this globally endangered species. Samples were collected from 327 individuals covering most of the distribution range within the study area. Sequence variation in a 657 bp fragment of the mtDNA control region revealed 20 variable sites defining 22 haplotypes, two of them exclusive to Morocco. Genetic diversity showed marked regional differences (π = 0–0.53, h = 0–0.89). Multidimensional scaling analysis based on F _ST values showed a clear division between Morocco and the Iberian Peninsula, with no evidence of current gene flow between them. Our results suggest that Morocco, where few matrilines have persisted to present, was colonized from Iberia thousands of years ago. Last century reports suggest dispersal through Gibraltar, when the species was more abundant at both sides of the Strait but later population declines and the Strait’s barrier effect have favoured current genetic isolation. Within Iberia, only the most peripheral populations (Navarra, Aragón and Andalusia) differed significantly from the main ones in central Spain. The first two showed extremely low genetic diversity and are probably threatened by inbreeding depression. Diversity was higher in Andalusia, where three exclusive haplotypes were found, suggesting some degree of isolation from other populations. Andalusia and Morocco could be regarded as separate management units which hold a significant proportion of the current genetic diversity and thus deserve urgent conservation measures.     

笼养条件的改变对大鸨繁殖期行为的影响

2002～2004年4～6月,采用瞬时扫描法对哈尔滨动物园饲养的16只（5♂,11♀）大鸨（Otis tarda）的繁殖期行为进行了观察。利用非参数检验法讨论了笼舍面积、舍内设计及外界噪音对大鸨繁殖期的行为分配、日节律、炫耀及一些特殊行为的影响。结果表明,环境因子对大鸨繁殖期行为存在显著影响,当环境条件改变后,大鸨的警戒行为发生显著变化（P〈0．01）,其次为炫耀、游走行为（P〈0．05）。另外,环境因子的变化对雄性大鸨的炫耀路线及求偶方式亦存在影响,同时影响沙浴等特殊行为。     

陕西米仓山国家级自然保护区猕猴的分布及种群数量调查

2013年8至12月,对陕西省米仓山国家级自然保护区境内野生猕猴的种群数量及其社会结构进行调查,并估测该物种栖息环境的偏好性。通过在预先选取的样区域内采用"V"型路线调查法调查,发现该区域生活12群,共有460—500只野生猕猴。结合对其中5个猴群长时间的持续跟踪观察,统计得出成年个体占45.93%,未成年个体占34.45%,幼仔占19.61%,成年与未成年比例为1.33,成年雄雌的比例为0.36。并证实猕猴倾向于选择海拔700—1600m裸露的悬崖峭壁、平缓山坡农田带上缘、灌丛-森林带和半山中部及以上区域的阔叶林带下缘活动。     

九寨沟自然保护区川金丝猴的分布及种群数量

2014年2月至5月,对四川省九寨沟自然保护区野生川金丝猴的种群分布、数量及其社会结构进行调查,初步探讨该种群与其他种群在外部形态和社会结构方面的差异性。采用"V"型路线法调查,发现九寨沟保护区共有川金丝猴4群。然后结合长时间的持续跟踪观察,证实家庭单元19个,全雄群3个,能区分不同个体296只。OMU大小平均为12.7只,其中OMU内的成年个体占38%,青少年个体占53%,幼仔占9%。成年与青少年比例为1∶1.39,成年雌雄的比例为3.84∶1。与秦岭种群的外部形态相比,该种群的成年雄性更为壮大,毛发弯曲程度明显;成年雌性毛发略显灰黑色,金黄色暗淡,大部分个体嘴角长有很小的肉瘤;青少年个体毛色泛白。亦发现九寨沟种群倾向于选择海拔偏高(2400—3550 m)的针叶林带活动。     

笼养大鸨越冬行为的时间分配

20 0 0～ 2 0 0 2年冬季 ,在哈尔滨动物园 ,采用瞬时扫描法对 2 2只笼养大鸨 (Otistarda)进行全日制观察 ,研究结果表明 :笼养大鸨可以在北方安全越冬。笼养大鸨越冬期行为活动日节律、行为分配 :休息行为 (趴卧、静站 )所占比例最大 ,达到 78. 40 % ,而取食行为 (6. 1 5 % )、游走 (7. 3 5 % )、理羽 (4 . 3 5 % )、啄草雪(2 . 65 % )、打蓬 (1 .1 0 % )所占比例相对较少 ,且各行为时间分配差异显著 (P <0 . 0 5 )。大鸨在冬季不同时期内除取食、打蓬、啄草雪外 ,各行为时间分配差异显著 (P <0 .0 5 )。温度、天气的变化对笼养大鸨越冬行为时间分配也具有显著影响 (P <0 . 0 5 )。     

Alarming decline and range reduction of the highly threatened Great Bustard Otis tarda in Morocco

A Great Bustard Otis tarda survey carried out in spring 2015 in Morocco confirmed the decline of this highly endangered population. Bustards were only seen at two of the seven leks occupied ten years ago. The total number of birds counted was 40-44, which represents a 40% decline over the last decade. The sex-ratio was still strongly female-biased (1 male: 3 females), but less than in previous surveys, which suggests that trophy hunting has not been the major mortality cause in recent times. The productivity was 0.29-0.33 juveniles per female, the highest ever recorded in this population, suggesting that breeding success doesn’t represent the main problem for the survival of this population. Based on the recent development of the power line network at some areas, the main threat today is probably collision with power lines. Reducing this mortality cause should be considered a high conservation priority.     

Gene flow in great bustard populations across the Strait of Gibraltar as elucidated from excremental PCR and mtDNA sequencing

Recent advances in molecular biology have made it possible to use the trace amounts of DNA in faeces to non-invasively sample endangered species for genetic studies. Here we use faeces as a source of DNA and mtDNA sequence data to elucidate the relationship among Spanish and Moroccan populations of great bustards. 834 bp of combined control region and cytochrome-b mtDNA fragments revealed four variable sites that defined seven closely related haplotypes in 54 individuals. Morocco was fixed for a single mtDNA haplotype that occurs at moderate frequency (28%) in Spain. We could not differentiate among the sampled Spanish populations of Cáceres and Andalucía but these combined populations were differentiated from the Moroccan population. Estimates of gene flow (Nm = 0.82)are consistent with extensive observations on the southern Iberian peninsular indicating that few individuals fly across the Strait of Gibraltar. We demonstrate that both this sea barrier and mountain barriers in Spain limit dispersal among adjacent great bustard populations to a similar extent. The Moroccan population is of high ornithological significance as it holds the only population of great bustards in Africa. This population is critically small and genetic and observational data indicate that it is unlikely to be recolonised via immigration from Spain should it be extirpated. In light of the evidence presented here it deserves the maximum level of protection. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Effects of experimental infection with Eimeria bovis on the balance of sodium, potassium and water in calves

Balance trials were performed to investigate the effects of experimental Eimeria bovis coccidiosis on the metabolism of water, sodium and potassium in calves. Non-infected pair-fed controls and controls fed according to plan were included in the study to allow differentiation between the effects due to infection and due to changes in feed intake. Primary infection with 5 × 10⁴ (group A) or 1 × 10⁵ (group B) oocysts caused mild diarrhoea in three out of four group A calves and mild to severe haemorrhagic diarrhoea in all five group B calves. Losses of sodium and potassium via faeces tended to increase in the infected calves during patency and apparent digestibility (AD) of these minerals was comparably low. In the urine of the infected calves the Na/K-ratio decreased due to a reduced urinary excretion of sodium. The retention (RT) of sodium was particularly high in the calves that had received the higher oocyst dose. Potassium RT did not underlie significant changes during the course of coccidiosis. In the infected calves the plasma level of sodium was reduced transiently while the level of potassium remained fairly stable. Infections with the higher oocyst dose caused a distinct reduction of fluid excretion via urine which compensated for the increased faecal water losses during severe diarrhoea. Reinfection of the group A calves with 1 × 10⁵ oocysts did not cause any significant metabolic impairment. The results of this study indicate that although acute sublethal bovine coccidiosis alters electrolyte and water metabolism the overall balance of electrolytes and water is largely maintained by physiologic adaptation.     

中国硬叶兜兰地理分布格局及其潜在分布区预测

该研究基于MaxEnt模型和ArcGIS技术,采用实地调查为主结合标本、文献查阅的方法得到全国107个硬叶兜兰有效分布点,并筛选出13个因子,从生态位模型角度对其潜在地理分布进行预测,并采用AUC值对模型进行准确性检验,用ArcGIS 10.6软件进行可视化处理,分析硬叶兜兰潜在分布区并计算面积;采用刀切法、预测因子贡献率和响应曲线,分析影响硬叶兜兰分布的主导因子,为硬叶兜兰的就地保护、迁地保护、野外回归和开发利用提供理论区划依据。结果表明：(1)硬叶兜兰在全国大尺度上总体呈零散分布,以滇、黔、桂三省(自治区)的喀斯特山地为主要分布区;小尺度上普遍呈现出微地形小居群聚集分布的特点,有64.95%的分布点实际分布面积不超过100 m²。(2)该种潜在分布区预测的构建数据和检验数据AUC值分别为0.992和0.987,其潜在分布区为贵州西南至南部地区、贵州中部地区、云南东南部、广西北部至西北部,其中最适宜区为滇东南、黔西南至桂西北地区,面积约3 912.71 km²。(3)影响硬叶兜兰潜在分布的主导因子及最适范围是顶层土壤质地(壤土)、最干季度降水量(55~85 mm)、年均降水量(1 220~1 480 mm)、碳酸钙含量(2.5%~2.7%),4个主导因子的贡献率分别为30.0%、20.1%、16.2%和7.0%。研究认为,硬叶兜兰被采挖严重,对生境要求严格,结合该种在中国的实际分布情况、生存现状、受威胁状况和潜在分布区预测结果,建议将硬叶兜兰列入国家重点保护植物名录,并通过自然保护区或保护小区等方式加强原生地保护。     

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.