内蒙古四子王旗额尔登敖包晚始新世紧齿犀类一新属(英文)

描述了内蒙古四子王旗额尔登敖包晚始新世乌兰戈楚组(?)(中白层)的紧齿犀亚科(Eggysodontinae)一新属种:邱氏原紧齿犀(Proeggysodon qiui),标本为破损的下颌骨。新属种与其他渐新世紧齿犀的区别在于个体较小,具有两对发育的铲形下门齿,下前臼齿没有臼齿化,p4的下斜脊更向舌侧倾斜延伸,下臼齿下斜脊与下次脊连接处呈角状,下臼齿无颊侧齿带。紧齿犀类和柯氏犀类(forstercooperes)可能有较近的系统发育关系,它们具有以下的共近裔性状:短而粗壮的大犬齿,相对短的齿隙(犬齿和前臼齿之间),下颌联合部短而高,从而使门齿趋向直立。新标本的发现填补了早-中始新世柯氏犀类和渐新世紧齿犀类在时代上的空白,也使紧齿犀类成为欧洲始新世/渐新世之交的"大间断"之后哺乳动物群自亚洲迁入欧洲的又一例证。     

中国犀的新材料

真板齿犀亚科(Elasmotheriinae)的材料在全世界发现得很少。据文献记载,共有两属:最早的一属发现于亚洲的上新世早期地层中,定名为中国犀属(Sinotherium);另一属发现于欧亚大陆的更新世早期一中期地层中,定名为板齿犀属(Elasmotherium)。中国犀的化石,最初发现在山西保德含三趾马动物群的地层中,1922年瑞典林斯顿作过描述,材料仅有一个上第三臼齿(M~3),种名定为拉氏中国犀(Sinotherium lagrelii Ringstr(?)m),后来林斯顿(1924)在系统整理中国犀的材料时,又增加了一个上第二臼齿(M~2),后脊已破损。1958年周明镇记述了得自黑龙江哈尔滨药店,推测可能来自保德上新世早期地层中的一个属于中国犀的上第三臼齿(M~3),由于釉质层简单,无曲折,定了个新种,名为简单中国犀(Sinotherium simplum     

河南济源中始新世似两栖犀属(奇蹄目：两栖犀科)一新种(英文)

描述了河南济源盆地中始新统聂庄组似两栖犀属(Amynodontopsis)一新种:济源似两栖犀(A. jiyuanensis sp. nov.),材料为一成年头骨。新种除了具有长头型,颅顶上凸,前颌骨和鼻骨连接,眶前窝较大并向眼眶内侧延伸,M1反前刺发育,M3后附尖强烈偏向唇侧等似两栖犀属的典型特征外,与其他似两栖犀的区别在于鼻骨较长,前颌骨鼻突在侧面向后延伸较多,与鼻骨接触面较大,上颌骨未参与构成外鼻孔边缘,鼻切迹位于犬齿后齿缺上方,上臼齿原脊和后脊相对较长,近于与外脊垂直。新种所具有的一系列原始特征表明济源似两栖犀比其他似两栖犀更原始。动物群对比显示其时代为沙拉木伦期,早于其他似两栖犀,由此推测似两栖犀属起源于亚洲并扩散至北美。     

陕西蓝田晚中新世灞河组松鼠科和林跳鼠科化石(英文)

描述了陕西蓝田晚中新世灞河组的松鼠类和林跳鼠类。松鼠科化石包括3个种:骊山花鼠(新种)Eutamias lishanemis sp.nov.,细小岩松鼠(新种)Sciurotamias pusillus sp.nov.和松鼠属(未定种)Sciurus sp.;林跳鼠科有两个种:西安脊仓跳鼠(新种)Lophocricetus xianensis sp.nov.和脊仓跳鼠(未定种)Lophocricetus sp.。在牙齿的形态上,蓝田松鼠科的新种分别与现生花鼠(Eutamias sibiricus)和岩松鼠(Sciurotamias davidianus)很相似,但特征原始。其中Sciurotamias pusillus新种代表了该属最早的地史记录;Lophocricetus xianensis新种比内蒙古最晚中新世常见的葛氏脊仓跳鼠(Lophocricetus grabaui)原始得多,为中国现知较为原始的一种。这些新种的特征如下:骊山花鼠(Eutamias listmnensis):个体比现生花鼠(Eutamias sibiricus)稍大,前臼齿和第三臼齿的尺寸比现生种的相对大。P4具完整的前边脊,明显臼齿化;上臼齿的原尖较收缩,中附尖不发育;M3无后脊;下臼齿的下内尖几乎融汇于后边脊,下中尖很小。细小岩松鼠(Sciurotamias pusillus):岩松鼠属中个体较小的一种,齿尖和齿脊比Sciurota- mias wangi和S.leilaoensis的高且较强壮。P4似三角形,前附尖膨大;M1/2的原尖收缩,时见小的后小尖和中附尖;m1/2的下内尖界限模糊,唇侧谷窄浅;m3明显向后扩展。西安脊仓跳鼠(Lophocricetus xianensts):Lophocricetus属中个体较小的一种,M1和M2具小或脊状的原附尖,m1和m2的外附尖和齿带不甚发育。M1的中尖通常弱,中脊短,内脊连接前尖或原脊,后边脊连接后脊;M2常见双前边脊,中脊伸达齿缘;m1下外脊的后部低、弱甚至断开,下次尖与下内尖或下中尖与下内尖间的脊连接;m2的下原尖连接下后尖或前边脊。脊仓跳鼠是中亚和北亚特有的一属啮齿动物,被认为从异蹶鼠属(Heterosminthus)演化而来,近10余年来有较多的发现和研究。本文特别对其系统关系进行了探讨,对属种的区分作了进一步界定。哺乳动物的研究显示,陕西蓝田地区晚中新世早期的气候可能比现代还要干旱。灞河动物群中松鼠类和林跳鼠类的出现,还表明了在这个温带开阔的草原环境中,尚有一些灌丛和林地。     

甘肃东乡晚中新世新发现的副板齿犀(奇蹄目、犀科)化石

副板齿犀 (Ｐａｒｅｌａｓｍｏｔｈｅｒｉｕｍ)是Ｋｉｌｌｇｕｓ( 1 92 3 )根据采自山西的标本建立的 ,属型种为山西副板齿犀 (Ｐ .ｓｃｈａｎｓｉｅｎｓｅ)。邱占祥和谢骏义 ( 1 998)记述了产自甘肃东乡汪集的简饰副板齿犀 (Ｐ .ｓｉｍｐｌｕｍ)化石 ,但其准确的层位不能肯定。最近在汪集西南约 1 1ｋｍ的那勒寺乡有确切层位的晚中新世地层中发现一些新材料 ,它们显然可以归入Ｐａｒｅｌａｓｍｏｔｈｅｒｉｕｍ这个属 ,但与上述已知的两个种都不相同。临夏副板齿犀 (新种 )Ｐａｒｅｌａｓｍｏｔｈｅｒｉｕｍｌｉｎｘｉａｅｎｓｅｓｐ .ｎｏ…     

内蒙古二连盆地早始新世脑木根组上部的奇蹄类(英文)

描述了内蒙古二连盆地脑木根组上部(早始新世伯姆巴期)两种奇蹄类:脊齿貘类的二连明镇貘(新属新种)Minchenoletes erlianensisgen.et sp.nov.和蹄齿犀类的Pataecops parvus。二连明镇貘区别于其他脊齿貘类的特点是:个体小,颊齿齿冠低,齿脊相对不发育,牙齿较横宽(长宽比小),M3相对较长。两种化石分别将脊齿貘科和犀超科的化石记录提前到最早始新世。最新的地层资料表明,明镇貘仅发现于脑木根组上部,相当于伯姆巴期的地层中;施氏貘(Schlosseria)和脊齿貘(Lophialetes)则分别发现于阿山头组和伊尔丁曼哈组。因此,这些化石在生物地层对比和早期奇蹄类演化研究中具有重要价值。依据二连地区的新资料和中亚考察团的野外记录,我们认为蒙古的Pataecops parvus标本可能来自比Kholobolchi动物群大多数种类更低的层位,可能相当于伯姆巴期。     

脊翅蝗属一新种(直翅目:蝗科)

脊翅蝗属 Eclipophleps Tarb.自1927年被记述以后,现已知11种2亚种。它们分布在我国甘肃兰州(1种)以及蒙古西半部(8种2亚种)和苏联的哈萨克斯坦(2种)。 笔者在整理以在所采新疆蝗虫标本时,又发现了此属的1个新种。后在1978年又到此新种的模式产地(东天山林带以上的高山、亚高山草甸)进行采集和观察,发现此新种在此区域内还是优势种。     

甘肃庆阳晚中新世大唇犀属(奇蹄目,犀科)一新种（英文）

报道并描述了大唇犀属一新种——桑氏大唇犀(Chilotherium licenti sp.nov.),材料为桑志华于1920年在甘肃庆阳晚中新世地层中采集到的一件关联寰椎的成年头骨和一件成年下颌骨。新种除了具有下颌联合部强烈扩展,i2巨大且内刃上翻,原尖收缩强烈,前刺和小刺发育,前附尖褶和前尖肋微弱等大唇犀属的典型特征之外,还具有前刺和小刺发育并连接形成中凹(P2-M2),内外齿带退化等特征。新种的进步特征显示其属于大唇犀属内高度特化的种群,其时代属于保德期,对应于欧洲的MN12-13。根据形态特征对比以及系统发育分析,推断来自晚中新世的桑氏大唇犀是大唇犀属内最进步的类群。     

泥河湾盆地新发现的梅氏犀及裴氏板齿犀化石

在河北省阳原县大黑沟中更新世和岑家湾附近石沟早更新世地层中分别发现了犀牛的下颌骨和股骨化石。其下颌联合部窄长、无下门齿、牙齿釉质层平滑而无褶皱、牙齿表面无垩质充填,股骨较披毛犀的长,故将其归入梅氏犀(Stephanorhinus kirchbergensis)。泥河湾盆地的化石是我国早期梅氏犀化石中材料最可靠,地点层位最明确的记录。山神庙咀和大黑沟出土的板齿犀牙齿及前脚骨化石,是泥河湾盆地发现的最好材料,尤其是大黑沟出土的板齿犀牙齿化石,是迄今在泥河湾盆地首次发现的完整材料;依据冠面结构和测量数据,该批材料可归入裴氏板齿犀(Elasmotherium peii);裴氏板齿犀特征鲜明,是有效名称,我国早更新世的板齿犀均应归入该种。我国第四纪的板齿犀与高加索板齿犀之间存在显著差异,表现在釉质层厚度较大但褶皱不够强烈、下颊齿的下后尖发育、颊齿冠面的前后径多数大于颊舌径、M3比M2小、M3后附尖欠发育,后脊与外脊已完全融合、上颊齿的齿脊更厚。此外,我国的板齿犀与西伯利亚板齿犀也有差异,后者的牙齿齿冠更高、无齿根、釉质层薄且褶皱强烈、上颊齿无后窝。最新地层研究表明,我国含板齿犀属的地层时代不晚于早更新世,且集中出现于下更新统。在晚新生代期间,犀牛在泥河湾盆地十分常见,先后出现过如下属种:大唇犀(Chilotherium sp.)(上新世)、裴氏板齿犀(Elasmotherium peii)(早更新世)、泥河湾披毛犀(Coelodonta nihowanensis)(早更新世)、梅氏犀Stephanorhinus kirchbergensis(早-中更新世)和真披毛犀(Coelodonta antiquitatis)(中-晚更新世)。     

我国乌鹳小肠的棘口科吸虫

在我国乌鹳(Ciconia nigra Linnaeus)的肠内找到三种棘口类吸虫,为乌鹳异棘口吸虫、新种(Allechinostomum nigriconiatum sp.nov.),中国肿头吸虫、新种(Chaunocephalus sinensis sp.nov.),肿头吸虫(Chaunocephalus ferox Dietz,1909)。对两个新种作了描述。 乌鹳异棘口吸虫、新种与该属的其他各种主要区别在具有卵巢后子宫环盘曲。中国肿头吸虫、新种与肿头吸虫的区别主要在卵黄腺滤泡呈横行排列,分布向后达体后部、角棘较小等特征,并与该属的其他种也作了比较。肿头吸虫属种的发现不但在我国而且在东亚均为首次。 文内对异棘口吸虫属(Allechinostomum Odhner,1910) 与肿头吸虫属(Chaunocephalus Dietz,1909)的分类位置各作了论述,并均列有种的检索表。     

Alkaline phosphatase as an indicator of true ejaculation in the rhinoceros

The objective was to determine if seminal alkaline phosphatase (ALP) can serve as an indicator of true ejaculation in the rhinoceros. Concentrations of ALP activity were determined in seminal fractions collected from African black rhinos (Diceros bicornis), an African white rhino (Ceratotherium simum), and an Indian rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis) during electroejaculation. In addition, seminal fractions collected during penile massage of a Sumatran rhino (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) were assessed. Correlations between ALP activity and sperm concentration, fraction pH, and fraction osmolality were evaluated in the Indian rhino and black rhino. Concentrations of ALP activity in rhino ejaculate fractions ranged from < 5 to 11,780 U/L and were positively correlated (P < 0.05) with sperm concentration for both Indian rhino (r = 0.995) and black rhino (r = 0.697), but did not exhibit a strong correlation with either pH or osmolality (P > 0.05). Data were insufficient for establishing meaningful correlation coefficients in the Sumatran rhino and white rhino, but preliminary results were in accordance with findings in the Indian rhino and black rhino. We concluded that ALP was present in rhinoceros semen, likely originated from the epididymides and/or testes, and could serve as a useful tool for assessing the production of ejaculatory versus pre-ejaculatory fluid in the rhinoceros.     

Alkaline phosphatase as an indicator of true ejaculation in the rhinoceros

The objective was to determine if seminal alkaline phosphatase (ALP) can serve as an indicator of true ejaculation in the rhinoceros. Concentrations of ALP activity were determined in seminal fractions collected from African black rhinos (Diceros bicornis), an African white rhino (Ceratotherium simum), and an Indian rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis) during electroejaculation. In addition, seminal fractions collected during penile massage of a Sumatran rhino (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) were assessed. Correlations between ALP activity and sperm concentration, fraction pH, and fraction osmolality were evaluated in the Indian rhino and black rhino. Concentrations of ALP activity in rhino ejaculate fractions ranged from < 5 to 11,780 U/L and were positively correlated (P < 0.05) with sperm concentration for both Indian rhino (r = 0.995) and black rhino (r = 0.697), but did not exhibit a strong correlation with either pH or osmolality (P > 0.05). Data were insufficient for establishing meaningful correlation coefficients in the Sumatran rhino and white rhino, but preliminary results were in accordance with findings in the Indian rhino and black rhino. We concluded that ALP was present in rhinoceros semen, likely originated from the epididymides and/or testes, and could serve as a useful tool for assessing the production of ejaculatory versus pre-ejaculatory fluid in the rhinoceros.     

A study on the postrelease behaviour and habitat preferences of black rhinos (Diceros bicornis) reintroduced into a fenced reserve in Namibia

Translocations and reintroductions are key elements for the population management of the critically endangered black rhino (Diceros bicornis, Linnaeus, 1758). In this study, we investigated the postrelease behaviour and habitat preferences of a black rhino starter group (n = 4) on the individual level. The animals were reintroduced to a fenced game reserve (87 km²) in North‐Central Namibia 1 year prior to our study. We used camera traps and very high frequency (VHF) radiotelemetry to examine the animals' temporal and spatial behaviour over a period of 4 months at transition between wet and dry seasons. Our results underline a peak in drinking activity and waterhole visits occurring between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. We found a shift in intensity in drinking activity during the period of the study. Satellite‐based woody cover estimations only suggest positive correlations between the density of woody cover and favoured black rhino habitat types. Although the area seems suitable to facilitate breeding success of this starter group, it does not support a self‐sustaining population. However, black rhinos were already successfully reintroduced to several additional fenced reserves in this region. The selective opening of fences in the future could help to enable genetic exchange between currently isolated groups of rhinos.     

Reserve Size,Conspecific Density,and Translocation Success for Black Rhinoceros

Abstract: Fighting and accidental injury commonly cause black rhinoceros (rhino; Diceros bicornis) death after release. Smaller reserves and higher conspecific density after release (release density) might increase a rhino's encounter rate with hazards like fenced boundaries and conspecifics. We conducted a science-by-management experiment on the influence of reserve size and release density on rates of movement, association, and injury and death amongst 39 black rhinos during the first 100 days after their release into 4 Namibian and 8 South African reserves ranging in size from 670 ha to 45,000 ha. Association rates were negatively related to reserve size and positively correlated with release density. There was also a negative relationship between the proportion of the reserve traversed by individual rhinos and reserve size. In reserves ≥18,000 ha association rates were consistently zero but became elevated in reserves ≤11,500 ha and at release densities ≤9 km²/rhino. Daily displacement did not increase with increasing reserve size >8,500 ha but in smaller reserves daily displacements indicated higher encounter rates by released rhinos with fenced boundaries. Three rhinos received fight-related injuries requiring intervention and 2 of 4 deaths were fight-related. All injuries and 3 deaths occurred in reserves ≤11,500 ha. Model selection based on Akaike's second-order Information Criterion indicated that the parameter release density alone best explained mortality risk. Traditionally considered risk factors, rhino sex, age, and presence of resident conspecifics, were superseded by the risk posed by releases into smaller reserves. Reserves ≤11,500 ha and release densities ≤9 km²/rhino pose an increasing risk to rhino survivorship and so larger reserves and lower densities than these should be favored as release sites.     

Density dependence and population dynamics of black rhinos (Diceros bicornis michaeli) in Kenya’s rhino sanctuaries

Density‐dependent feedback mechanisms provide insights into the population dynamics and interactions of large herbivores with their ecosystem. Sex ratio also has particularly important implications for growth rates of many large mammal populations through its influence on reproductive potential. Therefore, the interrelationships between density‐dependent factors, comprising density, sex ratio and underlying growth rates (r) were examined for the Eastern black rhino (Diceros bicornis michaeli) living in three rhino sanctuaries in Kenya using four population models. The exponential and logistic models gave similar results and the former were accepted because they better portrayed the actual situation on the ground. Sex ratios in all sanctuary populations were positively correlated with r but interpreted with realization of other factors also affecting r. We caution that the results of population models should be interpreted alongside ground‐truthed observations. We recommend that future translocation strategies should take into account sex and age structures of the donor population, while future studies of density dependence should take into account both biotic and abiotic factors.     

Not all ants are equal: obligate acacia ants provide different levels of protection against mega‐herbivores

In obligate ant–plant mutualisms, the asymmetric engagement of a single plant species with multiple ant species provides the opportunity for partners to vary in their behaviour. Variation in behaviour has implications for the interactions with third‐party species such as herbivores. This study assessed the effect of obligate ant‐mutualists (Crematogaster mimosae, Crematogaster nigriceps and Tetraponera penzigi) inhabiting the African ant‐acacia (Acacia drepanolobium) on three mega‐herbivore browsers: the Maasai giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi), the reticulated giraffe (Giraffa c. reticulata) and the black rhino (Diceros bicornis). Giraffes are abundant and wide‐ranging herbivores of the acacias, whereas black rhinos are localized and perennial herbivores of the acacias. Multiyear field studies comparing the ants’ aggressive behaviour and browsing by mega‐herbivores suggested differences between the tending abilities of the primary ant species inhabiting A. drepanolobium. Trees occupied by the aggressive ant species C. mimosae had significantly less browsing by giraffes and black rhino than trees occupied by other ant species. The results of this study provide evidence that ant‐mutualists on African acacias can serve as deterrents to mega‐herbivores and that different ant species vary in their tending abilities.     

Haltung und Zucht des Spitzmaulnashorns (Diceros bicornis) im Zoologischen Garten Berlin

The first Black rhino was kept in Berlin Zoo in 1870. After second world war the keeping of Diceros bicornis started in 1954. Between 1981 and 2006 16 births occurred in Berlin Zoo, of which 14 calfs were raised.     

Haltung und Zucht des Spitzmaulnashorns (Diceros bicornis) im Zoologischen Garten Berlin

The first Black rhino was kept in Berlin Zoo in 1870. After second world war the keeping of Diceros bicornis started in 1954. Between 1981 and 2006 16 births occurred in Berlin Zoo, of which 14 calfs were raised.     

Testing the Prey-Trap Hypothesis at Two Wildlife Conservancies in Kenya

Protecting an endangered and highly poached species can conflict with providing an open and ecologically connected landscape for coexisting species. In Kenya, about half of the black rhino (Diceros bicornis) live in electrically fenced private conservancies. Purpose-built fence-gaps permit some landscape connectivity for elephant while restricting rhino from escaping. We monitored the usage patterns at these gaps by motion-triggered cameras and found high traffic volumes and predictable patterns of prey movement. The prey-trap hypothesis (PTH) proposes that predators exploit this predictable prey movement. We tested the PTH at two semi-porous reserves using two different methods: a spatial analysis and a temporal analysis. Using spatial analysis, we mapped the location of predation events with GPS and looked for concentration of kill sites near the gaps as well as conducting clustering and hot spot analysis to determine areas of statistically significant predation clustering. Using temporal analysis, we examined the time lapse between the passage of prey and predator and searched for evidence of active prey seeking and/or predator avoidance. We found no support for the PTH and conclude that the design of the fence-gaps is well suited to promoting connectivity in these types of conservancies.     

Impact of the black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis minor) on a local population of Euphorbia bothae in the Great Fish River Reserve,South Africa

In the Great Fish River Reserve, South Africa, black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis minor) feed extensively on a local population of Euphorbia bothae. Maintaining the endangered black rhinoceros and the protected E. bothae population are both conservation priorities of the reserve. Therefore, the sustainability of this plant–animal interaction was investigated by comparing population characteristics, browsing incidence and intensity within the reserve and in an adjacent exclosure without access to rhino. Fixed‐point photographs showed that over a 2‐month period 36.6% of 213 monitored plants were browsed, with an average biomass loss of 13%, and 1% were destroyed. Of 26 plants re‐photographed after approximately 3 years, 70% showed a decrease in biomass, averaging 37.8% over this period. In this time span, 19% of the monitored plants died. Small plants (<45 cm) were over‐represented in the rhino‐browsed area, whereas the fraction of reproductively active plants and overall plant density were found to be lower than in the adjacent exclosure. No evidence of short‐term compensatory growth in response to browsing was found for E. bothae. This study indicates that, with the current population size, rhinos are overexploiting the E. bothae population and special measures should be taken to prevent local extinction.