华南虎、东北虎、孟加拉虎的D-100p和ND5序列及其在系统进化分析中的应用

本文采用PCR和质粒克隆测序方法,获得了华南虎线粒体D-loop区的480bp序列和东北虎、孟加拉虎线粒体D-loop区的503bp序列;同时还获得了这三个虎亚种和金钱豹线粒体ND5基因5’端309bp的部分序列。根据D-loop序列分析,华南虎与孟加拉虎、东北虎的平均距离(p-distance)分别为0．11088和O．11087,而东北虎与孟加拉虎间的平均距离为0．00994;根据ND5序列分析,华南虎与孟加拉虎、东北虎的平均距离分别为0．11434和0．11758,而东北虎与孟加拉虎间的平均距离为0．00324。三个虎亚种的mtDNA D-loop和ND5序列比较表明,华南虎是这三个虎亚种中最为古老的亚种。     

华南虎、东北虎、孟加拉虎的D-loop和ND5序列及其在系统进化分析中的应用

本文采用PCR和质粒克隆测序方法,获得了华南虎线粒体D-loop区的480 bp序列和东北虎、孟加拉虎线粒体D-loop区的503 bp序列;同时还获得了这三个虎亚种和金钱豹线粒体ND5基因5'端309 bp的部分序列.根据D-loop序列分析,华南虎与孟加拉虎、东北虎的平均距离(p-distance)分别为0.110 88和0.110 87,而东北虎与孟加拉虎间的平均距离为0.009 94;根据ND5序列分析,华南虎与孟加拉虎、东北虎的平均距离分别为0.114 34和0.117 58,而东北虎与孟加拉虎间的平均距离为0.003 24.三个虎亚种的mtDNA D-loop和ND5序列比较表明,华南虎是这三个虎亚种中最为古老的亚种.     

西藏墨脱县孟加拉虎种群数量调查

孟加拉虎曾在西藏墨脱县各乡镇均有分布记录,但自2002年后该地区未见确认报道。2013—2018年间,我们利用红外相机技术、信息网络收集法和足迹鉴定法调查了墨脱县孟加拉虎的9个潜在分布区域。结果显示,墨脱县仅存1~3只孟加拉虎非定居个体,仅在旱季(每年10月至来年3月)游荡活动于背崩乡、墨脱镇雅鲁藏布江南岸区,以及格当乡金珠藏布南岸区。该区域内孟加拉虎的保护前景不容乐观,其原因是多方面的。本文提出如下建议以加强针对野生孟加拉虎的保护:(1)继续加强虎的基础性监测;(2)加强针对偷盗猎活动的野外巡护与执法管理;(3)加强对原始森林的保护;(4)改善原住民生计,加强宣传教育,以减少对自然资源的消耗;(5)恢复与建立景观廊道,改善栖息地连通性,以促进虎的自然扩散;(6)加强不同机构与参与方之间的合作研究和技术交流。     

mtDNA indicates profound population structure in Indian tiger (Panthera tigris tigris)

We analyzed mtDNA polymorphisms (parts of control region, ND5, ND2, Cytb, 12S, together 902 bp) in 59 scat and 18 tissue samples from 13 Indian populations of the critically endangered Indian tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), along with zoo animals as reference. Northern tiger populations exhibit two unique haplotypes suggesting genetic isolation. Western populations from Sariska (extinct in 2004) and Ranthambore are genetically similar, such that Ranthambore could serve as a source for reintroduction in Sariska. Zoo populations maintain mitochondrial lineages that are rare or absent in the wild.     

An Evaluation of Exercise Pen Use by Circus Tigers (Pathera tigris tigris)

This study quantified the behavior of 11 tigers during periodic access to an exercise pen throughout the day and night. The study determined the amount of time spent in the pen and the percentage of time spent performing stereotypic pacing, normal locomotor behavior, and lying down while in the pen. Average access to the exercise pen was 10 hr 49 min overnight and 5 hr 30 min during the day. At night, the tigers spent 29.1% of their time in the exercise pen, during which they paced 19.6% and performed normal locomotor behavior for 23.1% of that time. By day, they spent 40.4% of their time in the exercise pen, during which they paced 10.0% and performed normal locomotor behavior 35.7% of that time. The tigers spent the rest of the time in the pen lying down. Overall, tigers will utilize an exercise pen, spending a greater percentage of time in the pen during the day than at night and also performing less stereotyped pacing than at night.     

孟加拉虎粪便放线菌的分离及其多样性

【目的】建立有效分离动物粪便放线菌的方法,认识孟加拉虎粪便放线菌的多样性。【方法】从预处理、抑制剂、培养基三个方面考虑,采用平板稀释的分离方法。用细菌通用引物扩增获得放线菌菌株的16SrRNA基因,根据系统发育分析进行鉴定。【结果】孟加拉虎粪便样品中,可培养放线菌的菌落平均数量为1.10×108cfu/g(粪便湿重);对分离到的110株纯培养放线菌的16S rRNA基因部分序列分析表明:它们分布于10个科、12个属,主要是一些菌丝分化程度低的放线菌,如:Arthrobacter、Dietzia、Kocuria、Corynebacterium、Microbacterium等;产丝的放线菌主要以Streptomyces占优势,约占分离到放线菌总数的64%。【结论】干热处理粪便样品可以大大提高放线菌的出菌率;添加多种抑制剂及不含天然成分的组合培养基较适合粪便放线菌的分离;孟加拉虎粪便中可培养放线菌的多样性较丰富。本研究提供的分离动物粪便放线菌的有效方法,为动物粪便放线菌资源的研究和开发利用提供了借鉴作用。     

Fourteen new di- and tetranucleotide microsatellite loci for the critically endangered Indian tiger (Panthera tigris tigris)

We describe 11 dinucleotide and three tetranucleotide microsatellite loci for the critically endangered Indian tiger, Panthera tigris tigris. All of them were polymorphic with four to nine alleles per locus and an observed heterozygosity between 0.13 and 1.0. All primers also amplify microsatellite loci in leopard, Panthera pardus, and 12 primer pairs yielded reproducible results in domestic cat, Felis catus. These new microsatellites specifically developed for Indian tiger - in combination with those already available - comprise a reasonable number of loci to genetically analyse wild and captive populations of this illustrative species and might allow for recognition of individual tigers.     

东北虎源等孢球虫的发现

对东北虎粪便进行虫卵检查,分离获得了自然感染的球虫卵囊。对球虫卵囊的形态和经培养发育后的各阶段的卵囊形态进行了观察。东北虎源球虫卵囊符合等孢属球虫的形态学特征。根据Genbank 上发表的猫等孢球虫18S rDNA 序列(L74671)设计一对特异性引物,利用PCR 技术对东北虎源球虫的18S rDNA 进行了扩增。扩增得到一段360 bp 的DNA 片段,并对该片段进行了序列测定。测序结果和其它17 种原虫的相应序列进行序列同源性比较分析,分析显示东北虎源球虫和其它等孢属球虫单独聚为一类。结合对东北虎源球虫的卵囊形态、卵囊发育情况及序列分析结果,确定其为等孢属球虫。      

Interbirth interval and litter size of free-ranging Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) in dry tropical deciduous forests of India

We studied the interbirth interval (IBI) and litter size of the population of free-ranging Bengal tigers (Panthera tigris tigris) in dry tropical deciduous forests in Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve (RTR), Rajasthan, and Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR), Madhya Pradesh, between April 2005 and June 2011. Data on 15 breeding females in RTR and nine breeding females in PTR were collected using camera trapping, direct observation and radio-telemetry. The mean?±?standard error of IBI (months) in RTR was 33.4?±?3.7 and in PTR was 25.2?±?1.8. A significant difference was observed between the mean IBI of tigresses in RTR and those in PTR (df?=?9, P?=?0.04). The estimated mean litter size in RTR was 2.3?±?0.1 and that in PTR was 2.9?±?0.2. There was a significant difference between the litter size in RTR and that in PTR (χ ²?=?12.04, P?=?0.017, df?=?4). Since RTR and PTR are the important source populations of tigers in the Western and Central Indian landscapes, we propose that the tigers in these reserves be monitored, particularly for reproductive traits that are essential for understanding aspects of their population ecology.     

MHC class I and MHC class II DRB gene variability in wild and captive Bengal tigers (Panthera tigris tigris)

Bengal tigers are highly endangered and knowledge on adaptive genetic variation can be essential for efficient conservation and management. Here we present the first assessment of allelic variation in major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and MHC class II DRB genes for wild and captive tigers from India. We amplified, cloned, and sequenced alpha-1 and alpha-2 domain of MHC class I and beta-1 domain of MHC class II DRB genes in 16 tiger specimens of different geographic origin. We detected high variability in peptide-binding sites, presumably resulting from positive selection. Tigers exhibit a low number of MHC DRB alleles, similar to other endangered big cats. Our initial assessment—admittedly with limited geographic coverage and sample size—did not reveal significant differences between captive and wild tigers with regard to MHC variability. In addition, we successfully amplified MHC DRB alleles from scat samples. Our characterization of tiger MHC alleles forms a basis for further in-depth analyses of MHC variability in this illustrative threatened mammal.     

东北虎幼体葡萄糖、四种离子、尿素氮及肌酐含量的测定与分析

用HITACHI 7600-20型全自动生化分析仪对13只东北虎幼体进行了8项生化指标的测定,运用生物统计学分析方法,分别对东北虎幼体雌雄个体间及东北虎幼体与华南虎成体间进行了比较分析.结果表明,东北虎雌雄个体间血清中K 含量呈极差异显著(P<0.01),而葡萄糖、Na 、Ca2 、HCO3-、尿素及肌酐含量并无显著差异;在Cl-、肌酐含量上,雌性东北虎幼体与雌性华南虎有显著差异(P<0.05);雄性东北虎幼体与雄性华南虎在Cl-含量上无显著差异,在葡萄糖及肌酐含量上有极显著差异(P<0.01).     

Factors influencing breeding success,ovarian cyclicity,and cub survival in zoo-managed tigers (Panthera tigris)

Understanding factors that influence reproduction and offspring survival in zoo populations is critical for management of threatened and endangered species. Examination of long-term data (1989–2011) compiled from the Association of Zoos and Aquarium's zoo-managed tiger breeding program provides the basis for a more thorough understanding of reproduction and scientifically based decisions for effective population management in this endangered felid. Biological and management-related factors that could influence tiger breeding success and cub survival were evaluated using logistic mixed models. Breeding success improved with female age until approximately age five, then declined thereafter. Experienced female breeders had greater breeding success than inexperienced females. Litter size was most predictive of cub survival, with average-sized litters (3–4 cubs) experiencing the highest proportional survival. Management-related factors, such as whether the breeding institution had a recent tiger litter and whether both animals were already located at the same institution, also influenced breeding success and cub survival. These results highlight the importance of institutional husbandry experience and the need to retain knowledge through staff turnovers to achieve optimal reproductive success. Using fecal estrogen data, frequency of ovarian cyclicity and mean cycle length did not differ by female age or parity; thus, lack of cyclicity and/or increased cycle duration are not likely explanations for declining breeding success with age. These results provide valuable reproductive information that should improve scientific management of zoo-based tiger populations.     

A histochemical study of the circumtesticular Leydig cells of a teiid lizard, Cnemidophorus tigris

Several oxidative enzymes in the testis of the teiid lizard Cnemidophorus tigris were studied histochemically. The cells of the circumtesticular sheath (Leydig cell tunic) are functionally equivalent to Leydig cells of the interstitium on the basis of similar histochemical reactions for the five enzyme systems studied. Both groups of cells were positive for 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, NADH diaphorase, NADPH diaphorase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. These results support the hypothesis that the circumtesticular sheath has endocrine function as indicated by its vascularity and its ability to catalyze histochemical reactions involving steroid biosynthesis.     

PCR primers for microsatellite loci in the tiger rattlesnake (Crotalus tigris,Viperidae)

The tiger rattlesnake (Crotalus tigris) is found only in the Sonoran Desert of North America, where it inhabits rocky foothills that are increasingly being affected by urban encroachment. In order to continue a long‐term study of the demography and movements of tiger rattlesnakes around Tucson, Arizona, we identified six novel polymorphic microsatellite loci for this species. All loci exhibited high variability (five to 41 alleles). These markers are useful for studies of paternity, population structure, and assessing appropriate destinations for translocated animals.     

On the genetics of transplantation in the lizardCnemidophorus tigris

A total of 195 allografts were analyzed among 14 wild individuals of the whiptail lizardCnemidophorus tigris. The cumulative time for rejection of all allografts by each individual varied in a uniformly graded sequence ranging from 502 to 2263 days. One individual did not reject 9 of 13 allografts. A comparison of rejection rates revealed that the relative degree of antigenicity of a donor was more or less proportional to its immune response, i. e., the strongest rejectors tending to elicit the strongest immune response and the weakest rejectors the weakest response. Such a relationship as well as the graded sequence of rejection suggest that neither the many weak transplantation antigen hypothesis, nor the strong locus hypothesis adequately explain the present results. Probable genetic models are discussed and a summary of transplantation studies in lower vertebrates is presented.     

我国东北虎的保护现状与制约因素

东北虎是我国东北森林生态系统的旗舰种和伞护种。20世纪由于受到多种人为活动的影响,东北虎种群数量锐减,分布区严重萎缩。近年来,我国加大对东北虎的保护力度,并取得了一定成效。在部分绝迹分布区再次监测到东北虎活动信息,部分地区种群数量略有上升。本文详细整理并介绍了我国野生东北虎的种群数量和分布特点,分析制约其种群快速增长的因素,对生境丧失、退化和破碎、猎物匮乏及人虎冲突等外在因素进行了综合分析,并从就地保护和易地保护两方面分析了我国东北虎的保护成效及存在的问题,提出进一步保护建议。     

吉林珲春自然保护区野生东北虎捕食家畜的状况

2002 年5 月至2004 年10 月通过跟踪调查,我们搜集到野生东北虎捕食珲春自然保护区居民家畜的数据,共计38 起捕食事件,有51 头家畜遭到捕食。这些数据包括:捕食事件发现时间、被捕食家畜的数量、类型、年龄、性别、虎痕迹照片和捕食点的GPS 数据。运用Mann-Whitney U 检验对数据的差异性进行了检验;结合ArcView GIS和MapIn fo 分析,对捕食点的空间属性进行了量化,用多个生态因子对其进行了表征;运用PCA 分析了多因子中的主要成分。这些数据表明:在珲春,东北虎主要捕食牛和马,对猪和羊没有捕食,对牛和马的捕食也不存在偏好。东北虎倾向捕食成年个体,并且,大多数情况下只捕食1～2 个个体。成功的捕食事件中,多为1 头遭捕食;该捕食策略为虎权衡后的选择。捕食家畜事件多发生在3 ～11 月的非冰冻期。影响捕食地的生态变量重要性排序为:距最近居民区距离> 海拔> 距最近道路距离> 土地利用(Ⅱ型)类型> 坡度> 坡向> 距最近水源距离> 植被类型> 道路类型> 土地利用(I 型)类型。距最近居民区距离为:3 666 ± 2 308 m,极显著地近于休息卧迹、警戒卧迹和刨痕。该距离更多地集中在4 000 m以下区域。海拔为280 ± 114 m,极显著地低于休息卧迹,显著低于警戒卧迹和刨痕。由于当地居民区多集中在海拔较低的区域,因此,这种显著的不同可以看成是一个伴生的结果。距最近道路距离为:522 ± 543 m,极显著地近于刨痕,显著近于休息卧迹和警戒卧迹。上述2 个人为干扰因子,对捕食的影响具有相似性。对上述3 个生态因子的详细研究说明,虎并不愿意有意识地如此接近人类聚居区,而是家畜食物的诱惑,令虎冒险前往。在26 个捕食点中,14 个在用材林,6 个在特护林,3 个在农田,2 个在灌木林,1个在居民区。被调查的当地居民共损失了 11 851 kg家畜,合人民币116 126元。