Bird–mammal associations in forest openings of northern Congo (Brazzaville)

Resident and migrant birds and several mammal species utilize natural forest openings to exploit foraging opportunities that are otherwise rare or absent in the dense forest of equatorial Africa. Certain bird species exhibit protocooperative and commensal relationships with these mammals. In a large marshy opening, five species of birds exploited the actions of large terrestrial mammals to flush prey, two species of birds used two species of aquatic mammals to expose prey, and another bird species fed directly on mammalian ectoparasites. African jacanas had a higher foraging rate when associated with gorillas and elephants than when alone, and great egrets had a higher capture efficiency when elephants were present. In a second opening, covered by a shallow, algae-laden pond, African jacanas, finfeet, and Hartlaub's ducks competed to remove arthropod ectoparasites from forest buffalo and bongo antelope, both of which consistently reacted to the alarm calls of jacanas and Hartlaub's ducks. At least ten species of birds directly benefit from associations with mammals. Indirect benefits were also noted as African jacanas, black crakes, and palm-nut vultures selected food items from elephant and buffalo dung.     

What determines the impact of alien birds and mammals in Europe?

An often-cited reason for studying the process of invasion by alien species is that the understanding sought can be used to mitigate the impacts of the invaders. Here, we present an analysis of the correlates of local impacts of established alien bird and mammal species in Europe, using a recently described metric to quantify impact. Large-bodied, habitat generalist bird and mammal species that are widespread in their native range, have the greatest impacts in their alien European ranges, supporting our hypothesis that surrogates for the breadth and the amount of resources a species uses are good indicators of its impact. However, not all surrogates are equally suitable. Impacts are generally greater for mammal species giving birth to larger litters, but in contrast are greater for bird species laying smaller clutches. There is no effect of diet breadth on impacts in birds or mammals. On average, mammals have higher impacts than birds. However, the relationships between impact and several traits show common slopes for birds and mammals, and relationships between impact and body mass and latitude do not differ between birds and mammals. These results may help to anticipate which species would have large impacts if introduced, and so direct efforts to prevent such introductions.     

An evaluation of vertebrate seed dispersal syndromes in four species of black nightshade (Solanum sect. Solanum)

We examined the ecological relevance of bird versus mammal dispersal syndromes in four species of Solanum, S. americanum Type A, S. americanum Type B, S. ptychanthum, and S. sarrachoides. These plants were selected because their morphological characteristics, such as fruit color, mass, and persistence, resembled those typically associated with classically-defined bird and mammal dispersal syndromes. We monitored persistence of tagged fruits, compared physical and chemical chaacteristics, performed fruit preference trials with northern bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus), deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus), and American robins (Turdus migratorius), and assessed differences in use of olfactory cues by foraging deer mice. We predicted that principal components analysis of physical and chemical characteristics would place fruits of these species along a clear gradient from bird to mammal dispersal syndromes (S. americanum Type A, S. americanum Type B, S. ptychanthum, and S. sarrachoides). However, physical and chemical characteristics did not consistently follow the gradient. Also, contrary to expectations, both birds and mammals demonstrated a preference for S. americanum Types A and B, both bird fruits. Deer mice and bobwhite quail showed much less discrimination among fruit types than did American robins. While the relatively strong odor of the green-fruited S. sarrachoides suggested a mammalian attractant, deer mice discovered the relatively odorless S. americanum Type A significantly more quickly. We conclude that in Solanum, suites of morphological characteristics resembling bird and mammal dispersal syndromes are not good predictors of fruit choice by birds and mammals. We note, however, that this conclusion is based on a sample of three animal species. Alternative explanations for fruit character suites should be considered. For example, the adaptive significance for an association of green coloration of ripe fruit with impersistence (dropping when ripe), as in S. sarrachoides and some S. ptychanthum, may relate more to photosynthesis and carbon balance in detached fruits than to disperser attraction.     

Commensal association of the common kingfisher with foraging Eurasian otters

Positive interactions between birds and mammals are a fascinating aspect of animal behaviour. Feeding associations may consist of local enhancement or facilitation, and in the latter case, of commensalism or mutualism depending on the benefits received by the facilitator. We report here on a previously undescribed feeding association between piscivorous birds and Eurasian otters Lutra lutra. In Spain, common kingfisher Alcedo atthis and grey heron Ardea cinerea were observed closely following foraging otters and benefited from feeding opportunities provided by these. Behavioural observations of otters in central Spain (28.4 hr; 19 days) revealed that an association with kingfishers occurred in 33% of otter foraging events (n = 92). Simultaneous observations in northern Spain (14.2 hr; 16 days) showed an association between otters and kingfishers or grey herons in 41.6% and 11.7% of otter foraging events (n = 77), respectively. The association probability between kingfishers and otters increased significantly when otters foraged closer to the shore and on small fish rather than other prey (crayfish or large fish). Birds fed on prey remain left by the feeding otters, on small fish captured by otters when these were satiated and playing, or on prey displaced by otters. Our observations are consistent with facilitation and commensalism: piscivorous birds gained feeding opportunities provided by the otters, with no apparent costs or benefits to the latter. Similar feeding associations have been described between other species of otters and piscivorous birds (kingfishers, herons, egrets, storks) in Asia, South America and Southern Africa, but had not yet been described in Europe. The occurrence of piscivorous bird–otter associations in different species and regions suggests that this commensalism may be often overlooked but widespread. We have shown that the association can be frequent and is context‐dependent, with benefits for associating birds depending on otters´ behaviour and targeted prey.     

Pyrodiversity interacts with rainfall to increase bird and mammal richness in African savannas

Fire is a fundamental process in savannas and is widely used for management. Pyrodiversity, variation in local fire characteristics, has been proposed as a driver of biodiversity although empirical evidence is equivocal. Using a new measure of pyrodiversity (Hempson et al.), we undertook the first continent‐wide assessment of how pyrodiversity affects biodiversity in protected areas across African savannas. The influence of pyrodiversity on bird and mammal species richness varied with rainfall: strongest support for a positive effect occurred in wet savannas (> 650 mm/year), where species richness increased by 27% for mammals and 40% for birds in the most pyrodiverse regions. Range‐restricted birds were most increased by pyrodiversity, suggesting the diversity of fire regimes increases the availability of rare niches. Our findings are significant because they explain the conflicting results found in previous studies of savannas. We argue that managing savanna landscapes to increase pyrodiversity is especially important in wet savannas.     

Ant‐following and the prevalence of blood parasites in birds of African rainforests

Blood parasites are widespread in birds, several are pathogenic and may affect the fitness of their hosts, and their evolution. By reanalyzing recently published data I show that parts of the variation in prevalences of parasites in the blood of African rainforest birds and the occurrence of similar or same parasite haplotypes in rather unrelated birds are well understood when considering the ecological aspects of foraging of some of these birds. Specialized ant‐following birds, which regularly follow the massive swarm raids of army ants and feed on insects flushed by the ants, have higher prevalences of nematode microfilariae (~10×), Trypanosoma (~10×), and Plasmodium parasites (~2×) and a much higher probability of infection with multiple parasites than other birds. Moreover, birds regularly attending army ant swarms share identical Trypanosoma haplotypes and show genetically similar microfilariae haplotypes. I conclude that ant‐following increases the probability of birds to get infected with blood parasites and may facilitate the switch of a parasite species from one host species to another. The costs of higher parasite intensities involved when specializing on following ant swarms may have influenced the evolution of foraging behaviour in birds of African rainforests and may help to explain the relatively low number of specialized ant‐following bird species on the African continent.     

广西猫儿山自然保护区的兽类和鸟类多样性初步调查-基于红外相机监测数据

红外相机技术是监测兽类和鸟类的重要方法,目前已广泛应用于野生动物资源调查、种群评估和行为生态学等研究领域。2014年7月至2015年1月期间,在广西猫儿山国家级自然保护区布设51个红外相机监测位点（分别位于4种生境和7个海拔区域）,对区内大中型兽类及林下鸟类资源多样性进行了初步调查。研究期间共记录到兽类17种、鸟类30种,包括2种国家I级和7种II级重点保护野生动物。小泡巨鼠（Leopoldamys edwardsi）、红腿长吻松鼠（Dremomys pyrrhomerus）、隐纹松鼠（Tamiops swinhoei）、野猪（Sus scrofa）和赤腹松鼠（Callosciurus erythraeus）的相对丰富度居于兽类前5位,白鹇（Lophura nycthemera）、紫啸鸫（Myophonus caeruleus）、红嘴相思鸟(Leiothrix lutea)的相对丰富度居于鸟类前3位。在不同生境和海拔,兽类和鸟类物种数、多样性指数和均匀度指数存在显著差异。混交林中兽类和鸟类的物种数量、多样性和均匀度指数明显高于其它生境;海拔1400-1600 m鸟类物种数明显高于其它海拔区域。本次监测结果初步了解了猫儿山保护区内大中型兽类及林下鸟兽物种组成、相对数量及空间分布,为后期的科研工作及保护管理提供了丰富的基础资料。     

Bird–flower interactions in the Macaronesian islands

Aims Several bird‐pollinated or ornithophilous flowers are present on the Macaronesian archipelagos, the Canary Islands and Madeira, but absent from nearby NW Africa and Europe. In Macaronesia, no specialist nectar‐feeding birds are found, but several generalist passerine bird species visit flowers for nectar. Two hypotheses attempt to explain the origin and evolution of ornithophily in the Macaronesian flora. According to ‘the island de novo hypothesis’, bird‐flowers evolved from mainland insect‐pollinated ancestors after island colonization. Alternatively, ancestors of the ornithophilous Macaronesian plant species evolved bird‐flowers before reaching the islands (‘the relict hypothesis’). In this study we first compile information of Macaronesian bird–flower interactions from the literature and our own field observations. Secondly, we discuss the two hypotheses of origin of ornithophily in the light of evidence from recent molecular plant phylogenies, palaeontology, historical biogeography of the African avifauna and flora, and present‐day ecological patterns. Location Madeira and Canary Islands. Results At least eleven endemic Macaronesian plant species from six genera have typical ornithophilous floral traits. These genera are: Canarina and Musschia (Campanulaceae), Isoplexis (Scrophulariaceae), Echium (Boraginaceae), Lotus (Fabaceae) and Lavatera (Malvaceae). These lineages have clear affinities to the Mediterranean region, except for Canarina whose closest relatives grow in East African mountains. Six generalist passerine bird species of Sylvia, Phylloscopus (Sylviidae), Serinus (Fringillidae) and Parus (Paridae) visit this flora for nectar. Main conclusion We suggest that the origin and evolution of ornithophilous traits in these plant species took place mostly in mainland areas prior to island colonization. In Canarina and Lavatera, it is well supported that ornithophily is a relict condition, which originated in mainland areas possibly in association with specialist nectar‐feeding birds. For the remaining plant species except Echium wildpretii bird floral traits probably also are a relict condition. These species may be derived from ancestors, which were visited by specialist nectar‐feeding birds during geological periods when the Mediterranean and the Ethiopian vegetation were intermingled in mainland Africa. Probably, these mainland ancestors went extinct due to severe climatic fluctuations, while their Macaronesian descendants survived in ‘refuge’ on the islands. Finally, the island de novo hypothesis may explain the evolution of a mixed bird/insect‐pollination system in the neo‐endemic red‐flowered Echium wildpretii.     

Modelling spatial patterns of biodiversity for conservation prioritization in North-eastern Mexico

Relationships between spatial patterns of bird and mammal species richness in north‐eastern Mexico were analysed in relation to the location of three biosphere reserves (El Abra‐Tanchipa, El Cielo, and Sierra Gorda) and 13 priority areas recently identified for conservation. Ecological niches were modelled and potential distributions delimited for 285 bird and 114 mammal species using a genetic algorithm based on locality information from museum specimens and 15 selected environmental attributes. Potential distributions were transformed into hypothesized current distributions based on species–habitat associations as reflected in a recent land‐use map. Although species richness was lower when distributions were reduced from potential to current, spatial patterns of potential and current richness were similar. Heuristic, complementarity‐based prioritization procedures were used to identify combinations of areas and sites with maximal species representation: the biosphere reserves included 79% of birds and 74% of mammal species; eight priority areas provided an additional 11% of birds and 13% of mammals; the remaining 10% of birds and 13% of mammals were concentrated in new sites across the study area.     

Facultative cleaning of spiral‐horned antelope by the African paradise flycatcher (Terpsiphone viridis)

In cleaning associations, individuals known as “cleaners” remove and feed on parasites and pests found on, or around, other animals known as “clients.” While best documented in marine environments and as mutualisms, cleaning associations are widespread in terrestrial systems and range along a spectrum of obligate to facultative associations. In African savannas, cleaning associations primarily comprise facultative interactions between mammals and birds that remove attached parasites. Few reports, however, exist on cleaning associations that involve the removal of unattached pests. In this short note, I report a novel facultative bird–ungulate cleaning association involving the removal of unattached pests, between the African paradise flycatcher (Terpsiphone viridis) and two species of spiral‐horned antelope (Tragelaphus spp.): greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) and Cape bushbuck (Tragelaphus sylvaticus). On multiple occasions, I observed African paradise flycatchers hawking flying insects around greater kudu and a Cape bushbuck during the dry season at the Mpala Research Centre in Laikipia, Kenya. These observations document a rare feeding strategy for the African paradise flycatcher and are among the few records on cleaning interactions involving the removal of unattached pests.     

Of feathers and fur: Differential pollinator roles of birds and small mammals in the grassland succulent Aloe peglerae

The pollination syndrome of the genus Aloe, with gaudy inflorescences and orange–red flowers, suggests bird pollination. However, the diversity of flowering phenologies and structures suggests that generalizations within the group are currently uninformative because few studies have addressed the role of multiple pollinator guilds, especially mammals. Aloe peglerae, endemic to montane grassland of the Magaliesberg Mountains, South Africa, is primarily bird pollinated, although small mammals are recorded nocturnal visitors. We compared the independent contributions of diurnal and nocturnal visitors, i.e. birds and small mammals respectively, to reproductive success by assigning 12 flowering A. peglerae plants to each of four pollinator selective exclusion treatments: (i) no‐visitors; (ii) nocturnal‐visitors; (iii) diurnal‐visitors; and (iv) all‐visitors (control). Birds alone contributed more to fruit set (1.2–2.6 times), average seed/fruit (1.0–1.8 times) and total seed production (1.1–2.8 times) than both the all visitors (birds and small mammals combined) and the small mammal visitors respectively. The exclusion of all visitors resulted in no fruit set, suggesting that A. peglerae requires pollinators to set seed. Germination trials over six weeks and viability testing with tetrazolium staining identified no significant differences among the three treatments that produced fruit and seed. Germination success was 90–97%, indicating that seed quality of small‐mammal and bird‐pollinated plants are similar. Aloe peglerae inflorescences were visited continuously throughout the day and night, with the Cape rock‐thrush (Monticola rupestris) and dark‐capped bulbul (Pycnonotus tricolor) being the most abundant pollinators, accounting for 68.2% and 13.7% of all visits respectively in the control treatment. Small mammals, i.e. Namaqua rock mouse (Micaelamys namaquensis) and eastern rock sengi (Elephantulus myurus), while not increasing reproductive success in the absence of birds, are suitable alternative pollinators. The presence of diurnal bird and nocturnal small mammal visitors provides a diversity of pollinators in this resilient pollination syndrome.     

龙溪—虹口国家级自然保护区兽类和鸟类多样性红外相机调查结果初报

掌握野生动植物本底资源是各级自然保护区生物多样性监测研究和保护管理的重要环节。为了建立龙溪-虹口国家级自然保护区内兽类和鸟类多样性资源的长期监测机制,于2013年9月至2014年11月,我们采用红外相机技术在龙溪沟和虹口峡谷等区域按公里网格布设了57个监测点,调查地面活动的兽类和鸟类。红外相机累计工作达11,847个工作日,共记录到兽类和鸟类物种61种,其中兽类5目12科21种,鸟类3目10科40种,包括猎隼（Falco cherrug）、光背地鸫（Zoothera mollissima）、长尾地鸫（Zoothera dixoni）、灰翅鸫（Turdus boulboul）、锈脸钩嘴鹛（Pomatorhinus erythrogenys）、红嘴鸦雀（Conostoma aemodium）和褐鸦雀（Paradoxornis unicolor）7种鸟类为保护区新记录种。调查到的兽类被列为国家I级和II级重点保护野生动物的分别为4种和5种,被IUCN红色名录评估为“濒危EN”和“易危VU” 的物种各3种,被评为 “近危NT”级别的物种有4种;鸟类被列为国家II级重点保护野生动物的有5种,被IUCN红色名录评估为“濒危EN”的物种有1种。本次调查补充更新了龙溪-虹口自然保护区地栖息鸟类名录,初步了解了保护区内地面活动大中型兽类和鸟类的物种组成和分布,为保护区建立野生动物红外相机常规监测和保护管理提供了基础数据。     

Experimental feeding regime influences urban bird disease dynamics

Wild bird feeding often results in high densities of birds, potentially facilitating transmission of disease. Wild birds are major reservoirs of many zoonotic diseases, and although a number of avian disease outbreaks have been linked to bird feeders, urban bird‐feeding and its role in disease systems remains poorly studied. We examined the impacts of typical supplementary feeding practices on the health status of feeder‐visiting birds at experimental feeding stations in an urban area of New Zealand. Over an 18‐month period, we screened birds captured at feeding and non‐feeding properties for three pathogens and four groups of parasites to determine whether feeding altered disease dynamics. We also assessed body condition. All pathogens and parasites were detected in at least one garden bird species. Feeding stations tested positive for Salmonella enterica Typhimurium on ～7% of occasions, confirming that structures used in feeding are a potential transmission pathway. Feeding influenced some parasite infection parameters; these effects varied among host species. In silvereyes Zosterops lateralis, helminth prevalence and abundance were lower at feeding properties compared to non‐feeding properties. In contrast, Eurasian blackbirds Turdus merula at feeding properties had a higher abundance of helminths. House sparrows Passer domesticus at feeding properties had a higher abundance of feather lice. Furthermore, our feeding regime significantly affected body condition in house sparrow and silvereye, though no associations between parasite parameters and body condition indices were found. Our results demonstrate that feeding practices can have varied effects on avian health, including no observable effects for some disease agents in some host species. Disease risks are present, however, thus understanding and reducing these risks should be a key goal for all stakeholders to protect birds that use feeders and other wildlife.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Polylepis</Emphasis> woodland remnants as biodiversity islands in the Bolivian high Andes

Mountain forests deserve special attention from ecologists and conservation biologists given the ecosystem services they provide to society, and their threat under global change. In the subalpine region of the Andes, Polylepis woodlands occur as arboreal islands in a matrix of grassland and scrub. Due to overgrazing and burning, however, these woodland patches are believed to cover only 11% of their potential area in Bolivia, core area for Polylepis. We reviewed the knowledge on the species diversity for the Bolivian Polylepis woodland remnants, assessed the conservation status of the occurring species, determined their trophic niche, and related species richness with climatic variables and elevation. Based in 31 publications, we found 780 identified species occurring in Polylepis woodlands: 425 plants, 266 birds, 46 mammals, 35 butterflies and 8 reptiles. Ten of the 13 Bolivian Polylepis species, as well as 7 other plant species, 14 bird species and 4 mammal species were categorized as threatened or near threatened according to IUCN criteria. In general, plant species richness increased with increased precipitation and length of the growth season, while it decreased with increasing elevation. There was a positive relationship between bird species richness, precipitation and length of the growth season. The highest bird endemism in Polylepis woodland remnants occurred at intermediate elevations, temperatures and precipitation. Mammal species richness decreased with increasing maximum temperature. Finally, we discuss the most important knowledge gaps regarding biodiversity in Bolivian Polylepis woodland remnants.     

基于红外相机技术调查长青国家级自然保护区兽类和鸟类多样性

野生动物多样性的有效保护与管理,需要大范围、长时间的系统监测网络的支持。红外相机调查技术近年来已成为自然保护区鸟兽调查的最有效工具之一,为了解和掌握区域性乃至全国性的生物多样性现状,提供了最直接和最基础的数据。长青国家级自然保护区位于秦岭南坡,地处秦岭自然保护区群的核心地带。自2008年至2011年,使用被动式红外触发相机调查技术在长青保护区内调查了大中型兽类与鸟类的本底资源。共完成有效调查位点435个,相机工作日15767d。获得兽类有效拍摄3 282次,记录到分属5目12科的21种野生兽类和1种家畜,其中国家一级和二级重点保护野生动物各有5种,被IUCN物种红色名录评估为濒危（EN）、易危（VU）、近危（NT）的物种分别有2、3、4种。食肉目和偶蹄目是本次调查兽类记录中物种数量（分别有9种和7种）和有效拍摄数（分别占兽类有效拍摄数的13.5%和84.0%）最高的两个类群,食肉目中相对多度指数最高的物种是大熊猫（Ailuropoda melanoleuca, 12.30）,偶蹄目中最高的物种是羚牛（Budorcas taxicolor, 114.04）。保护区内大型兽类（食肉目和偶蹄目）物种多样性沿海拔梯度,大体呈现中部高、两侧低的单峰模式,海拔1600-2200 m的中等海拔段是大型兽类多样性最高的区域。鸟类有效拍摄191次,记录到分属4目8科的17种鸟类,其中国家二级重点保护野生动物物种8种。鸡形目雉科鸟类是有效拍摄数最高的类群,占全部鸟类拍摄数的79.8%。调查中记录到的林猬（Mesechinus hughi）和鹰雕（Spizaetus nipalensis）为长青自然保护区的新记录种。调查结果提供了较为全面的区内大中型兽类和鸟类群落的本底信息,为后续的保护管理规划和长期监测提供了数据支持和指导。     

Species are not most abundant in the centre of their geographic range or climatic niche

The pervasive idea that species should be most abundant in the centre of their geographic range or centre of their climatic niche is a key assumption in many existing ecological hypotheses and has been declared a general macroecological rule. However, empirical support for decreasing population abundance with increasing distance from geographic range or climatic niche centre (distance–abundance relationships) remains fairly weak. We examine over 1400 bird, mammal, fish and tree species to provide a thorough test of distance–abundance relationships, and their associations with species traits and phylogenetic relationships. We failed to detect consistent distance–abundance relationships, and found no association between distance–abundance slope and species traits or phylogenetic relatedness. Together, our analyses suggest that distance–abundance relationships may be rare, difficult to detect, or are an oversimplification of the complex biogeographical forces that determine species spatial abundance patterns.     

Zoological prerequisites of human tick-borne infections in the Northern Urals

The results of studies in the pessimum of the taiga tick (Ixodes persulcatus Sch., 1930) range in the Urals have shown that this species occurs in the regions at latitudes of up to 60°50′ N. In Northern Ural mountains, the ticks show preference for secondary small-leaved forests growing on southern slopes, where their abundance along census routes reaches 7 ind./km. The abundance and distribution of taiga ticks hosts, birds and small mammals, have been estimated in the main types of their habitats. Larvae and nymphs of the taiga tick have been found on nine bird and seven small mammal species, with the main parasitic load falling on the northern red-backed vole (Clethrionomys rutilus P., 1779), which is widespread and abundant in the greater part of the study area. Molecular biological analysis of I. persulcatus ticks and blood samples from their hosts has revealed the presence of nucleic acids of pathogenic microorganisms A. phagocytophilum, E. muris, and A. burgdorferi sensu lato, the RNA of tick-borne encephalitis virus, and the DNA of Babesia microti.     

Red Squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) Respond to Alarm Calls of Eurasian Jays (Garrulus glandarius)

Recognition of heterospecific (interspecific) alarm calls has been demonstrated in birds and mammals, but bird–mammal interactions have rarely been studied. Here, I tested the hypothesis that red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) are able to recognize alarm calls of a sympatric bird species, the Eurasian jay (Garrulus glandarius), and respond adequately with anti‐predator behaviour. Both animals are preyed upon by the same predators. To test whether squirrels would react to heterospecific alarm calls, I recorded squirrels behaviour during playbacks of jay alarm calls, control playbacks (territorial songs of sympatric songbirds) and during silence. Differences between the control treatment (songbirds) and silence were not significant. Seven of the 13 squirrels responded with escape after broadcasting alarm calls of jays. Further, squirrels spent less time in the patch, expressed a higher vigilance, and showed more rapid head and body movements. These results suggest that squirrels recognize heterospecific alarm vocalizations of jays and discriminate them from equally loud non‐threatening sounds.     

Immediate and short‐term responses of bird and mammal assemblages to a subalpine wildfire in the Snowy Mountains,Australia

Abstract Over 35 days in January–February 2003, wildfires burnt across much of the subalpine/alpine landscape of south‐eastern Australia, including about 70% of the land above 1500 m in the Snowy Mountains. At the time of the fire, studies of two subalpine faunal assemblages were being undertaken. The opportunity to resurvey the assemblages was taken in order to examine the immediate impact of fire in an environment where it is uncommon but predicted to occur increasingly with global warming. A study area in the Whites River Valley, where the number of bird species was counted monthly from 1996 to 2003, and weekly in late winter–spring from 2000 to 2003, was burnt in one fire. As well as the expected decrease in the number of individual birds, the fire resulted in an immediate decrease in the number of bird species, unlike in previously studied montane forest, with only the regularly wintering species plus the olive whistler and the ground‐feeding flame robin remaining. During the post‐winter avian immigration, few regular spring migrants appeared on burnt sites despite their nearby presence on the unburnt side of the valley. Five of six small mammal trapping grids were burnt. As with fires at lower altitudes, there was an immediate reduction in mammal numbers on burnt grids following the fire, but in addition, one species, Mastacomys fuscus, declined further in the ensuing 2 months both on burnt and unburnt sites. Numbers of Antechinus swainsonii and Rattus fuscipes stabilized until autumn/winter when there was a further decline due to the unavailability of subnivean space to allow winter foraging, allied with a concentration of fox predation on areas still carrying populations of small mammals.     

福建省戴云山野生哺乳动物和鸟类红外相机监测

2017年2月至2018年3月, 我们在福建省德化县戴云山国家级自然保护区和德化石牛山森林公园内设置红外相机监测位点60个, 调查戴云山地区野生哺乳动物和鸟类生物多样性。本次调查累计19,924个相机工作日, 拍摄到独立有效照片3,499张, 可准确鉴定哺乳动物4目10科17属18种, 鸟类5目11科21属24种, 家畜3种。其中, 国家I级重点保护野生动物2种, 国家II级重点保护野生动物5种, 且白颈长尾雉(Syrmaticus ellioti)为戴云山自然保护区新记录种。在野生哺乳动物中, 相对多度指数最高的前5种依次为小麂(Muntiacus reevesi)、野猪(Sus scrofa)、赤麂(Muntiacus vaginalis)、赤腹松鼠(Callosciurus erythraeus)、猪獾(Arctonyx collaris); 在鸟类中, 相对多度指数最高的前5种依次为白鹇(Lophura nythemera)、紫啸鸫(Myophonus caeruleus)、黑领噪鹛(Garrulax pectoralis)、白眉山鹧鸪(Arborophila gingica)、灰胸竹鸡(Bambusicola thoracica)。此外, 红外相机还拍摄到大量的家畜及人类活动照片, 显示区内存在较强的人为活动干扰。本次调查结果提供了较为全面的戴云山区哺乳动物和鸟类的本底信息, 填补了闽中地区大中型哺乳动物观测的空白, 为后续的保护管理和长期监测工作建立了基础。