野化培训大熊猫采食和人为砍伐对拐棍竹无性系种群生物量的影响

采用固定样方法和定位观察法连续测定了2003～2007年间卧龙自然保护区大熊猫野化培训圈内及其附近区域的拐棍竹无性系种群数量和生长发育特性等参数,运用收获法与非破坏性重量估测法建立了不同龄级和残桩的竹子种群和分株生物量估测模型,进而利用最佳模型计算并评估了野化培训大熊猫采食和人为砍伐对拐棍竹无性系种群生物量和植株个体生物量的影响.结果表明:在环境条件、种群密度、生长发育特征和种群生物量等基本相似的基础上,大熊猫采食和人为砍伐不仅降低实验期间的竹子生物生产力,而且影响到后期阶段实验种群的恢复与发展.大熊猫采食样方中的竹子种群生物量虽然较对照样方低,就竹笋生物量而言,约为对照的57.79%,这与野化培训圈的面积较小、竹种单一而使采食比重(67.07%)较大有关,但其各龄级植株个体生物量均能达到大熊猫的取食利用标准(仅2004年生竹除外),具有持续供给大熊猫食物资源的潜力;而人为砍伐措施与大熊猫采食相比,影响效果极为强烈,它严重降低了拐棍竹无性系的种群生物量,尤其是竹笋重量更是如此,仅为对照样方的14.69%,且植株个体鲜重远低于大熊猫的觅食条件.因此,竹笋和无性系植株的生物量是大熊猫采食标准的主要因素.     

大熊猫迁居碧峰峡新生境的适应能力研究

2003年10月至2005年10月,对21只圈养于四川卧龙和3只圈养于蜂桶寨自然保护区的大熊猫迁居到雅安碧峰峡全新生境,并以散放养方式保护的大熊猫种群的适应能力进行了研究.环境年平均气温为13.9℃±7.5℃,夏季(6～8月)较炎热(22.3℃±3.8℃),冬季(12～2月)较寒冷(4.8℃±3.9℃);动物对竹子取食秋季最少(5.9kg±1.3kg),冬季最多(8.1kg±2.0kg),5月为次高峰期(8.0kg±1.5kg),喜食竹类为刺竹→苦竹→水竹;动物平均日活动时间6.5h,活动节律和时间与卧龙比较有极显著的改变(P<0.01,N=24);动物对环境、食物等的改变有较强的适应能力,约需3～6mo;但完全适应自然气候等因素的改变则需1a;疾病的发生频率依次为:消化道疾病、皮肤病、蛔虫感染、呼吸道疾病、脑血管疾病等;除气候湿热、土壤粘结、日照偏少、风雨雷电较多等自然因素外,动物在生理、行为、采食、排泄、抗病力及生长发育等各方面基本正常.图4表2参22     

圈养大熊猫排泄的粘液成分分析

收集并测定了8只圈养大熊猫的12个粘液样品的营养成分含量,包括水分、粗蛋白(CP)、粗脂肪(CF)、6种维生素(VA、VE、VD、VB1、VB2和VB6)以及4种微量元素(Fe、Zn、Cu和Mn).结果表明,大熊猫排泄的粘液营养物质含量丰富,尤其是含有很高的蛋白质、丰富的维生素和微量元素.粘液排泄频繁和排泄量大的大熊猫将从粘液排泄中损失很多的营养物质.因此,一方面必须给粘液排泄频繁和排泄量大的大熊猫补充营养,另一方面有必要采取切实可行的措施降低大熊猫的粘液排泄量及其频率.表4参5     

基于高通量测序技术研究成年大熊猫肠道菌群

选取6只成年健康大熊猫(Ailuropoda melanoleuca)、1只成年亚健康大熊猫,基于高通量测序技术,测定其肠道内细菌及真菌组成,研究性别和健康状况对成年大熊猫肠道微生物的影响,分析不同年龄段大熊猫肠道菌群的差异.结果表明,在门水平,成年大熊猫肠道内细菌主要为Proteobacteria和Firmicutes,真菌主要为Ascomycota和Basidiomycota.在属水平,成年大熊猫肠道细菌为Escherichia、Streptococcus、Clostridium及Leuconostoc,真菌为Humicola.雌性和雄性大熊猫肠道菌群没有显著性差异(P0.05),健康大熊猫肠道细菌Esherichia、Clostridium(53.33%、1.10%)的含量比亚健康大熊猫(2.48%、0.00%)高,Streptococcus(22.88%)的含量比亚健康大熊猫(48.15%)低,健康大熊猫肠道真菌的多样性高于亚健康大熊猫.与文献比较发现,大熊猫肠道内菌群多样性为成年老年亚成体,随年龄增长,成年时Streptococcus(22.88%)、Leuconostoc(2.97%)和Clostridium(1.10%)的含量升高,Shigella(6.25%)和Citrobater(2.50%)的含量降低,老年时Weissella(16.67%)的含量升高,Leuconostoc(2.97%)和Clostridium(1.10%)的含量降低.本研究结果表明身体健康状况和年龄对大熊猫肠道微生物菌群结构组成有影响,成年大熊猫性别对肠道菌群没有影响.     

大熊猫幼仔口腔分泌物中检出聚团肠杆菌和微球菌

大熊猫在圈养条件下 ,配种难、受孕难、幼仔成活更难已众所周知[1,2 ] .本文报告了一只患病大熊猫幼仔的静脉血、尿液和粪便的常规检测和细菌学分离、鉴定 ,并从该幼仔口腔分泌物中检出聚团肠杆菌和微球菌的结果 .以为大熊猫幼仔疾病的检测、诊断和治疗积累基础资料 .1　实验室检查大熊猫幼仔一只 ,1998年 9月出生于成都大熊猫繁育研究基地 ,初生重 110 ｇ左右 ,出生第 3天 ,出现体温间隙性增高 ,拉血便 ,食欲减少 ,烦躁不安 ,精神状态较差 .1.1　常规检查用卡介苗注射用的针头采集颈静脉血作血常规检验 ,其结果 :白细胞总数 :2 3.6× 10 9/…     

亚成体大熊猫肠道微生物结构的季节差异及其与肠道纤维素酶活性的相关性

大熊猫以低营养高纤维的竹子作为主要食物来源,但其消化系统结构保留了肉食动物的特点,不具备消化纤维素的能力,因此肠道菌群对其消化纤维素具有重要意义.为了解不同季节亚成体大熊猫肠道微生物结构的变化及其与肠道纤维素消化能力的内在联系,通过高通量测序技术分析4只亚成体大熊猫肠道细菌和真菌多样性的季节差异,并检测不同季节的肠道纤维素酶活性.结果发现不同季节亚成体大熊猫肠道细菌、真菌结构和丰富度存在较大差异.复杂的肠道微生物组成,特别是优势细菌结构主要决定了亚成体大熊猫消化利用纤维素的能力.冬季(2月)肠道微生物结构较复杂,微生物丰富度也相对较高,细菌的优势度高于其他季节.秋季(11月)和冬季(2月),亚成体大熊猫的纤维素酶活性较高,冬季纤维素酶活性约为其他季节的5倍.亚成体大熊猫的纤维素酶活与其肠道优势细菌Streptococcus丰度的季节变化具有相似的趋势,相关性系数为0.582,是大熊猫分解利用纤维素的重要贡献者.因此,亚成体大熊猫不同季节的肠道微生物结构演变对其纤维素消化具有重要影响.(图3表6参28)     

幼年大熊猫断奶前后肠道微生物与血清生化及代谢物的变化

采集3只幼年大熊猫(Ailuropoda melanoleuca)在断奶前后15 d的粪便(N=24)和血清样品(N=24),基于高通量测序技术、生化和液相色谱-质谱检测,对其肠道菌群、血清生化指标和代谢物质的组成变化进行研究.结果显示,断奶后大熊猫肠道菌群丰富度下降,肠道内细菌由Firmicutes变为Proteobacteria为主要门.在细菌属水平,Escherichia-Shigella、Streptococcus、Clostridium、Enterococcus和Lactobacillus的相对丰度显著下降,但Pseudomonas、Leuconostoc和Sphingobacterium则上升(LDA4).肠道真菌由Ascomycota和Basidiomycota变为Basidiomycota和Zygomycota为主要门.在真菌属水平,Microidium的相对丰度显著下降,但Cystofilobasidium、Guehomyces和Cryptococcus显著上升(P 0.05).此外肌酸激酶和乳酸脱氢酶断奶后显著下降,而总胆红素则上升(P 0.05).断奶前后发现有54个(正模式)和46个(负模式)显著性差异代谢物(P 0.05),如Heme和Allantoic acid等,这些差异物质和肌酸激酶和乳酸脱氢酶有显著相关性(P 0.05).本研究表明断奶后大熊猫肠道中高丰度的纤维素或半纤维素降解菌种类增加,为研究大熊猫肠道微生物对竹子的利用提供数据支撑;肌酸激酶、乳酸脱氢酶和总胆红素可作为大熊猫断奶时健康状况的备选标志生理指标,有助于大熊猫断奶过程中健康状态的维护.(图6表3参43)     

Stoichiometric characteristics of nitrogen and phosphorus in Chimonobambusa utilis leaves at different elevations北大核心CSCD

海拔对植物养分元素的分配和生存策略的权衡具有重要影响.为了解金佛山方竹(Chimonobambusa utilis)叶片氮、磷养分对海拔梯度的响应,以四川盆地南缘3个海拔(1 400 m、1 600 m和1 800 m)金佛山方竹纯林为研究对象,建立12个典型样地,对生长季节叶片氮、磷含量和土壤养分含量、温度、含水量等进行定量研究和相关性分析.结果表明:(1)随海拔的升高,叶片氮含量呈上升趋势,叶片磷含量呈下降趋势,叶片氮磷比呈上升趋势;各海拔叶片氮磷比均大于16,表明金佛山方竹生长可能受到磷限制.(2)冗余分析表明,叶片氮含量和氮磷比与土壤温度、含水量和速效磷含量呈负相关,与土壤速效氮含量呈正相关;叶片磷含量与土壤全氮和速效氮含量呈负相关,与其余环境因子呈正相关;土壤温度、速效氮、全氮、含水量和速效磷含量对叶片氮、磷化学计量特征整体影响显著,变量解释度分别为72.10%、7.90%、8.80%、2.50%和1.20%.(3)相对重要性分析表明,土壤温度和速效氮含量是叶片氮含量变异的主导因子,土壤温度、速效磷和全氮含量是叶片磷含量变异的主导因子,土壤温度、速效磷含量和速效氮含量是叶片氮磷比变异的主导因子.上述研究结果说明,海拔引起的土壤温度和养分供应的差异调节着金佛山方竹叶片的氮、磷化学计量特征.(图4表3参49)     

大熊猫肌肉氨基酸含量的初步研究

测定了３只大熊猫的头部、背部和腿部等１０个肌肉样品中１７种氨基酸（ＡＡ）含量,并分析了各样品ＡＡ与Ｌｙｓ含量的比值．结果表明：对同一只大熊猫,不同部位的肌肉样品中各ＡＡ含量无明显差异;对同一个肌肉样品,１７种ＡＡ含量比较,Ｇｌｕ含量最高,Ａｓｐ、Ａｒｇ、Ｌｙｓ、Ｌｅｕ、Ａｌａ、Ｇｌｙ、Ｖａｌ、Ｐｒｏ、Ｔｈｒ、Ｐｈｅ等含量较高;不同年龄大熊猫肌肉ＡＡ含量有差异,除极少数ＡＡ外,未成熟雄性大熊猫肌肉ＡＡ含量高于成熟和老龄雌性大熊猫,且有显著性差异（Ｐ＜０．０５或Ｐ＜０．０１）;成熟雌性大熊猫肌肉中,除Ｐｒｏ外,其余所有ＡＡ含量与其年龄无显著差异（Ｐ＞０．０５）;除极少数ＡＡ外,不同年龄、性别大熊猫肌肉样品中各ＡＡ与Ｌｙｓ含量的比值无明显差异     

大熊猫基因组微卫生DNA的分离与序列分析

以pBS^ 为克隆载体,构建圈养大熊猫基因组DNA的小插入文库，分别用生物素标记的（CAC）5和γ-^32P-dATP标记的（CA）15寡核苷酸为探针，对重组质粒进行斑点杂交，获得15个阳性克隆，并测定了插入片段的DNA序列，其中有一部分序列已被分析，本文对剩余的8个DNA序列进行分析，发现它们大小不一，从259bp-881bp，有6个序列含有不同重复单位的一、二、四核苷酸的完整串联重复，斑点杂交和Southern杂交证明，这些序列均来自大熊猫基因组，上述结果为利用PCR技术研究大熊猫遗传多样性和了解大熊猫基因组结构积累资料。     

Interactive effects of natural and human disturbances on vegetation dynamics across landscapes.

Accurate measures of human effects on landscape processes require consideration of both the direct impacts from human activities and the indirect consequences of the interactions between humans and the landscape. This is particularly evident in systems experiencing regular natural disturbances such as in the mountainous areas of southwestern China, where the remaining population of giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is supported. Here the spatiotemporal patterns of human impacts, forests, and bamboo episodic die-offs combine to determine the distribution of panda habitat. To study the complex interactions of humans and landscapes, we developed an integrated spatiotemporally explicit model of household activities, natural vegetation dynamics, and their impacts on panda habitat. Using this model we examined the direct consequences of local fuelwood collection and household creation on areas of critical giant panda habitat and the indirect impacts when coupled with vegetation dynamics. Through simulations, we found that over the next 30 years household impacts would result in the loss of up to 30% of the habitat relied on by pandas during past bamboo die-offs. The accumulation and spatial distribution of household impacts would also have a considerable indirect influence on the spatial distribution of understory bamboo. While human impacts influence both bamboo die-off and regeneration, over 19% of pre-existing low-elevation bamboo habitat may be lost following an episodic die-off depending on the severity of the impacts and timing of the die-offs. Our study showed not only the importance of the spatial distribution of direct household impacts on habitat, but also the far-reaching effects of the indirect interactions between humans and the landscapes they are modifying.     

Characteristics that make trophy hunting of giant pandas inconceivable

In November 1928, Theodore Jr. and Kermit Roosevelt led an expedition to China with the expressed purpose of being the first Westerners to kill the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). The expedition lasted 8 months and resulted in the brothers shooting a giant panda in the mountains of Sichuan Province. Given the concurrent attention in the popular press describing this celebrated expedition, the giant panda was poised to be trophy hunted much like other large mammals around the world. Today, however, the killing of giant pandas, even for the generation of conservation revenue, is unthinkable for reasons related to the species itself and the context, in time and space, in which the species was popularized in the West. We found that the giant panda's status as a conservation symbol, exceptional charisma and gentle disposition, rarity, value as a nonconsumptive ecotourism attraction, and endemism are integral to the explanation of why the species is not trophy hunted. We compared these intrinsic and extrinsic characteristics with 20 of the most common trophy-hunted mammals to determine whether the principles applying to giant pandas are generalizable to other species. Although certain characteristics of the 20 trophy-hunted mammals aligned with the giant panda, many did not. Charisma, economic value, and endemism, in particular, were comparatively unique to the giant panda. Our analysis suggests that, at present, exceptional characteristics may be necessary for certain mammals to be excepted from trophy hunting. However, because discourse relating to the role of trophy hunting in supporting conservation outcomes is dynamic in both science and society, we suspect these valuations will also change in future.     

Proposed Conservation Landscape for Giant Pandas in the Minshan Mountains,China

Abstract: The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), is one of the world's most endangered species. Habitat loss and fragmentation have reduced its numbers, shrunk its distribution, and separated the population into isolated subpopulations. Such isolated, small populations are in danger of extinction due to random demographic factors and inbreeding. We used least‐cost modeling as a systematic approach to incorporate satellite imagery and data on ecological and behavioral parameters of the giant panda collected during more than 10 years of field research to design a conservation landscape for giant pandas in the Minshan Mountains. We identified 8 core habitats and 4 potential linkages that would link core habitats CH3, CH4, and CH5 with core habitats CH6, CH7, and CH8. Establishing and integrating the identified habitats with existing reserves would create an efficient reserve network for giant panda conservation. The core habitats had an average density of 4.9 pandas/100 km² and contained approximately 76.6% of the giant panda population. About 45% of the core habitat (3245.4 km²) existed outside the current nature reserves network. Total estimated core habitat decreased between 30.4 and 44.5% with the addition of residential areas and road networks factored into the model. A conservation area for giant panda in the Minshan Mountains should aim to ensure habitat retention and connectivity, improve dispersal potential of corridors, and maintain the evolutionary potential of giant pandas in the face of future environmental changes.     

Reproductive competition and fecal testosterone in wild male giant pandas (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Ailuropoda melanoleuca</Emphasis>)

The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is notoriously difficult to study in the wild, but its interesting reproductive ecology makes the effort worthwhile. Perhaps more than most species, the panda is energy-limited, which alters the cost/benefit analysis of its reproductive ecology. Using global positioning system/very high frequency radiocollars to locate mating aggregations, we used behavioral observations and fecal testosterone assays to gain insight into male panda reproductive effort and strategies, and test theories relating to reproductive competition. Male pandas initially competed fiercely for access to females that were about to be fertile, but once male competitive status was determined, aggression rates declined. Contact aggression was only observed during the first 2 days of mating aggregations; thereafter, it was replaced with noncontact aggression and avoidance. Agonistic interactions were highly asymmetrical, with contest losers (subordinates) showing less aggression and more avoidance than contest winners (dominants), both before and after contest outcome was established. The competitively superior male displayed mate-guarding tactics and secured all observed copulations. Contrary to theoretical predictions, testosterone levels did not predict aggression levels or contest winners and also were not affected by winning or losing a contest. Body size appeared to be the primary determinant of contest outcome. We discuss our findings in light of theoretical predictions, such as those arising from the “challenge hypothesis,” in the context of the giant panda’s foraging and nutritional ecology.     

Potential solar radiation pattern in relation to the monthly distribution of giant pandas in Foping Nature Reserve, China

Solar radiation is an important parameter in ecological process modeling, hydrological modeling and bio-physical modeling. However, models focusing on solar radiation in relation to giant panda habitat and seasonal distribution are limited. The research aims to form spatial models of 12 month solar radiation patterns and to investigate the relation between the solar radiation patterns and the monthly distribution patterns of giant pandas. The solar radiation model of Kumar et al. was adopted for this study in Foping Nature Reserve (NR), China. By comparing twelve monthly solar radiation patterns and calculating statistics such as maximum, minimum, mean and standard deviation of the solar radiation, diversified solar radiation patterns over different months were obtained. Maximum solar radiation occurred in June and July, while minimum solar radiation occurred in December and January. The annual sum of solar radiation was 6954 MJ/m² in Foping NR. The range in solar radiation was smaller in hot months and larger in cold months. Radio tracking data of giant pandas were collected for twelve months and the ensuing maps were overlaid with the twelve-month solar radiation map to analyze the relation between the giant panda's monthly distribution and solar radiation. Our results showed that giant pandas prefer areas with lower solar radiation in warm months and select areas with higher solar radiation in cold months, which illustrates that the distribution of giant pandas is indeed affected by solar radiation. To a certain degree, it also explains the behavior of seasonal movement by giant pandas in Foping NR.     

人工模拟产卵地招引黄脊竹蝗产卵试验

人工模拟产卵地是根据黄脊竹蝗成虫产卵时对自然条件的选择习性,人为造就最适环境,招引成虫集中产卵,避免因林内立竹及植被较密等不利生态因素造成的见缝插针式的散产导致的产卵范围扩大以及给查卵和防治工作带来的困难.试验结果表明,在竹林透光度无差异的情况下,对照区卵块密度平均10.4块/m2,人工模拟产卵地平均为21.2块/m2,是对照的2.04倍,而产卵面积却大为缩小,对照区平均0.038hm2,模拟地均为0.01hm2,仅为对照的l/4.不仅可以诱集成虫集中产卵,便于小面积集中防治,而且还可以省工、省时、省力、省经费.     

圈养大熊猫乳汁营养成分分析及育幼营养对策初探

连续测定了１只１０ａ大熊猫产后１ｍｏ内１２个乳汁样品中水份、粗蛋白（ＣＰ）、粗脂肪（ＥＥ）、粗灰分（ＣＡ）、乳糖（Ｌａｃ）、１７种氨基酸（ＡＡ）、１０种矿物元素、６种维生素的含量．结果表明，大熊猫产后前６ｄ乳汁中多数营养素含量与６ｄ后含量差异明显．产后ｄ１乳汁中ｗ（ＣＰ）＝６．３４％，ｄ５～１５在５％左右；ｗ（ＥＥ）在２．５０％～７．３３％范围内变动；乳糖含量皆在１％左右；大多数维生素和微量元素含量远高于常见的家畜乳和人乳中相应成分的含量．在分析大熊猫乳汁营养成分含量特点的基础上，探讨了育纳营养对策．     

The highs and lows of chemical communication in giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca): effect of scent deposition height on signal discrimination

The giant panda's (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) social system is not well known, but it is clear that competition and avoidance characterizes social interaction for this solitary species throughout most of the year. Chemical communication appears to play a major role in structuring these interactions. Pandas adopt four distinct marking postures that deposit anogenital gland secretions or urine at varying heights: squat, reverse, legcock and handstand. In this experiment we tested the behavioral responses of 28 captive pandas belonging to all age-sex groups to conspecific odors placed to mimic the height of these postures. We tested three odor stimuli: male urine, and male and female glandular secretions. In all cases, pandas spent more time investigating higher odors than lower odors, suggesting that pandas place more importance on gathering information about individuals that adopt elevated postures. Pandas, particularly subadult males, also showed evidence of avoiding areas where adult male urine was deposited to mimic the handstand posture. Based on these and other findings, we propose that elevated postures in pandas may function to communicate competitive ability and possibly aggressive intent. Height of odor deposition, especially in the handstand posture, may be associated with body size, a major determinant of competitive ability. Selection may favor signalers that capitalize on the assessment activities of assessors by depositing scents to emphasize height cues. If such signals of competitive ability are used to mediate aggressive interactions, subsequent selection may favor their use only when the signaler is prepared to escalate in a contest.     

Patterns of Genetic Diversity in Remaining Giant Panda Populations

Abstract: The giant panda ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca ) is among the more familiar symbols of species conservation. The protection of giant panda populations has been aided recently by the establishment of more and better-managed reserves in existing panda habitat located in six mountain ranges in western China. These remaining populations are becoming increasingly isolated from one another, however, leading to the concern that historic patterns of gene flow will be disrupted and that reduced population sizes will lead to diminished genetic variability. We analyzed four categories of molecular genetic markers (mtDNA restriction-fragment-length polymorphisms [RFLP], mtDNA control region sequences, nuclear multilocus DNA fingerprints, and microsatellite size variation) in giant pandas from three mountain populations (Qionglai, Minshan, and Qinling) to assess current levels of genetic diversity and to detect evidence of historic population subdivisions. The three populations had moderate levels of genetic diversity compared with similarly studied carnivores for all four gene measures, with a slight but consistent reduction in variability apparent in the smaller Qinling population. That population also showed significant differentiation consistent with its isolation since historic times. From a strictly genetic perspective, the giant panda species and the three populations look promising insofar as they have retained a large amount of genetic diversity in each population, although evidence of recent population reduction—likely from habitat loss—is apparent. Ecological management to increase habitat, population expansion, and gene flow would seem an effective strategy to stabilize the decline of this endangered species.