Population Viability Analysis for the Przewalski's Gazelle

The Przewalski's gazelle, Procapra przewalskii, is now isolated in four local populations on the east and northwest shores of Qinghai Lake. We have been being conducting field surveys in the Qinghai Lake region since 1994. Based on the information we gathered from those surveys, we carried out a Population Viability Analysis (PVA) on the Przewalski's gazelle. We discovered that the Przewalski's gazelle would be extinct within 200 years if no management measures were taken. Since the local population size of the gazelle is small, the most effective measures are to control the wolf density and to reduce the impact of climatic catastrophes. In order to increase the population of the gazelle, we should also take measures to increase primary production of the grassland, to establish a habitat corridor, and to increase the rate of migration of individuals among different local populations.     

Bordering Ecosystems: The Rhetorical Function of Characterization in Gray Wolf Management

Decisions about iconic species such as the wolf provide a key index of human–nature relations. The gray wolf's reintroduction in the USA has been controversial, particularly at the interface of state versus federal management. This essay analyzes discourse surrounding this controversy, focusing on how wolves are characterized as ecological and social actors in official correspondence and management plans. I interpret this textual evidence by drawing from social theory regarding sovereignty, discipline, and population, including studies on bordering practices imposed on humans. As with humans, bordering practices in the case of the wolf may illuminate how political forces impose physical and discursive limits upon mobile bodies motivated to move across political borders by powerful exigencies of need. The essay seeks to amplify understanding about how regimes of power enact difference from “others” whose presence strongly influences the health of ecosystems and economies.     

Assessment of arsenic level in the hair of the nonoccupational Egyptian population: pilot study.

Arsenic level of hair samples of apparently healthy Egyptian was measured by means of hydride atomic absorption spectrophotometery. It ranged between 0.04 and 1.04 mg As/kg hair, about 55% of the analysed hair samples were within the range of allowable values (0.08-0.25 mg As/kg hair), but 45% were not. There were no considerable sex-related differences (0.303 and 0.292 mg As/kg hair for males and females, respectively). Different educational levels did not influence it either, when the effect of the age had been excluded. Children and adolescents proved to be more susceptible to arsenic as their mean levels (0.353 microg/g), and were significantly higher than those in the adults (0.233 microg/g). Smoking and some dietary habits had an important role in the elevation of arsenic levels among the nonoccupational Egyptian population: 60% of smokers and 66.7% of indoor passive smokers had arsenic levels >0.25 mg As/kg hair. Arsenic levels were also dependent on the kind of smoking, as hair arsenic of the subject smoking molasses tobacco was found to be significantly higher than that of cigarette smokers (0.459 and 0.209 mg As/kg hair, respectively). The frequency of meat and fish consumption per week was also found to be positively, significantly correlated with arsenic levels. On the other hand, the frequency of consumption of fruits, fresh and cooked vegetables, milk and milk products per week beneficially influenced the arsenic level of the hair samples examined. Arsenic content of the consumed water in Egypt was 0.001 mg/l, which is below the maximum drinking water level allowed by World Health Organisation (WHO). Therefore, the arsenic content of domestic tap water hardly contributed to the arsenic exposure of the Egyptian population in the regions of the study. It is likely that exposure routes by smoking, fish and animal protein consumption are the principal cause of arsenic accumulation in the general Egyptian population.     

Population model of fluctuations in organophosphate resistance of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Drosophila melanogaster</Emphasis>: Roles of a mutated acetylcholinesterase and a cytochrome P450

The dynamics of genetic variation in susceptibility to insecticides within a natural population of Drosophila melanogaster (Meigen) was examined using model systems and experimental data published previously. In a recent study, two resistance factors for three organophosphate insecticides (OPs) were suggested to be involved within the Katsunuma population (Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan): a resistant-type acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (cytochrome P450). Within this natural population, the relative contributions of the resistanttype AChE to genetic variation in resistance to the three OPs were larger than those of the cytochrome P450. The simulation analysis by means of the model, based on genotypic density-independent population projection trajectories, suggested that seasonal fluctuations of genetic variation in resistance to the three OPs were mainly caused by the change in the frequency of the resistant-type acetylcholinesterase (Ace) gene within the population.     

Assessment of the reproductive capacity of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus sylvestris</Emphasis> trees growing under conditions of chronic exposure to radionuclides of uranium and thorium series

The reproductive capacity of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) has been estimated in trees from the population growing in an area used to store tailings from uranium ore processing and radium production. Under such conditions, 12- to 15-year-old trees produce seeds of a quality inferior to that in areas with a normal background radiation level. As the weighted absorbed dose rate (at a weighting coefficient of 5) for generative organs increases from 0.002 ± 0.0003 to 0.344 ± 0.059 mGy/day, a proportional increase is observed in the proportion of empty seeds and the frequency of cytogenetic disturbances in the root meristem of seedlings, while the survival rate of seedlings decreases. The minimum absorbed dose rate leading to these changes in the pine population is 0.027 mGy/day, i.e., 12 times as high as the control value.     

Prioritization of Sustainable Groundwater Management Needs: The Case of the Israel's Stressed Coastal Aquifer

On-going population growth and resulting domestic demand for water require rapid and effective decision-making as regards groundwater management and control of the various sources of salinization and pollution in Coastal aquifers. Sustainability of water resources for utilization by future generations must therefore be a high priority, not only for the purpose of fulfilling needs for water usage but also for bringing people into harmony with their ambient natural environment.The objective of this paper is to propose an empirical approach for prioritization of the needs involved for sustainable aquifer management. The approach involves a schematic format to:(1) develop a global understanding of an aquifer's hydrological and environmental properties in order to delineate appropriate eco-hydrological scenarios and recommend corresponding operational management activities; and(2) emphasize the importance of educating and increasing the awareness of the population involved as to the need for and viability of socially acceptable measures for sustainable management of groundwater and other resources.The psychologist Abraham Maslow utilized a pyramid to illustrate that until people's most basic needs were fulfilled, higher levels of needs would remain irrelevant. This paper postulates a comparable pyramid prioritizing hydrological needs required for progressing towards sustainable groundwater resources. Two sub-regions of Israel's Coastal aquifer in the Sharon region have been presented as representative areas, each characterized by different stress of exploitation. In assessing these sub-regions situation, specific measures have been recommended for achieving and/or maintaining sustainable groundwater resources in light of the ambient environment, and the level of the population on the pyramidal hierarchy of groundwater needs.     

Cyclicity of long-term population dynamics in damselflies of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Coenagrion</Emphasis> (Odonata,Zygoptera) in the Lake Chany basin

The cyclicity of population dynamics of abundance has been analyzed in sympatric adult populations of three odonate species monitored for long time (1980–2010) in the Lake Chany basin (Western Siberia). The spectra of odonate population dynamics have been constructed for the first time and shown to be species-specific: each species has its own population cycles, and if the cycles are similar, interspecific differences manifest themselves in the relative power of these cycles. These differences provide for separation of species in time, reducing the stress of competition between them. The population rhythms of all studied species show synchronicity with natural rhythms that are important to them, such as fluctuations of climatic parameters (2–3 year cycles) and hydrological parameters of Lake Chany (2–4-year cycles).     

Difference among the Growth of GDP and Urbanization of the Provinces and the Cities in West China since the Reform and Opening-up

Since the reform and opening-up, the difference between the development of the west region and the other regions in China is increasing. In addition, the condition of the development of cities in west China needs amelioration. Developing conditions of the west provinces and its cities using economic barometers (e.g. gross domestic product (GDP) and per capita GDP) and urban population datum (e.g. urbanization level and city primary degree) have been analyzed in this article. Five indexes have been chosen to work on the development of the provinces, for example, the contribution degree of the increment in GDP, the contribution degree of the increment of per capita GDP, urbanization level, city primary degree, city primacy ratio. Conclusions are as follows. (1) The growth of the GDP and per capita GDP of the western provinces is in a poor way; moreover, it is not steady going. (2) The comparability among the characteristics of the urbanization level growth of the provinces is at a low level. (3) The urbanization levels of Inner Mongolia province and Sinkiang province are more-sensitive responders to the growth of per capita GDP, whereas those of Guangxi province and Tibet province are less-sensitive responders. (4) The urban population in most of the provinces are highly concentrated, which can be shown by city primary degrees and city primacy ratios. While working on these cities in west China, some earlier zone-organic cities are chosen as sample cities, and these cities are also analyzed using economic barometers and population datum. By analyzing the difference among the cities and comparing the research findings of Professor Zhou and the author, the following conclusions are made: (1) the growth of the GDP and per capita GDP of the cities are mostly not steady going; (2) the middle and big cities are more-sensitive responders to the growth of economy, whereas the small and mega cities are less-sensitive responders; (3) the sizes of southwest cities have a higher speed than those of northwest ones, and furthermore, the differences between them are still increasing.     

Phenotypic variation and adaptive reaction to the presence of predator in two Daphnia species (Daphniiformes, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Daphnia</Emphasis>) in Lake Baikal

The effect of invertebrate predation pressure by the cladoceran Leptodora kindti on the population structure of Daphnia galeata and D. hyalina has been estimated by analyzing the occurrence frequency of the normal and spined morphotypes in Lake Baikal. It is shown that the growth of L. kindti population density leads to an increase in the proportion of the spined morphotype, while that of that of the normal morphotype decreases.     

Research on the threshold effect of population aging on the industrial structure upgrading in China

This paper constructs coefficients of the integral and the internal structure upgrading in the secondary and tertiary industries, selects per capita real gross domestic product as a threshold variable and build panel threshold model according to inter-provincial panel data of China from 1998 to 2016. Results indicated that population aging has a double threshold effect on the integral industrial structure upgrading, whose influence increases first and then decreases, significantly promoting the upgrading process. As for internal structure, population aging has no significant threshold effect on the upgrading in the secondary industry, but exerts a single negative threshold effect in the tertiary industry. When economic development is under the threshold, its negative impact is greater. Further analysis also suggests that regional differences exist significantly in the threshold effect of population aging on the industrial structure upgrading.     

Historical distribution of lynx (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lynx lynx</Emphasis>) in Northeast China on the basis of historical records

Long-term dynamics of population decline can improve the conservation perspectives and strategies for endanger species. In China, new gazetteers having systematic compilation and wide geographical coverage can be considered as an important complementary for reconstruction historical distribution. For historical and cultural reasons, an endangered species–lynx (Lynx lynx) was recorded regularly in new gazetteers. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to evaluate the population distribution in Northeast China from the 1950s to 2014. The data show that Felis lynx was widely distributed in Northeast China in the 1950s, but the number of the occurrence records have been significantly reduced by 85.6% in the last 60 years. This research also enlightens us that the new gazetteers can contribute to data shortage and it would be helpful to conservation biology.     

The influence of Chinese population policy change on resources and the environment

Universal two-child policy has been implemented since the end of 2015 in China. This policy is anticipated to bring a significant increase in the total population, with profound influences on the resources and environment in the future. This paper analyzes the changing dynamics of urban and rural population, and forecasts urban and rural population from 2016 to 2030 at national and provincial scale using a double log linear regression model. Drawing upon the results of these two predictions, the impact of the population policy change on Chinese resources consumption and environmental pollution are predicted quantitatively. Given the future total population maintains current levels on resources consumption and environmental emission, the additional demand of resources and environment demand for the new population is forecasted and compared against the capacity on supply side. The findings are as follows: after implementing the universal two-child policy, China’s grain, energy consumption, domestic water demand, and pollutant emissions are projected to increase at different rates across provinces. To meet the needs arising from future population growth, food and energy self-sufficiency rate will be significantly reduced in the future, while relying more on imports. Stability of the water supply needs to be improved, especially in Beijing, Henan, Jiangsu, Qinghai, and Sichuan where the gap in future domestic water demand is comparatively larger. Environmental protection and associated governing capability are in urgent need of upgrade not least due to the increasing pressure of pollution.     

Analysis of monitoring data on the Russian desman (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Desmana moschata</Emphasis>) in the Oka state biosphere reserve in relation to the problem of species’ population decline

Data on the effect of environmental factors on the Russian desman population of the Oka Reserve (Ryazan oblast) have been analyzed over the period from 1938 to 2004. Against the background of global climate warming, the number of desmans has decreased by a factor of 2.75 as a consequence of hydrotechnical amelioration in the early 1960s. Prior to amelioration, relatively dry, low-water, and cool years were more favorable for these animals; after amelioration, their demand for more abundant moistening has increased.     

Multi-scale spatial determinants of dissolved oxygen and nutrients in Qiantang River, China

This study employed spatial regression to analyze the determinants of dissolved oxygen (DO) and nutrients in the Qiantang River, China. Determinants of their spatial patterns in 1996 and 2003 as well as their dynamics during this time period were characterized at sub-basin and 500-m riparian buffer scales. Results indicated that the determinants differed by variable and by scale. Built-ups, farmland, water body, population density and gross domestic product were positive indicators for nutrient pollution and hypoxia, while distance to river source and forest were negative indicators. Higher slope variability indicates more DO and nutrients. In addition, built-up increases that were accelerated by population growth and economic development accounted for DO and nutrients dynamics to a large extent. This study highlighted that incorporation of spatial autocorrelation into regression was not only a methodological advantage but also a promising management tool.     

Trials of different provenances of white birches (section Albae) in population cultures in the Middle Urals

Periodic monitoring (by age stages) of the growth energy and health of trees has been performed in population cultures of white birches established on a half-sib basis (for the first time in Russia). The results show that the pattern of growth and development and the health (survival) of provenances tested in population cultures depend primarily on the ecobiological properties of birch species and also on the distance and direction of seed transfer.     

Effects of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Astacus astacus</Emphasis> L. Population on Biomass of Macrophytes in a Fresh Water Body

In experiments performed in aquariums, the daily consumption of Chara vulgaris alga by crayfish (Astacus astacus L.) has been determined. These quantitative data have been used to make a prognosis of the effect of the A. astacus population on the biomass of macrophytes in Lake Berezovo (Pskov oblast). The density of the crayfish population and the biomass of higher aquatic vegetation in the lake have been determined in field studies. Extrapolation of the results of laboratory experiments to a natural water body has shown that crayfish are capable of controlling no less than 40% of submersed macrophytes in the area used by their population.__________Translated from Ekologiya, No. 4, 2005, pp. 300–305.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Kholodkevich, Shumilova, Fedotov, Zhuravlev.     

Dynamics of phenotypic traits and intrapopulation processes in great tit (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Parus major</Emphasis> L.) populations of the Middle Ural

Variability of the length of the white area on the outermost quill feathers of the great tit from two cities in the Middle Ural has been investigated. Dynamics of the average length of the white area in the birds from the city of Asbest reproduced the dynamics observed in the city of Yekaterinburg with a one-year lag in the females and a two-year lag in the males. Phenotypic changes in the great tit population did not occur simultaneously in the whole population, but rather moved along the living range with a certain velocity (50–60 km/year for the females and 25–30 km/year for the males). The results obtained are discussed in view of the concepts of population biology.     

Energy and immune parameters of northern red-backed voles (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Clethrionomys rutilus</Emphasis>) at different population densities in the Kolyma River basin

Several parameters of energy and immune homeostasis in immature red-backed voles at different phases of the population cycle have been evaluated and compared over three cycles (2002–2009). It has been found that a specific morphophysiological type of population is characteristic of each phase of the cycle. The values of all physiological parameters recorded at high and low population densities significantly differ from each other, with their values being usually intermediate at a medium density. The level of most energy and immune parameters at the phase of population peak corresponds to that observed under stress. Supposedly, stress contributes to suppression of reproduction and increased mortality of the voles.     

Spatial population structure in forest voles of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Clethrionomys</Emphasis> in the southern taiga of the Middle Irtysh region

A comparative analysis of spatial population structure in the northern red-backed vole (Clethrionomys rutilus Pall.) and large-toothed red-backed vole (Cl. rufocanus Sund.) has been performed in the middle taiga zone of the Middle Irtysh region (Omsk oblast). Populations of these species are represented by sets of territorial groups whose numbers and spatial distribution change from year to year depending on the ratio of these species in a biotope and their population density. There is no significant interspecific competition between cohabitant Cl. rutilus and Cl. rufocanus. In particular, this follows from the fact that the population density and distribution pattern of one species are independent of those of the other species. It has been found that the size of home ranges in Cl. rutilus inversely depends on its population density, with that in Cl. rufocanus remaining approximately the same at different population densities, and that the structure of the resident part of the population in both species changes during the season, as voles from neighboring habitats or dispersing voles settle in the study area.     

全面放开二孩政策背景下人口增长对资源环境的影响和需求分析

2015年底,我国全面放开了二孩政策,势必对我国的人口总量和增长态势产生深刻影响,进而影响我国的资源需求和环境压力。在采用队列元素法预测全面放开二孩后我国总人口及各省(市、自治区)人口的基础上,运用城乡人口比增长法预测未来城镇化水平,本文依据这两种预测结果系统探讨人口政策变动对我国资源消费、环境污染的定量预测和具体影响。假定未来的人均资源环境消耗量保持现状不变,按照预测的未来人口总量和增量,得出人口增长对我国资源环境的需求变动。通过计算新增的资源环境需求量,对比需求总量与我国的资源环境供给能力,进一步分析人口增长对资源环境各方面的压力大小。研究发现:全面放开二孩政策后,我国的粮食、生活用能源、生活用水、城乡建设用地的需求量和生活污染物排放量均逐年递增,但变化速率有所差异。为满足未来人口增长所产生的需求,粮食和能源的自给率明显降低,未来将需要更多地依赖进口。全国的供水能力和保障水平急需提高,其中北京、河南、江苏、青海、四川的现状供水能力与未来生活用水需求差距较大。各省建设用地需求差异明显,吉林、湖北、山东、四川、江苏、湖南、新疆、广东、黑龙江、贵州等省市的城市建设用地新增需求量将快速释放,但已有的建设用地储备无法满足预测需求。生活污染物的治理压力加大,环境保护与治理能力应该继续加强。