First direct evidence of hibernation in an eastern dwarf lemur species (Cheirogaleus crossleyi) from the high-altitude forest of Tsinjoarivo, central-eastern Madagascar

The nocturnal dwarf lemurs of Madagascar (genus Cheirogaleus) are the only primates known to be obligate hibernators. Although the physiology of hibernation has been studied widely in the western, small-bodied species, Cheirogaleus medius, no direct evidence of hibernation, i.e., body temperature recordings, has been reported for any of the three recognized eastern dwarf lemur species. We present skin temperature data collected by external collar transmitters from two eastern dwarf lemur individuals (Cheirogaleus crossleyi) captured in the high-altitude forest of Tsinjoarivo, central-eastern Madagascar. Our study species is larger in body size than western dwarf lemurs and inhabits much colder environments. We present the first evidence of hibernation in an eastern dwarf lemur species, and we compare the results with data available for the western species. Although the hibernation period is shorter in dwarf lemurs from Tsinjoarivo, minimum body temperatures are lower than those reported for C. medius. Both individuals at Tsinjoarivo showed limited passive and extended deep hibernation during which they did not track ambient temperature as observed in most western dwarf lemurs. Because ambient temperatures at Tsinjoarivo never exceed 30°C, dwarf lemurs have to experience arousals to maintain homeostasis during periods of hibernation. We show that large dwarf lemurs (>400 g) are capable of undergoing deep hibernation and suggest that cold, high-altitude forests may render hibernation highly advantageous during periods of food scarcity. This study has implications for understanding the physiology of hibernation in small-bodied lemurs.     

Optional strategies for reduced metabolism in gray mouse lemurs

Among the order of primates, torpor has been described only for the small Malagasy cheirogaleids Microcebus and Cheirogaleus. The nocturnal, gray mouse lemur, Microcebus murinus (approx. 60 g), is capable of entering into and spontaneously arousing from apparently daily torpor during the dry season in response to reduced temperatures and low food and water sources. Mark–recapture studies indicated that this primate species might also hibernate for several weeks, although physiological evidence is lacking. In the present study, we investigated patterns of body temperature in two free-ranging M. murinus during the austral winter using temperature-sensitive data loggers implanted subdermally. One lemur hibernated and remained inactive for 4 weeks. During this time, body temperature followed the ambient temperature passively with a minimum body temperature of 11.5°C, interrupted by irregular arousals to normothermic levels. Under the same conditions, the second individual displayed only short bouts of torpor in the early morning hours but maintained stable normothermic body temperatures throughout its nocturnal activity. Reduction of body temperature was less pronounced in the mouse lemur that utilized short bouts of torpor with a minimum value of 27°C. Despite the small sample size, our findings provide the first physiological confirmation that free-ranging individuals of M. murinus from the humid evergreen littoral rain forest have the option to utilize short torpor bouts or hibernation under the same conditions as two alternative energy-conserving physiological solutions to environmental constraints.     

Isotopic evidence for niche partitioning and the influence of anthropogenic disturbance on endemic and introduced rodents in central Madagascar

We applied a multi-isotope approach to examine aspects of niche partitioning, competition, and mobility for rodents in the Central Highlands of Madagascar. Specifically, we used carbon (δ¹³C), nitrogen (δ¹⁵N), and strontium (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr) isotope ratios in bone to investigate diet and mobility for endemic tufted tail rats (Eliurus spp.), and introduced black rats (Rattus rattus) and house mice (Mus musculus) within and outside a fragment of montane humid forest in the Ambohitantely Special Reserve. There was a clear spatial segregation in trapping success for different species: Eliurus was only in the forest interior and edge, Mus only outside of the fragment in a marsh and park housing complex, and Rattus in all habitats except the housing complex. We find only moderate support for mobility of rodents among habitats. Mus may routinely move between the marsh and housing complex. However, regular movement between the forest edge and interior, or between the forest fragment and surrounding grassland is not supported. Taxa appear to target different foods: Rattus tends to feed at a higher trophic level than Eliurus, and Mus consumes some C₄ resources. To date, strontium isotopes have been underutilized in ecological research. Here, we show that they are highly complementary to carbon and nitrogen isotope data. Even in localities with relatively uniform underlying geology, it may be possible to distinguish individuals that regularly forage in different habitats.     

Torpor and energetic consequences in free-ranging grey mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus): a comparison of dry and wet forests

Many endotherms save energy during food and water shortage or unpredictable environment using controlled reductions in body temperature and metabolism called torpor. In this study, we measured energy metabolism and water turnover in free-ranging grey mouse lemurs Microcebus murinus (approximately 60 g) using doubly labelled water during the austral winter in the rain forest of southeastern Madagascar. We then compared patterns of thermal biology between grey mouse lemurs from the rain forest and a population from the dry forest. M. murinus from the rain forest, without a distinct dry season, entered daily torpor independent of ambient temperature (T _a). There were no differences in torpor occurrence, duration and depth between M. murinus from the rain and dry forest. Mouse lemurs using daily torpor reduced their energy expenditure by 11% in the rain forest and by 10.5% in the dry forest, respectively. There was no significant difference in the mean water flux rates of mouse lemurs remaining normothermic between populations of both sites. In contrast, mean water flux rate of individuals from the dry forest that used torpor was significantly lower than those from the rain forest. This study represents the first account of energy expenditure, water flux and skin temperature (T _sk) in free-ranging M. murinus from the rain forest. Our comparative findings suggest that water turnover and therefore water requirement during the austral winter months plays a more restricting role on grey mouse lemurs from the dry forest than on those from the rain forest.     

Regional,seasonal and interspecific variation in <Superscript>15</Superscript>N and <Superscript>13</Superscript>C in sympatric mouse lemurs

Madagascar provides some of the rare examples where two or more primate species of the same genus and with seemingly identical niche requirements occur in sympatry. If congeneric primate species co-occur in other parts of the world, they differ in size in a way that is consistent with Hutchinson’s rule for coexisting species, or they occupy different ecological niches. In some areas of Madagascar, mouse lemurs do not follow these “rules” and thus seem to violate one of the principles of community ecology. In order to understand the mechanisms that allow coexistence of sympatric congeneric species without obvious niche differentiation, we studied food composition of two identical sized omnivorous mouse lemur species, Microcebus griseorufus and M. murinus with the help of stable isotope analyses (δ ¹⁵N and δ ¹³C). The two species are closely related sister species. During the rich season, when food seems abundant, the two species do not differ in their nitrogen isotope composition, indicating that the two species occupy the same trophic level. But they differ in their δ ¹³C values, indicating that M. griseorufus feeds more on C₄ and CAM (Crassulacean-acid-metabolism) plants than M. murinus. During the lean season, M. murinus has lower δ ¹⁵N values, indicating that the two species feed at different trophic levels during times of food shortage. Hybrids between the two species showed intermediate food composition. The results reflect subtle differences in foraging or metabolic adaptations that are difficult to quantify by traditional observations but that represent possibilities to allow coexistence of species.     

How forest marsupials are affected by habitat degradation and fragmentation? A meta-analysis

Habitat fragmentation and degradation are important biodiversity change drivers worldwide. Their effects have been described for many animal groups, but little is known about marsupials. We conducted a meta-analysis aiming to evaluate the actual effects of habitat fragmentation and degradation on forest marsupials. From a literature survey, we obtained 85 case studies reporting disturbance comparisons. We found a negative overall effect, as well as a negative effect for habitat fragmentation, but not for habitat degradation. Marsupials from Oceania were negatively affected by habitat disturbance, whereas there was no effect for those from South America. Arboreal marsupials were negatively affected, whereas terrestrial marsupials did not. Species from the families Dasyuridae (Antechinus spp.) and Microbiotheriidae (Dromiciops gliroides) showed to be sensitive to habitat disturbance.     

Hibernation in Malagasy mouse lemurs as a strategy to counter environmental challenge

The spiny forest of southwestern Madagascar is the driest and most unpredictable region of the island. It is characterized by a pronounced seasonality with high fluctuations in ambient temperature, low availability of food, and a lack of water during the cool dry season and, additionally, by changes in environmental conditions between years. One of the few mammalian species that manages to inhabit this challenging habitat is the reddish-gray mouse lemur (Microcebus griseorufus). The aim of our study was to determine whether this small primate uses continuous hibernation as an energy saving strategy, and if so, to characterize its physiological properties. We measured skin temperature of 16 free-ranging individuals continuously over 3 months during the cool dry season using collar temperature data loggers. Prolonged hibernation was found in three mouse lemurs and was not sex dependent (one male, two females). Skin temperature of hibernating individuals tracked ambient temperature passively with a minimum skin temperature of 6.5°C and fluctuated strongly each day (up to 20°C), depending on the insulation capacity of the hibernacula. Individuals remained in continuous hibernation even at an ambient temperature of 37°C. The animals hibernated continuously during the dry season, and hibernation bouts were only interrupted by short spontaneous arousals. The study emphasizes that hibernation is an important measure to counter environmental challenge for more tropical species than previously thought, including primates. It furthermore provides evidence that tropical hibernation is functionally similar among tropical species.     

Isotopic and anatomical evidence of an herbivorous diet in the Early Tertiary giant bird Gastornis. Implications for the structure of Paleocene terrestrial ecosystems

The mode of life of the early Tertiary giant bird Gastornis has long been a matter of controversy. Although it has often been reconstructed as an apex predator feeding on small mammals, according to other interpretations, it was in fact a large herbivore. To determine the diet of this bird, we analyze here the carbon isotope composition of the bone apatite from Gastornis and contemporaneous herbivorous mammals. Based on ¹³C-enrichment measured between carbonate and diet of carnivorous and herbivorous modern birds, the carbonate δ¹³C values of Gastornis bone remains, recovered from four Paleocene and Eocene French localities, indicate that this bird fed on plants. This is confirmed by a morphofunctional study showing that the reconstructed jaw musculature of Gastornis was similar to that of living herbivorous birds and unlike that of carnivorous forms. The herbivorous Gastornis was the largest terrestrial tetrapod in the Paleocene biota of Europe, unlike the situation in North America and Asia, where Gastornis is first recorded in the early Eocene, and the largest Paleocene animals were herbivorous mammals. The structure of the Paleocene terrestrial ecosystems of Europe may have been similar to that of some large islands, notably Madagascar, prior to the arrival of humans.     

Detecting the potential sympatric range and niche divergence between Asian endemic ungulates of Procapra

Species distribution modeling (SDM) is increasingly used to reveal biogeographical relationships, for example the sympatric range for species coexistence, and fundamental questions about niche evolution between related species. We explored the sympatric ranges between three Procapra species (Procapra przewalskii, Procapra Picticaudata, and Procapra gutturosa) via two methods of defining the study region (method 1, in which models were developed in a larger region including the whole geographic range of Procapra, and method 2 in which a smaller region surrounding focal species’ localities was used and then projected to the larger region). We also quantified environmental niche divergence between gazelles across the whole range in Procapra. Models for gazelles generally performed well. Compared with method 2, method 1 led to larger predicted areas with high suitability and was less concentrated around known localities. Clamping, which deals with variables outside the training range, varied between gazelles and occurred primarily in regions unsuitable for respective species. For all gazelle pairs, models revealed an overlap zone where more than one species should occur, while the estimates varied between the two methods. Moreover, we found that the niche overlap was closely associated with geographic distance but not with phylogenetic distance among gazelles. Our findings indicate that SDM is a useful tool for testing whether related species tend to be in sympatry at large scales, with method 1 leading to more realistic predictions for Procapra. This study provides evidence of a distinct niche divergence among related species and supports the theory that ecological speciation plays a significant role in lineage generation.     

Ecological consistency across space: a synthesis of the ecological aspects of Dromiciops gliroides in Argentina and Chile

Dromiciops gliroides is an arboreal marsupial found in the temperate forests of South America (36–43 °S). This species is the sole extant representative of the order Microbiotheria, and is a key seed disperser of many native plant species, including the keystone mistletoe Tristerix corymbosus. Here, we synthesized the current knowledge on the ecological aspects of this species, and compared the available information from Argentina and Chile. Population density (23?±?2 (mean ± SE) individual/ha) and home range (1.6?±?0.6?ha) appear to be relatively similar across a marked ecological gradient in the mainland, but lower densities (7?±?2 individual/ha) and smaller home ranges (0.26?±?0.04?ha) were detected at island sites. We detected regional variation in body condition in Chile, but there were no significant differences across a wider E-W gradient. Movement patterns fit a random walk model; such behavior might have important consequences in shaping plant’s spatial patterns. Although our data suggest that D. gliroides is more tolerant to habitat disturbance than previously thought, its incapability to disperse across non-forested areas suggests that the rapid rate of habitat loss and fragmentation that characterizes southern temperate forests likely poses a serious threat to this species. These ecological similarities are surprising given that forests studied receive dramatically different rainfall and correspond to distinct forest types. The evidence synthetized here dispels some of the myths about this species but also stresses the need for more comprehensive ecological studies across its distribution range.     

Variations in stable hydrogen and oxygen isotopes in atmospheric water vapor in the marine boundary layer across a wide latitude range

The newly-developed cavity ring-down laser absorption spectroscopy analyzer with special calibration protocols has enabled the direct measurement of atmospheric vapor isotopes at high spatial and temporal resolution. This paper presents real-time hydrogen and oxygen stable isotope data for atmospheric water vapor above the sea surface, over a wide range of latitudes spanning from 38°N to 69°S. Our results showed relatively higher values of 8180 and 82H in the subtropical regions than those in the tropical and high latitude regions, and also a notable decreasing trend in the Antarctic coastal region. By combining the hydrogen and oxygen isotope data with meteoric water line and backward trajectory model analysis, we explored the kinetic fractionation caused by subsiding air masses and related saturated vapor pressure in the subtropics, and the evaporation-driven kinetic fractionation in the Antarctic region. Simultaneous observations of meteorological and marine variables were used to interpret the isotopic composition characteristics and influential factors, indicating that d-excess is negatively correlated with humidity across a wide range of latitudes and weather conditions worldwide. Coincident with previous studies, d-excess is also positively correlated with sea surface temperature and air temperature （Tair）, with greater sensitivity to Tair. Thus, atmospheric vapor isotopes measured with high accuracy and good spatial- temporal resolution could act as informative tracers for exploring the water cycle at different regional scales. Such monitoring efforts should be undertaken over a longer time period and in different regions of the world.     

Fragmented forest in tropical landscape--the case of the state of Selangor,Malaysia

This paper presents the pattern and changes of fragmented forest in relation with changes of total forest cover in the state of Selangor in three decades.In this study,inventoried forest cover maps of Selangor in 1971/1972,1981/1982 and 1991/1992 produced by the Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia were digitized to examine the changes in area and number of fragmented forest.Results showed that in 1971/1972,16 fragmented forests were identified in Selangor.All fragmented forests were identified as diptercoarp forest.A decade later the number of fragmented forests increased by approximately 44%(23).Of the 23 fragmented forests,two were peat swamp forests whereas the remaining were dipterocarp forests.In 1991/1992 the number of fragmented forests(12)was reduced by 47.8%.Two of the fragmented forests were Fragmentation of both dipterocrp and peat swamp forests occurred profoundly during the period between 1971/1972and 1981/1982,which consequently increased the number of fragmented forests compared with before the period of 1971/1972 where fragmentation happened only at dipterocarp forests.However,many fragmented forests vanished between the 1981/1982 and 1991/1992 periods.     

维管束植物桂花树叶片对大气氮沉降的吸收研究

本文通过测定维管束植物桂花树叶片的氮含量和氮同位素组成,分析其对大气氮沉降的截留吸收机制。为期一年(2009.03～2010.03)的监测数据显示,桂花树叶片氮含量为1.33%～3.09%,平均值为2.18%;叶片δ15 N为+0.54‰～+3.78‰,均值为+2.29‰。桂花树叶片N%、δ15 N的季节性变化趋势,总体呈现春、冬高,夏、秋低的规律,这与已有的贵阳市雨水监测数据一致。对比不同树冠厚度的叶片样品,发现叶片N%随树冠厚度增加而降低,顶部叶片N%表现为最高(2.39±0.4%),说明桂花树的树冠层对大气氮沉降有明显的截留吸收作用。桂花树顶部叶片δ15 N最偏负,而上覆树冠层最厚的下方叶片的δ15 N最偏正,反映了树冠层在吸收大气氮沉降过程中存在选择性吸收,引起同位素分馏,即树冠层越厚,穿冠水δ15 N越偏正,且分馏程度与树冠厚度成正比,导致下方叶片δ15 N最高。     

草街水库蓄水后嘉陵江浮游植物群落特征及水质评价

为了解草街水库蓄水后嘉陵江的水环境变化情况,对嘉陵江浮游植物群落结构及水质状况进行了研究.研究期间共检出浮游植物145种,隶属8门74属,其中硅藻门种类数最多,23属57种,其次为绿藻门,28属53种.浮游植物平均细胞密度1.82×105cell·L-1,细胞密度居于前3位的分别为硅藻门、甲藻门、隐藻门,所占总密度比例分别为39.2%、29.9%、24.5%,春季细胞密度显著高于其他季节(P0.05).优势度分析显示,优势种主要为颗粒沟链藻(Aulacoseria granulata)、变异直链藻(Melosira varians)、倪氏拟多甲藻(Peridiniopsis niei)、具尾逗隐藻(Komma caudate)、啮蚀隐藻(Cryptomonas erosa)等.聚类分析结果表明,草街水库蓄水后对浮游植物的影响作用已初步显现.嘉陵江草街水库区在纵向上已初步形成不同特征的生态区域,各区域浮游植物群落结构存在差异,同时,草街水库大坝上、下游间浮游植物和水体特征也产生了差异.嘉陵江浮游植物的Shannon-Wiener多样性指数、Margalef丰富度指数和Pielous均匀度指数分别介于2.06~3.55、0.76~1.90、0.50~0.78,表明嘉陵江水体处于轻-中度污染状态.根据浮游植物群落结构评价显示,研究期间的嘉陵江水体营养水平为中营养类型.     

贝江浮游藻类群落特征及富营养化风险分析

为了解贝江浮游藻类的分布特征与水质状况,于枯水期和丰水期对浮游藻类群落结构的时空动态进行调查和分析.结果表明,贝江共检出浮游藻类6门29科48属74种,其中枯水期5门23科41属58种,丰水期6门26科40属59种,藻类组成以硅藻门、绿藻门、蓝藻门为主,硅藻种群全年占优势,主要有颗粒沟链藻、变异脆杆藻、二列双菱藻、双头菱形藻、简单舟形藻、梅尼小环藻、肘状针杆藻、窄异极藻和膨胀桥弯藻;藻细胞总密度两期差异较小,枯水期平均值为3.54×105cells·L-1,丰水期平均值为4.87×105cells·L-1.RDA分析表明,DO、高锰酸盐指数和氮磷营养盐是影响贝江浮游藻类群落分布的主要环境因子,贝江流域水质整体良好,处于贫-中营养水平,但氮磷浓度较高,农业面源污染是导致水体中氮磷偏高的主要来源.     

Relatedness communicated in lemur scent

Lemurs are the most olfactory-oriented of primates, yet there is still only a basic level of understanding of what their scent marks communicate. We analyzed scent secretions from Milne-Edwards' sifakas (Propithecus edwardsi) collected in their natural habitat of Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar. We sought to test whether the scent mark could signal genetic relatedness in addition to species, sex, season, and individuality. We not only found correlations (r ²?=?0.38, P?=?0.017) between the total olfactory fingerprint and genetic relatedness but also between relatedness and specific components of the odor, despite the complex environmental signals from differences in diet and behavior in a natural setting. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of an association between genetic relatedness and chemical communication in a wild primate population. Furthermore, we found a variety of compounds that were specific to each sex and each sampling period. This research shows that scent marks could act as a remote signal to avoid inbreeding, optimize mating opportunities, and potentially aid kin selection.     

Keratin decomposition by trogid beetles: evidence from a feeding experiment and stable isotope analysis

The decomposition of vertebrate carcasses is an important ecosystem function. Soft tissues of dead vertebrates are rapidly decomposed by diverse animals. However, decomposition of hard tissues such as hairs and feathers is much slower because only a few animals can digest keratin, a protein that is concentrated in hairs and feathers. Although beetles of the family Trogidae are considered keratin feeders, their ecological function has rarely been explored. Here, we investigated the keratin-decomposition function of trogid beetles in heron-breeding colonies where keratin was frequently supplied as feathers. Three trogid species were collected from the colonies and observed feeding on heron feathers under laboratory conditions. We also measured the nitrogen (δ¹⁵N) and carbon (δ¹³C) stable isotope ratios of two trogid species that were maintained on a constant diet (feathers from one heron individual) during 70 days under laboratory conditions. We compared the isotopic signatures of the trogids with the feathers to investigate isotopic shifts from the feathers to the consumers for δ¹⁵N and δ¹³C. We used mixing models (MixSIR and SIAR) to estimate the main diets of individual field-collected trogid beetles. The analysis indicated that heron feathers were more important as food for trogid beetles than were soft tissues under field conditions. Together, the feeding experiment and stable isotope analysis provided strong evidence of keratin decomposition by trogid beetles.     

硫同位素分馏中的生物作用及其环境效应

自然界中硫同位素组成变化范围较大(-65‰~+120‰)。许多环境过程可以引起硫同位素分馏,表生环境下微生物还原硫酸盐是最重要的硫同位素分馏过程。在≤50℃条件下,厌氧细菌使硫酸盐SO42-还原成H2S,后者与金属离子结合形成硫化物或直接从体系中逸出,这种硫循环过程是造成地球各层圈中硫的轻、重同位素变异的最主要原因。但生物成因的硫同位素分馏过程复杂,受诸多因素的限制。本文综述了由生物作用导致的硫同素分馏的发生机理和影响因素,以及生物硫循环所导致的环境效应。     

模拟酸雨对毛竹阔叶林过渡带土壤真菌结构及其多样性的影响

为探究酸雨对毛竹扩张形成的竹阔混交林土壤真菌群落的影响程度,于2017～2018年在浙江省杭州临安天目山国家级自然保护区开展酸雨模拟实验,选取T1(pH=4.0)和T2(pH=2.5)两个模拟酸雨梯度,并以CK(pH=5.5)对照,利用Illumina MiSeq高通量测序技术,分析不同强度酸雨胁迫下,土壤真菌群落多样性变化及影响因素.结果表明与对照相比,T1处理显著提高了真菌群落的OTU数量、Chao1指数和Ace指数(P0.05).竹阔混交林土壤主要由13个门类群的菌群组成,优势菌群包括子囊菌门(Ascomycota)、担子菌门(Basidiomycota)、被孢霉门(Mortierellomycota)和毛霉门(Mucoromycota).主坐标(PCoA)分析和相似性检验结果表明模拟酸雨改变了土壤真菌结构.Bifiguratu属、Geminibasidium属、Purpureocillium属和Oidiodendron属相对丰度变化显著,可作为酸雨胁迫下土壤真菌群落结构变化的指示种.冗余分析(RDA)和相关性分析表明,土壤pH和全氮对土壤真菌群落结构影响显著(P0.05).综上所述,酸雨提高了真菌群落多样性指数,改变土壤真菌群落结构.该研究结果有助于了解森林生态系统中的真菌群落,以及土壤真菌作为影响因子在预测环境变异中的作用.     

缙云山常绿阔叶林湿沉降过程中不同空间层次水质变化特征

为全面调查森林生态系统各层次降水水质状况以及对降水中各离子的截留特征,于2013年9月至2014年8月对重庆市缙云山常绿阔叶林大气降雨、林内降雨、地表枯透水、土壤渗滤液进行了持续1a的水质效应研究.结果表明,缙云山大气降雨偏酸性(pH=4.75);土壤层和林冠层均能调升降雨的pH值,其中土壤层对pH值的调升幅度最大,其次为森林林冠层.森林林冠层对NO_3~-、Na~+有一定的吸附净化作用,降雨能够淋溶森林林冠层的NH_4~+、SO_4~(2-)、PO_4~(3-)、Mg~(2+)、Ca~(2+)和K~+.另外,枯枝落叶的降解导致构成植物组织的有机物降解为无机物,进而促使各离子质量浓度在地表枯透水中增加.森林土壤中的官能团以及胶体能够吸附并中和渗滤液中的NO_3~-、SO_4~(2-)、NH_4~+、PO_4~(3-)、K~+和Mg~(2+),同时长期处于酸性条件下的土壤层也释放出部分Na~+、PO_4~(3-)和Ca~(2+).该森林生态系统对大气降水中各离子具有较强的截留作用,但各层次对降水中的各离子表现出的截留特征不尽相同,其中以林冠层的截留作用最强.