Most extant nonhuman primates occasionally prey on fast-moving, warm-blooded animals; however, Indriidae, Lepilemuridae, and Colobinae either scavenged for meat or did not eat meat at all. Here we report six cases of ...Most extant nonhuman primates occasionally prey on fast-moving, warm-blooded animals; however, Indriidae, Lepilemuridae, and Colobinae either scavenged for meat or did not eat meat at all. Here we report six cases of animal consumption by the snub-nosed monkey Rhinopithecus bieti in a wild, habituated group between 2004 and 2009 in Yunnan, China. At present, only males in an all-male unit within the study group were involved in active hunting. Such a male-biased activity may be related to the group structure and spatial spread of R. bieti. Two females were observed eating freshly killed birds. The findings confirmed that R. bieti engaged in scavenging and, when hunting, employed a cranio-cervical bite to kill their prey. Meat eating is likely a nutrient maximization feeding strategy in R. bieti, especially in males. A begging behavior occurred after successful prey capture. Although begging was observed, no sharing of the meat was seen. The present findings illuminate the dietary diversity of R. bieti and their ability to expand their dietary spectrum.展开更多
Sex-biased dispersal is common in group-living animals.Due to differences in local demographic and environmental factors,sex-biased dispersal presents many irregular patterns.In this study,a habituated,individually id...Sex-biased dispersal is common in group-living animals.Due to differences in local demographic and environmental factors,sex-biased dispersal presents many irregular patterns.In this study,a habituated,individually identified Yunnan snub-nosed monkey Rhinopithecus bieti group was observed over 9 years;192 dispersal events,including 97 male dispersal events(25 natal dispersal and 72 secondary dispersal)and 95 female dispersal events(34 natal dispersal and 61 secondary dispersal)were observed.Males and females showed different dispersal paths,dispersal ages,and dispersal patterns.Females had 2 dispersal paths,whereas males had 4 paths.In terms of age of dispersal,the male age of natal dispersal was younger than for females.Males prefer single dispersal,whereas females prefer parallel dispersal.Our study indicates that the dispersal pattern of R.bieti should be classified as a bisexual dispersal pattern.The differences in dispersal path,average age at dispersal,and dispersal path pattern indicate that Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys may still retain a loose matrilineal social system.展开更多
Home range studies are essential for understanding an animal’s behavioral ecology and for making wildlife conservation efficient.The home range of a group of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys(Rhinopithecus bieti Milne-Edward...Home range studies are essential for understanding an animal’s behavioral ecology and for making wildlife conservation efficient.The home range of a group of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys(Rhinopithecus bieti Milne-Edwards,1897)was estimated using a global positioning system collar from December 2003 to October 2004 in northern Yunnan Province,China.To measure the ranging area of the study group 1291 animal locations were fixed.Based on the 100%minimum convex polygon method,the home range size was approximately 32.8 km2;based on the grid-cell method it was approximately 17.8 km2 using a 250-m grid and 23.3 km2 using a 500-m grid.We assessed seasonal changes in the home range of this monkey population and found a different ranging pattern of from earlier studies.Daily range size was calculated as 4.80±5.81 ha(mean±standard deviation),with a range of 45.66 ha(0.01–45.67 ha).展开更多
Hainan gibbons are among the world’s most critically endangered primates,with a remaining population of only 35 individuals distributed across 5 social groups in the Bawangling Branch of the Hainan Tropical Rainfores...Hainan gibbons are among the world’s most critically endangered primates,with a remaining population of only 35 individuals distributed across 5 social groups in the Bawangling Branch of the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park,China.Habitat conversion and forest fragmentation over the past 40 years have reduced their geographical distribution by 95%.In the absence of a quantitative assessment of the availability of remaining suitable habitat,it is unclear whether this species can survive to the end of this century.We used behavioral observations,ArcGIS,remote sensing,stereo optical imagery,and MaxEnt modeling to identify patterns of Hainan gibbon range use and compare changes in the distribution of suitable forest types and areas of forest fragmentation over the past 20 years(2000–2020).The results indicate that the combined range of the 5 extant Hainan gibbon groups totaled 14.89 km2.The home range of the smallest group(Group E,3 individuals)was 1.51 km2,which likely represents the minimum home range size for this species.The remaining area of highly suitable and moderately suitable habitat totals 26.9 km2.However,habitat connectivity across the gibbon range is very low(less than 0.5),limiting the ability of Hainan gibbons to move between forest patches.The results of this study indicate that the availability of suitable habitat in Bawangling is insufficient to allow for future Hainan gibbon population growth.Therefore,immediate action must be taken to restore,reforest,and establish ecological corridors to reconnect areas of suitable habitat for these critically endangered gibbons.展开更多
We examined the criteria for sleeping place selection in a social band of Rhinopithecus bieti(black-and-white snubnosed or golden monkeys)living in the mountainous Samage Forest,Baima Snow Mountain Nature Reserve,Yunn...We examined the criteria for sleeping place selection in a social band of Rhinopithecus bieti(black-and-white snubnosed or golden monkeys)living in the mountainous Samage Forest,Baima Snow Mountain Nature Reserve,Yunnan,China.We performed principal component analysis and found that slope aspect,tree height and trunk diameter were likely key variables influencing selection of sleeping places.Sleeping sites were preferentially located in mixed deciduous/conifer forest.The monkeys slept exclusively in evergreen trees,of which 82%were conifers(mostly Picea likiangensis and Tsuga dumosa)and 18%evergreen oaks(Cyclobalanopsis oxyodon and Quercus spp.).Sleeping trees were tall(mean 30.5 m),had high boles(mean 18.4 m),large diameters(mean 62.6 cm)and large crown areas(mean 57.9 m^(2)).A comparative analysis of phytological and architectural features between trees in“sleeping site plots”(n=18)and trees in“non-sleeping-site plots”(n=66)revealed that diameter,crown surface area and tree height were significantly(P<0.01)larger in the former compared with the latter.All investigated roosting sites were situated on steep mountain slopes.Valleys and mountain ridges were avoided.We also detected re-use of roosting sites on several occasions,but not on consecutive nights.It is most likely that a mix of factors(stability of trees,access to food,unit cohesion,monitoring potential)explains the pattern of sleeping site preference,but predation at night seems to be only slightly important.Climate appears to have a profound influence on patterns of sleeping site selection in the monkeys’harsh temperate habitat.This is demonstrated by the monkeys’preference for mixed forest at medium elevations over montane fir forest at high elevations and slopes instead of ridges,with reduced exposure to wind and precipitation inherent in the former.We also emphasize the possibly substantial role that non-environmental factors(the nature of social organization and socio-behavioral strategies)play in determining sleeping site use in R.bieti and other primates.展开更多
Extant colobines represent a predominantly arboreal primate radiation,but there are outliers such as some species of snub-nosed monkeys(Rhinopithecus spp.)that utilize both arboreal and terrestrial substrates.We quant...Extant colobines represent a predominantly arboreal primate radiation,but there are outliers such as some species of snub-nosed monkeys(Rhinopithecus spp.)that utilize both arboreal and terrestrial substrates.We quantified the degree of terrestriality and the distribution of individuals across canopy levels,the extrinsic and intrinsic determinants and constraints of strata association as well as use of postures in relation to behavior and food sources in a wild population of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys(Rhinopithecus bieti)in the Samage Forest,China.The subjects spent 80.5%of the observation time in the trees and 19.5%on the ground.Ground use occurred most frequently in the context of travelling(61%)and less often in the context of feeding and resting(30%combined).Adult males frequented the ground significantly more often than other age-sex classes.Age-sex differences were also apparent in substrate preferences,which likely reflect body weight constraints.Adult males were significantly more associated with solid substrates and less with terminal branches than adult females and juveniles.Juveniles were seen more often on unstable ground(i.e.on thin and oblique branches)and in the upper canopy.Substrate use also varied with behavior:feeding was much more common in the upper stratum,outer canopy,on highly inclined and thin branches,as compared to resting.Severe weather also influenced canopy use in that tree crowns were used less often during periods of snowfall.The most frequently exhibited resting and feeding postures was sitting.Standing and suspensory postures were most often used in the context of feeding on lichens.展开更多
Sleeping site locations are important to free-ranging primate groups.Sites are strategically selected by primates so as to optimize security,comfort and foraging efficiency.Data were collected on the distribution of s...Sleeping site locations are important to free-ranging primate groups.Sites are strategically selected by primates so as to optimize security,comfort and foraging efficiency.Data were collected on the distribution of sleeping sites of the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey(Rhinopithecus bieti)between Sep 2005 and Sep 2006 at Gehuaqing in Baimaxueshan Nature Reserve,China.We identified 54 sleeping sites,which were used 137 times during the study period.These sleeping sites were distributed throughout the monkey group’s total home range.R.bieti preferred certain sleeping sites over others:63%of the sleeping sites were used 2 or more times in 13 months.Groups reused locations in an unpredictable long-term pattern,but avoided using the same sleeping site on consecutive nights.To reduce the time and energetic costs of travel,monkeys preferred sleeping near commonly used feeding sites.We recorded 124 feeding sites in the home range,which were used 174 times.A total of 27 sleeping sites were also feeding sites,and all remaining sleeping sites were close to feeding sites.There was a positive correlation between the intensity of use of sleeping sites and feeding sites.The present study suggests that the availability and the location of immediate sources of food is a key factor in the choice of sleeping sites.展开更多
One of the major social-biological characteristics in the genus Rhinopithecus is that the animals live in large groups of tens to hundreds of individuals. Study of the distribution pattern of various age-sex classes i...One of the major social-biological characteristics in the genus Rhinopithecus is that the animals live in large groups of tens to hundreds of individuals. Study of the distribution pattern of various age-sex classes in the foraging Sichuan golden monkey troop has revealed that the spatial pattern of the Sichuan golden monkey group is an ellipse with its vertical axes longer than the horizontal axes. Most members are concentrated in the center and the center-back.Adult males gather in the front, the center and the back of the troop; adult females and the young assemble in the center and near-center; sub-adult males are mainly distributed in the center-back and back, but some are also seen in the front, front-center and center; sub-adult females are more or less uniformly dispersed. The spatial distribution of various age-sex classes seems well correspondent with their status and role in the group. This result indicates that the spatial distribution strategy adopted by Sichuan golden monkeys is展开更多
The highly polymorphic genes within the major histocompatibility complex(MHC)not only play a major role in immunity resistance,but also seem to provide hints for mate choice in some animal populations.In the pres...The highly polymorphic genes within the major histocompatibility complex(MHC)not only play a major role in immunity resistance,but also seem to provide hints for mate choice in some animal populations.In the present study we investigated MHC-related mate choice in a small natural population(group size 40-55 individuals)of a polygynous primate,the Sichuan snub-nosed monkey(Rhinopithecus roxellana).We found that there was no evidence either for MHC-disassortative mating,or for females to mate with males based on MHC heterozygosity or specific alleles.Nevertheless,of the 11 alleles identified,we found that the frequencies of 2 alleles,Rhro-DRB2(P<0.01)and Rhro-DRB5(P<0.05)were higher in offspring than in their parents.These findings suggest that MHC-DRB in this population of R.roxellana is unlikely to be associated with mating preferences.Limited female opportunities for mate choice are likely due,in part,to the harem breeding structure present in R.roxellana,and the relatively small number of resident adult males in our study band(N=4-6).In addition,we suggest that differences in the frequency of particular alleles across generations may be linked to parasite resistance in a fluctuating environment;however,confirmation of this finding requires further study.展开更多
基金granted by the key project of NSFC (No.30630016)the 973 Program (2007CB411600)+1 种基金the project of NSFC (No.30970442) China Program of TNC
文摘Most extant nonhuman primates occasionally prey on fast-moving, warm-blooded animals; however, Indriidae, Lepilemuridae, and Colobinae either scavenged for meat or did not eat meat at all. Here we report six cases of animal consumption by the snub-nosed monkey Rhinopithecus bieti in a wild, habituated group between 2004 and 2009 in Yunnan, China. At present, only males in an all-male unit within the study group were involved in active hunting. Such a male-biased activity may be related to the group structure and spatial spread of R. bieti. Two females were observed eating freshly killed birds. The findings confirmed that R. bieti engaged in scavenging and, when hunting, employed a cranio-cervical bite to kill their prey. Meat eating is likely a nutrient maximization feeding strategy in R. bieti, especially in males. A begging behavior occurred after successful prey capture. Although begging was observed, no sharing of the meat was seen. The present findings illuminate the dietary diversity of R. bieti and their ability to expand their dietary spectrum.
基金Financial supports were provided by the project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.32070454)Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research Program(No.2019QZKK0501)+2 种基金National Key Programme of Research and Development,Ministry of Science and Technology(No.2016YFC0503200)Biodiversity Survey and Assessment Project of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment,China(No.2019HJ2096001006)Sichuan Science and Technology Program(2021JDRC0024).
文摘Sex-biased dispersal is common in group-living animals.Due to differences in local demographic and environmental factors,sex-biased dispersal presents many irregular patterns.In this study,a habituated,individually identified Yunnan snub-nosed monkey Rhinopithecus bieti group was observed over 9 years;192 dispersal events,including 97 male dispersal events(25 natal dispersal and 72 secondary dispersal)and 95 female dispersal events(34 natal dispersal and 61 secondary dispersal)were observed.Males and females showed different dispersal paths,dispersal ages,and dispersal patterns.Females had 2 dispersal paths,whereas males had 4 paths.In terms of age of dispersal,the male age of natal dispersal was younger than for females.Males prefer single dispersal,whereas females prefer parallel dispersal.Our study indicates that the dispersal pattern of R.bieti should be classified as a bisexual dispersal pattern.The differences in dispersal path,average age at dispersal,and dispersal path pattern indicate that Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys may still retain a loose matrilineal social system.
基金funded by the National Basic Research Program of China(973 Program:2007CB411600)the key project of the Natural Science Foundation of China(No.30630016)and the China Program of The Nature Conservancy.
文摘Home range studies are essential for understanding an animal’s behavioral ecology and for making wildlife conservation efficient.The home range of a group of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys(Rhinopithecus bieti Milne-Edwards,1897)was estimated using a global positioning system collar from December 2003 to October 2004 in northern Yunnan Province,China.To measure the ranging area of the study group 1291 animal locations were fixed.Based on the 100%minimum convex polygon method,the home range size was approximately 32.8 km2;based on the grid-cell method it was approximately 17.8 km2 using a 250-m grid and 23.3 km2 using a 500-m grid.We assessed seasonal changes in the home range of this monkey population and found a different ranging pattern of from earlier studies.Daily range size was calculated as 4.80±5.81 ha(mean±standard deviation),with a range of 45.66 ha(0.01–45.67 ha).
基金supported by the project of the National Natural Science Foundation(No.3207030491,No.31770456)the Hainan Gibbon Conservation Research(No.KY-2000105-KT)。
文摘Hainan gibbons are among the world’s most critically endangered primates,with a remaining population of only 35 individuals distributed across 5 social groups in the Bawangling Branch of the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park,China.Habitat conversion and forest fragmentation over the past 40 years have reduced their geographical distribution by 95%.In the absence of a quantitative assessment of the availability of remaining suitable habitat,it is unclear whether this species can survive to the end of this century.We used behavioral observations,ArcGIS,remote sensing,stereo optical imagery,and MaxEnt modeling to identify patterns of Hainan gibbon range use and compare changes in the distribution of suitable forest types and areas of forest fragmentation over the past 20 years(2000–2020).The results indicate that the combined range of the 5 extant Hainan gibbon groups totaled 14.89 km2.The home range of the smallest group(Group E,3 individuals)was 1.51 km2,which likely represents the minimum home range size for this species.The remaining area of highly suitable and moderately suitable habitat totals 26.9 km2.However,habitat connectivity across the gibbon range is very low(less than 0.5),limiting the ability of Hainan gibbons to move between forest patches.The results of this study indicate that the availability of suitable habitat in Bawangling is insufficient to allow for future Hainan gibbon population growth.Therefore,immediate action must be taken to restore,reforest,and establish ecological corridors to reconnect areas of suitable habitat for these critically endangered gibbons.
文摘We examined the criteria for sleeping place selection in a social band of Rhinopithecus bieti(black-and-white snubnosed or golden monkeys)living in the mountainous Samage Forest,Baima Snow Mountain Nature Reserve,Yunnan,China.We performed principal component analysis and found that slope aspect,tree height and trunk diameter were likely key variables influencing selection of sleeping places.Sleeping sites were preferentially located in mixed deciduous/conifer forest.The monkeys slept exclusively in evergreen trees,of which 82%were conifers(mostly Picea likiangensis and Tsuga dumosa)and 18%evergreen oaks(Cyclobalanopsis oxyodon and Quercus spp.).Sleeping trees were tall(mean 30.5 m),had high boles(mean 18.4 m),large diameters(mean 62.6 cm)and large crown areas(mean 57.9 m^(2)).A comparative analysis of phytological and architectural features between trees in“sleeping site plots”(n=18)and trees in“non-sleeping-site plots”(n=66)revealed that diameter,crown surface area and tree height were significantly(P<0.01)larger in the former compared with the latter.All investigated roosting sites were situated on steep mountain slopes.Valleys and mountain ridges were avoided.We also detected re-use of roosting sites on several occasions,but not on consecutive nights.It is most likely that a mix of factors(stability of trees,access to food,unit cohesion,monitoring potential)explains the pattern of sleeping site preference,but predation at night seems to be only slightly important.Climate appears to have a profound influence on patterns of sleeping site selection in the monkeys’harsh temperate habitat.This is demonstrated by the monkeys’preference for mixed forest at medium elevations over montane fir forest at high elevations and slopes instead of ridges,with reduced exposure to wind and precipitation inherent in the former.We also emphasize the possibly substantial role that non-environmental factors(the nature of social organization and socio-behavioral strategies)play in determining sleeping site use in R.bieti and other primates.
基金funded by Janggen-Pöhn-StiftungA.H.Schultz Stiftung+8 种基金Zürcher TierschutzG.&A.Claraz-SchenkungGoethe-StiftungJane Goodall Institute Schweizthe Kommission für Reisestipendien der Schweizerischen Akademie der Naturwissenschaften SANWthe Offield Family FoundationPrimate Conservation,Inc.the Zoological Society of San Diegothe Primate Action Fund of Conservation International.
文摘Extant colobines represent a predominantly arboreal primate radiation,but there are outliers such as some species of snub-nosed monkeys(Rhinopithecus spp.)that utilize both arboreal and terrestrial substrates.We quantified the degree of terrestriality and the distribution of individuals across canopy levels,the extrinsic and intrinsic determinants and constraints of strata association as well as use of postures in relation to behavior and food sources in a wild population of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys(Rhinopithecus bieti)in the Samage Forest,China.The subjects spent 80.5%of the observation time in the trees and 19.5%on the ground.Ground use occurred most frequently in the context of travelling(61%)and less often in the context of feeding and resting(30%combined).Adult males frequented the ground significantly more often than other age-sex classes.Age-sex differences were also apparent in substrate preferences,which likely reflect body weight constraints.Adult males were significantly more associated with solid substrates and less with terminal branches than adult females and juveniles.Juveniles were seen more often on unstable ground(i.e.on thin and oblique branches)and in the upper canopy.Substrate use also varied with behavior:feeding was much more common in the upper stratum,outer canopy,on highly inclined and thin branches,as compared to resting.Severe weather also influenced canopy use in that tree crowns were used less often during periods of snowfall.The most frequently exhibited resting and feeding postures was sitting.Standing and suspensory postures were most often used in the context of feeding on lichens.
基金supported by the project of NSFC(No.30970442,31200294)Foundation of Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation,Ministry of Education+10 种基金funded by grants to Cyril C.Grueter from the following institutions:Janggen-Pöhn-StiftungA.H.Schultz StiftungZürcher TierschutzZoological Society of San DiegoOffield Family FoundationAmerman FoundationPrimate ConservationG.and A.Claraz-SchenkungGoethe-StiftungJane Goodall Institute SchweizPrimate Action Fund of Conservation International.
文摘Sleeping site locations are important to free-ranging primate groups.Sites are strategically selected by primates so as to optimize security,comfort and foraging efficiency.Data were collected on the distribution of sleeping sites of the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey(Rhinopithecus bieti)between Sep 2005 and Sep 2006 at Gehuaqing in Baimaxueshan Nature Reserve,China.We identified 54 sleeping sites,which were used 137 times during the study period.These sleeping sites were distributed throughout the monkey group’s total home range.R.bieti preferred certain sleeping sites over others:63%of the sleeping sites were used 2 or more times in 13 months.Groups reused locations in an unpredictable long-term pattern,but avoided using the same sleeping site on consecutive nights.To reduce the time and energetic costs of travel,monkeys preferred sleeping near commonly used feeding sites.We recorded 124 feeding sites in the home range,which were used 174 times.A total of 27 sleeping sites were also feeding sites,and all remaining sleeping sites were close to feeding sites.There was a positive correlation between the intensity of use of sleeping sites and feeding sites.The present study suggests that the availability and the location of immediate sources of food is a key factor in the choice of sleeping sites.
文摘One of the major social-biological characteristics in the genus Rhinopithecus is that the animals live in large groups of tens to hundreds of individuals. Study of the distribution pattern of various age-sex classes in the foraging Sichuan golden monkey troop has revealed that the spatial pattern of the Sichuan golden monkey group is an ellipse with its vertical axes longer than the horizontal axes. Most members are concentrated in the center and the center-back.Adult males gather in the front, the center and the back of the troop; adult females and the young assemble in the center and near-center; sub-adult males are mainly distributed in the center-back and back, but some are also seen in the front, front-center and center; sub-adult females are more or less uniformly dispersed. The spatial distribution of various age-sex classes seems well correspondent with their status and role in the group. This result indicates that the spatial distribution strategy adopted by Sichuan golden monkeys is
基金This project was supported by the Project of Public Benefit(No.201104073)the Natural Science Foundation of China(No.30970427,31130061)the National Key Technology R&D Program of China(2013BAD03B02).
文摘The highly polymorphic genes within the major histocompatibility complex(MHC)not only play a major role in immunity resistance,but also seem to provide hints for mate choice in some animal populations.In the present study we investigated MHC-related mate choice in a small natural population(group size 40-55 individuals)of a polygynous primate,the Sichuan snub-nosed monkey(Rhinopithecus roxellana).We found that there was no evidence either for MHC-disassortative mating,or for females to mate with males based on MHC heterozygosity or specific alleles.Nevertheless,of the 11 alleles identified,we found that the frequencies of 2 alleles,Rhro-DRB2(P<0.01)and Rhro-DRB5(P<0.05)were higher in offspring than in their parents.These findings suggest that MHC-DRB in this population of R.roxellana is unlikely to be associated with mating preferences.Limited female opportunities for mate choice are likely due,in part,to the harem breeding structure present in R.roxellana,and the relatively small number of resident adult males in our study band(N=4-6).In addition,we suggest that differences in the frequency of particular alleles across generations may be linked to parasite resistance in a fluctuating environment;however,confirmation of this finding requires further study.
