In sub-Saharan Africa,limited studies have investigated zoonotic pathogens that may be harboured by ticks infesting reptiles such as tortoises.Here,we report the presence of pathogenic Rickettsia in ticks(Amblyomma ma...In sub-Saharan Africa,limited studies have investigated zoonotic pathogens that may be harboured by ticks infesting reptiles such as tortoises.Here,we report the presence of pathogenic Rickettsia in ticks(Amblyomma marmoreum)collected from the leopard tortoise(Geochelone pardalis)in rural Zambia.Using polymerase chain reaction,56%(49/87)of ticks were positive for the Rickettsia outer membrane protein(ompB)gene.Multi-locus sequence and phylogenetic analysis based on the ompB,ompA,and citrate synthase(gltA)genes showed that the ticks carried R.africae,and other Rickettsia spp.closely related to R.raoultii,R.massiliae,R.tamurae and R.monacensis.Given the proximity between humans,livestock,and wildlife in these habitats,there exists a considerable risk of transmission of zoonotic Rickettsia to human populations in this rural setting.These results call for heightened awareness and further research into the dynamics of tick-borne diseases in regions where humans and animals coexist,particularly in the context of tortoise-associated ticks as vectors.Understanding and addressing these potential disease vectors is crucial for effective public health measures and the prevention of Rickettsia zoonoses.展开更多
[Objective] The paper was to compare the infrared spectra of straight guard hairs of leopard cat and golden cat. [Method] The straight guard hairs of leopard cat and golden cat were detected and analyzed by FTIR （Fou...[Objective] The paper was to compare the infrared spectra of straight guard hairs of leopard cat and golden cat. [Method] The straight guard hairs of leopard cat and golden cat were detected and analyzed by FTIR （Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy）. [Result] There was significant interspecific difference in the infrared spectra and second derivative spectra for the middle part of guard hair. An evident M-shaped bimodal absorption peak appeared in golden cat at 648 and 654 cm-1, respectively, while did not appear in leopard cat. The second derivative spec-tra of golden cat at wave numbers from 709 to 763 cm -1 were mainly unimodal peaks with strong peak intensity, while that of leopard cat mainly was M-shaped bi-modal absorption peak with weak peak intensity. It indicated that there was obvious difference in the structure of protein side chain in guard hairs of these two animals. [Conclusion] The FTIR analysis showed great application foreground in the study of animal hairs for interspecific identification.展开更多
Habitat evaluation constitutes an important and fundamental step in the management of wildlife populations and conservation policy planning. Geographic information system （GIS） and species presence data provide the ...Habitat evaluation constitutes an important and fundamental step in the management of wildlife populations and conservation policy planning. Geographic information system （GIS） and species presence data provide the means by which such evaluation can be done. Maximum Entropy （MaxEnt） is widely used in habitat suitability modeling due to its power of accuracy and additional descriptive properties To survey snow leopard populations in Qomolangma （Mt. Everest） National Nature Reserve （QNNR）, Xizang （Tibet）, China, we pooled 127 pugmarks, 415 scrape marks, and 127 non-invasive identifications of the animal along line transects and recorded 87 occurrences through camera traps from 2014-2017. We adopted the MaxEnt model to generate a map highlighting the extent of suitable snow leopard habitat in QNNR. Results showed that the accuracy of the MaxEnt model was excellent （mean AUC=0.921）. Precipitation in the driest quarter, ruggedness, elevation, maximum temperature of the warmest month, and annual mean temperature were the main environmental factors influencing habitat suitability for snow leopards, with contribution rates of 20.0%, 14.4%, 13.3%, 8.7%, and 8.2% respectively The suitable habitat area extended for 7 001.93 km^2, representing 22.72% of the whole reserve. The regions bordering Nepal were the main suitable snow leopard habitats and consisted of three separate habitat patches Our findings revealed that precipitation, temperature conditions, ruggedness, and elevations of around 4 000 m a.s.I, influenced snow leopard preferences at the landscape level in QNNR. We advocate further research and cooperation with Nepal to evaluate habitat connectivity and to explore possible proxies of population isolation among these patches. Furthermore, evaluation of subdivisions within the protection zones of QNNR is necessary to improve conservation strategies and enhance protection.展开更多
Leopard coral groupers belong to the Plectropomus genus of the Epinephelidae family and are important fish for coral reef ecosystems and the marine aquaculture industry. To promote future research of this species, a h...Leopard coral groupers belong to the Plectropomus genus of the Epinephelidae family and are important fish for coral reef ecosystems and the marine aquaculture industry. To promote future research of this species, a high-quality chromosome-level genome was assembled using PacBio sequencing and Hi-C technology. A 787.06 Mb genome was assembled, with 99.7%(784.57 Mb) of bases anchored to 24 chromosomes. The leopard coral grouper genome size was smaller than that of other groupers, which may be related to its ancient status among grouper species. A total of 22 317 proteincoding genes were predicted. This high-quality genome of the leopard coral grouper is the first genomic resource for Plectropomus and should provide a pivotal genetic foundation for further research. Phylogenetic analysis of the leopard coral grouper and 12 other fish species showed that this fish is closely related to the brown-marbled grouper.Expanded genes in the leopard coral grouper genome were mainly associated with immune response and movement ability, which may be related to the adaptive evolution of this species to its habitat. In addition, we also identified differentially expressed genes(DEGs) associated with carotenoid metabolism between red and brown-colored leopard coral groupers. These genes may play roles in skin color decision by regulating carotenoid content in these groupers.展开更多
Snow leopards are one of the least known large cats, the population of which has dramatically de- creased. Their habitat loss was considered the main reason for the decline during the last decade, but their habitat pr...Snow leopards are one of the least known large cats, the population of which has dramatically de- creased. Their habitat loss was considered the main reason for the decline during the last decade, but their habitat preferences are still not well known. In this paper, we studied the winter habitat preferences of snow leopards in the Tomur National Nature Reserve （TNNR） in Northwest China during 2004-2005. We used sign surveys and tran- sects to study the winter habitat selection of snow leopards. The results indicated that snow leopards showed a preference for habitat variabilities in slope aspect, vegetation cover, dominant topographical features, landform ruggedness and grazing status. We found that prey availability and dominant topographical features were the most important factors that determined the winter habitat selection of snow leopards. Our results supported the idea that the habitat preferences of snow leopards are a tradeoff between suitable habitat features and avoidance of potential human interactions.展开更多
In this study, mitochondrial 16S rRNA sequences of snow leopard, gray wolf, domestic horse and Bactrian camel inhabited or domesticated in Mongolian territory were obtained by using polymerase chain reaction （PCR） b...In this study, mitochondrial 16S rRNA sequences of snow leopard, gray wolf, domestic horse and Bactrian camel inhabited or domesticated in Mongolian territory were obtained by using polymerase chain reaction （PCR） based on universal primers for 16S rRNA （F-5＇-AACGAGCCTGGTGATA-3＇ and R-5＇-CTCCGGTCTGAACTCAGATCACGTA-3＇）. The 16S rRNA sequence was 1,048 bp to 1,086 bp in length, and each sequence was compared to other related species （Felidae, Camelidae, Equidae and Canidae） by using NCBI Basic Local Alignment Search Tool （BLAST）. Results showed that sequences were highly similar to sequences in GenBank database （93%-99%）. Then phylogenetic analysis was performed based on about 1,100 bp sequence of 16S rRNA for Panthera uncia, Canis lupus, Equus caballus, Camelus bactrianus and other related species. The result revealed that P. uncia and P. leo were sister species, C. bactrianus and C. ferus were more closely related species, and wolf and dog were the almost similar species. This finding could be important for designing species specific primers for PCR based analysis of animal species identification and forensic veterinary medicine.展开更多
The aim of this study was find out how change the stereotypical behavior especially pacing of Persian leopards and if the leopards in zoo will be more active after addition of EE （environmental enrichment） element. ...The aim of this study was find out how change the stereotypical behavior especially pacing of Persian leopards and if the leopards in zoo will be more active after addition of EE （environmental enrichment） element. There were 30 days observed 6 leopards： 2 females, 1 male and 3 cubs, with observation time per day about 300 min. 10 days were without enriched environment and 20 days with environment. The used elements were two big paper boxes with rabbit meat in each enclosure, laid out on the ground or hung on tree. All animals were in days with EE more active and the pacing was not observed or was reduced by females and cubs, male after giving the ＂toys＂ was active, but he was afraid of the big box first few days and the pacing was high. The EE had positive effect on animals. Some of the leopards spent more time with activity in succession--cubs with older female, young female and male.展开更多
在经历市场对Vista的萎靡反映后,微软(Microsoft)终于决定洗心革面,重新开始以用户的角度开发操作系统。而Mac OS X这一被苹果(Apple)自称是现今世界上最先进的操作系统,也没有放缓前进的脚步。面对苹果的步步进逼,从来都在对手阵营打...在经历市场对Vista的萎靡反映后,微软(Microsoft)终于决定洗心革面,重新开始以用户的角度开发操作系统。而Mac OS X这一被苹果(Apple)自称是现今世界上最先进的操作系统,也没有放缓前进的脚步。面对苹果的步步进逼,从来都在对手阵营打胜仗的微软该如何面对苹果在自家本土的挑战呢?此次,MI特意将两个最新操作系统的Beta版分别安装在MacBook的两个不同分区内,带领各位米饭提进前入未来战场,体会一下这一王者之争。展开更多
文摘In sub-Saharan Africa,limited studies have investigated zoonotic pathogens that may be harboured by ticks infesting reptiles such as tortoises.Here,we report the presence of pathogenic Rickettsia in ticks(Amblyomma marmoreum)collected from the leopard tortoise(Geochelone pardalis)in rural Zambia.Using polymerase chain reaction,56%(49/87)of ticks were positive for the Rickettsia outer membrane protein(ompB)gene.Multi-locus sequence and phylogenetic analysis based on the ompB,ompA,and citrate synthase(gltA)genes showed that the ticks carried R.africae,and other Rickettsia spp.closely related to R.raoultii,R.massiliae,R.tamurae and R.monacensis.Given the proximity between humans,livestock,and wildlife in these habitats,there exists a considerable risk of transmission of zoonotic Rickettsia to human populations in this rural setting.These results call for heightened awareness and further research into the dynamics of tick-borne diseases in regions where humans and animals coexist,particularly in the context of tortoise-associated ticks as vectors.Understanding and addressing these potential disease vectors is crucial for effective public health measures and the prevention of Rickettsia zoonoses.
基金Supported by National Special Fund for Forestry Research in the Public Interest(201004094)~~
文摘[Objective] The paper was to compare the infrared spectra of straight guard hairs of leopard cat and golden cat. [Method] The straight guard hairs of leopard cat and golden cat were detected and analyzed by FTIR （Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy）. [Result] There was significant interspecific difference in the infrared spectra and second derivative spectra for the middle part of guard hair. An evident M-shaped bimodal absorption peak appeared in golden cat at 648 and 654 cm-1, respectively, while did not appear in leopard cat. The second derivative spec-tra of golden cat at wave numbers from 709 to 763 cm -1 were mainly unimodal peaks with strong peak intensity, while that of leopard cat mainly was M-shaped bi-modal absorption peak with weak peak intensity. It indicated that there was obvious difference in the structure of protein side chain in guard hairs of these two animals. [Conclusion] The FTIR analysis showed great application foreground in the study of animal hairs for interspecific identification.
基金funded primarily by the Everest Snow Leopard Conservation Center,a partnership initiative of Vanke Foundation and Qomolangma National Nature Reserve Administration
文摘Habitat evaluation constitutes an important and fundamental step in the management of wildlife populations and conservation policy planning. Geographic information system （GIS） and species presence data provide the means by which such evaluation can be done. Maximum Entropy （MaxEnt） is widely used in habitat suitability modeling due to its power of accuracy and additional descriptive properties To survey snow leopard populations in Qomolangma （Mt. Everest） National Nature Reserve （QNNR）, Xizang （Tibet）, China, we pooled 127 pugmarks, 415 scrape marks, and 127 non-invasive identifications of the animal along line transects and recorded 87 occurrences through camera traps from 2014-2017. We adopted the MaxEnt model to generate a map highlighting the extent of suitable snow leopard habitat in QNNR. Results showed that the accuracy of the MaxEnt model was excellent （mean AUC=0.921）. Precipitation in the driest quarter, ruggedness, elevation, maximum temperature of the warmest month, and annual mean temperature were the main environmental factors influencing habitat suitability for snow leopards, with contribution rates of 20.0%, 14.4%, 13.3%, 8.7%, and 8.2% respectively The suitable habitat area extended for 7 001.93 km^2, representing 22.72% of the whole reserve. The regions bordering Nepal were the main suitable snow leopard habitats and consisted of three separate habitat patches Our findings revealed that precipitation, temperature conditions, ruggedness, and elevations of around 4 000 m a.s.I, influenced snow leopard preferences at the landscape level in QNNR. We advocate further research and cooperation with Nepal to evaluate habitat connectivity and to explore possible proxies of population isolation among these patches. Furthermore, evaluation of subdivisions within the protection zones of QNNR is necessary to improve conservation strategies and enhance protection.
基金the Agriculture Research System of China(ARS-47)Science and Technology Planning Project of Guangzhou(201804020013)+2 种基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(31872572,u1401213,31802266)Yang Fan Innovative&Entrepreneurial Research Team Project(No.201312H10)Program of the China-ASEAN Maritime Cooperation Fund of the Chinese Government(42000-41170002).
文摘Leopard coral groupers belong to the Plectropomus genus of the Epinephelidae family and are important fish for coral reef ecosystems and the marine aquaculture industry. To promote future research of this species, a high-quality chromosome-level genome was assembled using PacBio sequencing and Hi-C technology. A 787.06 Mb genome was assembled, with 99.7%(784.57 Mb) of bases anchored to 24 chromosomes. The leopard coral grouper genome size was smaller than that of other groupers, which may be related to its ancient status among grouper species. A total of 22 317 proteincoding genes were predicted. This high-quality genome of the leopard coral grouper is the first genomic resource for Plectropomus and should provide a pivotal genetic foundation for further research. Phylogenetic analysis of the leopard coral grouper and 12 other fish species showed that this fish is closely related to the brown-marbled grouper.Expanded genes in the leopard coral grouper genome were mainly associated with immune response and movement ability, which may be related to the adaptive evolution of this species to its habitat. In addition, we also identified differentially expressed genes(DEGs) associated with carotenoid metabolism between red and brown-colored leopard coral groupers. These genes may play roles in skin color decision by regulating carotenoid content in these groupers.
基金supported by the Science Supporting Project of the National Ministry of Science and Technology(2008BA C39B04)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (30470262 and 30970340)+1 种基金the International Science and Technology Cooperation Program of China(2010DFA92720)the Chinese Academy of Sciences Visiting Professorships for Senior International Scientists(2009Z2-5)
文摘Snow leopards are one of the least known large cats, the population of which has dramatically de- creased. Their habitat loss was considered the main reason for the decline during the last decade, but their habitat preferences are still not well known. In this paper, we studied the winter habitat preferences of snow leopards in the Tomur National Nature Reserve （TNNR） in Northwest China during 2004-2005. We used sign surveys and tran- sects to study the winter habitat selection of snow leopards. The results indicated that snow leopards showed a preference for habitat variabilities in slope aspect, vegetation cover, dominant topographical features, landform ruggedness and grazing status. We found that prey availability and dominant topographical features were the most important factors that determined the winter habitat selection of snow leopards. Our results supported the idea that the habitat preferences of snow leopards are a tradeoff between suitable habitat features and avoidance of potential human interactions.
文摘In this study, mitochondrial 16S rRNA sequences of snow leopard, gray wolf, domestic horse and Bactrian camel inhabited or domesticated in Mongolian territory were obtained by using polymerase chain reaction （PCR） based on universal primers for 16S rRNA （F-5＇-AACGAGCCTGGTGATA-3＇ and R-5＇-CTCCGGTCTGAACTCAGATCACGTA-3＇）. The 16S rRNA sequence was 1,048 bp to 1,086 bp in length, and each sequence was compared to other related species （Felidae, Camelidae, Equidae and Canidae） by using NCBI Basic Local Alignment Search Tool （BLAST）. Results showed that sequences were highly similar to sequences in GenBank database （93%-99%）. Then phylogenetic analysis was performed based on about 1,100 bp sequence of 16S rRNA for Panthera uncia, Canis lupus, Equus caballus, Camelus bactrianus and other related species. The result revealed that P. uncia and P. leo were sister species, C. bactrianus and C. ferus were more closely related species, and wolf and dog were the almost similar species. This finding could be important for designing species specific primers for PCR based analysis of animal species identification and forensic veterinary medicine.
文摘The aim of this study was find out how change the stereotypical behavior especially pacing of Persian leopards and if the leopards in zoo will be more active after addition of EE （environmental enrichment） element. There were 30 days observed 6 leopards： 2 females, 1 male and 3 cubs, with observation time per day about 300 min. 10 days were without enriched environment and 20 days with environment. The used elements were two big paper boxes with rabbit meat in each enclosure, laid out on the ground or hung on tree. All animals were in days with EE more active and the pacing was not observed or was reduced by females and cubs, male after giving the ＂toys＂ was active, but he was afraid of the big box first few days and the pacing was high. The EE had positive effect on animals. Some of the leopards spent more time with activity in succession--cubs with older female, young female and male.
文摘在经历市场对Vista的萎靡反映后,微软(Microsoft)终于决定洗心革面,重新开始以用户的角度开发操作系统。而Mac OS X这一被苹果(Apple)自称是现今世界上最先进的操作系统,也没有放缓前进的脚步。面对苹果的步步进逼,从来都在对手阵营打胜仗的微软该如何面对苹果在自家本土的挑战呢?此次,MI特意将两个最新操作系统的Beta版分别安装在MacBook的两个不同分区内,带领各位米饭提进前入未来战场,体会一下这一王者之争。
