The genus Trachypithecus is the most diverse langur taxon, distributed in southwestern China, south and southeastern Asia. In this study, we include 16 recognized Trachypithecus species to reconstruct the phylogeny wi...The genus Trachypithecus is the most diverse langur taxon, distributed in southwestern China, south and southeastern Asia. In this study, we include 16 recognized Trachypithecus species to reconstruct the phylogeny with particular concern to the taxonomy of the three subspecies of Z phayrei using multiple genes. Our results support a sister-relationship between Z p. phayrei and T p. shanicus. However, the mitochondrial CYT B gene supported T. p. crepuscula as a distinct species, but the nuclear PRMI gene suggested a closer relationship between T p. crepuscula and T p. phayrei. The incongruence between nuclear and mitochondrial genes suggests that hybridization may have occurred, a fact that would benefit from re-examination using multiple unlinked nuclear genes.展开更多
We collected data on sleeping site use from two groups of white-headed langurs Trachypithecus leucocephalus living in Fusui Nature Reserve, China between August 2007 and July 2008. This information was used to test se...We collected data on sleeping site use from two groups of white-headed langurs Trachypithecus leucocephalus living in Fusui Nature Reserve, China between August 2007 and July 2008. This information was used to test several hypotheses regarding ultimate causes of sleeping site use in this primate. White-headed langurs slept either in caves （17 sites） or on a cliffledge （one site）. They used all sleeping sites repeatedly, and reused some of them on consecutive nights; three nights was the longest consecutive use of any one sleep site. We suggest that langurs use sleeping sites to make approach and attack by predators difficult, and to increase their own familiarity with a location so as to improve chances for escape. Langurs＇ cryptic behaviors with an increased level of vigilance before entering sleeping sites may also help in decreasing the possibility of detection by predators. Group 1 spent more sleeping nights in the central area of their territory than expected; in contrast, group 2 spent more sleeping nights in the periphery of their territory, which overlaps with that of another groups, than expected. The position of sleeping site relative to the last feeding site of the day and the first feeding site of the subsequent morning indicated a strategy closer to that of a multiple central place forager than of a central place forager. These results suggest that territory defense and food access may play an important role in sleeping site use of white-headed langurs [Current Zoology 57 （3）： 260-268, 2011].展开更多
Non-human primates often live in socially stable groups characterized by bonded relationships among individuals. Social organization can be used to evaluate living conditions and expansion potential. Bisexual group si...Non-human primates often live in socially stable groups characterized by bonded relationships among individuals. Social organization can be used to evaluate living conditions and expansion potential. Bisexual group size, ratio of males to females and group composition are essential elements determining the type of social organization. Although the first report on Shortridge’s capped langurs（Trachypithecus shortridgei） was in the 1970 s, until now, the species only inhabits forests of the Dulongjiang valley in northwest Yunnan, China, with c. 250-370 individuals in 19 populations. To understand its social organization, we collected data from five groups of Shortridge’s langurs at Silaluo in the Dulongjiang valley during August 2012-October 2013. Family groups consist of one adult male, 2–3 adult females and up to five young. Group size averaged 8（7-9） individuals. The ratio of adult males to females（M/F） was 1：2.9, infants to adult females was（I/F） 1：2.2; and ratio of adults to immatures was 1：1.2, indicating the potential of a population increasing. Birth season was during March-July and the inter-birth interval was two years.展开更多
DEAR EDITOR, The distribution of the capped langur （Trachypithecus pileatus） in China has become controversial since Shortridge＇s langur （Trachypithecus shortridgei） was upgraded to a full species. The capped lan...DEAR EDITOR, The distribution of the capped langur （Trachypithecus pileatus） in China has become controversial since Shortridge＇s langur （Trachypithecus shortridgei） was upgraded to a full species. The capped langur is considered to be distributed in northeast India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and northwest Myanmar only （Brandon-Jones et al., 2004; Choudhury, 2008, 2014; Das et al., 2008; Groves, 2001）. In our field survey, however, we obtained photos of the capped langur, demonstrating its existence in China. Following the species promotion of Shortridge＇s langur （Brandon-Jones et al., 2004; Groves, 2001） and the delimiting of its distribution range to northwestern Yunnan in China and northeastern Myanmar （Brandon-Jones et al., 2004; Cui et al.,展开更多
The genus Trachypithecus is the most diverse langur taxon,distributed in southwestern China,south and southeastern Asia.In this study,we include 16 recognized Trachypithecus species to reconstruct the phylogeny with p...The genus Trachypithecus is the most diverse langur taxon,distributed in southwestern China,south and southeastern Asia.In this study,we include 16 recognized Trachypithecus species to reconstruct the phylogeny with particular concern to the taxonomy of the three subspecies of T.phayrei using multiple genes.Our results support a sister-relationship between T.p.phayrei and T.p.shanicus.However,the mitochondrial CYT B gene supported T.p.crepuscula as a distinct species,but the nuclear PRM1 gene suggested a closer relationship between T.p.crepuscula and T.p.phayrei.The incongruence between nuclear and mitochondrial genes suggests that hybridization may have occurred,a fact that would benefit from re-examination using multiple unlinked nuclear genes.展开更多
DEAR EDITOR,Of the seven genera recognized in Asian colobines,Trachypithecus is the only genus that contains species groups.Compared with the species groups characterized by calcium tolerance(T.francoisi species group...DEAR EDITOR,Of the seven genera recognized in Asian colobines,Trachypithecus is the only genus that contains species groups.Compared with the species groups characterized by calcium tolerance(T.francoisi species group),multi-male,multi-female society(T.obscurus species group),and impressive hybridization(T.pileatus species group),the T.cristatus species group is distinguished by its southernmost distribution and silvery appearance.Hence,Trachypithecus is an excellent model for investigating evolutionary radiation and behavioral adaptation in Asian primates.However,comprehensive comparison of species groups remains difficult due to the lack of a reference genome for the T.cristatus species group.展开更多
We collected data on habitat use and locomotion of the François’langur(Trachypithecus francoisi)between August 2003 and July 2004 at Nonggang Nature Reserve,China.A total of 739 h of behavioral data were collect...We collected data on habitat use and locomotion of the François’langur(Trachypithecus francoisi)between August 2003 and July 2004 at Nonggang Nature Reserve,China.A total of 739 h of behavioral data were collected during this study.We tested 2 predictions:(1)that the langurs may have special patterns of habitat use and locomotion adaptive to the limestone habitat,and(2)the langurs may exhibit different patterns of habitat use and locomotion among different zones of limestone hill.Our results indicated that François’langurs spent more time in the low-risk,relatively food-poor cliff-hilltop areas.When young leaves and fruit were scarce in the dry season,the langurs increased their time in the high-risk,food-rich valley basin.François’langurs were semi-terrestrial,and leaping and climbing were their main locomotor modes.These behavioral patterns are considered to be related to characteristics of topography and vegetation in limestone habitat,such as large areas of cliff and discontinuous canopy.Our results also supported Prediction 2.The langurs confined locomotion to the main canopy and frequently adopted leaping while traveling in the hillside and valley basin.While traveling in cliff-hilltop areas,they tended to stay in the lower stratus(≤5 m)or move on the ground,and walking and climbing were their dominant traveling modes.展开更多
Ranging behavior is an important aspect of animal behavior that researchers use to investigate ecological influences on individual behavior.We collected data on the ranging behavior of one group of François’lang...Ranging behavior is an important aspect of animal behavior that researchers use to investigate ecological influences on individual behavior.We collected data on the ranging behavior of one group of François’langurs(Trachypithecus francoisi)between August 2003 and July 2004 in a limestone habitat within Nonggang Nature Reserve,China.We evaluated the influences of food availability,water resources and sleeping sites on ranging behavior.During the study period,the total home range size for the study group was 64.5 or(69.3 ha if the lacunae within the borders in which langurs were not observed were included),and the mean daily path length was 541 m.These are well within the range of variation reported in Trachypithecus species.The monthly range size was between 9.8 and 23.3 ha,and monthly range size correlated negatively with young leaf availability.The langurs tended to use a larger range size during young leaf-lean periods.The langurs did not use their home range uniformly,and 74%of their activities occurred within 35%of their home range.The most heavily used quadrats in the home range were located near the most frequently used sleeping sites,suggesting that sleeping sites have a significant influence on the ranging behavior of François’langurs in limestone habitats.展开更多
Infanticide was first observed in langurs nearly 50 years ago,and this rare phenomenon has been inferred to have either an evolutionarily adaptive function or to be a pathological and non-functional behavior.In this s...Infanticide was first observed in langurs nearly 50 years ago,and this rare phenomenon has been inferred to have either an evolutionarily adaptive function or to be a pathological and non-functional behavior.In this study,we report 5 male takeover events in one-male groups of white-headed langurs in the Nongguan Karst Hills,Guangxi,China from 1998 to 2006.We recorded 13 attacks on 9 infants by extra-group males or new resident males.During the male takeovers,all of the infants younger than 6 months(with an average age of 3.6 months[N=11])in the groups disappeared.The infant death rate during the 4.2 months after takeover by a new male was significantly higher than the infant death rate calculated for most of the year.Older infants that were still nursing(with an average age of 14.1 months[N=7])were often attacked and seriously wounded by the extra-group males or new resident males,but all of them survived.The interbirth intervals of females whose infants were assumed to be killed by males were significantly reduced relative to those of females in groups with stable male tenure(mean=10 months vs 25 months).Our data suggest that males kill unrelated and unweaned infants during the takeover period to decrease the time until the infants’mothers resume fertility.Thus,infanticide would support sexual selection theory in white-headed langurs.The data also show that infanticidal behavior was directed toward the infants,especially those who were still nursing.Female dispersal may function as a counter-strategy to avoid infanticide.展开更多
Infanticide by males is a common phenomenon in mammals,especially primates,as lactation lasts much longer than gestation in many species.Usually,infanticidal episodes occur soon after group takeovers,and are tradition...Infanticide by males is a common phenomenon in mammals,especially primates,as lactation lasts much longer than gestation in many species.Usually,infanticidal episodes occur soon after group takeovers,and are traditionally considered a male reproductive strategy(i.e.,support the sexual selection hypothesis,Hrdy,1974).To verify the validity of this conception,we observed one group of François’langurs in the Nonggang Nature Reserve,China,between August 2003 and July 2004.During the study period,a François’langur female with the youngest infant in the group was attacked three times by immigrating males,and later disappeared by the third day after the final attack.We suggest that these attacks on the female-infant dyad represent infanticide attempts by males,and may be the cause of the adult female and her infant’s disappearance.Presumably,that female dispersed with her infant to avoid infanticide and was not killed.Though these observations do not completely verify the sexual selection hypothesis,they are not inconsistent with it.展开更多
We collected fecal samples of white-headed langurs from 3 of the 4 remaining habitat fragments(Fa,Fb and CZ)located in southwestern Guangxi,China in Nov 2005,and used 5 microsatellite loci and the SRY gene to assess t...We collected fecal samples of white-headed langurs from 3 of the 4 remaining habitat fragments(Fa,Fb and CZ)located in southwestern Guangxi,China in Nov 2005,and used 5 microsatellite loci and the SRY gene to assess the relatedness between 46 langurs within and between groups.We observed 2 forms of group structure:one-male/multi-female groups(OMGs)and all-male groups(AMGs).One AMG in Fa was composed of 2 generations,included a father,2 sons and 1 unrelated male,and all OMGs in all 3 habitats included 1 resident male,several adult females and offspring.Of the 21 identified father-offspring cases,the resident male fathered 20(95%)and the non-resident male sired 1(5%),suggesting that adult males had overwhelming priority of access to females as the resident male in an OMG,while the non-resident male may also have the opportunity to adopt surreptitious mating strategies.展开更多
文摘The genus Trachypithecus is the most diverse langur taxon, distributed in southwestern China, south and southeastern Asia. In this study, we include 16 recognized Trachypithecus species to reconstruct the phylogeny with particular concern to the taxonomy of the three subspecies of Z phayrei using multiple genes. Our results support a sister-relationship between Z p. phayrei and T p. shanicus. However, the mitochondrial CYT B gene supported T. p. crepuscula as a distinct species, but the nuclear PRMI gene suggested a closer relationship between T p. crepuscula and T p. phayrei. The incongruence between nuclear and mitochondrial genes suggests that hybridization may have occurred, a fact that would benefit from re-examination using multiple unlinked nuclear genes.
基金supported by Research Funds of the National Nature Science Foundation of China （No, 30860050）, Guangxi Science Foundation （0991095）, Foundation of Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation （Ministry of Education）, China West Normal University, Protection and Assessment, Monitoring and Conservation of Langur Project of National Forestry Administration of China, and Guangxi Beibu Gulf Serious Specialisation of Guangxi Natural Sciences Foundation （No. 2010GXNSFE013004）. We thank the Guangxi Forestry Bureau, and Fusui Rare Animal Nature Reserve. We thank Dr. Ali Krzton for her assistance with language editing. We also ac- knowledge the critical comments of four anonymous reviewers.
文摘We collected data on sleeping site use from two groups of white-headed langurs Trachypithecus leucocephalus living in Fusui Nature Reserve, China between August 2007 and July 2008. This information was used to test several hypotheses regarding ultimate causes of sleeping site use in this primate. White-headed langurs slept either in caves （17 sites） or on a cliffledge （one site）. They used all sleeping sites repeatedly, and reused some of them on consecutive nights; three nights was the longest consecutive use of any one sleep site. We suggest that langurs use sleeping sites to make approach and attack by predators difficult, and to increase their own familiarity with a location so as to improve chances for escape. Langurs＇ cryptic behaviors with an increased level of vigilance before entering sleeping sites may also help in decreasing the possibility of detection by predators. Group 1 spent more sleeping nights in the central area of their territory than expected; in contrast, group 2 spent more sleeping nights in the periphery of their territory, which overlaps with that of another groups, than expected. The position of sleeping site relative to the last feeding site of the day and the first feeding site of the subsequent morning indicated a strategy closer to that of a multiple central place forager than of a central place forager. These results suggest that territory defense and food access may play an important role in sleeping site use of white-headed langurs [Current Zoology 57 （3）： 260-268, 2011].
基金supported by the Yunnan Green Environmental Development Fundthe Central Financial Assistance Fund+3 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China（31160422,30960084）the Program for New Century Excellent Talents in University（NCET-12-1079）the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation（2013M542379）the Key Subject of Wildlife Conservation and Utilization in Yunnan Province
文摘Non-human primates often live in socially stable groups characterized by bonded relationships among individuals. Social organization can be used to evaluate living conditions and expansion potential. Bisexual group size, ratio of males to females and group composition are essential elements determining the type of social organization. Although the first report on Shortridge’s capped langurs（Trachypithecus shortridgei） was in the 1970 s, until now, the species only inhabits forests of the Dulongjiang valley in northwest Yunnan, China, with c. 250-370 individuals in 19 populations. To understand its social organization, we collected data from five groups of Shortridge’s langurs at Silaluo in the Dulongjiang valley during August 2012-October 2013. Family groups consist of one adult male, 2–3 adult females and up to five young. Group size averaged 8（7-9） individuals. The ratio of adult males to females（M/F） was 1：2.9, infants to adult females was（I/F） 1：2.2; and ratio of adults to immatures was 1：1.2, indicating the potential of a population increasing. Birth season was during March-July and the inter-birth interval was two years.
基金supported by the Second National Survey of Terrestrial Wildlife Resources of the State Forestry Administration of China(Semnopithecus schistaceus Project,No.176 Geographic Unit Project)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31400361)+1 种基金the Science and Technology Planning Project of Guangdong Province,China(2013B061800042)the National Key Program(2016YFC0503200)from the Ministry of Science and Technology of China
文摘DEAR EDITOR, The distribution of the capped langur （Trachypithecus pileatus） in China has become controversial since Shortridge＇s langur （Trachypithecus shortridgei） was upgraded to a full species. The capped langur is considered to be distributed in northeast India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and northwest Myanmar only （Brandon-Jones et al., 2004; Choudhury, 2008, 2014; Das et al., 2008; Groves, 2001）. In our field survey, however, we obtained photos of the capped langur, demonstrating its existence in China. Following the species promotion of Shortridge＇s langur （Brandon-Jones et al., 2004; Groves, 2001） and the delimiting of its distribution range to northwestern Yunnan in China and northeastern Myanmar （Brandon-Jones et al., 2004; Cui et al.,
基金the Fund of State Key Laboratory of Genetics Resources and Evolution,Kunming Institute of Zoology,Chinese Academy of Sciences(GREKF12-06)。
文摘The genus Trachypithecus is the most diverse langur taxon,distributed in southwestern China,south and southeastern Asia.In this study,we include 16 recognized Trachypithecus species to reconstruct the phylogeny with particular concern to the taxonomy of the three subspecies of T.phayrei using multiple genes.Our results support a sister-relationship between T.p.phayrei and T.p.shanicus.However,the mitochondrial CYT B gene supported T.p.crepuscula as a distinct species,but the nuclear PRM1 gene suggested a closer relationship between T.p.crepuscula and T.p.phayrei.The incongruence between nuclear and mitochondrial genes suggests that hybridization may have occurred,a fact that would benefit from re-examination using multiple unlinked nuclear genes.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32170512,31900314,32001099)Construction Project for Innovation Platform of Qinghai Province(2022-ZJ-Y04)Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDB31020302)。
文摘DEAR EDITOR,Of the seven genera recognized in Asian colobines,Trachypithecus is the only genus that contains species groups.Compared with the species groups characterized by calcium tolerance(T.francoisi species group),multi-male,multi-female society(T.obscurus species group),and impressive hybridization(T.pileatus species group),the T.cristatus species group is distinguished by its southernmost distribution and silvery appearance.Hence,Trachypithecus is an excellent model for investigating evolutionary radiation and behavioral adaptation in Asian primates.However,comprehensive comparison of species groups remains difficult due to the lack of a reference genome for the T.cristatus species group.
基金financially supported by the National Nature Science Foundation of China(No.30560023,30860050,31172122)the Guangxi Nature Science Foundation(2012GXNSFAA053039)the Monitoring and Conservation of Langur Project of the National Forestry Administration of China.
文摘We collected data on habitat use and locomotion of the François’langur(Trachypithecus francoisi)between August 2003 and July 2004 at Nonggang Nature Reserve,China.A total of 739 h of behavioral data were collected during this study.We tested 2 predictions:(1)that the langurs may have special patterns of habitat use and locomotion adaptive to the limestone habitat,and(2)the langurs may exhibit different patterns of habitat use and locomotion among different zones of limestone hill.Our results indicated that François’langurs spent more time in the low-risk,relatively food-poor cliff-hilltop areas.When young leaves and fruit were scarce in the dry season,the langurs increased their time in the high-risk,food-rich valley basin.François’langurs were semi-terrestrial,and leaping and climbing were their main locomotor modes.These behavioral patterns are considered to be related to characteristics of topography and vegetation in limestone habitat,such as large areas of cliff and discontinuous canopy.Our results also supported Prediction 2.The langurs confined locomotion to the main canopy and frequently adopted leaping while traveling in the hillside and valley basin.While traveling in cliff-hilltop areas,they tended to stay in the lower stratus(≤5 m)or move on the ground,and walking and climbing were their dominant traveling modes.
基金This study is sponsored by the National Nature Science Foundation of China(No.39960015,30560023,30860050)the Chinese Academy of Sciences 100 Talent Program,the Monitoring and Conservation of Langur Project of the National Forestry Administration of China,the Guangxi Science Foundation(0991095)and the Project of the Creative Team from Colleges and Universities in Guangxi.We thank the Guangxi Forestry Bureau and the Nonggang Nature Reserve Administration Bureau.
文摘Ranging behavior is an important aspect of animal behavior that researchers use to investigate ecological influences on individual behavior.We collected data on the ranging behavior of one group of François’langurs(Trachypithecus francoisi)between August 2003 and July 2004 in a limestone habitat within Nonggang Nature Reserve,China.We evaluated the influences of food availability,water resources and sleeping sites on ranging behavior.During the study period,the total home range size for the study group was 64.5 or(69.3 ha if the lacunae within the borders in which langurs were not observed were included),and the mean daily path length was 541 m.These are well within the range of variation reported in Trachypithecus species.The monthly range size was between 9.8 and 23.3 ha,and monthly range size correlated negatively with young leaf availability.The langurs tended to use a larger range size during young leaf-lean periods.The langurs did not use their home range uniformly,and 74%of their activities occurred within 35%of their home range.The most heavily used quadrats in the home range were located near the most frequently used sleeping sites,suggesting that sleeping sites have a significant influence on the ranging behavior of François’langurs in limestone habitats.
基金financially supported by the 985 Project of Peking University and MEXT gCOE(A06 to Kyoto University).
文摘Infanticide was first observed in langurs nearly 50 years ago,and this rare phenomenon has been inferred to have either an evolutionarily adaptive function or to be a pathological and non-functional behavior.In this study,we report 5 male takeover events in one-male groups of white-headed langurs in the Nongguan Karst Hills,Guangxi,China from 1998 to 2006.We recorded 13 attacks on 9 infants by extra-group males or new resident males.During the male takeovers,all of the infants younger than 6 months(with an average age of 3.6 months[N=11])in the groups disappeared.The infant death rate during the 4.2 months after takeover by a new male was significantly higher than the infant death rate calculated for most of the year.Older infants that were still nursing(with an average age of 14.1 months[N=7])were often attacked and seriously wounded by the extra-group males or new resident males,but all of them survived.The interbirth intervals of females whose infants were assumed to be killed by males were significantly reduced relative to those of females in groups with stable male tenure(mean=10 months vs 25 months).Our data suggest that males kill unrelated and unweaned infants during the takeover period to decrease the time until the infants’mothers resume fertility.Thus,infanticide would support sexual selection theory in white-headed langurs.The data also show that infanticidal behavior was directed toward the infants,especially those who were still nursing.Female dispersal may function as a counter-strategy to avoid infanticide.
基金supported by National Nature Science Foundation of China(31172122)Guangxi Nature Science Foundation(2012GXNSFAA053039)。
文摘Infanticide by males is a common phenomenon in mammals,especially primates,as lactation lasts much longer than gestation in many species.Usually,infanticidal episodes occur soon after group takeovers,and are traditionally considered a male reproductive strategy(i.e.,support the sexual selection hypothesis,Hrdy,1974).To verify the validity of this conception,we observed one group of François’langurs in the Nonggang Nature Reserve,China,between August 2003 and July 2004.During the study period,a François’langur female with the youngest infant in the group was attacked three times by immigrating males,and later disappeared by the third day after the final attack.We suggest that these attacks on the female-infant dyad represent infanticide attempts by males,and may be the cause of the adult female and her infant’s disappearance.Presumably,that female dispersed with her infant to avoid infanticide and was not killed.Though these observations do not completely verify the sexual selection hypothesis,they are not inconsistent with it.
基金sponsored by the National Nature Science Foundation of China(Nos.31172122 and 30970376)the Guangxi Nature Science Foundation(2012GXNSFAA053039)+1 种基金the PhD Degree Construction Fund of Guangxi(XKY2006ZD01)the White-headed Langur Monitoring Project of the National Forestry Administration of China and the Project of the Creative Team from Colleges and Universities in Guangxi.
文摘We collected fecal samples of white-headed langurs from 3 of the 4 remaining habitat fragments(Fa,Fb and CZ)located in southwestern Guangxi,China in Nov 2005,and used 5 microsatellite loci and the SRY gene to assess the relatedness between 46 langurs within and between groups.We observed 2 forms of group structure:one-male/multi-female groups(OMGs)and all-male groups(AMGs).One AMG in Fa was composed of 2 generations,included a father,2 sons and 1 unrelated male,and all OMGs in all 3 habitats included 1 resident male,several adult females and offspring.Of the 21 identified father-offspring cases,the resident male fathered 20(95%)and the non-resident male sired 1(5%),suggesting that adult males had overwhelming priority of access to females as the resident male in an OMG,while the non-resident male may also have the opportunity to adopt surreptitious mating strategies.
