Herbivorous ungulates are vital elements of forest ecosystems,yet their impact on tree regeneration and forest dynamics is challenging to assess.Despite their significant influence,few studies measure browsing pressur...Herbivorous ungulates are vital elements of forest ecosystems,yet their impact on tree regeneration and forest dynamics is challenging to assess.Despite their significant influence,few studies measure browsing pressure independently of precise ungulate population data.This study aimed to determine the regeneration mechanisms of palatable tree species in natural forest ecosystems by measuring the forage abundance from young trees of focal species and estimating the browsing pressure exerted by ungulates.We analyzed an extensive dataset of 2,838 tree saplings in two national parks in Poland to examine relationships between variables using a zero-intercept linear regression,and multiple linear regression models,and performed parametric and nonparametric tests.We found that the browsing intensity index(BI)is a good predictor of browsing pressure.Both total abundance and twig dry mass loss due to ungulate browsing were more pronounced in shorter saplings,with these effects decreasing as sapling height increased.Picea abies was the most abundant browse source in the Tatra National Park(TNP),whereas Fagus sylvatica dominated in the Roztocze National Park(RNP).Acer pseudoplatanus and Sorbus aucuparia experienced significantly higher browsing pressure in the TNP,whereas Carpinus betulus was more heavily browsed than other species in the RNP.The increase in browse abundance rapidly reduced ungulate browsing pressure on highly palatable tree species.We conclude that despite the high browsing pressure on the palatable species,the contribution of browse from focal species helps to mitigate this pressure and supports their regeneration in the forest canopy.Therefore,this finding provides valuable insights for managing and conserving tree species vulnerable to ungulate browsing in natural forest ecosystems.In addition,the method we used in this study is novel to estimate browsing pressure and assess the recruitment potential of vulnerable tree species;hence,it can be applied in large-scale studies with similar scenarios.展开更多
Based on a long-term field investigation and other research results, we reviewed the status and distribution of ungulates in Xinjiang, China. The ungulates in Xinjiang included 19 ungulate species （30 subspecies） fr...Based on a long-term field investigation and other research results, we reviewed the status and distribution of ungulates in Xinjiang, China. The ungulates in Xinjiang included 19 ungulate species （30 subspecies） from 6 families and 2 orders. Among them, 3 species （2 subspecies） relate to Equidae （Per- risodactyla）, and 16 species （28 subspecies） are from 5 families of Artiodactyla. In this paper, we analyzed the conservation status of most rare and important 13 ungulate species. Firstly, we proposed the protec- tion of genetic diversity of Camelus ferus and the distribution areas of Moschus sifanicus, Procapra przewalskii and Saiga tatarica in Xinjiang. We found that Moschus sifanicus but not Procapra przewalskii distributed in Xinjiang. It was not clear whether the remnant populations of Saiga tatarica existed in Xinjiang and China-Kazakhstan border or not. We discussed that the protection level and rational use of Capra si- birica and enhancing protection level and enlarging monitoring and research projects for Pantholops hodgsoni and Gazella subgutturosa. And we would like to suggest Forestry Department to develop the captive breeding of Tibetan antelope for rational use. In addition, the captive breeding of Cervus elaphus in Xinjiang was reviewed. Local government should lessen strong control to Cervus elaphus because of many breeding centers＇ establishment.展开更多
Aspects of time budgets, activity patterns and rut-related changes in behavior are well documented in temperate un-gulates; however, the application of this understanding to tropical and sub-tropical ungulate species ...Aspects of time budgets, activity patterns and rut-related changes in behavior are well documented in temperate un-gulates; however, the application of this understanding to tropical and sub-tropical ungulate species has attracted less attention and remains an area that may re-shape our knowledge of ungulate behavior. Eld＇s deer Cervus eldi hainanus has a tropical and sub-tropical distribution on Hainan Island, China, and males have an extended rut exceeding five months during which they do not maintain harems or defend resources. We studied males from the only remaining population on Hainan Island, and describe rut-related changes in behavior by collecting data on time budgets and activity patterns. We show that male Eld＇s deer do not fol- low a strict crepuscular activity pattern, do not spend the majority of their time foraging and do not increase foraging nor display rut-induced hypophagia during rut, in obvious contrast to temperate ungulates. These results are discussed in light of current hy- potheses explaining the proximate mechanisms governing feeding time in ungulates, while appreciating the need for further re-search .展开更多
Based on data collected along the Ligurian Apennines and Alps(N-W Italy),we analysed the main environmental and human-related factors influencing the distribution of kill sites of the wolf Canis lupus.We mapped and di...Based on data collected along the Ligurian Apennines and Alps(N-W Italy),we analysed the main environmental and human-related factors influencing the distribution of kill sites of the wolf Canis lupus.We mapped and digitized 62 kill sites collected during 2007-2016.Around each kill site,we defined a buffer corresponding to the potential hunting area of wolves.We compared kill site plots and an equal number of random plots.We formulated a model of kill site distribution following an approach presence versus availability by binary logistic regression analysis;we tested the hypothesis that wolf choice of kill sites is influenced by the physiography and the land use of the area.Among the preyed wild ungulates,we identified 23 roe deer Capreolus capreolus,18 fallow deer Dama dama,16 wild boars Sus scrofa,and 5 chamois Rupicapra rupicapra.Binary logistic regression analysis showed a negative effect of the road density,the urban areas,the mixed forests,and a positive effect of steep slopes and open habitats.Prey are more vulnerable to predators under certain conditions and predators are capable of selecting for these conditions.Wolves achieved this by selecting particular habitats in which to kill their prey:they preferred steep,open habitats far from human presence,where wild ungulates are more easily detectable and chasable.展开更多
Ungulate browsing often impairs tree regeneration,thus preventing the achievement of economic or conservation goals.Forest ungulate management would thus benefit from a practical decision tool that facilitates method ...Ungulate browsing often impairs tree regeneration,thus preventing the achievement of economic or conservation goals.Forest ungulate management would thus benefit from a practical decision tool that facilitates method selection from a wide range of monitoring methods and indicators currently available.In this study,we first provide an overview of the different browsing-impact monitoring methods and indicators currently applied.We then present a newly developed decision matrix for method evaluation that can assist forest stakeholders in choosing the browsing-impact monitoring method best suited to their needs,based on the selected indicators.The first step involved two separate literature reviews to create an overview of the currently applied methods and to select the indicators best suited for measuring browsing impact.Three types of indicator groups with their respective parameters were considered important for method evaluation:browsing indicators(e.g.regeneration density,browsing incidents),performance indicators(e.g.expense,expertise)and data quality indicators(e.g.susceptibility to measurement errors).Subsequently,all parameters defined within each indicator group were categorised and a grade was assigned to each category.To create the final method-indicator matrix,each browsing-impact monitoring method received a grade for each parameter within all indicator groups,reflecting the specific advantages and disadvantages of implementing the respective parameter within a specific method.The utility of the matrix in selecting the most suitable monitoring method was then demonstrated using the example of Germany's national parks.Based on the weights added to the method-indicator matrix,as defined by national park representatives,and considering local requirements the nearest-tree method was favoured over the other two methods.This newly developed matrix provides a more scientific objectification of ungulate browsing-impact measures and can be easily used by forest managers to address their own requirements,based on a consideration of the advantages and disadvantages of the included methods.展开更多
The accuracy of three methods (pellet group count, inverse line transect method and track count) for estimat-ing the density of ungulate population was assessed, based on a wapiti population with the known size in the...The accuracy of three methods (pellet group count, inverse line transect method and track count) for estimat-ing the density of ungulate population was assessed, based on a wapiti population with the known size in the enclosure of500 hm2 on Tonghe Hunting Farm, Heilongjiang province, China, during 1992-1993. The estimation of population densityusing the Pelld group count method was the closeSt to the actual value, whereas the density of the wapiti population wasunderestimated by the inverse line transect method and overestimated by the track count method. No signilicant differenceexisted the estimated and actual values for the pellet group method and the inverse line transed method, but thesignificant differen was found for the track count method. Therefore, it is suggested that the pellet group method should begiven the priority in the survey of ungulate population abundance in practice.展开更多
Bocaviruses are associated with many human infectious diseases, such as respiratory tract infections, gastroenteritis, and hepatitis. Rats are known to be reservoirs of bocaviruses, including rodent bocavirus and rat ...Bocaviruses are associated with many human infectious diseases, such as respiratory tract infections, gastroenteritis, and hepatitis. Rats are known to be reservoirs of bocaviruses, including rodent bocavirus and rat bocavirus.Recently, ungulate bocaparvovirus 4, a known porcine bocavirus, has also been found in rats. Thus, investigating bocaviruses in rats is important for determining the origin of the viruses and preventing and controlling their transmission. To the best of our knowledge, no study to date has investigated bocaviruses in the livers of rats. In this report, a total of 624 rats were trapped in southern China between 2014 and 2017. Liver and serum samples from rats were tested for the prevalence of bocaviruses using PCR. Sequences related to ungulate bocaparvovirus 4and rodent bocavirus were detected in both liver and serum samples. Interestingly, the prevalence of ungulate bocaparvovirus 4(reference strain: KJ622366.1) was higher than that of rodent bocavirus(reference strain:KY927868.1) in both liver(2.24% and 0.64%, respectively) and serum samples(2.19% and 0.44%, respectively).The NS1 regions of ungulate bocaparvovirus 4 and rodent bocavirus related sequences displayed over 84% and88% identity at the nucleic acid and amino acid levels, respectively. Furthermore, these sequences had similar genomic structure, genomic features, and codon usage bias, and shared a common ancestor. These viruses also displayed greater adaptability to rats than pigs. Our results suggested that ungulate bocaparvovirus 4 and rodent bocavirus may originate from rats and may be different genotypes of the same bocavirus species.展开更多
Climate change will impact the distribution of species and their preferred habitat,thereby influencing the ecological processes intrinsic to these species.To investigate these phenomena,we analyzed the habitat distrib...Climate change will impact the distribution of species and their preferred habitat,thereby influencing the ecological processes intrinsic to these species.To investigate these phenomena,we analyzed the habitat distribution,structure,and connectivity of 6 forest ungulate species in Southwest China under current and future climate scenarios.Habitat projections indicate that forest ungulates will migrate to the southwest at higher elevations and the northwest at higher latitudes and elevations in the study area under climate change.The extent to which climate change affects the 6 forest ungulates is quite different.By 2050,there will still be a certain range of habitats for migration in the study area,but the habitat quality of species will have decreased to varying degrees after migration.By 2070,most forest ungulates will begin to experience significant habitat loss and habitat quality decline.The migration of species habitat also leads to a change in species habitat structure.Habitat landscape quality declines for most forest ungulate species.The loss of patches at the junction habitat has a huge impact on species habitat connectivity.The number and distance of corridors between the marginal habitat patches and the core habitat patches increase to a certain extent.To better achieve biodiversity conservation,we should strengthen the restoration and connectivity management of fragmented habitats to protect and restore the current habitats of species.Examples include the management of specific key areas and the establishment of large-scale integrated protected areas such as the Giant Panda National Park.展开更多
In order to investigate the feasibility of reintroducing the South China tiger （Panthera tigris amoyensis） in the Jiangxi Matoushan National Nature Reserve, field surveys were conducted to assess prey distribution i...In order to investigate the feasibility of reintroducing the South China tiger （Panthera tigris amoyensis） in the Jiangxi Matoushan National Nature Reserve, field surveys were conducted to assess prey distribution in the reserve. Twelve permanent transects were set in three distinct functional zones from February to April 2012 and May to July 2013. A total of 112 ungulate signs were recorded on these transects. In addition, 20 camera traps were used to survey ungulates and predators in 2012, while the following year we extended the survey site by using 30 cameras. Overall, 6641 capture events on 2930 camera days were obtained, presenting a variety of ungulate spe- cies： muntjak （Muntiacus muntjak）, tufted deer （Elaphodus cephalophus）, serow （Capricornis sumatraensis） and wild boar （Sus scrofa）. Population structure and composition of ungulates was compared in different functional zones using a single factor of variance analysis in SPSS software. Significant differences in the distribution of un- gulates were recognized between the core zone and experimental zone, but not in other zones due to differences in habitat types and management practices of the nature reserve. Using ArcGIS analysis and Salford Predictive Modeler software, we ran several predictive models to understand which areas are most suitable for ungulates. We conclude that muntjac and wild boar are mainly distributed in the experimental zone, serow are more common in the core zone, while tufted deer are located evenly in the three functional zones. Finally, suggestions for effective and feasible management strategies and techniques for Matoushan National Nature Reserve were recom- mended based on the results and analysis in this study.展开更多
Fencing is an important part of husbandry for pastoral communities;however, these same fences can have unintended consequences for wildlife populations by restricting movement, reducing connectivity, and causing direc...Fencing is an important part of husbandry for pastoral communities;however, these same fences can have unintended consequences for wildlife populations by restricting movement, reducing connectivity, and causing direct mortality. This paper assesses the current status and effects of fencing present in Yanchiwan National Nature Reserve, soon to be part of the recently proposed Qilianshan National Park. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 70 households to gauge local herders’ perceptions of fences, threats of fencing to native ungulates, and the number of wildlife found entangled in fencing. We found that local communities rely on fencing for livestock management and individuals who had encountered wildlife entangled in fences were more likely to perceive fences as having negative effects. Furthermore, those who perceived fencing as harmful to wildlife were more likely to support the dismantling of fences. On the other hand, families who needed to hire others to tend to their livestock were less likely to support dismantling efforts. However, the best model was only able to account for some of the data variability, suggesting that while perceptions of fences are important, other factors could be influencing support for fence dismantling. Hence, increasing awareness of threats alone may not be enough to generate community support of a fence dismantling program. Therefore, outreach and community collaboration to reduce the impacts of fence alterations upon livestock management will be necessary for a successful fence dismantling program within the new national park. Finally, those surveyed reported finding kiang, argali, and Tibetan gazelle dead in fences, with kiang found more often than the other two. This suggests that these three species may be more vulnerable to fence entanglement and that they are good targets for future studies and dismantling efforts.展开更多
The objective of the review was to assess the potential of indigenous browse trees as sustainable feed supplement in the form of silage for captive wild ungulates.Several attempts to use silage as feed in zoos in temp...The objective of the review was to assess the potential of indigenous browse trees as sustainable feed supplement in the form of silage for captive wild ungulates.Several attempts to use silage as feed in zoos in temperate regions have been conducted with success.Information on silage from the indigenous browse trees preferred by wild ungulates in southern Africa is scanty.The use of silage from the browse trees is of interest as it has potential to reduce or replace expensive feed sources(pellets,fruits and farm produce) currently offered in southern African zoos,game farms and reserves,especially during the colddry season.Considerable leaf biomass from the indigenous browse trees can be produced for silage making.High nutrient content and minerals from indigenous browsable trees are highly recognised.Indigenous browse trees have low water-soluble carbohydrates(WSC) that render them undesirable for fermentation.Techniques such as wilting browse leaves,mixing cereal crops with browse leaves,and use of additives such as urea and enzymes have been studied extensively to increase WSC of silage from the indigenous browse trees.Anti-nutritional factors from the indigenous browse preferred by the wild ungulates have also been studied extensively.Indigenous browse silages are a potential feed resource for the captive wild ungulates.If the browse trees are used to make silage,they are likely to improve performance of wild ungulates in captivity,especially during the cold-dry season when browse is scarce.Research is needed to assess the feasibility of sustainable production and the effective use of silage from indigenous browse trees in southern Africa.Improving intake and nutrient utilisation and reducing the concentrations of anti-nutritional compounds in silage from the indigenous browse trees of southern Africa should be the focus for animal nutrition research that need further investigation.展开更多
Aims Woody plant-browser systems represent an understudied facet of herbivory.We subjected four genotypes of trembling aspen to artificial browsing,similar to that of a large mammalian herbivore,and applied deer saliv...Aims Woody plant-browser systems represent an understudied facet of herbivory.We subjected four genotypes of trembling aspen to artificial browsing,similar to that of a large mammalian herbivore,and applied deer saliva to clipped and unclipped trees to assess:(i)the effects of artificial browsing on aspen growth and phytochemistry of leaves and stems,(ii)genotypic variation in responses and(iii)potential alterations of responses by mammalian saliva.Methods Potted aspen trees were grown outdoors on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus.The experiment consisted of a fullycrossed,2×2×4 randomized complete block design,with two levels of artificial browsing(unclipped and clipped),two levels of saliva application(no saliva and saliva)and four aspen genotypes.To simulate ungulate browsing damage,we removed the upper 50%of the stem of half of the trees by pinching the stem with needle-nosed pliers and then separating it by tearing.For half of the damaged trees,we immediately swabbed the wound with deer saliva.Trees in the unclipped plus saliva treatment were swabbed with saliva at the 50%height mark.To assess the effects of clipping and saliva application,we harvested all trees after 2 months and measured various growth and chemical properties.Growth measurements included height,vertical growth,mass of leaves,stems and roots,leaf number and area and bud set.Chemical parameters included defensive,nutritional and structural components of both foliage and stems.Important Findings Clipping affected most of the growth parameters measured,decreasing tree height,leaf,stem,root and total tree mass and leaf area.Clipped trees had greater vertical growth,more leaves and higher specific leaf area(SLA)than unclipped trees.Deer saliva had little to no effect on plant growth response to the clipping treatment.Terminal budset was delayed by clipping and varied among genotypes but not in response to saliva application.Clipping also affected most of the phytochemical variables measured,reducing defensive compounds(phenolic glycosides and condensed tannins(CTs))and nutrients(N),but increasing structural components(cellulose and lignin)in both leaves and stems.Saliva had very little effect on tree chemistry,causing only a slight decrease in the amount of CTs in leaves.In general,leaves contained more defensive compounds and nutrients,but much less cellulose,compared with stems.Genotypes differed for all physical and chemical indices,and in tolerance to damage as measured by vertical growth.In addition,for most of the physical and chemical variables measured,genotype interacted with the clipping treatment,suggesting that in natural stands some genotypes will resist or tolerate browsing better than others,affecting forest genetic composition and ultimately forest dynamics.展开更多
It is unknown how ungulate physiological responses to environmental perturbation influence overall population demographics.Moreover,neonatal physiological responses remain poorly studied despite the importance of neon...It is unknown how ungulate physiological responses to environmental perturbation influence overall population demographics.Moreover,neonatal physiological responses remain poorly studied despite the importance of neonatal survival to population growth.Glucocorticoid(GC)hormones potentially facilitate critical physiological and behavioral responses to environmental perturbations.However,elevated GC concentrations over time may compromise body condition and indirectly reduce survival.We evaluated baseline salivary cortisol(CORT;a primary GC in mammals)concentrations in 19 wild neonatal white-tailed deer(Odocoileus virginianus)in a northern(NS)and southern(SS)area in Pennsylvania.After ranking survival models consisting of variables hypothesized to influence neonate survival(i.e.weight,sex),the probability of neonate survival was best explained by CORT concentrations,where elevated CORT concentrations were associated with reduced survival probability to 12 weeks of age.Cortisol concentrations were greater in the SS where predation rates and predator densities were lower.As the first evaluation of baseline CORT concentrations in an ungulate neonate to our knowledge,this is also the first study to demonstrate CORT concentrations are negatively associated with ungulate survival at any life stage.Glucocorticoid hormones could provide a framework in which to better understand susceptibility to mortality in neonatal white-tailed deer.展开更多
Southeast Asia’s tropical forests suffer the highest rates of deforestation and disturbance of any on Earth,with poorly understood impacts on native fauna.Asian tapirs(Tapirus indicus)are among the least studied of t...Southeast Asia’s tropical forests suffer the highest rates of deforestation and disturbance of any on Earth,with poorly understood impacts on native fauna.Asian tapirs(Tapirus indicus)are among the least studied of the large mammals in these forests.Using records from 9 camera trap surveys in 7 of the largest(>1000 km2)pro-tected area complexes,we assessed the influence of environmental variation and human-induced disturbance on tapir occurrence.Tapirs were detected at 13%of locations sampled,significantly associated with evergreen for-est(P<0.001).A multiple logistic regression model predicted tapir presence 87%of the time.According to this model,tapir occurrence was positively influenced by annual rainfall and proximity to the forest edge.Howev-er,tapirs may not avoid edges but instead prefer wetter evergreen forest,a habitat type that tended to occur fur-ther from the forest edge at higher elevations in our particular study sites(P<0.001).By comparison,4 other wild ungulate species that share habitats with tapirs showed a range of differing responses.Tapirs are expect-ed to be less sensitive to disturbance because they are not targets for hunting and trade,and are almost entire-ly active at night,so avoid peak traffic periods in parks.Tapir populations in Thailand may be more stable than in other parts of their global range because rates of forest loss have decreased>40%over the past 20 years.We recommend surveys to fill gaps in the understanding of the status in lesser-known protected areas,research to better understand the fine-scale environmental influences on behavior and habitats of tapirs,and other forest un-gulates,and continued legal status for tapirs in the highest category of protection.展开更多
Group size variations of the Arabian sand gazelle Gazella subgutturosa marica were studied during a period of drought at the Mahazat as-Sayd Protected Area in central western Saudi Arabia. Significant differences in m...Group size variations of the Arabian sand gazelle Gazella subgutturosa marica were studied during a period of drought at the Mahazat as-Sayd Protected Area in central western Saudi Arabia. Significant differences in median group sizes were observed between all seasons except summer. Single animals were observed mainly during summer while group sizes ex- ceeding 10 individuals were observed mainly during winter. Solitary male and female groups were typically observed during winter and mixed groups mainly during the autumn rutting period. Most mixed groups were two to four times larger during winter than summer. The adult sex ratio （male： female） for all seasons combined was in parity and highest during autumn （1：1.23）, probably as a result of prolonged drought conditions. The variability in group structure related to environmental conditions may be one factor permitting G. s. marica to adapt to hyper-arid habitats and climatic regimes in central western Saudi Arabia. The value of continuous monitoring of the gazelle population is emphasised for this drought prone region展开更多
Kenya has a rich mammalian fauna. We reviewed recently published books and papers including the six volumes of Mammals of Africa to develop an up-to-date annotated checklist of all mammals recorded from Kenya. A total...Kenya has a rich mammalian fauna. We reviewed recently published books and papers including the six volumes of Mammals of Africa to develop an up-to-date annotated checklist of all mammals recorded from Kenya. A total of 390 species have been identified in the country, including 106 species of rodents,104 species of bats, 63 species of even-toed ungulates(including whales and dolphins), 36 species of insectivores and carnivores, 19 species of primates,five species of elephant shrews, four species of hyraxes and odd-toed ungulates, three species of afrosoricids, pangolins, and hares, and one species of aardvark, elephant, sirenian and hedgehog. The number of species in this checklist is expected to increase with additional surveys and as the taxonomic status of small mammals(e.g., bats, shrews and rodents) becomes better understood.展开更多
Forest pasturing of free-roaming livestock is a common prac- tice in many parts of the world, but knowledge on how it affects tree regeneration in boreal forests is lacking. We mapped tree density, live- stock site us...Forest pasturing of free-roaming livestock is a common prac- tice in many parts of the world, but knowledge on how it affects tree regeneration in boreal forests is lacking. We mapped tree density, live- stock site use and accumulated damage to young trees of commercial interest （Norway spruce, Picea abies L. Karst.） on 56 clearcuts inside and outside a fenced forest area used for livestock pasturing in Ringsaker, Norway. Inside the fence 56-1.8% of spruce trees were damaged com- pared to 37-3.4% outside. Proportion of damaged spruce trees was posi- tively related to cattle use of the clearcut, but not so for sheep. On the most intensively used clearcuts, four out of five trees were damaged. The density of deciduous trees was five times lower inside compared to out- side of the fence （varying with plant species）. While livestock grazing may reduce resource competition in favour of spruce, the current animal density clearly is impeding forest regeneration in the study area.展开更多
Weather variations have the potential to in fluence species interactions, although effects on competitive interactions between species are poorly known. Both weather and competition can influence foraging behavior and...Weather variations have the potential to in fluence species interactions, although effects on competitive interactions between species are poorly known. Both weather and competition can influence foraging behavior and survival of herbivores during nursing/weaning, a critical period in the herbivore life cycle. We evaluated the joint effects of weather and competition with red deer Cervus elaphus on the foraging behavior of adult female Apen nine chamois Rupicapra pyrenaica ornata in summer, and on winter survival of chamois kids. High temperature and low rainfall during the growing seas on of vegetation had negative effects on bite rate. Effects of weather were greater in forb patches, including cold-adapted, nutritious plants of key importanee to chamois, than in graminoid ones. Our results confirm previous indications of a negative effect of competition on bite rate of female chamois and on kid survival. Furthermore, harsh weather conditions and competition with deer had additive, negative roles on foraging behavior and survival of chamois. Growing temperatures are expected to influence distribution, growth, and/or nutritional quality of plants;competition would reduce pasture quality and food availability through resource depletion. Both factors would limit food/energy intake rates during summer, reducing survival of the youngest cohorts in winter. We suggest that interspecific competition can be an important additive factor to the effects of weather changes on behavior and demography.展开更多
A developing trophic mismatch between the peak of energy demands by reproducing animals and the peak of forage availability has caused many species'reproductive success to decrease.The match-mismatch hypothesis(MM...A developing trophic mismatch between the peak of energy demands by reproducing animals and the peak of forage availability has caused many species'reproductive success to decrease.The match-mismatch hypothesis(MMH)is an appealing concept that can be used to assess such fitness consequences.However,concerns have been raised on applying the MMH on capital breeders such as reindeer because the reliance on maternal capita rather than dietary income may mitigate negative effects of changing phenologies.Using a long-term dataset of reindeer calving dates recorded since 1970 in a semidomesticated reindeer population in Finnish Lapland and proxies of plant phenology;we tested the main hypothesis that the time lag between calving date and the plant phenology in autumn when females store nutrient reserves to finance reproduction would lead to consequences on reproductive success,as the time lag with spring conditions would.As predicted,the reproductive success of females of the Kutuharju reindeer population was affected by both the onset of spring green-up and vegetative senescence in autumn as calves were born heavier and with a higher first-summer survival when the onset of the vegetation growth was earlier and the end of the thermal growing season the previous year was earlier as well.Our results demonstrated that longer plant growing seasons might be detrimental to reindeer's reproductive success if a later end is accompanied by a reduced abundance of mushrooms.展开更多
Polygynous males can change their mating tactics across their lifetime, but information is scarce on the flexibility of this trait within a given season and the relative costs and benefits of using different tactics. ...Polygynous males can change their mating tactics across their lifetime, but information is scarce on the flexibility of this trait within a given season and the relative costs and benefits of using different tactics. Here, we monitored individually marked male reindeer Rangifer tarandus and classified their mating tactics as harem-defense, sneaking, or mixed. The costs of the male reproductive effort were assessed using both direct （i.e. percentage of body mass lost） and indirect measures （i.e. activity patterns such as feeding, standing, and walking）, while mating group size and reproductive success were recorded as mating ef- fort benefits. Our results show that reindeer males may switch between the harem-defense and sneaking tactics throughout the same breeding season, providing further support to the notion that reproductive tactics are flexible in ungulates. The costs and benefits of male mating effort vary according to the mating tactic, reaching the highest values in harem-holders and the lowest values in sneaking males. Moreover, males who switched between the sneaking tactic and the harem-defence tactic tended to achieve higher mating success than males who consistently used the least costly tactic. Indeed, all harem-holders successfully sired offspring, whereas only two out of three mixed-tactic males sired one calf, and sneaking males did not sire any calves. In conclusion, our results show that reindeer males can modulate their mating efforts during the same breeding season by switching between the most costly harem-defense tactic and the least costly sneaking tactic, suggesting individual solutions to the balance between reproductive effort and mating opportunities [Current Zoology 61 （5）： 802-810, 2015].展开更多
基金funded by Polish National Science Foundation(NCN)(grant No.2018/31/B/NZ8/02786,project title:“How do largescale disturbances influence the relationship between ungulate herbivory and natural regeneration in temperate forests?”)from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Poland within the framework of statutory activities SUB/040011-D019/2020 of the Department of Forest Biodiversity,University of Agriculture in Krakow.
文摘Herbivorous ungulates are vital elements of forest ecosystems,yet their impact on tree regeneration and forest dynamics is challenging to assess.Despite their significant influence,few studies measure browsing pressure independently of precise ungulate population data.This study aimed to determine the regeneration mechanisms of palatable tree species in natural forest ecosystems by measuring the forage abundance from young trees of focal species and estimating the browsing pressure exerted by ungulates.We analyzed an extensive dataset of 2,838 tree saplings in two national parks in Poland to examine relationships between variables using a zero-intercept linear regression,and multiple linear regression models,and performed parametric and nonparametric tests.We found that the browsing intensity index(BI)is a good predictor of browsing pressure.Both total abundance and twig dry mass loss due to ungulate browsing were more pronounced in shorter saplings,with these effects decreasing as sapling height increased.Picea abies was the most abundant browse source in the Tatra National Park(TNP),whereas Fagus sylvatica dominated in the Roztocze National Park(RNP).Acer pseudoplatanus and Sorbus aucuparia experienced significantly higher browsing pressure in the TNP,whereas Carpinus betulus was more heavily browsed than other species in the RNP.The increase in browse abundance rapidly reduced ungulate browsing pressure on highly palatable tree species.We conclude that despite the high browsing pressure on the palatable species,the contribution of browse from focal species helps to mitigate this pressure and supports their regeneration in the forest canopy.Therefore,this finding provides valuable insights for managing and conserving tree species vulnerable to ungulate browsing in natural forest ecosystems.In addition,the method we used in this study is novel to estimate browsing pressure and assess the recruitment potential of vulnerable tree species;hence,it can be applied in large-scale studies with similar scenarios.
基金Chinese Academy of Sciences Visiting Professorships for Senior International Scientists (2009Z2-5)Sino-Italian Cooperation Project (0866031) for financing this research
文摘Based on a long-term field investigation and other research results, we reviewed the status and distribution of ungulates in Xinjiang, China. The ungulates in Xinjiang included 19 ungulate species （30 subspecies） from 6 families and 2 orders. Among them, 3 species （2 subspecies） relate to Equidae （Per- risodactyla）, and 16 species （28 subspecies） are from 5 families of Artiodactyla. In this paper, we analyzed the conservation status of most rare and important 13 ungulate species. Firstly, we proposed the protec- tion of genetic diversity of Camelus ferus and the distribution areas of Moschus sifanicus, Procapra przewalskii and Saiga tatarica in Xinjiang. We found that Moschus sifanicus but not Procapra przewalskii distributed in Xinjiang. It was not clear whether the remnant populations of Saiga tatarica existed in Xinjiang and China-Kazakhstan border or not. We discussed that the protection level and rational use of Capra si- birica and enhancing protection level and enlarging monitoring and research projects for Pantholops hodgsoni and Gazella subgutturosa. And we would like to suggest Forestry Department to develop the captive breeding of Tibetan antelope for rational use. In addition, the captive breeding of Cervus elaphus in Xinjiang was reviewed. Local government should lessen strong control to Cervus elaphus because of many breeding centers＇ establishment.
基金Funding for this study was provided by National Nature Science Foundation of China （30430120）. We followed guidelines for the use of animals in research as pub-lished by the journal Animal Behaviour. We thank staff at Hainan Datian National Nature Reserve for assistance during our field research with special thanks to Li Shanyuan and Xing Yichang who graciously contributed their time and effort during this study.
文摘Aspects of time budgets, activity patterns and rut-related changes in behavior are well documented in temperate un-gulates; however, the application of this understanding to tropical and sub-tropical ungulate species has attracted less attention and remains an area that may re-shape our knowledge of ungulate behavior. Eld＇s deer Cervus eldi hainanus has a tropical and sub-tropical distribution on Hainan Island, China, and males have an extended rut exceeding five months during which they do not maintain harems or defend resources. We studied males from the only remaining population on Hainan Island, and describe rut-related changes in behavior by collecting data on time budgets and activity patterns. We show that male Eld＇s deer do not fol- low a strict crepuscular activity pattern, do not spend the majority of their time foraging and do not increase foraging nor display rut-induced hypophagia during rut, in obvious contrast to temperate ungulates. These results are discussed in light of current hy- potheses explaining the proximate mechanisms governing feeding time in ungulates, while appreciating the need for further re-search .
基金The collection of data was supported by the project“I1 Lupo in Liguria”(2012-2014)funded by the Regional Administration of Liguria(ROP/ERDF funds)coordinated by the Antola Regional Park.
文摘Based on data collected along the Ligurian Apennines and Alps(N-W Italy),we analysed the main environmental and human-related factors influencing the distribution of kill sites of the wolf Canis lupus.We mapped and digitized 62 kill sites collected during 2007-2016.Around each kill site,we defined a buffer corresponding to the potential hunting area of wolves.We compared kill site plots and an equal number of random plots.We formulated a model of kill site distribution following an approach presence versus availability by binary logistic regression analysis;we tested the hypothesis that wolf choice of kill sites is influenced by the physiography and the land use of the area.Among the preyed wild ungulates,we identified 23 roe deer Capreolus capreolus,18 fallow deer Dama dama,16 wild boars Sus scrofa,and 5 chamois Rupicapra rupicapra.Binary logistic regression analysis showed a negative effect of the road density,the urban areas,the mixed forests,and a positive effect of steep slopes and open habitats.Prey are more vulnerable to predators under certain conditions and predators are capable of selecting for these conditions.Wolves achieved this by selecting particular habitats in which to kill their prey:they preferred steep,open habitats far from human presence,where wild ungulates are more easily detectable and chasable.
基金The present publication is a partial result of the R&D project‘Ungulate monitoring in German national parks’(FKZ:3518830200)which is supported by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation(BfN).
文摘Ungulate browsing often impairs tree regeneration,thus preventing the achievement of economic or conservation goals.Forest ungulate management would thus benefit from a practical decision tool that facilitates method selection from a wide range of monitoring methods and indicators currently available.In this study,we first provide an overview of the different browsing-impact monitoring methods and indicators currently applied.We then present a newly developed decision matrix for method evaluation that can assist forest stakeholders in choosing the browsing-impact monitoring method best suited to their needs,based on the selected indicators.The first step involved two separate literature reviews to create an overview of the currently applied methods and to select the indicators best suited for measuring browsing impact.Three types of indicator groups with their respective parameters were considered important for method evaluation:browsing indicators(e.g.regeneration density,browsing incidents),performance indicators(e.g.expense,expertise)and data quality indicators(e.g.susceptibility to measurement errors).Subsequently,all parameters defined within each indicator group were categorised and a grade was assigned to each category.To create the final method-indicator matrix,each browsing-impact monitoring method received a grade for each parameter within all indicator groups,reflecting the specific advantages and disadvantages of implementing the respective parameter within a specific method.The utility of the matrix in selecting the most suitable monitoring method was then demonstrated using the example of Germany's national parks.Based on the weights added to the method-indicator matrix,as defined by national park representatives,and considering local requirements the nearest-tree method was favoured over the other two methods.This newly developed matrix provides a more scientific objectification of ungulate browsing-impact measures and can be easily used by forest managers to address their own requirements,based on a consideration of the advantages and disadvantages of the included methods.
文摘The accuracy of three methods (pellet group count, inverse line transect method and track count) for estimat-ing the density of ungulate population was assessed, based on a wapiti population with the known size in the enclosure of500 hm2 on Tonghe Hunting Farm, Heilongjiang province, China, during 1992-1993. The estimation of population densityusing the Pelld group count method was the closeSt to the actual value, whereas the density of the wapiti population wasunderestimated by the inverse line transect method and overestimated by the track count method. No signilicant differenceexisted the estimated and actual values for the pellet group method and the inverse line transed method, but thesignificant differen was found for the track count method. Therefore, it is suggested that the pellet group method should begiven the priority in the survey of ungulate population abundance in practice.
基金supported by the Key-Area Research and Development Program of Guangdong Province (no. 2018B020241002)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (no. 81373051)。
文摘Bocaviruses are associated with many human infectious diseases, such as respiratory tract infections, gastroenteritis, and hepatitis. Rats are known to be reservoirs of bocaviruses, including rodent bocavirus and rat bocavirus.Recently, ungulate bocaparvovirus 4, a known porcine bocavirus, has also been found in rats. Thus, investigating bocaviruses in rats is important for determining the origin of the viruses and preventing and controlling their transmission. To the best of our knowledge, no study to date has investigated bocaviruses in the livers of rats. In this report, a total of 624 rats were trapped in southern China between 2014 and 2017. Liver and serum samples from rats were tested for the prevalence of bocaviruses using PCR. Sequences related to ungulate bocaparvovirus 4and rodent bocavirus were detected in both liver and serum samples. Interestingly, the prevalence of ungulate bocaparvovirus 4(reference strain: KJ622366.1) was higher than that of rodent bocavirus(reference strain:KY927868.1) in both liver(2.24% and 0.64%, respectively) and serum samples(2.19% and 0.44%, respectively).The NS1 regions of ungulate bocaparvovirus 4 and rodent bocavirus related sequences displayed over 84% and88% identity at the nucleic acid and amino acid levels, respectively. Furthermore, these sequences had similar genomic structure, genomic features, and codon usage bias, and shared a common ancestor. These viruses also displayed greater adaptability to rats than pigs. Our results suggested that ungulate bocaparvovirus 4 and rodent bocavirus may originate from rats and may be different genotypes of the same bocavirus species.
基金funded by China Postdoctoral Science Foundation,grant number 2021M690484the Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research Program(STEP),grant number 2019QZKK0402+1 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Sichuan Province:2023NSFSC1152the fund of China West Normal University,grant numbers 22kA016 and KCXTD2023-5
文摘Climate change will impact the distribution of species and their preferred habitat,thereby influencing the ecological processes intrinsic to these species.To investigate these phenomena,we analyzed the habitat distribution,structure,and connectivity of 6 forest ungulate species in Southwest China under current and future climate scenarios.Habitat projections indicate that forest ungulates will migrate to the southwest at higher elevations and the northwest at higher latitudes and elevations in the study area under climate change.The extent to which climate change affects the 6 forest ungulates is quite different.By 2050,there will still be a certain range of habitats for migration in the study area,but the habitat quality of species will have decreased to varying degrees after migration.By 2070,most forest ungulates will begin to experience significant habitat loss and habitat quality decline.The migration of species habitat also leads to a change in species habitat structure.Habitat landscape quality declines for most forest ungulate species.The loss of patches at the junction habitat has a huge impact on species habitat connectivity.The number and distance of corridors between the marginal habitat patches and the core habitat patches increase to a certain extent.To better achieve biodiversity conservation,we should strengthen the restoration and connectivity management of fragmented habitats to protect and restore the current habitats of species.Examples include the management of specific key areas and the establishment of large-scale integrated protected areas such as the Giant Panda National Park.
基金Conservation and monitoring technology research on wild tigers in China(2011-LYSJWT-08)
文摘In order to investigate the feasibility of reintroducing the South China tiger （Panthera tigris amoyensis） in the Jiangxi Matoushan National Nature Reserve, field surveys were conducted to assess prey distribution in the reserve. Twelve permanent transects were set in three distinct functional zones from February to April 2012 and May to July 2013. A total of 112 ungulate signs were recorded on these transects. In addition, 20 camera traps were used to survey ungulates and predators in 2012, while the following year we extended the survey site by using 30 cameras. Overall, 6641 capture events on 2930 camera days were obtained, presenting a variety of ungulate spe- cies： muntjak （Muntiacus muntjak）, tufted deer （Elaphodus cephalophus）, serow （Capricornis sumatraensis） and wild boar （Sus scrofa）. Population structure and composition of ungulates was compared in different functional zones using a single factor of variance analysis in SPSS software. Significant differences in the distribution of un- gulates were recognized between the core zone and experimental zone, but not in other zones due to differences in habitat types and management practices of the nature reserve. Using ArcGIS analysis and Salford Predictive Modeler software, we ran several predictive models to understand which areas are most suitable for ungulates. We conclude that muntjac and wild boar are mainly distributed in the experimental zone, serow are more common in the core zone, while tufted deer are located evenly in the three functional zones. Finally, suggestions for effective and feasible management strategies and techniques for Matoushan National Nature Reserve were recom- mended based on the results and analysis in this study.
基金The National Natural Science Foundation of China (31470567)。
文摘Fencing is an important part of husbandry for pastoral communities;however, these same fences can have unintended consequences for wildlife populations by restricting movement, reducing connectivity, and causing direct mortality. This paper assesses the current status and effects of fencing present in Yanchiwan National Nature Reserve, soon to be part of the recently proposed Qilianshan National Park. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 70 households to gauge local herders’ perceptions of fences, threats of fencing to native ungulates, and the number of wildlife found entangled in fencing. We found that local communities rely on fencing for livestock management and individuals who had encountered wildlife entangled in fences were more likely to perceive fences as having negative effects. Furthermore, those who perceived fencing as harmful to wildlife were more likely to support the dismantling of fences. On the other hand, families who needed to hire others to tend to their livestock were less likely to support dismantling efforts. However, the best model was only able to account for some of the data variability, suggesting that while perceptions of fences are important, other factors could be influencing support for fence dismantling. Hence, increasing awareness of threats alone may not be enough to generate community support of a fence dismantling program. Therefore, outreach and community collaboration to reduce the impacts of fence alterations upon livestock management will be necessary for a successful fence dismantling program within the new national park. Finally, those surveyed reported finding kiang, argali, and Tibetan gazelle dead in fences, with kiang found more often than the other two. This suggests that these three species may be more vulnerable to fence entanglement and that they are good targets for future studies and dismantling efforts.
文摘The objective of the review was to assess the potential of indigenous browse trees as sustainable feed supplement in the form of silage for captive wild ungulates.Several attempts to use silage as feed in zoos in temperate regions have been conducted with success.Information on silage from the indigenous browse trees preferred by wild ungulates in southern Africa is scanty.The use of silage from the browse trees is of interest as it has potential to reduce or replace expensive feed sources(pellets,fruits and farm produce) currently offered in southern African zoos,game farms and reserves,especially during the colddry season.Considerable leaf biomass from the indigenous browse trees can be produced for silage making.High nutrient content and minerals from indigenous browsable trees are highly recognised.Indigenous browse trees have low water-soluble carbohydrates(WSC) that render them undesirable for fermentation.Techniques such as wilting browse leaves,mixing cereal crops with browse leaves,and use of additives such as urea and enzymes have been studied extensively to increase WSC of silage from the indigenous browse trees.Anti-nutritional factors from the indigenous browse preferred by the wild ungulates have also been studied extensively.Indigenous browse silages are a potential feed resource for the captive wild ungulates.If the browse trees are used to make silage,they are likely to improve performance of wild ungulates in captivity,especially during the cold-dry season when browse is scarce.Research is needed to assess the feasibility of sustainable production and the effective use of silage from indigenous browse trees in southern Africa.Improving intake and nutrient utilisation and reducing the concentrations of anti-nutritional compounds in silage from the indigenous browse trees of southern Africa should be the focus for animal nutrition research that need further investigation.
基金supported by National Science Foundation grant DEB-0841609 to R.L.L.
文摘Aims Woody plant-browser systems represent an understudied facet of herbivory.We subjected four genotypes of trembling aspen to artificial browsing,similar to that of a large mammalian herbivore,and applied deer saliva to clipped and unclipped trees to assess:(i)the effects of artificial browsing on aspen growth and phytochemistry of leaves and stems,(ii)genotypic variation in responses and(iii)potential alterations of responses by mammalian saliva.Methods Potted aspen trees were grown outdoors on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus.The experiment consisted of a fullycrossed,2×2×4 randomized complete block design,with two levels of artificial browsing(unclipped and clipped),two levels of saliva application(no saliva and saliva)and four aspen genotypes.To simulate ungulate browsing damage,we removed the upper 50%of the stem of half of the trees by pinching the stem with needle-nosed pliers and then separating it by tearing.For half of the damaged trees,we immediately swabbed the wound with deer saliva.Trees in the unclipped plus saliva treatment were swabbed with saliva at the 50%height mark.To assess the effects of clipping and saliva application,we harvested all trees after 2 months and measured various growth and chemical properties.Growth measurements included height,vertical growth,mass of leaves,stems and roots,leaf number and area and bud set.Chemical parameters included defensive,nutritional and structural components of both foliage and stems.Important Findings Clipping affected most of the growth parameters measured,decreasing tree height,leaf,stem,root and total tree mass and leaf area.Clipped trees had greater vertical growth,more leaves and higher specific leaf area(SLA)than unclipped trees.Deer saliva had little to no effect on plant growth response to the clipping treatment.Terminal budset was delayed by clipping and varied among genotypes but not in response to saliva application.Clipping also affected most of the phytochemical variables measured,reducing defensive compounds(phenolic glycosides and condensed tannins(CTs))and nutrients(N),but increasing structural components(cellulose and lignin)in both leaves and stems.Saliva had very little effect on tree chemistry,causing only a slight decrease in the amount of CTs in leaves.In general,leaves contained more defensive compounds and nutrients,but much less cellulose,compared with stems.Genotypes differed for all physical and chemical indices,and in tolerance to damage as measured by vertical growth.In addition,for most of the physical and chemical variables measured,genotype interacted with the clipping treatment,suggesting that in natural stands some genotypes will resist or tolerate browsing better than others,affecting forest genetic composition and ultimately forest dynamics.
基金This work was supported by the Pennsylvania Game Commission,Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit,and The Pennsylvania State University.
文摘It is unknown how ungulate physiological responses to environmental perturbation influence overall population demographics.Moreover,neonatal physiological responses remain poorly studied despite the importance of neonatal survival to population growth.Glucocorticoid(GC)hormones potentially facilitate critical physiological and behavioral responses to environmental perturbations.However,elevated GC concentrations over time may compromise body condition and indirectly reduce survival.We evaluated baseline salivary cortisol(CORT;a primary GC in mammals)concentrations in 19 wild neonatal white-tailed deer(Odocoileus virginianus)in a northern(NS)and southern(SS)area in Pennsylvania.After ranking survival models consisting of variables hypothesized to influence neonate survival(i.e.weight,sex),the probability of neonate survival was best explained by CORT concentrations,where elevated CORT concentrations were associated with reduced survival probability to 12 weeks of age.Cortisol concentrations were greater in the SS where predation rates and predator densities were lower.As the first evaluation of baseline CORT concentrations in an ungulate neonate to our knowledge,this is also the first study to demonstrate CORT concentrations are negatively associated with ungulate survival at any life stage.Glucocorticoid hormones could provide a framework in which to better understand susceptibility to mortality in neonatal white-tailed deer.
基金funded by the TRF/BIOTEC Special Program for Biodiversity Research and Training grant BRT-R353008 and BRT-R346001.
文摘Southeast Asia’s tropical forests suffer the highest rates of deforestation and disturbance of any on Earth,with poorly understood impacts on native fauna.Asian tapirs(Tapirus indicus)are among the least studied of the large mammals in these forests.Using records from 9 camera trap surveys in 7 of the largest(>1000 km2)pro-tected area complexes,we assessed the influence of environmental variation and human-induced disturbance on tapir occurrence.Tapirs were detected at 13%of locations sampled,significantly associated with evergreen for-est(P<0.001).A multiple logistic regression model predicted tapir presence 87%of the time.According to this model,tapir occurrence was positively influenced by annual rainfall and proximity to the forest edge.Howev-er,tapirs may not avoid edges but instead prefer wetter evergreen forest,a habitat type that tended to occur fur-ther from the forest edge at higher elevations in our particular study sites(P<0.001).By comparison,4 other wild ungulate species that share habitats with tapirs showed a range of differing responses.Tapirs are expect-ed to be less sensitive to disturbance because they are not targets for hunting and trade,and are almost entire-ly active at night,so avoid peak traffic periods in parks.Tapir populations in Thailand may be more stable than in other parts of their global range because rates of forest loss have decreased>40%over the past 20 years.We recommend surveys to fill gaps in the understanding of the status in lesser-known protected areas,research to better understand the fine-scale environmental influences on behavior and habitats of tapirs,and other forest un-gulates,and continued legal status for tapirs in the highest category of protection.
文摘Group size variations of the Arabian sand gazelle Gazella subgutturosa marica were studied during a period of drought at the Mahazat as-Sayd Protected Area in central western Saudi Arabia. Significant differences in median group sizes were observed between all seasons except summer. Single animals were observed mainly during summer while group sizes ex- ceeding 10 individuals were observed mainly during winter. Solitary male and female groups were typically observed during winter and mixed groups mainly during the autumn rutting period. Most mixed groups were two to four times larger during winter than summer. The adult sex ratio （male： female） for all seasons combined was in parity and highest during autumn （1：1.23）, probably as a result of prolonged drought conditions. The variability in group structure related to environmental conditions may be one factor permitting G. s. marica to adapt to hyper-arid habitats and climatic regimes in central western Saudi Arabia. The value of continuous monitoring of the gazelle population is emphasised for this drought prone region
基金supported by the Sino-Africa Joint Research Centre,Chinese Academy of Sciences(SAJC201612)
文摘Kenya has a rich mammalian fauna. We reviewed recently published books and papers including the six volumes of Mammals of Africa to develop an up-to-date annotated checklist of all mammals recorded from Kenya. A total of 390 species have been identified in the country, including 106 species of rodents,104 species of bats, 63 species of even-toed ungulates(including whales and dolphins), 36 species of insectivores and carnivores, 19 species of primates,five species of elephant shrews, four species of hyraxes and odd-toed ungulates, three species of afrosoricids, pangolins, and hares, and one species of aardvark, elephant, sirenian and hedgehog. The number of species in this checklist is expected to increase with additional surveys and as the taxonomic status of small mammals(e.g., bats, shrews and rodents) becomes better understood.
基金partly funded by the Research Council of Norway,project#215647/E40(Intensified harvesting of forests–implications for enterprises related to wild and domestic ungulates)
文摘Forest pasturing of free-roaming livestock is a common prac- tice in many parts of the world, but knowledge on how it affects tree regeneration in boreal forests is lacking. We mapped tree density, live- stock site use and accumulated damage to young trees of commercial interest （Norway spruce, Picea abies L. Karst.） on 56 clearcuts inside and outside a fenced forest area used for livestock pasturing in Ringsaker, Norway. Inside the fence 56-1.8% of spruce trees were damaged com- pared to 37-3.4% outside. Proportion of damaged spruce trees was posi- tively related to cattle use of the clearcut, but not so for sheep. On the most intensively used clearcuts, four out of five trees were damaged. The density of deciduous trees was five times lower inside compared to out- side of the fence （varying with plant species）. While livestock grazing may reduce resource competition in favour of spruce, the current animal density clearly is impeding forest regeneration in the study area.
文摘Weather variations have the potential to in fluence species interactions, although effects on competitive interactions between species are poorly known. Both weather and competition can influence foraging behavior and survival of herbivores during nursing/weaning, a critical period in the herbivore life cycle. We evaluated the joint effects of weather and competition with red deer Cervus elaphus on the foraging behavior of adult female Apen nine chamois Rupicapra pyrenaica ornata in summer, and on winter survival of chamois kids. High temperature and low rainfall during the growing seas on of vegetation had negative effects on bite rate. Effects of weather were greater in forb patches, including cold-adapted, nutritious plants of key importanee to chamois, than in graminoid ones. Our results confirm previous indications of a negative effect of competition on bite rate of female chamois and on kid survival. Furthermore, harsh weather conditions and competition with deer had additive, negative roles on foraging behavior and survival of chamois. Growing temperatures are expected to influence distribution, growth, and/or nutritional quality of plants;competition would reduce pasture quality and food availability through resource depletion. Both factors would limit food/energy intake rates during summer, reducing survival of the youngest cohorts in winter. We suggest that interspecific competition can be an important additive factor to the effects of weather changes on behavior and demography.
基金This work was supported by funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada(NSERC)to R.B.WThe contributions of J.K.and O.H.were funded by Reindeer Husbandry in a Globalizing North(ReiGN),which is a Nordforsk-funded"Nordic Centre of Excellence"(project number 76915).
文摘A developing trophic mismatch between the peak of energy demands by reproducing animals and the peak of forage availability has caused many species'reproductive success to decrease.The match-mismatch hypothesis(MMH)is an appealing concept that can be used to assess such fitness consequences.However,concerns have been raised on applying the MMH on capital breeders such as reindeer because the reliance on maternal capita rather than dietary income may mitigate negative effects of changing phenologies.Using a long-term dataset of reindeer calving dates recorded since 1970 in a semidomesticated reindeer population in Finnish Lapland and proxies of plant phenology;we tested the main hypothesis that the time lag between calving date and the plant phenology in autumn when females store nutrient reserves to finance reproduction would lead to consequences on reproductive success,as the time lag with spring conditions would.As predicted,the reproductive success of females of the Kutuharju reindeer population was affected by both the onset of spring green-up and vegetative senescence in autumn as calves were born heavier and with a higher first-summer survival when the onset of the vegetation growth was earlier and the end of the thermal growing season the previous year was earlier as well.Our results demonstrated that longer plant growing seasons might be detrimental to reindeer's reproductive success if a later end is accompanied by a reduced abundance of mushrooms.
文摘Polygynous males can change their mating tactics across their lifetime, but information is scarce on the flexibility of this trait within a given season and the relative costs and benefits of using different tactics. Here, we monitored individually marked male reindeer Rangifer tarandus and classified their mating tactics as harem-defense, sneaking, or mixed. The costs of the male reproductive effort were assessed using both direct （i.e. percentage of body mass lost） and indirect measures （i.e. activity patterns such as feeding, standing, and walking）, while mating group size and reproductive success were recorded as mating ef- fort benefits. Our results show that reindeer males may switch between the harem-defense and sneaking tactics throughout the same breeding season, providing further support to the notion that reproductive tactics are flexible in ungulates. The costs and benefits of male mating effort vary according to the mating tactic, reaching the highest values in harem-holders and the lowest values in sneaking males. Moreover, males who switched between the sneaking tactic and the harem-defence tactic tended to achieve higher mating success than males who consistently used the least costly tactic. Indeed, all harem-holders successfully sired offspring, whereas only two out of three mixed-tactic males sired one calf, and sneaking males did not sire any calves. In conclusion, our results show that reindeer males can modulate their mating efforts during the same breeding season by switching between the most costly harem-defense tactic and the least costly sneaking tactic, suggesting individual solutions to the balance between reproductive effort and mating opportunities [Current Zoology 61 （5）： 802-810, 2015].
