A morphological analysis of the skull size and shape of Kerivoulinae (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) from Vietnam

Southeast Asia is a region of high biodiversity, containing species of plants and animals that are yet to be discovered. In this region, bats of the subfamily Kerivoulinae are widespread and diverse with six species recorded in Vietnam. However, the taxonomy of the Kerivoulinae in Asia is complicated. In our study, we used diagnostic characters and multivariate analysis to determine morphological differences between the genera Kerivoula and Phoniscus. We showed that the two genera are distinguishable by the size of second upper incisors, the shape of skull, nasal sinus, canines, second upper and lower premolars. In addition, the two genera can be osteometrically separated by measurements of the braincase height, interorbital width and shape of anterior palatal emargination. Our data clearly revealed the morphological variations in the skull shape of Kerivoula hardwickii in Vietnam. This suggests a possible separation into three morphotypes, representing cryptic species supported by statistical differences with wide variation in skull shape, size and teeth. These results demonstrated Kerivoula hardwickii can be separated three subspecies, and the result will serve as the basis for the future assessment and classification of this group in Southeast Asia.     

Role of social structure in establishment of an invasive large mammal after translocation

Background

Data on the movement behavior of translocated wild pigs is needed to develop appropriate response strategies for containing and eliminating new source populations following translocation events. We conducted experimental trials to compare the home range establishment and space-use metrics, including the number of days and distance traveled before becoming range residents, for wild pigs translocated with their social group and individually.

Results

We found wild pigs translocated with their social group made less extensive movements away from the release location and established a stable home range ~5 days faster than those translocated individually. We also examined how habitat quality impacted the home range sizes of translocated wild pigs and found wild pigs maintained larger ranges in areas with higher proportion of low-quality habitat.

Conclusion

Collectively, our findings suggest translocations of invasive wild pigs have a greater probability of establishing a viable population near the release site when habitat quality is high and when released with members of their social unit compared to individuals moved independent of their social group or to low-quality habitat. However, all wild pigs translocated in our study made extensive movements from their release location, highlighting the potential for single translocation events of either individuals or groups to have far-reaching consequences within a much broader landscape beyond the location where they are released. These results highlight the challenges associated with containing populations in areas where illegal introduction of wild pigs occurs, and the need for rapid response once releases are identified. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.     

Assessment of the socio-economic impacts associated with the arrival of apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) in Mwea irrigation scheme,Kenya

Background

In Kenya, rice (Oryza sativa L.) is mainly produced under irrigation by small-scale farmers. Mwea irrigation scheme (MIS) in Kirinyaga County accounts for 80–88% of rice production. Here, rice is the main source of livelihood and a source of revenue generation for the county. However, a recently established invasive freshwater snail, Pomacea canaliculata (Lamarck) (family: Ampullariidae), a species of apple snail, presents a serious threat to rice production.

Results

Household surveys, focus group discussions and key informant interviews highlight apple snail as a serious problem in MIS. Households that observed at least a moderate level of infestation (>20% of cultivated area) experienced significant reductions in rice yield (~14%) and net rice income (~60%). Farmers reported increased use of chemical pesticides for management of apple snail. In addition, the cost of hired labor for physical removal of egg masses and snails is resulting in substantial negative effects on net income. Farmer age, area of land owned, responsibility for decision-making, receipt of extension advice, training, and membership of a farmer organization, were all statistically significant variables to explain farmers awareness of the need for area-wide apple snail management.

Conclusion

Strategies to limit the spread of apple snail are urgently needed. A Multi-Institutional Technical Team (MITT) has been established to spearhead management efforts and consolidate advice to farmers on how to manage apple snail. However, without action to mitigate spread, the consequences could be disastrous for rice production and food security in Kenya, and for other rice growing regions across Africa. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.     

大兴安岭火烧迹地主要目的树种的天然更新

对不同火烧方式、火烧强度、林分组成、坡向、坡位、郁闭度、土壤厚度、下木盖度、地被物盖度、林龄等条件下的样地的天然更新情况进行了调查。结果表明:地表火火烧迹地的天然更新效果好于树冠火火烧迹地;中度火烧迹地好于重度火烧迹地;发生火烧的林分比未发生火烧的林分天然更新效果好。     

大兴安岭主要乔木灰分含量的试验分析

通过对大兴安岭地区主要乔木灰分含量的测定,分析了不同树种以及同一树种不同部位灰分含量的异同,并试图分析产生差异的原因。研究结果表明,各树种均以干部灰分含量为最低,树皮和枝部灰分含量差异不大;山杨除树干以外,灰分含量明显高于其它树种;树种之间灰分含量差异显著,而上、中、下部枝之间以及其它部位之间灰分含量差异不显著。可燃烧物灰分含量与全碳量之间存在负相关关系。     

暗期间断对光敏感雌性不育苎麻活性氧代谢的影响

在短日照(10 h/d)处理的光敏感雌性不育苎麻的暗期进行红光和远红光间断暗期的处理,并对叶片和雌性花器官的活性氧相关酶的活性和膜脂过氧化产物丙二醛(MDA)含量测定。结果表明,红光处理诱导雌性败育,远红光处理则雌性可育。败育株叶片的过氧化物酶(POD)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性均高于可育株,但败育节位的MDA含量较低;败育株各节花蕾中POD活性较高,正在发育雌蕾的SOD和CAT活性亦高于可育株,但在败育节位下降到可育株水平,MDA含量则升高并超过可育株。暗示光敏色素调节了雌花活性氧代谢的失衡,而且与诱导雌性败育相关。     

中国新疆地区蚱属2新种(直翅目:蚱科)

记述采自新疆地区蚱属2新种,即拟钻形蚱Tetrix subulatoidessp.nov.及福海蚱Tetrix fuhaiensissp.nov.。模式标本保存于陕西师范大学动物研究所昆虫标本室。     

浙江龙泉地区珍贵阔叶树种保护培育工作现状及对策

为了促进人与自然和谐相处,保障生态文明建设,应做好森林资源保护培育工作。通过分析浙江龙泉地区珍贵阔叶树种保护培育工作的现状及问题,提出相应的对策,以完善龙泉地区森林资源建设,促进林业可持续发展。     

Exploring tree diversity and stand structure of savanna woodlands in southeastern Sudan

Savanna woodlands in Sudan host great biodiversity, provide a plethora of ecosystem goods and services to local communities, and sustain numerous ecological functions. Although the importance of the Acacia trees in these areas is well known, up-to-date information about these woodlands' diversity is limited and changes in their woody vegetation composition, density, diversity and relative frequency are not monitored over time. This study explored tree diversity and stand stage structure in Nuara Reserved Forest, a typical savanna woodland ecosystem in southeastern Sudan. A total of 638 circular sample plots (1000 m² for each) were established using a systematic sampling grid method. The distance between plots was 200 m. In each plot, all living trees with diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥5.00 cm were identified and counted, and their DBH values were recorded. From these data, tree composition, diversity, density and stage structure were assessed. There were 12,259 individual trees representing four species (Acacia seyal, Balanites aegyptiaca, Acacia Senegal and Acacia mellifera) that belong to two families. The dominant species was Acacia seyal. Average tree density was 191 trees/hm² and the Shannon-Weiner index for trees diversity was 0.204. Overall, young trees comprised 86.30% of the forest. The state of tree richness and density in the study area was low compared to other similar environments in the region and around the world. We recommended adoption of a proper management system that includes monitoring of woody vegetation diversity in this forest, and management actions to enhance tree diversity and sustain ecosystem services to local communities. In addition to care for the dominant Acacia seyal stands, more attention and conservation should be devoted to reestablishing Acacia senegal and Acacia mellifera trees because of their high ecological and economic values for local communities.