A survey on the use of rugs in Australian horses

The practice of horse rugging has important implications for horse welfare and performance, but in Australia, rugging practices have not been properly documented. The objective of this study was to obtain an understanding of Australian horse rugging practices. An online survey reviewed the management of 2659 Australian horses over 12 months. Of the reported horses a total of 84.8% were rugged, although most owners (69.5%) indicated that they were unsure whether horses needed to be rugged at all. Rugging was felt by 59.8% of owners to be a requirement for horses in competition. Riding and competition were significantly associated with the use of rugs. Nearly all respondents (89.0%) felt that ‘over-rugging’ was a concern. However, 4.8% of owners would use up to 4 rugs at any one time on their horse and 21.4% of horses were still rugged in temperatures above 20°C in Australia. Many Australian horse owners (42.8%) also believe that horses feel cold if they are not rugged. Anthropomorphism when it comes to rugging horses cannot be justified as the horse has a much wider thermoneutral zone (TNZ) than humans. Australian climate, owner opinions, equestrian discipline and whether a horse is used for riding influence Australian horse rugging practices. However, current practices are based on limited available research and are not necessarily to the benefit of the horse. The major limitation was that the survey likely attracted respondents who are interested in the topic creating a self-selection bias.     

基于土地利用/覆盖的甘肃省景观生态风险时空变化特征

甘肃省景观类型丰富多样,在中国西部地区的生态安全中起关键性作用,也为当地发展提供着重要的物质基础和生态服务。由于气候变化和人类不合理活动的影响,甘肃省部分地区生态环境的安全与稳定遭到严峻挑战。本研究基于欧洲航空局全球土地利用/覆盖数据（CCI-LC）,利用动态度、转移矩阵方法分析了2005-2019年甘肃省土地利用/覆盖变化特征;通过构建景观生态风险指数并运用空间自相关分析法分析了景观生态风险的空间分布特征。结果显示：1)2005-2019年间,裸地面积减少最多,变化率1.88%,耕地次之,变化率2.31%;草地面积增加最多,变化率1.83%,建设用地次之,变化率191.08%。2）所有土地利用/覆盖类型中,建设用地的动态度最高且在整个研究时期内变化速率都保持在较高水平,综合动态度最大的时期为2010-2019年。3）土地利用/覆盖转移矩阵主要表现为耕地、林地、草地、裸地之间的转入与转出以及其他土地类型向建设用地的转入。4)2019年整体的生态风险值较2005年明显上升。其中低风险区和较低风险区面积最多,转化最频繁;中等风险区、较高风险区和高风险区面积虽然较少,但都存在不同程度的增长。...     

西南喀斯特地区草地生态系统面临的问题及对策

本文系统阐述了西南喀斯特地区草地生态系统的重要性,并分析了西南喀斯特地区草地生态系统面临的问题,主要为水土流失、土壤贫瘠、土地石漠化、生物多样性减少以及人类不合理利用等,针对上述问题提出了增加栽培草地面积、提高公众环保意识、调整农村产业结构、保持水土、防治石漠化、建立完善的监测评价体系等一系列相应对策,以期为喀斯特地区草地生态系统健康、稳定、持续发展提供一定的科学依据。     

新型兽医服务体系建设要素

兽医服务体系对畜牧业持续建康发展,动物重大疫病防控,保障公共卫生安全等起着十分重要的作用。论文结合国家对"三农"工作的发展要求,从兽医服务体系改革思路、构建新型体制机制、提升兽医专业技能水平、政策支持,建立有效的财政保障运行机制、推广普及和新技术应用、完善兽医法律体系建设和兽医信息化建设等方面进行了论述,以期为人类和社会提供更好的服务。     

The face of conservation responding to a dynamically changing world

In its 40‐year history, the science of conservation has faced unprecedented challenges in terms of environmental damage and rapid global change, and environmental problems are only increasing as greater demands are placed on limited natural resources. Conservation science has been adapting to keep pace with these changes. Here, we highlight contemporary and emerging trends and innovations in conservation science that we believe represent the most effective responses to biodiversity threats. We focus on specific areas where conservation science has had to adjust its approach to address emerging threats to biodiversity, including habitat destruction and degradation, climate change, declining populations and invasive species. We also document changes in attitudes, norms and practices among conservation scientists. A key component to success is engaging and maintaining public support for conservation, which can be facilitated through the use of technology. These recent trends in conservation and management are innovative and will assist in optimizing conservation strategies, increasing our leverage with the general public and tackling our current environmental challenges.     

转基因植物对环境生态平衡的影响

根据近年来国内外关于转基因植物的研究进展,结合维持生态平衡的3个主要因素,即物种组成、环境因素及信息系统,论述转基因植物对环境生态平衡的影响.     

中央森林生态效益补偿实施中的问题与对策探讨

根据中央森林生态效益补偿实施的现状，从政策、管理、机制等方面分析实施中存在的问题．提出解决问题的对策措施。