Locomotion behavior of cao vit gibbon (Nomascus nasutus) living in karst forest in Bangliang Nature Reserve,Guangxi, China

The cao vit gibbon is a critically endangered species. Only approximately 110 individuals remain in degraded karst forest along the China‐Vietnam border. Karst forest is unusual gibbon habitat. Currently, the canopy height of cao vit gibbon habitat is approximately 10 m. Research on the locomotor behavior of gibbons living in this particular forest type might provide important insight into locomotor stability and variability of gibbons. We used 5 min scan samples to record the locomotion mode, support use and canopy strata of gibbons in 3 groups for 2096 h between January 2008 and December 2009. Although cao vit gibbon habitat has a lower canopy in comparison to that of other forests inhabited by gibbons, cao vit gibbons displayed a similar overall locomotor pattern to other gibbon species (Symphalangus syndactylus, Hylobates lar and Hylobates agilis) in which brachiation dominate their locomotor behavior. Cao vit gibbons spent most of their time travelling on inclined branches (2–10 cm) in the middle stratum through the forest canopy. Adult females appear to more often employ safer modes of locomotion (bridging more often and brachiation less), while adult males choose riskier modes (leaping more and climbing less). As gibbons increased in body weight, as they grew from infant to adult, they tended to use larger supports. This research documented that locomotor behavior in Hylobatidae is strongly determined by anatomical characters, but cao vit gibbons also show the ability to use various supports, enabling them to survive in karst forest.     

Habitat use and home range of black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas) on farmlands in the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal,South Africa

Black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas) are an abundant mesopredator on farmlands (croplands and rangelands) across South Africa. Given their adaptability in a changing anthropogenic landscape, knowledge of spatial movements can provide important ecological information on the species. We captured, collared and monitored five black-backed jackals in the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal to determine their home range and habitat use in farmlands. The 95% fixed kernel (95% FK) home range sizes were large, showing a marked seasonal variation in movement. One adult male dispersed 150?km over two seasons (winter and spring) and thereafter settled into a home range that it maintained. Transient home ranges of males and juveniles were larger than resident home ranges. The mean resident home ranges (95% FK) across seasons for adult males, adult female and juvenile males were 11.4 ± 4.3 km², 5.6 ± 0.36?km² and 2.15 ± 0.45?km², respectively. The mean transient home ranges (95% FK) of all the seasons for adult and juvenile males were 1 181.93 ± 575.81 km² and 104.27 ± 35.64?km², respectively. Adult jackal preferred croplands in spring, summer and autumn but avoided croplands in winter. Variable habitat use and large home ranges in our study confirmed the species’ ability to adapt to agricultural areas.     

Density and carrying capacity in the forgotten tigerland: Tigers in the understudied Nepalese Churia

While there are numerous wildlife ecology studies in lowland areas of Nepal, there are no in‐depth studies of the hilly Churia habitat even though it comprises 7642 km² of potential wildlife habitat across the Terai Arc. We investigated tiger, leopard and prey densities across this understudied habitat. Our camera trapping survey covered 536 km² of Churia and surrounding areas within Chitwan National Park (CNP). We used 161 trapping locations and accumulated 2097 trap‐nights in a 60‐day survey period during the winter season of 2010–2011. In addition, we walked 136 km over 81 different line transects using distance sampling to estimate prey density. We photographed 31 individual tigers, 28 individual leopards and 25 other mammalian species. Spatial capture–recapture methods resulted in lower density estimates for tigers, ranging from 2.3 to 2.9 tigers per 100 km², than for leopards, which ranged from 3.3 to 5.1 leopards per 100 km². In addition, leopard densities were higher in the core of the Churia compared to surrounding areas. We estimated 62.7 prey animals per 100 km² with forest ungulate prey (sambar, chital, barking deer and wild pig), accounting for 47% of the total. Based on prey availability, Churia habitat within CNP could potentially support 5.86 tigers per 100 km² but our density estimates were lower, perhaps indicating that the tiger population is below carrying capacity. Our results demonstrate that Churia habitat should not be ignored in conservation initiatives, but rather management efforts should focus on reducing human disturbance to support higher predator numbers.     

Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae): A review of conservation status

The majority of wild Sumatran tigers are believed to live in 12 Tiger Conservation Landscapes covering approximately 88 000 km². However, the actual distribution of tigers across Sumatra has never been accurately mapped. Over the past 20 years, conservation efforts focused on the Sumatran tigers have increased, but the population continues to decline as a result of several key threats. To identify the status of the Sumatran tiger distribution across the island, an island-wide questionnaire survey comprised of 35 respondents from various backgrounds was conducted between May and June 2010. The survey found that Sumatran tigers are positively present in 27 habitat patches larger than 250 km² and possibly present in another 2. In addition, a review on major published studies on the Sumatran tiger was conducted to identify the current conservation status of the Sumatran tiger. Collectively, these studies have identified several key factors that have contributed to the decline of Sumatran tiger populations, including: forest habitat fragmentation and loss, direct killing of tigers and their prey, and the retaliatory killing of tigers due to conflict with villagers. The present paper provides management authorities and the international community with a recent assessment and a base map of the actual distribution of Sumatran tigers as well as a general overview on the current status and possible future conservation challenges of Sumatran tiger management.     

Influence of food availability,plant productivity,and indigenous forest use on ranging behavior of the endangered samango monkey (Cercopithecus albogularis schwarzi), in the Soutpansberg Mountains,South Africa

Understanding the determinants of ranging patterns in species susceptible to habitat fragmentation is fundamental for assessing their long‐term adaptability to an increasingly human‐dominated landscape. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the influence of ground‐based food availability, remotely sensed plant productivity, and indigenous forest use on the ranging patterns of the endangered samango monkey (Cercopithecus albogularis schwarzi). We collected monthly ranging data on two habituated samango monkey groups, from February 2012 to December 2016, from our field site in the Soutpansberg Mountains, South Africa. We used linear mixed models to explore how food availability, plant productivity, and indigenous forest use influenced monthly ranging patterns, while controlling for group size, number of sample days and day length. We found that as more areas of high plant productivity (derived from remotely sensed EVI) were incorporated into the ranging area, both total and core monthly ranging areas decreased. In addition, both total ranging area and mean monthly daily path length decreased as more indigenous forest was incorporated into the ranging area. However, we found no effect of either ground‐based food availability or remotely sensed plant productivity on ranging patterns. Our findings demonstrate the behavioral flexibility in samango monkey ranging, as samangos can utilize matrix habitat during periods of low productivity but are ultimately dependent on access to indigenous forest patches. In addition, we highlight the potential of using remotely sensed areas of high plant productivity to predict ranging patterns in a small ranging, forest‐dwelling guenon, over ground‐based estimates of food availability.     

Fire History in a Chaparral Ecosystem: Implications for Conservation of a Native Ungulate

Mature chaparral vegetation in the San Gabriel Mountains, California, resulting from long fire-return intervals (50–70 yr), has resulted in reduced visibility and availability and quality of forage, all of which are important attributes of mountain sheep (Ovis canadensis) habitat. Concomitantly, vegetation changes have decreased availability and quality of forage. We developed a resource-selection model to determine the effect of fire history on habitat use by mountain sheep, examined the hypotheses that habitat selection was associated with fire occurrence, and determined whether fire occurrence influenced the amount of potential habitat available to mountain sheep. The best model indicated that mountain sheep selected vegetation that had burned within 15 yr and avoided areas that had not burned within that time frame. We then used our model to quantify potential changes in mountain sheep habitat that have occurred over time based on fire conditions. We identified 390 km² of mountain sheep habitat that existed in 2002 (when only 63 mountain sheep were tallied), 486 km² in 1980 (when the mountain sheep population was at its highest), and 422 km² in 2004 (just after a series of large wildfires). We also estimated that 615 km² of suitable habitat would be available in a hypothetical situation in which the entire study area burned. Our results suggest that restoration of mountain sheep to their historical distribution in chaparral ecosystems will depend upon more frequent fires in areas formerly occupied by those specialized herbivores.     

海南孔雀雉:一种濒危稀有的热带鸟类

海南孔雀雉(Polyplectron katsumatae)为我国的特有鸟类,同时也是世界上体型最小的孔雀雉,仅分布于海南岛的热带山地雨林中.最近海南孔雀雉从灰孔雀雉(P.bicalcaratum)的亚种中被提升为种,同时被IUCN列为“濒危”等级,是目前我国最濒危的雉类物种之一.本文提供了关于海南孔雀雉的分布、生境、...     

Seasonal Variation in Habitat Selection by Free-Ranging Feral Horses Within Alberta’s Forest Reserve

Little is known about habitat selection by free-ranging feral horses in Montane environments, including how horse use may vary seasonally throughout the year. We tracked four global positioning system collared horses in four separate harems between November 2008 and October 2010 for a portion of the Rocky Mountain Forest Reserve in southwest Alberta, Canada. We assessed seasonal habitat selection for the study period by combining locational data with landscape data (including vegetation types) in an information theoretic framework. Home ranges for horses varied from 12.4 to 90 km² and were confined to local watersheds. Horses selected most for lowland grasslands across all seasons, with shrublands increasingly selected in spring and summer. Harvested conifer forests were only selected by horses during winter. Resource selection functions indicated that in addition to vegetation type, horses were selecting for a variety of habitat characteristics (i.e., distance to forest and solar radiation), while water availability, topographic accessibility, and disturbance features (e.g., distance to roads, recreational trails, and seismic lines associated with energy exploration) had little or no influence on horse selection. Overall, horses demonstrated selection for habitats covering 14% of the study area while avoiding 42% of habitats: remaining areas were used in proportion to their availability. Concentration of horse use within sparse vegetation types (grassland and shrubland), particularly during one or more times of the year, help identify critical horse habitat including areas where multiple, overlapping land uses interact on public land.     

Estimating abundance and density of Amur tigers along the Sino–Russian border

As an apex predator the Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) could play a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity of forest ecosystems in Northeast Asia. Due to habitat loss and harvest over the past century, tigers rapidly declined in China and are now restricted to the Russian Far East and bordering habitat in nearby China. To facilitate restoration of the tiger in its historical range, reliable estimates of population size are essential to assess effectiveness of conservation interventions. Here we used camera trap data collected in Hunchun National Nature Reserve from April to June 2013 and 2014 to estimate tiger density and abundance using both maximum likelihood and Bayesian spatially explicit capture–recapture (SECR) methods. A minimum of 8 individuals were detected in both sample periods and the documentation of marking behavior and reproduction suggests the presence of a resident population. Using Bayesian SECR modeling within the 11 400 km² state space, density estimates were 0.33 and 0.40 individuals/100 km² in 2013 and 2014, respectively, corresponding to an estimated abundance of 38 and 45 animals for this transboundary Sino–Russian population. In a maximum likelihood framework, we estimated densities of 0.30 and 0.24 individuals/100 km² corresponding to abundances of 34 and 27, in 2013 and 2014, respectively. These density estimates are comparable to other published estimates for resident Amur tiger populations in the Russian Far East. This study reveals promising signs of tiger recovery in Northeast China, and demonstrates the importance of connectivity between the Russian and Chinese populations for recovering tigers in Northeast China.     

Blue sheep in the Annapurna Conservation Area,Nepal: habitat use,population biomass and their contribution to the carrying capacity of snow leopards

The Himalaya region of Nepal provides a habitat for the endangered snow leopard (Panthera uncia) and its principal prey species, the blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur). The aim of this study was to describe the habitat, the distribution and the population structure of blue sheep, and to estimate their contribution to the carrying capacity of snow leopard in the upper Mustang region of Nepal. Blue sheep were recorded at altitudes from 3209–5498 m on slopes with gradients of 16–60° and aspects of 40°NE to 140°SE. A total of 939 blue sheep were counted in the upper Mustang region, and 98 were counted in the Yak Kharka region of Manang district; however, upper Mustang had the lowest population density of blue sheep recorded within their distribution range in Nepal (0.86 blue sheep/km²). The results of the study show that a higher density of blue sheep is associated with greater plant species diversity. The most important species present in the blue sheep habitat were Kobresia pygmaea, Artemesia spp., Lonicera spp., Lancea tibetica, Poa spp., Astragalus spp. and Ephedra gerardiana. It is estimated that the existing blue sheep population biomass of approximately 38 925 kg in the upper Mustang region could support approximately 19 snow leopards (1.6 snow leopards/100 km²).     

中国绿孔雀濒危现状及其保护

绿孔雀曾广布于中国南方多个省份,包括湖南、湖北、四川、广东、广西及云南等省区,现仅分布于云南局部地区,其种群数量不断减少,种群逐渐分散、衰退,根据最新调查结果显示,中国现存野生绿孔雀数量仅剩约235～280只,已被云南省列为极危(CR)物种。绿孔雀数量及分布区急剧缩减的原因主要包括人类的干扰和猎杀、栖息地侵占,破坏和斑块化等因素。科研人员及保护工作者在保护区的建设、绿孔雀人工繁育等方面保护绿孔雀野生种群,扩大人工种群。目前,涉及绿孔雀保护工作的保护区达十余个,已全面覆盖绿孔雀栖息地。本文概述了绿孔雀的形态、生态习性、繁殖行为、亚种分化及地理分布等生物学特征,分析绿孔雀濒危现状及致危因素,整合目前立法保护、就地保护、易地保护等保护措施,为将来的保护及科研工作提出了建议和展望。     

肺炎克雷伯氏菌致白颊长臂猿脓肿一例

白颊长臂猿是中、老、越三国交界地区的特有种,属于国家Ⅰ级重点保护动物。目前我国白颊长臂猿主要分布于西双版纳自然保护区和绿春黄连山自然保护区。北京动物园目前共饲养了十几只白颊长臂猿,繁殖状况良好。2009年9月我园1只白颊长臂猿体表出现多处脓肿。后抽取脓液,分离到1株革兰氏阴性小杆菌。该白颊长臂猿经治疗无效后死亡。剖检时发现其体内有亦有大量脓液,经分离培养,与体表分离到的是同一株细菌。该菌株经鉴定是肺炎克雷伯氏菌肺炎亚种（Klebsiella pneumoniae ssp pneumoniae）。并对其进行了药物敏感试验。     

Estimating Cape hare occupancy and abundance in southern Tunisia using spotlighting data

This study outlines the importance of integrating spotlighting data and occupancy modelling to estimate the spatial occupancy, abundance and habitat preferences of Cape hares Lepus capensis in southern Tunisia. Exploring the spatial distribution pattern of this species is problematic because of its nocturnal and secretive behaviour. In order to overcome these constraints, we used spotlight surveys on equidistant points along tracks to collect presence/absence data. Using a likelihood-based approach, we estimated occupancy and relative abundance of Cape hare populations in three national parks: Sidi Toui, Bouhedma and Jbil. We also combined the three parks in a single area to represent ‘southern Tunisia’ for investigating the factors affecting its distribution pattern. Sidi Toui showed the highest occupancy and relative abundance values (88.84 ± 10.95% and 7.97 hares km^?2, respectively). Bouhedma was also recognised as high-quality hare habitat with occupancy and relative abundance values of 61.70 ± 11.70% and 2.85 hares km^?2, respectively. The lowest occupancy (49.65 ± 26.25%) and relative abundance (2.10 hares km^?2) estimates were encountered in Jbil. The combined parks model suggested that part of the distribution pattern of Cape hares can be explained by habitat quality. Spatial occupancy over southern Tunisia showed a positive relationship between its occurrence and the availability of Poaceae and Plantaginaceae.     

Spatial density estimate of the snow leopard,Panthera uncia,in the Central Tibetan Plateau,China

Knowledge of large carnivore population abundance is essential for wildlife management and conservation, but these data are often difficult to obtain in inherently low-density species. In particular, the snow leopard, Panthera uncia, an enigmatic cat occupying remote mountains in Central Asia, has received insufficient assessments of its population abundance because of logistical and methodological challenges. Here, we aimed to develop a robust density estimation of snow leopards based on 81 days of camera trapping within a contiguous and previously unsurveyed 1950 km² area of habitat on the Tibetan Plateau (Mayue Township, Shenzha County, Tibet Autonomous Region, China). By applying spatially explicit capture–recapture models, we produced an estimate of 1.40 (95%CI: 1.06–1.84) individuals per 100 km². Results also suggested sex-specific variation in the range of movement around activity centers, with male (N = 10, σ = 4.02) movement considerably greater than female (N = 8, σ = 1.84) movement. The findings can serve as a reliable baseline reference for assessing the population trends of this endangered felid species with future estimates. This study will provide context to contribute toward a better understanding of ecological factors shaping the distribution and abundance of snow leopards and the related conservation measures needed to sustain their long-term survival on the Tibetan Plateau.     

Habitat Effects on Condition of Doe Mule Deer in Arid Mixed Woodland-grassland

Productivity of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus Raf.) populations is closely linked to individual nutritional condition. We modeled body fat of individual does as a function of vegetation cover, composition, and water characteristics of their annual, summer, and winter home ranges in north-central New Mexico. We also modeled home range size as a function of the same characteristics. Levels of body fat were most closely and negatively related to the amount of pinyon-juniper in an individual deer's annual home range (F_1,21 = 7.6; P = 0.012; r² = 0.26). Pinyon-juniper types provided little (combined ground cover of preferred forbs and shrubs = 5.7%) mule deer forage but were included in home ranges in excess of their availability on the landscape, likely because of security cover attributes. Proportion of grasslands in home ranges was most strongly related to both annual (F_1,23 = 4.9; P = 0.037; r² = 0.18) and summer (F_2,25 = 5.7; P = 0.009; r² = 0.31) home range sizes, and home ranges increased as the grassland component increased, indicating that this habitat type was providing little value to mule deer. Grassland (0.2% combined cover of preferred forb and shrub) and montane conifer (3.2% ground cover of preferred forb and shrub) habitat types similarly lacked preferred mule deer food, and grasslands also lacked cover. Most immediate gains in mule deer habitat in north-central New Mexico may be attained by management of pinyon-juniper communities to increase forage quantity and quality while maintaining cover attributes. Gains can also be realized in grasslands, but here management must establish both cover and forage.     

Home range establishment and utilization by reintroduced lions (Panthera leo) in a small South African wildlife reserve

Understanding of animal spatial behavior is essential for informed management decisions. In southern Africa, reintroduction of lions (Panthera leo) to small reserves (<1000 km²) has increased since the early 2000s, however studies on their ranging behavior in these enclosed systems remain lacking. We applied Time Local Convex Hull (T‐LoCoH) methods to study the home range establishment and utilization of 11 lions reintroduced to Dinokeng Game Reserve, South Africa, during 2011 through 2014. Lions established home ranges close to their release sites and during the following 3 years their home range sizes continued to increase, but in each individual case the size remained smaller than half of the reserve area (<70 km²). Space use strategies differed between the core and the entire home range, with higher frequency of visits found in core areas. Exceptionally high rates (>60 separate visits) around the largest dam and along rivers suggest the importance of water and its surrounding vegetation in the lions' space utilization pattern. The home range size did not differ with season or sex of the individuals, whereas shifts in locations of home ranges revealed differences in the response of the 2 sexes to territorial conflicts and management interventions. Our study shows a dynamic home range utilization pattern and highlights the importance of both fine‐scale space use patterns (frequency and duration of visits) and broad‐scale home range changes in understanding the ranging behavior of reintroduced animals.     

Observation of intra‐group and extra‐group copulation and reproductive characters in free ranging groups of western black crested gibbon (Nomascus concolor jingdongensis)

Black crested gibbons (Nomascus concolor) are 1 of only 3 gibbon species that have been observed in long‐term polygynous groups, but their mating behavior and reproductive characters have never been reported. Based on population monitoring over 7 years and direct observation for 26 months of the study groups in Wuliang Mountain, central Yunnan, we describe for the first time the copulation behavior and breeding pattern of free‐ranging western black crested gibbons. The gestation period of black crested gibbons is estimated to be between 6 and 7 months. The average breeding interval is 3.5 years, with infant independence at approximately 2.5 years. We observed 2 intra‐group copulations and 5 extra‐group copulations. Copulations were initiated when a female gave a ‘solicitation’ gesture. When a male made any mating attempt, the female might refuse it. These results demonstrate direct female mate choice. Both male and female gibbons dispersed from their natal groups and sometimes replaced paired adults in other groups. We observed no evidence of infanticide during inter‐group conflicts or after replacement of adults. Together with extra‐group copulations, these phenomena indicate a flexible social organization and complex mating system. We also observed a male‐biased sex ratio among offspring. More genetic work is necessary to describe the effects of inter‐group copulation and the genetic diversity of this population.     

Fragmented populations of leopards in West-Central Africa: facing an uncertain future

During recent decades, most endangered species have suffered serious population declines. Little has been documented on leopards inWest-Central Africa and as a result the efficiency of protection measures and wildlife managing practices can be questioned. Using 416 occurrences of leopards, we investigated the relationship between different environmental factors and leopard distribution to establish a baseline distribution of this feline. Leopards are mainly present in two large populations: one in a forest habitat, the other in a savanna habitat. Leopard populations were found to be associated with lions and hyaenas but they avoided human disturbances. Regarding potential breeding dispersal, the Gaussian representation showed a clear fragmentation among populations, suggesting that long-term survival of the species could be threatened. We found no area to be exempt from threats. The leopard has, however, declined less than other carnivore species and still shows viable populations. Furthermore, occurrences were found to be significantly more numerous than expected in protected areas, suggesting the relative efficiency of conservation.     

Quantifying landscape linkages among giant panda subpopulations in regional scale conservation

Understanding habitat requirements and identifying landscape linkages are essential for the survival of isolated populations of endangered species. Currently, some of the giant panda populations are isolated, which threatens their long-term survival, particularly in the Xiaoxiangling mountains. In the present study, we quantified niche requirements and then identified potential linkages of giant panda subpopulations in the most isolated region, using ecological niche factor analysis and a least-cost path model. Giant pandas preferred habitat with conifer forest and gentle slopes (>20 to ≤30°). Based on spatial distribution of suitable habitat, linkages were identified for the Yele subpopulation to 4 other subpopulations (Liziping, Matou, Xinmin and Wanba). Their lengths ranged from 15 to 54 km. The accumulated cost ranged from 693 to 3166 and conifer forest covered over 31%. However, a variety of features (e.g. major roads, human settlements and large unforested areas) might act as barriers along the linkages for giant panda dispersal. Our analysis quantified giant panda subpopulation connectivity to ensure long-term survival.     

Distribution pattern of endangered bird species in China

In this study, we determined six “hotspots” for avian biodiversity conservation in China. We analyzed the distribution patterns of 183 threatened bird species in China in conjunction with geographical data to produce a distribution map that shows the concentrations of threatened species. The six biodiversity hotspots are: the western Tianshan Mountains; the Qilian and Hengduan mountains; southern Anhui, southern Jiangsu, and the Zhejiang Hills; the Songliao Plain and the northern region of the North China Plain; the island of Taiwan; and the island of Hainan. Based on our analysis of a species–habitat matrix, species were determined to be distributed mainly in broadleaved forest, grassland and meadows, urban and agricultural areas, wetlands, and bush. Most species were commonly found to have a range of three to five different habitat types. Apart from the six biodiversity hotspots, six ecological clusters were determined. Protection strategies indicating different levels of habitat priority among the biodiversity hotspots were also recommended.