佛坪三官庙地区大熊猫种群数量的DNA指纹分析

应用同位素标记大熊猫基因指纹探针Ｆ２ＺＧＰ９６０６０８０１，以秦岭南坡中段佛坪国家级大熊猫自然保护区三官庙范围内采集的大熊猫粪便样品作材料，进行了ＤＮＡ指纹检测．（１）在相同或不同时间、领域采得的粪便样品，显现出相同或不同的ＤＮＡ指纹图谱，达到个体认定的目的，进一步表明了大熊猫的尽量新鲜的粪便，可以作为ＤＮＡ指纹分析材料，进行野生种群数量调查．（２）根据检测２１个粪便样品的结果，无误地认定了三官庙地区有１３只大熊猫个体．其中有３个家系．（３）大熊猫粪便样品的ＤＮＡ指纹图，通过微机识别的个体数，准确可靠，能获得大熊猫在野外的真实个体数量．     

Proposed Conservation Landscape for Giant Pandas in the Minshan Mountains,China

Abstract: The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), is one of the world's most endangered species. Habitat loss and fragmentation have reduced its numbers, shrunk its distribution, and separated the population into isolated subpopulations. Such isolated, small populations are in danger of extinction due to random demographic factors and inbreeding. We used least‐cost modeling as a systematic approach to incorporate satellite imagery and data on ecological and behavioral parameters of the giant panda collected during more than 10 years of field research to design a conservation landscape for giant pandas in the Minshan Mountains. We identified 8 core habitats and 4 potential linkages that would link core habitats CH3, CH4, and CH5 with core habitats CH6, CH7, and CH8. Establishing and integrating the identified habitats with existing reserves would create an efficient reserve network for giant panda conservation. The core habitats had an average density of 4.9 pandas/100 km² and contained approximately 76.6% of the giant panda population. About 45% of the core habitat (3245.4 km²) existed outside the current nature reserves network. Total estimated core habitat decreased between 30.4 and 44.5% with the addition of residential areas and road networks factored into the model. A conservation area for giant panda in the Minshan Mountains should aim to ensure habitat retention and connectivity, improve dispersal potential of corridors, and maintain the evolutionary potential of giant pandas in the face of future environmental changes.     

Interactive effects of natural and human disturbances on vegetation dynamics across landscapes.

Accurate measures of human effects on landscape processes require consideration of both the direct impacts from human activities and the indirect consequences of the interactions between humans and the landscape. This is particularly evident in systems experiencing regular natural disturbances such as in the mountainous areas of southwestern China, where the remaining population of giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is supported. Here the spatiotemporal patterns of human impacts, forests, and bamboo episodic die-offs combine to determine the distribution of panda habitat. To study the complex interactions of humans and landscapes, we developed an integrated spatiotemporally explicit model of household activities, natural vegetation dynamics, and their impacts on panda habitat. Using this model we examined the direct consequences of local fuelwood collection and household creation on areas of critical giant panda habitat and the indirect impacts when coupled with vegetation dynamics. Through simulations, we found that over the next 30 years household impacts would result in the loss of up to 30% of the habitat relied on by pandas during past bamboo die-offs. The accumulation and spatial distribution of household impacts would also have a considerable indirect influence on the spatial distribution of understory bamboo. While human impacts influence both bamboo die-off and regeneration, over 19% of pre-existing low-elevation bamboo habitat may be lost following an episodic die-off depending on the severity of the impacts and timing of the die-offs. Our study showed not only the importance of the spatial distribution of direct household impacts on habitat, but also the far-reaching effects of the indirect interactions between humans and the landscapes they are modifying.     

Seasonal variations in salt-marsh macroalgae photosynthesis. I. Ascophyllum nodosum ecad scorpioides

Photosynthesis in whole plants of the intertidal alga Ascophyllum nodosum ecad scorpiodes was evaluated by measuring ¹⁴C-uptake under a variety of light intensities and approximately monthly intervals during a 15 month study. Photosynthetic rates were determined in terms of dry weight, pigment content and uptake into ethanolsoluble and insoluble fractions. The specimens, naturally acclimated to in situ light intensities and temperatures, exhibited photosynthetic responses to light intensity which differed with time of year. Maximum photosynthetic potential occurred during the spring months and minimum potential occurred during late summer and winter months. Variations in photosynthetic potential were closely related to seasonal changes in field biomass. Both photosynthetic potential and biomass were inversely related to growth patterns of the salt-marsh phanerogam Spartina alternilora.This research was supported by Research Grant AG-375 from the National Science Foundation and, in part, by the State University of New York Research Foundation and the Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA).     

Conservation Implications of Drastic Reductions in the Smallest and Most Isolated Populations of Giant Pandas

Abstract: In conservation biology, understanding the causes of endangerment is a key step to devising effective conservation strategies. We used molecular evidence (coalescent simulations of population changes from microsatellite data) and historical information (habitat and human population changes) to investigate how the most‐isolated populations of giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) in the Xiaoxiangling Mountains became highly endangered. These populations experienced a strong, recent demographic reduction (60‐fold), starting approximately 250 years BP. Explosion of the human population and use of non‐native crop species at the peak of the Qing Empire resulted in land‐use changes, deforestation, and habitat fragmentation, which are likely to have led to the drastic reduction of the most‐isolated populations of giant pandas. We predict that demographic, genetic, and environmental factors will lead to extinction of giant pandas in the Xiaoxiangling Mountains in the future if the population remains isolated. Therefore, a targeted conservation action—translocation—has been proposed and is being implemented by the Chinese goverment.     

Unprecedented bleaching-induced mortality in Porites spp. at Rangiroa Atoll, French Polynesia

In April-May 1998, mass coral bleaching was observed in the lagoon of Rangiroa Atoll, Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia. Six months later, the extent of bleaching-induced coral mortality was assessed at three sites. Corals in the fast-growing genus Pocillopora had experienced >99% mortality. Many large colonies of the slow-growing genus Porites (mean horizontal cross-sectional area 5.8 m²) had also died - a phenomenon not previously observed in French Polynesia and virtually unprecedented world-wide. At one site, 25% of colonies, or 44% of the pre-bleaching cover of living Porites, experienced whole-colony mortality. At the two other sites, recently dead Porites accounted for 41% and 82% of the pre-bleaching live cover. Mortality in Porites was negatively correlated with depth between 1.5 and 5 m. Using a 50-year dataset of mean monthly sea surface temperature (SST), derived from ship- and satellite-borne instruments, we show that bleaching occurred during a period of exceptionally high summer SST. 1998 was the first year in which mean monthly SSTs exceeded the 1961-1990 upper 95% confidence limit (29.4°C) for a period of three consecutive months. We suggest that the sustained 3-month anomaly in local summer SST was a major cause of coral mortality, but do not discount the synergistic effect of solar radiation. Recovery of the size-frequency distribution of Porites colonies to pre-bleaching levels may take at least 100 years.     

Distribution and temperature adaptation in the teleost fish genus Gibbonsia

Along the California coast there are three intertidal species of the genus Gibbonsia (G. elegans, G. metzi, G. montereyensis). These species have distinct but overlapping distributions. Collections were made seasonally from three areas. Each collection was divided into two groups — a critical thermal maximum and minimum were determined for one group and the other group was tested after a 3 week acclimation period. The three species showed genetically different adaptation abilities and these were correlated with species differences in latitudinal distributions. The species that experiences the widest seasonal temperature range proved capable of anticipatory adjustment to temperature while the two experiencing small seasonal changes showed only reactive adjustments. the species with the widest distribution showed the greatest ability to adapt to temperature extremes. After 1 week acclimation all three species demonstrated different mechanisms for heat and cold adaptation.     

Giant pandas attend to androgen-related variation in male bleats

Although androgen-dependant traits are predicted to signal overall male quality, no study has examined the response of a nonhuman animal to variation in a known acoustic cue to male androgen levels (steroid hormones that are key drivers of male sexual behaviour). Here, we use a single-speaker approach to present male and female giant pandas with re-synthesised male bleats representing callers with high and low androgen levels. Our results revealed that male and female giant pandas had significantly greater-looking responses, spent more time pacing, and were faster to respond to playbacks of bleats simulating high androgen males. When we analysed the sexes separately, a slightly different response pattern was revealed: whereas males and females still had significantly greater-looking responses and were faster to respond to bleats simulating high androgen males, only male giant pandas tended to spend more time pacing. These findings suggest that vocal cues to male androgen levels are functionally relevant to male and female giant pandas during the breeding season, and constitute the first demonstration that a nonhuman animal could be using a vocal signal to assess male hormonal state. We go on to discuss the ecological relevance of signalling androgen levels in this species’ sexual communication and the possible application of our results to conservation breeding.     

Characteristics that make trophy hunting of giant pandas inconceivable

In November 1928, Theodore Jr. and Kermit Roosevelt led an expedition to China with the expressed purpose of being the first Westerners to kill the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). The expedition lasted 8 months and resulted in the brothers shooting a giant panda in the mountains of Sichuan Province. Given the concurrent attention in the popular press describing this celebrated expedition, the giant panda was poised to be trophy hunted much like other large mammals around the world. Today, however, the killing of giant pandas, even for the generation of conservation revenue, is unthinkable for reasons related to the species itself and the context, in time and space, in which the species was popularized in the West. We found that the giant panda's status as a conservation symbol, exceptional charisma and gentle disposition, rarity, value as a nonconsumptive ecotourism attraction, and endemism are integral to the explanation of why the species is not trophy hunted. We compared these intrinsic and extrinsic characteristics with 20 of the most common trophy-hunted mammals to determine whether the principles applying to giant pandas are generalizable to other species. Although certain characteristics of the 20 trophy-hunted mammals aligned with the giant panda, many did not. Charisma, economic value, and endemism, in particular, were comparatively unique to the giant panda. Our analysis suggests that, at present, exceptional characteristics may be necessary for certain mammals to be excepted from trophy hunting. However, because discourse relating to the role of trophy hunting in supporting conservation outcomes is dynamic in both science and society, we suspect these valuations will also change in future.     

Aerial surveys of manatees (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Trichechus manatus)</Emphasis> in Lee County,Florida<Emphasis Type="Italic">,</Emphasis> provide insights regarding manatee abundance and real time information for managers and enforcement officers

Conservation and management of the endangered Florida manatee is often centered on reducing mortality caused by watercraft collisions. Lee County, Florida, has led the state in watercraft-related mortality for eight of the last 10 years. This county is of particular concern as it contains important habitat for manatees, including extensive feeding grounds and an artificial warm-water refuge where more than 900 manatees have been recorded on a single day. Distributional aerial surveys were conducted from April 2007 through April 2009 over Lee County waters. Surveys yielded higher numbers of manatees than previously observed in this area. Using GIS methodology, kernel density analysis illustrated seasonal changes in distribution patterns and highlighted areas where manatees were most densely clustered. For example, during summer months, manatees were widely distributed throughout the survey area, with high-density areas associated with seagrass beds. During winter months, manatees were densely clustered at warm-water sites and over feeding grounds within close distance of these sites. These seasonal distribution patterns coincide well with speed zone designations. Counts and distributions of manatees were made available, almost immediately if necessary, to local marine law enforcement in an attempt to focus resources toward reducing manatee-watercraft collisions. Future studies should implement similar communication strategies to improve conservation efforts.     

Seasonal and sex-specific variations in levels of photo-protecting mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) in soft corals

This study focusses on the nature and extent of variation in mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) in relation to annual cycles in solar radiation, seawater temperature, and reproduction in reef-flat populations of two soft coral species. The results show MAA tissue concentrations in shallow water colonies of Lobophytum compactum and Sinularia flexibilis to be significantly correlated to annual cycles in solar radiation (P<0.0006 and P<0.0005, respectively) and seawater temperature (P<0.0006 and P<0.0004, respectively). Evidence of seasonal cycles in MAA levels in the tissues of shallow-reef invertebrates positively correlating with annual cycles in solar radiation and temperature suggests that they are an integral component of the soft corals' biochemical defence system against high irradiance and/or temperature stress and thus bleaching. This is further corroborated by the higher production of MAAs in females than males prior to spawning (up to 67% and 56% for L. compactum and S. flexibilis, respectively), presumably to provide a high level of protection against irradiance stress for progeny.     

Optical remote sensing of coastal plumes and run-off in the Mediterranean region

Sea surface colour data, derived from the Coastal Zone Colour Scanner (CZCS) archive, have been used to assess the space/time variability of coastal plumes and run-off in the Mediterranean Sea. A time series of 2645 scenes, collected by the CZCS from 1979 to 1985, was processed to apply sensor calibration algorithms, correct for atmospheric contamination, and derive chlorophyll-like pigment concentration. Individual images, remapped on a 1-km² pixel grid, were generated for each available day, and then mean values calculated pixel by pixel to form monthly, seasonal and annual composites. The results obtained must be taken with caution, due to the CZCS limitations in the quantitative assessment of bio-optical pigments when high concentrations of dissolved organics or suspended sediments are present, e.g. along littorals or within plumes. Marked differences appear in the distribution of water constituents between coastal zones and open sea, northern and southern near-coastal areas, western and eastern sub-basins. The oligotrophic character of the basin contrasts with areas of high concentration related to river plumes—Ebro (Ebre), Po, Rhone, Nile—, coastal run-off patterns, and persistent mesoscale features (e.g. coastal filaments and eddies). Seasonal variability appears to be high, with higher concentrations occurring over most of the basin in the cold season, when climatic conditions are favourable to coastal run-off and vertical mixing. Atmospheric forcing (wind and rainfall over continental margins) could play an important role in establishing the observed space/time distribution of water constituents. The impact of continental interactions (fluvial and coastal run-off), or that of exchanges between coastal zone and open sea, could have paramount influence on the biogeochemical fluxes in the entire basin.     

Modeling the spatio-temporal dynamics and interactions of households,landscapes, and giant panda habitat

Human modification of land-cover has been a leading cause of floral and faunal species extirpation and loss of local and global biodiversity. As natural areas are impacted, habitat and populations can become fragmented and isolated. This is particularly evident in the mountainous areas of southwestern China that support the remaining populations of giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). Giant panda populations have been restricted to remnants of habitat from extensive past land use and land-cover change. Households are a basic socio-economic unit that continues to impact the remaining habitat through activities such as fuelwood consumption and new household creation. Therefore, we developed a spatio-temporal model of human activities and their impacts by directly integrating households into the landscape. The integrated model allows us to examine the landscape factors influencing the spatial distribution of household activities and household impacts on habitat. As an example application, we modeled household activities in a giant panda reserve in China and examined the spatio-temporal dynamics of households, the landscape, and their mutual interactions. Human impacts are projected to result in the loss of up to 16% of all existing habitat within the reserve over the next 30 years. In addition, we found that accessibility largely controls the spatial distribution of household activities and considerable changes in management and household activities will be required to maintain the current level of habitat within the reserve.     

Slope,aspect and climate: Spatially explicit and implicit models of topographic microclimate in chalk grassland

The slope and aspect of a vegetated surface strongly affects the amount of solar radiation intercepted by that surface. Solar radiation is the dominant component of the surface energy balance and influences ecologically critical factors of microclimate, including near-surface temperatures, evaporative demand and soil moisture content. It also determines the exposure of vegetation to photosynthetically active and ultra-violet wavelengths. Spatial variation in slope and aspect is therefore a key determinant of vegetation pattern, species distribution and ecosystem processes in many environments. Slope and aspect angle may vary considerably over distances of a few metres, and fine-scale species’ distribution patterns frequently follow these topographic patterns. The availability of suitable microclimate at such scales may be critical for the response of species distributions to climatic change at much larger spatial scales. However, quantifying the relevant microclimatic gradients is not straightforward, as the potential variation in solar radiation flux under clear-sky conditions is modified by local and regional variations in cloud cover, and interacts with long-wave radiation exchange, local meteorology and surface characteristics.     

Distribution and abundance of marine nematodes on the kelp Macrocystic integrifolia

The species and distribution of nematodes on the kelp Macrocystic integrifolia Bory, in the Bamfield region of Barkley Sound, British Columbia, Canada were examined. Nine species (belonging to six families) of nematodes were found on the kelp blades. Three species (Monhystera disjuncta, M. refringens and Prochromadorella neapolitana) comprised 91–99% of the nematode fauna and occurred in all monthly samples from July 1978 to November 1979. The three dominant species exhibited seasonal density differences. P. neapolitana occurred mostly in the summer, M. refringens abundance peaked from July to October and M. disjuncta was relatively abundant throughout the year. The other species contributed little to the overall abundance and distribution patterns. All three species occurred in greatest abundance on the lower and middle blades of M. integrifolia in the deep end of the kelp bed. Very few individuals occurred on the upper blades. Nematode distribution on M. integrifolia appeared to be related to blade age and the associated food sources on the blade.     

Blooms of surf-zone diatoms along the coast of the Olympic Peninsula,Washington. IV. Nitrate reductase activity in natural populations and laboratory cultures of Chaetoceros armatum and Asterionella socialis

Nitrate reductase (NR) activity in the surf-zone diatom Chaetoceros armatum T. West was studied in its natural habitat at Copalis Beach, Olympic Peninsula, Washington (USA) over a period of 18 months. Variations of enzyme activity were found, depending on the season and the time of day. General seasonal trends in NR activity were correlated with nitrate concentrations in the surf-zone. The results also indicated that several factors may limit the activity of the enzyme. This is one of the reasons why NR activity could not be correlated with environmental nitrate concentration on the basis of individual measurements at a given point in time. Enzyme inhibition due to the presence of ammonium occurred on several occasions throughout the study period, and could be detected by the NR assay. This phenomenon for the most part masked any pattern of diel periodicity in NR activity that might have been expected to exist in cells in the natural environment. Cultures of C. armatum and Asterionella socialis Lewin and Norris were also studied in the laboratory. A diel fluctuation in NR activity corresponding to the pattern shown in natural phytoplankton by other authors was exhibited in C. armatum under a light-dark regime of 8 h light – 16 h dark and a light intensity of 400 lux.     

The highs and lows of chemical communication in giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca): effect of scent deposition height on signal discrimination

The giant panda's (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) social system is not well known, but it is clear that competition and avoidance characterizes social interaction for this solitary species throughout most of the year. Chemical communication appears to play a major role in structuring these interactions. Pandas adopt four distinct marking postures that deposit anogenital gland secretions or urine at varying heights: squat, reverse, legcock and handstand. In this experiment we tested the behavioral responses of 28 captive pandas belonging to all age-sex groups to conspecific odors placed to mimic the height of these postures. We tested three odor stimuli: male urine, and male and female glandular secretions. In all cases, pandas spent more time investigating higher odors than lower odors, suggesting that pandas place more importance on gathering information about individuals that adopt elevated postures. Pandas, particularly subadult males, also showed evidence of avoiding areas where adult male urine was deposited to mimic the handstand posture. Based on these and other findings, we propose that elevated postures in pandas may function to communicate competitive ability and possibly aggressive intent. Height of odor deposition, especially in the handstand posture, may be associated with body size, a major determinant of competitive ability. Selection may favor signalers that capitalize on the assessment activities of assessors by depositing scents to emphasize height cues. If such signals of competitive ability are used to mediate aggressive interactions, subsequent selection may favor their use only when the signaler is prepared to escalate in a contest.     

城市化对北京夏季极端高温影响的数值研究

利用一个耦合了城市冠层模式（UCM）的区域数值模拟系统（WRF／NCAR）,引入由LandsatTM提取的京津冀区域30m分辨率下垫面GIS数据集代替美国USGS地表分类数据,对2009年6月24—25日出现在北京地区的一次超过40℃极端高温天气过程进行了高分辨率数值模拟,用以考察WRF／UCM系统对北京“城市热岛”及城市高温天气的模拟效果,并分析了城市化对北京地区城市高温和地表能量平衡的影响及其日变化特征。结果表明：采用精细化下垫面分类数据集后能更好地模拟出主要高温区的分布特征,并能较好再现夜间的“城市热岛”效应。城市化发展对近地层气温的影响主要表现在会促使城区及其下风向近郊区气温的升高,增幅可达0．5～2℃,这与城市热岛及其下游效应有关。城市下垫面的高粗糙度对近地层风速表现出明显的阻挡效应,表现在模拟的10m风场减弱明显。考虑了城市下垫面属性的敏感性试验更好地再现了城区温度的日变化,其模拟的日间最高温度与实际观测值更为接近,也较好地模拟出了城区具有较高最低温度的特征。通过城区与郊区能量平衡过程差异的分析表明,城市化可以显著改变能量平衡中各项所占的比重。地表对近地层大气热量输送过程的变化表明随着城市下垫面的日愈扩大,会显著增强白天地表对大气的向上感热输送,增大城区日间出现高温的可能。夜间,模式反映出地表能量收入来自土壤热通量的向上输送,同样由于城区的潜热通量小,收入的能量仍主要以感热形式加热大气,夜间城区具有较高的最低温度并表现出较强的热岛特征,主要与夜间感热加热的持续相关。     

Temporal and spatial variability in stable isotope ratios of SPM link to local hydrography and longer term SPM averages suggest heavy dependence of mussels on nearshore production

Temporal changes in hydrography affect suspended particulate matter (SPM) composition and distribution in coastal systems, potentially influencing the diets of suspension feeders. Temporal variation in SPM and in the diet of the mussel Perna perna, were investigated using stable isotope analysis. The δ¹³C and δ¹⁵ N ratios of SPM, mussels and macroalgae were determined monthly, with SPM samples collected along a 10 km onshore–offshore transect, over 14 months at Kenton-on-Sea, on the south coast of South Africa. Clear nearshore (0 km) to offshore (10 km) carbon depletion gradients were seen in SPM during all months and extended for 50 km offshore on one occasion. Carbon enrichment of coastal SPM in winter (June–August 2004 and May 2005) indicated temporal changes in the nearshore detrital pool, presumably reflecting changes in macroalgal detritus, linked to local changes in coastal hydrography and algal seasonality. Nitrogen patterns were less clear, with SPM enrichment seen between July and October 2004 from 0 to 10 km. Nearshore SPM demonstrated cyclical patterns in carbon over 24-h periods that correlated closely with tidal cycles and mussel carbon signatures, sampled monthly, demonstrated fluctuations that could not be correlated to seasonal or monthly changes in SPM. Macroalgae showed extreme variability in isotopic signatures, with no discernable patterns. IsoSource mixing models indicated over 50% reliance of mussel tissue on nearshore carbon, highlighting the importance of nearshore SPM in mussel diet. Overall, carbon variation in SPM at both large and small temporal scales can be related to hydrographic processes, but is masked in mussels by long-term isotope integration.     

Nitrate reductase in Peru current phytoplankton

Nitrate reductase (NR) activity was assayed by measuring the NADH-dependent formation of nitrite in phytoplankton extracts. NR specific activity increased with the nitrate concentration of the water in upwelling areas of the Peru Current. The temperature optimum for NR for natural phytoplankton was 15° to 20°C. NR activity showed diel periodicity, with maximum activity about noon and minimum activity near midnight local time. Rate of nitrate reduction in the extracts averaged only about 15% of the rate of nitrate assimilation in the whole cells.