Crossoptilon Mantchuricum Research Articles

Using non-destructive sampling to evaluate the population genomic status of captive Brown Eared Pheasants

Evaluating the genetic status of threatened species is an essential task in conservation genetics. However, the genetic status of threatened species has been mostly evaluated through techniques that fail to estimate genetic diversity at the whole genomic level. Next generation sequencing can meet this demand, but high quality samples such as blood or muscle tissues are required. However, it is difficult to collect such samples from threatened species because sampling work may impact their health. Therefore, it is essential to design a workflow to evaluate the whole genomic status of threatened species using non-destructive sampling. Even though non-destructive sampling has been used in traditional barcoding technique, the barcoding technique cannot evaluate the whole genomic status. Brown Eared Pheasant (Crossoptilon mantchuricum) is an endangered species, with captive populations maintained in Taiyuan Zoo, China, and Europe. However, the genetic diversity, inbreeding pattern, and mutation load of these two populations are unclear. To uncover the genetic status of these two captive populations, we applied 2b-RAD technology to evaluate the genomic status of these populations using feathers as samples. The feathers could be collected by non-destructive sampling. The results indicate that the Taiyuan Zoo population has a lower genetic diversity and higher inbreeding coefficient than the European population. The Taiyuan Zoo population has lethal mutations when homozygous. The current project uses a non-destructive sampling technique to evaluate the whole genomic status of the two captive populations, providing a paradigm for conservation genetics, which will facilitate the development of conservation biology.

The Effects of Climate Change on Habitat Connectivity: A Case Study of the Brown-Eared Pheasant in China

Climate change has caused habitat fragmentation and reduced connectivity. The Fen River Basin in Shanxi Province, China is an important habitat for the central population of the brown-eared pheasant (BEP). The effects of climate change need to be considered in the conservation planning of BEP habitats. We used a species dispersion model to determine the BEP core habitat and graph theory to explore the connectivity of the BEP’s main habitats. The pinch point areas of BEP dissemination were determined by circuit theory. Least-cost pathways were used to identify the critical corridors for BEP dissemination. A gap analysis was conducted to estimate the efficiency of BEP conservation measures. Under the future climate scenarios, BEP habitats decreased by between 54.69% and 97.63%, and the connectivity of the main habitats was reduced by a similar magnitude. The BEP core habitat shifted to the southwestern region under the influence of climatic conditions. Currently, 90.84% of the species’ critical habitat remains unprotected. Due to climate change, the core habitat in the future was projected to differ from the current protected area. Enhancing the protection of the pinch point region may aid in the restoration of habitat connectivity.

A pipeline for effectively developing highly polymorphic simple sequence repeats markers based on multi-sample genomic data.

Simple sequence repeats (SSRs) are widely used genetic markers in ecology, evolution, and conservation even in the genomics era, while a general limitation to their application is the difficulty of developing polymorphic SSR markers. Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) offers the opportunity for the rapid development of SSRs; however, previous studies developing SSRs using genomic data from only one individual need redundant experiments to test the polymorphisms of SSRs. In this study, we designed a pipeline for the rapid development of polymorphic SSR markers from multi‐sample genomic data. We used bioinformatic software to genotype multiple individuals using resequencing data, detected highly polymorphic SSRs prior to experimental validation, significantly improved the efficiency and reduced the experimental effort. The pipeline was successfully applied to a globally threatened species, the brown eared‐pheasant (Crossoptilon mantchuricum), which showed very low genomic diversity. The 20 newly developed SSR markers were highly polymorphic, the average number of alleles was much higher than the genomic average. We also evaluated the effect of the number of individuals and sequencing depth on the SSR mining results, and we found that 10 individuals and ~10X sequencing data were enough to obtain a sufficient number of polymorphic SSRs, even for species with low genetic diversity. Furthermore, the genome assembly of NGS data from the optimal number of individuals and sequencing depth can be used as an alternative reference genome if a high‐quality genome is not available. Our pipeline provided a paradigm for the application of NGS technology to mining and developing molecular markers for ecological and evolutionary studies.

基于动物适宜栖息地的北京市自然保护地保护成效评估

PDF HTML阅读 XML下载 导出引用 引用提醒 基于动物适宜栖息地的北京市自然保护地保护成效评估 DOI: 10.5846/stxb202109022475 作者: 作者单位: 作者简介: 通讯作者: 中图分类号: 基金项目: 国家自然科学基金项目（31872240）；国家林业和草原局项目（2021080323-1）；北京绿色生态空间保护空缺分析项目（2021XJL02） Assess the conservation effectiveness of the natural protected areas in Beijing based on the suitable habitat of wild animals Author: Affiliation: Fund Project: The National Natural Science Foundation of China (General Program, Key Program, Major Research Plan) 摘要 | 图/表 | 访问统计 | 参考文献 | 相似文献 | 引证文献 | 资源附件 | 文章评论 摘要:栖息地是野生动物赖以生存的基础，明晰物种的适宜栖息地分布是切实加强野生动物保护、提高生物多样性保护成效的重要基础。北京市野生动植物资源丰富，也建立了一系列自然保护地以加强对野生动物的保护。当前亟需系统评估北京市现有自然保护地体系对野生动物适宜栖息地的保护成效，为未来北京市野生动物保护管理和自然保护地体系整合工作优化提供科学指导。研究选取了北京地区6个较为典型的野生动物为主要研究对象，包括黑鹳（Ciconia nigra）、褐马鸡（Crossoption mantchuricum）、大鸨（Otis tarda）、鸳鸯（Aix galericulata）、金雕（Aquila chrysaetos）和斑羚（Naemorhedus griseus），利用MaxEnt模型和ArcGIS的空间分析功能分析其适宜栖息地的分布；将自然保护地与适宜栖息地相叠加，识别其适宜栖息地的分布热点和保护空缺，进而评估了北京市现有自然保护地体系的保护成效。研究结果表明，6个研究物种在现有的自然保护地体系中均得到了不同程度的保护，其中褐马鸡的受保护率最高（92.82%），鸳鸯的受保护率最低（13.66%）。各类自然保护地的物种热点区覆盖率不同，风景名胜区类型覆盖率最高（14.74%）。6个物种适宜栖息地的热点区域总面积为280.01km2，保护空缺占热点区域总面积的49.45%，其中密云区、门头沟区和房山区的保护空缺面积最大。基于现有自然保护地体系对野生动物适宜栖息地的保护效率以及存在的空缺，建议因地制宜，采取扩大或合并现有自然保护地、增设新的自然保护地或营造微生境等方式来提升自然保护地的整体保护效率。研究结果可为北京市自然保护地的整合优化提供重要依据，为野生动物重要栖息地的识别与划定提供可行方案，并为加强野生动物的保护管理提供科学指导。 Abstract:Habitats are essential for the survival of wild animals, and clarifying the distribution of a species' suitable habitat can be helpful to strengthen wildlife conservation and to increase the conservation effectiveness for biodiversity. As the capital of China, Beijing holds abundant wild animals and the government has established different types of natural protected areas to provide the refuge for the wildlife. Nowadays, it is urgent to assess the effectiveness of these natural protected areas on the protection of habitats of the wild animals, which will provide scientific guidance to wildlife conservation management and integration of natural protected areas in Beijing. Based on the relative importance and the availability of the distribution data, we selected 6 typical wild animals in Beijing, i.e., Black stork (Ciconia nigra), Brown eared-pheasant (Crossoption mantchuricum), Great bustard (Otis tarda), Mandarin duck (Aix galericulata), Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) and Chinese goral (Naemorhedus griseus), and collected the distribution data of these species through field investigations, open databases and literature. We then analyzed the suitable habitats using the MaxEnt model and spatial analysis function of ArcGIS. We also identified the hotspots and GAPs (GAP analysis) of these species' suitable habitats in Beijing. The results indicated that the natural protected areas covered various proportions of these animals' suitable habitats with a range from 13.66% (Mandarin duck) to 92.82% (Brown-eared pheasant). The total area of the suitable habitat hotspots was 280.01 km2, and mainly distributed in Miyun District, Yanqing District, Mentougou District and Fangshan District. However, the coverage of species hotspots differed among different natural protected areas, with it being highest in scenic spots (14.74%). The GAPs were responsible for 49.45% of the hotspots and mainly distributed in Miyun District, Mentougou District, Fangshan District, and the border of Miyun, Huairou and Yanqing. In particular, Miyun District, Mentougou District and Fangshan District held the largest areas of GAPs. Based on the distribution of the suitable habitats and the protection gaps, it is suggested to take suitable measures to improve the conservation effectiveness of the natural protected areas according to the local circumstances, and adopt different protection strategies for different protection objects, including expanding or merging some natural protected areas, establishing new natural protected areas, and creating micro-habitats. Our study provides feasible solutions for the identification and delineation of important wildlife habitats in Beijing, provides some scientific guidelines for the wildlife management and integration and optimization of the natural protected area system. 参考文献 相似文献 引证文献

Zonation of nature reserve according to the habitat requirement of conservation target: a case study on the endangered Brown Eared-Pheasant at Baihuashan Nature Reserve

Zoning is an effective way to achieve regional planning and construction as well as standardized management. Efficient management zone designations would contribute to strengthening endangered species and biodiversity conservation of nature reserves. We evaluated the conservation effectiveness of the Baihuashan National Nature Reserve (BNNR), which was established primarily to conserve the vulnerable Brown Eared-Pheasant ( Crossoptilon mantchuricum ). We used species distribution models (SDMs) and GAP analysis to assess that the suitability of current functional zoning efforts to the protection of this species. Our results showed that current functional zoning is not adequate for protecting the Brown Eared-pheasant in BNNR. To optimize the conservation effectiveness for this species, we recommend a new functional zoning strategy be employed at BNNR, which is based on the distribution of the Brown Eared-pheasant and on the local economy. Our study thus provides a new strategy for optimizing the conservation effectiveness of functional zoning in nature reserves. • Zoning is an effective way to achieve regional planning and construction as well as standardized management. • The current functional zoning within the BNNR is sub-optimal for the protection of Brown-Eared-pheasant. • As the zonation of nature reserves can be influenced by diverse factors, we suggest the zonation should consider the influence of multiple protected objects and other factors.

Foraging and Day-roosting Sites Selection by the Endangered Brown-eared Pheasant Crossoptilon mantchuricum during Autumn in the Huanglong Mountains, Shaanxi Province, China

Foraging and Day-roosting Sites Selection by the Endangered Brown-eared Pheasant Crossoptilon mantchuricum during Autumn in the Huanglong Mountains, Shaanxi Province, China

Cloning and structural analysis of complement component 3d in wild birds provides insight into its functional evolution

Complement component 3 d (C3d) is the final cleavage product of the complement component C3 and serves as a crucial role in link innate and adaptive immunity, and increase B-cell sensitivity to an antigen by 1000–10000 fold. The crystal structure of human C3d revealed there are two distinct surfaces, a convex surface containing the thioester-constituting residues that mediate covalent binding to the target antigen, and a concave surface with an acidic pocket responsible for interaction with CR2. In this study, we cloned and sequenced cDNA fragment encoding C3d region from 15 wild bird species. Then, the C3d sequences from wild birds, chicken and mammals were aligned to construct phylogenetic trees. Phylogenetic tree displayed two main branches, indicating mammals and birds, but the bird C3d branch was divided into two main parts, with five wild birds (Ardeola bacchus, Zoothera, Bubo, Crossoptilon mantchuricum and Caprimulgus europaeus) clustering much closer to mammals. In addition, the C3d proteins of Ardeola bacchus, Bubo, Crossoptilon mantchuricum and Caprimulgus europaeus contained a Glu163 residue at the position at which Lys163 was found in other birds. However, Glu163 have the same charge polarity as Asp163, which is the key amino acid residue comprising the acidic pocket combined with CR2 found at this position in mammals, and Zoothera also possessed Asp163 at this position. Structure modeling analyses also verified that the C3ds of these five wild bird species exhibited the amino acid sequence and structure comprising the typical acidic pocket found in mammals that is required for combination with B cell surface receptors, which contribute electrostatic forces to interact with CR2. Our investigations indicate that some bird C3ds may already have the ability to bind with CR2 by electrostatic force, like mammals. As Ardeola bacchus, Zoothera, Bubo, Crossoptilon mantchuricum and Caprimulgus europaeus have more typical C3d concave acid pockets and thus a stronger ability to bind CR2, we speculate that these five wild birds may have a solider immunity against pathogens. Our phylogenetic and structural analyses of bird C3ds provide insights on the evolutionary divergence in the function of immune factors of avian and mammalian.

Improve the roles of nature reserves in conservation of endangered pheasant in a highly urbanized region

Nature reserves play an extraordinarily important role in conserving animal populations and their habitats. However, landscape change and unreasonable zoning designations often render these protected areas inadequate. Therefore, regular evaluation of the efficacy of protected lands is critical for maintaining and improving management strategies. Using species distribution models and GAP analysis, we assessed the changes in suitable habitat for the Brown Eared-pheasant (Crossoptilon mantchuricum) in two Chinese nature reserves between 1995 and 2013. Our results showed that the habitat suitability of Brown Eared-pheasant has changed dramatically during this period, and fragmentation analyses showed an increase in concentration area and decrease in patch area. In particular, our findings show that the national nature reserves need to adjust their ranges to ensure the conservation of this flagship species. Our study further provides a new viewpoint for evaluating the efficacy of protected lands, particularly in highly urbanized regions where conservation goals must be balanced with changing landscapes.

Separation of environmental effects on community variation of a larch forest in north China

ABSTRACTPangquangou National Nature Reserve is well known as ‘the distribution centre of Prince Rupprecht's larch (Larix principis-rupprechtii)' in China. Community variation in Prince Rupprecht's larch forest provides habitat heterogeneity for animals, especially for the endemic and endangered brown-eared pheasant (Crossoptlon mantchuricum). In this study a total of 120 quadrats (each 10×10m) were established to measure and record species composition and six environmental variables to examine the underlying variables that control community variation. We applied a multivariate regression tree analysis to detect community variation, and used redundancy analysis-based variation partitioning to separate the effects of environmental variables on community variation. The results show that Prince Rupprecht's larch forest in the Pangquangou National Nature Reserve can be represented by eight community types. The amount of total species variability captured by all environmental variables was 20.6%, and the cumulative percentage variance of species–environment relationships was 95.8%. However, analyses with a conditional effect approach revealed that elevation, aspect and litter thickness contribute the most to community variation. The pure and joint effects of these three explanatory variables were separated with variation partitioning analyses. The results highlight that the effect of elevation accounts for the largest fraction of community variation in Prince Rupprecht's larch forest.

Nest-Site Characteristics of the Brown-Eared Pheasant Crossoptilon mantchuricum in Huanglong Mountains, Shaanxi Province, China

Nest-Site Characteristics of the Brown-Eared Pheasant Crossoptilon mantchuricum in Huanglong Mountains, Shaanxi Province, China

褐马鸡非使用价值评估及影响因素

褐马鸡非使用价值评估及影响因素

The role of niche divergence and geographic arrangement in the speciation of Eared Pheasants (Crossoptilon, Hodgson 1938)

One of the most contentious theories in current ecology is the ecological niche conservatism, which is defined as conservatism among closely related species; however, the ecological niche can also be shifted, as documented in several cases. Genetic drift and ecological divergent selection may cause ecological niche divergence. The current study aims to test whether the ecological niche is conserved or divergent and to determine the main factor that drives ecological niche divergence or conservation. We analyzed the phylogenetic relationship, ecological niche model (ENM) and demographic history of Eared Pheasants in the genus Crossoptilon (Galliformes: Phasianidae) to test niche conservatism with respect to different geographically distributed patterns. The phylogenetic relationship was reconstructed using ∗BEAST with mitochondrial cytochrome b (cyt b) and 44 unlinked autosomal exonic loci, and ENMs were reconstructed in MAXENT using an average of 41 occurrence sites in each species and 22 bioclimatic variables. A background similarity test was used to detect whether the ecological niche is conserved. Demographic history was estimated using the isolation with migration (IM) model. We found that there was asymmetric gene flow between the allopatric sister species Crossoptilon mantchuricum and C. auritum and the parapatric sister species C. harmani and C. crossoptilon. We found that ecological niches were divergent, not conserved, between C. mantchuricum and C. auritum, which began to diverge at approximately 0.3 million years ago. However, the ecological niches were conserved between C. crossoptilon and C. harmani, which gradually diverged approximately half a million years ago. Ecological niches can be either conserved or divergent, and ecological divergent selection for local adaptation is probably an important factor that promotes and maintains niche divergence in the face of gene flow. This study provides a better understanding of the role that divergent selection has in the initial speciation process. The platform combined demographic processes and ecological niches to offer new insights into the mechanism of biogeography patterns.

庞泉沟自然保护区常见禾本科植物内生真菌分布及其影响因素

PDF HTML阅读 XML下载 导出引用 引用提醒 庞泉沟自然保护区常见禾本科植物内生真菌分布及其影响因素 DOI: 10.5846/stxb201605311040 作者: 作者单位: 山西大学黄土高原研究所,山西大学黄土高原研究所,山西大学黄土高原研究所,山西大学黄土高原研究所,山西大学黄土高原研究所 作者简介: 通讯作者: 中图分类号: 基金项目: 山西省应用基础研究面上青年基金项目（201601D021101）；山西省回国留学人员科研资助项目（2016-006）；山西省科技攻关项目（20150313001-3）；国家自然科学基金资助项目（31600308） Distribution of endophyte fungi associated with common plants and preliminary assessment of impact factors in Pangquangou Nature Reserve Author: Affiliation: Institute of Loess Plateau,Shanxi University,Institute of Loess Plateau,Shanxi University,Institute of Loess Plateau,Shanxi University,Institute of Loess Plateau,Shanxi University,Institute of Loess Plateau,Shanxi University Fund Project: 摘要 | 图/表 | 访问统计 | 参考文献 | 相似文献 | 引证文献 | 资源附件 | 文章评论 摘要:以庞泉沟自然保护区4种不同群落类型林地和灌丛下的优势禾草为研究对象，调查不同禾草内生真菌感染率，研究内生真菌感染的禾草种群与原生生境的土壤理化性质、土壤酶活性及土壤微生物群落结构的相互关系。结果发现，影响紫羊茅、中亚薹草和野燕麦染菌率的主要因子是土壤水分含量和碳氮比，且土壤C、N、S以及土壤水分含量与紫羊茅的内生真菌染菌率成正相关，土壤蔗糖酶、脲酶和酸性磷酸酶与紫羊茅的感染率显著正相关，但中亚薹草与紫羊茅的结果相反。丝盖伞科是华北落叶松林和油松林土壤微生物群落的优势真菌，但不同染菌植被群落类型下的优势细菌微生物群落组成不同。总体看来，4种森林群落类型下禾草内生真菌染菌率与土壤理化性质相关性不同，且受到的生态因子影响大小也有差异，内生真菌感染导致各植被群落类型的土壤微生物群落结构具有差异，其优势土壤真菌和土壤细菌组成不同，这有助于进一步认识原生生境下不同感染率的禾草种群对土壤微生物群落结构的影响及其在生态系统中的各异生态学功能。 Abstract:Fungal endophytes are fungi that live for a significant part of their life cycle internally and asymptomatically (without causing any apparent tissue damage) in plants. For grasses, these endophytes are often specialized, systemic, and vertically transmitted. Pangquangou Nature Reserve is located in the middle of the of Luliang Mountain range. It was established for the conservation of the first-grade State protection animal, Crossoptilon mantchuricum, and the cold-temperate coniferous forest. It plays a significant role in water conservation, eco-tourism, biodiversity maintenance, and other functions in Pangquangou Nature Reserve. Many studies have been conducted; however few of them have examined the distribution and mechanism of fungal endophytes associated with common plants in Pangquangou Nature Reserve. In the present study, we assessed the endophyte infection rate of dominant plants in four different forest communities. Our objective was to investigate the effects of endophyte fungi association on soil properties, soil enzyme activity, and soil microbial communities in native habitats. We surveyed endophyte infection rates of four common plants (Festuca rubra, Avena fatua, Carex alexeenkoana, and Poa annua). We also analyzed the soil total carbon (C), total nitrogen (N), and total sulfur (S) with an Elemental Analyzer, and soil microbial community composition were assayed by using the high-throughput sequencing technique. Our results showed that soil water content and ratio of carbon and nitrogen were the main factors affecting the endophyte infection rates of Festuca rubra and Carex alexeenkoana, and the soil C, N, S and soil water content were positively correlated with the endophyte infection rate of Festuca rubra. There were strong positive correlations between soil invertase and endophyte infection rates of Festuca rubra, as well as urease and acid phosphatase. However, Carex alexeenkoana exhibited opposite results to those of Festuca rubra. Inocybaceae is the dominant fungi of soil microbial community in Larix principis-rupprechtii community, but had different bacterial compositions in soil microbial community under four forest communities. Overall, there were different correlations between fungal endophyte infection rate and soil properties under different communities, and the effects of ecological factors were also different. Endophyte fungal contributed to change soil microbial community structure, and led to varying soil fungi and bacteria compositions in different forest communities. Our findings can help with further understanding the distribution of fungal endophytes associated with common plants in native habitats and the influence of endophyte infected plants on soil microbial community structure and ecological functions in ecosystems. 参考文献 相似文献 引证文献

Determining the distribution loss of brown eared-pheasant (Crossoptilon mantchuricum) using historical data and potential distribution estimates.

We analyzed the synchronous relationship between forest cover and species distribution to explain the contraction in the distribution range of the brown eared-pheasant (Crossoptilon mantchuricum) in China. Historical resources can provide effective records for reconstructing long-term distribution dynamics. The brown eared-pheasant’s historical distribution from 25 to 1947 CE, which included the three provinces of Shaanxi, Shanxi, and Hebei based on this species’ habitat selection criteria, the history of the forests, ancient climate change records, and fossil data. The current species distribution covers Shaanxi, Shanxi, and Hebei provinces, as well as Beijing city, while Shanxi remains the center of the distribution area. MaxEnt model indicated that the suitable conditions of the brown eared-pheasant had retreated to the western regions of Shanxi and that the historical distribution area had reduced synchronously with the disappearance of local forest cover in Shanxi. We built a correlative relationship between the presence/absence of brown eared-pheasants and forest coverage and found that forest coverage in the north, northeast, central, and southeast areas of the Shanxi province were all less than 10% in 1911. Wild brown eared-pheasants are stable in the Luliang Mountains, where forest coverage reached 13.2% in 2000. Consequently, we concluded that the distribution of this species is primarily determined by vegetation conditions and that forest cover was the most significant determining factor.

Effects of Sample Size, Sample Accuracy and Environmental Variables on Predictive Performance of MaxEnt Model

ABSTRACT The availability of sample data, together with detailed environmental factors, has fueled a rapid increase in predictive modeling of species geographic distributions and environmental requirements. We founded that MaxEnt model has provided different descriptions of potential distributions based on different sample size, sample accuracy and environmental background. We used six combinations based on three sample data set and two kinds of environmental variables to estimate the potentially suitable areas of Brown Eared Pheasant (Crossoptilon mantchuricum) in MaxEnt model. The results show that the complex variables provided the higher AUC value and accurate potential distribution than simple variables based on the same size of samples. Complicated environmental factors combined with moderate size and accurate sample, can predict better results. The model results were scabrous based on simple environmental factors. Furthermore, big sample size and simple prediction environmental factors will reduce ...

Management reference for nature reserve networks based on MaxEnt modeling and gap analysis: a case study of the brown–eared pheasant in China

Referencia para la gestion de las redes de reservas naturales basada en la creacion de modelos MaxEnt y el analisis de deficiencias: un estudio del faisan orejudo pardo en China La planificacion de reservas naturales y la creacion de redes son importantes para la conservacion de los habitats y la fauna silvestre. Los analisis de las deficiencias son instrumentos eficientes y fiables para establecer un orden de prioridad entre las iniciativas de conservacion de habitats, en especial por lo que respecta a las especies en peligro de extincion. Proponemos un plan de conservacion para el faisan orejudo pardo, Crossoptilon mantchuricum, mediante la determinacion de las zonas con una proteccion insuficiente en las 14 reservas naturales existentes. En total, se seleccionaron 45 localidades y 11 variables ambientales en funcion de las caracteristicas del uso del habitat del faisan orejudo pardo, y se utilizo un modelo de maxima entropia (MaxEnt) para obtener la distribucion de la especie. Los resultados del modelo MaxEnt mostraron una elevada precision de prediccion. Los resultados del analisis de las deficiencias revelaron que en las montanas Luliang, en Shanxi, y las montanasXiaowutai, en Hebei, la proteccion era insuficiente. Encontramos 458 km 2 de habitat optimo y 1.390 km 2 de habitat moderadamente adecuado dentro de los limites de la reserva natural nacional. No obstante, casi 1.861 km 2 del habitat optimo y 17.035 km 2 del habitat moderadamente adecuado no estaban protegidos, lo que equivale al 9,0% y el 82,1%, respectivamente, del habitat adecuado total. La mayor parte de la superficie sin proteccion estaba formada por habitat moderadamente adecuado para el faisan orejudo pardo y deberia considerarse prioritaria en las iniciativas futuras de conservacion. Hay nueve reservas naturales a lo largo de un eje norte–sur en las montanas Luliang que forma un pasillo ecologico. Para mantener la integridad, originalidad y continuidad de estos habitats y, por tanto, proteger el faisan orejudo pardo, deberian reforzarse los departamentos locales de conservacion con miras a mejorar la gestion de la reserva natural a escala provincial y poner en practica eficazmente las iniciativas de conservacion.

基于ISSR分子标记的褐马鸡亲缘关系分析

基于ISSR分子标记的褐马鸡亲缘关系分析

Characterization of Lysozyme from Brown Eared Pheasant Egg White

Characterization of Lysozyme from Brown Eared Pheasant Egg White

Dynamic Change in Spring Habitat use by the Brown Eared Pheasant (Crossptilon mantchuricum) in the Huanglong Mountains, Yanan City, Shaanxi Province, China

Characterization of foraging-site preferences of threatened and endangered species is a key component of effective habitat conservation. We studied foraging-site selection by the brown eared pheasant (Crossoptilon mantchuricum) in the Huanglongshan Nature Reserve, Yanan City, Shaanxi Province, China, from early February to end of May 2011. We identified feeding sites by locating tracks and scratches characteristic of the birds, and compared habitat characteristics at these sites to those at randomly selected sites across the study area. During the pre-breeding season, the birds tended to be found in the areas characterized by gullies within mixed forests with intermediate sun exposure on gentle slopes (< 10°), and close to water and footpaths. The sites utilized by the birds also featured greater tree diameter, lower shrub density, lower grass cover, and lower altitude than random sites. During the breeding season, the birds tended to be found in the areas of slightly higher altitude, more shrubs, moderately steep slopes (10°-20°), and farther from water and paths. These patterns were consistent with seasonal changes in vegetation and food-resource availability in the study area. Management of brown eared pheasants' populations for conservation must account for these seasonal shifts in habitat requirements.

Modeling Spring Habitat Requirements of the Endangered Brown Eared PheasantCrossoptilon mantchuricumin the Huanglong Mountains, Shaanxi Province, China

A detailed understanding of the habitat needs of brown eared pheasants (Crossoptilon mantchuricum) is essential for conserving the species. We carried out field surveys in the Huanglong Mountains of Shaanxi Province, China, from March to June in 2007 and 2008. We arrayed a total of 206 grid plots (200 × 200 m) along transects in 2007 and 2008 and quantified a suite of environmental variables for each one. In the optimal logistic regression model, the most important variables for brown eared pheasants were slope degree, tree cover, distance to nearest water, cover and depth of fallen leaves. Hosmer and Leweshow goodness-of-fit tests explained that logistic models for the species were good fits. The model suggested that spring habitat selection of the brown eared pheasant was negatively related to distance to nearest water and slope degree, and positively to cover of trees and cover and depth of fallen leaves. In addition, the observed detected and undetected grids in 2007 did not show significant differences with predictions based on the model. These results showed that the model could well predict the habitat selection of brown eared pheasants. Based on these predictive models, we suggest that habitat management plans incorporating this new information can now focus more effectively on restrictions on the number of tourists entering the nature reserve, prohibition of firewood collection, livestock grazing, and medicinal plant harvesting by local residents in the core areas, protection of mixed forest and sources of the permanent water in the reserve, and use of alternatives to firewood.