Endangered Mammal Species Research Articles

Natural mating ability is associated with gut microbiota composition and function in captive male giant pandas

AbstractThe issue of poor sexual performance of some male giant pandas seriously impairs the growth and the genetic diversity of the captive population, yet there is still no clear understanding of the cause of the loss of this ability and its underlying mechanism. In this study, we analyzed the gut microbiota and its function in 72 fecal samples obtained from 20 captive male giant pandas, with an equal allocation between individuals capable and incapable of natural mating. Additionally, we investigated fecal hormone levels and behavioral differences between the two groups. A correlation analysis was then conducted among these factors to explore the influencing factors of their natural mating ability. The results showed significant differences in the composition of gut microbiota between the two groups of male pandas. The capable group had significantly higher abundance of Clostridium sensu stricto 1 (padjusted = .0021, GLMM), which was positively correlated with fatty acid degradation and two‐component system functions (Spearman, padjusted < .05). Additionally, the capable group showed higher gene abundance in gut microbiota function including purine and pyrimidine metabolism and galactose metabolism, as well as pathways related to biological processes such as ribosome and homologous recombination (DEseq2, padjusted < .05). We found no significant differences in fecal cortisol and testosterone levels between the two groups, and no difference was found in their behavior either. Our study provides a theoretical and practical basis for further studying the behavioral degradation mechanisms of giant pandas and other endangered mammal species.

The importance of urban areas in supporting vulnerable and endangered mammals

The fragmentation of habitats associated with urbanisation poses a significant threat to already vulnerable and endangered mammal species. While the county of Dorset has been identified as one of the UK’s biodiversity hotspots, it is characterised by large-scale urbanisation and intensive agriculture. Focusing on the largest urban area of Dorset—the conurbation of Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole—this study aims to investigate the importance of urban areas in supporting vulnerable and endangered mammals by comparing it to four other major land cover categories in the county: arable & horticulture, grassland, woodland, and heathland. The study utilises data collected by the county’s environmental records department through mainly volunteer-contributed ad-hoc sighting data of 10 872 georeferenced mammal records collected between 2000 and 2018. Our findings reveal that, despite having significantly different mammal communities to all other land covers, urban land cover was shown to host four out of five of the vulnerable and endangered species recorded in this study. These included the European rabbit (vulnerable on the IUCN red list), hazel dormouse (vulnerable on the UK red list), West European hedgehog (vulnerable on the UK red list) and European water vole (endangered on the UK red list). Our findings highlight the significance of urban areas as important habitats for mammal biodiversity, presenting an opportunity for the conservation of specific vulnerable and endangered species. Despite limitations in ad-hoc sighting data, our analysis indicates an overrepresentation of certain 'charismatic' species, like foxes and hedgehogs, in urban samples, likely due to their high intrinsic value to the population. While the recognition of urban habitats for 'red list' species is growing, it is also important to acknowledge the relative importance of charismatic species to urban human communities in conservation and management strategies.

The Decline of Wild Carnivores and Their Conservation Efforts in Pakistan-A Review

Pakistan once had a thriving and diverse fauna. However, there hasbeen a significant decline in the wildlife population since the late 1800s. The primary factors contributing to this population decline include humanencroachment, conflict with natives and habitat damage. Technological development and climatic change have also contributed to the loss of wildlife. Despite extinctionbeing a natural process, the pace at which it is happening currently is unusual. The ultimate objective of wildlife conservation is to guarantee the survival of thesespecies, which are essential for sustaining the stability of our environment. To fight these extinction pressures, conservation practices and policies have been implemented, including the creation of protected areas for plants and wildlife. In the current study, the main focus has been on the critically endangered mammal species in Pakistan, the factors contributing to their loss, and the necessary conservation measures already being implemented nationally as well as globally.

Spatial and temporal diversity of fish captured by light traps in various habitats in coastal waters in the oldest marine protected area in Vietnam and its implications for conservation

Abstract Vietnam's oldest marine protected area, the Con Dao Archipelago, hosts a high diversity of fishes, but they are not taken into account in its management. Knowledge of the spatial and temporal diversity of fishes is critical to identify the ecological functions of protected habitats, including as nurseries and feeding grounds. One way to assess diversity is using light traps that target young fish stages. Fish were collected monthly from June 2016 to May 2017 using light traps in three main habitats: seagrass beds, coral reefs and the harbour. Morphometry and DNA barcoding were used to identify the species caught. A total of 11,293 fish were collected, of which 1,248 were barcoded and assigned to 158 species belonging to 81 genera and 34 families, evidence that coral reefs and seagrass beds in Con Dao marine protected area (MPA) are home to a highly diverse and abundant community of fish species. Species richness and Shannon diversity indices did not differ significantly among sampling sites, but both species composition and diversity indices differed in the wet and dry seasons. The abundance of fish was related to sea water temperatures, which varied significantly depending on the month. During the dry season, fish diversity peaked in April, when the water temperature was highest. Conserving fish in Con Dao MPA is important not only for the characterization of the trophic network in coral reefs and seagrass beds but also for preservation of coral reef ecosystems and endangered species. Ensuring connectivity between coral reefs and seagrass beds in Con Dao MPA would facilitate fish conservation but, at present, the MPA only focuses on protecting fragmented habitats that are home to a number of endangered mammal species. Local authorities should establish a continuum of protected areas along coastal habitats and seasonal controls on fishing as part of sustainable management of MPAs.

Prioritizing Endangered Species in Genome Sequencing: Conservation Genomics in Action with the First Platinum-Standard Reference-Quality Genome of the Critically Endangered European Mink Mustela lutreola L., 1761.

The European mink Mustela lutreola (Mustelidae) ranks among the most endangered mammalian species globally, experiencing a rapid and severe decline in population size, density, and distribution. Given the critical need for effective conservation strategies, understanding its genomic characteristics becomes paramount. To address this challenge, the platinum-quality, chromosome-level reference genome assembly for the European mink was successfully generated under the project of the European Mink Centre consortium. Leveraging PacBio HiFi long reads, we obtained a 2586.3 Mbp genome comprising 25 scaffolds, with an N50 length of 154.1 Mbp. Through Hi-C data, we clustered and ordered the majority of the assembly (>99.9%) into 20 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including heterosomes, ranging from 6.8 to 290.1 Mbp. The newly sequenced genome displays a GC base content of 41.9%. Additionally, we successfully assembled the complete mitochondrial genome, spanning 16.6 kbp in length. The assembly achieved a BUSCO (Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs) completeness score of 98.2%. This high-quality reference genome serves as a valuable genomic resource for future population genomics studies concerning the European mink and related taxa. Furthermore, the newly assembled genome holds significant potential in addressing key conservation challenges faced by M. lutreola. Its applications encompass potential revision of management units, assessment of captive breeding impacts, resolution of phylogeographic questions, and facilitation of monitoring and evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of dedicated conservation strategies for the European mink. This species serves as an example that highlights the paramount importance of prioritizing endangered species in genome sequencing projects due to the race against time, which necessitates the comprehensive exploration and characterization of their genomic resources before their populations face extinction.

Plastic ingestion in Asian elephants in the forested landscapes of Uttarakhand, India

Ecological impacts of plastic contamination on marine environment have been documented extensively, however its spread and impacts on terrestrial and freshwater fauna are still poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated diet of Asian elephant (Elephas maximus indicus) for plastic ingestion around forested habitats of Uttarakhand state in India. We quantified plastic particles and other anthropogenic waste from elephant dung samples collected from edges and interiors of forest areas, confirming plastic ingestion by this endangered mammal species. Each human-derived item was identified, measured, and sub-categorized into plastic or other anthropogenic waste. About one-third (32%) of the elephant dung samples showed presence of anthropogenic waste. Plastic particles ranging from size 1–355 mm, comprised of 85% of the waste recovered from elephant dung samples (47.08 ± 12.85 particles per sample). We found twice as many plastic particles (85.27 ± 33.7/ 100 g) in samples collected from inside forest as compared to forest edge (35.34 ± 11.14 plastic particles/100 g). A higher count (34.79 ± 28.41 items/100 g sample) of non-biodegradable anthropogenic waste (glass, metal, rubber bands, clay pottery and tile pieces) was obtained from samples collected inside the forest area samples as compared to forest edge samples (9.44 ± 1.91items/100 g). There were higher proportion of macroplastic (>5 mm) retrieved than microplastic (1–5 mm) in the elephant dung. The present study is the first systematic documentation of non-biodegradable waste ingestion by Asian elephants. High plastic presence in elephant dung highlights its widespread use near protected habitats and lack of waste segregation practices underlining the vulnerability of wild animals to plastic ingestion risk. We provide recommendations for developing a comprehensive solid waste management strategy to mitigate the threat of plastic pollution around critical elephant habitats in India.

Microsatellite Polymorphism and the Population Structure of Dugongs (Dugong dugon) in Thailand.

Simple SummaryFor this study, skin samples were analyzed from 77 individual stranded dugongs collected in Thai waters from 1994–2019 using six microsatellite markers to assess the genetic diversity and population structure. Dugongs in the Andaman Sea had higher genetic variation than those in the Gulf of Thailand. Populations in Trang, Satun and some areas of Krabi had highest diversity compared to other regions of Thailand. The analysis of Bayesian genetic clustering showed that dugongs in Thailand consist of five genetic groups. Furthermore, dugongs in the middle and lower Andaman Sea presented the greatest gene flow compared to other regions. Based on calculation of inbreeding coefficients, dugong populations in the Sea of Thailand are experiencing some levels of inbreeding, and so may warrant special protections. Results of this study provide important information on genetic diversity and genetic population structuring of dugongs in Thailand and for understanding the genetic status of dugongs that can lead to improved management and conservation of this endangered species.The dugong (Dugong dugon) is an endangered species of marine mammals, so knowledge of genetic diversity of these populations is important for conservation planning within different habitats. In this study, six microsatellite markers were used to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of 77 dugongs from skin samples of stranded animals collected from 1994–2019 (69 from Andaman Sea and 8 from the Gulf of Thailand). Our results found that dugongs in the Andaman Sea had higher genetic variation than those in the Gulf of Thailand. Populations in Trang, Satun, and some areas of Krabi had highest diversity compared to other regions of Thailand. Bayesian genetic clustering analysis revealed that dugongs in Thailand consist of five genetic groups. Moreover, dugongs in the middle and lower Andaman Sea presented the greatest gene flow compared to other regions. However, based on calculation of inbreeding coefficients (Fis value = 0.239), dugong populations in the Sea of Thailand are experiencing some levels of inbreeding, and so may warrant special protections. These results provide important information for understanding the genetic status of dugongs that can lead to improved management and conservation of this endangered species.

RNA-Seq analysis in giant pandas reveals the differential expression of multiple genes involved in cataract formation

BackgroundThe giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is an endangered mammalian species native to China. Fewer than 2500 giant pandas are known to exist, many of which are bred in captivity as a means to preserve and repopulate the species. Like other captive mammals, giant pandas acquire age-related cataracts, reducing their quality of life. Recent comparative genome-wide methylation analysis revealed 110 differentially methylated genes associated with cataract formation including six also associated with the formation of age-related cataracts in humans.ResultsTo investigate the pathological pathway in greater detail, here we used RNA-Seq analysis to investigate the differential expression profiles of genes in three giant pandas with cataracts and three healthy controls. We identified more than 700 differentially expressed genes, 29 of which were selected for further analysis based on their low q-value. We found that many of the genes encoded regulatory and signaling proteins associated with the control of cell growth, migration, differentiation and apoptosis, supporting previous research indicating a key role for apoptosis in cataract formation.ConclusionThe identification of genes involved in the formation of age-related cataracts could facilitate the development of predictive markers, preventative measures and even new therapies to improve the life of captive animals.

Assessing the value of restoration plantings for wildlife in a temperate agricultural landscape

Habitat loss is a primary cause of population decline for 85% of species recognized as threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Ecological restoration can mitigate and reverse the effects of habitat loss on wildlife, but many restoration programs lack a systematic approach to monitoring outcomes, if indeed restoration sites are monitored at all. Here, we evaluate the response of wildlife to restoration plantings in an agricultural landscape in Tasmania, Australia, five years after their establishment. We surveyed three faunal groups—ground‐dwelling invertebrates, birds and terrestrial mammals—and compared community composition in plantings with those of nearby livestock pasture and remnant woodlands. Habitat type had some influence on invertebrate communities with more pollinators, but fewer nectivores (predominantly Lepidoptera) and engulf predators in riparian plantings than in paddocks. In comparison, nonriparian plantings had more nectivores and pollinators and a greater proportion of small‐bodied invertebrates than in paddocks. Invertebrate biomass was positively associated with the presence of large ground‐foraging birds. Habitat type had a significant effect on the composition of bird communities in nonriparian areas, with small native species more abundant in plantings than in paddocks. Endangered mammal species were recorded using planting sites, including eastern bettongs and spotted‐tailed quolls. We describe possible trajectories to inform adaptive management of local restoration efforts. Our study provides a rare example that considers the response of multiple faunal groups to restoration concurrently and highlights differences in wildlife communities between restoring and reference habitats that are likely to impact ecosystem services.

A new rhinoceros clade from the Pleistocene of Asia sheds light on mammal dispersals to the Philippines

AbstractRhinoceroses are among the most endangered mammalian species today. Their past diversity is well documented from the Eocene onward, although their evolutionary history is far from being fully understood. Here, we elucidate the systematic affinities of a Pleistocene rhinoceros species represented by a partial skeleton from 709 ± 68 kya archaeological deposits in Luzon Island, Philippines. We perform a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis, including all living species and a wide array of extinct rhinocerotid species. We confirm the early split between Elasmotheriinae and Rhinocerotinae at c. 35.5 Mya and constrain the divergence between recent Asian and African rhinoceroses at c. 24 Mya, with contrasting phenotypic evolutionary rates in Diceroti and Rhinoceroti. Dental features reveal the existence of an unsuspected Asian Pleistocene clade, referred to as Nesorhinus gen. nov.. It includes the rhinoceros from the Philippines and another extinct species from Taiwan, N. hayasakai. Nesorhinus is the sister-group to a cluster comprising Dicerorhinus and Rhinoceros. Our phylogenetic results strongly suggest an island-hopping dispersal for Nesorhinus, from the Asian mainland towards Luzon via Taiwan by the Late Miocene or later, and Pleistocene dispersals for representatives of Rhinoceros. Nesorhinus philippinensis would be the first perissodactyl species supporting the island-rule hypothesis, with decreased body weight and limb-bone robustness.

Socio-ecological challenges to Indian Pangolin in Pakistan: A review

Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) also called as thick-tailed pangolin and scaly anteater, native to the Indian subcontinent is an endangered mammalian species (Manidae; Mammalia). The pangolin inhabits areas with prey i.e. a termite (Odontotermes obesus) and two black ants (Camponotus confucii and Camponotus compressus). We reviewed the published research work carried on Indian pangolin to identify the reasons for the decline in its population in Pakistan. We identified that only a few studies have been conducted on the biology, diversity, ecology, and potential threats to M. crassicaudata in Pakistan. However, some data is available on websites of organizations working on the conservation of animals, personal communications, newspaper articles and reports. Its populations have been reported from forests, grasslands, sub-mountainous landscapes, and degraded habitats. Pangolins are under serious threat in Pakistan due to their massive killing for illegal wildlife trade, medicinal and cultural values. Pangolin population is facing declining trend in its population in Northern Punjab and Azad Kashmir (personal communications) due to habitat degradation and deforestation and hunting for fun. Conservation of Indian pangolin needs social awareness through electronic and print media. It is suggested that the curriculum of science at primary and secondary levels should contain introduction of Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN) and Vulnerable (VU) species like Indian Pangolin (Endangered). We suggest to explore the population dynamics of Indian Pangolin in relation to distribution patterns, feeding preferences, prey availability, habitat suitability and threats. Keywords: Ants, Feeding Preference, Habitat Suitability, Pangolin, Termites http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2020.90236

Fifty Years of Research on European Mink Mustela lutreola L., 1761 Genetics: Where Are We Now in Studies on One of the Most Endangered Mammals?

The purpose of this review is to present the current state of knowledge about the genetics of European mink Mustela lutreola L., 1761, which is one of the most endangered mammalian species in the world. This article provides a comprehensive description of the studies undertaken over the last 50 years in terms of cytogenetics, molecular genetics, genomics (including mitogenomics), population genetics of wild populations and captive stocks, phylogenetics, phylogeography, and applied genetics (including identification by genetic methods, molecular ecology, and conservation genetics). An extensive and up-to-date review and critical analysis of the available specialist literature on the topic is provided, with special reference to conservation genetics. Unresolved issues are also described, such as the standard karyotype, systematic position, and whole-genome sequencing, and hotly debated issues are addressed, like the origin of the Southwestern population of the European mink and management approaches of the most distinct populations of the species. Finally, the most urgent directions of future research, based on the research questions arising from completed studies and the implementation of conservation measures to save and restore M. lutreola populations, are outlined. The importance of the popularization of research topics related to European mink genetics among scientists is highlighted.

The immune and metabolic changes with age in giant panda blood by combined transcriptome and DNA methylation analysis.

Giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is an endangered mammalian species. Exploring immune and metabolic changes that occur in giant pandas with age is important for their protection. In this study, we systematically investigated the physiological and biochemical indicators in blood, as well as the transcriptome, and methylation profiles of young, adult, and old giant pandas. The white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil (NEU) counts and hemoglobin (HGB) concentrations increased significantly with age (young to adult), and some indicators related to blood glucose and lipids also changed significantly with age. In the transcriptome analysis, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found in comparisons of the young and adult (257), adult and old (20), young and old (744) groups. Separation of the DEGs into eight profiles according to the expression trend using short time-series expression miner (STEM) software revealed that most DEGs were downregulated with age. Functional analysis showed that most DEGs were associated with disease and that these DEGs were also associated with the immune system and metabolism. Furthermore, gene methylation in giant pandas decreased globally with age, and the expression of CCNE1, CD79A, IL1R1, and TCF7 showed a highly negative correlation with their degree of methylation. These results indicate that the giant panda's immune function improves gradually with age (young to adult), and that changes in the methylation profile are involved in the effects of age on immune and metabolic functions. These results have important implications for the understanding and conservation of giant pandas.

Environmental factors influencing the abundance of four species of threatened mammals in degraded habitats in the eastern Brazilian Amazon.

On the latest 60 years the degradation and fragmentation of native habitats have been modifying the landscape in the eastern Brazilian Amazon. The adaptive plasticity of an organism has been crucial for its long-term survival and success in these novel ecosystems. In this study, we investigated the response of four endangered species of large terrestrial mammals to the variations in the quality of their original habitats, in a context of high anthropogenic pressure. The distribution of the Myrmecophaga tridactyla (Giant anteater), Priodontes maximus (Giant armadillo), Tapirus terrestris (Lowland tapir) and Tayassu pecari (White-lipped peccary) in all sampled habitats suggests their tolerance to degradation. However, the survival ability of each species in the different habitats was not the same. Among the four species, T. pecari seems to be the one with the least ability to survive in more altered environments. The positive influence of the anthropogenically altered habitats on abundances of three of the four species studied, as observed at the regeneration areas, can be considered as a potential indication of the ecological trap phenomenon. This study reinforces the importance of the forest remnants for the survival of endangered mammal species, in regions of high anthropogenic pressure, as in the eastern Brazilian Amazon.

Local Perception on the Exploitation, the Current State and Taboos Related to Pangolins (Pholidota, Mammalia) by the Communities Living in the Tayna Nature Reserve and Its Surroundings (RNT) North Kivu DRC

Pangolins are currently considered the most endangered mammal species due to their high rank in local and international traffic. This species is protected in DRC and worldwide, unfortunately it is threatened by numerous human actions. The objective of this study is to identify the different reasons for which these animals are exploited, to provide information to determine from the opinions of the respondents the current state of the population from 2015 to today and to identify their hunting techniques by the local populations. We carried out surveys in the households of hunters, farmers and people practicing other professions in 12 villages, located within the RNT and surroundings areas. Two interview techniques were used: the individual interview and the participatory diagnostic technique. 175 people were interviewed individually. Nearly 97% of our respondents are motivated to consume pangolin as bush meat obtaining by hunting. The main reason for eating pangolin meat is 44% preference and 33% habit. The zone does not know the foreign solicitation of the exploitation of pangolins and its derivatives. The opinions of the population regarding the current state of pangolin in the Tayna Nature Reserve indicate that from 2015 to the present day the common pangolin “Manis tricuspis” has been abundant. Hunters use different hunting techniques, dominated by pickup for the Manis tricuspis, digging burrow, fire at the entrance of the burrow for Manis gigantea and the shotgun for the Manis tetradactyla.

Habitat suitability modeling of Asian Elephant Elephas maximus (Mammalia: Proboscidea: Elephantidae) in Parsa National Park, Nepal and its buffer zone

Asian wild Elephant (Elephas maximus) represents one of the endangered species of large mammals in the world. The study area (Parsa National Park (PNP) and its Buffer zone (BZ)) has been used as corridor and habitat by Elephant. The study aims 1) to assess the suitable habitat of Elephant in PNP and BZ and 2) to determine which explanatory variables better explain Elephant presence in PNP. Field measurements were carried out in 67 plots for vegetation analysis. Boosted Regression Tree (BRT) was used for examining the relationship of habitat suitability of Elephant and explanatory variables for example, topographic (slope, aspect, altitude), climatic (precipitation, temperature), and biotic and abiotic factors (habitat preference, ground cover, crown cover). According to the results, the habitat suitability of Elephant is mainly explained by dominant species (29.6%), followed by temperature (17.1%), altitude (15.5%), habitat preference (11.4%), and precipitation (10%). The influence of the slope, ground cover, crown cover and substrate, was lowest in the study. Elephants were recorded up to 400 m a.s.l and in northeast and southeast aspect. The suitable habitats were in the forest dominated by Acacia catechu and Myrsine semicerate receiving precipitation about 300 mm in an area with a low slope (0-5 degree). Its presence was not related to forest cover and substrate condition. The model emphasis on environmental suitability and contributes to the conservation of Elephant in PNP and provides the basis for more advanced habitat analysis. The result from the modeling is useful to delineate the site that required specific planning and management intervention.

Is Banning Enough? The Intricacy Inherent to Marine Mammal Conservation

AbstractDeclining populations of marine mammals have led to growing concern about their conservation. As a result, a series of specific conservation measures have been put in place (bans on hunting and trading, establishment of protected marine areas). Such rules, although restoring the populations of some species of marine mammals, have nevertheless failed to protect them from the most challenging threat to their survival: the bycatch of non-target species. Accordingly, this Article highlights gaps within fisheries law, clarifying the efficacy of existing norms on the protection of the most endangered marine species of marine mammals, with a particular focus on cetaceans, from over-exploitation.To this aim, the Article explores the peculiar norms developed by treaties of global and regional scope and the European Union (EU) with reference to specific species, including whales, seals, small cetaceans—referred to as direct protection. The Article then proceeds to an analysis of fisheries law that addresses, in an incidental manner, marine mammal protection—referred to as indirect protection.The Article is based on the assumption that measures simply banning hunting or fishing, as envisaged by wildlife law, must necessarily be complemented by fisheries law—that is, Inter-regime linkages. Paradoxically, indirect protection can have a major impact in terms of improvement of both fish welfare and conservation; the problem lies in the fact that current fisheries law fails to provide an adequate response to bycatch. This Article proposes methods to improve fisheries law and also discusses whether the emerging concept of fish welfare can be an asset if included in fisheries rules; the Article ultimately contends that welfare issues must necessarily be part of future legal developments.

High school students' knowledge of endangered fauna in the Brazilian Cerrado: A cross-species and spatial analysis.

The ability of high school students to know endangered species can vary among species (e.g., large body size can influence people’s interest) or among municipalities (e.g., more contact with biodiversity can influence people’s interest). Thus, in the present paper, we evaluated high school students’ knowledge about the endangered and non-endangered mammalian species of the Brazilian Cerrado. We tested whether the recognition of the endangered and non-endangered species varied in a cross-species analysis (twelve total species) according to species characteristics, such as body size, popularity, endangered status and the length of time of inclusion on the endangered species list. Moreover, we tested whether the recognition of the endangered mammal species varied between municipalities (spatial analysis). We interviewed 366 students in their first year of high school in 21 schools (one in each municipality). Our results indicated that the proportion of correctly identified endangered species varied according to species (cross-species). The endangered species that were most often correctly identified were Myrmecophaga tridactyla (known by its popular name, Tamanduá-bandeira, in Brazil), Priodontes maximus (Tatu canastra) and Panthera onca (onça-pintada), with more than 80% correct answers. Thus, students tended to recognize the more popular species and the endangered species more than the non-endangered species. The analysis of student knowledge according to municipality demonstrated that the students’ ability to recognize endangered species followed a spatial pattern. Finally, the cross-species and spatial variation patterns detected in the present study indicated the importance of formal education in increasing high school students’ knowledge about endangered species and suggested that education should also promote less well-known species, species with smaller body sizes, and other groups of vertebrates and invertebrates and consider local and regional biodiversity whenever possible.

Differential movement pattern of Père David's deer associated with the temporal rhythm using GPS collar fix

The movement patterns of animals are changing in response to environmental change with many species forming resident populations in specific areas. The Père David's deer (Elaphurus davidianus), which has been listed as an endangered mammal species, and the reintroduced population exists as a semi-captive population as well as a population inside an enclosure in east coastal wetlands of China. The maximum monthly distance moved was (203.36 ± 20.57, 149.93 ± 74.68 Km) in December of female deer; and in June of male deer, respectively. Females (155.72 ± 29.19 Km) appeared to move further than males (113.69 ± 40.96 Km). The rhythmic reproduction of male deer affect its monthly movement, especially in June, and the timid and shy characteristics of female deer determined them move further in whole seasons. The seasonally vegetation coverage change and water level line were the main factors drive them to move towards difference habitat.

Insights on the role of forest cover and on the changes in forest cover on thirty-five endangered mammal species distributions

Abstract The changes in forest cover can determine the survival of terrestrial endangered mammal species in the wild. This study assessed the impacts of forest cover changes on endangered mammal species distribution at global scale aiming to understand how the changes in forest cover may have impacted the distributions of 35 endangered small and large-body terrestrial mammals. There were used forest data obtained from time-series analyses of Landsat images between 2000 and 2014, species occurrence records collected by observations between 2000 and 2015 of Global Biodiversity Information Facility and species range data of International Union for Nature Conservation (IUCN) of the year 2015, to test the ‘natural and resource conditions’ hypothesis. Hypothesis on ‘natural and resource conditions’ produced models with high prediction accuracy of above 70 percent for 88 percent of 35 species models. The changes in forest cover explained species occurrences in 10 percent of all species models. In average, 59 percent of species occurrence records overlapped with species range data. The 51 percent of all species had no occurrence records between 2000 and 2015. Species and forest data collection as well as transnational cooperation for conservation of species roaming in the wild in upland forested areas and in cross-border areas may be critical for endangered mammal species conservation.