scholarly journals Relationship between human disturbance and Endangered giant panda Ailuropoda melanoleuca habitat use in the Daxiangling Mountains

Oryx ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 146-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheng Zhao ◽  
Bisong Yue ◽  
Jianghong Ran ◽  
Timothy Moermond ◽  
Ning Hou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Human Disturbance ◽  
Giant Panda ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Information Criteria ◽  
Ailuropoda Melanoleuca ◽  
Human Disturbances ◽  
Giant Pandas ◽  
The Road ◽  
Hydropower Stations

AbstractThe Endangered giant panda Ailuropoda melanoleuca is one of the most threatened mammals. The species has experienced declines in its population and habitat as a result of human disturbance. We investigated the influence of human disturbance on habitat use by giant pandas in the Daxiangling Mountains, in China's Sichuan Province. We mapped all signs of giant panda and all locations of seven types of human disturbance in the study area. We used correlation analysis, generalized linear models, and Akaike information criteria to analyse the influence of the various types of human disturbances on habitat use by the giant panda. Our results showed that habitat use was positively correlated with elevation and distance from roads, residences, hydropower stations and logging or tree-felling sites, but negatively correlated with distance from bamboo shoot collection sites and trap sites. We found that the road-effect zone spanned a distance of c. 1,200 m and that human residence could affect the intensity of habitat use by giant pandas at distances > 2,500 m. The effect of roads on habitat use was probably influenced by the association of roads with residences, hydropower stations and mines. In the area occupied by giant pandas, we recommend increased regulation to minimize the expansion and impact of roads, residences, hydropower stations and logging activities.

Habitat use by giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) in relation to roads in the Wanglang Nature Reserve, People’s Republic of China

2014 ◽  
Vol 92 (8) ◽  
pp. 715-719 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dongwei Kang ◽  
Xiaorong Wang ◽  
Hongwei Yang ◽  
Lijuan Duan ◽  
Junqing Li
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Giant Panda ◽  
Nature Reserve ◽  
People’S Republic Of China ◽  
Ailuropoda Melanoleuca ◽  
People's Republic Of China ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Giant Pandas ◽  
Republic Of China ◽  
Wanglang Nature Reserve

The impacts of roads on wildlife and their habitats have been widely recognized. To assess the effects of roads on habitat use of the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca (David, 1869)), we investigated the giant panda habitats and the roadside habitats in Wanglang Nature Reserve, People’s Republic of China. We found that giant pandas did not use the road-affected habitats, and compared with giant panda habitats, road-affected habitats were characterized by lower bamboo density and grazing disturbances. Therefore, our study demonstrated that roads negatively affected the habitat use of giant pandas, and such affected habitats could not meet the needs of these animals. These results suggest that to minimize the negative effects of roads on the conservation of species, a full evaluation of the effects of roads on wildlife and their habitats should be conducted before road construction, and effective protection measures should be taken to control for these negative effects.

scholarly journals Immune profiles of male giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) during breeding season

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
haibo shen ◽  
Caiwu Li ◽  
Ming He ◽  
Yan Huang ◽  
Jing Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pattern Recognition ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Giant Panda ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Killer Cell ◽  
Pattern Recognition Receptors ◽  
Ailuropoda Melanoleuca ◽  
Giant Pandas ◽  
Altered Expression ◽  
Immune Related Genes

Abstract Background: The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is a threatened endemic Chinese species and a flagship species of national and global conservation concern. Life history theory proposes that reproduction and immunity can be mutually constraining and interrelated. Knowledge of immunity changes of male giant pandas during the breeding season is limited.Results: Here, we researched peripheral blood gene expression profiles associated with immunity. Thirteen captive giant pandas, ranging from 9 to 11 years old, were divided into two groups based on their reproductive status. We identified 318 up-regulated DEGs and 43 down-regulated DEGs, which were enriched in 87 GO terms and 6 KEGG pathways. Additionally, we obtained 45 immune-related genes with altered expression, mostly up-regulated, and identified four hub genes HSPA4, SUGT1, SOD1, and IL1B in PPI analysis. These 45 genes were related to pattern recognition receptors, autophagy, peroxisome, proteasome, natural killer cell, antigen processing and presentation. SUGT1 and IL1B were related to pattern recognition receptors. HSP90AA1 was the most up-regulated gene and is a member of heat shock protein 90 family. HSP90 contributes to the translocation of extracellular antigen. KLRD1 encodes CD94, whose complex is an inhibitor of the cytotoxic activity of NK cells, was down-regulated. IGIP, which has the capability of inducing IgA production by B cells, was down-regulated, suggesting low concentration of IgA in male giant pandas. Our results suggest that most immune-related genes were up-regulated and more related to innate immune than adaptive immune. Conclusions: Our results indicated that breeding male giant pandas presented an immunoenhancement in innate immunity, enhanced antigen presentation and processing in cellular immunity compared to non-breeding males. The humoral immunity of male giant pandas may show a tendency to decrease during the breeding season. This study will provide a foundation for further studies of immunity and reproduction in male giant pandas.

Anogenital gland secretions code for sex and age in the giant panda, Ailuropoda melanoleuca

2004 ◽  
Vol 82 (10) ◽  
pp. 1596-1604 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong Yuan ◽  
Dingzhen Liu ◽  
Lixing Sun ◽  
Rongping Wei ◽  
Guiquan Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Giant Panda ◽  
Fatty Acid Esters ◽  
Ailuropoda Melanoleuca ◽  
Giant Pandas ◽  
Analog Form ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Relative Abundances ◽  
Anogenital Gland Secretions ◽  
Acid Esters ◽  
Form Information

Anogenital gland secretions play a major role in chemical communication by giant pandas, Ailuropoda melanoleuca (David, 1869). We analyzed 45 samples of anogenital gland secretions collected from 24 captive pandas (5 male adults, 6 female adults, 6 male subadults, and 7 female subadults) by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The secretions contained over 95 compounds. Based on 56 common compounds (relative abundances >0.1%) shared by more than three individuals, we identified steroids, long-chain fatty acids, fatty-acid esters, aldehydes, alkanes, alkenes, amines, terpenes, and furans. The chemical composition of each secretion was individual-specific. Although none of these individual compounds was age- or sex-specific, the relative abundances of several compounds differed between males and females and between adults and subadults. This result shows that information about sex and age could be coded in analog form. Information about age but not gender could also be digitally coded by the presence or absence of some of the 56 compounds, in addition to the analog coding.

Evaluation of habitat fragmentation of giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) on the north slopes of Daxiangling Mountains, Sichuan province, China

2007 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 485-500 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dunwu Qi ◽  
Zhonghai Tang ◽  
Wenguang Zhang ◽  
Bingyao Chen ◽  
Jinchu Hu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Activities ◽  
Giant Panda ◽  
Nature Reserve ◽  
Road Construction ◽  
Field Investigation ◽  
Sichuan Province ◽  
Ailuropoda Melanoleuca ◽  
The North ◽  
Global Biodiversity ◽  
Hydropower Stations

AbstractHuman activities have been a main cause of floral and faunal species extinction and loss of local and global biodiversity. Habitat and population can become fragmented and isolated under anthropogenic disturbances. In this study, we focus on the effect of human activities on the habitat and population of the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) in the north slopes of Daxiangling Mountains, Sichuan province, China. Based on eight months of field investigation in 2004, we found that the distribution of the giant panda population has been limited to remnants of habitat due to human activities such as road construction, mining and hydropower stations. There is 100.60 km2 area suitable for the giant panda (including moderately suitable, suitable and most suitable), which only accounts for 21.33% of the bamboo area. Based on a dispersal model COST, there were 79.94 km2 areas (17.12%) (including moderately suitable, suitable and most suitable) for giant panda utilization in reality. Only 16.35 km2 areas (3.5%) of total bamboo area were most suitable. The areas that suitable for panda had decreased 20.66 km2 from 2000 in total due to people activities. The results of this study can be used to provide basic information to build nature reserve for protecting giant panda in Daxiangling Mountains.

Giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) spermatozoon decondensation in vitro is not compromised by cryopreservation

2006 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 767 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca E. Spindler ◽  
Huang Yan ◽  
JoGayle Howard ◽  
Wang PengYan ◽  
Zhang Hemin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Giant Panda ◽  
Acrosome Reaction ◽  
Ailuropoda Melanoleuca ◽  
Genetic Management ◽  
Giant Pandas ◽  
Before And After ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Oocyte Cytoplasm ◽  
Natural Breeding

Natural breeding of giant pandas in captivity is compromised, making artificial insemination and spermatozoa cryopreservation essential for genetic management. This study examined the influence of freeze–thawing on traditional parameters such as motility and spermatozoon functionality, specifically decondensation in vitro. Giant panda spermatozoa were assessed before and after rapid cryopreservation (4°C to –130°C over 2 min) in liquid nitrogen vapour. Spermatozoa pre-incubated in medium for 6 h were co-incubated with cat zonae (2 zonae μL–1) for 30 min to effect capacitation and an acrosome reaction. Spermatozoa were then mixed with mature cat oocyte cytoplasm (2 cytoplasm μL–1) for 4 h and evaluated for decondensation. Frozen spermatozoa were less motile (P < 0.05) than fresh counterparts immediately post-thawing, but not after 6 h incubation. There were more (P < 0.05) spermatozoa with completely diffused chromatin post-thaw (10.4 ± 1.3%; mean ± s.e.m.) compared to fresh counterparts (5.1 ± 1.0%). However, there was no overall difference (P > 0.05) in the incidence of decondensation between fresh (4 h, 69.8 ± 5.9%) and thawed (4 h, 71.5 ± 4.9%) spermatozoa after exposure to cat oocyte cytoplasm. It is concluded that the ‘rapid’ method now used to cryopreserve giant panda spermatozoa has little impact on spermatozoon decondensation.

scholarly journals Topographic habitat features preferred by the Endangered giant panda Ailuropoda melanoleuca: implications for reserve design and management

Oryx ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 252-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ming-Hao Gong ◽  
Yan-Ling Song
Keyword(s):  
Geographical Information Systems ◽  
Giant Panda ◽  
Decisive Role ◽  
Reserve Design ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Limiting Factors ◽  
Ailuropoda Melanoleuca ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Giant Pandas ◽  
Habitat Features

AbstractThe effect of landscape on populations is of great importance, especially given the number of species inhabiting patchy landscapes. Developments in geographical information systems are facilitating a greater application of spatial analyses to threatened species, such as the Endangered giant panda Ailuropoda melanoleuca, for which habitat patchiness and quality are key limiting factors. Of all factors that influence the suitability of habitat for the giant panda, topography is not subject to change. Here, we report a spatial and statistical analysis of the high quality topographic habitat preferred by the giant panda across its stronghold in the Qinling Mountains, China. High quality topographic habitat, as indicated by a combination of elevation, slope and aspect, covers 92,788 ha, accounting for 15% of the current range of the species. The distribution of the giant panda closely follows patterns of topography and areas with patches of high quality topographic habitat are strongly associated with areas supporting greater numbers of giant pandas. However, comparisons between our model and the existing reserve system reveals a number of inadequacies. Some of the reserves contain little high quality topographic habitat and many patches of high quality topographic habitat are unprotected. Given the importance of topography and the decisive role it plays in shaping habitat, landscapes containing high quality topographic features must be a critical consideration in the design of reserves for the giant panda. The existing system of nature reserves is heavily weighted towards judicial and administrative boundaries, to the detriment of other factors such as topography.

scholarly journals Contrasting Vaginal Bacterial Communities Between Estrus and Non-estrus of Giant Pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chanjuan Yue ◽  
Xue Luo ◽  
Xiaoping Ma ◽  
Dongsheng Zhang ◽  
Xia Yan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Communities ◽  
Giant Panda ◽  
16S Rrna Gene Sequencing ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Ailuropoda Melanoleuca ◽  
Sequencing Analysis ◽  
Vaginal Microbiome ◽  
Giant Pandas ◽  
Vaginal Secretions

Bacterial infection and imbalance of bacterial community in the genitourinary system of giant panda could affect the reproductive health. In severe cases, it can also lead to abortion. In this study, 13 of vaginal secretions in the estrue (E) group and seven of vaginal secretions in the non-estrue (NE) group were used to study the composition and diversity of vaginal bacterial communities between estrus and non-estrus by 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis. The results showed that the vaginal microbiome in giant pandas shared the same top five abundant species between estrus and non-estrus at the phylum level. However, the vaginal microbiome changed significantly during estrus at the genus level. In top 10 genera, the abundance of Escherichia, Streptococcus, and Bacteroides in the E group was significantly higher than that in the NE group (p&lt;0.05); Azomonas, Porphyromonas, Prevotella, Campylobacter, and Peptoniphilus in the NE group was significantly higher than that in the E group (p&lt;0.05). The richness and diversity of vaginal microbiome in giant panda on estrus were significantly lower than those on non-estrus (p&lt;0.05). It is noteworthy that the abundance of Streptococcus, Escherichia, and Bacteroides of vagina in giant pandas maintained low abundance in the daily. Whereas, they increased significantly during estrus period, which may play an important role in female giant pandas during estrus period. It was hypothesized that hormones may be responsible for the changes in the vaginal microbiome of giant pandas between estrus and no-estrus stages.

scholarly journals Immune profiles of male giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) during breeding season

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
haibo shen ◽  
Caiwu Li ◽  
Ming He ◽  
Yan Huang ◽  
Jing Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Antigen Processing ◽  
Giant Panda ◽  
Life History Theory ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Killer Cell ◽  
Ailuropoda Melanoleuca ◽  
Giant Pandas ◽  
Altered Expression ◽  
Immune Related Genes

Abstract Background The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), regarded as the flagship species of conservation, is a most threatened species endemic to China. Life history theory proposes that reproduction and immunity can be mutually constraining and interrelated. The immunity changes of male giant pandas during reproduction is not clear. Results Here, we did research on peripheral blood gene expression profiles associated with immunity. 13 giant pandas with ages ranging from 9 to 11 years old were divided into two groups depending on whether or not they were in breeding season. We identified 318 up-regulated DEGs and 43 down-regulated DEGs, which were enriched in 87 GO terms and 6 KEGG pathways. What’s more, we obtained 45 immune-related genes with altered expression, mostly up-regulated, and identified four hub genes HSPA4, SUGT1, SOD1 and IL1B in PPI analysis. These genes were related to pattern recognition receptors, autophagy, peroxisome, proteasome, natural killer cell, antigen processing and presentation. Our results suggest that most immune-related genes were up-regulated and more related to innate immune than adaptive immune. Conclusions Male giant pandas presented an immunoenhancement in innate immunity, enhanced antigen presentation and processing in cellular immunity, and a low humoral immunity during breeding season. This study will provide a foundation for further studies of immunity and reproduction in giant pandas.

scholarly journals Microsatellite variability reveals high genetic diversity and low genetic differentiation in a critical giant panda population

2011 ◽  
Vol 57 (6) ◽  
pp. 717-724 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiandong Yang ◽  
Zhihe Zhang ◽  
Fujun Shen ◽  
Xuyu Yang ◽  
Liang Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Genetic Differentiation ◽  
Giant Panda ◽  
Population Decline ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Ailuropoda Melanoleuca ◽  
High Genetic Diversity ◽  
Giant Pandas ◽  
Allele Number ◽  
High Level

Abstract Understanding present patterns of genetic diversity is critical in order to design effective conservation and management strategies for endangered species. Tangjiahe Nature Reserve (NR) is one of the most important national reserves for giant pandas Ailuropoda melanoleuca in China. Previous studies have shown that giant pandas in Tangjiahe NR may be threatened by population decline and fragmentation. Here we used 10 microsatellite DNA markers to assess the genetic variability in the Tangjiahe population. The results indicate a low level of genetic differentiation between the Hongshihe and Motianling subpopulations in the reserve. Assignment tests using the Bayesian clustering method in STRUCTURE identified one genetic cluster from 42 individuals of the two subpopulations. All individuals from the same subpopulation were assigned to one cluster. This indicates high gene flow between subpopulations. F statistic analyses revealed a low FIS-value of 0.024 in the total population and implies a randomly mating population in Tangjiahe NR. Additionally, our data show a high level of genetic diversity for the Tangjiahe population. Mean allele number (A), Allelic richness (AR) and mean expected heterozygosity (HE) for the Tangjiahe population was 5.9, 5.173 and 0.703, respectively. This wild giant panda population can be restored through concerted effort.

Microhabitat separation during winter among sympatric giant pandas, red pandas, and tufted deer: the effects of diet, body size, and energy metabolism

2004 ◽  
Vol 82 (9) ◽  
pp. 1451-1458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zejun Zhang ◽  
Fuwen Wei ◽  
Ming Li ◽  
Baowei Zhang ◽  
Xuehua Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Energy Metabolism ◽  
Giant Panda ◽  
Sichuan Province ◽  
Ailuropoda Melanoleuca ◽  
Giant Pandas ◽  
Republic Of China ◽  
Red Panda ◽  
Open Land ◽  
Selection Of

The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca (David, 1869)), red panda (Ailurus fulgens F.G. Cuvier, 1825), and tufted deer (Elaphodus cephalophus Milne-Edwards, 1872) are endemic to the Himalayan Hengduan Mountains; the red panda extends into India, Burma, Bhutan, and Nepal, and the tufted deer extends marginally into Burma, while the giant panda is endemic to China. In Sichuan Province, uniquely, all three species occur sympatrically. We investigated microhabitat characteristics at 150 fecal-group sites from November 2002 to March 2003 to improve understanding of microhabitat separation among the three species at the Fengtongzhai Nature Reserve, Baoxing County, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China. Density and height of bamboo were greater in the giant and red pandas' micro habitats than in those of the tufted deer. The red panda preferred microhabitats with greater tree-stump density, smaller trees, and shorter fallen log dispersion distance than the other two species. Tufted deer often occurred at sites with greater shrub density and herb cover and more open land with poorer concealment conditions than sites where the two panda species occurred. Both pandas' microhabitats were mostly concentrated on the upper hillside, unlike those of the tufted deer. The giant panda preferred microhabitats with a gentler slope and lower density of fallen logs. Selection of specific microhabitats by each species is an ecological adaptation dependent on behavior linked to its diet, body size, energy metabolism, and other factors. Microhabitat separation among these species reflects the integrated effects of their differences in diet, body size, and energy metabolism, which could facilitate their successful coexistence.

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