In reptiles, habitat selection is the process whereby suitable habitat is selected that optimizes physiological functions and behavioral performance. Here, we used the brown forest skink（Sphenomorphus indicus） as a ...In reptiles, habitat selection is the process whereby suitable habitat is selected that optimizes physiological functions and behavioral performance. Here, we used the brown forest skink（Sphenomorphus indicus） as a model animal and examined whether the frequency of active individuals, environmental temperature, illumination of activity area, and habitat type vary with different age classes. We surveyed the number of active individuals and measured environmental variables at Baiyunshan Mountain in Lishui, Zhejiang, China. We found no difference in the activity frequency of adult and juvenile S. indicus; the activity pattern of active individuals was bimodal. The mean environmental temperature selected by adults was higher than that selected by juveniles. The environmental temperature of active areas measured at 0900-1000 h and 1100-1200 h was higher than at 1400-1500h; illumination of the active area at 1000-1200 h was also higher than at 1400h-1600 h. The number of active individuals, the environmental temperature and illumination of activity areas showed pairwise positive correlation. There was a difference in habitat type between juveniles and adults whereby juveniles prefer rock habitats. We predict that active S. indicus select optimal habitats with different environmental temperatures and types to reach the physiological needs particular to their age classes.展开更多
The wolverine, Gulogulo, is an endangered species in China. This is the first report of the overall status of wolverines in China. The geographic distribution and population sizes of wolverines in the Greater Khingan ...The wolverine, Gulogulo, is an endangered species in China. This is the first report of the overall status of wolverines in China. The geographic distribution and population sizes of wolverines in the Greater Khingan and Altai Mountains were surveyed by line transect from1996–2000 and in 2011, respectively. We identified two geographically distinct groups in the Great Khingan Mountains, with a total population size of about 200 individuals throughout the region（approximately80,000 km^2）. Wolverines were also confirmed to be present in the Altai Mountains, where about 100 individuals occupied approximately 28,000 km^2 of mountain forest and tundra. Prey depletion and habitat loss, which are correlated with increasing human activities, are the main reasons for wolverine population declines in China.展开更多
基金supported by the Open Research Fund program of Laboratory of Lishui University(2014-26-10)the Scientific Research Foundation of Ph.D.in Lishui University(QD1301)+1 种基金the Science and Technology Planning Project of Lishui(20110426)the Project of Summer Work for Undergraduates in Lishui University(2014-245-23)
文摘In reptiles, habitat selection is the process whereby suitable habitat is selected that optimizes physiological functions and behavioral performance. Here, we used the brown forest skink（Sphenomorphus indicus） as a model animal and examined whether the frequency of active individuals, environmental temperature, illumination of activity area, and habitat type vary with different age classes. We surveyed the number of active individuals and measured environmental variables at Baiyunshan Mountain in Lishui, Zhejiang, China. We found no difference in the activity frequency of adult and juvenile S. indicus; the activity pattern of active individuals was bimodal. The mean environmental temperature selected by adults was higher than that selected by juveniles. The environmental temperature of active areas measured at 0900-1000 h and 1100-1200 h was higher than at 1400-1500h; illumination of the active area at 1000-1200 h was also higher than at 1400h-1600 h. The number of active individuals, the environmental temperature and illumination of activity areas showed pairwise positive correlation. There was a difference in habitat type between juveniles and adults whereby juveniles prefer rock habitats. We predict that active S. indicus select optimal habitats with different environmental temperatures and types to reach the physiological needs particular to their age classes.
基金supported by the Rare and Endangered Species Investigation and Monitoring Project of the State Forestry Administration(41309408)the Heilongjiang Academy of Sciences Fund
文摘The wolverine, Gulogulo, is an endangered species in China. This is the first report of the overall status of wolverines in China. The geographic distribution and population sizes of wolverines in the Greater Khingan and Altai Mountains were surveyed by line transect from1996–2000 and in 2011, respectively. We identified two geographically distinct groups in the Great Khingan Mountains, with a total population size of about 200 individuals throughout the region（approximately80,000 km^2）. Wolverines were also confirmed to be present in the Altai Mountains, where about 100 individuals occupied approximately 28,000 km^2 of mountain forest and tundra. Prey depletion and habitat loss, which are correlated with increasing human activities, are the main reasons for wolverine population declines in China.
