Population genomic data reveal low genetic diversity,divergence and local adaptation among threatened Reeves's Pheasant(Syrmaticus reevesii)

Population genomic data could provide valuable information for conservation efforts;however,limited studies have been conducted to investigate the genetic status of threatened pheasants.Reeves’s Pheasant(Syrmaticus reevesii)is facing population decline,attributed to increases in habitat loss.There is a knowledge gap in understanding the genomic status and genetic basis underlying the local adaptation of this threatened bird.Here,we used population genomic data to assess population structure,genetic diversity,inbreeding patterns,and genetic divergence.Furthermore,we identified candidate genes linked with adaptation across the current distribution of Reeves’s Pheasant.The present study assembled the first de novo genome sequence of Reeves’s Pheasant and annotated 19,458 genes.We also sequenced 30 individuals from three populations(Dabie Mountain,Shennongjia,Qinling Mountain)and found that there was clear population structure among those populations.By comparing with other threatened species,we found that Reeves’s Pheasants have low genetic diversity.Runs of homozygosity suggest that the Shennongjia population has experienced serious inbreeding.The demographic history results indicated that three populations experienced several declines during the glacial period.Local adaptative analysis among the populations identified 241 candidate genes under directional selection.They are involved in a large variety of processes,including the immune response and pigmentation.Our results suggest that the three populations should be considered as three different conservation units.The current study provides genetic evidence for conserving the threatened Reeves’s Pheasant and provides genomic resources for global biodiversity management.

The clutch size,incubation behavior of Reeves’s Pheasant(Syrmaticus reevesii) and their responses to ambient temperature and precipitation

Weather conditions play a pivotal role in embryo development and parental incubation costs,potentially impacting the clutch size and incubation behavior of birds.Understanding these effects is crucial for bird conservation.Reeves’ s Pheasant(Syrmaticus reevesii) is a threatened species endemic to China,which is characterized by female-only incubation.However,there is a lack of information regarding the impact of weather conditions on clutch size and incubation behavior in this species.Using satellite tracking,we tracked 27 wild female Reeves’ s Pheasants from 2020 to 2023 in Hubei Province,China.We explored their clutch size and incubation behavior,as well as their responses to ambient temperature and precipitation.Clutch size averaged 7.75 ±1.36,had an association with average ambient temperature and average daily precipitation during the egglaying period,and was potentially linked to female breeding attempts.Throughout the incubation period,females took an average of 0.73 ±0.46 recesses every 24 h,with an average recess duration of 100.80 ±73.37 min and an average nest attendance of 92.98 ±5.27%.They showed a unimodal recess pattern in which nest departures peaked primarily between 13:00 and 16:00.Furthermore,females rarely left nests when daily precipitation was high.Recess duration and nest attendance were influenced by the interaction between daily mean ambient temperature and daily precipitation,as well as day of incubation.Additionally,there was a positive correlation between clutch size and recess duration.These results contribute valuable insights into the lifehistory features of this endangered species.

Phylogenetic Relationships of Monal Pheasants Lophophorus Inferred from Sequences of Mitochondrial Cytochrome b Gene

The phylogeny of the monal pheasants (Lophophorus) and their relationships to some species of the genera Tragopan,Pucrasia and Ithaginis were studied by comparing mitochondrial cytochrome b (cyt b) nucleotide sequences.The molecular phylogenetic trees show that:①the genus Tragopan and the genus Pucrasia share a common ancestor which is the sister taxon of the ancestor of the genus Lophophorus;②the genus Lophophorus had evolved into two branches:One was the Sclaters Monal;the other included the Chinese Monal and the Himalayan Monal.Considering its molecular phylogeny,distribution patterns and morphological evidences,the genus Lophophorus might originate in the Hengduan mountains region of southwestern China.

基于红外相机技术的白鹇日活动节律分化研究 ——以都庞岭和大围山种群为例

种群行为分化是物种适应环境的基础,而同一物种不同地理种群活动节律的分化是体现其生态适应的重要内容。不同地理种群活动节律的分化是由生态条件和种间竞争等因素引起的,研究不同地理种群物种活动节律的分化,有助于对种群的动态管理和保护。为研究同一物种在不同分布区域的年周期行为节律,通过提取2017年10月至2018年9月在湖南都庞岭国家级自然保护区和湖南浏阳大围山省级自然保护区分别布设的60台红外相机中监测到的白鹇(Lophura nycthemera)种群数据,利用核密度估计方法(kernel Density Estimation)和雅各布斯选择指数(Jacobs Selection Index,JSI)对白鹇的日活动节律和日活动时间选择进行了构建与比对,同时采用皮尔逊相关系数(Pearson correlation coefficient)及T检验(T-Test)分析了两个异域分布的白鹇种群活动节律的分化趋势。结果表明:都庞岭分布的白鹇在全年和冷季的日活动节律为单峰模式,暖季为双峰模式;大围山分布的白鹇在全年的日活动节律为连续多峰模式,冷季和暖季为单峰模式。在活动时段的选择上,都庞岭分布的白鹇在全年和暖季更偏好在上午(JSI=0.479,JSI=0.461)活动,冷季更喜欢在中午(JSI=0.593)活动,全年和不同季节对日落(-0.41<JSI<0)为消极选择;而大围山分布的白鹇在全年和冷季偏好在下午(JSI=0.454,JSI=0.673)活动最多,暖季在上午(JSI=0.423)活动最多,同时对日落为正向选择(JSI=0.082)。依据活动时间重叠系数,都庞岭和大围山分布的白鹇在暖季的活动时间重叠系数最高(Dhat=0.92);依据活动频次相关性分析,2个地理种群在暖季的活动频次分化程度最高(Cor=-0.92,P<0.01)。综合分析表明,气候适应,回避人为干扰,同域竞争者和捕食者压力等因素可能是引起白鹇不同地理种群的日活动节律分化的原因。本研究结果可为雉类日活动行为分化研究提供经验线索,并为白鹇种群有效管理与栖息地保护提供理论支撑。

1株山鸡源致病性大肠杆菌的分离鉴定

为查明秦皇岛市某山鸡养殖场山鸡大批量死亡病因,试验对分离到的致病优势菌株进行生化鉴定和16S rRNA基因序列分析,并测试分离菌对21种抗生素的敏感性,进一步采用PCR方法检测分离菌的耐药基因。利用清洁级昆明小鼠和SPF鸡胚分别对分离菌进行致病性试验,并采用PCR方法检测分离菌的毒力基因。结果显示:分离菌为革兰氏阴性杆菌,在伊红美蓝培养基上生长出有金属光泽的菌落,生化特性与大肠杆菌生化特性符合率高达99%。BLAST分析发现,分离菌16S rRNA序列与大肠杆菌的基因相似性高达99.8%。分离菌对恩诺沙星和阿米卡星高度敏感,对青霉素、头孢曲松等15种药物耐药。分离菌的磺胺类、β-内酰胺类、四环素类的耐药基因与耐药表型基本相符,其余耐药基因与耐药表型不符,提示该分离菌可能存在其他的耐药机制。致病性试验结果显示,分离菌具有较强致病性,共检测到12种大肠杆菌主要毒力基因。研究表明,分离菌为山鸡源致病性大肠杆菌,且耐药情况复杂,具有较强的毒力和致病性。

Modeling foraging habitats of Hume’s Pheasant (Syrmaticus humiae) in Dazhong Mountain, Yunnan, southwestern China

We modeled foraging habitats of Hume’s Pheasant (Syrmaticus humiae) on a macro-habitat level using ArcGIS in an attempt to provide scientific reference for management and restoration of habitats. Field work was conducted from March to April in 2006 and 2008, and from October to November in 2005 and 2008 in Dazhong Mountain, Yunnan Province, southwestern China. The selection of ecological factors was estimated by means of a resource selection index, distance analysis and the method of hierarchical habitat selection. The foraging habitat patches were modeled spatially by ArcGIS. The results show that actual and potential foraging patches overlapped considerably in spring and autumn. The number and total areas of patches in the autumn were smaller than those in the spring. The minimum and average areas of patches in the autumn were larger than those in the spring, while the maximum areas of actual and potential foraging patches in the autumn were equal to those in the spring. Similarity in the selection for survival and safety consideration in both seasons was the main strategy for landscape factors of habitats by Hume’s Pheasant, while seasonal difference in selecting a landscape matrix was their secondary strategy, affecting landscape factors in the habitat. Changes of foraging patches in both seasons reflect a difference of resources requirement by the bird. Fragmentation and miniaturization of foraging patches would result in the formation of a meta-population of Hume’s Pheasant.

云南哀牢山国家级自然保护区楚雄州片区大中型兽类和雉类多样性初探

为了解云南哀牢山国家级自然保护区楚雄州片区大中型兽类和雉类多样性以及人类活动情况,2020年3月至2022年5月,在保护区内按照1 km×1 km网格布设了153台红外相机,开展系统调查与监测,累积59623个相机工作日,收集到野生动物独立有效照片数9309张,记录到大中型兽类动物5目14科23种,雉类1目1科7种,其中,国家一级重点保护野生动物3种,国家二级重点保护野生动物14种。在监测到的物种中,物种相对多度指数最高的5种动物分别是赤麂(Muntiacus vaginalis,RAI=7.52)、毛冠鹿(Elaphodus cephalophus,RAI=2.43)、野猪(Sus scrofa,RAI=2.39)、猕猴(Macaca mulatta,RAI=2.26)和马来豪猪(Hystrix brachyura,RAI=2.16)。种-多度曲线分析结果表明,赤麂、野猪和白鹇(Lophura nycthemera)在云南哀牢山楚雄州片区多度秩排序前三位,累积相对多度占所有物种相对多度的65%。此外,还在保护区内拍摄到大量放牧等人类活动,显示保护区内存在一定的人为活动干扰。本次系统调查与监测结果完善了云南哀牢山国家级自然保护区楚雄州片区范围内大中型兽类和雉类本底信息,填补了区内大中型兽类和雉类的研究空白,为保护区后续的管理和长期监测提供科学依据。

Home range and habitat composition of male Reeves's Pheasants in an agricultural-forest plantation landscape in central China:a preliminary report

We present a preliminary examination of the home range and habitat use of male Reeves's Pheasants (Syrmaticus reevesii) in an agricultural-forest plantation landscape on the Xianjuding Forest Farm, Hubei Province, central China. Fieldwork was carried out from March to August in 2003. The home range of males averaged 33.17 ± 12.55 ha by MCP (minimum convex polygon) and 21.05 ± 5.61 ha by a 95% fixed kernel estimator. The core area by a 60% fixed kernel estimator was 3.92 ± 0.27 ha. We did not detect significant seasonal variations in home range, core area and movement in this farm. Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) plantations were the dominant habitat type within the home ranges and core areas. The males used their habitat non-randomly in spring and summer, preferred the fir plantations and avoided broadleaf forests in both seasons. In addition, the males used shrubs less than were available in the spring. The vegetation structure of different habitats may be the leading factor affecting the use of the habitats.

四川王朗国家级自然保护区红喉雉鹑的巢特征和巢址选择

2021年和2022年的3—7月,在四川王朗国家级自然保护区采用跟踪观察和系统搜索法,对红喉雉鹑Tetraophasis obscurus的巢特征和巢址选择进行了研究。结果显示:(1)红喉雉鹑可筑地面和树上2种巢型,以树上巢为主,占88.24%(15/17);巢材包括树皮、枯草、羽毛、针叶和苔藓等。(2)树上巢均位于方枝柏Sabina saltuaria树枝基部,距离地面平均高度3.05 m±0.23 m(1.64~4.45 m),巢平均深度2.88 cm±0.07 cm(2.4~3.4 cm)。(3)红喉雉鹑偏好在坡度较小、草本盖度和落叶盖度较大、植被郁闭条件较好且距水源距离较近的生境中筑巢;草本盖度和落叶盖度是影响红喉雉鹑选择筑巢生境的关键因子,表明其选择巢址时受到安全因素和食物资源的双重影响。本研究结果丰富了红喉雉鹑繁殖生态学的基础资料,为物种保护和生境管理提供了科学依据。

白羽雉鸡体尺与屠宰性能的相关性及回归分析

该研究选择126日龄的白羽雉鸡公母各30只,开展体尺和屠宰性能测定。结果表明,白羽雉鸡具有良好的产肉性能,公、母雉鸡的平均屠宰率分别为90.10%和89.14%,平均全净膛率分别为71.46%和69.85%。公雉鸡的体斜长、龙骨长、胫围、胫长、骨盆宽和胸深极显著高于母雉鸡(P<0.01),公雉鸡的胸宽显著高于母雉鸡(P<0.05)。白羽公雉鸡的宰前体重、屠体重、半净膛重、半净膛率、全净膛重、胸肌重和腿肌重极显著高于母雉鸡(P<0.01),公雉鸡全净膛率显著高于母雉鸡(P<0.05)。白羽公雉鸡体斜长与骨盆宽、宰前体重、屠体重、半净膛重、全净膛重、腿肌重呈极显著正相关(P<0.01)。白羽母雉鸡体斜长与龙骨长、胸深、宰前体重、屠体重、半净膛重、全净膛重和腿肌重呈极显著正相关(P<0.01)。体尺与屠宰性能之间均有不同程度的正相关,白羽雉鸡体重、屠体性能和体尺指标间的回归方程,判定系数R2均达到0.5以上,表明体斜长等体尺性状可有效预测体重和屠宰性能。可见通过测定白羽雉鸡体斜长、胫围、胫长和胸宽等体尺指标可以有效评估屠宰性能。

Blue-eared Pheasant:a forest bird endemic to China

The Blue-eared Pheasant (Crossoptilon auritum) is an important bird species,endemic to China and is ranked as a second grade key protected wildlife species in China.These birds are only found in the mountainous regions of Qinghai,Gansu and Sichuan provinces and the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.In order to understand systematically the existing information on the biology of the Blue-eared Pheasant,we provide updated information on its habitat,activity,nest-site features,breeding biology,feeding habits,population status and conservation of this pheasant by integrating published data with the information from our field surveys,conducted from 2006 to 2008 in the Gaihai-zecha National Nature Reserve,Gansu.

Hainan Peacock Pheasant (Polyplectron katsumatae):an endangered and rare tropical forest bird

The Hainan Peacock Pheasant (Polyplectron katsumatae),the smallest allied species of somber forest peacock pheasants among the taxa of Polyplectron spp.,is a rare tropical forest bird endemic to China,and distributed only in the mountainous region of central and southwestern Hainan Island dominated by evergreen broadleaf forests.By integrating references and unpublished data based on our field surveys,we presented information on species status,distribution and population,habitat and home range,breeding ecology and conservation of the Hainan Peacock Pheasant.Future investigation should focus on its life history traits in relation to vulnerability.Considering its limited distribution and small population size,it has recently been recognized as "Endangered" by the IUCN Red List to prevent loss of this island endemic.

广东省东莞市鸟类新纪录——白鹇

2022年9月—2022年12月,在开展东莞市银瓶山森林公园野生动物监测的过程中,在东莞市国营清溪林场和东莞市银瓶山自然保护区4个监测点均拍到白鹇雌雄鸟的影像,栖息地以常绿阔叶林为主。经查阅相关文献,证实为广东省东莞市境内鸟类新纪录,由此白鹇在广东省珠三角莞深广地区均有分布。

Winter diet and digestive tract of the Golden Pheasant(Chrysolophus pictus) in the Qinling Mountains,China

The winter diet and morphological structure of the gastrointestinal tract of the Golden Pheasant(Chrysolophus pictus) was investigated in the Qinling Mountains,Shaanxi Province in 2002/2003.Individual food items in crops were identified by species,where possible,using standard taxonomic methods.The Golden Pheasant consumes exclusively vegetarian foods in the winter,of at least 14 plant species,such as crops and other vegetable species.The digestive tract of the Golden Pheasant is composed of an oesophagus,a stomach,a relatively long intestine measuring 3.4 × standard body length,two fully-developed caeca and a relatively short colon,typical for herbivorous birds.Pebbles of different sizes(0.5-3 mm in diameter) were very frequent in the gizzard.The average dry weight of the pebbles was 10.4±2.5 g and was positively correlated with the weight of digesta in the gizzard(Pearson r = 0.747,p < 0.01,n = 37).The mucosa surface pH of the digestive tract of the Golden Pheasant was slightly acidic,but higher in the crop and gizzard.

Genetic evidence for male-biased dispersal in Elliot's Pheasant (Syrmaticus ellioti) in China

Sex-biased dispersal,in which individuals of one sex tend to disperse and breed at a greater distance from their natal site than individuals of the opposite sex,appears to be common in vertebrate organisms and is very important to population structures and dynamics.Many studies have documented the dispersal patterns of monogamous birds; however,observations and data are few for polygynous birds.In our study,we report on the indication of sex-biased dispersal in Elliot's Pheasant (Syrmaticus ellioti),a vulnerable species endemic to China,using polymorphic DNA microsatellite loci (105 individual birds and seven loci) and mitochondrial DNA control-region sequences (63 birds).Contrary to the traditional concept that males are the more philopatric sex and females the more dispersing sex in birds,all the genetic information extracted from the two markers suggests that male-biased dispersal is predominant in Elliot's Pheasant.We argue that polygynous species in Galliformes without lekking behavior are more likely to exhibit male-biased dispersal patterns,consistent with the expected results based on the polygynous mating system of Elliot's Pheasant.

Expression levels of GSTA2 and APOD genes might be associated with carotenoid coloration in golden pheasant(Chrysolophus pictus) plumage

Carotenoids, which generate yellow, orange, and red colors, are crucial pigments in avian plumage. Investigations into genes associated with carotenoid- based coloration in avian species are important; however, such research is difficult because carotenoids cannot be synthetized in vertebrates as they are only derived from dietary sources. Here, the golden pheasant （Chrysolophus pictus） was used as a model in analysis of candidate gene expression profiles implicated in carotenoid binding and deposition. Using mass and Raman spectrometry to confirm the presence of carotenoids in golden pheasant feathers, we found C40H540 and C40H5602 in feathers with yellow to red colors, and in the rachis of iridescent feathers. The global gene expression profiles in golden pheasant skins were analyzed by RNA-seq and all six carotenoid binding candidate genes sequenced were studied by real- time PCR. STAR4, GSTA2, Scarbl, and APOD in feather follicles showed different expressions in red breast and orange nape feathers compared with that of iridescent mantle feathers. Further comparison of golden pheasant yellow rump and Lady Amherst＇s pheasant （Chrysolophus amherstiae） white nape feathers suggested that GSTA2 and APOD played a potential role in carotenoid-based coloration in golden pheasant.

Nest survival rate of Reeves＇s pheasant(Syrmaticus reevesii) based on artificial nest experiments

To explore the nest survival rate of Reeves＇ s pheasant（Syrmaticus reevesii） and the nest-site factors that affect it, we conducted artificial nest experiments with reference to natural nests at Dongzhai National Nature Reserve（DNNR）, Henan Province and Pingjingguan, Hubei Province from April to June 2014 simulating the situation in its early and later breeding season. We also determined distance characteristics of the nest sites by Arc GIS 10.0. Nest survival models were constructed in Program MARK for data analysis. Results indicated that in the early breeding season, the apparent survival rate（ASR） in DNNR（52.4%） was significantly greater than that in Pingjingguan（13.5%）, and the ASR in the later breeding season in DNNR（26.7%） was not indistinctively correlated with Pingjingguan（3.2%）. The daily survival rate（DSR） in the later breeding season was 93.8% in DNNR and 92.0% in Pingjingguan, respectively. The DSRs were both negatively correlated with nest distance to forest edges and settlements. The DSR in Pingjingguan was positively correlated with nest distance to paths and negatively correlated with nest distance to water sources. However, the DSR in DNNR was negatively correlated with nest distance to paths but positively correlated with nest distance to water sources.

Seasonal variations in the energy budget of Elliot's pheasant (Syrmaticus ellioti) in cage

This study aimed to discuss the energy budget of Elliot's pheasant Syrmaticus ellioti in different seasons, with life and health, good growth and normal digestion of Elliot's pheasant as the tested objects, The energy budget of Elliot's pheasant was measured by daily collection of the trial pheasants' excrement in the biological garden of Guangxi Normal University from March 2011 to February 2012. The results showed that the gross energy consumption, metabolic energy and excrement energy varied by season, increasing as temperature decreased. There was significant difference in gross energy consumption, metabolic energy, excrement energy between adults and nonages. There was also a trend that food digestibility of pheasants increases as temperature increases. In the same season, the food digestibility of adults was better than that of nonages. Throughout spring, summer, autumn and winter, the metabolic energy of 4-year adults were 305.77±13.40 kJ/d, 263.67±11.89 kJ/d, 357.23±25.49 kJ/d and 403.12±24.91 kJ/d, respectively, and the nonages were 284.86±17.22 kJ/d, 284. 66±15.16 kJ/d, 402. 26±31.46 kJ/d and 420. 30±31.98 kJ/d, respectively. The minimum metabolic energies were 247.65±21.81 g, 265.86±26.53 g, respectively for each group, detected between 4-year adults and 1-year nonages. Further study is needed to determine whether 29.6 C is the optimal temperature for the Elliot's pheasant.

Muscle architecture of the forelimb of the Golden Pheasant(Chrysolophus pictus)(Aves: Phasianidae)and its implications for functional capacity in flight

Background: Flight is the central avian adaptation in evolution. Wing muscles form an important anatomical basis for avian flight, affecting wing performance and determine modes of flight. However, the roles of distal muscles in adjusting the wing, as well as their functional specializations, remain largely unknown. The importance of muscle fiber architecture has long been recognized. In this study, we provide quantitative anatomical data on the muscle architecture of the forelimb of the Golden Pheasant(Chrysolophus pictus), with an emphasis on brachial,antebrachial and manual segments.Methods: The forelimbs of five Golden Pheasants were dissected and detailed measurements of all muscles were made, including muscle mass, muscle belly length, fascicle length. From these values, muscle volume, physiological cross-sectional area(PCSA) and maximum isometric force were derived.Results: General trends such as the distribution of muscle mass, fascicle length and the ratio of tendon length/belly length are revealed. Comparing PCSAs between antebrachial depressors and elevators and between intrinsics of the alular digit and major digit yielded significant differences(p < 0.05). Pronounced development of the antebrachial depressors suggests that ventral rotation of the distal half of the wing is a pivotal factor in shape change and orientation modulation. Large PCSAs in tandem with the force generation capability of the major digit intrinsics may help stabilize the digits while enhancing support of the primary feathers. The architectural properties of the alular digit confirm that alular adjustment is essential to rapid adduction and abduction.Conclusions: These observations illustrate the underlying structural basis for the functional capacities of the distal forelimb muscles and may provide additional information useful in further biomechanical and in vivo investigations.

Population survey and conservation assessment of the globally threa- tened cheer pheasant （Catreus wallicht） in Jhelum Valley, Azad Kas- hmir, Pakistan

The cheer pheasant Catreus wallichi is a globally threatened species that inhabits the western Himalayas. Though it is well established that the species is threatened and its numbers declining, updated definitive estimates are lacking, so in 2011, we conducted a survey to assess the density, population size, and threats to the species in Jhelum valley, Azad Kashmir, which holds the largest known population of cheer pheasants in Pakistan. We conducted dawn call count surveys at 17 points clustered in three survey zones of the valley, 11 of which had earlier been used for a 2002-2003 survey of the birds. Over the course of our survey, 113 birds were recorded. Mean density of cheer pheasant in the valley was estimated at 11.8±6.47 pairs per km2, with significant differences in terms of both counts and estimated density of cheer were significantly different across the three survey zones, with the highest in the Chinari region and the lowest, that is the area with no recorded sightings of the pheasants, in Gari Doppata. The total breeding population of cheer pheasants is estimated to be some 2 490 pairs, though this does not consider the actual area of occupancy in the study area. On the whole, more cheer pheasants were recorded in this survey than from the same points in 2002-2003, indicating some success in population growth. Unfortunately, increasing human settlement, fires, livestock grazing, hunting, and the collection of non-timber forest products continue to threaten the population of cheer in the Jhelum valley. To mitigate these potential impacts, some degree of site protection should be required for the conservation of cheer pheasants in Pakistan, and more effective monitoring of the species is clearly needed.