The retroviral vector (RCAS) has been widely used in avian system to study development and diseases, but is not suitable for mammals which do not produce the retrovirus receptor TVA. In this review, we trace the cur...The retroviral vector (RCAS) has been widely used in avian system to study development and diseases, but is not suitable for mammals which do not produce the retrovirus receptor TVA. In this review, we trace the current uses of RCAS-TVA approach in mammalian system with improved strategies, including generation of tv-a transgenic mice, use of soluble TVA receptor and retroviral receptor-ligand fusion proteins, improvement of RCAS vectors, and compare a series of mammalian models in variant studies of gene function, development, oncogenesis and gene therapy. All those studies demonstrate that the RCAS-TVA based mammalian models are powerful tools for understanding the mechanisms and target treating of human diseases.展开更多
The bacteria in the genus Vibrio are heterothrophic, which exist in the larval rearing water of Crustacea and often show diverse pathogenicities to marine animals. In order to assess the bacterial diversity associated...The bacteria in the genus Vibrio are heterothrophic, which exist in the larval rearing water of Crustacea and often show diverse pathogenicities to marine animals. In order to assess the bacterial diversity associated with Crustacean seed production, 32 strains were isolated from black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) and mangrove crab (Scylla paramamosain) larvae and their rearing-water and characterized using biochemical and molecular approaches. Two or more genotypically different species were identified. The vibriosis of black tiger shrimp was caused by V. harveyi, V. alginolyticus and Vibrio spp. predominantly, while that of crab by V. harveyi and V. alginolyticus only.展开更多
The dynamics of soil animals was studied in seven representative forest communities in the north of the Da Hinggan Mountains, Northeast China. The results indicate that it was distinctive in the changes of the numbers...The dynamics of soil animals was studied in seven representative forest communities in the north of the Da Hinggan Mountains, Northeast China. The results indicate that it was distinctive in the changes of the numbers of soil animals and groups and diversity in relationship with seasons for macrofauna and meso-micro fauna in the study area. The numbers of the observed soil animals in different months were: October>August>June. Group number was larger in August and October, but smaller in June. The change of diversity index in different months was: August>June>Oc- tober. The biomass for macrofauna in different months was: October>June>August. The composition and number of each functional group was relatively stable. In the community of the predominant soil environment, the percentage of saprophagous animals was higher than carnivorous animals and herbivorous animals. The dynamics changes of sapro- phagous and carnivorous animals were distinctive, increasing from June to October, while the change of herbivorous animals was unremarkable.展开更多
The living morphology and infraciliature of a marine ciliate, Cardiostomatella vermiformis isolated from a sand beach of the Jiaozhou Bay near Qingdao, China, were investigated by live observation, protargol and silve...The living morphology and infraciliature of a marine ciliate, Cardiostomatella vermiformis isolated from a sand beach of the Jiaozhou Bay near Qingdao, China, were investigated by live observation, protargol and silver carbonate impregnation methods. Both the morphological and morphometric data largely agree with former records. Based on the data obtained, an improved diagnosis for Cardiostomatella vermiformis is supplied: Large marine Cardiostomatella with cylindrical body shape and several prolonged caudal cilia; cells in vivo about (90–500) μm×(30–120) μm; macronucleus beaded; single contractile vacuole caudally positioned; buccal apparatus conspicuously small, genus typical; three to six postoral kineties; 96-130 somatic kineties. This species is recorded for the first time in China.展开更多
The diversity,community structure and seasonal variation in demersal nekton off the Changjiang(Yangtze)River estuary was evaluated using monthly trawl survey data,collected between December 2008 and November 2009.A to...The diversity,community structure and seasonal variation in demersal nekton off the Changjiang(Yangtze)River estuary was evaluated using monthly trawl survey data,collected between December 2008 and November 2009.A total of 95 species(56 teleosts,11 cephalopods,and 28 decapod crustaceans)from 69 genera,49 families and 15 orders were collected.These species could be classifi ed into six groups on the basis of temporal distribution patterns.The resident crab Ovalipes punctatus dominated the community,both in number and biomass.A clear seasonal succession was observed in the species composition.Cluster analysis revealed three primary seasonal groups corresponding to the samples collected in winter-spring,late spring-summer and late summer-autumn.The highest biomass and lowest diversity were observed in summer,while the lowest biomass and highest diversity in winter.The abundance-biomass comparison curves and community composition suggested that the investigated community was moderately disturbed.The results suggest that reduction in fi shing pressure and in the degree of seasonal hypoxia are essential for sustainable resource management off the Changjiang River estuary.展开更多
Biodiesel (BD) was made from animal-fats reacting with methanol and potassium hydroxide in the laboratory. The biodiesel made in the laboratory was sent to K-petro, the government agency to inspect the quality of an...Biodiesel (BD) was made from animal-fats reacting with methanol and potassium hydroxide in the laboratory. The biodiesel made in the laboratory was sent to K-petro, the government agency to inspect the quality of animal-fats biodiesel, of which generally the quality was acceptable for heating oil for agricultural hot air heater. Kinematic viscosity and calorific values of the biodiesels were measured. BD20(K), kerosene based biodiesel, showed 18 cSt at -20 ~C. It seems that BD100 can not be suitable for heating fuel under some temperature. As BD content increased calorific value decreased up to 40,000 J/g for 100% BD (BD100) while, light oil calorific value was 45,567 J/g, showing difference of 5,567 J/g (about 12% difference), Several different fuels including BD20 (biodiesel 20% + light oil 80%), BD50 (biodiesel 50% + light oil 50%), BD100 (biodiesel 100%) and light oil were prepared and tested for fuel combustion qualities for agricultural hot air heater and their combustion performances were compared and analyzed. Flame dimensions of biodiesels and light oil were almost same shape at the same combustion condition in the burner of the hot air heater. Generally, CO2 amounts of BDs were greater than light oil, but the differences were so small that it is hard to tell there was significant difference between the BDs combustion and light oil.展开更多
In order to define the role of wild carnivores in the epidemiology of parasitoses with veterinary and medical importance their parasitological status and feeding habits were studied. In the period 2001-2006 the feedin...In order to define the role of wild carnivores in the epidemiology of parasitoses with veterinary and medical importance their parasitological status and feeding habits were studied. In the period 2001-2006 the feeding habits of 167 foxes, 78 jackals, 40 wild cats and 23 stone martens from the area of Sredna Gora, Bulgaria were investigated. 113 of the foxes, 56 of the jackals, 22 of the wild cats and 21 of the martens were subjected to helminthological study. 147 wild boars and 26 badgers from the same area were subjected to trichinelloscopy. Rodents were the main food of the wild cats (82.7%), martens (52%) and foxes (50%). The main food of the jackals was carrion from domestic and wild animals (79.5%). 95.5% of the foxes, 100% of the jackals, 95.5% of the wild cats and 89% of the stone martens were infected with one or more helminth species. The prevalence of the most important helminths: Trichinella spp., Taenia spp. and Ancylostoma spp. was high in all carnivores examined. In the infected with Trichinella spp. animals only T. britovi was demonstrated. The wild boars and badgers were not infected with Trichinella spp. The correlation between the feeding habits and parasitological status is discussed.展开更多
Why do two sexes of the same species differ in body size holds a long-standing question of evolutionary biology. While many across-species comparisons have focused on ultimate causes behind sexual size dimorphism (SS...Why do two sexes of the same species differ in body size holds a long-standing question of evolutionary biology. While many across-species comparisons have focused on ultimate causes behind sexual size dimorphism (SSD), only have a few been directed toward elucidating its ontogenetic basis. Urodeles are an amphibian group in which the direction and degree of SSD vary greatly among species. Using demographic data yielded by skeletochronology for 33 urodele species, the current study re- veals a positive across-species correlation between SSD and the sex difference in mean age of adult animals, and the latter in- creases with the corresponding difference in age at maturity; annual growth rate does not differ between the sexes. We conclude that extended longevities in one sex, which is mediated by delayed maturation, would allow it to grow for longer and get larger, with growth rate making a weak contribution to body size. The sex-specific divergence in ontogenetic trajectory might be ex- plained by potentially high growth costs of reproduction to females in association with stronger fecundity selection, and to males that are expected to experience stronger sexual selection [Current Zoology 59 (1): 142-150, 2013].展开更多
The Bale Mountains of Ethiopia represent the world's largest continuous extent of afroalpine habitat. With a peak combined density of over 8000 individuals/km2, the endemic giant mole rat Tachyoryctes macrocephalus, ...The Bale Mountains of Ethiopia represent the world's largest continuous extent of afroalpine habitat. With a peak combined density of over 8000 individuals/km2, the endemic giant mole rat Tachyoryctes macrocephalus, Blick's grass rat Arvi- canthis blicki and the brush-furred mouse Lophuromys melanonyx are the dominant wild herbivores within this ecosystem and may be affected by the presence of high densities of domestic livestock. The purpose of this study was to establish whether these endemic rodent populations could respond to the removal of grazing pressure inside three 0.25 hectare livestock exclosures (paired with grazed control plots) and to determine whether such response was mediated through concomitant changes in the vegetation structure. We hypothesised that livestock grazing negatively affects endemic rodent populations through competition or increased predation risk and we predicted an increase in rodent biomass following the removal of grazing pressure. We found no evidence of rodent populations responding to the removal of livestock after fourteen months. The short-term nature of the ex- perimental design, environmental fluctuations and the ecosystem's inherent stochasticity may explain the apparent lack of a sig- nificant response. However, while this study is inconclusive, it emphasises the need for more long-term experimental investiga- tions to assess the effects of domestic grazers on vegetation and on dependent communities. The effects of rapidly increasing livestock numbers in the Bale Mountains will require continued close monitoring of vegetation and endemic animal communities as the afroalpine is altered by external biotic and abiotic forces .展开更多
Abstract Deceptive antipredator defense mechanisms fall into three categories: depriving predators of knowledge of prey's presence, providing cues that deceive predators about prey handling, and dishonest signaling....Abstract Deceptive antipredator defense mechanisms fall into three categories: depriving predators of knowledge of prey's presence, providing cues that deceive predators about prey handling, and dishonest signaling. Deceptive defenses in terrestrial vertebrates include aspects of crypsis such as background matching and countershading, visual and acoustic Batesian mimicry, active defenses that make animals seem more difficult to handle such as increase in apparent size and threats, feigning injury and death, distractive behaviours, and aspects of flight. After reviewing these defenses, I attempt a preliminary evaluation of which aspects of antipredator deception are most widespread in amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds展开更多
The uterus is an indispensable organ for the development of a new life in eutherian mammals.The female mammalian reproductive capacity diminishes with age.In this respect,the senescence of uterine endometrium is convi...The uterus is an indispensable organ for the development of a new life in eutherian mammals.The female mammalian reproductive capacity diminishes with age.In this respect,the senescence of uterine endometrium is convinced to contribute to this failure.This review focuses on the physiological function of the uterus and the related influence of aging mainly in rodent models.A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms governing the process of uterine aging is hoped to generate new strategies to prolong the reproductive lifespan in humans.展开更多
It is often assumed that birds are able to choose a breeding territory that will later on have the most food for nestlings. Studies on this essential question are, however, few. We studied territory choice of a long-d...It is often assumed that birds are able to choose a breeding territory that will later on have the most food for nestlings. Studies on this essential question are, however, few. We studied territory choice of a long-distance migrant, the pied flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca in southwestern Finland. In one study area, we monitored the territory choice of males via the order of territory settlement. Female territory choice was studied experimentally in another study area where the correlation between male and territory quality was removed by not allowing males a free choice of territory. We defined several habitat characteristics and es- timated the abundances of invertebrate prey from air, ground and trees with appropriate traps from the surroundings of the nest sites in both study areas. Against the expectation that parent birds would choose an arthropod-rich territory, neither males nor females seemed to choose those territories that later had the most food for nestlings. There was, however, some evidence that more eggs were laid in territories with more aphids and that more fledglings were produced in territories with high ant abundance. Our findings thus suggest that while it would be beneficial for birds to be able to choose food-rich territories, they may not be able to detect the right cues for doing so early in the breeding season. The possibility and importance of detecting the territories with the best prospects of rearing young may, however, vary among and within seasons and more studies on this topic are clearly needed [Current Zoology 61 (4): 604-613, 2015].展开更多
Large-scale distribution and diversity patterns of mammalian herbivores, especially less charismatic species in alpine environments remain little understood. We studied distributional congruence of mammalian herbivore...Large-scale distribution and diversity patterns of mammalian herbivores, especially less charismatic species in alpine environments remain little understood. We studied distributional congruence of mammalian herbivores in the Trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh to see if the distributions of less prominent and smaller herbivores can be determined from those of larger and more prominent herbivores like ungulates. Using a similarity index, we assessed shared distributions of species in 20x20 km2 grid-cells in an area of about 80,000 km2. We used the Unweighted Pair-Group Method with Arithmetic Average (UPGMA) to classify mammalian herbivores into groups with similar distributions. We then used the G-test of independence to look for statistical significance of the groups obtained. We identified six groups of mammalian herbivores with distributions more similar than ex- pected at random. The largest group was composed of nine species whereas the other large group comprised six species. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA), used to relate the groups with environmental features, showed that the largest group occurred in higher and flatter areas, while the other large group occurred in lower and steeper areas. Large herbivores like ungulates can be used as surrogate for less prominent small herbivores while identifying areas for latter's protection in the inaccessible mountainous re- gions of the Trans-Himalaya [Current Zoology 59 (1): 116-124, 2013].展开更多
文摘The retroviral vector (RCAS) has been widely used in avian system to study development and diseases, but is not suitable for mammals which do not produce the retrovirus receptor TVA. In this review, we trace the current uses of RCAS-TVA approach in mammalian system with improved strategies, including generation of tv-a transgenic mice, use of soluble TVA receptor and retroviral receptor-ligand fusion proteins, improvement of RCAS vectors, and compare a series of mammalian models in variant studies of gene function, development, oncogenesis and gene therapy. All those studies demonstrate that the RCAS-TVA based mammalian models are powerful tools for understanding the mechanisms and target treating of human diseases.
文摘The bacteria in the genus Vibrio are heterothrophic, which exist in the larval rearing water of Crustacea and often show diverse pathogenicities to marine animals. In order to assess the bacterial diversity associated with Crustacean seed production, 32 strains were isolated from black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) and mangrove crab (Scylla paramamosain) larvae and their rearing-water and characterized using biochemical and molecular approaches. Two or more genotypically different species were identified. The vibriosis of black tiger shrimp was caused by V. harveyi, V. alginolyticus and Vibrio spp. predominantly, while that of crab by V. harveyi and V. alginolyticus only.
基金Under the auspices of National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 40671004)Natural Science Foundation of Heilongjiang Province (No. G200812)Specialized Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education (No. 200802310001)
文摘The dynamics of soil animals was studied in seven representative forest communities in the north of the Da Hinggan Mountains, Northeast China. The results indicate that it was distinctive in the changes of the numbers of soil animals and groups and diversity in relationship with seasons for macrofauna and meso-micro fauna in the study area. The numbers of the observed soil animals in different months were: October>August>June. Group number was larger in August and October, but smaller in June. The change of diversity index in different months was: August>June>Oc- tober. The biomass for macrofauna in different months was: October>June>August. The composition and number of each functional group was relatively stable. In the community of the predominant soil environment, the percentage of saprophagous animals was higher than carnivorous animals and herbivorous animals. The dynamics changes of sapro- phagous and carnivorous animals were distinctive, increasing from June to October, while the change of herbivorous animals was unremarkable.
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Numbers 30430090 and 30570236),Many thanks are due to Dr. Jun Gong, a graduate student of the Laboratory of Protozoology, 0UC for his technical assistance.
文摘The living morphology and infraciliature of a marine ciliate, Cardiostomatella vermiformis isolated from a sand beach of the Jiaozhou Bay near Qingdao, China, were investigated by live observation, protargol and silver carbonate impregnation methods. Both the morphological and morphometric data largely agree with former records. Based on the data obtained, an improved diagnosis for Cardiostomatella vermiformis is supplied: Large marine Cardiostomatella with cylindrical body shape and several prolonged caudal cilia; cells in vivo about (90–500) μm×(30–120) μm; macronucleus beaded; single contractile vacuole caudally positioned; buccal apparatus conspicuously small, genus typical; three to six postoral kineties; 96-130 somatic kineties. This species is recorded for the first time in China.
基金Supported by the National Key Technology R&D Program of China(No.2007BAD43B01)the National Special Research Fund for Non-Profit Sector(Agriculture)(No.201303047)the Special Fund of Chinese Central Government for Basic Scientific Research Operations in Commonweal Research Institutes(No.2008T04)
文摘The diversity,community structure and seasonal variation in demersal nekton off the Changjiang(Yangtze)River estuary was evaluated using monthly trawl survey data,collected between December 2008 and November 2009.A total of 95 species(56 teleosts,11 cephalopods,and 28 decapod crustaceans)from 69 genera,49 families and 15 orders were collected.These species could be classifi ed into six groups on the basis of temporal distribution patterns.The resident crab Ovalipes punctatus dominated the community,both in number and biomass.A clear seasonal succession was observed in the species composition.Cluster analysis revealed three primary seasonal groups corresponding to the samples collected in winter-spring,late spring-summer and late summer-autumn.The highest biomass and lowest diversity were observed in summer,while the lowest biomass and highest diversity in winter.The abundance-biomass comparison curves and community composition suggested that the investigated community was moderately disturbed.The results suggest that reduction in fi shing pressure and in the degree of seasonal hypoxia are essential for sustainable resource management off the Changjiang River estuary.
文摘Biodiesel (BD) was made from animal-fats reacting with methanol and potassium hydroxide in the laboratory. The biodiesel made in the laboratory was sent to K-petro, the government agency to inspect the quality of animal-fats biodiesel, of which generally the quality was acceptable for heating oil for agricultural hot air heater. Kinematic viscosity and calorific values of the biodiesels were measured. BD20(K), kerosene based biodiesel, showed 18 cSt at -20 ~C. It seems that BD100 can not be suitable for heating fuel under some temperature. As BD content increased calorific value decreased up to 40,000 J/g for 100% BD (BD100) while, light oil calorific value was 45,567 J/g, showing difference of 5,567 J/g (about 12% difference), Several different fuels including BD20 (biodiesel 20% + light oil 80%), BD50 (biodiesel 50% + light oil 50%), BD100 (biodiesel 100%) and light oil were prepared and tested for fuel combustion qualities for agricultural hot air heater and their combustion performances were compared and analyzed. Flame dimensions of biodiesels and light oil were almost same shape at the same combustion condition in the burner of the hot air heater. Generally, CO2 amounts of BDs were greater than light oil, but the differences were so small that it is hard to tell there was significant difference between the BDs combustion and light oil.
文摘In order to define the role of wild carnivores in the epidemiology of parasitoses with veterinary and medical importance their parasitological status and feeding habits were studied. In the period 2001-2006 the feeding habits of 167 foxes, 78 jackals, 40 wild cats and 23 stone martens from the area of Sredna Gora, Bulgaria were investigated. 113 of the foxes, 56 of the jackals, 22 of the wild cats and 21 of the martens were subjected to helminthological study. 147 wild boars and 26 badgers from the same area were subjected to trichinelloscopy. Rodents were the main food of the wild cats (82.7%), martens (52%) and foxes (50%). The main food of the jackals was carrion from domestic and wild animals (79.5%). 95.5% of the foxes, 100% of the jackals, 95.5% of the wild cats and 89% of the stone martens were infected with one or more helminth species. The prevalence of the most important helminths: Trichinella spp., Taenia spp. and Ancylostoma spp. was high in all carnivores examined. In the infected with Trichinella spp. animals only T. britovi was demonstrated. The wild boars and badgers were not infected with Trichinella spp. The correlation between the feeding habits and parasitological status is discussed.
文摘Why do two sexes of the same species differ in body size holds a long-standing question of evolutionary biology. While many across-species comparisons have focused on ultimate causes behind sexual size dimorphism (SSD), only have a few been directed toward elucidating its ontogenetic basis. Urodeles are an amphibian group in which the direction and degree of SSD vary greatly among species. Using demographic data yielded by skeletochronology for 33 urodele species, the current study re- veals a positive across-species correlation between SSD and the sex difference in mean age of adult animals, and the latter in- creases with the corresponding difference in age at maturity; annual growth rate does not differ between the sexes. We conclude that extended longevities in one sex, which is mediated by delayed maturation, would allow it to grow for longer and get larger, with growth rate making a weak contribution to body size. The sex-specific divergence in ontogenetic trajectory might be ex- plained by potentially high growth costs of reproduction to females in association with stronger fecundity selection, and to males that are expected to experience stronger sexual selection [Current Zoology 59 (1): 142-150, 2013].
文摘The Bale Mountains of Ethiopia represent the world's largest continuous extent of afroalpine habitat. With a peak combined density of over 8000 individuals/km2, the endemic giant mole rat Tachyoryctes macrocephalus, Blick's grass rat Arvi- canthis blicki and the brush-furred mouse Lophuromys melanonyx are the dominant wild herbivores within this ecosystem and may be affected by the presence of high densities of domestic livestock. The purpose of this study was to establish whether these endemic rodent populations could respond to the removal of grazing pressure inside three 0.25 hectare livestock exclosures (paired with grazed control plots) and to determine whether such response was mediated through concomitant changes in the vegetation structure. We hypothesised that livestock grazing negatively affects endemic rodent populations through competition or increased predation risk and we predicted an increase in rodent biomass following the removal of grazing pressure. We found no evidence of rodent populations responding to the removal of livestock after fourteen months. The short-term nature of the ex- perimental design, environmental fluctuations and the ecosystem's inherent stochasticity may explain the apparent lack of a sig- nificant response. However, while this study is inconclusive, it emphasises the need for more long-term experimental investiga- tions to assess the effects of domestic grazers on vegetation and on dependent communities. The effects of rapidly increasing livestock numbers in the Bale Mountains will require continued close monitoring of vegetation and endemic animal communities as the afroalpine is altered by external biotic and abiotic forces .
文摘Abstract Deceptive antipredator defense mechanisms fall into three categories: depriving predators of knowledge of prey's presence, providing cues that deceive predators about prey handling, and dishonest signaling. Deceptive defenses in terrestrial vertebrates include aspects of crypsis such as background matching and countershading, visual and acoustic Batesian mimicry, active defenses that make animals seem more difficult to handle such as increase in apparent size and threats, feigning injury and death, distractive behaviours, and aspects of flight. After reviewing these defenses, I attempt a preliminary evaluation of which aspects of antipredator deception are most widespread in amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds
基金supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (Grant Nos. 2011CB944401 and 2010CB945002)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos. 30825015 and 81130009)
文摘The uterus is an indispensable organ for the development of a new life in eutherian mammals.The female mammalian reproductive capacity diminishes with age.In this respect,the senescence of uterine endometrium is convinced to contribute to this failure.This review focuses on the physiological function of the uterus and the related influence of aging mainly in rodent models.A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms governing the process of uterine aging is hoped to generate new strategies to prolong the reproductive lifespan in humans.
文摘It is often assumed that birds are able to choose a breeding territory that will later on have the most food for nestlings. Studies on this essential question are, however, few. We studied territory choice of a long-distance migrant, the pied flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca in southwestern Finland. In one study area, we monitored the territory choice of males via the order of territory settlement. Female territory choice was studied experimentally in another study area where the correlation between male and territory quality was removed by not allowing males a free choice of territory. We defined several habitat characteristics and es- timated the abundances of invertebrate prey from air, ground and trees with appropriate traps from the surroundings of the nest sites in both study areas. Against the expectation that parent birds would choose an arthropod-rich territory, neither males nor females seemed to choose those territories that later had the most food for nestlings. There was, however, some evidence that more eggs were laid in territories with more aphids and that more fledglings were produced in territories with high ant abundance. Our findings thus suggest that while it would be beneficial for birds to be able to choose food-rich territories, they may not be able to detect the right cues for doing so early in the breeding season. The possibility and importance of detecting the territories with the best prospects of rearing young may, however, vary among and within seasons and more studies on this topic are clearly needed [Current Zoology 61 (4): 604-613, 2015].
文摘Large-scale distribution and diversity patterns of mammalian herbivores, especially less charismatic species in alpine environments remain little understood. We studied distributional congruence of mammalian herbivores in the Trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh to see if the distributions of less prominent and smaller herbivores can be determined from those of larger and more prominent herbivores like ungulates. Using a similarity index, we assessed shared distributions of species in 20x20 km2 grid-cells in an area of about 80,000 km2. We used the Unweighted Pair-Group Method with Arithmetic Average (UPGMA) to classify mammalian herbivores into groups with similar distributions. We then used the G-test of independence to look for statistical significance of the groups obtained. We identified six groups of mammalian herbivores with distributions more similar than ex- pected at random. The largest group was composed of nine species whereas the other large group comprised six species. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA), used to relate the groups with environmental features, showed that the largest group occurred in higher and flatter areas, while the other large group occurred in lower and steeper areas. Large herbivores like ungulates can be used as surrogate for less prominent small herbivores while identifying areas for latter's protection in the inaccessible mountainous re- gions of the Trans-Himalaya [Current Zoology 59 (1): 116-124, 2013].