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Lu Y, Zhang L, Liu X, Lan Y, Wu L, Wang J, Wu K, Yang C, Lv R, Yi D, Zhuo G, Li Y, Shen F, Hou R, Yue B, Fan Z. Red pandas with different diets and environments exhibit different gut microbial functional composition and capacity. Integr Zool 2024. [PMID: 38420673 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The red panda (Ailurus fulgens) is a distinctive mammal known for its reliance on a diet primarily consisting of bamboo. The gut microbiota and overall health of animals are strongly influenced by diets and environments. Therefore, conducting research to explore the taxonomical and functional variances within the gut microbiota of red pandas exposed to various dietary and environmental conditions could shed light on the dynamic complexities of their microbial communities. In this study, normal fecal samples were obtained from red pandas residing in captive and semi-free environments under different dietary regimes and used for metabolomic, 16S rRNA, and metagenomic sequencing analysis, with the pandas classified into four distinct cohorts according to diet and environment. In addition, metagenomic sequencing was conducted on mucus fecal samples to elucidate potential etiological agents of disease. Results revealed an increased risk of gastrointestinal diseases in red pandas consuming bamboo shoots due to the heightened presence of pathogenic bacteria, although an increased presence of microbiota-derived tryptophan metabolites appeared to facilitate intestinal balance. The red pandas fed bamboo leaves also exhibited a decrease in gut microbial diversity, which may be attributed to the antibacterial flavonoids and lower protein levels in leaves. Notably, red pandas residing in semi-free environments demonstrated an enriched gut microbial diversity. Moreover, the occurrence of mucus secretion may be due to an increased presence of species associated with diarrhea and a reduced level of microbiota-derived tryptophan metabolites. In summary, our findings substantiate the influential role of diet and environment in modulating the gut microbiota of red pandas, offering potential implications for improved captive breeding practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunwei Lu
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Ecoenvironment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xu Liu
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology on Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yue Lan
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Ecoenvironment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lixia Wu
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Ecoenvironment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kongju Wu
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chaojie Yang
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Ecoenvironment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ruiqing Lv
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dejiao Yi
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Guifu Zhuo
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Li
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fujun Shen
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Rong Hou
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Bisong Yue
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Ecoenvironment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology on Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhenxin Fan
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Ecoenvironment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology on Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Goździewska-Harłajczuk K, Hamouzová P, Klećkowska-Nawrot J, Čížek P. The tongue of the red panda ( Ailurus fulgens fulgens Cuvier, 1825)-a stereoscopy, light microscopy and ultrastructural analysis. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12559. [PMID: 34900445 PMCID: PMC8627657 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In the light of recent molecular studies, there are two phylogenetic species of the red panda (Ailurus fulgens): Ailurus fulgens fulgens and Ailurus fulgens styani. The red panda belongs to the endangered species living in the wild only in Asia and is included in the CITES list. Although the biology and diet of this species has been extensively described, the histological structure of the tongue and lingual glands has not yet been characterized in detail in relation to the lifestyle of this mammal under specific conditions and as a basis for comparative anatomical studies of the biodiversity of endemic species. Study samples were collected from two adult males of Ailurus fulgens f. held in Wrocław Zoological Garden. Both tongues were examined macroscopically; moreover, samples with lingual papillae for light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were collected from the apex, body and root of the tongue. Both tongues of the Ailurus fulgens f. males were approximately 9 cm long. The dorsal lingual surface was covered with mechanical and gustatory lingual papillae. Filiform papillae were observed on the apex and the body of the tongue, while small conical papillae were observed on the root of the tongue. An elongated, 1-1.5 cm long cylinder-shaped lyssa was observed in the ventral part of the apex. Moreover, most numerous and largest round in shape fungiform papillae were observed on the apex and on the border of the body and root of the tongue, located directly rostrally to 12-13 round and oval in shape vallate papillae. The SEM study showed that filiform papillae on the apex had several long secondary processes, while filiform papillae on the body of the tongue were taller and their secondary papillae were shorter than the equivalent structures on the apex of the tongue. The SEM study showed numerous taste pores on the surface of the fungiform papilla, while irregular surface of the vallate papillae, however some of them had smoother surface. Mixed glands (comprised of mucous acini and serous acini) were present within the vallum (within the connective tissue core) of the vallate papilla. Beneath the papillae more serous glands were observed, while the posterior lingual glands in the caudal part of the root of the tongue were mucoserous (mucous units were prevalent). A characteristic feature of the tongue of Ailurus fulgens f. was the presence of lyssa, which is comparable to other representatives of Carnivora, but the number of vallate papillae was individually variable. The lack of strongly developed mechanical conical papillae probably may be related to the type of plant food that is particularly dominant in red panda. Further differences between Ailurus fulgens f. and Ailurus fulgens s. cannot be excluded. The results of these studies may be useful especially for veterinarians specializing in working with exotic animals and people dealing with wildlife conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Goździewska-Harłajczuk
- Department of Biostructure and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Pavla Hamouzová
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Joanna Klećkowska-Nawrot
- Department of Biostructure and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Petr Čížek
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
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Basumatary SK, Gogoi R, Tripathi S, Ghosh R, Pokharia AK, McDonald HG, Sherpa N, van Asperen EN, Agnihotri R, Chhetri G, Saikia K, Pandey A. Red Panda feces from Eastern Himalaya as a modern analogue for palaeodietary and palaeoecological analyses. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18312. [PMID: 34526605 PMCID: PMC8443643 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97850-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Modern feces samples of the endangered red panda (Ailurus fulgens) were examined using multiproxy analysis to characterize the dietary patterns in their natural habitat in India. An abundance of Bambusoideae phytoliths and leaves (macrobotanical remains) provide direct evidence of their primary dietary plants. In contrast, Bambusoideae pollen is sporadic or absent in the pollen assemblages. An abundance of Lepisorus spores and its leaves along with broadleaved taxa, Betula, Engelhardtia, and Quercus are indicative of other important food sources. Average δ13C values (- 29.6‰) of the red panda feces indicate typical C3 type of plants as the primary food source, while the, δ15N values vary in narrow range (3.3-5.1‰) but conspicuously reveal a seasonal difference in values most likely due to differing metabolic activities in summer and winter. The multiproxy data can provide a baseline for the reconstruction of the palaeodietary and palaeoecology of extinct herbivores at both regional and global scales.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rajib Gogoi
- Botanical Survey of India, Sikkim Himalaya Regional Centre, Gangtok, Sikkim, India
| | - Swati Tripathi
- Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ruby Ghosh
- Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Anil K Pokharia
- Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - H Gregory McDonald
- Bureau of Land Management, Colorado State Office, 2850 Youngfield Street, Lakewood, CO, 80215, USA
| | - Norbu Sherpa
- Botanical Survey of India, Sikkim Himalaya Regional Centre, Gangtok, Sikkim, India
| | - Eline N van Asperen
- School of History, Classics and Archaeology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Rajesh Agnihotri
- Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Geetamani Chhetri
- G. B. Pant, National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE), Gangtok, Sikkim, India
| | - Korobi Saikia
- Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Arya Pandey
- Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Rana Magar Y, Dhamala MK, Mathema A, Chauhan R, Bhatta S. On the impact of earthquake-induced landslides on Red Panda Ailurus fulgens (Mammalia: Carnivora: Ailuridae) habitat in Langtang National Park, Nepal. JOURNAL OF THREATENED TAXA 2021. [DOI: 10.11609/jott.6451.13.9.19191-19202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to the threats of human encroachment, infrastructure development, tourism activities, habitat fragmentation, and human-wildlife interactions, natural disasters also pose a threat to the habitat of endangered species such as the Red Panda. This study aims to assess the impact of the 2015 Gorkha earthquake-induced landslides on the Red Panda’s habitat in Langtang National Park (LNP), central Nepal Himalaya. Remote sensing and geographical information system were applied to estimate the potential and core habitats of the Red Panda, and collect information on earthquake-induced landslides. Field sampling and verification of remotely collected data were done within a year of the earthquake. Considering preferred vegetation types, elevation range, aspects, distance from water sources, and Red Panda presence points, an area of 214.34 km2 was estimated as the potential habitat of Red Panda in the Park. Thirty-nine landslides were identified in LNP triggered by the Gorkha earthquake, 14 of which occurred in the core Red Panda habitat. As a result of the earthquake-induced landslides, a significant decrease in tree density was observed in the areas affected by the landslides. Similarly, the bamboo cover was observed to be significantly lower in the areas affected by landslides compared to the unaffected adjacent areas. The average size of the landslide, causing damage to the Red Panda habitat was 0.8 ha. The potential habitat damaged by the earthquake-induced landslide was estimated to be 11.20 ha which is equivalent to the habitat required by one Red Panda. The findings could be useful in initiating restoration of the damaged Red Panda habitat in LNP.
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Karki S, Maraseni T, Mackey B, Bista D, Lama ST, Gautam AP, Sherpa AP, Koju U, Shrestha A, Cadman T. Reaching over the gap: A review of trends in and status of red panda research over 193 years (1827-2020). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 781:146659. [PMID: 33794452 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The red panda is a unique species taxonomically known for its peculiar biological and ecological characteristics, and extreme attractiveness. Despite being highly significant from conservation, scientific and economic perspectives, this species has experienced a declining population in the wild. Thus, to direct further research priorities and conservation actions and assess gaps in the current research trend of this species, a systematic literature review was conducted covering 175 journal articles published in English over 193 years (1827-2020). This review revealed that (1) the biological aspect was highly studied compared to other thematic areas of red panda (2) captive-based studies are relatively higher than the studies based in wild populations (3) China is leading the red panda studies amongst all red panda range (4) The universities were found contributing more to red panda studies than other institutions. Surprisingly, we found that the researchers from the non-range country were leading red panda study than those from range countries. Our review highlighted the need of prioritising studies in underrepresented locations and understudied thematic areas focusing on the assessment of climate change impact, bamboo distribution status, ecosystem services of red panda habitat, behavior and movement ecology, population estimation, and metapopulation dynamics. We urge landscape-level studies and long-term population monitoring. Besides, we also suggest the documentation and evaluation of the effectiveness of ongoing red panda-focused conservation programs. We also stress the need for strengthening the capacity of institutions and people from range countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sikha Karki
- Cities Research Institute, Griffith University, Australia.
| | | | - Brendan Mackey
- Griffith Climate Action Beacon, Griffith University, Australia
| | - Damber Bista
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Upama Koju
- Kathmandu Forestry College, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | | - Tim Cadman
- Institute for Ethics, Governance and Law, Griffith University, Australia
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Dalui S, Khatri H, Singh SK, Basu S, Ghosh A, Mukherjee T, Sharma LK, Singh R, Chandra K, Thakur M. Fine-scale landscape genetics unveiling contemporary asymmetric movement of red panda (Ailurus fulgens) in Kangchenjunga landscape, India. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15446. [PMID: 32963325 PMCID: PMC7508845 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72427-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Wildlife management in rapid changing landscapes requires critical planning through cross cutting networks, and understanding of landscape features, often affected by the anthropogenic activities. The present study demonstrates fine-scale spatial patterns of genetic variation and contemporary gene flow of red panda (Ailurus fulgens) populations with respect to landscape connectivity in Kangchenjunga Landscape (KL), India. The study found about 1,309.54 km2 area suitable for red panda in KL-India, of which 62.21% area fell under the Protected Area network. We identified 24 unique individuals from 234 feces collected at nine microsatellite loci. The spatially explicit and non-explicit Bayesian clustering algorithms evident to exhibit population structuring and supported red panda populations to exist in meta-population frame work. In concurrence to the habitat suitability and landscape connectivity models, gene flow results supported a contemporary asymmetric movement of red panda by connecting KL-India in a crescent arc. We demonstrate the structural-operational connectivity of corridors in KL-India that facilitated red panda movement in the past. We also seek for cooperation in Nepal, Bhutan and China to aid in preparing for a comprehensive monitoring plan for the long-term conservation and management of red panda in trans-boundary landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supriyo Dalui
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India
- Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700019, India
| | - Hiren Khatri
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India
- Amity Institute of Forestry and Wildlife, Amity University Campus, Sector-125, Noida, UP, 201303, India
| | - Sujeet Kumar Singh
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India
| | - Shambadeb Basu
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India
| | - Avijit Ghosh
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India
- Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700019, India
| | - Tanoy Mukherjee
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India
- Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700019, India
| | - Lalit Kumar Sharma
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India
| | - Randeep Singh
- Amity Institute of Forestry and Wildlife, Amity University Campus, Sector-125, Noida, UP, 201303, India
| | - Kailash Chandra
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India
| | - Mukesh Thakur
- Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India.
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Panthi S, Wang T, Sun Y, Thapa A. An assessment of human impacts on endangered red pandas ( Ailurus fulgens) living in the Himalaya. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:13413-13425. [PMID: 31871654 PMCID: PMC6912920 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic factors play an important role in shaping the distribution of wildlife species and their habitats, and understanding the influence of human activities on endangered species can be key to improving conservation efforts as well as the implementation of national strategies for sustainable development. Here, we used species distribution modeling to assess human impacts on the endangered red panda (Ailurus fulgens) in high-altitude regions of Nepal. We found that the distance to paths (tracks used by people and animals), livestock density, human population density, and annual mean temperature were the most important factors determining the habitat suitability for red pandas in Nepal. This is the first study that attempts to use comprehensive environmental and anthropogenic variables to predict habitat suitability for the red pandas at a national level. The suitable habitat identified by this study is important and could serve as a baseline for the development of conservation strategies for the red panda in Nepal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saroj Panthi
- Ministry of Industry, Tourism Forest, and EnvironmentPokharaNepal
| | - Tiejun Wang
- Department of Natural ResourcesFaculty of Geo‐Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC)University of TwenteEnschedeThe Netherlands
| | - Yiwen Sun
- Department of Natural ResourcesFaculty of Geo‐Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC)University of TwenteEnschedeThe Netherlands
| | - Arjun Thapa
- Small Mammals Conservation and Research FoundationKathmanduNepal
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Bista D, Paudel PK, Jnawali SR, Sherpa AP, Shrestha S, Acharya KP. Red panda fine-scale habitat selection along a Central Himalayan longitudinal gradient. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:5260-5269. [PMID: 31110677 PMCID: PMC6509368 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Red panda Ailurus fulgens, an endangered habitat specialist, inhabits a narrow distribution range in bamboo abundance forests along mountain slopes in the Himalaya and Hengduan Mountains. However, their habitat use may be different in places with different longitudinal environmental gradients, climatic regimes, and microclimate. This study aimed to determine the habitat variables affecting red panda distribution across different longitudinal gradients through a multivariate analysis. We studied habitat selection patterns along the longitudinal gradient in Nepal's Himalaya which is grouped into the eastern, central, and western complexes. We collected data on red panda presence and habitat variables (e.g., tree richness, canopy cover, bamboo abundance, water availability, tree diameter, tree height) by surveys along transects throughout the species' potential range. We used a multimodal inference approach with a generalized linear model to test the relative importance of environmental variables. Although the study showed that bamboo abundance had a major influence, habitat selection was different across longitudinal zones. Both canopy cover and species richness were unimportant in eastern Nepal, but their influence increased progressively toward the west. Conversely, tree height showed a decreasing influence on habitat selection from Eastern to Western Nepal. Red panda's habitat selection revealed in this study corresponds to the uneven distribution of vegetation assemblages and the dry climatic gradient along the eastern-western Himalayas which could be related to a need to conserve energy and thermoregulate. This study has further highlighted the need of importance of bamboo conservation and site-specific conservation planning to ensure long-term red panda conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damber Bista
- Red Panda NetworkKathmanduNepal
- Wildlife Science Unit, School of Agriculture and Food SciencesThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Prakash Kumar Paudel
- Centre for Conservation BiologyKathmandu Institute of Applied SciencesKathmanduNepal
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Panthi S, Aryal A, Coogan SCP. Diet and macronutrient niche of Asiatic black bear ( Ursus thibetanus) in two regions of Nepal during summer and autumn. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:3717-3727. [PMID: 31015961 PMCID: PMC6468138 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Relatively little is known about the nutritional ecology of omnivorous Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) in Nepal. We characterized the diet of black bears in two seasons (June-July, "summer"; and October-November "autumn") and two study areas (Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve [DHR]; and Kailash Sacred Landscape [KSL]). We then conducted nutritional analysis of species consumed by black bears in each study area, in combination with nutritional estimates from the literature, to estimate the proportions of macronutrients (i.e., protein [P], lipid [L], and carbohydrate [C]) in the seasonal bear foods and diets, as well as their macronutrient niche breadth. We found that bamboo (Arundinaria spp.) had the highest relative frequency in both study areas and seasons. Ants and termites were found in DHR diets, but not KSL diets. One anthropogenic crop was found in DHR summer diets (Zea mays) and two were found in KSL summer diets (Z. mays; and Kodo millet [Paspalum scrobiculatum]). Other than insects, no animal prey was found in either diet. The proportions of macronutrients in diets (i.e., realized macronutrient niches) were relatively high in carbohydrate for both study areas and seasons: DHRsummer 24.1P:8.7L:67.2C; KSLsummer 16.7P:8.2L:75.1C; DHRautumn 21.1P:10.5L:68.4C; KSHautumn 19.0P:11.0L:70.0C. Macronutrient niche breadth was 3.1 × greater in the DHR than KSL during summer, and 4.0 × greater in the autumn, primarily due to the higher proportion of lipid in ants and termites relative to plant foods. Within-study area differences in niche breadth were greater during summer than autumn; in the KSH the macronutrient breadth was 1.4 × greater in summer, while in the DHR it was 1.1 × greater in summer. Similarity in dietary macronutrient proportions despite differences in foods consumed and niche breadth are suggestive of foraging to reach a preferred macronutrient balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saroj Panthi
- Department of Forests and Soil ConservationMinistry of Forests and EnvironmentKathmanduNepal
| | - Achyut Aryal
- Institute of Natural and Mathematical SciencesMassey UniversityAucklandNew Zealand
- Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of ScienceThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Sean C. P. Coogan
- Department of Renewable ResourcesUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonAlbertaCanada
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10
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Bista M, Panthi S, Weiskopf SR. Habitat overlap between Asiatic black bear Ursus thibetanus and red panda Ailurus fulgens in Himalaya. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0203697. [PMID: 30188937 PMCID: PMC6126844 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Studying habitat overlap between sympatric species is one of the best ways to identify interspecies relationships and to direct conservation efforts so that multiple species can benefit. However, studies exploring interspecies relationships are very limited in Nepal, making it difficult for the government of Nepal and conservation partners to manage wildlife in their habitats, especially in Himalayan protected areas. In this study, we identified habitat overlap between Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) and red panda (Ailurus fulgens) as well as important habitat types for both species in the Makalu Barun National Park, Nepal using Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) modeling. GPS points of species occurrence were collected from the field, and environmental variables were extracted from freely available sources. We found that the study area contained 647 km2 of Asiatic black bear habitat and 443 km2 of the red panda habitat. 368 km2 supported both species, which constituted 57% of the Asiatic black bear habitat and 83% of the red panda habitat. We found that conifer forest was the most important habitat type for both species. Because the largest portions of both species' habitat were located inside the buffer zone, a peripheral zone of national park, conservation efforts for these sympatric species should be focused inside the buffer zone to be most effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjit Bista
- Ministry of Forests and Environment, Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Babarmahal, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Saroj Panthi
- Ministry of Forests and Environment, Department of Forests, Babarmahal, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Sarah R. Weiskopf
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Climate Adaptation Science Center, Reston, VA, United States of America
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Oli CB, Panthi S, Subedi N, Ale G, Pant G, Khanal G, Bhattarai S. Dry season diet composition of four-horned antelope Tetracerus quadricornis in tropical dry deciduous forests, Nepal. PeerJ 2018; 6:e5102. [PMID: 29967747 PMCID: PMC6022733 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
It is essential to assess the feeding strategies of threatened species during resource-scarce seasons to understand their dietary niche breadth and inform appropriate habitat management measures. In this study, we examined the diet composition of four-horned antelope (FHA) Tetracerus and quadricornis, one of the least studied ungulate species, in Banke National Park, Nepal. A total of 53 fresh pellet groups were collected between December 2015 and January 2016 and analyzed using micro-histological fecal analysis technique. First, we prepared 133 micro-histological photographs of different parts of 64 reference plant species. Then we compared 1,590 fragments of 53 fecal samples with photographs of reference plants to assess the percentage of occurrence of different plant species in FHA diet. A total of 30 plant species belonging to 18 different families were identified in fecal samples. Chi-square goodness of fit tests showed that FHA appeared not to feed all plant uniformly. Out of 1,520 identified fragments in fecal samples, 1,300 were browse species and 220 were grass species. Browse represented 85.5% of the identified plant fragments, suggesting that FHA might be adopting a browser strategy at least during winter when grasses are low in abundance and their nutritive quality is poor. Tree species had the highest contribution in the diet (46.55%) followed by shrubs (24.52%). The family Gramineae was consumed in the highest proportion (27.68%) followed by Euphorbiaceae (11.95%). Overall, our results suggest that FHA has the feeding plasticity to adapt to resource fluctuation. Based on the findings of this study, we recommend that dicot plant species-particularly fruit trees and shrubs, which are the major source of nutrients for FHA during resource-lean, dry season-be conserved and natural regeneration of these taxa be promoted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chet Bahadur Oli
- Ministry of Forests and Environment, Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Babarmahal, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Saroj Panthi
- Ministry of Forests and Environment, Department of Forests, Babarmahal, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC), University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | | | - Gagan Ale
- Tribhuvan University, Central Department of Environmental Science, Nepal
| | - Ganesh Pant
- Ministry of Forests and Environment, Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Babarmahal, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Gopal Khanal
- Ministry of Forests and Environment, Department of Forests, Babarmahal, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Post-Graduate Programme in Wildlife Biology & Conservation, Wildlife Conservation Society, India Program, National Centre for Biological Sciences, GKVK Campus, Bangalore, India
- Centre for Ecological Studies, Lalitpur, Nepal
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12
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Volk HA, O'Reilly A, Bodley K, McCracken H. Keratomycosis in captive red pandas (Ailurus fulgens): 2 cases. Open Vet J 2018; 8:200-203. [PMID: 29911025 PMCID: PMC5987353 DOI: 10.4314/ovj.v8i2.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Two cases of keratomycosis in captive red pandas (Ailurus fulgens) were diagnosed and treated at a zoo in Melbourne, Australia across a 9-year period. Both cases presented with severe unilateral ocular pain and stromal abscessation of the cornea. A superficial keratectomy was performed in both cases and the diagnosis was confirmed with either cytology or histopathology. Following surgery, a combination of oral, topical and subconjunctival medical therapy contributed to a successful outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anu O'Reilly
- Melbourne EyeVet, 9-11 Miles Street, Mulgrave, VIC 3170, Australia
| | - Kate Bodley
- The Royal Melbourne Zoo, Elliot Ave, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Helen McCracken
- The Royal Melbourne Zoo, Elliot Ave, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
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13
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Tanaka A, Ogura T. Current husbandry situation of red pandas in Japan. Zoo Biol 2018; 37:107-114. [PMID: 29512188 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The red panda (Ailurus fulgens) is an endangered semi-arboreal folivore with a specialized diet of bamboo leaves. Zoos worldwide maintain red pandas under a variety of housing environments and husbandry procedures that may affect the reproductive success and longevity of captive red pandas. The aims of the present study were to investigate how red pandas are kept in Japan and to obtain useful insights to increase their longevity by comparing the results from a questionnaire sent to Japanese zoos and those from a previous survey conducted in other countries. We received responses from 42 out of 52 zoos, holding a total of 219 individual red pandas, in Japan. The age-sex distribution indicated that red panda populations in Japan need close attention to be maintained sustainably. Of the husbandry aspects surveyed, the number of individuals in the same zoo, enclosure size, and the frequency of bamboo feeding factors indicated to affect reproductive success. Frequent monitoring of body weight, implementation of husbandry training, and bamboo feeding were also suggested as the reasons for the longevity of red pandas in Japan. Zoos were provided with sufficient physical features in on-exhibit enclosures, close monitoring for health status, and proper feeding, but other aspects of husbandry such as enclosure size and structures in off-exhibit spaces were insufficient and might compromise animal welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai Tanaka
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Aomori, Japan
| | - Tadatoshi Ogura
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Aomori, Japan
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14
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Panthi S, Khanal G, Acharya KP, Aryal A, Srivathsa A. Large anthropogenic impacts on a charismatic small carnivore: Insights from distribution surveys of red panda Ailurus fulgens in Nepal. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180978. [PMID: 28708881 PMCID: PMC5510994 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Protected areas are key to preserving biodiversity and maintaining ecosystem services. However, their ability to ensure long-term survival of threatened andendangered species varies across countries, regions and landscapes. Distribution surveys can beparticularly important for assessing the value of protected areas, and gauging their efficacy incatering to species-specific requirements. We assessed the conservation value of one such reserve for a charismatic yet globally endangered species, the red panda Ailurus fulgens,in the light of on-going land-use transformation in Nepal. We conducted field surveys forindirect signs of red pandas along forest trails in 25-km2 sampling grid cells (n = 54) of Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, and confronted a set of ecological hypotheses to the data using hierarchical occupancy models. We estimated overall occupancy at Ψ(SE) = 0.41 (0.007), with relatively high site-level detectability [p = 0.93 (SE = 0.001)]. Our results show that despitebeing a subsistence form of small-scale resource use, extraction of bamboo and livestock grazing negatively affected panda occurrence, albeit at different intensities. The amount of bamboo cover,rather than the overall proportion of forest cover, had greater influence on the panda occurrence. Despite availability of bamboo cover, areas with bamboo extraction and anthropogenic disturbances were less likely to be occupied by pandas. Together, these results suggest that long-term persistence of red pandas in this reserve and elsewhere across the species’ range will require preventing commercial extractionof bamboo, coupled with case-specific regulation of anthropogenic exploitation of red panda habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saroj Panthi
- Department of Forests, Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation, Kathmandu, Nepal
- * E-mail:
| | - Gopal Khanal
- Post-Graduate Programme in Wildlife Biology and Conservation, Wildlife Conservation Society, India Program, National Centre for Biological Sciences (Tata Institute of Fundamental Research), Bangalore, India
- Centre for Ecological Studies, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | | | - Achyut Aryal
- Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Forest and Resource Management, Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, Rotorua, New Zealand
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Federation University Australia, Gippsland Campus, Churchill, Victoria, Australia
- Human-Wildlife Interaction Research Group, Institute of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Arjun Srivathsa
- School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
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15
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Furusaka S, Kozakai C, Nemoto Y, Umemura Y, Naganuma T, Yamazaki K, Koike S. The selection by the Asiatic black bear ( Ursus thibetanus) of spring plant food items according to their nutritional values. Zookeys 2017:121-133. [PMID: 28769668 PMCID: PMC5527342 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.672.10078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the nutritional aspects of the bear diet quantitatively, in order to understand plant food selection in spring. Bears were observed directly from April to July in 2013 and 2014, to visually recognize plant species consumed by bears, and to describe the foraging period in the Ashio-Nikko Mountains, central Japan. Leaves were collected from eight dominant tree species, regardless of whether bears fed on them in spring, and their key nutritional components analyzed: crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and total energy. Bears tended to consume fresh leaves of specific species in May, and nutritional analysis revealed that these leaves had higher CP and lower NDF than other non-food leaves. However, CP in consumed leaves gradually decreased, and NDF increased from May to July, when the bears’ food item preference changed from plant materials to ants. Bears may consume tree leaves with high CP and low NDF after hibernation to rebuild muscle mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shino Furusaka
- Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Chinatsu Kozakai
- Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Natural History, 499 Iryuda, Odawara, Kanagawa 250-0031, Japan.,Present address: National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, 2-1-18 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8518, Japan
| | - Yui Nemoto
- Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Umemura
- Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Tomoko Naganuma
- Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Koji Yamazaki
- Ibaraki Nature Museum, 700 Osaki, Bando, Ibaraki 306-0622, Japan.,Present address: Tokyo University of Agriculture, 1-1-1 Sakuragaoka, Setagaya, Tokyo 156-8502, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Koike
- Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
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