In this study, the quadrat method was used to study the effects of tsaoko(Fructus tsaoko) plantation on tree diversity and canopy structure of two natural habitats of eastern hoolock gibbon(Hoolock leuconedys): Nankang(characterized by extensive tsaoko plantation) and Banchang(relatively well reserved and without tsaoko plantation). Totally, 102 tree species from 25 families and 16 woody liana species from 10 families were recorded in Nankang, whereas 108 tree species from 30 families and 17 woody liana species from 12 families were recorded in Banchang. Although the tree species between two habitats is different, both habitats are characterized by enriched food resources for eastern hoolock gibbons, sharing similar dominant plant families. Due to tsaoko plantation, tree density proportion and diversity of forest layerⅠ(>20 m) in Nankang were both significantly decreased, but the tree density of layerⅡ(10-20 m) increased. Likewise, in conjunction with these behavioral observations, we also address potential impacts of tsaoko plantation on the behavior of eastern hoolock gibbon.
Sheng-Dong YUANHan-Lan FEIShao-Han ZHULiang-Wei CUIHuai-Sen AIPeng-Fei FAN
China supports the richest non-human primate diversity in the northern hemisphere, providing an excellent opportunity for Chinese primatologists to take a leading role in advancing the study of primatology.Primatology in China began to flourish after 1979. To date, Chinese primatologists have published more than 1 000 papers in journals indexed by the Chinese Science Citation Database and the Web of Science Core Collection, and universities and academic institutions have trained 107 PhD students and 370 Masters students between 1984 and 2016. In total,the National Science Foundation of China has funded129 primate projects(RMB 71.7 million) supporting 59 researchers from 28 organizations. However, previous research has also shown obvious species bias.Rhinopithecus roxellana, Rhinopithecus bieti, and Macaca mulatta have received much greater research attention than other species. Researchers have also tended to continue to study the same species(55.2%)they studied during their Ph D training. To promote the development of primatology in China, we suggest(1)the need for a comprehensive primatology textbook written in Chinese,(2) continued training of more Ph D students, and(3) encouragement to study less well-known primate species.
Gibbons in China represent the northernmost margin of present day gibbon species distribution(around N25°). Compared to tropical habitats, northern gibbon habitats are characterized by low temperatures and remarkable seasonal variation in fruit abundance.How gibbons adapt to their cold and seasonal habitats and what ecological factors affect their sociality are key questions for understanding their ecology and social system evolution, the elucidation of which will contribute to the conservation of these special populations/species. According to preliminary short-term studies, northern gibbons consume more leaves and use larger home ranges than tropical gibbons. Interestingly, some Nomascus groups consist of more than one adult female. However,these preliminary results are not well understood or incorporated into current socio-ecological theories regarding gibbon species. To better understand northern gibbons, our team has systematically studied three habituated groups of Nomascus concolor, three groups of N. nasutus, and two habituated groups of Hoolock tianxing since 2002. In this paper,we stress the challenges facing gibbons living in northern habitats and summarize their behavioral adaptations to their harsh environments. We also describe the northern gibbon social system and discuss the potential relationships between their ecology and sociality. Finally, we highlight future research questions related to northern gibbons in China.
Zhen-Hua GuanChang-Yong MaHan-Lan FeiBei HuangWen-He NingQing-Yong NiXue-Long JiangPeng-Fei Fan
