Tesi sul tema "Muntiacus Muntjak"

The principal aim of the study which was conducted between May 1995 and May 1997 was to collect and analyze information that would be considered vital to any future management actions that may be applied to the deer living in the wild in the Bali Barat National Park ecosystem in Indonesia. The systems approach used sought to analyze the complex interactions between the soil, plant, animal and human activity subsystems. In particular, interaction between Rusa deer and Muntjac deer was compared where possible, although the principal focus of the study was on the population of Muntjac deer. The soils in habitats frequented by deer in Bali Barat National Park were found to be of relatively low fertility status. Chemical analysis of the soil revealed that all of the mineral element contents considered in this study were in the lowest range for soils, in general. During this study the population of Muntjac deer in the Bali Barat National Park was submitted to phylogenetic analysis to determine whether the Bali population is distinct. Preliminary results indicate that these deer are apart of a diverse, but monophyletic group of Muntiacus Muntjac. The potential unique status of Muntjac deer in Bali Barat National Park, and the need to preserve them as part of the natural resource base that constitutes the Indonesian archipelago increased the importance of this study of the ecosystem and social system surrounding Bali Barat National Park.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The principal aim of the study which was conducted between May 1995 and May 1997 was to collect and analyze information that would be considered vital to any future management actions that may be applied to the deer living in the wild in the Bali Barat National Park ecosystem in Indonesia. The systems approach used sought to analyze the complex interactions between the soil, plant, animal and human activity subsystems. In particular, interaction between Rusa deer and Muntjac deer was compared where possible, although the principal focus of the study was on the population of Muntjac deer. The soils in habitats frequented by deer in Bali Barat National Park were found to be of relatively low fertility status. Chemical analysis of the soil revealed that all of the mineral element contents considered in this study were in the lowest range for soils, in general. During this study the population of Muntjac deer in the Bali Barat National Park was submitted to phylogenetic analysis to determine whether the Bali population is distinct. Preliminary results indicate that these deer are apart of a diverse, but monophyletic group of Muntiacus Muntjac. The potential unique status of Muntjac deer in Bali Barat National Park, and the need to preserve them as part of the natural resource base that constitutes the Indonesian archipelago increased the importance of this study of the ecosystem and social system surrounding Bali Barat National Park.

Les objectifs de cette étude consistaient d'une part à étudier l'écologie de deux cerf tropical de taille moyenne, le cerf de Bawean Axis kuhlii et le Muntjac Muntiacus muntjac dans la réserve naturelle et sanctuaire de la vie sauvage de l'île de Bawean et le parc national d'Ujung Kulon respectivement, et d'autre part de mettre à jour leur statut de conservation. Nous avons utilisé pour la première fois une nouvelle technique de contrôle, les caméras-pièges, associées à aux méthodes écologiques classiques afin d'évaluer la taille des populations, d'examiner l'utilisation de l'habitat, d'estimer le domaine utilisé et d'identifier les patrons d'activité. Les résultats montrent que si les caméra-pièges sont couteuses au départ, elles ont facilité le recueil de données sur le terrain et ont fourni beaucoup d'informations pour les analyses ultérieures. De plus, la méthode des caméra-pièges a permis d'acquérir un plus grand nombre d'informations sur espèces étudiées mais aussi sur les autres espèces présentes sur les sites, que les autres méthodes employées. Pour l'estimation des tailles de population nous avons utilisé un modèle de rencontre aléatoire (REM), une technique efficace pour évaluer la densité d'espèce élusives, rares et dont les individus ne sont pas reconnaissables individuellement. Ce qui ne peut être obtenu par la technique de capture-recapture photographique qui requière que les individus soient identifiables et donc une grande qualité photographique. Les résultats ont été comparés avec ceux obtenus par la technique de comptage de tas de fèces. Les deux méthodes ont fourni des évaluations de densité de population semblables, plus élevées durant la saison sèche et une taille de population estimée entre 227 et 416 cerfs de Bawean. L'étendue de l'aire utilisée par le cerf de Bawean est apparue considérablement plus réduite que lors des précédentes estimations, le comptage de tas de fèces ayant fourni des données complémentaires aux images issues des caméra-pièges. Les deus espèces de cervidés ont essentiellement été relevées dans des habitats de forêt secondaire. L'analyse faite par la méthode de l'entropie maximale (Maxent) a montré que les variables anthropogéniques (pour les deux espèces) et climatiques (Muntjac seulement) sont les prédicteurs principaux pour l'utilisation de l'habitat. Enfin, en utilisant les indicateurs horaires fournis par les caméra-pièges, les patrons d'activité ont été examinés en relation avec le sexe et les conditions environnementales. Bien qu'il soit considéré comme espèce nocturne, l'essentiel des clichés de cerf de Bawean ont été pris durant le jour, et l'activité nocturne dépend de la luminosité. Le muntjac a également témoigné d'une certaine activité diurne avec les plus forts pics situés après le lever et avant le coucher de soleil, alors que l'activité nocturne n'est pas apparue liée à la luminosité. Il n'a pas été observé de différences entre mâles et femelles pour les deux espèces. Alors que le statut du muntjac est classé "peu préoccupant" par UICN, même si des mesures locales de conservation devraient être prises dans la zone d'étude, le cerf de Bawean devrait être maintenu dans la catégorie "en danger critique" car cette population qui apparaît toujours aussi réduite est toujours soumise à une perte d'habitat par déforestation illégale et à des perturbations par les chiens et les chasseurs
The aim of this study was to investigate the ecology of two medium-sized tropical deer, the Bawean deer Axis kuhlii and the red muntjac Muntiacus muntjac in Bawean Island Nature Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary and Ujung Kulon National Park respectively, and to update their conservation status. We used for the first time a new monitoring technique, camera trapping, together with classical ecological field methods for estimating population size, investigating habitat use, predicting range, and identifying activity pattern. Results show that camera traps were initially expensive but they lightened the field work and provided much information for further analyses. Moreover, camera trapping provided a higher number of records and accurate species identification than other methods. For estimating population size we used a random encounter model (REM), a technique accurate for estimating density of elusive, rare and unmarked species contrary to photographic capture-recapture techniques which require both unique mark and good photographs for individual recognition, and compared the results with those obtained by faecal pellet group count. Both methods provided similar population density estimates, higher in the dry than in the wet season, and a population size of ca. 227-416 deer. The range of Bawean deer established dramatically narrower than previously reported, faecal pellet group count bringing additional data to camera trapping. Both deer species were mainly recorded in secondary forests; Analysis with Maximum entropy model (Maxent) showed that anthropogenic (for both species) and climatic (for red muntjac only) variables were the main predictors of habitat use. Finally, using time data recorded by camera traps, we investigated the activity pattern related to sex and environmental conditions. The believed nocturnal Bawean deer was predominantly photographed during the day, and its nocturnal activity was linked to luminosity. Red muntjac also showed some diurnal activity with higher peaks after sunrise and before sunset, and a nocturnal activity which was not influenced by luminosity. No difference was observed between males and females for both species. Whereas red muntjac is listed "Least concern" by IUCN even if local conservation measures should be undertaken in our study area, Bawean deer should remain "Critically endangered" as the population is still small and the main threats, habitat loss due to illegal logging and human disturbance by dogs and hunters, are ongoing

Nous avons choisi d’étudier trois espèces de ruminants fortement menacées: le saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis), le muntjac géant (Muntiacus vuquangensis) et le gaur (Bos frontalis). L’utilisation des approches cytogénétiques et moléculaires nous ont permis de parvenir à une meilleure compréhension de leurs affinités phylogénétiques, de leurs profils d'évolution chromosomique, et de diversité génétique de la population dans le cas du gaur B. Frontalis. Nos résultats suggèrent que le Saola appartient à la sous-tribu des Bubalina, qui contient aussi les genres Bubalus et Syncerus. Le caryotype du muntjac géant M. Vuquangensis a été caractérisé et comparé à 6 autres espèces de la tribu des Muntiacini. L’analyse phylogénétique des données cytogénétiques, en accord avec l’analyse des séquences du génome mitochondrial complet, nous a permis de mettre en évidence l’étroite parenté entre M. Vuquangensis et M. Reevesi. Une analyse utilisant 130 marqueurs microsatellites a été réalisée sur le gaur sauvage afin d’évaluer la diversité génétique de la population présente au Vietnam. Les résultats de cette étude suggèrent un besoin urgent pour une analyse plus détaillée de la diversité génétique des populations de gaurs ainsi que pour l’élaboration d’une stratégie de gestion de ces populations. En conclusion, les résultats cytogénétiques et moléculaires obtenus au cours de ce travail nous ont permis de dégager des grandes lignes directrices pour les politiques de conservation, non seulement pour les trois espèces étudiées mais également pour la conservation ex situ des autres espèces menacées ou en voie d’extinction de la cordillère Annamitique
The main purpose of the present thesis was to study three highly threatened ruminant species from the Annamites: the saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis), the large-antlered muntjac (Muntiacus vuquangensis) and the gaur (Bos frontalis). By using both cytogenetic and molecular approaches, we attempted to gain a deeper understanding of their phylogenetic affinities, patterns of chromosomal evolution and, in the case of the gaur, population genetic diversity. Our phylogenetic analysis of chromosomal data suggests the placement of the saola within the subtribe Bubalina, which contains the species of the genera Bubalus and Syncerus. Second, we studied the karyotype of M. Vuquangensis and compared its banding patterns to those available for six other species of the tribe. Phylogenetic analysis of the chromosome data resulted in the tree fully congruent with that obtained after analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome sequences. Thus both data sets strongly support a close relationship between M. Vuquangensis and M. Reevesi. Third, an analysis of 130 microsatellite markers was undertaken to assess genetic diversity of the wild gaur population in Vietnam. Outcomes of this study suggest an urgent need for further detailed analysis of genetic diversity in gaur populations, and its incorporation in population management strategies. In conclusion, our cytogenetic and molecular information reported herein provide guidelines for further conservation policies not only of species investigated, but also for the ex situ conservation of other threatened and endangered species in the Annamite range

碩士
中山醫學院
醫學研究所
89
Asian muntjac or barking deer consists six known species; Muntiacus muntjak, M. reevesi, M. rooseveltorum, M. crinifrons, M. feae, and M. atherodes. The native endangered Formosan muntjac (M. reevesi micrurus) in Taiwan is classified as one of the two subspecies of M. reevesi. In the past, there has been some documentations regarding the morphology, ecology, behavior, habitat and captivity of this subspecies, and yet no molecular cytogenetic study has been reported. The present thesis research therefore is aimed to gather molecular cytogenetic data of the Formosan muntjac. Based on the G-banding analysis, the chromosome number of this subspescies is identified as 2n = 46 and in general its G-banbed karyotype is resemble to the DAPI-banded karyotype of the other subspecies, the Chinese muntjac (M. reevesi reevesi). Two satellite DNA clones designated as FM sat I and FM 1kb were generated from PCR amplification of Formosan muntjac genomic DNA using primer sequences obtained from Chinese muntjac satellite I (C5) (Lin et al. 1991) and white tailed deer satellite II clone (OvDII) DNA, respectively. Sequence comparison revealed that FM sat I and C5 shared 82% homology. No significant sequence homology was found between FM 1kb and any reported cervid satellite DNA. However, very high sequence similarity was observed between FM 1kb and CM 1kb (98%) (Li et al. unpublished). Southern hybridization using FM sat I as a probe on Formosan muntjac genomic DNA digested with several restriction endonucleases revealed prominent bands in a 0.75- 0.8 register confirming the nature of satellite DNA. On the other hand, irregular banding patterns were observed using the FM 1kb as a probe. FISH study using either FM sat I and/or FM 1kb as probes on Formosan muntjac chromosome preparations revealed strong FM sat I hybridization signals on the centromeric regions of all chromosomes with the exception of a pair of chromosome 3 and the Y chromosome. Interstitial signals by FM sat I were also observed in six pairs of autosomes. Among those, two interstitial signals were found in each chromosome of three pairs of the largest chromosomes in the complement. One interstitial signal was found in each chromosome in the remaining three pairs of chromosomes with smaller size. FISH with FM 1kb probe showed hybridization signals on centromeric regions of all chromosomes except on chromosomes 3 pairs and the Y chromosome. Interstitial signals were similar to those seen with FM sat I. Co-hybridization with both satellite DNA probes revealed that although both satellite DNA sequences located at the centromeric/pericentromeric regions, the satellite DNA FM 1kb appeared located near the distal end of the chromosome, whereas, the FM sat I was located more proximally. Based on the results of karyotypic analysis, satellite DNA sequencing and FISH signals distribution, it is reasonable to suggest that Formosan muntjac and Chinese muntjac are closely related.

碩士
國立中山大學
生物科學系研究所
106
Spatially distant animal populations scattered in wide geographical ranges may confront with quite different environment conditions. These differences are often reflected in the abundance, distribution and behavior among the local populations. Formosan Reeves'' muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi micrurus) is forest-dwelling species widespread from the lowland to high mountains in Taiwan. Although previous studies have addressed on the relationship of its abundance, distribution, and behavior with altitude, the results remain inconclusive. In this study, camera-trapping data from fauna surveys along the area of Gaoping River, including Shoushan (22-323 m), Chuyunshan Nature Reserve (900-2,200 m), and Southern Cross-Island Highway area (1,700-2,700 m) were analyzed and compared. The aim of this study is to determine whether there are altitudinal differences of abundance, distribution, activity pattern and behavior in Formosan Reeves'' muntjac. Data collected from a total of 67 camera sites were analyzed in the analysis. The results showed that the abundance of the muntjac was not correlated with altitude. The muntjac showed the highest density at Shoushan (low altitude), while lowest at Chuyunshan Nature Reserve (middle altitude). The muntjac remains active throughout 24 hours and peaked at dusk and dawn. The muntjac at Shoushan was more active between 9:00 - 15:00 than those of the other study areas. Foraging was the most frequently observed behavior at all three areas. The relative frequencies of locomotion, alert, foraging and other behavior were not different among altitudes. The abundance of the predator was neither correlated with the altitude nor the abundance of muntjac. Activity patterns of the muntjac and dog, the only predator of muntjac at Shoushan, were similar although dogs were more diurnal oriented. At other areas, activity patterns of the predators and muntjac showed no differences. Poor food availability, steep topography and higher hunting pressure at Chuyunshan Nature Reserve may explain its lowest muntjac abundance among these three areas. The tendency that the muntjac being more diurnal at Shoushan may be due to its potentially higher disturbance at night, a consequence of being surrounded by the metropolitan area.

碩士
國立屏東科技大學
畜產系
94
In the cervids in the temperate zone, changes of the reproductive activity are mainly controlled by the photoperiodism. It is very little documents concerning the breeding biology of tropical-subtropical cervids. For example, there is quite a few information for the reproductive activity of the muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi). The Formosan Reeves’ muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi micrurus) bucks farmed in southern Taiwan (22.5。N, 120.5。E) were allotted to investigate the effect of semen collection methods on the semen quality (Study 1), annual changes of semen characteristics and serum testosterone concentration (Study 2). Effects of sex maturity on the gross morphometry related to breeding characteristics, semen characteristics and serum testosterone concentration (Study 3). Results showed that the adult bucks (>2y) were in hard antler stage (HAS) from the 3rd triplet in October to the 1st triplet in May in next year and in velvet antler stage (VAS) from the 2nd triplet in May to the 2nd triplet in September. The values of semen volume, sperm motility score and sperm concentration collected by EE were significant better than it collected by artificial vagina (350 vs. 170 μl; 5 vs. 2 score and 252.39 vs. 90.24 × sperm 107/ml, respectively; P < 0.05) (Study 1). Annual Changes of the testosterone concentration were ranged in 3.73 ± 2.90 ng/ml, and the semen containing sperm could be collected by electro-ejaculation (EE) throughout the year. The testicular volume (TV) in HAS was significantly higher than that in VAS (29.76 ± 4.25 vs. 25.40 ± 2.97 cm3, P < 0.05). The scrotal circumference, TV and serum testosterone concentration were significantly higher in winter, but it were reversed in summer (respectively, 10.74 ± 0.62 vs. 9.89 ± 0.46 cm, 31.62 ± 3.56 vs. 25.95 ± 2.51 cm3 and 4.55 ± 4.02 vs. 1.92 ± 2.16 ng/ml, P < 0.05). The value of gross morphometry related to breeding characteristics and semen characteristics during the HAS were better than that in VAS. Furthermore, the other gross morphometry related to breeding characteristics and semen characteristics were also highest during winter. Changes of body weight, neck girth, TV and serum testosterone were positively and significantly correlated to each other (P < 0.05) (Study 2). Pedicle growth was appeared at age of 7-8 months in the juvenile muntjacs (≦2y). Semen containing sperm could be first collected by EE at the age of 10-11 months when the velvet initiated, and then the testosterone concentration was maintained in 3.96 ± 2.94 ng/ml throughout the year. The semen characteristics of the adults, both in VAS and HAS were better than it in the juveniles (semen: 305, 216 vs. 273, 239 μl and sperm concentration: 235.4, 259.8 vs. 217.0, 200.2 sperm ×107/ml, respectively; P > 0.05). The gross morphometries related to breeding characteristics were also high in the adults (Study 3). In conclusion, the semen collected by electro-ejaculation method exhibit better quality than by artificial vagina method in hard antler stage. The year-round sperm production ability in the Formosan Reeves’ muntjac was first proved by the direct observations of the live animals in the studies. The muntjac bucks developed their first velvet at the age of 10-11 months, and the capability of sperm production at the same time, when they maintained the serum testosterone concentration both in HAS and VAS in the range of 1 ~ 6 ng/ml throughout a year.

碩士
國立屏東科技大學
畜產系所
95
The Formosan Reeves’ Muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi micrurus) is a small reddish ruminant which is endemic to Taiwan (22~25.5°N), and bears the capability of year-round reproduction. The aim of this thesis is to utilize the non-invasive sampling method for fecal progesterone analysis, associated with the estrous behavior record to investigate the reproductive characteristics in the Formosan Reeves’ muntjac does. There were high positive correspondences between FP4 and SP4 values, and negative BSE between and FP4 or SP4 values of the sampling animals in various reproductive status in study Ι. It means that the FP4 could be used for representing the reproductive status in the female Formosan Reeves’ muntjacs. There were highly positively significant correlations among FP4, SP4 and BSE values in the stage from weaning to puberty in the juvenile female Formosan Reeves' muntjac. Among the values, there was negatively significant correlation between FP4 and BSE, also between SP4 and BSE values within the 3 weeks approaching prepubertal estrus. (study ΙΙ). The values of FP4 and BSE showed a periodic wave in 12.5 ± 0.4 d interval, and were in highly significantly negative correlation (P < 0.01) during the common estrous cycle in the matured female Formosan Reeves’ muntjacs. The FP4 values showed in baseline level in estrous period, it significantly increased in predicate metestrus (P < 0.05), up to plateau in diestrus, then dropped down to the values in predicate proestrus stage and then again to the baseline in the subsequent estrus stage. In the period from calving to postpartum estrus, the FP4 showed a sharp trend of decreasing, but the interval to estrus exhibition (2.6 ± 0.3 d) is shorter than common estrus. There were apparently different estrous durations among pubertal, postpartum and common estrus, in which the duration in postpartum estrus was the longest, and the shortest was the pubertal estrus (study ΙΙΙ). During the overall gestation stage, the FP4 value was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in the late pregnancy (131~200 d) than that in early pregnancy (0~60 d) and in mid pregnancy period (61~130 d). Also the values of FP4 and BSE were in significant negative correlation (P < 0.01) (study Ⅳ). By analyzing the FP4 contents of the female muntjacs and the records of BSE, the results from the present studies (Ι~Ⅳ) show uniformly highly negative correspondence between FP4 and BSE in the stages of puberty, estrus, in various periods in gestation stage, and calving. In conclusion, it is testified that we could apply the non-invasive method of FP4 analyzing for monitoring the reproductive status of the female Formosan Reeves’ muntjacs.