从北美的研究看大熊猫的种群动态-CURRENTZOOLOGYformerly.PDF

动物学报 　50 (4) :662 - 668 , 2004 A cta Zoologica S inica 　　　　　 　 Insights into population dynamics of giant pandas gained from studies in North America Richard B. HARRIS Wildlife Biology Program , College of Forestry and Conservation , Universit y of Montana , Missoula , MT USA 　59812 Abstract 　Although population dynamics of giant pandas A iluropoda melanoleuca remain poorly known , basic principles can be safely transferred from studies of , and experience with , similar species. Without minimizing the importance of con tinued study of demographics , genetics , and behavior of pandas , I offer the following generalizations from our understand ing of carnivore population biology in North America. First , elasticity analyses confirm that pandas have evolved lifehisto ries that prioritize high survival of adult females. In comparison , reproductive rates are unimportant. Increases in survival of adult females will yield approximately 5 times the conservation benefit of proportional increases in reproductive output. Second , under circumstances likely to characterize most panda populations , survival rates of males (even adults) are also relatively unimportant. Thirdly , notwithstanding its welldeserved reputation as a slow breeder , giant panda populations are mathematically capable of growing surprisingly quickly , if habitats (and associated survival rates) allow. Finally , rein troductions of endangered species in western North America remind us of the critical role of maintaining large patches of unfragmented habitat. Wolves Canis lupus , extirpated from the western U S. before the mid20 th century , have made a rapid and surprisingly painless recovery because wild areas and prey populations remained abundant. In contrast , black