John Ramsay MacKinnon

The behavior of wild spectral tarsiers

Field data are presented from a 15-month study of spectral tarsiers in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, based on over 300 sightings of animals in the wild and supplemented by observations from other parts of the island. Animals in study area were caught in mist nets and marked with colored plastic bird rings so that tarsiers followed at night could be individually recognized. Ecological data presented cover the locomotion, use of forest strata, and diet of tarsiers. Although clearly specialized for vertical clinging and leaping, the spectral tarsier is less specialized than the western tarsier, occupying a wider range of habitats and using a wider range of vegetation strata and locomotor patterns. Diet is mostly insects collected both on the ground and in trees. Spectral tarsiers were found to be monogamous and territorial. Families regularly slept at the same sites each day and gave loud duet songs as they congregated at sleeping sites each dawn. Sometimes similar songs were given in the night during territorial conflicts. Family home ranges were plotted and average about 1 ha. Observations are included on mating, the development of young tarsiers, and the dispersion of juveniles. Tarsier young are very precocious and may travel independently as little as 23 days after birth. Tarsiers regularly scent marked their ranges by rubbing branches with urine and special epigastric glands. In addition, they have a varied repertoire of calls and the main vocalizations are described.

Remote sensing for wildlife management: Giant panda habitat mapping from LANDSAT MSS images

Abstract Remote sensing is a powerful and accurate means of collecting data for wildlife management, particularly for large areas which are difficult of access and feature delicate ecosystems. Giant panda habitat in the Peoples Republic of China was evaluated by visual interpretation of multitemporal LANDSAT MSS images. The resulting map, combined with ground survey data, provides important information upon which management decisions can be planned. This case study illustrates that remote sensing techniques can make a significant contribution to the management programme for the conservation of a threatened animal species.

Designing protected areas for giant pandas in China

The familiar black and white giant panda is famous throughout China and the world as a symbol of the plight of endangered species. Fossil remains show that the giant panda was formerly distributed over a much larger area than today, reaching Burma, northern Vietnam, and much of eastern and southern China. Historical records in China also demonstrate that it was formerly much more widespread than today. Figure 8.1 shows this declining range of the giant panda.