MAMMALS OF CHINA

By Andrew T. Smith, Yan Xie

PRINCETON UNIVERSITY PRESS

Copyright © 2013 Princeton University Press
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-0-691-15427-5

Contents

List of Figures……………………………………………………5List of Maps………………………………………………………6List of Habitat Images……………………………………………..6Preface…………………………………………………………..7Contributors………………………………………………………7Introduction………………………………………………………8Acknowledgments……………………………………………………18CLASS MAMMALIA—The Mammals………………………………………….35ORDER PROBOSCIDEA………………………………………………….36ORDER SIRENIA……………………………………………………..37ORDER SCANDENTIA…………………………………………………..38ORDER PRIMATES…………………………………………………….39ORDER RODENTIA…………………………………………………….58ORDER LAGOMORPHA…………………………………………………..166ORDER ERINACEOMORPHA……………………………………………….184ORDER SORICOMORPHA…………………………………………………189ORDER CHIROPTERA…………………………………………………..217ORDER PHOLIDOTA……………………………………………………275ORDER CARNIVORA……………………………………………………277ORDER PERISSODACTYLA……………………………………………….334ORDER ARTIODACTYLA…………………………………………………337ORDER CETACEA……………………………………………………..377APPENDIXES………………………………………………………..381GLOSSARY………………………………………………………….384FURTHER READING……………………………………………………387Index to Scientific Names…………………………………………..388Index to Common Names………………………………………………391

Excerpt

<h2>CHAPTER 1</h2><p><b>CLASS MAMMALIA—The Mammals</b></p><p>[TEXT NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII] Burulei</p><p>Mammals belong to the class Mammalia, subphylum Vertebrata, phylum Chordata,kingdom Animalia. In spite of considerable variation in morphologicalstructure among mammals, there is a suite of unique characteristics that definesthe class. Pelage, or hair, is present in at least some stage of development in allmammals. It completely covers the bodies of most species, although it may berestricted to specific areas in some forms or occur only during embryonic developmentin others (such as whales). All young mammals are nourished with milkprovided from mammary glands. A muscular diaphragm separates the lungsfrom the posterior body cavity. Mammals possess a four-chambered heart withonly a left aortic arch (the right aortic arch is lost during development). Redblood cells lack nuclei at maturity in most species. And all mammals have threemiddle ear bones (malleus, incus, and stapes), and a single (dentary) bone comprisesthe lower jaw. The jaw articulates with the squamosal bone of the cranium.Additionally, nearly all mammals are viviparous (except monotremes), quadrupedal(except bats, some bipedal species, and those aquatic forms that havedeveloped front flippers and lost their hind limbs), and have an external earopening surrounded by a well-developed pinna (although the pinna may bereduced or absent in some aquatic species). Mammals are primarily endothermic,maintaining a relatively high and constant body temperature most of thetime. Consequently, many of their adaptations revolve around the necessity toacquire significant amounts of food. Thus, most mammals have heterodont dentition,with teeth specialized to their diet in nature.</p><p>Mammals evolved from a lineage of primitive synapsid reptiles, and many ofthe most important fossil records of these early mammal-like creatures havebeen discovered in China. The last 65 million years of Earth history, the Cenozoic,is considered the age of mammals, and the major branches of the mammalianevolutionary tree (monotremes, marsupials, and placentals) diverged duringthis period, giving rise to the exciting diversity of mammals found on Earthtoday. The current (third) edition of <i>Mammal Species of the World</i> (Wilson andReeder 2005) portrays living mammals as represented by 5,416 species in 1,229genera in 29 orders. Past attempts to organize the higher categories of mammalshave been varied, and an explosion of recent molecular and paleontologicalinvestigations has led to significant alterations in our efforts to characterize thephylogenetic relationships of mammals since the previous edition of this work.We follow the order of presentation of mammals in the third edition to describethe 556 mammal species in 14 orders that are found in China.</p><br><p><b>ORDER PROBOSCIDEA</p><p>FAMILY ELEPHANTIDAE</b></p><p>GENUS <i>ELEPHAS</i>—Elephants</p><p>[TEXT NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII]Changbi Mu; [TEXT NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII] Xiang Ke; [TEXT NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII] Xiang Shu— [TEXT NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII] XiangThe elephants are unmistakable. There are two genera of elephants, one in Africa<i>(Loxodonta)</i> with two recognized species, and one in Asia <i>(Elephas)</i>, the range ofwhich includes China. The Asian Elephant is distinguished from the Africanforms by having smaller ears and a single lip on the end of its trunk, comparedwith two lips in African elephants. Dental formula: 1.0.3.3/0.0.3.3 = 26 (but tuskusually absent in female <i>Elephas</i>).</p><br><p><b>Asian Elephant</b> <i>Elephas maximus</i></p><p>[TEXT NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII] Yazhou Xiang—<b>Distinctive Characteristics:</b>HB 550-650 cm; SH 320 cm (male), 250 cm(female); T 120-150 cm; Wt 4,160 kg (male), 2,720kg (female). Uniquely large mammal with long proboscis,large triangular ears, thick gray skin withonly a few bristly hairs (especially as tail tuft and oninfants). Males have large ivory tusks; tusks offemales at most protrude a few cm. Large rounded,flat feet. <b>Distribution:</b> Once ranged widely over much of S China, includingFujian, Guangdong, and Guangxi. The species disappeared from S Fujian and NGuangdong during the 12th century (Song dynasty) but held on in Guangxi intothe 17th century (Ming dynasty). Now confined to Xishuangbanna prefecture ofS Yunnan; extending to the Indian subcontinent, including Sri Lanka, throughIndochina, Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and NE Borneo. <b>Natural History:</b> Inhabitslowland and hill forests (generally at elevations <1,000 m) in evergreen andsemievergreen tropical zone, oftenn with bamboos. Eats a wide range of vegetation,with a strong preference for grasses and palms. Raids fields of rice, sugarcane, bananas, annd papayas. May consume over 200 kg of vegetation per day.Diurnal and nocturnal, but usually rests at midday. Lives in small matriarchalfamily herds. Males solitary, or two or three males may travel together. Severalfemale-led families may congregate at favored salt licks and mud wallows. Herdsvisit water every day. Various low rumbling sounds and loud trumpeting vocalizationsare used to maintain social contact. Males have large tusks used in fightingand defense, to move obstacles in the forest, and to excavate mineral-richearth at salt licks. Single young (rarely twins) weighing about 100 kg are born atintervals of several years. Gestation lasts 18–22 months. <b>Conservation Status:</b>Rare, restricted, and endangered by poaching and loss of habitat; also persecutedby farmers for raiding crops. While poaching continues, a ban on this activity isstrictly enforced. There is evidence that the Chinese population had grown fromapproximately 100 in the 1970s, to 180 in the 1980s, to perhaps 150-250 by themid-1990s. However, the sex ratio increasingly favors females, and an increasingpercentage of males are tuskless because poaching is changing the gene pool.China RL—EN A1acd. China Key List—I. CITES—I. IUCN RL—EN A2c.</p><br><p><b>ORDER SIRENIA</p><p>FAMILY DUGONGIDAE</b></p><p>GENUS <i>DUGONG</i>—Dugongs</p><p>[TEXT NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII] Hainiu Mu; [TEXT NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII] Rugen Ke; [TEXT NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII] Rugen Shu— [TEXT NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII] RugenThis order of large herbivorous marine mammals contains three families (oneextinct) totaling five species and is characterized by paddle-like forelimbs, heavybones, no hind limbs, and no dorsal fin. The dugongs (Dugongidae) can be distinguishedfrom the other living family, the manatees (Trichechidae), by possessingan incisor (versus no functional incisors in manatees) and a notched tail(versus a spoon-shaped tail), and lacking nails on the flippers (versus flipperswith nails in two of the three manatee species). The Chinese representative is inthe monotypic Dugongidae.</p><br><p><b>Dugong</b> <i>Dugong dugon</i></p><p>[TEXT NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII] Rugen—<b>Distinctive Characteristics:</b> HB240-400 cm; Wt 230-1,000 kg. Body fusiform, andhind limbs absent; head round; tail a deeplynotched fluke with a crescent shape; forelimbs paddle-likeand without nails. The short hair is distributedsparsely over the body, with the exception ofdense bristles on the muzzle. Dental formula:2.0.3.3/3.1.3.3 = 36. <b>Distribution:</b> East China andSouth China seas, at Guangdong, Behai City (Guangxi), Hainan, and Dashufangin S Taiwan; extending to the coasts of the Indian Ocean and SW Pacific Ocean.<b>Natural History:</b> Live in small groups in shallow coastal waters, although theycan sometimes be found in deeper offshore waters. Most animals remain submergedfor several minutes at a time, surfacing for a short time to breathe.Dugongs are not built for speed. They are herbivorous, subsisting largely on seagrass. Reproductive season primarily from June to September but may extendthroughout the year. Males fight for access to females in a polygynous matingsystem. Gestation lasts 12–14 months. The single offspring is weaned at about 18months but may remain with its mother for several years. <b>Conservation Status:</b>The Taiwanese population is believed to have been extirpated; there have beenno recent sightings on the island. The mainland population is very poorlyknown. In the mid-1980s, dugongs mostly occurred along the coast of Guanxiand W Guangdong, and rarely on the coasts of Dianbai and Yangjang counties,Guangdong, in addition to the west coast of Hainan Island. However, mostrecent sightings have come only from Hainan, although even there coastal developmentand harbor construction have eliminated key sea-grass beds, causingdugongs to disappear. While dugongs have historically occurred in the PearlRiver estuary, none have been seen in recent years in spite of intensive researchon dolphins in this area. China RL—CR A1c; B1ab(i,iii) + 2ab(i,iii)c; C; D; F.China Key List—I. CITES—I. IUCN RL—VU A2bcd.</p><br><p><b>ORDER SCANDENTIA</p><p>FAMILY TUPAIIDAE</b></p><p>GENUS <i>TUPAIA</i>—Tree Shrews</p><p>[TEXT NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII] Shuqu Mu; [TEXT NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII] Shuqu Ke; [TEXT NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII] Shuqu Shu— [TEXT NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII] ShuquThese squirrel-like animals are distributed across SE Asia. They possess largeeyes and lack long vibrissae in the facial region. Dental formula: 2.1.3.3/3.1.3.3 =38. There are five genera and 20 species in the Scandentia; only a single species,one of 15 in the genus <i>Tupaia</i>, occurs in China.</p><br><p><b>Northern Tree Shrew</b> <i>Tupaia belangeri</i></p><p>[TEXT NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII] Beishuqu—<b>Distinctive Characteristics:</b>HB 160-195; T 150-190; HF 36-45; E 12-20; GLS41-49; Wt 110-185 g. Pelage olive green to densebrown; shoulder with faint vertical stripes. Tailbicolored, olive brown above and whitish underneath;tail hairs long, and overall the tail has theappearance of being flat. All five toes developed onfeet; claws strong and sharp. The rostrum is elongated, and the ears are shortand rounded. <b>Distribution:</b> S China; extending south through Thailand, Myanmar,India, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and associated coastal islands. <b>NaturalHistory:</b> Occupies tropical to subtropical forests from low elevations up to 3,000m. Lives in tree holes (not of its own making). Arboreal and primarily crepuscular,but may be active at any time. Omnivorous, feeding on fruits and seeds inaddition to insects, small vertebrates, and bird eggs. Territorial. Mates fromMarch through August. Estrus lasts approximately 10 days, and gestation aboutone and a half months.Females produce one ortwo litters of two to fouryoung per year.<b>Conservation Status:</b>China RL—LC.</p><br><p><b>ORDER PRIMATES—Primates</b></p><p>[TEXT NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII] Lingzhang Mu—[TEXT NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII] Lingzhanglei</p><p>The order Primates includes humankind and its nearest relatives, including apes,monkeys, lemurs, and lorises. Most species have five digits on each limb, usuallywith an opposable first digit and mostly with flattened nails rather than claws.The brain is well developed. Only two pectoral mammae are present. Primateshave two sets of teeth, the deciduous juvenile set being later replaced by permanentadult teeth. Upper canines, especially in males, are generally tusk-shaped.Molars have blunt cusps. There are two suborders of Primates, the Strepsirrhini,with seven families, one of which (Lorisidae) is found in China; and the Haplorrhini,with eight families, two of which (Cercopithecidae, Hylobatidae) are foundin China.</p><br><p><b>FAMILY LORISIDAE</b>—Lorises</p><p>[TEXT NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII] Lanhou Ke—[TEXT NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII] Lanhou</p><p>Lorises are compact, small nocturnal primates with flat faces and large reflectiveeyes. Arms and legs slender and about equal in length. They have short tails, andtheir short ears are covered in fur. Second digit of forearm is reduced; seconddigit of hind leg possesses a claw. Rostrum long. Dental formula: 2.1.3.3/2.1.3.3 =36. Upper incisors are small and separated from each other to form a comb. TheLorisidae contains five genera and a total of nine species; most forms are African,but two genera occur in Asia, of which only <i>Nycticebus</i> reaches China.</p><br><p>GENUS <i>NYCTICEBUS</i>—Slow Lorises</p><p>[TEXT NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII] Fenghou Shu—[TEXT NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII] Fenghou</p><p><i>Nycticebus</i> differs significantly from other genera of Lorisidae, bearing a compactform and short limbs. Short, thick fur; vestigial tail; grasping hands. Of threespecies, two occur in China.</p><br><p><b>Bengal Slow Loris</b> <i>Nycticebus bengalensis</i></p><p>[TEXT NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII] Feng Hou—<b>Distinctive Characteristics:</b> HB260-380; T 22-25; E 20-25; GLS 61-68; Wt 1-2 kg.Small nocturnal primate with very fluffy pelage.Dark brown stripe down back, short fluffy tail, andbroad flat face with large eyes and moist rhinarium.General color varies from whitish to pale yellowishbrown. The big toe on the hind foot is set apartfrom the other toes, allowing for greater grippingpower. Second digit on front foot is reduced in size, and second toe has a long,curved claw used for scratching (fig. 3). The Bengal Slow Loris is much larger,paler, and has a more pronounceddark dorsal stripe than the PygmySlow Loris, also found in S China.<b>Distribution:</b> S China; extending toNE India and Indochina. <b>NaturalHistory:</b> Inhabits tropical forest,scrub, bamboo thickets, andorchards. Occurs in both evergreenand deciduous formations. Feedsmostly on large insects such as katydidsand crickets but also eats fruitsand some young leaves and buds.Occasionally catches small birds, lizards,or larger prey. Strictly nocturnal.Mostly seen alone, movingslowly and cautiously within thecanopy or in small trees. Can walkquite fast when crossing the groundfrom one tree to another. Sleeps byday curled up in a ball in dense vegetationor tree hole. Both sexes areterritorial and mark territories withurine. Ranges of the two sexes overlap, and animals may engage in social grooming.The large eyes possess pronounced <i>tapeta lucida</i>, giving the animal excellentnight vision. The animal stalks prey by slow, stealthy movements, then grabs itwith front feet in a fast and accelerating move followed by a bite. Second digit oneach hind foot has an elongated toilet claw used for grooming; other digits haveflat nails. Estrous females emit a loud whistle that attracts males. Gestation lastsabout six months. Single young, or rarely twins, cling on their mother for aboutthree months but may be “parked” on a branch while their mother forages alone.<b>Conservation Status:</b> China RL—EN A2cd; B1ab(iii). China Key List—I.CITES—I. IUCN RL—VU A2acd + 3cd + 4acd.</p><br><p><b>Pygmy Slow Loris</b> <i>Nycticebus pygmaeus</i></p><p>[TEXT NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII] Wo Fenghou—<b>DistinctiveCharacteristics:</b> HB210-260; T 10; GLS <55; Wt250-800 g. Small, rufous-orange-coloredloris. In winter,grayer, with a faint dorsalstripe and curly hair; in summer, without dark dorsal stripe and with little curlyhair. <b>Distribution:</b> Recorded only in SE Yunnan, however, it is unclear whetherthese are wild-caught local animals or animals brought into the country fromVietnam in the wildlife trade; extending into NE Laos, Vietnam, and E Cambodia.<b>Natural History:</b> Inhabits low-lying evergreen forest, secondary forest, andscrub. Diet consists of insects, fruits, young leaves, and presumably small vertebrates.Also known to gouge trees and eat the resulting gum exudate. Behaviorsimilar to that of the Bengal Slow Loris. <b>Conservation Status:</b> China RL—ENA2cd; B1ab(iii); D. China Key List—I. CITES—I. IUCN RL—VU A2cd.</p><br><p><b>FAMILY CERCOPITHECIDAE</b>—Old World Monkeys and Baboons</p><p>[TEXT NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII] Hou Ke—[TEXT NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII] Houlei</p><p>The suborder Haplorrhini is commonly divided into three infraorders containingthe tarsiers, New World monkeys (Platyrrhini), and Old World monkeys(Catarrhini), respectively. The catarrhine lineage is further divided into twosuperfamilies: the Cercopithecoidea and the Hominoidea. Within the Cercopithecoideais the single family Cercopithecidae, containing two subfamilies, theCercopithecinae and Colobinae, and representatives of both are found in China.The Cercopithecidae are medium-large apes and monkeys, with tails and limbsequal in length or with hind limbs slightly longer than forelimbs. Dental formula:2.1.2.3/2.1.2.3 = 32.</p><br><p><b>SUBFAMILY CERCOPITHECINAE</b>—Old World Monkeys</p><p>[TEXT NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII] Hou Yake—[TEXT NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII] Houlei</p><p>The Cercopithecinae represents the main branch of Old World monkeys, includingmany African genera such as mangabeys, baboons, and guenons. Of 10 totalgenera, only one, <i>Macaca</i> (the macaques), reaches Asia. Quadrupedal, omnivorousmonkeys with both arboreal and terrestrial abilities. Tails long to short.Most live in large multimale groups; weakly territorial.</p><p><i>(Continues…)</i>
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