Ethology and Reproduction of Captive Giant Pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

摘要: and Summary The activity rhythm, reproductive cycle, maintenance, social behavior of a pair captive giant pandas were studied at the National Zoological Park, Washington, D.C. Results from this study available literature indicate that: 1) Giant are probably nocturnal, although they may be polycyclic in activity. 2) Males more active than females, especially locomotor scent-marking activity 3) Activity levels inversely correlated with age. 4) There is single annual estrous period one to three days between March June, preceded by conspicuous behavioral changes female consisting depressed appetite, increased restlessness scent-marking, vocalizing. Behavioral male similar synchronized cycle. 5) The major communicatory modes through vocalizations. A variety postures used deposit urine anogenital gland secretions throughout environment. Most call types show considerable variation grading; prominent during agonistic activities. Visual signals only poorly developed. Tactile contact frequent interactions might predicted, considering solitary nature species. However, significant tactile limited initial stages encounters, avoidance intolerance occurring thereafter. 6) Both panda's copulatory posture temporal patterning copulation (numerous short mounts brief ejaculatory intromission long inter-ejaculation interval) differ significantly sexual reported for other closely related carnivores. Observations suggest that prior compatibility essential successful behavior. 7) Comparative data on panda reproduction 140 day average gestation length (range: 122–163 days) includes delay, either implantation or early development. The neonatalimaternal weight ratio smallest among Eutherian mammals. 8) Three characteristics— (a) the occurrence weak estrus autumn some females (b) variability duration “gestation” and (c) survivorship young despite litter size — fossil evidence much wider previous geographic distribution, have had flexible opportunistic strategy their past evolutionary history, recently undergone K-selection, increasing dietary habitat specialization.