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Breeding and Husbandry Techniques for the Chinese Giant Salamander (Andrias davidianus)

Bait Comparison Experiment Table

Hunan Province Giant Salamander Rescue Center

Breeding technology for broodstock selection involves choosing individuals of different sexes and origins from the same region as parents. The feed suitable for breeding should be diversified, mainly consisting of feed that is high in protein, low in fat, low in calories, and rich in trace elements. One month before and after the breeding period, feed that is high in protein, high in fat, and high in calories should be provided.

Feed selection and proportioning experiments involve feeding different aquaculture ponds with different feeds, and conducting trials with different combinations to determine the optimal feed plan and the best nutritional structure for the ecological breeding of the giant salamander. By mastering the most suitable feed and nutritional combination for different periods of the giant salamander, the sperm quality of male broodstock can be improved, and the egg-bearing capacity of female broodstock can be increased.

Essential factors:

1. Avoid inbreeding. Selecting parents of different sexes and origins from the same region can effectively prevent inbreeding;
2. Choice of feed. Choose feeds that are more easily obtained and have comprehensive nutritional components, such as grass carp, silver carp, loach, shrimp, frogs, pork, and pig liver, etc.
3. Feed processing. Live fish should be freshly killed, and inedible parts such as heads, bones, and spines should be removed; pork and other meats should have fat (if any) removed and cut into long strips weighing about 50 to 100 grams. Dead bait should be soaked in a 30% saltwater solution for 10 minutes; live bait should be soaked in a 2-3 ppm chlorine dioxide solution for 10 minutes.
4. Feeding of feed. Feed should be provided on a regular schedule, with consistent quality, and in fixed quantities. Dead bait should be offered every three days, around 6 pm, with the standard that it should be consumed within one hour. Live bait should be fed at 5% of the total weight of the giant salamanders in each area, with discretion to increase the amount as appropriate.

By recording the feeding, weight gain, activity, ovulation, and fertilization of the giant salamander (see attached figures). It was found that Group B had a significantly higher feeding efficiency than the other two groups, indicating that the giant salamander will turn to dead bait with lower predation difficulty when hunting live prey is challenging. Data from Group A show that the giant salamander gains weight quickly when fed a diet high in protein and fat for a long period, but has a low ovulation and fertilization rate. In combination with the analysis of the main nutritional components of various baits, it is suitable for the giant salamander's bait to be diversified, mainly consisting of baits that are high in protein, low in fat, low in calories, and rich in trace elements, such as various fish, loach, shrimp, crabs, frogs, etc. One month before and after the breeding period, appropriately high protein, high fat, and high calorie foods can be fed, such as various fish and poultry meat and internal organs, which is beneficial for the giant salamander to accumulate energy before breeding and to recover and overwinter after breeding.

Breeding area mimicking wild habitat environment

Scientific Achievement Appraisal Certificate

Hunan Province Giant Salamander Rescue Center

Addressing the existing technical challenges, namely the differences between ecological breeding environments and wild habitats, and the low natural reproductive capacity of the giant salamander, characterized by slow growth, late sexual maturity, and low survival and breeding rates. A method for ecological breeding suitable for the giant salamander, based on the environmental factors of its natural habitat, is provided.

The ecological imitation environment is established based on the ecological and environmental factors of the giant salamander's natural habitat, and the selection of the reference object for this ecological environmental factor model is crucial.

After long-term research and discussions among scholars, we have established an environmental factor model based on geographical and climatic factors, river section influence factors, cave environmental factors, and water environmental factors. Based on this model, we have established the best construction parameter system for "ecological stream ditches" and "caves." For example, the surface vegetation coverage of the cave area on both sides of the ecological stream ditch should be greater than 85%; the stream ditch should be constructed in an irregular shape, with a gradient of 30° to 45° extending into the stream, a width of 50 to 300 cm, a depth of 50 cm, and a stream bed covered with a 15 to 20 cm thick layer of sand and pebbles composed of river sand and pebbles, a stream water depth of 25 to 30 cm, and a flow rate of 0.05 to 1 m/s; the cave area ratio should be ≥1.5, and other specific parameter requirements.

Biodiversity Monitoring

Monitoring and Patrolling in Xiaowangjian

The Bureau for the Management of Shaanxi Zhouzhi National Nature Reserve

The establishment of the Golden Monkey Monitoring and Research Base at Northwest University and the Zhouzhi Substation for the National Field Scientific Observation and Research of Biodiversity for Giant Pandas and Golden Snub-nosed Monkeys, in collaboration with various institutions such as the Shaanxi Institute of Zoology, Northwest A&F University, Beijing Forestry University, and Northwest University, serves as an internship base for graduate and doctoral students. These partnerships facilitate joint efforts in wildlife surveys and other scientific endeavors, thereby promoting high-quality development within the region.

Research projects have been implemented to conduct extensive surveys, resulting in the creation of a comprehensive database of rare and protected species such as the Giant Panda, Golden Snub-nosed Monkey, Golden Takin, Himalayan Yew, and Kingdonia uniflora. This has led to the compilation of 13 specialized survey and monitoring reports, including the "Giant Panda and Its Habitat Monitoring Report" and the "Golden Snub-nosed Monkey Survey Report," earning two second-place awards for scientific and technological advancements from the Shaanxi Forestry Department.

Since 2012, infrared cameras have captured approximately 40,000 photographs and 5,000 video clips of rare wildlife activities, including Giant Pandas and Golden Snub-nosed Monkeys. Remarkably, the Zhouzhi Nature Reserve has recorded three leopards foraging together on three occasions, as well as footage of two wild Giant Pandas playing, and the first recorded appearance of a brown Giant Panda. Additionally, images of the Asiatic Golden Cat have been documented in various areas within the jurisdiction. In 2019, footage of the Golden Takin garnered the "Best Video Award" on CCTV's "Eyes of the Secret Realm." In 2023 alone, the effectiveness of biodiversity conservation efforts has been reported 16 times by provincial and national-level media.

Implementing financial compensation measures.

By purchasing third-party services and cooperating with insurance companies for compensation claims due to wild animal damages, since its implementation in 2020, the insurance company has handled over 900 cases of damages (mainly crop destruction). The affected areas span 8 townships and 40 villages within the national park, with over 500 households receiving insurance compensation, totaling approximately 700,000 yuan in claims.

1.Introduction of Management System: The "Compensation Measures for Damages Caused by Key Protected Terrestrial Wild Animals in Nanshan National Park" have been promulgated, specifying the circumstances, eligible recipients, compensation authorities, and procedures. This provides necessary legal support and enforcement for citizens, legal persons, or other organizations within the national park that suffer losses due to the infringement of key protected terrestrial wild animals .2.Management Support: The management bureau has included compensation work in the annual work plan and budgeted the compensation funds in the annual financial budget.3.Adequate Financial Funding: Compensation payments of more than 700,000 yuan have been made.

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Establish Management Systems and Technical Procedures

Compensation Measures for Damages Caused by Key Protected Terrestrial Wild Animals 这个翻译的背景是什么？

Nanshan National Park

the guidelines have clarified the purposes, types, procedures, and documentation requirements for patrols.

Patrol Technical Regulations of Nanshan National Park

Nanshan National Park

1.Establishment of Nanshan National Park Patrol Technical Regulations: The guidelines have clarified the purposes, types, procedures, and documentation requirements for patrols. Standards for establishing patrol teams and planning patrol schedules and routes have been defined. Key plots, rare tree species, and endangered animals within the national park are under focused conservation, with any issues being reported promptly. Additionally, the regulations help in disseminating forestry policies and regulations, enhancing the community's awareness and participation in resource protection. 2. Issuance of the "Nanshan National Park Key Protected Terrestrial Wild Animals Damage Compensation Regulations": This policy specifies the circumstances, eligible compensation recipients, compensation authorities, and procedures. It provides necessary legal support and enforcement for citizens, legal persons, or other organizations that suffer losses due to the infringement of key protected terrestrial wild animals within the national park.

Management Support: The administrators recognize the necessity of this work and have organized professional technical staff to develop technical procedures and management systems based on the actual situation of Nanshan National Park. These have been published after several discussions and studies within the management bureau. 2.Technical Support from the Administration: The management bureau has established a department responsible for patrol work and employs professional technical workers to guide and supervise the effective implementation of technical management systems and procedures. There are multiple conservation stations within the national park's boundaries, and several local patrol officers who are familiar with the terrain and knowledgeable about wildlife protection have been hired. 3.Adequate Funding: The management bureau and local government provide funding and subsidies for the patrol work, ensuring that the patrol teams have sufficient financial support.

Implementation

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Subnational

The guidelines have clarified the purposes, types, procedures, and documentation requirements for patrols.

Establish a Monitoring System

Implement a "sky-ground-air" three-dimensional patrol system, utilizing high-tech and information technology to enhance the intelligent capability of animal monitoring, improve patrol efficiency, and effectively address issues such as wildlife hazards faced by manual patrols.

Sufficient financial budget: An investment of 70 million yuan has been allocated for the construction of the Smart Management System Platform and the Nanshan National Park Perception System Platform.
Management support: The management believes this initiative to be essential, having conducted multiple internal discussions and research within the administration bureau, and has entrusted relevant technical units with the development of the system.
Included in the annual work plan: The task has been incorporated into the management bureau's annual work plan, with a dedicated department responsibly advancing the work in an orderly manner.

Education and Advocacy

- Provide training workshops focusing on sustainable fishing methods, resource management, and the legal ramifications of illegal fishing practices.

- Work with local authorities to educate them about the role of the associations and the necessity of enforcing regulations that protect their members and the ecosystem.

Every descent into each village, our team was always accompanied by staff from the regional directorate of fishing and the blue economy (DRPEB). Through fieldworks, they took the opportunity to raise awareness about fishing regulations, reminders of laws and procedures as well as respect for fishing calendars for various fishery resources.

Implementation

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Operational Guidelines

- Create operational guidelines that detail how the association will manage fishing activities, including rules about fishery zones, seasonal closures, and sustainable practices.

- Establish a monitoring system to ensure compliance with these rules, reinforcing accountability among members.

The fishermen cards, which are essential for lawful fishing, operate as a crucial incentive; those who do not secure membership within their respective associations will be ineligible to receive these cards, exposing them to potential legal repercussions.

Through these associations, local fishermen gain official membership status, which is a prerequisite for obtaining their professional fishermen cards.

Implementation

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Registration and Credentialing

- Develop a procedure for registering members in the association, ensuring they meet all local requirements.

- Guide association members through the process of obtaining their fishermen cards, emphasizing its importance as a legal requirement for their livelihood.

-Taking fishermen identities, information and photo

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Formation of Associations

- Conduct community meetings to gather fishers and discuss the benefits of forming local associations.

- Facilitate the establishment of association statutes that outline membership requirements, roles, and responsibilities.

This mechanism serves dual purposes: it not only regulates access to the fishing grounds by preventing unauthorized fishing activities from transient fishers but also fosters a sense of community ownership among the local population.

As they each have their own statutes and internal regulations but also their common fund allowing their association to develop

Implementation

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