台灣穿山甲救傷通報系統在保育上的應用

Abstract

本研究藉由協助台灣穿山甲（Manis pentadactyla pentadactyla）救傷流程與通報系統的規劃和運作，收集台灣各地因救傷而進入本流程的台灣穿山甲相關資訊與組織樣本，進行分析，以評估穿山甲救傷通報系統的成效和保育上的應用，包括以粒線體DNA（mitochondrial DNA）中的細胞色素b與控制區（control region）片段為分子標記，檢視台灣穿山甲島內遺傳結構與遺傳變異程度，並從族群遺傳的角度提供未來保育策略上的建議。

分析1993∼2006年共150件通報案件資料，顯示自台灣穿山甲救傷通報系統建立後，2006年間通報案件數達44件，相較於救傷通報系統建立前（1993∼2005年）每一年接獲的案件數均增加至少一倍以上。從資料結果顯示全省各地都曾有穿山甲拾獲紀錄，但是各地通報案件量差異頗大，主要集中在北部（n=69），南部（n=12）和東部（n=10）則相對缺乏，可能與各地區民眾保育觀念與通報落實程度的差異有關。此外，每年5、6月份所接獲的案件數較其他月份多，且不論雌雄或地區都有這種現象，案件的多寡可能與穿山甲的繁殖期有關。 分析88件組織樣本的遺傳資料，結果顯示全台灣北、中、南、東四區域均保有其特定的基因型，各區域間基因交流有限，且在分化指數（F statistics, Fst）呈現不同程度上的差異，以北部和東部分化程度最高，東部和南部最低。再加上以AMOVA分析顯示各區域遺傳變異組成有所差異，故建議應先將四個區域視為獨立的保育管理單位（Management units）。而中部可能是至今保有較多祖先型基因的區域，可先做為保育研究的重點。 台灣穿山甲救傷通報系統的建立，對於累積更多有效的穿山甲相關資料（如：出現時間、來源、形質等）與組織樣本已有顯著的效益。未來仍須加強救傷通報記錄表格的正確填寫，並妥善保存組織樣本，以利後續分析研究與規劃保育工作。

In order to efficiently collect information and tissue samples of pangolins rescued by residents around Taiwan, we assisted in designing and executing a wildlife rescue system for the Formosan Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla pentadactyla). Data and samples collected from this system were analyzed to evaluate its efficiency in providing information for pangolin conservation. This study also examined genetic variability and structure across pangolin populations in Taiwan by using mtDNA sequences of left domain of control region and the partial cytochrome-b gene (Cytb). Implication of the results from these analyses in pangolin management and conservation was discussed. We analyzed data of 150 rescue cases recorded from 1993~2006. The number of cases per year went up to 44 after the initiation of wildlife rescue system in 2006, which is at least twice as many as cases reported each year in the past. All counties in Taiwan have records of pangolin rescue, but the number of cases accumulated from different counties varied. Most of the cases are reported from north and central Taiwan (n=69). Cases from the south (n=12) and east (n=10) are relatively fewer. This may be due to differences in conservation awareness and attitude towards conservation actions of residents in different counties. Our analysis also found that more cases of pangolin rescue were gathered in May and June than in other months, irrespective of gender or areas, which is probably related to the breeding season of pangolin. Genetic data of 88 tissue samples identified distinct haplotypes from north, central, south and east Taiwan. Gene flow among pangolins from these four areas is limited. Genetic divergence (Fst) between north and east Taiwan is the highest, whereas that between east and south is the lowest. AMOVA showed different proportion of molecular variance in four areas. Based on results of these analyses, we recommend that the four areas should be treated as different units for conservation management. In addition, central Taiwan might have conserved more ancient haplotypes than in other areas, and deserved more emphasis in conservation and research. Data and tissue samples collected after the initiation of wildlife rescue system have increased significantly. It is important to enhance accurate data recording and sample collection from the wildlife rescue system to facilitate further research and planning of conservation strategies and actions for pangolin in the future.