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Mysterious and mythic mammals in China 2016

During October 2 - October 28 2016 I participated in an eco-trip to remoter parts of China; Mammals on the Roof of the World. My trip report is available on http://club300.se/Files/TravelReports/China2016_SL.pdf
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Mysterious and mythic mammals in China 2016
Mysterious and mythic mammals in China 2016		 About ten years ago nobody knew for sure if any Przewalski´s gazelles (Procapra przewalskii) still existed in the wild.
About ten years ago nobody knew for sure if any Przewalski´s gazelles (Procapra przewalskii) still existed in the wild.		 Recent studies reveal between 1544 and 1635 animals within about 250 km² in four scattered and declining populations. (IUCN)
Recent studies reveal between 1544 and 1635 animals within about 250 km² in four scattered and declining populations. (IUCN)		 Major threat is increasing human pressure due to propagation and fragmentation of remaining habitat.
Major threat is increasing human pressure due to propagation and fragmentation of remaining habitat.
In order Lagomorpha you find two families; Leporidae (hares and rabbits) and Ochotonidae (pikas).
In order Lagomorpha you find two families; Leporidae (hares and rabbits) and Ochotonidae (pikas).		 According to Smith & Yan Xie; A G to the Mammals of China 24 species of pikas are recognized in China.
According to Smith & Yan Xie; A G to the Mammals of China 24 species of pikas are recognized in China. 		In the areas we visited, this species; black-lipped pika (Ochotonacurzoniae) was abundant in the alpine zone.
In the areas we visited, this species; black-lipped pika (Ochotonacurzoniae) was abundant in the alpine zone.		 The wolly hare (Lepus oiostolus) is one of ten species of hares recognized in China. (Smith & Yan Xie; A G t t Mammals of China)
The wolly hare (Lepus oiostolus) is one of ten species of hares recognized in China. (Smith & Yan Xie; A G t t Mammals of China)
Our second pika; Gansu pika (Ochotona cansus)
Our second pika; Gansu pika (Ochotona cansus)		 Gansu pika (Ochotona cansus)
Gansu pika (Ochotona cansus)		 Blyth´s montain vole (Phaiomys leucurus) is today the only species in its genus. Photo taken above 4550 metres a s l.
Blyth´s montain vole (Phaiomys leucurus) is today the only species in its genus. Photo taken above 4550 metres a s l.		 Pallas´s cat (Otocolobus manul) was originally placed in the family Felis by Peter Simon Pallas who described it .
Pallas´s cat (Otocolobus manul) was originally placed in the family Felis by Peter Simon Pallas who described it .
It is found insteppes with rocky outcrops, hilly deserts, in alpine zone from 450 up to at least 5050 meters a s l.
It is found insteppes with rocky outcrops, hilly deserts, in alpine zone from 450 up to at least 5050 meters a s l.		 They cannot negotiate deep snow (continous cover (15 - 20 centimeters deep) in capturing prey.
They cannot negotiate deep snow (continous cover (15 - 20 centimeters deep) in capturing prey.		 It is It is widely distributed in Asia. Half of its known distribution is in China.
It is It is widely distributed in Asia. Half of its known distribution is in China.		 It has been treated as Near Threatened by the IUCN since 1996, and the world population is declining.
It has been treated as Near Threatened by the IUCN since 1996, and the world population is declining.
Major threats are degradation and segmentation of habitat, hunting and depletion of their prey by poisoning and overhunting.
Major threats are degradation and segmentation of habitat, hunting and depletion of their prey by poisoning and overhunting.		 Pallas´ cat´s major prey consist of pikas and rodents. (see above)
Pallas´ cat´s major prey consist of pikas and rodents. (see above)		 Kiang (Equus kiang). Currently the IUCN recognizes seven species of wild “horselike” species (Equidae).
Kiang (Equus kiang). Currently the IUCN recognizes seven species of wild “horselike” species (Equidae). 		Three zebras (Grevy´s-. steppe-, and mountain-), Przewalski´s horse and 3 ass-like species (kiang, onager and African wild ass).
Three zebras (Grevy´s-. steppe-, and mountain-), Przewalski´s horse and 3 ass-like species (kiang, onager and African wild ass).
Taxonomy has long been debated. IUCN lists 16 synonyms.
Taxonomy has long been debated. IUCN lists 16 synonyms. 		During taxonomic revisions 1967 - 1980 the onager (E. henionus) was separated from the kiang.
During taxonomic revisions 1967 - 1980 the onager (E. henionus) was separated from the kiang.		 Wild yak (Bos mutus), particularly males differ from domestic yak (Bos brunniens) and hybrids in several details.
Wild yak (Bos mutus), particularly males differ from domestic yak (Bos brunniens) and hybrids in several details.		 Shoulder height may reach 2 meters, hump is much bigger, long hairs only on chest and abdomen.
Shoulder height may reach 2 meters, hump is much bigger, long hairs only on chest and abdomen.
Glover´s pika (Ochotona gloveri) was our third pika during the tour.
Glover´s pika (Ochotona gloveri) was our third pika during the tour.		 This pika inhabits remote areas unlikely to be affected by human activity. Yet thrives among human settlements in such areas.
This pika inhabits remote areas unlikely to be affected by human activity. Yet thrives among human settlements in such areas.		 Glover´s pika on mud- or dung-wall.
Glover´s pika on mud- or dung-wall.		 Himalayan marmot (Marmota himalayana) is one of four species of marmots occurring in China, all geographically separated.
Himalayan marmot (Marmota himalayana) is one of four species of marmots occurring in China, all geographically separated.
White-lipped deer (Przewalskium albirostris) sometimes placed in genus Cervus, is by IUCN treated as vulnerable and declining.
White-lipped deer (Przewalskium albirostris) sometimes placed in genus Cervus, is by IUCN treated as vulnerable and declining.		 Bharal (Pseudois nayaur) is often referred to as Himalayan blue sheep, but is not a sheep but a caprid (goat relative).
Bharal (Pseudois nayaur) is often referred to as Himalayan blue sheep, but is not a sheep but a caprid (goat relative).		 The bharal is thiving well in the moutaneous central Asia from 2500 to 5500 metres a s l.
The bharal is thiving well in the moutaneous central Asia from 2500 to 5500 metres a s l.		 The deer occurs in scattered populations over eastern Tibet and adjacent provinces.
The deer occurs in scattered populations over eastern Tibet and adjacent provinces.
Its habitat consists of coniferous forests and grasslands between 3400 and 5100 meters a s l.
Its habitat consists of coniferous forests and grasslands between 3400 and 5100 meters a s l.		 Its population was estimated to about 7000 animals in late 1990-ies and expected to decline by 30% over the next 3 generations.
Its population was estimated to about 7000 animals in late 1990-ies and expected to decline by 30% over the next 3 generations.		 Argali (Ovis ammon) is one of six species of Ovis in the world. Some authors however recognize a seventh (O. polii)
Argali (Ovis ammon) is one of six species of Ovis in the world. Some authors however recognize a seventh (O. polii) 		At present Argali (Ovis ammon) is widespread over a vast territory in Asia, and separated into several populations.
At present Argali (Ovis ammon) is widespread over a vast territory in Asia, and separated into several populations.
Some poulations are still subjected to discussion and more research is needed for taxonomic classification.
Some poulations are still subjected to discussion and more research is needed for taxonomic classification.		 It inhabits mountains, steppe valleys, rocky outcrops and also deserts from 3000 to 5500 meters a s l.
It inhabits mountains, steppe valleys, rocky outcrops and also deserts from 3000 to 5500 meters a s l.		 Argali (Ovis ammon) is treated by the IUCN as NT (near threatened) and the population is declining.
Argali (Ovis ammon) is treated by the IUCN as NT (near threatened) and the population is declining.		 Its major threats are overhunting incl poaching (for meat),
Its major threats are overhunting incl poaching (for meat),
...as well as competition, displacement and possibly disease transmission by domestic livestock and habitat loss (IUCN) .
...as well as competition, displacement and possibly disease transmission by domestic livestock and habitat loss (IUCN) .		 Tibetan wolf (Canis lupus chanco) has by some authors been suggested to be a separte species.
Tibetan wolf (Canis lupus chanco) has by some authors been suggested to be a separte species.		 The genus Canis is known to hold some species very similar to each other.
The genus Canis is known to hold some species very similar to each other.		 Our group cold depict nothing supporting this suggestion.
Our group cold depict nothing supporting this suggestion.
Tibetan wolf (Canis lupus chanco)
Tibetan wolf (Canis lupus chanco)		 Tibetan fox (Vulpes ferrlata) is widespread on the steppes and semi-deserts on the Tibetan Plateau (IUCN)
Tibetan fox (Vulpes ferrlata) is widespread on the steppes and semi-deserts on the Tibetan Plateau (IUCN)		 Tibetan fox (Vulpes ferrlata) is also found in northern India and Nepal between 2500 and 5200 metres a.s.l.
Tibetan fox (Vulpes ferrlata) is also found in northern India and Nepal between 2500 and 5200 metres a.s.l.		 Tibetan fox (Vulpes ferrlata). On the Tibetan Plateau it occurs together with the red fox (V. vulpes)
Tibetan fox (Vulpes ferrlata). On the Tibetan Plateau it occurs together with the red fox (V. vulpes)
Tibetan gazelle (Procapra picticaudata) is nearly endemic to China.
Tibetan gazelle (Procapra picticaudata) is nearly endemic to China.		 Tibetan gazelle (Procapra picticaudata). Only about one percent of its didtribution-area lies outside China; Ladakh and Sikkim
Tibetan gazelle (Procapra picticaudata). Only about one percent of its didtribution-area lies outside China; Ladakh and Sikkim		 Tibetan gazelle (Procapra picticaudata). It is found up to 5750 metres a.s.l.
Tibetan gazelle (Procapra picticaudata). It is found up to 5750 metres a.s.l.		 Tibetan gazelle (Procapra picticaudata). The population is declining.
Tibetan gazelle (Procapra picticaudata). The population is declining.
wild yak (Bos mutus)
wild yak (Bos mutus)		 wild yak (Bos mutus)
wild yak (Bos mutus)		 wild yak (Bos mutus)
wild yak (Bos mutus)		 kiang (Equus kiang)
kiang (Equus kiang)
Chiru (Pantholops hodgsonii)
Chiru (Pantholops hodgsonii)		 Chiru (Pantholops hodgsonii)
Chiru (Pantholops hodgsonii)		 Chiru (Pantholops hodgsonii)
Chiru (Pantholops hodgsonii)		 Heard of wild yaks (Bos mutus)
Heard of wild yaks (Bos mutus)
Kiang (Equus kiang)
Kiang (Equus kiang)		 (Kansu) red deer (Cervus (elapus) cansuensis). The “supertaxon” Cervus elapus is currently debated. Several subspecies are ...
(Kansu) red deer (Cervus (elapus) cansuensis). The “supertaxon” Cervus elapus is currently debated. Several subspecies are ...		 ... recognized. IUCN states: “Further investigations need to be conducted (See trip report p. 28)
... recognized. IUCN states: “Further investigations need to be conducted (See trip report p. 28)		 Tibetan macaque (Macaca tibetana)
Tibetan macaque (Macaca tibetana)
Tibetan macaque (Macaca tibetana)
Tibetan macaque (Macaca tibetana)		 red panda (Ailurus fulgens)
red panda (Ailurus fulgens)		 red panda (Ailurus fulgens)
red panda (Ailurus fulgens)		 red panda (Ailurus fulgens)
red panda (Ailurus fulgens)
red panda (Ailurus fulgens)
red panda (Ailurus fulgens)		 Tibetan macaque (Macaca tibetana) mature male possibly contemplating one of his females behaviour. (See trip report)
Tibetan macaque (Macaca tibetana) mature male possibly contemplating one of his females behaviour. (See trip report)		 Reeve´s muntiac (Muntiacus reevesi)
Reeve´s muntiac (Muntiacus reevesi)		 Reeve´s muntiac (Muntiacus reevesi)
Reeve´s muntiac (Muntiacus reevesi)
Chinese goral (Naemorhedus griseus)
Chinese goral (Naemorhedus griseus)		 Chinese goral (Naemorhedus griseus)
Chinese goral (Naemorhedus griseus)		 Our first golden takin (Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi) initially appeared like gnomes in the gentle forest mist.
Our first golden takin (Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi) initially appeared like gnomes in the gentle forest mist.		 Golden takin. Our firs individuals were seen at night during spotlighting.
Golden takin. Our firs individuals were seen at night during spotlighting.
Takin occurs in four subspecies in four areas not overlapping.
Takin occurs in four subspecies in four areas not overlapping.		 At least two of the subspecies; golden and Sichuan takins occur in various skin-colour. They can be golden ...
At least two of the subspecies; golden and Sichuan takins occur in various skin-colour. They can be golden ...		 ... but can also be brownish, pale with a pinkish tinge or with a beige tinges.
... but can also be brownish, pale with a pinkish tinge or with a beige tinges.		 Best way to assess what subspecies it is, is to study where you are. (See trip report p 29)
Best way to assess what subspecies it is, is to study where you are. (See trip report p 29)
Golden takin; calf
Golden takin; calf		 Malayan porcupine (Hystrix brachyura)
Malayan porcupine (Hystrix brachyura)		 Tufted deer (Elaphodus cephalophus) may now be endemic to China, not seen in Myanmar since 2008. (See trip report p 28)
Tufted deer (Elaphodus cephalophus) may now be endemic to China, not seen in Myanmar since 2008. (See trip report p 28)		 Confusian niviventer (Niviventer confucianus). (See trip report pp 23-24).
Confusian niviventer (Niviventer confucianus). (See trip report pp 23-24).
Confusian niviventer (Niviventer confucianus). (See trip report pp 23-25).
Confusian niviventer (Niviventer confucianus). (See trip report pp 23-25).		 According to Smith & Yan Xie it may reach a weight of 600 kilograms,making it the biggest goat-relative (Caprinae) in the world.
According to Smith & Yan Xie it may reach a weight of 600 kilograms,making it the biggest goat-relative (Caprinae) in the world.
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