Abstract:Biogeographic maps of Urodela in China was drawn with DIVA-GIS7.5.0 software, and based on which, the distribution pattern and dispersal routes of Urodela were analyzed. The distribution pattern of Urodela in China can be concluded as the following (Fig. 3): 1. Hengduan Mountains, with the highest Urodela abundances, is the most probable center of origin; 2. Three secondary distribution centers, i.e. the areas between Dabie Mountains and Huaihe River, the areas between Nanling mountains and Pearl River, the areas between Wuyi mountains and Yangtze River; 3. Four third-class, small distribution centers: (1) Hainan island and Taiwan island, (2) areas between Changbai Mountains and Sanjiang Rivers, (3) areas between Qinling, Bashan mountainous region and Hanjiang, Weihe River watershed, and (4) the areas between Tianshan Mountains and Ili River valley. In detail, nine distribution pattern types were concluded from biogeographic maps: ① North Palaearctic distribution pattern (Fig. 2); ② Core distribution pattern (Fig. 3); ③ Northeast-Southwest distribution pattern (Fig. 4); ④ Between Yangtze-Pearl River watershed distribution pattern (Fig. 5); ⑤ South-East adjacent-sea distribution pattern (Fig. 6); ⑥ Hengduanshan mountainous area distribution pattern (Fig. 7); ⑦ Indo-East-Himalaya distribution pattern (Fig. 8); ⑧ Tianshan-Altai distribution pattern (Fig. 9); ⑨ East China-widespread distribution pattern (Fig. 10). The dispersal routes of Urodela in East Asia were the following: the species dispersed towards four directions respectively, i.e. dispersed northward, eastward, and southward and westward from the origin center along the rivers, and most of the Urodela species dispersed northward and eastward, though there were a few species migrated southward and westward. More specifically, the majority of the species dispersed northward were Hynobiidae, and the majority moved eastward were Salamandridae species. However, Cryptobranchidae, the widespread family of Urodela in eastern China, is probably the result of northward and eastward dispersal. The results also support the Sino-Japanese Realm hypothesis.

Abstract:The Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus) is a common species in southern China. When we reviewed the geographical distributional records of the Bulbuls (Pycnonotidae), we noticed that the geographic area of the Red-whiskered Bulbul has been expanded rapidly in recent years. Based on the publications and field records of Red-whiskered Bulbul from 1976 to 2016, we analyzed the distributed status of the bird using ArcGIS and found the distribution range of P. j. jocosushas been extended to the northern regions in China (Fig. 1), compared to its previously records. Except a few cases of birds released by human, most of expansions were most likely due to natural dispersal. The sub-zoogeographical regions of Red-whiskered Bulbul had increased between 1976 to 2016 (Table 1). We also listed the habitat and abundance of P. j. jocosus in China (Appendix). We suggested habitat selection, breeding and feeding behavior to be important factors for the expansion, and discussed its potential influences.

Abstract:Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) is an obligate brood parasitic bird that has evolved a series of adaptions, such as cuckoo chicks could hatch earlier and eject the host eggs, to exploit more of the hosts. In this study, we collected fresh eggs of the Common Cuckoo (n = 25) and its host Oriental Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus orientalis) (n = 20), and incubated them in an automatic incubator with constant temperature of 37.8 ℃. All eggs were measured soon after collection and the egg mass was weighted daily during the incubation using an electronic balance. Our results showed that hatching success of the Common Cuckoo (76%) was significantly higher than that of the Oriental Reed Warbler (40%; Chi-square, χ2 = 25.144, df = 1, P < 0.01), implying that the ecological amplitude of the embryonic development temperature of the Common Cuckoo might be wider than the host, and the incubation temperature tolerance of Cuckoo might be stronger than the host. Although the fresh egg mass (Independent-samples T test, t = 7.447, df = 43, P < 0.01) and egg volume (t = 7.447, df = 4, P < 0.01) of the Common Cuckoo were much larger than those of the Oriental Reed Warbler (Fig. 1), there was no significant difference in incubation period between the two species.

Abstract:In recent years, Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) have dramatically increased and the conflict between human and Wild Boar also has constantly aggravated. From August to October in 2016, we carried out the research on the crop damage control of Wild Boar using solar blinkers at the Chunhua town of Hunchun, Jilin Province. We set up 9 experiment and 1 control groups of Wild Boar damage prevention (Table 1) and measured the crop damage control effect of Wild Boar with the first validity period which was defined as the period from the time we started to experiment to the time Wild Boar entered the experimental plots. And we also used the first prevention range as the control effect of Wild Boar damage which was defined as the straight-line distance from the place of farm damaged by Wild Boar firstly to the solar blinker, and transformed the first prevention range into range index (Table 2). The results obtained as the following: (1) First validity period for the first time between control group and all the experimental groups are significant differences (P < 0.05). The first validity period of the control group is 2.7 ± 0.5 days, that of 1 000 mA red blinker is the longest among the experimental groups, 36.0 ± 1.4 days and that of 1 000 mA white blinker is shortest, only 7.3 ± 0.5 days (Table 3); (2) In addition to 1 000 mA white and blue solar blinkers experimental groups, the first range index between all of the experimental group and the control group are significant differences (P < 0.05) (Table 4); (3) The first validity period and the first range index between different light quality of blinkers are significant differences (P < 0.05), the control effective of red lights better then green, yellow, blue, white ones in turn, but no any significant differences exists between different illuminance including 1 000 mA, 800 mA and 600 mA (P > 0.05) (Table 5); (4) The light flashing couldn′t provide the significant effect on the validity period and range index (P > 0.05) (Table 6). From the above results, solar blinkers can control the crop damage of Wild Boar significantly.

Abstract:One male shrew specimen was collected from Yaoluoping National Nature Reserve (30°59′04.73″N, 116°04′44.36″E, alt. 1 228 m), Yuexi, Anhui Province, in May 2017. The body is brownish gray, the tail is about 80% of its body length; the skull length is longer than 19 mm with three unicuspid teeth in the upper row tooth, and the dental formula is 1.3.1.3/1.1.1.3 = 28 (Fig. 2). These morphological characteristics indicate that it is De Winton′s Shrew (Chodsigoa hypsibia). Based on the 1 140 bp mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequence, combined with the homologous sequences of four Chodsigoa species retrieved from GenBank (Table 1), the phylogenetic relationship was reconstructed by Bayesian Infer. In the phylogenetic tree (Fig. 1), this individual clustered with C. hypsibia, and they combined into a monophyletic clade together. In addition, it has the closest genetic distance with C. hypsibia than with the other species. Based on the above evidence, we confirmed this individual was C. hypsibia, recorded first time in Anhui Province. This recording expanded the distribution range of this species in China.

Abstract:Age estimation is of paramount importance for studying animal population ecology. The methods of age assessment may help us to determine different individual or population criteria including growth rate, age of sexual maturity, population birth rate, survival rate, age structure, etc. Furthermore, the age and its variation can largely determine the potential and size of the population, and thus form a high population size and cause the damages. The knowledge of population age structure and composition can give us the important reference for the animals management. Plateau Zokor (Eospalax baileyi) is a typical subterranean rodent species inhabit the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. They usually dwell prairies, meadows and farm fields and form dense populations, destroy crops, compete with other livestock, and cause soil erosion. Even worse, Zokors population may reach pest levels when the grasslands are overgrazed by livestock and hence they aggravate the grassland degradation. In our study, 469 Plateau Zokor (260 females, 209 males) were captured in Gannan meadow, Luqu County during May to October 2015. The body length, body weight, carcass weight, propagation characteristics of each individuals was recorded, and the difference between each age groups body weights, carcass weights were analyzed by using t-test. Results show that the average body weight of female and male Zokors was significantly different (274.1 ± 2.7 g vs. 386.0 ± 5.7 g). Using body weight as the standard, Plateau Zokor can be divided into 5 natural age groups. By inter-age group differences t-test, adjacent difference between the two groups was significant (P < 0.05) (Table 1). There was no significant high correlationship between body length and body weight (Table 2). Moreover, we compared the efficiency of age determination by body weights or carcass weights, and found out that the carcass weight is the more suitable parameter. Taking the reproductive status as a reference, we divided the female and male Zokors into 5 age groups: Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ and Ⅴ (Table 3). The age determination of Plateau Zokor has followed a growth-oriented pattern in different areas and seasons in Luqu County (Fig. 1 and Fig. 2). The formula of age estimation by carcass weight obtained from the present study can be used as a reference chart in Plateau Zokor control strategies.

Abstract:The influence of Capillaria hepatica on the breeding parameters of female Brandt′s Vole (Lasiopodomys brandtii) was investigated in typical steppe in Abagaqi, Inner Mongolia in May 2005. Standard killing trap method was used to capture rodents, then dissected to determine the infection of C. hepatica. We recorded the rodents′ species, body length, body mass, carcass mass, reproductive characteristics and the infection of C. hepatica. As body mass of rodents is one indicator of age, we chose those females with body mass between 25.1﹣55.0 g as the analysis sample, based on the previous research data of this rodent species about its reproductive characteristics. We compared and analyzed the relationship between the infection situation of C. hepatica and the pregnancy rate by Chi-square test and the relationship between the infection situation and the number of fetuses by T test for the females in the same and different mass (age) group (Table 1 & 2). The pregnancy rate of the infected group was slightly lower than those uninfected group. The pregnancy rate was 59.1% and 64.5% for those weighed 25.1﹣35.0 g mass (age) group, 57.7% and 67.6% for 35.1﹣45.0 g mass (age) group, 65.2% and 67.8% for 45.1﹣55.0 g body mass (age) group. No significant correlation (P > 0.05) was detected between the infection situation and the pregnancy rate, however the number of fetuses for the infected group was less than the uninfected group, and the infection situation was significantly correlated with the number of fetuses (P < 0.05). The results indicated that the infection situation of C. hepatica had no significant effect on the pregnancy rate of Brandt′s Voles, but produced a negative effect on the number of fetuses on Brandt′s Voles.

Abstract:We conducted a market survey on amphibian pet trade in Huadiwan, Guangzhou from 2012 to 2016 in order to investigate the amount of market trade and provided the basic data for further study in this field. We carried out 27 times investigations and recorded 44 amphibian species traded across two orders, 16 families, 35 genera, including 2 species in Ambystomatidae, 6 species in Salamandridae, 1 species in Bombinatoridae, 3 in Bufonidae, 5 in Ceratophryidae, 4 and 5 in Hylidae, 1 in Hyperoliidae, 2 in Megophryidae, 6 in Microhylidae, 1 in Pelodryadidae, 1 in Phyllomedusidae, 1 in Pipidae, 1 in Pyxicephalidae, 2 in Ranidae and 3 in Rhacophoridae through market review and peddlers. Of them 28 species were alien species which took a larger proportion (63.63%) than the native amphibians (16 species with 36.37%). Of those amphibians sold in the market, 26 species were listed as protected species. Amphibians around the world are suffered from market trade, which was one of the main factors that have caused the decline or extinction of amphibian population (see Appendix). Our results indicated that it is imperative to improve the wildlife protection law and regulation, as well as to emphasize measures to avoid invidation of aline species. In the end of this paper we also analyzed the pressure on the local ecological system and species diversity of amphibian pet trade.

Abstract:To achieve vascular casts of testicular and ovarian arteries and investigate their morphological characteristics in lamb and adult plateau-type Tibetan sheep (Ovis aries), ten testes from five adult rams and ten ovaries from five adult ewes as well as three-month-old lambs were collected, and their arterial corrosion casts were obtained by 8%﹣10% ABS perfusion, and then their anatomical characteristics were determined by investigating architectures, analyzing data and pictures. Testicular spiral artery within spermatic cord showed cone shape, with its terminal becoming straight and branches at the middle. Testicular arteries at testis surface showed roundabout and formed tuck net shape (Fig. 1). Ovarian branch of ovarian artery showed packed coiling even at ovarian hilum, and ovarian arterioles supplying blood for follicles and corpus luteum formed at the end of ovarian hilum coiling (Fig. 2). Results demonstrate that gonads′ arterial distribution in Tibetan sheep is similar to that of cattle, and that significant differences in vascular diameters, curvature and amounts of arteriole in testis and ovary exist between lamb and adult sheep, especially there are more developed centripetal arteries in testis and spiral arteries at ovarian hilum in ovary.

Abstract:Study on the hematology can not only help to understand the physiological and pathological variations of animals, but also detect the adaptation of animals to the environment. However, studies on the hematology of amphibians, especially in the Urodela, are limited. Here, the blood cell composition and hemoglobin concentration of Batrachuperus londongensis were researched in 27 individuals. Comparison between sexes was conducted by Independent-Samples T Test or Mann-Whitney U, and correlations between snout-vent length and body mass (Table 1) and hematological parameters were determined by linear regression. All statistical tests were performed with SPSS software. The mean value of hemoglobin concentration was 4.16 × 10-2 g/ml; erythrocytes were oval with ellipsoidal nucleus that was located in the center or eccentric position of the cell (Fig. 1), and mean erythrocyte count was 6.04 × 104 cell/mm3; the number of leucocytes was small, and its mean count was 2.90 × 103 cell/mm3 (Table 2). The lymphocytes were richest leucocytes, followed by monocytes, basophils, neutrophils, and eosinophils (Table 2). Among the hematological parameters, only the percentage of neutrophils and basophils showed significant sexual difference. Correlations between snout-vent length, body mass and hematological parameters were not significant (Table 3). Meanwhile, comparison between our results with those of other hynobiid salamanders was carried out. These basic data of blood cell component and hemoglobin concentration reported in this study are useful in the health monitoring and diagnosis, and in understanding the evolution and adaptation of B. londongensis.

Abstract:In order to explore the effects of packing transport stress on antioxidant system in liver and muscle and effects of anti-stress agent in juvenile Eleutheronema tetradactylum, various groups including control group (without transportation), blank group (transported but without anti-stress agent), vitamin C group (vitamin C was added as an anti-stress agent) and glutamine group (glutamine was added as an anti-stress agent) were set in this study. Liver and muscle samples of juvenile E. tetradactylum were collected at 2 h, 6 h, and 9 h of transport stress to determine the related indexes. Tissue samples were preserved in liquid nitrogen immediately. The samples were added with normal saline according at a ratio of 1︰9, then they were made into 10% tissue homogenate after crushing and centrifugation. Measured items included superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in liver and muscle. Results showed that transport stress led to rapid increase in SOD activity in liver and muscle in blank group, however, SOD activity was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than that of the control group in vitamin C group and glutamine group, while there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the latter two groups (Fig. 1). Transport stress led to significant increase in the activity of CAT (P < 0.05) in liver and muscle in blank group, although slightly decreased later, the activity values were significantly higher than those in control group (P < 0.05) finally; however, these values in vitamin C group and glutamine group were not significantly different compared with the control group (P > 0.05) or slightly higher than that in control group (Fig. 2). Transport stress led to significant increase in the content of MDA (P < 0.05) in muscle and liver in blank group, but this result was alleviated significantly in vitamin C group and glutamine groups (Fig. 3). The contents of GSH showed different change trends between liver and muscle in different groups, and this might be related to their different physiological functions (Fig. 4). The values of T-AOC in liver and muscle were significantly higher in blank group than that in control group (P < 0.05), while the values were slightly higher in vitamin C group and glutamine groups than that in control group (Fig. 5). The analysis of antioxidant system of juvenile E. tetradactylum under the transport stress and the effects of anti-stress agent will provide reference for promoting artificial breeding of E. tetradactylum.

Abstract:Optical microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to investigate the microstructure and ultrastructure of the gill and gill lamellae in Zebrafish (Danio rerio). There are four pairs of holobranches, and the gill rakers are prick-shaped, primary lamellae are arranged in a comb-like pattern on the gill arch, and secondary lamellae are evenly arranged on both sides of the primary lamella (Fig. 1). Secondary lamella consists of pillar cells, epithelial cells, endothelial cells and capillary network. Chloride cells are distributed mainly over the base of primary lamellae and perivascular area, and they contain abundant mitochondria and excretory vesicles. The cells can be divided into two subtypes according to their morphological characteristics and electron density. Mucus cells usually co-exist with chloride cells, and they often appear to be open at the surface between adjacent epithelial cells. The Zebrafish gill structure, which is closely related to its function, is similar with that of other teleost fish (Fig. 2).

Abstract:This study aimed to test a convenient and effective method for chromosome preparation and karyotyping in Pristella Tetra (Pristella maxillaris). The chromosome samples made from an embryo were compared with those made from the pronephros-PHA method. Then karyotype analysis was conducted by Photoshop CS5 and image J. We found that pronephros-PHA method was hard to manipulate, due to twice injections, dissection of pronephros in small fish, and less good chromosome samples. While embryo method was easy to manipulate, and steadily produced more good chromosome samples (Fig. 1). The results showed that the diploid chromosome number was 2n = 52 and the karyotype was composed of 6m + 12sm + 34t, NF = 70 (Fig. 2 and Table 1). No chromosome polyploidy, heteromorphic sex chromosome, and randon chromosome segregation were found.

Abstract:To assess the genetic diversity and genetic variation of Coilia brachygnathus populations in the mid-lower Yangtze River, three geographical populations from Dongting Lake, Changhu and Chaohu were studied based on mitochondrial D-loop sequences. Some genetic diversity parameters were analyzed by DnaSP 5.0, and heterozygous molecular variation analysis (AMOVA) was acquired by Arlequin 3.1.1. Using MEGA5.0, we analyzed the base composition, the number of nucleic acid site replacement, the calculation of the genetic distance between populations and among populations. We also constructed the neighbor joining (NJ) phylogenetic tree, and the NJ system tree based on the topology of each branch. Network 5.1 was used to analyze the sequence of the control zone, and then the haplotype network diagram was constructed. Genetic diversity and genetic structure of C. brachygnathus populations in the mid-lower Yangtze River were analyzed. The results showed that there were 1 236 bp, 90 variation sites and 54 parsimony informative sites in D-loop sequence. There were 58 haplotypes among three geographical populations in the mid-lower Yangtze River, and the haplotypes diversity range was 0.949 ~ 0.982, the diversity of nucleotides was in the range of 0.004 99 ~ 0.006 21, indicating that the three geographical groups in the mid-lower Yangtze River had a high genetic diversity level (Table 2, 3). The genetic differential index Fst of total for populations was 0.265 95 (Table 4), showing that the genetic differentiation among populations was moderate and significant, especially between the Chaohu population and other groups. Similar results were also obtained according to the NJ phylogenetic tree and haplotype network diagram (Fig. 1, 2).

Abstract:This research aimed to understand the bacterial diversity in the gut of wild Brachymystax lenok and screen extracellular enzyme-producing strains. We analyzed the species diversity of bacteria based on 16S rRNA phylogenetic relationships and screened isolates that produced extracellular enzymes including amylase, protease, cellulase and lipase. A total of 18 bacterial genera isolated were respectively belonged to Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. Aeromonas were the dominant groups. On the basis of culture-independent approach, a total of 22 bacterial genera were classified into Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes and Chlorophyta. Sphingomonas were the dominant genera (Table 1, Fig. 3, 4). Screening of enzyme activities showed that 53 strains produced different extracellular enzymatic activities and that 21 strains could produce extracellular enzymes in a low temperature (Table 2). This study revealed that combination of traditional separation culture and modern molecular biotechnology based on 16S rRNA gene cloning could be used to effectively analyze the bacterial diversity in the gut of wild B. lenok from Qinling mountainous regions and to obtain diverse enzyme-producing bacterial strains.

Abstract:Sunda Pangolin (Manis javanica), a critically endangered species, has considerable variation in the reported periods of pregnancy, and more evidences are needed to verify their gestation duration. Fourteen cases of domesticated breeding were recorded in GFRI Pangolin Rescue and Breeding Base: nine births were given by female pangolins which might be fertilized before arriving at the base (Fig. 1 and 2), one cub was produced by a dam that might be pregnant pre-domesticated and died in the base (Table 3); one case unidentified in or out pregnancy; and three complete pregnancies recorded from mating to parturition within the base (Table 1), while two of them were second productions of the dams after arriving at the base. According to our preliminary results we suggested that M. javanica gestation period range from 5 to 6 months.

Abstract:Because fecal samples can be collected without capturing and restraining animals, or disturbing animal behaviors, measurement of metabolites of steroid hormones by using feces has become very popular during the past decades, and it is currently being used in many areas of zoological research including wildlife conservation, behavioral ecology and physiological ecology. It is difficult to carry out direct physiological monitoring of Przewalski′s Gazelle (Procapra przewalskii) due to its particularity of population and behavior, so it is necessary to use the non-invasive sampling method to monitor the fecal steroids. We thus conducted this research to determine the effects of different storage temperatures on fecal cortisol in Przewalski′s gazelle. Fresh fecal samples were collected, thoroughly mixed and separated into 30 aliquots. Ten aliquots of mixed fecal samples were stored at ﹣20 ℃, 4 ℃ and 20 ℃, respectively. The cortisol concentrations in the samples were measured using ELISA on day 2, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 50, respectively. The results of One-way ANOVA indicated no significant changes in the cortisol concentrations of the fecal samples stored at ﹣20 ℃ within 50 days (Mean ± SD = 11.747 ± 2.951 ng/g, F = 1.966, n = 81, P > 0.05). However, the cortisol concentrations of the fecal samples stored at 4 ℃ or 20 ℃ showed a significant fluctuation (4 ℃: Mean ± SD = 15.951 ± 6.766 ng/g, F = 23.643, P < 0.05; 20 ℃: Mean ± SD = 11.042 ± 6.094 ng/g, F = 35.126, P < 0.05). The cortisol concentration of the samples stored at 4 ℃ or 20 ℃ rose substantially after the first 24 h, and then declined after several days (Fig. 1). The results indicate that freezing at ﹣20 ℃ is a simple and reliable storage method for fecal cortisol in Prewalski′s gazelle. Meanwhile, because non-fresh fecal samples exposed in the field over 24 h may cause erroneous results, researchers should consider such potential effects when collecting fecal samples.

Abstract:Multi-slice Computed Tomography (MSCT) was used to scan snakes, in order to show its anatomical structure and explore the possible application of MSCT in protective studies of Trimeresurus mangshanensis. CT scans were performed on 3 different individuals. After scanning, the 2D and 3D images of the snake were reconstructed respectively, and their body details such as body surface, bones and internal organs were displayed. We show that MSCT can be used for evaluating snake anatomy and habitat condition, as well as for its disease diagnosis, providing a new approach for studies on snake and other animals.

Abstract:Most parthenogenetic species of vertebrates are of hybrid origin. In this paper, we reviewed the progress of the hybrid origin of parthenogenesis in vertebrates from variousaspects including morphological characteristics, isozyme analysis, nucleic acid molecular markers and chromosome painting. We also analyzed the cytological mechanism of endomitosis pattern of parthenogenetic hybrid origin.

Abstract:Oxytocin plays an important role in the central nervous system. Oxytocin can not only control social behavior of people and animals, but also regulate appetite and fat metabolism through the Leptin induced signaling pathways. Oxytocin disorder can cause mental disorder and metabolic diseases. Oxytocin has been applied to treatment of mental illness, obesity and diabetes. Further studies on oxytocin may help to reveal the mechanisms of these diseases.

Abstract:

Abstract:

Abstract:

Abstract:

Abstract:

Abstract:无

Abstract: