Abstract:In order to study the temporal and spatial niche differentiation among middle-sized carnivores and explain their coexistence strategies in Wolong National Nature Reserve, Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes), Yellow-throated Marten (Martes flavigula) and Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) were monitored from 2014 to 2019 using infrared triggered camera (Fig. 1). We modeled the habitat distribution of three species with MaxEnt and calculated the habitat overlap rate among species to indicate spatial niche differentiation. The results showed that the habitat area of Red Fox, Yellow-throated Marten and Leopard Cat was 137, 191, and 186 km2 respectively. The Red Fox inhabited in the western area of the reserve with high elevation, while the Yellow-throated Marten and Leopard Cat prefer to the south-eastern area with lower elevation (Fig. 2). The habitat overlap rate between Yellow-throated Marten and Leopard Cat was 56.7%, followed by that between Red Fox and Leopard Cat (16.5%). The biggest spatial niche differentiation was between Red Fox and Yellow-throated Marten with habitat overlap rate of 7.7%. The daily rhythm of three species was used to indicate they temporal niche. We divided the day into 24 periods and period n was defined as the time interval between n and n + 1 oclock. We calculated the time-period relative abundance index (ITRA) of each period of each species to indicate the daily rhythm of three species. The result showed that the Red Fox and Leopard Cat showed similar daily rhythm, which were characterized by more active at night. The activity peaks of Red Fox occurred at 4:00﹣6:00, 20:00﹣21:00 and 23:00﹣24:00, while that of Leopard Cat occurred at 2:00﹣4:00, 6:00﹣7:00, 20:00﹣21:00 and 22:00﹣1:00 of the next day. On the contrary, Yellow-throated Marten tend to be active during the daytime and the activity peaks occurred at 9:00﹣10:00, 11:00﹣15:00 and 16:00﹣19:00 (Fig. 3). The results indicate that Red Fox, Yellow-throated Marten and Leopard Cat have adapted to different temporal or spatial niche from each other, and this makes it possible for them to coexist in the Wolong National Nature Reserve.

Abstract:Resources distribution along temporal-spatial gradients shaped wildlife habitat use patterns. The shift of patterns when facing environment fluctuation can increase their survival chance. Bharal (Pseudois nayaur) mainly live in alpine meadow and rocky beach in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. At the edge of the distribution, however, they have the utilization of forest-meadow mosaic habitats (forest, forest edge and meadow). To understand Bharal’s habitat use patterns’ variation among seasons, we observed their activity within the forest-meadow mosaic habitats where probably provided different environment conditions and food resources in Wanglang national nature reserve. Based on one year camera-traps data (June 2018 to August 2019), we analyzed seasonal changes of Bharal’s activities in forest-meadow mosaic habitats by using crosstab method (Chi-square test), Bonferroni and Post hot testing. We found: 1) Bharal’s activity in mosaic habitats were varied significantly in different seasons (χ2 = 503.50, df = 6, P < 0.05), and 2) Bharal’s activities on meadow were most frequently observed during spring, their activities in the forest edge were most frequently observed in summer, and their activities within forest were frequently observed in both summer and autumn (Fig. 2, Table 3); 3) from the view of seasons, Bharal were prone to chose meadow during winter and spring and prone to chose forest & forest edge in both summer and autumn (Fig. 3, Table 3). We also found coniferous forest was useful and also available for population in these marginal distribution ranges to avoid extreme weather condition during summer or winter. Alpine forest edge may expand or retreat with global warming, which will lead to distribution changes of these animals that depend on alpine habitat.

Abstract:To investigate the status of urban biodiversity in Shenzhen and learn the habitat use patterns of the key ungulate species of the region, wild boar (Sus scrofa), from April to October 2019, we conducted a camera-trapping survey in the Wutong Mountain National Scenic Area, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, to monitor the activities of wild mammal community and the habitat spatial use of wild boar. The study area was divided into 1km × 1km survey grids, with one camera-trapping station set in each of the 32 blocks. With a total survey effort of 4 460 camera-days across the 32 stations, we recorded 13 mammal species belonging to 4 orders and 8 families, of which 10 were natively distributed species and the other 3 were introduced by human. Among the detected large- and medium-bodied wild mammals, wild boar was the most detected species IRA = 27.13), followed by the Chinese ferret badger (Melogale moschata, IRA = 8.30), leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis, IRA = 7.17), masked palm civet (Paguma larvata, IRA = 5.38), Northern red muntjac (Muntiacus vaginalis, IRA = 2.24), small Indian civet (Viverricula indica, IRA = 0.67), Chinese porcupine (Hystrix hodgsoni, IRA = 0.45) and hog badger (Arctonyx collaris, IRA = 0.45). The Northern red muntjac was first recorded in Shenzhen. The grid occurrence rate of wild boar was 81% across all surveyed blocks. A relatively abundance analysis at individual block level (ITRA) showed that, the central area of Wutong Mountain was the most utilized region by wild boar, followed by some blocks along the northern edge of the study area. Such a spatial utilization may be attributed to the spatial patterns of human disturbance and food abundance. This study determined the composition of mammalian community in Wutong Mountain, and will provide valuable baseline data to the conservation of urban biodiversity and the regional conservation planning of the mega-cities in Pearl River Delta.

Abstract:As the increasing of power transmission lines, pylon-nesting is widespread all over the world, resulting in major concern on its contribution on bird conservation and the adverse impacts on power grid. In this paper, we investigated the pylon-nesting performance of the endangered Crested Ibis (Nipponia nippon) in Shaanxi Province, China. We also analyzed the impacts of pylon-nesting on the post-juvenile movement as revealed by GPS tracking, and presented suggestions to improve the safety of pylon-nesting birds and power grid. Since the first pylon-nesting of Crested Ibis discovered in Xixiang County of Shaanxi Province in 2018, a total of 7 pylon-nesting attempts on 4 pylons have been recorded till 2020 (Table 1, Fig. 1, Fig. 2a, b). Compared to tree-nests, pylon-nests were relatively higher (16.3 ± 7.2 m, n = 4), closer to human disturbance, such as motorway (140 ± 66 m, n = 4) and settlements (162 ± 95 m, n = 4), and farther from paddy fields (235 ± 79 m, n = 4), the dominating feeding habitat. The breeding productivity of pylon-nests averaged 2.33 ± 0.52 (n = 6), much higher than that of tree-nests. It is probably because pylon-nests are more resistant to strong wind and less accessible for natural enemies such as Siberian Weasel (Mustela sibirica) and snakes (Fig. 2e). Given there were many unoccupied nesting trees available nearby, we suggest the pylon-nesting of Crested Ibis is not derived from competition of limited natural nesting resources. GPS tracking of one pylon-nest born individual revealed a much shorter post-juvenile dispersal distance (2.0 km) than that of tree-nest born individuals, and the core home range in the first year covered the natal site and three power lines (Fig. 3); In the second and third year, although the bird made significant dispersal (15.5 km and 15.3 km, respectively), it still regularly returned to natal site and stayed nearly one month during summer. This indicated a deep imprint of the pylon-nest born Crested Ibis on its special natal habitat and might consequently leading to a higher possibility of nesting on pylon in the future. Based on the pylon-nesting records and the high reuse rate of pylon-nests during 2018﹣2020, we suggest pylon-nesting of Crested Ibis is not an occasional phenomenon, and might increase by year in the future and cause potential risk on the power grid security. The pylon-nesting of Crested Ibis once caused short circuit in May 2018, and the nestlings were successfully moved to an abandoned nest of Common Magpie (Pica pica) on the same pylon (Fig. 2b﹣d) and fledged later, which provided a feasible conservation measure. We also suggest to install perching frames and artificial nests on pylon beneath power line so as to both provide safety nest sites for Crested Ibis and reduce the damage to power line.

Abstract:The breeding biology of the Oriental Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris) (Fig. 1) in Xidamingshan Autonomous Nature Reserve in southwestern Guangxi was investigated, and five nests were monitored with direct observation or infrared cameras in two years (2 nests in 2014, 3 nests in 2015). Nesting trees were repeatedly used; nesting tree species were Choerospondias axillaris and Chrysophyllum lanceolatum. The average diameter at breast height of the nesting trees was 73.7 cm (n = 3), and the heights of the nesting cavities was 7.8 m and 9.0 m (n = 2) respectively, the average distance between the nesting trees and plantation/understorey crop was 87 m (0 – 210 m, n = 3), of which two trees grow by the side of trails frequently used by villagers (Table 1). The Oriental Pied Hornbill in Xidamingshan started breeding in late April to late May at the onset of wet season in that region, when female hornbills entered the nest cavities and confined themselves. Females completed their moulting during the confinement period, and emerged with the chicks between mid-July and mid-August. The nestling periods were 89 d and 93 d (n = 2), similar to that of captive pairs in nearby Nanning Zoo (89 days, n = 4). The breeding success rate was 100% (n = 4) and the average number of fledglings was 2.3 ± 0.5 (n = 4) (Table 2). Daily feeding pattern is bimodal, with peaks in the morning and before dusk (Fig. 3), while the daily feeding frequency increased gradually towards fledging of the chicks (Fig. 4). More than 80% of the food items the paired males delivered to their nests were fruits (Table 3). The Oriental Pied Hornbill of Xidamingshan in our study area could tolerate some degree of human disturbance during breeding period and local food resources seemed to be sufficient, but the natural forest was severely fragmented with only scattered big trees. Availability of nest cavity is likely a key limiting factor restricting population growth of the resident Oriental Pied Hornbill. It is recommended to strengthen law enforcement in the reserve and explore feasibility of planting fast-growing, large-girth native tree species and the application of artificial nest box.

Abstract:During a field survey in the Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition, we collected one adult female, one male juvenile, and six tadpoles of Megophrys major (Megophryidae) group from Dulongjiang Town, Gongshan County, Yunnan Province, China. A DNA sequences data set combined partial 16S rRNA and COI genes of M. major group were analyzed (Table 1). Results show that these specimens cluster into the same lineage with M. periosa (Fig. 2), and uncorrected pairwise distance of 16S rRNA gene with types of M. periosa range from 0.004﹣0.006. Furthermore, morphological comparisons confirmed that these specimens were M. periosa, which is a new record for Yunnan Province, China. In addition, we describe the tadpole of this species. For tadpoles in Goser stage 34, body elongated, body length 37% of total length; head slightly narrower than body; oral disk large, width 1.2 times of body width, opening upfront on anterior of head; 4 rows of elongated papillae scattered on upper and lower lips, radial arranged, papillae shorter on upper lips; keratodonts absent; nares closer to pupils than tip of snout; eyes round, dorsalaterally positioned; internarial distance smaller than interpupillary distance; spiracular tube not protruding beyond body wall, positioned 57% of the distance between tip of the snout and trunk-tail junction; anal tube short, positioned under central lower tail fin base; tail well developed; tail muscle height 82% of body height, width 48% of body width; upper tail fin arise at second tail myomere; tip of tail bluntly point. Coloration mostly dull, no distinct patterns present on body in most tadpoles; tail grey brown, with small or large spots scattered mostly on tail muscle, fins and skin of ventral body semitransparent; iris copper.

Abstract:Soil nematodes are an import indicator of soil ecosystem. Exploring the characteristics of the spatial distribution pattern of soil nematode trophic function groups in alpine meadows is helpful to reveal the response to the change of alpine meadow ecological factors. In the middle of July 2019, the spatial characteristics of soil nematode trophic function groups in 5.0 m × 4.0 m scale soil layers (0﹣20 cm) were studied by the grid method (1.0 m × 0.5 m). Using modified wet funnel method, a total of 1 830 soil nematodes were obtained, belonging to 49 genera, with an average of 63.2 soils nematodes per 50 g of dry soil, Plectus and Acrobeloides were the dominant groups; soil nematodes were mainly bacterivorous nematodes and plant parastic nematodes. The variable coefficient of soil nematode trophic function groups was between 64.4%﹣100.6% (n = 38 soil samples), and had a strong variability. There was a significant correlation between the spatial distribution of fungivorous and bacterivorous nematodes (t = 0.415, P < 0.001), fungivorous and plant parastic nematodes (t = 0.437, P < 0.001). Geostatistical analysis showed that the spatial correlation range of the soil nematode trophic function group had significant difference. The effective variable range was between 0.50 to 27.07 m, and 67.26% to 99.79% of the variation was related to the spatial autocorrelation process. The distribution pattern of bacterivorous soil nematodes was a relatively uniform patch mosaic structure, and the patches are small; non-bacterivorous soil nematodes were patch-connected or patch-mosaic, with large patches and obvious transitions between patches, indicating that that the small-scale obvious patch structure of soil nematodes may be a common distribution pattern in alpine meadow after being disturbed, and affected by many factors.

Abstract:This experiment was designed to observe the changes in morphology and distribution density of argyrophilic cells in digestive tract of obese rats (Rattus norvegicus) after 8-week exercise by Grimelius silver staining. Rats in exercise group did an 8-week aerobic exercise on the treadmill. SPSS 25.0 and Duncan’s multiple range test were applied to make a statistical analysis of the argyrophilic cells in digestive tract of obese rats from the exercise group and the control group. An independent sample T was applied to test the distribution density of the argyrophilic cells in the same part of the digestive tract of the two groups. The results showed that argyrophilic cells distributed in all parts of digestive tract of rats (Fig. 1), mainly in the form of round, oval, cone and fusiform (Table 4). The highest distribution density of argyrophilic cells in gastrointestinal tract of the two groups was in body of stomach (Table 3). The density of argirophilic cells in the body of stomach in the control group was 112.30 ± 13.42, while that in the exercise group was 98.15 ± 12.53. The distribution density of argyrophilic cells in digestive tract of the control group reached its lowest point in oesophagus and cardia, while in the exercise group that occurred in oesophagus, cardia, jejunum, ileum and rectum. Compared with the control group, distribution density in esophagus and rectum in exercise group was not significantly different (P > 0.05), while there was significant difference in the other parts. The distribution densities of argyrophilic cells in cardia, body of stomach, cecum and colon in the exercise group were significantly lower than in the control group (P < 0.01). The distribution densities of argyrophilic cells in the esophagus and rectum in the exercise group were significantly higher than in the control group (P < 0.01). The distribution densities of argyrophilic cells in the duodenum and ileum in the exercise group were significantly higher than in the control group (P < 0.05). There was no difference in the distribution density of argyrophilic cells in the esophagus and rectum between the two groups (P > 0.05). The changes in the distribution density of argyrophilic cells in the two groups are related to different physiological states and the functions of various parts of digestive tract.

Abstract:As a small economic fish for human consumption, as well as a bait for large carnivorous fish and Neophocaena phocaenoides, Coilia brachygnathus occupies an important position in the food chain. Under the influence of various factors such as overfishing, environmental pollution, and habitat destruction, the wild resources of C. brachygnathus are under serious threat. However, up to date, there is still a lack of data on the genetic resources of C. brachygnathus in Huaihe River. In the present study, genetic diversity was analyzed in five C. brachygnathus populations from the Huaihe River basin of Anhui Province by microsatellite test (Fig. 1). The results showed that 10 microsatellite loci were highly polymorphic and polymorphism information content (PIC) was from 0.852 to 0.942. The five populations showed high genetic diversity, with the expected heterozygosity (He) from 0.879 to 0.903 and PIC from 0.851 to 0.881 (Table 1, 2). AMOVA analysis showed that most of the genetic variationa were found within C. brachygnathus population (97.88%), while only 2.12% was found among populations (Table 3). Genetic differentiation and genetic distance analysis showed that the overall differentiation level was low (Fst < 0.05), Fst between Huihe River and Yinghe River populations was lowest at 0.004 45, while that between Fengtai and Wangjiaba was the highest at 0.041 02. The genetic distance between Huihe River and Yinghe River population was the lowest at 0.160 9, while that between Fengtai and Wangjiaba population was the highest at 0.559 5 (Table 4, Fig. 2). The population genetic structure analysis based on Structure software indicated that the 5 populations belong to 3 genetic lineages (Fig. 3). In addition, the five C. brachygnathus populations might experience the bottleneck effect, especially in the Huaiyuan and Fengtai populations (Table 5). In conclusion, the wild resources still have high genetic diversity, according to the genetic structure of the five C. brachygnathus populations in the Huaihe River basin of Anhui Province, which we recommend to be one protection unit for protection and management. The results of the present study may enhance the understanding of C. brachygnathus populations in the Huaihe River, which will provide reference for the resource conservation and genetic improvement, and promote sustainable development and utilization of fish resources in the Huaihe River region.

Abstract:Sinilabeo decorus tungting, which belongs to Cyprinidae, Barbinae and Sinilabeo, is a large fish and endangered species distributed only in Hunan Province of China. In order to find a suitable culture environment, we studied the characteristics, immunofunctions and impact factors of peripheral hematocytes in S. d. tungting under different cultivation conditions (cage culture, cement-pond culture and soil-pond culture) (Table 1). The peripheral blood cells from 30 individuals were examined, classified, counted and photographed under the light microscope by blood smear, the diameters of various hematocytes and their nuclei in shortest and longest axes were measured using routine methods, and the immunofunctions of neutrophils were detected through phagocytosis test and nitroblue tetrazolium reduction test (NBT). The experimental data were analyzed with SPSS23.0, and the pictures were processed with photoshopCS. The results showed that the peripheral blood cells of S. d. tungting could be divided into five types as erythrocytes, thrombocytes, granulocytes, lymphocytes and monocytes, as shown in Fig. 1. The mean size of mature erythrocytes in length × width was 7.36 ± 0.58 μm × 5.16 ± 0.33 μm, while the largest blood cell in the peripheral blood cells was monocyte with a mean size of 11.93 ± 0.86 μm × 10.16 ± 0.76 μm (Table 2). The red blood cells consist of the largest proportion (over 80%) of peripheral blood cells, whereas the content of thrombocytes in low proportion white blood cells was as high as 70%﹣74% (Table 3). Among the three cultivation methods, the red blood cells number in cage culture was significantly lower than that in cement-pond culture or soil-pond culture (0.01 < P < 0.05); the number, type and ratio of white blood cells were relatively stable and did not change significantly with cultivation methods (P > 0.05, Table 3). In the phagocytosis test and nitroblue tetrazolium reduction test, results showed that the phagocytic percentage and phagocytosis index of neutrophils in cement-pond culture were significantly lower than in cage culture and soil-pond culture (0.01 < P < 0.05), and the positive rate of nitroblue tetrazolium reduction test was the lowest (P > 0.05). Therefore, the phagocytic and bactericidal ability of neutrophils in cement-pond culture was the worst (Table 4). According to the results of our experiment, S. d. tungting is suitable to live in a flowing, good quality water environment.

Abstract:The Odontobutis potamophila belongs to Perciformes, Odontobutidae. It is an important freshwater commercial fish distributing in the Yangtze River and its tributaries, China. There is no report on the nutritional requirements and metabolic characteristics of the early development of O. potamophila. The content of proteins as well as the composition and content of amino acids during the embryonic and larval development of O. potamophila were analyzed. The fertilized eggs (Ⅰ), embryos at cleavage stage (Ⅱ), blastula stage (Ⅲ), gastrula stage (Ⅳ), lens formation stage (Ⅴ), eye pigmentation stage (Ⅵ), prehatching stage (Ⅶ), and larvae of 1 day after hatching (Ⅷ), 8 days after hatching (Ⅸ) were collected for biochemical analysis. The results indicated that a significant reduction was detected in the total protein content during the embryonic and larval development (P < 0.05, Fig. 1). Eighteen kinds of total amino acids (TAA) and nineteen kinds of free amino acids (FAA) were detected. The TAA content decreased during the embryonic and larval development (Table 1). Overall, the changes in the content of total essential amino acids (TEAA) and the content of total non-essential amino acids (TNEAA) reflected that of the TAA content. Qualitatively, the predominant amino acids were leucine, lysine, glutamic acid and aspartic acid during the embryonic and larval development. In contrast, the FAA pool increased with development (Table 2), the changes were reflected in both the free essential amino acids (FEAA) and the free non-essential amino acids (FNEAA), and the predominant free amino acids were lysine, leucine, proline and glutamic acid. Throughout development, the FAA accounted for only a small proportion (0.16% in fertilised eggs) of the TAA content. Because the egg protein content and the TAA content declined with development, the FAA pool increased during development, and it was concluded that the rate of breakdown of yolk protein was higher than the anabolic and catabolic processes during embryogenesis.

Abstract:In order to investigate the effects of acute low temperature stress on physiological functions of Black Porgy (Acanthopagrus schlegelii), one-year-old black porgies were used in the experiment. With 15 ℃ as the control group, 10 ℃ and 5 ℃ as the low temperature stress test groups, all test groups were moved to 15 ℃ water for recovering after 24 h treatment. We measured the activities of antioxidant enzymes and heat shock protein content in the liver of Black Porgy at different temperatures. The results show that under the low temperature stress, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxide (GSH-PX) and heat shock protein content gradually increased in the beginning and then decreased. The antioxidant enzyme activity of the 10 ℃ test group reached the maximum at 12 h, the SOD and CAT activities returned to the normal level after 24 h, and GSH-PX returned to the normal level at 18 h (P > 0.05). In the 5 ℃ test group, the SOD and CAT activities reached the maximal value at 6 h, GSH-PX reached the maximal value at 18h, but there were still significant differences between the test group and the control group at 24 h (P < 0.01). The activities of SOD, CAT and GSH-PX were respectively back to the control group level at 12 h, 12 h and 6 h of recovery (Fig. 1﹣3). The heat shock protein content of the two test groups reached the maximum at 18 h, and the 10 ℃ test group returned to a normal level at 24 h (P > 0.05), but the heat shock protein content of the 5 ℃ test group didn’t return to a normal level until the end of the recovery experiment (P < 0.05, Fig.4). The results of this experiment show that the activities of SOD, CAT, GSH-PX and content of heat shock protein are largely affected by the acute low temperature stress, and the regular changes of the above enzymes and protein show that they are involved in low temperature stress response and physiological function adjustment to adapt to environmental changes, reducing the acute low temperature damage to the fish body, which also enables the fish to survive during sudden environmental changes. Only within the range of self-regulation, the Black Porgy can make a new physiological balance to adapt to the low temperature with the extension of stress time. Therefore, during the Black Porgy breeding process, it should be noted that the water temperature should not be lower than 5 ℃; when the water temperature is too low, it should be moved into the room as soon as possible to avoid the damage of sudden water temperature drop.

Abstract:The Achalinus yunkaiensis was firstly described as a new species in 2019. It is only known to be located in the south-west of Guangdong Province. A snake of Achalinus was collected in Maoershan National Nature Reserve, Guangxi, in August, 2014. The specimen was preserved in 75% ethanol for permanent storage after liver tissues was taken and preserved in 100% ethanol. Genomic DNA was extracted from liver tissue using OMEGA Kit, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) was targeted and amplified using primers Chmf4 and Chmr4. The sequence length of 615 bp was obtained and deposited in GenBank (MT365525). Bayesian inference (BI) analysis was performed in MrBayes 3.2.2. Based on morphological characteristics (Fig. 1) and molecular phylogenetic relationship of mitochondrial COI gene sequence (Fig. 2), this specimen is identified as A. yunkaiensis, which is a new record in Guangxi. The new discovery extends the geographical distribution of A.yunkaiensis to more than 600 kilometers northward.

Abstract:Melatonin is a multifunctional indole hormone mainly secreted by the pineal gland in mammals. It has been known that melatonin, as an antioxidant, regulates sleep and circadian rhythms, enhances immunity, suppresses tumors, and delays aging process of mammals. This review summarized the mechanisms by which melatonin plays its function in delaying aging in mammals from two aspects of oxidative stress and energy metabolism, including retarding oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals, stimulating antioxidation and protecting mitochondrial function, and regulating energy metabolism by modulating metabolic sensing, re-establishing circadian rhythm and promoting energy expenditure. Finally, the future development of this field is prospected.

Abstract:The level of cognitive ability and the evolution of cognition in animals are difficult problems in the field of animal research. Corvids are as good as apes in tool use, episodic memory, inhibition and inhibitory control, etc. This paper summarized the major cognitive studies on corvids in the past 3 to 4 decades, and classified these cognitive studies into 3 categories: fundamental cognition, physical cognition and social cognition. Fundamental cognition or the general cognitive ability refers to the ability to have general meanings, and is the same psychological characteristics that can be displayed in solving different cognitive problems; Physical cognition refers to an individual's cognition of the laws of nature, mainly including object permanence, numerical ability and the use of tools. Social cognition mainly refers to the process in which individuals speculate and judge other individuals' psychological states, behavioral motivations and intentions. We introduces the main research paradigms of the above three kinds of cognitive abilities in order to provide theoretical basis for animal cognitive research in China. At present, most studies are focused on birds of the genus Corvus, but not enough on other birds of Corvidae or other passerine birds. In addition, there are significant differences in natural histories or ecological factors such as the sociality, distribution range, and foraging strategies of Corvidae birds. For the follow-up researches, we suggest to pay attention to the impact of ecological factors on the cognitive ability, or design a more reasonable research paradigm based on the habitat and habit of corvids.

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