Abstract:[Objectives] To determine the mitochondrial gene sequence of Sinomicrurus peinani, a new species of cobra family, and explore its phylogenetic relationship with related species. [Methods] We used the online software Feature Extract 1.2L server (http://www.cbs.dtu.dk/services/FeatureExtract). The protein coding regions of mitochondrial genome of S. peinani were extracted, and the proportions of four bases and base deviation of different genes were calculated by bioedit (Donath 2012). The online software tRNAscan-SE 2.0 was used (http://lowelab.ucsc.edu/Trnascan SE) to predict the type and secondary structure of tRNA according to antisense codon and isotype model (Lowe et al. 1997), Conventional methods were used to analyze the base composition of triplet codon position, codon usage, the influence of base composition on codon preference and parity preference, and MEGA7.0 was used to construct phylogenetic tree. [Results] The results showed that the mitochondrial genome of S. peinani was a 19477 bp circular DNA molecule, and the genomic bases were A (33.4%), T (28.1%), C (26.6%) and G (11.9%), which encode 38 genes including 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, 13 protein coding genes and 1 replication origin gene (D-loop). The 13 protein coding genes use AUG as the starting codon and UAA and UGA as the termination codon. The amino acids with high coding frequency of protein coding genes were Leu, Ile, Thr and Ser, respectively; The four codons with the highest frequency of Relative synonymous condon usage (RSCU) were CGA, UGA, CUA and CCA. All 22 tRNAs except tRNASer (with one arm and two rings) could form typical clover structure. [Conclusion] Phylogenetic analysis showed that S. macclellandi was most closely related to the taxonomic status of S. peinani, followed by Naja kaouthia and Ophiophagus hannah (Fig. 2, 3, 6).

Abstract:[Objectives] Measures of animal performance can be used to quantify the ability of an individual to perform specific activities, and the maximum dive duration for voluntary diving is an important measure of dive performance. In addition, repeatability is the most widely used metric for assessing the consistency of behavior. The Crocodile Lizard (Shinisaurus crocodilurus) is an endangered semi-aquatic lizard and often uses diving behavior as a strategy to avoid enemies. In this study, we took captive-reared Crocodile Lizards as studying objects to test how their maximum dive duration and its influencing factors. [Methods] From July 2021 until August 2021, captive-reared Crocodile Lizards in Daguishan Nature Reserve, Guangxi, China, were artificially disturbed (not directly touched) and their corresponding diving behaviors were recorded on camera. We read the maximum diving duration and behavioral characteristics (whether they move and close to stones) of captive-reared Crocodile Lizards through video. The influencing factors of diving behavior include morphological characteristics (variables in Table 1), behavioral characteristics and environmental factors (dive time, ambient temperature and water temperature). A total of 61 captive-reared Crocodile Lizards (25 sub-adults, 19 females, 17 males) participated in the analysis. Then, to test the repeatability of the diving duration of Crocodile Lizard, we tested for the presence of correlations within an individual for dive duration across the three dive trials using Pearson's correlation coefficients and adjusted using sequential Bonferroni adjustments. More, a general linear model was also used to analyze whether environmental factors (air temperature and water temperature) had an effect on the maximum dive duration of Crocodile Lizards, with the dive time period used as a covariate. Based on the results of the analysis of environmental factors, we employed the analysis of variance (ANOVA) to analyze the relationship of behavioral characteristics, groupings (sub-adult, male and female) with the maximum dive duration. Finally, we employed the one-dimensional linear regression and stepwise regression analysis to analyze the relationship of morphological characteristics with the maximum dive duration of these 61 Crocodile Lizards. [Results] Results indicated that the diving behaviors of Crocodile Lizards were repeatable (n = 61, r2-3 = 0.495, r1-3 = 0.563, r1-2 = 0.530, all P < 0.001), the maximum diving duration range shown in Table 2. No difference in maximum dive duration between sex and ages of the Crocodile Lizards (F2, 58 = 0.747, P = 0.478). The maximum dive duration of Crocodile Lizards was not affected by the behaviors during diving (to move or not to move: F1, 59 = 0.465, P = 0.498; is it near the stones: F1, 59 = 0.516, P = 0.475). Moreover, temperature (air temperature: n = 61, r =﹣0.239, t =﹣1.298, P = 0.199; water temperature: n = 61, r =﹣0.172, t =﹣0.048, P = 0.962) also did not affect the maximum dive duration of the Crocodile Lizards. We found that maximum dive duration in the Crocodile Lizards was negatively correlated with tail length and tail volume, but positively correlated with tail loss (Fig. 1, Table 3). [Conclusion] Our results suggest that the diving performance of captive-reared Crocodile Lizards is influenced by tail characteristics and that a trade-off between diving performance and swimming performance may have occurred.

Abstract:[Objectives] The coexistence of competing species in the same area is often achieved through ecological niche differentiation. The Grey Snub-nosed Monkeys (Rhinopithecus brelichi) and Tibetan Macaques (Macaca thibetana) occupy the same area in the Fanjing Mountain. This study compares the ecological dispensing characteristics of the two sympatric primary species, and it is helpful for better protection of the endangered species. [Methods] From December 2020 to June 2021, we conducted camera trapping survey in Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve, Guizhou, in order to explore the ecological position of Grey Snub-nosed Monkeys and Tibetan Macaques, with 24 infrared cameras placed in Xvjiagou, Huguo Temple, Fanjingshan Village, and Lengjiaba in Fanjing Mountain Reserve (Fig. 1). Analysis of differences in the daily activity rhythms of two primate species was performed based on images captured by infrared cameras. Based on the independent events filmed by the infrared camera, the relative activity index (RAI) of each time during each period time is calculated every 2 hours. The ecological niche differentiation of the two species was analyzed using the altitude, feeding behavior, and emergence time, and the ecological niche differentiation patterns of these two species of primates with the same domain distribution were obtained. [Results] The results showed that: (1) Eighteen cameras captured Tibetan Macaques and four cameras captured Grey Snub-nosed Monkeys, while three cameras captured both Grey Snub-nosed Monkeys and Tibetan Macaques. Photos and videos taken continuously by the same camera within 30 minutes were grouped into the same trigger event. A total of 23 photos of Grey Snub-nosed Monkeys over eight events were obtained, while 373 photos of Tibetan Macaques over 95 events were obtained. There were no photos of Grey Snub-nosed Monkeys and Tibetan Macaques appearing together (Table 1). (2) The distribution areas of Grey Snub-nosed Monkeys and Tibetan Macaques in Fanjing Mountain in winter and spring partially overlapped at altitudes of 969 to 1 277 meters, with a certain degree of competition (Table 1). (3) The activities of Grey Snub-nosed Monkeys were influenced by those of the Tibetan Macaques, and Grey Snub-nosed Monkeys were in a competitive position between the two; the peak activity of Tibetan Macaques occurred about 2 hours later, and the two primates showed a clear divergence in peak activity time (Fig. 2 & Fig. 3). (4) The two species exhibited different feeding behaviors (56.5% of Grey Snub-nosed Monkeys preferred to feed in trees, while 61.9% of Tibetan Macaques preferred to feed on the ground), and there was a clear differentiation between the two in terms of feeding behavior (Table 2). [Conclusion] The differences in activity time and activity space formed different dimensions of differentiation in ecological niches, and feeding on different foods helped them to avoid direct competition for food resources. It can be assumed that the co-distributed Grey Snub-nosed Monkeys and Tibetan Macaques in Fanjingshan Mountain have achieved ecological differentiation and coexistence through these means.

Abstract:[Objectives] The Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta) is the most widely distributed non-human primate. Because of the variety of its behaviors and facial expressions, Rhesus Macaque is not only a common animal in zoos and wild parks, but also an important resource in many tourism sites. In the past several decades, exploiting local Rhesus Macaques for sightseeing has been popular for tourist industry in China and some of scenic areas have even introduced Rhesus Macaque from other areas or from artificial breeding ones. Given the potential negative ecological impacts of human-macaque conflicts from the introduction of Rhesus Macaque, it is crucial to monitor the status of Rhesus Macaque in sightseeing areas. However, there is lack of such survey on the current situation of Rhesus Macaque-involved tourism in China. [Methods] In the present study, key words including “Rhesus Macaque” and “scenic area”, “forest park”, “natural reserve” and “tourism area” were adopted to search the Rhesus Macaque-involved tourism areas by using the search engine “Baidu”, and the time window of the survey covered from January 1st, 2000 to October 31th, 2021. Then the data including location, type of tourism areas, origin of Rhesus Macaque, the year of introducing and the number of introduced population were compiled into a database for further analysis. To improve the accuracy of the dataset, we double-checked the compiled information from official websites, newspaper, online news, and literatures. [Results] (1) There were a total of 164 Rhesus Macaque-involved tourism sites distributed in 20 provincial administrative regions, with 97, 36, 20 and 11 places named as “scenic area”, “forest park”, “natural reserve” and “tourism area”, respectively. (2) There were 105 places where Rhesus Macaques were naturally distributed and exploited for tourism, 53 places where Rhesus Macaques were introduced intentionally for tourism, and 6 places where were not clear about the origin of the Rhesus Macaques, however, all the Rhesus Macaques in the tourism areas in Beijing, Shandong, Jiangsu and Hebei were introduced populations. (3) The earliest introduction of Rhesus Macaques could be dated back to 1980s and 1990s, while the peak period for introducing Rhesus Macaques was during 2005 and 2010 including 16 places. (4) Only 13 out of 53 places could be traced back to the source of Rhesus Macaque populations, including 3 tourism areas introduced macaques from the Xinye Macaque Breeding Farms in Nanyang of Henan Province, where the Rhesus Macaques could descent from mixed subspecies. [Conclusion] This study suggests that Rhesus Macaque-involved tourism has changed the natural distribution of Rhesus Macaques in China. We suggest that wildlife management department should establish a graded approval system for Rhesus Macaque- involved tourism projects, and conduct strict ecological security evaluation before introducing Rhesus Macaques for tourism.

Abstract:[Objectives] Bats are widely distributed around the world except the polar region. With the expansion of the sphere of human activity, the risk of human-bat contact is increasing. It is a common phenomenon in life that bats flying into human houses, however, there is no relevant research on proposing a method to deal with the conflict. [Methods] In this study, Asian Particoloured Bats (Vespertilio sinensis) were collected from May to July 2021 in Sijia Township of Changchun City, Jilin Province, and simulated experiments were conducted in a field laboratory. Three interference factors were set up in this experiment - artificial repel, light and noise. These factors were combined into eight interference patterns, including no interference, only light, light + repel, only repel, only noise, repel + noise, light + noise, repel + light + noise. Seven experiments were performed in each pattern, with an individual bat being put into the field laboratory. We recorded the time of the bats flew out the house and implied R.4.0.4. to carry out the Bonferroni multiple comparisons on eight sets of data. [Results] The results showed that the bats did not fly out the house for more than 30-minute with ‘20 watt bulb’ in the experiment of “Only light interference”, and they did not even fly during 2-hour period in ‘50 watt bulb’ experiment. The results of multiple comparative analysis showed that it took the shortest time for bats to fly out in the pattern of ‘no interference’ (5.14 ± 2.41 min on average), while the longest time was observed in the pattern of “repel + light”, (22.71 ± 2.06 min). Besides, there were no significant differences in the time among other five patterns (P > 0.05; 14.57 ± 7.91 min, 10.14 ± 2.67 min, 14.71 ± 8.71 min, 13.86 ± 7.69 min and 9.71 ± 2.69 min, respectively). [Conclusion] In conclusion, “having no interference” is the most secure and effective solution to drive the bats fly out the human houses. Our study provides a scientific and theoretical basis for the development of the coexistence between human and bats.

Abstract:[Objectives] Alpine ecosystems are usually highly biodiverse and vulnerable to environmental changes, the distribution and conservation of species in these ecosystems are of great concern. Seasonal variation in community composition and species distributional ranges along alpine ecosystems are essential to inform conservation, however, remain poorly understood. The Gaoligong Mountains, one of the global biodiversity hotspots in SW China, home to various endemic groups of plants and animals, have been widely acknowledged for their high biodiversity. This study aims to understand how seasonal and monthly variation and activity regularity of large and medium-sized mammals and ground-living birds in alpine ecosystems at the Gaoligong Mountains using infrared cameras. We also compare the species composition of birds and mammals at diverse alpine ranges. [Methods] In the present study, we conducted surveys of birds and mammals using camera traps in the alpine areas (elevation ranges: 3 100﹣3 700 m) in the southern section of the Gaoligong Mountains from November 2018 to October 2019. A total of 60 infrared cameras were employed in three locations, including Nanzhai (NZ), Beizhai (BZ), and Danaozi (DN) (Fig. 1). [Results] We obtained 1 042 independent effective photographs from 9 359 camera-trapping days, including 865 photos for mammals and 177 photos for birds. We identified 43 species, including 19 mammal species from 11 families in five Orders and 24 bird species from 14 families in three Orders. The highest relative abundance index measured as detected rate was the Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens, 3.25), followed by Tufted Deer (Elaphodus cephalophus, 2.77) and Blood Pheasant (Ithaginis cruentus, 1.02). As to seasonal change in species richness, it was low in winter, high in autumn and summer, with the highest in August. The activity intensity of these alpine species had also noticeable seasonal and months changes, with differences among species. Beta diversity comparison revealed that birds and mammals showing different spatial distribution patterns between the middle and south section of the Gaoligong Mountains, the turnover components were higher than nested ones for birds while the mammals showing the opposite pattern. [Conclusion] Our study provided detailed records of ground-living bird and mammal species in alpine habitats in the southern section of the Gaoligong Mountains. There were significant seasonal variations in avian and mammalian species richness in the alpine ecosystem, which may be related to vertical migration along altitude gradients and seasonal change of food resources. According to these results, we suggested that altitudinal movement and seasonal variations in animal activity intensity need to be considered in managing the alpine ecosystem, and all alpine ecosystems in the Gaoligong Mountains should be protected.

Abstract:[Objectives] The Silver Pheasant (Lophura nycthemera whiteheadi) and Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus jabouillei) are two Galliformes birds distributed in the Wuzhishan of Hainan Province. The present study aims to reveal the effects of habitat factors on the distribution of these two sympatric birds. [Methods] We set up 50 infrared cameras and obtained data from September 2018 to September 2020 in the northeast of Wuzhishan of Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park (see Fig. 1). The chi-square goodness of fit test was used to analyze the influence of the number of infrared camera monitoring points on the observation value, Mann-Whitney U test was used to analyze the differences in resource utilization between species and within different seasons, and Friedman test was used to analyze the difference of vegetation resource utilization among species. Niche breadth and niche overlap were calculated using "shannon" and "morisita" of the Spaa package in R 4.1.1. [Results] The results showed that there were significant differences in the utilization of various types of vegetation resources between two species in different seasons (c2 = 76.324, df = 4, P < 0.05). The Silver Pheasant preferred tropical lowland rainforest and tropical montane rainforest, while the Red Junglefowl preferred secondary forest and tropical lowland rainforest (Table 1). There were significant differences in altitude distribution between the two species in dry season (U = 11 507.00, Z =﹣4.588, P < 0.05) and rainy season (U = 15 199,00, Z =﹣7.739, P < 0.05). The Red Junglefowl had a single peak altitude distribution, with a peak of 575.8 m in the dry season and 497.7 m in the rainy season and preferred sunny slopes (Fig. 2). In dry season, the slope distribution of the two species was significantly different (U = 12 414.00, Z =﹣3.743, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in slope distribution between the two species in rainy season (U = 26 030.00, Z =﹣0.556, P > 0.05). The peak slopes of the Silver Pheasant were 19.7° and 34.5° in the dry season, and the peaks slopes were 20.1° and 34.3° in the rainy season. As to the Red Junglefowl, there was a single peak in the dry season of 35.7°, with double peaks in the rainy season of 12.5° and 35.0° (Fig. 4). During dry season, there was no significant difference in the aspect distribution of the two species (U = 15 678.50, Z =﹣0.688, P > 0.05). In the rainy season, the aspect distribution of the two species was significantly different (U = 22 060.00, Z =﹣3.296, P < 0.05), the Silver Pheasant was evenly distributed in the slope direction, and the Red Junglefowl mainly moved on the sunny slope (Fig. 5). There was significant difference in temperature selection of the two species in dry season (U = 12 088.00, Z =﹣4.042, P < 0.05) and rainy season (U = 19 478.50, Z=﹣4.900, P < 0.05). The temperature selections of the two species were both unimodal, with peaks both at 20.3 ℃ in dry season, and 22.2 ℃ of Silver Pheasant, 26.1 ℃ of Red Junglefowl in rainy season (Fig. 3). The niche overlap of the two species at altitude was the lowest (0.375 in the dry season and 0.353 in the rainy season), and being higher in temperature and slope (Table 2). [Conclusion] Our results indicated that the environmental adaptability of Silver Pheasant being better than that of Red Junglefowl. Niche differentiation of Silver Pheasant and Red Junglefowl can be realized mainly through the choice of altitude. There are also different degrees of differentiation characteristics in other environmental factors.

Abstract:Home ranges could reflect the spatial requirements of animals at the individual level. Home range research is important for species conservation and understanding the relationship between animals and the environment. [Methods] During the winters of 2017, 2018 and 2019, seven Bar-headed Geese (Anser indicus) were tracked by satellite tracking in the Napahai Wetland, Yunnan Province. The dynamic Brown Bridge model was used to construct the wintering home range of Bar-headed Geese, and the impact of water area change on the home range of Bar-headed Geese were analyzed by combining remote sensing technology. The individual monthly home range differences were analyzed using the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test. [Results] (1) The total home range of the tracked Bar-headed Geese was 28.49 km2, of which 54.7% located in the nature reserve; the total core area was 4.17 km2, of which 55.3% located in the nature reserve, and the rest mainly distributed in the grass or swamps on the periphery of the nature reserve and the corner area of Shangri-La Airport and the urban area (Fig. 2); (2) The average area of home range and core area of Bar-headed Geese during the wintering period were 5.98 ± 0.63 km2 and 0.55 ± 0.12 km2 (n = 8, data for one individual in wintering season of 2017, six individuals in wintering season of 2018 and one individual in wintering season of 2019). The core area accounted for only 9.2% of the home range (Table 1); (3) The home range and core area of different Bar-headed Geese varied greatly, with the maximum home range of 8.22 km2 and the minimum of only 3.38 km2, and the maximum core area of 1.21 km2 and the minimum of 0.12 km2 (Table 1); (4) In 2018, the water areas of the Napahai were 8.54 km2 in February, 6.36 km2 in March and 5.00 km2 in April, showing a trend of monthly decrease. There was a monthly trend of decreasing utilization of water by the Bar-headed Geese, with a mean utilization of water of 59.95% ± 12.9% (n = 6), 55.12% ± 16.4% (n = 6) and 23.67% ± 12.3% (n = 3) in February, March and April, respectively. The alterations in the water area of the Napahai wetland had a significant impact on the home range of the Bar-headed Geese. The marsh and meadow expanded as the water area withdrew from south to north, and the home range of the Bar-headed Goose grew broader and moved in the direction of the retreating water area. (Fig. 3); (5) As to the Bar-headed Geese of Id2639, which was tracked both in wintering seasons of 2018 and 2019, there was considerable variations of its home range area and core area. Its home range in 2018 was 5.98 km2, smaller than that in 2019 (8.22 km2), and its core area in 2018 was 0.61 km2, also smaller than that in 2019 (1.21 km2). The overlap index (IO) of the home ranges between two wintering seasons was only 0.31 (Fig. 4). [Conclusion] As the Bar-head Goose is a major carrier and transmitter of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza, we suggest that the nature reserve should increase the management scope and concentrate on the local villages (Kaisong, Nagong and Darijue in Jiantang Town, Shangri-La City, Diqing Prefecture, Yunnan Province.) that overlapping with the home range of the Bar-headed Geese. To prevent the spread of avian influenza, domestic pigs should be raised in captivity in winter, and not be allowed to forage together with Bar-headed Geese.

Abstract:[Objectives] Satellite tracking of rescued raptors is useful to understand the survival conditions of raptors after being released, it could evaluate the effect of rescue, and facilitate the development of scientific rescue work. [Methods] Six raptors of five species were installed with satellite trackers during 2019 to 2021, then lost contact after being released for a period of time (Table 1). The migration routes and habitat types of stopover sites of the rescued raptors were analyzed using the satellite tracking data. Mann-Whitney U-test was used to analyze the differences of resting duration of each individual in different habitats. If possible, the bodies of dead birds were searched based on the locations of the GPS and the cause of death could be analyzed. [Results] The results show that White-tailed Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) 1 and Northern Goshawk 2 had a long-distance flight (Fig. 1), with the flight distances of 159.5 km, 150.5 km, 292.5 km and 832.7 km. The Common Kestrel, the Northern Goshawk 1 & 2 were more inclined to select areas with frequent human activities during the wintering period, such as farmland, villages, urban residential areas, and urban wetland parks (Table 2). The frequency of activity of rescued raptors was usually 100﹣500 times/h. The individual may be in a state of stress during the release, and the activity will increase. When there were abnormal situations such as death, the frequency of activity tended to 0 times/h (Fig. 2). Final states of the raptors showed that the Saker Falcon (F. cherrug) died due to hunger; the White-tailed Sea Eagle died of secondary poisoning due to prey on the poisoned prey. The causes of others were unclear. [Conclusion] The illegal hunting, errors in the process of rescue and release, the negative impact of the tracker and the equipment falling off or failure may lead to missing or death after the release of the raptors. We suggest to standardize the process of rescue and release, carefully choose the time and location of the release, so as to improve the survival rate of the rescue raptors.

Abstract:[Objectives] Previous studies proposed differences in cognitive performances among different individuals, and there may be associations between multiple cognitive performance in the same individual. However, the correlations of cognitive performances in animals are still controversies. We would like to explore the associations between the performance of the different cognitive experiments. [Methods] In this study, we used self-control, associative learning and reversal learning experiments to investigate the correlations among these cognitive performances in the Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus). A detour reaching task was used to measure the individuals’ self-control ability, with a transparent open cylinder (6.5 cm in length and 6.5 cm in diameter; Fig. 1a) in which a food reward was placed in the center. Trials were conducted at one-minute intervals for a total of ten times, all trails were performed on the same day if possible. The trial was considered as successful if the subject inhibited the initial response of pecking the transparent cylinder and went around to the open ends of the cylinder to obtain the food reward. Subjects were considered complete the self-control task once they had successfully circled the open ends of the cylinder without pecking at the transparent cylinder walls three times in a row. The number of successful trials was considered as the self-control ability. A color-discrimination task was designed by using a wooden foraging grid (16 cm × 6 cm × 3 cm) with two wells (2 cm diameter, 1 cm deep; Fig. 1b) to test the associative learning ability of Budgerigars. In each trial, the wells were covered by a dark-green lid and a light-green lid. In associative learning, light-green was assigned as the rewarded color. In the first experiment, individuals were able to observe two wells and they could find that only light-green well with a food reward. In all subsequent trails, individuals were only allowed to open well once before the task was removed. Individuals were considered to have completed associative learning if they could successfully open the light-green well 8 times out of 9 trials. The number of trials taken to reach this criterion (including the last 9 experiments) was used to assess the individual's associative learning ability. After 24 hours of the individual completed associative learning, the reverse learning would be carried out. The same foraging grid would be presented with the only difference of the colour of the rewarded lid being reversed from that of the associative learning task. The experimental protocol and the criteria for passing were the same as the associative learning task described above. Before the above experiments start, the time span between the experimental devices were watched and touched for the first time was recorded for each individual, which was used to represent individuals’ neophobia. We use Spearman rank correlation matrix to analyze the correlation between three cognitive tests, and the relationship between cognitive traits and neophobia time. Paired t-test was used to analyze the differences between number of trails of associative learning and reversal learning. Independent sample t-test was used to analyze the differences between males and females in three cognitive experiments. [Results] The number of successful self-control trials was 6.8 ± 1.9 times. The numbers of trails until passed associative learning and reversal learning were 74.7 ± 42.5 times and 106.6 ± 68.1 times, respectively. Individuals' neophobia times for each two devices were 247.7 ± 538.3 s and 47.9 ± 73.9 s. Our results showed that the number of trails until passed associative learning was less than reversal learning in the same individual (t =﹣2.711, df = 24，P = 0.012), while better reversal learning came along with better associative learning (rs = 0.560, P = 0.004; Fig. 2). Self-control performance was associated with the neophobia (rs =﹣0.480, P = 0.014), less neophobia came along with better self-control performance. There was no significant difference between male and female Budgerigars in three cognitive performances (Table 1). [Conclusion] Our experiments found a strong correlation between associative learning and reverse learning, and this suggest that general cognitive ability may exist in Budgerigars. Self-control experiments had no significant correlation with other cognitive experiments, however, they were associated with neophobia, so cognitive performances might be affected by non-cognitive factors. More research is needed in the future to verify the association between cognitive performances.

Abstract:[Objective] The sense of smell of most birds has been considered to be degraded, although some bird species have well-developed olfactory organs. While, a few studies reported whether odors can affect the feeding behavior of birds. Here, we aimed to test whether feeding behavior of Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulates) can be affected by six odors, including feces of Ural Owl (Strix uralensis), feces of Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), feces of domestic dog and feces of domestic cat, as well as perfume and cigarettes. [Method] Before the experiment, one of those six odor sources was placed on the lower layer of the double-layer food box (custom-made, with 225 air vents between the layers), and seeds were placed on the upper layer. A Budgerigar (starvation treatment for 4 hours) was individually transferred to an observation cage. After a 5 minutes, a double-layer food box was placed in the observation cage, and then we observed the behaviors of the target Budgerigar for 15 minutes. In addition, an odorless control group was established at the same time. Each bird received all 7 types of odor experiments, while the order of treatments was random. During observation period, we recorded the distance between the Budgerigar and the food box, and counted the number of feeding times of Budgerigar. The cumulative link mixed model with logit-link function was used to analyze the feeding willingness (whether closed to the food box) (Fig. 1) and feeding level of Budgerigars (low level, the feeding frequency was 0; medium level, the feeding frequency was between 1﹣10; high level, the feeding frequency was > 10) under different odors. In the models, treatment and sex were treated as fixed terms and ID was a random term. If there was a significant effect of treatment, we further performed post hoc pairwise comparisons and used false discovery rate control to adjust P values. [Results] There were significant differences in the feeding intentions and feeding level of Budgerigars under different odor exposures. Except the feeding intention under the odor of perfume was significantly lower than that of the odorless control and the odor of Ural Owl feces, there was no difference in feeding intention between any other two treatments (Fig. 2). The feeding level of Budgerigars under the odor of Golden Eagle feces, cat feces, perfume, and cigarette was significantly lower than that of the odorless control, and the feeding level under the odor of perfume or cigarette was significantly lower than that of odor of Ural Owl feces (Fig. 3). In addition, there was no difference in feeding level between any other two treatments. [Conclusion] Our results showed that the Budgerigars performed different feeding behaviors under different odors. Here, we suggested that the Budgerigars might be able to assess the potential predation risks in the environment by odors and then adjust their feeding behaviors.

Abstract:[Objectives] Gobiobotia meridionalis is a small-sized bottom-dwelling endemic fish in China. There is still relatively few relevant genetic information for G. meridionalis. This study aimed to perform analysis of the genetic diversity and population structure of G. meridionalis from the Ganjiang River and Fuhe River. [Methods] In this study, we sequenced the cytochrome b (Cyt b) gene for 110 individuals of G. meridionalis from three geographical populations in the Ganjiang River and the Fuhe River. Population genetic diversity was measured for all samples and sampling groups in the DnaSP 5.0 software. Phylogenetic analysis of all haplotypes was conducted using the neighbor-joining (NJ) and the maximum likelihood (ML) based on the Kimura 2-parameter distance method in MAGA 7.0. A haplotype network was constructed based on median-joining method in PopART. Pairwise Fst values were calculated and analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) was conducted by Arlequin v3.1. Statistical tests for neutrality analysis, including Tajima’s D and Fu’s Fs, and nucleotide mismatch distribution were conducted by Arlequin v3.1. [Results] A total of 45 haplotypes were identified for 110 individuals of G. meridionalis. The haplotype diversity (Hd) and nucleotide diversity (Pi) were 0.967 ± 0.006 and 0.007 1 ± 0.000 2, respectively. Haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity of G. meridionalis were 0.911 ± 0.022 and 0.004 3 ± 0.000 2 in Fuzhou population, 0.950 ± 0.015 and 0.003 7 ± 0.000 2 in Baqiu population, 0.810 ± 0.130 and 0.002 6 ± 0.000 5 in Wanan population, respectively (Table 1). Phylogenetic and network topology showed that there was no distinct geographical distribution pattern (Fig. 2, Fig. 3). Genetic differentiation index (Fst) indicated high genetic differentiation between Fuzhou and Baqiu populations. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that genetic variations between different geographical populations in the Ganjiang River and the Fuhe River were mainly within group (Table 2). The neutrality test indicated that the population expansion had occurred in Baqiu population about 0.38 million years ago, and Fuzhou population about 0.63 million years ago (Table 3). [Conclusion] The total genetic diversity of G. meridionalis is relatively high, but genetic differentiation exists in the Gangjiang and Fuhe population. Therefore, we suggest that the protection of G. meridionalis should be divided in the local population.

Abstract:[Objectives] Bdelloid rotifers are microscopic aquatic invertebrate animals and widespread freshwater and soil inhabitants, being found from poles to equator and from shores to high mountains. They are able to use the thin water film surrounding soil particles, lichens or mosses and play a key role in microbial food webs. Exclusively parthenogenesis, horizontal gene transfer and exceptional resistance to extreme environments through anhydrobiosis make bdelloid rotifers ideal model organism. However, the taxonomy, diversity and distribution of bdelloid rotifers are poorly studied in Asia, especially in China, and the information on their occurrence is scant and insufficient. [Methods] In order to investigate the species diversity of bdelloid rotifers in Guangdong Province, we conducted a survey of these animals in Baiyun Mountain and Huolu Mountain. Samples were collected from water, mosses and leaf litter (Table 1). The water samples were obtained by a plankton net with 30 μm mesh size. Samples from mosses and leaf litter were extracted by washing the substrate with distilled water, then examined using microscope immediately. All living bdelloid rotifers were recorded and photographed using a digital camera. Rotifer body dimensions were measured from screenshots of digital videos. However, we only measured the size of one rotifer from each new record due to the rarity of these species. Photos and digital screenshots from videos were both used for species identification and illustrations. Mode pattern of measurement system for bdelloid rotifers were given in Fig. 1. [Results] One new record family of bdelloid rotifer in China: Philodinavidae Harring, 1913, two new record genera: Henoceros Milne, 1916, Didymodactylos Milne, 1916, and six new record species: H. caudatus Hauer, 1937, H. falcatus (Milne, 1916), D. carnosus Milne, 1916, Otostephanos regalis Milne, 1916, Macrotrachela kallosoma (Schulte, 1954) and Habrotrocha longiceps (Murray, 1906) were recorded. The morphological and structural characteristics of the six new record species are described by pictures and mode pattern, and their ecological information is also presented (Fig. 2﹣7). Notably, it is the second time that H. caudatus has been found in China since the original description in 1937, which indicated its limited biogeographic distribution and rarity; H. falcatus was confirmed widespread in Africa, Europe and Asia. All Philodinavidae species are considered to be lotic species. Compared with the original description, the spur of D. carnosus observed in this study is slightly wider, with no difference in other morphological characteristics. The morphology of O. regalis in our study differs from that in original description, with many short bristles on the neck. M. kallosoma has been recorded in many parts of Europe and is commonly found in water habitat. H. longiceps protects itself by building a nest around its body. This species is rare outside Europe. [Conclusion] At present, considering the results of the present study, there are a sum of 99 species of bdelloid rotifers that belonging to 13 genera and 4 families have been recorded in China. However, there is still one family (Coronistomidae) and seven genera (Abrochtha Bryce, 1910, Zelinkiella Harring, 1913, Embata Bryce, 1910, Philodinavus Harring, 1913, Anomopus Piovanelli, 1903, Ceratotrocha Bryce, 1910, Coronistomus ?rstan, 2021) not being discovered in China. China has a vast territory and diverse habitats, we suggest to implement a variety of experimental methods to broaden the scope and depth of survey on the bdelloid rotifers, and enrich the species diversity of bdelloid rotifers in China, and further explore the ecological value of bdelloid rotifer.

Abstract:Systematic survey on the species diversity and distribution of Chiroptera has been conducted in China recently. Therefore, extensive investigation should be performed to identify the diversity and distribution information of Chiroptera. In September 2021, we sampled eight Myotis bat individuals from Siyu Cave in Shidu, fangshan district, Beijing. Eight Myotis bats were identified as Chinese water myotis (Myotis laniger) based on morphological data, barcode sequence (COI and Cyt b) and phylogenetic reconstruction. This is the first record of Chinese water myotis in Beijing.

Abstract:Two female specimens were trapped by the pitfall trap method in Munike Village, Yangmei Township, Liupanshui City, Guizhou Province, China. This discovery will expand our knowledge about the geographic distribution of Episoriculus. Morphological characterization, and measurements about external and cranial features were used in morphological studies. Genetic distances were calculated and phylogenetic tree was constructed based on the complete sequence of mtDNA Cyt b gene (1 140 bp) in molecular biology research (Table 1). The head and body length of the two specimens are 57.2 mm and 50.4 mm, with their tail lengths (53.2 mm and 46.7 mm) slightly shorter than the head and body lengths. There is little color difference between the back and the ventral surface of the tail, and the ventral surface is slightly brown. Hind feet length is 11.9 mm and 12.4 mm. Condyloincisive length is 17.28 mm and 17.23 mm. Maxillary breadth is 5.02 mm and 4.96 mm. Maxillary breadth to palatoincisive length (7.72 mm and 7.56 mm) is 65.31% (Table 2). There are 1 upper incisor and 4 upper unicuspid teeth. The first and the second unicuspid tooth are similar in size, significantly larger than the third unicuspid tooth. The fourth unicuspid tooth is very tiny, and inserted in the inner side of the gap between the third unicuspid tooth and the premolar tooth. There are 1 premolar and 3 molars in the maxillary, and the third molar is smaller. There are 1 incisor, 1 unicuspid, 1 premolar and 3 molars in the mandible. Based indentification on key to Episoriculus, the specimens collected are determined as E. caudatus umbrinus. The genetic distances between E. c. umbrinus specimen recorded and our specimens were the nearest between 0.030 and 0.062, based on mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. It was shown that our specimen lay in a monophyletic clade together with E. c. umbrinus in the phylogenetic tree, further confirming our identification. Phylogenetic Bayesian tree of the genus Episoriculus shows that E. c. umbrinus has the closest relationship of phylogeny with E. sacratus, followed by E. c. caudatus. The two specimens of E. c. umbrinus are not only the new record of E. caudatus and E. c. umbrinus in Guizhou Province, but also the new record of the genus Episoriculus in Guizhou Province.

Abstract:Five specimens (2 males and 3 females) of the Leptobrachella were collected in Pohe Village, Zhelang Township, Longlin County, Guangxi, China at 105°13′27″ E, 24°44′58″ N altitude 826 m during a field survey in May 2021. The specimens were measured with digital calipers for following measurements: snout-vent length, head length, head width, snout length, internasal space, interorbital space, width of upper eyelid, diameter of eye, diameter of tympanum, length of lower arm, hindlimb length, tibia length, foot length, and compared these characters with the L. ventripunctata. All specimens were fixed in 10% buffered formalin, transferred to 95% ethanol, and deposited in Yulin Normal University. Five liver samples attained from euthanasia specimens and then preserved in 95% ethanol and stored at ﹣20 ℃ were used for molecular analysis. All samples were 17 sequences from all known Leptobrachella species, two sequences from the out-group Brachytarsophrys and Leptobrachium were obtained from GenBank and incorporated into our dataset (Detail information of these materials was shown in Table 2). Genomic DNA was extracted from liver tissue samples using DNA extraction kit. Partial sequences of 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA gene were amplified according the method of Lyu et al. (2017). The resulting fragments were sequenced with both forward and reverse primers. The Clustal W algorithm was used in MEGA 7.0 software to compare all the 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA gene sequences and the Kimura two-parameter model was used to calculate the genetic distances between species of the genus Leptobrachella. We assessed phylogenetic and systematic relationships among the species mentioned above of the mitochondrial DNA genes of 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods by PhyloSuit v1.2.2 software. In this study, we found that the specimens were similar with L. ventripunctata in morphological, morphometric measurements (Table 3) and feature (Fig. 1). Bayesian inference tree and maximum likelihood tree showed that the five specimens were clustered with the L. ventripunctata with a high support, which the Bayesian posterior probabilities (PP) were 1.00 and the bootstrap support (BS) was 100 (Fig. 2). The genetic distance between the specimens and L. ventripunctata was 0.7%﹣0.9%, much lower than that between Leptobrachella species (4.4%﹣23.4%) (Table 3). The specimens from Longlin County are identified as L. ventripunctata based on morphological and molecular comparison, and it is a new record of this species in Guangxi, China.

Abstract:Pseudorhombus, Bleeker, 1862, belongs to the family Paralichthyidae in Pleuronectiforms. According to Eschmeyer's Catalog of Fishes, there are 25 valid species recorded, and 11 species recorded from the coastal waters of mainland China based on the Fauna Sinica, Osteichthyes, Pleuronectiformes by Li and Wang, 1995. Nine specimens with five ocelli on the ocular side were collected from 2007 to 2021 along the coastal waters of Wenchang, Lingshui and Sanyan in Hainan province, and then, compared with the morphological characteristics of 25 species in Pseudorhombus. The results showed that these specimens were consistent with the morphological characteristics of Pseudorhombus oculocirris Amaoka, 1969, which has only been reported in Japan and Vietnam. This is the first report of this species from the coastal waters of mainland China. A detailed redescription of P. oculocirris was given based on the data of morphological characters of nine specimens collected in this study and previous works, including the original description and related literature of this species. Furthermore, the COI barcoding was provided for the first time (GenBank No. OL307681, OL307682 and OL307683). The diagnosis characteristics for this species are as follows: The anterior dorsal fin rays are slightly longer and only 1/5–1/3 of its base is connected with the fin membrane; the upper edge of the lower eye has finger–like dermal tentacle. Dorsal fin rays 65–76; Anal fin rays 50–57; Pectoral fin rays 11–13 on ocular side, 10–12 on blind side; Caudal fin rays 2 + 13 + 2; gill–rakers on first arch 4–7 + 17–20; lateral line scales 71–82; vertebrae 10 + 26 = 36. In summary, the present study further expands the distribution of this species and provides the molecular basis for species identification, which can serve as the scientific evidence for the study of the biodiversity and systematic evolution of Paralichthyidae.

Abstract:Ectotherms rely primarily on behavioral thermoregulation to raise their body temperatures. Traditionally, it is assumed that behavioral thermoregulation only exists in post-embryonic stages. However, recent studies have shown that reptile embryos have the capability of behavioral thermoregulation. Here we review the discovery and research progress of behavioral thermoregulation in reptile embryos, discuss the ecological and adaptive significance of behavioral thermoregulation in embryos, analyze how embryos sense temperature to complete behavioral thermoregulation, and point out some future research directions in this field.

Abstract:On November 30, 2019, a group of photos of Passeriformes were taken during bird observation in Jianjiang National Wetland Park, Xingguo County, Ganzhou City, Jiangxi Province. They were identified by experts as acridotheres tristis, a new record of birds in Jiangxi Province.

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