Abstract:[Objectives] In this study, we analyzed the time-activity budget of Baer’s Pochard (Aythya baeri) in different habitats during winter and the effects of human disturbance on the activities of Baer’s Pochard. [Methods] In December 2020, we used a focus sampling method to observe the behavior of Baer’s Pochard in Minquan Ancient Yellow River National Wetland Park, Henan Province. We used ANOVA to compare the significance of differences between behavioral states in different habitats, and t-test was used to compare the significance between the genders. [Results] The comparisons of habitat availability with habitat utilization among the seven types of habitat revealed remarkable differences in habitat selection (Fig. 1). The most utilized habitats areponds, open-water lotus ponds, and open water (Table 1). The results showed that the main behaviors of Baer’s Pochard were rest (44.4%), foraging (34.2%), locomotory (9.0%), and maintenance (10.1%). There were significant differences in foraging and resting behaviors among different habitats (Table 2). The proportion of foraging behavior in ponds (50.1%) was significantly higher than that in large-water lotus ponds and open water areas. The proportion of resting behavior (63.1%) in large-water lotus ponds was significantly higher than that in ponds and open water areas. There are some behavioral differences between males and females, the females’ foraging time is higher than males’, and maintenance behavior is lower than males’ (Table 3). All three habitat types have varying degrees of human interference (Table 4). The ponds were the most disturbed, and the main sources of disturbance were fishing, pedestrian, and construction, while the lotus ponds and open waters were mainly disturbed by fishing boats. [Conclusion] This study suggests that the conservation of Baer’s Pochard should take into account the ecological effect of different habitats and the tolerance of Baer’s Pochard to different disturbances, and take corresponding measures to carry out conservation actions.

Abstract:[Objectives] To understand the distribution and expansion of the reintroduced population of Crested Ibis Nipponia nippon, we investigated the distribution of nest sites in this species with a reintroduced population in Dongzhai, Henan Province, China. [Methods] From 2014 to 2022, we investigated the nests of rewilding Crested Ibis and its descendants in Henan Dongzhai National Nature Reserve and its surrounding area. We estimated the degree of concentration of these nests relative to the release site by a circular distribution method using Oriana 4.01 (Kovach Computing Services, Wales, UK). We calculated the distribution of the nesting area (the area where 95% of the nest sites are located) and core nesting area (the area where 50% of the nest sites are located) using a fixed kernel estimation method in ArcView GIS 3.3. In addition, we overlaid the map of nest sites, landscape coverage map, and the digital elevation model map using ArcMap 10.7 software (ESRI) to investigate the nest-site selection of this species. Using the one sample t-test, we compared the average elevation difference between the nest sites and the nesting range. [Results] The distances between most nesting sites and the release site are within 80 km (81 vs. 84) (Fig. 1 and 2). The average distance was 12.82 ± 14.11 (SD) km (n = 84), and the average azimuth was 138.99° ± 82.44° (SD) (Rayleigh’s z test:Z = 10.60, P < 0.01) (Fig. 3). The area of the core nesting ranges and nesting ranges are 74.43 km2 and 549.66 km2, respectively (Fig. 4). The average elevation of the nest sites is 103 ± 43 (SD) m, which is significantly lower than the average altitude of the nesting ranges (t =﹣5.48, df = 83, P < 0.01). Most nest sites are distributed in the adjacent paddy fields and forests (Fig. 1). The distribution map of the breeding area by years shows that the breeding area expands in the direction of northwest to southeast (Fig. 5), which is consistent with the analysis result of circular distribution. [Conclusion] Our research described the nest site’s distribution characteristics and expansion trends of the reintroduced Crested Ibis population in Dongzhai. It can provide a reference for the protection of potential breeding areas and habitats of wild Crested Ibis, and optimize the allocation of human and material resources in the protection work.

Abstract:[Objectives] The Moschus anhuiensis is an endemic species in China and is listed as the first-class national protected animals in China. Its distribution is highly limited to Dabieshan Mountains region in Anhui, Hubei, and Henan Provinces. Our study was carried out to understand the activity rhythm of M. anhuiensis and its differences from other species. [Methods] Forty-three infrared-triggered camera traps were placed in Luotian area of Hubei Dabieshan National Nature Reserve, Hubei Province, China to monitor M. anhuiensis and other wildlife from January 2021 to December 2021 (Fig. 1). Based on the monitoring data, we calculated the relative activity intensity index to model daytime-and-night activity rhythm, monthly rhythm, seasonal dynamics, preferred vegetation types, and rhythm-related species of M. anhuiensis. Using the ratio of the number of independently valid photos for a given condition to the total number of independently valid photos, we can calculate the activity preferences of M. anhuiensis andother wildlife as described above. To compare the rhythmic differences between M. anhuiensis and other animals, we selected data from Muntiacus reevesi and Sus scrofa monitored in the reserve for overlapping analysis with the daily activity rhythms of Moschus anhuiensis. All the analyses were conducted in R 4.0.3. The “overlap” package and the “activity” package were used to perform kernel density estimation of the rhythms. The significance of difference was tested using the functions in the “activity” package. [Results] The 43 infrared cameras worked for 10 142 working days and took 1 042 independently valid photos of wild animals, of which 10 infrared cameras captured M. anhuiensis, which was effectively monitored 40 times. The relative abundance index (IRA) of M. anhuiensis was 3.84. The location of infrared cameras (Fig. 2) and the analysis of vegetational activity intensity index (IVAI) indicated that M. anhuiensis is mainly distributed in the core area of the reserve, and deciduous broad-leaved forests are its favorite habitats (χ² = 98.99, df = 2, P < 0.001). The kernel density estimation results showed that two peaks of daily activity are 9:00 to 11:00 and 21:00 to 23:00 (Fig. 4), April and December are the highest peak of monthly activity, and it has a very low activity intensity from June to October (χ² = 22.63, df = 11, P < 0.05) (Fig. 5), its activities vary significantly in the four seasons (χ² = 13.40, df = 3, P < 0.01). M. anhuiensis had a strong ability for nocturnal according to our analysis of circadian rhythms (INRA = 0.64). And we found that the relationship between M. anhuiensis and other species in the reserve is weak according to the analysis of activity rhythm, and there are remarkable differences between the activity rhythm of M. anhuiensis and the other Cetartiodactyla, such as Muntiacus reevesi (Δ = 0.70, P < 0. 05) and S. scrofa (Δ = 0.69, P < 0.05) (Fig. 6). [Conclusion] M. anhuiensis is a nocturnal animal with a bimodal daily activity rhythm, most active in April and December. The activity rhythm of this species is unique and differs significantly from that of the animals in the same region.

Abstract:[Objectives] Damage from large carnivores often deteriorates the relationship between humans and wildlife, which is not beneficial for biodiversity protection. Zoige wetland, one of China’s three most important wetlands, is rich in biodiversity and has a developed livestock industry. However, livestock losses due to wolf (Canis lupus) attacks have happened frequently in recent years. [Methods] To understand the spatial distribution of human-wolf conflicts and the herders’ views on human-wolf conflict management, we visited and investigated 83 villages of 13 towns in Ruoergai County in 2022 (Fig. 1). We surveyed local herders (n = 341) to analyze the trend of the wolf population in Ruoergai County in the past five years and the number of human-wolf conflicts in the past two years. Using multinomial logistic regression, we analyze the key factors influencing the herders’ preferences of human-wolf conflict management. [Results] The results showed that:(1) most respondents (66.0%) reported a perceived increase in the wolf population over the past 5 years; (2) the human-wolf conflict has significant spatial differentiation and was more severe in Baozuo Town (Fig. 2). Baozuo Town is located near mountainous areas with large grazing areas and high concentration of livestock, which has more incidence of human-wolf conflict than other areas; (3) most respondents (85.0%) preferred the measures of compensating and driving off the wolves, while only a few (9.4%) preferred killing wolves; (4) the education level, age, ethnic group and the number of livestock loss significantly influence the herders’ preferences of human-wolf conflict management (Table 1). [Conclusion] Therefore, we suggest enhancing the monitoring of the wolf population, adopting measures to decrease wolf attacks, and optimizing compensation for wildlife accidents. Our study provides a direct basis for current wildlife conservation and management decisions in Ruoergai County and has implications for the management of conflicts between large carnivores and residents in other regions.

Abstract:[Objectives] Yangshan Port is the world’s largest container port. The construction of Yangshan Port began in 2002 and the fourth phase of construction completed in 2017. More than 8 000 m of wharf artificial shoreline were formed, due to the sequential construction of the first to fourth phases of the wharf, the connection of islands and reefs, the reclamation of land, and the docking of ocean-going ships operated by the port. At the mean time, the ecological environment of the port sea area has gradually changed accordingly, resulting in marine biological communities including intertidal macroinvertebrates. This paper compared the ecological characteristics and changes of macrobenthic invertebrates in the artificial intertidal zone of Yangshan Port in the early (2009﹣2010) and post (2021﹣2022) stages of phase IV construction, to provide basic data for evaluating the impact of human activities, such as the operation of Yangshan Port on the macrobenthic invertebrate community in the intertidal zone of the wharf, and the protection of marine biodiversity and the construction of green ports. [Methods] Intertidal macrobenthos was collected at Yangshan Port Artificial Wharf and Dayangshan Artificial Wharf in December 2021, March, July, and September 2022 (Fig. 2), according to the standard protocol for marine studies (GB 12763.6-2008). The temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and salinity of the seawater were measured on-site according to the standard protocol for marine studies (GB 17378.4-2007). Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H), Margalef diversity index (H′), Simpson richness index (D), and Pielou evenness index (E) were used to measure the biodiversity of the macrobenthic invertebrate community. Primer 5.0 was used to calculate the biodiversity index of the macrobenthic invertebrate community in the intertidal zone of Yangshan Port and draw the abundance/biomass comparison curve (ABC curve). Canoco 5.0 was used to analyze the relationship between macrobenthic invertebrates and environmental factors. [Results] The results showed that the species of macroinvertebrates in the artificial intertidal zone of Yangshan Port increased from 17 species at the early stage of the phase IV construction of the port to 28 species (Table 1), among which mollusks increased from 8 to 15 species, arthropods increased from 7 to 9 species, intestinal animals increased to 3 species, and annelids decreased to 1 species. The invasive Chthamalus challenger disappeared, and Amphibalanus amphitrite reappeared as the dominant species. The highest abundance of the artificial intertidal community increased from 6 333.30 ± 1 495.49 ind/m² to 6 517.33 ± 119.67 ind/m², and the highest biomass increased from 1 977.04 ± 281.87 g/m² to 3 724.69 ± 940.94 g/m² (Fig. 4). According to the analysis of the biodiversity of macrobenthic invertebrate communities (Fig. 5), the annual average values of Shannon-Wiener index in the Yangshan Port Artificial Wharf and Dayangshan Artificial Wharf were 1.556 and 1.456, respectively. The biodiversity of the Yangshan Port Artificial Wharf was higher than at the early stage of phase IV construction, and the biodiversity of the Dayangshan Artificial Wharf decreased significantly. According to the ABC curve analysis (Fig. 6), the community structure of macrobenthic invertebrates in the artificial intertidal zone of Yangshan Port Artificial Wharf was unstable and disturbed to a certain extent. The results of the correlation analysis between the density of the macroinvertebrate community in the artificial intertidal zone of Yangshan Port and the main environmental factors (Table 2) showed that temperature, salinity, and total suspended matter concentration were the main environmental factors affecting macroinvertebrates (Fig. 7). [Conclusion] Compared with the early stage of the phase IV construction, the species composition of the macrobenthic invertebrate community in the artificial intertidal zone of the Yangshan Port has changed. The community biodiversity index and ABC curve analysis results showed that the ecological environment of the Yangshan Port was at a medium pollution level. The macrobenthic invertebrate community in the artificial intertidal zone of the wharf is still in an unstable state and faces the risk of human activities. Therefore, it is still necessary to regularly monitor the macrobenthic invertebrate community in the Yangshan Port.

Abstract:[Objectives] This study aims to use molecular markers to investigate the genetic diversity and differentiation of the Chestnut Bulbul (Hemixos castanonotus), an omnivorous bulbul commonly found in the southern mountains of China. [Methods] In this study, the mitochondrial Cytochrome b (Cyt b) gene and seven other nuclear gene intron fragments with a concatenated length of 6 808 bp were used as molecular markers to analyze 11 populations from Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Guizhou, and Jiangxi Provinces. We calculated population estimates, built haplotype networks, performed Bayesian analysis, and inspected the correlation between geographic distance and genetic divergence among populations. [Results] Based on Cyt b, 37 haplotypes were detected, of which 35.6% were presumed to be ancestral. Analysis of molecular variance showed that genetic variation was mainly within populations (79.77%). The results of Tajima’s D and Fu’s Fs neutral analysis supported H. castanonotus might have experienced population expansion (Appendix 1). The Bayesian Skyline Plot based on the nuclear genes suggested that H. castanonotus might have gone through population expansion between 5.3 to 3.7 Mya and 0.7 to 0.3 Mya (Fig. 5). Bayesian phylogenetic analysis of the Cyt b gene showed that the 11 geographic populations were divided into two clades (Fig. 2). The first clade contained only individuals from one population found in Hainan and are ascribed to H. c. castanonotus. The second clade contained individuals from the remaining 10 populations, no significant geographical structure was observed, and individuals in this clade are ascribed to H. c. canipennis. Haplotype network analysis also displayed similar results to the Bayesian phylogenetic analysis (Fig. 4). [Conclusion] Our findings suggest limited differentiation among H. castanonotus using the molecular markers studied, possibly due to insufficient isolation among populations or ancestral polymorphism in the markers. Further research is needed to better understand the demographic and evolutionary history of this species. This information is crucial to understand the underlying discrepancy between genetic and morphologic features in the avifauna evolution in southern China.

Abstract:[Objectives] The aims of this study are to understand the characteristics of the changes of immunity and stress levels of female Forest Musk Deer (Moschus berezovskii) after birth and during the lactation period, and to provide theoretical basis for the effective protection, feeding and management of female Musk Deer and their young in the special period. [Methods] Fecal samples of lactating female Musk Deer and young Musk Deer (Table 1) were collected from April to September 2010. The quantity of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, sIgA ) and cortisol which were extracted from faeces were determined by ELISA and were analyzed by SPSS 22.0, the hypothesis of normality is tested by examining normal probability graphs and calculating Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistics, and then one-way ANOVA and multiple comparisons are made. [Results] The quantity of IgG, IgM and sIgA of captive female Musk Deer showed that the values of IgG and IgM were respectively 406.02 ± 12.48 μg/g and 3 920.30 ± 83.57 ng/g, which were at a high level in the early stage after delivery, then gradually decreased and remained stable. What’s more, the IgG and IgM showed a similar trend of change (Fig. 1 and 2). The quantity of sIgA continued to rise after delivery and remained stable until the 14^th week (Fig. 3). The quantity of IgG, IgM and sIgA of young Musk Deer showed an obvious change pattern, and the value of IgG and IgM significantly decreased after weaning (about the 11^th - 12^th week after delivery) (Fig. 5 and 6), at the same time the quantity of sIgA decreased after weaning, but the decreasing was not significant (Fig. 7). Around the 16^th week, IgG and IgM levels increased again and stabilized over time (Fig. 5 and 6), while sIgA showed no significant change (Fig. 7). The cortisol data of female Forest Musk Deer showed that cortisol levels were high in the first 6 weeks after calving and there was a small increase on the 11^th week after parturition (weaning period) (Fig. 4). The cortisol of young Forest Musk Deer showed an increasing trend at about the 11^th week after birth (weaning stage) (Fig. 8), indicating that weaning behavior caused certain physiological pressure on both mother and young Forest Musk Deer. [Conclusion] During the six weeks after calving, the female Forest Musk Deer was in the tense state of labor and nursing, which was the sensitive period of management and nursing work. In addition, weaning will cause physiological stress to the young Forest Musk Deer, and the 9^th-15^th weeks of growth of the young Forest Musk Deer is the key period for survival.

Abstract:[Objectives] Wolf Snakes of the genus Lycodon represent a major snake radiation in Asia. While recent studies have made major progress on the taxonomy of the genus, distributions of recognized congeners warrant further revisions. The main objective of the current paper is to assess the taxonomic status of the Lycodon populations in western and southern Yunnan Province of China. [Methods] During the fieldwork between June and July in 2022, three specimens of snakes were collected from Yunnan, two of which are from Yingjiang County, and a single specimen is from Mengla County. Mitochondrial DNA fragment (Cyt b) was targeted and amplified using published primers, and the new results were combined with GenBank data to build the phylogeny of the genus and calculate genetic distances. Additionally, morphological data were collected from newly collected specimens and compared with literature. [Results] The two specimens from Yingjiang County were identified as Lycodon septentrionalis (Table 1, Fig. 1), which resurrect the removed record of the species from Yunnan. The single specimen from Mengla County was conspecific with the previously identified as “L. subcinctus” Boie, 1827 from China, but it showed considerable genetic distances from topotipic L. subcinctus from southeast Asia (Table 2), and the phylogenetic relationship with respect to true L. subcinctus remains unresolved. Due to the lack of morphological diagnosis, the Mengla specimen was tentatively assigned as L. cf. subcinctus, which supported the neglected, questionable record of the species in Yunnan. [Conclusion] Based on our discovery, we discuss the distributional history of L. septentrionalis in Yunnan, indicating that both L. chapaensis and L. septentrionalis are found in Yunnan, with the latter species only found in the very southwestern corner of the province. Moreover, we show that the Chinese population of the previously identified “L. subcinctus” represents a cryptic species that warrant further integrative studies. Lastly, based on the results, we support the previous biogeographic hypothesis that Southwestern Yunnan is similar to southeastern Tibet zoogeographically, and we suggest that future research direction for herpetological surveys in Yunnan should focus more along the border regions in the south.

Abstract:[Objectives] The study aims to understand the regulation of the Aspidogaster conchicola nervous system on muscles. [Methods] The naturally infected Aspidogaster conchicola were collected from the pericardium of Anodonta woodiana. According to the development degree of the testis, ovary, uterus, vitelline glands, and other reproductive organs in the insect body under the microscope, the insect body was divided into larva group and adult group. After being fixed with 4% formalin, the muscle fibers and nerve fibers of the larva and adult were observed by phalloidin staining and acetylated tubulin immunohistochemistry, respectively, and were observed by confocal laser microscopy. [Results] Through phalloidin fluorescent staining, we found that the muscle tissue of adult was more developed than that of larvae, and there are two different types of muscle fibers distributed in the body wall, the outer layer is longitudinal muscle fibers, the inner layer is annular muscle fibers, and the muscle fibers are reticulate (Fig. 2a), and the muscle fibers of oral sucker (Fig. 2b), uterus and cirrus pouch (Fig. 2f), and adhesive disc (Fig. 2g) was more densely distributed. Fluorescence staining of acetylated tubulin showed that the neural network of adults was more complex than that of larvae, and some nerve fibers of reproductive organs could be seen (Fig. 4b, c). The results of double staining showed that the distribution of muscle fibers and nerve fibers on different organs of the fluke were consistent with each other (Fig. 5). [Conclusion] The trematode may regulate its muscle activity through the neural network.

Abstract:Four specimens belonging to the subfamily Myotinae were collected from two dwellings (33°43′41″ N, 107°25′13″ E, 1 030 m; 33°43′04″ N, 107°23′59″ E, 1 007 m) in Qinling Mountain, Taibai County, Baoji City, Shaanxi Province in 2011 and 2014, which were preliminarily identified as Myotis muricola moupinensis,and are kept in the Shaanxi Institute of Zoology. In this study, the morphological characteristics of the collected specimens were compared and analyzed with reported data of M. muricola, and we identify their species based on the phylogeny of mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequence, combined with the homologous sequences of 25 bat species obtained from the NCBI database (Table 1). The morphological characteristics are consistent with the original description of M. m. moupinensis by Milne-Edwards (1868-1874) and the redescription by Allen (1938). All specimens are small-sized (length of head and body between 34.59 mm and 43.86 mm, n = 4). The ears are small and black; the anterior edge of the ear is nearly convex, and the posterior edge of the ear has a shallow notch under the apex. The tragus is slender, about half the length of the ear. The feet are small, less than half the length of the tibiae. The hairs on the dorsal surface have dark brown bases and the tips are flecked with russet brown. The ventral hairs have black bases and ochraceous brown tips. The wing membranes are attached to the distal end of the outer metatarsal of the feet. All morphological measurements were in accord with those from M. m. moupinensis. In addition, based on the mtDNA Cyt b gene of 26 bat species, these individuals clustered with Submyotodon sp. and combined into a monophyletic clade in the phylogenetic tree, with a closer genetic distance to S. sp. than to any other species (Fig. 3). The minimum genetic distance was 0.7% between the collected samples and S. sp., the genetic distance between the collected samples and S. caliginosus is 9.5%, and the maximum genetic distance between the collected samples and M. cf. browni is 21.7% (Appendix 1). In summary, based on the morphological and phylogenetic evidence and the latest information on the classification and distribution of mammal species in China, the species collected in Qinlin Mountian in Shaanxi Province are preliminarily identified to be M. muricola moupinensis, which is the new record of Shaanxi Province.

Abstract:Three specimens of Crocidura were trapped by the pitfall trap method in Munike Village, Yangmei Township, Liupanshui City, Guizhou Province, China. The specimens collected are smaller (49.0 ± 0.8 mm). The tail length (41.8 ± 4.2 mm) is slightly shorter than the head and body length (tail length/head and body length is 85%) (Table 2). The back hair is light grayish brown, and the ventral hair is gray, which is lighter than the back hair. The tail is bicolor, black-brownish above, and paler beneath. The back of the front foot is white, and of the back foot is light gray. The tail is almost bare, and long sparse hairs are present at the base of one-third of the tail. Condyloincisive length is 15.92 ± 0.55 mm. The height of the braincase is 4.75 ± 0.18 mm. The specimen has one upper incisor, with a long and large anterior tip and a small and low posterior tip. There were 3 upper unicuspid teeth, the first unicuspid tooth is the largest, and the second unicuspid tooth is slightly larger than the third one. There are one P4 and 3 molars in the maxillary. The above characteristics are consistent with the description and identification of the type specimen of C. dongyangjiangensis. The specimens collected are determined to be C. dongyangjiangensis. The genetic distances between C. dongyangjiangensis specimen recorded and our specimens are the nearest, between 0.004 and 0.027, based on the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. It was shown that our specimen lay in a monophyletic clade together with C. dongyangjiangensis in the phylogenetic tree (Fig. 2). It is further confirmed that the 3 specimens collected are C. dongyangjiangensis.

Abstract:Present distribution areas of Myotis petax in China were Heilongjiang Province, Jilin Province, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and Hunan Province. The purpose of this study is to expand our understanding of the geographical distribution of this species. In the study, eight bat individuals were captured in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province and Quzhou, Zhejiang Province from May to September 2020. The morphological and skull characteristics of the eight bats were measured by using electronic digital calipers. The mitochondrial DNA sequences of these eight bats were sequenced and deposited in the NCBI database. Then, the Cyt b and COI gene sequences of some Myotis species in the NCBI database were downloaded, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed using the maximum likelihood method in MEGA 7.0 software. The genetic distances of the Cyt b gene and COI gene of M.petax, M. daubentonii and M.laniger were calculated based on Kimura 2-parameter model. The main diagnosis characteristics of the eight bats were:small body size, head-body 42.89﹣51.41 mm, tail 35.23﹣42.62 mm, ear 11.21﹣12.68 mm, hind-foot 8.54﹣9.74 mm, forearm 40.18﹣42.22 mm (Fig. 1 and Table 1). Brain-case is lower, and upper and lower tooth rows are shorter. Rostrum is relatively wide; cranial width is greater than one-half the skull length (Fig. 2 and Table 1). Phylogenetic analysis based on Cyt b gene and COI gene sequences showed that the captured bats were well clustered with M. petax formerly discovered at home or abroad (Fig. 3 and 4) and the genetic distance was less than 2% (Table 2 and 3). The eight bats were identified to be M.petax, a new record to Jiangxi and Zhejiang Provinces. The specimens were kept in the Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences at present.

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Abstract:[Objectives] Woodpeckers, important primary cavity excavators and controllers of wood borers, are highly dependent on forests. They are regarded both as umbrella species and indicator species in the forest ecosystem, and have important conservation and ecological-research significance. With a high dependence on forests, woodpecker populations are very sensitive to the changes in forest cover. Since the 20^th century, global forest habitats for woodpeckers have been dramatically reduced and fragmented with the widespread changes in land use, threatening the survival and reproduction of this group. This study aimed to explore patterns of extinction risk and research status of woodpeckers and to lay a foundation for further woodpecker conservation and research. [Methods] We searched the IUCN Red List and BirdLife International online database, 1988﹣2023, to extract data on global changes in the number of woodpecker species and their threat levels; continent-by-continent numbers of woodpecker species and proportions of threatened species; and the major factors threatening the survival of worldwide woodpeckers. Using Google Scholar and online databases, we also collected and categorized the subjects of woodpecker-related articles. [Results] From 1988 to 2023, the number of threatened woodpecker species has increased each year, some species have increased their threat levels, and population trends have also declined. There are 254 species of woodpeckers worldwide. In the past 33 years, the number of threatened species increased from 7 to 18, and the proportion of species threatened increased from 3.4% to 7.0% (Table 1). Of the 18 threatened woodpecker species, 16 experienced population decrease, only 1 threatened species has stable population (Table 2). There are 83 species of woodpeckers in Asia, of which 12.0% are threatened, the highest proportion among all continents. There are 93 species of woodpeckers in South America, of which 6.4% are threatened. There are 56 species of woodpeckers in North America, of which 5.3% are threatened (Table 3). There are currently no threatened species in Africa and Europe, with 36 and 11 woodpecker species, respectively. Agriculture, biological resource use (wood harvesting and hunting), and grazing are the major threats to woodpeckers (Fig. 1). A total of 1 024 articles were searched, involving 140 species of woodpeckers. Since 2001, the number of articles on woodpeckers has rapidly increased. From 2011 to 2020, the number of articles was the highest, with a total of 340 (Fig. 2). Leuconotopicus borealis was the most studied species (162 articles), followed by Dendrocopos major (120 articles) (Table 4). The research primarily focused on nesting (129 articles), habitat selection (122 articles), foraging behavior (112 articles), reproductive behavior (99 articles), and population status (66 articles), among other ecological aspects (Table 5). [Conclusion] Recent studies provide a basis for the accumulation of biological and ecological knowledge regarding woodpeckers. However, there are still many species have not been studied, attention should be paid to ecological studies to determine their habitat needs. In the context of global climate change and the rapid loss of biodiversity, more extensive and in-depth research is needed. Our study comprehensively analyzed the conservation and research status of woodpeckers worldwide, provided a reference for subsequent woodpecker research and conservation.

Abstract:Like human language learning or formation, songbirds’ singing is also a vocal learning behavior. There are clear similarities between them, for example, both of them need auditory feedback to participate in the process of vocal learning, and have stronger vocal learning ability in the juvenile stage and control ability of complex acoustic structures and syllable sequences. Despite the great structural differences between the vocal organs of songbirds and humans, the physical mechanism of their vocalization still shows strong similarity. Although songbirds are distantly related to humans compared to mammals, it is suggested that the neural control of songbird singing and human language also have some evolutionary similarities, by comparing their brain stem innate vocal control pathways, which is the basic pathway for vocal behavior, and the location, interconnection, function and gene expression profile of vocal motor pathways and vocal learning pathways at a higher neural level related to vocal learning. These common features make songbirds an ideal model for studying vocal learning. This review compared the vocal organs and neural control pathways of vocal behavior between songbirds and humans, and forecasted the potential application of songbird models in the treatment of human aphasia, to bring theoretical reference for studying the neural mechanism of human language learning and the treatment of language disorders.

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