Abstract:[Objectives] Poyang Lake is the largest freshwater lake in China and one of the important wintering grounds for Tundra Swans Cygnus columbianus and Siberian Cranes Leucogeranus leucogeranus. They primarily feed on the tubers of the Vallisneria spp. in Poyang Lake, and reduce interspecific competition through spatial niche differentiation. In recent years, the quality of Poyang Lake wetland ecosystem has been deteriorating due to human activities and frequent flooding. The tubers of Vallisneria have been seriously degraded. A sharp decline of tubers of Vallisneria has led a large number of Tundra Swans and Siberian Cranes to shift their foraging habitats from natural wetlands to lotus ponds of the Nanchang Wuxing Siberian Cranes Reserve. Given the limited food resources in Lotus Ponds, the large numbers of Tundra Swans and Siberian Cranes at small lotus ponds may lead to an increase of interspecific competition, which may have a negative impact on the survival of one or both species. [Methods] In this study, we used the scan-sampling technique and focus animal method to investigate the diurnal behaviors, single feeding time, and foraging success frequency per minute of Tundra Swans in monospecific flocks and mixed-species flocks (i.e., flocks include Tundra Swans and Siberian Cranes) at lotus ponds of the Nanchang Wuxing Siberian Cranes Reserve. The investigations were conducted from November 10 to November 25, 2021. One-way ANOVA test or Mann-Whitney U test was used to analyze the data. [Results] The results indicated that foraging (45.59%), moving (17.05%), and resting (15.92%) were the main behaviors of Tundra Swans (Fig. 1). The peak foraging time of Tundra Swans was from 9:00 to 10:00 in the morning and from 16:00 to 17:00 in the evening, and the trough occurred from 11:00 to 12:00 in the noon (Fig. 2). These behavioral strategies may help Tundra Swans cope with the energy consumption at night. Tundra Swans in mixed-species flocks spent significantly higher proportion of time on foraging (47.62%) than that in monospecific flocks (43.34%) (Fig. 3). The average duration of feeding bouts of Tundra Swans in mixed-species flocks (10.90 ± 4.92 s) was significantly higher than that in monospecific flocks (9.96 ± 6.56 s) (Fig. 4). Interspecific competition might result in decreased food availability and lower foraging efficiency for Tundra Swans, hence Tundra Swans increased foraging time to compensate for the negative effects of interspecific competition and to satisfy the energy requirement. The foraging success frequency of Tundra Swans was significantly higher in mixed-species flocks (0.69 ± 0.55 times/min) than that in the monospecific flocks (0.52 ± 0.56 times/min) (Fig. 4). Tundra Swans can hardly get chunks of lotus root by swinging their flippers or pecking with flat beaks. After Siberian Cranes arrived at the lotus ponds, they pecked the lotus root to pieces with their long beaks, which might facilitate Tundra Swan foraging and hence improving their foraging success. [Conclusion] The results of this study indicate that the degradation of submerged vegetation in Poyang Lake has changed the foraging habitats and foraging space of Tundra Swans and Siberian Cranes. A large number of Tundra Swans and Siberian Cranes are competing for food at the same lotus ponds, and interspecific competition intensifying, which may have a negative impact on their survival. Tundra Swans coped with the negative impacts of interspecific competition by increasing foraging time. Our study contributes to the assessment of the potential impacts of submerged vegetation degradation on endangered birds such as Tundra Swans and provides a scientific basis for the formulation of bird conservation policies.

Abstract:[Objectives] Behavioral lateralization is widespread in different animal taxa. Studies have shown that differences in behavioral responses to specific stimuli between left- and right-lateralized individuals may have fitness consequences. This suggests that behavioral lateralization may have significant impact on animals’ adaptation to the natural environment. However, current studies on fitness-related behaviors of lateralized individuals mainly focus on captive animals or wild-caught animals in laboratory environment, and few studies have compared the adaptive differences between left- and right-lateralized individuals under natural conditions. Hence, the understanding of differences in response behaviors to stimuli in a natural setting between left- and right-lateralized individuals remains limited. In this study, we investigated the relationship between behavioral lateralization (specifically, footedness) and nest-site choice in response to human infrastructures in a wild population of Japanese Tits Parus minor in a rural area near the Dongzhai National Nature Reserve, Henan Province, China. [Methods] During the breeding season of Japanese Tits in 2022, we monitored their choice of nest boxes, and caught parental birds and tested their foot-use preference while feeding meal worms. Based on 77 individuals (including 45 males and 32 females) with footedness data available, we conducted generalized linear models with a Gamma distribution and a log link to compare the distances from the nest site to the nearest road and the nearest building, respectively, between left- and right- footed birds. Three explanatory variables (i.e. individual footedness, relative clutch initiation date and the interaction of above two terms) were included in the modeling process. [Results] The results showed that there was no significant difference in the distances from the nest site to the nearest road and the nearest building between left- and right-footed males (Table 1). For females, although the distances from the nest sites to the nearest road increased with clutch initiation date for both left- and right-footed individuals, the distances from the nest sites to the nearest building increased with clutch initiation date in left-footed individuals but remained relatively constant in right-footed individuals (Table 1, Fig 1). [Conclusion] The results suggest a relationship between behavioral laterality of animals and their responses to human disturbance in the wild. Given inadequate study on this topic, we suggest that more work should be done in wild animals for a better understanding of behavioral differences of differently lateralized individuals in their natural environments and the influence of behavioral lateralization on their ability to adapt to environments.

Abstract:[Objectives] Monitoring nesting characteristics is one way to track the reproductive success of a species. [Methods] Based on personal observations and videos collected by micro-camera, we describe the nesting characteristics of Huet’s Fulvetta Alcippe hueti, Red-billed Leiothrix Leiothrix lutea, Indochinese Yuhina Staphida torqueola, Dusky Fulvetta Schoeniparus brunneus, Rufous-capped Babbler Cyanoderma ruficeps, Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus ruficollis, White-tailed Robin Myiomela leucura, Lesser Shortwing Brachypteryx leucophris, Mountain Bulbul Ixos mcclellandii, Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus, Black-throated Prinia Prinia atrogularis, and Yellow-bellied Prinia Prinia flaviventris (Fig. 1). Surveys were conducted in Guangdong Dinghushan National Nature Reserve and Guangdong Tongledashan Province Nature Reserve between 2016﹣2017. Nesting characteristics examined include nest composition, nest height, egg weight, egg size, clutch size, and incubation period. [Results] Based on these characteristics we found:1) Huet’s Fulvetta in Dinghushan, nest height has increased compared to our results from 1989; 2) compared to other studies in China, Red-billed Leiothrix in our study had higher nests; 3) this was the first report that Square-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo Surniculus lugubris and Whistling Hawk-cuckoo Hierococcyx nisicolor removed fledglings of Huet’s Fulvetta. 4) We also found the behavior of removing egg and nestlings by adult Huet’s Fulvetta. [Conclusion] Our results provide the basis for the future research on the life-history strategies of birds in Guangdong.

Abstract:[Objectives] The research on the activity characteristics of species will help to provide an effective scientific basis for species protection. The Koklass Pheasant (Pucrasia macrolopha) is a national second-class protected animal. This study investigates the cluster pattern and spatiotemporal activity patterns of wild P. macrolopha. [Methods] From June 2017 to August 2021, infrared cameras were deployed in Tianjin Baxianshan National Nature Reserve to investigate the cluster pattern and spatiotemporal activity of wild P. macrolopha.A total of 218 independent valid photos were collected. [Results] It was found that seven cluster patterns of wild P. macrolopha were monitored (Fig. 2), and the main cluster pattern was one male and one female (χ² = 29.722, df = 6, P < 0.001). Wild P. macrolopha in this study exhibited diurnal activity characteristics. The nuclear density curve in winter was unimodal while that in other three seasons were bimodal (spring:07:00﹣09:00, 14:00﹣16:00, summer:08:00﹣10:00, 12:00﹣14:00, autumn:07:00﹣09:00, 15:00﹣17:00, and winter:10:00﹣12:00) (Fig. 3). Sex difference was found on the daily activity rhythm of P. macrolopha, and the activity characteristics exhibited a significant staggered peak phenomenon. There was a significant gender difference in the intensity of autumn daily activities (P < 0.001) (Fig. 4). Activities of P. macrolopha in winter tended to be concentrated within the temperature range of﹣9﹣0 ℃ and the altitude range of 800﹣999 m, whereas in other three seasons tended to be concentrated within the temperature range of 10﹣20 ℃ and the altitude range of 600﹣799 m. (Fig. 5). Activity intensity among different temperature ranges (Friedman:χ² = 0.231, df = 3, P > 0.05) and activity intensity among different altitude ranges (Friedman:(χ² = 5.615, df = 3, P > 0.05) showed no significant seasonal differences. [Conclusion] This study could provide a scientific reference for ecological monitoring and protection management of wild P. macrolopha in the future.

Abstract:[Objectives] The present study aims to test the effect of maternal care level on offspring boldness of Labrador Retrievers. [Methods] Behaviors of seven litters of Labrador Retrievers (total of 54 puppies) and their mothers living in standardized rearing conditions in China Guide Dog Training Centre (Dalian) were studied. Maternal care behavior of seven female dogs was recorded continuously from day 1 to 21 after birth with a surveillance camera, and video files were stored for later scoring and analysis. 90 min (comprised of 6 different periods of 15 min, selected from 7:00﹣8:00, 9:00﹣10:00, 12:00﹣13:00, 15:00﹣16:00, 18:00﹣19:00, and 20:00﹣21:00) video of each day was scoring for maternal behavior variables. The variables recorded were:contact with the puppy, stay in the nursing box, nursing the puppy, and licking the puppy. A principal component analysis (PCA) was performed on the four variables and PC-scores were assigned to each mother. To assess the boldness of puppies, each puppy was subjected puppy tests consisting of passive test, metallic sound test, umbrella test, toy test, ramp and tunnel test at 6﹣8 weeks of age (Fig. 1). The Mann-Whitney U test was conducted to contrast the boldness scores of puppies between high PC-scores group and low PC-scores group, and between genders. [Results] The principal component analysis of the maternal care data revealed that just one factor with eigenvalues greater than one (Table 2). The puppies were divided into two groups based on PC-scores of female dogs:high level of maternal care (n = 24) and low level of maternal care (n = 30) (Table 3). Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the scores of 13 behavioral variables in the puppy test by two raters, and the inter-rater reliability was higher than 0.8 (Table 4). Mann-Whitney U test results showed that there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in scores of other behavioral variables between male and female puppies except for the startle of metallic sound test and tension of metallic sound test. 4 (Table 5), and different maternal levels had significant impacts on 9 behavioral variable scores out of 13 (P < 0.05) (Fig. 2). Among them, the puppies with low level of maternal care had lower tension scores in all the puppy sub-tests than those with high level of maternal care. [Conclusion] In conclusion, low maternal care brings intermittent and appropriate intensity of early life stress to puppies, which makes them show better adaptability and greater boldness when facing new environmental stimulation. There is a new suggestion that breeding dogs with low levels of maternal care have a better influence on the boldness development of offspring. However, how to define the level of maternal care to ensure the physically healthy development of puppies while providing moderate early stress to promote the development of puppies’ boldness still needs more research.

Abstract:[Objectives] From 2019 to 2023, 2 specimens of the genus Eothenomys were collected from Gong County (104°50′05″ E, 27°54′27″ N, 1 331 m) and 4 from Xuyong County (105°32′05″ E, 28°13′51″ N, 1 370 m), both in southern Sichuan. These specimens were tentatively identified as Eothenomys eleusis, but their species status is controversial. Recently, E. eleusis has been confirmed as an independent species by morphological and molecular phylogenetics studies. Current research has shown that there are errors in the identification of E. eleusis distributed in Shimian, Meigu, Muli, and other places in Sichuan. In this study, we aim to identify these 6 specimens to update the records of the distribution range of E. eleusis. [Methods] The specimens (voucher numbers:SAF19843, SAF19844, SAF220125, SAF220131, SAF23176, and SAF23177) are stored at the Animal Herbarium of Sichuan Academy of Forestry. We measured the external measurement and skull measurement in 3 of these specimens and compared them with type specimens. Meanwhile, we sequenced the Cyt b gene in 4 of these specimens, and estimated Kimura 2-parameter (K2P) genetic distance using these sequences. In addition, we used the Cyt b gene sequences to construct a Bayesian phylogeny tree of the genus Eothenomys. [Results] According to the morphological description (Fig. 1) and comparison (Table 1) of 3 specimens collected in Sichuan, their tail lengths were about 41% of their body lengths, and the total length of cranium was less than 26.50 mm, which was consistent with that of the E. eleusis. In the phylogeny tree of the genus Eothenomys, the specimens collected in Sichuan and E. e. eleusis was the first cluster, which with E. e. aurora was the second cluster, and then with E. miletus to be the third cluster. The K2P genetic distance between the samples from Sichuan and E. e. eleusis is 0.8%, while between the samples from Sichuan and E. e. aurora is 2.5%. [Conclusion] The classification of E. eleusis is discussed in this paper and confirms the distribution of the E. eleusis in Sichuan. The morphological characteristics of E. eleusis in Sichuan are consistent with those of E. e. aurora, but their genetic relationship is closer to E. e. eleusis in terms of molecular genetic information, which indicate the differentiation of subspecies cannot be reflected in the genetic information of a single gene or several genes, and this discovery provides a reference for species classification research and zoogeography research.

Abstract:[Objectives] The Chinese Giant Salamander Andrias davidianus is the largest amphibian on earth. Although its captive population has exceeded 10 million individuals, it is listed as Critically Endangered on TheIUCN Red Listof Threatened Species. Sexual identification of giant salamanders has long been challenging, although it is crucial to captive breeding and conservation. Consequently, the development of molecular markers targeting female-specific DNA fragments could offer a dependable method for distinguishing between males and females. [Methods] In this study, 15 5-month-old and 17 17-month-old individuals from an artificial breeding farm in Hanzhong, Shaanxi were randomly selected and dissected. The gonad was utilized for tissue section and Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. DNA was extracted from each individual and the female-specific DNA fragments were amplified using four pairs of primers. [Results] The primers adf225 and adf340 yielded the best amplification results, which were consistent with the morphological analysis of gonads (Fig. 1). In both male and female 5-month-old juveniles, the gonads were undifferentiated, appearing as slender, semi-transparent stripes (Fig. 2a, b). In contrast, 17-month-old juveniles displayed obvious differentiation in gonads, with granular ovaries or smooth, and white testes (Fig. 2c, d). Tissue section analysis revealed no significant morphological differences in germ cells between male and female 5-month-old individuals (Fig. 3a, b). However, in the 17-month-old individuals, ovarian cells had differentiated into larger oocytes, while still maintaining the primordial follicles (Fig. 3c). Additionally, sperm nests of testes had differentiated into spermatogonia lobules composed of spermatogonia and sertoli cells (Fig. 3d). Interestingly, there were no visible morphological differences between male and female 5-month-old or 17-month-old juveniles, indicating that external morphology alone is insufficient for sex determination (Fig. 4). [Conclusion] This study successfully identified molecular primers that are highly effective in determining the gender of juveniles. This significant finding provides a practical solution to the challenges posed by sex allocation and holds promising implications for the conservation and management of this species.

Abstract:[Objectives] The long-standing issue of classification controversy between Zhangixalus zhoukaiyae and Z. lishuiensis has existed since their first publication. To further explore and resolve this controversy, an extensive field monitoring study was conducted at the border of Zhejiang and Anhui Provinces, specifically (Huangshan, Anhui and Chun’an, Zhejiang). Five specimens of the Zhangixalus genus were collected. Morphological comparisons and phylogenetic analysis were performed on these five specimens alongside specimens of Z. zhoukaiyae and Z. lishuiensis obtainedfrom their respective type localities. [Methods] Morphological characteristics of the five specimens including 12 morphological data indicators were measured by a vernier caliper, and analyzed together with the holotype of Z. zhoukaiyae and Z. lishuiensis (Table 2). The 16S rRNA gene fragments were amplified for these five specimens, combined with NCBI GenBank data (Table 1), a Bayesian tree was constructed using Mrbayes 3.1.2 and p-distance model in MEGA 6 was used to calculate the genetic distance between individuals of Zhangixalus. [Results] Our results show no significant morphological differences between the five specimens and the type specimens of Z. zhoukaiyae and Z. lishuiensis. Based on the phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene, the five samples clustered into a monophyletic group with the sequences of the type specimen of Z. zhoukaiyae and Z. lishuiensis (Fig. 2). The genetic distance between our five samples and the type specimen of Z. zhoukaiyae is 1.3%, and that of the type specimen of Z. lishuiensis is 0.8%. The genetic distance between the type specimens of Z. zhoukaiyae and Z. lishuiensis is 1.6% (Appendix 1). [Conclusion] Our analysis inferred that Z. lishuiensis is a synonym of Z. zhoukaiyae, our results resolved the existing classification controversy between them. We therefore recommend that Z. lishuiensis and Z. zhoukaiyae should be treated as different geographical populations, as they have not reached the level of interspecific divergence.

Abstract:[Objectives] Dopasia hainanensis Yang, 1983 was first described based on one specimen from Mt. Diaoluo, Hainan, China by YANG Rong-Sheng. D. hainanensis is the least studied species in the Asiatic genus in China. The relationship between morphology and molecular phylogeny is still largely unknown. [Methods] Between 2018 and 2019, two Dopasia specimens were presented from the type locality of D. hainanensis and one Dopasia samplefrom the type locality of D. harti. After the comparison of the preliminary morphological characteristics, it was found that the two Dopasia specimens from Mt. Diaoluo may be the D hainanensis and the D. harti respectively. In this paper, by adding morphological data of other specimens from Mt. Diaoluo and Mt. Wuyi, combined with mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cyt b) DNA sequence analysis, we further verified the taxonomic status of the D. hainanensis. [Results] Based on comparison of morphological characteristics (Appendix 2) and mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cyt b) DNA sequence (Appendix 1), the two Dopasia specimens from Mt. Diaoluo are the same species. The phylogenetic positions of these specimens (p-distance ≥ 4.96%) from the two places are very close (Fig. 2), and the morphological differences are not obvious, which indicating the difficulty to find the typical distinguishing characteristics. [Conclusion] Therefore, it is supported that D. hainanensis is a synonym of D. harti, and D. formosensis is a synonym of D. harti, and D. cf. hainanensis in Vietnam may be a new species or subspecies that has not been described. In view of the complex intraspecific phylogeny under D. harti, more detailed samples and markers are needed.

Abstract:[Objectives] Cytokines participate in the immune response, mediate the inflammatory response, and then play a regulatory role in the regeneration and repair process of damaged tissues. [Methods] The tail of Scincella tsinlingensis was amputated with a razor blade to set up tail regeneration model, and immunohistochemical methods were used to detect the histologic localization and expression changes of cytokines interleukin, IL-6, 8, 1β (IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β), interleukin 1 receptor type 1 (IL-1R1), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin, IL-10 (IL-10) at the stage of wound healing. Three visual fields of different parts were randomly selected under microscope with 400-fold magnification for immunopositive cell count. The results were expressed as “Mean ± SD”, one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD were used to analyze the difference in the number of positive cells on different days. [Results] The results showed that six cytokines were positive in bone cells in the spinal cord and vertebrae. The number of IL-6 positive cells in the wound site and the dermis of proximal scale to the stump surface initially showed increasing and later decreasing of these cells, reaching a peak of 194.3 ± 24.9 at 3 d after tail amputation, the number of IL-8 positive cells in the wound surface was 107.7 ± 12.7, exceeding 43.7 ± 9.1 in the dermis at 3 d after tail amputation. The number of IL-1β and IL-1R1 positive cells initially showed increasing and later decreasing of these cells, and significantly more positive cells occurred in the wound site than in the dermis (P < 0.05). The TNF-α positive cells increased from 126.3 ± 35.0 at 0.5 d to 190.3 ± 12.1 at 3 d. The number of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 positive cells initially showed increasing and later decreasing of these cells after tail amputation. At 0.5 d after tail amputation, positive cells reached 201 ± 17.8, which is significantly higher than that in the original tail (P < 0.05, Fig. 7). [Conclusion] The above results indicate that IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, IL-1R1, TNF-α and IL-10 are consistent with the spatial distribution of myeloid-derived cells, jointly participate in tail wound healing of S. tsinlingensis, and may achieve scarless wound healing and promote blastema formation by maintaining an immuno-suppressive microenvironment.

Abstract:The Eremias velox complex, a widespread racerunner in arid Central Asia, exhibits high morphological and genetic variability among different geographic populations. According to historical records, there are two subspecies of E. velox distributed in China, including E. v. velox from the Junggar Basin and the Ily River Valley, and E. v. roborowskii — elevated recently to a separate species E. roborowskii—endemic to the Turpan Basin. During herpetological surveys in May 2022 and July 2023, we captured three specimens of Eremias by hand near the Yiwanquan village of Gaochang District in Turpan City. To identify the taxonomic status of the three specimens, we used several methods as follow. We determined and complied the segments of the mitochondrial COIgene, and used Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood (ML) to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships. We calculated the uncorrected p-distance of different clades/subclades and compared the morphological characteristics.The morphological characteristics of the three specimens are consistent with those of E. v. velox (Fig. 2, 3 and Table 2), the results of phylogenetic relationships and haplotypes network (Fig. 4, 5) and genetic distance also indicated that the identity of the three specimens is E. v. velox.The occurrence of the nominate subspecies E. v. velox is a new reptile record of the Turpan Basin, which is also reported for the first time in the south of Tianshan Mountains. Our finding could provide basic data for further exploring the phylogeographic pattern and evolutionary history of the E. velox complex.

Abstract:The Asian horned toad genus Boulenophrys within the family Megophryidae, is a typical representative for Oriental fauna, spreading throughout southern China, southern and eastern Himalayas, across Indochina to islands of the Sunda Shelf and the Philippines.On June 12, 2022, during the investigation of amphibian and reptile resources in Nanshan National Park of Chengbu County, Hunan Province, a female specimen (Voucher No. NS20230612) of the genus Boulenophrys, Megophryidae of Anura was collected (110°11′42″ E, 26°11′53″ N) and deposited in the Vertebrate Zoology Laboratory, College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University.The specimen was identified by morphological measurements and phylogenetic analysis based on two mitochondrial genes, namely partial 16S ribosomal RNA gene (16S rRNA) and partial cytochrome c oxidase I gene (COI). The 16S rRNA and COI gene sequences of some Boulenophrys species were also downloaded from GenBank (Table 1). According to the morphological characteristics, the back of the specimen was smooth with moles, the skin on both sides was loose, the warts were spiny, the back was grayish brown, there were dark “X” spots in the center of the back (Fig. 1). It is consistent with the morphological identification characteristics of B. mirabilis collected from Huaping Nature Reserve in Guangxi. The results of phylogenetic analysis based on 16s rRNA and COI gene fragments showed that the collected sample was clustered with B. mirabilis in one branch (Fig. 2). Combined the morphological characteristics and the reconstruction of phylogenetic relationship, the collected specimen was identified as B. mirabilis, which is a new record of amphibian in Hunan Province. The discovery of this species not only increases the species diversity of amphibians in Nanshan National Park, but also provides a reference for the taxonomy and pedigree geography of this species.

Abstract:Two specimens of genus Achalinus (2022AZJLCN1 and 2023AZJLCN2) were collected from Yangyi Reservoir, Lucheng District, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province in September 2022 and April 2023. They were similar to A. yunkaiensis and A. huangjietangi in morphology, respectively. The results of the maximum likelihood tree based on COI gene sequences showed that they were clustered into a clade with these two species respectively. The p-distance of 2023AZJCN2 and A. yunkaiensis was 0.10, lower than that between Achalinus species ranging from 0.12 to 0.16 in China. The p-distance of 2022AZJLCN1 and A. huangjietangi was 0.09, which is not higher than that between A. huangjietangi ranging from 0.04 to 0.12. In the end, 2023AZJLCN2 and 2022AZJLCN1 were identified as A. yunkaiensis and A. huangjietangi. The previous record of A. yunkaiensis was found in Guangdong and Guangxi of China, the discovery in Lucheng District is a new record in Zhejiang Province. And A. huangjietangi was distributed in Anhui and Zhejiang Provinces, the discovery in Lucheng District is the first new record of its distribution in Wenzhou City. The new records of those two species suggested a wider distribution range.

Abstract:Systematic wildlife surveys have been carried out for over 100 years. At present, numerous survey methods have been developed and corresponding survey protocols have been established. In recent decades, Chinese researchers have conducted numerous surveys on wildlife. However, due to the lack of detailed field survey protocols, surveys are often carried out casually, resulting in unreliable and non-standardized data with many important pieces of information missing. Key issues include incomplete information on the sampling line with only the latitude and longitude of the starting and ending points provided, rather than detailed information with points recorded at every second; lack of reliability indicators for animal sighting information, such as the distance from the observer; unreasonable survey times; poor spatial sampling balance in survey regions; and insufficient standardization in recording, such as uncertainty in the recording duration at each observation point. In response, we have proposed some simple and feasible survey guidelines based on internationally accepted standards to improve the quality of field survey data. In addition, we advocate for paperless field recording, using existing mobile APPs and model tools to improve the efficiency of field recording and subsequent data processing. We recommend to develop a national wildlife survey system with thousands of predefined survey routes, so as to minimize the sampling uncertainty and better quantify the temporal dynamics of wildlife populations, and ultimately support wildlife management.

Abstract:Owing to the experimental design and environmental limitations of the past century, reptiles have been erroneously perceived as vertebrates with limited cognitive abilities. The field of animal cognition has experienced significant advancements in the 21stcentury, leading to a surge in research on reptile cognition. Recent studies have revealed that reptiles possess a range of cognitive skills comparable to mammals and birds, including spatial learning and memory, social learning, quality and quantity discrimination, and even tool use. Over the past 20 years, reptiles have gained recognition as valuable research subjects due to their diverse species, reproductive strategies, and social groups. This has filled a gap in the field of animal cognition and positioned reptiles as potential new model organisms for cognitive research. This paper aims to summarize and organize recent directions in reptile cognitive research, highlighting the significant potential of reptiles as model organisms in the study of spatial learning and memory, social learning, quality and quantity discrimination. Furthermore, this paper presents thoughts and prospects for the future development of reptile cognitive research.

Abstract:Melatonin is produced to regulate the rhythmic behaviour of humans and other mammals. Biological rhythm represents a fundamental aspect of life and has been conferred by natural evolution. The activities that organisms perform during their lifetime are controlled and influenced by their biological rhythms. The pineal gland, located in mammals, serves as the regulatory centre for these rhythms and is responsible for synthesizing and secreting melatonin. Melatonin has an important role to play in the rhythmic behaviour of organisms. Previous analyses have mainly emphasised melatonin's pivotal role in circadian and reproductive annual rhythms, while neglecting its contribution to other annual rhythmic processes. This study aims to shed light on the regulation of melatonin in both circadian rhythm and annual rhythmic behaviour, focusing on the production and mechanisms involved. At the same time, it elucidates the intricate network of direct and feedback interactions that link melatonin to the biological clock and the neuroendocrine system. Additionally, it highlights melatonin's significant role in regulating biological rhythms, thereby serving as a point of reference for fundamental research on melatonin and future investigations into the endogenous biological clock mechanism in organisms. As mental disorders, such as circadian disorders, depression, and anxiety, become more common, studies have indicated a close correlation between melatonin secretion and these conditions. Consequently, it is imperative to explore the exact process by which melatonin governs biological rhythms, in order to furnish theoretical signposts for treating such disorders.

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