Abstract:[Objectives] The Wild Camel Camelus ferus is listed as Class I national key protected wild animal and a critically endangered species by the IUCN. Xinjiang Lop Nur Wild Camel National Nature Reserve is the main distribution area of Wild Camels in China. Due to the extremely harsh environment, it is difficult to study the current status and dynamics of Wild Camel population. [Methods] In this study, we investigated the Wild Camel population through line transects in the protected area during 2021﹣2022. The number of adults and calves/sub-adults camels were recorded during the surveys (Fig. 1). One-way ANOVA was used to compare the average group size among different surveys. The abundance index per kilometer and the ratio of adults to calves/sub-adults over the past 20 years were compared, followed by an analysis of the changes in Wild Camel population structure. [Results] A total of 148 camels belonging to 29 populations were recorded in the 2021﹣2022 field survey (Table 1), with almost all the Wild Camels found in the gobi area north of Altun Mountains except one individual (Fig. 2), while 376 camels belonging to 94 populations recorded in the 2010﹣2013 field survey, and 91 camels belonging to 10 populations recorded in the 2003﹣2005 field survey. There was no significant difference in the average group size with more than or equal to 2 or 10 Wild Camels among the three surveys. Regarding groups with more than or equal to 10 Wild Camels, the results showed that the ratio of adults to calves/sub-adults in 2021﹣2022 and 2010﹣2013 was 3︰1, and that of Wild Camels in 2003﹣2005 was 3.6︰1 (Table 2). [Conclusion] The population structure of Wild Camels has remained stable over the past 10 years, which is healthier than it was 20 years ago. Our conclusion is also consistent with the current growth trend of Wild Camel population in the protected area. The study on the changes of Wild Camel population structure reflects the population dynamics and conservation effectiveness of Wild Camel to a certain degree, and provides scientific guidance for the population conservation and management of Wild Camel in China.

Abstract:[Objectives] Gansu Province, endowed with diverse landscapes, harbors a wealth of biodiversity. Recent years have witnessed significant changes in bird species distribution across China, accompanied by taxonomic revisions driven by advancements in molecular biology and taxonomy research. Despite these developments, the bird species list for Gansu Province remained static since the publication of Vertebrate Fauna of Gansu by WANG Xiang-Ting in 1991. This study aimed to update the species list, providing insights into avian diversity and fauna in Gansu Province, China. [Methods] Building upon WANG Xiang-Ting’s bird list from Vertebrate Fauna of Gansu, we incorporated new bird records from research literature, field investigation, BirdReport, eBird, and A Checklist on the Classification and Distribution of the Birds of China by ZHENG Guang-Mei in 2023. Information from literature and professional books was fully added, and online resources were included after careful screening. Our efforts not only refreshed the bird list but also categorized the species based on migration type, fauna, distribution, protection status, and endemism. We updated the classification according to ZHENG Guang-Mei’s treatise as well. Gansu’s avifauna was classified into six regions, aligning with WANG Xiang-Ting’s study in 1981 (Fig. 1). [Results] Up to August 15, 2023, our research revealed a total of 645 bird species, encompassing 289 genera, 84 families, and 21 orders (Appendix 2), constituting 42.86% of China’s total bird species (1 505). A comparative analysis with Wang Xiang-Ting’s earlier work disclosed 165 newly added species and reclassification of 323 species. Among the newly added species, 21 were elevated from subspecies, 6 were identified as vagrants, and the remaining 138 were newly distributed species. In terms of protection status, 32 species were classified as class I nationally key protected wild animals, 115 as class II, and 36 as threatened according to The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, including 3 Critically Endangered, 8 Endangered, and 25 Vulnerable species. Moreover, 74 species were listed under Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix. Of note, 45 species were endemic to China (Appendix 1). Out of the total of 645 species, 485 species bred in Gansu, with 186 being Palearctic species, 161 being widespread species, and 138 being Oriental species. Geographically, the Middle Loess Plateau recorded the highest species count (377), followed by the South-Gansu Mountainous Region (365), while the Qilian Mountainous Region exhibited the least (204) (Table 1). [Conclusion] In conclusion, our study confirmed the presence of 645 bird species in Gansu Province until August 15, 2023, providing crucial insights into the region’s avian biodiversity. These findings serve as a foundational resource for conservation efforts and sustainable utilization of natural resources in Gansu Province. Against the backdrop of drastic global climate change, the distribution of bird species will continue to evolve, necessitating regular updates to the bird list of Gansu Province.

Abstract:[Objectives] Guangdong Province, located in southern China and the subtropical and tropical zone of East Asia, has a highly diverse fauna of amphibians and reptiles, which attracted a number of research efforts consistently. However, some previous studies were imperfect in quality, and an overall and detailed report of the herpetofauna in Guangdong is still absent. Therefore, researchers from School of Life Sciences / School of Ecology, Sun Yat-sen University (Code:SYS), conducted a series of field investigations in numerous localities in Guangdong recently, and obtained many amphibian and reptile specimens. Morphological examinations and molecular phylogenetic analyses on these specimens were employed, to determine if there were newly recorded species in Guangdong among them. [Methods] From 2018 to 2023, a total of 810 amphibian and 391 reptile specimens from Guangdong were collected and deposited in SYS. Morphological characters of these specimens were examined and measured in digital vernier caliper (Deli DL91200 Stainless Hardened, 0 to 200 mm, being accurate to 0.1 mm) to primarily identify the species, then Bayesian inference trees were constructed using MEGA 11, jModeltest, and MrBayes 3.2.4, and uncorrected p-distance were calculated using MEGA 11, based on mitochondrial 16S rRNA, COI, ND2,andCyt b genes, to confirm the species delimitation. [Results] We confirmed eight species as new records of amphibians and reptiles in Guangdong (Fig. 1), including Pachytritonwuguanfui (collected in Giant Salamander Provincial Natural Reserve, Liannan, Guangdong), Bombina fortinuptialis (collected in Mt. Dawuling, Xinyi, Guangdong), Boulenophrys xiangnanensis (collected in Giant Salamander Provincial Natural Reserve, Liannan, Guangdong), Odorrana wuchuanensis (collected in Jiangying Town Forest Station, Yangshan, Guangdong), Nidirana xiangica (collected in Mt. Dadongshan, Lianzhou, Guangdong), Theloderma corticale (collected in Mt. Nanling, Ruyuan, Guangdong), Gekko palmatus (collected in Mt. Dinghushan, Zhaoqing, Guangdong), and Pareas stanleyi (collected in Mt. Nanling, Ruyuan, Guangdong). Morphological characters of these newly collected specimens in Guangdong were described and measured (Table 1﹣4), and their phylogenetic relationships were also analyzed (Appendix 1﹣16). [Conclusion] The amphibian and reptile fauna of Guangdong was preliminarily made clear, but due to the imbalanced and inadequate herpetological research in Guangdong previously, especially in western, northwestern, and northeastern regions, the diversity of amphibians and reptiles in this province is still underestimated. In summary, the herpetofauna of Guangdong needs further investigations and conservations in the future.

Abstract:[Objectives] Reversed sexual dimorphism (RSD) is a deep issue in evolutionary biology, which helps us to understand the adaptation and evolutionary process of species. Predatory bird species are well known for their RSD in size, and the degree of RSD is closely related to the type of main prey. Unfortunately, little is known about the sexual dimorphism in wing shape and limb muscles that characterize the flight and grasping ability of predatory birds. [Methods] In this study, 12 adult individuals of Common Kestrel (9 females and 3 males) were compared by the measurements of 6 wing morphological parameters, as well as the muscle masses of the pectoral muscles and 14 muscles related to toe’s grasping, to detect the intersexual differences. Independent sample t-tests were used to evaluate whether there were significant differences between sexes in 6 wing parameters and 16 muscle masses. Given that the difference in body size was significant, differences in above-mentioned parameters between sexes for a given body size were tested using an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with body mass as covariate. [Results] The results showed that the wingspan, wing area, and wing loading of female birds were greater than those of males, but the wing tip of males was sharper than that of females (Table 1). Statistically, these differences were non-significant, but indicated the higher flight efficiency of male birds which was beneficial for providing sufficient food for the female and nestlings. Muscle mass is directly proportional to power output and determines the overall functional capacity of a muscle. The mass of the pectoralis muscle in females was higher than that in male birds, and showed significant RSD. But for the 14 pelvic muscles, only flexor perforans et perforatus digiti II and adductor digit II presented significant RSD (Table 2). Results in the leg muscles mainly suggested similar grasping capability between genders, and on the other hand, also indicated that the second toe of female birds has a strength advantage when hunting. [Conclusion] Based on previous studies and the results of Common Kestrel, it is speculated that the RSD and its degree in wing shape and limb muscle masses might be similar to that of RSD in size, and also highly related to the type of main prey.

Abstract:[Objectives] The characteristics of resource utilization, niche differentiation and coexistence mechanism of sympatric species were considered the research focuses in the field of ecology, and those studies have the guiding significance for the conservation of endangered species and biodiversity protection. [Methods] From July to August 2018, the line-transect methods and quadrat sampling method were adopted to investigate the habitat characteristicof sympatric speciesincluding Tetraogallus himalayensis, Pseudois nayaur, Marmota bobak, and Capra hircus in Dongdashan Nature Reserve, Gansu Province. A total of 6 ecological factors were measured to explore the differences in habitat use among the four species. We also adopted the niche breadth and overlapping index of habitats’ ecological factors to measure the degree of niche overlap among four species. Some statistical testing methods were used for data analysis:one-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov Z test for normality test of data; one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used when data satisfied normal assumption for comparison among multiple independent samples, and Kruskal-Wallis test was used when data not satisfied normal assumption; independent sample T-test was used when data were satisfied normal assumption for comparing with two independent samples, and instead, Mann-Whitney U test was used when data were not satisfied normal assumption; principal component analysis (PCA) and kernel density estimation were used for presenting niche differentiation degree among the four species. [Results] We found 108, 56, 110 and 42 locations respectively for T. himalayensis, P. nayaur, M. bobak and C. hircus in Dongdashan Nature Reserve (Fig. 1). The results of statistical analysis showed that the ecological factors were significantly different among the four species (Table 1), and the scatter plots of the principal component score of habitat ecological factors for different species indicated there were obvious niche differentiations, but there were still niche overlaps (Fig. 2). The niche breadth and overlapping index of 6 ecological factors among different species showed that T. himalayensis held two eurytopic factors that the value of trophic niche breadth bigger than 0.8, while P. nayaur held five eurytopic factors, M. bobak held three factors and C. hircus with two. The overlapping index of altitude, slope, aspect, and distance to the road between T. himalayensis and C. hircusare were higher than the indexes between other animals, which showed that the effect of grazing. The number of eurytopic ecological factors of P. nayaur and M. bobak was greater than T. himalayensis, and frequently appeared in the territory of T. himalayensis, which showed that similarity of habitat selection (Table 2, 3). In particular, the niche breadth and overlapping indexes of ecological factors among four species can be directly reflected by the kernel density functions, and we also found significant overlap between T. himalayensis and other animals in some specific intervals of ecological variables (Fig. 3). [Conclusion] With regard to the particular resources preference and narrow niche selected, as well as the last surviving core distribution area of T. himalayensis in Dongdashan Nature Reserve, although other three animals had more or less different habitat preferences, due to their wider niche and probabilistic co-occurrence in same locations, the potential mutually competition among different species was probably remains.

Abstract:[Objectives] Understanding migratory rhythms, routes and habitat preferences of migratory birds is crucial for developing bird conservation strategies and holds significant importance for the conservation of migratory birds. [Methods] In this study, a Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia was captured in October 2020 in Leizhou Bay, Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province, China, and equipped with a satellite tracking device to record its activity. Starting on October 23, 2020, and continuing until October 16, 2021, this tracking provided activity data of the Common Greenshank every 6 h, including time, location, instantaneous speed, and altitude. The satellite tracking data was used to identify wintering sites, spring migration routes, breeding sites, and autumn migration routes of the Common Greenshank. [Results] The Greenshank wintered in Leizhou Bay and began its spring migration on May 15, 2021. It passed through Poyang Lake, Bohai Bay, and Hulun Lake, China, completing the migration to the Viluy River basin in the Sakha Republic, Russia, in 28 d, covering approximately 5 076 km. The autumn migration started on July 16, 2021, passing through locations such as Hulun Lake, Bohai Bay, and the Yangtze River Estuary, reaching Leping City in Jiangxi Province on October 13, and losing signal on October 16. This autumn migration lasted for 89 d, covering approximately 4 186 km (Table 1). During the spring migration, the bird had 8 stopover sites, and during the autumn migration, it had 5 stopover sites. Energy replenishment sites included the Poyang Lake area, Xilamulun River, Hulun Lake, Bohai Bay, and the Yangtze River Estuary (Fig. 1). During both spring and autumn migrations, the Common Greenshank primarily flew at night. Single flight distances range between 88 to 1 613 km (Table 2). The instantaneous flight speeds range from 73.2 to 112.6 km/h, and the instantaneous flight altitudes range from 572 to 2 386 m. [Conclusion] This study reveals a nearly complete migratory path of the Common Greenshank throughout a migration cycle, providing direct evidence for discovering and understanding the migratory routes and important stopover sites of this species along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.

Abstract:[Objectives] Crested Ibis Nipponia nippon is protected at the national level in China and is also one of the most critically endangered bird species globally. Unfortunately, the population of wild Crested Ibises has experienced a drastic decline due to environmental degradation. Research indicates that the gut microorganisms of Crested Ibises play vital roles in nutrient absorption, immune regulation and healthy growth. The objective of this study was to culturally analyze the intestinal microbiota of Crested Ibis nestlings for beneficial microorganisms. In this study, the gut microbial diversity and extracellular enzyme activity of Crested Ibises were examined to further understand their healthy development. [Methods] The intestinal microorganisms in Crested Ibis nestlings were obtained through pure culture methodology. The identification of the bacteria involved a combination of Gram staining, physiological and biochemical analysis, and 16S rRNA gene amplification and sequence analysis. A phylogenetic tree was subsequently constructed using 16S rRNA gene sequences of intestinal bacteria derived from Crested Ibis nestlings, including representative isolates and related species. Strains that produced amylase, protease, cellulase, or lipase were screened through hydrolytic cycle degradation. [Results] A total of 254 strains of bacteria were isolated from the fresh excreta of artificially-reared Crested Ibis nestlings, comprising 2 phyla and 9 genera (Table 2). Thirty-three gram- positive strains and 221 strains of gram-negative bacteria were identified (Fig. 1). Among these strains, 211 were identified as Proteobacteria, accounting for 83.07% of the total isolates. Among them, 179 were Escherichia sp., representing 70.47% of the total number of isolates, additionally, 18 strains of Citrobacter sp. (7.09%), 14 strains of Enterobacter sp. (5.51%), and 14 strains of Klebsiella sp. (5.51%) were also isolated. Of the total number of isolates, 7.09% were identified as follows:fourteen strains of Enterobacter sp. (5.51%), 4 strains of Klebsiella sp. (1.57%), 4 strains of Shigella sp. (1.57%), two strains of Aeromonas sp. (0.79%), and another 2 strains of Aeromonas sp. (0.79%). Forty-three strains, accounting for 16.93% of all the isolates, belonged to Firmicutes, in which 27 strains (10.63%) belonged to Enterococcus sp., 4 strains belonged to Lysinibacillus sp. (1.57%), and Bacillus sp. had 4 strains (1.57%). Physiological and biochemical identification revealed that the traits of each strain were in accordance with their respective 16S rRNA genes (Table 1). The differences between enzyme-producing strains were evaluated (Fig. 4), and the types and efficacy of extracellular enzyme production in these cultivable bacteria were analyzed (Fig. 5). The results revealed that 244 strains produced protease, 19 strains produced lipase, 10 strains produced amylase, and 4 strains produced cellulose (Fig. 3). [Conclusion] The Crested Ibis conservation station aims to research intestinal microorganisms to prevent deaths resulting from intestinal diseases during the summer and fall seasons each year. We found that the bacteria isolated from the intestines of Crested Ibis nestlings were classified into nine genera belonging to two phyla. Escherichia, a member of the phylum Proteobacteria, was the most abundant genus, accounting for 70.47% of the isolates, and 86.22% of the strains produced proteases. The findings can offer technical insights into the breeding of Crested Ibises.

Abstract:[Objectives] Transcriptome sequencing was performed on the samples collected after blood discontinuous density gradient centrifugation to explore the key functions of the blood cells of Chinese Soft-shelled Turtle Pelodiscus sinensis and to find out the marker genes related to immune function. [Methods] Blood samples of P. sinensis were stained with DQ to further characterize and describe the cell types. We used Percoll separation method to isolate erythrocytes, lymphocytes and thrombocytes of P. sinensis from whole blood with densities greater than 60%, 20%﹣40% and 50﹣60% for bulk transcriptome sequencing, with 3 biological replicates per sample. [Results] DQ staining showed the morphological characteristics of 7 blood cells of P. sinensis (Fig. 1). Venn diagram analysis results showed that coexpressed and specifically expressed genes were screened based on expression levels between the two groups, among which 274, 628 and 295 specific genes were expressed in erythrocytes, lymphocytes and thrombocytes, respectively (Fig. 2a). 1 701, 1 570 and 1 280 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened between lymphocyte and erythrocyte groups, between thrombocyte and erythrocyte groups, and between thrombocyte and lymphocyte groups, respectively (P–adjust < 0.001) (Fig. 2b). GO enrichment showed that the up-regulated gene of erythrocytes had lysozyme activity and transferase activity, and was involved in the regulation of active oxygen metabolism (Fig. 3a). The up-regulated differential genes of lymphocytes were related to cytokine activity, and participated in the immune response to regulate the signaling process of cell surface receptors and the response to viruses (Fig. 3b). The up-regulated differential genes of thrombocytes were mainly involved in myeloid leukocyte activation, granulocyte activation and defense response (Fig. 3c). KEGG enrichment showed that the differential genes of lymphocytes and erythrocytes were enriched to NF-κB signaling, EB virus infection, T cell receptor signaling pathway, etc (Fig. 4a). The differential genes of thrombocytes and erythrocytes were enriched to platelet activation and hematopoietic cell lineage (Fig. 4b). Differential genes of thrombocytes and lymphocytes were enriched to the IL-17 signaling pathway, the interaction of viral protein with cytokines and cytokine receptors in lymphocytes and thrombocytes cells (Fig. 4c). The cluster analysis results of stratified blood bulk transcriptome revealed important potential marker genes of three types of cells screened from single-cell transcriptome (Fig. 5). [Conclusion] We further explored the function of blood cells of P. sinensis turtle by using discontinuous density gradient centrifugation combined with bulk transcriptome sequencing. The high expression of specific genes in the three cell types provided a basis for cell marker gene screening and antibody development of P. sinensis.

Abstract:[Objectives] The study aims to analyze the complete sequence of the mitochondrial genome of Heizensteinia microcephalus and Chuanchia labiosa, and to explore the phylogenetic relationship of Schizothoracinae fishes based on the mitochondrial genome sequence. [Methods] We obtained the mitochondrial genome sequences of H. microcephalus and C. labiosa from NCBI and used the online software MitoAnnotator to map the mitochondrial genomes. The base composition of the whole mitochondrial genomes of both species was calculated using the Sequence Manipulation Toolbox. Relative synonymous codon usage(RSCU) was calculated using CodonW software. Ka/Ks values were calculated using KaKs_calculator v 3.0 software based on the NG method. The best nucleotide substitution model was automatically selected using the MFP parameter in IQtree2 software, and the maximum likelihood(ML) tree was constructed using the GTR + F + I + I + R2 evolutionary model, and the confidence value of each branch node of the phylogenetic tree was examined using bootstrapping with1 000 repetitions. Differentiation times were estimated using the MCMCtree subroutine in the PAML v4.9j package. [Results] The two mitogenomes are typical circular molecules of 16 726 and 16 705 bp in length containing 13 protein-coding genes(PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes(tRNAs), two ribosomal RNA genes(rRNAs) and one non-coding control region(D-loop) (Fig. 1 and Table 2). In addition, the ATPase8gene showed a higher Ka/Ks value (0.527 and 0.256) and the NDL4gene showed a lower Ka/Ks value (0.527 and 0.256, Fig. 3). Maximum likelihood phylogenetic analyses revealed that H. microcephalus and C. labiosa were the closest relatives, and the genus Heizensteinia and the genus Chuanchia were closest to the genus Schizopygopsis (Fig. 4). The divergence between H. microcephalus and C. labiosa was dated back to 0.83 million years ago(Mya) (Fig. 5). [Conclusion] This study helped to improve biodiversity conservation strategies for highland fishes in the future.

Abstract:During the survey conducted in Zhushadong Village (38°10′48″ N, 113°55′22″ E, 509 m), Jingxing County, Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province, China in July 2023, a collective count of sixteen Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus spp.) and four Myotis (Myotis spp.) were successfully captured utilizing harp traps. The external morphological features, specifically the forearm length, of a total of twenty bats were quantified. Following this, a subset comprising four Horseshoe Bat specimens and two Myotis specimens were chosen for the purpose of measuring skull parameters, documenting echolocation calls, and conducting identification and phylogenetic analysis using COI and Cyt b gene sequences. The results of these measurements were reported as mean ± standard deviation. The echolocation calls emitted by the Horseshoe Bat were classified as frequency modulation-constant frequency-frequency modulation type (Fig. 1a). These calls exhibited a peak frequency of 54.23 ± 0.39 kHz. The forearm lengths of the bats ranged from 45.51 to 49.23 mm (Table 1). The bats possessed large ears (Fig. 2), with lengths ranging from 22 to 26.22 mm. In the Hebei samples, the third metacarpal bone was comparatively shorter, while the fourth and fifth metacarpal bones were longer. The total length of the skull varied between 18.3 and 19.26 mm (Table 1). Additionally, the bats displayed a narrow interorbital breadth. The coronoid process of the mandible was relatively low, and the second premolar of the maxilla exhibited well-developed characteristics (Fig. 2). The external morphology and skull characteristics of the Horseshoe Bat samples were found to be consistent with those of the Big-eared Horseshoe Bat (R. macrotis). Additionally, the COI gene sequences exhibited a 100% similarity with the R. macrotis in NCBI database, while the Cyt b gene sequences exhibited a 98.68% similarity, and they formed a cluster with other R. macrotis specimens in the phylogenetic tree (Fig. 4). The echolocation calls of the Myotis bats were classified as frequency modulation type (Fig. 1b), with a peak frequency of 43.56 ± 3.73 kHz. The forearm lengths ranged from 57.56 to 61.28 mm (Table 2). The ears were characterized by their narrow and elongated shape (Fig. 3), measuring between 21.19 and 23.34 mm in length. Finally, the lengths of the third, fourth, and fifth metacarpal bones were also recorded. The mandibular incisors exhibited a tricuspid morphology, with the third lower incisor in close proximity to the canine tooth. Additionally, the second lower molar displayed the smallest size (Fig. 3). The external morphology and cranial characteristics of the Myotis specimens were found to be in accordance with those of the Lesser Mouse-eared Myotis (M. blythii). Moreover, the COI gene sequence demonstrated a 99.5% similarity with the M. blythii in NCBI database, while the Cyt b gene sequence exhibited a 99.9% similarity. Furthermore, these sequences formed a cluster with the M. blythii species in the phylogenetic tree (Fig. 5).The captured species were identified as R. macrotis and M. blythii through the examination of external morphological data, skull parameters, and COI and Cyt b gene sequences. This finding signifies a novel addition to the existing knowledge of the distribution of these species within the Chiroptera of Hebei Province, China.

Abstract:During the amphibian survey in Wulong District, Chongqing City, five specimens were collected on 2 August, 2022 (29°32′29″ N, 107°53′15″ E, altitude 697 m) (Fig. 1). Compared the specimens with other species of the genus Odorrana by morphological and molecularevidences(Table 1), the specimens were identified as Odorrana kweichowensis, which is the new record of Chongqing, China. Morphologically, the specimens collected from Wulong appeared to be similar with O. kweichowensis (Fig. 2), the snout vent length of the males and females collected from Wulong were longer than that of the topotype (Table 2); molecularly, we constructed phylogenetic trees using Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood (ML) methods based on ND2 gene and calculated the genetic distances between species of the genus Odorrana using Kimura 2-parameter model in MEGA v6.0. The BI and ML trees based on ND2 gene presented almost consistent topology, showing that the five specimens from Chongqing were clustered with O. kweichowensis with high support (1.00/100) (Fig. 3). The genetic distance between the specimens from Chongqing and O. kweichowensis from type locality was 0.03%, much lower than that between Odorrana species, ranging from 5.56% to 24.38% (Table 3). The new record of O. kweichowensis in Chongqing would promote taxonomic and phylogeographic studies on this species.

Abstract:Two small snakes were respectively collected in Shiwu Village (119°09′38″ E, 28°04′59″ N, altitude 225 m), Jianchi Streetand, and Lu’ao Village (119°12′25″ E, 27°55′25″ N, altitude 933 m), Lanju Town, Longquan, Lishui City, Zhejiang Province, China on October 8, 2021 and May 18, 2022. They are similar to Achalinus dehuaensis in morphology, with some slight differences in the type specimens. The snout-vent length and the tail length are longer than the type specimens. Twenty-one mitochondrial COI gene sequences of the genus Achalinus from GenBank were selected. Fimbrios klossi (Smith, 1921) and Parafimbrios lao (Teynié, David, Lottier, Le, Vidal & Nguyen, 2015) were chosen as outgroups. On the phylogenetic tree, the two newly collected samples clustered together with the holotype of A. dehuaensis (Voucher Number:YBU 13013) with high support (92%). The uncorrected pairwise distance between the two samples and the holotype of A. dehuaensis are 3.19%, less than those between the species of Achalinus (4.47%﹣23.34%). The newly collected specimens are identified to A. dehuaensis based on morphological and genetical data. It is a new record species of reptiles in Zhejiang Province. The specimens are deposited at the Anhui Normal University (Voucher number:ANU20230018 and ANU20230019).

Abstract:In August 2016,eight individuals of bats were captured in Gongri Village, Damu Township and Beibeng Village, Beibeng Township in Medog County, Xizang Autonomous Region, China. Only one female individual was retained as a specimen and brought back to the laboratory (162427, ♀). The morphological and skull features of the specimen were measured using electronic digital calipers. Based on the cytochrome b (Cyt b) and cytochrome c Oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene sequences, the phylogenetic trees were reconstructed using maximum likelihood method in MEGA 7.0. The main diagnosis characteristics of the specimen are as follows. The specimen is large, with head body length of 78.7 mm and forearm length of 92.5 mm. The hairs are long and fine, the whole body is dark brown, the hair base is light brown and white, and gradually transitions to brown. The belly hair color is light, the hair base is gray, and the hair tip transition to grayish white. The hind-foot length is 17.2 mm, less than half of the tibia length (39.8 mm). There is no notch in the middle of the anterior nasal lobe and 4 small accessory leaves on both sides (Fig. 1b). The ears are large and sharp, with a sunken back edge. The skull is relatively flat, with a maximum length of 31.9 mm and a brain-case height of 13.3 mm. The rostral process of the skull was significantly increased from front to back, connected with the sagittal spine. The zygomatic arch is wide and the zygomatic arch plate is high. It is consistent with the shape and skull characteristics of the Hipposiderosarmiger. The data of head length, ear length and tail length are slightly smaller than those of Yunnan, Sichuan, China and Vietnam, but the skull data are similar (Table 1). Phylogenetic analysis based on Cyt b and COI gene sequences showed that the captured bat was well clustered with H.armiger (Fig. 2). Combining morphological and molecular data, the bat was identified as H.armiger, a new record for Xizang Autonomous Region, China. The specimen was kept in the Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Science.

Abstract:The family Agonidae comprises small to medium-sized fishes armored with bony plates, dwelling in the demersal waters of mid to high latitudes globally. To date, 24 genera and 54 species have been documented worldwide, with 4 genera and 5 species identified in China. During the examination of specimens in the collection of the Shanghai Ocean University, two specimens of Percis japonica (Pallas, 1769) were discovered, one of which, collected from the northern Yellow Sea in 1965, represents a new species record for China (Fig. 1). This study conducted detailed morphometric analyses on the specimen and compared it with another specimen from the Bering Sea stored in the same collection (Table 1). The main morphological characteristics are:mouth terminal, with the snout lacking prominent barbels; dorsum highly elevated at nape, dorsal fins rays V﹣VI, 6﹣8, anal fins rays 7﹣9, few middorsal plates, complete absence of midventral plates; body presents a light brown hue, flanks marked by several dark transverse bands. Additionally, a key to the 4 genera and 6 species of the family Agonidae recorded in Chinese waters is provided herein. This study lists the main identification characteristics of P. japonica. and underscores the latent value of museum specimens in the detection of newly discovered species.

Abstract:Advancements in molecular techniques has expanded our knowledge on the evolutionary relationships between birds. This has led to many changes in bird classifications from Peters’ system, which was based on morphological traits. ZHENG Guang-Mei was the editor of the first to fourth editions of A Checklist on the Classification and Distribution of the Birds of China from 2005 to 2023, a book that reflects the current research. This paper is to commemorate the Academician ZHENG Guang-Mei on the first anniversary of his passing.This paper analyzes the reasons changes were made at the order and family levels. Original studies were examined, especially those that deal with mitochondrial and nuclear genes and whole genomes during the last few decades. When you compare the first to the second edition, few changes were made; same with the third to the fourth edition. However, between the second and third edition, four new orders (e.g. PHAETHONTIFORMES, OTIDIFORMES, SULIFORMES and FALCONIFORMES), and fourteen new families were added. Additionally, two orders (e.g. APODIFORMES and UPUPIFORMES), and six families were removed. We will trace the reasons for these changes according to the original studies.The four editions edited by ZHENG Guang-Mei have become important references for the systematic classification of birds in China during the 21st century. We need to take after and embrace Academician ZHENG Guang-Mei’s spirit of drawing on the strengths of others and keeping up with the times.

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