Abstract:[Objectives] Investigating the dietary information and trophic niche of animals has great significance for assessing individual quality and formulating conservation and management strategies. The Crested Ibis (Nipponia nippon) is an endangered species. Since 10 individuals were reintroduced to Deqing, Zhejiang in 2008, the Deqing captive-bred population has grown to 382 individuals and has now become an important source base for the Crested Ibis reintroduction program in southern China. However, due to the lack of effective technical methods and evaluation indicators, the trophic status of the captive-bred population in Deqing has not been assessed. Consequently, the formulation of conservation management measures lacks a scientific basis. The isotopic niche, based on stable isotope analysis, provides a novel approach for quantifying animal diets and trophic levels. [Methods] In this study, feather samples were collected from captive-bred Crested Ibis populations in both Deqing and Yangxian (10 samples per site) in 2022 and 2023. By measuring the δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values in the feather samples, we quantitatively evaluated the trophic niches and their differences between the captive-bred populations in Deqing and Yangxian. [Results] The Deqing population exhibited a similar range of δ¹³C values, a significantly higher mean δ¹³C value (t = 12.94, df = 17.72, P < 0.001), and slightly lower range and mean of δ¹⁵N values (W = 0.94, P > 0.05) in comparison with the Yangxian population (Fig. 1). Furthermore, the Bayesian standard ellipse area (SEA_B) of the Deqing population was smaller (1.19‰² vs. 1.77‰²), and the isotopic niches of the two populations were significantly separated without overlap (Table 1, Fig. 2). These findings indicated that the captive-bred population in Deqing occupied a lower trophic level in their diet, which may contribute to the poorer physical condition. Furthermore, we found that the trophic niche of captive-bred populations was significantly lower than that of wild populations. This suggests that increasing dietary diversity during acclimation may improve reintroduction outcomes. We recommend enhancing environmental enrichment and management within the acclimation cage, optimizing feed formulations and loach variety selection to diversify food sources, thereby improving the overall quality of captive-bred populations. [Conclusion] Overall, this study demonstrates that δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values for feathers, along with isotopic niche, can serve as quantitative indicators for assessing the dietary information of captive-bred Crested Ibis populations, thereby providing a scientific basis for informing conservation and management strategies.

Abstract:[Objectives] As a critical strategy of ex-situ conservation, species reintroduction has become a critical approach for rescuing globally endangered species, with its success highly dependent on the sustained reproductive capacity of the target population. This study reported key breeding parameters (including clutch size, hatching rate, and fledging rate) and their variations and identified new threats facing the reintroduced Crested Ibis (Nipponia nippon) population in Ningshan, Shaanxi, aiming to provide a quantitative basis for developing targeted conservation measures. [Methods] We conducted 17 consecutive years (2008–2024) of continuous field monitoring on the reintroduced Crested Ibis population in Ningshan, Shaanxi. Nests were systematically located by observing evening flight directions during the breeding season (February-June) and monitored via binoculars (10 × 42) and spotting scopes (20 ~ 60 ×). We recorded key breeding parameters, including laying date, clutch size, hatching success, and fledging success, and identified the causes of egg losses and chick mortality based on direct observation and physical evidence. For statistical analysis, Welch’s ANOVA was employed to test for annual variations in laying date, while one-way ANOVA was performed to assess annual variations in per-nest hatching and fledging counts. A chi-square test was conducted to analyze the distribution of nests by clutch size. Breeding success metrics (e.g., hatching rate, fledging rate, and reproductive success) were calculated as percentages. All tests were two-tailed, with significance set at P < 0.05. [Results] A total of 222 nests were recorded, producing 723 eggs with a mean clutch size of 3.3 ± 0.9 eggs (range:1 ~ 5 eggs). Specifically, nests with 1 ~ 5 eggs accounted for 4.1%, 14.4%, 35.6%, 43.7%, and 2.3% of the total, respectively, with nests containing 3 or 4 eggs comprising 79.3% of all nests (Table 1). A total of 524 chicks successfully hatched, yielding an overall hatching rate of 72.5%, with no significant annual variation (F_{16, 222} = 0.000 48, P > 0.05). Four hundred nestlings were observed to fledge, resulting in an overall breeding success of 55.3% (Table 2). Notably, fledgling numbers exhibited significant annual differences (F_{16, 222} = 5.820 00, P < 0.01). Major causes of chick mortality included food shortage (45.2%), predation (21.0%), nest abandonment (5.6%), embryo mortality (4.8%) and unknown causes (23.4%) (Fig. 2). [Conclusion] According to these findings, this paper proposes the following conservation measures:(1) establishing an intelligent nest monitoring system to mitigate threats from predators such as the King Rat Snake (Elaphe carinata); (2) developing local economic development plans that fully consider the ecological requirements of the Crested Ibis; (3) implementing a tiered response mechanism of conducting artificial feeding during the brood-rearing stage and winter with food scarcity and activating emergency rescue measures for chicks during extreme climatic events. This study provides a quantitative basis for the scientific management of reintroduction programs for the Crested Ibis and other endangered waterbirds.

Abstract:[Objectives] This study delved into the decision-making processes of Golden Snub-nosed Monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana) when being confronted with risks and uncertainties. [Methods] We designed a gambling task to examine the choices of three male adolescent monkeys under varying conditions of expected rewards. The subjects were housed in the Asian Primate House of Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zoo. Among the Golden Snub-nosed Monkeys living in the house, three male adolescent monkeys were selected as the experimental subjects, and a self-designed trolley pick-up box was used as the experimental setup, with the left and right positions of the pick-up box as the cues, and small pieces of dried red jujubes as the rewards. The whole experiment was filmed by the video of a portable law enforcement recorder, and it was carried out for a total of 69 experimental days. The experiment presented a “non-gambling” option offering a consistent small reward and a “gambling” option that occasionally delivered a large reward, thereby manipulating the expected value of the gambling option to assess the subjects’ understanding of expected rewards. We employed the Binomial test to assess whether the subjects’ preferences for gambling and non-gambling options were significant or not. IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0 was used for data analysis. [Results] Our findings revealed that the monkeys refrained from choosing the gambling option when its expected value was low and they opted for the gambling option when the expected value was high. Interestingly, when the expected values of both options were equal, the subjects displayed diverse preferences:two preferred the gambling option with occasional large rewards, and the other one preferred the option with stable payoffs, indicating individual variations in risk propensity even under equivalent expected outcomes. Table 2 and Fig. 3 show the choices made by the three subjects during the five phases and 69 experimental days throughout the experiment. [Conclusion] The results align with the expected utility hypothesis, suggesting that the monkeys make choices to maximize their expected utility, contradicting the loss aversion hypothesis. The findings enhance our comprehension of decision-making behaviors in non-human primates and offers scientific insights for the conservation and behavioral management of Golden Snub-nosed Monkeys.

Abstract:[Objectives] This study aimed to elucidate the sympatric coexistence mechanism of Red Deer (Cervus elaphus), Wild Boar (Sus scrofa), and Asian Badger (Meles leucurus) through temporal niche differentiation via resource utilization and time allocation in the Hanshan National Nature Reserve, Inner Mongolia, China. We specifically investigated how fine-scale partitioning of daily and seasonal activity rhythms minimizes temporal niche overlap under varying environmental conditions (e.g., temperature and resource availability), thereby reducing potential interspecific competition for shared resources in their overlapping habitats. [Methods] From July 2023 to July 2024, 58 passive infrared cameras (“Huangyezhi Eye ST1”) were deployed across a series of standardized 1 km × 1 km grid units within the reserve. Cameras were strategically placed at a height of (60 ± 10) cm above ground in representative habitats, including 29 cameras in forest, 23 cameras in grassland/forest-grassland, and 6 cameras in ecotone, prioritizing areas of high animal activity (such as trails and water sources within a radius of 200 m). This resulted in a total of 21 113 effective camera-days and 4 183 independent valid photos. The species-specific valid photos included 1 759 for Red Deer, 848 for Wild Boar, and 819 for Asian Badger. The monthly relative abundance index (I_MRA) was calculated as follows:I_MRA = M_ij/T_i, where M_ij is the number of independent valid photos of species j in month i, and T_i is the total number of camera-days for month i across all sites. In order to study the daily activity rhythms, we adopted the kernel density estimation (KDE) to model 24-h activity patterns and quantify the coefficient of overlap (Δ, ranging from 0 to 1, where 0 indicates no overlap and 1 indicates complete overlap) between species pairs by the overlap package in RStudio (V. 4.4.0). Seasonal comparisons (Spring, March to May; Summer, June to August; Autumn, September to November; and Winter, December to February) were conducted. The significance of differences in coefficient of overlap was assessed by Wald tests (1 000 bootstrap iterations) via the compareCkern function. Peak activity time and core activity windows were identified from KDE curves. [Results] (1)Red Deer and Asian Badger exhibited bimodal monthly activity patterns, with peak I_MRA values (> 0.50) observed in late spring and early summer (May to June) and autumn (September) (Fig. 2). Wild Boar displayed a unimodal pattern, exhibiting a pronounced peak in spring (May) with peak I_MRA greater than 0.50 (Fig. 2). Spatial overlap across all seasons was near-complete (98.3% ~ 100% co-occurrence at camera sites, Table 1), with no significant spatial niche differentiation among the three species. (2) Daily activity patterns showed significant temporal partitioning. Red Deer (bimodal, peaks 03:00 ~ 05:00 and 18:00 ~ 20:00) and Asian Badger (bimodal, peaks 03:00 ~ 05:00 and 18:00) had high overlap (Δ = 0.816 2, P < 0.05), achieving segregation primarily by a 1-h shift in the evening peak (18:00 vs. 19:00) (Figs. 3a, c). Wild Boar exhibited a diurnal-evening bimodal activity pattern, with its main diurnal activity peak (08:00 ~ 10:00) significantly segregated from the crepuscular peaks of the other two species, and only partial overlap with Red Deer and Asian Badger at the secondary evening peak at 18:00. It showed low temporal overlap with Red Deer (Δ = 0.659 8, P < 0.05) and Asian Badger (Δ = 0.616 4, P < 0.05) (Figs. 3b, c). (3) The activity rhythm overlaps between Red Deer and Asian Badger was the highest in spring (Δ = 0.817 3, P < 0.01; concurrent peaks 03:00 ~ 05:00, Fig. 4a). The most significant niche segregation between Red Deer and Wild Boar was observed in summer (Δ = 0.343 7, P < 0.01, Fig. 6), and the most significant niche segregation between Wild Boar and Asian Badger was observed in winter (Δ = 0.273 9, P < 0.01, Fig. 5). [Conclusion] This study demonstrates that the Red Deer, Wild Boar, and Asian Badger achieve sympatric coexistence in the Hanshan National Nature Reserve through significant temporal niche differentiation. Key mechanisms include fine-scale shifts in daily activity peaks (e.g., 1-h crepuscular offset between Red Deer and Asian Badger and diurnal-crepuscular peak segregation by Wild Boar) and pronounced seasonal adjustments in activity timing. These dynamic behavioral adaptations minimize temporal niche overlap, and the species dynamically respond to seasonal resource fluctuations (temperature and food availability) and breeding needs to support sympatric coexistence. The temporal niche differentiation pattern (e.g., activity peak dislocation, seasonal overlap variation) of the three species is an important behavioral strategy for their sympatric coexistence. This finding provides a scientific basis for biodiversity management (e.g., spatiotemporal allocation of key resources) and climate change response strategy formulation in Hanshan National Nature Reserve.

Abstract:[Objectives] Biodiversity monitoring is a core method for assessing the health of ecosystems in nature reserves, while the characteristics of spatiotemporal niche differentiation serve as a key basis for analyzing the coexistence mechanisms of animal communities. Focusing on the Fujian Meihua Mountain National Nature Reserve, this study aims to grasp the current status of mammalian diversity in the reserve and clarify the laws of spatiotemporal niche differentiation of mammalian communities. [Methods] From January 2014 to August 2024, 72 camera traps were deployed across the reserve, covering core, buffer, and experimental zones, with elevations ranging from 800 to 1 800 m and vegetation types including evergreen broad-leaved forests, coniferous-broadleaved mixed forests, and bamboo forests (Fig. 1). The cameras operated continuously, with data collected every three months. Mammal species were identified and classified according to the Illustrated Handbook of Mammals in China (2005) and the 2024 edition of the Catalogue of Mammals in China. For data analysis: 1. The relative abundance index (I_RA) was calculated to evaluate species richness. Species with I_RA ≥ 1 were defined as common species. 2. Diurnal activity rhythms were analyzed via three methods:kernel density estimation (via R packages overlap and activity) to generate activity curves, nocturnality index to classify activity patterns and rose histograms (via Oriana 4 software) to visualize cyclic activity data (Fig. 2). 3. Spatiotemporal niche characteristics were quantified:temporal niche overlap coefficient (Δ) and significance (via Wald test with 1 000 iterations) were calculated by R packages to assess differences in activity rhythms. Spatial niche breadth and overlap index (I) were computed through the Levins’ niche analysis method via R package spaa to evaluate resource utilization strategies among species (Tables 2, 3). [Results] These cameras collectively accumulated 262 944 d of effective operation, during which they captured 25 405 independent and valid events. The infrared cameras recorded a total of 17 mammal species belonging to 12 families of 5 orders. The I_RA of the species followed a descending trend of Muntiacus reevesi (I_RA = 52.44), Sus scrofa (I_RA = 6.42), Niviventer niviventer (I_RA = 4.19), Arctonyx collaris (I_RA = 3.54), Callosciurus erythraeus (I_RA = 2.38), Lepus sinensis (I_RA = 1.96), Macaca thibetana (I_RA = 1.37), and Herpestes urva (I_RA = 1.12), and the other species showed the I_RA less than 1.00 (Table 1). The analysis of activity rhythms for common species (I_RA ≥ 1) indicated that Mu. reevesi, A. collaris, and C. erythraeus were crepuscular with bimodal activity peaks (Mu. reevesi active at 06:00 ~ 08:00 and 16:00 ~ 18:00). S. scrofa, Ma. thibetana, and H. urva were diurnal with single daytime activity peaks. N. lotipes was strictly nocturnal (β = 92.63%), while L. sinensis was nocturnal-leaning (β = 86.36%) (Fig. 2). Spatiotemporal niche overlap analysis revealed that C. erythraeus and N. lotipes had low temporal niche overlap (Δ = 0.34) and moderate spatial niche overlap (I = 0.51). Mu. reevesi and S. scrofa (Δ = 0.85, I = 0.80), Mu. reevesi and A. collaris (Δ = 0.92, I = 0.69), as well as S. scrofa and A. collaris (Δ = 0.83, I = 0.71) all showed high spatiotemporal niche overlap. The spatial niche overlap between L. sinensis and Ma. thibetana was the lowest (I = 0.03) (Fig. 3, Table 2). [Conclusion] The 10-year monitoring reveals that mammals in the Fujian Meihua Mountain National Nature Reserve maintain coexistence through differentiated strategies:temporal partitioning (diurnal C. erythraeus vs. nocturnal N. lotipes), spatial separation (canopy-dwelling Ma. thibetana vs. ground-dwelling L. sinensis), and dietary differentiation (herbivorous Mu. reevesi vs. omnivorous S. scrofa). These findings provide basic data for the protection and management of wild mammal resources in the Fujian Meihua Mountain National Nature Reserve and can offer a scientific basis for long-term biodiversity monitoring and evaluation. At the same time, they are used to explore the current status of spatiotemporal niche distribution patterns of mammals after the disappearance of Panthera tigris ssp. amoyensis.

Abstract:[Objectives] With the intensification of artificial landscape modification in the process of urbanization, the disturbance effects of nocturnal light and noise pollution on nocturnal wild animals are becoming increasingly significant. Bats serve as an ecological indicator taxon relying on acoustic and visual signals, and their activity is extremely sensitive to anthropogenic disturbances. To date, the long-term ecological effects of landscape alterations on bat communities in urban wetland environments have been largely overlooked. [Methods] In this study, we explored the effects of landscape lighting and artificial fountains on the nocturnal activities of Vespertilio sinensis, Hypsugo alaschanicus, Pipistrellus abramus, and Myotis ikonnikovi at a man-made lake in Changchun, China, based on seven years of bat acoustic monitoring. We recorded light illuminance and noise intensity, as well as the number of passes of each bat species. Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed in R 4.4.3 to examine the differences in the number of bat passes between years for each species, followed by Bonferroni multiple comparisons. Mann-Whitney U tests were conducted to analyze the differences in bat activity for each species before and after the landscape lights were switched off in 2024, and to assess the significance of differences in noise intensity and light illuminance before and after the remodeling. [Results] (1) After the modification of the fountain and landscape lighting in 2018, the total number of bat passes decreased by 93.1% from 2019 to 2024, and the community structure shifted from being dominated by P. abramus (59.0%) to by H. alaschanicus (73.13%), with significant interspecific differences in response across the four species (Kruskal-Wallis tests, all P < 0.001; Fig. 4). (2) In 2024, after the landscape lights were switched off, the number of passes of P. abramus increased to 14.89 times of that under the working state of the landscape lights, and the number of passes of M. ikonnikovi increased from 0 to a monitorable level (an average value of 0.49). The number of passes of H. alaschanicus and V. sinensis did not change significantly (Fig. 5). [Conclusion] This study indicates that artificial lighting and fountain noise affect bat community structure, and nocturnal bat activity is jointly suppressed by disturbance factors such as light pollution from landscape lights, fountain noise, and surface water turbulence. These findings provide a scientific basis for the conservation of bat diversity in urban wetlands.

Abstract:[Objectives] Temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) in reptiles is increasingly threatened by climate warming. The pivotal temperature (T_piv) for the 1:1 sex ratio of reptiles shows seasonal variations and is regulated by steroid hormones. [Methods] Using Trachemys scripta elegans as a model, this study explored how maternal laying-season differences and exogenous steroid hormone treatment affected the plasticity of embryos’ critical temperature. Turtle eggs were incubated at male-producing (26.0 ℃), intermediate (28.5 ℃ and 29.0 ℃), and female-producing (31.0 ℃) temperatures, with specific exogenous steroid-hormone treatments (aldosterone, cortisol, estradiol, progesterone, dihydrotestosterone, and testosterone). Inter-group differences in female sex ratio were assessed by Chi-square tests. On the basis of temperature-dependent sex ratio data, binary logistic regression models were adopted to fit the temperature-sex response curves, from which the T_piv and the transitional range of temperatures (T_RT, producing 25% ~ 75% females) were estimated. [Results] (1) Late-season embryos had higher heat sensitivity, with T_piv 0.62 ℃ lower and T_RT 44% narrower than early-season embryos (Fig. 2). (2) Exogenous estradiol and progesterone had strong feminizing effects (Table 2), inducing 93.3% ~ 96.7% female offspring even at the male-producing temperature (26.0 ℃). (3) Exogenous cortisol and aldosterone finely regulated T_piv thresholds (max ΔT_piv = +0.30 ℃) and T_RT widths (0.06 ~ 0.90 ℃) (Fig. 3). (4) Crucially, exogenous testosterone showed significant feminizing effects at intermediate temperatures (28.5 ℃ and 29.0 ℃, Table 2). [Conclusion] This study shows that maternal seasonal laying time and embryo responses to exogenous hormone signals work together, dynamically adjusting heat-sensitivity thresholds (T_piv and T_RT) to significantly change embryo sex-determination patterns.

Abstract:[Objectives] Chigger mites are the exclusive vector of scrub typhus (tsutsugamushi disease). Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture is located in the northwest of Yunnan Province, where scrub typhus has been prevailing. Therefore, the investigation and analysis of chiggers in Nujiang Prefecture is of great significance for the prevention and control of scrub typhus in this region. [Methods] The present study was conducted in Nujiang Prefecture from 2002 to 2022, which involves the field investigation, collection and specimen making of chigger mites, taxonomic identification of chigger mites, analysis of sample completeness, analysis of species composition of chigger mites, and visualization of host-chigger mite relationship. The sample completeness was determined through the curve of species sparsity, extrapolation and coverage index.The infestation indexes of chiggers were routinely calculated. Infestation indices include prevalence (P_M, %), mean abundance (A) and mean intensity (I). Spearman correlation coefficient was used to analyze the interspecific relationships among some main chigger species. The bipartite network analysis was used to analyze the mutual relationship between host species and chigger species. [Results] The results showed that the coverage index reached 99.55% (Fig. 2). A total of 2 036 rodents and other sympatric small mammal hosts were identified as 4 orders, 9 families, 26 genera and 44 species. From the body surface of 2 036 hosts, 3 087 chigger mites were collected and taxonomically identified as two families, three subfamilies, 12 genera and 66 species. The 66 chigger species were listed in the form of taxonomic checklists (Table 1). The overall infestation prevalence, mean abundance and mean intensity of chigger mites on their hosts were P_M= 7.02%, A = 1.52 and I = 21.59, respectively. The taxonomic tree diagram at the level of families and genera showed that the number of the genus Leptotrombidium were abundant with the constituent ratio C_r= 26.47% (817/3 087) (Fig. 1). Among the 66 identified species, there were two dominant species (C_r= 56.24%, 1 736/3 087), one vector and five potential vector species of scrub typhus. Of the six vector and potential vector species of chigger mites, the vector L. scutellare and potential vector L. rusticum were the major species with the highest number of individuals (Table 2). The bipartite network analysis between chigger mites and their hosts showed that a single chigger species can parasitize a few host species, and a single host species can harbour a few chigger species with low host specificity (Fig. 3). A positive correlation existed among some chigger mite species in host selection (Fig. 4). [Conclusion] The sampling of field investigation is sufficient for this study, and the species diversity of chigger mites is high in Nujiang Prefecture. The low host specificity of chigger mites, the abundance of the genus Leptotrombidium and the coexistence of six vector or potential vector chigger species in Nujiang Prefecture would increase the potential risk of transmission and focus persistence of scrub typhus in the region.

Abstract:[Objectives] In China, the genetic resources of Chinese Soft-shelled Turtle(Pelodiscus sinensis) are diverse, encompassing various geographical populations, aquaculture stocks, and distinct breeding lines. Differences are evident not only between wild specimens caught from different regions but also among artificially selected strains, particularly in terms of productivity, body morphology (including marginal flap size), and other traits. Consequently, distinguishing specific genetic lineages by a single species is challenging. Currently, efforts to conserve the genetic resources of P. sinensis and breed new varieties (strains) are advancing in an orderly manner. P. sinensis “Poyang Lake No. 1” (provisionally named) is a new strain bred by our team, originating from the Poyang Lake region of China. It was developed through five consecutive generations of mass selection, with growth rate and marginal flap width as the target traits. The strain now exhibits markedly improved performance, including accelerated growth, broad marginal flaps, and elevated egg production. This study aimed to: 1) characterize the complete mitochondrial genome of this elite strain to elucidate its unique molecular features; 2) determine its precise phylogenetic position among various P. sinensis populations/strains; and 3) identify potential mitochondrial DNA markers for accurate germplasm identification of this strain. [Methods] The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the F5 generation of “Poyang Lake No. 1” was obtained by PCR amplification with 17 specifically designed primer pairs (Table 1) covering the entire genome and Sanger sequencing. Bioinformatics tools (GeSeq, tRNAscan-SE, Tandem Repeats Finder, SnapGene, Editseq7.1, GB2Sequin, and OGDraw) were used for structural annotation, compositional analysis, and repeat identification of the assembled sequence (GenBank accession number:PV472338). Phylogenetic relationships were reconstructed in MEGA 11.0 based on two datasets:1) concatenated nucleotide sequences of 12 heavy-strand protein-coding genes (PCGs-H); and 2) the cytochrome b (Cyt b) gene sequence. The analysis included “Poyang Lake No. 1” and eight other reference strains/populations, with Palea steindachneri as the outgroup. Trees were constructed via the Neighbor-Joining (NJ) method. [Results] The complete mitochondrial genome of “Poyang Lake No.1” was 17 190 bp in length (Fig. 2). It exhibited a significant AT bias, with nucleotide composition on the heavy strand (H-strand) as follows:35.47% adenine (A), 27.34% thymine (T), 25.51% cytosine (C), and 11.68% guanine (G), and based on this composition, the AT content of the H-strand reached 62.81%. A total of 37 genes were annotated:13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNA genes (including two copies of tRNA-Ser and tRNA-Leu), and 2 rRNA genes. With the exception of 8 tRNA genes (tRNA-Gln, tRNA-Ala, tRNA-Asn, tRNA-Cys, tRNA-Tyr, tRNA-Ser, tRNA-Glu, and tRNA-Pro) and the ND6 gene located on the light strand (L-strand), all the other genes were encoded by the H-strand (Table 3). The gene order was identical to that of other reported P. sinensis strains and most vertebrates. The control region (D-loop) was notably long (1 666 bp) and contained four tandem repeat units, including a 50-bp motif repeated 6 times. Sequence length variations among different P. sinensis strains were primarily concentrated in the D-loop region, ranging from -151 bp to +164 compared with that of P. sinensis “Poyang Lake No. 1” (Table 2). An extra T base insertion was identified at position 169 of the mitochondrial ND3 gene in “Poyang Lake No. 1”. Phylogenetic analyses based on both PCGs-H concatenated sequences and the Cyt b gene yielded congruent topologies (Fig. 3). The results clearly demonstrated that P. sinensis “Poyang Lake No.1” and the P. sinensis “Japanese” strain formed a closely related clade, which then constituted a sister branch with the P. sinensis “Korean” strain. Five other Chinese strains/populations (“Anhui Wuhu”, “Anhui Inked”, “Jiangxi”, “Qingxi Black”, and “Qingxi Variegated”) clustered together in a separate, well-defined clade. [Conclusion] This study provides the first complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the selectively bred P. sinensis strain “Poyang Lake No. 1”. Key characteristics include its distinct D-loop length and repeat structure, specific nucleotide composition, and the unique ND3 insertion.Phylogenetic analysis robustly demonstrates that “Poyang Lake No. 1” shares its most recent common ancestor with the “Japanese” strain, forms a sister group with the “Korean” strain, and is genetically distinct from major strains found in the Yangtze River basin. The identified features, particularly the D-loop structure, PCGs-H haplotypes, and Cyt b sequence variations, serve as highly effective molecular markers for the precise identification and traceability of the “Poyang Lake No. 1” germplasm, supporting its conservation and breeding management.

Abstract:Achalinus ningshanensis was first described as a new species of the genus Achalinus in 2022. It consists of A. ningshanensis ningshanensis and A. ningshanensis occidentalis. This study provides morphological and molecular information of A. n. ningshanensis collected from Funiu Mountain, Henan Province, China and determines the taxonomic status of A. n. ningshanensis in Henan.In this study, 22 morphological indexes were selected for morphological analysis. Length was measured by a vernier caliper, and the number of scales was described manually. Genomic DNA was extracted from the liver tissue preserved in 95% alcohol by the FastPure Gel DNA Extraction Mini Kit, and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) was selected as the target fragment, which was amplified with primers Chmf4 and Chmr4. COI gene sequences of 26 species of Achalinus and three outgroups (Parafimbrios lao, Fimbrios klossi, Xenodermus javanicus) were downloaded from GenBank (Appendix 1). Sequence alignment and calculation of uncorrected pairwise distances (p-distance) among congeners were performed in MEGA 7.0 software. A phylogenetic tree was constructed by maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) analysis via PhyloSuite v1.2.3 software. Morphological comparisons showed that the specimen from Funiu Mountain had two pairs of chin shields with two small scales between the second pair, 181 ventral scales, and dorsal scales of 25-23-23, while A. n.ningshanensis lacked small scales between the second pair of chin shields and had 161 ~ 165 ventral scales and dorsal scales of 23-23-23 (Table 1). The phylogenetic tree indicated that the specimen closely clustered with the topotype of A. n. ningshanensis (Ningshan, Shaanxi, China) (Fig. 3). The genetic distance between them was 0.4%, significantly smaller than the interspecific genetic distance of Achalinus (2.8% ~ 18.8%) (Appendix 2).Combining morphological and molecular phylogenetic methods, we identified the specimen of Achalinus collected from Funiu Mountain, Henan Province as A. n.ningshanensis, representing a new provincial record of snake in Henan.

Abstract:In August 2023, a chiropteran diversity survey was conducted in Xizang Autonomous Region, China. During the survey in Medog County (95°20′11″ E, 29°19'16″ N; elevation:1 107 m), we collected two male bat specimens (2 ♂) by using harp traps and measured their morphological and skull characteristics with electronic digital calipers. The cytochrome b (Cyt b) gene sequences of the two bat specimens (specimen numbers: XZ-2023-044 and XZ-2023-045) were sequenced and uploaded to the NCBI database (Table 2). A phylogenetic tree was constructed with the maximum likelihood method in IQ-TREE, and the Kimura 2-parameter model was adopted to calculate the intraspecific, interspecific, and intergeneric genetic distances of Harpiola isodon based on Cyt b gene sequences. Morphological measurements of the two specimens were head-body lengths of 35.72 mm and 36.56 mm, forearm lengths of 33.58 mm and 33.68 mm, and tibia lengths of 14.14 mm and 14.51 mm (Table 3). The specimens exhibited small, rounded auricles with slightly curved, slender tragus tips. Dorsal pelage was predominantly yellowish-brown, with black hair bases and golden tips; ventral pelage was pale yellow with black bases and pale yellow tips (Fig. 1). Skull lengths were 17.06 mm and 16.75 mm, with a generally rounded braincase (Fig. 2). The frontal bone displayed a gradual elevation from the anterior to the posterior, with a slight central depression. The sagittal crest was absent, whereas a well-defined lambdoid crest was present. Zygomatic breadth exceeded braincase width (Fig. 2). The upper first incisors were absent. The upper incisors are about two-thirds that of the C¹ in height, and C₁ and premolar teeth are similar in both bulk and height, among which C₁ is slightly less in height, and P₂ is smaller in basal area (Fig. 2). The dental formula was 2.1.2.3/3.1.2.3 = 34. According to the aforementioned morphological characteristics, the two bat specimens were taxonomically identified as H. isodon. Phylogenetic analysis based on Cyt b gene sequences demonstrated that the collected specimens formed a monophyletic clade (bootstrap support of 100) with reference sequences of H. isodon from Taiwan (the type locality; GenBank accession numbers: GQ168914 and GQ168920) and Yunnan (PP476123 to PP476127). Genetic distance analysis revealed minimal intraspecific divergence (< 5.0%), while the interspecific divergence ranged from 14.7% to 18.6% compared with closely related genera. The molecular data provide robust support for the taxonomic assignment of this specimen as H. isodon. The congruence between morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic results conclusively confirms the species identification. This discovery significantly extends the known geographic distribution of H. isodon to western China.

Abstract:The breeding ecology of Rana hanluica endemic in China remains understudied. We therefore monitored the morphological traits, breeding habitat, and reproductive behavior of R. hanluica during the breeding season from October 2022 to May 2023 in Ganjiao Village, Leigongshan National Nature Reserve, Guizhou Province. The results indicated no significant morphological dimorphism between sexes, a male-biased sex ratio during the breeding season, and rice paddies as the primary breeding habitats. Oviposition was first observed on October 10 and last observed on October 30. Eggs were deposited in paddy fields, with a clutch size of 927.4 ± 62.6 eggs (n = 15), an egg diameter of 2.81 ± 0.16 mm (n = 7), a hatching period of 12.46 ± 1.36 d (n = 15), a hatching rate of 73.5% ± 6.67% (n = 3), and a tadpole total length at hatching of 6.23 ± 0.44 mm (n = 5). It takes approximately 220 d from fertilization to the end of metamorphosis.

Abstract:The Crested Ibis (Nipponia nippon) is one of the world’s most endangered bird species and a first-class nationally protected wildlife species in China. Since the rediscovery of its wild population in Yangxian County, Shaanxi Province in 1981, significant achievements have been made in the conservation of this species in China. The conservation efforts have evolved alongside the growth of its population. This paper reviews the current status of in situ conservation of the Crested Ibis and research advances in recent decades, encompassing the expansion of the wild population, key conservation measures, critical habitat restoration projects, population dynamics monitoring, and related research progress. By the end of 2023, the wild population of Crested Ibises had increased from the initial 7 individuals in 1981 to approximately 6 600 individuals. Their distribution now fully covers the entire Hanzhong City, with recent sightings reported from Gansu Province and Sichuan Province. Significant progress has been achieved in research areas such as behavioral ecology, environmental adaptation and habitat utilization, molecular ecology and genetic diversity, as well as disease diagnosis and treatment. This work aims to explore future directions for the conservation of Crested Ibis populations and their habitats, and to provide a reference for advancing conservation strategies. The efforts and research on the Crested Ibis have been proven effective and remarkable. The conservation system has matured gradually, demonstrating a well-established framework. These findings will provide valuable insights for optimizing future conservation strategies.

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