摘要: Sex identification, reproductive management, and the diagnosis and treatment of disease are the foci of wildlife conservation. The application of scientifically sound techniques is an important means to protect both wildlife and the natural environment. With the rapid development of minimally invasive surgery, the application of laparoscopic techniques in wildlife has gradually become more widespread. In this study, the keywords “laparoscopy, endoscopy, coelioscopy, wildlife, wild, and animal” were searched using PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The content includes species, types of surgery, advantages, and limitations. Based on the articles related to laparoscopic applications in wildlife, this paper has divided them into four parts and selectively cited them. (i) Laparoscopic techniques can be used for sex identification in fish, reptiles, and birds; (ii) neutering and artificially assisted reproduction can be performed in wildlife; (iii) the abdominal cavity can be visually probed for disease diagnosis; and (iv) compared to traditional approaches, the treatment of wildlife abdominal diseases is less harmful. This paper provides a reference for the application of laparoscopic techniques in wildlife.

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摘要: Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) have demonstrated a potent capability of adapting to human-disturbed environment. In China, they have become popular attractions in ecotourism areas and receive substantial food from tourists, resulting in local booming populations. Previous studies have highlighted human-macaque conflicts and yet ignored their impact on local natural ecosystems. Through reviewing previous researches, we summarized the contributing factors to the thriving populations of rhesus macaque and expounded upon the potential impacts of them on other local organisms. Booming populations of rhesus macaque caused by provisioning could present potential risks to local plant and animal community through lesser seed dispersal and greater predation and competition pressures on other sympatric species, ultimately impacting the diversity and stability of local ecosystems. Thus, it is imperative to draft the relevant laws to strictly control human provisioning for wild rhesus macaques and conduct further studies to elucidate their interspecies relationships. And a higher priority should be devoted to monitoring these potentially overabundant populations and formulating optimal management strategies to achieve harmonious coexistence between humans and rhesus macaques.

摘要: Three common species of Miniopterus fuliginosus, M. magnater and M. pusillus are known to inhabit China. However, M. fuliginosus and M. magnater are so similar in external morphology as to pose great challenges for accurate classification. Furthermore, taxonomic statuses, distribution ranges and taxonomic keys of these three species have remained controversial. For addressing these outstanding issues, the authors integrated molecular phylogenetic analyses, ensemble species distribution models (ESDMs), multiple morphological comparisons and decision tree algorithms for reassessing their taxonomy and distribution in China. Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene phylogeny revealed three distinct monophyletic groups corresponding to M. fuliginosus, M. magnater and M. pusillus. And the observed distribution patterns indicated M. fuliginosus had a broad distribution across China while M. magnater and M. pusillus exhibited a more restricted distribution, overlapping with M. fuliginosus in South China. And cranial morphometry indicated M. magnater was slightly larger than M. fuliginosus and significantly larger than M. pusillus. Also three-dimensional (3D) skull geomorphometry uncovered distinct features for each species in rostrum, braincase, tympanic bullae and mandibular shape. Decision tree algorithms helped to identify forearm length, braincase breadth and width across the third upper molars as three major taxonomic keys for assisting species identification. This study corroborated the importance of integrative approaches for identifying Miniopterus species and validated a methodological approach applicable to other cryptic species complexes.

摘要: The Himalayan monal (Lophophorus impejanus), Nepal’s national bird, is a protected species facing significant conservation challenges. Understanding the distribution and habitat preferences of the Himalayan monal (HM) is crucial for its conservation. This study was conducted in the Langtang National Park (LNP), Nepal using the route census method during both winter (November/December 2022) and summer (June 2023) seasons to examine the seasonal variation in HM’s elevational distribution and habitat preference. Further, we assessed their conservation threats by conducting a semi-structured questionnaire survey with the local residents. During the winter period, the HMs preferred grassland habitats, while in the summer, their preference shifted to shrubland and barren area. HM abundance was negatively associated with the Normalized Differential Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the shortest distance from the survey trails in the winter. The HMs actively avoided areas with high anthropogenic pressure. In the summer, they showed a wider elevational range up to 4400 m above sea level (a.s.l.), with a higher sighting frequency between 3600 and 3900 m a.s.l. The questionnaire survey of the local residents revealed that anthropogenic pressure such as poaching and free-ranging livestock grazing are the major threats to the species in the study area. This study provides valuable insight into the complex habitat preferences and critical threats faced by the HMs in LNP and underscores the urgent need for targeted conservation action.

摘要: Hyla tsinlingensis (Hu et al., 1966) is endemic to China, and is widely distributed in the Qinling and Dabie Mountains. Previous studies have suggested that genetic differentiation and geographical isolation exist between the Qinling Mountains population and Dabie Mountains population of H. tsinlingensis, and that the Dabie Mountains population is a cryptic species. Several Hyla specimens were collected from the Dabie Mountains of western Anhui Province, China during herpetological surveys from 2022‒2024; these specimens belonged to a species previously identified as H. tsinlingensis. Herein, we utilized phylogenetic analyses, morphological comparisons, and advertisement call comparisons, revealing significant differences from those of other known congeners; thus, we describe them as a new species. The discovery of this species implies that there are currently 18 identified species in the genus Hyla, 7 of which are found in China.

摘要: Felid species hold critical ecological roles within tropical forest ecosystems and are particularly susceptible to human-induced disturbances. However, there is limited research on how sympatric felid species are distributed and coexist in human-dominated habitats. Using a long-term camera trap survey conducted in the disturbed tropical habitats of Xishuangbanna, southwestern China, we assessed the occupancy and spatio-temporal segregation among four sympatric felid species (Leopard cat Prionailurus bengalensis, Marbled cat Pardofelis marmorata, Asiatic golden cat Catopuma temminckii, and Clouded leopard Neofelis nebulosa), and explored how these patterns correlate with similarities in species traits. We found that the occupancy probabilities of leopard cats and clouded leopards were primarily influenced by anthropogenic disturbances rather than natural factors, with both species negatively affected by croplands. Similar species responses to croplands and livestock may facilitate the co-occurrence of leopard cats with clouded leopards in areas farther from croplands and with golden cats in regions with higher livestock abundance. The lack of significant spatial segregation among species is likely due to the observed segregation in daily activity patterns, which positively correlated with species trait similarities. Our study enhances our understanding of felid community assembly in the face of expanding human activity, offering valuable insights for future conservation in the Xishuangbanna region.

摘要: Land snails of the family Enidae (Gastropoda, Stylommatophora, Pupilloidea) exhibit specific regional distributions, primarily in southern Gansu and northwestern Sichuan, China. Although numerous morphological studies have been conducted, molecular and integrative evidence remains insufficient for resolving the classification of species with uncertain taxonomic status. More rigorous phylogenetic investigations are necessary to clarify the evolutionary biology of Chinese Enidae in this biodiversity hotspot. In the present study, we examined three Enidae genera—Subzebrinus, Pupinidius, and Petraeomastus—collected from 19 localities around Wenxian and Wenchuan in the adjoining regions of Gansu and Sichuan, China. We employed genome-wide double-digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD-seq) and machine learning-based image clustering for integrative phylogenetic and morphological analyses of these genera. Phylogenetic trees constructed from genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data revealed species-level monophyly but genus-level polyphyly, highlighting the need for taxonomic revision. Image clustering identified distinct shell morphology clusters that closely aligned with phylogenetic relationships, suggesting highly conserved phylogeny and morphology within species, as supported by geographical differentiation and localization within species. However, molecular and morphological divergences were also detected in certain Pupinidius and Petraeomastus species. This integrative analysis of genome-wide phylogenetic data and shell morphology clustering provides a solid foundation for future evolutionary studies of Chinese Enidae.

摘要: Quaternary geological events, glacial cycles, and climate fluctuations have a profound influence on the evolutionary history and population dynamics of many species. Mountain ungulates offer an ideal model for researching these historical processes. In this study, three taxa of mountain ungulates (Capricornis, Naemorhedus, and Muntiacus), which share overlapping ecological niches and similar life-history strategies, were selected to analyze the impact of historical events on their evolution and population dynamics. Specimens were collected from naturally deceased individuals during multiple field expeditions, as well as from forest police seizures, and included skulls, skins, and dried meat. Mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) were used as molecular markers. Analyses indicated that the evolutionary divergence of these mountain ungulates was primarily driven by five major uplift phases of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau and a series of glaciation events. Results also indicated the formation of multiple refugia in the East Himalaya-Hengduan Mountains (EHHM) during the Quaternary. Four species—C. sumatraensis, N. cranbrooki, N. evansi, and M. gongshanensis—were selected for detailed analyses of historical population dynamics. Notably, population expansions were detected for all species, with the expansions of N. cranbrooki, N. evansi, and M. gongshanensis occurring during the early to mid-Holocene, likely due to warmer and more humid climatic conditions. In contrast, the population expansion of C. sumatraensis occurred in the late Holocene, driven by forest retreat and increased human activities such as settlement and grazing. Additionally, and most importantly, we obtained molecular samples of N. cranbrooki in Xizang, China, for the first time, and also confirmed the distribution of N. cranbrooki in Xizang rather than being limited to northern Myanmar. Overall, these findings provide evidence that N. cranbrooki is distributed in Xizang, also offer novel insights into the connections between Quaternary environmental change and species differentiation, refugia formation and population dynamics of mountain ungulates in the EHHM region.

摘要: The behavioral responses of birds to urban environments are crucial for their ability to thrive within city landscapes. Various urban birds have demonstrated the capacity to exploit artificial structures as nesting sites due to the limited availability of natural options. This review examines the current state of urban bird nesting behaviors on man-made structures and highlights directions for future research. Nest types frequently observed on these structures include woven, cavity, ground, and mud nests. These adaptive behaviors increase nesting opportunities and improve reproductive success, although they may heighten vulnerability to ecological traps. Proximity to human habitats can promote conservation awareness but also presents potential economic and health-related challenges. Therefore, applying diverse strategies is essential for effectively managing and protecting nests on man-made structures across various circumstances. There is also a need for thorough, long-term studies on the ecological and evolutionary impacts of nest building on artificial structures and the mechanisms influencing nest-site selection. Furthermore, exploring innovative approaches that combine policy implementation and citizen science will be vital for advancing human-bird coexistence.