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Application of large language models in biodiversity research
Jiqi Gu, Jianping Chen, Jiangshan Lai
Biodiv Sci    2024, 32 (9): 24258.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2024258
Accepted: 09 August 2024

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Background & Aims: With the development and advancement of artificial intelligence technology, large language models (LLMs), such as Kimi Chat, have begun to play a significant role in biodiversity research. LLMs’s deep learning and natural language processing technologies, augmented by human feedback reinforced learning (RLHF) and proximal policy optimization (PPO), offer new avenues for handling and analyzing large biodiversity data sets.
Progresses: We explore the application of LLMs, taking Kimi Chat as an example, in investigating biodiversity research questions, reviewing literature, designing hypotheses, organizing and analyzing data, and writing research papers, as well as its potential to enhance research efficiency and quality. (1) LLMs can quickly process vast amounts of scientific literature, helping researchers distill key information and swiftly catch up with the latest research trends in specific fields. (2) LLMs can also assist researchers in formulating research hypotheses and designing experimental protocols, thereby providing abundant scientific inspiration, broadening research perspectives, and enhancing the efficiency of the initial stages of research. (3) In terms of research design, LLMs can offer advice on data collection methods, design of experiment, and statistical analyses to ensure the scientific validity and the logic of the research design. (4) LLMs can assist in scientific writing and peer review processes by helping draft scientific papers and providing suggestions for revision and polishing to enhance the quality and readability of the papers, and it also supports researchers in understanding and responding to peer review comments and optimizing the presentation of research findings. We also discuss the challenges and limitations encountered during using LLMs, such as the need for professional judgment, the homogenization of research methods, the accuracy of data and results, and ethical issues. Additionally, we propose strategies for integrating this technology with traditional biodiversity research methods in the future.
Prospects: We demonstrates how LLMs can aid in biodiversity research, thus advancing scientific discovery and ecological conservation strategies.

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Effects of urbanization on animals: From community to individual level
Hongyu Niu, Lu Chen, Hengyue Zhao, Gulzar Abdukirim, Hongmao Zhang
Biodiv Sci    2024, 32 (8): 23489.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2023489
Accepted: 18 July 2024

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Background & Aims: Urbanization is a global process accompanied by rapid environmental changes, which accelerates the evolutionary process of urban organisms and reshapes community structure and species interactions in urban ecosystems. In this paper, we reviewed relevant researches on the effects of urbanization on animals at community, population, and individual level. Then we summarized both the advances and shortcomings in the scientific urbanization literature. Finally, we provided an outlook for research in the related fields.

Review Results: Currently, relevant studies primarily reflect the level of urbanization by using the proportion of impervious area or the urban-rural gradient. By replacing time with space, the studies explore the changing trend of species composition and diversity, population demographics, genetic structure of animals, biological traits, phenology, and behavior under urbanization. Most studies focus on descriptive analysis, while mechanism-based research and applied research are relatively lacking.

Prospect: (1) Based on the observed phenomena under urbanization, future studies should conduct controlled experiments to identify the key factors affecting different animals under urbanization and explore the molecular genetic basis of urban biological evolution with molecular methods. (2) Particular attention needs to be paid to adaptive species in urban grey habitats, which are often associated with humans, pets, or food. Understanding how urban species adapt may provide direction and help predict the future effects of urbanization on animals, including human beings. (3) Since complex interspecific interaction networks can buffer the impacts of the change of animal abundance and behavior on ecological services such as pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control to a certain extent, the effects of urbanization on multitrophic networks should be studied further. (4) Finally, basic research on animal diversity and genetic structure should be extended to urban ecological planning and restoration.

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The status and distribution pattern of fish diversity in the Yarlung Tsangpo River
Dekui He, Jinnan Chen, Liuyong Ding, Yiyang Xu, Junhao Huang, Xiaoyun Sui
Biodiv Sci    2024, 32 (11): 24143.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2024143
Accepted: 11 August 2024

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Aims: The Yarlung Tsangpo River, one of the ten longest rivers in China, spans two major zoogeographic regions of the world: The Palearctic and the Oriental realms. While previous papers have focused on small portions of the river, a basin-wide-scale study to catalog its fish composition, diversity patterns, and species fluctuation is lacking. This study synthesized empirical data from field studies over the past two decades on fish diversity in the Yarlung Tsangpo River, compiled a list of fish diversity in the Yarlung Tsangpo River Basin in China, and analyzed the status of the fish diversity and the main threats to its diversity. The findings provide a scientific foundation for management and conservation of fish diversity in the Yarlung Tsangpo River Basin.

Methods: In total, 66 sections were included in this study. Of them, 58 were actually surveyed in the field, and 8 were collected from literatures; two in the upper reaches, 40 in the middle reaches, and 24 in the lower reaches; 24 in the main stream, 33 in the tributaries, 2 in the lakes, 3 in the tributary reservoirs, and 4 wetlands. These sampling sections (locations) were selected according to their geomorphological characteristics, as well as the accessibility of each location for sampling. The fish investgations were conducted from 2004 to 2023. Methods for collecting fishes included gillnets, shrimp coops, and battery-powered backpack electrofisher. After compiling the data from all of the sites, the degree of endemicity was calculated using the corrected weighted endemism index.

Results: There are 155 native species in 10 orders, 25 families, and 70 genera in the Yarlung Tsangpo River Basin. Out of all of the detected species, 29 species and one genus are endemic to the river. Five species were on China’s Key Protected Species List (Grade II); and 26 species were categorised as threatened (i.e. endangered, vulnerable, or near threatened) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and China’s Biodiversity Red List. The sections with high species richness are located in the middle and lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, while the lowest species richness is found in the Great Canyon sections. Fish fauna of the river is dominated by Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, and South Asian fishes. The Jiaresa-Bangxin section of the Yarlung Tsangpo River Grand Canyon may be the boundary between the two major zoogeographical regions of freshwater fish. By the end of 2023, 30 species of non-native fish in 8 orders, 16 families, and 24 genera had been recorded in the natural water bodies of the Yarlung Tsangpo River Basin. Of these non-native fish species, three species were introduced to different regions within the Yarlung Tsangpo River Basin. In recent years, there has been a rapid increase in the introduction of both native fishes and non-native cold-adapted fishes through the plateau’s drainage systems.

Conclusion: Through cataloging the fish diversity in the Yarlung Tsangpo River Basin, we found that invasion of non-native fishes is the main threat to fish diversity. In the future, we should focus on fish surveys of lakes and tributaries in the lower reaches of the river, strengthen the resources for data integration, and establish a basin-level data management platform. Further, taxonomic research should be strengthened through international cooperation. Additionally, long-term monitoring of fish resources should be implemented as soon as possible to monitor fish diversity and promote conservation in the Yarlung Tsangpo River.

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Research progress on the impacts of urbanization on bats in China
Jiangtian Geng, Fei Wang, Huabin Zhao
Biodiv Sci    2024, 32 (8): 24109.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2024109
Accepted: 14 July 2024

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Background & Aim: There are more than 140 species of bats in China, accounting for about 10 percent of the world’s bat species. China is one of the countries with the richest bat species diversity in the world. With the development of urbanization, the species diversity of bats in China has been seriously threatened. This paper aims to discuss the current state of research on bats in China under the background of urbanization, and then, based on the threats of urbanization factors faced by bats in China, to propose targeted conservation recommendations.

Progresses: The review preliminarily defines urban bats as those whose life history is not directly controlled by humans, but whose stages such as foraging, roosting, and migration are completed in urban and surrounding areas affected by urbanization. Thus, their morphological, physiological, behavioral, and genetic adaptive characteristics are influenced by the urbanization In the process of urbanization, bats face a range of threats, including human hunting, human buildings, roads, light pollution, noise pollution, and chemical pollution; this is mainly manifested in three aspects in China: loss of habitat, utilization of biological resources, and disturbance of habitat. Despite this, preliminary bibliometric analysis indicates that research on the impacts of urbanization on bats in China is relatively lacking, and this field needs more attention.

Conservation Measures: In view of the significant impact of urbanization threats on the existence of bats in China and the scarcity of related research, it is necessary to strengthen the protection of bats in the process of urbanization in China. We suggest that research in the fields of taxonomy and conservation genomics should be intensified, special surveys for urban bats should be conducted, and the protection of bat habitats should be valued. As a result, the management of light and noise pollution should be strengthened, legislative protection should be carried out for bats that are unique to China and have a higher level of threat, and science popularization education related to bats should be carried out for the public, i to better protect bats in the process of urbanization.

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Species diversity and maintenance mechanisms of benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages in the Xijiang River
Xue Bai, Zhengfei Li, Yang Liu, Junqian Zhang, Duopeng Zhang, Xin Luo, Jiali Yang, Lina Du, Xuankong Jiang, Ruiwen Wu, Zhicai Xie
Biodiv Sci    2024, 32 (7): 23499.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2023499
Accepted: 24 June 2024

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Aims The Xijiang River, renowned for its rich freshwater biodiversity and endemism, presents an intriguing yet understudied ecosystem. This study aims to elucidate the species diversity patterns and underlying mechanisms maintaining macroinvertebrate communities in this mega river. Drawing from published literature and an extensive field survey conducted from 2021 to 2023, our objectives include compiling a comprehensive species checklist, identifying ecological drivers shaping community structure, and proposing conservation strategies.

Methods Macroinvertebrates were sampled from key water bodies within the Xijiang River, including main stream, tributaries, and plateau lakes from the years 2021 to 2023. One-way ANOVA was employed to analyze species diversity indices across different water bodies. PERMANOVA (permutational multivariate analysis of variance) and PCoA (principal co-ordinates analysis) were used to assess community structure variation, while canonical correspondence analysis and variation partitioning identify potential key factors influencing macroinvertebrate community organization.

Results A total of 704 species from 437 genera, representing 150 families across 10 orders and 5 phyla, were documented (combining 506 historical records with 352 findings from 2021 to 2023). The proportion of species endemic to China reaches as high as 26% of the total number of species. The average density and biomass in the present survey period were 437.53 ind./m2 and 38.65 g/m2, respectively. Tanypus sp., Glyptotendipes sp., Parafossarulus striatulus and Corbicula flumineaemerged as the dominant species. Species richness and diversity indices were highest in tributaries, followed by the main stream and lakes. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) revealed that a combination of environmental factors (e.g., altitude, conductivity and chemical oxygen demand with permanganate) and spatial factors jointly influenced macroinvertebrate community structure. Moreover, variation partitioning highlighted the dominance of environmental factors in tributaries and lakes, while spatial factors predominantly influenced main stream communities.

Conclusion This study presents the most comprehensive inventory of macroinvertebrates in the Xijiang River to date, showcasing its significance as a global biodiversity hotspot. Despite the region’s rich macroinvertebrate biodiversity, anthropogenic pressures have led to a decline in species richness. To safeguard and restore macroinvertebrate diversity and endemism, proactive conservation measures are imperative. Strategies should include curbing overfishing, regulating illicit mining practices, restoring natural hydrological patterns and riparian zones, mitigating point and non-point source pollution, and preventing the encroachment of non-native species.

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A dataset on the plant growth form and life form of vascular plants in China
Bohan Zheng, Xinyao Chen, Jian Ni
Biodiv Sci    2024, 32 (7): 23468.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2023468
Accepted: 24 June 2024

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Plant growth form and life form are important morphological traits for understanding the response and adaptation of plants to environmental changes and are of great significance for the study of the relationship between plants and their environment and ecosystem functions. They are also vital traits in understanding of the geographic distribution pattern of plants and the mechanism of the formation and maintenance of biodiversity. According to the Flora Reipublicae Popularis Sinicae and Flora of China, the descriptions of plant growth form and life form in the current edition of Flora Reipublicae Popularis Sinicae are characterized by non-uniform classification standards, in which some of the information is missing, incorrect or ambiguous. In this paper, based on the information of plant traits in national and local flora literature and field surveys, we revised the growth form and life form traits of vascular plants, and established a dataset of the growth form and life form of vascular plants in China. The dataset consists of 35,329 vascular plant species, including plant names, growth form and life form traits, and their data sources. The plant names included names both from the Flora Reipublicae Popularis Sinicae, Flora of China, and from the Catalogue of Life China: 2023 Annual Checklist, to allow the readers to cross-check the differences between both taxonomic systems. Based on the degree of stem lignification, plants were classified into two groups: woody plants (12,600 species, 35.7%) and herbaceous plants (22,729 species, 64.3%). The woody plants were primarily dominated by medium shrub growth form (2,917 species, 23.2%) and evergreen life form (7,107 species, 56.4%). The herbaceous plants were dominated by the forb growth form (19,900 species, 87.6%) and the perennial life form (19,554 species, 86.0%). Among the woody plants, tree species were dominated by the families Lauraceae and Fagaceae, and of shrub species by Ericaceae, Fabaceae, and Rosaceae; evergreen species were dominated by Ericaceae and deciduous species primarily consisted of Rosaceae. Among herbaceous growth form, the forbs were dominated by Asteraceae, and the grasses by Poaceae. The annual herbaceous plants were dominated by Poaceae, biennial species by Boraginaceae, and perennial species by Asteraceae. This dataset covers all the vascular plant species and their growth form and life form in China, and can provide a data foundation for the study of plant traits in future research endeavors.

Database/Dataset Profile

Title A dataset on the plant growth form and life form of vascular plants in China
Data author(s) Bohan Zheng, Xinyao Chen, Jian Ni
Data corresponding author Jian Ni (nijian@zjnu.edu.cn)
Time range 1959-2023
Geographical scope China
File size 7.58 MB
Data volume Number of records in two file: 35,329
Data format *.xlsx
Data link https://www.scidb.cn/s/JZfIjm
https://doi.org/10.57760/sciencedb.10903
https://www.biodiversity-science.net/fileup/1005-0094/DATA/2023468.zip
Database/Dataset composition The dataset consists of one data file and one data description file, data file including two work sheets: 1. A dataset on the plant growth form and life form of vascular plants in China (Chinese version); 2. A dataset on the plant growth form and life form of vascular plants in China (English version).
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Advances in tardigrade diversity, distribution characteristics and ecological functions
Chen Dingsong, Liu Zikai, He Ziyang, Chen Weidong
Biodiv Sci    2025, 33 (2): 24406.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2024406
Accepted: 26 February 2025

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Background: Tardigrades, commonly known as water bears, are microscopic invertebrates inhabiting diverse environments across marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems. As essential components of microfauna communities, they are renowned for their extraordinary extremotolerant adaptability and occupy multiple trophic levels within micro-food webs, indicating their significant ecological roles. Despite significant advancements made in understanding tardigrade biodiversity, identification methodologies, physiological and ecological traits recently, a comprehensive summaries remains lacking.

Bibliometric analyses & Perspective: Through bibliometric analyses of global tardigrade research over the past three decades, this review systematically summarizes the research progress in the new species discovery, identification methods, distribution characteristics, and ecological functions of tardigrades. The primary findings encompass: (1) Up to 2024, 1,488 documented tardigrade species inhabit a wide range of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, including moss, soil, marine environments, polar regions, and even anthropogenic habitats, with new species being continuously discovered. (2) Current identification methods remain predominantly morphology-based, while standardized molecular tools for phylogenetic resolution are critically underdeveloped, severely constrain taxonomic advancements. (3) We describe characteristics in aquatic ecosystems and unique adaptive mechanisms to global change stressors including climate warming and atmospheric nitrogen deposition. (4) Preliminary summaries reveal their ecological roles in micro-food webs through interactions with meiofauna and microbial communities.

Future prospects: We propose three critical research priorities: (1) Emphasizing the need to improve molecular biology research methods; (2) Exploring the distribution characteristics across different ecosystems on large spatial and long-term temporal scales; (3) Elucidating their position in micro-food webs and ecological functions.

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Application of passive acoustic methods in biodiversity monitoring and research
Zhishu Xiao
Biodiv Sci    2024, 32 (10): 24462.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2024462
Accepted: 23 December 2024

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Application of passive acoustic monitoring in Chiropteran research
Yingying Liu, Lixin Gong, Hao Zeng, Jiang Feng, Yongjun Dong, Lei Wang, Tinglei Jiang
Biodiv Sci    2024, 32 (10): 24233.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2024233
Accepted: 05 December 2024

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Background: Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) technology has become increasingly significant in wildlife research due to its non-invasive nature and capacity for continuous monitoring. A key taxonomic group for biodiversity and environmental monitoring using PAM are the order Chiroptera, commonly known as bats, with their unique echolocation abilities, nocturnality, and high sensitivity to environmental changes.

Progress: This review aims to comprehensively explore the applications of PAM in Chiropteran research and note the scientific and ecological breakthroughs that this new tool facilitates. We analyze the advantages and limitations of PAM, and summarize methods for effectively collecting and processing acoustic data to estimate and monitor bat diversity, activity patterns, population dynamics, habitat selection, and distribution. The review concludes with case studies from the literature that compare the impact of different environmental factors on bat diversity and activity, and that discuss how these variables affect data collection.

Prospects: This review concludes its assessment by noting the challenges that PAM faces in practical applications; by exploring the future prospects of the technology and its potential contributions to biodiversity conservation; and by proposing future research directions including technological innovation, citizen science involvement, and monitoring strategy optimization. These suggestions will help further advance the application of PAM technology in bat conservation and management by contributing to the protection of biodiversity.

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Advances in bioacoustic monitoring and animal welfare assessment in zoos
Xiaoyuan Li, Wenli Zhang, Shuliao Tian, Zhenlong Wang, Zhishu Xiao
Biodiv Sci    2024, 32 (10): 24297.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2024297
Accepted: 07 December 2024

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Background & AimsZoos are increasingly vital for education, conservation, and scientific research which focuses on animal welfare. The acoustic environment significantly affects the well-being of captive animals and associated people. However, the ability to monitor and manage the acoustic environment in zoos remains poorly studied. We review the advances of acoustic monitoring and animal welfare assessment in zoos and identify future research directions.

ProgressThe application of passive and active acoustic monitoring technologies in zoos provides insight into animal behavior and welfare. Additionally, the use of machine learning for the analysis of acoustic data offers a non-invasive method to assess animal welfare.

Perspective There are opportunities for developing acoustic monitoring devices and intelligent recognition and analysis technologies for acoustic data. Doing so will help establish a comprehensive evaluation system and standards for acoustic environment quality while enhancing educational efforts related to acoustic welfare in zoos. The integration of disciplinary theories and technical methods enables researchers and management to provide systematic solutions for captive animal reproduction, health, conservation, and acoustic environment management in zoos.

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A dataset on the morphological, life-history, and ecological traits of cetaceans worldwide
Zhang Songqi, Lu Yi, Chen Bingyao, Yang Guang, Wang Yanping, Chen Chuanwu
Biodiv Sci    2025, 33 (2): 24442.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2024442
Accepted: 02 March 2025

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There are 94 cetacean species worldwide, which represent one of the most enigmatic and threatened groups among mammals. Throughout their transition from land to water, cetaceans have evolved numerous morphological, life history, and ecological traits that enhance their adaptability to aquatic environments. However, a comprehensive global database of cetacean ecological characteristics is still lacking. Our study systematically reviews books, literature, and other data resources to collect and compile cetacean characteristic data, including 15 morphological traits, 12 life-history traits, and 11 ecological traits. Based on the collected data, we quantified the trait completeness for each species and employed phylogenetic linear regression model to explore the factors influencing the ratio of data completeness. The completeness of the morphological traits ranges from 72.15% to 100.00%, life history traits from 17.72% to 100.00%, and ecological traits from 25.32% to 100.00%. The regression analyses showed that species described earlier and inhabiting nearshore habitats tend to exhibit higher data completeness. This dataset provides essential foundational information for research in cetacean ecology, conservation biology, and evolutionary biology. It also serves as a significant platform for data sharing and communication in regional and global cetacean conservation efforts.

Database/Dataset Profile

Title A dataset on the morphological, life-history, and ecological traits of cetaceans worldwide
Data author(s) Songqi Zhang, Yi Lu, Bingyao Chen, Guang Yang, Yanping Wang, Chuanwu Chen
Data corresponding author Chuanwu Chen (chencw@nnu.edu.cn)
Time range Until December 2024
Geographical scope Worldwide
File size 1.4 MB
Data format *.xlsx
Data link https://doi.org/10.57760/sciencedb.j00152.00007
https://www.biodiversity-science.net/fileup/1005-0094/DATA/2024442.zip
Database/Dataset composition The dataset consists of one data file and one data description file, encompassing 38 species traits of 94 cetaceans worldwide.
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Urban animals need more attention and research
Sheng Li, Fang Wang
Biodiv Sci    2024, 32 (8): 24432.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2024432
Accepted: 30 September 2024

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Biological invasions: Invasive alien species and biodiversity conservation
Junsheng Li, Feihai Yu, Caiyun Zhao
Biodiv Sci    2024, 32 (11): 24582.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2024582
Accepted: 13 January 2025

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A database of life-history, ecological, and biogeographical traits of snakes worldwide
Zhao Yifan, Wang Yanping
Biodiv Sci    2025, 33 (2): 24476.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2024476
Accepted: 13 March 2025

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The inherent ecological and life-history characteristics of organisms are fundamental in determining species population dynamics and survive strategies, as well as their ability to adapt to environmental changes. Snakes are a group of vertebrates with a high degree of morphological specialization. However, due to the cryptic nature of snakes and their solitary behavior, life-history and ecological studies on snakes remain relatively lagged compared with other vertebrate groups, and no comprehensive trait database specifically dedicated to snakes has been available. This study collected and compiled 28 traits of 4,145 snake species by systematically consulting published snake books, peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed literature, online databases and other data resources. These traits include life-history traits (8 traits including body mass, total length, prey), ecological traits (7 traits including distribution, microhabitat, elevational distribution), and biogeographical traits (13 traits including annual mean temperature, annual mean precipitation, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI)). The data completeness of these traits ranged from 42.41% to 99.90%. Compared to other datasets, this dataset has the most complete number of species, the richest traits, and offers higher completeness for some traits. As the most comprehensive and up-to-date global trait dataset for snakes, it provides valuable data support for research in ecology, biogeography and conservation biology of snakes at both global and region scales.

Database/Dataset Profile

Title A database of life-history, ecological, and biogeographical traits of snakes worldwide
Data author(s) Yifan Zhao, Yanping Wang
Data corresponding author Yanping Wang (wangyanping@njnu.edu.cn)
Time range Until September 6th, 2024
Geographical scope Global
File size 1.7 MB
Data format *.xlsx
Data link https://doi.org/10.57760/sciencedb.16435
https://www.biodiversity-science.net/fileup/1005-0094/DATA/2024476.zip
Database/Dataset composition The dataset provided in this study consists of one subset and two descriptive files in total. It comprises 28 distinct life-history, ecological, and biogeographical traits, covering all 4,145 snake species around the world.
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A comparison of bird sound recognition performance among acoustic recorders
Wantao Huang, Zezhou Hao, Zixin Zhang, Zhishu Xiao, Chengyun Zhang
Biodiv Sci    2024, 32 (10): 24273.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2024273
Accepted: 03 December 2024

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Aims: Passive acoustic monitoring technology has been widely used for monitoring bird species, enabling non-invasive and long-term effective monitoring. Extensive data collection requires automated identification technologies for effective analysis. However, differences in recording device performance can affect the accuracy of automated software in identifying bird species.

Methods: Six separate recording devices from various manufacturers are tested by recording bird call playback across four frequency bands. We use BirdNET as the automatic bird sound identifier under two types of vegetation environment, five categories of distance between the recording devices and sound source, and three sound source directions. Our goal is evaluating the impact of these variables on bird species identification performance. We assess the monitoring performance of different recording devices by comparing the basic parameters and configurations of the devices and constructing a generalized linear model (GLM) to statistically analyze the identification results.

Results: Our analysis suggests the type of recording device significantly affects the ability for BirdNET to correctly identify bird species. As distance increases, the effectiveness of the devices in monitoring decreases, with the identification accuracy of BirdNET significantly higher for distances within 50 meters than beyond. Further, the direction of sound impacts identification performance, with accuracy significantly decreasing when the sound source is in opposite direction of the recording device in identifying the four types of bird sound signals with different frequency bandwidth ranges. Additionally, the vegetation type significantly affects the attenuation of bird call signals, with overall identification accuracy in grassland vegetation 40.1% higher than forest vegetation.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest the effectiveness of field recording monitoring should be assessed before selecting and deploying long-term recording monitoring equipment, in addition to evaluating equipment costs and parameters. Based on our evaluation, monitoring distance and direction settings should be optimized to enhance the effectiveness of monitoring strategies.

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Effects of urbanization on interspecific interactions involving birds
Zhiqing Hu, Lu Dong
Biodiv Sci    2024, 32 (8): 24048.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2024048
Accepted: 05 June 2024

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Background & Aim: Urbanization has caused widespread changes in species habitats, leading to changes in community composition and species traits. This process has notably transformed the interspecific interactions involving birds, but current research has limited knowledge about this change. In this paper, the modification patterns of predator-prey interactions, host-parasite interactions, competitive interactions, and mutualistic interactions involving birds in urban environments are reviewed, to provide suggestions for future research and conservation efforts on birds in urban environments.

Review Results: With increasing urbanization, the identity of species involved in various forms of interspecific interactions is directly affected by changes in species composition, leading to changes in the process, intensity, and outcomes of interspecific interactions. In predator-prey interactions, anthropogenic disturbances, enhanced resource availability, and habitat changes modify the community composition of both predators and prey. These changes affect the predation behavior of predators and the antipredator behavior of prey. In host-parasite interactions, pollution and zoonotic disease transmission change parasite taxa, while the spatial concentration and diminished diversity of urban bird communities heighten disease transmission risks. Additionally, factors such as dietary quality and environmental disturbances influence host immunophysiology. In competitive interactions, adaptation of birds to urban environment leads to intensification of competitive behavior, and stabilization of the environment and resource availability may increase competitive intensity and promote competitive exclusion. In mutualistic interactions between birds and plants, the loss of native species and the introduction of exotic species reduce the uniqueness of interactions. Landscape features such as habitat fragmentation affect spatial patterns of pollination and seed dispersal. Changes in the participants and processes of interspecific interactions can modify the nodes and edges in interaction networks and the structural characteristics of such networks, decrease in species diversity simplifies the network structure, while the loss of specialist species and rise of generalist species enhance evenness and reduce the specialization of the interactive networks.

Prospect: There are three important directions for future research on interspecific interactions in urban birds: (1) Development of methods for identifying and quantifying interspecific interactions; (2) Development of ecological network theories, including multilayer networks, in the study of interspecific interactions in urban birds; (3) Utilization of interspecific interactions to increase the effectiveness of conservation in urban bird conservation.

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Applications of passive acoustic monitoring and evaluation in urban bird research
Zezhou Hao, Chengyun Zhang, Le Li, Bingtao Gao, Wei Zeng, Chun Wang, Zixuan Wang, Wantao Huang, Yue Zhang, Nancai Pei, Zhishu Xiao
Biodiv Sci    2024, 32 (10): 24123.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2024123
Accepted: 08 September 2024

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Background & Aims: Rapid urbanization has proved the importance of effectively monitoring and evaluating urban bird diversity, making it a crucial area of technique inquiry within urban ecology and biodiversity conservation. Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM), a technique that utilizes the environment to assess biodiversity, provides long-term and continuous data on urban avian population dynamics. This approach offers valuable insights into the influence of human activities on natural habitats. Although PAM technology has been adopted globally for urban biodiversity monitoring and has resulted in extensive acoustic datasets, variations in monitoring and assessment methodologies show significant challenges in effectively evaluating urban avian diversity.

Review Results: We synthesize representative cases of urban avian diversity research conducted using PAM technology, focusing on aspects such as spatio-temporal experimental design, recording device parameters, and quantification techniques of acoustic signals. The results indicate that current case studies exhibit general routines in experimental frameworks, parameter selection, and quantification methods. However, variability in monitoring and evaluation technologies, along with their effects on factors such as signal-to-noise ratio and representativeness of sound signals, remains a significant challenge that hinders the application of PAM in urban bird diversity research, yet this issue has not received adequate attention. Therefore, this paper advocates for a comprehensive examination of passive acoustic monitoring and evaluation techniques for urban bird sounds, which would facilitate the creation of eco-acoustic big data and address broader ecological questions.

Perspectives: Given the increasing prevalence of PAM applications, there is an urgent need for the development of technical standards for passive acoustic monitoring and evaluation of urban birdsong. Establishing these standards would promote the standardization of sound data collection and analysis, leading to the creation of a comprehensive urban bird sound database. Such advancements would enable the utilization of big data to elucidate the impacts of urbanization on birdsong diversity and response mechanisms, thereby enriching urban avian studies and supporting biodiversity conservation efforts in urban environments. This paper summarizes current monitoring schemes and technological applications, providing a foundation for future theoretical frameworks. Methodological approaches and technological implementations are proposed for future passive acoustic monitoring and evaluation of urban bird diversity in China.

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An updated species checklist and taxonomic synopsis of Cyperaceae in China
Bangze Li, Shuren Zhang
Biodiv Sci    2024, 32 (7): 24106.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2024106
Accepted: 24 June 2024

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Aims: In recent years, with the development of molecular systematics research, there have been many changes in the names and taxonomic status of tribes, genera and species in the family Cyperaceae in China. Therefore it is necessary to review these changes in order to comprehensively understand the taxonomic status of Chinese Cyperaceae and provide a taxonomic basis for related scientific research.

Methods: By reviewing the taxonomic literature of Cyperaceae in China and abroad, combined with examining the specimen data from field surveys and online databases (Chinese Virtual Herbarium, Global Biodiversity Information Facility), we summarized and updated the species checklist and taxonomic synopsis of Cyperaceae in China.

Results: The statistical results indicated that there were 932 species of Cyperaceae in 2 subfamilies, comprising of 19 tribes and 32 genera in China (of the 5,719 species of 2 subfamilies, comprising of 24 tribes and 95 genera worldwide, excluding infraspecies). Compared with the Catalogue of Life China 2023 Annual Checklist, all species in Courtoisina, Kyllinga, Lipocarpha, Pycreus and Remirea were combined into Cyperus; some species in the genera Schoenoplectus, Fimbristylis and Tricostularia undulata were reclassified according to the results of the latest molecular phylogenetic analyses; and here we combined Fimbristylis longistipitata into Abildgaardia. The species diversity of Chinese Cyperaceae is relatively higher in the subtropical region of southern China, both at the genus and species levels; Carex and Cyperus had the largest number of species, accounting for 67.8% and 9.0% of Cyperaceae species in China, with 632 and 84 species, respectively; 8 genera had only one species distributed in China, accounting for 25.0% of Cyperaceae genera in China; 67 species had no specimen record in domestic or foreign specimen data platforms, and further research was needed to confirm their distribution status.

Conclusion: This paper integrates the latest taxonomic research results of Cyperaceae, gives a list and taxonomic outline of the existing sedge plants in China, and makes a preliminary analysis of the distribution of them, which will lay the data foundation for taxonomic, phylogenetic, and evolutionary research of the sedge family in China.

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Soil biodiversity and exotic plant invasions: Progress and perspectives
Rongjiang Zhao, Jihua Wu, Weiming He, Caiyun Zhao, Bo Zhou, Bo Li, Qiang Yang
Biodiv Sci    2024, 32 (11): 24243.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2024243
Accepted: 27 December 2024

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Background & Aims: Exotic plant invasions seriously threaten native biodiversity and ecological security. Although numerous studies have explored the mechanisms of exotic plant invasion, the critical role of soil organisms in this process has not been systematically reviewed.

Progress: In this review, we summarize five ways by which soil biota influence exotic plant invasions, including (1) the role of soil microorganisms (pathogenic microorganisms, symbiotic microorganisms, saprophytic microorganisms, microbial diversity); (2) the role of soil fauna (herbivorous insects, nematodes and protozoa, mites and collembolans, earthworms); (3) the role of soil food webs (micro-food webs, entire food webs); (4) the relationship between plant-soil feedback and plant invasions; and (5) the effect of plant above- and below-ground biotic interactions.

Prospectives: We propose four directions for future studies, including (1) biogeographic comparisons between native and invasive ranges; (2) the verification of the diversity-invasibility hypothesis; (3) the expansion at the plant community level; and (4) the application of multi-omics technology. By elucidating soil biological mechanisms for exotic plant invasion, this review provides important insights for the management of invasive exotic plants and biodiversity conservation.

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A report on newly described taxa of Hemiptera and other 28 orders of Insecta in China (2022‒2023)
Liyun Jiang, Jing Chen, Zhaoxu Li, Yupeng Nan, Gexia Qiao
Biodiv Sci    2024, 32 (11): 24411.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2024411
Accepted: 13 January 2025

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Aims: This study aims to compile and update information on China’s newly described taxa of Hemiptera and 28 other orders of Insecta (excluding Coleoptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera, and Hymenoptera) from 2022 to 2023.

Methods: We summarized the list of type specimens and bibliographies for China’s newly described taxa of Hemiptera and 28 other insect orders during 2022-2023. The preservation locations of type specimens and the journals in which the new species were published were also analyzed.

Results: From 2022 to 2023, a total of 727 new taxa were published for Hemiptera and 28 other insect orders in China, comprising 668 new species/subspecies, 58 new genera and 1 new family. Among these, Hemiptera, Orthoptera, and Plecoptera were the top three orders with the highest number of new taxa. Specifically, Hemiptera had 252 new species, 22 new genera, and 1 new family; Orthoptera had 183 new species and 19 new genera; and Plecoptera included 54 new species and 1 new genus. No new taxa were reported for Mantophasmatodea, Zoraptera, Isoptera, and five other orders during this period. Based on an analysis of provincial administrative regions, hotspots for new taxa discovery were concentrated in Southwest China (Yunnan, Guizhou, Xizang and Sichuan), South China (Guangxi, Hainan and Guangdong), Central China (Hunan and Hubei), and Southeast China (Taiwan, Zhejiang, and Fujian). Yunnan led with 338 new species, representing 50.60% of the total, followed by Guangxi with 115 new species (17.22%), and Guizhou, Xizang, and Sichuan with 90, 88, and 79 new species, respectively. In total, 5,252 type specimens of the 668 new species and subspecies were deposited across 70 preservation facilities. Over 95% of holotypes and paratypes are preserved in 40 universities and 11 research institutions in China, while less than 5% of paratypes are deposited in 3 universities and 12 research institutions abroad. Type specimens are predominantly stored in universities, followed by research institutes and museums. These newly described taxa were published in 320 articles across 35 journals. Over 70% of these articles appeared in Zootaxa, ZooKeys and European Journal of Taxonomy. The Chinese journal Entomotaxonomiaaccounted for 4.69% of the articles, while Systematic Entomology and 24 other journals each published one relevant article.

Conclusion: This study provides a timely update on the biodiversity data of Hemiptera and 28 other insect orders in China for 2022-2023. It plays a crucial role in accelerating the development of data-sharing platforms and enhancing the understanding of insect biodiversity.

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Key issues and advancement strategies for China’s OECMs in alignment with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
Wang Xiaoqian, Deng Yi
Biodiv Sci    2025, 33 (3): 24569.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2024569
Accepted: 07 March 2025

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Background & Aims: The 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) proposed the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and “3030 target” with the most attention. Other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) are widely recognized as a cost-effective new type of conservation management tool that can achieve the 3030 targets by significantly increasing the protected areas on land and in the ocean while considering social and economic factors. The study takes the compliance work under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework as the background in China, seizes the relevant requirements of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China as an opportunity, leverages the characteristic advantages of OECMs and China’s institutional advantages, then analyzes the current status of China’s OECMs actions to identify key issues in advancing OECMs implementation (including significant opportunities and practical challenges), finally proposes strategic recommendations for advancing the work.
Results: Key opportunities for OECMs implementation in China lie in closely aligning with the integrated optimization goals of the “ecological-living-production spaces”, proactively identifying OECMs types that not only achieve conservation outcomes under government leadership but also attract market participation. By leveraging their advantage of balancing production, living, and ecological needs, which makes them more appealing under market economy conditions, these OECMs can effectively address current shortcomings such as lack of funding and insufficient specialized planning support. The practical challenges in the implementation of OECMs in China include unclear identification authorities and procedures, unaligned identification criteria and policy frameworks, insufficient financial and technical incentives for social participation, and the lack of research and promotion of the Chinese model. Proposed strategies include clarifying the identification authorities and procedures for OECMs at the national level, developing adaptive criteria and OECMs management guidelines, encouraging diversified social participation and financing mechanisms for OECMs, and initiating cost-benefit research on OECMs as a model with Chinese characteristics.
Conclusion & Recommendation: In the logical analysis of key issues and corresponding advancement strategies for OECMs implementation in China, the conclusions of this study are illustrated through typical cases, reflecting a novel perspective that integrates scientific research, policy analysis, and practical experience. This study anticipates leveraging the distinctive features of China’s institutional framework—clear objectives, effective measures, robust safeguards, and rigorous oversight—to strategically harness OECMs, thereby supporting the achievement of China’s implementation goals and fostering a new model for fulfilling its commitments.

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Chinese enterprises’ biodiversity disclosure index construction and financing effects
Xinmeng Tang, Tao Qin
Biodiv Sci    2025, 33 (1): 24264.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2024264
Accepted: 04 November 2024

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Backgrounds & Motivations: The financial gap in addressing biodiversity loss is considerable, highlighting the need for the involvement of enterprises and financial institutions in biodiversity protection to provide necessary funding for biodiversity risk management. However, the information regarding to biodiversity in reports from Chinese listed enterprises remains limited, often lacking substance and credibility. It is imperative for enterprises to establish a biodiversity information disclosure mechanism that signals low biodiversity risk to financial and capital markets, thereby enhancing their financing capabilities and levels.

Methods: This study calculates the biodiversity information disclosure index for Chinese enterprises based on an analysis of 11,867 enterprise social responsibility and environmental, social and governance (ESG) reports from 1,714 listed enterprises between 2006 and 2022, utilizing internet crawling technology for data collection. Employing quantitative analysis methods, the research examines the current status and primary issues related to biodiversity disclosure, ultimately constructing an econometric model to explore the financing effects of biodiversity information disclosure from the perspectives of financing constraints, costs, and outcomes.

Results: The findings indicate a continuous increase in both the number and proportion of enterprises disclosing biodiversity information in China, demonstrating a stable growth trend with modest annual increases. However, challenges persist, including low disclosure quality, heightened industry polarization, and significant heterogeneity among enterprise types. Furthermore, biodiversity information disclosure exhibits significant effects on financing. Specifically, each increasing unit in enterprise biodiversity information disclosure can effectively reduce enterprise financing constraints by 2.02% to 5.07%, lower the cost of enterprise debt financing by 2.51% to 2.78%, lower the cost of enterprise equity financing by 1.55% to 1.83%, and facilitate adjustments to the enterprise financing structure, thereby decreasing (increasing) the proportion of debt (equity) in financing by 2.19%.

Policy Implications & Contributions: In light of these findings, policy recommendations are proposed in the study, including the implementation of financing incentive mechanisms, the establishment of standardized disclosure protocols, the monetization of biodiversity value, and an emphasis on disclosure trends among non-key industries. These recommendations are designed to enhance enterprise engagement in biodiversity protection and to mobilize enterprise resources towards the promotion of biodiversity-friendly practices within industry development.

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Population genetic structure and evolutionary history of Hemibagrus guttatus based on mitochondrial genomes
Hong Deng, Zhanyou Zhong, Chunni Kou, Shuli Zhu, Yuefei Li, Yuguo Xia, Zhi Wu, Jie Li, Weitao Chen
Biodiv Sci    2025, 33 (1): 24241.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2024241
Accepted: 20 September 2024

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Aim: Hemibagrus guttatus has historically been known as one of the “four famously economic fish in the Pearl River”. However, due to cascade development, water pollution, and overfishing, wild populations of H. guttatus have drastically declined. In February 2021, H. guttatus was listed as a national category II key protected wild animal species. The study is to investigate the population genetic structure and evolutionary history of H. guttatus to identify actions that can improve scientific management and protection of wild H. guttatus populations.

Methods: A total of H. guttatus samples were collected from 19 locations in the Pearl River and the Hanjiang River. We used multiple approaches, including phylogeny, divergence time estimation, and population genetics, to explore genetic diversity, genetic structure and population historical demography based on mitochondrial genomes.

Results: Genetic diversity analyses revealed nucleotide diversity in the H. guttatus populations of the Pearl River and Hanjiang River exhibit extremely low nucleotide diversity, indicating an urgent protection of H. guttatus populations is necessary. Phylogenetic trees and haplotype network indicated that H. guttatus populations in the Pearl River and the Hanjiang River formed independent lineages, with two sub-lineages present in the Pearl River. Divergence time estimation analysis suggests that the Pearl River populations and the Hanjiang River populations split between 0.284 and 0.401 million years ago (Ma), while the two sub-lineages in the Pearl River diverged between 0.092 to 0.132 Ma. Bayesian skyline plots suggested that overall H. guttatus populations experienced significant population contraction and expansion between 0.072 and 0.101 Ma and 0.024 and 0.033 Ma, respectively. This analysis also suggested that the Pearl River populations underwent significant population expansion between 0.024 and 0.032 Ma.

Conclusions: Results from this study suggest Pleistocene climate change in South China may be an important driving factor that triggered H. guttatuslineage divergence. Further, sea level fluctuations induced by the late Pleistocene glacial cycles and the Last Glacial Maximum may have influenced the distribution and effective population size of H. guttatus populations. Based on the results of this study, we recommend the following: (1) strengthen supervision of fisheries administration, (2) establish protected areas to maintain H. guttatushabitat, and (3) increase monitoring of Hanjiang River populations. Moreover, the maternal lineage of sampled fish should be determined (by mitochondrial sequencing) before reintroduction to avoid blind release of non-local parents or offsprings into local rivers. Implementation of these practices will help preserve, and even improve, the genetic diversity of H. guttatus, which will allow them to remain an important economic fish for years to come.

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Identifying biodiversity hotspots and conservation gaps in Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park based on macrofungi and plants perspectives
Yanli Wang, Ying Zhang, Chunlin Qi, Changda Zhang, Youhai Shi, Yanjun Du, Qiong Ding
Biodiv Sci    2024, 32 (7): 24081.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2024081
Accepted: 14 June 2024

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Aims Predicting the suitable habitats for threatened species and identifying biodiversity hotspots are highly effective for developing scientifically sound biodiversity conservation strategies. However, current research on the identification of suitable habitats and biodiversity hotspots primarily focused on animals and plants, with little consideration for macrofungi.

Methods We used species lists and distribution information obtained from baseline surveys of macrofungi and plant diversity conducted on Hainan Island between 2013 and 2022, as well as resources from the GBIF public database, to screen macrofungi (16 species) and plants (45) that were threatened or in need of priority protection. Using the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model, the suitable habitats for individual target species within the national park were first predicted. Biodiversity hotspot areas for macrofungi and plants were identified through distribution map layers overlay, and the similarities and differences between them were compared. These results were then compared with the current boundaries of the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park to evaluate the effectiveness and gaps in the protection of macrofungi and plants by the national park.

Results The results showed that the total area of biodiversity hotspot regions for macrofungi and plants across Hainan Island was 271.9 km2 and 889.0 km2, respectively, with an overlapping hotspot area of 214.0 km2 (78.7%). Non-overlapping hotspot areas were 57.9 km2 for macrofungi and 675.0 km2 for plants. Macrofungi formed a substantial secondary hotspot region (2,412.8 km2) in the northeastern coastal area of Hainan Island, which was a cold spot region for plants. When considering both macrofungi and plants, the total hotspot area across Hainan Island was 601.0 km2, with 572.8 km2 (95.3%) located within the national park and 518.2 km2 (86.2%) within the core protection zone of the national park, mainly concentrated in the mountain rainforest at an altitude of 700-1,200 m. There were 54.6 km2 of hotspot areas within the general control zone of the national park and 28.2 km2 of hotspot areas located outside the boundaries of the tropical rainforest national park in southeastern Hainan Island.

Conclusion Biodiversity conservation should be strengthened in these areas. Including macrofungi in biodiversity hotspot identification analysis can more effectively protect biodiversity and the integrity of ecosystems.

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Diversity and community composition of epiphytic fungi in the phyllosphere of Pinus tabuliformis and Euonymus japonicus in Beijing, northern China
Yujin Cui, Wanying Li, Qingqing Zhou, Heng Zhao, Fang Wu, Yuan Yuan
Biodiv Sci    2024, 32 (7): 23498.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2023498
Accepted: 12 June 2024

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Aims Phyllosphere fungi play crucial roles in influencing plant health and contributing to biogeochemical cycling. This study aims to investigate the diversity and community structure of epiphytic fungi in the phyllosphere of two most common evergreen trees in Beijing, namely Pinus tabuliformis and Euonymus japonicus to provide the basic data for management of urban evergreen trees.

Methods In this study, we collected leaves samples from four sites in Beijing (Andingmen area, Hepingjie area, Yayuncun area, and Beiqijia area) during four seasons (January, April, July and November) and analyzed the diversity and community composition of epiphytic fungi using high-throughput sequencing technique.

Results A total of 2,051 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) was obtained from epiphytic fungi on P. tabuliformis while 1,970 ASVs were obtained from those on E. japonicus. The epiphytic fungi were dominated by Dothideomycetes, Leotiomycetes, and Tremellomycetes. Alpha diversity indices (Shannon diversity index, Chao1 richness index, Pielou evenness index) for epiphytic fungi varied among sampling plots but consistently showed lowest values at Hepingjie. The diversity showed a decreasing and then increasing trend from the center to north of the city. The three alpha diversity indices of fungi in P. tabuliformis varied in different months, while November had the highest index of fungi in E. japonicus during the four seasons. Result of non-metric multidimensional scaling revealed significant differences between composition patterns of epiphytic fungal communities associated with these two species (ANOSIM, P= 0.001). Linear discriminant analysis effect size identified significant biomarkers specific to each studied species, seven genera (e.g., Aureobasidium, Paraconiothyrium, Orbilia) served as biomarkers for P. tabuliformis, while seven fungal genera (e.g., Erysiphe, Alternaria, Nigrospora) represented biomarkers for E. japonicus. Regression analyses showed that mean precipitation was significantly and positively correlated with the abundance of epiphytic fungi in P. tabuliformis, and significantly and negatively correlated with the abundance of epiphytic fungi in E. japonicus. Network analysis identified the dominant core fungal genera for E. japonicus are Vacuiphoma, Mrakia, Curvularia, and Erysiphe, whereas Vacuiphoma was single core fungal genus for P. tabuliformis. The main functional groups of epiphytic fungi in the phyllosphere of P. tabuliformis and E. japonicus were pathotrophic and saprotrophic, respectively.

Conclusion The results of this study indicate that there is a significant difference in the composition of the epiphytic fungi in the phyllosphere between the two evergreen trees species and there are some patterns in the α diversity changes of different sites and seasons. Plant leaf diseases are most severe in April and should be emphasized for prevention and control.

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Diversity of Leptolyngbya-like cyanobacteria in biocrusts in desert area
Jing Chen, Bingchang Zhang, Yanjin Liu, Jie Wu, Kang Zhao, Jiao Ming
Biodiv Sci    2024, 32 (9): 24186.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2024186
Accepted: 19 November 2024

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Aims: Biological soil crusts are an important landscape in arid and semi-arid ecosystems. Leptolyngbya-like cyanobacteria are common groups of cyanobacteria found in biocrusts within arid ecosystem. However, their morphological characteristics are often subtle, making species-level differentiation based solely on morphological characteristics difficult. This study aims to enrich the understanding of the species diversity of biological crust cyanobacteria in arid and semi-arid regions by integrating morphological characteristics with molecular biology.
Method: In this study, six strains of Leptolyngbya-like cyanobacteria, isolated from the Gurbantunggut Desert and the Mu Us Desert, were identified by morphological characteristics, 16S rRNA molecular sequences, and ITS (internal transcribed spacer) secondary structure methods.
Results: The results showed that all the experimental cyanobacterial strains belonged to 4 species and 4 genus of 3 families, 2 orders, including Leptolyngbya boryana of Leptolyngbya and Myxacorys californica of Myxacorys in Leptolyngbyaceae, Trichocoleus desertorum of Trichocoleus in Trichocoleusaceae of Leptolynabgales, and Oculatella coburniia of Oculatella in Oculatellaceae of Oculatellales.
Conclusion: We found Oculatellales as a new record order in China, along with Trichocoleusaceae and Oculatellaceae as new record families, Myxacorys, Trichocoleus, and Oculatella as new record genera. Additionally, T. desertorum, M. californica, and O. coburniia are newly recorded species in China. These findings enhance our understanding of cyanobacterial diversity in biocrusts in desert areas.

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Assessing activity pattern of sika deer (Cervus nippon) and their response to roads in the Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park
Xiaotong Mai, Jia Kang, Zichen Li, Tianming Wang
Biodiv Sci    2024, 32 (11): 24178.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2024178
Accepted: 26 September 2024

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Aim: Wildlife modify their daily activity to satisfy food demands, to breed, or to avoid mortality risk. Assessing patterns of wildlife activity is crucial for understanding adaptations to inter-species competition, predation risks, and human disturbances. Sika deer (Cervus nippon) is a primary prey species for tigers (Panthera tigris) and leopards (P. pardus) in the Northeast China. However, the sika deer’s habitat is disturbed by roads. This study assessed the influence of road disturbances on the activity patterns of sika deer, considering their gender, age, reproductive status, and seasonal activity. The aim is to deepen our understanding of behavioral changes in animals due to human disturbance, providing a scientific basis for future conservation and management of sika deer, tigers, and leopards in the Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park.

Methods: From April 2021 to March 2022, we deployed 41 pairs of camera traps along the road in Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park to collect data of sika deer activity. Based on gender, age, and reproductive status of individuals, we classified sika deer into five sex/age groups. We used the kernel density method to estimate diel activity patterns and activity levels of sika deer, based on 9,825 independent detections of the species. Furthermore, we compared the activity levels and patterns across different seasons, sex/age groups, and levels of road disturbance.

Results: Peak activity of sika deer was observed in June and October. Diel activity patterns varied across seasons, with sika deer being crepuscular during spring and summer, nocturnal in autumn, and diurnal in winter. Diel activity patterns differed between age and sex groups of sika deer; fawns were diurnal, while adults were predominantly crepuscular, with only adult males having an increased probability of nocturnal activity. The negative effects of roads on the activity patterns of sika deer were mainly observed in autumn, which coincided with peak human and vehicular activity. Moreover, sika deer exhibited significantly reduced activity levels near roads during autumn. At sites close to roads, all sex/age groups of sika deer tended to decrease their activity levels.

Conclusion: This study is the first to document seasonal differences in activity patterns and variations among sex/age groups of sika deer in Northeast China. Additionally, it addresses the impact of roads on the diel activity patterns and activity levels of sika deer, revealing that during the high-traffic autumn season, road disturbances significantly affect their activity patterns. Across sex/age groups, sika deer respond similarly to road disturbances, with a shorter period of activity to minimize exposure to road risks while maximizing food intake. Our study emphasizes the negative impact of human activities on the behavioral patterns of this ungulate species. Additionally, it also highlights the behavioral plasticity of sika deer in response to anthropogenic disturbance, suggesting their ability to efficiently utilize alternative food resources. Our methodology provides insights into wildlife management strategies, and we recommend long-term monitoring of wildlife population dynamics and behavioral responses, especially in the Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park.

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Altitudinal distribution patterns of soil bacterial communities in the Huoditang coniferous forests of the Qinling Mountains
Shiyu Wei, Tianjiao Song, Jiayi Luo, Yan Zhang, Zixuan Zhao, Jingwen Ru, Hua Yi, Yanbing Lin
Biodiv Sci    2024, 32 (9): 24180.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2024180
Accepted: 26 August 2024

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Aims: Soil bacteria play an important role in maintaining forest ecosystem function and soil nutrient cycling. The Huoditang forest area is a representative region in the southern slope of the Qinling Mountains, but the altitude distribution pattern of soil bacterial communities in its coniferous forests is still unclear. Our study aims to explore the distribution of soil bacterial communities in the Huoditang coniferous forests, as well as provide basic data and decision-making references for further research to protect the Qinling ecosystem.
Methods: Soil samples were collected from two typical coniferous forests (Tsuga chinensis forest and Larix principis-rupprechtii forest) from a range of altitudes. 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing was used to characterize the soil microbial communities. Canonical correspondence and correlation analyses were used to identify the driving factors that affect the soil microbial communities in these areas.
Results: (1) There was no significant difference in the α-diversity of soil microbial communities in coniferous forests at different altitudes, but the β-diversity changed significantly. (2) The dominant bacterial phyla were Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria and Actinobacteria, which accounted for 66.02%-73.78% of the total bacteria. At the genus level, the bacterial community composition varied greatly with altitude. (3) Our LEfSe (linear discriminant analysis effect size) and FAPROTAX (functional annotation of prokaryotic taxa) functional prediction also indicated that high-altitude coniferous forest soils were mainly enriched in Proteobacteria with nitrogen (N) cycle-related functions, while low- and mid-altitude coniferous forest soils were largely enriched in Acidobacteria and carbon (C) cycle-related functions. (4) Altitude, pH, TK and C/N were also correlated with bacterial community structure. Proteobacteria were positively correlated with altitude and C/N, while Acidobacteria were negatively correlated. However, Actinobacteria were negatively correlated with pH and positively correlated with TK.
Conclusion: In summary, the composition and structure of soil bacterial communities in the Huoditang coniferous forests changed significantly with the altitudinal gradient, which greatly influenced their function. Together, this study creates an in-depth understanding of the changes and driving mechanisms of soil bacterial community composition in the Huoditang coniferous forests and provides a theoretical basis for their conservation and ecological restoration in the Qinling Mountains.

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Plant Phylogeny Posters—An educational project on plant diversity from an evolutionary perspective
Chen-Kun Jiang, Wen-Bin Yu, Guang-Yuan Rao, Huaicheng Li, Julien B. Bachelier, Hartmut H. Hilger, Theodor C. H. Cole
Biodiv Sci    2024, 32 (11): 24210.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2024210
Accepted: 06 January 2025

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Background: Conservation activities in China have raised public awareness about plant diversity, but these efforts have not been sufficient to enhance a true understanding of plant evolution and the underlying principles and objectives of biodiversity conservation. A more effective communication and profound education of plant diversity from an evolutionary perspective is paramount for a comprehensive understanding of biodiversity and appreciation of the significance of biodiversity conservation. Most references to plant biodiversity focus on species identification and classification, with limited attention to evolutionary perspectives.

Summary: Here, we introduce the global “Plant Phylogeny Posters” project, a portfolio of educational tools developed by the German-American botanist Theodor C. H. Cole. This project is aimed to present clear overviews of plant diversity and relationships from a phylogenetic perspective from recent systematic and evolutionary studies in botany, providing the means for a better understanding of plant diversity and evolution. The posters display the phylogenetic trees of major plant taxa at different ranks alongside morphological characteristics, geographical distributions, and the number of plants at each rank.

Progress & Perspectives: Through the collaborative efforts of 45 Chinese researchers from various universities and research institutions, all 70 posters of this project have now been translated into Chinese and made freely available worldwide. This project promises to improve the understanding of plant biodiversity and conservation efforts in China.

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Influences of disturbances on successional dynamics of species diversity in mid- subtropical forests
Jia Zhenni, Zhang Yicen, Du Yanjun, Ren Haibao
Biodiv Sci    2025, 33 (2): 24078.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2024078
Accepted: 17 February 2025

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Aims: In the face of the extinction crisis primarily driven by human activities, understanding the dynamics of forest succession under varying disturbance regimes is more vital than ever. This study seeks to examine the influences of disturbances on the successional dynamics of species diversity in mid-subtropical forests, aiming to provide scientific insights for biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration efforts.

Methods: We selected four typical forests within the Qianjiangyuan section of the Qianjiangyuan-Baishanzu National Park candidate area: evergreen broad-leaved old-growth forests (PR), once-disturbed secondary forests (MD), twice-disturbed secondary forests (SD), and Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) plantation forests (PL). A total of 12 1-ha forest dynamics plots (three plots for each forest type) were established in 2009 and recensused every five years. In each census, all free-standing stems ≥ 1 cm in DBH (diameter at breast height) were measured, mapped, and identified to species. With those data, we measured species diversity using four indices: species richness, Shannon-Wiener diversity index, Simpson diversity index, and Pielou’s evenness index, collectively to explore the trajectories and rates of successions of biodiversity under different disturbance regimes.

Results: Our longitudinal data revealed that species richness, Shannon-Wiener diversity index, and Simpson diversity index in PR, MD, and PL increased over succession, while they decreased in SD. Pielou’s evenness index showed divergent dynamics: it initially increased and then decreased in PR and MD, whereas it consistently increased in SD and PL. Noticeably, when Chinese fir was excluded, Pielou’s evenness index in PL decreased over time. The succession rate of various species diversity indices generally showed a declining trend over time, but the rate of species richness and Pielou’s evenness index was mostly not significant. Affected by snow and ice disasters, the successional trajectory of PR deviated from its stable state. The succession rate of species richness in the early recovery stage of the impaired PR was significantly higher than in other forests and decreased significantly over time, while the succession rate of Pielou’s evenness index was low and showed no significant change over time. The succession rate of Pielou’s evenness index in PL was significantly higher than in other forests and decreased significantly over time, while the succession rate of species richness was low and showed no significant difference from MD and SD.

Conclusion: We underscore the differentiated effects of disturbances on the succession of species diversity in subtropical forests. PR demonstrated a high capacity for self-recovery after disturbances, while SD exhibited a decline in species richness, emphasizing the critical role of disturbances in shaping community succession. Our results inform conservation strategies by suggesting that restoration efforts should be tailored to the disturbance history and succession stage of each forest type. For highly disturbed areas like PL, active restoration measures such as tree thinning are necessary to enhance biodiversity recovery, whereas PR might benefit from minimal intervention due to their inherent capacity for self-recovery. This research contributes to global efforts to halt biodiversity loss and promote sustainable forest management by providing evidence-based insights into the complex relationships between disturbance, succession, and species diversity.

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Bioacoustics data archives management standards and management technology progress
Kaiying He, Xinhui Xu, Chengyun Zhang, Zezhou Hao, Zhishu Xiao, Yingying Guo
Biodiv Sci    2024, 32 (10): 24266.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2024266
Accepted: 03 December 2024

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Background & Aims: In recent years, bioacoustics monitoring has emerged as a crucial tool for biodiversity conservation, enabling a continuous, real-time, and non-invasive means to gather data on various species and their habitats. This method provides superior efficiency and coverage compared to traditional field surveys and observations. However, the vast amount of diverse bioacoustics data generated presents significant challenges in terms of storage, management, and analysis. This review aims to systematically outline the characteristics and management standards of bioacoustics data archives. It highlights the latest advancements in recording and storage technologies and explores the value and challenges of bioacoustics data archiving in practical applications. Additionally, this review also provides an overview of the current state of bioacoustics databases and data-sharing platforms, both domestically and internationally.

Progress: Bioacoustics data archives are systematic repositories dedicated to the preservation and management of bioacoustics data. These archives include raw audio recordings, metadata detailing recording times, locations, and equipment specifications, and processed data derived from species identification and classification tools. These archives are essential for biodiversity conservation efforts, as they store crucial data on species’ vocalizations, behaviors, and interactions. Standardized management protocols are essential for ensuring data integrity, accessibility, and usability. Recent technological advances have facilitated better data collection, processing, and storage methods, making bioacoustics monitoring more scalable and sophisticated.

Conclusion: The development and implementation of advanced bioacoustics data management and archiving systems are pivotal for effective biodiversity monitoring and conservation. By leveraging the latest technological advancements, bioacoustics data archives can significantly enhance automated data annotation, storage efficiency, intelligent retrieval, and real-time sharing capabilities. These improvements will help meet the increasing demands of bioacoustics monitoring, evaluation, and historical baseline establishment, thereby significantly supporting biodiversity conservation efforts.

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Fish diversity and distribution in the source region of the Yangtze River in Qinghai Province
Ma Wenjun, Liu Sijia, Li Kemao, Jian Shenglong, Xue Chang’an, Han Qingxiango, Wei Jinliang, Chen Shengxue, Niu Yimeng, Cui Zhouping, Sui Ruichen, Tian Fei, Zhao Kai
Biodiv Sci    2025, 33 (2): 24494.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2024494
Accepted: 20 February 2025

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Aims: The study aims to investigate the fish composition and diversity patterns in the source region of the Yangtze River, one of the most critical water conservation zones worldwide.

Methods: Field surveys were conducted in the headwaters of the Yangtze River, including the Tuotuo, Chumaer, Dam Qu, Tongtian, and Dadu rivers in Qinghai Province from 2021 to 2022. Data on the presence and abundance of fish, as well as environmental factors, were collected during the surveys.

Results: A total of 26 species (and subspecies) were recorded in the field surveys, belonging to 12 genera, 3 families, and 2 orders. Analysis of the index of relative importance (IRI) revealed that Schizopygopsis malacanthus and Herzensteinia microcephalus were the dominant species. Seven species are newly recorded, including four native species and three non-native species. Alpha diversity indices showed higher species diversity in the Tongtian and Dadu rivers compared to other tributaries, while the Yalong River exhibited a more uneven species distribution. Similarity coefficient analysis and principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) indicated significant differences in species composition among tributaries, highlighting the influence of geographic isolation and ecological adaptation on fish diversity. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) revealed notable differences in fish community structures across different river systems, with water temperature and altitude identified as key determinant factors. Spatial autocorrelation analysis indicated that the fish distribution patterns were random, with a slight tendency towards clustering. The Getis-Ord Gi* analysis identified two hotspots in the Dadu and the Tongtian rivers.

Conclusion: This study provides updated information on the fish composition in headwaters of the Yangtze River and enhances our understanding of spatial variations in fish diversity in the region. These findings lay the foundation for scientific management and conservation of native fish in the source region of the Yangtze River.

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2023 annual report on new taxa and nomenclatural changes for Chinese plants
Cheng Du, Jun Liu, Wen Ye, Shuai Liao
Biodiv Sci    2024, 32 (11): 24253.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2024253
Accepted: 27 December 2024

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Aims: Since 2020, the average annual number of changes in plant names in China has accounted for roughly 1.5% of all changes. Although these plant name changes are not large, cumulative changes over time should not be ignored. Indeed, it is necessary to annually compile information on new taxa, records, and name changes to Chinese plants to integrate these changes into the Catalogue of Life China in a timely manner to facilitate more accurate references for academia and research.

Methods: We collected data on newly discovered taxa and name changes for Chinese higher plants by reviewing 233 journals and related monographs, supplemented by cross-referencing and systematic review using various online databases to ensure the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the compiled information. This compilation involved 419 articles from 63 journals and 4 monographs, and mainly focused on the new taxa and nomenclatural changes in higher plants in 2023.

Results: In 2023, China reported several new taxonomic findings, including 14 genera, 241 species (including new hybrid species), 13 infraspecific taxa, 13 higher taxa (including 7 subfamilies, 4 supertribes, and 2 tribes), 2 subgenera, and 6 sections in higher plants. Additionally, 185 novel combinations (173 at the species level and 12 at the infraspecific level) and 15 new names were published. At the national level, 1 new record family, 5 new record genus, 82 new record species, and 4 new record infraspecies were recently documented. Furthermore, 86 names were synonymized into 58 names. Five species that had not been observed for many years were rediscovered, and one species distribution was excluded. Among the newly published species, there were 9 bryophytes, 23 pteridophytes (including 1 infraspecific taxon), 1 gymnosperm hybrid, and 221 angiosperms (including 2 hybrids and 12 infraspecific taxa). Detailed molecular evidence was provided for 116 of these novel species at the time of publication that account for 46% of all new species. Additionally, 62 species were assessed as threatened according to IUCN standards upon their publication, which represents 24% of all new species. By location, the four southwestern provinces, i.e. Yunnan, Xizang, Guangxi, and Sichuan, published the highest number of new species and accounted for two-thirds of the total new species reported nationwide. In particular, Mêdog County recorded the highest number of new species among county-level administrative units, with 14 new species and records. Likewise, Yingjiang County reported the highest number of national new records, with 21 new plant records documented.

Conclusion: In 2023, China witnessed a net increase of 262 new taxa of higher plants that accounts for roughly 0.56% of all Chinese higher plant species. In addition, 200 names underwent changes, which accounts for 0.43%. These changes represented 0.99% of all Chinese higher plant names modified in 2023 and encompasses both species additions and nomenclature treatments. Multiple indicators suggest that the number of newly published plant taxa and name changes in China are beginning to show a downward trend. However, data tracking and analysis are needed to determine if this decline will continue in the future.

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New vertebrate species discovered in China in 2023
Jianping Jiang, Bo Cai, Bin Wang, Weitao Chen, Zhixin Wen, Dezhi Zhang, Lulu Sui, Shun Ma, Weibo Wang
Biodiv Sci    2024, 32 (11): 24327.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2024327
Accepted: 09 December 2024

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Aim: To collate and report new vertebrate species discovered in China in 2023.

Method: This paper summarizes the basic information about discoveries of vertebrate species from academic literature published in 2023, including 73 citations.

Results: In 2023, 93 vertebrate species were discovered in China, including 69 species new to science, 15 species not previously reported in China, and 9 valid species that were upgraded from subspecies. These species belong to 14 orders, 40 families, and 61 genera. Among them, there are 18 new species of fish; 31 species of amphibian, including 23 new species and 8 newly recorded in China; 22 species of reptile, including 21 new species and 1 newly recorded in China; 10 species of bird, including 4 species upgraded from subspecies and 6 newly recorded in China; 12 species of mammal, including 7 new species, 1 newly recorded in China, and 4 species upgraded from subspecies. Ectotherm vertebrates account for 76% of new discoveries; most of the fishes, amphibians, reptiles, and birds were species of Cypriniformes (15/18), Anura (27/31), Squamata (21/22), and Passeriformes (8/10), respectively, while most of mammals were species of Eulipotyphla (6/12) or Rodentia (5/12). These 93 newly discovered vertebrates were recorded in 21 provincial regions. Of these species, 79 were recorded in only one provincial region, while there were 29, 13, 10, 10, and 9 new species recorded in Yunnan, Xizang, Guangxi, Sichuan, and Guizhou, respectively. A total of 79 of these discovered species have been supported by molecular systematics. There were 82 species published in academic journals, 14 of which were published in two English journals in China and 3 of which were published in two Chinese journals.

Conclusion: This article provides basic information needed for the classification and protection of vertebrate species in China. In addition, it indicates that ectotherm vertebrates may be the hot group of vertebrate species studied in diversity research in China, and an integrated classification approach is essential to support future taxonomic studies.

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Dynamics of litter production and its determinants in a subtropical mixed evergreen and deciduous broad-leaved forest in a karst ecosystem
Song Xiong, Jiang Gan, Yanjun Xie, Xizhao Deng, Guole Qin, Wanxia Peng, Fuping Zeng, Zhili Zhan, Weining Tan, Guoqin Huang, Hu Du
Biodiv Sci    2024, 32 (12): 24248.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2024248
Accepted: 24 January 2025

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Aims: Litter constitutes a crucial component of forest ecosystems, playing significant roles in biogeochemical cycling, energy flow, and nutrient balance. Nevertheless, understanding the mechanisms by which biotic and abiotic factors influence litter production in heterogeneous natural forest ecosystems remains contentious. This study aims to investigate the long-term dynamics and influential factors affecting litter production in karst forests within subtropical regions.

Methods: In this study, we set up 151 litter traps, and collected litter monthly from 2018 to 2022 in a 25-ha karst evergreen and deciduous broad-leaved mixed forest dynamics plot in the Mulun National Nature Reserve, Guangxi Province. All litter in each trap was dried, classified and weighed.

Results: The average annual litter production in karst forests was 5,946.55 ± 77.27 kg/ha, with significant inter-annual variability. The proportion of each litter component ranked as follows: leaves (63.26%) > debris (24.89%) > twigs (12.79%). Seasonal patterns for total litter and leaf litter production were similar, displaying a bimodal trend with peaks in spring (March-April) and fall (September-October). Monthly dynamics of branch litter followed a unimodal pattern, peaking in autumn (around October), while debris showed a bimodal pattern with peaks in spring (May) and fall (October), respectively. The species diversity, convexity, mean diameter at breast height (DBH), were the main driving factors of litter production within a 5 m radius neighborhood around the traps. The results of the structural equation model indicated that the species diversity, DBH, and convexity have a direct influence on the total litter production, while slope had an indirect influence on the total litter production through altering species diversity.

Conclusion: Five years of continuous monitoring have revealed significant seasonal variations in litter production within the karst evergreen and deciduous broad-leaved mixed forest. Both biotic and topographic factors collectively affected the spatial variability of litter production.

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Impact of urban road characteristics and natural landscapes on animal vehicle collisions: A case study in Nanjing
Qiong Wu, Zixi Zhao, Taozhu Sun, Yumeng Zhao, Cong Yu, Qin Zhu, Zhongqiu Li
Biodiv Sci    2024, 32 (8): 24141.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2024141
Accepted: 30 August 2024

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Aims: With the rapid expansion of road networks, the conflict between transportation development and ecological conservation has become increasingly prominent, garnering significant attention from ecologists. Research on road ecology has indicated that roads can fragment animal habitats, reduce connectivity between populations, and severely impact biodiversity. Among these impacts, animal vehicle collisions (i.e., roadkill) represent the most direct and significant threat to wildlife.

Methods: This research investigated the incidence of animal vehicle collisions in Nanjing, a mega city in East China. From November 2020 to October 2021, transect survey method was employed to investigate roadkill incidents across roads of different administrative levels in Nanjing. Regression analysis was used to explore the probability of roadkill incidents, and models were established to further clarify the impact of roads and surrounding environmental factors on the probability of animal roadkill.

Results: Our findings revealed that: (1) A total of 293 roadkill incidents involving 21 species were recorded during the survey period. Mammals accounted for 46.42% of the incidents, with cats (Felis catus) and dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) being the most common, while birds accounted for 48.81%, with the Chinese Blackbird (Turdus mandarinus) and Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) being predominant. (2) The proportion of arable land (dryland and irrigated farmland) and buildings (buildings and structures) in natural landscape significantly influenced the probability of roadkill incidents. Specifically, within a 250 m radius around the road, the coverage proportion of arable land and buildings was significantly negatively correlated with the occurrence probability of roadkill incidents. As cultivated land coverage increased, the probability of roadkill of birds decreased, while the probability of mammals’ roadkill increased, showed completely opposite trends. (3) The road characteristic affected the probability of animal vehicle collisions; roads with isolation belts were associated with an increased probability of roadkill incidents. (4) Linear features (distance to the nearest river, the nearest viaduct and the nearest main road) also affected the incidence of bird’s roadkill events. Birds had fewer vehicle collisions the farther they were from rivers, but more collisions while the farther they were from viaducts and main roads.

Conclusion: This study represents the first periodic investigation into terrestrial vertebrate roadkill in Nanjing. It preliminarily identifies the natural landscape and road factors that influence animal roadkill in Nanjing, thereby providing foundational knowledge to inform strategic decisions regarding regional road network optimization, infrastructure enhancements, ecological corridor establishment, and management strategies.

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A dataset on the checklist and geographical distribution of Gesneriaceae in China
Ke Tan, Yao Ning, Renfen Wang, Qing Wang, Danping Liang, Zibing Xin, Fang Wen
Biodiv Sci    2025, 33 (1): 23275.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2023275
Accepted: 18 February 2025

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China serves as a global biodiversity hotspot for Gesneriaceae, with particularly high species richness and exceptional endemism rates concentrated in its southwestern regions. The family Gesneriaceae is characterized by its rich biological diversity, reproductive and nutritional organ phenotypic polymorphism, and a pan-tropical distribution pattern. These characteristics make this taxon a primary focus in research related to biogeography, evolutionary ecology, conservation biology, and more. Despite the importance of Gesneriaceae, investigations concerning its biodiversity in China have been limited to cataloging species, or some other generic analyses. This has left a gap in understanding the diversity distribution patterns of Gesneriaceae throughout China. To fill this gap, this study compiled literature and specimen data to catalogue Gesneriaceae and establish a geographic distribution database for China’s known Gesneriaceae. The findings reveal that Gesneriaceae primarily inhabit the tri-junction of Yunnan, Guizhou, and Guangxi, as well as the Hengduan Mountains, southeastern Tibet, and across southern provinces. As of 30 June 2024, the Gesneriaceae in China comprised 46 genera and 880 species (including 58 varieties). Among these, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region had the most species (324), followed by Yunnan Province (319 species) and then Guizhou Province (159 species). At the county scale, Malipo County (70 species) and Pingbian Miao Autonomous County (63 species) of Yunnan Province had the most Gesneriaceae diversity. These invaluable findings will enable Chinese researchers to further their investigations and conservation efforts related to Gesneriaceae.

Database/Dataset Profile

Title A dataset on the checklist and geographical distribution of Gesneriaceae in China
Data author(s) Ke Tan, Yao Ning, Renfen Wang, Qing Wang, Danping Liang, Zibing Xin, Fang Wen
Data corresponding author Fang Wen (wenfang760608@139.com)
Time range As of 30 June 2024
Geographical scope China
File size 637.85 kb
Data format *.xlsx
Data link
https://doi.org/10.57760/sciencedb.20603
https://www.biodiversity-science.net/fileup/1005-0094/DATA/2023275.zip
Database/Dataset composition The dataset includes two data files, (1) 880 species of Gesneriaceae in China and their distribution data; (2) Reference for the catalogue and geographical distribution dataset of Gesneriaceae in China (author, year, literature, press, volume, issue, page).
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Effects of diversity and temporal stability of native communities on the biomass of invasive species Solidago canadensis
Shiyi Long, Bobo Zhang, Yuchen Xia, Yangfan Fei, Yani Meng, Bingwei Lü, Yueqing Song, Pu Zheng, Taoran Guo, Jian Zhang, Shaopeng Li
Biodiv Sci    2024, 32 (11): 24263.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2024263
Accepted: 09 December 2024

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Aim: Elton’s foundational ideas on “diversity-invasibility” and “diversity-stability” relationships have long been central to ecological research, yet the link between these concepts remains largely unexplored. It remains unclear whether diversity reduces invasions by enhancing community temporal stability, and thereby making stability a primary mechanism by which diversity resists invasion.

Methods: We conducted an in situ experiment at the Shanghai Urban Biodiversity Education Base to simulate the invasion processes by transplanting Solidago canadensisseedlings into native herbaceous communities. We then measured the biomass of the invader, to assess the relationship between species diversity, phylogenetic diversity, temporal stability, canopy closure of the native communties, and the growth performance of the invader.

Results: We found that both species diversity and phylogenetic diversity of native communities, particularly when assessed by cover-weighted measures, were generally positively correlated with invader biomass. These diversity measures also generally showed a positive correlation with the temporal stability of native communities. However, invader biomass was not significantly related to community temporal stability but was negatively related to canopy closure. Structural equation modeling indicated that higher diversity and lower canopy closure of native communities increased invader biomass, and the positive relationship between diversity and invader biomass offset the potential negative effect of diversity on invasion by enhancing temporal stability.

Conclusions: This study elucidates that species diversity and phylogenetic diversity, along with temporal stability, can exert complex influences on community invasibility, providing new insights into the mechanisms underlying the “diversity-invasibility” relationship.

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Response and influencing factors of leaf functional traits to forest succession in subtropical mixed plantations
Yanpeng Li, Lijun Pan, Jie Chen, Han Xu, Lixin Yang
Biodiv Sci    2024, 32 (7): 24049.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2024049
Accepted: 15 July 2024

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Aims: Leaf functional traits, as essential indicators of plant photosynthesis, effectively reflect the species’ strategies for survival, growth, and reproduction in response to environmental changes. However, whether tradeoff strategies for leaf functional traits vary significantly with temporal scale is still lacking sufficient evidence. This study aims to clarify the characteristics of leaf functional traits in subtropical mixed plantations and their response patterns to forest succession, enhancing our understanding of community assembly processes.

Method: This study was conducted in the subtropical mixed plantations formed after the renovation of pure forest of Cunninghamia lanceolata in Yunyong Forest Farm, Foshan City, from 2003 to 2010. In 2018, data were collected from twenty-seven 20 m × 20 m fixed plots from nine sites, and sampling data of six leaf functional traits. The adaptive characteristics and response rules of different leaf functional traits to forest succession were analyzed. First, we calculated the mean, coefficient of variation, intraspecific and interspecific variation of leaf functional traits. Second, we used regression and correlation analyses to determine the changes and trade-offs of different leaf functional traits throughout forest succession. Finally, multiple stepwise regression analysis and hierarchical partitioning methods were employed to explore the influencing factors of leaf functional trait patterns.

Results: The results revealed that: (1) The leaf functional traits had strong plasticity during succession of subtropical mixed plantations. The coefficient of variation of different leaf functional traits ranged from 5.63% to 70.98%, and the interspecific variation was greater than intraspecific variation. (2) The ecological strategy of co-existing species changed from conservative to acquisitive along the forest succession of subtropical mixed plantations. (3) Forest succession significantly affected the correlations between different leaf functional traits. Notably, the correlations between specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf organic carbon content (LC), leaf total nitrogen content (LN), and leaf total phosphorus content (LP) strengthened as succession progressed. This indicates that the environmental context’s impact on plant functional trait trade-offs cannot be overlooked, even on a local spatial scale. (4) Recovery time, the changes of species composition and alterations in leaf functional traits collectively influenced the patterns of leaf functional traits across different succession stages. However, the relative contribution of each factor varied depending on the specific functional trait studied.

Conclusion: The results reveal the response patterns and influencing factors of leaf functional traits during forest succession in subtropical mixed plantations. These findings provide a theoretical basis for future species election in afforestation efforts based on plant functional traits in the future.

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Distribution of leopard cats in the nearest mountains to urban Beijing and its affecting environmental factors
Sicheng Han, Daowei Lu, Yuchen Han, Ruohan Li, Jing Yang, Ge Sun, Lu Yang, Junwei Qian, Xiang Fang, Shu-Jin Luo
Biodiv Sci    2024, 32 (8): 24138.   DOI: 10.17520/biods.2024138
Accepted: 18 June 2024

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Aims: The leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) is a small felid widespread in Asia and serves as a primary predator in North China’s temperate forest ecosystem, after the mega-carnivores such as the leopard went extinct from the region. Despite its ecological resilience and adaptivity, whether the leopard cat can survive in nearest proximity to urban Beijing remains unknown. Field surveys of the presence of leopard cats in the suburban Beijing and evaluation of the environmental factors associated with its distribution will set the stage for elucidating the pattern of human-wildlife coexistence around a megacity of China like Beijing.

Methods: From October 2022 to June 2023, we conducted 16 transect line surveys in search of leopard cats in the nearest mountainous area west of urban Beijing. The region refers to the Western Beijing Crescent Bay Mountains that covers the wilderness landmarks of Mt. Baiwang-Fragrant Hills-West Mountains-Mt. Jiufeng-Mt. Yangtai-Mt. Miaofeng-Mt. Fenghuangling-Baihujian. The presence of leopard cats was examined through non-invasive sampling of scat samples, DNA extraction, and species identification based on DNA barcoding analysis. By integrating species presence information and eight selected environmental variables, we constructed an ensemble model to assess the impact of various environmental factors on the species distribution.

Results: We validated 258 sites of leopard cat presence from cumulative 180 km trails in the Western Beijing Crescent Bay Mountains survey area. For a relatively continuous habitat, the occurrence of leopard cats was primarily influenced by anthropogenic variables, with the distance to artificial infrastructure (42.71%) and hiking intensity (20.12%) being the two primary factors. A buffer distance of at least 1,000 m from major human facility was required for a habitat to be considered suitable for leopard cats around Beijing. While the distance to artificial infrastructure displayed a positive correlation with the presence of leopard cats, hiking intensity exerted relatively little impact, suggesting the leopard cat’s tolerance to moderate human activities to certain extent.

Conclusions: The existence of a wild leopard cat population is confirmed in the mountainous area on the outskirts of Beijing, illustrating the prospect for human-wildlife co-existence around China’s capital city. This preliminary survey suggests that as far as relatively intact habitat could be preserved on a landscape scale with minimum anthropogenic disturbance, a generalist species such as the leopard cat may be ecologically resilient enough to survive in nearest proximity to an urban region.

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