Aims: There are 23 targets of Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) from the period up to 2030. China is among the mega biodiversity countries with largest human population and faces a lot of challenges on biodiversity conservation. It is very important to understand current biodiversity conservation status and gaps in order to achieve 2030 mission and 2050 vision. In addition, although forestry and grassland administrations in China (FGAC) are considered as the main body of China biodiversity conservation, especially on in situ conservation, ex situ conservation and trade control, there is no detail analysis about the lawful basis and implementation mechanisms of FGAC for the 23 targets. At the same time, there are many national strategic actions or plans on biodiversity conservation, it is very urgent to propose comments and suggestions on these actions or plans in order to make best usage of limited conservation resources. Here we aim to illustrate current biodiversity conservation status and gaps, lawful basis of FGAC’s duties, and propose our suggestions on Chinese biodiversity conservation on 2030 targets.
Methods: We analyzed the lawful basis and implementation mechanisms of FGAC for the 23 targets of KMGBF, from the aspects of ecosystem conservation, species conservation, genetic resources conservation and biosafety, support measures, and fairness requirements. We analyzed the typical route of implementing framework conventions through synergy among governmental sectors, and discussed four stages, i.e. to determine the whole goals, to identify detail targets, to implement relevant actions or plans, enforcement/supervision/evaluation. We also summarized the biodiversity conservation achievements and shortcomings of FGAC, and provided suggestions for future work.
Results: Our analyses indicated that Chinese government attached high importance on biodiversity conservation. The mandate duties of FGAC well consist with 2030 mission. Many national strategic actions or plans on biodiversity were compiled and implemented by FGAC. Many special conservation measures of FGAC, such as ecological conservation compensation and Forestry-Leader Mechanism, had been established and received huge amount support. The conservation networks have been well established and improving across China. The system of in situ conservation, such as national parks, nature reserves, key habitats of wildlife, has been established and improving across all kinds ecosystem and received strong support from governments, local communities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The system of ex situ conservation, such as national botanical gardens, endangered species conservation and research centers, had been well designed and received strong support from national/provincial/municipal governments and scientists. Bilateral and multilateral international co-operations had launched many achievements and contributed to global biodiversity conservation. Public awareness is improved through wide spread communication. Many endangered species have been well protected and the quality of ecosystems is improved onwards. Inner problems related to biodiversity conservation are analyzed. Suggestions are provided regarding in situ conservation, ex situ conservation, enforcement/supervision/ evaluation, and mainstreaming of biodiversity.
Conclusion: Biodiversity conservation has achieved great outcome and is becoming important part of Chinese government. However, there is high pressure for FGAC to implement relevant conservation actions or plans. We propose to improve biodiversity conservation networks, establish biodiversity monitoring system, enhance enforcement, supervision and evaluation, and mainstream biodiversity concept into Chinese culture.

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.

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.

Aim:Hubei Province, located in central China, features a complex and diverse topography that provides heterogeneous habitats for rich flora. Lycophytes and ferns are important elements in biodiversity. However, they were not included in the Flora of Hubei.

Methods: To comprehensively document the diversity and distribution of lycophytes and ferns in Hubei Province, we compiled a checklist integrating data from the Catalogue of Life China: 2024 Annual Checklist, the National Specimen Information Infrastructure (NSII), published books, and journal articles. Families and genera were classified based on the Pteridophyte Phylogeny Group I (PPG I) system.

Results: Our results identified 31 families, 99 genera, 570 species, 3 subspecies, and 27 varieties of lycophytes and ferns in Hubei Province. Among these, lycophytes comprised 2 families, 8 genera, 38 species, and 1 subspecies, while ferns comprised 29 families, 91 genera, 532 species, 2 subspecies, and 27 varieties. In addition, this study confirmed that 42 species previously recorded in Hubei Province were not actually distributed there, and we questioned the authenticity of 37 species reported in the province.

Conclusion: To improve the accuracy of plant documentation in Hubei Province, we recommend strengthening field investigations, and ensuring rigor and precision in specimen collection records. Our results provide a valuable dataset for future study on lycophytes and ferns in Hubei Province.

Background: The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), aims to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. It achieves this by subjecting, and if necessary, suspending, international trade in listed species to certain controls and regulations. The effective implementation of the Convention relies on the coordination and consistency of countries worldwide in terms of terminology comprehension, law enforcement, data collection and statistics, and policy formulation. However, due to legacy issues at the time of CITES’s signing, United Nations’ languages such as Chinese, Russian and Arabic are not working languages of CITES. Despite China’s four-decade implementation of CITES, with Chinese CITES authorities having translated the Convention text and other valid documents into Chinese for domestic dissemination, China’s participation in the formulation and implementation of regulations for international trade in wild fauna and flora remains contingent upon accurate comprehension and translation of CITES terminology and definitions in English. Terminology is the core concept in the formulation and implementation of policies and regulations, and it is also the foundation of rules. As a highly technical and operational international agreement, CITES has a comprehensive implementation system with a complex and intertwined set of rules. Investigating the translation and characteristics of terminology can provide an entry point for understanding the establishment and evolution of CITES regulations.

Main Content: This article traces the linguistic regulations at the time of CITES’ signing, lists important terms related to the conservation of endangered wild animals and plants and their translations in the CITES text and valid documents, and categorizes the CITES terms according to their nature and application scenarios. The definitions and explanations of CITES terms can be categorized into definitional, explanatory, and quotational according to their nature; and into scientific and definitional terms, regulatory and procedural terms, and cooperative and compliance terms according to their application scenarios. By using an online Large Language Model Moonshot AI, 14 terms with the most special English explanations and the greatest differences from common understanding were extracted from the 150 terms of the CITES glossary, and a comparison was made.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that the CITES terminology is primarily anchored in the Convention’s legal framework, embodying purpose-driven linguistic features tailored to regulate wildlife trade. However, divergences from common usage emerge through three distinctive dimensions: more detailed, specific, and operationally robust. When Parties inadequately grasp these terminological nuances during routine implementation of Convention obligations, such comprehension gaps may not only impede regulatory compliance but also precipitate operational ambiguities. In severe cases, it may even trigger or activate the Convention’s review and suspension mechanisms. Mastery of the categories and characteristics of CITES terminology aids in understanding the background, rule evolution, and operational execution of this so-called “Convention with teeth”. It includes compliance and enforcement measures, such as the prohibition of trade. Only with a comprehensive understanding can we effectively implement the Convention, regulate international trade in wild fauna and flora, and advance global biodiversity governance. Additionally, the characteristics and interpretations of CITES terminology also provide insights and references for formulating China’s wildlife protection and management laws and regulations, as well as related standards.

Background & Aims Global biodiversity hotspot cities are where urban development and biodiversity conservation come into conflict, playing a critical role in maintaining biodiversity both within and beyond their regions. However, there has been no dedicated study focusing on Chinese cities within global biodiversity hotspots. Based on Target 12 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and Priority Action 18 of the China National Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and Action Plan (2023-2030), this research examines the biodiversity conservation policies of 16 Chinese cities with populations exceeding one million within global biodiversity hotspots from five key aspects: (1) biodiversity conservation planning and sustainable utilization plans, (2) urban biodiversity survey, monitoring, and assessment, (3) habitat restoration and ecological corridor construction, (4) the connection between urban residents and nature as well as their health and well-being, and (5) urban ecosystem functions and services. By comparing these conservation policies with international case cities, the study identifies existing challenges and proposes optimization directions to support biodiversity-friendly urban development while balancing ecological protection and high-quality urban growth.

Review ResultsThe findings show that both Chinese and international hotspot cities face common challenges, including a lack of awareness of their unique ecological location, insufficient long-term biodiversity-inclusive urban planning, and a general scarcity of biodiversity monitoring data. Additionally, Chinese cities exhibit specific issues such as limited coverage and single-method approaches in urban biodiversity monitoring, insufficient attention to biodiversity-related public experiences and supporting facilities, and inadequate focus on the provision of urban ecosystem services.

Optimization Trends Future enhancements to urban biodiversity conservation policies in these hotspot cities should prioritize the followings: (1) prioritizing the development of spatial planning for biodiversity conservation; (2) exploring the integrated application of multi-source data monitoring technologies; (3) standardizing multi-dimensional approaches to urban biodiversity experiences; (4) promoting synergistic enhancement of urban biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services.

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.

Aims:The Hexi Corridor serves as a critical ecological protection area in Northwest China. This study aims to investigate the fish diversity and resource status within the interior drainage systems of this region.

Methods:From April 2019 to October 2023, eight fishery resource surveys were conducted at 25 sampling sections across inland river basin of the Hexi Corridor. The relative importance index (IRI) was used to determine the dominant species of the population. Fish diversity was analyzed using the Margalef richness index, Shannon-Wiener diversity index, Simpson dominance index, and Pielou evenness index. The Bray-Curtis similarity coefficient was used to cluster and sort the distribution characteristics of fish. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) and redundancy analysis (RDA) was employed to examine the gradient relationships between fish community composition and environmental factor using Canoco 5.0 software.

Results:A total of 9,743 fish belonging to 4 orders, 8 families, 20 genera and 29 species were identified. Among them, 12 species are indigenous, including Gymnocypris chilienensis and Schizopygopsis pylzovi, which are under Gansu Provincial protection. Schizopygopsis pylzovi was identified as a new recorded species in the interior drainage of Hexi Corridor, and four species, including Triplophysa yarkandensis and Silurus soldatovi, were classified as vulnerable or near-threatened under the Red List of Biodiversity of China. The fish populations were predominantly composed of small-sized species, with Gymnocypris chilienensis, Triplophysa hsutschouensis and Carassius cuvieri as the dominant species. Notable differences in dominant species were observed across different river systems and temporal intervals. The fish diversity in the inland river system of Hexi Corridor was generally low across the inland rivers. The Margalef richness index was the highest in summer (2.215), while the Simpson dominance index peaked in autumn at the 0.715. Both Shannon-Wiener diversity index (1.463) and Pielou evenness index (0.716) reached their maxima in spring. Among the rivers, the Heihe River exhibited the highest species richness index of Margalef (2.767 ± 1.455) and Shannon-Wiener diversity index (1.549 ± 0.432), whereas the Shule River recorded the highest Simpson dominance index (0.755 ± 0.060) and Pielou evenness index (0.807 ± 0.095), respectively. The NMDS analysis revealed significant differences in fish species composition between the upper and middle-to-lower reaches of rivers. Redundancy analysis indicated that total phosphorus was the primary environmental factor influencing fish community structure.

Conclusion:Compared with survey data from the 1980s, the distribution areas of Gymnocypris chilienensis and Triplophysa yarkandensis have been reduced, while the distribution areas of other Triplophysa species have remained relatively stable. Key factors affecting fish diversity and distribution in the region include water resource scarcity, invasive species, and water conservancy projects.

Background & Aim: Chiroptera, the only mammalian order capable of true powered flight, has attracted significant attention from researchers due to its unique biological characteristics, such as echolocation, complex niche adaptability, and diverse dietary habits. In recent years, the precipitous decline in bat populations has posed a potential threat to ecosystem stability, making Chiroptera a key focus in conservation biology. As a crucial component of modern socio-economic development, road infrastructure exerts profound impact on plant and animal populations, becoming a major research hotspot in conservation biology. This study focuses on bats, systematically reviewing relevant research and proposing strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of roads on bat populations while improving their habitat quality.

Review Results: This study focuses on Chiroptera, conducting a systematic review of 108 representative studies from both domestic and international sources. Through in-depth analysis, we systematically summarized the effects of road noise and road light pollution on bats during road construction and use. The results indicate that road noise and light pollution universally and diversely affect the acoustic structure and foraging behavior of bats, with species-specific responses. Based on these findings, we propose a series of targeted strategies. First, we recommend establishing and enhancing road assessment and regulatory systems, integrating ecological impact assessments into the entire process of road planning and construction to ensure that economic development aligns with ecological conservation. Second, we suggest increasing noise-blocking facilities, implementing sound barriers and green belt, and other noise-mitigation measures to minimize road noise on bat habitats. Additionally, optimizing road lighting design by using low-intensity, low-frequency flickering lights to reduce light pollution and its disruptive effects on bats.

Perspective: These strategies aim to mitigate the negative impacts of roads on Chiroptera, improve their living conditions, and provide scientific and practical guidance for the conservation of this unique and ecologically important mammalian group.

Background: The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) is the primary tool for the Parties to implement the Convention on Biological Diversity and serves as the master plan for national biodiversity conservation. Local governments play a crucial role as the managers of regional biodiversity conservation. The coordinated actions between central and local governments, according to their respective powers will unite the overall implementation of NBSAP and have a significant impact on the action effectiveness.
Results: The China National Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and Action Plan (2023-2030) has updated the strategy, priority areas, and actions to address the challenges to biodiversity conservation in the new era. The responsibilities of local governments for biodiversity conservation have been continuously clarified through the development of relevant regulations and policies. Although the central and local governments have coordinated to promote NBSAP implementation and achieved remarkable results through multiple means such as strengthening legal safeguards, improving policies and planning, and integrating biodiversity into demonstration, evaluations, and assessments, challenges still remain. These challenges include: (1) operational methods and pathways for biodiversity conservation, (2) the return on conservation investment, and (3) the scale of social participation.
Recommendations: In view of the challenges to biodiversity conservation and NBSAP implementation, it is recommended to provide operational methods through technical guidance and pilot demonstrations to bridge the gap from concept to practice. Additionally, promoting the market value realization of biodiversity and enhancing political returns can stimulate intrinsic motivation and improve the sustainability of conservation efforts. Lastly, enriching biodiversity-related policy instruments are crucial to mobilize extensive participation from the whole of society.

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.

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.

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.

Aims: This paper conducts a comprehensive review of literature from the past two decades, focusing on two primary objectives. First, it explores the composition of dominant weed species in urban lawns across China, including the types and characteristics of invasive weeds. Second, it investigates the key factors influencing the distribution and spread of weeds in urban lawns in China. This study aim to provide a theoretical foundation for the scientific management and control of weeds in urban lawns and help protect biodiversity and promote sustainable urban development. Additionally, these findings can support efforts at monitoring weed population dynamics to maintain ecological balance and enhance the health and sustainability of urban green spaces.

Methods: This study conducted a comprehensive review of the literature on urban lawn weeds in 98 cities across China between 2002 and 2024. A statistical analysis of the weed species identified in the literature was carried out after gathering information on dominant weed species, including their Chinese and Latin names, family and genus details, life forms, and flora. These data were used to determine the species, origin, degree, and route of invasion for invasive weeds. Furthermore, β-diversity was assessed using the Jaccard similarity index. The data for this study were sourced from the CNKI database, WANFANG DATA, and VIP database. Statistical analyses were performed using R and SPSS software. The correlation between invasive weed distribution and climatic factors was examined through a nonlinear relationship, and the primary climatic factors influencing the distribution of weed species in urban lawns were identified using redundancy analysis (RDA). Together, these methods enabled a deep exploration of the species composition, spatial distribution, and main influencing factors of urban weeds in China.

Results: (1) A total of 208 dominant weeds, spanning 40 families and 137 genera, were identified in urban lawns. The Compositae was the most prevalent in the literature, constituting 22.12% of the total. The geographical distribution of these flora is complex, with cosmopolitan families holding a significant advantage (23 families). However, at the genus level, the number of temperate distribution genera (57) surpassed that of tropical distribution genera (42), resulting in a tropical to temperate ratio of 2.33 and 0.74 at the family and genus levels, respectively. (2) A total of 37 species of invasive weeds were identified, belonging to 11 families, predominantly Compositae, Gramineae and Fabaceae (59.46%). This included 10 species of malicious invasive species, 11 species of serious invasive species, 4 species of local invasive species, and 12 species of general invasive species. The distribution of invasive weeds in southern China was notably concentrated. (3) The variation in weed composition among different cities aligns with the β-diversity theory, as variation was primarily influenced by geographical distance and climatic conditions.

Conclusion: Plants, particularly Compositae and Gramineae weeds, which are primarily annual and perennial herbs, hold a significant advantage over other species due to their widespread distribution. These plants demonstrate ecological adaptability and competitiveness in the ecological context of urban lawns. A considerable number of invasive weeds are present in these lawns, with some species exhibiting strong dispersal capabilities and posing serious threats to the existing ecological environment. These species are more concentrated in the southern region of the country, indicating that the area faces greater challenges in managing and preventing the spread of invasive weeds. The variation in weed composition between cities aligns with β-diversity theory which suggests species distribution is primarily influenced by geographical distance and climatic conditions. Future research should seek to more accurately assess the risk of invasive weed establishment and further investigate the mechanisms driving diffusion of dominant weeds. Considering the increased influence of global warming on ecosystem dynamics, it is essential to strengthen methods for predicting the distribution of dominant weeds, particularly non-native invasive species, and to conduct research on effective means of biological control. Additionally, a deep study of the life history of frequently occurring weeds is necessary to provide a scientific basis for effective prevention and control strategies.

Aim: To summarize the new Diptera taxa from China published in 2023.

Method: We synthesized information from 52 journal publications from relevant databases and taxonomic journals on new Diptera taxa in 2023 from China.

Results: A total of 186 new taxa of Diptera from China published in 2023 including 2 new genera and 184 new species and 34 new taxa were recorded. These taxa included 2 subfamilies, 7 genera, and 25 species. Additionally, 5 new synonyms and 1 replacement name was proposed. Families with the highest number of newly described species include Drosophilidae, Empididae, Phoridae, Chironomidae, Tachinidae, and Tipulidae which account for 77% of all Diptera. Twenty-eight Chinese provincial-level administration areas contributed to new taxa and records. The number of new species from Yunnan was significantly higher than in other regions, accounting for more than 1/3 of the total number of new species published. Liaoning, Jilin, and Inner Mongolia were the main distribution areas for new species records.

Conclusion: The number of published papers decreased in 2023, but the discovery of new species and records continued to grow steadily. The locations where new species are found remain concentrated in hotspot regions.

Background & Aims: Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs), widely present in the insect epicuticle, provide significant contributions to many terrestrial insect adaptations. Insect CHCs function primarily in waterproofing, resisting harmful substances, and facilitating chemical communication. Compared to the compositional and functional diversity of CHCs in solitary or subsocial insects, the diversity of social insects offers a valuable source of insights into their unique genetic structure, population composition, and characteristic behavioral patterns.

Progresses: This review characterizes the structures and properties of CHCs that enable particular functions, summarizes their functional diversity, and discusses the influence of both endogenous factors and external elements on the profile variability of CHCs in social insects. Furthermore, potential future research directions are proposed. The CHCs in social insects are regulated through nestmate recognition, caste differentiation, division of labor, social immunity, reproductive state recognition, and inter-specific interactions. Remarkably, some CHCs have been designated for queen pheromones. The CHC profiles of social insects can exhibit remarkable variability to meet the demands of functional differentiation. The synthesis, composition, and content of CHCs in social insects can be influenced by a wide range of internal factors (including gene and hormone levels) as well as extrinsic factors (including diet, gut microbiome, pathogenic organisms, temperature, humidity, ultraviolet radiation, nest materials, etc.).

Prospects: Emerging technologies, such as the quantitative genetic framework, immunohistochemical localization, and fluorescent in situ hybridization, will enable new insights to be obtained into the synthesis, translocation, release, functional diversity, and regulation of CHCs, enhancing our understanding of their role in insect adaptive evolution. The research discussed in this review can provide a theoretical basis for the development of novel technologies to control invasive agroforestry pests.

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.

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.

Aim: Lepidoptera exhibits high diversity and has significant economic importance. Many species are pests, while others are beneficial or have high ornamental value. China has a vast territory, spanning both the Palearctic and the Oriental regions. The biota is complex and diverse, with many new species being described every year. The aim of this study is to summarize the new taxa of Lepidoptera recorded in China in 2023.

Methods: Information regarding new species, new synonyms, new combinations, and new record species for China was referred to from related taxonomic journals. The scientific names and type localities of the new species as well as other relevant information, were sorted out based on a total of 87 articles. The new taxa of Chinese Lepidoptera published by domestic and foreign researchers in 2023 were summarized.

Results: A total of 224 new taxa were recorded, including 10 new genera, 195 new species, and 19 new subspecies. Three genera and 96 species (including 19 subspecies) were newly recorded in China, and 40 new combinations and 52 synonyms were proposed. One species and one subspecies were each replaced with a new name, respectively. 13 species were downgraded to subspecies, and 18 subspecies were upgraded to species. A total of 214 new species and subspecies belong to 85 genera across 26 families in Lepidoptera, of which 120 new species belong to Microlepidoptera, 57 new species belong to Macrolepidoptera, and 18 new species and 19 new subspecies are butterflies.

Conclusions: The number of new species and new record species of Lepidoptera distributed in Yunnan Province in 2023 was still significantly higher than that in any other regions of China, accounting for 31.78% and 42.71% of the total published species in China, respectively. All the data show that the number of new species and new record species collected from southern China in 2023 are still significantly higher than that collected from northern China.

Background & Aim: Domestic animals and their wild relatives are important biological resources crucial to the creation of new breeds, germplasm innovation and wildlife protection. China has abundant and unique domestic breeds and is one of the distributions of many wild relatives and the origin centers of animal domestication. The confusion in the usage of Chinese and Latin names for domestic animals and their wild relatives hinders the accurate identification of biological resources, impairs effective scientific research communication and science popularization, and contributes to the loss of vital biological resources.

Methods: We search online resources and official documents such as the List of State Key Protected Wild Animals (2021), threatened species listed on China’s Red List (2021), Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (2023) among others. This information is used to investigate the history and origin of domesticating animals and the sources and use of names for domestic animals and their wild relatives in Chinese, English, and Latin languages.

Conclusion & Suggestions: We find four key principles: (1) The Latin names of domestic animals and wild relatives must consider their origin and domestication history. (2) The Chinese names of domestic animals and wild relatives should conform to the rules of taxonomy, using the names of official documents or related monographs is recommended. (3) The Latin name of offspring produced by the hybridization of species should be expressed by the Latin scientific name of the parent, and the order of the Latin name should be distinguished from the orthogonal or inverse cross. (4) International conventions, national laws and regulations, scientific reports, and other official documents shall be used first according to context.

Aims: The aim of this paper is to summarize the new taxa of the world’s Coleoptera published by scholars around the world in 2023, and to sort out the new species and records in China separately.

Methods: A total of 881 journal publications or monographs were obtained by querying journals and databases related to the classification, as well as supplements from relevant experts.

Results: In 2023, a total of 2,397 new taxa of extant Coleoptera globally, including 5 new tribes, 3 new subtribes, 85 new genera, 60 new subgenera, 2,157 new species, and 87 new subspecies were observed. Additionally, 837 new combinations, 402 new synonyms, 85 upgradations, and 50 degradations were proposed. The country with the largest number of Coleoptera new taxa founded in the world is China, 16 new genera, 6 new subgenera, 388 new species, 6 new subspecies, 2 new record subfamily, 24 new record genera, 49 new record species, and 2 new record subspecies were recorded in China.

Conclusion: The hotspots for the discovery of new species (subspecies) in China are Yunnan and Sichuan, accounting for about 37.1% of the total published new species (subspecies). The total number of the new taxa of the world’s Coleoptera in 2023 is lower than it was in 2022.

Aim: This paper focuses on the advancements in taxonomic studies of extant spiders in 2023 worldwide, with detailed statistical analyses of new taxa, type localities, arachnologists conducting such research, and journals publishing these works.

Progress: A total of 1,311 new taxa were described in 2023, including 1 new family, 70 new genera and 1,240 new species. They belong to 71 families, with type localities spanning across 75 countries and jurisdictions. The new taxa were documented by 344 arachnologists in 315 papers, published in 63 different journals. Out of these 315 papers, 52 (16.5%) comprised revisions of selected higher taxa (at family and genus levels), regional studies, and monographs. The proportion of papers incorporating DNA analyses made up 16.8% (totaling 53 papers). Among the 1,240 new species, 740 new species were published based on both male and female specimens, accounting for 59.7% of the total, and 500 new species only published based on male or female specimens, accounting for 40.3%. China is the country with the highest number of new species discovered, a total of 412, accounting for 33.2% of the global tally. With as many as 94 arachnologists naming new spider taxa, China becomes the country with the highest number of publishing spider taxonomists, accounting for 27.3% of the world’s total. Among them, the most prolific arachnologist is Shuqiang Li, who described a total of 171 new taxa, comprising 13.0% of the worldwide total for 2023. Altogether, Li and the other 93 Chinese colleagues described a total of 540 new taxa, comprising 33 new genera and 507 new species from China, Vietnam, and the other nine countries and jurisdictions. These new taxa described by Chinese arachnologists made up 41.2% of the 2023 global aggregate, higher than the Chinese output in 2022 (37.0%), 2021 (33.8%) and during the 2016-2020 period (28.1% on average).

Aims:Guangdong Province is one of the provinces with the high diversity of Chiroptera in China and is also one of the global hotspots for chiropteran distribution. To comprehensively understand the current diversity resources of Chiroptera in Guangdong Province, and to provide basic data for future biodiversity research and conservation practices, the timely updating of species checklists and the availability and accuracy of molecular barcode databases, even those based on local species specimens, are necessary.

Methods:This study was based on our long-term survey results over 30-years effort, combined with a summary of historical records and literature on Guangdong Province, we aimed to update the chiropteran species checklist for the province. Additionally, we selectively utilized our specimen resources that collected by our research team over 30-years to specifically construct their molecular barcode database via molecular barcoding technology. We provided primers and PCR systems for molecular barcoding technology that cover the known species of Chiroptera, facilitating future use by researchers.

Results:As of July 2024, Guangdong Province had recorded 61 species of Chiroptera across 8 families and 24 genera, making its species diversity second only to Yunnan Province, which had 82 species across 8 families and 31 genera. Its diversity accounted for 43.2% of the bats in China. Among these, the family Vespertilionidae had the highest diversity with 37 species, while the genus Myotis was the most diverse genus with 11 species. We compiled 11 pairs of universal primers for the Cytb gene and 9 pairs for the COI gene. Based on molecular sequence data primarily obtained from samples that historically collected in this province, we established a reference barcoding database for the 61 Chroptera species in Guangdong Province.

Conclusions:This study not only revises and updates the species checklist of Chiroptera in Guangdong Province, but also establishes the molecular barcoding database. It could provide accurate and convenient basic data for the molecular identification of Chiroptera species in the province and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. We hope this will benefit future biodiversity research and conservation practice.

Aims: Compilations of biodiversity catalogs are of great significance for biodiversity research, resource protection, and social and economic development. However, due to rapid research progress, a large number of new species and distribution records are reported every year, which requires accurate methods to summarize the discoveries of new taxa, as well as update species checklists frequently.

Method: Taxonomic data for newly published fungal names were retrieved and analyzed from the Fungal Names nomenclatural repository.

Results: In 2023, 2,050 scholars published 4,372 new fungal names throughout the world, including 7 classes, 17 orders, 56 families and subfamilies, 316 genera and subgenera, 2,997 species and intraspecific taxa, 831 combinations, 33 replacement names and 115 other names. These new names belonged to 3 kingdoms, 13 phyla, 47 classes, 170 orders, 441 families and 1,342 genera, among which micro-ascomycetes received the most attention. These newly published 2,975 fungal species were discovered from 102 countries and regions throughout the world, with eastern and southern Asia as the most noticeable spot for novel species discovery. In particular, China remained the most imminent country for annual species discoveries (1,249 species) that accounts for 41.98% of the world’s total new species. Additionally, Chinese scholars led the world in research output on fungal taxonomy in 2023, where 548 Chinese scholars participated in the publications of 2,160 new fungal names to contribute to nearly half of the world’s total new names.

Conclusion: The total number of fungal nomenclature novelties published globally this year has decreased slightly compared to last year, but it still remains fluctuating upwards in line with the general trend of previous years. Except for China, Australia, Brazil, Thailand and the United States remain in the lead, Asian countries such as India, Japan and Pakistan have become the new hot spots of fungal research instead of European countries. Since 2021, the number of new names published by Chinese scholars, and the contribution ratio to the world have broken the historically record for consecutive two years.

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.

Aims: Benthic organisms are a crucial part of marine ecosystems, playing an essential role in material cycling and energy flow. Gastropods, particularly through their predation and scavenging activities, help maintain the stability of benthic ecosystems. Understanding the dietary habits of gastropods is key to understanding their ecological role. Neptunea cumingii, a gastropod of significant ecological and economic importance in northern China, has not been sufficiently studied in terms of its diet and ecological role. Therefore, it is important to investigate the dietary composition of N. cumingii in natural conditions and to further understand its regulatory role in northern China’s benthic ecosystems.

Methods: In this study, four wild N. cumingii stomach samples were collected, and the stomach contents were analyzed using DNA barcoding techniques targeting the 18S rDNA V4 and V9 hypervariable regions to identify eukaryotic organisms.

Results: A total of 265,161 high-quality reads were obtained from the 18S rDNA V4 region across four samples, representing 93.16% of the original reads, and 141 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were obtained by clustering. From the 18S rDNA V9 region, 221,998 high-quality reads were obtained, accounting for 86.54% of the original reads, and 490 OTUs were obtained. The 18S rDNA V4 region produced higher-quality sequences, but fewer annotated species compared to the V9 region. In total, 17 phyla were identified across all OTUs, including 10 from the animal kingdom, 5 from the fungal kingdom, 1 from the plant kingdom, and the SAR (Stramenopiles, Alveolates, and Rhizaria). The most abundant taxa in both the V4 and V9 analyses were Gastropoda, Actinopterygii, Trematoda, and Chromadorea. At the OTU level, only 5.67% and 8.08% of OTUs were detected across three or more samples, classified into the phyla Mollusca, Vertebrata, Ascomycota, and SAR. Overall, the analysis of the 18S rDNA V4 and V9 hypervariable regions revealed a diverse array of eukaryotic organisms, including animals (annelids, arthropods, mollusks), fungi, plants, and protists, with gastropods, fishes, trematodes, and fungi being the most abundant. A small percentage of OTUs were detected in multiple samples, indicating the variability of the diet.

Conclusions: The findings suggest that N. cumingii is an opportunistic feeder, obtaining energy from animal carcasses, sediments, and debris. It exhibits both herbivorous and predatory behaviors, which may help control fouling organisms. Its dietary composition is influenced by the local microenvironment, underscoring the species’ potential for use in bait domestication. This study provides insights into the role of N. cumingii in marine ecosystems and its nutritional needs for aquaculture.

This article is based on an audio tape of Chan Wang recorded in 1986, which provides detailed information about the discovery of the dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) by Chan Wang. This article is now published as Chan Wang’s posthumous work. The discovery occurred in 1943 when Chan Wang was on an expedition to explore the forests of Shennongjia in Hubei Province, Central China. The article begins with Chan Wang’s acceptance of the Shennongjia exploration mission and narrates the entire process of how he overcame numerous hardships to collect the dawn redwood specimens and conducted research on them. The discovery of the dawn redwood was a combination of both chance and inevitability, and it was Chan Wang’s fearless and selfless spirit of scientific exploration that led to a serendipitous opportunity into the inevitable outcome of the discovery of the dawn redwood.

Aims: Other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) are becoming an essential complement to the traditional system of protected areas, playing a critical role in global biodiversity conservation. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the development trajectory and current research on OECMs, focusing particularly on their advancements and unique characteristics in China. It further explores the future prospects of OECMs in China under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Progress: In recent years, the continuous policy advancements regarding OECMs worldwide underscore the international community’s recognition of their significant role as a supplementary tool in global biodiversity conservation strategies. From conceptualization to practical implementation, OECMs have undergone a process of deepening and refinement, emerging as a key mechanism for addressing biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. Globally, systematic studies have been conducted on the criteria, procedures, and methodologies for identifying OECMs, as well as on their governance and long-term effectiveness.
Perspectives: Despite the growing international recognition of OECMs, their effective implementation and monitoring continue to face significant challenges that require urgent attention. This study explores future development pathways for OECMs within the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, with a particular focus on accelerating their mainstreaming, enhancing biodiversity conservation effectiveness through robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, establishing clear de-designation procedures, fostering cross-sectoral collaboration and multi-stakeholder governance, and advancing research and formal recognition of marine OECMs. These efforts aim to contribute to the refinement of biodiversity conservation strategies in China and globally, providing a scientific basis for the effective integration of OECMs into broader conservation frameworks.

Aims: Biological invasions are a vital component of research in invasion biology, biogeography, ecology and other disciplines. Better understanding drivers of the invasion process is essential to predict and prevent future invasions. Controversy persists over whether the niche of invaded range has shifted compared to native range. The diffusion process of invasive species is complex. In addition to directly transferring from a native to an invaded range, species can transfer from the initial invaded range to other invaded ranges. This phenomenon is known as the bridgehead effect and is commonly present in the diffusion process of invasive species. Therefore, the bridgehead effect must be considered when assessing the biogeography, intercontinental mobility, and climatic niche changes of invasive species. Our study compared the climatic niche progression of populations in native, bridgehead, and secondary invaded ranges of Solenopsis invicta. We uncovered the ecological mechanisms underlying the successful invasion of S. invicta to provide new insights into the niche conservatism hypothesis.

Methods: We used global distribution data and environmental variables of S. invicta obtained from http://www.moa.gov.cn. Based on pre-analysis results of the ecological niche model, we selected the environmental variables with a greater contribution to the distribution of the species. A two-by-two comparative analysis of the climatic niche of populations in native range (South America), bridgehead range (United States), and secondary invaded range (China) was done by using the “ecospat” package. The test of equivalency and similarity of the niche was performed to assess the degree of niche overlap. Additionally, the environmental space occupied by the climatic niche of S. invicta was categorized into stability, unfilling, and expansion. Further, the size of the expansion was used to assess the extent of niche displacement in the invaded range.

Results: The climatic niche overlap between South American and United States populations of S. invicta was relatively low (Schoener’s D = 0.06, Hellinger’s I = 0.20), with high niche stability (93.78%) and low expansion (6.22%). The climatic niche overlap between South American and Chinese populations of S. invicta was also low (Schoener’s D = 0.01, Hellinger’s I = 0.05), with high niche stability (97.60%) and low expansion (2.40%). However, considering the bridgehead effect, the climatic niche overlap between the bridgehead range (United States) and the secondary invaded range (China) populations was relatively high (Schoener’s D = 0.34, Hellinger’s I = 0.51), with low niche stability (28.08%) and high expansion (71.92%). The degree of ecological niche conservancy was highest, and the degree of deviation lowest, between the native range and secondary invaded range, which was consistent with the result of ecological niche overlap between the two regions. Although the ecological niche conservancy degree between the native range and bridgehead range was relatively high and the degree of deviation low, the ecological niche conservancy degree between the bridgehead range and secondary invasion interval was extremely low. There was also a significant deviation in the ecological niche. During the invasion process, S. invicta first spread to adjacent United States, which served as a center for further invasion, leading to subsequent invasions into regions such as China. This process is known as the bridgehead effect. The degree of climate niche overlap between South America and the United States and China was relatively low, while the degree of climate niche overlap between the United States and China was relatively high. Further, the current process of trade globalization centered on the United States has broken the limitations of long-distance geographic space and led to the rapid adaptation of S. invicta from the United States to China, resulting in ecological niche shift.

Conclusion: The current trade globalization process, with United States as the center, is breaking down long-distance geospatial limitations. Thus, the invasion of populations from this bridgehead range to China has rapidly adapted to similar climatic environments. On this basis, the adaptability of populations in the bridgehead range implies the importance of the bridgehead effect in facilitating the invasion of S. invicta globally.