Aims: Tree species composition and structure are vital for evaluating urban vegetation growth status and its ecological function. The quantitative characteristics of different tree species in a community act as the basis for quantitative descriptions of the composition and structure of plant communities. Traditional vegetation surveys require substantial human and material resources and are therefore difficult to carry out on a large scale, other options—such as single remote sensing data source and corresponding method—frequently do not provide accurate information on the number of trees, crown size, and tree species simultaneously. To address these challenges, it is essential to explore the potential of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) with remote sensing technology that deploys multi-source datasets to accurately acquire the composition and quantitative characteristics of urban plant communities. 

Methods: The study area was located in Lushan, a famous tourist city with high vegetation density and a complex terrain. We employed high-resolution RGB imagery, LiDAR point cloud, and their combination to conduct individual tree detection and species classification. We then compared the performance of different remote sensing data sources and their corresponding methods of extracting quantitative characteristics of tree species in the urban plant community in order to assess their efficaciousness. 

Results: (1) The multi-source datasets yielded optimal results for individual tree segmentation and species classification. Compared to using imagery or LiDAR data separately, the F-score for multi-source data on individual tree segmentation increased by 0.116 and 0.102, respectively, and the overall accuracy of tree species classification improved by 12.1% and 23.1%. (2) The combination of multi-source data improved the accuracy when extracting the relative quantitative characteristics of tree species within communities, with errors for the relative density and relative coverage of all tree species categories being within 2.3% and 4.8%, respectively. In contrast, methods based on a single data source suffered from inaccuracies, either overestimating or underestimating the relative quantities of specific tree species. 

Conclusion: The research demonstrated that combining multi-source data improved the accuracy of extracting the composition and quantitative characteristics of urban plant communities by simultaneously optimizing the process of individual tree detection and that of species classification. Further, it offers theoretical support and a methodological framework for subsequent UAV remote sensing monitoring and its contribution to the structure of urban vegetation.

Aim: National parks prioritize the conservation of their unique and representative vegetation ecosystems. Monitoring these ecosystems is crucial for evaluating conservation effectiveness and formulating sustainable management strategies. This study utilized remote sensing data to characterize canopy characteristics in Qianjiangyuan section of the Qianjiangyuan-Baishanzu National Park candidate area (Qianjiangyuan section). By establishing direct links between canopy features and disturbance regimes, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of forest biodiversity protection. 

Method: We analyzed airborne LiDAR (light detection and ranging) and hyperspectral data for 21,820 100 m × 100 m pixels and naturalness survey data for 6,977 subcompartments within Qianjiangyuan section. The three-dimensional canopy structural characteristics were derived from airborne LiDAR data, while vegetation indices were calculated from hyperspectral data. These canopy characteristics were then correlated with the naturalness of forest subcompartments to assessed differences across various naturalness levels. 

Results: (1) Canopy characteristics within Qianjiangyuan section exhibited a wide range of variability, with considerable differences across regions of the park. (2) Canopy structural and spectral characteristics varied significantly between areas with varying degrees of anthropogenic disturbance, reflecting the success of conservation efforts. Specifically, heavily disturbed secondary and plantation forests exhibited the lowest canopy height, leaf area index, vertical complexity, and light resource utilization efficiency, with a higher proportion of shorter and sparser vegetation, increased stress levels, and higher leaf senescence. In contrast, moderately disturbed secondary deciduous broad-leaved forests and lightly or undisturbed old-growth evergreen broad-leaved forests demonstrated elevated canopy heights, leaf area index, and vertical complexity. However, old-growth forests experienced lower stress levels, higher light use efficiency, and reduced leaf senescence compared to moderately disturbed forests. 

Conclusion: The canopy characteristics in Qianjiangyuan section vary widely depending on the level of anthropogenic disturbance, with such disturbances negatively impacting canopy attributes. Our findings indicate that airborne LiDAR and hyperspectral imaging are effective in quantifying the three-dimensional structure and spectral attributes of the canopy, offering valuable insights into conservation effectiveness. Our study serves as a scientific foundation for the protection and management of subtropical forests within Qianjiangyuan section. Furthermore, it highlights the potential of airborne remote sensing technologies in monitoring changes in canopy characteristics to evaluate conservation efficacy, thereby supporting the development of informed conservation strategies and sustainable management practices.

Aims: In order to support conservation efforts for the endangered Jiangxi giant salamander (Andrias jiangxiensis), we conducted a comprehensive long-term field monitoring project to assess population dynamics, species distribution, and potential threats to the species. The findings from this study will serve as guidance for the development and implementation of conservation initiatives for this endangered species. 

Methods: In this study we established long-term monitoring of both population ecology and habitat of the wild population of the Jiangxi giant salamander in the Jinjia tributary of the Beiliao River from 2021 to 2023. The population status was evaluated using the mark-and-recapture method which allowed us to gather essential data on population characteristics, life history, habitat condition. 

Results: A total of 628 adult and juvenile Jiangxi giant salamanders were successfully captured. Among them, 543 were tagged with passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags, and 230 were recaptured at least once. Using the Schnabel model for estimating population size from mark-and-recapture, the population size was estimated to be 474 individuals (95% CI: 427–534). The calculated population density was 79 inds./km (95% CI: 71–89) or 1.31 inds./100 m² (95% CI: 1.19– 1.48). An analysis of population structure indicated that few individuals had a body size smaller than 30 cm or larger than 70 cm. During the three consecutive years from 2021 to 2023, a total of 738 larvae were observed between January and March, a time of the year when the newly hatched larvae swim out of their breeding cave and begin to forage. In contrast, only 12 larvae were seen across the whole habitat range between April and December, with an extremely low catch per unit effort (CPUE) (0.38 inds.∙person^–1∙h^–1). Our observations indicate that larvae of the Jiangxi giant salamander face challenges from both predators and environmental factors, leading to a low survival rate in their natural habitat. Habitat assessments have revealed significant threats to the isolated population of this species, including environmental fluctuations such as floods and perturbations of water flow, which pose a risk to their survival. 

Conclusion: This study recommends the evaluation of the Jiangxi giant salamander as Critically Endangered (CR) and a National Class I Protected species. Consequently, we urge the implementation of specific conservation actions.

Aims: Apoidea insects are crucial biological resources, providing bee products for humans and pollination services for ecosystems etc. However, global Apoidea resources are declining, highlighting the urgent need for monitoring and conservation efforts. Despite the availability of various methods to survey and monitor Apoidea diversity, there remains uncertainty regarding the most appropriate method and the taxa they effectively monitor. 

Methods: The study site is located at Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences where biodiversity is high. Three methods commonly used for Apoidae monitoring were employed: transects, Malaise traps, and pan traps. The richness and abundances of Apoidae were recorded and the effectiveness was compared to determine the best monitoring approach. 

Results: Through one-year systematic monitoring, a total of 14,896 Apoidea insects were collected, including Apidae, Halictidae, Megachilidae, Colletidae, Sphecidae, Crabronidae, and Ampulicidae, which belonged to 7 families, 54 genera, and 345 species. The rarefaction curve showed adequate sampling coverage for all three methods, and there were differences in the major taxa collected. The transects collected 6 families, 33 genera, and 133 species, of which Apidae, Megachilidae, and Halictidae had high diversity, including 3 dominant species and 44 rare species. The Malaise traps collected 7 families, 50 genera, and 260 species, of which Crabronidae, Megachilidae, and Halictidae had high diversity, including 6 dominant species and 130 rare species. The pan traps collected 6 families, 29 genera, and 122 species, of which the diversity of Crabronidae was high, but Apidae had the most individuals, including 6 dominant species and 49 rare species. 

Conclusion: The results demonstrate that different methods are effective for monitoring different Apoidea taxa and species. Combing multiple methods enhances the detection of Apoidea diversity. This study provides valuable methodological options for surveying Apoidea species and population monitoring, and also offer baseline data for the effective conservation of Apoidea resources.

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.

Background & Aims: Storage beetles refer to coleopterans that are directly or indirectly related to stored products and have significant implications for human life. Historical factors, including the use of multiple classification systems across different periods and confusion surrounding Latin-English-Chinese names, have resulted in information mismatches globally, leading to the incorrect application of control techniques and unnecessary economic losses. 

Methods: The higher-level classification of 430 storage beetles was primarily based on the authoritative Catalogue of Palaearctic Coleoptera, Handbook of Zoology, Zoological Record, and the current internationally accepted Coleoptera classification system. A comprehensive catalogue of important storage beetles, including their naming history and original literature, was compiled for the first time, supplemented by their English names and former Chinese names (if applicable). 

Results: This study clarifies the taxonomic status, Latin-English-Chinese names, and original literature references for 430 storage beetles, encompassing 12 superfamilies and 32 families of Coleoptera. The taxonomic status of 41% families has changed. A total of 283 pieces of original literature related to species names were reviewed. Additionally, the Latin names of 45 species were revised compared to previous common names due to 3 homonyms, 23 synonyms, 18 combinations, and 1 upgradation. 

Conclusion: This study contributes to the standardized use storage beetle names and provides scientific support for related applications in industry sectors.

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.

Aims: Assessing the impact of nitrogen-phosphorus imbalance inputs on the carbon sink capacity of subtropical forests is currently a hot topic. Maximum carboxylation rate (V_cmax) and maximum electron transport rate (J_max) are crucial parameters in the C₃ plant photosynthetic model (FvCB model), exploring the mechanisms underlying photosynthetic biochemical limitations in response to N and P deposition, which will help to improve the understanding of biodiversity conservation and management in the context of global change. 

Methods: A six-year N and P addition experiment was conducted in an evergreen broad-leaved forest of Jiulianshan, Jiangxi Province. Six dominant tree species were selected to quantify V_cmax, J_max, leaf mass per area, leaf N and P content, and analyze correlations between photosynthetic parameters and leaf traits of saplings and adult trees under N and P addition. 

Results: We found that addition of either N or P significantly altered photosynthetic parameters of saplings. Specifically, N addition significantly increased the Jmax of saplings, while P addition significantly increased the V_cmax. However, combined N and P addition had no significant effects on V_cmax, J_max, and J_max/V_cmax, showing an antagonistic effect. In contrast, none of N and P treatments significantly affected V_cmax, J_max, and J_max/V_cmax in adult trees. During the transition from saplings to adult trees, V_cmax and J_max increased more than threefold. Furthermore, saplings exhibited species-specific responses to N and P addition. Schima superba and Castanopsis fargesii were more sensitive to N addition, Castanopsis carlesii was more sensitive to P addition, and Machilus breviflora was more sensitive to combined N and P addition. Combined N and P addition significantly decreased the leaf mass per area (LMA) of saplings while increasing leaf nitrogen concent, whereas P addition significantly increased leaf nitrogen content in adult trees. However, leaf traits did not explain the variation in photosynthetic parameters. 

Conclusions: These findings confirm the theoretical prediction that saplings were more responsive to nutrient inputs than adult trees, which may allocate more nutrient resources to reproduction and defense systems rather than altering photosynthetic biochemical limitations in response to N and P addition. The antagonistic effect of combined N and P addition on sapling photosynthetic parameters suggests that excessive nutrient supply led to nutrient allocation toward non-photosynthetic components, reducing the efficiency of the photosynthetic system. Clearly, N and P availability significantly alter the FvCB model parameters in an evergreen broad-leaved forest, with size-dependent and species-specific effects on photosynthetic biochemical limitations.

Aims: The negative impacts of light pollution, resulting from excessive artificial light at night (ALAN), on various organisms and ecological processes, have garnered significant attention. However, the impact of ALAN on the frequency of invasive alien plants and its effects on plant community composition and the growth performance of both invasive alien and native species remain poorly understood. 

Methods: We carried out a field investigation in Changchun City to compare areas with and without ALAN exposure, focusing on the frequency of invasive alien plants, the composition, and biodiversity of both invasive alien and native plant communities, as well as the average plant height and relative coverage of these plants. 

Results: We found that: (1) ALAN did not significantly influence the frequency of invasive alien plants; (2) While ALAN did not significantly affect the diversity of invasive alien and native plant communities, it significantly increased the richness of invasive alien plants; (3) ALAN significantly enhanced the average height and relative cover of invasive alien plants and decreased the relative cover of native plants, but had no significant effect on the average height of native plants. 

Conclusions: These results suggest that ALAN may further bolster the competitive advantage of invasive alien plants and increase their invasion risk. Therefore, future management strategies for plant invasion should incorporate ALAN as a potential contributing factor.

Aims: The color change of flowers during their blooming process can serve as a cue that guides pollinators to preferentially visit pre-change color flowers. However, it remains unclear whether this color change influences nectar robbers’ behavior. 

Methods: To explore whether nectar robbers prefer pre-change color flowers and the impact of nectar robbing on plant reproductive success, we used Lonicera calcarata (Caprifoliaceae) as the study subject. Its flowering period lasts for three days, during which the flower color changes from white to yellow and then to orange-red. We recorded the visitation behavior of flower-visiting insects in the field and calculated the frequencies of legitimate visits and nectar robbing. We also analyzed the nectar robbing rates of flowers of three colors in different populations, measured the morphological traits of normal and robbed flowers, assessed the nectar volume and sugar concentration in both normal and robbed flowers during blooming, and examined the total number of pollen grains and ovules in flower buds from normal and robbed flowers. Finally, we performed different artificial pollination treatments to calculate seed set. 

Results: Flower visitors to L. calcarata included moths, butterflies, and bumblebees, among which bumblebees could both legitimately visit the flowers and rob nectar from flowers of different colors. The overall nectar robbing frequency was higher than the frequency of legitimate visits for bumblebees. Nectar robbing rates of L. calcarata varied across different populations, with the nectar robbing rate of orange-red and yellow flowers being significantly higher than that of white flowers. The floral traits of robbed flowers were smaller than normal flowers in general, especially the lip and anther size. The holes in nectar spurs of orange-red and yellow flowers were significantly larger than those in white flowers. In all the three phases, nectar robbing significantly reduced the nectar volume of one flower, but did not affect the nectar sugar concentration. There were no significant differences in the total number of pollen grains in the buds between robbed and normal flower, as well as the ovules. Seed sets of pollen grains from normal and robbed flowers pollinated on the stigmas of normal flowers were not significantly different. Likewise, the seed sets of pollen from normal flowers pollinated on the stigma of normal and robbed flowers showed no significant differences. 

Conclusion: This study preliminarily indicates that nectar robbing bees, particularly bumblebees, do not preferentially visit pre-change color flowers. Nectar robbing reduces nectar secretion and it does not directly affect the plant’s female and male fitness. The influence of flower color change on flower-visiting insect behavior requires further and more sustained investigation.

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.

Aims: Lawns in airport environments play an important role in visual navigation, noise reduction, and soil erosion prevention. However, they can also provide shelter and foraging opportunities for birds, thereby increasing the risk of bird strikes. Selecting appropriate turf species is essential for effective bird strike prevention. This study aims to evaluate the effects of Buchloe dactyloides (buffalo grass) lawns on invertebrate diversity and abundance, exploring its potential to reduce bird foraging opportunities and lower bird strike risks. 

Methods: From April to October 2023, we surveyed invertebrate diversity on six lawns at Beijing Capital International Airport (three weedy lawns and three buffalo grass lawns) using sweep netting and trapping methods. Specimens were identified to species level using taxonomic monographs. T-tests were used to assess the significance of differences in individual counts, family-level diversity, and species-level diversity between the two lawn types. The α diversity was evaluated using the Simpson dominance index, Shannon-Wiener diversity index, Pielou evenness index, and Margalef richness index. The Bray-Curtis distance was applied to assess invertebrate community similarity across different months and lawns types. 

Results: A total of 4,395 invertebrate individuals were collected, belonging to six classes, 15 orders, 75 families, 101 genera, and 146 species. Among them, Diptera (flies) and Hemiptera (true bugs) exhibited the highest species richness and individual abundance, respectively. The shared dominant species between both lawn types included Geocoris pallidipennis, Psammotettix alienus, Nysius sp.1, and Trigonotylus caelestialium. In buffalo grass lawns, species diversity peaked in August, with two peaks in individual numbers observed in May and August. In weedy lawns, species diversity peaked in June and August, while individual abundance was highest in June. Although weedy lawns exhibited generally higher species diversity, individual abundance, and Margalef richness index compared to buffalo grass lawns, the differences were not statistically significant. This may be due to the sampling sites and the clustered distribution of collected samples. The Bray-Curtis similarity analysis showed that species composition similarity across all month-lawn combinations ranged from moderate to extreme dissimilarity. Unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) clustering, based on Bray-Curtis distances, grouped samples from April to July into one cluster and samples from August to October into another. However, there was no clear grouping based on lawn type, indicating that temporal variation had a greater influence on community composition than lawn type. 

Conclusion: This study suggests that buffalo grass lawns in airport environments may help reduce invertebrate abundance, thereby potentially decreasing bird foraging opportunities. However, due to limited sampling sites and range, the results were not statistically significant. Future studies should expand the sampling area and increase replicates to obtain more reliable results. Long-term monitoring and multi-year studies at airports in different regions would further clarify the effect of buffalo grass on invertebrate control, providing scientific evidence for bird strike prevention strategies.

Aims: Oyster reefs provide crucial ecosystem services, but are being seriously degraded globally. Natural oyster resources in the Yellow River Estuary have been severely damaged in recent years due to overfishing and other threats. We aim to investigate existing natural oyster resources and the diversity, community structure, and abundance of phytoplankton, zooplankton, and macrobenthos in the typical oyster distribution area of the Yellow River Estuary. 

Methods: The natural oyster resources investigated include Hekou District (HK) of Dongying City, Zhanhua District (ZH) and Wudi County (WD) of Binzhou City, in the western Yellow River Estuary and Kenli District (KL1, KL2) of Dongying City in the southern Yellow River Estuary. We considered the species composition of oyster based on 16S rDNA gene sequence analysis. We employed one-way ANOVA to analyze species diversity indices across different reef and reef-free areas. The species abundance biomass comparison curve (ABC curve) was used to reveal the disturbance status of macrobenthos community in the Yellow River Estuary. 

Results: In the five study areas around the Yellow River Estuary, oysters in KL1 and KL2 were dominantly juveniles with mean shell height 6.16 ± 1.63 mm and 4.70 ± 6.86 mm, respectively. Oysters in WD were mostly adults (mean shell height 45.69 ± 22.41 mm). The largest oyster population was found in HK (mean shell height 19.68 ± 13.64 mm). We collected a total of 147 oyster specimens from the Yellow River estuary. From KL1, a total of 13 specimens with 11 identified as Crassostrea gigas and 2 Crassostrea ariakensis. Among the 39 oyster specimens from KL2, there were 4 species including 19 of C. gigas, 6 of C. ariakensis, 8 of Crassostrea talonata, and 6 of Nanostrea fluctigera. There were 8 oyster specimens from WD including 4 of C. gigas and 4 of C. ariakensis. All 87 oyster specimens from HK were identified as C. gigas. A total of 36 species were identified as belonging to 3 phyla of phytoplankton with the dominant species belonging to bacillariophyta. There were a total of 21 species belonging to 4 phyla of zooplankton. The dominant species in the reef area was jellyfish, while the dominant specie in the reef-free area was Noctiluca scintillans. A total of 84 species were identified as belonging to 5 phyla of macrobenthos. The dominant species in the reef areas was crustaceans and polychaetes, while in the reef-free area mollusks and ostracods. The dominant species of crustaceans in reef areas was significantly more than in reef-free areas (P < 0.05). The abundance curves of both reef and reef-free areas were above the biomass curves, and the statistical W value of reef area (–0.144) was higher than of the reef-free area (–0.207). 

Conclusion: Oyster reefs in different areas of the Yellow River Estuary vary in oyster species composition, numbers of adults, and larval recruitments. The overall resource quantity is relatively low in the Yellow River Estuary when compared with other regions. The macrobenthos community structure of the Yellow River Estuary is significantly affected by environmental and human activities, but those in the reef areas are less disturbed than in the reef-free area. Our results indicate oyster reefs reduce the disturbance degree to macrobenthos and play a role in maintaining the stability of biological community structure. Therefore, we suggest strengthening public education to reduce human damage and interference to oyster reefs. According to the current characteristics of oysters in different regions, scientific restoration should be carried out to rebuild the habitat functions and improve the ecological environment of the Yellow River Estuary.

Aims: Reef-building corals are the framework organisms of coral-reef ecosystems, and their community structure plays a major role in biodiversity. The Tropic of Cancer is the northernmost distribution line of reef-building corals along the coast of China. However, there are relatively few studies on reef-building corals in high-latitude regions, and information on species diversity and community distribution characteristics in these areas remains unclear. 

Methods: The National Nature Reserve for Marine Ecology of Guangdong Nanpeng Islands (hereinafter referred to as Nanpeng Islands Reserve) is one of the northernmost reserves in China with records of the distribution of reef-building corals. The diversity and distribution patterns of reef-building coral species in the protected area were investigated through diving surveys in June 2023 and June 2024. 

Results: Our results show 34 species of reef-building corals are distributed in the Nanpeng Islands Reserve, belonging to 19 genera and 9 families. Most of these are massive and encrusting with Psammocora nierstraszi and P. profundacella occupying dominance. Reef-building corals exhibit typical high-latitude patchy community distribution characteristics, with non-reef-forming and low coverage within the protected area. Dingpeng Island has the highest average coverage of reef-building coral, followed by Nanpeng Island and Zhongpeng Island, with Qinpeng Island having the lowest coverage. 

Conclusions: We investigate the species diversity and distribution characteristics of reef-building corals in the Nanpeng Islands Reserve. Our findings contribute to the scientific understanding of the current status of reef-building coral communities in the Nanpeng Islands Reserve. Additionally, we provide much needed data for the protection and research of coral communities in the northern margin of the South China Sea.

Aims: Under the influence of global climate change and human activities, plant living environment, their living conditions, and even entire vegetation ecosystems are undergoing dynamic changes. Conducting field investigations and monitoring on plants are the foundation for the scientific community and relevant administrative departments to assess regional plant populations, speculate their development trends, and develop appropriate conservation strategies. However, field plant surveys have long relied on expert identification, requiring significant human, material and financial resources, and finding suitable experts is often challenging. Intelligent identification has been shown to achieve accurate, species-level identification of plants, and has great potential to improve the efficiency of field surveys while reducing the workload of experts. 

Methods: In this study, we focused on the eastern part of Eurasia grasslands in Nei Mongol as a case study and employed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAVs) along with image recognition technology to develop a plant image recognition model for grasslands. Pre-experiments conducted in Hulunbeier revealed that images taken by drones at a vertical angle of 90° yielded the highest number of identifiable species for model construction. Based on the drone-captured plant images from Hulunbeier, Xilinhot, and Erdos, we used an SSD-MobileNetV2-FPN architecture to train a drone-based plant object detection model. This model detected and extracted plant detection model. Further image recognition training using the MobileNetV3 architecture allowed us to construct an intelligent recognition model capable of identifying 70 common grassland plant species belonging to 54 genera across 22 families. 

Results: Using the reserved 10,734 images of 70 species for evaluation, the model correctly identified 9,513 images, achieving a Top1 recognition accuracy of 88.6%. When combined with UAV-based image acquisition, this model can survey approximately 300 1 m × 1 m quadrats in 80 min, significantly improving the efficiency of plant field investigation. 

Conclusion: This study provides a new tool for intelligent surveys and long-term site-based monitoring of grassland plant diversity and ecosystems. It reduces the dependence on experts for plant identification, providing a practical tool for biodiversity and ecosystem monitoring at the grassroots level. Additionally, this model offers a template for similar efforts in other regions and vegetation types.

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: Xiangshan Bay is a significant fishery area in Zhejiang Province, characterized by abundant marine biodiversity. While previous studies have listed crabs (Decapoda: Branchyura) from this area, their findings often remain inconclusive, as they primarily focus on variation in macrobenthic and fishery community structure or responses to human activities. However, there is limited understanding of the species diversity and diagnostic characteristic of some rare crab species in Xiangshan Bay. Based on an extensive, long-period survey, this study aims to provide a comprehensive and scientific checklist of crabs from Xiangshan Bay. 

Methods: The study involved investigations at 40 subtidal and 10 intertidal stations, covering almost the entire Xiangshan Bay. Of these stations, 10 subtidal and 3 intertidal stations focusing on macrobenthos were surveyed in May and November (2018–2021 and 2023). Additionally, surveys targeting macrobenthos and fishery resources were conducted in November (2022–2023) and February, May, and August (2023–2024). All crabs were separated from specimens and identified using the latest taxonomic literature. 

Results: A total of 64 crab species, classified into 47 genera and 22 families, were identified. Among these, seven species were previously undocumented in Zhejiang Province: Ser mikawaensis, Rhizopa gracilipes, Shenius anomalus, Paradromia japonica, Benthopanope eucratoides, Trissoplax dentate, and Venitus latreillii. S. mikawaensis is a new record for Chinese waters, while R. gracilipes and S. anomalus are new record species for the East China sea. The diagnostic characteristics of these newly recorded species were described and illustrated. 

Conclusion: This study reports significantly more crab species in Xiangshan Bay compared to previous research. It provides the first systematic checklist of crabs in the region, alongside detailed descriptions of the newly recorded species. These findings provide valuable reference material for conserving crab diversity and improving the taxonomic identification of crabs in Xiangshan Bay.

Aims: Biodiversity is vital for ecosystem stability and human survival, yet it is facing unprecedented declines driven by climate change, pollution, and human activities. This review explores how frontier technologies—such as high- resolution remote sensing, genomics, big data, and artificial intelligence (AI)—can help mitigate global biodiversity loss by integrating monitoring and conservation practices. This study aims to systematically evaluate the practical applications of these technologies, quantify their contributions to species recovery and habitat protection, and identify key barriers to implementation, focusing on both Chinese and global contexts. Actionable strategies are proposed to enhance ecological restoration and foster sustainable human-nature coexistence, addressing the urgent need for innovative conservation solutions. 

Methods: We conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature on frontier technologies in biodiversity conservation over the past decade, drawing from a broad range of scientific databases. Representative case studies from China, including efforts to protect key species and habitats, along with international examples such as tropical rainforest conservation, were analyzed to assess technological applications. Both qualitative synthesis and quantitative analysis were employed to examine the functionalities and impacts of these technologies, focusing on metrics such as monitoring accuracy, species population trends, and implementation challenges, providing a comprehensive understanding of their roles and limitations in conservation. 

Review Results: Frontier technologies significantly enhance biodiversity conservation by improving monitoring precision, supporting species recovery, and strengthening habitat connectivity across diverse ecosystems. These technologies effectively reduce habitat degradation, increase population sizes for threatened species, and strengthen ecological networks in various regions. However, challenges persist, including difficulties in integrating diverse data sources, high costs associated with technology deployment, and limited international collaboration, particularly in resource-limited regions. These barriers hinder the widespread adoption and effectiveness of these technologies in achieving global conservation goals. 

Conclusions: Frontier technologies play a critical role in advancing biodiversity conservation by bridging monitoring and protection efforts, as demonstrated by ecological improvements in China and worldwide. Their full potential is constrained by technical integration issues, financial limitations, and coordination gaps. We recommend standardized data protocols to enhance interoperability, reduce technology costs through innovative approaches, and foster global partnerships to overcome these obstacles. Future research should prioritize the development of intelligent, integrated systems to seamlessly connect monitoring with conservation actions. China’s successful conservation models provide replicable frameworks for global biodiversity restoration, supporting harmony between man and nature and addressing the biodiversity crisis effectively.

Background & Aim: Higher plant diversity is known to promote ecosystem functions, with the positive relationship typically attributed to plant–plant interactions. However, a growing body of literature has revealed the crucial role of soil microorganisms in regulating the relationships between plant diversity and ecosystem functions. 

Progresses: This review first summarizes how plant diversity affects soil microbes and how soil microbes, in turn, influence ecosystem functions. It then focuses on the specific soil microbial functional groups and summarizes the research progress on how they mediate the relationships between plant diversity and productivity. Taken together, soil microorganisms may indirectly affect ecosystem functions by responding to changes in plant diversity, or they may also directly mediate the interactions between plant diversity and ecosystem functions. 

Perspectives: Future studies should prioritize the pathways through which soil microbes regulate the relationships between plant diversity and ecosystem functions, as well as quantify the relative contribution of soil microbes and environmental factors to these relationships. This will provide new insights into understanding the impacts of biodiversity loss in the context of global climate change.

Background: Ecologists have long been interested in the geographical distribution patterns of biodiversity and the underlying mechanisms. The evolutionary speed hypothesis (ESH) is one of the mainstream explanations for the latitudinal biodiversity gradient pattern. This hypothesis suggests that the higher temperatures in low-latitude regions accelerate speciation rates and thus increase the species richness through three mechanisms. Specifically, (1) high temperatures shorten generation times, thereby increase the effective evolutionary time (the number of effective generations per unit of absolute time); (2) high temperatures increase mutation rates and thus genetic variations—the raw material for natural selection; (3) high temperatures accelerate the process of natural selection. Though this hypothesis is widely debated based on observed data from nature, rigorous tests are rare. 

Progress: The experimental evolution approach has been recently adopted to test specific mechanisms for ESH; and those studies were performed under well-controlled environmental temperatures. This article presents a comprehensive review of these studies about the consequences of temperature for mutation rates, selection and adaptive diversification. The generality of conclusions from those studies needs to be tested in more complex systems. 

Prospects: The experimental evolution approach will further deepen our understanding of the evolutionary speed hypothesis and the mechanisms underlying the geographical patterns of biodiversity, and give insights for species conservation and disease control under climate warming.