Aims: This paper aims to discuss the characteristic, research history and developing trend of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. 

Methods: This paper analyzes the significance of carrying out research on the implementation of CITES from the perspectives of strong binding force, high professionalism, effective protection tools, far-reaching impact on international trade, and China’s multiple roles. The article reviews the progress of CITES-related research in recent years, classifying it into several categories: overview of implementation and introduction to management mechanisms, research on influencing factors and dynamic patterns, research on key issues, and research on relevant legislative thinking, as well as meeting progress. It then introduces the main content of this issue of Biodiversity Sciences from the aspects of historical development, species and technological innovation, and management policies. 

Results: The article discusses the development trends of CITES, suggesting that there are trends towards expansion to marine and timber species, in-depth participation of NGOs in shaping the development of the convention, increasing attention to law enforcement issues, and continuous advancement of synergy with other conventions. 

Conclusion: It is proposed that the implementation research should be strengthened from the following aspects in the future: how to incorporate the CITES management concept into domestic management, the decision-making mechanism of the convention, the management system for marine species, and synergy with other conventions and organizations.

Aims: The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is a powerful international agreement based on an effective permit system. Its decisions, including appendix amendments, resolutions, and recommendations, have a profound impact on global wildlife conservation and trade. The rules of procedure for the Conference of the Parties (CoP), especially its voting mechanisms, are crucial to its decision-making process. This study aims to analyze these rules in detail. 

Methods: This paper introduces the principles, evolution, and key controversies of CITES rules of procedure. We analyze voting data for CITES Appendix amendment proposals since CoP10 in 1997 and use key marine species votes as case studies. We then compare CITES voting rules—including voting rights, majority requirements, secret ballots, and debate reopening—with those of other biodiversity-related multilateral agreements. 

Results: While other agreements often prefer consensus, CITES’s frequent use of voting allows it to make decisions more quickly. The two-thirds majority requirement for substantive issues makes it difficult for non-allied countries to achieve their goals, strengthening the influence of blocs like the European Union. Although procedural rules like secret ballots and debate reopening can lead to intense negotiations, secret ballots are vital for protecting the interests of small and medium-sized countries. While frequent voting can speed up trade regulation, it may also lead to a lack of financial or technical support, hindering effective implementation and undermining international cooperation. 

Conclusion: This paper provides an analysis of negotiation strategies within CITES. We recommend in-depth research into the rules of procedure for all such conventions to better track their evolution and decision-making trends. We also suggest maintaining the secret ballot rule and that early engagement with other parties can help non-allied countries achieve better outcomes. Developing management regulations that are scientific, fair, and effective will contribute to maintaining legal trade, combating illegal trafficking, and conserving global biodiversity.

Background: The unique regulatory structure of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) determines its important role in the international cooperation process for endangered species conservation. Trade controls and corresponding sanctions are centered around species in Appendices, which makes their inclusion or removal critical. The volume and passage rate of proposals to amend the Appendices can be one of the important indicators of each party’s influence in this field. 

Main Content: This paper is based on proposals for Appendices amendment presented from the third to the nineteenth Conference of the Parties (CoP) of CITES, and it focuses on the differences in proposal submitting and proposal passage rate of down-listing animals between developed and developing parties. The analysis reveals that developed parties had more influence on CITES decisions, which may bring dilemmas to local conservation schemes of developing parties. The voting results of the CoP show a tendency to tighten or maintain trade restrictions in cases involving “charming species”. Based on the cases of giraffe and African elephant, the paper analyzes the two reasons of tighten regulatory trend of voting, i.e. the differences in the status of species and the capacity for management in various countries, as well as the underlying interest games. This paper also briefly introduces the recent discussion of the CoP on improving the “one country one vote” mechanism. 

Conclusion: The influence of developed parties is apparently higher than developing parties on appendice proposals, such unequal distribution of influence is closely related to the voting scheme, i.e. one country one vote. The paper provides insights and references for China and other species range countries to participate in the negotiation of relevant issues of CITES.

Background: The complexity of global environmental issues demands higher standards for collaborative governance under international conventions. 

Methods: This paper briefly outlines biodiversity-related international conventions and their current collaborative status, focusing on synergies and cooperation between the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and other biodiversity-related international conventions and organizations, as well as CITES’ potential contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), analyzes the current situation and proposes development recommendations. 

Results: Currently, China has not ratified its accession to certain biodiversity-related international conventions. While biodiversity-related conventions have established mechanisms at the secretariat level with positive outcomes, coordination at the national level remains limited and urgently requires enhancement. CITES has established a cooperative network covering enforcement, timber species, marine species, assessment, and data management through signing memoranda of understanding, adopting specialized resolutions, participating in international alliances, and delegating tasks, thereby enhancing compliance effectiveness. The CITES Strategic Vision (2021–2030) and its implementation practices—such as Non-detriment Findings (NDFs) and Appendix species management—directly contribute to multiple objectives of the KMGBF. 

Recommendations: It is recommended to establish a cross-ministerial coordination mechanism and an expert committee for compliance at the national level. This would enhance communication and data sharing, develop compliance plans for cross-cutting issues, and monitor developments under the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) to strengthen protection for migratory species. CITES plays a pivotal role in supporting the KMGBF and global biodiversity conservation through its rigorous enforcement mechanisms and international cooperation. Future efforts should promote deeper synergies among multiple conventions by integrating issues, pooling resources, and strengthening capacity building. This can be achieved through establishing interdepartmental working groups, sharing data platforms, and conducting joint training programs.

Background: The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is a legally binding international agreement that regulate trade in endangered species and plays a crucial role in global conservation efforts. Its Appendices provide the fundamental framework for implementation and enforcement of member parties. Orchidaceae, the group with the largest number of species listed in the CITES Appendices, is of great importance in ornamental, medicinal, and horticultural markets worldwide and serves as a key indicator for evaluating the effectiveness of plant trade regulation. As one of the most biodiverse countries, China is extremely rich in orchid resources, but faces severe conservation pressure due to habitat fragmentation, over-collection of resources and increasing trade demand. 

Review Results: This review examines the status of orchid documentation and conservation in China, provides the updated checklist of Orchidaceae species ranged in China, showcasing the role of taxonomy in informing CITES updates and supporting its implementation. It summarizes China’s major achievements in implementing CITES obligations, while emphasizing persistent challenges, including continued habitat degradation and illegal trade. 

Recommendations: To provide references for the protection of orchids in China under the framework of CITES, we recommend the establishment of a rapid update mechanism and an open-accessed species identification platform, advancing digitalized monitoring and traceability systems.

Background: Trees play an irreplaceable ecological, economic, and cultural role in global terrestrial ecosystems, yet their survival faces multiple threats, including deforestation, habitat destruction, and climate change, with illegal and unsustainable international trade being one of the major drivers. 

Review Results: Since its entry into force in 1975, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has expanded the number of regulated tree species from 18 to around 690. Through Appendix amendments, annotation management, and the implementation of resolutions and decisions, CITES has strengthened the regulation of international trade in tree species, while the CITES Tree Species Programme (CTSP) has supported Parties in enhancing their capacity for management, enforcement, and monitoring. This paper systematically reviews the listing history of tree species in the CITES Appendices and changes in related annotations, outlines effective resolutions and decisions concerning trees adopted after CoP19, and evaluates the outcomes of the CTSP in species conservation, capacity building, trade regulation, and knowledge sharing. It also identifies limitations in terms of regional distribution, funding allocation, insufficient baseline data, and inadequate evaluation mechanisms. The study finds that current challenges to CITES implementation for tree species include insufficient scientific basis for Appendix amendments, weak source-country regulation, and technical bottlenecks in species identification and origin tracing. 

Recommendations: Given China’s role as one of the world’s largest timber importers, this paper proposes measures to strengthen import and export supervision, enhance implementation capacity, and deepen international cooperation, aiming to promote the effective conservation and sustainable use of tree species both in China and globally. The findings provide a reference for optimizing future CITES management strategies for tree species, improving implementation capacity, and advancing global forest biodiversity conservation.

Background: The 78th Meeting of the Standing Committee (SC78) is the last standing committee meeting before the 20th Conference of the Parties (CoP20) of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), it conducted extensive discussions on the sustainability, legality and traceability of international trade in wild animals and plants, thereby laying a solid foundation for the CoP 20 and pointed out a clear direction for the compliance work. SC78 listened to the reports of the Secretariat, Animal Committee, Plant Committee and working groups on the implementation of decisions adopted by CoP19 (Panama, 2022), supervised the progress of the work, and drafted decisions for deliberation by CoP20. 

Perspectives: This article attempts to analyze the conceptual framework and strategy of CITES from the perspective of the Scientific Authority (SA) of Party, mainly focuses on the key topics of SC78, as well as the opinions of Parties, the response of relevant organizations and the decisions finally made by the Standing Committee, try to get a more clear understanding about the CITES scenario, and provide the assistant and suggestion for work related to the implementation of convention.

Aims: Nardostachys jatamansi is a precious medicinal plant endemic to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau-Himalayan region, with growing demand and increasing international trade in recent years. Its supply currently relies entirely on wild harvesting, the species faces the risk of natural population depletion due to over‑harvesting, habitat degradation, and illegal trade. However, there is currently a lack of systematic assessment regarding the domestic resource reserves of N. jatamansi. This has led to insufficient core data for its Non-Detriment Finding (NDF) within the region, which in turn affects the export regulation in international trade. This study aims to support non-detriment findings and scientific decision-making for international trade under the CITES framework, provide a case study on sustainable use for the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework, and offer scientific references for the sustainable utilization of other similar plateau herbaceous medicinal plants.
Methods: This study selected Hongyuan County in the Aba Prefecture of Sichuan Province, a major production area of N. jatamansi, as the research site. Based on field investigations, the community structure, growth characteristics, and biomass of N. jatamansi in both mesic and humid habitats were analyzed. By integrating species distribution models and resource estimation models, the potential suitable habitats and resource reserves of N. jatamansi in the region were assessed.
Results: A total of 108 plant species, belonging to 77 genera and 29 families, were recorded across the two habitat types. Community composition and diversity showed significant differences influenced by soil total phosphorus content. The mesic habitat exhibited higher species diversity, longer root lengths of N. jatamansi, and higher levels of nardosinone. Species distribution modeling indicated that hotspots of potential suitable habitats were concentrated in Maiwa Township. Resource estimation modeling revealed that Hongyuan County possesses a potential resource reserve of 16,028.26 tons of N. jatamansi, with a distribution pattern showing higher reserves in the north and lower in the south. The annual harvesting volume accounts for approximately 3.12% of this reserve.
Conclusions: Through systematic investigation and model simulation, this study reveals the current resource status, spatial distribution characteristics, and challenges of sustainable management in the main production areas of N. jatamansi. At the same time, it provides data support for the in-situ conservation and precise management of sustainable harvesting of medicinal plants in plateau regions. Additionally, it offers methodological references for making non-detriment findings under the CITES and for the international trade and management of N. jatamansi in relevant countries.

Aims: This study selected main dominant tree species from natural coniferous-broadleaf mixed forests in northeastern China to analyze the divergent characteristics of factors influencing spatial distribution patterns among species with different sexual systems, and to investigate the impact of reproductive cost variations on plant adaptation to environmental specificity. 

Methods: Dominant tree species Pinus koraiensis, Tilia amurensis, Juglans mandshurica, and Fraxinus mandshurica from the natural coniferous and broadleaf mixed forest in Jiaohe City, Jilin Province, were selected as research subjects. The diameter at breast height (DBH), tree height, and crown width of them were measured in July 2019. The gender of all reproductive individuals of Juglans mandshurica and Fraxinus mandshurica in the plots were identified by observing reproductive organs through a telescope in May 2024. All relevant and environmental data from the plot were integrated into four datasets: individual sizes, physical environment, crowding, and distribution patterns of plants. With the datasets, we analyzed the spatial distribution patterns of four tree species, and respectively constructed partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) for different sexual systems and different genders within the same sexual system, to evaluate the impact of environmental conditions, crowding, and tree size on their distribution, and to compare the results for different sexual systems and different genders to explore their response differences. 

Results: The findings demonstrated that all four tree species are aggregated within a radius (r) of less than 60 m. The monomorphic species Tilia amurensis and Pinus koraiensis exhibited positive correlations between crowding index, tree size, and spatial aggregation. Furthermore, crowding positively influenced tree size. Howover, environmental stress had different effects on the two species: it was positively related to the size of T. amurensis but negatively related to the size and crowding of P. koraiensis. In the heterodichogamous species J. mandshurica, the different mating types showed considerable differences. The only similarity was that crowding was negatively correlated with the degree of aggregation in spatial distribution. In the protogynous group, tree size was negatively correlated with the degree of aggregation in spatial distribution, and increased crowding had a positive effect on tree size. The protandrous group showed the opposite patterns in these aspects, and environmental stress also showed a significant negative correlation with tree size. For the dioecious species F. mandshurica, tree size and physical environment were positively correlated with the degree of aggregation in spatial distribution, whereas crowding showed a negative correlation. Environment and crowding negatively affected tree size, while environmental factors were positively correlated with crowding levels. 

Conclusion: The analysis shows that plants with different sexual systems respond differently to environment changes, population crowding, and individual plant size in terms of distribution trends. In addition, plant exhibiting gender dimorphism or transitioning to gender dimorphism showed similar responses when performing the same reproductive functions, but distinct sexual specializations emerged where reproductive functions differed. This research further validates the sexual specialization hypothesis and its applicability across different sexual systems. Greater divergence in male and female functions within the same species leads to more distinct sexual specialization.

Aims: Plant functional traits refer to a series of core attributes that are closely associated with plant establishment, survival, growth, and mortality. The trade-offs and synergies among functional traits determine the ecological strategy of plants. Exploring interspecific differences in ecological strategies based on functional traits not only enhances our understanding of species coexistence mechanisms, but also provides insights into community succession and vegetation responses under climate change. 

Methods: This study was conducted in a 21.12 ha mixed conifer-broadleaf forest dynamic plot in Jiaohe, Jilin Province. Eight key functional traits were measured for 32 tree species. Tree species were classified into different ecological types based on the competitor–stress tolerator–ruderal (CSR) strategy theory. We then integrated cluster analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) to reveal the differences in ecological strategies among different tree species. Finally, Spearman correlation analysis was employed to calculate the correlation coefficients between each species’ scores on the principal components and its C, S, R strategy values, thereby testing the functional trait basis underlying plant ecological strategies. 

Results: (1) Based on CSR classification, the 32 tree species were grouped into six ecological strategy types, with the stress tolerator/competitor–stress tolerator–ruderal (S/CSR) type having the highest proportion. (2) Cluster analysis divided species into two major groups (i.e., conifers and broadleaf trees), with broadleaf trees further subdivided into seven functional subgroups (pioneer species, transitional species, climax broadleaf species, etc.). (3) Principal component analysis and Spearman correlation analysis showed that functional traits exhibited clear differentiation among tree species. Broadleaf species tended to exhibit greater leaf area, specific leaf area, and leaf nitrogen content, indicating stronger competitive ability (high C values). In contrast, conifers exhibited greater leaf carbon content and leaf dry mass content, indicating stronger stress tolerance (high S values). Shrubs and small trees exhibited higher wood density and lower maximum height, corresponding to greater disturbance adaptability (high R values). 

Conclusion: This study highlights distinct ecological strategies among major tree species in temperate mixed forests and demonstrates a strong alignment between CSR strategies and the trait axes identified by principal component analysis. These findings thus provide important functional trait-based perspectives on species ecological strategies in temperate mixed conifer-broadleaf forests.

Aims: This study aims to reveal the temporal dynamics and driving mechanisms of species composition in temperate forest seedling communities, which is crucial for understanding forest regeneration and guiding sustainable forest management. 

Methods: Based on continuous monitoring data from 1 m × 1 m seedling plots within a 20 ha forest dynamic plot at Donglingshan, Beijing, between 2021 and 2024, we employed the temporal beta diversity index (TBI) and its decomposition into loss and gain components to analyze temporal changes in seedling community composition. Relationships between TBI and seedling growth indicators, stand structure, soil, and topographic factors were assessed to identify the primary drivers of temporal dynamics. 

Results: The results showed a gradual increasing trend in TBI over the study period. Species losses exceeded gains from 2022 and 2023, whereas gains predominated from 2021 to 2022 and from 2023 to 2024. TBI was significantly negatively correlated with mean seedling height and positively correlated with total seedling cover and tree abundance. No significant correlations were found with soil or topographic factors. 

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the temporal dynamics of the seedling community showed distinct stage-specific patterns: changes from 2022 to 2023 were mainly driven by stand structure–mediated environmental constraints, resulting in community simplification characterized predominantly by species loss; whereas the period from 2023 to 2024 transitioned into a resource–release phase, promoting species gains. These dynamics were primarily regulated by seedling growth traits. Future long-term monitoring will help to better elucidate the dynamics of seedling regeneration processes. The findings provide a theoretical foundation for the management and sustainable restoration of temperate secondary forests.

Aims: Biomass is an important ecological indicator because of its critical role in evaluating the function of forest ecosystems. However, the global subtropical forest biotopes are facing fragmentation. We made a thorough inquiry into the influencing mechanism of biomass in evergreen broad-leaved forests, aiming to provide scientific insights for the functional restoration of forest ecosystems in subtropical forests. 

Methods: We investigated the subtropical forest located in Wuyishan National Park, Fujian. Based on the inventory data collected in 2018 and 2023 from five 0.48-ha dynamic plots established along an elevation gradient, we analyzed the changes in biomass and species composition and the correlation between biomass and influencing factors (biodiversity, structural diversity, leaf functional traits, and soil element content) using a general linear mixed model. Additionally, we used the hierarchical partitioning method to seek the dominant factors affecting biomass accumulation. 

Results: (1) Over the five-year period, the total biomass in the research area increased by 62.60 t, with a productivity of 5.22 t·ha^–1·a^–1. Evergreen species contributed 5.05 t·ha^–1·a^–1 (96.81%) to this productivity, while deciduous species accounted for 0.17 t·ha^–1·a^–1 (3.19%). (2) There were 25 dominant tree species (importance value greater than 1.00%) identified, among which Castanopsis faberi, Lithocarpus harlandii, Itea omeiensis, and Eurya rubiginosa var. attenuate exhibited reduced biomass accumulation during the period. (3) The results of the linear mixed model revealed that a significantly positive correlations (P < 0.05) exists between biomass and both DBH standard deviation and the Simpson diversity index. Conversely, significantly negative correlations (P < 0.05) were detected between biomass and both the Margalef richness index and the Pielou evenness index. (4) The hierarchical partitioning analysis results indicated that structural diversity and biodiversity were primary drivers of biomass accumulation, while leaf functional traits and soil element content had little effect on biomass accumulation. Among all influencing factors, the contribution rate of DBH standard deviation to biomass accumulation was the highest (31.42%), followed by the Pielou evenness index (21.79%). 

Conclusion: This investigation explored the correlations between influencing factors and biomass accumulation in the evergreen broad-leaved forests of Wuyishan National Park, emphasizing that structural diversity and biodiversity indices are paramount determinants of biomass accumulation, which can provide actionable silvicultural implications for ecological restoration of subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest ecosystems.

Aims: Studying the dynamic changes of temperate coniferous forests is crucial for understanding their formation and maintenance. This study aimed to investigate the dynamic changes of a temperate natural coniferous forest, providing a scientific basis for developing forest conservation and restoration strategies. 

Methods: We selected a 6 ha temperate natural coniferous forest dynamics plot in the West Tianshan National Nature Reserve, Xinjiang, as the research site. We conducted thorough surveys of woody plants with a diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 1 cm in 2008, 2014, 2019, and 2024, respectively. We analyzed and compared the changes in community composition, structure, and dynamics over these years. 

Results: (1) Over the 16-year period, the abundance of woody plant individuals in the plot decreased. Specifically, the total number of Picea schrenkiana individuals declined from 1,310 to 1,122, a reduction of 13.09%, with the most significant decrease occurring between 2014 and 2019. (2) Across the three time intervals, the mortality rates of woody plants were 0.06%, 2.88%, and 1.99%, respectively, showing an initial increase followed by a decrease. The recruitment rates were 0.60%, 0.60%, and 0.10%, respectively, remaining stable initially before a sharp decline. The turnover rates were 0.62%, 3.39%, and 2.08%, respectively, remaining stable initially, then sharply increasing, and finally decreasing. The loss and growth of aboveground biomass in the community were highest during the 2014–2019 period, while the net change in aboveground biomass was greatest during the 2008–2014 period. (3) The recruitment rate, mortality rate, and turnover rate of the community were all positively correlated with species richness. Soil available nitrogen content had a significant negative effect on the net change in aboveground biomass, whileas soil pH had a significant positive effect. 

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the Tianshan Picea schrenkiana community in the western Tianshan Mountains of Xinjiang is undergoing significant structural and functional changes and is at risk of decline due to high mortality and low recruitment rates. This research provides an important scientific basis for the ecological restoration and biodiversity conservation strategies of Tianshan Picea schrenkiana forests.

Aims: Plant traits serve as a bridge linking plants and their environment. As the basic unit for studying this relationship, functional groups carry key information on responses to environmental changes. Investigating how the composition of plant functional groups and leaf traits vary along resource gradients is crucial for understanding the environmental adaptation strategies of desert plants. 

Methods: This study focused on the Artemisia ordosica communities in the Mu Us Sandy Land including four typical restoration stages: semi-fixed dune (D1), fixed dune (D2), fixed dune with biological soil crusts (D3), fixed dune with abundant herbaceous plants (D4). The plant communities were categorized into three functional groups: grass, non-grass herbs, and shrub. We revealed the species composition of different plant functional groups at each restoration stage, the characteristics of their leaf traits, and the key soil-driven factors, with redundancy analysis (RDA) and variation partitioning. 

Results: As the sand dunes gradually stabilize, the composition of plant functional groups became more complex, and the number of grass and non-grass species showed an increasing trend. However, shrub species showed relatively stable. The leaf traits of plant functional groups during the D1 and D2 stages exhibited higher specific leaf area and lower leaf dry matter content (LDMC), suggesting that plants prioritized investment in leaf morphological development to enhance resource utilization under harsh environmental conditions. Among these, grass had higher LDMC and carbon assimilation capacity, which enhanced their ability to adapt to stressful environments. RDA revealed that soil water content (SWC), soil carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (SC : SN), and soil organic carbon content (SOC) significantly influenced the leaf trait assemblages of all three plant functional groups (P < 0.01). Variation partitioning and hierarchical partitioning analysis indicated that nine soil factors explained 18.5% of the total variance in plant leaf traits. The SC : SN had the largest individual effect (4.13%), and both SC : SN and SWC exhibited co-effects with most other factors. These findings contributed to a deeper understanding of the ecological adaptation strategies of desert plants and provided a theoretical basis for vegetation restoration and management in desert regions.

Aims: As a global biodiversity hotspot, the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau plays a critical role in sustaining nationally protected wild bird species. Understanding their spatial distribution is essential for assessing ecosystem health and developing effective conservation strategies. This study analyzes the spatial distribution characteristics of these birds, identifies biodiversity hotspots, and provides data to support resource allocation and nature reserve planning. It also serves as a case study for biodiversity conservation at targeted regional scales. 

Methods: Distribution records of nationally protected avian species in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau were compiled from field surveys, historical literature, specimen data, and platforms like GBIF and eBird. Climate, topography, human disturbance, and net primary productivity data were integrated to predict species’ potential distribution using the Biomod2 model. Variables were selected based on Spearman’s correlation coefficient and variance inflation factor (VIF). Model performance was assessed with TSS > 0.8 and ROC > 0.9. Spatial autocorrelation was analyzed using Moran’s I, and hotspots were identified with the Getis-Ord Gi* statistic. 

Results: In total, 290 nationally protected wild bird species belong to 21 orders and 51 families are record in Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. Among them Passeriformes (73 species, 25.2%), Falciformes (49 species, 16.9%), and Galliformes (31 species, 10.7%) are most prevalent. Bird abundance decreases from southeast to northwest, with high concentrations in the Hengduan Mountains and the eastern Himalaya Mountains, located at the border of Southeast Xizang, Sichuan, and Yunnan. Conversely, lower abundance is noted in the central and northern plateau. Hotspot areas account for 25.37% of the study region, whereas cold spots in the central and northern plateau encompass 32.53% of the total area. The spatial distribution of these key protected species shows a strong positive correlation, with regions of similar species richness forming distinct clusters. 

Conclusion: The distribution of key protected wild birds in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau is influenced by hydrothermal conditions and habitat suitability, with the warm, humid forests of southeast China serving as a biodiversity hotspot. This study integrates multiple data sources and models to offer a scientific foundation for identifying conservation priorities. Future efforts should align the design of nature reserves with in-depth research on conservation mechanisms to address the dual pressures of climate change and human activities.

Aims: Mountain ecosystems, characterized by their distinctive environmental features and high biodiversity, provide an ideal model system for investigating biodiversity patterns and community assembly mechanisms. However, the Dabie Mountains, a climatically transitional zone between subtropical and warm temperate regions, remain understudied, particularly in terms of the spatial distribution and environmental drivers of amphibian diversity. To address this knowledge gap, this study aims to quantify the Alpha and Beta diversity patterns of anurans and identify the key environmental factors shaping their assembly along elevational gradients in this critical transitional region. 

Method: This study employed the transect method to investigate the diversity and formation mechanisms of amphibians and reptiles within the Dabie Mountains of western Anhui Province, China. 

Results: The results revealed that a total of 18 anuran species, belonging to 12 genera and 6 families, were recorded in the region. Species richness showed a significant negative correlation with elevation, whereas the Pielou index exhibited an opposite pattern along the elevational gradient. Moreover, the Shannon-Wiener, Simpson, and Pielou indices all varied significantly across habitat types, with higher values observed in farmland habitats than in others. The Shannon-Wiener index also displayed significant seasonal variation, being higher in summer than in spring. Annual precipitation was identified as the primary factor influencing species richness, Shannon-Wiener, and Simpson diversity indices. Beta diversity analysis based on both Bray-Curtis and Sørensen indices showed that the turnover component was greater than the nestedness component. Annual mean temperature was found to be the main factor affecting overall Beta diversity and its turnover component. 

Conclusion: This study clarified the distribution pattern of amphibian diversity in the Dabie Mountains of western Anhui Province in the climate transition zone, revealed its influencing factors, and provided a theoretical basis and data support for biodiversity conservation in this region.

Aim: Identifying the microhabitat selection characteristics of endangered species is essential for developing effective conservation strategies. The Chinese crocodile lizard (Shinisaurus crocodilurus) is a critically endangered species worldwide, with fewer than 1,500 individuals remaining in the wild. This study aimed to systematically analyze the influence of various microhabitat variables on the microhabitat selection of crocodile lizards. 

Methods: We carried out microhabitat quadrat investigations in the stream environments where crocodile lizards are distributed within the Luokeng Chinese Crocodile Lizard National Nature Reserve in Guangdong Province. We used random forest model and generalized linear mixed-effects model to assess the key microhabitat variables that determined the occurrence of crocodile lizards. 

Results: Random forest analysis revealed that perch density, stream depth, stream sand coverage percentage, canopy closure, stream velocity, and stream width were the critical microhabitat variables affecting the occurrence of crocodile lizards, each with specific ecological thresholds. The final GLMM indicated that perch density, stream depth, canopy closure, and stream width all exhibited significant positive associations with the occurrence probability of the crocodile lizard. Among these variables, perch density was identified as the primary influencing factor, followed by stream depth. Despite its modest independent contribution, canopy closure served as an indispensable underlying factor, whereas stream width was determined to be a marginal factor, exerting a limited effect. 

Conclusion: Our study highlights that improving perch density should be prioritized in the conservation of crocodile lizards. Simultaneously, measures such as improving the hydrological environment and optimizing canopy closure should be implemented to provide more suitable microhabitats for the population. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the microhabitat requirements of crocodile lizards and provide scientific basis for targeted conservation actions.

Aims: Ochetobius elongatus is a critically endangered species, which is primarily distributed in the Yangtze River basin and the region south of this river. To investigate morphological variations of O. elongatus, the multivariable morphometrics was used to analyze different populations from the mid-lower Yangtze River. 

Methods: Based on a total 98 specimens collected from five sampling localities including the Yangtze River main stem at Yichang and Jiayu sections, the Han-Jiang main stem at the Qianjiang section, the Dongting and Poyang lakes from May 2022 to November 2024, thirty-three multivariate morphometric parameters of traditional and truss network measurements were integrated for analysis. 

Results: Significant differences were detected in 28 morphological measurements (84.85% of the total) among populations of O. elongatus, with the largest variation in the trunk, followed by the head part., Cluster analysis, calculated on these morphometric measurements, grouped into three distinct clusters: the first one formed by populations of Jiayu and Qianjiang, the second one by the populations of the Dongting Lake and Poyang Lake, and the third one by the Yichang population. A weak but significant positive correlation was observed between geographic distance and morphological variation (r = 0.176, P = 0.012), suggesting that geographic distance has limited explanatory for the observed morphological variations. Stepwise discriminant analysis revealed a comprehensive discriminant rate of 74.5%, among which the Jiayu population showed the highest accuracy (95.45%), and the Yichang population was the lowest (25%). 

Conclusion: This study highlights significant morphological variations among the five populations of O. elongatus from the mid-lower Yangtze River basin, suggesting that adaptation to heterogeneous habitats may be the primary driver factor for these variations.

Aims: To investigate the gut bacterial community structure and diversity of six economically important cyprinid species (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Parabramis pekinensis, Aristichthys nobilis, Culter alburnus, Carassius auratus, Megalobrama amlycephala) in the Nanhai Wetland of Baotou. Specifically, this study aimed to explore correlations between gut bacteria and host growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and dietary niche typeto provide a theoretical basis for healthy aquaculture and disease prevention. 

Methods: High-throughput sequencing technology was employed to systematically analyze the gut bacteria across six cyprinid fish species. Additionally, we investigated their correlations with host growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and dietary niche type. Key methods included alpha diversity analysis, beta diversity analysis, and community composition analysis. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) was employed to identify significantly differentially abundant microbial taxa across groups. Correlation analysis was conducted using redundancy analysis (RDA) and Spearman correlation heatmaps. 

Results: A total of 1,051,137 valid sequences were obtained, which were divided into 11,164 OTUs (operational taxonomic units). Based on the minimum number of reads (45,813) of all samples, 11,108 OTUs were retained for subsequent statistical analysis, among which these OTUs belonged to 37 phyla and 1,005 genera. Microbial community composition analysis revealed that all six Cyprinidae fish species shared a core gut microbiota, with Pseudomonadota, Fusobacteriota, and Actinomycetota identified as the dominant phyla, while Cetobacterium and Rothia emerged as the dominant genera. The results suggested that Cyprinidae fish shared a core gut microbiota, which was likely functionally conserved in processes such as short-chain fatty acid production, vitamin synthesis, and energy metabolism. Nevertheless, significant interspecific divergence was detected. There were significant differences among the gut bacterial structure of the six cyprinid fish species using the methods of principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) and permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA), indicating species-specific characteristics, meaning that the gut bacterial communities of different fish species possess unique compositional features. At the phylum level, LEfSe analysis identified significant enrichment of Cyanobacteriota in Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, consistent with its filter-feeding ecological habit in the upper water layer, reflecting host adaptation to specific food sources. At the genus level, 20 significantly differential bacterial genera were identified, such as Methylobacterium_Methylorubrum, Synechocystis _PCC_6803, and Cyanobium_PCC_6307 in Hypophthalmichthys molitrix; Plesiomonas in Aristichthys nobilis; and Candidatus_Competibacter in Carassius auratus, all of which were closely associated with host ecological habits. Moreover, the gut bacterial community structure was significantly correlated with host growth performance, antioxidant indicators, and dietary niche type using correlation analysis. Specifically, growth-related parameters including condition factor (R² = 0.731, P = 0.001), sex (R² = 0.595, P = 0.002), age (R² = 0.530, P = 0.003), and viscerosomatic index (R² = 0.453, P = 0.013) sequentially exerted significant effects on gut bacterial structure, with four key bacterial genera (e.g., Sphingomonas, Algoriphagus, Acinetobacter, and unclassified_Cyanobacteriales) identified as critical correlates. In terms of antioxidant capacity, DPPH radical scavenging activity (R² = 0.700, P = 0.001) and H2O2 content (R² = 0.690, P = 0.001) were the primary determinants of microbial community composition, linked to ten functional genera (e.g., Vibrio, Aeromonas, and Plesiomonas). Meanwhile, six bacterial genera (e.g., Marivivens, Acinetobacter, and Candidatus_Competibacter) were identified as significantly associated with distinct feeding niches. 

Conclusion: The results demonstrated that Cyprinidae fish shared a core gut microbiota, which exhibited functional conservation in fundamental metabolic processes, while species-specific bacteria synergistically regulated host nutrient metabolism, oxidative stress responses, and growth-related physiological processes to enhance their adaptation to specific environmental conditions. These findings provide a scientific experimental basis for wetland fish resource management and precision fish farming.

Aims: Enhancing the development and effectiveness of natural protected areas (PAs) constitutes a pivotal component of China’s ecological civilization strategy. By systematically integrating multi-faceted conservation features—including ecosystem types, species, ecosystem services, and natural relics—into conservation planning, PA systems can more effectively maintain ecosystem integrity and enhance conservation effectiveness. However, current research on systematic conservation planning that integrates these multi-faceted conservation features remains relatively limited. Therefore, this study aims to implement a comprehensive conservation planning approach by integrating these multi-faceted conservation features. 

Methods: Taking Dali as the study area, this study selected six categories of conservation features at multiple facets: richness of plant and animal conservation species, natural vegetation coverage, coverage of priority conservation vegetation types, key ecosystem services, and natural relics. The entropy method was employed to determine the weights of each category of conservation features. By locking in existing PAs, the systematic conservation planning model Zonation was applied to identify the spatial distribution of potential PAs. 

Results: The results indicate that, based on the 30% area-based conservation target, existing PAs currently covered 8.0% of the total study area, while potential PAs accounted for 22.0%. These potential PAs offered more comprehensive coverage of multi-faceted conservation features, including species, ecosystems, ecosystem services, and natural relics, thereby significantly enhancing the ecological representativeness of existing PAs. Potential PAs were primarily distributed in Yunlong County, the north of Jianchuan County, and Yongping County. Conservation effectiveness could be strengthened through the establishment of new PAs or the expansion of existing ones. 

Conclusion: The potential PAs identified in this study offer more comprehensive coverage of multi-faceted conservation features, thereby enhancing the ecological representativeness of the existing PA network. The planning approach implemented here provides actionable scientific support for optimizing PA systems in Dali and other regions.

Bird vocalizations, as an important bioacoustic indicator for interspecific identification, population dynamics, and ecosystem assessment, play a crucial role in biodiversity monitoring. We conducted acoustic monitoring in Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park from June 2021 to April 2022. We used manual recording and passive acoustic monitoring equipment to collect data, in combination with artificial intelligence recognition algorithms and manual review, to construct a localized vocalizations database containing 46 common bird species from 25 families and 9 orders. The dataset covers a total of 12,187 audio segments automatically identified and filtered by the AI model, as well as standardized vocal samples of 1–20 segments per species manually selected. This database provides basic data support for research on vocalizations of geographically specific populations of tropical rainforest birds, large-scale acoustic monitoring driven by artificial intelligence, and biodiversity assessment of national parks.

Background & Aims: Endangered aquatic species face greater survival challenges than their terrestrial counterparts under increasing pressures from global climate change and human activities in marine and freshwater ecosystems. Accurate data on population size, density, distribution, and dynamics are critical for effective conservation, yet traditional field surveys suffer from limitations such as high labor demands, subjective biases, and low efficiency due to the rarity of these species. Moreover, conventional methods often disturb both target organisms and their habitats. So it is an urgent need to explore technological improvements or replacements. 

Progress: Environmental DNA (eDNA) technology addresses these challenges by detecting species-specific DNA fragments in water samples, enabling non-invasive monitoring of presence, distribution, and abundance. In recent years, environmental DNA (eDNA) technology has gradually emerged as a prominent tool for monitoring and protecting endangered aquatic species. This paper overviews the eDNA applications for tracking single endangered aquatic species, including population distribution, abundance, biomass, and dynamic of life-history. It summarizes the complete technical workflow-from species-specific primer and probe design, laboratory simulation experiments, and mathematical model construction, to field sampling and laboratory analysis-highlighting each critical step. Furthermore, the review examines the principal factors influencing eDNA detection accuracy, including biological variables (e.g., biomass, body size, physiological status), environmental parameters (e.g., water temperature, pH, flow regime), and potential errors introduced during technical procedures, while objectively addressing current limitations in precise quantification and discrimination of living individuals. 

Prospect: The future development direction of eDNA technology’s integration with multiple technologies such as remote sensing and artificial intelligence to achieve standardized and intelligent monitoring was prospected, with the aim of providing new methodological support and theoretical frameworks for conserving these vulnerable or endangered species.

Background: Botanical gardens worldwide have evolved from their historical origins as aesthetic gardens to contemporary scientific institutions, emerging as pivotal force in biodiversity conservation. Functioning as key institutions for biodiversity protection, scientific research, and public education, national botanic gardens have garnered growing attention regarding their development status. This paper conducts a systematic analysis of national botanical garden systems of the United Kingdom, France, Russia, South Africa, and other representative nations, synthesizing insights from their strategic approaches to organizational structure, research coordination, and functional prioritization. 

Findings: To strengthen biodiversity conservation efforts and enhance international impact, national botanical gardens globally are adopting comprehensive strategies. These strategies include clarifying institutional missions, reinforcing conservation-focused research assessment mechanisms, implementing standardized protocols for managing living plant collections, advancing the digital curation of scientific collections, and innovating paradigms for plant resource utilization. 

Recommendations: China’s national botanical garden system should prioritize its core mission of plant biodiversity conservation by establishing a scientifically rigorous ex situ conservation network. This entails advancing taxonomic research, developing integrated conservation strategies and wild reintroduction techniques for rare and endangered species, and creating nature education platforms to enhance public engagement. In the future, China’s national botanical garden system is expected to strategically align ex situ and in situ conservation efforts, fostering synergistic collaboration with the national park system to contribute a Chinese solution to global biodiversity governance.