Aim: Tropical tree communities are characterized for their species diversity, with large genera playing a key role in promoting community diversity. However, the mechanisms underlying the coexistence of closely related species within these genera remain a central question in tropical ecology. Traditional approaches, often based on functional traits, have provided insights into niche differentiation but fall short of fully explaining the complex coexistence patterns.

Methods: This study focused on representative Ficusspecies in tropical community. By combining transcriptomics and metabolomics with phylogenetic analysis and functional traits measurements, it explored how differences in phylogenetic relationships, physical defense traits, defense-related genes, and metabolite diversity influence interspecific interactions among Ficus species, thereby promoting and maintaining their coexistence in local communities.

Results: In locally coexisting Ficus species, (1) No significant phylogenetic signals were detected in defensive traits except for C/N ratio; (2) Physical defense traits, defense-related genes, and metabolite diversity exhibited significantly lower values than random structure (P< 0.01), indicating divergent patterns, whereas phylogenetic relationships did not significantly differ from random structure (P= 0.194); (3) The diversity pattern of defensive traits reflected habitat heterogeneity.

Conclusion: This study shows that locally coexisting Ficus species promote defensive niche differentiation through the divergent pattern of defensive traits. The diversity of defense-related genes and metabolites provided new evidence for this, which is expected to provide new insights and ideas in this field.

Aims: Understanding the activity patterns, range, and suitable habitat distribution of Equus hemionus is essential for assessing its survival strategies in response to environmental changes. 

Methods: In this study, we used camera trapping to survey water resource utilization patterns of Equus hemionus during summer season (June to August) from 2021 to 2023 in Kalamaili National Park candidate area. Meanwhile, we studied the kernel activity range of six rescue released Equus hemionus fitted with GPS satellite collars, tracking them from 2022 to 2024 in Kalamaili National Park candidate area. Finally, we combined camera trapping and GPS satellite data, and used the BIOMOD2 model to assess the suitable habitat distribution of species during the summer season, and evaluated the conservation gap within national park candidate area. 

Results: The results showed that: (1) we obtained 5,996 independent detections of Equus hemionus at water resource during summer season. Among them, 2,825 independent-detections were recorded during the daytime, 2,212 in the nighttime, 459 in the morning and 500 at nightfall. (2) Equus hemionus exhibited random usage of water sites at nighttime (w_i = 1.32), daytime (w_i = 0.94), morning (w_i = 0.98) and nightfall (w_i = 1.07) in different time periods; the activity index at nighttime was slightly higher than in other three periods, with a peak activity period occurring between 23:00 and 04:00, while activity levels were relatively lower during the morning and nightfall periods; (3) the 50% kernel activity range was 4.98–162.18 km², with a mean of 76.34 ± 69.36 km²; the 95% kernel activity range was 27.67–2,117.72 km² with a mean of 892.95 ± 908.91 km²; (4) based on BIOMOD2 models, the suitable habitat area for Equus hemionus in Kalamaili National Park candidate area during summer was 1.94 × 104 km², with 76.97% of the suitable habitat within national park candidate area boundaries. 

Conclusion: Our study has preliminarily obtained the water resource utilization patterns, activity range and suitable habitat distribution of Equus hemionus in Kalamaili National Park candidate area. These findings enrich our understanding of behavioral ecology, and provide a scientific basis for developing conservation measures to protect the endangered species and their habitats in national park candidate area.

Aims: The family Moschidae includes small ruminants endemic to forest environments in East Asia, mainly distributed in China and neighboring countries. In the North China zoogeographical region, records of musk deer species are inconsistent, and systematic research on species identification is lacking. This study aimed to clarify the species identity of musk deer and analyze their geographical distribution in North China.

Methods: From February to October 2023, a total of 210 samples (208 fecal samples and 2 tissue samples) were collected from four mountain ranges: Lüliang, Zhongtiao, and Taiyue in Shanxi Province, and Huanglong in Shaanxi Province. Mitochondrial 16S rRNA and Cytb gene fragments were used, resulting in 272 successfully sequenced fragments. Sequences were aligned and compared with known reference sequences. The geographical distribution, genetic distances, and phylogenetic relationships of musk deer in North China were analyzed.

Results: Molecular analysis identified all sampled individuals as forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii), with no Siberian musk deer (M. moschiferus) detected. Phylogenetic analysis showed genetic distances between the North China population and other population of M. berezovskiiwere 0.18% (16S rRNA) and 0.70% (Cytb). Combined with morphological traits and geographical distribution, this suggests the North China population may represent a new geographical sub-species. Geographical distribution analysis revealed that water availability, thermal conditions, vegetation, and human disturbance significantly influence the distribution of forest musk deer in North China. The current distribution is primarily concentrated in mountainous forest belts of the North China region and the Loess Plateau subregion, showing a southwest-northeast (SW-NE) mountain-oriented distribution pattern.

Conclusions: The musk deer population in North China belongs to forest musk deer rather than Siberian musk deer. It may constitute a new subspecies or geographical variant of M. berezovskii whose distribution is significantly influenced by mountain connectivity and hydrothermal conditions.

Aims: The white-cheeked macaque (Macaca leucogenys), a primate species of the genus Macaca, is classified as a Class II National Protected Animal in China. It is a newly discovered mammal species, first identified and named by Chinese scholars in the Medog area in 2015. Due to its limited distribution range and small population size, research on the habitat suitability of Macaca leucogenys remains scarce.

Methods: To understand the distribution patterns of Macaca leucogenys, this study integrated infrared camera surveys and sample line data, with multiple environmental variables, including canopy height, human influence index (HII), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), elevation, aspect, slope, and 19 bioclimatic factors. We applied the MaxEnt model to systematically analyze the species’ current habitat distribution and key influencing factors within the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon National Nature Reserve, Xizang. Additionally, we predicted habitat change trends based on the habitat conditions of the region under different future climate scenarios.

Results: (1) The MaxEnt models, fitted with the selected factors, achieved an AUC (area under the curve) value of 0.924, indicating a high level of prediction accuracy; (2) the key environmental variables affecting the current distribution of Macaca leucogenys were precipitation of wettest month (bio 13), human influence index (HII), temperature annual range (bio 7) and precipitation seasonality (bio 15); (3) under current climate conditions, the most suitable habitats for Macaca leucogenys are primarily concentrated in the experimental area of the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon National Nature Reserve, with some high-suitability areas extending into Damu core area; (4) under future climate scenarios (SSP1-2.6 and SSP3-7.0) for the 2050s, the suitable habitat area for Macaca leucogenys is projected to increase compared to the current climate conditions.

Conclusion: This study provides theoretical and foundational data for understanding the current and future distribution of Macaca leucogenys, which is important for designing effective conservation strategies for this endangered species.

Aims: Understanding the spatio-temporal distribution of wildlife is crucial for the effective conservation of forest ecosystems. Studies on the spatio-temporal distribution patterns of wildlife provides key insights into ecosystem structure and function analysis, contributing to the precise formulation of conservation strategies and management plans. As a national second-class protected species, Tragopan temminckii plays an important role in maintaining forest ecosystem balance.

Methods: To explore the spatio-temporal distribution characteristics of Tragopan temminckii, a total of 83 infrared cameras were deployed at different periods from January 2011 to May 2019 in Wanglang National Nature Reserve (WLNNR). The optimized MaxEnt model, kernel density estimation, and one-sample t-test were applied to analyze the species’ suitability and activity rhythm from both spatial and temporal perspectives.

Results: (1) The potential suitable habitat area of Tragopan temminckii was 6,858 ha, accounting for 22.2% of the total area in WLNNR. (2) Vegetation was the main factor affecting the habitat distribution, while annual precipitation, mean temperature of driest quarter, and aspect were secondary factors. (3) Tragopan temminckii showed a typical diurnal activity pattern (diurnal-nocturnal index β > 13/24), and a unimodal pattern in daily activity rhythm (Φ = 17.777), peaking at around 11:00 AM. (4) There was no significant difference in the monthly daily-discrepancy index (α = 0.069 (t= -1.6847, df= 11, P > 0.05)) or in the diurnal-nocturnal index (β= 0.68 (t= -0.0764, df= 11, P > 0.05)). (5) Cold and warm season activity rhythms exhibited a moderate overlap (∆₄ = 0.78) but differed significantly (P < 0.01). During the cold season, peak activity occurred around 8:00 AM and 18:00 PM, whereas in the warm season, peak activity was delayed by 3 to 4 hours, occurring at around 11:00 AM.

Conclusion: The study identified vegetation as the primary factor influencing the spatio-temporal distribution of Tragopan temminckii, with climatic and topographical variables also playing significant roles. The species exhibited a diurnal activity pattern, with peak activity at noon, and its daily activity rhythm varied significantly with season, reflecting ecological adaptation strategies. By filling the knowledge gap of spatio-temporal ecological niche for Tragopan temminckii in WLNNR, this study provides a scientific foundation for future conservation and management within the reserve.

Aims: Population dynamics analysis is a crucial basis for formulating conservation strategies of endangered species. The Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus) is an endemic amphibian in China, and the status of its wild populations remains unclear. Through population dynamics analysis, this study aims to provide a basis for the conservation strategies of the Chinese giant salamander.

Methods: This study took the Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus) as the focal taxon in Zhangjiajie Chinese Giant Salamader National Nature Reserve, Hunan Province, China, based on the field survey data obtained from 2006 to 2021 and was complemented by comprehensive stock enhancement and release statistics spanning from 2000 to 2024. Utilizing population growth models, the study examined the population dynamics, carrying capacity, and the efficacy of stock enhancement measures for the Chinese giant salamander population.

Results: The results showed that: (1) The average annual population growth rate was 0.1722 ± 0.0324, with a carrying capacity (K) value of 51,190 individuals. The current population was in an exponential growth phase. (2) There was a highly significant difference in population growth curves between stock enhancement and non-stock enhancement scenarios. In the non-stock enhancement scenario, the instantaneous growth rates in the exponential and Logistic growth functions decreased by 16.27% and 32.11%, respectively. (3) Stock enhancement has demonstrably reinvigorated wild populations of Chinese giant salamander, under the current release regime, population size is projected to reach the environmental carrying capacity in 40 years.

Conclusion: Empirical validation confirms the feasibility of leveraging population growth models to project demographic trajectories, rendering them powerful tools for devising medium to long-term conservation strategies for endangered species; Stock enhancement has a significant effect on the recovery of the wild population of the Chinese giant salamander. Based on the current stock enhancement volume, the population size is projected to reach the peak of the carrying capacity in 40 years. Considering the current population growth rate, population growth trajectory, and environmental carrying capacity, continuous stock enhancement measures should be implemented, and individuals for stock enhancement should be selected based on river systems and genetic lineages, with offspring from local broodstock as the source of stock enhancement individuals. This approach can prevent genetic mixing in wild populations and ensure stable population growth. Additionally, protection and restoration efforts should be focused on breeding sites. This study offers valuable guidance for the analysis of population dynamics, the assessment of conservation effectiveness, and the development of conservation strategies for the Chinese giant salamander and other endangered species.

Aims: The rhizosphere is a critical interface for plant-soil interactions and shapes forest soil nutrient cycling through the distinction between rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere microbial community structures, as well as their regulatory roles in carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) dynamics. This study aimed to characterize the structural and functional differences of microbial communities in rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils of Quercus mongolica pure forests, and to elucidate their responses to soil C and N contents.

Methods: Soil samples were collected from rhizosphere (R) and non-rhizosphere (NR) soils of Q. mongolica pure forests in eastern Liaoning, China. Bacterial 16S rRNA and fungal ITS regions were sequenced, and amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were clustered with 97% similarity. α diversity indices (Shannon diversity index, Simpson diversity index, Chao1 richness index, Observed species richness index, Pielou evenness index) and β diversity (NMDS analysis based on Bray-Curtis distance and PERMANOVA test) were analyzed to assess microbial community species richness and heterogeneity. Microbial functions were predicted using PICRUSt2 based on the MetaCyc database. Soil total carbon (TC), total nitrogen (TN), soil organic carbon (SOC), and C : N were measured using standard protocols. Mantel tests and Pearson correlations were used to evaluate linkages between microbial communities and soil carbon and nitrogen content.

Results: The number of unique ASVs was higher in the rhizosphere soil than in the non-rhizosphere soil. At the phylum level, rhizosphere bacterial communities were dominated by Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria. In the fungal community, the abundance of Ascomycota was significantly higher in the rhizosphere than in the non-rhizosphere, whereas Basidiomycota showed the opposite trend. Copiotrophic bacteria prevailed in the rhizosphere by rapidly utilizing simple carbon sources derived from root exudates, while oligotrophic taxa in the non-rhizosphere were adapted to the nutrient-poor conditions. The predominance of Ascomycota in the rhizosphere and Basidiomycota in the non-rhizosphere was mainly driven by heterogeneity between the rhizosphere effect (characterized by carbon input) and the non-rhizosphere environment (involving decomposition of organic matter). α diversity analysis showed that the Shannon diversity index and Chao1 richness index of fungal communities were significantly higher in the rhizosphere than in the non-rhizosphere, while no significant difference was observed in bacterial diversity. β diversity analysis indicated significant differences in microbial community composition between the rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils. Functional prediction suggested that bacterial and fungal communities in Q. mongolica forest soils were enriched in metabolic pathways related to amino acid biosynthesis and respiration, respectively. Their complementary metabolic functions—such as cofactor synthesis and carbon-nitrogen exchange—may enhance the efficiency of nutrient cycling in these forest soils. Rhizosphere soils were enriched with organic matter-degrading bacteria (such as CandidatusUdaeobacter) and nitrogen-cycling functional bacteria (such as Bradyrhizobium), whose metabolic pathways may be dominated by amino acid biosynthesis. Soil carbon and nitrogen gradients had an impact on microbial diversity and abundance through resource competition and metabolic adaptation: rhizosphere bacterial diversity was positively correlated with organic carbon, and fungal community abundance was significantly correlated with total carbon and C : N.

Conclusion: Q. mongolica rhizosphere effects drive microbial community assembly through resource competition and metabolic adaptation, fostering copiotrophic bacteria and symbiotic fungi that enhance nutrient acquisition. The strong coupling between microbial diversity and soil carbon and nitrogen gradients highlights the ecological significance of rhizosphere microbiomes in regulating forest soil fertility. These findings provide a mechanistic basis for leveraging rhizosphere engineering in the sustainable management and ecological restoration of degraded Q. mongolica forests in northeastern China.

Aims: Oyster reefs are widely distributed in the intertidal zones and subtidal zones of subtropical and temperate coastal areas, serving as a crucial component of coastal ecosystems and the surrounding economy. The global oyster reef ecosystem has been severely degraded. Moreover, the amount of research on the ecological functions and economic benefits of oyster reefs in many regions remains inadequate, such as those in Guangdong Province, China. This limits our understanding of the integrity of these coastal ecosystems, directly impacting how coastal ecosystems are assessed and limiting our ability to sustainably manage their health. To fill this gap in literature, this study analyzed the distribution of oyster reefs in Guangdong’s coastal zones, summarized the species diversity of oysters and the main threats to these reefs, and provided recommendations for their protection and restoration.

Methods: Oyster habitats in the coastal zones of Guangdong Province were investigated from July 2022 to March 2023. Historical data for this area were also collected. Additionally, the oyster reefs were classified into three types of reefs based on their vertical development and aggregation area: “reef”, “bed”, and “aggregation”.

Results: “Bed” and “aggregation” reef types were widely distributed throughout Guangdong Province, whereas “reef” were located in Zhuhai, Jiangmen, Yangjiang, and the eastern and southern regions of the Leizhou Peninsula in Zhanjiang. A total of 13 oyster species from 3 genera were recorded, including 6 species from the genus Saccostrea (i.e. S. echinata, S. malabonensis, S. mordax, S. kegaki) and 2 undetermined species; 6 species were from the genus Crassostrea (i.e., C. sikamea, C. angulata, C. hongkongensis, C. ariakensis, C. bilineata and C. dianbaiensis); and 1 species was from the genus Dendostrea (i.e., D. crenulifera). The 7 reef-building oyster species found in the coastal zones of Guangdong Province were C. sikamea, C. angulata, C. hongkongensis, S. echinata, S. malabonensis, S. mordax, and Saccostrea sp.1. The primary constructors of oyster “reefs” were C. sikamea, C. angulata, and C. hongkongensis. Crassostrea hongkongensis was found exclusively in estuarine areas, while C. sikamea and S. echinata were found across all regions. Other reef-building oysters were primarily located outside estuarine areas. Oyster “reef” in the coastal zones of Guangdong Province primarily developed on the natural rocky shorelines. “Bed” and “aggregation” were found only in artificial marine structures and aquaculture facilities. Oyster reefs were widely distributed across the coastal zones of Guangdong Province; however, this ecosystem faces numerous challenges. The primary threats to oyster reefs in Guangdong’s coastal zones included overfishing, habitat alteration, water pollution, aquaculture practices, invasive species, and reef degradation.

Conclusion: To effectively protect and restore oyster reefs, it is recommended to enhance the conservation system in Guangdong Province. This can be done by strengthening basic surveys, operational monitoring, and scientific research, as well as by implementing restoration projects and promoting public education on oyster conservation.

Background & Aim: A high-quality checklist is essential for plant taxonomy, ecology, geography, and resource utilization studies. However, the checklist for Jilin Province has remained largely unrevised since the 1980s, which has seriously impeded related research. This paper attempts to obtain a credible province-wide checklist and county-level plant distribution data.

Methods: The TNRS (Taxonomic Name Resolution) was used to correct the spelling of scientific names. And the scientific name adopted the viewpoints in the Catalogue of Life China (2024). The checklist mainly refered to documents, i.e. Catalogue of Life China (2024), Key of Distribution Atlas of Northeast China Plant, 2nd edn, Flora of Jilin Province (Vols. 1-2), Atlas of Medicinal Plant Resource in the Northeast China, Distribution Atlas of Northeast China Plant, Flora Plantarum Herbacearum Chinae Boreali-Orientalis, Illustrated Flora of Northeast China, some articles and specimen data (from National Specimen Information Infrastructure (NSII), Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), NEFI, IFP) to locate the species distribution in county-level divisions.

Results: The checklist included 2,467 species (including 67 subspecies and 200 varieties) of tracheophyte in Jilin Province, belonging to 142 families and 728 genera, with voucher specimens available for 1,940 species. Among them, there are 21 lycophytes (2 families, 6 genera), 98 ferns (16 families, 40 genera; including 2 subspecies and 5 varieties), 21 gymnosperms (4 families, 9 genera; including 6 varieties), and 2,327 angiosperms (120 families, 673 genera; including 65 subspecies and 189 varieties). The most species-rich families are Asteraceae (75 genera, 260 species, including 7 subspecies and 9 varieties), Poaceae (65 genera, 182 species, including 12 subspecies and 11 varieties), Cyperaceae (14 genera, 148 species, including 1 subspecies and 11 varieties), Rosaceae (31 genera, 127 species, including 24 varieties), and Ranunculaceae (18 genera, 125 species, including 1 subspecies and 24 varieties). Other records are supported by reliable data. This checklist showed remarkable differences in species distribution among counties in Jilin Province. About 7 percent of 60 counties have more than 1,000 species, and the county-level distribution data were seriously imbalance.

Conclusion: The provincial checklist is reliable, but the quality of county-level distribution data needs to be significantly improved.

Clarifying the diversity and distribution of wild vascular plants in Shanxi Province is crucial for effective plant diversity conservation efforts in the region. Flora of Shanxi, the most authoritative record of plant cataloging and distribution in Shanxi, has been available for over 20 years. During this period, the plant classification system has evolved significantly, and many new plant records have emerged in Shanxi Province. However, a comprehensive, accurate, and scientific catalog of wild vascular plants remains unavailable. Based on volumes 1-5 of the Flora of Shanxi, this study comprehensively collected relevant literature on vascular plant research in Shanxi since 1980. Using extensive field investigations and related research data collected by the authors in Shanxi Province, the wild plant list was reviewed and refined, including revisions to plant names, protection status, and distribution down to the county level. This dataset presents the latest catalog of wild vascular plants in Shanxi, divided into confirmed and doubtful species lists. As of June 26, 2024, this dataset included 2,438 species, 73 subspecies, 229 varieties, and 4 forms across 147 families and 763 genera. The dataset included lycophytes and ferns (117 species, 4 varieties in 15 families and 34 genera), gymnosperms (13 species, 4 varieties in 4 families and 8 genera), and angiosperms (2,308 species, 73 subspecies, 221 varieties, and 4 forms in 128 families and 721 genera). Additionally, 36 species, 4 varieties in 19 families and 27 genera were listed in List of Key Protected Wild Plants in China (2021), and 119 species, 1 subspecies, and 2 varieties in 47 families and 80 genera were listed in List of Key Protected Wild Plants in Shanxi Province (Jin Zheng Han [2023] No. 126). Further work should prioritize species with limited distribution data and species of concern to further enhance catalog plan in Shanxi Province. This research can provide fundamental data for updating the Flora of Shanxi and advancing plant diversity conservation strategies within Shanxi Province.

Halophytes, as a unique group of plants adapted to saline-alkaline environments, play a crucial role in ecological conservation, saline-alkaline land management, and sustainable resource utilization. However, compared to their significance, the systematic inventory of halophytes in China has lagged behind. Existing data primarily come from regional studies or scattered literature records, lacking systematicity and comprehensiveness. This study, based on the foundational data from Halophytes of China (first and second editions) and the global halophyte database (eHaloph), integrates years of field investigations and systematically reviews and supplements the existing inventory data (adding new taxa and new records), improving global distribution information. It also systematically organizes ecological and functional data such as habitat, life form, height, morphology, halophyte type, ecological type, maximum salinity, photosynthetic pathway, and utilization value. Ultimately, we have compiled a dataset on the new inventory and geographical distributions of Chinese halophytes. Up to 2024, this dataset includes 102 families, 538 genera, 1,581 species (including 31 subspecies and 37 varieties) from China. With the advancement of agricultural development and ecological restoration efforts, some exotic halophytes have gradually become naturalized and integrated into China’s halophyte communities. Compared to the of Halophytes of China, 2nd edn, this dataset includes an additional 31 families, 310 genera, 1,026 species (including 22 subspecies and 14 varieties). The establishment of this dataset provides important support for in-depth research on the diversity, ecological functions, and application potential of Chinese halophytes, and also provides a scientific basis for policy-making in saline-alkaline land management and biodiversity conservation.

Background & Aims: Pollen grains in natural plant populations exhibit remarkable diversity in morphological features including size, shape, surface ornamentation, aperture number, and coloration. Despite this interspecific variability, pollen morphology typically remains relatively conserved within a single species, a characteristic of significant value for both taxonomic classification and studies of reproductive success. Intriguingly, pollen dimorphism—the production of two or more distinct pollen types within an individual plant—has been documented in certain taxa, challenging the traditional assumption of pollen uniformity. While preliminary investigations have explored the phylogenetic implications and adaptive advantages of this phenomenon, systematic syntheses addressing its evolutionary drivers and ecological functions remain limited. A comprehensive analysis of pollen dimorphism is thus critical to unraveling its role in shaping floral diversity, optimizing pollination efficiency, and mediating coevolutionary dynamics between angiosperms and their pollinators.

Progress: This study proposes a comprehensive classification system for pollen dimorphism, categorizing the phenomenon into four distinct types based on morphological and physiological characteristics: size dimorphism, shape dimorphism, color dimorphism, and vitality dimorphism. Notably, certain plant species demonstrate concurrent expression of two or more dimorphic pollen types. Through extensive literature analysis, we have reconstructed a phylogenetic framework encompassing 116 genera across 51 angiosperm families that exhibit pollen dimorphism. The evolutionary emergence of this trait shows significant correlation with specialized breeding system, including but not limited to heteranthery, cryptic dioecy, and enantiostyly (mirror-image flowers). These floral adaptations, frequently associated with pollen dimorphism, appear to have co-evolved with specific pollination syndromes and mating system optimizations, suggesting an adaptive mechanism for reproductive assurance and resource allocation efficiency in flowering plants.

Prospects: Current research on pollen dimorphism remains in its nascent stages, with critical knowledge gaps persisting in understanding its genetic architecture, ontogenetic regulation, ecological significance, and evolutionary trajectories. Addressing these fundamental questions requires multidisciplinary approaches integrating molecular genetics, developmental biology, and ecological genomics. This line of investigation holds significant implications for elucidating the evolutionary innovation of pollen morphology, identifying the evolutionary drivers of floral diversification, and deciphering the intricate plant-pollinator coevolutionary dynamics. Systematic exploration of pollen dimorphism may ultimately provide novel insights into the evolutionary optimization of plant reproductive strategies under selective pressures.

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

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

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

Background & Aim: Cetaceans are key indicator species of marine ecosystems, and effective monitoring of their population dynamics is essential for biodiversity conservation. Traditional ship-based visual survey methods are constrained by multiple factors such as sea conditions, weather visibility and labor costs, making it difficult to achieve spatial and temporal continuity of ecological monitoring. Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) breaks through the traditional monitoring bottleneck by deploying hydrophones to receive cetacean acoustic signals and environmental noise in real-time, achieving all-weather, non-invasive and three-dimensional monitoring of cetaceans. We conducted a systematic review of cetacean acoustic monitoring literature published between 2004 and June 2024, categorizing findings into five thematic areas. Our analysis identified recent research achievements and persistent challenges, and proposes strategic recommendations for advancing acoustic monitoring applications in China.

Review Results: Our meta-analysis identified 1,089 relevant papers, revealing limited publication output between 2004 and 2010 followed by exponential growth post-2016. The analyzed literature coalesces into five research domains: (1) equipment development and technical methods (19.9%), (2) acoustic signals and communication patterns (18.7%), (3) population and spatial ecology (38.0%), (4) ecological behavioral patterns of cetaceans (15.1%), and (5) conservation and management applications (8.3%). Technological convergence such as deep learning has revolutionized high-throughput acoustic data processing. Contemporary research extends beyond acoustic signal types to population dynamics, soundscape ecology and behavioral patterns, establishing acoustic monitoring as a critical tool in cetacean conservation and management.

Perspectives: This review synthesizes contemporary advancements in cetacean bioacoustics and outlines strategic pathways for China’s nascent research initiatives. We propose five evidence-driven priorities to advance both scientific understanding and conservation applications: (1) advance technological innovation by developing next-generation autonomous recording systems and intelligent analytical tools tailored to cetacean vocalizations; (2) implement holistic monitoring systems that synergize multi-dimensional acoustic data with environmental and behavioral datasets through sensor network integration; (3) establish unified national archives featuring standardized protocols for data sharing and collaboration, incorporating blockchain technology for traceability; (4) strengthen interdisciplinary capacity through specialized training programs integrating marine acoustics, ecology, and computational modeling; (5) expand participatory science frameworks via targeted science communication campaigns and citizen science platforms for coastal communities. These strategic priorities aim to bridge existing research gaps and advance evidence-based cetacean conservation.

Background and Aims: The Yellow River estuary and its adjacent waters serve as spawning, nursery, and feeding grounds for many important organisms, and are characterized by abundant biological resources and high biodiversity. During recent decades, local environmental conditions and biological community structure have significantly changed under pressures of human activities and climate change. To advance ecological protection and high-quality development in the Yellow River basin, it is essential to clarify the current status of local biodiversity and its evolution. In this study, we reviewed and analyzed the survey data of 101 voyages from 1958 to 2020, to provide the zooplankton taxa list recorded in the Yellow River estuary and its adjacent waters, compare the inter-decadal variations of zooplankton taxa composition, analyze the inter-annual changes of dominant species and the diversity index.

Progress: The results showed that 185 zooplankton taxa (primarily at the species level) were recorded in the Yellow River estuary and its adjacent waters, including 94 species of Arthropoda, 42 species of Cnidaria, 35 taxa of pelagic larvae, 6 species of Protozoa, 4 species of Urochordata, and 2 species each of Ctenophora and Chaetognatha. Among Arthropoda, there were 41 Copepoda species, 16 Mysida species, 12 Cumacea species, 7 Amphipoda species, 6 Cladocera species, 4 Isopoda species, 3 Decapoda species, 2 Ostracoda species, 2 Euphausiacea species, and 1 Anostraca species. In terms of taxa composition, the first record of Ctenophora species occurred after 2000. The gelatinous zooplankton, such as Cnidaria and Ctenophora, exhibited a trend of decreasing proportions of warm- temperate species and increasing proportions of warm-water species. While miniaturization occurred in Copepoda, with the proportion of small copepods increasing. The dominant species composition of macro- and meso-zooplankton showed a trend towards smaller individuals and an increase in gelatinous species. Additionally, the proportion of pelagic larvae increased. The high abundance of Noctiluca scintillans resulted in a sharp decrease in the Shannon- Wiener diversity index.

Prospects: Future studies will need to consider the impacts of multiple factors on biodiversity, identify key drivers and critical impact processes, and focus on the effects of extreme climate events. Additionally, it is suggested to establish standardized biodiversity monitoring indicators and guidelines, to achieve biodiversity conservation and promote the healthy development of marine ecosystems.

Background & Aims: With the integrated development of earth sciences and life sciences, geogenomics—an interdisciplinary field integrating geology, geomorphology, paleoclimatology, genomics, phylogenetics, population genetics, and biogeography—links surface landscape changes to biological evolution. This field has become an effective way for testing geological hypotheses and reconstructing Earth’s history, as well as exploring its co-evolution with life. Geogenomics also shows significant potential in global ecological conservation.

Methods: In this review, we utilized the Web of Science core collection, and analyze the evolution of themes and hotspots in geogenomics through bibliometric analysis. Meanwhile, we systematically introduce the fundamental concepts and key scientific questions of geogenomics, as well as its relationship to related research fields.

Review Results: As an emerging interdisciplinary field, geogenomics deeply integrates geological, climatic, and genomic data to inverts the spatio-temporal patterns and interactions between geological structure movements and the history and distribution changes of biological groups. This field holds significant promise for advancing geological and biological evolution. We focus on five key aspects: testing geological hypotheses; elucidating regional or intercontinental scale geological processes; inferring regional biodiversity evolution history; addressing uncertainties in geological reconstruction and scale effects, as well as the geographical distribution patterns and dispersal origins of pathogens.

Perspectives: At present, research in this field is still limited in China, but it has been carried out on several important scientific questions, such as the uplift history was highly variable of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and the evolution of the Yangtze River and Yellow River systems. In the future, it is imperative to enhance the application of multidisciplinary approaches, develop more effective tools, and advocate for the establishment of a global geogenomics research database.

Background & Aim: The SLOSS debate in the field of biodiversity conservation outlines whether single large protected area (SL) or several small protected areas (SS) are preferred for the conservation of species diversity, given equal total area or limited resources. This issue has been of great interest to ecologists and conservation biologists and has important implications for the design of protected areas and biodiversity conservation. As a result of the development of research methods and the rise of interdisciplinarity, the SLOSS debate has made important multi-stage advances in both analytical methods and theoretical mechanisms. The main objective of this paper is to review the rapidly research progress of the SLOSS debate and provide some targeted suggestions for future directions.

Review results: We first described the origins of the SLOSS debate and then analyzed the SLOSS literature from different aspects, including comparisons of publications between study regions and study times. Secondly, we described the analysis methods of the SLOSS debate and the strengths and limitations of each method. In addition, we reviewed the improved saturation indices proposed by previous researchers as well as the optimized indices developed by us. Thirdly, we explored several theoretical mechanisms that influence the SLOSS pattern, e.g, the theory of extinction-colonization dynamics dominated by extinction, the theory of extinction-colonization dynamics dominated by colonization, and the role of risk resistance. We then described how SLOSS debate can be applied to guide conservation management and protected area design. Lastly, we put forward some targeted suggestions for the future direction of SLOSS debate, including the importance of using flexible analytical methods, interdisciplinary collaborations to test theoretical mechanisms, more functional SLOSS and phylogenetic SLOSS research, and integrating the SLOSS debate with other fields such as restoration ecology.

Conclusion: Our review will be helpful to gain a deeper understanding of the progress of SLOSS debate, which is of great significance for promoting the development of this research field.

Background & Aims: Global biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation are threatening human survival and development. International conventions, such as the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals and the Convention on biological diversity, emphasize contracting states should fulfill their obligations of in-situ conservation. Some states implemented conservation measures such as revoking/refusing mining permits and enacting/modifying biodiversity policies for this purpose. However, these measures cause damage to property rights protection and interests of some foreign investors. This violation of investment protection obligations promised by international agreements with foreign countries has caused many disputes.

Review Results: The study reviews the disputes in jurisdiction, fair and equitable treatment clause, indirect expropriation clause, and other aspects of investment arbitration cases involving the governance of protected natural areas from the perspective of international investment. We found the difficulties in fulfilling the obligation of in-situ conservation and investment protection simultaneously as follows: divergence of the interpretation of reasonable expectations; differences of public interest review standards; difficulty in application of the general exception clause.

Recommendations: Our findings suggest a need for clarifying the effectiveness levels of in-situ conservation rules and investment protection rules. Further, we recommend introducing the principle of good faith to improve investment treatment clauses, strengthening investor obligation provisions, and creating a global fund to combat biodiversity.