Aims:The increasing adoption of machine learning in ecological research has enabled the modeling of complex,nonlinear ecological patterns.However,the"black-box"nature of many machine learning models limits their interpretability,hindering the extraction of ecological insights.This review aims to introduce the core concepts,methods,and practical tools of interpretable machine learning(IML),and to demonstrate how these techniques can enhance ecological understanding from predictive models. Methods:We first clarify key distinctions among white-box model and black-box model,global interpretability and local interpretability,and intrinsic interpretability versus post-hoc interpretability models.Using a simulated dataset representing plant diversity and environmental variables(e.g.,elevation,temperature,soil moisture),we apply both white-box models(e.g.,linear regression,decision trees)and black-box models(e.g.,random forest)to illustrate major interpretability techniques,including regression coefficients,permutation importance,partial dependence plots(PDP),accumulated local effects(ALE),Shapley additive explanations(SHAP),and local interpretable model-agnostic explanations(LIME). Results:White-box models offer direct and transparent interpretability through their model structure,while black-box models require additional tools to derive explanations.Our case study shows that both model types can yield consistent insights about variable importance and ecological relationships.Furthermore,methods such as ALE and SHAP effectively address common limitations in conventional approaches like PDP by accounting for feature interactions and dependencies. Conclusion:IML provides a valuable toolkit for improving model transparency and interpretability in ecological research.It serves as a crucial complement to traditional statistical modeling,enabling researchers to extract meaningful ecological interpretations from complex models.As ecological data and modeling complexity continue to grow,the integration of IML techniques will become increasingly important for hypothesis generation and ecological decision-making.
Aims:Pteropods(Mollusca:Gastropoda)play a key role in marine ecosystems,contributing to critical processes such as the marine food web and carbon cycle.However,their diversity and distribution in the South China Sea remain poorly understood.To address these gaps and enhance the understanding of their regional biogeography,this study aimed to systematically investigate the species diversity and spatial distribution patterns of pteropods(Mollusca:Gastropoda)in the South China Sea. Methods:Zooplankton samples were collected during four cruises across various ecological regions,including estuarine,shelf,basin,and island/reef areas of the South China Sea between 2022 and 2023.Species were identified based on morphological examination using stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy.Ecological indices,including abundance,Shannon-Wiener diversity index,and Pielou evenness index,were calculated to analyze community structure. Results:A total of 26 pteropod species belonging to 13 families and 18 genera were identified,including four new records for the South China Sea:Diacavolinia elegans,Desmopterus gardineri,Notobranchaea tetrabranchiata,and Cliopsis krohnii.Notable regional heterogeneity was observed:the Pearl River Estuary-western South China Sea shelf showed the highest species richness(22 species),while the Northern South China Sea islands and reefs had the lowest(6 species).Horizontally,coastal areas exhibited higher abundance but lower diversity,whereas open-sea areas showed the reverse pattern.Vertically,pteropods were predominantly concentrated in the 0-200 m layer,with abundance and diversity declining sharply with depth.The composition of dominant species varied markedly among different ecological regions. Conclusion:This study updates the species checklist of pteropods in the South China Sea and reveals clear spatial partitioning in their community structure,reflecting adaptations to distinct habitats.The findings provide essential baseline data for understanding regional marine biodiversity and monitoring ecosystem changes in this marginal sea.
Aims:Pollinator-mediated variation in floral morphology is mostly observed in specialized pollination systems.For widely distributed plants that rely on generalized pollination,it remains unclear how their morphological traits and pollinator assemblages vary along geographic gradients,and their correlations with latitude,longitude and altitude.Our preliminary study has revealed that Dipsacus asper(Dipsacaceae)is widely distributed in southwestern China and exhibits a typical generalized pollination system,making it an ideal material for investigating this question. Methods:In this study,we took D.asper as the experimental material and conducted field investigations across 13 wild populations in Hubei,Sichuan,Yunnan,and Guizhou provinces.We measured the morphological traits of the plants,compared the morphological characteristics among populations,and calculated the coefficients of variation(CV)within and between populations.Additionally,we observed and recorded the pollinator types in each population and calculated their visitation frequencies.We also measured the body characteristics of the main pollinator bumblebees.Finally,we quantified natural seed set of D.asper across the different populations. Results:The results indicated significant variation in the morphological traits of D.asper across different populations.Specifically,the CV were high for leaf and stem traits,whereas inflorescence size showed low variation.Dipsacus asper plants from Xiaojin,Jianshi,Yanyuan,and Xishui populations exhibited larger inflorescences compared to other populations.The primary pollinators of D.asper included Bombus,Apis,Eristalis,and Lepidoptera,with bees serving as key pollinators.Both pollinator composition and visitation frequency varied markedly among populations.The larger-bodied bumblebees was main pollinator for plant in Xiaojin,Jianshi,Yanyuan,and Xishui populations.There was no significant correlation between the floral tube length of D.asper and the proboscis length of widely distributed Bombus friseanus.Plant height,stem,leaf,and inflorescence size of D.asper,as well as the morphological traits of B.friseanus,decreased significantly with increasing elevation and they also varied with longitude and latitude.Plant height and the proboscis length of B.friseanus increased significantly with increasing longitude,while the sizes of stems,leaves,inflorescences,and the abdomen of B.friseanus decreased significantly with increasing longitude.Leaf size,inflorescence size,the thickness of the head and thorax,and the abdomen of B.friseanus increased significantly with increasing latitude,whereas the proboscis length of B.friseanus decreased significantly with increasing latitude.Additionally,the natural seed set of D.asper with different geographic distributions showed an increasing trend with the increase of longitude,a significant decreasing trend with the increase of latitude,and a significant increasing trend with the increase of altitude. Conclusion:The morphological traits and pollinator diversity of widely distributed plant species exhibit significant variation along geographic gradients.This variation may result from the combined effects of plant-pollinator interactions and abiotic environmental factors.Across different geographic environments,plants ensure their reproductive success by adapting floral morphology and utilizing diverse pollinators.
Aim:The chloroplast genome has been widely used for plant species identification,delimitation,and phylogenetic reconstruction due to its structural conservation,maternal uniparental inheritance,and high copy number.However,the chloroplast genome cannot effectively reflect pollen-mediated gene flow,is sensitive to genetic drift,and is susceptible to incomplete lineage sorting and hybridization events.Therefore,in plant identification and population evolutionary history studies,relying solely on chloroplast genome evidence may lead to biased or incomplete conclusions. Methods:This study performed whole-chloroplast genome sequencing,assembly,and annotation for seven Pterocarya individuals,and conducted comparative genomic and phylogenetic analyses incorporating published data. Results:The chloroplast genome ranged in length from 160,176 to 160,318 bp and exhibited a typical quadripartite structure,encoding 131 genes(86 protein-coding genes,8 rRNAs,and 37 tRNAs).The number of simple sequence repeats(SSRs)loci ranged from 87 to 96,dominated by mononucleotide repeats.Comparative genomic analysis indicated that chloroplast genomes among Pterocarya species were highly conserved overall.The sequence conservation of the inverted repeat regions and coding regions was higher than that of the single-copy regions and non-coding regions.Notably,within the coding regions,the ndhF gene exhibited significantly higher sequence variation than other protein-coding genes.The results of phylogenetic analysis showed that the phylogenetic trees constructed based on different data partitions(whole genome,protein-coding sequence,hypervariable regions,and sliding windows)exhibited various topological structures with two to five major clades.Individuals of species such as P.stenoptera,P.macroptera var.macroptera,and P.insignis consistently showed lineage admixture and cross-clade distribution across different analyses. Conclusion:The chloroplast genome exhibits significant limitations in resolving species identification and biogeographic history within the genus Pterocarya,and relying solely on its data may lead to systematic bias.Therefore,future studies on plant phylogenetics should integrate nuclear genomic data and employ multispecies coalescent methods to achieve more accurate species identification and evolutionary relationship reconstruction.
Background & Aims:Global biodiversity is declining at an unprecedented rate.As a widespread and diverse taxonomic group,birds are crucial indicators,and understanding drivers and consequences of their population dynamics is vital for biodiversity conservation.Passive acoustic monitoring(PAM),a non-invasive technique with high spatiotemporal resolution,offers a revolutionary tool for large-scale,long-term avian diversity surveys.Despite the rapid development of PAM globally,its application in China is currently hampered by scattered projects,heterogeneous equipment,and inconsistent methodologies.This has resulted in a"data island"dilemma,significantly hindering data integration and comparability and limiting the utility of these data for biodiversity policy and conservation.This study aims to provide a scientific blueprint and implementation guide for establishing a standardized,networked,and intelligent avian acoustic monitoring system in China. Method & Results:We systematically reviewed the corresponding urgent needs of PAM in light of the global loss of avian biodiversity.We then compared and analyzed the technical development,network construction,and data-sharing experiences of avian PAM both internationally and domestically,identifying the core challenges China faces due to the lack of unified standards.Drawing on successful international PAM practices,we propose a comprehensive framework of standards suitable for China.This framework covers the entire workflow,from monitoring design and core technical parameters to metadata standards and data processing and analysis. Perspectives:Finally,we present a series of actionable recommendations and a strategic roadmap for future implementation.These proposals address multiple facets,including top-level design,national network construction,technological innovation,data sharing mechanisms,and essential policy support,charting a clear course for the future of avian acoustic monitoring in the nation.
Aim:In response to ongoing global biodiversity decline,reintroduction serves as a vital conservation strategy for rescuing endangered species and restoring regional biodiversity.Pre-release acclimation plays an indispensable role in this process,as it prepares captive-bred individuals-which often lack survival experience in the wild-for release.Food-based enrichment constitutes a core element of such training,primarily by modifying food types and simulating natural foraging environments to enhance animals' adaptability to local food resources.However,research on the dynamic process of food enrichment and its quantitative evaluation remains scarce.To assess the adaptability of the Crested Ibis(Nipponia nippon)to coastal wetland foods and to explore the application of behavioral methods in evaluating the effectiveness of acclimation,this study examined the Crested Ibis undergoing acclimation at the Jiangsu Yancheng Wetland & Rare Birds National Nature Reserve. Methods:We conducted 37 diet-shifting experiments during July and August 2023.Firstly,we employed the all-occurrence sampling method to record the diversity of coastal foods consumed and the frequencies of associated behaviors(observing,probing,ingesting).Secondly,we used generalized linear models(GLMs)to analyze foraging behavior,foraging activity,and adaptation time in the diet-shifting experiments.Counts of observing,probing,and ingesting behaviors per round were initially modeled with Poisson GLM,switching to negative binomial GLM if overdispersion was detected.Normality of daily total foraging amount,daily foraging ratio,first probing time,and first ingesting time was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test.Normally distributed data were analyzed with linear regression,right-skewed data with Gamma GLM,and left-skewed data with inverse Gaussian GLM. Results:The results revealed a clear dietary shift in the Crested Ibis individuals throughout the experiments.Their consumption of coastal foods increased to 78.47％,while their reliance on loach declined progressively,demonstrating a strong potential for adaptation to local wild food resources.Secondly,the behavioral adaptation of the Crested Ibis individuals followed a sequential process of"observing-probing-ingesting".With the progression of the diet-shifting experiments,the frequencies of probing and ingesting behaviors increased significantly(P＜0.001),reflecting the dynamic process of food-based enrichment driving positive adjustments in behavioral structure.Individual adaptability also varied.Less mobile individuals accepted fewer types of coastal foods and took longer to first probe and ingest them than more mobile individuals. Conclusion:This study,based on behavioral methodologies,revealed the promotive effect of food enrichment on behavioral diversity from a temporal perspective.The findings indicated that scientifically designed food enrichment training can effectively guide positive adjustments in the behavioral organization of captive animals,thereby increasing the diversity of their natural exploratory and functional foraging behaviors.Based on the results,we recommend establishing a full-cycle"acclimation-release-monitoring"food enrichment management protocol in reintroduction practice.Specifically,this entails pre-release systematic diet-shifting training to broaden the food spectrum of endangered species,the establishment of individual behavioral profiles for quality assessment and precise release planning,and the transitional food supplement feeding based on highly adaptive foods after releasing.This study provides crucial theoretical underpinnings and practical support for optimizing reintroduction protocols for the Crested Ibis and other endangered species.
Aims:Spice plants are one of the most significant commodities in global trade since the Age of Exploration and they still hold important economic and medicinal value nowadays.Ethnobotanical research on spice plants meets the needs of modern society and aligns with modern societal demands and the development trends of the"Big Health"industry.Ethnobotany studies play a crucial role in promoting the utilization of plant resources and the economic development of ethnic regions by offering unprecedented clues for screening medicines related to human safety and pharmacological activity.China,Myanmar,and Laos tropical regions are one of the global biodiversity hotspots with abundant spice plants and cultural diversity.This study aims to catalogue the traditional knowledge of spice plants consumed by the ethnic groups in these regions,thereby providing a scientific basis for their conservation and sustainable utilization. Methods:Based on ethnobotanical principles and multidisciplinary approaches,integrating botany,anthropology,pharmacology,linguistics,ecology,and economics,field surveys were conducted in China,Myanmar and Laos tropical regions.Semi-structured interviews("5W+H"),village and market investigations,were done among eight ethnic groups,including Dai,Hani,Yao,Lao,Khmu,Burmese,Chin,and Kachin people.Literature on spice plants published in English or Chinese from 1985 to 2024 were reviewed.The spice plants diversity,traditional knowledge,resources origin and conservation status were systematically collected.Use value(UV)and Jaccard index(JI)were analyzed. Results:A total of 414 spice plant species(including varieties)belonging to 63 families and 206 genera were documented.Among 300 medicinal,123 edibles,95 flavoring and 74 dual-purpose(medicinal-edible)species,54.83％were herbs,with leaves(46.62％)and roots(20.77％)as the main used parts.Spice plants with a UV greater than 0.2 are predominantly multifunctional medicinal-food species.Of all recorded species,178 could only be collected from wild,185 were cultivated;however,only about 12％of them have fully completed the transition from wild harvesting to cultivation and market sale.The Jaccard index of spice plants utilization across the three countries is relatively low(JI,0.20-0.25),indicating the rich cultural diversity and distinct ethnobotanical traditions shaped by long-term adaptation to different ecological and cultural contexts in these regions.There were 52(12.56％)species under protection or threaten,and 15 nationally protected or rare and endangered spice plants were identified for priority investigation,conservation and utilization. Conclusions:This study provides the world's first comprehensive and systematic ethnobotanical catalogue of spice plants utilized by local ethnic communities in the tropical regions of China,Myanmar,and Laos.It not only provides an initial intellectual prototype for the sustainable development and cross-border utilization of spice plant resources in the food,pharmaceutical,and cosmetic industries,but also offers fundamental data and scientific case for promoting transboundary cultural and biodiversity conservation and contributes to the green development of the Belt and Road.
Aims:This study examined the influence of environmental factors on the survival of introduced plants in a botanical garden,focusing on the effects of climatic and edaphic differences between the botanical garden and the native ranges of the plants. Methods:We constructed mixed-effects Cox proportional hazards models to quantify the effects of climatic and edaphic differences on plant survival based on a database comprising 2,234 individuals from 1,232 introduced species at the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden,Chinese Academy of Sciences. Results:In climate-driven models,those based on the median climate across species occurrence records demonstrated the strongest empirical support(ΔAIC ≤ 3).In addition to species growth form,these models highlighted significant influence of mean annual temperature and minimum temperature of coldest month in the ranges of species studied,while precipitation of driest month,precipitation of wettest month,and annual precipitation in the ranges of species exhibited weaker yet statistically significant effects.Herbal plants showed a lower mortality risk than woody plants.In soil-driven models,those based on provenance soil conditions yielded the best performance.Topsoil organic carbon and gravel content emerged as the primary edaphic factors influencing survival.Herbal plants showed a higher mortality risk than woody plants. Conclusion:Climatic and edaphic factors substantially impact the survival of introduced tropical plants.Key drivers include the mean annual temperature,minimum temperature of coldest month,topsoil organic carbon,and topsoil gravel content in species' native range,in addition to species growth form.Botanical gardens should prioritize aligning the overall climatic distribution of species and provenance edaphic conditions when planning introductions to enhance survival rates and the effectiveness of living collections.
Aims:The selection of nocturnal roosting sites is a critical aspect of urban birds' adaptation and survival within built environments.Existing studies have predominantly focused on macrohabitat or microhabitat characteristics,yet lack precise measurement methods and research on the perching branch information directly utilized by birds.LiDAR technology,with its high-precision data measurement capabilities,makes it possible to study the three-dimensional structure of avian perching branches.As a typical urban-adapted species,crows often form large-scale aggregated roosting groups in cities in winter,triggering human-wildlife conflict issues.To explore the key factors influencing their nocturnal roost selection and verify the feasibility of LiDAR in the refined research of bird habitats,this study took winter roosting crows in urban Beijing as the focal species and conducted surveys in the main crow aggregation areas within the 6th Ring Road of Beijing from 2023 to 2025. Methods:Based on data collected on 18 habitat factors from 36 roosting quadrats and 36 control quadrats,we further employed terrestrial laser scanning to measure four variables for 1,361 roosting branches and 581 control branches.Among the control branches,349 were from roosting trees and 232 from non-roosting trees.The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare differences in the 18 habitat factors between roosting and control quadrats.The Kruskal-Wallis test was applied to examine pairwise differences among roosting branches,control branches on roosting trees,and control branches on non-roosting trees.Further,generalized linear mixed models(GLMMs)and generalized linear models(GLMs)were adopted to identify the key variables affecting crow nocturnal roost selection. Results:The results indicated that tree height,canopy closure,crown width,noise,and illuminance were significantly higher in roosting quadrats compared to control quadrats.Furthermore,the height,diameter,and length of nocturnal roosting branches were significantly greater than those of both control branch groups,while the branch angle was significantly smaller.Between the two control groups,only branch height showed a significant difference.Analyses using GLMM revealed that tree height and noise were key habitat factors affecting nocturnal roost selection.GLM analyses revealed that branch angle,the quadratic term of branch height,and the interaction between branch diameter and branch length all had significant effects on the nocturnal roosting site selection by crows. Conclusion:Crows exhibited a clear preference for nocturnal roosting sites characterized by taller trees and higher ambient noise levels.At the branch scale,they selectively perched on branches positioned at greater heights with shallower angles,which were typically either long and moderately thick or short and thick.This study elucidates the nocturnal roosting selection mechanism of crows in urban Beijing and offers a scientific basis for evidence-based urban bird management.Furthermore,it demonstrates the feasibility and distinct advantages of employing LiDAR technology in fine-scale habitat research,highlighting its potential to advance urban ornithological studies.
Aims:In the Anthropocene,rapid urban expansion has turned cities into important habitats for many species.However,basic information on wildlife composition and distribution in large cities is often lacking,fragmented,or outdated.As a national central city and the core engine of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area,Guangzhou lacks systematic research on its wildlife diversity and habitat distribution.This study aims to systematically compile data on wild terrestrial vertebrates in Guangzhou and identify priority habitats to inform conservation planning. Methods:Based on field surveys,we collected and integrated data from literature,monographs,news reports,and citizen science databases.We analyzed potential species distributions using the MaxEnt model and evaluated priority wildlife habitats by combining the analytic hierarchy process(AHP)and entropy weight method(EWM). Results:(1)A total of 690 species of wild terrestrial vertebrates,belonging to 33 orders and 134 families,were recorded in Guangzhou.Among them,100 species were newly recorded,such as Amolops hongkongensis,Achalinus spinalis,Grus monacha,and Chimarrogale leander.(2)Animal diversity showed a pattern of higher richness in the east and lower in the west,with hotspots concentrated in the mountainous areas of Conghua in the north,the hilly farmland of Zengcheng in the east,and the wetlands of Nansha in the south.(3)We identified 24 priority wildlife habitats covering a total area of 1,299.5 km2.The existing protected area network covered approximately 83％(1,078.9 km2)of these priority habitats,but a 17％protected gap(220.6 km2). Conclusion:This study updates the inventory of wild terrestrial vertebrates and their priority habitats in Guangzhou,providing a scientific basis for urban conservation planning and management.It also offers a valuable model for biodiversity inventory,pattern analysis,and conservation research in highly urbanized areas.
Background:China is one of the countries with the richest species diversity of non-human primates.The genus Macaca,which constitutes the predominant group of extant primates in China,stands out as the most widely distributed,highly adaptable,and numerically abundant group of the Old World monkeys.A total of eight wild Macaca species have been recorded in China.These species play a pivotal role in maintaining the balance of regional ecosystems and serve as invaluable resources for research in animal behavior,social evolution,disease models,and human origins. Progress:With a long-standing tradition and strong scientific capacity in wild macaque research,Chinese primatologists have made significant contributions to behavioral ecology and phylogenetic evolution.The field has progressed from preliminary ecological descriptions to precise behavioral quantification,while simultaneously shifting from macro-level descriptive analysis to multi-scale,integrative investigation.These continued efforts have produced substantial results,steadily deciphering the complexities of macaque social systems.In this paper,taking Macaca thibetana,M.mulatta,and M.assamensis as examples,we reviewed the main findings on taxonomy and distribution,research history,behavioral ecology and molecular biology of wild macaques in China and the major achievements of Chinese primatologists. Prospects:This review provides a scientific basis for comprehensively evaluating threats to Chinese macaques and developing integrated conservation strategies.
珍·古道尔博士于2025年10月1日与世长辞,她的去世不仅是动物学、灵长类研究领域的重大损失,更是自然保护、科学传播与自然教育界的重大损失.她在世界范围内的广泛影响力是以学术研究为基,但其更大的影响是基于她的自然教育与科学传播工作,恰恰是她面向广大社会公众的科普或自然教育事业成就了她巨大的影响力和名气.
Aims:The variation of species distribution ranges along environmental gradients has long been an important topic in macroecology and biogeography.Rapoport's rule was initially proposed as a hypothesis concerning the relationship between the latitudinal position of species distributions and their latitudinal range size.In 1996,Stevens provided a broad definition of Rapoport's rule,stating that the geographic range size of species gradually increases with the rise of a biogeographic gradient(such as latitude,elevation,water depth,etc.).Currently,there is relatively limited research examining the applicability of Rapoport's rule to latitudinal range breadth of Chinese birds,particularly in terms of comparisons across different taxonomic categories and traits. Methods:We used distribution and trait data of Chinese birds,and applied four commonly used methods to test whether the latitudinal patterns of species range size of Chinese birds support Rapoport's rule across three dimensions:taxonomic categories,feeding habits and body mass. Results:The results showed that:(1)At different taxonomic levels(family,genus and species),higher taxonomic levels exhibited stronger support for Rapoport's rule(the R2 values for Stevens's method,Pagel's method and Cross-species method were all greater than 0.5).(2)Among different feeding habits,species range size variation of herbivorous birds exhibited the least support for Rapoport's rule(Cross-species method:R2=0.24).(3)Under the criteria of different body mass,small-bodied birds showed the strongest support for Rapoport's rule(Cross-species method:R2=0.42). Conclusion:This study found that birds with different dimensions show varying applicability to Rapoport's rule.The stronger applicability of small-bodied birds to Rapoport's rule may be due to their weaker competitive abilities,rapid growth rates and better adaptability to changing environment;the lower applicability of herbivorous birds may be related to their correlation with the distribution of plant species.This study discussed the potential reasons for these differences,which helps to understand the formation and maintenance of biodiversity distribution patterns at a macroscale.
Background:With the accelerating pace of global urbanization,urban biodiversity is facing increasingly severe challenges,including habitat loss,ecological fragmentation,and the decline of native species.As the fundamental spatial and functional unit of urban spatial structure and ecological system,urban blocks not only support residential,commercial,and social functions,but also serve as critical interfaces where the built environment interacts with ecological systems.They play a vital role in maintaining ecosystem services,supporting habitat provision,and shaping local biodiversity patterns.In recent years,as urban regeneration progresses,how to effectively embed biodiversity enhancement goals into spatial planning at the scale of urban block has become a pressing and central issue in the field of urban ecological planning and sustainable design. Aims & Methods:While studies examining the impacts of urban block built environments on urban biodiversity have increased in recent years,systematic reviews and integrative theoretical frameworks remain insufficient,that constraining theoretical development.To address this gap,this study conducts a bibliometric and content-based review of relevant domestic and international research,and categorizes built environment factors affecting urban biodiversity at the block scale into five categories:block green space,vegetation characteristics,land use,3D morphology,and mediating factors(human activity and climatic factors).Based on this framework,the study comprehensively summarizes various impact factors and their relationships identified in existing research. Review Results:Findings reveal three key discoveries:(1)the urban block scale is critically important for biodiversity research,exhibiting distinct characteristics that differentiate it from other spatial scales;(2)the urban block built environment influences biodiversity through both direct and indirect pathways,creating complex impact mechanisms;(3)human activity in urban blocks demonstrates significant mediating effects,while climate factors play important moderating roles in shaping biodiversity patterns,suggesting these interactive effects warrant in-depth future investigation. Perspectives:Based on this,the study proposes four major directions for future research:(1)deepening research on the impacts of block 3D morphology on urban biodiversity;(2)revealing mediating effects of human activities at block scale;(3)exploring regulatory mechanisms of climate factors on biodiversity patterns;(4)developing differentiated guidelines and standards for refined urban block regeneration.This review aims to provide a systematic theoretical foundation for urban block spatial planning oriented toward biodiversity enhancement,and to promote the construction of urban spatial systems characterized by ecological resilience and integration with nature.
Aims:Zhejiang Province features complex water systems and extensive sea area that support high fish diversity.However,comprehensive studies on fish diversity in this region remain insufficient.To update and refine the fish species checklist of Zhejiang Province,we summarize taxonomic revisions for each taxon,species geographical distribution patterns,and their conservation status. Methods:Based on existing literature,survey records and updated taxonomic and systematic findings,we revised the fish species checklist and distribution information of Zhejiang Province since the publication of Species checklist of freshwater fishes in Zhejiang Province and Marine Fishes of Zhejiang Province.The average similarity index(SS)and cluster analysis were employed to examine the relationships among native inland fish communities across eight major water systems. Results:The classification and distribution of 118 fish species in the original checklist were revised,and 237 species were added in our study.As of 31 December 2024,1,148 fish species(including 13 alien species)were recorded in Zhejiang,belonging to 659 genera,257 families,46 orders,and 3 classes.The dominant orders are Perciformes(395 species),Cypriniformes(130 species),Scorpaeniformes(72 species),Pleuronectiformes(71 species),and Tetraodontiformes(53 species),collectively accounting for 62.80％of Zhejiang's total fish species.There are 201 native inland fish species in Zhejiang,with the highest species richness observed in the Qiantang River(including Cao'e River)(155 species)and the Oujiang River(136 species);additionally,934 native marine fish species are distributed in the region.The average similarity index of native inland fish communities among eight water systems exceeds 0.650.Cluster analysis of fish fauna shows that at a similarity distance of 0.5,the Tiaoxi River and the Grand Canal form one cluster;the Yongjiang River,Jiaojiang River(Lingjiang River),Oujiang River,Feiyun River,and Aojiang River form another;while the Qiantang River(including Cao'e River)forms a distinct cluster.Among Zhejiang's fishes,121 native species are under state protection or considered threatened.Of these,14 species are listed in the List of State Key Protected Wild Animals,32 species are included in the CITES Appendices,104 species are assessed as Vulnerable(VU)or above on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species,and 16 species are similarly classified on China s Red List of Biodiversity. Conclusion:Zhejiang harbors abundant fish resources.Based on their current status,we suggest strengthening species research,habitat protection,and scientific publicity.This updated checklist will facilitate research and law enforcement,and provide foundational data for fish conservation and sustainable utilization.
Background & Aims:The comprehensive and effective protection of biodiversity cannot be achieved solely through protected areas.Other effective area-based conservation measures(OECMs)can coordinate nature conservation with human utilization in a compatible manner.Establishing OECMs system is recognized as an important tool for achieving the 2030 conservation targets within the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.China has not yet formally launched an OECMs system at the national level,and related research is still in the exploratory stage.How to build a national OECMs system within the context of existing protected areas and territorial spatial planning,clarify governance models,recognition systems,management mechanisms,and effectively fulfill Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework,still lacks a clear working path. Method:Responding to China's implementation needs under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework,this study conducted a comprehensive analysis of OECMs systems worldwide across three dimensions:governance models,recognition frameworks,and management mechanisms.Based on China's current natural protected area system and territorial spatial planning framework,we proposed pathways for adapting OECMs to the Chinese context.In terms of governance models,the study made statistical analysis to identify the governance entities and conservation objectives characterizing OECMs across different countries.Regarding the recognition framework,the study focused on analyzing experiences of how countries have developed localized OECMs recognition systems based on their own land use frameworks.The findings provided reference for China to establish a dual-purpose land use system for conservation that aligns with its domestic territorial spatial planning while connecting with international OECMs standards.Concerning management mechanisms,the research examined management measure documents from 199 OECMs sites to synthesize representative management approaches across different land cover types and user groups.This offers insights for developing management protocols for potential OECMs in China and supports bottom-up implementation at various sites. Results:In terms of governance models,among OECMs where conservation was a secondary objective or co-benefit,65％were under collaborative governance,aligning well with the original intent of OECMs—to provide diverse stakeholders with opportunities to participate in conservation while achieving biodiversity outcomes compatible with human use.Notably,the Canadian and Japanese approaches,which centered on government-led and partnership-driven modalities,offered valuable insights for China in establishing cooperative mechanisms and mainstreaming pathways for OECMs.Regarding recognition systems,developing localized OECM frameworks-grounded in each country's unique spatial planning and ecological management context,including clear definitions,conceptual scope,and tailored criteria—was identified highly instructive.This approach ensured that national definitions of"localized OECMs"are precise and unambiguous,clearly delineated from existing protected area systems domestically,while remaining fully aligned with international OECM standards.In terms of management mechanisms,OECMs exhibited distinct characteristics in conservation priorities,management measures,and monitoring schemes depending on land cover types and user groups.Although the limited number of documented cases has not yet yielded universally applicable models,these examples still provided practical references for designing management strategies for similar potential OECMs. Conclusion:China should actively explore governance models,improve the in-situ conservation system,and establish flexible management mechanisms in the near future,laying the foundation for fulfilling the"30×30"target and building a continuum of"conservation-utilization"across the national territory under the vision of"living in harmony with nature".
Background:Lorises,a general term for small,arboreal,and nocturnal primates of the family Lorisidae,are primarily distributed across tropical regions of Africa and Asia.They exhibit a series of unique physiological and behavioral characteristics,such as ultrasonic communication,torpor at low temperatures,and venom use.Two species,the Bengal slow loris(Nycticebus bengalensis)and the pygmy loris(Xanthonycticebus intermedius),are distributed in China. Method:Through a comprehensive literature review,we analyzed the current status and developmental trends of loris research globally and domestically,summarized the existing problems in loris conservation within China,and proposed targeted recommendations. Review results:Globally,research on lorises had shown steady growth in recent years,with hotspots focusing on functional adaptation mechanisms-such as gummivory,venom production,and torpor-as well as the conservation of threatened populations.In contrast,relevant research in China started later.From the 1980s to the present,it had evolved through three phases:foundational exploration,developmental deepening,and integrated conservation.Notably,the past decade had witnessed a marked upward trend in research output.In phylogenetics and genomics,domestic scholars had employed mitochondrial gene and whole-genome analyses to clarify the taxonomic relationship between the Bengal slow loris and the pygmy loris.These studies had also revealed adaptive evolution in genes related to metabolic regulation,muscle development,and circadian rhythms.Regarding population distribution and habitat,recent systematic surveys had preliminarily delineated the fragmented distribution patterns of the two loris species in provinces such as Yunnan and Guangxi in China.It had been found that their populations are mostly confined to the edges of nature reserves or within fragmented forest patches.In conservation biology and the application of new technologies,domestic research demonstrated interdisciplinary integration.Gut microbiome studies had uncovered the critical influence of captive environments and diet on loris health,providing a basis for optimizing nutritional management of rescued individuals.Artificial intelligence had been applied for the first time in facial recognition,posture analysis,and stereotypic behavior detection in lorises,enabling efficient,non-invasive individual management and welfare assessment.In terms of reintroduction and rewilding research,preliminary protocols had been established for rehabilitating the locomotor abilities of captive Bengal slow lorises.Radio-tracking technology had been utilized to conduct initial monitoring of post-release home ranges and habitat selection,offering important references for scientifically informed reintroduction practices. Perspectives:Despite these advances in multiple areas,loris conservation in China still faces severe challenges.Illegal pet trade,habitat loss and fragmentation,and hunting for traditional medicine constitute major threats.Current conservation efforts are hampered by insufficient baseline data,non-standardized rescue and captive management protocols,and the high cost and low efficiency of field monitoring.To effectively promote loris conservation in the future,it is essential to further integrate interdisciplinary research approaches and systematically conduct population surveys and genetic diversity assessments.Technical guidelines for rescue,rewilding,and reintroduction should be improved.Simultaneously,efforts must be strengthened in law enforcement,community co-management,and international cooperation,alongside enhancing public awareness of conservation.This is a systematic project requiring the joint advancement of legal,administrative,scientific research,and community involvement efforts,and its successful implementation will also provide important insights for the conservation of other endangered arboreal primates.
Aims:In recent years,molecular phylogenetic studies have prompted some changes in the names and taxonomic status of genera and species of Poaceae in China.Concurrently,the digitization of specimen information has provided vast amounts of species distribution data.Therefore,it is necessary to consolidate these changes to update the checklist of Poaceae in China and to investigate the diversity composition and distribution patterns of Chinese Poaceae from multiple perspectives. Methods:Based on data collected from references such as Flora of China and the Catalogue of Life China:2025 Annual Checklist,as well as online databases including the Tropicos,and combined with species distribution records obtained from the Chinese Virtual Herbarium(CVH),the Global Biodiversity Information Facility(GBIF),and field investigations,we update the checklist of Poaceae in China and provide a statistical analysis of its composition and distribution. Results:The statistical results indicate that there are 2,304 species of Poaceae in China,belonging to 283 genera,37 tribes,and 10 subfamilies.Among these,native species account for 1,978,which belonging to 232 genera,34 tribes,and 10 subfamilies(including 12 endemic genera and 1,028 endemic species).With this native species richness,Poaceae ranks as the second largest family of seed plants in China,following Asteraceae.The alien flora consists of 326 species from 109 genera,20 tribes,and 8 subfamilies;cultivated plants constitute the majority(69％).Among the native species,the subfamilies Pooideae(746 species,74 genera)and Bambusoideae(712 species,46 genera)are the two most species-rich.At the genus level,Bambusa(99 species)and Elymus(96 species)are the two largest genera in terms of species number.The centers of generic and species diversity for native Poaceae are located in Southwestern and Southern China,which harbor 92％of genera and 76％of species nationwide.Regarding conservation status,there are 29 national key protected wild species(from 21 genera),16 provincial protected species(from 15 genera),and 54 threatened species(from 31 genera).The top 15 herbaria collectively house 73％of all Poaceae specimens in China,and most of these herbaria are affiliated with institutes of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.Furthermore,specimen collections are concentrated in large genera and widely distributed species,while collections of oligotypic genera and narrow-range endemic species remain relatively insufficient. Conclusion:This study updates the checklist of Poaceae species in China,analyzes the characteristics of their diversity,and summarizes the status of specimen preservation and collection.It can serve as a scientific basis for taxonomic and phylogenetic research,biodiversity conservation,and sustainable utilization of Poaceae resources.
Background & Aim:Human activities have substantially altered natural nitrogen(N)regimes,resulting in a marked increase in reactive nitrogen entering terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.Nitrogen inputs,together with the key ecological processes they drive—such as atmospheric deposition,nitrogen transformation,and changes in nitrogen availability—play a central role in shaping ecosystem structure and functioning.Excess nitrogen inputs disrupt ecological balance through soil acidification,aquatic eutrophication,habitat degradation,and the spread of invasive species,thereby exerting persistent pressure on biodiversity.As biodiversity loss has become a global environmental concern,increasing attention has been directed toward understanding how externally driven nitrogen inputs influence ecological processes most closely linked to species coexistence,community assembly,and ecosystem stability.Rather than treating N inputs driven processes as a closed biogeochemical system,recent studies have emphasized nitrogen inputs as a dominant external driver with direct ecological relevance.At the same time,advances in molecular techniques,remote sensing,and large-scale ecological monitoring have provided new opportunities to examine nitrogen-biodiversity relationships across spatial and organizational scales. Progresses:A growing body of evidence demonstrates that the ecological consequences of nitrogen inputs are strongly context dependent.In ecosystems characterized by low background nitrogen availability,moderate nitrogen enrichment may temporarily enhance primary productivity and,in some cases,support short-term increases in local biodiversity.In contrast,sustained or excessive nitrogen inputs are consistently associated with negative biodiversity outcomes,including species loss,community homogenization,and functional simplification.These effects are mediated by multiple interacting processes,such as shifts in soil physicochemical conditions,altered nitrogen availability and stoichiometric balance,and changes in microbially regulated nitrogen transformation pathways.Nitrogen enrichment often favors fast-growing,resource-acquisitive species,intensifying competitive exclusion and reducing niche differentiation,while simultaneously restructuring microbial communities and their functional capacities.Importantly,biodiversity itself can influence nitrogen dynamics.Functional diversity among plants,microorganisms,and soil fauna contributes to more efficient nitrogen use,reduced nitrogen losses,and greater ecosystem resistance to external nitrogen stress.Building on these insights,research on nitrogen inputs and associated ecological processes has increasingly informed biodiversity monitoring,ecological risk assessment,and ecosystem restoration,highlighting the practical relevance of process-oriented nitrogen research. Perspectives:Despite substantial progress,significant challenges remain in translating scientific understanding of nitrogen-biodiversity interactions into effective management and policy actions.Data relevant to nitrogen inputs and biodiversity responses are often fragmented across ecosystems,spatial scales,and disciplinary domains,limiting integrative analysis.In addition,monitoring approaches and indicators remain insufficiently standardized,constraining comparisons among regions and long-term assessments.Nitrogen management policies are frequently developed in isolation from biodiversity objectives,reducing the potential for synergistic outcomes.Future research should therefore focus on integrating multi-source datasets,including field observations,molecular information,and remote sensing products,to better capture the dynamics of nitrogen-driven biodiversity change.Developing standardized,process-based monitoring frameworks will be essential for linking nitrogen inputs to biodiversity responses in a policy-relevant manner.Strengthening coordination across sectors—particularly agriculture,environmental management,and biodiversity conservation—will further support the incorporation of nitrogen considerations into governance and decision-making.By adopting a process-informed perspective that explicitly connects nitrogen inputs,key ecological processes,and biodiversity outcomes,research in this field can provide more robust support for ecosystem restoration,adaptive management,and the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Arthropods play crucial ecological roles in forest ecosystems,including pollination,decomposition,and regulation of community structure.They are a key biological group supporting ecosystem stability and productivity.However,compared with plants and vertebrates,the systematic accumulation of arthropod diversity data remains limited,and baseline information at regional scales is particularly scarce.Here,we conducted a comprehensive survey in the typical forest ecosystems of the Gansu Xinglongshan National Nature Reserve during July-August of 2023 and 2024.Across 27 sampling plots,we collected 20,564 arthropod specimens using three complementary methods:beating,Malaise trap,and pitfall trap.Based on DNA sequencing complemented with morphospecies identification,a total of 1,060 arthropod species were identified.Among them,669 species were identified to the species level,and 391 were classified as genus-level morphospecies,including 882 insect species(14 orders,146 families,551 genera),164 species of arachnid species(3 orders,21 families,68 genera),and 14 species from other arthropod classes(4 orders,5 families,8 genera).This dataset systematically compiles a checklist of arthropod species,specimen images,and associated DNA barcodes,providing valuable support for rapid species identification,functional trait measurement,detection of cryptic species,biodiversity conservation,and ecological research.
