ABSTRACT Cervidae are widespread globally and hold substantial economic, cultural, and scientific value. China, encompassing the biogeographic area where deer originated, possesses a high diversity of Cervidae. However, these animals face significant threats from overhunting, habitat fragmentation, and loss. Despite an increasing number of studies on Cervidae in China, comprehensive and systematic reports in this field remain scarce. To explore the status and future trends of deer research in China, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of the literature on Chinese Cervidae. Our results demonstrated that: 1) the field of Cervidae research in China is developing rapidly; 2) the research content mainly focused on the zoology, genetics, and ecology of five out of the 15 Chinese deer species, namely Cervus nippon Temminck, 1838, Cervus elaphus Linnaeus, 1758, Capreolus pygargus (Pallas, 1771), Elaphurus davidianus Milne-Edwards, 1866, and Elaphodus cephalophus Milne-Edwards, 1872; 3) Animals, Animal Production Science, and Global Ecology and Conservation were the journals with the most contributions in Chinese deer research; 4) China, USA, and the United Kingdom devoted the most to Chinese deer research, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences were the institutions that contributed the most in this field; 5) Elaphurus davidianus, a species that is sympatric with giant pandas, camera trap technology, and model-based analyses were the new research hotspots. These results indicate remarkable achievements in Chinese deer studies but reveal evident species imbalance in previous research. Future studies should focus on other Chinese deer species and enhance international cooperation. Big data analysis, bioinformatics, and eco-informatics will aid future research and conservation efforts.
ABSTRACT Pristonema Erichson, 1847 is a genus of ladybirds restricted to South America. It is defined by angled projections from the fourth antennomere and simple tarsal claws with basal angulation. Currently, there are 13 recognized species of Pristonema, six of which are found in Brazil. Based on recently collected material, together with specimens and notes deposited in Brazilian entomological collections, this study provides sufficient evidence for the revalidation of Pristonema endomycha (Mulsant, 1853), removed from synonymy with Pristonema schaumii (Mulsant, 1850). Additionally, this work reports Pristonema meridionalis Weise, 1902 as a new record for Brazil. With these findings, Pristonema now comprises 14 valid species, eight of which occur in Brazil. These results underscore the value of historical specimens and associated genitalia for resolving taxonomic uncertainties within this genus.
ABSTRACT This study describes Cephaleta iridicolor sp. nov., a parasitoid associated with Lecanodiaspis dendrobii Douglas, 1892 on Morus nigra Linnaeus in Roraima, Brazil. Cephaleta iridicolor sp. nov. is diagnosed by a smooth, shiny frontal depression delimited by a well-defined carina, a completely smooth mesoscutellum, and a propodeum with an hourglass-shaped median carina. This work provides diagnostic images, a comparative morphological discussion, and an updated identification key to all known species of the genus. The discovery expands knowledge of Eunotidae diversity in the Neotropical Region and reveals a natural enemy with significant potential for biological control programs for scale insects.
ABSTRACT Heavy metals released by mining activities are persistent environmental contaminants that can accumulate in ecosystems and pose risks to wildlife. Despite active mining operations in District Mardan, Pakistan, information on heavy metal bioaccumulation in local bird communities remains scarce. This study provides a preliminary assessment of heavy metal contamination in a mining-affected area by evaluating the concentrations of Fe, Pb, Mn, Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Co, and Zn in liver and kidney tissues of wild birds and in associated soils. A total of 24 birds representing four species-Acridotheres tristis (Linnaeus, 1766); Corvus splendens Vieillot, 1817; Argya caudata (Dumont, 1823); and Halcyon smyrnensis (Linnaeus, 1758)-were collected from a mining area (Babuzai) and a reference area (Mian Khan), and tissue samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Histopathological alterations were assessed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Heavy metal concentrations were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in birds and soils from the mining area than in the reference area. Across species, kidneys generally exhibited higher metal concentrations than livers, indicating tissue-specific accumulation patterns. Soil contamination factors ranged from 19.8 for Cu to 550.6 for Pb, demonstrating substantial metal enrichment in the mining-affected area. Histopathological examination revealed necrosis, vacuolization, and cellular degeneration in liver and kidney tissues of birds from the mining area-findings consistent with chronic exposure to environmental contaminants. These results provide evidence of elevated heavy metal contamination associated with mining activities in District Mardan and support the potential use of wild birds as biomonitors of environmental pollution in the region.
ABSTRACT Bone lesions and healed fractures provide valuable insights into trauma survival and resilience in wild mammals. Here, we report a case of a fully consolidated femoral diaphyseal fracture associated with advanced dental wear and pathology in a wild ocelot, Leopardus pardalis (Linnaeus, 1758), from the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil. The adult male (MZUFV 5639) was found dead on a highway in 2021 and had cranial measurements within the expected range for the species. Radiographic and morphological analyses revealed a complete spiral fracture of the right femoral shaft, with severe misalignment and formation of an irregular osteogenic callus indicative of malunion. Despite this, full bone consolidation was achieved. The individual showed advanced dental wear, fractured canines, and periodontal disease consistent with senescence. Stomach contents consisted of highly digested feathers and decomposed animal tissue, suggesting possible scavenging behavior. Considering that complete femoral healing in mammals requires several months to over a year, and that this individual was likely 8-9 years old (approaching the species’ maximum lifespan), it is estimated to have survived for a prolonged period before death. This case provides further evidence that L. pardalis can recover from major skeletal trauma under natural conditions, corroborating similar findings reported in Argentina and underscoring the physiological and behavioral resilience of neotropical felids.
