Enclosure space constitutes the fundamental habitat for captive animals, directly influencing domestication success and production performance. Alpine musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster), an endangered ungulate present on the Tibet plateau and surrounding areas, has been commonly farmed in captivity as an essential strategy for the ex situ conservation and sustainable musk production. In captive musk deer farming, understanding spatial selection patterns within enclosures is critical for improving farming practices. To evaluate patterns of space use under captive conditions and the effect of enclosure designing, we studied 70 captive Alpine musk deer housed in 17 enclosures at the Zhuanglang Musk Deer Breeding Farm (Gansu, China) during the summer of 2022 (from July 1st to August 29th). Focal sampling and all-occurrence recording were adopted to collect the behavioral data of the musk deer, and the point occupancy rate was calculated to analyze the enclosure space utilization patterns. The results showed significant differences in activity site selection and shelter use time among captive musk deer (p < 0.05). The central enclosure site (G5), which contains the shelter, exhibited the highest utilization rate (21.21 ± 9.19%). Shelter use was significantly higher in adults (22.09 ± 7.80%) than in subadults (17.27 ± 3.98%) (p < 0.05), and significantly higher in males (29.55 ± 5.65%) than in females (20.86 ± 7.95%) (p < 0.05). However, at equal population density, the shelter use time between all-male and mixed-sex groups was not significant (p > 0.05). These results reveal that captive Alpine musk deer display distinct shelter use patterns, with shelters acting as key spatial resources. Therefore, this study provides practical implications for optimizing enclosure design (e.g., increasing shelter quantity and improving spatial distribution) to enhance the welfare and productivity of captive Alpine musk deer.

Translocation, captive breeding and reintroduction to the wild are often used for the conservation of endangered animals. However, in captivity, wild animals may develop behavioural and physiological traits akin to domestication, such as reduced reactivity (similar to being more tame), which could have negative impacts on their reintroduction into the wild. This study was conducted from January 2021 to December 2023 at the Zhuanglang Moschus chrysogaster (hereinafter – musk deer) Breeding Farm in Gansu Province (China). The study recorded the intensity of reactive behaviour of 26 male musk deer, specifically their avoidance reactions to keeper and aggressive behaviour towards conspecifics. Faecal samples were also collected during the same period for the detection of cortisol metabolites. Principal component analysis was used to explore the behavioural and physiological characteristics of captive-bred musk deer in terms of reactivity. Based on these characteristic indicators, cluster analysis was conducted to assess the degree of reactivity of individual musk deer, dividing the 26 animals into high-reactivity and low-reactivity groups (i.e. more-tame vs. less-tame individuals). Subsequently, the study investigated the relationships between reactivity degree and age, musk secretion volume. The results showed that musk deer with a lower degree of reactivity exhibited reduced fear of humans and weaker aggressive behaviour towards conspecifics. Among 26 musk deer, five individuals were classified as the low-reactivity group, while others were in the high-reactivity group. The degree of reactivity was negatively correlated with age. There was no significant difference in musk secretion volume between the high-reactivity and low-reactivity groups (though the high-reactivity group showed a slight, non-significant decrease). Based on this study, it is recommended that musk deer farms construct different breeding environments for musk deer according to the breeding purposes. For musk deer intended for reintroduction to the wild, it is suggested to maintain their solitary living conditions and minimise human contact to preserve their wild nature.

Animal personalities, reflecting consistent individual behavioral differences, are increasingly recognized as key factors influencing fitness. However, their role in the reproductive success of endangered ungulates remains poorly understood. In this study, 17 personality traits, including "Clumsy", "Dominant", "Vigilant", "Affiliative" and so on, were assessed in 123 adult female captive Alpine musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster) using a scale-based personality rating method. We explored the relationships between these personality traits and reproductive fitness indicators, including litter size, calving success, and fawn mortality. Our exploratory analyses revealed that "Clumsy" scores were significantly higher in females that experienced calving failure (miscarriage or dystocia) compared to those that successfully gave birth (p = 0.013, Cohen's d = 0.88), indicating a large effect size. However, no traits were correlated with litter size. For fawn mortality, although initial correlation analyses suggested associations with "Vigilant" and "Affiliative", these were not supported when a Poisson regression model-appropriate for count data-was applied with litter size as an offset (model p = 0.092; all predictors p > 0.05). These findings suggest that the previously observed associations between maternal personality and fawn mortality may have been influenced by the use of an inappropriate statistical model. Overall, our study highlights the importance of using distribution-appropriate models for count-based fitness data and provides exploratory, hypothesis-generating evidence that, while "Clumsy" may be robustly associated with calving success (large effect size), personality-fitness relationships in this species require further validation with larger samples and across different captive populations.

Forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii) are endangered ungulates, and captive breeding has been effective for its ex situ conservation and sustainable medicinal musk utilization in traditional Asian traditional medicine. Methods of focal sampling and all-occurrence recording were used to evaluate the intensity of stereotypic behaviors and personality traits in 25 captive male forest musk deer. Additionally, musk secretion was monitored in this study, and muscone content was measured with gas chromatography, thereby analyzing the interrelationship between their stereotypic behavior, personality traits, and musk secretion. The results revealed no significant differences in stereotypic behaviors or personality traits across age groups (p > 0.05). Individuals with stereotypic behaviors showed a tendency toward secreting higher amounts of musk and muscone content compared to those without stereotypic behaviors, although these differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the exploratory behavior level and active behavior level were not significantly correlated with the secretion amount of musk. However, both the exploratory behavior level and active behavior level exhibited significant positive correlations with muscone content (p < 0.05). These findings provide valuable insights for the breeding, welfare, and ex situ conservation of endangered forest musk deer.

Biodiversity is undergoing continuous and rapid loss under ongoing climate change, but where those costeffective protected lands (CPLs) are theoretically best located under different future climatic scenarios remains poorly understood, which is particularly important for timely biodiversity conservation strategies. Here, we developed a comprehensive framework based on the "30 x 30" target to identify CPLs for terrestrial vertebrates focusing on future climate refugia in China. Under the SSP245 and SSP585 scenarios, we identified a total of 31.19 % and 30.55 % of China's terrestrial area as proposed CPLs by 2030, which significantly enhance the representativeness for safeguarding terrestrial vertebrates, particularly through the high and medium-level proposed CPLs. However, only 20.26 % and 20.90 % of these CPLs are covered by existing protected areas (PAs), respectively. Our findings suggest optimization strategies for PAs and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) to better conserve biodiversity in response to the sustained climate change.

The Sox (SRY-related high-mobility group box) gene family encodes transcription factors characterized by a conserved high-mobility group (HMG) box DNA-binding domain and plays essential roles in metazoan development, including sex determination, embryogenesis, neurogenesis, organogenesis, and reproductive regulation. Seasonal breeders provide valuable models for investigating reproductive regulation. The Daurian ground squirrel (Spermophilus dauricus) is a typical species for studying seasonal reproductive adaptation. In this study, Sox genes were identified at the genome-wide level in the Daurian ground squirrel. A total of 11 genes were identified and classified into 5 subfamilies, SoxC (SdSox4, SdSox11), SoxD (SdSox5, SdSox6, SdSox13), SoxE (SdSox8, SdSox9, SdSox10), SoxF (SdSox17, SdSox18), SoxG (SdSox15). Structural and evolutionary analyses revealed conserved HMG domains along with diversification among subfamilies. The genetic homology of the Sox family between the Daurian ground squirrel and the Thirteen-lined ground squirrel (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) was discovered through collinearity analysis. Furthermore, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining revealed seasonal morphological changes in the testes of the adult Daurian ground squirrel. The seasonal expression patterns of 7 reproduction-related Sox genes were analyzed in testicular tissues. All analyzed genes exhibited significantly higher expression levels in the breeding season than the non-breeding season. Notably, SdSox5, SdSox6, SdSox8, and SdSox13 showed pronounced seasonal differences in expression by the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). This study provides new insights into the evolutionary characteristics and potential roles of Sox genes in seasonal reproductive regulation in mammals.

The global reptile trade is one of the most extensive and economically significant wildlife markets. As captive breeding of reptiles has expanded as an important supply source, understanding captive-bred versus wild-sourced trade dynamics and source-specific conservation risks becomes essential. Here we compared the taxonomic composition and network dynamics of wild-sourced and captive-bred reptile trades reported under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) from 1995 to 2024. Over time, reported trade involved 631 captive-bred and 583 wild-sourced reptile species, and 62.03% of total trade volume remained wild-sourced, with Sauria (42.07%) and Crocodylia (29.28%) dominating the trade. Leading exporters differed between source types, with wild-sourced trade becoming increasingly concentrated among dominant exporters and captive-bred trade expanding through broader but more diffuse connections. Countries/territories with higher reptile species richness tended to have higher export connectivity-intensity in both trade networks. Stronger governance capacity was associated with export participation and prominence, whereas lower GDP per capita characterized more prominent exporting roles. Source-specific monitoring strategies focusing on consistently dominant wild-sourced exporters of high reptile diversity and lower economic development can contribute to effective allocation of regulatory and conservation efforts.

Musk deer (Moschus spp.) are critically endangered due to poaching and habitat fragmentation, underscoring the challenges of conserving high-value species within transboundary landscapes. Global status of Moschus species is synthesized, and an integrative framework that connects technological, cultural, and policy innovations is proposed in this study to enhance population restoration and resource sustainability. Mitochondrial gene data were extracted from the genetic database to investigate phylogenetic relationships, while distribution patterns were compiled from existing literatures and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and subsequently mapped using ArcMap. Population estimates were derived from historical and contemporary records, and a systematic analysis of threats and conservation perspectives was conducted. Seven musk deer species were identified across 14 countries, with China likely hosting all seven species, followed by India and Nepal (four species of each). The global population is estimated to be no more than 300,000 individuals, with approximately 75% of the total distributed in China and Russia. The Siberian musk deer is the most widespread and abundant, with an estimated population of around 200,000. The Kashmir musk deer and Anhui musk deer are among the rarest, each with approximately 500 individuals remaining. Persistent threats, including poaching and anthropogenic habitat pressures, were documented in this study. Proposed conservation strategies aim to mitigate these threats and facilitate population recovery. The distribution of musk deer varies across countries, with populations generally facing threats and decline, indicating substantial gaps in conservation efforts. Key recommendations include the establishment of a global conservation alliance, improved management of protected areas, coordination of multi-stakeholder initiatives, and prioritization of ex-situ conservation research. Our findings emphasize the urgency of cross-border collaboration and community-led interventions to reverse population declines, thereby providing scalable solutions for the conservation of threatened musk deer.

Seasonal nomadic pastoralism (SNP), a traditional practice uniquely adapted to the harsh climatic conditions of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, plays a critical role in alleviating grazing pressure on alpine grassland ecosystems. However, the responses and underlying adaptive mechanisms of dominant plateau ungulates to SNP remain poorly understood. This study investigated the disturbance sensitivity of the Kiang (Equus kiang) and the Tibetan Gazelle (Procapra picticaudata). It further explored their adaptive mechanisms across multiple ecological niche dimensions in the context of SNP in Shiqu County, eastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Based on our findings, the Tibetan Gazelle exhibits greater sensitivity to disturbance compared to the Kiang. The herd sizes of both species were significantly and positively correlated with their distance from pastoral tent sites. SNP contributes to substantial habitat degradation and landscape fragmentation for both species. SNP significantly alters the Kiang’s activity rhythms, while the Tibetan Gazelle’s activity patterns remain relatively stable. In grazed areas, the Kiang exhibited reduced daytime activity and increased evening and nocturnal activity. Both species reduced the proportion of optimal food in their diets, increased their reliance on suboptimal food sources, broadened their dietary niche breadths, and decreased their dietary overlap with Yaks (Poephagus grunniens). This study establishes a critical foundation for understanding the complex interplay between grazing practices and alpine ungulate ecology. It also provides support for the development of sustainable grazing strategies and biodiversity conservation efforts within the fragile alpine grassland ecosystems.

Background/Objectives: Musk is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine derived from musk deer that has the pharmacological effects of “activating blood dredging collateral” and “consciousness-restoring resuscitation”. Its volatile compounds (VCs) play a key role in these effects, especially in the treatment of stroke. However, there have been no comprehensive studies on the differences in the VCs of these different musks. This study investigated the differences in the VCs of different musks and the potential targets and mechanisms of action for stroke. Methods: Different musks were studied via GC–MS, and the potential targets and mechanisms of VCs associated with stroke were investigated using network pharmacology. Results: A total of 99 VCs were detected in 79 musk samples. The most important VCs of different colours and forms were muscone, phenol, acetic acid, and isovaleric acid. Further study revealed that the change in organic acids and ketones was the cause of the significant difference between white musk and other types of musk. In addition, network pharmacological analyses identified 180 potential targets of the major volatile compounds of musk associated with stroke, and five key targets (SRC, EGFR, ESR1, PTGS2, and DRD2). Enrichment analysis showed that these key targets play an important role in neural related pathways. The molecular docking results confirmed that the key targets can effectively bind with the main VCs (muscone and phenol). Conclusions: These findings provide valuable insights into the distinct volatile compositions of various types of musk and underscore the significant potential of volatile compounds (VCs) in stroke treatment.

Mammal suitable habitats are increasingly threatened by human disturbance, yet quantifying the performance of protected areas (PAs) in conserving these habitats remains challenging. Additionally, research on the relationship between the representativeness of PAs and their effectiveness in conserving mammal suitable habitats remains limited. To address this gap, we predicted the potential suitable habitats (PSHs) of terrestrial mammals across China using species distribution models. We then developed a rapid assessment method to evaluate the effectiveness of PAs in mitigating human footprints (HFP) within the mammal PSHs. Locally Weighted Scatterplot Smoothing (Lowess) was applied to identify the optimal proportion of mammal PSHs represented by PAs that maximizes conservation effectiveness. Our analysis revealed that 99.6 % of mammal PSHs experienced a significant increase in HFP from 2011 to 2020, with narrow-range species showing the most rapid growth. Despite these pressures, PAs effectively mitigated HFP within the PSHs of 92 % of species. For mammal species with varying PSH sizes, the highest effectiveness in PA representativeness was observed at 29 % for species with PSH < 100,000 km2, 19 % for species with 100,000 km2 ≤ PSH ≤ 250,000 km2, and 17 % for species with PSH > 250,000 km2. Our findings emphasize the need to enhance the representativeness of PAs for mammal suitable habitats, particularly for narrow-range species. This study will provide scientific guidance for the conservation of suitable habitats for terrestrial mammals in China and globally, as well as for the strategic planning of PAs.

Multi-scale synergy and enhancement of ecosystem services (ESs) is one of the key challenges for regional sustainable development. To address the limitations of existing single-scale management strategies, we innovatively construct a multi-scale analytical framework. Taking the Wujiang River Basin (WJRB) in Guizhou Province, China, as an empirical case, the InVEST model is employed to quantify ESs and integrate spatial econometric analysis with land use decoupling techniques, and we systematically reveal the formation mechanisms of multi-scale win-win patterns. The results indicate: (1) Ecosystem win-win areas exhibit scale-stable spatial distribution patterns. (2) Forestland and cropland synergistically form the foundational components of win-win systems, but they exhibit a pronounced trade-off relationship and scale-dependent effects. As the analytical scale expands, the proportion of forestland shows a marginal decrease (from 85% to 74%), while cropland exhibits a marginal increase (from 12% to 23%). (3) Achieving multi-scale win-win synergy requires the establishment of a scale-adapted governance system of "core conservation zones - flexible regulation zones". Small-scale units should designate core protected areas (forest coverage of 78.42% +/- 4.14%) with strict ecological redline management, while large-scale units can implement flexible regulation zones allowing moderate cropland expansion (cropland coverage of 19.62% +/- 4.10%) alongside quality-oriented forest landscape optimization. Concurrently, differentiated resource planning strategies and ecological compensation mechanisms are essential to mitigate conflicts of interest across scales. This study proposes a flexible regulation management model grounded in nature-based solutions, establishing a quantifiable decision-making framework for multi-scale governance of ecosystems in karst regions.

The Alpine musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster) is an endangered ungulate native to the Tibetan Plateau and surrounding areas, historically exploited for its musk. Assessing stress levels and identifying key influencing factors in wild Alpine musk deer is the prerequisite and basis for their in-situ protection. We collected fecal samples from wild Alpine musk deer in the Gansu Xinglongshan National Nature Reserve in 2021–2022, conducted radioimmunoassays to determine fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGM) levels, and analyzed their relationships with season, geographic location (slope aspect, slope gradient, slope position, concealment) and human disturbance (agriculture, grazing, residential area, road, and recreation). The result showed that the average FGM concentrations of wild Alpine musk deer were 9.35 ± 0.55 ng g−1. The optimal Linear Mixed-effects Model included disturbance type, season, and slope position. Mann–Whitney U test revealed that FGM levels were significantly higher in summer (13.95 ± 1.48 ng g−1) than in spring (8.51 ± 0.99 ng g−1, p = 0.001) and autumn–winter (8.00 ± 0.43 ng g −1, p = 0.001), and FGM levels in undisturbed areas (7.70 ± 0.66 ng g−1, p = 0.001) and areas subjected to road disturbance (10.84 ± 1.90 ng g−1, p = 0.027) were significantly lower compared with grazing areas (14.56 ± 1.51 ng g−1). Based on these findings, we recommend that the nature reserve should establish targeted management plans to mitigate human-induced stress during peak stress periods, particularly in summer, including limiting grazing, reducing road usage, and creating buffer zones around residential areas. Furthermore, a systematic long-term monitoring program should be implemented to track stress levels, enabling timely adjustments to conservation strategies.

Habitat loss and land use changes resulting from urbanization in residential communities are among the greatest threats to wild mammals. Identifying anthropogenic factors determining mammal diversity and composition can help coordinate socio-economic development with ecological conservation. In this study, we used transect surveys to compare the mammal assemblages near human -disturbed communities with those in the natural off -community area around Beijing, a major metropolis. We assessed the variables affecting the mammals' presence using 19 environmental indicators. Of the twelve mammal species detected in the area, three vulnerable species have obtained legislative protection. In 58% of the observations, mammals were discovered around communities closer to croplands and located at slightly higher elevations with less vegetation, and these are the main environmental variables contributing to more mammals' presences in the disturbed near -community area. The selection of croplands for the mammals in the suburb should be a tradeoff between feeding benefits and predation risks, and with the rise of protection willingness, green zones near residential communities can serve as additional habitats for mammals facing the expansion of urbanization.

Sociability indicates the variances of affinity and solitary among animals and it is strongly correlated with cortisol levels. This study was conducted in 2020, from September 16th to October 15 (th) , at the Zhuanglang Musk Deer Farm in Gansu Province of China. We recorded behaviours of 41 captive Alpine musk deer ( Moschus chrysogaster ) (in 12 enclosures) using the integrated methods of focal sampling and all occurrence recording for sociability analysis, while non-invasive sampling methods and radioimmunoassay were used to collect and measure faecal cortisol level. The relationship between the sociability of captive Alpine musk deer and faecal cortisol hormone was analysed. The results showed that the sociability of captive Alpine musk deer was 14.754% (+/- 3.026%) (n=41). Individuals in highdensity enclosures (19.090% +/- 4.497%, n=26) were significantly more sociable as compared to those in low -density enclosures (7.979% +/- 2.640%, n=15; P =0.011). The cortisol level of Alpine musk deer was 109.215 (+/- 5.349) ng/g (n=41). The cortisol level of female individuals (120.419 +/- 11.103 ng/g, n=14) was significantly higher than that of male individuals (103.406 +/- 5.575 ng/g, n=27; P =0.008). The male musk deer in high sociability (44.114% +/- 9.364%, n=8) had lower faecal cortisol levels (102.415 +/- 14.885 ng/g, n=8) than those in low sociability (5.518% +/- 1.369%, n=19) (103.823 +/- 5.243 ng/g, n=19), however these differences were not significant ( P =0.911). The female musk deer in high sociability (20.556% +/- 2.174%, n=3) had significantly lower ( P =0.035) faecal cortisol levels (77.018 +/- 17.036 ng/g, n=3) than those in low sociability (7.773% +/- 1.595%, n=11) (132.256 +/- 11.079 ng/g, n=11), which could be related to maternal care and weaning period. It is suggested that the enclosing density should be increased to improve captive Alpine musk deer's (especially female musk deer) sociability in the domestication of musk deer.

Animals adapt to environmental changes through behavioral and physiological regulation, and there are individual differences in their ability to adapt to the environment, which are associated with individual personality. Boldness is a fundamental axis of animal personality, characterizing an animal's response to unfamiliar environments and threats. From June 1 to July 28, 2023, a personality assessment experiment utilizing a novel stimulus test with an unfamiliar human was conducted on 39 captive alpine musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster) at the Zhuanglang Musk Farm in Gansu Province, China. We recorded avoidance reaction indicators of musk deer in the presence of an unfamiliar human, and measured the level of the musk deer's boldness, influencing factors, and the relationships with fecal steroid hormone levels. Based on cluster analysis, 39 captive musk deer could be divided into bold (boldness score, BSS = 0.994 ± 0.008, n = 3) and shy groups (BSS = 0.327 ± 0.145, n = 36) and the average BSS in 39 musk deer was 0.378 ± 0.228. Factors such as age, sex, and density of enclosures did not have a significant effect on the boldness of musk deer. There was a significant negative correlation between the musk deer's boldness and the level of fecal cortisol metabolites. However, the correlations between boldness and testosterone levels in males and estradiol levels in females were not significant. Based on the results of our study, in the practice of musk deer farming, the measurement of the boldness can help predict the individual's adaptation to environmental stress, and it can also provide a new research perspective for the study of the boldness of solitary animals that are forced to live in groups.

The international wildlife trade, contributing billions of dollars to global economies and encompassing thousands of species, has increased due to rising demands for wildlife products. Revealing the key participants and trade characteristics across taxa is imperative for sustaining wildlife resources and conservation efforts. To provide a basis for informed wildlife management and trade supervision, we investigated the global wildlife trade's fundamental characteristics and spatial patterns by analyzing transaction records reported to The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) from 2020 to 2022. During this period, the essential demands for wildlife were highlighted due to stricter trade regulations and higher trade costs in response to the suspected wildlife origin of the pandemic. Our analysis highlights the formation of trade communities that are tightly interconnected by strong trade relations in wildlife trade networks, transcending geographical limitations. Unlike the division of the continents, geographical proximity alone does not necessarily contribute to the formation of these trade communities. Germany emerges as the leading importer based on trade frequency, while the Netherlands leads in exports. The main driving forces behind wildlife trades include commercial use (74.98%), personal use (3.80%), and hunting trophies (3.19%). Apart from 44.90% of flora trades, Reptilia was the primary traded taxa (21.08%), involving 196 engaged countries/territories with the most mutual connections (27.21%) and an average of 12.51 shipments to 11.33 nodes. Aves (9.70%), Mammalia (9.44%), and Anthozoa (7.62%) followed. Notably, certain European and Asian countries/territories dominate the import or export of most trades, exhibiting distinct variations across taxa. The United Arab Emirates led the Aves trade, accounting for 15.96% of global Aves transactions during this period. Similarly, Italy led the Reptilia trades (21.28%), South Africa led the Mammalia trades (18.72%), and Indonesia led the trades in Insecta (56.84%), Hydrozoa (66.96%), and Anthozoa (56.12%). Our findings underscore the traded species facing overexploited and the countries most involved, thereby informing proactive monitoring and policy-making for sustainable wildlife conservation and management.

Moschus chrysogaster (hereafter – musk deer) is an endemic to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and surrounding areas in China. Due to historical overutilisation and habitat degradation and loss, the musk deer is endangered and faces serious threats to its survival. Besides in situ conservation, musk deer farming is an important and effective means for ex situ conservation and sustainable supply of musk resources. Wild musk deer are solitary and highly territorial, but in captivity they are subjected to intensive farming practices that confine them to a limited space, leading to the development of a hierarchy structure. This study was carried out from January 2021 to December 2023 at the Musk Deer Farm in Zhuanglang County, Gansu Province, China. Focal sampling and all-occurrence recording were used to measure conflict behaviour of captive musk deer. Social network analysis was used to study the relationships between social conflict and social learning within the captive community. Our finding revealed a significant positive correlation between the hierarchy rank of the conflict initiator and the receiver, and individuals tended to initiate conflict against individuals close to their ranks, which reflected the individual identification of the hierarchy within the community. The social learning behaviour of musk deer in various ranks was significantly different. The social learning behaviour of middle rank (40.7%) was significantly higher than that of high rank (14.5%) and low rank (14.0%). Compared with the social learning behaviour of musk deer before conflict (37.9%), the social learning behaviour of musk deer after conflict (62.1%) was significantly increased, but there was no significant difference in non-social learning behaviour before conflict (46.7%) and after conflict (53.3%). This research reveals the majority of conflicts unfolding among the higher ranks of the captive population. To improve musk deer farming, it is imperative to assess the conflict potential and sociality of individuals within the broader hierarchy. In addition, we found a significant surge in socially learning behaviours among musk deer post-conflict, indicative of the essential spread of information on individual rank and fighting capabilities within the captive population. Recognising the pronounced social learning in captive individuals with middle ranks, managers should focus on these key members. The alleviating conflict level by rationally translocating individuals while maintaining a hierarchical structure within the group is critical to the successful musk deer conservation and farming.

Assessment of habitat suitability is crucial for endangered species conservation and habitat protection. We investigated the distribution of the Chinese goral ( Naemorhedus griseus ) in mountainous areas of suitable habitats for the Chinese goral. The results showed that Altitude, Max Temperature of Warmest Month, and Mean Temperature of Warmest Quarter were the main factors influencing the Chinese goral distribution. The highly suitable habitats for the Chinese goral were mainly located in the junction of Taihang Mountains and Yan Mountains in northern Beijing, and scattered in Yan Mountains in northeastern Beijing and Taihang Mountains in western Beijing. Chinese gorals preferred lower altitude where deciduous broad-leaved forests could provide ample food resources and help them avoid the severe winter. It was also found that Chinese gorals preferred moderate summer temperature and precipitation. We recommend that future conservation should focus on protecting the deciduous broad-leaved forests in low-altitude areas to maintain food abundance, and provide supplementary feeding sites to ensure the availability of the food resources. The current distribution areas and highly suitable areas for the Chinese goral should be given priority in conservation management decisions, and the fragmented suitable habitat patches should be connected by establishing habitat corridors, which will be beneficial for improving biodiversity in mountainous areas of Beijing.

Activity patterns and time budgets play a crucial role in the successful farming and management of animals. In this study, the behavior patterns of 53 forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii) were analyzed from October 2nd to 16th, 2021, throughout the day and night. The results showed a distinct dawn-dusk activity rhythm in the captive forest musk deer with a peak activity observed at dawn (07:00 - 10:00) and dusk (16:00 - 19:00). Additionally, there were smaller activity peaks lasting less than an hour during the nighttime (00:00 - 04:00). Comparing behavior ratios between peak and off-peak periods, it was evident that all behaviors, except rumination (RU), showed significant differences. Furthermore, no significant differences were found in the behavior ratios of the forest musk deer between the daytime and night-time. During the daytime, the percentages of time spent performing locomotion (32.87 +/- 3.38%), feeding (14.43 +/- 1.81%), and RU (5.62 +/- 1.46%) were slightly higher compared to the nighttime. Based on these findings, it is important to match the management strategies for musk deer farming with the animals' activity patterns and behavioral rhythms. Doing so can enhance farming outputs and contribute to the welfare of captive forest musk deer.