Mammals of Gaoligong Mountain in China:Diversity,distribution,and conservation

Gaoligong Mountain(hereafter,GLGM)is located at the intersection of Myanmar and China’s Yunnan Province and Xizang Zizhiqu,and spans three globally significant biodiversity hotspots:the Himalayas,Indo-Burma,and the Mountains of Southwest China.Although surveys of mammals in this ecologically important region have a long history,there is no comprehensive systematic checklist and distribution account of the mammals of GLGM.Here,we compiled a mammal species checklist of GLGM based on thorough field investigations and literature reviews.We also examined specimen collections and applied camera trapping surveys to explore the region’s mammal diversity and distribution patterns.We recorded 212 mammal species in nine orders,33 families,and 119 genera,which accounts for 30.5%of China’s mammal species,and a high proportion of nationally protected(50)and globally threatened(29)species.Mammal species richness showed a symmetrical unimodal curve along the elevation gradient,peaking at intermediate elevations(2000 to 2500 m above sea level(asl)),and increasing generally from south to north,slightly higher in the east slope than in the west.Cluster analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling revealed three distinct elevational assemblages(<900 m asl.,900-3500 m asl.,and>3500 m asl)and significant south-to-north variation,but no substantial differences between the east and west slopes.The GLGM present a unique conservation value due to the high proportions of rare and endangered mammal species,complex faunal composition,high endemism,and being the distribution boundary for many species.This study is an important phased account of mammal diversity in GLGM and makes a prospect for future research.

Phylogenetic and morphological significance of an overlooked flying squirrel(Pteromyini,Rodentia)from the eastern Himalayas with the description of a new genus

The flying squirrels(Pteromyini,Rodentia)are the most diverse and widely distributed group of gliding mammals.Taxonomic boundaries and relationships within flying squirrels remain an area of active research in mammalogy.The discovery of new specimens of Pteromys(Hylopetes)leonardi Thomas,1921,previously considered a synonym of Hylopetes alboniger,in Yunnan Province,China allowed a morphological and genetic reassessment of the status of this taxon.Phylogenetic reconstruction was implemented using sequences of two mitochondrial(12S ribosomal RNA and 16S ribosomal RNA)and one nuclear(interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein)gene fragments.Morphological assessments involved examinations of features preserved on skins,skulls,and penises of museum specimens,supplemented with principal component analysis of craniometric data.Together these assessments revealed that this taxon should be recognized not only as a distinct species,but should also be placed within a new genus,described here as Priapomys gen.nov.

Tiger reappearance in Medog highlights the conservation values of the region for this apex predator

In less than a century,Asia’s largest apex predator,the tiger(Panthera tigris),has been relegated to isolated populations surviving in only a small fraction of its historical range.The Medog region,located in Xizang Zizhiqu(Tibet),China,is an important stronghold for this ecologically important apex predator.To enhance our knowledge of the status of tigers in the Medog region,we carried out a systematic camera trapping survey combined with socioecological data collection between April 2020 and May 2022.We surveyed a 1769 km2 area across the Medog region,with a total valid sampling effort of 43163 camera days from 322 camera stations.We also collected socioecological data from 27 forest rangers.We documented tigers at eight camera trapping stations at two villages separated by the Jinzhu Tsangpo River,confirming the presence of at least one adult male individual within the Medog region.These new records were observed over 80 km northeast of the first record in 2019.Additionally,residents reported tiger sightings in 2020 and likely tiger pugmarks in 2021.These spatially and temporally separate records of tigers in the Medog region provide valuable data for informing species-oriented conservation management and highlight the importance of the region for tiger movement and population expansion.However,although encouraging,our survey also detected human activities that may threaten tigers and their potential prey.Ensuring the future survival of tigers in the Medog region entails anti-poaching patrols and long-term camera trapping efforts.In addition,it is also important to identify and establish corridors that connect the Medog region with the adjacent Zangnan region,which also harbors an important population of tigers.