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.

Status of carbohydrate,protein and lipid profile in the mosquito larvae treated with certain phytoextracts

Objective:To investigate the impact of the most potent petroleum ether extract of Artemisia annua(A.annua) and Azadirachta indica(Az.indica) on total carbohydrate,lipid and protein level of Anopheles stephensi and Culex quinquefasciatus larvae.Methods:Mosquito larvae were exposed to the extracts selected as per standard WHO procedure.Carbohydrate(glucose),total lipid and protein were estimated by the methods as Nelson,Bragdon and Lowry described, respectively.Results:The glucose levels were increased to 27.87%and 46.8%,respectively in anopheline larval tissues after treatment with petroleum ether extract of A.annua and methanolic extract of Az.indica.In culicine larvae,glucose levels were reduced to 58.96%and 24.65%, respectively.After treatment with A.annua extract,lipid contents in anopheline and culicine larvae decreased by 28.57%and 25.0%,respectively and increased by 14.29%and 50.00%in the Anopheles and Culex larvae,respectively after treatment with methanolic extract of Az. indica.Total protein levels were reduced to 63.13%and 92.62%in anopheline and to 32.39%and 48.12%in culicine larvae after treatment with A.annua and Az.Indica extracts,respectively. Conclusions:Two extracts produce significant alterations in the biochemical pr of iles of anopheline and culicine larvae.Further,the impacting factors of extracts on carbohydrate,lipid and protein contents of larvae are species and specific extraction.It indicates the disturbed metabolic activity of the larvae.

Notes on the genus Gaeolaelaps(Acari: Laelapidae) with a newly recorded species from China

The genus Gaeolaelaps Evans & Till from China,including 20 species,is reviewed and an identification key to the Chinese species is provided.G.gillespiei Beaulieu,2009 is reported from China for the first time,with redescription and illustrations.Three new mammal hosts are reported (Anourosorex squamipes,Eothenomys miletus and Rattus steni).