Achievements and challenges of primate conservation in China

The dual impact of climate change and human activities has precipitated a sharp decline in primate biodiversity globally.China is home to the most diverse primate species in the Northern hemisphere,which face severe ecological threats due to the expansion of modern agriculture,extensive exploitation and consumption of natural resources,and excessive land development during its transition from an agricultural to a modern society.In response,China has implemented various ecological conservation measures,including habitat restoration and protection.These efforts have made substantial strides in biodiversity conservation,with certain regions witnessing an increase in primate populations.In the current study,we conducted a systematic review of historical documents and field research data related to Chinese primates,evaluating the endangered status of primate species in China.Despite improvements in the habitats of most primate species and some population growth,many species still face severe threats,including declining and small populations.Species such as the Myanmar snub-nosed monkey(Rhinopithecus strykeri),eastern black crested gibbon(Nomascus nasutus),and Hainan gibbon(N.hainanus)remain particularly vulnerable due to their limited distribution ranges and extremely small populations.Insufficient scientific data,fragmented information,and not enough studies in conservation biology further compound the challenges.Moreover,there is a notable lack of detailed population monitoring data for species such as the Bengal slow loris(Nycticebus bengalensis),pygmy slow loris(N.pygmaeus),Indochinese gray langur(Trachypithecus crepusculus),Shortridge’s langur(T.shortridgei),and capped langur(T.pileatus),which hinders the development of practical and targeted conservation management strategies.Therefore,for national biodiversity conservation,there is an urgent need for specialized primate surveys,enhancing habitat protection and restoration,and increasing focus on cross-border conservation strategies and regional cooperation.There is also a need to establish a comprehensive and systematic research database platform,conduct continuous and in-depth research in primate biology,and actively engage in the scientific assessment of ecotourism.Additionally,strengthening public awareness and education on wildlife conservation remains essential.Such integrated and systematic efforts will provide scientific support for the current and future conservation and management of primate species in China.

Climate change challenge, extinction risk, and successful conservation experiences for a threatened primate species in China: Golden snub-nosed monkey(Rhinopithecus roxellana)

DEAR EDITOR, Despite the vulnerability of primates to the negative impacts of human activities and climate change, there is still room for optimism. Notably, years of conservation efforts may have paid off for the golden snub-nosed monkey(Rhinopithecus roxellana). Our field surveys confirmed the existence of 188 to 220 wild multilevel societies(MLS) of R. roxellana, with an estimated 22 710 to 26 130 individuals in 2019。

Skeletochronological Study of Age,Longevity and Growth in a Population of Rana nigromaculata(Amphibia:Anura) in Sichuan,China

A skeletochronological study was conducted for the age, longevity and growth of a Rana nigromaculata population in northeastern Sichuan, China. Of 139 specimens, 119(68 males and 51 females) exhibited distinct arrested growth lines in phalanges. Age at first reproduction was found to be two years of age for males and three for females. Maximum longevity was estimated to be at least six years in males and seven years in females. Average age did not differ between males and females. Breeding females were significantly older than breeding males. Females were larger in body size and heavier in body mass than males. Age was not correlated with body size and body mass in males, but a significant correlation was found among age, body size and body mass in females. The growth curve appeared significantly different between the sexes, with a higher growth rate throughout life and a larger asymptotic size in females. Moreover, analysis of the growth model indicated that the population studied was relatively stable.

Spatial and temporal patterns of amphibian species richness on Tianping Mountain,Hunan Province,China

DEAR EDITOR,Exploring species richness patterns across space and time can help in understanding species distribution and in formulating conservation strategies.Among taxa,amphibians are of utmost importance as they are highly sensitive to environmental changes due to their unique life histories(Zhong et al.,2018).Here,we investigated the spatial and temporal patterns of amphibian species richness on Tianping Mountain in China.Specifically,we established 10 transects at low to high elevations,and sampled amphibians in April,June,August,and October 2017.Our results demonstrated that amphibian species composition and richness varied significantly at both spatial and temporal scales and were associated with gradients of environmental change in microhabitats on Tianping Mountain.

Proximate causes of dispersal for female Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys

DEAR EDITOR,Individual dispersal trends, unquestionably important for species ecology and evolution, are affected by multiple factors. Understanding the factors that influence female dispersal strategies offers important insight into primate dispersal mechanisms and female choice. To investigate the proximate causes of dispersal in female Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus bieti), we observed and analyzed nine years of detailed dispersal and demographic data from a population of R. bieti in Xiangguqing, Baimaxueshan Nature Reserve, Yunnan Province, China. Results showed that females who lived long-term in a one-male unit (OMU), without giving birth and with few or no relatives, were more likely to leave that OMU. In addition, an OMU led by an outgroup male and containing more female relatives was significantly more likely to be chosen for immigration. Conversely, greater male age, longer male tenure, and more potentially fertile females discouraged immigration into an OMU. These results suggest that reproduction, male quality, and kin cooperation play the largest roles in female Yunnan snub-nosed monkey dispersal.

Prevalence of human papillomavirus in esophageal carcinoma in Tangshan,China

AIM:to study the prevalence of human papillomavirus(HPV) in esophageal carcinoma in tangshan,China,a high-incidence area.METHODS:Formalin-fixed,paraffin-embedded tissue specimens from 198 patients who were pathologically diagnosed with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma from 2011 to 2013 were obtained from a pathology department in Tangshan.DNA was extracted from all198 specimens to detect HPV by polymerase chain reaction(PCR).β-globin PCR was performed to check the quality of the DNA extraction procedure.PCR was performed to detect a wide range of HPV types,and type-specific PCR was performed to detect HPV types16 and 18.Negative and positive controls were used for HPV 16 and 18 detection.RESULTS:the DNA extraction method in this study appeared to be more effective than other previously reported methods.After DNA extraction,more than98%of the tissue specimens had an acceptable result in the DNA qualification test(β-globin PCR).the overall prevalence of HPV in tumor tissues by GP6+/GP5+PCR was 79.79%,and the prevalence of HPV types16 and 18 was 40.40%and 47.47%,respectively.PCR demonstrated the presence of HPV,and direct sequencing confirmed the HPV genotypes.All HPVpositive PCR products were checked by DNA sequence analysis using DNAman and compared with the known HPV sequences listed in the basic Local Alignment Search tool database to evaluate the HPV types.this analysis confirmed the presence of HPV types 16 and18.CONCLUSION:DNA of high-risk HPV types 16 and 18is present in esophageal tumors,implicating HPV as a possible etiologic factor for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Study on Landscape Pattern Based on Landsat-8 in the Center of Chengdu City, China

Study on landscape spatial pattern in the center of Chengdu City is based on the Landsat-8 image by using 3S technique and spatial pattern analysis software Fragstats 3.3. The results showed that there covered an area of 193.92 km2 in the center of Chengdu City. 55.24% of the total area was made up of buildings, covering an area of 107.12 km2, and the overall landscape of impervious ground-based. There were 22,666 patches;29.67% of the patches were roads. The human interference of buildings, roads and green space was a maximum;fragmentation of the highest was green space. The fragmentation of overall urban landscape was high;the diversity was low;the value of Shannon’s diversity index was 0.63;the value of Shannon’s evenness index was 0.70. All kinds of landscape distribution were not balanced, and lack of connectivity. This research puts important reference for creating good urban landscape space and restoring the natural ecological environment in the western regions of China.

The Research on Land-Use Change and Ecological Environment Effect of Urban Landscape in China

The rapid expansion of urban construction land has become the major characteristic of urban land-use change in China today. Meanwhile, the rapid urbanization process has led to the great changes of urban landscape in China, and it also has had certain impacts on environmental factors such as climate, soil, hydrology, biodiversity, etc., then it has made the overall ecological environment deteriorated. This study is based on the summary and analysis of research on land-use change and ecological environment effect of urban landscape in recent 20 years in China, and it aims at providing scientific bases and theoretical supports for the planning and construction of urban landscape, the sustainable land-use of city and the protection of ecological environment in China.

Structure elucidation,immunomodulatory activity,antitumor activity and its molecular mechanism of a novel polysaccharide from Boletus reticulatus Schaeff

A new water-soluble heteropolysaccharide with a molecular weight of 15 k Da was isolated from the fruiting bodies of Boletus reticulatus Schaeff.Structural characterization results revealed that B.reticulatus Schaeff polysaccharide(BRS-X)had a backbone of 1,6-linkedα-D-galactose and 1,2,6-linkedα-D-galactose which branches were mainly composed of a terminal 4-linkedβ-D-glucose and the ratio of D-galactose and D-glucose was 5:1.Bioactivity assays indicated that BRS-X displayed a strong proliferative activity in T cells and B cells and promoted the secretion of immunoglobulin G(Ig G),Ig E,Ig D and Ig M.In addition,BRS-X could facilitate the proliferation and phagocytosis of RAW264.7 cells and could significantly inhibit the growth of tumors in S180-bearing mice.The results of transcriptome sequencing analysis illustrated that total 46 genes enriched in MAPK and total 34 genes enriched in PI3 K/Akt signaling pathways in BRS-X group.The protein VEGF and VEGFR expression were significantly reduced under the treatment with BRS-X.These findings provide a scientific basis for the edible and medicinal value of BRS-X.

The Distribution of Tribe Blaptini( Coleoptera,Tenebrionidae) in China

In this paper,the distribution status of genera and species of the tribe Balptini discovered in China was summarized.According to related data,19 genera and 169 species of the tribe Balptini are distributed in various provinces and regions of China.Different genera and species of the tribe Balptini are distributed in different regions.This study laid the theoretical foundation for further investigation of the evolutionary process of tribe Blaptini in China.

Inverse of Rensch’s Rule of Allometry for Sexual Size Dimorphism in Bufo andrewsi

Difference in body size between males and females(sexual size dimorphism:SSD)and its variation are a common phenomenon in animal kingdom.Rensch’s rule predicts that the degree of SSD variation increases with the enlarged mean body size when males are larger than females and decreases when females are larger than males.Here,whether the patterns of variations in SSD in the Andrew’s toad(Bufo andrewsi)follow Rensch’s rule was tested using unpublished data from 14 populations and published data from 17 populations.Results show the reduced major axis regression of log10(male size)on log10(female size)across all populations displayed a significant hyperallometric relationship,which was consistent with inverse Rensch’s rule(the degree of SSD increased with enlarged mean body size).SSD could also be explained by sexual age difference(SAD)due to a positive SSD–SAD relationship among all populations.The findings suggest that the occurrence of inverse Rensch’s rule in B.andrewsi is likely to be a result of fecundity selection on increased reproductive investments in larger females.

Progress and Prospects of the Natural Restoration of Damaged Vegetation after the Earthquake

Vegetation plays an important role in soil and water conservation, water conservation and carbon sequestration of an ecosystem. The restoration of damaged vegetation is of great significance to the maintenance of species diversity and the restoration of the regional ecological environment. It is also one of the most effective measures to improve the fragile ecosystem. This paper summarizes the research results from decades of damaged vegetation recovery in the process of vegetation recovery, the main driving factor and the restoration mode.

New Evidence for the Hypothesis of Reducing Natural Enemy Pressure of Eupatorium adenophorum: Solenopsis invicta Competing with Doxrylus orientalis to Feed on E. adenophorum

Natural enemy insects are important factors in regulating plant invasion. The interactions between multiple insect species resulting from invasive plants remain poorly understood despite their potential. We observed notorious invasive plants Eupatorium adenophorum Sprengel were competedly fed by Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and Dorylus orientalis Westwood (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) beside the scientific research base of Kunming University. It was first observed that D. orientalis was eating the epidermis, cortex, phloem and other root and stem tissues of E. adenophorum in soil. Two months later, it was observed that S. invicta ate the epidermis, cortex, phloem and other aboveground stem tissues of E. adenophorum. S. invicta attacked D. orientalis and displaced their living space by causing the later dead, injured, or even disabled. This phenomenon suggested that local herbivorous insects have adapted to E. adenophorum well, which will intensify the naturalization process of E. adenophorum in local habitats. In a homogeneous garden planting experiment of E. adenophorum conducted at the experimental base of Kunming University, the biomass of the introduced (China) populations of E. adenophorum was lower than that of the native (Mexico) populations, although there was no statistically significant difference. These results indicate a possible positive correlation between the increase in natural enemy pressure and the decrease in fitness of E. adenophorum.

Plant community composition and interspecific relationships among dominant species on a post-seismic landslide in Hongchun Gully, China

The 5.12 Earthquake in 2008 and 8.14 Debris Flow in 2010 resulted in large-scale landslides that disturbed vast areas of vegetation in the Hongchun Gully, Wenchuan County, China. To define the specific characteristics of vegetation restoration during natural recovery after catastrophic events,vegetation species composition and interspecific associations were investigated on this typical landslide. Field survey data selected from a total of 51 sample plots belonged to seven belt transects and were analysed by Schluter's variance ratio, pearson's chi-squared test, Spearman's correlation coefficients and ecological species groups. Plant communities on the landslide consisted of 78 species, 65 genera and52 families. Of the total of 78 species, 25 are identified as dominant species, among which Camptotheca acuminate, Toxicodendron vernicifluum, Coriaria nepalensis, Robinia pseudoacacia, Buddleja alternifolia, Anemone vitifolia and Nephrolepis auriculata play a constructive role during the natural afforestation. Moreover, according to environmental and ecological factors, these 25 dominant species could be divided into four ecological species groups.This study found that even though the landslide had frequently suffered from interference due to heavy rain, the vegetation succession processes are ongoing,and it is now at a shrub–herb community succession stage, which indicates that vegetation can naturally recover in the denuded sites. This study provides a useful insight into the ecological interactions and interdependence between plant species during the natural recovery of vegetation and provides valuable information on vegetation recovery modelling in the landslide area.

A Review for Life-history Traits Variation in Frogs Especially for Anurans in China

Environmental variation can promote differentiation in life-history traits in species of anurans. Increased environmental stress usually results in larger age at sexual maturity, older mean age, longer longevity, slower growth, larger body size, and a shift in reproductive allocation from offspring quantity to quality, and a stronger trade-off between offspring size and number. However, previous studies have suggested that there are inconsistent geographical variations in life-history traits among anuran species in China. Hence, we here review the intraspecific patterns and differences in life-history traits(i.e., egg size, clutch size, testes size, sperm length, age at sexual maturity, longevity, body size and sexual size dimorphism) among different populations within species along geographical gradients for anurans in China in recent years. We also provide future directions for studying difference in sperm performance between longer and shorter sperm within a species through transplant experiments and the relationships between metabolic rate and brain size and life-history.

Asymmetry of Testes in Guenther's Frog,Hylarana guentheri(Anuar:Ranidae)

Testes size in most animals commonly shows directional asymmetry.In birds,the left testis mass is usually larger than the right one,but the reports on the testes asymmetry in anurans are very few.M?ller(1994)hypothesized that the right testis serves a compensatory role and increases in size when the left one is defective,and further suggested that testes asymmetry may be a reliable indicator of individual body condition.In this paper,we tested the compensation hypothesis in the Guenther's frog,Hylarana guentheri.From 60 sampled males,we found that there was a signifi cant directional asymmetry in testes mass,with the left testis size being significantly correlated with relative testes asymmetry,providing evidence that the right testis had a compensatory function.However,testes mass and asymmetry were not correlated with body condition.Hence,we found no evidence that testes asymmetry in the Guenther's frog ref lected male condition,and male age was also not related to testes mass or asymmetry.

Leaf phenotypic variation of endangered plant Tetracentron sinense Oliv.and influence of geographical and climatic factors

To analyze the degree and pattern of phenotypic variation in leaves of Tetracentron sinense Oliv from the perspective of genetic and environmental adaptation and thus contribute to effective evidence-based conservation and management strategies for germplasm resources,we measured 17 morphological and epidermal micromorphological leaf traits from 24 natural populations of T.sinense.Nested analysis of variance,multiple comparison,principal component analysis(PCA),cluster analysis,and correlation analysis were used to explore phenotypic leaf variation among and within populations and potential correlations with geographic and environmental factors.There were significant differences in 17 leaf phenotypic traits among and within populations.The mean phenotypic differentiation coefficient of the 17 traits was 56.34%,and the variation among populations(36.4%)was greater than that within populations(27.2%).The coefficient of variation(CV)of each trait ranged from 4.6 to 23.8%,and the mean was 11.8%.Phenotypic variation of leaves was related to environmental factors such as average annual sunshine hours,average July temperature,and average annual rainfall.The variation changed along gradients of longitude,latitude,and altitude.The PCA clustered the 24 natural populations into four groups.Our study suggests that phenotypic variation in T.sinense occurred primarily among populations,with moderate levels of phenotypic differentiation among populations and low levels of phenotypic variation within populations.The plant’s poor adaptability to the environment is likely an important contributor to its endangerment.Accordingly,conservation strategies are proposed to protect and manage the natural populations of T.sinense.

Grazing by wild giant pandas does not affect the regeneration of Arundinaria spanostachya

Arundinaria spanostachya is the main bamboo species on which giant pandas forage.Information on its regeneration capacity to meet the foraging demands of pandas is important to ensure the long-term survival of pandas.In 2014,2 plot types(grazed versus control)were selected in the winter habitat used by one wild giant panda.Various morphological and regeneration characteristics of the bamboo were assessed in the respective plots during 2014 and 2015.The panda avoided feeding on bamboo with a basal diameter of<6 mm,preferentially feeding on intermediate-sized bamboo.The density of new shoots and the recruitment rate of shoots were significantly higher in the grazed plots compared to the control plots.The annual recruitment rate of shoots was markedly higher than the annual mortality rate in the same plot type.After grazing,the basal diameter and height of new bamboo were similar between the 2 plots.In the grazed plots,the basal diameter of new bamboo was similar to that of the stumps.Innutrition and foraging by insects were the main factors influencing the survival of new shoots.Our results showed that grazing by giant pandas helped the clonal regeneration of A.spanostachya populations,with the basal diameter of new bamboo shoots meeting the foraging demand of pandas.However,information on the carrying capacity of A.spanostachya is necessary to ensure sufficient forage matter is available for reintroduced giant pandas.Furthermore,fertilization and insect control measures should be implemented during the shooting period to optimize A.spanostachya resources.

Microhabitat Segregation of Parapatric Frogs in the Qinling Mountains

Coexistence mechanisms for species with similar ecological traits and overlapping geographic distributions are basic questions in ecology and evolutionary biology. Specific habitat requirements often limit distribution range as well as facilitate partitioning resource utilization in ecological similar species. Understanding niche segregation and differences in microhabitat utilization can contribute to identifying coexistence mechanisms between parapatric species. Feirana quadranus and F. taihangnica are two closely related frog species with parapatric geographic ranges and an elongated contact zone within the Qinling Mountains, which is an important watershed for East Asia. Here, we analysed the difference in microhabitat utilization between the two frog species and explored the key ecological factors that induced their microhabitat differentiation based on quadrats sampled in the contact zone. Our comparison of twenty environmental variables showed that both species used microhabitats with alkalescent warm water and gentle slope conditions. The principal component analysis indicated that climate-related variables, vegetation conditions, and river width were the important factors for microhabitat utilization of these species. These findings contribute to our understanding on the coexistence mechanisms of these two related and parapatric Asian mountain frog species. This study can also be helpful for identifying target habitats to conduct conservation actions and management strategies effectively in the face of environmental changes.

Effects of Methionine on the Immune Function in Animals

Nutrition and immunity are the hot topics in animal’s production, and the effects of methionine on the immunity are already confirmed as the deep research on the nutrition of amino acid and immune function. However, the relationship of the methionine and immunity has not been elucidated clearly, this review aims to clarify the effects of methionine on immune function in the aspects of growth and development immune organs, the histological structure of the immune organs, non-specific immunity, humoral immunity, cellular immunity and cytokines, and to provide foundations for further studies on the relationship between methionine and immune function.