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Subspecies affiliation and population status of rhesus macaque in Qinghai, China Nan SUN, Guogang LI, Shunzhi XUE, Jiqi LU ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2026, 46 (1): 47-59.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.151002 Abstract （950）   HTML （15）    PDF（pc） （3697KB）（104）       Knowledge map    Save The rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) is the only non-human primate species currently living in Qinghai Province, distributed solely in the southern forest areas of Yushu and Guoluo Zang Autonomous Prefectures. Identifying the subspecies of wild macaques in Qinghai, understanding their population dynamics, and distribution is of great significance for their conservation. In January 2021, one muscle tissue (Baizha, Yushu) and six fecal samples (Makehe, Guoluo) of rhesus macaque were collected by non-invasive sampling, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed using the 16S rRNA and Cyt b genes. It confirmed that the rhesus macaques distributed in Yushu and Guoluo were the Tibetan subspecies (M. m. vestita) and the Sichuan subspecies (M. m. lasiotus), respectively. From January 2021 to May 2023, infrared camera monitoring yielded 91 present sites and 838 independent events of rhesus macaque. Using MaxEnt modeling, the suitable habitat area for macaques was predicted to be 137 - 385 km² (Baizha) and 207 - 750 km² (Makehe). The results indicated that rhesus macaques preferred the habitat of lower altitude, sloping, river-adjacent, sunny forests and farmlands. Transect surveys and random encounter model were used to estimate the macaque population. Following repeated transect surveys in winter 2021 and 2022, conducting at historical record sites (Baizha and Jiangxi in Yushu, Makehe in Guoluo), a total of 24 macaque groups with approximately 1 580 individuals were recorded, with an increase of 43.8% in individuals compared to 40 years ago. The random encounter model estimated the macaque population in Baizha and Makehe to be 73 - 205 and 413 - 1 497 individuals, respectively. The research can provide references and technical support for biodiversity conservation in Qinghai Province. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Progress in the application of deep learning in wildlife image recognition and analysis Shiyu CHEN, Jin HOU, Dan LIU, Jing LIU, Peng LUO, Bochuan ZHENG, Jindong ZHANG ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2026, 46 (1): 20-38.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150954 Abstract （783）   HTML （19）    PDF（pc） （2140KB）（204）       Knowledge map    Save Establishing a comprehensive wildlife monitoring system is the foundation for conducting conservation research. Traditional manual monitoring methods have various limitations, and some monitoring efforts have gradually been replaced by infrared camera trap technology. Nevertheless, the widespread use of infrared camera monitoring technology has introduced challenges in handling and analyzing massive amounts of data. Therefore, it is urgent to find an efficient method to process and analyze a large number of infrared camera data. In recent years, deep learning has been widely applied in the study of wild animal images. In order to comprehensively understand the application progress of deep learning theory and technology in wildlife image recognition, we provide an overview of the relevant research from 2000 to 2024. It elaborates on commonly used network models applications and their research progress in terms of eliminating invalid data, species identification, individual recognition, and behavior recognition. We summarize the status of deep learning in two types of images of wild animals, and emphatically discuss the existing problems and solutions of deep learning in infrared camera images. This paper analyzes the potential of applying artificial intelligence image processing techniques in infrared camera monitoring work and provides recommendations and insights for future development in order to provide ideas and directions for research on individual identification and population monitoring of wild animals. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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The production and evolutionary adaptation of alarm calls in small mammals: research progress and prospect Linchu TIAN, Qiangyun LI, Heping FU, Zhishu XIAO, Shuai YUAN, Wei LIU ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2025, 45 (6): 723-742.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.151099 Abstract （752）   HTML （28）    PDF（pc） （1984KB）（286）       Knowledge map    Save Alarm calls are a key communication behavior for animals to defend against risks, especially in response to predation threats. The study of their adaptation and evolution is of great significance for understanding the evolution of signal structure in animal vocal communication (including human language) as well as the mechanisms of signal recognition and cognition. Over the years, our understanding about the nature of alarm calls has continued to mature. Simultaneously, the function of alarm calls in conveying information in animal social interactions has been widely recognized. However, it remains unclear the production and driving mechanisms of alarm calls, not only the encoding and transmission of vocalization information but also their impact on multi-level response patterns of receivers. In recent years, with the rapid development of acoustic monitoring, digital signal processing, and artificial intelligence deep learning technologies, research on alarm calls has expanded from discriptive patterns description to a theoretical integration, validation, and mechanistic elucidation. Here, we review studies on alarm calls in small mammals over the past 20 years and briefly outline the research connotations and methods of alarm call communication. From the perspectives of call or vocalization production and adaptation, we summarize the research progress on the risk-driven effects of alarm vocalization information encoding, as well as the current status of research on the impacts of individual identity characteristics, such as age (body size), sex, and social attributes and habitat features on alarm calling. We also systematically summarize various natural selection theories and their controversies regarding the evolutionary adaptation of alarm calls. Finally, based on current application context, we discuss and prospect some key issues on the vocalization and response mechanisms and functional evolutionary adaptation of alarm calls in small mammals for the future. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Ecological adaptations of alarm calls in Brandt’s voles did not support the acoustic adaptation hypothesis Qiangyun LI, Jinhai WU, Siriguleng, Jianping ZHANG, Yumin LIU, Zhishu XIAO, Junhu SU, Wei LIU ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2025, 45 (6): 797-809.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150966 Abstract （711）   HTML （13）    PDF（pc） （5205KB）（375）       Knowledge map    Save Vocal alarm is one of the important survival strategies for animals, where habitat vegetation cover, climatic factors, noise, and call purpose may play a role in the adaptive tuning of animal calls. How the alarm calls of animals adapt to the temporal changes of habitat structure remains poorly explored. The acoustic adaptation hypothesis (AAH) suggests that animal calls should evolve in a direction that facilitates efficient transmission in their environment, but not all empirical reports support its predictions. The alarm calls of Brandt’s voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii) are an important anti-predator behavior. To detect the acoustic characteristics and functional adaptability of their alarm calls, in May, July, and September 2023, the alarm calls of Brandt's voles were collected in the typical steppe area of Xin Barag Right Banner, Inner Mongolia. These calls were then combined with the local historical climate parameters and real-time environmental noise indicators to analyze the relationship between the characteristics of their alarm calls and the habitat. The results showed that the alarm calls of Brandt’s voles exhibit both monosyllabic (13.1%) and multisyllabic acoustic (86.9%) characteristics. Furthermore, the minimum and maximum fundamental frequency were significantly positively correlated with habitat vegetation index and ambient relative humidity, respectively, but significantly negatively correlated with wind speed. The maximum fundamental frequency and fundamental frequency range were significantly positively correlated with ambient noise, while other frequency (i.e. the minimum fundamental frequency) and time (i.e. inter-note intervals of a call) domain parameter showed a negative correlation. Under the environmental conditions of relatively high temperature, abundant rainfall, and low noise in summer (July), the alarm calls of Brandt’s voles were characterized by long pulses with relatively concentrated audio frequencies and high-frequency sounds with loose syllables. In spring (May) and autumn (September), which were relatively dry, windy, and noisy, especially in September, the calls were adjusted to short pulses and broadband low-frequency sounds with dense syllables. The alarm calls of Brandt's voles responded to the seasonal changes in relative humidity, wind, and noise rather than vegetation canopy density, which did not support the acoustic adaptation hypothesis. This difference was also the result of their trade-off between anti-predator risks and benefits and was closely related to the dispersal of their offspring or family relatives. This study provides a basis for the anti-predator acoustic countermeasures related to the adaptation of Brandt’s voles to colonial and seasonal breeding life. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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A case of successful rescue and release of a stranded Chinese white dolphin Qianhui ZENG, Lin CHENG, Benming WANG, Tengfei CHI, Yuke ZHANG, Li‐ming YONG, Xianyan WANG ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2026, 46 (3): 433-443.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.151033 Abstract （703）   HTML （7）    PDF（pc） （41122KB）（110）       Knowledge map    Save The Chinese white dolphin (also known as Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin; Sousa chinensis) is a national first-class protected marine mammal species in China, mainly distributed in estuaries and bays along China’ southeast coast. On August 17, 2024, a Chinese white dolphin was found stranded alive on a mudflat of Shijing Town, Nan’an City, Fujian Province. Its health condition was assessed on site to be extremely poor; and it was then transferred to Quanzhou All-Love-Park Aquatic Wildlife Rescue Station. After 39 days of treatment, the dolphin fully recovered and was released into the wild on September 26, 2024. This is the first Chinese white dolphin in China to be rescued, recovered, and released into the wild after being live-stranded. This article provides a detailed description of the entire process of rescue, treatment, and release, to provide reference and guidance for future rescue and rehabilitation of live-stranded Chinese white dolphins and other small cetaceans. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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A taxonomic and phylogenetic study of the genus Rhizomys (Rodentia: Spalacidae) in China Mingkun TANG, Xuming WANG, Yingxun LIU, Rui LIAO, Buqing PENG, Xin WANG, Shaoying LIU ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2026, 46 (3): 307-319.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.151126 Abstract （690）   HTML （24）    PDF（pc） （34213KB）（166）       Knowledge map    Save Species of the family Spalacidae are exclusively subterranean, possessing a suite of phenotypic traits adapted to life in underground burrows, making them an important group for studying adaptive evolution. The genus Rhizomys represents a basal lineage within this family. While recent years have witnessed significant progress in molecular sequencing and adaptive evolution research on this genus, morphological comparisons and phylogenetic relationships among its constituent species and subspecies remain poorly understood due to limited availability of newly acquired specimens, and diagnostic characters still need to be clearly defined. Based on newly collected specimens and museum collections from China, we performed a systematic taxonomic study using morphological and molecular phylogenetic approaches. Our results demonstrate that Rhizomys pruinosus, R. sinensis, and R. sumatrensis can be distinguished by their long dorsal guard hairs with white tips, cheek coloration, and the ratio of tail length to head-body length (mean values: 42.3%, 27.9%, and 34.5%, respectively). The subspecies R. sinensis vestitus is significantly larger than R. s. davidi；it has a greatest skull length exceeding 70 mm, longer pinkish-brown tips on the dorsal fur, and greyish-white cheeks. In contrast, R. s. davidi has a greatest skull length less than 70 mm, greyish-brown dorsal fur with noticeably shorter brown tips. Rhizomys pruinosus senex can be distinguished from R. p. latouchei by its robust teeth and sparser dorsal long guard hairs with a shorter white tip section. Phylogenetic reconstruction based on the cytochrome b gene revealed a closer relationship between R. pruinosus and R. sumatrensis, with R. sinensis representing an early-diverging lineage within the genus. Interspecific genetic distances ranged from 9.3% to 15.9%. At the intraspecific level, the genetic distance was 2.3% between the subspecies R. s. vestitus and R. s. davidi, and 0.4% between R. p. senex and R. p. latouchei, indicating varying degrees of differentiation among subspecies. This study provides foundational data for the systematics of the genus Rhizomys; However, a definitive taxonomic assessment of R. wardi still awaits more comprehensive sampling. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Study on dietary composition and pest control roles of ten sympatric insectivorous bat species Qiang QU, Li WANG, Hui WU, Jiang FENG ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2026, 46 (2): 209-219.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.151075 Abstract （690）   HTML （19）    PDF（pc） （6199KB）（76）       Knowledge map    Save As efficient nocturnal predators, the quantitative assessment of pest control services of insectivorous bats has become a research focus. Accurately analyzing the proportion of agricultural pests in bat diets, particularly comparing dietary differences among different bat guilds with distinct foraging habitat preferences in heterogeneous agricultural landscapes, is crucial for evaluating their pest control services. We used insectivorous bats in the heterogeneous agricultural landscapes of Pu’er City, Yunnan Province as research subjects. Using DNA metabarcoding technology, we systematically analyzed the dietary composition and pest proportion in three bat foraging guilds: open-space foragers, narrow-space foragers and edge-space foragers. The correlation between the insect composition in bat diets and the availability of food resources in their environments was examined. The results showed that the most common insect order among the 10 species of insectivorous bats was Lepidoptera, accounting for 73.1% of the total insects. The proportion of pests in the dietary composition of insectivorous bats was more than 88.7%. There was a significant correlation between insect order composition in bat diets and environmental resources for all three guilds. The proportion of pests in the dietary composition of open space foraging guild was more than 85.0%. The highest diversity was found at the order level in the dietary composition of narrow-space foraging guild. The edge-space foraging guild exhibited a specialized predation pattern on agricultural pests, dominated overwhelmingly by Lepidoptera (99.13%). This study provides a detailed analysis of dietary composition and pest proportions among three foraging guilds in heterogeneous landscapes, confirming the effectiveness of insectivorous bats in pest control. The findings not only offer direct evidence for bats’ pest control functions in the ecosystem but also provide scientific basis for bat biodiversity conservation. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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No remarkable differences in behavioral responses in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) to playbacks of recordings of UAV infrasound and conspecific rumble calls Sijia SHEN, Lu WANG, Xu ZHAO, Tao LIU, Xuefeng LIU, Dingzhen LIU ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2025, 45 (6): 842-850.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150977 Abstract （689）   HTML （8）    PDF（pc） （3455KB）（88）       Knowledge map    Save The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology has been widely used in many fields of wildlife study and conservation. It remains, however, highly unknown whether the infrasonic noise generated by the flying UAV will impair the behavior of wild animals, especially species which are sensitive to infrasound. This study investigated the behavioral responses in captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) at Beijing Zoo to playbacks of recordings of UAVs infrasound and the rumble calls of conspecific by employing a Habituation-Dishabituation paradigm. The results show that captive elephants displayed no dishabituation in response to the playbacks of UAV infrasound recordings even though they have got habituated to the playback of conspecific rumble call recordings. Under our experimental paradigm and with the playback equipment currently available, captive Asian elephants did not behaviorally discriminate between the two acoustic recordings. Whether UAV infrasonic noise interferes with intraspecific communication and social behavior in this species remains unresolved; future work should therefore employ UAV noise within an appropriate frequency range and high-fidelity playback systems to clarify this issue. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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The long-distance calling of white-headed langurs (Trachypithecus leucocephalus) serves a defensive function for their sleeping sites Yuqian SONG, Bojun YI, Meijie TAO, Dengpan NONG, Qihai ZHOU, Penglai FAN ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2025, 45 (6): 820-830.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.151048 Abstract （678）   HTML （7）    PDF（pc） （10824KB）（100）       Knowledge map    Save Long-distance calling is a distinctive vocal signal known for its loudness and long-range transmission, typically emitted by male individuals. It is often inferred to serve important socio-ecological functions, such as territory defense, protection of valuable resources, and mate attraction. The white-headed langur (Trachypithecus leucocephalus) is an endemic primate species in China, inhabiting the karst limestone forests in the southwestern of Guangxi. The role of long-distance calling in the survival and reproduction of white-headed langurs remains unclear. Between February 2023 and August 2023, we collected data on the long-distance calling locations and times of adult males from eight white-headed langur groups, as well as information on their foraging and sleeping sites, in the Banli area of the Chongzuo White-headed Langur National Nature Reserve, Guangxi. We tested the defensive function of long-distance calls concerning two important resources: food and sleeping sites. The results indicated that adult male white-headed langurs initiate their first long-distance calls an average of 38 min after the group departs from the cave, at an average distance of 43 m from the sleeping site. They make their last long-distance calls an average of 39 min before the group returns to the cave, also at an average distance of 43 m from the sleeping site. Additionally, the location of the sleeping site significantly influenced the calling location of the white-headed langurs, supporting the hypothesis that these calls serve a sleeping site defense function. However, foraging locations had no significant impact on calling locations, which did not support the food resource defense hypothesis. These findings indicate that long-distance calling in white-headed langurs is used for defending sleeping sites but not food resources. This study is the first to clarify the role of long-distance calls in defending critical survival resources in white-headed langurs. It enhances our understanding of the adaptive mechanisms and functions of vocal communication in white-headed langurs and provides scientific evidence for the conservation of rare and endangered species. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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The effects of captivity on gut microbiota of wild mammals Yuxiang LI, Xi TIAN, Chunbing LIU, Li YU ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2026, 46 (1): 1-19.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.151041 Abstract （672）   HTML （10）    PDF（pc） （2421KB）（148）       Knowledge map    Save Human activities lead to ecosystem fragmentation, accelerated degradation, and permanent decline of biodiversity. Artificial captive breeding is considered an important method for effectively protecting threatened species and is one of the key ways to save endangered animals. However, due to various factors such as food and living environment, animals have undergone significant changes from the wild to the captive environment, leading to a series of problems such as gastrointestinal disorders, infections, and diseases in mammals. The gut microbiota is widely recognized to play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the body, and its disruption and ecological imbalance can directly affect the host’s health. There are many different environmental factors between captive environment and wild environment. This paper discusses the effects of diet change, habitat homogenization, stress and antibiotics on gut microbiota of wild mammals in captivity. The diversity of gut microorganisms of different feeding mammals did not change uniformly, but their composition and structure all changed when they were faced with the simplification of the captive diet. The high homogeneity of the habitats in captivity made the gut microorganisms of mammals show different degrees of humanization. Various stresses in captivity can cause imbalances in mammalian gut microbiota. Direct or indirect use of antibiotics in captivity can alter the composition of mammalian gut microbiota and increase the variety and number of antibiotic resistance genes in gut microbiota. These changes have altered the gut microbiota and impacted the health of captive wild mammals, affecting wildlife reintroduction efforts. Future research direction is also discussed in order to provide guidelines for the protection of wild mammals. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Study on the occupancy model of urban mammals using camera-trapping techniques: a case study in Shenzhen, south China Mengchan YANG, Fangfang SUN, Yang WU, Yingyong WANG, Jian ZHAO, Ketong DENG ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2026, 46 (1): 105-115.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150986 Abstract （668）   HTML （21）    PDF（pc） （3131KB）（132）       Knowledge map    Save Urbanization profoundly shapes regional biodiversity. Yet in-depth understanding of how urban wildlife respond to urbanization in China is limited due to the lack of concern and research regarding urban wildlife. In order to provide insights into how the urban biodiversity is maintained, we used an empirical dataset collected from 176 camera traps deployed between August and November 2022 to investigate mammal occurrence and habitat use in Shenzhen, a rapidly urbanizing megacity in south China. Single-season occupancy models were constructed to determine how species occupancy varied under the influence of habitat structure (vegetation cover and distance to rivers), human disturbance (nighttime light) and species interactions (free-ranging pet cats) on site scale in a typical urban region. A total of 10 species of terrestrial mammal (4 orders, 10 families) were detected during the period of survey. The results showed that leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis), wild boars (Sus scrofa), and Chinese ferret-badgers (Melogale moschata) have relative high occupancy and detectability in the study area, while rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) have the highest detectability rate with very low occupancy. Other mammals species exhibit medium to low occupancy and detectability. Vegetation cover is the most weighted factor in the occupancy models of the leopard cats, Chinese ferret-badgers, Indian civets (Viverricula indica), and Pallas’s squirrels (Callosciurus erythraeus). Distance to rivers exerts a stronger impact on the site occupancy of Malayan porcupines (Hystrix brachyura) compared to other species. Pallas’s squirrels and Chinese ferret-badgers present high tolerance to disturbance from human activities, since there is a slightly positive correlation between their site occupancy and nighttime light. The results of two-species occupancy modeling show that both Pallas’s squirrels and hog badgers (Arctonyx collaris) are less likely to co-occur with free-ranging pet cats. The spatial distribution of free-ranging pet cats and other 5 species including leopard cats, however, tend to overlap within the study area. Such an overlap could intensify habitat encroachment and resource competition which may pose a threat to urban wildlife. Our findings underscore the complexity of mammals’ response to anthropogenic features in urban areas, taxa-specific or even species-specific needs should be considered when formulating the ecological-based conservation and management strategies of urban biodiversity. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Satellite collar data reveals dual-peak activity rhythm of Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) Jiansong ZHANG, Jishan WANG, Zicheng YANG, Mingwei BAO, Bin WANG, Chaoyong XIONG, Rui SU, Fei CHEN ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2026, 46 (2): 251-263.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.151015 Abstract （667）   HTML （11）    PDF（pc） （6384KB）（94）       Knowledge map    Save The study of wildlife activity rhythms requires long-term and continuous data collection, which is challenging for animals that are rare, elusive, and sensitive to human disturbance, leading to insufficient understanding of their activity patterns. The efficiency, ease, dependability, and other benefits of satellite-positioning tracking collars make them appealing for tracking and monitoring of wildlife, and the data are increasingly been used to analyze patterns of animal activity rhythms. The Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) is listed as a ClassⅠ National Key Protected Wildlife of China and is considered Critically Endangered (CR) in China’s Red List. Using satellite-tracking collars, we explored Asian elephant activity patterns in Yunnan Xishuangbanna from June 2023 to May 2024. The activity rhythms of Asian elephant were evaluated using two types of data, activity quantity and movement rate. The Asian elephant with collar had been successfully and effectively tracked for 366 days, and 13 520 data records were collected. Each day throughout the tracking period, the tracked elephant traveled a maximum of 12.79 km, with a daily average of (4.114 ± 0.10) km. Data on the elephant’s daily activity rhythms indicate a distinct bimodal pattern, with the morning hours of 07: 00 - 09: 00 and the evening hours 19: 00 - 21: 00 showing the highest activity levels. Furthermore, analysis of monthly activity rhythm revealed that the elephant’s relative activity intensity varies significantly from month to month (χ2 = 490.303, df = 11, P < 0.01), with the activity frequency peaking in April. The daily activity level of the elephant clearly fluctuates with the season. Daily activity intensity increases from summer to autumn to spring and winter. The wet and dry seasons also differed significantly in terms of activity intensity, with the rainy season having lower afternoon activity intensity than the dry season. Although there are differences in the low and peak times of the elephant activity identified by the two data types during each period, the activity rhythm curves produced by the two data show a similar trend. This study provided a detailed description of the activity rhythms based on various collar data and revealed individual activity rhythms and seasonal differences of the tracked Asian elephant. This study serves as an important resource and guidance for future research and management of Asian elephants. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Research progress on the mechanism and transmission pathway of seismic signals in subterranean rodents Kechi DONG, Limin HUA ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2025, 45 (6): 763-770.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.151090 Abstract （659）   HTML （12）    PDF（pc） （1791KB）（76）       Knowledge map    Save Subterranean rodents inhabit dark and complex underground tunnels. Under the action of environmental pressure, they have evolved communication methods that are compatible with the environment, and seismic communication is one of the typical behavioral strategies for their biological evolutionary adaptation. Understanding the location and transmission pathway of seismic signals is the first problem to be solved to improve and develop the research on seismic communication of subterranean rodents. However, the unique habitat lifestyle of subterranean rodents increases the difficulty of seismic communication research, limiting the in-depth development of research on seismic communication of subterranean rodents. This paper reviews the research status of the occurrence mechanism and transmission pathway of seismic signals in subterranean rodents. In general, the signal generation mechanism involves the diversity of foot, head, chest, teeth and nasal snout. The signal transduction pathway includes bone conduction and somatosensory reception.Bone conduction relies on the mandibular-ossicular chain to transmit seismic to the inner ear, whereas somatosensory reception is achieved by mechanical receptors, and the two may work together at different distances to achieve signal reception. The future research direction is prospected from the difference of the role of related parts in the mechanism of seismic signal generation, the transmission pathway of seismic signal, and the application in the management of zokor damage. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Advancements and prospects of software for processing and analyzing terrestrial mammal sound data Yongqiao HUANG, Chengyun ZHANG, Zixin ZHANG, Zezhou HAO ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2025, 45 (6): 784-796.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.151036 Abstract （653）   HTML （8）    PDF（pc） （5741KB）（256）       Knowledge map    Save Terrestrial mammal vocalization data processing and analysis software is an essential tool for ecological researchers, enabling automated and efficient handling and analysis of bioacoustic recordings. These tools are vital for delving into the intricate details of animal vocalizations and providing foundational support for ecoacoustic and animal vocalization studies. The rapid advancement of passive acoustic monitoring technology and artificial intelligence has led to a significant increase in the number and variety of vocalization analysis software. Recent developments have seen substantial progress in noise reduction, acoustic indices, data annotation, species identification, and feature extraction. These softwares play a crucial role in archiving bioacoustic data, ensuring the preservation and accessibility of valuable ecological information for long-term monitoring and research purposes. This paper systematically reviews relevant literature and open-source software platforms, outlining the workflow for processing and analyzing terrestrial mammal vocalization data. It aims to discuss the current state of vocalization analysis software and its applications in bioacoustic research, and provides an outlook on the future development and localization of AI-assisted bioacoustic software to enhance analysis efficiency and broaden its applicability. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Mammals and birds survey using camera trapping in Guangdong Liannan Bandong Provincial Nature Reserve Gang TANG, Xiangyang HE, Shude WU, Shuiyi LIAO, Wendong LI, Zhishu XIAO, Libiao ZHANG ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2026, 46 (2): 287-298.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.151012 Abstract （647）   HTML （21）    PDF（pc） （3254KB）（107）       Knowledge map    Save In order to gain an in-depth understanding of the species diversity in the Guangdong Liannan Bandong Provincial Nature Reserve, we monitored terrestrial birds and mammals based on 72 km grid sites (52 grids inside vs. 20 grids outside) using camera traps inside and outside the reserve for one year. The difference in species diversity between inside and outside the reserve was also analyzed. A total of 5 428 independent photograph (2 287 mammals and 3 141 birds) were collected totaling 19 416 camera-days from March 2021 to March 2022. We recorded 55 species (16 mammals and 39 birds) belonging to 26 families, 11 orders, and 2 classes. Among them, 14 species were listed as Class Ⅱ National Key Protected Species in China (3 mammals, 11 birds). The top three mammal species with the highest relative abundance index (RAI) were Dremomys pyrrhomerus, Sus scrofa, and Callosciurus erythraeus, and the top three bird species with the highest RAI were Lophura nycthemera, Zoothera aurea, and Myophonus caeruleus. The top three mammal species with the highest grid occupancy were Dremomys pyrrhomerus, Sus scrofa, and Paguma larvata, and the top three birdf species with the highest grid occupancy were Lophura nycthemera, Zoothera aurea, and Garrulax pectoralis. Comparing the monitoring data of mammals and birds, species richness, Shannon-Wiener index, and Simpson index were all higher inside the reserve than outside the reserve, while there was no significant difference in the Pielou index. The monitoring results showed that the proportion of carnivore species was relatively high, but with few larger ones. Possible reasons include habitat loss and fragmentation, food shortages, and human activity interference. Comparing with the previous investigation, a total of 8 new records of birds and mammals were recorded in the reserve. This study provides basic data for wildlife monitoring and assessment in the Guangdong Liannan Bandong Provincial Nature Reserve. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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A new family of mammals recorded in Xizang: Sicistidae Yingxun LIU, Buqing PENG, Xuming WANG, Rui LIAO, Xuan PAN, Shaoying LIU ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2026, 46 (1): 140-147.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.151005 Abstract （632）   HTML （14）    PDF（pc） （2947KB）（107）       Knowledge map    Save In August 2023, one specimen was collected from Chentang Town, Dingjie County, Xizang Autonomous Region. Dorsally, the hair of this specimen is dark yellowish-brown, interspersed with short black hair, with no black stripes seen along the back. The ventral hair is light yellowish-brown, and markedly distinct from the dorsal color. The tail is longer than head-and-body length and exhibits distinct dorsal and ventral color. The ears are short and round, covered with thick, short, chocolate-colored hair. Its anterior palatine foramina are shorter, extending backwards only to the level of the middle of the premolar, and the posterior edge of the palate is closely aligned to the third upper posterior molar. The second upper molar teeth are of the same length and width, and have an overall square shape. These characteristics are consistent with those of the type specimen of Sicista concolor leathemi, as are the 4 body measurements and 10 skull measurements. Thus, the morphological traits indicate that the Xizang specimen is Sicista concolor leathemi. A phylogenetic analysis based on Cyt b sequences confirmed that the Xizang individual clusters together with other specimens of S. c. leathemi with strong support (PP = 0.95). The average K2P distance between the specimen and other species of Sicista was 22.9%. We recovered significant differences between Sicista concolor leathemi and the other two subspecies of Sicista concolor. Based on these results, we recognize Sicista leathemi as an independent species. This represents the first record of the family Sicistidae in Xizang. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Study on species density estimation and habitat suitability prediction of spotted linsang (Prionodon pardicolor) in Jiangxi Jiulianshan National Nature Reserve Wei LUO, Mi ZHANG, Changchun WEI, Jun DENG, Zufu ZHANG, Yuying SONG, Weiwei ZHANG ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2026, 46 (2): 230-239.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.151023 Abstract （627）   HTML （24）    PDF（pc） （17750KB）（186）       Knowledge map    Save The spotted linsang (Prionodon pardicolor) was once widely distributed in southern and southwestern China as well as South and Southeast Asia. However, its population has drastically declined in recent years. From April 2023 to March 2024, we estimated the population density using infrared cameras and random encounter models, and generated current (2020s) and future (2050s) habitat suitability models using MaxEnt for the spotted linsang in the Jiangxi JiulianShan National Nature Reserve. This study showed that the population density of spotted linsang was (2.039 ± 0.243) civets/km2 in the Reserve. The MaxEnt model showed high accuracy in predicting suitable habitats for both current and future periods. Under future climatic conditions, suitable habitats for spotted linsang within the reserve may decrease by 14.44%, while those outside the reserve will decrease by 46.61% compared to the current period. High-suitability habitats will contract inward in the reserve and migrate to higher altitudes. The main environmental factors affecting the current distribution are distance to rivers, isothermality, vegetation type, precipitation in the driest season, and slope direction. For future distributions, the primary influencing factors are distance to rivers, mean temperature in the driest season, vegetation type, and the coefficients of seasonal variation of aspect and precipitation. This study preliminarily investigated the field ecological habits of spotted linsang and provided scientific support for the conservation of spotted linsang in the JiulianShan Reserve and beyond. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Distribution and threats of cetaceans near the East China Sea: an analysis based on local ecological knowledge (LEK) Jiancheng DENG, Sikai WANG, Yang ZHANG, Jintao JIA, Tingting ZHANG, Feng ZHAO ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2026, 46 (2): 264-277.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.151029 Abstract （627）   HTML （3）    PDF（pc） （44288KB）（109）       Knowledge map    Save Effective conservation and management of cetaceans require detailed information on species composition and spatial distribution. Local ecological knowledge (LEK) has increasingly been recognized as a valuable tool for assessing key species and biological resources, particularly in marine mammal studies. From November to December 2023, a large-scale LEK survey was conducted in coastal areas adjacent to the East China Sea. The study aimed to investigate the diversity, distribution patterns, population trends, and potential threats faced by cetacean species in the region. A total of 534 fishermen were interviewed across 59 ports and docks. During the survey, 11 cetacean species were recorded based on local reports, including the East Asian finless porpoise (Neophocaena sunameri), common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus), Chinese white dolphin (Sousa chinensis), rough-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis), Fraser’s dolphin (Lagenodelphis hosei), pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata), false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens), pygmy killer whale (Feresa attenuata), short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus), and killer whale (Orcinus orca). No sightings of large baleen whales were reported. Most respondents indicated that cetacean sightings were most frequent during August and September, with key hotspots located in Haizhou Bay, the East China Sea Bridge area, the mid-lower section of the Yangtze Estuary fishing ground, Dongtou, and the northern waters of the Nanji Islands. About half (50.19%) of respondents believed that cetacean populations are declining. Additionally, 20.22% reported incidental bycatch of cetaceans, primarily associated with trawl and gillnet fisheries. These findings provide a foundational understanding of cetacean distribution and threats in the East China Sea and offer valuable insights for future conservation strategies. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Behavioral response of captive Guizhou snub-nosed monkeys to noise from different sources Jiangming WU, Xiaolong HUANG, Shaochuan CHENG, Wei YANG, Xu ZHANG, Jingcheng RAN ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2025, 45 (6): 810-819.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.151024 Abstract （627）   HTML （13）    PDF（pc） （2630KB）（78）       Knowledge map    Save Anthropogenic noise reshapes the soundscape of natural environments, causing adverse effects on the behavior, distribution, and vigilance of wildlife. The Guizhou snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus brelichi) is one of the most endangered primates globally, inhabiting only the Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve in Guizhou. To investigate the behavioral responses of Guizhou snub-nosed monkeys to different noises, from December 2023 to June 2024, we studied Guizhou snub-nosed monkeys in captivity at the Guizhou Snub-nosed Monkey Research Center. Four types of noise, including traffic noise, tourist noise, rural noise, and avian predator call, were played back with a gradient of noise levels (40 dB, 50 dB, 60 dB, and 70 dB), and behavioral changes of Guizhou snub-nosed monkeys were recorded using focal animal sampling method. The results show that the four types of noise stimuli can cause an increase in vigilance time and a decrease in rest in Guizhou snub-nosed monkeys. The vigilance time tends to increase with the intensity of the noise level, and avoidance phenomenon appears when stimulated with a 60 dB noise level. The difference in vigilance time is significant (P < 0.05) among the different types of noise, and the percentage of the total vigilance time to the avian predator is significantly higher than that to the sound of human noise such as traffic noise, tourist noise and rural noise. Captive Guizhou snub-nosed monkeys have a habituation effect on human noise to which they had been exposed for a long time. This study initially reveals the behavioral response patterns of Guizhou snub-nosed monkeys under different noise interference conditions, which provides a basis for subsequent in-depth research on their behavior, the regulation of human activities, and the formulation of conservation and management measures. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Research advances in vocal communication behavior and neural mechanisms of common marmosets Qianbing LI, Xiangyu ZHANG, Lixia GAO ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2025, 45 (6): 753-762.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.151104 Abstract （627）   HTML （11）    PDF（pc） （7317KB）（80）       Knowledge map    Save Vocal communication is a major way of information exchange among individual animals or groups, exhibiting diversity across different species. The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) has become a prominent non-human primate model in neurobiology, particularly in vocal communication research, due to its rich vocal repertoire, highly developed auditory system, complex vocal communication behaviors, and notable social characteristics. This article reviews the progress in research on vocal communication behavior and its neural mechanisms in common marmosets. It begins by outlining their vocal repertoire and acoustic characteristics. Building on this, the vocalizations are functionally categorized, with a focus on their specific roles and ecological significance in social interactions, foraging behavior, and alarm responses. Next, the neural mechanisms underlying vocal communication in common marmosets are presented, including the neural circuits and regulatory mechanisms of vocal production, as well as the key roles of the auditory cortex, prefrontal cortex, and limbic system in primary sound processing and higher-order functional integration. Finally, based on the current state of research, suggestions for future studies are proposed. This review aims to advance research on vocal communication in common marmosets and provide theoretical references for related fields. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Preliminary analysis of vocalization patterns and influencing factors of cetaceans in the Beibu Gulf Zongwei LIU, Ping ZHAO, Dezheng GAO, Ying JIANG, Bingyao CHEN, Zhichao LYU, Liangang LYU ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2025, 45 (6): 831-841.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.151112 Abstract （623）   HTML （9）    PDF（pc） （16246KB）（80）       Knowledge map    Save Based on the 113-day acoustic data measured in the Beibu Gulf, this paper uses an automatic detection method to detect the click signals of cetaceans in the data, counts the number of signals, and obtains the vocalization patterns of cetaceans during the observation period. Statistical analysis of the number of click signals of cetaceans during the observation period shows that the number of clicks of cetaceans is less in late winter and more in early spring. During the day, it is less and at night, it is more. The influence of hydrological and meteorological factors on the number of click signals of cetaceans during the observation period is analyzed. It is found that the number of click signals of cetaceans is less in late winter and more in early spring. The correlation between sea surface temperature, wind speed, and rain fall and the number of click signals of cetaceans is not obvious, the low-frequency environmental noise is calculated, and it is found that the noise level is high during the day and low at night, which is inversely proportional to the number of click signals of cetaceans during the day and night. This is considered to be caused by the difference in ship noise between day and night. The situation of ship noise during the observation period is analyzed, and it is found that cetaceans’ click signals are affected by ships. When ship noise occurs, cetaceans do not vocalize or have fewer vocalizations. Thus, it is concluded that cetaceans have a certain avoidance phenomenon towards ships. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Characteristics of Asian elephant group in Nangunhe National Nature Reserve based on spatio-temporal analysis Jingshan WANG, Qiang GUO, Wenguang DUAN, Xu LI, Weibin WANG, Zhisheng WANG, Shaobing YANG ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2026, 46 (2): 240-250.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150901 Abstract （621）   HTML （12）    PDF（pc） （8725KB）（79）       Knowledge map    Save Animal grouping is widespread in natural populations, but detecting individual group membership is still in the stage of empirical identification based on photos and videos, without refined technical details. In this study, we examine grouping characteristics of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) using infrared-triggered camera trapping techniques in Nangunhe National Nature Reserve from November 2022 to May 2023. We deployed 64 camera traps totaling 7 635 effective camera working days. Through meticulous analysis, we identified 255 individually valid photos of Asian elephants and a total of 17 Asian elephants. The capture rates of group and solitary were 18.63% and 16.83% respectively. Through spatial analyses such as distance grouping and correlation, combined with the results of spatial niche overlap, we found that 11 Asian elephants had a high degree of similarity and correlation in their spatial utilization, and formed a group. The spatial activity of two solitaries was highly consistent and formed a small group, while the other solitaries were differentiated. In addition, the activity rhythm data showed that the daily activity rhythm of 11 Asian elephants was highly consistent, and the overall distribution was unimodal. Similarly, the daily activity rhythm of the solitaries highlighted the differences between the small group and the other solitaries. Consequently, the grouping characteristics of the Asian elephants are characterized by a family group of 11 Asian elephants and a small group composed of 2 solitaries, with 4 remaining solitaries. This study fills the research gap in understanding the characteristics of Asian elephant groups in Nangunhe and provides important support for the population management and protection of this species and sympatric species in protected areas. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Electrophysiological recording paradigms and advances in the study of auditory basis of echolocation in bats Shiyu ZHOU, Di ZHANG, Huan YE, Jinhong LUO ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2025, 45 (6): 743-752.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.151084 Abstract （615）   HTML （12）    PDF（pc） （3568KB）（108）       Knowledge map    Save As the only mammals capable of powered flight, coupled with their remarkable echolocation ability, bats occupy a unique niche in the night sky and represent one of the most diverse mammalian lineages. Electrophysiological methods, primarily involving the recording of neural activity, significantly advanced our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying bat echolocation. This review details the advantages and disadvantages of three primary electrophysiological recording paradigms: recordings under anesthesia, head-fixed recordings, and recordings during free movement. Recordings under anesthesia are useful for studying the functions of neurons in specific brain regions, but anesthetic drugs may interfere with neural activity. Head-fixed recordings can capture neural activity in awake animals but typically restrict their behavioral range. Recordings during free movement are the recommended electrophysiological paradigm, as they most closely match the animals’ natural behaviors. Recently, the application of new technologies such as optogenetics, chemogenetics, and two-photon calcium imaging have opened new avenues for studying the neural mechanisms of bat echolocation. Future research may combine multiple electrophysiological methods with these emerging technologies to better reveal the neural basis of bat echolocation. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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New record of the genus Chodsigoa (Mammalia: Eulipotyphla: Soricidae) in Zhejiang Province Jinhui WANG, Hongdi GAO, Ailin CHENG, Weijun FANG, Zhe CHEN, Zhenxian ZHU ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2026, 46 (2): 299-305.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.151014 Abstract （611）   HTML （11）    PDF（pc） （16790KB）（121）       Knowledge map    Save In November 2023, a shrew specimen was collected from Chun’an County, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province. This small shrew has dark gray dorsal fur and weighs 5.75 g. It has a head-body length of 65 mm, with a tail shorter than the head-body length. It features three upper unicuspid teeth with lightly pigmented red on the tips of incisors and unicuspids premolars, indicating that it belongs to the genus Chodsigoa. This represents the first record of Chodsigoa in Zhejiang Province. Through phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial Cyt b sequences, this specimen was recovered as sister to a clade containing C. dabieshanensis, C. hypsibia, and C. parva. The genetic distances between this specimen and the three species are 8.33%, 8.90%, and 9.53%, respectively. Further research is needed to clarify the taxonomic status of this specimen. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Investigation into the PAE ethogram, breeding behaviors and activity rhythm of cave-dwelling Hipposideros armiger Jinmei LI, Tao WU, Enze TANG, Jinping LIAO, Gefei ZHANG, Zhixiao LIU ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2026, 46 (3): 404-419.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.151061 Abstract （610）   HTML （14）    PDF（pc） （4894KB）（82）       Knowledge map    Save Karstic cave is a special ecosystem in which cave-dwelling bats play the role of ‘umbrella protection’. Hipposideros armiger is the dominant insectivorous bat in the Xiangxi Autonomous Prefecture and the Wuling Mountain region. It plays an indispensable role in maintaining the balance of cave ecosystems. The goal of this study was to establish the behavioral ethogram and to explore ecological characteristics of breeding behaviors and daily activity rhythm of Hipposideros armiger. From April to September 2023, we selected the population of Hipposideros armiger in the Baihu Cave, Jishou City, Xiangxi Prefecture as the research object. Modern monitoring technology system was used to collect behavioral data for analysis. Based on the Posture-Act-Environment (PAE) coding system, the behavior of Hipposideros armiger could be classified into 10 basic types, covering 12 basic postures, 41 movements, 13 environments, and 51 behaviors. Among them, the breeding behaviors included birthing behavior, flight-teaching behavior, cub-licking behavior, cub-carrying behavior, and mother-seeking behavior, which only appeared from June to early August. In the time allocation of all kinds of behaviors, the proportion of resting behavior was always the largest, and the overall trend was first decreasing and then increasing. The proportion of resting behavior was the lowest in the first half of August (27.11%), but reached the highest in June (42.69%) and September (42.52%). Hipposideros armiger predominantly showed resting and breeding behaviors in the cave. Their patterns of cave entry and exit were characterized by two distinct scenarios: ‘remaining outside throughout the night’and‘emerging at night and returning in the morning’. Over the course of the months and seasons, the time of bat entry into the cave in the early morning exhibited a gradual delay, shifting from 05: 00 in May to 06: 00 in September. Conversely, the time of bat exit from the cave in the evening showed a collective advancement, shifting from 19: 45 in May to 18: 25 in September. In conclusion, the activities of cave entry and exit in H. armiger display a notable monthly regularity, while also exhibiting a degree of plasticity. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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The prospective applications of single-cell transcriptome sequencing in mammalian inner ear research Mengdie ZHANG, Bicheng ZHU, Guanglin HE, Yuzhong ZHANG, Jinchan JIAN, Anqi SHEN, Yunzhu LIU, Kai HE ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2025, 45 (6): 771-783.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.151059 Abstract （583）   HTML （6）    PDF（pc） （7297KB）（52）       Knowledge map    Save The inner ear, as the core organ responsible for hearing and balance, possesses an intricate structure with diverse cell types. Single-cell RNA sequencing technology (scRNA-Seq) enables the capture and analysis of gene expression profiles at the individual cell level, providing a powerful tool for in-depth exploration of the functions and molecular mechanisms of the inner ear. We review the significant applications of scRNA-Seq in inner ear research from 2015 to 2024, highlighting important advances in revealing cellular heterogeneity, tracing inner ear development processes, investigating hearing loss mechanisms, and cell regeneration researches. We also discuss the potential application of scRNA-Seq technology in addressing key scientific questions in wildlife research and explore the prospects of single-cell multi-omics techniques in uncovering the adaptive evolution and molecular mechanisms of the mammalian inner ear. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Study on genetic diversity and population size of wild camels in Annanba Reserve, Gansu Province Hao WU, Ying LIANG, Fatao HU, Haili FU, Wucheng XU, Peng YU ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2026, 46 (3): 349-357.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.151091 Abstract （578）   HTML （7）    PDF（pc） （3318KB）（73）       Knowledge map    Save The Annanba Wild Camel National Nature Reserve in Gansu Province is an important habitat for wild camels (Camelus ferus) in China. It is also one of the important areas for the reproduction of wild camels. Due to reasons such as scarcity and living habits, the genetic diversity and population size of wild camels in the Annanba Reserve remain unclear. In this study, 254 samples of fresh feces of wild camels were collected from the Annanba Reserve in 2023 - 2024. Species identification was performed by morphological observation and mitochondrial Cyt b gene. Six pairs of highly polymorphic microsatellite primers were selected for genetic diversity analysis. The wild camel population was estimated by Capwire using noninvasive marker recapture method. The results showed that the observed heterozygosity of the six microsatellite loci ranged from 0.402 to 0.962, with an average of 0.795; the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.444 to 0.901, with an average of 0.772. 123 different wild camels were identified in this study, 83 were female and 40 were male. The low number of males may be related to sampling caused by adult outliers.The number of wild camels was estimated to be 275 based on the TRIM model, with a 95% confidence interval of 271 to 282. In conclusion, the wild camel population in the Annanba Reserve has a moderate level of genetic diversity and a relatively low degree of inbreeding, which is conducive to the recovery of the population size. There are approximately 275 wild camels distributed in the reserve, which can provide important basis for the protection of the wild camel population and the high-quality construction of the reserve. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Feeding characteristics of captive giant pandas on different bamboo species in Guizhou Province Da LI, Xiongwei YANG, Zhenjiang DAI, Haijun SU, Wenwu FENG ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2026, 46 (1): 95-104.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150980 Abstract （553）   HTML （8）    PDF（pc） （3734KB）（64）       Knowledge map    Save The utilization of local bamboo resources for captive giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is a critical component of zoo management and conservation strategies. This study investigates the feeding behavior of captive giant pandas on 56 bamboo species from 17 genera, based on the current availability of bamboo resources in Guizhou Province, China. The results indicate that the two captive giant pandas exhibited a broad dietary range, consuming 53 (94.64%) of the bamboo species offered. The pandas primarily consumed the leaves of most bamboo species, while stems were rarely eaten. Notably, they displayed a strong preference for bitter bamboo (Pleioblastus amarus) and broad-leaved reed bamboo (Indocalamus latifolius). Statistical analysis revealed a highly significant difference in the consumption of bitter bamboo stems compared to other species (P < 0.01), whereas no significant difference was observed in the consumption of reed bamboo leaves (P > 0.05). Further analysis of leaf weight and leaf area demonstrated that the pandas preferentially consumed bamboo species with significantly heavier and larger leaves (P < 0.01). These findings highlight distinct feeding preferences of captive giant pandas for specific native bamboo species. The study provides a valuable example for optimizing the captive breeding and management of giant pandas in Guizhou Province and offers a scientific basis for selecting local bamboo species as food sources for captive giant pandas in other regions. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Influence of group size on home range and habitat use of white-headed langurs Youjian DENG, Jianzhong LIN, Shijun WU, Dengpan NONG, Chengming HUANG, Penglai FAN, Qihai ZHOU ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2026, 46 (2): 220-229.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.151019 Abstract （540）   HTML （18）    PDF（pc） （4502KB）（78）       Knowledge map    Save Group size is one of the key factors influencing home range and habitat utilization in primates. However, whether group size affects the home range and habitat utilization in folivorous primates remain unclear. From September 2017 to August 2018, we studied four groups of white-headed langurs (Trachypithecus leucocephalus) in the Banli area of Chongzuo White-headed Langur National Nature Reserve, Guangxi. We systematically collected data on home range, daily travel distance, and habitat utilization to investigate the effect of group size on home range and habitat use in this species. The results showed no correlation between the home range of white-headed langurs and group size, possibly due to high population density of langur groups and low availability of high-quality sleeping sites, which may limit the expansion of their home ranges. However, the average daily travel distance of larger groups was significantly greater than that of the smaller ones. While small groups preferred to rest on cliffs and forage on slopes and hillfoot, larger groups used hill feet habitats significantly more and correspondingly decreased use of hilltop and cliffs compared to smaller ones. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Comparison of rodents, bats, and non-human primates as reservoirs and vectors of microbes Jie LAN, Hongfeng LI, Xuemin WEI, Yuhao WANG, Wenqiang ZHANG, Yifei XU ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2026, 46 (2): 199-208.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.151020 Abstract （539）   HTML （11）    PDF（pc） （10102KB）（86）       Knowledge map    Save Rodents, bats, and non-human primates are mammalian groups that share a significant proportion of microbes with humans. Comparing the contribution of these three mammalian taxa as reservoirs of zoonotic microbes and transmission hosts is important for preventing emerging infectious diseases in humans. In this study, we integrated data on host-microbe interactions of rodents (Rodentia), bats (Chiroptera), and non-human primates. We constructed host-microbe networks and microbe-sharing networks for both total microbes and human-associated microbes. We also compared the diversity of microbes of these three groups and their capacity for microbe transmission. The results suggested that non-human primates have a more significant role in the emergence and transmission of human-associated microbes compared to rodents and bats. Specifically, the average proportion of human-associated microbes carried per species of non-human primates was higher than that of the other two groups, demonstrating their greater capacity to carry these microbes. Furthermore, the microbe-sharing networks for non-human primates exhibited notably higher connectivity, suggesting that microbes may spread more easily among species within this group. In contrast, bats carry a high proportion of viruses among both their microbes and their human-associated microbes, underscoring their critical role in the emergence and transmission of human-associated viruses. Notably, the centrality of rodent species in the network surpassed that of both bats and non-human primates, indicating that the role of rodents in microbe transmission should not be underestimated. This study provides new insights into the significance of these three mammalian groups in the emergence and transmission of human-associated microbes, providing information for identifying potential hosts of emerging infectious diseases in humans. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Preliminary analysis of the molecular phylogeography of Crocidura shantungensis Qiuying GUO, He CAI, Liuqing YANG, Zhihui ZHANG, Meifeng HAN, Jingyu ZHAO, Chunfeng ZHANG, Junsheng ZHANG, Zhu LIU ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2026, 46 (1): 129-139.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150949 Abstract （527）   HTML （5）    PDF（pc） （2629KB）（89）       Knowledge map    Save In order to clarify the phylogeographic relationships, refuge during the ice age, and subspecies differentiation of Crocidura shantungensis, the complete sequence of Cyt b gene of C. shantungensis collected from the eastern and northern regions of China, complemented with sequences available from GenBank, were analyzed together, totaling 297 sequences. A total of 128 haplotypes were found in the 297 samples of C. shandongensis. Nucleotide diversity is 0.010 77. The phylogenetic tree shows four main clades. Clade 1 includes East Asian individuals and is mainly composed of haplotypes from the eastern and northern regions of China (Heilongjiang, Hebei, Liaoning, Shanxi, Shandong, Inner Mongolia), Russia Far East, eastern Mongolia, Korean Peninsula and Republic of Korea islands. Clade 2 includes some haplotypes from Taiwan, China. Clade 3 includes haplotypes partly from the Republic of Korea islands. Clade 4 includes some haplotypes from the Jeju-do Island in Republic of Korea. A similar geographical pattern was also observed in the Median-joining network analysis. The largest genetic distance (0.020 6) occurred between Taiwan of China and the Republic of Korea islands, and the largest genetic differentiation (0.758 8) occurred between Taiwan of China and the Jeju-do Island in Republic of Korea. The smallest genetic distance (0.010 8) and genetic differentiation (0.272 2) occurred between East Asia and Taiwan of China. Neutral tests indicate C. shantungensis experienced two population expansions. The results of the Median-joining network suggest that the ice age refuges of C. shantungensis were Changbaishan Mountains (Heilongjiang and Liaoning) and Shandong Peninsula (Shandong) of China, and the Korean Peninsula. The geographic areas included in this study are divided into 4 geographic subspecies. One subspecies (C. s. shantungensis) is distributed in the eastern and northern regions of China (Heilongjiang, Hebei, Liaoning, Shanxi, Shandong, Inner Mongolia), Russia Far East, eastern Mongolia, Korean Peninsula and Republic of Korea islands. The other subspecies is found in Taiwan, China. The third subspecies is found in the Republic of Korea islands, and the fourth subspecies (C. s. quelpartis) is found in Jeju-do Island in Republic of Korea. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Effects of random food deprivation on energy metabolism in striped hamsters with different diets Wenting LI, Xinyu SHI, Pinhan WANG, Jing WEN ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2026, 46 (1): 60-72.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.151013 Abstract （523）   HTML （4）    PDF（pc） （3035KB）（65）       Knowledge map    Save Small mammals frequently encounter the challenge of food availability in the wild. The food resources of striped hamsters exhibit significant seasonal variations, and both the quantity and composition of food can impact the metabolic phenotype of striped hamsters. In this study, we investigate the impact of random food deprivation on the energy metabolism in striped hamsters with different diets. We hypothesized that striped hamsters consuming high fat diets significantly enhanced resilience to food scarcity. In the experiment, adult male striped hamsters were randomly divided into four groups each with 8 individuals: high-fat diet control group (HF-Con), high-fat diet intermittent fasting group (HF-IF), low-fat diet control group (LF-Con), and low-fat diet intermittent fasting group (LF-IF) and then domesticated for 5 weeks. By measuring body mass, food intake, metabolic rate, body fat, and tissue metabolism, we analyzed the strategies of striped hamsters in response to random food deprivation under high and low-fat diets. The results showed that the body mass and subcutaneous fat weight of the HF-IF group were significantly reduced, while overall and tissue metabolism changes were not significant after random food deprivation.The LF-IF group significantly reduced body mass, food intake, the weight of brown adipose tissue (BAT), and nocturnal metabolic rate, but significantly increased the resting metabolic rate (RMR). The body mass of the HF-IF group significantly decreased during the fasting period and quickly returned to a new homeostasis after re-feeding. In contrast, the body mass of the LF-IF group decreased gradually. Therefore, the striped hamsters with high-fat diets exhibited strong compensatory mechanisms during the fasting-refeeding process, whereas those in the LF-IF group could not adapt to random food deprivation. The high-fat diets significantly increased the hamsters’ body fat content to maintain their energy balance during food scarcity. In summary, these findings were consistent with our expectations, emphasizing that diets determined the survival adaptation strategies of animals, and striped hamsters on a high-fat diet could better resist the risks associated with the food shortage. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Temporal niche differentiation of sympatric mesocarnivores in Hubei Dalaoling National Nature Reserve ZOU Mingjiang, QIAN Qian, TIAN Yaoyao, DENG Chunhan, GAO Benwang, ZHU Kai, LIU Yiping, ZHOU Youbing, PENG Gangzhi ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2026, 46 (4): 483-495.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.151056 Abstract （513）   HTML （40）    PDF（pc） （3594KB）（156）       Knowledge map    Save Investigating the spatiotemporal distribution of sympatric species with similar ecological niches is a central topic in community ecology. This study was conducted in Dalaoling National Nature Reserve from June 2019 to October 2024 using camera trap technology to survey wildlife. During the investigation period, a total of 763 camera trap sites were deployed, accumulating 91 247 camera trap days and yielding 68 616 independent valid wildlife detections. We then applied kernel density estimation (KDE） and the coefficient of overlap to compare the temporal niche relationships of five mesocarnivores within the region. Among all species surveyed, the Chinese ferret-badger (Melogale moschata, RAI=5. 85) had the highest relative abundance index (RAI), while the leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis, RAI=1. 22) showed the lowest. Among the five carnivorous species, the hog badger (Arctonyx collaris) exhibited a multimodal daily activity pattern, while the masked palm civet (Paguma larvata), Siberian weasel (Mustela sibirica), ferret-badger, and leopard cat showed bimodal activity rhythms. Moreover, the night-time relative abundance index (INRA) of the five species throughout the year is lower than the judgment standard for day night habits (13/24), indicating that they have strong nighttime activity characteristics. Overlap analysis revealed that the masked palm civet and Chinese ferret-badger had highly overlapping daily activity curves (Δ=0. 96) with no significant difference (P=0. 397). By contrast, every other pairwise comparison showed varying degrees of divergence in daily activity rhythms, all statistically significant (P<0. 001). In addition, the five species exhibited high seasonal overlap in their activity curves, with no significant difference in cold versus warm seasons for the leopard cat (P=0. 360) or the Siberian weasel (P=0. 201). At the monthly activity scale, significant differences in activity intensity were observed among the five species (P<0. 001). All species showed varying degrees of increased activity levels from March to May, while the masked palm civet and hog badger exhibited significantly lower winter activity compared to the other three species. The study demonstrates that these five carnivores in Dalaoling National Nature Reserve effectively mitigate direct interspecific competition through differentiation in daily activity rhythms, variations in monthly activity intensity, and seasonal dynamics, thereby facilitating sympatric coexistence. This research help elucidate the temporal niche relationships and underlying coexistence mechanisms among medium-sized sympatric carnivores in the Dalaoling region, providing a scientific foundation for future conservation and management strategies in this area. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Exploring the function of immune cells in the heart of high-altitude yaks based on transcriptomic sequencing data Xun ZHANG, Nating HUANG, Jingyi LI, Jiarui CHEN, Qing WEI ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2026, 46 (2): 171-183.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.151004 Abstract （508）   HTML （13）    PDF（pc） （11888KB）（82）       Knowledge map    Save Hypoxia can affect the redox state of animal tissue cells, leading to endoplasmic reticulum（ER）stress. The heart plays a crucial role in the regulation of oxygen supply and demand in the body and is particularly susceptible to damage under ER stress. Yaks, which live year-round in high-altitude hypoxic environments, have adapted well to these conditions. However, the changes in immune cell functions within the hearts of high-altitude yaks in response to hypoxia-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress are not yet fully understood. To address this, we selected yaks from two different altitudes in Qinghai Province, China: Qumalai County (4 500 m) and Xunhua County (2 600 m). We then used transcriptome and single-cell transcriptome sequencing to investigate differences in immune-related gene expression and functional changes in major immune cells in the hearts of yaks from high and low altitudes. This study aims to deepen our understanding of the adaptive changes in the immune characteristics of yak heart tissues. The results from transcriptome sequencing data showed that, compared to low-altitude yaks, upregulated genes in the hearts of high-altitude yaks were primarily enriched in pathways related to ER stress, damaged cell clearance, and the removal of misfolded proteins, all of which are associated with immune function. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) revealed that pathways related to ER stress, damaged cell clearance, and the removal of misfolded proteins were activated in the heart tissues of high-altitude yaks. RT-qPCR experiments confirmed that the expression levels of immune-related genes (eg.LCP1, HLA-A, IGHM, FCGR3) were significantly higher in the heart tissues of high-altitude yaks compared to those of low-altitude yaks (P < 0.05), and the expression trends were consistent with the transcriptome results. Single-cell transcriptome sequencing results showed a decrease in the frequency of lymphocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells in the heart tissues of high-altitude yaks. Furthermore, the sequencing revealed that upregulated genes in these three types of immune cells in high-altitude yaks were significantly enriched in immune pathways, including Fcγ-R-mediated phagocytosis, T-cell receptor signaling, and antigen processing and presentation, all of which are involved in the clearance of cellular foreign bodies. In summary, the enhanced phagocytic, cytotoxic, and immune complex clearance capabilities of immune cells in the hearts of high-altitude yaks effectively ensure the removal of increased misfolded proteins and other foreign bodies induced by ER stress. This adaptation helps them better cope with the high-altitude hypoxic environment. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Daily activity rhythm of roe deer in Wulingshan Nature Reserve, Miyun District, Beijing Zhengyu ZHANG, Siyu YU, Xinmin FANG, Zhihong MA, Zhuang MA, Jian LI, Yingying HAN, Fuli GAO, Weidong BAO ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2026, 46 (1): 85-94.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150975 Abstract （507）   HTML （13）    PDF（pc） （3447KB）（87）       Knowledge map    Save Rhythms are key indicators of wild animals' adaptive strategies to varying environmental conditions. Ungulates play a crucial role in forest ecosystems, influencing not only the structure of plant communities but also the dynamics of predator-prey interactions, particularly in relation to large carnivores. However, there is a lack of comprehensive studies on the long-term and seasonal variations in the activity rhythms of hoofed species. This study focuses on the roe deer (Capreolus pygargus) in the Wulingshan Nature Reserve, Miyun District, Beijing, as a model species. Using infrared camera trap data collected from 2016 to 2021, we applied non-parametric kernel density estimation to analyze the temporal patterns of roe deer activity. This approach allowed us to explore the seasonal and long-term variations in their daily activity rhythms, providing insights into how these animals adapt to changing environmental conditions. The results indicated that the activity rhythms of roe deer in the Wulingshan Nature Reserve remain stable over extended periods, with the annual activity patterns showing low sensitivity to minor environmental changes. The daily activity rhythm of roe deer has obvious characteristics of morning and evening activity, with peak intensities observed at 05: 00 - 10: 00 and 17: 00 - 20: 00, respectively. Roe deer are more active at night in spring and summer. The activity overlap coefficient of roe deer in each season was above 0.83, and there was no obvious seasonal difference in activity rhythm. The highest overlap coefficients were observed between spring and summer (Δ4 = 0.900 8), and the lowest between spring and winter (Δ4 = 0.834 7). During summer time, roe deer tended to forage earlier and later in the day. Whereas in winter, they exhibited a delayed morning activity peak, an earlier evening peak, and a longer duration of peak activity compared to other seasons. This study found that the daily activity rhythms of roe deer in the Wulingshan Reserve exhibits no significant seasonal variation, with primary activity occurring in the morning and evening and nocturnal activity being less pronounced. The findings of this study offer a solid scientific foundation for evaluating the success of roe deer habitat restoration and the stability of the associated food chain. Additionally, they provide critical insights that can inform strategies for the reintroduction and management of large carnivores in conservation efforts. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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A new record of Hypsugo alaschanicus from Shaanxi and Jiangsu provinces in China Jiahao QIN, Xiangyang HE, Zeshuang HUANG, Junyu ZHU, Aoran YAN, Tiantian Shen, Huabin ZHAO, Libiao ZHANG ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2026, 46 (3): 444-452.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.151028 Abstract （506）   HTML （3）    PDF（pc） （8460KB）（66）       Knowledge map    Save In July 2013 and August 2024, four and nine Hypsugo bats were captured in Shaanxi and Jiangsu provinces, respectively. The morphological characteristics of these bats are small body size and forearm length of 33.20 ‐ 38.00 mm. The coat is dense and thick. The abdominal hair is light brown, and the hair tip is lighter than the base. The back hair is slightly lighter than the abdominal hair, and the base hair is dark brown. The auricle is broad, and the tragus is narrow with well-defined basal lobe. The wing membranes have distinct pale borders. The tail tip extends beyond the margin of the uropatagium. Two specimens from each province were selected for skull measurement and molecular sequencing. The skull is small and slightly convex above the interorbital region. The greatest length of the skull ranges from 13.20 mm to 13.68 mm. The dental formula is 2.1.2.3/3.1.2.3 = 34. At the molecular level, Cyt b and COI sequences of the four specimens were obtained through PCR. Phylogenetic trees were constructed by combining Hypsugo bats mitochondrial gene sequences available in public databases. The results show that these captured bats are well clustered and have a close genetic distance with Hypsugo alaschanicus. Based on morphological characteristics and molecular evidence, the above specimens were identified as H. alaschanicus. This study represents a new bat record in Shaanxi and Jiangsu provinces, China. The specimens are kept in the Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Characterization of rodent viromes and epidemiology of key viruses in China Xinyu ZHANG, Yuhao WANG, Xuemin WEI, Chao LI, Yuanyuan SHEN, Yifei XU ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2026, 46 (1): 39-46.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150995 Abstract （498）   HTML （8）    PDF（pc） （3314KB）（81）       Knowledge map    Save Rodents exhibit a high taxonomic diversity in China. To understand the diversity of rodent viromes in China and the factors influencing it, we investigate the prevalence of key viruses carried by rodents and discuss measures to prevent and control viral diseases of rodent origin. We obtained sequencing data of Chinese rodent viromes from online databases, and used Fastp for quality control, Bowtie2 to remove host and ribosomal RNA reads, MEGAHIT for assembly, DIAMOND and BLAST for viral species annotation, Pysamstats to splice consensus sequences, and IQ-TREE for phylogenetic analysis. We integrated 426 sequenced libraries across 9 families, 23 genera, and 42 species of rodents, totaling 2 817 individuals. Our analyses recovered 358 viruses belonging to 31 RNA virus families and 9 DNA virus families. We found that viral composition and abundance varied with host species, regional origin, and sampling organ. Among all detected viruses, 38 viruses from 16 viral families were known to be infectious to humans. Most of these human-associated viruses were detected in Muridae, with which humans have close contact. Phylogenetic analyses of Hantaviridae and Coronaviridae revealed that many viruses are distributed across various host species in multiple regions, suggesting potential cross-species and cross-region transmission. This study systematically characterized the virome of Chinese rodents based on virome sequencing data. Our analysis of key viruses indicates the necessity of monitoring viruses carried by Muridae, which offers new insights into the potential emergence of infectious diseases within rodent populations. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Two new species of Myotis (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) from southwestern China Yishun QIAN, Xin MOU, Bin LUO, Xiaoping LI, Yunli LUO, Song LI ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2026, 46 (3): 320-336.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.151123 Abstract （496）   HTML （13）    PDF（pc） （58927KB）（121）       Knowledge map    Save The genus Myotis is one of the most widely distributed genera of terrestrial vertebrates. It includes 140 recognized species worldwide, 29 of which are recorded in China. Ongoing taxonomic research continues to uncover new species within this group. In this study, we employed classical taxonomic approaches, including comparisons of external morphology and cranial characteristics, complemented by molecular biological methods to analyze bats collected from Shuangbai (n = 9) and Yongde (n = 2) in Yunnan Province. The results show that these specimens belong to Myotis, but do not belong to any of the existing Myotis species that have been described, and have reached the genetic distance of species-level differentiation. Therefore, we describe them as two new species: Myotis shuangbaiensis Li & Qian, sp. nov. and Myotis yongdensis Li & Qian, sp. nov. The diagnostic features of Myotis shuangbaiensis include dorsal fur with black bases and light brown tips, and ventral fur with black bases and grayish-white tips. The plagiopatagium attaches to the base of the first toe on the hindfoot. The upper inner incisor (I2) and upper outer incisor (I3) are similar in size. The crown height of the second lower premolar (P2) is less than half that of the lower canine. Both the basal area and crown height of the third lower premolar (P3) are approximately two‑thirds those of the second lower premolar (P2). The diagnostic features of Myotis yongdensis include dark reddish‑brown dorsal fur, and ventral fur with brownish‑black bases and grayish‑white tips. The ventral side of the interfemoral membrane is covered with moderately dense short fur. The plagiopatagium attaches to the base of the metatarsus of the hindfoot. The tragus has a rounded tip. The crown height of the third upper premolar (P3) is approximately half that of the second upper premolar (P2). These findings reveal significant persistent knowledge gaps in Myotis taxonomy and enhance the understanding of biodiversity richness in Southwestern China. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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The effects of vitamin A in food on the testes of male Spermophilus dauricus in laboratory hibernation Yihan MA, Zhenshan LIU, Xi CHEN, Xiaohan LIU, Xia PENG, Xinyu LIU, Xin XING, Ming YANG ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2026, 46 (1): 73-84.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.151017 Abstract （492）   HTML （12）    PDF（pc） （4857KB）（69）       Knowledge map    Save Seasonal reproduction is a strategy for mammals to adapt to environmental changes. Daurian ground squirrel (Spermophilus dauricus) is a hibernating species and a typical seasonal breeder that mates and reproduces only once a year after emerging from hibernation in the wild. Under laboratory conditions, the artificial mating and breeding technology after hibernation is still immature, and this species has not yet been domesticated as a laboratory animal. Vitamin A (VA) can be metabolized into retinoic acid (RA) within mammalian organisms. Recent research has revealed that RA promotes the differentiation of spermatogonia, the meiotic division of spermatocytes, and the transformation of round spermatids into mature spermatozoa. To explore whether VA from food, after digestion and absorption, can be metabolized into RA in the body of Daurian ground squirrel and affect the gonads, this study divided male Daurian ground squirrels into three groups, which were fed with food containing different levels of VA throughout the year. Group 1VA was fed with food containing the standard amount of vitamin A (17 500 IU/kg), Group 2VA was fed with food containing twice the amount of vitamin A (35 000 IU/kg), and Group 0VA was fed with food without added vitamin A. At the end of hibernation, samples were taken to determine the morphological and histological indicators of the testis and epididymis, and to detect the differentiation of spermatogonia in the testes, as well as the levels of VA, RA, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone (T) in the serum. The results showed that the levels of VA, RA, GnRH, LH, FSH, T in the serum, as well as the expression levels of retinoic acid gene 8 (Stra8) and meioticrecombination protein 8 (Rec8) in the testes of Spermophilus dauricus in Group 2VA and Group 1VA, were significantly higher than those in Group 0VA. However, there were no significant differences in the aforementioned indicators between Group 2VA and Group 1VA. This indicates that vitamin A can be metabolized into retinoic acid in the body of Daurian ground squirrel, promoting the development of gonads and spermatogenesis in male Daurian ground squirrels during seasonal reproduction. Adding an excessive amount of VA in the food has no significant effect on the gonads of male Daurian ground squirrels, but removing VA from the food does inhibit the differentiation of spermatogonia and the occurrence of sperm. This suggests that vitamin A in food is very important for the successful reproduction of Daurian ground squirrels under artificial breeding conditions. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Behavioral characteristics of conflict-causing male Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province Yilin XUE, Hairong DU, Zheyu WANG, Enze YANG, Zheng CHANG, Ganglin XU, Minghai ZHANG ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA    2026, 46 (3): 420-432.   DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.151053 Abstract （489）   HTML （5）    PDF（pc） （14310KB）（90）       Knowledge map    Save In recent years, as the Asian elephant population has continuously migrated and expanded from within nature reserves, human‑elephant conflicts have become increasingly severe. The wildlife authorities in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, have taken proactive intervention measures by establishing dedicated temporary control zones to protect some male Asian elephants that have caused incidents. The aim is to correct the behavior of these elephants in the control zones and eventually release them back into the wild. From February to April 2024, the author used drones, DV video recorders, and single‑lens reflex cameras to document the behavior spectrum and PAE coding system of seven male Asian elephants causing incidents in the control zone. This study identified and recorded a total of 9 postures, 59 actions, 11 environmental types, and 43 behaviors in 10 major categories for the seven male Asian elephants. A behavior spectrum and PAE coding system for these elephants were established. The study found that feeding, foraging, and resting behaviors showed highly significant differences and presented obvious diurnal behavioral rhythms. The overall absolute and relative behavioral diversity indices of adult male Asian elephants were higher than those of sub‑adults. Temperature had a significant impact on the proportion of most behaviors of sub‑adults. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for future research on the release of Asian elephants causing incidents into the natural environment and their behavioral ecology and protection management. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）