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30 July 2025, Volume 45 Issue 4

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REVIEW

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Review of taxonomic studies on Pteropodidae in China

LI Song, MOU Xin, QIAN Yishun, HE Kai, OKABE Shinya

2025, 45(4):  415-437.  DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.151111

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This study systematically reviews the taxonomic status of the family Pteropodidae in China by integrating historical literature, pelage characteristics, and body and skull measurements. A total of 7 genera and 9 species are confirmed to occur in China, including Cynopterus, Eonycteris, Macroglossus, Pteropus, Sphaerias (each containing 1 species) , and Rousettus, Megaerops (each containing 2 species). The results reveal that several historical records require revision: P. giganteus, P. lylei, and P. vampyrus are excluded from the country due to the lack of valid specimens. Taxonomic revision using morphometric and molecular evidence demonstrates that specimens previously identified as C. brachyotis in the Kunming Natural History Museum of Zoology should be C. sphinx. Based on this and combined with the current research status of this species in China, it is concluded that there is currently no valid record of C. brachyotis in China. This work provides a framework for taxonomic revisions in Chinese Pteropodidae.

ORIGINAL PAPERS

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Globally convergent relationships between relative brain mass and diversification rate in non-human primates and parrots

ZHANG Yizhou, YAO Yongfang, XIAO Hongtao, XIE Meng, WU Jiayun, NI Qingyong, YANG Shengzhi, XU Huailiang, XIONG Ying

2025, 45(4):  438-445.  DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150996

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Non-human primates and parrots have convergently evolved remarkable cognitive abilities compared to their close relatives. This advantage can facilitate ecological niche expansion and adaptation to new environments, thereby spurring species diversification. However, the connection between brain size and diversification rate on a global scale remains unknown in these two clades. Here, based on a brain dataset comprising 283 primate and 201 parrot species, we used phylogenetic and spatial analysis methods to uncover a convergently coupled relationship between relative brain mass and diversification rate, despite the opposing global patterns observed in primates and parrots. Climate factors exhibit a statistically significant but weak effect on relative brain size, which contrasts with previous findings at the species level. Furthermore, there is a significant positive association between the relative brain size and threat risk in the spatial distribution of parrots. Our results demonstrate that the evolutionary similarity in brain size plays a crucial role in shaping the spatial patterns of diversification rate across species, highlighting the need for increased concern and protection of regions with larger brain sizes.

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Trophic inches characteristic of plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae) in alpine meadows determined by stable isotope analysis

ZHOU Rui, SONG Meiling, WANG Yuqin, WANG Hongsheng, MA Yuan

2025, 45(4):  446-456.  DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150961

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Understanding the nutritional niche relationships of plateau pikas (Ochotona curzoniae) at different population densities is crucial for comprehending their impact on grassland ecosystems and defining their ecological significance. This study investigates the nutritional niche characteristics of plateau pikas in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau’s alpine meadow using stable isotope (¹³C and ¹⁵N) techniques. Results showed that ¹⁵N and ¹³C stable isotopes enrich the fastest in liver and muscle tissues and the slowest in fur and bones. High-density pika populations have significantly higher δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values than medium and low density populations. In the low, medium and high density populations, the trophic level (δ¹⁵N range, NR), dietary diversity (δ¹³C range, CR), convex polygon area (total area, TA), and corrected standard ellipse area (SEA_C) reflected in the bone and fur tissues of the plateau pika were all higher than those in muscle and liver tissues. In the medium density population, the NR, CR, TA, and SEA_C in liver, muscle, and fur tissues of the plateau pika were the largest, while in the low density population, the above four nutritional niche indicators reflected in the bone tissue of the plateau pika were the largest. Stable isotope niche widths in liver, muscle, and fur tissues are much broader in medium-density populations than in high- and low-density populations, with niche overlap across three population densities of plateau pika. Bone and fur tissues exhibit higher niche overlap than muscle and liver tissues. We speculate that medium-density pika populations benefit from moderate disturbance effect, resulting in higher dietary diversity, nutritional niche width and area, thus better habitat suitability. It is recommended that local forestry and grassland authorities monitor medium-density pika populations (relative population density: 24. 94% - 37. 21%) and implement appropriate control measures to prevent irreversible damage to grasslands from overly high densities.

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Effect of interscapular brown adipose tissue removal on immune function in female striped hamsters

XU Deli, WANG Yi, ZHANG Xueying, WANG Dehua

2025, 45(4):  457-467.  DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150989

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In order to understand the effect of thermogenic capacity on immune function in animals, female striped hamsters (Cricetulus barabensis) were randomly assigned into the warm interscapular brown adipose tissue (IBAT) sham-removed group (WS, n = 5), the cold IBAT sham-removed group (CS, n = 7), and the cold IBAT removed group (CS, n = 8). IBAT removal or gradually decreased temperature had no effect on body mass and body composition. However, low temperature reduced total body fat mass. IBAT removal did not affect organ wet masses including liver, thymus, and spleen, indicating there was no trade-off between thermogenesis and immunity at organ size levels. However, gradually decreased temperature increased the wet mass of small intestine and colon, the length of small intestine and total digestive tract, indicating the increase of the food processing and digestive capacities to satisfy the enhancement of energy requirements under the condition of low temperature. IBAT removal or gradually decreased temperature had no influence on the wet mass of thymus and spleen, the maximal phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) response, as well as the number of white blood cells, lymphocytes, intermediate granulocytes, and neutrophil granulocytes, suggesting that no trade-offs relationship might occur between immune function and thermogenic capacity. In summary, IBAT removal or gradually decreased temperature had no effect on immune function in striped hamsters.

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Life history traits in Apodemus agrarius in Guizhou Province

ZHANG Yizhen, BAI Zhijiang, WANG Tao, CHEN Yan, WANG Deng

2025, 45(4):  468-476.  DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150988

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Understanding animal life history traits is fundamental to grasp animal biological and, ecological processes and the mechanisms associated with them. In this study, Apodemus agrarius was trapped monthly in a stationary field in Yuqing County, Guizhou Province from 2016 to 2023. All captured rodents were dissected, and their body mass, sex and reproductive condition was recorded. For pregnant females, the number of fetuses was counted. Additionally, for all rodents captured in 2023, the degree of wear on the right chewing surfaces of the maxillary molars and estrus condition were recorded. A criterion of body mass for the age division in A. agrarius in the region was established depending on the reproduction and development condition of each animal. Based on the body mass criterion, we analyzed the age structure in each monthly population, and inferred the generations of each animal in each monthly population combining the monthly pattern in mean body weight of the population over 12 months. We further outlined the complete life history of A. agrarius in the region. The results showed that there are three generations in a complete life cycle of A. agrarius over one year. The breeding intensity exhibited a bimodal curve throughout the year, with the highest peaks occurring in April (spring period) and August (summer and fall period). Most of the animals born in the spring died out until January of the following year, with a life span of approximately 4 - 9 months. Most of the animals born in the summer and fall live through the winter, and developed into the parents in the spring breeding period of the following year; most of them died out until the period from May to July, with a life span of approximately 8 - 12 months. The alternation of generations through the cycle of reproduction, growth and development, and death in the species may represent the basic law of survival and reproduction of the population in A. agrarius distributed in the subtropical zone of China. The results provide fundamental data for further ecological studies in this species.

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Effects of female emigration on the affiliation relationships among individuals within OMU of the Qinling golden snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana)

SONG Yuting, DU Xiaobing, ZHANG Jing, YANG Yijun, BAO Lei, LI Baoguo, QI Xiaoguang

2025, 45(4):  477-484.  DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150974

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Animals continually seek survival and reproduction through migration. In a multi-level society, female golden snub-nosed monkeys migrate between one-male units (OMUs). Such migration may trigger a cascade of effects, impacting the stability and cohesion of the community. Affiliation is a complex social relationship formed by social animals to cope with challenges in both the natural and social environments. Studies have found that the immigration of females can affect the social affiliation relationships among family members, but the impact of female emigration remains unclear. Aiming to establish the relationship between female emigration and social affiliation, we selected provisioned Qinling golden snub-nosed monkeys as research object from 2017 to 2019 by recording their spatial proximity, behavior, and population changes and analyzing female emigration events at Yuhuangmiao village in the Zhouzhi National Nature Reserve in Qinling Mountains, China. The results indicate Kinship can influence female migration, and the average affiliation strength among family members increased after female emigration (Wilcoxon Sign Rank test, P = 0. 015, n = 9). This increase in affiliation strength was not due to the individual attributes of the emigrating females but rather a general enhancement in the average affiliation strength among family members following the emigration of any female. The tenure length of the dominant male and the degree of affiliation change among family members were negatively correlated (Pearson correlation analysis, r = -0. 677, P < 0. 01, n = 5). That is, the longer the tenure of the leader, the smaller the degree of change in the affiliation between family members. Female emigration is an effective behavioral strategy for maintaining internal stability within OMU and may provide valuable data for understanding the multi-level society of the Qinling golden snub-nosed monkeys.

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Two ways of new bisexual group formation in the white-headed langur

CHEN Xiaolu, LIU Yinshu, YI Bojun, ZHOU Qihai, LIU Ruoshuang, FAN Penglai

2025, 45(4):  485-491.  DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150990

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White-headed langurs (Trachypithecus leucocephalus) are endemic to China and inhabit the karst hill forests in the southwestern region of Guangxi. They exhibit two fundamental social organizations: one-male multi-female bisexual group and all-male group. However, the formation of bisexual groups has been insufficiently explored. Based on a long-period field observation, this study meticulously documented the male takeover process in white-headed langur and identifies two distinct shaped by female choice following male takeover. The first path involves female dispersal, leading to the splitting of a single group into two groups. Specifically, females with younger infants chose to stay with the displaced male, thereby reducing the risk of infanticide. In habitats with limited availability, two new groups took over the former group’s home range, which may represent a behavioral adaptation strategy for white-headed langurs. The second path is that females didn’t disperse after the male takeover. This way suggested that body mass of male white-headed langurs is an important factor in female choice. Despite the threat of infanticide, females selected the stronger male. The study revealed that the avoidance of infanticide and the preference for stronger male by females are pivotal driver force in the formation of new bisexual groups, emphasizing the critical influence of female choice. This research offers new insights into the social systems of white-headed langurs.

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Gender difference in gut microbiota composition of blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) on the eastern slope of the Helan Mountains between summer and winter

SUN Kai, ZHU Zhaoling, Naheya, HAO Shuxiang, LIANG Yongliang, XU Hao, Alima, LIU Zhen-sheng, TENG Liwei

2025, 45(4):  492-502.  DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150953

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The gut microbiota play an important role in regulating the physiological health of wild animals, and their composition can be influenced by a range of factors. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the field of gender differences in animal gut microbiota, yet relevant studies on blue sheep remain scarce. In this study, fresh feces were collected from blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) in the Helan Mountains using the line transect method during the summer and winter of 2017 in the Helan Mountain National Nature Reserve, Ningxia. The fecal samples from 81 non-repetitive individuals underwent 16S rRNA sequencing and were grouped according to season and gender. The objective was to investigate the differences in gut microbiota diversity and composition between the sexes of blue sheep inhabiting the eastern slopes of the Helan Mountains. Additionally, the study aimed to explore potential mechanisms through which gender influences gut microbiota. The results showed that Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the predominant phyla within the gut microbiota of blue sheep in the Helan Mountains. The alpha diversity analysis demonstrated that the Shannon index of the gut microbiota of female blue sheep was significantly higher than that of males during the summer (P < 0. 01), but there was no significant difference in the Chao1 and Shannon indices between male and female blue sheep during the winter (P > 0. 05). The PCoA and Anosim analyses revealed highly significant differences in the gut microbiota structure of male and female blue sheep, both in summer and winter (P < 0. 01). The results of the T-tests and LEfSe analyses revealed that the relative abundance of Firmicutes, Melainabacteria, Ruminococcaceae, Clostridia, and Clostridiales in females was significantly higher than that in males during the summer period, while the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes , Bacteroidia, Bacteroidales, Mailhella, Bacteroides, and Tyzzerella was significantly lower in females than in males (P < 0. 05). In winter, the abundance of Euryarchaeota, Proteobacteria, Methanocor pusculum, and Mailhella was found to be significantly higher in females than in males (P < 0. 05). Conversely, the abundance of Lachnospiraceae, Odoribacter, and unidentified_Christensenellaceae in males was significantly higher than that in females (P < 0. 05). This study indicated that there were highly significant differences in the composition structure of the gut microbiota between male and female blue sheep in the Helan Mountains during both summer and winter, but the gut microbiota differed was highly significant different only in summer. The observed phenomenon may be attributed to differences in the level of sex hormones, dietary habits, and physiological differences. This study aimed to explore the characteristics of gender differences in gut microbiota of blue sheep in the Helan Mountains across different seasons. The findings enrich the basic biological data of wild blue sheep, provide a theoretical basis for the in-depth study of the gut microbiota of blue sheep, and support the scientific protection of blue sheep within the nature reserve.

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The nutritional status of captive black muntjac (Muntiacus Crinifrons) in three regions based on body condition and fecal scores

ZHANG Yuekun, LIU He, LIU Ping, WEI Shan, LU Yanping, XI Fan, LU Yuliang, JIANG Zhi, LOU Yi, ZHANG Zhizhong

2025, 45(4):  503-512.  DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150952

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Body condition and fecal analysis serve as crucial indicators for assessing the health status of an animal. In the present study, we investigated the health status and nutritional level of captive black muntjacs (Muntiacus crinifrons). Body condition and feces evaluations were conducted on three captive populations in Beijing, Hangzhou and Hefei, and the effects of dietary structure on body characteristics and feces morphology were analyzed. The results reveal no significant correlation between body condition scores (BCS) and the contents of crude fat, crude fiber, and crude protein in the diet. Yet, a significant positive correlation emerged between BCS and age, suggesting that aging influences body condition. Further, BCS varied significantly among zoos. Under captive conditions, once the macronutrient requirements of black muntjacs were adequately met, their body condition scores demonstrated a correlation with the natural aging process. In addition, body condition scores were found to be associated with the specific captive environments and husbandry practices employed at the different zoos. As such, body condition scores in this species are impacted by a diverse array of influential factors. The fecal scores (FS) of black muntjacs primarily remained normal, but there was a borderline statistical significance among the three collections (P = 0. 054). The fecal scores were significantly positively correlated with dietary crude fat and crude fiber, and negatively correlated with the crude protein during winter, indicating that dietary composition affects fecal consistency. Gender also played a role, with females exhibiting lower FS and more frequent loose stools. On the other hand, there was no correlation between FS and age. The three zoos employed slightly different breeding methods and feed structures for the captive black muntjac populations, resulting in notable differences in the body condition and fecal status of the animals across these sites. Specifically, the body condition and fecal scores at Hefei Wildlife Park were found to be closest to the ideal levels, suggesting that the nutritional structure of the diet provided at this zoo was relatively balanced compared to the other two facilities. Recommendations for dietary adjustments include reducing the fatty components of feed at Beijing Zoo and increasing protein and minerals during summer. Hangzhou Zoo should focus on minimizing corn and other concentrated feeds, while boosting roughage and cellulose intake. In summary, the health and nutritional status of captive black muntjacs were quantified based on body condition and fecal analysis. The present study is expected to provide technical support for optimizing feed composition, establishing a health assessment and monitoring system for black muntjacs, and ultimately enhancing the overall animal welfare of this species under captive conditions. The findings offer new insights and valuable guidelines that can inform and direct conservation efforts for rare and endangered ungulate species, such as the black muntjac.

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Infrared camera monitoring and daily activity rhythm analysis of birds and mammals in the Hunan Dupangling National Nature Reserve

GUI Jian, CAO Yue, PAN Dan, LI Jiaqi, LI Keyuan, LIU Xiang, LI Shiru, YANG Mengdie, YANG Daode

2025, 45(4):  513-526.  DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150914

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To investigate the current status of avian and mammalian diversity and the activity rhythms of representative species in the Hunan Dupangling National Nature Reserve, a systematic camera-trapping survey was conducted from January 2017 to April 2020. A total of 60 infrared cameras were deployed across the northern section of Dupangling and the Tanliyuan Forest Farm, yielding 46 911 effective camera trap days and 5 562 independent valid photo captures. In total, 14 mammal species from 10 families within 4 orders and 63 bird species from 22 families within 8 orders were identified. Among these, two species are listed as Class Ⅰ and 14 species as Class Ⅱ nationally protected wildlife in China. The top three mammal species in terms of relative abundance index (RAI) were Dremomys pyrrhomerus (15. 03), Elaphodus cephalophus (11. 00), and Tamiops maritimus (6. 57), while the top three bird species were Lophura nycthemera (13. 60), Bambusicola thoracicus (3. 62), and Chrysolophus pictus (3. 56). An analysis of the daily activity rhythms of eight widely distributed and relatively abundant species revealed the following patterns: (1) Melogale moschata exhibited a typical nocturnal activity pattern; Elaphodus cephalophus was crepuscular; and Sus scrofa exhibited cathemeral activity, being active both during the day and at night. (2) The activity rhythms of Elaphodus cephalophus and Sus scrofa differed significantly, whereas those of Dremomys pyrrhomerus and Tamiops maritimus were highly similar with no significant differences. (3) The activity rhythms of Bambusicola thoracicus differed significantly from those of both Lophura nycthemera and Chrysolophus pictus, Lophura nycthemera and Chrysolophus pictus exhibited highly similar patterns with no significant differences. The mechanisms facilitating the coexistence of these species, such as spatial distribution, dietary preferences, anthropogenic disturbance, and social or breeding behaviors: warrant further investigation. This monitoring effort has updated the baseline data on avian and mammalian diversity in the Hunan Dupangling National Nature Reserve and provides essential scientific support for the development of effective wildlife conservation and management strategies.

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Effectiveness and economic-ecological analysis of wild boar damage prevention and control measures from the perspective of human-wildlife conflict

JU Yige, ZHANG Zhengyi, YANG Yongxin, Menghedalai, HE Wei, ZHANG Shuli

2025, 45(4):  527-536.  DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150893

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Human-wildlife conflict is an important issue for wildlife management and environmental protection. With the removal of wild boar (Sus scrofa) from the list of‘three species’, it is vital to evaluate the effectiveness of prevention and control measures against wild boar and to conduct cost-benefit analysis at both economic and ecological levels. From August 21st to October 9th in 2022 and 2023, 82 cameras were set up in 28 sample plots in the Hanshan and Heilihe Forest Farms. Effectiveness evaluation, Kruskal-Wallis test, cost-benefit analysis, and replicability analysis were used to conclude that the use of the prevention and control measure was significantly more effective than the blank control measure. The use of the prevention and control measure alone is better than the stacked use, and the infrared sensor alarm is the locally optimal measure with better economic and ecological benefits and replicability. We hope to provide economically and ecologically feasible solutions for areas affected by wild boar, and to better manage human-animal conflicts.

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Taxonomic status of a small white-toothed shrew (Crocidura sp.) distributed in Guizhou Province

LIU Zhu, ZHANG Lu, GUO Qiuying, ZHANG Zhihui, JIANG Wenjing, TIAN Xinmin, JIN Zhimin, ZHANG Junsheng

2025, 45(4):  537-547.  DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150936

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From 2018 to 2023, 25 unidentified specimens of the genus Crocidura were collected from Yejiao Township, Qixingguan District, Bijie City and Munike Village, Yangmei Township, Liupanshui City, Guizhou Province, China. The phylogenetic tree shows the Guizhou specimens clustered in a branch with 100% confidence, based on the mitochondrial Cyt b gene, and were sister to Crocidura wuchihensis GX clade with 90% confidence. The genetic distance between the Guizhou specimens and other species of Crocidura is 0. 070 2 - 0. 181 7. The Guizhou specimens have the smallest genetic distance (0. 070 2) from C. wuchihensis GX. This genetic distance is significantly greater than the genetic distance between C. attenuata and C. anhuiensis (0. 036 5), between C. rapax and C. anhuiensis (0. 037 6), between C. kurodai and C.lasiura (0. 041 0), and between C. rapax and C. attenuata (0. 049 0). There are some morphological differences between the Guizhou specimens and other smaller species of Crocidura, which are known to be possibly distributed in southern China, such as C. shantungensis, C. dongyangjiangensis, C. wuchihensis HN, and C. wuchihensis GX. The morphology of the Guizhou specimens is consistent with that of C. ilensis phaeopus. In view of the obvious distinguishing characteristics in morphology and the molecular results, the Guizhou specimens are treated as a species unit and should be named C. phaeopus. Morphological characteristics of C. phaeopus include small body size (head and body length 48. 1 - 63. 6 mm); long tail (tail length 31. 5 - 46. 9 mm), and small skull (greatest length of skull 15. 68 - 16. 91 mm; condyloincisive length 14. 78 - 15. 84 mm; palatoincisive length 6. 43 - 7. 34 mm; upper toothrow length 6. 21 - 6. 70 mm; lower toothrow length 6. 04 - 6. 69 mm). The dorsum is deep dark brown and the venter is dark gray. The dorsum of the front and back feet is dark brown.

SCIENTIFIC NOTES

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The first record of Kuznetsov’s mole (Euroscaptor kuznetsovi) in Guangdong, China

XIE Sining, LIU Enhui, HUANG Qi, LU Qiuqin, WANG Yingyong, HE Kai

2025, 45(4):  548-552.  DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150921

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On October 23, 2022, a mole specimen (GZHU: SG220601) was collected in Renhua County, Shaoguan City, Guangdong Province (113°40′30. 12″E, 25°11′15. 75″N, altitude 177 m). The skull of this specimen has a wide snout and a relatively forward auditory bulla. It has three lower incisors, and the posterolingual edge of P4 is deeply concave and V-shaped. These morphological characteristics are consistent with those of Euroscaptor kuznetsovi. A maximum likelihood (ML) tree constructed using mitochondrial CYTB confirms that this specimen belongs to the E. kuznetsovi clade (support rate 81%) and is closely related to specimens from Jiangxi and Zhejiang (support rate 100%). The genetic difference between SG220601 and topotype specimens is approximately 4. 1% (p-distance), while the difference between SG220601 and specimens from Jiangxi and Zhejiang is about 1. 4% (p-distance). The above evidence supports the identification of SG220601 as E. kuznetsovi, representing the first record of this species in Guangdong Province and the second Talpid mole species recorded in the region.

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Afro-Asiatic wildcat (Felis lybica) found in Zhongwei Shapotou National Nature Reserve, Ningxia

WANG Xiulei, ZHANG Bo, CHANG Qing, SUN Xiangbo, ZHOU Quan, ZHANG Sujuan, LI Jia

2025, 45(4):  553-558.  DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150962

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From October 2022 to December 2023, we deployed camera trapping survey of wildlife diversity in Ningxia Zhongwei Shapotou National Nature Reserve, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China. Our study obtained 79 independent detections of Afro-Asiatic wildcat (Felis lybica) across 35 sites in Shapotou Reserve. Morphologically similar to domestic cat (F. catus), the Afro-Asiatic wildcat is distinguished by its light yellow coat, white ventral belly, and irregular black spots covering the body, a key diagnostic feature distinguishing it from other wildcat lineages, which typically exhibit striped patterns. The ears stand up in a triangular shape with brown frown at the tips, and a tail marked by alternating black-and-white rings, tapering to a pointed tip. Listed as Endangered on Red List of China’s Biodiversity and classified as a class Ⅱ state key protected wild animals in China, the Afro-Asiatic wildcat faces significant threats from habitat alteration, anthropogenic mortality, and genetic introgression due to hybridization with domestic cat. Historically, Afro-Asiatic wildcat has been restricted to deserts and arid grassland ecosystems in Xinjiang and Gansu, with no confirmed recent records in other regions of China over the past two decades. Our findings represent the first documented video evidence of Afro-Asiatic wildcat in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, providing critical insights into regional biodiversity and species conservation. This discovery not only enhances our understanding of the species’distribution in China but also establishes a foundational dataset for future research and conservation planning.