Table of Content

30 September 2025, Volume 45 Issue 5

Previous Issue    Next Issue

For Selected:

Download Citations EndNote Ris BibTeX

Toggle Thumbnails

REVIEWS

Select

Advances in conservation research of large- and medium-sized terrestrial mammals in China

NIE Yonggang, ZHANG Chao, GAO Huayao, LIU Hanqing, XIE Bing

2025, 45(5):  559-576.  DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.151101

Asbtract ( )   HTML ( )   PDF (2124KB) ( )  

References | Related Articles | Metrics

As one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, China is home to more than 700 mammal species, including flagship species such as giant pandas, snow leopards, snub-nosed monkeys, and Tibetan antelopes. However, exacerbated by climate change and expanding human activities, many large- and medium-sized mammals face severe survival threats, necessitating systematic conservation research. In recent decades, with continuous advancements in research methodologies and technologies, Chinese scientists have achieved a series of groundbreaking research outcomes in mammalian conservation, providing critical foundations for developing scientific management and protection strategies. This paper systematically reviews research progress in the conservation of China’s large- and medium-sized terrestrial mammals from 2010 to 2025, covering aspects such as behavioral and physiological adaptations, population dynamics and species coexistence mechanisms, gut microbiota-host co-adaptation, disease prevention and control, and genetic and adaptive evolution. Looking ahead, it is essential to strengthen research on holistic ecosystem conservation, promote interdisciplinary integration, and actively develop and apply emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. By systematically elucidating the impact of environmental changes on large- and medium-sized mammals, these efforts will guide scientifically informed conservation management to address the increasingly severe challenges of biodiversity conservation challenges.

Select

Advances in conservation ecology of Chinese pangolins

HUA Yan, GAO Haiyang, WANG Kai, DOU Hongliang, LI Jun, GUO Ce, SUN Song, AN Fuyu, TANG Lin, LI Yongzheng, ZHANG Zhidong, YANG Wenshan

2025, 45(5):  577-592.  DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150985

Asbtract ( )   HTML ( )   PDF (1968KB) ( )  

References | Related Articles | Metrics

The Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla), a Class I protected species in China, faces critical endangerment due to anthropogenic pressures, habitat degradation, and climate change. Except for Taiwan, the distribution range of Chinese pangolins in China has significantly decreased. The Chinese pangolin’s suitable habitats are shaped by an intricate interplay of factors including vegetation, human activity, climate, and topography. Chinese pangolins are an enigmatic, nocturnal species and possess modest home ranges and subsist primarily on a diet of termites and ants. Their burrowing behavior alters soil structure, enhances forest habitat heterogeneity, and provides additional resources for sympatric species, making them important ecosystem engineers in forest ecosystems. While ex-situ conservation through artificial breeding serves as a crucial complement to in-situ efforts, it presents critical challenges, including low survival rates of rescued individuals, enhanced disease susceptibility, difficulties in formulating appropriate artificial diets, poor sperm quality, and low offspring viability. The primary threats to Chinese pangolins encompass poaching, habitat fragmentation and loss, limited genetic dispersal, and the risk of extinction due to critically small populations. To address these multifaceted challenges, comprehensive conservation strategies need to be developed meticulously, such as bolstering law enforcement, advancing scientific research, safeguarding habitats, refining artificial breeding techniques, enhancing public awareness and education, and fostering international collaboration. Through the concerted implementation of these conservation measures, it is anticipated that the conservation scenario for Chinese pangolins will improve significantly, potentially leading to a gradual recovery of its population size.

Select

Some key questions of ecological impacts of free ranging cats

LI Zhongqiu

2025, 45(5):  593-601.  DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150967

Asbtract ( )   HTML ( )   PDF (1938KB) ( )  

References | Related Articles | Metrics

Domestic cats, originally from the Near East, have proliferated globally alongside human migration, establishing substantial populations of free-ranging cats. These feline populations have profound ecological ramifications for both island and continental ecosystems, encompassing direct predation, fear-mediated indirect predation, competition for resources with predators at the same trophic level, disease transmission, and genetic infiltration. Gaining a thorough understanding of the fundamental biology of free-ranging cats is essential for mitigating these impacts, including their population dynamics, reproductive behaviors, and adaptive strategies. While trap-neuter-return (TNR) is a widely adopted management strategy for free-ranging cats, its necessity and effectiveness in wildlife conservation remain contentious. This paper delves into scientific research areas such as free-ranging cat population assessment, ecological impact evaluation, disease risk, and the cultural and managerial aspects of cats. We also present specific recommendations regarding pet registration, breeding regulations, animal welfare, and shelter policies. We hope that these suggestions will provide scientific evidence and practical guidance for effective free-ranging cat management and the conservation of wildlife in the future.

ORIGINAL PAPERS

Select

Habitat suitability analysis for four wild ungulates in Sanjiangyuan National Park under different climate change scenarios

WANG Zihan, WANG Dong, HOU Luyi, LI Quanbang, LI Qiqin, WEI Haijuan, LIAN Xinming

2025, 45(5):  602-614.  DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150963

Asbtract ( )   HTML ( )   PDF (13432KB) ( )  

References | Related Articles | Metrics

Climate change and human activities have direct or indirect impacts on the distribution and abundance of species, particularly on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. Wild ungulates are vital components of the ecosystem, with their habitat and living conditions playing a decisive role in maintaining ecological balance and stability. Predicting the effects of climate change on their distribution range can provide a scientific basis and reference for the conservation of wild ungulates and habitat restoration in key areas. This study specifically focuses on four species of wild ungulates in Sanjiangyuan National Park, Tibetan gazelle (Procapra picticaudata), Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii), kiang (Equus kiang), and wild yak (Bos mutus). By utilizing the MaxEnt model and ArcGIS software, we conducted an analysis to determine the potential geographical distribution of these four species. Subsequently, we predicted dynamic changes in their habitat suitability and geographical range under two scenarios: low and high carbon emissions for the 2050s and 2070s. The findings revealed that the suitable habitat area for Tibetan gazelle accounted for 52. 22% of the total park area, while corresponding proportions for Tibetan antelope, kiang, and wild yak were 13. 71%, 19. 23%, and 9. 22% respectively. Multiple variables influenced the distribution of these four species. Notably, precipitation-related factors significantly impacted habitat selection by Tibetan gazelle and antelope populations and the antelope demonstrated some adaptability to human activities as well. In the face of future climate change, all four wild ungulates are experiencing a decline in suitable habitats, with the Tibetan antelope being particularly affected by the highest carbon emission concentration scenario. Furthermore, there is a noticeable trend among these species to migrate towards higher latitudes. Although the Sanjiangyuan National Park has encompassed most of the habitats for the four ungulate species, it remains essential to develop tailored protection and management strategies for each species. Specifically, proactive measures such as vegetation restoration should be implemented in habitats that have been or may become damaged to enhance the ecological environment’s quality and provide a more suitable living space for these wild ungulates.

Select

Impacts of climate and land-use changes on suitable habitats for Felis silvestris ornate in the Tarim Basin

LI Huihuang, ZHUO Yingying, Batubayier, DOU Ziwei, SHARMA Sabina Koirala, WANG Muyang, YANG Weikang

2025, 45(5):  615-628.  DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150958

Asbtract ( )   HTML ( )   PDF (21587KB) ( )  

References | Related Articles | Metrics

Climate and land-use changes are primary drivers of shifts in species ranges. Conducting relevant research can provide scientific supports for conservation planning and management of endangered species. Felis silvestris ornate, listed as a Second Class species in the National Key Protected Wild Animals in China, remains relatively understudied. This study focuses on the Tarim Basin of Xinjiang as the research area and employs the MaxEnt model to predict the potential suitable habitats of Felis silvestris ornate under current and future 2041-2070 (2050s), 2071-2100 (2080s) climate and land-use change scenarios. The research aims to reveal the distribution pattern of suitable habitats for the species, explore the influencing factors, and conduct an analysis of conservation gaps. The results showed that models had the smallest AICc value with regularization multiplier (RM) = 3. 0 and feature combination (FC) = LQHP. Averaged AUC value of the best-fitted model was 0. 962 indicating high model performance. The current area of suitable habitats for Felis silvestris ornate is 61 456 km², mainly concentrated in the northern and western parts of the Tarim basin, accounting for 6. 03% of the total area. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), land-use types, and average annual temperature are the most important factors affecting the distribution of suitable habitats for Felis silvestris ornate. In the future, the area of suitable habitat for Felis silvestris ornate will increase to varying degrees. By 2080s (SSP585), the area of suitable habitats will increase by 63. 05% compared to the current area, mainly located in the northern part of the basin. Conservation gap analysis revealed that only 6. 90% and 5. 30% of the suitable habitat area for the Felis silvestris ornate is covered by the nature reserves in the current and future periods, respectively, indicating that the conservation effectiveness of the nature reserve is low in both periods. This study analyzed the dynamic changes in suitable habitats of Felis silvestris ornate in the Tarim Basin under the background of climate and land-use changes, along with its influencing factors, providing solid data support for the conservation and management of this species.

Select

Suitable distribution area and activity patterns study of Asiatic black bear in the Yarlung Zangbo River basin

LYU Yonglei, WANG Weibo, CUI Yaqian, LIU Ying, ZHOU Wei, WANG Yuan, LIU Feng, WANG Guanglong, HU Jingjing, Pubudunzhu, Bianbaduoji, Danzeng, HU Kai, WANG Xiao-chuan, WEN Zhixin, YANG Qisen

2025, 45(5):  629-640.  DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.151021

Asbtract ( )   HTML ( )   PDF (19161KB) ( )  

References | Related Articles | Metrics

The Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus), belonging to the family Ursidae within the Carnivora order, is classified as a second-class protected wild animal in China. Unfortunately, its population size and distribution range are declining due to habitat fragmentation caused by human activities, intensifying conflicts between humans and bears. To understand the distribution patterns of Asian black bears in the Yarlung Zangbo River basin, we employed the MaxEnt model to analyze its current habitat distribution and influencing factors based on long-term camera trap and field survey data, in conjunction with elevation, aspect, slope and 19 bioclimatic variables. Furthermore, we predicted the trend of habitat change under different future climate change scenarios within this region and investigated the daily and monthly activity patterns using recorded data from camera traps. We found that the AUC value of the best fitted MaxEnt model was 0. 972, indicating high accuracy after screening for climate and terrain factors. The key factors affecting the distribution of Asiatic black bears were altitude, temperature annual range, and precipitation of warmest quarter. Currently suitable distribution areas for Asiatic black bears are mainly concentrated in the Nyingchi region, with a smaller portion distributed in Shigatse and Shannan regions. With increasing temperatures in the future, suitable areas would not change significantly, but they will migrate to higher altitude along Yarlung Zangbo River and its tributaries. The activity pattern of Asiatic black bears in the Yarlung Zangbo River basin was primarily characterized by crepuscular behavior, with peak activity intensity observed during the summer and autumn seasons. This study provides basic data for comprehending the present and future distribution patterns as well as behavioral tendencies of Asiatic black bears. Furthermore, it offers theoretical insights for future conservation and management efforts aimed at mitigating human-bear conflicts in the Yarlung Zangbo River basin.

Select

Suitable habitat and daily activity patterns of Ursus thibetanus in Zhaotong, Yunnan Province

CHEN Ting, LI Binqiang, LIAO Zhenghang, LI Wei, PENG Can

2025, 45(5):  641-654.  DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.151010

Asbtract ( )   HTML ( )   PDF (41882KB) ( )  

References | Related Articles | Metrics

Understanding the spatial and temporal patterns of species, along with their influencing factors, is crucial for effective species conservation and habitat management. To evaluate the suitable habitat distribution and activity patterns of Ursus thibetanus in Zhaotong, Yunnan Province, we deployed 246 infrared cameras to monitor bears from August 2020 to February 2023. We constructed a MaxEnt model using the distribution data collected from the camera traps and relevant news reports to analyze the suitable habitats for Ursus thibetanus. Additionally, we assessed the daily activity patterns of the bears using kernel density estimation based on the time data captured by the cameras. The results showed that distance to cultivated land, mean diurnal range, temperature annual range, and precipitation of wettest month were the main environmental factors affecting the habitat selection of Ursus thibetanus. These factors collectively accounted for a contribution rate of 87. 6%. The suitable habitats for Ursus thibetanus are mainly distributed in the intersection of Yiliang, Daguan, Yongshan, Yanjin, Suijiang, and Shuifu counties, with an area of 245 508 hm². Furthermore, the analysis of the protection gap indicates that the suitable habitat area of Ursus thibetanus in the nature reserve is 57 652 hm², accounting for 23. 48% of the suitable habitat of Ursus thibetanus in Zhaotong. Black bears have frequent activities in summer and autumn, with significant differences in seasonal activity intensity. The activity peak period of Ursus thibetanus is from May to October, and the average low temperature is the main factor affecting their monthly activity. Black bears exhibit morning and evening activity mode, with peaks of activity between 06: 00 - 10: 00 and 16: 00 - 20: 00. The results reveal the temporal and spatial distribution pattern of Ursus thibetanus in Zhaotong, Yunnan Province, and provide references for habitat protection and management of this species.

Select

Analysis of patterns and human-related factors influencing brown bears’ incursions into human-settled areas within Sanjiangyuan National Park

LI Quanbang, WANG Dong, WEI Haijuan, NIU Shaopeng, LIAN Xinming

2025, 45(5):  655-667.  DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.151001

Asbtract ( )   HTML ( )   PDF (16861KB) ( )  

References | Related Articles | Metrics

In recent years, human-bear conflicts resulting from the incursion of brown bears (Ursus arctos) into human dwellings have emerged as substantial challenges to the implementation of ecological civilization and livelihood improvement initiatives in Sanjiangyuan National Park. Concurrently, the paucity of research on local brown bear behavior and their spatiotemporal responses to human activities has exacerbated the difficulties in managing these conflicts effectively. In this study, conducted from April 2022 to April 2023, twenty camera sites were established in Longma Village, Yege Township, Qumalai County, Qinghai Province. Using infrared camera trap technology over a total of 4 781 effective camera working days, we collected activity data on brown bears, free-roaming dogs, and human presence. The study analyzed the spatiotemporal patterns and human-related influencing factors associated with brown bear incursions into human-settled areas. We found that the proportion of brown bears recorded incursion behaviors reached as high as 79. 56% and the animals entering human dwellings were primarily solitary individuals. Among these incursion activities, the success rate of finding food was 60. 55%. The intrusion activity of brown bear occurred at night, with peak activity observed between 22: 00 and 01: 00. Annual peaks in activity were noted in April and July. In human-inhabited environments, both human and free-roaming dog activities predominantly occurred during the daytime, resulting in a high temporal overlap index. In contrast, the indices measuring temporal overlap between the nocturnal activities of brown bears and the diurnal activities of free-roaming dogs and humans were markedly lower. A significant negative correlation was observed between the intensity of brown bear break-in incursion activities and human activity on a daily timescale. Conversely, long-term correlations revealed significant positive associations between bear intrusions and the activity levels of both humans and free-roaming dogs. Based on the findings of this study, strict management of human-related foods and relevant waste are recommended. This should be complemented by promoting the development and utilization of reinforced housing structures, bear-proof garbage cans, and secure food storage containers. These measures aim to minimize the accessibility of human food and waste to brown bears, thereby reducing their intrusive behaviors and mitigating human-bear conflicts.

Select

Microhabitat and den site selection of Asiatic black bears in Wangqing National Nature Reserve, Jilin, China

DU Hairong, ZHANG Minghai

2025, 45(5):  668-680.  DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.151011

Asbtract ( )   HTML ( )   PDF (13658KB) ( )  

References | Related Articles | Metrics

In the northeastern region of China, winter is characterized by a snow-covered period that can last up to half a year, with frigid temperatures and scarce food resources. To cope with these harsh environments, Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) hibernate during most of the winter, a period that also coincides with their breeding and early cub-rearing phase. Therefore, hibernation is crucial for the stability of populations in this region, and suitable dens are essential for successful hibernation. This study, conducted between 2015 and 2019 in the Wangqing National Nature Reserve in Jilin Province, identified 24 dens sites through field surveys. Using descriptive statistics, principal component analysis (PCA), and random forest modeling, we examined den structure, microhabitat, and denning habitat to explore the factors influencing den selection and the environmental factors affecting den site choice, thereby revealing the relationship between the microhabitat, denning environment, and den selection. We found that the trees selected for denning were primarily Populus cathayana, indicating a relatively narrow range of tree species compared to other studies. The denning trees had a diameter at breast height (DBH) of approximately (122. 89 ± 13. 60) cm, with den entrances measuring about (39. 26 ± 6. 62) cm in diameter. The orientation of the den entrances fell within the range of solar altitude and was sheltered from the wind, suggesting that temperature plays a significant role in den entrance selection. Entrance orientation accounted for most of the first principal component, and the DBH and entrance size constituted the second principal component. Together, these two components accounted for 0. 85 of the total variance, indicating that entrance orientation, DBH, and entrance size are the primary factors considered in den selection. The main factors influencing den site habitat selection included the distance to rivers, distance to major roads, gross primary productivity (GPP) in October, and distance to human settlements. The ecological significance of these factors suggests that the primary considerations in den site selection are safety, insulation, and access to food resources. This study provides scientific support for the conservation and restoration of denning habitats for Asiatic black bears in northeastern China.

Select

The impacts evaluation of whale-watching vessels on Bryde’s whales and implications for whale-watching regulations

CHEN Bingyao, SUN Jing, MAO Baoneng, GUAN Zehua, JIANG Xinyue, WANG Jing

2025, 45(5):  681-693.  DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150991

Asbtract ( )   HTML ( )   PDF (6438KB) ( )  

References | Related Articles | Metrics

The Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera edeni edeni) around Weizhou Island, Beihai, Guangxi, is the only permanent large whale species in the coastal waters of China and represents the largest known nearshore population of Bryde’s whale in the world. Since 2018, when Bryde’s whales were first reported, the whale-watching tourism has greatly expanded. However, the lack of scientific whale-watching guidance and regulation on whale-watching tourism has likely negative impacts on Bryde’s whales, highlighting the urgent need for impact assessments and scientific whale-watching regulations. Based on direct monitoring from 2022 to 2024, we found that 73. 5% of vessels exhibited a range of problematic behaviors, such as running directly at whales or honking or chasing them too closely. The average number of vessels around whales exceeded five, with a maximum of 24 vessels, and the average whale-watching time was (38. 6 ± 20. 86) min. Vessels approaching Bryde’s whale in parallel pattern caused the lowest whales’avoidance response (30. 34%), whereas direct or turning approaching patterns (35. 35%) caused the strongest reactions, with avoidance response exceeding 60. 00%. When only 1 - 2 vessels were presented around whales, the neutrality response attained 66. 72%, with the lowest proportion of avoidance response. When the distance between Bryde’s whale and vessels was less than 100 m, avoidance response increased to 56. 97%. As the distance increased, the proportion of avoidance response reduced, dropping to 10. 64% when vessels were more than 300 m distant. Based on the results of this study and referring to 30 global whale-watching regulations, as well as communication with local authorities and practitioners, important parameters of whale-watching practices were analyzed, providing a scientific basis for the effective protection of Bryde’s whales around Weizhou Island.

Select

Assessment of the population size and body scarring of Bryde’s whales in the coastal waters off Weizhou Island, China

SUN Xiaodong, ZHANG Yaoyao, NONG Zhiwen, ZHENG Yang, CHEN Mo, ZHENG Jin-song, WANG Ding, MEI Zhigang

2025, 45(5):  694-706.  DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.150938

Asbtract ( )   HTML ( )   PDF (18140KB) ( )  

References | Related Articles | Metrics

The Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera edeni) is a Class I key protected species in China, and recent surveys have shown the existence of a stable population in the waters off Weizhou Island in Beibu Gulf, which is currently the only stable population of large baleen whales near the coast of China’s mainland. Our team conducted a photo-identification study in the waters near Weizhou Island from March 2018 to February 2023 and obtained a total of 70 600 pictures. Among them, we recorded 44 724 clear pictures of Bryde’s whales and identified 59 individual Bryde’s whales by dorsal fin notching. However, the individual identification database curve has not yet reached a plateau, and new individuals are still being identified every year. The POPAN model was used to estimate the population size of Bryde’s whales on Weizhou Island to be 89 individuals (CV = 0. 14, 95% CI = 59 - 123). The average annual recapture rate of the Bryde’s whale population in the waters of Weizhou Island during 2018 - 2023 was 35. 8%, and the results of multi-year comparisons showed that 29 individuals (49. 2% of the total) had a higher level of habitat fidelity. Based on body surface injuries, the main injuries were identified as coming from entanglement in net gear and ship strikes. The estimated minimum injury rate for Bryde’s whales in the Weizhou waters during the period 2021 - 2023 was 26. 3% (n = 59, 95% CI = 13. 3% - 39. 3%), and the maximum injury rate was 61. 4% (95% CI = 51. 0% - 71. 8%), suggesting that there is a clear risk of anthropogenic coercion to Bryde’s whales in the Weizhou waters. We call for further strengthening the monitoring and research on the population of Bryde’s whales in the waters of Weizhou Island, as well as the strict implementation of various types of anthropogenic controls to mitigate the threats to the survival of their population.

Select

Research on the adaptation of reintroduced giant pandas to the natural environment

YU Xiang, BI Wenlei, HOU Rong, LIU Jiabin, LI Zusheng, FU Mingxia, WU Wei, MA Rui, CHEN Chao, MO Li, SONG Xinqiang, WANG Wei, YANG Hong, ZHANG Qian, QI Dunwu

2025, 45(5):  707-716.  DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.151007

Asbtract ( )   HTML ( )   PDF (12279KB) ( )  

References | Related Articles | Metrics

Animal rewilding is an important means to maintain the long-term survival of endangered wildlife populations. For captive animals, how to quickly adapt to the complex wild environment is an important guarantee for successful survival. Therefore, knowing habitat preference, activity patterns, and utilization of environmental factors is helpful to clarify the process of ecological adaptation of reintroduced animals. In this study, we focused on the preferred habitat within 6 months, home range size, daily movement distance, and use of environmental factors within 12 months of a reintroduced giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). After 6 months later, the reintroduced giant panda showed the similar habitat preference as wild giant pandas in the same area (the coincidence ratio up to 66%), with a utilization (2 721. 3 ± 66. 9) m altitude in the end of one year. Also, the reintroduced giant panda exhibited a 4. 5 km² home range, moved (293. 2 ± 420. 2) m average distance daily, used a 20. 0° median average slope of the active area in sunny slope and semisunny slope areas. Based on the results, we divide the adaptation process in 4 stages: exploratory period (1 - 31 d), initial stable period (32 - 61 d), wandering period (62 - 91 d), and stable period (after 92 d), after which the reintroduced individual was well adapted to the wild environment. Our study indicates that releasing adult captive females and extending the rewilding training period may benefit reintroduced giant pandas to enter a stable stage in a relatively short period, thereby improving the success rate of reintroduction. The results of this study can provide a basis for further optimization of captive giant panda rewilding training and monitoring programs.

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Select

A preliminary study of endozoochorous lichen dispersal by golden snubnosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana) in Shennongjia, central China

QIN Jianyong, WANG Qin, YAO Hui, YU Yang, XIANG Zuofu

2025, 45(5):  717-722.  DOI: 10.16829/j.slxb.151081

Asbtract ( )   HTML ( )   PDF (5218KB) ( )  

References | Related Articles | Metrics

Golden snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana) mainly feed on leaves, seeds, and fruits. They may also feed on lichens (Usnea diffracta) as staple food when preferred foods are in shortage. Although studies have shown that R. roxellana is a seed disperser, its role as lichen disperser remains unclear. In this study, we cultured fresh fecal samples from wild populations of R. roxellana from Shennongjia, China in the laboratory. We found green algae and ascomycetes, which are mainly composed of lichens, which implies that R. roxellana is a potential disperser of lichen. By feeding captive golden snub-nosed monkeys lichens labeled with non-toxic plastic tabs, we found that the weighted retention time of lichens was (62. 9 ± 7. 0) h (n = 3), suggesting that R. roxellana may be a potential long-distance disperser of lichens given its longer daily travel distance. Therefore, this study significantly increases our understanding of the ecological role of R. roxellana as seed and lichen dispersal vectors in temperate forests, which may contribute to forest restoration and lichen renewal.