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The Bali myna Leucopsar rothschildi has long suffered heavy trapping, leading to its near extinction in the wild and categorization as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Decades of conservation breeding, release of birds and post-release management at Bali Barat National Park have, until recently, failed to secure a viable wild population. However, over the past decade, population increases, expansion into new areas of the National Park and beyond, and successful breeding in both artificial and natural nest sites have occurred. These recent successes are associated with a change in approach by the National Park authority from concentrating efforts on the last refugium of the species (an area protected from trapping but with potentially suboptimal habitat) and towards the human-dominated landscapes around the main road through the National Park. Bali mynas tended to favour areas with extensive shorter grass cover and open canopies and to shun denser woodland. Anthropogenic landscapes such as farmland and plantations presumably mimic the original savannah habitat of the species, but nestbox provision has probably been crucial in these areas in the absence of natural cavities. A potential further factor in the increases in myna numbers and range has been a scheme involving local people in commercial breeding of the species, thereby reducing its market price, and working with communities to reduce trapping pressure. We encourage continuing operation of this management strategy inside the National Park and its further extension into adjacent tourist areas, which appear to have myna-friendly socio-ecological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insectivores (Eulypotiphla) are a substantial component of Russian forest ecosystems. The parasites of these animals also form an important part of natural biocenoses and act as one of the factors in the formation of biodiversity. The Mordovia Nature Reserve and National Park "Smolny" are large, forested areas located in the center of European Russia. We studied the helminth fauna of insectivores in these protected areas in 2018–2022. In total, using the method of complete helminthological necropsy, we examined 478 individuals of shrews, moles, and hedgehogs and recorded 34 species of parasitic worms, i.e., 8 trematode, 7 cestode, 1 acanthocephalan, and 18 nematode species. The most diverse helminth fauna was found in Sorex araneus (22 species). The composition of helminths in S. isodon (12), Neomys fodiens (9), Sorex minutus, and Erinaceus roumanicus (8 species each) turned out to be less diverse. The lowest species diversity of helminths was observed in Neomys milleri (3) and Talpae europaea (2 species). Taking into account the newly obtained data, we conducted a review of the helminth diversity in shrews, hedgehogs, and moles in the Middle Volga region. According to our literature data, the helminth fauna of insectivores in this region consists of 52 species, including 14 cestodes, 13 trematodes, 22 nematodes, and 3 acanthocephalans. Most of them belong to the Palearctic faunal complex (36 species). The helminth fauna of insectivores in the studied protected areas was compared with the helminth fauna of micromammals in other areas of the Middle Volga region. Our comparative analysis showed a high and average degree of similarity in the helminth fauna within individual species and genera of Eulipotyphla. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The western population of the red‐crowned crane Grus japonensis in mainland China has been decreasing in the past few decades and wild population enhancement programmes have been launched in this country. First, 14 captive‐bred red‐crowned cranes were released into the core area of Yancheng National Nature Reserve for Rare Birds (YNNR), one of the most important wintering areas of this species, in 2013 (seven individuals) and 2015 (seven individuals) and then 8 more captive‐bred cranes were released into YNNR from February 2022 to February 2023. We used satellite positioning and drone monitoring to study the status of released cranes. The results showed that two individuals (No. BJZ001 and BJZ008) from the first group of released cranes were found breeding in 6 of 7 years in the YNNR from 2017 to 2023. Three individuals (No. WNNR022, WNNR025 and WNNR026) from the second group of released cranes were recorded breeding in YNNR in 2023. All released cranes lived in the YNNR year round and did not migrate with wild cranes. Raccoon dogs, Nyctereutes procyonoides, were first recorded as red‐crowned crane nest predators in the YNNR. Although these released cranes breed successfully in the YNNR, nestlings might face the threat of predators in non‐traditional breeding areas. Further research is needed to determine whether offsprings of released individuals migrate with wild cranes and if breeding in their original wintering grounds is truly beneficial for population growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limestone forests are an unusual habitat for primates, especially fragmented limestone habitats. However, while some research has been conducted on François' langurs (Trachypithecus francois) in these habitats, there is still a need to improve the understanding of their behavioral adaptations to the fragmented limestone habitat. We collected data on the diet of François' langurs in a fragmented limestone habitat in Encheng National Nature Reserve, southwestern Guangxi, China using instantaneous scanning sampling, and their feeding adaptations to the fragmented forest were examined. The results indicated that a total of 101 species of plants were consumed by the langurs. They also fed on two non‐plant components, including cliff minerals and at least one species of insect. The langurs ate a higher number of food species in Encheng when compared with the other geographic populations, and they maintained a high level of food diversity and ate more vines. Moreover, they were highly selective in their use of vegetation in their home range, and fewer plants provided a high‐quality food source. During the season when food resources were scarce, the consumption of fruits and young leaves decreased as their availability decreased. This led to the use of other food components, such as mature leaves and seeds. The findings support that François' langurs adjust their feeding behavior to cope with seasonal and micro‐variations in their dietary requirements and to adapt to their particular environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The western population of the red‐crowned crane Grus japonensis in mainland China has been decreasing in the past few decades and wild population enhancement programmes have been launched in this country. First, 14 captive‐bred red‐crowned cranes were released into the core area of Yancheng National Nature Reserve for Rare Birds (YNNR), one of the most important wintering areas of this species, in 2013 (seven individuals) and 2015 (seven individuals) and then 8 more captive‐bred cranes were released into YNNR from February 2022 to February 2023. We used satellite positioning and drone monitoring to study the status of released cranes. The results showed that two individuals (No. BJZ001 and BJZ008) from the first group of released cranes were found breeding in 6 of 7 years in the YNNR from 2017 to 2023. Three individuals (No. WNNR022, WNNR025 and WNNR026) from the second group of released cranes were recorded breeding in YNNR in 2023. All released cranes lived in the YNNR year round and did not migrate with wild cranes. Raccoon dogs, Nyctereutes procyonoides, were first recorded as red‐crowned crane nest predators in the YNNR. Although these released cranes breed successfully in the YNNR, nestlings might face the threat of predators in non‐traditional breeding areas. Further research is needed to determine whether offsprings of released individuals migrate with wild cranes and if breeding in their original wintering grounds is truly beneficial for population growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limestone forests are an unusual habitat for primates, especially fragmented limestone habitats. However, while some research has been conducted on François' langurs (Trachypithecus francois) in these habitats, there is still a need to improve the understanding of their behavioral adaptations to the fragmented limestone habitat. We collected data on the diet of François' langurs in a fragmented limestone habitat in Encheng National Nature Reserve, southwestern Guangxi, China using instantaneous scanning sampling, and their feeding adaptations to the fragmented forest were examined. The results indicated that a total of 101 species of plants were consumed by the langurs. They also fed on two non‐plant components, including cliff minerals and at least one species of insect. The langurs ate a higher number of food species in Encheng when compared with the other geographic populations, and they maintained a high level of food diversity and ate more vines. Moreover, they were highly selective in their use of vegetation in their home range, and fewer plants provided a high‐quality food source. During the season when food resources were scarce, the consumption of fruits and young leaves decreased as their availability decreased. This led to the use of other food components, such as mature leaves and seeds. The findings support that François' langurs adjust their feeding behavior to cope with seasonal and micro‐variations in their dietary requirements and to adapt to their particular environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Biodiversity research on mountain ecosystems is mainly focused on vertebrates and vascular plants; therefore, we are still far from understanding the general diversity patterns of mountain insects. In this study, we surveyed and recorded butterflies in a typical subtropical mountain in the Chebaling National Nature Reserve, Guangdong Province, China, through grid-based monitoring across the entire region for two years, and then investigated their taxonomic and phylogenetic diversities. The results show that taxonomic diversity played a considerable role in mediating the effects of environmental changes on stability; stochastic processes are dominant in governing the composition of butterfly assemblages; increasing selective pressure mainly caused by abiotic factors enhanced the heterogeneous selection processes at higher elevations; placement trees could improve the accuracy compared to barcode trees in community phylogenetic analyses. Mountain ecosystems harbor evolutionarily unique and exceptionally rich biodiversity, particularly in insects. In this study, we characterized the diversity, community stability, and assembly mechanisms of butterflies on a subtropical mountain in the Chebaling National Nature Reserve, Guangdong Province, China, using grid-based monitoring across the entire region for two years. The results showed that species richness, abundance, and Faith's phylogenetic diversity decreased with increasing elevation; taxonomic diversity played a considerable role in mediating the effects of environmental changes on stability. Moreover, our results showed that stochastic processes are dominant in governing the assembly of butterfly communities across all elevational gradients, with habitats at an elevation of 416–580 m subjected to the strongest stochastic processes, whereas heterogeneous selection processes displayed stronger effects on the assembly of butterfly communities at 744–908 m, 580–744 m, and 908–1072 m, with abiotic factors inferred as the main driving forces. In addition, significant differences were detected between the barcode tree and the placement tree for the calculated β-NTI values at 416–580 m. Overall, this study provides new insights into the effects of environmental change on the stability and assembly of butterflies in Chebaling, which will be beneficial for biodiversity conservation and policy development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main management strategies of China's nature reserve is "zonation", dividing reserves into three zones (core, buffer, and experimental zones) to which different levels of restrictions on anthropogenic activities are applied. While zonation has a positive effect on the conservation of target species, it is unclear whether management zones can be effective in conserving biodiversity. Using bird data collected from five national nature reserves of Guangdong province in China during 2018–2019, we investigated how management zones and reserves are associated with bird diversity and community composition. We considered species richness, the community-weighted mean (CWM) values of 10 single traits, and beta diversity based on 2 dissimilarity indices (Jaccard and Bray–Curtis). The overall effects of zone management were weak or insignificant. Species richness and the CWMs of most traits were not associated with zone (p > 0.08). Reserve itself was a strong factor influencing bird traits. Dissimilarity indices also showed variations in bird community composition between reserves in the north region and those in the south region, which were largely contributed by the turnover component of beta diversity (p ≥ 0.06 for nestedness and p ≤ 0.03 for turnover in both dissimilarity indices). The dominance of turnover indicates that these reserves could be equally important to maintain regional bird diversity, requiring a multiple-site management plan. Our study also suggests that current zoning designations of the five reserves may not be as effective in conserving bird species diversity and traits; however, caution is needed due to the limitations of our study design, such as potential observer effect and insufficient sampling effort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, 21 species of Hybos Meigen, 1803 are reviewed in Huaping National Nature Reserve, China. Among these, three species, i.e., Hybos denticulatus sp. nov., Hybos forcipata sp. nov. and H. paraterminalis sp. nov., are described as new to science. In addition, nine known species of this genus are reported for the first time in Guangxi. All the known species were enumerated, and an identification key to the species of Hybos from Huaping National Nature Reserve based on morphological characteristics is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of Boletaceae (Hortiboletus rubroreticulatus and Tylopilus aurantiovulpinus) discovered during an investigation of the mycobiota of Central Vietnam (Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve; Ta Dung National Park; Bidoup—Nui Ba National Park; Kon Ka Kinh National Park) are described on the basis of molecular and morphological data. Illustrated descriptions of their macro- and microscopic features and discussion on similar taxa are given. Additionally, eight species which were recorded for the first time in Vietnam are listed and illustrated here. A new combination Kgaria virescens was made for one of these species. These results were confirmed by the phylogenetic analysis based on nrITS1-5.8S-ITS2, nrLSU, and tef1α regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the results of two population surveys conducted 10 years apart (December 2010–February 2011 and December 2020–January 2021) of the Critically Endangered white-headed langur Trachypithecus leucocephalus in the Chongzuo White-Headed Langur National Nature Reserve, Guangxi Province, China. In the first survey, we recorded 818 individuals in 105 groups and 16 solitary adult males. In the second survey, we recorded 1,183 individuals in 128 groups and one solitary adult male. As a result of government policies, poaching for food and traditional medicine is no longer a primary threat to these langurs. However, severe forest loss and fragmentation caused by human activities could limit any future increase of this langur population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) has been expanding rapidly through the coastal wetlands of eastern China and these changes negatively affect local birds. In the Dafeng Milu National Nature Reserve (henceforth referred to as DMNNR), rapid degradation of spartina occurs after an increase in milu (Elaphures davidianus; hereafter elk) numbers and ecological hydrological engineering. We evaluated the impact of such degradation on the abundance and species diversity of birds in the DMNNR during 2017–2021. We found that the area covered by S. alterniflora decreased significantly in the study area at a rate of 310 ha per year and by 62% during 2017–2021 (p < 0.01). With this decrease in the S. alterniflora area, the species richness and abundance of birds first increased and then decreased. Songbird density clearly decreased but species richness did not significantly do so. This research demonstrated that during the initial stages of vegetation degradation, there was a positive effect on bird diversity. With the increasing vegetation degradation increases, both songbirds and waterbirds experience negative impacts. The DMNNR is an important stopover site for waterbirds in the East Asian–Australasian Flyway, and additional measures are needed to control vegetation degradation and to restore the native habitats for birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 1997 Tanzania has undertaken a process to identify and declare a network of Nature Forest Reserves (NFRs) with high biodiversity values, from within its existing portfolio of national Forest Reserves, with 16 new NFRs declared since 2015. The current network of 22 gazetted NFRs covered 948,871 hectares in 2023. NFRs now cover a range of Tanzanian habitat types, including all main forest types—wet, seasonal, and dry—as well as wetlands and grasslands. NFRs contain at least 178 of Tanzania's 242 endemic vertebrate species, of which at least 50% are threatened with extinction, and 553 Tanzanian endemic plant taxa (species, subspecies, and varieties), of which at least 50% are threatened. NFRs also support 41 single-site endemic vertebrate species and 76 single-site endemic plant taxa. Time series analysis of management effectiveness tracking tool (METT) data shows that NFR management effectiveness is increasing, especially where donor funds have been available. Improved management and investment have resulted in measurable reductions of some critical threats in NFRs. Still, ongoing challenges remain to fully contain issues of illegal logging, charcoal production, firewood, pole-cutting, illegal hunting and snaring of birds and mammals, fire, wildlife trade, and the unpredictable impacts of climate change. Increased tourism, diversified revenue generation and investment schemes, involving communities in management, and stepping up control measures for remaining threats are all required to create a network of economically self-sustaining NFRs able to conserve critical biodiversity values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of the genus Leptobrachella, L. guinanensis sp. nov., is described in this study based on morphological, molecular, and bioacoustic data. The species was discovered in the Shiwandashan National Nature Reserve in Shangsi County, Guangxi, China. Phylogenetically, L. guinanensis sp. nov. is closely related to L. ventripunctata. However, there are distinct morphological differences between L. guinanensis sp. nov. and L. ventripunctata, as well as three other sympatric species (L. shangsiensis, L. shiwandashanensis, and L. sungi). These differences include body size (SVL 30.5–32.5 mm in males; 38.7–41.8 mm in females in the new species vs 25.5–28.0 mm in males, 31.5–35.0 mm in females in L. ventripunctata), the absence of brown spots on the ventral surface (vs chest and belly creamy white with many scattered brown spots in L. ventripunctata), 1/3 toe webbing and wide toe lateral fringes (vs no toe webbing and no lateral fringes in L. ventripunctata), and distinct dermal ridges under toes (vs absent in L. ventripunctata). Furthermore, the dominant vocal frequencies of the new species range from 7.3 to 8.3 kHz, which is unique compared to other Leptobrachella species and represents the highest dominant frequencies ever recorded. The Shiwandashan National Nature Reserve is now home to four known sympatric species of Leptobrachella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of odorous frog, Odorrana damingshanensis sp. nov., was found at the Damingshan National Nature Reserve in Guangxi, China. This species can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: medium body size (SVL 52.3–54.8 mm in males and 74.8–81.2 mm in females), sawtooth spinules on the upper lip, obtusely rounded snout that extends beyond the lower margin, distinct dorsolateral folds, horny tubercles on the rear of the back, presence of outer metatarsal tubercles, dilated nuptial pad with velvety spinules, distinct maxillary gland with tiny spines, and external lateral vocal sac. Through analysis of the 16S mitochondria gene, the new species is closely related to O. nasica and O. yentuensis, but the genetic divergence between the new species and the latter exceeds 7% (uncorrected p-distance). Currently, the new species is only known from its original discovery site. Furthermore, a discussion on the taxonomy of Odorrana (Bamburana) was conducted, identifying seven species within the subgenus Odorrana (Bamburana). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The population of Przewalski's gazelle (Procapra przewalskii) has increased over the past decades, but it is still threatened by a variety of environmental factors and human disturbance. Most of the suitable habitats for Przewalski's gazelle are limited to the vicinity of Qinghai Lake. Moreover, most of the suitable habitat for Przewalski's gazelle is not included in the scope of the reserve. Thus, conservation translocation may be an effective way of protecting Przewalski's gazelle. Although the population of Przewalski's gazelle (Procapra przewalskii) has increased, this species is still threatened by a variety of risk factors, such as habitat loss and fragmentation, grassland fencing, grazing conflict, the segmentation of different populations, and declines in population genetic diversity. In order to determine the potential suitable habitat of Przewalski's gazelle and find a new suitable location for its conservation translocation, we used the MaxEnt model to predict the suitable habitats in Qinghai Province, Gansu Province, and the Ordos Plateau in Inner Mongolia and other regions with historical distribution records. On the basis of the MaxEnt model's prediction of the potential suitable habitat of Przewalski's gazelle, we used GAP analysis to determine the existing protection gaps and provide a new reference for the future protection of Przewalski's gazelle. We found that altitude, temperature, vegetation type, and distance from roads were the main environmental factors affecting the geographical distribution of Przewalski's gazelle. Most of the suitable habitat of Przewalski's gazelle is confined around Qinghai Lake. GAP analysis revealed that most of the suitable habitats of Przewalski's gazelle are not included in the established reserves, and Qinghai Lake National Nature Reserve only covers a small area around Qinghai Lake. The whole reserve only accounts for 7.11% of the area of the suitable habitat for Przewalski's gazelle and 15.79% of the area of the highly suitable habitat for Przewalski's gazelle. We suggest that conservation translocation for Przewalski's gazelle should be put on the agenda. It is necessary to consider reintroducing these gazelles into their potential suitable habitats as a feasible way of establishing new populations and saving this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Gut microbiota is diverse and complex and is a key environmental factor affecting the immune homeostasis of the host. The results showed significant differences in gut microbiota community structures between semi-free-range and captive red-crowned cranes. Comparing the differences in gut microbiota function and composition of captive and semi-free-range red-crowned cranes is critical for conservation management and policy making, as well as the projects focusing on the release of captive red-crowned cranes into the wild. The wild populations of red-crowned cranes (Grus japonensis) in west China are gradually decreasing, necessitating the optimization of reintroduction measures. This study used 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technology to compare the gut microbiota communities of cranes living in two modes (captive and semi-free-range) before their reintroduction in Zhalong National Nature Reserve, Heilongjiang Province, China. The results showed that Proteobacteria (74.39%) and Firmicutes (25.29%) were the dominant gut bacterial phyla inhabiting these cranes. Significant differences were found in the gut microbiota community composition between semi-free-range and captive cranes (p < 0.01). Psychrobacter, Sporosarcina, and Lactococcus were significantly enriched in captive cranes (p < 0.05), while Pseudomonadaceae_Pseudomonas, Pantoea, Lysobacter, and Enterobacteriaceae_Pseudomonas were more abundant in semi-free-range cranes (p < 0.05). The functions and community structure of gut microbiota were affected by feeding patterns (p < 0.05). The metabolic pathways of ethylbenzene degradation, PPAR signaling pathway, betalain biosynthesis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and shigellosis were up-regulated in semi-free-range cranes (p < 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypericum liboense M.T.An & T.R.Wu, sp. nov. (Hypericaceae) is a newly described species found in the Maolan National Nature Reserve of Guizhou Province, where it grows in rocky habitats without soil on karst mountain tops. In this study, key morphological characters were compared between the new species and the other known Hypericum species of Hypericaceae. DNA sequences were extracted from the leaves of the new species, with nuclear gene sequences (ITS) generated to reconstruct phylogenetic trees and describe its phylogenetic position in relation to other species of Hypericum. Our results show that the proposed new species has the typical characteristics of the genus Hypericum in morphology being similar to Hypericum monogynum, but differing in its sessile and semi-clasped leaves, long elliptical to long circular leaf blades, thickly papery to thinly leathery, with entire and wavy leaf margins. The abaxial side of the leaves is covered with white powder, giving them a grey-white appearance. The main lateral veins of the leaves are 8-15-paired, and the midvein on both sides is convex. The main lateral veins and midvein branch are conspicuous, with tertiary venation forming a network on the leaf surface and appearing prominently sunken. The inflorescences are 1-3-flowered, with a large calyx and conspicuous veins. The molecular phylogenetic analysis (PP = 1.00) provided substantial evidence for the proposition of H. liboense as a new species within Hypericum. Morphological and molecular evidence is presented, corroborating the proposition of the new species, including a comprehensive account of the distinctive morphological attributes of H. liboense, along with its key distinguishing features from similar species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Knowledge of life history traits is crucial for understanding population dynamics, biodiversity declines, and conservation management decisions. Here, we quantified the age structure and body size of the plateau brown frog (Rana kukunoris) in the Jiuzhaigou National Nature Reserve (JNNR), providing the first data about the life history traits of this species in this region. Subsequently, we compared the maximum longevity, age at sexual maturity (ASM), average age, and average snout–vent length (SVL) with those of 28 reported populations, and we examined the climatic influences on these four key life history traits. Notably, the maximum longevity in the JNNR population is 8 years, reaching the reported maximum longevity of this species. As elevation increases, the average age and ASM also increase. However, the average SVL initially increases before decreasing when above an elevation of 3000 m, which does not support Bergmann's rule. Climatic factors, particularly temperature and UV-B, have discriminative effects on the life history variations of R. kukunoris. Our results will contribute to a deeper understanding of the diverse life history strategies and the related driving forces within a species. Jiuzhaigou National Nature Reserve (JNNR) is a renowned World Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO-designated World Nature Heritage Site. The age structure and body size of a population are crucial for assessing the quality of habitats in which a population lives and are essential for the vertebrate conservation and management, especially for amphibians. Unfortunately, information about the life history traits of amphibians is currently unavailable in JNNR. Herein, we first estimated the age structure and body size of Rana kukunoris, which is endemic to the Eastern Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. Then, we compared our data with 28 reported populations along an elevation gradient (1797–3450 m) and investigated how life history traits respond to climatic variations. Our results indicated the following: (1) For individuals from JNNR, the maximum longevity is 8 years, age at sexual maturity (ASM) is 2 years, suggesting a favorable ecological environment in JNNR. Notably, females are significantly larger than males due to the age factor. (2) The average age and ASM show a positive correlation with elevation. However, when the elevation exceeds 3000 m, the average SVL initially increases and then decreases due to the harsh environmental conditions at higher elevation. (3) Temperature and/or UV-B have a significant impact on the average age, ASM, and average SVL variations of R. kukunoris, suggesting adaptive potential of this species via life history variations in light of environmental changes. These accounts provide antecedent information about the life history traits of amphibians in JNNR, and provide insights into the driving factors of the life history variations of the plateau brown frog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the method of fuzzy pattern recognition is adopted in more precisely evaluating the actual state of eco-tourism development regarding a given tourist destination in comparison with the three standard patterns (saturated/optimal/deficient) of development degree. The research process is as follows: Firstly, the indictors of carrying capacity of a tourist destination and the corresponding measuring factors are established; secondly, an assessment group is recruited to work out the most constraining factors among the measuring factors; thirdly, by means of field survey, numerical values of the actual state are acquired; fourthly, there comes out the membership vectors and the membership matrix of the standard patterns corresponding to the vectors of three standard patterns, threshold and the actual state; Finally, it could be identified which standard pattern that the actual state is closest to via the lattice degrees of proximity. An exemplary case study on Kanas National Nature Reserves is attached to the logic calculus. This paper is contributed to dynamically monitor the threshold of tourism carrying capacity and precisely identify which carrying capacity (spatial resource/ecological environment/economic resources/people's psychology/socio-culture) with potential risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wetlands are one of the most critical components of an ecosystem, supporting many ecological niches and a rich diversity of flora and fauna. The ecological significance of these sites makes it imperative to study the changes in their inundation extent and propose necessary measures for their conservation. This study analyzes all 64 Ramsar sites in China based on their inundation patterns using Landsat imagery from 1991 to 2020. Annual composites were generated using the short-wave infrared thresholding technique from June to September to create inundation maps. The analysis was carried out on each Ramsar site individually to account for its typical behavior due to regional geographical and climatic conditions. The results of the inundation analysis for each site were subjected to the Mann–Kendall test to determine their trends. The analysis showed that 8 sites exhibited a significantly decreasing trend, while 14 sites displayed a significantly increasing trend. The accuracy of the analysis ranged from a minimum of 72.0% for Hubei Wang Lake to a maximum of 98.0% for Zhangye Heihe Wetland National Nature Reserve. The average overall accuracy of the sites was found to be 90.0%. The findings emphasize the necessity for conservation strategies and policies for Ramsar sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The gut microbiota and metabolites play a crucial role in the physiological health of the host and are influenced by various factors, including seasons. We utilized 16s sequencing and untargeted metabolomics to uncover the impact of seasonal change on the gut microbiota and metabolites of Tibetan antelopes. Overall, this study revealed differences in the gut microbiota and metabolites of Tibetan antelopes during the cold and warm seasons. These findings can provide a basis for the conservation of Tibetan antelopes. The Tibetan antelope is an endangered species suffering from poaching and habitat fragmentation. The intestinal flora and metabolites play a crucial role in the physiological homeostasis of hosts, which are influenced by various environmental factors like seasonal variation. In this particular research, our main goal was to explore the alterations in the metabolism and gut microbiota of Tibetan antelopes between the cold season (XB) and warm season (DA), using untargeted metabolomics and 16S rRNA gene-sequencing analyses. The findings indicated that Tibetan antelopes had a higher alpha-diversity of intestinal microbes during the cold season than during the warm season. Principal co-ordinate analysis revealed notable seasonal discrepancies in the function and structure of intestinal microbes in Tibetan antelopes. The relative abundance of Firmicutes was significantly increased during the cold season compared to during the warm season. Furthermore, the Tibetan antelope's primary metabolic functions of the intestinal micro-organisms were significantly higher during the cold season. The untargeted metabolomics analysis results showed a total of 532 metabolites that were significantly different between the cold season and warm season groups. These metabolites were found to be enriched in a total of 62 metabolic pathways. Among the most significant pathways of enrichment were the purine metabolism and pyrimidine metabolism. The levels of related metabolites in those pathways were remarkably higher in the warm season compared to the cold season. The comprehensive analysis of 16S rRNA and the metabolome reveals there is a significant correlation between differential microbiota and differential metabolites. Therefore, the gut microbiota changes caused by seasonal changes influenced the metabolites as well. This research reveals the function of seasonal changes in the intestinal flora and metabolites in the adaptation of Tibetan antelopes to environmental fluctuations and supplies a theoretical basis for instructing the protection management of Tibetan antelopes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Segmentina nitida Müller 1774 is a freshwater snail which was formerly widespread throughout England and south Wales. Since the 1840s it has seen a rapid decline in its range which has been attributed to deteriorating water quality due to nutrient enrichment, lowering of water tables and over-management of the ditches in which it resides. S. nitida has therefore been identified as a UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP) priority species which recommends further research for its conservation. Here we have developed a Taqman based qPCR eDNA assay for the detection of S. nitida at the Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve and compared the results with a manual survey of the ditches at this location. 32 ditches were surveyed in November 2020 (22 at Stodmarsh) and February 2021 (10 outside the known range of S.nitida). Our eDNA analysis exhibited an observed percentage agreement of 84% with a kappa coefficient of agreement between manual and eDNA surveys of 0.56 (95% CI 0.22 to 0.92). Three ditches determined to be negative for S. nitida by eDNA analysis were manual survey positive, and a further two ditches that were negative by manual survey were positive by eDNA analysis revealing the potential for improved overall detection rates using a combination of manual and eDNA methodologies. eDNA analysis could therefore augment manual survey techniques for S. nitida as a relatively quick and inexpensive tool for collecting presence and distribution data that could be used to inform manual surveys and management of ditches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wetlands are one of the most critical components of an ecosystem, supporting many ecological niches and a rich diversity of flora and fauna. The ecological significance of these sites makes it imperative to study the changes in their inundation extent and propose necessary measures for their conservation. This study analyzes all 64 Ramsar sites in China based on their inundation patterns using Landsat imagery from 1991 to 2020. Annual composites were generated using the short-wave infrared thresholding technique from June to September to create inundation maps. The analysis was carried out on each Ramsar site individually to account for its typical behavior due to regional geographical and climatic conditions. The results of the inundation analysis for each site were subjected to the Mann–Kendall test to determine their trends. The analysis showed that 8 sites exhibited a significantly decreasing trend, while 14 sites displayed a significantly increasing trend. The accuracy of the analysis ranged from a minimum of 72.0% for Hubei Wang Lake to a maximum of 98.0% for Zhangye Heihe Wetland National Nature Reserve. The average overall accuracy of the sites was found to be 90.0%. The findings emphasize the necessity for conservation strategies and policies for Ramsar sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the method of fuzzy pattern recognition is adopted in more precisely evaluating the actual state of eco-tourism development regarding a given tourist destination in comparison with the three standard patterns (saturated/optimal/deficient) of development degree. The research process is as follows: Firstly, the indictors of carrying capacity of a tourist destination and the corresponding measuring factors are established; secondly, an assessment group is recruited to work out the most constraining factors among the measuring factors; thirdly, by means of field survey, numerical values of the actual state are acquired; fourthly, there comes out the membership vectors and the membership matrix of the standard patterns corresponding to the vectors of three standard patterns, threshold and the actual state; Finally, it could be identified which standard pattern that the actual state is closest to via the lattice degrees of proximity. An exemplary case study on Kanas National Nature Reserves is attached to the logic calculus. This paper is contributed to dynamically monitor the threshold of tourism carrying capacity and precisely identify which carrying capacity (spatial resource/ecological environment/economic resources/people's psychology/socio-culture) with potential risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using rock art conservation as a focus, this paper outlines the levels of legislated protection afforded to designated natural and cultural areas/sites in Australia and describes the co-management approach adopted in 1998 in relation to Mutawintji National Park in western New South Wales. The park encompasses four different protection categories: a Historic Site, a Nature Reserve, a National Park, and a State Conservation Area. Known for more than a century, the Historic Site is a major area of rock art containing Aboriginal engravings, paintings and stencils. Management of the Historic Site is a key concern, given the tourist interest and associated potential for accelerated deterioration of cultural heritage. The Mutawintji Plan of Management pointed to the importance of Mutawintji for Aboriginal people to connect with the country, and the co-management model encouraged tourism development as a means of providing employment opportunities as Aboriginal guides. No special legislative requirements in relation to rock art conservation, beyond those already in existence, were applied to the co-management system. Using field knowledge involving rock art research and early guide training programs at Mutawintji and literature sources, this paper suggests possible future approaches to rock art conservation in the Mutawintji Lands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An important tool for conserving species and their habitats and achieving sustainable development is the establishment of national parks. The population ecology of the species to be conserved, including their population size and suitable habitat, needs to be assessed prior to integrating protected areas into national parks. The Liangshan Mountains are currently the southernmost habitat of giant pandas and lie outside the newly established Giant Panda National Park (GPNP). The population is threatened with extinction due to severe isolation and human disturbance. However, there has been a ten-year gap in the census of giant pandas in this critical area. This means that conservation managers are unable to keep up to date with population and habitat dynamics. The Meigu Dafengding National Nature Reserve is the core area of the giant panda population in Liangshan and the link for gene exchange. The focus of this study is to assess the spatial distribution pattern of suitable habitat, habitat fragmentation and the habitat selection characteristics of giant pandas in the Meigu Dafengding Nature Reserve in Liangshan in order to lay the foundation for the future inclusion of Liangshan into the national park. A total of 151 giant panda fecal samples were collected in 2023. Using the distance–bamboo stem fragments method, this indicated that nearly 28 to 29 giant pandas exist within the reserve. Based on MaxEnt and FRAGSTATS, the giant panda population is concentrated in Wahei–Yiziyakou. They tend to choose gentle slopes of 10–30°, at altitudes between 2500 m and 3500 m, with average annual temperatures between 8.5 °C and 10 °C. They also select the areas close to roads and settlements for their frequent activities. Unsuitable habitat is widespread and surrounds low-, medium- and high-suitability habitats with poor habitat connectivity. In situ conservation measures are urgently needed due to the restricted distribution of populations and poor habitat suitability. This lays the foundation for the future inclusion of Liangshan into the national park, providing greater protection for the giant panda and other species in the region, and for other national parks to integrate all habitats into a single management unit. This will address conservation gaps and overlapping management, and promote the conservation of rare or endangered species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protected areas (PAs) play a crucial role in safeguarding biological resources and preserving ecosystems. However, the lack of standardized and highly operational criteria for evaluating their conservation effectiveness, particularly across different ecological types, remains a significant gap in the literature. This study aims to address this gap by constructing a conservation effectiveness evaluation model for two distinct types of PAs in Heilongjiang Province, China: the Zhalong National Nature Reserve (ZlNNR), a wetland ecological reserve; and the Mudanfeng National Nature Reserve (MdfNNR), a forest ecological reserve. We employed various methods, including land use dynamic index, visual analysis of landscape patterns, remote sensing inversion, and a multi-factor comprehensive assessment model, to assess changes in conservation effectiveness from 2000 to 2020. Our findings reveal a contrast between the two PAs. In the ZlNNR, croplands and water bodies increased significantly by 4069.4 ha (K = 1.5820%) and 2541.58 ha (K = 3.2692%). In the MdfNNR, impervious lands increased greatly by 65.35 ha (K = 7.4021%), whereas forest lands decreased by 125 ha (K = −0.067%). The core area of the two PAs displayed increased landscape regularity, whereas the experimental area showed heightened landscape diversity. In ZlNNR, the MPSL value increased by 134.91%, whereas the PDL value decreased by 57.43%, indicating a more regular landscape pattern. In MdfNNR, the SHDIL value decreased by 110.7%, whereas the PDL value increased by 52.55%, indicating a more fragmented landscape pattern. The area with improved vegetation trends in ZlNNR was 8.59% larger than in MdfNNR, whereas the area with degraded vegetation trends was 4.86% smaller than in MdfNNR. In all years, the high effectiveness area was larger in ZlNNR than in MdfNNR, whereas the medium and low effectiveness areas were smaller in ZlNNR compared to MdfNNR. This study provides a scientifically rigorous assessment method for evaluating the conservation effectiveness of different types of PAs, laying a solid theoretical foundation and practical guidance for future conservation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to explain the difference of survival response of plants at different levels in evergreen broad-leaved forest to the Phyllostachys edulis expansion from the perspective of ecological stoichiometry homeostasis, this study used the method of space-time substitution, a typical P. edulis evergreen broad-leaved forest interface including P. edulis forest, P. edulis broad-leaved mixed forest and evergreen broad-leaved forest was selected in Jinggangshan National Nature Reserve, Jiangxi Province. The N and P contents of soil and leaves of P. edulis, broad-leaved trees, shrubs and herbaceous layer plants in each forest were compared and analyzed. The results were as follows:(1)From bamboo forest to evergreen broad-leaved forest, the soil N content and N:P increased, while soil P content decreased; the leaf P contents of tree species(Machilus thunbergii, Alniphyllum fortunei and Daphniphyllum macropodum)decreased and the N:P increased. Unlike the trees, the leaf N and P stoichiometric characteristics of plants both in shrub and herbaceous layers showed no significant change, except the shrub tree Lindera erythrocarpa.(2)The soil N:P was positively correlated with the leaf N:P of trees, negatively correlated with that of shrubs and had no correlation with that of herbaceous plants, respectively.(3)The leaf N and P contents and N:P for P. edulis remained stable. In conclusion, P. edulis expansion changes plant leaf N and P stoichiometric characteristics by altering the soil N and P stoichiometric characteristics. Shrubs and herbaceous plants are less affected, however, it causes the imbalance of plant N and P stoichiometric characteristics of tree layer plants, which may be an important reason for the survival of tree species in evergreen broad-leaved forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the population quantitative characteristics and regional distribution of wild Viburnum plants in Southwest Hubei, and reveal the survival status and development trend of the following five Viburnum species: V. erosum, V. betulifolium, V. sympodiale, V. setigerum and V. dilatatum. A total of 27 hm2 dynamic monitoring stands were set up in Jinzi Mountains National Forest Farm, Mulinzi National Nature Reserve and Qizimei Mountains National Nature Reserve in Southwest Hubei. The age structure, dynamic quantitative analysis and static life table of five Viburnum species were used to explore the population structure, dynamic characteristics and future development potential of Viburnum plants. The results were as follows:(1)The distribution area and population size of Viburnum plants in Southwest Hubei were significantly different.(2)The age structure of the five Viburnum species displayed as the pyramidal type summarized from population structure and dynamic analysis. The number of individuals of each population was large at the young stage(89.48% of V. erosum in Jinzi Mountains, 76.38% of V. betulifolium, 67.24% of V. erosum in Mulinzi, 62.11% of V. dilatatum, 56.53% of V. sympodiale, 58.44% of V. setigerum), and only a small proportion of individuals(0.18% of V. erosum in Jinzi Mountains, 0.85% of V. betulifolium, 3.29% of V. erosum in Mulinzi, 3.97% of V. dilatatum, 8.37% of V. sympodiale, 2.79% of V. setigerum)at the old stage. The young stage plants of five Viburnum species all had strong growth potentials but were sensitive to external disturbances.(3)The survival quantity of the five Viburnum species was decreasing monotonically with increasing age class presented by static life tables. Except for V. setigerum, the life expectancy reached peak at the young age, all the other Viburnum species populations reached the peak at the middle age. The change trend of mortality rate and vanish rate were similar, but the fluctuation of vanish rate and mortality rate curves were different among different species. The survival curves were tended to be Deevey-Ⅱ type.(4)The four survival function curves showed that all five Viburnum species populations exhibited a substantial decrease at the early stage, stabilization at the middle stage, and decline at the late stage. To sum up, plant resources of Viburnum species are abundant in Southwest Hubei. Therefore, it is scientific and feasible to exploit Viburnum plants rationally. At the young stage, artificial thinning can be carried out appropriately to improve the preserving rate. During the stable middle stage, the dominant species which have good ornamental characters can be selected for appropriate development and utilization. However, some species need to be protected to maintain biodiversity in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Leptobrachella, L. wumingensis sp. nov., was described from the Damingshan National Nature Reserve, Wuming District, Nanning City, Guangxi, China based on morphological, molecular and bioacoustic data. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S mtDNA fragments revealed that the new species is closely related to L. daming-shanensis. Uncorrected p-distances between the new species and all homologous DNA sequences available for the 16S gene of Leptobrachella are greater than 7.1%. Morphologically, L. wumingensis sp. nov. differs from its congeners in several ways, including a medium body size (SVL 26.0-26.7 mm in males, 30.6-34.8 mm in females), lack of toe webbing and lateral fringes, shagreened and granular dorsal surface, pale brown dorsum with darker brown markings, iris bicolored, with the upper half copper and fading to silver in the lower half, and the presence of small irregular black spots and tangerine tubercles on the flanks. Furthermore, we found the new species to have two types of advertisement calls and relatively high dominant frequencies, making it distinct from its congeners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Helan Shan pika Ochotona argentata is an Endangered pika endemic to Ningxia Helan Shan National Nature Reserve in China. Little is known about the species, including regarding its population status, distribution, habitat requirements and even basic natural history. We conducted camera trapping in the Reserve during 13 January 2020–25 January 2022 and obtained two new records for this species. These, combined with five other new records obtained during the monitoring programme in the Reserve, represent a significant increase in the known range of the species and more than double the species' known extent of occurrence from 107 to 223 km2. These records also provide the first evidence that this species is active both nocturnally and diurnally. However, this range increase does not alter the Endangered status of the pika, and the pika was not observed within its previously known range; future research should involve intensive camera trapping in the Reserve to ascertain whether this is a result of local extirpation, habitat loss or fragmentation or under-sampling on our part. Studies should also incorporate techniques used for other alpine pika species to collect baseline data on habitat use, population size and behaviour to determine the potential response of the Helan Shan pika to present and future threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spartina alterniflora (smooth cordgrass), China's most common invasive species, has posed significant challenges to native plant communities and coastal environments. Monitoring the invasion and dieback process of S. alterniflora by multisource high-resolution imagery is necessary to manage the invasion of the species. Current spatial analyses, however, are insufficient. As a result, we first extracted S. alterniflora by integrating multisource high-resolution images through the multiscale object-oriented classification method, then identified the expansion patterns of S. alterniflora on the seaward side by the landscape expansion index, and conformed the main drivers of S. alterniflora dieback on the landward side in the Jiangsu Dafeng Milu National Nature Reserve. The findings revealed that the area of S. alterniflora decreased in size from 1511.26 ha in 2010 to 910.25 ha in 2020. S. alterniflora continues to grow to the sea and along the tidal creek on the seaward side, with a total increase of 159.13 ha. External isolation expansion patterns accounted for 65.16% of the total expansion patches, with marginal expansion patches accounting for 24.22% and tidal creek-leading expansion patches accounting for 10.62%. While the landward side showed a declining trend, the total area decreased by 852.36 ha, with an annual average change rate of 8.67%. S. alterniflora dieback was negatively related to the number of tidal creeks and positively related to the number of wild Elaphures davidianus and the length of artificial ditches. Our findings provide a scientific foundation for the ecological control of S. alterniflora. Its presence in coastal wetlands inspires evidence-based protection and management strategies to protect the coastal wetland ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carnivora occupy many ecological niches fundamental to ecosystem functioning. Within this diverse order, carnivore species compete to establish dominance, ensure survival and maintain fitness. Subordinate carnivores must, therefore, adapt their behaviour to coexist with dominant species. One such strategy is the partitioning of temporal activity patterns. We aim to determine interspecific avoidance patterns among sympatric carnivores by examining coexistence along a temporal axis. We compared the temporal activity patterns of 13 carnivore species using multi‐seasonal camera trapping data from four protected areas across South Africa: Associated Private Nature Reserves, Madikwe Game Reserve, Mountain Zebra National Park and Tswalu Kalahari Reserve. Interspecific coefficients of overlap in diel and core activity periods were calculated over the study period and during the wet and dry seasons. Furthermore, interspecific spatiotemporal behaviour was examined using time‐to‐event analyses. Our results showed that complete avoidance of diel activity patterns was rare among South African carnivore species. Most species were predominantly nocturnal and, therefore, diel activity overlap was high, whereas core activity overlap was significantly lower (p <.001). Diel activity overlap was significantly lower during the dry than wet seasons (p =.045). Lastly, evidence of spatiotemporal aggregation revolved around scavenging species. We show the importance of seasonality in the temporal avoidance behaviours of South African carnivores while highlighting the need for fine‐scaled behavioural analyses. Overall, we show that the daily activity patterns of most subordinate South African carnivore species are not influenced by top‐down forces in the form of competitional suppression and risk exerted by dominant species. If avoidance is required, it is more likely to manifest as fine‐scaled avoidance of core activity periods. We suggest that the focus on core activity periods might be a more suitable tool for interspecific temporal partitioning research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six new species of the genus Araneus Clerck, 1757 from Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve in Guizhou Province, China are described: Araneus chenjingi sp. nov. (♂♀), and A. yuboi sp. nov. (♂♀) are assigned to the A. diadematus group; A. lihaiboi sp. nov. (♂♀), A. shii sp. nov. (♂♀), A. wanghuai sp. nov. (♂♀), and A. yangchuandongi sp. nov. (♂♀) are assigned to the A. sturmi group. Araneus colubrinus Song & Zhu, 1992 is redescribed. A new synonym of Araneus colubrinus Song & Zhu, 1992 is proposed: Araneus octodentalis Song & Zhu, 1992 syn. nov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visual fragility is a fundamental analysis of landscape quality, especially for protected natural areas highly valued for their biodiversity, geodiversity and cultural heritage. This is the case of the Sierra de las Nieves Protected Natural Area, located in southern Spain, declared a national park in 2021 and which brings together outstanding natural systems. Its aesthetic character is a key point for both the local population and visitors, so phenomena such as fire pose a territorial threat. This study analyses which are the most fragile landscapes from a visual point of view. Thus, using spatial analysis techniques in GIS, the landscape units were delimited and their visual fragility was evaluated considering a 5x5m DEM of spatial resolution and defining visual basins from geolocated points along the road network, which included paved roads, unpaved roads and official trails of the study area. The results indicate a broad spatial variability in visual fragility depending on the observation point, throughout the natural area, although the landscapes with the highly valued forests of Abies pinsapo Boiss. and Quercus alpestris showed the greatest fragility, especially those located in the central, southern and eastern sectors over 900 m above sea level. These results contribute to managing the areas most exposed to threats with a visual impact, such as fire, which can negatively influence the aesthetic character of the landscapes of the Sierra de las Nieves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many protected areas worldwide have been established to protect the last natural refuges of flagship animal species. However, long-established protected areas do not always match the current distributions of target species under changing environmental conditions. Here we present a case study of the Asian elephant Elephas maximus in Xishuangbanna, south-west China, to evaluate whether the established protected areas match the species' current distribution and to identify key habitat patches for Asian elephant conservation. Our results show that currently only 24.5% of the predicted Asian elephant distribution in Xishuangbanna is located within Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve, which was established for elephant conservation. Based on the predicted Asian elephant distribution, we identified the most important habitat patches for elephant conservation in Xishuangbanna. The three most important patches were outside Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve and together they contained 43.3% of the estimated food resources for Asian elephants in all patches in Xishuangbanna. Thus, we identified a spatial mismatch between immobile protected areas and mobile animals. We recommend the inclusion of the three identified key habitat patches in a new national park currently being planned by the Chinese authorities for the conservation of the Asian elephant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we present our dataset containing up-to-date information about occurrences of trematodes in small mammals in the Middle Volga region (European Russia). The dataset summarizes micromammals' trematode occurrences obtained by long-term field helminthological studies of soricomorphs, erinaceomorphs, bats and rodents during a period of more than 20 years (1999–2022). Our studies of trematodes in micromammals were conducted using the method of complete helminthological necropsy. The dataset includes 7470 records of trematode occurrences in micromammals with 4483 digenean records in Samara Oblast, 2986 records in Republic of Mordovia and one trematode record in Ulyanovsk Oblast. Our dataset presents the data on 43 trematode species from 21 genera and 9 families found in the region studied. The data on trematodes from 28 species of micromammals belonging to 14 genera are presented. In total, the number of collected trematode specimens in our dataset is 153,050. Each occurrence record contains the trematode species name, basis of record, locality of finding, host species, site in host, date and authors of the record and species identification. All occurrence records are georeferenced. The dataset is based on the research of the staff of the Institute of Ecology of the Volga River basin of RAS and the Joint Directorate of the Mordovia Nature Reserve and National Park "Smolny". The distribution and diversity of trematodes of small mammals in the Middle Volga region has not been completely studied, and further investigation may reveal both new occurrences of trematodes and new host records. Dataset:  https://doi.org/10.15468/gmt9ct. Dataset License: Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 License. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new species of Entoloma from Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve and Ta Dung National Park were discovered during an investigation of the diversity of the mycobiota of Central Vietnam and are described here on the base of the molecular and morphological data. Phylogenetic analysis was based on nrITS1-5.8S-ITS2, nrLSU and tef1α regions. Illustrated descriptions of their macro- and microscopic features and discussion on similar taxa are given. Entoloma cycneum and E. peristerinum belong to the subgenus Cubospora. They are morphologically similar species and are characterized by white or whitish basidiomata with yellowish or beige tinges and with mainly smooth, glabrous, and hygrophanous pileus, longitudinally fibrillose or fibrillose-scaly white stipe, cuboid spores, and more or less cylindrical cheilocystidia, arising from hymenophoral trama. Entoloma peristerinum posseses initially more coloured beige conical pileus, discolouring to white with age and drying. The pileus of E. cycneum is initially white, hemisphaerical to convex, usually with thin pubescence near the margin. The species can be recognized also by the cheilocystidia form: serrulatum-type in E. cycneum vs. porphyrogriseum-type in E. peristerinum. Another two species belong to the subgenus Leptonia. Entoloma tadungense is close to E. percoelestinum from which it differs by smaller spores with pronounced angles, presence of the cheilocystidia, and the lilac discolouration of the stipe. E. dichroides is named after its similarity to E. dichroum, a dark blue coloured species with pronouncedly angled basidiospores. It is distinguished by the basidiospores form—irregularly 5(–6) angled with elongated apiculus, as well as by absence of the cheilocystidia and darker basidiomata with conical pileus. The article also describes the history of the study of the genus Entoloma in Vietnam with a list of 29 species mentioned in the publications for this country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate information on dominant tree species and their spatial distribution in subtropical natural forests are key ecological monitoring factors for accurately characterizing forest biodiversity, depicting the tree competition mechanism and quantitatively evaluating forest ecosystem stability. In this study, the subtropical natural forest in northwest Yunnan province of China was selected as the study area. Firstly, an object-oriented multi-resolution segmentation (MRS) algorithm was used to segment individual tree crowns from the UAV RGB imagery and satellite multispectral imagery in the forests with different densities (low (547 n/ha), middle (753 n/ha) and high (1040 n/ha)), and parameters of the MRS algorithm were tested and optimized for accurately extracting the tree crown and position information of the individual tree. Secondly, the texture metrics of the UAV RGB imagery and the spectral metrics of the satellite multispectral imagery within the individual tree crown were extracted, and the random forest algorithm and three deep learning networks constructed in this study were utilized to classify the five dominant tree species. Finally, we compared and evaluated the performance of the random forest algorithm and three deep learning networks for dominant tree species classification using the field measurement data, and the influence of the number of training samples on the accuracy of dominant tree species classification using deep learning networks was investigated. The results showed that: (1) Stand density had little influence on individual tree segmentation using the object-oriented MRS algorithm. In the forests with different stand densities, the F1 score of individual tree segmentation based on satellite multispectral imagery was 71.3–74.7%, and that based on UAV high-resolution RGB imagery was 75.4–79.2%. (2) The overall accuracy of dominant tree species classification using the light-weight network MobileNetV2 (OA = 71.11–82.22%), residual network ResNet34 (OA = 78.89–91.11%) and dense network DenseNet121 (OA = 81.11–94.44%) was higher than that of the random forest algorithm (OA = 60.00–64.44%), among which DenseNet121 had the highest overall accuracy. Texture metrics improved the overall accuracy of dominant tree species classification. (3) For the three deep learning networks, the changes in overall accuracy of dominant tree species classification influenced by the number of training samples were 2.69–4.28%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existence of Himalayan long-eared bats, Plecotus homochrous (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae), in China has not been previously confirmed. In this study, four bats captured with harp traps from two sites in the Maoershan National Nature Reserve in Guangxi, China were investigated. These bats have long, wide auricles, each with a prominent tragus. The length of each auricle is about the same as that of a forearm. Hairs on the ventral fur have a dark base with mixed grey and yellowish tips; those on the dorsal fur also have a dark base and are bicolored with brown tips. The thumbs are very short. A concavity is present in the front of the dorsal side of the cranium. Based on morphological characteristics and phylogeny using Cyt b gene sequences, these bats were identified as P. homochrous, thus confirming the existence of Himalayan long-eared bats in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primulina jiulianshanensis F.Wen & G.L.Xu, a new species of Gesneriaceae from Jiulianshan National Nature Reserve of Jiangxi Province, China, is described and illustrated here. Molecular evidence showed it was sister to P. wenii Jian Li & L.J.Yan, while the morphological observation found clear differences between them, petiole, both sides of leaf blades, adaxial surface of the calyx lobes, corolla inside toward the bottom, bract margins covered glandular-pubescent hairs in P. jiulianshanensis (vs. no glandular-pubescent hairs in P. wenii); lateral bracts 4-9 × ca. 2 mm, the central one 2-5 × 1-1.5 mm, adaxially glabrous but sparsely pubescent at apex (vs. lateral bracts 14-16 × 2.5-3.0 mm, the central one 10-12 × 1.3-1.6 mm, all adaxially pubescent); calyx lobes 8-11 × ca. 2 mm, each side with several brown serrate teeth at apex (vs. 14-15 × ca. 2.5 mm, margin entire); filaments and staminodes sparsely yellow glandular-puberulent (vs. white, glabrous). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the study of protected areas, the "Fences & fines" approach is increasingly becoming acknowledged as obsolete and ineffectual, and there is mounting evidence suggesting that the "Community-based conservation" approach is acquiring consideration. It is significant to identify which protection model or factors perform a definitive part in China. Taking the East Dongting Lake National Nature Reserve in China as a survey site, this paper utilizes semi-structured interviews and random questionnaires surveyed 431 households to investigate the relationship between "community-based conservation" approaches such aslegal system, ecological compensation, environmental education, community participation, concessions, livelihoods, job provision, intrinsic motivation and pro-environmental behavior. The regression results declare that intrinsic motivation (β = 0.390) and legal system (β = 0.212) are the most effective factors impacting on pro-environmental behavior; concessions has a negative conflict on preservation;but other "community-based conservation" approaches had insignificant positive impacts on pro-environmental behavior. Further mediating effects analysis indicated that intrinsic motivation (B = 0.3899, t = 11.9694, p < 0.01) mediates between legal system and pro-environmental behavior of community residents, legal system promotes pro-environmental behavior by promoting intrinsic motivation, which is more effective than legal system promoting pro-environmental behavior directly. This demonstrates that "Fence and fine approach" still is an effective management tool which can shape community residents' positive attitude towards conservation and pro-environmental behavior especially protected areas with large communities. And appropriate "community-based conservation" approaches can mitigate conflicts between special groups with the combination of these two approaches, the management of protected areas can be successful. This supplies a valuable real-world case for the current debate on conservation and improved human livelihoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of spatiotemporal changes of landscape patterns is of great significance for forest protection. However, the selection of landscape metrics is often subjective, and existing composite landscape metrics rarely consider the effects of spatial correlation. A more objective approach to formulating composite landscape metrics involves proper weighting that incorporates spatial structure information into integrating individual conventional metrics selected for building a composite metric. This paper proposes an integrated spatial landscape index (ISLI) based on variogram modeling and entropy weighting. It was tested through a case study, which sought to analyze spatiotemporal changes in the landscape pattern in the Changbai Mountains over 30 years based on six global land-cover products with a fine classification system at 30 m resolution (GLC_FCS30). The test results confirm: (1) spatial structure information is useful for weighting conventional landscape pattern metrics when constructing ISLI as validated by correlation analysis between the incorporated conventional metrics and their variogram ranges. In terms of the range parameters of different land cover types, broadleaf forest and needleleaf forest have much larger range values than those of other land cover types; (2) DIVISION and PLAND, two of the conventional landscape metrics considered for constructing ISLI, were assigned the greatest weights in computing ISLI for this study; and (3) ISLI values can be used to determine the dominant landscape types. For the study area, ISLI values of broadleaf forests remained the largest until 2020, indicating that forest landscape characteristics were the most prominent during that period. After 2020, the dominance of needleleaf forest gradually increased, with its ISLI value reaching a maximum of 0.91 in 2025. Therefore, the proposed ISLI not only functions as an extension and complement to conventional landscape metrics but also provides more comprehensive information concerning landscape pattern dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long recognized as a threat to wildlife, particularly for large carnivores, livestock grazing in protected areas can potentially undermine conservation objectives. The interspecific interactions among livestock, snow leopards (Panthera uncia), and their wild prey in fragile Asian highland ecosystems have been a subject of debate. We strategically deployed 164 camera traps in the Wolong National Nature Reserve to systematically investigate the activities of snow leopards, their primary wild ungulate prey species, and free‐ranging livestock. We found that snow leopard habitat use was influenced by both wild prey and livestock. Blue sheep served as the main wild prey that spatially attracted snow leopards and coexisted with yaks while free‐ranging yaks significantly restricted snow leopard habitat use both temporally and spatially. This study challenges the conventional understanding that livestock indirectly impacts large carnivores by competing with and displacing wild prey. Our findings highlight that free‐ranging yaks within the alpine canyon terrain could directly limit snow leopard habitat use, suggesting a potential risk of grazing in reducing apex predator distribution and jeopardizing their populations. Consequently, managing their coexistence in shared habitats requires a more nuanced approach. Furthermore, our research underscores the importance of further research efforts aimed at enhancing our comprehension of the complex interplay within animal communities and ecosystems. This knowledge will contribute to the development of informed, evidence‐based conservation strategies and policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring the patterns of forest biomass distribution and its ecological drivers may shed light on our understanding of forest ecosystem functions, and provide useful knowledge for proper forest management. Here, in the karst forest of Maolan National Nature Reserve, we established sampling forest plots and estimated the forest aboveground biomass using allometric equations. By adopting statistical methods such as the paired t-test and linear mixed-effects models, we investigated the pattern of aboveground biomass distribution for the whole forest plot as well as separately for each forest stratum (i.e. overstory or understory). and explored the underlying abiotic and biotic driving factors. We found that the aboveground biomass of the overstory stratum was larger than that of the understory stratum; the total aboveground biomass of the forest was constrained only by the rock-bareness rate; however, when the forest was divided into different forest strata, we found that only the aboveground biomass of the overstory stratum was constrained by rock-bareness rate, and not the understory stratum. Furthermore, we found that the aboveground biomass of the two forest strata both varied with regards to topography, as shown by the larger overstory stratum at the slope when compared to the hilltop. The opposite trend was observed for the understory stratum; among the biotic factors, only the stem density exhibited positive influences on the aboveground biomass of the overstory and understory strata. These results imply that both abiotic and biotic factors regulate the aboveground biomass of Maolan karst forest, and whole forest level biomass analyses is limited in that the different patterns and drivers of aboveground biomass of different forest strata are overlooked. The findings demonstrate the importance of investigating each forest stratum separately when studying forest biomass patterns and the underlying drivers. In addition, these findings provide intellectual support for the management of Maolan karst forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Montane habitats are characterized by mountainous regions with steep environmental gradients within a small geographic area. These habitats play a prominent role in shaping vertical species distributions due to multiple correlations between elevation and a host of environmental factors, such as temperature, humidity, and anthropogenic disturbances. Thus, they make for a fascinating natural laboratory for biodiversity studies. Our study addresses the regional and elevational patterns of taxonomic and phylogenetic species diversity in the amphibians of Fujian Junzifeng National Nature Reserve located in eastern China. By combining various diversity indices, we provide a multi-dimensional framework to study the distribution mechanism of amphibian species diversity along a large elevational gradient, in the hopes of contributing to a greater understanding and effective conservation of mountainous amphibian diversity. Elevational gradients provide an excellent opportunity to assess biodiversity patterns and community structure. Previous studies mainly focus on higher elevations or are limited to small areas in mountainous regions. Little information can be found on amphibian biodiversity in middle- and low-elevational areas, hence our study was devoted to filling up the current gaps in these research areas. To understand the variability of biodiversity of amphibian species in the Fujian Junzifeng National Nature Reserve in eastern China, our study included taxonomic and phylogenetic components to describe the various patterns of regional and elevational distribution. The results showed that (1) most of the taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity metrics were correlated; with regard to the surveyed area, Faith's phylogenetic diversity index (PD) and net relatedness index (NRI) were positively correlated with the Shannon–Wiener index (H'), Margalef index (DMG), and species richness (S), while negatively with the Pielou index; whereas for elevation, only the Pielou index was positively correlated with the nearest taxon index (NTI), but negatively with other indices; (2) taxonomic and phylogenetic diversities did not differ among the three survey locations but differed significantly along the elevational gradient; Simpson index, H', S, and DMG had a hump-shaped relationship with elevations, and PD decreased gradually with the increase in elevation, whereas NRI and NTI sharply increased at the elevation above 900 m; (3) the species range size and the corresponding midpoint of amphibians were affected by a strong phylogenetic signal, which supports the elevational Rapoport's rule upon removal of Pachytriton brevipes and Boulenophrys sanmingensis from the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to empirically explore the relationship between destination attractiveness and tourists' environmentally responsible behavior (TERB), as based on self-regulated attitude theory. In this paper, we have divided destination attractiveness into two aspects: the attractiveness of a facility's services, and that of the sightseeing experience, so as to build a structural equation model with mediation analysis. For our research, we selected Wolong National Nature Reserve in Sichuan as the site of our case study, and we conducted a survey using a questionnaire. We then analyzed the path using a structural equation model. Our results show: (1) two elements of destination attractiveness have significantly positive effects on TERB; and (2) place attachment exerts a mediating effect among the attractiveness of the facility's services, that of the sightseeing experience, and TERB. Therefore, enhancing destination attractiveness and tourists' emotional attachments to locations could help to promote the implementation of TERB and the achievement of sustainable tourism development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new whitefly species, Aleurolobus rutae sp. nov., collected on Murraya exotica (Sapindales, Rutaceae) leaves in the Maolan National Nature Reserve, Guizhou, China, is described and illustrated. Some of the individuals were infected with Aschersonia placenta, an entomopathogenic fungus. The insect is circular in shape and characterized by a very wide submarginal region, and the submarginal furrow is almost continuous, with only a small break at the caudal furrow. Anterior and posterior marginal setae are absent, but setae are present on the 8th abdominal segment. Thoracic and caudal tracheal folds are discernible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes and illustrates a new species of Primulaceae, Primula wolongensis sp. nov. from Wolong National Nature Reserve in Sichuan Province, China. It is very rare and currently only known from its type locality. The new species belongs to subsection Chartacea of the section Petiolares on account of lacking bud scales at flowering, being efarinose and having distinct petiolate leaves with more or less rounded lamina. The new species can be differentiated from other members of the subsection by leaf blade margin dentate, and leaf veins which are not raised, scape shorter than or equal to pedicels, yellow flowers and location of stamens of the corolla tube at thrum flower. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on nuclear ribosome internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) demonstrated that P. wolongensis was sister to subgen. Auriculastrum. Primula wolongensis is currently known from a single location in Wolong Town, and its conservation status is assessed as Data Deficient (DD). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]