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Sexual dimorphism (SD) is a common phenomenon in the animal kingdom, especially in lizards. The mountain dragon (Diploderma micangshanensis) is a Chinese endemic that is widely distributed in montane regions of northern Sichuan, western Hubei Province, southern Gansu, Henan, and Shanxi Provinces. However, little is known about its morphology, ecology, behavior, physiology, and natural history. In this study, SD in size and shape in a population of D. micangshanensis from Henan Province, Central China was examined based on a sample of 35 males and 23 females. Sexual dimorphism was observed in a few body shape variables (e.g., head and trunk length) but not in body size (snout-vent length). Males had longer and wider heads and shorter trunks. Sexual dimorphism in these traits can be explained by the sexual selection, ecological divergence, and fecundity advantage hypotheses. Additional studies of the ecology, reproductive biology, natural history, and behavior of D. micangshanensis are needed to evaluate the relative contributions of these mechanisms to determining the patterns of SD observed in this population.

Intraspecific variation is a common phenomenon in nature, but to date, research on such variation in hematological traits of urodeles remains scarce. To compare intraspecific variation in hematological traits among populations, and explore whether snout–vent length (SVL) and body mass influence hematological traits, hematological parameters and erythrocyte size in 58 mature Batrachuperus tibetanus specimens belonging to three populations (Xihe, Meixian and Taibai) in northwestern China were analyzed. There were no sexual differences in any hematological trait for all populations. No hematological traits differed significantly between the Meixian and Taibai populations, but significantly lower values of erythrocyte count (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), erythrocyte length (L), and erythrocyte area (A), as well as a significantly higher leukocyte count (WBC) were observed in the Xihe population compared with the other two. Linear regression analyses showed that significant relationships were present between SVL and Hb, RBC, Hct, and L; and body mass and Hb, RBC, Hct, and L. However, SVL and WBC were negatively correlated. Only L differed significantly among populations when accounting for the effects of SVL and body mass. Hb, RBC, WBC, and Hct variations among populations possibly contribute to differences in SVL or body mass, and erythrocyte size (L and A) variations are perhaps attributable to differences in lower Hb, RBC, and Hct; these variations are not the result of differences in habitat variables. Our results provide a foundation for understanding physiological intraspecific variation.

Magnolia officinalis bark is a traditional Chinese medicine for gastrointestinal tract disorders. In this study, we explored the effects of M. officinalis extraction on intestinal flora to reveal its mechanism. Thirty SPF mice were divided into five groups: C (control), M (M. officinalis), A (antibiotics: cefradine and gentamicin sulfate), A&M (antibiotics + M. officinalis) and A&N (antibiotics + natural recovery). Faecal samples of all groups were collected and the taxonomic composition and diversity of bacteria was characterized using the 16S rRNA gene (16S). Alpha diversity showed gut bacteria diversity significantly decreased in the A group of mice but increased markedly after administration of M. officinalis extract. Beta diversity indicated that C, M and A&M shared similar bacterial community structure while A and A&N exhibited a different bacterial community. Furthermore, RDA combined with spearman correlation heatmap suggested the five physiological indicators (weight, fur, activity and feces) were highly correlated with bacterial community structure and diversity. Finally, functional categorization of the assigned OTUs was performed using the PICRUSt tool. The changes in PICRUSt inferred that function profile and metabolic pathways were observed in A and A&M, therefore the M. officinalis extract improved the intestinal flora of A&M and normalized its metabolic pathways gradually, improving mouse weight, fur quality, activity and feces qualities.

This is the first study to describe the mitochondrial genome of the Himalayan Griffon, Gyps himalayensis, which is an Old World vulture belonging to the family Accipitridae and occurring along the Himalayas and the adjoining Tibetan Plateau. Its mitogenome is a closed circular molecule 17,381 bp in size containing 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA coding genes, two rRNA-coding genes, a control region (CR), and an extra pseudo-control region (CCR) that are conserved in most Accipitridae mitogenomes. The overall base composition of the G. himalayensis mitogenome is 24.55% A, 29.49% T, 31.59% C, and 14.37% G, which is typical for bird mitochondrial genomes. The alignment of the Accipitridae species control regions showed high levels of genetic variation and abundant AT content. At the 5 ' end of the domain I region, a long continuous poly-C sequence was found. Two tandem repeats were found in the pseudo-control regions. Phylogenetic analysis with Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood based on 13 protein-coding genes indicated that the relationships at the family level were (Falconidae + (Cathartidae + (Sagittariidae + (Accipitridae + Pandionidae))). In the Accipitridae clade, G. himalayensis is more closely related to Aegypius monachus than to Spilornis cheela. The complete mitogenome of G. himalayensis provides a potentially useful resource for further exploration of the taxonomic status and phylogenetic history of Gyps species.

Members of the Nanorana genus (family Dicroglossidae) are often referred to as excellent model species with which to study amphibian adaptations to extreme environments and also as excellent keystone taxa for providing insights into the evolution of the Dicroglossidae. However, a complete mitochondrial genome is currently only available for Nanorana pleskei. Thus, we analyzed the complete mitochondrial genomes of Nanorana parkeri and Nanorana ventripunctata to investigate their evolutionary relationships within Nanorana and their phylogenetic position in the family Dicroglossidae. Our results showed that the genomes of N. parkeri (17,837 bp) and N. ventripunctata (18,373 bp) encode 13 protein‐coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNA genes, 23 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and a noncoding control region. Overall sequences and genome structure of the two species showed high degree of similarity with N. pleskei, although the motif structures and repeat sequences of the putative control region showed clear differences among these three Nanorana species. In addition, a tandem repeat of the tRNA‐Met gene was found located between the tRNA‐Gln and ND2 genes. On both the 5′ and 3′‐sides, the control region possessed distinct repeat regions; however, the CSB‐2 motif was not found in N. pleskei. Based on the nucleotide sequences of 13 PCGs, our phylogenetic analyses, using Bayesian inference and maximum‐likelihood methods, illustrate the taxonomic status of Nanorana with robust support showing that N. ventripunctata and N. pleskei are more closely related than they are to N. parkeri. In conclusion, our analyses provide a more robust and reliable perspective on the evolutionary history of Dicroglossidae than earlier analyses, which used only a single species (N. pleskei).

The Chinese Noctule bat, Nyctalus plancyi, is an endemic bat species of China, which has been listed as Least Concern on the IUCN red list of Threatened Species. Here we sequenced and characterized the complete mitochondrial genome of N. plancyi for the first time. The mitogenome is 17,494 bp in length, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, and a non-coding control region (D-loop). The overall base composition is 32.0% A, 29.3% T, 24.1% C and 14.5% G. As in other bats, most mitochondrial genes are encoded on H-strand, except for ND6 and 8 tRNA. This mitogenome provides a valuable resource for further studies on molecular evolution and phylogenetic classification of the genus Nyctalus.

In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of Duttaphrynus himalayanus was sequenced adopting Illumina high-throughput sequencing method. The complete mitogenome of the species was 17,172 bp in length, including 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and a non-coding control region (CR). The overall base composition of mitogenome was 29.7% A, 29.6% T, 26.0% C, and 14.7% G. Most mitochondrial genes are encoded on the heavy strand, only ND6 and eight tRNA genes on the light strand. The complete mitogenome of D. himalayanus can provide an important data for future studies on phylogenetic relationship and population genetics of this species.

In this study, we obtained the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Nanorana chayuensis. The mitogenome length is 17,882 bp, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNA), 2 ribosomal RNA genes (rRNA), and 1 non-coding control region (CR). Present data will contribute to further analysis of phylogenetic relationship and population genetics of this species.

Sexual dimorphism is a widespread phenomenon throughout the animal kingdom and has attracted considerable interest in evolutionary biology. Studies on sexual dimorphism in hynobiid salamanders, which exhibit external fertilization and have two different habitat preferences, are limited. In this study, we analyzed sexual size and shape dimorphism of the stream-dwelling salamander Batrachuperus pinchonii based on deposited specimens, which were collected from the same locality with the same sampling date, and then explored if either habitat influences sexual dimorphism. Our results revealed no sexual dimorphism in body size (expressed by snout–vent length); however, other morphometric data indicated a female-biased dimorphism in head length, head width, distance of extremities, chest width, and a male-biased dimorphism in foreleg length, foreleg width, fore palm width, hindleg width, and hind palm width. These results would give some merit for future ecological and functional studies on reproduction in B. pinchonii. That is, female-biased head shape is likely related to ecological selection (e.g., reduction of intersexual food competition) and reproductive investment (e.g., intake of more energy). A female-biased trunk dimorphism may contribute to a fecundity advantage (e.g., increase in reproductive output). Male-biased limb dimorphism may relate to reproduction success. We failed to find dimorphic characteristics related to habitats.

Now, more and more studies use big databases, such as the World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA) (https://www.protectedplanet.net/), which is now a predominant source of information on world protected areas (PAs) (1⇓⇓–4). In PNAS, Elsen et al. (5) report that mountain ranges in Africa and Asia had the lowest elevational protection, based on analyses of the WDPA database. We suspect that this may not be true. China is a mountainous country in Asia (Fig. 1 A ) (5); we analyzed the elevational protection by China's National Nature Reserves (CNNR) and found that higher elevation regions are under a higher proportion of coverage by CNNR (Fig. 1 B ). The area of CNNR differed obviously among elevational gradients (Kruskal–Wallis test: χ2 = 143.29, P < 0.01), with the proportion of coverage becoming … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence may be addressed. Email: hujh{at}cib.ac.cn or jiangzg{at}ioz.ac.cn. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1

The trend of fencing grassland as livestock paddocks is spreading on the Eurasian steppe, however, its impacts on grassland wildlife are little known. In order to explore such impacts, we carried out a field study on how grassland fencing impacts Przewalski’s gazelle (Procapra przewalskii), a species listed as EN (Endangered) by SSC/IUCN, on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The results revealed that (1) in the fenced areas, daily movement distance of Przewalski’s gazelle was 5081±1187 m (Hudong-Ketu) and 4110±912 m (Yuanzhe), which was much shorter than the 7223±546 m recorded in an unfenced area (Kuaierma); (2) the feeding bout duration of Przewalski’s gazelle was much shorter in the fenced habitat; (3) the frequency of walking along both high or low fence lines reached about 81%; while the frequency of jumping across the low fence line was only about 1.2% and frequency of crawling through the bottom of the high fence lines was about 17.8%; (4) the size of post-fencing habitat decreased to about 20% and 6% of the sizes of pre-fencing habitat in Hudong-Ketu and Yuanzhe areas respectively, but no clear change in the size of habitat area was found in the unfenced Kuaierma area; and (5) the fence lines impaired the possibility of gazelles to escape from predators and occasionally trapped the Przewalski’s gazelle which failed to jump over the fence lines. Death occurrence of Przewalski’s gazelle in the intensively fenced area, including gazelles strangled by fence lines and predated by wolves, reached 5% of the population size in Yuanzhe and up to 15%–20% in Hudong-Ketu. This study highlights the negative impacts of grassland fencing on Przewalski’s gazelle and proposes measures for integrating conservation of this gazelle with livestock management practice.

In 2008 Przewalski's gazelle Procapra przewalskii, endemic to the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, China, was recategorized from Critically Endangered to Endangered on the IUCN Red List. The species is still, however, threatened, and the human population and accompanying domestic livestock are increasing around Qinghai Lake. Here we provide up-to-date information on the distribution and population size of the species, evaluate its current conservation status and discuss the difficulties of protecting this gazelle species. We used both distance sampling and total counts to survey 16 sites where the species has been reported and found it at 13 of these, occupying a total area of c. 250 km2. Population size estimated from distance sampling (1,635) and total counts (1,544) was similar. About 20% of the gazelles located were in newly discovered areas for the species. The results indicate an overall growth in the population of Przewalski's gazelle since 2003, although some subpopulations have declined or been extirpated. In spite of conservation efforts Przewalski's gazelle is still threatened by habitat degradation and loss, habitat fragmentation, fencing, intensified competition with domestic livestock and predation. Further growth of this gazelle population is constrained by limited habitat availability and human–gazelle conflict. We recommend that management and conservation strategies need to incorporate comprehensive knowledge of the gazelle, long-term monitoring, and captive breeding of injured and orphaned gazelles to form a potential pool of individuals for future reintroductions to the historical range of the species outside the Qinghai Lake basin.

To understand the relationship between behavioral expression of Pere David's deer and environmental elements, we carried out an experiment in the Dafeng Pere David's Deer Nature Reserve, China. From May to September 2001, we observed maintenance behavior and rut behavior in free-ranging Pere David's deer. During behavioral observations, we also recorded the type of habitat in which the behavior occurred. Statistical analysis showed that: (1) Pere David's deer tended to stand, sit and ruminate in barren land, a water body and the muddy shore of a pond. (2) Pere David's deer foraged in grassland and forested land. (3) Pere David's deer stags expressed the marking and display components of rut behavior more often in water body and wetland than in grassland and forest. Our data indicated that Pere David's deer is a typical ungulate species living in wetland and selects different habitats to express different behaviors. We discuss the possible reasons for Pere David's deer to choose specific habitats to express behavior. We suggest that, in ex situ conservation of Pere David's deer, environmental prerequisites for behavioral expression should be considered.

Biologia Reproductiva de Buteo hemilasius en el Altiplano Tibetano La ecologia y el estatus de conservacion de las poblaciones de Buteo hemilasius en el altiplano tibetano son poco conocidos. Estudiamos la biologia reproductiva de esta especie en 2014 en cienagas de altura de la altiplanicie de Zoige ubicada en el suroeste de China, en el limite este del altiplano tibetano. La puesta tuvo lugar desde principios de abril hasta finales de mayo (n = 24). El tamano medio de la nidada (±DE) fue de 3.13 (± 0.95, rango 1–5 huevos). El numero promedio de huevos eclosionados en la ultima visita fue de 2.54 (±1.25, rango 0–4). La tasa de fracaso fue relativamente baja (20.8%), siendo las principales causas de fracaso del nido el dano natural, las molestias humanas y la depredacion. Comparados con individuos de B. hemilasius de altitudes bajas, las aves que estudiamos aparentemente pusieron menos huevos pero tuvieron un mayor numero de jovenes supervivientes, lo que sugiere que las aves de altitudes mayores pueden...