National Nature Reserve Research Articles

Analysis of genetic evolutionary differences among four Tibetan pig populations in China

Tibetan pigs are a locally bred domestic pig breed originating from the Tibetan Plateau in China. They can be categorized into four distinct groups based on their geographical locations: Sichuan Tibetan pigs, Tibetan pigs from Tibet, Yunnan Tibetan pigs, and Gansu Tibetan pigs. This study aimed to explore population diversity, genetic structure and selection signals among Tibetan pigs in four Chinese national nature reserves. The results show that there is different observed heterozygosity among Tibetan pig populations (0.1957–0.1978). Ratio of runs of homozygosity (Froh) calculation of four Tibetan pig populations by runs of homozygosity (ROH) revealed the presence of inbreeding within the population (0.0336–0.0378). Analysis of the genetic structure demonstrated distinct population stratification among the four Tibetan pig populations, with each showing relatively independent evolutionary directions. Furthermore, Five methods (FST, Piratio, ROD, Tajima's D, XP-CLR) were used to artificially select evolutionary trajectories. The results mainly involved processes such as DNA repair, immune regulation, muscle fat deposition and adaptation to hypoxia. In conclusion, this study enhances our understanding of the genetic characteristics of Tibetan pig populations and provides a theoretical reference for the conservation of resources across different populations of Tibetan pigs.

Construction of an Ecological Security Pattern for the National Park of Hainan Tropical Rainforest on the Basis of the Importance of the Function and Sensitivity of Its Ecosystem Services

The National Park of Hainan Tropical Rainforest (NPHTR) plays the crucial role of an ecological barrier for Hainan Island. It also serves as a valuable repository of tropical biological heritage for the world. The scientific establishment of an ecological security pattern (ESP) for the NPHTR is therefore essential for ensuring the robustness and stability of this regional ecosystem, safeguarding tropical biodiversity, and promoting sustainable development. This study integrates ecosystem service functions (ESFs) and ecological sensitivity to identify ecological sources (ESs) so that regional integrity is promoted and ecological security is ensured. Ecological corridors (ECs) are established on the basis of a minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model and circuit theory. We integrate ESs, nodes, and corridors to construct the ESP of the NPHTR. The areas of extreme importance and sensitivity in the NPHTR account for 25.17% and 25.47% of its overall area, respectively, and are predominantly situated in the higher elevations of its eastern and central regions. Further, the ESs are mainly distributed in its western region, specifically Ba Wangling (BWL), Jian Fengling (JFL), and Ying Geling (YGL), covering an area of 1624.67 km2 (38.06% of the total area) of the NPHTR. After correction, 47 ECs with a distance of 870.9 km have been established, with BWL and YGL serving as the core areas. The ecological pinch- and barrier points in the NPHTR cover areas of 11.49 km2 and 16.35 km2, respectively, primarily consisting of man-made landscapes such as farmlands and buildings. These areas are significantly disturbed by human activities. The NPHTR has an ESP of “one screen, one district, three belts, multiple points, and multiple corridors”. BWL and YGL, which contain numerous sources and corridors, are crucial ecological functional zones. To ensure the horizontal connectivity of rare wildlife, such as of Nomascus hainanus and Cervus eldii hainanus, the NPHTR should establish buffer or development zones. These findings offer valuable insights for the development and planning of ecological civilization on Hainan Island, as well as for the establishment and management of the ESP of other national parks and nature reserves.

Comparison of Foraging Strategies and Effects of the Wapiti and Siberian Roe Deer on Japanese Yew.

The foraging strategies of sympatric ungulates with similar ecological niches are important for understanding ecological niche differentiation, resource utilization, competition, and coexistence and for understanding the ecological impacts on plant communities in the ecosystem. The behavior of the wapiti (Cervus elaphus) and Siberian roe deer (Capreolus pygargus) foraging on Japanese yew (Taxus cuspidata) has affected its succession and renewal in the northeastern forests of China, which has become an urgent problem for the relevant departments. This study analyzed the foraging strategies of the wapiti and Siberian roe deer on Japanese yew from July 2021 to January 2024 using field investigations and infrared camera monitoring in the Muling National Nature Reserve, Heilongjiang Province, China. It was found that the wapiti and Siberian roe deer have different foraging strategies in terms of time, space, and behavior. Temporally, they both preferred to forage for the saplings of the Japanese yew during the winter season, the degree of overlap in foraging rhythms was medium (Dhat1 = 0.67), and the diurnal foraging activity index (D RAI) of the wapiti was larger than that of the Siberian roe deer. Spatially, the suitable foraging habitat of the Siberian roe deer was twice that of the wapiti, and their overlap was low in the location and direction of saplings and the distance of the seed tree. Behaviorally, the foraging intensity of the wapiti was high, and that of Siberian roe deer was low. Foraging reduced the average primary branch height, number of new branches, and length of lateral branches of saplings, and the influence of the wapiti was significantly greater than that of the Siberian roe deer. This study provides a scientific basis for solving the conservation and management problems of the deer animals foraging on Japanese yew and contributes to further understanding of the competition-coexistence mechanism of sympatric species.

Comparative genome analysis of endophytic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens MR4: a potential biocontrol agent isolated from wild medicinal plant root tissue.

In this investigation, 396 endophytic bacterial strains from six indigenous medicinal plant species within the Xinjiang Tumor Peak National Nature Reserve were subjected to screening. The strain MR4 emerged as a noteworthy contender, demonstrating pronounced biocontrol capabilities coupled with exceptional cold tolerance. Through morphological scrutiny and comprehensive genomic sequencing, MR4 was identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. Antagonistic assays revealed MR4's efficacy in suppressing the causative agents of cotton wilt and verticillium wilt, achieving inhibition rates surpassing 50%. Analyses, underpinned by PCR methodologies, indicated MR4's capacity to biosynthesize a minimum of eight distinct antimicrobial agents. The whole-genome sequencing data indicated that B. amyloliquefaciens MR4 had the genome size and GC content of 4,017,872bp and 47.14%, respectively, and 4191 coding genes were identified. The genome consists of a single chromosome and one plasmid. Moreover, it was augmented by annotations from various databases, including GO, KEGG, and COG. The pathogenicity of MR4 undergoes evaluation, while predictions concerning MR4's secondary metabolites have disclosed gene clusters for 13 varieties of these compounds, with particular emphasis on surfactins and fengycin. Comparative analyses with four paradigmatic strains shed light on MR4's genomic composition and its phylogenetic lineage within the Bacillus genus. The genomic data pertaining to MR4 have been duly submitted to the NCBI GenBank, bearing the accession numbers CP146236 (Chr1) and CP146237 (plas1). This study endeavors to furnish potent microbial resources for the biocontrol and enhancement of plant growth, thereby providing a theoretical groundwork for MR4's agronomic utilization.

Morphological characters and molecular data reveal ten new forest macrofungi species from Hebei Province, North China

ABSTRACT China has a complex and diverse forest ecological environment, which breeds abundant forest macrofungi, including some edible, medicinal, and poisonous species. During the investigations of macrofungi in the Saihanba National Nature Reserve, North China, we collected abundant specimens of Agaricales and Polyporales within the Agaricomycetes. Based on the morphological characters and molecular evidence of DNA sequences including the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions, the large subunit of nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (nLSU), the small subunit of mitochondrial rRNA gene (mtSSU), the small subunit of nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (nuSSU), the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB1), the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II gene (RPB2), the β-tubulin gene (TUB), and the translation elongation factor 1-α gene (TEF1), this study identifies ten species of Agaricales and Polyporales new to science, viz. Cyanosporus subpopuli, Gelatinofungus betulina, Lycoperdon pseudoperlatum, Macrocystidia hebeiensis, Mycena subbrunnea, M. subpura, M. variispora, M. violocea-ardesiaca, Picipes griseus, and Pleuroflammula hebeiensis. Detailed morphological descriptions, fruiting bodies, and microscopic structure diagrams of these ten novel species are provided.

Assessing the changes in marine microalgae diversity in the Nanji Islands Nature Reserve over the past decades using sediment eDNA

The Nanji Islands, designated as one of China’s national nature reserves, are renowned for their abundant microalgal resources. Changes in microalgae can serve as indicators of marine environmental shifts. Despite this significance, the absence of comprehensive historical records on microalgal diversity has limited the evaluation of marine environmental protection efforts. This study addresses this gap by analyzing surface sediments and sediment cores from the Nanji Islands, utilizing 210Pb dating and employing environmental DNA (eDNA) technology to trace historical shifts in the molecular diversity of microalgae. Chloroplast gene fragments were amplified using rbcL primers, and 210Pb dating determined the deepest sediment layer (78-80 cm) to date back to 1994. From the 70-72 cm layer to the 60-62 cm layer, the number of microalgal reads increased rapidly from 27,716 to 65,143, signifying enhanced abundance over the 10 years following the establishment of the nature reserve. This was followed by a deceleration in microalgal abundance growth over the subsequent 20 years, potentially reflecting variations in primary production of microalgae. Concurrently, the rise in operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and the Margalef index suggest a boost in microalgal diversity, which may be attributed to improvements in the marine environment. The microalgal community composition has shifted from a dominance of Dinoflagellata and Streptophyta to a predominance of Bacillariophyta, the change in phosphate would be one of the impact factors worth noting. This study provides foundational data on the historical changes in microalgae in the Nanji Islands and serves as a reference for exploring the relationship between environmental conditions and microalgal dynamics.

Hericium yunnanense (Hericiaceae, Russulales), a new edible mushroom from Yunnan, China

Yunnan Province of China is one of the most abundant wild fungi resources in China. This paper describes a new species of Hericium collected from Mopanshan National Nature Reserve in Yunnan Province, China. The study showed that two specimens of Hericium were different from the known Hericium species in morphology and phylogeny. Hericium yunnanense associated with the host Alnus nepalensis has a coral-like, milky white to yellow and larger basidiomata (180–300 × 110–170 mm), small and amyloid, broadly ellipsoid basidiospores. A description, illustrations, and a phylogenetic analysis are provided to show the placement of the new species.

Dynamic Monitoring and Analysis of Ecological Environment Quality in Arid and Semi-Arid Areas Based on a Modified Remote Sensing Ecological Index (MRSEI): A Case Study of the Qilian Mountain National Nature Reserve

The ecosystems within the Qilian Mountain National Nature Reserve (QMNNR) and its surrounding areas have been significantly affected by changes in climate and land use, which have, in turn, constrained the region’s socio-economic development. This study investigates the regional characteristics and application requirements of the ecological environment in the arid and semi-arid zones of the reserve. In view of the saturated characteristics of NDVI in the reserve and the high-altitude saline-alkali environmental conditions, this study proposed a Modified Remote Sensing Ecology Index (MRSEI) by introducing the kernel NDVI and comprehensive salinity index (CSI). This approach enhances the applicability of the remote sensing ecological index. The temporal and spatial dynamics of ecological and environmental quality within the QMNNR from 2000 to 2022 were quantitatively assessed using the MRSEI. The effect of land use on ecological quality was quantified by analyzing the MRSEI contribution rate. The findings in this paper indicate that (1) in arid and semi-arid regions, the MRSEI provides a more precise representation of surface ecological environmental quality compared to the remote sensing ecological index (RSEI). The high correlation (R2 = 0.908) and significant difference between MRSEI and RSEI demonstrate that MRSEI enhances the accuracy of evaluating ecological environmental quality. The impact of land use on ecological quality was quantitatively assessed by analyzing the contribution rate of the MRSEI. (2) The ecological quality of the QMNNR exhibited an upward trend from 2000 to 2022, with an increase rate of 1.3 × 10−3 y−1. The area characterized by improved ecological and environmental quality constitutes approximately 53.68% of the total area. Conversely, the ecological quality of the degraded areas accounts for roughly 28.77%. (3) Among the various land use types, the improvement in ecological environmental quality within the reserve is primarily attributed to the expansion of forest and grassland areas, along with a reduction in unused land. Forest and grassland types account for over 90% of the total area classified with “good” and “excellent” ecological grades, whereas unused land types represent more than 44% of the total area classified with “poor” ecological grades. Overall, this study provides a valuable framework for analyzing ecological and environmental changes in arid and semi-arid regions.

Spatial distribution and priority conservation areas identification in Three-River-Source National Park considering the multifaceted values of plants

Spatially differentiated conservation effort for natural resources is critical to achieving a balance between protection and development in national parks. However, the extent of priority conservation areas for plants that integrate multispecies and multifaceted values is unclear. Here, we selected fine-resolution environmental variables with stronger impacts on wild plant survival to spatialize the distribution of all modeling-eligible species using species distribution models in Three-River-Source National Park, China. These were then combined with in situ conservation results for insufficient data species to identify priority conservation areas (PCAs) in terms of diversity, ecological and economic values, respectively. We analyzed the spatial characteristics of the priority conservation areas and searched for conservation gaps not covered by national nature reserves. The results showed that this study obtained more precise results on the spatial distribution of species by improving environmental variables and upgrading the spatial resolution. In Three-River-Source National Park, the species richness of wild plants showed a decreasing trend from southeast to northwest. There were significant differences in the spatial distribution of the priority conservation areas identified based on the three values, which was the basis for the spatially differentiated conservation and development of wild plant resources. In addition, the priority conservation areas obtained based on ecological value found Top17% priority conservation areas in the Hoh Xil Natural Reserve, which could not be revealed based on diversity or economic value. These results highlight the urgency of implementing multispecies and multifaceted values studies in national parks. In the future, studying conflicts between wildlife priority conservation areas and human activities, and expanding to national parks on a global scale, will be the focus that this study will continue to explore.

The fourth species of Sinamma Lin & Li, 2014 (Araneae, Tetrablemmidae) from China.

Sinamma Lin & Li, 2014 is a small tetrablemmid genus distributed in China, with three currently known species: Sinammaoxycera Lin & Li, 2014 from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and S.quadrata Tong & Li, 2022 and S.yingae Tong & Li, 2022 from Guangdong Province. While examining spider specimens obtained by sifting leaf litter from Danxiashan National Nature Reserve in Guangdong Province of China, we discovered a new species of the genus Sinamma, S.danxia sp. nov., which is described here.

Influence of herbaceous litter thickness on bacterial community structure and physicochemical properties of aeolian sand.

The change and mechanism of soil and soil bacterial diversity during the change of herbaceous litter thickness in desert areas is crucial to understand. In the study, the dominant herbaceous litter mixture in Baijitan National Nature Reserve was selected as the research material, and an experiment was established by adjusting the litter depth. The results showed that the measured values of soil physicochemical factors (total nitrogen, total protein, total potassium, available phosphorus, available potassium, pH, and soil water content) increased with the increase of herbaceous litter mixture thickness in 0-5cm soil layer. Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Gemmatimonadetes were the dominant bacterial phyla under different thicknesses of herbaceous litter in 0-5 and 5-10cm soil layers. Balneimonas, Rubrobacter, and Geodermatophilus were the dominant bacterial genera under different thicknesses of herbaceous litter in 0-5 and 5-10cm soil layers. There was no obvious change in the α-diversity index of bacterial community the same soil layer, but the α-diversity index in the 0-5cm soil layer was lower compared to the 5-10cm soil layer. The results of this study revealed that the change of herbaceous litter thickness had no significant effect on soil bacterial community structure in desert areas.

Habitat status and feasibility of constructing corridors for a vulnerable population of giant pandas

Habitat corridors provide connectivity to decrease the negative effects of fragmentation. However, numerous current studies on habitat corridors remain in the design stage, and there is a lack of research addressing the challenges and feasibility of actual construction. Therefore, fine-scale analyses of habitat corridors are needed to provide deeper insights. We proposed a fine-scale habitat corridor design using the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) population in the Mabian Dafengding National Nature Reserve as a case study. The research combined field quadrats, camera traps, and remote sensing data to complete analyses using the species distribution model, landscape pattern index, circuit theory model, and least-cost path (LCP) model. The results show that 53 km2 of suitable habitat for giant pandas exists in the reserve, and anthropogenic disturbance and bamboo cover were key environmental factors affecting giant pandas’ habitat suitability. Fragmentation has caused suitable habitat isolation, and the core habitat is non-contiguously scattered between the north and south. In the design of ten habitat corridors, two primary corridors connect the core habitat from north to south. The proposed primary corridors, roughly 1.4 km wide, are limited by natural impediments such as rivers, food resources, and anthropogenic disturbance. Our research used the latest methods and data to design the habitat corridor and reveals many difficulties for actual construction, despite employing approaches such as the LCP. Our findings enhance the understanding of habitat corridor feasibility and support the development of giant panda conservation efforts.

Climate Warming Has Contributed to the Rise of Timberlines on the Eastern Tibetan Plateau but Slowed in Recent Years

The alpine timberline is a component of terrestrial ecosystems and is highly susceptible to climate change. Since 2000, the Tibetan Plateau’s high-altitude zone has been experiencing a persistent warming, clarifying that the response of the alpine timberline to climate warming is important for mitigating the negative impacts of global warming. However, it is difficult for traditional field surveys to clarify changes in the alpine timberline over a wide range of historical periods. Therefore, alpine timberline sites were extracted from 2000–2021, based on remote sensing data sources (LANDSAT, MODIS), to quantify the timberline vegetation growth in the Gexigou National Nature Reserve and to explore the impacts of climate change on timberline vegetation growth. The results show that the mean temperature increased significantly from 2000 to 2021 (R2 = 0.35, p = 0.0036) at a rate of +0.03 °C/year. The alpine timberline continued to shift upwards, but at a slower rate, by +22.87 m, +23.23 m, and +2.73 m in 2000–2007, 2007–2014, and 2014–2021, respectively. The sample plots of the timberline showing an upward shift experienced a decreasing trend. The timberline NDVI increased significantly from 2000 to 2021 (R2 = 0.2678, p = 0.0136) with an improvement in its vegetation. The timberline NDVI is positively correlated with the annual mean temperature (p < 0.05), February mean temperature (p < 0.05), June minimum temperature (p < 0.05), February maximum temperature (p < 0.01), June maximum temperature (p < 0.01), and June mean temperature (p < 0.01). It was also found to be negatively correlated with annual precipitation (p < 0.01). The study showcases the practicality of using remote sensing techniques to investigate the alpine timberline shifts and timberline vegetation. The findings are valuable in developing approaches to the sustainable management of timberline ecosystems.

Analysis of PM2.5 Concentration Released from Forest Combustion in Liangshui National Natural Reserve, China

(1) Background: In recent years, forest fires have become increasingly frequent both domestically and internationally. The pollutants emitted from the burning of fuel have exerted considerable environmental stress. To investigate the influence of forest fires on the atmospheric environment, it is crucial to analyze the variations in PM2.5 emissions from various forest fuels under differing fire conditions. This assessment is essential for evaluating the effects on both the atmospheric environment and human health. (2) Methods: Indoor simulated combustion experiments were conducted on the branches, leaves, and bark of typical tree species in the Liangshui National Natural Reserve, including Pinus koraiensis (PK), Larix gmelinii (LG), Picea koraiensis (PAK), Betula platyphylla (BP), Fraxinus mandshurica (FM), and Populus davidiana (PD). The PM2.5 concentrations emitted by six tree species under various combustion states were measured and analyzed, reflecting the impact of moisture content on the emission of pollutants from fuel combustion, as indicated by the emission factors for pollutants. (3) Results: Under different fuel loading and moisture content conditions, the mass concentration values of PM2.5 emitted from the combustion of different organs of various tree species exhibit variability. (4) Conclusions: Among the various tree species, broad-leaved varieties release a greater quantity of PM2.5 compared to coniferous ones. A positive correlation exists between the moisture content of the fuel and the concentration of PM2.5; changes in moisture content notably influence PM2.5 levels. The emission of PM2.5 from fuel with varying loads increases exponentially. Utilizing the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) model for simulation, it was determined that both moisture content and fuel load exert a significant combined effect on the release of PM2.5 during combustion.

Environmental Driving Mechanism and Response of Soil’s Fungal Functional Structure to Near-Naturalization in a Warm Temperate Plantation

In this study, the near-naturalization process of Pinus tabulaeformis plantations in Baxianshan National Nature Reserve was divided into three stages depending on the proportion of P. tabulaeformis present, resulting in the following categories: the P. tabulaeformis forest stage, the mixed forest stage, and the near-natural forest stage. Natural secondary forests were selected as a control. We assessed alterations in the soil’s fungal functional structures from three aspects: functional mode, vegetative mode, and growth mode, and their responses to vegetation and soil factors were also explored. The results showed that ectomycorrhizal, saprophytic, and plant pathogen types were dominant in the functional mode, and plant pathogens were most abundant in the P. tabulaeformis forest stage. Meanwhile, ectomycorrhizal fungi were the least abundant in the near-natural forest stage. In the vegetative mode, saprophytic, pathophysiological, and symbiotic types were dominant, and pathophysiological types were the most abundant in the P. tabulaeformis forest stage. In the growth mode, microfungi dominated, and the abundance of clavarioid decreased with near-naturalization. The degree of variation in functional structure in the three dimensions increased with near-naturalization, but the structure of natural secondary forests converged. The species composition of tree layer obviously affected the abundance and functional structure of fungi in the three modes, among which Quercus mongolia and Carpinus hornbeam were the most significant. The soil’s pH and nitrate content significantly affected the structure of the functional mode, and the soil’s dry matter content and C/N ratio significantly affected the structure of the vegetative mode. In this study, we explored the interaction between the plant community and soil ecological system during the near-naturalization process of plantations in terms of soil fungi functions, further clarifying the role of soil functions in the succession of plant communities and providing a new perspective on the in-depth exploration of ecosystem interactions during the succession of plantations.

Determining the payment for ecosystem services of mangrove forests: The approach combining ecosystem services and social-economic level and application in Shankou National Nature Reserve, Guangxi, China

Mangrove wetlands are among the ecosystems with the highest value of ecosystem services worldwide. Determining the standards of payment for ecosystem services based on the value of ecosystem services is a crucial aspect of the socio-ecological feedback linked to ecosystem services. The gap between the current standards of payment for ecosystem services and those based on the value of ecosystem services may result in inadequate sustainability and effectiveness of ecosystem conservation and management. In view of this, this study aims to determine the standard of payment for mangrove ecosystem services based on the value of mangrove ecosystem services, and subsequently identify the gap in the current payment. This study assessed the value of mangrove ecosystem services in the Guangxi Shankou Mangrove Ecological National Nature Reserve based on the distinction of use value and the non-use value, and then calculated the standard of payment for mangrove ecosystem services by combining social-economic level. The results indicate that the establishment of the nature reserve has effectively increased the value of mangrove ecosystem services. However, the local residents' lack of awareness of the value of mangrove ecosystem services and the current standard of payment for mangrove ecosystem services is substantially low, which has resulted in a low willingness to participate in mangrove conservation.

Characterization of Forest Soil Acidification in Wenzhou Daluoshan and Zhejiang Wuyanling National Nature Reserve

Forest soil acidification is a global environmental problem, and forest ecosystems play an important role in terrestrial ecosystems. To provide a theoretical basis for the sustainable development of areas, this study selected Daluoshan and Wuyanling National Nature Reserve, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China and determined the characteristics of soil acidification in the two forested areas and the relationship between forest soil acidification and soil physicochemical properties. The forest soil pH value of Daluoshan was 4.25–5.40, and that of Wuyanling was 4.14–5.71. There was a significant difference between the mean soil pH values of the two woodlands (p < 0.01). The two forest soils were dominated by strongly acidic soils, and the top layer of the soils was susceptible to disturbances by environmental factors. With the increase in altitude, different layers of soil in the forests in the two woodland areas showed deepening acidification. Regarding the different plant types and slope directions, the soils under trees in the forests showed the most serious acidification, followed by the soils under shrubs and herbs. Compared with the soils on the leeward slopes, the soils of the forest sites on the windward slopes showed a more severe situation of soil acidification. Redundancy analysis between forest soil acidity indicators and soil physicochemical properties in the two forest sites showed that the main environmental factor affecting soil acidity indicators was salt base saturation, and soil pH and active state Cr, Ni, and Pb showed negative correlations in both forest sites.

Study on the microbiome and resistome of wild and captive Guizhou golden monkeys (Rhinopithecus brelichi) in China

The knowledge of gut microbial information helps evaluate the nutrition and health of the host and can be used as an important tool for improving wildlife conservation and management. Guizhou golden monkey (Rhinopithecus brelichi) is on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN 2023) Red List. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the difference of gut microbiome and resistome among three different groups of Guizhou golden monkeys using a metagenome approach, thus providing valuable insights and tools for management of captive golden monkeys. Fecal samples of Guizhou golden monkeys were collected from three places including Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve in Guizhou (n =3, Wild), Panxi wildlife rescue center in Guizhou (n=3, CapGZ), and Beijing Zoo (n=3, CapBJ). Fecal DNA was extracted and libraries were prepared and then were sequenced on Illumina PE150 platform with 2 × 150 bp paired reads. The results showed that wild Guizhou golden monkeys had lower abundance of Firmicutes, Uroviricota, Spirochaetes, Fibrobacterota, Campylobacterota, and Candidatus Melainabacteria and higher abundance Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria than the two groups of captive monkeys. PCoA analysis showed that fecal samples from three groups could be distinctly separated. Wild monkeys had significantly higher abundance of genes associated with metabolic function, including carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism, and metabolism of cofactors and vitamins. Among the top 20 ARGs analyzed, more ARGs were detected in the wild monkeys than the rest two groups. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of microbiomes and resistome in wild and captive Guizhou golden monkeys. The data is important for improving the health, management, and conservation of Guizhou golden monkeys based on the deviations in gut microbiome. It also establishes the scientific foundation for future comparative studies on the gut microbiome and resistome of Guizhou golden monkeys and other closely related Rhinopithecus species.

Suitable Habitat Distribution and Niche Overlap of the Sable (Martes zibellina) and Yellow-Throated Marten (Martes flavigula) in Taipinggou National Nature Reserve, Heilongjiang Province, China.

The global focus on fostering harmonious interactions and promoting rational coexistence among wildlife species to uphold or reinstate biodiversity remains a prominent area of interest. We conducted a study on the sable and yellow-throated marten in Taipinggou National Nature Reserve, Heilongjiang, China, using the line transect method and infrared camera traps from 2022 to 2023. We then analyzed the overlap of their suitable habitats and niches with the aim of gaining insight into the interspecific competition between these two species. We found that the suitable habitat areas for the sable and yellow-throated marten were 55.20 km2 and 23.28 km2, accounting for 24.86% and 10.48% of the total area of this study, respectively. The overlap between the suitable habitats for the sable and yellow-throated marten was 15.73 km2, accounting for 28.5% and 67.6% of their suitable habitat, supporting our Hypothesis 1. The first principal component (Dim1) of the niche explained 35.4% of the overall variability, which is mainly related to the environmental variables "Distance from Settlements" and "Distance from Roads". Overall, 25.5% of the total variability was explained by the second principal component (Dim2), associated with "Slope" and "Distance from Coniferous and Broadleaved Mixed Forest". The niches occupied by the sable and yellow-throated marten were both off-center of the environmental background space, with the niches of the sable being larger than those of the yellow-throated marten. Schoener's D index was 0.56, indicating a high degree of niche overlap between the sable and yellow-throated marten, supporting our Hypothesis 2. Our study is helpful in terms of formulating conservation and management policies for the sable and yellow-throated marten.

Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Plankton Communities in the Chongqing Section of the National Nature Reserve for Rare and Endemic Fishes in the Upper Yangtze River

In order to understand the community structure of plankton and environmental factors in the Chongqing section of the National Nature Reserve for Rare and Endemic Fishes (referred to as the “Reserve”) along the upper Yangtze River, this study investigated phytoplankton and zooplankton in the water body from 2021 to 2022. The results revealed a diverse phytoplankton community with 243 species from 105 genera and 8 phyla, dominated by Bacillariophyta and Chlorophyta. Phytoplankton showed average densities of 1.7 × 106 cells/L and biomass of 2.6221 mg/L, following a seasonal pattern of summer > spring > winter. Zooplankton analysis identified 141 species from 77 genera and 4 phyla, with rotifers most abundant, followed by protozoa. Zooplankton displayed average densities of 0.17 × 104 ind./L and biomass of 0.3226 mg/L, also following a seasonal pattern of summer > spring > winter. Total phosphorus (TP) emerged as the primary environmental factor influencing plankton community structure, positively correlating with phytoplankton density and zooplankton biomass. Plankton biodiversity indices classified water quality in the Chongqing section of the “Reserve” as oligo-/mesotrophic. Overall, plankton diversity in this section is notably rich, with similar species composition between mainstems and tributaries but seasonal variations in community structure. While mainstem water quality generally meets standards, some tributaries exhibit varying degrees of pollution, underscoring the need for improved ecological management and protection measures. This is crucial for maintaining the sustainability of the ecosystem.