ABSTRACT Effective conservation of range-restricted reptiles requires a detailed understanding of their ecological traits and behavioural ecology. The mountain dragon lizard (Diploderma batangense), a narrow-range endemic restricted to western China and classified as a National Class II Protected species, remains poorly studied, and conservation efforts have been limited. From 2021 to 2025, extensive field investigations were undertaken to assess its population structure, habitat preferences, trophic ecology, behavioural repertoire and diel activity patterns. The population exhibited a balanced sex ratio across ontogenetic stages, a marked decline in total captures (≈27% from 2021 to 2025) and an age structure skewed towards adults (subadult-to-adult ratio of 1:2.5). Both sexes predominantly occupied exposed rocky substrates yet exhibited marked intersexual divergence in microhabitat selection. The species was broadly omnivorous, feeding primarily on lepidopterans and hemipterans, with occasional consumption of Fabaceae flowers. Reproductive activity peaked in late May, with oviposition occurring from late July to early August, during which females exhibited characteristic nesting behaviours. Visual signalling, most notably push-up displays, dominated social interactions and served critical roles in both courtship and territorial defence. Activity patterns varied by season and sex, with both sexes roosting nocturnally on shrub branches during summer. These findings establish the first comprehensive ecological baseline for D. batangense, providing essential data for informed conservation and habitat management strategies.

Many species of aquatic organisms are currently overexploited and listed as vulnerable groups by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Some of these aquatic species can now be produced by means of aquaculture methods and are traded as farmed products. Such products are not subject to fishing bans and under these scenarios, a delicate balance exists between the conservation of natural resources and the trade of farmed, albeit protected species. Traceability methods are becoming intrinsic components of protocols aimed to improve seafood supply chains. In addition to their role in natural resource management, traceability methods represent important tools in food innocuity issues given that they assist in guaranteeing food provenance and product inclusion into food safety processes. The implementation of effective traceability protocols reduces malpractices such as product mislabeling and illegal fishing. The latter encompasses social connotations for the legally established fishermen and farmers, who are better protected against the unfair competition exerted by illegally caught seafood. The dietary history of organisms affects the chemical characteristics of their tissues. These chemical characteristics can be measured by means of several analytical methods and used as reliable biomarkers to determine production method and geographical origin. The present review explores traditional, emerging, and combined analytical techniques that support the traceability processes of fish, mollusks, echinoderms, crustaceans and other groups of edible and ornamental aquatic organisms. An emphasis is placed on the application of stable isotopes analysis as a useful tool to distinguish farmed from wild aquatic organisms and to determine the provenance of seafood products.

Extreme climate events are becoming more frequent and intense under climate change, but their impacts on marine food webs are not well understood. In the North Atlantic, salinity anomalies over decadal timescales have been well studied, but extreme freshening has been observed in recent years at a magnitude far greater than prior measurements. Further, short-term fresh pulses and their ecological effects are poorly understood. We integrate recent monitoring data from the New York Bight with long-term datasets to document the ecosystem impacts of a short-term fresh pulse which influenced this region from September 2023 to September 2024. Mean surface salinity in this region was lower from February through August than in any other year of observation in a 30-year dataset, with salinity anomalies of -0.80 to -1.43 psu (mean - 1.13 psu). Profound ecosystem impacts of this event were observed throughout the food web. We observed aragonite saturation levels below 1, reflecting corrosive conditions for calcifying organisms. Elevated densities of key copepods occurred in spring and summer, while fish and invertebrates showed marked equatorward shifts in a reversal of recent poleward trends. Humpback whale body condition and residence time were unusually high. Anomalously high sightings rates of endangered North Atlantic right and sei whales occurred during a particularly fresh period in summer. Our findings address a gap in knowledge regarding the ecological impacts of fresh pulses, and portend widespread impacts of these events under continued climate change with implications for commercial and protected species.

In this study, we aimed to establish species-specific reference values for intraocular pressure (IOP) in clinically healthy collared scops owls (Otus lettia) using rebound tonometry. Twelve free-living owls were included, and twentyfour eyes were examined. All owls were physically restrained in an upright position without sedation. Intraocular pressure was measured in both eyes using rebound tonometry (TONOVET; iCare Finland Oy, Vantaa, Finland) in d mode. No significant difference in IOP was observed between the right and left eyes. The mean IOP values were 10.42 ± 1.24 mmHg (median, 11 mmHg; range, 8–12 mmHg) in the right eye and 10.75 ± 1.42 mmHg (median, 11 mmHg; range, 8–13 mmHg) in the left eye. Data from both eyes were pooled. The mean pooled IOP was 10.58 ± 1.31 mmHg (median, 11 mmHg; range, 8–13 mmHg). These findings provide clinically relevant reference values for ophthalmic evaluations in avian medicine, particularly in wildlife rehabilitation settings. The establishment of species-specific IOP values may improve diagnostic accuracy and contribute to the development of baseline ophthalmological parameters for protected raptor species in Taiwan.

Background/Objectives: The Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans) is a protected species for which physiological and molecular health indicators remain poorly characterized. This study aimed to monitor and analyze plasma proteome profiles and biochemical parameters in captive adult Indian star tortoises and to identify potential diagnostic biomarkers. Methods: Plasma samples from nine clinically healthy adult Indian star tortoises (four males and five females) maintained in captivity were subjected to biochemical profiling and proteomic analysis. Sex-related differences in biochemical parameters were evaluated, and differentially expressed proteins were mapped to Homo sapiens Reactome pathways to identify significantly enriched biological processes. Results: Plasma biochemical profiling established baseline reference values, indicating stable hepatic and metabolic function in captive tortoises. Creatinine and urea concentrations were significantly higher in females than in males (p < 0.05), suggesting sex-related differences in protein metabolism or renal function. No significant sex-related differences were observed in hepatic enzymes (ALP, ALT, AST, and GGT), muscle-associated enzymes (CK and LDH), glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, total proteins, albumin, or electrolyte concentrations (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cl, P, and Fe). Proteomic analysis identified 12 differentially expressed proteins, including nine upregulated and three downregulated proteins. Functional pathway analysis revealed 90 significantly enriched Reactome pathways (FDR < 0.05). Upregulated proteins were primarily associated with cytoskeletal organization (KRT75, KRT5, and KRT17), lipid transport and remodeling (APOB), coagulation (F10), extracellular transport (TTR), immune response (WFDC3), transmembrane signaling (KCP), and gamete interaction (ZAN). Downregulated proteins (C7, SERPING1, and PZP) were linked to complement activation and acute-phase response pathways. Conclusions: Captive Indian star tortoises exhibited increased cytoskeletal remodeling and coagulation activity together with reduced complement activation. These findings provide novel insights into the plasma proteome of this species and identify candidate biomarkers that may support future health assessment, physiological monitoring, and diagnostic applications in Indian star tortoises.

A dataset of 352 nuclear genes for accurate species identification and geographical origin traceability of Rhododendron dauricum L

Identifying suitable habitat shifts and climate refugia under climate change is essential for the conservation of freshwater fish, particularly in mountainous river systems. However, there is a lack of comprehensive evaluation frameworks to quantitatively assess the degree to which regional fish assemblages are affected. In addition, asymmetric habitat shift patterns in fish populations of mountainous rivers remain insufficiently explored. To address these gaps, we developed a climate-responsive evaluation framework—CR-TOPSIS—based on the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), and applied it to assess current and future habitat changes for the Top 15 climate-sensitive species and other key protected species in the Qinba mountainous region, integrating environmental DNA surveys and targeted traditional capture, cross-validated against regional checklists and expert review with MaxEnt modeling. Projections were made under two climate scenarios (SSP126 and SSP585) for the period 2070–2100. Results indicated pronounced asymmetric habitat shift patterns, with leading-edge expansion consistently exceeding trailing-edge contraction across climate scenarios. Species distribution centroids exhibited a clear northward shift, averaging 1.76 km under SSP126 and 2.64 km under SSP585, reflecting enhanced redistribution under stronger warming. Coldwater and bottom-dwelling species experienced disproportionate habitat loss under high-emission scenarios, whereas eurythermal and pelagic-spawning species showed comparatively higher adaptive potential. Core climate refugia, defined by 100% spatial overlap across scenarios, covered approximately 0.51 × 10³ km² and were primarily concentrated along the midstream Hanjiang River and its tributaries, remaining stable under both climate pathways. This study demonstrates the utility of integrating molecular monitoring and species distribution models to detect climate-sensitive shifts, evaluate species vulnerability and conservation prioritization in montane freshwater ecosystems. • Developed a CR-TOPSIS framework to evaluate climate sensitivity of freshwater fish species. • Integrated eDNA data and MaxEnt modeling to predict future habitat suitability under SSP126 and SSP585. • Revealed consistent asymmetric habitat shifts, with leading-edge expansion exceeding trailing-edge retreat. • Identified coldwater and benthic species as highly vulnerable to warming and hydrological change. • Mapped climate refugia concentrated in the midstream Hanjiang River, providing conservation targets.

Genetic data have long been applied in conservation and management for threatened and endangered species to track effects of inbreeding, hybridization, and population structure. However, when a reference genome is lacking, there is inadequate information to confidently predict extinction risk or potential for local adaptation to varying environmental factors. A reference genome provides information about the identity and function of key gene families that likely affect organismal performance in nature. A well-resolved genome is therefore vital to future conservation planning for protected species. Gila Trout have undergone severe genetic and demographic bottlenecks due to habitat fragmentation and climate-based drought and wildfires in the Gila national forest, NM. The species is currently managed under a recovery program that works to ensure the preservation of five genetically and morphologically distinct Gila Trout lineages. Here we present a chromosome-level assembly and annotation of the genome of Gila Trout Oncorhynchus gilae, a threatened trout species closely related to the Rainbow Trout. We verify that the Gila Trout genome is composed of 28 chromosomes, of which, 24 are metacentric and four are telocentric. Gila Trout maintains karyotypes of key chromosomal inversions observed in ancestral salmonids. Annotation and comparison of genes involved in adaptive immunity in the Gila Trout genome against other salmonids reveals conservation of coding regions but high variability within the introns and non-coding regions around the genes that could bolster immunocompetence in the face of novel pathogens. This genome provides a key resource for the further monitoring and conservation of the Gila Trout.

Alsophila spinulosa is a tree fern designated as a second-class nationally protected species in China and valued for its medicinal and ornamental properties. Its slow growth and susceptibility to environmental stresses pose challenges to its cultivation. Plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can enhance plant development by producing phytohormones, such as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). In this study, 39 IAA-producing strains were isolated from the rhizosphere of A. spinulosa. Morphological and molecular analyses identified the highest IAA-producing strain, R74, as Burkholderia pyrrocinia. Its optimal inoculum age was determined to be 12–20 h, and its optimal culture conditions for IAA production were 24 h of incubation, 32 °C and pH 7.0. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that the genome of strain R74 is 8,347,169 bp in size with a GC content of 67%, comprising 7543 genetic elements. Further genomic analysis showed that IAA biosynthesis in R74 involves the tryptophan side-chain oxidase (TSO) pathway and the tryptophan-independent pathway. Pot experiments revealed that inoculation with R74 increased the height, root length, stem diameter, and biomass of A. spinulosa seedlings. It also increased antioxidant enzyme activities, elevated soluble protein and chlorophyll contents, and reduced malondialdehyde levels. This study provides an empirical basis for the development of Burkholderia-based biofertilizers to promote A. spinulosa growth.

Sex determination and differentiation represent fundamental topics in reproductive biology. Sichuan taimen (Hucho bleekeri), a first-class national protected fish species in China, lacks obvious secondary sexual characteristics, making it challenging to distinguish sex without resorting to invasive methods such as dissection. This limitation presents a significant obstacle to both artificial breeding and conservation efforts for the species. Herein, we performed transcriptome and proteome sequencing to identify sex-biased genes of H. bleekeri. A total of 25258 significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in gonadal tissues, including 15071 up-regulated male-biased DEGs. Proteomics analysis identified 2937 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). Integrated analysis identified several key DEGs, including sdY, CYP11A1, 3β-HSD1, CYP17A1, CYP11B, CYP19A1A, 17β-HSD1, and 17β-HSD8, in which CYP11A1, 3β-HSD1, CYP17A1, and CYP11B exhibited high expression in the testis. Furthermore, the cDNA sequence of the sdY gene was obtained, and in situ hybridization revealed that sdY is exclusively expressed in the Sertoli cells of the testis. In addition, one pair of sdY primers was designed to screen sex-linked markers, and the results confirmed that sdY can serve as a sex-specific marker in H. bleekeri. The present study would provide a foundation for future research on genes involved in sex determination, differentiation, and artificial breeding in H. bleekeri.

ARTICLE HIGHLIGHT- Belida population in the lake is low and nearing threatened status.- Belida size data show weak population recovery.- Conservation action is needed to protect belida stocks.- Habitat pressure increases belida vulnerability and limits protection.- Findings support stronger conservation for threatened belida.ABSTRACTThe conservation status of belida fish in Indonesia is regulated under the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of the Republic of Indonesia Number 1 of 2021 concerning Protected Fish Types, which includes four species: Bornean Belida (Chitala borneensis), Sumatran Belida (Chitala hypselonotus), Lopis Belida (Chitala lopis), and Java belida (Notopterus notopterus). The Javan belida fish (Notopterus notopterus) is currently classified as Least Concern (LC) to facilitate data collection on protected fish species and those listed in the Appendices of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). However, intensive harvesting for human consumption may lead to continued population declines in Java. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the population size and status of the Javan belida fish, providing a scientific basis for government recommendations, particularly by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, regarding its conservation status. Field sampling was conducted in situ in Rawa Pening Lake during three sampling periods (January, February, and March 2024) using bamboo blinds, traps, and lift nets. The collected data were analyzed to estimate population abundance, length-weight relationships, length-frequency distribution, sex ratio, gonad maturity stage, and catch per unit of effort. A total of 47 belida fish were caught, all identified as Javan belida (Notopterus notopterus). The estimated population density in Rawa Pening Lake was 32 individuals per 1,400 m2, equivalent to 229 individuals per ha. Based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) vulnerability criteria, the belida population in Rawa Pening Lake is considered near threatened.

This article reports the synthesis of the dimer of oxazaborolidinone (OxB), [OxB] 2 , a sterically hindered protecting group for boron. This highly congested unique diboron reagent functions as an efficient borylation agent, enabling the direct synthesis of alkylboron compounds, which has been challenging with conventional methods. Remarkably, despite its significant steric bulk, [OxB] 2 undergoes smooth transmetalation with a copper catalyst. Through complementary reductive borylation and cross‐coupling with alkyl halides, we successfully prepared a range of primary and secondary alkylboron compounds—traditionally unstable and difficult to access—as stable Alkyl‐OxB derivatives. Furthermore, the resulting Alkyl‐OxB derivatives can be readily deprotected under mild conditions to furnish the corresponding alkylboronic acids. Leveraging this property, we demonstrated the iterative Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling of protected alkylboron species, a transformation that has remained elusive to date.

Prioritizing individual conservation features in multi-objective conservation planning: a study case in Gansu Province, China.

The Chinese giant salamander is classified as a Class II protected species in China and is recognized as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Due to their unique behavioral patterns, wild Chinese giant salamanders are primarily nocturnal and inhabit areas characterized by complex terrain, which results in limited detection coverage and significant challenges in observation. Consequently, images of wild Chinese giant salamanders are exceedingly rare, and the scarcity of existing data impedes the advancement and application of deep learning-based object detection models. This study constructs and releases a specialized dataset for Chinese giant salamanders, comprising 1386 images and a total of 1397 annotated bounding boxes. All images represent diverse field scenarios and are meticulously annotated in accordance with YOLO (You Only Look Once) labeling specifications. Annotation files are provided in both PASCAL VOC (Visual Object Classes) and COCO (Common Objects in Context) formats to ensure compatibility with leading detection frameworks, including YOLO v8 and YOLO v11. This dataset aims to offer high-quality, multi-scenario annotated data for research in computer vision and conservation biology, facilitating the training and evaluation of models for intelligent monitoring and species conservation of the Chinese giant salamander, thereby promoting the development of visual recognition technologies for endangered species.

The forestry of Pinus elliottii reached a commercial scale in the mid-1980s in the municipality of São José do Norte, RS, Brazil. With the aid of tax incentives, producers sought income from resin extraction, and the plantations expanded significantly, forming large blocks in the district of Bojuru. This study aimed to evaluate the natural regeneration of pioneer native species following the removal of P. elliottii in a dune area; assess the implementation of vegetative barriers using native species for area restoration and dune protection; and test different techniques for dune stabilization using physical barriers and clustered native plantings. The results of natural regeneration were favorable at the experimental site, unlike the seedling survival rates, which were below the levels considered ideal for restoration purposes. The dune stabilization technique using physical barriers (containment fences) proved effective on the dune crest but did not yield the same results in wet areas or those with pre-established vegetation. Dune areas adjacent to commercial plantations and lacking established vegetation are particularly vulnerable to the spread of P. elliottii seeds.

The objective of the present study is to draw attention to the problem of protecting alkaline fens (EU habitat 7230) and related plant species. The distribution, habitat conditions and vegetation structure of the phytocoenoses in which protected species diagnostic of eutrophic low-sedge alkaline fens of the Caricion davallianae alliance occurred in the area of PLB060001 Bagno Bubnów were therefore described. The findings of the research conducted in the years 2021–2022 enabled the identification of factors that pose a threat to their occurrence. The following species were documented: Epipactis palustris (44 locations), Carex davalliana (25), Pedicularis sceptrum-carolinum (3), Pedicularis palustris (1), Pinguicula vulgaris subsp. bicolor (1), Tofieldia calyculata (1). The species under study exhibit a diverse ecological spectrum. They occurred in diverse phytocoenoses, usually in Molinion meadows or Scheuchzerio-Carcietea nigrae low-sedge alkaline fens and were predominantly recorded on eutrophic, organic or mineral-organic, neutral or alkaline soils. The C:N ratio ranging from 12.20 to 13.55 on average, with high calcium content, and high level of base saturation which indicates eutrophic soils with advanced mineralisation and humification of organic matter. An analysis of the syntaxonomic structure of the examined phytocoenoses and soil conditions has revealed a potential risk of habitat loss due to drying out. The PCA revealed that moisture is a key element in maintaining protected species of alkaline fens and exerts a fundamental influence on the phytosociological variability of the investigated phytocoenoses of PLB060001 Bagno Bubnów site.

Abstract Indian rock pythons ( Python molurus ) are a protected species under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and are listed as Near Threatened globally by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Understanding the etiology behind their mortality is therefore of paramount importance. This case study details necropsy findings of a free-ranging Indian rock python from the forest area of the northwestern slopes of Western Ghats of Kerala state, India. On necropsy, the gastrointestinal lumen was found to be filled with hundreds of entangled tapeworms and roundworms. The tapeworms were identified as Bothridium pithonis , and the roundworms were identified as Ophidascaris sp. based on morphologic and morphometric analysis. This case depicts an instance of high-burden gastrointestinal parasitism associated with the death of a free ranging reptile.

ABSTRACT Introduction Faecal DNA is increasingly used in non‐invasive genetic studies, offering a valuable tool for wildlife research, especially for elusive or protected species. It enables genetic analysis with minimal or no impact on animal welfare. Aims Here we review scientific publications using faecal pellets as a source of DNA in wild lagomorphs, provide a critical overview of field and laboratory methodologies and provide suggested improvements for future genetic studies. Methods Using the Scopus database, 45 publications from 1996 to 2024 were identified and analysed. Key aspects examined include sampling strategies, storage methods, DNA extraction protocols, molecular markers, and the intended applications of faecal DNA. Results Although lagomorphs are widely studied, only a limited number of investigations used faecal pellets as a DNA source. These focused on 7 genera and 15 species, mainly Lepus (69%) and Sylvilagus (33%). Most studies were conducted in North America ( n = 20) and Europe ( n = 16), addressing species and individual identification, sexing, hybridisation and methodological validation. Mitochondrial DNA sequencing and microsatellite genotyping were the most common applications, respectively, for species determination and individual identification or population‐level analyses. Discussion This review highlights the usefulness of faecal pellets for genetic investigations on this taxon; however, improvements are needed. We prompt for methodological standardisations and for the development of taxon‐specific SNP panels that could assure data reproducibility and comparability. We are confident that this review will provide a valuable starting point for future studies and assist researchers starting non‐invasive genetic investigations on lagomorph populations.

Beijing has designated the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) as a protected species, and its protection status has been elevated to the national level in China. However, current knowledge of the species in Beijing is largely derived from localised studies, and region-wide assessments remain lacking, despite its high conservation priority. In particular, understanding species distribution is fundamental to both ecology and conservation. This study evaluated raccoon dog occurrence patterns across environmental gradients and their spatial distribution in northeast Beijing, using Bayesian occupancy models based on camera-trap detection-nondetection data. We examined the effects of environmental and anthropogenic factors; following model selection, minor road density and human population density were retained as key predictors. Predicted relative occupancy probability declined markedly with increasing densities of both variables, suggesting avoidance of human-disturbed areas. Spatial predictions indicated higher predicted relative occupancy probabilities within nature reserves and in the northern part of the study area, while lower predicted occupancy in the southern part reflects the concentration of human-related factors. These findings provide the first region-wide assessment of raccoon dog occupancy in northeast Beijing, highlighting the importance of accounting for anthropogenic pressures. They also provide a regional baseline of raccoon dog distribution and offer insights to inform conservation planning and management.

The hidden passengers: On the role of exotic crayfish in the spread of symbiotic and pathogenic organisms in Northern Iberian Peninsula.