Patterns and processes underlying understory songbird communities in southern China.

Understory bird communities, especially those comprising insectivores, are highly sensitive to forest loss and fragmentation. Currently, there is little knowledge regarding the large-scale diversity patterns of understory bird communities, particularly in Eastern Asia. Consequently, we aimed to identify the distribution patterns of understory birds in southern China and the factors underlying these patterns. We analysed the diversity distribution patterns of taxonomic and functional α and ß diversity for understory Passeriformes birds in southern China utilising cluster and ordination analyses. Subsequently, we analysed the effects of geographic distance, annual mean temperature, annual temperature range, annual mean precipitation, and annual precipitation range on diversity distribution patterns. In total, 9282 individuals belonging to 11 orders, 48 families, and 297 species were captured over 98,544 net hours, with Alcippeidae being the most abundant family in southern China. The understory bird communities of the 25 sites were categorised into six sub-regions of the Oriental Realm (Indo-Malayan Realm). The pattern in the distribution of taxonomic and functional ß-diversity of understory birds in southern China was consistent with zoogeographical regionalisation. Three distinct geographical groups were identified: Group 1 was located in the Min-Guang Coast and Hainan sub-regions; Group 2 was located in the East Hilly Plain, Southwest Mountains, and Western Mountains and Plateaus sub-regions; and Group 3 was located in the Southern Yunnan Mountain subregion. The most critical factors related to the distribution patterns of ß-diversity were geographical distance, annual mean temperature, and annual temperature range. Our results showed that the understory bird communities of the Southwest Mountain, East Hilly Plain, and Western Mountains, and Plateaus sub-regions were similar, as were those of the Min-Guang Coast and Hainan sub-regions. Our results underscore the joint roles of distance, temperature, and historical evolution in understory bird communities.

Co-phylogeny of a hyper-symbiotic system: Endosymbiotic bacteria (Gammaproteobacteria), chewing lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera) and birds (Passeriformes).

Chewing lice are hosts to endosymbiotic bacteria as well as themselves being permanent parasites. This offers a unique opportunity to examine the cophylogenetic relationships between three ecologically interconnected organismal groups: birds, chewing lice, and bacteria. Here, we examine the cophylogenetic relationships between lice in the genus Guimaraesiella Eichler, 1949, their endosymbiotic Sodalis-allied bacteria, and a range of bird species from across South China. Both event and distance-based cophylogenetic analyses were explored to compare phylogenies of the three organismal groups. Pair-wise comparisons between lice-endosymbionts and bird-endosymbionts indicated that their evolutionary histories are not independent. However, comparisons between lice and birds, showed mixed results; the distance-based method of ParaFit indicated that their evolutionary histories are not independent, while the event-based method of Jane indicated that their phylogenies were no more congruent than expected by chance. Notably, louse host-switching does not seem to have affected bacterial strains, as conspecific lice sampled from distantly related hosts share bacteria belonging to the same clade.

Species of Reticulipeurus Kéler, 1958 (Phthiraptera, Ischnocera, Oxylipeurus-complex) parasitic on species of Arborophila, with description of a new subgenus and three new species.

A new subgenus and three new species of parasitic lice (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera) in the Oxylipeurus-complex are described and illustrated. Forcipurellus new subgenus is part of the genus Reticulipeurus Kéler, 1958, and only includes species parasitic on partridges of the genus Arborophila Hodgson, 1837. The new species are: Reticulipeurus (Forcipurellus) diki new species ex Arborophila rubrirostris (Salvadori, 1879); Reticulipeurus (Forcipurellus) bracatus new species ex Arborophila atrogularis (Blyth, 1849); Reticulipeurus (Forcipurellus) longistylus new species ex Arborophila rufogularis guttata Delacour & Jabouille, 1928 and two other host subspecies. In addition, we redescribe the species Reticulipeurus (Forcipurellus) formosanus (Uchida, 1917) ex Arborophila crudigularis (Swinhoe, 1864) and Reticulipeurus (Forcipurellus) nitzschi Kéler, 1958 ex Arborophila torqueola torqueola (Valenciennes, 1825) and Arborophila torqueola millardi (Baker, 1921). Also, we briefly discuss four additional species that could not be described based on the specimens examined. A key to identify all species in the subgenus Forcipurellus is provided, as well as an emendation to include Forcipurellus in a previously published key to the Oxylipeurus-complex.

Distribution of birds in the high-altitude area of Mount Everest.

The species and abundance of birds in the high altitude area of Mount Everest decreased sharply with the increase of altitude. Alpine Choughs forage at altitudes of up to 8000 m and are the highest distribution of birds.

Mixed-species bird flocks re-assemble interspecific associations across an elevational gradient.

Understanding how non-trophic social systems respond to environmental gradients is still a challenge in animal ecology, particularly in comparing changes in species composition to changes in interspecific interactions. Here, we combined long-term monitoring of mixed-species bird flocks, data on participating species' evolutionary history and traits, to test how elevation affected community assemblages and interspecific interactions in flock social networks. Elevation primarily affected flocks through reassembling interspecific associations rather than modifying community assemblages. Specifically, flock networks at higher elevations (compared to low elevations) had stronger interspecific associations (larger average weighted degree), network connectivity (enhanced network density) and fewer subnetworks. A phylogenetic and functional perspective revealed that associations between similar species weakened, whereas connections between dissimilar and/or random species were unchanged or strengthened with elevation. Likewise, network assortativity for the traits of vertical stratum and breeding period declined with elevation. The overall pattern is a change from modular networks in the lowlands, where species join flocks with other species that have matching traits, to a more open, random system at high elevations. Collectively, this rewiring of interspecific networks across elevational gradients imparts network stability and resiliency and makes mixed-species flocks less sensitive to local extinctions caused by harsh environments.

Descriptions of six new species of slender-bodied chewing lice of the Resartor-group (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera: Brueelia-complex).

Six new species of chewing lice in the Resartor-group (Brueelia-complex) are described and illustrated. They are: Aratricerca cerata n. sp. ex Zosterops capensis Sundevall, 1850; Aratricerca macki n. sp. ex Melidectes princeps Mayr Gilliard, 1951 and Ptiloprora perstriata perstriata (de Vis, 1898); Aratricerca madagascariensis n. sp. ex Randia pseudozosterops Delacour Berlioz, 1931; Turdinirmoides janigai n. sp. ex Prunella collaris nipalensis (Blyth, 1843) and P. collaris fennelli Deignan, 1964; Turdinirmoides rozsai n. sp. ex Carpodacus subhimachala (Hodgson, 1836); and Timalinirmus curvus n. sp. ex Yuhina castaniceps plumbeiceps (Godwin-Austen, 1877). A key to the species of Aratricerca, Turdinirmoides and Timalinirmus is provided.

One new genus and three new species of the Penenirmus-complex (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera) from China, with resurrection of Picophilopterus Ansari, 1947.

Three new species of chewing lice of the Penenirmus-complex (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera) are described and illustrated from woodpeckers (Picidae) and barbets (Megalaimidae) occurring in China. They are: Picophilopterus blythipici new species from Blythipicus pyrrhotis sinensis (Rickett, 1897), Laimoloima ruiliensis new genus, new species from Psilopogon asiaticus asiaticus (Latham, 1790), and Laimoloima tandani new genus, new species from Psilopogon virens virens (Boddaert, 1783). In addition, we provide illustrations of Picophilopterus pici sensu lato ex Picus canus sordidior (Rippon, 1906), and we present evidence that justifies resurrecting the genus Picophilopterus Ansari, 1947 to include the species infesting woodpeckers and Neotropical barbets (Capitonidae). Also, we erect the new genus Laimoloima to include the species from Asian barbets (Megalaimidae). The taxonomic position of Penenirmus species from African barbets (Lybiidae) and honeyguides (Indicatoridae) is unresolved. An updated checklist of the species in the Penenirmus-complex parasitic on non-passeriform hosts is provided, including species of the genus Turnicola Clay Meinertzhagen, 1938.

PHYLOGENETIC RELATIONSHIPS OF GUIMARAESIELLA AND PRICEIELLA (PHTHIRAPTERA: ISCHNOCERA) FROM BABBLERS AND NON-BABBLERS (PASSERIFORMES).

Babblers (Passeriformes: Leiothrichidae, Pellorneidae, Timaliidae) are parasitized by more genera of lice of the Brueelia complex than any other group of songbirds. However, the relationships of these louse groups are poorly known. We here try to resolve the relationships between Guimaraesiella (Guimaraesiella), Guimaraesiella (Cicchinella), and their putative sister group Priceiella by using mitochondrial cytochrome c subunit 1 (COI), 12S, and 16S sequences. Our data indicate that G. (Cicchinella) forms a monophyletic group of lice from babblers, but the relationship between G. (Guimaraesiella), G. (Cicchinella), and Priceiella could not be resolved. Moreover, the position of the third lineage of babbler-specific lice, containing only the aberrant species Guimaraesiella montisodalis, is unresolved. Morphologically, this species is different from all other Guimaraesiella in several characters and may represent a distinct lineage. We present some data indicating that (1) the Nanling Mountain range may be a biogeographical barrier to chewing lice and (2) host participation in mixed-species feeding flocks may influence host associations in Brueelia-complex chewing lice.

Understanding the social impacts of enforcement activities on illegal wildlife trade in China.

Illegal wildlife trade enforcement is a cornerstone conservation strategy worldwide, yet we have a limited understanding on its social impacts. Using Chinese online wildlife seizure news (2003-2018), we evaluated the interactions among enforcement operations, news frequency, and social engagement (i.e., whistle-blowing) frequency. Our results showed that intensive enforcement operations, which commenced after 2012, have social impacts by increasing the frequency of all seizure news significantly by 28% [95% Confidence Interval (CI): 5%, 51%] and those via whistle-blowing by 24% [95% CI: 2%, 45%], when compared to counterfactual models where possible confounding factors were accounted for. Furthermore, we revealed the potential interaction between enforcement seizure news with and without social engagement, and the consequential social feedback process. Of the species identified from 'whistle-blowing' news, up to 28% are considered as high conservation priorities. Overall, we expanded our understanding of the enforcement impacts to social dimensions, which could contribute to improving the cost-effectiveness of such conservation efforts.

Four new species of Guimaraesiella (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera: Brueelia-complex) from China.

Four new species of Guimaraesiella Eichler, 1949 are described and illustrated based on specimens collected in South China. They are: Guimaraesiella (Cicchinella) citreisoma new species ex Leiothrix lutea kwangtungensis Whistler, 1943 (Leiothrichidae); Guimaraesiella (Cicchinella) corrugata new species ex Alcippe hueti hueti David, 1874 (Leiothrichidae); Guimaraesiella (Cicchinella) petilorica new species ex Alcippe nipalensis nipalensis (Hodgson, 1837) (Leiothrichidae); and Guimaraesiella (Cicchinella) yuhinae new species from Yuhina flavicollis rouxi (Oustalet, 1896) (Zosteropidae); this is the first species of the Brueelia-complex recorded from a member of the Zosteropidae.

NEW SPECIES AND NEW RECORDS OF PRICEIELLA (PHTHIRAPTERA: ISCHNOCERA: BRUEELIA-COMPLEX) FROM SOUTH CHINA.

Seven new species of chewing lice in the genus PriceiellaGustafsson and Bush, 2017, are described and illustrated based on specimens collected in south China. They are Priceiella (Camurnirmus) tanydrepanus n. sp. from Garrulax castanotis castanotis (Ogilvie-Grant, 1899); Priceiella (Camurnirmus) nanlingensis n. sp. from Garrulax maesi maesi (Oustalet, 1890); Priceiella (Thescelovora) brutifrons n. sp. from Turdinus brevicaudatus stevensi (Kinnear, 1925); Priceiella (Thescelovora) chuae n. sp. from Pellorneum albiventre cinnamomeus (Rippon, 1900); Priceiella (Thescelovora) catanachei n. sp. from Stachyris strialata swinhoei Rothschild, 1903; Priceiella (Thescelovora) dehongensis n. sp. from Stachyris nigriceps yunnanensis La Touche, 1921; and Priceiella (Thescelovora) rotundiceps n. sp. from Pomatorhinus ruficollis styani Seebohm, 1884. Several of these new species constitute the second species of Priceiella known from the host, suggesting that local endemism may be high in this louse genus. We also provide new host records for Priceiella (Thescelovora) coleyaeGustafsson et al., 2018, and Priceiella (Thescelovora) austiniGustafsson et al., 2018, and correct the type host subspecies for the latter. Finally, we amend the subgenus descriptions of CamurnirmusGustafsson and Bush, 2017, and ThescelovoraGustafsson and Bush, 2017. As a result of these changes, Priceiella najeriGustafsson et al., 2018, is moved to subgenus Thescelovora. An updated checklist of the genus Priceiella is provided.

New species of ischnoceran chewing lice (Phthiraptera: Philopteridae) from Chinese birds.

Five new species of chewing lice (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera) are described and illustrated from Chinese birds, as follows: Cuculicola calyptocamptus new species ex Hierococcyx sparverioides (Vigors, 1832) (Cuculiformes), Goniocotes kristinae new species ex Lophura swinhoii (Gould, 1863) (Galliformes), Goniocotes rolandi new species ex Crossoptilon harmani Elwes, 1881 (Galliformes), Rallicola (Rallicola) tibetana new species ex Zapornia bicolor Walden, 1872 (Gruiformes), and Resartor elugeus new species ex Alcippe fratercula yunnanensis Harington, 1913 (Passeriformes).

Long-term trends in the phylogenetic and functional diversity of Anatidae in South China coastal wetlands.

Species loss has attracted much attention among scientists for more than half a century. However, we have little information on the trends in phylogenetic and functional changes behind the species loss although this information is always asynchronous and important for conservation and management. We measured community trends in Anatidae (ducks and geese) for the last 50 yr to quantify trends in phylogenetic and functional diversity patterns coinciding with taxonomic historical dynamics. We used one-way ANOVAs to test if there was a significant historical trend in communities of Anatidae. We characterized taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity of communities. For taxonomic diversity, we used species richness (SR). For phylogenetic diversity, we calculated the standardized effect size of mean pairwise distances (ses.MPD) and the standard effect size of mean nearest taxon distances (ses.MNTD) in communities. For functional diversity, we calculated functional richness (FRic), functional evenness (FEve), functional divergence (FDiv), and the community-level weighted means (CWM) of trait values for diet, foraging stratum, and body mass, separately. From the 1950s to 2010s, species richness declined without significant trends. The ses.MNTD of Anatidae communities showed no clear trends. However, ses.MPD of Anatidae communities declined dramatically during this period. For functional diversity, functional evenness of diet, foraging stratum, body mass, and functional dispersion of diet, foraging stratum did not increase or decline significantly. However, functional evenness of all traits, functional richness, and functional dispersion of body mass showed declined trends. The basic phylogenetic diversity and species body mass of Anatidae communities declined significantly because of a declining trend in the relative independent branch of geese. This makes it more challenging for implement community recovery in the future. More attention in conservation biology should consider taxonomic diversity and asynchrony in phylogenetic and functional diversity.

Four new species of Myrsidea (Phthiraptera: Amblycera: Menoponidae) from Chinese babblers (Passeriformes: Leiothrichidae, Paradoxornithidae, Timaliidae).

Four new species of amblyceran chewing lice of the genus Myrsidea Waterston, 1915 are described from hosts of the babbler families Leiothrichidae, Paradoxornithidae and Timaliidae in China. They are: Myrsidea attenuata n. sp. from Garrulax maesi maesi (Oustalet, 1890), Myrsidea zhangae n. sp. from Ianthocincla berthemyi (Oustalet, 1876), Myrsidea liopari n. sp. from Lioparus chrysotis amoenus (Mayr, 1941) and L. chrysotis swinhoii (Verreaux, 1871), and Myrsidea suthorae n. sp. from Suthora verreauxi verreauxi Sharpe, 1883. A checklist of host-louse associations for identified and unidentified Myrsidea species known from babblers is provided.

Descriptions of three congeneric species of chewing lice of the Oxylipeurus-complex (Insecta: Phthiraptera: Philopteridae) from the turkey, Meleagris gallopavo, including a new genus and a new species.

The lice of the Oxylipeurus-complex parasitising the turkey, Meleagris gallopavo, belong to a previously undescribed genus. In this paper, we describe this genus as Valimia new genus, redescribe two of its species: Lipeurus polytrapezius Burmeister, 1838 and Oxylipeurus corpulentus Clay, 1938, and describe the new species Valimia necopinata, discovered during our examination of samples of the two known species. This occurrence represents the first record of three congeneric species of chewing lice parasitising the same host individual.

Trait-environment relationships differ between mixed-species flocking and nonflocking bird assemblages.

Hypotheses about the mechanisms of community assembly suggest that biotic and abiotic filters constrain species establishment through selection on their functional traits. It is unclear how differences in traits influence the niche dimensions of closely related bird species when they coexist in spatiotemporally heterogeneous environments. Further, it is necessary to take into account their participation in mixed-species flocks, social systems that can include both competition and facilitation. For 6 yr, we conducted counts of forest bird species and took measurements of environmental variables along an elevational gradient in the Nanling Mountains, China. To disentangle different deterministic and historical/stochastic processes between flocking and nonflocking bird assemblages, we first compared phylogenetic and functional structure, and community-weighted mean trait values (CWM). We further assessed elevational variations in trait-environment relationships. We found that the flocking and nonflocking bird assemblages were structured by environmental gradients in contrasting ways. The nonflocking assemblage showed a strong change from over-dispersed to clustered community structure with increasing elevations, consistent with the strong selective pressures of a harsh environment (i.e., environmental filtering). The nonflocking assemblage also displayed significant trait-environment relationships in bivariate correlations and multivariate ordination space, including specific morphological and foraging traits that are linked to vegetation characteristics (e.g., short trees at high elevations). By contrast, flocking birds were more resilient to habitat change with elevation, with relatively consistent community membership, and showed fewer trait-environment associations. CWM of traits that are known to be associated with species' propensity to join mixed-species flocks, including small body size and broad habitat specificity, were linked to the flocking assemblage consistently across the elevational gradient. Collectively, our trait-based analyses provide strong evidence that trait-environment relationships differ between flocking and nonflocking bird assemblages. Besides serving as bellwethers of changing environments, emergent properties of flock systems may increase the resilience of animal communities undergoing environmental change. Mixed-species flocks present an ideal model with which to explore cooccurrence of closely related species, because habitat filtering may be buffered, and the patterns observed are therefore the outcomes of species interactions including both competition and facilitation.

Review of Chinese species of the Oxylipeurus-complex (Phthiraptera: Philopteridae), with descriptions of two new genera and five new species.

Chewing lice of the Oxylipeurus-complex known from China are described and illustrated. The genera Megalipeurus Kéler, 1958 and Reticulipeurus Kéler, 1958 are considered valid, resurrected from synonymy and redescribed. Two new genera are described: Cataphractomimus new genus and Sinolipeurus new genus, which are proposed for species that do not fit into any previously described genus within the Oxylipeurus-complex. The following species are redescribed and illustrated: Reticulipeurus mesopelios (Nitzsch [in Giebel], 1866); Reticulipeurus robustus (Rudow, 1869); Reticulipeurus reevesi (Clay, 1938); Reticulipeurus baileyi (Clay, 1938); Reticulipeurus crossoptilon (Clay, 1938); Reticulipeurus ithaginis (Clay, 1938); Sinolipeurus tetraophasis (Clay, 1938) new combination. Several species previously placed in the genus Oxylipeurus are given new generic combinations. In addition, the following five new species are described and illustrated: Megalipeurus sinensis new species ex Arborophila gingica (Gmelin, 1789); Cataphractomimus mirapelta new species ex Lophophorus lhuysii Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1866; Cataphractomimus impervius new species ex Lophophorus sclateri sclateri Jerdon, 1870; Cataphractomimus junae new species and Sinolipeurus sichuanensis new species ex Tragopan temminckii (J.E. Gray, 1831).

Effects of ice storm on species richness and abundance of resident birds in subtropical forest in southern China.

Between January and February 2008, a severe ice storm occurred in southern China. The storm damaged nearly 21 million hectares of forest lands with broken branch, trunk breakage, and stem bending of many trees. This natural disturbance provides a unique opportunity to study impacts of extreme climatic event on forest birds. Using hierarchical multi-species occupancy model (species richness; 27 species) and N-mixture model (abundance; 3 species), we investigated how the storm affected resident bird species in subtropical forest in southern China. We sampled birds at Chebaling National Nature Reserve in Guangdong Province, monthly for 1 year each before and after the storm by mist nets. To take into account variations in temperature between years and between months, we incorporated monthly mean temperature into the models as an additional covariate. Observed species richness was greater before the storm. Estimated species richness (from the hierarchical model) also tended to be greater before than after the storm although 95% Bayesian credible intervals of these estimates were overlapped. Temperature showed a negative effect on estimated species richness, indicating greater species richness during winter. Among three species captured the most, abundance of Chestnut Bulbul (Hemixos castanonotus) significantly decreased after the storm. Other two species, Grey Treepie (Dendrocitta formosae) and Huet's Fulvetta (Alcippe hueti) showed insignificant responses to the storm. Our study indicates that the 2008 ice storm may not have a significant impact on species richness of resident birds in subtropical forest; however, the effect can be species-specific and negative to some species' population.

Comparative urbanization of birds in China and Europe based on birds associated with trees.

Urbanization effects on living organisms are spatially heterogeneous. Here we quantified the abundance of birds per tree in forested urban and rural habitats for 85,829 trees mainly in China and Europe. A population model was based on the assumption that: 1) birds have a normally distributed habitat preference; 2) an increase in population size linked to the habitat preference; 3) a population size dependent on the habitat preference; and 4) the removal of a certain fraction of individuals giving rise to extinction. We tested for large-scale differences in the impact of urbanization on the frequency distribution of the difference in abundance between urban and rural habitats in China and parts of Europe. The difference in the frequency distribution of urban population density of birds in trees minus rural population density of birds in trees in China and Europe was statistically significant, suggesting that the abundance of birds differed between trees in urban and rural habitats, but more so in China than in Europe. We hypothesize that more pronounced differences in China than in Europe may have arisen due to the Four Pests Campaign in 1958-1962 that resulted in death of hundreds of millions of birds (mainly tree sparrows Passer montanus, but also numerous other less common species that were starting to become urbanized around 1960). Species that were less common in 1960 could not sustain reductions in population size in urban areas and hence these species are still rare or absent in urban areas today 60 years later.