Seasonal Diet Composition of Goitered Gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa) in an Arid and Semi-Arid Region of Western China.

Global climate change, habitat fragmentation, and human interference have resulted in a significant, ongoing decline in the population of goitered gazelles. Effective conservation strategies require an understanding of resource requirements of threatened species, such as dietary needs. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the food composition and seasonal dietary changes of goitered gazelles through microhistological analyses of fresh feces. Fabaceae (11.5%), Gramineae (9.4%), Chenopodiaceae (20.2%), Asteraceae (10.1%), and Rosaceae (19.5%) formed the primary dietary components of goitered gazelle. Additionally, Krascheninnikovia arborescens (13.4%) and Prunus sibirica (16.3%) were identified as the key forage plants. Forbs (50.4%) were the predominant plants for grazing throughout the year, particularly in the spring (72.9%). The proportion of trees in the diet was highest in the autumn (36.7%) and comparatively lower in other seasons. Furthermore, the proportions of shrubs (22.0%) and graminoids (14.8%) both reached their peaks in the winter. Our findings indicate that goitered gazelles strategically forage seasonally to cope with resource bottlenecks, enhancing their adaptability to arid and semi-arid habitats. Our study provides essential ecological information for the conservation of goitered gazelles and emphasizes the importance of dietary studies of species of ecological significance in environmentally sensitive areas.

First complete mitochondrial genome of the Alashan ground squirrel (Spermophilus alashanicus) (Rodentia: Sciuridae) from Ningxia, China.

The Alashan ground squirrel (Spermophilus alashanicus) is primarily distributed in the regions of Inner Mongolia and Ningxia, China. In this study, we present the first complete mitochondrial genome of S. alashanicus. The genome spans 16,464 base pairs and comprises 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and a single control region with a marked AT bias. The overall GC content is 35.4%. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that S. alashanicus clusters are closely associated with S. dauricus. This comprehensive characterization of the S. alashanicus mitochondrial genome serves as a foundational resource for future studies on mitochondrial evolution, species identification, population genomics, and phylogenetics.

Metabolic regulation reduces the oxidative damage of arid lizards in response to moderate heat events.

Climate warming poses a significant threat to species worldwide, particularly those inhabiting arid and semi-arid regions where extreme temperatures are increasingly prevalent. However, empirical studies investigating how moderate heat events affect the physiological processes of arid and semi-arid animals are largely scarce. To address this knowledge gap, we used an arid and semi-arid lizard species (Phrynocephalus przewalskii) as a study system. We manipulated thermal environments to simulate moderate heat events (43.5 ± 0.3°C during the heating period) for lizards and examined physiological and biochemical traits related to survival, metabolism, locomotion, oxidative stress, and telomere length. We found that the body condition and survival of the lizards were not significantly affected by moderate heat events, despite an increase in body temperature and a decrease in locomotion at high test temperatures were detected. Mechanistically, we found that the lizards exhibited down-regulated metabolic rates and enhanced activities of antioxidative enzymes, resulting in reduced oxidative damage and stable telomere length under moderate heat events. Based on these findings, which indicated a beneficial regulation of fitness by physiological and biochemical processes, we inferred that moderate heat events did not have a detrimental effect on the toad-headed agama, P. przewalskii. Overall, our research contributes to understanding the impacts of moderate heat events on arid and semi-arid species and highlights the adaptive responses and resilience exhibited by the toad-headed agama in the face of climate warming.

Oxidative stress mediates the impact of heatwaves on survival, growth and immune status in a lizard.

Climate change often includes increases in the occurrence of extreme environmental events. Among these, heatwaves affect the pace of life and performance of wildlife, particularly ectothermic animals, owing to their low thermoregulatory abilities. However, the underlying mechanisms by which this occurs remain unclear. Evidence shows that heatwaves alter the redox balance of ectotherms, and oxidative stress is a major mediator of life-history trade-offs. Therefore, oxidative stress may mediate the effect of extreme thermal conditions on the life histories of ectotherms. To test this hypothesis, a 2 × 2 experiment was conducted to manipulate the redox balance (through a mitochondrial uncoupler that alleviates oxidative stress) of the desert toad-headed agama (Phrynocephalus przewalskii) exposed to heatwave conditions. We recorded lizard growth and survival rates and quantified their redox and immune statuses. In control lizards (unmanipulated redox balance), heatwave conditions decreased growth and survival and induced oxidative damage and immune responses. By contrast, lizards with alleviated oxidative stress showed close-to-normal growth, survival, and immune status when challenged with heatwaves. These results provide mechanistic insight into the role of oxidative stress in mediating the effects of extreme temperatures on ectothermic vertebrates, which may have major eco-evolutionary implications.

Telomere length, oxidative stress and their links with growth and survival in a lizard facing climate warming.

Higher temperatures enhance ectothermic metabolism and development, which can reduce individual health and life expectancy, and therefore increase their vulnerability to climate warming. However, the mechanistic causes and consequences of such a temperature-driven impact remain unclear. Our study aimed to address two questions: (1) does climate warming alter early-life growth and physiology, and, if so, what are the associated carry-over effects in terms of reduced survival, increased oxidative stress and telomere shortening? (2) can oxidative stress and telomere dynamics at early life stages predict the effect of climate warming on individual survival? To answer these questions, we conducted a longitudinal experiment under semi-natural conditions where we exposed multiocellated racerunner (Eremias multiocellata) to warming conditions from juvenile to adult stages. We found that exposure to climate warming enhanced growth rates, induced oxidative stress, and shortened telomere length of juvenile lizards. Warming conditions did not induce carry-over effects in terms of altered growth rate or physiology but resulted in increased mortality risk in the later life. Intriguingly, telomere shortening in young individuals was associated with mortality risk later in life. This study improves our mechanistic understanding of how global warming impacts on ectotherms' life-history traits, which encourages the inclusion of physiological information in assessing species vulnerability to climate change.

Distribution update of water deer (Hydropotes inermis) and prediction of their potential distribution in Northeast China.

Human interventions have a great potential of spatially cornering and limiting species, therefore investigating the species distribution is one of the most crucial issues for managing wildlife populations and suggesting robust conservation strategies. Water deer (Hydropotes inermis) are widespread in China throughout history and are endemic to East Asia. However, they disappeared from Northeast China for years. We rediscovered the water deer in a previous study in Jilin Province, China. Then, we conducted further research in Northeast China to determine their distribution status, supplying fundamental data for the recovery and expansion of their population. An interview survey, line transect survey and infrared camera monitoring were carried out in some counties/cities in Northeast China from June to December 2021. The results showed that the water deer were distributed in Wuchang city of Heilongjiang Province, Changbai Korean Autonomous County, Baishan Municipal District, Ji'an city, Hunchun city, Huadian city, Antu County and Helong County of Jilin Province, Benxi Manchu Autonomous County, Huanren Manchu Autonomous County, Kuandian Manchu Autonomous County, Fengcheng city and Donggang city of Liaoning Province. The ensemble species distribution model constructed by sdm within the TSS of various models that were set as weight revealed that the potential distribution area of the water deer in the study area was 8764.66 km2 (28.77% of the study area). Combining recent studies concerning the distribution of water deer and the current study, we updated the distribution of wild water deer in Northeast China, which is vital for their conservation worldwide.

The Effect of Sexes and Seasons on the Morphological Structures of the Ruminant Digestive System of Blue Sheep (Pseudois nayaur).

Constant adaptation to environmental changes is required by ruminants to allow them to adapt to different ecological niches and feeding habits. In addition, the morphology and function of ruminant digestive systems reveal some adaptive evolutionary characteristics. Blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) display a variety of morpho-physiological adaptations that are typical of grazers. In this study, we collected 64 adult blue sheep samples (whole animal carcasses) from the Helan Mountains, China, during different seasons. The external morphological parameters, digestive system morphological indexes, and rumen surface enlargement factors were determined. Our results reveal that the rumen and reticulum weights were positively correlated with the body weight (p = 0.004), while the food channel aperture, intestinal length, and weight of the blue sheep digestive tract presented no significant differences between different seasons (p > 0.05) and sexes (p > 0.05). There were significant differences (p < 0.001) in the density, length, and width of mastoids, and the rumen surface enlargement factor was 2.85 ± 1.37, which is typical of roughage feeders. The nutritional and ecological characteristics of blue sheep represent obvious morphological and physiological adaptations to an herbivorous diet. Adopting a quick foraging strategy allows blue sheep to rapidly consume and excrete large amounts of feed, thus obtaining the required energy for their activities and facilitating better adaption to environmental changes.

Growth Stages and Inter-Species Gut Microbiota Composition and Function in Captive Red Deer (Cervus elaphus alxaicus) and Blue Sheep (Pseudois nayaur).

Blue sheep and red deer, second-class key protected animals in China, are sympatric species with a high degree of overlap of food resources in the Helan Mountains, China. Previous studies with blue sheep and red deer in nature have shown that their physiology is closely related to their gut microbiota. However, growth stages and changes occurring in these species in captivity are still unknown. Thus, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to explore diversity, composition and function of the gut microbiota in these two animal species. The diversity and structure of the gut microbiota in captive blue sheep and red deer changed at different growth stages, but the dominant microbiota phyla in the gut microbiota remained stable, which was composed of the phyla Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Verrucomicrobia. Moreover, gut microbiota diversity in juvenile blue sheep and red deer was low, with the potential for further colonization. Functional predictions showed differences such as red deer transcription being enriched in adults, and blue sheep adults having a higher cell wall/membrane/envelope biogenesis than juveniles. Microbial changes between blue sheep and red deer at different growth stages and between species mainly depend on the abundance of the microbiota, rather than the increase and absence of the bacterial taxa.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the Siberian Rubythroat (Calliope calliope) from Maorshan, China.

The Siberian Rubythroat (Calliope calliope), a shy and cautious passerine bird, is widely distributed throughout Siberia, Asia, and Europe. In this study, the complete mitogenome of the Siberian Rubythroat samples collected in Heilongjiang, China, was sequenced. The whole length of the complete mitochondrial genome is 16,840 bp, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and one control region. Only one overlapping gene was found among the 13 protein-coding genes (ND4L/ND4). The length of the control region is 1068 bp. The nucleotide composition is 29.32% A, 23.05% T, 14.80% G, and 32.82% C. Phylogenetic analysis indicated a close genetic relationship between C. calliope and Luscinia cynaura.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the Brambling Fringilla montifringilla (Passeriformes: Fringillidae) from Maor Mountain, China.

The Brambling (Fringilla montifringilla) (Linnaeus 1758) is a member of the Passeriformes family of birds and primarily feeds on grass seeds and grains. Muscle tissue was collected from birds sampled from Moar Mountain, China, and the complete mitochondrial genome was sequenced. Its mitochondrial genome consists of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 rRNA genes (12S rRNA and 16S rRNA), 22 tRNA genes, and 1 control region (CR). The genome comprises 30.30% A, 23.32% T, 14.31% G, and 32.07% C bases. Phylogenetically, F. montifringilla is closely related to the Fringilla coelebs, Fringilla teydea teydea and Fringilla polatzeki.

Impacts of the Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) on the Livelihood of Rural Communities in Pakistan and Understanding Public Attitudes towards Wild Boars.

Conservation goals can only be best achieved when there is firm support and cooperation from locals, especially in emerging economies where poor communities often bear most of the cost of human-wildlife conflicts (HWCs). In this study, we explored the economic losses caused by wild boars in two districts, i.e., the Peshawar district and the Nowshera district, in north-western Pakistan. Between May and June 2022, 589 respondents from 53 villages were interviewed. The results revealed that the wild boar was chiefly involved in crop raiding, causing an annual economic loss of USD 12,030 (USD 20.42/household). The highly raided crops included maize (40.24%), followed by wheat (24.95%), vegetables (22.65%), and sugarcane (6.29%). Wild boars were also held accountable for orchard damages. Most people consider the wild boar a common species in the area and want it completely eliminated. We believe that the increasing wild boar population is alarming and should be noticed. The government should collaborate with the local communities to use innovative methods to deter wild boars. Compensation schemes for crop damages should be launched. Moreover, the regular investigation of the wild boar population size and their carrying capacities should be enlisted as integral parts of wildlife management in the area.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the Yellow-rumped Flycatcher (Ficedula zanthopygia) from Maorshan, China.

The Yellow-rumped Flycatcher (Ficedula zanthopygia) is a secondary cavity nesting bird and widely distributed in China, Mongolia, Russia and Korea. In this study firstly sequenced the mitotic genome of the Yellow-rumped Flycatcher (Ficedula zanthopygia) gathered at Maorshan, China, using Illumina high-throughput sequencing technology, and then annotated the assembly. The total length of the complete mitochondrial genome is 16,730 bp and it consists of 13 protein-coding, 22 tRNA, 2 rRNA genes, and 1 control region (CR). The CR is 1148 bp in length. The nucleotide composition is 29.59% A, 14.75% T, 32.13% G, 23.54% C. The result of phylogenetic analysis showed that there is close genetic relationship among Ficedula zanthopygia and Ficedula hyperythra.

Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (Dryobates minor) and its phylogenetic position.

In this study, we sequenced and assembled the complete mitochondrial genome of Dryobates minor by next-generation sequencing. The mitochondrial genome of Dryobates minor is 16,847 bp in length and consists of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGS), two ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes and 1 control region (CR). The CG content of the mitochondrial genome is 47.46%. Only one overlap among the 13 protein-coding genes was found: ND4L/ND4. Phylogenetic analysis based on a combined mitochondrial gene dataset indicated that the mitochondrial genome of Dryobates minor exhibited a close relationship with that of Picoides pubescens.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the Pale-legged Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus tenellipes (Aves: Phylloscopidae) from Maor Mountain, China.

The Pale-legged Leaf-Warbler (Phylloscopus tenellipes) (Swinhoe, 1860) is an olive-brown warbler that is extensively dispersed in Asia. We sequenced the whole mitochondrial genome of a Pale-legged Leaf-Warbler collected on Maor Mountain, Heilongjiang Province, China. The mitochondrial genome is 16,972 bp and contains 13 protein-coding genes, two rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and one control region (CR). The CR is 1098 bp. The nucleotide sequence is composed of 29.11% A, 22.98% T, 14.64% G, and 33.27% C. Phylogenetic research revealed that P. tenellipes is closely related to Phylloscopus borealoides.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the common Pochard (Aythya ferina) from Ningxia Hui autonomous region, China.

We determined the whole mtDNA genome of the Common Pochard (Aythya ferina) in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China. The complete mitochondrial genome is 16,599 bp in length and consists of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes, and 1 control region (D-loop). The nucleotide composition is 29.34% A, 22.23% T, 15.66% G, and 32.77% C. Phylogenetic analysis results showed close genetic relationship between A. ferina and Aythya americana.

Different living environments drive deterministic microbial community assemblages in the gut of Alpine musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster).

Substantial variation in the environment directly causes remodeling of the colonized gut microbiota, controlling community diversity, and functions in the host to tune-up their adaptive states. However, the mechanisms of microbial community assembly in response to environmental changes remain unclear, especially in endangered ruminants. In this study, we analyzed the microbial communities of 37 fecal samples collected from captive and wild Alpine musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster) to characterize the complexity and assembly processes using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We found significantly different diversities and compositions of gut microbiota among both groups associated with different living environments. Heterogeneous selection was the predominant factor regulating the gut microbiota community under similar climatic conditions, indicating that microbial community assembly was largely driven by deterministic mechanisms. The species co-occurrence network showed complex and tight connections with a higher positive correlation in the wild environment. Moreover, the captive group exhibited significant differences in chemoheterotrophy and fermentation compared with the wild group, but the opposite was observed in animal parasites or symbionts, which might be closely related to diet, energy supply, and healthcare of animals. This study provides a framework basis and new insights into understanding gut microbiota in different environments.

First isolation of Trichuris from wild blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) in the Helan Mountains, China.

Four adult female worms of Trichuris were isolated from an individual of the wild blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) inhabiting the Helan Mountains, China, during an epidemiological survey of this wild ruminant. Although there were some differences among the worms in posterior end (rectum) morphology and egg shape, little information regarding species status could be inferred from their morphology. Phylogenetic trees were constructed based on sequences of the ITS1 segment of ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and the sequences of the four Trichuris specimens from wild blue sheep were divided into two distinct lineages (Clade A and Clade B). The two specimens in Clade A were named Genotype I, and had the closest relationship with Trichuris skrjabini; the two specimens in Clade B were named Genotype II and had the closest genetic relationship with a previously described Trichuris sp. In the two Trichuris genotypes identified in the present study, the 18S fragments (261 to 262 bp) of the newly obtained sequences were found to be highly conserved, with merely one insert mutation of a single nucleotide present. The genetic distance based on ITS1 between members of Clade A, composed of two T. skrjabini individuals and two Genotype I individuals, ranged from 0 to 0.0034. These distances are within the intraspecies variation of Trichuris (0-0.0272), suggesting that the Genotype I individuals infesting the wild blue sheep were T. skrjabini. In Clade B, the newly obtained sequences clustered with Trichuris sp. specimens isolated from ruminants (sheep and black goat) with strong support, and the genetic distance ranged from 0.0068 to 0.017, which is also within the intraspecies variation of Trichuris (0-0.0272). However, the genetic distances between the Clade A and Clade B were 0.0442 to 0.0578, which are higher than the intraspecies distances in Trichuris but lower than the interspecies distances (0.102-0.5078). These results implied that Clade A and Clade B most likely represent two subpopulations of T. skrjabini; however, the possibility that Clade A is T. skrjabini and Clade B is a Candidatus Trichuris could not be excluded.

Hostile Interactions of Punjab Urial (Ovis vignei punjabiensis) towards Indian Gazelle (Gazella bennettii) during Feeding Sessions in Captive Breeding Settings.

Natural wildlife habitats are regularly subjected to anthropogenic pressures for different purposes, which are heading the biodiversity towards drastic decline. Several endangered wild species are raised in captivity with the aim of re-introduction. In some instances, mixed herds' rearing approach in captivity is adopted for providing social enrichment to captive stocks; however, the impacts of species on each other are least documented. We tested our prediction that keeping mixed herds of captive wild sheep and antelopes provides adequate social enrichment to the captive stocks: if interspecific interactions are balanced. In the current study, we studied the interspecific competition between mixed herds of captive Punjab urial (Ovis vignei punjabiensis) and Indian gazelle (Gazella bennettii) at Manglot Wildlife Park, Nowshera District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan. We documented the negative effects of behavioural interference by Punjab urial on the feeding behaviour of Indian gazelle. The outcome of the current study revealed that Punjab urial are highly intolerant towards Indian gazelle, with high interference during feeding. Out of the total aggressive events, 77% (N = 1259) of events ended up with win/loss, in which Punjab urial dominated the Indian gazelle 3.5 times. Moreover, lopsided dominance by Punjab urial resulted in increased intraspecific competition among Indian gazelle (p < 0.001). Current study divulged Indian gazelle to be the subordinate species, with less intake of food. Instead of providing social enrichment by heterospecifics, the Punjab urial is negatively affecting the Indian gazelle, therefore, the results of our study discourage the practice of admix captive breeding for wild sheep and antelopes.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the gray-headed lapwing (Vanellus cinereus) from Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China.

We determined the whole mtDNA genome of the gray-headed lapwing (Vanellus cinereus) in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China. The complete mitochondrial genome is 17,078 bp in length and consists of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes, and 1 control region (D-loop). The nucleotide composition is 31.65% A, 23.50% T, 13.76% G, and 31.09% C. The result of phylogenetic analysis showed that there was close genetic relationship between V. cinereus and V. vanellus.

Investigation on Parasites and Some Causes of Mortality in Captive Punjab urial (Ovis vignei punjabiensis), Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: The present study was conducted in Jul 2019 and Jan 2020 in two wildlife parks of the Nowshera district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, where the endangered Punjab urial (Ovis vignei punjabiensis) is successfully bred in captivity. We determined diversity of internal and external parasites that take advantage of the situation of congestion, resulting in massive mortalities of wild animals in captivity. METHODS: Internal parasites of living urial were determined by direct wet smear and flotation methods, while dead urial was necropsied for any pertaining observation. RESULTS: All examined fecal samples were found infected with gastrointestinal parasites, which had significant difference in the total abundance in winter and summer. S. papillosus and H.contortus, and a single protozoan, Eimeria spp. were the dominant parasites in fecal samples. Ticks collected from urial enclosures and dead animals were of single species H. anatolicum. Theileria spp. was observed in blood, while hydatid cysts were found in lungs and liver of necropsied urial. CONCLUSION: The study indicates that internal parasites such as Haemonchus contortus and Strongyloides papillosus, while external parasites as Hyalomma anatolicum ticks played major role in the population decline. Strict veterinary control of infectious diseases, provision of hygienic and supplementary diet, and proper maintenance of urial population are necessary measures for the control of mortalities.