Birds of paradise are bright and colorful birds found in the rainforests of Papua New Guinea,eastern Indonesia and northern Australia.There are 45 known species,and a new study has found that 37 of them can glow using...Birds of paradise are bright and colorful birds found in the rainforests of Papua New Guinea,eastern Indonesia and northern Australia.There are 45 known species,and a new study has found that 37 of them can glow using biofluorescence(生物荧光).This is when a living thing absorbs light and gives it off again in a different color.展开更多
Habitat fragmentation poses a significant threat to bird communities, especially those in open and semi-open ecosystems such as steppes. This study investigates how steppe birds adapt to and utilize fragmented habitat...Habitat fragmentation poses a significant threat to bird communities, especially those in open and semi-open ecosystems such as steppes. This study investigates how steppe birds adapt to and utilize fragmented habitats by combining niche modeling with ecological trait analysis. We conducted standardized point surveys to examine the habitat preferences of 32 bird species in Inner Mongolia, China, and quantified their habitat niche parameters using the Outlying Mean Index (OMI). Our results reveal distinct habitat preferences among species, with some thriving in intact environments while others are better adapted to fragmented areas. Grassland species showed high specialization along the fragmentation gradient, while others exhibited adaptability to varying levels of fragmentation. Using a Generalized Additive Model (GAM), we identified three key traits influencing habitat occupancy: hand-wing index, body mass, and range size. Specifically, species with medium hand-wing indices, moderate body mass, and larger range sizes were more likely to occupy heavily fragmented habitats. These findings provide empirical evidence on how habitat fragmentation affects bird species in steppe ecosystems. The study highlights the importance of functional traits in understanding avian responses to habitat fragmentation and offers a foundation for developing effective conservation strategies to preserve biodiversity in fragmented landscapes.展开更多
The factors affecting the behavior of non-specialized nectar-feeding passerines have received little attention in the literature on plant-pollinator interactions. Puya chilensis (Bromeliaceae) has sterile branch apice...The factors affecting the behavior of non-specialized nectar-feeding passerines have received little attention in the literature on plant-pollinator interactions. Puya chilensis (Bromeliaceae) has sterile branch apices that project outward from the inflorescence. In this study, we evaluate the functional role of sterile apices as support systems for bird foraging behavior. We recorded bird visitation and flower probing in the presence and absence of sterile branches during the spring seasons of 2021 and 2024. The results revealed that experimental plants with excised branches received fewer bird visits and flower probings than control plants, indicating that sterile branches play an important role in the nectar-feeding behavior of passerine birds in P. chilensis.展开更多
While most mammals find highly acidic foods aversive,many bird species have evolved remarkable tolerance for sour fruits-a crucial adaptation that has opened new ecological niches.Wild fruits can contain organic acid ...While most mammals find highly acidic foods aversive,many bird species have evolved remarkable tolerance for sour fruits-a crucial adaptation that has opened new ecological niches.Wild fruits can contain organic acid concentrations dozens of times higher than cultivated varieties,yet species like the redwing(Turdus iliacus)and black grouse(Tetrao tetrix)have evolved to actually prefer these acidic foods as dietary staples.展开更多
The transformation of natural habitats into human-modified landscapes has far-reaching consequences for species distribution and abundance.As species adapt to these changing environments,shifts in distribution pattern...The transformation of natural habitats into human-modified landscapes has far-reaching consequences for species distribution and abundance.As species adapt to these changing environments,shifts in distribution patterns,niche dynamics,and interspecies interactions may occur,impacting biodiversity at multiple levels and potentially leading to ecosystem imbalances.This study aims to assess the impact of variations in vegetation composition and human disturbance on the distribution of sympatric breeding birds and to determine the extent of niche overlap or differentiation among these species.We conducted field surveys and collected data on bird distribution,vegetation composition,and level of human disturbance in eastern Inner Mongolian grasslands.We focused on the six most frequently co-occurring breeding birds,representing a mix of sparrows,larks,and corvids.Generalized Additive Models revealed varying responses of species occurrence along habitat gradients.Species like the Eurasian Skylark(Alauda arvensis),Mongolian Lark(Melanocorypha mongolica),and Asian Shorttoed Lark(Calandrella cheleensis),increased in larger and more connected habitats,while others,like the Tree Sparrow(Passer montanus),Eurasian Magpie(Pica pica),and Barn Swallow(Hirundo rustica),adapted to more fragmented habitats.Niche analysis indicated habitat generalists tended to occupy larger niches than grassland specialists.Substantial niche overlap was also found among the six co-occurring bird species.Conservation efforts should consider the specific needs of specialist species and strive to maintain or restore critical grassland habitats.Additionally,promoting sustainable agricultural practices that balance the needs of birds and human activities can contribute to the coexistence of generalist and specialist bird species in modified landscapes.展开更多
Ensuring food security for a rapidly growing global population amidst resource limitations and climate change is a major challenge.Agroforestry an ecologically sustainable land-use system that integrates trees,crops,a...Ensuring food security for a rapidly growing global population amidst resource limitations and climate change is a major challenge.Agroforestry an ecologically sustainable land-use system that integrates trees,crops,and sometimes livestock offers significant promise by enhancing biodiversity,ecosystem services,and agricultural productivity.A central concern in such systems is pest management,which traditionally relies on chemical pesticides.However,their excessive use has led to environmental degradation,pest resistance,and health hazards.This review explores the potential of insectivorous birds as natural pest control agents in agroforestry systems.It focuses on how habitat features,vegetation complexity,and species-specific behaviors influence bird-mediated biological control.Insectivorous birds manage pest populations through direct predation,targeting a range of insect pests including caterpillars,beetles,and grasshoppers.Their foraging activity helps maintain pest populations below the economic threshold.Vegetation strata comprising ground cover,shrubs,understory,and canopy offer diverse foraging niches and nesting habitats that enhance bird diversity and functional roles.Pest control efficiency is closely linked to seasonality,resource availability,and habitat structure.Differentiating between beneficial(predatory)and pestiferous birds is essential to maximize ecosystem services and minimize crop losses or damage to beneficial insects.Conservation of beneficial bird species,informed vegetation planning,and regular monitoring are vital to strengthening multitrophic interactions and achieving sustainable pest control.Future research should focus on bird behavior,predator-prey interactions,and habitat management to optimize bird-friendly pest regulation strategies in agroforestry landscapes.展开更多
Grasslands are among the world's most threatened ecosystems, and steppe birds face increasing risks from human activities. This study investigates how human impacts affect the distribution and community structure ...Grasslands are among the world's most threatened ecosystems, and steppe birds face increasing risks from human activities. This study investigates how human impacts affect the distribution and community structure of breeding steppe birds in Inner Mongolia, a biodiversity hotspot in Asia. We conducted standardized point-count surveys across a gradient from intact grasslands to urbanized areas, integrating species occurrence data, functional traits and the Human Footprint Index (HFI). Using Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) and Conditional Random Fields (CRFs), we assessed trait-environment interactions and shifts in species associations. Our results indicate that the HFI significantly affects bird communities. Habitat specialists, such as Mongolian Lark (Melanocorypha mongolica), showed negative responses, whereas generalists like Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) thrived in disturbed areas. Trait-based analysis showed that species with larger body mass and specialized diets were negatively associated with HFI, whereas those linked to human-modified habitats exhibiting strong positive associations. In areas with high human footprint, co-occurrence networks grew more polarized: specialists faced intensified competition, while species with positive HFI responses formed stronger positive associations. CRF models indicated that human activities restructure species interactions, favoring generalists and simplifying community dynamics. These findings highlight the dual role of human impact in supporting some species while threatening specialists, potentially driving biotic homogenization. Our study emphasizes the need for conservation strategies that protect vulnerable species and manage those that thrive in human-altered environments. By linking traits and interactions to human impacts, this study provides a framework for identifying at-risk species and guiding conservation in the Anthropocene.展开更多
Dear Editor,The highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses(HPAIVs)are important epizootic and zoonotic pathogens that cause significant economic losses to the poultry industry and pose a serious risk to veterinary and ...Dear Editor,The highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses(HPAIVs)are important epizootic and zoonotic pathogens that cause significant economic losses to the poultry industry and pose a serious risk to veterinary and public health.Wild birds have been recognized as the primary reservoirs for influenza A virus,and some species show little sign of clinical disease or even can be asymptomatic during long distance carriers of the virus(Lycett et al.,2019).Since it was first discovered in 1959,the H5Nx HPAIVs have spread globally and cause outbreaks in wild birds,poultry and sporadic human and other mammalian infections(Lycett et al.,2019).Due to the reassortant events of diverse strains facilitated by migratory waterfowl,the clade 2.3.4.4 of H5Nx viruses acquiring neuraminidase(NA)gene from other low pathogenicity avian influenza viruses(LPAIVs)emerged in 2014 and gradually became the dominant sub-clade(Lee et al.,2017).展开更多
It is generally accepted that climate has changed greatly on a global scale, and that the earth＇s climate has already wanned by some degrees over the past century. Ample evidence shows that there have been apparent c...It is generally accepted that climate has changed greatly on a global scale, and that the earth＇s climate has already wanned by some degrees over the past century. Ample evidence shows that there have been apparent changes in avian population dynamics, life-history traits and geographic ranges in response to global climate change. This paper briefly reviews the possible effects of climate change on avian biology and ecology all over the world, with emphasis on new findings from several long-term studies in Europe and North America, which provide unique opportunities to investigate how long-term changes in climate affect birds at both individual and population levels. The implications of such long-term studies for future bird studies in China is discussed with hope that this review can contribute to the preparation and plan for studies of climatic effects on birds in China in the future.展开更多
The limestone area located in southwestern Guangxi in the south of China is part of a global biodiversity hotspot. As an important habitat of this limestone region, karst wetlands provide birds with necessary water co...The limestone area located in southwestern Guangxi in the south of China is part of a global biodiversity hotspot. As an important habitat of this limestone region, karst wetlands provide birds with necessary water conditions for their survival and reproduction. From 2007 to 2012, bird surveys were conducted in natural wetlands(pools, streams, springs and seasonal flows) in 14 nature reserves and 18 reservoirs in the limestone area of southwestern Guangxi. A total of 365 bird species were recorded in field investigations, including 103 water-dependent birds mainly seen in wetlands. Among these 103 birds, 10 species are globally threatened and 5 species have been placed under national key protection. The birds were selective in their use of the various types of karst wetlands. The number of bird species was the highest in pools and springs, with 304 and 266 respectively, followed by streams with 131 species. Reservoirs are the main wintering habitat for the large Natatores and in the rainy season the importance of seasonal flows is paramount. Seasonal changes in the utilization of karst wetlands by birds were obvious; the number of bird species in the dry season was much higher than during the rainy season. Bird migration and seasonal flows are the main reasons for seasonal variation in the number of water-dependent birds. These natural karst wetlands ensure the drinking water supply for more than 80% of the water-independent birds in the dry season. These karst wetlands are the wintering ground and stopover area for 58 species of migrant birds. At present, threats to the birds in the karst wetlands consist of illegal hunting, habitat changes and eucalyptus plantations. Karst wetlands are important for protecting biodiversity. More attention ought to be directed to these wetlands and protection efforts enhanced.展开更多
Estimating bird abundance is key to assess threats,and to prioritize conservation actions.However,few studies focus on this topic,particularly in developing countries,which may hamper conservation efficiency.We used d...Estimating bird abundance is key to assess threats,and to prioritize conservation actions.However,few studies focus on this topic,particularly in developing countries,which may hamper conservation efficiency.We used data collected from Guangdong Province,China,between 2000 and 2020 to estimate bird abundance using MaxEnt modelling.In total,258 bird species were included,with an average density of 1485.2±489.3 ind./km^(2)(range:242.9-4502.2 ind./km^(2)).The highest density occurred in the Pearl River Estuary and on the Leizhou Peninsula.For forest birds,203 species were included with an average density of 1236.2±424.5 ind./km^(2)(143.7-2373.1 ind./km^(2)),and highest densities were found in the Pearl River Estuary and North River regions.For the 55 species of waterbirds,the average density was 249.0±351.8 ind./km^(2)(0.3-2336.1 ind./km^(2)).The total number of birds in Guangdong was estimated to be 2.58×108 ind.(2.24-3.06×10^(8)),with a total number of forest birds estimated to be 2.15×10^(8)ind.(1.90-2.49×10^(8)).The most abundant forest species(>107 individuals)were:Huet's Fulvetta(Alcippe hueti)with 2.84×10^(7)ind.,(range:2.73-2.95×10~7),Light-vented Bulbul(Pycnonotus sinensis)with 1.13×10^(7)ind.(1.07-1.20×10^(7)),Swinhoe's White-eye(Zosterops simplex)with 1.13×10^(7)ind.(1.09-1.17×10^(7)),and Red-whiskered Bulbul(Pycnonotus jocosus)with 1.01×10^(7)ind.(9.66-10.47×10^(6)),The total number of waterbirds in Guangdong was estimated to be 4.37×10^(7)ind.(3.38-5.75×10^(7)).The most abundant waterbirds(>106 individuals)were Black-headed Gull(Chroicocephalus ridibundus)with 6.35×10^(6)ind.(5.48-7.36×10^(6)),Pied Avocet(Recurvirostra avosetta)with 5.56×10^(6)ind.(3.75-8.24×10^(6)),and Little Egret(Egretta garzetta)with 5.01×10^(6)ind.(4.19-6.00×10^(6)).The densities and abundances of the 41 species listed as threatened in IUCN(higher than NT)or Chinese National Protected lists(higher thanⅡ)were evaluated,of which the population sizes of nine species were estimated for the first time in Guangdong.Moreover,all 41 species'average densities significantly declined from 2012 to 2017 in Nanling National Natural Reserve,Guangdong.展开更多
The Natural Forest Protection Project(NFPP),initiated by the Chinese government in 2000,is a crucial ecological construction project that has played a significant role in forest restoration in China.Forests in the Qin...The Natural Forest Protection Project(NFPP),initiated by the Chinese government in 2000,is a crucial ecological construction project that has played a significant role in forest restoration in China.Forests in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau(QTP)serve as important habitats for many rare and endemic birds.Understanding the conservation efficiency of NFPP implementation on these birds holds significant practical significance.In this study,we utilized land use change matrices to analyze the forest changes in the QTP before and after NFPP implementation,predicted the potential spatial distribution of 16 nationally protected birds using Species Distribution Models(SDMs),and compared the impacts of this project on bird habitats under different carbon emission scenarios.Mann-Whitney U tests were employed to analyze the adaptation of different birds to forest changes during NFPP implementation.Our results showed that NFPP protected 172,398 km^(2) of primary forests and added 6379 km^(2) of secondary forests in our study area.The potential spatial distribution and sympatric species richness of the 16 protected birds slightly increased after NFPP implementation under different climate change scenarios,and NFPP implementation contributed to improving the potential spatial distribution of birds.Compared to newly established secondary forests,protected primary forests exhibited enhanced conservation for forest birds(Z-value>0 for six bird species,P<0.1),while being less suitable for non-forest birds(significantly unsuitable for three non-forest bird species,Z-value<0,P<0.05;non-significantly unsuitable for four non-forest bird species,Zvalue<0,P>0.1).This indicates that the protection of primary forests during NFPP implementation benefits forest bird conservation while the addition of secondary forests is beneficial to non-forest birds.To enhance the role of NFPP in avian conservation in the QTP,it is suggested to increase the landscape heterogeneity of forest,particularly in newly established secondary forests.展开更多
Animal behavioral studies are often combined with research concerning cognitive abilities.Larger brains usually mean more complex neural networks and advanced cognitive functions.By measuring the brain size of differe...Animal behavioral studies are often combined with research concerning cognitive abilities.Larger brains usually mean more complex neural networks and advanced cognitive functions.By measuring the brain size of different individual animals,we can explore differences in behavioral complexity between populations or species.However,obtaining accurate measurements of brain size is challenging both in field and laboratory environments,especially for rare and endangered species.Therefore,there is an urgent need to develop reliable methods for performing cranial brain mass.This study tests which external structures of the avian head can most accurately predict brain size.We selected five bird species from four orders,categorized external head measures into three types of parameters(direct,calculated and composite measurements),and analyzed these in relation to brain mass.The results showed that while head size can partially explain brain mass,the parameters of head height x head width were the most accurate predictors of brain mass in birds(90.4%).In addition,the positive correlation between endocranial volume and brain mass once again confirmed that avian endocranial volume can,to a certain extent,serve as a valid proxy for brain mass.Our study demonstrates that in the future we can more conveniently perform non-invasive measurements to better understand the relationship between bird brain size and behavior,ecology,and evolution.展开更多
《For The Birds》是一部经典的奥斯卡获奖动画短片,在有限的时间里,它可以让观众发自内心的愉悦。对于一部动画短片来说,根据时长以及剧情需要选择合适的时间推进方式,逐步将观众带入剧情、塑造性格鲜明的角色,让观众通过事件慢慢了解...《For The Birds》是一部经典的奥斯卡获奖动画短片,在有限的时间里,它可以让观众发自内心的愉悦。对于一部动画短片来说,根据时长以及剧情需要选择合适的时间推进方式,逐步将观众带入剧情、塑造性格鲜明的角色,让观众通过事件慢慢了解短片中的角色性格、在设置悬念的时候选择合适的时机,给观众营造他们自己的期待,然后再扭转局面,能激起观众的兴趣,制造一个出人意料的结局,这些在剧情叙事中的节奏控制可以有效地吸引观众的注意力,这对于一部动画短片的成败来说是至关重要的。展开更多
The Thorn Birds and Scarlet Letter both explore the theme of love and religion, and both show the skilful use of imagism and symbolism. This essay analyzes the common images of the two novels and compares their simila...The Thorn Birds and Scarlet Letter both explore the theme of love and religion, and both show the skilful use of imagism and symbolism. This essay analyzes the common images of the two novels and compares their similarities and differences.展开更多
Complete checklist records are essential to understand regional bird diversity.We update the checklist of the bird species of Jiangxi,China based on numerous reported documents.The updated checklist of the bird specie...Complete checklist records are essential to understand regional bird diversity.We update the checklist of the bird species of Jiangxi,China based on numerous reported documents.The updated checklist of the bird species of Jiangxi shows that there are 536 bird species in Jiangxi,which belong to 21 orders,74 families,246 genera.And 48.7% of them are Passeriformes species and 12.3% are Charadriiformes species.Fifty species are classified as threatened.Fourteen of these species are grade I nationally protected wild animals,and 72 species are grade II nationally protected wild animals.In addition,fauna analyses indicate that the Palearctic realm（47.7%） is dominant.As for distribution type,the Oriental type is dominant.Considering the fauna of resident birds,the Oriental realm is dominant.Additionally,the distribution of several species was revised in the checklist.展开更多
Antimicrobial resistance is an urgent global health challenge in human and veterinary medicine. Wild animals are not directly exposed to clinically relevant antibiotics; however, antibacterial resistance in wild anima...Antimicrobial resistance is an urgent global health challenge in human and veterinary medicine. Wild animals are not directly exposed to clinically relevant antibiotics; however, antibacterial resistance in wild animals has been increasingly reported worldwide in parallel to the situation in human and veterinary medicine. This underlies the complexity of bacterial resistance in wild animals and the possible interspecies transmission between humans, domestic animals, the environment, and wildlife. This review summarizes the current data on expanded- spectrum 13-1actamase （ESBL）, AmpC IB-lactamase, carbapenemase, and colistin resistance genes in Enterobacteriaceae isolates of wildlife origin. The aim of this review is to better understand the important role of wild animals as reservoirs and vectors in the global dissemination of crucial clinical antibacterial resistance. In this regard, continued surveillance is urgently needed worldwide.展开更多
The rates at which birds use energy may have profound effects on fitness, thereby influencing physiology, behavior, ecology and evolution. Comparisons of standardized metabolic rates （e.g., lower and upper limits of ...The rates at which birds use energy may have profound effects on fitness, thereby influencing physiology, behavior, ecology and evolution. Comparisons of standardized metabolic rates （e.g., lower and upper limits of metabolic power output） present a method for elucidating the effects of ecological and evolutionary factors on the interface between physiology and life history in birds. In this paper we review variation in avian metabolic rates [basal metabolic rate （BMR; minimum normothermic metabolic rate）, summit metabolic rate （Msum; maximal thermoregulatory metabolic rate）, and maximal metabolic rate （MMR; maximal exercise metabolic rate）], the factors associated with this variation, the evidence for functional links between these metabolic traits, and the ecological and evolutionary significance of avian metabolic diversity. Both lower and upper limits to metabolic power production are phenotypically flexible traits, and vary in association with numerous ecological and evolutionary factors. For both inter- and intraspecific comparisons, lower and upper limits to metabolic power production are generally upregulated in response to energetically demanding conditions and downregulated when energetic demands are relaxed, or under conditions of energetic scarcity. Positive correlations have been documented between BMR, Msum and MMR in some, but not all studies on birds, providing partial support for the idea of a functional link between lower and upper limits to metabolic power production, but more intraspecific studies are needed to determine the robustness of this conclusion. Correlations between BMR and field metabolic rate （or daily energy expenditure） in birds are variable, suggesting that the linkage between these traits is subject to behavioral adjustment, and studies of the relationship between field and maximal metabolic rates are lacking. Our understanding of avian metabolic diversity would benefit from future studies of： （1） the functional and mechanistic links between lower and upper limits of metabolic power output; （2） the environmental and ecological cues driving phenotypically flexible metabolic responses, and how responses to such cues might impact population responses to climate change; （3） the shapes of metabolic reaction norms and their association with environmental variability; and （4） the relationship of metabolic variation to fitness, including studies of repeatability and heritability of minimum and maximum metabolic power output [Current Zoology 56 （6）： 741-758, 2010].展开更多
Given the rapid rise in human population and increasing urbanization,it is important to understand their potential impacts on biodiversity.From March 2007 to August 2007,we conducted bird surveys in 90 strip transects...Given the rapid rise in human population and increasing urbanization,it is important to understand their potential impacts on biodiversity.From March 2007 to August 2007,we conducted bird surveys in 90 strip transects,each 3 km long and 100 m wide,along a gradient of urbanization in Hangzhou,China.This gradient spanned a range of urbanization levels including urban areas,rural-urban continuum areas,farming areas,mixed forest/farming areas and forested areas.We recorded 96 breeding bird species and classified them into nine functional groups based on nesting requirements.The nine functional groups consisted of canopy nesters,shrub nesters,canopy/shrub nesters,natural cavity nesters,building nesters,natural cavity/building nesters,ground nesters,water surface nesters and parasitic nesters.Species and functional diversities were estimated based on the Shannon-Wiener index.Environmental data of each transect as human disturbance,vegetation cover and building index were also measured,and a synthetic urbanization index of each transect was introduced based on these data.We used regression analyses to model the relationship of species abundance,species diversity,functional abundance and functional diversity with this synthetic index.The results show that urbanization significantly reduces species richness,species diversity,functional richness and functional diversity,but the specific patterns differed.The relationship between species abundance/species diversity and urbanization is linear.In contrast,the relationship between functional diversity and urbanization was quadratic.In other words,with increased urbanization,functional diversity declined only slightly at first but then dropped at an accelerating rate.This implies that,although moderate urbanization reduces species diversity of breeding birds,it affects functional diversity of breeding birds only slightly in Hangzhou.The regression analysis of species diversity and functional diversity suggests a quadratic relationship between species diversity and functional diversity,i.e.,a linear relationship between species diversity and functional diversity can only exist at low diversity levels across urbanization gradients and increasing species abundance does not lead to an increase in functional diversity at the highest diversity levels.展开更多
文摘Birds of paradise are bright and colorful birds found in the rainforests of Papua New Guinea,eastern Indonesia and northern Australia.There are 45 known species,and a new study has found that 37 of them can glow using biofluorescence(生物荧光).This is when a living thing absorbs light and gives it off again in a different color.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.32201304)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.2412022QD026).
文摘Habitat fragmentation poses a significant threat to bird communities, especially those in open and semi-open ecosystems such as steppes. This study investigates how steppe birds adapt to and utilize fragmented habitats by combining niche modeling with ecological trait analysis. We conducted standardized point surveys to examine the habitat preferences of 32 bird species in Inner Mongolia, China, and quantified their habitat niche parameters using the Outlying Mean Index (OMI). Our results reveal distinct habitat preferences among species, with some thriving in intact environments while others are better adapted to fragmented areas. Grassland species showed high specialization along the fragmentation gradient, while others exhibited adaptability to varying levels of fragmentation. Using a Generalized Additive Model (GAM), we identified three key traits influencing habitat occupancy: hand-wing index, body mass, and range size. Specifically, species with medium hand-wing indices, moderate body mass, and larger range sizes were more likely to occupy heavily fragmented habitats. These findings provide empirical evidence on how habitat fragmentation affects bird species in steppe ecosystems. The study highlights the importance of functional traits in understanding avian responses to habitat fragmentation and offers a foundation for developing effective conservation strategies to preserve biodiversity in fragmented landscapes.
基金supported by grants FONDECYT 1180850 and 1231757 to RM.
文摘The factors affecting the behavior of non-specialized nectar-feeding passerines have received little attention in the literature on plant-pollinator interactions. Puya chilensis (Bromeliaceae) has sterile branch apices that project outward from the inflorescence. In this study, we evaluate the functional role of sterile apices as support systems for bird foraging behavior. We recorded bird visitation and flower probing in the presence and absence of sterile branches during the spring seasons of 2021 and 2024. The results revealed that experimental plants with excised branches received fewer bird visits and flower probings than control plants, indicating that sterile branches play an important role in the nectar-feeding behavior of passerine birds in P. chilensis.
文摘While most mammals find highly acidic foods aversive,many bird species have evolved remarkable tolerance for sour fruits-a crucial adaptation that has opened new ecological niches.Wild fruits can contain organic acid concentrations dozens of times higher than cultivated varieties,yet species like the redwing(Turdus iliacus)and black grouse(Tetrao tetrix)have evolved to actually prefer these acidic foods as dietary staples.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.32201304)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (No.2412022QD026)。
文摘The transformation of natural habitats into human-modified landscapes has far-reaching consequences for species distribution and abundance.As species adapt to these changing environments,shifts in distribution patterns,niche dynamics,and interspecies interactions may occur,impacting biodiversity at multiple levels and potentially leading to ecosystem imbalances.This study aims to assess the impact of variations in vegetation composition and human disturbance on the distribution of sympatric breeding birds and to determine the extent of niche overlap or differentiation among these species.We conducted field surveys and collected data on bird distribution,vegetation composition,and level of human disturbance in eastern Inner Mongolian grasslands.We focused on the six most frequently co-occurring breeding birds,representing a mix of sparrows,larks,and corvids.Generalized Additive Models revealed varying responses of species occurrence along habitat gradients.Species like the Eurasian Skylark(Alauda arvensis),Mongolian Lark(Melanocorypha mongolica),and Asian Shorttoed Lark(Calandrella cheleensis),increased in larger and more connected habitats,while others,like the Tree Sparrow(Passer montanus),Eurasian Magpie(Pica pica),and Barn Swallow(Hirundo rustica),adapted to more fragmented habitats.Niche analysis indicated habitat generalists tended to occupy larger niches than grassland specialists.Substantial niche overlap was also found among the six co-occurring bird species.Conservation efforts should consider the specific needs of specialist species and strive to maintain or restore critical grassland habitats.Additionally,promoting sustainable agricultural practices that balance the needs of birds and human activities can contribute to the coexistence of generalist and specialist bird species in modified landscapes.
文摘Ensuring food security for a rapidly growing global population amidst resource limitations and climate change is a major challenge.Agroforestry an ecologically sustainable land-use system that integrates trees,crops,and sometimes livestock offers significant promise by enhancing biodiversity,ecosystem services,and agricultural productivity.A central concern in such systems is pest management,which traditionally relies on chemical pesticides.However,their excessive use has led to environmental degradation,pest resistance,and health hazards.This review explores the potential of insectivorous birds as natural pest control agents in agroforestry systems.It focuses on how habitat features,vegetation complexity,and species-specific behaviors influence bird-mediated biological control.Insectivorous birds manage pest populations through direct predation,targeting a range of insect pests including caterpillars,beetles,and grasshoppers.Their foraging activity helps maintain pest populations below the economic threshold.Vegetation strata comprising ground cover,shrubs,understory,and canopy offer diverse foraging niches and nesting habitats that enhance bird diversity and functional roles.Pest control efficiency is closely linked to seasonality,resource availability,and habitat structure.Differentiating between beneficial(predatory)and pestiferous birds is essential to maximize ecosystem services and minimize crop losses or damage to beneficial insects.Conservation of beneficial bird species,informed vegetation planning,and regular monitoring are vital to strengthening multitrophic interactions and achieving sustainable pest control.Future research should focus on bird behavior,predator-prey interactions,and habitat management to optimize bird-friendly pest regulation strategies in agroforestry landscapes.
基金funded by the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2024M760408)National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.32201304)+1 种基金the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.2412024QD0212412022QD026).
文摘Grasslands are among the world's most threatened ecosystems, and steppe birds face increasing risks from human activities. This study investigates how human impacts affect the distribution and community structure of breeding steppe birds in Inner Mongolia, a biodiversity hotspot in Asia. We conducted standardized point-count surveys across a gradient from intact grasslands to urbanized areas, integrating species occurrence data, functional traits and the Human Footprint Index (HFI). Using Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) and Conditional Random Fields (CRFs), we assessed trait-environment interactions and shifts in species associations. Our results indicate that the HFI significantly affects bird communities. Habitat specialists, such as Mongolian Lark (Melanocorypha mongolica), showed negative responses, whereas generalists like Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) thrived in disturbed areas. Trait-based analysis showed that species with larger body mass and specialized diets were negatively associated with HFI, whereas those linked to human-modified habitats exhibiting strong positive associations. In areas with high human footprint, co-occurrence networks grew more polarized: specialists faced intensified competition, while species with positive HFI responses formed stronger positive associations. CRF models indicated that human activities restructure species interactions, favoring generalists and simplifying community dynamics. These findings highlight the dual role of human impact in supporting some species while threatening specialists, potentially driving biotic homogenization. Our study emphasizes the need for conservation strategies that protect vulnerable species and manage those that thrive in human-altered environments. By linking traits and interactions to human impacts, this study provides a framework for identifying at-risk species and guiding conservation in the Anthropocene.
基金supported by Zhejiang Province Science and Technology Cooperation Project of“Three Rural and Nine Parties”(grant number 2023SNJF059).
文摘Dear Editor,The highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses(HPAIVs)are important epizootic and zoonotic pathogens that cause significant economic losses to the poultry industry and pose a serious risk to veterinary and public health.Wild birds have been recognized as the primary reservoirs for influenza A virus,and some species show little sign of clinical disease or even can be asymptomatic during long distance carriers of the virus(Lycett et al.,2019).Since it was first discovered in 1959,the H5Nx HPAIVs have spread globally and cause outbreaks in wild birds,poultry and sporadic human and other mammalian infections(Lycett et al.,2019).Due to the reassortant events of diverse strains facilitated by migratory waterfowl,the clade 2.3.4.4 of H5Nx viruses acquiring neuraminidase(NA)gene from other low pathogenicity avian influenza viruses(LPAIVs)emerged in 2014 and gradually became the dominant sub-clade(Lee et al.,2017).
文摘It is generally accepted that climate has changed greatly on a global scale, and that the earth＇s climate has already wanned by some degrees over the past century. Ample evidence shows that there have been apparent changes in avian population dynamics, life-history traits and geographic ranges in response to global climate change. This paper briefly reviews the possible effects of climate change on avian biology and ecology all over the world, with emphasis on new findings from several long-term studies in Europe and North America, which provide unique opportunities to investigate how long-term changes in climate affect birds at both individual and population levels. The implications of such long-term studies for future bird studies in China is discussed with hope that this review can contribute to the preparation and plan for studies of climatic effects on birds in China in the future.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.30360012,31172123)the Forestry Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region
文摘The limestone area located in southwestern Guangxi in the south of China is part of a global biodiversity hotspot. As an important habitat of this limestone region, karst wetlands provide birds with necessary water conditions for their survival and reproduction. From 2007 to 2012, bird surveys were conducted in natural wetlands(pools, streams, springs and seasonal flows) in 14 nature reserves and 18 reservoirs in the limestone area of southwestern Guangxi. A total of 365 bird species were recorded in field investigations, including 103 water-dependent birds mainly seen in wetlands. Among these 103 birds, 10 species are globally threatened and 5 species have been placed under national key protection. The birds were selective in their use of the various types of karst wetlands. The number of bird species was the highest in pools and springs, with 304 and 266 respectively, followed by streams with 131 species. Reservoirs are the main wintering habitat for the large Natatores and in the rainy season the importance of seasonal flows is paramount. Seasonal changes in the utilization of karst wetlands by birds were obvious; the number of bird species in the dry season was much higher than during the rainy season. Bird migration and seasonal flows are the main reasons for seasonal variation in the number of water-dependent birds. These natural karst wetlands ensure the drinking water supply for more than 80% of the water-independent birds in the dry season. These karst wetlands are the wintering ground and stopover area for 58 species of migrant birds. At present, threats to the birds in the karst wetlands consist of illegal hunting, habitat changes and eucalyptus plantations. Karst wetlands are important for protecting biodiversity. More attention ought to be directed to these wetlands and protection efforts enhanced.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31961123003,32001098,31672265)the DFGP project of fauna of Guangdong(202115)the GDAS Special Project of Science and Technology Development(2022GDASZH-2022010106)。
文摘Estimating bird abundance is key to assess threats,and to prioritize conservation actions.However,few studies focus on this topic,particularly in developing countries,which may hamper conservation efficiency.We used data collected from Guangdong Province,China,between 2000 and 2020 to estimate bird abundance using MaxEnt modelling.In total,258 bird species were included,with an average density of 1485.2±489.3 ind./km^(2)(range:242.9-4502.2 ind./km^(2)).The highest density occurred in the Pearl River Estuary and on the Leizhou Peninsula.For forest birds,203 species were included with an average density of 1236.2±424.5 ind./km^(2)(143.7-2373.1 ind./km^(2)),and highest densities were found in the Pearl River Estuary and North River regions.For the 55 species of waterbirds,the average density was 249.0±351.8 ind./km^(2)(0.3-2336.1 ind./km^(2)).The total number of birds in Guangdong was estimated to be 2.58×108 ind.(2.24-3.06×10^(8)),with a total number of forest birds estimated to be 2.15×10^(8)ind.(1.90-2.49×10^(8)).The most abundant forest species(>107 individuals)were:Huet's Fulvetta(Alcippe hueti)with 2.84×10^(7)ind.,(range:2.73-2.95×10~7),Light-vented Bulbul(Pycnonotus sinensis)with 1.13×10^(7)ind.(1.07-1.20×10^(7)),Swinhoe's White-eye(Zosterops simplex)with 1.13×10^(7)ind.(1.09-1.17×10^(7)),and Red-whiskered Bulbul(Pycnonotus jocosus)with 1.01×10^(7)ind.(9.66-10.47×10^(6)),The total number of waterbirds in Guangdong was estimated to be 4.37×10^(7)ind.(3.38-5.75×10^(7)).The most abundant waterbirds(>106 individuals)were Black-headed Gull(Chroicocephalus ridibundus)with 6.35×10^(6)ind.(5.48-7.36×10^(6)),Pied Avocet(Recurvirostra avosetta)with 5.56×10^(6)ind.(3.75-8.24×10^(6)),and Little Egret(Egretta garzetta)with 5.01×10^(6)ind.(4.19-6.00×10^(6)).The densities and abundances of the 41 species listed as threatened in IUCN(higher than NT)or Chinese National Protected lists(higher thanⅡ)were evaluated,of which the population sizes of nine species were estimated for the first time in Guangdong.Moreover,all 41 species'average densities significantly declined from 2012 to 2017 in Nanling National Natural Reserve,Guangdong.
基金funded by Central Fiscal Forestry and Grassland Ecological Protection and Restoration Fund in 2022(grant number:HYGJ22069P(2022zfcg03469)-HT01)National Natural Science Foundation of China(grant number:3152010390332070452)。
文摘The Natural Forest Protection Project(NFPP),initiated by the Chinese government in 2000,is a crucial ecological construction project that has played a significant role in forest restoration in China.Forests in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau(QTP)serve as important habitats for many rare and endemic birds.Understanding the conservation efficiency of NFPP implementation on these birds holds significant practical significance.In this study,we utilized land use change matrices to analyze the forest changes in the QTP before and after NFPP implementation,predicted the potential spatial distribution of 16 nationally protected birds using Species Distribution Models(SDMs),and compared the impacts of this project on bird habitats under different carbon emission scenarios.Mann-Whitney U tests were employed to analyze the adaptation of different birds to forest changes during NFPP implementation.Our results showed that NFPP protected 172,398 km^(2) of primary forests and added 6379 km^(2) of secondary forests in our study area.The potential spatial distribution and sympatric species richness of the 16 protected birds slightly increased after NFPP implementation under different climate change scenarios,and NFPP implementation contributed to improving the potential spatial distribution of birds.Compared to newly established secondary forests,protected primary forests exhibited enhanced conservation for forest birds(Z-value>0 for six bird species,P<0.1),while being less suitable for non-forest birds(significantly unsuitable for three non-forest bird species,Z-value<0,P<0.05;non-significantly unsuitable for four non-forest bird species,Zvalue<0,P>0.1).This indicates that the protection of primary forests during NFPP implementation benefits forest bird conservation while the addition of secondary forests is beneficial to non-forest birds.To enhance the role of NFPP in avian conservation in the QTP,it is suggested to increase the landscape heterogeneity of forest,particularly in newly established secondary forests.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2023YFF1304600)。
文摘Animal behavioral studies are often combined with research concerning cognitive abilities.Larger brains usually mean more complex neural networks and advanced cognitive functions.By measuring the brain size of different individual animals,we can explore differences in behavioral complexity between populations or species.However,obtaining accurate measurements of brain size is challenging both in field and laboratory environments,especially for rare and endangered species.Therefore,there is an urgent need to develop reliable methods for performing cranial brain mass.This study tests which external structures of the avian head can most accurately predict brain size.We selected five bird species from four orders,categorized external head measures into three types of parameters(direct,calculated and composite measurements),and analyzed these in relation to brain mass.The results showed that while head size can partially explain brain mass,the parameters of head height x head width were the most accurate predictors of brain mass in birds(90.4%).In addition,the positive correlation between endocranial volume and brain mass once again confirmed that avian endocranial volume can,to a certain extent,serve as a valid proxy for brain mass.Our study demonstrates that in the future we can more conveniently perform non-invasive measurements to better understand the relationship between bird brain size and behavior,ecology,and evolution.
文摘《For The Birds》是一部经典的奥斯卡获奖动画短片,在有限的时间里,它可以让观众发自内心的愉悦。对于一部动画短片来说,根据时长以及剧情需要选择合适的时间推进方式,逐步将观众带入剧情、塑造性格鲜明的角色,让观众通过事件慢慢了解短片中的角色性格、在设置悬念的时候选择合适的时机,给观众营造他们自己的期待,然后再扭转局面,能激起观众的兴趣,制造一个出人意料的结局,这些在剧情叙事中的节奏控制可以有效地吸引观众的注意力,这对于一部动画短片的成败来说是至关重要的。
文摘The Thorn Birds and Scarlet Letter both explore the theme of love and religion, and both show the skilful use of imagism and symbolism. This essay analyzes the common images of the two novels and compares their similarities and differences.
文摘Complete checklist records are essential to understand regional bird diversity.We update the checklist of the bird species of Jiangxi,China based on numerous reported documents.The updated checklist of the bird species of Jiangxi shows that there are 536 bird species in Jiangxi,which belong to 21 orders,74 families,246 genera.And 48.7% of them are Passeriformes species and 12.3% are Charadriiformes species.Fifty species are classified as threatened.Fourteen of these species are grade I nationally protected wild animals,and 72 species are grade II nationally protected wild animals.In addition,fauna analyses indicate that the Palearctic realm（47.7%） is dominant.As for distribution type,the Oriental type is dominant.Considering the fauna of resident birds,the Oriental realm is dominant.Additionally,the distribution of several species was revised in the checklist.
基金partially supported by grants from the National Key Basic Research Program of China(2013CB127200)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81661138002)
文摘Antimicrobial resistance is an urgent global health challenge in human and veterinary medicine. Wild animals are not directly exposed to clinically relevant antibiotics; however, antibacterial resistance in wild animals has been increasingly reported worldwide in parallel to the situation in human and veterinary medicine. This underlies the complexity of bacterial resistance in wild animals and the possible interspecies transmission between humans, domestic animals, the environment, and wildlife. This review summarizes the current data on expanded- spectrum 13-1actamase （ESBL）, AmpC IB-lactamase, carbapenemase, and colistin resistance genes in Enterobacteriaceae isolates of wildlife origin. The aim of this review is to better understand the important role of wild animals as reservoirs and vectors in the global dissemination of crucial clinical antibacterial resistance. In this regard, continued surveillance is urgently needed worldwide.
文摘The rates at which birds use energy may have profound effects on fitness, thereby influencing physiology, behavior, ecology and evolution. Comparisons of standardized metabolic rates （e.g., lower and upper limits of metabolic power output） present a method for elucidating the effects of ecological and evolutionary factors on the interface between physiology and life history in birds. In this paper we review variation in avian metabolic rates [basal metabolic rate （BMR; minimum normothermic metabolic rate）, summit metabolic rate （Msum; maximal thermoregulatory metabolic rate）, and maximal metabolic rate （MMR; maximal exercise metabolic rate）], the factors associated with this variation, the evidence for functional links between these metabolic traits, and the ecological and evolutionary significance of avian metabolic diversity. Both lower and upper limits to metabolic power production are phenotypically flexible traits, and vary in association with numerous ecological and evolutionary factors. For both inter- and intraspecific comparisons, lower and upper limits to metabolic power production are generally upregulated in response to energetically demanding conditions and downregulated when energetic demands are relaxed, or under conditions of energetic scarcity. Positive correlations have been documented between BMR, Msum and MMR in some, but not all studies on birds, providing partial support for the idea of a functional link between lower and upper limits to metabolic power production, but more intraspecific studies are needed to determine the robustness of this conclusion. Correlations between BMR and field metabolic rate （or daily energy expenditure） in birds are variable, suggesting that the linkage between these traits is subject to behavioral adjustment, and studies of the relationship between field and maximal metabolic rates are lacking. Our understanding of avian metabolic diversity would benefit from future studies of： （1） the functional and mechanistic links between lower and upper limits of metabolic power output; （2） the environmental and ecological cues driving phenotypically flexible metabolic responses, and how responses to such cues might impact population responses to climate change; （3） the shapes of metabolic reaction norms and their association with environmental variability; and （4） the relationship of metabolic variation to fitness, including studies of repeatability and heritability of minimum and maximum metabolic power output [Current Zoology 56 （6）： 741-758, 2010].
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 30670344)the Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Forestry and Water Resources
文摘Given the rapid rise in human population and increasing urbanization,it is important to understand their potential impacts on biodiversity.From March 2007 to August 2007,we conducted bird surveys in 90 strip transects,each 3 km long and 100 m wide,along a gradient of urbanization in Hangzhou,China.This gradient spanned a range of urbanization levels including urban areas,rural-urban continuum areas,farming areas,mixed forest/farming areas and forested areas.We recorded 96 breeding bird species and classified them into nine functional groups based on nesting requirements.The nine functional groups consisted of canopy nesters,shrub nesters,canopy/shrub nesters,natural cavity nesters,building nesters,natural cavity/building nesters,ground nesters,water surface nesters and parasitic nesters.Species and functional diversities were estimated based on the Shannon-Wiener index.Environmental data of each transect as human disturbance,vegetation cover and building index were also measured,and a synthetic urbanization index of each transect was introduced based on these data.We used regression analyses to model the relationship of species abundance,species diversity,functional abundance and functional diversity with this synthetic index.The results show that urbanization significantly reduces species richness,species diversity,functional richness and functional diversity,but the specific patterns differed.The relationship between species abundance/species diversity and urbanization is linear.In contrast,the relationship between functional diversity and urbanization was quadratic.In other words,with increased urbanization,functional diversity declined only slightly at first but then dropped at an accelerating rate.This implies that,although moderate urbanization reduces species diversity of breeding birds,it affects functional diversity of breeding birds only slightly in Hangzhou.The regression analysis of species diversity and functional diversity suggests a quadratic relationship between species diversity and functional diversity,i.e.,a linear relationship between species diversity and functional diversity can only exist at low diversity levels across urbanization gradients and increasing species abundance does not lead to an increase in functional diversity at the highest diversity levels.
