Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kumar P. Mainali, Paras Bikram Singh, Michael Evans, Arjun Adhikari, Yiming Hu, Huijian Hu
Summary: By utilizing genetic analyses and systematic surveys, we accurately assessed the distribution of Himalayan musk deer and identified suitable habitats in the Annapurna and Kanchenjunga regions of Nepal and adjacent areas in China. Our predictions suggest that a large proportion of the current suitable sites will remain suitable under different climate change scenarios and new suitable habitats may emerge. The extensive network of protected areas in Nepal covers a significant portion of the current and future suitable habitats, potentially leading to population expansion and conservation gains.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Zhaohui Cui, Qilin Wang, Xiyao Huang, Jiayi Bai, Bingyang Zhu, Bingchen Wang, Xiaohang Guo, Meng Qi, Junqiang Li
Summary: The prevalence and genetic diversity of G. duodenalis in captive alpine musk deer were investigated in this study. The overall prevalence was 19.3% with two genetic assemblages identified. Six novel assemblage A multilocus genotypes were discovered through multilocus genotyping analysis.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Hui Feng, Tingyin Feng, Yidi Mo, Suli Sun, Lu Wang, Chunbin Lu, Chengli Feng, Ke Xing, Zhijian Su
Summary: This study analyzed the musk gland tissues of Chinese forest musk deer and identified three expanded gene families related to musk synthesis. Transcriptional analysis and single-cell sequencing revealed a prostate-like mRNA expression pattern and seven distinguishable cell types in the musk gland. The findings provide insights into musk gland formation and the process of musk synthesis.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hang Jie, Zhongxian Xu, Jian Gao, Feng Li, Yinglian Chen, Dejun Zeng, Guijun Zhao, Diyan Li
Summary: In this study, Illumina deep sequencing technology was used to analyze the small RNA transcriptome of unmated and mated male Chinese forest musk deer, revealing 1,652 known miRNAs and 45 novel miRNAs with differential expression. Target gene functional enrichment in unmated males showed more involvement in structural molecule activity and cellular exocytosis processes, suggesting a potential role of these genes in musk formation. Further investigation into specific miRNA-mRNA pairs may shed light on the development and secretion of musk gland in this species.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jinmeng Yang, Guofan Peng, Feng Shu, Daqian Dong, Xueli Zheng, Chao Zhu, Xiang Li, Jian Ma, Chuanying Pan, Fangxia Yang, Wuzi Dong
Summary: The study found that the musk gland of male FMD has the potential to locally synthesize steroid hormones, playing a critically important role in musk secretion.
JOURNAL OF STEROID BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ajit Kumar, Bhim Singh, Subhashree Sahoo, Kumudani Bala Gautam, Sandeep Kumar Gupta
Summary: This study examined the phylogenetic relationship among musk deer samples from three regions in India using genetic analysis. It confirmed the presence of Kashmir musk deer in the Himalayan region and suggests further research and revision of conservation measures for this species.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Lixun Zhang, Zhangyun Sun, Bei An, Dexi Zhang, Liuyang Chen
Summary: This study used camera traps to monitor the Alpine musk deer population in the Xinglong Mountain Nature Reserve in northwest China and investigated their habitat and activity patterns. The results showed that the deer strongly avoided livestock but gradually adjusted to human activities. The predicted distribution of the deer was not confined to reported areas but also covered other potential areas. This study is important for developing conservation strategies for the musk deer.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chenmiao Liu, Tingting Hong, Lin Yu, Yuan Chen, Shuhui Wang, Zhanjun Ren
Summary: In this study, the diversity and transcriptional composition of the musk gland cell types in Chinese forest musk deer were investigated using single-nucleus RNA sequencing and single-nucleus ATAC sequencing. Two acinar cell types were identified, and pathways related to musk secretion were enriched in one of the cell types. Additionally, core transcription factors and target genes were identified and cell communication analysis revealed close interactions between these cell types in musk secretion-related processes.
Article
Microbiology
Ruiguang Gong, Shengjie Song, Yaotian Ai, Shuhui Wang, Xianggui Dong, Zhanjun Ren, Hui Xie, Benmo Jiang, Lixia Zhao
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different protein levels in diets on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and fecal microbiome of forest musk deer (FMD). The results showed that as the dietary protein level increased, protein digestibility decreased, and the FMD in the medium protein group had higher growth rate, feed efficiency, and fiber digestibility. The study also found that the bacterial structure in the intestines of FMD changed with increasing protein level. Overall, the optimum dietary protein level for growing FMD was 13.37%.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tianxiang Zhang, Weijiang Jin, Shuang Yang, Yimeng Li, Meishan Zhang, Minghui Shi, Xiaobing Guo, Dawei Li, Baofeng Zhang, Shuqiang Liu, Defu Hu
Summary: In this study, abnormal types of musk, white and black musks, were discovered during the musk collection process. The concentrations of steroid hormones and amino acids in white musk were significantly lower than in normal and black musks. The NMDS analysis indicated that white musk was different from normal and black musks in terms of components.
Article
Microbiology
Yuanlin Jiang, Xiangyu Han, Mengqi Li, Nuannuan Feng, Pengcheng Yang, Haoxi Zhao, Chenxi Zhang, Minghui Shi, Zhixin Huang, Rubin Sun, Shuqiang Liu, Defu Hu
Summary: Ex situ conservation is crucial for protecting rare and endangered wildlife. This study investigated the changes in gut microbiota composition of forest musk deer during ex situ conservation. The results showed distinct microbial structure differences between the two study areas and a weakening of certain gut functions after migration.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Naixiu Yuan, Yuhong Qin, Jing Wang, Liquan Shen, Haoxiang Gao, Rongwei Xiang, Yinjiu Zhu, Yong Li, Mi Zhou, Shoulin Bai, Yan Sheng, Xiuxiang Meng
Summary: The study found that muscone content decreases with age and poor health, while adults have significantly higher muscone content than older individuals and healthy males have significantly higher muscone content than weaker ones. However, mating history or captive environment had insignificant effect on muscone levels.
Article
Microbiology
Zhirong Zhang, Mengqi Ding, Yujiao Sun, Romaan Hayat Khattak, Junda Chen, Liwei Teng, Zhensheng Liu
Summary: Substantial environmental variation has a direct impact on the gut microbiota of both captive and wild Alpine musk deer. The microbial communities show different diversities and compositions associated with their living environments. The assembly of the gut microbiota is mainly regulated by deterministic mechanisms, with heterogeneous selection as the predominant factor. This study provides new insights into understanding gut microbiota in different environments.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Long Li, Heran Cao, Jinmeng Yang, Tianqi Jin, Yuxuan Ma, Yang Wang, Zhenpeng Li, Yining Chen, Huihui Gao, Chao Zhu, Tianhao Yang, Yalong Deng, Fangxia Yang, Wuzi Dong
Summary: This study examined the musk gland and skin of Chinese forest musk deer through histological analysis and RNA sequencing. The results suggest that the musk gland may be derived from the skin tissue, and the regulatory genes Sox9, Cav-1, and AR may have significant roles in musk gland development.
JOURNAL OF ZHEJIANG UNIVERSITY-SCIENCE B
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Jing Wang, Qinbin Zheng, Chuanmeng Xia, Yong Li, Mi Zhou, Yan Sheng, Robert Bertrand Weladji, Xiuxiang Meng
Summary: The research found that the parturition of forest musk deer is highly seasonal, with a peak in May and June, showing an adaptation to the seasonality of local food resources.
CZECH JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Cheng Huang, Xueyou Li, Laxman Khanal, Xuelong Jiang
Article
Ecology
Cheng Huang, Xueyou Li, Wenqiang Hu, Xuelong Jiang
Article
Ecology
Zhongzheng Chen, Xueyou Li, Wenyu Song, Quan Li, Kenneth Onditi, Laxman Khanal, Xuelong Jiang
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2020)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
X. Y. Li, W. V. Bleisch, X. W. Liu, W. Q. Hu, X. L. Jiang
Summary: The study indicated that both the occupancy of Muntjac spp and proximity of human settlements are key factors influencing carnivore communities. Muntjac occupancy directly affects carnivore biomass, while carnivore richness increases with distance from residential areas. Indirect effects on carnivore biomass were observed through factors such as increasing distance to residential sites and higher net primary productivity.
ANIMAL CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Xueyou Li, William Bleisch, Xinwu Liu, Xuelong Jiang
Summary: Medog County, located in the Eastern Himalayas, is a biodiversity hotspot with many unexplored species. Camera trap surveys detected numerous threatened species, including the first evidence of Bengal tiger in China. The diversity of carnivorous species highlights the conservation value of the region.
Article
Zoology
Xueyou Li, Cheng Huang, Xuelong Jiang
Article
Zoology
Zhong-Zheng Chen, Shui-Wang He, Wen-Hao Hu, Wen-Yu Song, Kenneth O. Onditi, Xue-You Li, Xue-Long Jiang
Summary: A new monotypic genus and species of mole, Alpiscaptulus medogensis gen. et sp. nov., was discovered in the eastern Himalayas of Tibet, China. It has distinct dental formula and unique tail color compared to other Scalopini species. Molecular analysis showed significant differences between A. medogensis and other recognized Scalopini genera, with a strong sister relationship with Scapanulus oweni in phylogenetic trees, suggesting divergence occurred in the mid-Miocene.
ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Kenneth Otieno Onditi, Xueyou Li, Wenyu Song, Quan Li, Simon Musila, James Mathenge, Esther Kioko, Xuelong Jiang
Summary: The study suggests that successful terrestrial mammal conservation in protected areas in Kenya requires clearly defined, formalized management practices, performance feedback, and collaboration terms between state-managed and privately-managed PAs.
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Xueyou Li, Wenqiang Hu, William Bleisch, Quan Li, Hongjiao Wang, Wen Lu, Jun Sun, Fuyou Zhang, Bu Ti, Xuelong Jiang
Summary: The study found that human modification and human presence have different effects on mammals. Species richness tends to increase with human modification, but decreases with human presence. Human modification leads to lower functional diversity, while human presence significantly impacts the proportion of herbivores.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Stephen M. Jackson, Quan Li, Tao Wan, Xue-You Li, Fa-Hong Yu, Ge Gao, Li-Kun He, Kristofer M. Helgen, Xue-Long Jiang
Summary: This study provides the first taxonomic and biogeographical review of the woolly flying squirrel, Eupetaurus cinereus. It reveals that the species is distributed in three widely disjunct areas in the Himalayas and suggests that the populations in these areas are genetically and morphologically distinct enough to be recognized as separate species, with two new species being described.
ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2022)
Letter
Biodiversity Conservation
Cheng Chen, Jedediah F. Brodie, Roland Kays, T. Jonathan Davies, Runzhe Liu, Jason T. Fisher, Jorge Ahumada, William McShea, Douglas Sheil, Bernard Agwanda, Mahandry H. Andrianarisoa, Robyn D. Appleton, Robert Bitariho, Santiago Espinosa, Melissa M. Grigione, Kristofer M. Helgen, Andy Hubbard, Cindy M. Hurtado, Patrick A. Jansen, Xuelong Jiang, Alex Jones, Elizabeth L. Kalies, Cisquet Kiebou-Opepa, Xueyou Li, Marcela Guimaraes Moreira Lima, Erik Meyer, Anna B. Miller, Thomas Murphy, Renzo Piana, Rui-Chang Quan, Christopher T. Rota, Francesco Rovero, Fernanda Santos, Stephanie Schuttler, Aisha Uduman, Joanna Klees van Bommel, Hilary Young, A. Cole Burton
Summary: This study analyzed a global dataset and found that protected areas (PAs) have a positive impact on the conservation of mammal communities, with a strong correlation between the proportion of PAs coverage and mammal taxonomic diversity. The study also highlights the need to better understand the functional response of mammal communities to protection.
CONSERVATION LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xueyou Li, Wenqiang Hu, William V. Bleisch, Quan Li, Hongjiao Wang, Bu Ti, Zhongyi Qin, Jun Sun, Fuyou Zhang, Xuelong Jiang
Summary: Human activities pose threats to numerous species, leading to habitat degradation and extinction risks. This study investigates the drivers and patterns of species richness of threatened and non-threatened terrestrial mammals in southwest China. The results show that human impacts have negative effects on threatened species richness, while non-threatened and total species richness increase with human modification. It highlights the importance of considering threatened species diversity separately when planning conservation efforts.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Wen-Yu Song, Kenneth Otieno Onditi, Xue-You Li, Zhong-Zheng Chen, Shui-Wang He, Quan Li, Xue-Long Jiang
Summary: This study investigates the composition and structure of small mammal communities in the alpine tree line transition zone of southwest China. The results show that species assembly processes in these habitats are constrained by multiple abiotic and biotic stressors, leading to discrepant assembly patterns.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Kenneth Otieno Onditi, Wenyu Song, Xueyou Li, Simon Musila, Zhongzheng Chen, Quan Li, James Mathenge, Esther Kioko, Xuelong Jiang
Summary: Understanding the interactions between abiotic factors and species diversity and distribution patterns is crucial for improving biodiversity management tools such as protected areas. This study explores the interactions of terrestrial mammal diversity patterns and abiotic factors in Kenya and finds that climate and human footprint play significant roles in determining mammal diversity patterns.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Wen-Yu Song, Xue-You Li, Zhong-Zheng Chen, Quan Li, Kenneth Otieno Onditi, Shui-Wang He, Xue-Long Jiang
ZOOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2020)