21-Apr-2026 New commentary debates land-use trade-offs: farmland-to-forest or forest-to-farmland in China South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences A new commentary analyzes China’s shifting land-use policies, weighing ecological restoration via Grain for Green against food security pressures that have spurred forest-to-farmland conversion. Journal Biological Diversity
20-Apr-2026 Non-contact detection of post-regurgitation deep inhalation in calves using infrared thermography and deep learning-based nostril segmentation Osaka Metropolitan University An Osaka Metropolitan University research team proposed a non-contact approach for characterizing post-regurgitation deep inhalation in calves using infrared thermography and deep learning-based nostril segmentation. Journal BMC Veterinary Research
20-Apr-2026 Global study reveals latitudinal diversity patterns of mixed-species bird flocks linked to environmental factors South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences A comprehensive global analysis quantifies the α and β diversity of mixed-species bird flocks (MSBFs) worldwide, uncovering strong latitudinal gradients and key environmental drivers that shape their distribution, with implications for community-focused biodiversity conservation. Journal Biological Diversity Funder Science & Technology Fundamental Resources Investigation Program, National Natural Science Foundation of China, Projects of the Guangdong Forestry Bureau, DFGP Project of Fauna of Guangdong
20-Apr-2026 New ant supergene reveals surprising twist in evolution of social behavior University of Oulu, Finland In the spring ants are once again hard at work. Beyond their everyday presence, ants are also key model organisms in cutting-edge evolutionary genetics research, helping scientists understand how social behavior and cooperation evolve.
20-Apr-2026 Oman’s mountain goats reveal genetic secrets to surviving extreme environments Sultan Qaboos University A genomic study of goats in Oman’s Al Jabal Al Akhdar reveals strong genetic diversity that supports survival in harsh mountain conditions. Despite some inbreeding, key adaptive traits linked to metabolism and stress resilience remain intact. The findings highlight the value of conserving local breeds to support climate-resilient livestock systems. Journal Biology
20-Apr-2026 Geographic variations of floral traits and pollinator guilds in a specialized pollination mutualism, Kadsura longipedunculata and gall midges South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences A new study reveals how floral traits and pollinator communities vary geographically in the obligate pollination mutualism between Kadsura longipedunculata and gall midges, supporting the geographic mosaic theory of coevolution. Journal Biological Diversity Funder National Science and Technology Basic Resources Survey, National Natural Science Foundation of China
19-Apr-2026 Centipede consumption boosts growth and gut health in endangered crocodile lizards South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences A new study in Biological Diversity reveals that centipede consumption enhances growth and gut microbiome homeostasis in juvenile crocodile lizards by enriching beneficial fermentative bacteria and elevating short chain fatty acid production, underlining the critical role of dietary diversity in the conservation of endangered reptiles. Journal Biological Diversity Funder National Natural Science Foundation of China
18-Apr-2026 Genomic progress unlocks seed plant genetic diversity in China: A roadmap for global conservation South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences A comprehensive review in Biological Diversity maps two decades of breakthroughs in Chinese seed plant genetic diversity research, links advances to sequencing technology, identifies key threats from climate change and habitat loss, and proposes a clear agenda to integrate genetics into global biodiversity conservation. Journal Biological Diversity Funder National Key Research and Development Program of China, National Natural Science Foundation of China, Sino‐Africa Joint Research Center, and CAS International Research and Education Development Program, Youth Innovation Promotion Association CAS, International Partnership Program of CAS
17-Apr-2026 Reimagining modern botanic gardens: From nature-culture-science hubs to healing physic gardens South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences New research redefines the role of botanic gardens as vital healing spaces for human health and planetary conservation. Journal Biological Diversity
