Whole-genome sequencing provides insights into the evolutionary adaptation and conservation of gibbons.

Gibbons are small, arboreal apes that play a critical role in tropical biodiversity and ecosystem ecology. However, nearly all species of gibbons are threatened by habitat loss, illegal trade, hunting, and other human activities. Long-term poor understanding of their genetics and evolution undermines effective conservation efforts.

Molecular identification of tick-borne Rickettsia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Babesia, and Colpodella in confiscated Malayan pangolins.

The traditional concept of "tonic food" and demand for traditional Chinese medicine make pangolins the largest population of illegally smuggled mammals in the world. Illegal hunting and trade are not only responsible for the sharp decline in pangolin populations but also provide conditions for pathogenic transmission. In 2021, we rescued 21 confiscated unhealthy Malayan pangolins, none of which survived.

Isolation, genome analysis and comparison of a novel parainfluenza virus 5 from a Siberian tiger ().

Paramyxoviruses are important pathogens affecting various animals, including mammals and humans. Parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5)-a member of the family -is a major threat to the health of mammals and humans. However, studies on terrestrial wild animals infected with PIV5 are scanty.

Molecular characterization of a novel Spiruromorpha species in wild Chinese pangolin by mitogenome sequence analysis.

Pangolins are susceptible to a variety of gastrointestinal nematodes due to their burrowing lifestyle and feeding habits, and few parasitic nematodes have been reported. Here, a Chinese pangolin with old wounds on its leg and tail was rescued from the Heyuan City, Guangdong Province. The cox1 and SSU rRNA of the worms from the intestine of the Chinese pangolin had the highest sequence identity of 89.

A multilocus DNA mini-barcode assay to identify twenty vertebrate wildlife species.

The world faces significant challenges in preserving the diversity of vertebrate species due to wildlife crimes. DNA barcoding, an effective molecular marker for insufficient nuclear DNA, is an authentic and quick identification technique to trace the origin of seized samples in forensic investigations. Here, we present a multiplex assay capable of identifying twenty vertebrate wildlife species utilizing twenty species-specific primers that target short fragments of the mitochondrial , , , and genes.

Pathogenicity, tissue tropism and potential vertical transmission of SARSr-CoV-2 in Malayan pangolins.

Malayan pangolin SARS-CoV-2-related coronavirus (SARSr-CoV-2) is closely related to SARS-CoV-2. However, little is known about its pathogenicity in pangolins. Using CT scans we show that SARSr-CoV-2 positive Malayan pangolins are characterized by bilateral ground-glass opacities in lungs in a similar manner to COVID-19 patients.

Biological characteristics of two mesenchymal stem cell cultures isolated from the umbilical cord and adipose tissue of a neonatal common hippo (Hippopotamus amphibius).

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent adult stem cells and can be isolated from many tissues of the body. Due to their potentials to treat various diseases and be applied in animal breeding, MSCs have been isolated and identified regarding their biological properties. Common hippos (Hippopotamus amphibius) are a vulnerable species and yet the cryopreservation of their genetic materials is scare.

Heteroplasmic mitochondrial genomes of a Raillietina tapeworm in wild Pangolin.

Background: Raillietina species belong to the family Davaineidae, which parasitizes in a wide variety of mammals and birds, causing stunted growth, lethargy, emaciation, and digestive tract obstruction. However, only a limited number of Raillietina species have been identified in wild animals.

Methods: We analyzed and annotated the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of a worm from the intestine of a wild pangolin using Illumina sequencing of whole genomic DNA.

Twelve natural estrogens in urines of six threatened or endangered mammalian species in Zoo Park: implications and their potential risk.

This work was the first to report twelve natural estrogens (NEs) in the urines of six threatened or endangered mammalians in a Zoo Park of Guangzhou (i.e., panda, gorilla, elephant, African lion, jaguar, and leopard).

Molecular detection of a novel Ancylostoma sp. by whole mtDNA sequence from pangolin Manis javanica.

Background: Ancylostoma species are hematophagous parasites that cause chronic hemorrhage in various animals and humans. Pangolins, also known as scaly anteaters, are mammals that live in soil environments where they are readily exposed to soil-borne parasitic nematodes. However, only a limited number of helminth species have been identified in this animal host so far.

Comparative study of gut microbiota from captive and confiscated-rescued wild pangolins.

Pangolins are among the most critically endangered animals due to widespread poaching and worldwide trafficking. Captive breeding is considered to be one way to protect them and increase the sizes of their populations. However, comparative studies of captive and wild pangolins in the context of gut microbiota are rare.

Covariation of the Fecal Microbiome with Diet in Nonpasserine Birds.

Opportunistic feeding and multiple other environment factors can modulate the gut microbiome, and bias conclusions, when wild animals are used for studying the influence of phylogeny and diet on their gut microbiomes. Here, we controlled for these other confounding factors in our investigation of the magnitude of the effect of diet on the gut microbiome assemblies of nonpasserine birds. We collected fecal samples, at one point in time, from 35 species of birds in a single zoo as well as 6 species of domestic poultry from farms in Guangzhou city to minimize the influences from interfering factors.

Identification of and detection of tick-borne in confiscated Malayan Pangolins.

Due to habitat destruction and illegal hunting and trade, the number of pangolins has been sharply reduced. To protect pangolins from extinction, relevant departments are combined and active action have been taken. A total of 21 confiscated Malayan pangolins were rescued in 2019, but died continuously for unknown reasons.

Author Correction: 863 genomes reveal the origin and domestication of chicken.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

863 genomes reveal the origin and domestication of chicken.

Despite the substantial role that chickens have played in human societies across the world, both the geographic and temporal origins of their domestication remain controversial. To address this issue, we analyzed 863 genomes from a worldwide sampling of chickens and representatives of all four species of wild jungle fowl and each of the five subspecies of red jungle fowl (RJF). Our study suggests that domestic chickens were initially derived from the RJF subspecies Gallus gallus spadiceus whose present-day distribution is predominantly in southwestern China, northern Thailand and Myanmar.

Some maternal lineages of domestic horses may have origins in East Asia revealed with further evidence of mitochondrial genomes and HVR-1 sequences.

Objectives: There are large populations of indigenous horse () in China and some other parts of East Asia. However, their matrilineal genetic diversity and origin remained poorly understood. Using a combination of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and hypervariable region (HVR-1) sequences, we aim to investigate the origin of matrilineal inheritance in these domestic horses.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the Thai Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus) and phylogenetic analysis.

In this study, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of the Thai Red Junglefowl (RJF; Gallus gallus) using the next-generation sequencing (NGS) platform of the Ion Torrent PGM. Samples were taken from Mae Wang District, Chiang Mai Province, northern Thailand. Our data showed the complete mitogenome to be 16 785 bp in length, composed by 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and one control region.

Identification of a novel mtDNA lineage B3 in chicken ().

In this study, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial DNA genome (mitogenome) of the Zhengyang Yellow chicken () by next-generation sequencing technology. Samples were taken from Zhumadian city, Henan Province, China. The complete mitogenome was 16 785 bp in size, and had a nucleotide composition of 30.