Core Insights - The research team led by the Shaanxi Provincial Environmental Monitoring Center has successfully developed a qPCR quantitative detection method based on environmental DNA technology for monitoring the distribution of the Qinling takin in the Qinling Mountains [1][2] - The monitoring effort involved 77 sampling points across the province, resulting in the collection of 229 environmental DNA samples, with 50 points successfully detecting the environmental DNA signals of the Qinling takin [1][2] Group 1 - The Qinling takin is a flagship species of the Qinling Mountains in Shaanxi Province and serves as a "living indicator" of the health of high mountain forest ecosystems [1] - The results indicate a concentrated distribution of the Qinling takin in the central region of the Qinling Mountains and the southwestern area adjacent to the Han River, with minimal presence in the Dan River basin and none detected in northern Shaanxi [1] - There is a noted trend of the Qinling takin gradually expanding from the central and western regions of the Qinling Mountains towards the eastern areas, influenced by population migration and human activities [1] Group 2 - The monitoring results provide crucial ecological baseline information for biodiversity and flagship species protection efforts in Shaanxi Province [2] - The study further validates the efficiency and reliability of environmental DNA technology in wildlife monitoring, offering a reliable technical pathway for enhancing the ecological monitoring system in Shaanxi [2] - The application of environmental DNA technology is expected to significantly improve the precision and efficiency of ecological monitoring in Shaanxi, supporting the protection of rare species, health assessments of ecosystems, and dynamic monitoring of biodiversity [2]

Core Viewpoint - Haikou has conducted ecological monitoring of two major wetland parks for seven consecutive years, discovering a total of 24 new species, with 14 species found in Wuyuanhe and 10 in Meishe River during the 2024 monitoring period [2][3]. Group 1: Ecological Monitoring - The ecological monitoring report serves as both an "ecological asset" and a "guidance manual" for protecting wildlife [3]. - Monitoring includes various species such as plants, birds, fish, mammals, amphibians, dragonflies, and invasive species, allowing for timely understanding of species communities, growth distribution, and threat levels [2][3]. - The monitoring process involves regular manual patrols and the use of infrared cameras to capture wildlife activity automatically [2]. Group 2: Conservation Measures - Based on monitoring results, the Haikou Wetland Protection Management Center implements subsequent conservation and management measures, such as increasing monitoring equipment in areas where protected species like the leopard cat are detected [3]. - Public awareness initiatives are conducted to educate the community about the importance of protecting species like wild rice, including setting up warning signs in monitored areas [3].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the advancements in ecological monitoring and the importance of technology in enhancing data collection and analysis in the Qilian Mountain region, emphasizing the role of the Xishui Forest Ecological Research Station in ecological protection and education [1][3][4]. Group 1: Ecological Monitoring and Research - The Xishui Forest Ecological Research Station, established in the 1970s, focuses on monitoring and evaluating the Qilian Mountain ecosystem, contributing to ecological protection and restoration efforts [1]. - The station has implemented automated observation systems, including 8 automatic weather stations and over 600 various instruments for real-time data collection on environmental factors [2][3]. - In 2019, the station achieved power and communication coverage in the experimental watershed, enabling real-time automatic data collection and transmission [3]. Group 2: Technological Advancements - The tools for measuring tree height have evolved significantly, moving from manual methods to advanced automated systems, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of ecological measurements [2]. - The station features a 30-meter observation tower equipped with automated instruments to measure various atmospheric parameters, showcasing the integration of technology in ecological research [2]. Group 3: Education and Outreach - The research station serves as an educational hub, with facilities for public education, including specimen rooms and classrooms, aimed at raising awareness about ecological conservation [3]. - The station's director, Jing Wenmao, emphasizes the importance of science popularization as a means to encourage public engagement with nature and ecological protection [4].