Acta Ecologica Sinica (International Journal) is a bimonthly academic journal sponsored by the Ecological Society of China and the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Acta Ecologica Sinica publishes novel research in ecology, promotes the exchange and cooperation of ecologists and ecological research between developing and developed countries. The Journal aims to show the scientific mechanism of the interaction between life and environment and facilitates the academic dissemination and scientific development of ecological research in the world, especially in developing countries. Position of the journal Acta Ecologica Sinica is a comprehensive journal devoted to the development of Ecology and its sub-disciplines. It unites ecological scientists in the world with the aim of publishing high-quality papers on innovative research. Published papers should unveil mechanisms of the interactions between life and environment, and contribute to the innovation and sustainable development of ecological science in the world. International perspective Members of the editorial board of Acta Ecologica Sinica are all internationally renowned ecologists, and its present Editor-in-Chief is the academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE). In recent years, Acta Ecologica Sinica is receiving an increasing international attention, and its editorial members come from 8 different countries and regions in various areas of ecological research, which strengthens the journal`s impact worldwide. It is anticipated that Acta Ecologica Sinica will further gain more international recognition and have a great prospect of development. Journal coverage This journal publishes papers on animal ecology, plant ecology, microbial ecology, agro-ecology, forestry ecology, grassland ecology, soil ecology, ocean and aquatic ecosystems, landscape ecology, chemical ecology, contaminant ecology, urban and human ecology. We particularly welcome reviews on recent developments in ecology, novel experimental studies, and short communications, new theories, methodologies, new techniques, book reviews, and research news and laboratory introductions.