Diversity

21 pages, 15744 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diversity and Conservation of Insectivores of Saudi Arabia

by Abdul Rahman Al Ghamdi, Khaled Ahmad Al Malki, Farah Neyaz, Naif Al Qahtani, Ahmad Al Boug, Abdulhadi Aloufi, Abdul Aziz Al Salman, Sharif Al Jbour, Boris Kryštufek and Zuhair S. Amr

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 368; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050368 - 21 May 2025

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Abstract

The insectivores (order Eulipotyphla) of Saudi Arabia consist of six species in four genera within two families (Erinaceidae and Soricidae). Details on the past and present distribution of the insectivores are included as well as illustrations for each species, along with available data [...] Read more.

The insectivores (order Eulipotyphla) of Saudi Arabia consist of six species in four genera within two families (Erinaceidae and Soricidae). Details on the past and present distribution of the insectivores are included as well as illustrations for each species, along with available data on their habitat preferences and biology. The Ethiopian hedgehog, Paraechinus aethiopicus, was the most common species inhabiting the arid deserts of Saudi Arabia. An analysis of the insectivorous fauna of Saudi Arabia revealed that they have two major zoogeographical affinities: the Palaearctic (Hemiechinus auratus, Paraechinus hypomelas and Crocidura gueldenstaedtii) and Afrotropical–Palaearctic (Paraechinus aethiopicus), which are endemic to the Arabian Peninsula (Crocidura dhofarensis), and one introduced species (Suncus murinus). Southwestern Saudi Arabia has the highest species richness. The Arabian white-toothed shrew, Crocidura arabica, is expected to occur in the extreme southwest. The conservation status and threats affecting insectivores in Saudi Arabia are highlighted. Full article

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18 pages, 2161 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Biodiversity Monitoring in Constructed Wetlands: A Systematic Review of Assessment Methods and Ecosystem Functions

by Marvin John Uy, Miguel Enrico Robles, Yugyeong Oh, Md Tashdedul Haque, Cloie Chie Mueca and Lee-Hyung Kim

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 367; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050367 - 21 May 2025

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Abstract

Constructed wetlands (CWs) are widely implemented as nature-based solutions for delivering essential ecosystem services such as water purification, carbon sequestration, and habitat provision. However, biodiversity monitoring within CWs remains limited and unevenly integrated into performance evaluations. This scoping review analyzed 76 peer-reviewed studies [...] Read more.

Constructed wetlands (CWs) are widely implemented as nature-based solutions for delivering essential ecosystem services such as water purification, carbon sequestration, and habitat provision. However, biodiversity monitoring within CWs remains limited and unevenly integrated into performance evaluations. This scoping review analyzed 76 peer-reviewed studies to assess current methods for biodiversity monitoring, explore linkages to ecosystem functions, and examine the diversity indices most frequently applied. Results revealed a predominant focus on microbial communities, primarily assessed through high-throughput sequencing and general ecological indices such as the Shannon–Wiener Diversity Index and Chao1 Richness Estimator, with limited taxonomic depth or functional specificity. Plant and animal biodiversity were addressed less frequently and were rarely linked to treatment outcomes or ecosystem services beyond regulation. Vertical subsurface flow systems were the most studied configuration, particularly in lab-scale studies, while free water surface systems exhibited greater microbial phylum richness. These findings highlight a critical need for CW-specific biodiversity monitoring frameworks that integrate microbial, plant, and faunal assessments using functionally relevant phylogenetic indices such as Rao’s Quadratic Entropy and Faith’s Phylogenetic Diversity. Emphasis on standardization, trait-based analyses, and mechanistic approaches is essential for enhancing ecological interpretation and ensuring biodiversity is recognized as a central component of CW design, performance, and resilience. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wetland Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation)

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23 pages, 7930 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Diversity and Phylogenetic Relationships of a Chaetopterus Symbiont Community in Djibouti, with Redescription of Chaetopterus djiboutiensis Gravier, 1906 Stat. Nov. (Annelida: Chaetopteridae)

by Shannon D. Brown, Tullia I. Terraneo, Jenna M. Moore, Gustav Paulay, Kristine N. White, Michael L. Berumen and Francesca Benzoni

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 366; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050366 - 21 May 2025

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Abstract

The tubes of polychaetes of the genus Chaetopterus (Annelida: Chaetopteridae) provide habitat for cryptic, symbiotic organisms that are often overlooked when examining diversity. Our study employed molecular phylogenetics to examine the diversity of symbiont species associated with Chaetopterus djiboutiensis stat. nov., collected from [...] Read more.

The tubes of polychaetes of the genus Chaetopterus (Annelida: Chaetopteridae) provide habitat for cryptic, symbiotic organisms that are often overlooked when examining diversity. Our study employed molecular phylogenetics to examine the diversity of symbiont species associated with Chaetopterus djiboutiensis stat. nov., collected from the Gulf of Tadjoura, Djibouti. A total of 15 Chaetopterus hosts and their associated symbionts were collected from nine coastal sites. Four genetic regions were targeted for PCR amplification: the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I and 16S rDNA and the nuclear 18S rDNA and Histone H3. Chaetopterus djiboutiensis was redescribed from topotypic material and elevated to species rank, and a neotype specimen was designated. Phylogenetic and morphological analysis confirmed five species associated with C. djiboutiensis in Djibouti: two porcelain crabs, Polyonyx pedalis and Polyonyx socialis; one nudibranch, Tenellia chaetopterana; one fish, Onuxodon sp.; and one amphipod, Leucothoe sp. A. As only the fourth comprehensive study on Chaetopterus symbionts, our study highlights the diversity and community patterns of symbionts associated with these unique tubicolous marine polychaetes. Full article

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7 pages, 2688 KiB

Open AccessInteresting Images

Female Filial Cannibalism in the Redhead Goby (Elacatinus puncticulatus) in Captivity

by Miguel Trujillo-García, Hope Klug and Bertha Patricia Ceballos-Vázquez

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 365; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050365 - 21 May 2025

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Abstract

Filial cannibalism is the consumption of one’s own viable progeny. It occurs in a range of taxa but is particularly well-documented in fish species. Since parental care in fishes is typically male-biased, it is usually assumed that filial cannibalism is predominantly performed by [...] Read more.

Filial cannibalism is the consumption of one’s own viable progeny. It occurs in a range of taxa but is particularly well-documented in fish species. Since parental care in fishes is typically male-biased, it is usually assumed that filial cannibalism is predominantly performed by the parental male while he is providing care to offspring. Filial cannibalism by females is less studied in fish. Video-recorded observations of ten pairs of adults housed in captivity revealed the first documentation of female filial cannibalism in the redhead goby (Elacatinus puncticulatus). Females were observed consuming both their own eggs and larvae. We discuss non-adaptive and adaptive explanations for female filial cannibalism in the redhead goby, including confinement due to captivity, nutritional or energetic need, and a possible lack of kin recognition. Understanding the evolutionary significance of filial cannibalism exhibited by females is an important biological inquiry. Since the redhead goby is a species used in the aquarium trade, understanding the conditions that influence female filial cannibalism in captivity may yield practical implications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Interesting Images from the Sea)

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15 pages, 2493 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Intrinsic Factors and Release Trials on Site Fidelity and Dispersal of Reintroduced Golden Parakeets (Guaruba guarouba, Aves, Psittacidae)

by Marcelo Rodrigues Vilarta, Maria Fernanda Naegeli Gondim, Thaís Tamamoto de Moraes, Monica Furtado, Arnaldo Algaranhar Gonçalves and Luís Fábio Silveira

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 364; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050364 - 21 May 2025

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Abstract

Reintroducing threatened fauna has been established as a valuable conservation practice despite the obstacles that such projects still face. In avian reintroductions, elevated dispersal of released individuals is one of the main factors preventing the establishment of sizeable populations in target areas. We [...] Read more.

Reintroducing threatened fauna has been established as a valuable conservation practice despite the obstacles that such projects still face. In avian reintroductions, elevated dispersal of released individuals is one of the main factors preventing the establishment of sizeable populations in target areas. We started reintroducing Golden Parakeets in a protected area in the Amazon Forest, and we faced problems regarding low site fidelity. To address this issue, we tested a new methodological approach named “release trials”, consisting of repeatedly releasing and recapturing individual birds to avoid early dispersion. We address the results of applying this method and the influence that intrinsic factors had on the site fidelity of released individuals. We released seven groups of parakeets with an average first-month site fidelity of 46%. Individuals who underwent more release trials before the group release were more likely to present site fidelity. The level of aggression suffered by resident parakeets was the main factor leading to the dispersion of individuals. Older birds were more likely to suffer higher aggression, but age alone did not explain the result of dispersion. Individuals less aversive to humans and previously paired before release were less likely to disperse. Our results show that every bit of methodological care during pre-release training and individual selection may increase the chance of establishing a group with site fidelity. Full article

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14 pages, 1447 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mixed-Species Flock Diversity and Habitat Density Are Associated with Antipredator Behavior in Songbirds

by Eric K. Frazier, Zaharia A. Selman, Charles A. Price, Monica Papeş and Todd M. Freeberg

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 363; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050363 - 20 May 2025

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Abstract

Human-caused changes to habitats like forestry practices and traffic noise can negatively influence antipredator and foraging behavior in animals. These behavior patterns are also frequently positively influenced by individuals being part of mixed-species groups. However, we know little about how such human-induced changes [...] Read more.

Human-caused changes to habitats like forestry practices and traffic noise can negatively influence antipredator and foraging behavior in animals. These behavior patterns are also frequently positively influenced by individuals being part of mixed-species groups. However, we know little about how such human-induced changes impact these behaviors in individuals of mixed-species groups. To address this gap, we examined the effects of mixed-species group composition, traffic noise, and vegetation density on antipredator and foraging behavior. We used feeders to attract mixed-species flocks of Carolina chickadees (Poecile carolinensis), tufted titmice (Baeolophus bicolor), and white-breasted nuthatches (Sitta carolinensis). Once we detected a flock at a feeder, we presented a Cooper’s hawk model and recorded flocks’ seed-taking and calling behaviors. Titmice avoided feeders more when hawk models were presented at sites with greater vegetation density. Nuthatches called more quickly with more conspecifics in their flocks, and they tended to take seed more quickly with greater diversity of species in their flocks. We did not detect the effects of physical or social environmental variables on chickadee behavior. Our results reveal individual sensitivity to environmental variation in contexts involving visual predator stimuli. More work is needed to investigate how various predator stimulus modalities affect antipredator behaviors of mixed-species flock members. Full article

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12 pages, 1630 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Clarification of the Taxonomic Status of Two Alloxysta Species Through Genetic Analysis (Figitidae: Charipinae)

by Mar Ferrer-Suay, Victor Cuesta-Porta, Jesús Selfa and Juli Pujade-Villar

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 362; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050362 - 20 May 2025

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Abstract

Charipinae taxonomy has been always very problematic because of the large number of described species and unclear interspecific limits. Following the morphological characterisation, molecular information is now used to determine the boundaries between species. In this context, we compared two cosmopolitan species: Alloxysta [...] Read more.

Charipinae taxonomy has been always very problematic because of the large number of described species and unclear interspecific limits. Following the morphological characterisation, molecular information is now used to determine the boundaries between species. In this context, we compared two cosmopolitan species: Alloxysta victrix (Westwood, 1833) and Alloxysta consobrina (Zetterstedt, 1838). Material from Alloxysta tscheki (Giraud, 1860) and Alloxysta leunisii (Hartig, 1841) was also included. An integrative phylogenetic study was performed using three molecular markers (COI, ITS2, and 16S) and a morphological matrix. Inter- and intraspecific genetic distances were calculated and compared with previous data. The results showed no differences between interspecific and intraspecific distances for the four studied species and no clear phylogenetic structure, in contrast to other well-resolved Charipinae species included in our analyses. In light of these findings, three new junior synonyms are established under A. victrix (Westwood, 1833): A. consobrina (Zetterstedt, 1838) n. syn., A. tscheki (Giraud, 1860) n. syn., and A. leunisii (Hartig, 1841) n. syn. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Hymenoptera Diversity and Biology)

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5 pages, 1157 KiB

Open AccessInteresting Images

Rare Observation of a Female Argonauta argo in the Northeastern Aegean Sea: A Contribution to Mediterranean Cephalopod Records

by Efstratios Kamatsos, Maria-Eleni Chaniotaki and Yiannis G. Zevgolis

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 361; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050361 - 19 May 2025

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Abstract

Argonauta argo (Linnaeus, 1758), commonly known as the greater argonaut, is a pelagic octopod with a circumglobal distribution in warm and temperate seas. Although the species is occasionally reported in the Mediterranean Sea, confirmed in situ observations of live individuals remain scarce, particularly [...] Read more.

Argonauta argo (Linnaeus, 1758), commonly known as the greater argonaut, is a pelagic octopod with a circumglobal distribution in warm and temperate seas. Although the species is occasionally reported in the Mediterranean Sea, confirmed in situ observations of live individuals remain scarce, particularly in the eastern basin. Here, we document the occurrence of a live female A. argo entangled in aquaculture nets at a sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) facility off the coast of Lesvos Island in the northeastern Aegean Sea, Greece. This represents the first confirmed observation in this part of the Mediterranean and only the second confirmed observation of a live individual in Greek waters. The individual was photographed in situ and identified based on diagnostic morphological features. The encounter occurred under specific hydrodynamic and environmental conditions potentially favorable to the species, including enhanced prey availability and structural refuge within the aquaculture infrastructure. This record contributes to the limited dataset on Mediterranean argonauts and underscores the need for further research into their ecology, distribution patterns, and potential interactions with anthropogenic marine structures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Marine Diversity)

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25 pages, 2622 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relative Influence of Salinity in the Flow and Accumulation of Organic Carbon in Open-Water Karstic Mangroves

by Angélica Paola Quintero Alvarado, Jairo Humberto Medina Calderón and José Ernesto Mancera-Pineda

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 360; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050360 - 19 May 2025

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Abstract

Carbonat—open-water mangroves have high organic carbon (OC) content, apparently due to sediments’ biophysical characteristics. However, the role of key regulators such as salinity and hydroperiod, which modulate the forest structure and, therefore, carbon dynamics, has been little explored. This study evaluates the influence [...] Read more.

Carbonat—open-water mangroves have high organic carbon (OC) content, apparently due to sediments’ biophysical characteristics. However, the role of key regulators such as salinity and hydroperiod, which modulate the forest structure and, therefore, carbon dynamics, has been little explored. This study evaluates the influence of salinity on the accumulation of aerial and underground OC (production of litter and roots), in open—water karstic forests. To this end, an experimental design was implemented on San Andrés Island, where an edaphic salinity gradient exists due to the water regime. Three physiographic types of mangroves, characterized by different saline regimes, were selected for the study. Two inland forests were selected, both of which exhibited a mesohaline regime (9.63 ± 6.26 and 11.54 ± 7.46 PSU), while a third site corresponded to a euhaline fringe forest (37.47 ± 5.76 PSU). The final location was characterized by a hyperhaline regime basin forest (62.36 ± 10.54 PSU). The fundamental hypothesis posited an inverse relationship between salinity and litter production, and a direct relationship between salinity and root production. To assess root production, the growth core implantation technique (108 soil cores) was employed, with live roots selected based on diameter (<2, 2–5, and 5–20 mm). The mean (±SD) OC content in dry litter (

M g C {h a}^{- 1} y^{- 1}

) was 8.96 ± 0.28; 5.57 ± 0.15; 6.31 ± 0.27; and 4.54 ± 0.8; while The production of dry roots was 0.41 ± 0.08; 1.19 ± 0.46; 1.30 ± 0.5; and 0.24 ± 0.20, for the mesohaline forests, the euhaline forest, and the hyperhaline forest, respectively. The proposed hypotheses were confirmed when considering only the extreme salinity ranges. Upon incorporating all salinity ranges from the four forests into the analysis, it was observed that litter production exhibited a tendency to decrease with increasing salinity, while root production demonstrated a tendency to increase. However, this trend did not attain statistical significance, thereby suggesting that, in addition to salinity, other factors may also regulate production processes. These findings serve to affirm the high productivity of carbonate environments and the contribution of autochthonous production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecological Restoration, Functioning and Conservation of Coastal Wetlands)

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19 pages, 2123 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Advancing Regional Adaptation and Nitrogen Stress Resilience Through Integrative Phenotyping of Watkins Wheat Landraces via Source–Sink Dynamics

by Abdul Waheed, Muhammad Shahid Iqbal, Zareen Sarfraz, Yanping Wei, Junliang Hou, Sixing Li, Bo Song and Shifeng Cheng

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 359; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050359 - 19 May 2025

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Abstract

Historical landrace collections, such as the Watkins Wheat Collection, harbor immense genetic diversity that holds the potential to transform our understanding of crop resilience and adaptation. This study employs a novel integrative phenotyping approach to dissect regional adaptation and nitrogen stress resilience in [...] Read more.

Historical landrace collections, such as the Watkins Wheat Collection, harbor immense genetic diversity that holds the potential to transform our understanding of crop resilience and adaptation. This study employs a novel integrative phenotyping approach to dissect regional adaptation and nitrogen stress resilience in Watkins wheat landraces under contrasting nitrogen regimes. By leveraging a multidimensional framework, including stress indices, geographic analyses, and multivariate clustering, this work identifies 48 landraces with contrasting responses to nitrogen limitation. High-performing genotypes, such as WATDE0013 and WATDE0020, exhibited superior biomass partitioning under stress, reflecting historical adaptation to low-input agroecosystems spanning Europe, Asia, and North Africa. These findings emphasize the value of phenotypic plasticity in nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) improvement. In contrast, low-performing accessions, such as WATDE1055, highlighted vulnerabilities to nitrogen limitation, illustrating the importance of comprehensive phenotypic screening for gene-bank prioritization. Regional adaptation patterns, elucidated through geographic analyses, uncovered stress-resilient genotypes clustered in historically marginal agricultural regions, revealing adaptive traits shaped by environmental selection pressures. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering delineated five distinct phenotypic groups, enhancing our understanding of evolutionary trajectories within this collection. This integrative approach transcends traditional phenotyping methods by linking phenotype, genotype, and geographic context to uncover nuanced adaptive traits. By bridging gene bank conservation with a systems-level understanding of crop evolution, this study provides actionable insights and a robust framework for breeding climate-resilient wheat varieties. These findings underscore the critical role of preserving genetic diversity in landraces to address global challenges in nitrogen stress and climate resilience. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Diversity)

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10 pages, 2544 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effectiveness of Torymus sinensis Kamijo Releases in Controlling the Chestnut Gall Wasp, Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu, in Trás-os-Montes, Portugal

by Ana Lobo Santos, Sónia Alexandra Paiva Santos, Pedro António Casquero, Rosalina Marrão, Vanessa Guerra, Santiago Fernandez, Jessica Morais-Silva and Albino Bento

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 358; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050358 - 18 May 2025

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Abstract

The chestnut gall wasp (Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu) is an invasive pest that attacks species of the genus Castanea, inducing gall formation on buds and leaves, which can significantly reduce tree growth, fruiting, and overall chestnut production. Native to China, D. kuriphilus [...] Read more.

The chestnut gall wasp (Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu) is an invasive pest that attacks species of the genus Castanea, inducing gall formation on buds and leaves, which can significantly reduce tree growth, fruiting, and overall chestnut production. Native to China, D. kuriphilus has become a serious threat to chestnut orchards worldwide. Torymus sinensis Kamijo, a parasitoid also originating from China, is highly specific to D. kuriphilus and is currently considered the most effective biological control agent against this pest. This study aimed to evaluate the establishment of T. sinensis as well as its effectiveness in controlling D. kuriphilus at release sites between 2020 and 2023. Releases of T. sinensis were conducted in the municipality of Bragança with a sex ratio of 120 females to 70 males. The parasitoids were randomly released across three chestnut trees with infestation levels ranging from moderate (26–50% of the canopy affected by galls) to very severe (>80% of the canopy affected). At each release site, 250 galls were collected annually, and 10% of these galls were dissected to calculate parasitism rates by T. sinensis. Results revealed a positive correlation between the monitoring year and the parasitism rate. Following the releases, parasitism rates increased gradually, reaching values between 15% and 40%. T. sinensis successfully established itself in chestnut orchards and parasitized D. kuriphilus, despite normal population fluctuations being observed across years and orchards. Full article

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13 pages, 1686 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spartina alterniflora-Derived Biochar Alters Biomass Allocation and Root Traits of Native Scirpus mariqueter

by Yaoyao Tang, Jingwen Gao, Pengcheng Jiang, Junzhen Li, Ming Wu, Shengwu Jiao, Long Zhang, Niu Li and Xuexin Shao

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 357; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050357 - 18 May 2025

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Abstract

Coastal wetlands provide vital ecosystem services, yet large-scale removal of invasive Spartina alterniflora disrupts soil carbon pools and fragments habitats. Converting this biomass to biochar may enhance restoration outcomes, though ecological effects remain poorly understood. We evaluated how Spartina alterniflora-derived biochar (0%, [...] Read more.

Coastal wetlands provide vital ecosystem services, yet large-scale removal of invasive Spartina alterniflora disrupts soil carbon pools and fragments habitats. Converting this biomass to biochar may enhance restoration outcomes, though ecological effects remain poorly understood. We evaluated how Spartina alterniflora-derived biochar (0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 3%) influences growth performance, clonal reproduction, root morphology, and rhizosphere properties of native Scirpus mariqueter. Moderate biochar addition (1%) significantly boosted plant performance, increasing total biomass by 64.5%, aboveground biomass by 36.7%, and belowground biomass by 115.0%, while root length increased by 135.8%. Biochar improved soil moisture and nutrient availability, including nitrate nitrogen (NO₃⁻-N), ammonium nitrogen (NH₄⁺-N), and available phosphorus (AP), while stimulating nitrification and promoting clonal propagation. In contrast, high-dose biochar (3%) elevated soil salinity and electrical conductivity, leading to suppressed plant growth and reproductive allocation. Correlation analysis revealed strong positive associations between root volume and soil nutrient levels. Our findings demonstrate that moderate application of Spartina alterniflora-derived biochar enhances plant productivity and soil function, potentially improving carbon sequestration in restored coastal wetlands. This study provides insights into ecological recycling of invasive biomass and supports biochar as a viable tool for sustainable wetland restoration, though potential risks at high concentrations warrant further investigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wetland Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation)

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10 pages, 238 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review on Eurasian Otters in Urban Areas: Principles for the Enhancement of Biodiversity

by Connor Lee and Xiaofeng Luan

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 356; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050356 - 17 May 2025

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Abstract

Eurasian otters, as apex predators in freshwater ecosystems, are crucial to maintaining nutrient cycling and habitat stability. Although Eurasian otters prefer unaltered natural habitats, their adaptive and opportunistic behavior allows them to occupy suboptimal environments, including urbanized areas. As urbanization increases, the pressure [...] Read more.

Eurasian otters, as apex predators in freshwater ecosystems, are crucial to maintaining nutrient cycling and habitat stability. Although Eurasian otters prefer unaltered natural habitats, their adaptive and opportunistic behavior allows them to occupy suboptimal environments, including urbanized areas. As urbanization increases, the pressure on apex carnivores like the Eurasian otter will continue to grow. To date, urban stream restoration plans have not used the Eurasian otter as a keystone species, but given their influence across the trophic levels, Eurasian otter-focused restoration plans could enhance otter populations and overall biodiversity in urban areas. Here, we lay out six principles designed as a template for enhancing urban habitats for Eurasian otters as well as biodiversity. The principles (enhancing habitat structure complexity, restoring natural riparian vegetation and habitats, safeguarding water quality, providing native prey species, reducing otter mortality, and promoting positive public perception) are essential for urban ecosystem regeneration focused on Eurasian otters. Although there have been no urban restoration projects specifically tailored toward Eurasian otters, initiatives based on similar principles have been effective in promoting biodiversity and otter presence. Overall, an urban habitat restoration plan focused on Eurasian otters will not just increase otter presence but biodiversity across all trophic levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity Conservation in Urbanized Ecosystems)

21 pages, 328 KiB

Open AccessReview

Blood Glucose in Birds: Another Way to Think About “Normal” Glycemia and Diabetes Mellitus in Animals

by Alda Quattrone, Ivan Picozzi, Emanuele Lubian, Nour Elhouda Fehri, Laura Menchetti, Olimpia Barbato, Daniele Vigo, Stella Agradi, Majlind Sulçe, Massimo Faustini, Enkeleda Ozuni, Xhiliola Bixheku, Gabriele Brecchia and Giulio Curone

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 355; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050355 - 16 May 2025

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Abstract

Birds exhibit naturally high blood glucose concentrations, a physiological trait that, unlike in mammals, does not lead to typical pathological consequences such as diabetes mellitus. This review explores the unique features of glucose metabolism in birds, with a particular focus on the anatomy [...] Read more.

Birds exhibit naturally high blood glucose concentrations, a physiological trait that, unlike in mammals, does not lead to typical pathological consequences such as diabetes mellitus. This review explores the unique features of glucose metabolism in birds, with a particular focus on the anatomy and function of the avian pancreas, the roles of key hormones such as insulin and glucagon, as well as the distinctive mechanisms of glucose absorption and utilization. Evidence suggests a dominant role of glucagon over insulin, along with adaptations such as insulin resistance and antioxidant defenses, which may contribute to birds’ apparent resilience to hyperglycemia-related complications. Despite these adaptations, cases of diabetes mellitus have been reported, primarily as secondary to other pathologies, including pancreatitis, hemochromatosis, infections, and toxicities. Diagnosis remains challenging due to interspecies variability and the lack of standardized assays. Treatment, mainly via insulin therapy, has shown mixed outcomes, often limited by the underlying disease severity. This review highlights the need for species-specific diagnostic tools and a deeper investigation into the pathophysiology of glucose regulation in birds, aiming to improve clinical outcomes, develop standardized therapies, and ultimately broaden the perspectives of comparative endocrinology. Full article

42 pages, 9784 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Systematic Revision of the Genus Charmus Karsch, 1879 (Scorpiones: Buthidae), and Assessment of Its Phylogenetic Position Within Buthidae C. L. Koch, 1837 Using Ultraconserved Elements

by Mihir Joshi, Shubhankar Deshpande, Sajiri Ukale, Gaurang Gowande, Julia Bilat, František Kovařík, Hélène Mottaz, František Šťáhlavský, Deshabhushan Bastawade, Lionel Monod and Shauri Sulakhe

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 354; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050354 - 16 May 2025

Viewed by 203

Abstract

India and Sri Lanka are known to exhibit high levels of biological diversity with many endemic taxa, such as the enigmatic scorpion genus Charmus Karsch, 1879. Members of this genus are rarely encountered in the field and are also known to be morphologically [...] Read more.

India and Sri Lanka are known to exhibit high levels of biological diversity with many endemic taxa, such as the enigmatic scorpion genus Charmus Karsch, 1879. Members of this genus are rarely encountered in the field and are also known to be morphologically very similar, which impedes their systematic assessment. Our dedicated efforts towards sampling the members of the genus resulted in the collection of important material, which allowed us to carry out a thorough systematic revision of the genus using an integrated taxonomic approach. We propose several taxonomic changes based on the results of a detailed morphological study supported by molecular data. Charmus indicus Hirst, 1915 is synonymized with Charmus laneus Karsch, 1879, owing to the lack of morphological differences and low genetic divergence between the two taxa. We designate a neotype for Charmus sinhagadensis Tikader and Bastawade, 1983, and describe a new species from Sirumalai (Tamil Nadu, India). Moreover, we provide the first molecular phylogeny of Charmus based on Cytochrome c Oxidase subunit I (COI), 16S rRNA (16S) and 28S rRNA (28S) genes. The phylogenetic position of the genus within the family Buthidae C. L. Koch, 1837 is also tested using an independent genome-wide dataset (Ultraconserved Elements). Topological congruence and discrepancies between the phylogenies generated with Sanger sequences and the Ultraconserved Elements are commented on, and the reliability of these datasets when evaluating phylogenetic relationships at different hierarchical levels is further discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity, Evolution, and Systematics of Chelicerates)

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14 pages, 2927 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Alpacas (Vicugna pacos) in Peru: A Microsatellite Analysis

by Wilber Peralta, Agustin Nestares, Julyssa Gamarra, Miler Rojas, Juan Sullca and Richard Estrada

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 353; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050353 - 16 May 2025

Viewed by 134

Abstract

This study evaluated the genetic diversity and population structure of Vicugna pacos (Huacaya alpacas) from two contrasting breeding contexts in Junín, Peru: the genetically managed herd of INIA’s Santa Ana Experimental Station (Suitucancha) and the community-based herd of Huayre, where natural, [...] Read more.

This study evaluated the genetic diversity and population structure of Vicugna pacos (Huacaya alpacas) from two contrasting breeding contexts in Junín, Peru: the genetically managed herd of INIA’s Santa Ana Experimental Station (Suitucancha) and the community-based herd of Huayre, where natural, unregulated mating practices are common. An external reference population from Quimsachata was also included. Genetic diversity parameters revealed high allelic richness and heterozygosity within all populations. Analyses of molecular variance (AMOVA), principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), Bayesian clustering, and phylogenetic reconstruction indicated moderate genetic differentiation between Suitucancha and Huayre, likely influenced by the use of selected males under controlled mating in Suitucancha versus natural, unregulated group mating in Huayre, which facilitates broader gene flow. The Quimsachata group displayed distinct genetic characteristics, likely reflecting limited gene flow due to its role as a germplasm conservation nucleus under closed reproductive management. These results reflect how differences in reproductive management may influence population structure in alpacas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 15th Anniversary of Diversity—Biodiversity, Conservation and Ecology of Animals, Plants and Microorganisms)

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23 pages, 4509 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biodiversity and Phytochemical Characterization of Adonis volgensis Populations from Central and Northern Kazakhstan: Insights into Bioactivity and Toxicity

by Moldir Zhumagul, Milena Rašeta, Zhanar Iskakova, Serik Kubentayev, Anar Myrzagaliyeva, Gulnara Tleubergenova, Saule Mukhtubayeva, Jovana Mišković and Yusufjon Gafforov

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 352; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050352 - 16 May 2025

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Abstract

This study examines the phytocenotic, phenotypic, phytochemical, antioxidant, and toxic effects of four geographically distinct populations of the traditionally used plant species Adonis volgensis Steven ex DC. from Central and Northern Kazakhstan. These populations, found in diverse habitats such as steppe-like forest edges [...] Read more.

This study examines the phytocenotic, phenotypic, phytochemical, antioxidant, and toxic effects of four geographically distinct populations of the traditionally used plant species Adonis volgensis Steven ex DC. from Central and Northern Kazakhstan. These populations, found in diverse habitats such as steppe-like forest edges and moist plains, coexist with species like Achillea nobilis L. and Artemisia absinthium L. Significant variations were observed in plant community composition and environmental stressors, including grazing and habitat degradation. Morphological analysis revealed that Population 2 exhibited greater vigor, while Population 3 was more constrained by local conditions, highlighting adaptive strategies influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. FTIR analysis of A. volgensis extracts revealed distinct solvent-specific profiles of bioactive compounds. Ethanol (EtOH) and ethyl acetate extracts were rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds, whereas the chloroform (CHCl₃) extract was less effective in extracting phenolics, displaying weaker O–H bands. Phytochemical analysis showed notable variations in total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). The highest TPC (89.351 ± 4.45 mg GAE/g d.w.) was found in the ethyl acetate extract from the Akmola region, while the highest TFC (33.811 ± 0.170 mg QE/g d.w.) was observed in the CHCl₃ extract from Kostanay region. Toxicity assessment using the Artemia salina lethality assay revealed significant mortality rates (88–96%) in CHCl₃ extracts of aerial parts, demonstrating a dose-dependent effect. These findings highlight the antioxidant and potential toxic properties of A. volgensis, emphasizing the importance of solvent selection in bioactive compound extraction for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ethnobotany, Medicinal Plants and Biodiversity Conservation: 2nd Edition)

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22 pages, 2796 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Forestry Plans as the Source of Environmental Data for the Analysis of Bird Community Composition

by Jakub Šimurda, Petr Šmilauer and Roman Fuchs

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 351; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050351 - 16 May 2025

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Abstract

Forest management plans offer valuable data on forest species composition and structure, useful for large-scale bird conservation. We examined the relationship between bird community diversity and five vegetation characteristics from management plans in Krkonoše Mts. National Park. Bird communities were surveyed from 2012 [...] Read more.

Forest management plans offer valuable data on forest species composition and structure, useful for large-scale bird conservation. We examined the relationship between bird community diversity and five vegetation characteristics from management plans in Krkonoše Mts. National Park. Bird communities were surveyed from 2012 to 2014 using the point method on 285 plots (radius 100 m). We analyzed songbirds, woodpeckers, and pigeons. The vegetation characteristics were divided into composition (tree species proportion, soil-based phytocoenosis, and target vegetation type) and structure (vertical tree layering and remotely sensed heights). Bird species richness was used as a diversity measure. Redundancy analysis (RDA) tested the impact of vegetation characteristics on bird community composition. Higher bird diversity was linked to deciduous forests, particularly beech, in multi-layered stands (20–40 m height) on rich soils. In contrast, lower diversity occurred in spruce-dominated stands with Scots pine, waterlogged soils, and low vegetation (<0.5 m). All vegetation characteristics correlated significantly with bird community diversity and composition. Our findings demonstrate that forest management data can help identify key variability sources in bird communities, aiding in large-scale monitoring and landscape planning. Beyond tree composition and structure, phytocoenological characteristics provide useful insights for conservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Birds in Temperate and Tropical Forests—2nd Edition)

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14 pages, 3369 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Correlation Between Individual Body Condition and Seasonal Activity in Buresch’s Crested Newt, Triturus ivanbureschi

by Simeon Lukanov and Irena Atanasova

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 350; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050350 - 15 May 2025

Viewed by 77

Abstract

Body condition is a standard measure of the individual fitness and health status in many animal species and is typically estimated by calculating the body condition indices (BCIs). The present study used capture/recapture data and the BCIs to test whether the activity (number [...] Read more.

Body condition is a standard measure of the individual fitness and health status in many animal species and is typically estimated by calculating the body condition indices (BCIs). The present study used capture/recapture data and the BCIs to test whether the activity (number of times an individual has been recaptured) of adult T. ivanbureschi was related to individual body condition. For three consecutive seasons, we set funnel traps in a temporary pond near Sofia, Bulgaria. A ventral pattern was used for individual identification, and the linear regression of lnMass/lnSVL was used for BCI calculation. The overall recapture rate for the population was 52.52%, with males recaptured more often than females. Activity and estimated population size varied across seasons. Body condition generally decreased towards the end of the aquatic phase in all years, with females consistently maintaining higher BCIs than males. There was no relationship between mean BCI per session and population activity for either sex, but individual BCI scores were correlated with individual activity, and this relationship was independent of both sex and temperature. The results suggest that winter activity may carry energetic costs later in the season and highlight potential sex-based differences in aquatic behavior. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Amphibian and Reptile Adaptation: Biodiversity and Monitoring)

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13 pages, 3042 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Macrobenthic Communities and Environmental Factors in the Aquatic Vegetation Restoration Zone of Baimao Bay

by Weiwei Wei, Ning Hu, Chunhua Li, Chun Ye, Kexin Miao, Yang Wang, Xian Xiao, Yuan Zhao, Youde Yang and Liangkui Lai

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 349; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050349 - 15 May 2025

Viewed by 137

Abstract

Lake Taihu, China’s third-largest freshwater lake, faces severe eutrophication challenges and therefore requires innovative ecological restoration strategies. This study systematically evaluates the ecological effects of aquatic vegetation restoration in Baimao Bay through comprehensive analysis of macrobenthic communities and environmental parameters, demonstrating significant water [...] Read more.

Lake Taihu, China’s third-largest freshwater lake, faces severe eutrophication challenges and therefore requires innovative ecological restoration strategies. This study systematically evaluates the ecological effects of aquatic vegetation restoration in Baimao Bay through comprehensive analysis of macrobenthic communities and environmental parameters, demonstrating significant water quality improvements including a 42.9% decrease in total phosphorus, a 69.4% decline in chl-a concentration, a 34.8% reduction in ammonium nitrogen, and a 81.2% increase in water transparency. Multivariate analysis revealed a fundamental ecological driver shift where post-restoration pH and transparency replaced nutrients as dominant factors, reducing total nitrogen/total phosphorus influence by 40–60%, while filter-feeding species (predominantly bivalves and gastropods) became the dominant macrobenthic biomass group (72.4%) with pollution-tolerant oligochaetes decreasing by 69.1% in abundance, alongside distinct spatial heterogeneity showing pH-regulated lakeshore communities (8.37 to 8.45), transparency-governed shallow-water communities (H′ = 1.35), and a residual nutrient-influenced deep-water area, with a shallow-water area (<2.5 m) unexpectedly exhibiting 3.2 times higher biomass (222.51 g/m²) than deep waters, highlighting vegetation-mediated habitat optimization. These findings advance restoration ecology theory by elucidating ecosystem transition mechanisms from nutrient-driven to light-regulated systems while providing a replicable technical framework for global shallow eutrophic lake restoration, establishing quantitative benchmarks including target transparency (>64 cm) and chlorophyll-a levels (<10 μg/L) for effective eutrophication reversal. Full article

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11 pages, 2454 KiB

Open AccessArticle

From the Woods to the Great Steppe: The Phylogenetic Affinities and New Distribution Records of the Smooth Snake Coronella austriaca in Kazakhstan

by Evgeniy Simonov, Andrey Bakiev, Anastasia Klenina, Oleg Ermakov and Kazhmurat Akhmedenov

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 348; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050348 - 15 May 2025

Viewed by 218

Abstract

The smooth snake (Coronella austriaca) has a wide but fragmented distribution across the Western Palearctic, with limited records in Kazakhstan. This study aims to provide an updated distribution map and to explore the phylogenetic affinities of C. austriaca in Kazakhstan. The [...] Read more.

The smooth snake (Coronella austriaca) has a wide but fragmented distribution across the Western Palearctic, with limited records in Kazakhstan. This study aims to provide an updated distribution map and to explore the phylogenetic affinities of C. austriaca in Kazakhstan. The species had not been documented for over 60 years until its recent rediscovery in the region. Field surveys conducted between 2019 and 2024 in the West Kazakhstan and Aktobe regions have yielded novel records, including the southernmost observation in the Mugodzhar mountain range. Mitochondrial DNA analysis confirmed that the Kazakh populations belong to the Eastern lineage, sharing haplotypes with specimens from the northwestern Caucasus and Crimea. Habitat assessment revealed that the species’ distribution is restricted to open habitats of petrophytic and calciphyte steppe communities on chalks and rocky steppes. Of particular interest is that 70% of the observed individuals exhibited patternless coloration, suggesting the potential for regional morphological variation. These findings offer the first evidence for the phylogenetic affiliation of the smooth snake in Kazakhstan and reflect its rarity in the country, highlighting the need for local conservation efforts, including habitat protection and population monitoring. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biodiversity Conservation)

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16 pages, 4178 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genomic Diversity and Species Boundaries of the Chilean Silversides Fishes (Atheriniformes, Atherinopsidae)

by Yanina F. Briñoccoli, Yamila P. Cardoso, Roberto Cifuentes, Evelyn M. Habit and Guillermo Ortí

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 347; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050347 - 14 May 2025

Viewed by 209

Abstract

Silverside fishes in Chile, abundant in marine and freshwater habitats, are classified in two genera: Odontesthes and Basilichthys. Both genera have widespread distributions across southern South America, with marine origins. Despite extensive information on Chilean freshwater silversides and their overlapping distributions along [...] Read more.

Silverside fishes in Chile, abundant in marine and freshwater habitats, are classified in two genera: Odontesthes and Basilichthys. Both genera have widespread distributions across southern South America, with marine origins. Despite extensive information on Chilean freshwater silversides and their overlapping distributions along a latitudinal gradient, their taxonomy and diversification remain contentious. This study examines the diversity of Chilean silversides using RADseq genomic data from 78 Odontesthes and 60 Basilichthys individuals, covering most of their range. The phylogenetic and structural analyses of approximately 20,000 SNPs reveal some geographic variation but indicate no differentiation between Odontesthes mauleanum and O. brevianalis. The genus Basilichthys, in contrast, presents a disjunct distribution, with populations in coastal rivers of Peru (B. semotilus) that are separated from Chilean populations by the Atacama Desert. Chilean Basilichthys, traditionally classified as B. microlepidotus and B. australis until 2012, also show no genetic differentiation consistent with species boundaries but exhibit latitudinal differences consistent with isolation by distance. The contrasting patterns of genetic differentiation exhibited by species of these genera may be explained by the more frequent exchange with marine species for Odontesthes that do not occur in Basilichthys, in addition to the recent geological history of glaciations affecting the southern range of their distribution. Full article

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15 pages, 1911 KiB

Open AccessReview

An Aegean View on Non-Adaptive Radiations

by Spyros Sfenthourakis

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 346; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050346 - 14 May 2025

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Abstract

The diversification of lineages sometimes exhibits patterns that are often described as ‘radiations’, which can be seen at various time scales, but researchers most often focus on a fast divergence of parental forms within short time spans. Adaptive radiations are widely discussed and [...] Read more.

The diversification of lineages sometimes exhibits patterns that are often described as ‘radiations’, which can be seen at various time scales, but researchers most often focus on a fast divergence of parental forms within short time spans. Adaptive radiations are widely discussed and have served as important showcases of Darwinian evolutionary processes. Other types of radiation have been identified, too, and several classifications have been suggested. Among these, ‘non-adaptive radiations’ remain controversial till today. Despite concerns on the conceptual basis of such a process, more and more cases of radiation that are described as ‘non-adaptive’ are published, and the continuously accumulating genetic/genomic data for more and more taxa seem to reveal extensive lineage diversification that is often not attributable to any apparent selective force. Given that allopatric divergence due to stochastic processes is presumably the cause of non-adaptive radiations, insular systems provide a rich pool of case studies. Using examples of lineage divergence from various taxa living on the Aegean islands, I discuss the processes leading to non-adaptive radiations in view of the alternative classifications of radiation by other authors, and show that such patterns may also result from a mixture of adaptive and non-adaptive processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systematics, Phylogenetics, and Phylogeography of Animals in the Mediterranean Region)

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15 pages, 7730 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Importance of Different Biomes (Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, and Caatinga) in the Regional Structuring of Neotropical Dragonfly Assemblages

by Karolina Teixeira, Acácio de Sá Santos, Diogo Silva Vilela, Cíntia Ribeiro and Marciel Elio Rodrigues

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 345; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050345 - 14 May 2025

Viewed by 228

Abstract

Understanding how assemblages are structured is important for ecology, especially in tropical regions that exhibit high biodiversity and are currently experiencing high rates of loss and modification of natural environments caused by anthropogenic impacts. Understanding the structuring of assemblages across different regions at [...] Read more.

Understanding how assemblages are structured is important for ecology, especially in tropical regions that exhibit high biodiversity and are currently experiencing high rates of loss and modification of natural environments caused by anthropogenic impacts. Understanding the structuring of assemblages across different regions at different spatial scales allows us to comprehend how environmental modifications can affect biodiversity on a local and regional scale. The objective of this study was to evaluate the biodiversity of Odonata species using taxonomic diversity metrics (richness and composition) in areas of Cerrado, Atlantic Forest, and Caatinga and to evaluate which sets of local and spatial environmental variables are associated with these assemblages among the different areas evaluated. The study was conducted in the state of Bahia, where 49 streams were sampled, including 17 in the Atlantic Forest, 18 in the Caatinga, and 15 in the Cerrado. Our results demonstrate a high diversity of Odonata species, with 95 species collected. We found a similar species richness among the regions sampled. However, each region presented a distinct composition, with greater similarity between the Cerrado and the Caatinga. Spatial predictors along with some environmental variables were associated with the Caatinga and Cerrado. Some environmental variables, such as the amount of riparian vegetation and aquatic vegetation, were associated with the Cerrado. The results highlighted that each of the evaluated regions are fundamental for maintaining and conserving the regional dragonfly biodiversity. The lack of conservation of aquatic ecosystems in the different regions leads to local species loss and, consequently, to a loss of regional Odonata biodiversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tropical Aquatic Biodiversity)

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17 pages, 5092 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Local Variation in Ground Arthropod Diversity Rises as Distance to Residential Areas Decreases in a Mature Evergreen Forest

by Jing Su, Meili Wang, Hui Liu, Wenqi Shang, Fanfang Zhou, Haochen Cao, Jinwen Pan, Yang Zeng, Kun Xu and Ganghua Li

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 344; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050344 - 13 May 2025

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Abstract

Ground-dwelling arthropods interact with vertebrates, plants, detritus, and microbes as important players in forest ecosystems. Human disturbance threatens the diversity of forest arthropods, with varied impacts on different taxa. However, we understand little of the impact of human disturbance on overwintering ground-dwelling arthropod [...] Read more.

Ground-dwelling arthropods interact with vertebrates, plants, detritus, and microbes as important players in forest ecosystems. Human disturbance threatens the diversity of forest arthropods, with varied impacts on different taxa. However, we understand little of the impact of human disturbance on overwintering ground-dwelling arthropod diversity in mature subtropical evergreen forests. In order to test how ground-dwelling arthropod diversity varies by the distance to residential areas, we set 108 pitfall traps along four 100 m transects beginning near residential areas along the edges of a mature subtropical evergreen forest in Central China. We collected 30,616 arthropods, representing 96 morphospecies. The results show that the Shannon, Simpson, and Pielou’s evenness indices, as well as the effective number of species at α = 1 and 2, decrease when the pitfall traps are within 60 m of the residential areas. Moreover, the coefficients of variation in these three indices are higher at the sites closer to the residential areas by 11.54–17.72%. Such high variations in these widely used diversity and evenness indices indicate that estimation bias in arthropod diversity is more likely to occur at sites closer to residential areas. We suggest that different aspects of community composition should be studied to assess the effects of human disturbance on ground-dwelling arthropod diversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Ecocide on Diversity)

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19 pages, 3028 KiB

Open AccessReview

Pore Characteristics of Deep-Sea Benthic Foraminifera

by Bruce H. Corliss and Anthony E. Rathburn

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 343; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050343 - 13 May 2025

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Abstract

A review of the pore patterns of deep-sea benthic foraminifera is presented with a discussion of their characteristics, function and relationship with dissolved oxygen levels. Pore characteristics of deep-sea benthic foraminifera are of timely interest due to their potential for reconstructing dissolved oxygen [...] Read more.

A review of the pore patterns of deep-sea benthic foraminifera is presented with a discussion of their characteristics, function and relationship with dissolved oxygen levels. Pore characteristics of deep-sea benthic foraminifera are of timely interest due to their potential for reconstructing dissolved oxygen conditions from the sedimentary record. Scanning electron micrographs of 20 epifaunal and infaunal deep-sea taxa from the Sulu Sea, Monterey Bay, California Bight and northwest Atlantic Ocean are presented to illustrate the wide range of pore patterns found in deep-sea taxa. New SEM observations of three taxa with biconvex test shapes, Oridorsalis umbonatus, Hoeglundina elegans, and Epistominella umbonifera, suggest that these taxa have an infaunal habitat for at least part of their life span. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Foraminiferal Research: Modern Approaches and Emerging Trends)

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13 pages, 808 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Overview of Cave Biodiversity Research Activities in Southern Africa: Insights from Botswana, Namibia and South Africa

by Richard Mazebedi, Kefeletswe Majoka and Thomas Hesselberg

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 342; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050342 - 12 May 2025

Viewed by 129

Abstract

Caves and subterranean habitats in general support a unique set of organisms that are adapted to the dark and nutrient-limited environment. The high selection pressure and limited gene flow between semi-isolated caves have generally resulted in a high level of endemicity among the [...] Read more.

Caves and subterranean habitats in general support a unique set of organisms that are adapted to the dark and nutrient-limited environment. The high selection pressure and limited gene flow between semi-isolated caves have generally resulted in a high level of endemicity among the depauperate cave fauna. The cave fauna is vulnerable to a range of anthropogenic factors, including mining and excessive usage as show caves. The awareness of the need for conservation of these unique habitats has been growing in recent years, but not uniformly. In this paper, we use Web of Science to look at how the subterranean research output in the ecology and conservation area in southern Africa compares to the rest of the world. We find that while Africa as a whole has a disproportionately low publication rate, southern Africa is relatively well represented, though driven exclusively by South Africa. However, unlike the development in the rest of the world, the number of publications has not risen much in recent years and is mainly focused on vertebrates. In this paper, we discuss the reasons for this discrepancy and use well-known show caves in the region as case studies to identify research priorities and promote more awareness of the conservation needs of caves in southern Africa. Full article

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14 pages, 3284 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Changes in Biomass Production, Plant Diversity, and Their Relationship During the Early Establishment of Artificial Alpine Grasslands with Different Species Combinations

by Shu Wang, Runfang Feng, Jikui Ma, Nannan Wang, Linfeng Ji, Xiufen Zhao, Xiaoli Wang, Fei Ren, Honglin Li, Defei Liang, Jing Hu, Xilai Li and Lanping Li

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 341; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050341 - 12 May 2025

Viewed by 186

Abstract

The establishment of artificial grasslands is a highly effective strategy for the rapid restoration of degraded grasslands. To investigate the dynamics of biomass production and plant diversity—two critical objectives of grassland restoration—and their relationship during the early stages of artificial grassland establishment, we [...] Read more.

The establishment of artificial grasslands is a highly effective strategy for the rapid restoration of degraded grasslands. To investigate the dynamics of biomass production and plant diversity—two critical objectives of grassland restoration—and their relationship during the early stages of artificial grassland establishment, we conducted an experiment in Menyuan County, located in the northeastern region of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The experiment involved sowing different combinations of species (one, three, six, and nine species). Using data collected over three years (2021–2023), we found that biomass production generally increased over time. Specifically, in the second year, biomass production exhibited a unimodal relationship with the number of sown species, while in the third year, it increased linearly with the number of sown species. Plant diversity, which includes both sown and naturally occurring species, initially increased with the number of sown species in the first year but decreased in mixed sown plots in the third year. In the first year, biomass production was not correlated with plant diversity, whereas in the second and third years, biomass production decreased as plant diversity increased. This pattern was primarily driven by the accelerated growth of Gramineae. These results highlight the complex dynamics between biomass production and plant diversity during the early stages of artificial alpine grassland establishment. Our findings suggest that a trade-off between biomass and biodiversity should be carefully considered when designing restoration strategies, as achieving both high productivity and biodiversity may require a more nuanced approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Effective Strategies for Rangeland Conservation and Sustainable Management)

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14 pages, 35427 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Grewia tembensis Fresen and Grewia trichocarpa Hochst. ex A.Rich. (Grewioideae Hochr; Malvaceae Juss.) Micromorphological Study and Comparison via Electron Microscopy

by Widad S. Aljuhani

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 340; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050340 - 9 May 2025

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Abstract

Grewia tembensis and Grewia trichocarpa inhabit dry tropical zones and arid environments, adapting to extreme climatic conditions and limited moisture supplies. Overall, Grewia L. possesses a significant variety of bioactive chemical constituents of great therapeutic importance. Indeed, for these species, precise morphological analyses [...] Read more.

Grewia tembensis and Grewia trichocarpa inhabit dry tropical zones and arid environments, adapting to extreme climatic conditions and limited moisture supplies. Overall, Grewia L. possesses a significant variety of bioactive chemical constituents of great therapeutic importance. Indeed, for these species, precise morphological analyses are poor, and their detailed characterization is almost non-existent. This research attempts to investigate and compare the micromorphological traits of G. tembensis and G. trichocarpa species through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Micromorphological characteristics of the leaf and fructiferous structures turned out to be highly effective in separating the two species, G. tembensis and G. trichocarpa, especially regarding the type, density, and distribution of trichomes on the lower and upper surfaces of the leaves, along with the stomatal and trichome types on the surfaces of the fruits. Statistical analyses using principal component analysis, t-tests, and hierarchical clustering conducted on micromorphological data of the leaves, flowers, and fruits showed considerable variation within samples of G. tembensis and samples of G. trichocarpa. On the basis of their morphological assessment characteristics, the samples of both species were distinct and clustered into separate groups. This study emphasizes the necessity of performing detailed morphological studies of species by means of an electron microscope and proves that the leaf features are important for separating species. Such morphological traits of trichomes would offer an efficient tool to distinguish the species. Within the findings, this suggests that such diagnostics are likely to be highly useful for species identification in Grewia, especially in cases where there are no fruits available. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Diversity)

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18 pages, 3257 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Borderless Lizards: Unveiling Overlooked Records and the Expanding Invasion of Anolis sagrei in Ecuador

by Víctor Romero, Edison Maxi, Karen Cando, Marlon Vega, Johe Sozoranga and Luis Rodrigo Saa

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 339; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050339 - 8 May 2025

Viewed by 1389

Abstract

We evaluated the global distribution of Anolis sagrei based on bibliographic records, GBIF, and iNaturalist data. Native to Cuba and the Bahamas, this lizard has spread across mainland America, particularly in the Caribbean, Central America, and parts of the U.S. It has also [...] Read more.

We evaluated the global distribution of Anolis sagrei based on bibliographic records, GBIF, and iNaturalist data. Native to Cuba and the Bahamas, this lizard has spread across mainland America, particularly in the Caribbean, Central America, and parts of the U.S. It has also been introduced in Asia, and according to iNaturalist observations, it has been recorded in Israel, Canada, and northern South America. This species is especially abundant in the Caribbean and southeastern U.S., with high concentrations of records indicating a significant range expansion. In Ecuador, A. sagrei has been recorded along the coast and in the Amazon, with occurrences in Esmeraldas, Manabí, Guayas, Francisco de Orellana, and for the first time in Zamora Chinchipe (southern Amazon), specifically in El Pangui. The capture of 10 individuals confirmed their morphology, showing similarities with populations from Honduras and Cuba but differences in scalation and body size. In Ecuador, the fourth toe lamellae range from 29 to 33, consistent with those populations, while dorsal and ventral scales show variation (dorsal: 11–22, ventral: 10–25). Climate change favors its spread by enabling the colonization of new habitats. As an invasive species, it threatens local biodiversity, highlighting the need for monitoring and control in Amazonian Ecuador. An expanded abstract in Spanish is available, intended for local decision-makers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Diversity)

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