Diversity

12 pages, 1608 KB

Open AccessArticle

Digitization of the Marine Herbarium “TAR” to Increase Biodiversity Knowledge

by Loredana Papa, Ester Cecere, Antonella Petrocelli and Lucia Spada

Diversity 2025, 17(9), 641; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17090641 - 11 Sep 2025

Over the past twenty years, significant efforts have been made to digitize natural collections. This process represents a crucial step in preserving and enhancing biodiversity data. In this context, the phycology team from the Institute for Water Research (CNR-IRSA) in Taranto (southern Italy), [...] Read more.

Over the past twenty years, significant efforts have been made to digitize natural collections. This process represents a crucial step in preserving and enhancing biodiversity data. In this context, the phycology team from the Institute for Water Research (CNR-IRSA) in Taranto (southern Italy), as a partner of the NRRP Project ITINERIS, and within the nascent European Research Infrastructure “Distributed System of Scientific Collections” (DiSSCo), answered to the challenge of digitizing and sharing the extensive biodiversity data preserved in the marine macrophyte collection Herbarium TAR. This herbarium includes over 500 species collected between 1982 and 2025. Digitization was carried out in accordance with international standards for imaging and in compliance with FAIR principles for metadata curation. A total of 353 digital specimens were produced, including 152 species of seaweeds (76 Rhodophyta, 47 Heterokontophyta, and 29 Chlorophyta) and 3 species of Spermatophyta. Notably, 15 non-indigenous species were documented. Part of the metadata, structured using the Darwin Core standard, has been published on GBIF. This initiative, carried out within the ITINERIS framework, highlights the value of both long-term biodiversity monitoring and digital data in supporting research on climate change, biological invasions, and the conservation of marine ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Marine Diversity)

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17 pages, 1676 KB

Open AccessArticle

Drouetiella elegans (Oculatellaceae, Cyanobacteriota): A New Species of the Recently Established Genus from the Russian Arctic

by Denis Davydov and Anna Vilnet

Diversity 2025, 17(9), 640; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17090640 - 11 Sep 2025

Abstract

The species diversity of the recently described genus Drouetiella (Oculatellaceae, Cyanobacteriota), including thin filamentous cyanobacteria, has been rapidly increasing due to the subsequent discovery of new-to-science species in the last several years. This study focuses on one more strain that was isolated from [...] Read more.

The species diversity of the recently described genus Drouetiella (Oculatellaceae, Cyanobacteriota), including thin filamentous cyanobacteria, has been rapidly increasing due to the subsequent discovery of new-to-science species in the last several years. This study focuses on one more strain that was isolated from a small lake on the Chukotka Peninsula in the Russian Arctic and tested by an integrative approach. In the result of molecular phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene and the 16S–23S ITS rRNA region, this strain was found in a separate clade in the genus Drouetiella. The strain is characterized by unique secondary structures of conserved regions D1–D1′, Box–B, V2, and V3 helices of the 16–23S ITS rRNA. Morphologically, the tested strain was distinct from other Drouetiella species by long cells in mature trichomes, absence of false branching, and hormogonia. Drouetiella elegans occurred in the plankton of a small lake and shared ecological similarities with some aquatic strains of Drouetiella lurida. We provide a taxonomic description of a new species, Drouetiella elegans sp. nov. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Microbial Diversity and Culture Collections)

18 pages, 10992 KB

Open AccessArticle

A New Species of Gammanema (Nematoda: Chromadorida: Selachinematidae) from Jeju Island, South Korea

by Kyeongmoon Son and Raehyuk Jeong

Diversity 2025, 17(9), 639; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17090639 - 11 Sep 2025

Abstract

During a survey of the intertidal zone on the eastern coast of Jeju Island, Korea, a new species of free-living marine nematode belonging to the Selachinematidae (Chromadorida) family was discovered and described. Gammanema papillatum sp. nov. is morphologically most similar to G. lunatum [...] Read more.

During a survey of the intertidal zone on the eastern coast of Jeju Island, Korea, a new species of free-living marine nematode belonging to the Selachinematidae (Chromadorida) family was discovered and described. Gammanema papillatum sp. nov. is morphologically most similar to G. lunatum and G. agglutinans, both recorded from New Zealand, by sharing a loop-shaped amphid in males, unlike the multispiral amphid typical of most congeners, and the presence of cuticular spines. It differs from G. lunatum in body length (1122–1366 µm vs. 754–1196 µm), a-ratio (21–23 vs. 13–15), shape of the supplementary organs (papilla-shaped vs. cup-shaped), and distance from the posterior-most supplement to the cloacal opening (58–63 µm vs. 18–32 µm). In terms of precloacal supplementary organ morphology, the new species also resembles Gammanema conicauda, as both are the only congeners with papilla-shaped precloacal supplementary organs. However, G. papillatum sp. nov. differs from G. conicauda by the number of supplementary organs (7–8 vs. 22), amphidial shape (loop-shaped vs. unispiral), and the presence of cuticular spines (absent in G. conicauda). Near full-length SSU and D2–D3 region LSU rDNA sequences were obtained for the new species. Molecular analyses revealed the lowest divergence from G. lunatum (SSU: 1.7%; LSU: 19.8%), with greater divergence from other congeners (SSU: 4.0–4.6%; LSU: 30.5–37.1%). This represents the second record of Gammanema from Korean waters and provides new insights into trait combinations that may help define a subgroup within the genus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Distribution, Biodiversity, and Ecology of Nematodes)

20 pages, 9322 KB

Open AccessArticle

Thermal Ecology of Hermann’s Tortoise, Testudo hermanni and Glass Lizard Pseudopus apodus in a Seasonal Environment

by Ana Vujović, Vladimir Pešić and Roger Meek

Diversity 2025, 17(9), 638; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17090638 - 11 Sep 2025

Abstract

The importance of temperature for the biology and ecology of reptiles is well known. In temperate regions where temperatures fluctuate on a daily and seasonal basis, reptiles must respond appropriately to maintain body temperatures that enable activity. In this study, we describe temporal [...] Read more.

The importance of temperature for the biology and ecology of reptiles is well known. In temperate regions where temperatures fluctuate on a daily and seasonal basis, reptiles must respond appropriately to maintain body temperatures that enable activity. In this study, we describe temporal changes in the thermal environment from January to December in Montenegro and the impact on two species of reptile, Hermann’s tortoise, Testudo hermanni, and the large, legless lizard Pseudopus apodus. These reptiles differ in morphology and diet and have a long phylogenetic separation but experience the same thermal environment. To give insight into any impact of these factors on their thermal ecology we calculated monthly thermoregulatory efficiency indexes derived from field body temperatures, set point temperatures—defined as the preferred body temperatures, and temperatures of null models. The results indicated that both species exhibited high thermoregulatory efficiency, with T. hermanni showing the highest levels across the active year and also maintaining higher body temperatures than P. apodus potentially reflecting the dietary and lifestyle differences. During the hottest months, body temperatures of T. hermanni frequently exceeded the set point range but were not exceeded by P. apodus at any time. Microhabitat patches of closely situated sunlight and shaded areas were the most frequently selected patches in both species, with T. hermanni spending greater amounts of time in shaded patches compared to P. apodus. The efficiency indexes, together with data on microhabitat selection, indicated both species moved non-randomly through the environment, selecting appropriate habitat patches and maintaining body temperatures close to the set point range whilst avoiding the dangerously high body temperatures that occur during the hotter months. During the winter months from November to February, the second and third quartiles of the model temperatures fell below the set point range temperatures of both species. This corresponded with their dormant period. In general, the results emphasise the importance of habitat diversity and integrity in reptile ecology and for their conservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Diversity)

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16 pages, 9515 KB

Open AccessArticle

A New Species of the Genus Pseudoparamenexenus (Phasmatodea: Lonchodidae: Necrosciinae) and Its Phylogenetic Relationships

by Yanting Qin, Zhenzhen Cui and Xun Bian

Diversity 2025, 17(9), 637; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17090637 - 10 Sep 2025

Abstract

We describe a new stick insect species, Pseudoparamenexenus beiliuensis sp. nov., by an integrated approach using morphological and molecular data. The mitochondrial genomes of this new species and Pseudoparamenexenus yangi collected from Jianfengling, Hainan, China, were fully sequenced and annotated. Both mitogenomes contained [...] Read more.

We describe a new stick insect species, Pseudoparamenexenus beiliuensis sp. nov., by an integrated approach using morphological and molecular data. The mitochondrial genomes of this new species and Pseudoparamenexenus yangi collected from Jianfengling, Hainan, China, were fully sequenced and annotated. Both mitogenomes contained the standard metazoan gene set arranged in the ancestral phasmid order, with ATP8 showing the highest evolutionary rate, and COX1 the strongest purifying selection. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted based on 13 protein-coding genes, revealing the two species form a well-supported sister-group relationship. The systematic position of the genus Pseudoparamenexenus was resolved as follows: ((Pseudoparamenexenus beiliuensis sp. nov. + Pseudoparamenexenus yangi) + (Neohirasea stephanus + (Neohirasea japonica + Neohirasea hongkongensis))) + ((Pachyscia longicauda + Acanthophasma brevicercum) + ((Sinophasma brevipenne + Micadina phluctainoides) + (Micadina brevioperculina + Micadina brachyptera))). The discovery of this species not only advances our understanding of the genus Pseudoparamenexenus but also addresses knowledge gaps concerning the diversity of stick insects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Diversity)

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2 pages, 142 KB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Lone et al. Phylogenetic Relationships in Earthworm Megascolex Species (Oligochaeta: Megascolecidae) with Addition of Two New Species. Diversity 2022, 14, 1006

by Azhar Rashid Lone, Samrendra Singh Thakur, Pooja Tiwari, Samuel Wooster James and Shweta Yadav

Diversity 2025, 17(9), 636; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17090636 - 10 Sep 2025

Abstract

In the original publication [...] Full article

16 pages, 2493 KB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Insect Diversity in the Restoration Area of Yimin Surface Mine in Inner Mongolia

by Yuzhen Zhang, Yawen Yang, Rui Shi, Xintian Li, Haoran Yan, Xue Bai and Shaobo Gao

Diversity 2025, 17(9), 635; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17090635 - 9 Sep 2025

Abstract

Elucidating the relationship between changes in insect assemblage structure and diversity and the number of years of ecological restoration will help us evaluate the effectiveness of ecological restoration. Our objective is to investigate the response of the structure and diversity of insect communities [...] Read more.

Elucidating the relationship between changes in insect assemblage structure and diversity and the number of years of ecological restoration will help us evaluate the effectiveness of ecological restoration. Our objective is to investigate the response of the structure and diversity of insect communities in the ecological restoration area of Yimin Surface Mine in Inner Mongolia to different restoration years (1 year, 4 years, 7 years) by monitoring in 2018, 2021, and 2024. A total of 1282 insect specimens were collected using sweep-netting methods, representing 70 species from 46 families across 8 orders. The results demonstrated that as restoration progressed, insect taxa significantly increased from 25 to 55 species (p < 0.01), with key functional groups (Coleoptera and Lepidoptera) showing marked richness enhancement. α-diversity indices (Shannon–Wiener and Margalef) significantly increased, while the Simpson dominance index decreased, indicating a more homogeneous species distribution. β-diversity analysis revealed reduced compositional dissimilarity among plots during later restoration stages, reflecting enhanced assemblage stability. The trophic structure shifted from phytophagous dominance to stabilized proportions across all feeding guilds, signaling food web maturation and ecosystem development. Overall, local ecological restoration projects had a significantly positive effect on insect survival and biodiversity development. Our research addresses a gap in faunal assemblage studies of coal mine rehabilitation zones. Full article

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15 pages, 25472 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mitogenome Diversity and Phylogeny of Felidae Species

by Jiaojiao Yu, Xiang Yu, Wenlei Bi, Zusheng Li, Yanshan Zhou, Rui Ma, Feifei Feng, Chong Huang, Jiang Gu, Wei Wu, Guanwei Lan, Long Zhang, Chao Chen, Fei Xue and Jiabin Liu

Diversity 2025, 17(9), 634; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17090634 - 8 Sep 2025

Abstract

As apex predators, felids (Felidae) face unresolved phylogenetic controversies due to their recent rapid speciation and remarkable morphological conservatism. Previous studies, often relying on a limited number of genetic markers, were constrained by insufficient data and conflicting phylogenetic signals, leaving these disputes unresolved. [...] Read more.

As apex predators, felids (Felidae) face unresolved phylogenetic controversies due to their recent rapid speciation and remarkable morphological conservatism. Previous studies, often relying on a limited number of genetic markers, were constrained by insufficient data and conflicting phylogenetic signals, leaving these disputes unresolved. Therefore, establishing a robust phylogenetic framework based on larger-scale genomic data is crucial. This study integrated complete mitogenomes from 37 species representing all major felid genera to characterize genomic diversity, selection pressures, and phylogenetic relationships. Results revealed conserved gene content and arrangement patterns but significant intergenic variation in nucleotide composition, with the light-strand encoded ND6 exhibiting pronounced strand-specific bias. Nucleotide diversity was highest in ND4L (Pi = 0.132) and ATP6 (Pi = 0.131), suggesting their utility as novel markers for species delimitation and population studies. Selection pressure analysis indicated strong purifying selection on cytochrome oxidase subunits (e.g., COX1 Ka/Ks = 0.00327) but relaxed constraints on ATP8 (Ka/Ks = 0.12304). Phylogenies reconstructed from the complete 13PCGs + 2rRNAs dataset (showing high congruence between maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods) clearly delineated Felidae into two primary clades (Pantherinae and Felinae), confirming monophyly of all genera and positioning Neofelis nebulosa as the basal lineage within Pantherinae. Crucially, exclusion of ND6 (12PCGs + 2rRNAs) yielded topologies congruent with the complete 13PCGs + 2rRNAs dataset, whereas single-gene or limited multi-gene datasets produced inconsistent trees (particularly at genus-level nodes). This demonstrates that near-complete mitogenomic data (≥12PCGs + 2rRNAs) are essential for reconstructing robust felid phylogenetic frameworks. Our study provides insights into carnivoran mitogenome evolution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Diversity)

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38 pages, 15935 KB

Open AccessArticle

New Stonefly Synonymy Changes Conservation Outlook: 100-Year-Old Specimens and Integrated Taxonomy Clarify Species Concepts and Distributions of Several Eastern Nearctic Stripetails (Perlodidae: Isoperla Banks, 1905)

by Scott A. Grubbs, Chris J. Verdone, Luke W. Myers and R. Edward DeWalt

Diversity 2025, 17(9), 633; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17090633 - 8 Sep 2025

Abstract

Isoperla powhatan Szczytko & Kondratieff, 2015 is newly proposed as a junior synonym of I. myersi Szczytko & Kondratieff, 2015 based on an integrative analysis of morphological and molecular phylogenetic data. Revised descriptions of the adult male, adult female, and mature egg of [...] Read more.

Isoperla powhatan Szczytko & Kondratieff, 2015 is newly proposed as a junior synonym of I. myersi Szczytko & Kondratieff, 2015 based on an integrative analysis of morphological and molecular phylogenetic data. Revised descriptions of the adult male, adult female, and mature egg of I. myersi are presented, together with the first description of the final instar larva. Comparative morphological observations of I. arcana Beaty, Holland & Lenat, 2017 and I. holochlora Klapálek, 1923 improve the taxonomic concepts of each species and provides support for a new species group containing the three taxa. The new synonymy adds 868 unique locations from nine USA states to the distribution of I. myersi, including 826 from North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality samples. This new synonymy has dramatically changed our understanding of the overall range and frequency of occurrence of I. myersi populations, which will impact any impending conservation status assessment of this species. This study includes color light microscopy images, scanning electron micrographs, a substantial amount of new occurrence data, and distribution maps for each species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Diversity)

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9 pages, 1260 KB

Open AccessCommunication

Log, Rock, and a Gradient of Choice: Speleomantes strinatii Adjusts Shelter Use with Stream Distance

by Giacomo Rosa, Andrea Costa and Sebastiano Salvidio

Diversity 2025, 17(9), 632; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17090632 - 8 Sep 2025

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Abstract

Understanding microhabitat preferences of endangered species and the drivers involved in this selection are crucial for understanding their ecology and implementing conservation actions. This issue gains more importance with amphibians, which are known to be constrained by specific environmental conditions and are among [...] Read more.

Understanding microhabitat preferences of endangered species and the drivers involved in this selection are crucial for understanding their ecology and implementing conservation actions. This issue gains more importance with amphibians, which are known to be constrained by specific environmental conditions and are among the most threatened organisms globally. We assessed shelter preference of Speleomantes strinatii in three different contiguous habitats (mixed broadleaf forest, transitional mixed-chestnut and a chestnut forest used both for fruit and coppice), located at different distances from an Apennine first-order stream. We placed 22 plots in these three habitats and searched for salamanders under the potential available shelters (logs and rocks). Using a Bayesian generalized linear mixed-effects model, we assessed the role of distance from watercourse, shelter type and area in salamanders’ microhabitat selection. As expected, salamanders were mostly found in the plots near the stream. However, stream distance seemed to not be a crucial driver of amphibians’ detection under a shelter. Indeed, salamanders increasingly used wood shelters at greater distances from the stream relative to rocks, suggesting that logs seemed to compensate for the distance from the stream. In the managed habitat, trunks and branches cut during coppicing or chestnut harvest, as well as naturally fallen wood, were often left on the ground, thereby increasing the availability of shelter for salamanders. Our findings highlight how properly managed forests may enable the persistence of forest salamanders, even in human-exploited environments, representing a cost-effective solution for maintaining soil and forest biodiversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biodiversity Conservation)

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31 pages, 22960 KB

Open AccessArticle

An Integrated Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction of the Early Pleistocene Hominin-Bearing Site of Dursunlu (Türkiye)

by Àngel H. Luján, Václav Paclík, Elvan Demirci, Andrea Villa, Thomas A. Neubauer, Alaettin Tuncer, Martin Ivanov, Àngel Blanco-Lapaz, Kelly Ann Vega-Pagán and Josep Sanjuan

Diversity 2025, 17(9), 631; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17090631 - 8 Sep 2025

Abstract

The fossiliferous Dursunlu Lignite Quarry (DLQ) is highlighted prominently in the archeological and paleontological literature because of the study of Pleistocene fauna and lithic artifacts, being considered the oldest Paleolithic site in Türkiye. Although the fauna and flora assemblage from DLQ are reasonably [...] Read more.

The fossiliferous Dursunlu Lignite Quarry (DLQ) is highlighted prominently in the archeological and paleontological literature because of the study of Pleistocene fauna and lithic artifacts, being considered the oldest Paleolithic site in Türkiye. Although the fauna and flora assemblage from DLQ are reasonably well known, taxonomic studies devoted to some groups, such as ostracods, mollusks, reptiles, and amphibians, have never been carried out. Here, we describe, illustrate, and study the taxonomic composition and ecological implications of the unpublished material of said groups, together with the aquatic plants and fish, recovered from six samples taken from the palustrine and peat bog facies of the sedimentary sequence. In addition, the recovered charophytes and cyprinids refine our taxonomical knowledge of both aquatic plants and fish. Our results concur with previous paleoenvironmental inferences based on flora and fauna composition—with DLQ representing a very shallow eutrophic lake with a dense palustrine vegetation belt during the cold (glacial) stage of the late Early Pleistocene—as well as highlight the study of all available groups as pivotal for better understanding the paleolake biota. We further conclude that the wetland areas of Dursunlu and surrounding steppe areas appear to have been an excellent environment for sporadic settlement of hominins during the Early Pleistocene, given the availability of food resources and easy access to water. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Phylogeny and Evolution)

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18 pages, 1340 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spatio-Temporal Distribution of Limnomysis benedeni Czerniavsky, 1882 and Other Invaders in the Danube Floodplain Kopački Rit Nature Park, Croatia

by Viktorija Ergović, Miran Koh, Natalija Vučković, Mario Rumišek, Dubravka Čerba, Barbara Vlaičević and Zlatko Mihaljević

Diversity 2025, 17(9), 630; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17090630 - 8 Sep 2025

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Abstract

The Danube in Croatia serves as an important transport route but also favors the spread of invasive species, especially in the floodplain areas. Many of them originate from the Ponto-Caspian region and influence European ecosystems with their migrations. One of these species, Limnomysis [...] Read more.

The Danube in Croatia serves as an important transport route but also favors the spread of invasive species, especially in the floodplain areas. Many of them originate from the Ponto-Caspian region and influence European ecosystems with their migrations. One of these species, Limnomysis benedeni, a mysid shrimp, thrives in shallow waters and plays a crucial role as a food source for fish. L. benedeni was first recorded in Croatia in 2004 in Lake Sakadaš (Kopački Rit). Prior to the study on aquatic macroinvertebrates in Kopački Rit Nature Park, conducted from July 2020 to July 2023, there had been no documented records in recent years. Sampling was carried out seasonally for macroinvertebrates and monthly for environmental parameters at 15 sites within the park or in the immediate vicinity. Samples were collected according to standard AQEM methodology. A total of 21 macroinvertebrate groups (407 taxa), out of which the most diverse were Diptera with 20 families, were identified in this study, including nine allochthonous species in addition to L. benedeni. The most abundant populations of L. benedeni were found in the Danube, the Petreš channel, and Vemeljski Dunavac channel, which supply the floodplain with water from the Danube. Most individuals were collected in summer and spring, with the highest density being 741 individuals per square meter. Environmental parameters such as water level, type of habitats, pH values, chemical oxygen demand, and phosphorus content, were statistically significant for the distribution of species. The dominant microhabitat for L. benedeni in Kopački Rit was argyllal in combination with coarse particulate organic matter and wood debris, and the composition of these microhabitats remained consistent throughout the seasons. L. benedeni was the only crustacean species to establish a stable population in the floodplain area, excluding Asellus aquaticus (water louse), a cosmopolitan species. The ongoing influence of L. benedeni on the native community still remains to be determined. Full article

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

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12 pages, 1512 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evidence in Support of the Kelp Conveyor Hypothesis

by Cody M. Brooks and Gary W. Saunders

Diversity 2025, 17(9), 629; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17090629 - 7 Sep 2025

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Abstract

The flora of Haida Gwaii includes many macroalgal species, initially assumed endemic, which are largely absent from southern British Columbia but which were subsequently collected in California. One explanation for these disjunct distributions is the kelp conveyor hypothesis, which proposes non-buoyant macroalgae hitchhike [...] Read more.

The flora of Haida Gwaii includes many macroalgal species, initially assumed endemic, which are largely absent from southern British Columbia but which were subsequently collected in California. One explanation for these disjunct distributions is the kelp conveyor hypothesis, which proposes non-buoyant macroalgae hitchhike on kelp rafts from central California to Haida Gwaii. Using mitochondrial COI-5P data, we adopt a weight-of-evidence approach and summarize broad patterns of allelic distribution and genetic differentiation across 11 species of red algae collected in California, Haida Gwaii and southern Vancouver Isl., British Columbia, to assess the impact of the kelp conveyor hypothesis. Although this hypothesis was based on species with disjunct distributions, we emphasize species with continuous distributions. In support of this hypothesis, we demonstrate low genetic differentiation between Haida Gwaii and California in 9 of 11 species consistent with significantly higher gene flow than from California to Vancouver Isl., and 13% of all alleles observed on Haida Gwaii were disjunct. These observations are consistent with predictions of the kelp conveyor hypothesis. Results here shed light on a previously cryptic source of gene flow which has impacted a considerable proportion of the red algal flora of Haida Gwaii. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Nearshore Biodiversity—2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 2320 KB

Open AccessArticle

Background Mortality of Wildlife on Renewable Energy Projects

by K. Shawn Smallwood

Diversity 2025, 17(9), 628; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17090628 - 6 Sep 2025

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Abstract

With the expansion of utility-scale renewable energy development worldwide, accurate estimation of bird and bat fatalities is needed for informed policy-making and appropriate formulation of mitigation strategies. Background mortality, or the mortality caused by natural as opposed to anthropogenic processes, is often identified [...] Read more.

With the expansion of utility-scale renewable energy development worldwide, accurate estimation of bird and bat fatalities is needed for informed policy-making and appropriate formulation of mitigation strategies. Background mortality, or the mortality caused by natural as opposed to anthropogenic processes, is often identified as a positive bias, and sometimes it is identified as a substantial or even leading contributor to fatality estimates. To estimate background mortality, I compiled fatalities/ha counted during searches of turbine-free study sites reported by others over 2548 ha and myself over 2297 ha. No bat fatalities were found in any of these searches. Bird fatalities/ha averaged 0.0055. I also compared estimates of fatalities/ha before and after turbine removals from 123 rows of wind turbines in California’s Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area (APWRA). These turbine rows had been searched for fatalities over various periods during 1998–2002 and 2006–2014, and fatalities had been recorded at each row during first searches of new monitoring periods. I used the same search methods as the monitor, but my first searches covered 624 ha of plots centered around vacant turbine sites. I found 0.0194 (95% CI: 0.0035–0.0352) bird fatalities/ha, but no bat fatalities. I estimated that background mortality was 3.6% (95% CI: 0–6.2%), mortality caused by unremoved power lines and meteorological towers was 8.2% (95% CI: 0–15.8%), and mortality caused by wind turbines was 88.2% (95% CI: 78–100%). Contamination of carcasses from operable wind turbines ≥ 400 m distant from vacant turbine sites likely biased my estimate upward by 3.5-fold compared to natural mortality averaged among sites far from wind turbines. This study does not support the notion that background mortality contributes substantially to mortality estimates at renewable energy projects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impacts of Anthropogenic Structures on Birds)

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32 pages, 4655 KB

Open AccessArticle

Phenological Variation of Native and Reforested Juglans neotropica Diels in Response to Edaphic and Orographic Gradients in Southern Ecuador

by Byron Palacios-Herrera, Santiago Pereira-Lorenzo and Darwin Pucha-Cofrep

Diversity 2025, 17(9), 627; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17090627 - 6 Sep 2025

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Abstract

Juglans neotropica Diels, classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List, plays a crucial role in the resilience of Andean montane forests in southern Ecuador—a megadiverse region encompassing coastal, Andean, and Amazonian ecosystems. This study examines how climatic, edaphic, and topographic gradients influence [...] Read more.

Juglans neotropica Diels, classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List, plays a crucial role in the resilience of Andean montane forests in southern Ecuador—a megadiverse region encompassing coastal, Andean, and Amazonian ecosystems. This study examines how climatic, edaphic, and topographic gradients influence the species’ phenotypic traits across six source localities—Tibio, Merced, Tundo, Victoria, Zañe, and Argelia—all of which are localities situated in the provinces of Loja and Zamora Chinchipe. By integrating long-term climate records, slope mapping, and soil characterization, we assessed the effects of temperature, precipitation, humidity, soil moisture, and terrain steepness on leaf presence, fruit maturation, and tree architecture. Over the past 20 years, temperature increased by 1.5 °C (p < 0.01), while precipitation decreased by 22%, disrupting local edaphoclimatic balances. More than 2000 individuals were measured in forest stands, with estimated ages ranging from 11 to 355 years. ANOVA results revealed that Tundo and Victoria exhibited significantly greater DBH, height, and volume (p ≤ 0.05), with Victoria showing a 30% larger DBH than Argelia, the lowest-performing provenance. Soils ranged from loam to sandy loam, with slopes exceeding 45% and pH levels from slightly acidic to neutral. These findings confirm the species’ pronounced phenotypic plasticity and ecological adaptability, directly informing site-specific conservation strategies and long-term forest management under shifting climatic conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Diversity Hotspots in the 2020s)

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17 pages, 2382 KB

Open AccessArticle

Tracing Ice-Age Legacies: Phylogeography and Glacial Refugia of the Endemic Chiton Tonicina zschaui (Polyplacophora: Ischnochitonidae) in the West Antarctic Region

by M. Cecilia Pardo-Gandarillas, Carolina Márquez-Gajardo, Pamela Morales, Jennifer Catalán, Kristen Poni, Sebastián Rosenfeld, Angie Díaz, Kevin M. Kocot and Christian M. Ibáñez

Diversity 2025, 17(9), 626; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17090626 (registering DOI) - 6 Sep 2025

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Abstract

Phylogeographic studies in Antarctica allow us to understand the demographic events of populations during glacial periods. In this study, the polyplacophoran Tonicina zschaui was analyzed in several localities on the West Antarctic Coast using the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI). Two [...] Read more.

Phylogeographic studies in Antarctica allow us to understand the demographic events of populations during glacial periods. In this study, the polyplacophoran Tonicina zschaui was analyzed in several localities on the West Antarctic Coast using the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI). Two genetically distinct populations were identified: one in the Weddell Sea and another across the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Genetic diversity was generally low to moderate, suggesting limited gene flow and the influence of historical climatic events. Star-like haplotype networks and demographic analyses indicate population contractions during the Last Glaciation followed by postglacial expansion, especially in the Antarctic Peninsula–South Shetland Islands population. Several sites in this region were identified as potential glacial refugia, exhibiting proportionally elevated genetic diversity and exclusive haplotypes. Conversely, the small Weddell Sea population displayed signs of long-term isolation, limited expansion, and low diversity, likely due to stronger environmental constraints and genetic drift. Ocean currents such as the Antarctic Coastal Current, the Antarctic Peninsula Coastal Current and the Weddell Gyre appear to restrict larval dispersal, reinforcing genetic discontinuities. These findings support the hypothesis of glacial survival in localized refugia and postglacial recolonization, a pattern observed in other Antarctic marine invertebrates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Marine Diversity)

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22 pages, 21727 KB

Open AccessArticle

Ecological Approaches in the Process of Formation of the Bolshoe Toko National Park, Yakutia

by Sophia Barinova, Viktor A. Gabyshev, Olga I. Gabysheva, Anna P. Ivanova and Petro M. Tsarenko

Diversity 2025, 17(9), 625; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17090625 - 5 Sep 2025

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Abstract

The creation of a new protected area, especially on permafrost territory, along with the adoption of legislative measures, requires a thorough assessment of its ecological diversity and condition. In the planned Bolshoe Toko National Park (Yakutia, Northeastern Russia), the main protected area will [...] Read more.

The creation of a new protected area, especially on permafrost territory, along with the adoption of legislative measures, requires a thorough assessment of its ecological diversity and condition. In the planned Bolshoe Toko National Park (Yakutia, Northeastern Russia), the main protected area will be a unique deep-water mountain lake of glacial origin, Bolshoe Toko Lake. Our aim was to study the species composition of algal communities of Bolshoe Toko Lake by combining our new and previously known data on the flora of algae and cyanobacteria of the lake. For the first time by analyzing environmental parameters, we identified factors and hotspots of diversity of the lake ecosystem. In the planktonic microflora of the lake, 479 species belonging to six taxonomic phyla were identified. This allows us to talk about a biodiversity hotspot at Bolshoe Toko Lake. The presence of rare, new endangered and critically endangered species in the flora of the lake confirms the need to create a national park. Bioindication analysis and contour maps of ecological factors made it possible to assess the current sustainability of the ecosystem when developing a plan for the creation of a new protected area and to identify potential problem areas and factors affecting the ecosystem. One such factor is the development of the coal basin, which is already having a noticeable impact on the lake environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biodiversity Conservation)

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18 pages, 2073 KB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Drivers of Benthic Macroinvertebrate Assemblages in Mediterranean River Basins of Türkiye

by Deniz Mercan, Abdullah A. Saber, Cüneyt Nadir Solak, Gamze Özel, Hanan M. Alharbi, Abdelghafar M. Abu-Elsaoud and Naime Arslan

Diversity 2025, 17(9), 624; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17090624 - 5 Sep 2025

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Abstract

This study investigated the influence of physicochemical water parameters on benthic macroinvertebrate communities across 11 sampling stations located in the Western, Antalya, and Eastern Mediterranean Basins of Türkiye. Field studies were conducted in April, July, and October of 2018–2019. Water quality variables, such [...] Read more.

This study investigated the influence of physicochemical water parameters on benthic macroinvertebrate communities across 11 sampling stations located in the Western, Antalya, and Eastern Mediterranean Basins of Türkiye. Field studies were conducted in April, July, and October of 2018–2019. Water quality variables, such as temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand, ammonia nitrogen, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus, were measured. A total of 177 taxa and 5331 individuals were identified, with Insecta being the most dominant class, especially the order Diptera. Statistical analyses, including detrended correspondence analysis (DCA), revealed clear relationships between environmental gradients and species distribution. Species such as Paratendipes albimanus, Microtendipes pedellus, and Potamanthus luteus showed strong correlations with DO and other water quality parameters. This study emphasizes the importance of specific macroinvertebrate taxa as indicators of environmental conditions and suggests that certain species may serve as bioindicators for ecological monitoring and management in Mediterranean freshwater ecosystems in the context of ongoing global climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Freshwater Biodiversity)

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15 pages, 2904 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Gene Analysis, Morphology, and Species Delimitation Methods Reveal a New Species of Melanothamnus, M. coxsbazarensis sp. nov. (Rhodomelaceae, Ceramiales), for the Marine Red Algal Flora from Bangladesh

by Md. Ariful Islam, William E. Schmidt, Mohammad Khairul Alam Sobuj, Shafiqur Rahman and Suzanne Fredericq

Diversity 2025, 17(9), 623; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17090623 - 5 Sep 2025

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Abstract

Some Melanothamnus species have been documented growing epiphytically on other algae in seaweed aquaculture farms as fouling organisms. Such turf-forming Polysiphonia-looking algae were collected from a small (<1.0 km² area) Agarophyton tenuistipitata (Gracilariaceae, Gracilariales) farm on the east coast of the [...] Read more.

Some Melanothamnus species have been documented growing epiphytically on other algae in seaweed aquaculture farms as fouling organisms. Such turf-forming Polysiphonia-looking algae were collected from a small (<1.0 km² area) Agarophyton tenuistipitata (Gracilariaceae, Gracilariales) farm on the east coast of the Bay of Bengal and examined for their taxonomy. DNA was extracted from silica gel-preserved specimens, and plastid-encoded rbcL, nuclear-encoded small subunit SSU, large subunit LSU, and universal plastid amplicon (UPA) were amplified and sequenced. Maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference were performed for the phylogenetic analysis. Four single-locus species delimitation methods (SDMs), namely, the generalized mixed Yule-coalescent (GMYC) method, a Poisson tree processes (PTP) model, the automatic barcode gap discovery (ABGD), and the assemble species by automatic partitioning (ASAP) method, were performed to segregate the putative species from other taxa in the Polysiphonia sensu lato clades. Our results revealed that rbcL had 1.4% interspecific genetic divergence, whereas LSU, UPA, and SSU had 1.6%, 2.5%, and 5.4% genetic divergence, respectively, from the nearest neighbors. Both comparative genetic and distinct morphological data revealed that the collected Bay of Bengal specimens comprise a species new to science. In addition, the above-mentioned SDMs supported the genetic data and segregated our specimens as Melanothamnus coxsbazarensis sp. nov. as a distinct species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Marine Diversity)

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12 pages, 1086 KB

Open AccessArticle

First Insights into the Mitochondrial DNA Diversity of the Italian Sea-Slater Across the Strait of Sicily

by Francesco Paolo Faraone, Luca Vecchioni, Arnold Sciberras, Antonella Di Gangi and Alan Deidun

Diversity 2025, 17(9), 622; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17090622 - 4 Sep 2025

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Abstract

The Strait of Sicily represents a biogeographically rich and complex region. The diverse geological origin and past continental connection of its islands have shaped a highly heterogeneous fauna, mainly composed of both African and European taxa. The Italian sea-slater, Ligia italica (Fabricius, 1798), [...] Read more.

The Strait of Sicily represents a biogeographically rich and complex region. The diverse geological origin and past continental connection of its islands have shaped a highly heterogeneous fauna, mainly composed of both African and European taxa. The Italian sea-slater, Ligia italica (Fabricius, 1798), is a small isopod inhabiting rocky shores of the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, and Atlantic Ocean. Despite its wide distribution, the phylogeography of this species is poorly understood, with limited available data suggesting a remarkable level of cryptic diversity. In this study, we investigated the mitochondrial genetic diversity (COX1) of L. italica across nine Italian and Maltese islands across the Strait of Sicily, aiming to clarify the biogeographic patterns underlying the distribution of these insular populations. Our results reveal an unexpectedly high genetic diversity within our study area, with eight different haplogroups, each characterized by low internal genetic variation and mutual distances ranging from 5.5% to 17.9%. These values are comparable to those associated with species-level rank within the genus Ligia. Overall, the phylogenetic relationships between the lineages appear well supported; however, the same relationships are not clearly correlated with geographic proximity or connectivity among the sampled localities. The distribution patterns of some of the detected haplogroups suggest possible passive dispersal mechanisms (e.g., rafting), while others indicate more intricate biogeographic scenarios. The overall diversity of L. italica within the Strait of Sicily, as well as the unclear origin of some insular populations, cannot be fully explained with the current data. In particular, the high genetic structure observed within the Maltese Archipelago, may partially reflect human-mediated dispersal (e.g., maritime transport), possibly involving source populations that remain unsampled or genetically uncharacterized. Our results highlight that the Strait of Sicily can be considered a diversity hot spot for L. italica and support the designation of this taxon as a putative species complex, with a cryptic diversity worthy of an exhaustive taxonomic revision. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Nearshore Biodiversity—2nd Edition)

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24 pages, 4030 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Cover Cropping on the Abundance, Community Composition and Functional Diversity of Ground-Dwelling Arthropods in a Mediterranean Olive Grove

by Theodoros Angelioudakis, George Koliopoulos and Theodoros Stathakis

Diversity 2025, 17(9), 621; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17090621 - 3 Sep 2025

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Abstract

Cover cropping is increasingly recognized as a biodiversity-friendly practice in Mediterranean agriculture. However, its impact on ground-dwelling arthropods in olive groves remains insufficiently studied. This study assesses the effects of two perennial cover crops, tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) and white clover [...] Read more.

Cover cropping is increasingly recognized as a biodiversity-friendly practice in Mediterranean agriculture. However, its impact on ground-dwelling arthropods in olive groves remains insufficiently studied. This study assesses the effects of two perennial cover crops, tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) and white clover (Trifolium repens) on the abundance, community composition, and functional diversity of ground-dwelling arthropods in a traditional olive grove in Crete, Greece. From April to September 2023, arthropods were sampled bi-weekly using pitfall traps and classified by taxonomic identity and functional traits, with particular focus on spiders (Araneae) and ground beetles (Carabidae). Cover cropping significantly increased total arthropod abundance compared to a control, with clover favoring omnivores and saprophages, and fescue promoting predatory taxa. Fescue plots exhibited the highest abundance of spiders and carabids, as well as greater carabid species richness and functional diversity. Although spider beta diversity differed across treatments, their functional diversity remained unchanged. Our findings indicate that perennial cover crops, especially fescue, enhance ground predator diversity and may contribute to natural pest regulation in Mediterranean olive groves, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Pest Management and Its Role in Biodiversity Conservation)

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2 pages, 449 KB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Santiago-Valentín et al. A New Holoplanktonic Nudibranch (Nudibranchia: Phylliroidae) from the Central Mexican Pacific. Diversity 2025, 17, 479

by Jeimy D. Santiago-Valentín, Eric Bautista-Guerrero, Eva R. Kozak, Gloria Pelayo-Martínez and Carmen Franco-Gordo

Diversity 2025, 17(9), 620; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17090620 - 3 Sep 2025

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Abstract

There was an error in the original publication [...] Full article

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9 pages, 3182 KB

Open AccessArticle

Species Diversity of Calocybe (Agaricales, Lyophyllaceae) from Shanxi Province of Northern China

by Ting Li, Manrong Huang, Ning Mao, Yuxin Zhang and Li Fan

Diversity 2025, 17(9), 619; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17090619 - 2 Sep 2025

Viewed by 241

Abstract

Many species of Calocybe are of great edible value. Nineteen species of Calocybe have been reported from China, which represents about 40% of the global population. However, in Shanxi Province, located in northern China, no Calocybe species had been reported before this study. [...] Read more.

Many species of Calocybe are of great edible value. Nineteen species of Calocybe have been reported from China, which represents about 40% of the global population. However, in Shanxi Province, located in northern China, no Calocybe species had been reported before this study. Our present study showed there are at least eight Calocybe species distributed in this province, including seven known species and a new species. The known species are C. badiofloccosa, C. coacta, C. fulvipes, C. gambosa, C. gangraenosa, C. ionides, and C. pseudoflammula. The new species, Calocybe confusa sp. nov., is described and illustrated, and, morphologically, it is diagnosed by the combination of basidiomata turning black when exposed, cream grey, grey yellowish white to pale brown pileus, narrowly ellipsoid to subcylindrical basidiospores, and the absence of hymenial cystidia. The molecular data for known species are provided. The geography of the Calocybe species in Shanxi Province is discussed. 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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12 pages, 872 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Rice Phenology on Local Bat Activity and Community Composition in Gunung Keriang, Malaysia

by Nur-Izzati Abdullah, Nurul-‘Ain Elias, Nobuhito Ohte and Christian E. Vincenot

Diversity 2025, 17(9), 618; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17090618 - 2 Sep 2025

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Abstract

Bats’ ecosystem services, especially as insect pest controllers, are often neglected. Studies on bats in the rice fields provide valuable insights into the bat species that forage during different phases of paddy growth. A bat detector was used to record bat activity at [...] Read more.

Bats’ ecosystem services, especially as insect pest controllers, are often neglected. Studies on bats in the rice fields provide valuable insights into the bat species that forage during different phases of paddy growth. A bat detector was used to record bat activity at three identified sites in the rice fields of Gunung Keriang. A total of 947 recordings with 15 bat species were recorded for the dry season, and 1710 recordings with 12 bat species were recorded for the wet season. Overall, 16 bat species were identified from the recordings, including 11 forest foragers (Rhinolophus pusillus, Rhinolophus affinis, Rhinolophus coelophyllus, Rhinolophus stheno, Rhinolophus malayanus, Rhinolophus refulgens, Hipposideros armiger, Hipposideros bicolor, Hipposideros diadema, Hipposideros larvatus, and Myotis muricola), four edge foragers (Taphozous melanopogon, Scotophilus kuhlii, Miniopterus pusillus, and Miniopterus magnater), and one bat species of open-space forager (Chaerephon plicatus). Our study revealed a significant presence of Rhinolophus species passing through and foraging in rice fields. The results indicated that bat species associated with edges and open spaces dominated the overall bat activity in the rice fields, emphasizing the importance of rice fields as crucial foraging areas for these insectivorous bat species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Diversity)

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17 pages, 2157 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Fertilization and Reseeding on Above- and Belowground Biodiversity in Degraded Alpine Steppe

by Xiaochun Ning, Shouxing Wang, Dongzhi Huangqing, Yanbin Kang, Yafei Zhang, Mingming Shi, Liusheng Yang and Mingxin Yang

Diversity 2025, 17(9), 617; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17090617 - 2 Sep 2025

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Abstract

The ecological restoration of degraded alpine steppe is a critical component of ecological conservation efforts on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. In this study, we investigated the effects of fertilization, reseeding, and combined fertilization with reseeding restoration measures on the vegetation community, soil properties and [...] Read more.

The ecological restoration of degraded alpine steppe is a critical component of ecological conservation efforts on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. In this study, we investigated the effects of fertilization, reseeding, and combined fertilization with reseeding restoration measures on the vegetation community, soil properties and microbial community diversity in degraded alpine steppe through field vegetation surveys, and soil microbial high-throughput sequencing at an experimental site of fertilized and reseeded grassland restoration located in the Yellow River Source area. The results demonstrated the following: (1) both reseeding and combined fertilization with reseeding restoration measures significantly affected grassland vegetation community structure and diversity; (2) fertilization and combined fertilization with reseeding restoration measures significantly affected soil pH and total phosphorus (TP) content; (3) while fertilization and combined fertilization with reseeding restoration measures markedly altered microbial community structure, reseeding alone significantly affected microbial diversity. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed that soil microbial communities were significantly influenced by fertilization restoration measures; redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that microbial communities under fertilization and combined fertilization with reseeding restoration measures were primarily governed by soil TP, whereas those in control and reseeding plots were strongly associated with soil pH and organic carbon (SOC). This study explored effective restoration measures suitable for degenerating alpine steppe in the Yellow River Source area, aiming to provide a scientific basis and technical support for the ecological protection and restoration of the Three-River Headwaters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Restoration of Grassland—2nd Edition)

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13 pages, 558 KB

Open AccessArticle

Stability Dynamics of Representative Forest Plant Communities in Northeast China

by Zhiyuan Jia, Shusen Ge, Yutang Li and Dongwei Kang

Diversity 2025, 17(9), 616; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17090616 - 2 Sep 2025

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Abstract

To evaluate the stability dynamics of typical forest plant communities in Northeast China, 57 forest plots were surveyed in 2009 and surveyed again in 2014. By adapting temporary stability (TS) as the community stability indicator, all plots were divided into three groups of [...] Read more.

To evaluate the stability dynamics of typical forest plant communities in Northeast China, 57 forest plots were surveyed in 2009 and surveyed again in 2014. By adapting temporary stability (TS) as the community stability indicator, all plots were divided into three groups of low, moderate, and high stability, and the community initial state and state changes in different groups were analyzed. Results showed that the first dominant species in 15.8% (3/19) of plots was replaced by the second dominant species from 2009 to 2014 in the low stability group, but no such changes occurred in the moderate and high stability groups. The TS change amplitude was obvious in the low stability group, while that was slight in the high stability group. The relative basal area of the top two species was close in the low stability group in both 2009 and 2014, while the first dominant species was prominent in the high stability group. Communities in the high stability group had lower tree diversity, and those in the low stability group had more trees in 2009. Furthermore, tree size increased significantly in the low and moderate stability groups, and tree number decreased significantly in the moderate stability group from 2009 to 2014. The TS indicator is feasible in describing the stability state and change processes of forest plant communities on a time scale. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Communities in Transition: Succession, Diversity, and Ecosystem Dynamics)

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15 pages, 5530 KB

Open AccessArticle

Illegal Wildlife Trade in Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia: Species, Prices, and Conservation Risks

by Abdulhadi Aloufi, Ehab Eid and Mohamed Alamri

Diversity 2025, 17(9), 615; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17090615 - 1 Sep 2025

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Abstract

Illegal wildlife trade is a major global driver of biodiversity loss, shaped by high consumer demand, transboundary networks, and uneven enforcement. In the Middle East, particularly the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, factors such as high purchasing power, cultural traditions (e.g., falconry, prestige [...] Read more.

Illegal wildlife trade is a major global driver of biodiversity loss, shaped by high consumer demand, transboundary networks, and uneven enforcement. In the Middle East, particularly the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, factors such as high purchasing power, cultural traditions (e.g., falconry, prestige pets), and expanding digital marketplaces sustain both legal and illegal flows. We present a nine-year (2017–2025) assessment based on weekly, repeated field surveys at the Friday Market, adjacent pet shops, and private farms, complemented by systematic monitoring of online advertisements on Haraj.com.sa. We recorded 1063 individual animals across 88 species, birds (39.4%), reptiles (52.0%), and mammals (8.6%), and analyzed prices, conservation status, and venue-specific patterns. The most frequently recorded taxa included the white-eared bulbul (Pycnonotus leucotis), common slider (Trachemys scripta), and Egyptian mastigure (Uromastyx aegyptia). Mammals, though fewer in number, commanded the highest prices, particularly cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) and lions (Panthera leo). About 26% of species were IUCN-listed as threatened, with CITES Appendix I taxa fetching higher prices. Findings underscore the need for real-time monitoring, targeted enforcement, and cross-border collaboration to address escalating trade in rare and protected species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biodiversity Conservation)

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15 pages, 10812 KB

Open AccessReview

The Yellow Sea Green Tides: Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Long-Distance Transport and Influencing Factors

by Fanzhu Qu, Bowen Sun, Ling Meng and Tao Zou

Diversity 2025, 17(9), 614; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17090614 - 1 Sep 2025

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Abstract

Since 2007, the Yellow Sea has experienced the world’s largest green tides, with Ulva prolifera O.F. Müller as the dominant species. Those blooms severely impacted the local tourism and aquaculture, resulting in significant economic losses, as well as negative social and ecological consequences. [...] Read more.

Since 2007, the Yellow Sea has experienced the world’s largest green tides, with Ulva prolifera O.F. Müller as the dominant species. Those blooms severely impacted the local tourism and aquaculture, resulting in significant economic losses, as well as negative social and ecological consequences. Unlike other global green tides, those in the Yellow Sea are characterized by long-distance drifting and an astonishing scale. These destructive events display significant temporal and spatial variability, which is largely driven by dynamic environmental conditions and human activities. In this review, we summarize recent advancements in understanding the spatiotemporal patterns of long-distance transport, the interannual variability in bloom size, and the underlying mechanisms driving these fluctuations. Additionally, we highlight important knowledge gaps that need further investigation to support the development of effective management strategies for mitigating the impacts of green tides in the Yellow Sea. Full article

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7 pages, 1705 KB

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Evidence for Initial Infestation by Mothocya parvostis (Isopoda: Cymothoidae) on Body Surface of Juvenile Japanese Halfbeak, Hyporhamphus sajori (Beloniformes: Hemiramphidae)

by Hiroki Fujita and Kentaro Kawai

Diversity 2025, 17(9), 613; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17090613 - 30 Aug 2025

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Abstract

Mothocya parvostis Bruce, 1986 (Isopoda: Cymothoidae) is a parasite that mainly infests the branchial cavity of Japanese halfbeak, Hyporhamphus sajori (Temminck and Schlegel, 1846) (Beloniformes: Hemiramphidae) (pelagic marine fish). Although it has generally been considered to parasitize the branchial cavity throughout its life, [...] Read more.

Mothocya parvostis Bruce, 1986 (Isopoda: Cymothoidae) is a parasite that mainly infests the branchial cavity of Japanese halfbeak, Hyporhamphus sajori (Temminck and Schlegel, 1846) (Beloniformes: Hemiramphidae) (pelagic marine fish). Although it has generally been considered to parasitize the branchial cavity throughout its life, early studies suggested that mancae (first free swimming stage) initially attach to the body surface of the host. In this study, H. sajori juveniles were collected off Ohkurokamishima Island, Hiroshima, Japan, and examined for cymothoid infestation. Of the 57 individuals that were examined, 5 were parasitized, all on the ventral surface of the fish bodies. One manca was genetically identified as M. parvostis based on the sequence of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (100% or 99.81% identity with known sequences). These findings support the earlier claim that mancae infest the body surface of H. sajori. Due to the host’s slender body and small branchial cavity, early-stage parasites may remain external in the initial phase of infestation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Marine Diversity)

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22 pages, 2422 KB

Open AccessArticle

Structure and Diversity of the Migration Habitats of Quetzals (Pharomachrus mocinno, Trogonidae) in Chiapas, Mexico

by Sofía Solórzano, Luis Carlos Vega-Castañeda and María del Coro Arizmendi

Diversity 2025, 17(9), 612; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17090612 - 30 Aug 2025

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Abstract

Pharomachrus mocinno breeds in the cloud forests of the El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve, and migrates annually for six months to elevations of 900–1600 m. On the Gulf slope, temperate forests were identified as habitats for migration, but the forests on the Pacific slope [...] Read more.

Pharomachrus mocinno breeds in the cloud forests of the El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve, and migrates annually for six months to elevations of 900–1600 m. On the Gulf slope, temperate forests were identified as habitats for migration, but the forests on the Pacific slope have not been similarly described. In this study we described the emergent properties and phenological behavior of the plant communities of five sites identified as migration habitats, in order to test if the number of fruit-bearing species is related to the migration period. At each site, 10,000 m² was sampled, for which PBH (perimeter at breast height) and the height of shrubs and trees were annotated, including the number of palms and ferns included. We identified 25 orders, 41 families, 71 genera, and 94 species; 86.6% of these species produce fleshy fruits or fruits with modified structures that are eaten by Quetzals. During the migration period, 25–43% of these species have fruits. Eight woody species included 49% of the total individuals, which produce Quetzals’ feeding resources. The sites differed in vertical structure, composition and diversity levels. The rarefaction curve indicated that the upper site (1600 m) required more sampling. We identified three plant communities that were distributed either in montane rain forest or in the temperate forest. Since nearly 84% of the plant species are listed in the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), these forests have an intrinsic importance. The number of fruit-bearing species did not differ between migration and breeding seasons (X² (1, N = 76) 0.57; p = 0.32. Lauraceae did not stand out for the number of fruit-bearing species in any of the migration sites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity in 2025)

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