Diversity

18 pages, 2331 KB

Open AccessArticle

Chromosomal Architecture, Karyotype Profiling and Evolutionary Dynamics in Aleppo Oak (Quercus infectoria Oliv.)

by Solmaz Najafi, Nasrin Seyedi, Burak Özdemir, Hossein Zeinalzadeh-Tabrizi, Beatrice Farda and Loretta Pace

Diversity 2026, 18(1), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18010059 - 22 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1426

Abstract

Aleppo oak (Quercus infectoria) is among the most industrially and ecologically significant oak species, valued for its medicinal properties and considerable genetic importance. Cytogenetic analysis provides critical insight into evolutionary history, interspecific relationships, and karyotypic differentiation. This study investigated the chromosomal [...] Read more.

Aleppo oak (Quercus infectoria) is among the most industrially and ecologically significant oak species, valued for its medicinal properties and considerable genetic importance. Cytogenetic analysis provides critical insight into evolutionary history, interspecific relationships, and karyotypic differentiation. This study investigated the chromosomal architecture and karyotypic diversity of five natural populations of this species in western Iran (Sardasht, Oramanat, Baneh, Paveh, and Marivan) using actively dividing root meristems and a high-resolution image-based cytogenetic system. All examined cells displayed a basic chromosome number of x = 12 and a diploid condition, and chromosome lengths ranged from 0.90 to 2.12 µm. ANOVA and mean comparisons of five chromosomal parameters (Long Arm, Short Arm and Total Length, Arm Ratio, and Centromeric Index) revealed significant interpopulation differences in chromosome length and arm dimensions. All populations shared the karyotype formula 12 m and were classified into Stebbins’ Category B, indicating a moderately symmetrical, relatively primitive cytogenetic structure. Principal component analysis reduced the dataset to two major axes explaining 99.93% of the total variance, predominantly influenced by SA and TL on PC1 and by LA, AR, and CI on PC2. Hierarchical clustering grouped the populations into three distinct lineages, with Sardasht–Oramanat–Baneh showing the greatest divergence. Biplot vector patterns further clarified trait correlations, highlighting genomic structuring and potential breeding utility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ethnobotany and Plant Diversity: Conservation and Sustainable Use)

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22 pages, 6389 KB

Open AccessArticle

Zooplankton Indicators of Ecological Functioning Along an Urbanisation Gradient

by Larisa I. Florescu, Mirela M. Moldoveanu, Cristina A. Dumitrache and Rodica D. Catana

Diversity 2026, 18(1), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18010058 - 22 Jan 2026

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1707

Abstract

Zooplankton is an essential functional component of the aquatic food web, reflecting, through its structure and biomass, the impact of anthropogenic pressures on ecosystems. In this study, we investigated the traits of the Rotifera and Crustacea communities along a rural–urban gradient in the [...] Read more.

Zooplankton is an essential functional component of the aquatic food web, reflecting, through its structure and biomass, the impact of anthropogenic pressures on ecosystems. In this study, we investigated the traits of the Rotifera and Crustacea communities along a rural–urban gradient in the Colentina River system. The results revealed a partial separation between rotifers and crustaceans, with distinct distributions determined by trophic conditions and habitat type. Trophic indices (Carlson’s TSI, TSI_ROT, TSI_CR) indicated increased eutrophication in peri-urban and urban areas (Fundeni, Plumbuita) compared to rural reference ecosystems (Colentina, Crevedia). The relationships between Resource Use Efficiency (RUE) and trophic indices were positive and significant in rural areas, indicating a balanced ecosystem, but were decoupled in urbanised sectors, where high RUE values were driven by increased biomass of opportunistic species, whereas TSI indicated eutrophic conditions. The results confirm the role of zooplankton as a sensitive bioindicator, capable of capturing both the impact of eutrophication and the capacity of urbanised ecosystems to maintain trophic functionality. The integration of zooplankton-based metrics into monitoring schemes offers a complementary perspective on ecological resilience in aquatic ecosystems under urban pressures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Freshwater Biodiversity)

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16 pages, 2227 KB

Open AccessArticle

Distribution and Potential Dispersal Corridors of Two Onychodactylus Species in the Republic of Korea

by Young-Guk Kim, Hahyun Nam, Jaejin Park, Jiho Park and Daesik Park

Diversity 2026, 18(1), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18010057 - 22 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1822

Abstract

Accurate information regarding species boundaries is essential for ecological research and conservation planning. This information is particularly difficult to obtain but essential for cryptic amphibian species. The distribution and potential dispersal corridors of two cryptic salamander species, the Korean clawed (Onychodactylus koreanus [...] Read more.

Accurate information regarding species boundaries is essential for ecological research and conservation planning. This information is particularly difficult to obtain but essential for cryptic amphibian species. The distribution and potential dispersal corridors of two cryptic salamander species, the Korean clawed (Onychodactylus koreanus) and the Yangsan clawed (O. sillanus) salamanders, were investigated using integrated approaches for high-resolution species distribution modeling (SDM), genetic species identification, and habitat connectivity analysis. The SDM results showed high habitat suitability in mid- and high-mountainous areas, but very low suitability in riverine areas for both species. Genetic species identification of the 25 populations delimited the distribution boundary between the two species along the Nakdong and Geumho rivers. Dispersal corridors of the two species commonly involved a detour around the major rivers and produced only one possible dispersal route, where both species moved into the opposite species’ habitat along the east side of the mountainous areas of the Geumho River. The findings not only clarify the distribution range of two cryptic Onychodactylus species in the Republic of Korea but also highlight the importance of the unique dispersal route for studying species interactions and maintaining ecological connectivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Disturbance Ecology: A New Emerging Field in Basic/Applied Ecology and Conservation)

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28 pages, 2378 KB

Open AccessReview

Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Diversity of Greece: Biodiversity Knowledge, Ethnobotany and Sustainable Use—A Short Review

by Alexandra D. Solomou, Aikaterini Molla and Elpiniki Skoufogianni

Diversity 2026, 18(1), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18010056 - 22 Jan 2026

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1793

Abstract

Greece lies within the Mediterranean global biodiversity hotspot and harbors exceptional plant richness and endemism, including numerous medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs). These taxa underpin long ethnobotanical traditions and contemporary bioeconomy niches (culinary herbs, essential oils, phototherapeutics). The aim of this review is [...] Read more.

Greece lies within the Mediterranean global biodiversity hotspot and harbors exceptional plant richness and endemism, including numerous medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs). These taxa underpin long ethnobotanical traditions and contemporary bioeconomy niches (culinary herbs, essential oils, phototherapeutics). The aim of this review is to map (i) the biodiversity knowledge base for Greek MAPs, (ii) recent ethnobotanical evidence, and (iii) sustainability pathways (conservation, cultivation, value chains, and regulation) in a Mediterranean context. The information is presented and analyzed in a critical manner. A total of 148 research studies were systematically reviewed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Key findings highlight that (i) Greece is a regional plant-diversity hotspot with many MAP endemics in Lamiaceae; (ii) contemporary ethnobotanical knowledge persists and adapts; and (iii) strong sustainability levers exist through Natura 2000 coverage, Good Agricultural and Collection Practice (GACP) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) frameworks, and Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognitions (e.g., Krokos Kozanis saffron, Chios mastic), although threats from climate and land-use change remain significant. In conclusion, Greek MAPs combine high biodiversity value, living ethnobotanical traditions, and tangible bioeconomic opportunities. Their sustainable prospects depend on integrating habitat protection, GACP and FairWild Standard (FairWild)-aligned wild collection and cultivation, domestication of priority endemics, and climate-resilience planning, all supported by traceable value chains and Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS)/Nagoya Protocol compliance. The review concludes with practical recommendations and a prioritized list of flagship taxa for “conservation through use.” Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ethnobotany and Plant Diversity: Conservation and Sustainable Use)

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12 pages, 1654 KB

Open AccessArticle

Meteorological Forcing Shapes Seasonal Surface Zooplankton Dynamics in Lake Karamurat, a Small Tectonic Lake in Türkiye

by Pınar Gürbüzer, Okan Külköylüoğlu and Ahmet Altındağ

Diversity 2026, 18(1), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18010055 - 21 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 787

Abstract

In temperate freshwater ecosystems, zooplankton play a crucial role in the pelagic food web and act as sensitive indicators of environmental change. They respond to shifts in water temperature, hydrodynamic mixing, and short-term meteorological events. This study investigated the epilimnetic zooplankton fauna of [...] Read more.

In temperate freshwater ecosystems, zooplankton play a crucial role in the pelagic food web and act as sensitive indicators of environmental change. They respond to shifts in water temperature, hydrodynamic mixing, and short-term meteorological events. This study investigated the epilimnetic zooplankton fauna of Lake Karamurat (Bolu, Türkiye), a small tectonic temperate lake, with a specific focus on the influence of rainfall events and wind speed on community structure. The samples were taken seasonally and horizontally using a plankton net (55 µm mesh size) and were analyzed alongside in situ physico-chemical measurements and meteorological data. In total, 74 zooplankton taxa were identified, comprising 54 rotifer species and 20 crustacean species (16 Cladocera and 4 Copepoda). Testudinella greeni was recorded for the first time in Türkiye, representing a new addition to the Turkish Rotifera fauna. Multivariate analyses revealed that electrical conductivity, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, precipitation, and wind speed were key drivers shaping community composition. The findings suggest that wind-driven surface mixing and episodic rainfall events enhanced vertical redistribution, leading to dominance of rotifers and small-bodied cladocerans in the epilimnion. These findings underscore the critical role of sampling strategy in shallow lakes under dynamic conditions and provide new faunistic insights into the zooplankton diversity of Anatolian lakes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity and Ecology of Freshwater Plankton)

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24 pages, 30705 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Other Side of the Coin: Taxonomic Updates and Species Key of Herennia (Araneae: Nephilidae)

by Matjaž Kuntner, Kuang-Ping Yu, Eva Turk, Klemen Čandek, Matjaž Gregorič, Gregory J. Anderson, Jonathan A. Coddington and Ren-Chung Cheng

Diversity 2026, 18(1), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18010054 - 20 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1876

Abstract

Coin spiders of the genus Herennia Thorell, 1877 are species-rich nephilids distributed across South, East, and Southeast Asia and Australasia. They are notable for ladder-shaped arboricolous webs, extreme sexual size dimorphism, and complex sexual behaviors. The most recent revision recognized 11 species, only [...] Read more.

Coin spiders of the genus Herennia Thorell, 1877 are species-rich nephilids distributed across South, East, and Southeast Asia and Australasia. They are notable for ladder-shaped arboricolous webs, extreme sexual size dimorphism, and complex sexual behaviors. The most recent revision recognized 11 species, only 4 of which were described from both sexes. Here, we present a taxonomic revision integrating new morphological and molecular data and recognize 14 species. We describe three new species—H. eva Kuntner from Sulawesi, H. maj Kuntner from Vietnam, and H. tsoi Kuntner et al. from Taiwan—and document previously unknown males of H. oz Kuntner, 2005 from Australia and H. tone Kuntner, 2005 from the Philippines. We also extend the known distribution of H. papuana Thorell, 1881 from New Guinea to Australia. Although several molecular species-delimitation analyses suggest H. oz and H. etruscilla Kuntner, 2005 may be conspecific, consistent and diagnostic morphological differences support their recognition as distinct species. We provide an updated identification key to all valid Herennia species. Additional undescribed endemics are likely to occur across the Asian mainland and the rapidly disappearing forests of Southeast Asian and Australasian islands. The genus’ biogeographic pattern, shaped by an ancestrally broad distribution spanning the Wallace Line, may reflect repeated loss and regain of ballooning, a hypothesis that warrants experimental and comparative testing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Phylogeny and Evolution)

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19 pages, 2083 KB

Open AccessArticle

Demography of an Imperiled Minnow Species (Lepidomeda aliciae: Leuciscidae) Under Different Predation Regimes

by Josh E. Rasmussen, Eric J. Billman, Jerald B. Johnson, Brenden M. Orocu, Robert A. Richardson, J. Jaime Zúñiga-Vega and Mark C. Belk

Diversity 2026, 18(1), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18010053 - 20 Jan 2026

Viewed by 509

Abstract

To understand the demography of an evolutionarily naïve fish species that sometimes coexists with an invasive predator, we collected mark–recapture data and size–frequency data of two populations of southern leatherside chub (Lepidomeda aliciae), one of which coexists with nonnative brown trout [...] Read more.

To understand the demography of an evolutionarily naïve fish species that sometimes coexists with an invasive predator, we collected mark–recapture data and size–frequency data of two populations of southern leatherside chub (Lepidomeda aliciae), one of which coexists with nonnative brown trout (Salmo trutta). For each population, we estimated vital rates from mark–recapture data to inform a stage-structured matrix transition model. We also used size–frequency distributions from these populations in an integral projection model. Southern leatherside chub from the predator-free environment exhibited higher survival (except age-0) and lower average realized fecundity than the population from the predator environment. Survival rates of age-0 in the predator environment were double the rates in the predator-free habitat. Growth transitions from the smallest size class and reproduction at medium sizes had a combined elasticity of nearly 0.70 in the predator environment, but only 0.43 in the predator-free population. Our results indicate that the southern leatherside chub in Lost Creek that are sympatric with invasive brown trout have reduced abundance and survival of larger individuals and higher age-0 survival and value of reproduction at smaller sizes, compared to the Salina Creek population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2025 Feature Papers by Diversity’s Editorial Board Members)

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15 pages, 3968 KB

Open AccessArticle

High-Resolution Integrative Delimitation of Intertidal Limpets via Multi-Locus Barcodes and SEM Morphology

by Jialong Liang, Kexin Zhao, Xiaonan Ma, Jiayi Zang, Wenxiao Guo and Ran Zhao

Diversity 2026, 18(1), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18010052 - 19 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1037

Abstract

Limpets are marine gastropod molluscs well adapted to intertidal rocky environments, yet their taxonomic resolution remains challenging due to extensive morphological convergence and the presence of cryptic species. In this study, we applied an integrative taxonomic framework combining multi-locus DNA barcoding and fine-scale [...] Read more.

Limpets are marine gastropod molluscs well adapted to intertidal rocky environments, yet their taxonomic resolution remains challenging due to extensive morphological convergence and the presence of cryptic species. In this study, we applied an integrative taxonomic framework combining multi-locus DNA barcoding and fine-scale morphological characterization to clarify species boundaries within three families of limpets—Nacellidae, Lottiidae, and Siphonariidae. A total of 132 individuals collected from six coastal sites in Shenzhen and adjacent areas of southern China were analyzed using four markers Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA), Cytochrome b (Cytb) and 28S ribosomal RNA (28S rRNA), together with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations of radular morphology. Molecular analyses identified nine distinct species across five genera. Kimura two-parameter distance analyses revealed clear barcode gaps in 16S rRNA, Cytb, and 28S rRNA genes, particularly among Cellana and Nipponacmea, whereas COI exhibited stronger discriminatory power within Siphonaria. Moreover, our study provides newly 16S, 28S references for Nipponacmea formosa and Cytb references for Nipponacmea formosa, Lottia luchuana, Siphonaria atra, Siphonaria sirius, Siphonaria sp. and Siphonaria sirius, enriching the public references and explaining the lack of corresponding records in previous BLAST searches. In addition, we identified misannotated COI references in NCBI which were labelled as Nipponacema schrenckii but belong to Cellana toreuma, highlighting inconsistencies in existing reference data rather than issues with our samples. SEM-based radular features displayed consistent interspecific variation that corroborated molecularly defined clades, offering comprehensive search of the NCBI reliable morphological evidence for species delimitation. Collectively, our findings highlight the value of integrating lineage-specific molecular markers with detailed morphological analyses to resolve taxonomic ambiguities in morphologically conservative marine gastropods. Furthermore, this approach strengthens molecular reference resources essential for future biodiversity and evolutionary research on intertidal limpets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Marine Diversity)

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13 pages, 4861 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Validity of the Spanish Eocene Pleurodiran Turtle ‘Duerochelys arribasi’: The Youngest Freshwater Member of Erymnochelyinae (Podocnemididae) in Europe

by Adán Pérez-García, Andrea Guerrero, Santiago Martín de Jesús and Francisco Ortega

Diversity 2026, 18(1), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18010051 - 19 Jan 2026

Viewed by 766

Abstract

The validity of the youngest representative of Neochelys described to date, representing the last European freshwater member of Erymnochelyinae, has been considered doubtful. A revision of the previously documented specimens of this Spanish Bartonian or Priabonian (MP 16 or MP 17, middle or [...] Read more.

The validity of the youngest representative of Neochelys described to date, representing the last European freshwater member of Erymnochelyinae, has been considered doubtful. A revision of the previously documented specimens of this Spanish Bartonian or Priabonian (MP 16 or MP 17, middle or late Eocene) species is performed here, along with the analysis of additional unpublished remains from the same geological formation. The principal character originally used to diagnose the species (i.e., paired gular scutes) is refuted here, and interpreted instead as an anomalous variation that is also found in other representatives of the genus. However, Neochelys arribasi is supported as a valid species based on other morphological features. We recognize here an increase in size for the representatives of Neochelys from the Duero Basin over time, which are also the youngest known species of Neochelys. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2026 Feature Papers by Diversity's Editorial Board Members)

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22 pages, 2026 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evolutionary Relationships and Genetic Diversity in the Southern Siberian Populations of the Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug), a Young and Endangered Species

by Daria Nikolaevna Rozhkova, Elena Pavlovna Shnayder, Valentina Georgievna Tambovtseva, Igor Vyacheslavovich Karyakin, Alla Veniaminovna Blekhman, Oleg Evgenievich Lazebny, Svetlana Yuryevna Sorokina, Ludmila Sergeevna Zinevich and Alexey Mikhailovich Kulikov

Diversity 2026, 18(1), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18010050 - 18 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1463

Abstract

Studying intraspecific differentiation in closely related species is essential to clarify the phylogenetic relationships and mechanisms of early stage speciation, particularly in evolutionarily young lineages affected by human-driven population declines. The endangered saker falcon (Falco cherrug), with its ambiguous phylogenetic links [...] Read more.

Studying intraspecific differentiation in closely related species is essential to clarify the phylogenetic relationships and mechanisms of early stage speciation, particularly in evolutionarily young lineages affected by human-driven population declines. The endangered saker falcon (Falco cherrug), with its ambiguous phylogenetic links to the gyrfalcon (F. rusticolus), exemplifies this scenario. This study presents a comprehensive genetic analysis of F. cherrug and F. rusticolus using mtDNA markers and microsatellite loci, focusing on the diversity of southern Siberian saker falcon populations. The genotyping results for these populations were correlated with phenotypic data obtained from long-term monitoring (1999–2021). Our findings provide novel insights into the current subspecific differentiation and the remnants of a nascent subspecies structure that existed before the recent demographic collapse. Furthermore, our results support the hypothesis of the gyrfalcon’s origin as a descendant species of the Asian saker falcon, i.e., an evolutionarily young lineage undergoing divergence. Our data contribute to the understanding of the Hierofalco evolutionary history, particularly through the analysis of heterogeneous mutation rates among mitochondrial haplogroups. This study underscores the critical importance of conservation efforts for wild endangered populations through long-term monitoring integrated with combined genetic approaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Avian Genetic Diversity)

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41 pages, 6730 KB

Open AccessArticle

Ethnobotany of Local Vegetables and Spices in Sakon Nakhon Province, Thailand

by Piyaporn Saensouk, Surapon Saensouk, Phiphat Sonthongphithak, Auemporn Junsongduang, Kamonwan Koompoot, Bin Huang, Wei Shen and Tammanoon Jitpromma

Diversity 2026, 18(1), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18010049 - 17 Jan 2026

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1739

Abstract

Local vegetables and spices are essential components of traditional food and health systems in northeastern Thailand, yet quantitative ethnobotanical evidence remains limited. This study documents the diversity, utilization, and cultural significance of vegetables and spices used in Sang Kho Sub-district, Phu Phan District, [...] Read more.

Local vegetables and spices are essential components of traditional food and health systems in northeastern Thailand, yet quantitative ethnobotanical evidence remains limited. This study documents the diversity, utilization, and cultural significance of vegetables and spices used in Sang Kho Sub-district, Phu Phan District, Sakon Nakhon Province. Ethnobotanical data were collected in 2025 through field surveys, voucher-based plant identification, semi-structured interviews, and participant observation involving 92 informants across 23 villages. Cultural significance and medicinal knowledge were evaluated using the Cultural Importance Index (CI), Informant Consensus Factor (FIC), and Fidelity Level (FL). A total of 113 taxa belonging to 94 genera and 49 plant families were recorded. Poaceae and Zingiberaceae were the most species-rich families. Native species slightly predominated (51.33%), and herbaceous taxa were most common. Leaves were the most frequently used plant part. Most taxa were used as vegetables (92 species), followed by traditional medicines (20 species), spices or seasonings (18 species), and food ingredients or culinary additives (18 species). The highest CI values were recorded for Allium ascalonicum L. (1.152), Capsicum annuum L. (1.098), and Coriandrum sativum L. (1.043). FIC values ranged from 0.60 to 1.00, with complete consensus for circulatory and neurological disorders. Cymbopogon citratus showed the highest FL (75%) for gastrointestinal uses. These findings demonstrate the close integration of food and medicine in local plant-use systems and provide baseline data for food system resilience and cultural knowledge conservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ethnobotany and Plant Diversity: Conservation and Sustainable Use)

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22 pages, 2580 KB

Open AccessArticle

Variation in Soil Microbial Carbon Utilization Patterns Along a Forest Successional Series in a Degraded Wetland of the Sanjiang Plain

by Zhaorui Liu, Wenmiao Pu, Kaiquan Zhang, Rongze Luo, Xin Sui and Mai-He Li

Diversity 2026, 18(1), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18010048 - 16 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1957

Abstract

The Sanjiang Plain hosts the largest freshwater wetland in Northeastern China and plays a critical role in regional climate stability. However, climate change and human activities have degraded the wetland, forming a successional gradient from the original flooded wetland to dry shrub and [...] Read more.

The Sanjiang Plain hosts the largest freshwater wetland in Northeastern China and plays a critical role in regional climate stability. However, climate change and human activities have degraded the wetland, forming a successional gradient from the original flooded wetland to dry shrub and forest vegetation with a lower ground water level. This degradation has altered soil microbial structure and functions, reducing ecological and socio-economic benefits. Along this successional gradient, we used Biolog-ECO plates combined with soil enzyme assays (catalase, urease, sucrase, and acid phosphatase) to assess the dynamics of microbial carbon metabolic activity, measured by average well color development (AWCD). The results showed a systematic decline in AWCD values with advancing succession, revealing a pronounced reduction in overall microbial metabolic activity during wetland degradation. This trend correlated with loss of soil moisture, organic carbon, and nitrogen nutrients. Microbial communities in early successional wetland stages (i.e., original natural wetland and wetland edge) preferred labile carbon sources (e.g., carbohydrates, amino acids), while forested stages favored relatively more structural (e.g., polymers, phenolic compounds). These findings indicate that vegetation succession regulates microbial carbon metabolism by modifying soil physicochemical properties, providing insights for wetland restoration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Diversity in Different Environments)

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20 pages, 1399 KB

Open AccessReview

Nature-Based Solutions for Resilience: A Global Review of Ecosystem Services from Urban Forests and Cover Crops

by Anastasia Ivanova, Reena Randhir and Timothy O. Randhir

Diversity 2026, 18(1), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18010047 - 15 Jan 2026

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1812

Abstract

Climate change and land-use intensification are speeding up the loss of ecosystem services that support human health, food security, and environmental stability. Vegetative interventions—such as urban forests in cities and cover crops in farming systems—are increasingly seen as nature-based solutions for climate adaptation. [...] Read more.

Climate change and land-use intensification are speeding up the loss of ecosystem services that support human health, food security, and environmental stability. Vegetative interventions—such as urban forests in cities and cover crops in farming systems—are increasingly seen as nature-based solutions for climate adaptation. However, their benefits are often viewed separately. This review combines 20 years of research to explore how these strategies, together, improve provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural ecosystem services across various landscapes. Urban forests help reduce urban heat islands, improve air quality, manage stormwater, and offer cultural and health benefits. Cover crops increase soil fertility, regulate water, support nutrient cycling, and enhance crop yields, with potential for carbon sequestration and biofuel production. We identify opportunities and challenges, highlight barriers to adopting these strategies, and suggest integrated frameworks—including spatial decision-support tools, incentive programs, and education—to encourage broader use. By connecting urban and rural systems, this review underscores vegetation as a versatile tool for resilience, essential for reaching global sustainability goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2026 Feature Papers by Diversity's Editorial Board Members)

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12 pages, 1483 KB

Open AccessArticle

Climate Zones Modulate Deep Chlorophyll Maxima in Middle-Latitude Lakes via Thermocline Development

by Li Wang, Qichao Zhou, Yong Li and Xufa Ma

Diversity 2026, 18(1), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18010046 - 15 Jan 2026

Viewed by 774

Abstract

Thermal stability is a key factor in determining the phenomena of deep chlorophyll maxima (DCM) in stratified lakes, as it mediates the vertical balance between light and nutrients required by phytoplankton. While it is well established that lake stratification is sensitive to latitude [...] Read more.

Thermal stability is a key factor in determining the phenomena of deep chlorophyll maxima (DCM) in stratified lakes, as it mediates the vertical balance between light and nutrients required by phytoplankton. While it is well established that lake stratification is sensitive to latitude gradients, the ways in which thermal stability modulates DCM characteristics (i.e., depth, thickness, and concentration) and nutrient–chlorophyll relationships across different latitude classifications remain unclear. In this study, data on thermocline depth, DCM feature, and water quality parameters were collected from 88 globally distributed stratified lakes. Our findings indicate that (1) higher-latitude lakes exhibit strong thermoclines, with light and nitrogen serving as the primary drivers of thermal stratification; (2) in high-latitude lakes, surface chlorophyll a concentrations are more tightly linked to total phosphorus than that at DCM depth in low-latitude lakes; and (3) structural equation modeling (SEM) results demonstrate that higher-latitude lakes form shallower and thinner DCM structures, where low light levels contribute to reduced peaks in algal biomass. These findings provide valuable insights for the management of stratified lakes facing the dual pressures of climate change and eutrophication. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Ecological Functions of Algae in a Changing World: From Fundamentals to Applications)

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22 pages, 24533 KB

Open AccessArticle

Diversity of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes of the Genus Pratylenchus (Nematoda: Pratylenchidae) in California: Descriptions of Two New Species and Insights from Phylogenetic Analyses

by Sergio Álvarez-Ortega, Amy Michaud and Sergei A. Subbotin

Diversity 2026, 18(1), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18010045 - 14 Jan 2026

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1504

Abstract

Root-lesion nematodes of the genus Pratylenchus are among the most economically significant plant-parasitic nematodes worldwide. During nematological surveys conducted in natural and agricultural ecosystems in California, several known species, P. bolivianus, P. hippeastri, P. pinguicaudatus, P. scribneri, P. thornei [...] Read more.

Root-lesion nematodes of the genus Pratylenchus are among the most economically significant plant-parasitic nematodes worldwide. During nematological surveys conducted in natural and agricultural ecosystems in California, several known species, P. bolivianus, P. hippeastri, P. pinguicaudatus, P. scribneri, P. thornei, and P. vulnus, as well as two undescribed species, P. chizhovi sp. n. and P. gracilis sp. n., were recovered. Pratylenchus chizhovi sp. n. is characterized by a slightly offset lip region with three annuli narrowing anteriorly, a short stylet (14.5–17.0 µm) with rounded knobs, a lateral field with four incisures, a spherical spermatheca lacking sperm, a vulva with somewhat prominent lips, a subcylindrical tail with a truncate-rounded, smooth terminus, and unknown males. Pratylenchus gracilis sp. n. is characterized by a lip region offset with three annuli narrowing anteriorly, a short stylet (15–18 µm) with rounded knobs, a lateral field with four incisures, an oval to rounded spermatheca containing some sperm cells, a vulva with somewhat prominent lips, a subcylindrical tail with a rounded, smooth terminus, and males present. Phylogenetic relationships of California Pratylenchus species and other members of the genus were inferred using 18S rRNA, D2–D3 of 28S rRNA, and the mitochondrial COI gene sequences. This study provides an updated assessment of Pratylenchus species diversity in California, highlighting both previously described taxa and newly discovered species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Phylogeny and Evolution)

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17 pages, 1325 KB

Open AccessArticle

Shifts in Composition, Origin, and Distribution of Invasive Alien Plants in Guangxi, China, over 50 Years

by Jia Kong, Cong Hu, Yadong Qie, Chaohao Xu, Aihua Wang, Zhonghua Zhang and Gang Hu

Diversity 2026, 18(1), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18010044 - 14 Jan 2026

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1288

Abstract

Invasions by alien plants are major global drivers of ecosystem changes and loss of biodiversity. Guangxi is an ecological barrier in southern China that is increasingly being affected by invasive alien plant species. We comprehensively reviewed the literature, compiling and analyzing the long-term [...] Read more.

Invasions by alien plants are major global drivers of ecosystem changes and loss of biodiversity. Guangxi is an ecological barrier in southern China that is increasingly being affected by invasive alien plant species. We comprehensively reviewed the literature, compiling and analyzing the long-term changes in species composition, native range, life forms, municipal-scale patterns, and correlates of invasive alien plant richness in Guangxi at three time points (1973, 2010, and 2023). Over the 50-year period, the number of invasive alien plant species markedly increased from 31 species in 1973 to 84 in 2010 and 158 in 2023; the number of families, genera, and species increased 2.05-, 3.75-, and 5.10-fold, respectively. Species native to North America consistently dominated the invasive flora, followed by those native to Africa. The number of species native to South America and Asia increased in the records from 2010 to 2023. Annual herbaceous plants accounted for the largest proportion of invasive species throughout the study period and showed the largest absolute increase in species number. However, no substantial temporal shifts in the overall life-form composition were detected. At the municipal scale, the invasive alien plant richness exhibited pronounced spatial heterogeneity. The invasive alien plant richness was highest in Guilin and Baise in 1973, in Guilin in 2023, followed by Nanning and Baise. Correlation analyses based on 2023 data revealed a significant positive association between invasive alien plant richness and tourism intensity, whereas relationships between population size, gross domestic product, and climatic variables were weak or nonsignificant. Overall, our results document the continued expansion and the spatial differentiation of invasive alien plants in Guangxi over the 50-year period of 1973–2023. These patterns primarily reflect the accumulation in the number of recorded invasive species under a consistent classification framework and should be interpreted with caution given the potential variation in survey effort among periods and cities. The results provide a descriptive baseline for the provincial-scale monitoring, risk assessment, and management of invasive alien plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Distribution, Impacts, and Management of Invasive Plants)

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9 pages, 2379 KB

Open AccessArticle

Linking Phenotypic Variation to Developmental Conditions: A Population-Phenogenetic Study of Lacerta agilis

by Vladimir M. Zakharov and Ilya E. Trofimov

Diversity 2026, 18(1), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18010043 - 14 Jan 2026

Viewed by 687

Abstract

We analyzed intraspecific phenotypic variability relation to experimentally established dependencies of phenotypic traits on developmental conditions. As a model system, we examined meristic variation in the sand lizard (Lacerta agilis) across the European part of its range. At both the level [...] Read more.

We analyzed intraspecific phenotypic variability relation to experimentally established dependencies of phenotypic traits on developmental conditions. As a model system, we examined meristic variation in the sand lizard (Lacerta agilis) across the European part of its range. At both the level of individual traits and their combined expression, of the spatial patterns of phenotypic diversity largely corresponds to experimentally identified trends in phenotype changes associated with developmental temperature, indicating a substantial role of habitat conditions in shaping phenotypic differentiation and the direction of genetic change. Deviations from these trends were observed in several intraspecific groups and were consistent with previously documented patterns of genetic differentiation. Overall, our results demonstrate the utility of an approach that interprets phenotypic variability through experimentally derived relationships between phenotype and developmental conditions, providing a promising framework for large-scale studies of intraspecific diversity in this and other species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Diversity)

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15 pages, 2407 KB

Open AccessArticle

Microbial Community Characterization of Nine Korean Sponge Species from Gageodo Island

by Minjee Kim, Myoung-Sook Shin, Sung Jin Kim, Subin Park, Inho Yang, Young A Kim and Hiyoung Kim

Diversity 2026, 18(1), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18010042 - 14 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1406

Abstract

Marine sponges are known to be associated with diverse and functionally specialized microbial consortia that are implicated in host metabolism, biogeochemical cycling, and bioactive compounds production. The microbiome diversity and composition of nine sponge species from the remote waters of Gageodo Island, Korea, [...] Read more.

Marine sponges are known to be associated with diverse and functionally specialized microbial consortia that are implicated in host metabolism, biogeochemical cycling, and bioactive compounds production. The microbiome diversity and composition of nine sponge species from the remote waters of Gageodo Island, Korea, were evaluated via full-length 16S rRNA sequencing and bioinformatic analyses. Each sponge species harbored a distinct microbial community, with differences potentially influenced by ecological factors, evolutionary history, and host–symbiont associations. The dominant microbial phyla identified across the sponge samples include Pseudomonadota, Cyanobacteriota, Acidobacteriota, Planctomycetota, and Chloroflexota, which were widely distributed across samples. In addition, the classes Gammaproteobacteria, Acidobacteriae, and Anaerolineae appeared as characteristic groups, being particularly abundant in specific sponge samples. Community structures ranged from dominance by one or two abundant taxa to more taxonomically diverse and evenly distributed microbiomes. A notable proportion of sequences were unassignable to known taxa, suggesting the occurrence of previously uncharacterized microbial lineages in these sponges. By combining host species identification with microbiome profiling, this study provides new foundations on the microbial ecology of Korean sponge holobionts, providing higher-resolution taxonomic classification, improved diversity estimates, and enhanced characterization of evolutionary relationships among symbionts. These findings may support future investigations into host–microbe interactions, potential ecological functions, and the management of marine genetic resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dynamics of Marine Communities—Second Edition)

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17 pages, 1247 KB

Open AccessArticle

Morphometric Relations Within Elasmobranch Species from the Amvrakikos Gulf (Central Mediterranean)

by Martina Ciprian, Ioannis Giovos, Carlotta Mazzoldi and Dimitrios K. Moutopoulos

Diversity 2026, 18(1), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18010041 - 13 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1796

Abstract

Despite their ecological and conservation significance, morphometric relations remain scarce for elasmobranch species in the Mediterranean. This study examined morphometric parameters of the eight elasmobranch species (one shark and seven batoids) presented in the Amvrakikos Gulf that has been designated as a National [...] Read more.

Despite their ecological and conservation significance, morphometric relations remain scarce for elasmobranch species in the Mediterranean. This study examined morphometric parameters of the eight elasmobranch species (one shark and seven batoids) presented in the Amvrakikos Gulf that has been designated as a National Park. A total of 1247 specimens were sampled between 2022 and 2025, caught by small-scale fishing vessels using trammel nets, gillnets or bottom longlines and collected through onboard surveys or landing sites monitoring. Linear regressions were applied to describe relations between total length and other body measures (disc length, disc width, fork length), and length measurements and body weight. Results showed strong relations across morphometric traits, with R² values exceeding 0.655 for most relations. Growth patterns varied: four species (Aetomylaeus bovinus, Dasyatis pastinaca, D. tortonesei, Mustelus mustelus) exhibited positive allometry, one species (D. marmorata) displayed negative allometry and Gymnura altavela showed near-isometric growth. Sexual dimorphism was generally absent, although significant differences were found between sex in disc width slopes for D. marmorata, Myliobatis aquila and Torpedo torpedo, and in length–weight relations for M. mustelus. These findings substantially fill regional data gaps, offering new baseline estimates for rare and threatened elasmobranchs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Biodiversity, Ecology, and Management in Shark Research)

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6 pages, 7659 KB

Open AccessInteresting Images

When Consumption Comes from Beneath: A Visual Record of Slow-Moving Consumers and Abrupt Lower Distribution Limits of Sessile Intertidal Species

by Ricardo A. Scrosati

Diversity 2026, 18(1), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18010040 - 13 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1113

Abstract

This article documents abrupt lower distribution limits of sessile invertebrates and seaweeds from rocky intertidal habitats on Pacific and Atlantic shores from both hemispheres. The common feature of these striking patterns is that they are caused primarily by slow-moving predators or herbivores coming [...] Read more.

This article documents abrupt lower distribution limits of sessile invertebrates and seaweeds from rocky intertidal habitats on Pacific and Atlantic shores from both hemispheres. The common feature of these striking patterns is that they are caused primarily by slow-moving predators or herbivores coming from lower elevations. This contribution aims at stimulating comparative studies on these fascinating systems as well as providing visual materials of educational value. Full article

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

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17 pages, 3561 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Diversity and Phylogeography of Schistosoma mansoni from Guinea

by Ekaterina Vodiasova, Daria Prokhorova, Viktoria Uppe, Elizaveta Bogacheva, Ibrahima Keita and Evgenija Dmitrieva

Diversity 2026, 18(1), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18010039 - 11 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1913

Abstract

Human schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by six Schistosoma species, the most widespread of which is S. mansoni. Despite its high prevalence in Africa, molecular data on the parasite remain scarce in many regions, including the Republic of Guinea. This [...] Read more.

Human schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by six Schistosoma species, the most widespread of which is S. mansoni. Despite its high prevalence in Africa, molecular data on the parasite remain scarce in many regions, including the Republic of Guinea. This study presents the first molecular characterization of S. mansoni from naturally infected Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails in Guinea. Eight cox1 and four nd5 mitochondrial gene fragments, 353–425 bp and 259–271 bp in length, respectively, were sequenced. A new cox1 haplotype of S. mansoni was identified in this study. High genetic diversity was observed in our samples for both cox1 (Hd = 0.75) and nd5 (Hd = 0.84). Phylogeographic analysis revealed that the dominant Guinean cox1 haplotypes are shared with other West African populations, and that one haplotype is globally dispersed, linking West Africa to South America and the Middle East. Phylogenetic reconstructions confirmed the divergence between West and Southeast African populations and supported the hypothesis of a Southeast African origin for S. mansoni, with a subsequent expansion to West Africa and the New World. These results highlight the importance of expanding molecular surveillance to improve our understanding of the spread and population structure of this human pathogen. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Diversity)

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26 pages, 6213 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Thick-Skulled Troodontid Theropod from the Late Cretaceous of Mexico

by Hector E. Rivera-Sylva, Martha C. Aguillón-Martinez, Jose Flores-Ventura, Ivan E. Sánchez-Uribe, Jose Ruben Guzman-Gutierrez and Nicholas R. Longrich

Diversity 2026, 18(1), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18010038 - 9 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 10737

Abstract

Dinosaurs repeatedly evolved adaptations for sexual selection over their 150-million year history, including adaptations for display and intraspecific combat. Adaptations for intraspecific combat have not previously been described in non-avian maniraptorans. We report a troodontid from the Campanian Cerro del Pueblo Formation of [...] Read more.

Dinosaurs repeatedly evolved adaptations for sexual selection over their 150-million year history, including adaptations for display and intraspecific combat. Adaptations for intraspecific combat have not previously been described in non-avian maniraptorans. We report a troodontid from the Campanian Cerro del Pueblo Formation of Coahuila, Mexico, showing a thickened and domed skull roof. The cranium is domed and bones are extremely thick, a morphology convergent on that of Pachycephalosauridae. Referred specimens show less thickening or doming, suggesting ontogenetic changes or perhaps sexual dimorphism. The holotype shows fusion of the frontal midline suture and tightly interdigitating sutures between skull bones, and a rugose skull roof. The specializations seen here suggest adaptation for intraspecific combat, specifically head-butting as hypothesized for pachycephalosaurids and pachyrhinosaurin ceratopsids. Repeated evolution of elaborate weapons and display features in the Cretaceous suggests that sexual selection became increasingly important in dinosaur evolution during the Cretaceous. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Diversity)

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21 pages, 35651 KB

Open AccessArticle

Contribution to Taxonomy and Biogeography of Mastogloia (Diatomeae, Bacillariophyceae): A Pantropical Species and a Potential Regional Endemic

by Christopher S. Lobban, Kiaza Rose Jerao and Thomas A. Frankovich

Diversity 2026, 18(1), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18010037 - 9 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1647

Abstract

Benthic marine diatoms are speciose but vastly underexplored eukaryotic microbes. Diatoms are identified by their intricately ornamented silica cell walls known as frustules, following removal of all organic matter with acid or strong oxidants. When living samples of diatom communities are examined, it [...] Read more.

Benthic marine diatoms are speciose but vastly underexplored eukaryotic microbes. Diatoms are identified by their intricately ornamented silica cell walls known as frustules, following removal of all organic matter with acid or strong oxidants. When living samples of diatom communities are examined, it is impossible to detect all the species present, as rare ones are easily obscured among the other materials present, and taxonomic identification of living diatoms can be uncertain or impossible, even with isolated cells. These features of diatom taxonomy have important consequences for biogeography, which we illustrate and discuss using new observations from two species. Despite being the mainstay for diatom descriptions, species described by light microscopy (LM) alone may conflate two species or (as in the case presented) lead to spurious new species; both need ultrastructural study to ascertain taxonomic and geographical boundaries. The species studied with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) over the last 45 years by Stephens & Gibson, Pennesi et al., and Lobban under the name of Mastogloia hustedtii is shown to be synonymous with M. grunovii. The former became known in the SEM era to bear both pseudoconopea (longitudinal flaps parallel to the sternum, invisible in LM) and silica plaques on the inner margins of the partecta (chambers on the valvocopulae), with the latter supposedly bearing neither, but there is a single, pantropical/Mediterranean species encompassed in the original description of M. grunovii. A new ultrastructural feature for the genus is reported from this species: marginal chambers formed by laminae over the mantle areolae and the first 2–3 areolae on the valve face. The second species studied, M. meisteri, had been reported a few times from one region based on very rare frustules, which do not meet the first criterion for biogeography: where did they live? Although we, too, did not observe living cells, the number of specimens present is evidence for a living population epiphytic on a Virgin Islands coral reef. The ultrastructure of this species is also shown for the first time. Because absence of evidence is overwhelming in microbial biogeography, the best we can say is that this species is potentially a regional endemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Biogeography of Marine Benthos—2nd Edition)

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24 pages, 15357 KB

Open AccessArticle

Quantitative Assessment of Drought Impact on Grassland Productivity in Inner Mongolia Using SPI and Biome-BGC

by Yunjia Ma, Tianjie Lei, Jiabao Wang, Zhitao Lin, Hang Li and Baoyin Liu

Diversity 2026, 18(1), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18010036 - 9 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1347

Abstract

Drought poses a severe threat to grassland biodiversity and ecosystem function. However, quantitative frameworks that capture the interactive effects of drought intensity and duration on productivity remain scarce, limiting impact assessment accuracy. To bridge this gap, we developed and validated a novel hybrid [...] Read more.

Drought poses a severe threat to grassland biodiversity and ecosystem function. However, quantitative frameworks that capture the interactive effects of drought intensity and duration on productivity remain scarce, limiting impact assessment accuracy. To bridge this gap, we developed and validated a novel hybrid modeling framework to quantify drought impacts on net primary productivity (NPP) across Inner Mongolia’s major grasslands (1961–2012). Drought was characterized using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), and ecosystem productivity was simulated with the Biome-BGC model. Our core innovation is the hybrid model, which integrates linear and nonlinear components to explicitly capture the compounded, nonlinear influence of combined drought intensity and duration. This represents a significant advance over conventional single-perspective approaches. Key results demonstrate that the hybrid model substantially outperforms linear and nonlinear models alone, yielding highly significant regression equations for all grassland types (meadow, typical, desert; all p < 0.001). Independent validation confirmed its robustness and high predictive skill (NSE ≈ 0.868, RMSE = 20.09 gC/m²/yr). The analysis reveals two critical findings: (1) drought duration is a stronger driver of productivity decline than instantaneous intensity, and (2) desert grasslands are the most vulnerable, followed by typical and meadow grasslands. The hybrid model serves as a practical tool for estimating site-specific productivity loss, directly informing grassland management priorities, adaptive grazing strategies, and early-warning system design. Beyond immediate applications, this framework provides a transferable methodology for assessing drought-induced vulnerability in biodiverse ecosystems, supporting conservation and climate-adaptive management. Full article

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

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19 pages, 8678 KB

Open AccessArticle

Climate Zones Shape the Global Diversity of Sexual Systems in Forests Woody Plants

by Haixia Li, Jiao Lin, Yazhou Feng, Yun Chen, Ziyu Zhou and Zhiliang Yuan

Diversity 2026, 18(1), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18010035 - 9 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1236

Abstract

Sexual systems critically influence woody plant evolution and forest functioning, yet their global patterns and environmental drivers remain understudied. Investigating the environmental correlates of sexual systems in woody plants is essential for developing targeted conservation and restoration strategies for forest ecosystems. We analyzed [...] Read more.

Sexual systems critically influence woody plant evolution and forest functioning, yet their global patterns and environmental drivers remain understudied. Investigating the environmental correlates of sexual systems in woody plants is essential for developing targeted conservation and restoration strategies for forest ecosystems. We analyzed sexual system composition of 3595 woody species from 30 ForestGEO forest plots spanning tropical, subtropical, and temperate zones in the Northern Hemisphere. Species were classified by sexual system (hermaphroditism, monoecy, and dioecy) and growth form (trees and shrubs). Community-level patterns were assessed across climatic zones, and the relative contributions of climatic, spatial, and topographic factors were quantified using multivariate and network-based analyses. We observed the following: (1) Sexual system composition exhibited clear climatic differentiation: dioecious species predominate in tropical forests, while monoecious species increased in dominance toward temperate regions. (2) Climatic variables, particularly temperature and precipitation, accounted for more variation in sexual system composition than spatial or topographic factors, although their relative influence differed among climatic zones. (3) Distinct life-form-specific patterns were detected: sexual systems of trees were more strongly associated with broad-scale climatic gradients, whereas those of shrubs were more closely linked to spatial structure and local environmental heterogeneity. Together, these results demonstrate that climate is a dominant but life-form-dependent driver of sexual system biogeography in woody plants, improving trait-based understanding of forest biodiversity responses to climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biodiversity Conservation)

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18 pages, 4104 KB

Open AccessCommunication

Selective Predation and Chick Provisioning Rhythms in the European Scops Owl (Otus scops)

by Ignasi Torre, Joan Grajera and Josep Maria Olmo-Vidal

Diversity 2026, 18(1), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18010034 - 8 Jan 2026

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1760

Abstract

This study analyzes the provisioning strategy of the European Scops Owl (Otus scops) via continuous video monitoring of a breeding pair in a peri-urban Mediterranean forest in NE Spain (n = 724 deliveries). Invertebrates dominated numerically, with Orthoptera constituting 64.6%. [...] Read more.

This study analyzes the provisioning strategy of the European Scops Owl (Otus scops) via continuous video monitoring of a breeding pair in a peri-urban Mediterranean forest in NE Spain (n = 724 deliveries). Invertebrates dominated numerically, with Orthoptera constituting 64.6%. Although vertebrates were scarce (1.8%), they contributed disproportionately to total biomass (20.8%), with rodents alone accounting for 20.3% of delivered energy. Parental effort followed a bimodal nocturnal rhythm, peaking at darkness onset (22:00 h) and before dawn. Crucially, we found a significant predation bias towards female orthopterans (65.6% vs. 34.3%; p < 0.001). While driven by Meconema thalassinum, selection in larger species like Tettigonia viridissima evidences a strategy focused on biomass profitability. Since Ensifera biomass scales allometrically (W

~ L^{2.797}

), selecting females yields disproportionate energetic gains. We also report the systematic removal of ovipositors prior to delivery, a behavior that optimizes intake but renders high-value females undetectable in traditional pellet analyses. These results suggest O. scops exploits artificial light sources (“streetlight traps”) to maximize foraging efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Mediterranean Biodiversity, 2nd Edition)

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25 pages, 1771 KB

Open AccessArticle

Diversity and Distribution of the Saxicolous Lichens, Family Megasporaceae (Pertusariales, Ascomycota) in Southern Xinjiang, China

by Haiying Yong, Muhammad Shahid Iqbal and Anwar Tumur

Diversity 2026, 18(1), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18010033 - 8 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1791

Abstract

The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, also known as Xinjiang, China, is notable for its high diversity and abundance of lichens. The purpose of this study was to examine species diversity and the distribution patterns of saxicolous lichens, family Megasporaceae, which includes the genera [...] Read more.

The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, also known as Xinjiang, China, is notable for its high diversity and abundance of lichens. The purpose of this study was to examine species diversity and the distribution patterns of saxicolous lichens, family Megasporaceae, which includes the genera Aspicilia, Circinaria and Lobothallia, in Xinjiang Province. Morphology, anatomy, chemical analysis and rDNA-ITS sequences for the species were employed for their identification. As a result, 34 crustose and strictly saxicolous species belonging to three genera were found, which included 22 species of the genus Aspicilia, two of which were new to Xinjiang (A. disjecta (Zahlbr.) J.C. Wei and A. pycnocarpa Q. Ren & Lin Liu), eight common species of Circinaria, as well as four species of Lobothallia, two of which (L. determinata (H. Magn.) T.B. Wheeler and L. pruinosa Kou & Q. Ren) are new provincial records. There was a unimodal pattern with respect to lichen species richness; all specimens of the Megasporaceae family were found between 1600 and 5100 m altitude. The 30 species were collected at altitudes between 2601 and 3100 m; only four species were recorded below 2150 m, and seven were found above 4600 m. As far as the type of rocks are concerned, 24 species were found on siliceous rocks and 10 species were found on calcareous rocks. The 24 lichen species contained seven different secondary metabolites; stictic acid, substictic acid and norstictic acid were more common, whereas aspicilin, constictic acid, lecanoric acid and connorstictic acid were found in only a few lichen species. Full article

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

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8 pages, 186 KB

Open AccessPerspective

Behavioural Diversity: Conditional Movement Tactics in the Ruff (Calidris pugnax)

by Michel Baguette

Diversity 2026, 18(1), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18010032 - 8 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1320

Abstract

Understanding the movement behaviour of male ruffs (Calidris pugnax) during the breeding season requires integrating recent telemetry data with long-standing theory on conditional reproductive strategies, lek dynamics, and behavioural polymorphism. A large-scale tracking study revealed extensive within-season movements among many males, [...] Read more.

Understanding the movement behaviour of male ruffs (Calidris pugnax) during the breeding season requires integrating recent telemetry data with long-standing theory on conditional reproductive strategies, lek dynamics, and behavioural polymorphism. A large-scale tracking study revealed extensive within-season movements among many males, with individuals visiting 1 to 23 sites, but also documented prolonged residency, with site tenures exceeding 40 days. Such variation is not contradictory but expected in a species whose reproductive system combines genetically fixed alternative strategies, governed by a supergene, with flexible conditional tactics expressed in response to ecological and social cues. Here, I synthesize movement ecology, state-dependent decision models, lekking theory, and previous empirical work to show that spatial behaviour in ruffs reflects a continuum of tactics rather than a homogeneous nomadic mode. Telemetry data thereby enrich our understanding of how individuals navigate fluctuating environments, competitive pressures, and mating opportunities. Embracing behavioural heterogeneity is essential for interpreting movement patterns and for understanding how reproductive diversity evolves and is maintained in lekking systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2026 Feature Papers by Diversity's Editorial Board Members)

7 pages, 1701 KB

Open AccessInteresting Images

Expanding Insular Presence of the Giant Water Bug Lethocerus patruelis (Stål, 1854) Across the Aegean Islands: New Evidence of an Emerging Archipelagic Distribution

by Giorgos Stavrianakis, Linne Sykora, Edwin van der Veldt, Alexandros D. Kouris, Apostolos Christopoulos and Yiannis G. Zevgolis

Diversity 2026, 18(1), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18010031 - 7 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1336

Abstract

Lethocerus patruelis (Stål, 1854), the sole European belostomatid, is an apex invertebrate predator in Mediterranean freshwater systems and a species known for its strong flight capacity and growing range expansion record. While its continental distribution in Greece is increasingly well documented, its presence [...] Read more.

Lethocerus patruelis (Stål, 1854), the sole European belostomatid, is an apex invertebrate predator in Mediterranean freshwater systems and a species known for its strong flight capacity and growing range expansion record. While its continental distribution in Greece is increasingly well documented, its presence across the Aegean islands has remained poorly characterized, with historical records scattered and often unpublished or fragmentary. Here, we present new, photographically verified records that substantially refine the species’ insular distribution and provide the first coordinated synthesis of its emerging archipelagic footprint. These include the first confirmed live individual from Samothraki and a newly documented specimen from Naxos, recovered beside a nearly desiccated summer stream indicating a very recent arrival. When integrated with additional verified observations from Sifnos, Ikaria, Chios, Euboea, Tilos, and Crete, as well as earlier published records, a coherent spatial pattern emerges. Rather than isolated vagrants, the records align along three longitudinal dispersal axes spanning the northern, central, and southern Aegean. These axes reflect plausible biological and anthropogenic pathways influenced by regional winds, maritime transport, and the distribution of natural and artificial freshwater habitats. Collectively, the evidence indicates that L. patruelis is undergoing a sustained, multi-vector archipelagic expansion, underscoring the importance of integrating citizen-science observations with targeted field documentation to monitor freshwater biodiversity across Mediterranean islands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biodiversity Conservation)

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28 pages, 3154 KB

Open AccessReview

Threats on Lichens and Their Conservation—A Review Based on a Bibliometric Analysis

by Coretor N. Kanyungulu and Edit É. Farkas

Diversity 2026, 18(1), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18010030 - 7 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3115

Abstract

Lichens, symbiotic associations between fungi and photobionts, are essential and sensitive bioindicators of environmental change. Despite their resilience, lichens face increasing threats from air pollution, land-use change, unsustainable harvesting, and climate change. This study presents a bibliometric analysis of global research on lichen [...] Read more.

Lichens, symbiotic associations between fungi and photobionts, are essential and sensitive bioindicators of environmental change. Despite their resilience, lichens face increasing threats from air pollution, land-use change, unsustainable harvesting, and climate change. This study presents a bibliometric analysis of global research on lichen threats between 1981 and 2024, using data from Scopus and Web of Science, combined with an additional analysis based on the database Recent Literature on Lichens (RLL). A total of 319 research publications were analyzed through VOSviewer (version 1.6.20) and Biblioshiny (R core team version 4.5.2) to assess temporal trends, thematic evolution, authorship, and geographical distribution of affiliations, and 1354 publications from RLL were studied for frequent authors and geographical distribution of study sites. Results show that research output was initially dominated by air pollution studies (1981–2004) but shifted after 2005 toward conservation and climate change impacts, with a sharp increase after 2017. North America and a few European countries led in scientific production, while biodiversity-rich regions in Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia remained underrepresented. Despite increasing publication trends, collaboration remains moderate (23% international co-authorship), and many threatened species remain unassessed. Recovery measures emphasize habitat protection, improved forest management, pollution control, integration of lichens into global biodiversity frameworks, and enhanced international collaboration. This study provides a systematic overview of how lichen conservation research has evolved, suggesting strategies for decelerating lichen diversity loss under accelerating global change. Full article

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

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