Diversity

12 pages, 3834 KB

Open AccessReview

An Assessment of the Mechanistic Basis for the High Endemism and Landscape-Scale Biodiversity in Headwater Streams

by John S. Richardson

Diversity 2026, 18(4), 239; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18040239 - 21 Apr 2026

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Observations suggest that headwater streams have lower species diversity within a site than larger streams, but higher beta diversity, and thus gamma diversity, across a catchment. This pattern of diversity includes taxonomic richness and genetic diversity, as well as a high degree of [...] Read more.

Observations suggest that headwater streams have lower species diversity within a site than larger streams, but higher beta diversity, and thus gamma diversity, across a catchment. This pattern of diversity includes taxonomic richness and genetic diversity, as well as a high degree of endemism. I review several mechanisms that potentially contribute to the overall high diversity of freshwater organisms in headwaters, although these mechanisms are interdependent. These include the high numbers of headwater streams, heterogeneity of habitats and resources, founder effects, colonization dynamics, isolation, and strong selection, all leading to diversification of forms. However, riverscape diversity patterns vary across taxonomic and functional groups, highlighting that patterns of diversity are driven by different processes for different organisms. More explicitly structured sampling designs will better address patterns of taxonomic richness and for a broader range of taxa. It will be interesting to find ways to partition the relative importance of different mechanisms in contributing to the variation in diversity among headwaters. The great importance of headwater streams to global biodiversity conservation is clear, but will be more evident when better assessments of diversity patterns across these small systems are available. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquatic Biodiversity and Habitat Restoration)

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19 pages, 2031 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Assessment of Water Quality, Phytoplankton Diversity, and Biometric Indicators in Aquaculture During a Marine Mucilage Event

by Mustafa Tolga Tolon and Levent Yurga

Diversity 2026, 18(4), 238; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18040238 - 21 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Marine mucilage events are intensifying in semi-enclosed seas under accelerating climate- and nutrient-driven pressures, yet their ecosystem-level consequences for aquaculture-linked coastal habitats remain insufficiently documented. This study provides an integrated spatiotemporal assessment of water quality, phytoplankton community structure, and biometric responses of Mytilus [...] Read more.

Marine mucilage events are intensifying in semi-enclosed seas under accelerating climate- and nutrient-driven pressures, yet their ecosystem-level consequences for aquaculture-linked coastal habitats remain insufficiently documented. This study provides an integrated spatiotemporal assessment of water quality, phytoplankton community structure, and biometric responses of Mytilus galloprovincialis during and after the 2025 mucilage outbreak in the Gulf of Erdek (Sea of Marmara, Türkiye). Mucilage accumulation was associated with sharp increases in turbidity, total suspended solids, and particulate organic matter, alongside declines in dissolved oxygen and pH. Phytoplankton assemblages exhibited marked seasonal restructuring: the mucilage period was characterized by the coexistence of mucilage-forming taxa, non-toxic bloomers, and multiple harmful algal bloom (HAB) groups, including DSP- and ASP-related species, whereas post-mucilage conditions were dominated by non-toxic diatoms with substantially reduced HAB representation. The dinoflagellate species representing the May period in terms of abundance were Noctiluca scintillans and Prorocentrum micans; the diatom species were Chaetoceros radiatus, Cylindrotheca closterium, Pseudo-nitzschia pseudodelicatissima, and Thalassiosira rotula; and the coccolithophore was Phaeocystis pouchetii. Mussel biometric analyses revealed biometric indices and condition values markedly below regional historical baselines during the mucilage event, alongside reduced meat yield, followed by pronounced compensatory growth during the post-mucilage period. Our findings demonstrate that mucilage acts as both a physical and biological stressor, driving short-term ecological shifts in phytoplankton diversity and imposing substantial but reversible physiological impacts on mussel stocks. These results underscore the need for continuous biodiversity monitoring frameworks that integrate mucilage dynamics, HAB occurrence, and aquaculture resilience in regions vulnerable to climate-enhanced organic aggregate formation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytoplankton Communities and Their Microbial Associates Under Climate Change and Anthropogenic Pressures)

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20 pages, 6598 KB

Open AccessArticle

Habitat-Driven Variation in Sexual Dimorphism of Amphipods

by Amey Danole, Fernando Tuya, Francisco Otero-Ferrer, Sonia Díaz-Vergara and Sandra Navarro-Mayoral

Diversity 2026, 18(4), 237; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18040237 - 20 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Sexual dimorphism in morphological traits is widespread across animals and can result from differing life-history strategies, sex-specific competition, and ecological interactions influenced by habitat structure. For epifaunal organisms such as amphipods, habitat complexity mediates access to food, mate encounters, and refuge. This study [...] Read more.

Sexual dimorphism in morphological traits is widespread across animals and can result from differing life-history strategies, sex-specific competition, and ecological interactions influenced by habitat structure. For epifaunal organisms such as amphipods, habitat complexity mediates access to food, mate encounters, and refuge. This study investigates sex-related variation in body size and gnathopod 2 ratio (gnathopod 2 length/body length) in two amphipod species, Ampithoe ramondi and Caprella acanthifera, across four benthic habitats: rhodolith beds, macroalgae-dominated reefs, seagrass meadows, and black coral forests. A. ramondi occurred in all habitats except black coral forests, with males larger than females only in macroalgae-dominated reefs and exhibiting higher gnathopod ratios, increasing across macroalgae-dominated reefs, seagrass meadows and rhodolith beds. C. acanthifera was found in macroalgae-dominated reefs and black coral forests, with males larger on average but no significant habitat-related variation in dimorphism. These results indicate that sexual dimorphism patterns are species-specific, shaped by habitat-specific ecological pressures and life-history strategies. Expanding such analyses to more taxa and with balanced sampling across habitats and environmental gradients will offer deeper insight into how natural and sexual selection interact and inform how these dynamics may shift under changing climate regimes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Functional Diversity: From Ecological Roles to Biotechnological Applications)

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29 pages, 31485 KB

Open AccessArticle

Untapped Potential of the Antarctic Strain Actinacidiphila fildesensis DEC002: Integrative Genome Analysis and Functional Profiling

by Paris Lavin, ZiAng Chen, Clemente Michael Vui Ling Wong, Chui Peng Teoh, Natalia Fierro-Vásquez, Romulo Oses, Aparna Banerjee, Gustavo Cabrera-Barjas and Cristina Purcarea

Diversity 2026, 18(4), 236; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18040236 - 20 Apr 2026

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Abstract

The actinobacterial strain DEC002 was isolated recently from volcanic soils of Deception Island. Its taxonomic identity was resolved through a polyphasic strategy integrating morphology, physiological profiling, multilocus phylogeny, and genome-wide comparisons to resolve its identity. Concatenated core gene trees together with average nucleotide [...] Read more.

The actinobacterial strain DEC002 was isolated recently from volcanic soils of Deception Island. Its taxonomic identity was resolved through a polyphasic strategy integrating morphology, physiological profiling, multilocus phylogeny, and genome-wide comparisons to resolve its identity. Concatenated core gene trees together with average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values place DEC002 within Actinacidiphila fildesensis with robust support. This is the first molecular confirmation of the species beyond King George Island and secures a second verified locality within the South Shetland Archipelago. Growth at low temperature with tolerance to moderate salinity indicates a psychrotolerant lifestyle. Cell-free supernatants inhibited representatives of foodborne Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, including representatives of Enterobacteriaceae, Vibrio, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. Genome analysis revealed enrichment in multiple biosynthetic gene clusters for nonribosomal peptides, polyketides, terpenes, and ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs), supporting the biosynthetic potential of the strain. Functional annotations emphasize replication and repair modules, mobile element-associated proteins, helix–turn–helix regulators, and versatile transport systems, features coherent with cold stress and oligotrophic soils. Antibiotic susceptibility assays indicate a broad resistance phenotype under the experimental conditions tested, together with extracellular antimicrobial activity. These data refine the biogeography of A. fildesensis and indicate DEC002 as a credible Antarctic source of specialized metabolites with antimicrobial promise. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Community Dynamics in Soil Ecosystems)

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18 pages, 2299 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Diversity and Connectivity of Brownstripe Red Snapper (Lutjanus vitta) Around Petroleum Platforms and Coastal Areas in the Gulf of Thailand Analyzed by Mitochondrial Control Region Polymorphism

by Se Songploy, Sirikan Prasertlux, Porntep Punnarak, Tongchai Thitiphuree, Sirithorn Janpoom, Sureerat Tang, Wanwipa Ittarat, Anek Sophon, Sirawut Klinbunga, Bavornlak Khamnamtong and Padermsak Jarayabhand

Diversity 2026, 18(4), 235; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18040235 - 20 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Genetic diversity and population connectivity of brownstripe red snapper (Lutjanus vitta) from different petroleum platforms located in the north (N1, N2, N3, and N4), central, and south regions and two coastal locations, Songkhla and Samaesarn (Gulf of Thailand), were examined using [...] Read more.

Genetic diversity and population connectivity of brownstripe red snapper (Lutjanus vitta) from different petroleum platforms located in the north (N1, N2, N3, and N4), central, and south regions and two coastal locations, Songkhla and Samaesarn (Gulf of Thailand), were examined using the control region (CR) polymorphism. In total, 59 haplotypes of CR were found, and 42 of these were private haplotypes (found in only one geographic location). The haplotype no./sample size (N_H/N) found in the central (0.800), south (0.741), and north (0.733) platforms was greater than that in the coastal populations (0.643 in Samaesarn and 0.682 in Songkhla). Haplotype diversity of north, central, and south platforms and coastal populations were comparable (Hd = 0.943–0.982). Nucleotide diversity within populations was estimated. The lowest and highest nucleotide diversity was observed in the north (1.293%) and south (2.850%) platforms. Larger genetic divergence was found between north–central (0.096%) and north–south platforms (0.069%) than between coastal populations (0.007%). A lack of nucleotide divergence was found between central–south platforms and between platforms and coastal populations (north–Samaesarn, central–Songkhla, and south–Songkhla). The F_ST estimate did not reveal significant population differentiation between all pairwise comparisons (p > 0.01 after the sequential Bonferroni’s adjustment). AMOVA confirmed a lack of intraspecific population structure of L. vitta in the Gulf of Thailand (p > 0.05). Genetic connectivity between fish from different sampling sites was noticed based on haplotype network, phylogenetic analysis, and population structure analysis. Demographic statistics revealed that L. vitta went through a sudden population expansion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Marine Diversity)

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18 pages, 1819 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Phytochemical Profiling and Antioxidant Activity of Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Huth) During Seed Germination and Hydroponic Cultivation

by Sumalee Chookhampaeng, Torphan Bubphachuen, Teeraporn Katisart, Nonthiwat Taesuk, Chanakran Papayrata, Sukanya Nonthalee and Suthira Maneechai

Diversity 2026, 18(4), 234; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18040234 - 19 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Cajanus cajan (L.) Huth (Fabaceae) is a food legume of considerable nutritional and functional significance. This study examined the comparative effects of salt stress on seed germination, hydroponic growth, and phytochemical accumulation across two developmental stages: 10-day-old germinated seeds and 45-day-old hydroponically grown [...] Read more.

Cajanus cajan (L.) Huth (Fabaceae) is a food legume of considerable nutritional and functional significance. This study examined the comparative effects of salt stress on seed germination, hydroponic growth, and phytochemical accumulation across two developmental stages: 10-day-old germinated seeds and 45-day-old hydroponically grown plants, using NaCl solutions at concentrations of 0, 25, 50, 75, 100, and 150 mM. Both germination rate and growth were greatest at 0–25 mM NaCl, with performance declining at higher concentrations. LC–MS/MS analysis of free amino acids in 10-day-germinated seeds revealed a salt-induced metabolic shift. Proline, leucine, and phenylalanine were the dominant free amino acids and increased progressively with rising NaCl concentrations. Phytochemical profiling by HPLC identified gallic acid, catechin, and genistin as the major compounds, with increased levels under salinity stress. Germinated seeds at 150 mM NaCl, germinated seeds exhibited the highest phytochemical accumulation, with total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and DPPH activity reaching 18.192 ± 0.020 mg GAE/g extract, 8.519 ± 0.026 mg QE/g extract, and 11.623 ± 0.284 mg AAE/g extract, respectively. Phytochemical responses in 45-day hydroponic plants varied by tissue type. Leaves exhibited declining TPC and TFC with increasing NaCl (from 29 to 16 mg GAE/g and 41 mg QE/g extract), while stems showed the opposite trend, reaching 18 mg GAE/g and 21 mg QE/g extract at 50 mM. Root tissues maintained comparatively low phytochemical levels throughout. Notably, DPPH scavenging capacity increased across all tissues under salt stress, with peak values of 12–13 µg AAE/g extract recorded at 50 mM NaCl. These results indicate that salt stress exerts stage- and organ-dependent effects on phytochemical accumulation in C. cajan. High salinity during germination stimulates bioactive compound production, whereas moderate salinity appears to be the threshold at which antioxidant capacity is maximized in hydroponic systems. These observations point to the practical utility of controlled salt elicitation as a strategy for enriching pigeon pea with health-promoting phytochemicals, reinforcing its potential as a functional food crop. Full article

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

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12 pages, 1245 KB

Open AccessArticle

Morphology and Molecular Characterizations of Two New Myxidium Species (Bivalvulida: Myxidiidae) Infecting the Gallbladder of Sarcocheilichthys spp. (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from the East Dongting Lake, China

by Wenjing Dai, Qi Yin, Yuechuan Liu, Xiaojing Zhao, Xinhua Liu and Shisi Ren

Diversity 2026, 18(4), 233; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18040233 - 18 Apr 2026

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Abstract

During a survey of myxozoan diversity in fishes from Hunan Province, two new Myxidium species were discovered infecting the gallbladder of Sarcocheilichthys kiangsiensis Nichols, 1930 and Sarcocheilichthys parvus Nichols, 1930, in Dongting Lake, China. In both cases, myxospores were observed freely floating in [...] Read more.

During a survey of myxozoan diversity in fishes from Hunan Province, two new Myxidium species were discovered infecting the gallbladder of Sarcocheilichthys kiangsiensis Nichols, 1930 and Sarcocheilichthys parvus Nichols, 1930, in Dongting Lake, China. In both cases, myxospores were observed freely floating in the biles, with no typical plasmodia detected. Morphologically, both of them can be differentiated from previously described congeners by a combination of features, including myxospore dimensions, polar capsule shape, number of polar tubule coils and shell valve striations. BLASTn research indicated that neither species matched any available species in GenBank. The highest sequence similarity for Myxidium kiangsiensis n. sp. was 98.54% with M. asiaticum Chen et al., 2020 (PQ776264), and that for Myxidium parvusis n. sp. was 93.06% with Zschokkella guelaguetza Alama-Bermejo et al., 2023 (OQ888223). This study represents the first record of Myxidiidae infection in Sarcocheilichthys hosts. Phylogenetic analysis based on the obtained SSU rDNA sequences placed the two species in separate subclades interspersed with other Myxidium and Zschokkella species. This topology further corroborates the polyphyletic nature of these two genera. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity and Phylogenetics of Parasites in Aquatic Animals)

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27 pages, 3028 KB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Drivers of Spatial Ecology in Juvenile Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks (Sphyrna lewini) in an Open-Coast Nursery Area in Jalisco, Mexico

by Alejandro Rosende-Pereiro and Antonio Corgos

Diversity 2026, 18(4), 232; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18040232 - 18 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Coastal nurseries are critical for the early stages of many elasmobranchs, and understanding spatial ecology during these periods is essential for effective population management. Here, we investigated the environmental drivers shaping shark presence and spatial distribution in an open coastal nursery used by [...] Read more.

Coastal nurseries are critical for the early stages of many elasmobranchs, and understanding spatial ecology during these periods is essential for effective population management. Here, we investigated the environmental drivers shaping shark presence and spatial distribution in an open coastal nursery used by young-of-the-year Sphyrna lewini along the southern Pacific Coast of Mexico. Using acoustic telemetry data collected over three consecutive seasons, we combined Random Forest models with an interpretable machine learning framework, including permutation-based variable importance, accumulated local effects, and a Rashomon set approach. Shark presence was primarily driven by seasonal patterns and lunar illumination, whereas spatial distribution within the nursery area was structured by tide level, shark length, accumulated precipitation, and sea surface temperature. Tide level emerged as the most influential and stable predictor of spatial preference, while size-dependent responses revealed ontogenetic spatial segregation among zones. These results demonstrate that open-coast nurseries can operate through dynamic environmental processes rather than static habitat features, with river-influenced areas playing a key role for smaller individuals. By integrating telemetry data with interpretable machine learning methods, this study provides a mechanistic understanding of nursery habitat use and offers a transferable framework for assessing spatial ecology and conservation priorities in threatened coastal shark populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Applications of Emerging Technologies on Biodiversity Conservation)

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15 pages, 3734 KB

Open AccessArticle

Insect Communities as a Possible Driver of Bird Activity in the Grasslands of Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport: Implications for Bird-Strike Prevention

by Chunlin An, Lei Han, Yingjun Wu and Huachao Xu

Diversity 2026, 18(4), 231; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18040231 - 17 Apr 2026

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Abstract

As one of the busiest airports in East China, effective bird-strike prevention is of paramount importance for Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport. Ground-dwelling insects in airport grasslands serve as a critical food source for insectivorous birds, making the study of insect communities essential for [...] Read more.

As one of the busiest airports in East China, effective bird-strike prevention is of paramount importance for Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport. Ground-dwelling insects in airport grasslands serve as a critical food source for insectivorous birds, making the study of insect communities essential for understanding bird activity patterns and mitigating bird-strike risks from a food chain perspective. This study investigates the communities of insects, birds, and vegetation in the flight zone and clear zone of Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport. Based on monthly surveys conducted from January to December 2024, we analyzed insect community composition and diversity, assessed bird-strike risks, and examined correlations between insect and bird communities. The results recorded a total of 7744 birds belonging to 107 species, 43 families, and 15 orders in the flight zone and clear zone. Passeriformes was the most species-rich order, and resident birds dominated the avian community. Bird species richness and abundance peaked in spring and autumn. In the flight zone, 18 bird species (e.g., Hirundo rustica) were classified as highly hazardous (R ≥ 15, where R is the calculated risk index) or above. The vegetation survey identified Cynodon dactylon as the dominant plant species in the flight zone. Importantly, positive trends were observed between insectivorous birds and insect abundance, though correlations did not reach statistical significance. To reduce food availability for birds, we recommend stringent management of the grassland habitat in the flight zone, including targeted insect control measures. Given the airport’s location along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, enhanced bird dispersal efforts should be implemented during peak migration seasons. This study provides a crucial ecological foundation for developing an integrated “vegetation–insect–bird” management strategy for bird-strike prevention at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport and similar aviation hubs. Full article

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14 pages, 3766 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Shifts in Fish Assemblages and Yangtze Finless Porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis) Prey Selection in Poyang Lake During the Early Phase of the Decadal Fishing Moratorium

by Yun Zhang, Heng Yin, Fangning Liu, Lingxia Wei, Jiaqiao Weng, Wenzhi Ma, Legen Peng, Yi Huang, Jialing Min, Rongcheng Rao, Ying Yang, Jinxiang Yu and Jianglong Que

Diversity 2026, 18(4), 230; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18040230 - 15 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis) is the only extant cetacean species in the Yangtze River, a national first-class protected wild animal in China, and a key indicator reflecting the health status of the Yangtze River ecosystem. Environmental changes can induce adaptive [...] Read more.

Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis) is the only extant cetacean species in the Yangtze River, a national first-class protected wild animal in China, and a key indicator reflecting the health status of the Yangtze River ecosystem. Environmental changes can induce adaptive trophic responses in animal communities; thus, clarifying the dynamic interactions between fish assemblages and dietary shifts in the Yangtze finless porpoise after the fishing moratorium is critically important. In this study, fishery resources in Poyang Lake were surveyed using triple-layer composite gill nets and cage traps, with samples collected and analyzed accordingly. A total of 81 fish species belonging to 8 orders and 16 families were recorded. Following the fishing ban, the abundance of small-bodied fish species (e.g., Hemiculter bleekeri, Carassius auratus) decreased, while the proportion of piscivorous species among the top ten dominant fish increased from 40% to 60%. DNA barcoding was used to analyze gastric contents of 10 dead porpoises found post-moratorium, and the results were compared with pre-ban data. Gastric content analysis identified 11 prey taxa, and comparative analysis demonstrated that prey selectivity was closely correlated with local prey availability. Concomitant with the structural reorganization of the fish community in Poyang Lake during the early stage of the fishing ban, the Yangtze finless porpoise exhibited adaptive dietary shifts toward benthic and small-bodied fish species, suggesting a potential linkage between these ecological responses. These findings provide direct implications for formulating targeted conservation strategies for this endangered cetacean and highlight the necessity of protecting small and benthic fish populations to ensure their long-term survival. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptive Fisheries Management in East Asia: Navigating Climate Change, POPs, and Microplastics)

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2 pages, 134 KB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Frau et al. A New Ammonite Biostratigraphic Framework for Distal Urgonian Successions of North Provence and a Correlation with Southern Vercors. Diversity 2026, 18, 162

by Camille Frau, Anthony J.-B. Tendil and Cyprien Lanteaume

Diversity 2026, 18(4), 229; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18040229 - 15 Apr 2026

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Abstract

In the original publication [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Palaeontology of Ammonoids: Recent Advances)

21 pages, 6231 KB

Open AccessArticle

Diversity Conservation Status, and Ecological Characteristics of Endangered Plant Species in Than Sa–Phuong Hoang Nature Reserve, Thai Nguyen Province, Vietnam

by Thi Thai Ha Dang, Van Hung Hoang, Cong Hoan Nguyen and Van Hai Do

Diversity 2026, 18(4), 228; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18040228 - 15 Apr 2026

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Abstract

This study investigates plant species diversity, regeneration patterns, and the ecological drivers influencing endangered plant species in the Than Sa–Phuong Hoang Nature Reserve, Thai Nguyen Province, Vietnam. Although tropical forest ecosystems in Southeast Asia are known for their high biodiversity, there is still [...] Read more.

This study investigates plant species diversity, regeneration patterns, and the ecological drivers influencing endangered plant species in the Than Sa–Phuong Hoang Nature Reserve, Thai Nguyen Province, Vietnam. Although tropical forest ecosystems in Southeast Asia are known for their high biodiversity, there is still a lack of site-specific studies that integrate species diversity, regeneration dynamics, and environmental drivers at the reserve scale. A total of 15 standard plots (20 × 50 m) were established across three main forest types (limestone forests, soil mountain forests, and transitional forests) to assess species composition, community structure, and regeneration patterns. Multivariate analyses, including principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis, were applied to identify key ecological factors shaping species distribution and regeneration. The results recorded 1234 plant species belonging to 171 families, confirming the high biodiversity of the study area. Regeneration capacity differed significantly among forest types and was strongly influenced by environmental variables such as canopy cover, soil moisture, topography, and human disturbance. Multivariate results revealed clear ecological differentiation among forest types, highlighting the role of environmental filtering in structuring plant communities. The three target species (Curculigo orchioides Gaertn, Parashorea chinensis, and Paphiopedilum hirsutissimum Stein) exhibited strong dependence on stable microhabitat conditions and showed limited regeneration under disturbed environments, indicating high sensitivity to ecological changes and anthropogenic pressure. This study provides new insights into species–environment relationships at a local scale and highlights key ecological drivers of endangered plant distribution and regeneration, contributing to more effective conservation planning and biodiversity management in tropical forest ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Diversity)

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17 pages, 1766 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Livestock on the Spatiotemporal Activity of Ungulates in Western Sichuan, China

by Jingyi Liu, Xing Chen, Yuyi Jin, Tengteng Tian, Han Pan and Biao Yang

Diversity 2026, 18(4), 227; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18040227 - 14 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Grazing is a widespread land use practice with significant implications for biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Wild ungulates, as key components of terrestrial ecosystems, play a vital role in maintaining ecosystem health. Dietary overlap exposes wild ungulates to intense competition with livestock, yet the [...] Read more.

Grazing is a widespread land use practice with significant implications for biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Wild ungulates, as key components of terrestrial ecosystems, play a vital role in maintaining ecosystem health. Dietary overlap exposes wild ungulates to intense competition with livestock, yet the effects of grazing on them remain underexplored. Using camera-trapping data from Xinglong County in the mountains of Southeast China, we investigated the spatiotemporal responses of eight wild ungulates to livestock (cattle and horses). Our results showed the following: (1) The potential distribution of suitable habitats for ungulates was primarily shaped by elevation (ELE), distance to temple (DTT), precipitation of the coldest quarter (bio19), and distance to water (DTW). Among the species, blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) showed the strongest response to livestock presence. (2) Spatially, most ungulates appeared to avoid livestock; forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii) showed spatial avoidance of horses. (3) Temporally, the daily activity patterns of most ungulates generally showed low to moderate overlap with those of cattle. These findings suggest that livestock grazing may be associated with negative effects on wild ungulates in Xinlong County. Given the ecological importance of ungulates, the need to maintain wildlife community integrity, and the long history of grazing in the region, further research is warranted to understand the role of livestock in shaping wildlife communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conflict and Coexistence Between Humans and Wildlife)

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12 pages, 2123 KB

Open AccessArticle

Year-Round Variation in a Butterfly Assemblage in a Subtropical Region Assessed Using Malaise Traps

by Yago Corrêa de Magalhães de Freitas, Jeferson Vizentin-Bugoni, Rodrigo Ferreira Krüger and Cristiano Agra Iserhard

Diversity 2026, 18(4), 226; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18040226 - 14 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Understanding the mechanisms driving patterns of alpha and beta-diversity through temporal variation in taxonomic diversity remains a fundamental question in community ecology surveys. Insects represent a species-rich group playing several roles in ecological processes. However, knowledge of their temporal distribution and seasonality remains [...] Read more.

Understanding the mechanisms driving patterns of alpha and beta-diversity through temporal variation in taxonomic diversity remains a fundamental question in community ecology surveys. Insects represent a species-rich group playing several roles in ecological processes. However, knowledge of their temporal distribution and seasonality remains limited, particularly in subtropical regions. We investigated intra-annual patterns of alpha and beta-diversity of butterflies in Restinga ecosystems of southern Brazil, a subtropical region characterised by marked seasonality. Butterflies were monitored throughout one year using Malaise interception traps, and data were grouped by season. We tested seasonal differences in temperature and humidity and evaluated their association with patterns of richness, abundance, evenness, and species composition. Temperature was the main environmental filter structuring butterfly assemblages compared to humidity. Butterfly richness and abundance peaked in summer, followed by spring, coinciding with higher temperatures, while diversity declined markedly during winter. Although we expected winter assemblages to represent nested subsets of other seasons, beta-diversity analyses revealed high species turnover among seasons. Our findings demonstrate that temperature drove the structure of butterfly assemblages across seasons, highlighting the importance of monitoring to increase knowledge on the temporal dynamics and distribution of insects in the subtropical region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insects in Tropical and Subtropical Ecosystems)

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14 pages, 1155 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impacts of Invasive Rabbitfish Species on Native Herbivore Communities in Eastern Aegean Coastal Ecosystems

by Ryan Wong, Tim Grandjean, Scott Bergisch, Maria Morán-García, Rumeysa Arslan, Anastasia Miliou, Rupert Perkins and Laura Macrina

Diversity 2026, 18(4), 225; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18040225 - 14 Apr 2026

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Abstract

The Mediterranean Sea is a major biodiversity hotspot increasingly affected by biological invasions, climate warming, and habitat degradation. Among the most successful invaders are the rabbitfish species Siganus luridus and Siganus rivulatus, Lessepsian migrants from the Red Sea that are now widespread [...] Read more.

The Mediterranean Sea is a major biodiversity hotspot increasingly affected by biological invasions, climate warming, and habitat degradation. Among the most successful invaders are the rabbitfish species Siganus luridus and Siganus rivulatus, Lessepsian migrants from the Red Sea that are now widespread across the eastern Mediterranean. This study examined how these invasive herbivores influence native herbivore assemblages in shallow coastal habitats around Lipsi Island in the Aegean Sea, Greece. Using Underwater Visual Census (UVC) surveys and in situ feeding observations, we quantified the abundance and grazing activity of invasive rabbitfish relative to that of the native herbivores Sparisoma cretense and Sarpa salpa. Invasive rabbitfish represented approximately 35% of the herbivore assemblages and showed clear habitat and dietary preferences. Significant negative correlations were observed between invasive foraging activity and the feeding rate of the native S. cretense, while no such effect was found for S. salpa. High habitat overlap between S. luridus and S. cretense suggests that this native species may be more susceptible to competition on rocky substrates. Evidence of partial resource partitioning was observed, including increased use of seagrass habitats by S. salpa. These findings highlight how invasive herbivores can restructure native herbivore communities and alter grazing dynamics in eastern Aegean coastal ecosystems. Given the ongoing sea warming and widespread decline of seagrass habitats across the Mediterranean, understanding these competitive interactions is therefore essential for assessing future biodiversity trajectories and informing management strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mediterranean Biodiversity Hotspots: Patterns, Trends, and Conservation Challenges)

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7 pages, 7851 KB

Open AccessInteresting Images

Variation in Fluorescence in Some Northeast Atlantic Malacostraca (Pancrustacea)

by Thomas I. Baxter, David M. Paterson and Andrew J. Blight

Diversity 2026, 18(4), 224; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18040224 - 11 Apr 2026

Viewed by 388

Abstract

Fluorescence is known to occur on varying surfaces across crustacea but is only cited in sporadic reports, despite being a potentially important visual signal and changing with development and within moult cycles. Here, we present the occurrence of fluorescence in some common Northeast [...] Read more.

Fluorescence is known to occur on varying surfaces across crustacea but is only cited in sporadic reports, despite being a potentially important visual signal and changing with development and within moult cycles. Here, we present the occurrence of fluorescence in some common Northeast Atlantic crustaceans and highlight differences by age and sex, to bring attention to this potentially important facet of their biology. Fluorescence was present on dactyli tips across most species, and setae on the ventral side of edible crabs and lobsters (with greater occurrence in females) and over the whole body in spider and hermit crabs. Full article

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

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9 pages, 1794 KB

Open AccessCommunication

Diversity of Myrmecophilous Silverfish (Insecta: Zygentoma) in Bulgaria

by Rafael Molero-Baltanás, Albena Lapeva-Gjonova and Ilia Gjonov

Diversity 2026, 18(4), 223; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18040223 - 11 Apr 2026

Viewed by 394

Abstract

Silverfish (order Zygentoma) comprise a diverse group of primitively wingless insects, several of which have evolved myrmecophilous associations with ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). However, the diversity and host relationships of ant-associated Zygentoma in the Balkans remain insufficiently documented. In this study, we surveyed ant [...] Read more.

Silverfish (order Zygentoma) comprise a diverse group of primitively wingless insects, several of which have evolved myrmecophilous associations with ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). However, the diversity and host relationships of ant-associated Zygentoma in the Balkans remain insufficiently documented. In this study, we surveyed ant nests across Bulgaria to assess the taxonomic diversity, host specificity and distribution of silverfish associated with ants. We identified five species: Atelura montana (Stach, 1946), Proatelurina pseudolepisma (Grassi, 1887), Neoasterolepisma balcanicum (Stach, 1922), N. cf. crassipes (Escherich, 1905) and N. wasmanni (Moniez, 1894). These species were recorded from nests of ants belonging to the genera Bothriomyrmex, Aphaenogaster, Pheidole, Messor, Tetramorium, Formica and Lasius. Patterns of host association ranged from generalist species occurring in nests of multiple ant genera, such as Atelura montana, to more specialised taxa largely restricted to a single host genus, as observed in Neoasterolepisma species. Our findings expand the current understanding of myrmecophilous Zygentoma in the Balkans. Three species—Proatelurina pseudolepisma, Neoasterolepisma cf. crassipes, and Neoasterolepisma wasmanni—are reported here for the first time in Bulgaria, bringing the total number of recorded silverfish species in the country to 11. Moreover, our results highlight the ecological importance of ant nests as microhabitats that support highly specialised arthropod communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Diversity)

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19 pages, 2261 KB

Open AccessArticle

Applied Biodiversity Metrics; Concepts to Choose Them Well

by Marie-Ève Roy, Sylvain Delagrange and Yann Surget-Groba

Diversity 2026, 18(4), 222; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18040222 - 10 Apr 2026

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Abstract

The evaluation of biodiversity is an essential tool for conservation, management of natural resources, and assessment of ecosystem functioning. Choosing an appropriate and understandable diversity metric is critical to ultimately make better decisions and apply more sustainable resource management. However, biodiversity metrics are [...] Read more.

The evaluation of biodiversity is an essential tool for conservation, management of natural resources, and assessment of ecosystem functioning. Choosing an appropriate and understandable diversity metric is critical to ultimately make better decisions and apply more sustainable resource management. However, biodiversity metrics are numerous, and care must be taken when using them. So, should one consider all these metrics to obtain the right information? If not, how should one choose? This paper aims to demonstrate the importance of understanding and selecting the appropriate diversity metrics to reach accurate conclusions. We simulated theoretical plant communities for which calculations of different biodiversity metrics were carried out to understand why and how to use them. We explored Richness, Evenness and Disparity components of biodiversity using both scales of diversity partitioning (i.e., alpha and beta diversity). In doing so, a decision tree is proposed to select diversity metrics according to user objectives. We also suggest an add-in term if alpha metrics are calculated with subsamples to better reflect biodiversity. Finally, we recommend that when dealing with ecosystem functioning or conservation concerns, species-dependent metrics should be used, as they reflect Disparity. However, there is a critical need to increase knowledge and data availability on species traits or phylogeny to be able to better analyze Disparity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Diversity Discovery and Resource Utilization)

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14 pages, 1844 KB

Open AccessArticle

Morphological and Phytochemical Evidence of Divergent Oregano-Type Plant Material Marketed as Origanum vulgare in Romania

by Carmen Elena Pop, Anca Toiu, Radu Moldovan, Lorena Filip, Mircea Tămaș and Simona Codruța Hegheș

Diversity 2026, 18(4), 221; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18040221 - 9 Apr 2026

Viewed by 378

Abstract

The identity of oregano used as a medicinal plant and culinary spice remains controversial due to frequent confusion between Origanum vulgare L., native to the spontaneous flora of Romania (mainly subsp. vulgare), and chemically distinct oregano taxa commercially marketed under the generic [...] Read more.

The identity of oregano used as a medicinal plant and culinary spice remains controversial due to frequent confusion between Origanum vulgare L., native to the spontaneous flora of Romania (mainly subsp. vulgare), and chemically distinct oregano taxa commercially marketed under the generic name “oregano”, often associated with phenolic-rich chemotypes attributed to O. vulgare subsp. hirtum (Link) A.Terracc. The present study aimed to clarify the morphological and chemotaxonomic differences between wild Romanian populations of O. vulgare and commercially available oregano-type plant material, using authenticated O. vulgare subsp. hirtum as a comparative reference. Comparative botanical analysis was performed on wild and cultivated material, followed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) screening and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis of essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation. Morphological examination revealed stable differences between wild O. vulgare subsp. vulgare and commercially sourced material in stem habit, leaf morphology, inflorescence structure, corolla coloration, and aroma. TLC screening showed the absence of phenolic derivatives in extracts from wild O. vulgare subsp. vulgare and authenticated O. vulgare subsp. hirtum, while intense thymol-related zones were detected exclusively in plants derived from commercial seeds labeled as O. vulgare. GC–MS analysis confirmed these findings, demonstrating the absence of phenolic monoterpenes in wild populations and their high abundance, particularly thymol and carvacrol, in commercial samples. These results highlight significant discrepancies between authentic wild oregano and commercially marketed plant material, emphasizing the need for rigorous botanical authentication in ethnobotanical, phytochemical, and pharmacological research. Full article

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

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4 pages, 140 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Diversity and Biogeography of Crustaceans in Continental Waters

by Anna A. Novichkova and Elena S. Chertoprud

Diversity 2026, 18(4), 220; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18040220 - 9 Apr 2026

Viewed by 347

Abstract

Continental freshwater ecosystems occupy only a small fraction of the Earth’s surface, yet they sustain an exceptionally high share of global biodiversity and are among the most rapidly degrading habitats [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity and Biogeography of Crustaceans in Continental Waters)

20 pages, 3245 KB

Open AccessArticle

Functional Diversity of Reef Fishes Varies Across Oceanic, Coastal-Influenced, and Coastal Reefs in the Mexican Eastern Tropical Pacific

by Ignacio Cáceres, Marco Ortiz, Ubaldo Jarquín-Martínez, Amílcar Leví Cupul-Magaña, Andrés López-Pérez, Fernando Berrios, Carlos González-Salas, Esmeralda Citlali Ibarra-García and Fabián A. Rodríguez-Zaragoza

Diversity 2026, 18(4), 219; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18040219 - 9 Apr 2026

Viewed by 443

Abstract

The Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) comprises several coral ecosystems, which are distributed across a variety of coastal zones and oceanic islands. In these ecosystems, reef fish play key roles in their functioning. In ETP, there is a paucity of studies that have evaluated [...] Read more.

The Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) comprises several coral ecosystems, which are distributed across a variety of coastal zones and oceanic islands. In these ecosystems, reef fish play key roles in their functioning. In ETP, there is a paucity of studies that have evaluated fish functional diversity (FD) and compared oceanic and coastal systems from a predominantly trophic perspective. A comparative analysis was conducted on fish FD in seven coral ecosystems, encompassing three distinct environmental contexts: (1) Oceanic, (2) Coastal-influenced, and (3) Coastal. The hypothesis that FD varies spatially along this oceanic–coastal gradient is predicated on the premise that such variation is attributable to differences in disturbance regimes and environmental conditions. Our results show that not all functional α-diversity indices exhibited significant variation among zones. However, analysis of functional dominance, divergence, dispersion, and β-diversity analyses revealed clear spatial variation in functional structure, partially supporting expectations related to disturbance regimes across the oceanic–coastal gradient. These patterns may be indicative of increasing disturbance intensity, in conjunction with other interacting processes such as variability in larval supply, recruitment dynamics, and environmental conditions, including fishing pressure, sedimentation, nutrient inputs, and coastal upwelling. The findings of this study demonstrate the efficacy of functional diversity metrics in assessing reef fish responses to both natural and anthropogenic disturbances. In addition, the present study offers actionable insights with regard to the formulation of conservation and management strategies in the Mexican Eastern Tropical Pacific. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eco-Physiology of Shallow Benthic Communities)

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17 pages, 4334 KB

Open AccessArticle

Landscape Context and Water Quality Differentially Associated with Waterbird Diversity in Coal-Mining Subsidence Lakes

by Zihao Sun, Yunwei Song and Jinming Zhao

Diversity 2026, 18(4), 218; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18040218 - 8 Apr 2026

Viewed by 316

Abstract

Coal-mining subsidence lakes are an expanding artificial wetland type in China, yet the relationships between waterbird diversity components and water-quality and landscape gradients remain unclear. We conducted monthly point-count surveys from January to December 2025 at 28 subsidence lakes in Huaibei, Anhui, China [...] Read more.

Coal-mining subsidence lakes are an expanding artificial wetland type in China, yet the relationships between waterbird diversity components and water-quality and landscape gradients remain unclear. We conducted monthly point-count surveys from January to December 2025 at 28 subsidence lakes in Huaibei, Anhui, China (lake area: 0.01–1.05 km²), and used generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) to test relationships between waterbird diversity and water quality, lake morphology, landscape composition, and anthropogenic disturbance. Associations differed among diversity components. Species richness was positively associated with surrounding cropland and built-up area, whereas total abundance was positively associated with total nitrogen but negatively associated with total phosphorus, indicating that nutrient-related associations were not uniform across water-quality variables. Both Shannon and Margalef diversity were positively associated with surrounding cropland and also showed positive, context-dependent associations with built-up area. These findings suggest that different components of waterbird diversity were associated with different environmental gradients, with landscape context more strongly associated with richness and diversity indices, whereas water-quality gradients were more strongly associated with abundance. Conserving waterbird diversity in subsidence lakes therefore requires attention not only to nutrient conditions within lakes, but also to the surrounding wetland–farmland landscape context. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biodiversity Conservation)

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18 pages, 2545 KB

Open AccessArticle

Habitat Destruction Alters the Mechanisms of Species Coexistence by Modifying Competitive Structure

by Peiyao Li, Yongxun Gou, Xianpeng Zeng and Yinghui Yang

Diversity 2026, 18(4), 217; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18040217 - 8 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Habitat destruction is a major driver of biodiversity decline, yet how it reshapes multispecies coexistence by altering interaction structure remains unclear. We adopt a spatially explicit metacommunity model framework under a homogeneity assumption and introduce a tunable parameter controlling intransitive competition. Within this [...] Read more.

Habitat destruction is a major driver of biodiversity decline, yet how it reshapes multispecies coexistence by altering interaction structure remains unclear. We adopt a spatially explicit metacommunity model framework under a homogeneity assumption and introduce a tunable parameter controlling intransitive competition. Within this framework, we represent the system using a generalized Lotka–Volterra model to examine how coexistence mechanisms respond to habitat destruction. Our findings demonstrate that (1) coexistence is not driven by a single mechanism: under transitive competition, it highly relies on niche differentiation, whereas in intransitive structures, coexistence can be maintained even with low niche differentiation. (2) Habitat destruction compresses the feasible coexistence space, but regions dominated by different mechanisms respond asymmetrically, with niche-difference-driven coexistence shrinking and intransitive-dominated coexistence expanding under certain conditions. (3) The difference stems from habitat destruction, altering the relative proportions of intraspecific and interspecific competition, driving the community beyond the coexistence threshold. This reduces the probability of coexistence and reshapes the relative importance of several coexistence mechanisms. This finding provides a new theoretical perspective for biodiversity in fragmented landscapes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biodiversity Loss & Dynamics)

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24 pages, 2964 KB

Open AccessReview

Semi-Natural Dry Grasslands in Decline: A Review of Characteristics, Threats and Conservation Challenges

by Justyna Wielgos and Mariusz Kulik

Diversity 2026, 18(4), 216; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18040216 - 8 Apr 2026

Viewed by 632

Abstract

In Europe, the most valuable grasslands are semi-natural ecosystems maintained by long-term extensive human management, particularly pastoralism, and therefore do not represent climax vegetation. According to the Natura 2000 habitat interpretation manual (EUR-28), key habitats include xerothermic grasslands of Festuco-Brometalia (code 6210*) on [...] Read more.

In Europe, the most valuable grasslands are semi-natural ecosystems maintained by long-term extensive human management, particularly pastoralism, and therefore do not represent climax vegetation. According to the Natura 2000 habitat interpretation manual (EUR-28), key habitats include xerothermic grasslands of Festuco-Brometalia (code 6210*) on calcareous soils and sandy grasslands of Koelerion glaucae (code 6120*) on poor substrates. Only 10–15% of their area in the EU has favorable conservation status. The main threat is secondary succession and encroachment (83.94%), caused by abandonment of traditional management (81.75%). Without mowing or grazing, dominant grasses replace rare species, followed by shrubs and trees. Other pressures include intensive agriculture (75.18%), habitat loss and fragmentation (69.34%), climate change (37.96%), invasive species (23.36%) and urbanization (14.60%). Multiple threats often co-occur, so cumulative percentages exceed 100%. The most effective conservation method is restoring or maintaining extensive grazing, particularly with local sheep and goat breeds. Grazing limits succession, increases structural diversity and promotes seed dispersal, creating a mosaic of microhabitats that enhances biodiversity. Effective protection requires landscape-scale actions, limiting urban development, and long-term support for farmers under the Common Agricultural Policy. Increasing public awareness of the ecological and cultural value of these ecosystems is also essential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity, Community Structure and Ecology of Terrestrial Ecosystems Under Global Change)

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17 pages, 2774 KB

Open AccessArticle

Postglacial Origin and Regional Differentiation of Microtus arvalis in the Baltic Region

by Petras Prakas, Dalius Butkauskas, Donatas Šneideris, Marius Jasiulionis, Vitalijus Stirkė, Laima Balčiauskienė and Linas Balčiauskas

Diversity 2026, 18(4), 215; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18040215 - 7 Apr 2026

Viewed by 458

Abstract

Postglacial expansion dynamics strongly influence the genetic structure of temperate species; however, mitochondrial data from the Baltic region are limited. To assess diversity, phylogenetic origins, and regional structuring, we analyzed mitochondrial cytochrome b (726 bp) and control region (421–422 bp) sequences of the [...] Read more.

Postglacial expansion dynamics strongly influence the genetic structure of temperate species; however, mitochondrial data from the Baltic region are limited. To assess diversity, phylogenetic origins, and regional structuring, we analyzed mitochondrial cytochrome b (726 bp) and control region (421–422 bp) sequences of the common vole (Microtus arvalis Pallas, 1779) from Lithuania. Of the 91 cytb sequences and 70 control region sequences analyzed, five and four haplotypes were identified, respectively. Markedly low haplotype and nucleotide diversity compared with most European populations were detected. Phylogenetic Maximum Likelihood and network analyses revealed that all Lithuanian haplotypes belong to the eastern European lineage and are most closely related to Polish and central European samples, which supports recolonization from a Carpathian refugium. Despite the overall low variation, we detected two distinct mitochondrial groups: a highly differentiated western group and a second group encompassing eastern, northern, and central–southern populations. This strong regional structuring suggests limited maternal gene flow on a small geographic scale. There was no evidence of introgression from related taxa, such as Microtus obscurus. Our findings refine the phylogeographic context of Baltic M. arvalis and highlight the region’s role in shaping postglacial diversity patterns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Genetics of Animals and Plants—2nd Edition)

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25 pages, 5650 KB

Open AccessArticle

Do Ecological Patterns Persist in Highly Impacted Urban Wetlands? A Spatiotemporal Analysis of Aquatic Macrophytes and Limnological Variability in a Peruvian Coastal Wetland

by Flavia Valeria Rivera-Cáceda, José Antonio Arenas-Ibarra and Sofía Isabel Urrutia-Ramírez

Diversity 2026, 18(4), 214; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18040214 - 7 Apr 2026

Viewed by 453

Abstract

Urban coastal wetlands along the Peruvian Pacific coast are increasingly affected by urban expansion, pollution, and hydrological alterations, compromising their ecological integrity. In this context, the spatiotemporal variation of the aquatic macrophyte community and its relationship with limnological conditions and drivers of change [...] Read more.

Urban coastal wetlands along the Peruvian Pacific coast are increasingly affected by urban expansion, pollution, and hydrological alterations, compromising their ecological integrity. In this context, the spatiotemporal variation of the aquatic macrophyte community and its relationship with limnological conditions and drivers of change were evaluated in the Santa Rosa wetland (Chancay, Lima). The objective is to evaluate the spatiotemporal variation of the aquatic macrophyte community in the Santa Rosa wetland and analyze its relationship with physicochemical limnological variables and drivers of change. Sampling was conducted during two contrasting hydrological seasons in 2022: T1 (low-water season) and T2 (high-water season), at six sampling points (P1–P6). Physicochemical variables (water depth, temperature, pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids—TDS, total suspended solids—TSS, dissolved oxygen—DO, turbidity, nitrate—NO₃⁻, ammonium—NH₄⁺, phosphate—PO₄³⁻, and dissolved organic matter—DOM) were measured, and the relative abundance of aquatic macrophytes was evaluated. Drivers of change were identified through direct observation and a structured matrix, with phosphate a PCoA performed to summarize spatiotemporal trends. Data were analyzed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Co-inertia analysis, and Multi-Response Permutation Procedures (MRPP). Significant spatiotemporal variation was observed in physicochemical parameters (p < 0.05), with moderate covariation between the two matrices (RV = 0.47). A total of ten aquatic macrophyte species were recorded, with higher abundance of Pontederia crassipes and Pistia stratiotes in T1, and Hydrocotyle ranunculoides and Bacopa monnieri in T2. The most relevant drivers of change were solid waste, livestock grazing, organic contamination, and urban expansion. Spatial heterogeneity was observed in the drivers of change affecting the Santa Rosa wetland, forming a mosaic of areas with different impact profiles. Despite multiple anthropogenic pressures, the Santa Rosa wetland maintains a limnological structure and a functionally coupled macrophyte community, suggesting that essential ecological processes are maintained within the temporal scope of this study. The observed covariation between physicochemical conditions and vegetation confirms the persistence of essential ecological processes, even within an altered urban context. This study demonstrates that integrating biotic components, limnological variables, and drivers of change is fundamental to understanding and monitoring the ecological dynamics of urban wetlands along the Peruvian coast. Full article

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

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16 pages, 3695 KB

Open AccessArticle

Vascular Plant Diversity and Distribution Patterns in Kazakhstan

by Ainur Kairatovna Shaimoldina, Bektemir B. Osmonali, Yixin Zhou, Hafiz Muhammad Wariss, Suliya Ma and Wenjun Li

Diversity 2026, 18(4), 213; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18040213 - 6 Apr 2026

Viewed by 643

Abstract

Kazakhstan harbors the richest flora in Central Asia. However, its current plant diversity faces significant challenges. We present an updated checklist of vascular plants for Kazakhstan, comprising 6035 taxa from 134 families and 1016 genera. This includes 485 endemic taxa (8.0% of the [...] Read more.

Kazakhstan harbors the richest flora in Central Asia. However, its current plant diversity faces significant challenges. We present an updated checklist of vascular plants for Kazakhstan, comprising 6035 taxa from 134 families and 1016 genera. This includes 485 endemic taxa (8.0% of the flora) from 38 families and 147 genera, and 359 threatened taxa (6.0%) from 66 families and 203 genera. Among them, the genera with the most endangered species are Tulipa, Astragalus, and Allium. Based on the latest available data, we describe and analyze the diversity and distribution of vascular plants at a phytogeographic regional scale of 29 regions and 7 subregions. Our analyses specifically quantify patterns of species richness, phylogenetic diversity, and the spatial distribution of both threatened and endemic species. Furthermore, floristic similarity analysis revealed clear patterns of species turnover: high similarity between adjacent mountain regions and low similarity between mountains and arid western regions. Analysis revealed five key biodiversity hotspots, including the Karatau Mountains and Western Tien Shan, which host high concentrations of threatened species yet have limited protected area coverage. Our findings underscore the need to align national and international conservation assessments, expand protected area networks, and enhance cross-border collaboration. These results provide important guidance for the conservation and sustainable management of plant diversity in Kazakhstan. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Diversity)

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24 pages, 10422 KB

Open AccessArticle

Elevational Gradients as Natural Filters: Assemblage Structure and Diversity of Ambrosia beetles (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) on the Tacaná Volcano, Chiapas, Mexico

by Mauricio Pérez-Silva, Rodolfo J. Cancino-López, Alba Dueñas-Cedillo, Atilano Contreras-Ramos and Francisco Armendáriz-Toledano

Diversity 2026, 18(4), 212; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18040212 - 5 Apr 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 381

Abstract

The interaction between environmental variables influences patterns of diversity and the composition of communities along the elevational gradient. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding how these diversity patterns in Scolytinae change in response to environmental changes associated with elevation. This study [...] Read more.

The interaction between environmental variables influences patterns of diversity and the composition of communities along the elevational gradient. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding how these diversity patterns in Scolytinae change in response to environmental changes associated with elevation. This study aims to evaluate the influence of environmental changes along an elevational gradient on the diversity and composition of Ambrosia beetles, testing the hypothesis that species assemblages are primarily driven by the interaction between environmental variables and vegetation structure. We sampled Scolytinae at five sites (650–3360 m a.s.l.) on Tacaná Volcano from February 2018 to January 2019. Sampling was conducted using five trap types, including ethanol-baited Malaise traps and interception traps. Data were analyzed using Hill numbers for alpha diversity, Bray–Curtis indices for beta diversity, and canonical correspondence analysis to evaluate the relationship between Scolytinae species abundance and environmental variables. We recorded a high richness with 82 species, a peak in diversity at mid-elevations in mesic montane forests (p < 0.05). The Scolytinae species pool is structured in three local assemblages, corresponding to different elevational landscapes, environmentally structured. Different environmental variables displayed some correlation with species dynamics. However, these factors alone were insufficient to explain patterns of species diversity. Their influence appears to depend on interactions with site-specific characteristics. These results highlight that elevational gradients act as environmental filters structuring Scolytinae assemblages primarily through species turnover rather than nested species loss. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity in 2026)

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15 pages, 3008 KB

Open AccessArticle

Various Community Structures of Root-Associated Bacteria, Archaea, and Fungi of Spartina alterniflora

by Shufang Zhao, Yixuan Zhang, Chunyu Tang and Wu Qu

Diversity 2026, 18(4), 211; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18040211 - 5 Apr 2026

Viewed by 374

Abstract

Invasion by Spartina alterniflora has detrimental effects on existing ecosystems. Studies have shown that microorganisms can control plant growth and development. However, the root-associated community structures of bacteria, archaea, and fungi of S. alterniflora have rarely been investigated. Here, we applied metagenomics to [...] Read more.

Invasion by Spartina alterniflora has detrimental effects on existing ecosystems. Studies have shown that microorganisms can control plant growth and development. However, the root-associated community structures of bacteria, archaea, and fungi of S. alterniflora have rarely been investigated. Here, we applied metagenomics to reveal the bacterial, archaeal, and fungal communities across four root compartments, including the bulk soil, rhizosphere, rhizoplane, and endosphere. Our findings revealed the variation in different community structures. The bacterial and fungal communities exhibited greater potential environmental flexibility than the archaeal community. The endosphere environment had the simplest microbial networks and highest stability. Additionally, we identified root-exuded metabolites from S. alterniflora, which may influence microbial community assembly. Our results indicate that the rhizoplane plays a crucial role in controlling microbial entry into the root, selectively recruiting beneficial microbes for plant growth and colonization, thereby impacting nutrient cycling and plant health. This study provides insights into microbial diversity and function within the S. alterniflora root zone and suggests potential microbial-based strategies for managing this invasive species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Conservation and Management of Marine Ecosystems: 2nd Edition)

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15 pages, 966 KB

Open AccessArticle

Identification and Diversity Analysis of Avian Remains in Tianjin Urban Area Inferring from DNA Barcoding

by Jia-Xin Nie, Ya-Jin Zhang, Chun-Mian Liu, Bing-Ke Song, Bin Wang, Qian Zhang, Tong-Gang Nie and Wen-Bin Liu

Diversity 2026, 18(4), 210; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18040210 - 2 Apr 2026

Viewed by 380

Abstract

(1) Background: The acceleration of urbanization poses an increasingly serious threat to avian diversity. Consequently, accurate species identification of avian remains is essential for biodiversity monitoring, bird rescue operations, and conservation management. (2) Methods: This study employed DNA barcoding technology based on the [...] Read more.

(1) Background: The acceleration of urbanization poses an increasingly serious threat to avian diversity. Consequently, accurate species identification of avian remains is essential for biodiversity monitoring, bird rescue operations, and conservation management. (2) Methods: This study employed DNA barcoding technology based on the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene to analyze 112 avian remains samples collected from urban and peri-urban areas of Tianjin city. (3) Results: A total of 47 bird species were identified, belonging to 11 orders, 24 families, and 30 genera, achieving an overall identification success rate of 95.54%. Passeriformes were dominant, accounting for 70.21% of the identified species. The species list includes 3 species listed as Class I nationally protected birds and 7 species as Class II nationally protected birds. Discrepancies between preliminary morphological identification and molecular identification results highlighted the complementary roles of the two approaches. (4) Conclusions: This study demonstrates that DNA barcoding is an effective tool for efficiently identifying degraded avian remains in urban environments. It provides reliable data for biodiversity assessments, wildlife rescue, and conservation management, while also supporting improved identification accuracy through the integration of molecular and morphological methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Phylogeny and Evolution)

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