Ecologies, Volume 7, Issue 2 (June 2026) – 30 articles

Post-fire rehabilitation structures are widely used in Mediterranean burned landscapes to reduce runoff and sediment transfer, yet their ecological associations with early vegetation recovery remain insufficiently documented. This observational study assessed vascular plant composition, species richness, vegetation cover, plant density, aboveground biomass, and soil properties across log barriers, wattles, and log dams in the burned landscape of Ancient Olympia, western Greece. The study area belongs to the humid climatic class of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) aridity framework based on the Thornthwaite aridity index, providing a comparatively wetter Mediterranean post-fire context. Paired depositional and eroded microsites in operationally restored post-fire areas were monitored in 2022 and 2023. The sampling design comprised nine plots and 18 microsites (n = 9 plots, 18 microsites). Generalized estimating equations (GEE), change-score models, principal component analysis (PCA) and permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) were performed to examine associations of monitoring year, microsite condition and rehabilitation structure type with soil and vegetation patterns. A total of 27 vascular plant species belonging to 16 families were recorded. The average vegetation cover increased from 39.17 ± 21.44% in 2022 to 75.11 ± 12.90% in 2023. Model-based marginal estimates with 95% confidence intervals indicated a large positive increase in vegetation cover over this period. Further, rapid early recovery was indicated by large increases in species richness, plant density and biomass. Depositional microsites were associated with stronger recovery signals than eroded ones, characterized by a larger increase in vegetation cover, density, biomass and species richness. Among rehabilitation structures, log dams showed the highest cumulative floristic richness and a broader observed floristic spectrum, although the species-level contingency analysis provided only marginal evidence for structure-associated differences in floristic composition. Changes in selected soil properties including total nitrogen (total N), ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N), nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and exchangeable calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and potassium (K), were detected between 2022 and 2023; the multivariate soil pattern was driven primarily by mineral nitrogen, pH, and EC. These findings suggest that, under operational post-fire restoration conditions, rehabilitation structures are associated not only with erosion-control functions but also with microsite differentiation that may shape early plant establishment and biodiversity recovery in Mediterranean burned landscapes. Full article

Understanding dietary patterns and trophic (food) resources partitioning among sympatric mesocarnivores is important for explaining species coexistence through niche differentiation and their roles in ecosystem functioning. We analyzed the feeding ecology and dietary overlap of the golden jackal (Canis aureus) and jungle cat (Felis chaus) using scat analysis in the Kuno–Chambal ravine landscape of central India. We collected a total of 117 scat samples (96 golden jackal, 21 jungle cat) between February 2024 and April 2025 and analyzed them using micro-histological methods to quantify prey composition, frequency of occurrence, and relative biomass. We identified twenty-three prey items from the golden jackal diet. The golden jackal exhibited a generalist feeding strategy characterized by extensive use of livestock carrion (FO > 90%), contributing ~80% of prey biomass, and supplemented by plant resources (FO > 60%) and small prey (FO ~ 40%). The jungle cat consumed sixteen prey items and showed a strong dietary association with small mammals, particularly rodents (FO > 95%) and black-naped hare, which together contributed ~80% of its biomass. Standardized niche breadth was higher for the jungle cat (0.60 ± 0.07) than the golden jackal (0.37 ± 0.03), with a non-significant dietary overlap (Pianka index = 0.45). The high diversity of rodents (n = 11) in the diet of both mesocarnivores suggested their ecological importance in regulating rodent populations and golden jackals, enhancing ecosystem cleaning through their scavenging activity. Full article

A central goal in ecology is to understand whether community assembly follows deterministic rules or is of a stochastic nature. Although species co-occurrence is extensively documented and studied for vertebrates, applying these frameworks to soil Collembola communities in Mediterranean riparian systems provides essential comparative data for community assembly theory. This study examined soil Collembola communities in the Nestos River delta (Greece) across diverse seasons and habitats using thirty-two presence–absence matrices based on abundance data for fifty-four species. These were analyzed using several metrics, each with appropriate randomization algorithms. We studied these metrics across seasons to track community structure changes over time. Additionally, the use of an appropriate multivariate method quantified the influence of soil humidity, while seasonal variations in biomass and diversity were tracked to explore biotic and abiotic influences. In most cases, null hypotheses about the forces structuring these communities could not be rejected, although some instances suggested competitively structured communities. Overall, soil humidity was found to modestly influence community structure, while concordant seasonal trends among biomass and diversity suggest that environmental filtering and biotic interactions shape the observed patterns, with temporal dynamics appearing relatively consistent across habitats within the study year. Full article

The Biological Monitoring Working Party (BMWP) and Average Score Per Taxon (ASPT) indices, which rely on family-level environmental sensitivity values (FESVs), are widely used in freshwater bioassessment. However, regional differences in taxonomic composition often render existing FESV systems incomplete or incompatible, and the influence of rare families remains poorly understood. Using a historical dataset from the temperate Taizi River basin in Northeast China, we developed a regional FESV system for benthic macroinvertebrates. A total of 67 FESVs were established, including 10 families not previously scored in the UK system. These values followed a normal distribution and were ecologically validated using canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). Both BMWP and ASPT indices showed significant correlations with water quality parameters, the Water Quality Index (WQI), and the Habitat Quality Index (HQI). Notably, excluding rare families (occurrence frequency < 1%) did not reduce but slightly enhanced the responsiveness of both indices. CCA identified HQI, conductivity, and ammonia nitrogen as the primary drivers of community composition, and the inferred ecological preferences aligned well with the assigned FESVs. This study provides a robust, regionally adapted framework for family-level bioassessment in temperate East Asian rivers and supports the exclusion of rare taxa to improve cost-effectiveness and index sensitivity. Full article

The yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor, Linnaeus) is a cosmopolitan pest of stored grains, causing losses up to 15%. Due to the environmental and health risks of synthetic fumigants, botanical alternatives are needed, but their ecotoxicological assessment is also required. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the insecticidal, insectistatic, and ecotoxicological effects of Salvia connivens (Epling) dichloromethane extract and to identify its compounds. Insecticidal and insectistatic activities were assessed through the consumption of an artificial diet containing the extract over 30 days. Ecotoxicological activity was evaluated through acute toxicity assays on Danio rerio (Hamilton) adults and embryos. The extract showed insecticidal activity against T. molitor achieving 50% mortality at 10,000 ppm (LC₅₀ = 9367.19 ppm). Additionally, at 10,000 ppm larval weight gain was reduced by 53.37% at 30 days compared to the control. Ecotoxicological assays revealed slight toxicity toward D. rerio adults (LC₅₀ = 84.27 ppm) and embryos (LC₅₀ = 32.60 ppm). GC-MS analysis identified hexadecanoic acid (7.08%), 1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione (6.30%), cis-9-octadecenoic acid (3.91%), β-sitosterol (3.05%), and eicosane (3.00%) as the major constituents according to the chromatographic method used. These findings suggest that S. connivens dichloromethane extract is a potential botanical product for T. molitor management. Full article

The African jacana (Actophilornis africanus, family Jacanidae) is a sex-role-reversed waterbird inhabiting tropical and subtropical open wetlands across Africa. Identifying environmental factors that influence nest site distribution and suitable nesting habitats is crucial for protecting species and habitat management; however, studies addressing these factors remain limited for this species. This study aimed to map suitable nesting habitats and identify the main environmental variables influencing the nest site distribution of the African jacana in Lake Hawassa, Ethiopia. We mapped nesting habitat suitability using a Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model and ArcGIS Pro 3.2.2 based on 78 field-collected nest data points and ten environmental variables. The model predicted a total suitable nesting habitat area of 1.25 km² with high accuracy (AUC = 0.90, CBI = 0.8, and omission rate = 0.22), representing about 1.2% of Lake Hawassa’s total area. In general, suitable nesting habitats were relatively small, fragmented, and mainly clustered along the southeastern shore of Lake Hawassa. The mean precipitation and temperature during the breeding season, slope, elevation, and distance to shoreline were the main predictors of the African jacana’s nesting habitat suitability. The results of the present study provide valuable insights into local wetland management and the conservation of African jacanas and other breeding waterbirds in Lake Hawassa. Moreover, this study establishes baseline information for assessing how future climate and habitat changes may influence breeding habitat suitability in similar Ethiopian wetlands. The present study was limited to nesting habitat suitability based on limited environmental factors and did not include nest success, pollution parameters or predation; future studies incorporating these factors may improve ecological interpretation. Full article

Information on factors influencing fitness, flowering, and fruit production in Cyclamen species remains limited. This study evaluated these traits throughout the growing season in three populations of Cyclamen purpurascens subsp. immaculatum under contrasting environments: a young beech forest (half-shade), an old beech forest (shade), and an open meadow. Because this protected endemic taxon of the Western Carpathians (Veľká Fatra and Starohorské vrchy Mountains, Slovakia) cannot be sampled destructively, we used in situ observations and chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements. We found seasonal variation in photosystem II (PSII) efficiency and high environmentally driven inter-individual variability. Plants in the meadow exhibited significantly lower values of F_v/F_m, F_m/F₀, and Area parameters, likely reflecting combined microclimatic stress. These plants also produced significantly fewer flowers, suggesting reduced resource availability for reproduction. In contrast, no significant differences in fluorescence parameters were detected between the two forest habitats, which showed similar seasonal dynamics. However, plants in the young forest produced the most flowers and slightly more fruits than those in the old forest or open meadow. Overall, our results suggest that meadow habitats may be less suitable for this taxon, while old-forest environments are tolerated but may reduce reproductive output. Semi-shaded forest habitats may be important for long-term persistence of this taxon. Full article

The reconstruction of the Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof railway junction, known as Stuttgart 21, is a very large and long-term infrastructure project. The gradual extension of the project implementation creates a specific time period during which atypical vegetation management in the trackbeds takes place. The vegetation of the trackbeds of the current station includes a total of 68 plant taxa, with Erigeron bonariensis L., Geum urbanum L. and Senecio inaequidens DC being significantly represented, for example. The limited level of disturbance within this “time window” creates favorable conditions in particular for the development of woody plants and lianas, such as Acer campestre L., Acer pseudoplatanus L., Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, Clematis vitalba L., Ficus carica L., Hedera helix L. and Sambucus nigra L. The detected spectrum of plant taxa also indicates the formation of a diverse mosaic of microhabitats, which allows the coexistence of species with different ecological requirements. The assessed railway lines also provide space for the occurrence of non-native species, many of which are capable of effective wind dispersal and can subsequently colonize surrounding urban areas. Habitats with a time window of limited vegetation management may represent a poorly described factor influencing the spread of some taxa in the technosphere. The knowledge gained may contribute to a better understanding of the population dynamics of individual taxa and their potential for further spread. Full article

Sorghum halepense is widely recognised as one of the most aggressive invasive perennial grasses affecting agricultural ecosystems worldwide. This systematic review synthesises existing scientific evidence on the ecological invasion dynamics, origin, distribution patterns, impacts on both biodiversity and livestock, and management strategies. A systematic literature review approach was employed to identify and evaluate peer-reviewed and grey literature. Relevant studies were retrieved from major scientific databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, and ResearchGate, using predefined search terms related to S. halepense, invasion, impact on native plants and livestock, and possible control measures. Articles were screened based on relevance, methodological quality, and thematic alignment with the objectives of the review. The results showed that Johnsongrass is making a gradual invasion in South Africa through seed production and rhizome systems. Sorghum halepense alters native species composition, subsequently reduces biodiversity, and outcompetes native species. Although it may provide forage under certain conditions, its accumulation of cyanogenic compounds and nitrates poses serious poisoning risks to herbivores. Management strategies such as mechanical, burning, and chemical methods vary in terms of effectiveness. Some of these measures are influenced by the genetic make-up of the plant, costs associated with each control measure and other environmental factors. This review highlights the need for integrated management approaches that balance invasive weed control with sustainable forage production. This review emphasises the importance of adopting integrated management strategies that effectively control both seed production and underground stems. Future research should prioritise climate-responsive management approaches, improved understanding of invasion ecology, and the development of cost-effective control measures. Bringing together policy makers and specialists in weed science, natural conservation science, and animal health will be essential for reaching consensus on the actions required to curb the expansion and reduce the economic losses associated with the abundance of Sorghum halepense in our ecosystems. Full article

Effective management and conservation of sea turtles is often constrained by a lack of knowledge of at-sea distribution and abundance. While abundance estimates of nesting females are typically well-documented on nesting beaches, counting sea turtles at sea presents challenges due to their widespread distribution and cryptic habits. Given nesting beaches only document adult females, at-sea data are also more informative of greater population demographics. To estimate the abundance and density of green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the Red Sea waters of Saudi Arabia we conducted strip transect aerial surveys in four survey zones that spanned ~66% of shallow water habitats (<200 m depth), within which we counted sea turtles, and also other species such as dugongs and other marine mammals, sharks, and rays. Corresponding abundance estimates were modelled to account for perception bias (whether a surveyor saw a turtle that was available) and detection bias (whether a turtle was available to be seen). Our results suggest an abundance of ~201,427 green sea turtles potentially present between the 200 m bathymetric contour and the Saudi Arabian shore. However, there was a statistically significant relationship between turtle location and proximity to coral reefs, with over 90% of turtles found within 3500 m of coral reef structures (whether coastal fringing reefs, barrier reefs or atolls), and therefore it would be inappropriate to use an estimate assuming equal distribution. Adjusting for this buffer area we estimated ~95,000 turtles (95% CI: 64,000–142,000) within the proximity of reef structures. These findings represent the first abundance estimates of green turtles in the Red Sea. Repeated over time, surveys such as these can identify changes in population structure, distribution and abundance, and inform conservation and management agencies. Full article

In transitional tropical ecosystems such as the Amazonia–Cerrado ecotone, dominant tree species experience strong environmental heterogeneity, requiring coordinated functional strategies to cope with drought, nutrient limitation, and disturbance. However, how these species integrate leaf morphoanatomical traits and wood density to persist in such environments remains poorly understood. We assessed the coordination among leaf anatomical and morphological traits and their relationship with wood density in five dominant tree species across three savanna park sites in the Amazonia–Cerrado transition. Morphological traits included leaf thickness, specific leaf area, leaf dry matter content, and wood density, alongside 17 anatomical leaf traits. We analyzed inter- and intraspecific variation and covariation patterns to identify trait-based ecological strategies along the acquisitive–conservative spectrum. We found strong coordination among traits related to protection (e.g., cuticle thickness and trichomes) and resource use, as well as clear alignment between leaf and wood traits. Species identity explained most trait variation, although leaf thickness showed notable intraspecific plasticity. Species with conservative traits exhibited thicker leaves and higher wood density, whereas species with acquisitive strategy showed higher specific leaf area and lower leaf dry matter content. Overall, trait coordination reflects integrated ecological strategies shaped by environmental heterogeneity, highlighting the role of multi-trait syndromes in driving functional adaptation in ecotonal systems. Full article

The San Juan Islands are one of the few places where native temperate grasslands are found in western Washington State. These ecosystems are important reservoirs of biodiversity and sources of ecosystem services, support many rare and endemic species, and have profound cultural significance to the Coast Salish peoples. These ecologically and culturally valuable ecosystems have become scarce due to the combined pressures of changes in land use, the introduction of non-native invasive species, and the exclusion of fire from the landscape. A lack of historical context and ecological baseline knowledge has made it impossible to fully understand the long-term trends in the extent and distribution of this ecosystem. To address this knowledge gap, we used historical land cover data and multispectral imagery to create a high-resolution, spatially explicit database of grassland extent on the San Juan Islands at multiple time periods since the early years of Euro-American colonization. Our spatial analysis of these data revealed significant decreases in grassland extent between time periods, with an overall 77% net decrease in the extent of non-agricultural grasslands and a loss of 93% of the area of persistent, old-growth grasslands since 1890 across the region. These changes are primarily a result of conversion to agriculture and conifer encroachment or succession to forest. The spatial data and analyses created in this study help to develop the historical baseline of native temperate grasslands on the San Juan Islands, adding to our understanding of the lingering legacy that changes in land use have had on this ecosystem, with the potential to aid in the development of effective conservation and restoration practices. Full article

The Shymkent–Saryagash–Abay (A-15) international highway is a major Kazakhstan–Uzbekistan freight corridor that runs through the irrigated horticultural belt of the Turkestan Region in South Kazakhstan, where adjacent fields supply vegetables and cucurbits to the regional market. Composite soil samples (n = 18) were taken at six distances (2–300 m) from the road edge across three locations during 2022–2023, along with edible fruits of tomato, cucumber, watermelon, and melon (n = 12) from the adjoining fields. Pb, Zn, and Cd were measured via flame atomic absorption spectrometry after HNO₃/H₂O₂ digestion. Soil concentrations decreased sharply with distance (Pb: 26.3 → 5.98 mg kg⁻¹; Zn: 21.29 → 4.16; Cd: 0.47 → 0.01 mg kg⁻¹), exceeding the national soil MPCs by 1.5–3 times within 2–10 m. Pb and Zn exceeded the Kazakhstani food-safety MPCs in all four crops, and Cd in three of four (tomato, cucumber, and melon). Transfer factors followed the order of Cd (2.90–4.40) > Zn (1.99–3.00) > Pb (0.16–0.30), and the Cd geo-accumulation index ranged from 1.05 to 1.65 at 2–5 m. Adult dietary risk was acceptable (HI = 0.029–0.052; CR < 1.7 × 10⁻⁶), yet food-safety exceedances support a precautionary sanitary buffer and combined soil-and-crop monitoring along the corridor. Full article

Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Zeller), the date moth, is a major pest of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.), responsible for severe post-harvest losses in arid and Mediterranean regions. The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) is an environmentally friendly control method whose effectiveness depends on selecting irradiation doses that ensure sterility while preserving insect quality. This study evaluated the histopathological effects of ⁶⁰Co gamma irradiation on the digestive system of fifth-instar larvae of E. ceratoniae. Larvae were exposed to doses of 0 (control), 250, 300, 350, and 450 Gy, and the mesenteron, proctodeum, and Malpighian tubules were analyzed using Mallory’s trichrome staining. Quantitative measurements included epithelial thickness, intestinal stem cell density, Malpighian tubule diameter, and a histological integrity index. Gamma irradiation induced pronounced dose-dependent alterations. These included thinning and disorganization of the intestinal epithelium, a marked reduction in stem cell density, swelling of Malpighian tubules, and a progressive loss of tissue integrity. Severe degeneration and functional collapse of digestive tissues were observed at doses ≥ 350 Gy. The results indicate that 300–350 Gy represents a critical irradiation range inducing irreversible digestive damage compatible with effective sterilization. These findings provide histopathological reference criteria for optimizing dose selection and quality control in SIT programs targeting E. ceratoniae. Full article

Plant–animal interactions have shaped much of Earth’s biodiversity. Their structure probably results from a combination of neutrality and constraints imposed by species’ traits, such as phenotypes, phenologies, and spatial distributions, which may affect their stability and coevolutionary processes. Understanding how biological communities are structured remains a major challenge in ecology. To explore this, a hummingbird–plant interaction network from a tropical dry forest in Mexico was surveyed monthly over two years to identify the main drivers of species interactions and network structure. By combining data on morphology, phenology, and the abundance of flowers and hummingbirds, we examined whether biological constraints or neutral processes better explain interaction frequencies and how these factors influence network metrics. Our results indicate that a biological constraint—species phenology—is the most important predictor of plant–hummingbird interaction frequencies. Conversely, null models incorporating abundance best projected most network parameters, suggesting that a neutral process is crucial for predicting these metrics. Interaction networks serve as valuable tools for studying ecological processes. Because previous studies have reported contrasting results regarding the drivers of hummingbird–plant interactions, further comparative studies across ecosystems are still needed to evaluate the generality of these mechanisms. Full article

(1) Pholidoptera griseoaptera (De Geer, 1773) (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae) is a common and widespread inhabitant of forest edges in Europe and may therefore serve as a suitable model species for understanding past and future changes in forest wildlife. (2) We recorded the presence or absence of the species in 189 forest and forest-edge plots within the Kaluga Region using acoustic observations and pitfall trapping, and analysed the data using logistic regression. (3) Across the region, the main positive factor affecting species presence was the dominance of nemoral herbs in the herb layer. The main negative factors were habitat isolation caused by physical barriers and location within moraine plains formed during the late stage of the Moscow glaciation. The presence of coniferous tree species and spatial autocovariation were also significant factors, although their contributions were relatively small. The abundance of Ph. griseoaptera was higher in forests located within river valleys. Within Kaluga, the long-term persistence of tree vegetation and habitat isolation were the main significant factors affecting species occurrence. The smallest urban habitat occupied by the species covered approximately 13 ha, whereas the total area of unmown patches within this habitat was only about 0.2 ha. (4) Ph. griseoaptera may be used as an indicator of the long-term persistence of broadleaved deciduous (nemoral) forests. Under conditions of high urbanization, however, the species may become threatened. Full article

Dozer lines can play a key role in the containment of a wildfire; they can also result in long-lasting impacts to vegetation and soils. Despite this, their post-fire ecological impacts are understudied. I assessed vegetation recovery associated with 29 dozer lines within five wildfires that burned between 2018 and 2021 across the Klamath Mountain ecoregion in northern California. Sampling occurred between one and five years post-fire along transects beginning within and extending out 30 m from the dozer line. Vegetation recovery was lowest within the dozer line, where average percent cover ranged from 3 to 5% regardless of years post-fire. Non-native species were found across all sites but were not significantly greater in cover within or outside the dozer line compared with native species. Non-native cover was best explained by elevation and canopy cover, where lower-elevation sites with reduced canopy cover had the greatest cover of non-natives. More research should be done to investigate longer temporal trends in non-native cover post-fire near and within dozer lines. Full article

High-Andean grasslands in the Central Andes of Peru are severely degraded by Lepidium meyenii (maca) cultivation, compromising pasture structure and forage availability for sustainable livestock production. A factorial field experiment evaluated restoration timing and pasture-oriented seed mixtures by manipulating resting time after abandonment (0, 1, 2, and 3 years) and restoration treatment (control; Festuca dolichophylla monoculture; full mixture of Dactylis glomerata + Lolium spp. + Trifolium repens + F. dolichophylla; and mixture without F. dolichophylla) across 64 plots. Vegetation was assessed eight months after seeding, and responses were analysed with ordination, PERMANOVA with restricted permutations, PERMDISP, and generalised linear models and mixed-effects models for diversity metrics. Community composition differed significantly among resting times and seed treatments, with resting time explaining the largest proportion of variance (R² = 0.353), followed by treatment (R² = 0.236), while the interaction was significant but smaller (R² = 0.102, p = 0.002). PERMDISP detected significant differences in multivariate dispersion for both Resting Time and Treatment, indicating that compositional differences may reflect both centroid shifts and heterogeneity among groups. Passive recovery and Festuca-only plots showed slower, more variable compositional change, whereas productive mixtures produced clearer, treatment-specific trajectories over time, suggesting possible divergence in community development patterns, rather than providing formal evidence of distinct alternative stable states. Establishment was consistently high for D. glomerata and Lolium spp., supporting rapid ground cover, which may be associated with short-term forage potential, while F. dolichophylla showed chronically low establishment consistent with limited germination performance. The invasive Pennisetum clandestinum was most pronounced under passive recovery and was reduced under seeded mixtures, suggesting a potential competitive suppression effect. Overall, early seeding with productive mixtures appeared to influence community assembly trajectories, while resting time remained the dominant driver of compositional variation, suggesting potential implications for restoration management in maca-degraded landscapes, although outcomes related to sustainable grazing systems were not directly evaluated. Full article

The last native population of Barbary deer (Cervus elaphus barbarus) lives across the northern border of Algeria and Tunisia; its small population size and global-change pressures limit conservation options, and basic habitat requirements, including diet, remain poorly known. In the Akfadou Forest enclosure (Algeria), where concerns have been raised about woodland condition and limited perennial seedling recruitment, we assessed dietary preferences using micro-histological analysis of faecal samples collected across four seasons. A wide variety of plants was ingested; grasses dominated overall, particularly Avena sterilis and Carex spp., while evergreen trees and woody shrubs also contributed substantially, including Cytisus triflorus, Hedera helix, and Cistus salvifolius. The balance between grazing and browsing indicates that the Barbary deer is an intermediate feeder. Diet composition varied seasonally, with more forbs in winter, more grasses in spring, and greater consumption of trees and shrubs in summer and autumn. These results provide baseline information to support enclosure management and to guide conservation actions for this threatened endemic subspecies, and they highlight the value of complementary analyses of food availability and nutritional quality. Full article

The present research provides the first quantitative comparison of the hidden fish assemblages in Posidonia meadows and neighboring non-Posidonia habitats. The data and samples were collected at sixty sampling points at three locations on the south side of Brač Island in the eastern Adriatic Sea from October 2023 to June 2025. The gradient of a significant increase in fish abundance and average fish species richness in cuboids and the increase in the frequency of occurrence of fish species were observed from habitats inside Posidonia meadows, over the Posidonia meadow edge, to the habitats outside Posidonia meadows. The primary influence on the abundance was the rarity of species from the family Gobiidae within Posidonia habitats. The markedly different species composition between the Posidonia and non-Posidonia habitats was driven by the high species richness of the family Labridae in the Posidonia habitat compared to the high species richness of the family Gobiidae in the non-Posidonia habitats. The Posidonia meadow edge showed overlap with the two other habitat types, sharing a number of species. The sampling protocol developed in this study is suitable for the quantitative assessment of fishes inhabiting hidden Posidonia microhabitats and provides a methodological basis for future research. The current knowledge of fish in Mediterranean Posidonia meadows, as well as the conservation consequences of still limited knowledge, are discussed. Full article

Effective wolf monitoring is more critical than ever for supporting robust population estimates, identifying breeding packs, and anticipating and mitigating attacks on livestock. This study evaluates bioacoustic monitoring to estimate wolf population size and detect packs and pups based on howling activity, using recordings collected from free-ranging wolves in four different study areas in Denmark. It assesses whether howl structure can be used to identify wild individuals and discriminate between current-year pups (aged between four and nine months) and adults. At wild Location 1, we identified two free-ranging individuals from 40 adult howls by quantifying fundamental frequency features and applying linear discriminant and multivariate variance analyses; the individual classification accuracy was 92%. We examined howls recorded from late August 2021 to February 2022 using maximum fundamental frequency. Across months, mixture modelling and principal component analysis consistently resolved two groups in the wild data, and multivariate tests indicated significant separation each month (p < 0.001), consistent with a pup–adult contrast and the expected autumnal decline in pup frequencies as they mature. A focused analysis restricted to adult-range howls also resolved two groups with very strong multivariate separation (p < 0.001), but this pattern is considered exploratory and does not constitute confirmed sex discrimination. Overall, passive bioacoustics is an effective, non-invasive approach for wide-area monitoring, individual-level acoustic identification, and detecting the presence of pups within wolf packs; however, inference about pack composition or sex based solely on acoustic clustering requires further validation. Full article

An association between long-term climatic stability and endemism has been suggested, but it has been tested in plants and vertebrates rather than invertebrates. Using high-resolution paleoclimate reconstructions (CHELSA-TraCE21k; 21,000 BP–present), we tested whether non-cave localities of endemic beetles in the western Balkans are non-randomly associated with local climatic stability. For four bioclimatic variables, we quantified temporal variability using three metrics (SD, range, detrended SD) and defined stability islands as cells in the most stable quartile relative to their neighbourhood at three spatial scales (3 × 3, 5 × 5, 9 × 9). We tested whether 578 endemic-locality cells were enriched in stability islands, against elevation-matched null models. Annual mean temperature produced the highest raw frequency of endemic localities in stability islands, but this pattern was not significant after elevation control. In contrast, endemic localities showed a modest but consistent enrichment in annual precipitation stability islands (observed 9.7–10.7% vs. null 7.3–8.5%; p = 0.01–0.03) across neighbourhood sizes. At the 3 × 3 scale, 60 endemic localities fell within precipitation-stability islands; of them, 20 were outside current protected areas—indicating conservation gaps where minor boundary revisions could enable protection of endemic beetles’ habitats in precipitation-stable sites. Full article

Parasitic plants are ecologically important because they can exert a profound influence on the surrounding ecosystem. Yet the ecology and host specificity of most parasitic plant species remain poorly known or undocumented. Cistanche phelypaea is a local and elusive parasitic plant in the Canary Islands. We carried out the first qualitative assessment of this plant’s ecology on the islands by examining 10 subpopulations over a 7-year period. We examined aspects of the plant’s ecology, distribution, and specificity for eight potential host species. Our observations suggest that four species are hosts: Afrosalsola divaricata, Bassia tomentosa, Suaeda vera, and Traganum moquinii, all of which are shrubby Amaranthaceae; however, host specificity varies across the plant’s range. Afrosalsola divaricata was inferred to be the predominant host and was parasitised wherever it co-occurred with the parasite (50% of sites). Cases of inferred parasitism on more than one host species at a given site were rare. Eight of the ten subpopulations occur in areas of high footfall or close to urbanisation; some disturbance, if managed sensitively, appears to favour recruitment and population dynamics. Based on our observations, we suggest that the integration of species distribution models (SDMs) with targeted surveys would be a promising route for scaling up from site-level observations to island-wide inference. We lay the groundwork for practical recommendations informed by such surveys; together with our long-term observations on host range, this offers a template for parasitic plant conservation more broadly. Full article

This study investigates the spatiotemporal dynamics of zooplankton communities in the tropical low-latitude Northwestern Pacific Ocean based on field surveys conducted in August 2021 and November 2022. Redundancy analysis identified nitrate, silicate, temperature, and salinity as the primary factors influencing community structure. The distribution of dominant zooplankton groups exhibited close correlations with key environmental gradients, showing distinct habitat preferences corresponding to different hydrographic conditions. Zooplankton abundance in August 2021 was significantly higher than that in November 2022, which is presumably attributed to eddy-induced nutrient upwelling and enhanced primary productivity. Comparisons with adjacent marine regions reveal general consistency in overall zooplankton abundance and community species composition, while the observed seasonal discrepancies are closely associated with local unique hydrographic characteristics. These results highlight the role of nutrient–temperature–salinity interactions in structuring zooplankton communities and underscore their sensitivity to environmental variability. The findings provide a scientific basis for understanding pelagic ecosystem dynamics in oligotrophic waters and for developing management strategies under changing climate and oceanographic conditions. Full article

Wetlands are ecosystems with critical functions. However, the accelerated progression of global urbanization and human activities, including agricultural encroachment, has resulted in a notable decline in wetland areas and the degradation of wetland quality worldwide. Consequently, wetland restoration has become a central focus of wetland research. Plant community characteristics are among the simplest and most frequently used indicators for evaluating wetland restoration progress and are a crucial factor in maintaining the health and stability of wetland ecosystems. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the plant community characteristics of restored wetlands with different durations of abandonment in the lower Tumen River Basin, which is expected to provide guidance for promoting the restoration of abandoned farmlands in this region. We hypothesize that species diversity decreases with increasing abandonment age, plant community composition converges toward that of natural wetlands over time, and beta diversity declines due to increasing biotic homogenization during succession. We established a chronosequence of abandoned wetlands in the lower Tumen River Basin, with sites abandoned for approximately 5, 15, and 30 years. And we use natural wetlands and paddy fields as references. With natural succession, the dominant plant species in the restored wetlands transitioned from annuals/biennials to perennials. The aboveground biomass initially increased and subsequently decreased. A gradual decline in species diversity was observed along with a further reduction in beta diversity, and the species turnover component consistently exceeded the richness difference component. The pronounced biotic homogenization among communities indicates that achieving a stable state comparable to that of natural wetlands may require considerably more time or may not be attainable solely through natural succession. Full article

The daily activity patterns of wild animal species are driven by environmental conditions and plant productivity although the degree of dependence varies according to their ecological niche. Bear ecology is intrinsically linked to seasonal vegetative availability. As omnivores with high metabolic demands, these species rely heavily on botanical resources including fruits, seeds, and roots. Consequently, differences in primary productivity across the landscape influence how individuals distribute their circadian activity patterns. The Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) is a tool that quantifies the quality and vigor of vegetation. Relating the EVI to activity patterns allows us to understand how vegetation dynamics and conditions influence the use of time at different times of the day. This study analyzes the daily activity pattern of the American black bear (Ursus americanus) in the El Cielo Biosphere Reserve (ECBR) using camera traps and its association with spatial variations in the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI). The results show that the daily activity pattern of the American black bear in the ECBR exhibits a diurnal–crepuscular tendency. In areas with high primary productivity and higher temperatures, activity occurs before sunrise and at sunset, with low activity during the rest of the day. In contrast, in areas with less vegetation and lower temperatures, activity occurs throughout the day. This suggests that, in the ECBR, the activity pattern of black bears could be modulated by temperature variations related to changes in vegetation productivity. Full article

Most cycad seeds germinate under the parent plant, and seedlings die before recruitment to the juvenile stage. Decomposition of the senesced organs releases the nutrients to influence nutrient cycling. The aim of this study was to quantify the soil nitrogen that accumulates from seedling turnover. Soil cores were collected beneath male and female trees of four Cycas species in five Philippine habitats from 2019 through 2025, with matching cores collected 5 m from the trees. Five to nine replications were employed depending on the habitat. One seedling was excavated beneath each tree in one location. Total nitrogen concentration was determined by dry combustion in soil and plant tissues, and total nitrogen content was calculated for seedlings. The soils beneath female trees contained more nitrogen than beneath male trees or away from cycad trees in every habitat. The highest nitrogen concentration within seedlings occurred in coralloid roots, but leaflets contained the most nitrogen pool, indicating rapid release of nitrogen during decomposition of the senesced seedling. No differences in rhizosphere nitrogen occurred in a 2017–2025 ex situ experiment using Cycas edentata, where seeds were sown beneath female and male trees. A second 2018–2025 experiment revealed that female trees provisioned with self-seeds did not differ in rhizosphere nitrogen compared with non-kin seeds. Nitrogen fixed by cyanobacteria endosymbionts of cycad seedlings and programmed seedling mortality combine to influence nitrogen cycling in soils beneath female trees over time. Full article

The radial growth of the tree stem reflects tree responses to climate change. This study examines the response of Fagus orientalis to more than half a century of climate dynamics in Armenia using a dendrochronological approach. Two forest stands were analyzed: one geographically isolated stand in the arid southern part of the country and one stand in the mesic northern mountainous region, where the main beech forests are distributed. The study period was divided into two phases (1965–1993 and 1994–2023). Climate dynamics were assessed by the months of the biological year, from October of the previous year to the end of September of the current growing season. Substantial warming trends were detected at both stands, except in November, December, and April, and in July in the northern part of Armenia. Between periods, the mean ring width increased from 1.67 mm to 2.14 mm at the northern stand, while decreasing from 1.95 mm to 0.89 mm at the southern stand. Despite climate warming and declining precipitation, some study trees exhibited increased (northern) or stable (both stands) radial growth. Comparison of the two periods revealed pronounced ecological and tree-specific variability in climate–growth relationships, including shifts in correlation strength and sign reversals. These patterns were primarily driven by climate sensitivity rather than age-related effects. The results provide valuable insights for conserving the southern stand and may support assisted migration strategies for F. orientalis toward the southern margin of the F. sylvatica distribution range. Full article

This review examines the role of sulfate-reducing bacteria in the anaerobic degradation of hydrocarbons in marine sediments, where they contribute to the mineralization of organic matter under anoxic conditions. The metabolic diversity of these microorganisms is described, including their ability to degrade various classes of hydrocarbons such as short-chain (C₂–C₅), medium-chain (C₆–C₁₂), and long-chain (C₁₃–C₂₀₊) alkanes, alkenes, and aromatic compounds like naphthalene and phenanthrene. The primary mechanisms involved in the initial activation of these hydrocarbons—fumarate addition and carboxylation—are discussed, along with key enzymes, including alkylsuccinate synthase and benzylsuccinate synthase. Syntrophic interactions are also considered, particularly in which archaea initiate the oxidation of short-chain alkanes (e.g., ethane and butane), with sulfate-reducing bacteria serving as terminal electron acceptors via sulfate reduction. The potential application of these anaerobic processes in bioremediation strategies for oil-contaminated marine sediments is discussed. This microbially mediated degradation may offer a complementary approach to aerobic methods, particularly in oxygen-limited environments. Understanding the activity of sulfate-reducing bacteria activity is relevant to several areas: the development of remediation techniques for anoxic zones, the assessment of methane emissions from marine sediments, the management of microbiologically influenced corrosion, and potential biotechnological applications. Current research directions include the study of syntrophic microbial consortia and the exploration of bioelectrochemical systems. Full article

This study analyzed seven foliar traits of Cedrela odorata L. (Meliaceae) in 87 individuals across three germplasm movement zones in Tabasco, Mexico (VIII: humid; XIV: intermediate; XXI: dry) to assess differentiation and climatic relationships. Leaf length, area, petiolule length, leaflet number, rachis length, width, and stomatal density were measured. Univariate tests, canonical correlation analysis, redundancy analysis, and a relative phenotypic plasticity index were applied. Significant morphological differentiation was found: zone XIV exhibited the largest leaves and longest rachises, zone VIII the highest stomatal density, and zone XXI smaller, more subdivided leaves. The first canonical axis (r = 0.846, p < 0.001) associated long and wide leaves with warm, humid conditions, while the second (r = 0.810, p < 0.001) linked stomatal density and width to temperature minimum. Climate explained 55.7% of morphological variation, primarily through water and temperature gradients. High plasticity in leaf area, rachis length, and stomatal density suggests adaptive flexibility, yet consistent inter-zonal differences indicate local adaptation. These results demonstrate a strong correspondence with Tabasco’s germplasm movement zones and providing morphological evidence to support reforestation and germplasm management strategies under variable climatic conditions. Full article