Diversity

19 pages, 1706 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Changes in the Soil Bacterial Community Across Fairy Rings in Grasslands Using Environmental DNA Metabarcoding

by Teresa Marí, José Manjón-Cabeza, Antonio Rodríguez, Leticia San Emeterio, Mercedes Ibáñez and M.-Teresa Sebastià

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 322; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050322 - 29 Apr 2025

Abstract

Fairy ring fungi are considered keystone species in grasslands due to their strong impact on soil physicochemical properties, but their effect on the associated bacterial community is poorly understood. Here, we analyze shifts in soil bacterial diversity and community composition across fairy rings [...] Read more.

Fairy ring fungi are considered keystone species in grasslands due to their strong impact on soil physicochemical properties, but their effect on the associated bacterial community is poorly understood. Here, we analyze shifts in soil bacterial diversity and community composition across fairy rings using Illumina metabarcoding. A total of 254,135 MiSeq reads and between 405 and 1444 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) per soil sample were observed in a montane grassland in the Eastern Pyrenees. We found a strong reduction in all bacterial diversity indices inside the ring-affected zones compared to the outside grassland, especially in the stimulation (current ring) zone. The exception were Firmicutes, the dominant taxa in the grassland, which increased their relative abundance further in fairy ring-affected zones. The recovery of bacterial populations after the fungal front passage highlights the strong resilience of the bacterial communities to this biotic disturbance. Full article

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

13 pages, 4116 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New Species of the Medically Important Scorpion Genus, Hemiscorpius Peters, 1861 (Hemiscorpiidae), from Southern Iran

by Esmaeil Amiri Ghanat Saman, Hossein Barahoei, Hossein Dehghan, Mohammad Ali Oshaghi, Javad Rafinejad, Amrollah Azarm and Lorenzo Prendini

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 321; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050321 - 28 Apr 2025

Abstract

Seven species of Hemiscorpius Peters, 1861 have been recorded in Iran. Due to the medical importance of this genus, the scorpion populations of southern Kerman Province, in the south of Iran, were studied. Scorpion specimens were collected in 2023 and 2024 from mountainous [...] Read more.

Seven species of Hemiscorpius Peters, 1861 have been recorded in Iran. Due to the medical importance of this genus, the scorpion populations of southern Kerman Province, in the south of Iran, were studied. Scorpion specimens were collected in 2023 and 2024 from mountainous areas in Bam and Jiroft counties. Morphological, morphometric, and molecular data revealed a new species, described herein as Hemiscorpius jiroftensis sp. n. The genetic distances between the new species and other species of Hemiscorpius varied from 0.105 with samples of H. lepturus from Iran to 0.138 with samples of H. enischnochela. The Jebal Barez Mountains appear to have provided a geographical barrier, separating the new species from its closest relative, Hemiscorpius acanthocercus Monod & Lourenço, 2005. It is important to understand the geographical distributions and morphological differences among the species of Hemiscorpius to implement appropriate medical responses to envenomation by these scorpions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity, Biodiversity, Threats and Conservation of Arthropods)

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26 pages, 5912 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental DNA for Assessing Population and Spatial Distribution of Spinibarbus caldwelli in the Liuxi River

by Jujing Wang, Haimei Lin, Jinsheng Xiao, Guiyu Tan, Luobin Yan, Jiabo Chen, Jun Zhao and Junjie Wang

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 320; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050320 - 27 Apr 2025

Abstract

The wild resources of Spinibarbus caldwelli, once an important economic fish in southern China, have been drastically reduced in recent years due to environmental changes and human activities. The Liuxi River S. caldwelli National Aquatic Germplasm Reserve was established in Conghua District, [...] Read more.

The wild resources of Spinibarbus caldwelli, once an important economic fish in southern China, have been drastically reduced in recent years due to environmental changes and human activities. The Liuxi River S. caldwelli National Aquatic Germplasm Reserve was established in Conghua District, Guangzhou city, and the release of S. caldwelli was carried out. However, traditional fishery resource survey methods yield less accurate results when the abundance of the surveyed species is low or when they are difficult to catch. As a non-destructive and non-invasive approach, environmental DNA (eDNA) is widely employed in aquatic species monitoring, though its detection efficiency may be affected by environmental conditions. Therefore, this study explored the eDNA monitoring methods of S. caldwelli in Liuxi River from the following four aspects: (1) the relationship between eDNA release and biomass/abundance; (2) the concentration and diffusion range of eDNA over time in a lentic ecosystem; (3) the diffusion range of eDNA in a lotic ecosystem; and (4) the effects of eDNA application in field monitoring. Our results showed a correlation between eDNA concentration and abundance/biomass of S. caldwelli. eDNA of S. caldwelli can diffuse up to 18 m in lentic ecosystems within 2 h and decreases with distance. eDNA of S. caldwelli released by 10 individuals in Liuxi River could be detected 900 m downstream. Field studies in Liuxi River showed that the eDNA method has high sensitivity in detecting the presence or absence of species and is highly consistent with the results of traditional methods. This study explored the application of environmental DNA technology in species monitoring in Liuxi River. Our aim was to evaluate the applicability and potential of eDNA in ecological monitoring of stream fishes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications on Environmental DNA in Aquatic Ecology and Biodiversity)

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22 pages, 14341 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hidden Microbial Diversity in Mangrove Depths: New Cyanobacterial Species of Picosynechococcus and Two New Records of Sirenicapillaria and Allocoleopsis from the Andaman Coast of Thailand

by Billy Lim Chun Ginn, Faradina Merican, Jantana Praiboon, Sinchai Maneekat and Narongrit Muangmai

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 319; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050319 - 27 Apr 2025

Abstract

In Thailand, mangrove forests form a major component of the Andaman coastal ecosystems in the southern provinces. However, studies on their microbial assemblage largely revolved around groups of bacteria, fungi, and eukaryotic microalgae, while the diversity of cyanobacteria in these regions remains almost [...] Read more.

In Thailand, mangrove forests form a major component of the Andaman coastal ecosystems in the southern provinces. However, studies on their microbial assemblage largely revolved around groups of bacteria, fungi, and eukaryotic microalgae, while the diversity of cyanobacteria in these regions remains almost unknown. This taxonomic study applied the polyphasic approach to examine seven cyanobacterial strains collected from different mangrove environments (including soil crust, tree bark, wood, and rock surface) across Ranong, Phang-Nga, and Phuket provinces. The comprehensive analysis combining morphology, ecology, 16S rRNA phylogenetic relationships, genetic identity, ITS secondary structure, and ITS dissimilarity resulted in the first records of the genera Picosynechococcus, Allocoleopsis, and Sirenicapillaria in Thailand, and led to the description of a new species, Picosynechococcus mangrovensis sp. nov. This new species was differentiated from the type species P. fontinalis based on the distinct 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic position, low 16S rRNA genetic similarity, its slightly halophilic nature, and ability to form pseudo-filaments with up to 160 cells. Our research significantly expands the documented cyanobacterial diversity of Southeast Asian mangrove ecosystems, establishing a critical foundation for future ecological and biotechnological investigations in these understudied yet vital tropical habitats. Full article

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17 pages, 1320 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Allelopathic Impact of Erigeron canadensis and Erigeron annuus on Major Crop Species

by Jiale Liu, Xu Liu, Shengjie Fu, Hongfeng Wang and Liqiang Mu

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 318; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050318 - 27 Apr 2025

Abstract

This study investigates the allelopathic potential of two invasive plants from the Asteraceae family, Erigeron canadensis L. and Erigeron annuus (L.) Desf., which are prevalent in Heilongjiang Province, China. We systematically examined the effects of water extracts from these plants at various concentrations [...] Read more.

This study investigates the allelopathic potential of two invasive plants from the Asteraceae family, Erigeron canadensis L. and Erigeron annuus (L.) Desf., which are prevalent in Heilongjiang Province, China. We systematically examined the effects of water extracts from these plants at various concentrations (25, 50, 75, and 100 g·L⁻¹) on the germination and seedling growth of three major food crops: wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), rice (Oryza sativa L.), and corn (Zea mays L.). Using the Petri dish method and two-way ANOVA with SPSS27 software, we assessed the interaction effects of species and concentration on these crops. The results revealed differential chemosensory effects between E. canadensis and E. annuus extracts. Specifically, the aqueous extract of E. canadensis at 25 g·L⁻¹ promoted wheat root length, while all other growth indicators showed inhibitory effects. The inhibitory effects on wheat, rice, and maize increased with the concentration of the leaching solution. At 100 g·L⁻¹, E. annuus extract completely inhibited the germination of wheat and rice, with an integrated sensitization effect index of −1. The inhibitory effects of the extracts on seed growth indices were in the order of shoot length > root length > biomass. Wheat was the most affected among the three crops, followed by rice, and maize was the least affected. The allelopathic potential of E. annuus was more substantial than that of E. canadensis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Evolution of Invasive Plant Species)

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24 pages, 3418 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reassessment of the Taxonomic Borders Within Pipistrellus (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae, Pipistrellini)

by Svetlana S. Zhukova, Alexander P. Yuzefovich, Vladimir S. Lebedev and Sergei V. Kruskop

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 317; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050317 - 27 Apr 2025

Abstract

Based on an integrative approach including molecular genetics and morphological data, the relationships of supraspecific taxa in the tribe Pipistrellini were considered. Based on the sequences of one mitochondrial (cytb) and four nuclear (rag2, dmp1, apob and thy [...] Read more.

Based on an integrative approach including molecular genetics and morphological data, the relationships of supraspecific taxa in the tribe Pipistrellini were considered. Based on the sequences of one mitochondrial (cytb) and four nuclear (rag2, dmp1, apob and thy) markers, phylogenetic relationships between representatives of the tribe and a number of other Vespertilioninae genera used as multiple outgroups were reconstructed. Also, 22 metric characters of the skull and teeth were analyzed. Previous indications of the paraphyly of the genus Pipistrellus relative to the genera Nyctalus and Glischropus, its distinct division into “western” and “eastern” clades, as well as the isolated position of P. nathusii among the “western” clade were all confirmed. Morphological data (both craniometry and some qualitative features of the teeth structure and penial bone proportions) also supported the special status of P. nathusii. In the “eastern” clade, the most basal position was occupied, contrary to expectations, not by the morphologically divergent P. stenopterus, but by P. abramus. Its isolated position was also supported by morphometric data and the structure of the penial bone. Based on these data, we propose to allocate P. nathusii into a separate subgenus, for which the name Nannugo Kolenati could be used as valid, with P. nathusii being fixed as its type species. We propose to consider the “eastern” clade of pipistrelles as a separate genus Alionoctula Kruskop, Solovyeva and Kaznadzey, within which we distinguish three species groups, namely “abramus”, “javanicus” and “stenopterus”. Thus, we accept the presence of eight genera in the tribe Pipistrellini: Pipistrellus, Nyctalus, Vansonia, Alionoctula, Glischropus, Scotozous and Scotoecus. A number of species native to Africa and Australasia were not included in the present analysis due to the lack of available collection specimens and published genetic sequences. Further study of these species may clarify the taxonomic boundaries we have proposed. Full article

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32 pages, 5534 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Zooplankton of Bahía de Los Ángeles (Gulf of California) in the Context of Other Coastal Regions of the Northeast Pacific

by Bertha E. Lavaniegos, Guillermo Ortuño-Manzanares and José Luis Cadena-Ramírez

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 316; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050316 - 27 Apr 2025

Abstract

Bahía de Los Ángeles (BLA) is located on the peninsular coast of the Gulf of California, near to the midriff islands. It is a greatly diverse ecosystem and a marine protected area due to its importance for whale sharks, turtles, and reef fishes. [...] Read more.

Bahía de Los Ángeles (BLA) is located on the peninsular coast of the Gulf of California, near to the midriff islands. It is a greatly diverse ecosystem and a marine protected area due to its importance for whale sharks, turtles, and reef fishes. The bay also supports commercial fisheries that require ecological information for the integrated management of resources. Zooplankton studies are required as is an essential link in the trophic webs. There are few zooplankton studies in BLA focused mainly on the major taxa and species of copepods and cladocerans. Only one study addressed the seasonal variation in zooplankton but with gaps in the sampling. Here, we report the monthly changes in the zooplankton abundance and the composition of the major groups and cladoceran species. Eighty-one samples were collected between September 2017 and January 2019. The holoplankton taxa identified numbered 17, which accounts for 93% of the mean abundance (range 71–100%), with copepods and cladocerans being dominant. The meroplankton consisted of 15 taxa with a greater presence during the warm months (summer–autumn), dominated by the larval stages of bivalves, gastropods, and barnacles. In contrast, many copepod nauplii were found in January associated with low temperatures. Only cladacerans were identified to the species level. They showed strong seasonal fluctuations, reaching a third of the total zooplankton from spring to autumn, with Penilia avirostris being the most abundant species. These results are compared with other temperate and tropical coastal locations of the eastern Pacific. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spatial and Temporal Studies in Marine Protected Areas: Mexican Chapter)

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30 pages, 122493 KiB

Open AccessArticle

From Historical Archives to Algorithms: Reconstructing Biodiversity Patterns in 19th Century Bavaria

by Malte Rehbein

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 315; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050315 - 26 Apr 2025

Abstract

Historical archives hold untapped potential for understanding long-term biodiversity change. This study introduces computational approaches to historical ecology, combining archival research, text analysis, and spatial mapping to reconstruct past biodiversity patterns. Using the 1845 Bavarian Animal Observation Dataset (AOD1845), a comprehensive survey of [...] Read more.

Historical archives hold untapped potential for understanding long-term biodiversity change. This study introduces computational approaches to historical ecology, combining archival research, text analysis, and spatial mapping to reconstruct past biodiversity patterns. Using the 1845 Bavarian Animal Observation Dataset (AOD1845), a comprehensive survey of vertebrate species across 119 districts, we transform 5400 prose records into structured ecological data. Our analyses reveal how species distributions, habitat associations, and human–wildlife interactions were shaped by land use and environmental pressures in pre-industrial Bavaria. Beyond documenting ecological baselines, the study captures early perceptions of habitat loss and species decline. We emphasise the critical role of historical expertise in interpreting archival sources and avoiding anachronisms when integrating historical data with modern biodiversity frameworks. By bridging the humanities and environmental sciences, this work shows how digitised archives and computational methods can open new frontiers for conservation science, restoration ecology, and Anthropocene studies. The findings advocate for the systematic mobilisation of historical datasets to better understand biodiversity change over time. Full article

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18 pages, 1136 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Impact of Vegetation Changes in Savanna Ecosystems on Tick Populations in Wildlife: Implications for Ecosystem Management

by Tsireledzo Goodwill Makwarela, Nimmi Seoraj-Pillai and Tshifhiwa Constance Nangammbi

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 314; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050314 - 26 Apr 2025

Abstract

Vegetation changes in savanna ecosystems are playing an increasingly important role in shaping tick populations and the spread of tick-borne diseases, with consequences for both wildlife and livestock health. This study examines how factors such as climate variability, land use, vegetation structures, and [...] Read more.

Vegetation changes in savanna ecosystems are playing an increasingly important role in shaping tick populations and the spread of tick-borne diseases, with consequences for both wildlife and livestock health. This study examines how factors such as climate variability, land use, vegetation structures, and host availability influence tick survival, distribution, and behavior. As grasslands degrade and woody plants become more dominant, ticks are finding more suitable habitats, often supported by microclimatic conditions that favor their development. At the same time, increased contact between domestic and wild animals is facilitating the transmission of pathogens. This review highlights how seasonal patterns, fire regimes, grazing pressure, and climate change are driving shifts in tick activity and expanding their geographical range. These changes increase the risk of disease for animals and humans alike. Addressing these challenges calls for integrated management strategies that include vegetation control, host population monitoring, and sustainable vector control methods. A holistic approach that connects ecological, animal, and human health perspectives is essential for effective disease prevention and long-term ecosystem management. Full article

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

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18 pages, 5527 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phylogeographic Analyses of the Viviparous Multiocellated Racerunner (Eremias multiocellata) in the Tarim Basin of China

by Junzhe Zhang, Haifan Yan, Tianying Chen, Wenhan Chen, Yulu Chen, Wen Zhong, Yue Qi, Wei Zhao and You Li

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 313; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050313 - 25 Apr 2025

Abstract

The genealogical and geographical distribution of a species offers insights into its evolutionary narrative, encompassing its population dispersion, migration, adaptation, and speciation—key aspects for comprehending the genesis and sustenance of biodiversity. Using three mitochondrial genes on 115 samples, this study examined the phylogeographic [...] Read more.

The genealogical and geographical distribution of a species offers insights into its evolutionary narrative, encompassing its population dispersion, migration, adaptation, and speciation—key aspects for comprehending the genesis and sustenance of biodiversity. Using three mitochondrial genes on 115 samples, this study examined the phylogeographic structure, phylogenetic divergence, and environmental evolution of the viviparous multiocellated racerunner (Eremias multiocellata) in the Tarim Basin of China. Our analyses revealed a significant phylogenetic structure and suggested that the distributed populations began to diverge approximately 6.63 million years ago (Ma), influenced by the uplift of surrounding mountain ranges and glacial cycles, and further differentiated into distinct groups around 3.72 Ma–1.50 Ma, exhibiting genetic distinctions. These results supplement the foundational genetic data to the Tarim Basin and provide insights on how historical geological events affect the species distribution and genetic differentiation and species formation in this region. Full article

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

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18 pages, 1193 KiB

Open AccessReview

A History of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora Implementation in Nepal

by Sagar Dahal and Joel T. Heinen

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 312; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050312 - 25 Apr 2025

Abstract

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is a conservation and trade convention regulating international trade in wild species listed under its various appendices. Party nations are required to have designated scientific and management authorities to [...] Read more.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is a conservation and trade convention regulating international trade in wild species listed under its various appendices. Party nations are required to have designated scientific and management authorities to administer CITES and, ideally, domestic enabling legislation for proper implementation. However, the complexity of the convention makes it difficult to implement in resource-constrained nations that lack expertise and commitment. Apart from the lack of resources and expertise in much of the global south, hurdles to CITES implementation arise from delays in the formation of necessary legislation, apathy in enforcing the legislation, and the gatekeeping of resources by leading government agencies. Nepal has a long and well-documented history of wildlife conservation and is party to most major global environmental conventions, although it has frequently lacked the ability to implement them fully. Recently, Nepal has formulated domestic policies and developed institutions supporting biodiversity conservation but still refrains from formulating and implementing some provisions. After a long history of only partial (at best) compliance, Nepal enacted domestic CITES-implementing legislation, the CITES Act of 2017, with progressive provisions for enforcement, wildlife farming, and resource utilization and conservation. Here, we used a mixed methods research approach involving published and gray literature reviews and key informant interviews with concerned stakeholders to understand the workings and modality of authorities under the 2017 Act. We explore its nuances and discuss potential challenges for its implementation over time. Though the new policy has many positive aspects in that it is progressive in shifting away from more classical, strict protection, we found that there are still shortcomings within national administrative structures and a lack of policy that coordinates and informs different government offices of their responsibilities and how they interface under the current federal system. This has resulted in ongoing obstacles to achieving fuller CITES implementation to date and, in some cases, also inhibits sustainable uses of biodiversity. Full article

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26 pages, 16973 KiB

Open AccessArticle

DNA Barcoding Southwestern Atlantic Skates: A 20-Year Effort in Building a Species Identification Library

by Ezequiel Mabragaña, Valeria Gabbanelli, Florencia Matusevich, Diego Martín Vazquez, Sergio Matías Delpiani, Victoria Malvina Lenain, Juan José Rosso, Mariano González-Castro, Robert Hanner and Juan Martín Díaz de Astarloa

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 311; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050311 - 25 Apr 2025

Abstract

The skate fauna in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean (SWA; 34–55° S) is represented by ~32 species, many of which share external features that have led to misidentifications and deficient fishery statistics. The use of DNA barcoding to discriminate SWA skate species was explored [...] Read more.

The skate fauna in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean (SWA; 34–55° S) is represented by ~32 species, many of which share external features that have led to misidentifications and deficient fishery statistics. The use of DNA barcoding to discriminate SWA skate species was explored after 20 years of surveys. COI sequences were subjected to distance-based neighbor-joining (NJ), maximum likelihood (ML), barcode index number (BIN), automatic barcode gap discovery (ABGD), and nucleotide diagnostic character (NDC) analyses. For widely distributed species, a haplotype network was built. Overall, 187 specimens and 31 egg cases from 26 skate species were barcoded. NJ and ML analyses showed that nearly all species exhibited unique barcodes or clusters of closely related haplotypes, except for Psammobatis normani/P. rudis and Dipturus trachyderma/D. argentinensis. The first pair was discriminated by NCD. BIN analysis recovered 17 groups, whereas ABGD recovered 23, better reflecting taxonomic diversity. In summary, 24 species were resolved by COI. Phylogeographic signals were observed for Amblyraja doellojuradoi and Zearaja brevicaudata. Compiling our results with data from BOLD, almost all the species occurring in the area possess barcodes, contributing to completing and curating the BOLD reference library, which constitutes an important tool for resolving taxonomic issues, tracing fishery products, and performing eDNA biomonitoring. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue DNA Barcodes for Evolution and Biodiversity—2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 2442 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Genetic Diversity and Phylogeography of the Iberian Endemic Steppe Plant Moricandia moricandioides (Boiss.) Heywood, Inferred from ISSR, Plastid DNA, and ITS Sequences

by Juan F. Jiménez, Esteban Salmerón-Sánchez, Juan F. Mota and Pedro Sánchez-Gómez

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 310; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050310 - 25 Apr 2025

Abstract

Moricandia moricandiodes is an endemic species found in the south and east of the Iberian Peninsula. Five subspecies have been recognized, and all exist as fragmented populations on limestones and marls with salt and gypsum intrusions under a continental Mediterranean climate, except for [...] Read more.

Moricandia moricandiodes is an endemic species found in the south and east of the Iberian Peninsula. Five subspecies have been recognized, and all exist as fragmented populations on limestones and marls with salt and gypsum intrusions under a continental Mediterranean climate, except for one of the subspecies, which inhabits semi-arid and hotter environments. In this study, we sampled populations covering the distribution area of the species and performed a population and phylogeographic study to assess the evolutionary history of populations and the taxonomic relationships of subspecies. ISSR markers, nrITS, and plastid sequences were used in the analyses. The results revealed that, in general, southern populations showed higher genetic diversity than northern populations, suggesting that the former are located in glacial refugia. Furthermore, we did not find clear differences between subspecies, except for M. moricandioides subsp. pseudofoetida, which showed exclusive haplotypes and an exclusive ribotype. Isolation and rapid divergence are discussed as the probable causes of differentiation, whereas bottlenecks and secondary contact between populations would explain the absence of differentiation among the other subspecies. Finally, we propose a few guidelines for the conservation of M. moricandioides. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Spatial Phylogenetic, and Taxonomic Approaches to Understand Plant Biodiversity)

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15 pages, 1634 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Changes in the Species Composition and Structure of Large-Diameter Trees Along a Narrow Latitudinal Gradient in Subtropical China

by Mengxian Li, Fei Huang and Xiaorong Jia

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 309; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050309 - 24 Apr 2025

Abstract

In recent years, the cultivation techniques of large-diameter forests have garnered increasing attention due to their significant ecological and economic values. However, the effects of small-scale latitudinal changes on the species distribution and community composition of large-diameter trees remain poorly understood. This study [...] Read more.

In recent years, the cultivation techniques of large-diameter forests have garnered increasing attention due to their significant ecological and economic values. However, the effects of small-scale latitudinal changes on the species distribution and community composition of large-diameter trees remain poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the effects of narrow latitudinal gradients on the species composition and structure of large-diameter forests. Investigating these impacts provides critical insights for silvicultural species selection and forest structure optimization, particularly in the context of global warming, and is essential for the sustainable development of large-diameter forests. In this study, three forest communities along a small-scale latitudinal gradient in subtropical China were selected to study the community structure of large-diameter trees by analyzing species composition and species diversity. The community structure was also studied by analyzing species rank curves, the diameter structure, PCoA, MRPP, and indicator species. The results revealed that as latitude increased, the proportion of rare species rose from 43.8% in LL (low-latitude) to 63.2% in HL (high-latitude) areas, while the stem density of dominant species and the number of stems per species also increased. Additionally, species composition homogeneity decreased (based on PCoA and MRPP analysis), age-class structures became more complex, and the proportion of tropical genera gradually declined, whereas temperate genera increased. These findings indicate that small-scale latitudinal variation is a key driver of changes in the composition and structure of large-diameter forests. Currently, the northern Guangdong region is suitable for large-diameter forest development, with Fagaceae species (particularly Castanopsis and Lithocarpus) showing high potential. Specifically, Castanopsis eyrei, Castanopsis fissa, and Ternstroemia gymnanthera are well-suited for large-diameter stand cultivation in Guangdong. For mixed large-diameter forests, Machilus chinensis, Cinnamomum porrectum, and Schima superba are recommended as optimal associated species. However, as global warming progresses, the suitability of tree species for afforestation may shift, necessitating adaptive management strategies. Full article

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12 pages, 4613 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Testing a Hump-Shaped Pattern with Increasing Elevation for Ant Species Richness in Daliang Mountain, Sichuan, China

by Shi-Jia You, Zheng-Hui Xu and Xin-Min Zhang

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 308; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050308 - 24 Apr 2025

Abstract

Ants have long been regarded as ubiquitous insects that are indicators of environmental change and ecosystems. Understanding the patterns of ant species richness along elevational gradients is crucial for elucidating their ecological functions within ecosystems. However, there is currently no comprehensive consensus on [...] Read more.

Ants have long been regarded as ubiquitous insects that are indicators of environmental change and ecosystems. Understanding the patterns of ant species richness along elevational gradients is crucial for elucidating their ecological functions within ecosystems. However, there is currently no comprehensive consensus on the pattern. In this study, we explored the pattern of ant species richness along an elevational gradient in the Mt. Daliang region (Sichuan, China), a biodiversity conservation hotspot in China. The ant species richness was investigated using 115 plots 50 × 50 m in size, distributed across 12 elevation bands of 250 m interval between 750 to 3500 m a.s.l. We identified 157 ant species from 51 genera and seven subfamilies. Myrmicinae was the most diverse subfamily, consisting of 20 genera and 84 species, followed by Formicinae, Dolichoderinae, Ponerinae, Dorylinae, Amblyoponinae, and Proceratiinae. We found a unimodal distribution pattern of ant species richness along the elevational gradient, with the highest ant species richness occurring at mid-elevations. This hump-shaped pattern of ant species richness was presented alongside the temperature variation. Furthermore, our results indicated that ground-foraging ant species were the most abundant in this region and that ants prefer to nest in the soil. Our findings highlight the importance of elevation in influencing ant species richness in Daliang Mountain, Sichuan, China, and provide novel insights into the potential drivers of elevational gradients in ant species communities. Full article

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10 pages, 2123 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Local Distribution of Alien Ponto-Caspian Mysids in Lithuanian Waters, the Baltic Sea Basin: Do Sampling Method and Time Matter?

by Kęstutis Arbačiauskas, Aleksandras Rybakovas, Giedrė Višinskienė, Gintautas Vaitonis and Eglė Šidagytė-Copilas

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 307; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050307 - 23 Apr 2025

Abstract

Alien Ponto-Caspian mysids Paramysis lacustris, Limnomysis benedeni and Hemimysis anomala were introduced into Lithuanian waters from Ukraine’s water reservoirs in the early 1960s. Their expansion from the primary introduction site in the Kaunas Reservoir, located on the Nemunas River, proceeded through secondary [...] Read more.

Alien Ponto-Caspian mysids Paramysis lacustris, Limnomysis benedeni and Hemimysis anomala were introduced into Lithuanian waters from Ukraine’s water reservoirs in the early 1960s. Their expansion from the primary introduction site in the Kaunas Reservoir, located on the Nemunas River, proceeded through secondary introductions and natural dispersal. The two species, P. lacustris and L. benedeni, are currently quite widespread in Lithuanian waters, whereas H. anomala has been observed exclusively in the Kaunas Reservoir until recently. Here, we present data from the most recent comprehensive survey of Ponto Caspian mysids and analyze the impact of sampling method on the likelihood of species detection. The results clearly indicate that the detection of larger-sized, more mobile species with good swimming abilities, such as P. lacustris, requires, in addition to conventional macroinvertebrate sampling, the use of devices designed to capture active nektobenthic animals. For this purpose, an epibenthic dredge or sledge is recommended. In contrast, the detection probability of the smaller-sized L. benedeni was not affected by the sampling method. The recent detection of the bloody-red mysid H. anomala near the Nemunas Delta suggests it may now be well-established in the area. However, due to its nocturnal lifestyle, the effective detection of this mysid requires dusk or nighttime sampling using equipment appropriate for capturing nektobenthic fauna. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Freshwater Biodiversity)

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15 pages, 17844 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Attitudes Toward Managing a Fish-Eating Predator, the Great Cormorant, in a Coastal Environment

by Vasilios Liordos, Vasileios J. Kontsiotis, Georgios Karras, Christina Kyriakidou and Georgios Karris

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 306; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050306 - 23 Apr 2025

Abstract

The population of the continental race of the great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) has significantly increased over the last few decades due to legal protection. This rise has led to intense conflicts with fishing interests because of the bird’s fish-eating habits. [...] Read more.

The population of the continental race of the great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) has significantly increased over the last few decades due to legal protection. This rise has led to intense conflicts with fishing interests because of the bird’s fish-eating habits. Effective conflict management requires an understanding of public attitudes. We collected data through interviews with 260 residents (50 fishers and 210 members of the general public) to examine the endorsement and prioritization of strategies to manage great cormorants in a fishery in northern Greece. First, we asked respondents to state their endorsement of implementing each of six management strategies, with possible responses being “endorsed” or “not endorsed.” Then, we asked them to select the one they would prioritize among the six strategies for implementation. The most endorsed management strategy among all residents was using nets to cover fish wintering channels (85.7%), followed by compensation for damage (66.7%), scaring devices (66.0%), destruction of breeding colonies (33.3%), taking no action (26.3%), and killing birds (20.7%). Taking no action was more endorsed by the general public, while scaring, colony destruction, and killing were more endorsed by fishers. Nets for cover were the most prioritized management strategy among all residents (47.3%), followed by compensation (29.3%), scaring (11.4%), taking no action (6.0%), colony destruction (4.0%), and killing (2.0%). Fishers prioritized nets for cover, colony destruction, and killing more than the general public, who prioritized taking no action, compensation, and scaring. These findings will be valuable for informing the management process of the great cormorant–fishery conflict. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biodiversity Conservation)

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24 pages, 10528 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Functional Diversity and Ecosystem Services of Birds in Productive Landscapes of the Colombian Amazon

by Jenniffer Tatiana Díaz-Cháux, Alexander Velasquez-Valencia, Alejandra Martínez-Salinas and Fernando Casanoves

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 305; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050305 - 23 Apr 2025

Abstract

The expansion of anthropogenic activities drives changes in the composition, structure, and spatial configuration of natural landscapes, influencing both the taxonomic and functional diversity of bird communities. This pattern is evident in the Colombian Amazon, where agricultural and livestock expansion has altered ecological [...] Read more.

The expansion of anthropogenic activities drives changes in the composition, structure, and spatial configuration of natural landscapes, influencing both the taxonomic and functional diversity of bird communities. This pattern is evident in the Colombian Amazon, where agricultural and livestock expansion has altered ecological dynamics, avifaunal assemblages, and the provision of regulating ecosystem services. This study analyzed the influence of agroforestry (cocoa-based agroforestry systems—SAFc) and silvopastoral systems (SSP) on the functional diversity of birds and their potential impact on ecosystem services in eight productive landscape mosaics within the Colombian Amazon. Each mosaic consisted of a 1 km² grid, within which seven types of vegetation cover were classified, and seven landscape metrics were calculated. Bird communities were surveyed through visual observations and mist-net captures, during which functional traits were measured. Additionally, functional guilds were assigned to each species based on a literature review. Five multidimensional indices of functional diversity were computed, along with community-weighted means per guild. A total of 218 bird species were recorded across both land-use systems. Bird richness, abundance, and functional diversity—as well as the composition of functional guilds—varied according to vegetation cover. Functional diversity increased in mosaics containing closed vegetation patches with symmetrical configurations. Variations in functional guilds were linked to low functional redundancy, which may also lead to differences in the provision of regulating ecosystem services such as biological pest control and seed dispersal—both of which are critical for the regeneration and connectivity of productive rural landscapes. In conclusion, functional diversity contributes to the resilience of bird communities in landscapes with Amazonian agroforestry and silvopastoral systems, highlighting the need for landscape management that promotes structural heterogeneity to sustain regulating ecosystem services and ecological connectivity. Full article

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25 pages, 8520 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Distribution, Similarity, and Conservation Status of the Amphibians and Reptiles of the Biogeographic Provinces of Northwestern Mexico

by Julio A. Lemos-Espinal and Geoffrey R. Smith

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 304; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050304 - 22 Apr 2025

Abstract

The herpetofaunal diversity of northwestern Mexico, encompassing the Californian, Baja California, and Sonoran Desert biogeographic provinces, is characterized by relatively low species richness but a high degree of endemism. This region, particularly the islands of the Gulf of California, is recognized as a [...] Read more.

The herpetofaunal diversity of northwestern Mexico, encompassing the Californian, Baja California, and Sonoran Desert biogeographic provinces, is characterized by relatively low species richness but a high degree of endemism. This region, particularly the islands of the Gulf of California, is recognized as a biodiversity hotspot. However, amphibian and reptile species in this area, especially those on the Gulf islands, are facing significant threats to their survival, including non-native species, habitat loss, and climate change. These factors pose considerable challenges to their conservation. In this study, we compiled updated lists of amphibian and reptile species across these three provinces, assessed their conservation status, identified the threats they face, and compared them with those in neighboring biogeographic provinces. Our analysis recorded a total of 228 species, comprising 29 amphibians and 199 reptiles, with a notable proportion of endemics, particularly in Baja California. Amphibians, due to the region’s arid conditions, are underrepresented and generally face a lower level of conservation concern. In contrast, reptiles, especially those on the islands, are at higher risk, primarily due to habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change. Of the 228 species, one amphibian and 21 reptiles are classified in a category of conservation concern (Vulnerable, Endangered, Critically Endangered) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. In addition, 47 species (one amphibian and 46 reptiles) are listed as threatened (A) or at risk of extinction (P) by the Secretaría del Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (SEMARNAT). These findings emphasize the urgent need for conservation strategies, particularly for island reptile species, that involve collaboration among scientists, local communities, and federal and state authorities to address these threats and safeguard the region’s herpetofauna. Similarity analysis revealed significant ecological connectivity among the amphibian and reptile communities across the three provinces. The similarity in species between the Californian, Baja California, and Sonoran Desert provinces highlights the role of historical climatic events, geographic barriers, and ecological factors in shaping species distributions of amphibians and reptiles in northwestern Mexico. Full article

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

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