Diversity

13 pages, 526 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Price of Tail Loss: Implications of Caudal Autotomy and Regeneration on Male Social Hierarchies in a Territorial Lacertid Lizard

by Aris Deimezis-Tsikoutas, Christina Kaskanea-Efthymiou, Efstratios D. Valakos and Panayiotis Pafilis

Diversity 2025, 17(11), 780; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17110780 (registering DOI) - 6 Nov 2025

Abstract

Caudal autotomy is a well-known and widely used defensive strategy among lizards, but its impact on social behaviour, particularly in intramale interactions and dominance hierarchies, has been relatively understudied. In this study, we examined the effects of tail autotomy and subsequent regeneration on [...] Read more.

Caudal autotomy is a well-known and widely used defensive strategy among lizards, but its impact on social behaviour, particularly in intramale interactions and dominance hierarchies, has been relatively understudied. In this study, we examined the effects of tail autotomy and subsequent regeneration on the social hierarchy of male Aegean wall lizards (Podarcis erhardii), a territorial species of lacertid lizards. We found that tail loss significantly reduced the ability of adult males to dominate same-sized conspecifics, hinting at a possible difficulty in securing high-quality territories, potentially reducing access to mating opportunities and increasing mortality risks. Both autotomised dominant and intact subordinate males in our interactions adjusted their behaviour following autotomy, with dominant males reducing their aggression and subordinate ones increasing theirs. Surprisingly, tail regeneration did not restore social status or aggression levels to pre-autotomy conditions, suggesting that social costs of tail loss could extend beyond the associated decrease in body size and may persist even after the tail has fully regenerated. These results indicate that caudal autotomy could have lasting consequences on male social interactions and potentially significant implications for reproductive success and survival. Our study highlights the complex role of tail condition in the social dynamics of territorial lizards and calls for further research on the long-term impacts of autotomy on fitness and social structures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Diversity)

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14 pages, 6909 KB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Niche Differentiation and Past Colonization Dynamics of Two European Freshwater Mussels (Unio crassus and Unio nanus)

by Sarah Egg, Ralph Kuehn and Juergen Geist

Diversity 2025, 17(11), 779; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17110779 - 6 Nov 2025

Abstract

Understanding species distribution and environmental niches is crucial for conserving endangered taxa. The recent taxonomic split of the European freshwater mussels U. crassus and U. nanus into distinct species requires a reassessment of their distinct ecologies for conservation. This study uses species distribution [...] Read more.

Understanding species distribution and environmental niches is crucial for conserving endangered taxa. The recent taxonomic split of the European freshwater mussels U. crassus and U. nanus into distinct species requires a reassessment of their distinct ecologies for conservation. This study uses species distribution models (SDMs) to define and compare the environmental niches and reconstruct the distributions across six past time periods, starting from the mid-Pliocene Warm Period (mPWP, ca. 3.205 Ma) to the present. Our results reveal significant environmental niche differentiation between the two species, with U. crassus occupying a broader environmental niche primarily influenced by annual mean temperature and precipitation in the warmest quarter. In contrast, U. nanus shows a narrower niche shaped by temperature seasonality, mean diurnal range, annual mean temperature, and precipitation seasonality. Paleodistribution models indicate that during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, ca. 21 ka), U. crassus persisted in multiple southern refugia, whereas U. nanus was restricted to a single western refugium. These contrasting glacial histories led to divergent post-glacial colonization routes, explaining their current genetic patterns and partially overlapping ranges. By identifying present environmental hotspots, this research provides an essential framework for developing targeted, species-specific conservation strategies for these freshwater mussels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Freshwater Mollusk Research)

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25 pages, 6243 KB

Open AccessArticle

Diversity and Its Implications of Curcuma Subgenus Hitcheniopsis (Zingiberaceae) with a New Record for Vietnam

by Piyaporn Saensouk, Surapon Saensouk, Mai Thi Phuong Thuy, Nonthiwat Taesuk, Prasert Ruannakarn, Suriya Phimpha and Thawatphong Boonma

Diversity 2025, 17(11), 778; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17110778 - 4 Nov 2025

Abstract

Curcuma subgenus Hitcheniopsis (Zingiberaceae) comprises species valued for ornamental and medicinal uses in Southeast Asia, yet no comprehensive assessment has been conducted in Vietnam. This study provides the first integrative evaluation of Hitcheniopsis in Vietnam, combining species distribution modeling, field verification, herbarium examination, [...] Read more.

Curcuma subgenus Hitcheniopsis (Zingiberaceae) comprises species valued for ornamental and medicinal uses in Southeast Asia, yet no comprehensive assessment has been conducted in Vietnam. This study provides the first integrative evaluation of Hitcheniopsis in Vietnam, combining species distribution modeling, field verification, herbarium examination, and Ornamental Value Index (OVI) analysis. Ten species were confirmed, including a new national record, C. rhabdota, with voucher specimens establishing its verified presence and extending the known range. Predicted habitat maps highlighted southern Vietnam and adjacent regions as suitable areas, guiding targeted surveys and conservation planning. Flowering occurred from April to September, with species occupying habitats from deciduous dipterocarp to dry evergreen forests. OVI analysis identified C. rhabdota, C. alismatifolia, and C. thorelii as species of high ornamental potential, supporting their use in horticultural breeding and potted ornamental production. Conservation assessments revealed that the endemic C. leonidii and C. pygmaea are Critically Endangered, C. rhabdota is Vulnerable, and C. sparganiifolia is Endangered, emphasizing the urgency of habitat protection and sustainable management. By linking verified diversity, phenology, ornamental value, and habitat modeling, this study establishes a novel, distribution-based framework for research, conservation, and sustainable use of Curcuma subgenus Hitcheniopsis in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Diversity)

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6 pages, 973 KB

Open AccessInteresting Images

Round-the-Clock Intelligent Monitoring Technology with UAV to Improve the Efficiency and Quality of Monitoring the Population of Phoca largha

by Yue Zhang, Guoxiang Liao, Zhiguo Dou, Daoyan Xu, Shengjun Yan and Hengtao Bi

Diversity 2025, 17(11), 777; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17110777 - 4 Nov 2025

Abstract

The spotted seal (Phoca largha), the only pinniped species capable of natural breeding in Chinese waters, serves as a flagship species for the Bohai Sea and the Yellow Sea marine ecosystems. Changes in its population numbers are an important indicator of [...] Read more.

The spotted seal (Phoca largha), the only pinniped species capable of natural breeding in Chinese waters, serves as a flagship species for the Bohai Sea and the Yellow Sea marine ecosystems. Changes in its population numbers are an important indicator of the status of the marine ecological environment. However, when using traditional monitoring methods, such as telescope inspections and routine unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) photography, it is difficult to accurately grasp the changes in spotted seal populations. Here, we document the use of infrared imaging with a UAV to facilitate round-the-clock monitoring of spotted seal numbers in a protected area. This approach revealed that late night and early morning (22:00–05:00) were peak times for their haul-out activity, with a maximum count of 166. This provides a new idea for the investigation and monitoring of marine mammals and the protection of marine ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Habitat Assessment and Conservation Strategies)

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22 pages, 5062 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mapping Global Biodiversity and Habitat Distribution of Lactobacillaceae Using NCBI Sequence Metadata

by Tatiana S. Sokolova, Zorigto B. Namsaraev, Ekaterina R. Wolf, Mikhail A. Kulyashov, Ilya R. Akberdin and Aleksey E. Sazonov

Diversity 2025, 17(11), 776; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17110776 - 4 Nov 2025

Abstract

The Lactobacillaceae family encompasses microorganisms of exceptional ecological and biotechnological importance, serving as central agents in food fermentations, health applications, and nutrient cycling across diverse environments. Despite their broad functional and phylogenetic diversity, the global distribution and ecological specialization of Lactobacillaceae are not [...] Read more.

The Lactobacillaceae family encompasses microorganisms of exceptional ecological and biotechnological importance, serving as central agents in food fermentations, health applications, and nutrient cycling across diverse environments. Despite their broad functional and phylogenetic diversity, the global distribution and ecological specialization of Lactobacillaceae are not yet fully understood. In this study, we performed a comprehensive analysis of over 2 million records from the NCBI database to survey and trace the ecological landscape of Lactobacillaceae across thousands of distinct habitats. Our results reveal that food products and animal hosts represent the primary ecological niches for members of this family. The examined taxa exhibit a broad spectrum of ecological strategies, ranging from generalists with wide environmental adaptability to specialists with strict niche preferences. Notably, our findings highlight a profound geographical and ecological sampling bias, with unclassified taxids frequent in animal gastrointestinal tracts, soils, and especially in living plant tissues—habitats identified as promising frontiers for discovering novel biodiversity. The obtained results emphasize the urgent need for expanded sampling efforts in underexplored geographic regions such as Africa, Antarctica, the Arctic, South America, and Central Asia to capture a more complete picture of Lactobacillaceae diversity. The study underscores the necessity of implementing standardized, metadata-rich data deposition practices to enable unbiased, large-scale ecological and evolutionary analyses. Ultimately, these insights not only deepen our fundamental knowledge of Lactobacillaceae diversity but also provide a strategic framework for future bioprospecting, fostering the discovery of novel strains and expanding the biotechnological potential of this influential bacterial family. 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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15 pages, 2367 KB

Open AccessArticle

Distribution and Driving Environmental Factors of Three Tilapia Species in the Inland Waters of Guangxi, China

by Hao Liu, Xianda Bi, Zhiqiang Wu, Liang Qiao, Liangliang Huang, Jiayang He, Yangyan Sun and Yusen Li

Diversity 2025, 17(11), 775; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17110775 - 4 Nov 2025

Abstract

The introduction of non-native fish species into southern China has been widespread, with tilapia being a major contributor. Commonly known as tilapia, Coptodon zillii, Oreochromis niloticus, and Sarotherodon galilaeus, have become the most common non-native fish in southern Chinese waters, [...] Read more.

The introduction of non-native fish species into southern China has been widespread, with tilapia being a major contributor. Commonly known as tilapia, Coptodon zillii, Oreochromis niloticus, and Sarotherodon galilaeus, have become the most common non-native fish in southern Chinese waters, even becoming the dominant species in some waters. In order to elucidate the seasonal and spatial distributions and environmental drivers of three tilapia species in the inland waters of Guangxi, systematic sampling was performed at 34 sampling sites in the major water systems through the four seasons in 2023. A total of 6093 specimens were collected, of which C. zillii dominated the catch (59.74%). In addition, the occurrence frequency of C. zillii was 92.65%, O. niloticus was 80.88%, and S. galilaeus was 45.59%. Seasonally, all species exhibited pronounced seasonality, peaking in summer and declining to winter minima. Similarly, principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) indicated summer dispersion to a greater extent, while winter dispersion was the least of the four seasons. Spatially, C. zillii dominated the northern study area, and there was no distribution of S. galilaeus, while the proportion of S. galilaeus and O. niloticus increased as latitude moved south. The Mantel test showed three tilapia species correlated with latitude, temperature seasonality, and the min temperature of the coldest month. In addition, the results of the Generalized Additive Model (GAM) showed that the number of three tilapia species was also affected by water environmental factors: S. galilaeus was affected by turbidity, O. niloticus was affected by pH and COD_MN, and C. zillii was affected by TN and water temperature. These findings highlight the synergistic effects of environmental gradients and spatial factors in shaping tilapia distribution, providing critical insights for freshwater ecosystem management under climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Freshwater Biodiversity)

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26 pages, 20051 KB

Open AccessArticle

Diversity Patterns of Alien Plant Species in Mountainous Areas: A Case Study from the Central Balkans

by Vladan Djordjević, Vera Stanković, Eva Kabaš, Predrag Lazarević, Filip Verloove and Jasmina Šinžar-Sekulić

Diversity 2025, 17(11), 774; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17110774 - 4 Nov 2025

Abstract

Due to global warming and intensified anthropogenic impacts, mountainous areas are increasingly being colonised by alien plant species. The diversity patterns of these species have not been sufficiently studied in the Central Balkans. The aims of this study were to determine the occurrence [...] Read more.

Due to global warming and intensified anthropogenic impacts, mountainous areas are increasingly being colonised by alien plant species. The diversity patterns of these species have not been sufficiently studied in the Central Balkans. The aims of this study were to determine the occurrence and richness of alien plant species in relation to habitat type and geological substrates, and to identify the factors with the greatest influence on the composition and abundance of these species on Zlatibor Mountain (Central Balkans). This area is known as an important tourist centre and a large mountainous massif in Serbia. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and distance-based Redundancy Analysis (db-RDA) were employed to examine the influence of environmental factors on the abundance and composition of 18 alien plant taxa. Data on altitude, habitat type, bedrock type, bioclimatic variables, and indicator values (light regime, soil moisture, acidity, nitrogen and temperature) of dominant plant species within the habitats were used as explanatory variables. Erigeron annuus, Reynoutria × bohemica, Robinia pseudoacacia, and Erigeron canadensis were the most common alien taxa and had the highest abundances. Residential and tourist facilities and the peripheries of asphalt roads are the habitat types where most alien species occur, while the lowest number of species was found in natural and semi-natural herbaceous habitats. Most taxa were found on serpentine substrates, while the number of taxa was lower on siliceous and carbonate substrates. This study emphasises the predominant role of habitat type in the partitioning of ecological niches of alien plant species. Furthermore, habitat type has a much greater influence on species composition and abundance than climatic factors and bedrock type, suggesting that the diversity pattern of alien plant species is related to the type and intensity of anthropogenic influences. Our results provide a useful basis for developing effective strategies to protect native habitats from invasion by alien plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional and Taxonomic Plant Diversity: Applications for Ecological Monitoring and Management)

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16 pages, 3613 KB

Open AccessArticle

Diversity Patterns and Environmental Drivers of Bivalve Communities in the Caizi Lake Group and Its Major Tributaries During the Initial Post-Fishing Ban Period

by Chao Jiang, Min Jiang, Chenliang Ren, Xiaoke Zhang, Bowen Li and Kai Liu

Diversity 2025, 17(11), 773; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17110773 - 3 Nov 2025

Abstract

To characterize freshwater bivalve communities and their environmental drivers in the Caizi Lake water system following the 10-year fishing ban in Yangtze River, this study three rounds of standardized surveys across hydrological periods in 2024—May (normal-water), September (high-water), and November (low-water). The results [...] Read more.

To characterize freshwater bivalve communities and their environmental drivers in the Caizi Lake water system following the 10-year fishing ban in Yangtze River, this study three rounds of standardized surveys across hydrological periods in 2024—May (normal-water), September (high-water), and November (low-water). The results recorded 22 freshwater bivalve species belonging to 15 genera and 4 families. Notably, Ptychorhynchus pfisteri and the second-class national key protected wild animals in China, Lamprotula leaii and Uninovaculina chinensis, were first recorded in the Caizi Lake water system. Community composition was partitioned into three subgroups: Group I—Dasha River, Guache River, Longmian River, and Kongcheng River; Group II—the lake area; and Group III—Chang River. Biomass, density, and dominant species exhibited pronounced spatial heterogeneity, and the assemblage reflected a state of moderate disturbance. Redundancy analysis indicated that the variables that contribute significantly to species richness in sequence are the bitterling and suitable host fish, phytoplankton, and zooplankton. The research results reveal for the first time the population status and distribution patterns of bivalve resources in the Caizi Lake water system following the fishing ban. They not only provide a decision-making basis for the conservation and protection management of bivalve resources in the Caizi Lake water system but also offer data support for the assessment of the fishing ban effect and the evaluation of biological integrity in key waters of Anhui Province. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Conservation of Freshwater Bivalves)

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18 pages, 421 KB

Open AccessReview

Dinoflagellates and Saudi Marine Borders: A Special Consideration for Ballast Water, Invasive Species and BWM Convention

by Nermin El Semary

Diversity 2025, 17(11), 772; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17110772 - 3 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is adjacent to two vital marine ecosystems; the semi-enclosed Arabian Gulf and the largely landlocked Red Sea. Dinoflagellates are repeatedly found in these bodies of marine water, which serve as significant routes for cargo ships. Through these [...] Read more.

Background: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is adjacent to two vital marine ecosystems; the semi-enclosed Arabian Gulf and the largely landlocked Red Sea. Dinoflagellates are repeatedly found in these bodies of marine water, which serve as significant routes for cargo ships. Through these ships and ballast water, invasive dinoflagellate species and their cysts are introduced. They compete with indigenous species for nutrients and space, cause massive fish kill-off and disturb the ecological balance and biodiversity. To address these threats, the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention) set forth guidelines intended to curtail the dissemination of such detrimental organisms. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was one of the co-signatory countries to this Convention. Methods of detection and monitoring include microscopy, molecular characterization and remote sensing, which are employed for the detection and monitoring of these harmful algae, in order to avert disasters such as fish die-offs. The results of several reports confirmed the presence of number of dinoflagellates in both the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea, some of which are toxin producers, with certain species being highlighted as invasive species whose presence requires a high level of alert. Discussion: The monitoring, the change in engineering of cargo ships and the introduction of advanced surveillance methods, together with the proper treatments of ballast water, are all important security elements that ensure the safe disposal of ballast water without introducing harmful species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Marine Diversity)

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19 pages, 23884 KB

Open AccessArticle

Butterfly Diversity Under Three Types of Land Use in the Valley Part of Dulongjiang, Yunnan, China

by Yi-Ting Lin, Yue Pan, Ya-Fei Wang, Yun-Wu Song, Bing-Bing Xie, Hui-Ling Tang, Wen-Ling Wang and Shao-Ji Hu

Diversity 2025, 17(11), 771; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17110771 - 3 Nov 2025

Abstract

Butterflies are important biological indicators for assessing the environment and habitat quality. Dulongjiang in Yunnan, China, a global biodiversity hotspot, has undergone recent socioeconomic development, yet the impact of resultant land-use changes on its butterfly fauna remains poorly understood. This study conducted a [...] Read more.

Butterflies are important biological indicators for assessing the environment and habitat quality. Dulongjiang in Yunnan, China, a global biodiversity hotspot, has undergone recent socioeconomic development, yet the impact of resultant land-use changes on its butterfly fauna remains poorly understood. This study conducted a systematic survey across three land-use types (forest, cropland, and construction land) over four months in 2024, employing area-time counts at 12 observatory sites. A total of 4805 individual specimens from 142 species, 88 genera, and 6 families were recorded. Nymphalidae dominated in species richness, while Pieridae was most abundant. Species rarefication curves indicated well-represented sampling. Diversity was significantly different between the four months, with a peak in June, when environment conditions are favourable. The forest harboured the least butterfly richness but higher evenness, while construction land showed the highest richness and lower evenness. Butterfly communities in three land-use types showed no significant differences, attributed to the fragmented topography in the area, which facilitates butterfly dispersal. Our findings reveal that butterfly diversity in Dulongjiang is influenced by a combination of seasonal climatic variations and land use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biogeography and Diversity of Butterflies and Moths—2nd Edition)

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15 pages, 1539 KB

Open AccessArticle

Species Composition and Phylogenetic Diversity of Acetic Acid Bacteria Communities in Homemade Vinegars

by Bernarda Karničnik, Igor Jugović, Franc Janžekovič and Janja Trček

Diversity 2025, 17(11), 770; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17110770 - 3 Nov 2025

Abstract

Despite their significance, the diversity of acetic acid bacteria (AAB) in homemade vinegars remains understudied. This study aimed to explore the species-level diversity of AAB in homemade vinegars and to assess their community structure to better understand this microbial niche. To investigate the [...] Read more.

Despite their significance, the diversity of acetic acid bacteria (AAB) in homemade vinegars remains understudied. This study aimed to explore the species-level diversity of AAB in homemade vinegars and to assess their community structure to better understand this microbial niche. To investigate the diversity of these bacteria, we employed recently established customized 16S-23S rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) amplicon metagenomics to identify AAB at the species level. By applying Hill numbers, we calculated species richness, relative abundance, and dominance, providing a clearer understanding of the community structure of AAB in 11 homemade vinegars. Although species richness was relatively high, both relative abundance and dominance were considerably lower, suggesting a community structure dominated by a few highly abundant taxa, with most species being rare or low in abundance. The most dominant genera across most samples were Komagataeibacter and Acetobacter, both of which are known for their roles in oxidative fermentation. Several previously unreported, potentially novel species of AAB were identified, along with two potentially novel genera. This is one of the first studies to examine the diversity of AAB in homemade vinegars using a culture-independent amplicon metagenomic approach. Our findings suggest that the microbiota of homemade vinegars remains an underexplored niche and a source for novel species with biotechnological potential. The results provide valuable baseline data for future microbial studies and may help in the development of novel, customized starter cultures for the improvement and standardization of vinegar production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Diversity in Changing Ecosystems: From Environmental Adaptation Mechanisms to Applications)

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16 pages, 3616 KB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Lunar Periodicity on Medusae (Cnidaria) Composition in a Western Caribbean Reef: Community Structure Before Sargassum Blooms

by Edgar Tovar-Juárez, Manuel Elías-Gutiérrez, Lourdes Segura-Puertas and María A. Mendoza-Becerril

Diversity 2025, 17(11), 769; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17110769 - 3 Nov 2025

Abstract

The medusae of the Mahahual reef, in the Mexican Caribbean Sea, were studied to document changes in species composition and abundance over a lunar cycle in 2001–2002. Plankton was sampled during two months of the dry and rainy seasons, in the fore reef, [...] Read more.

The medusae of the Mahahual reef, in the Mexican Caribbean Sea, were studied to document changes in species composition and abundance over a lunar cycle in 2001–2002. Plankton was sampled during two months of the dry and rainy seasons, in the fore reef, channel, and reef lagoon. Fifty-two species were collected. The highest abundance and species richness occurred during the rainy season. Their composition and abundance were similar in the fore reef and channel, but different in the reef lagoon. Abundance and biomass changed among seasons, reef zones and lunar phases; the highest abundance and the lowest biomass were recorded during the full moon. The fore reef and channel were dominated by Liriope tetraphylla and Aglaura hemistoma, the reef lagoon by Cubaia aphrodite and Slabberia halterata. Pennaria disticha and Bougainvillia frondosa were exclusive to the new moon and Pelagia noctiluca and Aequorea macrodactyla to the full moon. The results suggest that the medusae assemblage do not change species composition during the lunar cycle of either season, and abundance increases during full moon. The oceanic influence and tide currents explain the presence of oceanic species and the similarities between localities, but they do not explain the increase in abundance during the full moon. This study was conducted prior to the arrival of Sargassum influxes in this region and can serve as a reference point for assessing its effects in recent years. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Taxonomy and Ecology of Zooplankton)

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30 pages, 6422 KB

Open AccessArticle

Prescribed Burning in Greece: Monitoring of Water Potential, Fireline Intensity, Soil and Plant Biodiversity in Mediterranean Ecosystems

by Alexandra D. Solomou, Miltiadis Athanasiou, Evangelia Korakaki, Panagiotis Michopoulos and Georgios Karetsos

Diversity 2025, 17(11), 768; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17110768 - 3 Nov 2025

Abstract

Mediterranean ecosystems are highly susceptible to wildfires, and shifts in fire patterns pose a threat to biodiversity, soil stability, and overall ecosystem health resilience. Implementing prescribed burning as a management strategy to lower wildfire risk has been proposed, but its ecological impacts in [...] Read more.

Mediterranean ecosystems are highly susceptible to wildfires, and shifts in fire patterns pose a threat to biodiversity, soil stability, and overall ecosystem health resilience. Implementing prescribed burning as a management strategy to lower wildfire risk has been proposed, but its ecological impacts in Greece are not well understood. This study examines the relationship between fireline intensity during prescribed burning and plant water potential, as well as its effects on soil properties and plant biodiversity on Chios Island, Greece. Field experiments were carried out in representative ecosystems, where we measured flame length to determine fireline intensity. In addition, we gathered soil samples before and after the prescribed burning and evaluated plant diversity. Measuring leaf water potential gave us a better understanding of how plants respond physiologically to different seasonal and site conditions. Our findings revealed that prescribed burning typically boosted plant diversity after the fire, with Fabaceae and Asteraceae playing a key role in regeneration. However, the soil responses differed from one site to another. Some sites saw a decline in organic carbon and nitrogen, while others showed an increase in exchangeable cations like calcium and magnesium, highlighting the importance of site-specific results. Studies on plant water potential revealed seasonal fluctuations in stress, underscoring the importance of accounting for seasonality in prescribed burn planning. Overall, prescribed burning has the potential to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem recovery, while also reducing fuel loads. These results highlight the importance of ongoing, site-specific monitoring for developing sustainable fire management strategies in Mediterranean ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Restoring and Conserving Biodiversity: A Global Perspective)

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11 pages, 2038 KB

Open AccessArticle

Global Ecological Pattern of Local Leaf Size Diversity

by Bin Yang, Daoping Liu, Ting-On Chan, Shezhou Luo and Yi Lin

Diversity 2025, 17(11), 767; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17110767 - 1 Nov 2025

Abstract

Local leaf size diversity (LLSD) is an essential functional indicator of plant biodiversity; however, massive challenges are encountered when quantifying it and decoding its global ecological patterns. To address this limitation, the present study defined a quantitative indicator of LLSD, termed coefficient of [...] Read more.

Local leaf size diversity (LLSD) is an essential functional indicator of plant biodiversity; however, massive challenges are encountered when quantifying it and decoding its global ecological patterns. To address this limitation, the present study defined a quantitative indicator of LLSD, termed coefficient of variation index (CVI), for the leaf sizes, regardless of plant species, collected in each sampling site. Then, we innovatively derived a set of global CVI values from a published dataset, which was obtained through a meta-analysis of global leaf area samples and their related climate factors. Our macroecological analyses indicate that the CVI values vary across continents and fluctuate with latitude. The global CVI values are predominantly influenced by the mean temperature of the coldest month during the growing season in the negative correlation mode. When two leading climate drivers are considered, the global CVI values are primarily influenced by the mean temperature during growing season and the mean annual sum precipitation. Overall, all of these contributions are pioneering in their implications for characterizing the global distribution and ecological patterns of LLSD and advancing the cutting-edge research domain of leaf functional biodiversity to a new quantitative stage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Diversity)

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6 pages, 1322 KB

Open AccessCommunication

Effect of Thermal Stress on the Cuticular Chemical Composition of the Amazonian Social Wasp Polybia rejecta (Fabricius, 1798)

by Tatiane Tagliatti Maciel, Bruno Corrêa Barbosa, Samanta Brito, Jodieh Oliveira Santana Varejão, Eduardo Vinícius Vieira Varejão, Marcio Luiz Oliveira, Rafael Dettogni Guariento and José Eduardo Serrão

Diversity 2025, 17(11), 766; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17110766 - 1 Nov 2025

Abstract

Insects are facing challenges with climate change, especially in tropical regions where small variations in temperature can affect their survival and behavior. The insect cuticle is a barrier against water loss and a source of signals for chemical communication triggered mainly by cuticular [...] Read more.

Insects are facing challenges with climate change, especially in tropical regions where small variations in temperature can affect their survival and behavior. The insect cuticle is a barrier against water loss and a source of signals for chemical communication triggered mainly by cuticular hydrocarbons. Knowing that tolerance in social wasps to temperature variations mainly depends on changes in the chemical composition of the cuticle, the objective was to evaluate how high temperatures affect the cuticular hydrocarbon composition of the social wasp Polybia rejecta. The wasps were exposed to a temperature of 40 °C for 1 h, 3 h, and 6 h following analyses of the cuticular hydrocarbons by GC-MS. The results revealed five long-chain hydrocarbons and one fatty alcohol. The relative percentages to each class of compounds indicated alkanes as the principal component in all samples. Tricosane was only identified after the third hour of exposure, increasing in the sixth hour, suggesting a possible chemical communication mechanism to alert critical situations between individuals. These results open up new avenues of research into insect communication in response to environmental stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Diversity)

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15 pages, 3474 KB

Open AccessArticle

Interactions Between Invasive Plants and Native Plants on the Northern Coast of China and Their Implications for Ecological Restoration

by Xiuzhong Li, Shuailing Hou, Senyang Li, Yufei Zhang, Duoli Zhang, Shen Zhang, Guoxiang Zheng, Mingxiang Zhang, Xue Mo, Nan Zhang, Heran Dai, Jiahui Xue and Yijue Zhang

Diversity 2025, 17(11), 765; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17110765 - 1 Nov 2025

Abstract

Spartina alterniflora has become one of the most serious invasive species and competes with native Phragmites australis and Suaeda salsa in northern China. This study conducted controlled container experiments with no competition, intraspecific competition, two-species competition, and three-species competition to compare the growth [...] Read more.

Spartina alterniflora has become one of the most serious invasive species and competes with native Phragmites australis and Suaeda salsa in northern China. This study conducted controlled container experiments with no competition, intraspecific competition, two-species competition, and three-species competition to compare the growth conditions of Spartina alterniflora (ramet, genet, and mixture), Phragmites australis, and Suaeda salsa. Results showed the following: (1) Spartina alterniflora exhibited obviously stronger interspecific competitiveness than that interspecific competition (RY_ab > 1), with significant differences in height, basal diameter, number of blades, fresh weight, and dry weight (p < 0.05); (2) among reproductive strategies, Spartina alterniflora competitiveness followed the order of ramets > genets > mixture; (3) under multispecies competition, height, basal diameter, and number of blades of Spartina alterniflora showed significant differences (p < 0.05); (4) the competitiveness of Spartina alterniflora in height, basal diameter, and number of blades on native species followed the order Suaeda salsa > Phragmites > Suaeda salsa + Phragmites > competition > no competition. This study suggests the following: (1) controlling established ramets should be prioritized; (2) genet seedlings should be removed within the same year; (3) monitoring of genets should be strengthened. Furthermore, container conditions in this study may not fully capture field environments. Future research should integrate long-term field experiments, tidal gradients, and nutrient manipulations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Diversity)

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20 pages, 3583 KB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Drivers and Edge Effects on Anuran Diversity in Fragmented Forests of the Southwestern Brazilian Amazon

by Yara Araújo Pereira, Vinicius Guerra, Letícia Lima Correia, Thiago Bernardi Vieira and Moisés Barbosa de Souza

Diversity 2025, 17(11), 764; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17110764 - 1 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background: We investigate the influence of environmental variables and edge-interior gradients on the diversity and composition of anuran assemblages in four forest fragments in the southwestern Brazilian Amazon. Methods: A total of 590 individuals from 37 species and eight families were recorded, with [...] Read more.

Background: We investigate the influence of environmental variables and edge-interior gradients on the diversity and composition of anuran assemblages in four forest fragments in the southwestern Brazilian Amazon. Methods: A total of 590 individuals from 37 species and eight families were recorded, with Leptodactylidae being the most abundant family. Results: The Humaitá Forest Reserve (RFH) exhibited the highest species richness and diversity, while the Raimundo Irineu Serra Environmental Protection Area (APA) had the lowest. Species composition varied significantly among fragments and along the edge-interior gradient, with edges showing higher species richness. Redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed that temperature, humidity, and litter depth were the most important environmental variables structuring anuran communities. Conclusions: Edge habitats supported disturbance-tolerant species, whereas forest interiors harbored moisture-dependent specialists. These findings underscore the importance of conserving larger, less disturbed fragments and implementing management strategies that account for environmental heterogeneity. This study provides critical insights into the factors shaping anuran distribution in fragmented Amazonian landscapes, offering valuable guidance for biodiversity conservation in the region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Amphibian and Reptile Adaptation: Biodiversity and Monitoring)

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22 pages, 12666 KB

Open AccessArticle

Marine Biodiversity in Inútil Bay (Tierra del Fuego): Patterns of Zooplanktonic and Benthic Assemblages

by Benjamín Rodríguez-Stepke, Américo Montiel, Jonathan Poblete, Mauricio F. Landaeta, Daniel Pérez, Jorge Pérez-Schultheiss, Kharla Skamiotis, Ignacio Garrido, Fernanda S. Orrego and Mathias Hüne

Diversity 2025, 17(11), 763; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17110763 - 1 Nov 2025

Abstract

Southern Patagonian ecosystems are characterized by high environmental heterogeneity. Within this context, Inútil Bay exhibits a complex geomorphology and only fragmentary information on its biodiversity, despite a long history of resource exploitation and increasing human pressures. The objective of this study was to [...] Read more.

Southern Patagonian ecosystems are characterized by high environmental heterogeneity. Within this context, Inútil Bay exhibits a complex geomorphology and only fragmentary information on its biodiversity, despite a long history of resource exploitation and increasing human pressures. The objective of this study was to establish a baseline of biodiversity focusing on three key trophic components: zooplankton, megabenthos, and macrobenthos. Samples were collected using both traditional and non-invasive methods, including a bongo net, ROV, and Van Veen grab. A total of 239 taxa were identified, comprising 32 zooplankton species, 61 megabenthic taxa, and 146 macrobenthic taxa. Alpha diversity indices revealed a spatial gradient, with higher mixed-level taxonomic richness near the Whiteside Channel. In contrast to patterns observed in zooplankton and megabenthos, the macrofauna showed significant differences between assemblages at stations located inside and outside the bay. Moreover, a low representation of meroplankton was recorded compared to the high abundance of adult benthic invertebrates. Overall, these results provide a biodiversity baseline, underscore the ecological vulnerability of Inútil Bay, and support its recognition as a priority area for conservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Marine Diversity)

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10 pages, 3539 KB

Open AccessArticle

Cordyceps biarmica sp. nov., an Entomopathogenic Fungus from Boreal Forests of North European Russia

by Igor Kazartsev, Maria Gomzhina, Maxim Levchenko and Georgy Lednev

Diversity 2025, 17(11), 762; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17110762 - 1 Nov 2025

Abstract

The European part of Russia has been characterized by a remarkably low documented diversity of entomopathogenic fungi, particularly when compared to the high species richness recorded in the Russian Far East. This pattern has persisted through decades of primarily morphology-based studies, which require [...] Read more.

The European part of Russia has been characterized by a remarkably low documented diversity of entomopathogenic fungi, particularly when compared to the high species richness recorded in the Russian Far East. This pattern has persisted through decades of primarily morphology-based studies, which require critical reassessment using modern molecular methods. Here, we introduce a new species, Cordyceps biarmica, described from its asexual stage collected in the taiga of Arkhangelsk Oblast, representing a notable addition to the known diversity of the genus Cordyceps in the region. The fungus was isolated from a poorly preserved lepidopteran cocoon with pulvinate, unbranched conidiomata. Morphological features of its pure culture revealed an Isaria-like asexual morph characterized by solitary or verticillate phialides on a subspherical to subcylindrical base, bearing conidia in imbricate chains twisted in spirals. Multilocus phylogenetic analysis of a five-locus dataset (ITS, nrLSU, rpb1, rpb2, and tef1-α) was conducted using Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference. The isolate was robustly placed within Cordyceps s.s., forming a distinct monophyletic lineage separate from other closely related well-supported taxa, including Cordyceps cateniannulata, C. exasperata, C. locastrae, C. polyarthra, C. sandindaengensis, and C. spegazzinii. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Diversity)

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