Diversity

14 pages, 1920 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Pavona Coral Growth Strategies in the Maintenance of the Clipperton Atoll Reef

by Ania Ochoa-Serena, José de Jesús Adolfo Tortolero-Langarica, Fabián Alejandro Rodríguez-Zaragoza, Juan Pablo Carricart-Ganivet, Eric Emile G. Clua and Alma Paola Rodríguez-Troncoso

Diversity 2025, 17(12), 854; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17120854 - 12 Dec 2025

Abstract

The genus Pavona includes massive to submassive hermatypic corals and represents one of the main reef builders of the coral reefs in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP). However, its development and specific ecological role, particularly on offshore reefs (e.g., oceanic Atolls), remain poorly [...] Read more.

The genus Pavona includes massive to submassive hermatypic corals and represents one of the main reef builders of the coral reefs in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP). However, its development and specific ecological role, particularly on offshore reefs (e.g., oceanic Atolls), remain poorly understood. This study aims to determine the sclerochronological characteristics of the four Pavona species (Pavona duerdeni, Pavona clavus, Pavona maldivensis, and Pavona varians) in Clipperton Atoll, and their contributions to reef maintenance. Using the optical densitometry technique, Pavona annual growth parameters were obtained, showing that skeletal density (1.26 ± 0.23 g cm⁻³), extension rate (0.94 ± 0.31 cm year⁻¹), and calcification rate (1.17 ± 0.36 g cm⁻² year⁻¹) were consistent with previous data from the ETP. However, differences at the species level showed that P. duerdeni, P. varians, and P. maldivensis invested their calcification resources into building denser skeletons, demonstrating the morphological plasticity of the genus, likely driven by local factors, such as strong hydrodynamics and depth, rather than regional conditions (e.g., El Niño-Southern Oscillation events). Pavona’s growth strategies contribute to the preservation potential on a geological timescale of Clipperton Atoll, highlighting their importance as one of the main reef builders at a massive coral-dominated reef. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Undersea Refuges: Functional Ecology and Biodiversity of Coral Reef Ecosystems)

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17 pages, 1732 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Endangered Feline Conservation in Asia via a Pose-Guided Deep Learning Framework for Individual Identification

by Weiwei Xiao, Wei Zhang and Haiyan Liu

Diversity 2025, 17(12), 853; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17120853 - 12 Dec 2025

Abstract

The re-identification of endangered felines is critical for species conservation and biodiversity assessment. This paper proposes the Pose-Guided Network with the Adaptive L2 Regularization (PGNet-AL2) framework to overcome key challenges in wild feline re-identification, such as extensive pose variations, small sample sizes, and [...] Read more.

The re-identification of endangered felines is critical for species conservation and biodiversity assessment. This paper proposes the Pose-Guided Network with the Adaptive L2 Regularization (PGNet-AL2) framework to overcome key challenges in wild feline re-identification, such as extensive pose variations, small sample sizes, and inconsistent image quality. This framework employs a dual-branch architecture for multi-level feature extraction and incorporates an adaptive L2 regularization mechanism to optimize parameter learning, effectively mitigating overfitting in small-sample scenarios. Applying the proposed method to the Amur Tiger Re-identification in the Wild (ATRW) dataset, we achieve a mean Average Precision (mAP) of 91.3% in single-camera settings, outperforming the baseline PPbM-b (Pose Part-based Model) by 18.5 percentage points. To further evaluate its generalization, we apply it to a more challenging task, snow leopard re-identification, using a dataset of 388 infrared videos obtained from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). Despite the poor quality of infrared videos, our method achieves a mAP of 94.5%. The consistent high performance on both the ATRW and snow leopard datasets collectively demonstrates the method’s strong generalization capability and practical utility. Full article

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

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18 pages, 13130 KB

Open AccessArticle

Pseudoscorpions from Motu Motiro Hiva, a Remote Polynesian Island, with the Description of a New Genus of Chernetidae (Pseudoscorpiones)

by Mark S. Harvey, Matías Portflitt-Toro, J. Judson Wynne, Catalina Romero-Ortiz and Darko D. Cotoras

Diversity 2025, 17(12), 852; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17120852 - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

Pseudoscorpions collected from the remote southeast Pacific Island of Motu Motiro Hiva (also known as Isla Salas y Gómez) yielded two different species. A juvenile specimen of the genus Garypus (Garypidae) was found near the seashore, which represents the most southerly record of [...] Read more.

Pseudoscorpions collected from the remote southeast Pacific Island of Motu Motiro Hiva (also known as Isla Salas y Gómez) yielded two different species. A juvenile specimen of the genus Garypus (Garypidae) was found near the seashore, which represents the most southerly record of Garypus in the Pacific Ocean. Numerous specimens of an unusual chernetid were taken from inside mummified carcasses of seabirds that breed on the island. Although they show morphological similarities to some other American genera such as Americhernes Muchmore, Cordylochernes Beier, and Lustrochernes Beier, the gaping fingers on the male chela and the positions of the trichobothria clearly differentiate them from all other genera. We therefore propose the new genus and species Motuchernes spatiodigitus sp. nov., which is endemic to this small remote and isolated island. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arachnida Diversity and Conservation)

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23 pages, 4511 KB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling Habitat Suitability for Endemic Anthemis pedunculata subsp. pedunculata and Anthemis pedunculata subsp. atlantica in Mediterranean Region Using MaxEnt and GIS-Based Analysis

by Kaouther Mechergui, Wahbi Jaouadi, Carlos Henrique Souto Azevedo, Khadeijah Yahya Faqeih, Somayah Moshrif Alamri, Eman Rafi Alamery, Maha Abdullah Aldubehi and Philipe Guilherme Corcino Souza

Diversity 2025, 17(12), 851; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17120851 - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

Climate change accelerates biodiversity loss, threatening ecosystems worldwide. Using predictive models, such as the maximum entropy model (Maxent), allows us to identify changes in species distribution and guide conservation strategies. This study aims to model the current and future distribution of Anthemis pedunculata [...] Read more.

Climate change accelerates biodiversity loss, threatening ecosystems worldwide. Using predictive models, such as the maximum entropy model (Maxent), allows us to identify changes in species distribution and guide conservation strategies. This study aims to model the current and future distribution of Anthemis pedunculata subsp. Atlantica and Anthemis pedunculata subsp. pedunculata in Mediterranean regions through MaxEnt modeling with bioclimatic predictors. Using the MaxEnt algorithm, we combine bioclimatic variables and 49 occurrence locations of Anthemis pedunculata subsp. pedunculata and 13 occurrence locations of Anthemis pedunculata subsp. atlantica. The future distribution of the species is projected using MIROC6 model simulations under emission scenario SSP5-8.5 for 2030 and 2050. The current model predicted approximately 99,330,066 ha as a suitable habitat for Anthemis pedunculata subsp. pedunculata. Projections for the future range exhibited a gradual increase in the suitable area in 2030 by 144,365,562 ha and 2050 by 147,335,265 ha. The current model predicted approximately 201,179,880 ha as a suitable habitat for Anthemis pedunculata subsp. atlantica. Projections for the future range exhibited a gradual enhancement of the suitable area in 2030 by 213,898,608 ha and 2050 by 229,357,062. Our results provide further evidence of the negative impact of climate change on these endemic species and emphasize the importance of their conservation. This study provides information that could strengthen the protection of these species and identify potential protection areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Diversity)

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14 pages, 1522 KB

Open AccessArticle

Land-Cover Influences on the Distribution of Alien and Invasive Plants in Korea: Evidence from the 5th National Ecosystem Survey

by Taewoo Yi, Tae Gwan Kim, Seung Se Choi, Sol Park and JunSeok Lee

Diversity 2025, 17(12), 850; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17120850 - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

This study analyzed the relationships between land-cover types and the distribution of alien and invasive plant species using data from the 5th National Ecosystem Survey of Korea (2019–2023). A total of 711,557 plant occurrence records were collected across 780 map sheets, resulting in [...] Read more.

This study analyzed the relationships between land-cover types and the distribution of alien and invasive plant species using data from the 5th National Ecosystem Survey of Korea (2019–2023). A total of 711,557 plant occurrence records were collected across 780 map sheets, resulting in the identification of 3842 vascular plant species, including both alien and invasive taxa. To evaluate spatial patterns and environmental drivers, multiple linear regression and spatial regression models—specifically the Spatial Lag Model (SLM) and Spatial Error Model (SEM)—were applied. The results revealed that alien and invasive species exhibited non-random, spatially clustered distributions influenced by habitat type and disturbance intensity. Alien species were more abundant in agricultural areas and wetlands, whereas forests and grasslands acted as resistant ecosystems. In contrast, invasive species were concentrated in bare lands and urbanized drylands, highlighting the importance of habitat openness and human disturbance in facilitating invasion. Spatial autocorrelation analyses (Moran’s I = 0.0777 for alien species; 0.1933 for invasive species) and the strong spatial dependence in the Spatial Error Model (λ = 0.7405 and 0.6428) confirmed that invasion patterns are shaped by spatial connectivity and environmental continuity. These findings demonstrate that invasion processes in Korea are driven by both anthropogenic disturbance and spatial dependency. Effective management therefore requires habitat-specific, spatially coordinated strategies, emphasizing early detection and rapid control in high-risk areas while reinforcing the ecological buffering capacity of forests to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem stability. Full article

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

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17 pages, 7982 KB

Open AccessArticle

Diatoms as Bark Epiphytes in the Tropical Lowlands of Panama

by Gerhard Zotz, Jonas Zimmermann, Jessica Y. L. Tay and Nélida Abarca

Diversity 2025, 17(12), 849; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17120849 - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

Diatoms are of major importance in marine and freshwater systems, but their occurrence in terrestrial situations is generally thought to be exceptional. Following up on the accidental discovery of epiphytic diatoms on bark samples in an unrelated study, we investigated their presence in [...] Read more.

Diatoms are of major importance in marine and freshwater systems, but their occurrence in terrestrial situations is generally thought to be exceptional. Following up on the accidental discovery of epiphytic diatoms on bark samples in an unrelated study, we investigated their presence in the tropical lowlands of Panama more systematically using scanning electron and light microscopy. We sampled inundated and aerial bark portions of Annona glabra, a tree that grows along the shore of Lake Gatun, and took bark samples from other tree and liana species at c. 1.5 m height in the forest understory. In total, we found 70 diatom taxa in 28 genera. Species numbers and composition differed among the three microhabitats with the largest numbers on inundated bark portions, but even in the forest understory, we found 12 taxa with densities of up to 900 frustules per mm⁻² of bark. Our data set is still quite limited in scale but the results suggest the possibility that hitherto unacknowledged assemblages of epiphytic diatoms may be quite common in wet tropical forests, which clearly warrants further study. Full article

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17 pages, 4039 KB

Open AccessArticle

Characteristics of Microbial Communities in Sediments from Culture Areas of Meretrix meretrix

by Fengbiao Wang, Yue Zhu, Chaozhong Xin, Shuai Han, Haopeng Hu, Longyu Liu, Jinmeng Bao, Xuan Zhang, Lei Li and Mei Jiang

Diversity 2025, 17(12), 848; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17120848 - 10 Dec 2025

Abstract

This study examined the sediment microbial communities at 12 stations within the Meretrix meretrix farming area in Rudong, Jiangsu Province, utilising high-throughput sequencing. It elucidates the ecological relationships between the sediment microbial communities and the primary physical and chemical factors influencing the farming [...] Read more.

This study examined the sediment microbial communities at 12 stations within the Meretrix meretrix farming area in Rudong, Jiangsu Province, utilising high-throughput sequencing. It elucidates the ecological relationships between the sediment microbial communities and the primary physical and chemical factors influencing the farming water and sediment. The results indicated that the microbial communities comprised 55 phyla. The Shannon index ranged from a minimum of 8.97 to a maximum of 9.96, while the Simpson index varied from 0.996 to 0.997, indicating a uniform species distribution. β diversity analysis revealed significant spatial diversity among the communities. Dominant bacterial groups included Proteobacteria (25.2–38%) and Desulfobacterota (10.4–14.4%), with Desulfobacterota reaching a peak of 14.4% at tidal creek station S2, reflecting the sulphate reduction process associated with organic pollution input. At the genus level, Woesia (9.15–17.16%), Desulfobacterota, and Subgroup_22 were identified as core functional bacteria. Redundancy analysis indicated that phosphate and nitrate were the primary drivers of community variation, accounting for a cumulative interpretation rate of 43.2%. Spearman correlation analysis confirmed that fine-grained sediments were more likely to store organic matter, significantly promoting the colonisation of AQS1 (p < 0.05) and Cohaesibacter (p < 0.05), while inhibiting Puniceispirillales (p < 0.01). An alkaline environment positively selects for sulphur-cycling bacteria, such as Desulfatiglans (p < 0.05). This study provides technical support for the regulation of sediment environments and the promotion of healthy clam culture practices. Full article

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

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20 pages, 2716 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Flying Fish Across the Tethys: Thoracopterus wushaensis Tintori et al., 2012, from the Pelsa/Vazzoler Fossil-Lagerstätte (Late Ladinian, Middle Triassic) in the Dolomites (Italy)

by Andrea Tintori

Diversity 2025, 17(12), 847; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17120847 - 9 Dec 2025

Abstract

For the first time, the same fish species is recorded from Triassic rocks at both ends of the Tethys, namely, Thoracopterus wushaensis Tintori et al., 2012. First described from the southwestern China Xingyi Fauna (late Ladinian, Middle Triassic), it is now also known [...] Read more.

For the first time, the same fish species is recorded from Triassic rocks at both ends of the Tethys, namely, Thoracopterus wushaensis Tintori et al., 2012. First described from the southwestern China Xingyi Fauna (late Ladinian, Middle Triassic), it is now also known from a coeval site in the Dolomites in northern Italy. T. wushaensis is considered a flying fish, owing to its elongated pectoral and pelvic fins, tail with a ventral lobe much larger than the dorsal one, and peculiar enlarged neural spines in the caudal region. Taxonomical problems among Peltopleuriformes are also discussed on the basis of an improved comparison between eastern and western Tethys fish assemblages. This finding bolsters the marine vertebrate similarity between China and Europe during the Middle Triassic. Furthermore, because T. wushaensis from the Pelsa/Vazzoler is part of a very rich assemblage yielding several fishes, and also dozens of invertebrate taxa, it also supports the hypothesis of a global bioevent among marine fauna during the late Ladinian, well before the San Cassiano Fauna or the Carnian Pluvial Episode. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Phylogeny and Evolution)

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29 pages, 8381 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Edible Underground Storage Organ Plants in Maha Sarakham Province, Thailand: Diversity, Traditional Uses, and Horticultural Importance

by Piyaporn Saensouk, Surapon Saensouk, Areerat Ragsasilp, Sombat Appamaraka, Auemporn Junsongduang, Phiphat Sonthongphithak, Yuefeng Zhang and Tammanoon Jitpromma

Diversity 2025, 17(12), 846; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17120846 - 9 Dec 2025

Abstract

Edible underground storage organ (EUO) plants, including tubers, rhizomes, corms, and root tubers, play a crucial role in food security, nutrition, traditional medicine, and local livelihoods, yet many regions of northeastern Thailand, including Maha Sarakham Province, remain underexplored in ethnobotanical research. This study [...] Read more.

Edible underground storage organ (EUO) plants, including tubers, rhizomes, corms, and root tubers, play a crucial role in food security, nutrition, traditional medicine, and local livelihoods, yet many regions of northeastern Thailand, including Maha Sarakham Province, remain underexplored in ethnobotanical research. This study aimed to document the diversity, traditional uses, and economic importance of EUO plants in the province. Field surveys, local market assessments, and ethnobotanical interviews were conducted, and voucher specimens were collected. Quantitative indices, including the Cultural Food Significance Index (CFSI), Fidelity Level (%FL), and economic value (EV), were applied to evaluate the cultural, medicinal, and economic significance of each species. A total of 53 EUO taxa from 22 families were recorded, representing both wild-harvested and cultivated resources. Dioscoreaceae and Zingiberaceae were among the most species-rich families. Among the EUO plants, Allium ascalonicum L. stood out for its cultural significance, Gloriosa superba L. for its medicinal importance, and Smallanthus sonchifolius (Poepp.) H.Rob. for its economic value. Several other EUO plants exhibited high cultural consensus and consistent use patterns, underscoring their integration into local diets, traditional healthcare, and rural economies. The study demonstrates that EUO plants contribute not only to dietary diversity and cultural identity but also to rural economies. These findings highlight the importance of conserving biological and traditional knowledge and promote sustainable cultivation and horticultural development of priority EUO species to strengthen local food system resilience. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Diversity)

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12 pages, 3096 KB

Open AccessArticle

Population Size and Habitat Suitability of the Endangered Sichuan Sika Deer (Cervus nippon sichuanicus) in a Forested Landscape

by Jia Jia, Yun Fang, Xinhai Li, Zhixin Wen, Duohou Zhang and Yuehua Sun

Diversity 2025, 17(12), 845; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17120845 - 9 Dec 2025

Abstract

Accurate estimation of population size and identification of key habitat factors are fundamental for the conservation of endangered species. This study demonstrates the application of advanced methods for estimating wildlife abundance and evaluating habitat associations for the endangered Sichuan sika deer (Cervus [...] Read more.

Accurate estimation of population size and identification of key habitat factors are fundamental for the conservation of endangered species. This study demonstrates the application of advanced methods for estimating wildlife abundance and evaluating habitat associations for the endangered Sichuan sika deer (Cervus nippon sichuanicus) in the Gansu Taohe National Nature Reserve. We deployed a systematic camera trap network across the reserve and estimated population size by integrating camera trap data with a movement simulation method, while employing a Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model to analyze the effects of various environmental variables on habitat utilization. Our survey estimated a population of approximately 429 individuals (95% CI: 390–446), corresponding to a density of 0.15 individuals/km². Habitat suitability modeling revealed that precipitation of the driest month (bio14; 44.5% contribution) and vegetation cover (NDVI; 39.1% contribution) were the predominant factors governing habitat suitability, collectively accounting for over 80% of the model’s prediction, whereas anthropogenic factors like the Human Footprint Index showed negligible independent importance. This study provides the first baseline population estimate for this endangered ungulate in the Taohe Reserve. The current low population density suggests substantial potential for recovery, indicating that future conservation strategies should safeguard key water sources and enhance habitat quality and connectivity. Full article

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

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18 pages, 3165 KB

Open AccessArticle

Climate-Niche Evolution in Leaf-Warblers (Aves: Phylloscopidae): A Matter of Phylogeny

by Luisa Gräf, Eva Maria Griebeler, Jens Oldeland and Dieter Thomas Tietze

Diversity 2025, 17(12), 844; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17120844 - 6 Dec 2025

Abstract

Macroevolutionary studies which focus on the development of traits in a phylogenetic context are increasingly used to explore the evolutionary mechanisms and processes that have led to the diversity in species we see today. This includes the study of the evolution of climatic [...] Read more.

Macroevolutionary studies which focus on the development of traits in a phylogenetic context are increasingly used to explore the evolutionary mechanisms and processes that have led to the diversity in species we see today. This includes the study of the evolution of climatic niches within taxonomic groups. Here, we used the leaf-warbler family (Aves: Phylloscopidae) and two dated phylogenetic trees on this group to assess how phylogenetic trees can affect results on the evolution of climatic niches. Trees applied differ in numbers of extant species and in species’ divergence times. We established ecological niche models from climate and occurrence data for all species represented in these trees and calculated predicted niche occupancies (PNOs) and ancestral niches for each of the two trees. Additionally, we examined the niche overlap and deviations from a Brownian motion model for each tree by assessing the accumulation of disparity through time, the strength of the phylogenetic signal and the best-fitting evolutionary model for different niche dimensions. We found differences in the evolutionary history of PNOs for the two phylogenetic trees. The accumulation of disparity through time, phylogenetic signal and mode of evolution of different climatic variables also differed when using the two trees and even suggested contrary interpretations. Our results indicate that the phylogenetic tree applied could strongly influence the outcome of similar macroevolutionary studies and recommend caution for their interpretation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Phylogeny and Evolution)

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16 pages, 5421 KB

Open AccessArticle

Episodic Ponds as Overlooked Temporary Habitats: The Case of Lago Montagna in Sicily

by Dario Salemi, Rosi De Luca, Vincenzo Ilardi, Teresa Napolitano and Angelo Troia

Diversity 2025, 17(12), 843; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17120843 - 6 Dec 2025

Abstract

In Sicily, many natural water bodies were reclaimed over the last two centuries for malaria control and agricultural expansion, causing widespread habitat loss. Some of these former ponds (still locally called “lakes”) reappear occasionally after extreme rainfall, temporarily restoring aquatic habitats but remaining [...] Read more.

In Sicily, many natural water bodies were reclaimed over the last two centuries for malaria control and agricultural expansion, causing widespread habitat loss. Some of these former ponds (still locally called “lakes”) reappear occasionally after extreme rainfall, temporarily restoring aquatic habitats but remaining poorly documented. We confirm the occurrence of such episodic ponds in central Sicily (Sommatino–Riesi) and present one of these ponds (Lago Montagna) as a case study. Combining satellite observations with field surveys conducted during a spring 2025 inundation, we document repeated episodes of flooding and a remarkable aquatic flora, including charophytes and other taxa of conservation interest. Episodic inundation events, therefore, act as transient refugia and stepping stones for regional biodiversity within an otherwise dry landscape. Because these systems commonly escape routine monitoring and legal protection, we argue they should be explicitly recognized in regional conservation planning and long-term monitoring programs. Moreover, the integrated remote-sensing approach used here allows the detection of overlooked temporary wetland ecosystems and provides fine-scale hydrological insights often missed by sparse weather station networks or satellite-derived rainfall data. Full article

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

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19 pages, 3232 KB

Open AccessArticle

Diversity of Benthic Diatoms and Abiotic Patterns in the Headwaters of the Volga River

by Natalie Ismaiel, Vyacheslav V. Kuzovlev, Sergey I. Shaporenko, Andreas Holzinger and Martin Schletterer

Diversity 2025, 17(12), 842; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17120842 - 5 Dec 2025

Abstract

The Volga is the largest river in Europe and its headwaters comprise reference or least disturbed conditions. In the headwaters of the Volga (445 km) upstream of Tver, 27 diatom samples (18 from the Volga and nine from selected tributaries) were collected in [...] Read more.

The Volga is the largest river in Europe and its headwaters comprise reference or least disturbed conditions. In the headwaters of the Volga (445 km) upstream of Tver, 27 diatom samples (18 from the Volga and nine from selected tributaries) were collected in shallow water along the banks from different habitats, wherefrom 270 taxa (244 pennate and 26 centric) were identified. Most benthic taxa were found within Naviculaceae (40 taxa), Fragilariaceae (29 taxa), Bacillariaceae (27 taxa), Achnanthaceae (23 taxa), Gomphonemataceae (19 taxa), Cymbellaceae (17 taxa), and 16 taxa belong to the Amphora-complex. Species richness in the Volga and its tributaries was comparable; the mean value was 46 in the Volga and 50 in the tributaries. Regarding the saprobic index, the source region (reach R1) was characterized by a large proportion of xeno- and oligo-saprobic species, with the proportion of oligo-beta and beta-meso-saprobic species increasing along the continuum. This study provides a first comprehensive checklist of benthic diatoms for the Volga headwaters and analyzes longitudinal changes as well as the interplay between abiotic parameters and the diatom community in the headwaters of the Volga. Full article

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

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40 pages, 6440 KB

Open AccessArticle

Foraminifera Fauna in the Core Sediments of the Ulleung Basin, East Sea (Sea of Japan) of Republic of Korea

by Hyun Ju Ha, Jeong Won Kang, Byung-Cheol Kum, Dong-Hyeok Shin, Don-Hyug Kang, Sungho Cho, Seung Won Jung and Joon Sang Park

Diversity 2025, 17(12), 841; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17120841 - 5 Dec 2025

Abstract

Foraminifera are unicellular protists with external shells (tests) that may be calcareous (porcelaneous or hyaline), agglutinated, or organic-walled. Their test morphology and as-assemblage composition closely track environmental forcing, making them robust bioindicators of marine change. Documenting morphology and faunal composition is therefore essential [...] Read more.

Foraminifera are unicellular protists with external shells (tests) that may be calcareous (porcelaneous or hyaline), agglutinated, or organic-walled. Their test morphology and as-assemblage composition closely track environmental forcing, making them robust bioindicators of marine change. Documenting morphology and faunal composition is therefore essential for interpreting species distributions and their paleoenvironmental significance. Here we provide a systematic account of foraminiferal assemblages from core sediments in the Ulleung Basin, East Sea (Sea of Japan), with accompanying imagery and diagnostic notes. We identify 47 species across 32 genera and 20 families, including 15 planktic and 32 benthic taxa. Seven species are newly recorded for Korean waters: the planktic Tenuitellita fleisheri and Neogloboquadrina atlantica subsp. praeatlantica, and the benthic Islandiella algida, Uvigerina asperula, Pseudonodosaria aequalis, Pseudonodosaria obtusissima, and Astacolus crepidula. The presence of these previously unreported taxa likely reflects historical under-sampling and limited taxonomic emphasis in the region, coupled with the geomorphological challenges of the Ulleung Basin. In addition, the recognition of five distinct morphotypes of Neogloboquadrina pachyderma points to substantial past environmental variability in the basin. Continued evaluation of morphological diversity and distributional patterns in these assemblages will support stratigraphic applications and reconstruction of past marine environments in the East Sea by clarifying depth-wise faunal turnovers that likely record a composite signal of hydrographic variability overprinted by episodic seismic disturbance and slope current reworking. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Foraminiferal Research: Modern Approaches and Emerging Trends)

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18 pages, 3032 KB

Open AccessArticle

Biogeography and Diversity Patterns of Hydroids (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa) from the Southwest Atlantic Coast

by Andreza Campos de Moura, Felipe Ferreira Campos, Mônica Lucia Botter-Carvalho, Antonio Carlos Marques and Carlos Daniel Pérez

Diversity 2025, 17(12), 840; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17120840 - 5 Dec 2025

Abstract

This study investigates hydroid species distribution across the western Atlantic coastline, focusing on biogeographic patterns, comparing them with Caribbean assemblages, and assess the influence of environmental variables—including salinity, temperature, primary productivity, ocean currents, and chlorophyll—on biogeographic structure. We analyzed 375 species from to [...] Read more.

This study investigates hydroid species distribution across the western Atlantic coastline, focusing on biogeographic patterns, comparing them with Caribbean assemblages, and assess the influence of environmental variables—including salinity, temperature, primary productivity, ocean currents, and chlorophyll—on biogeographic structure. We analyzed 375 species from to 9259 records (1946–2022), spanning the western Atlantic from the Caribbean to southern Argentina (28° N–53° S). Cluster analyses using UPGMA and ordination via nMDS, based on Sorensen-transformed occurrence data. Taxonomic distinctness was assessed with Average Taxonomic Distinctness (Delta+) and Lambda+ variation. UPGMA clustering revealed two main groups: one in the Caribbean and Brazil, and another in southern Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. The Amazon River mouth acted as a semi-permeable barrier, with 21.4% species overlap between Caribbean and Brazil. Southeastern Brazil had the highest species richness, likely due to environmental synergy and biodiversity hotspot. Assemblages followed known biogeographic gradients, with lower diversity offshore and on islands. The Río de la Plata showed a distinct, salinity-driven composition. Salinity, chlorophyll, and currents were key distribution drivers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Taxonomy, Phylogeny and Biogeography of Cnidaria)

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8 pages, 3377 KB

Open AccessInteresting Images

First Evidence of Neonatal Whale Sharks (Rhincodon typus) in Saleh Bay, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

by Ismail Syakurachman, Yasman Yasman, Mochamad Iqbal Herwata Putra, Mark Erdmann, Mufti Petala Patria and Edy Setyawan

Diversity 2025, 17(12), 839; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17120839 - 5 Dec 2025

Abstract

The reproductive biology of the whale shark (Rhincodon typus), the world’s largest fish, remains poorly understood, in large part due to the rarity of observations of neonates and of breeding behaviours. Although several regions in Indonesia, including Saleh Bay (West Nusa [...] Read more.

The reproductive biology of the whale shark (Rhincodon typus), the world’s largest fish, remains poorly understood, in large part due to the rarity of observations of neonates and of breeding behaviours. Although several regions in Indonesia, including Saleh Bay (West Nusa Tenggara Province), have been identified as aggregation and sighting sites for juvenile whale sharks (2–7 m total length, TL), smaller individuals from these potential nursery areas have not been previously documented. In August 2024, fishermen operating lift-net fishing vessels (bagans) in eastern Saleh Bay reported five separate sightings of a small whale shark estimated at 1.2–1.5 m TL and approximately four months old. Subsequently, on 6 September 2024, a male neonate measuring approximately 135–145 cm TL, estimated to be around four months old, was incidentally caught inside a bagan lift-net. These observations represent the first records of neonatal whale sharks in Indonesia and among the smallest free-swimming individuals ever documented globally, and suggest that Saleh Bay may serve as a pupping and early nursery area for whale sharks. These findings highlight the ecological significance of Saleh Bay for the early life stages of whale sharks and underscore the importance of collaborative monitoring and citizen science involving bagan fishermen in advancing the research and conservation of this endangered species. Full article

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

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33 pages, 4946 KB

Open AccessArticle

Diversity and Traditional Uses of Fabaceae Species in Maha Sarakham Province, Thailand

by Piyaporn Saensouk, Surapon Saensouk, Sawai Mattapha, Khamfa Chanthavongsa and Tammanoon Jitpromma

Diversity 2025, 17(12), 838; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17120838 - 4 Dec 2025

Cited by 1

Abstract

The Fabaceae family plays a vital role in tropical ecosystems and human livelihoods due to its ecological, nutritional, and medicinal significance. This study provides a comprehensive ethnobotanical assessment of Fabaceae in Maha Sarakham Province, Northeastern Thailand. A total of 83 taxa representing 52 [...] Read more.

The Fabaceae family plays a vital role in tropical ecosystems and human livelihoods due to its ecological, nutritional, and medicinal significance. This study provides a comprehensive ethnobotanical assessment of Fabaceae in Maha Sarakham Province, Northeastern Thailand. A total of 83 taxa representing 52 genera were recorded, reflecting the family’s high species richness and cultural importance in local communities. Field surveys and semi-structured interviews were conducted across diverse habitats, including homegardens, community forests, markets, and agricultural areas. Quantitative ethnobotanical indices—Species Use Value (SUV), Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Fidelity Level (FL), and Informant Consensus Factor (F_ic)—were used to evaluate species importance and cultural consensus. The highest SUV and RFC values were observed for Arachis hypogaea L., Glycine max (L.) Merr., Sesbania grandiflora (L.) Poir., and Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis (L.) Verdc., indicating their central roles in local diets and livelihoods. Medicinally significant taxa, including Abrus precatorius and Albizia lebbeck, exhibited high FL and Fic values, reflecting strong community agreement on their therapeutic uses. Diverse applications—spanning food, medicine, fodder, fuelwood, dye, ornamental, and construction materials—highlight the multifunctionality of Fabaceae in rural livelihoods. The documentation of 44 new provincial records further emphasizes the value of integrating Indigenous and local knowledge into biodiversity assessments. These findings provide essential insights for sustainable utilization, conservation planning, and the integration of traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches. Full article

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

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16 pages, 11457 KB

Open AccessArticle

Web-Based Photography Documents the Evening Grosbeak’s (Hesperiphona vespertina) Highly Diverse Diet

by William M. Kirsch, Caleb T. Centanni, Matthew A. Young, Jack Hobe, Colton R. Veltkamp and W. Douglas Robinson

Diversity 2025, 17(12), 837; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17120837 - 4 Dec 2025

Abstract

Community-sourced biodiversity imagery has expanded rapidly in the past decade, facilitating analyses of ecology on unprecedented spatial scales. Proliferation of these databases has also helped to reveal understudied or previously overlooked aspects of many species’ basic biology. The Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina) [...] Read more.

Community-sourced biodiversity imagery has expanded rapidly in the past decade, facilitating analyses of ecology on unprecedented spatial scales. Proliferation of these databases has also helped to reveal understudied or previously overlooked aspects of many species’ basic biology. The Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina) is considered to be a species of conservation concern, and many aspects of its diet have yet to be investigated, including how its diet varies seasonally and across its large North American range. The Evening Grosbeak’s striking plumage, frequent occurrences at bird feeders, and nomadic behavior all make them popular targets of bird photographers and a prime species for study using large community-sourced archives. We reviewed more than 50,000 photographs of Evening Grosbeaks archived in the Macaulay Library, a large public database, to gain a more detailed understanding of the diet of this species. While most Evening Grosbeak images found in the Macaulay Library depicted birds foraging at bird feeders, 1075 images were found to be of birds consuming natural (non-feeder) food items. We mapped the location of these natural dietary items to four distinct regions within the Evening Grosbeak’s geographical range and found a diet consisting of at least 96 species of plants from 25 families, 1 species of insect, and 2 species of lichen from 1 family. Despite the high diversity of dietary items we identified, richness estimators suggest even greater diversity of dietary foods exists, especially in the Pacific Northwest. Using these data and published literature on the Evening Grosbeak’s diet, we discuss the characteristics of preferred Evening Grosbeak dietary items, as well as the advantages and limitations of using community-science data for such analyses. To our knowledge, this is the first range-wide, descriptive study of a songbird species’ diet using photographs made publicly available in a community-sourced archive. Full article

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

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16 pages, 8388 KB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling the Suitable Habitat of Silver Pheasant (Lophura nycthemera) in China Under Climate and Land Cover Change

by Zexu Long, Xue Sun, Yue Sun, Chengjiang Tan and Sikan Chen

Diversity 2025, 17(12), 836; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17120836 - 3 Dec 2025

Abstract

The Silver pheasant, a species in the Phasianidae family, is a widely distributed ground-dwelling bird in southern China and a national Class II protected animal. Global climate change and land use and land cover change are recognized as major drivers of wildlife habitat [...] Read more.

The Silver pheasant, a species in the Phasianidae family, is a widely distributed ground-dwelling bird in southern China and a national Class II protected animal. Global climate change and land use and land cover change are recognized as major drivers of wildlife habitat loss and shift, especially for species with low dispersal ability, like the Silver pheasant. However, no studies have assessed the influence of climate change and land-cover change on suitable habitat at the regional scale. In this study, we aim to assess the combined effects of climate change and land cover change on the habitat of the Silver pheasant. We used an ensemble species distribution model to predict habitat suitability for the Silver pheasant under the current scenario and three shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs) across two time periods (2041–2070, 2071–2100). The results demonstrate that the ensemble model outperforms individual models in predicting suitable habitat for the Silver pheasant. The ensemble model achieved an area under the receiver’s operating curve (AUC) of 0.90, a true skill statistic (TSS) of 0.61, and a Boyce index of 0.96, indicating excellent predictive performance. Currently, suitable habitat for the Silver pheasant in China, covering 4.33 × 10⁵ km², primarily exists in eight provinces (Sichuan, Yunan, Jiangxi, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Zhejiang, and Hunan). Land cover emerged as the most influential variable (43%), followed by annual precipitation amount (36%), elevation (9%), and slope (6%). Silver pheasant is projected to experience large habitat expansion (24.24% to 63.08%) depending on different scenarios and time. The centroid of suitable habitat is expected to shift northeastward, but with short distances (<39 km). Our results provide accurate predictions of the distribution patterns of the Silver pheasant habitat in China under current and future environmental change scenarios, which is the fundamental basis for scientific-based management and conservation decisions at the national level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change and Forest Biodiversity: Impacts and Strategies for Conservation)

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