Conservation

Ex situ collections of rare and endangered plant species are crucial components of integrated conservation systems, as outlined in the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation. Plant tissue culture collections play an essential role in achieving conservation objectives, as they offer a means of propagating plant material for habitat restoration and other practical applications. This study analyzes existing tissue culture protocols for coastal plant species of the Baltic Sea region, reviewing micropropagation research spanning 25 families and 112 highly coastal-specific species. The analysis of 232 experimental studies showed that tissue culture studies have been conducted with 38 coastal-specific species of the Baltic Sea region, which is only 34% of the initially identified target species. Special attention in the field of tissue culture technology development should be paid to several highly coastal-specific species with great potential for practical use, such as Blysmus rufus, Bolboschoenus maritimus, Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani, Halimione spp., Cochlearia spp., Euphrasia spp., and Odontites spp. Comprehensive research on tissue cultures of coastal plant species is imperative to establish micropropagation protocols for underrepresented taxonomic groups. The research should prioritize functional studies with ecological relevance and the development of practical biotechnological approaches for commercial applications. Full article

Facultative paedomorphosis, the retention of larval traits in sexually mature individuals, plays a crucial role in species ecology and evolution and is influenced by complex interactions between environmental factors. Here, we compile all known cases of paedomorphosis in all newt species in Greece and report 20 new localities, mainly in Northern Pindos National Park. Our results indicate that paedomorphosis tends to occur more frequently in stable aquatic environments in combination with unfavourable external conditions (lack of precipitation and higher temperatures). Furthermore, species-specific patterns related to the occurrence of paedomorphosis were also unveiled: Mesotriton alpestris prefers high-elevation and permanent ponds; Lissotriton graecus occurs predominantly in artificial, lowland ponds; and Triturus macedonicus is associated with a stable hydroperiod and fish absence. Overall, conservation strategies should explicitly account for paedomorphic populations, emphasizing the value of artificial ponds, which are able to support this life-history strategy. Lastly, the Northern Pindos Mountain Range emerges as a major European intra-specific diversity hotspot. Full article

Although the creation of protected areas helps to protect biodiversity, it does not necessarily contribute to the reduction in some conflicts, such as livestock predation by large carnivores. We evaluated the presence of puma (Puma concolor) in a large ranch converted into a National Park and in surrounding rancher areas in the Dry Chaco of Argentina. Two years after livestock removal from the protected area, puma occupancy was associated with wild prey richness, which was greater in the park than in the neighboring ranches, and was negatively related to livestock presence. We also evaluated ranchers’ perceptions of puma presence and their tolerance to livestock predation. Ranchers showed a negative perception of puma presence and a low tolerance to livestock predation. Therefore, this study suggests that, while the creation of a protected area can improve both predator and prey densities, successful mitigation of human–predator conflict requires further strategies and interventions, like economic compensation and environmental education programs. Full article

Pangolins (Manidae), recognized for their distinctive keratinous scales, are the world’s most trafficked mammals. This is primarily due to their extensive use in traditional medicine systems in Africa and Asia, where their body parts, particularly their scales, are used in various health practices. This high demand fueled widespread poaching and illegal wildlife trade, placing immense pressure on their populations. A critical knowledge gap persists regarding the specific body parts utilized and the global extent of pangolin use in traditional medicine, which hinders effective conservation strategies and demand mitigation efforts. Bridging the divide between traditional knowledge and modern scientific research is essential to ensure both cultural practices and species preservation. Therefore, this review comprehensively examines the complex relationship between pangolins and human health practices. It explores the cultural, medicinal, and ecological significance of pangolins, addresses sustainability challenges of their populations, and outlines the key drivers of their exploitation. Full article

Climate change is expected to have significant yet distinct impacts on arthropods. Studying the species distribution of odonates, which are considered a model taxon for studying climate change and a flagship group for assessing ecosystem health, can reveal potential future patterns of geographic change. My study predicts the impacts of different climate change scenarios on the future habitat and distribution of odonates. I used MaxEnt to construct species distribution models (SDMs) for 30 North American odonate species across seven functional groups, categorized based on functional traits about each genus’s life history, dispersal, morphology, and ecology. Each model was applied to three future years and three different Shared Socio-economic Pathways (SSPs). My results show that odonates will experience increasing overall habitat suitability and increasing range size with shifts northward; however, the total suitable habitat will shrink into smaller, geographically separated pockets. While most functional groups will follow the aforementioned trends, Libellula will experience a decrease in range size, and Aeshna will move the furthest north while experiencing the greatest increase in overall habitat suitability and range size. Overall, SSP5 will result in increased variability among functional groups in their habitat and distribution. This study has implications for understanding invertebrate responses to global change and may refocus conservation efforts on species with specific functional traits. The functional approach used here may be further applicable to other organisms and regions. Full article

Anthropogenic pressures and climate change have increasingly affected biodiversity and ecosystem services, particularly in freshwater ecosystems, which are among the most sensitive and vulnerable environments. Citizen science has emerged as a promising approach to expand ecological knowledge and strengthen biomonitoring efforts, mitigating the limitations of conventional research in scale, cost, and speed. This study presents a global bibliometric analysis of citizen science applied to freshwater biomonitoring using aquatic insects. A total of 153 articles indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, published between 2002 and 2025, were analyzed. Results reveal a marked increase in publications since 2010, concentrated mainly in the Global North, especially the United States (37.51%) and Germany (14.42%). The most frequent taxa were Odonata (25.58%) and Diptera (25.19%), with studies focusing primarily on species (70.59%) level, and adult stage (69%). Participants were mainly from the general public (70%) and naturalists (12%), predominantly under contributory models (98%). Reported challenges involved taxonomic limitations (28%) and citizen science engagement (28%). Despite these constraints, the findings highlight the growing relevance of citizen science as a complementary tool for aquatic biomonitoring, emphasizing the need for inclusive approaches, taxonomic training, and participatory strategies in biodiversity conservation. Full article

After a series of successful reintroductions, the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) is expanding its range throughout Europe. Timely monitoring of beaver activity contributes to early detection of environmental impacts and aids in mitigating human–wildlife conflicts and other threats. However, the signs of beaver presence are difficult to detect in some environments, e.g., densely vegetated river banks or in areas with considerable water level variability. In these cases, new technologies can offer opportunities for easier and faster monitoring. In the current study, we provide a characterisation of the wood-gnawing activity of a newly established beaver population in Northern Bulgaria, using a traditional transect method. In addition, we test the application of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to detect and map the signs of beaver activity. The overall gnawing-activity characteristics of newly established Castor fiber populations in Bulgaria follow the pattern documented in earlier studies: the affected trees were mainly willow and poplar, located at less than 10 m from the riverbank, with a diameter mostly under 30 cm. However, there were considerable differences in the tree size and distance from the water between the two studied habitats—the Danube River and its tributaries. No dams were recorded, probably due to the rivers’ sizes. We found no significant difference in the detection rates of the UAV with and without canopy cover. Overall, the UAV-based transects were reliable for the detection of the species’ presence, but not for quantification of its activity patterns, due to the low detection rates, in comparison with ground-level transects. We believe that the method is promising because it is cost- and time-saving but could be improved using cameras with better resolution and by involving machine learning algorithms. The drone detection method could help identify the areas with the densest populations of the species, where Natura 2000 protected zones could then be established. Full article

Urban and peri-urban ecosystems play a growing role in biodiversity conservation, yet multi-annual comparative studies from Central-Eastern Europe remain scarce. This study presents the first three-year (2021–2023) dataset comparing ground beetle assemblages between the Dumbrava Forest (peri-urban protected oak forest) and the Sub Arini Park (semi-anthropic urban park) in Sibiu, Romania. Using standardized pitfall trapping (41 traps, 2360.9 m² monitored area), a total of 5008 individuals, belonging to 46 species and 12 families, were recorded. Species richness was slightly higher in Sub Arini (26 species) than in Dumbrava (22 species), forest-associated species (e.g., Pterostichus niger) and generalists (P. melanarius) dominated in the Dumbrava Forest, while P. oblongopunctatus was more strongly associated with forest habitats. Diversity indices showed moderate similarity between communities (Bray–Curtis = 0.46; Jaccard = 0.62). Shannon diversity reached H′ = 2.41 in Sub Arini and H′ = 2.03 in Dumbrava, reflecting higher evenness in the urban park. Predators comprised 65–70% of all beetles, underlining their regulatory function in soil ecosystem balance. Climatic variability—milder winters and warmer summers—favored population fluctuations of forest species and the dominance of eurytopic taxa in the park. These findings demonstrate that peri-urban forests act as climatic refugia for specialists, while urban parks function as dynamic hotspots for generalist diversity. The study provides baseline data for integrating insect monitoring into regional biodiversity management and climate adaptation strategies across Central-Eastern Europe. Full article

This study assessed the suitability of Woppa (Great Keppel Island), Queensland, as potential koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) habitat by combining existing koala-habitat ranking datasets with satellite-derived vegetation-health indices to inform conservation planning. This exploratory analysis establishes a spatial baseline to guide future ecological surveys, cultural consultation, and restoration planning on Woppa. Analysis of the Koala Habitat Ranking (NESP) and Regional Ecosystems (RE) layers indicated that only 2.7% of the island’s vegetation is classified as high-quality koala habitat. Satellite-derived indices (NDVI and LAI) were used to evaluate the vegetation condition of these and other vegetated areas across wet and dry seasons; some high-ranked patches displayed comparatively greater resilience to seasonal stress; however, the remote-sensing data did not confirm the presence or abundance of key Eucalyptus species. Given the small extent of high-ranked habitat and projected climate stressors, the study does not recommend translocation. Instead, it emphasises the need for targeted ground-truthing to verify tree species and habitat structure, monitoring of vegetation health, habitat restoration where feasible, and co-designed decision-making with the Woppaburra People, including assessments of carrying capacity, genetic viability, and disease risk, before any reintroduction is contemplated. Full article

Andean high-altitude ecosystems are critical to sustaining biodiversity, agriculture, and the livelihoods of indigenous populations. However, accelerating glacier retreat, irregular precipitation, and intensive water use have exacerbated ecosystem degradation and water insecurity. This study conducts a scoping review (PRISMA-ScR) of peer-reviewed and grey literature (2000–2025) to examine how water footprint (WF) management through its blue, green, and gray components can be operationalized within an Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) and Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) to ensure equitable access and ecological sustainability in the Andes. Quantitative synthesis from 72 sources shows that agricultural withdrawals account for over 78% of total blue-water use, while glacier-fed runoff has declined by 32% over the past two decades. Empirical evidence from Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia demonstrates that integrating indigenous irrigation systems with modern efficiency technologies reduces consumptive water use by up to 25% and enhances wetland biodiversity indices by 15–20%. These findings support the development of an Integrated Water-Biodiversity-Rights Framework (IWBRF) that links WF indicators (WFAM and ISO 14046) with ecosystem integrity and social equity metrics. The study advances theory by clarifying how WF indicators inform rather than replace IWRM and HRBA decision processes, offering a practical model for achieving water justice, biodiversity protection, and climate resilience in fragile Andean ecosystems. Full article

Saprotrophic and lignocellulolytic fungi from tropical areas especially represent a promising yet relatively underexplored frontier for both taxonomy and applied research. This makes ex situ conservation through culture collections of paramount importance. Here, 10 lignocellulolytic strains isolated from the State of São Paulo (Brazil) and deposited in the Brazilian Culture Collection (now CCIBt) were identified through the ITS region. In order to prevent accidental losses, these strains have been shared with the collection of the University of Milano—Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), as well as the MicUNIPV Fungal Research Culture Collection—University of Pavia (Italy). Most of the fungal species in the examined set exhibit a neotropical distribution, while 3 out of 10 are nowadays recognized as subcosmopolitan despite their prevalence in the neotropical area. One holotropical, one cosmopolitan and one holarctic species are also present. Based on the literature, 8 out of the 10 characterized species are known to produce psilocybin (e.g., Psilocybe cubensis and Candolleomyces candolleanus) and/or enzymes with potential applications in environmental and medical biotechnology (e.g., Lentinus crinitus). All 10 strains were described for their micro- and macro-characteristics; their growth rate was evaluated and culture pictures provided. Taxonomic and nomenclatural controversies concerning Candolleomyces candolleanus, Cubamyces lactineus and Pycnoporus sanguineus are discussed. Full article

The detrimental effects of anthropogenic pollution are often magnified across ecosystems due to the interconnected nature of land, rivers, and oceans. Phytoremediation is an accessible technique that leverages the ability of plants to absorb and sequester pollutants and can potentially mitigate contaminants entering the ocean. It is a cost-effective and minimally invasive alternative to traditional water treatment methods. This study investigates the potential of the grapevine species Cissus verticillata (L.), a native plant from Puerto Rico, to be used in the phytoremediation of a creek in a highly urbanized site impacted by contaminated runoff due to heavy rainfall and sanitary waters. A mesocosm experiment was conducted using distilled water mixed with nutrients and known concentrations of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) salts to assess whether C. verticillata could accumulate heavy metals in its tissues. Results showed that C. verticillata successfully absorbed heavy metals, with removal efficiencies of 80.13% (±0.16 SE) for Pb and 44% (±1 SE) for Cd. Results indicated a translocation factor <1 for both cadmium and lead, meaning C. verticillata is not a hyperaccumulator, but a metal stabilizer, as evident by the below detection limit (BDL) of the metals in Juan Mendez Creek. Despite evidence of new vegetative growth among individuals, no significant changes in total biomass or chlorophyll concentration were detected, indicating that C. verticillata maintained physiological stability under heavy metal exposure. Therefore, C. verticillata’s wide availability, adaptability to various environments, and climbing nature—which makes it less vulnerable to runoff and strong currents during rainy seasons—position it as a promising candidate for conservation initiatives and pollution management strategies. Full article

Whale sharks seasonally aggregate in Djibouti (East Africa), supporting ecotourism activities which benefit the local community. However, the environmental factors influencing whale shark relative abundance at this site are still not well understood. Environmental drivers of immature whale shark surface sightings have been analyzed across a five-year period (2017, 2020, 2022, 2024 and 2025) in the Gulf of Tadjoura (Djibouti) using a Generalized Additive Model (GAM) and Hurdle model. Across 111 surface sightings and 83 photo-identified whale sharks, both sea surface chlorophyll-a (SSC) concentrations and sea surface temperature (SST) have significantly affected their relative abundance (p < 0.001), while wind strength appeared to have a weaker and more complex effect (p < 0.05). Whale shark surface sightings in the Gulf of Tadjoura increased when SSC and SST exceeded thresholds of 0.5 mg/m⁻³ and 26 °C, respectively. In contrast, the positive effect of wind strength ≥ 7 knots was limited, indicating that wind-driven influences on whale shark surface detections are localized and transient. Since prey abundance and distribution are the main drivers of whale shark seasonal aggregations, understanding the environmental effects on food availability at coastal locations and, consequently, on whale shark surface sightings is crucial. The present study highlights temporal and seasonal trends in whale shark sighting data, contributing to broader initiatives aimed at improving conservation and management strategies for this endangered species. Full article

The rising global demand for renewable energy and the urgency of mitigating climate change have positioned biofuels, particularly sugarcane ethanol, at the forefront of sustainability and conservation debates. Although promoted as a renewable alternative, sugarcane cultivation can cause habitat loss, biodiversity decline, soil degradation, and water contamination. This study presents a bibliometric assessment of 217 publications addressing the biodiversity impacts of sugarcane production, based on searches in the Web of Science Core Collection for papers published between 1998 and 2023. Using the bibliometrix package in R, we identified key publication trends, collaboration networks, and thematic structures. Between 1998 and 2006, no studies were returned by our searches, after which research activity increased substantially, peaking in 2021. Brazil, the world’s largest sugarcane producer, was the most frequent contributor to scientific output, while other major sugarcane producers, such as Thailand and India, showed limited engagement. Thematic mapping of the studies returned by our searches revealed three clusters: (1) cross-cutting themes linking sugarcane, biodiversity, and sustainability; (2) niche themes on pest and soil dynamics; and (3) emerging themes on the ecological role of bats in sugarcane landscapes. Overall, the findings highlight the growing academic engagement in reconciling bioenergy development with biodiversity conservation. Full article

This study assesses and inventories agrodiversity within eleven representative oases of the pre-Saharan regions of Morocco, ecosystems that are particularly vulnerable to climate change and socio-economic pressures. The findings highlight the central role of fruit tree diversity in structuring and sustaining the resilience of oasis agroecosystems, complementing cereal and fodder crops. Special attention was given to the pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), a secondary but underutilized fruit species in Moroccan agriculture, which was found to hold a significant position in the surveyed oases. Farmer and community surveys identified five local denominations or varieties, including an original form known as “Guersmoum” or “Hamed,” distinguished by its spontaneous, non-cultivated character. This unique case exemplifies the remarkable coexistence between wild and domesticated forms, reflecting the complex dynamics between cultivated and wild biodiversity. The presence and use of this variety are closely linked to the production of a traditional local agri-food product, pomegranate molasses (“Amaghousse”), an artisanal know-how transmitted across generations and primarily preserved by women. The study documents several aspects of this practice, including processing techniques, yield ratios, and marketing channels, emphasizing both the economic and cultural significance of this local product. The discussion underscores the close interconnections between traditional knowledge, gendered practices, and the conservation of genetic diversity, showing how the promotion of local resources contributes not only to the preservation of agrodiversity but also to the maintenance of oasis cultural identities. Finally, the study highlights the broader implications of these findings for development initiatives, particularly through the recognition and promotion of distinctive local agri-food products, the integration of women in local conservation strategies, and the implementation of sustainable management approaches for fruit genetic resources. Full article

Native bee communities in Arkansas remain poorly documented, particularly within fire-managed prairie ecosystems that provide critical habitat for pollinators. This study surveyed bee assemblages at two native prairie remnants in the Arkansas River Valley, one large (Cherokee Prairie Natural Area, CPNA) and one small urban fragment (Jewel Moore Nature Reserve, JMNR), both managed using prescribed fire. Using pan trapping, we recorded 599 individuals representing 96 species across 25 genera, including 49% singletons. Despite differences in size and landscape context, both prairies supported similarly rich bee communities per sample day, with JMNR and CPNA averaging 16.1 and 13.75 species, respectively. However, species composition diverged notably, with only 34.5% similarity, suggesting distinct community structure driven by site-specific habitat conditions and management histories. CPNA was dominated by large-bodied ground-nesting and cavity-nesting solitary bees, while JMNR supported smaller eusocial halictids and cavity nesters. Results highlight the value of prescribed fire in maintaining nesting substrates and floral resources. Even small, urban prairie remnants like JMNR can support high pollinator richness, emphasizing their role as conservation assets. Our findings contribute to a foundational baseline for native bee diversity in Arkansas and highlight the importance of both large and small fire-managed prairies in regional pollinator conservation planning. Full article

In-Lieu Fee programs are an important mechanism for compensatory mitigation in the United States and received wide-spread standardization after the regulatory mitigation rule change of 2008. On public lands, they are especially important for pooling funds from numerous small-scale impacts that might otherwise go unmitigated. This study examines the use cases of fee program credits on public lands since 2008. Using data from the Regulatory In-Lieu Fee and Bank Information Tracking System, I analyzed eleven active In-Lieu Fee programs approved post-2008 across 78 service areas, encompassing 1043 credit transactions. Transactions were categorized by credit amount, proportion, target ecosystems, and impact designations. The analysis highlights the influence of residential and commercial development, alongside resource extraction, as major contributors to fee program transactions, underscoring the program’s role in mitigating various development pressures. Residential, commercial, and government projects frequently co-occur within service areas, which can support policy planning to anticipate potential cumulative impacts and expected future impacts and credit demands. Furthermore, my analysis shows that impacts from resource extraction require proportionally larger offsets than those from residential or recreational activities. The findings suggest that programs on public lands can fill a niche distinct from mitigation banks, as they address a multitude of impacts while further allowing for the pooling of resources and funds from small-scale impacts, while the use of advance credits remains contentious for achieving no net loss. Full article

Stingless bees, particularly Tetragonula pagdeni, are vital for both ecosystems and the economy due to their pollination services and nest products. However, little is known about their nesting habits. This study investigated the nesting ecology of Tetragonula pagdeni in West Bengal, India. The species was found inhabiting a variety of landscapes, including agricultural, forest, rural, semi-urban, and urban areas, with a greater abundance in rural areas featuring mixed vegetation. Colonies, which were eusocial, perennial, and cavity-nesting, occupied diverse substrates, including tree trunks, building walls, rock crevices, electric poles, and field ridges—tree trunks and walls being the most common. Wild nests were located at heights ranging from 0 to 13.46 m, mostly around 2 m. Nest entrances varied in shape (circular, oval, slit-like, or irregular), with a longest opening axis of 10.50 ± 2.94 mm, and were oriented in multiple directions. Internally, nests measured 198.31 ± 86.36 mm in length and 142.73 ± 17.28 mm in width. Nests featured brood zones surrounded by honey and pollen pots, along with structure-supporting elements like the involucra and pillars. Brood cells were light brown and oval; those for workers and drones were similar, while queen cells were larger. Honey pots were light to dark brown, oval, dome-shaped, or irregular. Each involucrum was a thin, flat sheet, and the pillar was short, narrow, thread-like. These findings offer valuable insights into the distribution, nesting behaviour, and nest architecture of Tetragonula pagdeni, supporting its conservation and sustainable management. Full article

Environmental and ancient DNA are mostly present in degraded forms in nature. Plant forensics is necessary for plants like Taxus (Taxaceae), which is a medicinal, as well as poisonous, endangered plant. We designed a study to develop high-efficiency PCR mini-barcoding primers for the identification of Taxus. We collected environmental materials, fresh and old Taxus specimens from natural habitats, herbaria, and ex situ propagation sites. Taxon-specific mini-barcoding primers were prepared through primer3. All the primers were amplified onto Taxus specimens and environmental samples having Taxus DNA, while no amplification on fresh and herbarium specimens other than Taxus was noted. DNA sequencing of amplified regions of matK, ITS, and rbcL yielded lengths of 117, 175, and 200 bp. Blast taxonomy showed 100% identification power at the genus level, while 75–93% at the species level, and identified a total of 30 taxa within the genus Taxus, comprising 16 species, 5 varieties, 2 hybrids, and 7 variants. ITS was the most specific for genus identification, followed by matK and rbcL. Environmental, trade, socio-economic, and toxicological crimes were also identified. Our high-efficiency PCR mini-barcoding method can be useful in the prevention of Taxus illegal trade and habitat degradation to mitigate climate change in the Himalayan region of Pakistan. Full article