Diversity

11 pages, 1678 KB

Open AccessCommunication

Reassessment of the Taxonomic Identity of Artemia (Crustacea: Anostraca) from Kyêbxang Co (Tibet): Evidence for Artemia sorgeloosi Rather than Artemia tibetiana

by Chaojie Yang, Zijian Chen, Alireza Asem, Amin Eimanifar, Chun-Yang Shen, Hongyue Zhang, Chuan Jia and Michael Wink

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030148 (registering DOI) - 28 Feb 2026

Abstract

Correct species identification is essential for understanding biodiversity and managing ecosystems. The bisexual Brine Shrimp Artemia tibetiana and Artemia sorgeloosi represent two regional endemic taxa on the Tibetan Plateau, yet the taxonomic status of several populations remains unresolved. In particular, the Artemia population [...] Read more.

Correct species identification is essential for understanding biodiversity and managing ecosystems. The bisexual Brine Shrimp Artemia tibetiana and Artemia sorgeloosi represent two regional endemic taxa on the Tibetan Plateau, yet the taxonomic status of several populations remains unresolved. In particular, the Artemia population from Kyêbxang Co (Tibet, China) has been inconsistently assigned to either A. tibetiana or A. sorgeloosi in recent ecological and genomic studies, lacking formal taxonomic evaluation. To resolve this ambiguity, we conducted a precise biosystematic assessment based on DNA analyses: In this study, we performed a taxonomic reassessment of the Kyêbxang Co Artemia population, based on complete mitochondrial genome sequences and mitochondrial gene COI haplotype analyses. Phylogenetic analysis consistently positioned the Kyêbxang Co population within the A. sorgeloosi clade, clearly separated from the polyphyletic A. tibetiana lineage. Genetic distance values corroborated this placement, revealing minimal divergence from A. sorgeloosi (0.31%) but substantial divergence from A. tibetiana (9.07%). The COI haplotype network further indicated an exclusive maternal gene pool shared with topotypic A. sorgeloosi. Collectively, these results provide conclusive molecular evidence that the Brine Shrimp population of Kyêbxang Co belongs to A. sorgeloosi, not A. tibetiana. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Phylogeny and Evolution)

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15 pages, 3241 KB

Open AccessArticle

Climate Change-Driven Projections of Suitable Habitat for Phleum pratense Across China

by Jing Pang, Na He, Chunjuan Shi, Guangtao Meng, Qinghua Yan, Yingying Xiu, Xinxian Xie and Qi Wang

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030147 (registering DOI) - 28 Feb 2026

Abstract

In the context of global climate change, clarifying the effects of climatic factors on the potential distribution of forage grass species is critical for grassland development and ecological management. In this study, Phleum pratense was selected as the focal species, and an ensemble [...] Read more.

In the context of global climate change, clarifying the effects of climatic factors on the potential distribution of forage grass species is critical for grassland development and ecological management. In this study, Phleum pratense was selected as the focal species, and an ensemble species distribution modeling framework was developed using the Biomod2 platform. After excluding highly correlated environmental variables, 17 ecologically meaningful predictors were retained to project the potential habitat suitability patterns of P. pratense and their future dynamics. The results indicate that the ensemble model achieved high predictive accuracy. Annual mean UV-B radiation, mean temperature of the driest quarter, and precipitation of the coldest quarter were identified as the primary climatic factors shaping the potential distribution of P. pratense. Under current climatic conditions, highly suitable habitats occupy a relatively limited and fragmented area, whereas low- and moderately suitable habitats predominate. Under future climate scenarios, increasing emission levels are associated with an overall contraction of moderately and highly suitable areas, accompanied by a continuous expansion of unsuitable habitats. In addition, the centroid of highly suitable habitats is projected to shift northwestward. These findings suggest that climate change may substantially alter the potential suitable range of P. pratense by modifying key climatic gradients and stress-period conditions. Overall, this study provides a scientific basis for the utilization of P. pratense germplasm resources and the sustainable development of plateau grassland systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Adaptation and Survival Under Global Environmental Change)

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16 pages, 1620 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Distinct Management Regimes on Wintering Waterbird Communities in China’s Coal Mining Subsidence Wetlands

by Sen Yang, Kai Cao, Yuanyuan Wang, Wenning Shen, Tong Lin, Ningning Liu, Jing Li, Lingbo Ji, Huiping Chen, Yanying Xu, Bo Tang and Ying Li

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030146 (registering DOI) - 28 Feb 2026

Abstract

Natural wetland loss constitutes a primary threat to waterbirds worldwide, increasingly forcing them to rely on expanding artificial wetlands. Extensive underground coal mining across the North China Plain has created numerous subsidence wetlands, which could serve as important alternative habitats for migratory and [...] Read more.

Natural wetland loss constitutes a primary threat to waterbirds worldwide, increasingly forcing them to rely on expanding artificial wetlands. Extensive underground coal mining across the North China Plain has created numerous subsidence wetlands, which could serve as important alternative habitats for migratory and wintering waterbirds. However, the effects of different management regimes on waterbirds in these novel artificial wetlands remain poorly understood, hindering effective strategies for reconciling human development with waterbird conservation. Here, we conducted a long-term field survey (2017–2025) of wintering waterbirds across 15 subsidence wetlands under four distinct human management regimes in the Huaibei coal mining area. We recorded 22,712 waterbirds of 45 species. We found that high-intensity aquaculture and floating photovoltaic systems were associated with reduced waterbird diversity, increased community dissimilarity, altered species composition, and the loss of multiple threatened species from survey records. We also found that ecological aquaculture and unutilized wetlands may serve as favorable habitats as alternatives to natural wetlands. Our findings demonstrate that subsidence wetlands can provide vital wintering habitats when managed sustainably, but intensive development severely compromises their conservation value. Future research should integrate habitat variables and year-round surveys to optimize management strategies for these expanding artificial ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wetland Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation)

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16 pages, 4891 KB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Phylogeny and Biogeography of the Cyrtodactylus chauquangensis Group

by Hanh Vu Minh Nguyen, Nghia Duy Pham, Anh Thi Ngoc Ho, Vinh Quang Luu, Truong Quang Nguyen, Cuong The Pham, Thomas Ziegler, Minh Duc Le and Hanh Thi Ngo

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 145; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030145 - 27 Feb 2026

Abstract

The Cyrtodactylus chauquangensis species group is a large limestone karst radiation of bent-toed geckos with at least 28 nominal species and has a broad distribution range with seven species found in northwestern Thailand, five in south-central China, five in northern Laos and 11 [...] Read more.

The Cyrtodactylus chauquangensis species group is a large limestone karst radiation of bent-toed geckos with at least 28 nominal species and has a broad distribution range with seven species found in northwestern Thailand, five in south-central China, five in northern Laos and 11 in northern Vietnam. To trace the biogeographic pattern of this group, we reconstruct its phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary history using three mitochondrial genes and four nuclear genes. Our results show that the C. chauquangensis species group is monophyletic, which can be divided into at least seven subclades. In terms of biogeography, the group might have originated from the Northwest Uplands of the Indochina region, including northern Laos and part of northwestern Vietnam, during the early Miocene and subsequently dispersed into northwestern Thailand. It later colonized the northern Annamites, Northeast Lowland, Northeast Uplands, and South-central China. A majority of lineages within this group likely diverged during the Miocene epoch when the East Asian monsoon was developed and increased precipitation in the region. The changing climate might have promoted plant diversity and provided suitable habitats and food resources for members of the C. chauquangensis group. In addition, the elevated rate of precipitation probably accelerated the dissolution of the limestone substrate and profoundly influenced the development of the karst region. The results of our study further highlight the importance of this unique period of time in shaping evolutionary histories of many different taxonomic groups in the region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Diversity)

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17 pages, 1845 KB

Open AccessArticle

Freshwater Molluscan Assemblages in Upper Reaches of the Chi River, North-Eastern Thailand and Its Relationship of Physicochemical Habitat

by Benchawan Nahok, Chanidaporn Tumpeesuwan, Sakboworn Tumpeesuwan and Utain Chanlabut

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 144; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030144 - 27 Feb 2026

Abstract

The Chi River Basin in northeastern Thailand is the country’s second-largest basin and a major tributary of the Mekong River, which is a regional hotspot for freshwater mollusc diversity. However, many of its sub-tributaries remain poorly studied. This study investigated molluscan diversity in [...] Read more.

The Chi River Basin in northeastern Thailand is the country’s second-largest basin and a major tributary of the Mekong River, which is a regional hotspot for freshwater mollusc diversity. However, many of its sub-tributaries remain poorly studied. This study investigated molluscan diversity in the upper Chi River and examined relationships between assemblage structure and physicochemical habitat factors. Quantitative quadrat sampling was conducted at 11 stations along a 100 km reach, and community–environment linkages were analyzed using cluster analysis and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). A total of 2734 individuals representing 25 taxa (12 gastropods, 13 bivalves) were recorded. Three distinct assemblages—Upstream, Midstream, and Downstream—were identified along the longitudinal gradient. CCA indicated that flow velocity, total dissolved solids (TDS), and dissolved oxygen (DO) were the primary predictors of assemblage structure (p < 0.01), jointly explaining 59.5% of community variation. Upstream reaches were dominated by Thiaridae (Tarebia, Brotia), midstream sections by Corbicula, and downstream areas exhibited the highest diversity, characterized by large unionid mussels. This study provides the first quantitative evidence of clear longitudinal zonation in the upper Chi River and establishes essential baseline data for conservation and management in this overlooked, biodiversity-rich basin. Full article

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

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26 pages, 9137 KB

Open AccessArticle

Dacentrurine Stegosaurs in North America: New Occurrences from the Upper Jurassic of USA (Morrison Formation)

by Francisco Costa

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 143; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030143 - 27 Feb 2026

Abstract

Dacentrurinae is a subclade within the iconic dinosaur group Stegosauria, first discovered in the late 19th century and characteristic of Late Jurassic Europe. The taxon “Alcovasaurus” longispinus (Wyoming, USA) has been recombined as the dacentrurine Miragaia longispinus, after comparisons with Miragaia [...] Read more.

Dacentrurinae is a subclade within the iconic dinosaur group Stegosauria, first discovered in the late 19th century and characteristic of Late Jurassic Europe. The taxon “Alcovasaurus” longispinus (Wyoming, USA) has been recombined as the dacentrurine Miragaia longispinus, after comparisons with Miragaia longicollum (Portugal) found it closer to the latter than to the cohabiting Stegosaurus. This demonstrated that dacentrurines were also present in Late Jurassic North America and opened the possibility of more occurrences being found. After first-hand examination of various paleontological collections from the USA and reviews of the literature, at least five more occurrences of dacentrurines were identified, including four in the genus Miragaia. The material reviewed comprises one cervical plate, one dorsal vertebra, and three caudal spines from the Upper Jurassic Morrison Formation of Wyoming or Utah. The existing holotype material of M. longispinus was also analyzed here. These findings further support the theorized dinosaur faunal interchange between Europe and North America during the Late Jurassic and suggest that the presence of dacentrurine stegosaurs in Late Jurassic North America was not a rare accidental occurrence; rather, they were an established part of that ecosystem, likely more diverse and widespread than can currently be determined. Full article

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16 pages, 6629 KB

Open AccessArticle

Movement of Desert Grassland Whiptails, Aspidoscelis uniparens, in a Structured Landscape

by Douglas A. Eifler, Margaret C. Stanley, Darren F. Ward, Hannah Reynolds, Julia Clem and Maria A. Eifler

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030142 - 27 Feb 2026

Abstract

Landscape structure can affect movement, which is influenced by foraging, thermoregulation, and predation risk. We evaluated search paths relative to landscape cover for a unisexual lizard (Aspidoscelis uniparens) whose movement is primarily motivated by foraging. In outdoor enclosures, we arranged artificial [...] Read more.

Landscape structure can affect movement, which is influenced by foraging, thermoregulation, and predation risk. We evaluated search paths relative to landscape cover for a unisexual lizard (Aspidoscelis uniparens) whose movement is primarily motivated by foraging. In outdoor enclosures, we arranged artificial plants in three distributions (uniform, mildly clumped, heavily clumped cover), testing the hypotheses that search effort and efficiency will vary with landscape configuration, and that movement patterns will reflect changes in foraging to accommodate thermoregulation and predation avoidance. We recorded movement parameters, assessing search paths relative to effort, efficiency, and space use. Effort did not vary with landscape configuration, but efficiency, movement patterns, and space use varied with plant distribution. With mildly clumped cover, lizards entered plants more frequently than in other cover configurations. Lizards in both clumped configurations preferentially used areas with more plants. Plant residence times also varied—short-duration visits occurred most often with mildly clumped cover, but with heavily clumped cover, long-duration visits were most common and median residence times were longest. The likelihood of moving to the nearest plant was highest with uniform cover, and that of revisiting plants was lowest with heavily clumped cover. The distribution of cover influenced movement patterns, space use, and search efficiency, likely arising from variation in predation risk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biogeography, Ecology and Conservation of Reptiles—Second Edition)

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13 pages, 1002 KB

Open AccessArticle

Far from Home: Basking Behavior of the Invasive Pond Slider Trachemys scripta (Testudines: Emydidae)

by Murat Afsar and Çetin Çelik

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 141; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030141 - 27 Feb 2026

Abstract

Understanding the ecological behavior of invasive species is essential for assessing their impacts on native biodiversity. This study examines the basking dynamics of the invasive freshwater turtle Trachemys scripta in a Mediterranean wetland within Mesir Nature Park, Türkiye. Data were collected between March [...] Read more.

Understanding the ecological behavior of invasive species is essential for assessing their impacts on native biodiversity. This study examines the basking dynamics of the invasive freshwater turtle Trachemys scripta in a Mediterranean wetland within Mesir Nature Park, Türkiye. Data were collected between March and October 2024 using camera traps, yielding 72,456 cumulative basking observations. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed a high degree of environmental synchronization (PC1 = 97.24%), indicating that basking activity is strictly governed by ambient thermal availability. Furthermore, Negative Binomial Regression (NBR) was employed to evaluate temporal shifts and behavioral plasticity. The basking intensity exhibited distinct seasonal transitions, characterized by afternoon peaks during the spring and autumn and an opportunistic shift toward early morning activity during the summer to mitigate thermal constraints. The peak basking duration recorded in May (696.00 ± 10.25 min) and the bimodal activity observed in summer reflect a significant adaptive capacity. These patterns suggest that Mediterranean wetlands provide optimal conditions for the persistence of Trachemys scripta. The species’ ability to effectively track environmental cues and monopolize thermal resources implies a high potential for the ecological displacement of native turtles, particularly Mauremys rivulata. This study provides critical quantitative baseline data in order to inform evidence-based management and control strategies in the Mediterranean region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change and Invasive Species Impacts on Freshwater Systems)

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23 pages, 4431 KB

Open AccessArticle

Neuropeptide F and Its Receptor Genes in the Cuttlefish Sepiella japonica: Identification, Characterization, Expression, and Potential Role in Food Intake

by Yanlin Liu, Changpu Song, Peixuan Fang, Shuang Li, Xu Zhou and Changfeng Chi

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030140 - 26 Feb 2026

Abstract

Neuropeptide F (NPF), an invertebrate homolog of vertebrate neuropeptide Y (NPY), exerts pleiotropic functions through its interaction with the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) neuropeptide F receptor (NPFR). However, the role of the NPF/NPFR system in the Chinese common cuttlefish Sepiella japonica Sasaki, 1929—a [...] Read more.

Neuropeptide F (NPF), an invertebrate homolog of vertebrate neuropeptide Y (NPY), exerts pleiotropic functions through its interaction with the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) neuropeptide F receptor (NPFR). However, the role of the NPF/NPFR system in the Chinese common cuttlefish Sepiella japonica Sasaki, 1929—a commercially and scientifically important cephalopod species in East China Sea aquaculture—remains unclear. In the present study, SjNPF/SjNPFR genes were cloned from S. japonica. Multiple alignments demonstrated that SjNPF/SjNPFR exhibited a high identity with that of other cephalopods. Spatio-temporal expression patterns revealed that SjNPF and SjNPFR transcripts were relatively highly expressed in the central nervous and digestive systems across all developmental stages. In situ hybridization (ISH) monitored clear and stable positive signals of SjNPF and SjNPFR mRNA at the junction of the subvertical lobe and the vertical lobe, as well as in the brachial lobe, pedal lobe and the palleovisceral lobe. Subcellular localization studies showed that SjNPF was primarily localized in the cytoplasm, whereas SjNPFR was membrane-localized. Moreover, under feeding-regulatory conditions (5-day starvation followed by 3-day refeeding), mRNA expression levels of SjNPF and SjNPFR in the treated group were positively correlated with starvation and negatively correlated with refeeding. These findings provide valuable insights for future investigations into the pleiotropic functional roles of the NPF/NPFR system in S. japonica and the peptidergic regulation of this system in cephalopods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Peptides from Marine Organisms: Structural Insights, Functional Mechanisms, and Sustainable Applications)

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16 pages, 3379 KB

Open AccessArticle

Bat Diversity in Heath and Peat Swamp Forests of Gunung Arong Forest Reserve, Peninsular Malaysia, with the First Mitochondrial COI Gene Record of Arielulus societatis (Chiroptera: Vespertillionidae)

by Nazifah Fitriyah Zariman, Faris Izzuddin Rahizan and Juliana Senawi

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 139; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030139 (registering DOI) - 26 Feb 2026

Abstract

Bats are a vital component of tropical forest ecosystems, providing essential services such as pollination, seed dispersal, and insect population regulation. Despite Malaysia’s high bat diversity, research has largely focused on lowland dipterocarp forests, leaving bat assemblages in specialized forest types poorly documented. [...] Read more.

Bats are a vital component of tropical forest ecosystems, providing essential services such as pollination, seed dispersal, and insect population regulation. Despite Malaysia’s high bat diversity, research has largely focused on lowland dipterocarp forests, leaving bat assemblages in specialized forest types poorly documented. To address this gap, a bat survey was conducted in Gunung Arong Forest Reserve, Peninsular Malaysia, with emphasis on heath and peat swamp habitats. Fourteen bat species representing Pteropodidae, Emballonuridae, Hipposideridae, Nycteridae, Rhinolophidae, and Vespertilionidae were recorded. The assemblage exhibited high diversity (H = 2.647) and evenness (e^H/S = 1.008), with low dominance (D = 0.0713), indicating a well-balanced community. Kerivoulinae accounted for 44% of captures, with Kerivoula intermedia as the most abundant species. Four Near Threatened species comprised 50% of all individuals captured, highlighting the conservation importance of these habitats. Notably, Arielulus societatis, endemic to Peninsular Malaysia, was recorded for the first time in Johor and represents the first documented occurrence in heath forests. The first mitochondrial COI sequence for A. societatis revealed a 5.44% genetic divergence from A. circumdatus. These findings underscore the ecological significance of heath and peat swamp forests and emphasize the need for targeted research and strengthened conservation efforts in Peninsular Malaysia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Diversity)

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32 pages, 7870 KB

Open AccessArticle

Diversity of Cultivable Soil Fungal Taxa Across a Land-Use Gradient in the Andes–Amazon Transition Zone: Insights from Agroecological Systems

by Armando Sterling, Karla V. Arboleda-Gasca, Yerson D. Suárez-Córdoba, Ginna P. Velasco-Anacona, Carlos Ciceri-Coronado and Carlos H. Rodríguez-León

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 138; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030138 - 26 Feb 2026

Abstract

Land-use change strongly affects soil microbiota, yet the role of agroecological systems in shaping soil fungal communities remains poorly understood in tropical soils. We evaluated the diversity, trophic modes, community composition, and co-occurrence networks of culturable soil fungal taxa across a land-use gradient [...] Read more.

Land-use change strongly affects soil microbiota, yet the role of agroecological systems in shaping soil fungal communities remains poorly understood in tropical soils. We evaluated the diversity, trophic modes, community composition, and co-occurrence networks of culturable soil fungal taxa across a land-use gradient in the Colombian Andes–Amazon transition zone. Agroecological systems—including improved pasture (IP), cacao and copoazu agroforestry systems (CaAS and CoAS), secondary forest with agroforestry enrichment (SFAE), and a moriche palm swamp ecosystem (MPSE)—were compared with dominant land-uses (degraded pasture, DP and old-growth forest, OF). Fungi were isolated using the soil dilution plate method and identified based on morphological and molecular characteristics, and soil physicochemical properties were measured to evaluate their relationships with fungal community patterns. A total of 420 isolates were assigned to 93 fungal species. Alpha-diversity metrics revealed significantly higher fungal richness in OF and MPSE, and higher Shannon diversity in agroforestry and forest-based systems, whereas DP exhibited the lowest values. Ordination analyses showed clear differences in fungal community composition, with CoAS displaying the most distinct assemblage. Agroecological and forest-based systems favored saprotrophic and symbiotrophic modes. Co-occurrence network analyses indicated that MPSE, OF, and IP supported more complex and modular fungal networks. Soil pH and total phosphorus (TP) were key drivers of fungal community composition, whereas exchangeable calcium, TP, soil organic carbon, and base saturation were associated with network attributes. Overall, our findings highlight the importance of agroecological management for soil fungal diversity and network organization in Amazonian transition landscapes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Diversity—2nd Edition)

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18 pages, 8993 KB

Open AccessArticle

Pollen Morphology of Eriobotrya and Rhaphiolepis (Rosaceae): Implications for Generic Delimitation and Systematics

by Muhammad Idrees, Meng Li, Zhiyong Zhang, Julian M. H. Shaw and Mushtaq Ahmad

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 137; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030137 - 26 Feb 2026

Abstract

The generic delimitation of the two closely related Rosaceae genera, Eriobotrya and Rhaphiolepis, has not yet been investigated by a detailed study of their pollen morphology using scanning electron microscopy. To provide novel diagnostic features and insights into their relationships, we examined [...] Read more.

The generic delimitation of the two closely related Rosaceae genera, Eriobotrya and Rhaphiolepis, has not yet been investigated by a detailed study of their pollen morphology using scanning electron microscopy. To provide novel diagnostic features and insights into their relationships, we examined the pollen grains of thirty-one species of Eriobotrya and Rhaphiolepis, analyzing five quantitative and two qualitative morphological variables. The findings revealed that Eriobotrya and Rhaphiolepis pollen grains are tricolpate monads that are small to medium in size and vary in shape from prolate to perprolate, predominantly featuring striate ornamentation. Notably, striate-perforate and psilate exine sculptures were found only in Eriobotrya species, while scabrate ornamentation was unique to Rhaphiolepis. The rugulate pattern appeared in both genera. Eriobotrya (E. malipoensis K.C.Kuan) had the smallest pollen grains and the shortest distance between the apices of two ectocolpi, while Rhaphiolepis (R. integerrima Hook. & Arn.) had the largest. Multivariate cluster analysis separated all species from both genera into two distinct clusters. Cluster I contained all Eriobotrya species, whereas Cluster II included all Rhaphiolepis species, demonstrating their morphological distinctness and alignment with recent micro-morphological and molecular evidence. Furthermore, the pollen profile of E. seguinii Cardot ex Guillaumin affirms its taxonomic placement within Eriobotrya. We conclude that pollen morphology offers diagnostic information for delimiting these genera. The observed ornamentation pattern of a shared striate background, with distinct derived ornamentation in each genus, provides a clear morphological foundation for evolutionary investigations within the Maleae tribe. To further clarify generic boundaries and evolutionary processes, future research should integrate these palynological data with micromorphological analyses of other plant parts and genomic information. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Diversity)

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20 pages, 1259 KB

Open AccessArticle

Preliminary Observations of Environmental Effects on Immature Whale Shark Surface Feeding Behaviour in Nosy Be, Madagascar

by Primo Micarelli, Andrea Marsella, Federica Sironi, Isabella Buttino, Stefano Aicardi, Antonio Pacifico, Francesca Ellero and Francesca Romana Reinero

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 136; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030136 - 26 Feb 2026

Abstract

Nosy Be in the northwestern Madagascar hosts one of the largest known seasonal feeding aggregations of whale sharks. However, the environmental drivers influencing whale shark surface feeding behaviour in this area remain poorly understood. This study investigates the relationship between environmental variability and [...] Read more.

Nosy Be in the northwestern Madagascar hosts one of the largest known seasonal feeding aggregations of whale sharks. However, the environmental drivers influencing whale shark surface feeding behaviour in this area remain poorly understood. This study investigates the relationship between environmental variability and surface feeding strategies of immature whale sharks at Nosy Be. Boat-based surveys were conducted in November 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2023, resulting in the photo-identification of 88 individuals and the recording of 85 surface feeding events. The influence of environmental factors on feeding behaviour was assessed using multicollinearity among the environmental covariates and three-level step approach: permanova, multinomial logistic regression, marginal effects, and Cochran’s Q, to evaluate whether environmental conditions discriminate feeding-behaviour categories and to quantify how individual covariates relate to behavioural composition under a multi-step framework. Results showed that there is not a strong enough predictive signal for behaviour based on environmental variables; however, thanks to the marginal effects, it is possible to better assess the probability of a certain type of eating behaviour in the presence of an increase in one of the environmental variables, for example, chlorophyll-a appears to be the most interesting, because its increase is associated with a greater probability of some behaviours instead the others. These preliminary observations provide the first insights to evaluate environmental influences on immature whale shark surface feeding behaviour in Nosy Be, highlighting that it is therefore necessary to deepen and increase data collection to have long and significant series of data, integrated also with data on the preys subject to feeding behaviour and to evaluate which other unobserved aspects, perhaps linked precisely to the consistency and quality of the prey, could allow us to predict feeding behaviour. Improving the understanding of these relationships is essential for predicting whale shark habitat use and for supporting conservation and management strategies in a region increasingly affected by climate variability and anthropogenic pressures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Biodiversity, Ecology, and Management in Shark Research)

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17 pages, 977 KB

Open AccessArticle

Global Soil Fauna Metacommunity Patterns: The Roles of Spatial Extent and Environmental Heterogeneity

by Xiaochong Lin, Xiaodong Yang, Pingting Guan, Meixiang Gao and Yunbin Li

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 135; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030135 - 25 Feb 2026

Abstract

A central debate in metacommunity theory concerns how the relative importance of ecological processes varies with spatial scale. We addressed this by integrating global soil fauna metacommunity datasets to analyze the effects of spatial extent (the specific dimension of scale examined) and environmental [...] Read more.

A central debate in metacommunity theory concerns how the relative importance of ecological processes varies with spatial scale. We addressed this by integrating global soil fauna metacommunity datasets to analyze the effects of spatial extent (the specific dimension of scale examined) and environmental factors on metacommunity patterns using Bayesian models. Results suggested that increasing spatial extent was strongly associated with a higher prevalence of Clementsian patterns. Notably, this relationship was not explained by the concomitant environmental variables, which may be consistent with the influence of latent spatial properties (e.g., dispersal limitation) or unobserved environmental heterogeneity at broader scales. Conversely, environmental factors independently were associated with other patterns. Notably, the effect of soil nitrogen on checkerboard patterns was context-dependent: it suppressed species segregation under low spatial turnover (β_SIM) but potentially weakened or shifted to facilitation under high turnover. This suggests that resource enrichment alters the balance between niche-based and neutral processes. Although further verification in under-sampled climatic zones is required, our synthesis supports a hierarchical driver framework: spatial extent emerges as a key correlation of broad distributional order, whereas resource availability is suggested to regulate the prevalence of competitive exclusion at finer resolutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biogeography and Macroecology)

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18 pages, 8870 KB

Open AccessArticle

Six New Records of Cortinarius and Russula from Northeastern China

by Siyuan Liu, Mingliang Gao, Xinming Lu, Zhichao Cheng, Libin Yang and Yongzhi Liu

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 134; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030134 - 25 Feb 2026

Abstract

The genera Cortinarius and Russula are common ectomycorrhizal fungi, serving as excellent indicators of forest ecosystem health and soil conditions. This study conducted a systematic taxonomic investigation of macrofungi in the Huzhong National Nature Reserve of the Greater Khingan Mountains, integrating morphological and [...] Read more.

The genera Cortinarius and Russula are common ectomycorrhizal fungi, serving as excellent indicators of forest ecosystem health and soil conditions. This study conducted a systematic taxonomic investigation of macrofungi in the Huzhong National Nature Reserve of the Greater Khingan Mountains, integrating morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses. Six new record species for China were identified: Cortinarius acutus, Phlegmacium balteatum, Cortinarius huronensis, Cortinarius lewisii, Cortinarius luteoornatus, and Russula grisescens. The article provides descriptions of their morphological characteristics and distribution, supported by phylogenetic analysis using ITS sequences. These findings expand the known distribution of these taxa to China’s taiga forests, reveal the region’s rich macrofungal diversity, and provide essential data for taxonomic, biogeographic, and forest ecosystem research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity, Community Structure and Ecology of Terrestrial Ecosystems Under Global Change)

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16 pages, 1555 KB

Open AccessArticle

Epifaunal Communities Associated with Macroalgae: The Case of the Cap-Vert Peninsula (Senegal, Northwest Africa)

by Ibrahima Ndiaye, Mamie Souadou Diop, Ismaïla Ndour, Youssouph Diatta, Waly Ndianco Ndiaye and Patrice Brehmer

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030133 - 25 Feb 2026

Abstract

This study, conducted on the Cap-Vert peninsula (Dakar, Senegal), examines the epifaunal communities associated with macroalgae, revealing significant variations depending on the species of algae. In 2023 (in situ samples), amphipods dominated most macroalgae, particularly Coralina officinalis (29.40%) (Rhodophyceae), Chlorophyceae (30.38%), and Codium [...] Read more.

This study, conducted on the Cap-Vert peninsula (Dakar, Senegal), examines the epifaunal communities associated with macroalgae, revealing significant variations depending on the species of algae. In 2023 (in situ samples), amphipods dominated most macroalgae, particularly Coralina officinalis (29.40%) (Rhodophyceae), Chlorophyceae (30.38%), and Codium sp. (29.38%) (Chlorophyceae). In 2022, copepods (76–92%) were most abundant on Sargassum spp. and Ulva spp., which had washed up on the beach. A significant link between epifaunal abundance and macroalgae species highlighted their ecological interdependence. These findings are of relevant interest for West Africa’s blue economy, where the growing exploitation of wild macroalgae could disrupt these ecosystems. Sustainable management must take into account epifaunal species, particularly those found on structurally important macroalgae (e.g., Corallina sp., Codium sp.). The study recommends including macroalgae-epifauna associations in biodiversity inventories, particularly in marine protected areas, and continuing research on influencing factors (e.g., algal morphology, environmental conditions). Mass strandings of Sargassum spp. and Ulva spp. can cause mortality in marine larvae and eggs, leading to a local reduction in recruitment. Future research integrating these conclusions could allow a more detailed analysis of the epifauna on macroalgae. Ecosystem approach is essential to strike a balance between economic development and biodiversity conservation. Full article

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

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29 pages, 1979 KB

Open AccessArticle

SFWA-TweetyNet: Cross-Regional Acoustic Analysis of Red-Winged Blackbird Vocalizations via Automated Syllable Annotation

by Zhicheng Zhu, Ziqian Wang, Danju Lv, Yan Zhang, Yueyun Yu, Ting Zhou and Haifeng Xu

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 132; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030132 - 24 Feb 2026

Abstract

The syllable is the most fundamental acoustic unit in bird vocalizations and is highly informative of species-specific behavioral characteristics. However, because syllables vary significantly across different species and environments, existing syllable extraction methods still rely on manual or semi-automatic processing, which constrains deep [...] Read more.

The syllable is the most fundamental acoustic unit in bird vocalizations and is highly informative of species-specific behavioral characteristics. However, because syllables vary significantly across different species and environments, existing syllable extraction methods still rely on manual or semi-automatic processing, which constrains deep learning-based research on birdsong syllables. This study proposes SFWA-TweetyNet for automatic syllable annotation and applies it to the red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), achieving a validation accuracy of 0.978 and a loss of 0.073. Based on high-quality syllable recognition, this study conducted exploratory cross-regional and cross-seasonal acoustic comparisons at the syllable level to demonstrate a syllable-based analytical framework. Specifically: (1) Acoustic features were extracted from the principal syllables and analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test to explore potential variations in acoustic characteristics across regions and seasons; (2) A syllable-based frequency-weighted Acoustic Complexity Index (FW-ACI) was proposed to demonstrate how FW-ACI can be applied for acoustic analysis within the proposed framework, with the Kruskal–Wallis test used as an exploratory statistical tool. In addition, this study constructs a high-quality syllable-level dataset of red-winged blackbird vocalizations, providing important foundational data resources for automatic birdsong annotation, cross-domain soundscape analysis, and avian ecological and behavioral research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biodiversity Conservation)

15 pages, 615 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impervious Surface Is Not a Strong Predictor of Contaminant Accumulation in Freshwater Turtles in a Rapidly Urbanizing Region

by Ana G. G. Sapp, Frank X. Weber, W. Gregory Cope, Christopher E. Moorman, Emma M. Wilson and Ivana Mali

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030131 - 24 Feb 2026

Abstract

Due to the relatively long lifespan and resilience of adults to environmental stressors, freshwater turtles are characterized as bioaccumulators of chronic contaminant exposure in urban ecosystems. Urbanization increases pollutants, resulting in subsequent runoff into streams. We evaluated the relationship between percent impervious surface [...] Read more.

Due to the relatively long lifespan and resilience of adults to environmental stressors, freshwater turtles are characterized as bioaccumulators of chronic contaminant exposure in urban ecosystems. Urbanization increases pollutants, resulting in subsequent runoff into streams. We evaluated the relationship between percent impervious surface and contaminant concentrations in turtles from 20 wetlands in Wake County, North Carolina, USA, one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States. We evaluated the concentrations of eight environmental contaminants known to cause human and environmental health issues listed under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act: arsenic (As), barium (Ba), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), selenium (Se), and silver (Ag), as well as vanadium (V) and copper (Cu) due to their presence in urban environments and bioaccumulation, in the blood and claws from Chelydra serpentina and Trachemys scripta. All contaminants, except for Cd and Ag, were detected in both species and both tissue types. Carnivorous Chelydra serpentina exhibited higher concentrations of Se and Hg than omnivorous Trachemys scripta. Partial redundancy analysis indicated that species accounted for more variance in the data than % impervious surface at a 2200-m scale. Robust mixed-effects models showed that % impervious surface was not correlated with contaminant concentrations in either species. Although we documented no relationship between urbanization and contaminant concentrations, we recommend additional research to investigate the effects of urbanization over time in this rapidly developing region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Freshwater Turtles in Anthropogenic Landscapes)

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25 pages, 8942 KB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Controls on Benthic Ostracod Assemblages in a Mangrove-Fringed Lagoon: Insights from Sharm El-Luli, Red Sea Coast, Egypt

by Ramadan M. El-Kahawy, Petra Heinz, Ammar Mannaa, Mostafa M. Sayed, Rabea A. Haredy and Dina M. Sayed

Diversity 2026, 18(2), 130; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18020130 - 21 Feb 2026

Cited by 1

Abstract

Sharm El-Luli, located along the southern Red Sea coast of Egypt, is a semi-enclosed, shallow, mangrove-fringed lagoon characterized by limited hydrodynamic exchange, high salinity, and low terrigenous input. This study investigates the influence of sediment properties, hydrodynamic gradients, and mangrove-associated microhabitats on the [...] Read more.

Sharm El-Luli, located along the southern Red Sea coast of Egypt, is a semi-enclosed, shallow, mangrove-fringed lagoon characterized by limited hydrodynamic exchange, high salinity, and low terrigenous input. This study investigates the influence of sediment properties, hydrodynamic gradients, and mangrove-associated microhabitats on the spatial distribution of benthic ostracod assemblages within this lagoonal system. Eighteen surface sediment samples (W1–W18) were collected along an onshore–offshore gradient and analyzed for ostracod composition, sediment texture, carbonate and organic matter content, and water parameters including temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, redox potential, and total dissolved solids. Thirty-four ostracod taxa were identified, revealing a pronounced inner–outer ecological partitioning across the lagoon. Redundancy analysis (RDA) demonstrates that ostracod distribution is primarily controlled by substrate heterogeneity, organic enrichment, salinity, and conductivity-related variables. The inner, low-energy mangrove margin is dominated by Aglaiocypris triebeli, Paranesidea fracticorallicola, and Hiltermannicythere rubrimaris, reflecting stressed, low-diversity conditions associated with organic-rich sediments and restricted circulation. In contrast, mid- and outer-lagoon stations host more diverse assemblages dominated by Xestoleberis spp., Neonesidea schulzi, Loxocorniculum ghardaquensis, and Jugosocythereis borchersi, indicative of better-flushed environments with higher carbonate content and stable marine salinity. These results demonstrate that benthic ostracods respond sensitively to fine-scale environmental gradients in mangrove-fringed lagoons, underscoring their value for assessing ecological health and sedimentary dynamics in semi-enclosed Red Sea coastal systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Marine Diversity)

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