Diversity

20 pages, 311 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Diversity of Newly Bred Czech Sweet Cherry Cultivars in Extensive Plantations

by Jiří Sedlák, Boris Krška, Liliia Pavliuk, Jana Čmejlová, František Paprštein and Jitka Blažková

Diversity 2025, 17(1), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17010065 (registering DOI) - 18 Jan 2025

Abstract

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) is an economically important and profitable stone fruit species grown in the temperate and subtropical climates, bearing fruits with unique flavour and nutritional benefits. There is also a long tradition of sweet cherry breeding in the Czech [...] Read more.

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) is an economically important and profitable stone fruit species grown in the temperate and subtropical climates, bearing fruits with unique flavour and nutritional benefits. There is also a long tradition of sweet cherry breeding in the Czech Republic. We report here the evaluation of economically important fruit and vegetative characters in 27 sweet cherry cultivars grown in the Research and Breeding Institute of Pomology (RBIP) in the genebank plantation. The cultivars were evaluated phenotypically using standard descriptors for sweet cherries. Established cultivars ‘Burlat’ (early ripening) and ‘Kordia’ (late ripening) were included in the study as commercial standards. The cultivar ‘Früheste der Mark’ was used as the earliest cultivar of the sweet cherry season. The results presented in this study demonstrate the high diversity of the analyzed sweet cherry germplasm. The cultivars ‘Horka’, ‘Justyna’, and ‘Sandra’ stood out in terms of fruit size and taste quality. The evaluated newly bred Czech sweet cherry cultivars are broadly described at the end of the presented paper. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Diversity Hotspots in the 2020s)

16 pages, 3090 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Aging of Urban Gardens Can Enhance Their Role as Refuges for Local Ant Species

by Gema Trigos-Peral and Joaquín L. Reyes-López

Diversity 2025, 17(1), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17010064 - 17 Jan 2025

Abstract

Urban gardens can be crucial for preserving the biodiversity in cities, but their construction often leads to shifts in local ant communities due to drastic habitat changes. Over time, ant communities can recover as species arrive from surrounding habitats. In this study, we [...] Read more.

Urban gardens can be crucial for preserving the biodiversity in cities, but their construction often leads to shifts in local ant communities due to drastic habitat changes. Over time, ant communities can recover as species arrive from surrounding habitats. In this study, we explored ant community dynamics over ten years in four gardens of varying maturity on a university campus in South Spain. We examined: (1) ant community composition in the gardens and surrounding natural/seminatural areas; (2) changes in biodiversity over time; (3) indicator values of species in the campus; and (4) population dynamics of the most representative species. We found distinct ant community compositions in gardens and natural/seminatural habitats. The ant community in older gardens showed greater similarity to surrounding natural areas than in young gardens. In the youngest garden, biodiversity initially declined post-construction but later increased to levels comparable to older gardens. Exotic species were more abundant in the young garden, and the population of native species like the garden ant Lasius niger increased over the years. We found that disturbances promote the establishment of exotic species, regardless of habitat maturity. We emphasize the importance of a context-dependent interpretation of species bioindicator information to assess habitat ecological status accurately. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biodiversity Conservation)

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19 pages, 1683 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Traditional Knowledge and Potential Uses of Local Freshwater Algae and Aquatic Plants in Thai Wetland Communities

by Pasin Norkum Ai, Angkhana Inta, Sarana Rose Sommano, Kittiya Phinyo, Kritsana Duangjan and Tibet Tangpao

Diversity 2025, 17(1), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17010063 - 17 Jan 2025

Abstract

This study explored the ecological and cultural significance of Thailand’s wetlands, particularly the Nong Bong Kai Non-Hunting Area and the Lower Songkhram River. These areas were essential for biodiversity, flood prevention, and supporting local livelihoods, serving as food sources, biofertilizers, and natural water [...] Read more.

This study explored the ecological and cultural significance of Thailand’s wetlands, particularly the Nong Bong Kai Non-Hunting Area and the Lower Songkhram River. These areas were essential for biodiversity, flood prevention, and supporting local livelihoods, serving as food sources, biofertilizers, and natural water purifiers. However, these wetlands faced mounting threats from pollution, habitat loss, and climate change, jeopardising their ecological health and biodiversity. Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted to assess regional and demographic patterns in using and recognising algae and aquatic plants. The collected data highlighted traditional ecological knowledge held primarily by older community members. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to analyse generational differences in knowledge and utilisation, focusing on the potential generational knowledge gap due to migration trends among younger individuals. The study revealed significant biodiversity differences between the wetland areas, with Nong Bong Kai exhibiting greater diversity in aquatic plant species. Older residents demonstrated higher recognition and use of algae and aquatic plants for sustainable practices, though a generational knowledge gap was evident. This gap suggested that local ecological knowledge may be at risk as younger residents migrate to urban areas. This research underscored the need for conservation and educational initiatives to bridge generational gaps and engage younger generations in resource management. By integrating local cultural practices and focusing on high-impact species like Lemna perpusilla Torr. and Hydrilla verticillate (L.f.) Royle, region-specific conservation efforts could enhance wetland sustainability, preserve biodiversity, and support ecosystem health in Thailand’s wetland regions. Full article

25 pages, 2988 KiB

Open AccessArticle

White Oaks Genetic and Chemical Diversity Affect the Community Structure of Canopy Insects Belonging to Two Trophic Levels

by Elgar Castillo-Mendoza, Leticia Valencia-Cuevas, Patricia Mussali-Galante, Fernando Ramos-Quintana, Alejandro Zamilpa, Miriam Serrano-Muñoz, Juli Pujade-Villar and Efraín Tovar-Sánchez

Diversity 2025, 17(1), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17010062 - 17 Jan 2025

Abstract

The hybridization phenomenon increases genetic diversity and modifies recombinant individuals’ secondary metabolite (SMs) content, affecting the canopy-dependent community. Hybridization events occur when Quercus rugosa and Q. glabrescens oaks converge in sympatry. Here, we analyzed the effect of the genetic diversity (He) [...] Read more.

The hybridization phenomenon increases genetic diversity and modifies recombinant individuals’ secondary metabolite (SMs) content, affecting the canopy-dependent community. Hybridization events occur when Quercus rugosa and Q. glabrescens oaks converge in sympatry. Here, we analyzed the effect of the genetic diversity (He) and SMs of Q. rugosa, Q. glabrescens and hybrids on the community of gall-inducing wasps (Cynipidae) and their parasitoids on 100 oak canopy trees in two allopatric and two hybrid zones. Eighteen gall wasp species belonging to six genera and six parasitoid genera contained in four families were identified. The most representative parasitoid genera belonged to the Chalcidoidea family. Abundance, infestation levels and richness of gall wasps and their parasitoids registered the next pattern: Q. rugosa higher than the hybrids, and the hybrids equal to Q. glabrescens. Oak host genetic diversity was the variable with the highest influence on the quantitative SMs expression, richness and abundance of gall wasps and their parasitoids. The influence of SMs on gall wasps and their parasitoids showed the next pattern: scopoletin > quercitrin > rutin = caffeic acid = quercetin glucoside. Our findings indicate that genetic diversity may be a key factor influencing the dynamics of tri-trophic interactions that involve oaks. Full article

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21 pages, 3081 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Resolving Rapid Radiation of Voles and Lemmings (Arvicolinae: Cricetinae, Rodentia) with QuaddRAD Sequencing and Transcriptome Analysis

by Natalia Abramson, Elizaveta Skalon, Olga Bondareva, Semen Bodrov, Tatyana Petrova and Ivan Dvoyashov

Diversity 2025, 17(1), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17010061 - 17 Jan 2025

Abstract

Voles and lemmings (subfamily Arvicolinae) remain some of the most difficult groups for disentangling phylogenetic relations owing to recent and very fast explosive radiation. The rapid radiation events are challenging for phylogenetic analysis and produce bushes of various shapes that are impossible to [...] Read more.

Voles and lemmings (subfamily Arvicolinae) remain some of the most difficult groups for disentangling phylogenetic relations owing to recent and very fast explosive radiation. The rapid radiation events are challenging for phylogenetic analysis and produce bushes of various shapes that are impossible to resolve with a straightforward approach using individual loci. Here using the quaddRAD-seq technique and transcriptomes, we tested whether data from the nuclear genome are consistent with trees inferred earlier from individual loci and from mitogenomes in topology and divergence dating. Both the transcriptome and quaddRAD-seq data convincingly place Arvicola as the earliest derivative within Arvicolini. This result is in agreement with the fossil record and conventional taxonomy. For the first time, whole-genome sequencing data resolved relations within the third radiation wave of the subfamily’s taxa, namely the tribes Arvicolini, Lagurini, and Ellobiusini, which have formed polytomy in mitochondrial trees in earlier articles. This study indicates that divergence dating is highly dependent on the number and position of calibration points in a tree and on taxa sampling. In terms of phylogenetic inference, the position of nodes with insufficient taxa representation is the most susceptible to errors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phylogeny and Evolution Hot Topics in 2024)

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20 pages, 6922 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Diversity of Diaphorina citri and Its Endosymbiont Across Diffusion Frontier and Epidemic Areas of Citrus Huanglongbing in China

by Jin Yang, Ai-Jun Huang, Jun Zhou, Ping You, Xiang Li, Han Luo and Long Yi

Diversity 2025, 17(1), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17010060 - 17 Jan 2025

Abstract

Citrus huanglongbing (HLB) is one of the most severe diseases affecting the citrus industry, with Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae) serving as its primary natural vector. To understand the genetic diversity and population structure of D. citri in the context of HLB diffusion, we [...] Read more.

Citrus huanglongbing (HLB) is one of the most severe diseases affecting the citrus industry, with Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae) serving as its primary natural vector. To understand the genetic diversity and population structure of D. citri in the context of HLB diffusion, we analyzed 13 populations from the HLB diffusion frontier and 25 populations from epidemic areas in China. The HLB diffusion frontier areas refer to the peripheral regions of HLB distribution in China, including the western Zhejiang, southern Jiangsu, northern Jiangxi, northern Hunan, and eastern Sichuan provinces. In contrast, the HLB epidemic areas represent regions in China where HLB is actively widespread and causing significant impacts. We utilized mitochondrial genes (COI, ND5, and Cytb) of D. citri and housekeeping genes (dnaQ, rpoC, and argH) of its endosymbiont Candidatus Carsonella ruddii (Ca. C. ruddii) for this analysis. Our findings revealed that the D. citri and Ca. C. ruddii in different regions showed low haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity. While the genetic variation in D. citri populations primarily occurred within populations, the endosymbiont showed contrasting patterns in the HLB epidemic areas. We identified three dispersal paths: (1) migration of the Yunnan population to Sichuan, Guizhou, and Guangxi; (2) movement of the Guangdong population to Fujian, Jiangxi, and Zhejiang; and (3) dispersal of the Guangdong population to Hunan and Guangxi. Our study suggests that D. citri populations at the HLB diffusion frontier are predominantly transmitted from neighboring epidemic areas. Full article

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21 pages, 2316 KiB

Open AccessReview

Emerging Marine Nematodes as Model Organisms: Which Species for Which Question?

by Federica Semprucci, Eleonora Grassi, Adele Cocozza di Montanara, Roberto Sandulli and Elisa Baldrighi

Diversity 2025, 17(1), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17010059 - 17 Jan 2025

Abstract

Marine nematodes possess all the prerequisites to serve as “simpler models” for investigating biological phenomena and are gaining attention as emerging model organisms. This review evaluates their potential to address diverse biological questions regarding ecosystem functioning, climate change adaptation, host–microbe interactions, ecotoxicology, and [...] Read more.

Marine nematodes possess all the prerequisites to serve as “simpler models” for investigating biological phenomena and are gaining attention as emerging model organisms. This review evaluates their potential to address diverse biological questions regarding ecosystem functioning, climate change adaptation, host–microbe interactions, ecotoxicology, and biotechnological applications. Among the reviewed taxa, Litoditis marina and select Monhysteridae species, such as Diplolaimella dievengatensis, Halomonhystera disjuncta, and Diplolaimelloides spp., emerge as leading candidates due to their manageable life cycles, adaptability to laboratory conditions, and available genomic resources. These tiny organisms provide valuable insights into phenomena such as developmental plasticity, epigenetic regulation, and adaptive responses to environmental stress. Symbiotic relationships in Stilbonematinae and Astomonematinae, alongside the antimicrobial properties of the Oncholaimidae species, offer unique opportunities to explore mutualistic evolution and resilience in extreme environments. Despite challenges in culturing these species, recent advances in culturing other meiofaunal organisms with chemosynthetic symbionts have opened up promising opportunities. The roles of marine nematodes as ethical and versatile models position them to address pressing challenges in biological and biomedical research, highlighting their significant potential for future studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2024 Feature Papers by Diversity’s Editorial Board Members)

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19 pages, 5339 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Zooplankton as an Indicator: A Dramatic Shift in Its Composition Following a Sudden Temporal Brownification of a Tropical Oligotrophic Lake in Southern Mexico

by Manuel Elías-Gutiérrez, Martha Valdez-Moreno, Lucia Montes-Ortiz and Alma E. García-Morales

Diversity 2025, 17(1), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17010058 - 17 Jan 2025

Abstract

Lake Bacalar, a fragile oligotrophic ecosystem located in the southeast of Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, suffered from a sudden brownification after the tropical storm Cristobal in June 2020 in the Gulf of Mexico. The color change was the most visible effect of the storm, [...] Read more.

Lake Bacalar, a fragile oligotrophic ecosystem located in the southeast of Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, suffered from a sudden brownification after the tropical storm Cristobal in June 2020 in the Gulf of Mexico. The color change was the most visible effect of the storm, but all other water variables changed towards eutrophication. We used light traps and DNA barcoding of the zooplankton specimens based on previous baseline constructed for comparison with the species found after the change. A dramatic shift in the zooplankton community occurred: biomass was reduced to a minimum and 20 species of water mites, five copepods, three cladocerans, three chironomids and six species of fish larvae disappeared for a period of at least one year. They were replaced by three species of water mites, four cladocerans, one copepod, 23 chironomids and one ephemeropteran previously not registered, most of the species being characteristic of more eutrophic environments. The southernmost part of the lake, Laguna Xul-Ha, which conserved its oligotrophic characteristics, apparently became a refuge for the original fauna from the whole system. The ecosystem did not fully recover to its original condition until about two years later. While the system has returned to its original state after the storm described here, future changes in land use, including unsustainable tourism expansion, may compromise its resilience and induce hysteresis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity, Ecology and Conservation of Zooplankton)

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11 pages, 15297 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Karyotype Analysis and Genome Size Estimation Using Flow Cytometry of the Genus Encyclia Hook. (Orchidaceae: Laeliinae)

by Chengcheng Zhou, Qingyun Leng, Jinping Lu, Shisong Xu, Donghui Peng, Junmei Yin and Junhai Niu

Diversity 2025, 17(1), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17010057 - 17 Jan 2025

Abstract

Encyclia Hook. is a tropical orchid known for its delightful fragrance and distinctive flower shapes, which have been widely used as superior parents for inter and intrageneric breeding. In this study, karyotype analysis shows that the number of chromosomes in diploid plants of [...] Read more.

Encyclia Hook. is a tropical orchid known for its delightful fragrance and distinctive flower shapes, which have been widely used as superior parents for inter and intrageneric breeding. In this study, karyotype analysis shows that the number of chromosomes in diploid plants of Encyclia is 40, with all species exhibiting mesial and central filamentous chromosomes. The karyotype of diploid plants is primarily 2B. Among the three detected intergeneric hybrids, both Enanthleya Circus Lady ‘Coastal Star’ and Guaricyclia Kyoguchi ‘Fumi’ are triploid, while Robertsara ‘Green Wonder’ is tetraploid. By evaluating various lysates and tissues, a flow cytometry system (FCM) is developed with Galbraith’s buffer (GLB) and tender leaves. By using Dendrobium officinale as an external reference, the genome size of the Encyclia species and its intra and intergeneric hybrids are assessed, which ranges from 1.07 Gb to 3.23 Gb. These results will establish a foundation for high-throughput identification of germplasms, advance crossbreeding efforts, and enhance the understanding of the genome in Encyclia. Full article

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14 pages, 253 KiB

Open AccessReview

Greening up the City with Native Species: Challenges and Solutions

by Amy Hardberger, Danielle Craig, Catherine Simpson, Robert D. Cox and Gad Perry

Diversity 2025, 17(1), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17010056 - 16 Jan 2025

Abstract

Urban green spaces provide many benefits, including to human wellbeing, ecosystem services, and urban wildlife. Thus, there are many reasons to green up urban spaces, especially by using native species. Furthermore, urban green spaces are suited to enhancing biodiversity without negatively impacting food [...] Read more.

Urban green spaces provide many benefits, including to human wellbeing, ecosystem services, and urban wildlife. Thus, there are many reasons to green up urban spaces, especially by using native species. Furthermore, urban green spaces are suited to enhancing biodiversity without negatively impacting food or fiber production. Municipalities and private landowners invest substantially in landscaping and its maintenance. However, much of that outlay supports non-native plants that may be less adapted to local conditions such as rainfall patterns and temperature ranges, thus having greater resource requirements, as well as being less supportive of native wildlife and possessing a greater potential of becoming invasive. Here, we explore ways to increase the use of native plant species in urban settings to reduce the need for watering or chemical application, enhance the support of native species, and reduce the risk of invasion to urban and ex-urban habitats. We identify three main impediments: the perception of native species as less aesthetically pleasing, the availability of native plants in the nursery industry, and the willingness of policymakers to take supportive measures. We propose methods to address all three, providing successful examples from a number of US localities and a case study that demonstrates what drivers might exist and what actions remain to be taken. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity Conservation in Urbanized Ecosystems)

23 pages, 9898 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mammal Diversity on Conservation Islands in Protected Areas in Oaxaca, Mexico

by Eugenio Padilla, Rosa Elena Galindo-Aguilar and Miguel Briones-Salas

Diversity 2025, 17(1), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17010055 - 16 Jan 2025

Abstract

Protected sites managed by indigenous people have been used for decades to conserve natural resources. These sites can be considered “conservation islands” and can maintain high biodiversity. This study explores the diversity and structure of medium and large mammals in (1) four protected [...] Read more.

Protected sites managed by indigenous people have been used for decades to conserve natural resources. These sites can be considered “conservation islands” and can maintain high biodiversity. This study explores the diversity and structure of medium and large mammals in (1) four protected natural areas in Oaxaca, Mexico, and (2) two different conservation strategies: one protected natural area (PNA) and three Voluntary Conservation Areas (VCAs). Data from 30 camera traps installed by community monitoring between 2013 and 2019 were used. A total of 29,304 camera days were accumulated in the Central Valleys and the Western Mountains and Valleys province. A total of 60,725 photographic records were analyzed, resulting in 13,471 independent events. Twenty-four species of wild mammals were documented, including endangered species. VCA showed higher species richness compared to PNA. Odocoileus virginianus was the most dominant in PNA, while Dicotyles angulatus was most dominant in VCA. We found differences in species richness between the four sites and between the two conservation strategies. Both conservation strategies are effective in maintaining mammal richness. We consider that these sites can serve as conservation islands that, in turn, can inter-connect landscapes and serve as potential biological corridors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Diversity)

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20 pages, 3020 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bayesian Inference of Human-Made Hazards in Networks of Island Wetlands: The Case of the Aegean Archipelago

by Cleo M. Gaganis and Andreas Y. Troumbis

Diversity 2025, 17(1), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17010054 - 16 Jan 2025

Abstract

This research aims to provide guidelines using probabilistic methods to understand better the dominant characteristics of the 824 under-pressure wetlands on 75 islands within Greece and to inform future conservation efforts. Identifying the characteristics and types of anthropogenic pressures is crucial for developing [...] Read more.

This research aims to provide guidelines using probabilistic methods to understand better the dominant characteristics of the 824 under-pressure wetlands on 75 islands within Greece and to inform future conservation efforts. Identifying the characteristics and types of anthropogenic pressures is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies. The study employs power-law modeling to validate the natural size distribution of wetlands, naïve Bayesian inference to model human impacts, and the epsilon statistic to assess wetland sensitivity to specific pressures, addressing potential sampling biases. Power-law modeling reveals a natural heavy-tailed distribution of wetland sizes, highlighting the ecological significance of larger, rarer systems. Naïve Bayesian inference indicates that agriculture and transportation are the predominant pressures affecting natural coastal wetlands. The epsilon statistic further differentiates wetland sensitivity, identifying estuaries, lagoons, and marshes as particularly vulnerable. By profiling the most vulnerable wetlands using these methods, the research provides a framework for assessing anthropogenic impacts and informing targeted conservation and management strategies to protect these vital ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Socioecology and Biodiversity Conservation—2nd Edition)

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6 pages, 5018 KiB

Open AccessInteresting Images

Reimagining Venom Harvesting: Practical Electrostimulation on Vespa velutina Nest in Nature

by Xesús Feás, Daniel J. Cabadas and Carmen Vidal

Diversity 2025, 17(1), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17010053 - 15 Jan 2025

Abstract

The growing interest in Vespa velutina venom stems primarily from its impact on human health due to stings and its potential pharmacological applications. Traditionally, venom extraction methods have relied on capturing individual hornets or removing and euthanizing entire nests, followed by dissection of [...] Read more.

The growing interest in Vespa velutina venom stems primarily from its impact on human health due to stings and its potential pharmacological applications. Traditionally, venom extraction methods have relied on capturing individual hornets or removing and euthanizing entire nests, followed by dissection of venom sacs—a labor-intensive and disruptive process. In this work, we present a novel, non-invasive approach to venom harvesting. Using a portable electrostimulation device, venom was extracted directly from active Vespa velutina nests in their natural habitat. This method eliminates the need for nest manipulation, significantly reducing disturbance and improving efficiency. These visuals highlight the practicality and potential of this groundbreaking technique, opening new avenues for sustainable and scalable venom collection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Diversity)

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23 pages, 3728 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Variations in Phytoplankton Community Structure and Diversity: A Case Study for a Macroalgae–Oyster Reef Ecosystem

by Min Xu, Qi Zhao, Yufu Xu, Shenzhi Wang, Yingbo Yu, Haipeng Zhang, Yun Wang, Jiabin Shen, Linlin Yang, Yunling Zhang, Takayoshi Otaki, Teruhisa Komatsu and Kaida Xu

Diversity 2025, 17(1), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17010052 - 15 Jan 2025

Abstract

The estuarine area of Luanhe River is an important fisheries ground in China’s Bohai Sea. In 2016, Tangshan Marine Ranching Co., Ltd. constructed a 2 km² artificial oyster–macroalgae reef area by placing artificial reefs on the seabed adjacent to the Luanhe River [...] Read more.

The estuarine area of Luanhe River is an important fisheries ground in China’s Bohai Sea. In 2016, Tangshan Marine Ranching Co., Ltd. constructed a 2 km² artificial oyster–macroalgae reef area by placing artificial reefs on the seabed adjacent to the Luanhe River Estuary. This action resulted in sustainable annual economic outputs through the fishing and sea cucumber put-and-take fishery. Although Luanhe River runoff and reef construction are important to the local phytoplankton community and fisheries’ production, little is known about how these factors affect phytoplankton community structure in the local coastal ecosystem. In this study, we conducted field surveys to investigate the spatiotemporal variations in species composition, abundance, dominant species, diversity indexes, niche width and overlap, and interspecific connection of the phytoplankton community in the ecosystem of oyster–macroalgal reefs. From July 2016 to August 2017, we collected data before and after reef construction in areas inside and outside of the benthic reefs in both the flood and dry seasons of Luanhe River runoff. We found a total of 79 species, with the majority represented by diatoms and dinoflagellates. The dominant species were Paralia sulcata and Coscinodiscus sp. The total species number and abundance increased from May to September. The species number in the reef area was greater than that outside the reef. Species abundance from August to September was greater in the reef area than in the control area, which was opposite the situation from May to June. We found more phytoplankton abundance in the flood season compared with that in the dry season. Our results suggest that reef construction can benefit the local phytoplankton community and that further studies of the relationship among oysters, macroalgae, and phytoplankton in the system are warranted. Moreover, we provide baseline data about variations in the phytoplankton community in a sea ranch area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biogeography and Macroecology)

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14 pages, 2125 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seasonal and Spatial Variation in the Diet of Gambusia holbrooki in Different Water Bodies of Karaburun Peninsula (Western Türkiye)

by Gülşah Saç, Sevan Ağdamar, Ümit Acar and Daniela Giannetto

Diversity 2025, 17(1), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17010051 - 15 Jan 2025

Abstract

The Eastern mosquitofish Gambusia holbrooki Girard, 1859, has been widely introduced into tropical and temperate countries as a biological agent to control mosquitos, which are associated with diseases such as malaria and yellow fever. However, the species exhibits invasive characteristics by competing with [...] Read more.

The Eastern mosquitofish Gambusia holbrooki Girard, 1859, has been widely introduced into tropical and temperate countries as a biological agent to control mosquitos, which are associated with diseases such as malaria and yellow fever. However, the species exhibits invasive characteristics by competing with native species for food and habitat use. This study investigates the feeding ecology of G. holbrooki populations from three distinct freshwater environments (Lake Iris, Eğlenhoca Reservoir, and Parlak Reservoir) on the Karaburun Peninsula (North-Western Türkiye), a region outside its native range. The primary aim was to evaluate seasonal and spatial variations in the diet of the species. A total of 871 specimens were analysed: 247 from Iris Lake, 318 from Parlak Reservoir, and 306 from Eğlenhoca Reservoir. Low percentages of empty stomachs (≤20%) across all populations indicate high feeding intensity. The results reveal that G. holbrooki exhibits a generalist feeding strategy, consuming a wide range of food items such as insects, zooplankton, and plant material across all the investigated environments. The relative importance of food groups (determined by the Importance Index, MI%) varied seasonally but not spatially. In all three populations, the most important food source in the spring was dipterans, followed by plants in the summer and fall, and cladocerans in the winter. Plants accounted for the largest percentage of the diet in every population (MI% >65%). These findings suggest that G. holbrooki adapts its diet to seasonal food availability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impacts of Invasive Freshwater Fish on Native Fauna and Aquatic Ecosystems)

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17 pages, 5130 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Framework for Developing Biodiversity Conservation Networks Based on Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis and the Maximum Entropy Model: A Case Study of the Jianghan Plain, China

by Xiaohua Guo, Chang Liu, Shibo Bi and Xuewen Zhang

Diversity 2025, 17(1), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17010050 - 14 Jan 2025

Abstract

Constructing ecological networks in urban areas improves ecosystem stability and biodiversity protection. However, most studies focus on optimizing ecological environments through objective assessments, often neglecting species diversity. This study developed a biodiversity grading framework for the Jianghan Plain using species observation and ecosystem [...] Read more.

Constructing ecological networks in urban areas improves ecosystem stability and biodiversity protection. However, most studies focus on optimizing ecological environments through objective assessments, often neglecting species diversity. This study developed a biodiversity grading framework for the Jianghan Plain using species observation and ecosystem diversity data. Supported by ArcGIS, ecological sources were identified via MSPA and graded using the Guidelines and MaxEnt model. The MCR model was used to simulate connectivity barriers between ecological sources and calculate the minimum cumulative resistance distance, thereby generating corridors and ultimately constructing a hierarchical biodiversity conservation network for the Jianghan Plain. Our findings indicated the following: (1) The Jianghan Plain hosts 21 major ecological sources, primarily natural water bodies at the plain’s edge, which can be classified into five primary and 16 secondary sources based on biodiversity grades. (2) The recessive corridors, comprising 10 primary and 95 secondary ones, are mainly concentrated in the central Jianghan Plain, with primary corridors located centrally and westward, characterized by a large overall span. (3) Changhu Lake and Honghu Lake, two critical water bodies with high-quality habitats and significant biodiversity, were identified as key ecological nodes from the ecological sources, bridging and guiding the central and southern corridors. (4) Based on the ecological network distribution and key nodes and corridors, a “three zones, three belts, and two points” strategy was proposed for optimizing the Jianghan Plain’s ecological network. This study provides a novel framework and theoretical support for regional habitat, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity Conservation Planning and Assessment)

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16 pages, 8029 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Vermetid Bioconstruction at the Adriatic Coast of Apulia (Italy)

by Maria Mercurio, Isabella Coccia, Manuel Marra, Tamara Lazic, Giuseppe Corriero and Maria Flavia Gravina

Diversity 2025, 17(1), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17010049 - 14 Jan 2025

Abstract

This study presents the first comprehensive data on a vermetid formation along the Apulian coast of the Adriatic Sea, representing one of the northernmost records in the Mediterranean. Surveys along the Brindisi coastline employed visual inspection to map the bioconstruction’s distribution and extension. [...] Read more.

This study presents the first comprehensive data on a vermetid formation along the Apulian coast of the Adriatic Sea, representing one of the northernmost records in the Mediterranean. Surveys along the Brindisi coastline employed visual inspection to map the bioconstruction’s distribution and extension. Detailed data on the bioconstruction inner and the outer edge length, thickness, width, slope and topographic complexity were collected at three selected sites. Moreover, photographic replicates were used to assess shell aperture density and diameters of Dendropoma sp. Associated fauna was studied using two quantitative sampling squares in each transect. The results showed that the vermetid bioconstruction consisted of a thin, encrusted monolayer (thickness < 1.5 cm) that extended for 3.273 linear kilometers, covering 17.23% of the investigated area; it had an average width of 0.5 m, with a mean density of Dendropoma sp. at 2.52 ind/cm². The associated fauna was composed of 47 taxa dominated by crustaceans, mollusks and annelids. Species richness was correlated with the bioconstruction’s thickness and complexity. These findings underline the ecological importance of vermetid bioconstructions as biodiversity hotspots. The lack of massive mortality events along the Apulian coast, in contrast to other Mediterranean vermetid bioconstructions, underscores the necessity for targeted conservation measures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity and Ecology in the Mediterranean Sea)

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14 pages, 3196 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Data Confirm the Occurrence of the Allochthonous Gambusia holbrooki (Pisces: Poeciliidae) in Sicily and the Maltese Archipelago

by Luca Vecchioni, Mirko Liuzzo, Arnold Sciberras, Jeffrey Sciberras, Justin Formosa, Alan Deidun, Gabriele Giacalone, Vincenzo Arizza, Marco Arculeo, Federico Marrone and Francesco Paolo Faraone

Diversity 2025, 17(1), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17010048 - 13 Jan 2025

Abstract

A major threat to biodiversity is represented by Invasive Alien Species (IAS), particularly on freshwater ecosystems, which are already heavily altered by human activities. Two of the most pernicious IAS are the eastern and western mosquitofish, i.e., Gambusia holbrooki and G. affinis [...] Read more.

A major threat to biodiversity is represented by Invasive Alien Species (IAS), particularly on freshwater ecosystems, which are already heavily altered by human activities. Two of the most pernicious IAS are the eastern and western mosquitofish, i.e., Gambusia holbrooki and G. affinis. These two poeciliids are morphologically very close to each other, and soon after their formal description, G. holbrooki was considered a subspecies of G. affinis. In the following years, several studies proved that these two entities belonged to two different species; nevertheless, it was only at the end of the 1990s that their separate taxonomic status was re-established. In the 1920s and 1930s, both G. holbrooki and G. affinis were asynchronously introduced from the United States into Europe and subsequently translocated globally as biocontrol agents of the malaria vector (i.e., the larvae of the Anopheles mosquitoes), with dramatic consequences for the inland water native fauna. However, due to taxonomic uncertainties and nomenclatural instability, for years, there were doubts about which Gambusia species had been introduced in different regions. The first available molecular studies confirmed the occurrence of G. holbrooki in Europe, but no evidence confirming the occurrence of G. affinis was found. Despite this, some records report the occurrence of western mosquitofish in Italy and Malta. Considering the negative effects that the mosquitofish has on the native biota, it is of paramount importance to know the precise biological diversity of the native and non-native species to better implement environmental management strategies to properly preserve the already-fragile waterbodies. Therefore, to check for the possible occurrence of G. affinis in Italy and Malta, we conducted extensive sampling in Sicily (Italy) and in the Maltese archipelago, aiming to verify the identity of Gambusia populations occurring in the study area. Based on sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene, we consistently observed the occurrence of only G. holbrooki in the investigated area, finding, almost exclusively, the most common haplotype known for the species in the whole invaded range (i.e., “HOL1”). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluating the Influence of Environmental Variables on Fish Ecology and Diversity)

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14 pages, 3602 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Factors Affecting the Phytoplankton Composition in the Lake of Tibetan Plateau

by Qinghuan Zhang, Zijian Xie, Chunhua Li, Chun Ye, Yang Wang, Zishu Ye, Weiwei Wei and Hao Wang

Diversity 2025, 17(1), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17010047 - 13 Jan 2025

Abstract

Due to the high altitude, unique geographical location, difficult accessibility and low temperature, the environmental factors influencing phytoplankton composition have rarely been investigated in the Selin Co Lake, which is the largest lake in the Tibetan Plateau. Phytoplankton composition can indicate aquatic ecosystem [...] Read more.

Due to the high altitude, unique geographical location, difficult accessibility and low temperature, the environmental factors influencing phytoplankton composition have rarely been investigated in the Selin Co Lake, which is the largest lake in the Tibetan Plateau. Phytoplankton composition can indicate aquatic ecosystem conditions, which may be sensitive to environmental factors in the Tibetan Plateau. In this study, we investigated the main environmental factors that influence phytoplankton species in the Selin Co Lake by analyzing the spatial distribution and applying statistical analyses. We also compared the influential environmental factors in this lake with other lakes around the world. The results suggest that the eleven environmental variables can explain about 46.78% of the phytoplankton’s composition. DO and fluoride were the most significant environmental variables, followed by arsenic and COD, and the other variables had comparatively smaller and more insignificant influences on phytoplankton composition. There were five dominant phytoplankton species in the Selin Co Lake, namely, Microcystis sp., Navicula spp., Chlorella vulgaris, Ankistrodesmus falcatus, and Westella sp. Some of these dominant species were also found in other tropical lakes, suggesting that the phytoplankton community could adapt to environmental changes. A clear understanding of the influential environmental variables affecting phytoplankton composition could help us to make proper water quality protection strategies in future climate change scenarios. Full article

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