Diversity

16 pages, 6219 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Population Density and Abundance of the Northernmost Population of Cordulegaster heros (Anisoptera: Cordulegastridae) in Europe (Czech Republic) with Notes on Its Biogeographical Range

by Otakar Holuša and Kateřina Holušová

Diversity 2022, 14(10), 854; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14100854 - 9 Oct 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2030

Abstract

Cordulegaster heros is a Balkan species with a disjunctive area extending into Central Europe. The population in the Chřiby Mts. in the southeastern Czech Republic is the northernmost population, and this population was intensively studied from 2010 to 2021 to establish basic data [...] Read more.

Cordulegaster heros is a Balkan species with a disjunctive area extending into Central Europe. The population in the Chřiby Mts. in the southeastern Czech Republic is the northernmost population, and this population was intensively studied from 2010 to 2021 to establish basic data on its abundance. In the territory, the geomorphological characteristics of streams, characteristics of sediment in streams, habitat, emergence time, and period of flight were recorded, and population viability was evaluated. Larvae were recorded in 10 small forest streams (altitude of 235–426 m a.s.l.), with an average minimum width of 51.9 cm, an average maximum width of 177.7 cm, an average minimum depth of 6.5 cm, an average maximum depth (in pools) of 21 cm, and an average stream gradient of 1.9 grades. The sediments in each stream exhibited a grain size distribution with an average fraction less than 0.05 mm represented by 6.3%, a fraction of 0.05–0.1 mm represented by 21.1%, a fraction of 0.1–2 mm represented by 52.1%, a fraction of 2–5 mm represented by 12.1%, a fraction of 5–20 mm represented by 8%, and a fraction of 20+ mm represented by 0.3%. The larval abundance was 0.1–6.7 larvae per 1 m² of suitable sediment. The emergence period was recorded from 28 May to 1 July. The emergence site was categorized as larvae-dominated plant leave (57% of cases), plant stalks (21%), and tree trunks (17%). Exuviae occurred at an average of 154 cm at horizontal distance from the shore and an average vertical height of 77 cm above the ground. The average total distance of larval movement was 205 cm. The flight period in 2021 was recorded from 15 June to 11 August with peak flight activity noted in the third week of June. The northernmost population of C. heros was evaluated as viable and stable. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity, Ecology and Evolution of Odonata)

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12 pages, 6343 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Characterisation of Macroinvertebrate Communities in Maritsa River (South Bulgaria)—Relation to Different Environmental Factors and Ecological Status Assessment

by Emilia Varadinova, Lidia Sakelarieva, Jiyoung Park, Miroslav Ivanov and Violeta Tyufekchieva

Diversity 2022, 14(10), 833; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14100833 - 4 Oct 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2539

Abstract

A survey of the macrozoobenthos communities in the Maritsa River (South Bulgaria) was carried out in the summer of 2021. Benthic samples were collected and physicochemical parameters (water temperature, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen and nutrients) were measured at 15 sites located on the [...] Read more.

A survey of the macrozoobenthos communities in the Maritsa River (South Bulgaria) was carried out in the summer of 2021. Benthic samples were collected and physicochemical parameters (water temperature, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen and nutrients) were measured at 15 sites located on the main river and its tributary system. The studied sites belonged to different river types and characterised the diversity of the ecological conditions—from unaffected to anthropogenically influenced river stretches. In addition, data from a study conducted in the summer of 2020 were used to analyse species–factor interactions in the river ecosystems and to assess the bio-indicative potential of the aquatic invertebrates. The dynamics of the taxonomic composition and abundance of the macrozoobenthos were analysed in relation to environmental factors. The physicochemical conditions of the water environment changed during the period of high water, which led to a reduction in the composition of the macrozoobenthos. Plecoptera and Trichoptera decreased in richness and abundance downstream and under human impacts. Ephemeroptera and Chironomidae were permanently present along the whole river. Oligochaeta increased in the lower river reaches and at sites with a greater amount of organic matter. The ecological status determined by the macrozoobenthos varied from high (site 1) to good, moderate and bad (site 13) at the studied sites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity Research in Bulgaria)

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19 pages, 3183 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Freshwater Fish Biodiversity in a Large Mediterranean Basin (Guadalquivir River, S Spain): Patterns, Threats, Status and Conservation

by Pedro Sáez-Gómez and José Prenda

Diversity 2022, 14(10), 831; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14100831 - 3 Oct 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4117

Abstract

The Guadalquivir River Basin is one of the largest in the Iberian Peninsula and has a remarkable freshwater biodiversity. Although many studies on hydrological regimes or water quality have been conducted in this basin the biodiversity of freshwater fish, as well as their [...] Read more.

The Guadalquivir River Basin is one of the largest in the Iberian Peninsula and has a remarkable freshwater biodiversity. Although many studies on hydrological regimes or water quality have been conducted in this basin the biodiversity of freshwater fish, as well as their distribution and conservation status, has never been globally addressed as in other Iberian basins. In this context, we synthesized information on freshwater fish using field procedures and a bibliographic search. Fish distribution patterns at different spatial scales and general environmental conditions were analyzed as well as the conservation status of the fish community. We documented the presence of 40 species (20 native and 20 exotic) in the basin during the 20th century until today. However, we only captured 18 species during the field sampling, with a prevalence for any native species of less than 23% (except Luciobarbus sclateri). The highest species richness was found in mid reaches, while the lower reaches had very low diversity values. Around 50% of species are threatened; according to the IUCN, several species are declining at an alarming rate and others are probably extinct and/or their current status is unknown. Human disturbances during the last few decades have caused serious changes in fish distribution and consequently to their conservation status. Hydrological alterations, intensive agriculture and introduced species are probably the principal reasons for Guadalquivir’s ichthyofauna imperilment. Our study indicates an urgent and real need to identify important areas for fish conservation to guarantee a minimum fish biodiversity conservation over the long term, as well as effective strategies for fish recovery where it still is possible. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity and Biogeography of Freshwater Fish)

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10 pages, 872 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Herbaceous Understory Plant Community in the Context of the Overstory: An Overlooked Component of Tropical Diversity

by Ramón Perea, John W. Schroeder and Rodolfo Dirzo

Diversity 2022, 14(10), 800; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14100800 - 26 Sep 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3546

Abstract

Lowland tropical rainforests harbor the most diverse plant communities in the world, but the herbaceous plants of the understory are often overlooked. To address this knowledge gap, we asked to what extent the understory herbaceous community contributes to the species richness and phylogenetic [...] Read more.

Lowland tropical rainforests harbor the most diverse plant communities in the world, but the herbaceous plants of the understory are often overlooked. To address this knowledge gap, we asked to what extent the understory herbaceous community contributes to the species richness and phylogenetic diversity of plant communities by surveying a neotropical rainforest at Los Tuxtlas, Mexico. We used Gentry transects to characterize the woody overstory community, and line-intercepts within the same transects to survey understory herbs and subshrubs. We also used published phylogenies to calculate community phylogenetic diversity with and without the understory stratum. We found that the understory contained a diverse (23 species, or 22.1% of all species surveyed) and phylogenetically distinct plant community dominated by aroids (13 species) and ferns (4 species). Inclusion of the understory stratum increased total species richness by 28.4% but increased phylogenetic diversity by 41.4%. Additionally, in contrast to temperate forests, the understory plant community was much less diverse than the overstory, which contained 81 species > 1 cm dbh (77.9% of all species surveyed). This survey adds to the hitherto small body of literature comparing understory and overstory strata in tropical rainforests and reveals previously overlooked patterns of floristic diversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Diversity)

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22 pages, 4112 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Brachiopod Fauna from the Deep Mediterranean Sea: Distribution Patterns and Ecological Preferences

by Margherita Toma, Francesco Enrichetti, Giorgio Bavestrello, Simonepietro Canese, Alessandro Cau, Franco Andaloro, Michela Angiolillo, Silvestro Greco and Marzia Bo

Diversity 2022, 14(9), 753; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14090753 - 12 Sep 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3148

Abstract

Compared to their fossil counterparts, living brachiopods are investigated far less often, due to their occurrence in remote environments such as dark caves or deep environments. Due to the scarcity of studies targeting in situ brachiopods’ populations, large-scale information on their distribution and [...] Read more.

Compared to their fossil counterparts, living brachiopods are investigated far less often, due to their occurrence in remote environments such as dark caves or deep environments. Due to the scarcity of studies targeting in situ brachiopods’ populations, large-scale information on their distribution and ecological preferences is still lacking, especially on hardgrounds. The extensive employment of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), however, has opened up the chance to better explore this taxon’s diversity and ecology in the mesophotic and bathyal zones. The analysis of over 600 h of video footage collected from 624 sites, from 40 m to 1825 m, located along the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian coasts of Italy and the Sicily Channel, allowed for a large-scale investigation. The four identified species, Novocrania anomala, Gryphus vitreus, Megerlia truncata and Terebratulina retusa, emerged as common macrofaunal components of the explored habitats, especially between 150 m and 250 m, with high occurrences in the northern areas, especially on offshore seamounts. All species can form dense aggregations of individuals, with M. truncata showing the densest populations on steep rocky terraces (up to 773 individuals m⁻²). Except for G. vitreus, the only species also recorded on soft bottoms, the others were found exclusively on hardgrounds, with N. anomala showing a peculiar ability to exploit anthropogenic substrates such as terracotta amphorae. No stable species-specific associations were noted, even if numerous species were frequently observed together. Although brachiopods do not show the conspicuous tridimensionality of large filter-feeders, their substrate occupancy and their role in pelagic–benthic processes support their importance in deep-sea Mediterranean ecosystems. Full article

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

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17 pages, 15150 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Characterization of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) Accessions with Variable Drought Tolerance through Simple Sequence Repeat Markers and Phenotypic Traits

by Sonto Silindile Mkhabela, Hussein Shimelis, Abe Shegro Gerrano, Jacob Mashilo and Admire Shayanowako

Diversity 2022, 14(9), 747; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14090747 - 11 Sep 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4475

Abstract

Genetic diversity analysis of crop genetic resources is a prerequisite for parental selection with suitable and complementary profiles for breeding. The objectives of this study were to determine genetic diversity present among okra accessions using simple sequence repeat (SSR) and complementary phenotypic markers [...] Read more.

Genetic diversity analysis of crop genetic resources is a prerequisite for parental selection with suitable and complementary profiles for breeding. The objectives of this study were to determine genetic diversity present among okra accessions using simple sequence repeat (SSR) and complementary phenotypic markers and to select genetically divergent and superior parental accessions for pre-breeding. Twenty-six preliminarily selected okra accessions were assessed using nine highly polymorphic SSR markers and phenotyped under drought-stressed (DS) and non-stressed (NS) environmental conditions using a 13 × 2 alpha lattice design with two replications. Data were collected on the following eleven phenotypic traits: plant height (PH), days to 50% maturity (DTM), fresh pod length (FPL), dry pod weight (DPW), dry pod length (DPL), number of pods per plant (NPPP), pod yield per plant (PYPP), total above-ground biomass (AGB), harvest index (HI), root weight (RW), and root to shoot ratio (RSR). The SSR markers revealed an expected mean heterozygosity value of 0.54, indicating moderate genetic diversity among the tested okra accessions. Cluster analysis based on phenotypic and SSR markers differentiated the accessions into three distinct genetic groups. Wide phenotypic variation was observed for PH, FPL, NPPP, and PYPP under NS and DS conditions. PYPP was positively and significantly correlated with FPL (r = 0.81), ABG (r = 0.69), and HI (r = 0.67) under DS conditions, and FPL (r = 0.83) and AGB (r = 0.60) under NS conditions. Genetically complementary accessions such as LS04, LS05, LS06, LS07, LS08, LS10, LS11, LS15, LS18, LS23, LS24, and LS26 were identified for their high yield potential and related yield-improving traits under DS conditions. The identified accessions are recommended as parents for hybridization and selection programs to improve the yield potential of okra under drought-stressed environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Evolution and Diversity of Plants)

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23 pages, 4444 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

What Do the First 597 Global Fungal Red List Assessments Tell Us about the Threat Status of Fungi?

by Gregory M. Mueller, Kelmer Martins Cunha, Tom W. May, Jessica L. Allen, James R. S. Westrip, Cátia Canteiro, Diogo Henrique Costa-Rezende, Elisandro Ricardo Drechsler-Santos, Aída M. Vasco-Palacios, Antony Martyn Ainsworth, Genivaldo Alves-Silva, Frank Bungartz, Amanda Chandler, Susana C. Gonçalves, Irmgard Krisai-Greilhuber, Reda Iršėnaitė, John Bjarne Jordal, Thiago Kosmann, James Lendemer, Richard Troy McMullin, Armin Mešić, Viviana Motato-Vásquez, Yoshihito Ohmura, Rikke Reese Næsborg, Claudia Perini, Irja Saar, Diego Simijaca, Rebecca Yahr and Anders Dahlberg Show full author list Hide full author list

Diversity 2022, 14(9), 736; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14090736 - 7 Sep 2022

Cited by 43 | Viewed by 14440

Abstract

Fungal species are not immune to the threats facing animals and plants and are thus also prone to extinction. Yet, until 2015, fungi were nearly absent on the IUCN Red List. Recent efforts to identify fungal species under threat have significantly increased the [...] Read more.

Fungal species are not immune to the threats facing animals and plants and are thus also prone to extinction. Yet, until 2015, fungi were nearly absent on the IUCN Red List. Recent efforts to identify fungal species under threat have significantly increased the number of published fungal assessments. The 597 species of fungi published in the 2022-1 IUCN Red List update (21 July 2022) are the basis for the first global review of the extinction risk of fungi and the threats they face. Nearly 50% of the assessed species are threatened, with 10% NT and 9% DD. For regions with a larger number of assessments (i.e., Europe, North America, and South America), subanalyses are provided. Data for lichenized and nonlichenized fungi are also summarized separately. Habitat loss/degradation followed by climate change, invasive species, and pollution are the primary identified threats. Bias in the data is discussed along with knowledge gaps. Suggested actions to address these gaps are provided along with a discussion of the use of assessments to facilitate on-the-ground conservation efforts. A research agenda for conservation mycology to assist in the assessment process and implementation of effective species/habitat management is presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessments, Planning and Action for Conservation of Species and Ecosystems at Multiple Spatial Scales)

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30 pages, 1870 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Photoautotrophic Euendoliths and Their Complex Ecological Effects in Marine Bioengineered Ecosystems

by Alexia M. Dievart, Christopher D. McQuaid, Gerardo I. Zardi, Katy R. Nicastro and Pierre W. Froneman

Diversity 2022, 14(9), 737; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14090737 - 7 Sep 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4036

Abstract

Photoautotrophic euendolithic microorganisms are ubiquitous where there are calcium carbonate substrates to bore into and sufficient light to sustain photosynthesis. The most diverse and abundant modern euendolithic communities can be found in the marine environment. Euendoliths, as microorganisms infesting inanimate substrates, were first [...] Read more.

Photoautotrophic euendolithic microorganisms are ubiquitous where there are calcium carbonate substrates to bore into and sufficient light to sustain photosynthesis. The most diverse and abundant modern euendolithic communities can be found in the marine environment. Euendoliths, as microorganisms infesting inanimate substrates, were first thought to be ecologically irrelevant. Over the past three decades, numerous studies have subsequently shown that euendoliths can colonize living marine calcifying organisms, such as coral skeletons and bivalve shells, causing both sub-lethal and lethal damage. Moreover, under suitable environmental conditions, their presence can have surprising benefits for the host. Thus, infestation by photoautotrophic euendoliths has significant consequences for calcifying organisms that are of particular importance in the case of ecosystems underpinned by calcifying ecosystem engineers. In this review, we address the nature and diversity of marine euendoliths, as revealed recently through genetic techniques, their bioerosive mechanisms, how environmental conditions influence their incidence in marine ecosystems and their potential as bioindicators, how they affect live calcifiers, and the potential future of euendolithic infestation in the context of global climate change and ocean acidification. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Marine Diversity)

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14 pages, 2953 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Genome Insight and Description of Previously Uncultured N₂-Fixing Bacterium Rhizobium terricola sp. nov., Isolated from Forest Rhizospheric Soil by Using Modified Culture Method

by Ram Hari Dahal, Dhiraj Kumar Chaudhary, Jungmin Kim, Dong-Uk Kim and Jaisoo Kim

Diversity 2022, 14(9), 733; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14090733 - 6 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2747

Abstract

A bacterial strain S-51^T was isolated from rhizospheric forest soil at Kyonggi University during the study of previously uncultured bacterium. The phylogenetic analysis was based on 16S rRNA gene sequences that indicated that strain S-51^T belonged to the genus Rhizobium within [...] Read more.

A bacterial strain S-51^T was isolated from rhizospheric forest soil at Kyonggi University during the study of previously uncultured bacterium. The phylogenetic analysis was based on 16S rRNA gene sequences that indicated that strain S-51^T belonged to the genus Rhizobium within the family Rhizobiaceae. The closest members of strain S-51^T were Rhizobium naphthalenivorans TSY03b^T (98.2% sequence similarity) and Rhizobium selenitireducens ATCC BAA-1503^T (98.1%). The sequence similarities of other members were <97.7%. The sole respiratory quinone was Q-10 and the major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, and unidentified glycolipid. The principal fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C_18:1ω7c and/or C_18:1ω6c), cyclo-C_19:0ω8c, and C_18:0. The DNA G+C content was 63.1 mol%. The genome was 4930044 bp long and contained N₂-fixing genes, such as fixF, ntrC, and ptsN, in addition to respiratory nitrate reductase genes, such as narC, narG, narH, narI, and narJ. The average nucleotide identity (ANIu), average amino acid identity (AAI), and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) relatedness between strain S-51^T and phylogenetically related species were ≤82.6, ≤83.6 and ≤25.3%, respectively, much lower than the species delineation thresholds. Based on the polyphasic taxonomic study, strain S-51^T represents a new species in the genus Rhizobium, for which the name Rhizobium terricola is proposed. The type strain is S-51^T (=KACC 19117^T = KEMB 9005-539^T = NBRC 112711^T). Full article

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17 pages, 1554 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Phylogenetic Reconstruction of the Rainforest Lineage Fontainea Heckel (Euphorbiaceae) Based on Chloroplast DNA Sequences and Reduced-Representation SNP Markers

by Aaron J. Brunton, Robert W. Lamont, Gabriel C. Conroy, Samantha Yap, Maurizio Rossetto, Alyce Taylor-Brown, Laurent Maggia, Paul W. Reddell and Steven M. Ogbourne

Diversity 2022, 14(9), 725; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14090725 - 1 Sep 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3818

Abstract

Fontainea is a plant genus with nine recognised species that occur across the tropical and subtropical rainforests of Australia, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, and Vanuatu. One of these species is cultivated commercially as the source of a cancer therapeutic, and several other [...] Read more.

Fontainea is a plant genus with nine recognised species that occur across the tropical and subtropical rainforests of Australia, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, and Vanuatu. One of these species is cultivated commercially as the source of a cancer therapeutic, and several other species are under threat of extinction. Despite this, the phylogenetic relationships of the genus have not been explored. Our study assessed the phylogeny of seven Fontainea taxa from the Australian and Pacific Island complex using chloroplast DNA sequence data and reduced-representation genome sequencing. Maximum-likelihood and consensus network trees were used to infer the topology of phylogenetic relationships between species, which highlighted three distinct lineages and a number of sister species. Our results indicated that the geographically disjunct species Fontainea venosa and F. pancheri formed a sister group at the earliest position of divergence for the genus. The data also revealed that the vulnerable Fontainea australis and the critically endangered F. oraria form a sister subclade with evidence of some shared plastid genotypes. Generally, our phylogenetic reconstruction supports the modern taxonomical nomenclature. However, we suggest further accessions across several species may support improved genetic distinctions between the sister groups of Fontainea within the genus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Phylogeny and Evolution)

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14 pages, 1245 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Niche Breadth Predicts Geographical Range Size and Northern Range Shift in European Dragonfly Species (Odonata)

by Kent Olsen, Jens-Christian Svenning and Henrik Balslev

Diversity 2022, 14(9), 719; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14090719 - 30 Aug 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3308

Abstract

We studied how range sizes and shifts in species ranges depend on niche breadth in European dragonflies. We measured range sizes and shifts over a 22-year period (1988–2010) and grouped species into those reproducing in permanent running (perennial lotic) water, permanent standing (perennial [...] Read more.

We studied how range sizes and shifts in species ranges depend on niche breadth in European dragonflies. We measured range sizes and shifts over a 22-year period (1988–2010) and grouped species into those reproducing in permanent running (perennial lotic) water, permanent standing (perennial lentic) water, and temporary (running or standing) water. Running water species are more specialized and have narrower niches with a more fixed niche position than standing water species. Temporary water species are more generalist and have broader niches without a fixed niche position as clear as permanent water species because they may utilize both temporary and permanent habitats. Running water species have smaller ranges, and some of them have contracted their ranges more than species reproducing in standing or temporary waters; that is, they are especially at risk of habitat loss and climate change because of the joint effects of their narrow niches and small range sizes. Temporary water species track climate changes better than permanent water species. This suggests that ecological specialization may cause contemporary range shifts to lag behind changes in climate and resources. Furthermore, it indicates that recent changes in climate and human land use cause biotic homogenization, where specialists are outperformed and replaced by generalists. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity, Ecology and Evolution of Odonata)

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16 pages, 2026 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Host Species and Captivity Distinguish the Microbiome Compositions of a Diverse Zoo-Resident Non-Human Primate Population

by Maya O. Wills, Robin R. Shields-Cutler, Emily Brunmeier, Madison Weissenborn, Tami Murphy, Dan Knights, Timothy J. Johnson and Jonathan B. Clayton

Diversity 2022, 14(9), 715; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14090715 - 29 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3226

Abstract

Vast numbers of microorganisms inhabit the mammalian gastrointestinal tract in a complex community referred to as the gut microbiome. An individual’s microbiome may be impacted by genetics, diet, and various environmental factors, and has been associated with many health states and diseases, though [...] Read more.

Vast numbers of microorganisms inhabit the mammalian gastrointestinal tract in a complex community referred to as the gut microbiome. An individual’s microbiome may be impacted by genetics, diet, and various environmental factors, and has been associated with many health states and diseases, though specific explanations are lacking. While these communities are well-studied in human populations, non-human primates (NHPs), in particular zoo-resident or captive NHPs, offer distinct advantages to increasing our understanding of factors that influence gut microbiome composition. Here, we characterize the gut microbiome composition of a phylogenetically diverse cohort of NHPs residing in the same urban zoo. We show that despite overlapping and controlled environmental contexts, gut microbiomes are still distinguished between NHP host species. However, when comparing the zoo cohort to wild NHPs, we show that captivity status strongly distinguishes zoo-resident NHPs from their wild counterparts, regardless of host phylogeny. Microbial orders unique to captive NHPs include taxa commonly present in human gut microbiomes. Together, these results demonstrate that differences between NHP species are strongly associated with gut microbiome composition and diversity, suggesting that species-specific approaches should be considered when investigating environmental factors’ influence on gut microbiome composition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Primate Microbiome Diversity and Its Impacts on Host Health, Ecology, and Evolution)

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12 pages, 1831 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Species Distribution Modeling Reveals Recent Shifts in Suitable Habitat for Six North American Cypripedium spp. (Orchidaceae)

by Patrick A. Smallwood and Dorset W. Trapnell

Diversity 2022, 14(9), 694; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14090694 - 23 Aug 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2850

Abstract

Accelerating climate change is expected to cause range shifts of numerous taxa worldwide. While climatic projections and predicted consequences typically focus on the future (2050 or later), a measurable change in climatic conditions has occurred over recent decades. We investigate whether recent climate [...] Read more.

Accelerating climate change is expected to cause range shifts of numerous taxa worldwide. While climatic projections and predicted consequences typically focus on the future (2050 or later), a measurable change in climatic conditions has occurred over recent decades. We investigate whether recent climate change has caused measurable shifts in suitable habitat for six North American species in the highly threatened genus Cypripedium (Orchidaceae). We constructed species distribution models using a maximum entropy approach from species occurrence records, 19 bioclimatic variables, land cover data, and soil data for two decadal time intervals (1980–1989 and 2010–2019). Models were compared between time intervals to assess shifts in locality, size, fragmentation, and mean elevation of suitable habitat. For all six congeners, the centroids of suitable habitat shifted between time intervals, although the directionality varied. There was, however, consistency among species within geographic regions. Consistent with our expectations, the optimal habitat for most species shifted to a higher elevation and for western species it shifted northwards. However, the habitat for one northwestern species shifted southwards and the habitat for eastern species converged on the Great Lakes region from different directions. This work illustrates the somewhat idiosyncratic responses of congeneric species to changing climatic conditions and how the geographic region occupied by a species may be more important for predicting shifts in habitat than is the response of a closely related taxon. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Distribution and Diversity of Orchids)

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11 pages, 2038 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Spread of the Japanese Beetle in a European Human-Dominated Landscape: High Anthropization Favors Colonization of Popillia japonica

by Francesca Della Rocca and Pietro Milanesi

Diversity 2022, 14(8), 658; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14080658 - 15 Aug 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3596

Abstract

The impact of invasive species is not limited to the loss of biodiversity; it also represents significant threats to agriculture on a global scale. The Japanese beetle Popillia japonica (native to Japan but an invasive agricultural pest in North America) recently occurred in [...] Read more.

The impact of invasive species is not limited to the loss of biodiversity; it also represents significant threats to agriculture on a global scale. The Japanese beetle Popillia japonica (native to Japan but an invasive agricultural pest in North America) recently occurred in the Po plain (Italy), one of the most cultivated areas in southern Europe. Thus, our aims were to identify (i) the main landscape predictors related to the occurrence of the Japanese beetle and (ii) the areas of potential invasion of the Japanese beetle in the two Northern Italian regions in which this invasive species currently occurs, Piedmont and Lombardy. Specifically, we combined Japanese beetle occurrences available in the citizen science online platform iNaturalist with high-resolution landscape predictors in an ensemble approach and averaged the results of Bayesian generalized linear and additive models developed with the integrated nested Laplace approximation (with stochastic partial differential equation). We found that the occurrence of the Japanese beetle was negatively related to the percentage of broadleaf forests and pastures, while it was positively related to sparse and dense human settlements as well as intensive crops. Moreover, the occurrence of the Japanese beetle increased in relation to the percentage of rice fields until a peak at around 50%. The Japanese beetle was likely to occur in 32.49% of our study area, corresponding to 16,000.02 km², mainly located in the Po plain, low hills, and mountain valleys. We stress that the Japanese beetle is a high-risk invasive species in human-dominated landscapes. Thus, we strongly recommend that local administrations quickly enact pest management in order to reduce further spread. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in the Impacts of Biological Invasions on European Biodiversity)

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9 pages, 1694 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Anopheles maculipennis Complex in The Netherlands: First Record of Anopheles daciae (Diptera: Culicidae)

by A. Ibáñez-Justicia, Nathalie Smitz, Rody Blom, Ann Vanderheyden, Frans Jacobs, Kenny Meganck, Sophie Gombeer, Thierry Backeljau, Constantianus J. M. Koenraadt, J. S. Griep, Marc De Meyer and Arjan Stroo

Diversity 2022, 14(8), 636; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14080636 - 10 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3383

Abstract

Despite their past importance as vectors of indigenous malaria, the species composition and spatial distribution of the members of the Anopheles maculipennis complex have been studied to a limited extent in the Netherlands. Therefore, this investigation focuses on the distribution of the members [...] Read more.

Despite their past importance as vectors of indigenous malaria, the species composition and spatial distribution of the members of the Anopheles maculipennis complex have been studied to a limited extent in the Netherlands. Therefore, this investigation focuses on the distribution of the members of this complex in the Netherlands, including Anopheles daciae, which has recently been found in countries bordering the Netherlands. In the framework of a national mosquito surveillance between 2010 and 2021, a total of 541 specimens of An. maculipennis s.l. were analyzed from 161 locations covering the entire territory. In addition, 89 specimens were analyzed from overwintering sites during the winter of 2020/2021. All individual mosquitoes were identified to species-level using Sanger sequencing of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2. To characterize the habitat of An. maculipennis s.l. in the Netherlands, land cover use data was extracted in a 1 km buffer area around each finding location. For populations collected in summers between 2010 and 2021, the most frequent species was An. messeae, present in 88.19% of the locations, followed by An. maculipennis s.s. (11.80%), An. atroparvus (3.72%) and An. daciae (3.72%). Anopheles daciae was found in the southern inland areas of the country. Furthermore, An. messeae and An. daciae occurred in sympatry at overwintering sites. This study provides relevant information on the occurrence of species of the Anopheles maculipennis complex in the Netherlands, contributing to a better estimation of the risk of mosquito-borne disease in the country. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity, Distribution and Phylogeny of Vector Insects)

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30 pages, 13101 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Molecular and Morphological Analyses Support Different Taxonomic Units for Asian and Australo-Pacific Forms of Ischnura aurora (Odonata, Coenagrionidae)

by M. Olalla Lorenzo-Carballa, Iago Sanmartín-Villar and Adolfo Cordero-Rivera

Diversity 2022, 14(8), 606; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14080606 - 28 Jul 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3687

Abstract

Despite the great technological progress that has aided taxonomical identification, taxonomical issues remain for certain species found in remote and/or understudied geographical areas. The damselfly species Ischnura aurora has been the subject of a long-standing taxonomical debate, focused mainly on the existence of [...] Read more.

Despite the great technological progress that has aided taxonomical identification, taxonomical issues remain for certain species found in remote and/or understudied geographical areas. The damselfly species Ischnura aurora has been the subject of a long-standing taxonomical debate, focused mainly on the existence of morphological and behavioural differences between Asian and Australo-Pacific forms of this species that could justify their placement into two different species. Here, we carried out a comparative morphological analysis of specimens currently identified as I. rubilio from India and I. aurora from Asia and Oceania, combined with the analysis of mitochondrial and nuclear sequence data, both developed by us and available in public repositories. Our results split the Asian and Australo-Pacific forms of I. aurora into two well-differentiated taxonomic units and, hence, different (albeit closely related) species, and support the specific status of I. rubilio. The results of our genetic analyses suggest the existence of a third (and even fourth) taxonomic unit, stressing the need to revise all available material belonging to the different I. aurora subspecies that have been described. Finally, we have identified several questionable DNA sequences currently available in public repositories, upon which previous conclusions about the phylogenetic position of I. rubilio are based. Our study stresses the importance of being able to link available DNA sequence data with voucher specimens as well as to carry out a careful examination of DNA sequence data prior to their inclusion in taxonomical studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity, Ecology and Evolution of Odonata)

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14 pages, 3072 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Diversity in Morphometric, Pomological, and Fruit-Quality Traits of Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) Traditional Varieties: Implications for Landrace Differentiation at Regional Scale

by Boris Basile, Alessandro Mataffo, Marcello Forlani and Giandomenico Corrado

Diversity 2022, 14(8), 608; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14080608 - 28 Jul 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2442

Abstract

Traditional crop varieties are receiving increasing attention in sustainable agriculture, conservation genetics, and plant science because they offer significant and largely unexplored diversity. The DNA profiling of landraces is being applied to numerous crops, yet a detailed knowledge of morphological diversity is often [...] Read more.

Traditional crop varieties are receiving increasing attention in sustainable agriculture, conservation genetics, and plant science because they offer significant and largely unexplored diversity. The DNA profiling of landraces is being applied to numerous crops, yet a detailed knowledge of morphological diversity is often needed to increase the efficiency of both the conservation and exploitation of local germplasm. In this work, morphological, pomological, and fruit-quality traits (16 qualitative and 16 quantitative) were collected from 44 traditional apricot landraces cultivated in Campania, the Italian region with the highest number of traditional varieties. The aim was to assess varietal diversity and to highlight possible trends and phenotypes that may have driven the morphological differentiation. All traits were polymorphic, and each variety had a distinctive phenotype. The qualitative and quantitative traits provided different classifications of the varieties. Nonetheless, the Factorial Analysis of Mixed data indicated that, for both categories of variables, the fruit traits were the most influential for landrace classification. Interestingly, some easily discernible color phenotypes of the fruits mostly contributed to the discrimination of the analyzed apricot germplasm. We conclude that these specific, commercially relevant features of the fruit were important drivers of the differentiation of the cultivated apricot material at regional scale. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Germplasm Genetic Integrity)

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9 pages, 1788 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Islands as Time Capsules for Genetic Diversity Conservation: The Case of the Giglio Island Mouflon

by Mario Barbato, Marco Masseti, Monica Pirastru, Nicolò Columbano, Monica Scali, Rita Vignani and Paolo Mereu

Diversity 2022, 14(8), 609; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14080609 - 28 Jul 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 6955

Abstract

The use of multidisciplinary approaches of investigation including biological, biogeographical, historical, morphological, and genetic analysis, can be useful in identifying and preserving biodiversity. The present study focuses on the characterisation and conservation of a mouflon population (Ovis gmelini musimon) from the [...] Read more.

The use of multidisciplinary approaches of investigation including biological, biogeographical, historical, morphological, and genetic analysis, can be useful in identifying and preserving biodiversity. The present study focuses on the characterisation and conservation of a mouflon population (Ovis gmelini musimon) from the Mediterranean island of Giglio. Here we provide the first molecular data on the Giglio population and compare it with mouflons from Sardinia, Elba, and Corsica using both nuclear and mitochondrial markers. Our results suggest that the Giglio mouflon harbours genetic variability likely of Sardinian origin but not represented in the current Sardinian mouflon diversity. Although not presenting the typical characteristics of an invasive alien species, the Giglio mouflon is being subjected to eradication through culling or trapping and surgical sterilization. The molecular evidence we report highlights that such actions are causing the irremediable loss of ancestral genetic variants of the genus Ovis. Finally, we highlight how a multidisciplinary approach is necessary to aid the conservation and management of the anthropochorous populations of Mediterranean mammals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Diversity in Ungulate Populations)

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17 pages, 2513 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceConcept Paper

Open Access to the Digital Biodiversity Database: A Comprehensive Functional Model of the Natural History Collections

by Bogdan Jackowiak, Marcin Lawenda, Maciej M. Nowak, Paweł Wolniewicz, Jerzy Błoszyk, Michał Urbaniak, Piotr Szkudlarz, Damian Jędrasiak, Justyna Wiland-Szymańska, Rafał Bajaczyk and Norbert Meyer

Diversity 2022, 14(8), 596; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14080596 - 27 Jul 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4237

Abstract

The Natural History Collections of Adam Mickiewicz University (AMUNATCOLL) in Poznań contain over 2.2 million specimens. Until recently, access to the collections was limited to specialists and was challenging because of the analogue data files. Therefore, this paper presents a new approach to [...] Read more.

The Natural History Collections of Adam Mickiewicz University (AMUNATCOLL) in Poznań contain over 2.2 million specimens. Until recently, access to the collections was limited to specialists and was challenging because of the analogue data files. Therefore, this paper presents a new approach to data sharing called the Scientific, Educational, Public, and Practical Use (SEPP) Model. Since the stakeholder group is broad, the SEPP Model assumes the following key points: full open access to the digitized collections, the structure of metadata in accordance with certain standards, and a versatile tool set for data mining or statistical and spatial analysis. The SEPP Model was implemented in the AMUNATCOLL IT system, which consists of a web portal equipped with a wide set of explorative functionalities tailored to different user groups: scientists, students, officials, and nature enthusiasts. An integral part of the system is a mobile application designed for field surveys, enabling users to conduct studies comparing their own field data and AMUNATCOLL data. The AMUNATCOLL IT database contains digital data on specimens, biological samples, bibliographic sources, and multimedia nature documents. The metadata structure was developed in accordance with ABCD 2.06 and Darwin Core standards. Full article

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10 pages, 960 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Predator Diversity Does Not Contribute to Increased Prey Risk: Evidence from a Mesocosm Study

by Pierre William Froneman

Diversity 2022, 14(8), 584; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14080584 - 22 Jul 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2060

Abstract

Predation plays an important organisational role in structuring aquatic communities. Predator diversity can, however, lead to emergent effects in which the outcomes of predator–prey interactions are modified. The importance of predator diversity in regulating predator–prey interactions was investigated during a 9-day mesocosm study [...] Read more.

Predation plays an important organisational role in structuring aquatic communities. Predator diversity can, however, lead to emergent effects in which the outcomes of predator–prey interactions are modified. The importance of predator diversity in regulating predator–prey interactions was investigated during a 9-day mesocosm study conducted in the middle reach of a temporarily open/closed, temperate, southern African estuary. The zooplankton community, comprising almost exclusively (>95% of total counts) calanoid and cyclopoid copepods of the genera Pseudodiaptomus, Paracartia and Oithona, was subject to three different juvenile fish predator treatments at natural densities: 1. predation by Gilchristella aestuaria, (Gilchrist, 1913; SL 15.3 ± 2.4 mm); 2. predation by Myxus capensis (Valenciennes, 1836; SL 12.8 ± 3.7 mm); and 3. a combination of the two predators. The presence of the predators contributed to a significant decline in the total zooplankton abundances, with a concurrent increase in total chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentrations, consistent with the expectations of a trophic cascade (ANCOVA; p < 0.05 in all cases). There were no significant differences in the total Chl-a concentration or total zooplankton abundances between the different predator treatments, suggesting that the increase in predator diversity did not contribute to increased prey risk or to the strength of the trophic cascade. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Marine Diversity)

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14 pages, 3397 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Habitat Suitability Assessment of Black-Necked Crane (Grus nigricollis) in the Zoige Grassland Wetland Ecological Function Zone on the Eastern Tibetan Plateau

by Junjun Bai, Peng Hou, Diandian Jin, Jun Zhai, Yutiao Ma and Jiajun Zhao

Diversity 2022, 14(7), 579; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14070579 - 20 Jul 2022

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 3723

Abstract

Habitat suitability assessment is critical for wildlife population conservation and management planning. The MaxEnt model is widely used in species habitat suitability modeling. In order to investigate the habitat status of the black-necked crane in the Zoige grassland wetland ecological function area, this [...] Read more.

Habitat suitability assessment is critical for wildlife population conservation and management planning. The MaxEnt model is widely used in species habitat suitability modeling. In order to investigate the habitat status of the black-necked crane in the Zoige grassland wetland ecological function area, this study evaluated the habitat suitability of the black-necked crane using the MaxEnt model with 152 occurrence records and 13 environmental variables. Based on the Akaike information criterion corrected for the small sample size, the best optimal parameter combination (feature class LQPHT, regularization multiplier 3.0) was selected. The results show that the Maxent model had good accuracy with an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.895. Distance to roads, average summer precipitation, distance to lakes, and altitude are the dominant environmental variables affecting the potential distribution of black-necked cranes, with the contribution rates of 31.6%, 29.8%, 14.3%, and 8.2%, respectively. The suitable habitat area of black-necked cranes is mainly distributed in and around the Zoige Wetland National Nature Reserve, accounting for 46.49% of the Zoige Grassland Wetland National Key Ecological Function Zone. The potential distribution area has a tendency to spread to Hongyuan County in the south of the functional zone, and the unsuitable habitat is mainly distributed in the high-altitude area in the southwest of the functional zone. This study recommends focusing on the distribution area of black-necked cranes around Zoige Wetland National Nature Reserve and Hongyuan County to improve conservation strategies and strengthen protection efforts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecosystem Observation, Simulation and Assessment)

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34 pages, 14698 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Prioritizing Plants around the Cross-Border Area of Greece and the Republic of North Macedonia: Integrated Conservation Actions and Sustainable Exploitation Potential

by Nikos Krigas, Eleftherios Karapatzak, Marina Panagiotidou, Virginia Sarropoulou, Ioulietta Samartza, Antonis Karydas, Christos K. Damianidis, Boris Najdovski, Aco Teofilovski, Dejan Mandzukovski, Viktorija Brndevska Stipanović, Katerina Papanastasi, Pantelitsa D. Kapagianni, Dimitrios Fotakis, Katerina Grigoriadou, Georgios Tsoktouridis, Vlatko Andonovski and Eleni Maloupa

Diversity 2022, 14(7), 570; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14070570 - 16 Jul 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4143

Abstract

Plants know no political borders and some of them are restricted to small geographical territories of different countries in which they are endemic. In this study, we prioritized plants (PPs) of the cross-border area of Greece and the Republic of North Macedonia that [...] Read more.

Plants know no political borders and some of them are restricted to small geographical territories of different countries in which they are endemic. In this study, we prioritized plants (PPs) of the cross-border area of Greece and the Republic of North Macedonia that are already threatened or nearly so (PPA), those which occur exclusively on either side of borderline and/or nearby countries (PPB), or those which are uncommon and rare in this region (PPC) with the aim to document in-situ the species-specific risks-threats; offer ex-situ conservation for them as a back-up solution for future re-introductions and sustainable exploitation; and raise public awareness and alertness about the importance of local biodiversity. In the framework of the project Conse-pp, 20 botanical expeditions were performed in 75 selected areas to collect samples and suitable propagation material from 130 PPs (147 accession numbers), also recording all types of threats-identified in-situ for each of them. No ex-situ conservation was detected for 40 PPs worldwide while for another 12 PPs only limited attempts have been made to date. The fully documented PPs are currently maintained under ex- situ conservation and acclimatization in the Balkan Botanic Garden of Kroussia (BBGK). In total, 156 propagation trials (sexual or asexual) have been made for these PPs to develop species-specific propagation protocols. Consequently, the production of new plant stocks raised ex-situ was achieved (n = 3254 individuals; first-time ex-situ conservation for 40 taxa), and this has enabled the establishment of three awareness-raising sites with PPs: (i) 1000 plants of 70 PPs in the newly designed Kardia Botanical Park in Thermi (Greece); (ii) 850 plants of 104 PPs in the phytodiversity awareness spot in BBGK and 130 individual PPs in the Garden of Environmental Awareness; and (iii) 42 plants of 14 PP taxa delivered to the botanic garden of Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje. This project outlines the necessity of the development of common plant conservation strategies for threatened plants in cross-border areas of neighboring countries and presents an integrated approach allowing for sustainable development and future in-situ protection measures and actions in the studied cross-border area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Germplasm Genetic Integrity)

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8 pages, 761 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Nematode Assemblages Development Twenty-One Years after the Introduction of Meadow Soil into Bare Post Mining Spoil Heap

by Petra Benetková, Ladislav Háněl and Jan Frouz

Diversity 2022, 14(7), 567; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14070567 - 14 Jul 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2041

Abstract

The revitalisation of soil fauna in post-mining soils is one of the ways in which we can slow down biodiversity loss. To investigate the effect of a meadow soil transplanted directly into the spoil substrate on the colonisation of a spoil heap, we [...] Read more.

The revitalisation of soil fauna in post-mining soils is one of the ways in which we can slow down biodiversity loss. To investigate the effect of a meadow soil transplanted directly into the spoil substrate on the colonisation of a spoil heap, we used nematodes as a tool for an assessment of success in soil fauna recolonisation. Three blocks of meadow topsoil (10 × 3 × 0.4 m) were dug out and transported as intact as possible into a bare substrate of spoil heaps near Sokolov (Czech Republic). The soil samples were taken at the beginning of the experiment (1997) and then, after 19 years (2016), were transported into blocks (B) in their surroundings in a 2 m distance (I) and, finally, 30 m from the transported blocks as a control (C), to compare and assess the complexity of soil food web. Nematode total abundances were highest in B plots and lowest in the nearby I plots at the beginning, whereas later, their abundances were highest in I plots and lowest in the control (C) plots. However, due to the high variability, abundances were statistically insignificant. The trophic composition of I plots became similar to the composition in B plots in the late phase; however, the high occurrence of predators in C plots showed a running succession even after 19 years. Our results together with previous works from the same experiment support the findings that the level of soil development has a larger impact on recolonisation by soil fauna than the migration barrier itself. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Ecosystem Restoration after Disturbances)

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23 pages, 3694 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Which Are the Best Site and Stand Conditions for Silver Fir (Abies alba Mill.) Located in the Carpathian Mountains?

by Lucian Dinca, Mirabela Marin, Vlad Radu, Gabriel Murariu, Romana Drasovean, Romica Cretu, Lucian Georgescu and Voichița Timiș-Gânsac

Diversity 2022, 14(7), 547; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14070547 - 7 Jul 2022

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 3891

Abstract

Silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) is one of the most valuable and productive tree species across European mountains, that accomplish multiple economic, protective and ecologic functions. Alongside spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst) and beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), silver fir is [...] Read more.

Silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) is one of the most valuable and productive tree species across European mountains, that accomplish multiple economic, protective and ecologic functions. Alongside spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst) and beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), silver fir is a characteristic species for the Romanian Carpathians. Although silver fir tree is recommended for the diversification of forests in order to increase the resistance to climate change, it is very sensitive to climatic excesses, especially those that proceed rapidly. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate both the environmental conditions and stand characteristics of fir from five mountain ranges of the Romanian Carpathians. The study is based on data recorded over a period of 10 years (1990–2000). As such, a total of 77,251 stands that occupy 211,954 hectares have been investigated in regard to silver fir behaviour. MATLAB scripts were used for analysing consistent data volumes as well as the impact of eight factors on the silver fir productivity (altitude, field aspect, field slope, soil type, participation percentage, road distance, structure and consistency). Our analysis has revealed that higher silver fir productivity is found at altitudes of up to 1200 m, on mid and upper slopes, on NW field aspects, on eutric cambisols and dystric cambisols, with a 10–20% participation in stand composition and in relatively-even aged stands with a full consistency. This study offers valuable insights for forest managers that require comprehensive information in adopting effective strategies to enhance forest resilience under climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Management and Biodiversity Conservation)

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20 pages, 824 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

It Is a Wild World in the City: Urban Wildlife Conservation and Communication in the Age of COVID-19

by Ioana A. Coman, Caitlyn E. Cooper-Norris, Scott Longing and Gad Perry

Diversity 2022, 14(7), 539; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14070539 - 4 Jul 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 10918

Abstract

Most ecosystems are increasingly being degraded and reduced by human activities at the local and global scales. In contrast, urban environments are expanding as increasing portions of humanity move into cities. Despite the common perception among biologists that urban areas are biological deserts, [...] Read more.

Most ecosystems are increasingly being degraded and reduced by human activities at the local and global scales. In contrast, urban environments are expanding as increasing portions of humanity move into cities. Despite the common perception among biologists that urban areas are biological deserts, cities offer habitat for many non-human species, but their ecology and conservation remain poorly studied. In this review, we first provide an update on the current state of knowledge on urban wildlife, then briefly examine the indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on urban wildlife and add four components not previously included in comprehensive reviews. (1) We show that by reducing human activity, COVID-19 has temporarily enhanced urban habitat quality for some species and diminished it for others. (2) Thoughtful horticulture can contribute to urban wildlife by providing complex habitat structures that benefit biodiversity while enhancing human wellbeing. (3) Recent literature on urban invertebrate biodiversity has grown, though is still focused on pollinators. (4) Finally, employing insights from the discipline of communication can enhance the success of urban biodiversity conservation among both biologists and the public. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Wildlife Conflict across Landscapes)

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9 pages, 3899 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

MolMarker: A Simple Tool for DNA Fingerprinting Studies and Polymorphic Information Content Calculation

by Gizella Jahnke, József Smidla and Peter Poczai

Diversity 2022, 14(6), 497; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14060497 - 19 Jun 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4368

Abstract

Molecular markers and mapping are used to analyze an organism’s genes. They allow the selection of target genetic areas based on marker genotype (and not trait phenotype), facilitate the study of genetic variability and diversity, create linkage maps, and follow individuals or lines [...] Read more.

Molecular markers and mapping are used to analyze an organism’s genes. They allow the selection of target genetic areas based on marker genotype (and not trait phenotype), facilitate the study of genetic variability and diversity, create linkage maps, and follow individuals or lines carrying certain genes. They may be used to select parental genotypes, remove linkage drag in back-crossing, and choose difficult-to-measure characteristics. Due to a lack of genetic variety in crops, the gene pools of wild crop relatives for future agricultural production have been examined. The invention of RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) for linkage mapping allowed for the creation of other traditional approaches such as RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) and AFLP (Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism). Accordingly, the need to describe the polymorphic information content (PIC) of the ideal marker has been raised. Marker selection reliability depends on the marker’s relationship to the genomic area of interest. Although informativeness must be estimated for genetic study design, there are no readily available tools. Earlier, PICcalc was developed to calculate heterozygosity (H) and PIC to simplify molecular investigations. These two values were corrected for dominant and co-dominant markers (binary and allelic data) to determine polymorphism quality. Due to the popularity of PICcalc web, we developed a downloadable version called MolMarker with extra functionality to reduce server maintenance. Full article

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6 pages, 972 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceCommunication

Distribution and Molecular Diversity of Paranoplocephala kalelai (Tenora, Haukisalmi & Henttonen, 1985) Tenora, Murai & Vaucher, 1986 in Voles (Rodentia: Myodes) in Eurasia

by Anton Krivopalov, Pavel Vlasenko, Sergey Abramov, Lyudmila Akimova, Alina Barkhatova, Nikolai Dokuchaev, Anton Gromov, Sergey Konyaev, Natalia Lopatina, Egor Vlasov and Eugeny Zakharov

Diversity 2022, 14(6), 472; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14060472 - 12 Jun 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2466

Abstract

Cestodes Paranoplocephala kalelai, which parasitizes in the small intestine of Myodes voles and is distributed in northern Fennoscandia, was found in six habitats in the Asian part of Russia and eastern Kazakhstan, which indicates a wider distribution of P. kalelai on the [...] Read more.

Cestodes Paranoplocephala kalelai, which parasitizes in the small intestine of Myodes voles and is distributed in northern Fennoscandia, was found in six habitats in the Asian part of Russia and eastern Kazakhstan, which indicates a wider distribution of P. kalelai on the continent. Analysis of mtDNA showed that P. kalelai is characterized by significant molecular variability in Eurasia. This study complements the data on the distribution of P. kalelai and provides the first molecular data from the territory of Russia and Kazakhstan. The sequence variability of two mitochondrial genes cox1 and nad1 of P. kalelai was studied in two species of voles: gray red-backed Myodes rufocanus and northern red-backed vole Myodes rutilus. Five haplotype groups in the cox1 and nad1 gene networks were identified, and the existence of two mtDNA lines in P. kalelai outside northern Fennoscandia was confirmed. The geographical distribution of the identified haplotypes suggests that the foothills of the Altai-Sayan mountains and southern West Siberia may serve as a refugium for P. kalelai during repeated glaciations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phylogeny and Phylogeography of the Holarctic)

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18 pages, 4888 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Human–Wildlife Conflicts across Landscapes—General Applicability vs. Case Specificity

by Thomas Göttert and Nicole Starik

Diversity 2022, 14(5), 380; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14050380 - 11 May 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 8119

Abstract

Here, we address the question of if/to what extent human–wildlife conflict (HWC) can be reduced or mitigated by supra-regional or even global approaches, or whether case- and region-specific strategies are necessary. First, we try to shift the perspective from humans towards wildlife and [...] Read more.

Here, we address the question of if/to what extent human–wildlife conflict (HWC) can be reduced or mitigated by supra-regional or even global approaches, or whether case- and region-specific strategies are necessary. First, we try to shift the perspective from humans towards wildlife and regard modern era (near) extinctions of selected wildlife species as an ultimate expression of HWC. We then reflect on the legitimacy of ecosystem comparisons beyond the borders of biogeographical regions—an important prerequisite for global approaches. In the following, we present two case scenarios that exemplarily illustrate the topic from different perspectives: carnivore–livestock conflicts (classical view, human perspective) and wind turbine-induced mortality of bats (wildlife perspective, rarely regarded as a form of HWC). On this basis, we try to develop a framework that enables a global approach, while adequately considering case- and region-specificity. We think that a globally valid and generally approachable dimension can be defined, as long as there is a natural link: in the present case the established monophyly of the orders Carnivora and Chiroptera, i.e., representatives descending from common ancestors, thus sharing common ecological features. This natural relationship among all representatives of a systematic group (specification of the “wildlife” concept) is key for the development of an overarching strategy that can be adjusted to a specific case. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Wildlife Conflict across Landscapes)

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28 pages, 688 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Fundamental Concepts, Knowledge Gaps and Key Concerns Relating to Welfare and Survival of Stranded Cetaceans

by Rebecca M. Boys, Ngaio J. Beausoleil, Matthew D. M. Pawley, Katherine E. Littlewood, Emma L. Betty and Karen A. Stockin

Diversity 2022, 14(5), 338; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14050338 - 26 Apr 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5974

Abstract

Wildlife management can influence animal welfare and survival, although both are often not explicitly integrated into decision making. This study explores fundamental concepts and key concerns relating to the welfare and survival of stranded cetaceans. Using the Delphi method, the opinions of an [...] Read more.

Wildlife management can influence animal welfare and survival, although both are often not explicitly integrated into decision making. This study explores fundamental concepts and key concerns relating to the welfare and survival of stranded cetaceans. Using the Delphi method, the opinions of an international, interdisciplinary expert panel were gathered, regarding the characterisation of stranded cetacean welfare and survival likelihood, knowledge gaps and key concerns. Experts suggest that stranded cetacean welfare should be characterised based on interrelated aspects of animals’ biological function, behaviour, and mental state and the impacts of human interventions. The characterisation of survival likelihood should reflect aspects of stranded animals’ biological functioning and behaviour as well as a 6-month post-re-floating survival marker. Post-release monitoring was the major knowledge gap for survival. Welfare knowledge gaps related to diagnosing internal injuries, interpreting behavioural and physiological parameters, and euthanasia decision making. Twelve concerns were highlighted for both welfare and survival likelihood, including difficulty breathing and organ compression, skin damage and physical traumas, separation from conspecifics, and suffering and stress due to stranding and human intervention. These findings indicate inextricable links between perceptions of welfare state and the likely survival of stranded cetaceans and demonstrate a need to integrate welfare science alongside conservation biology to achieve effective, ethical management at strandings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wildlife Welfare)

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27 pages, 7511 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Salamander Demography at Isolated Wetlands within Mature and Regenerating Forests

by Don R. Church, Larissa L. Bailey, Henry M. Wilbur, James H. Green and Lex Hiby

Diversity 2022, 14(5), 309; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14050309 - 19 Apr 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4242

Abstract

Geographically isolated wetland and surrounding landscape features affect the ecology and life history of amphibian species. We used multistate mark recapture methods and data from over 30,000 captures of adult Ambystoma opacum to explore how survival, breeding, and movement probabilities differed among wetlands [...] Read more.

Geographically isolated wetland and surrounding landscape features affect the ecology and life history of amphibian species. We used multistate mark recapture methods and data from over 30,000 captures of adult Ambystoma opacum to explore how survival, breeding, and movement probabilities differed among wetlands surrounded by regenerating 20-year-old clearcuts and mature 100-year-old forest stands. Survival varied among ponds and years but did not differ between regenerating and mature forest habitats. Both sexes at all ponds incurred dramatic mortality during the non-breeding season of a drought year (2001–2002). Females that skipped one or more breeding opportunities had higher breeding probabilities the following year than did successive breeders. Females exiting into regenerating forests had lower breeding probabilities at two of the three ponds. Breeding salamanders tended to make local movements from regenerating to mature forests, particularly when exiting the pond basin. Landscape movements between ponds were generally low, with few individuals moving from mature to regenerating forest habitats. We conclude that clearcuts continue to negatively impact some demographic parameters of salamanders 20 years post-cutting, but other environmental factors may mitigate these effects, and that populations are probably capable of complete recovery, particularly if some mature forest is retained. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Amphibian Ecology in Geographically Isolated Wetlands)

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33 pages, 7269 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

DNA Barcoding of Fresh and Historical Collections of Lichen-Forming Basidiomycetes in the Genera Cora and Corella (Agaricales: Hygrophoraceae): A Success Story?

by Manuela Dal Forno, James D. Lawrey, Bibiana Moncada, Frank Bungartz, Martin Grube, Eric Schuettpelz and Robert Lücking

Diversity 2022, 14(4), 284; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14040284 - 10 Apr 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 6977

Abstract

Lichens collected worldwide for centuries have resulted in millions of specimens deposited in herbaria that offer the potential to assess species boundaries, phenotypic diversification, ecology, and distribution. The application of molecular approaches to historical collections has been limited due to DNA fragmentation, but [...] Read more.

Lichens collected worldwide for centuries have resulted in millions of specimens deposited in herbaria that offer the potential to assess species boundaries, phenotypic diversification, ecology, and distribution. The application of molecular approaches to historical collections has been limited due to DNA fragmentation, but high-throughput sequencing offers an opportunity to overcome this barrier. Here, we combined a large dataset of ITS sequences from recently collected material and historical collections, obtained through Sanger, 454, or Illumina Sequencing, to test the performance of ITS barcoding in two genera of lichenized Basidiomycota: Cora and Corella. We attempted to generate new sequence data for 62 fresh specimens (from 2016) and 274 historical collections (collected between 1888 and 1998), for a final dataset of 1325 sequences. We compared various quantitative approaches to delimit species (GMYC, bPTP, ASAP, ABGD) and tested the resolution and accuracy of the ITS fungal barcoding marker by comparison with a six-marker dataset. Finally, we quantitatively compared phylogenetic and phenotypic species delimitation for 87 selected Cora species that have been formally described. Our HTS approach successfully generated ITS sequences for 76% of the historical collections, and our results show that an integrative approach is the gold-standard for understanding diversity in this group. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant DNA Barcodes, Community Ecology, and Species Interactions)

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15 pages, 2809 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Diversity of Periphytic Chironomidae on Different Substrate Types in a Floodplain Aquatic Ecosystem

by Dubravka Čerba, Miran Koh, Barbara Vlaičević, Ivana Turković Čakalić, Djuradj Milošević and Milica Stojković Piperac

Diversity 2022, 14(4), 264; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14040264 - 31 Mar 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3324

Abstract

Different types of water bodies in lowland river floodplains represent vital biodiversity havens and encompass diverse microhabitats, which are essential for structuring different macroinvertebrate communities. Chironomidae larvae (Diptera) are an inseparable part of these communities, with their high richness and abundance. In three [...] Read more.

Different types of water bodies in lowland river floodplains represent vital biodiversity havens and encompass diverse microhabitats, which are essential for structuring different macroinvertebrate communities. Chironomidae larvae (Diptera) are an inseparable part of these communities, with their high richness and abundance. In three water body types within the Danube floodplain Kopački Rit in Croatia, over the course of four sampling campaigns, we recorded 51 chironomid taxa in periphyton on macrophytes, twigs, and glass slides. The most diverse were chironomid communities on macrophytes, whilst month-old periphyton on twigs supported the least taxa. Cricotopus gr. sylvestris, Dicrotendipes lobiger, Dicrotendipes spp., Endochironomus albipennis, Glyptotendipes pallens agg., Polypedilum sordens and Polypedilum spp. were present in all studied microhabitats. The type of substrate is a very important factor influencing Chironomidae diversity and abundance, which was evident in the presence and dominance of Corynoneura gr. scutellata and Monopelopia tenuicalcar in the dense macrophyte canopy epiphyton. Finding pristine floodplains such as Kopački Rit can be very challenging, as such areas are increasingly altered by human activities. Studies of resident species and the extent to which changes in the parent river influence floodplain communities are important for the protection and restoration of the floodplains. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquatic Insects: Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation Challenges)

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15 pages, 2374 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Diversity and Distribution of the Inland Water Decapods of Sicily (Crustacea, Malacostraca)

by Luca Vecchioni, Francesco Paolo Faraone, Fabio Stoch, Marco Arculeo and Federico Marrone

Diversity 2022, 14(4), 246; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14040246 - 27 Mar 2022

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3413

Abstract

The current knowledge of Sicilian inland water decapod malacostracans is scarce and an updated synopsis on species distribution is lacking. Therefore, we reviewed the checklist and recent distribution of Sicilian inland water decapods based on published and unpublished records and novel observations with [...] Read more.

The current knowledge of Sicilian inland water decapod malacostracans is scarce and an updated synopsis on species distribution is lacking. Therefore, we reviewed the checklist and recent distribution of Sicilian inland water decapods based on published and unpublished records and novel observations with the aim of providing an exhaustive repository, also to be used as a sound baseline for future surveys. Overall, five native decapod species occur in the study area, i.e., the atyid shrimp Atyaephyra desmarestii, the palaemonid shrimps Palaemon adspersus, P. antennarius, and P. elegans, and the freshwater crab Potamon fluviatile, and their current local distributions are described. In addition, three alien species were recorded: the common yabby Cherax destructor and the red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii, strictly linked to inland waters, and the Atlantic blue crab Callinectes sapidus, a mainly marine species that can also colonise the lower stretches of rivers and coastal brackish waters. The collected data suggest the existence of a partial segregation of native versus non-native species, with the latter currently confined to coastal water bodies and the lower stretches of rivers. Moreover, the exclusively freshwater caridean A. desmarestii and P. antennarius show a parapatric distribution in the study area, which may suggest the existence of mutual exclusion phenomena. The results obtained raise some concerns about the effects of alien species on the native biota, and dedicated monitoring and management strategies should be implemented in order to better understand and mitigate their impact. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity in 2022)

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15 pages, 8027 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The First Deep-Sea Stylasterid (Hydrozoa, Stylasteridae) of the Red Sea

by Davide Maggioni, Tullia I. Terraneo, Giovanni Chimienti, Fabio Marchese, Daniela Pica, Stephen D. Cairns, Ameer A. Eweida, Mattie Rodrigue, Sam J. Purkis and Francesca Benzoni

Diversity 2022, 14(4), 241; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14040241 - 25 Mar 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5008

Abstract

The Stylasteridae, commonly known as lace corals, is a family of colonial calcifying hydrozoans mostly inhabiting deep waters. Stylasterids show a cosmopolitan distribution but, in some areas, they are characterized by low species diversity, such as in the Red Sea, where only a [...] Read more.

The Stylasteridae, commonly known as lace corals, is a family of colonial calcifying hydrozoans mostly inhabiting deep waters. Stylasterids show a cosmopolitan distribution but, in some areas, they are characterized by low species diversity, such as in the Red Sea, where only a shallow-water species has been reported so far. With this work, we provide the first evidence of a deep-sea stylasterid inhabiting the NEOM region in the northern Saudi Arabian Red Sea, at depths ranging between 166 and 492 m. Morphological examinations revealed that this species was previously unknown and belonging to the genus Stylaster. We, therefore, describe Stylaster tritoni sp. nov., representing the first record of the genus in the Red Sea. Lastly, the phylogenetic position of the species within the Stylasteridae was evaluated, revealing a close relationship with shallow-water Indo-Pacific and Western Atlantic Stylaster species and confirming the polyphyletic nature of the genus Stylaster. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity, Ecology, and Evolution of Hydrozoans)

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17 pages, 375 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Using DNA Metabarcoding to Identify Floral Visitation by Pollinators

by Abigail Lowe, Laura Jones, Lucy Witter, Simon Creer and Natasha de Vere

Diversity 2022, 14(4), 236; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14040236 - 24 Mar 2022

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 7117

Abstract

The identification of floral visitation by pollinators provides an opportunity to improve our understanding of the fine-scale ecological interactions between plants and pollinators, contributing to biodiversity conservation and promoting ecosystem health. In this review, we outline the various methods which can be used [...] Read more.

The identification of floral visitation by pollinators provides an opportunity to improve our understanding of the fine-scale ecological interactions between plants and pollinators, contributing to biodiversity conservation and promoting ecosystem health. In this review, we outline the various methods which can be used to identify floral visitation, including plant-focused and insect-focused methods. We reviewed the literature covering the ways in which DNA metabarcoding has been used to answer ecological questions relating to plant use by pollinators and discuss the findings of this research. We present detailed methodological considerations for each step of the metabarcoding workflow, from sampling through to amplification, and finally bioinformatic analysis. Detailed guidance is provided to researchers for utilisation of these techniques, emphasising the importance of standardisation of methods and improving the reliability of results. Future opportunities and directions of using molecular methods to analyse plant–pollinator interactions are then discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant DNA Barcodes, Community Ecology, and Species Interactions)

10 pages, 499 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Efficiency of DNA Barcoding in the Identification of Afromontane Forest Tree Species

by David Kenfack, Iveren Abiem and Hazel Chapman

Diversity 2022, 14(4), 233; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14040233 - 23 Mar 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4516

Abstract

The identification of flowering plants using DNA barcoding proposed in last decades has slowly gained ground in Africa, where it has been successfully used to elucidate the systematics and ecology of several plant groups, and to understand their evolutionary history. Existing inferences on [...] Read more.

The identification of flowering plants using DNA barcoding proposed in last decades has slowly gained ground in Africa, where it has been successfully used to elucidate the systematics and ecology of several plant groups, and to understand their evolutionary history. Existing inferences on the effectiveness of DNA barcoding to identify African trees are mostly based on lowland forests, whereas adjacent montane forests significantly differ from the latter floristically and structurally. Here, we tested the efficiency of chloroplast DNA barcodes (rbcLa, matK, and trnH-psbA) to identify Afromontane Forest tree species in a 20.28 ha permanent plot in Ngel Nyaki, Taraba state, Nigeria. We collected, identified, and vouchered 274 individuals with diameter at breast height ≥ 1 cm belonging to 101 morphospecies, 92 genera, and 48 families. rbcLa and matK used alone or in combination performed better than in lowland forests, with the best species discrimination obtained with the two-locus combination of matK + rbcLa. The intragenic spacer trnH-psbA was too variable to align and could not be tested using the genetic distance method employed. Classic DNA barcode can be a powerful tool to identify Afromontane tree species, mainly due to the non-prevalence in these communities of species—rich genera (low species-to-genus ratio) that constitute the biggest challenge of DNA barcoding of flowering plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant DNA Barcodes, Community Ecology, and Species Interactions)

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5 pages, 237 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Data Release: DNA Barcodes of Plant Species Collected for the Global Genome Initiative for Gardens (GGI-Gardens) II

by Morgan R. Gostel, Mónica M. Carlsen, Amanda Devine, Katharine B. Barker, Jonathan A. Coddington and Julia Steier

Diversity 2022, 14(4), 234; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14040234 - 23 Mar 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3294

Abstract

The Global Genome Initiative for Gardens (GGI-Gardens) is an international partnership of botanic gardens and arboreta that aims to preserve and understand the genomic diversity of plants on Earth. GGI-Gardens has organized a collection program focused on the living collections that partner institutions [...] Read more.

The Global Genome Initiative for Gardens (GGI-Gardens) is an international partnership of botanic gardens and arboreta that aims to preserve and understand the genomic diversity of plants on Earth. GGI-Gardens has organized a collection program focused on the living collections that partner institutions and supports the preservation of herbarium and genomic vouchers. Collections made through GGI-Gardens are deposited in recognized herbaria and Global Genome Biodiversity Network-partnered biorepositories worldwide, meaning that they are made available to the public. With support from its parent organization, the Global Genome Initiative (GGI), plant DNA barcode sequencing is performed using tissues collected through this partnership that represent taxa without barcode sequences in GenBank. This is the second data release published by GGI-Gardens and constitutes 2722 barcode sequences from 174 families and 702 genera of land plants. All DNA barcodes generated in this study are now available through the Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD) and GenBank. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant DNA Barcodes, Community Ecology, and Species Interactions)

23 pages, 8595 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Impact of Invasive Weeds on the Diversity and Dissimilarity of Bird Communities in Forested Areas

by Emilia Grzędzicka

Diversity 2022, 14(3), 229; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14030229 - 20 Mar 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4054

Abstract

Caucasian hogweeds, mainly the Sosnowsky’s hogweed Heracleum sosnowskyi and the giant hogweed Heracleum mantegazzianum, create one of the most problematic plant invasions in the world. Due to their large size (weeds reaching 4–5 meters in height), they seem to be herbaceous plants [...] Read more.

Caucasian hogweeds, mainly the Sosnowsky’s hogweed Heracleum sosnowskyi and the giant hogweed Heracleum mantegazzianum, create one of the most problematic plant invasions in the world. Due to their large size (weeds reaching 4–5 meters in height), they seem to be herbaceous plants that can threaten birds living in forest stands. This research quantified the structure and diversity of the forest birds’ community in forests with varying areas of invasive hogweeds located in south-eastern Poland. Changes in the accompanying non-forest birds’ community were also assessed. The study addressed the following questions: 1. How does the invaded area correlate with the abundance of forest birds? 2. How do communities and species respond to invaded vegetation? 3. How do the invading plants affect the various types of diversity of forest and non-forest birds? It turned out that both surveyed bird communities had a lower alpha diversity in invaded sites. Only forest birds, not able to change their location easily, formed a unique community (i.e., had a higher beta diversity) near invaders. Forest birds showed unchanged functional diversity based on the relative bird abundance and their connection, or lack of it, with the forest development phases. The effect of hogweeds on the abundance of forest birds was more negative in severely invaded areas with anthropogenic habitats. Non-forest birds showed higher species loss near the invasion, constant beta diversity and decreased functional diversity. This study is important as the forest is a climax community in the temperate zone, and unused open areas become spontaneously overgrown with young forests. Weeds disseminating after crop abandonment can highly and commonly affect forest and non-forest bird communities co-occurring in this type of overgrowing area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Birds in Temperate and Tropical Forests)

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28 pages, 70752 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Island–to–Island Vicariance, Founder–Events and within–Area Speciation: The Biogeographic History of the Antillattus Clade (Salticidae: Euophryini)

by Franklyn Cala-Riquelme, Patrick Wiencek, Eduardo Florez-Daza, Greta J. Binford and Ingi Agnarsson

Diversity 2022, 14(3), 224; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14030224 - 18 Mar 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4984

Abstract

The Caribbean Archipelago is a biodiversity hotspot that plays a key role in developing our understanding of how dispersal ability affects species formation. In island systems, species with intermediate dispersal abilities tend to exhibit greater diversity, as may be the case for many [...] Read more.

The Caribbean Archipelago is a biodiversity hotspot that plays a key role in developing our understanding of how dispersal ability affects species formation. In island systems, species with intermediate dispersal abilities tend to exhibit greater diversity, as may be the case for many of the salticid lineages of the insular Caribbean. Here, we use molecular phylogenetic analyses to infer patterns of relationships and biogeographic history of the Caribbean endemic Antillattus clade (Antillattus, Truncattus, and Petemethis). We test if the timing of origin of the Antillatus clade in the Greater Antilles is congruent with GAARlandia and infer patterns of diversification within the Antillattus clade among Cuba, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico. Specifically, we evaluate the relative roles of dispersal over land connections, and overwater dispersal events in diversification within the Greater Antilles. Time tree analysis and model-based inference of ancestral ranges estimated the ancestor of the Antillattus clade to be c. 25 Mya, and the best model suggests dispersal via GAARlandia from northern South America to Hispaniola. Hispaniola seems to be the nucleus from which ancestral populations dispersed into Cuba and Puerto Rico via land connections prior to the opening of the Mona Passage and the Windward Passage. Divergences between taxa of the Antillattus clade from Cuban, Hispaniolan, and Puerto Rican populations appear to have originated by vicariance, founder-events and within-island speciation, while multiple dispersal events (founder-events) between Cuba and Hispaniola during the Middle Miocene and the Late Miocene best explain diversity patterns in the genera Antillattus and Truncattus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phylogenomic, Biogeographic, and Evolutionary Research Trends in Arachnology)

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14 pages, 2272 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Gradients in the Diversity of Plants and Large Herbivores Revealed with DNA Barcoding in a Semi-Arid African Savanna

by Patrick T. Freeman, Robert O. Ang’ila, Duncan Kimuyu, Paul M. Musili, David Kenfack, Peter Lokeny Etelej, Molly Magid, Brian A. Gill and Tyler R. Kartzinel

Diversity 2022, 14(3), 219; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14030219 - 17 Mar 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5073

Abstract

Do hotspots of plant biodiversity translate into hotspots in the abundance and diversity of large mammalian herbivores? A common expectation in community ecology is that the diversity of plants and animals should be positively correlated in space, as with the latitudinal diversity gradient [...] Read more.

Do hotspots of plant biodiversity translate into hotspots in the abundance and diversity of large mammalian herbivores? A common expectation in community ecology is that the diversity of plants and animals should be positively correlated in space, as with the latitudinal diversity gradient and the geographic mosaic of biodiversity. Whether this pattern ‘scales down’ to landscape-level linkages between the diversity of plants or the activities of highly mobile megafauna has received less attention. We investigated spatial associations between plants and large herbivores by integrating data from a plant-DNA-barcode phylogeny, camera traps, and a comprehensive map of woody plants across the 1.2-km² Mpala Forest Global Earth Observatory (ForestGEO) plot, Kenya. Plant and large herbivore communities were strongly associated with an underlying soil gradient, but the richness of large herbivore species was negatively correlated with the richness of woody plants. Results suggest thickets and steep terrain create associational refuges for plants by deterring megaherbivores from browsing on otherwise palatable species. Recent work using dietary DNA metabarcoding has demonstrated that large herbivores often directly control populations of the plant species they prefer to eat, and our results reinforce the important role of megaherbivores in shaping vegetation across landscapes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant DNA Barcodes, Community Ecology, and Species Interactions)

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21 pages, 8245 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Molecular Phylogenetics and Comparative Examination of Voucher Museums Reveal Two New Species of Gymnophthalmid Lizards (Squamata, Gymnophthalmidae) from the Peruvian Andes, with Comments on Proctoporus guentheri (Boettger, 1891)

by Luis Mamani, Roxana Cruz, Sergio Mallqui and Alessandro Catenazzi

Diversity 2022, 14(3), 215; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14030215 - 14 Mar 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 6194

Abstract

The genus Proctoporus comprises cursorial and semifossorial lizards that inhabit the Andes of Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru. The taxonomy is complex, and many undescribed species and geographic gaps remain to be addressed. In this study, we use molecular phylogenetics and examine voucher museums [...] Read more.

The genus Proctoporus comprises cursorial and semifossorial lizards that inhabit the Andes of Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru. The taxonomy is complex, and many undescribed species and geographic gaps remain to be addressed. In this study, we use molecular phylogenetics and examine voucher museums to describe two new species of gymnophthalmid lizards from the montane forests of Cusco, on the eastern slopes of the Andes of Peru. We inferred phylogenetic relationships from concatenated sequences of four mitochondrial (12S, 16S, ND4, and Cytb) and one nuclear (c-mos) gene fragments, using a Maximum Likelihood approach and Bayesian Inference. We also examined and compared meristic traits of the specimens deposited in herpetological collections in Peru and Bolivia. Our molecular phylogeny had strong support for the monophyly of the subfamily Cercosaurinae, low support for the genus Proctoporus, and revealed two new taxa of Proctoporus. The two new species, which we name P. katerynae sp. nov. and P. optimus sp. nov., are characterized as having two rows of pregular scales and three anterior infralabials. Furthermore, we re-identified specimens assigned to P. laudahnae as P. guentheri, and we comment on the taxonomy of P. guentheri. Finally, we discuss how global climate change and human-caused habitat loss may threaten P. katerynae sp. nov. and P. optimus sp. nov. by the mechanism known as “Escalator to extinction”. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Diversity)

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23 pages, 1052 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

The Expanding Role of DNA Barcodes: Indispensable Tools for Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation

by Morgan R. Gostel and W. John Kress

Diversity 2022, 14(3), 213; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14030213 - 13 Mar 2022

Cited by 85 | Viewed by 17194

Abstract

DNA barcoding has transformed the fields of ecology, evolution, and conservation by providing a rapid and effective tool for species identification. The growth of DNA barcodes as a resource for biologists has followed advances in computational and sequencing technology that have enabled high-throughput [...] Read more.

DNA barcoding has transformed the fields of ecology, evolution, and conservation by providing a rapid and effective tool for species identification. The growth of DNA barcodes as a resource for biologists has followed advances in computational and sequencing technology that have enabled high-throughput barcoding applications. The global DNA barcode database is expanding to represent the diversity of species on Earth thanks to efforts by international consortia and expanding biological collections. Today, DNA barcoding is instrumental in advancing our understanding of how species evolve, how they interact, and how we can slow down their extirpation and extinction. This review focuses on current applications of DNA barcode sequences to address fundamental lines of research, as well as new and expanding applications of which DNA barcoding will play a central role. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant DNA Barcodes, Community Ecology, and Species Interactions)

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27 pages, 6157 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Biodiversity of Nematode Communities Associated with Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Southern Morocco and Their Contribution as Soil Health Bioindicators

by Salah-Eddine Laasli, Fouad Mokrini, Rachid Lahlali, Tadesse Wuletaw, Timothy Paulitz and Abdelfattah A. Dababat

Diversity 2022, 14(3), 194; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14030194 - 7 Mar 2022

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 5761

Abstract

Soil nematodes are major soil organisms known to reduce wheat production worldwide. However, they are a crucial part of soil biodiversity. Due to the limited data available regarding nematode biodiversity associated with cereal crops in Morocco, a survey was conducted in 2019 across [...] Read more.

Soil nematodes are major soil organisms known to reduce wheat production worldwide. However, they are a crucial part of soil biodiversity. Due to the limited data available regarding nematode biodiversity associated with cereal crops in Morocco, a survey was conducted in 2019 across 80 wheat fields. Thirty-three nematode taxa were obtained with different trophic groups: 11 bacterivores (i.e., Rhabditis and Cephalobus spp.), 11 herbivores (i.e., Pratylenchus and Heterodera spp.), 6 fungivores (i.e., Ditylenchus and Aphelenchoides spp.), 4 omnivores (i.e., Dorylaimus and Aporcelaimus spp.) and one predator (Mononchus spp.). For each locality, the diversity of nematode communities was assessed through multiple diversity indices. Three areas (Ait Melloul, Oulad Dahou, and Sidi Boushab) were more diversified and had pronounced nematode occurrence. Moreover, few localities (e.g., Ait Amira and Lqliaa) were shown to be disturbed. Our study underlined that several nematode taxa were significantly correlated with edaphic and climatic/geographic properties. On the other hand, the spatial and parsimony analyses revealed that plant feeders were most associated with bacterial feeders in disturbed soils. This work revealed that the soil nematodes associated with wheat crops are diverse and can serve as an important tool for soil biomonitoring at a large scale. Full article

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8 pages, 1912 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Host Range of the Coral-Associated Worm Snail Petaloconchus sp. (Gastropoda: Vermetidae), a Newly Discovered Cryptogenic Pest Species in the Southern Caribbean

by Bert W. Hoeksema, Charlotte E. Harper, Sean J. Langdon-Down, Roel J. van der Schoot, Annabel Smith-Moorhouse, Roselle Spaargaren and Rosalie F. Timmerman

Diversity 2022, 14(3), 196; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14030196 - 7 Mar 2022

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4886

Abstract

The presence of associated endofauna can have an impact on the health of corals. During fieldwork on the southern Caribbean island of Curaçao in 2021, the presence of an unknown coral-dwelling worm snail was discovered, which appeared to cause damage to its hosts. [...] Read more.

The presence of associated endofauna can have an impact on the health of corals. During fieldwork on the southern Caribbean island of Curaçao in 2021, the presence of an unknown coral-dwelling worm snail was discovered, which appeared to cause damage to its hosts. A study of photo archives revealed that the species was already present during earlier surveys at Curaçao since 2014 and also in the southern Caribbean island of Bonaire in 2019. It was not found in St. Eustatius, an island in the eastern Caribbean, during an expedition in 2015. The vermetid snail was preliminarily identified as Petaloconchus sp. Its habitat choice resembles that of P. keenae, a West Pacific coral symbiont. The Caribbean species was observed in 21 host coral species, more than reported for any other vermetid. Because Petaloconchus sp. is a habitat generalist, it is possible that it was introduced from an area with another host-coral fauna. The unknown vermetid is considered to be cryptogenic until future studies reveal its actual identity and its native range. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity of Coral-Associated Fauna II)

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14 pages, 1579 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Assessment of ITS1, ITS2, 5′-ETS, and trnL-F DNA Barcodes for Metabarcoding of Poaceae Pollen

by Denis O. Omelchenko, Anastasia A. Krinitsina, Artem S. Kasianov, Anna S. Speranskaya, Olga V. Chesnokova, Svetlana V. Polevova and Elena E. Severova

Diversity 2022, 14(3), 191; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14030191 - 5 Mar 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5892

Abstract

Grass pollen is one of the major causes of allergy. Aerobiological monitoring is a necessary element of the complex of anti-allergic measures, but the similar pollen morphology of Poaceae species makes it challenging to discriminate species in airborne pollen mixes, which impairs the [...] Read more.

Grass pollen is one of the major causes of allergy. Aerobiological monitoring is a necessary element of the complex of anti-allergic measures, but the similar pollen morphology of Poaceae species makes it challenging to discriminate species in airborne pollen mixes, which impairs the quality of aerobiological monitoring. One of the solutions to this problem is the metabarcoding approach employing DNA barcodes for taxonomical identification of species in a mix by high-throughput sequencing of the pollen DNA. A diverse set of 14 grass species of different genera were selected to create a local reference database of nuclear ITS1, ITS2, 5′-ETS, and plastome trnL-F DNA barcodes. Sequences for the database were Sanger sequenced from live field and herbarium specimens and collected from GenBank. New Poaceae-specific primers for 5′-ETS were designed and tested to obtain a 5′-ETS region less than 600 bp long, suitable for high-throughput sequencing. The DNA extraction method for single-species pollen samples and mixes was optimized to increase the yield for amplification and sequencing of pollen DNA. Barcode sequences were analyzed and compared by the barcoding gap and intra- and interspecific distances. Their capability to correctly identify grass pollen was tested on artificial pollen mixes of various complexity. Metabarcoding analysis of the artificial pollen mixes showed that nuclear DNA barcodes ITS1, ITS2, and 5′-ETS proved to be more efficient than the plastome barcode in both amplification from pollen DNA and identification of grass species. Although the metabarcoding results were qualitatively congruent with the actual composition of the pollen mixes in most cases, the quantitative results based on read-counts did not match the actual ratio of pollen grains in the mixes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant DNA Barcodes, Community Ecology, and Species Interactions)

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16 pages, 2927 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Diversity Patterns and Assemblage Structure of Non-Biting Midges (Diptera: Chironomidae) in Urban Waterbodies

by Nataša Popović, Nikola Marinković, Dubravka Čerba, Maja Raković, Jelena Đuknić and Momir Paunović

Diversity 2022, 14(3), 187; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14030187 - 4 Mar 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3343

Abstract

Urban waters are often neglected in biodiversity research; nonetheless, the number of aquatic microhabitats present in a city and the surrounding urban area is impressive. Twenty-two waterbodies in the Belgrade functional urban area (FUA) were investigated for faunistic and diversity patterns and to [...] Read more.

Urban waters are often neglected in biodiversity research; nonetheless, the number of aquatic microhabitats present in a city and the surrounding urban area is impressive. Twenty-two waterbodies in the Belgrade functional urban area (FUA) were investigated for faunistic and diversity patterns and to assess the effects of environmental factors on the differentiation of Chironomidae assemblages. A total of 66 chironomid taxa within four subfamilies was identified. Water quality at the studied sites, expressed by the water pollution index (WPI), varied significantly. K-means clustering gave four homogenous groups of chironomid assemblages, which showed clear preferences to specific habitat conditions and tolerance to anthropogenic pressures. These groups had high values of alpha and beta diversity components. The main component of beta diversity was species turnover. Waterbody type, water temperature, pH, nutrients and overall pollution were the most important factors influencing the distribution and composition of chironomid assemblages, which revealed clear preferences of each assemblage type to the category of waterbody type and tolerances to environmental pressures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquatic Insects: Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation Challenges)

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20 pages, 2382 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Riparian Buffers as a Critical Landscape Feature: Insights for Riverscape Conservation and Policy Renovations

by Michael P. Graziano, Amanda K. Deguire and Thilina D. Surasinghe

Diversity 2022, 14(3), 172; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14030172 - 27 Feb 2022

Cited by 84 | Viewed by 15296

Abstract

Riparian zones are critical for functional integrity of riverscapes and conservation of riverscape biodiversity. The synergism of intermediate flood-induced disturbances, moist microclimates, constant nutrient influx, high productivity, and resource heterogeneity make riparian zones disproportionately rich in biodiversity. Riparian vegetation intercepts surface-runoff, filters pollutants, [...] Read more.

Riparian zones are critical for functional integrity of riverscapes and conservation of riverscape biodiversity. The synergism of intermediate flood-induced disturbances, moist microclimates, constant nutrient influx, high productivity, and resource heterogeneity make riparian zones disproportionately rich in biodiversity. Riparian vegetation intercepts surface-runoff, filters pollutants, and supplies woody debris as well as coarse particulate organic matter (e.g., leaf litter) to the stream channel. Riparian zones provide critical habitat and climatic refugia for wildlife. Numerous conservation applications have been implemented for riparian-buffer conservation. Although fixed-width buffers have been widely applied as a conservation measure, the effectiveness of these fixed buffer widths is debatable. As an alternative to fixed-width buffers, we suggest adoption of variable buffer widths, which include multiple tiers that vary in habitat structure and ecological function, with each tier subjected to variable management interventions and land-use restrictions. The riparian-buffer design we proposed can be delineated throughout the watershed, harmonizes with the riverscape concept, thus, a prudent approach to preserve biodiversity and ecosystem functions at variable spatial extents. We posit remodeling existing conservation policies to include riparian buffers into a broader conservation framework as a keystone structure of the riverscape. Watershed-scale riparian conservation is compatible with landscape-scale conservation of fluvial systems, freshwater protected-area networks, and aligns with enhancing environmental resilience to global change. Sustainable multiple-use strategies can be retrofitted into watershed-scale buffer reservations and may harmonize socio-economic goals with those of biodiversity conservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2021 Feature Papers by Diversity’s Editorial Board Members)

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22 pages, 10331 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Distribution and Ecology of Decapod Crustaceans in Mediterranean Marine Caves: A Review

by Carlo Nike Bianchi, Vasilis Gerovasileiou, Carla Morri and Carlo Froglia

Diversity 2022, 14(3), 176; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14030176 - 27 Feb 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 6574

Abstract

Decapod crustaceans are important components of the fauna of marine caves worldwide, yet information on their ecology is still scarce. Mediterranean marine caves are perhaps the best known of the world and may offer paradigms to the students of marine cave decapods from [...] Read more.

Decapod crustaceans are important components of the fauna of marine caves worldwide, yet information on their ecology is still scarce. Mediterranean marine caves are perhaps the best known of the world and may offer paradigms to the students of marine cave decapods from other geographic regions. This review summarizes and updates the existing knowledge about the decapod fauna of Mediterranean marine caves on the basis of a dataset of 76 species from 133 caves in 13 Mediterranean countries. Most species were found occasionally, while 15 species were comparatively frequent (found in at least seven caves). They comprise cryptobiotic and bathyphilic species that only secondarily colonize caves (secondary stygobiosis). Little is known about the population biology of cave decapods, and quantitative data are virtually lacking. The knowledge on Mediterranean marine cave decapods is far from being complete. Future research should focus on filling regional gaps and on the decapod ecological role: getting out at night to feed and resting in caves during daytime, decapods may import organic matter to the cave ecosystem. Some decapod species occurring in caves are protected by law. Ecological interest and the need for conservation initiatives combine to claim for intensifying research on the decapod fauna of the Mediterranean Sea caves. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Diversity of Marine Decapods)

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17 pages, 7713 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Assessment of Grassland Ecosystem Service Value in Response to Climate Change in China

by Yuqing Xu, Fengjin Xiao and Yaoming Liao

Diversity 2022, 14(3), 160; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14030160 - 24 Feb 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3744

Abstract

The assessment of ecosystem services provides an intuitive source of information on the benefits humans derive from ecosystems. The equivalent factor method was applied to calculate the ecosystem service value (ESV) in combination with net primary productivity (NPP) calculated by the process-based Carnegie–Ames–Stanford [...] Read more.

The assessment of ecosystem services provides an intuitive source of information on the benefits humans derive from ecosystems. The equivalent factor method was applied to calculate the ecosystem service value (ESV) in combination with net primary productivity (NPP) calculated by the process-based Carnegie–Ames–Stanford approach (CASA) model. This study evaluated grassland ESV and its spatial evolution characteristics in China from 2001 to 2020 and revealed the impact of climate factors. For 2001–2020, the annual grassland ESV ranged from 1.17 × 10¹² to 1.51 × 10¹² yuan (renminbi, China yuan—the same below; $0.15 × 10¹²–$0.20 × 10¹², US dollar), with an average of 1.37 × 10¹² yuan ($0.18 × 10¹²). The spatial pattern of ESV per unit area of grassland was notably characterized by an increase from northwest to southeast. However, the value of grassland ecosystem services was relatively large (exceeding 10 × 10⁶ yuan; $1.30 × 10⁶) in northern and western provinces and was the lowest (less than 0.2 × 10⁶ yuan; $0.03 × 10⁶) in eastern and southern provinces. In the last 20 years, grassland ESV has increased in most areas of China and has decreased only in some western and northern areas. Compared with the first 10 years, the average ESV of grassland in most areas increased in the last 10 years, usually by less than 20%. However, it decreased in the western and northern parts of China, mainly concentrated in the alpine meadow and alpine grassland of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and the grassland around the Yili region of Xinjiang. Precipitation was the main regulating factor of grassland ESV and had a positive impact in 79% grassland areas, especially in northern China. Evapotranspiration and sunshine hours exhibited a marginal impact on ESV, but temperature and relative humidity had no significant effect. Overall, this study contributes to exploring the spatiotemporal patterns of grassland ecosystem service value and the impact of climate factors in China, thereby providing reliable guidance for grassland ecosystem management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecosystem Observation, Simulation and Assessment)

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12 pages, 1818 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Patterns of Herbivory in Neotropical Forest Katydids as Revealed by DNA Barcoding of Digestive Tract Contents

by Christine M. Palmer, Nicole L. Wershoven, Sharon J. Martinson, Hannah M. ter Hofstede, W. John Kress and Laurel B. Symes

Diversity 2022, 14(2), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14020152 - 21 Feb 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4638

Abstract

Many well-studied animal species use conspicuous, repetitive signals that attract both mates and predators. Orthopterans (crickets, katydids, and grasshoppers) are renowned for their acoustic signals. In Neotropical forests, however, many katydid species produce extremely short signals, totaling only a few seconds of sound [...] Read more.

Many well-studied animal species use conspicuous, repetitive signals that attract both mates and predators. Orthopterans (crickets, katydids, and grasshoppers) are renowned for their acoustic signals. In Neotropical forests, however, many katydid species produce extremely short signals, totaling only a few seconds of sound per night, likely in response to predation by acoustically orienting predators. The rare signals of these katydid species raises the question of how they find conspecific mates in a structurally complex rainforest. While acoustic mechanisms, such as duetting, likely facilitate mate finding, we test the hypothesis that mate finding is further facilitated by colocalization on particular host plant species. DNA barcoding allows us to identify recently consumed plants from katydid stomach contents. We use DNA barcoding to test the prediction that katydids of the same species will have closely related plant species in their stomach. We do not find evidence for dietary specialization. Instead, katydids consumed a wide mix of plants within and across the flowering plants (27 species in 22 genera, 16 families, and 12 orders) with particular representation in the orders Fabales and Laurales. Some evidence indicates that katydids may gather on plants during a narrow window of rapid leaf out, but additional investigations are required to determine whether katydid mate finding is facilitated by gathering at transient food resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant DNA Barcodes, Community Ecology, and Species Interactions)

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