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Diversity
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2026 Feature Papers by Diversity's Editorial Board Members
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2026 Feature Papers by Diversity's Editorial Board Members

A special issue of Diversity (ISSN 1424-2818).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2026 | Viewed by 2658

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Michel Baguette

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Guest Editor
1. Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UAR 2029, Station d'Ecologie Théorique et Expérimentale, 09200 Moulis, France
2. Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Institut Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), UMR 7205, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles, 75241 Paris, France
Interests: genotype-phenotype interactions; phenotypic diversity; sexual selection; metapopulation biology; dispersal; migration; adaptive radiation; coevolution
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude for the continuous support from our Editorial Board Members. Thanks to your contributions, Diversity has maintained steady growth and continued to make an academic impact.

We are proud to reflect on the success of our recent Special Issues. The 2024 Editor’s Special Issue featured outstanding contributions and continues to attract global readership. You can access it here:

https://www.mdpi.com/journal/diversity/special_issues/42T72472OP

Building on this foundation, the 2025 Editor’s Special Issue has also garnered significant interest from the research community. The collection is available here:

https://www.mdpi.com/journal/diversity/special_issues/70QUSLJB6I

We are now pleased to announce the launch of the 2026 Feature Papers by Diversity’s Editorial Board Members Special Issue. We welcome high-quality submissions from our editors, as well as papers recommended or invited by Editors-in-Chief or Editorial Board Members. All accepted papers will be published in full open access.

Relevant topics span organismic and molecular diversity, evolutionary processes, and methodological advances in diversity research.

We look forward to your participation and another successful collection in 2026.

Prof. Dr. Michel Baguette
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Diversity is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2100 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • macroecology and biogeography
  • plant diversity
  • animal diversity
  • marine diversity
  • biodiversity conservation
  • biodiversity loss and dynamics
  • freshwater biodiversity
  • chemical diversity and chemical ecology
  • microbial diversity

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 4369 KB  
Article
From Hulls to Caves: Insights into the Introduction and Expansion of Non-Indigenous Marine Bivalves of the Genera Isognomon and Malleus in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea
by Eirini Gratsia, Argyro Zenetos, Markos Digenis, Vasilis Gerovasileiou, Panagiotis Kasapidis and Ioannis Karakassis
Diversity 2026, 18(2), 127; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18020127 - 19 Feb 2026
Viewed by 528
Abstract
Although the Eastern Mediterranean Sea is a hotspot for marine bioinvasions, the accurate identification and monitoring of non-indigenous species (NIS) remain impeded by the ambiguous morphologies of species and limited regional genetic data. This study applied an integrative approach, combining morphological identification with [...] Read more.
Although the Eastern Mediterranean Sea is a hotspot for marine bioinvasions, the accurate identification and monitoring of non-indigenous species (NIS) remain impeded by the ambiguous morphologies of species and limited regional genetic data. This study applied an integrative approach, combining morphological identification with DNA barcoding, to assess the taxonomy and expansion of bivalves from the genera Isognomon and Malleus in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Specimens were collected from a broad range of habitats, including marinas, ship hulls, reefs, and marine caves. Phylogenetic analyses revealed two distinct Isognomon species in the region: I. bicolor, frequently associated with artificial substrates and showing evidence of multiple introductions, and I. aff. legumen, restricted to cryptic natural habitats. A single species of Malleus cf. regula was also detected, clustering with sequences from neighboring Mediterranean regions. The study highlights the limitations of morphology-based taxonomy and the urgent need to enhance genetic reference databases, particularly with sequences from areas of nativity. As NIS increasingly expand from anthropogenic habitats into natural ecosystems, validated data are essential for risk assessment and conservation management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2026 Feature Papers by Diversity's Editorial Board Members)
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17 pages, 3189 KB  
Article
Ecology of the Lasca Protochondrostoma genei (Bonaparte 1939) in the Chiarò di Cialla Creek (Northeast Italy): New Insights from a Biodiversity Hotspot Affected by Alien Species
by Marco Bertoli, Matteo Maglitto, Andreah Sala, Marino Prearo, Paolo Pastorino and Elisabetta Pizzul
Diversity 2026, 18(2), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18020109 - 9 Feb 2026
Viewed by 349
Abstract
The lasca Protochondrostoma genei is an endemic freshwater fish of high conservation concern, listed in Annex II of the Habitat Directive and classified as Endangered in Italy. This study investigates the ecology, population structure, and habitat use of P. genei in the Chiarò [...] Read more.
The lasca Protochondrostoma genei is an endemic freshwater fish of high conservation concern, listed in Annex II of the Habitat Directive and classified as Endangered in Italy. This study investigates the ecology, population structure, and habitat use of P. genei in the Chiarò di Cialla Creek (Northeast Italy), a biodiversity hotspot recently designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC IT3320041). Particular regard is given to the issue represented by the presence of the common nase Chondrostoma nasus, which competes with the lasca for habitats and trophic resources. Fish assemblages were surveyed by electrofishing during 2023 and 2024, coupled with detailed hydromorphological characterization of mesohabitats. Results highlighted that the lasca showed preference for glides and especially pools, characterized by moderate depths, low to moderate current velocities, high shading, and abundant shelters such as boulders, roots, and woody debris. However, P. genei extensively overlapped in habitat use with the invasive common nase C. nasus, whose density increased markedly during the study period, suggesting ongoing colonization and potential issues for the lasca conservation. Despite moderate river functionality scores and localized anthropogenic pressures, the Chiarò di Cialla Creek remains a key refuge for P. genei. These findings provide essential ecological information to support targeted conservation actions, including habitat management and invasive species control, within protected riverine systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2026 Feature Papers by Diversity's Editorial Board Members)
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13 pages, 4861 KB  
Article
Evaluation of the Validity of the Spanish Eocene Pleurodiran Turtle ‘Duerochelys arribasi’: The Youngest Freshwater Member of Erymnochelyinae (Podocnemididae) in Europe
by Adán Pérez-García, Andrea Guerrero, Santiago Martín de Jesús and Francisco Ortega
Diversity 2026, 18(1), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18010051 - 19 Jan 2026
Viewed by 375
Abstract
The validity of the youngest representative of Neochelys described to date, representing the last European freshwater member of Erymnochelyinae, has been considered doubtful. A revision of the previously documented specimens of this Spanish Bartonian or Priabonian (MP 16 or MP 17, middle or [...] Read more.
The validity of the youngest representative of Neochelys described to date, representing the last European freshwater member of Erymnochelyinae, has been considered doubtful. A revision of the previously documented specimens of this Spanish Bartonian or Priabonian (MP 16 or MP 17, middle or late Eocene) species is performed here, along with the analysis of additional unpublished remains from the same geological formation. The principal character originally used to diagnose the species (i.e., paired gular scutes) is refuted here, and interpreted instead as an anomalous variation that is also found in other representatives of the genus. However, Neochelys arribasi is supported as a valid species based on other morphological features. We recognize here an increase in size for the representatives of Neochelys from the Duero Basin over time, which are also the youngest known species of Neochelys. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2026 Feature Papers by Diversity's Editorial Board Members)
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Review

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20 pages, 1399 KB  
Review
Nature-Based Solutions for Resilience: A Global Review of Ecosystem Services from Urban Forests and Cover Crops
by Anastasia Ivanova, Reena Randhir and Timothy O. Randhir
Diversity 2026, 18(1), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18010047 - 15 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 586
Abstract
Climate change and land-use intensification are speeding up the loss of ecosystem services that support human health, food security, and environmental stability. Vegetative interventions—such as urban forests in cities and cover crops in farming systems—are increasingly seen as nature-based solutions for climate adaptation. [...] Read more.
Climate change and land-use intensification are speeding up the loss of ecosystem services that support human health, food security, and environmental stability. Vegetative interventions—such as urban forests in cities and cover crops in farming systems—are increasingly seen as nature-based solutions for climate adaptation. However, their benefits are often viewed separately. This review combines 20 years of research to explore how these strategies, together, improve provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural ecosystem services across various landscapes. Urban forests help reduce urban heat islands, improve air quality, manage stormwater, and offer cultural and health benefits. Cover crops increase soil fertility, regulate water, support nutrient cycling, and enhance crop yields, with potential for carbon sequestration and biofuel production. We identify opportunities and challenges, highlight barriers to adopting these strategies, and suggest integrated frameworks—including spatial decision-support tools, incentive programs, and education—to encourage broader use. By connecting urban and rural systems, this review underscores vegetation as a versatile tool for resilience, essential for reaching global sustainability goals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2026 Feature Papers by Diversity's Editorial Board Members)
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Other

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8 pages, 186 KB  
Perspective
Behavioural Diversity: Conditional Movement Tactics in the Ruff (Calidris pugnax)
by Michel Baguette
Diversity 2026, 18(1), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18010032 - 8 Jan 2026
Viewed by 274
Abstract
Understanding the movement behaviour of male ruffs (Calidris pugnax) during the breeding season requires integrating recent telemetry data with long-standing theory on conditional reproductive strategies, lek dynamics, and behavioural polymorphism. A large-scale tracking study revealed extensive within-season movements among many males, [...] Read more.
Understanding the movement behaviour of male ruffs (Calidris pugnax) during the breeding season requires integrating recent telemetry data with long-standing theory on conditional reproductive strategies, lek dynamics, and behavioural polymorphism. A large-scale tracking study revealed extensive within-season movements among many males, with individuals visiting 1 to 23 sites, but also documented prolonged residency, with site tenures exceeding 40 days. Such variation is not contradictory but expected in a species whose reproductive system combines genetically fixed alternative strategies, governed by a supergene, with flexible conditional tactics expressed in response to ecological and social cues. Here, I synthesize movement ecology, state-dependent decision models, lekking theory, and previous empirical work to show that spatial behaviour in ruffs reflects a continuum of tactics rather than a homogeneous nomadic mode. Telemetry data thereby enrich our understanding of how individuals navigate fluctuating environments, competitive pressures, and mating opportunities. Embracing behavioural heterogeneity is essential for interpreting movement patterns and for understanding how reproductive diversity evolves and is maintained in lekking systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2026 Feature Papers by Diversity's Editorial Board Members)
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