Diversity

23 pages, 2396 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Biodiversity Hotspot with a Highly Modified Landscape: Species Identification Among Urban Residents Engaged in Nature-Based Recreation

by Carolina Hidalgo, Iván A. Hinojosa, Claudia Cerda and Belén Ortega-Senet

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 171; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030171 - 10 Mar 2026

Abstract

Our research aims to examine the level of biodiversity knowledge among urban residents who engage in recreational activities in different natural areas of the Province of Concepción, Chile. This territory is part of a biodiversity hotspot and has undergone significant transformations, either due [...] Read more.

Our research aims to examine the level of biodiversity knowledge among urban residents who engage in recreational activities in different natural areas of the Province of Concepción, Chile. This territory is part of a biodiversity hotspot and has undergone significant transformations, either due to large-scale productive activities or urban expansion. To assess this type of knowledge, we used species identification as a proxy and administered an in-person questionnaire across all communes of the province (n = 232 adults). The questionnaire included illustrations of 14 species characteristic of different ecosystems in the area, and sociodemographic information was also collected from participants. Responses were analyzed using a scoring matrix, hypothesis testing, and regression analyses. The results indicate that species with food-related value were more frequently identified by older participants and less by younger individuals, whereas threatened species such as marine otter Lontra felina were poorly identified (36%) by participants aged 50 years or older. Participants without nature-related occupations (82% of the sample) identified, on average, 50% of the species, whereas those with nature-related occupations identified 71%. An intergenerational divergence in species knowledge and significant occupational differences may potentially reduce the social support needed to protect ecosystems while action is still possible. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biodiversity Conservation)

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11 pages, 7059 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Diversity of Scythrididae of Southern Italy Using DNA Barcoding (Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea)

by Sara La Cava, Giada Zucco and Stefano Scalercio

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 170; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030170 - 9 Mar 2026

Abstract

The Scythrididae Rebel, 1901, comprises small and morphologically homogeneous microlepidoptera whose identification relies mainly on genitalia examination. In Italy, this group has been more extensively investigated than other microlepidoptera families, but molecular data remain scarce. This study aims to improve the knowledge of [...] Read more.

The Scythrididae Rebel, 1901, comprises small and morphologically homogeneous microlepidoptera whose identification relies mainly on genitalia examination. In Italy, this group has been more extensively investigated than other microlepidoptera families, but molecular data remain scarce. This study aims to improve the knowledge of Scythrididae diversity in southern Italy through DNA barcoding. Twenty-nine specimens collected in Calabria and Basilicata underwent DNA barcoding, yielding 28 sequences of 602–658 bp, which clustered into 10 Barcode Index Numbers (BINs), corresponding to 10 species. Three BINs are newly created in the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD), enriching the global reference library. Except for Scythris aspromontis Jäckh, 1978, described for the study area, the remaining species represent faunistic novelties at different scales: Scythris dissitella (Zeller, 1847) is new for continental Italy and eight additional species are new for southern Italy or Calabria and Basilicata regions. Moreover, a significant genetic distance was observed between our sequence of Scythris cf. tabidella (Herrich-Schäffer, 1855) and sequences of tabidella available on BOLD, which will be addressed in detail in the discussions. The results highlight the underexplored diversity of Scythrididae in the Mediterranean region and confirm the effectiveness of integrative taxonomy combining DNA barcoding and morphology. This study provides the first molecular contribution to the Scythrididae fauna of southern Italy and contributes to improving the taxonomic knowledge of a group that remains insufficiently investigated in the Mediterranean region. Full article

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22 pages, 4266 KB

Open AccessArticle

Behavioural Patterns and Responses of White-Faced Capuchins (Cebus imitator) Under Contrasting Ecotourism Pressures in Tortuguero National Park: Preliminary Findings and Management Implications

by Janire Sánchez, Álvaro Francisco Gil and Carlos Calderón-Guerrero

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 169; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030169 - 9 Mar 2026

Abstract

Ecotourism in protected areas creates a conservation paradox: tourism revenue funds protection, yet tourism infrastructure simultaneously degrades the wildlife it protects. We examined this paradox in white-faced capuchins (Cebus imitator) in Tortuguero National Park, comparing behaviour across a high-tourism accommodation site [...] Read more.

Ecotourism in protected areas creates a conservation paradox: tourism revenue funds protection, yet tourism infrastructure simultaneously degrades the wildlife it protects. We examined this paradox in white-faced capuchins (Cebus imitator) in Tortuguero National Park, comparing behaviour across a high-tourism accommodation site (2152 monthly guests) and a strictly regulated terrestrial trail. Using focal animal and sweep sampling methods, we recorded 477 behavioural units across 261 min, analysing locomotion, feeding, and agonistic behaviours through generalized linear models. Primates in accommodation areas exhibited significantly reduced high substrate use (p = 0.005), showed a trend toward increased anthropogenic food reliance (p = 0.070), and higher—but not statistically significant—rates of agonistic behaviours (p > 0.05). The negative correlation between natural foraging and active food supply (r = −0.31) is consistent with anthropogenic provisioning that may alter primate ecological functions. These findings demonstrate that effective conservation in tourism contexts requires integrated management addressing three interconnected challenges: (1) habituation to human presence, (2) food provisioning with cascading consequences, and (3) ecosystem-level degradation through altered primate functions. We recommend evidence-based interventions including secured waste management, enforcement of wildlife feeding prohibitions, and environmental education programs with community participation. Ecotourism sustainability requires managing human–wildlife interactions and integrating local stakeholder perspectives to preserve animal welfare and ecosystem functions essential for conservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conflict and Coexistence Between Humans and Wildlife)

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18 pages, 2267 KB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Factors Drive Nekton Community Structure in Offshore Oil Production Zones: A Case Study of the Waters Southwest of Weizhou Island, Beibu Gulf

by Zhuli Zhou, Liangming Wang, Peng Gan, Binbin Shan, Changping Yang, Yan Liu and Dianrong Sun

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 168; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030168 - 9 Mar 2026

Abstract

Marine oil and gas development markedly impacts offshore ecosystems, and understanding nekton community dynamics in production areas is essential for sustainable fisheries management. However, limited research exists on the structural characteristics and environmental factors influencing nekton communities in offshore oil and gas production [...] Read more.

Marine oil and gas development markedly impacts offshore ecosystems, and understanding nekton community dynamics in production areas is essential for sustainable fisheries management. However, limited research exists on the structural characteristics and environmental factors influencing nekton communities in offshore oil and gas production zones. Therefore, we investigated nekton community structure through surveys during four consecutive cruises over 2 years in waters southwest of Weizhou Island in the Beibu Gulf. We collected 250 nekton species representing 19 orders, 91 families, and 156 genera, with Perciformes constituting the largest group. Dominant species included small- to medium-sized benthic fish: Parargyrops edita, Metapenaeopsis barbata, and Leiognathus ruconius. Diversity indices showed minimal variation across cruises except spring 2023, which exhibited notably lower diversity. Abundance–biomass curves indicated community disturbance in all seasons, particularly during spring 2023 and autumn 2024. Hierarchical cluster analysis and nonmetric multidimensional scaling revealed two distinct community groups, with intergroup dissimilarity primarily driven by Parargyrops edita, Metapenaeopsis barbata, Leiognathida, Gobiidae, and Loligo. The results of Redundancy Analysis (RDA) demonstrated that the most significant factors influencing the community structure of nekton on each voyage exhibited a certain degree of variation. Nevertheless, overall, water depth, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and chlorophyll a were the primary environmental factors affecting the community structure of nekton in the southwestern waters of Weizhou Island. In certain seasons, suspended solids and petroleum also exerted influence. This research provides scientific reference materials for managing offshore fishery communities and promoting coordinated marine development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Marine Diversity)

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12 pages, 1749 KB

Open AccessArticle

New Guests in the Romanian Fauna and Pathways for the Introduction of Alien Bush-Crickets and Grasshoppers (Insecta: Orthoptera)

by Ionuț-Ștefan Iorgu, Andrei Lobiuc, Erica-Alexandra Ungurean, Ioan Tăușan, Alexandru Cazacu and Elena Iulia Iorgu

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 167; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030167 - 9 Mar 2026

Abstract

Alien insect species are increasingly recognized as significant drivers of biodiversity change. This study documents the records of four alien orthopteran species in Romania: Meconema meridionale, Rhacocleis annulata, Yersinella raymondii and Anacridium aegyptium. Specimens were collected from various urban and [...] Read more.

Alien insect species are increasingly recognized as significant drivers of biodiversity change. This study documents the records of four alien orthopteran species in Romania: Meconema meridionale, Rhacocleis annulata, Yersinella raymondii and Anacridium aegyptium. Specimens were collected from various urban and peri-urban locations. The inferred pathways of introduction include accidental transport via ornamental plants, soil, and vehicles, reflecting broader European trends in anthropochorous dispersal. These findings suggest that such habitats provide suitable conditions for the settlement of non-native Orthoptera, providing a baseline for future monitoring. Our research fills a regional knowledge gap and contributes to the understanding of biological invasions in Eastern Europe, offering the necessary data for early detection and the development of future biosecurity assessments to evaluate potential ecological or economic risks. Full article

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

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15 pages, 35850 KB

Open AccessArticle

A New Gorgonian Paraplexaura binyuani sp. nov. (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Acanthogorgiidae) from the Huaguang Atoll, Xisha Islands, South China Sea

by Li You, Fei Xia and Xinming Liu

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 166; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030166 - 9 Mar 2026

Abstract

A new shallow-water gorgonian coral species in the family Acanthogorgiidae, Paraplexaura binyuani sp. nov., is described from a specimen collected at Huaguang Atoll in the South China Sea at a depth of 22 m. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by [...] Read more.

A new shallow-water gorgonian coral species in the family Acanthogorgiidae, Paraplexaura binyuani sp. nov., is described from a specimen collected at Huaguang Atoll in the South China Sea at a depth of 22 m. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by abundant polyp sclerites, predominantly flattened rods, and by the coenenchyme bearing numerous large spindles reaching up to 0.6 mm in length, which are approximately two to three times longer than those reported for most described species of Paraplexaura. Phylogenomic analyses based on ultraconserved elements (UCEs) recover Paraplexaura as monophyletic and place P. binyuani sp. nov. as sister to P. cryptotheca, consistent with its morphological distinctiveness and supporting its recognition as a separate species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Marine Diversity)

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29 pages, 4223 KB

Open AccessArticle

Interannual Variation in Poisonous Plant Assemblages on Central Kazakhstan Pastures Across Landscapes Under Contrasting Hydroclimatic Conditions

by Yelena Pozdnyakova, Aigul Murzatayeva and Gulnara Omarova

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030165 - 8 Mar 2026

Abstract

Pasture ecosystems provide essential ecosystem services, yet poisonous plants create persistent veterinary and economic risks. We examined how hydroclimatic variability restructures the poisonous-plant assemblage across three Central Kazakhstan rangelands during an extremely dry year (2023) and an exceptionally wet year (2024). A total [...] Read more.

Pasture ecosystems provide essential ecosystem services, yet poisonous plants create persistent veterinary and economic risks. We examined how hydroclimatic variability restructures the poisonous-plant assemblage across three Central Kazakhstan rangelands during an extremely dry year (2023) and an exceptionally wet year (2024). A total of 32 toxic vascular plant species were recorded. Xeromorphic pastures maintained a stable floristic core across years, whereas the wet year triggered recruitment of wet-associated poisonous taxa (hydrophytic/hygrophytic group) exclusively in the Nura River floodplain and increased species richness. Thus, interannual variability was controlled by hydrologically sensitive habitats rather than wholesale community turnover. The principal grazing hazard was associated with flood-related species (e.g., Cicuta virosa, Oenanthe aquatica) and persistent forage contaminants (Datura/Hyoscyamus, Lolium temulentum). These findings indicate that toxic-plant risk follows an asymmetric seasonal pattern: episodic post-flood hazard in floodplains combined with constant background risk in steppe pastures. Therefore, grazing management should integrate event-based monitoring of wet habitats with continuous forage-quality control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Diversity)

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20 pages, 3478 KB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Diversity of Flower Color Phenotypes in Paeonia delavayi

by Siqi Liu, Huiyao Li, Juan Wang, Chun Du, Yue Pan, Guiqing He, Jianying Xiang and Jin Li

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 164; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030164 - 8 Mar 2026

Abstract

Paeonia delavayi displays exceptionally diverse flower colors. This study established a quantitative classification system for these colors and analyzed the relationships among pigment composition, content, and geographical distribution, providing a scientific basis for genetic diversity conservation and ornamental peony breeding. Petals from 465 [...] Read more.

Paeonia delavayi displays exceptionally diverse flower colors. This study established a quantitative classification system for these colors and analyzed the relationships among pigment composition, content, and geographical distribution, providing a scientific basis for genetic diversity conservation and ornamental peony breeding. Petals from 465 plants across 30 wild populations and nurseries in central and northwestern Yunnan, China, were analyzed. Color values were quantified using CIE-Lab and Munsell color systems, while pigment content was determined using HPLC and spectrophotometry. Correlations between color values, pigments, and environmental factors were examined. The results were as follows: (1) Flower colors were classified into nine color series, each with distinct boundaries in the color value space: white (W), yellow (Y), yellow-green (YG), orange (O), orange-brown (OB), pink (P), red (R), purple-red (PR), and dark purple (DP). (2) Color values showed wide variation (a*: −23.10–65.54; b*: −4.11–94.26), indicating high diversity. (3) Yellow-category petals had high b* values (24.91–94.26), correlated with carotenoid, chlorophyll, and flavonoid content, and lacked anthocyanins. The lightness value (L*) of red-category petals was correlated with total flavonoid (TF) and total anthocyanin (ACN) content. (4) Correlation analysis showed that the formation of dark-flower colors (DP, PR, R) was significantly and positively correlated with high altitude, high soil organic carbon (SOC), and high soil total nitrogen (STN) content. The distribution of yellow-series flower colors (Y, YG) was correlated with lower altitude and weaker UV radiation, while increasing mean annual temperature (MAT) limited their distribution. (5) Analysis incorporating environmental factors showed that high-altitude areas in northwestern Yunnan, such as Shangri-La and Lijiang, had the richest flower color diversity, whereas central Yunnan’s low-altitude areas were dominated by yellow flower colors. This study indicates that the high-altitude areas of northwestern Yunnan represent the region with the richest flower color diversity in P. delavayi, and are important for the conservation of its flower color genetic diversity and as a source of genetic diversity in flower color in ornamental cultivar breeding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Diversity)

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27 pages, 1590 KB

Open AccessReview

Up-to-Date Biodiversity Changes in the Benthic Communities from the English Channel Under Climatic and Anthropogenic Pressures

by Jean-Claude Dauvin

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030163 - 7 Mar 2026

Abstract

Like most of the North Atlantic marine coastal area, the seawater temperature in the English Channel (EC) is showing an increase that began in the middle of the 1980s. Similarly, during the same period, there has been an increase in human activities (extraction [...] Read more.

Like most of the North Atlantic marine coastal area, the seawater temperature in the English Channel (EC) is showing an increase that began in the middle of the 1980s. Similarly, during the same period, there has been an increase in human activities (extraction of aggregates, harbour sediment dredging and spoil disposal, Offshore Wind Farms). This point of view examines and analyses the changes in biodiversity of benthic species and communities from the EC under climatic and anthropogenic pressures during the four last decades. Four main changes have been recorded: (1) additions to the checklist of benthic species, due to new prospections; (2) changes in the structure of benthic communities, due to human activities; (3) an increase in diversity due to the arrival of non-indigenous species, some of which have effects on the structure of benthic communities; and (4) eastward progression of temperate species, while some boreal species tend to disappear. Situated in temperate mid-latitudes bordering the North-eastern Atlantic, the EC is an excellent open laboratory to observe and understand the impact of climatic change and human activities on marine coastal ecosystems. Today, the increase in seawater temperature and the introduction of non-native species appear to be the main factors that explain the changes in benthic diversity in the EC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Biogeography of Marine Benthos—2nd Edition)

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13 pages, 5063 KB

Open AccessArticle

A New Ammonite Biostratigraphic Framework for Distal Urgonian Successions of North Provence and a Correlation with Southern Vercors

by Camille Frau, Anthony J.-B. Tendil and Cyprien Lanteaume

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 162; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030162 - 7 Mar 2026

Abstract

New ammonite discoveries from the south-facing flank of Mont Ventoux (southern France) provide robust and refined age constraints on the maximum northward progradation of Urgonian depositional environments in northern Provence during the late Barremian to early Aptian. The succession records distal Urgonian depositional [...] Read more.

New ammonite discoveries from the south-facing flank of Mont Ventoux (southern France) provide robust and refined age constraints on the maximum northward progradation of Urgonian depositional environments in northern Provence during the late Barremian to early Aptian. The succession records distal Urgonian depositional environments during the late Barremian, spanning from the Toxancyloceras vandenheckii to the upper Gerhardtia sartousiana Zone, followed by strongly progradational distal Urgonian deposits with an age interval from the terminal Barremian into the early Aptian. These new data permit an updated and simplified regional correlation of Urgonian successions across the Barremian–Aptian boundary in northern Provence and along the northern margin of the Vocontian Basin. Our correlations reveal clear, coeval sedimentary signals across both regions, emphasizing the regional synchronicity of Urgonian platform development at the basin scale. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Palaeontology of Ammonoids: Recent Advances)

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19 pages, 2975 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evolutionary Patterns of Microsatellite Distribution in Cricket Genomes: Insights from Comparative Genomics of Five Gryllidae Species

by Kanawat Promsomboon, Somjit Homchan and Yash Munnalal Gupta

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 161; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030161 - 6 Mar 2026

Abstract

Microsatellites or simple sequence repeats (SSRs) are valuable markers for understanding genome structure, function, and evolution. However, their distribution and characteristics remain largely unexplored in cricket species. We conducted a genome-wide identification and analysis of perfect (P-SSRs), compound (C-SSRs), and imperfect SSRs (I-SSRs) [...] Read more.

Microsatellites or simple sequence repeats (SSRs) are valuable markers for understanding genome structure, function, and evolution. However, their distribution and characteristics remain largely unexplored in cricket species. We conducted a genome-wide identification and analysis of perfect (P-SSRs), compound (C-SSRs), and imperfect SSRs (I-SSRs) across five cricket genomes. The total number of SSRs ranged from 2,350,765 to 3,299,527, representing 5.37–7.27% of the genomes. Abundance followed the pattern I-SSRs > P-SSRs > C-SSRs across genomic regions (genome, intergenic, intronic, and coding sequences). Total SSR number, length, abundance and density showed no significant correlation with genome size. Trinucleotide repeats were consistently the most common P-SSR type. The (AAT)_n motif predominated in genomes, intergenic, and introns, while (CCG)_n was most frequent in coding sequences. Consequently, AT-rich repeats dominated non-coding regions, whereas GC-rich repeats were enriched in coding sequences. Coefficient of variation analysis of repeat copy numbers revealed distinct trends in P-SSR distribution across genomic regions and species. Functional annotation of coding sequences containing P-SSRs indicated involvement in binding, signal transduction, and transcription. This study represents, to our knowledge, the first comprehensive subtribe-level comparative analysis of SSRs in crickets, providing new insights into their genomic architecture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Diversity)

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18 pages, 3806 KB

Open AccessArticle

Rhizosphere Fungal Communities of Invasive vs. Native Plants in a Karst Ecosystem

by Jiawei Wu, Jiaguo Wang and Weijie Li

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 160; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030160 - 5 Mar 2026

Abstract

Plant invasions severely threaten the stability and biodiversity of fragile ecosystems in karst areas. Elucidating the microbial mechanisms underlying the interactions between invasive plants and native plants in rhizosphere soil is crucial for preventing plant invasions. In this study, high-throughput sequencing was used [...] Read more.

Plant invasions severely threaten the stability and biodiversity of fragile ecosystems in karst areas. Elucidating the microbial mechanisms underlying the interactions between invasive plants and native plants in rhizosphere soil is crucial for preventing plant invasions. In this study, high-throughput sequencing was used to compare the differences in rhizosphere fungi between two invasive and native plants in the Guizhou karst region. These findings provide theoretical support for understanding the ecological impact of invasive plants and for developing ecological management strategies based on soil microorganisms. The results revealed the following: (1) A total of 16 soil samples were included in the study, which comprised 1 phylum, 50 classes, 112 orders, 245 families, 463 genera and 629 species. (2) No significant differences were observed in the Ace, Chao, Shannon, Simpson and Sobs indices of the rhizosphere fungal communities between invasive plants and native plants (p > 0.05). (3) At the phylum level, no significant difference was observed in the community compositions of invasive and native plants; the dominant phyla were Ascomycota, Mortierellomycota and Basidiomycota; at the genus level, there were significant differences in the community composition of invasive and native plants, and the relative abundances of Minimedusa, Monocillium and Gymnopus in the rhizosphere soil of invasive plants were significantly higher (p < 0.05). (4) Functional predictions based on FUNGuild indicated a higher relative abundance of saprotrophic fungi associated with invasive plants. Community assembly processes for both invasive and native plants were primarily governed by stochastic ecological processes (e.g., drift). These findings suggest that plant invasion is associated with shifts in the composition and potential ecological functions of rhizosphere fungal communities in the karst area. Full article

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19 pages, 11861 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Giant Halisaurine from the Late Maastrichtian of Morocco

by Nicholas R. Longrich and Nour-Eddine Jalil

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 159; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030159 - 5 Mar 2026

Abstract

The Late Cretaceous deposits of Morocco have yielded one of the richest and most diverse assemblages of marine reptiles in the world, with the mosasaurids representing the dominant group. Among the most common mosasaurs are members of the subfamily Halisaurinae. Halisaurines ranged in [...] Read more.

The Late Cretaceous deposits of Morocco have yielded one of the richest and most diverse assemblages of marine reptiles in the world, with the mosasaurids representing the dominant group. Among the most common mosasaurs are members of the subfamily Halisaurinae. Halisaurines ranged in size from the relatively small Halisaurus, which reached 4–5 m in length, to the larger Pluridens serpentis, which may have reached 7.5 m in length. Here we report a new, giant species of Pluridens, Pluridens imelaki. The new Pluridens is characterized by a slender, rectangular snout, a T-shaped premaxilla–maxilla junction, interlocking premaxilla–maxilla joint, a prominent dorsal ridge on the premaxilla, an exceptionally long and slender mandible, a tooth count of ~25 dentary teeth, straight, triangular tooth crowns that are strongly bent back just above the tooth–root junction, a low coronoid process and a tall and slender retroarticular process. The skull is 1.25 m long, suggesting a body length of ~9 m or more, comparable in size to large predators such as Thalassotitan. Differences between P. imaleki and P. serpentis in the jaw and tooth structure, eye size and innervation of the rostrum, as well as overall size, suggest they had different foraging strategies and occupied distinct ecological niches. Pluridens imelaki reveals that Halisaurinae were not only more species-rich than previously recognized, but also exhibited greater diversity in tooth morphology, jaw shape, and body size than previously thought. Rather than simply being outcompeted by Mosasaurinae, the Halisaurinae staged a minor adaptive radiation in the Late Cretaceous and were important members of the ecosystem in low latitudes. Pluridens imelaki appears to have been exceptionally rare in the phosphates, being documented by only a single specimen among the many hundreds of mosasaur remains recovered over many years. This underscores how the species richness of the phosphates and other diverse assemblages is driven by rare taxa that are only revealed through extensive sampling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reptilian Response to Major Environmental Transitions: From Deep Time to the Anthropocene)

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17 pages, 4486 KB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship Between Macroinvertebrate Community Characteristics and Environmental Factors in the Han River Basin

by Xueyi Huang, Shengning Pan, Ting Li, Jiwei Zhang, Mingchun Zhou, Xuan Zhou and Jing Zhang

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030158 - 5 Mar 2026

Abstract

As the largest tributary of the Yangtze River and a core area of the Middle Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, the Han River Basin holds significant ecological importance regarding the impacts of land use and water environment changes on aquatic ecosystems. [...] Read more.

As the largest tributary of the Yangtze River and a core area of the Middle Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, the Han River Basin holds significant ecological importance regarding the impacts of land use and water environment changes on aquatic ecosystems. Existing studies have mostly focused on local reaches of the upper or middle–lower Han River, and systematic investigations into the associations between macroinvertebrate communities and environmental factors at the entire basin scale remain scarce. The niche characteristics and environmental drivers of macroinvertebrate community structure in the Han River Basin, China, were evaluated using a variety of diversity metrics and statistical methods. The results showed that: (1) A total of 91 macroinvertebrate taxa were identified during 2022–2023, with Insecta as the dominant group. Species richness in the upstream reaches increased in 2023, and the degree of differentiation between the upstream and the middle–lower reaches was markedly weaker than that in 2022. (2) Significant interannual differences in macroinvertebrate community structure were detected (PERMANOVA, p < 0.05), and taxa such as Polypedilum sp., Orthocladius sp., and Gammaridae collectively accounted for 35.6% of the dissimilarity among communities. (3) The overall niche breadth of dominant taxa was relatively low, whereas niche overlap decreased significantly in 2023, indicating a community niche pattern characterized by “low competition–high differentiation”. (4) Total phosphorus (TP) and total nitrogen (TN) were the core water environmental factors driving changes in community structure, while forested land was the key land use factor, and their synergistic effects jointly regulated the composition and diversity of macroinvertebrate communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Freshwater Biodiversity Conservation and Ecological Restoration in Human-Dominated Landscapes)

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16 pages, 1411 KB

Open AccessArticle

Seasonal Dominance over Morphometric Effects in Regulating Antioxidant Defense in Two Freshwater Capoeta Species

by Muammer Kırıcı, Nurgül Şen Özdemir, Muharrem Güneş, Teoman Özgür Sökmen, Fatma Caf, Cebrahil Türk and Nurullah Demir

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030157 - 3 Mar 2026

Abstract

Antioxidant defense systems in fish are highly sensitive to environmental variability and provide valuable indicators of physiological stress in aquatic ecosystems. This study evaluated the combined effects of seasonal variation, morphometric parameters (total length, total weight, and condition factor), sex, and species identity [...] Read more.

Antioxidant defense systems in fish are highly sensitive to environmental variability and provide valuable indicators of physiological stress in aquatic ecosystems. This study evaluated the combined effects of seasonal variation, morphometric parameters (total length, total weight, and condition factor), sex, and species identity on oxidative stress markers and antioxidant defense responses in Capoeta umbla and Capoeta trutta collected from the Karasu River (Türkiye). Fish were seasonally sampled between April 2023 and March 2024, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and the activities of key antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR), were analyzed in edible muscle tissues. Length–weight relationships and Fulton’s condition factor were calculated to describe growth patterns and physiological status. The results indicated that seasonal variation was the primary factor influencing oxidative stress responses and antioxidant defense patterns in both species. Higher oxidative stress levels and increased antioxidant enzyme activities were generally observed during the summer period, reflecting physiological responses to elevated environmental temperatures. Morphometric parameters and species identity showed comparatively weaker associations with antioxidant variability. Overall, the findings highlight the dominant role of seasonal environmental dynamics in regulating oxidative balance in freshwater Capoeta species and support the use of antioxidant biomarkers as effective tools for assessing ecosystem health under changing environmental conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Freshwater Biodiversity)

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11 pages, 1468 KB

Open AccessArticle

Correcting Waterhole-Driven Population Biases in Arid Ecosystems: A Case Study of Oryx (Oryx gazella)

by Erika P. Swenson, Murray Tindall, Nils Odendaal and Larkin A. Powell

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 156; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030156 - 3 Mar 2026

Abstract

Transect surveys and distance sampling are widely used to estimate wildlife population densities, but these methods can be biased when animals aggregate near features such as waterholes or other resources that occur along survey routes. Using empirical data from the NamibRand Nature Reserve [...] Read more.

Transect surveys and distance sampling are widely used to estimate wildlife population densities, but these methods can be biased when animals aggregate near features such as waterholes or other resources that occur along survey routes. Using empirical data from the NamibRand Nature Reserve in Namibia, we developed spatial simulations to examine how clumping of oryx (Oryx gazella) near water sources affects density and population estimates. We simulated surveys along a 50 km transect and varied the proportion of the population concentrated at waterholes (5–20%). Our analyses from the simulated surveys show that such aggregation can cause substantial positive bias, as population estimates were inflated by 67% to 967% relative to the known population size. We evaluated two correction approaches: censoring observations and transect segments near waterholes and redistributing animals from waterholes across the landscape. Both methods reduced bias when applied to our simulated survey data, but censoring was simpler and consistently produced more accurate estimates. These findings demonstrate that nonrandom animal distributions near linear survey features can severely compromise distance sampling assumptions. Accounting for such biases is essential for producing reliable population estimates, particularly in arid and semi-arid systems where wildlife strongly congregates around limited water sources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity in 2026)

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24 pages, 7567 KB

Open AccessReview

Research on the Impact of Biodiversity in Tea Plantations on Tea Quality

by Qi Wu, Tiantian Wang, Jimei Cui, Yutong Wang, Lin Zhao, Yangnan Zhao, Xi Wu, Jiaqi Wang and Zhenyu Yun

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 155; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030155 - 3 Mar 2026

Abstract

Tea plantation ecosystems, as typical human–natural integrated systems, rely on biodiversity to sustain yield, quality, and ecological sustainability. With the global popularization of ecological agriculture concepts, eco-oriented tea production has emerged as a core development direction for the tea industry. However, a systematic [...] Read more.

Tea plantation ecosystems, as typical human–natural integrated systems, rely on biodiversity to sustain yield, quality, and ecological sustainability. With the global popularization of ecological agriculture concepts, eco-oriented tea production has emerged as a core development direction for the tea industry. However, a systematic elucidation of the mechanisms by which tea plantation biodiversity modulates tea quality, alongside standardized assessment methodologies for this biodiversity, remains inadequate. This paper comprehensively synthesizes how genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity regulate the accumulation of tea polyphenols, amino acids, and aromatic compounds—key determinants of tea quality. It evaluates mainstream assessment frameworks and identifies DPSIR (Driving Forces-Pressure-State-Impact-Response) as the most comprehensive and practical option. This paper further dissects the impacts of genetic, ecosystem, and species diversity (the three core dimensions of tea garden biodiversity) on tea quality formation. Genetic diversity shapes metabolic traits; ecosystem diversity modulates secondary metabolism via microclimate and soil; and species diversity (plants, animals, microbes) exerts synergistic effects on nutrient cycling and pest control. All these collectively improve tea sensory quality, safety, and stability. Future research should focus on plant–microbe interactions, quantitative biodiversity–quality models, and precision ecological management, laying a theoretical foundation for sustainable, high-quality tea production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Diversity)

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17 pages, 1949 KB

Open AccessArticle

Plant Diversity and Structural Patterns in Stanului Forest, Gemărtălui Valley, Romania

by Liviu Cristian Mărăcineanu and Florin Daniel Stamin

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030154 - 2 Mar 2026

Abstract

This study provides the first comprehensive structural and diversity assessment of the Stanului Forest ecosystem since the last taxonomic survey conducted in 1987. The paper analyses the structural indices of biocoenosis and vegetation diversity in the Stanului Forest ecosystem (Gemărtălui Valley), in the [...] Read more.

This study provides the first comprehensive structural and diversity assessment of the Stanului Forest ecosystem since the last taxonomic survey conducted in 1987. The paper analyses the structural indices of biocoenosis and vegetation diversity in the Stanului Forest ecosystem (Gemărtălui Valley), in the hilly area of Oltenia (Romania), in Dolj County. Primary data were obtained using randomised sampling with frame squares, which ensured the random selection of sampling units and standardisation of the data collection process. The number of samples was equal (10) across all vegetation categories studied. The sampling area was 1 m² for herbaceous species and 100 m² for woody species. Structural indices (frequency, constancy, dominance index, index of relative significance, etc.), diversity indices (Shannon–Wiener, Gleason, Simpson), and statistical analyses were used to interpret the data. The results showed that from a taxonomic perspective, 5 families of woody species and 15 families of herbaceous species were identified. The presence of the invasive species (Robinia pseudoacacia) can negatively influence the ecological functions of the existing plant community. The species Quercus frainetto and Carpinus betulus accounted for 55.16% of the woody layer dominance. In the herbaceous layer, Carex sylvatica and Schedonorus giganteus recorded the highest dominance values. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index was 0.53 in the woody layer and 0.50 in the herbaceous layer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 15th Anniversary of Diversity—Biodiversity, Conservation and Ecology of Animals, Plants and Microorganisms)

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26 pages, 3824 KB

Open AccessArticle

Ecological Impacts of Photovoltaic Infrastructure Construction on Coastal Salt Pan Ecosystems: A Case Study of Microbial Communities in the Tianjin’s “Salt–Solar–Fishery Synergy” System

by Haoran Ma, Yuqing Wang, Xinlu Zhang, Yong Dou, Xingliang Xu, Wenli Zhou and Hao Wu

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 153; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030153 - 2 Mar 2026

Abstract

Against the backdrop of advancing the “dual carbon” goals (carbon peaking and carbon neutrality), the “fishery–photovoltaic complementary” model—integrating solar power generation with salt pan production—has been widely adopted in Tianjin. However, large-scale photovoltaic (PV) facility construction exerts complex impacts onsalt panns, a wetland [...] Read more.

Against the backdrop of advancing the “dual carbon” goals (carbon peaking and carbon neutrality), the “fishery–photovoltaic complementary” model—integrating solar power generation with salt pan production—has been widely adopted in Tianjin. However, large-scale photovoltaic (PV) facility construction exerts complex impacts onsalt panns, a wetland ecosystem of unique ecological value, by blocking sunlight, altering local microclimates, and regulating water evaporation. Currently, systematic field studies on the comprehensive effects of PV facilities onsalt pans ecosystems remain scarce, particularly those focusing on impacts on primary producers and key environmental factors. Pond sediments harbor the densest and most diverse aquatic microbial communities. In this study, sediment samples were collected from four typical ponds in Tianjin’salt panan region in April, July, and September 2024. Post sample processing, multiple statistical analyses were conducted, including alpha diversity indexing, species abundance clustering, and beta diversity analysis (non-metric multidimensional scaling, NMDS). The results showed the following: (1) Microbial communities existed in both PV-equipped and non-PV areas, indicating no significant correlation between PV presence and alpha diversity indices. (2) Species and genus compositions aggregated in PV-equipped areas with generally consistent community structures, whereas they displayed high dispersion in non-PV areas. This regulatory effect of PV facilities was relatively stable, with deviations only at a few sampling sites, confirming that PV presence significantly affects community composition patterns at both species and genus levels. (3) Cluster heatmap analysis revealed distinct seasonal variations in clustering relationships between sampling stations and microbial genera. Among dominant genera, only Desulfotignum was unaffected by PV facilities or seasonal changes, while the distribution of other dominant genera was significantly influenced by PV construction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Marine Diversity)

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