Ecologies

The study represents the results of a long-term (2016 to 2021) survey on the herpetofauna inhabiting the vicinity of a heavily loaded section of the road E 87. The investigated road splits a Protected site from the net NATURA 2000 BG0000271 “Mandra-Poda”. The Protected site is known for its high biodiversity and its dense populations of vertebrates, which thrive in the area. Directly near the inspected road and on the pavement, we were able to detect five species of snakes, three species of turtles and two species of lizards. Among the squamates, rare observations were made of the European nose-horned viper (Vipera ammodytes), detected twice, and the European glass lizard (Pseudopus apodus), detected three times. Three other species—the Bloched snake (Elaphe sauromates), the Caspian whipsnake (Dolichophis caspius) and the Rhodos green lizard (Lacerta dyplochondrodes)—were found in larger numbers during some of the field surveys and here we provide information concerning the hot moments of their activity in the vicinity of the road. The Grass snakes (Natrix natrix) and the Dice snakes (N. tessellata) formed dense groups in the direct vicinity (closer than one and half meters) of the investigated road section. Despite the high number of recorded snakes and lizards, only isolated cases of vehicle collisions were observed. We suggest that the local squamate population had developed a complex of ethological specifics related to feeding, basking, shading, and copulation, which helped them to benefit from the road and avoid the risks related to the heavy traffic. Full article

A handful of Sphagnum species and their ecosystems find their southernmost occurrence in the Pyrenees, and these small, relict units are endangered through anthropic activities and climatic change. A number of hydropower reservoirs covered former mire systems with water or let them ashore. These infrastructures will eventually become useless and abandoned, and the mires could possibly be restored, but there have been no known experiments in the Pyrenees in this field. The removal of the dam of a small reservoir in the Central Pyrenees in 2012 uncovered bare ground that was appropriate for testing mire restoration. In 2017, we started the restoration of two Habitats of Community Interest (HCIs), i.e., transition mires and quaking bogs (HCI 7140) and active raised bogs (HCI 7110*). To restore HCI 7140, we set a Carex rostrata population by planting cuttings and then small tufts of two Sphagnum species within the sedge sward. In parallel, we set small clumps of two other Sphagnum species intended to grow into hummocks (HCI 7110*). After seven growing seasons, HCI 7140 reached a good progression level, with a prosperous C. rostrata sward and progressive expansion of the Sphagnum populations. HCI 7110* turfs had varying performance, exhibiting moderate survivorship and positive expansion of the remaining turfs. The varying performance of the restored populations illustrates the possibilities of restoring mire communities in suboptimal environments. Interestingly, such restorative actions are appropriate for enhancing populations of species under threat, such as Sphagnum divinum. Full article

Climate change poses serious challenges to Mediterranean crops such as the olive tree (Olea europaea L. subsp. europaea), underscoring the need for cultivars with improved drought tolerance and disease resistance. This study investigates variability in leaf and wood traits among Moroccan and introduced olive cultivars and their crossbreed genotypes grown under similar conditions. Specifically, we assessed (1) variation in key functional traits, (2) the effects of crossbreeding combinations, and (3) trait syndromes shaped by selection. Results showed substantial intraspecific variation in leaf traits, including specific leaf area (SLA), specific leaf water content (SLWC), stomatal size (SS), and density (SD), indicating diverse strategies for resource use and plasticity. Crossbreed genotypes generally displayed higher SLWC and lower SLA, reflecting adaptation to water stress. Wood traits, particularly vessel size (SVS) and number (NVS), also varied, revealing trade-offs between hydraulic efficiency and safety. Notably, an increase in vessel size and hydraulic conductivity was correlated with oil content (OC%), while OC% increased with higher vessel and stomatal densities. Larger stomata increased conductance and fruit growth, while lower SLA was linked to higher yield. Multivariate analysis distinguished two genotype groups, consistent with parental combinations. Overall, crossbreeding generated novel functional diversity that may enhance adaptive potential. These findings highlight the value of integrating functional and anatomical traits into olive breeding programs to improve resilience and productivity under climate change. Full article

Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are secreted by microalgae and contribute to protecting cells from damage induced by cadmium (Cd) exposure. However, the response mechanism of Chlorella sp. to Cd(II) stress as well as associated changes in the chemical properties (including functional groups and composition) of soluble EPS (SL-EPS), loosely bound EPS (LB-EPS), and tightly bound EPS (TB- EPS) in this microalga, remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of EPS in enabling Chlorella sp. to resist Cd(II) stress. The results demonstrated that Cd(II) stress resulted in a significant inhibition of algal, chlorophyll a (Chl a) contents, and maximum photochemical quantum yield (Fv/Fm) of Chlorella sp., with 7 d EC₃₀ of 6 mg/L. Nevertheless, Cd(II) exposure significantly increased both superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and EPS content. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis revealed that differences existed in the functional groups involved in Cd(II) binding across algal cell density, SL-EPS, LB-EPS, and TB-EPS. The carboxyl group was identified as the most prominent functional group and were found to play a crucial role in the adsorption of Cd(II). Additionally, Tryptophan-like protein substance in EPS may be the main component binding with Cd(II) in Chlorella sp. This study indicated that Chlorella sp. resisted Cd(II) stress by increasing SOD activity and EPS content, with protein-like substance containing tryptophan proteins in EPS which could also contribute to protection against Cd stress. Full article

Microplastic (MP) pollution is an emerging environmental concern, yet its occurrence in remote high-mountain ecosystems remains poorly understood. This study investigated MP contamination in fish from Nero Lake, an alpine lake in northwestern Italy. Between 2023 and 2024, a total of 33 specimens of Salmo trutta, Phoxinus lumaireul, and Salvelinus fontinalis were analyzed. MPs were detected in 84% of specimens in 2023 and in 93% in 2024. Filaments were the predominant particle type, while polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate were the most common polymers. In 2024, polyamide was also detected and showed the highest Polymer Hazard Index (PHI = 12.22), indicating a high hazard risk (Grade III) and elevated toxicological potential. Contamination Factor values exceeded 10 in S. trutta, and Pollution Load Index values frequently surpassed 1, both suggesting established contamination. However, the limited number of specimens, particularly for P. lumaireul and S. fontinalis, reduces statistical power and increases the risk of Type II errors. Although no significant interspecific differences in MP counts were observed, results should be interpreted with caution. Larger sample sizes are recommended but remain difficult to obtain in alpine environments. These findings highlight the vulnerability of remote lakes to both local and long-range MP pollution sources. Full article

The order Decapoda, comprising over 17,000 extant marine species, has maintained a significant association with human societies since ancient times. This prolonged interaction initially centered on their role as a food source, subsequently expanding to encompass a broader spectrum of interests aimed at understanding their unique biological characteristics and diversity. To examine the evolution of the research focus on decapods in Spain, a bibliometric analysis was conducted. The dataset analyzed encompasses literature from various databases, culminating in a total of 913 references pertaining to decapods in Spain without temporal limitations. This analysis facilitated the creation of network maps illustrating the interconnections among primary keywords and authors as well as the progression of scientific output since the earliest recorded study in 1788. The clusters identified in the analysis delineated the principal research topics concerning Spanish decapods, highlighting the predominant areas of study, the most influential authors and institutions, and principal partner-countries establishing collaborative networks. The findings also underscore the prominence of specific journals in the development of the discipline, as well as the weight that commercially significant species have in the scientific literature. Finally, it analyzes the evolution of the research trends and emphasizes the necessity of broadening scientific enquiry to encompass other domains and lesser-known species. Full article

Mount Falakro in Northern Greece historically hosted populations of the Balkan-endemic butterfly Polyommatus orphicus and its larval host plant Onobrychis alba. In this study, we surveyed six historically confirmed localities during the peak flight period of P. orphicus in 2024, but neither the butterfly nor the host plant were detected. While the historical data on both species are scarce and often imprecise, our field observations indicate severe habitat degradation, dominated by overgrazing and suspected climate-driven shifts. Habitat conditions were assessed qualitatively, with special attention to limestone substrates previously known to support O. alba. Although definitive absence cannot be statistically confirmed, the lack of detection in previously occupied sites raises urgent concerns about possible local extinction. Our findings suggest that both species may already be extirpated from parts of their former range. This case study underscores the conservation relevance of absence data and highlights the importance of site-based monitoring in mountainous ecosystems undergoing rapid environmental change. Long-term surveys, regulated grazing, and post-disturbance habitat restoration are urgently needed to clarify the conservation status of these species and guide future management strategies. Full article

Phytophthora species are known as water molds and are widespread in rivers and riparian habitats, but the distribution of these oomycetes in coastal and sea ecosystems is not well explored. The present study aims to investigate salt tolerance and potential to survive in marine environment of thirteen Phytophthora species, including P. citricola, P. plurivora, P. pseudosyringae, P. inundata, P. chlamydospora, P. gonapodyides, P. bilorbang, P. lacustris, P. pseudocryptogea, P. syringae, P. polonica, P. honggalleglyana, and P. gallica. The effect of varying concentrations of sodium chloride and the impact of sea water from the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea on mycelial growth, colony type, and formation of different morphological structures by Phytophthora species were studied. The tested isolates belong to different clades of the genus and members of clade 6 stand out with more extensive colony growth on media with elevated salt content compared to the growth on the control medium. A number of Phytophthora isolates produced morphological structures for sexual and/or asexual reproduction under salt stress conditions. The ability of the studied Phytophthora species to exist in marine environment is discussed. Full article

Pea crabs live in association with various marine invertebrates, particularly notable for their parasitic relationship with numerous bivalves of great economic importance. During a genetic study of mussel populations on the French Atlantic coast, these crabs were found in the mantle cavity of individuals in La Tranche-sur-Mer, predominantly affecting Mytilus edulis. Given the history of mass mortality events in this area, the apparent susceptibility of M. edulis to parasitism, and the negative impact of pea crabs on host physiology, this study focused on determining the crab species found and their effects on mussels. The prevalence of infestation in this population was high (64.6%), with 61.3% of infested mussels hosting one crab and 38.7% hosting two crabs. There were no significant differences in infestation rates between male and female bivalves. Genetic analysis (16S and H3) identified the crab as Pinnotheres pisum, of which two morphotypes were observed depending on sex and stage of development. Despite the high prevalence, infested mussels showed no evidence of impaired growth or reproductive development. However, long-term studies are recommended to explore whether subtle or cumulative physiological effects of crab infestations could indirectly contribute to the mass mortality events recorded in this area. Full article

Hydropower plants have significant impacts on aquatic biodiversity, particularly on migratory fish species. Effectively managing these impacts requires a comprehensive understanding of fish reproduction and recruitment within altered river systems, which can be assessed through ichthyoplankton studies. However, traditional morphological methods for identifying fish eggs and larvae present considerable challenges due to morphological ambiguity and developmental constraints. In this study, we applied DNA barcoding to characterize the ichthyoplankton community within a relictual lotic stretch downstream of the Capivara Dam, located on the Paranapanema River in Southern Brazil. Cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene sequences from 79 samples were compared against the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD) and GenBank databases, resulting in successful species-level identification for all samples, each exhibiting around 99.8% similarity. The identified specimens comprised eight species, six genera, four families, and two orders. Species from the order Siluriformes accounted for 60.5% of the total abundance, predominantly including migratory species such as Pimelodus ornatus, Pimelodus maculatus, Leporinus friderici, and Pinirampus pirinampu, the latter a species rarely observed in the basin. These findings highlight the importance of lotic stretches as spawning grounds and emphasize the need for their conservation. DNA barcoding proved to be an efficient method for species identification, providing essential data for environmental assessments and conservation strategies targeting local fish populations. Full article

Within biogeographic regions, local communities are structured mainly by abiotic (environmental) filtering, external resource supply, and biotic interactions. In recent years, we investigated abiotic filtering and external resource supply as drivers of the latitudinal distribution of rocky intertidal species along the Atlantic Canadian coast in Nova Scotia. Here, we evaluate biotic interactions between the main sessile species groups. Specifically, we studied abundance relationships between seaweeds and filter-feeding invertebrates and between barnacles and mussels using data collected at mid-to-high intertidal elevations at eight wave-exposed locations every summer from 2014 to 2017. We assessed such relationships for each location and year through generalized additive modeling (GAM). Of the 32 relationships evaluated for seaweeds vs. filter-feeders, 31% were significant and consistently negative, suggesting competitive interactions. For barnacles vs. mussels, 25% of the relationships were significant and mostly positive, consistent with facilitation of mussel colonization by barnacles in harsh environments. The variability explained by these models was moderate, however, between around 10% and 50%. Overall, these results suggest that interactions between the studied sessile species groups are infrequent and, when present, relatively weak in these highly stressful habitats, which supports current ecological theory on community organization. Full article

With the purpose of understanding the trophic relationships between three herbivores that use humid high-mountain grassland and evaluating a possible interspecific competition between them and depending on the importance of the hydromorphic vegetation formations of high-mountain areas, relations were established between the attributes of these grasslands and the botanical composition of the diet of grey-breasted seedsnipe (Thinocorus orbignyianus), brown hares (Lepus europaeus), and horses (Equus ferus caballus). For two summer seasons, the botanical composition of the grassland and dry matter availability were assessed. In parallel, the botanical composition of the diets of the three herbivores was estimated through fecal microhistology. Based on the botanical composition data for both the grasslands and herbivores’ diets, their relative diversity was estimated. The Pianka index was established among the three herbivores. Hares showed greater dietary diversity (J) than horses and grey-breasted seedsnipes, factors that were negatively correlated in all three cases with the vegetation diversity patch. The same response amplitude was found when analyzing the food web. The dietary diversity for all species showed no relation to the dry matter productivity of the vegetable patches. Through analyzing the correlation of the abundance of two species of Cyperaceae in the grassland with the presence of the same in the diet of herbivores, we found a negative relationship between the abundance of Carex sp. and grey-breasted seedsnipe diet, and a positive relationship between the Eleocharis pseudoalbibracteata species abundance and frequency in the diet of hares and horses. About the group of species content of graminoids in the diet, a dietary overlap of 30% was determined in the animal species assessed; depending on that, it could identify the existence of interspecific competition between herbivores, which would be conditioned by the response of individuals to the environment. However, and according to the magnitude of the dietary overlap, a low probability of interspecific trophic competition among the studied herbivore species can be expected, which enables the use of the highland wet grassland habitat in sympatry. Full article

Semi-natural grasslands are key biodiversity reservoirs in Mediterranean mountain ecosystems. Grazing pressure may significantly influence plant communities and soil conditions, with potential effects on ecosystem functioning. This study evaluated the impact of grazing intensity on floristic diversity, community structure, and soil physico-chemical and microbiological properties across eight grasslands in the Jbel Bouhachem massif (northern Morocco). Species richness, Shannon diversity, and floristic composition were assessed using PERMANOVA and NMDS ordination. Soil parameters and microbial groups were analyzed through laboratory measurements, with statistical comparisons based on Wilcoxon and t-tests. No significant differences were found in species richness or alpha diversity between grazing intensities, although floristic dispersion was higher under intensive grazing. Soil texture, potassium, iron, zinc, and electrical conductivity differed significantly between treatments. Among microbial groups, only yeasts and molds showed higher abundance under intensive grazing, while sulfite-reducing clostridia were exclusively detected in these plots. These results suggest that grazing intensity has a selective impact on soil properties and microbial communities, while plant diversity remains relatively stable. Full article

Our study was conducted in the Valle Nuevo National Park and included four habitat classes: tussock grass (Sabapa), pine forest (Pinoc), broadleaf forest (Boslat), and agricultural ecosystem (Ecoag). We had two main objectives: to comparatively describe millipede communities and to determine the relationships between population density/diversity and soil physicochemical variables. The research was cross-sectional and non-manipulative, with a descriptive and correlational scope; sampling followed a stratified systematic design, with eight transects and 32 quadrats of 1 m², covering 21.7 km. We found a sandy loam soil with an extremely acidic pH. The highest population density of millipedes was recorded in Sabapa, and the lowest in Ecoag. The highest alpha diversity was shared between Boslat (Margalef = 1.72) and Pinoc (Shannon = 2.53); Sabapa and Boslat showed the highest Jaccard similarity (0.56). The null hypothesis test using the weighted Shannon index revealed a statistically significant difference in diversity between the Boslat–Sabapa and Pinoc–Sabapa pairs. Two of the species recorded highly significant indicator values (IndVal) for two habitat classes. We found significant correlations (p < 0.05) between various soil physicochemical variables and millipede density and diversity. Full article

Beech forests in the Italian peninsula are actively managed and they also support a high level of biodiversity. Hence, biodiversity conservation can be synergistic with timber production and carbon sequestration, enhancing the overall economic benefits of forest management. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of forest management regimes on bird communities in the Italian Peninsula during 2022 through audio recordings. We studied the structure, composition, and specialization of the breeding bird community in four managed beech stands (three even-aged beech stands aged 20, 60, and 100 years old, managed by a uniform shelterwood system; one uneven-aged stand, managed by a single-tree selection system) and one uneven-aged, unmanaged beech stand in the northern Apennines (Tuscany region, Italy). Between April and June 2022, data were collected through four 1-hour audio recording sessions per site, analyzing 5 min sequences. The unmanaged stand hosted a richer (a higher number of species, p < 0.001) and more specialized (a higher number of cavity-nesting species, p < 0.001; higher Woodland Bird Community Index (WBCI) values, p < 0.001; and eight characteristic species, including at least four highly specialized ones) bird community, compared to all the managed forests; moreover, the latter were homogeneous (similar to each other). Our study suggests that the unmanaged beech forests should be a priority option for conservation, while in terms of the managed beech forests, greater attention should be paid to defining the thresholds for snags, deadwood, and large trees to be retained to enhance their biodiversity value. Studies in additional sites, conducted over more years and including multi-taxon communities, are recommended for a deeper understanding and generalizable results. Full article

This study provides the first comprehensive characterization of benthic macrofaunal communities in the Loukkos estuary, highlighting their spatial and seasonal variability and the environmental factors shaping their structure. A total of 47 species were identified across 12 site–season combinations, dominated by molluscs (47%), polychaetes (23%), and crustaceans (21%). Species richness varied considerably along the estuarine gradient, ranging from fewer than five species in the upstream sector to up to 30 species downstream. Overall, higher diversity was observed in the downstream areas and during the dry season. Macrofaunal density also exhibited substantial variability, ranging from 95 ind.m⁻² to 14,852 ind.m⁻², with a mean density of 2535 ± 4058 ind.m⁻². Multivariate analyses identified four distinct benthic assemblages structured primarily by spatial factors (ANOSIM R = 0.86, p = 0.002), with negligible seasonal effect (R = −0.03, p = 0.6). Assemblages ranged from marine-influenced communities at the estuary mouth dominated by Cerastoderma edule, through rich and diverse seagrass-associated communities in the lower estuary dominated by Bittium reticulatum, and moderately enriched mid-estuary communities characterized by Scrobicularia plana and Hediste diversicolor, to species-poor upstream communities dominated by the tolerant species H. diversicolor. Canonical analysis showed that salinity and vegetation explain nearly 40% of the variation in benthic assemblages, highlighting the key role of Zostera seagrass beds as structuring habitats. Moreover, upstream anthropogenic pressures alter environmental conditions, reducing benthic diversity and favoring tolerant species. Full article

Understanding the processes that shape biodiversity patterns is an important challenge in ecology. Land-use change is often recognized as a pivotal factor influencing biodiversity at large scales, with habitat heterogeneity being one of the most critical drivers of community composition and diversity. In this study, we evaluate the influence of landscape structure on the functional diversity of bird assemblages in the Upper Magdalena River Valley, Colombia. We used Generalized Linear Models to assess the effects of landscape structure on functional diversity, incorporating landscape metrics such as the number of patches, patch area and shape, and Shannon’s diversity and evenness indices. Additionally, we analyzed the influence of landscape structure on functional beta diversity—including its components of functional turnover and nestedness—using a distance-based redundancy analysis. We also examined the relationship between species traits and landscape metrics through a RLQ and fourth-corner analysis. We found a negative effect of habitat loss and fragmentation on functional diversity. Our results show that bird assemblages exhibit higher diversity in non-fragmented landscapes (>75% forest area; <1% urban cover), retaining greater functional richness and functional evenness (FRic > 0.24; FEve > 0.60). Moreover, non-fragmented landscapes seem to support a higher number of nectarivores and forest specialist species. In contrast, bird functional richness decreased with landscape fragmentation (FRic < 0.07). These findings highlight the importance of forest conservation for maintaining species persistence, ecological processes, and ecosystem services provided by birds. Full article

The analysis of activity patterns is a valuable tool for understanding the temporal organization of mammal communities, which is determined by biological requirements, resource availability, and competitive pressures both within and between species. Research on this ecological aspect can contribute to the development of effective conservation strategies. Cloud forest is an ecosystem of high biological relevance, as this provides habitat for a wide diversity of species in Mexico, including endemic, emblematic, and threatened taxa. Our main objectives were to analyze mammalian activity patterns and predator–prey relationships in the cloud forest of the El Cielo Biosphere Reserve, Tamaulipas, Mexico. From 2018 to 2020, twenty camera trap stations were installed, and independent photographic records were obtained, divided into 24 one-hour intervals, and subsequently classified as diurnal, nocturnal, crepuscular, or cathemeral. Temporal activity was estimated using circular statistics in RStudio v4.3.1, and activity overlap between major carnivores and their prey was assessed using the ‘overlap’ package in R. A total of 18 medium- and large-sized mammal species were recorded in this study. The activity of four species was seasonally influenced, with a predominantly nocturnal pattern observed during the dry season. The activity overlap analysis revealed potential temporal similarity between predators and their prey. For example, Panthera onca exhibited a high overlap with Mazama temama (Δ = 0.83), Puma concolor with Nasua narica (Δ = 0.91), and Ursus americanus with M. temama (Δ = 0.77). These findings suggest that the activity patterns of certain species can be influenced by seasonality and that large predators may favor specific prey whose activity overlaps with their own. Full article

Global biodiversity losses continue despite intensive conservation efforts. Many mammal species are understudied due to their specialized ecological niches. One such species is the Philippine colugo (Cynocephalus volans), a nocturnal endemic species in the Philippines. In this study, we utilized Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) to obtain baseline information on species knowledge, attitudes, population status, and threats. Between June and September 2023, we interviewed 471 residents across all villages in Anda, Bohol. The majority of local people recognized the species and had witnessed it in Anda, occasionally near households. Residents have limited knowledge of colugo diet and distribution, which they get primarily through word-of-mouth and personal experience. The species is perceived as neutral, but the willingness to conserve it is high. Although the Philippine colugo population seems to be present in several villages in Anda, one-fourth of the respondents believe it is declining. We identified hunting for consumption as the main threat to the colugo population in Anda, which, together with other threats, may corroborate this result. We recommend actively involving male farmers in colugo population monitoring and behavioral observations, as well as investigating the drivers and importance of colugo meat consumption among residents to design a proper conservation strategy. Full article