Ecologies

Juniperus turbinata is an endemic species of the Mediterranean region, recognized for its role in ecological balance. However, concerns have been raised regarding its state of conservation. The objective of this study is twofold: firstly, to assess the rate of degradation of this species in the eastern region of Morocco; and secondly, to monitor the rate of natural regeneration to determine whether this compensates for the rate of degradation. To this end, three populations of red juniper were studied: the littoral (Saidia), the semi-continental (Oued Elhimer) in Jerrada, and the continental (Ich and Abou Lkhel) in Figuig. The first study objective is based on the use of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) based on satellite images from 1986, 2000, and 2022. The study’s second objective focuses on locating new regenerations of J. turbinata using the Global Positioning System (GPS). The results of this study are alarming, showing a significant loss in the area occupied by J. turbinata in the eastern region of three study sites between 1986 and 2022. The area of J. turbinata matorral decreased by 99.05%, 95.10%, and 89.32% in the coastal, semi-continental, and continental regions of Figuig province, respectively. Regarding the natural regeneration of J. turbinata plants, 121 regenerations were observed along the coast. In the semi-continental region, 27 regenerations were recorded. However, no regeneration was found at the Figuig site. The study reveals that, over the past four decades, the average annual decline J. turbinata in the three regions was 2.62%. Conversely, the average rate of regeneration was recorded as 0.03%. Projections indicate a precipitous decline in the distribution of J. turbinata, with probable extinction of the species in northeastern Morocco. Full article

Decreases in animal mortality due to wildlife–vehicle collisions have been consistently documented as an environmental effect of human mobility restrictions aimed at containing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we investigate this phenomenon on the mid-sized Mediterranean island of Lesvos, considering a multi-species group of mammals over a five-year systematic recording of animal casualties. We developed a method to analyze the relationship between actual casualties and risk, drawing inspiration from Markowitz’s theory on multi-asset optimization in economics. Additionally, we treated this phenomenon as a Poisson probabilistic process. Our main finding indicates that the lockdown year diverged markedly in modeled return–risk space, exhibiting a displacement on the order of 10² compared to the multi-year baseline—an outcome that reflects structural changes in risk dynamics, not a literal 100-fold decrease in observed counts. This modeled shift is significantly larger compared to published evidence regarding individual species. The results concerning the vulnerability of specific mammals, analyzed as a Poisson process, underscore the importance of singular events that can overshadow the overall systemic nature of the issue. We conclude that a promising strategy for addressing this problem is for conservationists to integrate animal-friendly measures into general human road safety policies. Full article

Identifying suitable habitats and quantifying the spatial overlap among sympatrically distributed ungulates is essential for safeguarding their long-term survival. We deployed infrared cameras to capture the distribution sites of sika deer (Cervus nippon), Reeve’s muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi), and wild boar (Sus scrofa) in the Taohongling Sika Deer National Nature Reserve (TNNR) and measured nine environmental factors. Based on this, we applied MaxEnt modeling to assess the species’ habitat suitability and applied the Pianka index to evaluate niche overlap. The results showed that the sika deer occupied the smallest area of high-suitability habitat (53.85 km², 11.13% of the study area), primarily concentrated in the core zone of the TNNR. Specifically, 37.86% of the sika deer’s high-suitability habitat overlapped with wild boar and 29.06% overlapped with Reeve’s muntjac. Pianka index analysis revealed substantial spatial niche overlap between sika deer and Reeve’s muntjac (0.487) but limited overlap between sika deer and wild boar (0.160). Our findings indicate substantial overlap between sika deer and sympatric species. To effectively protect the sika deer in the TNNR, we recommend increasing the number of monitoring sites, implementing habitat improvement measures (e.g., vegetation restoration and water supplementation stations), and establishing isolation corridors to enhance habitat connectivity. Full article

This paper shows the results of a study on the ecological structure and spatial distribution of communities of the protected steppe ground beetle Carabus hungaricus Fabricius, 1792 (Coleoptera: Carabidae), in Bulgaria. It also points some phenological data and details about the species activity. In the period May 2021–December 2023, we explored 42 sample plots in xerophytic landscapes in central–western Bulgaria, representing the southernmost limits of the steppe fauna in Eurasia. With 252 pitfall traps, 69,903 effective trap-days were realised, and 15,333 carabid individuals from 184 species were identified. Carabus hungaricus was established in seven sites (frequency of occurrence, F = 16.7%), with a total of 198 specimens (1.3% of all carabids and almost 4% of the total dynamic density). In these seven sites, we found 57 species, mostly open habitat dwellers. The tribe Harpalini had 33% of the species. The most species-rich genera were Harpalus (13 species), Amara (8) and Carabus (6). Calathus distinguendus was superdominant with more than 71% of all carabid specimens. Euconstant species, collected in all seven sites (F = 100%), were Carabus coriaceus and Calathus distinguendus. The two classes of life forms had almost equal proportions, 28 (49.1%) Zoophagous and 29 (50.9%) Mixophytophagous species, which is extraordinary for Bulgaria, but typical for the Eurasian steppe zone. Macropterous beetles comprised 56% of the species and brachypterous were 25%, which is comparable only with typical montane habitats. Concerning humidity preferences, mesoxerophilous carabids predominated (25 species, 44%). In relation to its ground beetle fauna, the studied complex of habitats is quite remarkable for Bulgaria and appears to be stable and characteristic for the steppe biome. Full article

We report a landscape-scale natural experiment that followed the abundance and demography of forest-floor small mammals and the activity of small mustelids over a 4-year period of an extreme heat wave and abundant coniferous cone crops. Deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) and southern red-backed voles (Myodes gapperi) are major species in the coniferous forest-floor small mammal community near Summerland in southern British Columbia, Canada. Their major mammalian predators include the short-tailed weasel (Mustela richardsonii), long-tailed weasel (Neogale frenata), and American marten (Martes americana). We evaluated three hypotheses (H) that may explain the changes in these mammals from 2021 to 2024: (H₁) that large coniferous cone crops in 2022 would have generated high populations of forest-floor small mammals in 2023 owing to enhanced reproductive output and overwinter survival; (H₂) that increased activity of mustelids would have followed population increases, resulting in the decline of small mammal prey in 2024; and (H₃) that the widespread occurrence of cone crops in 2022 would also have elicited the same mammalian responses in 2023 at a second study area (Golden, BC) 276 km and three mountain ranges from Summerland. During the summer periods of each year, small mammal populations were monitored by intensive live-trapping, and mustelid presence was measured via an index of activity based on live traps, fecal scats, and predation events. The mean abundance and reproductive performance of the P. maniculatus and M. gapperi populations increased in response to the coniferous seedfall, thereby supporting H₁. The activity of small mustelids responded positively to increased numbers of small mammal prey and potentially acted in a regulatory and top–down function in these communities, and hence partially support H₂. Similar responses at Summerland and Golden indicated that this seedfall event and changes in the mammalian community occurred at a landscape-scale, thereby providing partial support for H₃. Potential differential effects of large seed crops on consumers did not affect the mean abundance patterns for P. maniculatus but apparently reduced this metric for M. gapperi. Heat waves, induced by anthropogenic climate change, may alter the frequency of coniferous masting events, and their effects may temporarily change the number and species of mammalian seed consumers and their predators. Full article

Understanding the ecological integrity of a protected area is a central topic for the management and conservation of these key areas. An ecological integrity framework based on a series of landscape ecology indices was developed to monitor and evaluate the status and conditions of ecological integrity among different functional zones in the Xiangjiangyuan Provincial Nature Reserve. The results showed that this nature reserve has high ecological quality and low anthropogenic influence, with the ecosystem generally well-maintained. The important landscape types of this nature reserve include evergreen broad-leaved forests, mixed evergreen deciduous broad-leaved forests, deciduous broad-leaved forests, etc., which have high authenticity and high conservation values. As the results for the degree of landscape fragmentation and human interference in the three functional zones showed the core zone < the buffer zone < the experimental zone, which was good to fit the conservation and management requirements of the nature reserve. The landscape fragmentation analysis for the important landscape types in all functional zones showed that the experimental zone and the buffer zone were relatively more severe than the core zone; the core area was lighter with minimal anthropogenic impacts and the most complete protection of the nature reserve. Regarding the sustainability and management goals, we suggest some effective policies to continuously improve the ecosystem integrity. Full article

Mediterranean chestnut forests represent ecologically and economically important systems that support biodiversity while providing timber, non-timber forest products, and cultural services. However, traditional management practices are undergoing substantial shifts, with potential implications for forest structure and biodiversity. This study investigates how variation in forest structure and management intensity influences woodpecker communities in chestnut-dominated forests on Mount Paiko, northern Greece. Standardized surveys were conducted at 26 sites stratified by management intensity, and structural forest characteristics such as tree diameter, basal area, and deadwood volume were quantified. Species richness, abundance, and habitat use (feeding and nesting signs) were assessed in relation to these variables. Seven woodpecker species were detected, with distinct differences in species composition across management types. Feeding activity was positively associated with mean tree diameter, while basal area showed a significant negative correlation with woodpecker diversity. Canonical correspondence analysis revealed species-specific preferences along structural gradients, highlighting the association of the Black and Lesser Spotted woodpeckers with larger-diameter trees and deadwood-rich stands. Our results underscore the role of structural heterogeneity in supporting diverse woodpecker assemblages and highlight the need to integrate biodiversity conservation into chestnut forest management, particularly through selective retention of large trees and deadwood elements. Full article

Intertidal reefs comprised of the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) are an important habitat type within the estuarine landscape and provide many unique ecosystem services. Within West Galveston Bay (WGB), Texas, this type of reef plays an important ecological role; however, the system’s intertidal reef abundance, structure, and habitat provisions are relatively understudied, and the current spatial extent of these reefs has not been recently quantified. The primary objectives of the study were to identify intertidal oyster reefs utilizing GIS models and sample representative reefs for topographical characteristics, oyster demographics, and the associated benthic macrofauna (ABM) community composition in WGB from August 2019 to February 2020. Secondarily, GIS models and oyster population abundance were utilized to estimate the intertidal oyster abundance in WBG. The total area of intertidal oyster reefs in WGB was estimated to be 818,128 m², with 59,931 m² of reefs confirmed through GIS analysis and ground truthing, and the GIS model estimating an additional 758,197 m² of reef. Through ground truthing, reefs were found to be either shell rakes, consisting of piled shell with minimal three-dimensional structure and oysters, or true intertidal reefs with high reef structure and oyster abundance. High oyster abundance was spatially distributed within the northeastern and southwestern areas of WGB and the total intertidal oyster population, coupling the GIS models and reef sampling, was estimated to be 500 million individual oysters. The ABM community was sparse in terms of richness and diversity, further indicating a lack of structural complexity in most of the reefs within this system. This study demonstrates the importance of coupling field results with GIS modeling to estimate system level population sizes and furthers the understanding of the spatial distributions of intertidal oyster reef to promote management, conservation, and restoration efforts. Full article

This study analyzes 1980–2020 landings data from three Mediterranean coastal lagoons—the Logarou and Rodia-Tsoukalio Lagoons (NW Greece) and the Mar Menor Lagoon (SE Spain)—to assess ecosystem changes and fishing pressure dynamics. The findings classify these systems as low-yielding, with productivity ranked as follows: Yield Logarou > Yield Rodia-Tsoukalio = Yield Mar Menor. Mean trophic level analysis (mTrL) revealed significant differences driven by the contribution of detritivorous and mid-level carnivorous species (TrL Mar Menor > TrL Rodia-Tsoukalio > TrL Logarou). The fishing pressure indices suggest reduced fishing intensity in the Greek lagoons, while in Mar Menor, a stable Fisheries in Balance (FiB) trend corresponded with stable yields despite eutrophication. Cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA) linked ecosystem differences to sediment characteristics and changes in habitat structure. These results underscore a transition of Mediterranean coastal lagoons toward new ecological states, highlighting the urgent need for habitat conservation and adaptive management strategies to ensure sustainable fisheries under increasing environmental pressures. These findings may be extrapolated to similar transitional coastal ecosystems facing comparable anthropogenic stressors worldwide, providing a broader framework for understanding and managing lagoon systems under changing environmental conditions. Full article

Beavers (Castor fiber L.) are recognized as keystone ecological engineers who shape freshwater ecosystems by modifying hydrology, sediment dynamics, and biodiversity. Although beaver populations have recovered across Europe, including Romania, understanding the environmental factors driving their dam distribution remains limited. This study aimed to (i) characterize the physical and compositional features of beaver dams in the Râul Negru basin, Romania, (ii) model the environmental variables influencing the dam distribution using MaxEnt, and (iii) evaluate the implications for broader conservation strategies. Over a five-year survey covering 353.7 km of watercourses, 135 beaver families were identified, with an estimated population of 320–512 individuals. The dam dimensions showed strong correlations with the river slope, channel width, and wetness index. Predictive models based on LIDAR data achieved over 90% accuracy, outperforming SRTM-based models. The results reveal that topographic wetness, flow accumulation, and valley morphology are the strongest predictors of dam presence. These findings contribute to proactive beaver management strategies, highlighting areas of potential future expansion and offering data-driven guidance for balancing ecosystem restoration with human land use, contributing to the development of conservation strategies that balance ecosystem engineering by beavers with human land-use needs in Romania and across Europe. Full article

Animal populations, even among common species, often exhibit demographic heterogeneity. This is particularly evident in species with metapopulation structures, where geographically distinct subpopulations experience varying degrees of inbreeding due to limited interbreeding. A phenomenon termed ‘negative ecology’ highlights cases where species, despite suitable habitat availability, display fragmented distributions within small geographic areas (<20 km²). These subpopulations, however, do not conform to classic metapopulation dynamics, as even vagile species such as birds can theoretically move freely between them. Similar patterns emerge at larger scales (>100 km²) in birds and butterflies, suggesting ecological constraints—either abiotic or biotic—underpin these structured distributions. Understanding these constraints is essential, particularly in conservation efforts. The principles of positive (extant) and negative (locally absent/extinct) ecology have profound implications for species re-introductions, as historical occupancy does not guarantee successful re-establishment. Abiotic and biotic factors may hinder the recolonization of previously inhabited or entirely new habitats. This article primarily explores the ecological forces shaping such fragmented distributions in birds and butterflies, two especially well-studied taxa in the UK and mainland Europe, in the hope that such a new perspective may thereby contribute to broader conservation and ecological restoration strategies. Full article

From April 2016 to the end of July 2024, roadkill mammals were recorded using the road sampling method on the 33.4 km-long Zmajevac-Osijek road in Osijek-Baranja County, located in the northeastern part of Croatia. A total of 86 roadkill specimens of wild mammals, classified into eight species and one subspecies, were recorded. The northern white-breasted hedgehog, Erinaceus roumanicus, topped the list with 38 individuals, followed by the European badger, Meles meles, with 23 individuals, and the red fox, Vulpes vulpes, with 13 individuals. The European badger was the most frequent roadkill in February and March. The northern white-breasted hedgehog was the most common roadkill in June and July, while the red fox was most frequent roadkill in October. The average number of roadkill per km on the Zmajevac-Osijek road, divided into nine road sections, ranged from 1.1 to 5.9. Spearman’s correlation coefficient between the length of the section and the number of roadkill mammals showed a moderate correlation. The only strong positive correlation between roadkill wild mammals and traffic (average annual daily traffic or average summer daily traffic) was recorded for State Road D-212. Full article

Citizen science is increasingly utilized for environmental monitoring and educational purposes. For lotic ecosystems, this approach could be used to implement traditional methods and gain more data on local biodiversity, particularly in areas where professional monitoring is limited. This study, conducted in Italy, aimed to complement data on river macroinvertebrates collected by the Regional Environmental Protection Agency (ARPA) with additional data gained by volunteers. Our results revealed taxonomic differences between the macroinvertebrate communities of ARPA and citizen science sites. ARPA sites host 34.4% of the total biodiversity, with 22 exclusive taxa, while citizen science sites, with 6 exclusive taxa, represent 9.4% of the total gamma diversity. Compositional differences are mainly explained by taxa turnover between sites. ARPA sites, located along the main river stretches, are richer in alpha and gamma diversity, while volunteer-monitored sites, mostly in agricultural ditches, show lower richness at the local and regional scales but host some unique taxa, increasing the total biodiversity. This study supports the implementation of volunteer programs to increase the number of monitored rivers, enhancing information on macroinvertebrate diversity and distribution and generating relevant data to support decision-making and develop strategies for river conservation and ecosystem restoration at a local scale. Full article

Foliar endophytic fungi (FEF) live within leaves without causing visible signs of disease. FEF occur in all vascular plants, yet the exact nature of interactions between specific FEF and their hosts is not well understood. Some FEF are associated with enhanced water use efficiency, nutrient acquisition, and defense. However, others may have negative effects under high-stress conditions. We examined a series of gas exchange traits in sweet birch (Betula lenta, Fagaceae) along an elevation gradient in the Pisgah National Forest Asheville, North Carolina, USA. From these leaves, we cultured surface-sterilized samples to examine FEF frequency and diversity. FEF cultures were categorized by morphotype and identified through analysis of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences. FEF colonization frequency was 100% across all sites, and we identified 68 distinct morphotypes. Genetic identification of a subset of cultures suggests highly diverse FEF communities within this study system. Leaf gas exchange traits showed significant correlations with elevation at the site level, supporting the hypothesis that water stress increases with increasing elevation. However, further research is needed to determine associations between FEF communities and elevation. These findings, especially considering the limited sample size and small spatial scale of this study, indicate that the southern Appalachians are a promising region for future studies of FEF in forest systems. Full article

Moroccan vegetation faces significant pressure particularly from human activities and climate change, while most ecosystems lack detailed assessments. Phytoecological studies and species assessments are implemented using vegetation sampling, analysis of climate data, geological substrate maps, and the Digital Elevation Model (DEM). The study area hosts 565 plant species distributed into 74 families, with Asteraceae being the most abundant family, representing 17.7%. In addition, the correspondence analysis test demonstrates that species are grouped into six distinct blocks. Block 1 comprises a set of Quercus ilex forests. Block 2 encompasses Juniperus phoenicea lands and transition zones between Quercus ilex and Juniperus phoenicea. Block 3 represents Pinus halepensis forests and pine occurrences within Quercus ilex and Juniperus phoenicea stands. Block 4 indicates the emergence of xerophytic species alongside the aforementioned species; it forms the upper limits of Blocks 1, 2, and 3. Block 5 corresponds to formations dominated by Juniperus thurifera in association with xerophytes. Block 6 groups together a set of xerophytic species characteristic of high mountain environments. Additionally, Quercus ilex colonizes the subhumid zones and prefers limestone substrates, Juniperus phoenicea and Tetraclinis articulata, and Pinus halepensis occupies the hot part of the semi-arid in limestone, clays, and conglomerates, while the Juniperus thurifera and xerophytes inhabit the cold parts and limestone substrates. The thermo-Mediterranean vegetation level occupies low altitudes, dominated by Tetraclinis articulata, Juniperus phoenicea, and Olea europaea. The meso-Mediterranean level extends to intermediate altitudes, dominated by Quercus ilex and Juniperus phoenicea. While the supra-Mediterranean level is dominated by Quercus ilex, Arbutus unedo, and Cistus creticus. The mountain Mediterranean level, located in the high mountains, is dominated by Juniperus thurifera associated with xerophytes. Finally, the oro-Mediterranean level, found at extreme altitudes, is dominated by xerophytes. Some species within this region are endemic, rare, and threatened. Consequently, the implementation of effective conservation and protection policies is recommended. Full article

Pluchea ovalis (Pers.) DC. is an invasive alien plant species. It has spread widely on the island of Tenerife since it was first introduced, becoming a major threat to the island’s flora. The aims of this study are to analyze its germination capacity under different environmental conditions (e.g., light and temperature) and determine its effects on soil properties and native plant communities. Germination assays were carried out both in a germination chamber and in a greenhouse. Twelve plots were also established in the field to determine its effect on soil properties and plant species composition. Our results reveal that the germination capacity of Pluchea ovalis decreases under high temperature ranges and increases on flooded substrates. In addition, Pluchea ovalis can modify soil physicochemical properties by increasing soil magnesium content. As its invasive potential has been demonstrated, this study contributes with evidence of its effects on environmental conditions and species composition. Moreover, we recommend its inclusion in the Spanish Alien Invasive Species Catalogue and the development of further studies about its potential distribution and effects in the Canary Islands. Full article

Catastrophic wind events play important but poorly documented roles in shaping bottomland hardwood forest structure and composition. The objective of this study was to survey a forested wetland area in Illinois, USA, twenty years following a severe tornado (wind speeds ranging from 333–418 km/h). Part of the damaged area had a subsequent salvage logging operation, and we compared the stand structure and composition of these damaged areas to adjacent reference sites. Stem density, basal area, and diversity differed significantly but slightly among disturbance types (p < 0.05). The density of Quercus spp. decreased in regenerated stands, while the density of Fraxinus pennsylvanica and invasive non-native species cover increased (p < 0.05). Salvage logging further increased the density of key bottomland taxa: Salix spp., Taxodium distichum, and Nyssa aquatica, as well as early successional species such as Liriodendron tulipifera (p < 0.05). Productivity did not differ between wind-impacted areas that were logged and not logged (p > 0.05). Recognizing the need for caution when informing management with case studies, this study highlights the value of delaying the assessment of even extreme wind disturbance impacts in hardwood forest recovery until the contribution of crown regrowth of severely wind-damaged trees, along with post-disturbance origin regeneration, can be ascertained. Full article

The widespread distribution of microplastics (MPs) is causing increasing concern among the scientific community and the public. Marine mammals are considered indicators of the ecological health of marine ecosystems, and many species, suffering from numerous anthropogenic factors, have been granted protected status. Pinnipeds (Pinnipedia) are susceptible to ingestion and bioaccumulation of MPs from their environment, through direct consumption and trophic chain transfer. This literature review describes MP exposure for representatives of the three pinniped families—true seals (Phocidae), eared seals (Otariidae), and walruses (Odobenus)—and is based on 26 studies. Data on MP content was reported in scat in 17 articles, in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) in 8 articles, and in the blubber in 1 article. Plastic material was detected in 22 studies, with its overall occurrence varying from 0 to 100% of samples. In addition to the quantitative assessment of MP content, one study provides data on the correlation between MP levels in animal organisms and pollution biomarkers such as phthalates and porphyrins. The contemporary experience of studying MP ingestion and MP exposure for pinnipeds (Pinnipedia) is discussed step-by-step, focusing on: (1) collection, (2) extraction, and (3) identification methods. This review provides current and collated information on the methods and results of studies concerning MP exposure for pinnipeds (Pinnipedia), which can serve as a guide for future researchers in this area. Full article

The European Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur) has experienced significant population declines across its European breeding range, primarily due to habitat loss. Our study aimed to provide a new reference for the conservation of Turtle Doves in Evros province, a biodiversity hotspot. We used Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) modeling to assess Turtle Dove breeding habitat suitability and account for the area of suitable habitats that is not protected or have been affected by a recent mega-fire. The best performing model identified tree cover density, the percent cover of permanently irrigated land and heterogenous agricultural areas, proximity to non-irrigated agricultural land, and forest edge length as the most important predictors of habitat suitability, signifying the importance of an interplay between open and forested land. Our results indicate that 39% of the study area provides a suitable breeding habitat, with the majority located in central and southeastern regions. Conversely, irrigated agricultural areas in the northeast are unsuitable. We found that more than 60% of suitable habitats fall within the Natura 2000 network, underscoring the importance of protected areas for conservation. However, wildfires pose a major threat, with almost 25% of suitable habitats being affected by a recent mega-fire, highlighting the need for recovery in these areas. Our study provides a foundation for targeted habitat management and restoration efforts in NE Greece and contributes to the broader understanding of the species’ habitat requirements across its breeding range. Full article