Ecologies

The recolonization of the wolf (Canis lupus italicus) in Italy represents conservation success, but it has led to increased conflicts with livestock farming. These conflicts may undermine traditional pastoral practices, which are important for maintaining rural landscapes and associated biodiversity. In 2023, the European wolf population exceeded 20,300 individuals, with an estimated 65,000 livestock losses reported annually across the EU. This study assesses the effectiveness of an acoustic anti-wolf collar to complement existing protective measures, including fencing, human surveillance, and guarding dogs. A field trial was conducted from June to August 2024 in the municipality of Bova Marina in the metropolitan city of Reggio Calabria, Italy, using three groups of 50 Aspromonte goats. The groups were managed by: (1) a shepherd only (SO), (2) a shepherd with guarding dogs (SGD), and (3) a shepherd with guarding dogs and the anti-wolf collar (SGDC). The collar emitting modulated frequency intervals based on natural harmonic sounds, intended to deter wolves, was mounted on goats. Monitoring, by camera traps, enabled a comparative analysis of predation events. Camera data indicated persistent wolf activity at the site (54 images at CT1, 42 at CT2), but outcomes diverged by treatment. Two camera traps positioned at corridor bottlenecks identified from terrain morphology confirmed wolf presence and provided continuous coverage of the three groups on the single property. SO had 72 attacks and 5 kills; SGD had 26.39% fewer attacks and 1 kill; SGDC had no predation events despite confirmed presence. The preliminary findings suggest that the use of the anti-wolf collar may contribute to a reduction in predation and be a useful addition to strategies aimed at promoting coexistence between wolves and pastoral activities. Full article

Loeselia mexicana (Polemoniaceae) is a Mexican shrub with significant medicinal value since pre-Hispanic times. Despite its ethnobotanical importance and apparent role in supporting pollinator communities, detailed information about its reproductive biology remains limited, hindering conservation efforts for this increasingly harvested species. We investigated the reproductive ecology of L. mexicana across two flowering seasons (2023–2024 and 2024–2025) in central Mexico through an integrated approach examining flowering phenology, floral morphology, sexual maturation sequence, nectar characteristics, floral visitors, and breeding system experiments. Flowering occurs from September to March, peaking in October. Flowers exhibit protandry, with anther dehiscence on days 1–2 and stigma receptivity from day 2 onward (flower lifespan: 2.85 ± 0.11 days). Maximum nectar production (1.46 ± 0.05 µL per flower; 193.13 ± 8.8 mg/mL) coincided with peak visitor activity. Despite possessing classic ornithophilous traits, we recorded 21 floral visitor species (5 hummingbirds, 3 hymenopterans, 13 butterflies) with similar visitation patterns, challenging previous assumptions about pollination specialization. Controlled pollination experiments confirmed self-incompatibility, with cross-pollination producing significantly more seeds than autonomous selfing. Our findings reveal that L. mexicana maintains a generalized pollination system, while protandry and self-incompatibility enforce outcrossing, providing critical baseline information for conservation strategies. Full article

The species Petrobia (Tetranychina) harti (Ewing, 1909) is reported for the first time in Serbia, also representing the first record of the tribe Petrobiini Reck, 1952 in the country. Including this finding, the number of spider mite species recorded in Serbia now totals 45. This spider mite species was found exclusively on wood-sorrel plants, Oxalis corniculata L. and O. articulata Savigny., at several localities in the cities of Belgrade and Zrenjanin. The samples were collected during the growing season of 2018 and 2023. Identification of the oxalis mite was based on morphological characteristics. To date, the occurrence of P. (T.) harti on other host plants has not been confirmed anywhere in Serbia. On the observed wood-sorrel plants, P. (T.) harti was recorded in cohabitation only with Tetranychus urticae Koch, 1836. Full article

The red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis) is a flagship species for wetland biodiversity in East Asia. The Songnen Plain is a vital wetland and habitat for rare and endangered birds in Northeast China. However, rapid land use changes have raised urgent concerns about habitat loss and the survival of these populations. We combined 30 years (1990–2020) of field surveys with ensemble species distribution models (SDMs) to analyze the spatio-temporal changes in suitable habitats for all three key life stages—spring migration, breeding, and autumn migration—across the Songnen Plain. We also assessed how well the current protected-area (PA) network covers suitable habitats and identified conservation gaps. Land use type was the most significant predictor of habitat suitability. Over this period, suitable habitats decreased sharply by 60% (spring migration), 72% (breeding), and 76% (autumn migration), with severe fragmentation and a clear northward shift. Core suitable areas are now mainly found within a few nature reserves, including Zhalong, Wuyu’er River, and Xianghai. We identified three significant conservation gaps: Lindian–Anda, Tailai–Dumeng, and Meilisi Daur–Fuyu. Our results show widespread habitat reduction and demonstrate the inadequacy of the current PA network in supporting the long-term survival of red-crowned crane populations. We recommend expanding protections and restoring wetland connectivity within these gaps to maintain critical habitats and improve landscape resilience for this endangered species. Full article

Soil nutrient detection in wetlands is critical for rapidly and effectively managing these ecosystems. Our objective was to provide a methodological framework for identifying optimal data processing methods and machine learning model for predicting soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) content using Vis–NIR spectroscopy, under the confounding influence of varying soil moisture. Soil samples (474) were collected from the Shaanxi Yellow River Wetland Provincial Nature Reserve with five moisture levels (0, 5, 10, 20, and 30%). Using a Vis–NIR spectroscopy system (ASD FS4 spectrometer), soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) were detected within the 350–2500 nm spectral range. Machine learning models were established using the Random Forest model (RF), eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR). The results indicated: (1) spectral reflectance values increased as soil moisture content decreased, with the 0% moisture model being consistently more accurate; (2) models for SOC and TN on first-derivative spectra had higher accuracy; and (3) the RF exhibited higher inversion accuracy and stability (R² = 0.30–0.69). (4) The SHAP analysis confirmed 1865 nm and 1419 nm as the most contributory bands for SOC and TN prediction respectively, validating the RF model’s spectral interpretation capability. Full article

Understanding the structural dynamics of temperate forests is essential for their sustainable management. This study assessed the vertical structure of a mixed temperate forest in the Sierra Madre Occidental, Mexico, under an individual selection cutting regime implemented in 2012 and 2022. Nine Permanent Silvicultural Research Sites were established, and measurements were carried out in 2012, 2022, and 2023 to record tree species, height, and crown cover. The analyses describe dendrometric variables, structural verticality indices and the Pretzsch index; regression models were fitted and Kruskal–Wallis tests performed. The results revealed a multistratified forest: Pinus durangensis dominates the upper canopy, while broadleaved species concentrate in the lower layers, enriching the understorey. Following silvicultural interventions, structural reorganisation was evident, with an increase in emergent individuals in the canopy and stability in crown-cover frequencies. A slight increase in pine and oak cover was detected, together with the presence of new tree species characteristic of the region. Taken together, the findings indicate that planned individual-selection cutting can maintain the stand’s original vertical structure and the functionality of the mixed temperate forest in northern Mexico, providing an analytical approach applicable to other comparable forest regions. Full article

Potentilla erecta (L.) Raeusch. is a widely used medicinal species valued for its astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. This study examined the variation in hydrolysable tannin and flavonoid content in rhizomes of wild-growing populations collected along an elevational gradient in the Ukrainian Carpathians (180–2020 m above sea level). Rhizomes from fifteen populations were analyzed using pharmacopoeial methods, including thin-layer chromatography for tannins and spectrophotometry for flavonoids. Tannin levels ranged from 15.57% to 31.82%, while flavonoid contents varied between 0.23% and 0.40%, expressed as a percentage of dry weight. Both metabolites showed a strong positive correlation with altitude (r = 0.88 for tannins; r = 0.84 for flavonoids), indicating a clear influence of elevation on their accumulation. The highest concentrations were consistently found in high-mountain populations. These results suggest that environmental factors associated with increasing elevation, such as reduced temperature and enhanced ultraviolet radiation, play a significant role in shaping the phytochemical profile of P. erecta. The study contributes to the understanding of altitudinal effects on secondary metabolite accumulation in mountain plants and provides a basis for further ecological and pharmacological-oriented research related to this species. Full article

Advancing ecological civilization in the Yellow River Basin requires a nuanced understanding of the spatiotemporal evolution of ecosystem service value (ESV) and its underlying drivers, which are fundamental to regional sustainable development. This study examines the Henan section of the Yellow River Basin, applying the equivalent factor method to estimate ESV in 2020 at three grid scales: 3 km × 3 km, 5 km × 5 km, and 10 km × 10 km. Spatial patterns of land-averaged ESV at each scale are characterized using autocorrelation analysis, while the geodetector model is employed to identify and quantify the influence of driving factors on ESV spatial heterogeneity. The findings reveal that (1) ESV displays both consistent and variable spatial patterns, with higher values in the west and north, lower values in the east and south, and a distinct high-value belt along water bodies; (2) strong spatial positive correlation and aggregation of ESV are observed at all grid scales, though these effects weaken as grid cell size increases; and (3) human activities exert a significant influence on regional ESV, with the interaction of multiple factors providing robust explanatory power for ESV variation, which diminishes with increasing scale. These results offer insights for optimizing ecosystem management and promoting sustainable development in the Yellow River Basin. Full article

Schoenoplectus californicus (Totora) is a wetland plant of cultural and ecological importance, traditionally used for handicrafts and habitat conservation in Andean lakes. This study investigates its vegetative growth in two Andean lakes in Imbabura, Ecuador (Yahuarcocha and Imbacocha), which present contrasting chemical and biological conditions (total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and chlorophyll a). Vegetative growth analysis, using indices, provides tools for understanding Totora growth dynamics within a cultivation cycle. By quantifying biomass accumulation and other parameters, it is possible to infer how the plant responds to its environment and to guide its production and management. Our objective was to evaluate how physiological and morphological traits influence growth under differential nutrient conditions. A 210-day field trial was conducted with periodic sampling and analysis of physiological indices, combining classical and functional growth approaches. Key growth indices—relative growth rate (RGR), net assimilation rate (NAR), and leaf area ratio (LAR)—were calculated from photosynthetic surface area and dry biomass. Results show that plants in Yahuarcocha, a hypertrophic lake, exhibited greater biomass production (up to 2380 g m⁻²) and photosynthetic area (8.68 m²), reaching peak growth at 150 days. In contrast, plants in Imbacocha, a eutrophic lake, reached maximum growth at 180 days, with a greater dependence on NAR. Strong correlations among RGR, NAR, and LAR were observed in Yahuarcocha, highlighting the influence of higher nutrient concentrations and harvesting pressure on growth dynamics. These findings underscore the importance of considering lake trophic status when planning sustainable harvesting and cultivation strategies for Totora in Andean wetlands. Full article

This narrative review examines how ecological and economic perspectives can be integrated to support ecosystem services management and biodiversity conservation. We synthesize core valuation approaches (accounting-based exchange values versus welfare-based measures), discuss their appropriate uses and limitations, and illustrate implications through selected cases in watershed protection, protected areas, and forest carbon. We then review design features of Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) with attention to additionality, leakage, and equity, and distill lessons for policy mixes that combine market-based instruments with regulatory and informational tools. Finally, we outline opportunities and risks in applying artificial intelligence to ecological–economic analysis, emphasizing accuracy–energy trade-offs and responsible data practices. Across topics, we prioritize mechanism-focused interpretation, triangulate findings from representative studies, and highlight decision-relevant takeaways rather than comprehensive coverage. We conclude with practical recommendations for analysts and policymakers: align valuation method with decision context; pair PES with targeting and monitoring; embed price-based instruments in adaptive policy mixes; and adopt transparent, efficiency-aware analytic workflows—especially when using computationally intensive methods. Full article

This study was undertaken to evaluate tropical species: Calophyllum brasiliense, Bravaisia integerrima, Roseodendron donnell-smithii, Piscidia piscipula, Enterolobium cyclocarpum, and Dialium guianense. The seeds were arranged in a completely randomized design under conditions of 50% shading and analyzed using the repeated measures method. In the experiment, growth was evaluated for six months after germination, and seedling morphology and phyllotaxis were described. The parameters stem height (SH), SH relative growth rate (SRGR), stem basal diameter (BD), BD relative growth rate (DRGR), number of juvenile leaves, and survivorship were recorded. Regression curves were generated with the SH and BD data. Seeds with greater length values produced seedlings with improved morphological traits, E. cyclocarpum and C. brasiliense, regardless of their functional morphology. Germination began 7 to 10 days after sowing. The average survivorship was 70.1% at six months. The highest values in seedling SH at six months were obtained in E. cyclocarpum and C. brasiliense. The number of leaves was greatest in C. brasiliense and D. guianense. Considering the features desirable for a nursery plant, production of the following species is considered feasible: B. integerrima, C. brasiliense, Piscidia piscipula, and Enterolobium cyclocarpum. The regression curves showed the tendency of the plants to present more rapid growth in the first months after germination. Full article

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