Announcements

We are thrilled to share the updated Exceptional Reviewers List 2025. This program was designed to recognize and honor scholars who have delivered consistently exceptional review reports to our journal.

Committed to fostering rigorous research and promoting knowledge exchange, Insects (ISSN: 2075-4450) recognizes the significant role our reviewers play in maintaining the quality and integrity of the articles we publish. According to surveys conducted in 2024, 92% of our authors rate the peer review as good or excellent, thanks to our pool of excellent reviewers.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all the reviewers who have generously volunteered their time and expertise to assist in Insects’ peer-review process. Their dedication and attention to detail in evaluating manuscripts, offering valuable feedback, and contributing to academic rigor are truly commendable.

The Exceptional Reviewers List was introduced in October 2024. Each quarter, we will be selecting a group of outstanding reviewers and will introduce them here.

Q1

Name: Dr. Lena Barascou
Affiliation: University of Florida, USA
“I appreciate the opportunity to review for Insects—it allows me to engage deeply with new research and contribute to the advancement of insect science. Reviewing for Insects has strengthened my critical thinking and kept me connected with emerging topics in insect ecology. It is always a chance to contribute to the entomology community while honing my scientific perspective.”

Name: Dr. Yin Wang
Affiliation: University of Georgia, USA
“Serving as a reviewer has helped me view colleagues’ research more comprehensively and objectively. I aim to provide balanced critiques on strengths and weaknesses across different research topics, always holding submissions to a high standard. I believe such efforts are essential in helping Insects grow into a leading journal in the field.”

Name: Prof. Dr. Jiayong Zhang
Affiliation: Zhejiang Normal University, China

World Malaria Day, observed annually on 25 April, is a global reminder of the urgent need to stay focused on the fight against malaria—a preventable and treatable disease that still threatens millions of lives, especially in vulnerable communities. Despite considerable progress over the past two decades, malaria continues to take a heavy toll, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where children under five remain at most risk.

The theme for 2025, “Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite”, is a powerful call to action. It is a strong reminder that the fight against malaria is not over, and that the power to end it lies with all of us.

In recognition of this vital cause, MDPI is spotlighting impactful research across a selection of its journals, highlighting contributions that advance the understanding, prevention, and treatment of malaria. Featured journals include Cells, Insects, Journal of Clinical Medicine (JCM), Metabolites, Parasitologia, Pathogens, Pharmaceuticals, Reports, and TropicalMed. By bringing these articles to the forefront, MDPI reaffirms its commitment to open access knowledge and global health equity.

Prof. Tu Youyou was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2015 for discovering artemisinin, a drug that has significantly reduced the mortality rates for patients suffering from malaria.

To honor Prof. Tu Youyou’s remarkable contributions and to continue with her achievements, MDPI established the Tu Youyou Award in 2016. This award aims to acknowledge exceptional scholars committed to the research fields of natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry.

The winners of the 2024 Tu Youyou Award will be announced on 30 April. Visit the award website for the latest updates!

“Blood Source and Anesthetics Effects on the Maintenance of Anopheles darlingi in the Lab-Rearing Condition”
by José Daniel Costa Pontual, Natália Vitória Coelho, Najara Akira Costa dos Santos, Alessandra da Silva Bastos, Jéssica Evangelista Araújo, Alice Oliveira Andrade, Jansen Fernandes Medeiros and Maisa da Silva Araujo
Insects 2025, 16(3), 281; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16030281

“Identification of Bioactive Metabolites of Capirona macrophylla by Metabolomic Analysis, Molecular Docking, and In Vitro Antiparasitic Assays”
by Joseph Evaristo, Elise de Laia, Bruna Tavares, Esdras Mendonça, Larissa Grisostenes, Caroline Rodrigues, Welington do Nascimento, Carolina Garcia, Sheila Guterres, Fábio Nogueira et al.
Metabolites 2025, 15(3), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15030157

“Duplication of a Type-P5B-ATPase in Laverania and Avian Malaria Parasites and Implications About the Evolution of Plasmodium”
by Mark F. Wiser
Parasitologia 2025, 5(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/parasitologia5010006

“Effect of Health Education Intervention on Knowledge and Adherence to Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Malaria in Pregnancy Among Women”
by Pauline N. Atser, Gommaa Hayat and Uchenna B. Okafor
Healthcare 2025, 13(2), 105; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13020105

“Uncovering the Mechanism of Action of Antiprotozoal Agents: A Survey on Photoaffinity Labeling Strategy”
by Alessandro Giraudo, Cristiano Bolchi, Marco Pallavicini, Roberto Di Santo, Roberta Costi and Francesco Saccoliti
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(1), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18010028

“Contribution of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Studies to the Understanding of Cerebral Malaria Pathogenesis”
by Alicia Comino Garcia-Munoz, Isabelle Varlet, Georges Emile Grau, Teodora-Adriana Perles-Barbacaru and Angèle Viola
Pathogens 2024, 13(12), 1042; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13121042

“Prophylaxis Failure and Successful Management of Delayed-Onset Malaria with Renal Complications: A Case Report with Oral Artemether-Lumefantrine Treatment”
by Ilir Tolaj, Gramoz Bunjaku, Murat Mehmeti and Yllka Begolli
Reports 2023, 6(4), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/reports6040053

“Sensitivity Assessment of a Multiplex and Real-Time PCR Protocols for the Detection of Malaria in External Quality Control Samples in the Malaria Reference Center in Greece”
by Nikolaos Tegos, Christos Goumenopoulos, Anastasia Mpimpa, Vasilios Papavasilopoulos, Stavroula Beleri and Eleni Patsoula
Parasitologia 2024, 4(2), 150-161; https://doi.org/10.3390/parasitologia4020013

“Prevention of Malaria in Pregnant Women and Its Effects on Maternal and Child Health, the Case of Centre Hospitalier de Kingasani II in the Democratic Republic of the Congo”
by Japhet Kabalu Tshiongo, Trésor Zola Matuvanga, Patrick Mitashi, Vivi Maketa, Henk D. F. H. Schallig, Petra F. Mens, Hypolite Muhindo Mavoko and Junior Matangila Rika
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2024, 9(5), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed9050092

“An Epidemiological Survey of Malaria Infection in Espírito Santo State, Brazil, from 2007 to 2017”
by Nayna Carvalho Oliveira, Lais Rosa Boscalha, Cinthia Emerich Toledo, Felipe Sarlo Pezzin, Bruno Costanza Cisari, Suellen Rodrigues Maran, Laís Rodrigues Diniz, Pedro Henrique Schultz Corcino Freitas, Adenilton Cruzeiro, Frederico Eutropio et al.
Parasitologia 2023, 3(3), 215-222; https://doi.org/10.3390/parasitologia3030022

“Low Prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum Histidine-Rich Protein 2 and 3 Gene Deletions—A Multiregional Study in Central and West Africa”
by Tina Krueger, Moses Ikegbunam, Abel Lissom, Thaisa Lucas Sandri, Jacques Dollon Mbama Ntabi, Jean Claude Djontu, Marcel Tapsou Baina, Roméo Aimé Laclong Lontchi, Moustapha Maloum, Givina Zang Ella et al.
Pathogens 2023, 12(3), 455; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12030455

“Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Malaria Control in Africa: A Preliminary Analysis”
by Liping Gao, Qi Shi, Zhiguo Liu, Zhenjun Li and Xiaoping Dong
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2023, 8(1), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed8010067

Mother Earth is sending us an urgent call to action as nature suffers from the devastating impacts of human activity. Our oceans are choked with plastic and acidifying, while extreme heat, wildfires, and floods have disrupted millions of lives. Climate change, deforestation, unsustainable agriculture, illegal wildlife trade, and other human-driven disruptions are accelerating the destruction of ecosystems and biodiversity. As we mark the third Mother Earth Day within the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, it is clear that healthy ecosystems are vital for all life on Earth. Restoring damaged ecosystems can help end poverty, fight climate change, and prevent mass extinction, but success depends on everyone playing their part. Together, we must act now to heal our planet and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.

On this significant day, we are proud to present a curated collection of articles and initiatives dedicated to groundbreaking research and innovative solutions for protecting and restoring our planet. As we celebrate Mother Earth and reflect on the urgent need for action, these contributions highlight critical efforts to combat climate change, restore ecosystems, and promote sustainability. We invite readers to explore these resources and join us in our shared mission to safeguard the health of our planet for future generations. Together, we can make a lasting impact and ensure a thriving, resilient Earth for all.

Keynote Speakers

“The Conservation of Biodiverse and Threatened Dry Rainforest Plant Communities Is Vital in a Changing Climate”
by Marion Howard, Hilary Pearl, Bill McDonald, Yoko Shimizu, Sanjeev Kumar Srivastava and Alison Shapcott
Conservation 2024, 4(4), 657-684; https://doi.org/10.3390/conservation4040040

“Ten Years of Mediterranean Monk Seal Stranding Records in Greece under the Microscope: What Do the Data Suggest?”
by Maria Solanou, Aliki Panou, Irida Maina, Stefanos Kavadas and Marianna Giannoulaki
Animals 2024, 14(9), 1309; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14091309

“Groundwater Temperature Stripes: A Simple Method to Communicate Groundwater Temperature Variations Due to Climate Change”
by Manuela Lasagna, Elena Egidio and Domenico Antonio De Luca
Water 2024, 16(5), 717; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16050717

“Resilience of an Urban Coastal Ecosystem in the Caribbean: A Remote Sensing Approach in Western Puerto Rico”
by Yadiel Noel Bonilla-Roman and Salvador Francisco Acuña-Guzman
Earth 2024, 5(1), 72-89; https://doi.org/10.3390/earth5010004

“Particulate Matter in the American Southwest: Detection and Analysis of Dust Storms Using Surface Measurements and Ground-Based LIDAR”
by Joscelyne Guzman-Gonzalez, Rosa M. Fitzgerald, Nakul N. Karle, Ricardo K. Sakai and William R. Stockwell
Atmosphere 2024, 15(1), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15010110

“An Imported Environmental Crisis: Plastic Mismanagement in Africa”
by Gilbert Moyen Massa and Vasiliki-Maria Archodoulaki
Sustainability 2024, 16(2), 672; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16020672

“The Effect of Habitat on Insect Movements: Experimental Evidence from Wild-Caught Butterflies”
by Matteo Marcantonio, Raluca Voda, Daniele Da Re, Quentin Igot, Roger L. H. Dennis, Aurélien Vielfaure, Sophie O. Vanwambeke and Caroline M. Nieberding
Insects 2023, 14(9), 737; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14090737

“Artificial Reefs around the World: A Review of the State of the Art and a Meta-Analysis of Its Effectiveness for the Restoration of Marine Ecosystems”
by Carolina Bracho-Villavicencio, Helena Matthews-Cascon and Sergio Rossi
Environments 2023, 10(7), 121; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10070121

“Topography, Slope and Geomorphology’s Influences on Shoreline Dynamics along Dakar’s Southern Coast, Senegal”
by Ibrahima Pouye, Dieudonné Pessièzoum Adjoussi, Jacques André Ndione and Amadou Sall
Coasts 2023, 3(1), 93-112; https://doi.org/10.3390/coasts3010006

“Potential Use of Industrial Biomass Waste as a Sustainable Energy Source in the Future”
by Tomasz Kalak
Energies 2023, 16(4), 1783; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16041783

Animal sciences is a multi-disciplinary and dynamic field dedicated to understanding the biology, management, and sustainable utilization of animals. This discipline encompasses the study of diverse animal species, including livestock, companion animals, wildlife, and aquatic organisms; it also focuses on investigating their physiology, genetics, nutrition, behavior, and health. It also delves into the complex interactions between animals and their environment, exploring their vital roles within ecosystems. By integrating knowledge from various fields such as biology, genetics, nutrition, veterinary medicine, and ecology, animal sciences aims to optimize animal production, improve animal welfare, and address critical challenges related to food security, conservation, and the responsible management of animal populations within the context of a healthy and functioning ecosystem.

MDPI’s animal sciences cluster is designed to be a dynamic hub for cutting-edge research, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the animal kingdom and its vital role in our world. Our mission extends beyond simply publishing; we aim to accelerate the dissemination of discoveries that drive advancements in animal health, welfare, sustainable management, and conservation. This cluster offers authors diverse publishing options, ensuring their research finds the most relevant and impactful audience within the diverse landscape of animal sciences.

The nine participating journals include:

• Animals focuses on any field of study that involves animals, including zoology, ethnozoology, animal science, animal ethics, and animal welfare. Animals is led by Editor-in-Chief Prof. Dr. Clive J. C. Phillips (¹ Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Estonia; ² Curtin University Sustainability Policy (CUSP) Institute, Australia);
• Arthropoda focuses on arachnids (mites, scorpions, spiders), myriapods (millipedes, centipedes and allied taxa), pycnogonids, horseshoe crabs and crustaceans. Arthropoda is led by Editor-in-Chief Dr. Sammy De Grave (Oxford University Museum of Natural History, UK);
• Birds focuses on any field of study that involves wild birds, with special emphasis on bird ecology, communities, conservation, and behavioral ecology. Birds is led by Editor-in-Chief Dr. Jukka Jokimäki (Arctic Centre, University of Lapland, Finland);
• Insects focuses on the biology, physiology, behavior, and management of arthropods, as well as their interactions with human societies, plants, and ecosystem services. Insects is led by Editor-in-Chief Prof. Dr. Brian T. Forschler (Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, USA);
• Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens includes all aspects of botanical gardens, zoological gardens, natural sciences museums, and other similar institutions. Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens is led by Editor-in-Chief Dr. Kevin Cianfaglione (Faculté de Gestion, Economie et Science (FGES), Université Catholique de Lille, France);
• Pets focuses on all aspects of companion animals, including but not limited to their health and disease, veterinary care, nutrition, genetics and genomics, behavior, welfare, and interactions and relations with humans. Pets is led by Editor-in-Chief Prof. Dr. Jan S. Suchodolski (Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, USA);
• Poultry is a multi-disciplinary journal on the poultry industry throughout the world. Poultry covers a broad spectrum of subjects influencing poultry animals' health, welfare, and productivity. Poultry is led by Editor-in-Chief Prof. Dr. Michael Hess (Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria);
• Ruminants focuses on any field of study that involves ruminants, including cattle, all domesticated and wild bovines, goats, sheep, giraffes, deer, gazelles, and antelopes. Ruminants is led by Editor-in-Chief Prof. Dr. Brian J. Leury (Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Australia);
• Veterinary Sciences focuses on any field of veterinary sciences, including prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, disorder, and injury in animals. With a strong emphasis on the One Health approach, the journal also explores the interconnectedness of animal, human, and environmental health. Veterinary Sciences is led by Editor-in-Chief Prof. Dr. Patrick Butaye (¹ Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium; ² Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, China).

MDPI’s Mission and Values:

As a pioneer of academic open access publishing, MDPI has served the scientific community since 1996. We aim to foster scientific exchange in all forms across all disciplines. MDPI's guidelines for disseminating open science are based on the following values and guiding principles:

• Open Access—All of our content is published in open access and distributed under a Creative Commons License, providing free access to science and the latest research, allowing articles to be freely shared and content to be re-used with proper attribution;
• Timeliness and Efficiency—Publishing the latest research through thorough editorial work, ensuring a first decision is provided to authors in under 32 days and papers are published within 7-10 days upon acceptance;
• Simplicity—Offering user-friendly tools and services in one place to enhance the efficiency of our editorial process;
• High-Quality Service—Supporting scholars and their work by providing a range of options, such as journal publication at mdpi.com, early publication at preprints.org, and conferences on sciforum.net to positively impact research;
• Flexibility—Adapting and developing new tools and services to meet the research community's changing needs, driven by feedback from authors, editors, and readers;
• Rooted in Sustainability—Ensuring long-term preservation of published papers and supporting the future of science through partnerships, sponsorships, and awards.

By adhering to these values and principles, MDPI remains committed to advancing scientific knowledge and promoting open science practices.

Selected Topics:

• Precision Feeding and Management of Farm Animals, 3rd Edition;
• Research on Companion Animal Nutrition;
• Advances in Infectious and Parasitic Diseases of Animals.

Selected Articles:

Animals
“Effects of Nutritional Factors on Fat Content, Fatty Acid Composition, and Sensorial Properties of Meat and Milk from Domesticated Ruminants: An Overview”
Animals 2024, 14(6), 840; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14060840

Arthropoda
“How Urban-Tolerant Are They? Testing Prey–Capture Behavior of Introduced Jorō Spiders (Trichonephila clavata) Next to Busy Roads”
Arthropoda 2024, 2(1), 55-65; https://doi.org/10.3390/arthropoda2010004

Birds
“Nest Design and Breeding Success: Replicability of Methodologies and Research Findings in Secondary Hole Nesting Passerines”
Birds 2024, 5(2), 278-307; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds5020019

Insects
“Mosquito-Borne Diseases and Their Control Strategies: An Overview Focused on Green Synthesized Plant-Based Metallic Nanoparticles”
Insects 2023, 14(3), 221; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14030221

Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens
“Cetacean Sanctuaries: Do They Guarantee Better Welfare?”
J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2025, 6(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg6010004

Pets
“The Effects of Dog Behavioural Problems on Owner Well-Being: A Review of the Literature and Future Directions”
Pets 2024, 1(1), 53-69; https://doi.org/10.3390/pets1010007

Poultry
“Impact of Heat Stress on Broiler Chicken Production”
Poultry 2024, 3(2), 107-128; https://doi.org/10.3390/poultry3020010

Ruminants
“Impact of Lameness on Brush Use in a Loose-Housed Dairy System”
Ruminants 2024, 4(3), 375-386; https://doi.org/10.3390/ruminants4030027

Veterinary Sciences
“Infection and Coinfection of Porcine-Selected Viruses (PPV1 to PPV8, PCV2 to PCV4, and PRRSV) in Gilts and Their Associations with Reproductive Performance”
Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(5), 185; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11050185

In commemoration of International Mother Earth Day, MDPI is organizing a special webinar to bring together researchers and experts to share their thoughts on raising awareness about the importance of environmental protection and addressing pressing global issues such as climate change, ecosystem recovery, and sustainable development.

The theme of the webinar revolves around fostering a deeper understanding of humanity’s role in preserving our planet for future generations, as well as the crucial roles of biodiversity conservation and sustainable practices in preserving our ecosystems for future generations. This webinar will provide a platform for meaningful discussions and knowledge exchange on the importance of climate change and the importance of the recovery of our ecosystems.

We are looking forward to seeing you at the MDPI International Mother Earth Day Webinar 2025. Please find an up-to-date outline of the presenters below.

Any interesting suggestions regarding topics and speakers are welcome.

Date: 22 April 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m. CEST | 4:30 p.m. AEST | 2:30 p.m. CST Asia
Webinar ID: 878 0932 6864

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information on how to join the webinar. Registrations with academic institutional email addresses will be prioritized.

Unable to attend? Register anyway and we will inform you when the recording is available to watch.

Register now for free!

Program:

Webinar Speakers:

• Prof. Károly Németh, ¹ National Program of Earthquakes and Volcanoes, Saudi Geological Survey, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; ² Institute of Earth Physics and Space Science, Sopron, Hungary; ³ Geoconservation Trust Aotearoa SW Pacific, Opotiki, New Zealand;
• Prof. Brendan Macke, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia.

For more information about this webinar, please visit https://sciforum.net/event/MEDW2025?subscribe.

If you have any questions about this webinar, please contact journal.webinar@mdpi.com.

MDPI International Mother Earth Day Webinar Secretariat

World Chagas Disease Day 2025 brings global attention to one of the most neglected tropical diseases, reinforcing our collective responsibility to “leave no one behind” in the pursuit of health equity.

Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, affects over 7 million people worldwide—primarily among poor and underserved communities in Latin America, but with increasing prevalence in non-endemic regions due to migration and globalization. Often progressing without symptoms in its early stages, Chagas is known as a “silent and silenced disease”, leading to potentially fatal cardiac and digestive complications if left untreated. Despite its growing global impact, awareness and access to diagnosis and treatment remain limited.

To change the trajectory of Chagas disease, we must foster multidisciplinary collaboration across research, clinical practice, and public policy. From early detection and vector control to treatment access and patient-centered care, every stakeholder has a role to play. Health systems must adapt to address not only the biological and clinical dimensions of the disease but also the social and economic determinants that perpetuate its neglect.

In recognition of World Chagas Disease Day 2025, we invite you to explore a curated collection of articles and Special Issues from selected MDPI journals, including Insects, Pathogens, Microorganisms, Parasitologia, Diseases, Healthcare, and TropicalMed. These resources offer vital perspectives on the epidemiology, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of Chagas disease, while also encouraging cross-sector collaboration. Through scientific engagement and public awareness, we can work together toward the goal: early detection, equitable care, and the eventual elimination of Chagas disease.

 “Development and Characterization of Innovative Nifurtimox Formulations as Therapeutic Alternative for Chagas Disease”
by Ana Lia Mazzeti, Karolina Ribeiro Gonçalves, Patrícia Ferreira Boasquivis, Maria Terezinha Bahia and Vanessa Carla Furtado Mosqueira
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(2), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10020050

“Molecular Characterization of Trypanosoma cruzi from Triatomine Species in São Paulo State, an Area Free of Vector-Borne Chagas Disease”
by Eliana Ferreira Monteiro, Rubens Antonio da Silva, Arlei Marcili and Karin Kirchgatter
Insects 2025, 16(2), 161; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16020161

“The Impact of Environmental and Housing Factors on the Distribution of Triatominae (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) in an Endemic Area of Chagas Disease in Puebla, Mexico”
by Miguel Ortega-Caballero, Maria Cristina Gonzalez-Vazquez, Miguel Angel Hernández-Espinosa, Alejandro Carabarin-Lima and Alia Mendez-Albores
Diseases 2024, 12(10), 238; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12100238

“Zoonotic Cycle of American Trypanosomiasis in an Endemic Region of the Argentine Chaco, Factors That Influenced a Paradigm Shift”
by Andrea Gómez-Bravo, Sebastián Cirignoli, Diana Wehrendt, Alejandro Schijman, Cielo M. León, María Flores-Chaves, Javier Nieto, Troy J. Kieran, Marcelo Abril and Felipe Guhl
Insects 2024, 15(7), 471; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15070471

“Mapping the Silent Threat: A Comprehensive Analysis of Chagas Disease Occurrence in Riverside Communities in the Western Amazon”
by Daniela da Silva Paixão, Fernanda Portela Madeira, Adila Costa de Jesus, Hêmilly Caroline da Silva Paixão, Juliana de Souza Almeida Aranha Camargo, Mariane Albuquerque Lima Ribeiro, Leandro José Ramos, Jader de Oliveira, João Aristeu da Rosa, Paulo Sérgio Bernarde et al.
Pathogens 2024, 13(2), 176; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13020176

“Chagas Disease in Europe”
by Marta Gonzalez-Sanz, Clara Crespillo-Andújar, Sandra Chamorro-Tojeiro, Begoña Monge-Maillo, Jose A. Perez-Molina and Francesca F. Norman
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2023, 8(12), 513; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed8120513

“Impact of Laboratory-Adapted Intracellular Trypanosoma cruzi Strains on the Activity Profiles of Compounds with Anti-T. cruzi Activity”
by Melissa L. Sykes, Emily K. Kennedy and Vicky M. Avery
Microorganisms 2023, 11(2), 476; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11020476

“A Review on the Immunological Response against Trypanosoma cruzi”
by Martje Van Neste, Annick Bogaerts, Nina Nauwelaerts, Julia Macente, Anne Smits, Pieter Annaert and Karel Allegaert
Pathogens 2023, 12(2), 282; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12020282

22 March marks World Water Day, a global observance dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of water resources. The theme for World Water Day 2025, “Glacier Preservation”, underscores the critical role glaciers play in sustaining life on Earth. Glaciers are vital natural reservoirs, providing meltwater that is essential for drinking water, agriculture, industry, clean energy production, and the health of ecosystems. However, the rapid melting of glaciers due to climate change is creating uncertainty in water availability, with profound consequences for communities, economies, and the planet.

As glaciers shrink, the world faces increasing risks of water scarcity, disruption to ecosystems, and heightened vulnerability to natural disasters. Protecting these frozen water resources is not just an environmental imperative but a necessity for ensuring a sustainable future.

Echoing the mission of safeguarding glaciers for generations to come, MDPI’s established journals in the Environmental and Earth Sciences field serve as leading platforms for scientific communication. By sharing cutting-edge research and practical solutions, MDPI contributes to global efforts to address the water crisis and protect these invaluable natural assets.

Join us in celebrating World Water Day 2025 and supporting initiatives that prioritize glacier preservation. Together, we can work toward a future where water resources are protected, ecosystems thrive, and communities are resilient in the face of climate challenges.

Feel free to register for this webinar here!

“Physical Vulnerability of The Gambia’s Coastline in the Context of Climate Change”
by Muhammad Leroy Albert Gomez, Kissao Gnandi, Chrétien Ngouanet, Ibrahima Pouye and Joshua Ntajal
World 2025, 6(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/world6010017

“Segmentation of Glacier Area Using U-Net through Landsat Satellite Imagery for Quantification of Glacier Recession and Its Impact on Marine Systems”
by Edmund Robbins, Robert D. Breininger, Maxwell Jiang, Michelle Madera, Ryan T. White and Nezamoddin N. Kachouie
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(10), 1788; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12101788

“Evaluating Rainwater Harvesting Systems for Water Scarcity Mitigation in Small Greek Islands under Climate Change”
by Elissavet Feloni and Panagiotis T. Nastos
Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2592; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062592

“Snow Water Equivalent Monitoring—A Review of Large-Scale Remote Sensing Applications”
by Samuel Schilling, Andreas Dietz and Claudia Kuenzer
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(6), 1085; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16061085

“Ecosystem Services Supply from Peri-Urban Watersheds in Greece: Soil Conservation and Water Retention”
by Stefanos Stefanidis, Nikolaos Proutsos, Vasileios Alexandridis and Giorgos Mallinis
Land 2024, 13(6), 765; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13060765

“Comparison of Multiple Methods for Supraglacial Melt-Lake Volume Estimation in Western Greenland During the 2021 Summer Melt Season”
by Nathan Rowley, Wesley Rancher and Christopher Karmosky
Glacies 2024, 1(2), 92-110; https://doi.org/10.3390/glacies1020007

“Microbial Community Abundance and Metabolism Close to the Ice-Water Interface of the Blomstrandbreen Glacier (Kongsfjorden, Svalbard): A Sampling Survey Using an Unmanned Autonomous Vehicle”
by Maria Papale, Gabriella Caruso, Giovanna Maimone, Rosabruna La Ferla, Angelina Lo Giudice, Alessandro Ciro Rappazzo, Alessandro Cosenza, Filippo Azzaro, Roberta Ferretti, Rodolfo Paranhos et al.
Water 2023, 15(3), 556; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15030556

“Projected Future Flooding Pattern of Wabash River in Indiana and Fountain Creek in Colorado: An Assessment Utilizing Bias-Corrected CMIP6 Climate Data”
by Swarupa Paudel, Neekita Joshi and Ajay Kalra
Forecasting 2023, 5(2), 405-423; https://doi.org/10.3390/forecast5020022

“Mountain Cryosphere Landscapes in South America: Value and Protection”
by Sebastián Ruiz-Pereira, Voltaire Alvarado Peterson and Darío Trombotto Liaudat
Conservation 2023, 3(1), 232-246; https://doi.org/10.3390/conservation3010017

“Diversity and Variability of the Course of Ice Phenomena on the Lakes Located in the Southern and Eastern Part of the Baltic Sea Catchment Area”
by Rajmund Skowron, Pavel Kirvel, Adam Choiński and Ivan Kirvel
Limnol. Rev. 2023, 23(1), 33-49; https://doi.org/10.3390/limnolrev23010003

Arthropods constitute a large part of global biodiversity, but our knowledge of them is severely lacking. We do not know how many arthropod species exist, but we know that most of them are undescribed. Of those that have a formal description, we lack information about their distribution, natural history and ecology. We are aware how important arthropods are for us, as agents of either harmful or beneficial impacts. Their study, entomology, is not only fascinating but vitally important. Traditionally, their size and abundance, combined with their assumed “primitiveness”, have been perceived as reasons for destroying them. Global biodiversity is declining, and while it may have started with the megafauna, arthropods have also been affected. With the increasing global awareness of humanity’s role in this decline, combined with the absolute necessity of arthropods in the continued functioning of ecosystems on which humans also depend, arthropod conservation has received renewed interest. This conflicts with traditionally destructive entomological study methods. Alternatives exist, and this webinar will present arguments for the appropriateness of such methods, providing a few examples of non-destructive methods.

Date: 2 April 2025 at 10:00 a.m. CET | 4:00 a.m. EDT | 4:00 p.m. CST Asia
Webinar ID: 852 7619 6981
Website: https://sciforum.net/event/Insects-2

Register now for free!

Program:

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the webinar. Registrations with academic institutional email addresses will be prioritized.

Unable to attend? Register anyway and we will let you know when the recording is available to watch.

Webinar Chair and Keynote Speakers:

• Prof. Gábor Lövei, Department of Agroecology, Aarhus University, Denmark;
• Dr. Jana Růžičková, HUN-REN-ELTE-MTM Integrative Ecology Research Group & Department of Systematic Zoology and Ecology Biological Institute, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary;
• Dr. Craig Perl, Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, UK;
• Dr. Marco Ferrante, Functional Agroecology, University of Gottingen, Germany.

Relevant feature papers:

“Multi-Annual Study of Eriogaster catax (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera, Lasiocampidae) Oviposition Strategy in Transylvania’s Largest Population: Key Insights for Species Conservation and Local Land Management”
by Cristian Sitar, Geanina Magdalena Sitar, Angela Monica Ionică, Vladimír Hula, Lukáš Spitzer, Alina Simona Rusu and László Rakosy
Insects 2024, 15(10), 794; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15100794
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/15/10/794

“A Portable Photocollector for the Field Collection of Insects in Biodiversity Assessment”
by Behnam Motamedinia, Sophie Cardinal, Scott Kelso, Carolyn Callaghan, Khorshid Ghahari, John F. Wilmshurst and Jeff Skevington
Insects 2024, 15(11), 896; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15110896
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/15/11/896

“A Decade of Protecting Insect Biodiversity: The Impact of Multifunctional Margins in an Intensive Vegetable System”
by Francisco Javier Peris-Felipo, Fernando Santa, Oscar Aguado-Martin, Ana Lia Gayan-Quijano, Rodrigo Aguado-Sanz, Luis Miranda-Barroso and Francisco Garcia-Verde
Insects 2025, 16(2), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16020118
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/16/2/118

“Unveiling Arthropod Responses to Climate Change: A Functional Trait Analysis in Intensive Pastures”
by Sophie Wallon, François Rigal, Catarina D. Melo, Rui B. Elias and Paulo A. V. Borges
Insects 2024, 15(9), 677; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15090677
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/15/9/677

World Wildlife Day celebrates the beauty and diversity of wild animals and plants, and also provides an opportunity to raise public awareness and enable the public to gain a deeper understanding of the many benefits of protecting wildlife for humans.

The theme of World Wildlife Day 2025 is “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet”, highlighting the importance of supporting wildlife conservation through financial investment. The theme calls on the global community to increase investment in conservation projects to ensure the health and sustainable development of ecosystems. Protecting wildlife is not only to maintain biodiversity but also to safeguard the future of mankind. By investing in conservation projects, we can reduce the risk of species extinction, improve ecological conditions, and create sustainable economic opportunities for communities. Financial support can be used to establish protected areas, combat illegal trade, restore habitats, and promote scientific research. Investing in wildlife conservation is investing in the future of humanity and the planet, ensuring we can coexist in harmony with nature.

In order to jointly explore methods and possibilities for wildlife protection, we have brought together research results from multiple MDPI journals on the relationship between wildlife and human sustainable development and provided an open communication platform. All results are open access, and we hope that researchers and the public around the world can obtain the latest scientific knowledge and promote innovative research and practice in wildlife conservation.

We invite everyone to join this important movement and contribute to the protection of wildlife and the future of our planet and people.

MDPI World Wildlife Day Webinar
3 March 2025, 3:00 p.m. (GET)
Free to register for this webinar!
Recordings will be available on Sciforum shortly afterward.

“Birds of Game Abundances in Evergreen Forests in Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, Campeche, Mexico”
by Héctor M. J. López-Castilla, Fernando M. Contreras-Moreno, Daniel Jesús-Espinosa,
José M. Méndez-Tun, Khiavett Sánchez-Pinzón, Pedro Bautista-Ramírez, Lizardo Cruz-Romo
and Sandra Petrone
Wild 2025, 2(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/wild2010003

“Vulnerability of Agricultural Households to Human–Wildlife Conflicts around Pendjari Biosphere Reserve in Northern Benin”
by Sylvain Efio, Etotépé A. Sogbohossou, Yves Z. Magnon, Bertrand Hamaide, Rigobert C. Tossou
and Brice A. Sinsin
Land 2024, 13(9), 1473; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13091473

“Managing Landscape Urbanization and Assessing Biodiversity of Wildlife Habitats: A Study of Bobcats in San Jose, California”
by Yongli Zheng, Yuxi Wang, Xinyi Wang, Yuhan Wen and Shuying Guo
Land 2024, 13(2), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13020152

“Description of Bisbalus, a New Genus for the Gray Brocket, Mazama cita Osgood, 1912 (Mammalia, Cervidae), as a Step to Solve the Neotropical Deer Puzzle ^†”
by Eluzai Dinai Pinto Sandoval, Wlodzimierz J˛edrzejewski, Jesús Molinari, Miluse Vozdova,
Halina Cernohorska , Svatava Kubickova, Agda Maria Bernegossi, Renato Caparroz
and José Mauricio Barbanti Duarte
Taxonomy 2024, 4(1), 10-26; https://doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy4010002

“Biomass Quantification of the Critically Endangered European eel from Running Waters Using Environmental DNA”
by Sara Fernandez, Álvaro Gutiérrez, Dumas Deconinck, Jose Luis Martinez, Almudena Alvarez,
Isabel Marquez, Gonzalo Machado-Schiaffino and Eva Garcia-Vazquez
Fishes 2023, 8(6), 279; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes8060279

“Genomic Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus in Wildlife”
by Carmen Martínez-Seijas, Patricia Mascarós, Víctor Lizana, Alba Martí-Marco,
Alberto Arnau-Bonachera, Eva Chillida-Martínez, Jesús Cardells, Laura Selva, David Viana,
and Juan M. Corpa
Animals 2023, 13(6), 1064; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13061064

“Assessing the Impacts of Climate Change on the At-Risk Species Anaxyrus microscaphus (The Arizona Toad): A Local and Range-Wide Habitat Suitability Analysis”
by Sam M. Driver, Cord B. Eversole, Daniel R. Unger, David L. Kulhavy, Christopher M. Schalk
and I-Kuai Hung
Ecologies 2023, 4(4), 762-778; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies4040050

“Identification of Urban and Wildlife Terrestrial Corridor Intersections for Planning of Wildlife-Vehicle Collision Mitigation Measures”
by Andrius Kuˇcas, Linas Balˇciauskas and Carlo Lavalle
Land 2023, 12(4), 758; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12040758

“Spatiotemporal Patterns of Wolves, and Sympatric Predators and Prey Relative to Human Disturbance in Northwestern Greece”
by Maria Petridou, John F. Benson, Olivier Gimenez and Vassiliki Kati
Diversity 2023, 15(2), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15020184

Special Issues

“Global Trends in Climate Suitability of Bees: Ups and Downs in a Warming World”
by Ehsan Rahimi and Chuleui Jung
Insects 2024, 15(2), 127; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15020127

“Monarch Butterflies in Western North America: A Holistic Review of Population Trends, Ecology, Stressors, Resilience and Adaptation”
by David G. James
Insects 2024, 15(1), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15010040

“Illuminating Firefly Diversity: Trends, Threats and Conservation Strategies”
by Sara M. Lewis, Wan F. A. Jusoh, Anna C. Walker, Candace E. Fallon, Richard Joyce
and Vor Yiu
Insects 2024, 15(1), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15010071

“Optimizing Wildlife Habitat Management in Socio-Ecological Systems: An Evolutionary Game Theory Approach”
by Rui Wang, Wenhui Chen and Xingyue Liang
Forests 2023, 14(10), 1940; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14101940

“Edible Halophytes and Halo-Tolerant Species in Apulia Region (Southeastern Italy): Biogeography, Traditional Food Use and Potential Sustainable Crops”
by Rita Accogli, Valeria Tomaselli, Paolo Direnzo, Enrico Vito Perrino, Giuseppe Albanese,
Marcella Urbano and Gaetano Laghetti
Plants 2023, 12(3), 549; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12030549

“Crop Wild Relatives: A Valuable Source of Tolerance to Various Abiotic Stresses”
by Aliki Kapazoglou, Maria Gerakari, Efstathia Lazaridi, Konstantina Kleftogianni, Efi Sarri, Eleni Tani and Penelope J. Bebeli
Plants 2023, 12(2), 328; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12020328

“The Societal Value of the Modern Zoo: A Commentary on How Zoos Can Positively Impact on Human Populations Locally and Globally”
by Phillip J. Greenwell, Lisa M. Riley, Ricardo Lemos de Figueiredo, James E. Brereton,
Andrew Mooney and Paul E. Rose
J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2023, 4(1), 53-69; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg4010006

Special Issues