Search Results (82)

Climate change poses a major threat to forests, impacting the distribution and viability of key species. Quercus pyrenaica Willd., a marcescent oak endemic to the Iberian Peninsula (Portugal and Spain) and southwestern France and a structural species in submediterranean forests, is particularly susceptible to shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns. Aiming to assess its potential loss of suitable area under future climate scenarios, we developed high-resolution spatial distribution models to project the future habitat suitability of Q. pyrenaica under two climate change scenarios (SSP3-7.0 and SSP5-8.5) for the periods 2070 and 2100. Our model, which has an excellent predictive performance (AUC of 0.971 and a TSS of 0.834), indicates a predominantly northward shift in the potential distribution of the species, accompanied by substantial habitat loss in southern and lowland regions. Long-term potential suitable area may shrink to 42% of that currently available. This, combined with the limited natural dispersal capacity of the species, highlights the urgency of targeted management and conservation strategies. These results offer critical insights to inform conservation strategies and forest management under ongoing climate change. Full article

The Palearctic region is characterised by high endemism in the west and east, and a low endemism centre. The endemic lineages occurring at the two ends are largely distinct, and eastern endemics are typically associated with humid climates and forests, representing the start of a continuum from temperate to tropical forest groups and leading to Indo-Malay endemics. In contrast, western Palearctic endemics are typically associated with arid or seasonally dry (Mediterranean) climates and vegetation. Those lineages occurring in the central Palearctic are typically of western origin. Here, we use phylogenetic age (older than 34 million years (My)) to define a list of tetrapod and vascular plant lineages endemic to the western and central Palearctic, map their distributions at the ecoregion scale, and combine these maps to illustrate and understand lineage richness and endemism patterns. Sixty-three ancient lineages were recovered, approximately half of them reptiles, with several herbaceous and shrubby angiosperms, amphibians, and rodents, and single lineages of woody conifers, insectivores, and birds. Overall, we show high lineage richness in the western Mediterranean, eastern Mediterranean, and Iran, with the highest endemism values recorded in the western Mediterranean (southern Iberian Peninsula, southern France). This paints a picture of ancient lineage survival in areas of consistently dry climate since the Eocene, but also in association with persistent water availability (amphibians in the western Mediterranean). The almost complete absence of ancient endemic bird lineages is unusual and perhaps unique among the world’s biogeographic regions. The factors accounting for these patterns include climate since the end of the Eocene, micro-habitats and micro-climates (of mountain terrain), refugia, and patchiness and isolation (of forests). Despite their aridity adaptations, some of the lineages listed here may be tested under anthropogenic climatic change, although some may extend into the eastern Palearctic. We recommend using these lineages as flagships for conservation in the study region, where their uniqueness and antiquity deserve greater recognition. Full article

Leishmaniasis is a serious zoonotic parasitic disease caused by the protist Leishmania infantum and transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies in the countries of the Mediterranean basin. Dogs are the species most susceptible to the disease and serve as a reservoir for transmission to humans, making the Iberian Peninsula an endemic region for this infection. Although the regions close to the Mediterranean coast are the most prevalent regions of leishmaniasis in Spain, climatic factors are favouring the expansion of the vectors to more northern latitudes, where the disease was hardly known decades ago. This paper presents a prevalence study of L. infantum infection in the province of Zamora (northwestern Spain) using a non-invasive sample from canine buccal swabs and an innovative qPCR method to determine the etiologic agent. The parasite load of 151 randomly selected dogs from different points of the province was analysed during the period 2021–2022, with an estimated prevalence of 30%. In addition, the most common clinical signs of leishmaniasis in the dogs are described, and intrinsic factors associated with the nature of the dogs—such as sex, size, age as well as other factors related to the habitat in which they live and their geographical location—which could favour the disease, are evaluated. Full article

Moricandia moricandiodes is an endemic species found in the south and east of the Iberian Peninsula. Five subspecies have been recognized, and all exist as fragmented populations on limestones and marls with salt and gypsum intrusions under a continental Mediterranean climate, except for one of the subspecies, which inhabits semi-arid and hotter environments. In this study, we sampled populations covering the distribution area of the species and performed a population and phylogeographic study to assess the evolutionary history of populations and the taxonomic relationships of subspecies. ISSR markers, nrITS, and plastid sequences were used in the analyses. The results revealed that, in general, southern populations showed higher genetic diversity than northern populations, suggesting that the former are located in glacial refugia. Furthermore, we did not find clear differences between subspecies, except for M. moricandioides subsp. pseudofoetida, which showed exclusive haplotypes and an exclusive ribotype. Isolation and rapid divergence are discussed as the probable causes of differentiation, whereas bottlenecks and secondary contact between populations would explain the absence of differentiation among the other subspecies. Finally, we propose a few guidelines for the conservation of M. moricandioides. Full article

Reproductive biology patterns are crucial for understanding the dynamics and evolution of plants. This is particularly relevant in bryophytes, where sex expression and reproductive success can vary significantly with environmental conditions. Islands, with their isolated and diverse environments, provide natural laboratories to explore these dynamics. In this study, we investigate sex expression, the phenotypic sex ratio, and sporophyte production in one moss (Exsertotheca intermedia) and three liverwort species (Frullania polysticta, Frullania teneriffae, Porella canariensis) across their entire distribution range. Depending on the species, the geographic range includes the Canary Islands, Madeira, the Azores, the Iberian Peninsula, the British Isles, and the Faroe Islands. For the non-Macaronesian endemic species (F. teneriffae, P. canariensis) higher levels of sex expression and males were found in the Macaronesian archipelagos. In leafy liverworts, females appear to be correlated with lower temperatures and higher precipitation levels, while males seem to be associated with higher temperatures and relatively lower precipitation levels. In this study, we demonstrated that bryophyte populations from Macaronesia exhibited higher levels of sex expression compared to their continental counterparts, suggesting that the distinct environmental conditions of these islands play a crucial role in shaping their reproductive patterns. Full article

The Catalan chub, Squalius laietanus, was described in 2007 and has recently reached Vulnerable status on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The assigned range for this species includes the lower course of the Ebro River in Spain and northwards to the Tech, Têt, Agly, and Massane Rivers in Southeastern France. In this study, 246 chub specimens caught at 15 sites in the nine main river basins of the Spanish range were barcoded by sequencing a 624 bp fragment of the mitochondrial COI gene. Squalius laietanus haplotypes were found in 68% of the fish caught. In a tributary of the Ebro River, all specimens (6%) were identified as the Tagus chub, S. pyrenaicus, another endemic Iberian chub species. The remaining fish (26%) had a haplotype typical of the European chub, S. cephalus, populations outside Spain. This haplotype was present in six sites in four basins, being particularly abundant in the Ebro River. Considering that Squalius species can hybridize with other native and non-native cyprinid species, the potential co-occurrence of several species in the same site or basin raises concerns about the real extent of an exclusive range for the Catalan chub and the integrity of its native gene pools throughout its range. Full article

This study examines the spatio-temporal evolution of bioclimatic belts in peninsular Spain and the Balearic Islands from 1953 to 2022 using the World Bioclimatic Classification System and data from 3668 meteorological stations. Findings indicate a shift toward warmer and more arid conditions, with thermotypes showing an increase in mesomediterranean and thermomediterranean types and a decrease in mesotemperate and supratemperate types. Ombrotype analysis revealed a rise in semiarid types and a decline in humid and hyperhumid types. Significant changes occurred in climate transition zones and mountainous regions, where a process of “Mediterraneanisation”—a process characterised by the expansion of warmer and drier conditions typical of Mediterranean climates into previously temperate areas and/or an altitudinal rise in thermotypes—has been observed. The spatial variability of changes in ombrotypes was greater than that in thermotypes, with regions showing opposite trends to the general one. These results highlight the need for adaptive conservation strategies, particularly in mountainous and climate transition areas, where endemic species may face increased vulnerability due to habitat loss and fragmentation. The results of this study provide insight into how climate change is affecting bioclimatological conditions in the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands. Full article

Recruitment poses significant challenges for narrow endemic plant species inhabiting extreme environments like vertical cliffs. Investigating seed traits in these plants is crucial for understanding the adaptive properties of chasmophytes. Focusing on the Iberian endemic genus Petrocoptis A. Braun ex Endl., a strophiole-bearing Caryophyllaceae, this study explored the relationships between seed traits and climatic variables, aiming to shed light on the strophiole’s biological role and assess its classificatory power. We analysed 2773 seeds (557 individuals) from 84 populations spanning the genus’ entire distribution range. Employing cluster and machine learning algorithms, we delineated well-defined morphogroups based on seed traits and evaluated their recognizability. Linear mixed-effects models were utilized to investigate the relationship between climate predictors and strophiole area, seed area and the ratio between both. The combination of seed morphometric traits allows the division of the genus into three well-defined morphogroups. The subsequent validation of the algorithm allowed 87% of the seeds to be correctly classified. Part of the intra- and interpopulation variability found in strophiole raw and relative size could be explained by average annual rainfall and average annual maximum temperature. Strophiole size in Petrocoptis could have been potentially driven by adaptation to local climates through the investment of more resources in the production of bigger strophioles to increase the hydration ability of the seed in dry and warm climates. This reinforces the idea of the strophiole being involved in seed water uptake and germination regulation in Petrocoptis. Similar relationships have not been previously reported for strophioles or other analogous structures in Angiosperms. Full article

Climate change is altering the temperature and precipitation patterns in the Iberian Peninsula and on the Balearic Islands, with potential impacts on the distribution of plant communities. This study analyses the evolution of bioclimatic units in this region during the 1953–2022 period. Data from 3668 weather stations distributed throughout the study area were analysed. Two 35-year periods (1953–1987 and 1988–2022) were compared to assess changes in macrobioclimates and bioclimates. The results showed expansion of the Mediterranean macrobioclimate, whose total area increased by 6.93%, mainly at the expense of the Temperate macrobioclimate. For bioclimates, a trend towards more xeric and continental conditions was observed in the Mediterranean region, while temperate areas moved towards homogenisation of climate conditions. Likewise, two new bioclimates were detected, which indicate the emergence of new climate conditions. These results suggest a reorganisation of bioclimatic conditions, with particular implications for biodiversity in mountainous and transitional areas, where endemic species face higher risks of habitat loss. This study provides useful information for developing targeted conservation strategies, establishing a baseline for monitoring future changes and developing early warning systems for vulnerable ecosystems, thus supporting the design of climate-adapted conservation measures in the region studied. Full article

Doñana (southern Spain), a region of notable biodiversity richness, is highly threatened by ongoing landscape transformation and climate change. We investigated the local effect of these anthropogenic factors on the temporal range dynamics of Lataste’s viper (Vipera latastei), an Iberian endemic Mediterranean reptile that has apparently become rare over the years in Doñana. Using ecological niche-based models, based on climatic and remote sensing variables, we analyzed historical (1959–1999) and contemporary (2000–2022) records of the species to assess range shifts and identify environmental factors that may influence them. Our results show that V. latastei is mostly restricted to the coastal region of Doñana and that one temperature variable is the most important factor explaining this distribution pattern in both periods. Additional climatic and vegetation variables play a role in its historical distribution, but they become less important in contemporary times, suggesting a niche simplification over time. We found 30.5% of reduction in the species suitable area from historical to contemporary conditions, a reduction that would be even greater (83.37%) in the absence of niche shift. These findings underscore the species’ heightened vulnerability to ongoing environmental changes and highlight the urgent need for targeted conservation strategies. Full article

Plant–soil interactions of endangered species with a high-priority conservation status are important to define in situ and ex situ conservation and restoration projects. The threatened endemic Coincya transtagana, thriving in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula, can grow in metalliferous soils. The main goal of this study was to investigate the behavior of this species in soils rich in potentially toxic elements in the abandoned Aparis Cu mine. Soil samples were characterized for physicochemical properties and multielemental composition, as well as biological activity, through an analysis of enzymatic activities. Plant biomass was assessed, and multielemental analysis of the plants was also performed. The mine soils had slightly basic pH values and were non-saline and poor in mineral N-NH₄, with medium-to-high organic matter concentration and medium cation-exchange capacity. In these soils, dehydrogenase had the highest activity, whereas protease had the lowest activity. The total concentrations of Cu (1.3–5.9 g/kg) and As (37.9–118 mg/kg) in soils were very high, and the available fraction of Cu in the soil also had high concentration values (49–491 mg/kg). Moreover, this study shows for the first time that C. transtagana had high uptake and translocation capacities from roots to shoots for Cu, Ni, and Cr. Although Cu in the plants’ aerial parts (40–286 mg/kg) was considered excessive/toxic, no signs of plant toxicity disorders or P uptake reduction were detected. This preliminary study revealed that C. transtagana is Cu-tolerant, and it could be used for phytoremediation of soils contaminated with potentially toxic elements, while also contributing to its conservation. Full article

The largest genus of Palaearctic Syrphidae, Cheilosia Meigen, 1822 (Syrphidae: Rhingiini), is currently under revision in the Ibero-Balearic region (Iberian Peninsula + Balearic Islands). Prior to this study, various species groups with putative phylogenetic support were defined for this genus of complex taxonomy. The group of Cheilosia melanura Becker, 1894 includes species distributed all over Europe, with some of these species being similar each other in both morphology and genetics. After recent fieldwork in different Iberian localities and consultation of entomological collections, a new species from Sierra Nevada (Granada, Spain) was uncovered, described, and illustrated. Data on diagnostic characters, intraspecific variability, and adult biology were also provided. Maximum likelihood analyses of the fragment “C” of the 5′ end of the cytochrome c oxydase subunit I (COI-5′) and complete COI-5′ were performed to explore and support morphological species concepts within the group. The Spanish-endemic Cheilosia andalusiaca Torp Pedersen, 1971 is recognised here to be part of the C. melanura group based both on morphological and molecular evidence. Cheilosia carbonaria Egger, 1860 and Cheilosia cynocephala Loew, 1840 from the Iberian Peninsula are reported for the first time based on specimens originating in the Spanish Pyrenees. An identification key for the Iberian species of the C. melanura group is provided. Full article

Located at the crossroads of two continents and at the southeastern edge of the Mediterranean Basin, Anatolia was one of the most important Pleistocene glacial refugia in the Western Palaearctic. As part of the Irano-Anatolian, Caucasus and Mediterranean Basin biodiversity hotspots, this region is also home to a rich avian community including nearly 400 breeding species. Nevertheless, research addressing the genetic structure and diversity of local bird populations is limited, and information on glacial refugia in this region is still scant, especially when compared to other large Mediterranean peninsulas, namely the Balkan, Italian and Iberian ones. In this study, we contribute to filling this gap by addressing the biogeographic pattern of four common resident songbirds—the Eurasian blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus), the great tit (Parus major), the Eurasian chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) and the Eurasian blackbird (Turdus merula)—and one endemic species—the Krüper’s nuthatch (Sitta krueperi)—by amplifying two mitochondrial DNA genes in individuals from Anatolia (n = 329) and comparing their sequences to those of conspecifics from the rest of their distribution range across the western Palaearctic (n = 357) deposited in public databases. The overall genetic structure of these species is consistent with a scenario of isolation for multiple populations in different refugia across Anatolia and subsequent secondary contact in the wake of ice retreat, which makes this region a hotspot of genetic diversity for both widespread and endemic avian species. Full article

The tree fern Culcita macrocarpa, a threatened Iberian–Macaronesian endemism, represents the sole European species of the order Cyatheales. Considered a Tertiary relict of European Palaeotropical flora, its evolutionary history and genetic diversity, potentially influenced by presumed high clonal propagation, remain largely unknown. This study elucidates the phylogeographic history of C. macrocarpa, assessing the impact of vegetative reproduction on population dynamics and genetic variability. We provide genetic data from eight newly identified nuclear microsatellite loci and one plastid DNA region for 17 populations spanning the species’ range, together with species distribution modeling data. Microsatellites reveal pervasive clonality in C. macrocarpa, which has varied among populations. We assess the impact of clonality on genetic diversity and evaluate how estimates of intra-population genetic diversity indices and genetic structuring are affected by the chosen definition of “individual” (focusing exclusively on genetically distinct individuals, genets, as opposed to considering all independent clonal replicates, ramets). We identify two main population groups, one in the northern Iberian Peninsula and the other in the Macaronesian archipelagos and southern Iberian Peninsula. Within each group, we found relict populations (in the Azores and the Cantabrian Cornice) as well as recent originated populations. This population structure suggests colonization dynamics in which recent populations originated from one or a few genets of relict populations and became established through intra-gametophytic self-fertilization and vegetative expansion. DAPC analysis facilitated the identification of alleles that most significantly contributed to the observed population structure. The current Andalusian populations appear to have originated from colonization events from the Azores and the Cantabrian Cornice. Our findings suggest that C. macrocarpa persisted through the Last Glacial Maximum in two refugia: the Azores and the Cantabrian Cornice. Colonization into new areas occurred presumably from these refuges, generating two large population groups with structured genetic diversity. This study underscores the significance of clonality in establishing new populations and shaping genetic structure. Full article

The Eryngium L. genus belongs to the Apiaceae family and, with about 250 species, has a cosmopolitan distribution. Only fourteen of the twenty-six species described in Flora Europaea grow in the Iberian Peninsula. One of these is Eryngium galioides Lam., a small annual plant (2–30 cm) that grows in open dry places in the mid-west of the Iberian Peninsula. For this study, the whole plant (aerial parts and roots) of this species was gathered in Guadalajara (Spain). The essential oil of this population was extracted by hydro-distillation and analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). It is worth noting that this species gave rise to a relatively high essential oil yield (0.48%) in comparison with other species of this genus. E. galioides oil consisted of a complex mixture of more than 70 compounds. The main constituents of this oil were identified as valencene (49.7%) and a phyllocladene isomer (23.7%), both representing more than the 70% of the total oil. Other representative compounds of this oil were found to be β-chamigrene (6.0%), γ-muurolene (3.4%), (E)-caryophyllene (3.0%) and β-elemene (1.6%). As far as we know, this is the first report about the chemical composition of E. galioides essential oils. With this work, we contribute to the knowledge of this genus and provide a chemical and botanical basis to promote the in vitro cultivation of E. galioides as a source of essential oils rich in bio-actives for application in different fields. Full article