Search Results (171)

Austrian loess cliffs represent unique habitats supporting a rich bryophyte flora, including numerous rare and endangered species. We conducted a comprehensive survey of 86 loess cliff sites in the Pannonian area of Lower Austria, Burgenland, and Vienna, recording 79 bryophyte species. The results highlight that Austrian loess cliffs, despite their small spatial extent, are key refugia for light-demanding, desiccation-tolerant bryophytes. Hilpertia velenovskyi, a critically endangered species, was recorded at six new sites, expanding its known Austrian distribution. Our study also documents the first Austrian occurrences of several Pterygoneurum species. Seven bryophyte communities were distinguished: Aloinetum rigidae, Hilpertio velenovskyi–Pterygoneuretum compacti, and the newly described subassociations Didymodontetum glauci didymodontetosum cordati and Eurhynchietum schleicheri didymodontetosum cordati, as well as Pterygoneuro–Acaulonetum triquetri ass. nov. Multivariate analyses suggest carbonate content as the most consistent environmental driver. Despite their ecological significance, loess cliffs are increasingly threatened by habitat loss, overgrowth by vascular plants, and shading from invasive trees. Our study provides a detailed syntaxonomic and ecological framework for bryophyte communities on loess cliffs, underlining their role as refugia for rare species and the urgent need to protect remaining sites in the Pannonian region. Full article

This systematic literature review investigates the factors influencing indoor environmental satisfaction in vernacular architecture, with particular attention to sustainability and sociocultural contexts. Drawing on 105 peer-reviewed studies published over the past two decades, the analysis employed thematic synthesis and cluster analysis to identify key design features, theoretical underpinnings, and variables affecting occupant satisfaction. Five major theories emerged, with Sustainability Theory, Bioclimatic Architecture Theory, and Ecological Systems Theory most frequently applied. Cluster analysis of 62 variables produced eight thematic categories, offering a structured basis for hypothesis development and integrative model formulation. The review further identified critical research gaps, including limited empirical validation, methodological inconsistencies, and underutilization of theory in explaining outcomes. Findings reveal that vernacular design features such as courtyards, shading devices, and materiality strongly contribute to SIEQ, while contemporary transitions risk diminishing comfort. This review highlights critical research gaps, particularly evaluation voids and theoretical underuse, and proposes integrative directions for architects and policymakers. Full article

The rapid urbanization in developing countries has resulted in altered land-use patterns, surface energy imbalances, and heightened urban heat stress, exacerbating the urban heat island effect and vulnerability to heatwaves. The abandonment of agricultural lands, while a global challenge, presents cities with a unique opportunity to meet tree cover targets and improve resilience to these climatic challenges. Building on prior studies, this research employs the combined use of ENVI-met 4.4.6 and Ray-Man 3.1 simulation models to assess the efficacy of nature-based solutions in revegetating abandoned urban agricultural lands with the aim of enhancing outdoor thermal comfort. As a vital component of urban ecosystem services, thermal comfort, particularly through microclimate cooling, is essential for improving public health and livability in cities. This investigation focuses on the integration of broadleaf, evergreen, and edible woody species as bioclimatic interventions to mitigate urban heat stress. Simulation results showed that species such as Quercus spp. (broadleaf) and Cupressus arizonica (evergreen) substantially reduced the Mean Radiant Temperature (Tmrt) index by up to 26.76 °C, primarily due to their shading effects and large canopies. Combining these vegetation types with crops emerged as the most effective strategy to mitigate heat stress and optimize land-use. This study demonstrates how cities can incorporate nature-based solutions to adapt and mitigate the health risks posed by climate change while fostering resilience. These findings offer valuable knowledge for other developing countries facing similar challenges, highlighting the importance of revegetating abandoned urban agricultural lands for thermal comfort and ecosystem service provision, with the advantages of reducing mortality and morbidity during heatwaves. Consequently, these results should inform urban climate policies aimed at promoting resilience, public health, and ecological sustainability in a changing climate. Full article

Tree ferns are ubiquitous in New Zealand forests, but there is limited knowledge of their role in urban plant communities and potential use in restoration. We assessed sixteen sites by measuring 200 m² plots to investigate how tree ferns influence vascular plant composition in Hamilton, North Island, New Zealand. The sixteen plots were assigned to four site type combinations based on restoration status (restored or unrestored) and tree fern presence, each with four plots. Average native plant species richness was higher at sites with tree ferns (36 ± 16; S = 68) than at sites without (19 ± 14; S = 41), with more diverse ground fern and epiphyte assemblages. Higher native plant richness at restored sites (34 ± 18; S = 62) compared to unrestored sites (20 ± 14, S = 44) was partially attributed to increased plant abundances. Multivariate analyses revealed differences in plant community composition among our site types. Angiosperms and conifers were less prevalent in plots with tree ferns, suggesting competitive relationships among these groups. However, tree ferns were associated with some shade-tolerant trees, such as Schefflera digitata J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. Indicator species of sites with tree ferns were mainly ground ferns and epiphytes (e.g., Blechnum parrisiae Christenh. and Trichomanes venosum R.Br.), whereas species with high fidelity to sites without tree ferns were pioneer trees and shrubs (e.g., Pittosporum eugenioides A.Cunn.). Community structure analyses revealed that total basal areas were highest at unrestored sites with tree ferns, but restored sites exhibited more diverse tree communities. Environmental predictors that correlated significantly with the compositional differences among our site types were tree fern basal area and restoration age. Our results highlight the need to reconsider the potential of tree ferns in current restoration practice. Tree ferns were found to augment native plant diversity in our study, indicating their potential to enhance urban ecological restoration projects in New Zealand. Full article

Impatiens parviflora DC. occurs in various plant communities. Its occurrence has been confirmed in Poland across 13 natural habitats protected under the Habitats Directive. The aim of our work is to determine the differences between the plots with and without I. parviflora in terms of the species richness and ecological conditions of the 9180* habitat-type forest. Using data from 315 plots on which a phytosociological relevés was carried out, we analyzed the geographical variability, the Shannon-Winner index and the indicator species for old forests. Flora diversity was represented using the DCA, and the IndVal index was calculated to determine the species that best characterize the differentiated groups. The highest percentage of monitoring plots with I. parviflora is located in the Sudetes Mountains (67.7%) and the lowest in the Bieszczady Mountains (7.5%). Plots with I. parviflora were characterized by significantly lower tree cover, a higher number of tree species in the stand, a lower height of both the understory and herb layer and a lower number of old forest species. Impatiens parviflora does not affect the total number of species in the understorey but is associated with a lower proportion of species typical of old forests. The presence of I. parviflora also correlates with a higher proportion of young trees in the understorey, suggesting a link with successional processes and habitat disturbance. The spread of I. parviflora is limited by shade-loving trees such as Abies alba Mill. and Fagus sylvatica L. The diversity of the distribution of I. parviflora depends on local conditions, so conservation efforts should take into account the local ecological context. Full article

Urban areas increasingly face heat-related climate risks, necessitating targeted, nature-based interventions such as tree planting to improve resilience, livability, and public health. This study presents a data-driven workflow to identify urban tree planting potential (TPP) in the city of Dortmund, Germany. The approach integrates high-resolution spatial datasets capturing land cover, shading, thermal comfort, population density, and critical infrastructure. All variables were harmonized within a 50 m hexagonal grid, normalized, and combined into a composite TPP score using weighting schemes informed by expert judgment and sensitivity testing. Spatial and non-spatial clustering were applied to group urban areas by shared characteristics, and a connectivity analysis evaluated the spatial coherence of high-potential cells and their relationship to existing green infrastructure. The findings demonstrate the potential to strengthen urban green infrastructure and guide coordinated planting strategies while addressing both ecological and social priorities. The presented workflow offers a flexible, transferable tool to support municipalities in prioritizing effective greening interventions and integrating climate adaptation objectives into urban development planning. Full article

The importance of temperature for the biology and ecology of reptiles is well known. In temperate regions where temperatures fluctuate on a daily and seasonal basis, reptiles must respond appropriately to maintain body temperatures that enable activity. In this study, we describe temporal changes in the thermal environment from January to December in Montenegro and the impact on two species of reptile, Hermann’s tortoise, Testudo hermanni, and the large, legless lizard Pseudopus apodus. These reptiles differ in morphology and diet and have a long phylogenetic separation but experience the same thermal environment. To give insight into any impact of these factors on their thermal ecology we calculated monthly thermoregulatory efficiency indexes derived from field body temperatures, set point temperatures—defined as the preferred body temperatures, and temperatures of null models. The results indicated that both species exhibited high thermoregulatory efficiency, with T. hermanni showing the highest levels across the active year and also maintaining higher body temperatures than P. apodus potentially reflecting the dietary and lifestyle differences. During the hottest months, body temperatures of T. hermanni frequently exceeded the set point range but were not exceeded by P. apodus at any time. Microhabitat patches of closely situated sunlight and shaded areas were the most frequently selected patches in both species, with T. hermanni spending greater amounts of time in shaded patches compared to P. apodus. The efficiency indexes, together with data on microhabitat selection, indicated both species moved non-randomly through the environment, selecting appropriate habitat patches and maintaining body temperatures close to the set point range whilst avoiding the dangerously high body temperatures that occur during the hotter months. During the winter months from November to February, the second and third quartiles of the model temperatures fell below the set point range temperatures of both species. This corresponded with their dormant period. In general, the results emphasise the importance of habitat diversity and integrity in reptile ecology and for their conservation. Full article

Picea neoveitchii Mast., a critically endangered spruce species endemic to China, is classified as a national second-level key protected wild plant and listed as critically endangered (CR) on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Its habitat features complex forest light environments, and global climate change coupled with environmental pollution has increased regional nitrogen deposition, posing significant challenges to its survival. This study explores the effects of light–nitrogen interactions on the leaf functional traits of Picea neoveitchii Mast. seedlings by simulating combinations of light intensities (100%, 70%, and 40% full sunlight) and nitrogen application levels (0, 10, and 20 g N·m ⁻²·a⁻¹, where g N·m⁻²·a⁻¹ denotes grams of nitrogen applied per square meter per year). We examined changes in morphological traits, anatomical structures, photosynthetic physiology, and stress resistance traits. Results indicate that moderate shading (70% full sunlight) significantly enhances leaf morphological traits (e.g., leaf length, leaf area, and specific leaf area) and anatomical features (e.g., mesophyll tissue area and resin duct cavity area), improving light capture and stress resistance. Medium- to high-nitrogen treatments (10 or 20 g N·m⁻²·a⁻¹) under moderate shading further increase photosynthetic efficiency, stomatal conductance, and antioxidant enzyme activity. According to the comprehensive membership function evaluation, the L2N0 (70% full sunlight, 0 g N·m⁻²·a⁻¹) treatment exhibits the most balanced performance across both growth and stress-related traits. These findings underscore the critical role of light–nitrogen interactions in the growth and adaptability of Picea neoveitchii Mast. leaves, offering a scientific foundation for the conservation and ecological restoration of endangered plant populations. Full article

Pinus yunnanensis, a native tree species in southwest China, is shading-tolerant and ecologically significant. Light has a critical impact on plant physiology, and decapitation improves canopy light penetration and utilization efficiency. The study of allometric relationships is well-known in forestry, forest ecology, and related fields. Under control (full daylight exposure, 0% shading), L1 (partial shading, 25% shading), L2 (medium shading, 50% shading), and L3 (serious shading, 75% shading) levels, this study used the decapitation method. The results confirmed the effectiveness of decapitation in annual P. yunnanensis and showed that the main stem maintained isometric growth in all shading treatments, accounting for 26.8% of the individual plant biomass, and exhibited dominance in biomass allocation and high shading sensitivity. These results also showed that lateral roots exhibited a substantial biomass proportion of 12.8% and maintained more than 0.5 of higher plasticity indices across most treatments. Moreover, the lateral root exhibited both the lowest slope in 0.5817 and the highest significance (p = 0.023), transitioning from isometric to allometric growth under L1 shading treatment. Importantly, there was a positive correlation between the biomass allocation of an individual plant and that of all components of annual P. yunnanensis. In addition, the synchronized allocation between main roots and lateral branches, as well as between main stems and lateral roots, suggested functional integration between corresponding belowground and aboveground structures to maintain balanced resource acquisition and architectural stability. At the same time, it has been proved that the growth of lateral roots can be accelerated through decapitation. Important scientific implications for annual P. yunnanensis management were derived from these shading experiments on allometric growth. Full article

Oases in arid regions are critical ecosystems, providing essential ecological, agricultural, and socio-economic functions. However, urbanization and climate change increasingly threaten their sustainability. This study examines land cover (LULC) and land surface temperature (LST) dynamics in four representative North African oases: Tolga (Algeria), Nefta (Tunisia), Ghadames (Libya), and Siwa (Egypt) over the period 2000–2023, using Landsat satellite imagery. A three-step analysis was employed: calculation of NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), NDBI (Normalized Difference Built-up Index), and LST, followed by supervised land cover classification and statistical tests to examine the relationships between the studied variables. The results reveal substantial reductions in bare soil (e.g., 48.10% in Siwa) and notable urban expansion (e.g., 136.01% in Siwa and 48.46% in Ghadames). Vegetation exhibited varied trends, with a slight decline in Tolga (0.26%) and a significant increase in Siwa (+27.17%). LST trends strongly correlated with land cover changes, demonstrating increased temperatures in urbanized areas and moderated temperatures in vegetated zones. Notably, this study highlights that traditional urban designs integrated with dense palm groves significantly mitigate thermal stress, achieving lower LST compared to modern urban expansions characterized by sparse, heat-absorbing surfaces. In contrast, areas dominated by fragmented vegetation or seasonal crops exhibited reduced cooling capacity, underscoring the critical role of vegetation type, spatial arrangement, and urban morphology in regulating oasis microclimates. Preserving palm groves, which are increasingly vulnerable to heat-driven pests, diseases and the introduction of exotic species grown for profit, together with a revival of the traditional compact urban fabric that provides shade and has been empirically confirmed by other oasis studies to moderate the microclimate more effectively than recent low-density extensions, will maintain the crucial synergy between buildings and vegetation, enhance the cooling capacity of these settlements, and safeguard their tangible and intangible cultural heritage. Full article

The development of wave energy is of great ecological and commercial value. This paper studies the linear vertical array arrangement of the slope–pendulum wave energy conversion device (S-PWEC). Based on the WEC-Sim open-source program, we build four wave energy-generating devices with linear vertical array distributions to study the power generation performance of the array platform and establish the factors influencing the array. S-PWEC is affected by radiation and a shading effect from neighboring devices in a linear vertical array configuration. The overall and individual power generation efficiencies are similar. An increase in the number of devices in the linear vertical array exacerbates the fluctuation of wave excitation moment and output power, indicating that there exists an optimal array configuration for maximizing the power generation efficiency. The performance of the array devices is significantly affected by the direction of incoming waves, and the spacing of the arrays should therefore be adjusted according to the periods of the sea state: increasing the spacing in small periods and decreasing the spacing in large periods can effectively improve the overall power generation. In the future, we will continue to study other array forms of S-PWEC to improve the conversion efficiency of array wave power generation devices. Full article

In the fields of forestry, ecology, and pedology, different slope aspects exhibit significantly different microenvironments and soil conditions, which ultimately lead to disparities in seedling regeneration. Therefore, studying the effects of soil nutrients on seedling regeneration under different microenvironmental conditions can provide critical data for the artificial promotion of natural regeneration. In July 2021, the seedling regeneration status in 900 m² artificial Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica forests with different slope aspects was investigated. Soil nutrient indices were obtained through the collection and measurement of soil samples. Geostatistics were used to quantify the spatial heterogeneity of soil nutrients at a small scale. Soil nutrient information from the seedling growth locations was acquired by combining geographic information system (GIS) technology and laboratory experiments to analyze the effects of soil nutrients on seedling regeneration. The spatial heterogeneity of soil nutrients and their effects on seedling regeneration change with different slope aspects. Even at a small scale (3 m), spatial heterogeneity remains evident. Shaded slopes are more prone to supporting biennial seedlings and older saplings, while seedlings on sunny slopes exhibit superior growth indicators (height and ground diameter). The correlation calculations and redundancy analysis (RDA) of the relationship between soil nutrients and seedling regeneration show that although the soil nutrient content inhibits seedling quantity, they can enhance seedling growth indicators, among which soil organic matter plays the most critical role. Different slope aspects affect soil nutrients and seedling spatial patterns, and increased soil nutrients can promote the natural regeneration of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica seedlings. Full article

Tropical montane cloud forests (TMCFs) are biodiversity hotspots that have been increasingly cleared to cultivate coffee under full sun exposure, replacing traditional shaded agroforestry systems. This study evaluated the impact of TMCF clearing on soil quality by analyzing 108 samples from undisturbed primary and secondary forests and deforested coffee plantations in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Our findings indicate that forest clearing has a substantial adverse impact on soil nutrient status. Soils from undisturbed plots had total organic carbon (TOC) concentrations 4.83 units higher than those from cleared plots. Nitrogen levels were reduced by 28–61%, and available potassium declined by 23–51% in soils that had been cleared. Conversely, the available phosphorus levels exhibited a modest increase (ranging from 23% to 27%) following the clearing process, presumably attributable to diminished plant uptake and augmented mineralization in conditions characterized by diminished organic matter. However, given that phosphorus is not a limiting factor for coffee growth, this marginal gain does not compensate for the broader degradation of soil fertility. The study emphasizes that allowing TMCFs to be used for sun-grown coffee results in long-term nutrient depletion through erosion and leaching, which poses a threat to both the productivity of the soil and the ecological integrity of these valuable forest systems. Full article

Urbanization, habitat fragmentation, and intensifying urban heat island (UHI) effects accelerate biodiversity loss and diminish ecological resilience in cities, particularly in climate-vulnerable regions. To address these challenges, we developed TreeGrid, a functionality-based spatial tree planning tool designed specifically for urban settings in the Northern Plains of India. The tool integrates species trait datasets, ecological scoring metrics, and spatial simulations to optimize tree placement for enhanced ecosystem service delivery, biodiversity support, and urban cooling. Developed within an R Shiny framework, TreeGrid dynamically computes biodiversity indices, faunal diversity potential, canopy shading, carbon sequestration, and habitat connectivity while simulating localized reductions in land surface temperature (LST). Additionally, we trained a deep neural network (DNN) model using tool-generated data to predict bird habitat suitability across diverse urban contexts. The tool’s spatial optimization capabilities are also applicable to post-fire restoration planning in wildland–urban interfaces by guiding the selection of appropriate endemic species for revegetation. This integrated framework supports the development of scalable applications in other climate-impacted regions, highlighting the utility of participatory planning, predictive modeling, and ecosystem service assessments in designing biodiversity-inclusive and thermally resilient urban landscapes. Full article

Wooded grasslands are agroforestry systems of high biological and cultural value, which are increasingly threatened by land-use abandonment in Mediterranean marginal areas. In the central-southern Apennines, little is known about their ecological dynamics under different management regimes. This study assesses how three management intensities (High: mowing plus grazing; Low: grazing only; and Abandoned: no management for ~50 years) affect the wooded grasslands in a protected area of the Central Apennines. Vascular plant composition and cover were recorded along radial transects from isolated Fagus sylvatica L. trunks to the adjacent grassland, with plots grouped in four positions (Trunk, Mid-canopy, Edge, and Grassland). The canopy cover, shrub height, species richness, and ecological roles of species were analysed. The results show that light availability, driven by canopy and shrub cover, shapes a gradient from shade-adapted species near the trunk to heliophilous grassland species in open areas. In the Abandoned site, shrub encroachment reduces light even beyond the canopy, facilitating the spread of shade-tolerant and pre-forest species, accelerating succession towards a closed-canopy forest. High-intensity management preserves floristic gradients and grassland species, while Low-intensity management shows early signs of succession at the canopy edge. These findings highlight the importance of traditional mowing and grazing in maintaining the biodiversity and ecological functions of wooded grasslands and emphasize the need for timely interventions where management declines. Full article