Search Results (15,480)

Global land use is changing rapidly, particularly in the tropics, where human populations have had relatively high growth rates in recent decades. This has resulted in wildlife increasingly living in or using anthropogenic environments, which often have different thermal properties in comparison to natural habitats. For example, materials used for buildings, such as concrete and brick, typically absorb, retain and radiate more heat than vegetated surfaces. The mosaic of man-made and natural areas formed when anthropogenic environments expand is therefore likely to generate microhabitats with different thermal properties. Here, we investigated the association between microhabitats and the body surface temperature of wild banded mongooses (Mungos mungo), a social mammal living in equatorial Uganda. After controlling for the significant effects of air temperature, humidity, time of day and body contact, we found that mongooses had the highest body surface temperatures when present on anthropogenic substrates, such as discarded roofing straw and refuse, while mongooses present on building materials, dead vegetation and bare soil had intermediate body surface temperatures. In contrast, mongooses had the lowest body surface temperatures when present in more natural, vegetated habitats. Although our study is relatively small scale and limited in scope, our results indicate that anthropogenic modifications to natural environments may result in hotter microhabitats, which may in turn impact space use, movement and thermoregulation in wildlife. We hope that our study encourages further research into this understudied but emerging topic. Full article

Small-scale inland fisheries in the Amazon are critical for food security, yet their sustainability is increasingly threatened by overexploitation and environmental degradation. In data-limited contexts such as the northern Ecuadorian Amazon, the absence of continuous monitoring constrains the development of adaptive management strategies. This study develops an integrated socio-ecological baseline to support the establishment of fisheries agreements in five Indigenous communities of the Napo and Aguarico rivers. Through a participatory monitoring approach, we generated reproductive parameters (gonadosomatic index, fecundity, size at first maturity), population structure metrics, and length–weight relationships for key subsistence species across three hydrological phases. Reproductive investment exhibited marked seasonality, with peak gonadosomatic indices during rising waters in most species, identifying a critical period for protection. Life-history strategies ranged from high-fecundity periodic strategists to low-fecundity equilibrium species, implying differentiated vulnerability to harvesting. Community perceptions prioritized large migratory catfish and floodplain habitats, aligning with biological indicators of vulnerability. High performance in technical training demonstrated the feasibility of long-term local monitoring systems. By linking biological indicators with local ecological knowledge, this study proposes a pathway from baseline assessment to adaptive co-management. The framework presented here provides a transferable model for strengthening sustainability, governance, and food security in tropical small-scale fisheries facing persistent data limitations. Full article

Cladocora caespitosa is an endemic hermatypic scleractinian in the Mediterranean Sea, currently threatened by both environmental and anthropogenic pressures, whereas Oculina patagonica is a cryptogenic hermatypic scleractinian that is expanding across the basin. This study provides the first assessment of co-occurring natural populations of these shallow-water taxa, examining their population structures, habitat preferences, and responses to environmental stressors based on SCUBA surveys conducted in the summers and autumns of 2022 and 2023. Both species were dominated by medium- to large-sized colonies, indicating relatively stable population structures, with C. caespitosa exhibiting significantly higher densities than O. patagonica. Both scleractinians showed a preference for sub-vertical and vertical rocky substrates, although O. patagonica appeared more tolerant of horizontal surfaces. Disease events were more frequent and severe in C. caespitosa, particularly affecting larger colonies during autumn 2022, whereas O. patagonica showed lower incidence and greater resilience overall. Temporal comparisons suggest that O. patagonica may act as a strong competitor to C. caespitosa; however, both species demonstrate a considerable capacity for recovery, likely due to adaptation to high-stress environments. These findings highlight key differences in ecological strategies and vulnerability to environmental stressors, emphasizing the need for targeted conservation approaches to preserve Mediterranean shallow-water coral communities under accelerating climate change. Full article

Urbanization threatens amphibians through habitat loss and fragmentation. The critically endangered Hynobius yangi, endemic to Korea, faces severe habitat destruction from urban development. No previous study has simultaneously assessed physicochemical habitat quality and larval feeding ecology across restored and alternative wetlands for this species using fecal DNA metabarcoding. We compared 25 H. yangi spawning sites in Sasong New Town through long-term monitoring (April 2021–September 2024; 364 surveys) and fecal DNA metabarcoding (18S V9, COI313, and blocking primers) from 60 larvae. Egg sac abundance showed negative associations with habitat area (r = −0.21), pH (r = −0.23), and conductivity (r = −0.21); however, none retained significance after Bonferroni correction, and each explained only 4–5% of variance, indicating exploratory associations. Associated conditions included area 115.5 ± 16.2 m² (mean ± SE), circularity 44.2 ± 2.4%, pH 7.55 ± 0.10, and conductivity 53.0 ± 2.7 μS/cm. Dietary analysis identified 17 prey taxa. Larvae in alternative areas showed generalist feeding favoring Perlidae and Tubificidae, while restored-area larvae showed specialist patterns dominated by Chironomidae, Nematocera, and Psychodidae. Both habitat types supported H. yangi populations. These preliminary findings suggest that appropriately designed alternative areas may complement traditional restoration, pending multi-site validation. Full article

Morphological traits, as core components of functional traits, are fundamental in determining environmental adaptability. However, under climate warming, the adaptive morphological changes and associated ecological risks of locust populations migrating to higher altitudes remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated Calliptamus italicus, the dominant locust species in the desert steppes of the Ili River Basin, to explore the response patterns of its morphological functional traits along an altitudinal gradient and their relationships with environmental factors. Morphological measurements revealed that forewing area, width, and length, as well as hindwing width, exhibited highly significant positive correlations with altitude (p < 0.01); in contrast, body length, head width, head height, pronotum length, pronotum width, hind femur length, and hind tibia length displayed significant negative correlations with altitude (p < 0.05). All morphological indicators presented highly significant sexual dimorphism (p < 0.001). Ratio analysis showed that the pronotum width-to-head width ratio (M/C), pronotum height-to-head width ratio (H/C), and forewing length-to-hind tibia length ratio (E/F) were significantly positively correlated with the altitudinal gradient (p < 0.05), with all ratios exhibiting significant sexual differences (p < 0.05). Random Forest analysis showed that PC1 (75.5% of variation) reflected traits for feeding, jumping, and reproduction, whereas PC2 (5.6%) represented flight-related traits, with significant sexual dimorphism. This study demonstrates that trait variation in C. italicus along an altitudinal gradient is closely linked to environmental factors. Our findings provide critical data for predicting habitat adaptation responses in locust populations, thereby enhancing the precision and efficacy of locust plague management and contributing to the conservation and restoration of desert steppe ecosystems. Full article

This study reconceptualises marginality in China’s inter-provincial border regions as a dynamic, scale-sensitive spatial relationship rather than a static condition of underdevelopment. Using the Hubei–Henan–Anhui border area as a case study, we quantitatively assess marginality across three dimensions—production, livelihood, and ecology—based on panel data from 61 counties for 2000, 2010, and 2021. The entropy-weighted TOPSIS method is used to calculate comprehensive development indices, and geographic detector models identify key driving factors. The results show that production marginality is persistently shaped by economic level and industrial structure. Livelihood marginality exhibits a clear temporal shift: dominant drivers move from healthcare security to cultural amenities and finally to transport accessibility. Ecological marginality remains primarily determined by natural endowments such as habitat quality and ecosystem services. Theoretically, the study advances marginality analysis by integrating spatial, temporal and dimensional perspectives. Practically, it offers a diagnostic framework to support differentiated, cross-administrative governance strategies that can transform peripheral border regions into cooperative hubs. Full article

Identifying the heterogeneous characteristics of habitat quality (HQ) trajectories is a key prerequisite for refined ecological spatial management. We used kernel Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (kNDVI) to correct the highly sensitive parameters, validated the correction results based on their consistency with the prior study findings, developed a framework for the evolution of HQ using Sen+MK and Pettitt’s tests, and utilized XGBoost and partial correlation analysis to identify the primary drivers of dynamic changes in HQ from both spatiotemporal perspectives. Our findings include the following: (1) between 2000 and 2023, the average annual rate of change in the HQ index was 0.0037 per year, indicating a continuous improvement in HQ. Compared with the period from 2011 to 2023 (0.0026 per year), the rate of improvement in HQ was faster during 2000–2011 (0.0047 per year). (2) Mutational improvement and progressive improvement were the main evolutionary trajectories, accounting for over 50.33% of the total. (3) Precipitation, land-use intensity (LUI), temperature, and elevation show a strong correlation with HQ distribution. The magnitude of HQ variation is related to HQ status, LUI, precipitation, and elevation. This study establishes a scientific foundation for developing differentiated regulatory strategies for YRB. Full article

A first study analyzed the effect of the presence of a highly frequented tourist trail on the size and reproductive capacity of Globularia alypum, a Mediterranean shrub of conservation interest. In Sardinia, this species is a typical example of a plant with Extremely Small Populations (PSESPs), restricted to a natural area embedded within an urban matrix, which makes it particularly vulnerable to ecological pressures. In this second contribution, the investigation expands to the entire population of the species distributed across different habitats. The possible correlations between vegetative and reproductive traits of the plant are examined, along with the influence exerted by both habitat type and varying levels of human disturbance. To evaluate potential drivers of its persistence, morphological (H, diameter and plant volume) and reproductive traits (number of flowers, number of fruits and number of seed per plant) were recorded at the individual level. Additionally, to assess human disturbance (consisting mainly of trampling), the presence of trails was used as a proxy and, accordingly, each plant was categorized following its relative position to the nearest path according to three categories: Near Trail (NT), Mid-Trail Distance (MTD), or Far from Trail (FT). A total of 114 individuals distributed across four habitat types were measured. Statistical analyses revealed only marginal associations between habitat type and vegetative or reproductive traits. While trail proximity did not influence flower and fruit production, plant volume tended to be greater in individuals located farther from trails, suggesting a potential, albeit limited, effect of reduced human pressure on plant growth. These findings highlight the importance of understanding subtle ecological interactions that shape the persistence of PSESPs in urban close to nature area and provide valuable insights for developing targeted conservation and management strategies. Full article

This study examines the evolution of the scientific literature on mining and heavy metals, with a particular focus on biosanitary risks associated with childhood exposure. The research integrates a systematic literature review following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) methodology, combined with a bibliometric analysis of Scopus-indexed publications, international epidemiological data, and an evaluation of the socio-environmental context in Ecuadorian mining regions. The PRISMA-based screening process was applied to identify, filter, and select relevant peer-reviewed studies, enabling the delimitation of a focused corpus of literature, with particular attention given to scientific contributions produced by Latin American researchers and institutions. The results reveal a significant concentration of knowledge production among a limited number of countries and institutions, the dominance of English as the main language of scientific communication, and the centrality of journals in environmental sciences and toxicology. While notable progress has been made in identifying contaminants and exposure pathways, governance structures, territorial disparities, and policy implementation processes remain insufficiently explored. In Ecuador, the rapid growth of mining concessions in ecologically sensitive zones presents potential threats to children’s neurocognitive development, highlighting the urgent need for ongoing surveillance, biomonitoring programs, and preventive public health measures. The study emphasizes the importance of strengthening regional research capacity and fostering more equitable international scientific collaborations to ensure that knowledge production is responsive to local contexts and effectively safeguards vulnerable populations. Full article

The primary aim of this study is to validate the utility of Social Media Data (SMD) as a scientifically grounded tool for quantifying the spatial mismatch between objective ecological supply and subjective social demand. Assessing the spatial coupling and mismatch between Habitat Quality (HQ)—representing objective ecological supply—and Ecological Perception (EP)—representing subjective social demand—is essential for developing targeted urban management and development strategies. Focusing on the core urban area of Hangzhou, this study quantified ecological supply using the InVEST HQ model. To reflect social demand, 4958 geolocated Weibo posts were processed using contextual sentiment analysis. A Coupling Coordination Degree model served as a diagnostic tool to evaluate the synergy between these two dimensions. Additionally, a Geodetector model was employed to investigate the factors driving spatial differentiation in this coupling. The findings indicate that: (1) The regional average HQ is 0.56, reflecting a moderate overall level of degradation, while EP shows a preference for natural environments and exhibits a distinct “strip-like” spatial distribution. (2) The overall CCD value is 0.384; high-coupling areas are primarily concentrated in regions with superior natural conditions and dense vegetation, whereas low-coupling areas correspond to zones with intensive urban functions. (3) Driving factor analysis reveals that land-use type exerts the most significant influence on the overall degree of coupling. This study demonstrates that the HQ-EP coupling framework provides a reliable spatial diagnostic tool for urban planners to identify socio-ecological vulnerabilities. The results suggest that an appropriate integration of natural elements enhances coupling outcomes, with the highest synergy observed in environments characterized by high HQ and minimal anthropogenic disturbance. Full article

Aquatic ecosystems worldwide are increasingly threatened by invasive species, with water hyacinth [Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms] being among the most destructive aquatic weeds. Despite numerous regional studies, a global assessment integrating climatic and hydrological drivers remains lacking. Here, we assessed current and future invasion risks across 55,945 freshwater lakes using the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model. Climatic variables and key aquatic parameters, including biological oxygen demand (BOD), water depth, and discharge, were incorporated under two shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5). Annual mean temperature, annual precipitation, and BOD were the strongest predictors of habitat suitability. Under current conditions, 5524 lakes, primarily in tropical and subtropical regions, were identified as being suitable habitats, with medium-sized lakes exhibiting the highest proportional suitability (16.54%). Although small lakes were most frequently classified as suitable due to their abundance, larger lakes showed higher suitability intensity. Future projections indicated marked habitat expansion, especially under SSP5-8.5, with suitable lake surface area increasing to 18.12% by 2061–2080. Moreover, 543 currently unsuitable lakes, including Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Lake Ontario, were projected to face elevated invasion risk, particularly in Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and North America. This global, lake-specific assessment supports early warning, targeted management, and climate-responsive policy planning. Full article

Marine organisms that episodically aggregate near coastal nuclear power plant water intakes pose a substantial risk to cooling water security. Predicting the spatial distribution of such high-risk species remains challenging because their occurrence is shaped not only by environmental conditions but also by complex trophic interactions. In this study, we model the habitat distribution of three high-risk nektonic species, Dotted gizzard shad (Konosirus punctatus), Japanese swimming crab (Charybdis japonica) and squid (Loligo sp.), in the cooling water intake area of a coastal nuclear power plant in eastern Liaodong Bay using generalized linear models (GLMs) and joint species distribution models (JSDMs). Based on summer surveys conducted in 2024–2025, we explicitly incorporated trophic linkages among target species, their prey, and predators within JSDMs. Model performance was evaluated using cross-validation based on AUC, RMSE, and coefficient of determination (R²). Our results indicate that water depth was the dominant environmental driver for all three species, while chlorophyll-a concentration and distance to the intake exerted species-specific effects. By incorporating interspecific trophic associations and environmental responses, JSDMs showed consistently improved predictive performance relative to GLMs, with approximately 1.5-fold higher R² values and 10–30% lower RMSE, while offering enhanced ecological interpretability. The models revealed strong positive associations between target species and both lower-trophic prey and higher-trophic predators, suggesting that top–down and bottom–up processes jointly regulate aggregation dynamics. This study demonstrates that integrating trophic interactions into species distribution modeling substantially improves predictions of high-risk marine species near coastal infrastructure and provides an ecological basis for proactive management of cooling water intake systems. Full article

Fine-grained bird identification is crucial for ecosystem monitoring, species conservation, and habitat assessment. However, in real-world environments, there are challenges such as imbalances in modality quality and interference from background noise. To improve fine-grained audio-visual bird classification under heterogeneous modality conditions, we propose an audio-visual feature fusion framework named CABIF-Net. This framework introduces a confidence-based Top-K mean pooling module to select key frames to optimize the visual representations at the video level. Through a Confidence Calibration module, it dynamically assesses the reliability of the visual and audio modalities and integrates a Bidirectional Inter-modulation Fusion module to achieve controllable cross-modal information interaction. Experiments were conducted on the publicly available SSW60 dataset, characterized by severe noise and imbalance in modality quality, and the self-built Birds21 dataset with balanced modality quality. The experimental results show that the classification accuracies were 85.76% and 96.67%, respectively, outperforming existing unimodal methods and several mainstream fusion strategies. Weight distribution and visualization analyses further indicate that the proposed method can adaptively adjust the modality contributions based on discriminative evidence at the sample level. This study provides an effective framework for fine-grained audio-visual bird species recognition. Full article

Observations suggest that headwater streams have lower species diversity within a site than larger streams, but higher beta diversity, and thus gamma diversity, across a catchment. This pattern of diversity includes taxonomic richness and genetic diversity, as well as a high degree of endemism. I review several mechanisms that potentially contribute to the overall high diversity of freshwater organisms in headwaters, although these mechanisms are interdependent. These include the high numbers of headwater streams, heterogeneity of habitats and resources, founder effects, colonization dynamics, isolation, and strong selection, all leading to diversification of forms. However, riverscape diversity patterns vary across taxonomic and functional groups, highlighting that patterns of diversity are driven by different processes for different organisms. More explicitly structured sampling designs will better address patterns of taxonomic richness and for a broader range of taxa. It will be interesting to find ways to partition the relative importance of different mechanisms in contributing to the variation in diversity among headwaters. The great importance of headwater streams to global biodiversity conservation is clear, but will be more evident when better assessments of diversity patterns across these small systems are available. Full article

Plant volatiles are critical mediators of insect–plant interactions, guiding natural enemies to specific habitats and prey. The flower bug, Orius maxidentex Ghauri (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae), is a generalist predator that exhibits a specialized ecological association with the weed Celosia argentea L. (Caryophyllales: Amaranthaceae), utilizing the plant as a primary floral niche in Hainan Island. In this study, the attractiveness of C. argentea floral volatiles to O. maxidentex was confirmed using a Y-tube olfactometer. Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) combined with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was utilized to identify six compounds in the floral volatiles: 1,3-diethenylbenzene, trans-cinnamaldehyde, β-bisabolene, methyl salicylate, 3-ethylbenzaldehyde, and nonanal. Electroantennogram (EAG) assays revealed that O. maxidentex antennae showed significant physiological responses to these compounds, and the EAG relative values were positively correlated with concentration gradients. Furthermore, O. maxidentex exhibited significant orientation responses to 1,3-diethenylbenzene, trans-cinnamaldehyde, β-bisabolene, and methyl salicylate, whereas no behavioral response was observed for 3-ethylbenzaldehyde or nonanal. Further tests revealed that β-bisabolene elicited the highest attractiveness, comparable to a synthetic blend formulated to mimic the natural release ratio of the active semiochemicals. These findings reveal the hidden chemical cues mediating the interaction between a predator and its preferred habitat. Understanding this mechanism not only helps explain insect adaptation but also offers new strategies for using these plant volatiles to influence the behavior of this specific predator, potentially enhancing its targeted recruitment in agroecosystems. Full article