Search Results (159)

Real-time wildlife monitoring on edge devices poses significant challenges due to limited power, constrained bandwidth, and unreliable connectivity, especially in remote natural habitats. Conventional object detection systems often transmit redundant data of the same animals detected across multiple consecutive frames as a part of a single event, resulting in increased power consumption and inefficient bandwidth usage. Furthermore, maintaining consistent animal identities in the wild is difficult due to occlusions, variable lighting, and complex environments. In this study, we propose a lightweight hybrid tracking framework built on the YOLOv8m deep neural network, combining motion-based Kalman filtering with Local Binary Pattern (LBP) similarity for appearance-based re-identification using texture and color features. To handle ambiguous cases, we further incorporate Hue-Saturation-Value (HSV) color space similarity. This approach enhances identity consistency across frames while reducing redundant transmissions. The framework is optimized for real-time deployment on edge platforms such as NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano and Raspberry Pi 5. We evaluate our method against state-of-the-art trackers using event-based metrics such as MOTA, HOTA, and IDF1, with a focus on detected animals occlusion handling, trajectory analysis, and counting during both day and night. Our approach significantly enhances tracking robustness, reduces ID switches, and provides more accurate detection and counting compared to existing methods. When transmitting time-series data and detected frames, it achieves up to 99.87% bandwidth savings and 99.67% power reduction, making it highly suitable for edge-based wildlife monitoring in resource-constrained environments. Full article

Bats, as key ecological players, interact with a diverse array of organisms and perform essential roles in ecosystems, including pollination, pest control, and seed dispersal. However, their populations face significant threats from habitat contamination, particularly from microplastics (MPs). This study introduces a novel, efficient, and cost-effective method for visualizing transparent microplastics using ultraviolet (UV) light. By employing handheld UV flashlights with a wavelength range of 312 to 400 nm, we enhance the detection of MPs that may otherwise go unnoticed due to color overlap with filtration membranes. All necessary precautions were taken during sampling and analysis to minimize the risk of contamination and ensure the reliability of the results. Our findings demonstrate that the application of UV light significantly improves the visualization and identification of MPs, particularly transparent fibers. This innovative approach contributes to our understanding of plastic contamination in bat habitats and underscores the importance of monitoring environmental pollutants to protect bat populations and maintain ecosystem health. Full article

Substrate is an important component of a fish’s habitat environment. Fish preferences for substrate influence their growth and development, feeding, hiding, schooling, and reproduction. To explore the habitat preference of Brachymystax tsinlingensis, this study was conducted on the preferences of B. pre-smolts, post-smolts, and juveniles for three substrate colors, white, blue, and black, and four substrate types, sand (<0.5 cm in diameter), small gravel (1–2 cm in diameter), medium gravel (5–7 cm in diameter), and large gravel (12–16 cm in diameter), which were investigated in light (10–60 lx) and dark (no light) environments. The results showed that the individual populations of B. tsinlingensis in three periods of time had a clear preference for substrate color, preferring black substrate and staying away from blue substrate under both light and dark environmental conditions; B. tsinlingensis pre-smolts and post-smolts preferred sandy substrate, and juveniles preferred medium gravel substrate. The choice of substrate color and substrate type by B. tsinlingensis is a manifestation of the living environment characteristics of this species, which is conducive to their hiding, better avoidance of enemies, and improvement of their survival rate. Based on the research results and the early biological characteristics of B. tsinlingensis, it is recommended to use black or dark substrate during the cultivation of B. tsinlingensis fry. During the larval fish stage, a sandy substrate environment should be provided. During the juvenile fish stage, a medium-gravel environment should be provided. Full article

Tiger beetles are a family of predatory beetles characterized by their large eyes, long legs, and often bright colors. While popular with researchers, insect collectors, and photographers, the distribution of species in Oklahoma remains relatively understudied. Recently, three species were added to the state list, bringing the total to 39 species, the third highest in the United States. Knowledge of a species’ distribution is often characterized at the county level in the United States, with Oklahoma having 77 counties. Using collection records and community science submissions, we increased the number of documented county records 68%, from 461 to 776. In addition to reporting the county-level distributions for each species in the state, we discuss the utility of community science platforms for documenting species distribution records. We also present habitats that are utilized by these species, the subspecific taxonomy of populations in Oklahoma, and how anthropogenic changes are differentially affecting species distributions. Substantial range expansions for many southern species into the state suggest potential for tiger beetles to serve as indicators of warming temperatures. Full article

Oak wood color plays a critical role in veneer production, where visual consistency directly affects material value. However, production choices are still often based on experience rather than systematic scientific data. Although many studies have examined individual factors affecting wood color, such as species or drying conditions, few have brought together ecological and industrial perspectives. This review addresses that gap by examining how habitat, species characteristics, and processing parameters influence color variation in Quercus robur and Quercus petraea. A structured literature review was conducted using Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar, complemented by industry observations. The results show that site-specific factors—such as soil type, forest type, and regional climate—can significantly affect oak wood color, in some cases more than genetic differences. Drying methods, wood age, and log storage also contribute to variations in color and homogeneity. These findings highlight the potential for better raw material selection and processing strategies, leading to improved quality, sustainability, and economic efficiency in veneer production. Remaining knowledge gaps—particularly in predictive modeling and veneer-specific studies—point to important areas for future research. Full article

Sichuan paocai, a microbial food predominantly fermented by lactic acid bacteria and hosting a complex and diverse microbial ecosystem, serves as an ideal habitat for bacteriophages. However, relatively few studies have been conducted on isolating bacteriophages from fermented vegetables and their application in vegetable fermentation. In this study, three staphylococcal bacteriophages, ΦSx-2, ΦSs-1, and ΦSs-2, were isolated and purified from Sichuan paocai using the spot test method. The morphological features of the phages were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), while key biological properties such as one-step growth kinetics were systematically evaluated, ultimately verifying their taxonomic placement within the Caudoviricetes class. Furthermore, the potential effects of these phages on the microbial community structure and physicochemical properties during paocai fermentation were investigated using high-throughput sequencing and standard physicochemical assays. Microbial community analysis demonstrated that introducing the phages significantly increased the relative abundance of lactic acid bacteria while reducing the prevalence of spoilage bacteria such as Erwinia, Pantoea, and Enterobacter. Physicochemical assessments revealed that adding phages accelerated the acidification process of paocai, effectively reduced nitrite levels, and increased the concentrations of lactic and acetic acids. Additionally, notable differences in color and flavor were observed between the two groups of paocai during the fermentation process. In summary, the inoculation of bacteriophages ΦSx-2, ΦSs-1, and ΦSs-2 optimized the microbial community structure, enhanced the fermentation process, and improved the quality of Sichuan paocai. Full article

The smooth snake (Coronella austriaca) has a wide but fragmented distribution across the Western Palearctic, with limited records in Kazakhstan. This study aims to provide an updated distribution map and to explore the phylogenetic affinities of C. austriaca in Kazakhstan. The species had not been documented for over 60 years until its recent rediscovery in the region. Field surveys conducted between 2019 and 2024 in the West Kazakhstan and Aktobe regions have yielded novel records, including the southernmost observation in the Mugodzhar mountain range. Mitochondrial DNA analysis confirmed that the Kazakh populations belong to the Eastern lineage, sharing haplotypes with specimens from the northwestern Caucasus and Crimea. Habitat assessment revealed that the species’ distribution is restricted to open habitats of petrophytic and calciphyte steppe communities on chalks and rocky steppes. Of particular interest is that 70% of the observed individuals exhibited patternless coloration, suggesting the potential for regional morphological variation. These findings offer the first evidence for the phylogenetic affiliation of the smooth snake in Kazakhstan and reflect its rarity in the country, highlighting the need for local conservation efforts, including habitat protection and population monitoring. Full article

This study explored the prevalence and types of microplastic (MP) pollution in three fish species—Labeo rohita, Wallago attu, and Cirrhinus mrigala—collected from the Panjnad Barrage in South Punjab, Pakistan. MPs were analyzed from the gastrointestinal tracts (GITs), gills, and muscles of 90 fish samples. Advanced analytical techniques, including Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS), were deployed, confirming the polymeric composition and presence of various additives. Quantitative and qualitative analyses revealed significant variations in MP accumulation across tissues, with the GIT consistently showing the highest MP count, the gills having the highest concentration per gram, and the muscles exhibiting the lowest amount of accumulation. Wallago attu was found to have accumulated the highest concentration of microparticles among all three species due to its feeding habits and habitat. Fibers and fragments were the predominant types of MPs, with yellow and red being the most frequent colors. Polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) were the primary polymers identified, alongside other types like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The MP size distribution indicated that mid-sized particles (150–50 µm) were most abundant in the GIT and gills, while smaller particles (<50 µm) accumulated in the muscles, suggesting different levels of bioavailability and tissue penetration. Overall, the results suggest that agricultural activities are a major contributor to plastic pollution in the Panjnad Barrage. These findings highlight the ecological and health impacts of MP contamination, stressing the importance of targeted mitigation strategies to eliminate plastic waste in aquatic environments. Full article

Because of their diversity, microplastics (MPs), which are synthetic particles smaller than 5 mm, are highly bioavailable and widely distributed. The prevalence of microplastics in aquatic habitats has been extensively studied but less is known about their presence in terrestrial environments and biota. This study examined MP intake in terrestrial environments utilizing gastrointestinal tracts (GITs), with a particular focus on the Turkish worm lizard (Blanus strauchi). Suspected particles discovered in the GITs were removed, measured, and characterized based on size, shape, color, and polymer type in order to evaluate MP ingestion. Out of 118 samples analyzed, 29 specimens (or 24.57%) had microplastic particlesMP length did not significantly correlate with snout–vent length (SVL) and weight. These correlations were tested to determine whether the size or weight of Blanus strauchi influenced the amount or size of MPs found within the GITs. Also, MP consumption by the worm lizard did not correlate with the year of sampling. All particles identified as fibers through FT-IR spectroscopy analysis. The most common type of microplastic was polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The most often detected color was blue, with mean MP lengths ranging from 133 µm to 2929 µm. It has been demonstrated that worm lizards inhabiting soil or sheltering under stones in bushy areas with sparse vegetation consume MPs. Predation is regarded to be the most likely way through which MPs infiltrate terrestrial food webs. Full article

The diversity of skin colors observed in reptiles is indicative of their adaptation to different ecological niches, with these color variations playing essential roles in survival and reproduction. The present study focused on two closely related species (Lycodon rufozonatus and Lycodon rosozonatus) within the Lycodon genus that exhibit the closest color and morphological similarities. We performed RNA sequencing on the scales of both species and obtained 350,346,591 and 331,537,523 clean reads, respectively. A comparative analysis of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) databases revealed that the scales of the two species exhibited similar patterns of gene enrichment. Nevertheless, the results of the PCA and the t-SNE analysis demonstrated notable differences between the scales in the diverse color variations observed in the two species. Concurrently, we conducted a comparative analysis of the skin color-related genes and the differentially expressed genes, which revealed three genes exhibiting notable disparities: RU_DN1145_c3_g2 (mreg), RU_DN10511_c0_g1 (notch1), and Unigene11172 (notch1). In light of the aforementioned results, we hypothesize that the discrepancy in the scale color between the two species is attributable to alterations in specific gene loci and variations in expression levels. The data presented herein provide a molecular basis for future studies on the genetic and habitat adaptation functions of scale color differences in reptiles. Full article

Saline lakes are rare and fragile habitats with a high conservation and scientific interest. We have studied the presence of microplastics (MPs) in the water of four inland saline lakes located in the Central Ebro Basin (CEB), NE Spain. Quantification and characterization of MPs were performed by optical microscopy and micro-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (micro-FTIR). MPs analyzed covered the 5–5000 μm range. Most of the MPs collected were contained in the 250–500 and 500–1000 μm ranges. The concentration of MPs varied from 850 ± 271 to 1556 ± 59 MPs/L, fibers being the most dominant typology. Seven different colors were observed, the most abundant being black, and seven types of plastic were identified, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate, and nylon the most abundant. The smallest lakes presented a more homogeneous MP size distribution and a wider variety in color and polymer composition. This work shows that the MP concentration in these lakes is at least one order of magnitude higher than previous values reported in similar environments, and it is expected to multiply fast. This highlights the importance of the hydrological characteristics of these lakes, the evapotranspiration being the only water outflow, the atmospheric deposition of MPs, and other anthropogenic causes. Full article

The infraclass Euthyneura (Mollusca, Heterobranchia) exhibits significant diversity in morphology, size, life habits, and color. Several species are important for research in evolution, ecology, chemistry, and pharmacology. Despite Colombia’s expansive Pacific and Caribbean coasts, which host ecosystems such as rocky shores and coral reefs, key habitats for sea slugs and sea hares, the biodiversity of Euthyneura remains largely understudied. This study aims to expand the inventory of Euthyneura diversity in intertidal and shallow subtidal rocky and coral reef environments in Colombia’s Pacific (Uramba Bahía Málaga National Natural Park) and Caribbean (Seaflower Biosphere Reserve) areas. Rapid biodiversity assessments using snorkeling and errant scuba diving at depths of 1–40 m resulted in the documentation of 31 species (14 in Caribbean coral reefs and 17 in Pacific intertidal and shallow subtidal rocky shores and reefs). Eleven species were new records. The family Aplysiidae was the richest with five species, followed by Facelinidae with four, and Aeolidiidae, Discodorididae, Chromodorididae, and Plakobranchidae with three each. Given the limited sampling effort (~40 h in the Caribbean and ~20 h in the Pacific) and the substantial new data collected, it is evident that there is still much to learn about this group in these areas. Increased efforts, combined with detailed morphological and molecular techniques, will enhance our understanding and documentation of Euthyneura diversity in Colombia. Full article

A Cypripedium plant was discovered in Wangqing County, Changbai Mountain, Jilin Province. This newly discovered plant of Cypripedium not only inhabits the same natural habitat as Cypripedium calceolus L. and Cypripedium × ventricosum Sw. but also has a morphology intermediate between that of C. calceolus and C. × ventricosum. Its dorsal sepals, petals, and synsepal are similar to those of C. calceolus, while the color of its lip is intermediate between that of C. calceolus and C. × ventricosum. For the purpose of distinguishing the newly discovered plant of Cypripedium from other Cypripedium plants, we provisionally named it W1. To further verify the taxonomic status of W1, we introduced three identified forms of C. × ventricosum and conducted molecular biology analyses with W1, C. calceolus, and C. × ventricosum. The analyses further confirmed the relationship between W1 and C. × ventricosum, and the phylogenetic analysis of the nuclear region demonstrated a close relationship between W1 and C. calceolus. Collectively, the morphological and molecular evidence indicates that W1 is a product of the backcross between C. × ventricosum and C. calceolus. Although it shows morphological differences from typical C. × ventricosum, it can still be considered a form of C. × ventricosum. We further investigated the chloroplast genome of this form of C. × ventricosum and determined that its total genome length was 196,850 bp. The genome contains 132 genes, including 87 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. By analyzing the phylogenetic position and chloroplast genome of the form of C. × ventricosum, this study clarified the relationships among Cypripedium taxa with similar morphological characteristics, laying a foundation for research on orchid evolution and species conservation. Full article

Myrtle (Myrtus communis L.), an evergreen shrub belonging to the Myrtaceae family, is widely valued for its applications in the cosmetic, hygienic, and medicinal industries. This plant produces berries in two colors—white and black—with black berries receiving increasing attention due to their superior antioxidant properties. This study investigates black myrtle berries’ morphological and biochemical characteristics from eight prominent natural habitats in Fars Province, southwestern Iran. The results reveal significant variations in the morphological (such as fruit length and diameter, fruit length-to-diameter ratio, seed length and diameter, fruit weight, pulp weight, seed weight, pulp-to-seed ratio, and number of seeds) and biochemical attributes among the studied populations. The longest fruit was from the Kherqeh (KH) (8.29 mm) population, while the shortest was from the Baghnari (BN) (5.85 mm) population. The largest fruit diameter was also from KH (6.83 mm), which did not show a significant difference compared to the Zanjiran (ZF) population, while the smallest fruit diameter was from BN (5.12 mm), which did not differ significantly from the Kavar (KA), Simakan (SM), Kouhmareh Road (JK), or Atashkadeh (AT) populations. Notably, all populations exhibited high levels of phenolic compounds, ranging from 660 to 1846 mg per 100 g of fresh weight, and potent antioxidant activity, as indicated by low half-maximal inhibitory concentrations ranging from 0.018 to 0.187 mg per gram. Correlation analyses further demonstrated that altitude and specific soil properties influenced the biochemical traits of the berries to varying degrees. These findings offer valuable scientific insights for selecting and utilizing specific myrtle populations in horticulture, particularly for breeding programs to maximize antioxidant properties and phenolic content. Full article

This study evaluated the habitat coloration preferences of Siniperca chuatsi and Cirrhinus molitorella in both solitary (n = 1) and group (n = 3) settings across six colors. The results indicated that both individual and group S. chuatsi spent the majority of their time in and made frequent visits to the black area, followed by the blue area. While individual C. molitorella spent the majority of their time and visits in the blue region, groups showed a preference for the blue and white regions. These findings highlight the distinct habitat coloration preferences of S. chuatsi and C. molitorella in different group states, suggesting that habitat coloration has an important effect on fish behavior and environmental adaptation. From a behavioral ecology perspective, these preferences may be closely related to the survival strategies of fish. Notably, C. molitorella’s strong preference for blue and white backgrounds may reflect anti-predator behavior, helping C. molitorella avoid predators, such as S. chuatsi, in natural environments, thereby improving its chances of survival. This study provides a scientific basis for optimizing aquaculture environments, emphasizing the importance of considering habitat coloration and substrate type in designing environments to enhance fish welfare. Full article