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12 pages, 9023 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Vegetation Structure on Shaping Urban Avian Communities in Chaoyang District Beijing, China
by Anees Ur Rahman, Kamran Ullah, Shumaila Batool, Rashid Rasool Rabbani Ismaili and Liping Yan
Animals 2025, 15(15), 2214; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15152214 - 28 Jul 2025
Abstract
This study examines the impact of vegetation structure on bird species richness and diversity across four urban parks in Chaoyang District, Beijing. Throughout the year, using the Point Count Method (PCM), a total of 68 bird species and 4279 individual observations were recorded, [...] Read more.
This study examines the impact of vegetation structure on bird species richness and diversity across four urban parks in Chaoyang District, Beijing. Throughout the year, using the Point Count Method (PCM), a total of 68 bird species and 4279 individual observations were recorded, with surveys conducted across all four seasons to capture seasonal variations. The parks with more complex vegetation, such as those with a higher tree canopy cover of species like poplars, ginkgo, and Chinese pines, exhibited higher bird species richness. For example, Olympic Forest Park, with its dense vegetation structure, hosted 42 species, whereas parks with less diverse vegetation supported fewer species. An analysis using PERMANOVA revealed that bird communities in the four parks were significantly different from each other (F = 2.76, p = 0.04075), and every comparison between parks showed significant differences as well (p < 0.001). Variations in the arrangement and level of disturbance within different plant communities likely cause such differences. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified tree canopy cover and shrub density as key drivers of bird diversity. These findings underscore the importance of preserving urban green spaces, particularly those with a diverse range of native tree species, to conserve biodiversity and mitigate the adverse effects of urbanisation. Effective vegetation management strategies can enhance avian habitats and provide ecological and cultural benefits in urban environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Birds)
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20 pages, 5053 KiB  
Article
Epifaunal Assemblages of the Fan Mussel Atrina fragilis (Mollusca: Bivalvia) in the Sea of Marmara
by Melih Ertan Çinar, Mehmet Baki Yokeş, Deniz Erdogan-Dereli, Sermin Açik and Alper Evcen
Biology 2025, 14(8), 945; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14080945 - 27 Jul 2025
Abstract
Dense aggregations of species in the family Pinnidae give soft substrata a specific characterization. They may influence the biological and physical properties of the surrounding sediments. Bottom-trawl samplings performed in the Sea of Marmara revealed populations of a large pinnid species, particularly at [...] Read more.
Dense aggregations of species in the family Pinnidae give soft substrata a specific characterization. They may influence the biological and physical properties of the surrounding sediments. Bottom-trawl samplings performed in the Sea of Marmara revealed populations of a large pinnid species, particularly at depths of 40–45 m in soft substrata. Both morphological and DNA analyses confirmed the species’ taxonomic identity as Atrina fragilis. This species had a population density ranging from 31 to 469 ind.km−2, and the shell lengths ranged from 21.3 to 31 cm. A total of 47 macrozoobenthic species belonging to eight taxonomic groups were found on the shells of ten live and nine dead A. fragilis individuals. Polychaeta accounted for 53% of the total number of species and 75% of the total number of individuals. Among these species, Protula tubularia and Serpula concharum comprised almost 30% of all epifaunal populations. Community parameters changed according to the shell length and width. Different faunal assemblages were encountered on the shells. Given the ecological significance of A. fragilis as both a habitat-forming and sensitive benthic species, conservation measures should prioritize the protection of known habitats and the regulation of activities that lead to seabed disturbance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epibiosis in Aquatic Environments)
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17 pages, 1907 KiB  
Article
A Comparative Analysis and Limited Phylogenetic Implications of Mitogenomes in Infraorder-Level Diptera
by Huan Yuan and Bin Chen
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7222; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157222 - 25 Jul 2025
Viewed by 105
Abstract
Diptera comprises more than 154,000 described species, representing approximately 10–12% of insects. Members have successfully colonized all continents and a wide range of habitats. However, higher-level phylogenetic relationships within Diptera have remained ambiguous. Mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) have been used as valuable molecular markers [...] Read more.
Diptera comprises more than 154,000 described species, representing approximately 10–12% of insects. Members have successfully colonized all continents and a wide range of habitats. However, higher-level phylogenetic relationships within Diptera have remained ambiguous. Mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) have been used as valuable molecular markers for resolving phylogenetic issues. To explore the effect of such markers in solving the higher-level phylogenetic relationship of Diptera, we sequenced and annotated the mitogenomes of 25 species, combined with 180 mitogenomes from 33 superfamilies of dipteran insects to conduct a phylogenetic analysis based on the PCGsrRNA and PCGs12rRNA datasets using IQ-TREE under the partition model. The phylogenetic analysis failed to recover the monophyly of the two suborders Nematocera and Brachycera. Two of six infraorders within the Nematocera—Tipulomorpha and Ptychopteromorpha—were monophyletic. The ancestral Deuterophlebiidae were a strongly supported sister group of all remaining Diptera, but Anisopodidae, as the closest relative of Brachycera, received only weak support. Three of four infraorders within Branchycera—Tabanomorpha, Xylophagomorpha, and Stratiomyomorpha—were, respectively, supported as a monophyletic clade, except Muscomorpha due to the strong long-branch attraction between Cecidomyiidae and Nycteribiidae. The inferred infraordinal relationships followed the topology Tabanomorpha + (Xylophagomorpha + (Stratiomyomorpha + Muscomorpha)). However, the proposed topology lacks strong statistical support, suggesting alternative relationships remain plausible. Based on mitogenome data alone, we infer that Diptera originated earlier than the Late Triassic at 223.43 Mya (95% highest posterior density [HPD] 166.60–272.02 Mya) and the earliest brachyeran Diptera originated in the mid-Jurassic (171.61 Mya). Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Genetics and Genomics)
23 pages, 15846 KiB  
Article
Habitats, Plant Diversity, Morphology, Anatomy, and Molecular Phylogeny of Xylosalsola chiwensis (Popov) Akhani & Roalson
by Anastassiya Islamgulova, Bektemir Osmonali, Mikhail Skaptsov, Anastassiya Koltunova, Valeriya Permitina and Azhar Imanalinova
Plants 2025, 14(15), 2279; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14152279 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 233
Abstract
Xylosalsola chiwensis (Popov) Akhani & Roalson is listed in the Red Data Book of Kazakhstan as a rare species with a limited distribution, occurring in small populations in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. The aim of this study is to deepen the understanding of [...] Read more.
Xylosalsola chiwensis (Popov) Akhani & Roalson is listed in the Red Data Book of Kazakhstan as a rare species with a limited distribution, occurring in small populations in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. The aim of this study is to deepen the understanding of the ecological conditions of its habitats, the floristic composition of its associated plant communities, the species’ morphological and anatomical characteristics, and its molecular phylogeny, as well as to identify the main threats to its survival. The ecological conditions of the X. chiwensis habitats include coastal sandy plains and the slopes of chinks and denudation plains with gray–brown desert soils and bozyngens on the Mangyshlak Peninsula and the Ustyurt Plateau at altitudes ranging from −3 to 270 m above sea level. The species is capable of surviving in arid conditions (less than 100 mm of annual precipitation) and under extreme temperatures (air temperatures exceeding 45 °C and soil surface temperatures above 65 °C). In X. chiwensis communities, we recorded 53 species of vascular plants. Anthropogenic factors associated with livestock grazing, industrial disturbances, and off-road vehicle traffic along an unregulated network of dirt roads have been identified as contributing to population decline and the potential extinction of the species under conditions of unsustainable land use. The morphometric traits of X. chiwensis could be used for taxonomic analysis and for identifying diagnostic morphological characteristics to distinguish between species of Xylosalsola. The most taxonomically valuable characteristics include the fruit diameter (with wings) and the cone-shaped structure length, as they differ consistently between species and exhibit relatively low variability. Anatomical adaptations to arid conditions were observed, including a well-developed hypodermis, which is indicative of a water-conserving strategy. The moderate photosynthetic activity, reflected by a thinner palisade mesophyll layer, may be associated with reduced photosynthetic intensity, which is compensated for through structural mechanisms for water conservation. The flow cytometry analysis revealed a genome size of 2.483 ± 0.191 pg (2n/4x = 18), and the phylogenetic analysis confirmed the placement of X. chiwensis within the tribe Salsoleae of the subfamily Salsoloideae, supporting its taxonomic distinctness. To support the conservation of this rare species, measures are proposed to expand the area of the Ustyurt Nature Reserve through the establishment of cluster sites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Ecology)
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31 pages, 386 KiB  
Review
Risk Assessment Approaches for Ophraella communa as a Biological Control Agent for Ambrosia artemisiifolia in Agricultural Landscapes of Southeastern Central Europe: A Review
by Patrice Nduwayo, Urs Schaffner, Sri Ita Tarigan, Zita Dorner, Jozsef Kiss, Nicolas Desneux, Vincent Lesieur, Zoé Rousset, Heinz Müller-Schärer and Stefan Toepfer
Agronomy 2025, 15(8), 1771; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15081771 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 335
Abstract
Common ragweed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia (Asteraceae), is an invasive weed that causes problems in cropping systems and to human health both in its native range in North and Central America and the introduced range in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Ophraella communa, an [...] Read more.
Common ragweed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia (Asteraceae), is an invasive weed that causes problems in cropping systems and to human health both in its native range in North and Central America and the introduced range in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Ophraella communa, an herbivorous chrysomelid beetle from North America, was accidentally introduced into East Asia and Europe, where it significantly reduces weed populations and pollen production. Despite extensive research on its host specificity and risk assessment, the potential environmental risk of this biological control agent in southeastern Central Europe, one of the most heavily invaded areas by A. artemisiifolia, remains to be determined. This literature review attempts to summarize the results of host-range testing conducted so far and identifies plant taxa native to southeastern Central Europe that have not been tested yet. The results suggest that the host range of O. communa is not yet entirely clear, but may include some plant species from the tribes Heliantheae, Inuleae, Anthemideae, Cardueae, Astereae, and/or Coreopsideae. So far, only some of the 21 genera from those tribes with species in southeastern Central Europe have been tested. We therefore suggest further host specificity studies with representatives of these plant genera to fully assess the potential non-target risks by O. communa in agricultural and natural habitats. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Management of Weeds in Different Situations)
35 pages, 6030 KiB  
Review
Common Ragweed—Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.: A Review with Special Regards to the Latest Results in Protection Methods, Herbicide Resistance, New Tools and Methods
by Bence Knolmajer, Ildikó Jócsák, János Taller, Sándor Keszthelyi and Gabriella Kazinczi
Agronomy 2025, 15(8), 1765; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15081765 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 206
Abstract
Common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) has been identified as one of the most harmful invasive weed species in Europe due to its allergenic pollen and competitive growth in diverse habitats. In the first part of this review [Common Ragweed—Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.: [...] Read more.
Common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) has been identified as one of the most harmful invasive weed species in Europe due to its allergenic pollen and competitive growth in diverse habitats. In the first part of this review [Common Ragweed—Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.: A Review with Special Regards to the Latest Results in Biology and Ecology], its biological characteristics and ecological behavior were described in detail. In the current paper, control strategies are summarized, focusing on integrated weed management adapted to the specific habitat where the species causes damage—arable land, semi-natural vegetation, urban areas, or along linear infrastructures. A range of management methods is reviewed, including agrotechnical, mechanical, physical, thermal, biological, and chemical approaches. Particular attention is given to the spread of herbicide resistance and the need for diversified, habitat-specific interventions. Among biological control options, the potential of Ophraella communa LeSage, a leaf beetle native to North America, is highlighted. Furthermore, innovative technologies such as UAV-assisted weed mapping, site-specific herbicide application, and autonomous weeding robots are discussed as environmentally sustainable tools. The role of legal regulations and pollen monitoring networks—particularly those implemented in Hungary—is also emphasized. By combining traditional and advanced methods within a coordinated framework, effective and ecologically sound ragweed control can be achieved. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Weed Science and Weed Management)
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16 pages, 1287 KiB  
Data Descriptor
Biodiversity of Scuttle Flies (Diptera: Phoridae) of Interfluves of the Moksha and Sura Rivers (European Russia)
by Bernd Grundmann, Alexander B. Ruchin, Mikhail N. Esin and Evgeniy A. Lobachev
Diversity 2025, 17(8), 502; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080502 - 22 Jul 2025
Viewed by 186
Abstract
(1) Background: Phoridae is a relatively large and understudied family of Diptera. Species within this family occupy diverse ecological niches across a wide range of habitats. (2) Methods: The dataset is based on Phoridae specimens collected in the Republic of Mordovia (European Russia). [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Phoridae is a relatively large and understudied family of Diptera. Species within this family occupy diverse ecological niches across a wide range of habitats. (2) Methods: The dataset is based on Phoridae specimens collected in the Republic of Mordovia (European Russia). Sampling was conducted from 2019 to 2024 using six collection methods: hand-held sweep nets, pitfall traps, beer traps, pan traps, Malaise traps, and window traps. (3) Results: The dataset includes 4713 occurrence records from the Republic of Mordovia, comprising a total of 15,701 Phoridae specimens. It provides data on 271 species. The highest species richness was recorded in the Mordovia State Nature Reserve (226 species, 83.4%). Fewer species were documented in the fauna of the National Park “Smolny” (177 species, 65.3%), with comparable diversity observed in other parts of the region. Ten species were dominant in the dataset (Megaselia pusilla, Triphleba opaca, Megaselia angusta agg., Diplonevra funebris, Megaselia brevicostalis, Megaselia plurispinulosa, Megaselia minuta, Megaselia lutea, Megaselia lactipennis, and Megaselia flavicans). A total of 139 species were represented by fewer than ten specimens each. Seasonal dynamics varied across habitats: in the Mordovia State Nature Reserve, both species richness and specimen abundance were already high in April, peaking in June. In contrast, in the National Park “Smolny”, peak values were observed in August. (4) Conclusions: We have listed 151 new recorded species from Russia in this list. Currently, the Phoridae fauna of the Republic of Mordovia is among the best-studied in Russia. The distribution of many species has become clearer, with the Mordovia State Nature Reserve demonstrating the highest biodiversity compared to other areas of the region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Diversity)
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32 pages, 6622 KiB  
Article
Health Monitoring of Abies nebrodensis Combining UAV Remote Sensing Data, Climatological and Weather Observations, and Phytosanitary Inspections
by Lorenzo Arcidiaco, Manuela Corongiu, Gianni Della Rocca, Sara Barberini, Giovanni Emiliani, Rosario Schicchi, Peppuccio Bonomo, David Pellegrini and Roberto Danti
Forests 2025, 16(7), 1200; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16071200 - 21 Jul 2025
Viewed by 231
Abstract
Abies nebrodensis L. is a critically endangered conifer endemic to Sicily (Italy). Its residual population is confined to the Madonie mountain range under challenging climatological conditions. Despite the good adaptation shown by the relict population to the environmental conditions occurring in its habitat, [...] Read more.
Abies nebrodensis L. is a critically endangered conifer endemic to Sicily (Italy). Its residual population is confined to the Madonie mountain range under challenging climatological conditions. Despite the good adaptation shown by the relict population to the environmental conditions occurring in its habitat, Abies nebrodensis is subject to a series of threats, including climate change. Effective conservation strategies require reliable and versatile methods for monitoring its health status. Combining high-resolution remote sensing data with reanalysis of climatological datasets, this study aimed to identify correlations between vegetation indices (NDVI, GreenDVI, and EVI) and key climatological variables (temperature and precipitation) using advanced machine learning techniques. High-resolution RGB (Red, Green, Blue) and IrRG (infrared, Red, Green) maps were used to delineate tree crowns and extract statistics related to the selected vegetation indices. The results of phytosanitary inspections and multispectral analyses showed that the microclimatic conditions at the site level influence both the impact of crown disorders and tree physiology in terms of water content and photosynthetic activity. Hence, the correlation between the phytosanitary inspection results and vegetation indices suggests that multispectral techniques with drones can provide reliable indications of the health status of Abies nebrodensis trees. The findings of this study provide significant insights into the influence of environmental stress on Abies nebrodensis and offer a basis for developing new monitoring procedures that could assist in managing conservation measures. Full article
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8 pages, 4837 KiB  
Case Report
Successful Rehabilitation and Release of a Korean Water Deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus) After a Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO)
by Sohwon Bae, Minjae Jo, Woojin Shin, Chea-Un Cho, Son-Il Pak and Sangjin Ahn
Animals 2025, 15(14), 2148; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15142148 - 21 Jul 2025
Viewed by 199
Abstract
A water deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus) was rescued following a vehicle collision and presented with suspected hip injury. Radiographic examination confirmed coxofemoral luxation, and a femoral head ostectomy (FHO) was performed to restore functional mobility. Postoperatively, the water deer underwent intensive [...] Read more.
A water deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus) was rescued following a vehicle collision and presented with suspected hip injury. Radiographic examination confirmed coxofemoral luxation, and a femoral head ostectomy (FHO) was performed to restore functional mobility. Postoperatively, the water deer underwent intensive rehabilitation, including controlled movement and physical therapy, to enhance limb function. Following successful recovery, the water deer was equipped with a GPS collar and released into its natural habitat. GPS tracking data were collected to evaluate the water deer’s post-release adaptation and movement patterns. The Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP) method was used to determine the home range, showing an overall home range (MCP 95%) of 8.03 km2 and a core habitat (MCP 50%) of 6.967 km2. These results indicate a successful post-surgery outcome, with the water deer demonstrating mobility comparable to healthy individuals. This case demonstrates the clinical feasibility of an FHO in managing hip luxation in water deer and underscores the critical role of post-release monitoring in evaluating functional rehabilitation success in wildlife medicine. This study underscores the importance of integrating surgical intervention, structured rehabilitation, and post-release monitoring to ensure the successful reintroduction of injured wildlife. GPS tracking provides valuable insights into long-term adaptation and mobility, contributing to evidence-based conservation medicine. Full article
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17 pages, 4255 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Global and Regional Factors Influencing the Density of Trachurus japonicus in the South China Sea
by Mingshuai Sun, Yaquan Li, Zuozhi Chen, Youwei Xu, Yutao Yang, Yan Zhang, Yalan Peng and Haoda Zhou
Biology 2025, 14(7), 895; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14070895 - 21 Jul 2025
Viewed by 169
Abstract
In this cross-disciplinary investigation, we uncover a suite of previously unexamined factors and their intricate interplay that hold causal relationships with the distribution of Trachurus japonicus in the northern reaches of the South China Sea, thereby extending the existing research paradigms. Leveraging advanced [...] Read more.
In this cross-disciplinary investigation, we uncover a suite of previously unexamined factors and their intricate interplay that hold causal relationships with the distribution of Trachurus japonicus in the northern reaches of the South China Sea, thereby extending the existing research paradigms. Leveraging advanced machine learning algorithms and causal inference, our robust experimental design uncovered nine key global and regional factors affecting the distribution of T. japonicus density. A robust experimental design identified nine key factors significantly influencing this density: mean sea-level pressure (msl-0, msl-4), surface pressure (sp-0, sp-4), Summit ozone concentration (Ozone_sum), F10.7 solar flux index (F10.7_index), nitrate concentration at 20 m depth (N3M20), sonar-detected effective vertical range beneath the surface (Height), and survey month (Month). Crucially, stable causal relationships were identified among Ozone_sum, F10.7_index, Height, and N3M20. Variations in Ozone_sum likely impact surface UV radiation levels, influencing plankton dynamics (a primary food source) and potentially larval/juvenile fish survival. The F10.7_index, reflecting solar activity, may affect geomagnetic fields, potentially influencing the migration and orientation behavior of T. japonicus. N3M20 directly modulates primary productivity by limiting phytoplankton growth, thereby shaping the availability and distribution of prey organisms throughout the food web. Height defines the vertical habitat range acoustically detectable, intrinsically linking directly to the vertical distribution and availability of the fish stock itself. Surface pressures (msl-0/sp-0) and their lagged effects (msl-4/sp-4) significantly influence sea surface temperature profiles, ocean currents, and stratification, all critical determinants of suitable habitats and prey aggregation. The strong influence of Month predominantly reflects seasonal changes in water temperature, reproductive cycles, and associated shifts in nutrient supply and plankton blooms. Rigorous robustness checks (Data Subset and Random Common Cause Refutation) confirmed the reliability and consistency of these causal findings. This elucidation of the distinct biological and physical pathways linking these diverse factors leading to T. japonicus density provides a significantly improved foundation for predicting distribution patterns globally and offers concrete scientific insights for sustainable fishery management strategies. Full article
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17 pages, 1884 KiB  
Article
A Habitat-Template Approach to Green Wall Design in Mediterranean Cities
by Miriam Patti, Carmelo Maria Musarella and Giovanni Spampinato
Buildings 2025, 15(14), 2557; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15142557 - 20 Jul 2025
Viewed by 220
Abstract
Integrating nature-based solutions into sustainable urban design has become increasingly important in response to rapid urbanization and climate-related environmental challenges. As part of these solutions, green walls not only enhance the thermal and acoustic performance of buildings but also contribute to urban ecosystem [...] Read more.
Integrating nature-based solutions into sustainable urban design has become increasingly important in response to rapid urbanization and climate-related environmental challenges. As part of these solutions, green walls not only enhance the thermal and acoustic performance of buildings but also contribute to urban ecosystem health by supporting biodiversity. In this context, the careful selection of plant species is essential to ensure ecological efficiency, resilience, and low maintenance. This study presents a model for selecting plant species suitable for natural green walls in Mediterranean cities, with a focus on habitats protected under Directive 92/43/EEC. The selection followed a multi-phase process applied to the native flora of Italy, using criteria such as chorological type, life form, ecological indicator values, altitudinal range, and habitat type. Alien and invasive species were excluded, favoring only native Mediterranean species adapted to local pedoclimatic conditions and capable of providing ecosystem, esthetic, and functional benefits. The outcome of this rigorous screening led to the identification of a pool of species suitable for green wall systems in Mediterranean urban settings. These selections offer a practical contribution to mitigating the urban heat island effect, improving air quality, and enhancing biodiversity, thus providing a valuable tool for designing more sustainable and climate-adaptive buildings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural-Based Solution for Sustainable Buildings)
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32 pages, 17874 KiB  
Article
Are Ecological Design Principles Becoming the Norm in Contemporary Landscape Design? A Comparative Analysis of Realized Park Projects (2015–2025)
by Iva Rechner Dika
Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6620; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146620 - 20 Jul 2025
Viewed by 497
Abstract
This paper investigates the extent to which ecological design principles are integrated into contemporary park design and whether they represent a new landscape design paradigm. It also presents a theoretical literature review and a selection of key ecological principles that form the basis [...] Read more.
This paper investigates the extent to which ecological design principles are integrated into contemporary park design and whether they represent a new landscape design paradigm. It also presents a theoretical literature review and a selection of key ecological principles that form the basis for the subsequent analysis. Based on comparative analysis of 224 realized projects (2015–225) sourced from the Landezine online platform, the research examines the frequency, typology and spatial impact of declared ecological design principles. Although relatively few principles are explicitly mentioned in individual projects, their spatial impact is constantly evident, ranging from minimal to paradigmatic. The frequently declared principles include habitat preservation, stormwater management and reuse of structures on site, with new priorities such as community involvement, innovation, and resilience are also emerging. The design composition analysis confirms that ecological design principles are embedded across both brownfield and non-brownfield contexts, reflecting their widespread application. These findings suggest that EDPs have become essential to shaping resilient and adaptive landscapes. However, further advancement of ecological design depends on deeper integration of theory and practice, interdisciplinary collaboration and context-sensitive application. Full article
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15 pages, 4372 KiB  
Article
Simulation and Prediction of the Potential Distribution of Two Varieties of Dominant Subtropical Forest Oaks in Different Climate Scenarios
by Xiao-Dan Chen, Yang Li, Hai-Yang Guo, Li-Qiang Jia, Jia Yang, Yue-Mei Zhao, Zuo-Fu Wei and Lin-Jing Zhang
Forests 2025, 16(7), 1191; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16071191 - 19 Jul 2025
Viewed by 163
Abstract
Climatic oscillations in the Quaternary are altering the performance of angiosperms, while the species’ distribution is regarded as a macroscopic view of these spatial and temporal changes. Oaks (Quercus L.) are important tree models for estimating the abiotic impacts on the distribution [...] Read more.
Climatic oscillations in the Quaternary are altering the performance of angiosperms, while the species’ distribution is regarded as a macroscopic view of these spatial and temporal changes. Oaks (Quercus L.) are important tree models for estimating the abiotic impacts on the distribution of forest tree species. In this study, we modeled the past, present, and future suitable habitat for two varieties of deciduous oaks (Quercus serrata and Quercus serrata var. brevipetiolata), which are widely distributed in China and play dominant roles in the local forest ecosystem. We evaluated the importance of environmental factors in shaping the species’ distribution and identified the “wealthy” habitats in harsh conditions for the two varieties. The ecological niche models showed that the suitable areas for these two varieties are mainly concentrated in mountain ranges in central China, while Q. serrata var. brevipetiolata is also widely distributed in the middle-east mountain range. The mean temperature of the coldest quarter was identified as the critical factor in shaping the habitat availability for these two varieties. From the last glacial maximum (LGM) to the present, the potential distribution range of these two sibling species has obviously shifted northward and expanded from the inferred refugia. Under the optimistic (RCP2.6), moderate (RCP 4.5)-, and higher (RCP 6.0)-concentration greenhouse gas emissions scenarios, our simulations suggested that the total area of suitable habitats in the 2050s and 2070s will be wider than it is now for these two varieties of deciduous oaks, as the distribution range is shifting to higher latitudes; thus, low latitudes are more likely to face the risk of habitat losses. This study provides a case study on the response of forest tree species to climate changes in the north temperate and subtropical zones of East Asia and offers a basis for tree species’ protection and management in China. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Forest Ecology and Management)
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18 pages, 1988 KiB  
Article
What Can Ground-Dwelling Ants Tell Us About Different Land-Use Systems in the Brazilian Amazon?
by Elisangela Silva, Cristina Machado Borges, Emília Zoppas Albuquerque, Daniela Faria Florencio, Izaias Fernandes, Mariana Tolentino, Vanesca Korasaki, Júlio Louzada and Ronald Zanetti
Forests 2025, 16(7), 1190; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16071190 - 19 Jul 2025
Viewed by 293
Abstract
Tropical rainforests are rapidly disappearing due to human activities, particularly land-use changes, resulting in a heterogeneous mosaic of landscapes that substantially contribute to global terrestrial biodiversity loss. We investigated how changes in land-use affect species richness, composition, and functional guilds of ground-dwelling ants [...] Read more.
Tropical rainforests are rapidly disappearing due to human activities, particularly land-use changes, resulting in a heterogeneous mosaic of landscapes that substantially contribute to global terrestrial biodiversity loss. We investigated how changes in land-use affect species richness, composition, and functional guilds of ground-dwelling ants within various land-use systems at a local scale in the Amazonian rainforest. Our focus was to respond to the following: (i) How do local species richness and community composition reflect differences among land-use systems? (ii) Are ground-dwelling ants, especially specialists, negatively impacted by intensified land-use changes? We surveyed 55 sites representing five land-use systems: primary forest, secondary forest, forest corridor, selective logging, and Eucalyptus plantation. We registered 150 ant species, and species richness ranged from 43 to 94. Richness varies according to the land-use systems, likely influenced by differences in habitat structural complexity both vertically and horizontally. Ant species composition and guilds distribution also varied among land-use systems studied. Environments characterized by reduced structural complexity or higher disturbed levels, such as Eucalyptus plantations, tend to support lower resource availability, which may lead to decreased species richness. However, the surrounding matrix appears to play a key role in maintaining regional biodiversity, as evidenced by the absence of differences in ground-dwelling ants diversity across all land-use systems studied. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Forest Biodiversity)
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19 pages, 2552 KiB  
Article
The Biogeographic Patterns of Two Typical Mesopelagic Fishes in the Cosmonaut Sea Through a Combination of Environmental DNA and a Trawl Survey
by Yehui Wang, Chunlin Liu, Mi Duan, Peilong Ju, Wenchao Zhang, Shuyang Ma, Jianchao Li, Jianfeng He, Wei Shi and Yongjun Tian
Fishes 2025, 10(7), 354; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10070354 - 17 Jul 2025
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Abstract
Investigating biodiversity in remote and harsh environments, particularly in the Southern Ocean, remains costly and challenging through traditional sampling methods such as trawling. Environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, which refers to sampling genetic material shed by organisms from environmental samples (e.g., water), provides a [...] Read more.
Investigating biodiversity in remote and harsh environments, particularly in the Southern Ocean, remains costly and challenging through traditional sampling methods such as trawling. Environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, which refers to sampling genetic material shed by organisms from environmental samples (e.g., water), provides a more cost-effective and sustainable alternative to traditional sampling approaches. To study the biogeographic patterns of two typical mesopelagic fishes, Antarctic lanternfish (Electrona antarctica) and Antarctic deep-sea smelt (Bathylagus antarcticus), in the Cosmonaut Sea in the Indian Ocean sector of the Southern Ocean, we conducted both eDNA and trawling sampling at a total of 86 stations in the Cosmonaut Sea during two cruises in 2021–2022. Two sets of species-specific primers and probes were developed for a quantitative eDNA analysis of two fish species. Both the eDNA and trawl results indicated that the two fish species are widely distributed in the Cosmonaut Sea, with no significant difference in eDNA concentration, biomass, or abundance between stations. Spatially, E. antarctica tended to be distributed in shallow waters, while B. antarcticus tended to be distributed in deep waters. Vertically, E. antarctica was more abundant above 500 m, while B. antarcticus had a wider range of habitat depths. The distribution patterns of both species were affected by nutrients, with E. antarctica additionally affected by chlorophyll, indicating that their distribution is primarily influenced by food resources. Our study provides broader insight into the biogeographic patterns of the two mesopelagic fishes in the remote Cosmonaut Sea, demonstrates the potential of combining eDNA with traditional methods to study biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics in the Southern Ocean and even at high latitudes, and contributes to future ecosystem research and biodiversity conservation in the region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biology and Ecology)
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