Search Results (624)

While a great deal of research has been conducted to identify the biotic mechanisms influencing the co-occurrence of aquatic Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus mosquitoes, including inter-specific larval competition and mating interference, few studies have been completed to investigate their oviposition behaviors under co-occurrence scenarios. Herein, we performed three experiments to understand the influence of conspecific and heterospecific L4-larvae presence in oviposition by antagonist Aedes spp. mosquitoes. We compared egg counts of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in cups with water and conspecific or heterospecific larvae (either present or removed), or no larvae as control. In the first experiment, we used small cages; in the second experiment, we used larger cages increasing the number of treatment replicates per cage; and in the third experiment, we removed larvae before allowing gravid females to oviposit. In experiments 1 and 2, Ae. aegypti laid more eggs in conspecific cups, while Ae. albopictus distributed eggs evenly between conspecific and heterospecific cups, and both species laid fewer eggs in controls. In these experiments, more eggs were laid during the first 24 h. In experiment 3, both species laid more eggs in conspecific larvae-conditioned water as compared to controls in the first 24 h; however, in Ae. Aegypti, this inclination was lost with time. Our results suggest that co-occurrence of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus may be explained by Ae. aegypti’s ability to avoid oviposition in habitats colonized by heterospecific L4-larvae. Yet chemical cues in conspecific L4-larvae-conditioned water were insufficient to replicate this behavior, and therefore, additional cues may be involved. Full article

Understanding how climate change may reshape species distributions and affect the associated ecosystem services is critical for sustainable agricultural planning. In this study, we integrated dietary DNA metabarcoding with ensemble species distribution modeling to assess the current and future ecological roles of Miniopterus fuliginosus, a widespread insectivorous bat species in East Asia known for preying on nocturnal agricultural pests. Fecal samples were collected in 2023 from three biogeographically distinct regions of China—Central China (Henan Province) and Southwest China (Guizhou and Yunnan provinces). DNA metabarcoding based on COI gene amplification and Illumina sequencing revealed a consistent dietary dominance of Lepidoptera, particularly families comprising major agricultural pest species such as Noctuidae, Crambidae, and Geometridae. This trophic consistency suggests that M. fuliginosus functions as a moth-specialized generalist predator. Species distribution models were constructed using occurrence records from field surveys, the literature, and the GBIF database, integrating multiple algorithms (GLM, GBM, MaxEnt, RF, and FDA) within an ensemble modeling framework. Habitat suitability was then estimated under current climatic conditions and projected for future distributions under two contrasting climate scenarios (SSP1–2.6 and SSP5–8.5) for the 2050s and 2070s. While the total suitable area may remain stable or even expand, future projections indicate a progressive poleward shift in range centroids and a divergence in habitat structure. Specifically, SSP1–2.6 is associated with greater spatial cohesion (25.34–31.11%), whereas SSP5–8.5 leads to increased habitat fragmentation and isolation of suitable patches (27.12–33.28%). Overlaying the potential for pest control with habitat projections highlights emerging spatial mismatches between ecological function and climatic suitability, particularly under high-emission trajectories. Our findings underscore the importance of identifying ecological refugia and maintaining landscape connectivity to sustain bat-mediated pest control. This spatially explicit framework offers new insights for integrating biodiversity-based pest management into climate-resilient agricultural strategies. Full article

Pontechium maculatum (Boraginaceae) is a species of high conservation concern in the Romanian flora. It is assigned the national IUCN category “vulnerable”, legally protected according to the national Biological Diversity Act, and listed in Annex II of the Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC). P. maculatum, formerly known as Echium russicum, is a biennial herbaceous plant, rare in many parts of its range and even critically endangered in some countries. In Romania, populations of this species are found in several areas of Transylvania, Moldova, Dobrogea, and Oltenia, mostly within protected areas, with the number of individuals reaching over 1500, and the populations being stable with a favorable conservation status. In the present study, ten populations of P. maculatum from the “Iron Gates” Natural Park in SW Romania were analyzed. For each density, the composition of the plant community was assessed, as well as some morphological and physiological parameters of the plants. The results indicated the phytocoenotic variability of the species, with a different dominant abundance in the floristic composition of several plant communities. Statistical analysis of quantitative traits revealed variability depending on density (at lower densities, plants have a higher number of leaves and photosynthetic rate). Also, the photosynthetic rate was mainly temperature-dependent, rising with this factor. This research found that in some areas, there are insufficient numbers of individuals due to invasive species. The identified variability of Pontechium maculatum in the “Iron Gates” Natural Park is demonstrated by the interplay of ecological factors, human influence, and conservation efforts. Our findings suggest that effective conservation strategies should focus on managing invasive species and enhancing habitat conditions to support P. maculatum populations. Full article

Alexandrium spp., globally recognized as harmful algal bloom (HAB) species, pose severe threats to marine ecosystems, fisheries, and public health. Based on 469 occurrence records and 24 marine environmental variables, this study employed the Biomod2 ensemble modeling framework to predict the potential distribution of Alexandrium spp. under current and future climate scenarios, and to assess the role of key environmental factors and the spatiotemporal dynamics of habitat centroid shifts. The results revealed that (1) the ensemble model outperformed single models (AUC = 0.998, TSS = 0.977, Kappa = 0.978), providing higher robustness and reliability in prediction; (2) salinity range (bio18, 19.1%) and mean salinity (bio16, 5.8%) were the dominant factors, while minimum temperature (bio23) also showed strong constraints, indicating that salinity determines “whether persistence is possible,” while temperature influences “whether blooms occur”; (3) under present conditions, high-suitability habitats are concentrated in Bohai Bay, the Yangtze River estuary to the Fujian coast, and parts of Guangdong; (4) climate change is predicted to drive a southward shift of suitable habitats, with the most pronounced expansion under the high-emission scenario (RCP8.5), leading to the emergence of new high-risk areas in the South China coast and adjacent South China Sea; (5) centroid analysis further indicated a pronounced southward migration under RCP8.5 by 2100, highlighting a regional reconfiguration of ecological risks. Collectively, salinity and temperature are identified as the core drivers shaping the ecological niche of Alexandrium spp., and future warming is likely to exacerbate HAB risks in southern China. This study delineates key prevention regions and proposes a shift from reactive to proactive management strategies, providing scientific support for HAB monitoring and marine ecological security in China’s coastal waters. Full article

Human activities inevitably lead to drastic transformations in land use, thereby significantly impacting natural ecosystems. As a crucial indicator of ecosystem health, habitat quality (HQ) provides appropriate conditions for human survival and development. Elucidating the relationships between human activities and HQ can offer scientific insights into the sustainability of socioeconomic development and ecological environmental protection. Although numerous studies have focused on the correlations between human activities and HQ at various scales, analysis on the interactive coercive relationship between human activities and HQ at the county level in China remains limited. Therefore, we employed the human footprint (HFP) to characterize human activities and the InVEST model to assess HQ, then applied the coupling coordination degree (CCD) model and GeoDetector to identify their interactive coercive relationship and driving factors in China. The results show that the average HQ in China was 0.555, 0.551, 0.547, 0.538, and 0.531 in 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020, respectively, showing a declining trend. Furthermore, the average HFP during the same period was 18.3, 18.9, 19.3, 20.1, and 21.6, reflecting an opposite trend. The CCD between HQ and HFP increased continuously from 0.644 in 2000 to 0.659 in 2020 at the county level in China, indicating a highly coupled state with an improving trend. In terms of driving factors, land use intensity was the primary driver of the CCD between HQ and HFP, followed by precipitation, temperature, and night-time light. Notably, the driving force of natural environmental factors showed a declining trend while that of socioeconomic factors increased, and the interaction between natural and socioeconomic factors strengthened. These findings provide important scientific guidance for county-level economic development and ecological environmental protection in China. Full article

Habitat condition and availability are fundamental for sustaining biodiversity and the ecosystem services that support human well-being. Achieving biodiversity-related sustainability goals, therefore, necessitates a focus on habitat itself. This study examines habitat dynamics in biodiversity “coldspots”, or relatively species-poor areas not currently under protection, to provide insights into their trends and patterns of habitat change. Using freely available remote sensing data and local environmental datasets, we analyze habitat changes across test sites from four European ecoregions between 2000 and 2018 and evaluate the impact of pressures driving these changes on local ecosystem functioning. The study identifies seven primary drivers of habitat change, with Range Shift and Regrowth emerging as the most widespread pressures, while Conversion, Degradation, and Deforestation exerted the strongest influence on ecosystem functions such as Aboveground Biomass and Water Yield. A consistent bimodal distribution of habitat changes was observed, with frequent small-scale events, fewer large-scale events, but a lack of intermediate-scale events. By drawing attention to conservation needs in biodiversity coldspots, these findings emphasize the importance of integrating such areas into sustainable land use planning and protected area network expansion, ensuring that efforts extend beyond species-rich regions to prevent the loss of irreplaceable habitats and safeguard long-term conservation goals. Full article

Tiger beetles serve as bioindicators of ecosystem health but are under increasing threat from habitat loss and population decline. Ex situ conservation via captive breeding offers promise for species lacking viable wild populations. We evaluated laboratory rearing from egg to adult for eight Korean tiger beetle species to determine the developmental period per developmental stage, mortality rates, larval burrow entrance size, and head–pronotum morphological characteristics under controlled laboratory conditions. High mortality (37.5–80%) occurred during the transition from the pre-pupa to pupa stage, suggesting that mass larval production is needed to offset losses. Reared-type adults of most tiger beetle species tended to be smaller in body length than wild-type adults. Species-specific behaviors (e.g., feeding habits in Cephalota chiloleuca) and the overwintering times of spring–fall and summer species are different, indicating that uniform rearing protocols are suboptimal. Our findings suggest the importance of species-specific adjustment of rearing methods (feeding frequency, overwintering timing) to increase the success of ex situ conservation methods for tiger beetles. In addition, the larval burrow entrance size offered limited utility for species identification in mixed-species habitats, whereas the color of the head and pronotum was considered helpful in identifying some tiger beetle species. Full article

Green roofs have increasingly been used in urban contexts to increase thermal insulation, provide habitat for species, and increase urban biodiversity. Here, we provide the results of a monitoring experiment to document (1) the survival rate of planted species of a green roof with no maintenance and (2) the natural colonization by new species of the same roof. Each month for one year, we conducted floristic and vegetation surveys, identifying the species of colonizers and monitoring the cover of both planted and wild species. We conducted various statistical tests to determine the driving factors of spontaneous plants’ colonization of the unattended green roof. Among the planted species, several Mediterranean species thrived despite the lack of irrigation, and among these, Thymus serpyllum L. (a prostrate shrub) maintained the highest cover. The spontaneous colonization involved 62 species, including Mediterranean (38%) and exotic species (15%), primarily annual ruderals. The difficult climatic and pedological conditions (i.e., solar irradiation, soil structure) of the green roof have driven the colonization process and the survival of the colonizers. Research on dynamic colonization processes can contribute to designing green roofs with greater biodiversity, a more sustainable approach to long-term management, enhanced urban climate adaptation, and greater aesthetic appeal. Full article

This study develops a geomorphological identification methodology for wall reefs in the microcontinental environment of Wangiwangi Island, Indonesia, using medium-resolution Landsat 8 satellite imagery and morphological analysis based on Maxwell’s geomorphological framework. The uniqueness of the wall reef landform lies in the fact that the lagoon elongates on limestone, resulting in a habitat and ecosystem that develops differently from those of other shelf reefs, namely, platform reefs and plug reefs. Using Optimum Index Factor (OIF) optimization and RGB image composites, four reef types were successfully identified: cuspate reefs, open ring reefs, closed ring reefs, and resorbed reefs. A field check was conducted at fifteen observation sites, which included measurements of depth, turbidity, and water quality parameters, as well as an in situ benthic habitat inventory. The analysis results showed a strong correlation between image composites, geomorphological reef classes, and ecological conditions, confirming the successful adaptation of Maxwell’s classification to the Indonesian reef system. This hybrid integrated approach successfully maps the distribution of reefs on a complex continental shelf, providing an essential database for shallow-water spatial planning, ecosystem-based conservation, and sustainable management in the Coral Triangle region. Policy recommendations include zoning schemes for protected areas based on reef landform morphology, strengthening integrative monitoring systems, and utilizing high-resolution imagery and machine learning algorithms in further research. Full article

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious viral disease with significant impacts on domestic pigs and wild boar populations. This study applies GIS-based spatial analysis to monitor ASF outbreaks in northwestern Italy (Piedmont and Liguria) and identify areas at increased risk. Key factors considered include pig density, wildlife proximity, and environmental conditions. The spatial analysis revealed that central–western municipalities exhibited higher risk due to favorable environmental conditions and dense wild boar populations, while peripheral areas showed a temporal delay in outbreak emergence. Mapping the spreading rate and habitat interfaces allowed the development of a spatial risk model, which was further analyzed using geostatistical techniques to understand disease dynamics. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of geospatial modeling in identifying high-risk zones, characterizing spatio-temporal patterns, and supporting targeted prevention and surveillance strategies. These findings provide actionable insights for ASF management and resource allocation. Future studies may refine these models by integrating additional datasets and environmental variables, enhancing predictive capacity and applicability across different regions. Full article

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) are E. coli pathovars of particular relevance to infant health. While the intestinal tract of humans and animals constitutes their primary habitat, these bacteria can also persist in natural environments such as sand. The aim of this study was to evaluate the persistence of STEC and EPEC strains in sand microcosms under controlled conditions of heat and desiccation in order to estimate their viability in this matrix and provide evidence regarding the potential risks associated with the use of sandboxes in public spaces. The study included STEC strains belonging to clinically important serotypes (O26:H11, O103:H2, O111:H8, O121:H19, O145:NM, O157:H7 and O174:H28), animal-derived EPEC strains, and a non-pathogenic E. coli strain (NCTC 12900). The strains were inoculated into sterile sand microcosms and maintained at 37 °C. Death curves, persistence in the matrix, presence of virulence genes, and ability to produce biofilm were evaluated. The death and persistence curves varied by serotype; some strains remained viable in the viable but non-culturable state for extended periods. All strains retained their virulence-associated genetic markers throughout the assays. None of the STEC strains was classified as a biofilm producer under the experimental conditions, whereas the two EPEC strains were identified as weak and moderate biofilm producers. However, no association was found between biofilm formation and persistence in the matrix. The findings provide an initial approach and provide relevant evidence of the capacity of STEC and EPEC strains to survive in sand, which could represent a potential risk in recreational environments. Full article

This study examined the habitat suitability of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) in Iran’s Fars province, a region characterized by diverse climatic conditions and significant ecological challenges. Utilizing a multi-technique approach that included species distribution models (SDMs) based on machine learning algorithms, geographic information systems (GIS), and remote sensing, we analyzed environmental factors such as climate variables, soil properties, and water availability to understand their influence on habitat suitability. The results indicated that Kentucky bluegrass shows a strong preference for areas near water sources, and its distribution is significantly affected by soil salinity and texture. Among the models tested, Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machines (SVMs) demonstrated the highest predictive accuracy. Based on the RF model, the most suitable habitats were identified in the counties of Sepidan, Beyza, Bavanat, Pasargad, and Abadeh. At the same time, areas with lower suitability included Eqlid, Marvdasht, Zarghan, and Arsanjan. Although this study primarily focused on current distribution patterns, the findings provide important insights into the ecological preferences and adaptive capacities of Kentucky bluegrass. These insights are essential for the development of targeted conservation strategies in transitional climate zones. Future studies are recommended to explore the species’ response to future climate scenarios, enhancing its resilience against global climate change. Full article

Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.) is a primary forest-forming species in the European part of Russia, both in terms of its distribution and economic importance. A number of studies indicate that one of the reasons for the disturbance of spruce forests is linked to rising temperatures, particularly the detrimental effects of extreme droughts. The aim of our research is to identify changes in the structural and functional organization of mature spruce forests at the center of the East European Plain. The study was conducted in intact spruce forests using resurveyed vegetation relevés within the Smolensk–Moscow Upland, with relevés repeated after 40 years (in 1985 and 2025). Changes in structural and functional parameters of spruce communities were analyzed. The results showed that significant disturbances of the tree layer led to changes in the vegetation of subordinate layers, as well as the successional dynamics of spruce forests. It was found that following the collapse of old-growth spruce stands, two types of secondary succession developed: (1) with the renewal of spruce and (2) with active development of shrubs (hazel and rowan) and undergrowth of broadleaved species. It was also demonstrated that the typological diversity of the studied communities changed over 40 years not only due to the loss of the tree layer and the formation of new “non-forest” types but also because several mixed spruce-broadleaved communities transitioned into broadleaved ones, and pine–spruce communities of boreal origin shifted to nemoral types. An analysis of the complete species composition of spruce forests based on Ellenberg’s scales scoring revealed changes in habitat conditions over the 40-year period. A noticeable trend was an increase in the proportion of thermophilic and alkaliphilic species, indicating a shift toward a nemoral vegetation spectrum. It is expected that under the current forest management regime, the next 40 to 60 years will see a decline in the proportion of spruce within mixed stands, potentially culminating in the complete collapse of monospecific spruce forests in the center of the East European Plain. Full article

Conserving the threatened West Himalayan endemic T. contorta (Taxaceae) is critical due to extinction risks from skewed male- or female-only populations. This study employs ChatGPT-driven artificial intelligence (AI) analysis for textual synthesis and preliminary hypothesis generation to identify favorable propagation sites for T. contorta within the Swat district of Pakistan. Over three years (2019–2021), eleven male- or female-only populations of T. contorta were surveyed. Environmental data from NASA POWER were analyzed using ChatGPT 3.5 to predict suitable propagation sites, which were then mapped in Google Earth Pro. PCA and hierarchical clustering were applied to identify key environmental variables. Out of 63 generated points, 58 were accurately located in Swat with 92% geographic accuracy, while species-specific general knowledge accuracy was 100%. All points fell within the pre-established T. contorta spatial range in Pakistan, with 21 unique sites meeting optimal conditions. Field surveys confirmed 16 new populations. These findings underscore the promising role of AI-driven analysis in conservation planning by identifying and supporting habitat restoration efforts. A bidirectional integration of AI and SDM, combined with remote sensing technologies, represents a novel approach for the effective conservation of endangered plant species. Full article

The Doce River basin is the largest river system in southeastern Brazil. Over the last century, the Doce River has been undergoing a serious process of degradation, culminating in a huge environmental disaster due to Fundão tailing dam bursting in Mariana (Minas Gerais) and causing severe damage to biodiversity and local human communities. Near its mouth, the Doce River harbors an extensive lake area, with over ninety lakes on coastal lowlands. These lakes are of fluvial origin and connected to each other and to the main Doce River by small tributary streams. In this area, one of the main sources of impact on the fish fauna is the presence of non-native fish species. We compared richness, taxonomic diversity, beta diversity, species composition and proportion of non-native species in lakes and streams, and related these variables to each other and to environmental variables. We used the indicator species index (IndVal) to identify species associated with each type of environment. We used multivariate analyses to test the influence of stream habitat on the fish fauna in streams and Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) to test the influence of distance to lakes on the proportion of non-native species in streams, and the influence of this proportion on total and native fish richness and diversity. The results showed that some non-native species originating from lentic environments have adapted to the lakes and are spread throughout the internal lake system. In streams, there are proportionally fewer non-native fish and their distribution is more fragmented, as some stretches do not provide the conditions for the establishment of some of these species, making them potential refuges for native ichthyofauna. As the streams move away from the lakes, the proportion of non-native species tends to decrease. In streams, the richness and diversity of native species are affected by the proportion of non-native species, but not in lakes. The native vegetation in the landscape showed no potential for reducing the invasion of non-native species. The depth and width of the streams are directly related to the proportion of non-native species within the streams and are structural characteristics that should be considered in strategies for the conservation of the fish fauna. Full article