Search Results (663)

Saproxylic beetles are key bioindicators of forest ecosystem quality and play essential roles in deadwood decomposition and nutrient cycling. However, their populations are increasingly threatened by habitat fragmentation, deadwood removal, and climate-driven environmental changes. For this reason, an integrated sampling method can increase the detection of species with varying ecological traits. We evaluated the effectiveness of integrative sampling methodologies to assess saproxylic beetle diversity within Sila National Park, a Mediterranean forest ecosystem of high conservation value, specifically in two beech forests and four pine forests. The sampling methods tested included Pan Traps (PaTs), Malaise Traps (MTs), Pitfall Traps (PTs), Bait Bottle Traps (BBTs), and Visual Census (VC). All specimens were identified to the species level whenever possible, using specialized dichotomous keys and preserved in the Entomological Collection TB, Unical. Various trap types captured a different number of species: the PaT collected 32 species, followed by the PT with 24, the MT with 16, the VC with 7, and the BBT with 5 species. Interestingly, biodiversity analyses conducted using PAST software version 4.17 revealed that PaTs and MTs recorded the highest biodiversity indices. The GLMM analysis, performed using SPSS software 29.0.1.0, demonstrated that various traps attracted different species with different abundances. By combining multiple trapping techniques, we documented a more comprehensive community composition compared to single-method approaches. Moreover, PaTs, MTs, and PTs recorded 20%, 40%, and 33% of the Near Threatened species, respectively. We report new records for Sila National Park, including the LC species Pteryngium crenulatum (Curculionidae) and the NT species Grynocharis oblonga (Trogossitidae). For the first time in Calabria, the LC species Triplax rufipes (Erotylidae) and the NT species Oxypleurus nodieri (Cerambycidae) and Glischrochilus quadrisignatus (Nitidulidae) were collected. Our results emphasize the importance of method diversity in capturing species with distinct ecological requirements and highlight the relevance of saproxylic beetles as indicators of forest health. These findings support the adoption of multi-method sampling protocols in forest biodiversity monitoring and management programs, especially in biodiversity-rich and structurally heterogeneous landscapes. Full article

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a crucial global food crop. The intensive crop farming, monoculture cultivation, and impact of climate change affect the susceptibility of wheat cultivars to biotic stresses, mainly caused by soil fungal pathogens, especially those belonging to the genus Fusarium. This situation threatens yield and grain quality through root and crown rot. While conventional chemical fungicides face resistance issues and environmental concerns, biological alternatives like seed priming with natural metabolites are gaining attention. Polyamines, including putrescine, spermidine, and spermine, are attractive priming agents influencing plant development and abiotic stress responses. Spermine in particular shows potential for in vitro antifungal activity against Fusarium. Optimising spermine concentration for seed priming is crucial to maximising protection against Fusarium infection while ensuring robust plant growth. In this research, we explored the potential of the polyamine spermine as a seed treatment to enhance wheat resilience, aiming to identify a sustainable alternative to synthetic fungicides. Our findings revealed that a six-hour seed soak in spermine solutions ranging from 0.5 to 5 mM did not delay germination or seedling growth. In fact, the 5 mM concentration significantly stimulated root weight and length. In complementary in vitro assays, we evaluated the antifungal activity of spermine (0.5–5 mM) against three Fusarium species. The results demonstrated complete inhibition of Fusarium culmorum growth at 5 mM spermine. A less significant effect on Fusarium graminearum and little to no impact on Fusarium oxysporum were found. The performed analysis revealed that the spermine had a fungistatic effect against the pathogen, retarding the mycelium growth of F. culmorum inoculated on the seed surface. A pot experiment with Bulgarian soft wheat cv. Sadovo-1 was carried out to estimate the effect of seed priming with spermine against infection with isolates of pathogenic fungus F. culmorum on plant growth and disease severity. Our results demonstrated that spermine resulted in a reduced distribution of F. culmorum and improved plant performance, as evidenced by the higher fresh weight and height of plants pre-treated with spermine. This research describes the efficacy of spermine seed priming as a novel strategy for managing Fusarium root and crown rot in wheat. Full article

The Tibetan-Himalayan region, recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot, is increasingly threatened by the dual pressures of climate change and human activities. Understanding the vulnerability of plant species to these forces is crucial for effective ecological conservation in this region. This study employed an improved Climate Niche Factor Analysis (CNFA) framework to assess the vulnerability of six representative alpine endemic herbaceous plants in this ecologically sensitive region under future climate changes. Our results show distinct spatial vulnerability patterns for the six species, with higher vulnerability in the western regions of the Tibetan-Himalayan region and lower vulnerability in the eastern areas. Particularly under high-emission scenarios (SSP5-8.5), climate change is projected to substantially intensify threats to these plant species, reinforcing the imperative for targeted conservation strategies. Additionally, we found that the current coverage of protected areas (PAs) within the species’ habitats was severely insufficient, with less than 25% coverage overall, and it was even lower (<7%) in highly vulnerable regions. Human activity hotspots, such as the regions around Lhasa and Chengdu, further exacerbate species vulnerability. Notably, some species currently classified as least concern (e.g., Stipa purpurea (S. purpurea)) according to the IUCN Red List exhibit higher vulnerability than species listed as near threatened (e.g., Cyananthus microphyllus (C. microphylla)) under future climate change. These findings suggest that existing biodiversity assessments, such as the IUCN Red List, may not adequately account for future climate risks, highlighting the importance of incorporating climate change projections into conservation planning. Our study calls for expanding and optimizing PAs, improving management, and enhancing climate resilience to mitigate biodiversity loss in the face of climate change and human pressures. Full article

Climbing vines have recently induced increasing threats to forest growth under favourable environmental changes. In mangrove forests, the native vine Derris trifoliata became invasive and is now one of the main threats. Yet current management relies on manual removal with low efficiency. Exploring an alternative, cost-effective method is required. To assess the potential of a proposed biological control method, this study performed a pot-plant experiment using Cuscuta japonica to infect D. trifoliata and three common mangrove species in Beihai, China. Results showed that D. trifoliata had a higher infection rate and high host mortality (90%) than mangrove (0%). It also had significantly decreased moisture by 4%, nitrogen by 14%, phosphorus by 27%, potassium by 49% and increased soluble sugar by 49% and protein by 20%, whereas only moisture (2% reduction) and one or two minerals of Excoecaria agallocha and Aegiceras corniculatum were influenced. Only Kandelia obovata had neither effective haustoria nor any nutrients impact from the infection. This study indicated that C. japonica can cause more damage to D. trifoliata than to mangrove species and has the potential to be used as a biological control agent for the threatened mangrove forests of A. corniculatum and K. obovata with monitoring and control. Further field tests are required to bring this method into practice. Full article

The tufted deer (Elaphodus cephalophus), a Near-Threatened (NT) species endemic to China and Myanmar, requires robust genetic data for effective conservation. However, the genetic landscape of key populations, such as those in Chongqing, remains poorly understood. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the genetic diversity, population structure, gene flow, and demographic history of tufted deer across this critical region. We analyzed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from 46 non-invasively collected fecal samples from three distinct populations: Jinfo Mountain (JF, n = 13), Simian Mountain (SM, n = 21), and the Northeastern Mountainous region (NEM, n = 12). Genetic variation was assessed using the cytochrome b (Cyt b) and D-loop regions, with analyses including F_st, gene flow (N_m), neutrality tests, and Bayesian Skyline Plots (BSP). Our results revealed the highest genetic diversity in the SM population, establishing it as a genetic hub. In contrast, the JF population exhibited the lowest diversity and significant genetic differentiation (>0.23) from the SM and NEM populations, indicating profound isolation. Gene flow was substantial between SM and NEM but severely restricted for the JF population. Demographic analyses, including BSP, indicated a long history of demographic stability followed by a significant expansion beginning in the Middle to Late Pleistocene. We conclude that the SM/NEM metapopulation serves as the genetic core for the species in this region, while the highly isolated JF population constitutes a distinct and vulnerable Management Unit (MU). This historical demographic expansion is likely linked to climatic and environmental changes during the Pleistocene, rather than recent anthropogenic factors. These findings underscore the urgent need for a dual conservation strategy: targeted management for the isolated JF population and the establishment of ecological corridors to connect the Jinfo Mountain and Simian Mountain populations, ensuring the long-term persistence of this unique species. Full article

Range-expanding species, or neonatives, are native plants that spread beyond their original range due to recent climate or human-induced environmental changes. Retama monosperma was initially planted near the Guadalquivir estuary for dune stabilisation. However, changes in the sedimentary regime and animal-mediated dispersal have facilitated its exponential expansion, threatening endemic species and critical dune habitats. The main objective of this study was to identify the key functional traits that may explain the competitive advantage and rapid spread of R. monosperma in coastal dune ecosystems. We compared its seasonal responses with those of three co-occurring woody species, two native (Juniperus phoenicea and J. macrocarpa) and one naturalised (Pinus pinea), at two sites differing in groundwater availability within a coastal dune area (Doñana National Park, Spain). We measured water relations, leaf traits, stomatal conductance, photochemical efficiency, stable isotopes, and shoot elongation in 12 individuals per species. Repeated-measures ANOVA showed significant effects of species and species × season interaction for relative water content, shoot elongation, effective photochemical efficiency, and stable isotopes. R. monosperma showed significantly higher shoot elongation, relative water content, and photochemical efficiency in summer compared with the other species. Stable isotope data confirmed its nitrogen-fixing capacity. This characteristic, along with the higher seasonal plasticity, contributes to its competitive advantage. Given the ecological fragility of coastal dunes, understanding the functional traits favouring the success of neonatives such as R. monosperma is essential for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management. Full article

This study presents an integrative investigation of four rare and threatened plant species—Taraxacum kok-saghyz L.E. Rodin, Astragalus rubtzovii Boriss., Schmalhausenia nidulans (Regel) Petr., and Rheum wittrockii Lundstr.—native to the Ile Alatau and Ketmen ridges of the Northern Tian Shan in Kazakhstan. Combining chloroplast genome sequencing, geobotanical surveys, and anatomical and population structure analyses, we aimed to assess the ecological adaptation, genetic distinctiveness, and conservation status of these species. Field surveys revealed that population structures varied across species, with T. kok-saghyz and S. nidulans dominated by mature vegetative and generative individuals, while A. rubtzovii and R. wittrockii exhibited stable age spectra marked by reproductive maturity and ongoing recruitment. Chloroplast genome assemblies revealed characteristic patterns of plastid evolution, including structural conservation in S. nidulans and R. wittrockii, and a reduced inverted repeat region in A. rubtzovii, consistent with its placement in the IR-lacking clade of Fabaceae. Morphological and anatomical traits reflected habitat-specific adaptations such as tomentose surfaces, thickened epidermis, and efficient vascular systems. Despite these adaptations, anthropogenic pressures including overgrazing and habitat degradation pose significant risks to population viability. Our findings underscore the need for targeted conservation measures, continuous monitoring, and habitat management to ensure the long-term survival of these ecologically and genetically valuable endemic species. Full article

The sustainability of coastal ecosystems, associated fisheries, and environmental quality is increasingly threatened by anthropogenic activities and rapidly expanding urbanization. This study investigated the ecological impacts of increased coastal urbanization on intertidal sediment quality and the biological parameters of the wedge clam Donax trunculus along the central Moroccan Atlantic coast. Between 2018 and 2022, a period characterized by intensified urban activity, total organic matter (TOM) in sediment significantly increased, whereas temperature and pH remained stable. Concurrently, D. trunculus populations experienced notable declines in abundance and biomass, along with marked disruptions in reproductive dynamics. The proportion of sexually mature individuals decreased, while spent individuals and male-biased sex ratios became more prominent. These findings suggest that urbanization-related pressures such as sediment enrichment, pollution, and physical disturbance are exerting measurable stress on this key bioindicator species. The results highlight the need for improved coastal management to mitigate the ecological consequences of rapid urban expansion on coastal sustainability. Full article

The blue-eared pheasant (Crossoptilon auritum), a Near Threatened (NT) species endemic to China, is primarily distributed across the northeastern region of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. To bridge the fine-scale spatiotemporal gap in blue-eared pheasant behavioral ecology, this study combines satellite telemetry, movement modeling, and field-based habitat assessments (vegetation, topography, human disturbance). This multidisciplinary approach reveals detailed patterns of their behavior throughout the breeding season. Using satellite-tracking data from six individuals (five males tracked at 4 h intervals; one female tracked hourly) in Wanglang National Nature Reserve (WLNNR), Sichuan Province during breeding seasons 2018–2019, we quantified their home ranges via Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) and examined the female movement patterns using a Hidden Markov Model (HMM). The results indicated male core (50% KDE: 21.93 ± 16.54 ha) and total (95% KDE: 158.30 ± 109.30 ha) home ranges, with spatial overlap among individuals but no significant temporal variation in home range size. Habitat selection analysis indicated that the blue-eared pheasants favored shrub-dominated areas at higher elevations (steep southeast-facing slopes), regions distant from human disturbance, and with abundant animal trails. We found that their movement patterns differed between sexes: the males exhibited higher daytime activity yet slower movement speeds, while the female remained predominantly near nests, making brief excursions before returning promptly. These results enhance our understanding of the movement ecology of blue-eared pheasants by revealing fine-scale breeding-season behaviors and habitat preferences through satellite-tracking. Such detailed insights provide an essential foundation for developing targeted conservation strategies, particularly regarding effective habitat management and zoning of human activities within the species’ range. Full article

Forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii Flerov), a critically endangered ruminant species, faces extinction risks, with captive populations further threatened by prevalent digestive and immune disorders. This study utilized comparative metagenomic sequencing to assess intestinal microbiota structure and functional profiles between wild populations in Chongqing and Hunan and captive individuals. Wild populations exhibited a Pseudomonadota-dominated gut microbiota (significantly more abundant than in captive counterparts), enriched with lignin-degrading genera Novosphingobium and Acinetobacter. In contrast, the captive group demonstrated increased abundances of Bacillota/Bacteroidota, alongside abnormal proliferation of Escherichia and Clostridium. Both alpha and beta diversity analyses confirmed significant compositional divergences among the three groups, with wild populations maintaining higher diversity than captive populations. Notably, while substantial disparities in microbial abundance existed between wild populations (attributed to habitat vegetation differences), core microbial diversity and carbohydrate metabolic functions exhibited convergence. Functional analyses marked divergences in metabolic pathways: Captive microbiota showed enrichment in translation and glycan metabolism pathways, whereas wild populations displayed pronounced enrichment in immune regulation and environmental sensing pathways. These findings establish a theoretical foundation for optimizing wild population conservation strategies and developing science-based captive management protocols. Full article

The deterioration of European freshwater ecosystems, driven by habitat fragmentation and connectivity loss, seriously threatens biodiversity and ecosystem integrity. While restoration efforts often focus on reconnecting river networks, ecological assessments tend to overlook the broader concept of connectivity. This study highlights the need to incorporate ecological quality into connectivity assessments, ensuring more effective restoration that is aligned with European Union (EU) conservation policies. Using the dendritic connectivity index for potamodromous (DCIp) species, we analysed seven connectivity scenarios, integrating natural and artificial barriers to assess both structural connectivity and quality-weighted connectivity. These scenarios included: (1) structural connectivity considering only natural barriers (S_NB) and (2) all barriers (S_AB); (3) quality-weighted connectivity considering natural barriers (W_NB), and (4) all barriers (W_AB); three enhanced scenarios considering all barriers with (5) improved quality (W_AB_IQ), (6) improved probability of connectivity (W_AB_IC), and (7) improved quality and probability of connectivity (W_AB_IQC). Connectivity values varied across scenarios, with the natural baseline (S_NB) showing the highest connectivity values (mean = 0.98). When the natural baseline was weighted by the GES probability (W_NB), connectivity values dropped considerably (mean = 0.30). Incorporating all barriers (W_AB) further reduced the connectivity values (mean = 0.26). The improved scenario W_AB_IQC showed notable connectivity improvements (mean = 0.40). This study underscores the importance of integrating ecological quality into river connectivity assessments. It demonstrates that restoring habitat quality alongside connectivity restoration can substantially enhance river ecosystems. Prioritising restoration in high-quality areas maximises ecological and social benefits, supports sustainable river management, improves connectivity, and promotes biodiversity conservation. Full article

Phytophthora cinnamomi is a globally distributed plant-pathogenic oomycete that threatens economically important crops, including Lauraceae, Bromeliaceae, Fabaceae, and Solanaceae. Utilizing species occurrence records and 35 environmental variables (|R| < 0.8), we employed the MaxEnt model and ArcGIS spatial analysis to systematically predict the potential geographical distribution of P. cinnamomi under current (1970–2000) and future (2030S, 2050S, 2070S, 2090S) climate scenarios across three Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs). The results indicate that currently suitable habitats cover the majority of China’s provinces (>50% of their areas), with only sporadic low-suitability zones in Qinghai, Tibet, and Xinjiang. The most influential environmental variables were the mean diurnal temperature range, mean temperature of the warmest quarter, annual precipitation, precipitation of the driest month, and elevation. Under future climate scenarios, new suitable habitats emerged in high-latitude regions, while the highly suitable area expanded significantly, with the distribution centroid shifting northeastward. This study employs predictive modeling to elucidate the future distribution patterns of P. cinnamomi in China, providing a theoretical foundation for establishing a regional-scale disease early warning system and formulating ecological management strategies. Full article

Understanding predator-prey coexistence mechanisms is essential for conserving endemic species in montane ecosystems. Galliformes serve as critical ecological indicator species, yet their populations are declining globally due to habitat fragmentation and anthropogenic pressures. Elliot’s pheasant (Syrmaticus ellioti, Swinhoe, 1872), a Galliformes species endemic to China, is primarily distributed south of the Yangtze River. However, its coexistence mechanisms with sympatric predators remain undocumented. Here, using six years (2019–2024) of camera-trap data from 90 stations in Jiemuxi National Nature Reserve, Hunan Province, Southwest China, we employed a MaxEnt model and kernel density estimation to investigate spatiotemporal coexistence mechanisms between Elliot’s pheasant and its primary predator, the leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis, Kerr, 1792). Across 36,946 camera-days, we obtained 227 independent detections of Elliot’s pheasant and 82 of the leopard cat. Spatial niche analysis revealed high overlap (Schoener’s D = 0.769; Hellinger’s I = 0.952). Both species exhibit similar preferences for main environmental variables. Conversely, significant temporal niche segregation occurred: Elliot’s pheasant displayed diurnal bimodal activity, whereas the leopard cat was strictly nocturnal, resulting in low overlap (Δ₄ = 0.379, p < 0.01). Critically, during Elliot’s pheasant’s breeding season, increased temporal overlap with the leopard cat (Δ₁ = 0.479, p < 0.01) suggested that reproductive behaviors elevate predation risk. Our findings demonstrate that temporal niche partitioning serves as the primary coexistence mechanism, while spatial niche overlap and behavioral adaptations under predation pressure drive dynamic predator-prey interactions. This provides a scientific foundation for targeted conservation strategies and predator management of these threatened Galliformes. Full article

The elongated tortoise (Indotestudo elongata), a Critically Endangered (CR) species, faces numerous threats across its range. Yet, the ecological and anthropogenic factors affecting its conservation in fragmented habitats remain poorly understood. This study integrated field surveys and community questionnaires to assess the distribution drivers and local perceptions, such as attitudes, knowledge, conservation practices, and perceived threats, in the Jalthal Forest, one of the last remnants of suitable habitat for the elongated tortoise in eastern Nepal. Using ArcMap, we established 138 randomly selected grids (500 m × 500 m) to evaluate the environmental covariates of tortoise occurrence and anthropogenic pressures. Generalized linear models revealed that tortoise occurrence was negatively associated with dense ground cover (β = −3.50, p = 0.017) and human disturbance (β = −8.11, p = 0.019). Surveys of local residents from community forest user groups (n = 236 respondents) indicated strong local support for tortoise conservation (69% willing to protect the species). Despite this, the respondents identified persistent threats, including hunting for bushmeat and traditional medicine (74%), habitat degradation (65%), and forest fires. While 60% of the respondents recognized the threatened species status, significant knowledge gaps regarding that status and ongoing illegal exploitation persisted. These findings underscore the need for targeted habitat management, reduced anthropogenic pressures, and community-led initiatives to align local attitudes with conservation actions. This study provides critical baseline data for conserving the elongated tortoise in human-modified landscapes and emphasizes the necessity of integrated ecological and socio-cultural strategies for its long-term survival. Full article

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera) is a key crop in Mediterranean agriculture, now increasingly threatened by Xylella fastidiosa subsp. Fastidiosa (Xff), the causal agent of Pierce’s disease. This study investigated: (1) the diversity of culturable fungal endophytes in the xylem sap of naturally Xff-infected grapevines, and (2) the interaction between Xff and the pathogenic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum identified in the sap. The xylem sap was collected from Cabernet Sauvignon vines in Mallorca, Spain, and fungal communities were characterized using culture-dependent methods. Both beneficial fungi (e.g., Aureobasidium pullulans, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa) and pathogenic species (e.g., S. sclerotiorum, Cladosporium sp., Alternaria alternata, and the Phoma complex) were isolated from both Xff-positive and Xff-negative plants, indicating similar community profiles. Although limited by small sample size, these findings offer preliminary evidence of complex ecological interactions between Xff and the xylem-associated mycobiota, with potential implications for grapevine health and disease development under varying environmental and management conditions. Further experiments under controlled conditions revealed that grapevines co-inoculated with Xff and S. sclerotiorum showed increased disease severity, suggesting a synergistic interaction. These preliminary results highlight the complex interplay between Xff and the fungal endophytic microbiome, which may modulate grapevine susceptibility depending on environmental and management conditions. Full article