Search Results (135)

The African jacana (Actophilornis africanus, family Jacanidae) is a sex-role-reversed waterbird inhabiting tropical and subtropical open wetlands across Africa. Identifying environmental factors that influence nest site distribution and suitable nesting habitats is crucial for protecting species and habitat management; however, studies addressing these factors remain limited for this species. This study aimed to map suitable nesting habitats and identify the main environmental variables influencing the nest site distribution of the African jacana in Lake Hawassa, Ethiopia. We mapped nesting habitat suitability using a Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model and ArcGIS Pro 3.2.2 based on 78 field-collected nest data points and ten environmental variables. The model predicted a total suitable nesting habitat area of 1.25 km² with high accuracy (AUC = 0.90, CBI = 0.8, and omission rate = 0.22), representing about 1.2% of Lake Hawassa’s total area. In general, suitable nesting habitats were relatively small, fragmented, and mainly clustered along the southeastern shore of Lake Hawassa. The mean precipitation and temperature during the breeding season, slope, elevation, and distance to shoreline were the main predictors of the African jacana’s nesting habitat suitability. The results of the present study provide valuable insights into local wetland management and the conservation of African jacanas and other breeding waterbirds in Lake Hawassa. Moreover, this study establishes baseline information for assessing how future climate and habitat changes may influence breeding habitat suitability in similar Ethiopian wetlands. The present study was limited to nesting habitat suitability based on limited environmental factors and did not include nest success, pollution parameters or predation; future studies incorporating these factors may improve ecological interpretation. Full article

Urbanization can act as a powerful ecological filter, restructuring biodiversity through species loss, replacement, and altered resource pathways. While urban green spaces (UGS) are recognized as potential biodiversity refuges, the effectiveness and mechanisms for conserving insect diversity across the urban-to-natural gradient remain poorly understood. Here, we combine full-season Malaise trapping (April–November) with MinION-based DNA barcoding to test two predictions about how urbanization reshapes Diptera communities across five sites in Haidian District, Beijing, ranging from residential areas and urban parks to a nearby shallow mountain reserve (BWM). Based on 5528 barcoded individuals, we identified 686 putative species from 39 families. As predicted, β-diversity between urban and mountain sites was overwhelmingly driven by species turnover rather than nestedness, demonstrating that cities do not simply receive subsets of the surrounding fauna but actively reassemble communities. This filtering effect was, however, trophic-guild specific. Detritivores showed the highest replacement, consistent with a shift from natural to anthropogenic resource subsidies, while predators/parasitoids exhibited significant nested loss, aligning with their hypothesized sensitivity at higher trophic levels. Vegetation structure further clarified these patterns: vegetation density, not plant species richness, was the primary bottom-up driver for herbivore and predator/parasitoid diversity, whereas detritivores were decoupled from living plant biomass. These findings demonstrate that urban and near-natural habitats maintain distinct species pools via guild-specific assembly pathways, highlighting the need for guild-specific conservation strategies for urban biodiversity conservation. Extending beyond compositional analysis, we propose a temporal-abundance framework, classifying species by persistence and abundance, as a diagnostic tool for assessing ecological integrity and guiding conservation in urbanizing landscapes. Full article

The Seven-coloured Tanager Tangara fastuosa is a threatened species, with little data available on its reproduction. Between 1987 and 2025, 29 nests were found around the Pedra Talhada Biological Reserve in Quebrangulo, Alagoas, north-eastern Brazil. Nests were cup-shaped, with average external dimensions of 11.0 × 7.3 cm and average internal dimensions of 6.2 × 3.7 cm. They were built at an average height of 5.4 m above ground. Mean clutch size was 2.7 eggs, which measured 20.9 × 15.6 mm, and weighed 2.6 g. Eggs were beige in colour with greenish undertones and were heavily spotted with purple or rusty brown. Average incubation period was 13.8 days, and average nestling period was 15.4 days. Apparent nest success was 51.7%, with predation being the main cause of nest failure. Parents, sometimes assisted by helpers, fed the nestlings with small fruits, fruit pulp, seeds, and various arthropods. Our records provide new information on the reproduction of this species in interior and edge forests. However, forest destruction and capture for the illegal wildlife trade pose a threat to the survival of its populations, both remaining an issue in the study area. Full article

In terrestrial environments, nest site selection by birds and mammals is often related to the physical attributes of surrounding vegetation. Similarly, some elasmobranchs use different habitats, including kelps, as oviposition sites. However, habitat features that drive oviposition site selection remain poorly understood. We examined the relationship between kelp morphology (holdfast diameter, number of stripes, and total length) and kelp forest configuration (density, size structure, predator density) with egg presence to identify the factors influencing oviposition choice in the redspotted catshark (Schroederichthys chilensis). We conducted surveys over a latitudinal gradient (19° S to 39° S), encompassing much of the overlap between the kelp, Lessonia trabeculata and S. chilensis in Chile. Eggs were exclusively attached between the upper stipe and basal fronds of Lessonia trabeculata in all sites. At the individual scale, S. chilensis selected larger kelps within a patch, independent of the general population size structure. The number of eggs and clutches was positively associated with stipe length and holdfast diameter. Across all sites, egg-bearing kelps were consistently clustered at a similar depth in the kelp forest rather than being randomly distributed. At the site scale, egg number had a negative correlation with their main predator abundance, Taliepus dentatus, and juvenile kelp density. These results suggest that S. chilensis shows low plasticity in substrate use, as evidenced by non-random, consistent oviposition in kelp morphology along a latitudinal gradient. Our results underscore the need to incorporate kelp size thresholds and the protection of egg-bearing aggregations into harvesting regulations, as overexploitation of L. trabeculata directly threatens the reproductive viability of S. chilensis. Full article

Endangered sea turtles are highly vulnerable to environmental pressures and human activities, resulting in major shifts in their population and distribution. Identifying and managing new nesting sites are essential for their reproduction and survival. This study identifies the presence of an unrecorded loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) nesting population at Ghedhabna Beach in Tunisia. A mixed-methods study based on intensive field monitoring over three consecutive nesting seasons (2023–2025) and interviews with 120 local residents was conducted to assess reproductive parameters and community perceptions of sea turtles. An annual mean of 39.33 ± 12.56 nests (range 30–54) and a mean nesting density of 3.93 ± 1.29 nests km⁻¹yr⁻¹ were recorded, highlighting Ghedhabna as the second most important loggerhead nesting site in Tunisia. Incubation durations suggested a potential male-skewed hatchling production, a key factor for the Mediterranean population sustainability under climate warming. The interviews revealed a history of consistent nesting activity in the area and a limited public awareness. The main threats to nesting success include marine debris, uncontrolled beach activities, and predation by the ghost crab (Ocypode cursor). The mixed ecological and social approaches highlighted the urgent need to develop sustainable conservation measures in this zone, based on integrated management, to mitigate existing pressures and ensure population resilience. Full article

In healthy ecosystems, large raptors such as the White-tailed Eagle perform the essential roles of predators, bioindicators, and umbrella species. Despite their importance, many species of raptors are globally endangered, and similarly, in the Republic of Moldova, 13 species of diurnal birds of prey went extinct in the last 7 decades. The White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) is the only example of a raptor that has regionally made a demographic and distributional comeback after decades of absence. Following this comeback, a national monitoring scheme during 2014–2025, including a nest counting survey in 2022–2024, has been implemented to understand what the current national situation of the species is and its ecological preferences and threats, together with the fundamental ecological context that allowed the breeding population to adapt to an ever-changing landscape. Field research conducted over 12 years confirmed the breeding of eight pairs, with data indicating a minimum of 19–23 nesting pairs. Pairs generally avoid human-dominated landscapes, preferring higher coverage of wetlands and forests, but current data suggests frequent occupancy of suboptimal territories and increasing tolerance towards human activity and infrastructure. Although currently small, the breeding population experiences high breeding success with no negative outcomes recorded. However, droughts and forestry activities in the proximity of the nests potentially reduced and delayed breeding success. Current forestry and fish farming practices increase the vulnerability of the few known breeding pairs to habitat degradation, poaching, and deforestation. To improve the conservation status of this endangered raptor in the Republic of Moldova, as close as possible to Least Concern status, it is crucial to implement multi-purpose buffer zones around active nests during the breeding season and to further survey the breeding population and assess any demographic trends. Full article

The longest-standing international treaty for wetland and waterbird protection, the Ramsar Convention has resulted in the establishment of more than 2500 protected areas covering over 2.5 million square kilometers around the world. However, its measures are not legally binding, and its effectiveness as a tool for wildlife conservation has rarely been quantitatively assessed. In Benin, West Africa, breeding waterbirds are subjected to intense hunting and egg harvesting for both commercial and subsistence purposes. We quantified count data of waterbirds and eggs taken by local hunters and trappers to assess the effectiveness of the Ramsar Convention as a wildlife conservation tool in southeastern Benin. During the six-month period between May and October 2022, 64 people reported harvesting a total of 12,053 breeding waterbirds and 63,987 eggs, comprising eight species in three families in Ramsar site 1018. Birds most heavily targeted included Allen’s Gallinule (Porphyrio alleni), with 4187 breeding birds taken (~35% of all birds captured), and the White-faced Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna viduata), with 24,491 eggs taken (~38% of all eggs taken) over the course of a single breeding season. The Eurasian Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) and Lesser Moorhen (Paragallinula angulata) were the third and fourth most targeted bird species, respectively, followed by the African Swamphen (Porphyrio madagascariensis), Black Crake (Zapornia flavirostra), African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus), and African Crake (Cecropsis egregia). Captured waterbirds were sold live at local markets, while eggs were eaten by hunters, except eggs containing chicks, which were discarded. Our findings show heavy persecution of waterbirds during their breeding season, when nesting birds are especially vulnerable to human predation, on a scale that is likely unprecedented and threatens to drive declines of targeted species in Benin. As local residents do not currently appear to recognize any deterrents to the uncontrolled hunting of breeding waterbirds or the collection of eggs in Ramsar site 1018, there is an urgent need to better leverage the Ramsar Convention to enforce conservation practices in this region. Full article

Sarcocystis spp. (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) are globally distributed protozoan parasites with an obligatory two-host prey–predator life cycle involving intermediate (IHs) and definitive hosts (DHs). Canids, including the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), often serve as DHs for species infecting various ungulates. This study identified Sarcocystis species in red foxes from Croatia, Lithuania, and Portugal. Between 2021 and 2024, 164 faecal samples (80 from Croatia, 50 from Portugal, and 34 from Lithuania) were analysed using nested PCR targeting the cox1 gene. Twelve Sarcocystis species were detected: S. arieticanis, S. capracanis, S. capreolicanis, S. cruzi, S. gracilis, S. hjorti, S. iberica, S. linearis, S. miescheriana, S. morae, S. rossii, and S. tenella. The overall prevalence was highest in Croatia (78%) and Lithuania (62%) and lowest in Portugal (30%). Phylogenetic and haplotype analyses revealed high homogeneity and absence of geographic structuring. These results confirm the red fox as a key DH for multiple Sarcocystis species infecting European ungulates and underscore its epidemiological importance in parasite transmission across diverse ecosystems. Full article

Nest-site selection in birds is a hierarchical process shaped by environmental filters operating across multiple spatial scales. In species that depend on burrows excavated by ecosystem engineers, understanding how these filters interact is essential for effective conservation. We evaluated nest-site selection by the Burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) within colonies of the Mexican prairie dog (Cynomys mexicanus) in the southern Chihuahuan Desert using a multiscale analytical framework spanning burrow, site, colony, and landscape levels. During the 2010 and 2011 breeding seasons, we located 56 successful nests and paired each with an inactive non-nest burrow within the same colony. Eighteen structural and environmental variables were measured and analyzed using binary logistic regression models, with model selection based on an information-theoretic approach (AICc) and prior screening for predictor collinearity. Nest-site selection was associated with greater internal burrow development and reduced external exposure at the burrow scale, proximity to satellite burrows and low-to-moderate vegetation structure at the site scale, higher densities of active prairie dog burrows at the colony scale, and reduced predation risk and agricultural disturbance at the landscape scale. The integrated multiscale model showed substantially greater support and discriminatory power than single-scale models, indicating that nest-site selection emerges from interactions among spatial scales rather than from isolated factors. These findings support hierarchical habitat-selection theory and underscore the importance of conserving functional Mexican prairie dog colonies and low-disturbance grassland landscapes to maintain suitable breeding habitats for Burrowing owls in the southern Chihuahuan Desert. Full article

Sarcocystis is a genus of heteroxenous, globally distributed apicomplexan parasites found in reptiles, birds, and mammals. Typically, sarcocysts develop in muscles of intermediate hosts, and oocysts sporulate in intestines of definitive hosts. The parasite’s life cycle is based on prey–predator relationships and usually involves two distinct host species. However, some Sarcocystis spp. can complete their full development within a single host species. Brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) are invasive, synanthropic, highly adaptable rodents that are true omnivores and opportunistic feeders. Therefore, it is possible that they can act as definitive hosts of Sarcocystis parasites. This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of Sarcocystis protists in brown rat intestinal samples under natural conditions, combining microscopy and molecular analyses. Of 27 brown rats investigated, 25.9% (7/27) of animals harbored oocysts/sporocysts of Sarcocystis spp. Based on nested PCR and sequencing of four genetic loci (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, ITS1, and cox1), 59.3% of samples were positive for Sarcocystis spp. Parasites identified were genetically similar to Sarcocystis spp. using bird–bird, bird–Carnivora, rodent–Carnivora, or ungulate–Carnivora as their intermediate–definitive hosts. The present study suggests that synanthropic rodents may facilitate cross-ecosystem transmission of these parasites, increasing infection pressure on livestock, companion animals, and wildlife in human-dominated environments. Future molecular and dietary ecological studies are needed to assess the role of synanthropic and opportunistic hosts, such as the brown rat, in the transmission of Sarcocystis spp. Full article

Sea turtles are a vital part of the marine ecosystem in the Maldives. While five species have been recorded in-water in the country, only two have been historically known to nest here: hawksbills and greens. In this study, we present cumulative data from targeted nest monitoring in combination with ad hoc reports from citizen scientists and marine biologists from 2018 to 2024, with the aim of providing the first comprehensive multi-year dataset on sea turtle nesting activity in the Maldives. Sea turtle nests were recorded from nearly all atolls. The majority were laid by green turtles (n = 1086), in addition to a small number of hawksbill (n = 47), olive ridley (n = 14) and unknown species (n = 65) nests. Nesting occurs year-round, with a peak during the southwest monsoon season from June to September. Median hatching success rate was 90.91% (SD = 15.87) and incubation lasted a median of 59 days (SD = 4.79). Nest inundation and illegal take were identified as the main threats to sea turtle nests, while incidences of egg predation were an exception. The findings of this study will help to clarify conservation priorities and management strategies for sea turtles in the Maldives. Full article

Predation of sea turtles by jaguars (Panthera onca) in the Santa Rosa National Park (SRNP) has been well documented over the past decade. However, the factors that influence jaguar feeding behavior, including environmental factors or characteristics of the beaches and the adjacent forest, are poorly known. This study aimed to identify the relationship between vegetation density and human activity on the distribution of feeding sites of jaguar on sea turtles at nesting beaches in Santa Rosa National Park, Costa Rica. We sampled three beaches (Naranjo, Nancite, and Colorada), where we identified and registered sea turtle carcasses preyed on by jaguars between June and November 2019. Through systematic searches of the forest adjacent to the beach, we documented the species, geographic coordinates, carcass length and width, vegetation cover at the carcass site, and the average vegetation coverage corresponding to the date and beach of each sea turtle carcass. In total, we recorded 338 sea turtle carcasses preyed on by jaguars, 156 at Naranjo beach, 103 at Nancite beach, and 89 at Colorada beach. The beach with the highest average density of carcasses was Colorada (8.7 (SD = 5.42)/ha), followed by Nancite (6.06 (SD = 5.58)/ha) and Naranjo (2.64 (SD = 1.79)/ha). The dragging distance from the beach line to sea turtle carcasses was best explained by the interaction of nesting beach and canopy cover at the carcass. Our canopy cover results may reflect that jaguars select sites that better hide their prey, in the same way that green turtles (Chelonia mydas) usually prefer areas with good coverage to nest in, contrasting to the nesting behavior of olive ridleys (Lepidochelys olivacea). On beaches, higher concentrations were observed where there was less human presence and this may reflect both turtle nesting and jaguar predation activity. Full article

Crabronid wasps (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae) are ecologically important predators that provide various ecological services by regulating the arthropod populations, enhancing soil processes through nesting, serving as sensitive indicators of habitat condition, and providing pollen transfer for plants. However, as other invertebrates face biodiversity threats, these wasps might be under threat from environmental changes, and we need to assess the biodiversity patterns of these wasps in Yunnan Province. Unfortunately, no information is currently available about the pattern and factors responsible for the assemblages of these wasps within our study region. This study provides the first province-level assessment of habitat suitability, species richness, assemblage structure, and environmental determinants for Crabronidae in Yunnan by integrating species distribution modeling (SDM), multivariate clustering, and ordination analyses. More than 50 species were studied to assess habitat suitability in Yunnan using MaxEnt. Model performance was robust (AUC > 0.7). Suitability patterns varied distinctly among regions. Species richness peaked in southern Yunnan, particularly in the counties of Jinghong, Mengla, Menghai, and Jiangcheng Hani & Yi. Land use/land cover (LULC) variables were the dominant predictors for 90% of species, whereas precipitation-related variables contributed most strongly to the remaining 10%. Ward’s hierarchical clustering grouped the 125 counties into three community assemblage zones, with Zone III comprising the most significant area. A unique species composition was found within a particular zone, and clear separation among zones based on environmental variation was supported by Principal Component Analysis (PCA), which explained more than 70% variability among zones. Furthermore, Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) indicated that both LULC and climatic factors shaped community structure assemblages, with axes 1 and 2 explaining 70% of variance (p = 0.001). The most relevant key factors in each zone were precipitation variables (bio12, bio14, bio17), which were dominant in Zone I; for Zone II, temperature and vegetation variables were most important; and urban, wetland, and water variables were most important in Zone III. Full article

Information on the breeding of the Pinto’s Spinetail (Synallaxis infuscata), an endangered Brazilian Furnariid, is scarce. This study aims to complement it, by looking at nest and clutch parameters, breeding period, and nest success. Once nests were found, they were closely monitored from a hide. Between 1986 and 2018, 33 nests were found in the Pedra Talhada Forest near Quebrangulo. Nests were found year-round, except in middle of the dry season. Nests were of the closed/retort type, weighing 552.1 g, and measuring 37.6 × 28.8 cm, with a side arm of 30.6 × 4.9 cm, on average. The clutch size averaged 2.10 eggs, which measured 22.3 × 17.2 mm and weighed 3.2 g. They were white and had an oval to pointed-oval shape. Mean incubation period was 21.5 days and mean nestling period 14.71 days. The apparent nest success was 27.3%, while Mayfield’s was 21.8%. Predation was the main cause of nest failure, accounting for 81% of cases. The breeding data we collected on S. infuscata falls within the range of observations of a comprehensive analysis on other Synallaxis species. This breeding information is important for conservation, as rates of nest loss are a key factor in evaluating population viability. Full article

The impact of tourism on Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) in Patagonia is a complex issue that requires a balanced approach between conservation and sustainable tourism development. While tourism in the region can bring significant economic benefits, it can also have a negative impact on the penguins by disrupting nesting behavior and chick rearing, and even increasing the risk of disease and predation. We examined a comparative analysis of scientific papers on the impact of tourism on Magellanic penguins in two breeding colonies in Argentinean Patagonia, which have been visited for 10 to 50 years and whose visitor numbers range from 10,000 to 120,000 per year. We analyzed different physiological parameters (i.e., immunological, hematological, biochemical, and stress parameters) and behavioral respond (alternate head turns) in adult birds and chicks in these colonies. Although the results suggest that Magellanic penguins have adapted well to the presence of tourists in their breeding colonies, we documented changes in certain physiological parameters that indicate chronic stress due to high exposure to tourism. It is important to promote sustainable tourism in Patagonia that not only minimizes these negative impacts but also improves the protection of the penguins and their habitat. This includes the creation of new nature reserves, environmental education, and the regulation of tourism activities. Implementing responsible tourism practices can ensure economic benefits while protecting the well-being and health of penguin populations. The combination of increased tourist awareness and concrete conservation measures can protect not only the Magellanic penguins but also the natural wealth of the entire Patagonia region. Full article