Search Results (389)

This study presents the first comprehensive assessment of microalgal diversity in two Slovenian transitional waters (TWs): the shallow brackish lagoon of the Škocjanski Zatok Nature Reserve (SZNR) and the Rižana River estuary within the Port of Koper (PK) area. Between 2018 and 2021, water samples collected with a phytoplankton net were analyzed using light and scanning electron microscopy. In total, 240 species from 117 genera were identified in TW, dominated by diatoms and dinoflagellates, surpassing the diversity at a marine coastal station (91 species, 59 genera). Species richness was higher in PK (226) than in SZNR (154), mainly due to dinoflagellates and coccolithophores. Marine taxa predominated along the salinity gradient, with moderate contributions from brackish taxa and few freshwater forms, reflecting both natural and anthropogenic influences. Planktonic taxa dominated at all sites, while benthic forms were abundant in the lagoon, particularly in spring. Thirty-two taxa were recorded for the first time in Slovenian TW, mostly benthic or tychopelagic diatoms. The detection of Coolia monotis and five cyanobacterial genera with potentially harmful traits highlights the role of TW as an ecological interface. The taxonomic sufficiency analysis showed that the order level is sufficient to distinguish transitional from marine assemblages, beyond which ecological information is lost. Overall, this study highlights the importance of detailed taxonomic resolution for detecting microalgal diversity, including harmful and non-indigenous species to ensure robust ecological assessments under the WFD and MSFD directives. Full article

Communities that have been structurally and historically marginalized continue to face barriers rooted in practices of exclusion and segregation. These structural constraints often persist within the entrepreneurial sphere, limiting opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs to establish and consolidate their businesses. This study examines the sales gap between Indigenous entrepreneurs (IEs) and non-Indigenous entrepreneurs (NIEs) in Mexico. The analysis employs a dual methodological approach based on Oaxaca–Blinder (OB) mean decompositions and recentered influence function (RIF) regressions applied across income deciles. Findings reveal a persistent and significant sales disparity: on average, Indigenous entrepreneurs sell 42.5% less than their non-Indigenous counterparts. Approximately 18% of this difference is explained by observable characteristics such as education and experience, 20.8% by differences in returns to these characteristics, and 5.8% by interaction effects. By distinguishing between gaps driven by endowment differentials and those arising from differential returns, the study highlights the potential role of structural or discriminatory mechanisms underpinning Indigenous disadvantage in the Mexican entrepreneurial ecosystem. Full article

Invasive species and changing thermal structure are widely recognized as drivers of change to freshwater ecosystems, yet the interactions of these two drivers have rarely been studied. This study conducted a secondary analysis of a large federal database (GLANSIS) of literature used in assessing the current risk of potential nonindigenous species to the Great Lakes (watchlist species) to evaluate how increased water temperatures would impact the risk of establishment posed by these species. Our analysis found that 46% of the current watchlist species would pose a higher potential risk while 7% would pose a lower potential risk. Lake Superior and Lake Huron exhibited significant increases in the number of species likely to find a suitable habitat. Full article

In this project, Anishinaabe artists and knowledge carriers worked with non-Indigenous classroom teachers to explore the cultural significance and mathematics of making wiigwaas makakoon (birch bark baskets). The artists spent two weeks in two grade 6 classrooms teaching students the process of basket making. They combined Indigenous pedagogy and intentionally designed inquiry tasks in order to generate mathematically related concepts. To make cultural–mathematical connections, we looked to Battiste’s characteristics of Indigenous pedagogy and explored how the learning that took place was holistic, part of a lifelong process, experiential, rooted in language and culture, spiritual, communal, and an integration of Indigenous and Eurocentric knowledges. Mathematically, students explored measurement with non-standard units, bisected angles without the use of a protractor, and explored the best way to optimize the capacity of their baskets. This work is an example of integrating Indigenous knowledge and heritage into elementary mathematics instruction. Full article

Raillietiella orientalis is an obligate endoparasitic crustacean that is endemic to Southeast Asia and Africa and mainly inhabits the lungs of snake definitive hosts. This pentastomid has emerged as a neozoan parasite in North America, particularly in Florida, where its spread is likely linked to the introduction of nonindigenous Burmese pythons (Python bivittatus), and Australia. In Europe, R. orientalis has previously only been reported in a wild-caught chameleon in Germany. We report a case of R. orientalis infection in a two-year-old male panther chameleon (Furcifer pardalis) which presented with anorexia and respiratory signs. Radiography revealed a diffuse interstitial–alveolar pulmonary pattern, and pulmonoscopy demonstrated numerous adult pentastomids within the lungs and their saccular extensions. Endoscopy-guided removal attempts were unsuccessful. Coprological examination confirmed patent infection through the presence of pentastomid eggs. Morphological assessment and 18S rRNA PCR followed by sequencing identified the parasites as R. orientalis. As antiparasitic treatment with ivermectin and fenbendazole failed and clinical disease persisted, humane euthanasia was performed. This case provides the second description of R. orientalis in a chameleon definitive host and highlights the parasite’s capacity for phenotypic plasticity in host utilization. Our findings underscore the potential role of the international reptile trade in facilitating the introduction and dissemination of this invasive pentastomid in Europe. Full article

Representatives of the family Moinidae (Crustacea: Cladocera) are well-adapted to life in temporary waters. Different species are characteristic of the Arid Belt of Eurasia. We aimed to compare the moinid species composition and genetic diversity found in Djibouti (with extreme and uniform environments) with neighboring Ethiopia (a relatively large country with diverse environmental conditions). Any cladocerans were found in only four localities in Djibouti from Ecoregion 527 (Western Red Sea Drainages) according to Abell et al. (2008). The moinids belonged to two taxa: M. cf. micrura and M. heilongjiangensis. In Ethiopia, moinids were found in 28 water bodies from four other Ecoregions (522, 525, 526 and 528). They belonged to M. micrura and M. belli. A genetic study based on full mitogenomes, sequences of the mitochondrial COI and nuclear ITS1 loci demonstrated that M. micrura from Djibouti and Ethiopia belong to distant lineages. Our genetic analysis revealed a very contrasting moinid fauna in two neighboring countries of the African Horn: there was no single haplotype, clade or even species sharing these territories. We have revealed unexpectedly small genetic distances between Chinese (type locality) and Djiboutian populations of M. heilongjiangensis; the question of the invasive status of the latter could therefore be raised. Moreover, the status of M. micrura populations from the Rift Valley also needs to be checked; they could be non-indigenous, as they belong to “European” M. micrura s. str. Finally, we have demonstrated that M. cf. micrura is not a monophyletic clade. Full article

The Levantine Basin is the first region of the Mediterranean Sea to be impacted by climate warming and the arrival of non-indigenous species (NIS) via the Suez Canal. Although Levantine zooplankton has been studied previously, recent datasets capable of detecting the occurrence of new taxa, or shifts in community composition, especially in the easternmost part of the basin, are lacking. The present study provides updated information on zooplankton composition from Tyre (South Lebanon). In this study, the occurrence of two copepod families (Canuellidae, Longipediidae) and the first regional record of Facetotecta (Y-nauplii) are reported for the first time in the Levantine Basin. Additionally, although six Calanoida species were recorded as new to the Lebanese fauna, none can be attributed to Lessepsian NIS. Full article

This study explored the occurrence, density, and distribution of Fucales along the island of Lampedusa, almost 30 years after the latest studies conducted on the marine vegetation of this island. To carry out this study, we conducted a monitoring activity in 18 sites through both scuba dives and snorkeling. During this study, a total of 13 species (three belonging to Cystoseira sensu strictu (s.s.), five to Ericaria, two to Gongolaria, and finally three to Sargassum) were observed. Nine species were previously reported, four taxa (E. brachycarpa, E. funkii, E. giacconei, and S. cf furcatum) were reported here for the first time in Lampedusa, and six species have not been found anymore. Ericaria giacconei may have always been present on Lampedusa Island, but it might have been misidentified in the past. The record on the island of Lampedusa extends the known distribution range of this species. The presence of S. cf furcatum, a non-indigenous species that is recently expanding in the Mediterranean Sea, could be considered further proof of ongoing seawater warming. In conclusion, we found that the predominant species’ association described in the past for the island of Lampedusa has remained unchanged in terms of species and biodiversity found in the studied sites. Nevertheless, we observed some changes in the Fucalean species, in particular a reduction in the canopy density values of some deep species. Therefore, we believe that the zonation pattern of the MPA should be revised, paying more attention to the conservation of fucalean species. Moreover, it will be important to manage and control the populations of the rabbitfishes, mitigating their impacts on the fucalean stands of the island. Full article

Herbaria, originally books of medicinal plants, became collections of dried plants after 1500, later extending to seaweeds and supporting taxonomy and systematics. Digitalization has made herbaria accessible, and advances in DNA sequencing have transformed them into valuable resources for genetic research. Label data, which include place and date of collection, make exsiccata essential tools for biogeographic studies and conservation strategies, helping map biodiversity and protect endangered species. The historical Pierpaoli herbarium (MBMP) houses 584 seaweed specimens collected from the Ionian and Adriatic seas between 1920 and 1965. It has been digitized within the NPRR Project ITINERIS and the DiSSCo infrastructure. Floristic changes in the Mar Piccolo over three periods (1920–2024) and the Mar Grande (1920–1992) were compared using herbarium specimens, papers, and recent data. Mar Piccolo’s flora over a century revealed significant changes. Many historical species disappeared, while new ones appeared, including 14 non-indigenous species. The biogeographical composition also shifted, with Cosmopolitan and Indo-Pacific elements increasing. In the Mar Grande, less than half the species were found again in 1992. Evidently, phytobenthic communities underwent noticeable changes over a century, highlighting the impact of environmental shifts. This confirms that Natural Science Collections are invaluable resources for understanding our planet’s biodiversity and history. Full article

The vegetation of municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills and its ecosystem functions are often overlooked, despite their importance for enhancement and stabilization of biodiversity. The selected landfill is located in the cadastral area of Bystřice pod Hostýnem (Czech Republic). A total of 92 plant species were recorded during a two-year vegetation assessment at three sites of the MSW landfill. The species Lolium perenne, Arrhenatherum elatius, and Poa pratensis significantly dominated the restored parts of the landfill. The species Urtica dioica, Chelidonium majus, and Atriplex sagittata were dominant in the actively used parts of the landfill. Chenopodium album, Atriplex sagittata, and Amaranthus retroflexus were dominant in the composting zone. The vegetation of MSW landfills represents an ecologically important element with the ability to increase the biodiversity of the landscape. Nevertheless, there are also risks, e.g., the possibility of contamination of food chain with hazardous substances from waste. The spread of diaspores of certain species across the landscape and the spread of non-indigenous plant species can have negative ecological consequences. MSW landfills are often perceived only as technical facilities that solve the environmental problem of waste management. However, our results bring a new perspective on landfills as an environment for the biosphere. Full article

Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding has transformed marine biodiversity monitoring by allowing non-invasive, cost-effective detection of species with high resolution across diverse marine habitats. A systematic literature search was conducted using Google Scholar, Scopus, and the Qatar University Library databases. Relevant peer-reviewed publications were screened and selected based on predefined inclusion criteria to ensure comprehensive coverage of studies. This review synthesizes advances in global and regional eDNA applications, emphasizing the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, which faces unique environmental extremes, high endemism, and significant data gaps. eDNA metabarcoding often outperforms traditional methods under comparable sampling effort to traditional surveys in detecting rare, cryptic, and invasive taxa, but technical challenges like incomplete reference databases, primer biases, PCR inhibitors, and inconsistent methodologies limit their effectiveness, particularly in understudied areas such as MENA. Recent developments, including multi-marker approaches, autonomous samplers, and next-generation sequencing, are enhancing detection precision and enabling broader, real-time monitoring. In the MENA region, early studies have revealed eDNA’s potential for habitat distinction, biogeographic research, pollution assessment, and the early discovery of non-indigenous species, although progress is hindered by gaps in reference libraries, infrastructure, and regulation. This review underscores the urgent need for regional collaboration, standardized protocols, and capacity-building. By integrating eDNA with traditional methods and leveraging emerging technologies, the MENA region can establish itself as a leader in marine biomonitoring under extreme environmental conditions, providing actionable insights for conservation and sustainable management of its unique marine ecosystems. Full article

Non-indigenous species represent a significant threat to marine biodiversity, and accurate taxonomic identification is critical for effective management. This study revisits the long-standing record of the Australian sea anemone Oulactis muscosa in Argentina, which has been cited in numerous studies for nearly 50 years. We conducted a comprehensive taxonomic revision of specimens from Mar del Plata, Argentina, using both morphological and molecular analyses. Our findings reveal a persistent taxonomic error: the specimens belong to a different species. Detailed morphological comparisons and genetic sequencing of mitochondrial and nuclear markers re-identified the specimens as Anthopleura correae. This species is native to Brazil and is distributed from Ceará to Santa Catarina. This represents the first record of an Anthopleura species in Argentina, extending its known distribution. Genetic analyses confirmed the re-identification, showing no significant divergence between the Argentine and Brazilian specimens, while revealing notable differences from O. muscosa. We highlight the importance of rigorous taxonomic approaches integrating both morphological and molecular data to prevent misidentifications, which is particularly crucial when identifying potential invasive species. This study clarifies the taxonomic status of a regionally distributed species and contributes to the accurate inventory of sea anemones in Argentina. Full article

The Portuguese Atlantic continental coast serves as a biogeographic transition zone where numerous macroalgal species reach their distribution limits, making it an especially intriguing area for studying shifts in species distribution. This region features sandy beaches and rocky outcrops that serve as habitats for a diverse range of organisms, including macroalgae. This illustrated guide aims to provide a simple and accessible overview of some of the most representative macroalgae species found along this coastline, specifically those designed for non-specialists in seaweed identification. Rather than offering a detailed identification key, the guide introduces key aspects of macroalgae—such as pigment composition, taxonomic classification, morphology, branching types, habitat on rocky shores, and potential human uses—in a clear and approachable format. Each species is accompanied by a photographic image, a general morphological description, and information about its typical habitat. Additionally, icons indicate whether a species has potential human applications or is considered non-indigenous. Species are categorized into green, brown, or red macroalgae based on their color and morphological characteristics. Full article

Despite the oligotrophic conditions of the southeastern Levantine Sea and northern Red Sea, six lobster species—five slipper lobsters (Scyllaridae) and one spiny lobster (Palinuridae)—maintain permanent, reproducing populations in the study area. Additionally, there are isolated records of four other sporadic lobster species. In the southeastern Mediterranean, permanent species include the Mediterranean slipper lobster,Scyllarides latus, small European locust lobster, Scyllarus arctus, and pygmy locust lobster, Scyllarus pygmaeus. In the northern Red Sea, they include the clamkiller slipper lobster, Scyllarides tridacnophaga, Lewinsohn locust slipper lobster, Eduarctus lewinsohni, and pronghorn spiny lobster, Panulirus penicillatus. This review synthesizes current knowledge of their biology and ecology, including distribution, habitat, reproduction and development, feeding, predators and anti-predatory adaptations, behavior, sensory modalities, environmental impacts, threats, and conservation. Recent advances focus mainly on larger, commercially valuable species (S. latus, S. tridacnophaga, P. penicillatus), while major gaps remain for oceanic post-embryonic stages and the nektonic nisto postlarva, as well as for smaller, often cryptic species (S. arctus, S. pygmaeus, E. lewinsohni). Addressing these gaps will require targeted research, using modern methodologies, in coastal, deep, and open waters, coupled with citizen-science surveys. While many Indo-Pacific decapods have been established in the Mediterranean, no immigrant lobster species have successfully colonized Levant waters, despite rare records of three non-indigenous species (NIS). However potential NIS predators and shifts in mollusk compositions, the main prey of some native lobsters, may affect the latter. Large lobsters remain targeted by fisheries despite protective regulations, which are not always effective or obeyed. No-take marine protected areas (MPAs) or nature reserves can be effective if sufficiently large and well-managed. Habitat loss from marine construction can be partly compensated by stable, environmentally safe artificial reefs tailored to lobster behavioral ecology. The categories of the studied lobsters’ species in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, last updated over fifteen years ago, should be re-evaluated. Full article

The spread of non-indigenous species (NIS) in the Mediterranean poses complex challenges for coastal fisheries, yet the perceptions and adaptive responses of small-scale fishers remain poorly understood. This study surveyed 70 professional fishers across Greek insular and mainland ports to assess fishers’ local ecological knowledge, awareness, and operational strategies related to eleven established marine NIS. Semi-structured interviews recorded demographic and effort profiles, recognition rates, perceived environmental and economic impacts, catch frequencies, gear damage, injury incidents, and behavioral changes. Fishers in the study area demonstrated high overall awareness (~95%), but variable recognition of less familiar taxa (e.g., bigfin reef squid, squirrelfish). Venomous and gear-damaging species (pufferfish, lionfish, rabbitfish) were predominantly viewed negatively, with significant reported gear losses (EUR 600–1345 yr⁻¹) and avoidance of high-incidence areas (25–30% of respondents). Conversely, commercially valuable NIS received more positive appraisals and are increasingly targeted. Spatial heterogeneity in perceptions and adaptations underscores the need for regionally tailored management that integrates fishers’ knowledge, promotes safe handling and selective exploitation of marketable NIS, and supports adaptive governance to mitigate ecological risks while enhancing socioeconomic resilience. Full article