Search Results (159)

Network approaches are commonly used to study mutualistic interactions between frugivorous birds and plants at the community level. However, most fruit–bird networks aggregate individual data and rely on species-level traits, often overlooking intraspecific variation. Here, we downscale a fruit–bird network to the individual level to evaluate intraspecific diet variation and individual specialization in the four main frugivorous passerine species of an island community. Fruit consumption was identified from fecal samples collected from mist-netted birds and individuals’ diets were modeled with a Bayesian approach. Intraspecific diet variation was quantified using the E and NODF indices, individual specialization using the Psi index, and clustering of individuals sharing fruit resources using the Cws index. We detected low intraspecific diet variation and individuals’ diets were not nested. Individual specialization was mainly related to recapture of individuals and weakly related to phenotypic traits. Clustering mainly involved heterospecific individuals whose diets matched plant fruiting phenology during the capture period. Accordingly, future community-level studies addressing the role of mutualistic interactions in biodiversity maintenance may benefit from integrating network approaches with complementary information on interindividual and interspecific competition. Full article

New Guinea, the world’s largest tropical island, supports the planet’s richest insular avifauna. Large areas of New Guinea remain poorly surveyed, however, in part due to the island’s challenging terrain. In hard-to-access areas, like many mountainous parts of New Guinea, automated surveying tools, like camera traps, may be especially helpful to address the survey deficit. Here we present the results of a camera-trap survey of the avifauna of the Cyclops Mountains, a range in New Guinea’s western, Indonesian provinces (Indonesian Papua). To our knowledge, our results represent only the second published camera-trap survey of birds from Indonesian Papua. We deployed 73 camera traps along an elevation gradient (143–1963 m) of the Cyclops Mountains for 11,869 camera-trap nights, recording 22 bird species from 1696 independent detections. Our species list is, to our knowledge, the first to include observations from the upper northern slopes of the Cyclops Mountains. It documents the first record of Masked Bowerbird (Sericulus aureus) in the range and provides photographic rediscoveries of two ‘lost’ species: Mayr’s Honeyeater (Ptiloprora mayri) and Mayr’s Forest Rail (Rallicula mayri). We also report substantial elevation range extensions for several species, including numerous records of Northern Cassowary (Casuarius unappendiculatus) over 1000 m above its historically known elevation ceiling. These findings provide new insights into species distributions and ecological flexibility in New Guinea’s montane systems, highlighting the potential for previously undocumented biodiversity in under-surveyed regions. Although camera traps detected fewer species than traditional ornithological methods, they were effective in documenting several elusive, ground-dwelling bird species, highlighting their value as a complementary tool for ornithological research in challenging terrain like New Guinea. Finally, we use our data to publish an updated bird species checklist for the Cyclops Mountains. Full article

DNA-protecting proteins (Dps) are crucial for safeguarding chromosomal DNA in starved cells during the stationary phase under stressful conditions. In previous research, the two Dps proteins in Deinococcus geothermalis, Dgeo_0257 (Dps3) and Dgeo_0281 (Dps1), were found to complement each other in protecting DNA from oxidative damage. This study investigates the physiological changes and transposition of insertion sequences (ISs) in a double-knockout (DK) mutant lacking both dps genes. Comparisons between the wild-type and mutant strains revealed significant phenotypic differences in viability under oxidative stress conditions induced by hydrogen peroxide and ferrous ions, particularly during the stationary phase. Notably, oxidative stress triggered the transposition of the IS families IS701 and IS5, with IS66 being transposed exclusively in the DK mutant into a gene encoding phytoene desaturase. Transcriptomic analysis using RNA-seq revealed substantial fold changes in gene expression across the genome. For example, the dgeo_1459–1460 gene cluster, which encodes a DUF421 domain-containing protein and a hypothetical protein, was highly upregulated under both oxidative and non-oxidative conditions. Interestingly, catalase, encoded by a single gene in D. geothermalis, was upregulated in the DK mutant during the stationary phase, with expression levels exceeding those observed in the single dps gene-deficient mutants. Conversely, a prominent downregulation of the Fur family regulator was detected. These findings highlight the growth phase-dependent physiological adaptation of the dps-DK mutant and reveal a novel IS transposition event of the ISBst12 group involving the IS66 family. Therefore, this study provides new observations into the influence of DNA-protective protein deficiency on oxidative stress responses and IS transposition in D. geothermalis, as well as the regulatory mechanisms of the catalase induction pathway, raising the need for further investigation into the role of OxyR. Full article

Background: Microplastics (MPs; <5 mm) are pervasive contaminants that can compromise freshwater wetland integrity and wildlife health, yet field evidence from inland systems and non-invasive biomonitoring remains limited. To address this gap, we provide a non-invasive, feces-based baseline for a key wintering waterbird in an inland soda-lake wetland of Türkiye, supported by polymer confirmation. Methods: We evaluated MP occurrence in fecal deposits of the Greylag Goose (Anser anser), a key wintering waterbird at Lake Erçek (Eastern Anatolia, Türkiye), using non-invasive sampling across five periods (October 2024–February 2025). We collected 400 fecal deposits and pooled them into five time-specific composite samples. Accordingly, temporal comparisons are presented descriptively at the composite (period) level rather than as individual-level statistical inference and quantified suspected MPs by type, shape, size, and color; a representative subset (>300 µm; ~20%) was polymer-confirmed by FT-IR, and particle surfaces were examined by SEM–EDX. Results: In total, 959 suspected MP items were recovered, corresponding to an estimated 1.75–2.85 items per fecal deposit (composite-derived; mean 2.40). MP counts peaked in late autumn–early winter (Time 2–Time 3) and declined toward late winter (Time 5). Fibers predominated (37.22%), followed by fragments (30.55%) and pellets (18.77%); the most frequent size class was 100–300 µm (30.25%), and white/transparent particles were most common (38.52%). FT-IR identified polystyrene, polyethylene, and polyvinyl chloride, while SEM–EDX indicated weathered polymeric surfaces. Conclusions: These findings provide baseline evidence of MP exposure in an inland wetland waterbird and support feces-based monitoring for comparative assessments. Full article

Generally, all European countries have reported a decreasing number of field birds. The cause of this trend is the intensification of agriculture, including inconsiderate landscape and drainage measures. Northern Lapwings (Vanellus vanellus L.) can be protected using targeted agri-environmental climatic measures (AECMs). The goal of our research was to verify whether the vegetation composition on arable land areas intended to protect field birds creates space for the promotion of other organisms. Understanding the significance of AECMs in supporting biodiversity on arable land will help guide the development of ecosystems in agricultural landscapes. The research was conducted in two regions of the Czech Republic (CR): Southern Bohemia (six sites) and Eastern Bohemia (six sites), and 76 plant taxa were identified in areas of arable land intended for the protection of Northern Lapwing. The vegetation of arable land managed to protect the Northern Lapwing was statistically shown to exhibit a plant species richness approximately four times greater than crop land. Measures focused on the protection of one species create a living space that can be used by other species. AECMs can be used to maintain or increase biodiversity and heterogeneity in agricultural landscapes. Our findings emphasize the need for a holistic approach to conservation in agricultural settings, where the protection of one focal species can lead to cascading benefits for the entire ecosystem. This research provides valuable insights into how AECMs can be a pivotal tool in mitigating the detrimental impacts of agricultural intensification on field birds and broader biodiversity in Europe. Full article

Community-sourced biodiversity imagery has expanded rapidly in the past decade, facilitating analyses of ecology on unprecedented spatial scales. Proliferation of these databases has also helped to reveal understudied or previously overlooked aspects of many species’ basic biology. The Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina) is considered to be a species of conservation concern, and many aspects of its diet have yet to be investigated, including how its diet varies seasonally and across its large North American range. The Evening Grosbeak’s striking plumage, frequent occurrences at bird feeders, and nomadic behavior all make them popular targets of bird photographers and a prime species for study using large community-sourced archives. We reviewed more than 50,000 photographs of Evening Grosbeaks archived in the Macaulay Library, a large public database, to gain a more detailed understanding of the diet of this species. While most Evening Grosbeak images found in the Macaulay Library depicted birds foraging at bird feeders, 1075 images were found to be of birds consuming natural (non-feeder) food items. We mapped the location of these natural dietary items to four distinct regions within the Evening Grosbeak’s geographical range and found a diet consisting of at least 96 species of plants from 25 families, 1 species of insect, and 2 species of lichen from 1 family. Despite the high diversity of dietary items we identified, richness estimators suggest even greater diversity of dietary foods exists, especially in the Pacific Northwest. Using these data and published literature on the Evening Grosbeak’s diet, we discuss the characteristics of preferred Evening Grosbeak dietary items, as well as the advantages and limitations of using community-science data for such analyses. To our knowledge, this is the first range-wide, descriptive study of a songbird species’ diet using photographs made publicly available in a community-sourced archive. Full article

Mites associated with birds comprise representatives of numerous families and display a remarkable diversity of ecological strategies, ranging from commensalism, in which the mite benefits without causing measurable harm to its host, to parasitism, which can lead to direct damage through feeding on host tissues or resources [...] Full article

Background: The fat-tailed coarse-wooled sheep breeds exhibit excellent reproductive performance, exceptional adaptability to pasture conditions, and high precocity, contributing to enhanced meat, fat, and wool productivity in sheep breeding. Despite the significant role of these sheep breeds in Kazakhstan’s livestock production, their genetics remain poorly studied. This raises concerns about the potential loss of unique, breed-specific traits that could be important for the future development and resilience of Kazakh stan’s sheep farming sector. This study aimed to analyze genome-wide genotyping SNP data of local fat-tailed coarse-wooled sheep breeds (Kazakh fat-tailed coarse-wooled, Edilbay, and Gissar) to reveal their genetic diversity, breed characteristics, and phylogenetic relationships with worldwide domestic sheep breeds and wild sheep. Methods: The OvineSNP50 Genotyping BeadChip was used to obtain genome-wide SNP genotyping data from 160 fat-tailed coarse-wooled sheep from Kazakhstan. Population structure analysis, principal component analysis, phylogenetic and the maximum likelihood tree analysis were performed in comparison with foreign domestic sheep breeds and wild sheep populations. Results: Kazakh breeds exhibited high genetic diversity, with Edilbay showing the greatest allelic richness. PCA and Admixture revealed clear differentiation among the three breeds: Edilbay and Gissar formed homogeneous clusters, while Kazakh fat-tailed coarse-wooled sheep displayed admixture and substructure. Evidence of gene flow from Edilbay into other Kazakh populations supports its role as a genetic source for regional breeds. Phylogenetic analysis placed Kazakhstani sheep close to other Central Asian breeds, while clearly distinct from East Asian and European populations. Wild sheep (Argali and Urial) formed separate clades, with Kerman wild sheep clustering closer to Urial. Conclusions: Our results highlight the value of genotyping data for studying genetic diversity and population structure. Developing genetic resources for Kazakhstan’s native sheep breeds will help preserve their unique diversity and ensure it remains available for future use in breeding and adaptation efforts. Full article

The water deer, although an internationally endangered species, is designated as a nuisance wild animal in South Korea and occupies a unique ecological niche. Studying the gut microbiome of this species is crucial for understanding its ecology. We amplified 16S rRNA DNA and compared the gut microbiomes of wild water deer from three regions with those of captive water deer from one region. Our results showed that the gut microbiome diversity of water deer did not differ significantly across regions in the wild but decreased significantly when raised in captivity. The similar microbiomes of water deer living in different regions are believed to be due to dietary diversity rather than dietary homogeneity. Furthermore, the monotony of the food supply appears to lead to significant variation in captive environments. From a conservation biology and biorestoration perspective, we suggest the importance of conserving the gut environments of animals conserved and restored outside their native habitats. Full article

Wetlands play a vital role in conserving waterbirds, particularly along major European river systems such as the Danube River and its tributaries. To promote the importance of wetlands and address the lack of data on bird biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems, this study was conducted to assess the baseline status of a demonstration site within the European project DaWetRest. The research focused on a lesser-studied pilot area, the Danube North of Kopački rit, near the village of Draž, located in the tri-border region of Croatia, Hungary, and Serbia. Systematic ornithological monitoring was carried out monthly from January to December 2024 across three monitoring areas (total transect length: 4200 m). A total of 26 bird taxa were recorded, comprising 2148 individual observations. The most dominant species were the Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea), and Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo). Conversely, the species that were the least present were White Stork (Ciconia ciconia), Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides), Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus), Eurasian Teal (Anas crecca), and Black Stork (Ciconia nigra). This study also examines the seasonal dynamics of waterbirds, providing essential baseline data for evaluating the effectiveness of upcoming restoration measures planned for the area. Full article

Tea is a global commodity, and due to its way of preparation pesticide residues cannot be tolerated. This underlines the importance of non-chemical pest control. Kenya is the third largest global tea producer but the potential of natural enemies against tea pests is unknown. We used artificial caterpillars made of non-drying green plasticine to quantify attack rates by predators on tea canopies at different distances from plantation edges and in the nearby native forest during the wet and dry seasons in three tea-growing mountain regions of Kenya, Kericho, Gatamaiyu and Kakamega. The artificial sentinel caterpillars were readily attacked by arthropods, birds, and sporadically by small mammals. During an exposure time of 24 h, the overall attack rate was 25.0%d⁻¹. Natural enemy activity was higher in the dry (35.3%d⁻¹) than in the wet (16.7%d⁻¹) season. The highest predation pressure was measured in the native forest (41.7%d⁻¹) and gradually decreased with increasing distances into the tea plantation (to 8.3%d⁻¹ at 40 m from the edge). The rate of decrease from the forest edge towards the centre of the tea plantation was steeper for birds than for arthropods, indicating that birds were more reluctant to use this habitat. The potential for natural pest control in Kenyan tea plantations is high, but planting native trees is recommended especially if bird activity inside tea plantations is to be encouraged. Full article

Habitat and climate changes driven by human activities are altering the distribution of organisms globally. In South Korea, recent temperature increases have exceeded twice the global average, and habitats have markedly changed and shrunk due to urban development driven by population growth and economic expansion. Despite its high biodiversity and over 500 years of preservation, Gwangneung Forest in South Korea has experienced habitat alterations due to the urbanization of surrounding rural areas since the 1990s. In this study, we aimed to evaluate how butterfly communities respond to urbanization and climate change using long-term monitoring data (1998–2015) from the conserved Gwangneung Forest. We considered the thermal adaptation types (cold-, warm-, and moderately adapted species), habitat types (forest edge, forest inside, and grassland), diet breadth (monophagous, oligophagous, and polyphagous), and wingspan of butterflies. Linear regression analysis of the abundance trends for each species revealed that cold-adapted species experienced population declines, while warm-adapted species showed increases. Changes in butterfly abundance were associated with both thermal adaptation type and wingspan, with larger, more mobile species showing greater resistance to habitat loss in surrounding areas. To preserve butterfly diversity in Gwangneung Forest and across South Korea, it is crucial to conserve open green habitats—such as gardens, small arable lands, and grasslands—within urban areas, especially considering the impacts of climate change and habitat loss, which disproportionately affect smaller species with limited mobility. Full article

Countless studies have been conducted on cumulative environmental impacts, but not many have been performed on specific cases of the presence or absence of actual cumulative environmental impacts and restoration, and there is no standardized method for judging cumulative environmental impacts. With our study, we aimed to fill this research gap. We methodologically propose that environmental impacts and restoration can be intuitively expressed by measuring alpha diversity, beta diversity, and gamma diversity in avian fauna. We hope that our proposal will enable many researchers to apply these measurements not only to wind power projects but also various others. This will let them move away from data-less claims and rather track changes in environmental impacts with objective data, considering cumulative environmental impacts and recovery of impacts over time. The results showed that there were changes in the three types of diversity due to the development of wind power complexes on mountain ridges during construction, and the environment was restored over several years. In conclusion, cumulative environmental impacts due to the development of wind power complexes on mountain ridges were not found when limited to avifauna, and impacts due to construction showed a pattern of restoration after construction. There were also cases where restoration occurred even during construction. Full article