Search Results (270)

As urbanization accelerates and climate change intensifies, the ecological integrity of urban riparian forests faces growing threats, underscoring the need for a systematic framework to guide their sustainable management. To address this gap, we developed a causal framework by applying text mining and sentence classification to 1001 abstracts from previous studies, structured within the DPSIR (Driver–Pressure–State–Impact–Response) model. The analysis identified six dominant thematic clusters—water quality, ecosystem services, basin and land use management, climate-related stressors, anthropogenic impacts, and greenhouse gas emissions—which reflect the multifaceted concerns surrounding urban riparian forest research. These themes were synthesized into a structured causal model that illustrates how urbanization, land use, and pollution contribute to ecological degradation, while also suggesting potential restoration pathways. To validate its applicability, the framework was applied to four major urban streams in Seoul, where indicator-based analysis and correlation mapping revealed meaningful linkages among urban drivers, biodiversity, air quality, and civic engagement. Ultimately, by integrating large-scale text mining with causal inference modeling, this study offers a transferable approach to support adaptive planning and evidence-based decision-making under the uncertainties posed by climate change. Full article

Acacia mearnsii De Wild. has been introduced to over 150 countries for its economic value. However, it easily escapes from plantations and establishes monospecific stands across plains, hills, valleys, and riparian habitats, including protected areas such as national parks and forest reserves. Due to its negative ecological impact, A. mearnsii has been listed among the world’s 100 worst invasive alien species. This species exhibits rapid stem growth in its sapling stage and reaches reproductive maturity early. It produces a large quantity of long-lived seeds, establishing a substantial seed bank. A. mearnsii can grow in different environmental conditions and tolerates various adverse conditions, such as low temperatures and drought. Its invasive populations are unlikely to be seriously damaged by herbivores and pathogens. Additionally, A. mearnsii exhibits allelopathic activity, though its ecological significance remains unclear. These characteristics of A. mearnsii may contribute to its expansion in introduced ranges. The presence of A. mearnsii affects abiotic processes in ecosystems by reducing water availability, increasing the risk of soil erosion and flooding, altering soil chemical composition, and obstructing solar light irradiation. The invasion negatively affects biotic processes as well, reducing the diversity and abundance of native plants and arthropods, including protective species. Eradicating invasive populations of A. mearnsii requires an integrated, long-term management approach based on an understanding of its invasive mechanisms. Early detection of invasive populations and the promotion of public awareness about their impact are also important. More attention must be given to its invasive traits because it easily escapes from cultivation. Full article

Willow stands (Salix spp.) are an essential part of riparian ecosystems, as they sustain biodiversity and provide bioenergy solutions. The present review synthesizes the global scientific literature about the management of willow stands. In order to achieve this goal, we used a dual approach combining bibliometric analysis with traditional literature review. As such, we consulted 416 publications published between 1978 and 2024. This allowed us to identify key species, ecosystem services, conservation strategies, and management issues. The results we have obtained show a diversity of approaches, with an increase in short-rotation coppice (SRC) systems and the multiple roles covered by willow stands (carbon sequestration, biomass production, riparian restoration, and habitat provision). The key trends we have identified show a shift toward topics such as climate resilience, ecological restoration, and precision forestry. This trend has become especially pronounced over the past decade (2014–2024), as reflected in the increasing use of these keywords in the literature. However, as willow systems expand in scale and function—from biomass production to ecological restoration—they also raise complex challenges, including invasive tendencies in non-native regions and uncertainties surrounding biodiversity impacts and soil carbon dynamics over the long term. The present review is a guide for forest policies and, more specifically, for future research, linking the need to integrate and use adaptive strategies in order to maintain the willow stands. Full article

The accurate monitoring of waterbird abundance and their habitat preferences is essential for effective ecological management and conservation planning in aquatic ecosystems. This study explores the efficacy of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based high-resolution orthomosaics for waterbird monitoring and mapping along the Lieve Canal, Belgium. We systematically classified habitats into residential, industrial, riparian tree, and herbaceous vegetation zones, examining their influence on the spatial distribution of three focal waterbird species: Eurasian coot (Fulica atra), common moorhen (Gallinula chloropus), and wild duck (Anas platyrhynchos). Herbaceous vegetation zones consistently supported the highest waterbird densities, attributed to abundant nesting substrates and minimal human disturbance. UAV-based waterbird counts correlated strongly with ground-based surveys (R² = 0.668), though species-specific detectability varied significantly due to morphological visibility and ecological behaviors. Detection accuracy was highest for coots, intermediate for ducks, and lowest for moorhens, highlighting the crucial role of image resolution ground sampling distance (GSD) in aerial monitoring. Operational challenges, including image occlusion and habitat complexity, underline the need for tailored survey protocols and advanced sensing techniques. Our findings demonstrate that UAV imagery provides a reliable and scalable method for monitoring waterbird habitats, offering critical insights for biodiversity conservation and sustainable management practices in aquatic landscapes. Full article

Odonata constitute an important invertebrate group that is strongly dependent on water conditions and sensitive to habitat disturbances, rendering them reliable indicators of habitat quality of both aquatic and terrestrial habitats. We studied the compositional and diversity patterns of Odonates in total, and separately for the two suborders (Zygoptera, Anisoptera) in relation to geographic and ecological parameters at the riparian zone of four rivers and one canal within the Axios Delta National Park and the Natura 2000 SAC GR1220002 in northern Greece, using the line transect technique. In total, 6252 individuals belonging to 28 species were identified. The compositional and diversity patterns were significantly different between agricultural and natural sites. Odonata assemblages at croplands were comparatively poorer, dominated by a few, widely distributed, taxonomically proximal species, tolerant to environmental changes, as a result of modifications and consequent alterations of abiotic conditions at croplands, which also led to higher local contribution to β-diversity and species turnover. The absence of several percher, endophytic, and threatened species from agricultural sites led to significantly lower diversity, as a result of environmental filtering due to ecophysiological restrictions. Taxonomic and functional diversity, uniqueness, and Dragonfly Biotic Index (DBI) were significantly higher in riparian forests, due to the sensitivity of damselflies to dehydration, and the avoidance of habitat loss and extreme temperatures by dragonflies, which prefer natural shelters near the ecotone. The newly introduced Conservation Value Index (CVI) revealed 21 conservation hotspots of Odonata (14 at canopy cover sites), widely distributed within the borders of NATURA 2000 SAC GR1220002. Full article

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are increasingly adopted in urban settings to restore ecological functions and enhance biodiversity. This study evaluates the effects of NbS interventions on bird, insect, and plant communities in the Cavalum Valley urban green area, Penafiel (northern Portugal). Over a three-year period, systematic field surveys assessed changes in species richness, abundance, and ecological indicators following actions such as riparian restoration, afforestation, habitat diversification, and invasive species removal. Results revealed a marked increase in bird overall abundance from 538 to 941 individuals and in average pollinator population size from 9.25 to 12.20. Plant diversity also improved, with a rise in native and RELAPE-listed species (5.23%). Functional group analyses underscored the importance of vegetative structure in supporting varied foraging and nesting behaviours. These findings highlight the effectiveness of integrated NbS in enhancing biodiversity and ecological resilience in urban landscapes while reinforcing the need for long-term monitoring to guide adaptive management and conservation planning. Future work could evaluate ecological resilience thresholds and community participation in citizen science monitoring. Full article

Arundo donax L. has been introduced in markets worldwide due to its economic value. However, it is listed in the world’s 100 worst alien invasive species because it easily escapes from cultivation, and forms dense monospecific stands in riparian areas, agricultural areas, and grassland areas along roadsides, including in protected areas. This species grows rapidly and produces large amounts of biomass due to its high photosynthetic ability. It spreads asexually through ramets, in addition to stem and rhizome fragments. Wildfires, flooding, and human activity promote its distribution and domination. It can adapt to various habitats and tolerate various adverse environmental conditions, such as cold temperatures, drought, flooding, and high salinity. A. donax exhibits defense mechanisms against biotic stressors, including herbivores and pathogens. It produces indole alkaloids, such as bufotenidine and gramine, as well as other alkaloids that are toxic to herbivorous mammals, insects, parasitic nematodes, and pathogenic fungi and oomycetes. A. donax accumulates high concentrations of phytoliths, which also protect against pathogen infection and herbivory. Only a few herbivores and pathogens have been reported to significantly damage A. donax growth and populations. Additionally, A. donax exhibits allelopathic activity against competing plant species, though the allelochemicals involved have yet to be identified. These characteristics may contribute to its infestation, survival, and population expansion in new habitats as an invasive plant species. Dense monospecific stands of A. donax alter ecosystem structures and functions. These stands impact abiotic processes in ecosystems by reducing water availability, and increasing the risk of erosion, flooding, and intense fires. The stands also negatively affect biotic processes by reducing plant diversity and richness, as well as the fitness of habitats for invertebrates and vertebrates. Eradicating A. donax from a habitat requires an ongoing, long-term integrated management approach based on an understanding of its invasive mechanisms. Human activity has also contributed to the spread of A. donax populations. There is an urgent need to address its invasive traits. This is the first review focusing on the invasive mechanisms of this plant in terms of adaptation to abiotic and biotic stressors, particularly physiological adaptation. Full article

Intraspecific variations in the morphological traits of juveniles and adults of the Brazilian silverside, Atherinella brasiliensis, from three estuarine habitats were studied to understanding whether their morphology interacts with their dietary composition and habitat structure. For each individual, fourteen morphological measurements and eight functional traits were recorded related to food acquisition and locomotion. The highest abundance of A. brasiliensis was recorded in mudflats, which were often associated with a greater number of juveniles. Overall, 392 A. brasiliensis stomachs were examined, and their diet comprised mainly zooplankton organisms, followed by insects and benthic crustaceans. Among the morphological measures, our data revealed that in vegetated habitats (seagrass and riparian vegetation), individuals showed a higher oral gape surface and caudal peduncle and fed predominately on epibiotic or benthic fauna, while for individuals that had bigger eyes in unvegetated habitats (mudflat), this facilitated the ingestion of zooplankton and diatoms. Furthermore, a greater relative body height recorded in unvegetated habitats enhanced swimming performance and was linked to the effects of the lowest habitat structure. The results highlight the significant effects of morphological variation on juvenile and adult food acquisition and swimming ability. Full article

Ulmus glabra Huds. is a mesophilic, montane broadleaf tree with high ecological value, commonly found in temperate riparian and floodplain forests across Türkiye. Its populations in Türkiye have declined due to anthropogenic disturbances and climatic pressures that cause habitat fragmentation and threaten the species’ long-term survival. In this research, we used Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) to build species distribution models (SDMs) and applied the Restoration Planner (RP) tool to identify and prioritize critical restoration sites under both current and projected climate scenarios (SSP245, SSP370, SSP585). The SDMs highlighted areas of high suitability, primarily along the Black Sea coast. Future projections show that habitat fragmentation and shifts in suitable areas are expected to worsen. To systematically compare restoration options across different future scenarios, we derived and applied four spatial network status indicators using the RP tool. Specifically, we calculated Restoration Pixels (REST_PIX), Average Distance of Restoration Pixels from the Network (AVDIST_RP), Change in Equivalent Connected Area (ΔECA), and Restoration Efficiency (EFFIC) using the RP tool. For the 1 <-> 2 restoration pathways, the highest efficiency (EFFIC = 38.17) was recorded under present climate conditions. However, the largest improvement in connectivity (ΔECA = 60,775.62) was found in the 4 <-> 5 pathway under the SSP585 scenario, though this required substantial restoration effort (REST_PIX = 385). Temporal analysis noted that the restoration action will have most effectiveness between 2040 and 2080, while between 2081 and 2100, increased habitat fragmentation can severely undermine ecological connectivity. The result indicates that incorporation of habitat suitability modeling into restoration planning can help to design cost-effective restoration actions for degraded land. Moreover, the approach used herein provides a reproducible framework for the enhancement of species sustainability and habitat connectivity under varying climate conditions. Full article

The United Kingdom has a low percentage cover of woodland, which exists in small, highly fragmented patches. Plans to increase the cover from 14.5% to 17.5% by 2050 will require guidance to help target the planting of new forests to maximise ecological connectivity. This study develops a novel approach to landscape simulation utilising real-world spatial boundary data. The Colne Valley river watershed is chosen as a study site. Three different future woodland creation goals (+10, 30, and 50%) are tested alongside manipulations of the mean new patch size and the mode in which new woodland is created in relation to existing woodland. Scenarios which expanded existing woodland and used riparian planting created larger, more connected patches with more core area. The model outputs are used to assess the impact of the UK woodland increase plans, and past woodland creation efforts are assessed. Increasing the percentage cover generally boosted connectivity, functional connectivity (species dispersals), and increased patch size and core area index. We suggest that proximal growth offers the greatest benefits in terms of biodiversity, but in terms of habitat connectivity smaller isolated woodland patches may also be needed as stepping stones to aid dispersal. Full article

The Yellow River Basin (YRB) is a critical ecological zone in China now confronting growing tensions between land conservation and development. This study combines land use, climate, and socio-economic data with spatial–statistical models (GeoDetector [GD]–Patch-generating Land Use Simulation [PLUS]–Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-Offs [InVEST]) to analyze land use changes (2000–2020), evaluate habitat quality, and simulate scenarios to 2040. Key results include the following: (1) Farmland was decreased by the conversion to forests (+3475 km²) and grasslands (+4522 km²), while construction land expanded rapidly (+11,166 km²); (2) the population and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) pressures drove the farmland loss (q = 0.148 for population, q = 0.129 for GDP), while synergies between evapotranspiration (ET) and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) promoted forest/grassland recovery (q = 0.155); and (3) ecological protection scenarios increased the grassland area by 12.94% but restricted the construction land growth (−13.84%), with persistent unused land (>3.61% in Inner Mongolia) indicating arid-zone risks. The Habitat Quality-Autocorrelated Coupling Index (HQACI) declined from 0.373 (2020) to 0.345–0.349 (2040), which was linked to drought, groundwater loss, and urban expansion. Proposed strategies including riparian corridor protection, adaptive urban zoning, and gradient-based restoration aim to balance ecological and developmental needs, supporting spatial planning and enhancing the basin-wide habitat quality. Full article

Riparian forests are important for maintaining aquatic biodiversity, yet they face increasing pressure from logging activities. This study assessed the functional diversity of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera (EPT) in 30 Amazonian first-order streams across three riparian forests: pristine, selectively logged, and conventionally logged. We evaluated four habitat attributes linked to ecosystem functioning (canopy cover, water temperature, sediment organic matter, and small woody debris) and calculated two indices of functional diversity: richness and divergence. Functional diversity was highest in pristine streams, intermediate in selectively logged streams, and lowest in conventionally logged streams. Functional richness and divergence declined significantly in conventionally logged forests, indicating a loss of ecological traits and potential reductions in ecosystem functions. We also observed that canopy cover, sediment organic matter, and woody debris were positively associated with EPT functional diversity, while water temperature had a negative association. These findings highlight that conventional logging leads to the functional homogenization of aquatic insect assemblages, compromising key ecological processes. Selective logging that maintains riparian buffers may preserve functional diversity, even though these differences may be influenced by site-specific environmental conditions. Our results underscore the importance of conserving riparian integrity to sustain the resilience and functioning of tropical stream ecosystems in logged landscapes. Full article

Habitat degradation poses a critical threat to the Malabar slender loris (Loris lydekkerianus malabaricus), yet little is known about its microhabitat requirements in intact forest. In Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, we combined nocturnal trail surveys (337 loris sightings) with plotless sampling of 2830 trees (86 species from 35 families) to characterize both vegetation structure and loris presence. Our results show that lorises occur almost exclusively in mildly degraded wet evergreen and secondary moist deciduous subcanopies, where understory trees and climber networks provide continuous pathways. Individuals are most often encountered at heights of 5–15 m—ascending into higher strata as the night progresses—reflecting a balance between foraging access and predator avoidance. Substrate analysis revealed strong preferences for twigs ≤ 1 cm (36.98%) and small branches 2–5 cm in diameter, oriented obliquely to minimize energetic costs and maintain stability during slow, deliberate arboreal locomotion. Day-sleeping sites were overwhelmingly located within dense tangles of lianas on large-girth trees, where intertwined stems and thorny undergrowth offer concealment from both mammalian and avian predators. Vegetation surveys documented a near-equal mix of evergreen (50.6%) and deciduous (49.4%) species—including 26 endemics (18 restricted to the Western Ghats)—with Aporosa cardiosperma emerging as the most abundant riparian pioneer, suggesting both ecological resilience and potential simplification in fragmented patches. Complementing field observations, our recent habitat-suitability modeling in Aralam indicates that broad-scale climatic and anthropogenic factors—precipitation patterns, elevation, and proximity to roads—are the strongest predictors of loris occupancy, underscoring the interplay between landscape-level processes and microhabitat structure. Together, these findings highlight the imperative of multi-strata forest restoration—planting insect-hosting native trees, maintaining continuous canopy and climber networks, and integrating small “mini-forest” modules—to recreate the structural complexity vital for slender loris conservation and the broader resilience of Western Ghats biodiversity. Full article

Sympatric species often exhibit habitat differences that promote coexistence. Two cryptic, sympatric salamander species, Desmognathus folkertsi and D. amphileucus, occupy streams across the Appalachian Mountains of northeastern Georgia, USA. Although frequently occurring together, the adults exhibit differences in microhabitat with D. folkertsi predominating in smaller streams and D. amphileucus more abundant in larger streams. Our purpose was to test for possible differences in larval habitat. Using a stream in which the two species coexist, we collected larvae from riffles, and biotic and abiotic variables associated with the stream and adjacent riparian zone were recorded. Because adults partially segregate by stream size, we noted the entry of a tributary that increased stream size and flow rate. Results showed a significant distribution of the two species upstream compared to downstream of the tributary, with no D. amphileucus found upstream; D. folkertsi was found throughout the study stream. We also found a significant difference between species in flow rate. We found no differences in any other variable that explained larval distribution patterns. We hypothesize that D. folkertsi nest in lower-flow riffles than D. amphileucus, resulting in the distribution of larvae, a pattern that may reflect selection on larval survival. Full article

Eurasian otters, as apex predators in freshwater ecosystems, are crucial to maintaining nutrient cycling and habitat stability. Although Eurasian otters prefer unaltered natural habitats, their adaptive and opportunistic behavior allows them to occupy suboptimal environments, including urbanized areas. As urbanization increases, the pressure on apex carnivores like the Eurasian otter will continue to grow. To date, urban stream restoration plans have not used the Eurasian otter as a keystone species, but given their influence across the trophic levels, Eurasian otter-focused restoration plans could enhance otter populations and overall biodiversity in urban areas. Here, we lay out six principles designed as a template for enhancing urban habitats for Eurasian otters as well as biodiversity. The principles (enhancing habitat structure complexity, restoring natural riparian vegetation and habitats, safeguarding water quality, providing native prey species, reducing otter mortality, and promoting positive public perception) are essential for urban ecosystem regeneration focused on Eurasian otters. Although there have been no urban restoration projects specifically tailored toward Eurasian otters, initiatives based on similar principles have been effective in promoting biodiversity and otter presence. Overall, an urban habitat restoration plan focused on Eurasian otters will not just increase otter presence but biodiversity across all trophic levels. Full article