Search Results (1,126)

Species and phylogenetic diversity play vital roles in sustaining the structure, function, and resilience of plant communities, particularly in tropical rainforests. However, the mechanisms according to which environmental filtering and competitive exclusion influence diversity across forest layers remain insufficiently understood. In this study, we investigated the species and phylogenetic diversity patterns in two representative tropical rainforest sites—Bawangling and Jianfengling—within Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park, China, focusing on communities associated with the endangered species Hopea hainanensis. We employed a one-way ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation analyses to examine the distribution characteristics and interrelationships among diversity indices and used Mantel tests to assess the correlations with environmental variables. Our results revealed that the plant community in Jianfengling exhibited a significantly higher species richness at the family, genus, and species levels (a total of 288 plant species have been recorded, belonging to 82 families and 183 genera) compared to that in Bawangling (a total of 212 plant species, belonging to 75 families and 162 genera). H. hainanensis held the highest importance value in the middle tree layer across both sites (IV(BWL) = 12.44; IV(JFL) = 5.73), while dominant species varied notably among other forest layers, indicating strong habitat specificity. Diversity indices, including the Simpson index, the Shannon–Wiener index, and Pielou’s evenness, were significantly higher in the large shrub layer of Jianfengling, whereas Bawangling showed a relatively higher Shannon–Wiener index in the middle shrub layer. Phylogenetic diversity (PD) and the phylogenetic structure indices (NRI and NTI) displayed distinct vertical stratification patterns between sites. Furthermore, the PD in Bawangling’s large shrub layer was positively correlated with total phosphorus in the soil, while community evenness was influenced by soil organic carbon and total nitrogen. In Jianfengling, species richness was significantly associated with soil bulk density, altitude, and pH. These findings enhance our understanding of the ecological and evolutionary processes shaping biodiversity in tropical rainforests and highlight the importance of incorporating both species and phylogenetic metrics into the conservation strategies for endangered species such as Hopea hainanensis. Full article

Black soldier fly frass (BSFF) is a nutrient-rich organic byproduct with growing potential as a sustainable fertilizer. While its effects on crops have been studied, its impact on tree seedling development for reforestation remains poorly understood. This study evaluated the effect of BSFF on the growth and survival of two native Malagasy tree species: the fast-growing Dodonaea madagascariensis and the slow-growing Verpis macrophylla. A six-month nursery experiment tested three BSFF application rates (half-, one-, and two-fold nitrogen equivalence), along with cattle manure, synthetic NPK, and a no-fertilizer control. The survival was highest in the half-fold BSFF (95% for D. madagascariensis, 87.5% for V. macrophylla) and lowest in BSFF two-fold (0% and 22.5%, respectively) treatments. NPK also significantly reduced the survival (5% for D. madagascariensis, 17.5% for V. macrophylla). The growth responses were most pronounced in D. madagascariensis, where the BSFF half- and one-fold treatments led to height growth rates that were 2.0–2.7 times higher than that of the control, cattle manure, and NPK treatments, and diameter growth that was 1.8–2.3 times higher. The biomass accumulation was also significantly higher under the BSFF half- and one-fold treatments for D. madagascariensis. In contrast, V. macrophylla showed limited response to the treatments. These findings indicate that calibrated BSFF application can enhance seedling performance in reforestation efforts, particularly for fast-growing species. Notably, the growth rate of D. madagascariensis doubled (in terms of cm/month) under optimal BSFF treatment—a critical advantage, as time is a key constraint in reforestation and faster growth directly supports more efficient forest restoration. This highlights BSFF’s potential as a sustainable and locally available input for forest restoration in Madagascar. Full article

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

Wild edible mushrooms are increasingly recognised for their nutritional and therapeutic potential, owing to their richness in bioactive compounds and antioxidant properties. This study assessed the chemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and bioaccumulation of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Ni) in Boletus edulis, Imleria badia, and Leccinum scabrum collected from two forested regions of north-western Poland differing in anthropogenic influence and soil characteristics. The analysis encompassed structural polysaccharides (β- and α-glucans, chitin), carotenoids, L-ascorbic acid, phenolic and organic acids. B. edulis exhibited the highest β-glucan and lycopene contents, but also the greatest cadmium accumulation. I. badia was distinguished by elevated ascorbic and citric acid levels and the strongest DPPH radical scavenging activity, while L. scabrum showed the highest ABTS and FRAP antioxidant capacities and accumulated quinic acid and catechin. Principal component analysis indicated strong correlations between antioxidant activity and phenolic acids, while cadmium levels were inversely associated with antioxidant potential and positively correlated with chitin. Although all metal concentrations remained within EU food safety limits, B. edulis showed consistent cadmium bioaccumulation. From a practical perspective, the results highlight the importance of species selection and sourcing location when considering wild mushrooms for consumption or processing, particularly in the context of nutritional value and contaminant load. Importantly, regular or excessive consumption of B. edulis may result in exceeding the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) levels for cadmium and nickel, which warrants particular attention from a food safety perspective. These findings underscore the influence of species-specific traits and environmental conditions on mushroom biochemical profiles and support their potential as functional foods, provided that metal contents are adequately monitored. Full article

This study presents a comprehensive inventory of bryophytes in Serra dos Órgãos National Park (PARNASO), aiming to evaluate species richness, floristic composition and threatened taxa. Despite the state of Rio de Janeiro being one of the most extensively sampled regions for bryophytes in Brazil, detailed surveys of its conservation units remain scarce. Data were obtained through bibliographic review, herbarium specimen analysis, and new field collections. A total of 504 species were recorded, belonging to 202 genera and 76 families. The park harbors three locally endemic species, eight endemic to Rio de Janeiro, and sixty-nine species endemic to Brazil. Additionally, eleven species were identified as threatened, comprising seven Endangered (EN), two Critically Endangered (CR), and two Vulnerable (VU) according to the IUCN guidelines. PARNASO includes four distinct ecosystems along an altitudinal gradient: sub-montane forest (up to 500 m), montane forest (500–1500 m), upper-montane forest (1500–2000 m), and high-altitude fields (above 2000 m). Montane Forest showed the highest species richness, followed by high-altitude fields, upper-montane forest, and sub-montane forest. The findings highlight PARNASO’s importance in preserving bryophyte diversity in a highly diverse yet understudied region. This work contributes valuable baseline data to support conservation strategies and future ecological studies in Atlantic Forest remnants. Full article

Urban wildlife conservation is emerging as a critical component of sustainable city ecosystems. Rather than simply increasing tree abundance or species richness, conservation management should focus on key species. In this research, Xishan Forest Park in Beijing was chosen as a case study. Our aim was to identify keystone taxa critical for avian foraging and nesting during the breeding season. We performed a network analysis linking bird species, their diets, and nest plants. Dietary components were detected using DNA metabarcoding conducted with avian fecal samples. Nest plants were identified via transect surveys. Two indices of the network, degree and weighted mean degree, were calculated to evaluate the importance of the dietary and nest plant species. We identified 13 bird host species from 107 fecal samples and 14 bird species from 107 nest observations. Based on the degree indices, fruit trees Morus and Prunus were detected as key food sources, exhibiting both the highest degree (degree = 9, 9) and weighted mean degree (lnwMD = 5.21, 4.63). Robinia pseudoacacia provided predominant nesting sites, with a predominant degree of 7. A few taxa, such as Styphnolobium japonicum and Rhamnus parvifolia, served dual ecological significance as both essential food sources and nesting substrates. Scrublands, as a unique habitat type, provided nesting sites and food for small-bodied birds. Therefore, targeted management interventions are recommended to sustain or enhance these keystone resource species and to maintain the multi-layered vertical vegetation structure to preserve the diverse habitats of birds. Full article

Tropical forests continue to experience high levels of habitat loss and degradation, with wildfires becoming a frequent component of human-modified landscapes. Here we investigate the response of palm species to the conversion of old-growth forests to successional mosaics, including forest patches burned during wildfires. Palms (≥50 cm height) were recorded once in 2023–2024, across four habitat classes: terra firme old-growth stands, regenerating forest stands associated with slash-and-burn agriculture, old-growth stands burned once and twice, and active cassava fields, in the Tapajós-Arapiuns Extractive Reserve, in the eastern Brazilian Amazon. The flammability of palm leaf litter and forest litter were also examined to assess the potential connections between palm proliferation and wildfires. A total of 10 palm species were recorded in this social forest (including slash-and-burn agriculture and resulting successional mosaics), with positive, negative, and neutral responses to land use. Species richness did not differ among forest habitats, but absolute palm abundance was greatest in disturbed habitats. Only Attalea spectabilis Mart. (curuá) exhibited increased relative abundance across disturbed habitats, including active cassava field. Attalea spectabilis accounted for almost 43% of all stems in the old-growth forest, 89% in regenerating forests, 90% in burned forests, and 79% in crop fields. Disturbed habitats supported a five-to-ten-fold increment in curuá leaves as a measure of habitat flammability. Although curuá litter exhibited lower flame temperature and height, its lower carbon and higher volatile content is expected to be more sensitive to fire ignition and promote the spread of wildfires. The conversion of old-growth forests into social forests promotes the establishment of palm-dominated forests, increasing the potential for a forest transition further fueled by wildfires, with effects on forest resilience and social reproduction still to be understood. Full article

Numerous studies have demonstrated that in residential areas of Western cities, both luxury and legacy effects significantly shape tree species diversity dynamics. However, the specific mechanisms driving these diversity patterns in China, where urbanization has progressed at an unprecedented pace, remain poorly understood. In this study we selected 20 residential settlements and 7 key socio-economic properties to investigate the change trend of tree diversity (2006–2021) and its socio-economic driving factors in Beijing. Our results demonstrate significant increases in total, native, and exotic tree species richness between 2006 and 2021 (p < 0.05), with average increases of 36%, 26%, and 55%, respectively. Total and exotic tree Shannon-Wiener indices, as well as exotic tree Simpson’s index, were also significantly higher in 2021 (p < 0.05). Housing prices was the dominant driver shaping total and exotic tree diversity, showing significant positive correlations with both metrics. In contrast, native tree diversity exhibited a strong positive association with neighborhood age. Our findings highlight two dominant mechanisms: legacy effect, where older neighborhoods preserve native diversity through historical planting practices, and luxury effect, where affluent communities drive exotic species proliferation through ornamental landscaping initiatives. These findings elucidate the dual dynamics of legacy conservation and luxury-driven cultivation in urban forest development, revealing how historical contingencies and contemporary socioeconomic forces jointly shape tree diversity patterns in urban ecosystems. Full article

To explore the characteristics of species diversity and phylogenetic diversity, as well as the dominant processes of community construction, in different forest types (deciduous broad-leaved forest, mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forest, and Chinese fir plantation) in subtropical regions, analyze the specific driving patterns of soil nutrients and other environmental factors on the formation of forest diversity in different forest types, and clarify the differences in response to environmental heterogeneity between natural forests and plantation forests. Based on 48 fixed monitoring plots of 50 m × 50 m in Shouchang Forest Farm, Jiande City, Zhejiang Province, woody plants with a diameter at breast height ≥5 cm were investigated. Species diversity indices (Margalef index, Shannon–Wiener index, Simpson index, and Pielou index), phylogenetic structure index (PD), and environmental factors were used to analyze the relationship between diversity characteristics and environmental factors through variance analysis, correlation analysis, and generalized linear models. Phylogenetic structural indices (NRI and NTI) were used, combined with a random zero model, to explore the mechanisms of community construction in different forest types. Research has found that (1) the deciduous broad-leaved forest had the highest species diversity (Margalef index of 4.121 ± 1.425) and phylogenetic diversity (PD index of 21.265 ± 7.796), significantly higher than the mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forest and the Chinese fir plantation (p < 0.05); (2) there is a significant positive correlation between species richness and phylogenetic diversity, with the best fit being AIC = 70.5636 and R² = 0.9419 in broad-leaved forests; however, the contribution of evenness is limited; (3) the specific effects of soil factors on different forest types: available phosphorus (AP) is negatively correlated with the diversity of deciduous broad-leaved forests (p < 0.05), total phosphorus (TP) promotes the diversity of coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forests, while the diversity of Chinese fir plantations is significantly negatively correlated with total nitrogen (TN); (4) the phylogenetic structure of three different forest types shows a divergent pattern in deciduous broad-leaved forests, indicating that competition and exclusion dominate the construction of deciduous broad-leaved forests; the aggregation mode of Chinese fir plantation indicates that environmental filtering dominates the construction of Chinese fir plantation; the mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forest is a transitional model, indicating that the mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forest is influenced by both stochastic processes and ecological niche processes. In different forest types in subtropical regions, the species and phylogenetic diversity of broad-leaved forests is significantly higher than in other forest types. The impact of soil nutrients on the diversity of different forest types varies, and the characteristics of community construction in different forest types are also different. This indicates the importance of protecting the original vegetation and provides a scientific basis for improving the ecological function of artificial forest ecosystems through structural adjustment. The research results have important practical guidance value for sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation in the region. Full article

True slime molds (Eumycetozoa) remain under-explored globally, particularly in water-logged forest habitats. Despite evidence suggesting a high biodiversity potential in the Knyszyn Forest of north-eastern Poland, no systematic effort had previously been undertaken there. In the present survey, plant substrates from eight swampy sub-compartments were incubated for over four months, resulting in the detection of fifteen slime mold species. Four of these taxa are newly reported for northern and north-eastern Poland, while several have been recorded only a handful of times in the global literature. These findings underscore how damp, nutrient-rich conditions foster Eumycetozoa and demonstrate the effectiveness of moist-chamber culturing in revealing rare or overlooked taxa. Current evidence shows that, although slime molds may occasionally colonize living plant or fungal tissues, their influence on crop productivity and tree vitality is negligible; they are therefore better regarded as biodiversity indicators than as pathogens or pests. By establishing a replicable framework for studying water-logged environments worldwide, this work highlights the ecological importance of swamp forests in sustaining microbial and slime mold diversity. Full article

Deforestation driven by plantations, such as Pinus patula Schiede ex Schltdl. et Cham., is a major cause of biodiversity and functional loss in tropical ecosystems. We assessed the diversity and composition of lichens and bryophytes in four size categories of pine cones, small (3–5 cm), medium (5.1–8 cm), large (8.1–10 cm), and very large (10.1–13 cm), with a total of 150 pine cones examined, where the occurrence and cover of lichen and bryophyte species were recorded. Identification keys based on morpho-anatomical features were used to identify lichens and bryophytes. In addition, for lichens, secondary metabolites were tested using spot reactions with potassium hydroxide, commercial bleach, and Lugol’s solution, and by examining the specimens under ultraviolet light. To evaluate the effect of pine cone size on species richness, the Kruskal–Wallis test was conducted, and species composition among cones sizes was compared using multivariate analysis. A total of 48 taxa were recorded on cones, including 41 lichens and 7 bryophytes. A total of 39 species were found on very large cones, 37 species on large cones, 35 species on medium cones, and 24 species on small cones. This is comparable to the diversity found in epiphytic communities of pine plantations. Species composition was influenced by pine cone size, differing from small in comparison with very large ones. The PERMANOVA analyses revealed that lichen and bryophyte composition varied significantly among the pine cone categories, explaining 21% of the variance. Very large cones with specific characteristics harbored different communities than those on small pine cones. The presence of lichen and bryophyte species on the pine cones from managed Ecuadorian P. patula plantations may serve as refugia for the conservation of biodiversity. Pine cones and their scales (which range from 102 to 210 per cone) may facilitate colonization of new areas by dispersal agents such as birds and rodents. The scales often harbor lichen and bryophyte propagules as well as intact thalli, which can be effectively dispersed, when the cones are moved. The prolonged presence of pine cones in the environment further enhances their role as possible dispersal substrates over extended periods. To our knowledge, this is the first study worldwide to examine pine cones as substrates for lichens and bryophytes, providing novel insights into their potential role as microhabitats within P. patula plantations and forest landscapes across both temperate and tropical zones. Full article

This study aims to analyze the differences in soil bacterial community structure under different vegetation restoration types, and to explore the role of microorganisms in the process of vegetation restoration on the soil ecosystem of the Grain for Green area in the Loess Plateau. High-throughput sequencing technology was used to analyze the alpha diversity of soil bacteria, community structure characteristics, and the correlation between soil environmental factors and bacterial communities in different artificial Hippophae rhamnoides forests. Soil microbial C and N show a decreasing trend with an increase in the 0–100 cm soil layers. The results indicated that the bacterial communities comprised 24 phyla, 55 classes, 110 orders, 206 families, 348 genera, 680 species, and 1989 OTUs. Additionally, the richness indices and diversity indices of the bacterial community in arbor shrub mixed forest are higher than those in shrub pure forest, and the indices of shrub forest on sunny slope are higher than those on shady slope. Across all samples, the dominant groups were Actinobacteria (37.27% on average), followed by Proteobacteria (23.91%), Acidobacteria (12.75%), and Chloroflexi (12.27%). Soil nutrient supply, such as TOC, TN, AN, AP, and AK, had crucial roles in shaping the composition and diversity of the bacterial communities. The findings reveal that vegetation restoration significantly affected soil bacterial community richness and diversity. Furthermore, based on the results, our data provide a starting point for establishing soil bacterial databases in the Loess Plateau, as well as for the plants associated with the vegetation restoration. Full article

This study examines the impact of vegetation structure on bird species richness and diversity across four urban parks in Chaoyang District, Beijing. Throughout the year, using the Point Count Method (PCM), a total of 68 bird species and 4279 individual observations were recorded, with surveys conducted across all four seasons to capture seasonal variations. The parks with more complex vegetation, such as those with a higher tree canopy cover of species like poplars, ginkgo, and Chinese pines, exhibited higher bird species richness. For example, Olympic Forest Park, with its dense vegetation structure, hosted 42 species, whereas parks with less diverse vegetation supported fewer species. An analysis using PERMANOVA revealed that bird communities in the four parks were significantly different from each other (F = 2.76, p = 0.04075), and every comparison between parks showed significant differences as well (p < 0.001). Variations in the arrangement and level of disturbance within different plant communities likely cause such differences. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified tree canopy cover and shrub density as key drivers of bird diversity. These findings underscore the importance of preserving urban green spaces, particularly those with a diverse range of native tree species, to conserve biodiversity and mitigate the adverse effects of urbanisation. Effective vegetation management strategies can enhance avian habitats and provide ecological and cultural benefits in urban environments. Full article

This study assesses whether the rise in water level—following three years of reservoir filling at the Teles Pires Hydroelectric Plant (135.6 km² water surface) in Southern Amazonia—has affected the floristic composition, structure, and dynamics of adjacent forests. We established 62 permanent plots (2000 m² each) across a topographic gradient from the reservoir margin and conducted annual tree inventories for individuals with DBH ≥ 10 cm from 2014 to 2017. A total of 6322 individuals were recorded, representing 322 species, 210 genera, and 61 families. Fabaceae was the most abundant family, and the ten species with the highest importance value index (IVI) before reservoir filling remained dominant afterward. The forests exhibited high species richness and were characterized by a few common and many rare species. Mortality rates were highest within 10 m of elevation from the maximum reservoir level, indicating possible hydrological impacts, although no abnormal dieback or sharp shifts in floristic structure were observed. These results suggest limited short-term effects on species composition, but subtle changes in vegetation dynamics underscore the importance of long-term monitoring. Full article

In the forest ecosystems of Central European Russia, the influence of forest edges on the spatial distribution of Drosophilidae was studied for the first time. The research was conducted during the period of 2021–2022 in the Republic of Mordovia. Beer traps baited with fermented beer and sugar were used to collect Drosophilidae. Two study plots were selected, differing in their forest edges, tree stands, and adjacent open ecosystems. In both cases, the forest directly bordered an open ecosystem. Edges serve as transitional biotopes, where both forest and meadow (open area) faunas coexist. Knowing that many drosophilid species prefer forest habitats, we designated forest interior sites as control points. Traps were set at heights of 1.5 m (lower) and 7.5 m (upper) on trees. A total of 936 specimens representing 27 species were collected. Nine species were common across all traps, while ten species were recorded only once. At the forest edges, 23 species were captured across both heights, compared to 19 species in the forest interiors. However, the total abundance at the forest edges was 370 specimens, while it was 1.5 times higher in the forest interiors. Both abundance and species richness varied between plots. Margalef’s index was higher at the forest edges than in the forest interiors, particularly at 1.5 m height at the edge and at 7.5 m height in the forest interior. Shannon and Simpson indices showed minimal variation across traps at different horizontal and vertical positions. The highest species diversity was observed among xylosaprobionts (9 species) and mycetophages (8 species). All ecological groups were represented at the forest edges, whereas only four groups were recorded in the forest interiors, with the phytosaprophagous species Scaptomyza pallida being absent. In general, both species richness and drosophilid abundance increased in the lower strata, both at the forest edge and within the interior. Using the R package Indicspecies, we identified Gitona distigma as an indicator species for the forest edge and Scaptodrosophila rufifrons as an indicator for the forest interior in the lower tier for both plots. In addition, Drosophila testacea, D. phalerata, and Phortica semivirgo were found to be indicator species for the lower tier in both plots, while Leucophenga quinquemaculata was identified as an indicator species for the upper tier at the second plot. Full article