Search Results (71)

Umbrella species can facilitate efficient biodiversity conservation, as their targeted protection effectively safeguards co-occurring species and entire ecosystems in conservation management. To verify Hainan gibbon (Nomascus hainanus) as an umbrella species for sympatric endangered species, this study evaluated the conservation efficacy of the Hainan four-eyed turtle (Sacalia insulensis) through multidimensional spatiotemporal analysis. By comparing the population data collected using cage-trapping methods from 2005 to 2025, the S. insulensis population in the Bawangling region of the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park has exhibited obvious recovery, from no initial records to 25 individuals (mean relative population density: 0.0404 individuals/cage-day). Its growth trajectory is closely linked to the continuous enhancement of conservation efforts for Hainan gibbons, confirming umbrella effects stemming from poaching suppression and habitat restoration. However, when compared with recent surveys in other park regions, significant spatial limitations were revealed that the mean relative population densities at Yinggeling (0.01 individuals/cage-day) and Diaoluoshan (0.0064 individuals/cage-day) were only 25.74% and 15.84%, respectively. Additionally, juveniles constituted only 12% of Bawangling’s population, indicating that while the umbrella strategy delivers meaningful conservation outcomes, supplementary targeted initiatives are still needed to improve efficiency in resolving the species reproductive bottlenecks (e.g., nesting habitat quality). Those findings demonstrate that umbrella species conservation can establish an ecological conservation force field; however, its effectiveness is constrained by unequal resource allocation and species niche differences. Future efforts should overcome the spatial and ecological limitations of single-species umbrella effects by using smart patrol networks, secondary umbrella species mechanisms, and dedicated management plans. Full article

Mammalian carnivores play an important role in maintaining the integrity of an ecosystem; therefore, their conservation as an umbrella species ensures the conservation of other species as well as the entire ecosystem. The northern area of Pakistan has a rich diversity of globally and regionally significant carnivore species, many of which are threatened mainly due to conflict with humans. In the current study, we used multiple survey techniques: camera trapping, sign surveys, and questionnaire surveys in the Basha–Braldu Valleys of the Central Karakoram National Park (CKNP) during the period 20 May–31 July 2017. The objectives were to document mammalian carnivore diversity and relative abundance and to assess community perceptions of carnivores and human–carnivore conflicts associated with economic losses from livestock depredation. Camera trapping was only carried out in the Basha valley, where 30 motion-triggered cameras were deployed for two months, maintaining a minimum spatial distance of 1 km between the nearest cameras. Sign surveys were carried out in both valleys by dividing the area into 5 km × 5 km grids. Signs of carnivores were searched in a 50 m radius of the sampling point, and a minimum distance of 100 m was maintained between the two nearest sampling points. The questionnaire survey was conducted in communities residing in both valleys. Overall, 140 randomly selected locals from 23 villages were interviewed about the human–carnivore interaction in the area. The questionnaire covered the respondents’ demographics, carnivore sightings and status, economic loss due to livestock depredation, and local perceptions towards carnivores. The study confirmed the presence of seven carnivore species, including the snow leopard (Panthera uncia), grey wolf (Canis lupus), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), brown bear (Ursus arctos), Himalayan lynx (Lynx lynx), stone marten (Martes foina), and weasel (Mustela altaica). Of the total livestock losses reported, carnivores accounted for 30% (394 animals), while 70% (1347 animals) were attributed to disease, resulting in an overall economic loss of USD 138,778 (USD 991 per household). Livestock depredation varied with season, prey type, location, livestock guarding practices, and predator species. Due to high levels of livestock depredation, local communities perceived the grey wolf as the most dangerous carnivore, with many respondents favoring its reduction or elimination. Our findings indicate that the Basha–Braldu Valleys support a rich diversity of globally important carnivore species; however, human–carnivore conflict driven by livestock depredation remains a major conservation challenge. Effective conflict-mitigation interventions are essential to promote sustainable conservation practices and long-term coexistence within these mountain ecosystems. Further studies are recommended to improve the understanding of carnivore population status, distribution, and dietary ecology. Full article

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

Florpyrauxifen-benzyl (FPB) is an auxin-mimic herbicide that controls selected grasses, sedges, and broadleaves in rice cropping systems. Field experiments were conducted in 2023 and 2024 to characterize the effects of FPB on crop safety and weed control when applied alone or in combination with other herbicides, and to assess whether FPB can provide season-long, effective weed management. Base treatments of benzobicyclon (BBC)/halosulfuron-methyl (HSM), clomazone (CLM), or thiobencarb (TBC) were applied on the day of seeding (DOS) or within the 2-leaf stage (LS) rice and followed by foliar treatments of FPB alone or in a mixture with bispyribac-sodium (BPS), penoxsulam (PNX)/cyhalofop-butyl (CHB), or propanil (PPL). Additionally, FPB was applied alone with no prior base treatment, in combination with a mixture partner, and as a sequential treatment, 14 days apart, with the first application made to 4- to 5-LS rice; in contrast, the second application was made to mid-tillering rice. The FPB applied alone or in sequential application showed results for more than 98% of watergrasses and 100% of ricefield bulrush, smallflower umbrella sedge, ducksalad, redstems, and all other broadleaves control at 56 days after treatment (DAT). When applied after the base treatments, the weed control increased to 100% for all weed species at 14 DAT. The sequential application of FPB achieved the highest yields of 7683 kg ha⁻¹ in 2023 and 11,249 kg ha⁻¹ in 2024, resulting in 3.6- and 6.4-fold increases in rice yield over the nontreated control. Owing to its excellent sedge and broadleaf weed control and good activity on troublesome grasses, such as barnyardgrass, FPB could be an essential part of the weed management programs in rice production systems. Full article

This study explores the potential for afforestation in Portugal that could balance wood and non-wood forest production under future climate change scenarios. The Climate Envelope Models (CEM) approach was employed with three main objectives: (1) to model the current distribution of key Portuguese forest species—eucalypts, maritime pine, umbrella pine, chestnut, and cork oak—based on their suitability for wood and non-wood production; (2) to project their potential distribution for the years 2070 and 2090 under two Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) scenarios: SSP2–4.5 (moderate) and SSP5–8.5 (high emissions); and (3) to generate integrated species distribution maps identifying both current and future high-suitability zones to support afforestation planning, reflecting climatic compatibility under fixed thresholds. Species’ current CMEs were produced using an additive Boolean model with a set of environmental variables (e.g., temperature-related and precipitation-related, elevation, and soil) specific to each species. Species’ current CEMs were validated using forest inventory data and the official Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) map of Portugal, and a good agreement was obtained (>99%). By the end of the 21st century, marked reductions in species suitability are projected, especially for chestnut (36%–44%) and maritime pine (25%–35%). Incorporating future suitability projections and preventive silvicultural practices into afforestation planning is therefore essential to ensure climate-resilient and ecologically friendly forest management. Full article

Background/Objectives: Soroseris hookeriana, a Tibetan medicinal plant endemic to the high-altitude Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, possesses significant pharmacological value but lacks fundamental genomic characterization. This study aims to generate and comparatively analyse its complete chloroplast genome. Methods: Total DNA was sequenced, assembled with GetOrganelle, annotated with CPGAVAS2, and compared with eight Asteraceae species; phylogenetic placement was inferred with IQ-TREE from 21 complete plastomes. Results: The circular chloroplast genome is 152,514 bp with a typical quadripartite structure (LSC 84,168 bp, SSC 18,528 bp, two IRs 24,909 bp each). It contains 132 unique genes (87 protein-coding, 37 tRNA, 8 rRNA; 18 duplicated in IRs yield 150 total copies). Twenty-three genes harbour introns; clpP and ycf3 have two. Overall GC content is 37.73%, elevated in IRs (43.12%). Codon usage shows strong A/U bias at the third position; 172 SSRs and 39 long repeats are detected. IR-SC boundaries exhibit the greatest inter-specific variation, notably in ycf1 and ndhF. Conclusions: The complete plastome robustly supports S. hookeriana and Stebbinsia umbrella as sister species (100% bootstrap) and provides essential genomic resources for species identification, population genetics, and studies of high-altitude adaptation. Full article

Extracellular particles (EPs), an umbrella term encompassing membrane-enclosed extracellular vesicles (EVs) and non-vesicular extracellular particles ([NVEPs], previously described as extracellular condensates [ECs]) contain a complex cargo of biomolecules, including DNA, RNA, proteins, and lipids, reflecting the physiological state of their cell of origin. Identifying proteins associated with EPs that regulate host responses to physiological and pathophysiological processes is of critical importance. Here, we report the findings of our study to gain insight into the proteins associated with NVEPs. We used samples from human semen, the rat brain, and the rhesus macaque (RM) brain and blood to assess the physical properties and proteome profiles of NVEPs from these specimens. The results show significant differences in the zeta potential, concentration, and size of NVEPs across different species. We identified 938, 51, and 509 total proteins from NVEPs isolated from rat brain tissues, RM blood, and human seminal plasma, respectively. The species-specific protein networks show distinct biological themes, while the species-conserved protein interactome was identified with six proteins (ALB, CST3, FIBA/FGA, GSTP1, PLMN/PLG, PPIA) associated with NVEPs in all samples. The six NVEP-associated proteins are prone to aggregation and formation of wide, insoluble, unbranched filaments with a cross-beta sheet quaternary structure, such as amyloid fibrils. Protein-to-function analysis indicates that the six identified proteins are linked to the release of dopamine, immune-mediated inflammatory disease, replication of RNA viruses, HIV-HCV co-infection, and inflammation. These interesting findings have created an opportunity to evaluate NVEPs for their potential use as biomarkers of health and disease. Additional in-depth studies are needed to clarify when and how these proteins sustain their physiological role or transition to pathogenic roles. Full article

The Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) is a flagship and umbrella species of forest ecosystems in northeastern Asia. Climate change is profoundly and irreversibly affecting wildlife habitat suitability, especially for large mammals. To effectively protect the Amur tiger, it is necessary to understand the impact of climate change on the quality and the connectivity of its habitat. We used the species distribution models combined with the latest Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) climate scenarios to predict current and future changes in habitats and corridors. We found the following: (1) The total area of the Amur tiger’s suitable habitat currently amounts to approximately 4941.94 km², accounting for 27.64% of the study area represented by two adjacent national parks. Among these habitats, the highly suitable areas are mainly located on the both sides of the Sino-Russian border. The landscape connectivity remains relatively stable, and the degree of fragmentation in highly suitable habitats is low. (2) Although the suitable habitat of the Amur tiger shows an expansion trend under most climate scenarios (excluding SSP3-7.0), the area of suitable habitat within the entire study region does not increase significantly. Therefore, we should implement conservation measures to facilitate the continued expansion of suitable habitat for the Amur tiger. The quantity and length of landscape connectivity corridors are expected to vary in response to changes in core habitat patches, while the centroid of highly suitable habitats is also expected to shift to different extents. In such circumstances, new ecological corridors need to be constructed, while existing natural ecological corridors should be preserved. Full article

This review addresses the critical conservation challenges faced by Pinna nobilis, the noble pen shell, a keystone umbrella species in Mediterranean marine ecosystems. Since 2016, the species has experienced catastrophic population declines due to mass mortality events likely driven by protozoan, bacterial, and viral infections. Despite these severe circumstances, small resilient populations persist in select estuaries and coastal lagoons across the Mediterranean, offering potential for recovery. We provide a comprehensive overview on research dedicated to Pinna nobilis’ biology, genetic variation, disease dynamics, and environmental factors influencing its survival, with a focus on refugia where populations still endure. Remarkably, recent studies have revealed signs of resistance in certain individuals and the potential for hybridisation with Pinna rudis. In this context, the possible impact of the increasing occurrence of hybridisation between Pinna nobilis and Pinna rudis on the conservation of their genetic diversity should be carefully considered. This review highlights the importance of ongoing conservation efforts including habitat restoration, protection of remaining populations, assessment of past and present genetic variability, and the development of captive breeding programmes. We aim to elucidate the need for continued studies on Pinna nobilis’ biodiversity, particularly its evolutionary dynamics, genetic makeup, and the interplay of environmental variables influencing its survival and persistence. Full article

To investigate the spatiotemporal distribution and causes of blooms of Rhopilema esculentum in Hangzhou Bay during 2024, this study investigated its growth characteristics, including umbrella diameter and body weight, along with environmental factors, spatiotemporal dynamics and yield variations. The analysis was based on the 2024 monitoring data of R. esculentum resources in Hangzhou Bay, together with relevant social research data. The results showed that umbrella diameter and body weight increased over time at all monitoring points. The growth rate of the R. esculentum umbrella diameter declined gradually over time, whereas that of body weight rapidly increased. The daily growth rate of umbrella diameter in the water of Tangnao and Xiaoji Mountains was significantly higher than that in the waters of Tanxu Mountain. A sharp drop in salinity caused by Xin’anjiang Reservoir flood discharge from the 23rd to 28th June was the primary cause of the R. esculentum blooms in Hangzhou Bay. During the special R. esculentum fishing period in the summer fishing moratorium, R. esculentum was mainly distributed in the southern and eastern Hangzhou waters, with a maximum daily yield of 28,000 kg/day. After the 16th, R. esculentum production expanded across the entire bay, with blooms also occurring in Xiangshan Bay and Liuheng, reaching a production peak of 44,000 kg/day. In 2024, R. esculentum production in Hangzhou Bay totalled 250,000 tonnes, breaking historical records. This study revealed the 2024 growth and spatiotemporal dynamics of R. esculentum in Hangzhou Bay, providing a reference for the rational use and protection of the species and revealing the causes of the unprecedented blooms. Full article

Cnidarian jellyfish (Medusozoa) comprise approximately 3800 known species which play important roles for marine ecosystem. This study aimed to understand the diversity of cnidarian jellyfish and symbiosis among marine organisms. The taxonomy of the family Zancleidae (Hydrozoa, Anthoathecata) has been problematic because of the limited differences in morphological characteristics between species. This family comprises approximately 40 species belonging to four genera: Apatizanclea, Halocoryne, Zanclea, and Zanclella. In this study, we describe a new species of hydromedusa belonging to the family Zancleidae found in Japanese waters. Zanclea innocens sp. nov. can be distinguished from other Zanclea species by the presence of nematocyst clusters on the exumbrella, slightly thickened apical projection, four narrow exumbrellar nematocyst pouches on ridges often reaching the umbrella apex, four marginal bulbs, and two tentacles. Additionally, Zanclea medusopolypata was recorded for the first time in Japanese waters. This paper provides taxonomic keys for the identification of species in the genus Zanclea. Full article

Most raptors are flagship and umbrella species acting as ecosystem engineers. Research on avian parasites in raptors is therefore of interest. There is a lack of studies on Sarcocystis in naturally infected raptors. In the present work, we aimed to identify Sarcocystis spp. in intestinal scrapings of the raptors from Spain. Sarcocystis spp. were identified in 82.5% of the intestinal samples studied by nested PCR and sequencing of the partial ITS1 region and 28S rRNA. A total of nine known Sarcocystis species, S. arctica, S. columbae, S. cornixi, S. glareoli, S. halieti, S. kutkienae, S. cf strixi, S. turdusi, and Sarcocystis sp. ex Corvus corax, and three genetically new organisms, Sarcocystis sp. Rod6, Sarcocystis sp. Rod7, and Sarcocystis sp. 22AvEs1, were identified in the intestines of raptors. This study is the first report of Sarcocystis spp. in the intestines of eleven raptor species from Spain. Furthermore, the new potential definitive hosts have been determined for seven Sarcocystis species. Co-infection of Sarcocystis spp. has also been observed, with more than one species found in 72.5% of birds. Nine different Sarcocystis species were identified in the intestinal samples of the Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo). In conclusion, raptors play an important role in the transmission of Sarcocystis spp. Full article

Connectivity modeling has been a tool available to the conservation community since the 1980s that guides our responses to habitat fragmentation. While the sophistication of computer modeling continues to grow, on-the-ground delivery remains challenging and lacks urgency. We present an approach to scale up delivery and do so within effective timeframes. The approach, termed ANCHOR (Areawide Networks to Connect Habitat and Optimize Resiliency), is grounded in connectivity science but executed in a manner that is flexible, expandable, and measurable. ANCHOR goes beyond the traditional protected area focus for establishing connected biomes to maximize the contributions of existing public lands and expand private landowner participation. The approach is applied using an umbrella species to represent a faunal group and/or multiple taxa to deliver co-benefits of landscape connectivity. Public lands receive connectivity rankings that are then used to engage potential connectivity partners who commit land units and collectively monitor improvements in habitat quality and landscape resiliency. The ANCHOR approach can guide unprecedented participation across agencies and departments to create public lands networks, while private and corporate lands establish landscape connections. To illustrate the approach, we present an example of native grasslands conservation in the central and eastern U.S. and an emerging partnership with the Department of Defense. Full article

Marchantia polymorpha L., also known as common liverwort or umbrella liverwort, is a spore-forming plant belonging to the Marchantiaceae family. This thallose liverwort has gained importance as a model plant, mainly because of its global distribution and easy and rapid in vitro culturing. A review of the literature shows that the major compounds in this species are undoubtedly sesquiterpenoids and bisbibenzyls. Among the sesquiterpenoids, it is worth mentioning cuparenes, chamigranes, and thujopsanes. Compounds belonging to these classes were found in specimens from Japan, China, Poland, Germany, and India and could be the chemical markers of this liverwort species. The key secondary metabolite of M. polymorpha is a macrocyclic bisbibenzyl, marchantin A. Marchantin-type aromatic compounds, together with other bisbibenzyls, such as riccardin D, isoriccardin C, or perrottetin E, demonstrated antifungal and antibacterial properties in various studies. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the diversity of compounds produced by M. polymorpha, emphasizing chemical variability depending on the origin of the plant material. Moreover, the biological activity of extracts obtained from this liverwort species, as well as single secondary metabolites, are described. Full article

Plants are an essential component of ecosystems; however, their significance is frequently underestimated, resulting in less effective conservation efforts. One approach to address plant blindness (PB) or plant awareness disparity (PAD) is to establish connections between plants and animals, as animals inherently attract more human attention. In this study, we employed an online questionnaire to manipulate visual materials featuring plant flowers alone, plant flowers accompanied by pollinators, and pollinators in isolation. We assessed participants’ willingness to protect (WTP) and the perceived attractiveness of both plants and their pollinators. Our findings revealed that pollinators presented alone received higher WTP scores than plants. Moreover, the visual association between pollinators and plants enhanced WTP plants. Conversely, plants were consistently perceived as more attractive than pollinators, irrespective of whether the flowers were displayed alone or alongside pollinators. The perceived attractiveness of both plants and pollinators was significantly correlated with WTP. Notably, colourful pollinators such as Selasphorus rufus, Vestiaria coccinea, and Danaus plexippus positively influenced WTP plants, while the remaining five species (predominantly invertebrates) did not exhibit a similar effect. We propose that establishing a connection between visually appealing pollinators and plants can help mitigate PB/PAD. These pollinators should be utilised as umbrella species to enhance human attention and interest in pollination processes and plant biology. Full article