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Volume 17
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Diversity, Volume 17, Issue 8 (August 2025) – 67 articles

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11 pages, 951 KiB  
Article
Main Causes of Bat Mortality Obtained Through Admission to Rescue Centres
by Alfonso Balmori-de la Puente and Alfonso Balmori
Diversity 2025, 17(8), 567; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080567 - 12 Aug 2025
Abstract
Bats have decreasing population trends around the world, and knowledge on the causes for this decline is the first step to improving conservation and management strategies to restore their populations. An important source of data for the study of the causes of bat [...] Read more.
Bats have decreasing population trends around the world, and knowledge on the causes for this decline is the first step to improving conservation and management strategies to restore their populations. An important source of data for the study of the causes of bat mortality is the admissions to rescue centres. The aim of this work was to identify the different causes of bat admissions to rescue centres in Castilla y León (Spain) over more than 30 years, analyzing the importance of the threats for different species, as well as the tendency of anthropogenic causes over the years, such as the increase in industrial wind-power facilities. The dataset included 791 bats (568 dead and 223 injured). The species with the largest number of entries was Pipistrellus pipistrellus at 451, followed by 82 Hypsugo savii, 64 Plecotus sp., 63 Tadarida teniotis, 42 Eptesicus serotinus and 24 Nyctalus lasiopterus. The most important known causes of entry for these selected species were collisions with wind turbines (n = 160); immaturity-related causes (e.g., orphan individuals with insufficient foraging and flight skills prone to injury or starvation) (n = 93); weakness due to starvation (n = 75); trauma: blow of unknown origin (n = 69); shooting: vandalism with a gun (n = 15); carnivore bite: predation (n = 8); road kill: road accident (n = 3); and disease: sickness (n = 3). In addition, there were many admissions which lacked a known cause (n = 294). The species with the most carcasses for collisions with wind turbines was Pipistrellus pipistrellus at 100, followed by 40 Hypsugo savii and 15 Nyctalus lasiopterus. As expected, the number of bats that collided with wind turbines showed a significant temporal correlation with the number of wind farms deployed in the territory, and they mainly occurred in September and October, as has also been found in other studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Diversity)
17 pages, 799 KiB  
Article
Temporally Determinate, but Spatially Consistent Breeding Performance of Lesser Spotted Eagle (Clanga pomarina) Along the Southern Periphery of Its Distribution
by Dimitar Demerdzhiev, Dobromir Dobrev, Atanas Delchev, Mihail Iliev, Georgi Georgiev, Nikolay Terziev, Ivaylo Angelov and Volen Arkumarev
Diversity 2025, 17(8), 566; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080566 - 12 Aug 2025
Abstract
Breeding performance encompasses offspring production, their survival rate, fertility, overall reproductive outcome, timing of reproduction, and breeding frequency. It varies in raptor species, being affected by different biotic, abiotic, and anthropogenic factors. The Lesser Spotted Eagle is a monogamous, long-lived, slowly reproducing raptor, [...] Read more.
Breeding performance encompasses offspring production, their survival rate, fertility, overall reproductive outcome, timing of reproduction, and breeding frequency. It varies in raptor species, being affected by different biotic, abiotic, and anthropogenic factors. The Lesser Spotted Eagle is a monogamous, long-lived, slowly reproducing raptor, characterized by site-fidelity and strongly territorial behavior. In this study, we examined data collected over a 10-year period, highlighting the eagles’ main breeding parameters, analyzing whether any of them demonstrated significant trends or spatial or temporal differences over the study period. We also searched for a strict correlation between species breeding density and breeding performance. We found out that the mean occupancy rate of the territories marginally decreased β2 = −0.64 ± 0.27, p = 0.047, as this process was clearly visible in Sakar Mnt. (β2 = −0.66 ± 0.27, p = 0.038), where in 2022, only 67% of the monitored territories were occupied. The overall mean productivity, breeding success, and breeding frequency did not indicate any trend over the years (p > 0.05). Of all tested breeding parameters, occupancy rate (β2 = 0.29 ± 0.14, p = 0.04) and breeding success (β2 = −0.12 ± 0.06, p = 0.04) varied yearly, while productivity (β2 = 0.25 ± 0.12, p = 0.03) and breeding frequency (β2 = 0.27 ± 0.12, p = 0.03) were influenced by density. None of the tested indicators demonstrated significant regional differences, which indicated a temporally determinate, but spatially consistent pattern of breeding performance of the species in this part of its distribution. Recently, the landscape pattern in the south-eastern part of the country was marked by spectacular habitat loss, driven by human activities and natural phenomena, with entire biodiversity facing an uncertain future. Prompt action and urgent decisions are needed to prevent the negative consequences of these imminent threats to the species. Conservation efforts should be focused on the restoration of breeding and foraging habitats. Further research on the response of eagles to the effect of natural (fires) and anthropogenic (habitat transformation) factors, as well as the relationship between breeding performance and different drivers of reproduction, such as diet, weather, habitat features, and presence of intra- and interspecific competitors, would be of crucial significance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation and Ecology of Raptors—2nd Edition)
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23 pages, 2431 KiB  
Review
Systematic Review: The Ecology and Cultural Significance of Oysters in the Arabian Gulf
by Manaf Alkhuzaei, Sabah Aljenaid and Ghadeer Mohamed
Diversity 2025, 17(8), 565; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080565 - 12 Aug 2025
Abstract
Arabian Gulf oyster reefs, dominated by the pearl oyster Pinctada radiata, function simultaneously as ecological keystones and cultural touchstones. Rapid coastal urbanization and escalating pollution now threaten reef integrity. This systematic review of 1400 publications distilled 42 rigorously screened studies (3%) that [...] Read more.
Arabian Gulf oyster reefs, dominated by the pearl oyster Pinctada radiata, function simultaneously as ecological keystones and cultural touchstones. Rapid coastal urbanization and escalating pollution now threaten reef integrity. This systematic review of 1400 publications distilled 42 rigorously screened studies (3%) that document reef distribution, ecological roles, contaminant burdens, and socio-historical context. The results show that reef structures stabilize sediments, enhance water clarity through exceptional filtration rates, and furnish nursery habitats for commercially important fisheries, while heavy metal bioaccumulation in oyster tissues indicates widespread coastal contamination. The Gulf’s economy and identity were historically anchored in pearling; contemporary restoration initiatives already deploying dozens of sustainable reef modules across hundreds of traditional dive sites seek to revive this heritage and bolster ecological resilience. Persistent knowledge gaps include comprehensive spatial mapping, the effects of climate change and pollutant interactions, and long-term restoration success in hypersaline conditions. An integrated management framework that couples stringent monitoring, pollution mitigation, adaptive restoration, and heritage-centered community engagement is essential to safeguard Gulf oyster ecosystems and the cultural narratives entwined with them. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Marine Diversity)
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17 pages, 1458 KiB  
Review
A Comprehensive Review of the Biology, Ecological Impacts, and Control Strategies of Eichhornia crassipes
by Matlhatse Daisy Khotsa, Nqobile Monate Mkolo, Mmei Cheryl Motshudi, Mukhethwa Micheal Mphephu, Mmamudi Anna Makhafola and Clarissa Marcelle Naidoo
Diversity 2025, 17(8), 564; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080564 - 12 Aug 2025
Abstract
Eichhornia crassipes, also known as water hyacinth, is a harmful aquatic weed that has spread globally, causing significant ecological and economic damage. Originating in the Amazon basin, it has spread to tropical and subtropical regions, obstructing water movement, limiting sunlight, and reducing [...] Read more.
Eichhornia crassipes, also known as water hyacinth, is a harmful aquatic weed that has spread globally, causing significant ecological and economic damage. Originating in the Amazon basin, it has spread to tropical and subtropical regions, obstructing water movement, limiting sunlight, and reducing oxygen levels. Control measures for E. crassipes include chemical, mechanical, and biological methods. Chemical controls are cost-effective but present environmental hazards, whereas mechanical removal is effective but expensive and labor-intensive. Lastly, biological control uses natural predators to reduce weeds. Despite its significant costs, E. crassipes has potential applications in bioenergy, biofertilizer production, and wastewater treatment. This review includes an overview of E. crassipes’ biology, reproductive strategies, socioeconomic impact, and management approaches, as well as an exploration of its potential benefits in Africa’s sub-Saharan region, especially South Africa. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Diversity)
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15 pages, 1523 KiB  
Article
The Splendour and Misery of European Pink Salmon, Oncorhynchus gorbuscha: Abundant Odd Lineage vs. Depressed Even Lineage—Insights from cytb Gene Analysis
by Daria A. Zelenina, Valeria A. Soshnina, Ilya I. Gordeev, Maksim M. Alekseev, Vladimir A. Zadelenov and Nikolai S. Mugue
Diversity 2025, 17(8), 563; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080563 - 11 Aug 2025
Abstract
Pink salmon, Oncorhynchus gorbuscha, introduced to the White Sea and expanded throughout the West Arctic and Northern Atlantics, represents a noteworthy example of a successful marine species introduction that has significantly impacted the local fish community. In our study, we analysed mitochondrial [...] Read more.
Pink salmon, Oncorhynchus gorbuscha, introduced to the White Sea and expanded throughout the West Arctic and Northern Atlantics, represents a noteworthy example of a successful marine species introduction that has significantly impacted the local fish community. In our study, we analysed mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences from 635 individuals, representing both odd-year (n = 411) and even-year (n = 224) spawning lineages. These samples were collected from rivers in the White, Barents, Kara, and Northern seas, as well as from source populations in the Pacific. Fifteen cytb haplotypes were identified in the odd-year spawning lineage and twenty-six in the even-year lineage, with only ten haplotypes found in both lineages. The results demonstrated significant genetic differences between the native Pacific populations and the introduced Arctic populations in the odd-year lineage. In contrast, no genetic differentiation was found in the even-year lineage. This study describes the current haplotypic structure of European pink salmon in the Russian Arctic and provides insights into the genetic consequences of the species’ introductions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic and Morphological Diversity of Marine Fish Populations)
16 pages, 1720 KiB  
Article
The Maghreb as a Hotspot of Diversity for the Freshwater Crab Genus Potamon (Decapoda, Potamidae)
by Nesrine Rouabhi, Djaouida Bouchelouche, Luca Vecchioni, Youness Mabrouki, Fouzi Abdelkhaleq Taybi, Federico Marrone and Francesco Paolo Faraone
Diversity 2025, 17(8), 562; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080562 - 10 Aug 2025
Viewed by 49
Abstract
The Maghreb region of North Africa, located at the intersection of the Palaearctic and Afrotropical zones, is a biodiversity hotspot for terrestrial and freshwater taxa, including the freshwater crab of genus Potamon Savigny, 1816. Recent molecular studies have suggested the presence of two [...] Read more.
The Maghreb region of North Africa, located at the intersection of the Palaearctic and Afrotropical zones, is a biodiversity hotspot for terrestrial and freshwater taxa, including the freshwater crab of genus Potamon Savigny, 1816. Recent molecular studies have suggested the presence of two distinct Potamon species in the region: Potamon algeriense Bott, 1967, and an as-yet undescribed taxon, Potamon sp. However, comprehensive data on their distribution, genetic structure, and conservation status are still lacking. In the present study, we integrate new field collections from Algeria and Morocco (2021–2023) with molecular analyses of mitochondrial (COI, ND1) and nuclear (28S rDNA) markers to assess species boundaries and genetic diversity within Potamon across the Maghreb. Phylogenetic reconstructions based on Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference consistently support the presence of two well-differentiated Potamon lineages in the region, corresponding to P. algeriense in western and central Maghreb, and Potamon sp. in eastern Algeria and Tunisia. While Potamon sp. exhibits low intra-specific genetic variation, P. algeriense displays a deeply structured mitochondrial lineage composition, forming four geographically coherent subclades, each corresponding to distinct hydrological regions. In light of this, it would be advisable to revise the IUCN assessment to include both species and updated information on their distribution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systematics, Phylogenetics, and Phylogeography of Animals in the Mediterranean Region)
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20 pages, 2931 KiB  
Article
Genetic Evidence Reveals Unexpected Diversity and Genetic Exchange Between White-Fringed Weevils (Coleoptera, Curculionidae)
by Noelia V. Guzman, Marcela S. Rodriguero, Viviana A. Confalonieri and Analia A. Lanteri
Diversity 2025, 17(8), 561; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080561 - 10 Aug 2025
Viewed by 54
Abstract
The closely related Naupactini species Naupactus leucoloma, Naupactus peregrinus, and Naupactus minor—collectively known as “white-fringed weevils”—form a monophyletic group within the N. leucoloma species group. Mostly parthenogenetic, a few sexually reproducing populations of both N. leucoloma and N. peregrinus occur [...] Read more.
The closely related Naupactini species Naupactus leucoloma, Naupactus peregrinus, and Naupactus minor—collectively known as “white-fringed weevils”—form a monophyletic group within the N. leucoloma species group. Mostly parthenogenetic, a few sexually reproducing populations of both N. leucoloma and N. peregrinus occur in their native ranges (Argentinian Mesopotamian region), where they overlap. In 2013, after several decades during which only females had been recorded, a few males potentially belonging to these species were discovered. To clarify their taxonomic identity and understand the group’s evolutionary dynamics, we analyzed their mitochondrial and nuclear genetic markers to assess their genetic variation distribution and infer their phylogenetic relationships. Molecular phylogenetic analyses revealed that these males constitute an independently evolving lineage, whereas morphological comparisons produced inconclusive results. Statistical tests confirmed introgression between these unidentified males and N. leucoloma. These findings uncover unexpected levels of genetic divergence within this group of Neotropical weevils. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Diversity)
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16 pages, 2159 KiB  
Article
A Comparison of eDNA Metabarcoding and Microscopy Techniques to Analyze Algal Diversity in Lake Titicaca, Peru
by Maribel Baylón and Jorge L. Ramirez
Diversity 2025, 17(8), 560; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080560 - 7 Aug 2025
Viewed by 259
Abstract
The monitoring of algal communities has traditionally relied on optical microscopy. However, this technique is time-consuming and requires significant expertise to accurately identify species. In recent years, molecular techniques such as environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding have facilitated the identification of algal communities. This [...] Read more.
The monitoring of algal communities has traditionally relied on optical microscopy. However, this technique is time-consuming and requires significant expertise to accurately identify species. In recent years, molecular techniques such as environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding have facilitated the identification of algal communities. This study aims to compare both approaches for assessing planktonic microalgal communities in three areas of Lake Titicaca, using inverted light microscopy and eDNA metabarcoding. We found that the taxonomic composition obtained using the two methods differs significantly for Bacillariophyta, Chlorophyta, Charophyta, and Cyanobacteria, although genus- and order-level richness was similar across both approaches. A pronounced shift in species composition between techniques was revealed, with few shared genera and a high proportion of unassigned sequences (>50%) for Bacillariophyta. While microscopy provided more accurate estimates of microalgal density, metabarcoding revealed greater diversity, particularly among nanoplanktonic microalgae from the phyla Cryptophyta, Ochrophyta, Haptophyta, and Rhodophyta. To improve the accuracy and complementarity of these methodologies, it is essential to expand regional reference databases and work toward standardizing both approaches, allowing them to be used synergistically rather than independently. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity and Ecology of Freshwater Plankton)
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17 pages, 18446 KiB  
Article
Spatial Forecasting and Social Acceptance of Human-Wildlife Conflicts Involving Semi-Aquatic Species in Romania
by Alexandru Gridan, Claudiu Pașca, Georgeta Ionescu, George Sîrbu, Cezar Spătaru, Ovidiu Ionescu and Darius Hardalau
Diversity 2025, 17(8), 559; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080559 - 7 Aug 2025
Viewed by 208
Abstract
Human-Wildlife conflict (HWC) presents a growing challenge for wildlife conservation, especially as species recover and reoccupy human-dominated landscapes, creating tensions between ecological goals and local livelihoods. Such conflicts are increasingly reported across Europe, including Romania, involving semi-aquatic species like the Eurasian beaver ( [...] Read more.
Human-Wildlife conflict (HWC) presents a growing challenge for wildlife conservation, especially as species recover and reoccupy human-dominated landscapes, creating tensions between ecological goals and local livelihoods. Such conflicts are increasingly reported across Europe, including Romania, involving semi-aquatic species like the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber L.) and Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra L.). Enhancing coexistence with wildlife through the integration of conflict mapping, stakeholder engagement, and spatial analysis into conservation planning is therefore essential for ensuring the long-term protection of conflict species. A mixed-methods approach was used, including structured surveys among stakeholders, standardized damage report collection from institutions, and expert field assessments of species activity. The results indicate that while most respondents recognize the legal protection of both species, a minority have experienced direct conflict, primarily with beavers through flooding and crop damage. Tolerance varied markedly among demographic groups: researchers and environmental agency staff were most accepting, whereas farmers and fish farm owners were the least accepting; respondents with no personal damage experience and those with university or post-secondary education also displayed significantly higher acceptance toward both species. Institutional reports confirmed multiple beaver-related damage sites, and through field validation, conflict forecast zones with spatial clustering in Harghita, Brașov, Covasna, and Sibiu counties were developed. These findings underscore the importance of conflict forecasting maps, understanding the coexistence dynamics and drivers of acceptance, and the need to maintain high acceptance levels toward the studied species. The developed maps can serve as a basis for targeted interventions, helping to balance ecological benefits with socioeconomic concerns. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Restoring and Conserving Biodiversity: A Global Perspective)
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19 pages, 3104 KiB  
Article
Predicting Range Shifts in the Distribution of Arctic/Boreal Plant Species Under Climate Change Scenarios
by Yan Zhang, Shaomei Li, Yuanbo Su, Bingyu Yang and Xiaojun Kou
Diversity 2025, 17(8), 558; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080558 - 7 Aug 2025
Viewed by 224
Abstract
Climate warming is anticipated to significantly alter the distribution and composition of plant species in the Arctic, thereby cascading through food webs and affecting both associated fauna and entire ecosystems. To elucidate the trend in plant distribution in response to climate change, we [...] Read more.
Climate warming is anticipated to significantly alter the distribution and composition of plant species in the Arctic, thereby cascading through food webs and affecting both associated fauna and entire ecosystems. To elucidate the trend in plant distribution in response to climate change, we employed the MaxEnt model to project the future ranges of 25 representative Arctic and Circumpolar plant species (including grasses and shrubs). Species distribution data, in conjunction with bioclimatic variables derived from climate projections of three selected General Circulation Models (GCMs), ESM2, IPSL, and MPIE, were utilized to fit the MaxEnt models. Subsequently, we predicted the potential distributions of these species under three Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs)—SSP126, SSP245, and SSP585—across a timeline spanning 2010, 2050, 2100, 2200, 2250, and 2300 AD. Range shift indices were applied to quantify changes in plant distribution and range sizes. Our results show that the ranges of nearly all species are projected to diminish progressively over time, with a more pronounced rate of reduction under higher emission scenarios. The species are generally expected to shift northward, with the distances of these shifts positively correlated with both the time intervals from the current state and the intensity of thermal forcing associated with the SSPs. Arctic species (A_Spps) are anticipated to face higher extinction risks compared to Boreal–Arctic species (B_Spps). Additional indices, such as range gain, loss, and overlap, consistently corroborate these patterns. Notably, the peak range shift speeds differ markedly between SSP245 and SSP585, with the latter extending beyond 2100 AD. In conclusion, under all SSPs, A_Spps are generally expected to experience more significant range shifts than B_Spps. In the SSP585 scenario all species are projected to face substantial range reductions, with Arctic species being more severely affected and consequently facing the highest extinction risks. These findings provide valuable insights for developing conservation recommendations for polar plant species and have significant ecological and socioeconomic implications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Diversity)
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20 pages, 2079 KiB  
Article
Spatiotemporal Patterns of Avian Species Richness Across Climatic Regions
by Çağdan Uyar, Serkan Özdemir, Dalia Perkumienė, Marius Aleinikovas, Benas Šilinskas and Mindaugas Škėma
Diversity 2025, 17(8), 557; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080557 - 7 Aug 2025
Viewed by 274
Abstract
This study highlights the spatial, seasonal, and climatic variations in bird species richness across Türkiye, a country with rich avian richness situated at the intersection of major migratory routes. Bird species richness was calculated for each province. Differences between regions, Köppen–Geiger climate classes, [...] Read more.
This study highlights the spatial, seasonal, and climatic variations in bird species richness across Türkiye, a country with rich avian richness situated at the intersection of major migratory routes. Bird species richness was calculated for each province. Differences between regions, Köppen–Geiger climate classes, and seasons were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis method. Non-parametric analysis of longitudinal data in factorial experiments was also employed to determine seasonal differences within regions and climate classes. The results revealed significant spatial variations in species richness, particularly between temperate and cold climate regions. While seasonal differences were generally less pronounced, they were critical for both migratory and resident bird species. Wetlands, coastal areas, and transitional habitats were identified as biodiversity hotspots for both resident and migratory birds. This study underscores the need to integrate regional, climatic, and seasonal variations into ecosystem-based management plans. Protecting critical habitats, enhancing connectivity through ecological corridors, and adopting adaptive conservation strategies are essential for sustaining Türkiye’s rich avian diversity. These results provide valuable insights for conservation planning and emphasize the importance of addressing spatial and seasonal dynamics to ensure long-term biodiversity preservation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity in 2025)
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19 pages, 4925 KiB  
Article
Environmental Heterogeneity Drives Diversity Across Forest Strata in Hopea hainanensis Communities
by Shaocui He, Donghai Li, Xiaobo Yang, Dongling Qi, Naiyan Shang, Caiqun Liang, Rentong Liu and Chunyan Du
Diversity 2025, 17(8), 556; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080556 - 7 Aug 2025
Viewed by 170
Abstract
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, [...] Read more.
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
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity Conservation Planning and Assessment—2nd Edition)
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8 pages, 569 KiB  
Article
A Different Statistical Perspective on the Evaluation of Ecological Data Sets
by Soner Yigit
Diversity 2025, 17(8), 555; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080555 - 5 Aug 2025
Viewed by 180
Abstract
Statistical significance varies depending on the sample size. Therefore, when the sample size is sufficient, even differences that affect the total variation very little may be statistically significant. For this reason, it is very important to report effect size measures that estimate the [...] Read more.
Statistical significance varies depending on the sample size. Therefore, when the sample size is sufficient, even differences that affect the total variation very little may be statistically significant. For this reason, it is very important to report effect size measures that estimate the share of the difference between groups of samples in the total variation. This study aims to determine the most reliable effect size measures that can be used when evaluating data obtained from ecological studies. The three most popular effect size measures used in practice were compared in terms of their performance in 2700 different experimental conditions. For this purpose, random numbers generated from the multivariate Poisson distribution were used with the Monte Carlo simulation technique. As a result of the simulations, it was determined that Epsilon-squared and Omega-squared were quite unbiased estimators. Therefore, it was concluded that one of these two effect size measures should be reported in addition to the p-value when evaluating ecological studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biogeography and Macroecology)
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14 pages, 9504 KiB  
Article
Evaluating Habitat Conditions for the Ringlet Butterfly (Erebia pronoe glottis) in a Multi-Use Mountain Landscape in the French Pyrenees
by Martin Wendt and Thomas Schmitt
Diversity 2025, 17(8), 554; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080554 - 5 Aug 2025
Viewed by 197
Abstract
We conducted a mark–release–recapture study of the ringlet butterfly, Erebia pronoe glottis, in the Pyrenees to study population density, flight activity, dispersal, and nectar plant preferences. We found differences between both sexes in population density (males: 48/ha; females: 23/ha), sex ratio (2.1), [...] Read more.
We conducted a mark–release–recapture study of the ringlet butterfly, Erebia pronoe glottis, in the Pyrenees to study population density, flight activity, dispersal, and nectar plant preferences. We found differences between both sexes in population density (males: 48/ha; females: 23/ha), sex ratio (2.1), and behaviour (75.4 vs. 20.5% flying). Both sexes used a wide range of nectar plants (Asteraceae, 40.6%; Apiaceae, 34.4%; Caprifoliaceae, 18.8%). However, local abundance appeared to be limited by the availability of nectar plants. Compared to a population of an extensively used pasture in the Alps, a significant increase in flight activity, but not in range, was observed. Movement patterns showed the establishment of home ranges, which significantly limited the dispersal potential, being low for both sexes (mean fight distances-males: 101 m ± 73 SD; females: 68 m ± 80 SD). A sedentary taxon such as E. pronoe glottis does not seem to be able to avoid the pressure of resource shortage by dispersal. As a late-flying pollinator, Erebia pronoe competes seasonally for scarce resources. These are further reduced by grazing pressure and are exploited by honey bees as a superior competitor, resulting in low habitat quality and, consequently, in comparatively low abundance of E. pronoe glottis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation of Lepidoptera)
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17 pages, 826 KiB  
Review
Mechanisms and Impact of Acacia mearnsii Invasion
by Hisashi Kato-Noguchi and Midori Kato
Diversity 2025, 17(8), 553; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080553 - 4 Aug 2025
Viewed by 171
Abstract
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 [...] Read more.
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
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Adaptation and Survival Under Global Environmental Change)
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15 pages, 550 KiB  
Article
New Insights into the Telomere Structure in Hemiptera (Insecta) Inferred from Chromosome-Level and Scaffold-Level Genome Assemblies
by Desislava Stoianova, Snejana Grozeva, Nadezhda Todorova, Miroslav Rangelov, Vladimir A. Lukhtanov and Valentina G. Kuznetsova
Diversity 2025, 17(8), 552; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080552 - 4 Aug 2025
Viewed by 282
Abstract
Telomeres are terminal regions of chromosomes that protect and stabilize chromosome structures. Telomeres are usually composed of specific DNA repeats (motifs) that are maintained by telomerase and a complex of specific proteins. Telomeric DNA sequences are generally highly conserved throughout the evolution of [...] Read more.
Telomeres are terminal regions of chromosomes that protect and stabilize chromosome structures. Telomeres are usually composed of specific DNA repeats (motifs) that are maintained by telomerase and a complex of specific proteins. Telomeric DNA sequences are generally highly conserved throughout the evolution of different groups of eukaryotes. The most common motif in insects is TTAGG, but it is not universal, including in the large order Hemiptera. In particular, several derived telomeric motifs were identified in this order by analyzing chromosome-level genome assemblies or by FISH screening the chromosomes of target species. Here, we analyzed chromosome-level genome assemblies of 16 species from three hemipteran suborders, including Sternorrhyncha (Coccoidea: Planococcus citri, Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae, and Trionymus diminutus; Aphidoidea: Tuberolachnus salignus, Metopolophium dirhodum, Rhopalosiphum padi, and Schizaphis graminum), Auhenorrhyncha (Cicadomorpha: Allygus modestus, Arthaldeus pascuellus, Aphrophora alni, Cicadella viridis, Empoasca decipiens, and Ribautiana ulmi), and Heteroptera (Gerromorpha: Gerris lacustris; Pentatomomorpha: Aradus depressus and A. truncatus). In addition, scaffold-level genome assemblies of three more species of Heteroptera (Gerromorpha: Gerris buenoi, Microvelia longipes, and Hermatobates lingyangjiaoensis) were examined. The presumably ancestral insect motif TTAGG was found at the ends of chromosomes of all species studied using chromosome-level genome assembly analysis, with four exceptions. In Aphrophora alni, we detected sequences of 4 bp repeats of TGAC, which were tentatively identified as a telomeric motif. In Gerris lacustris, from the basal true bug infraorder Gerromorpha, we found a 10 bp motif TTAGAGGTGG, previously unknown not only in Heteroptera or Hemiptera but also in Arthropoda in general. Blast screening of the scaffold-level assemblies showed that TTAGAGGTGG is also likely to be a telomeric motif in G. buenoi and Microvelia. longipes, while the results obtained for H. lingyangjiaoensis were inconclusive. In A. depressus and A. truncatus from the basal for Pentatomomorpha family Aradidae, we found a 10 bp motif TTAGGGATGG. While the available data allowed us to present two alternative hypotheses about the evolution of telomeric motifs in Heteroptera, further data are needed to verify them, especially for the yet unstudied basal infraorders Enicocephalomorpha, Dipsocoromorpha, and Leptopodomorpha. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heteroptera: Biodiversity, Evolution, Taxonomy and Conservation, 2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 3523 KiB  
Article
Vegetation Composition and Environmental Relationships of Two Amaranthus Species Communities in Variant Agroecosystems at Fayoum Depression, Egypt
by Mai Sayed Fouad, Manar A. Megahed, Nabil A. Abo El-Kassem, Hoda F. Zahran and Abdel-Nasser A. A. Abdel-Hafeez
Diversity 2025, 17(8), 551; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080551 - 3 Aug 2025
Viewed by 269
Abstract
Amaranthus is appointed as a common weed associated with crops. The research was designed to survey the Amaranth existence pattern throughout the Fayoum Depression, Egypt, accompanied with a community vegetation analysis. The study was extended to collect and analyze associated soil samples. The [...] Read more.
Amaranthus is appointed as a common weed associated with crops. The research was designed to survey the Amaranth existence pattern throughout the Fayoum Depression, Egypt, accompanied with a community vegetation analysis. The study was extended to collect and analyze associated soil samples. The obtained results figured out the prevalence of dicot families, herb growth forms, therophyte followed by phanerophyte life forms, the Pantropical monoregional chorotype, and the Mediterranean and Sudano-Zambezian followed by the Irano-Turanian pluri-regional chorotype. Multilevel pattern analysis stated that Gossypium barbadense, Corchorus olitorius, Sorghum bicolor, Sesamum indicum, and Zea mays are indicator species most related to Amaranth occurrence and prediction. NMDS analysis denoting that the Ibshaway, Youssef Al Seddik, Itsa, and Fayoum districts are the most representative districts for Amaranth existence on the basis of edaphic resources. Itsa and Youssef Al Seddik, in addition to Itsa and Fayoum, resemble each other in species composition. High pH and CaCO3 percentages were discriminatory in Ibshaway, Itsa, and Youssef Al Seddik. Ni was the cornerstone for districts partitioning in pruned trees. Finally, Amaranth was flourishing in both comfortable and harsh habitats with cultivated crops and orchards, as well as on the outskirts. The findings are considered to be valorized by decision makers in arable land management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Diversity)
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27 pages, 11838 KiB  
Article
New Insights in the Helicellini Ihering, 1909 with Description of Kherattolactea gen. nov. and the First Record of Orexana Chueca, Gómez-Moliner, Madeira & Pfenninger, 2018 from Algeria
by Issaad Kawther Ezzine, Houria Bouaziz-Yahiatene, Willy De Mattia and Eike Neubert
Diversity 2025, 17(8), 550; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080550 - 2 Aug 2025
Viewed by 255
Abstract
Recent sampling efforts in northern Algeria and the investigation of some collection material has revealed the presence of taxa with conchological and genital morphological similarities to the Candidula-like group. A detailed investigation of the anatomy of the genitalia combined with the analysis [...] Read more.
Recent sampling efforts in northern Algeria and the investigation of some collection material has revealed the presence of taxa with conchological and genital morphological similarities to the Candidula-like group. A detailed investigation of the anatomy of the genitalia combined with the analysis of two mitochondrial and two nuclear markers of representatives of the known genera as well as two Algerian taxa has been conducted. The result confirms the affiliation of the latter in the Candidula-like complex. Comparative anatomical analysis led to the description of a new genus, Kherattolactea gen. nov., endemic to northern Algeria with Xerophila keratae, Kobelt 1892 as the type species. The anatomical distinction corroborates the result of the molecular analysis that reveals apomorphic nucleotide substitution. Moreover, the result of the combined analysis provides the first confirmed record of the genus Orexana Chueca, Gómez-Moliner, Madeira & Pfenninger, 2018, in north Africa, represented by the species Orexana lemoinei (Kobelt, 1882) nov. comb. A new Xerogyra species, Xerogyra hallgassi nov. sp., from the Apennine Mountain has been described based on the combination of morphoanatomical and molecular traits. For the first time, the morphoanatomical description of the known Xerogyra species has been presented. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systematics, Phylogenetics, and Phylogeography of Animals in the Mediterranean Region)
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17 pages, 8716 KiB  
Article
Description of a New Species of Hainania Koller (Teleostei, Cypriniformes, Xenocyprididae) from Guangdong Province, Southern China
by Haotian Lei, Ziyu Gong and Xuankun Li
Diversity 2025, 17(8), 549; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080549 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 593
Abstract
Hainania Koller (Teleostei, Cypriniformes, Xenocyprididae) is known as a monotypic genus of sharpbelly fish that is endemic to Hainan Island, China. We describe Ha. minzhengi sp. nov., the second species of Hainania collected from Guangdong, based on morphology and molecular evidence. [...] Read more.
Hainania Koller (Teleostei, Cypriniformes, Xenocyprididae) is known as a monotypic genus of sharpbelly fish that is endemic to Hainan Island, China. We describe Ha. minzhengi sp. nov., the second species of Hainania collected from Guangdong, based on morphology and molecular evidence. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred based on the mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cyt b) gene and cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene, by maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods and different partitioning schemes. Our result supports the sister group relationship between Ha. serrata and Ha. minzhengi sp. nov., but the monophyly of Pseudohemiculter or Hemiculterella was not recovered. A diagnostic key to Chinese species of Hainania and Pseudohemiculter is provided. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evolution, Systematic and Conservation of Freshwater Fishes)
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15 pages, 6769 KiB  
Article
Pine Cones in Plantations as Refuge and Substrate of Lichens and Bryophytes in the Tropical Andes
by Ángel Benítez
Diversity 2025, 17(8), 548; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080548 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 264
Abstract
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 [...] Read more.
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 article belongs to the Section Microbial Diversity and Culture Collections)
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14 pages, 3081 KiB  
Article
Habitat Distribution Pattern of François’ Langur in a Human-Dominated Karst Landscape: Implications for Its Conservation
by Jialiang Han, Xing Fan, Ankang Wu, Bingnan Dong and Qixian Zou
Diversity 2025, 17(8), 547; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080547 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 187
Abstract
The Mayanghe National Nature Reserve, a key habitat for the endangered François’ langur (Trachypithecus francoisi), faces significant anthropogenic disturbances, including extensive distribution of croplands, roads, and settlements. These human-modified features are predominantly concentrated at elevations between 500 and 800 m and [...] Read more.
The Mayanghe National Nature Reserve, a key habitat for the endangered François’ langur (Trachypithecus francoisi), faces significant anthropogenic disturbances, including extensive distribution of croplands, roads, and settlements. These human-modified features are predominantly concentrated at elevations between 500 and 800 m and on slopes of 10–20°, which notably overlap with the core elevation range utilized by François’ langur. Spatial analysis revealed that langurs primarily occupy areas within the 500–800 m elevation band, which comprises only 33% of the reserve but hosts a high density of human infrastructure—including approximately 4468 residential buildings and the majority of cropland and road networks. Despite slopes >60° representing just 18.52% of the area, langur habitat utilization peaked in these steep regions (exceeding 85.71%), indicating a strong preference for rugged karst terrain, likely due to reduced human interference. Habitat type analysis showed a clear preference for evergreen broadleaf forests (covering 37.19% of utilized areas), followed by shrublands. Landscape pattern metrics revealed high habitat fragmentation, with 457 discrete habitat patches and broadleaf forests displaying the highest edge density and total edge length. Connectivity analyses indicated that distribution areas exhibit a more continuous and aggregated habitat configuration than control areas. These results underscore François’ langur’s reliance on steep, forested karst habitats and highlight the urgent need to mitigate human-induced fragmentation in key elevation and slope zones to ensure the species’ long-term survival. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Geodiversity Research)
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21 pages, 1538 KiB  
Article
Soil Fungal Activity and Microbial Response to Wildfire in a Dry Tropical Forest of Northern Colombia
by Eliana Martínez Mera, Ana Carolina Torregroza-Espinosa, Ana Cristina De la Parra-Guerra, Marielena Durán-Castiblanco, William Zapata-Herazo, Juan Sebastián Rodríguez-Rebolledo, Fernán Zabala-Sierra and David Alejandro Blanco Alvarez
Diversity 2025, 17(8), 546; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080546 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 236
Abstract
Wildfires can significantly alter soil physicochemical conditions and microbial communities in forest ecosystems. This study aimed to characterize the culturable soil fungal community and evaluate biological activity in Banco Totumo Bijibana, a protected dry tropical forest in Atlántico, Colombia, affected by a wildfire [...] Read more.
Wildfires can significantly alter soil physicochemical conditions and microbial communities in forest ecosystems. This study aimed to characterize the culturable soil fungal community and evaluate biological activity in Banco Totumo Bijibana, a protected dry tropical forest in Atlántico, Colombia, affected by a wildfire in 2014. Twenty soil samples were collected for microbiological (10 cm depth) and physicochemical (30 cm) analysis. Basal respiration was measured using Stotzky’s method, nitrogen mineralization via Rawls’ method, and fungal diversity through culture-based identification and colony-forming unit (CFU) counts. Diversity was assessed using Simpson, Shannon–Weaver, and ACE indices. The soils presented low organic matter (0.70%) and nitrogen content (0.035%), with reduced biological activity as indicated by basal respiration (0.12 kg C ha−1 d−1) and mineralized nitrogen (5.61 kg ha−1). Four fungal morphotypes, likely from the genus Aspergillus, were identified. Simpson index indicated moderate dominance, while Shannon–Weaver values reflected low diversity. Correlation analysis showed Aspergillus-3 was positively associated with moisture, whereas Aspergillus-4 correlated negatively with pH and sand content. The species accumulation curve reached an asymptote, suggesting an adequate sampling effort. Although no control site was included, the findings provide a baseline characterization of post-fire soil microbial structure and function in a dry tropical ecosystem. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Microbial Diversity and Culture Collections)
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20 pages, 2782 KiB  
Article
Urban Forest Fragmentation Reshapes Soil Microbiome–Carbon Dynamics
by Melinda Haydee Kovacs, Nguyen Khoi Nghia and Emoke Dalma Kovacs
Diversity 2025, 17(8), 545; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080545 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 269
Abstract
Urban expansion fragments once-contiguous forest patches, generating pronounced edge gradients that modulate soil physicochemical properties and biodiversity. We quantified how fragmentation reshaped the soil microbiome continuum and its implications for soil carbon storage in a temperate urban mixed deciduous forest. A total of [...] Read more.
Urban expansion fragments once-contiguous forest patches, generating pronounced edge gradients that modulate soil physicochemical properties and biodiversity. We quantified how fragmentation reshaped the soil microbiome continuum and its implications for soil carbon storage in a temperate urban mixed deciduous forest. A total of 18 plots were considered in this study, with six plots for each fragment type. Intact interior forest (F), internal forest path fragment (IF), and external forest path fragment (EF) soils were sampled at 0–15, 15–30, and 30–45 cm depths and profiled through phospholipid-derived fatty acid (PLFA) chemotyping and amino sugar proxies for living microbiome and microbial-derived necromass assessment, respectively. Carbon fractionation was performed through the chemical oxidation method. Diversity indices (Shannon–Wiener, Pielou evenness, Margalef richness, and Simpson dominance) were calculated based on the determined fatty acids derived from the phospholipid fraction. The microbial biomass ranged from 85.1 to 214.6 nmol g−1 dry soil, with the surface layers of F exhibiting the highest values (p < 0.01). Shannon diversity declined systematically from F > IF > EF. The microbial necromass varied from 11.3 to 23.2 g⋅kg−1. Fragmentation intensified the stratification of carbon pools, with organic carbon decreasing by approximately 14% from F to EF. Our results show that EFs possess a declining microbiome continuum that weakens their carbon sequestration capacity in urban forests. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Diversity of Soil Microbial Communities in an Era of Global Change)
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11 pages, 2025 KiB  
Article
Remarkable Stability of Uropodina (Acari: Mesostigmata) Communities in Artificial Microhabitats: A Case Study of Bird Nest Boxes in Bory Tucholskie National Park
by Marta Kulczak, Jacek Wendzonka, Karolina Lubińska, Agnieszka Napierała and Jerzy Błoszyk
Diversity 2025, 17(8), 544; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080544 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 249
Abstract
The presence of nest boxes not only increases the reproductive success of many passerine birds in transformed forest habitats, but they also constitute important artificial microhabitats for many groups of invertebrates. One of such groups which have been often found in this microhabitat [...] Read more.
The presence of nest boxes not only increases the reproductive success of many passerine birds in transformed forest habitats, but they also constitute important artificial microhabitats for many groups of invertebrates. One of such groups which have been often found in this microhabitat is saprophagous mites from the suborder Uropodina (Acari: Mesostigmata). The current study was conducted in October 2023 and 2024 in Bory Tucholskie National Park (BTNP) (northern Poland), where material from 137 tit (Paridae) and nuthatch (Sitta europaea) nest boxes was collected. The aim of this study was to analyse the stability of the communities of Uropodina in nest boxes in the park in two seasons and to determine whether the mite community structure within these nest boxes is similar in each year. The second aim was to analyse the abundance of Uropodina in relation to the composition of the nest box bedding material. This study revealed that the community in the scrutinised nest boxes was formed in both seasons by two species of nidicolous Uropodina species, i.e., Leiodinychus orbicularis (C.L. Koch, 1839) and Chiropturopoda nidiphila (Wiśniewski and Hirschmann, 1993), and that the species composition and the community structure were also very similar in both years. This study revealed that Ch. nidiphila dominated in the nest boxes with moss and grass, whereas L. orbicularis was most abundant in the boxes where the bedding was a mixture of mammalian hair and grass. However, no statistically significant differences in the abundance of these two mite species in both cases were revealed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity, Ecology, and Conservation of Mites)
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5 pages, 6475 KiB  
Interesting Images
Retractile Polyps of Soft Coral Gersemia rubiformis (Octocorallia: Alcyoniidae) Offer Protection to Developing Basket Stars (Gorgonocephalus sp.)
by Kathryn Murray, Bárbara de Moura Neves, Emmeline Broad and Vonda E. Hayes
Diversity 2025, 17(8), 543; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080543 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 204
Abstract
Cold-water soft corals are a known habitat for juvenile basket stars (Gorgonocephalus sp.), but the role of this relationship in the earliest life stages of basket stars warrants further investigation. Here, basket stars and colonies of the soft coral Gersemia rubiformis were [...] Read more.
Cold-water soft corals are a known habitat for juvenile basket stars (Gorgonocephalus sp.), but the role of this relationship in the earliest life stages of basket stars warrants further investigation. Here, basket stars and colonies of the soft coral Gersemia rubiformis were collected together from the Funk Island Deep Marine Refuge (NW Atlantic) and maintained in a laboratory setting for observation. During this time, two developing (<1 mm disc diameter) basket stars were discovered on coral colonies and could be seen retracting with the coral polyp into the colony. The basket stars were recorded unharmed once the polyps were expanded again and continued to retract within the colony over the period of observation. The results of this study show that developing basket stars can spend time inside the coral colony, which could be a form of protection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Marine Diversity)
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28 pages, 7617 KiB  
Article
Using Circuit Theory to Identify Important Ecological Corridors for Large Mammals Between Wildlife Refuges
by Büşra Kalleci and Özkan Evcin
Diversity 2025, 17(8), 542; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080542 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 388
Abstract
Habitat fragmentation restricts the movement of large mammals across broad landscapes, leading to isolation of individuals or groups, reduced interaction with other species, and limited access to vital resources in surrounding habitats. In this study, we aimed to determine the wildlife ecological corridors [...] Read more.
Habitat fragmentation restricts the movement of large mammals across broad landscapes, leading to isolation of individuals or groups, reduced interaction with other species, and limited access to vital resources in surrounding habitats. In this study, we aimed to determine the wildlife ecological corridors for five large mammals (Ursus arctos, Cervus elaphus, Capreolus capreolus, Sus scrofa, and Canis lupus) between Kastamonu Ilgaz Mountain Wildlife Refuge and Gavurdağı Wildlife Refuge. In the field studies, we used the transect, indirect observation, and camera-trap methods to collect presence data. Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) (v. 3.4.1) software was used to create habitat suitability models of the target species, which are based on the presence-only data approach. The results indicated that AUC values varied between 0.808 and 0.835, with water sources, stand type, and slope contributing most significantly to model performance. In order to determine wildlife ecological corridors, resistance surface maps were created using the species distribution models (SDMs), and bottleneck areas were determined. The Circuit Theory approach was used to model the connections between ecological corridors. As a result of this study, we developed connectivity models for five large mammals based on Circuit Theory, identified priority wildlife ecological corridors, and evaluated critical connection points between two protected areas, Ilgaz Mountain Wildlife Refuge and Gavurdağı Wildlife Refuge. These findings highlight the essential role of ecological corridors in sustaining landscape-level connectivity and supporting the long-term conservation of wide-ranging species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Habitat Assessment and Conservation Strategies)
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17 pages, 2404 KiB  
Article
Geographically Weighted Regression Enhances Spectral Diversity–Biodiversity Relationships in Inner Mongolian Grasslands
by Yu Dai, Huawei Wan, Longhui Lu, Fengming Wan, Haowei Duan, Cui Xiao, Yusha Zhang, Zhiru Zhang, Yongcai Wang, Peirong Shi and Xuwei Sun
Diversity 2025, 17(8), 541; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080541 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 253
Abstract
The spectral variation hypothesis (SVH) posits that the complexity of spectral information in remote sensing imagery can serve as a proxy for regional biodiversity. However, the relationship between spectral diversity (SD) and biodiversity differs for different environmental conditions. Previous SVH studies often overlooked [...] Read more.
The spectral variation hypothesis (SVH) posits that the complexity of spectral information in remote sensing imagery can serve as a proxy for regional biodiversity. However, the relationship between spectral diversity (SD) and biodiversity differs for different environmental conditions. Previous SVH studies often overlooked these differences. We utilized species data from field surveys in Inner Mongolia and drone-derived multispectral imagery to establish a quantitative relationship between SD and biodiversity. A geographically weighted regression (GWR) model was used to describe the SD–biodiversity relationship and map the biodiversity indices in different experimental areas in Inner Mongolia, China. Spatial autocorrelation analysis revealed that both SD and biodiversity indices exhibited strong and statistically significant spatial autocorrelation in their distribution patterns. Among all spectral diversity indices, the convex hull area exhibited the best model fit with the Margalef richness index (Margalef), the coefficient of variation showed the strongest predictive performance for species richness (Richness), and the convex hull volume provided the highest explanatory power for Shannon diversity (Shannon). Predictions for Shannon achieved the lowest relative root mean square error (RRMSE = 0.17), indicating the highest predictive accuracy, whereas Richness exhibited systematic underestimation with a higher RRMSE (0.23). Compared to the commonly used linear regression model in SVH studies, the GWR model exhibited a 4.7- to 26.5-fold improvement in goodness-of-fit. Despite the relatively low R2 value (≤0.59), the model yields biodiversity predictions that are broadly aligned with field observations. Our approach explicitly considers the spatial heterogeneity of the SD–biodiversity relationship. The GWR model had significantly higher fitting accuracy than the linear regression model, indicating its potential for remote sensing-based biodiversity assessments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Restoration of Grassland—2nd Edition)
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9 pages, 7006 KiB  
Interesting Images
Coral Bleaching and Recovery on Urban Reefs off Jakarta, Indonesia, During the 2023–2024 Thermal Stress Event
by Tries B. Razak, Muhammad Irhas, Laura Nikita, Rindah Talitha Vida, Sera Maserati and Cut Aja Gita Alisa
Diversity 2025, 17(8), 540; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080540 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 372
Abstract
Urban coral reefs in Jakarta Bay and the Thousand Islands, Indonesia, are chronically exposed to land-based pollution and increasing thermal stress. These reefs—including the site of Indonesia’s first recorded coral bleaching event in 1983—remain highly vulnerable to climate-induced disturbances. During the fourth global [...] Read more.
Urban coral reefs in Jakarta Bay and the Thousand Islands, Indonesia, are chronically exposed to land-based pollution and increasing thermal stress. These reefs—including the site of Indonesia’s first recorded coral bleaching event in 1983—remain highly vulnerable to climate-induced disturbances. During the fourth global coral bleaching event (GCBE), we recorded selective bleaching in the region, associated with a Degree Heating Weeks (DHW) value of 4.8 °C-weeks. Surveys conducted in January 2024 across a shelf gradient at four representative islands revealed patchy bleaching, affecting various taxa at depths ranging from 3 to 13 m. A follow-up survey in May 2024, which tracked the fate of 42 tagged bleached colonies, found that 36% had fully recovered, 26% showed partial recovery, and 38% had died. Bleaching responses varied across taxa, depths, and microhabitats, often occurring in close proximity to unaffected colonies. While some corals demonstrated resilience, the overall findings underscore the continued vulnerability of urban reefs to escalating thermal stress. This highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive and coordinated national strategy—not only to monitor bleaching and assess reef responses, but also to strengthen protection measures and implement best-practice restoration. Such efforts are increasingly critical in the face of more frequent and severe bleaching events projected under future climate scenarios. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Interesting Images from the Sea)
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11 pages, 4070 KiB  
Article
Road Density Shapes Soil Fungal Community Composition in Urban Road Green Space
by Shuhong Luo, Yong Lin, Ruirui Chen, Jigang Han and Yun Liu
Diversity 2025, 17(8), 539; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080539 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 186
Abstract
Road density is a key indicator of human activity, causing habitat loss and fragmentation. Soil fungi, essential for ecosystem functioning, are sensitive bioindicators. Yet their responses to road density in urban green spaces are poorly characterized. Here, we analyzed the composition of the [...] Read more.
Road density is a key indicator of human activity, causing habitat loss and fragmentation. Soil fungi, essential for ecosystem functioning, are sensitive bioindicators. Yet their responses to road density in urban green spaces are poorly characterized. Here, we analyzed the composition of the dominant fungal community, examined both the direct and indirect effects of road density on soil fungal communities, and identified specialist species. Focusing on Shanghai, China, a rapidly urbanizing city, we considered both edaphic factor and the road network. Through machine learning and Spearman correlation regression analyses, we quantified the relative importance of road density and edaphic factor in shaping fungal community composition and employed occupancy-specificity modeling to identify specialist taxa. Our results revealed that Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Zygomycota, Rozellomycota, Chytridiomycota, and Glomeromycota were the dominant phyla, accounting for 93% of the retrieved ITS sequences. Road density was found to be the primary driver of fungal community composition, followed by soil lead and potassium concentrations. Notably, opportunistic pathogens (Acremonium spp.) correlated positively with road density (p < 0.001). Specialist species in high-density areas were primarily pathotrophic fungi, while saprotrophic fungi dominated in low-density areas. These findings highlight the need for urban planning strategies to mitigate the ecological impact of road density. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Microbial Diversity and Culture Collections)
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16 pages, 2207 KiB  
Article
Mitogenomic Insights into Adaptive Evolution of African Ground Squirrels in Arid Environments
by Yamin Xing, Xibao Wang, Yao Chen, Yongquan Shang, Haotian Cai, Liangkai Wang and Xiaoyang Wu
Diversity 2025, 17(8), 538; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080538 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 252
Abstract
African ground squirrels (Xerus spp.), the inhabitants of African arid zones, face extreme heat and water scarcity driving selection for metabolic optimization. We assembled and annotated the first mitogenomes of Xerus inauris and Xerus rutilus (16,525–16,517 bp), revealing conserved vertebrate architecture with [...] Read more.
African ground squirrels (Xerus spp.), the inhabitants of African arid zones, face extreme heat and water scarcity driving selection for metabolic optimization. We assembled and annotated the first mitogenomes of Xerus inauris and Xerus rutilus (16,525–16,517 bp), revealing conserved vertebrate architecture with genus-specific traits. Key features include Xerus rutilus’s elongated ATP6 (680 vs. 605 bp), truncated ATP8–ATP6 spacers (4 vs. 43 bp), and tRNA-Pro control regions with 78.1–78.3% AT content. Their nucleotide composition diverged from that of related sciurids, marked by reduced T (25.78–26.9%) and extreme GC skew (−0.361 to −0.376). Codon usage showed strong Arg-CGA bias (RSCU = 3.78–3.88) and species-specific elevations in Xerus rutilus’s UGC-Cys (RSCU = 1.83 vs. 1.17). Phylogenetics positioned Xerus as sister to Ratufa bicolor (Bayesian PP = 0.928; ML = 1.0), aligning with African biogeographic isolation. Critically, we identified significant signatures of positive selection in key mitochondrial genes linked to arid adaptation. Positive selection signals in ND4 (ω = 1.8 × background), ND1, and ATP6 (p < 0.0033) correspond to enhanced proton gradient efficiency and ATP synthesis–molecular adaptations likely crucial for optimizing energy metabolism under chronic water scarcity and thermoregulatory stress in desert environments. Distinct evolutionary rates were observed across mitochondrial genes and complexes: Genes encoding Complex I subunits (ND2, ND6) and Complex III (Cytb) exhibited accelerated evolution in arid-adapted lineages, while genes encoding Complex IV subunits (COXI) and Complex V (ATP8) remained highly conserved. These findings resolve the Xerus mitogenomic diversity, demonstrating adaptive plasticity balancing arid-energy optimization and historical diversification while filling critical genomic gaps for this xeric-adapted lineage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Diversity)
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