Diversity

12 pages, 1884 KB

Open AccessArticle

Fine-Scale Population Structure and Relatedness of Argali (Ovis ammon) in Kyrgyzstan Revealed by High-Density SNP Data

by Jennifer M. Thomson, Askar Davletbakov and Michael R. Frisina

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 194; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030194 - 23 Mar 2026

Viewed by 258

Abstract

Argali (Ovis ammon), the largest wild sheep in Asia, are of high conservation concern and remain taxonomically and genetically debated across parts of their range. We investigated population structure, relatedness, and inbreeding within Argali sampled in Kyrgyzstan using the Illumina Ovine [...] Read more.

Argali (Ovis ammon), the largest wild sheep in Asia, are of high conservation concern and remain taxonomically and genetically debated across parts of their range. We investigated population structure, relatedness, and inbreeding within Argali sampled in Kyrgyzstan using the Illumina Ovine High-Density SNP array, with an emphasis on dense within-population sampling rather than range-wide comparisons. After quality control, 72 individuals and 135,242 markers were retained for analysis. Principal component analysis revealed subtle genetic variation within the sampled population, but no clustering consistent with discrete subspecies. In particular, we found no genomic support for separating O. a. polii and O. a. karelini within Kyrgyzstan, suggesting that they represent a single genetic unit in this region. Estimates of identity by descent indicated a high average relatedness (0.35), consistent with harem-based breeding systems typical of wild sheep, while individual inbreeding coefficients averaged near zero, with some evidence of moderate inbreeding in a subset of animals. Together, these results characterize fine-scale genetic structure and kinship within Tian Shan Argali and provide a regional genomic baseline for conservation planning in Kyrgyzstan. Our findings highlight the importance of maintaining connectivity within and among managed populations while acknowledging that broader inference will require sampling across the core Pamir range and other parts of the species’ distribution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Diversity, Ecology and Conservation of Endangered Species—2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1974 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evolution of the Lake Taihu Aquatic Ecosystem over a 14-Year Period of External Load Reduction

by Kai Yu, Dandan Li, Ziwu Fan and Rui Ding

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 193; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030193 - 22 Mar 2026

Viewed by 256

Abstract

As a representative large shallow freshwater lake in China, Lake Taihu has suffered from persistent cyanobacterial blooms for a long time. Although intensive restoration actions have been carried out and caused visible improvements, the long-term evolution path and inner driving mechanisms of its [...] Read more.

As a representative large shallow freshwater lake in China, Lake Taihu has suffered from persistent cyanobacterial blooms for a long time. Although intensive restoration actions have been carried out and caused visible improvements, the long-term evolution path and inner driving mechanisms of its ecosystem are still not fully made clear. Based on long-term monitoring data during 2011 to 2024, this study aims to characterize temporal dynamics of the aquatic environment, find out key drivers that shape community succession, and offer a scientific foundation for effective lake management. A series of data about hydrometeorological factors, physicochemical water quality indexes, and biological community data was analyzed by using the Mann–Kendall trend test, Pettitt change-point test, Redundancy Analysis, and correlation heatmaps. The results show that the Taihu ecosystem has experienced a notable regime shift in the past 14 years. First, nitrogenous nutrients reacted quickly to external emission reductions, showing a notable monotonic decline; in comparison, Total Phosphorus and Cyanobacterial Density followed a non-linear “U-shaped” path, with a notable shift happening in 2020, which marks the change from a “deterioration phase” to a “recovery phase.” Second, correlation analysis has confirmed that the lake is mainly phosphorus-limited, and a clear “decoupling” between nitrogen levels and algal outbreaks has taken place. Third, the “10-year Fishing Ban” (initiated in 2020), together with sustained phosphorus control, reduced the competitive exclusion of phytoplankton by cyanobacteria, promoting the recent rebound in biodiversity. This study points out that Lake Taihu has passed a tipping point of ecological restoration, shifting from a turbid “algae-dominated state” to a stable state with higher biodiversity. Future management strategies should put first the mitigation of internal phosphorus loading and adaptive management against extreme climatic events. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Freshwater Biodiversity)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 3280 KB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of the Complete Mitochondrial Genome of Bellamya limnophila and Its Phylogenetic Status Within Viviparidae

by Xianhui Pan, Kangqi Zhou, Chang Yuan, Jun Shi, Yong Lin, Zhong Chen, Junqi Qin, Xuesong Du, Dapeng Wang, Yaoquan Han, Liangliang Huang, Dangen Gu, Hui Wei, Fandong Yu, Lu Shu, Aiying Lei and Xin He

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 192; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030192 - 20 Mar 2026

Viewed by 208

Abstract

Bellamya limnophila is a mollusk of significant medical and economic value in China. Understanding the complete mitochondrial genome of this species will better establish a foundation for systematic classification research on Viviparidae. Therefore, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome of B. limnophila, [...] Read more.

Bellamya limnophila is a mollusk of significant medical and economic value in China. Understanding the complete mitochondrial genome of this species will better establish a foundation for systematic classification research on Viviparidae. Therefore, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome of B. limnophila, conducted a comprehensive analysis of its structural characteristics, and constructed a phylogenetic tree using maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods. The results showed that the genome sequence is 16,991 bp in length, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 20 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), 2 ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), and 1 non-coding region (D-loop). In summary, the Ka/Ks ratios of all PCGs were <1, indicating that purifying selection dominated the evolutionary process of these snails. The entire genome structure exhibited conservative features, such as the majority of start codons being the standard ATG codon and the majority of tRNA genes having the standard cloverleaf secondary structure. B. limnophila and B. quadrata showed collinearity in terms of sequence homology. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that the clade formed by the genera Margarya, Cipangopaludina, and Bellamya is the sister group of the genus Viviparus; Bellamya limnophila is more closely related to B. quadrata than to other species. This study contributes to the mitochondrial genome database of the family Viviparidae and provides valuable insights into the phylogenetic relationships of related snails. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Freshwater Mollusk Research)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 5366 KB

Open AccessArticle

Current State of Chelidonium majus L. (Papaveraceae) Populations in the Eastern Part of the Kungey Alatau Ridge (Southeastern Kazakhstan)

by Klara Izbastina, Saule Mukhtubayeva, Anar Dostemessova, Meruyert Kurmanbayeva, Gulnara Sitpayeva, Margarita Ishmuratova, Zarina Inelova, Moldir Sharipova (Zhumagul) and Sholpan Zhumadina

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 191; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030191 - 20 Mar 2026

Viewed by 280

Abstract

Modern changes in natural and anthropogenic conditions in mountain ecosystems highlight the growing need to assess the status of medicinal plant populations and factors influencing their resilience. This study presents findings from a comprehensive investigation of three previously undocumented wild populations of Chelidonium [...] Read more.

Modern changes in natural and anthropogenic conditions in mountain ecosystems highlight the growing need to assess the status of medicinal plant populations and factors influencing their resilience. This study presents findings from a comprehensive investigation of three previously undocumented wild populations of Chelidonium majus L., discovered in the gorges of Kaindy, Shet-Merke, and Kolsai in the eastern part of the Kungey Alatau range. The research included analysis of phytocenotic conditions, population age structure, morphometric and morpho-anatomical traits of plants, along with physicochemical properties of soils. It was found that C. majus is associated with meadow-type moisture regimes and occurs spottily, mainly in moist microhabitats within open and semi-shaded plant communities. Population sizes ranged from 264 to 296 individuals, with average densities between 5.1 and 16.3 individuals per m². All studied populations exhibited complete ontogenetic spectra, dominated by generative stages (56.1–67.2%), indicating preserved reproductive potential despite limited recruitment at early developmental phases. Morpho-anatomical analysis revealed high phenotypic plasticity: under drier, poorer soil conditions, xeromorphic features developed, whereas mesomorphic structures prevailed in more favorable habitats. Soil analysis indicated that Shet-Merke population enjoys optimal growth and regeneration conditions. These results suggest that current C. majus populations in the region remain relatively stable, though strongly dependent on edaphic–hydrological and phytocenotic factors—underscoring the necessity of integrated monitoring to ensure conservation of medicinal plant resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Diversity)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 1073 KB

Open AccessReview

The Genus Erysimum (Brassicaceae): A Comprehensive Review of Its Diversity in Asia, Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Potential

by Xurliman K. Fayzullaeva, Nilufar Z. Mamadalieva, Hidayat Hussain and Michael Wink

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 190; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030190 - 20 Mar 2026

Viewed by 267

Abstract

The genus Erysimum (Brassicaceae) comprises more than 150 species distributed mainly across Europe, Central Asia, East Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and North America, many of which are traditionally used for treating cardiovascular, respiratory, and inflammatory disorders. Plants of this genus are [...] Read more.

The genus Erysimum (Brassicaceae) comprises more than 150 species distributed mainly across Europe, Central Asia, East Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and North America, many of which are traditionally used for treating cardiovascular, respiratory, and inflammatory disorders. Plants of this genus are rich in various groups of secondary metabolites, including cardenolides, glucosinolates and isothiocyanates released from them, sterols, phenolic compounds such as flavonoids and tannins, and other secondary metabolites. This review synthesizes its unique phytochemical profile, characterized by the coexistence of ancestral glucosinolates and independently evolved cardenolides. Over 100 cardenolide structures based on 15 aglycones have been reported from Erysimum, although the structural characterization of several compounds remains inconsistent or incomplete, with some glycosides still absent in major chemical databases. A variety of pharmacological activities have been documented for extracts and isolated constituents, including cardiotonic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic effects, supporting the therapeutic potential of the genus. Ecologically, the genus employs a two-tiered defense strategy where strophanthidin-based compounds deter butterfly oviposition and digitoxigenin-based compounds repel larval feeding. This review summarizes current knowledge on the taxonomy, distribution, phytochemical composition, and biological activities of Erysimum species, with a focus on cardenolide diversity, structural ambiguities, and research gaps that require further investigation. Full article

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

18 pages, 3205 KB

Open AccessArticle

Living on the Edge: Challenges for Freshwater Mussel Conservation in Mediterranean-Type Temporary Streams

by María G. Álvarez, Filipe Rolo, Francisco Godinho, Paulo Pinheiro, María Gil, Daniel Pires, Filipe Banha, Mafalda Gama, Pedro Anastácio, Carla Sousa-Santos, Cristina Silva Lima, Ana Cristina Cardoso and Joaquim Reis

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 189; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030189 - 20 Mar 2026

Viewed by 220

Abstract

Mediterranean temporary streams are characterized by high hydrological variability that climate change is expected to intensify, increasing drought frequency and severity. These conditions represent a major threat to freshwater mussels, an imperiled group with limited mobility and strict habitat and host requirements. This [...] Read more.

Mediterranean temporary streams are characterized by high hydrological variability that climate change is expected to intensify, increasing drought frequency and severity. These conditions represent a major threat to freshwater mussels, an imperiled group with limited mobility and strict habitat and host requirements. This study explored key factors shaping freshwater mussel community structure, including the spatial distribution, species composition and abundance of coexisting species, in two temporary streams of the Guadiana river basin (southwestern Iberian Peninsula). Pool systems in both streams were characterized and compared under average dry season and extreme drought conditions using aerial imagery, whereas mussel abundance patterns and host–mussel relationships were assessed in the larger and more hydrologically stable stream. Results showed that drought severity had different effects on pool refugia persistence, longitudinal distribution and host fish availability between streams. The smaller stream experienced extensive pool desiccation during extreme drought, causing widespread mussel mortality, whereas the larger stream retained numerous pools that allowed mussel persistence. Mussel abundance showed no relationship with pool size. However, Unio tumidiformis abundance was positively associated with native fish abundance, particularly in upstream reaches. These results highlight hydrological stability and host availability as key drivers of freshwater mussel persistence in Mediterranean temporary streams. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Conservation of Freshwater Mollusks)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 2039 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Surface Water Pollution on Biodiversity and Photosynthetic Activity of Phytoplankton in the Kalmius River

by Sergey Chufitskiy, Besarion Meskhi, Anastasiya Olshevskaya, Victoria Shevchenko, Mary Odabashyan, Denis Kozyrev, Arkady Mirzoyan, Anna Vershinina and Lusine Gukasyan

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 188; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030188 - 20 Mar 2026

Viewed by 258

Abstract

In order to determine the condition of drinking water sources in Donetsk Region and assess potential threats related to water pollution from mining and industrial wastewater, it is extremely important to monitor surface waters, which should include an assessment of the condition of [...] Read more.

In order to determine the condition of drinking water sources in Donetsk Region and assess potential threats related to water pollution from mining and industrial wastewater, it is extremely important to monitor surface waters, which should include an assessment of the condition of gydrobionts. Additionally, declining surface water quality in the region contributes to pollution in the coastal waters of the Sea of Azov. This study presents the monitoring results for the southern part of the Kalmius River basin. Analysis of water samples revealed contamination by phenol, sulfates, chlorides, anionic surfactants, iron, elevated water hardness, and significant exceedances of suspended solids and total dissolved solids. The iron concentration at the Kalmius River estuary reached 0.81 mg∙L⁻¹, exceeding the permissible limit by 2.5-fold. Sulfate and total dissolved solids concentrations attained 1673 and 160 mg∙L⁻¹, respectively. Changes in the species composition of phytoplankton were observed in response to variations in iron, manganese, and phenol concentrations in the water. Specifically, elevated iron levels led to increased abundance of the metal-sensitive species Cyclotella meneghiniana Kützing. Principal component analysis of the data revealed a relationship between increased phenol concentrations in the aquatic environment and a mean 20% reduction in phytoplankton cell photosynthetic activity, as well as the influence of manganese ions on cell abundance and photopigment content. Thus, phytoplankton cell fluorescence, alongside shifts in species composition and photosynthetic pigment content, can serve as an additional indicator of surface water pollution by iron and phenol. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Freshwater Biodiversity)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2473 KB

Open AccessArticle

Plant Diversity Changes During the Middle Miocene in the Lunpola Basin, Tibetan Plateau

by Bingyue Wu, Quan Li and Jimin Sun

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 187; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030187 - 19 Mar 2026

Viewed by 233

Abstract

The Tibetan Plateau (TP) experienced significant climatic transitions and tectonic uplift during the Middle Miocene. Little is known about plant diversity changes and their relationship with climatic and tectonic processes in spite of extensive reconstructions of vegetation change over this period. Based on [...] Read more.

The Tibetan Plateau (TP) experienced significant climatic transitions and tectonic uplift during the Middle Miocene. Little is known about plant diversity changes and their relationship with climatic and tectonic processes in spite of extensive reconstructions of vegetation change over this period. Based on palynological assemblages spanning ~15–12 Ma from the Lunpola Basin, we quantitatively reconstruct the evolution of plant diversity around the Middle Miocene Climatic Transition (MMCT) in the central TP. Plant taxa richness and evenness of three groups of tree, shrub and herb, and pteridophyte are estimated using Hill numbers methods. Three distinct diversity phases are identified. From ~15 to 14.2 Ma, plant richness gradually increased while evenness decreased, possibly due to the development of vertical vegetation zones driven by the uplift of the central TP. From ~14.2 to 13.8 Ma, richness dropped sharply in response to rapid climatic deterioration in the MMCT. From ~13.8 to 12 Ma, both richness and evenness increased under fluctuations, associated with paleo-lake shrinkage and expansion of lakeside wetlands caused by persistent plateau uplift and climatic aridification. Long-term changes in plant diversity within the Lunpola Basin were influenced by global climate changes, the uplift of central TP, and regional hydrological dynamics during the Middle Miocene. Our findings provide paleoecological insights into the coevolution of TP growth, climate change, hydrological process, and biodiversity of alpine ecosystem. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Diversity)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

13 pages, 4116 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial and Temporal Activity Patterns of Six Ungulate Species in the Anzihe Nature Reserve, Giant Panda National Park, China: A Camera-Trap Study

by Bingnan Dong, Shengqiang Li, Xing Fan and Jialiang Han

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 186; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030186 - 19 Mar 2026

Viewed by 279

Abstract

The study used camera traps (2946 trap days, 60 sites) to investigate the diversity, habitat use, and activity rhythms of six sympatric ungulates in a montane ecosystem of southwestern China: tufted deer (Elaphodus cephalophus), Chinese goral (Naemorhedus caudatus), Chinese [...] Read more.

The study used camera traps (2946 trap days, 60 sites) to investigate the diversity, habitat use, and activity rhythms of six sympatric ungulates in a montane ecosystem of southwestern China: tufted deer (Elaphodus cephalophus), Chinese goral (Naemorhedus caudatus), Chinese serow (Naemorhedus griseus), sambar (Rusa unicolor), wild boar (Sus scrofa), and blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur). Relative abundance indices indicated that sambar were most frequent, while blue sheep and Chinese goral were least common. Species showed distinct elevational, slope, and vegetation preferences, suggesting spatial niche segregation. Kernel density estimates revealed predominantly diurnal activity, with bimodal patterns for tufted deer, sambar, and Chinese goral, and unimodal peaks for blue sheep, wild boar, and Chinese serow. Temporal overlap was highest between sambar and tufted deer, and lowest between tufted deer and blue sheep. These results demonstrate spatial and temporal partitioning as key mechanisms enabling ungulate coexistence and underscore the importance of conserving heterogeneous montane habitats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Applications of Emerging Technologies on Biodiversity Conservation)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

44 pages, 70284 KB

Open AccessReview

Research Trends and Evidence Gaps in Selected South/Central American Medicinal Plants: A Scientometric Review

by Elisabeth Mariano Batista, José Diogo da Rocha Viana, Jesus Fernando Ayala-Zavala, Laura Maria Bruno and Luciana de Siqueira Oliveira

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 185; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030185 - 18 Mar 2026

Viewed by 329

Abstract

Medicinal plants from South and Central America are widely used, but the scientific literature remains fragmented and strongly concentrated in laboratory-based studies. This scientometric review mapped research trends and translational gaps for five focal species (Amburana cearensis, Libidibia ferrea, Justicia [...] Read more.

Medicinal plants from South and Central America are widely used, but the scientific literature remains fragmented and strongly concentrated in laboratory-based studies. This scientometric review mapped research trends and translational gaps for five focal species (Amburana cearensis, Libidibia ferrea, Justicia pectoralis, Lippia origanoides, and Spondias mombin). These species were selected because they combine ethnobotanical relevance, recurrent pharmacological and phytochemical interest, and sufficient representation in the retrieved corpus to support comparative scientometric analysis. Records indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection (1991–2024) were analyzed using VOSviewer and Bibliometrix within a transparent and reproducible workflow. Evidence was also organized across four domains, chemistry, preclinical, clinical, and safety, to support cross-species synthesis. A total of 183 publications were included. Brazil accounted for more than 60% of the records and concentrated the most productive authors and institutions. The Journal of Ethnopharmacology was the main publication outlet, followed by Industrial Crops and Products, indicating overlap between ethnopharmacological research and application-oriented development. Keyword networks were dominated by Spondias and Lippia, with recurring themes such as antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity, and in vitro assays. Across species, preclinical evidence substantially exceeded controlled human studies and systematic safety reporting. Controlled trials were found only for Amburana and Justicia, whereas clinical and safety gaps remained evident for the other species despite the extensive experimental literature. Overall, the field is expanding, but its translational progress remains uneven. Future advances will depend on stronger chemical standardization, mechanism-driven study designs, and better integration of clinical and safety evidence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ethnobotany and Plant Diversity: Conservation and Sustainable Use)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 1622 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Spatial Synchrony Between the Spiny Shieldbug and the Colorado Potato Beetle Under Climate Change

by Shuoying Ning, Jia Qu, Changping Ding and Chuan Chen

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030184 - 18 Mar 2026

Viewed by 262

Abstract

As a widespread pest renowned for its rapid adaptation to insecticides, the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) poses a severe threat to global potato production, necessitating the exploration of alternative control technologies. This study focuses on the spiny shieldbug (Picromerus [...] Read more.

As a widespread pest renowned for its rapid adaptation to insecticides, the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) poses a severe threat to global potato production, necessitating the exploration of alternative control technologies. This study focuses on the spiny shieldbug (Picromerus bidens), a generalist predator, as a potential biological control agent. Using CLIMEX modeling, we assessed the potential distribution dynamics of both the pest and its predator under climate change. The results show that while both species are currently widespread globally, climate change will impact them differently: the suitable habitat for L. decemlineata will remain relatively stable, whereas the range for P. bidens is expected to shrink and shift toward higher latitudes. Despite this reduction, the high degree of spatial overlap between the two species supports the feasibility of using P. bidens in integrated pest management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biodiversity Loss & Dynamics)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

7 pages, 657 KB

Open AccessArticle

First Record of Schilbetrema (Monopisthocotyla: Dactylogyridae) from Schilbe depressirostris in South Africa

by Willem J. Smit

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 183; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030183 - 18 Mar 2026

Viewed by 206

Abstract

The study presents a survey of monopisthocotylan parasites infecting Schilbe depressirostris in the northern region of South Africa. Fish specimens were collected from five different localities and examined for gill-infesting monopisthocotylans. To date, there have been no records of monopisthocotylans associated with this [...] Read more.

The study presents a survey of monopisthocotylan parasites infecting Schilbe depressirostris in the northern region of South Africa. Fish specimens were collected from five different localities and examined for gill-infesting monopisthocotylans. To date, there have been no records of monopisthocotylans associated with this host species in South Africa. Across Africa, fourteen monopisthocotylan species of the genus Schilbetrema and two species of Schilbetrematoides have been reported from schilbeid hosts. In the present study, three species of Schilbetrema were identified, each showing varying levels of infestation: Schilbetrema quadricornis was found at all five localities; Schilbetrema acornis was recorded at four localities; and Schilbetrema undinula was detected at a single locality. Seasonal variation in infestation was not significant; however, infestation was positively correlated with host size. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cryptic Diversity in Animals at Genetical, Morphological, and Ecological Levels)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 170 KB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Tikhomirov et al. Taxonomic Revision of Pasiphaea (Pasiphaeidae: Crustacea) of the Southwest Tropical Pacific with a Description of Eight New Species. Diversity 2025, 17, 656

by Anton M. Tikhomirov, Dmitrii N. Kulagin, Anastasiia A. Lunina, Elodie Vourey and Alexander L. Vereshchaka

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 182; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030182 - 18 Mar 2026

Viewed by 162

Abstract

The present correction concerns the catalogue numbers of the examined material in the paper [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2025 Feature Papers by Diversity’s Editorial Board Members)

15 pages, 3984 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Novel Halotolerant, Filamentous Cyanobacterium Krienitziella sambharensis gen. et sp. nov. (Nodosilineales, Cyanobacteriophyta) Isolated from an Indian Wetland (Sambhar Salt Lake, India)

by Sonam Sonam, Shaubhik Anand, Nidhi Pareek, Prashant Singh, Dale A. Casamatta and Pawan K. Dadheech

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 181; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030181 - 17 Mar 2026

Viewed by 309

Abstract

Soda lakes are ecologically significant habitats characterized by high salinity, alkaline pH, and intense evaporation. These milieus are hostile to most life, though these lakes could be a rich source for discovering novel halotolerant and halophilic cyanobacterial taxa. The Indian subcontinent is endowed [...] Read more.

Soda lakes are ecologically significant habitats characterized by high salinity, alkaline pH, and intense evaporation. These milieus are hostile to most life, though these lakes could be a rich source for discovering novel halotolerant and halophilic cyanobacterial taxa. The Indian subcontinent is endowed with shallow saline–alkaline lakes whose cyanobacterial diversity has been little explored. The present study was undertaken to explore the cyanobacterial diversity in an inland saline–alkaline lake (Sambhar Lake) in India using a polyphasic approach. Two thin, filamentous strains encapsulated within thick sheaths and capable of nodule formation under normal light conditions were recovered. Both isolates exhibited growth at up to 4% salinity, indicating their halotolerant nature. The studied strains exhibited <95% 16S rRNA gene similarity with closely related taxa from the genera Thainema and Insularia and formed a distinct evolutionary lineage in phylogenetic tree supported by a high bootstrap value. Additionally, the secondary structures of the 16S-23S Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) regions (D1-D1′ and BoxB) of the studied strains showed remarkable differences from phylogenetically closely related taxa, indicating these strains represent a new genus in the Nodosilineales: Krienitziella sambharensis gen. et sp. nov., in accordance with the International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi, and Plants (ICN). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 15th Anniversary of Diversity—Biodiversity, Conservation and Ecology of Animals, Plants and Microorganisms)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 906 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multiple Paternity, Mate Choice and Siring Success During Drought: Implications for a Semelparous Marsupial

by Marissa L. Parrott, Simon J. Ward, Peter D. Temple-Smith and Lynne Selwood

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 180; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030180 - 17 Mar 2026

Viewed by 373

Abstract

Multiple paternity in litters and a female’s choice of mate can significantly influence siring success and the success and survival of offspring. In captive agile antechinus (Antechinus agilis), a small, carnivorous marsupial that exhibits obligate semelparity, females choose to mate with [...] Read more.

Multiple paternity in litters and a female’s choice of mate can significantly influence siring success and the success and survival of offspring. In captive agile antechinus (Antechinus agilis), a small, carnivorous marsupial that exhibits obligate semelparity, females choose to mate with multiple males and mate choice is profoundly influenced by genetic dissimilarity between mates, not male size. However, female mate choice has not been examined in wild agile antechinus. Our study encompassed one year in which the operational sex ratio was at parity and a second in which the ratio was female biased, and animal weight, survival and litter size were significantly decreased due to severe drought conditions. Using genetic data from 204 pouch young, we show that genetically dissimilar males sired a higher proportion of young when the sex ratio was at parity, but there was no influence of relatedness on siring success during drought conditions. Larger males sired a higher proportion of young in both years, suggesting that female choice may be partially over-ridden by male behaviour. We highlight concerns for semelparous marsupials during increasingly frequent environmental disruptions, including drought, which could influence mate choice behaviours, reproductive success, genetic health and population survival. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Evolution and Conservation of Marsupials)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

19 pages, 3298 KB

Open AccessArticle

Ensemble Species Distribution Modeling Reveals Stable High-Suitability Areas and Conservation Priorities for Stephania tetrandra in China Under CMIP6 Scenarios

by Jingyi Wang, Yiheng Wang, Sheng Wang and Qingjun Yuan

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 179; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030179 - 17 Mar 2026

Viewed by 315

Abstract

Stephania tetrandra is a medicinal plant with ecological, germplasm, and economic value whose wild resources are increasingly constrained by overexploitation and climate change. To support conservation planning and sustainable cultivation, we quantified current and future potential habitat suitability across China using an ensemble [...] Read more.

Stephania tetrandra is a medicinal plant with ecological, germplasm, and economic value whose wild resources are increasingly constrained by overexploitation and climate change. To support conservation planning and sustainable cultivation, we quantified current and future potential habitat suitability across China using an ensemble species distribution modeling (SDM) framework and translated the outputs into climate-based priority areas for protection, germplasm safeguarding, monitoring, and phased cultivation trials. Occurrence records were compiled from multiple sources and preprocessed via cleaning and spatial thinning to reduce sampling bias. Current predictors were derived from WorldClim (1970–2000) and complemented with topographic and edaphic variables; future climates were represented by CMIP6 projections for the 2050s, 2070s, and 2090s under SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5. Multiple algorithms were trained in a consistent cross-validation workflow and filtered using AUC (ROC) and TSS before generating a weighted ensemble (EMwmean). Current projections indicate a well-defined suitability core in the humid subtropical monsoon region south of the Yangtze River. Nationally, high-, moderate-, and low-suitability areas were estimated at 51.90 × 10⁴ km², 22.95 × 10⁴ km², and 31.05 × 10⁴ km², respectively. Future impacts are dominated by suitability-grade reallocation rather than a collapse of total suitable extent. Under SSP5-8.5 in the 2090s, high suitability declines to 13.32 × 10⁴ km² (≈74% reduction), accompanied by contraction of stable habitat (48.95 × 10⁴ km²) and expansion of loss areas (33.64 × 10⁴ km²), while gains remain limited (4.30 × 10⁴ km²). Extrapolation diagnostics (Multivariate Environmental Similarity Surface, MESS; Most Dissimilar Variable, MoD) highlight elevated uncertainty in northwestern arid/high-elevation and strongly seasonal transition zones. Environmental-space niche overlap decreases moderately (Schoener’s D = 0.51–0.67), indicating niche displacement and a narrowing suitability window. These results represent potential climatic habitat suitability rather than guaranteed future occupancy. They support prioritizing in situ protection and germplasm safeguarding in areas that are currently highly suitable and remain comparatively stable under future climates, while treating marginal gain zones as candidates for monitoring and carefully phased cultivation or introduction trials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Diversity)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

31 pages, 9364 KB

Open AccessArticle

An Ecomorphological Description of Malacoraja (Rajidae) in Waters of Eastern Canada

by David W. Kulka, Carolyn M. Miri and Mark R. Simpson

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 178; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030178 - 16 Mar 2026

Viewed by 202

Abstract

We examine the population structure, habitat associations, spatial ecology, morphometrics, meristics and reproductive attributes of two species in the genus Malacoraja of Canada. M. senta, the only shelf-dwelling species of the genus, is also atypical of Rajidae, and marine fish in general, [...] Read more.

We examine the population structure, habitat associations, spatial ecology, morphometrics, meristics and reproductive attributes of two species in the genus Malacoraja of Canada. M. senta, the only shelf-dwelling species of the genus, is also atypical of Rajidae, and marine fish in general, in forming disjunct populations. This unusual spatial structure appears to be the result of a fragmented thermal habitat. At the northern, coldest extent of their range, M. senta occur only within the troughs where temperatures are >3 °C, comparable to the thermal habitat further south. M. spinacidermis, consistent with its other congeners, is slope-dwelling, reaching the highest density at >900 m, concentrating in 3.1–4.0 °C. The two species are of a similar size and body proportions but less spiny for M. spinacidermis. Body and tail size and spine counts underwent allometric changes with growth. L₅₀ could not be determined for all populations, but Laurentian population L₅₀ was 45 cm for females, 51 cm for males; Funk males, 45 cm. Size at first maturity was similar between species. This pattern of maturity is reflected in the secondary sexual characteristics. There was partial separation of maturity stages by depth for M. senta, with immature fish distributing in greater depths. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Biodiversity, Ecology, and Management in Shark Research)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 2562 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating Conservation Grazing Through Fine-Scale Vegetation Structure in Invaded Marsh Meadows

by Krisztina Napsugár Nagy, Zsuzsa Petra Bartal, Csilla Evelin Károlyi and László Bakacsy

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 177; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030177 - 14 Mar 2026

Viewed by 213

Abstract

Active conservation management is widely applied in ecosystems affected by biological invasions, where outcomes depend primarily on how management regimes shape the vegetation structure. Grazing is a common tool in floodplain marsh meadows, but differences between grazing regimes are rarely assessed at spatial [...] Read more.

Active conservation management is widely applied in ecosystems affected by biological invasions, where outcomes depend primarily on how management regimes shape the vegetation structure. Grazing is a common tool in floodplain marsh meadows, but differences between grazing regimes are rarely assessed at spatial scales sensitive to internal community organization. Here, we compared the fine-scale structural diversity of two Amorpha fruticosa-invaded marsh meadows managed under contrasting conservation grazing regimes differing in livestock species, grazing intensity, and grazing dynamics. Vegetation was sampled using microcoenological methods along circular transects of contiguous 5 × 5 cm microquadrats. The fine-scale structure of the vegetation was quantified using the Juhász–Nagy spatial series framework, focusing on compositional diversity (CD) and associatum (AS), complemented by Shannon diversity. Differences between grazing regimes were evaluated using nonparametric tests complemented by effect size estimation. The patterns of species occurrence and Shannon diversity were similar between sites, indicating a similar species composition. In contrast, JNP-derived structural metrics showed consistent directional differences, with moderate to large effect sizes for selected structural indicators, despite nonsignificances. These results indicate that conservation grazing primarily influences fine-scale structural organization rather than species composition, highlighting the value of structure-oriented metrics in evaluating management effects in invaded marsh meadows. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Distribution, Impacts, and Management of Invasive Plants)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 2886 KB

Open AccessReview

Bibliometric Analysis of Global Remote Sensing of Plateau Wetland Research Trends from 1982 to 2024

by Yang Xu, Kai Zhang, Hou Jiang, Deyun Chen, Ziyue Xu, Wei Wang, Yuhui Si, Yinfeng Zhang, Mei Sun, Rui Zhou, Wenhui Cui, Jiankun Bai, Fujia Yang and Junbao Yu

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 176; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030176 - 12 Mar 2026

Viewed by 277

Abstract

Wetlands, frequently termed the “kidneys of the Earth,” represent one of the most vital global ecosystems. Despite their limited spatial extent, plateau wetlands function as unique ecological units that play a pivotal role in the global carbon cycle, water resource regulation, and biodiversity [...] Read more.

Wetlands, frequently termed the “kidneys of the Earth,” represent one of the most vital global ecosystems. Despite their limited spatial extent, plateau wetlands function as unique ecological units that play a pivotal role in the global carbon cycle, water resource regulation, and biodiversity conservation, while exhibiting acute sensitivity to climate change. Advances in remote sensing technology—characterized by macro-scale cover-age, temporal efficiency, and non-invasive operations—have established it as a corner-stone for the dynamic monitoring and analysis of these environments. This study presents a bibliometric synthesis of 2138 publications (1982–2024) retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. We systematically evaluated publication trajectories, international collaborative networks, disciplinary shifts, core journals, and the spatiotemporal evolution of research hotspots. Our findings reveal an exponential growth in scholarly output alongside a marked diversification of research fields. Geographically, research is predominantly clustered around the Tibetan Plateau, flanked by the Alps and the Himalayas, with sparse representation in other regions. Future endeavors should prioritize underrepresented low-latitude and remote regions through strengthened international synergy and the integration of emerging technologies, such as UAVs and hyperspectral sensors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity in Wetlands: Monitoring, Assessment, and Conservation Through Remote Sensing)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1270 KB

Open AccessArticle

Phenotypic Diversity and Ideotype Structuring in a Segregating Population of Stevia rebaudiana Derived from Cv. ‘Morita II’

by Luis Alfonso Rodríguez-Páez, Ana Melisa Jimenez-Ramirez, Jenry Rafael Hernandez Murillo, Hermes Araméndiz-Tatis, Alfredo Jarma-Orozco, Yirlis Yadeth Pineda-Rodriguez, Juan de Dios Jaraba-Navas, Enrique Combatt-Caballero, Maria Ileana Oloriz-Ortega and Novisel Veitía Rodríguez

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 175; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030175 - 11 Mar 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 346

Abstract

Intraspecific phenotypic diversity in clonally propagated crops is frequently constrained by narrow domestication histories and the widespread use of a limited number of elite cultivars. In Stevia rebaudiana, commercial production has largely centred on cv. ‘Morita II’, raising concerns about reduced diversity [...] Read more.

Intraspecific phenotypic diversity in clonally propagated crops is frequently constrained by narrow domestication histories and the widespread use of a limited number of elite cultivars. In Stevia rebaudiana, commercial production has largely centred on cv. ‘Morita II’, raising concerns about reduced diversity and adaptive potential. This study characterised and structured phenotypic diversity within a segregating population derived from ‘Morita II’ under tropical field conditions. Eighty-six progeny-derived genotypes (clonally propagated) plus the commercial control (87 genotypes total) were evaluated using 25 agromorphological descriptors (qualitative and quantitative). Quantitative traits showed broad variation, including plant height (28.26–119.50 cm) and dry yield rate (0.94–28.55 g plant⁻¹). Multivariate analyses of mixed descriptors (PCA and hierarchical clustering based on Gower distance) identified plant architecture, vegetative growth, and phenology as the main sources of differentiation. The first two principal components explained 19.65% and 12.58% of total phenotypic variance, respectively (32.23% cumulative). Hierarchical clustering (UPGMA; dissimilarity cut-off = 0.25) resolved four phenotypic groups (GI–GIV) with sizes n = 3, 1, 66, and 17, respectively, enabling the definition of contrasting ideotype candidates based on recurrent trait combinations. These results provide a quantitative baseline for phenotypic structuring, prioritization of materials for further evaluation, and management of clonal stevia collections in tropical production systems. These ideotype candidates should be considered preliminary until validated across environments and linked to chemical quality traits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Diversity, Breeding and Adaption Evolution of Plants)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

19 pages, 4594 KB

Open AccessArticle

Plastid Genome Characterization and Development of Plastid and Nuclear SNP Markers for Juncus decipiens (Juncaceae)

by Sivagami Jean Claude, Yu Gyeom Kim, Ji-Yoon Kim and Joo-Hwan Kim

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 174; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030174 - 11 Mar 2026

Viewed by 216

Abstract

Juncus (Juncaceae) comprises over 300 species with high morphological plasticity, and its systematics remain incompletely resolved due to limited genomic resources. Here, we generated complete plastid genomes for two Korean Juncus species (J. decipiens and J. gracillimus) and incorporated [...] Read more.

Juncus (Juncaceae) comprises over 300 species with high morphological plasticity, and its systematics remain incompletely resolved due to limited genomic resources. Here, we generated complete plastid genomes for two Korean Juncus species (J. decipiens and J. gracillimus) and incorporated plastid coding genes from an additional species to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships and examine plastome evolution within Juncaceae. Comparative analyses revealed substantial plastome size variation across Juncus and Luzula, largely driven by changes in inverted repeat (IR) length, with Luzula plastomes showing pronounced IR expansion. Within Juncus, extensive structural rearrangements were detected, including multiple inversion events, and closely related taxa shared conserved inversion patterns. Phylogenomic analyses recovered well-supported clades that were associated with structural traits such as extreme small single-copy (SSC) contraction and consistent loss of the plastid ndh, some rps and rpl gene families, indicating clade-specific plastome evolution in Juncaceae. To support applied molecular identification, we identified J. decipiens-specific plastid diagnostic SNPs (matK, rpl2) and validated allele-specific PCR markers using individuals from different species within the Juncus genus. In parallel, transcriptome sequencing of J. decipiens generated 133,559 transcripts and 66,324 unigenes, enabling discovery of high-confidence nuclear exonic SNP loci by mapping reads to a J. effusus nuclear genome. Collectively, our results provide new insights into plastome structural evolution and gene loss in Juncus and deliver validated plastid and nuclear markers for authentication and future conservation or utilisation studies on J. decipiens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Diversity)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 5148 KB

Open AccessArticle

Rotifer Diversity in Botswana with an Analysis of Functional–Morphological Traits Along a Latitudinal Gradient in Africa and Europe

by Radoslav Smolak, Patrick D. Brown, Judith V. Ríos-Arana, Hillary Masundire and Elizabeth J. Walsh

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 173; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030173 - 11 Mar 2026

Viewed by 407

Abstract

Afrotropical inland waters remain poorly studied for rotifer diversity. Here, we provide new distribution data from Botswana and connect these local patterns to continental-scale biogeography using an Africa–Europe occurrence dataset. In Botswana, we analyzed rotifer species richness, functional traits, and environmental drivers using [...] Read more.

Afrotropical inland waters remain poorly studied for rotifer diversity. Here, we provide new distribution data from Botswana and connect these local patterns to continental-scale biogeography using an Africa–Europe occurrence dataset. In Botswana, we analyzed rotifer species richness, functional traits, and environmental drivers using 37 samples from 15 water bodies spanning natural and anthropogenic habitats. We recorded 107 rotifer taxa: 92 identified to species or subspecies level, 14 to genus, and one group of unidentified bdelloids. Seventy taxa (~65%) are new records for Botswana, and one species, Donneria sudzukii, is reported for the first time in Africa. Physicochemical gradients explained community structure, with the first two constrained RDA axes accounting for 40.7% and 23.7% of variation. Axis 1 captured a mineralization gradient linked to total dissolved solids and temperature, whereas Axis 2 reflected oxygen concentration and pH. Traits tracked these gradients: warmer, more mineralized waters were associated with specific trophi types, compact body shapes, and intermediate body sizes, whereas less mineralized, better oxygenated sites were related to smaller taxa and alternative feeding morphologies. To place these trait–environment relationships in a broader geographic context, we then analyzed an Africa–Europe dataset (67,170 records) to quantify latitudinal patterns in thermal classes and morphological traits (geometric body shape and trophi type). Diversity showed clear latitudinal structuring: warm-water genera clustered at low latitudes, only Kellicottia and Didymodactylos had mean distributions above 50° N, and bdelloid families were associated with higher latitudes. Morphological traits also varied with latitude, with trilateral truncated pyramid body shapes and malleoramate trophi occurring closest to the equator. Overall, by combining new species-level data from Botswana with continent-scale occurrence patterns, we link local community assembly to macroecological structure in rotifer functional and biogeographical organization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity and Ecology of Freshwater Plankton)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1172 KB

Open AccessArticle

Salinity Shapes Groundwater Crustacean Assemblages on a Small Mediterranean Island

by Tiziana Di Lorenzo, Diana Maria Paola Galassi, Agostina Tabilio Di Camillo, Barbara Fiasca, Leonardo Piccini, Linda Franceschi, Marco Doveri and Matia Menichini

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 172; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030172 - 10 Mar 2026

Viewed by 338

Abstract

Groundwater ecosystems host unique and functionally important fauna, yet they are increasingly threatened by salinization driven by natural processes and human activities. Despite growing attention to groundwater quality, little is known about how salinity shapes subterranean crustacean assemblages on small carbonate islands. This [...] Read more.

Groundwater ecosystems host unique and functionally important fauna, yet they are increasingly threatened by salinization driven by natural processes and human activities. Despite growing attention to groundwater quality, little is known about how salinity shapes subterranean crustacean assemblages on small carbonate islands. This study examines how groundwater salinity influences the distribution of stygobitic (i.e., highly specialized organisms that complete their whole life cycle in groundwater) and non-stygobitic crustaceans in groundwater habitats of the Pianosa Island (Tuscan Archipelago, Italy). We sampled ten bores, measured key physicochemical parameters, and identified crustaceans collected through on-site filtration. Principal Component Analysis and Canonical Analysis of Principal coordinates highlighted a clear spatial pattern of crustacean assemblages along a salinity gradient: stygobitic species occurred only in low- and intermediate-salinity bores while non-stygobitic taxa dominated sites with elevated electrical conductivity and high Na⁺ and Cl⁻ concentrations. The most saline bore contained no stygobitic species. Insights from this study point to salinity as a key driver of groundwater biodiversity on small Mediterranean islands and highlight the vulnerability of stygobitic fauna to ongoing salinization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity and Biogeography of Crustaceans in Continental Waters)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 2396 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Biodiversity Hotspot with a Highly Modified Landscape: Species Identification Among Urban Residents Engaged in Nature-Based Recreation

by Carolina Hidalgo, Iván A. Hinojosa, Claudia Cerda and Belén Ortega-Senet

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 171; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030171 - 10 Mar 2026

Viewed by 378

Abstract

Our research aims to examine the level of biodiversity knowledge among urban residents who engage in recreational activities in different natural areas of the Province of Concepción, Chile. This territory is part of a biodiversity hotspot and has undergone significant transformations, either due [...] Read more.

Our research aims to examine the level of biodiversity knowledge among urban residents who engage in recreational activities in different natural areas of the Province of Concepción, Chile. This territory is part of a biodiversity hotspot and has undergone significant transformations, either due to large-scale productive activities or urban expansion. To assess this type of knowledge, we used species identification as a proxy and administered an in-person questionnaire across all communes of the province (n = 232 adults). The questionnaire included illustrations of 14 species characteristic of different ecosystems in the area, and sociodemographic information was also collected from participants. Responses were analyzed using a scoring matrix, hypothesis testing, and regression analyses. The results indicate that species with food-related value were more frequently identified by older participants and less by younger individuals, whereas threatened species such as marine otter Lontra felina were poorly identified (36%) by participants aged 50 years or older. Participants without nature-related occupations (82% of the sample) identified, on average, 50% of the species, whereas those with nature-related occupations identified 71%. An intergenerational divergence in species knowledge and significant occupational differences may potentially reduce the social support needed to protect ecosystems while action is still possible. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biodiversity Conservation)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 7059 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Diversity of Scythrididae of Southern Italy Using DNA Barcoding (Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea)

by Sara La Cava, Giada Zucco and Stefano Scalercio

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 170; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030170 - 9 Mar 2026

Viewed by 286

Abstract

The Scythrididae Rebel, 1901, comprises small and morphologically homogeneous microlepidoptera whose identification relies mainly on genitalia examination. In Italy, this group has been more extensively investigated than other microlepidoptera families, but molecular data remain scarce. This study aims to improve the knowledge of [...] Read more.

The Scythrididae Rebel, 1901, comprises small and morphologically homogeneous microlepidoptera whose identification relies mainly on genitalia examination. In Italy, this group has been more extensively investigated than other microlepidoptera families, but molecular data remain scarce. This study aims to improve the knowledge of Scythrididae diversity in southern Italy through DNA barcoding. Twenty-nine specimens collected in Calabria and Basilicata underwent DNA barcoding, yielding 28 sequences of 602–658 bp, which clustered into 10 Barcode Index Numbers (BINs), corresponding to 10 species. Three BINs are newly created in the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD), enriching the global reference library. Except for Scythris aspromontis Jäckh, 1978, described for the study area, the remaining species represent faunistic novelties at different scales: Scythris dissitella (Zeller, 1847) is new for continental Italy and eight additional species are new for southern Italy or Calabria and Basilicata regions. Moreover, a significant genetic distance was observed between our sequence of Scythris cf. tabidella (Herrich-Schäffer, 1855) and sequences of tabidella available on BOLD, which will be addressed in detail in the discussions. The results highlight the underexplored diversity of Scythrididae in the Mediterranean region and confirm the effectiveness of integrative taxonomy combining DNA barcoding and morphology. This study provides the first molecular contribution to the Scythrididae fauna of southern Italy and contributes to improving the taxonomic knowledge of a group that remains insufficiently investigated in the Mediterranean region. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 4266 KB

Open AccessArticle

Behavioural Patterns and Responses of White-Faced Capuchins (Cebus imitator) Under Contrasting Ecotourism Pressures in Tortuguero National Park: Preliminary Findings and Management Implications

by Janire Sánchez, Álvaro Francisco Gil and Carlos Calderón-Guerrero

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 169; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030169 - 9 Mar 2026

Viewed by 264

Abstract

Ecotourism in protected areas creates a conservation paradox: tourism revenue funds protection, yet tourism infrastructure simultaneously degrades the wildlife it protects. We examined this paradox in white-faced capuchins (Cebus imitator) in Tortuguero National Park, comparing behaviour across a high-tourism accommodation site [...] Read more.

Ecotourism in protected areas creates a conservation paradox: tourism revenue funds protection, yet tourism infrastructure simultaneously degrades the wildlife it protects. We examined this paradox in white-faced capuchins (Cebus imitator) in Tortuguero National Park, comparing behaviour across a high-tourism accommodation site (2152 monthly guests) and a strictly regulated terrestrial trail. Using focal animal and sweep sampling methods, we recorded 477 behavioural units across 261 min, analysing locomotion, feeding, and agonistic behaviours through generalized linear models. Primates in accommodation areas exhibited significantly reduced high substrate use (p = 0.005), showed a trend toward increased anthropogenic food reliance (p = 0.070), and higher—but not statistically significant—rates of agonistic behaviours (p > 0.05). The negative correlation between natural foraging and active food supply (r = −0.31) is consistent with anthropogenic provisioning that may alter primate ecological functions. These findings demonstrate that effective conservation in tourism contexts requires integrated management addressing three interconnected challenges: (1) habituation to human presence, (2) food provisioning with cascading consequences, and (3) ecosystem-level degradation through altered primate functions. We recommend evidence-based interventions including secured waste management, enforcement of wildlife feeding prohibitions, and environmental education programs with community participation. Ecotourism sustainability requires managing human–wildlife interactions and integrating local stakeholder perspectives to preserve animal welfare and ecosystem functions essential for conservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conflict and Coexistence Between Humans and Wildlife)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 2267 KB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Factors Drive Nekton Community Structure in Offshore Oil Production Zones: A Case Study of the Waters Southwest of Weizhou Island, Beibu Gulf

by Zhuli Zhou, Liangming Wang, Peng Gan, Binbin Shan, Changping Yang, Yan Liu and Dianrong Sun

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 168; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030168 - 9 Mar 2026

Viewed by 287

Abstract

Marine oil and gas development markedly impacts offshore ecosystems, and understanding nekton community dynamics in production areas is essential for sustainable fisheries management. However, limited research exists on the structural characteristics and environmental factors influencing nekton communities in offshore oil and gas production [...] Read more.

Marine oil and gas development markedly impacts offshore ecosystems, and understanding nekton community dynamics in production areas is essential for sustainable fisheries management. However, limited research exists on the structural characteristics and environmental factors influencing nekton communities in offshore oil and gas production zones. Therefore, we investigated nekton community structure through surveys during four consecutive cruises over 2 years in waters southwest of Weizhou Island in the Beibu Gulf. We collected 250 nekton species representing 19 orders, 91 families, and 156 genera, with Perciformes constituting the largest group. Dominant species included small- to medium-sized benthic fish: Parargyrops edita, Metapenaeopsis barbata, and Leiognathus ruconius. Diversity indices showed minimal variation across cruises except spring 2023, which exhibited notably lower diversity. Abundance–biomass curves indicated community disturbance in all seasons, particularly during spring 2023 and autumn 2024. Hierarchical cluster analysis and nonmetric multidimensional scaling revealed two distinct community groups, with intergroup dissimilarity primarily driven by Parargyrops edita, Metapenaeopsis barbata, Leiognathida, Gobiidae, and Loligo. The results of Redundancy Analysis (RDA) demonstrated that the most significant factors influencing the community structure of nekton on each voyage exhibited a certain degree of variation. Nevertheless, overall, water depth, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and chlorophyll a were the primary environmental factors affecting the community structure of nekton in the southwestern waters of Weizhou Island. In certain seasons, suspended solids and petroleum also exerted influence. This research provides scientific reference materials for managing offshore fishery communities and promoting coordinated marine development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Marine Diversity)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1749 KB

Open AccessArticle

New Guests in the Romanian Fauna and Pathways for the Introduction of Alien Bush-Crickets and Grasshoppers (Insecta: Orthoptera)

by Ionuț-Ștefan Iorgu, Andrei Lobiuc, Erica-Alexandra Ungurean, Ioan Tăușan, Alexandru Cazacu and Elena Iulia Iorgu

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 167; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030167 - 9 Mar 2026

Viewed by 435

Abstract

Alien insect species are increasingly recognized as significant drivers of biodiversity change. This study documents the records of four alien orthopteran species in Romania: Meconema meridionale, Rhacocleis annulata, Yersinella raymondii and Anacridium aegyptium. Specimens were collected from various urban and [...] Read more.

Alien insect species are increasingly recognized as significant drivers of biodiversity change. This study documents the records of four alien orthopteran species in Romania: Meconema meridionale, Rhacocleis annulata, Yersinella raymondii and Anacridium aegyptium. Specimens were collected from various urban and peri-urban locations. The inferred pathways of introduction include accidental transport via ornamental plants, soil, and vehicles, reflecting broader European trends in anthropochorous dispersal. These findings suggest that such habitats provide suitable conditions for the settlement of non-native Orthoptera, providing a baseline for future monitoring. Our research fills a regional knowledge gap and contributes to the understanding of biological invasions in Eastern Europe, offering the necessary data for early detection and the development of future biosecurity assessments to evaluate potential ecological or economic risks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in the Impacts of Biological Invasions on European Biodiversity)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 35851 KB

Open AccessArticle

A New Gorgonian Paraplexaura binyuani sp. nov. (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Acanthogorgiidae) from the Huaguang Atoll, Xisha Islands, South China Sea

by Li You, Fei Xia and Xinming Liu

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 166; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030166 - 9 Mar 2026

Viewed by 450

Abstract

A new shallow-water gorgonian coral species in the family Acanthogorgiidae, Paraplexaura binyuani sp. nov., is described from a specimen collected at Huaguang Atoll in the South China Sea at a depth of 22 m. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by [...] Read more.

A new shallow-water gorgonian coral species in the family Acanthogorgiidae, Paraplexaura binyuani sp. nov., is described from a specimen collected at Huaguang Atoll in the South China Sea at a depth of 22 m. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by abundant polyp sclerites, predominantly flattened rods, and by the coenenchyme bearing numerous large spindles reaching up to 0.6 mm in length, which are approximately two to three times longer than those reported for most described species of Paraplexaura. Phylogenomic analyses based on ultraconserved elements (UCEs) recover Paraplexaura as monophyletic and place P. binyuani sp. nov. as sister to P. cryptotheca, consistent with its morphological distinctiveness and supporting its recognition as a separate species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Marine Diversity)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 4223 KB

Open AccessArticle

Interannual Variation in Poisonous Plant Assemblages on Central Kazakhstan Pastures Across Landscapes Under Contrasting Hydroclimatic Conditions

by Yelena Pozdnyakova, Aigul Murzatayeva and Gulnara Omarova

Diversity 2026, 18(3), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030165 - 8 Mar 2026

Viewed by 388

Abstract

Pasture ecosystems provide essential ecosystem services, yet poisonous plants create persistent veterinary and economic risks. We examined how hydroclimatic variability restructures the poisonous-plant assemblage across three Central Kazakhstan rangelands during an extremely dry year (2023) and an exceptionally wet year (2024). A total [...] Read more.

Pasture ecosystems provide essential ecosystem services, yet poisonous plants create persistent veterinary and economic risks. We examined how hydroclimatic variability restructures the poisonous-plant assemblage across three Central Kazakhstan rangelands during an extremely dry year (2023) and an exceptionally wet year (2024). A total of 32 toxic vascular plant species were recorded. Xeromorphic pastures maintained a stable floristic core across years, whereas the wet year triggered recruitment of wet-associated poisonous taxa (hydrophytic/hygrophytic group) exclusively in the Nura River floodplain and increased species richness. Thus, interannual variability was controlled by hydrologically sensitive habitats rather than wholesale community turnover. The principal grazing hazard was associated with flood-related species (e.g., Cicuta virosa, Oenanthe aquatica) and persistent forage contaminants (Datura/Hyoscyamus, Lolium temulentum). These findings indicate that toxic-plant risk follows an asymmetric seasonal pattern: episodic post-flood hazard in floodplains combined with constant background risk in steppe pastures. Therefore, grazing management should integrate event-based monitoring of wet habitats with continuous forage-quality control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Diversity)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Diversity, Volume 18, Issue 3 (March 2026) – 64 articles

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI