Diversity

10 pages, 1607 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Associations between Epiphytic Orchids and Their Hosts and Future Perspectives of These in the Context of Global Warming

by Binu Timsina, Zuzana Münzbergová, Pavel Kindlmann, Bishnu Prasad Bhattarai, Bikram Shrestha, Bhakta B. Raskoti and Maan B. Rokaya

Diversity 2024, 16(4), 252; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16040252 - 22 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1684

Abstract

Epiphytic species are ecologically important and a significant component of biodiversity. To ensure their efficient conservation, we need to understand their ecology and host plant associations. It is also important to investigate how the predicted temperature change will affect their future distribution. Here, [...] Read more.

Epiphytic species are ecologically important and a significant component of biodiversity. To ensure their efficient conservation, we need to understand their ecology and host plant associations. It is also important to investigate how the predicted temperature change will affect their future distribution. Here, we use data collected in Nepal to investigate how epiphytic orchids are associated with host species, their distribution patterns, and how they may be threatened by the predicted increase in temperature towards the end of the 21st century. We used the phi coefficient (Φ) of association to calculate the associations of epiphytic orchid species with plants and rarefaction to describe the diversity of orchids associated with a particular host species. We used interpolation to estimate the distribution of epiphytic orchids and their host species along altitudinal gradients. The phi (Φ) coefficient of association revealed that 30 species of host plants showed more association with different orchid species than expected. The number of epiphytic orchids increased with the number of host individuals. We predict that an increase in temperature by ~3 °C, which is a more moderate value of temperature increase by the end of the 21st century, will affect at least 52 narrow-ranged species of orchids and 58 narrow-ranged species of host plants. Therefore, we should make efforts to prevent many plant species from becoming extinct, as an increase in temperature is likely to affect their existence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biogeography and Macroecology)

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The number of orchid species occurring more frequently than expected by chance in a given host species with the phi coefficient (Φ) > 0.2 for the data obtained in Nepal, 2006–2011. Full article ">Figure 2
The number of orchid species found on each host species was limited to 20 individuals sampled, as there was a sufficient number of orchid individuals for resample analysis found in all the host species for the data obtained in Nepal in 2006–2011. Full article ">Figure 3
Relationship between the total number of orchid species and host species recorded from 2006–2011. Each dot represents the number of orchid species (log + 1) per host individual of a particular species (log) in each region for the obtained data. Full article ">Figure 4
Relationship between host species and epiphytic orchids along altitudinal gradients recorded in the study in Nepal, 2006–2011. Each dot represents the species richness of host or orchid species at respective altitudes. Full article ">Figure 5
Relationship between the projected moderate increase in temperature by the year 2100 and the numbers of host plant species and epiphytic orchid species that will be affected in Nepal for the data obtained from 2006 to 2011. Full article ">

27 pages, 3827 KiB

Open AccessReview

Management Strategies of Prosopis juliflora in Eastern Africa: What Works Where?

by Hellen Wangechi Kamiri, Simon K. Choge and Mathias Becker

Diversity 2024, 16(4), 251; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16040251 - 22 Apr 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2019

Abstract

Prosopis juliflora is a shrub/tree originating from the Americas. Since its introduction for fuel wood afforestation into eastern Africa, it has been invading crop- and rangelands with negative effects on the environment and on livelihoods. Understanding the management strategies for Prosopis and matching [...] Read more.

Prosopis juliflora is a shrub/tree originating from the Americas. Since its introduction for fuel wood afforestation into eastern Africa, it has been invading crop- and rangelands with negative effects on the environment and on livelihoods. Understanding the management strategies for Prosopis and matching them with ecological, social-cultural, and economic needs of the eastern African region is a pressing scientific issue. We analyzed management strategies of Prosopis, focusing on determinants and drivers of their choice of applied management strategies as well as their effectiveness. We identified 1917 scientific contributions published between 1970 and 2022. Following a multi-step screening, we reduced the references to 53 relevant (internationally) published papers with a focus on the management of Prosopis in the east African region. Analysis of the literature shows that factors driving invasion dynamics but also land users’ social-economic as well as cultural attributes determine the type of management strategy and shape local control actions. Main strategies comprise (1) physical containment of invasive spread, (2) chemical, mechanical and biological approaches to reduce stand densities, (3) complete eradication, (4) restoration of invaded land, and (5) economic use of Prosopis products. Adopted strategies are based on actual and perceived impacts of invasion, and the adoption and success of individual strategies is highly location specific. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Evolution of Invasive Plant Species)

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Overview maps showing the eastern Africa countries concerned in the reviewed studies on management strategies of Prosopis. The regions marked in red perimeter namely Kasalla in Sudan (A); Hargeisa in Somalia (B); Afar in Ethiopia (C); Arusha, Kilimanjaro, and Manyara in Tanzania (D); and Baringo, Turkana, and Bura in Kenya (E) are the major areas of Prosopis infestation. Full article ">Figure 2
Flow chart detailing the process of screening and identifying references for their eligibility to be included in the systematic review of management of Prosopis in eastern Africa. The solid line represents different phases of the systematic review while broken lines represent steps leading to additional or exclusion of papers. (adapted from [<a href="#B74-diversity-16-00251" class="html-bibr">74</a>]). Full article ">Figure 3
(a) Countries in eastern Africa where studies on management of Prosopis has been reported (here, share of published papers per country), while (b) shows the share of the type of management strategies for Prosopis applied in the reported studies (n = 59 citations). Full article ">Figure 4
Hypothesized pathways, including drivers and pressures of invasive spread, as well as impacts and response strategies to an invasion by Prosopis, following the DPSIR framework [<a href="#B110-diversity-16-00251" class="html-bibr">110</a>]. Full article ">

10 pages, 5616 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Types and Fecundity of Neotenic Reproductives Produced in 5-Year-Old Orphaned Colonies of the Drywood Termite, Cryptotermes domesticus (Blattodea: Kalotermitidae)

by Wenjing Wu, Zhenyou Huang, Shijun Zhang, Zhiqiang Li, Bingrong Liu, Wenhui Zeng and Chuanguo Xia

Diversity 2024, 16(4), 250; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16040250 - 22 Apr 2024

Viewed by 941

Abstract

Orphaned colonies of Cryptotermes domesticus readily produce replacement reproductives and continue propagation. In this study, we aimed to investigate the production and fecundity of neotenic reproductives in 5-year-old colonies of C. domesticus after orphaning. All 15 experimental colonies were successfully re-established by the [...] Read more.

Orphaned colonies of Cryptotermes domesticus readily produce replacement reproductives and continue propagation. In this study, we aimed to investigate the production and fecundity of neotenic reproductives in 5-year-old colonies of C. domesticus after orphaning. All 15 experimental colonies were successfully re-established by the neotenic reproductive pair. Three types of neotenic reproductives with various wing-bud lengths were observed: type I with micro wing buds, type II with short wing buds, and type III with long wing buds. Four patterns of pairs made up of these neotenics, namely, type I + type II, type I + type III, type II + type II, and type II + type III, exhibited reproductive capacities similar to those of the primary reproductive pair. We speculated that these neotenic reproductives were derived from various nymphal instars. The 5-year-old colonies had three instars of nymphs, with the majority being in the second instar, followed by the first. Thus, the combination of neotenic reproductives with short wing buds and micro wing buds was the dominant differentiation pathway of the orphaned colonies. After the removal of the original primary reproductive pair, the nymphs matured into neotenic reproductives and took over reproduction in the colony in 107.40 ± 15.18 days. This study highlights the importance of quarantine and routine inspection of wood, as well as the significance of early prevention and control of C. domesticus infestation in wood. Moreover, this study confirms the high differentiation and reproductive capacities of C. domesticus. Full article

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

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14 pages, 3332 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Soil-Microbial CNP Content and Ecological Stoichiometry Characteristics of Typical Broad-Leaved Tree Communities in Fanjing Mountain in Spring

by Wenmin Luo, Xianliang Wu, Sheng Chen, Guiting Mu and Yingying Liu

Diversity 2024, 16(4), 249; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16040249 - 22 Apr 2024

Viewed by 928

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the impact of diverse forest stand types and soil depths on soil ecological stoichiometry characteristics, shedding light on nutrient limitations and cycling patterns within the mid-subtropical forest ecosystem in southwest China during spring. The research focused on four [...] Read more.

This study aims to investigate the impact of diverse forest stand types and soil depths on soil ecological stoichiometry characteristics, shedding light on nutrient limitations and cycling patterns within the mid-subtropical forest ecosystem in southwest China during spring. The research focused on four representative forest stands situated in Fanjing Mountain: Castanopsis fargesii (C. fargesii), Cyclobalanopsis multiervis (C. multiervis), Cyclobalanopsis argyrotricha (C. argyrotricha), and Rhododendron argyrophyllum Franch (R. argyrophyllum). Sample plots were established in these forest types, and soil samples were collected from the 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm soil layers in March, spring of 2023. Various soil parameters, including pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC), soil microbial nitrogen (MBN), and soil microbial phosphorus (MBP) were measured, and their stoichiometric ratios were calculated. The findings of the study were as follows: (1) In the 0–20 cm soil layer, C. argyrotricha exhibited the highest soil organic carbon, followed by C. fargesii, C. multiervis, and R. argyrophyllum with the lowest content. No significant differences in soil organic carbon were observed among the four forests in the 20–40 cm soil layer. Additionally, C. argyrotricha displayed a significantly higher soil C:N ratio compared to other forest types in different soil layers. In the typical broad-leaved forest area of Fanjing Mountain, the TP was classified as deficient. (2) In the 0–20 cm soil layer, the MBC of C. fargesii surpassed C. multiervis, C. argyrotricha, and R. argyrophyllum by 26.59%, 42.92%, and 24.67%, respectively. There were no significant differences in soil MBC:MBP ratio and MBN:MBP ratio, regardless of forest species and soil depths. The low availability of soil nitrogen in different forest stand types in Fanjing Mountain strongly limits soil microorganism biomass. (3) The correlation between SOC, TN, TP, and their stoichiometric ratios varied across different soil layers. Therefore, in managing the Fanjing Mountain forest area, attention should be paid to supplementing N and P in the soil. Full article

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16 pages, 80710 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phylogenetic Trends in the Dissymmetrisation of Genitalia in Hadenini (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae)

by Zoltán Varga, Gábor Ronkay and László Ronkay

Diversity 2024, 16(4), 248; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16040248 - 22 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1141

Abstract

The external genital appendages of Noctuidae represent correlated–coevolved elements of a complex structure. The pathways of changes are delimited by some constraints, and they are parallelly evolved in different phyletic lines. Asymmetrical male external genitalia were found in Hadenini, in Polia and its [...] Read more.

The external genital appendages of Noctuidae represent correlated–coevolved elements of a complex structure. The pathways of changes are delimited by some constraints, and they are parallelly evolved in different phyletic lines. Asymmetrical male external genitalia were found in Hadenini, in Polia and its closely related genera, but also in Anarta (s. l.). In Poliina, the asymmetry of the genital capsule is mostly expressed in the Holarctic Polia nebulosa species group, forming the basal split within Polia (s. str.). Higher species diversity, as a consequence of asymmetry connected with the split of functions between the right and left sides, was observed in Polia (s. str.) and in Anarta (s. l.). The highest level of expansivity was observed in the Holarctic Anarta, where some species are migrating and becoming invasive ones, while a bulk of species populates the steppic and mountainous habitats of North America and Central Asia. Parallelly, while some genera/subgenera of the subtribe Poliina are oligotypic and/or consist of strictly localised species, the sensu stricto Polia species with asymmetrical genital capsules are widely distributed. The diversification of the Hadulina phylogenetic line should have been initiated by the Messinian aridisation crisis. The core area of diversification of Poliina was connected with the Sino-Himalayan region, followed by expansion into the Holarctic boreo-nemoral zone. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Speciation, Phylogenetics and Taxonomy of Lepidoptera)

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17 pages, 3001 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Exploring the Influence of Soil Salinity on Microbiota Dynamics in Vitis vinifera cv. “Glera”: Insights into the Rhizosphere, Carposphere, and Yield Outcomes

by Andrea Colautti, Giovanni Mian, Diego Tomasi, Luke Bell and Patrick Marcuzzo

Diversity 2024, 16(4), 247; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16040247 - 20 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1562

Abstract

In a world grappling with the severe effects induced by climate change, one of the most significant concerns affecting agriculture is the gradual decline in water quality for irrigation associated with reduced rainfalls and the consequent increase in soil salinity. This issue is [...] Read more.

In a world grappling with the severe effects induced by climate change, one of the most significant concerns affecting agriculture is the gradual decline in water quality for irrigation associated with reduced rainfalls and the consequent increase in soil salinity. This issue is particularly crucial for grapevine cultivation (Vitis vinifera L.) and the associated winemaking industry. The aroma of the resulting wines and the yield parameters can be influenced both directly by water quality and indirectly due to the effects exerted by salinity on the microbiota, which directly impacts plant health. To gain insights into this topic, our study aimed to analyse the changes induced in the microbiota of both the rhizosphere and the carposphere due to salt stress using a metabarcoding approach, focusing on Vitis vinifera cv. Glera. The control plants were irrigated with rainwater, while the treated plants were irrigated with water containing salt (NaCl). Our findings revealed significant differences in the microbiota (both fungi and bacteria) of the rhizosphere and carposphere between the two treatments. For instance, the Shannon diversity index (i.e., alpha diversity) was lower in the treated plants compared to the control not-treated ones, whilst the beta diversity did not show any differences. Several microbial phyla exhibited better resilience to this abiotic stress (e.g., Ascomycota, Saccharomycetes, Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes), shedding light on their impact on crucial bacterial and fungal groups essential for the subsequent winemaking stages. Additionally, the salt stress negatively affected the yield parameters. This study contributes valuable insights to the viticultural community, providing a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between soil characteristics, microbial communities, and their influence on productivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Microbial Diversity and Culture Collections)

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Graphic summary of the experimental design adopted in this work. Full article ">Figure 2
Rhizosphere alpha diversity considering bacterial (A) and fungal (B) kingdoms; carposphere alpha diversity considering bacterial (C) and fungal (D) kingdoms. Full article ">Figure 3
Rhizosphere beta diversity considering both bacterial (A) and fungal kingdoms (B). Full article ">Figure 4
Carposphere beta diversity considering both bacterial (A) and fungal kingdoms (B). Full article ">Figure 5
(A) Bacterial (16S) phyla above 0.5% identified in the plant rhizosphere of both control and treated plants; (B) fungal (ITS) phyla identified above 0.5% in the plant rhizosphere of both control and treated plants. Statistical analysis (T test) is reported (* p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01). Full article ">Figure 6
(A) Bacterial (16S) classes identified above 0.5% in the plant carposphere of both control and treated plants; (B) fungal (ITS) classes identified above 0.5% in the plant carposphere of both control and treated plants. Statistical analysis (T test) is reported (* p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01). Full article ">Figure 7
(A) Fifteen mains bacterial (16S) genera identified in the plant rhizosphere of both control and treated plants; (B) fifteen main fungal (ITS) genera identified in the plant rhizosphere of both control and treated plants. Statistical analysis (T test) is reported (* p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01). Full article ">

15 pages, 6080 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ascochyta erotica sp. nov. Pathogenic on Convolvulus arvensis

by Maria Gomzhina and Elena Gasich

Diversity 2024, 16(4), 246; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16040246 - 20 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1046

Abstract

Convolvulus arvensis is an herbaceous dicotyledonous plant in the Convolvulaceae family that is native to Europe and Asia. It is a perennial soboliferous plant and is one of the most harmful weeds. This weed is successful in many types of climates, including temperate, [...] Read more.

Convolvulus arvensis is an herbaceous dicotyledonous plant in the Convolvulaceae family that is native to Europe and Asia. It is a perennial soboliferous plant and is one of the most harmful weeds. This weed is successful in many types of climates, including temperate, tropical, and Mediterranean climates, but it is most troublesome for agriculture throughout the temperate zone. In this study, several pathogenic isolates were collected from this host. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit (28S) or ribosomal DNA, partial DNA-directed RNA polymerase II subunit (rpb2), and β-tubulin (tub2) genes were amplified and sequenced for all the isolates studied. Further, both a multilocus phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequences and an analysis of morphological features were implemented. Based on the results obtained, all the studied isolates were found to be distinct from any described species in the genus Ascochyta and are, therefore, described here as a new species Ascochyta erotica sp. nov. The pathogenicity of A. erotica sp. nov. was also tested and confirmed on leaf segments of C. arvensis. Full article

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Phylogenetic tree of Ascochyta species inferred from a maximum likelihood analysis based on a concatenated alignment of ITS, 28S, rpb2, and tub2. The maximum likelihood bootstrap support values (MLBS ≥ 70%), maximum parsimony bootstrap support values (MPBS ≥ 70%), and Bayesian posterior probabilities (BPP ≥ 0.70) are given at the nodes (MLBS/MPBS/BPP). Tree is rooted by Phomatodes nebulosa (CBS 117.93). The studied isolates are in blue, and the ex−type and representative strains are in bold. Full article ">Figure 2
Ascochyta erotica sp. nov. (ex-holotype culture MF-17.20). Colonies grown at different temperatures on various media after 10 days of growth. (a) PDA, 20 °C; (b) PDA, 25 °C; (c) PDA, 30 °C; (d) OA, 20 °C; (e) OA, 25 °C; (f) OA, 30 °C; (g) MEA, 20 °C; (h) MEA, 25 °C; (i) MEA, 30 °C. Full article ">Figure 3
Ascochyta erotica sp. nov. from the holotype material LEP 124536. (a) Necrotic lesions on Convolvulus arvensis leaf; (b) pycnidia on necrotic lesion; (c) conidia. Scale bars: (b) 1 mm; (c) 20 µm. Arrows indicate pycnidia. Full article ">Figure 4
Ascochyta erotica sp. nov. (ex-holotype culture MF-17.20). (a) Culture on PSA after 7 d of growth (front and reverse); (b) culture on OA after 7 d of growth (front and reverse); (c) culture on MEA after 7 d of growth (front and reverse); (d) culture on PSA after 14 d of growth (front and reverse); (e) culture on OA after 14 d of growth (front and reverse); (f) culture on MEA after 14 d of growth (front and reverse); (g–k) pycnidia from OA after 14 d of growth; (l) conidiogenous cells; (m) conidia. Scale bars: (g), 500 µm; (h,i), 100 µm; (j,k), 200 µm; (l,m), 20 µm. Full article ">Figure 5
Pathogenicity of the Ascochyta erotica ex-type isolate MF-17.20 on leaf segments of Convolvulus arvensis. First line in each set (Petri dish) contains leaf segments inoculated with intact adaxial part; second line is adaxial part wounded with needle; third line is intact abaxial part; fourth line is abaxial part wounded with needle. Inoculation with mycelial suspension of isolate: (a) 3 days post treatment; (b) 7 days post treatment. Full article ">

12 pages, 1568 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Metagenomic Analysis of Marine eDNA Investigating the Production Crisis of Aquacultured Saccharina japonica

by Soyun Choi, Kwon Mo Yang, Dong Mun Choi, Yang Ho Choi, Xiuliang Wang, Lingxiu Wang, Xiaoyong Liu, Delin Duan, Hyun Park and Jeong Ha Kim

Diversity 2024, 16(4), 245; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16040245 - 19 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1171

Abstract

Aquaculture farms cultivating Saccharina japonica are highly active in Wando, Korea, and Rongcheng, China. However, the yield of S. japonica significantly declined in the Rongcheng region in 2022 compared to previous records, whereas that in Wando remained at a normal level, presumably due [...] Read more.

Aquaculture farms cultivating Saccharina japonica are highly active in Wando, Korea, and Rongcheng, China. However, the yield of S. japonica significantly declined in the Rongcheng region in 2022 compared to previous records, whereas that in Wando remained at a normal level, presumably due to the presence of a pathogenic microbiome. We used environmental DNA (eDNA) metagenomic analysis to compare the microbial compositions of seawater from aquaculture farms in Wando and Rongcheng. Seawater samples were collected from one Korean site in Wando (WA) and two Chinese sites in Ailian Bay (AB) and Lidao Bay (LB). Metagenomic analysis focusing on the microbial 16S rRNA identified 38 phyla and 58 families of microbiomes in all regions. Potentially pathogenic bacterial groups associated with S. japonica in AB and LB were more abundant than in WA, suggesting their potential influence on mortality and the decline in the harvest yield of S. japonica. The microbial composition of WA was distinguished from those of the other two sites, which clustered together with higher similarity. Since the S. japonica aquaculture industry is important for both countries, this comparative eDNA monitoring is a valuable initiation towards the next step of problem-solving practices in coastal management in these two aquaculture systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Diversity in Aquatic Systems)

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20 pages, 7639 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Ecological Impacts of Introduced European Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) on Island Ecosystems in the Mediterranean

by Angelina Kossoff, Sheila Schueller, Hannah Nossan, Ian Slack, Pavlos Avramidis and Johannes Foufopoulos

Diversity 2024, 16(4), 244; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16040244 - 19 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1441

Abstract

The Cyclades Islands (Aegean Sea, Greece) are part of the Mediterranean Basin biodiversity hotspot and harbor a plethora of endemic species. Plant communities on the smaller islands in this region have largely evolved in the absence of herbivory and frequently lack antiherbivore defenses. [...] Read more.

The Cyclades Islands (Aegean Sea, Greece) are part of the Mediterranean Basin biodiversity hotspot and harbor a plethora of endemic species. Plant communities on the smaller islands in this region have largely evolved in the absence of herbivory and frequently lack antiherbivore defenses. This study evaluates the short- and long-term effects of the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), an herbivore that has been released on numerous islands in the region, by comparing islands that 1. have historically been rabbit-free (ungrazed); 2. are currently grazed by rabbits, and 3. have previously been grazed, but are now rabbit-free. Ecological impacts of rabbits on the Aegean Islands were investigated by assessing the abundance, composition, and diversity of plant and arthropod communities as well as soil characteristics. Our results indicate that ungrazed islands have more arthropod species, more specialized or endemic plant species, and less exposed soil than currently grazed islands. While ungrazed islands did not necessarily possess higher total plant species richness, they did harbor significantly more small-island endemic taxa relative to presently grazed islands. This study indicates that native plant communities on Mediterranean islets are not adapted to the presence of this introduced species and that the practice of intentionally releasing rabbits on islands has significant and lasting negative ecological impacts, especially on small islands. While a complete recovery of post-rabbit was not evident over the time span of our research, both arthropod and plant data indicate that partial recovery is possible once rabbits have been removed. Full article

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

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18 pages, 8066 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Taxonomic Insights into Caulerpa (Bryopsidales, Chlorophyta) Species in French Polynesia: Confirmation of 13 Species and Reinstatement of C. pickeringii Harvey & Bailey

by Laura Lagourgue, Thomas Sauvage, Mayalen Zubia, Stefano G. A. Draisma, Christophe Vieira, Aschwin Engelen and Claude E. Payri

Diversity 2024, 16(4), 243; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16040243 - 18 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1476

Abstract

Caulerpa J.V. Lamouroux is a genus of green macroalgae belonging to the family Caulerpaceae in the order Bryopsidales. The genus comprises 104 currently accepted species, of which 51 have been recorded from Pacific Islands. Among these islands, French Polynesia is found in the [...] Read more.

Caulerpa J.V. Lamouroux is a genus of green macroalgae belonging to the family Caulerpaceae in the order Bryopsidales. The genus comprises 104 currently accepted species, of which 51 have been recorded from Pacific Islands. Among these islands, French Polynesia is found in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean and includes five archipelagos (i.e., the Austral, Gambier, Marquesas, Society, and Tuamotu Islands) where seaweed inventories have reported a total of 16 Caulerpa species so far based on morphology. Here, based on a sampling covering the five archipelagos of French Polynesia, we attempt to (i) verify the taxonomy of Caulerpa species present in these regions based on phylogeny, (ii) describe in more detail the specific diversity between the five archipelagos, and (iii) provide a morphological identification tool for these species. We successfully obtained 134 new tufA sequences for phylogenetic analyses, which corresponded to 13 species. We propose to resurrect C. pickeringii Harvey & Bailey for representatives of C. webbiana var. pickeringii and classify it in the Caulerpa subgenus Araucarioideae. We also transfer C. seuratii to C. pickeringii based on genetic results. A new morphological identification key is provided as well as an updated distribution of Caulerpa species across French Polynesia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity in 2024)

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18 pages, 4898 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Abundant Species Govern the Altitude Patterns of Bacterial Community in Natural and Disturbed Subalpine Forest Soils

by Chaonan Li, Haijun Liao, Dehui Li and Yanli Jing

Diversity 2024, 16(4), 242; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16040242 - 18 Apr 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1079

Abstract

Abundant and rare bacteria exhibit unequal responses to environmental changes and disturbances, potentially resulting in differential contributions to the altitudinal characteristics of total community in natural and disturbed soils. Although the altitude patterns of soil bacteria have been widely studied, it remains unclear [...] Read more.

Abundant and rare bacteria exhibit unequal responses to environmental changes and disturbances, potentially resulting in differential contributions to the altitudinal characteristics of total community in natural and disturbed soils. Although the altitude patterns of soil bacteria have been widely studied, it remains unclear whether these patterns are consistent among bacteria with varying predominance levels, and which subpopulation contributes more to maintaining these patterns in natural and disturbed subalpine forest soils. In this study, we collected 18 natural subalpine forest soil samples and 18 disturbed ones from three altitudes (2900 m a.s.l., 3102 m a.s.l., and 3194 m a.s.l.) along the Wenma highway in Miyaluo, Lixian, Sichuan, Southwest China. By partitioning total bacterial communities based on species predominance, we found that bacteria with higher predominance levels tended to exhibit altitude patterns (α-diversity, community structure, and functional redundancy) similar to those of total bacteria in both natural and disturbed subalpine forest soils, although they only occupied a small portion of the community. Abundant bacteria might play critical roles in maintaining the regional ecological characteristics of total community across the altitude gradient, while the rare and hyper-rare ones might contribute more to local diversity and functional redundancy. In natural soils, the altitude patterns of α-diversity inferred from total, abundant, and rare bacteria were mainly shaped by

{NO}_{3}^{-}

-N, while soil conductivity mainly drove the altitude patterns of α-diversity inferred from hyper-rare bacteria. Additionally, the community structures of total, abundant, rare, and hyper-rare bacteria were mainly shaped by

{NO}_{3}^{-}

-N, while the altitude patterns of functional redundancy inferred from total, abundant, and rare bacteria were mainly shaped by soil conductivity in natural soils. In disturbed subalpine forest soils, the influences of

{NO}_{3}^{-}

-N for the altitude patterns of α-diversity and community structure, and those of soil conductivity for functional redundancy, were relatively weak in total, abundant, rare, and hyper-rare bacteria. This study examined the roles of bacteria with varying predominance levels in maintaining the altitude pattern of bacteria in both natural and disturbed subalpine forest soils, providing novel insights for devising strategies to conserve biodiversity and ecologically restore disturbed soils in subalpine ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbiota Diversity in Plants and Forest)

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Shannon–Wiener indices of total, abundant (RB ≥ 0.001%), rare (0.0001% ≤ RB < 0.001%), and hyper-rare (RB < 0.0001%) bacteria in natural (NS) and cut slope (CS) soils (A). The relationships between Shannon–Wiener indices of total soil bacteria and those of abundant, rare, and hyper-rare ones (B). Asterisks in figure (A) represent significant differences between NS and CS at an altitude (* p < 0.05). Lowercase and uppercase letters in figure (A) denote the significance of differences among altitudes within NS and CS, respectively, and it indicates no significant difference (p < 0.05) between two groups if they share the same letter. R-values and p-values in figure (B) represent Pearson correlation coefficients and their associated significance. RB: average relative abundance. Full article ">Figure 2
Bray–Curtis-distance-based non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analysis for the communities of total (A), abundant (RB ≥ 0.001%) (B), rare (0.0001% ≤ RB < 0.001%) (C), and hyper-rare (RB < 0.0001%) (D) bacteria. NS: natural soils; CS: cut slope soils; RB: average relative abundance. Full article ">Figure 3
Shifts in the relative abundance of differential genera identified by LEfSe analysis for total, abundant (RB ≥ 0.001%), and rare (0.0001% ≤ RB < 0.001%) bacteria (A). The FAPROTAX functions of differential genera (B). Relative abundance values in figure (A) were normalized using log() function in R base package. Numbers within square brackets in figure (A) represent the ASV count associated with each differential genus. Numbers in cells of figure (B) represent the ASV count for each differential genus possessing a particular function (e.g., the Bryobacter possessing 38 ASVs with chemoheterotrophy). Figure (B) only shows differential genera with a known function. NS: natural soils; CS: cut slope soils; RB: average relative abundance; CC: carbon cycling; NC: nitrogen cycling. Full article ">Figure 4
Bray–Curtis-distance-based redundancy analysis (RDA) for the communities of total (A), abundant (RB ≥ 0.001%) (B), rare (0.0001% ≤ RB < 0.001%) (C), and hyper-rare (RB < 0.0001%) (D) bacteria. NS: natural soils; CS: cut slope soils; RB: average relative abundance. Full article ">Figure 5
Functional redundancies of total, abundant (RB ≥ 0.001%), rare (0.0001% ≤ RB < 0.001%), and hyper-rare (RB < 0.0001%) bacteria in natural (NS) and cut slope (CS) soils (A). The relationships between the functional redundancies of total soil bacteria and those of abundant, rare, and hyper-rare ones (B). Asterisks in figure (A) represent the significant differences between NS and CS at an altitude (* p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01). The lowercase and uppercase letters in figure (A) represent the significance of differences among altitudes within NS and CS, respectively, and it indicates no significant difference (p < 0.05) between two groups if they share the same letter. R-values and p-values in figure (B) mean Pearson correlation coefficients and their associated significance. RB: average relative abundance. Full article ">

13 pages, 4852 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Climate-Change-Driven Shifts in Aegilops tauschii Species Distribution: Implications for Food Security and Ecological Conservation

by Shirin Mahmoodi, Mohammad Jaffar Aghaei, Kourosh Ahmadi and Amir Naghibi

Diversity 2024, 16(4), 241; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16040241 - 18 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1491

Abstract

Climate change has diverse effects on the planet’s environment, including changes and shifts in the distribution and abundance of species. In this paper, we present a robust prediction ensemble algorithm for the current and future species distribution of Aegilops tauschii. Four modeling [...] Read more.

Climate change has diverse effects on the planet’s environment, including changes and shifts in the distribution and abundance of species. In this paper, we present a robust prediction ensemble algorithm for the current and future species distribution of Aegilops tauschii. Four modeling approaches were trained using various environmental variables (bioclimatic and soil variables) to accurately predict the species distribution for future scenarios. The results showed that GBM and RF demonstrated the most accurate predictions with an Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) Curve (AUC) of 0.80 and 0.83, respectively. The results of variable importance depicted that the temperature seasonality (bio4) was the most important and effective factor in determining the habitat suitability of Ae. tauschii, followed closely by the precipitation seasonality (bioclimate 15) and the mean temperature of the warmest quarter (bio10). Then, the distribution maps of Ae. tauschii were produced under climate change scenarios for 2050 and 2070. The results showed that Ae. tauschii will lose some of its suitable habitats under climate change and that this loss will be more severe in the east part of the study area. The results of the present study have important implications for ecological conservation as they can assist in identifying critical habitats and inform conservation planning efforts. Our model provides a valuable tool for understanding the potential future distribution of Ae. tauschii and highlights the need for continuous monitoring and protection of this species. Full article

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Map of the study area and distribution of Ae. tauschii in Iran. Full article ">Figure 2
Evaluation of modeling approaches using ROC–TSS curve. Full article ">Figure 3
Variable importance of environmental variables in Ae. tauschii species distribution modeling in Iran. The abbreviations of the environmental variables are as follows: bdod: bulk density of the fine earth fraction, cfvo: a fraction of coarse fragments, N: total nitrogen, gph: pH, bio3: isothermality, bio4: temperature seasonality, bio10: mean temperature of warmest quarter, bio13: precipitation of wettest month, bio15: precipitation seasonality. Full article ">Figure 4
Response curves of Ae. tauschii produced by species distribution models. The abbreviations of the environmental variables are as follows: bdod: bulk density of the fine earth fraction, cfvo: a fraction of coarse fragments, N: total nitrogen, gph: pH, bio3: isothermality, bio4: temperature seasonality, bio10: mean temperature of warmest quarter, bio13: precipitation of wettest month, bio15: precipitation seasonality. Full article ">Figure 5
Current distribution map of Ae. tauschii predicted by ensemble model in the study area. Full article ">Figure 6
Species distribution of Ae. tauschii in the study area under climate change scenarios in 2050 and 2070. Full article ">Figure 7
Range size of Ae. tauschii distribution under different climate change scenarios for 2050 and 2070 in the study area. Full article ">

24 pages, 2638 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Building the Resilience of Marginal Rural Areas Using a Complementary Characterization Approach: Possible Beneficial Health Effects and Stress Tolerance of Italian Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Landraces

by Martina Falcione, Alessandra Renella, Vadym Samukha, Mayra Colardo, Melissa Simiele, Gabriella Stefania Scippa, Marco Segatto and Dalila Trupiano

Diversity 2024, 16(4), 240; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16040240 - 17 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1403

Abstract

Common bean landraces, besides contributing to the preservation of the social and cultural identity of the local communities of the production area, typically display adaptability to adverse agro-climatic conditions. This adapted germplasm is a repository of the gene pool and also shows typical [...] Read more.

Common bean landraces, besides contributing to the preservation of the social and cultural identity of the local communities of the production area, typically display adaptability to adverse agro-climatic conditions. This adapted germplasm is a repository of the gene pool and also shows typical phytochemical profiles, representing an essential source of bioactive components. However, genetic erosion is progressively affecting this genetic material, creating serious threats to its cultivation in marginal rural areas and use as a source of biodiversity and bioproducts. In the present work, a comprehensive approach was used to characterize the seed morpho-colorimetric traits, genetic diversity, and NMR metabolomic profiles of three Italian common bean landraces. Specific physiological and biochemical features (antioxidant molecules, osmolytes, structural reorganization of photosynthetic pigment, etc.), together with the accumulation of distinctive metabolites, contribute to the description of the observed diversity among the landraces in terms of the salt stress response and antiproliferative abilities on intestinal human cancer cells. This information could be useful in establishing their value in terms of environmental and/or human health “service”, both essential to translating landraces into competitive products, a prerequisite for envisioning appropriate strategies for their conservation and a driving force for the revitalization of marginal rural areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Crop Genetic Diversity: Challenges and Opportunities)

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15 pages, 1465 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Terrestrial Tardigrada (Water Bears) of the Słowiński National Park (Northern Poland)

by Tomasz Bartylak, Pushpalata Kayastha, Anastasiia Polishchuk, Milena Roszkowska, Magdalena Maria Bartylak, Tomasz Rutkowski, Michał Zacharyasiewicz and Łukasz Kaczmarek

Diversity 2024, 16(4), 239; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16040239 - 17 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1087

Abstract

In this paper, samples of mosses, lichens and cryptogams (mosses mixed with lichens) collected from Słowiński National Park (northern Poland) were studied for water bears (Tardigrada). In total, 27 tardigrade taxa were identified: 21 to the species level, one identified as „cf. [...] Read more.

In this paper, samples of mosses, lichens and cryptogams (mosses mixed with lichens) collected from Słowiński National Park (northern Poland) were studied for water bears (Tardigrada). In total, 27 tardigrade taxa were identified: 21 to the species level, one identified as „cf.” and three to the genus level, with six species (Eremobiotus ginevrae, Hypsibius dujardini, Hypsibius scabropygus, Milnesium beasleyi, Minibiotus intermedius and Notahypsibius pallidoides) being new records for Poland. Two possibly new for science species were also found, belonging to genera Diphascon and Mesobiotus. Additionally, a very rare eutardigrade Pseudohexapodibius degenerans has been found in the samples analyzed in the present study for the first time outside of the type locality. The effects of habitat and substrate on species richness were also investigated and showed no significant differences between mosses and lichens, as well as all substrates except for concrete walls. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2024 Feature Papers by Diversity’s Editorial Board Members)

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13 pages, 3169 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Outstanding Aggregation of the Atlantic Brisingid Hymenodiscus coronata (Sars, 1871) (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) in the Strait of Sicily

by Margherita Toma, Antonio Giova, Marzia Bo, Simonepietro Canese, Francesco Enrichetti, Teresa Romeo, Eva Salvati and Silvestro Greco

Diversity 2024, 16(4), 238; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16040238 - 17 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1065

Abstract

The sea star Hymenodiscus coronata is the only Mediterranean representative of the deep-sea order Brisingida. In the North-eastern Atlantic Ocean, this species is known to create dense aggregations, while, in the Mediterranean basin, it is generally reported as scattered individuals. Through the analysis [...] Read more.

The sea star Hymenodiscus coronata is the only Mediterranean representative of the deep-sea order Brisingida. In the North-eastern Atlantic Ocean, this species is known to create dense aggregations, while, in the Mediterranean basin, it is generally reported as scattered individuals. Through the analysis of the video footage obtained from an extensive ROV campaign carried out in the northern Strait of Sicily in 2021, over 2850 specimens were counted. The specimens, observed between 310 m and 714 m depth, showed a large variability in size and number of arms. It was noted that 17% of the specimens displayed the peculiar “sail position”, with all the arms extended vertically in the water column, possibly increasing the filtration rate. Almost the totality of the individuals was noted on soft bottoms, in accordance with the ecological preferences of the species. The density of H. coronata in each site varied between 0.01 and 0.81 individuals m⁻², with the highest densities reported in sites characterized by large muddy areas among rocky outcrops and turbulent hydrodynamic conditions. Although the trawling areas exploited in 2021 did not seem to interfere with the presence of H. coronata in the study area, a precautionary approach should be assumed to protect the largest ever reported Mediterranean aggregation of this poorly known species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity and Biogeography of Sea Stars (Echinodermata, Asteroidea))

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Study area. Multi-beam bathymetric model (5 m resolution) of the explored area (Strait of Sicily, Central Mediterranean Sea, inset, red rectangle), with the 140 ROV transects (white lines). Full article ">Figure 2
Bathymetric distribution. Boxplot of the bathymetric distribution of Hymenodiscus coronata in the present work (left, orange) and of the 140 ROV transects performed (right, blue). Full article ">Figure 3
Morphology. Frequency (%) of the target sea star H. coronata in terms of (A) size (Small, <15 cm; Medium, 16–30 cm; and Large, >30 cm), (B) number of intact arms, and (C) position on the seafloor. Full article ">Figure 4
Morphology and ecology. ROV images of the sea star H. coronata: (A) close-up of a large specimen on mud, with well-visible spines on the eight slender arms and the gonads at the base of the arms; (B) two different-sized individuals with the arms slightly lifted; (C) several large specimens of H. coronata showing arms of different sizes flatted on the muddy bottom (white arrows); (D) close individuals of different size and number of arms (white arrows); (E) large specimen on the horizontal muddy substrate with the arms’ tips lifted; and (F) H. coronata in the “sail position”. (G,H) Chlorophthalmus agassizi and Benthocometes robustus are among the bentho-nektonic species frequently observed close to the target sea stars. Scale bar: 15 cm. Full article ">Figure 5
Population density and fishing impact. Distribution of the transects in which H. coronata was observed, with the indication of the maximum density per sampling unit and the trawling areas exploited in 2021. Full article ">Figure 6
Population density and ecological preferences. Distribution of the specimens (red dots) along the transects (white lines) according to substrate type and inclination: (A–D) horizontal or slightly inclined muddy substrates with sparse rocks; and (E–H) sloping to vertical rocky outcrops with scattered muddy patches. Scale bar: 250 m. Full article ">Figure 7
Patchiness. Maximum density per sampling unit related to the substrate type (grey, outcropping rocks; and light yellow, mud) in four selected transects: (A) Dive 60; (B) Dive 88; (C) Dive 94; and (D) Dive 83. Full article ">

17 pages, 2210 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Molecular and Morphological Phylogenies of Spirorbinae (Serpulidae, Polychaeta, Annelida) and the Evolution of Brooding Modes

by Greg W. Rouse, Tara A. Macdonald and Elena K. Kupriyanova

Diversity 2024, 16(4), 237; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16040237 - 17 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1440

Abstract

Spirorbinae, a ubiquitous group of marine calcareous tubeworms with a small body size as adults, have a fascinating diversity of brooding modes that form the basis for their taxonomic division into six tribes (traditionally subfamilies): in-tube incubation, with varying degrees of attachment to [...] Read more.

Spirorbinae, a ubiquitous group of marine calcareous tubeworms with a small body size as adults, have a fascinating diversity of brooding modes that form the basis for their taxonomic division into six tribes (traditionally subfamilies): in-tube incubation, with varying degrees of attachment to adult structures (four tribes), and external incubation in a modified radiole (opercular brood chambers; two tribes). We investigated the evolutionary transitions among these brooding modes. Phylogenetic reconstruction with molecular (28s and 18s rDNA) and morphological data (83 characters) among 36 taxa (32 ingroup spirorbins; 4 filogranin outgroups) of the combined data set, using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian analyses, inferred Spirorbinae to be monophyletic, with strong support for the monophyly for five tribes (Circeini, Januini, Romanchellini, Paralaeospirini and Spirorbini), but non-monophyly for Pileolariini. However, deeper relationships among some tribes remain unresolved. Neomicrorbis was found to be the sistergroup to all other Spirorbinae. Alternative coding strategies for assessing the ancestral state reconstruction for the reproductive mode allowed for a range of conclusions as to the evolution of tube and opercular brooding in Spirorbinae. Two of the transformations suggest that opercular brooding may be ancestral for Spirorbinae, and the tube-incubating tribes may have been derived independently from opercular-brooding ancestors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity in 2023)

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Representatives of Spirorbinae. (A) Neomicrorbis cf. azoricus: preserved specimen removed from the tube with a whole tube at a smaller scale. (B) Amplicaria spiculosa: live specimen with a distinctive hooked operculum and brood in the operculum (arrow). (C) Live A. spiculosa anterior showing brood chamber (arrow). (D) Janua heterostropha in the tube; arrow indicates opercular brood chamber, used for only one brood. (E) Closeup of operculum of J. heterostropha showing well-developed larvae. (F) Larva of J. heterostropha showing paired larval attachment glands. (G) An opened tube of Circeis spirillum, showing embryos adhering to each other and the tube wall (arrow). (H) Spirorbis cf. tridentatus removed from the tube, showing an embryo string that is attached to the posterior inner surface of the tube. (I) Pileolaria sp. (Pileolariini) (from Bondi, Australia and not included in this study) with an epithelial opercular brood chamber, used for more than one brood (arrow). (J) Metalaeospira tenuis with an unattached brood string (arrow). (K) Helicosiphon biscoeensis removed from the tube and in the tube at a smaller scale. (L) Paralaeospira sp. from Tasmania (and not included in this study) removed from the tube with its loose embryo string (arrow). (M) Protolaeospira sp.: arrow indicates thoracic brood stalk, attaching brood mass to the adult body. Full article ">Figure 2
Strict consensus tree of 28 most parsimonious trees (297 steps) derived from the 83-character morphology matrix using PAUP*. Full article ">Figure 3
Maximum likelihood tree with branch lengths derived from the morphology plus molecular (18S rDNA, 28S rDNA) concatenated datasets. The MP and Bayesian analyses gave the same tree topology. Numbers at nodes are ML and MP bootstrap (BS) values followed by Bayesian posterior probability (PP). BS values below 50 and posterior probabilities below 0.7 are not shown. A * indicates that both BS scores were 95 or greater, and the PP was 1. Full article ">Figure 4
Transformation for three versions of characters based on brooding mode mapped onto the ML tree topology, visualized in Mesquite 3.81 using likelihood ancestral state reconstruction on ball and sticks tree form, with the Mk1 probability model. (A) Brooding general character with four states, only two of which occur in Spirorbinae, in the tube or in the operculum. (B) Opercular brooding only character with three states, two for kinds of opercular brooding. (C) Brooding character with eight states to cover the various forms of tube brooding and with only one state for opercular brooding. Numerical values at the nodes show the maximum likelihood score, as a proportion of 1, for the most likely state. The ancestral state for Spirorbinae for Brooding (C) is unknown owing to the lack of knowledge for Neomicrorbis cf. azoricus. Full article ">

20 pages, 4129 KiB

Open AccessReview

Anthropogenic Pressures on Gorillas: A Case of Grauer’s Gorillas in Maiko National Park, the Democratic Republic of Congo

by Kahindo Tulizo Consolee, Xiaofeng Luan and Li Cong

Diversity 2024, 16(4), 236; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16040236 - 16 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1550

Abstract

Anthropogenic activities put biodiversity under pressure, adversely affecting the forest ecosystem and wildlife habitats. Habitat disturbance and modification are among the main threats to animal populations in tropical forests. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Grauer’s gorillas (Gorilla beringei graueri) [...] Read more.

Anthropogenic activities put biodiversity under pressure, adversely affecting the forest ecosystem and wildlife habitats. Habitat disturbance and modification are among the main threats to animal populations in tropical forests. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Grauer’s gorillas (Gorilla beringei graueri) are continuously threatened through forest encroachment for agricultural expansion, human settlements, new refugee camps, illegal logging, and mining across the country. Moreover, poaching and bushmeat trafficking continuously threaten gorillas’ existence. These drivers increase the proximity of humans and the risk of disease transmission. The emerging and existing zoonotic diseases, including Ebola, are continuously impacting gorillas’ lives. All of these pressures combined are disrupting natural behavior patterns and are leading to the decline in the Grauer’s gorillas’ population. Therefore, this review scrutinizes findings on the anthropogenic pressures on the habitats and survival of Grauer’s gorillas. Also, it is important to engage with people for the shared conservation role and ecotourism to support the conservation of forest biodiversity and Grauer’s gorillas’ habitats, particularly for the Maiko National Park in the DRC. Full article

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14 pages, 5363 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Land Use Change on Avian Diversity in the Semi-Arid Area of Longxi Loess Plateau

by Ruirui Mao, Dexi Zhang, Qian Zhou, Yizhu Wang and Lixun Zhang

Diversity 2024, 16(4), 235; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16040235 - 16 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1255

Abstract

Biodiversity is under threat due to human-induced changes in land use. While various aspects of biodiversity are increasingly studied in response to these changes, there is limited understanding of their effects on the structure and composition of bird communities in dryland regions. We [...] Read more.

Biodiversity is under threat due to human-induced changes in land use. While various aspects of biodiversity are increasingly studied in response to these changes, there is limited understanding of their effects on the structure and composition of bird communities in dryland regions. We examined the impacts of land use change on birds in the semi-arid area of the Longxi Loess Plateau by considering taxonomic diversity, functional diversity, and phylogenetic diversity. We analyzed both the α- and β-diversity of avian communities across different dimensions of diversity and calculated functional and phylogenetic structures using the net relatedness index. Our findings revealed that species richness was highest in farmland and abandoned farmland, while artificial mixed forests exhibited the highest number of unique species. Functional and phylogenetic α-diversity was greater in farmland and abandoned farmland when compared to the other four land use types. Moreover, the taxonomic diversity in artificial mixed forests, artificial Caragana korshinskii forests, and artificial Platycladus orientalis forests surpassed that in typical grasslands, but no differences were observed in functional and phylogenetic diversity. Regarding β-diversity, turnover patterns dominated multidimensional dissimilarity, with taxonomic turnover and total dissimilarity lower than their functional counterparts but higher than phylogenetic counterparts. Based on the present findings, we emphasize the long-term cessation of ongoing silvicultural initiatives to safeguard bird diversity in the semi-arid region of the Longxi Loess Plateau. This is crucial for narrowly distributed species such as Alectoris magna, as they face heightened vulnerability to losses. Full article

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Sampling sites of birds in different land use types. Full article ">Figure 2
UpSetR intersection diagram displaying the unique and shared bird species among the different land use types. Land use type codes were as follows: PFL—planting farmland; AFL—abandoned farmland; TGL—typical grassland; AMF—artificial mixed forest; ACK—artificial Caragana korshinskii forest; APO—artificial Platycladus orientalis forest. Full article ">Figure 3
Pairwise comparisons of bird community similarity showing the original shared species numbers below the diagonal. The ANOSIM sample R and significance marker are shown above the diagonal separation, where the depth of gray indicates a larger R-value. Land use type codes were as follows: PFL—planting farmland; AFL—abandoned farmland; TGL—typical grassland; AMF—artificial mixed forest; ACK—artificial Caragana korshinskii forest; APO—artificial Platycladus orientalis forest. Asterisks indicate statistically significant in different land use types: “*” 0.05, “**” 0.01. Full article ">Figure 4
The taxonomic diversity (a), functional diversity (b), and phylogenetic diversity (c) of bird communities in six different land use types. Land use type codes are as follows: PFL—planting farmland; AFL—abandoned farmland; TGL—typical grassland; AMF—artificial mixed forest; ACK—artificial Caragana korshinskii forest; APO—artificial Platycladus orientalis forest. Full article ">Figure 5
(a,b) represent multiple comparisons of the functional and phylogenetic structure of bird communities were conducted across various land use types. FD—functional diversity; PD—phylogenetic diversity; NRI—net relatedness index. Land use type codes are as follows: PFL—planting farmland; AFL—abandoned farmland; TGL–typical grassland; AMF—artificial mixed forest; ACK—artificial Caragana korshinskii forest; APO—artificial Platycladus orientalis forest. Full article ">Figure 6
Comparison among different components of taxonomic (a), functional (b) and phylogenetic β-diversity (c) in birds. TD—taxonomic diversity; FD—functional diversity; PD—phylogenetic diversity; sor—Sørensen dissimilarity; sim—turnover; sne—nestedness. Full article ">

25 pages, 11154 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Diversity of Subterranean Terrestrial Arthropods in Resava Cave (Eastern Serbia)

by Nikola Vesović, Christo Deltshev, Plamen Mitov, Dragan Antić, Dalibor Z. Stojanović, Dejan V. Stojanović, Katarina Stojanović, Milenka Božanić, Aleksandra Ignjatović-Ćupina and Srećko Ćurčić

Diversity 2024, 16(4), 234; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16040234 - 16 Apr 2024

Viewed by 3574

Abstract

The Balkan region is rich in limestone deposits, which have created one of the largest hotspots of subterranean biodiversity. This paper gives an overview of the diversity of subterranean terrestrial arthropods in Resava Cave in eastern Serbia. This cave is protected and has [...] Read more.

The Balkan region is rich in limestone deposits, which have created one of the largest hotspots of subterranean biodiversity. This paper gives an overview of the diversity of subterranean terrestrial arthropods in Resava Cave in eastern Serbia. This cave is protected and has the status of a natural monument. At the same time, it is one of the most visited caves in Serbia and its surroundings. Our study comprises the results of three years of biospeleological investigations of the famous Serbian cave in combination with data from the few available literature sources on the arthropod fauna of the cave. The arthropod samples were collected both manually and with pitfall traps. A total of 107 arthropod species from the four major subphyla were registered in the cave: 66 species of Hexapoda, 27 species of Chelicerata, 11 species of Myriapoda and three species of Crustacea. For four troglobitic, 16 troglophilic and 87 trogloxenic species recorded in the cave, descriptions of their microhabitats and information on their distribution in the cave are given. Considering the medium size of Resava Cave and the lack of permanent water flow in the two main levels on the one hand, and the large number of arthropod species recorded on the other, the cave is relatively rich in hypogean terrestrial arthropod fauna compared to other caves in Serbia that have been biospeleologically studied so far. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in the Diversity and Taxonomy of Subterranean Arthropods)

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A map of Serbia with karst areas and the location of Resava Cave (red pin) (modified after [<a href="#B18-diversity-16-00234" class="html-bibr">18</a>]). The carbonate platforms of the Carpatho-Balkanides in eastern and southeastern Serbia are framed by the dotted lines. AL—Albania; BA—Bosnia and Herzegovina; BG—Bulgaria; HR—Croatia; HU—Hungary; KTCP—Kučaj-Tupižnica carbonate platform; MCP—Miroč carbonate platform; ME—Montenegro; MK—North Macedonia; RO—Romania. Full article ">Figure 2
Karst landscapes of the Carpatho-Balkanides in eastern Serbia. (A) Lazar’s Canyon, Kučajske Planine Mts.; (B) Suva Prerast, Vratna Gates, Mt. Miroč; (C) one of the peaks of Mt. Stol; (D) the ridge of Mt. Veliki Krš. Photos: N. Vesović. Full article ">Figure 3
Resava Cave in eastern Serbia. (A) The cave entrance seen from the inside; (B) flowstone formation in the Menza Gallery; (C) formation of a new stalactite in the presence of trickling water; (D) corallite speleothems, a feature of the Coral Canals; (E) manual collection of hypogean terrestrial arthropods. Photos: N. Vesović and S. Ćurčić. Full article ">Figure 4
A plan of Resava Cave showing the sites where the arthropod fauna was sampled with pitfall traps (red squares) (modified after [<a href="#B15-diversity-16-00234" class="html-bibr">15</a>]). 1—entrance; 2—Entrance Hall; 3—Hall of Conjoined Columns; 4—Beehive Hall; 5—Canyon (=Dry) Canal; 6—Vestibule of History; 7—Crystal Hall; 8—Concert Hall (=Hall of Statues); 9—Boban’s Hall; 10—Menza Gallery; 11—Coral Canals; 12—Kepa’s (=Mud) Hall. Halls 6 and 7 are connected by an artificial tunnel. Full article ">Figure 5
Troglobitic arthropods from Resava Cave. (A) A male of the spider Centromerus serbicus; (B) a female of C. serbicus; (C) the millipede Serbosoma kucajense; (D) the dipluran Plusiocampa christiani; (E) the ground beetle Duvalius petrovici. Photos: N. Vesović. Full article ">Figure 6
Selected troglophilic arthropods of Resava Cave. (A) The harvestmen Paranemastoma sillii; (B) the spider Meta menardi; (C) the spider Metellina merianae; (D) the tick Ixodes vespertilionis; (E) the isopod Hyloniscus cf. riparius; (F) the millipede Trachysphaera sp.; (G) the springtail Tomocerus vulgaris; (H) the springtail Pygmarrhopalites pygmaeus; (I) the cricket Troglophilus neglectus; (J) the ground beetle Laemostenus punctatus; (K) the rove beetle Quedius mesomelinus; (L) the dipteran Speolepta leptogaster. Photos: N. Vesović. Full article ">Figure 7
Selected trogloxenic arthropods from Resava Cave. (A) The pseudoscorpion Neobisium carpaticum; (B) the harvestmen Lacinius dentiger; (C) the harvestmen Opilio ruzickai; (D) the spider Liocranum rupicola; (E) the spider Philodromus margaritatus; (F) the centipede Lithobius forficatus; (G) the millipede Megaphyllum bosniense; (H) the millipede Polydesmus subscabratus; (I) the psocodean Bertkauia lucifuga; (J) the ground beetle Molops piceus; (K) the herald moth—Scoliopteryx libatrix; (L) the yellow shell moth—Camptogramma bilineata; (M) the caddisfly Stenophylax permistus; (N) the ichneumonid wasp Lymantrichneumon disparis; (O) the dipteran Heleomyza serrata. Photos: N. Vesović. Full article ">

22 pages, 10066 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Resilience of Aboveground Biomass of Secondary Forests Following the Abandonment of Gold Mining Activity in the Southeastern Peruvian Amazon

by Jorge Garate-Quispe, Marx Herrera-Machaca, Victor Pareja Auquipata, Gabriel Alarcón Aguirre, Sufer Baez Quispe and Edgar Eloy Carpio-Vargas

Diversity 2024, 16(4), 233; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16040233 - 15 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1566

Abstract

Amazon rainforests are critical for providing a wide range of ecosystem services. In the Southeastern Peruvian Amazon; however, goldmining activities are causing severe soil degradation and forest loss. We analyzed aboveground biomass (AGB), forest structure, and species diversity recovery during secondary succession in [...] Read more.

Amazon rainforests are critical for providing a wide range of ecosystem services. In the Southeastern Peruvian Amazon; however, goldmining activities are causing severe soil degradation and forest loss. We analyzed aboveground biomass (AGB), forest structure, and species diversity recovery during secondary succession in 179 forest plots. Our study provides the first field-based quantification of AGB recovery following the abandonment by two types of goldmining (heavy machinery and suction pumping) in Madre de Dios (Peru). We found that successional secondary forests in areas subjected to suction pumping were more resilient than those in areas subjected to heavy machinery. After 20 years, mean AGB in suction pumping mining areas had reached 56% of reference forest AGB, while in areas of heavy machinery mining it was only 18%. Mining type, stand age, and distance from the forest edge had a significant effect on AGB. The influence of the distance from the forest edge on AGB varies according to mining type because the effects of species diversity on AGB are mediated by the distance from the forest edge. Our results clearly showed the dynamics of AGB recovery across a secondary succession after goldmining, and the contrasting responses of AGB between the two mining types. Our study disentangles the importance of key factors in forest recovery after mining and improves understanding of the resilience of biomass accumulation in these highly degraded ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Succession and Vegetation Dynamics)

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Map of the study area in Peru (a) and in Madre de Dios (b), Southeastern Peruvian Amazon. (c) Landsat-8 images (July 2023) over the study. It shows the location of field sites in the study, and representative photos of the type of mining. Full article ">Figure 2
Results of structural equation models (SEM) showing the relationship between aboveground biomass (AGB), stand age (Age), distance from the forest edge (Distance), and number of species (Species) according to type of mining (heavy machinery and suction pumping). The blue arrows indicate positive effects, while the red arrows indicate negative effects. The dash and plain line types represent the non-significant (p > 0.05) and significant (p < 0.05) paths, respectively. For each path, a standardized regression coefficient value is shown. * Indicates the significant paths at 0.001. (A) = global SEM results, without differentiating by type of mining activities (heavy machinery and suction pumping); (B) = heavy machinery; and (C) = suction pumping. Full article ">Figure 3
Comparison of AGB, species diversity and forest structure among forest plots in two types of mining activities (heavy machinery and suction pumping) according to five recovery age classes of natural regeneration and in reference forest of tree community across a chronosequence in degraded lands of the Peruvian Amazon. (A,B) AGB, (C,D) mean height, (E,F) mean DBH, and (G,H) species diversity (Hill 0D). Different letters indicate significant differences among age classes for each variable (p < 0.05). Full article ">Figure 4
Relationship between aboveground biomass and stand age of tree community in two types of mining activities (heavy machinery and suction pumping) across a chronosequence in degraded lands of the Peruvian Amazon (A). Mean AGB (±standard error) of reference forests close to plots in degraded lands (B). SEE = standard error of estimate. The blue and red shading around each regression line represent the 95% confidence interval. The solid red circles represent data from a heavy machinery mining. The solid blue circles represent data from a suction pumping mining. Full article ">Figure 5
Non-metric multidimensional scaling ordinations (nMDS) of tree community composition (beta diversity) based on Chao–Jaccard similarity between natural regeneration across a chronosequence in degraded lands of the Peruvian Amazon. (A) Study sites, (B) type of mining, (C) stand age. In B and C, hulls overlaid for each variable. In each nMDS, different letters of the legend label indicate statistically significant differences according to pairwise PERMANOVA tests. Full article ">

18 pages, 2387 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Occurrence of the American Burying Beetle (Nicrophorus americanus) and Associated Silphid Beetle Community in South Dakota: Implications for Managed Relocation

by William Wyatt Hoback, Daniel G. Snethen, Melissa Reed and Michael C. Cavallaro

Diversity 2024, 16(4), 232; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16040232 - 13 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1184

Abstract

The American burying beetle, Nicrophorus americanus Olivier (Coleoptera: Siliphidae), is a federally threatened species in the United States, occurring in less than 10% of its historic range. The continued monitoring of extant populations found in South Dakota, the northernmost edge of its confirmed [...] Read more.

The American burying beetle, Nicrophorus americanus Olivier (Coleoptera: Siliphidae), is a federally threatened species in the United States, occurring in less than 10% of its historic range. The continued monitoring of extant populations found in South Dakota, the northernmost edge of its confirmed range, is imperative to future conservation efforts, especially with the predicted loss of the species in southern regions because of climate change. Proposed strategies to preserve the species include the reintroduction or translocation of individuals from habitats that have become unsuitable. Beyond adequate habitat and carrion resource requirements, community-level silphid interactions may challenge these efforts because of competition. From 2018 to 2020, we used 80 carrion-baited pitfall traps per year to conduct two 5-day surveys in June and August. A total of 25,923 Silphidae belonging to 15 species were collected in 1200 trap nights. Cumulatively, 1150 N. americanus were captured and marked with 263 recaptures. Like past findings, N. americanus was concentrated in western Tripp County with limited occurrence in Gregory and Todd Counties, suggesting no expansion of their known range in the past decade. Generalized linear mixed-effects models indicated N. americanus abundance was significantly predicted by the co-occurrence of the carrion beetles Oieceoptoma inaequale F. and Oiceoptoma noveboracense Forster, whereas pitfall trap catches dominated by the burying beetle Nicrophorus marginatus F. had predictively less N. americanus. Collectively, these data provide insights into the existing, northernmost N. americanus population dynamics and silphid beetle communities. Concurrent with monitoring extant populations, the characterization of silphid communities that co-occur with N. americanus may provide much-needed information for managed relocation opportunities. Full article

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

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Counties sampled from 2018 to 2020 to determine presence of American burying beetles (ABB). Full article ">Figure 2
Hot spot analysis for the occurrence of American burying beetle in Tripp County, South Dakota, from 2018 to 2020. Red indicates traps with more likely occurrence (hot spots), and blue indicates traps with more likely absence of N. americanus (cold spots) among 155 trap locations. Full article ">Figure 3
Hot spot analysis for occurrence of American burying beetle (ABB) in Tripp County, South Dakota, using only 2020 trap locations among 52 trap locations sampled in June and August. Red indicates traps with more likely occurrence (hot spots), and blue indicates traps with more likely absence of ABB (cold spots). Full article ">Figure 4
Spearman’s rank correlation heat map for cumulative silphid beetle captures from 2018 to 2020 in South Dakota. (Species abbreviations: ABB, Nicrophorus americanus; Carol, Nicrophorus carolinus; Gutt, Nicrophorus guttula; Marg, Nicrophorus marginatus; Obscur, Nicrophorus obscurus; Orbic, Nicriophorus orbicollis; Pust, Nicrophorus pustulatus; Tomen, Nicrophorus tomentosus; Necro, Necrophila americana; Surin, Necrodes surinamensis; Ramo, Heterosilpha ramose; Inaequ, Oiceoptoma inaequale; Nova, Oiceoptoma noveboracense; Lappo, Thanatophilus lapponicus; Trunc, Thanatophilus truncates). Full article ">Figure 5
Non-metric multidimensional scaling (nMDS) plot of silphid species collected from 2018 to 2020, where trap sites are categorized by N. americanus abundance (Stress = 0.13). Species abbreviations are as follows: ABB, Nicrophorus americanus; Carol, Nicrophorus carolinus; Gutt, Nicrophorus guttula; Marg, Nicrophorus marginatus; Obscur, Nicrophorus obscurus; Orbic, Nicriophorus orbicollis; Pust, Nicrophorus pustulatus; Tomen, Nicrophorus tomentosus; Necro, Necrophila americana; Surin, Necrodes surinamensis; Ramo, Heterosilpha ramosa; Inaequ, Oiceoptoma inaequale; Nove, Oiceoptoma noveboracense; Lappo, Thanatophilus lapponicus; Trunc, Thanatophilus truncatus. Full article ">

16 pages, 5185 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Infectious Diseases on the Consequences of Interspecific Competition in Grassland Communities

by Yanli Chen, Yanping Liu, Xiaoni Liu, Zhengzhong Zhang and Feng Zhang

Diversity 2024, 16(4), 231; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16040231 - 12 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1037

Abstract

As infectious diseases have a severe impact on the individual survival and competitive ability of host species in grassland communities, competition between relevant species may have different consequences, potentially influencing the species composition of grassland communities and the functioning of grassland ecosystems. Understanding [...] Read more.

As infectious diseases have a severe impact on the individual survival and competitive ability of host species in grassland communities, competition between relevant species may have different consequences, potentially influencing the species composition of grassland communities and the functioning of grassland ecosystems. Understanding the impact of infectious diseases on competition is thus crucial for the health management of grassland ecosystems. How do infectious diseases affect the competitive coexistence of grassland plant species? In this study, by drawing on Tilman’s multispecies competition model and incorporating the spread characteristics of grassland plant diseases, we built three spatial competition models of two grass species subject to infectious diseases, and we analyzed the invasion conditions of infectious diseases and how they impact the population dynamics and competitive consequences of the species. Our model revealed the following: (1) Diseases with high transmission rates and low virulence are more likely to invade populations, while the presence of non-host species is detrimental to disease invasion. (2) Disease promotes the coexistence of competing species, breaking down the original competition–compromise trade-off mechanism for species coexistence and greatly expanding the range of parameters within which the two species can coexist. (3) Pathogen infections indirectly weaken the suppression of inferior species by dominant species, which is similar to the cascade effect seen in trophic interactions. Our findings highlight the importance of disease in species coexistence and grassland biodiversity maintenance. Full article

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11 pages, 1175 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Prevalence and Intensity of Endoparasites in a Dynamic Boreal Ungulate Community

by Cassandra L. Andrew, Brent Wagner, N. Jane Harms, Emily J. Jenkins and Thomas S. Jung

Diversity 2024, 16(4), 230; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16040230 - 12 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1287

Abstract

Surveillance of endoparasites at the host community level is rarely reported for ungulates. Yet, changes in the composition and abundance of species in ungulate assemblages, coupled with environmental and climate change, bring into focus the need for baseline data on endoparasite occurrence in [...] Read more.

Surveillance of endoparasites at the host community level is rarely reported for ungulates. Yet, changes in the composition and abundance of species in ungulate assemblages, coupled with environmental and climate change, bring into focus the need for baseline data on endoparasite occurrence in host species at the community level. We investigated the prevalence and intensity of eggs of endoparasites in feces of a dynamic boreal ungulate community in Yukon, Canada, that included reintroduced bison (Bison bison), as well as introduced elk (Cervus canadensis), naturally colonizing mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), and resident populations of caribou (Rangifer tarandus), moose (Alces americanus), and thinhorn sheep (Ovis dalli). We also examined the change in endoparasite prevalence and intensity in bison fecal samples collected eight years apart. The prevalence of eggs detected in feces differed across species for most endoparasite groups. We also provide new records of several endoparasites in novel hosts or new geographic records. We detected a substantially greater prevalence and intensity of trichostrongyle-type eggs in bison feces between samples collected eight years apart. Our data emphasize the need for targeted pathogen surveillance programs to monitor the movement of various ungulate and associated endoparasites. This is particularly pertinent since our data potentially supports evidence for the continued northward expansion and host switching of protostrongylid species, which may have health implications for animals at a new interface. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Diversity)

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17 pages, 2951 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Habitat Selection of Three Neotropical Grassland Birds Is Dependent on Vegetation Structure and Resources

by Jo Peacock, Ross Macleod, G. Matt Davies, Tjalle Boorsma and Christopher M. Tonra

Diversity 2024, 16(4), 229; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16040229 - 10 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1338

Abstract

Grassland birds are globally imperiled. Those of endemic Neotropical savannas may be particularly threatened as knowledge of the ecology of many species is lacking, restricting our ability to take decisive conservation action. During the dry (non-breeding) season of 2010, we studied the population [...] Read more.

Grassland birds are globally imperiled. Those of endemic Neotropical savannas may be particularly threatened as knowledge of the ecology of many species is lacking, restricting our ability to take decisive conservation action. During the dry (non-breeding) season of 2010, we studied the population size, distribution, and habitat associations of the Cock-tailed Tyrant (Alectrurus tricolor), Black-masked Finch (Coryphaspiza melanotis), and Wedge-tailed Grass-finch (Emberiziodes herbicola) across a disturbance-mediated savanna–grassland gradient in Beni, Bolivia. We used distance sampling and surveyed structural and resource-specific habitat features at plots where birds were present versus random locations. Occupancy models identified fine-scale habitat associations. Cock-tailed Tyrant (7.1 ind./km²) specialized on open habitats in areas expected to be heavily inundated in the wet season, avoided trees, and selected tall grassy swards. Black-masked Finch (25.1 ind./km²) occurred across the gradient, associating with tall, forb-rich swards, sparse shrubs, and low levels of fruiting and seeding vegetation. Wedge-tailed Grass-finch (27.9 ind./km²) also occurred across the gradient, particularly associated with tall, forb-rich swards, abundant seeding grasses, and sparse shrubs. Our results offer the first quantitative abundance estimates for these species in Beni, provide vital baselines for future monitoring, and improve knowledge of the ecology and conservation management needs of these species. Importantly, our results suggest that populations of these three grassland birds may be best maintained in heterogenous, mosaic landscapes that can be produced by carefully managed burning and grazing. Further research in the breeding season would facilitate making stronger, more specific management recommendations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Avian Diversity in Forest and Grassland)

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Results of the Principal Component Analysis showing PC1: Floodplain gradient (a +ve score on this axis indicates a preference for areas of the floodplain that are heavily inundated during the wet season) plotted against (A) PC2: Forb-rich seeding gradient (a −ve score on this axis indicates a preference for forb-rich grassland with abundant seeding/fruiting forbs and shrubs); (B) PC3: Tall seeding grassland gradient (a +ve score on this axis indicates a preference for tall grassland or grassland with abundant seeding grasses); (C) PC4: Openness gradient (a +ve score on this axis indicates a preference for more densely wooded grassland); (D) PC5: Woody shrub gradient (a +ve score on this axis indicates a preference for grassland with abundant woody shrubs). See Results for detailed descriptions of each PC axis. Ellipses represent centroid values for each species and their standard deviation from the mean. Full article ">Figure 2
Forest plots showing results from occupancy modeling for (A) Cock-tailed Tyrant; (B) Black-masked Finch; and (C) Wedge-tailed Grass-finch. For (B,C), (i) shows the continuous variables from the model and (ii) shows the categorical variables. Note differences in scale for odds ratios used in (i) versus (ii). Dots show point estimates for each variable. Lines are 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Variables with 95% CIs overlapping 1 are non-significant; variables with 95% CIs that do overlap 0 are significant. Estimates > 1 represent a positive effect of the variable, and estimates < 1 a negative effect. The abundance of categorical variables is shown as low, medium, and high as data were ordinal (see Methods for details). Full article ">Figure 3
Effects plots from occupancy modeling for Cock-tailed Tyrants (A,B), Black-masked Finch (C,D), and Wedge-tailed Grass-finch (E,F). Plots visualize the predicted probability of occupancy as a function of significant model variables. For Black-masked Finch and Wedge-tailed Grass-finch plots D and F are distinguished from C and E by the presence of low levels of woody shrubs. Full article ">

13 pages, 1492 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Variation in the Pallas’s Cat (Otocolobus manul) in Zoo-Managed and Wild Populations

by Joshua J. Robinson, Alexis D. Crichlow, Charlotte E. Hacker, Bariushaa Munkhtsog, Bayaraa Munkhtsog, Yuguang Zhang, William F. Swanson, Leslie A. Lyons and Jan E. Janecka

Diversity 2024, 16(4), 228; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16040228 - 10 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1443

Abstract

The Pallas’s cat (Otocolobus manul) is one of the most understudied taxa in the Felidae family. The species is currently assessed as being of “Least Concern” in the IUCN Red List, but this assessment is based on incomplete data. Additional ecological [...] Read more.

The Pallas’s cat (Otocolobus manul) is one of the most understudied taxa in the Felidae family. The species is currently assessed as being of “Least Concern” in the IUCN Red List, but this assessment is based on incomplete data. Additional ecological and genetic information is necessary for the long-term in situ and ex situ conservation of this species. We identified 29 microsatellite loci with sufficient diversity to enable studies into the individual identification, population structure, and phylogeography of Pallas’s cats. These microsatellites were genotyped on six wild Pallas’s cats from the Tibet Autonomous Region and Mongolia and ten cats from a United States zoo-managed population that originated in Russia and Mongolia. Additionally, we examined diversity in a 91 bp segment of the mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA (MT-RNR1) locus and a hypoxia-related gene, endothelial PAS domain protein 1 (EPAS1). Based on the microsatellite and MT-RNR1 loci, we established that the Pallas’s cat displays moderate genetic diversity. Intriguingly, we found that the Pallas’s cats had one unique nonsynonymous substitution in EPAS1 not present in snow leopards (Panthera uncia) or domestic cats (Felis catus). The analysis of the zoo-managed population indicated reduced genetic diversity compared to wild individuals. The genetic information from this study is a valuable resource for future research into and the conservation of the Pallas’s cat. Full article

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Sampling sites for the Pallas’s cat (Otocolobus manul) scats included in this study. Scats were collected in Shenza, Tibet Autonomous Region (n = 1) and the Western and Eastern Beauties of Mongolia (n = 2 and n = 3, respectively) during noninvasive genetic surveys. Full article ">Figure 2
Minimum spanning network of Pallas’s cats (Otocolobus manul) at the mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA (MT-RNR1; 91 bp) locus. Sequences originated from six wild and ten zoo-managed cats sequenced in this study and six additional sequences from NCBI’s GenBank (n = 22). The wild Pallas’s cat scats were collected in Shenza, Tibet Autonomous Region (n = 1) and the Western and Eastern Beauties of Mongolia (n = 2 and n = 3, respectively). The white, gray, and black coloration of the haplotypes correspond to zoo-managed, wild, and GenBank individuals, respectively. Shared haplotypes are split proportionally based on the number of sequences collected from wild specimens, zoo-managed specimens, or sequences available through GenBank. Each solid branch represents one mutational step between haplotypes. For each haplotype, the nucleotide present at each segregating site is listed above. Full article ">Figure 3
Haplotype of the translated endothelial PAS domain protein 1 (EPAS1) product identified in ten Pallas’s cats (Otocolobus manul) housed in AZA-accredited zoos and three wild Pallas’s cats from the Eastern Beauty of Mongolia. Both loci were independently sequenced and compared to translated sequences from the domestic cat (Felis catus), tiger (Panthera tigris), and snow leopard (Panthera uncia), which were previously collected by [<a href="#B19-diversity-16-00228" class="html-bibr">19</a>]. The outlined box highlights the unique substitution observed in the Pallas’s cat for this gene. Exon and residue numbers are based on human orthologs. Full article ">

16 pages, 5161 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Morphological Population Variability: Host Plant and Habitat Dependency in the Protected Moth Gortyna borelii (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae)

by László Rákosy, Mihai Alexandru Martin, Geanina Magdalena Sitar, Andrei Crișan and Cristian Sitar

Diversity 2024, 16(4), 227; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16040227 - 9 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1869

Abstract

In this paper, we discuss the evolutionary implications of the correlation between different species of Peucedanum plants and the distribution of Gortyna borelii moth populations in Romania. We highlight geographic separation and isolation among these populations due to anthropogenic landscape fragmentation, which hinders [...] Read more.

In this paper, we discuss the evolutionary implications of the correlation between different species of Peucedanum plants and the distribution of Gortyna borelii moth populations in Romania. We highlight geographic separation and isolation among these populations due to anthropogenic landscape fragmentation, which hinders genetic exchange. A geometric morphometric analysis was utilized to visualize and compare the morphometric variations in relation to the environmental variables, particularly the host plant. Additionally, the distribution of G. borelii populations across Europe and in Romania that are correlated with the host plant was analyzed. The significant morphological and morphometric differences between the analyzed populations support our working hypothesis, according to which the use of different Peucedanum species by the larvae of G. borelii leads to an intraspecific diversification correlated with the host plant species. The newly discovered population of G. borelii in Romania holds substantial conservation importance, necessitating protection measures, including demarcating habitat areas and raising awareness among stakeholders. G. borelii is a protected species at the European level (Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC, Appendices II and IV), considered endangered due to the isolation of its populations and anthropogenic pressures exerted through agricultural practices. Understanding the impact of agricultural practices on their habitat is crucial for effective management strategies. Overall, this study sheds light on the complex interplay between ecological adaptation, host plant specialization, and speciation dynamics in phytophagous insects, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts to preserve G. borelii populations and their habitats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Speciation, Phylogenetics and Taxonomy of Lepidoptera)

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7 pages, 1766 KiB

Open AccessInteresting Images

Large-Scale Re-Implantation Efforts for Posidonia oceanica Restoration in the Ligurian Sea: Progress and Challenges

by Chiara Robello, Stefano Acunto, Laura Marianna Leone, Ilaria Mancini, Alice Oprandi and Monica Montefalcone

Diversity 2024, 16(4), 226; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16040226 - 9 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1835

Abstract

The Ligurian Sea (NW Mediterranean) has been a focal point for numerous interventions aimed at restoring Posidonia oceanica meadows. The success of pioneer restoration actions in France during the 1970s stimulated similar initiatives across the Mediterranean Sea. Early attempts in the Ligurian Sea [...] Read more.

The Ligurian Sea (NW Mediterranean) has been a focal point for numerous interventions aimed at restoring Posidonia oceanica meadows. The success of pioneer restoration actions in France during the 1970s stimulated similar initiatives across the Mediterranean Sea. Early attempts in the Ligurian Sea were implemented in 1993 and 1996 on limited seabed areas (i.e., tens of square meters) at the two coastal sites of Sori and Rapallo (Liguria, NW Italy). No further initiatives have been reported for the Ligurian Sea until 2022. In that year, a large-scale restoration project, which uses biodegradable mats coupled with metal mesh, began in Liguria. Different levels of anthropogenic pressure and wave exposure characterize the three investigated locations: (1) Portofino, on the eastern Liguria and on the border with the Portofino Marine Protected Area; (2) Bergeggi in the central Liguria and within the Isola di Bergeggi Marine Protected Area; and (3) Sanremo in the western Liguria, without any formal protection. Despite recent setbacks caused by severe storms in late 2023, which particularly damaged the Portofino site, ongoing monitoring revealed promising survival rates. Most notably, the site in Bergeggi displayed a 90% survival rate in September 2023. Although challenges to restore P. oceanica beds persist, such as mitigating damages caused by unpredictable events, this extensive re-implantation initiative offers the opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of new basin-scale restoration strategies. This approach marks an important step in the conservation of Posidonia oceanica habitat. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Ligurian Sea and the National Biodiversity Future Centre (NBFC): Biodiversity Conservation in a Temperate Marine Environment under Threat)

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38 pages, 4089 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

The Fossil Record and Diversity of Pycnodontiform Fishes in Non-Marine Environments

by John J. Cawley and Jürgen Kriwet

Diversity 2024, 16(4), 225; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16040225 - 9 Apr 2024

Viewed by 3633

Abstract

Pycnodont fishes were a successful clade of neopterygian fishes that are predominantly found in shallow marine deposits. However, throughout their long 180 million year reign (Late Triassic–end Eocene), they made multiple incursions into both brackish and freshwater environments. This fossil record mostly consists [...] Read more.

Pycnodont fishes were a successful clade of neopterygian fishes that are predominantly found in shallow marine deposits. However, throughout their long 180 million year reign (Late Triassic–end Eocene), they made multiple incursions into both brackish and freshwater environments. This fossil record mostly consists of fragmentary dental material, but articulated specimens are known from Early Cretaceous lacustrine localities in Spain. This review article aims to document all non-marine occurrences of Pycnodontiformes throughout most of the Mesozoic and early Paleogene. This review highlights two interesting trends in the history of non-marine habitat colonization by pycnodonts: (1) a huge spike in non-marine occurrences during the Cretaceous; and (2) that most occurrences in non-marine localities occurred at the latest Cretaceous period, the Maastrichtian. The high number of colonization events within the Cretaceous lines up with extreme climatic events, such as high temperatures resulting in high sea levels which regularly flooded continental masses, allowing pycnodonts easier access to non-marine habitats. The increased presence of pycnodonts in brackish and freshwater habitats during the Maastrichtian might have played a role in their survival through the K/Pg extinction event. Freshwater habitats are not as vulnerable as marine ecosystems to environmental disturbance as the base of their food chain relies on detritus. Pycnodonts might have used such environments as a refuge and began to occupy marine waters after the K/Pg extinction event. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity, Biogeography and Evolution of Actinopterygians)

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15 pages, 4470 KiB

Open AccessArticle

by Jaime Manuel Calderón-Patrón, Karen Elizabeth Peña-Joya, Jorge Téllez-López and Eréndira Patricia Canales-Gómez

Diversity 2024, 16(4), 224; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16040224 - 9 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1750

Abstract

The Mexican Republic ranks fifth in the world in terms of amphibian diversity, and within Mexico, the state of Oaxaca has the greatest amphibian richness and endemism. Unfortunately, various factors, such as land use change and global warming, have caused a global crisis [...] Read more.

The Mexican Republic ranks fifth in the world in terms of amphibian diversity, and within Mexico, the state of Oaxaca has the greatest amphibian richness and endemism. Unfortunately, various factors, such as land use change and global warming, have caused a global crisis that threatens the conservation of this class. In the face of these threats, an analysis of beta diversity provides information that can be applied to conservation strategies, since its study reveals the spatial scaling of diversity loss and clarifies the mechanisms of regional diversity maintenance. In this work, we analyzed the beta diversity at the species and higher taxa level (order, family, subfamily, genus and species) for the amphibians of Oaxaca and their replacement components and the differences in richness for anurans and caudates separately between physiographic subprovinces. Very high beta diversity was recorded, with higher diversity occurring among caudates (0.92) than among anurans (0.84). Species replacement was the component that most contributed to this result, and the subprovinces with substantial environmental differences had the most dissimilar amphibian communities. The results of this study show the need to implement conservation strategies in subprovinces with high amphibian richness and endemism levels, following the example of Sierra Madre de Oaxaca (SMO), where local communities have developed conservation actions in most of the territory. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Diversity)

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Map of subprovinces of Oaxaca: Balsas Depression (DB); Mountains and Valleys of the West (MVO); Tehuacán Trench (TT); Sierra Madre de Oaxaca (SMO); Gulf Coastal Plain (PCG); Central Valleys of Oaxaca (VCO); Mountains and Valleys of the Center (MVC); Isthmic Depression of Tehuantepec (DIT); Sierra Madre de Chiapas (SMC); Sierra Madre del Sur (SMS); Pacific Coastal Plain (PCP); and Tehuantepec Coastal Plain (PCT) [<a href="#B2-diversity-16-00224" class="html-bibr">2</a>,<a href="#B11-diversity-16-00224" class="html-bibr">11</a>]. Full article ">Figure 2
Total species and taxonomic beta diversity of amphibians, anurans and caudates among the 12 physiographic subprovinces of the state of Oaxaca. The replacement component contributes more to the total beta diversity of amphibians, both at the species and higher taxa levels. SP = species level; TX = higher taxa level. Full article ">Figure 3
Total beta diversity of species and higher taxa of amphibians, anurans and caudates calculated by pairs of the 12 physiographic subprovinces of the state of Oaxaca. Total beta diversity of species: (A) amphibians, (B) anurans and (C) caudates. Total beta diversity of higher taxa: (D) amphibians, (E) anurans and (F) caudates. SP = species level; TX = higher taxa level. Full article ">Figure 4
NMDS ordination analysis for the total species and taxonomic beta diversity, turnover and differences in richness for amphibians, anurans and caudates (that of caudates is new). (A) Total beta diversity of anuran species, (B) anuran species replacement, (C) differences in anuran species richness, (D) amphibian total taxonomic beta diversity, (E) anuran total taxonomic beta diversity, (F) caudates total taxonomic beta diversity, (G) amphibian replacement of species, (H) anuran replacement of species, (I) caudates replacement of species, (J) amphibian taxonomic replacement, (K) anurans taxonomic replacement and (L) caudate taxonomic replacement. Full article ">Figure 5
Correlations between total beta diversity, turnover and differences in richness for species and higher taxa of all amphibians (A–C), anurans (D–F) and caudates (G–I) from physiographic subprovinces in Oaxaca. Full article ">

14 pages, 2534 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bears into the Niche-Space: Phylogeography and Phyloclimatic Model of the Family Ursidae

by Carlos Luna-Aranguré and Ella Vázquez-Domínguez

Diversity 2024, 16(4), 223; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16040223 - 8 Apr 2024

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Abstract

Assessing niche evolution remains an open question and an actively developing area of study. The family Ursidae consists of eight extant species for which, despite being the most studied family of carnivores, little is known about the influence of climate on their evolutionary [...] Read more.

Assessing niche evolution remains an open question and an actively developing area of study. The family Ursidae consists of eight extant species for which, despite being the most studied family of carnivores, little is known about the influence of climate on their evolutionary history and diversification. We evaluated their evolutionary patterns based on a combined phylogeography and niche modeling approach. We used complete mitogenomes, estimated divergence times, generated ecological niche models and applied a phyloclimatic model to determine the species evolutionary and diversification patterns associated with their respective environmental niches. We inferred the family evolutionary path along the environmental conditions of maximum temperature and minimum precipitation, from around 20 million years ago to the present. Our findings show that the phyloclimatic niches of the bear species occupy most of the environmental space available on the planet, except for the most extreme warm conditions, in accordance with the wide geographic distribution of Ursidae. Moreover, some species exhibit broader environmental niches than others, and in some cases, they explore precipitation axes more extensively than temperature axes or vice versa, suggesting that not all species are equally adaptable to these variables. We were able to elucidate potential patterns of niche conservatism and evolution, as well as niche overlapping, suggesting interspecific competitive exclusion between some of the bear species. We present valuable insights into the ecological and evolutionary processes driving the diversification and distribution of the Ursidae. Our approach also provides essential information for guiding effective conservation strategies, particularly in terms of distribution limits in the face of climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Genetics and Phylogeography of Mammals: Molecular Applications for the Conservation and Monitoring of Genetic Diversity)

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Figure 1

Figure 1
Geographic distribution of the family Ursidae occurrences, obtained from the scientific literature and global databases. The filtered database includes 126 records of Ailuropoda melanoleuca, 2174 of Tremarctos ornatus, 71 of Melursus ursinus, 35 of Helarctos malayanus, 194 of Ursus thibetanus, 756 of Ursus americanus, 9107 of Ursus arctos, and 559 of Ursus maritimus. Full article ">Figure 2
Ecological niche models based on isotopic methods, showing one-dimensional density plots, two-dimensional scatterplots, and ellipsoids for each species of the family Ursidae. Ellipsoids per species show 20 iterations of estimated niche amplitude and niche overlapping patterns. The temperature values were multiplied by 10 and shown on a Celsius scale. Precipitation values are shown in millimeters of rainfall. The grey color represents the environmental values of 100,000 equidistant random land points from the planet. Full article ">Figure 3
Time-calibrated Bayesian tree in million years, based on complete mitochondrial genomes (15,670 bp) of the eight extant species of the family Ursidae. The red panda Ailurus fulgens was used as an outgroup. The estimated median time and range are indicated for some nodes. All the indicated nodes have a 95% highest posterior density (HPD) equal to one. Full article ">Figure 4
Phyloclimatespace results for the eight extant species of the family Ursidae. The model retains the relationships between the complete mitochondrial sequences of the species (<a href="#diversity-16-00223-f002" class="html-fig">Figure 2</a>), positioning each tip of the tree on the combination of precipitation and temperature of its environmental centroid. It shows linear reconstructions of the ecological trajectories of the ancestors (i.e., the internal nodes of the tree and the root). The niche centroid per species was determined from the environmental data extracted from the occurrence records available in GBIF and the scientific literature, while the ellipsoids were estimated by using 95% of the occurrences. Full article ">

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Diversity, Volume 16, Issue 4 (April 2024) – 62 articles

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