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The North African sengi (Petrosaltator rozeti syn. Elephantulus rozeti) is a small mammal endemic to the Maghreb area, and is one of the least studied mammals in North Africa. Little is known about its status, habitat preference, and distribution across large areas of its range. This work provides a detailed geographical and ecological distribution of the species in Tunisia based on 200 surveyed sites throughout the country with 103 positive occurrence records. We also used species distribution modelling to assess the habitat suitability of the species. P. rozeti showed a heterogeneous bioclimatic niche, with a presence in the semi-arid, arid and Saharan bioclimatic zones. But the species’ distribution seems to be limited to the main mountain ranges of Tunisia. This was also confirmed by habitat suitability modeling where the elevation was the most informative predictor variable. Our work also show some first recorded ecological traits, confirms the rock-dwelling specialist nature of the species and debate its endemism to mountain ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies of selected habitat conditions, as well as spatiotemporal variability of the number and selected traits of individuals of the species Arum alpinum were carried out in 2020–2021 in the foothills of the Western Carpathians. The investigations were conducted in permanent patches located in the Golesz nature reserve (Patch I), near the village of Markowce (Patch II), in the Kozigarb nature reserve (Patch III), and near the village of Żółków (Patch IV). Patches I and III were established in a Tilio cordatae–Carpinetum betuli oak–hornbeam forest with undergrowth dominated by low-growth vegetation with narrow leaves, whereas Patches II and IV were established in a Populetum albae riparian forest with undergrowth dominated by broad-leaved species. The most abundant population of A. alpinum was noted in Patch I, but substantial numbers of both vegetative and reproductive individuals were also present in Patches II and IV. The occurrence of temporal variability of individual traits increased from its lowest level in Patch IV, through Patches I and II, to its highest level in Patch III. The significant positive correlation in all populations between length of petioles and blade dimensions, as well as between length of generative stems and infructescence traits confirmed previous findings. Moreover, we showed that A. alpinum was not closely affiliated with a specific forest community. Significant shading and moist nutrient-rich soils are suitable for this species, while dry soils and excessive insolation may limit the flowering and fruiting of individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Himalayan species conservation faces major challenges due to unprecedented climate change. Alpine Rhododendrons are crucial components of Himalaya, yet their vulnerability to climate change remains poorly understood. This study examines niche shifting of Rhododendron campanulatum, a keystone species of alpine treeline, under different climate change scenarios using ensemble models. The study presents extensive use of four machine learning models and three global circulation models for niche modelling. Models achieved True Skill Statistic ≥0.8, Area Under Curve ≥0.9, Cohen’s Kappa ≥0.7, and overall accuracy of ≥0.9. Results showed distribution of R. campanulatum is governed by annual temperature range, minimum temperature of coldest month and precipitation of warmest quarter. Analyses revealed niche contraction and expansion of a 3–5%. Contractions are particularly evident at lower treeline boundaries. Both upward and downward shifts are anticipated under future climatic scenarios.

Background and Aims: Elevation gradients provide 'natural experiments' for investigating plant climate change responses, advantageous for the study of protected species and life forms for which transplantation experiments are illegal or unfeasible, such as chasmophytes with perennial rhizomes pervading rock fissures. Elevational climatic differences impact mountain plant reproductive traits (pollen and seed quality, sexual vs. vegetative investment) and pollinator community composition; we investigated the reproductive ecology of a model chasmophyte, Campanula raineri Perp. (Campanulaceae), throughout its current elevational/climatic range to understand where sub-optimal conditions jeopardise survival. We hypothesised that: 1) reproductive fitness measures are positively correlated with elevation, indicative of the relationship between fitness and climate; 2) C. raineri, like other campanulas, is pollinated mainly by Hymenoptera; 3) potential pollinators shift with elevation., Methods: We measured pollen and seed quality, seed production, the relative investment in sexual vs. vegetative structures and vegetative (Grime's CSR) strategies at different elevations. Potential pollinators were assessed by combining molecular and morphological identification., Key Results: Whereas CSR strategies were not linked to elevation, pollen and seed quality were positively correlated, as was seed production per fruit (Hypothesis 1 is supported). The main pollinators of C. raineri were Apidae, Andrenidae, Halictidae (Hymenoptera) and Syrphidae (Diptera), probably complemented by a range of occasional pollinators and visitors (Hypothesis 2 partially supported). Potential pollinator communities showed a taxonomic shift towards Diptera with elevation (particularly Anthomyiidae and Muscidae) and away from Hymenoptera (Hypothesis 3 was supported)., Conclusions: Pollinator availability is maintained at all elevations by taxon replacement. However, reduced pollen quality and seed production at lower elevations suggest an impact of climate change on reproduction (especially <1200 m a.s.l., where seed germination was limited). Aside from guiding targeted conservation actions for C. raineri, our results highlight problems that may be common to mountain chasmophytes worldwide., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Annals of Botany Company. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)