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Aims Location Taxa Methods Results Main Conclusions The relationship between habitat area and species evenness quantifies species relative abundance distribution changes across habitat fragments, providing more information than considering only the species richness to predict biodiversity distribution patterns in fragmented landscapes. However, unlike the species‐area relationships (SARs), the Species Evenness‐Area Relationship (SEARs) has yet to be explored across taxa at a large spatial scale. Here, we resolved how the relationship between species evenness and fragment area varies among taxonomic groups and environmental factors.Global.Insecta, Aves, Amphibians and Squamata, Plantae, Arachnida, Mammalia, Mollusca.We compiled 67 datasets from the FragSAD database, including information on fragments area, species richness, and species abundance of six taxa worldwide. We calculated the species evenness index for each fragment, which is independent of species richness, and tested the relationship between species evenness and fragment area across taxonomic groups. We also used the power model to fit SEAR for each dataset and identified landscape variables with a detectable impact on the occurrence of significant SEARs.In contrast to the positive relationship between species richness and fragment area, species evenness was negatively affected by fragment area when controlling for other environmental factors and the relationships varied significantly among taxonomic groups. Specifically, there were significant negative associations between species evenness and fragment area for insects, birds, spiders, and mammals but not for plants and amphibians. Meanwhile, the occurrence of significant SEARs depends on the number of fragments and total fragment area.The contrasting patterns of SEARs and SARs among taxonomic groups highlight the complexity of the mechanisms regulating biodiversity patterns. Although the number of species increases with the increase of fragment area, the decreased evenness implies community instability on larger fragments. Therefore, understanding the prevalence and underlying mechanisms in determining SEARs has critical implications for biodiversity conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Birds use sound for conspecific communication. According to the acoustic niche hypothesis, they avoid signal competition with other species by partitioning sound in frequency and time. Others have observed introduced species changing the vocal behavior of native species; however, communitylevel effects of multiple introduced species remain unknown. Hawai'i, with its legacy of bird extinctions followed by a surge of human introductions, offers a unique opportunity to study acoustic signal partitioning between native and introduced species. We predicted that communities with higher percentages of introduced birds would exhibit more acoustic overlap between members of different species due to shorter time frames to evolve signal partitioning. Using autonomous recording units, we recorded forest bird communities during the summer in montane primary and secondary forests as well as a low-elevation agricultural site. Random samples of recordings from each site were visualized as spectrograms, and all bird vocalizations >5 decibels above background noise were identified and labeled by species. Frequency range and the proportion of overlap with other species were compared between native and introduced species. We also used a null model which randomized the start time of each bird vocalization within a location over 500 iterations, then compared the amount of heterospecific signal overlap in the randomizations to that observed in the recordings. While native and introduced species generally used similar frequency ranges, native-native heterospecific species vocalization pairs had a significantly higher proportion of overlap than introduced-native and nativenative pairs. Additionally, the incidence of signal overlap in the original recordings tended to be lower than in the null model randomizations, but this difference was not significant, and was not influenced by the percentage of introduced species vocalizations at the site. The lack of significant difference between observed and null model signal overlap occurrence suggests that native and introduced forest birds were not partitioning acoustic space either spectrally or temporally, and that introduced birds are not strongly influencing signal partitioning in forest bird communities of Hawai'i. However, this may have been a consequence of recording during the non-breeding season, and future work should compare vocal activity in native and introduced birds throughout the year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land‐use change is one of the main threats to biodiversity at the global level, and subtropical dry forests are not exempt from such a threat. Recent studies suggest that species can become extinct with a considerable time lag, even if no further habitat loss occurs. Hence, there may be an extinction debt, which poses a great challenge to conservation. Here, we analyzed the response of taxonomic and functional richness of forest and understory specialist birds to 30 years (data from 1989, 2004 and 2019) of land‐cover and land‐use changes in the Chaco Serrano forest of central Argentina. Our results showed the occurrence of extinction debt in both forest and understory specialist birds, with such debt being greater in forest specialist birds. Results for species trait debt were inconclusive. We also found evidence that birds are not equally sensitive to land‐use change, indicating a species‐specific response. We conclude that the current presence of some large native forest patches and an intermediate degree of isolation in the region might be prolonging the persistence of some bird species and traits. Moreover, ecological legacies can strongly affect the current species distribution pattern and the permanence of functional traits in fragmented landscapes. These findings should be considered in conservation planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides a detailed description of the tadpole of the Hyloxalus nexipus frog species, focusing on its geographic variation and morphological characteristics. The researchers collected specimens from Ecuador and Peru and examined their coloration and measurements. The document emphasizes the importance of studying tadpoles in understanding anuran species. It also discusses the morphology and characteristics of tadpoles belonging to the Hyloxalus genus of poison dart frogs, noting specific differences in the upper jaw sheath and the position of the upper fin in Hyloxalus nexipus tadpoles. The information is based on detailed observations of single specimens in different developmental stages and references other relevant studies on tadpole morphology and taxonomy. [Extracted from the article]

Aim Location Taxon Methods Results Main Conclusion To provide an assessment of climate change impacts on a set of wild pollinators restricted to one of the regions with the greatest diversity of bees in the world. Also, we aimed to test whether functional groups responded differently to climate projections.South‐eastern South America (SES).Bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae sensu lato).We selected 18 species of bees mostly restricted to the SES region, modelled their distributions and assessed the possible impacts of near future (2050) climate change in species richness and shifts in range centroids. Potential impacts related to different functional groups were evaluated through t‐tests.SES species richness was projected to decrease in the northernmost regions and increase southward. Most bee species were predicted to shift their range centroids towards the south‐west and south, while suitable stable areas were found in southern Brazil. We also found higher proportional losses in suitable areas for eusocial species compared to solitary ones, while generalists showed slightly lower gains than specialists.SES bees are likely to undergo changes in the near future, with projected losses of species at northern portions and southward increases. The identified stable areas in southern Brazil underscore the importance of conservation efforts in the region, particularly in natural grasslands – an endangered habitat with high bee diversity. Although our results suggest higher vulnerability for functional groups traditionally considered more resilient, it is essential to acknowledge that other factors, including habitat and mutualists availability, behavioural particularities, phenology and range size, must be determinants for the vulnerability of species to ongoing climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of the state of Baikal endemic sponge populations is of great interest because of the occurrence of mass mortalities and disease in recent decades. To identify possible signs of species vulnerability to extinction, it is crucial to develop appropriate genetic markers that help developing measures for conservation. In this paper, we describe the population genetic structure of the Baikal endemic sponge Lubomirskia baikalensis examined with the set of microsatellite markers we developed. We analysed 251 samples from eight locations that cover all three basins of Lake Baikal. A genetic subdivision into three clusters was revealed. Such a structure can be explained mainly by the low ability of larvae to disperse. Despite the presence of dead and diseased individuals in all studied locations, all populations were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and no bottleneck effect was found at all. This is the first time that a genetic connectivity study has been performed for L. baikalensis, a species endemic of Lake Baikal. Reconstruction of the changes in the effective population size agrees with the results obtained during drill sample analysis and it demonstrates that the effective population size was 55.5 times lower about 24,000 years ago, which indicates that apparently there is no threat of extinction of the Baikal endemic sponges at present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutualistic interactions are key to sustaining Earth's biodiversity. Yet, we are only beginning to understand how coevolution in mutualistic assemblages can shape the distribution and persistence of species across landscapes. Here, we combine the geographic mosaic theory of coevolution with metacommunity dynamics to understand how geographically structured selection can shape patterns of richness, dispersal, extinction and persistence of mutualistic species. In this model, species may experience strong or weak reciprocal selection imposed by mutualisms within each patch (i.e. hotspots and coldspots, respectively). Using numerical simulations, we show that mutualistic coevolution leads to a concentration of species richness at hotspots. Such an effect occurs because hotspots sustain higher rates of colonization and lower rates of extinction than coldspots, whether the environment changes or not. Importantly, under environmental changes, coldspots fail to sustain a positive colonization-to-extinction balance. Rather, species persistence within coldspots relies on hotspots acting as biodiversity sources and enhancing population dispersal across the landscape. In fact, even a few hotspots in the landscape can fuel the spatial network of dispersal of populations in the metacommunity. Our study highlights that coevolutionary hotspots can act as biodiversity sources, favouring colonization and allowing species to expand their distribution across landscapes even in changing environments. This article is part of the theme issue 'Diversity-dependence of dispersal: interspecific interactions determine spatial dynamics'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In modified production landscapes, biodiversity faces unprecedented pressures from human actions, resulting in significant species declines of plant and animal taxa, including birds. Understanding the underlying mechanisms responsible for such declines is essential to counteract further loss and support practitioners in conserving biodiversity and associated ecosystem function. In this study, we used standardized bird monitoring data collected over 6 years in managed forest and grassland areas across different regions in Germany, Central Europe. We combined these data with morphometric, ecological, behavioral, and acoustic trait data and detailed information on local land use management practices to understand how management decisions affect species and functional diversity, as well as ecological processes shaping local species composition. Our results reveal that the ecosystem and regional context must be considered to understand how management practices affect bird diversity aspects and composition. In forests, regional management decisions related to tree species and stand age affected bird diversity, as well as community and functional composition, and indicated environmental sorting due to ecological and behavioral requirements, biotic interactions, and morphometric constraints. In grasslands, independent of local management practices, increased intensity of land use resulted in an overall loss in bird species richness and functional diversity. Predominantly, constraints due to ecological or behavioral requirements affected bird species assemblage composition. In addition, our results indicated the importance of woody vegetation near managed grasslands and of considering environmental conditions beyond the local scale to support bird diversity and associated ecosystem functions. Our results highlighted that local management decisions can support bird diversity and maintain ecological function. However, this needs a view beyond the local scale of management units. It also demands a joint effort of biologists and land managers to integrate targeted conservation actions into regional management practices and create a network of habitats within production landscapes to protect nature, guard against biotic and functional homogenization, and prevent further degradation of ecosystems in production landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Permian Capitanian-Changhsingian black shale formed in intra-platform basins are the major source rocks in Southwest China. However, the depositional conditions and organic matter accumulation of these black shales are not well understood. In this study, geochemical characteristics comprise TOC, major, trace and REEs from sixty-two samples from the studied outcrop in Northern Nanpanjiang Basin, Southwest China are systematically investigated to determine silicon source, paleo-ocean productivity, and paleo-redox conditions to reveal their influence on organic matter enrichment under 3rd-order sequence. The Capitanian-Changhsingian black shale in the study area is the result of the combined effects of active extensional activity, high paleoproductivity maintained by volcanic activity, and dysoxic and anoxic conditions represented by biological extinction events. There are differences in the factors controlling organic matter accumulation in black shale at different stages. The controlling factors for the organic enrichment during Capitanian (SQ2) are the rapidly deepening water mass of extensional rifts and the high productivity induced by volcanic ash in the igneous provinces, as well as the global anoxic event represented by "negative carbon isotope shift." The controlling factors during Changhsingian are the deepening of water mass under the reactivation of extensional rifts, resulting in a dysoxic environment, and the high productivity maintained by volcanic activity in South China. The Wuchiapingian black shale was formed under dysoxic conditions under the stagnation of extensional activity, and intermittent volcanic activity in South China maintained the high paleo-productivity level of the Wuchiapingian stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding how species respond to environmental changes, particularly in the context of climate change, is crucial for biodiversity conservation. This study focuses on the plastic responses of canyon tree frog (Dryophytes arenicolor) larvae to variations in temperature and pond‐drying, examining potential consequences of climate change. Frog larvae serve as an excellent model due to their high responsiveness to environmental cues during development. We analysed the impact of temperature and pond‐drying on morphological and life‐history traits, via a common garden experiment with individuals from three distinct populations with different ecological conditions. The experiments revealed significant differences in responses among populations, indicating geographic variation in plasticity. Pond‐drying treatments led to reduced survival and reduction of morphological traits and growth, challenging the assumption that tadpoles have adaptive responses to drying conditions. In contrast, temperature treatments showed variable effects, with elevated temperatures generally favouring growth rates, reducing metamorphosis time, and having population‐specific morphological shifts. We emphasize the importance of considering both morphological and life‐history traits, as well as geographic variation, in assessing species' vulnerability to climate change. Furthermore, the integration of environmental standardized plasticity index (ESPI) and relative distances plasticity index (RDPI) in amphibian developmental plasticity will allow to quantify and compare plastic responses among populations and even other amphibian species in which these metrics are obtained in the future. Our results underscore the complexity of phenotypic plasticity, revealing genotype–environment interactions. These findings contribute valuable insights into the potential adaptability of D. arenicolor populations to ongoing climate changes, highlighting the need for comprehensive inter‐population studies for a more nuanced understanding of species' responses to environmental change, and suggest that certain populations may be more vulnerable to extinction or better equipped to handle climate change based on their ability to adapt to environmental change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity loss may result in the decline in important ecosystem processes. The effect of biodiversity loss on ecosystem functioning is determined by the functional contribution of the species lost and the compensatory responses of the remaining species. It is unknown to what extent the strength of the compensatory response of the remaining species depends on resources availability. Here we evaluate how the primary production of an assemblage of salt marsh plants responds to a realistic sequence of species loss in an 7‐year experiment, with and without the addition of fertiliser. We found near‐full compensation of progressive species loss in gross community primary production by the extinction‐resistant species with fertiliser as long as one species (Triglochin maritima) remained. Without fertiliser, at least four species, including the particularly abundant species Plantago maritima, were needed to maintain gross community primary production. These results suggest that the magnitude of the compensation by extirpation‐resistant species for the decline in ecosystem processes associated with progressive biodiversity loss depends on the resource context, and that compensation after the loss of plant species can be accelerated by increasing resource availability. Ultimately, full compensation appears to be limited by the presence and abundance of species in the remaining community that possess traits that allow them to compensate for the species lost. Synthesis and applications: These findings suggests that the conclusions of a large body of biodiversity‐ecosystem experiments cannot be used for informing the management of natural systems because they do not simulate realistic extinction sequences and therefore cannot quantify the potential for compensation of ecosystem services in the real world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avian malaria is expanding upslope with warmer temperatures and driving multiple species of Hawaiian birds towards extinction. Methods to reduce malaria transmission are urgently needed to prevent further declines. Releasing Wolbachia-infected incompatible male mosquitoes could suppress mosquito populations and releasing Wolbachia-infected female mosquitoes (or both sexes) could reduce pathogen transmission if the Wolbachia strain reduced vector competence. We cleared Culex quinquefasciatus of their natural Wolbachia pipientis wPip infection and transinfected them with Wolbachia wAlbB isolated from Aedes albopictus. We show that wAlbB infection was transmitted transovarially, and demonstrate cytoplasmic incompatibility with wild-type mosquitoes infected with wPip from Oahu and Maui, Hawaii. We measured vector competence for avian malaria, Plasmodium relictum, lineage GRW4, of seven mosquito lines (two with wAlbB; three with natural wPip infection, and two cleared of Wolbachia infection) by allowing them to feed on canaries infected with recently collected field isolates of Hawaiian P. relictum. We tested 73 groups (Ntotal = 1176) of mosquitoes for P. relictum infection in abdomens and thoraxes 6–14 days after feeding on a range of parasitemias from 0.028% to 2.49%, as well as a smaller subset of salivary glands. We found no measurable effect of Wolbachia on any endpoint, but strong effects of parasitemia, days post feeding, and mosquito strain on both abdomen and thorax infection prevalence. These results suggest that releasing male wAlbB-infected C. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes could suppress wPip-infected mosquito populations, but would have little positive or negative impact on mosquito vector competence for P. relictum if wAlbB became established in local mosquito populations. More broadly, the lack of Wolbachia effects on vector competence we observed highlights the variable impacts of both native and transinfected Wolbachia infections in mosquitoes. Author summary: Avian malaria is expanding upslope in Hawaii with warmer temperatures and driving multiple species of birds towards extinction. Methods to reduce malaria transmission are urgently needed to prevent further declines. Releasing male mosquitoes infected with a type of bacteria (Wolbachia) could suppress mosquito populations by reducing offspring viability and releasing Wolbachia-infected female mosquitoes (or both sexes) could reduce pathogen transmission if the Wolbachia strain reduced vector competence. We cleared Culex quinquefasciatus of their natural Wolbachia pipientis wPip infection and transinfected them with Wolbachia wAlbB isolated from Aedes albopictus. We show that wAlbB infection was transmitted to offspring, and mating wAlbB males with wild-type mosquitoes produced mostly inviable offspring. We measured susceptibility to avian malaria infection of mosquitoes with native or transinfected Wolbachia (wPip or wAlbB). We found no measurable effect of Wolbachia on susceptibility. These results suggest that releasing male wAlbB-infected C. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes could suppress Hawaiian mosquito populations, but would have little positive or negative impact on mosquito vector competence for avian malaria. More broadly, the lack of Wolbachia effects on susceptibility to avian malaria we observed highlights the variable impacts of both native and transinfected Wolbachia infections in mosquitoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Reparations after Species Extinctions: An Account of Reparative Interspecies Justice" by Anna Wienhues and Alfonso Donoso explores the concept of reparations in the context of species extinctions. The authors argue that there is a moral obligation to provide reparations for the harm caused by human-induced extinctions. They propose a framework for reparative interspecies justice that includes measures such as habitat restoration, species reintroduction, and the recognition of the rights of the biotic community. The article emphasizes the importance of considering the perspectives and interests of non-human beings in discussions of justice and reparations. [Extracted from the article]

Mining activities generate hazardous metal waste, impacting biodiversity, yet this linkage is overlooked in most developing countries. Phytoremediation has emerged as the most cost-efficient and eco-friendly technique for multielement remediation. However, the identification of suitable plants requires extensive laboratory testing, hindering its practical application, especially in developing African countries. Consequently, we conducted this review to evaluate the adverse impacts of mining on biodiversity in African countries and identify potential phytoremediators. We compiled information from articles available in various international databases and published by different publishers, based on selected search keywords. The review identified several mining operations, including topsoil removal, smelting and screening of iron ores, pit digging, excavation, drilling, blasting, chemical discharge, spillages and leakages, and improper disposal of solvents, as potential threats to biodiversity. A total of 146 phytoremediators were identified, including 78 natives of the African continent, comprising 57 herbs, 8 shrubs, and 13 trees. Species such as Acacia polyacantha and Alstonia boonei among trees, Marantochloa purpurea and Sporobolus pyramidalis among herbs, and Lycium intricatum and Indigofera cuneata among shrubs could be used as potential phytoremediators in African nations for multiple elements, including Ag, As, Au, Cd, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Pt. The candidate plant species would reduce hazardous element levels in the environment, decrease the risk of species extinction, and support conservation initiatives. We anticipate that, this review would raise awareness among people about the consequences of mining on the biodiversity and provide baseline data to trigger sustainable remediation efforts in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the significance of understanding fish habitat ecology in a changing climate and its implications for fisheries stability and ecosystem health. It emphasizes the need for diverse approaches, such as field observations, laboratory experiments, genomics, telemetry, and modeling, to quantify fish habitat needs. The integration of data on fish movement, connectivity, and food webs is crucial for predicting future fish distributions and informing management and conservation efforts. The article also discusses the various stressors faced by fish populations, including warming, hypoxia, and habitat loss, which have led to shifts in fish distributions. Accurately predicting fish population responses to environmental change requires data from various disciplines. The text highlights the importance of building social connectivity and communication between academia, stakeholders, managers, and policymakers for effective fish and habitat management. It emphasizes the need for long-term food security and sustainable fishing practices, as well as the concept of "One Health" to ensure the health of humans, animals, plants, and the environment. The article concludes by expressing pride in hosting the 2023 FSBI Symposium and emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and engaging the public in fisheries science. [Extracted from the article]

The passage of human civilization into the new geological era of the Anthropocene raises the question of species extinction. How can we confront the possibility of collective death in a way that does not descend into uncontained anxiety or melancholy? Michel Serres's works in the Foundations and Humanism series offer critical insights into the way in which human violence and death operate as mechanisms for binding together human collectives. Serres draws attention to the role of "social technologies" based around sacrificial practices, the scapegoating mechanism, and the use of corpses as markers of social relations (or "statues"). He argues that these mythic logics and practices persist in modern societies and technoscience. They may also be at work in a modified way in the proposed technical solutions to climate change around space travel and planetary colonization. Drawing on the tradition of Folk Horror film-making and literature, it is argued that reversing the direction of travel, back into the Earth, provides better instruction about how to live and die in the Anthropocene. Reflection on the puteal sites where this may be accomplished will serve as the mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a biodiversity crisis, and to prevent extinctions the most important sites to be effectively conserved must be identified. Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) include sites of importance for species survival. Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE) sites, a subset of KBAs, contain ≥95% of the population of highly threatened species. Currently, only 47 tree species have been identified using the AZE criteria. The Global Tree Assessment, assessing the extinction risk of the world's tree species, has enabled trees to be incorporated into KBA and AZE sites. Here we present a methodology to utilize data from the IUCN Red List to identify potential AZE species for trees. This 10‐part methodology identified 2909 tree species as potential AZE species across the world, representing at least 5% of described tree species. As further tree species are assessments are published on the IUCN Red List, this methodology will be important for identifying potential AZE species. The methodology can be applied and adapted to any taxa on the IUCN Red List. This analysis serves as a prioritization mechanism for identifying species in urgent need of conservation action to prevent extinctions. The species identified can feed into national KBA identification efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently 1677 species are listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA), yet only a small percentage have been delisted due to recovery. In the fall of 2021, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed delisting 23 species due to extinction. Tracking changes in species 'recovery status over time is critical to understanding species' statuses, informing adaptive management strategies, and assessing the performance of the ESA to prevent further species loss. In this paper, we describe four key obstacles in tracking species recovery status under the ESA. First, ESA 5‐year reviews lack a standardized format and clear documentation. Second, despite having been listed for decades, many species still suffer major data gaps in their biology and threats, rendering it difficult if not impossible to track progress towards recovery. Third, many species have continued declining after listing, yet given the above (1 & 2), understanding potential causes (proximate and/or ultimate) can be difficult. Fourth, many species currently have no path to clear recovery, which represents a potential failing of the process. We conclude with a discussion of potential policy responses that could be addressed to enhance the efficacy of the ESA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The difficulty in identifying appropriate metrics for the impacts organizations have on biodiversity remains a major barrier to the inclusion of biodiversity considerations in environmentally responsible investment. We derive and analyze a simple metric: the sum of the proportional changes in the global abundances of species caused by an organization, with a regularization to cover the case of species close to extinction. We argue mathematically that this metric quantifies changes in the mean long‐term global survival probability of species. The metric thus supports the objective "to significantly reduce extinction risk" of the 2022 Global Biodiversity Framework and allows organizations to set themselves corresponding science‐based targets. We show that in a perfect market trade in biodiversity credits quantified by our metric would lead to near‐optimal allocation of resources to species conservation. We further show that metric values are quantitatively convertible to several other metrics and indices already in use. Barriers to adoption are therefore low. Used in conjunction with metrics addressing ecosystem services and integrity, potential areas of application include biodiversity related financial disclosures and voluntary or legislated biodiversity credit or no net loss policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study presents morphological research on the tail, with particular emphasis on its skeleton, musculature, and accumulated fat tissue. Additionally, it provides an examination of the spinal cord and anal glands of the Komodo dragon. This project sheds new light on the biological importance of the tail in this lizard, offering insights into conservation implications, which are of utmost importance due to the threat of extinction of this species. As a result of the conducted research is a multifaceted analysis of the tail, with particular emphasis on its numerous biological functions. The Komodo dragon is a unique reptile with an elongated tail that exhibits hitherto unknown adaptations and functions. This tail, composed of 60–86 vertebrae, serves diverse ecological and physiological roles. In juveniles, it is essential for an arboreal lifestyle and balance, while in adults, it functions as a tool for defense and offensive actions. It possesses characteristic haemal arches and a dorsal keel, along with well-developed muscles which enable precise tail control, influencing the Komodo dragon's maneuverability and directional changes. The tail stores adipose tissue, providing Komodo dragons with the ability to regulate body temperature and independence from other seasonal variations. The tail adipose tissue impacts numerous biochemical processes and may play a crucial role in the animals' metabolic strategies and reproductive capabilities. Its functions include providing essential mineral compounds for the organism, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and zinc. Analysing the biochemical composition of tail fat is crucial for understanding the health of Komodo dragons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Massive accumulations of invasive brown algae Rugulopteryx okamurae are exacerbating environmental and socio-economic issues on the Mediterranean and potentially Atlantic coasts. These golden tides, likely intensified by global change processes such as changes in wind direction and intensity and rising temperatures, pose increasing challenges to coastal management. This study employs the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), with values above 0.08 from Level-2 Sentinel-2 imagery, to effectively monitor these strandings along the coastline of Los Lances beach (Tarifa, Spain) in the Strait of Gibraltar Natural Park from 2018 to 2022. Los Lances beach is one of the most affected by the R. okamurae bioinvasion in Spain. The analysis reveals that wind direction determines the spatial distribution of biomass accumulated on the shore. The highest average NDVI values in the western patch were observed with south-easterly winds, while in the eastern patch, higher average NDVI values were recorded with south-westerly, westerly and north-westerly winds. The maximum coverage correlates with elevated temperatures and minimal rainfall, peaking between July and October. Leveraging these insights, we propose a replicable methodology for the early detection and strategic pre-shore collection of biomass, which could facilitate efficient coastal cleanup strategies and enhance biomass utility for biotechnological applications. This approach promises cost-effective adaptability across different geographic areas impacted by golden tides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecosystem engineering is a ubiquitous process where species influence the physical environment and thereby structure ecological communities. However, there has been little effort to synthesize or predict how ecosystem engineering may impact the structure and stability of interaction networks.To assess current scientific understanding of ecosystem engineering impacts via habitat forming, habitat modification and bioturbation on interaction networks/food webs, we reviewed the literature covering marine, freshwater and terrestrial food webs, plant‐pollinator networks and theory.We provide a conceptual framework and identify three major pathways of engineering impact on networks through changes in resource availability and energy flow, habitat heterogeneity and environmental filtering. These three processes often work in concert and most studies report that engineering increases species richness. This is particularly marked for engineers that increase habitat heterogeneity and thereby the number of available niches.The response of network structure to ecosystem engineering varies, however some patterns emerge from this review. Engineered habitat heterogeneity leads to a higher number of links between species in the networks and increases link density. Connectance can be negatively or positively affected by ecosystem engineer impact, depending on the engineering pathway and the engineer impact of species richness.We discuss how ecosystem engineers can stabilize or destabilize communities through the changes in niche space, diversity, network structure and the dependency on the engineering impact. Theory and empirical evidence need to inform each other to better integrate ecosystem engineering and ecological networks. A mechanistic understanding how ecosystem engineering traits shape interactions networks and their stability will be important to predict species extinctions and can provide crucial information for conservation and ecosystem restoration. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity is temporally dynamic, reflecting historical environmental conditions and influencing ecosystem stability. Colonisation and extinction dynamics frequently exhibit asynchronous patterns, resulting in net imbalances and thus to long‐lasting richness trends. If these trends are not functionally random, functional net imbalances between colonisations and extinctions (fNICE) are likely to emerge.Using community time series data of European freshwater fish and North American breeding birds, we investigated how fNICE differs from its taxonomic equivalent (tNICE), to provide a comprehensive picture of biodiversity dynamics.Our findings reveal that taxonomic and functional delays are a prevalent feature, challenging the assumption of an immediate response to environmental changes. Taxonomic delays manifest as extinction debts and colonisation credits, while functional delays indicate a shift in the balance between functional gains and losses over time. Moreover, we found that taxonomic and functional imbalances are not always directly correlated, although some specific patterns were found consistently for fish and birds.Early colonisations outpaced functional gains, indicating that although new species arrived earlier than the extinction of other species, the acquisition of new functional traits lagged. Although this may temporarily stabilise communities, as functional redundancy can mitigate loss of function via local extinctions, excessive redundancy can compromise biodiversity's capacity to respond to environmental variations, thereby undermining long‐term resilience.In conclusion, understanding the intricate temporal dynamics of biodiversity responses is paramount for effective conservation practices. While short‐term observations may suggest an equilibrium between diversity and the environmental conditions, our results underscore the importance of considering long‐term dynamics and the interplay between species traits and changing environments. The metrics tNICE and fNICE are valuable tools for quantifying these temporal dynamics and unravelling their consequences for ecosystem stability. Incorporating these insights into conservation strategies can aid in proactively preserving biodiversity and safeguarding the integrity of ecosystems. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A growing number of studies have demonstrated that biodiversity is a strong and positive predictor of ecosystem temporal stability by simultaneously affecting multiple underlying mechanisms of stability, that is dominance, asynchrony and averaging effects. However, to date, no study has disentangled the relative role of these key mechanisms of stability in biodiversity experiments.We created a species richness gradient by mimicking a loss of rare species and assessed the role of species richness on community stability and, more importantly, quantified the relative role of three stabilizing mechanisms, that is dominance (stabilization due to stable dominants compared to the rest of the species in the community), asynchrony (stabilization due to temporal asynchrony between species), and averaging effects (pure effect of diversity) on community stability across a species richness gradient.We found that extreme species loss negatively impacted community stability, but just three species were enough to stabilize biomass production to a level similar to highly diverse communities. However, the similar stability of communities resulted from differing contributions from each stabilizing mechanism, depending on the community diversity. Since less abundant species were more temporally variable, species loss stabilized the populations of the remaining species. The loss of rare and subordinate species reduced the dominance and averaging effects, but increased the asynchrony effect. Hence, the asynchrony effect played a major role in the stability of species poor communities, while the averaging effect drove most of the stability of species rich communities. Overall, dominance played only a minor role, accounting for 5%–15% of the stabilization, while asynchrony and averaging effects were dominating forces contributing to ~85%–95% of the total stabilization.Synthesis. This study highlights the importance of biodiversity and roles of dominant and rare species for long‐term community stability and, for the first time, disentangles relative roles of dominance effect, asynchrony and averaging effect on community stability in a real‐world biodiversity experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food webs depict the tangled web of trophic interactions associated with the functioning of an ecosystem. Understanding the mechanisms providing stability to these food webs is therefore vital for conservation efforts and the management of natural systems.Here, we first characterised a tropical stream meta‐food web and five individual food webs using a Bayesian Hierarchical approach unifying three sources of information (gut content analysis, literature compilation and stable isotope data). With data on population‐level biomass and individually measured body mass, we applied a bioenergetic model and assessed food web stability using a Lotka–Volterra system of equations. We then assessed the resilience of the system to individual species extinctions using simulations and investigated the network patterns associated with systems with higher stability.The model resulted in a stable meta‐food web with 307 links among the 61 components. At the regional scale, 70% of the total energy flow occurred through a set of 10 taxa with large variation in body masses. The remaining 30% of total energy flow relied on 48 different taxa, supporting a significant dependency on a diverse community. The meta‐food web was stable against individual species extinctions, with a higher resilience in food webs harbouring omnivorous fish species able to connect multiple food web compartments via weak, non‐specialised interactions. Moreover, these fish species contributed largely to the spatial variation among individual food webs, suggesting that these species could operate as mobile predators connecting different streams and stabilising variability at the regional scale.Our results outline two key mechanisms of food web stability operating in tropical streams: (i) the diversity of species and body masses buffering against random and size‐dependent disturbances and (ii) high regional diversity and weak omnivorous interactions of predators buffering against local stochastic variation in species composition. These mechanisms rely on high local and regional biodiversity in tropical streams, which is known to be strongly affected by human impacts. Therefore, an urgent challenge is to understand how the ongoing systematic loss of diversity jeopardises the stability of stream food webs in human‐impacted landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring new approaches and methodologies to characterize species distribution dynamics, instead of solely relying on static spatial patterns, should be a priority for species distribution modelling research. Dynamic occupancy models (here, 'dynocc models') are a promising tool to capture temporal patterns of distribution change but their spatial accuracy has been shown to be limited. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of incorporating neighborhood connectivity effects into the colonization and extinction functions of dynocc models. To accomplish this, we compared dynocc models accounting either for neighborhood connectivity only, for site‐level habitat covariates only, or combining both neighborhood and habitat explanations in the models for species extinction and colonization. All models were evaluated for a total of 46 bird species typical of forests and shrublands using data at 1 km2 scale from two Catalan breeding bird atlases (CBBA2: 1999–2002 and CBBA3: 2015–2018). Models' predictive performance varied across species between dynocc models incorporating habitat covariates alone and those considering neighborhood connectivity alone. Among species, 68% exhibited a predominant response to habitat effects, 24% showed similar responses for habitat and connectivity effects, and 9% were mostly associated with connectivity effects. Dynocc models combining connectivity and habitat covariates achieved the best predictive performance for most species, with bigger gains for species with similar results from habitat‐only and connectivity‐only models. However, relative performance gains compared to dynocc models using only habitat or connectivity variables were generally modest for most species. This study shows the benefits of considering more spatially explicit formulations in dynocc models, specifically incorporating neighborhood connectivity into the extinction and colonization processes. Our work also highlights the importance of evaluating different model formulations and assessing which aspects of the model are more important depending on the study species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the experience of beauty and eco-sorrow with the aim of depicting some painful truths, as well as existential responses to eco-sorrow. The article begins by portraying the attributes of the experience of beauty, relying on an emended version of Christopher Bollas's notion of transformational objects and Buber's I–Thou experience. This lays the foundation for explicating the attendant experience of eco-sorrow, which entails the painful recognition of (1) the degradation of the Earth and a loss of beauty, (2) the extinction of other species, (3) human-caused climate disaster, and (4) existential insignificance and impermanence. The latter is further understood in terms of Giorgio Agamben's notion of the ontological rift, which is produced and maintained by the Abrahamic religious traditions and Western political philosophies. Recognition of the ontological rift, which is a defense against existential insignificance and impermanence, is a key part of the experience of eco-sorrow. The last section explores responses to beauty and eco-sorrow, such as despair, nihilism, forced hope/optimism, flights of fantasy, and, ideally, a categorical demand for inoperative care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fundamental challenge for ecologists is to evaluate the effects of anthropogenic disturbance on ecosystem processes and functions. Tropical rainforests in Borneo are biologically diverse and provide an array of ecosystem functions and services. However, these forests are being logged and converted to agricultural plantations at a rapid pace. While there are numerous studies on the impacts of these land-use changes on biodiversity, there are far fewer that investigate the consequences of forest disturbance for ecosystem functioning. We investigated the impacts of land-use change in Bornean tropical rainforests on invertebrate-mediated functions using a suite of six easily measurable processes that are linked to nutrient cycling and plant regeneration, and which can be used as indicators of the degree of disturbance and the health of the forest. We explored whether the conversion of primary forest to logged, fragmented forest or agricultural plantations altered the ecosystem processes of dung removal, predation of insect herbivores, functional activity of soil invertebrates, bioturbation, seed removal, and decomposition. Overall, ecosystem processes remained resistant to habitat change except for seed removal, which was lower in heavily logged forests and plantations than in primary forests. This suggests that, despite the loss of many species when forests are logged and converted to agriculture, ecosystem processes provided by invertebrates can remain robust across land-use gradients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture is the main cause of the biodiversity crisis. Recent suggestions to narrow biodiversity conservation to land sparing are misguiding. Intensifying farming does not lead to sparing more biodiversity-rich land, because higher yields are a major incentive to expand agriculture. Protected reserves are a cornerstone of global biodiversity, while enhancing spillover between on- and off-field habitats reduces extinctions and promotes a wealth of species, including providers of major ecosystem services. Hence, on- and off-field mixing of conservation measures is required. Biodiversity-friendly farming needs a focus on practices allowing high biodiversity at best without compromising yield, such as diversified and small-scale farming. Further, food trade must recognize and enforce high socioecological standards for production conditions worldwide. The continuing biodiversity losses through agricultural expansion and intensification are dramatic. We argue that a mix of on- and off-field measures is needed, overcoming the false dichotomy of the land sharing-sparing debate. Protected land is essential for global biodiversity, while spillover between farmed and natural land is key to reducing species extinctions. This is particularly effective in landscapes with small and diversified fields. Focusing only on protected land fails to conserve a wealth of species, which often provide major ecosystem services such as pest control, pollination, and cultural benefits. On-field measures must minimise yield losses to prevent increased demand for food imports from biodiversity-rich regions, requiring enforcement of high social–ecological land-use standards to ensure a good life for all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural fossil endocasts are a direct source of information on palaeoneurology of extinct species and, in recent years, there has been a dramatic revival of interest in palaeoneurological investigations. Endocasts of bovines (family Bovidae), however, remain hitherto undescribed. Here we describe two well preserved natural endocasts of Pleistocene bovines from the Upper Siwalik deposits exposed near Panchkula (Haryana), in the vicinity of Chandigarh city, northern India. The two endocasts, referred here to cf. Bubalus platyceros and Bovini indet., are similar in gross morphology but differ significantly in several respects. Comparison with modern bovines reveals important similarities between the Siwalik endocasts and the brains of Bos taurus and Bubalus bubalis, especially in size of their cerebral hemispheres and placement of fissures. However, the Siwalik endocasts differ significantly in being less replete with gyri and sulci, suggesting that bovines have undergone an increase in complexity of their neuroanatomy during the later part of the Pleistocene. This study also supports the recently proposed hypothesis that mammalian taxa with relatively large brain size were more likely to survive the Pleistocene megafaunal extinctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity offsetting, a conservation approach to offset loss of habitat and ecosystem services, has been widely accepted and implemented in different legislative frameworks around the globe. I assigned sentiment scores (from −3 [very negative] to +3 [very positive]) to online news articles to examine public sentiment toward offsetting. I identified 86 pertinent articles published from 2013 to 2023 by web scraping online media outlets through keywords. I examined article content based on topics commonly associated in scientific literature with offsetting, such as risks or financial aspects. Most articles were from Australia (44%), 16% were from the United Kingdom, and 5% were from Colombia and Madagascar. Three distinct groups covered finances (n = 47), species, and social impacts of offsetting (n = 23) and offsetting frameworks (n = 16). Articles covering monetary and finance aspects had a lower predicted sentiment score (−0.72, 95% CI −0.98 to −0.47) than articles that covered new, alternative offsetting forms (−0.15, 95% CI −0.46 to 0.17), such as mitigation banking and credits. In articles focused on charismatic species and loss of livelihood, offsetting risk and social issues were associated with low sentiment scores (<−0.85). Sentiment scores were high for articles on offsetting at a multicountry or global scale (0.47, 95% CI −0.06 to 0.99), and scores were the lowest in Australia (−1.03, 95% CI −1.36 to −0.70). Public sentiment based on media articles was generally negative toward offsetting, and many of the ecological and methodological issues and risks were reflected in the articles, but mitigation measures as a prerequisite to offsetting were mentioned in only 18% of all articles. With the seemingly high public interest in conservation and hence offsetting, it will be imperative to expand the current breadth of information about offsetting that is being communicated or made available to the public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Threat mapping is a necessary tool for identifying and abating direct threats to species in the ongoing extinction crisis. There are known gaps in the threat mapping literature for particular threats and geographic locations, and it remains unclear if the distribution of research effort is appropriately targeted relative to conservation need. We aimed to determine the drivers of threat mapping research effort and to quantify gaps that, if filled, could inform actions with the highest potential to reduce species' extinction risk. We used a negative binomial generalized linear model to analyze research effort as a function of threat abatement potential (quantified as the potential reduction in species extinction risk from abating threats), species richness, land area, and human pressure. The model showed that threat mapping research effort increased by 1.1 to 1.2 times per standardized unit change in threat abatement potential. However, species richness and land area were stronger predictors of research effort overall. The greatest areas of mismatch between research effort and threat abatement potential, receiving disproportionately low research effort, were related to the threats to species of agriculture, aquaculture, and biological resource use across the tropical regions of the Americas, Asia, and Madagascar. Conversely, the threat of linear infrastructure (e.g., roads and rails) across regions, the threat of biological resource use (e.g., hunting or collection) in sub‐Saharan Africa, and overall threats in North America and Europe all received disproportionately high research effort. We discuss the range of methodological and sociopolitical factors that may be behind the overall trends and specific areas of mismatch we found. We urge a stronger emphasis on targeting research effort toward those threats and geographic locations where threat abatement activities could make the greatest contribution to reducing global species extinction risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropical species richness is threatened by habitat degradation associated with land‐use conversion, yet the consequences for functional diversity remain little understood. Progress has been hindered by difficulties in obtaining comprehensive species‐level trait information to characterize entire assemblages and insufficient appreciation that increasing land‐cover heterogeneity potentially compensates for species loss. We examined the impacts of tropical deforestation associated with land‐use heterogeneity on bird species richness, functional redundancy, functional diversity, and associated components (i.e., alpha diversity, species dissimilarity, and interaction strength of the relationship between abundance and functional dissimilarity). We analyzed over 200 georeferenced bird assemblages in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. We characterized the functional role of the species of each assemblage and modeled biodiversity metrics as a function of forest cover and land‐cover heterogeneity. Replacement of native Atlantic Forest with a mosaic of land uses (e.g., agriculture, pastures, and urbanization) reduced bird species richness in a nonrandom way. Core forest species, or species considered sensitive to edges, tended to be absent in communities in heterogenous environments. Overall, functional diversity and functional redundancy of bird species were not affected by forest loss. However, birds in highly heterogenous habitats were functionally distinct from birds in forest, suggesting a shift in community composition toward mosaic‐exclusive species led by land‐cover heterogeneity. Threatened species of the Atlantic Forest did not seem to tolerate degraded and heterogeneous environments; they remained primarily in areas with large forest tracts. Our results shed light on the complex effects of native forest transformation to mosaics of anthropogenic landscapes and emphasize the importance of considering the effects of deforestation and land‐use heterogeneity when assessing deforestation effects on Neotropical biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding which species will be extirpated in the aftermath of large‐scale human disturbance is critical to mitigating biodiversity loss, particularly in hyperdiverse tropical biomes. Deforestation is the strongest driver of contemporary local extinctions in tropical forests but may occur at different tempos. The 2 most extensive tropical forest biomes in South America—the Atlantic Forest and the Amazon—have experienced historically divergent pathways of habitat loss and biodiversity decay, providing a unique case study to investigate rates of local species persistence on a single continent. We quantified medium‐ to large‐bodied mammal species persistence across these biomes to elucidate how landscape configuration affects their persistence and associated ecological functions. We collected occurrence data for 617 assemblages of medium‐ to large‐bodied mammal species (>1 kg) in the Atlantic Forest and the Amazon. Analyzing natural habitat cover based on satellite data (1985–2022), we employed descriptive statistics and generalized linear models (GLMs) to investigate ecospecies occurrence patterns in relation to habitat cover across the landscapes. The subregional erosion of Amazonian mammal assemblage diversity since the 1970s mirrors that observed since the colonial conquest of the Atlantic Forest, given that 52.8% of all Amazonian mammals are now on a similar trajectory. Four out of 5 large mammals in the Atlantic Forest were prone to extirpation, whereas 53% of Amazonian mammals were vulnerable to extirpation. Greater natural habitat cover increased the persistence likelihood of ecospecies in both biomes. These trends reflected a median local species loss 63.9% higher in the Atlantic Forest than in the Amazon, which appears to be moving toward a turning point of forest habitat loss and degradation. The contrasting trajectories of species persistence in the Amazon and Atlantic Forest domains underscore the importance of considering historical habitat loss pathways and regional biodiversity erosion in conservation strategies. By focusing on landscape configuration and identifying essential ecological functions associated with large vertebrate species, conservation planning and management practices can be better informed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human‐mediated habitat destruction has had a profound impact on increased species extinction rates and population declines worldwide. The coastal development in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over the last two decades, serves as an example of how habitat transformation can alter the landscape of a country in just a few years. Here, we study the genomic implications of habitat transformation in the Critically Endangered Emirati Leaf‐toed Gecko (Asaccus caudivolvulus), the only endemic vertebrate of the UAE. We generate a high‐quality reference genome for this gecko, representing the first reference genome for the family Phyllodactylidae, and produce whole‐genome resequencing data for 23 specimens from 10 different species of leaf‐toed geckos. Our results show that A. caudivolvulus has consistently lower genetic diversity than any other Arabian species of Asaccus, suggesting a history of ancient population declines. However, high levels of recent inbreeding are recorded among populations in heavily developed areas, with a more than 50% increase in long runs of homozygosity within a 9‐year period. Moreover, results suggest that this species does not effectively purge deleterious mutations, hence making it more vulnerable to future stochastic threats. Overall, results show that A. caudivolvulus is in urgent need of protection, and habitat preservation must be warranted to ensure the species' survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the processes and mechanisms that underlie the spatiotemporal patterns of biodiversity is of paramount relevance, given the ongoing global climate and land cover changes. Here, we investigated the influence of season‐related climatic variables on two dimensions of dung beetle diversity (taxonomic and functional) and at different scales (alpha and beta) within an introduced Brazilian pasture ecosystem.We sampled dung beetles over 52 consecutive weeks, comprising the dry and rainy seasons. We related taxonomic and functional variables to season‐related climate variables (temperature, precipitation and humidity) using absolute values and changes from consecutive samplings (Δ, differences between samplings).We found higher species richness and abundance values in the rainy season. Changes in climatic variables between consecutive samplings caused effects only in functional dispersion, temporal β‐diversity and species losses but not in species richness and abundance of dung beetles. However, these effects are dependent on the season. In the rainy season, increased precipitation between samplings caused a decrease in functional dispersion and an opposite pattern was found in the dry season. Similarly, increased temperature values between samplings caused decreases in both temporal β‐diversity and species losses of dung beetles, with an opposite pattern in the dry season.Season‐associated climatic variables showed contrasting effects on dung beetle taxonomic and functional metrics. Temporal changes in taxonomic and functional diversity may be driven by different climatic variables, which can be associated with the sorting of species or species traits related to their thermal niche. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal migration has fascinated scientists and the public alike for centuries, yet migratory animals are facing diverse threats that could lead to their demise. The Anthropocene is characterised by the reality that humans are the dominant force on Earth, having manifold negative effects on biodiversity and ecosystem function. Considerable research focus has been given to assessing anthropogenic impacts on the numerical abundance of species/populations, whereas relatively less attention has been devoted to animal migration. However, there are clear linkages, for example, where human‐driven impacts on migration behaviour can lead to population/species declines or even extinction. Here, we explore anthropogenic threats to migratory animals (in all domains – aquatic, terrestrial, and aerial) using International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Threat Taxonomy classifications. We reveal the diverse threats (e.g. human development, disease, invasive species, climate change, exploitation, pollution) that impact migratory wildlife in varied ways spanning taxa, life stages and type of impact (e.g. from direct mortality to changes in behaviour, health, and physiology). Notably, these threats often interact in complex and unpredictable ways to the detriment of wildlife, further complicating management. Fortunately, we are beginning to identify strategies for conserving and managing migratory animals in the Anthropocene. We provide a set of strategies that, if embraced, have the potential to ensure that migratory animals, and the important ecological functions sustained by migration, persist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic land use has caused a major crisis to the biodiversity of stream fishes in recent decades, especially with regard to biotic homogenisation. Understanding the response of stream fishes to anthropogenic land use will help to promptly implement effective conservation measures. In this study, we investigated the effects of agriculture on fish diversity in streams in the Wannan Mountains, China. We predicted that agriculture would influence fish diversity by affecting local habitat conditions. The results showed that habitat conditions (e.g. water temperature, water width, water depth) differed significantly between disturbed and reference sites. The disturbed sites had high species richness due to the addition of translocated species outpacing the loss of endemic species. Moreover, fish assemblages showed taxonomic differentiation accompanied by functional homogenisation, which mainly resulted from the addition of translocated species with redundant functional traits. However, the emergence of homogenisation shows a time delay. The biotic differentiation of fish assemblages in agroecosystems is temporary in the Wannan Mountains, and homogenisation may eventually develop as stress intensifies. Thus, it is urgent and necessary to take effective conservation measures to delay or prevent fish assemblages from worsening in agroecosystems before homogenisation develops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mosses are an early lineage of the plant kingdom, with around 13,000 species. Although an important part of biodiversity, providing crucial ecosystem services, many species are threatened with extinction. However, only circa 300 species have so far had their extinction risk evaluated globally for the IUCN Red List. Functional traits are known to help predict the extinction risk of species in other plant groups. In this study, a matrix of 15 functional traits was produced for 723 moss species from around the world to evaluate the potential of such predictability. Binary generalized linear models showed that monoicous species were more likely to be threatened than dioicous species, and the presence of a sporophyte (sexual reproduction), vegetative reproduction and an erect (straight) capsule instead of a pendent (immersed) one lowers the risk of species extinction. A longer capsule, seta and stem length, as well as broader substrate breadth, are indicative of species with a lower risk of extinction. The best-performing models fitted with few traits were able to predict extinction risks of species with good accuracy. These models applied to Data Deficient (DD) species proved how useful they may be to speed up the IUCN Red List assessment process while reducing the number of listed DD species, by selecting species most in need of a full, detailed assessment. Some traits tested in this study are a novelty in conservation research on mosses, opening new possibilities for future studies. The traits studied and the models presented here are a significant contribution to the knowledge of mosses at risk of extinction and will help to improve conservation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Female sperm storage (FSS) has been reported in Chondrichthyans species, and involves the prolonged maintenance of viable sperm after mating events, prior to egg fertilization. Along with multiple paternity (MP–female producing offspring of multiple males within the same litter), FSS has been hypothesized to be related to the increased reproductive fitness of cartilaginous fish lineages. The present study aimed to investigate if: (1) are FSS and MP evolutionarily related and share the same evolutionary history in Chondrichthyes? (2) How is the presence of FSS implied by extinction and speciation rates and thus related to the current species diversity of the group? To answer these questions, we obtained FSS and MP records for Chondrichthyes species from the literature and performed ancestral reconstruction analyses for each character in the phylogenetic tree. We employed MEDUSA and MiSSE to determine if the shifts in diversification rates were related to the characters along the phylogeny. Finally, we utilized HiSSE to calculate the net diversity rates for observed and unobserved states. The ancestral reconstruction indicates that both characters are plesiomorphic for the group; FSS is suggested to be absent in Lamniformes and Rhinopristiformes, whereas MP may be absent in Galeocerdo cuvier. MEDUSA and MiSSE revealed that all clades lacking FSS showed no increase in rates, while there was a higher diversification rates in clades with FSS. HiSSE identified lower net diversity rates in clades lacking FSS associated with hidden states. Therefore, FSS absence seems to contribute to increased extinction rates by reducing diversity among the Chondrichthyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extracellular release of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from marine macroalgae supports coastal ecosystem function by supplying photosynthetically fixed carbon to higher trophic levels via the microbial loop. Despite its widely acknowledged biogeochemical importance, DOC is not typically included in primary production estimates of coastal systems. Additionally, little is known about how changes in species composition and coverage will affect the supply of DOC to coastal systems. Within the context of the Baltic Sea, anthropogenic forces are driving a decline in habitat forming kelp species (Fucus vesiculosus) which is superseded by filamentous/turfing algal species, a pattern of change observed globally in numerous other aquatic systems. To evaluate how the drivers of this change may impact the flow of carbon within the Baltic Sea coastal system, the production of DOC by the filamentous algae (Ectocarpus siliculosus) was examined and its rate of release determined (0.095 mg C · g DW-1 · h-1 in light and 0.070 mg C · g DW-1 · h-1 in dark). In addition, bioassays were used to assess the short-term DOC use by bacteria as a proxy of the lability of the released products, with the majority (28.7% released in light and 18.6% released in dark) of the products remaining after 120 hours. This data was linked with long term macroalgae biomass and coverage surveys in order to assess changes in macroalgae community structure through time and to produce standing stock estimates of F. vesiculosus. DOC production as a metric of algal coverage was used to make a preliminary estimation of how changes in community structure may impact the flow of carbon within the system. Our results suggest that decreased levels of DOC released by filamentous algae relative to F. vesiculosus will act to reduce microbial activity. Our model estimates the presence of approximately 150,000 tonnes of F. vesiculosus (dry weight) within the Estonian coastal system translating to an annual release of 7,391 tonnes of DOC. Our study indicates that filamentous-dominated systems have likely altered carbon flow, impacting the broader ecology of the Baltic Sea. Consequently, the loss of kelp species and the expansion of filamentous algae may alter carbon dynamics, with important ecological consequences for other coastal systems globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urbanization has resulted in deterioration of natural lands and extinction of indigenous species. Domestic gardens are neglected spots of plants biodiversity. This research aimed to assess domestic garden plants diversity, composition, distribution, and identify the conserved indigenous plant species in a heavily urbanized arid city. Domestic gardens within each district were randomly selected, visited, and surveyed. Cultivated plant species in gardens were identified and counted; their frequencies and abundance levels were calculated. Plant species richness, Shannon, evenness, and Simpson's indices were calculated. More than 12,000 plants belonging to 223 plant species compromising 72 plant families were found. Domestic gardens played a significant role in conserving regionally extinct or endangered native plant species while undesirably sustained exotic and invasive plants. Overall, exotic plants species represented 84% of all identified species. The highest percentage of native plants (29%) was found in Uhod district, while the lowest (11%) was in Jubaiha district. The minimum and maximum proportion of medicinal, poisonous, and fruit bearing plants on a district bases were 9–26%, 9–22%, and 11–43% of domestic garden plants, respectively. The highest species richness (103) was in Zahran, while the lowest (20) was in Al-Madinah district. Shannon diversity index was the highest in Zahran and Sweileh districts. Shannon, evenness, and Simpson diversity indexes revealed Badr Al-Jadidah as the lowest plant diversity district. District history, lots sizes, garden sizes, socioeconomic status, residents' preferences, and housing regulations resulted in variation in plants diversity and species composition. Thus, monitoring species composition in domestic gardens and raising public awareness about plants benefits/risks supports environmental sustainability. Attention should be given to these neglected biodiversity hotspots, especially in arid environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ponds are key elements for ecosystem functions in urban areas. However, little is known about pond biodiversity changes over time and the drivers underlying such changes. Here, we tested whether past species assemblages, land cover and pond environmental change influence pond macroinvertebrate species richness and temporal beta diversity. We also compared spatial and temporal beta diversity, and investigated species-specific colonization and extinction rates over time. We sampled for presence of Odonata and Trichoptera (larvae), and Coleoptera and Hemiptera (larvae and adults) species in 30 ponds in Stockholm, Sweden, in 2014 and 2019. Past species richness was the best predictor of current species richness, whereas temporal changes in land cover and pond environment were not significantly related to current species richness. No correlations between temporal beta diversity and land cover or pond environmental changes were detected. However, ponds showed large changes in their temporal beta diversity, with equal contributions from species gains and losses. The probability of species colonizing and going extinct from ponds revealed that more common species were more likely to colonize a pond, while uncommon species were more likely to go extinct in a pond. Within our 5-year study, we found (i) highly similar spatial and temporal beta diversity, (ii) that past species richness is a good predictor of current species richness; however, the same does not hold true for species composition. The high dynamics of urban pond communities suggest that a large number of ponds are required to maintain high species richness at a landscape level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phenomenon of nitrogen deposition resulting in species loss in terrestrial ecosystems has been demonstrated in several experiments. Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), as major nutrients required for plant growth, exhibit ecological stoichiometric coupling in many ecosystems. The increased availability of nitrogen can exacerbate the ecological effects of phosphorus. To reveal the ecological effects of phosphorus under nitrogen-limiting and non-limiting conditions, we conducted a controlled N-P interaction experiment over 5 years in the Hulunbuir meadow steppe, where two nitrogen addition levels were implemented: 0 g N·m-2·a-1 (nitrogen-limiting condition) and 10 g N·m-2·a-1 (nitrogen-non-limiting condition), together with six levels of phosphorus addition (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 g P·m-2·a-1). The results showed that nitrogen addition (under nitrogen-non-limiting conditions) significantly decreased species diversity in the steppe community, which was exacerbated under phosphorus addition. Under nitrogen-limiting conditions, phosphorus addition had no marked impact on species diversity compared to the control; however, there were substantial differences between different levels of phosphorus addition, exhibiting a unimodal change. Under both experimental nitrogen conditions, the addition of 6 g P·m-2·a-1 was the threshold for affecting the community species diversity. Nitrogen addition reduced the relative biomass of legumes, bunch grasses, and forbs, but substantially increased the relative biomass of rhizomatous grasses. In contrast, phosphorus addition only markedly affected the relative biomass of forbs and rhizomatous grasses, with the former showing a unimodal pattern of first increasing and then decreasing with increasing phosphorus addition level, and the latter exhibiting the opposite pattern. The different responses of rhizomatous grasses and other functional groups to nitrogen and phosphorus addition were observed to have a regulatory effect on the changes in grassland community structure. Phosphorus addition may increase the risk of nitrogen deposition-induced species loss. Both nitrogen and phosphorus addition lead to soil acidification and an increase in the dominance of the already-dominant species, and the consequent species loss in the forb functional group represents the main mechanism for the reduction in community species diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than 50% of caudates are threatened with extinction and are in need of ex-situ breeding programs to support conservation efforts and species recovery. Unfortunately, many salamander populations under human care can experience reproductive failure, primarily due to missing environmental cues necessary for breeding. Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) are a useful suite of techniques for overcoming or bypassing these missing environmental cues to promote breeding. Exogenous hormones are used to stimulate natural breeding behaviors or gamete expression for in-vitro fertilization or biobanking and are typically administered intramuscularly in caudates. While effective, intramuscular injection is risky to perform in smaller-bodied animals, resulting in health and welfare risks. This research investigated the spermiation response to hormone administration through a non-invasive oral bioencapsulation route using the tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) as a model species. Male salamanders were randomly rotated six weeks apart through four treatments (n = 11 males/treatment) in which animals received a resolving dose of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) as follows: (1) Prime-Only (0.0 μg/g); (2) Low (0.25 μg/g); (3) Medium (1.0 μg/g); and (4) High (2.0 μg/g). All males were given a GnRH priming dose (0.25 μg/g) 24 hours prior to the resolving dose. Exogenous hormone was delivered inside of a cricket (Gryllodes sigillatus) that was presented as a food item by tweezers. Sperm samples were collected at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 hours after the resolving dose and analyzed for quantity and quality. For all treatments, sperm concentration was produced in an episodic pattern over time. The Prime-Only treatment had a lower (p < 0.05) percent of sperm exhibiting normal morphology compared to treatments utilizing a resolving dose of GnRH. Overall, oral administration of GnRH is a feasible route of inducing spermiation in salamanders, yielding sperm of sufficient quantity and quality for in-vitro fertilization and biobanking efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Understanding how free-ranging animals behave can help in the design of optimal management strategies to both conserve species and enable individuals to express natural behaviours, maximising welfare. Animal-borne accelerometers passively collect data on body acceleration which can be interpreted to quantify behaviour. Accelerometers are increasingly used in behavioural research, however validation of accelerometer readouts to enable classification of discrete behaviours is required for each species. Pangolins are a heavily trafficked clade of mammals, all of which are considered vulnerable to extinction. They are also under-researched, with little known about their behaviour in the wild. In this study, we present the first validation of behavioural classification based on accelerometer readouts for a pangolin species; the ground pangolin (Smutsia temminckii). Results: We present a standardised protocol for attaching accelerometers to pangolins to minimise the impact of devices on welfare. We match the readouts from accelerometers to behaviours defined through video observations. Using a random forest classification, we defined five discrete behaviours (walking, digging, feeding, investigating ground, and stationary, accuracy of 85%) and three activity levels (low, medium, and high, accuracy of 94%) from accelerometer readouts. We determine optimal sampling frequency and window length (50 Hz and five seconds for discrete behaviour, 10 Hz and seven seconds for activity level). We then deploy accelerometers and classify the behaviour of three free-ranging pangolins for between two and four days. We find considerable variation in peak daily activity between free-ranging pangolins with different individuals displaying nocturnal and crepuscular behaviour. We also find that pangolins spend the majority of their time (between 62 and 71%) at rest. Conclusion: The methods we present will enable the quantification of ground pangolin behaviour in the wild to improve our understanding of the species' ecology and help inform conservation efforts. This will also help to improve our fundamental understanding of animal behaviour and ecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predator-prey models have been shown to exhibit resonance-like behaviour, in which random fluctuations in the number of organisms (demographic noise) are amplified when their frequency is close to the natural oscillatory frequency of the system. This behaviour has been traditionally studied in models with exponentially distributed replication and death times. Here we consider a biologically more realistic model, in which organisms replicate quasi-synchronously such that the distribution of replication times has a narrow maximum at some T > 0 corresponding to the mean doubling time. We show that when the frequency of replication f = 1 / T is tuned to the natural oscillatory frequency of the predator-prey model, the system exhibits oscillations that are much stronger than in the model with Poissonian (non-synchronous) replication and death. These oscillations lead to population instability and the extinction of one of the species much sooner than in the case of Poissonian replication. The effect can be explained by resonant amplification of coloured noise generated by quasi-synchronous replication events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]