High ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) diversity revealed in Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda

The rapid decrease in biodiversity has become an urgent issue for ecosystems worldwide, with over one million species currently at risk of extinction due to human activities such as habitat loss, pollution, resource overexploitation, and climate change impacts. Although the relationship between biodiversity and ecotourism is established, little is known about how spatial patterns of biodiversity affect ecotourism outcomes in Akagera National Park, indicating a gap in research regarding the impact of these spatial patterns. This article aimed to assess the effects of biodiversity distribution, habitat quality, wildlife presence, and ecotourism services on developing ecotourism outcomes in Akagera National Park, Rwanda. The study utilized primary quantitative data collected through a structured survey questionnaire involving 133 respondents from a targeted sample size of 134, from RDB, REMA, Kayonza District, Akagera Hotel, and beneficiaries reached through a stratified sampling technique. The quantitative analysis employed the Statistical Package for Social Science version 25.0, applying descriptive statistical analysis to determine the mean and standard deviation, as well as inferential statistical analysis using the analysis of variance test to analyze correlation, significance levels, and regression between study variables. The multiple regression model was used, and findings indicated a positive correlation and significant effects of biodiversity distribution, habitat quality, wildlife presence, and ecotourism services on developing ecotourism outcomes in Akagera National Park. The overall correlation coefficients, R=0.844, and R2 = 0.712, indicate that the independent variables contributed 71.2% to the dependent variable. The findings revealed a general positive view of biodiversity well distributed in Akagera National Park, though there is a gap in the diversity of beautiful flora categories to attract tourism revenues, with habitat quality being fully available and wildlife presence activities being correctly managed, with inadequate management of wild animals and human conflict resulting from protecting the park to prevent wild animals conflicting nearby homes. Finally, there was a general positive view of the ecotourism services available in Akagera National Park, which attract tourists and contribute to the development of ecotourism outcomes, yet a gap in the availability of water springs in Akagera Park was identified, which would enhance its attractiveness. The study concluded that there is a generally positive perception that spatial patterns of biodiversity have significantly contributed to the development of ecotourism outcomes in Akagera National Park, Rwanda. The MoE, RDB, and their partners were recommended to add diverse flora in Akagera National Park, to manage human-wildlife conflict by erecting fences around the park to prevent animals from entering nearby homes, to create water bodies, to increase biodiversity to boost tourism revenue, and to enhance the park's appearance. Researchers were recommended to explore unstudied factors influencing ecotourism outcomes, contributing 28.8% to its development.

A new species of blind snake in the genus Letheobia is described from Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda. The new species is most similar to species of the L. gracilis complex, particularly L. gracilis and L. graueri. It differs from all other species of the genus by a unique combination of morphological characters, including the highest number of middorsal scale rows (834) and the most extreme elongation (total-length/midbody-width ratio 131) of all species in the genus and of any species of snake in the world; 22-22-22 longitudinal scale rows; snout in dorsal profile rounded, in lateral profile bluntly rounded with an angular horizontal edge ventrally; rostral broad, posteriorly rounded; eyes invisible; supralabial imbrication pattern T-0; tail short (1.3 percent of total length) with an apical spine; and a pink life colouration. The holotype of the new species was collected in gallery forest at a lake shore surrounded by savanna at 1300 m elevation. We produced scanning electron microscope images of the heads of the investigated specimens applying a liquid-substitution preparation procedure which does not require coating or drying and thus does not irreversibly damage the investigated samples. The obtained images allow an easy and more accurate examination of the scalation.

Climate change poses a great challenge for biodiversity conservation. Several studies exist regarding climate change’s impacts on European plants, yet none has investigated how climate change will affect the extinction risk of the entire endemic flora of an island biodiversity hotspot, with intense human disturbance. Our aim is to assess climate change’s impacts on the biodiversity patterns of the endemic plants of Crete (S Aegean) and provide a case-study upon which a climate-smart conservation planning strategy might be set. We employed a variety of macroecological analyses and estimated the current and future biodiversity, conservation and extinction hotspots in Crete. We evaluated the effectiveness of climatic refugia and the Natura 2000 network of protected areas (PAs) for protecting the most vulnerable species and identified the taxa of conservation priority based on the Evolutionary Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) index. The results revealed that high altitude areas of Cretan mountains constitute biodiversity hotspots and areas of high conservation and evolutionary value. Due to the “escalator to extinction” phenomenon, these areas are projected to become diversity “death-zones” and should thus be prioritised. Conservation efforts should be targeted at areas with overlaps among PAs and climatic refugia, characterised by high diversity and EDGE scores. This conservation-prioritisation planning will allow the preservation of evolutionary heritage, trait diversity and future ecosystem services for human well-being and acts as a pilot for similar regions worldwide.

Studies on micrometazoan local distribution patterns are needed to understand microscopic organisms’ evolution in the light of the related influences of historical and ecological events. Tardigrades encompass a set of rare and unique characteristics to study evolutionary hypotheses. Particularly interesting are leaf litter tardigrades, due to their connection with soil dynamics: although tardigrades have been frequently considered occasional or accidental inhabitants coming from nearby habitats. In this study, leaf litter tardigrade diversity from a central Spain mountain system was determined using four diversity descriptors: species richness, abundance, and two diversity indexes (Shannon and Simpson), and a diversity trophic index (TD). In addition, community composition was analysed using Canonical and Discriminant Analyses. Fifteen types of leaf litter were explored in the present survey, many not previously studied, all of them containing tardigrades. We have found 39 species, 20 are being recorded for the first time in leaf litter, and increasing to 20% the global tardigrade diversity reported for leaf litter worldwide, with the total number of species now being 99. The same genera that were reported being present in high species diversity at global scale were found to be highly diverse at local scale in this study. Three eutardigrade families previously reported as beech litter inhabitants were not found in our survey, probably because beech litter was not included in the present survey, suggesting that further work studying a more diverse range of litter would increase reported tardigrade diversity worldwide. Tardigrade species abundances depended on high level plant categories (plant divisions and type of tree), while tardigrade diversity patterns were related with type of leaves. Broad leaves had higher diversity values (Shannon, Simpson, species richness, trophic groups) than any other leaf, probably due to their association to dense forests presenting humid conditions and high resources availability, associated with this leaf. Xerophilous leaves presented high diversity of species (heterotardigrades) well-adapted to xeric open space in our survey. Type of leaves also changed abundance dynamics of different tardigrade trophic groups. Different biotic and abiotic conditions in different types of leaves promoted varying abundances of carnivore, herbivore and microbivore tardigrades on those different micro-ecosystems. Implications and consequences of these findings in evolutionary hypotheses for microfauna are considered.

Wood-decay fungi (WDF) play a significant role in recycling nutrients, using enzymatic and mechanical processes to degrade wood. Designated as a biodiversity hot spot, Central Siberia is a geographically important region for understanding the spatial distribution and the evolutionary processes shaping biodiversity. There have been several studies of WDF diversity in Central Siberia, but identification of species was based on morphological characteristics, lacking detailed descriptions and molecular data. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify WDF in Central Siberia, regarding the degradation of host trees based on both morphological and molecular analyses. We collected 106 WDF samples from Krasnoyarsk and the Republic of Khakassia in 2014 and 2017, and identified a total of 52 fungal species from six main host tree genera. In order to assess the host preference of the WDF, we examined previous literature, and data from this study. We confirmed a division in host preference of WDF between gymnosperms and angiosperms. DNA-based identification and host preference assessment of the WDF provide preliminary data on WDF diversity and their role in nutrient cycles in the ecosystem of Central Siberia. To fully understand WDF diversity in Central Siberia, continuous long-term surveys, including DNA sequence data, are needed.

Tree cavities are a common structural feature in forests with high importance to many forest-dwelling species. Cavity formation is affected by tree characteristics, wood-decaying fungi and excavating birds. Furthermore, cavity occurrence may be affected by habitat modifications resulting from forest management. Here, we review studies from boreal Europe on cavity formation patterns. We explore what kind of trees (in terms of species and vitality) are excavated by birds. We also assess how cavity formation processes are affected by forest management by reviewing studies that have compared the densities of cavities and cavity-nesting birds in managed and unmanaged forests. In total, we reviewed empirical results from 22 studies from the period 1939–2024. Based on the reviewed studies, excavators can be divided into three groups depending on the types of trees they excavate: those that favor aspen, ranging from healthy to dead trees (four woodpecker species, of which two also frequently excavate pines), those that favor low-vitality or dead broadleaved trees, mainly birch (tits and two woodpecker species), and one species, three-toed woodpecker, that favors dead spruces. Overall, aspen is the most frequently excavated tree, and the majority of cavities are in low-vitality or dead trees. The densities of cavities or cavity-nesting birds was 1.7–4 times higher in unmanaged forests compared to managed forests. A lower frequency of trees suitable for excavation in managed forests is the most likely explanation for the observed difference. To improve cavity availability in managed forests, regeneration and thinning practices should be adjusted to ensure the occurrence of dead or low-vitality broadleaved trees. Increased rotation lengths and tree retention practices can further increase the amount of trees suitable for excavation in managed forests. • We reviewed tree cavity formation and management impacts in boreal Europe. • Broadleaved trees, especially aspen, are important for cavity formation. • Birds mainly excavate low-vitality and dead trees. • The density of cavities and cavity-nesting birds was 1.7–4 times higher in unmanaged than managed forests.

AimThe Irano‐Anatolian biodiversity hotspot is among the least‐known biodiversity hotspots on earth. In this study, we aim to map the richness and genetic divergence of lizards in the biodiversity hotspot and its surrounding areas and identify the most important determinants of the richness and genetic divergence patterns.LocationIran and Turkey (Irano‐Anatolian biodiversity hotspot).MethodsHere, we mapped the distribution of 211 lizard species in Iran and Turkey using existing occurrence data and generated the first genetic divergence pattern map of the lizard species in the two countries to identify areas of high species diversity and genetic divergence in the Irano‐Anatolian biodiversity hotspot. We also identified determinants of lizard richness and genetic divergence patterns.ResultsResults showed that the Zagros Mountains, Central Iranian Plateau and the northern Persian Gulf have the highest lizard richness. The Zagros Mountains, Central Iranian Plateau, the northern Persian Gulf and the regions around the Lut Desert and Jazmourian Plain have the highest total genetic divergence in Iran. Alborz and Kopet Dag mountains and south western parts of Turkey have the highest average genetic divergence. The annual temperature was the most important predictor of lizard richness, and temperature change velocity was the most influential determinant of genetic divergence pattern. Much to our surprise, species diversity and most areas with high genetic divergence are located outside of Irano‐Anatolian biodiversity hotspot.Main conclusionsThis study showed that lizard richness and genetic divergence patterns are associated with current and past climate. In particular, this study highlights the legacy of past climate changes on lizard genetic divergence distribution patterns. We showed that most of the species‐rich and genetically diverse regions are located outside of the biodiversity hotspot. So conservation efforts that are concentrated inside the biodiversity hotspot may not benefit lizard biodiversity conservation. Thus, future studies and conservation programs on the biodiversity hotspot should also consider its surrounding areas.

(introduction to Special Issue: The roles of habitat heterogeneity in generating and maintaining biodiversity on continental margins A Contribution to the Census of Marine Life)

The pollinator-driven ecological speciation model has frequently been invoked to explain plant richness in biodiversity hotspots. Here, by focusing on Gladiolus (260 species), a flagship example of a clade with diverse pollination biology, we test the hypothesis that high species diversity in southern Africa, one of the world's most floristically rich regions, has primarily been driven by ecological shifts in pollination systems. We use phylogenetic methods to estimate rates of transition between the seven highly specialized pollination strategies in Gladiolus. We find that pollination systems have evolved multiple times and that some pollination strategies arose by a variety of evolutionary pathways. Pollination shifts account for up to one-third of all lineage splitting events in the genus, providing partial support for the pollinator-driven speciation model. Transitions from the ancestral pollination mode to derived systems have also resulted in increased rates of diversification, suggesting that certain pollination systems may speed up speciation processes, independently of pollination shifts per se. This study suggests that frequent pollination shifts have played a role in driving high phenotypic and species diversity but indicates that additional factors need to be invoked to account for the spectacular diversification in southern African Gladiolus.

Successional development of wood-inhabiting fungi associated with dominant tree species in a natural temperate floodplain forest

Quality of soluble organic C, N, and P produced by different types and species of litter: Root litter versus leaf litter

Passive acoustic monitoring is a potentially valuable tool in biodiversity hotspots, where surveying can occur at large scales across land conversion types. However, in order to extract meaningful biological information from resulting enormous acoustic datasets, rapid analytical techniques are required. Here we tested the ability of a suite of acoustic indices to predict avian bioacoustic activity in recordings collected from the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot in southwestern India. Recordings were collected at 28 sites in a range of land-use types, from tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations to remnant forest stands. Using 36 acoustic indices we developed random forest models to predict the richness, diversity, and total number of avian vocalizations observed in recordings. We found limited evidence that acoustic indices predict the richness and total number of avian species vocalizations in recordings (R2 < 0.51). However, acoustic indices predicted the diversity of avian species vocalizations with high accuracy (R2 = 0.64, mean squared error = 0.17). Index models predicted low and high diversity best, with the highest residuals for medium diversity values and when continuous biological sounds were present (e.g., insect sounds >8 sec). The acoustic complexity index and roughness index were the most important for predicting avian vocal diversity. Avian species richness was generally higher among shade-grown crops than in the open tea plantation. Our results suggest that models incorporating acoustic indices can accurately predict low and high avian species diversity from acoustic recordings. Thus, ecoacoustics could be an important contributor to biodiversity monitoring across landscapes like the Western Ghats, which are a complex mosaic of different land-use types and face continued changes in the future.

Insects represent around 80% of terrestrial animal biodiversity and are critical for the functioning of ecosystems including many ecosystem services that humans rely on, such as pollination and nutrient recycling. However, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that insect populations are declining globally due to anthropogenic impacts, such as climate change and habitat loss. Despite this, a high proportion of insect species remain undescribed and limited data on their population dynamics and distributions is hampering insect conservation efforts. This is particularly critical in tropical biodiversity hotspots, such as Southeast Asia, which are also undergoing rapid environmental changes. This thesis aims to better understand and tackle these data and knowledge gaps to contribute to insect conservation and research efforts in Southeast Asia. The chapters of this thesis present an integrative approach using field-, laboratory-, and museum-based research, and desk-based reviews and conservation assessments. Firstly, I performed a quantitative review and identified the data, knowledge, and capacity gaps in Southeast Asian insect research. Secondly, I performed a quantitative comparison of dung beetle communities captured between two commonly used dung beetle trapping methods. Thirdly, I optimised and used a DNA metabarcoding protocol to construct novel quantitative dung beetle-vertebrate trophic networks across a large forest area in Singapore. Lastly, I analysed a large dataset of dung beetle occurrence records from Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, and performed a preliminary conservation status assessment of the region’s dung beetles. In these chapters, I provide proposed solutions, which include integrative taxonomy approaches, local capacity building, increased funding for continued research and monitoring of tropical insects, and public engagement, to address the data, knowledge, and capacity gaps present in the region. I also provide recommendations on sampling techniques and establishing open-access resources for future rapid biodiversity assessments and ecological studies of Southeast Asian dung beetle communities. Through the solutions proposed and the integrative tools presented, I hope that this body of work will serve as a catalyst, enabling future ecological and conservation research for insects in Southeast Asia.

Using sonic tomography to assess the relationship between internal wood decay and saproxylic beetle communities

While some wood-decay fungi are pathogens that can cause harm to desirable trees, wood-decay fungi provide a vital service in the break-down of dead trees and recycling of nutrients. In addition, some wood-decay fungi are edible, some have reported medical uses, and some may be useful for bioremediation. This study is a preliminary investigation of the growth properties of native wood-decay fungi in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. We collected wild wood-decay fungi, identified the species by gross morphology and DNA sequencing, and then investigated growth on solid culture medium containing sawdust from different species of tree. Wild-collected fruiting bodies were butt-cultured on Potato-Dextrose Agar. Initial cultures were heavily contaminated with bacteria and other fungi. To reduce contamination, we used a combination of surface sterilization and multiple passages. Species collected included Auricularia fuscosuccinea (Wood Ear), Trametes sanguinea (aka Pycnoporus sanguineus), Cerrena unicolor (Mossy Maze Polypore), and Hericium erinaceum (Lion’s Mane). Fungi were grown on solid culture medium containing sawdust from Honey Locust, Box Elder, Mulberry, Hickory, Red Oak, Walnut, Heart Pine, and Pine. Heart Pine sawdust inhibited growth of all fungi tested. T. sanguinea formed spores on Mulberry sawdust, but not on any other sawdust tested. A. fuscosuccinea, T. sanguinea, and C. unicolor sporulated on all species of sawdust. H. erinaceum did not grow well on dextrose media without sawdust.