Variation In Abundance Research Articles

Identification of bacterial communities associated with needle mushroom (Flammulina filiformis) and its production environment

Flammulina filiformis is an important edible and medicinal mushroom widely cultivated in East Asia, with its quality and health strongly influenced by associated microbial communities. However, limited data exist on the bacterial communities associated with F. filiformis cultivation in Chinese farms. This study investigated bacterial communities associated with F. filiformis and its production environment using high-throughput 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and culture-dependent methods. A total of 42 samples were collected from farms in Jilin and Guizhou provinces, China, for microbial community profiling. The analysis revealed diverse bacterial phyla, including Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Cyanobacteria. Genera such as Pseudomonas, Lactobacillus, Acinetobacter, Flavobacterium, and Phyllobacterium were identified, with notable regional variations in the relative abundance of Pseudomonas and Lactobacillus. Pathogenic species, including Pseudomonas tolaasii, Ewingella americana, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Pseudomonas sp., Lelliottia amnigena, and Janthinobacterium lividum, were identified through phenotypic, biochemical, and molecular analyses. Pathogenicity tests confirmed the disease-causing potential of P. tolaasii, E. americana, and J. lividum in F. filiformis. These findings highlight regional differences in bacterial community composition and emphasize the need for tailored management practices. This study contributes to safe, high-quality mushroom cultivation and provides insights into improved cultivation practices, including Mushroom Good Agricultural Practices (MGAP).

Analisis Keanekaragaman dan Kelimpahan Plankton di Sungai Way Awi dan Hubungannya dengan Kualitas Air

Plankton serves as a bioindicator that can be used as a marker for water quality related to water saprobity index. Way Awi River is a river flowing from the Susunan Baru area, passing through the Tandjungkarang region, and reaching the Garuntang area. Liquid waste from households is often directly discharged into the river, without passing through a containment system such as a septic tank, resulting in river pollution. To understand this relationship, this research was conducted to determine the biological condition of the Way Awi River based on plankton community structure, including abundance index, diversity index, evenness index, and dominance index, as well as its correlation with water quality using Pearson correlation test. The research was conducted in the Way Awi River with sampling taken at five different stations from October to December 2023. Water samples were analyzed using physical parameters including water temperature and turbidity, while chemical parameters observed were pH, DO, BOD, and COD. Based on the analysis of plankton community structure, it was found that the water of Way Awi River is in a moderately polluted condition.

Common snipe (Gallinago gallinago) population trend using 12 years of data across different Italian regions

AbstractThe common snipe (Gallinago gallinago) is a popular migratory game bird in Italy, especially in the northern regions. An effective management plan for this species requires setting up a population monitoring scheme to estimate its conservation status. For waders subject to hunting, like the common snipe, such monitoring must also be based on quantitative and qualitative data collected for consecutive hunting seasons. Among these data, the demographic trends, the frequency and distribution during postnuptial migration, hunting bags, plumage collections, and habitat use are essential to improve the management and conservation of this species. The aim of this work was to explore variations in common snipe abundance in the span of 12 hunting seasons in 5 Italian regions: Emilia‐Romagna, Latium, Marche, Piedmont, and Umbria. Data on common snipe abundance in each region and year were reported in the form of an abundance index (Indice Cynégétique d'Abondance [ICA]) and a harvest index (Indice Cynégétique de Prélèvement [ICP]), which correspond respectively to the number of common snipes flushed and harvested during a hunting trip. Considering pooled data from all regions, our findings revealed no significant variations in common snipe abundance and harvest rate from 2010–2011 to 2021–2022. However, significant differences emerged in the 5 explored regions. These results underscore the importance of maintaining long‐term monitoring programs for evaluating the conservation status of the common snipe population, such as presence and abundance, which are critical for sustainable hunting and conservative management of the species in Italy.

The impact of genetic variants related to the fatty acid metabolic process pathway on milk production traits in Jersey cows

The synthesis of fatty acids plays a critical role in shaping milk production characteristics in dairy cattle. Thus, identifying effective haplotypes within the fatty acid metabolism pathway will provide novel and robust insights into the genetics of dairy cattle. This study aimed to comprehensively examine the individual and combined impacts of fundamental genes within the fatty acid metabolic process pathway in Jersey cows. A comprehensive phenotypic dataset was compiled, considering milk production traits, to summarize a cow’s productivity across three lactations. Genotyping was conducted through PCR-RFLP and Sanger sequencing, while the association between genotype and phenotype was quantified using linear mixed models. Moderate biodiversity and abundant variation suitable for haplotype analysis were observed across all examined markers. The individual effects of the FABP3, LTF and ANXA9 genes significantly influenced both milk yield and milk fat production. Additionally, this study reveals novel two-way interactions between genes in the fatty acid metabolism pathway that directly affect milk fat properties. Notably, we identified that the GGAAGG haplotype in FABP3×LTF×ANXA9 interaction may be a robust genetic marker concerning both milk fat yield and percentage. Consequently, the genotype combinations highlighted in this study serve as novel and efficient markers for assessing the fat content in cow’s milk.

Spatiotemporal distribution patterns and assembly mechanisms of eukaryotic plankton communities in Liujiaxia Reservoir at the northeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau.

Eukaryotic plankton are important parts of the aquatic ecosystem and their community composition and spatiotemporal distribution patterns are affected by environmental factors. The Liujiaxia Reservoir is located at the northeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau and is a vital resource for communities and agriculture in the region. Revealing the plankton diversity and their correlation with environmental factors is essential for understanding the ecological processes and mechanisms by which plankton contribute to, and maintain the ecosystem function of, the Liujiaxia Reservoir and beyond. This study investigated the detailed spatiotemporal distribution patterns and assembly mechanisms of eukaryotic plankton communities in Liujiaxia Reservoir for three periods during 2021. Significant spatial and temporal variations of abundance and community distribution of eukaryotic plankton were demonstrated. In addition, environmental factors such as water transparency, total phosphorus, total nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, and pH were confirmed to have the most significant impact on the distribution of these communities in the reservoir. The dominant eukaryotic plankton group was Pyrrophyta, and the species interactions were predominantly cooperative. The trophic level index indicated excellent overall water quality in the reservoir. Deterministic processes were demonstrated as the predominant factors governing the assembly of eukaryotic plankton communities. This study provides valuable insight into the eukaryotic plankton community structure in the Liujiaxia Reservoir and reveals the complex relationships between plankton communities, environmental factors, and water quality.IMPORTANCEBased on 18S rDNA high-throughput sequencing, the spatiotemporal distribution patterns and assembly mechanisms of eukaryotic plankton communities were investigated. This study provides valuable insight into the eukaryotic plankton community structure in the Liujiaxia Reservoir in the northeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, and the relationships between eukaryotic plankton communities, environmental factors, and water quality. Through the dynamic changes of these communities, the water quality of the reservoir was assessed to provide basic data for the protection of its biodiversity. The findings of the present study will help to improve knowledge and understanding of the ecological processes and mechanisms by which plankton contribute to ecosystem function in the Liujiaxia Reservoir and beyond.

Composition and dynamics of macroinvertebrates community in relation to physicochemical parameters of hydrogeologically connected wetlands in Abbay River basin, Ethiopia.

Assessing the macroinvertebrate assemblage in relation to physicochemical parameters can provide insight into the ecological state of aquatic environments. Therefore, this study aimed to assess macroinvertebrate assemblage of hydrogeologically connected wetlands in relation to physicochemical water quality parameters. Data were collected between June 2022 and April 2023 from twelve purposively selected sampling sites following established procedures. A total of 1,211 macroinvertebrates were collected from 18 orders and 44 families. The majority (72.83%) are generally pollution-tolerant families of the order Hemiptera, Odonata, Coleoptera and Diptera. There was significant spatio-temporal variation (P < 0.05, One-way ANOVA) in total macroinvertebrate abundance and bioindices. There were more individual macroinvertebrates collected during the dry season. The CCA and correlation analysis indicated that the physicochemical parameters had an effect on the distribution and abundance of macroinvertebrates. The size of the wetlands andthe intensity of anthropogenic interventionmight also result difference in macroinvertebrate abundance across the wetlands. The higher nutrient concentrations, the low DO level, the higher abundance of tolerant taxa and the medium Shannon_Hvalue (range: 2.13 to 2.68) all indicate the wetlands' poor ecological status. Therefore, regular water quality monitoring, identification of the macroinvertebrate at the lower taxonomic level and the development of macroinvertebratebased multimetric indices are recommended for their sustainable management.

Silicon Isotopic Composition of Mainstream Presolar SiC Grains Revisited: The Impact of Nuclear Reaction Rate Uncertainties

Abstract Presolar grains are stardust particles that condensed in the ejecta or in the outflows of dying stars and can today be extracted from meteorites. They recorded the nucleosynthetic fingerprint of their parent stars and thus serve as valuable probes of these astrophysical sites. The most common types of presolar silicon carbide grains (called mainstream SiC grains) condensed in the outflows of asymptotic giant branch stars. Their measured silicon isotopic abundances are not significantly influenced by nucleosynthesis within the parent star but rather represent the pristine stellar composition. Silicon isotopes can thus be used as a proxy for galactic chemical evolution (GCE). However, the measured correlation of 29Si/28Si versus 30Si/28Si does not agree with any current chemical evolution model. Here, we use a Monte Carlo model to vary nuclear reaction rates within their theoretical or experimental uncertainties and process them through stellar nucleosynthesis and GCE models to study the variation of silicon isotope abundances based on these nuclear reaction rate uncertainties. We find that these uncertainties can indeed be responsible for the discrepancy between measurements and models and that the slope of the silicon isotope correlation line measured in mainstream SiC grains agrees with chemical evolution models within the nuclear reaction rate uncertainties. Our result highlights the importance of future precision reaction rate measurements for resolving the apparent data–model discrepancy.

Spatial dynamics of Culex quinquefasciatus abundance: geostatistical insights from Harris County, Texas

Mosquito-borne diseases pose a significant public health threat, prompting the need to pinpoint high-risk areas for targeted interventions and environmental control measures. Culex quinquefasciatus is the primary vector for several mosquito-borne pathogens, including West Nile virus. Using spatial analysis and modeling techniques, we investigated the geospatial distribution of Culex quinquefasciatus abundance in the large metropolis of Harris County, Texas, from 2020 to 2022. Our geospatial analysis revealed clusters of high mosquito abundance, predominantly located in central Houston and the north-northwestern regions of Harris County, with lower mosquito abundance observed in the western and southeastern areas. We identified persistent high mosquito abundance in some of Houston’s oldest neighborhoods, highlighting the importance of considering socioeconomic factors, the built environment, and historical urban development patterns in understanding vector ecology. Additionally, we observed a positive correlation between mosquito abundance and neighborhood-level socioeconomic status with the area deprivation index explaining between 22 and 38% of the variation in mosquito abundance (p-value < 0.001). This further underscores the influence of the built environment on vector populations. Our study emphasizes the utility of spatial analysis, including hotspot analysis and geostatistical interpolation, for understanding mosquito abundance patterns to guide resource allocation and surveillance efforts. Using geostatistical analysis, we discerned fine-scale geospatial patterns of Culex quinquefasciatus abundance in Harris County, Texas, to inform targeted interventions in vulnerable communities, ultimately reducing the risk of mosquito exposure and mosquito-borne disease transmission. By integrating spatial analysis with epidemiologic risk assessment, we can enhance public health preparedness and response efforts to prevent and control mosquito-borne disease.

Species specificity and specificity diversity (SSD) framework: a novel method for detecting the unique and enriched species associated with disease by leveraging the microbiome heterogeneity

BackgroundDifferentiating the microbiome changes associated with diseases is challenging but critically important. Majority of existing efforts have been focused on a community level, but the discerning power of community or holistic metrics such as diversity analysis seems limited. This prompts many researchers to believe that the promise should be downward to species or even strain level—effectively and efficiently identifying unique or enriched species in diseased microbiomes with statistical rigor. Nevertheless, virtually, all species-level approaches such as differential abundance and differential network analysis methods exclusively rely on species abundances without considering species distribution information, while it can be said that distribution is equally, if not more, important than abundance in shaping the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of community compositions.ResultsHere, we fill the gap by developing a novel framework—species specificity and specificity diversity (SSD)—that synthesizes both abundance and distribution information to differentiate microbiomes, at both species and community scales, under different environmental gradients such as the healthy and diseased treatments. The proposed SSD framework consists of three essential elements. The first is species specificity (SS), a concept that reincarnates the traditional specialist-generalist continuum and is defined by Mariadassou et al. (Ecol Lett 18:974-82, 2015). The SS synthesizes a species’ local prevalence (distribution) and global abundance information and attaches specificity measure to each species in a specific habitat (e.g., healthy or diseased treatment). The second element is a new concept to introduce here, the (species) specificity diversity (SD), which is inspired by traditional species (abundance) diversity in community ecology and measures the diversity of specificity (a proxy for metacommunity heterogeneity, essentially) with Renyi’s entropy. The third element is a pair of statistical tests based on the principle of permutation tests.ConclusionsThe SSD framework can (i) identify and catalogue lists of unique species (US), significantly enriched species (ES) in each treatment based on SS and specificity permutation (SP) test and (ii) measure the holistic differences between assemblages (or treatments) based on SD and specificity diversity permutation (SDP) test. Both capacities can be enabling technologies for general comparative microbiome research including risk assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of microbiome-associated diseases.

Determination of Seasonal Microplastic pollutıon Variation in Aquatic Environments: Case Study from İskenderun Technical University Pond.

Although microplastic (MP) pollution in aquatic ecosystems has been a critical issue, a significant portion of previous studies has been limited to marine environments. Few studies have evaluated MP abundance in inland waters, and those that exist often ignore seasonal variations. This study aimed to assess the seasonal variations in microplastic (MP) abundance in the İskenderun Technical University (İSTE) Pond. MP abundance ranged from 0.5 MPs/L to 10.8 MPs/L, with a mean of 3.7 MPs/L. Fiber-shaped, black-colored, small-sized (< 1000μm) MPs were commonly found on the surface water. Statistical analysis confirmed significant variations in MP abundance across seasons. The abundance of MPs in the surface water correlated with the mean annual precipitation. Atmospheric deposition and storm water runoff were major contributors to microplastic pollution in the pond. PP and PET particles were identified. The findings of this study contains preliminary results that can be used in the development of future legislations and regulations.

Regional Biomes outperform broader spatial units in capturing biodiversity responses to land‐use change

Biogeographic context, such as biome type, has a critical influence on ecological resilience, as climatic and environmental conditions impact how communities respond to anthropogenic threats. For example, land‐use change causes a greater loss of biodiversity in tropical biomes compared to temperate biomes. Furthermore, the nature of threats impacting ecosystems varies geographically. Therefore, monitoring the state of biodiversity at a high spatial resolution is crucial to capture variation in threat–responses caused by biogeographical context. However such fine‐scale ecological data collection could be prohibitively resource intensive. In this study, we aim to find the spatial scale that could best capture variation in community‐level threat responses whilst keeping data collection requirements feasible. Using a database of biodiversity records with extensive global coverage, we modelled species richness and total abundance (the responses) across land‐use types (reflecting threats), considering three different spatial scales: biomes, biogeographical realms, and regional biomes (the interaction between realm and biome). We then modelled data from three highly sampled biomes to ask how responses to threat differ between regional biomes and taxonomic group. We found strong support for regional biomes in explaining variation in species richness and total abundance compared to biomes or realms alone. Our biome case studies demonstrate that there is variation in magnitude and direction of threat responses across both regional biomes and taxonomic group, although the interpretation is limited by sampling bias in the literature. All groups in tropical forest showed a consistently negative response, whilst many taxon‐regional biome groups showed no clear response to threat in temperate forest and tropical grassland. Our results provide the first empirical evidence that the taxon‐regional biome unit has potential as a reasonable spatial unit for monitoring how ecological communities respond to threats and designing effective conservation interventions to bend the curve on biodiversity loss.

Anatomical variations of the marginal mandibular nerve

IntroductionThe Marginal Mandibular Nerve (MMN), despite being didactically described as being a unique branch of the other branches of the Facial Nerve, has in practice an abundant anatomical variation. Both in relation to its ramifications and the positioning of these in relation to the lower edge of the mandible, as well as its anastomoses along its path, play a fundamental role in the surgical strategy during the approach of this cervicofacial site, and can generate, as underestimated its characteristics, inadvertent injuries and motor consequences to the patient. ObjectiveTo analyze the types of anatomical variations of the MMN in relation to its position, ramification, and distance from reference points, as well as its incidence that could imply technical difficulties in surgery. MethodsA systematic review was conducted in the literature in search of anatomical studies, in vivo or in cadavers, between 1981 and 2024, which described the quantification of the MMN branches, their positioning and peculiarities in relation to anastomoses with other peripheral nerves. Results511 hemifaces were studied, with the identification of 290 cases of single nerve, 160 cases of double branch, 54 cases of triple branch, and 7 cases of quadruple branch. Of the 456 nerves that were possible to study, the average distance when superior to the lower limit of the mandible was 1.61 cm, while its lower analysis was 2.53 cm. The branches presented different proportions of presentation in relation to this reference point depending on how many branches it had, being more common to remain below it. Anastomoses were identified between the MMN and the buccal and cervical branch of the Facial Nerve, as well as with the Trigeminal Nerve. ConclusionThe varied presentations of the MMN, both in its anatomical positioning and in the number of branches leads us to question whether the surgical thinking when performing an exploration in this site may not be the reason whythe authors verify several motor complaints superior to described injuries.

Variation in biodiversity and abundance of functional groups of arthropods along a tropical elevational gradient in Puerto Rico

AbstractElevational gradients represent platforms for exploring the effects of environmental variation on biodiversity. The environmental correlates of these spatial gradients are likely to be modified during the Anthropocene, as species respond to global change drivers including warming and increased frequency of extreme events. We quantified variation in the abundance of four functional groups of canopy arthropods (i.e., folivores, sap‐suckers, detritivores, and predators), as well as in aspects of biodiversity on each of six host‐plant species along two elevational transects in the Luquillo Mountains of Puerto Rico: a mixed forest transect, traversing tabonuco, palo colorado, and elfin forests, and a palm forest transect, comprising only patches dominated by sierra palm (Prestoea acuminata). We expected gradients in arthropod abundance and biodiversity to be host‐tree specific, and for gradients on palm to differ between transects due to a combination of mechanisms associated with host selection, rescue effects, habitat structure, and source pool dynamics. In general, abundance and biodiversity declined with elevation. The ways in which abundance declined with increasing elevation was contingent on host tree identity and on arthropod functional group, whereas all aspects of biodiversity declined with elevation in consistent manners regardless of host tree identity or transect. Similarly, turnover (beta components of biodiversity between sequential elevational strata) did not differ between transects. Decreases in productivity with increasing elevation may be responsible for gradients in abundance or biodiversity. However, host‐specific and functional group‐specific gradients suggest that elevational effects manifest differently depending on tree species identity and resource bases that are consumer specific.

Analysis of Naja kaouthia snake venom composition and in-vitro enzymatic activities of 29 specimens in captivity: Highlighting the importance of individual variation in venom pool production

Naja kaouthia is a medically important snake, widely distributed throughout Southeast Asia, with a diverse venom composition. N. kaouthia venom is subject to significant intraspecific variation, caused by several factors, such as the wide geographic distribution of the species, sexual and ontogenetic factors. However, individual variation is a factor that has only been studied with small sample size groups and/or with pooled samples. With this in mind, this study evaluates the composition and in-vitro enzymatic activities of 29 individual venom samples from specimens born in captivity, with a similar genetic background caused by inbreeding, using SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions, RP-HPLC profiles and enzymatic activities of PLA2, LAAO and proteolytic activity over azocasein. Even in this scenario, we were able to observe significant variations in abundance and activity of PLA2. Individual variations in LAAO activity, as well as a sexual dimorphism in which males present a significantly higher LAAO activity than females were observed. Phosphodiasterase and CRiSP abundance were also found and considered to have multiple effects in the clinical manifestations of envenomation by presenting synergistic effects with other proteins from N. kaouthia venom. The RP-HPLC profiles were better at detecting compositional differences than SDS-PAGE profiles and better correlated with enzymatic activities, being a better technique to screen variation profiles and reinforcing the importance of individual venom analysis prior to pooling.

Bactogram: Spatial Analysis of Bacterial Colonisation in Epidermal Wounds.

Skin barrier damage and subsequent development of harmful microbiota contribute to conditions such as wound infections, atopic dermatitis and chronic wounds, which impact millions of people globally and pose a significant economic burden on healthcare systems. Established microbial sampling methods, such as swabs and tissue biopsies, provide limited information on the spatial distribution of bacteria. We here describe a new method that produces a visual map of the distribution of cultivable bacteria, denoted 'Bactogram', across the whole wound and surrounding skin, suitable for image-based quantification. As part of an exploratory endpoint in a clinical trial we applied the Bactogram method to 48 suction blister wounds in 24 healthy volunteers. Bacteria developed in all wounds, predominantly on the skin under the dressing and near wound edges. Two quantification methods, based on visual scoring and image analysis, demonstrated high inter-, and intra-rater agreement and were used to characterise bacterial re-colonisation during epidermal wound healing. We also demonstrated proof of concept that the method can be used with chromogenic agar to enable spatial identification of pathogenic bacterial species, such as Staphylococcus aureus. In conclusion, this study introduces a simple method for sampling bacteria over large areas and generating a bacterial map that can identify spatial variations in bacterial composition and abundance in skin and wound conditions. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05378997.

A rapid quarantine approach for the pathogenic and invasive Phytophthora species associated with imported fruits in China.

Phytophthora spp. represent a pivotal genus of plant pathogens with a global distribution, exerting significant deleterious effects on food safety and forestry ecosystems. Numerous pathogenic and invasive Phytophthora species, introduced through imported fruits, have been frequently detected at Chinese ports. With the rise in global trade activities, the plant quarantine of imported fruits is becoming increasingly important but challenging. Fast, simple, and labor-saving techniques are necessary and anticipated. A polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism capillary electrophoresis (PCR-RFLP-CE) technology-based quarantine approach was developed for 16 Phytophthora species associated with the imported fruits in China. The Ypt1 gene, exhibiting abundant interspecific variations, was selected as the marker gene for PCR. The restriction endonuclease AluI was proven to be capable and compatible in simultaneously separating different Phytophthora species during CE. By combining with a fast and efficient DNA extraction kit, the developed PCR-RFLP-CE technique was successfully applied to identify Phytophthora species in artificially infested fruits. We provide a quick, practical, and high-throughput detection approach for hazardous and invasive Phytophthora species associated with imported fruits in China. This strategy can give good convenience and technological support for carrying out massive quarantine activities at Chinese ports. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Diagenesis of the Clay-Sulfate Stratigraphic Transition, Mount Sharp Group, Gale Crater, Mars.

The diversity and abundance of diagenetic textures observed in sedimentary rocks of the clay-sulfate transition recorded in the stratigraphic record of Gale crater are distinctive within the rover's traverse. This study catalogs all textures observed by the MAHLI instrument, including their abundances, morphologies, and cross-cutting relationships in order to suggest a paragenetic sequence in which multiple episodes of diagenetic fluid flow were required to form co-occurring color variations, pits, and nodules; secondary nodule populations; and two generations of Ca sulfate fracture-filling vein precipitation. Spatial heterogeneities in the abundance and diversity of these textures throughout the studied stratigraphic section loosely correlate with stratigraphic unit, suggesting that grain size and compaction controls on fluid pathways influenced their formation; these patterns are especially prevalent in the Pontours member, where primary stratigraphy is entirely overprinted by a nodular fabric, and the base of the stratigraphic section, where increased textural diversity may be influenced by the underlying less permeable clay-bearing rocks of the Glen Torridon region. Correlations between quantitative nodule abundance and subtle variations in measured bulk rock chemistry (especially MgO and SO3 enrichment) by the Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer instrument suggest that an increase in Mg sulfate upsection is linked to precipitation of pore-filling diagenetic cement. Due to a lack of sedimentological evidence for widespread evaporite or near-surface crust formation of these Mg sulfates, we propose three alternative hypotheses for subsurface groundwater-related remobilization of pre-existing sulfates and reprecipitation at depth in pore spaces.

Butterfly Diversity and Community Dynamics in the Central Himalayas: Species Composition, Richness, Abundance, and Seasonal Variation of Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea) in Bhorletar, Nepal.

Butterflies are among the most effective bioindicators of climate change; however, their diversity in many rural areas of the Central Himalayas remains understudied. This study provides an assessment of butterfly diversity in the foothills of Bhorletar, Madhya Nepal Municipality, Lamjung District, Nepal, within an elevation range of 420-600 m. Conducted between July 2019 and January 2021, the survey involved opportunistic observations and photography of adult butterflies in their natural habitats, with sampling occurring six times each month. The study aimed to investigate the species composition, richness, and abundance of butterflies across the survey period and identify seasonal changes in species composition and richness. A total of 94,009 individuals across 226 species, 129 genera, and six families were documented. During this study, Halpe arcuata Evans, 1937 and Hasora taminatus bhavara Fruhstorfer, 1911 were recorded for the first time in Nepal. Additionally, Halpe filda Evans, 1949 and Ctenoptilum vasava vasava (Moore, [1866]) were recorded for only the second and third times, respectively, in Nepal, following a gap of approximately three decades. The most abundant species was Pieris canidia indica Evans, 1926 (Relative Abundance [RA] 2.55%), followed by Pseudozizeeria maha maha (Kollar, [1844]) (RA 2.13%). Species richness showed an annual bimodal distribution, peaking in April (180 species) and August (161 species), while the lowest richness was observed in January and February, with 68 and 75 species, respectively. Diversity indices included a Shannon-Wiener index of 4.71, Pielou's J index of 0.87, an effective number of species of 111.24, and Margalef's richness index of 19.65, indicating high species diversity with a well-balanced mix of species evenness and richness. This study offers the first peer-reviewed checklist of butterflies from Bhorletar, providing crucial baseline data for future research and conservation efforts, and highlights the remarkable seasonal and species diversity within the region.

Impact of extreme rainfall and flood events on harmful cyanobacterial communities and ecological safety in the Baiyangdian Lake Basin, China

Globally, climate change has intensified extreme rainfall events, leading to substantial hydrological changes in aquatic ecosystems. These changes, in turn, have increased the frequency of harmful algal blooms, particularly those of cyanobacteria. This study examines cyanobacterial community dynamics in the Baiyangdian Lake Basin, China, after heavy rainfall and flooding events. The aim was to clarify how such extreme hydrological events affect cyanobacterial populations in floodplain ecosystems and assess related ecological risks. The results demonstrated a significant increase in cyanobacterial diversity, exemplified by an increase of the Shannon diversity index from an average of 1.7 to 2.1 (p < 0.05). Following heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding, the average relative abundance of cyanobacteria in the microbial community increased from 7.59 % to 9.62 %, along a notable rise in the abundance of harmful cyanobacteria. The community structure exhibited notable differences after flooding, showing an increase in species richness, but a decrease in community tightness and clustering, as well as a reduction in niche overlap among harmful cyanobacteria. Environmental factors such as dissolved oxygen, water temperature, and pH were identified as crucial predictors of harmful cyanobacterial community differences and abundance variations resulting from flooding. These findings provide a critical framework for predicting ecological risks associated with the expansion of bloom-forming cyanobacteria in large shallow lake basins, particularly under intensified rainfall and flooding events. This insight is essential to anticipate potential ecological disruptions in sensitive aquatic ecosystems.

Ecological Dynamics and Conservation Strategies for Mediterranean Salt Marshes: Insights from a Pilot Study of Biodiversity and Environmental Drivers in the Palud Marsh, Croatia

Salt marshes support high biodiversity and provide essential ecosystem services, yet are increasingly threatened by climate change, reduced freshwater input, and human activities. This pilot study examined the physico-chemical characteristics and biodiversity of the Palud salt marsh in Istria, Croatia, during July 2021, focusing on phytoplankton, zooplankton, and macrozoobenthos communities across different habitats. The results show that while parameters like water temperature and pH remained stable, dissolved oxygen and nutrient levels fluctuated significantly. Water depth decreased due to drought and tidal oscillations, affecting salinity and nutrient concentrations. Phytoplankton communities were dominated by Bacillariophyta, with Cryptophyta, particularly Cryptomonas sp., having the highest abundance. Zooplankton communities were dominated by Rotifera, especially Brachionus plicatilis, while the macrozoobenthos communities were dominated by Ostracoda, with some variation in gastropod and chironomid abundance across sites. These findings indicate the dynamic nature of plankton and benthos communities in response to changing water levels in the Palud marsh. This study highlights the need for targeted conservation strategies to preserve the ecological integrity of Mediterranean salt marshes. Sustainable management practices must account for water level fluctuations, the role of aquatic vegetation, and the resilience of these ecosystems, emphasizing their importance in supporting biodiversity and ecosystem services in the face of environmental change.