Biodiversity Hotspot Research Articles

Relative fire-proneness of land cover types in the Brazilian Atlantic forest.

Fires are increasingly affecting tropical biomes, where landscape-fire interactions remain understudied. We investigate the fire-proneness-the likelihood of a land use or land cover (LULC) type burning more or less than expected based on availability-in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest (AF). This biodiversity hotspot is increasingly affected by fires due to human activities and climate change. Using a selection ratio-based approach, we analyzed fire-LULC interactions in 40,869 fires over a 35-year period (1987-2022) across various ecoregions in the AF. Our findings revealed that secondary forests, forest areas that have regrown after major disturbances, burned 61% more than expected by chance, whereas old-growth forests, native forests that have developed over very long periods, burned 57% less than expected, highlighting a nearly inverse relationship in their fire-proneness. Interestingly, our data indicate that pastures in the AF are less prone to fire than expected, despite being considered among the land uses that burn the most in Brazil. Other LULCs showed variable fire-proneness, with some differences between ecoregions. Over time, the fire-proneness of secondary forests decreased, likely due to forest aging and changes in land management practices. We emphasize the necessity for tailored fire management strategies that address the unique vulnerabilities of secondary forests, particularly in the context of ongoing restoration efforts aimed at increasing native forests. Effective measures, including the implementation of 'fire-smart management' practices and enhancing the perceived value of secondary forests among local communities, are crucial for mitigating fire risks. Integrating these strategies with incentive-based approaches can bolster fire prevention, ensuring the long-term success of restoration programs. Our study provides a framework for understanding fire-landscape dynamics in tropical forests and offers actionable insights for practitioners working to safeguard these biomes from the escalating threat of wildfires.

Applying plant-pollinator network to identify priority species for conservation in a biodiversity hotspot

Applying plant-pollinator network to identify priority species for conservation in a biodiversity hotspot

Occurrence of priority and emerging organic contaminants in cold-water corals and their habitat: a case study in La Herradura Bay (Spain).

Coastal ecosystems are heavily anthropized areas impacted by discharge of chemical pollutants. We present for the first time the occurrence of a wide number of such chemicals in surface water, sediment, suspended particulate matter, and corals from a protected Mediterranean setting, La Herradura Bay (Spain). A seasonal monitoring sampling campaign was conducted in 2021 (winter and summer). This bay is a marine biodiversity hot spot and home for endangered cold-water corals species (Astroides calycularis and Dendrophyllia ramea). Up to 94 target analytes were present in marine samples, with pharmaceuticals being the predominant compound class (up to 37 ng L-1 in seawater and 775 ng g-1 in sediments), especially during the winter season. Uncontrolled untreated wastewater discharges in combination with hydrodynamics dominating in the area seemed to be the major source of contaminants towards the coral colonies inhabiting the bay, which accumulate pharmaceuticals (up to 154 ng g-1), personal care products (UV filters and synthetic fragrances), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and organophosphate flame retardants, showing log BAFs up to 6.6. Such values were slightly higher in D. ramea than A. calycularis, but not statistically significant differences were observed (p-value > 0.05). Further research is encouraged to assess possible damage to cold-water coral species exposed to multiple contaminants.

Seabird biomonitoring indicates similar plastic pollution throughout the Canary Current.

Marine plastic pollution is an emerging global threat for biodiversity. Plastic ingestion is one of the most typical and studied consequences with petrels being a particularly vulnerable group. We studied the plastic ingestion by Cory's shearwater (Calonectris borealis) fledglings in three islands of the Canarian Archipelago (Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote). Breeders from different islands show substantial spatial segregation in their foraging areas across the Canary Current Large Marine Ecosystem (CCLME), a critical marine biodiversity hotspot and an important fishing ground in the North Atlantic Ocean. Here, we used a combination of plastic ingestion parameters (number, maximum length, type and colour of plastics) and stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) to study potential differences in plastic ingestion loads and trophic niche between three colonies. Our findings reveal a high incidence of plastic ingestion (>90%) among birds from the three islands. However, although adult birds show foraging and trophic niche segregation across the CCLME, no substantial differences were found in plastic ingestion. White and transparent threadlike fragments were predominantly ingested, likely originating from fishing activities in the CCLME. We provide a baseline for monitoring of plastic pollution in the CCLME and highlight Cory's shearwater as an effective bioindicator of pelagic ecosystems. Our findings emphasize the need for more standardized plastic monitoring programs covering other islands, and for management measures in the fishing activities conducted in the CCLME.

Supporting conservation planning in a national biodiversity hotspot – Projecting species composition across a groundwater level gradient using a demographic forest model

Supporting conservation planning in a national biodiversity hotspot – Projecting species composition across a groundwater level gradient using a demographic forest model

Stable isotope ecology of Quaternary cervid and bovid species in Southeast Asia with implications for wildlife conservation

Southeast Asia, one of the major biodiversity hotspots, is experiencing substantial species loss, with predictions indicating that 13–85% of species are threatened to lose their original habitats. As herbivores play a crucial role in shaping the structure of environments and the ecosystem dynamics of the region, it is crucial to protect these endangered species. Here we measure stable carbon isotopic ratios (δ13C) of tooth enamel samples of eight extant Southeast Asian cervid and bovid taxa, mostly listed as either endangered or vulnerable species by the IUCN and compare the results with their Pleistocene counterparts, in order to investigate their dietary and preferred habitat changes through time. As a result, three distinct categories of ecological patterns among these ruminant taxa are observed: (1) species with dietary and habitat changes through time (i.e. Axis axis, Rucervus eldii, Bos javanicus, and Bos gaurus), (2) those with more restricted diets and habitats today than in the past (i.e. Rusa unicolor and Bubalus arnee), and (3) those with unchanged diets and habitats over time (i.e. Axis porcinus and Muntiacus muntjak). In the case of species with dietary and habitat changes, the Pleistocene C4-grazer enamel isotopes showed a shift towards greater reliance on C3 plants or more closed environments during the Holocene. The isotopic evidence raises the question of whether climatic and environmental changes and/or anthropogenic pressure have significantly driven the population decline of threatened species and can contribute to the understanding of future conservation outlooks of existing wildlife populations in Southeast Asia.

Diversity and distribution of anuran fauna (Amphibia) in Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh, India

ABSTRACT Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary, situated at the heart of the Himalayan state of Arunachal Pradesh, is part of an Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot. Although this protected area was established in 1978, there is still no comprehensive data on its anuran amphibian diversity, making our report the first of its kind. In this report we highlight the anuran diversity of the area based on data collected between April 2020 to September 2022, adopting the visual encounter method and the active search method through survey on foot along trails of randomly selected localities of the study area. We recorded 14 genera (21 species) which belong to six families: Dicroglossidae (35.71%), Rhacophoridae (28.57%), Ranidae (14.29%), Bufonidae (7.14%), Megophryidae (7.14%) and Microhylidae (7.14%). The anuran distribution was found to be greatest in forested ecosystems. Complicating the protection of anurans in the Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary is that land use and land cover results have shown almost 25% of land area in the sanctuary is now encroached upon by human activity. These findings stress the need for further conservation efforts within this protected area.

Uncovering mercury accumulation and the potential for bacterial bioremediation in response to contamination in the Singalila National Park

Several recent investigations into montane regions have reported on excess mercury accumulation in high-altitude forest ecosystems. This study explored the Singalila National Park, located on the Singalila ridge of the Eastern Himalayas, revealing substantial mercury contamination. Particular focus was on Sandakphu (3636 m), the highest peak in West Bengal, India. It harboured 6.77 ± 0.01 mg/kg of total mercury in its topsoil. Further evidence was provided by accumulation in leaves (0.040 ± 0.01 mg/kg), and roots (0.150 ± 0.008 mg/kg) of local vegetation, litterfall (0.234 ± 0.019 mg/kg), mosses (0.367 ± 0.043 mg/kg), surface water from local lakes and waterbodies (0.010 ± 0.005 mg/l), fresh snow (0.014 ± 0.004 mg/l), and sleet (0.019 ± 0.009 mg/l). Samples from other points of varying elevation in the park also demonstrated contamination. The soil displayed a range of 0.068–5.28 mg/kg, while the mean concentration in leaves was 0.153 ± 0.105 mg/kg, roots was 0.106 ± 0.054 mg/kg, and leaf litter was 0.240 ± 0.112 mg/kg. Additionally, the microbial consortia isolated from the contaminated soil displayed a high tolerance to mercuric chloride, presumably gained through repeated and consistent exposure. Four high tolerance bacterial strains, MTS2C, MTS3A, MTS4B and MTS6A, were further characterized for potential use in bioremediation strategies. Their mercury removal capacities were determined to be 82.35%, 75.21%, 61.95%, and 37.47%, respectively. Overall, the findings presented provide evidence for a highly contaminated environment in the Singalila National Park, that poses significant ecological risk to the flora, fauna and local inhabitants of this biodiversity hotspot. This research also highlights the need for further exploration and monitoring of the Eastern Himalayas for its role as a sink for atmospheric mercury.

Variations of Length–Weight Relationships for Six Fish Species from the Lower Yarlung Zangbo River Catchment, Tibet, China

The lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River are one of the most important biodiversity hotspots worldwide. With the rapid economic development in the area coupled with global climate change, the fish resources and diversity of this region are experiencing serious threats. Basic biological information on most fishes in the river is limited, restricting the conservation of local fish resources. This study aimed to provide estimates of length–weight relationships (LWRs) for six fish species from the lower Yarlung Zangbo River catchment, Tibet, China. From 2023 to 2024, 4034 specimens belonging to two families, five genera, and six species were collected using various types of fishing techniques. The LWRs of five species, namely Schizothorax curvilabiatus, Schizothorax molesworthi, Pseudecheneis sulcata, Parachiloglanis hodgarti, and Exostoma labiatum were reported for the first time to FishBase, except Garra tibetana. The b values calculated from the LWRs ranged between 2.738 and 3.172, and the r2 values for all LWRs estimates ranged from 0.931 to 0.989. Sexual variations of LWRs were observed in S. molesworthi and P. sulcata; seasonal variations were detected in S. curvilabiatus, S. molesworthi, G. tibetana, P. sulcata, and P. hodgarti; and geographical differences were discovered in S. molesworthi, G. tibetana, P. sulcate, P. hodgarti, and E. labiatum. Additionally, this study updated information for FishBase by providing a new record of maximum standard length for S. curvilabiatus, S. molesworthi, G. tibetana, and P. hodgarti and a new record of total length for P. sulcata. The findings of this study are essential for the management and conservation of locally indigenous fish and fisheries.

Status of Hiptage benghalensis (L.) Kurz (Malpighiaceae). A review

ABSTRACT Hiptage benghalensis (L.) Kurz (Malpighiaceae) is a perennial woody vine originating from the Indochinese rainforest. The vine is invasive in the majority of areas where it has been introduced and is a major biological concern, recognized by the IUCN as one of the 100 most invasive species in the world. Invasions of H. benghalensis cause severe negative impacts on the biodiversity of the areas it colonizes, particularly the Mascarene Islands, which are among the world’s top biodiversity hotspots. Current management strategies, which include herbicides and mechanical control, are not sustainable and alternatives are urgently needed. This review aims to summarize the existing knowledge on H. benghalensis, covering aspects such as taxonomy, description, origin and geographical distribution, biology, ecology, associated habitats and biocenosis, economic importance and management. This essential information will help inform the development of a classical biological control program to assist in the management of the plant.

A new earthworm genus with two new species (Clitellata, Megascolecidae) from the Western Ghats mountain ranges of south-western peninsular India

A new megascolecid earthworm genus, Aiyeriella Narayanan & Julka gen. nov., is established from the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot of India, with two new species, namely, A. quadritheca Narayanan & Julka, sp. nov., and A. longiprostata Narayanan & Julka, sp. nov. Material of the new genus and species were collected from the three southernmost districts of Kerala state, in the south-western portion of peninsular India. The present new genus can be distinguished from other related Indomalayan megascolecid genera by the presence of combined male and prostatic pores paired in seminal grooves on segment 18, with a single well-developed oesophageal gizzard in segment 5, penial setae, calciferous glands, intestinal caeca, and typhlosole absent, meronephric throughout the body, 10–14 in transverse bands of micromeronephridia behind clitellum and prostates tubuloracemose, paired, elongated, and strap-shaped.

Biodiversity reporting: Comparing listed entities in the United Kingdom and South Africa

Purpose: This research conducts an analysis of biodiversity reporting among a sample of companies listed on the stock exchanges of South Africa (SA) and the United Kingdom (UK). The aim is to present empirical evidence on how organisations address and report on biodiversity-related matters to their stakeholders and investors.Design/methodology/approach: A disclosure schematic is developed and applied to the selected companies using content analysis to analyse their biodiversity-related disclosures and draw comparisons between the two jurisdictions.Findings/results: Results indicate that South African organisations demonstrate a higher level of visibility in their biodiversity reporting when compared to their UK counterparts. The primary reason for this is because of a higher biodiversity ranking and hosting more biodiversity hotspots, which impact South African organisations. However, UK companies tend to provide more quantitative and valuation-based disclosures because of their advanced management information systems, professional standards network support and access to financial resources. In general, it is observed that biodiversity reporting is still in its nascent stage in both jurisdictions and offers limited insight into the understanding of biodiversity by organisations and their ability to incorporate direct and indirect impacts into their business models, risk assessment and strategy implementation.Practical implications: The disclosure schematic serves as a valuable tool for evaluating biodiversity reporting in different national contexts and provides a framework for companies developing biodiversity action plans. The findings help stakeholders assess organisations’ progress in achieving biodiversity objectives and integrating biodiversity considerations into business operations.Originality/value: This study makes two unique contributions to the literature. First, it provides one of the first comparative analyses of biodiversity reporting between a developing and developed economy, offering novel insights into how different jurisdictional contexts influence reporting practices. Second, it develops and applies a comprehensive disclosure schematic that enables evaluation of both symbolic and substantive biodiversity reporting approaches, advancing our understanding of how organisations integrate biodiversity considerations into their reporting and operations.

Assessment of Ichthyofaunal Diversity in Gavier Lake, Surat, India

Fish, with over 36,000 species globally, are the most diverse vertebrates, with nearly half residing in freshwater habitats. This study provides the first comprehensive documentation of the ichthyofauna of Gavier Lake, Surat, Gujarat, identifying 19 species across various families. The Cyprinidae family was the most represented, with five species, Siluridae with three and Channidae with two species. Wallago attu, a Near Threatened species according to the IUCN Red List, was also recorded. The lake’s diverse ecological features, including rich vegetation and bird habitats, provide vital resources for fish species, supporting an interdependent ecosystem. The structural complexity of submerged roots and aquatic plants enhances fish shelter, breeding, and foraging opportunities. Additionally, otters, apex predators in freshwater systems, indicate a healthy and abundant fish population. Other wildlife, such as snakes and butterflies, further highlights the lake’s ecological richness. This study underscores the importance of conserving Gavier Lake as a critical biodiversity hotspot and the need for ongoing conservation efforts to protect its unique aquatic ecosystem.

Predictors of Frequency and Success of Wild Meat Hunting Trips and Carcass Prices in an African Biodiversity Hotspot

Abstract Hunting wild animals for food and income, which is pervasive across tropical regions, drives biodiversity loss. Interventions to promote sustainable wild meat harvesting require information on hunter behavior. Here we monitored the hunting activities of 33 hunters in SE Nigeria over three years (1,106 hunter-months) to identify correlates of (a) the probability of initiating a hunting trip on any given day; (b) trip success – whether an animal was caught, and if so, how many; and (c) carcass price. We found a higher probability of initiating a trip during periods with bright moon phases and in peak agriculture season. Hunters were more likely to catch at least one animal when there was less rainfall and on shorter hunting trips. However, among successful trips, the number of animals caught increased with trip duration. Taken together, these results suggest hunters set themselves a minimum target of not returning empty-handed rather than optimally adjusting their hunting effort. Lastly, the carcass price per kilogram of a species’ meat increased with its palatability but decreased with mass, with the fall in price observed to be greater for rarely caught, smaller-bodied animals than more frequently caught animals. Our results provide deeper insights into the behavioral plasticity of wild meat hunters.

Exploring cyanobacteria from diverse habitats of the Konkan region of India, unveiling novel species of the genera Desikacharya, Pseudoaliinostoc, and Chlorogloeopsis using a polyphasic approach.

The Indian subcontinent has emerged as a natural habitat to several cyanobacterial taxa which have been explored and described in the past few years using a polyphasic approach. Various new genera and species of Nostoc morphotypes, heteropolar unbranched as well as branched heterocytous cyanobacteria, have been described from various parts of India such as the central mainland, temperate hill stations of extreme northern India, and the biodiversity hotspots of northeast India. Konkan, a small strip of land bounded by Arabian sea on the west and Sahyadri mountains on the east, has various habitats such as coastal beds, old monuments, freshwater lakes, and rivers; however, this region has been less charted in modern cyanobacterial systematics, relative to others. The region has a tropical climate with heavy monsoon showers owing to its location on the windward side of the northern Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot. Through this study, several districts of the Konkan region of Maharashtra and Goa were explored for cyanobacterial diversity and evaluated through a polyphasic approach with three novel species of the genus Desikacharya, two novel species of the genus Pseudoaliinostoc and one new species of the monotypic genus Chlorogloeopsis being described in accordance with the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi and plants (ICN).

Spatiotemporal Assessment of Habitat Quality in Sicily, Italy

We measured the spatiotemporal dynamics of habitat quality (HQ) in Sicily in two different reference years, 2018 and 2050, assuming a business-as-usual scenario. To estimate HQ and related vulnerability, we used the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs (InVEST) Habitat Quality model and data on land use/land cover provided by the Esri Land Cover 2050 project. We also implemented a Coarse–Filter approach to validate the reliability of HQ measures and detect biodiversity hotspots that require priority conservation. Further, we used spatial statistic tools for identifying clusters or hotspot/coldspot areas and uncovering spatial autocorrelation in HQ values. Finally, we implemented a geographically weighted regression (GWR) model for explaining local variations in the effects on HQ estimates. The findings reveal that HQ in Sicily varies across space and time. The highest HQ values occur in protected areas and forests. In 2018, the average HQ value was higher than it was in 2050. On average, HQ decreased from 0.29 in 2018 to 0.25 in 2050. This slight decline was mainly due to an increase in crop and urbanized areas at the expense of forests, grasslands, and bare lands. We found the existence of a positive spatial autocorrelation in HQ, demonstrating that areas with higher or lower HQ tend to be clustered, and that clusters come into contact randomly more often in 2050 than in 2018, as the overall spatial autocorrelation moved from 0.28 in 2018 to 1.30 in 2050. The estimated GWR model revealed the sign and the significance effect of population density, compass exposure, average temperature, and patch richness on HQ at a local level, and that such effects vary either in space and time or in significance level. Across all variables, the spatial extent of significant effects intensifies, signaling stronger localized influences in 2050. The overall findings of the study provide useful insights for making informed decisions about conservation and land planning and management in Sicily.

Odonata diversity in the timescape of Pune district adjoining the Western Ghats Biodiversity hotspot

Odonata diversity in the timescape of Pune district adjoining the Western Ghats Biodiversity hotspot

Ecological reef restoration: consumptive and nonconsumptive interactions among common North Sea predators and European oysters

Oyster reefs are biodiversity hotspots with multiple ecosystem functions and services that are declining worldwide. Historic populations of European oysters (Ostrea edulis) have been decimated by overfishing and are nowadays considered functionally extinct in European waters. To halt and reverse the associated biodiversity loss, oyster reef restoration was implemented into marine conservation measures and several reef restoration projects started across Europe. Following ecological restoration standards, it is crucial to identify reef-associated predators and predator-prey interactions influencing reef recovery as predators can control prey populations. Therefore, this study examined consumptive and nonconsumptive interactions among common North Sea predators, brown crabs (Cancer pagurus) and European lobsters (Homarus gammarus), and European oysters on Helgoland island (German Bight, North Sea) for the first time. Field surveys and monitorings in offshore pilot oyster reefs and experimental seafloor areas showed (i) that brown crabs, lobsters and oysters co-occur in these subtidal environments and (ii) interact with each other. Manipulative experiments indicated (iii, iv) that both predators consume oysters, (v) that medium-sized to large oysters are safe from brown crabs, and (vi) that large oysters are relatively safe from lobsters. They also found (vii) that the presence of common mussels (Mytilus spp.), as an alternative and more profitable prey, and (viii) the formation of larger and heavier oyster clumps, that are more difficult to handle, can reduce predation on oysters. Furthermore, they showed (ix) that the presence of brown crab conspecifics and (x) lobsters in natural abundances can nonconsumptively limit oyster consumption of brown crabs through intimidation mediated by (xi) brown crab- and (xii) lobster-released waterborne predator cues detected by brown crabs which indicates naturally underlying mechanisms regulating and limiting predation on oysters. Thereby, this study provides fundamental knowledge that is essential to understand predator-prey interactions in offshore oyster reefs and to facilitate ecological reef restoration.

Biodiversity at risk in the SPAMI Pelagos Sanctuary: The impact of marine litter on biota.

The Mediterranean basin is the second largest global biodiversity hotspot in the world, which coexists with a plethora of anthropogenic stress. This study examines the risks that marine litter poses to Mediterranean biodiversity, using the Special Protection Area of Mediterranean Importance (SPAMI) "Pelagos Sanctuary" as a case study. In this paper, a new survey method and data analysis strategies to assess the impact of marine litter, including microplastics, on Mediterranean organisms, is proposed. A total of 23 species, from invertebrates to cetaceans, were analysed using two main monitoring approaches. In the first approach, the core density distribution areas of 11 megafauna species (elasmobranchs, sea turtles, seabirds, and cetaceans) and 4 invertebrate species were evaluated through an extended field survey. Simultaneously, monitoring of floating macro- and micro-litter was performed to be overlapped with the species distribution and abundance. The second monitoring approach assessed the ingestion of marine litter, microplastics and the levels of plastic additives in 10 stranded megafauna species and in 7 invertebrate and fish species. The final data processing, merging the data on biodiversity and marine litter abundance and distribution in the environment, with the data of ingested marine litter, microplastics, and plastic additives in sentinel species, allowed to: a) create risk maps for the species inhabiting the Pelagos Sanctuary, identifying critical areas for biodiversity conservation; b) identify the most exposed species to the risk of marine litter by an "exposure score"; c) to select sentinel species for pelagic environment.

Chilean Mediterranean forest on the verge of collapse? Evidence from a comprehensive risk analysis.

World forests are experiencing significant modification due to the confluence of climate change and deforestation, with Mediterranean forests facing particularly acute threats. The Chilean Sclerophyllous Mediterranean Forest is considered a world biodiversity hotspot, a restricted ecosystem type that is highly affected by global change drivers. Despite the high ecological and environmental importance of this ecosystem, an integrated assessment of its risk derived from climate and land-use change is lacking. This study estimates the level of risk of all sclerophyll forest stands in Chile, by assessing their exposure to several factors linked with climate change, land cover change, wildfires, change in the vegetation functional properties, and habitat fragmentation. We also generated a spatially explicit estimate of the main factors underlying the risk of each sclerophyllous forest stand. We constructed a multifactorial risk index based on the different analyzed variables, exploring the main drivers associated with the risk of each forest stand using principal components analysis with agglomerative hierarchical clustering. We found that 39.8% of sclerophyll forest stands reached a high or very high-risk index, with the highest levels concentrated between 32°S and 34°S. The vigor and net primary production of sclerophyll forest stands decreased in 90.9% and 86.6%, respectively. We identified three groups of forest stands: A) northern group (29.9°S to 33.5°S), which has experienced high decrease of net primary production and vegetation vigor; B) central group (32°S to 35°S), also affected by degradation and replacement by croplands; and C) southern group (34°S to 39°S), affected by drought and exotic forest plantations. The results of this study provided clarity on the current state of the sclerophyll forest, allowing for the identification of spatial differences in the risk and their underlying factors. Our results and data can be useful for informing policy and supporting sustainable management of government agencies and practitioners.