Biochemical responses and ingestion of microplastics by native fishes in the Atlantic Forest, southern Brazil.

Spatiotemporal patterns and cumulative wildfire impact on Coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific Convergence Zone.

Freshwater gastropods are among the most imperiled organisms globally, and taxonomic uncertainty remains a major obstacle to their conservation. Elimia melanoides (Conrad, 1834), previously presumed extinct, was rediscovered in the Black Warrior River drainage of Alabama, prompting renewed interest in its conservation status. However, persistent taxonomic uncertainty has hindered listing under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. We used integrative taxonomy-including extensive field sampling, 3RAD-based phylogenomics, and morphological analysis of museum specimens-to resolve the taxonomy of E. melanoides sensu lato. Our molecular phylogenetic analyses revealed that E. melanoides, as currently conceived, comprises three distinct lineages: E. melanoides sensu stricto, Elimia hydeii (Conrad, 1834) (in part), and Elimia turgida (Haldeman, 1840), which we restore from synonymy. Comparison to historical museum specimens indicates that the extant lineage currently identified as E. melanoides is not conspecific with the taxon described as Anculosa melanoides by Conrad. We propose to follow prevailing usage and retain the name E. melanoides for the extinct taxon described by Conrad. There is no available name for the extant taxon, which we describe here as Elimia mintoni n. sp. Population genomic analyses revealed high genetic structure in E. mintoni n. sp. and E. hydeii, especially in headwater populations, while E. turgida showed no structure across its narrow range but maintains high genetic diversity. These findings have urgent conservation implications: E. mintoni n. sp. and E. turgida are valid, range-restricted species with low redundancy and representation. Our study underscores the necessity of taxonomic resolution for accurate biodiversity assessments and effective conservation planning.

The rapid expansion of global tourism has positioned emerging tourist destinations as significant contributors to regional and national economic growth. However, the pace and sustainability of such development are deeply influenced by a variety of geographical factors. This study explores how key geographical elements—including natural landscapes, climate, accessibility, and resource distribution—shape the economic trajectories of emerging tourist areas. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative analysis of case studies from different continents with quantitative assessments of tourism-related economic indicators. The findings reveal that destinations endowed with unique or attractive natural features, such as mountains, coastlines, forests, and biodiversity hotspots, tend to attract greater tourist flows, which in turn fosters job creation, infrastructure development, and increased investment. Climate and seasonality play a crucial role, as favorable weather conditions can extend the tourist season and stabilize local economies. Accessibility, determined by the quality of transport infrastructure and proximity to major markets, emerges as another critical factor, often distinguishing thriving destinations from those struggling to reach their potential. The study also highlights the interplay between geography and cultural assets, noting that regions with rich historical and cultural heritage can leverage these resources for economic gain, provided they are supported by sustainable management practices.

Historical fungaria serve as critical repositories for documenting fungal diversity and establishing historical baselines, particularly in biodiversity hotspots. This study presents a systematic revision of the mycological collection of Odoardo Beccari, gathered during expeditions to Southeast Asia and Oceania (1865–1878). While part of this collection was examined by Vincenzo Cesati in 1879, a substantial portion remained unstudied at the Natural History Museum, University of Florence, for over 150 years. We conducted a morphological examination (macro- and microscopy) and catalogued 153 fungal specimens. Taxonomic identities were assigned following current nomenclatural standards and cross-referenced with modern databases, including the Checklist of Fungi of Malaysia and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). Of these, 84 specimens were identified to species level and 36 to genus level. The collection also includes four specimens corresponding to material used for the original description of species (type material). Nearly 50% of the taxa collected exclusively in Borneo are absent from modern regional checklists, highlighting significant gaps in current knowledge of mycobiota. GBIF data confirm Beccari as the earliest documented collector of fungal specimens in the rainforests of Sarawak. By documenting taxa not recollected in over a century, this study establishes a crucial historical baseline for fungal diversity in Borneo and provides valuable historical data for Sumatra. All specimen data are now publicly available through GBIF.

The ferruginous duricrust (canga) in the Iron Quadrangle (IQ), Minas Gerais, Brazil, occurs within the Campo Rupestre and presents remarkable levels of endemism and species richness. Despite the recognized importance of microorganisms for the maintenance of this ecosystem, current molecular-based studies reveal that both the taxonomic composition and the ecological functions of the canga microbiome are undiscovered. In this study, eighteen samples of canga were collected from the Serra da Piedade State Natural Monument, and their taxonomic diversity was investigated using 16S rRNA metabarcoding. Additionally, the influence of physicochemical variables on microbial diversity and community structure was estimated using statistical tools. Most of the 856,667 reads clustered into ASVs corresponded to Bacteria (99.7%), and the most abundant of the 184 identified genera were Conexibacter, Acidothermus and Bryobacter. Microbial diversity was explained by a combination of physicochemical variables, such as organic matter (OM), iron (Fe), aluminum (Al) and pH, whereas microbial community structure was influenced by the concentrations of Fe, Al and the cation exchange capacity (CEC). Functional prediction analysis based on the main genera identified in the samples indicated that the denitrification pathway may play an important role in the ecosystem. The investigation of the genera and their metabolic pathways based on the literature revealed that they are unexplored and emphasized the biodiversity hotspot yet to be explored in ferruginous duricrust. Therefore, our results reinforce the importance of further studies in this environment, both for future biotechnological applications and for appropriate management and preservation actions.

The Mediterranean Sea is both a global biodiversity hotspot and the world’s most heavily invaded marine region, where non-indigenous species arrivals are accelerating under intensifying shipping, Suez Canal traffic, aquaculture, and climate warming. Yet, despite rapidly growing research activity, a comprehensive synthesis of the scientific literature on Mediterranean marine invasions has been lacking. This study provides the first Mediterranean-wide combined bibliometric and topic-modeling analysis of invasive marine species research, using 3521 unique documents retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science. We quantify temporal growth in publications and citations, map the conceptual structure of the field through co-citation, co-word, and topic modeling, and reveal pronounced regional and thematic biases. Latent Dirichlet Allocation resolves 13 coherent topics, dominated by first records of non-native species, invasive macroalgae, alien species diversity, and ecological impacts, with strong signals for Lessepsian migration and climate-driven range shifts, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean. Spatial and thematic analyses reveal pronounced regional biases, with invasion hotspots in the Aegean and Levantine seas contrasted by comparatively sparse coverage of western and central sub-basins, and notable gaps in predictive modeling and socioeconomic assessments. The results underscore the need to rebalance effort toward under-studied regions and themes, while leveraging existing collaboration networks and methodological advances to support MSFD (Marine Strategy Framework Directive) implementation, International Maritime Organization (IMO) instruments, and broader ecosystem-based management. The reproducible framework presented here offers a baseline for periodically tracking research evolution and guiding adaptive, transboundary governance of Mediterranean marine bio-invasions.

Amphibians are amongst the most threatened vertebrate groups worldwide and population declines are driven by climate change, habitat degradation and the spread of emerging infectious diseases. One of the most devastating pathogens is Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), the causative agent of chytridiomycosis. In Mexico – a global hotspot of amphibian diversity and endemism – Bd has been reported in numerous taxa. However, studies addressing the potential distribution and ecological niche overlap of this species with native amphibians are limited. In this study, we modelled the potential distribution of Bd alongside 13 amphibian species from three families: Hylidae , Ambystomatidae and Plethodontidae . Species were selected, based on their conservation status, endemicity and data availability, particularly for Pseudoeurycea , which remains poorly studied beyond presence records. Ecological niche models (ENMs) and niche overlap analyses revealed extensive spatial congruence between Bd and amphibian distributions, especially within the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt and Sierra Madre del Sur — regions already recognised as amphibian biodiversity hotspots. Our findings highlight the high environmental suitability of these plants for both Bd and amphibians and reveal critical areas where the risk of disease transmission may increase. These findings emphasise the urgency of implementing targeted conservation actions, including long-term monitoring, early detection of infections, identification of resistant or tolerant populations and regulation of ecotourism in vulnerable regions. Mapping zones of overlap provide valuable guidance for prioritising areas for disease mitigation and habitat protection, particularly for endangered and endemic amphibian species. Our study offers novel insights into the spatial dynamics of Bd in Mexico and contributes to the development of proactive strategies for amphibian conservation.

A serious emerging threat to southern California riparian ecosystems is the invasive shot hole borer ( Euwallacea spp.; SHB), a non-native beetle that cultivates a pathogenic fungus that kills trees of 66 reproductive host species. We examined the response of the bird community at the Tijuana River, California, to a massive SHB infestation in 2015 using data from a Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) station operated during 7 pre-infestation (2009-15) and 7 post-infestation (2017-23) years. Species richness did not change between pre- and immediate (2017-18) post-SHB periods, but average annual adult captures declined by 27%. Among the species making up ≥ 5% of the total individuals caught in any one year (n=15), abundance declined by up to 76% in 10 species, including those most abundant at the station (Bushtit ( Psaltriparus minimus ), Song Sparrow ( Melospiza melodia ), Common Yellowthroat ( Geothlypis trichas ), Orange-crowned Warbler ( Leiothlypis celata ), and Wilson’s Warbler ( Cardellina pusilla )). Mean annual abundance increased slightly for the endangered Least Bell’s Vireo ( Vireo bellii pusillus ) and Northern Yellow Warbler ( Setophaga aestiva ) and doubled for House Finch ( Haemorhous mexicanus ) and Western Warbling-Vireo ( V. swainsoni ). We compared species trends at the Tijuana River to those at a nearby uninfested MAPS station on the Santa Margarita River to isolate the effect of SHB from other factors influencing annual abundance. The contribution of SHB to changes in abundance post-SHB was high (63-80%) for 7 declining species, moderate (22-45%) for 4 species, and weakly to moderately positive (18-40%) for 3 species. By 2019, the SHB infestation at the Tijuana River had abated and canopy cover was recovering through resprouting of mature willows ( Salix spp.) and seedling establishment. Bird abundance tracked this regrowth, with all of the species strongly affected by SHB increasing between 2019-23. The rapid recovery of the Tijuana River habitat and the associated response by the bird community are encouraging signs that the threat of the invasive shot hole borer to regional biodiversity may not be as great as originally anticipated.

Genomic footprints of ancient multi-species introgression events among allopatric cave-adapted Triplophysa species.

ABSTRACT Biodiversity loss is a major environmental challenge, and limited resources require conservation actions to be strategically prioritized. Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, is one of the most transformed, with over 60% of its territory altered by agriculture and urbanization and only 5% formally protected. This study identifies priority areas for the conservation of terrestrial and freshwater vertebrates in the province. We compiled extent of occurrence maps for all native vertebrate species using IUCN assessments, national red lists, field surveys, and biodiversity databases. Distributions were mapped across the 135 districts that serve as administrative units. To estimate conservation importance, species were weighted by threat status and endemism, and potential ranges were delineated under the precautionary principle. The province hosts 708 vertebrate species: birds (55%), freshwater fish (22%), mammals (11%), reptiles (8%), and amphibians (4%). Ten are strict endemics, and many are threatened. We identified 18 districts with high species richness and 15 with the highest conservation priority, concentrated in the Paraná Delta, the Atlantic coast, and the Ventania and Tandilia highlands. Our results provide an updated, province-wide assessment to support decision makers in developing conservation strategies. Strengthening connectivity, safeguarding freshwater ecosystems, and fostering science–policy–community strategies will be crucial.

Wetlands are diminishing world-wide. Ramsar Convention has played a noteworthy role to designate the wetlands with ecological, socio-economic and cultural significance as Ramsar sites. However, unsustainable anthropogenic activities continue to threaten both Ramsar sites and other wetland complexes without any legal designation, particularly diminishing the diversity of various flora and fauna. Conservation resources are limited. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the priority areas and allocate the available resources in order to ensure optimum protection of biodiversity thriving in those wetlands. Despite this urgency, systematic approaches for prioritizing conservation areas within heterogeneous wetland landscapes remain poorly explored. To address this gap we designed a coalescing framework which integrates multiple components- wetland degradation mapping, wetland biodiversity hotspot (considering bird as indicator species), identification of important habitats, habitat quality and connectivity assessments to identify the conservation priority zones in wetland landscapes. We implemented our framework at East Kolkata Wetlands to address where and what should be protected within this heterogeneous wetland landscape. We identified 12.83 km2 as top 10% priority area as the best part of this wetland landscape for biodiversity conservation. In addition, we also identified areas falling under 50-90% conservation priority zones. Protection and maintenance of these areas will increase the overall habitat quality and habitat connectivity ultimately influencing the sustenance of overall biodiversity. As <50% conservation priority area has relatively lower priority values thus, can be used for sustainable economic activities without degrading the ecological characteristics of existing wetlands. Such multicomponent framework will produce more comprehensive and realistic conservation prioritization scenarios than any single method or partial combination. It can be broadly applicable for guiding biodiversity conservation at wetland landscapes situated adjacent to urban areas across the globe.

India's National River Linking Project (NRLP) is a large-scale inter-basin water transfer scheme designed to address water scarcity and excesses by connecting surplus basins to deficit ones across the country. However, such large-scale hydrological alterations pose serious ecological risks. This study examines the potential role of river interlinking on the distribution and dynamics of freshwater invasive alien species and their interactions with native biodiversity across Indian river basins. We modelled the distribution of 15 naturalised freshwater IAS using species distribution models based on bioclimatic variables. These maps were then overlaid with basin-level freshwater biodiversity and threatened-species data, as well as the proposed river-linking network. The results reveal strong positive correlations between IAS richness and overall as well as threatened freshwater biodiversity, with biodiversity hotspots such as the Krishna, Godavari, Mahanadi, Brahmaputra, and the Western Ghats basins being most at risk. The proposed interlinking routes are expected to act as ecological corridors, enabling biotic exchange among previously isolated basins. Such increased connectivity could accelerate biological invasions, disrupt migratory routes, alter hydrological regimes, and undermine ecosystem resilience. The findings emphasise the urgent need to incorporate invasion ecology and biodiversity safeguards into NRLP plans to prevent irreversible ecological damage.

The evolution of body size and its role in structuring communities has long been of interest. Here, we investigated the relationship between body size, phylogeny and spatial patterns of distribution in three aquatic frog genera that have undergone extensive diversification in the Western Ghats of India. We used a comprehensive sampling protocol designed to uncover fine-scale divergence between allopatric and parapatric lineages. First, we found that body size differences between sympatrically distributed lineages were significantly greater than expected in the stream-adapted genera, Nyctibatrachus and Micrixalus, with few assemblages across the entire Western Ghats containing two lineages of the same size. This pattern was not seen in Hylarana where sympatric species typically occupied different habitats, such as streams and ponds. Body size showed significant phylogenetic signal, but we found little overall evidence of phylogenetic clustering or overdispersion in all the genera. We also show that body size evolution in all three frog groups was not strongly affected by character displacement across closely related lineages. Taken together, this provides striking evidence for the potential role of species sorting, where competition leads to spatial assortment of body size, structuring frog assemblages in this tropical biodiversity hotspot.

Dillenia nagalim (Dilleniaceae), a new species, has been described from Manipur, Northeast India. The newly described species shows close morphological similarity to D. pentagyna and D. hookeri but differs from the latter in having a short habit of 2–4 feet tall, an amplexicaul short petiole, leaves with double serrate margins, an acuminate leaf apex, showy flowers, numerous stamens, and 7–8 carpels. We have highlighted the diagnostic morphological characters, colour photographs, phenology, conservation status, and artificial keys for easy identification. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on the rbcL gene supports it as a new species. The discovery of this new species highlights the phytogeographical importance of the region situated within the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, where anthropogenic activities are intense and considered as “vulnerable (VU D2)” under the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Abstract Freshwater ecosystems, although representing less than 1% of Earth’s surface, are biodiversity hot spots whose supports ecosystem functions. In these systems, environmental heterogeneity, driven by habitat structural complexity, is recognized as a key factor shaping community structure. This study evaluated how structural complexity of four aquatic macrophytes influences the taxonomic and functional attributes of periphytic ciliate communities. Macrophytes were categorized using the macrophyte complexity index: Nymphaea amazonum , Cabomba furcata and Egeria najas (intermediate), and Utricularia foliosa (most complex). Richness and density tended to be higher in the most complex macrophytes, although significant differences emerged between the least and most complex species. For functional metrics, only functional richness showed differentiation among plants, increasing along the complexity gradient. Both taxonomic and functional composition varied among ciliate communities in different macrophytes, notably between the least and most complex species. RLQ analysis revealed segregation among macrophytes, with specific traits associated with particular plants. However, the weak differences found between the least and intermediate complexity suggest that increasing structural complexity does not necessarily mean an increase in overall heterogeneity. Instead, fine-scale microhabitat features (interstitial spaces, roughness and protrusions) appear to play a key role.

This study reports the first rediscovery and redescription of Euclinostomum lauroi in more than 40years, based on an adult specimen recovered from the oesophagus of a great white pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) in Lake Tana, Ethiopia. An integrative taxonomic approach combining detailed morphological examination and molecular analyses (ITS rDNA and COI mtDNA) was employed. Scanning electron microscopy revealed additional features, including the fine surface morphology of the cirrus and genital opening. The same host individual harboured 2 Clinostomum species, C. phalacrocoracis and C. tilapiae, for which updated morphological redescriptions are provided. The record of C. tilapiae represents a new geographical record for Ethiopia. These findings expand current knowledge of African clinostomid diversity and identify Lake Tana as an important hotspot of trematode biodiversity. The newly generated morphological and molecular data refine species boundaries within Euclinostomum and Clinostomum and support the use of integrative approaches to resolve persistent taxonomic uncertainties in clinostomid systematics.

The Mediterranean Sea is a major biodiversity hotspot increasingly affected by biological invasions, climate warming, and habitat degradation. Among the most successful invaders are the rabbitfish species Siganus luridus and Siganus rivulatus, Lessepsian migrants from the Red Sea that are now widespread across the eastern Mediterranean. This study examined how these invasive herbivores influence native herbivore assemblages in shallow coastal habitats around Lipsi Island in the Aegean Sea, Greece. Using Underwater Visual Census (UVC) surveys and in situ feeding observations, we quantified the abundance and grazing activity of invasive rabbitfish relative to that of the native herbivores Sparisoma cretense and Sarpa salpa. Invasive rabbitfish represented approximately 35% of the herbivore assemblages and showed clear habitat and dietary preferences. Significant negative correlations were observed between invasive foraging activity and the feeding rate of the native S. cretense, while no such effect was found for S. salpa. High habitat overlap between S. luridus and S. cretense suggests that this native species may be more susceptible to competition on rocky substrates. Evidence of partial resource partitioning was observed, including increased use of seagrass habitats by S. salpa. These findings highlight how invasive herbivores can restructure native herbivore communities and alter grazing dynamics in eastern Aegean coastal ecosystems. Given the ongoing sea warming and widespread decline of seagrass habitats across the Mediterranean, understanding these competitive interactions is therefore essential for assessing future biodiversity trajectories and informing management strategies.

Abstract The Mesoamerican biodiversity hotspot is extraordinarily rich, yet most invertebrate genetic diversity remains invisible, hampering effective conservation planning amid accelerating biodiversity loss. How can this hidden diversity be revealed while simultaneously building local scientific capacity? Panama BioResearch, a hands-on molecular course, addressed this issue by embedding DNA barcoding within training and conservation contexts. Participants collected terrestrial and marine invertebrates across three protected areas and generated 158 DNA barcode sequences, two-thirds of which represented first genetic records for their species. Comparisons with public databases revealed striking under-representation of Mesoamerican taxa, especially non-iconic groups with key ecosystem roles. Barcoding also enabled the rapid detection of two invasive species, prompting immediate management responses. Beyond documenting biodiversity, this experience demonstrates that small, low-cost educational initiatives can produce actionable data, foster local expertise, and inform conservation priorities. Embedding molecular tools in education provides a scalable model for linking research, training, and management in species-rich but data-deficient regions.

Wild Edible Plants (WEPs) are non-cultivated plant species that grow naturally in forests, grasslands, wetlands, fallow lands, and agro-ecosystems and are consumed by local communities for food, nutrition, and medicine. Field surveys were conducted during 2024–2025 to document wild edible plants and associated traditional knowledge. Informants were selected through purposive sampling, prioritizing elders, women gatherers, and traditional healers. Data were collected using structured questionnaires following standard ethnobotanical methods proposed by S. K. Jain, Gary J. Martin, and T. Cook. The study revealed dominance of Fabaceae (11.69%) and Amaranthaceae (9.09%), with herbs (41.56%) forming the major life form, followed by trees and climbers. Fruits (31.17%) were the most utilized edible part, followed by leaves and underground storage organs. Nutritionally, carbohydrate-rich (27.27%), vitamin-rich (20.78%), and iron/calcium-rich species (18.18%) were prominent. Notably, 67.53% of species showed ethnomedicinal value, mainly for digestive disorders, strength enhancement, and anti-diabetic uses. The study establishes Rampachodavaram Division as a regional nutritional biodiversity hotspot and emphasizes the integration of indigenous wild edible plant knowledge into conservation strategies, tribal nutrition programs, and sustainable livelihood frameworks to safeguard biocultural heritage and enhance food security in the Eastern Ghats landscape