Biodiversity Hotspot Research Articles

Lidar-derived estimates of forest structure in response to fire frequency

BackgroundLongleaf pine (Pinus palustris) ecosystems are recognized as biodiversity hotspots, and their sustainability is tightly coupled to a complex nexus of feedbacks between fire, composition, and structure. While previous research has demonstrated that frequent fire is often associated with higher levels of biodiversity, relationships between fire frequency and forest structure are more nuanced because structure can be difficult to measure and characterize. We expanded on this body of research by using lidar to characterize vegetation structure in response to fire frequency at a long-term prescribed-fire experiment. We asked (1) how does prescribed fire frequency affect structure and (2) how do structural metrics vary in the strength of their relationships with fire frequency.ResultsOur results indicated that forest structure varied significantly in response to fire frequency, with more frequent fire reducing vegetation structural complexity. Metrics that characterized the central tendency of vegetation and/or the variance of canopy-related properties were weakly to moderately correlated with prescribed fire frequency, while metrics that captured the vertical dispersion or variability of vegetation throughout the forest strata were moderately to strongly correlated with fire frequency. Of all the metrics evaluated, the understory complexity index had the strongest correlation with fire frequency and explained 88% of the structural variation in response to prescribed fire treatments.ConclusionsThe findings presented in this study highlight the usefulness of lidar technology for characterizing forest structure and that structural complexity cannot be fully characterized by a single metric. Instead, a range of diverse metrics is required to refine scientific understanding of the feedbacks between fire, composition, and structure in support of longleaf pine sustainability. Furthermore, there is a need for further research to broaden structural assessments beyond the overstory and incorporate more understory components, particularly within the realm of prescribed fire science and land management.

MEDIS—A comprehensive spatial database on Mediterranean islands for biogeographical and evolutionary research

AbstractMotivationThe intrinsic characteristics of islands make them a unique study system for the investigation of ecological and evolutionary dynamics. The Mediterranean Basin, an island‐rich biodiversity hotspot, still lacks a comprehensive spatial database for these geographic features. This study presents the first comprehensive spatial database of all Mediterranean islands larger than 0.01 km2, aiding ecological investigations and interdisciplinary research.Main types of variable containedThe MEDIS spatial database offers detailed information on 39 geographic, climatic, ecological and land‐use variables, including island area, perimeter, isolation metrics, climatic space, terrain data, land cover, palaeogeography, road networks and geological information, providing a multifaceted view of each island's characteristics.Spatial location and grainThe study encompasses 2217 islands in the Mediterranean Basin larger than 0.01 km2. The spatial grain of the datasets on which the selected variables are based varies from 10 m (ESA WorldCover) to 1 km (CHELSA‐BIOCLIM+).Time period and grainThe spatial database incorporates data from various sources, each with its own timeframe, such as the Global Shoreline Vector from 2014 Landsat imagery and the WorldCover dataset from 2021. Historical data like the Paleocoastlines GIS dataset offer insights into island configurations during the Last Glacial Maximum.Major taxa and level of measurementWhile not focusing on specific taxa, the study lays the foundation for comprehensive research on Mediterranean islands, facilitating comparisons and investigations into the distribution of native, endemic or alien species. The level of measurement is extensive, encompassing a wide range of variables and providing polygonal features rather than centroids' coordinates.

Morphological insights into the three-dimensional complexity of rhodolith beds

The ecological importance of rhodolith beds stems from their role as structurally complex three-dimensional habitat formed by free-living red calcareous algae. Their structural singularity is due to the great variety of complex and branching morphologies exhibited by rhodoliths that create interstitial spaces and increase their surface area. This increases the ecological niches for cryptofauna and provide refuge for a high number of organisms, which is why rhodolith beds are considered biodiversity hotspots. In this work, we studied a rhodolith bed located in the Menorca Channel, formed by several species of red calcareous algae that exhibit a great variety of morphologies and form an extensive and heterogeneous habitat. This study explored the morphological diversity of the rhodolith bed, comparing the ‘Core Habitat’ (within the center of the bed with the highest densities of rhodoliths) with the boundaries or ‘Adjacent Habitat’ where rhodolith density was lower. Our results show that all rhodolith growth forms (branched, pralines and boxwork) in the Core Habitat had higher interstitial space and were larger than the ones from adjacent zones. Moreover, we explored the three-dimensional techniques to study the morphological characteristics that have historically been studied in two dimensions. This study contributes to the knowledge of morphological diversity in well-preserved rhodolith beds from continental shelves in the western Mediterranean Sea and reinforces the use of three-dimensional measurements, specifically the interstitial space of branched rhodoliths, to provide more accurate data on habitat complexity.

Enviro‐economic and feasibility analysis of industrial hemp value chain: A systematic literature review

AbstractA recent renaissance of industrial hemp has been driven by a plethora of ecologically amicable products and their profitability. To identify its environment and economic fate across the value chain (VC), this study conducts a systematic review of 98 studies published in ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Scopus‐indexed journals. The thematic content of the articles is categorized using three deductively derived classification categories: lifecycle analysis (n = 40), VC analysis (n = 30), and feasibility analysis (n = 28). Bibliometric analysis indicates that the majority (>90%) of the studies were conducted in selected regions of Europe or North America, with further findings around regionally prioritized industrial hemp products, such as hempcrete in Southwest Europe, solid biofuel in North European states, and textile fiber and bio‐composites in East Europe and North America. Lifecycle analysis studies highlight nitrogenous fertilizer use during industrial hemp cultivation as a major ecological hotspot, which is taking a toll on the climate change index. However, hemp‐based products are generally climate‐friendly solutions when contrasted against their fossil fuel counterparts, with hempcrete in particular a highly touted carbon‐negative (−4.28 to −36.08 kg CO2 eq/m2) product. The review also identifies key issues within the hemp VC and presents innovative solutions alongside the recognition of value‐adding opportunities. Furthermore, feasibility analysis indicates unprofitability in using hemp for bioenergy production and there is a relative cost worthiness of hemp bio‐composites and hempcrete at the upstream level. Positive returns are observed under co‐production schemes. In contemplating the literature findings, we discussed and identified gap in existing literature for future exploration, including more studies to provide insights from the Global South, and the production of industrial hemp under a biophysically constrained landscape.

Pteridophytes and lycophytes from Osomba Hills, Cross River National Park, Nigeria

Pteridophytes and lycophytes from Osomba Hills, a biodiversity hotspot in Nigeria, were collected using a transect method. Floristic sampling was done in six 100 m transects and elevation range of 170 m – 405 m above sea level where each transect consisted of five 10 m × 10 m quadrats spaced 10 m apart. Fieldwork was performed during the dry (February) and wet seasons (July) in 2022. F ifty species from 22 genera in the nine families Adiantaceae, Aspleniaceae, Cyatheaceae, Dennstaedtiaceae, Hymenophylaceae, Polypodiaceae, Pteridaceae, Schizaeaceae and Selaginellaceae were recorded. The lycophytes were represented by only one family, the Selaginellaceae, while the remaining eight families are pteridophytes. The family with the highest number of species was Polypodiaceae (21), while Cyatheaceae and Schizaeaceae recorded only 1 species each. Nine species were collected only in the dry season while 20 species were collected during the wet season. The remaining 21 species were identified in both dry and wet seasons. T he tree fern Alsophila camerooniana (Hook.) R. M. Tryon and the three species of Hymenophyllaceae were limited in range of occurrence. The diversity of these ferns was significant (P<0.05) within Osomba Hill. This variance was typified along latitudinal and temporal scales. The conservation status of 47 species were categorized as ‘Not Evaluated’. A comprehensive evaluation of the conservation status of these plants is recommended to enable the implementation of an appropriate conservation strategy by the management of the park.

Damage prediction for planted longleaf pine in extreme winds

Severe wind disturbances are forecast to increase in frequency and intensity with climate change putting forest trees at greater risk of wind damage. Of particular concern are mature and old-growth forests of wind-prone regions which host considerable biodiversity. Landscape configuration, stand structure, and tree characteristics affect susceptibility to wind damage. In managed forests and restoration contexts, these factors could be manipulated to enhance resistance to severe wind events. We measured landscape, stand, and tree characteristics, and damage in longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) forests in southwest Georgia and Northwest Florida affected by Hurricane Michael (2018) and used these data to model wind damage. We hypothesized that wind damage would increase with wind exposure and decrease with diameter-to-height ratio (taper). We found that lower wind exposure and higher taper resulted in substantially lower wind damage. We conclude that maintaining lower stand density during stand development could reduce wind damage by increasing individual tree resistance to wind. Management and restoration activities that increase resilience to threats from extreme weather can help maintain persistence and landscape restoration of global biodiversity hotspots in wind-prone regions.

Evaluating carbon stocks in soils of fragmented Brazilian Atlantic Forests (BAF) based on soil features and different methodologies.

Brazil's Atlantic Forest (BAF) is a highly fragmented, strategic environmental and socio-economic region that represents the fourth biodiversity hotspot while also producing many commodities that are exported globally. Human disturbance plays a pivotal role as a driver of BAF's soil dynamics and behaviors. The soils under Late Primary and Secondary Semideciduous Seasonal Forests (LPSF and LSSF) were characterized by high to moderate resilience, with improved chemical properties as human disturbance decreased. The Transitional Forest to Cerrado (TFC) had the worst soil conditions. Disturbed Primary and Secondary Semideciduous Seasonal Forests (DPSF and DSSF) represent a transitional stage between LPSF/LSSF and TFC. Accordingly, SOCs stocks increased from TFC << DPSF, DSSF < LPSF, LSSF. In BAF soils, to avoid unreliable data, SOCs measurements should be (i) conducted to at least 1m soil depth and (ii) quantified with a CHN analyzer. Human disturbance strongly affected the positive feedback between vegetation succession, SOCs, and soil nutrition. Soil development decreased as human disturbance increased, thus negatively affecting SOCs. Soils in the BAF require a long time to recover after the end of human disturbance, thus suggesting that preservation strategies should be prioritized in remnant BAF fragments.

Bacterial diversity and biopotentials of Hamtah glacier cryoconites, Himalaya

Cryoconite is a granular structure present on the glaciers and ice sheets found in polar regions including the Himalayas. It is composed of organic and inorganic matter which absorb solar radiations and reduce ice surface albedo, therefore impacting the melting and retreat of glaciers. Though climate warming has a serious impact on Himalayan glaciers, the biodiversity of sub-glacier ecosystems is poorly understood. Moreover, cryoconite holes are unique habitats for psychrophile biodiversity hotspots in the NW Himalayas, but unfortunately, studies on the microbial diversity of such habitats remain elusive. Therefore, the current study was designed to explore the bacterial diversity of the Hamtah Glacier Himalaya using both culturable and non-culturable approaches. The culturable bacterial count ranged from 2.0 × 103 to 8.8 × 105 colony-forming units (CFUs)/g at the different locations of the glacier. A total of 88 bacterial isolates were isolated using the culturable approach. Based on the 16S ribosomal RNA gene (16S rRNA), the identified species belong to seven genera, namely, Cryobacterium, Duganella, Janthinobacterium, Pseudomonas, Peribacillus, Psychrobacter, and Sphingomonas. In the non-culturable approach, high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA genes (using MiSeq) showed unique bacterial community profiles and represented 440 genera belonging to 20 phyla, namely, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi, Acidobacteria, Planctomycetes, Cyanobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Spirochaetes, Elusimicrobia, Armatimonadetes, Gemmatimonadetes, Deinococcus-Thermus, Nitrospirae, Chlamydiae, Chlorobi, Deferribacteres, Fusobacteria, Lentisphaerae, and others. High relative abundances of Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes were observed in the samples. Phototrophic (Cyanobacteria and Chloroflexi) and nitrifier (Nitrospirae) in bacterial populations indicated sustenance of the micro-ecosystem in the oligotrophic glacier environment. The isolates varied in their phenotypic characteristics, enzyme activities, and antibiotic sensitivity. Furthermore, the fatty acid profiles of bacterial isolates indicate the predominance of branched fatty acids. Iso-, anteiso-, unsaturated and saturated fatty acids together constituted a major proportion of the total fatty acid composition. High cold-adapted enzyme activities such as lipase and cellulase expressed by Cryobacterium arcticum (KY783365) and protease and cellulase activities by Pseudomonas sp. strains (KY783373, KY783377-79, KY783382) provide evidence of the possible applications of these organisms. Additionally, antibiotic tests indicated that most isolates were sensitive to antibiotics. In conclusion, the present study contributed for the first time to bacterial diversity and biopotentials of cryoconites of Hamtah Glacier, Himalayas. Furthermore, the cold-adapted enzymes and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may provide an opportunity for biotechnology in the Himalayas. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) analyses showed the presence of several elements in cryoconites, providing a clue for the accelerating melting and retreating of the Hamtah glacier.

The Taurus Mountains, the Hotspot of Western Palearctic Biodiversity, Is in Danger: Marble Quarries Affect Wildlife

The Taurus Mountains in the Mediterranean Coastal Basin, considered a biodiversity hotspot, have a rich biodiversity in the Western Palearctic. The number of marble quarries in the Taurus Mountains has dramatically expanded over the past ten years. The objectives of this study are to (i) determine the impacts of quarrying on wildlife and (ii) determine the potential impacts of quarrying on the future of Taurus. A total of 57,547 photos and video images were analyzed on 5447 photo-trap days in two areas, the marble quarries and the control areas. Using 97 randomly selected marble quarries, the area they cover and their annual growth rates were determined. The most commonly seen animals were the wolf (Canis lupus), fox (Vulpes vulpes), lynx (Lynx lynx), and wild boar (Sus scrofa) in the control area, and the jackal (Canis aureus) and hare (Lepus europaeus) in the marble quarries (p &lt; 0.001). Additionally, we found a significant positive correlation between the distance from the geographical center of the marble quarries and the number of dates of wolf, fox and wild boar sightings, with a significant negative correlation for hares (p &lt; 0.05). A positive correlation was found between the area of marble quarries and the duration of operation (R = 0.89, p &lt; 0.00). The waste from quarries, which makes up 79.7% of the total land used for this purpose, is the greatest cause of habitat degradation. According to calculations, even if no new marble quarries are built as of right now, 7.14% of the Taurus Mountains may have disappeared by the year 2027, and by the year 2032, 8.25% of the Taurus ecosystems may have disappeared completely. The Taurus Mountains, a center of Western Palearctic biodiversity, are being threatened by marble quarries. This study advances our knowledge of how marble quarries may affect wildlife. New strategies must be developed as soon as possible to protect the Taurus Mountains, the hotspot of the Mediterranean basin.

Drone-based monitoring of intertidal blue mussel beds in the Wadden Sea – comparison of a threshold and two machine learning approaches

In the Wadden Sea, intertidal mussel beds of the blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) and the Pacific oyster (Magallana gigas) form distinct epibenthic communities and local hotspots of high biomass and biodiversity. To detect and evaluate natural and anthropogenic processes, a ground-based monitoring program started over 25 years ago in the German Wadden Sea. In this study, we describe the potential of drones and machine learning approaches for a remote sensing-based integration into an existing monitoring program of intertidal mussel beds. A fixed wing drone was used to cover an area of up to 39ha in a single flight, with an overall time saving potential of 50%. Applying machine learning approaches, a detailed extraction of the intertidal blue mussel bed coverage with an overall accuracy (OA) up to 95.6% was reached, applying a Support Vector Machine (SVM). The application of a multispectral sensor improved the classification performance. Compared to ground-based monitoring, the drone-based method provided significantly more information on the area extension, coverage, and associated algae of the mussel beds. The results show that drones can provide a non-invasive way to survey large and difficult to access areas providing detailed maps of mussel beds and their internal structures.

Treasures of Italian Microbial Culture Collections: An Overview of Preserved Biological Resources, Offered Services and Know-How, and Management

Microorganisms, microbiomes, and their products (e.g., enzymes, metabolites, antibiotics, etc.) are key players in the functioning of both natural and anthropized Earth ecosystems; they can be exploited for both research purposes and biotechnological applications, including fighting the big challenges of our era, such as climate change. Culture collections (CCs) and microbial Biological Resource Centres (mBRCs) are repositories of microorganisms that investigate and safeguard biodiversity and facilitate the scientific and industrial communities’ access to microbial strains and related know-how by providing external users with skills and services. Considering this, CCs and mBRCs are pivotal institutions for the valorisation of microorganisms, the safeguarding of life, and the fostering of excellent bioscience. The aim of this review is to present the state-of-the-art of Italian CCs and mBRCs, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities. Italy is, indeed, a hotspot of microbial biodiversity with a high rate of endemism and incredible potential, not only for the food and beverage sector (i.e., “Made in Italy” products), where microorganisms can have a beneficial or a spoiling function, but also to guarantee environmental sustainability and foster the bioeconomy through the design of new bioprocesses and products. However, weaknesses, such as the lack of management rules in accordance with international quality standards, are also analysed and ways of overcoming them are discussed. In this context, an overview is given of the Joint Research Unit MIRRI-IT and the European-funded SUS-MIRRI.IT project, which aims to improve the management and sustainability of Italian microbial collections, and serves as a starting point for an innovative revolution in the context of CCs and mBRCs worldwide.

Distribution Pattern of Species Richness of Endemic Genera in Mountainous Areas of Southwest China and Its Influencing Factors

China’s southwest mountainous region is one of the hotspots of biodiversity in the world. However, the study on the pattern of species richness distribution of endemic plants in this region and its influencing factors is still in the exploration stage. A clear regional spatial distribution pattern of plants and its influencing factors are very important for the protection and management of plant diversity in southwest China. In this study, 511 county-level regions in the southwest mountainous region were taken as examples to establish a plant species resource bank in the southwest mountainous region, and the distribution pattern of the proportion and abundance of endemic plant families and genera was analyzed based on 19 climate and environmental factors and 8 human disturbance factors in the southwest mountainous region. The geographical weighted regression model (GWR) was used to reveal the main factors affecting the spatial distribution of species. The results showed that: (1) A total of 4688 species investigated in the southwest mountain belong to 19 families and 32 genera. (2) The endemic species richness in the southwest mountainous region showed a significant uneven spatial pattern, mainly concentrated in the Heng Duan Mountain area, southwest Sichuan and northern Yunnan area, and the Ruoergai-Hongyuan area of West Sichuan Plateau. (3) The results of the GWR model showed that the diurnal mean temperature range, precipitation seasonality and distance from the main road had significant effects on species richness. The study on the distribution of endemic genera and their influencing factors in the southwest mountainous region has important implications for the exploration of the evolutionary history and species conservation of the mountain flora.

Importance of methodological pluralism in deriving counterfactuals for evidence-based conservation.

Most protected area impact research that uses counterfactuals draws heavily on quantitative methods, data, and knowledge types, making it valuable in producing generalizations but limited in temporal scope, historical detail, and habitat diversity and coverage of ecosystem services. We devised a methodological pluralistic approach, which supports social science qualitative methods, narratives, mixed methods, and interdisciplinarity, to fully unlock the potential of counterfactuals in ensuring a place-based and detailed understanding of the socioecological context and impacts of protected areas. We applied this approach to derive possible counterfactual conditions for the impact of a montane protected area on 40years of vegetation change in the Cape Floristic Region-a global biodiversity hotspot and UNESCO World Heritage Site in South Africa. We incorporated diverse methods, knowledge, and information sources, drawing on before-after protected area comparisons for inside and outside the protected area. A significant increase in shrubland vegetation (17-30%) was observed and attributed primarily to a decline in frequent burning for grazing. This also occurred outside the protected area and was driven by socioeconomic drivers and not by concerns over biodiversity conservation or land degradation. Had the protected area not been established the area would have seen intensification of cultivation and increased road networks, buildings, and water storage in dams. Our approach increased historical temporal coverage of socioecological change and contextualized assumptions around causality. Protected area impact evaluation should reengage in place-based research that fully incorporates pluralism in methodologies for constructing counterfactuals in a way that builds regional and global understanding from the local level upward. We devised 10 key principles for deriving counterfactuals grounded in methodological pluralism, covering aspects of collaboration, cocreation, inter- and transdisciplinarity, diverse values and lived experiences, multiple knowledge types, multiple possible causal mechanisms, social science qualitative methods, perceptions, perspectives, and narratives.

Polyploidy and hybridization in the Mediterranean: unravelling the evolutionary history of Centaurium (Gentianaceae).

Polyploidy is considered one of the main mechanisms of plant evolution and speciation. In the Mediterranean basin, polyploidy has contributed to making this region a biodiversity hotspot, along with its geological and climatic history and other ecological and biogeographic factors. The Mediterranean genus Centaurium Hill (Gentianaceae) comprises ca. 25 species, of which 60% are polyploids, including tetraploids and hexaploids. To date, the evolutionary history of centauries has been studied using Sanger sequencing phylogenies, which have been insufficient to fully understand the phylogenetic relationships in this lineage. The goal of this study is to gain a better understanding of the evolutionary history of Centaurium by exploring the mechanisms that have driven its diversification, specifically hybridization and polyploidy. We aim at identifying the parentage of hybrid species, at the species or clade level, as well as assessing whether morphological traits are associated with particular ploidy levels. We sequenced RADseq markers from 42 samples of 28 Centaurium taxa, and performed phylogenomic analyses using maximum likelihood, summary coalescent SVDquartets and NeighborNet approaches. To identify hybrid taxa, we used Phylonetworks and the fastStructure algorithm. To infer the putative parental species of the allopolyploids, we employed genomic analyses (SNIPloid). The association between different traits and particular ploidy levels was explored with NMDS. Our phylogenetic analyses confirmed the long-suspected occurrence of recurrent hybridization. The allopolyploid origin of the tetraploid C. serpentinicola and the hexaploids C. mairei, C. malzacianum and C. centaurioides were also confirmed, unlike that of C. discolor. We inferred additional signatures of hybridization events within the genus and identified morphological traits differentially distributed in different ploidy levels. This study highlights the important role that hybridization has played in the evolution of a Mediterranean genus such as Centaurium, leading to a polyploid complex, which facilitated its diversification and may exemplify that of other Mediterranean groups.

Hidden hotspots of amphibian biodiversity in China

Identifying and protecting hotspots of endemism and species richness is crucial for mitigating the global biodiversity crisis. However, our understanding of spatial diversity patterns is far from complete, which severely limits our ability to conserve biodiversity hotspots. Here, we report a comprehensive analysis of amphibian species diversity in China, one of the most species-rich countries on Earth. Our study combines 20 y of field surveys with new molecular analyses of 521 described species and also identifies 100 potential cryptic species. We identify 10 hotspots of amphibian diversity in China, each with exceptional species richness and endemism and with exceptional phylogenetic diversity and phylogenetic endemism (based on a new time-calibrated, species-level phylogeny for Chinese amphibians). These 10 hotspots encompass 59.6% of China's described amphibian species, 49.0% of cryptic species, and 55.6% of species endemic to China. Only four of these 10 hotspots correspond to previously recognized biodiversity hotspots. The six new hotspots include the Nanling Mountains and other mountain ranges in South China. Among the 186 species in the six new hotspots, only 9.7% are well covered by protected areas and most (88.2%) are exposed to high human impacts. Five of the six new hotspots are under very high human pressure and are in urgent need of protection. We also find that patterns of richness in cryptic species are significantly related to those in described species but are not identical.

A trait‐based understanding of the vulnerability of a Paleotropical moth community to predation by a sympatric bat with flexible foraging strategies

Abstract Prey vulnerability across seasons can be predicted by measuring their morphological traits and availability. Although conventional prey–predator dynamics focus on pairs of prey and predator species, the trait‐based approach allows us to draw inferences at the scale of the entire assemblage. Here, we coupled measurable prey traits with their availability in the study area, to identify the vulnerability of a diverse moth assemblage to predation by the lesser false vampire bat (Megaderma spasma) Chiroptera: Megadermatidae, Linneaus 1758, a bat with flexible foraging strategies, in the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot of India. We analysed the discarded prey remains from several roosts, collected over 3 years, for seasonal patterns in the diet and selective hunting. Through light‐trapping, we collected moth specimens in different seasons and measured the morphological traits likely to affect their vulnerability to predation, such as body size and evasive flight capability. Our results showed that consumed moth prey diversity varies seasonally, with moths belonging to the Hepialidae family being preferred in the wet season. We found that the larger moth species with lower evasive capabilities are more vulnerable to predation. Sphingid and Hepialid moths, among the most abundant in the diet, have the lowest manoeuvrability and the maximum body size, respectively. By assessing vulnerability at the prey assemblage level, our study sets the stage for future research on moth–bat interactions from the diverse and less‐explored Paleotropical communities. In addition, the study reiterates the usefulness of trait‐based approaches to understanding prey–predator dynamics.

Costs and benefits of restoration are still poorly quantified: evidence from a systematic literature review on the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

The achievement of international forest restoration goals requires economically viable land‐use options. The Brazilian Atlantic Forest is a priority area for ecosystem restoration, as it is widely deforested to make place for intensive agriculture and one of the most threatened biodiversity hotspots in the world. We systematically reviewed existing scientific literature on the biome to highlight the evidence on economic benefits and costs of forest restoration. A total of 15 publications were identified that quantify costs and/or economic benefits of forest restoration. We observed that most studies (12) were published after 2018 and that research on the topic was biogeographically biased as 12 publications referred to study sites in Brazil's Southeast Region. Given its beneficial natural conditions, the Atlantic Forest is predestined for a wide range of restoration‐related opportunities, yet economic benefits of restoration are underexplored (seven studies). Moreover, benefits from a multifunctional use of restored forests are almost absent in the literature with only three studies presenting primary data. Elaboration of restoration costs is also limited to 10 studies that focus predominantly on active restoration. Thus, we argue that the economic costs and benefits of forest restoration are not well understood. Clarity thereon is, however, critical for policy formulation and to mobilize private investments. We therefore call for studies to fill in the knowledge gap on restoration economics in the Atlantic Forest biome, and to study restoration economics in other biomes as well.

Peat mine as a threat to the diversity of aquatic beetles (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae) in the protected area Nature 2000 in Poland.

Peatlands, shaped by centuries of human activities, now face a primary threat from mining activities. Vulnerable to drainage and hydrological instability, peatland areas encounter challenges that compromise their ecological integrity. This study hypothesised that permanent water reservoirs within mines could serve as refugia for water beetles from adjacent areas prone to drying in the summer. Employing standard methods, including entomological scraping and water traps, samples were collected. Results revealed that, in most cases, water beetles exhibited a preference for the Nature 2000 area untouched by mining. Despite unfavourable conditions, the Nature 2000 area showcased a more diverse water beetle fauna. Remarkably, the selected Nature 2000 area, despite its identified degradation based on flora, remained a biodiversity hotspot for peatland water beetle fauna. The study underscores the significance of assessing insects, particularly beetles, as rapid responders to environmental changes. This evaluation holds crucial implications for peatland restoration planning and decision-making regarding mining investments in proximity to peatland areas.

Does the State of Scientific Knowledge and Legal Regulations Sufficiently Protect the Environment of River Valleys?

The pressure of human activity in river valley environments has always been high. Even today, despite the increasing awareness of societies around the world regarding the need to protect water and biodiversity, there are concerns that the current river valley management systems are insufficient. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the state of knowledge about the soils and forest ecosystems of river valleys in terms of the possibility of protecting river valley environments. This study used data obtained from the Forest Data Bank (FDB) database, which focuses on forests in Poland. After analyzing 17,820 forest sections where the soils were described as fluvisols, it was found that forest areas associated with fluvisols (typical, fertile soils of river valleys) are quite well recognized and protected in Poland. Most (55%) forested fluvisols are located in Natura 2000 sites (an important European network of biodiversity hotspots), 4% in nature reserves, and 1% in national parks. Additionally, the main forest habitat type associated with fluvisols is riparian forest, composed mainly of Quercus, Ulmus, and Fraxinus, which is protected as Natura 2000 habitat type 91F0. Preserving the sustainability of the forest is also a form of soil protection. Despite the identification of soils and forests in river valleys, as well as appropriate legal tools, their protection may be ineffective due to the fragmentation of forms of protection and the lack of a coherent system for managing river valleys. Because the conservation status of the river valleys is also influenced by the management of areas located outside the river valleys, in order to protect river valley ecosystems, integrated conservation plans for entire catchments should be implemented. Due to potential conflicts related to the management of areas with diverse expectations of local communities, it would be advisable for such plans to be created by local experts but under the supervision of a specialist/specialists from outside the area covered by a given river basin.

Dissimilar forests along the Rio Doce watershed call for multiple restoration references to avoid biotic homogenization

An environmental disaster caused by the rupture of a mining tailings dam has impacted a large area of the Rio Doce watershed in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, resulting in unprecedented damage at spatial and temporal scales. The Atlantic Forest is one of the world's most important biodiversity hotspots. A long history of land use conversion has resulted in a highly fragmented landscape. Despite numerous restoration initiatives, these efforts have often biased criteria and use limited species assemblages. We conducted a comprehensive synthesis of the plant community in riparian forests along the Rio Doce watershed. Our work detailed vegetation composition (tree and sapling strata) and examined its relationship with edaphic and landscape factors, aiming to inform restoration projects with scientifically robust knowledge. A total of 4906 individuals from the tree strata and 4565 individuals from the sapling strata were recorded, representing a total of 1192 species from 75 families. Only 0.8% of the tree species and 0.5% of the sapling species occurred in all sampled sectors, with over 84% of the species occurring in a single watershed sector for both strata. We observed a high species heterogeneity modulated by turnover (92.3% in the tree, and 92.7% in the sapling strata) among sites. Overall, our research revealed a gradient of soil fertility influencing species composition across different strata. Additionally, we discovered that preserved landscapes had a positive impact on species diversity within both strata. The species exclusivity in the sampled sites and the high turnover rate imply the need to consider multiple reference ecosystems when restoring the watershed to reduce the risk of biotic homogenization. Finally, the reference ecosystems defined here serve as a basis for the selection of locally particular species in the implementation of restoration projects that aim to improve biodiversity, ecosystem services, and water security.