The Hengduan Mountains (HDM), a biodiversity hotspot in Southwest China, harbour numerous endemic taxa whose diversification has been driven by the complex geological history of this region. This study investigates the diversification of the katydid genus Sichuana, endemic to the HDM, integrating mitochondrial genomics, morphology and biogeography. We sequenced complete mitochondrial genomes of all known geographic populations of Sichuana, revealing four major clades diverging during the Late Miocene (5.06-8.37 Ma). Orogeny-driven vicariance fragmented ancestral populations, while unstable barriers may facilitate mitochondrial introgression, as evidenced by paraphyletic lineages contrasting with distinct morphologies. We describe five new species (S. brevicerca sp. nov., S. fortidens sp. nov., S. qiuzhi sp. nov., S. luqiaoensis sp. nov. and S. pseudomagna sp. nov.) and two subspecies (S. pseudomagna pseudomagna subsp. nov. and S. pseudomagna borealis subsp. nov.), highlighting the taxonomic challenges posed by discordance between mitochondrial DNA-based phylogenies and morphological classifications. This study demonstrates that orogeny-driven vicariance dominates speciation in low-dispersal insects, but transient gene flow complicates species delimitation. Our findings advocate for integrative taxonomy in biodiversity hotspots and highlight the HDM as a model system for studying biogeographic complexity.

Forest edges and farmlands as key habitats for butterfly communities in a biodiversity hotspot: A case study from the Taita Hills, Kenya

ABSTRACT The Brazilian savanna designated as Cerrado is one of the most biodiverse biomes in the world, yet it has lost nearly 50% of its native vegetation since the mid-20th century, mostly due to agricultural expansion. This rapid degradation makes it one of the most threatened biodiversity hot spots worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for intensified conservation and biodiversity research efforts. The systematic study of rust fungi (Pucciniales) in the Brazilian Cerrado began around 140 years ago with the temporary emigration from Germany of the explorer and collector Ernst Heinrich Georg Ule (*1854–†1915) to Brazil where he was hired as a “visiting naturalist” serving in the National Museum of Rio de Janeiro from 1891 until 1895. Since then, approximately 270 species of rust fungi have been documented in the Cerrado. Historically, taxonomic classifications of rust fungi relied strongly on the interpretation of morphological traits, which are prone to subjective bias that has led to taxonomic instability and is reflected in complex taxonomic histories. Furthermore, recent molecular phylogenetic studies have revealed a high frequency of homoplasious traits in rust fungal morphology, further complicating accurate taxonomic decisions when such traits are considered in isolation. In this study, we conducted morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses on several rarely collected and studied genera of Cerrado rust fungi, evaluating phylogenetic relationships and discussing their taxonomy. We describe a new Puccinia species infecting the genus Coracoralina (Eriocaulaceae: Poales), Puccinia coracoralinae, sp. nov. along with a new genus Dietelomyces, gen. nov. and several new combinations, i.e. Cerradopsora pouteriae, nom. nov. Dietelomyces copaiferae, comb. nov. besides defining the suprageneric status of Esalque holwayi, Dietelia duguetiae, Kimuramyces cerradensis, and Mimema venturae. Additionally, we discuss the effects of identified homoplasious traits on rust fungal systematics based on our phylogenetic analyses. Considering published estimates of rust fungal diversity in other regions, we conclude that with approximately 12 356 documented vascular plant species in the Cerrado, at least ca. 2300 rust fungal species can be expected to be present. This suggests that, to date, ca. of 13% of the rust fungi occurring in the Cerrado has been documented. Given the alarming threat status of the Cerrado and its extremely significant biodiversity, we also emphasize and discuss the potential implications of systematic rust fungal research for future conservation policies in this unique ecosystem. By addressing key taxonomic and phylogenetic gaps, this study highlights rust fungi as a critically understudied component of Cerrado biodiversity and reinforces the urgent need to expand field collections and integrate fungal systematics with conservation strategies as habitat loss accelerates.

Evolutionary relationships and diversification of Euphorbia austroanatolica and E. rhytidosperma (Euphorbiaceae), narrow endemics of the Taurus Mountains in the eastern Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot.

Western Ghats is a hotspot of biodiversity with different species of carnivores. The gastrointestinal parasites prevailing among free-ranging carnivores were documented by examination of forty-three (N=43) faecal samples collected in selected regions of Western ghats by perambulation from February to September, he study revealed an overall percentage of endoparasitic infection of about 60.46% (n=26). The percentage of infection of gastrointestinal parasites in tiger (n=13), leopard (n=17), dhole (n=8) and golden jackal (n=5) were 38.46%, 76.47%, 75.00% and 40.00% respectively. Toxocara spp. and Taenia sp. were documented in all four carnivore species, whereas Diphyllobothrium sp. eggs were recorded only in leopards. Trichuris sp.and Sarcocystis sporocyst were detected only in tiger samples. Strongyle eggs were recorded only in leopards and dholes.

Conservation planning has long prioritized local species richness (α diversity) but has rarely explicitly integrated species turnover (β diversity) into actionable strategies. Areas with high species turnover lack recognition and protection despite their ecological importance. We devised a simple, standardized, and scalable approach for mapping species turnover. We rasterized species ranges, then counted the range edges of each species in each grid cell. This approach enables high-resolution mapping across regions and facilitates the integration of β diversity into conservation planning. We applied this approach to the Eastern Himalayas, where 3 biodiversity hotspots abut, and used endemic bird species as our focal taxa. Our analyses revealed differences between areas of high species richness and high species turnover. Areas of high species richness were concentrated in montane forests, whereas areas of high species turnover tended to be low in mountain forests and peak in foothills and tree lines. Both areas of high species richness and high species turnover are inadequately protected. We contend that species turnover is a critical, complementary metric to species richness in understanding patterns of biodiversity. In addition, areas of high species turnover host unique species assemblages and face a dual challenge. They host peripheral populations that are more prone to local extinction, and communities within them are particularly sensitive to climate change. These vulnerabilities heighten the urgency of protecting such areas. As conservation planning evolves toward more holistic strategies that address multiple interconnected environmental challenges-such as biodiversity loss, climate change, and water security-it becomes increasingly imperative to integrate both α and β diversity into biodiversity mapping. This integration provides a more representative and ecologically robust foundation for long-term conservation planning.

Urban water bodies serve as biodiversity hot spots in a human-influenced landscape. We studied the backwater “Alte Donau” (Vienna, Austria), which has been the subject of ongoing management and restoration efforts. We aimed to capture short-term variations in the planktonic and benthic algal community during a vegetation period with a specific focus on Gloeotaenium loitlesbergerianum with its primary distribution in tropical regions. In total, 196 algal taxa were identified, indicating a high and balanced species diversity. Although the waterbody is shallow and densely colonized by macrophytes, phytoplankton and microphytobenthos exhibited significant differences in composition, particularly in spring. Less pronounced differences during summer were probably caused by macrophyte harvesting combined with recreational activities. We found a clear seasonal pattern with spring characterized by blooms of Ochrophyta, followed by a shift towards green algae, Dinophyta, and Cyanobacteria during summer and autumn. We found high variability in spring samples, whereas summer and autumn samples showed increasing similarity. Temperature, silicate, and alkalinity were the primary environmental factors structuring algal community composition. G. loitlesbergerianum was detected during warmer months from May through October across a temperature range of 14 to 28 °C, with highest abundances >20 °C. Warmer water and altered nutrient regimes not only stress native populations but also promote the establishment of new species such as G. loitlesbergerianum, accelerating community shifts. Therefore, sustained monitoring, targeted macrophyte restoration, and effective nutrient management are crucial for preserving both water quality and biodiversity in such systems.

Abstract Coral reefs in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) are experiencing continuous degradation, with projections indicating rapid disappearance due to rising sea temperatures. Mozambique has the third-largest coastline in the WIO and extensive reef areas recognized as biodiversity hotspots for tropical corals, yet many taxa remain poorly studied, especially soft corals. To address this gap, 182 colonies were collected from seven reef sites in northern and southern Mozambique using SCUBA, at depths ranging from 2.8 to 16.8 m. Species were identified using morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses, incorporating nuclear ( 28S rDNA ) and mitochondrial ( mtMutS ) markers. A total of 63 Octocorallia species were identified along the Mozambique coast, distributed among 11 families and 23 genera, with 32 taxa unidentified at the species level. Notably, 52% of the species and 48% of the genera represent new records for Mozambique. Among these, we recorded the genus Plumigorgia for the first time in East Africa, likely representing a new species. Phylogenetic analyses revealed substantial species diversity, with many sequences not matching known records, indicating potential discoveries or the need for taxonomic revisions. Regional variations in coral communities were observed; the northern region exhibited greater diversity in growth forms, while the southern region was dominated by encrusting corals. Vamizi Island emerged as a biodiversity hotspot, hosting the highest number of families (10) and 14 genera. This study updates the soft coral fauna of Mozambique, expanding the species list from 53 to 84 and adding eleven new genera. The findings emphasize the need for continued research to support conservation and management efforts for these vital reef ecosystems.

The genus Ptyctolaemus (Peters, 1864) has a restricted distribution in northeast India, Indo-Burma and Indochina region. Ptyctolaemus currently includes six nominal species. Previous molecular studies suggested the presence of a genetically distinct lineage from northern Myanmar. I studied a historic series of Ptyctolaemus specimens collected from Myanmar housed at the Natural History Museum in London (n=29) and the California Academy of Sciences (n=17) in the USA. The specimens collected from Kachin State in northern Myanmar are morphologically distinct from the currently recognised species and are described here as a new species. The addition of another new species of Ptyctolaemus highlights the underestimated diversity of agamid lizards in the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. An identification key to the species in the genus Ptyctolaemus is provided herein.

Sundaland’s limestone ecosystems are biodiversity hotspots facing increasing threats from habitat fragmentation and human activities. Our study examines the biogeographical patterns of the limestone-obligate land snail genus Plectostoma across Sundaland to identify the drivers of species richness and endemism. Using 771 georeferenced records of 84 species, we delineated 33 bioregion (biogeographical region) areas based on species composition through Infomap Bioregions analysis. We then examined the effects of integrated island biogeography variables (limestone area, number of hills, isolation), MaxEnt-derived climate suitability, and landscape features such as topography and drainage networks on biogeography patterns and species diversity. Bioregion boundaries were best explained by elevation barriers, drainage basins, and river network connectivity, highlighting the importance of geomorphological and hydrological structure over geographic distance. Generalised linear mixed models revealed that larger limestone areas significantly predicted greater species richness than did higher climate suitability. Canonical Correspondence Analysis showed that endemism composition was primarily driven by the number and total area of limestone hills, while hill isolation and broad-scale climate variables played lesser roles. Most species (87%) were restricted to a single bioregion, with over half qualifying as short-range endemics (<10 km distribution range), underscoring strong spatial turnover. These patterns suggest that ancient geological connectivity, followed by progressive karst fragmentation, shaped current diversity. Future phylogenetic and multi-taxon studies will enhance the understanding of evolutionary processes and conservation strategies in Sundaland’s limestone habitats. We delineated 33 distinct bioregions for Plectostoma land snails across Sundaland. Precipitation defines the broad habitable envelope determining the occurrence of the genus, while drainage basins and elevation barriers (>250 m) serve as the primary determinants of bioregional boundaries. We established that the species richness and endemism of Plectostoma are primarily driven by the total area and total number of limestone hills within a bioregion, rather than broad-scale climatic suitability. Our results support a landscape-evolution model for diversity patterns, linking biological distribution to karstification stages where species dispersed across continuous surfaces during the early (Fengcong) stage of karstification before becoming isolated on “island” towers during the remnant (Fenglin) stage.

Introduction The Mediterranean Sea is one of the world's most extensive biodiversity hotspots, yet its biodiversity is increasingly degraded due to environmental pressures and socio-economic activities, particularly fishing. Although a comprehensive policy framework exists to balance socio-economic needs with environmental protection, tensions persist due to limited integration among relevant policies and institutions. Mediterranean fisheries provide substantial socio-economic benefits, but overfishing remains a critical challenge. Against this background, this paper examines the integration of marine environmental and fisheries policies in the Mediterranean. Methods The study adopts a multi-scale case study approach, covering the full Mediterranean regional level and two national contexts: the Italian North Adriatic and the French Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. It employs a mixed qualitative methodology combining literature and policy reviews with semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and ethnographic research. The analysis focuses on coherence between European Union and regional Mediterranean policies, as well as their implementation at the national level in French Mediterranean and Italian northern Adriatic waters. Results The analysis identifies key challenges in policy alignment and persistent tensions between biodiversity conservation and fisheries management at the policy level. Both the EU's Common Fisheries Policy and the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean incorporate environmental objectives and coordinate with environmental policies and institutions. However, this coherence at higher policy levels diminishes during implementation due to entrenched sectoral silos, power dynamics, varying levels of political will, and differences in available funding. Discussion These findings highlight ongoing difficulties in achieving effective marine policy coherence in the Mediterranean. The dilution of high-level policy alignment during implementation underscores the need for stronger enforcement, enhanced cross-sectoral coordination at both institutional and stakeholder levels, and more adaptive governance mechanisms. Addressing these issues is essential to better safeguard Mediterranean biodiversity while balancing socio-economic objectives.

A new species Perionyx manebhanjangensis sp. nov. is described from Darjeeling, West Bengal, a part of the Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot. The new species belongs to the quadrithecal group, characterized by spermathecal pores in intersegmental furrows 6/7 and 7/8. Within this group, the new species is closely related to Perionyx pallidus Stephenson and Perionyx alatus Stephenson in the presence of penial setae and last pair of hearts in segment 13. The new species can be distinguished from P. pallidus by the extent of clitellum, prostate glands and ornamentation of the penial setae, and from P. alatus by the origin of the intestine, position of the male and spermathecal pores. Moreover, two exotic peregrine species Amynthas minimus (Horst) and Eukerria saltensis (Beddard), collected from the vicinity of Mirik Lake in Darjeeling, West Bengal are recorded for the first time from India. This study provides detailed descriptions of the new species and new records, along with illustrations of key characters. In addition, a taxonomic key for the genus Perionyx is provided.

ABSTRACT Introduction The Ecuadorian Andes, within the Tropical Andes biodiversity hotspot, support exceptional bryophyte diversity due to altitudinal gradients and cloud-forest microclimates, although many species remain undescribed. During examination of liverwort collections from upper montane cloud forest of the Ecuadorian Andes, a new species of Colura with a five-keeled urceolate perianth was found. Methods The specimens were examined and measured using stereo and compound microscopes. Spore features were observed via scanning electron microscopy. Diagnostic features were rendered as line illustrations, using the Sketchbook application on a digital device. Key results and conclusions Colura amphorica is described and illustrated here as a new species from the southeastern Ecuadorian Andes. The new species is characterised by autoicous sexuality, lateral leaves with sac-like structures terminated by hollow cylindrical extensions, the valve of the lobule composed of two basal median cells, an urceolate perianth with five horn-like keels, and an androecial branch bearing 1 (or 2) pair of male bracts, with each male bract containing three antheridia.

Environmental DNA metabarcoding facilitates integrative conservation assessments and species rediscoveries in tropical biodiversity hotspots.

Accurate estimation of forest aboveground carbon (AGC) is crucial for understanding the carbon cycle and formulating climate policies, yet it remains challenging in complex mountainous regions. This study used machine learning framework to estimate the spatiotemporal dynamics of AGC in the Three Parallel Rivers region of China from 2003 to 2024. By integrating China’s National Forest Continuous Inventory (NFCI) data with multispectral satellite imagery, we employed a two-stage feature selection strategy to identify key predictor variables. Among three ensemble algorithms tested, the Random Forest model achieved the optimal performance (R2 = 0.74). The results indicated a net increase of 67.05 Tg in total AGC over the two decades, with a spatial pattern characterized by higher densities in the west and north. Geographical Detector analysis revealed that the driving forces were synergistic, with the interaction between temperature and population density exhibiting the most prominent explanatory capacity. This study provides a high-resolution (30 m) benchmark for AGC in a global biodiversity hotspot and underscores the critical role of ecological protection policies in enhancing carbon sequestration, offering valuable insights for managing similar mountain ecosystems worldwide.

The Eastern Gulf Coastal Plain (EGCP) is a small region within the North American Coastal Plain (NACP), a recognised biodiversity hotspot. The EGCP has been described as 'one of the most important hotspots of speciation and endemism' in the United States, yet remains an anomaly relative to other regions with high biodiversity and endemism. In contrast to most biodiversity hotspots, the EGCP is homogeneous in elevation, coastal and geologically young. We here provide a novel synthesis of the origins and diversification of the EGCP biota. We review published phylogenies of range-restricted endemic vascular plant species in the EGCP to catalogue the geographic locations of their closest relatives. We find the EGCP to represent a crossroads where lineages from diverse locations have converged and, in some cases, diversified. To better understand mechanisms leading to species diversity, we review fine-scale phylogeographic and population genetic analyses across crown eukaryotes in the EGCP and create ecological niche models of overlapping sister species. We find that geographic barriers to dispersal (often rivers) have likely led to high species diversity in this region due to repeated bisection of the EGCP in times of cyclical inundation (e.g., following glaciation). This work has implications for understanding the formation of biodiversity hotspots at fine scales more generally and acts as a regional test case of an anomalous hotspot in a coastal lowland, showing that such areas can be as crucial for diversification and species richness as mountains or islands.

Spatial analysis and niche overlap of two lapwing (Genus: Vanellus) species in the confluence of two biodiversity hotspots in South Asia.

Ecological species groups and trait convergence of urban spontaneous plants: Evidence from 16 cities within biodiversity hotspots

Coastal ecosystems are biodiversity and carbon-cycling hotspots. However, links between biodiversity and carbon cycling are poorly understood and the role of macrobenthic fauna is often overlooked, despite its contribution to carbon storage and processing and key role in ecosystem functioning. Data that simultaneously quantify macrofauna and link it to seafloor carbon fluxes across coastal soft-sediment habitats are scarce which impedes our ability to assess the contribution of macrofauna to carbon cycling. In this meta-data analysis, we combined data from studies quantifying seafloor respiration over environmental gradients in the Baltic Sea (Finnish Archipelago), with faunal abundance and biomass data, to examine the faunal contribution to seafloor respiration as a measure of carbon cycling across habitat types and seasons. The proportional contribution of macrofauna to seafloor respiration was greater in sandy habitats, whereas overall seafloor respiration rates were highest in muddy habitats with elevated organic matter content. Seasonal patterns in seafloor respiration varied with water depth, while the seasonal variability of faunal respiration decreased with increasing water depth. The relative contribution of fauna was highest in winter, when seafloor respiration was low, and in late summer, when seafloor respiration declined but faunal respiration remained high. Bivalves (e.g. Macoma balthica) and polychaetes (e.g. Marenzelleria spp.) accounted for the largest share of faunal respiration, highlighting their central roles within benthic ecosystems. Macrofauna contribution to total respiration decreased with increasing water depth, organic matter content, and temperatures, indicating that variables enhancing carbon turnover depend on habitat type, biodiversity, and season. The observed patterns emphasize the importance of including biodiversity elements, such as relative species abundance, biomass and functional traits of key taxa in carbon cycling assessments.

Biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems reflected by eDNA in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River after drought.