Changes In Biodiversity Research Articles

Spatial Distribution and Temporal Variation of Megafauna in Circalittoral and Bathyal Soft Bottoms of the Westernmost Biodiversity Hotspot of the Mediterranean Sea: The Alboran Ridge

The Alboran Sea is the westernmost sub-basin of the Mediterranean Sea, and it is connected to the Atlantic Ocean through the Strait of Gibraltar. The Alboran Ridge is located in the middle of the Alboran Sea and represents a hotspot of biodiversity in the Mediterranean Sea. Besides their critical importance, there are few studies on the communities and changes in biodiversity, and they mostly concentrate on infralittoral and circalittoral bottoms. In this work, the composition, structure and bathymetric and temporal changes of megafauna of the Alboran Ridge were examined. Samples were collected from MEDITS surveys carried out between 2012 and 2022 at depths ranging from 100 to 800 m. Analyses were performed separately for each of the taxonomic groups: osteichthyes, chondrichthyes, crustaceans, molluscs, echinoderms and “other groups”. There was no common spatial organization for each of the faunistic groups studied, although most of them displayed differences between the shelf and the slope. The continental shelf was characterized by the highest values of community metrics such as abundance, biomass, species richness and mean weight of species for all groups except for chondrichthyes and crustaceans. Decreasing trends of some community metrics were detected in some of the faunistic groups throughout the study period.

Long-term monitoring of citizen science: driving factors and pandemic impacts

ABSTRACT In recent years, the importance of citizen science in biodiversity monitoring has become increasingly evident. Citizen science provides valuable data to understand the dynamic changes in biodiversity across different cities. Although long-term monitoring is crucial for understanding these dynamic changes, previous research has primarily focused on short-term data analysis. Therefore, this study analysed data from the iNaturalist platform for 11 Japanese cities from 2016 to 2023, focusing on the driving factors of observation changes and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic using the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) method. The results revealed that the population (total number of active users) metric had the greatest impact, followed by intensity (the number of observations per active day), frequency (active days per active user), and structure (proportion of regular users). To ensure data continuity and reliability, optimizing user structure by increasing the proportion of regular users is essential. Although observation volumes fluctuated during the pandemic, they rebounded significantly post-pandemic, demonstrating the resilience, and adaptability of citizen science projects. The iNaturalist platform provides a stable foundation for long-term data collection, aiding in the comprehensive understanding of biodiversity dynamics. Our study also highlighted differences in citizen science participation and biodiversity monitoring across cities, indicating the need for tailored biodiversity conservation policies. To effectively address similar crises in the future, developing contingency plans is recommended to provide continuous support for biodiversity conservation and public engagement in environmental management.

Estimating vegetation structure and aboveground carbon storage in Western Australia using GEDI LiDAR, Landsat and Sentinel data

Abstract Worsening climate change impacts are amplifying the need for accurate estimates of vegetation structure and aboveground biomass density (AGBD) to assess changes in biodiversity and carbon storage. In Australia, increasing wildfire frequency and interest in the role of forests in the carbon cycle necessitates biomass mapping across large geographic extents to monitor forest change. The availability of spaceborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) optimised for vegetation structure mapping through the Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) provides an opportunity for large-scale forest AGBD estimates of higher accuracy. This study assessed the use of the GEDI canopy height product to predict woody AGBD across five vegetation types in Western Australia: tall eucalypt forests, eucalypt open‒woodlands, low-lying heathland, tropical eucalypt savannas, and tussock and hummock grasslands. Canopy height models were developed using random forest regressions trained on GEDI canopy height discrete point data. Predictor variables included spectral bands and vegetation indices derived from synthetic aperture radar (SAR) Sentinel‒1 data, and multispectral Landsat and Sentinel‒2 data. AGBD was subsequently estimated using power-law models derived by relating the predicted canopy heights to field AGBD plots. Mapping was conducted for 2020 and 2021. The accuracy of canopy height predictions varied with height quantiles; models underestimated the height of taller trees and overestimated the height of smaller trees. A similar underestimation and overestimation trend was observed for the AGBD estimates. The mean carbon stock was estimated at 69.0 ±12.0 MgCha-1 in the tall eucalypt forests of the Warren region; 33.8 ± 5.0 MgCha-1 for the open eucalypt woodlands in the South Jarrah region; 7.1 ± 1.4 MgCha-1 for the heathland and shrublands in the Geraldton Sandplains region; 43.9 ± 4.9 MgCha-1 for the Kimberley eucalypt savanna; and 3.9 ± 1.0 MgCha-1 for the Kimberley savanna grasslands. This approach provides a useful framework for the future development of this process for fire management, and habitat health monitoring.

Glacier retreat decreases mutualistic network robustness over spacetime

Glaciers are retreating worldwide at an ever‐increasing rate, exposing new ice‐free areas to ecological succession. This process leads to changes in biodiversity and potentially to novel species interactions. However, we still have a limited understanding of how glacier retreat influences species interaction networks, particularly the structure and robustness of mutualistic networks. After reconstructing plant–pollinator networks along a 140‐years chronosequence on a glacier foreland, we address the effects of glacier retreat on network structure and robustness. Our results show that the prevalence of different network motifs changes over spacetime, leading to a decrease of network robustness. With glacier retreat, mutualistic networks shift from highly connected with diverse specialist interactions to loosely connected with few generalist interactions. Furthermore, despite the turnover of plant species, we find that species structural roles remain constant over spacetime while depending on species identity. Our findings suggest that glacier retreat reshuffles mutualistic networks with motifs posing low robustness, leading to increased fragility. Understanding the assembly and breaking down of species interaction networks provides novel insights into the development and stability of novel, post‐glacial ecological systems facing glacier extinction.

High-elevation Qilian Mountains and its inspiration for tectonics and biodiversity during the late Middle Miocene

The accurate paleoelevation reconstruction of the Qilian Mountains is critical to advancing our understanding the integrity of the Tibetan Plateau (TP) uplift model, its deep structural mechanisms, and corresponding connections with climatic, environmental, and biodiversity changes. Recently, the first quantitative reconstruction of the paleomidrange (i.e., average elevation of the basin and mountains) of the northern Tibetan Plateau (NTP) was completed, using innovative palynological paleoaltimetry-TP/TPAP [(Tsuga% + Podocarpus%) / (Tsuga% + Podocarpus% + Abies% + Picea%)] ratios, which revealed a rapid uplift of the NTP from low to high elevations during the late Middle Miocene. Here, we analyzed the Ebotu Fauna pollen record (13–12 Ma) from the Hongyazi Basin, situated within the Qilian Mountains, to directly infer the paleoelevation of this region. The pollen assemblages were predominantly composed of conifers (average of 64.0 %), including Picea, Cedrus, and Pinus of the Pinaceae, as well as Cupressaceae, with broadleaves and steppes taxa each accounting for <15 %. This pollen composition evidently reflects a vegetation type dominated by high-mountain conifers forest, consistent with Middle Miocene pollen assemblages from the Qaidam Basin. Application TP/TPAP ratios yielded a paleomidrange of 3492 ± 87 m at 13–12 Ma. Combined with the known elevation of the Qaidam Basin during this period (1885 ± 566 m), the elevation of the Qilian Mountains was calculated to be 4338 ± 653 m. In turn, an elevation of 2646 ± 740 m was obtained for the Hongyazi Basin. This high-elevation terrain provides evidence to support the multi-stage convective removal model of the TP caused by crustal shortening and thickening. It also led to the formation of a humid ecosystem dominated by conifers forest in the Qilian Mountains, supporting the diversification of mammalian taxa.

Species loss and decline in taxonomic diversity of macroalgae in the Gulf of Trieste (Northern Adriatic sea) over the last six decades

Assessing historical changes in marine biodiversity at regional or local scales is often challenging due to insufficient long-term data for most marine organisms. Yet, these assessments are crucial to understanding potential long-term variation in the species pool in response to complex and interacting local and global environmental changes. Here, we performed a comprehensive review of scientific and grey literature, archival records and floristic data spanning over the last two centuries to reconstruct an updated and revised taxonomic dataset of macroalgae in the Gulf of Trieste (Northern Adriatic Sea), one of the most exposed to human-driven pressures and climatically vulnerable regions in the Mediterranean Sea. The subset of data from 1960 to present, encompassing nearly all available records, was used to assess the contribution of species replacement and gain/loss to temporal β-diversity and to test for changes in the taxonomic distinctness of the species pool over the past six decades.We identified 68 species that have never been recorded again since 1990, indicating their likely local extinction. The major change, however, was due to species replacement and to a reduction in the taxonomic breadth of macroalgal diversity, as highlighted by a significant decrease in the Average Taxonomic Distinctness of the species pool, especially along the Italian coast. The loss of species has mainly affected habitat-formers (e.g., Cystoseira sensu lato) and species with Atlantic/Circumboreal and Mediterranean affinities, which were replaced by turf-formers and species with Pantropical/Cosmopolitan/IndoPacific affinities. While multiple human impacts (e.g., coastal artificialisation, unbalanced N/P ratios) might have contributed to the ongoing change in macroalgal diversity, the observed decline of cold-affinity species in favour of warm-affinity species pointed out a critical role of exacerbating climatic changes. Our study demonstrated that historical reconstructions of species records coupled with effective indicators for the analysis of presence/absence data can help quantify long-term biodiversity changes and provide valuable insights into their possible causes.

Population genetics of Macrognathus siamensis (Synbranchiformes: Mastacembelidae): Implications for non-migratory fishery resources in the Mekong River basin

The spotted spiny eel, Macrognathus siamensis is an economically important freshwater fish in the Mekong River basin, which is undergoing dramatic biodiversity changes due to anthropogenic impacts. The species is non-migratory, with a moderate larval duration that facilitates downstream genetic connectivity. Restriction site-associated DNA sequence datasets that includes 3736 and 1244 single nucleotide polymorphisms representing putatively neutral loci, from all geographic sites and without the Tachileik site, indicate strong population structure in this sedentary fish, with a significant isolation-by-distance signature. This structure reflects isolation of tributary populations and downstream dispersal of these distinct populations to mix in the Mekong mainstem and contributes to increased genetic diversity in the lower reaches of the Mekong basin. Genetic data indicates that the dispersal of eggs and larvae downstream is not impeded by Khone Falls and that the falls prevent upstream dispersal of eggs and larvae. Despite this downstream connectivity, there is a strong population structure among above- and below-Khone Falls groups. An analysis of outlier loci putatively under selection provides evidence that the difference between connected metapopulations above and below the falls is due to the fundamental differences in environmental regimes. We hypothesize that instead of a physical barrier, the falls simply represents a demarcation between previously recognized upstream limited-floodplain environments and downstream extensive-floodplain environments. These findings emphasize the need to monitor genetic diversity of key sedentary fishery species to assess whether proposed dams along the river could affect genetic diversity downstream. This genetic diversity is particularly important for the resilience of downstream populations because of the many environmental impacts caused by dams, land use, and climate change. Early detection of reduced downstream genetic diversity could trigger remediation programs to ensure resilience and continued fisheries productivity of important non-migratory fish resources.

Prescribed burning reshapes the relationship between soil chemical properties and understory plant biodiversity

Fire can influence plant diversity directly by damaging or killing individuals or indirectly by changing soil properties. However, the impacts of prescribed burning on biodiversity and the relationship between soil and biodiversity in northeast China remain poorly understood. In this study, we explored the impact of low-intensity prescribed burning on temperate forest ecosystems in northeast China by investigating changes in post-fire plant biodiversity and soil properties and characterising the relationship between these variables. Contrary to previous studies, the results showed that prescribed burning in Pinus koraiensis plantations did not increase understory biodiversity. In contrast, it resulted in a significant decrease in biodiversity over the three-year period. Legumes (especially Lespedeza bicolor) were the understory species that benefitted the most from the fire. Burning changed the connection between soil and plant diversity. After burning, soil organic C overtook nitrate as the main driver of plant biodiversity. Our findings showed that prescribed burning alters soil chemical properties, particularly soil organic C, thus affecting the understory plant composition and biodiversity.

Multidimensional patterns of bird diversity and its driving forces in the Yangtze river basin of China

Biodiversity is fundamental to human well-being and economic development. The Yangtze River, the largest river in China, faces biodiversity loss due to habitat degradation, climate change, and other anthropogenic threats. However, the long-term changes in the region's biodiversity remain poorly understood. Here, we constructed an optimized living planet index (LPIO) by combining Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling and Random Forest Modeling. Using data from a monitoring network of 536 sites, we observed an increasing trend in terrestrial bird diversity and functional complexity across the entire watershed from 2011 to 2020. Our findings indicate that a large-scale ecological restoration program has contributed to increases in terrestrial and aquatic bird diversity in the Yangtze River Basin. In contrast, bird diversity in the downstream area has decreased by 2.83 ​%, largely due to a rapid decline in wetland birds. The degradation of wetland habitats and insufficient conservation measures have negatively impacted bird diversity in the downstream region. This suggests that although there have been significant improvements in terrestrial bird diversity, more effective wetland restoration is necessary for biodiversity conservation. We recommend optimizing the national large-scale biodiversity monitoring network and increasing the number of upstream monitoring sites.

Perturbations in a pelagic food web during the NE Pacific Large Marine Heatwave and persistent harmful diatom blooms

Unprecedented warm ocean conditions, driven by the Large Marine Heatwave (LMH) and the 2015-16 El Niño in the Northeast Pacific favored pervasive toxigenic Pseudo-nitzschia spp. blooms that caused widespread ecological impacts, but little is known about the magnitude to which marine food webs were altered. Here, we assessed the trophic transfer of domoic acid (DA; a neurotoxin) and changes in trophic position from multiple key species during the peak of the LMH and El Niño in 2015 in comparison with 2018, a reference non-anomalous warm year. DA and amino acid nitrogen isotopes (δ15N AAs) were quantified using liquid and gas chromatography mass spectrometry, respectively. Our integrative approach revealed extremely high levels of DA in anchovy viscera (> 3000 μg/g) with contrasting baseline values (δ15N Phe) for southern California fish. These results together with data from northern CA revealed an unforeseen latitudinal isotopic variation in key DA vectors along California, possibly driven by anomalous restructuring of water masses. At the regional level, the observed cross-shore differences in baseline isotope values and DA toxicity suggest distinct pathways for DA trophic transfer for nearshore vs. offshore sites. Given the high levels of environmental disturbance during the LMH and persistence of toxigenic P. australis blooms, our resultant higher trophic position proxies in 2015 compared to 2018 were particularly unexpected. Such results highlight complex trophic interactions, where the trophic status of some species increased while others decreased in response to changes in net primary productivity, and biodiversity, and abundance of forage species. Our study demonstrates the use of δ15N AAs to identify pathways of N and DA trophic transfer and to quantify shifts in animal trophic position, a critical facet of understanding the response of food webs to climate change and DA production.

EcoCommons Australia Virtual Laboratories with Cloud Computing: Meeting Diverse User Needs for Ecological Modeling and Decision-making

Biodiversity decline and climate change are among the most important environmental issues society faces. Information to address these issues has benefited from increasing big data, advances in cloud computing, and subsequent new tools for analytics. Accessing such tools is streamlined by virtual laboratories for ecological analysis, like the ‘Biodiversity and Climate Change Virtual Laboratory’ (BCCVL) and ‘ecocloud’. These platforms help reduce time and effort spent on developing programming skills, data acquisition and curation, plus model building. Recently this functionality was extended, producing EcoCommons Australia—a web-based ecological modeling platform for environmental problem-solving—with upgraded infrastructure and improved ensemble modeling, post-model analysis, workflow transparency and reproducibility. We outline our user-centered approach to systems design, from initial surveys of stakeholder needs to user involvement in testing, and collaboration with specialists. We illustrate EcoCommons and compare model evaluation statistics through four cases studies, highlighting how the modular platform meets users’ needs.

Impacts of Climate Change on Forest Biodiversity Changes in Northeast China

Vegetation plays a vital role in connecting ecosystems and climate features. The biodiversity of vegetation is one of the most important features for evaluating ecosystems and it is becoming increasingly important with the threat of global warming. To clarify the effects of climate change on forest biodiversity in Northeast China, time-series NDVI data, meteorological data and land cover data from 2010 to 2021 were acquired, and the forest biodiversity of Northeast China was evaluated. The effect of climate change on forest biodiversity was analyzed, and the results indicated that the forest biodiversity features increased from west to east in Northeast China. There was also an increasing trend from 2010 to 2021, but the rate at which forest biodiversity was changing varied with different forest types of Northeast China, as different climatic factors had a different impact on forest biodiversity in different forest types. Average annual temperature, annual accumulated precipitation, CO2 fertilization and solar radiation were the main factors affecting forest biodiversity changing trends. This research indicated the potential impact of climate change on forest ecosystems, as it emphasized with evidence that climate change has a catalytic effect on forest biodiversity in Northeast China.

Loss of Coral Trait Diversity and Impacts on Reef Fish Assemblages on Recovering Reefs.

Understanding patterns of biodiversity change is essential as coral reefs experience recurrent cycles of disturbance and recovery. Shifts in the total cover and species composition of habitat-forming corals can have far-reaching consequences, including shifts in coral functional traits and impacts on local fish assemblages. We surveyed coral and fish assemblages along the southern coast of Hainan Island near Sanya, China, in 2006, 2010, and 2018, during a period with repeated mass bleaching events. We showed that coral biodiversity in this region is in a state of flux, with losses and gains in coral cover and an increase in species richness over time. Despite increasing species diversity, the region suffered a loss of coral trait diversity by 2010, with an incomplete recovery by 2018, owing to declines in species with key habitat-forming traits (e.g., high surface areas and fractal structure) such as corymbose corals. Concurrently, there was an increase in functional redundancy due to the proliferation of the dominant encrusting and massive corals. Coral cover was positively associated with the abundance of reef fish, indicating that the changes observed in coral abundance can impact reef-associated species. These results demonstrate that the slow recovery of coral biodiversity in southern Hainan Island has been hampered by the loss of specific coral traits and highlight the importance of protecting vulnerable coral traits in conservation and management strategies.

AVOTREX: A Global Dataset of Extinct Birds and Their Traits

ABSTRACTMotivationHuman activities have been reshaping the natural world for tens of thousands of years, leading to the extinction of hundreds of bird species. Past research has provided evidence of extinction selectivity towards certain groups of species, but trait information is lacking for the majority of clades, especially for prehistoric extinctions identified only through subfossil remains. This incomplete knowledge potentially obscures the structure of natural communities, undermining our ability to infer changes in biodiversity across space and time, including trends in functional and phylogenetic diversity. Biases in currently available trait data also limit our ability to identify drivers and processes of extinction. Here we present AVOTREX, an open‐access database of species traits for all birds known to have gone extinct in the last 130,000 years. This database provides detailed morphological information for 610 extinct species, along with a pipeline to build phylogenetic trees that include these extinct species.Main Types of Variables ContainedFor each extinct bird species, we provide information on the taxonomy, geographic location, and period of extinction. We also present data on island endemicity, flight ability, and body mass, as well as standard measurements of external (matching the AVONET database of extant birds) and skeletal morphology from museum specimens where available. To ensure comprehensive morphological data coverage, we estimate all missing morphological measurements using a data imputation technique based on machine learning. Finally, we provide an R package to graft all extinct species onto a global phylogeny of extant species (BirdTree).Spatial Location and GrainGlobal.Time Period and GrainAll known globally extinct bird species from 130,000 years ago up until 2024.Major Taxa and Level of MeasurementBirds (Class Aves), species level.Software FormatSpreadsheets (.csv) stored in Dryad.

A spatial matrix factorization method to characterize ecological assemblages as a mixture of unobserved sources: An application to fish eDNA surveys

Abstract Understanding how ecological assemblages vary in space and time is essential for advancing our knowledge of biodiversity dynamics and ecosystem functioning. Metabarcoding of environmental DNA (eDNA) is an efficient method for documenting biodiversity changes in both marine and terrestrial ecosystems. However, current methods fail to detect and display the biodiversity structure within and between eDNA samples limiting ecological and biogeographical interpretations. We present a spatial matrix factorization method that identifies optimal eDNA sample assemblages—called pools—assuming that taxonomic unit composition is based on a fixed number of unknown sources. These sources, in turn, represent taxonomic units sharing similar habitat properties or characteristics. The method aims to reduce the multi‐taxa composition structure into a low number of dimensions defined by these sources. This method is inspired by admixture analysis in population genetics. Using a marine fish eDNA survey on 263 sampling stations detecting 2888 molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs), we apply this method to analyse the biogeography and mixing patterns of fish assemblages at regional and large scales. At large scale, our analysis reveals six primary pools of fish samples characterized by distinct biogeographic patterns, with some mixtures between these pools. We identify pools composed of unique sources, corresponding to distinct and more isolated regions such as the Mediterranean and Scotia Seas. We also identify pools composed of a greater mix of sources, corresponding to geographically connected areas, such as tropical regions. Additionally, we identify the taxa underpinning the formation of each pool. In the regional analysis of Mediterranean eDNA samples, our method successfully identifies different pools, allowing the detection of not only geographic gradients but also human‐induced gradients corresponding to protection levels. Spatial matrix factorization adds a new method in community ecology, where each sample is considered as a mixture of K unobserved sources, to assess the dissimilarity of ecological assemblages revealing environmental and human‐induced gradients. Beyond the study of fish eDNA samples, this method has the potential to shed new light on any biodiversity survey and provide new bioindicators of global change.

Using eDNA Sampling to Identify Correlates of Species Occupancy Across Broad Spatial Scales

ABSTRACTAimSpecies presence–absence data can be time‐consuming and logistically difficult to obtain across large spatial extents. Yet these data are important for ensuring changes in species distributions are accurately monitored and are vital for ensuring appropriate conservation actions are undertaken. Here, we demonstrate how environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling can be used to systematically collect species occupancy data rapidly and efficiently across vast spatial domains to improve understanding of factors influencing species distributions.LocationSouth‐eastern Australia.MethodsWe use a widely distributed, but near‐threatened species, the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus), as a test case and undertake an environmentally stratified systematic survey to assess the presence–absence of platypus eDNA at 504 sites across 584,292 km2 of south‐eastern Australia, representing ~37% of the species' extensive distribution. Site occupancy‐detection models were used to analyse how landscape‐ and site‐level factors affect platypus occupancy, enabling us to incorporate uncertainty at the different levels inherent in eDNA sampling (site, water sample replicate and qPCR replicate).ResultsPlatypus eDNA was detected at 272 sites (~54%) with platypuses more likely to occupy sites in catchments with increased runoff and less zero‐flow days, and sites with access to banks suitable for burrowing. Platypuses were less likely to occupy sites in catchments with a high proportion of shrubs and grasslands, or agricultural land use.Main ConclusionsThese data provide an important large‐scale validation of the landscape‐ and site‐level factors influencing platypus occupancy that can be used to inform future conservation efforts. Our case study shows that systematically designed, stratified eDNA surveys provide an efficient means to understand how environmental characteristics affect species occupancy across broad environmental gradients. The methods employed here can be applied to aquatic and semi‐aquatic species globally, providing unprecedented opportunities to understand biodiversity status and change and provide insights for current and future conservation actions.

Balancing the right to food and environmental sustainability: A call for holistic transformation

This paper conducts an in-depth examination of the intricate nexus between the right to food and ecosystem conservation, recognizing the fundamental importance of addressing these interlinked issues for sustainable global development. Anchored in international and national legal frameworks, the right to food is explored not only as a moral imperative but as a binding human rights obligation. The analysis spans a broad spectrum, encompassing the impact of human activities such as population growth, climate change, and intensive agricultural practices on natural resources, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability. The literature review highlights the far-reaching repercussions of food access constraints on marginalized populations, emphasizing the profound relationship between food and the environment. The study underscores the critical role of biodiversity, soil health, and climate change in shaping food security challenges, with a particular focus on the consequences of industrial agriculture. The examination of agroecology emerges as a central theme, offering a holistic approach that integrates ecological, health, social, and economic considerations into agricultural and food systems. The methodology involves a comprehensive review of published studies in the specified domains, providing a robust foundation for unraveling the complex dynamics and interdependencies between the right to food, ecosystem conservation, and the broader context of climate change and human activities. The paper puts forth a series of recommendations, emphasizing the need for policies that integrate human rights into agricultural actions, enhanced inclusivity for smallholder farmers, widespread adoption of agroecology, and educational campaigns to raise awareness. Agroecology is positioned as a key solution, not only for its contributions to climate resilience but also for its positive impact on soil health, biodiversity conservation, and long-term environmental sustainability. The paper advocates for a paradigm shift in global agricultural strategies, emphasizing integrated, sustainable approaches that prioritize inclusivity, environmental stewardship, and the well-being of present and future generations. The recommendations serve as a blueprint for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders to collaboratively work towards a future where food security coexists harmoniously with ecosystem conservation, ensuring a sustainable and equitable world for all. Key words: Right, Food, Ecosystem, Conservation, Sustainable, Climate, Biodiversity, Agroecology, Agriculture, Policy

The Impact of Eucalyptus and Pine Plantations on the Taxonomic and Functional Diversity of Dung Beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in the Southern Region of Ecuador.

This study sheds light on the complex relationship between land use, biodiversity, and the functional traits of dung beetles in Ecuador. The results indicate that the richness and abundance of dung beetles vary across different land uses and regions, with forests generally having a positive impact, while eucalyptus and pine plantations have a negative effect in certain areas. Specific indicator species, such as Homocopris buckleyi for forest areas and Onthophagus curvicornis for eucalyptus plantations, were identified. This study also found that functional diversity analysis, based on morphological traits, revealed that certain traits, such as biomass, pronotum width, head width, and elytra length, were significant contributors to differences in dung beetle communities across various land uses and regions. This study highlights the potential conservation value of certain modified habitats and emphasizes the importance of considering both taxonomic and functional diversity when assessing the impact of land use on the ecosystem services provided by dung beetles. It underscores the potential value of plantations as refuges for dung beetle communities and the need for long-term assessments to better understand biodiversity changes over time.

Caves’ environmental stability shaping subterranean biodiversity in the neotropics

Caves, once thought to be isolated ecosystems", are now understood to have intricate connections with surface environments, particularly evident at their entrances. These connections can significantly affect the microclimate within caves, leading to varying degrees of environmental stability. Our research explores the impact of microclimate conditions, specifically related to cave environmental stability, on biodiversity changes. We surveyed subterranean invertebrates during two different seasonal periods in 17 limestone caves in three karst regions in southeastern Brazil. Our analysis aimed to understand how environmental stability influences the overall richness of cave invertebrates and troglobitic species richness (restricted to subterranean habitats). We hypothesized that more stable caves would experience less fluctuation in relative species richness and lower turnover between seasons. Additionally, we anticipated that caves with greater environmental stability would harbor a higher richness of cave-restricted species in the function of their length. Our findings support these hypotheses, revealing a significant positive correlation between cave environmental stability and species richness. Caves with higher environmental stability demonstrated lower species turnover rates between seasons, indicating enhanced community stability. While environmental stability significantly affected species richness, its influence on cave-restricted species was comparatively less pronounced. This suggests a complex interplay of factors shaping the unique fauna of caves. Nonetheless, the implications of climate change underscore the importance of preserving the environmental stability of these ecosystems. Using environmental stability as a guide can help protect cave biodiversity from the adverse effects of climate change, contributing to broader conservation efforts for these unique habitats.

Amazon vs the Amazon: Green Capitalist Imaginaries and the Death of Biodiversity

ABSTRACT Capitalist forces shape public consciousness and, by extension, how everyday people imagine environmental matters of concern. This article investigates the historical cycling of the three most influential green imaginaries of Western neoliberalism: biodiversity, ecosystem services, and climate change. Using the Amazon rainforest and Amazon.com as icons of the clash between capitalism and nature, we investigate how shifting neoliberal fashions create opportunities for capital to evacuate place consciousness from U.S. environmental politics. The destruction of place consciousness enables corporations to damage the biosphere while minimizing political interruption. We show how place-erasure works through historical cases linked to each phase: the sustainable tropical forest sourcing of The Body Shop and Ben & Jerry’s (1990s), compensatory wetland mitigation in the Midwest (2000s), and Amazon.com’s carbon offset program (2010s–present). In our discussion of these imaginaries or “waves,” we contend that the current mainstream neoliberal climate paradigm is the most pernicious as it diverts the public's attention to the sky and away from accelerating ecological violence on the ground.