ABSTRACT Florida’s growing population and water demands necessitate effective conservation strategies such as irrigation restrictions. This study employed audience segmentation, leveraging the theory of planned behaviour and value-belief-norm theory to assess irrigation restriction compliance. Four distinct segments, the steady supporters, moderate self-interested compliers, encouraged eco-adherents, and reserved resisters, showed diverse profiles regarding values, attitudes and compliance abilities. By identifying theory‑driven compliance subgroups, this study fills a gap in irrigation policy research and extends behavioural theory to a mandatory water‑use context, offering targeted guidance for improving policy communication and conservation outcomes, serving as a model for future challenges in other regions globally.

The Dai people of Lujiangba area, Baoshan, Yunnan Province, have rich knowledge of collecting and consuming wild edible plants (WEPs). These plants contribute significantly to local food security, nutrition, and cultural identity. Rapid economic development and environmental changes threaten the transmission of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) of WEPs. However, few research or inventory of such TEK had been completed. This study adopted ethnobotanical research methods, including semi-structured interviews and participatory observation, involving 147 local participants. Data were analyzed using the relative citation frequency (RCF) index to determine commonly used species, traditional harvesting techniques, and conservation strategies. In the Lujiangba area, a total of 177 wild edible plants (WEPs) were documented among the Dai people, representing 64 families. Herbaceous species predominated, comprising 63.84% of the recorded flora, with leaves (58.19%) and stems (55.93%) as the principal edible parts. Vegetables (67.23%) and herbal medicine (29.38%) constituted the primary categories of utilization. Among these species, 171 were wild, while 66 were cultivated either in situ or in translocated sites, primarily distributed across homegardens, mountainous areas, and ricefields. Approximately 50.85% of wild edible plants required management interventions such as weeding, irrigating, or fertilizing, whereas 10.73% did not require any additional management. Harvesting exhibited distinct seasonality, predominantly occurring in spring (69.49%), followed by summer and autumn, with minimal activity in winter; only 2.82% of species were harvested year-round. Through RFC value, the more significant plants are: Diplazium esculentum, Elsholtzia kachinensis, Lasia spinosa, and Buddleja officinalis. These findings indicate that this pattern demonstrates the high degree of cultural adaptation embedded within their traditional ecological knowledge regarding species selection, management practices, and seasonal utilization. Furthermore, traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) of wild edible plants (WEPs) is in danger of being lost due to the influence of modern life and generations. The Dai people of the Lujiangba area exhibit profound TEK in their use of WEPs. The traditional ecological knowledge not only supports the sustainable use of plant resources but also embodies the Dai people's cultural identity and regional heritage, highlighting the importance of preserving and transmitting this knowledge to maintain local biodiversity and promote food security and cultural continuity. Furthermore, both in situ and ex situ conservation strategies can mitigate the loss of TEK. However, additional measures are required, including the development of comprehensive databases, the integration of TEK with scientific knowledge, and the promotion of multidisciplinary and cross-cultural exchange.

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.

Horizon scans identify potential changes, enabling proactive rather than reactive conservation strategies. Here, in a follow up to the 2020 horizon scan, 14 biodiversity professionals from different sectors identify ten emerging issues potentially relevant to biodiversity conservation in South Africa over the next 5-10years. The issues identified highlight three critical needs: adaptive governance systems, cross-sectoral collaboration capacity, and vigilance around new technologies that may simultaneously offer solutions and create new environmental pressures. We plotted these issues along axes of social agreement and scientific certainty, to ascertain whether issues might be "simple" (amenable to solutions from science alone), "complicated" (socially agreed upon but technically complicated), "complex" (scientifically challenging and condisderable levels of social disagreement) or "chaotic" (high social disagreement and highly scientifically challenging). Only one issue was likely to be addressed with improved science alone, but the remainder were all "complex", requiring social, economic and political engagement.

Understanding frailty in adolescents with congenital heart disease: A dyadic phenomenological study.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) affects physical and psychosocial health, with treatments including surgery, bracing, and observation. However, the long-term effects on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are still uncertain. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long-term HRQoL outcomes in untreated AIS patients compared to those undergoing surgical or brace interventions through systematic review and meta-analysis. A systematic search was conducted across multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus, WoS, and Medline). Study quality was assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies (MINORS) tool, and evidence certainty was evaluated using the GRADE system. The primary outcomes of the meta-analysis were measured using SRS-22r and SF-12 scales for the assessment of HRQoL, evaluating domains including function, mental health, pain, self-image, and satisfaction after a minimum ten-year follow-up period. Eight studies published between 2010 and 2023 that assessed HRQoL after a follow-up period of ten years or more were included in the systematic review. Six studies were included in the meta-analysis. The observation group showed better outcomes in functional (MD 0.43, 95% CI 0.01-0.84) and mental health domains (MD 0.12, 95% CI 0.03-0.20) compared to the surgical group. No significant differences were found in pain, self-image, and satisfaction domains. Comparison between observation and brace groups showed equivalence across all domains. Evidence certainty ranged from moderate to low. Long-term HRQoL in AIS shows no clear benefit of surgery or bracing over observation, which may offer equal or better mental and functional outcomes. This supports personalized care. Further high-quality research is needed to strengthen the evidence base.

Combining phenotypic and SSR markers to characterize genetic diversity, develop a core collection, and identify elite accessions in Nekemias grossedentata.

The Adriatic sturgeon, Acipenser naccarii, a tetraploid species endemic to the North Adriatic region, has experienced significant population declines, resulting in its classification as "Critically Endangered" by the IUCN. Historically widespread in the Adriatic Sea's tributaries, the species is now at high risk of extinction with occasional reproductions occurring in the wild. Using long-read sequencing (PacBio HiFi) and chromatin conformation capture sequencing (Hi-C), we generated a phased reference genome for the tetraploid Adriatic sturgeon. The haploid assembly spans 1.94 Gb across 2,083 scaffolds, with a contig N50 of 1.024 Mb, a scaffold N50 of 39.6 Mb, and a scaffold L90 of 276. Approximately 80% of the genome is contained within the first 60 scaffolds, indicating a high degree of contiguity. The BUSCO completeness score of the haploid assembly reached 88.9%, while combined metrics for all four haploid assemblies increased to 94.1%. This comprehensive genomic resource provides valuable insights into the genetic and evolutionary mechanisms of polyploidy and, more specifically, it will improve our understanding of the genetic diversity of the Adriatic sturgeon, thereby informing targeted conservation strategies for this critically endangered species.

This study investigates the spatiotemporal evolution and influencing factors of industrial heritage in Northeast China based on a dataset of 635 sites. Spatial analytical methods, including kernel density analysis, nearest neighbor index, standard deviation ellipse, trend surface analysis, and Voronoi polygon analysis, were applied using ArcGIS 10.8. The results indicate that: (1) The development of industrial heritage in Northeast China can be divided into 5 distinctive historical stages (2) Spatially imbalanced distribution showing increasing clustering over time, with east-west concentration along resource-rich eastern zones and north-south shifts from peripheral to central dominance. Spatial transitions occurred from railway corridors to resource zones and back. (3) Regional specialization: Liaoning dominates metal mining/metallurgy, Heilongjiang in coal/petroleum/transportation, Jilin in food/light industries, and eastern Inner Mongolia in transportation/energy. Multifactorial analysis identifies combined influences of resource availability, railway networks, hydrography, topography, climate, and policy shifts. The research proposes targeted conservation strategies informed by these spatiotemporal patterns and regional industrial characteristics, offering methodological frameworks for heritage revitalization in post-industrial regions. This systematic approach enhances understanding of industrial civilization trajectories while supporting sustainable heritage management in Northeast China.

Abstract Carbon finance initiatives such as Reducing Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+), designed to mitigate climate change, offer an opportunity to also protect biodiversity. However, managing forests to store and sequester carbon does not necessarily conserve biodiversity. We evaluated the biodiversity co‐benefits of the Gola‐REDD+ initiative in the tropical forests of Sierra Leone, using bioacoustics and DNA metabarcoding under a quasi‐experimental study design. We used soundscape saturation (SS) as a measure of vocalizing diversity, and e‐DNA arthropod community as a complementary measure of biodiversity to examine whether a Gola‐REDD+ financed protected area (Treatment‐PA) conserved biodiversity more than (1) a multiuse community land (Control‐CL) and (2) a PA without REDD+ finance (Control‐PA). We found that REDD+ financing is associated with additional biodiversity co‐benefits in the Treatment‐PA compared to both control areas. Our study makes three key contributions. First, we provide concrete evidence on a carbon finance (REDD+) project's effectiveness in conserving faunal diversity while sequestering carbon. Second, we present a gold‐standard causal inference study design for evaluating biodiversity co‐benefits of conservation strategies. Third, we highlight the role of conservation technologies like bioacoustics and DNA metabarcoding in informing conservation policy.

Urban expansion presents significant challenges and opportunities for ecological conservation in developing countries, particularly in regions such as the Table Bay Nature Reserve in Cape Town, South Africa, where urban development interfaces with sensitive ecosystems. This article examines the complex dynamics between urban growth and ecological implications in this unique landscape, employing multi-temporal remote sensing techniques to analyze changes over time. By investigating the historical trajectory of urbanization in Table Bay, alongside its impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services, we aim to underscore the urgent need for sustainable urban planning and conservation strategies. To analyze land use/land cover (LULC) dynamics over a 24-year period, this study leveraged a time series of satellite imagery processed within the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform. Data can be accessed using their respective collection IDs within the GEE platform. The use of remote sensing tools aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15, which focuses on the protection, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. Urban encroachment analysis indicates that approximately 0.324 km2 of built-up area expanded directly within the reserve boundary, highlighting a measurable degree of infringement into protected zones. The dominance of built-up and bare land classes highlights the early encroachment of urban infrastructure and anthropogenic disturbance, setting the stage for subsequent land cover transformations observed in later years (2012 and 2024). These findings demonstrate a persistent trend of urban encroachment and ecological alteration within the Table Bay Nature Reserve. With the increase in global population levels, urban expansion into protected conservation areas has become a critical environmental concern, threatening biodiversity globally. This challenge is particularly acute in developing countries as seen in regions like the Table Bay Nature Reserve in Cape Town, South Africa, where urban development is interfaced with sensitive ecosystems.

Background: Managing elderly patients with simultaneous acute cardiovascular and orthopedic emergencies presents a unique challenge. While ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) requires prompt revascularization and dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), pertrochanteric femoral fractures usually necessitate early surgical fixation to reduce morbidity and mortality. However, the combination of these conditions complicates both standard treatment pathways. Case presentation: We present the case of an 86-year-old woman admitted after a low-energy fall, with a radiologically confirmed unstable pertrochanteric fracture of the right femur (AO/OTA 31-A2). Upon routine electrocardiogram, anterior STEMI with new-onset atrial fibrillation was diagnosed. Although asymptomatic from a cardiac perspective, bedside echocardiography revealed a severely reduced left ventricular ejection fraction of 10%. Urgent coronary angiography demonstrated a critical mid-left anterior descending lesion, successfully treated with rotational atherectomy, intravascular lithotripsy, and stent implantation. She was initiated on DAPT (aspirin + clopidogrel) and anticoagulated with low-molecular-weight heparin. Given the extremely high bleeding risk, surgical intervention for the femoral fracture was deemed unsafe. Instead, conservative management with skeletal traction (6 kg) was employed. Despite optimal supportive care and early rehabilitation, the patient experienced a complicated hospital course, including delirium, hematuria, and lower respiratory tract infection. She passed away 52 days post-admission. Conclusions: This case illustrates the complexity of clinical decision-making in geriatric patients with competing acute conditions. Current evidence on how to proceed in patients requiring both antithrombotic therapy and urgent orthopedic surgery is limited. Multidisciplinary teams must carefully weigh the risks and benefits of both surgical and conservative strategies. Further guidelines addressing such scenarios in elderly patients are urgently needed.

A major threat to the declining European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is road traffic. Devising methods to reduce the number of collisions would increase hedgehog welfare in an urbanized world and serve to protect this flagship species, and this goal might be advanced by an understanding of their hearing. This study investigates the auditory capabilities and anatomy of the ear of the European hedgehog. Using auditory brainstem response testing on 20 live hedgehogs from Danish wildlife rescue centres, we measured hearing thresholds across 4-85 kHz and found a peak sensitivity around 40 kHz, revealing that European hedgehogs can hear sound frequencies of at least 4-85 kHz. Complementary postmortem micro-CT scans enabled a detailed three-dimensional reconstruction of the inner ear, revealing small middle ear bones with a cochlear spiral of approximately 1.7 turns. Results show that hedgehogs can perceive a broad ultrasonic range, which provides important cues for directional hearing and may additionally function in prey detection and communication. These findings provide critical insights into hedgehog sensory biology and inform the potential development of ultrasonic repellents to mitigate traffic collisions and habitat disturbances, contributing to conservation strategies for this declining species.

Eleutherococcus senticosus, a medicinally important woody plant, is widely used in pharmaceuticals and functional foods due to its bioactive compounds. Its wild populations are facing severe threats due to over-harvesting. To inform scientific conservation and sustainable utilization strategies, this study aimed to comprehensively assess its genetic background. We developed 13 highly polymorphic expressed sequence tag-simple sequence repeat (EST-SSR) markers from full-length transcriptome data, with an average polymorphism information content (PIC) of 0.52. Using these markers, we systematically evaluated the genetic diversity of 405 individuals from 22 natural populations across Northeast China. The results indicate that E. senticosus maintains moderate genetic diversity at the species level (mean expected heterozygosity He = 0.43), but substantial variation exists among populations. The Linjiang population showed the highest diversity (He = 0.58), whereas peripheral populations such as Tonghua (He = 0.31) and Huinan (He = 0.32) exhibited lower diversity. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that genetic variation primarily resided within populations (66.3%), but moderate differentiation among populations was also detected (Fst = 0.21). Both structure analysis and clustering consistently divided all populations into two major genetic lineages. Frequent gene flow (e.g., Nm > 10 between Raohe and Hulin) and high genetic homogeneity were observed among populations in the core distribution area (e.g., Raohe, Jixi, Hulin), whereas several peripheral populations displayed significant genetic distinctiveness and isolation. This study provides the first macro-scale insight into the population genetic structure of E. senticosus, offering crucial molecular tools and a scientific basis for in situ and ex situ conservation, core collection establishment, and future genetic improvement of this species.

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.

Most research on endozoochorous seed dispersal by ungulates emphasizes long-distance dispersal and its dependence on ungulate species and habitat heterogeneity. In contrast, the role of ungulate community composition in shaping local (around one hundred hectares or less) spatial patterns in the distribution of plant seeds remains largely unexplored. To address such key question, we quantified ungulate seed dispersal at two grasslands in the Doñana National Park (southwestern Spain). One grassland (Martinazo) was used by a mixed community of four ungulate species (deer, wild boar, cattle, and horses), while the other one (Matasgordas) was used almost exclusively by deer. At each site, a plot was established, and ungulate fecal samples were systematically collected and georeferenced from early spring to mid-summer. The seeds contained in the samples were extracted and identified in the laboratory. Our results revealed clear differences between sites in the total number of dispersed herbaceous seeds (1,302 and 606 seeds in Martinazo and Matasgordas respectively) and the most frequently dispersed plant families. Within the four-species community, cattle and deer differed most in the taxonomic composition of the seeds they dispersed, suggesting that herbivore-specific seed selection and dispersal act as key drivers of grassland structure at fine spatial scales, mirroring dynamics typically observed at broader scales. Moreover, only in the four-ungulate community did we detect significant spatial patterns in seed dispersal. These included positive effects of short-distance feces aggregation, spatial covariance in seed content among nearby feces, and a strong correlation between seed content and local feces density. Seed families predominantly dispersed by cattle also exhibited significant spatial structuring. These findings have important implications for biodiversity management in semi-natural and protected ecosystems, as they demonstrate that the management of ungulate species (both wild and domestic) also influences plant communities. This highlights the need to consider the functional differences among herbivores in ecosystem conservation and restoration strategies.

Abstract For many people around the world, especially in Indigenous communities, seasonal changes affect the availability and desirability of different types of food. Assessing the relationship between seasonality, sociocultural preferences and hunting patterns is vital for understanding how these populations harness seasonal food production dynamics to create dietary resilience. In Madagascar's Makira Protected Area, local residents rely on hunting wild animals for nutrition. However, many of the species that they hunt are threatened due to a combination of pressures, including from hunting, habitat loss and climate change. To protect these species and meet the needs of local people, understanding the drivers of hunting practices is critical. Building on social–ecological systems theory and a biocultural calendar framework, we combined multiple data sources to analyse the interplay between wild animal population dynamics, availability of food resources for animals, hunting effort and catch and people's stated taste preferences among wildlife species by season throughout the year. We found no significant correlation between the estimated density of species and hunting success. However, we found that peak snare hunting effort occurred in April, several months after maximum fruit availability and coinciding with the period when local people reported that frugivorous lemurs tasted the best. Hunting success for frugivorous lemurs also showed a strong seasonal trend, peaking in April. Catch rates of animals with other diet types exhibited less seasonality, but respondents still indicated a preference for eating various species during April–May. Survey data indicate a clear taste preference for frugivorous lemurs over animals with other diet types (such as omnivores, carnivores, or folivores). Human taste preferences for frugivorous lemurs also showed the strongest seasonality. Our findings support the hypothesis that hunters pursue frugivorous lemurs when catch success may be more likely, which coincides with the time when they taste best, possibly due to the animals' recent fruit consumption. This highlights the complex relationships between ecological dynamics, human preferences and hunting practices in the Makira Protected Area. Understanding these interactions, while also considering alternative explanations, can inform effective conservation and food security strategies that consider both wildlife protection and the nutritional needs of local communities. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Abstract Glaciers in High Mountain Asia, despite their vast extent, harbor poorly understood biodiversity compared to other mountain ranges. This study describes a new species of springtail, Desoria passui sp. n., and reports chironomid found as larva from the Passu Glacier in the Pakistani Karakoram. Phylogenetic analyses reveal that D. passui sp. n. is genetically distinct from known cryophilic springtails in European mountain ranges, indicating a local evolutionary lineage. Similarly, the chironomid larvae represent a potentially undescribed species within Metriocnemus that does not form a sister group but is instead affiliated also with other barcoded Eurasian species associated with glacial habitats. These findings suggest that the cryophilic arthropod diversity of the Karakoram remains largely undocumented and their evolutionary history is independent of other known mountain cryophilic species. Given the ongoing glacier retreat, documenting and understanding this hidden biodiversity are critical for informing conservation strategies and assessing ecosystem responses to climate change.

Abstract Context Cavity-nesting Hymenoptera, including bees and wasps, provide essential ecosystem services such as pollination and biological control in agricultural landscapes. However, their populations are increasingly threatened by habitat loss, landscape simplification and agricultural intensification. As a result, conservation measures aimed at restoring semi-natural habitats and enhancing landscape heterogeneity have been widely implemented in agricultural regions, yet their effectiveness at the landscape scale remains insufficiently understood for cavity-nesting species. Objectives We examined how conservation context, semi-natural habitat cover and edge density affect occupancy, species richness, reproductive performance and parasitism of cavity-nesting Hymenoptera in an agriculturally dominated landscape. Methods In the Günz Valley (southern Germany), we deployed trap-nests at 16 extensively managed meadows using a paired design comparing sites embedded within landscapes dominated by conservation-managed habitats (core areas, CAs) with comparable nearby meadows in conventionally managed landscapes (non-core areas, non-CAs). We quantified the effects of conservation context, semi-natural habitat cover and edge density on Hymenoptera occupancy, bee and wasp species richness, reproductive performance of Osmia bicornis , and parasitism by Melittobia spp. Results Overall Hymenoptera occupancy did not differ between CAs and non-CAs but showed strong context dependency: occupancy increased with semi-natural habitat cover in non-CAs, whereas no relationship was detected within CAs. Wasp species richness was higher in CAs, while bee species richness did not differ between conservation contexts. Reproductive output of O. bicornis increased with semi-natural habitat cover across both contexts, and brood survival increased with edge density. Parasitism by Melittobia spp. increased with host availability and tended to be higher in non-CAs. Conclusions Semi-natural habitats and ecotones play key roles in supporting occupancy and reproductive performance of cavity-nesting Hymenoptera, particularly in intensively managed agricultural landscapes. Conservation clustering alone did not uniformly enhance bee responses but may buffer density-dependent parasitism. Effective conservation strategies should prioritise maintaining semi-natural habitats and structurally heterogeneous landscapes while considering trophic interactions that may influence reproductive success.

Fungal communities exhibit strong spatial and environmental structuring across forest ecosystems, yet the drivers shaping their diversity patterns remain incompletely understood. In this study, we combined multivariate ordination, clustering analyses, and Zeta diversity (ζ-diversity) metrics to characterize fungal assemblages across environmental gradients. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) revealed that fungal community composition was significantly associated with climatic variables, particularly seasonal precipitation, thermal variation, and elevation. Hierarchical and K-means clustering identified coherent community clusters that differed in species richness and alpha diversity. Bray–Curtis distances and a Ward-based dendrogram further supported this separation, revealing a clear hierarchical structure in community similarity. Zeta diversity analysis indicated a slower species turnover, suggesting niche assimilation and habitat homogenization. Furthermore, the grouping of fungal assemblages followed a power-law model, emphasizing the role of deterministic environmental filtering. Critically, our findings reveal that only 1208 (33.5%) of the 3606 recorded species are present within existing Protected Natural Areas (PNAs), indicating a significant conservation gap. Together, these results provide an integrated ecological understanding of fungal diversity patterns, highlighting how climate–topography interactions structure communities and emphasizing the urgent need to align conservation strategies with these environmental drivers.