Current Distribution Of Species Research Articles

Standard metabolic rate variation among New Zealand Orthoptera

Standard metabolic rates (SMR) of ectotherms reflect the energetic cost of self-maintenance and thus provide important information about life-history strategies of organisms. We examined variation in SMR among fifteen species of New Zealand orthopteran. These species represent a heterogeneous group with a wide geographic distribution, differing morphologies and life histories. Gathering original data on morphological and physiological traits of individual species is a first step towards understanding existing variability. Individual metabolic rates of ectotherms are one of the first traits to respond to climate change. Baseline SMR datasets are valuable for modeling current species distributions and their responses to a changing climate. At higher latitudes, the average environmental temperature decreases. The pattern that cold-adapted ectotherms display higher SMR at colder temperatures and greater thermal sensitivity to compensate for lower temperatures and the shorter growing and reproductive seasons is predicted from the metabolic cold adaptation (MCA) hypothesis. We predict higher SMR for the orthopteran species found at higher latitudes. We further compared the index of thermal sensitivity Q10 per species. We used closed-system respirometry to measure SMR, at two test temperatures (4 °C and 14 °C), for the fifteen species acclimated to the same conditions. As expected, we found significant differences in SMR among species. The rate of oxygen consumption was positively correlated with body mass. Our findings do not support the MCA hypothesis. In fact, we found evidence of co-gradient variation in SMR, whereby insects from higher elevations and latitudes presented lower SMR. We discuss our findings in relation to life histories and ecology of each species. The novel physiological data presented will aid in understanding potential responses of these unusual species to changing climatic conditions in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

The relationship between phylogeny, range size, niche breadth and niche overlap in European orchids (Orchidaceae)

AbstractAimUnderstanding the various factors that contribute to the distribution and geographical ranges of plant and animal species has been a central issue in ecology, evolution and biogeography for more than two centuries. In this study, we investigated whether (i) niche breadth is phylogenetically conserved, (ii) niche overlap is negatively correlated with orchid evolutionary distance, and (iii) more recently diverged sister species show more niche overlap compared to older sister species.LocationEurope.TaxonOrchids (Orchidaceae).MethodsEcological niche models were created for 107 European orchid species distributed across 17 genera using occurrence and environmental data. A time‐calibrated phylogeny was reconstructed and the phylogenetic signal for range size and niche breadth was estimated. Phylogenetic distances among species were calculated to test the hypothesis that niche overlap is explained by evolutionary history. Finally, we investigated whether the divergence age of sister taxa was negatively related to niche overlap.ResultsRange size and niche breadth in both geographical and environmental space varied by more than three orders of magnitude and were strongly correlated with each other. We did not find strong evidence for phylogenetic conservatism in range size, niche breadth and niche overlap. However, sister taxa pairs with older divergence age showed less overlap in their environmental niche compared to more recently diverged sister taxa.Main ConclusionsWe conclude that orchid species that have broader ecological niches tend to display larger range sizes. Our results further show that the current distribution of orchid species across the European continent is best explained by recent speciation events and relative rapid adaptation to local environmental conditions, while deep‐level phylogenetic relationships are not correlated with ecological niche breadth.

Reconstructing the Biogeographic History of the Genus Aurelia Lamarck, 1816 (Cnidaria, Scyphozoa), and Reassessing the Nonindigenous Status of A. solida and A. coerulea in the Mediterranean Sea

The genus Aurelia is one of the most extensively studied within the class Scyphozoa. However, much of the research was historically attributed to the species Aurelia aurita (Linnaeus, 1758) before the recognition of its taxonomic complexity. Initially considered cosmopolitan and globally distributed, recent phylogenetic analysis has challenged this assumption. Consequently, the current distribution of species within the genus Aurelia and the processes that led to this distribution remain largely unexplored. After genetically confirming that the species traditionally present in the Mar Menor coastal lagoon in the southwestern Mediterranean corresponds to A. solida, we compiled data on the locations where moon jellyfish species have been genetically identified and mapped these coordinates to the geological period when the genus Aurelia diverged from other scyphozoan genera. We propose two hypotheses to explain the disjunct distribution of certain species. The first one assumes recent human-mediated introductions, while the second posits an absence of introductions. Both hypotheses, supported by fossil and historical records, suggest a Paleo-Tethys origin of the genus Aurelia. Migration from this area explains most of the genus’s current distribution without human intervention, being the Mediterranean Sea, where A. solida should be considered autochthonous, part of their natural distribution range.

Nature reserves and reforestation expend the potential habitats for endangered plants: A model study in Cangshan, China

The loss of biodiversity is one of the greatest challenges in the world. Nature Reserves are widely recognized as an effective strategy to protect against biodiversity crises. Over the past 40 years, the vegetation coverage of the Cangshan Reserve and its surrounding areas has increased significantly largely due to the reforestation project. In this study, we specifically evaluated the capacity of nature reserves and reforestation efforts to increase the area of potential habitats for endangered plants, using historical and current species distribution models (SDM). Our findings revealed that the highly suitable area for endangered species constituted 31.5 % of Cangshan Reserve and 3.3 % of the total study area in 1980 model. However, in the 2020 model, the highly suitable area increased to 37.9 % of Cangshan Reserve and 3.9 % of the total area. In total, the highly suitable area in 2020 exceeded that of 1980 by 37.12 km2. The significant increase of the highly suitable area can be attributed to the plantations within the Cangshan Reserve. Despite a noted increase in vegetation cover outside the reserve, the present study did not find a significant expansion in suitable habitats outside Cangshan Reserve. In conclusion, our study suggests that reforestation policy alone may not suffice to expand the potential habitats for endangered plants, a combined approach involving the establishment of nature reserves and the implementation of reforestation programs may prove to be a more effective strategy in the increase of potential habitats for these rare and endangered plants.

Out of the desert: Paleoclimatic changes drove the diversification of arid-adapted Ocymyrmex ants in southern Africa

A highly endemic ant fauna is found in the arid regions of southern Africa, including species in the genus Ocymyrmex. This genus of ants has higher species richness in the western arid regions of southern Africa compared to tropical and subtropical parts of the continent. The processes that have produced these patterns of diversity and distribution of arid adapted ants in southern Africa have never been investigated. The diversification of many other taxa in the region has been associated with past climate fluctuations that occurred during the Miocene epoch. In this study, the nature and timing of historical processes that may have led to the diversification within Ocymyrmex were assessed. We hypothesized that past climate oscillations, characterized by long periods of aridification, have driven the current distribution of Ocymyrmex species that resulted in the highest species richness of the genus in the Deserts & xeric shrublands biome in southern Africa.Ninety-four Ocymyrmex worker specimens from Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe, representing 21 currently described species and six morphospecies, were included in a phylogenomic analysis. Phylogenies for the genus, based on next generation sequencing data from ultraconserved elements, were inferred using Maximum Likelihood, and a dating analysis was performed using secondary age estimates as calibration points. A distribution database of Ocymyrmex records was used to assign species ranges, which were then coded according to major biomes in southern Africa and used as input for biogeographical analysis. We explored the phylogenomic relationships of Ocymyrmex and analysed these within a biogeographical and paleoclimatic framework to disentangle the potential processes responsible for diversification in this group. Dating analyses estimated that the crown age of Ocymyrmex dates to the Oligocene, around 32 Ma. Diversification within this group occurred between the mid-Miocene (∼12.5 Ma) and Pleistocene (∼2 Ma). Our biogeographic analyses suggest that Ocymyrmex species originated in the south-western region of southern Africa, which is now part of the Deserts & xeric shrublands biome and diversified into eastern subtropical areas during the Pliocene. Paleoclimatic changes resulting in increased aridity during the Miocene likely drove the diversification of the genus Ocymyrmex. It is most likely that the diversification of grasslands, because of historical climate change, facilitated the diversification of these ants to the eastern parts of southern Africa when open grasslands replaced forests during the early Miocene.

Echoes of the past: niche evolution, range dynamics, and their coupling shape the distribution of species in the Chrysanthemum zawadskii species complex

The distribution of species changes over time, and the current distribution of different species could result from distinct eco-evolutionary processes. Thus, investigating the spatiotemporal changes in the niche and geographic range of species is fundamental to understanding those processes and mechanisms shaping the current distributions of species. However, many studies only compared the current distribution and niche of the target species, ignoring the fact that the range shift of species is a dynamic process. Here, we reconstructed niche evolution and range dynamics of species to provide more information on related eco-evolutionary processes. We focused on a monophyletic species complex,Chrysanthemum zawadskiispecies complex, in which species occupy diverse habitats and exhibit different distribution patterns. Specifically, we investigated the niche breadth and overlap between lineages or species of the complex in geographic and environmental spaces. We then tested the phylogenetic signals for different climatic variables and estimated the niche of ancestral nodes on a time-calibrated phylogeny. Next, we used phyloclimatic modeling to reconstruct the dynamics of range shift for this complex. Our results show that this complex contains both specialist and generalist species, and niche diverges greatly among different species and intraspecific lineages of the complex. The moisture gradient may be the primary driver of the niche divergence of species in the complex. The reconstruction of ancestral distribution shows that this complex originated in the Qinling mountains and surrounding areas during the early Pliocene, and then diverged with the range expansion and niche evolution. Species of the complex have different range dynamics. Based on our findings, we propose that niche evolution, range dynamics, and their coupling shape the distribution of species, which provides insight into the eco-evolutionary processes that formed the current distribution of species in theC. zawadskiicomplex.

Distribution of the alien Tubificid worm Branchiura sowerbyi (Beddard, 1892) in Morocco

The tubificid worm Branchiura sowerbyi Beddard, 1892 is one of the most successful invasive freshwater oligochaetes worldwide. In the Maghreb region, this species was known only from two localities in Morocco and from one locality in Libya. This paper presents novel information about the current distribution and presence of this invasive species in Morocco, and provides guidance on further areas of research regarding invasive oligochaetes in North African.

Management plans for Korean national parks to conserve the habitat of the Korean fir (Abies koreana)

The Korean fir (Abies koreana) is dying and declining due to recent increases in temperature, water stress, and competition from temperate trees. Therefore, it is becoming crucial for national parks to have effective management plans for the conservation of the Korean fir's predicted potential habitat. This study was conducted in three Korean national parks—Deogyusan National Park (NP), Jirisan National Park, and Hallasan National Park—that are known to have the representative natural habitat of the Korean fir. The variables were selected by species experts.In this study, we used the MaxEnt model to represent potential habitats for 59 Korean fir presence points and environmental variables created with 10-meter spatial resolution to reflect the microclimate. There were 10 environmental variables for Deogyusan NP, 12 for Jirisan NP, and nine for Hallasan NP. The model's area under the curve (AUC) was 0.993 for Deogyusan NP, 0.968 for Jirisan NP, and 0.975 for Hallasan NP, with these values greater than 0.9 indicating a high degree of fit.Forest type and elevation were analyzed as the most influential variables affecting the distribution in Deogyusan and Jirisan NPs, while Hallasan NP showed the most pronounced effects from artificial disturbances. In addition, the numerical ranges for high probability of distribution were different for each variable, suggesting the need for a regional-scale analysis. Current species distribution models are projected on future changes in climate. According to the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP) 2–4.5 and 5–8.5 scenarios, the Korean fir is at significant risk of disappearing from Deogyusan and Jirisan NPs in the near term (2030s), mid-term (2060s), and long-term (2090s), while the area of suitable habitats for the Korean fir is slightly increasing in Hallasan NP. Given that both climate and the environment affect the distribution of Korean fir in different regions, this study suggests that national parks' conservation management plans for the preservation of the predicted habitat of the Korean fir, which is vulnerable to climate change, should reflect the characteristics of the region. For the effective conservation and restoration of the species in the future, it is necessary to categorize status and conservation strategies by region.

Integrative taxonomy and evolutionary history reveal cryptic diversity in Myotis riparius (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae)

Abstract Myotis riparius is an insectivorous bat species widely distributed in the Neotropics with evident geographical variation in morphological traits. We conducted an integrative study using mitochondrial DNA, qualitative and quantitative morphology, and current and past species distribution models to investigate the variation, population structure, and distributional limits within M. riparius populations. Phylogenetic inferences indicated that M. riparius is monophyletic, and populations are divided into geographically structured clades that split during the middle Pleistocene. There is no shared haplotype between geographical populations and strong evidence of partial restriction in gene flow. Morphological and morphometric variations revealed subtle distinctions among different populations, but little correspondence with molecular analysis. The distribution models indicated that M. riparius is associated with forest environments, with discontinuity between populations from South American ecoregions. Past distribution modelling, however, indicated that M. riparius had a larger distribution range in the Last Glacial Maximum than currently. Results of modelling and genetic analyses indicated that M. riparius consisted of a large, widespread, and panmictic (meta)population until the middle Pleistocene, when environmental changes driven by climatic dynamics fragmented and isolated the populations. Myotis riparius is here considered a complex of at least four allopatric and parapatric cryptic evolutionary units.

Potential Range Map Dataset of Indian Birds

Conservation management heavily relies on accurate species distribution data. However, distributional information for most species is limited to distributional range maps, which could not have enough resolution to take conservation action and know current distribution status. In many cases, distribution maps are difficult to access in proper data formats for analysis and conservation planning of species. In this study, we addressed this issue by developing Species Distribution Models (SDMs) that integrate species presence data from various citizen science initiatives. This allowed us to systematically construct current distribution maps for 1091 bird species across India. To create these SDMs, we used MaxEnt 3.4.4 (Maximum Entropy) as the base for species distribution modelling and combined it with multiple citizen science datasets containing information on species occurrence and 29 environmental variables. Using this method, we were able to estimate species distribution maps at both a national scale and a high spatial resolution of 1 km2. Thus, the results of our study provide species current species distribution maps for 968 bird species found in India. These maps significantly improve our knowledge of the geographic distribution of about 75% of India’s bird species and are essential for addressing spatial knowledge gaps for conservation issues. Additionally, by superimposing the distribution maps of different species, we can locate hotspots for bird diversity and align conservation action.

Predicting climate change impacts on critical fisheries species in Fijian marine systems and its implications for protected area spatial planning

AbstractAimSpatially explicit protections of coastal habitats determined on the current distribution of species and ecosystems risk becoming obsolete in 100 years if the movement of species ranges outpaces management action. Hence, a critical step of conservation is predicting the efficacy of management actions in future. We aimed to determine how foundational, habitat‐building species will respond to climate change in Fiji.LocationThe Republic of Fiji.MethodsWe develop species distribution models (SDMs) using MaxEnt, General Additive Models and Boosted Regression Trees and publicly available data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility to predict changes in distribution of suitable habitat for mangrove forests, coral habitat, seagrass meadows and critical fisheries invertebrates under several IPCC climate change scenarios in 2070 or 2100. We then overlay predicted distribution models onto existing Fijian protected area network to assess whether today's conservation measures will afford protection to tomorrow's distributions.ResultsWe found that mangrove suitability is projected to decrease along the Coral Coast and increase northward towards the Yasawa Islands due to precipitation changes. The response of seagrass meadows was predicted to be inconsistent and dependent on the climate scenario. Meanwhile, suitability for coral reefs was not predicted to decline significantly overall. The mangrove crab Scylla serrata, an important resource for fisherwomen in Fiji, is projected to increase in habitat suitability while economically important sea cucumber species will have highly variable responses to climate change.Main conclusionsSpecies distribution models are a critical tool for conservation managers, as linking spatial distribution data with future climate change scenarios can aid in the creation and resiliency of protected area programmes. New protected area designations should consider the future distribution of species to maximize benefits to those taxa.

Investigation of the Rare Fraction of Flora in the Projected Landscape Reserve "Balka Shchurivska"

The study investigates the current distribution of rare plant species within the ravine system "Balka Shchurivska" and provides justification for granting the site protected area status. The research examines the presence of rare plant species listed in the Red Book of Ukraine, the Red List of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, and international conservation lists. Field surveys conducted from 2020-2023 revealed the presence of 26 regionally rare plant species, 13 species listed in the Red Book of Ukraine, 3 species from Resolution 6 of the Bern Convention and annexes of the Habitats Directive represented in Ukraine's flora, and 1 species from the IUCN Red List. Notable rare species found include Pulsatilla pratensis, Adonis vernalis, and Stipa capillata. The study highlights the importance of the area for biodiversity conservation and recommends its designation as a landscape reserve of national importance.

The current distribution of tick species in Inner Mongolia and inferring potential suitability areas for dominant tick species based on the MaxEnt model

BackgroundTicks are known to transmit a wide range of diseases, including those caused by bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. The expansion of tick habitats has been intensified in recent years due to various factors such as global warming, alterations in microclimate, and human activities. Consequently, the probability of human exposure to diseases transmitted by ticks has increased, leading to a higher degree of risk associated with such diseases.MethodsIn this study, we conducted a comprehensive review of domestic and international literature databases to determine the current distribution of tick species in Inner Mongolia. Next, we employed the MaxEnt model to analyze vital climatic and environmental factors influencing dominant tick distribution. Subsequently, we predicted the potential suitability areas of these dominant tick species under the near current conditions and the BCC-CSM2.MR model SSP245 scenario for the future periods of 2021–2040, 2041–2060, 2061–2080, and 2081–2100.ResultsOur study revealed the presence of 23 tick species from six genera in Inner Mongolia, including four dominant tick species (Dermacentor nuttalli, Ixodes persulcatus, Dermacentor silvarum, and Hyalomma asiaticum). Dermacentor nuttalli, D. silvarum, and I. persulcatus are predominantly found in regions such as Xilin Gol and Hulunbuir. Temperature seasonality (Bio4), elevation (elev), and precipitation seasonality (Bio15) were the primary variables impacting the distribution of three tick species. In contrast, H. asiaticum is mainly distributed in Alxa and Bayannur and demonstrates heightened sensitivity to precipitation and other climatic factors. Our modeling results suggested that the potential suitability areas of these tick species would experience fluctuations over the four future periods (2021–2040, 2041–2060, 2061–2080, and 2081–2100). Specifically, by 2081–2100, the centroid of suitable habitat for D. nuttalli, H. asiaticum, and I. persulcatus was predicted to shift westward, with new suitability areas emerging in regions such as Chifeng and Xilin Gol. The centroid of suitable habitat for H. asiaticum will move northeastward, and new suitability areas are likely to appear in areas such as Ordos and Bayannur.ConclusionsThis study provided a comprehensive overview of the tick species distribution patterns in Inner Mongolia. Our research has revealed a significant diversity of tick species in the region, exhibiting a wide distribution but with notable regional disparities. Our modeling results suggested that the dominant tick species’ suitable habitats will significantly expand in the future compared to their existing distribution under the near current conditions. Temperature and precipitation are the primary variables influencing these shifts in distribution. These findings can provide a valuable reference for future research on tick distribution and the surveillance of tick-borne diseases in the region.Graphical

Multitemporal Land Use and Cover Analysis Coupled with Climatic Change Scenarios to Protect the Endangered Taxon Asphodelus bento-rainhae subsp. bento-rainhae.

Climate change and land use and land cover (LULC) change are impacting the species' geographic distribution, causing range shifts and reducing suitable habitats. Asphodelus bento-rainhae subsp. bento-rainhae (AbR) is an endangered endemic plant restricted to Serra da Gardunha (Portugal), and knowledge of those changes will help to design conservation measures. MaxEnt was used to model AbR's current distribution and project it into the future, 2050, using the Shared Socioeconomic Pathway SSP3-7. The Portuguese LULC maps from 1951-1980, 1995, 2007, and 2018 were used to assess and quantify LULC changes over time. The results showed that the AbR current predicted distribution matches its actual known distribution, which will not be affected by future predicted climate change. The significant LULC changes were observed during the study periods 1951-1980 to 2018, particularly between 1951-1980 and 1995. Scrubland and Agriculture decreased by 5% and 2.5%, respectively, and Forests increased by 4% in the study area. In the occurrence area, Agriculture increased, and Forests decreased between 1980 and 2018, due to Orchard expansion (34%) and declines in Chestnut (16.9%) and Pine (11%) areas, respectively. The use of species distribution models and the LULC change analysis contributed to understanding current and future species distribution. The LULC changes will have a significant impact on future species distribution. To prevent the extinction of this endemic species in the future, it is crucial to implement conservation measures, namely species monitoring, replantation, and germplasm conservation, in addition to guidelines for habitat conservation.

Observed forest trait velocities have not kept pace with hydraulic stress from climate change.

The extent to which future climate change will increase forest stress and the amount to which species and forest ecosystems can acclimate or adapt to increased stress is a major unknown. We used high-resolution maps of hydraulic traits representing the diversity in tree drought tolerance across the United States, a hydraulically enabled tree model, and forest inventory observations of demographic shifts to quantify the ability for within-species acclimation and between-species range shifts to mediate climate stress. We found that forests are likely to experience increases in both acute and chronic hydraulic stress with climate change. Based on current species distributions, regional hydraulic trait diversity was sufficient to buffer against increased stress in 88% of forested areas. However, observed trait velocities in 81% of forested areas are not keeping up with the rate required to ameliorate projected future stress without leaf area acclimation.

Mountains as refugia in the Dry Chaco: phylogeography and species distribution modelling of the southernmost chilli pepper, Capsicum chacoense Hunz. (Solanaceae)

Abstract Phylogeographical studies combined with species distribution modelling can provide evidence for past climate refugia. During the Pleistocene, the Chaco phytogeographical province (ChPP) underwent changes in the distribution range, and the flora might have found refugia in different habitats according to their climatic requirements. This contribution aims to infer the effects of historical geoclimatic changes on the evolutionary history of Capsicum chacoense, the southernmost chilli pepper growing in the ChPP. We analysed 27 localities with plastid markers and 23 with nuclear markers, covering the geographical range of the species. We performed statistical phylogeography, in addition to current and past species distribution modelling. We found three haploclades, diverging 2.3–1 Mya, intermingled throughout the mountain ranges of the ChPP as a consequence of glacial cycles. According to the species distribution modelling, the expansion of the species distribution occurred during interglacial periods. We found two dispersal routes from south to north of the species distribution, concomitant with the migration routes of birds that disperse their fruits. The spatial distribution of genetic diversity showed the highest genetic diversity values at higher elevations. The main orographic systems of the study area were identified as areas of presumed population stability. Consequently, mountains are priority regions for conservation because they contain areas with high genetic diversity.

Effects of past and present microclimates on northern and southern plant species in a managed forest landscape

AbstractQuestionsNear‐ground temperatures can vary substantially over relatively short distances, enabling species with different temperature preferences and geographical distributions to co‐exist within a small area. In a forest landscape, the near‐ground temperatures may change due to management activities that alter forest density. As a result of such management activities, current species distributions and performances might not only be affected by current microclimates, but also by past conditions due to time‐lagged responses.LocationSweden.MethodsWe examined the effects of past and current microclimates on the distributions and performances of two northern, cold‐favoured, and two southern, warm‐favoured, plant species in 53 managed forest sites. Each pair was represented by one vascular plant and one bryophyte species. We used temperature logger data and predictions from microclimate models based on changes in basal area to relate patterns of occurrence, abundance, and reproduction to current and past microclimate.ResultsThe two northern species were generally favoured by microclimates that were currently cold, characterised by later snowmelt and low accumulated heat over the growing season. In contrast, the two southern species were generally favoured by currently warm microclimates, characterised by high accumulated heat over the growing season. Species generally had higher abundance in sites with a preferred microclimate both in the past and present, and lower abundance than expected from current conditions, if the past microclimate had changed from warm to cold or vice versa, indicating time‐lags in abundance patterns of the species.ConclusionsOur results show a potential importance of past and present microclimate heterogeneity for the co‐existence of species with different temperature preferences in the same landscape and highlight the possibility to manage microclimates to mitigate climate change impacts on forest biodiversity.

Data on the distribution of Osmoderma barnabita Motschulsky, 1845 (Coleoptera: Cetoniidae) in Bulgaria from 1904 to 2022

The hermit beetle, Osmoderma eremita s.l. (Scopoli 1763), is a species complex of scarab saproxylic beetles listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and protected in Bulgaria by Bern Convention, the Habitats Directive, and the Bulgarian Biodiversity Act. The taxonomic status of the species complex in Bulgaria is not fully known. It is believed that Osmoderma barnabita Motschulsky, 1845 is the main species present in the country, but it is also possible that Osmoderma lassalei Baraud and Tauzin, 1991 exists in the southernmost parts, where is the northern limit of its distribution. Data collected over the years on the presence of O. barnabita are very scarce due to its hidden lifestyle and lack of interest from the scientists. The present study aims to summarise all available data on O. barnabita in Bulgaria (literature, National Natural History Museum - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences collection, field work, and citizen science) for the period from 1904 to 2022. A map of the current species distribution was generated. The altitudinal distribution ranged from 0 to 1700 m, mainly in mountainous areas with well-preserved forests. Eighty-three percent of the records with exact coordinates were from forests aged above 50 years, and 35% were from forests aged above 100 years. There were also individual records from cities, showing the need to protect urban green spaces and the old trees within them. Based on the results obtained, O. barnabita is newly registered for six Natura 2000 sites, confirmed in 18 sites; and for the remaining 18, where it is included in the standard data forms based on modelling its habitat, additional studies are needed to confirm or exclude it.

Ocean crossers: A tale of disjunctions and speciation in the dwarf-fruticose Lichina (lichenized Ascomycota)

Lichens thrive in rocky coastal areas in temperate and cold regions of both hemispheres. Species of the genus Lichina, which form characteristic black fruiting thalli associated with cyanobacteria, often create distinguishable bands in the intertidal and supralittoral zones. The present study uses a comprehensive specimen dataset and four gene loci to (1) delineate and discuss species boundaries in this genus, (2) assess evolutionary relationships among species, and (3) infer the most likely causes of their current geographic distribution in the Northern and Southern hemispheres. A dated phylogeny describes the time frame in which extant disjunctions of species and populations were established. The results showed that the genus is integrated by four species, with Lichina pygmaea, L. confinis and the newly described L. canariensis from rocky seashores in the Canary Islands, occurring in the Northern Hemisphere, whereas L. intermedia is restricted to the Southern Hemisphere. Lichina intermedia hosted a much higher intraspecific genetic diversity than the other species, with subclades interpreted as species-level lineages by the different species delimitation approaches. However, a conservative taxonomic approach was adopted. This species showed a striking disjunct distribution between Australasia and southern South America. The timing for the observed interspecific and intraspecific divergences and population disjunctions postdated continental plate movements, suggesting that long-distance dispersal across body waters in the two hemispheres played a major role in shaping the current species distributions. Such ocean crossings were, as in L. canariensis, followed by speciation. New substitution rates for the nrITS of the genus Lichina were inferred using a tree spanning the major Ascomycota lineages calibrated using fossils. In conclusion, this work lays the foundation for a better understanding of the evolution through time and space of maritime lichens.

Introducing a map of soil base cation concentration, an ecologically relevant GIS-layer for Amazonian forests

Soil maps are crucial for habitat and species distribution modeling under present and future conditions, thereby providing relevant background information for conservation planning. In Amazonia, soil conditions are highly heterogeneous, which has important implications for the distribution and dynamics of the area's exceptional biodiversity. Unfortunately, available soil maps for this region suffer from inaccuracies and lack of ecologically relevant variables. Here, we develop a map of the sum of exchangeable base cation concentration (SB) in the surface soil by applying machine learning to a comprehensive set of over 10,000 field data points of SB values directly measured from soil samples or inferred using indicator plant species occurrences. As predictors, we used rasters of soil type probabilities, elevation, biomass and reflectance values from Landsat satellite images. Random Forest (RF) models were trained and tested using two different cross-validation strategies. We also assessed in which areas the map was more reliable using the area of applicability approach and compared the results with two other soil layers. The best predictors of SB variation were Landsat bands 7, 4 and 3, elevation, and probability of Histosols. The regional patterns observed across Amazonia were consistent with current geological understanding; lower SB values tended to occur in central Amazonian soils and higher values in western Amazonian soils, with considerable variation within each region. The model was found applicable over most of the Amazonian biome, especially in non-inundated (terra-firme) forest, but not over coastal areas, floodplains of major rivers and wetlands, which were poorly represented in the training data. Our new SB map over performed previous SB map and represent an accurate and ecologically meaningful variable. It is available as a digital GIS layer and can be used in habitat mapping and in modeling the current or future distributions of biological communities and species. This will advance general understanding of Amazonian biogeography and help in conservation planning.