Distinct Habitats Research Articles

Multi-Scale Coral Reef and Seascape Habitat Variables Combine to Influence Reef Fish Assemblages

While benthic characteristics of coral reef habitats are a major driver of the structure of coral reef fish assemblages, non-reef habitats adjacent to coral reefs (e.g., mangroves, seagrass beds, and macroalgal beds) can affect reef fish assemblages. Here, we investigate how reef fish assemblages respond to local-scale benthic habitats within a coral reef and larger-scale adjacent seascape features (habitats within 500 m of coral reefs) on Siquijor Island in the Philippines. We examined an abundance of species for the entire reef fish assemblage and within the assemblages of parrotfishes (subfamily Scarinae) and wrasses (family Labridae). Five distinct habitat types were identified in a cluster analysis, which incorporated benthic characteristics within coral reefs and habitats adjacent to coral reefs. We found that the diversity and structure of coral reef fish assemblages were affected by benthic characteristics within coral reefs and also by benthic habitat types adjacent to coral reefs. Individual species responses and juveniles of certain species demonstrated uniquely high abundances in habitat clusters characterized by the non-reef habitats surrounding coral reefs. Considering coral reef habitats and adjacent non-reef habitats as a holistic, interconnected seascape will provide better estimations of the drivers of the structures of coral reef fish assemblages.

Checklist of Macrofungi Associated with Nine Different Habitats of Taburno-Camposauro Massif in Campania, Southern Italy.

The checklist serves as an informative method for evaluating the diversity, geography, and ecology of established and reproducing macrofungi. Additionally, considering macrofungi as bioindicator species, their census should be incorporated into efforts to monitor the state of health of ecosystems and directly applied to conservation policies. Between 2019 and 2023, a census of macrofungal species was conducted in Taburno-Camposauro Regional Park (Campania, Italy) across nine distinct habitats. A total of 453 fungal taxa were identified, including several new records for the Campania region. The fungal diversity exhibited significant variations based on the dominant plant species in each habitat. Fagacean tree species and Carpinus spp. shared similar fungal communities. Equally, coniferous tree species displayed a comparable fungal composition. In Abies alba and mixed broad-leaved forests, low levels of ectomycorrhizal taxa were observed alongside a concurrent increase in saprotrophs, indicating a disturbed habitat and a reduction in the Gadgil effect. Notably, lower fungal diversity was documented in the grassland habitat, suggesting the potential implications of wildlife imbalance and excessive grazing. The provided checklist constitutes a valuable resource for local management authorities, providing insights to formulate specific management policies.

Habitat escalated adaptive therapy (HEAT): a phase 2 trial utilizing radiomic habitat-directed and genomic-adjusted radiation dose (GARD) optimization for high-grade soft tissue sarcoma

BackgroundSoft tissue sarcomas (STS), have significant inter- and intra-tumoral heterogeneity, with poor response to standard neoadjuvant radiotherapy (RT). Achieving a favorable pathologic response (FPR ≥ 95%) from RT is associated with improved patient outcome. Genomic adjusted radiation dose (GARD), a radiation-specific metric that quantifies the expected RT treatment effect as a function of tumor dose and genomics, proposed that STS is significantly underdosed. STS have significant radiomic heterogeneity, where radiomic habitats can delineate regions of intra-tumoral hypoxia and radioresistance. We designed a novel clinical trial, Habitat Escalated Adaptive Therapy (HEAT), utilizing radiomic habitats to identify areas of radioresistance within the tumor and targeting them with GARD-optimized doses, to improve FPR in high-grade STS.MethodsPhase 2 non-randomized single-arm clinical trial includes non-metastatic, resectable high-grade STS patients. Pre-treatment multiparametric MRIs (mpMRI) delineate three distinct intra-tumoral habitats based on apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) sequences. GARD estimates that simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) doses of 70 and 60 Gy in 25 fractions to the highest and intermediate radioresistant habitats, while the remaining volume receives standard 50 Gy, would lead to a > 3 fold FPR increase to 24%. Pre-treatment CT guided biopsies of each habitat along with clip placement will be performed for pathologic evaluation, future genomic studies, and response assessment. An mpMRI taken between weeks two and three of treatment will be used for biological plan adaptation to account for tumor response, in addition to an mpMRI after the completion of radiotherapy in addition to pathologic response, toxicity, radiomic response, disease control, and survival will be evaluated as secondary endpoints. Furthermore, liquid biopsy will be performed with mpMRI for future ancillary studies.DiscussionThis is the first clinical trial to test a novel genomic-based RT dose optimization (GARD) and to utilize radiomic habitats to identify and target radioresistance regions, as a strategy to improve the outcome of RT-treated STS patients. Its success could usher in a new phase in radiation oncology, integrating genomic and radiomic insights into clinical practice and trial designs, and may reveal new radiomic and genomic biomarkers, refining personalized treatment strategies for STS.Trial registrationNCT05301283.Trial statusThe trial started recruitment on March 17, 2022.

A Forest Fire Prediction Method for Lightning Stroke Based on Remote Sensing Data

Forest fires ignited by lightning accounted for 68.28% of all forest fires in the Greater Khingan Mountains (GKM) region of northeast China. Forecasting the incidence of lightning-triggered forest fires in the region is imperative for mitigating deforestation, preserving biodiversity, and safeguarding distinctive natural habitats and resources. Lightning monitoring data and vegetation moisture content have emerged as pivotal factors among the various influences on lightning-induced fires. This study employed innovative satellite remote sensing technology to swiftly acquire vegetation moisture content data across extensive forested regions. Firstly, the most suitable method to identify the lightning strikes that resulted in fires and two crucial lightning parameters correlated with fire occurrence are confirmed. Secondly, a logistic regression method is proposed for predicting the likelihood of fires triggered by lightning strikes. Finally, the method underwent verification using five years of fire data from the GKM area, resulting in an AUC value of 0.849 and identifying the primary factors contributing to lightning-induced fires in the region.

Microbial hitchhikers on microplastics: The exchange of aquatic microbes across distinct aquatic habitats.

Microplastics (MPs) have the potential to modify aquatic microbial communities and distribute microorganisms, including pathogens. This poses a potential risk to aquatic life and human health. Despite this, the fate of 'hitchhiking' microbes on MPs that traverse different aquatic habitats remains largely unknown. To address this, we conducted a 50-day microcosm experiment, manipulating estuarine conditions to study the exchange of bacteria and microeukaryotes between river, sea and plastisphere using a long-read metabarcoding approach. Our findings revealed a significant increase in bacteria on the plastisphere, including Pseudomonas, Sphingomonas, Hyphomonas, Brevundimonas, Aquabacterium and Thalassolituus, all of which are known for their pollutant degradation capabilities, specifically polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. We also observed a strong association of plastic-degrading fungi (i.e., Cladosporium and Plectosphaerella) and early-diverging fungi (Cryptomycota, also known as Rozellomycota) with the plastisphere. Sea MPs were primarily colonised by fungi (70%), with a small proportion of river-transported microbes (1%-4%). The mere presence of MPs in seawater increased the relative abundance of planktonic fungi from 2% to 25%, suggesting significant exchanges between planktonic and plastisphere communities. Using microbial source tracking, we discovered that MPs only dispersed 3.5% and 5.5% of river bacterial and microeukaryotic communities into the sea, respectively. Hence, although MPs select and facilitate the dispersal of ecologically significant microorganisms, drastic compositional changes across distinct aquatic habitats are unlikely.

The distinctive weathering crust habitat of a High Arctic glacier comprises discrete microbial micro-habitats.

Sunlight penetrates the ice surfaces of glaciers and ice sheets, forming a water-bearing porous ice matrix known as the weathering crust. This crust is home to a significant microbial community. Despite the potential implications of microbial processes in the weathering crust for glacial melting, biogeochemical cycles, and downstream ecosystems, there have been few explorations of its microbial communities. In our study, we used 16S rRNA gene sequencing and shotgun metagenomics of a Svalbard glacier surface catchment to characterise the microbial communities within the weathering crust, their origins and destinies, and the functional potential of the weathering crust metagenome. Our findings reveal that the bacterial community in the weathering crust is distinct from those in upstream and downstream habitats. However, it comprises two separate micro-habitats, each with different taxa and functional categories. The interstitial porewater is dominated by Polaromonas, influenced by the transfer of snowmelt, and exported via meltwater channels. In contrast, the ice matrix is dominated by Hymenobacter, and its metagenome exhibits a diverse range of functional adaptations. Given that the global weathering crust area and the subsequent release of microbes from it are strongly responsive to climate projections for the rest of the century, our results underscore the pressing need to integrate the microbiome of the weathering crust with other communities and processes in glacial ecosystems.

Assessing the impact of Land use changes on ecosystem services in the Alledighe rangeland, Ethiopia

Understanding the ecological, social, and economic values of protected areas, as well as assessing the services they provide to both humans and the environment is crucial for informing conservation policies and sustainable land management practices. Using the benefits transfer method, changes in ecosystem service values (ESVs) resulting from spatiotemporal land use dynamics were evaluated in the Alledighe Wildlife Reserve (AWR) spanning from 1998 to 2016. Five distinct habitat types, namely grassland, bushland, woodland, riverine forest, and highland forest, were identified across the landscape. The ESVs were estimated using regional and global ESV values. A decline in the extent of grassland, woodland, and riverine forests by 9.9%, 2.4%, and 1.5%, respectively, was observed while bushland and highland forests increased by 10.6% and 3.3%, respectively. The AWR experienced a loss of roughly 145 km2 of grassland habitat. Based on regional and global ESVs, total ESVs in the study area decreased by 28.18% from approximately US$ 180 million to approximately US$ 129 million, and by 40.85% from approximately US$ 496 million to approximately US$ 293 million. As per individual ESV assessment, the total ESV decreased by 41% from around US$ 374.5 million to US$ 264.8 million. Provisioning service declined by 41.6% from US$ 100 million to US$ 70.6 million. Regulating service declined by 42.5% from US$ 242.4 million to US$ 170 million. Supporting service declined by 67% from US$ 5.3 million to US$ 3.2 million, and cultural service decreased by 27.8% from US$ 26.7 million to US$ 20.8 million. The larger ESV change was contributed by the expansion of forestland and bushland across previously grassland-dominated areas. The results of this study could render the value of the rangeland more visible in the decision-making process, as well as provide valuable input for future planning and management interventions of the AWR's pristine rangeland, thereby enhancing ecosystem services and the livelihoods of the surrounding communities.

Secondary engineering of rhodolith beds by the sand tilefish Malacanthus plumieri generates distinctive habitats for benthic macroinvertebrates and fish

Secondary engineering of rhodolith beds by the sand tilefish Malacanthus plumieri generates distinctive habitats for benthic macroinvertebrates and fish

Comparative Analysis of How the Fecal Microbiota of Green-Winged Saltator (Saltator similis) Diverge among Animals Living in Captivity and in Wild Habitats.

The microbiota's alteration is an adaptive mechanism observed in wild animals facing high selection pressure, especially in captive environments. The objective of this study is to compare and predict the potential impact of habitat on the fecal bacterial community of Saltator similis, a songbird species that is a victim of illegal trafficking, living in two distinct habitats: wild and captivity. Nine wild and nine captive S. similis were sampled, and total bacterial DNA was obtained from the feces. Each DNA sample was employed to the amplification of the V4 region of the 16S rDNA following high-throughput sequencing. The most predominant phyla in all songbirds, irrespective of habitat, were Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteriota. Interestingly, a microbiota profile (phylogenetic and abundance relationship) related to habitat was identified. The genera "Candidatus Arthromitus", Acinetobacter, Kocuria, and Paracoccus were exclusively identified in animals living in captivity, which can be a potential biomarker associated with birds in captive environments. This study presents the first description of the fecal bacterial community composition of S. similis living two different lifestyles. Finally, our results suggest that the lifestyle of S. similis birds significantly impacts the composition of the fecal microbiota. The animals living in captivity showed dysbiosis in the microbiota, with some bacteria genera being indicated as biological markers of environmental behavior. Thus, the present research provides a new concept of life quality measure for songbirds.

A critical review of soil algae as a crucial soil biological component of high ecological and economic significance.

Aero-terrestrial algae are ecologically and economically valuable bioresources contributing to carbon sequestration, sustenance of soil health, and fertility. Compared to aquatic algae, the literature on subaerial algae is minimal, including studies of distinctive habitats such as forest soils, agricultural fields, deserts, polar regions, specific subaerial zones, artificial structures, and tropical soils. The primary goal here was to identify the gaps and scope of research on such algae. Accordingly, the literature was analyzed per sub-themes, such as the "nature of current research data on terrestrial algae," "methodological approaches," "diversity," "environmental relationships," "ecological roles," and "economic significance." The review showed there is a high diversity of algae in soils, especially members belonging to the Cyanophyta (Cyanobacteria) and Chlorophyta. Algal distributions in terrestrial environments depend on the microhabitat conditions, and many species of soil algae are sensitive to specific soil conditions. The ecological significance of soil algae includes primary production, the release of biochemical stimulants and plant growth promoters into soils, nitrogen fixation, solubilization of minerals, and the enhancement and maintenance of soil fertility. Since aero-terrestrial habitats are generally stressed environments, algae of such environments can be rich in rare metabolites and natural products. For example, epilithic soil algae use wet adhesive molecules to fix them firmly on the substratum. Exploring the ecological roles and economic utility of soil and other subaerial algae could be helpful for the development of algae-based industries and for achieving sustainable soil management.

Five New Species of Gymnopilus from Xizang Autonomous Region of China and Surrounding Areas.

The species of Gymnopilus (Hymenogastraceae, Agricales) are commonly recognized as wood-decaying fungi. Certain members of this genus have been identified as psilocybin-producing mushrooms. Gymnopilus exhibits a diverse range and has a global distribution. In this study, a total of seventy-eight specimens were gathered from ten provinces in China. A comprehensive molecular phylogenetic analysis was conducted, employing gene sequences including ITS, nrLSU, nrSSU, rpb1, rpb2, and tef1-α. Additionally, morphological examinations were also carried out. The phylogenetic topology of Gymnopilus from this study generally agreed with previous studies and facilitated the identification of all those specimens. As a result, eleven species, including five newly discovered ones named Gy. gyirongensis, Gy. variisporus, Gy. tomentosiceps, Gy. tenuibasidialis, and Gy. aurantipileatus, were recognized. Significantly, four of the five newly identified species are native to the Xizang Autonomous Region, emphasizing their specialization in this distinctive habitat. This research contributes to our comprehension of Gymnopilus diversity and lays the groundwork for the conservation and sustainable utilization of Gymnopilus resources.

Vertical habitat preferences shape the fish gut microbiota in a shallow lake.

Understanding the interactions between fish gut microbiota and the aquatic environment is a key issue for understanding aquatic microorganisms. Environmental microorganisms enter fish intestines through feeding, and the amount of invasion varies due to different feeding habits. Traditional fish feeding habitat preferences are determined by fish morphology or behavior. However, little is known about how the feeding behavior of fish relative to the vertical structure in a shallow lake influences gut microbiota. In our study, we used nitrogen isotopes to measure the trophic levels of fish. Then high-throughput sequencing was used to describe the composition of environmental microbiota and fish gut microbiota, and FEAST (fast expectation-maximization for microbial source tracking) method was used to trace the source of fish gut microbiota. We investigated the microbial diversity of fish guts and their habitats in Lake Sanjiao and verified that the sediments indeed played an important role in the assembly of fish gut microbiota. Then, the FEAST analysis indicated that microbiota in water and sediments acted as the primary sources in half of the fish gut microbiota respectively. Furthermore, we classified the vertical habitat preferences using microbial data and significant differences in both composition and function of fish gut microbiota were observed between groups with distinct habitat preferences. The performance of supervised and unsupervised machine learning in classifying fish gut microbiota by habitat preferences actually exceeded classification by fish species taxonomy and fish trophic level. Finally, we described the stability of fish co-occurrence networks with different habitat preferences. Interestingly, the co-occurrence network seemed more stable in pelagic fish than in benthic fish. Our results show that the preferences of fish in the vertical structure of habitat was the main factor affecting their gut microbiota. We advocated the use of microbial interactions between fish gut and their surrounding environment to reflect fish preferences in vertical habitat structure. This approach not only offers a novel perspective for understanding the interactions between fish gut microbiota and environmental factors, but also provides new methods and ideas for studying fish habitat selection in aquatic ecosystems.

Weak phylogenetic effect on specialist plant assemblages and their persistence on habitat islands

AbstractAimThe influence of species phylogenetic relatedness on the formation of insular assemblages remains understudied in functional island biogeography, especially for terrestrial habitat islands (i.e. distinct habitat patches embedded in a matrix that differ in the prevailing environmental conditions). Here, we tested three eco‐evolutionary hypotheses: (1) functional specialization of species (i.e. specialism) is associated with phylogenetic clustering at the habitat archipelago scale, (2) such clustering increases with insularity at the habitat island scale and (3) traits indicative of effective local persistence strategies shape island specialism.LocationTerrestrial habitat islands, Europe (Fens in the Western Carpathians, Outcrops in Moravia and Mountaintops in the Cantabrian Range).TaxonAngiosperms.MethodsWe assessed the phylogenetic relatedness of habitat specialists in three different archipelagos composed of terrestrial habitat islands based on phylogenetic signals and phylogenetic diversity (PD) measures. We estimated the effect of insularity on PD using linear models and the effect of persistence traits on specialism using phylogenetic logistic regressions.ResultsOur hypotheses were largely not supported. Outcrop and mountaintop specialist assemblages did not exhibit any phylogenetic structuring, whereas fen specialists were clustered at the archipelago scale. Therefore, insularity seems not to act as a selective force for phylogenetic structure, and ecologically important persistence traits do not operate as precursors of specialism.Main ConclusionsOur results show that species phylogenetic relatedness plays a minor role in shaping habitat island specialist assemblages. Furthermore, the effects of phylogenetic relatedness on assemblages of island specialists are system and scale dependent. Finally, accounting for species' phylogenetic relatedness on persistence traits yielded results similar to previous studies, which corroborates the positive relationship between insularity and functional traits (indicative of enhanced plant persistence abilities with increasing within‐archipelago insularity).

Restoration of an Indigenous aquaculture system can increase reef fish density and fisheries harvest in Hawai‘i

AbstractWhile aquaculture is increasingly considered a globally important source of protein, growing fish for human consumption is not new. Indigenous aquaculture systems, such as loko i‘a (fishponds), were successfully implemented in ancient Hawai‘i and represent a technological advancement designed to sustain a growing human population while maintaining—instead of supplanting—natural ecosystem function in the process of increasing food availability. Biocultural restoration efforts in Hawai‘i, aimed at revitalizing Indigenous stewardship, have included restoration of loko i‘a to sustainably increase the availability of local seafood. While it is clear from historical accounts that loko i‘a can augment fish within estuaries, their role as a nursery ground that supplements surrounding fish populations and fisheries harvest (i.e., providing spillover) remains unstudied in the current literature. This study aimed to test the extent to which loko i‘a restoration can supplement fish populations and fisheries harvest both inside the loko i‘a and in the surrounding waters. A food web model was constructed representing nutrients, phytoplankton, fish, and fisheries in three distinct habitats. The model, set in Kāne‘ohe Bay, O‘ahu, Hawai‘i, revealed that there were interactive effects of the area under loko i‘a management, bay fishing effort, and fish dispersal rates on fish density and fisheries harvest. We found that increasing the area under loko i‘a management not only increased loko i‘a fish density and fisheries harvest but also created the potential to supplement bay fish populations and fisheries harvest under certain scenarios. We also identified a trade‐off whereby at high fish dispersal rates, a larger area under loko i‘a management provided maximal benefits to the bay fish population and fisheries harvest, while at low fish dispersal rates, a smaller area under loko i‘a management was more beneficial to bay fish populations and harvest. As expected, loko i‘a also created a surplus of fish within the pond. Our results support the idea that restoration of Indigenous aquaculture systems can positively impact conservation efforts and food security by increasing local fish availability, through both direct production and supplementation of surrounding fish stocks.

A Preliminary Checklist of Fish Species in the Peat Swamp Forest of Ayer Hitam Utara State Park Forest, Johor, Malaysia

Ayer Hitam Utara State Park Forest (AHUSPF) is an invaluable sanctuary in Johor, the last remaining intact peat swamp forest reserve that hosts many species unique to this distinctive habitat. Some rapid surveys conducted from 2019 to 2022 recorded 40 species of freshwater fish within AHUSPF. Notably, 11 are stenotopic to acid blackwater, and 12 are stenotopic to acid water, most belonging to the family Osphronemidae and Danionidae. The International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List has designated two species, Encheloclarias curtisoma and Betta persephone, as Endangered, while Betta omega is classified as Critically Endangered. The checklist presented herein was first produced from an inventory study in AHUSPF. The preservation of peat swamp forests in the area is under imminent threat due to the alarming rate of land conversion, forest fires, and the recent potential threat from the red-claw crayfish invasion in the aquatic environment. Hence, continuous monitoring is vital for documenting and updating the conservation status of the fish species. These endeavours will facilitate the development of practical conservation approaches to ensure the long-term sustainability of AHUSPF and its associated species.

Characteristic flavor compounds in Guizhou green tea and the environmental factors influencing their formation: Investigation using stable isotopes, electronic nose, and headspace-gas chromatography ion migration spectrometry

The Guizhou province is a significant contributor to the production of green tea within China. The present study aims to examine the characteristic flavor compounds found in Guizhou green tea and explore the environmental factors that contribute to the development of these unique flavor compounds. Accordingly, headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) and electronic nose were employed in conjunction with odor activity value (OAV) analysis to develop an orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) model that was capable of discerning between the three distinct habitats (QE, QM, QW) of Guizhou green tea based on their flavor constituents. The findings show that the primary constituents contributing to the flavor profile of Guizhou green tea consisted of 3-methyl-2-butenal, butanal, pentanal, linalool, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, dimethyl disulfide, and dimethyl sulfide. Subsequently, the stable isotope technique was employed to examine the growth environmental factors of Guizhou green tea, based on the identification of the flavoring compounds that differentiate green tea from various habitats within the Guizhou province. Accordingly, temperature and sunshine were found to have the greatest impact on the flavor compounds present in Guizhou green tea.

Variability in Symbiont Chlorophyll of Hawaiian Corals from Field and Airborne Spectroscopy

Corals are habitat-forming organisms on tropical and sub-tropical reefs, often displaying diverse phenotypic behaviors that challenge field-based monitoring and assessment efforts. Symbiont chlorophyll (Chl) is a long-recognized indicator of intra- and inter-specific variation in coral’s response to environmental variability and stress, but the quantitative Chl assessment of corals at the reef scale continues to prove challenging. We integrated field, airborne, and laboratory techniques to test and apply the use of reflectance spectroscopy for in situ and reef-scale estimation of Chl a and Chl c2 concentrations in a shallow reef environment of Kāne‘ohe Bay, O‘ahu. High-fidelity spectral signatures (420–660 nm) derived from field and airborne spectroscopy quantified Chl a and Chl c2 concentrations with demonstrable precision and accuracy. Airborne imaging spectroscopy revealed a 10-fold range of Chl concentrations across the reef ecosystem. We discovered a differential pattern of Chl a and Chl c2 use in symbiont algae in coexisting corals indicative of a physiological response to decreasing light levels with increasing water depth. The depth-dependent ratio of Chl c2:a indicated the presence of two distinct light-driven habitats spanning just 5 m of water depth range. Our findings provide a pathway for further study of coral pigment responses to environmental conditions using field and high-resolution airborne imaging spectroscopy.

Bee-diverse habitats positively affect seed set in wild plant species

IntroductionInteractions between flowering plants and visiting wild bees are crucial for ensuring pollination and subsequent plant reproductive success. However, bee diversity in an area has rarely been recorded in relation to seed set in native plants. In this project, we investigated the effect of local wild bee communities on seed set in four common wild plant species.MethodsPotted plants of Centaurea jacea, Cichorium intybus, Sinapis arvensis, and Salvia pratensis were placed for pollination experiments, in two distinct habitat types that we expected to show distinct bee communities, namely near-natural grassland and perennial wild flower strips, in Germany.ResultsOur results showed that near-natural grassland had a higher bee species richness and an increased seed set compared with flower strips that displayed a higher bee abundance in most study locations. Although we found effects of bee diversity on seed set, we did not detect a significant effect of bee abundance. Furthermore, the seed set in response to wild bee diversity differed across the plant species.DiscussionWe conclude that bee-friendly habitats ensure a high seed set in wild plants, but that the impact varies between different plant species.

Crop phenology reshapes the food‐safety landscape for roe deer in an agroecosystem

Abstract Understanding the behavioural adjustments of wildlife in anthropized landscapes is key for promoting sustainable human–wildlife coexistence. Little is known, however, about how synanthropic species navigate spatio‐temporal variation in the availability of food and cover that are shaped by human practices such as agriculture. Animal habitat use is predominantly driven by spatial and temporal variations in food and cover, as individuals respond to fluctuations in the trade‐off between food acquisition and risk avoidance. In agroecosystems, the availability of high‐quality forage and cover is dependent on agricultural practices (e.g., harvesting) and crop phenology, providing an ideal opportunity to evaluate how wildlife adjust their behaviour in a heterogeneous human‐dominated landscape. We investigated the influence of crop phenology on the behaviour of European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) to infer the functional roles of crop types in the food‐cover landscape. We analysed the habitat selection and activity patterns of 105 GPS‐collared adult female roe deer using a unique data set combining field‐specific land cover data, region‐specific estimates of crop phenology and weekly harvesting data for three common crops in a French agroecosystem. We found very distinct habitat selection and activity patterns according to crop type, phenological stage and time of day. Wheat and artificial meadows were strongly selected at night‐time during the early and post‐harvest stages only, when roe deer were highly active, suggestive of feeding activity. On the contrary, roe deer strongly selected maize during the day when it was high enough to provide cover, when they were less active, indicating that it was primarily used for refuge. These patterns depended on the availability of more ‘natural’ cover, suggesting that mature maize may substitute for ‘natural’ cover when the latter is scarce. Synthesis and application: Our work highlights the importance of behavioural plasticity and habitat complementation in the persistence of this synanthropic species in agroecosystems. This behavioural adjustment may buffer the consequences of the reduction in natural habitats that accompanies intensification of agricultural production and has implications for understanding how agricultural practices shape the food‐safety trade‐off of wildlife living in these highly modified landscapes.

The Dynamics of Soil Mesofauna Communities in a Tropical Urban Coastal Wetland: Responses to Spatiotemporal Fluctuations in Phreatic Level and Salinity

Coastal wetlands, vital for ecological diversity, have been significantly altered by anthropogenic activities, particularly in the Caribbean. These changes have created a complex mosaic of habitats and physicochemical conditions, further stressed by climate variability and sea-level rise. This study, conducted in Las Cucharillas Natural Reserve, a tropical urban coastal wetland in Puerto Rico, aimed to determine the effects of spatiotemporal variations in phreatic levels and salinity on soil mesofauna assemblages, crucial bio-indicators of environmental change. In 2020 and 2021, soil samples were collected from five diverse habitat types during different hydroperiods. Each sample was taken under four randomly selected plant types and processed using lighted Tullgren–Berlese extractors. Phreatic level and salinity were also measured. A total of 43 families were quantified, underscoring distinct habitat differences, similarities, and overall ecosystem diversity. Moderate correlations between phreatic levels, salinity, and mesofauna richness and abundance were determined. Peak richness and abundance were quantified at shallow (−0.03 to −0.07 m) and slightly moderate (−0.12 to −0.17 m) phreatic levels where oligohaline salinity (>0.5 to 5.0 ppt) prevails. The study highlights the adaptability of mesofauna to environmental shifts and their potential as biosensors for effective coastal wetland management amid climatic and anthropogenic pressures.