Species Distribution Patterns Research Articles

To what extent can we predict variation of bryophyte and tracheophyte community composition at fine spatial scale along an elevation gradient?

Mounting evidence points to the need for high-resolution climatic data in biodiversity analyses under global change. As we move to finer resolution, other factors than climate, including other abiotic variables and biotic interactions play, however, an increasing role, raising the question of our ability to predict community composition at fine scales. Focusing on two lineages of land plants, bryophytes and tracheophytes, we determine the relative contribution of climatic, non-climatic environmental drivers, spatial effects, community architecture and composition of one lineage to predict community composition of the other lineage, and how our ability to predict community composition varies along an elevation gradient. The relationship between community composition of one lineage and 68 environmental variables at 2-25 m spatial resolution, architecture and composition of the other lineage, and spatial factors, was investigated by hierarchical and variance partitioning across 413 2x2m plots in the Swiss Alps. Climatic data, although significant, contributed less to the model than any other variable considered. Community composition of one lineage, reflecting both direct interactions and unmeasured (hidden) abiotic factors, was the best predictor of community composition of the other lineage. Total explained variance substantially varied with elevation, underlining the fact that the strength of the species composition-environment relationship varies depending on environmental conditions. Total variance explained increased towards high elevation up to 50 %, with an increasing importance of spatial effects and vegetation architecture, pointing to increasing positive interactions and aggregated species distribution patterns in alpine environments. In tracheophytes, an increase of the contribution of non-climatic environmental factors was also observed at high elevation, in line with the hypothesis of a stronger environmental control under harsher conditions. Further improvements of our ability to predict changes in plant community composition may involve the implementation of historical variables and higher-resolution climatic data to better describe the microhabitat conditions actually experienced by organisms.

Diversity and Distribution Patterns of Gastropods on Kupang Beach, Seruway District

Seruway is one of the sub-districts in Aceh Tamiang, which is located in the coastal area. This coastal area is dominated by mangrove species, where the mangrove area is used as a habitat for aquatic biota animals, one of which is gastropods. Gastropods are soft-bodied animals that have threaded shells. This research aims to determine the value of the species diversity index and distribution patterns of gastropods in Kupang Beach, Seruway District. This research is a type of quantitative descriptive research with sampling using a survey method. Sampling was taken using transects. Sampling was divided into 3 stations, namely the first station in the mangrove area, the second station in the beach area and the third station in the pond area. Each station consists of 4 transects measuring 50 meters, each transect has 4 plots measuring 10x10m. Samples that are obtained will be identified using an identification book. The research results showed that the number of gastropod species found was 17 species from 9 families with a total diversity index value at the research location, namely H'= 2.405, which is classified as medium. The distribution pattern of gastropods on Kupang Beach falls into two categories, namely the uniform category 59% and the undefined category 41%.

Population genomic analysis of the greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) in the Mediterranean and the Northeast Atlantic, based on SNPs, microsatellites, and mitochondrial DNA sequences

The greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) has attracted considerable economic interest since the 1990s because it possesses traits that distinguish it as a promising candidate in aquaculture. However, the challenges of its successful rearing, combined with the need to develop proper management practices, underline the importance of research into the genetic diversity of both wild and farmed stocks. We aimed to decipher the genetic structure of S. dumerili in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Northeast Atlantic using three types of genetic markers (mitochondrial control region sequences, microsatellites, and single nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs) to evaluate the population genetic structure of the species. The results were compared to those of previous studies of the species focusing on the Central Mediterranean and confirmed the presence of two divergent mtDNA haplogroups distributed without any detectable geographical structuring within the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. However, population analyses of the genetic structure of the species using either 10 microsatellites or a set of 1,051 SNP markers suggest that the species forms three genetically distinct groups, one in the Mediterranean and two in the Atlantic. The latter has so far not been reported in the Northeast Atlantic, and that this differentiation refers to samples from the Canary Islands is surprising. Fifteen candidate outlier SNP loci were identified in the data set, one located within the tead1a/TEF-1A gene, which has been associated with temperature acclimation of the medaka. This work enriches our knowledge of the genetic diversity of wild populations of the greater amberjack in the Mediterranean and the Northeast Atlantic and attempts to investigate signs of local adaptation toward a better understanding of the species distribution patterns. Future studies should be conducted to investigate the genomic regions associated with temperature acclimation in marine organisms that have to adapt to the ongoing climate change pressures, such as sea temperature rise, in order to survive.

Adaptive Distribution and Vulnerability Assessment of Endangered Maple Species on the Tibetan Plateau

Climate change has had an almost irreversible impact on the distribution patterns of tree species on the Tibetan Plateau, driving some vulnerable species to the brink of extinction. Therefore, it is important to assess the vulnerability of tree species in climate-sensitive areas under the following three IPCC-CMIP6 scenarios: SSP126, SSP370, and SSP585. The MaxEnt model was used to predict adaptive distribution for one endangered (Acer wardii W. W. Smith (A. wardii)) and six vulnerable maple plants on the Tibetan Plateau under current and future conditions. We then evaluated their vulnerability using the landscape fragmentation index. Our results showed that the current adaptive areas of vulnerable maple species were mainly distributed in the southeast of the Tibetan Plateau. The dominant factors affecting adaptive areas were temperature annual range (BIO7) for Acer sikkimense Miq. and Acer sterculiaceum Wall.; annual precipitation (BIO12) for Acer cappadocicum Gled.; precipitation of driest month (BIO14) for Acer pectinatum Wall. ex G. Nicholson, Acer taronense Hand.-Mazz., and A. wardii; and subsoil clay fraction (S_CLAY) for Acer campbellii Hook.f. & Thoms. ex Hiern (A. campbellii) Under the three future scenarios, the adaptive areas of maple on the Tibetan Plateau area shifted to the northwest, and habitat suitability increased in the northwestern part of the adaptive areas. In the SSP370 scenario, all seven species showed an increase in adaptive areas, while certain species decreased in some periods under the SSP126 and SSP585 scenarios. The status of the endangered maple species is likely to be even more fragile under the three future scenarios. A. wardii and A. campbellii are more vulnerable and may face extinction, requiring immediate attention and protection. In contrast, the vulnerability of the remaining five species decreased. In conclusion, this study provides recommendations for conserving vulnerable maple species on the Tibetan Plateau. Our data support understanding the distributional changes and vulnerability assessment of these tree species.

Changing Epidemiology of Clinical Isolates of Candida Species during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: Data Analysis from a Korean Tertiary Care Hospital for 6 Years (2017-2022).

This study assessed the changes in Candida species distribution and antifungal susceptibility patterns during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic compared with a pre-pandemic period in Korea. We retrospectively investigated the specimen, species type, and antifungal susceptibility of Candida isolates obtained between 2016 and 2022. Data between two periods were compared: 2016-2019 (pre-pandemic) and 2020-2022 (pandemic). We included 11,396 clinical isolates of Candida species (5137 isolates in the pre-pandemic and 6259 isolates in the pandemic). The most prevalent species was Candida albicans (50.4%), followed by Candida glabrata (22.7%), Candida tropicalis (12.5%), and Candida parapsilosis complex (12.5%). Their ranks were unchanged; however, their relative isolation ratios varied during the pandemic, exhibiting differences ranging from 0.4 to 2.5 across species. The incidence of candidemia increased during the pandemic (average 1.79 episodes per 10,000 patient days) compared with pre-pandemic levels (average 1.45 episodes per 10,000 patient days) in both intensive-care-unit (ICU) and non-ICU patients. Additionally, C. parapsilosis complex candidemia increased by 1.6-fold during the pandemic. During the pandemic, C. albicans and C. tropicalis candidemia significantly increased by 1.5- and 1.4-fold in ICU patients. In contrast, C. parapsilosis complex candidemia surged 2.1-fold in non-ICU patients. These species exhibited reduced resistance to fluconazole, voriconazole, caspofungin, and micafungin in the pandemic compared with the pre-pandemic. This study underscores the heightened incidence of Candida-related infections during the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasizes the importance of ongoing surveillance of Candida species epidemiology beyond the pandemic's scope.

Population structure and distribution pattern of endangered species, Dillenia pentagyna, in Indonesian natural reserve forest

Regeneration strategy of endangered species is crucial for maintaining ecosystem sustainability in its endemic habitat. Dillenia pentagyna is a deciduous tree species with many potential benefits for medical use, silkworms’ fodder, and furniture, and is considered as an endangered tree species in Indonesia due to over exploitation in 1980s. The species is an important asset for Gunung Abang Natural Reserve Forest (GANRF) due to essential historical functions for flora, fauna, and local communities. We conducted an initial research to observe the population structure and distribution pattern of D.pentagyna in its native habitat to understand the growth- and population behavior. Using a random sampling method, we built 157 plots to identify the number of seedlings, saplings, poles, and trees followed by measurement of height and diameter-breast-height. We only found fifteen poles, six saplings, five trees, and no seedlings in the plots with dominant distribution in the center of GANRF area. The distribution pattern was random according to Morisita index (Iδ= 0.011 equal to 0), which explains that D.pentagyna grows randomly in nature independent to canopy gaps and slopes. Findings suggested that low population needs to be recovered by seedling initiation growth in the nursery before sowing in the field to avoid high mortality.

Distributional ecology: Opening new research windows by addressing aggregation‐related puzzles

AbstractAimDistribution of species is one of the most elementary but fundamental biodiversity patterns, yet too many puzzles remain unsolved. In most cases, distribution of species is not random, but presents some degree of aggregation. Accordingly, the term ‘distributional aggregation’ is prevailingly used in ecology and evolutionary biology to reflect the non‐random distribution characteristic of species in space and time. However, its meanings are multiform and can be decomposed into a variety of components.LocationGlobal.MethodsIn this paper, through synthesizing historical literature and comparing relevant meanings of distributional aggregation under different contexts, we summarize the current statistical metrics in detecting and evaluating distributional aggregation that are suitable for different field‐survey methods, study models and sampling scales. In particular, we explore the concept under the multi‐species setting for which few conceptual advances and statistical methods have been developed.ResultsWe propose pure data dispersion and spatiotemporal proximity, as two basic components of distributional aggregation. We further explore three advanced components of distributional aggregation: orthogonal, hierarchical and parallel components that can simultaneously link sampling taxa, sampling sites and sampling methods.Main ConclusionsWe hope the systematic review can serve as a potentially useful primer to ecologists for better understanding and investigating complex and new distributional patterns of biological diversity. We further provide informative guides on developing new statistical methods and metrics. We also discuss useful simulation algorithms for generating diverse distributional aggregation patterns of species, aiming to help ecologists to test and compare the performance of different metrics related to diversity and distribution patterns of species.

Five-year species distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility of non-tuberculous mycobacteria in Malaysia, 2018-2022.

Introduction. Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) is a group of mycobacteria distinct from the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. They can cause opportunistic infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals.Gap Statement. Over the last few years, there has been a growing concern regarding the distribution and antimicrobial resistance of NTM in Malaysia. however, a comprehensive study to fully grasp the NTM situation has yet to be conducted.Aim. This study aimed to investigate the species distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of NTM isolated from clinical samples in Malaysia from 2018 to 2022.Methodology. A retrospective analysis was conducted on NTM isolates obtained from various clinical specimens over a span of five years. The isolates were identified using phenotypic and molecular techniques, and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles for clinically significant isolates were determined using minimum inhibitory concentration.Results. The study revealed a diverse distribution of NTM species in Malaysia, with Mycobacteroides abscessus complex and Mycobacterium avium complex emerging as the most predominant. Furthermore, the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns showed varying degrees of resistance to commonly used antibiotics, highlighting the significance of treatment tailored to susceptibility testing results.Conclusion. This study provides valuable perspective into the epidemiology of NTM in Malaysia. The information gained from this study should prove useful for empirically treating serious NTM infections prior to species identification and the availability of antimicrobial susceptibility testing results.

Macro-epibiont assemblages of mangrove forests in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman

In mangrove ecosystems, trees and aerial roots provide a hard substrate for the attachment of several groups of epibiont species. However, the diversity and abundance of epibionts varies in different geographic areas and has not been studied in many regions. Here, we studied the species composition, abundance, and biomass of macro-epibionts on Avicennia marina tree surfaces and pneumatophores along the northern coasts of the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. A total of four species of epibionts were recorded, including an oyster Crassostrea sp., two barnacles Amphibalanus amphitrite and Microeuraphia permitini, and a snail Littoraria intermedia. Species composition did not show significant differences among sites, while abundance and biomass differed significantly. Oysters accounted for the largest proportion of biomass in the epibiont assemblages. In contrast to the distinct vertical distribution of epibionts on tree surfaces, there was no clear geographic distribution pattern of species from the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. We suggest that the differences in mangrove epibiont assemblages are largely determined by local hydrographic conditions. These baseline data will contribute to the management and conservation of valuable mangrove ecosystems.

Distribution pattern and management of invasive alien plant species in Sikkim Himalaya, India

An assessment of the distribution pattern of Invasive Alien Plant species in the Sikkim Himalayas was conducted at different elevation gradients and accordingly, management strategies were recommended to combat the ever-increasing condition of invasive plant species threatening the sensitive ecoregions. Among the most relevant factors supporting the present study were changes in the importance value index (IVI), variety, and evenness. There is a greater percentage of domination of invasion at lower elevations than at higher elevations. Species diversity, dominance, and evenness values decreased significantly at higher elevations; interestingly, the fraction of invaded regions is lower at higher elevations. Several factors may contribute to the large cover of invasive plants at lower elevations, including the enabling climate and anthropogenic activities. As a result of invasive alien plant species, such as Ageratum conyzoides, Ageratina adenophora, Bidens pilosa, Chromolaena odorata, Lantana camara, Mikania micrantha and Parthenium hysterophorus, native vegetation, and fauna may suffer adverse consequences, as well as socioeconomic conditions and health issues. This study determined that the invasion of these invasive alien plants in different elevations in the Sikkim Himalaya impacts ecosystem services and depletes several species of commercial importance. The current study recommends quick action to control harmful invasive alien plant species in the Sikkim Himalaya

Ecological niche modelling of Indigofera oblongifolia (Forssk.): a global machine learning assessment using climatic and non-climatic predictors

Climate change and other extinction facilitators have caused significant shifts in the distribution patterns of many species during the past few decades. Restoring and protecting lesser-known species may be more challenging without adequate biogeographical information. To address this knowledge gap, the current study set out to determine the global spatial distribution patterns of Indigofera oblongifolia (Forssk) a relatively lesser-known leguminous species. This was accomplished by utilizing three distinct bioclimatic temporal frames (current, 2050, and 2070) and four greenhouse gas scenarios (RCPs 2.6, 4.5, 6.0, and 8.5), in addition to non-climatic predictors such as global livestock population, human modification of terrestrial ecosystems, and global fertilizers application (nitrogen and phosphorus). Furthermore, we evaluate the degree of indigenousness using the geographical area, habitat suitability categories, and number of polygons. This research reveals that climatic predictors outperform non-climatic predictors in terms of improving model quality. Precipitation Seasonality is one of the most important factors influencing this species' optimum habitat suitability up to 150 mm for the current, 2050 RCP 8.5 and 2070-RCPs 2.6, 4.5, and 8.5. Our ellipsoid niche modelling extends the range of precipitation during the wettest quarter and maximum temperature during the warmest month to 637 mm and 26.5–31.80 degrees Celsius, respectively. India has a higher indigenous score in the optimal class than the African region. This findings suggest that the species in question tends to occupy contiguous regions in Africa, while in India, it is dispersed into several smaller meta-populations.

The genus Athyrium (Woodsiaceae) in Arunachal Pradesh state, India

This paper deals with the diversity and distribution of Athyrium in Arunachal Pradesh, N.E. India. 28 species are reported here from the state. The first authentic report of Athyrium flabellulatum from Arunachal Pradesh is also made here. Taxonomic details of the species are given. The distribution pattern of species by districts is also studied using exploratory data analysis.

Primary productivity impacts community structure of euphausiids in the low-latitude Indian and Pacific Oceans

Euphausiids are a vital component of global marine micronekton. To reveal the primary environmental factors influencing euphausiid distribution patterns in the previously overlooked low-latitude ecosystems, we investigated a large-scale community structure of euphausiids covering the North Pacific subtropical gyre (NPSG) and low-latitude eastern Indian (EI), and South Pacific Oceans (SP). A total of 41 euphausiid species from six genera were identified. Integrated primary production (PP) correlated significantly with the euphausiid abundance and species diversity and displayed the most critical influence on the variations in euphausiid community structure in low latitudes. Dissolved oxygen (DO) was the second significant environmental driver. Due to the distinct distribution patterns of euphausiid species in response to different PP and DO levels, the low-latitude euphausiid assemblages were mainly distinguished into subtropical and tropical communities. The subtropical euphausiid community associated with lower PP and higher DO demonstrated significantly lower euphausiid abundance but higher diversity than the tropical community. Euphausia brevis, E. mutica, and Stylocheiron abbreviatum, which characterize the subtropical community, appear to depend less on the phytoplanktonic prey. Euphausia diomedeae and Hansarsia gracilis, typifying the tropical population, showed stronger hypoxia tolerance. Additionally, each community was further divided into three subgroups under the influence of surface PP (subtropical: marginal NPSG, central NPSG, and austral EI-SP subgroups; tropical: the Bay of Bengal, equatorial EI, and equatorial EI-SP subgroups). These results suggested that food resource is the most important in shaping euphausiids’ community structure in an oligotrophic ecosystem with subtle hydrography gradients.

Species delimitation and phylogenetic relationships of the Prionospio complex (Annelida, Spionidae) in the Northeast Atlantic

AbstractThe Prionospio complex comprises the most diverse and complex group within the polychaete family Spionidae. The phylogenetic relationships within the group are still poorly understood, and the generic breakdown is unstable. In this study, we assessed the diversity, relationships, and distribution of species of the Prionospio complex occurring in Norwegian waters. We analysed mitochondrial genomes and nuclear ribosomal DNA assembled via whole‐genome shotgun sequencing, and Sanger sequenced fragments of COI and 16S rDNA. Sanger sequencing proved challenging in the group, where COI was only amplified successfully in 14% of specimens. By molecular species delimitation algorithms, our study revealed the presence of four well‐supported but currently undescribed species of Prionospio in Norwegian waters. We observed a novel distribution pattern of polychaetes in coastal waters, where certain species demonstrated distribution ranges spanning over 7000 km. Such wide distribution parallels patterns of deep‐sea Prionospio species, suggesting that factors beyond recent anthropogenic translocations are involved. Our analysis of 38 mitochondrial genomes and ribosomal nuclear DNA enabled us to hypothesise on the phylogenetic relationships of 14 species of the Prionospio complex. The analysis suggested that two characters previously used to designate genera: the beginning of the branchiae from chaetiger 3 and the presence of pinnules on the branchiae, might have evolved more than one time within the complex. We return Aurospio banyulensis to the genus Prionospio according to the diagnosis of Aurospio resulting tree where this species was nested among Prionospio species. Our findings provide new insights into the diversity and distribution patterns of Prionospio species and contribute to a better understanding of marine benthic biodiversity and the importance of taxonomic accuracy in conservation and management practices.

Distribution and Regeneration Status of Albizia gummifera and Prunus africana along Agroecology in Agroforestry: The Case of Gombora District, Southern Ethiopia

Empirical evidence on the patterns of the multipurpose trees distribution and regeneration status, which are under threats pressure is necessary for the proper management and conservation of the species. Prunus africana is listed as vulnerable while Albizia gummifera is listed as least concern amongst the multipurpose trees. This study was aimed to investigate the distribution, abundance, density, and regeneration status of Prunus africana and Albizia gummifera along agroecology and farmers’ wealth status in agroforestry. Stratification sampling and equal sampling techniques were employed. A total of 162 quadrats were laid within the randomly selected 54 households’ farms. A nested quadrat size was 20 m × 20 m for enset tree-based homegarden and parklands. For live fencing, a quadrat size was 4 m × 10 m. Abundance, diameter (cm), height (m), and growth habits of both trees were recorded. Density (stems per ha), diameter class (cm), height (m) class of both trees, and mean of growth habit were analyzed and considered. One-way ANOVA analysis and independent t-test were employed for means comparison by using SPSS V. 23.0. A total of 132 individual A. gummifera was recorded along agroecology while a total of 55 individual P. africana was recorded along agroecology. Mean density (stem/ha) of A. gummifera and P. africana showed significant difference between agroecology and farmers’ wealth groups (P<0.05). A. gummifera and P. africana were sparsely distributed in the enset tree-based homegarden, parklands, and live fencing along agroecology. The overall diameter (cm) class and height (m) class distribution pattern of these tree species were observed as a J-shaped curve. The regeneration status of A. gummifera and P. africana was poor. In conclusion, distribution, abundance, and regeneration status of A. gummifera and P. africana were influenced by agroecology and farmers’ wealth status needing appropriate conservation measures.

A Preliminary Survey on Geospatial Distribution of Aedes albopictusand Aedes aegyptiMosquitoes Found in Different Urban and Rural Locationsof Southern West Bengal, India

Aedes mosquitoes are globally known to transmit various arboviral diseases including Dengue fever. Historically considered an urban disease, Dengue fever has been reported in rural areas of different countries also. Two important species, Aedes aegypti, and Aedes albopictus, are rapidly spreading and invading new locations in India and risking human health more frequently each year. Since vector control has been proven to be the most effective measure to prevent such disease, knowing the vectors more, would help design successful methods to fight against the disease. In this survey, a cross-sectional inspection was conducted to look for the existence of Aedes spp. at 420 locations including urban and rural areas of 15 districts in Southern West Bengal, India, Morphological identification of collected specimens, comparative analyses of vector distribution and their breeding habitats, between districts, rural and urban locations as well as between different physiographic regions in this area were performed. The study revealed that sixty-four percent of the urban locations inspected and 22% of the rural locations inspected were positive for Aedes spp. Despite the region’s physiographic, climatic, and anthropogenic diversity, the districts shared a similar pattern of species distribution - A. albopictus was found in both rural and urban locations of all the districts while A. aegypti was observed in only urban locations of thirteen districts. In some locations, both species were found to be co-existing in the same habitat containers. Mean larval density and mean container index were both higher in urban habitats than in rural areas though few rural locations showed significantly high density of larval population. The current findings of this survey thus provide a comprehensive picture of Aedes distribution in the said area and may in turn act as a foundation for more effective surveillance to characterize these vectors and to identify potential dengue outbreak hotspots in Southern West Bengal.

Analysis of the Spatial Distribution of Leguminosae Species in the State of Maranhão, Brazil

Thousands of plant species are described in the planet. However, little is known about how these organisms are distributed, which is worrying, as species distribution data provide support for the development of conservation strategies. This study aimed to analyze the pattern of distribution of collections of Leguminosae species in Maranhão, determining the priority areas for collection and conservation of species. A database of Leguminosae from Maranhão was built with geo-referencing and taxonomic corrections. Then, the distribution pattern of species, collections and areas of endemism was analyzed, pointing out the main vectors of spatial pressure on this family. The South, East and fragments of the North region of Maranhão had the higher number of collections and species. The Gurupi, North and South regions of Maranhão are suggested as priority for conservation actions because they have high rates of endemism and are subjected to anthropogenic actions, and the domain Cerrado is suggested as priority due to the accelerated advance of agribusiness. This research is relevant to the knowledge of the flora of Maranhão, as it is the first to assess the distribution of Leguminosae collections in the state and suggest key areas for conservation.

Distribution Pattern of Avian Species in Sultanpur National Park, Haryana, India with Special Reference to Residential and Migratory

From September 2021 to March 2023, we embarked on a journey to document the avian wealth of Sultanpur National Park in Haryana, India. Our survey revealed a stunning tapestry of 105 bird species, representing 16 orders and 40 families. While 108 species held Least Concern status, two precious residents, the Saras Crane (Grus antigone) and White-necked Stork (Ciconia episcopus), teetered on the edge of vulnerability, facing mounting threats. The Indian Silverbill, Scaly-breasted Munia, Plain Martin, Wire-Tailled Swallow, and Bay-backed Shrike joined their ranks, listed as vulnerable in the IUCN Red Data Book. Our research suggests that Sultanpur National Park holds the potential to become a haven for these at-risk species. With dedicated efforts to ensure year-round water availability and the strategic planting of native trees like Ficus religiosa, Ficus bengalensis, Azadirachta indica, Acasia nilotica, and Mangifera indica, we can create a sanctuary for Painted Storks, White-necked Storks, and Black-necked Storks. Additional platforms could further encourage the proliferation of Saras Cranes and White-necked Storks, giving them the perfect stage to raise their young.
 This study serves as a call to action, both for the public and the state government to up their game in the area of conservation of wildlife species. By understanding the park's rich avian tapestry and the dangers it faces, we can mobilize support for its conservation. Protecting Sultanpur National Park and its irreplaceable birdlife is not just a responsibility, but a privilege. Let us join hands to ensure the skies above this national treasure remain forever filled with the songs and wings of its feathered residents.

OccupancyTuts: Occupancy modelling tutorials with RPresence

Abstract The occupancy modelling framework offers tremendous flexibility in estimating species abundance and distribution patterns while accounting for imperfect detection, and has seen rapid growth and adoption since its introduction at the beginning of the century. At the same time, in an era of big data, there are increasing demands on developing quantitative skills and proficiency in young ecologists, many of whom lack the quantitative training needed to conduct research professionally. We introduce occupancyTuts, an R package that features 28 learnr tutorials that teach the statistical underpinnings of several occupancy models. The tutorials include written content, instructional videos, R exercises, and quiz elements, covering a range of topics including statistical underpinnings, single‐ and dynamic‐occupancy models, study design and several of the ‘spin‐off’ models that extend the basic framework. We plan for development of new tutorials that use RPresence as the analysis engine, and welcome new tutorial contributions that use other R packages as the analysis engine as well.

The distribution and conservation of areas with microendemic species in a biodiversity hotspot: a multi-taxa approach.

Microendemic species are species with very small geographic distributions (ranges). Their presence delimitates areas with microendemic species (AMs), denoting a spatial unit comprising at least one population of at least one microendemic species. AMs are assumed to be distributed distinctively and associated with specific ecological, historical, and anthropogenic attributes. However, the level of influence of these factors remains unclear. Thus, we studied the distribution patterns of microendemic species within the Brazilian Atlantic Forest to (a) identify the region's AMs; (b) evaluate whether ecological (latitude, altitude, distance from the coastline), historical (climate stability), and anthropogenic (ecological integrity) attributes distinguish AMs from non-AMs; and (c) assess the conservation status of the Atlantic Forest's AMs. We mapped the ranges of 1,362 microendemic species of angiosperms, freshwater fishes, and terrestrial vertebrates (snakes, passerine birds, and small mammals) to identify the region's AMs. Further, spatial autoregressive logit regression models were used to evaluate whether latitude, altitude, distance from the coastline, Climate Stability Index, and ecological integrity can be used to discern AMs from non-AMs. Moreover, the AMs' conservation status was assessed by evaluating the region's ecological integrity and conservation efforts (measured as the proportion of AMs in protected areas). We identified 261 AMs for angiosperm, 205 AMs for freshwater fishes, and 102 AMs for terrestrial vertebrates in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, totaling 474 AMs covering 23.8% of the region. The Brazilian Atlantic Forest is a large and complex biogeographic mosaic where AMs represent islands or archipelagoes surrounded by transition areas with no microendemic species. All local attributes help to distinguish AMs from non-AMs, but their impacts vary across taxonomic groups. Around 69% of AMs have low ecological integrity and poor conservation efforts, indicating that most microendemic species are under threat. This study provides insights into the biogeography of one of the most important global biodiversity hotspots, creating a foundation for comparative studies using other tropical forest regions.