Species Distribution Patterns Research Articles

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.

Species distribution and antifungal susceptibility profiles of clinical and environmental Fusarium isolates from Mexico: A multicenter study

ABSTRACT Fusarium spp. has emerged as an opportunistic etiological agent with clinical manifestations varying from localized infections to deep-seated systemic disease. It is also a phytopathogen of economic impact. There are few reports on the species diversity of this genus, and no comprehensive studies on the epidemiology nor the antifungal susceptibility of Fusarium in Mexico. The present multicentric study aims to shed light on the species distribution and antifungal susceptibility patterns of 116 strains of Fusarium isolated from clinical and environmental samples. Isolates were identified by standard phenotypic characteristics and by sequencing of the ITS (internal transcribed spacer), TEF1 (translation elongation factor 1-α), RPB2 (RNA polymerase II core subunit), and/or CAM1 (calmodulin) regions. Susceptibility tests were carried out against 15 antifungals of clinical and agricultural use. Regarding Fusarium distribution, we identified 27 species belonging to eight different species complexes. The most frequently isolated species for both clinical and environmental samples were F. falciforme (34%), F. oxysporum sensu stricto (12%), F. keratoplasticum (8%), and F. solani sensu stricto (8%). All Fusarium isolates showed minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) equal to or above the maximum concentration evaluated for fluconazole, 5-fluocytosine, caspofungin, micafungin, and anidulafungin. All isolates had a MIC of ≤16 µg/mL for voriconazole, with a mode of 4 µg/mL. F. verticillioides appeared to be the most susceptible to all antifungals tested.

Functional traits and phylogeny jointly regulate the effects of environmental filtering and dispersal limitation on species spatial distribution

IntroductionRevealing the spatial distribution pattern and formation mechanism of species in a community can provide important clues for community renewal, succession, and diversity maintenance mechanisms.MethodsIn this study, we employed spatial point process modeling to identify and quantify the processes contributing to the spatial distribution of species. Simultaneously, we explored the relationship between functional traits and species spatial distribution characteristics in conjunction with phylogenetic studies.ResultsThe results revealed that the LGCP model effectively described all species, indicating that the spatial pattern of species may be influenced by a combination of environmental filtering and dispersal limitation. Disparities in species spatial distribution were elucidated by characterizing functional traits, such as body size and resource conservation. Incorporating phylogenetic information enhanced the predictive capacity of functional traits in explaining species spatial distribution.DiscussionThis study underscores the significance of the joint effects of environmental filtering and dispersal limitation in generating species spatial distribution patterns. Integrating spatial point process models with considerations of functional traits and phylogeny proves to be an effective approach for comprehending the mechanisms governing species combinations.

Ecological status and spatial extent of non-native shrubs Lantana camara L. and Ageratina adenophora Sprengel in the forest communities of western Himalaya

This research elucidates the ecological status and spatial extent of two non-native invasive species, Lantana camara L. and Ageratina adenophorum Sprengel, within dominant forest communities across an altitude gradient in the western Himalayan region. The study, conducted from 2017 to 2019 in the Nainital district of Kumaun Himalaya, focused on four forest communities; Sal, Chir-pine, Banj-oak, and Mixed-oak, spanning an altitudinal range from 300 to 2250 meters. Environmental predictors encompassing topographic, physiographic, and climatic factors, along with species occurrence records, were employed to determine spatial extent. The MaxEnt statistical model, a machine learning algorithm, facilitated the assessment of the spatial distribution of invasives. Results indicate that L. camara has invaded Sal, Chir-pine, and Banj oak forests but has not established in high-elevation mixed-oak stands. Conversely, A. adenophora has invaded Chir-pine, Banj-oak, and Mixed-oak stands but has not been observed in low-altitude Sal forests. No significant variation in species number, diversity, or distribution pattern along the elevation gradient was observed for either species. Spatial assessment using MaxEnt revealed an estimated area of 380 km² for A. adenophora and 285 km² for L. camara. The study highlights the mid-altitude zone as the most vulnerable to species invasion. This scientific inquiry contributes valuable insights for the conservation of non-native shrubs, offering guidance for effective, species-specific conservation and management strategies in the Himalayan region.

Anomaly Detection in Species Distribution Patterns: A Spatio-Temporal Approach for Biodiversity Conservation

Monitoring and maintaining biodiversity are crucial for the ecological balance and overall health of ecosystems. Detecting anomalies in species distribution patterns is essential for identifying areas of concern and implementing timely conservation measures. This paper introduces an approach to detect anomalies in spatiotemporal species activity data by integrating time series analysis, machine learning techniques, and spatial statistics. Our method identifies distribution patterns of various species and groups regions with similar patterns, enabling the segmentation of the study area into distinct categories. Within these categorized regions, we apply a combination of clustering algorithms and outlier detection techniques to pinpoint anomalous behaviors in species distribution. In order to confirm the reliability of our findings, we cross-reference them with verified data acquired through field observations or other credible data sources. These corroborations indicate that anomalies are frequently indicative of sudden variations in species numbers or unexpected alterations in spatial distribution at certain places and times. To gain a more robust understanding of how species are distributed, we curate a data set that excludes these anomalous observations and use it to develop a predictive algorithm. Our analysis shows that a predictive model trained on this refined, anomaly-free dataset achieves a lower normalized mean square error (NMSE), which suggests a higher level of predictive accuracy as compared to a model trained on data containing anomalies. Utilizing this methodology can facilitate the creation of effective conservation plans and contribute to more sustainable ecosystem management.

Is it worth the extra mile? Comparing environmental DNA and RNA metabarcoding for vertebrate and invertebrate biodiversity surveys in a lowland stream.

Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding has emerged as a promising approach to assess biodiversity and derive ecological status classes from water samples. However, a limitation of eDNA surveys is that detected DNA molecules may originate from other places or even dead organisms, distorting local biodiversity assessments. Environmental RNA (eRNA) metabarcoding has recently been proposed as a complementary tool for more localized assessments of the biological community. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of eDNA and eRNA metabarcoding for inferring the richness and species distribution patterns of vertebrates and invertebrates in a Central European lowland river. We collected water samples and analyzed them using a 12S marker for vertebrates and a COI marker for invertebrates. We detected 31 fish, 16 mammal, 10 bird and one lamprey species in the vertebrate dataset. While results were largely consistent, we detected a higher number of species when analysing eRNA (mean = 30.89) than eDNA (mean = 26.16). Also, eRNA detections had a stronger local signature than eDNA detections when compared against species distribution patterns from traditional fish monitoring data. For invertebrates, we detected 109 arthropod, 22 annelid, 12 rotiferan, eight molluscan and four cnidarian species. In contrast to the pattern of vertebrate richness, we detected a higher richness using eDNA (mean = 41.37) compared to eRNA (mean = 22.42). Our findings primarily show that eDNA and eRNA-based detections are comparable for vertebrate and invertebrate taxa. Biological replication was important for both template molecules studied. Signal detections for vertebrates were more localized for eRNA compared to eDNA. Overall, the advantages of the extra steps needed for eRNA analyses depend on the study question but both methods provide important data for biodiversity monitoring and research.

A Mini Review on Diversity and Distribution of Ixodidae Tick among Cattle and Wild Fauna of West Bengal Region, India

Indian subtropical climates provide a suitable niche for the diversity of Ixodidae ticks on various host. Very limited taxonomic information exists in literature about the diversity and distribution of tick both within and outside of West Bengal. In the current review, species and hosts diversity and geographical distribution of ticks present in the state have been reviewed based on taxonomic data in the literature from 1926-2022. More than 109 tick species were recorded in India, among which 88 genera belongs to the Ixodidae group. West Bengal's hot and humid environment makes it a hotspot for tick diversity, accounting for 30% of the overall Indian tick fauna. According to this study, 9 genera and 32 species were detected in West Bengal, with Rhipicephalus sp. being the most infectious in cattle, followed by Hyalomma and Haemaphysalis species. While, Haemaphysalis with 13 species is the most diverse genus reported in West Bengal, the most prevalent species detected in all seventeen districts were H. bispinosa and Boophilus microplus. To understand the variety and distribution pattern of tick species, the study reveals their presence and infestation in different classes and orders of their conspecific host.