ABSTRACT Though information on the population dynamics and reproduction of the endemic delectable soft-furred mouse, Praomys delectorum, abound, the impact of anthropogenic disturbances on these parameters is still not known. This study investigated the impact of anthropogenic disturbances on the breeding pattern, population structure, and sex ratios of P. delectorum. The capture-mark-recapture technique was used to trap rodents from June 2018 to February 2020 in the Ukaguru Mountains within the Eastern Arc Mountains, Tanzania, where four 60 m × 60 m grids were set, two in intact sites and two in disturbed sites. More significant males were trapped in intact forests (χ2 = 10.71, df = 1, p = 0.001) compared to disturbed forests. The population density of P. delectorum varied temporally with peaks attained in the wet season in both habitats. Population structure showed few juveniles in most months and sub-adults accounted for the population increases in the wet seasons in all habitats. The proportion of reproductively active individuals varied temporally in both disturbed and intact forests while habitat disturbance showed no effect on the breeding activity of this species. Overall, these results suggest season as a factor responsible for the varying reproductive activity and population structure of P. delectorum in the landscape.

Abstract The study of bark morphology reveals significant although not absolute relationships between bark types, tree species, and their environmental conditions. This paper aims to review the inter- and intraspecific ecological and evolutionary drivers that seem to have shaped the macromorphological features of bark, especially in temperate forest ecosystems and especially in Europe. Extensive literature research shows that various factors influence bark thickness, structure, color, and morphology, including solar radiation, climate, adaptation to various disturbance regimes, site conditions and biotic factors, reflecting together long-term selective pressures during evolution. Bark’s simultaneous multiple functions and its ontogenetic changes often complicate the identification of the individual selective agents of the adaptive mechanisms and morphologies. An evolutionary perspective can clarify why certain bark types are common in specific environments, how some traits persist as secondary functions, or why diverse bark forms coexist not only in the same site, but also in various ontogenetic stages and positions of the same individuals. Intraspecific variation shaped by both genetic and environmental influences often results in phenotypic plasticity, enhancing species’ environmental and age/size related adaptability. We suggest that further research examine current and historical climate, site, and biotic conditions to understand their influence on bark structure and morphology.

Although black fly (Diptera: Simuliidae) ecology has been extensively studied in forest ecosystems, knowledge from rural landscapes-where human and livestock interactions are frequent-remains limited. This study investigated the diversity, community structure, and environmental associations of black fly larvae in rural streams of Mae Rim district, Chiang Mai province, northern Thailand. Larvae and pupae collected monthly from three types of study areas were evaluated. Environmental variables were recorded in situ. A total of 3,649 last instar larvae representing 19 species across three subgenera were identified. Dominant species included Simulium nodosum (15.2%), S. chiangmaiense (14.1%), S. wangkwaiense (11.9%), S. asakoae (10.3%), and S. fenestratum (9.5%). Four human-biting species-S. asakoae, S. chamlongi, S. nodosum, and S. doipuiense complex-were identified, with the first three predominantly found in village sites. Species richness and diversity were higher in sites without human intervention (forest without human activity) compared to those in forest with human activity and villages. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) revealed that conductivity, stream width, water velocity, and salinity were significantly associated with species composition (χ2 = 1.53, P < 0.01). Notably, human-biting species were associated with wider, warmer, fast-flowing streams with elevated conductivity-conditions typical of disturbed village sites. These findings underscore the ecological significance of stream conditions in shaping black fly communities and provide critical insights for vector surveillance and control in human-impacted landscapes.

Abstract Post-seeding vegetation management is critical for restoring grasslands dominated by invasive species, yet few studies have evaluated these strategies in the Aspen Parkland ecoregion. We tested the effects of no treatment (Control), mowing-only (Mow), herbicide-only (Herbicide; aminopyralid 52.5% + metsulfuron-methyl 9.45% at 230 g ai ha⁻¹), and mowing and herbicide application (Combination) on plant community composition, diversity, and biomass over two growing seasons following seeding of seven cool season native grass species. The study was conducted on a disturbed site in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, where non-native Cirsium arvense , Sonchus arvensis , and Bromus inermis dominated prior to treatment. Treatments with aminopyralid+metsulfuron-methyl (aminopyralid+metsulfuron-methyl alone and Combination) significantly reduced noxious and introduced species richness and cover ( p &lt; 0.001), eliminated forbs, and shifted plant composition toward greater dominance by seeded and native grasses. However, these treatments also eliminated native shrubs ( Rosa woodsia and Symphoricarpos occidentalis ), reduced litter biomass, and increased bare ground. The Mow treatment maintained high species richness and forb biomass, with noxious and introduced species remaining dominant, and seeded species establishment improving slightly relative to the control. Despite differential species responses, overall seeded species richness, diversity, and cover did not differ significantly among treatments. Hesperostipa comata , Pascopyrum smithii , and Nassella viridula showed moderate establishment under treatments with aminopyralid + metsulfuron-methyl, while Festuca hallii , F. idahoensis , F. saximontana , and Koeleria macrantha established less in any treatment. Community composition diverged most between treatments with aminopyralid + metsulfuron-methyl and the control treatment. These results highlight trade-offs between invasive species control and impacts on non-target natives and ecosystem function. Among the treatments, aminopyralid + metsulfuron-methyl alone provided the most balanced outcome, suppressing invasive species while minimizing soil disturbance, and improving seeded grass recruitment. This study highlights the importance of integrating vegetation treatments with species-specific seeding when restoring heavily invaded grasslands in the Aspen Parkland.

The conservation status of the Colombian Caribbean dune system was assessed considering the influence of natural and anthropogenic factors. The study took place in five locations with a gradient of human disturbance. In total, 198 plots and 22 transects were established, three transects in Gairaca and Costa Verde; four in Lipe, and six in Mendihuaca and Salguero. Environmental variables such as dune height, slope, sediment physical-chemical attributes, and anthropogenic impact were assessed in each site, while species composition, frequency, and plant cover were determined for each plot. The results show a correlation between natural and anthropogenic factors and the composition and structure of plant communities growing on the beach and coastal dunes. Human disturbances (urbanized areas, construction, burning, debris, trampling, logging, tourism, groins, sewage, roads, garbage, and sediment extraction) were particularly relevant. Plant cover and species diversity were inversely related to human impact and disturbance. Furthermore, community structure varied among sites: trees and vines were more frequent in the preserved locations, while shrubs and parasitic plants were more abundant in the disturbed sites. Management alternatives should consider the environmental factors (natural and anthropogenic) affecting vegetation to improve the conservation of plant diversity on coastal dunes along the Colombian Caribbean coast.

Frogs are highly sensitive bioindicators whose skin secretions reflect physiological responses to environmental change. Yet, no study has directly linked amphibian skin metabolomes to quantified habitat parameters across a disturbance gradient. We applied an eco-metabolomics approach to Hylarana erythraea from eight pond sites in northern Peninsular Malaysia, spanning natural to heavily modified habitats. Thirty ecological parameters defined two habitat categories: minimally disturbed and moderately-to-heavily disturbed. Untargeted QTOF LC-MS/MS revealed distinct metabolomic profiles between categories (PERMANOVA, F = 11.78, R² = 0.67, p = 0.001). Frogs from minimally disturbed habitats had higher lysophosphatidylcholines (LPC 18:0, LPC 18:1), consistent with membrane integrity and physiological homeostasis, whereas disturbed sites showed elevated xenobiotic-related compounds (e.g., Triton X-45, Lauramine oxide) and histamine, indicating anthropogenic stress. Generalized linear models identified water clarity, aquatic vegetation, and pond size as the strongest predictors of metabolomic variation (ΔAIC ≤ 2). Our findings provide the first molecular-level evidence linking frog skin metabolites to quantified ecological drivers, demonstrating their value as early-warning biomarkers within amphibian conservation and One Health monitoring frameworks.

Ophiocordyceps sinensis (O. sinensis) is a valuable medicinal fungus distributed in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and adjacent high-altitude regions. Wild excavation has raised increasing concerns about its impact on fragile alpine soil ecosystems. Soil nematodes are sensitive indicators of soil environmental change and can effectively reflect disturbance-induced shifts in soil biotic communities. Understanding the effects of O. sinensis excavation on soil nematode diversity is essential for assessing soil biological health and supporting sustainable management of alpine ecosystems. However, most existing studies are limited to single regions, and few have simultaneously analyzed changes in soil properties, nematode diversity, and soil-nematode relationships across heterogeneous landscapes. The goal of this study was to reveal the impacts of O. sinensis excavation on soil physicochemical properties, nematode diversity and community composition, as well as soil-nematode relationships in typical producing areas, and to assess the ecological risks of current harvesting practices. We investigated five typical O. sinensis-producing regions in Qinghai Province (Henan, Hualong, Maqin, Yushu, Zaduo) and compared excavated and non-excavated sites to evaluate disturbance effects. The results showed strong regional heterogeneity in soil responses to excavation. Soil available potassium (AK) was significantly and consistently lower in all excavated sites (p < 0.01), whereas changes in other soil nutrients varied by region. Nematode α-diversity was generally stable, with a significant decrease in the Shannon index only in Henan (from 2.91 to 2.46). Soil nematode community composition was highly similar between treatments, with more than 70% of shared genera and species remaining largely unchanged and dominant taxa unchanged. Correlation analysis indicated that excavation reshaped soil-nematode relationships, and AK may act as a potential influencing factor associated with nematode diversity in disturbed sites. Overall, under current excavation intensity, the impacts of O. sinensis harvesting on total soil nematode diversity are relatively limited. However, the widespread reduction in AK and localized diversity decline suggest potential long-term ecological risks under intensive or prolonged disturbance.

Abstract. In the forest-steppe ecotone in central Mongolia, forest and permafrost exist close to their climatic limits and are co-located on north-facing slopes. The deciduous forest ecosystems and permafrost on these slopes are linked through interactions in the local energy and water balance. Furthermore, in this region the presence of such permafrost-forest systems provides essential services that supports local livelihoods and ecosystem function. However, forest disturbances that reduce or remove the forest canopies and lead to changes in surface cover could impact ground surface temperatures (GSTs) and potentially lead to permafrost degradation. In this study, we investigate the relationship between different forest states and GSTs at a site in the forest-steppe ecotone. We measured GSTs and surveyed vegetation density and surface cover over two years in an area that features both intact, dead and logged forest and dense stands of young regrowth. Overall, we find GSTs in summer and winter to vary substantially among the forest states, while differences in GST in spring and fall are small. Compared to the intact forest, the annual GST range is increased in the dead and logged forest while it is dampened in stands of young regrowth. Contrary to existing literature, we do not observe a general warming of the ground surface at disturbed sites, but instead find mean annual GSTs at disturbed sites to be 0.5 °C lower than at intact sites. We also find substantial floor vegetation in the dead and logged forest, which has implications for livestock grazing patterns and remote sensing of forest disturbances.

In the Anthropocene, coastal ecosystems are rapidly changing to improve global ecosystem services. These changes lead to significant disruption of ecosystem functions and subsequent loss of ecosystem productivity. Remote sensing tools such as NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index) is a widely accepted as a standard tool for monitoring vegetation health in terrestrial ecosystems; however, its application in predicting habitat disturbances in intertidal mudflats remains limited. In the present study, LISS III satellite imagery (2008-2019) was used to extract NDVI data for classifying intertidal areas along the Gujarat coast based on degree of disturbances (stable, moderately stable, and unstable). NDVI anomaly and aggregation index were further applied to infer sediment stability at each site. It was observed that lower NDVI and negative anomaly values were associated with reduced sediment stability, particularly at the disturbed site. Later, this site-wise habitat disturbance was further validated with the vertical distribution pattern of benthic macroinvertebrates as they play crucial role in benthic ecosystem functioning. Polychaetes as the most dominant macrobenthic group exhibited a clear vertical niche shift into deeper sediment strata under disturbed conditions. Hence, the study establishes NDVI as a potential tool to monitor habitat stability as well disturbances and identify respective ecological responses which can ultimately provide a scalable framework for coastal management and policy applications.

Underground hydrocarbon pipelines represent a growing source of disturbance in arid and cold ecosystems of southern South America, yet their long-term ecological impacts remain poorly understood. We evaluated the effects of pipeline construction on vegetation and soil in Festuca gracillima (coironal) grasslands of the Magellanic steppe, Chile. Fourteen pipelines of varying ages (3–14 years) were surveyed using 442 vegetation plots (221 along the pipeline corridor, 221 in reference areas), combined with soil sampling (0–15 cm) for physical and chemical analyses. Vegetation was strongly affected. Species richness declined significantly in the pipeline corridor (19.6 ± 9.9 vs. 31.0 ± 9.6 species), as did total cover (36.2 ± 19.6% vs. 74.0 ± 6.0%), while bare soil increased markedly. Shannon diversity was slightly higher in disturbed sites (H' = 2.06 ± 0.37 vs. 1.75 ± 0.45), reflecting the proliferation of ruderal and introduced species. SIMPER analysis showed that the decline of native dominants such as Festuca gracillima and Empetrum rubrum, together with the expansion of Poa pratensis, Rumex acetosella, and Taraxacum officinale, explained more than 50% of community dissimilarity. The invasive Hieracium pilosella was unexpectedly more abundant in reference areas, suggesting a preference for intermediate disturbance regimes. Soil responses were more subtle but not negligible. Most physical properties (bulk density, porosity, water holding capacity) showed no consistent differences between treatments. However, several chemical parameters were significantly altered in disturbed soils, including increases in total nitrogen, available phosphorus, manganese, calcium, magnesium, and nitrate, and a decrease in exchangeable aluminum and clay content, although most changes faded out at short term. Canonical Correspondence Analysis revealed clear floristic segregation along gradients of bare soil, sand content, organic matter, and pH, indicating that soil properties, although moderately affected, shape successional trajectories. Overall, our results demonstrate that underground pipelines cause long-lasting changes in vegetation structure and composition, even when soil alterations appear modest or transient. Natural regeneration progresses slowly, leading to simplified communities dominated by opportunistic species with protective but low functional value. These findings highlight the need to critically evaluate restoration strategies based on agronomic sowing, and to consider assisted natural regeneration as a more sustainable option for conserving biodiversity, ecosystem function, and soil carbon stocks in arid grasslands.

Abstract Background: Globally, anthropogenic activities are known to influence land and vegetation cover, bee populations, and floral resources, particularly in tropical rainforests. This study investigates the impact of anthropogenic disturbances on land and forest cover changes, wild bee populations (i.e., diversity and abundance), and floral resources in the Mount Rungwe Nature Forest Reserve (MRNFR). Methods: We employed Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) techniques to analyze forest cover changes in MRNFR from 2010 to 2025. Wild bee diversity and abundance were assessed using a combination of pan traps and sweep nets, while flowering plants were visually counted to estimate the average floral abundance in each plot. Only flowering shoots with open and non-wilted flowers were included in the counts. Results: The results revealed that in 2010, dense forest was the dominant land cover class. Transitions of dense forest, open forest, and grassland into bare land between 2010 and 2025 indicate the presence of human activities. Also, the study revealed the significant differences in wild bee diversity and abundance across habitats experiencing varying levels of anthropogenic disturbance namely, that is, highly disturbed, moderately disturbed, and less disturbed areas. Wild bee abundance in less disturbed habitats was approximately twice that of highly disturbed areas. Moreover, both moderately and less disturbed habitats supported greater species diversity compared to the highly disturbed sites. Similarly, floral abundance was the lowest in highly disturbed habitats, suggesting that the availability of floral resources directly influences wild bee populations. Conclusion: These findings indicate that anthropogenic activities significantly reduce the abundance of flowering plants that provide essential foraging and nesting resources for wild bees. Overall, our results underscore the importance of conserving and managing forest habitats, as habitat degradation and the loss of floral resources are closely linked to declines in wild bee populations.

Habitat fragmentation poses a serious threat to bee communities, which are essential for pollination and biodiversity conservation. This study evaluated how habitat fragmentation in an oak forest in Zapopan, Mexico affected bee diversity, abundance, feeding niches, and bee–plant interaction networks. We compared a protected natural area with a nearby forest fragment that has been isolated from the main forest by urbanization for the past 10 years. Wild bee abundance and species richness in the fragmented area decreased by 74% and 70%, respectively, compared to the natural area, accompanied by a significant reduction in diversity. Community composition shifted mainly due to species loss; furthermore, there was persistence of generalist species such as Apis mellifera, which became more abundant in the forest fragment. Feeding niches in the fragmented area were narrower according to the Levin index, reflecting more restricted diets and increased interspecific competition. Interaction networks were simplified, showing fewer interactions, loss of specialist bees, and decreased equitability, although network specialization remained stable, and an almost-total turnover in interactions indicated a reconfiguration of pollination patterns. These findings suggest that fragmentation negatively affects bee community structures and their interactions with plants, potentially compromising pollination and ecosystem services. Conservation of protected areas and restoration of disturbed sites with native plants are recommended to support the recovery and stability of bee communities and their ecological interactions.

Abstract Urbanization profoundly transforms land use, imposing intense pressures on adjacent forest ecosystems and modifying their capacity to sequester carbon (C). Here, we review how urbanization influences the stability of soil organic carbon (SOC) along an urban–rural forest gradients, with emphasis on physical, chemical, and biological stability indices. We find that SOC stability is reduced in urban forest soils relative to suburban and rural counterparts, primarily due to declines in stable physical fractions, namely, particulate organic carbon (POC) and mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC). Although MAOC is typically resistant to decomposition, its formation and persistence are often compromised in urban soils due to compaction, erosion, and disrupted organic matter inputs. Chemical stability is comparatively higher in suburban forests, where soils tend to accumulate greater amounts of non-readily oxidizable carbon (NROC), and supporting long-term C retention. Biological indicators such as microbial biomass carbon (MBC) also decline in urban soils, especially in disturbed sites with reduced litter and root-derived inputs. Enzymes mediating C cycling exhibit variable activity across gradients. Urbanization frequently increases microbial taxonomic diversity particularly among bacteria due to nutrient enrichment and physical disturbance. However, total microbial abundance often declines in compacted or polluted urban soils, potentially constraining microbial-mediated SOC stabilization. In urban forests, the dominant influencing factors of SOC stability are anthropogenic stressors such as air pollution, and altered local climate conditions and soil properties. In rural forests, however, the dominant factors are biological and climatic processes, such as litter quality, climate conditions, vegetation types and soil fauna, while both natural and human-related factors are main drivers in suburban forests. Recognizing these divergent controls is essential to understanding SOC persistence across urbanizing landscapes. We identify key research gaps and outline future priorities to improve predictive frameworks for SOC stability under continued land-use intensification.

Abstract Callery pear (Pyrus calleyana Decne.) is a problematic woody invasive plant in eastern North America that invades old fields, forests, and disturbed sites. While management guidance typically suggests foliar, basal bark, cut stump, and hack-and-squirt applications of herbicides for P. calleryana , there is a dearth of studies focusing on the efficacy of specific treatments. We evaluated seven herbicide treatments for control of midstory P. calleryana . Cut stump and hack and squirt applications of glyphosate, imazapyr, and triclopyr and a soil application of hexazinone were repeated at six sites within Georgia, Kansas, and South Carolina, and all study trees were monitored for approximately one year after herbicide application. Cut stump applications of glyphosate, imazapyr, and triclopyr provided the most consistent control with no resprouting and 100% mortality. Hack-and-squirt applications of glyphosate and triclopyr resulted in approximately 80% probability of mortality one year after treatment, while hack-and-squirt application of imazapyr and soil application of hexazinone averaged only 20 and 25% probability of mortality, respectively. Our results demonstrate the efficacy of seven treatment options for P. calleryana control in three geographic locations with varied habitat types, and our data suggest that cut stump applications of glyphosate, imazapyr, or triclopyr or hack-and-squirt application of glyphosate or triclopyr may be useful for reducing populations of P. calleryana. that have grown past the sapling stage.

Situated on the eastern outskirts of Kolkata, India, Dhapa offers a remarkable natural environment where agricultural operations, waste disposal, and naturally regenerating vegetation coexist. Although commonly perceived as a landfill, Dhapa sustains a mosaic of human-modified and semi-natural habitats that support considerable insect diversity. The study was conducted across three distinct sections of the Dhapa dumpsite—agricultural fields, mixed vegetation zones, and disturbed areas—to quantify insect diversity and assess habitat variation. The study of diversity of insects is very important to determine the number of insect species present in a particular area for conservation purposes, and pest management strategies are also fundamentally based on insect diversity. A total of 1,301 insect individuals from 10 orders and 55 families were documented between September 2024 and February 2025. The dominant order was Hemiptera (31.24%), followed by Diptera (20.31%) and Hymenoptera (20.01%). According to diversity indices, disturbed sites had the lowest values of species richness and Shannon diversity, while mixed vegetation had the highest values (d = 3.556; H' = 2.302). ANOVA verified that the three habitats' diversity differed statistically significantly (p &lt; 0.05). Cluster analysis also revealed that while disturbed areas stood apart, reflecting the effects of anthropogenic disturbance, agricultural fields and mixed vegetation formed a close cluster due to their ecological smilarity. These results demonstrate the importance of vegetation complexity in forming insect communities and the necessity of combined waste management and conservation approaches.

The global decline of insect pollinators highlights the urgency of identifying native plants that can support their conservation. One promising candidate is Dalea coerulea (Fabaceae), a legume native to mid- and high-elevation Andean ecosystems of Ecuador. This study reports insect visitation data from different Andean habitats, documenting its role as a floral resource. A total of sixteen native bee species were recorded visiting D. coerulea. These included Anthophora pilifrons, Bombus funebris, B. hortulanus, B. pauloensis, B. robustus, Centris inca, Exomalopsis sp., Thygater aethiops, and Xylocopa viridigastra (Apidae); Caupolicana niveofasciata, Colletes sp., and Lonchorhyncha sp. (Colletidae); Anthidium vigintiduopunctatum, Coelioxys sp., Megachile alpigena, and M. ecuadoria (Megachilidae). In addition, the introduced honeybee (Apis mellifera) and other insects were observed. Dalea coerulea thrives in both natural and disturbed sites, showing high ecological adaptability. Beyond its role in supporting pollinators, this species is also valued in local culture and traditional medicine. Its tolerance to altered environments, combined with its ecological and cultural importance, makes it an excellent candidate for revegetation programs in urban and peri-urban areas of the Andes. Promoting D. coerulea offers a native alternative to exotic ornamentals currently favored in Ecuadorian green spaces, potentially enhancing pollinator diversity and ecosystem resilience.

Wetlands in Kashmir are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic pressures such as urban expansion, waste disposal, grazing, and tourism. This study assessed the impact of such disturbances on the soil physico-chemical and microbial properties of four major wetlands—Hokersar, Anchar, Manasbal and Shallabugh—between 2019 and 2021. Two-way ANOVA indicated significant variation in parameters across disturbed and undisturbed sites. The relatively undisturbed Shallabugh wetland exhibited superior soil quality, with higher moisture content, organic carbon, available nitrogen, calcium, magnesium and microbial indicators such as bacterial population and VAM spores. In contrast, disturbed wetlands showed increased bulk density, reduced phosphorus availability, and elevated levels of heavy metals (Fe, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cd, Mn). Principal component analysis and correlation matrices further distinguished disturbed from undisturbed sites. These results highlight the degradation of soil health in disturbed wetlands and emphasize the ecological value of undisturbed sites. Effective wetland governance and conservation strategies are crucial for maintaining soil fertility, microbial diversity, and overall ecosystem functioning in the region.

Simple SummaryUnderstanding the effects of human activities on coastal biodiversity is vital for protecting intertidal ecosystems. On Lvhua Island, many residents harvest shellfish and other marine life, often leading to fewer species and smaller populations in areas near villages. These disturbed sites showed lower ecological stability compared to remote, undisturbed shores, which still supported healthy and diverse communities. Our study shows that frequent harvesting reduces biodiversity and weakens the resilience of the ecosystem. To address this problem, we recommend creating protected zones where harvesting is restricted, giving marine organisms time to recover. Such protection will not only help safeguard the environment but also ensure that fisheries remain a lasting source of food and income for local communities. By balancing conservation with human needs, we can secure both healthy ecosystems and sustainable livelihoods for the future.Human harvesting exerts significant pressure on intertidal ecosystems, yet its impact on community structure remains insufficiently understood. To assess these effects, we investigated macrobenthic communities on Lvhua Island and adjacent islets by integrating ecological surveys, questionnaire data, and Remote Sensing Ecological Indices (RSEI). We analyzed species composition, biomass, density, and diversity indices across seven sampling sites. Results showed distinct spatial variation: the eastern Lvhua Island exhibited higher biomass and density than the west, with the remote Manduishan islet highest and the South of West Lvhua near the pier the lowest. Harvesting hotspots were dominated by Chlorostoma rusticum and Cantharus cecillei, while less-disturbed islets were characterized by Chl. rusticum, Thais luteostoma, and Turbinidae. Economically valuable gastropods showed signs of miniaturization under intensive harvesting. Biodiversity indices correlated with RSEI, and ABC curve analysis indicated moderate disturbance overall, with the greatest impact at the Donglvhua Bridge site. These findings indicate that a daily subsistence harvest of 100–150 kg resulted in a 31.82% decline in the Shannon-Wiener index, altering the community structure. RSEI provides a cost-effective complement to field monitoring and should be integrated into management frameworks to support both ecological conservation and community livelihoods.

Molecular and trace metal signatures of pristine and anthropogenically altered mangrove sediments.

GNSS-Interferometric Reflectometry (GNSS-IR) utilizes Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) data from GNSS satellites to estimate sea level variations. This study applied GNSS-IR using GPS L1 SNR data from four CORS stations (CBEL, CLKI, CHAI, CLMP), paired with their nearest tide gauge stations (BLTG, LBKI, AMHI, LMPA) for validation. Data in RINEX 2.11 format at 30-second intervals were processed, considering antenna heights above the sea surface to extract reflection frequencies. Results indicate strong agreement at the LMPA (r = 0.94, RMSE = 0.17 m) and BLTG (r = 0.90, RMSE = 0.37 m) pairs, demonstrating the reliability of GNSS-IR under favorable conditions. The AMHI pair showed moderate correlation (r = 0.68, RMSE = 0.45 m), while the LBKI pair exhibited no meaningful correlation (r = –0.07), likely due to severe multipath disturbance and local site limitations. These findings suggest that GNSS-IR can provide cost-efficient and accurate sea level estimates, but performance is highly site-dependent and influenced by environmental and instrumental factors. The study highlights the potential of GNSS-IR to complement conventional tide gauges in Indonesia, while emphasizing the need for careful station selection and multi-frequency analysis in future applications.