Insight into the long-term impact of fire in dry pine forests on biological soil crust and underlying soil

This study investigates the reproductive and vegetative development of Bryum argenteum in two contrasting tropical environments: the Seasonal Tropical Dry Forest (SDTF) and the Brazilian Atlantic Forest (BAF). By comparing ecotypes from these regions, we aimed to understand how environmental variation influences sex-specific traits, reproductive strategies and potential trade-offs between sexual and asexual reproduction. We conducted temporal analyses of protonema growth, shoot production, sex expression, bulbil formation and gametangia development in laboratory-grown samples representing male and female ecotypes from both environments. Significant differences were found between ecotypes and sexes. Male BAF ecotypes showed lower protonema growth and delayed shoot production compared to other groups. SDTF males exhibited the highest sex expression at Week 8. A negative relationship between sex expression and bulbil production was detected only in SDTF males. Gametangia development also varied, with male BAF ecotypes requiring more time to initiate sexual expression and mature phases revealing further distinctions. The observed differences across ecotypes and sexes reflect adaptive strategies shaped by the ecological conditions of each habitat. In particular, the delayed or reduced reproductive investment in male BAF ecotypes and the trade-offs in females suggest context-dependent allocation of resources. These patterns highlight the complex interplay between environment, sex and reproductive timing in tropical mosses.

Supersection Tacsonia (Passiflora L.) is a high-Andean lineage whose geographic restriction and environmental specialization make it particularly vulnerable to ongoing climate change. However, broad-scale evidence integrating distribution patterns, endemism, protection coverage, and future habitat stability remains limited for the Peruvian Andes. Here, we assessed the spatial distribution, richness patterns, habitat associations, and climate-driven vulnerability of Tacsonia species in Peru. We compiled 1,758 georeferenced occurrence records for 25 Tacsonia species (including one unidentified taxon) spanning elevations of 1,500–4,500 m and summarized richness across administrative regions, elevation bands, and latitudinal/longitudinal gradients. We also evaluated protection coverage by intersecting records with the national protected-area system and developed ecological niche models to estimate current suitability and potential losses under climate-change scenarios. Most records occurred between 3,000 and 3,500 m, and 23 species were found between 2,500 and 3,000 m. Cusco concentrated the highest number of observations (543) and species richness (14), followed by Cajamarca (226 records; 11 species). Richness peaks were detected around 6°, 7°, and 13°S and 72°, 75°, and 77°W. Thirteen species are endemic to the Peruvian Andes, including five restricted to Cusco, La Libertad, and Amazonas. Tacsonia species occupy multiple Andean ecosystems (Tropical Dry Forest, Páramo, Puna, Yungas, and Andean Dry Forest), with P. tripartita occurring across all habitat types. Occurrences were recorded within several protected areas (Alto Mayo, Pui Pui, Manu, Río Abiseo, Huascarán, Yanachaga-Chemillén, Calipuy, Cotahuasi, Pampa de Ayacucho, Machu Picchu, and Ampay), including endemic taxa such as P. amazonica, P. huamachucoensis, P. parvifolia, P. peduncularis, P. trifoliata, P. trisecta, and P. weigendii. Niche models indicated high current suitability along northern slopes and across the central and southern eastern Andes (AUC = 0.94), but projected climate change could reduce suitable habitat by ~20%–60% by 2100. Consistent with this vulnerability, the IUCN categorizes P. kuethiana as Critically Endangered, 21 species as Endangered, and P. trifoliata, P. mixta, and P. tripartita as Vulnerable. Overall, our results provide a baseline for prioritizing conservation actions by identifying richness hotspots, narrow endemics, and regions expected to experience the greatest future loss of suitability.

<p><strong>Background.</strong> The ciricote (<em>Cordia dodecandra</em> DC.), known in Maya as <em>k’oopte’</em>, is a Mesoamerican deciduous tree of biocultural relevance in southeastern Mexico, particularly within agroforestry systems. The objective of this study was to systematize and analyze the available information on its systematics, ecology, and management, in order to identify the main advances in its study. <strong>Methodology.</strong> A systematic review was conducted using search engines and scientific databases, compiling 87 publications (scientific articles, theses, and historical documents) related to the species. These works were grouped into seven main thematic areas: taxonomy, climatic and edaphic factors associated with its distribution, reproductive biology, population ecology in managed systems, antagonistic and positive interactions, and domestication. <strong>Main findings.</strong> <em>Cordia dodecandra</em> belongs to the family Cordiaceae and has five taxonomic synonyms. Its distribution is concentrated in regions with a warm subhumid climate, primarily on karstic soils in the state of Yucatán, where it occurs in dry forest fragments, forest systems, and agroforestry plots. Its adaptation to challenging edaphic conditions gives it potential for reforestation programs. Interactions have been recorded with one herbivore, one frugivore, and several foliar pathogens identified through metagenomic studies. Additionally, the species maintains beneficial associations with hymenopterans and hummingbirds that use its flowers as a resource. The species exhibits distyly, which conditions fruit production, and shows low germination and recruitment rates in natural forests. In this context, agroforestry systems—particularly home gardens—act as germplasm reservoirs and play a key role in the species’ domestication process. Directed selection toward larger fruits and leaves has been observed, although biological interactions remain similar to those found in wild forests. <strong>Implications.</strong> This review highlights the diversity of research conducted on the ciricote, mainly in Yucatán, which contributes to a better understanding of its functioning and ecological dynamics in both natural vegetation fragments and managed systems of varying intensity. <strong>Conclusions.</strong> Research on the ecology and management of <em>C. dodecandra</em> in southeastern Mexico underscores the importance of its management, particularly within agroforestry systems in Yucatán, which now serve as key sites for the <em>in-situ</em> conservation of this valuable species.</p>

Forest extent, assemblage, and regeneration pattern influence the biodiversity and ecosystem functions, which are often sensitive to climatic and anthropogenic correlates, especially in tropical forest systems. We quantified the diversity, regeneration potential and mapped the forest types in Panna Tiger Reserve, Central India, using Sentinel-2A multi-temporal data with a Random Forest classifier. A total of 153 stratified random plots were sampled with a focus on trees, saplings, and seedlings. Of the six forest types in the region, five forest types, except Boswellia forest, could be mapped with an overall accuracy of 88.9% and a Kappa coefficient of 0.81. Area-wise, Northern dry mixed deciduous forest (NDDF) was the most widespread forest type (36.88%), followed by Dry deciduous scrub (DDS) (16.7%), Dry teak forest (DTF) (7.64%), Dry bamboo brakes (DBB) (3.78%), and Anogeissus pendula forest (APF) (0.62%), while non-forest and water consist of 33.26% of the reserve. Overall, 64 species from 48 genera and 25 families were identified. Trees (35 species), saplings and seedlings (39 species each) had the highest species richness across all three life stages in NDDF. APF had the highest tree density of 625 individuals ha-1 and sapling density (634 ind. ha-1), while NDDF had the highest seedling density (1621 ind. ha-1). DDS had the highest regeneration potential (75%), followed by NDDF (74.5%) and BF (46%). Our results highlight that mapping forest types, together with assessing structural attributes, diversity, and regeneration potential, can contribute to better conservation planning and management actions.

Generalist rather than specialist ants drive the recovery of ant-mediated plant protection across secondary succession in a dry tropical forest

Managing ecosystems in an era of rapid change is inherently challenging not only because of uncertainty in future climate but also due to diverse responses of ecosystems to climate. Projections of ecological transformation alongside information about plausible vegetation trajectories can help land managers explore divergent scenarios and consider how modeled outcomes match their observations. Climate-analog impact models (AIMs) compare environmental information (e.g., vegetation types) between sets of climatically similar locations to infer change and can be used to identify multiple outcomes. We used AIMs to project changes in vegetation across the western United States under a mid-21st century climate scenario, characterize ecological transformation vulnerability based on projection divergence, and demonstrate how AIMs can inform decision-making. We projected high or very high vulnerability to ecological transformation across 29% of the western US, nearly 1 M km2. Vulnerability varied among vegetation groups; 75% of alpine vegetation had high or very high vulnerability vs. 6% of desert scrub. We estimate that 9% of the study area faces a high likelihood of transformation based on combined measures of vulnerability and projection agreement. Transformation at the vegetation type (n = 50) level is projected for 40% (1.4 M km2) of the study area, based on primary projections. As vegetation shifts towards types supported by a more arid climate, forested area is expected to contract by 9% and subalpine forests specifically by 54%. Elsewhere, vulnerability is low or trajectories are uncertain, implying opportunities for managers to intervene. Dry forests, for example, could be stabilized through vegetation management and intentional fire use. Our findings suggest likely ecological transformations with significant downstream consequences for ecosystem services and natural resources. They are best used within decision-making frameworks that draw on multiple lines of evidence including local expertise and complementary knowledge systems.

Bird species richness peaks at intermediate levels of farmland in wooded savannas and dry forests, but not in rainforests

Climate seasonality and human land-use are major pressures shaping biodiversity in tropical dry regions and both are expected to intensify in the near future. Therefore, understanding the interplay of these factors is crucial for mitigating biodiversity loss in these rapidly changing ecosystems. We examined the effects of seasonality (i.e., wet and dry seasons) and human land-use types (i.e., natural forests and silvopastures) on taxonomic and functional diversity, and community composition of birds in a seasonally dry tropical forest in southern Ecuador. We repeatedly recorded birds in 12 1-ha plots across natural forests and silvopastures at two elevations (600 and 1200 m a.s.l.) using point counts, and classified the bird community into primary (i.e., nectarivores, frugivores, granivores and omnivores) and secondary (i.e., invertivores) consumers. Functional bird diversity based on four morphological traits was not affected by human land-use type or seasonality, while taxonomic diversity of the overall community and of secondary consumers increased with elevation. The taxonomic diversity of primary consumers was higher in silvopastures compared to natural forests. The composition of the overall bird community and that of primary and secondary consumers differed between elevations. Seasonality had no effect on diversity nor on composition. Our study shows that elevation is a major driver of bird diversity and community composition in seasonally dry tropical forests, indicating that even short elevational gradients shape bird communities in these ecosystems. Protecting continuous elevational transects of dry tropical forests is therefore essential to maintain their high bird diversity under current and future conditions. • We surveyed bird communities in seasonally dry tropical forests in Ecuador. • Taxonomic diversity of birds increased at higher elevations. • Silvopastures showed a high taxonomic and functional diversity of birds. • About one-third of the bird community was unique at each elevation. • Maintaining continuous elevational gradients is important to sustain bird diversity.

Impacts of precipitation shifts and warming trends in tropical deciduous forests of Central India

ABSTRACT Mexican dry ecosystems, mainly tropical dry forests, harbor a vast and largely undiscovered fungal diversity. The stalked puffballs of Tulostoma (Basidiomycota: Agaricales) are highly cryptic, necessitating detailed and expert examination to accurately distinguish the species. A revision of the MEXU national fungarium and recent sampled specimens revealed fruiting bodies that did not match any known species. This led us to propose T. parvirufula and T. chamelensis as new species. Six collections were morphologically characterized using two microscopy techniques: light and scanning electron microscopy. DNA was extracted, the nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer region ITS15.8S-ITS2 (ITS barcode) and D1–D2 domains of the nuc 28S rDNA were amplified and sequenced. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods, incorporating sequences from previous studies. Tulostoma chamelensis is distinguished by its medium-sized spore sac, a hyphal exoperidium that persists at the base, a tubular ostiole, and verrucose to subreticulate basidiospores. Tulostoma parvirufula is characterized by minute spore sacs, a tubular ostiole, a hyphal exoperidium, a reddish-brown endoperidium, and spiny basidiospores. Phylogenetic analyses place both species in a sister clade to clade 11, alongside other taxa with tubular ostioles and coarsely ornamented basidiospores, further expanding our understanding of the Tulostoma genus and its diversity in dry ecosystems.

We studied the populations of three granivorous and frugivorous bird species during the dry and wet seasons over a three-year period in the dry forest of western Madagascar, particularly in the Ankarafantsika National Park region: Foudia madagascariensis and Lonchura nana (primarily granivorous), as well as Coracopsis vasa (frugivorous–granivorous). Population sizes showed significant interannual fluctuations, closely linked to variations in rainfall and the availability of food resources (seeds and fruits). A general increasing trend in population numbers was observed during years characterized by higher precipitation, which promoted increased plant productivity and improved food availability. Our results suggest that local movements of these species are not solely triggered by the complete depletion of food resources. The intensity of the dry season, as well as annual variations in climatic conditions, also appear to strongly influence mortality, spatial distribution, and seasonal movements of these species characteristic of Madagascar’s dry forests..

Abstract Forest degradation is a pervasive driver of biodiversity loss that alters not only species composition but also fundamental ecological processes. Among them, vertebrate scavengers play a crucial role in nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and disease regulation, yet remain understudied in Neotropical dry forests. We assess how forest degradation influences scavenger assemblages and carrion removal in the seasonally dry tropical forests of the Tumbesian region, a global hotspot of endemism and conservation concern. We deployed 60 chicken carcasses monitored with camera traps during the dry season (December 2021–February 2022) in southern Ecuador to compare scavenging dynamics across three forest degradation states: Semi-natural, Shrub-dominated, and Arid land. We recorded 13 vertebrate scavenger species (six mammals, six birds, and one reptile), with estimated richness reaching 17 species. Semi-natural forests supported the highest richness and diversity, including species absent from degraded habitats such as the king vulture ( Sarcoramphus papa ) and white-tailed jay ( Cyanocorax mystacalis ). Degraded habitats were dominated by generalist species, particularly the Sechuran fox ( Lycalopex sechurae ), which scavenged nearly half of all carcasses and significantly accelerated carrion removal (GLM, p = 0.02). Carcass persistence was shorter in degraded habitats (1.2–1.8 days) than in Semi-natural forests (3.8 days). Our findings provide the first empirical evidence that forest degradation reshapes vertebrate scavenger dynamics in the Tumbesian dry forests, revealing that carrion removal remained high despite reduced assemblage diversity. However, conserving well-preserved forests is essential to sustain biodiversity and ensure long-term food web stability in one of the world’s most threatened tropical ecosystems.

Background The interplay between climate, vegetation and human activity hinders the analysis of fire regimes in socio-ecological systems. With a monsoonal and variable rainfall regime, Argentine Dry Chaco is one of the largest dry forests worldwide and an important agricultural frontier advancing at forest detriment. Overall, fire plays a key role in shaping the landscape and in land management. Aims We describe land cover (LC) transitions and temporal trends in fire frequency, analyze fire-mediated transitions probability, and assess LC and climate influence on fire occurrence in the Argentine Dry Chaco. Methods Employing data generated through remote sensors, we conducted spatially explicit temporal reconstructions of annual fire activity (FA), LC changes and climate conditions from 2000 to 2023. Key results Agriculture and pastures expanded while forests lost ~17% of their initial area; annual FA showed a significant declining trend, with grasslands, pastures and agriculture having the highest burn probability. When fire occurs, forests, shrublands and pastures increase their likelihood of transitioning to agriculture. Fire occurrences within managed lands are decoupled from climatic influences. Conclusions Decrease in FA is driven by a transformation in agricultural systems, moving from traditional to mechanized management. Implications Transdisciplinary approaches are crucial for analyzing the purposes of fire use.

seeds of the wild grape, Ampelocissus acapulcensis (Kunt) Planch, collected in the Costa Chica region of Guerrero, México. Design/Methodology/Approach: Fruits were collected, processed, and analyzed in the laboratory of the Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero. Evaluated variables included number of fruits per bunch, bunch weight, fruit weight, polar and equatorial diameters, shape index, fruit color, number of seeds per fruit, and seed traits (weight, diameter, and shape). Each morphological character was also documented photographically using a digital camera. Data analysis was conducted using SAS software, with central tendency statistics calculated for all measured traits. Results: Individual fruits averaged 5.05 g in weight, with mean polar and equatorial diameters of 19.08 mm and 19.57 mm, respectively. Fruit shapes ranged from globose to round or elliptic. The epicarp exhibited a purple‑red hue, while the pulp was translucent and viscous. Dry seeds weighed approximately 0.15 g, were heart-shaped and black in coloration, and each fruit contained between 1 and 4 seeds. On average, the fruit biomass was distributed as 12.93% epicarp, 74.35% mesocarp, and 12.72% endocarp. Limitations and Implications: Although several vine species, including wild grape, occur in the tropical deciduous forest of the region, their fruits remain poorly studied. This lack of information limits potential applications for health, nutrition, and economic development. Findings/Conclusions: The fruits of A. acapulcensis exhibit promising morphological quality, yet further research is required to fully explore their potential.

Dry forests are increasingly threatened by degradation, which determines their structural integrity, functional capacity, and the ability to provide essential ecosystem services. Degradation is the consequence of processes that reduce the different attributes of forests. This study aimed to (i) identify remote sensing proxies for above-ground biomass (AGB) and tree regeneration in three ecoregions of dry forest localized in west Argentina; (ii) analyze the temporal dynamics between 1993 and 2023; (iii) assess the role of precipitation in their temporal variability, and (iv) map their spatial distribution. The median Tasseled Cap Transformation Wetness (TCTW) was the best-performing spectral proxy for AGB, while median Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) best captured tree regeneration. In the time series of TCTW, no significant breakpoint was detected; however, a pronounced decline in the median EVI occurred in 1998 in the Monte of Plains and Plateaus and Monte of Hills and Basins ecoregions, particularly near watercourses. In the Dry Chaco, tree regeneration recovered after 2013; however, a decline after a breakpoint coincided with decreased precipitation. Overall, AGB and tree regeneration exhibited contrasting temporal and spatial patterns, underscoring the heterogeneity of dry forests. A weakening relationship between precipitation, a key driver of forests, and forest attributes suggests the influence of other factors, including topography and land use change.

The lion is at the peak of the ecological pyramid and majorly affects the food chain by controlling the population of animals at the lower trophic levels. Gir National Park, India, is the only place in the world except Africa where an Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) can be seen in its natural habitat due to its dry and deciduous forest. Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) are confined to Gir, Gujarat, India and its population started declining from 1936 to 1979 by almost 40% of the total population because of deadly diseases, habitat loss, fragmentation, poaching, and conflict with humans. The total number of lions in 1970 was reported to be around 177. This led to the threat of extinction of the lion species, so therefore, the project lion was launched for conservation in 1972, with the implementation of laws banning trophy hunting, poaching, relocating native humans to reduce human-lion conflict, protecting the boundaries of the national park to avoid exploitation and restricting human interaction, reducing anthropogenic activity, and the formation of a research and conservation centre. The project's purpose was to bring the dwindling lion population, bringing it back from the brink of extinction in response to successful conservation efforts. Because of the efforts and implementation of Project Lion, the lion population currently stands at 674.

ABSTRACT The Caatinga, the largest seasonally dry tropical forest in the Neotropics, is characterized by pronounced hydric seasonality, which regulates the dynamics of its biological communities. This study was conducted in the Contendas do Sincorá National Forest (FLONA-CS), Bahia, northeastern Brazil, from November 2023 to August 2025, using Malaise traps deployed in two distinct phytophysiognomies. A total of 7,493 specimens belonging to 14 insect orders were collected, with Diptera predominating (71%), followed by Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and Hymenoptera. Total abundance varied among seasonal sampling events, with maxima in spring and summer 2024 (2,822 and 2,026 individuals, respectively) and minima during winter sampling events (236 in 2024 and 267 in 2025). Spring 2023 differed from the subsequent spring in both composition (Lepidoptera predominance) and lower rainfall; this period coincided with the 2023–2024 El Niño warm phase. Correlation and multiple regression analyses suggested that rainfall was positively associated with abundance in several groups (e.g. Diptera, Hemiptera, and Coleoptera), whereas temperature was positively associated with thermotolerant groups such as Formicidae and Blattodea. Overall, a quantitative seasonal baseline for flying insect assemblages in a protected Caatinga area is provided, offering a reference for long-term monitoring and future interannual comparisons.

Palm trees (Arecaceae) originate from the world’s tropical rainforests and through diversification at least 10% have adapted to ecosystems characterized by some degree of water limitation. In this sense, palm trees that have adapted toSeasonally Dry Tropical Forests (BTES) and Tropical Limestone Karst Rock Forests (BTRCK) in Peru are announced. A review of both the literature and physical and virtual herbarium specimens was carried out and field trips were carried out in wet and dry seasons. 19 species of palm trees were recorded in 11 genera; 15 species and 9 genera in the tribe Cocoseae of the subfamily Arecoideae and four species with two genera in the subfamily Ceroxyloideae. The genera with the greatest presence are: Chamaedorea with four species, followed by Ceroxylon with three species and Aiphanes, Attalea and Astrocaryum with two species each. Palm trees adapted to environments with water limitation correspond to 10% of those present in Peru. Two species are restricted to the western slope, 11 species restricted to the eastern and inter-Andean slopes and two species found on the Pacific and Atlantic slopes. Three species only in tropical limestone karst forests. Chamaedorea fragrans, Prestoea ensiformis and Socratea exorrhiza. Ceroxylon peruvianum is endemic to Peru and inhabits seasonally dry tropical forests.

Soil respiration dynamics: understanding and predicting soil CO₂ flux of dry deciduous forest ecosystem in India using Q₁₀ models and random forest