Ecological Role Research Articles

Underrepresentation of bats in Africa's protected areas.

Biodiversity is severely threatened globally, with habitat loss and other human pressures accelerating species extinctions. Protected areas (PAs) are a critical conservation tool; however, their effectiveness in safeguarding many taxa, such as bats, remains unclear. Using georeferenced occurrence records and species distribution models (SDMs) for 263 sub-Saharan African bat species, we evaluated the coverage of bats in 7875 terrestrial PAs. Eighty-nine percent of bat species were recorded in at least 1 PA, yet 28 species, including 5 threatened and 15 data deficient species, were absent from all PAs. Species with large extents of occurrence were represented in more PAs, and fruit bats occupied significantly more PAs than clutter, edge, or open-air insectivorous foragers. The SDMs revealed high species richness in some undersurveyed areas, particularly in West and Central Africa and the Albertine Rift, emphasizing the need for targeted surveys. Our findings underscore critical data deficiencies related to bat conservation and stress the urgency of integrating bats into broader conservation planning. More surveys, enhanced data-sharing, and tailored conservation strategies are needed to improve bat representation in PAs and safeguard their ecological roles in Africa's biodiverse landscapes.

Rare bacterial subcommunity drives nutrient cycling in phyllosphere habitat of evergreen conifers.

Host-associated microbial communities are critical for host health. However, the relative importance of abundant and rare subcommunities in driving nutrient cycling in phyllosphere habitat across needle age cohorts of evergreen conifers remains unknown. Here, we showed the different assembly mechanisms of abundant and rare subcommunities and emphasized the ecological role of rare subcommunities in promoting ecosystem functions. This is useful for understanding the formation and succession dynamics of plant microbiome to advance future applications with microbial agents to sustainable productivity and reduce diseases.

Sex- and age-related morphological and functional differences in the skull of Eira barbara (Linnaeus, 1758) (Carnivora, Mustelidae)

Background Morphological differences related to age and sex have been extensively documented in Nearctic and Palearctic mustelids, largely due to the interest in the commercial management of species such as martens and fishers. However, sexual dimorphism and ontogenetic development in Neotropical species, such as the tayra (Eira barbara), remain poorly studied. Methods We investigated the skull development and sexual differences in E. barbara through qualitative and morphometric analyses of 376 skull specimens from museum collections. Specimens were classified into four age classes based on tooth eruption, cranial suture closure, and skull morphology. Linear measurements were used to assess biomechanical parameters related to the masticatory function, including temporal and masseter muscle force indices. Results The results show that male and female tayras follow two distinct growth pathways. While juveniles (Age Classes I–II) share nearly identical skull proportions, males rapidly surpass females in size and robustness by the subadult stage (Age Class III). Fully mature males (Age Class IV) develop broader zygomatic arches, thicker sagittal crests, and significantly stronger bite forces driven by enlarged temporal muscles. On the other hand, E. barbara adult females exhibit a narrower post-orbital constriction and palatal region which denotes distinct ontogenetic trajectories between males and females. Multivariate statistical analyses (principal component analysis/discriminant function analysis) confirmed these morphological trends, highlighting allometric growth patterns and functional differences in masticatory biomechanics. Males exhibit greater bite force, particularly in the temporal muscle system, which may be linked to territorial defense or mating behaviors. These findings align with patterns observed in other Guloninae species, such as fishers (Pekania pennanti) and wolverines (Gulo gulo), but highlight unique aspects of E. barbara’s tropical ecology, including non-seasonal breeding, flexible growth patterns, and broad habitat use. Additionally, tayras’ asynchrony in sexual maturity and sexual dimorphism in skull biomechanics may be related to distinct ecological roles for the sexes. We hypothesize that these differences are adaptative responses to the dynamic and resource-rich environments of the Neotropics. Our work underscores the role of ontogenetic and sexual variation in understanding the evolutionary and ecological adaptations of Neotropical mustelids, providing new light on E. barbara’s morphology and masticatory function.

The invasive ambrosia beetle Xylosandrus compactus as a vector of the novel fungal pathogen Thyridium lauri

Abstract Several species of invasive ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) cause significant damage to agroecosystems outside their native range. Among them, Xylosandrus compactus (Eichhoff) is a highly polyphagous species that infests a wide range of trees and shrubs in orchards, forests, nurseries and urban areas. The beetle is primarily associated with the nutritional mutualist Ambrosiella xylebori Brader ex Arx & Hennebert, which serves as a food source for its developing progeny. However, X. compactus can also harbor other fungal species, including potential plant pathogens. This study provides the first experimental evidence that X. compactus vectors the novel phytopathogenic fungus Thyridium lauri Voglmayr, D. Aiello & G.R. Leonardi in bay laurel ( Laurus nobilis L.) plants. We fulfilled Leach’s postulates through a series of experiments: (i) confirming the natural presence of T. lauri on X. compactus adult females collected from diseased plants under field conditions, (ii) demonstrating that both beetle foundresses previously exposed to T. lauri and their F1 adult progeny can transmit the pathogen to susceptible bay laurel plants. Subsequently, characteristic disease symptoms (e.g., stem blight and internal necrosis) developed in infested plants under controlled conditions. Although our findings confirm a close association between T. lauri and X. compactus , no significant differences were observed in the brood size of beetle foundresses harboring both A. xylebori and T. lauri compared to those associated solely with A. xylebori . The ecological role of T. lauri in X. compactus infestations remains unclear and further investigation is needed to understand how stable and widespread this beetle-fungus association is in populations of both its native and invaded range. Future research should also investigate whether X. compactus can transmit T. lauri to other host plant species in natural settings. Additionally, our findings highlight the need for integrated pest management (IPM) strategies targeting both the beetle and its fungal associates.

Sex-dependent shifts in visual detection thresholds under turbid conditions in an African cichlid

Turbidity is increasing in freshwaters globally due to human activities and is known to affect visually mediated behaviours in fish. As anthropogenic impacts continue to degrade aquatic environments, it is critical to determine how sensory systems are affected and what this might mean for population persistence. We investigated the effect of turbidity on visual detection thresholds in an African cichlid fish (Pseudocrenilabrus multicolor) that experiences environmental extremes across its East African range. We tested the visual abilities of adult wild-caught fish from two sites representing the extremes of turbidity and oxygen (a high turbidity, high dissolved oxygen river and a low turbidity, low dissolved oxygen swamp). Further, we reared offspring of wild-caught parents from each population in a full-factorial high/low oxygen, high/low turbidity design to tease apart the influence of each stressor on visual detection thresholds. We used an optomotor response test to determine detection thresholds under increasing levels of turbidity for both wild-caught and lab-reared fish. Detection thresholds were higher in the wild-caught river population compared to the swamp population, and there was a strong sex difference, such that wild-caught males had higher detection thresholds than females regardless of population of origin. Our results suggest that there are sex-based differences in contrast detection abilities that could play a critical role in visual ecology for populations experiencing divergent turbidity regimes. In the rearing experiment, sex-based differences in detection thresholds were influenced by different aspects of the rearing treatment. Detection threshold varied significantly by oxygen-rearing treatment for males and by the interactive effects of oxygen and turbidity for females. This research improves our understanding of the effect of elevated turbidity on African cichlid vision and contributes to growing knowledge of how animals respond to environmental change.

Unveiling the cryptic Neotropical species of Phaeoclavulina from the Southern Cone: phylogenetic and morphological analysis

ABSTRACT Global fungal diversity is estimated at about 6.2 million species, but only 150 000 are currently described. Molecular studies reveal that this diversity is often underestimated, especially in less-studied regions. Phaeoclavulina, a genus of ramarioid fungi, has a wide distribution in areas with temperate and tropical climates. However, in southern South America, research on Phaeoclavulina species has been scarce, with only a few studies conducted in Argentina covering the morphology of a few species. This research aims to analyze Phaeoclavulina species in Argentina, exploring their morphology, ecological roles, and distribution. Four different ecological regions across Argentina were sampled. Molecular data (Sanger and next-generation sequencing [NGS] technology) were obtained to construct their phylogenetic relationships. Our results show a greater diversity of Phaeoclavulina than previously known. Eight taxa are described here, four of which are new species to science (Phaeoclavulina aena, P. angularis, P. prasina, and P. stelligera). Additionally, a neotypification is proposed for Phaeoclavulina camellia. For the other three species (P. articulotela, P. campoi, and P. minutispora), we provide new molecular data and elucidate their phylogenetic relationships with other previously described species. In addition, a key to species of Phaeoclavulina from Argentina and Chile is included to facilitate identification of known taxa. Finally, most Phaeoclavulina species richness is associated with tropical and subtropical forests.

The influence of community ecological intelligence on mangrove forest preservation

Mangrove forests play a crucial ecological role in coastal protection, biodiversity maintenance, and carbon sequestration. However, their sustainability is increasingly threatened by human activities and environmental degradation. This study aims to investigate the impact of community ecological intelligence (CEI) on the long-term survival of mangrove forests in Labuhan Maringgai District, East Lampung Regency, Lampung Province. The research sample consisted of 174 participants from Sriminosari Village. The study employed a 2x4 factorial design, focusing on the relationship between four levels of CEI and two types of practices related to mangrove conservation. Data was collected using a 20-item questionnaire, rated on a 1-5 scale, to assess participants' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors towards mangrove conservation. The data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey post-hoc tests, and prerequisite tests were conducted to ensure the reliability of the results. The findings revealed that CEI significantly influenced mangrove conservation efforts, with higher CEI levels associated with better conservation outcomes. However, the type of practice did not significantly affect the results, and there was no significant interaction between CEI and practice. This study concludes that CEI

Fish Biodiversity in Ain Al-Ghazala Lagoon

Ain Al-Ghazala Lagoon, located along the northeastern Mediterranean coast of Libya, is a key coastal ecosystem with rich biodiversity. This study aims to assess the fish species composition and their ecological roles within the lagoon. Fish samples were collected in summer and winter of 2024, with the assistance of local fishermen, and analyzed based on their morphological characteristics. The findings revealed a diverse range of species from the class Actinopterygii, occupying various habitats, including brackish and rocky reef environments. Several species, such as Atherina boyeri and Mugil cephalus, serve as important prey for higher trophic-level predators, while apex predators like Epinephelus marginatus play a key role in maintaining the food web balance. Many species, including Dicentrarchus labrax and Sparus aurata, have significant economic value in regional fisheries and aquaculture. However, the lagoon also faces ecological threats from invasive Lessepsian species, such as Siganus luridus and Pterois miles, which disrupt local ecosystems and pose risks to biodiversity. The study underscores the need for effective management strategies to conserve the lagoon’s biodiversity and ensure sustainable fisheries. Further research is required to assess the impact of invasive species and to address the combined challenges of overfishing, climate change, and habitat degradation.

EXPLORING MANTID DIVERSITY: THREE NEWLY RECORDED SPECIES OF MANTIDS (MANTIDAE: MANTINAE) IN NAUSHAHRO FEROZE DISTRICT, SINDH, PAKISTAN

This research unveils significant additions to the mantid fauna of Naushahro Feroze District, Sindh, Pakistan, with the documentation of three previously unrecorded species within the Mantidae family. Through comprehensive field surveys and taxonomic analysis, we identify and describe these newfound mantid species, shedding light on their ecological roles and distribution patterns within the region. This study not only expands our understanding of mantid diversity in Sindh but also underscores the importance of continued exploration and documentation of insect fauna for conservation and biodiversity management efforts.

Global phylogeography and microdiversity of the marine diazotrophic photoautotrophs Trichodesmium and UCYN-A.

Photoautotrophic diazotrophs, specifically the genera Trichodesmium and UCYN-A, play a pivotal role in marine nitrogen cycling through their capacity for nitrogen fixation. Despite their global distribution, the microdiversity and environmental drivers of these diazotrophs remain underexplored. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the global diversity and distribution of Trichodesmium and UCYN-A using the nitrogenase gene (nifH) as a genetic marker. We sequenced 954 samples from the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans as part of the Bio-GO-SHIP project. Our results reveal significant phylogenetic and biogeographic differences between and within the two genera. Trichodesmium exhibited greater microdiversity compared to UCYN-A, with clades showing region-specific distribution. Trichodesmium clades were primarily influenced by temperature and nutrient availability. They were particularly frequent in regions of phosphorus stress. In contrast, UCYN-A was most frequently observed in regions experiencing iron stress. UCYN-A clades demonstrated more homogeneous distributions, with a single sequence variant within the UCYN-A1 clade dominating across varied environments. The biogeographic patterns and environmental correlations of Trichodesmium and UCYN-A highlight the role of microdiversity in their ecological adaptation and reflect their different ecological strategies. These findings underscore the importance of characterizing the global patterns of fine-scale genetic diversity to better understand the functional roles and distribution of marine nitrogen-fixing photoautotrophs.IMPORTANCEThis study provides insights into the global diversity and distribution of nitrogen-fixing photoautotrophs, specifically Trichodesmium and UCYN-A. We sequenced 954 oceanic samples of the nifH nitrogenase gene and uncovered significant differences in microdiversity and environmental associations between these genera. Trichodesmium showed high levels of sequence diversity and region-specific clades influenced by temperature and nutrient availability. In contrast, UCYN-A exhibited a more uniform distribution, thriving in iron-stressed regions. Quantifying these fine-scale genetic variations enhances our knowledge of their ecological roles and adaptations, emphasizing the need to characterize the genetic diversity of marine nitrogen-fixing prokaryotes.

Bridging the gap between lab and field sleep studies: a proof-of-concept for studying wild rats in semi-captive environments

Sleep is a vital and universal behavior distinct from mere inactivity, yet its ecological role remains poorly understood due to methodological limitations in recording sleep in the wild. Using a small, low-power biologger, collecting brain activity, body movements, and physiology, we recorded key sleep parameters in wild black rats (Rattus rattus) under semi-captive conditions. We developed a rapid (<1 h) surgical procedure using a custom subdermal flexible electrode, providing signal quality comparable to standard cortical electrodes. Our validated semi-captive setup allowed animals to remain in their natural environment with ad libitum food and social contact while minimizing interactions. This protocol enables the study of sleep’s ecological role and the influence of environmental factors on sleep expression, offering insights into its evolution. Additionally, it can help clarify sleep’s central role in the context of global environmental change. By monitoring general behavior and sleep patterns in four wild rats for up to 10 days post-surgery, as well as feeding behavior for over a month, we observed no signs of pain or stress, with sleep patterns stabilizing within 2 days. This approach provides a unique tool to assess sleep variability and flexibility, demonstrating its feasibility for studying sleep in small (<200 g) wild animals.

Arsenic exposure in insects from green spaces near a former copper smelter.

Urban green spaces play a crucial role in protecting insect biodiversity against habitat loss. However, chemical pollution poses a potential threat to these ecosystems, making ecological risk assessment essential. In the city of San Luis Potosí, a former copper smelter operated for several decades, releasing arsenic into the environment. Despite this, its ecological impact has received no attention, which is important given the presence of nearby green spaces that provide habitat for urban insects. This study assessed arsenic levels in soil, plants, and insects near this former copper smelter to determine whether this pollutant poses risks to local insects. The study sites included green spaces near the smelter (smelter-impacted zone) and reference green spaces (reference zone), both ubicated within the same city. The study sites harbor more than 50 insect families with different ecological roles. Arsenic levels in soil, plants, and insects in the smelter-impacted zone were 4, 2, and 20 times higher compared to the reference zone, respectively. The analysis of exposure routes indicates that soil is a direct route for plants and insects, plants transfer the arsenic to several herbivores, decomposers reincorporate arsenic into the trophic chain, and predators are also exposed. Moreover, Cotinis mutabilis (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae) was identified as a bioindicator of arsenic pollution, showing a positive correlation between its tissue concentrations and arsenic levels in soil. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that arsenic pollution threatens insects in the smelter-impacted zone, highlighting the need for further research to assess the potential ecological risks.

Impacts of Sulfur on Glucosinolate Metabolism: From Arabidopsis to Wild Brassicales

Glucosinolates (GSLs), sulfur-containing secondary metabolites produced by cruciferous plants, act as sulfur (S) stores, repel pests, and exhibit cancer-preventive properties in humans. Based on Arabidopsis studies, this study outlines the regulatory mechanisms of GSL biosynthesis and metabolism in response to environmental S content. Additionally, we review the case of wild perennial Brassicales, with a focus on Lepidium latifolium. These wild perennial species respond differently to S availability by modulating their GSL profiles to enhance insect interactions or allocate resources for survival. The rich diversity of GSLs among wild perennial Brassicales highlights the potential for uncovering the ecological and physiological roles of GSLs and their catabolites in plants, as well as their nutraceutical benefits for human health.

Continuous mitochondrial diversity of Danube sturgeon species over millennia: insights from ancient DNA.

Sturgeons, an iconic group of large fishes inhabiting marine and freshwater ecosystems, have historically had significant economic and cultural value, particularly prized for their meat and roe (caviar). Furthermore, sturgeons play a vital ecological role as mesopredators of prey fish and invertebrates. In the Danube basin, the European (Acipenser sturio) and fringebarbel or ship sturgeon (Acipenser nudiventris) are locally extinct, while beluga (Huso huso), Russian (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii), stellate (Acipenser stellatus) and sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) sturgeon have significantly declined since the nineteenth century owing to overfishing, habitat loss and pollution. Archaeological evidence suggests that sturgeon exploitation along the Danube began as early as 11.6 thousand years before the present. This study explores the genetic landscape of Danube sturgeons over the past approximately 10 000 years using ancient DNA (aDNA) from archaeological specimens. Despite challenges posed by limited sample size, phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial genomes and the D-loop reveal high genetic diversity within beluga, Russian and ship sturgeon populations. In addition, shared haplotypes between modern and historical specimens of both beluga and Russian sturgeons suggest genetic continuity within each species over time. This study provides, to our knowledge, the first high-coverage sequencing of ancient sturgeon mitogenomes establishing the foundation for future aDNA research.This article is part of the theme issue 'Shifting seas: understanding deep-time human impacts on marine ecosystems'.

Refuge trifecta: intertidal gastropods use pits to escape heat, wave action and predation

Refuges play a critical role in ecology and evolution. In hard intertidal shores, small pits attract benthic invertebrates such as gastropods, however, there exists little mechanistic understanding of the processes driving the active usage of these microhabitat features. We conducted a series of laboratory experiments to assess whether the marine snail Nerita undata utilizes pits in concrete tiles as refuges when subjected to simulations of three primary environmental stressors, i.e. temperature, wave action, and predation. The results showed that the fractional time spent in pits (FTpits) was significantly higher when nerites were exposed to stressors compared to when they were absent, indicating that N. undata actively uses artificial pit microhabitats as refuge from temperature, wave action, and predation stress. No difference in FTpits was found between nerites placed on top‐surface heated tiles and those placed on homogenously heated tiles, suggesting that the active selection of pits by heat‐stressed N. undata was partly attributed to an ability to associate other non‐thermal properties of pits (e.g. physical structure) with thermal refuge. These results represent empirical validation to previous field‐studies that have made inferences from observations of natural rocky shores and suggest that refuge seeking organisms respond to not only the microenvironment shaped by topographic features but also to the architectural components of topography themselves. Our findings enable a more nuanced understanding of how site‐specific stress intensities corresponding with the diel‐tidal cycle influence pit refuge utilization patterns and provides evidence that pits serve as a universal refuge for multiple environmental stressors.

How phytoplankton aggregation drives turbulence and promotes ecological cooperation

The fluid flow created by the collective motion of microorganisms leads to nutrient redistribution that plays an important role in ecology and biodiversity.

Comparative Phycoremediation Potential of Micro-Green Algae and Dinoflagellates in Coastal and Inland Qatar

The Arabian Gulf, bordered by major energy-producing nations, harbors diverse microalgal communities with strong potential for the bioremediation of environmental pollutants, particularly petroleum hydrocarbons. This review evaluates two key microalgal groups—micro-green algae and dinoflagellates—highlighting their distinct physiological traits and ecological roles in pollution mitigation. Dinoflagellates, including Prorocentrum and Protoperidinium, have demonstrated hydrocarbon-degrading abilities but are frequently linked to harmful algal blooms (HABs), marine toxins, and bioluminescence, posing ecological and health risks. The toxins produced by these algae can be hemolytic or neurotoxic and include compounds such as azaspiracids, brevetoxins, ciguatoxins, okadaic acid, saxitoxins, and yessotoxins. In contrast, micro-green algae such as Oedogonium and Pandorina are generally non-toxic, seldom associated with HABs, and typically found in clean freshwater and brackish environments. Some species, like Chlorogonium, indicate pollution tolerance, while Dunaliella has shown promise in remediating contaminated seawater. Both groups exhibit unique enzymatic pathways and metabolic mechanisms for degrading hydrocarbons and remediating heavy metals. Due to their respective phycoremediation capacities and environmental adaptability, these algae offer sustainable, nature-based solutions for pollution control in coastal, estuarine, and inland freshwater systems, particularly in mainland Qatar. This review compares their remediation efficacy, ecological impacts, and practical limitations to support the selection of effective algal candidates for eco-friendly strategies targeting petroleum-contaminated marine environments.

Driftwood as a passive retention structure for marine litter.

Driftwood as a passive retention structure for marine litter.

Functional aspects of the headshield processes in ostracoderms

Abstract Ostracoderms, Paleozoic jawless stem-gnathostomes, are characterized by distinctive bony shields covering the front of their bodies. These headshields exhibit significant variations in morphology across species, boasting frontal, lateral, and dorsal processes. Ostracoderms represent pivotal intermediaries between modern jawless and jawed vertebrates, so understanding their biology and ecology is crucial for unraveling the selective pressures that shaped the early evolution and diversification of jawed vertebrates, which now dominate vertebrate diversity. This study employs virtual paleontology techniques and phylogenetic comparative methods to explore the hydrodynamic and ecological implications of these processes, focusing on pteraspidomorphs, the most diverse ostracoderm group. The analysis reveals widespread convergence in the arrangement and development of headshield processes. Lateral processes enhance hydrodynamic efficiency and generate lift, while combined lateral and dorsal processes provide stability in rolling, yawing, and pitching. Frontal processes reduce drag in many cases. These findings illuminate the enigmatic roles of ostracoderm headshields, showing how the dimensions and arrangement of their processes are biomechanically linked to a range of functions and ecological roles. Collectively, this highlights the intricate evolutionary pathways of lifestyles and ecologies within stem-gnathostomes, challenging the idea of a unidirectional trend toward more active lifestyles in vertebrate evolution and suggesting diverse ecological roles for ostracoderms.

Draft genome sequence of Leptobacillium coffeanum (Cordycipitaceae, Hypocreales), a freshwater fungus isolated from Bohol, Philippines.

Leptobacillium, a lignicolous hyphomycetous fungus composed of 11 known species, is recognized for its potential as a source of biocontrol agents and bioactive compounds. In this study, we report the draft genome of Leptobacillium coffeanum, a species previously isolated in Brazil and now recorded in the Philippines. This genomic resource provides a foundation for future investigations into its ecological roles, metabolic capabilities, and potential applications in agriculture and biotechnology.