Habitat suitability and environmental correlates of Haemaphysalis longicornis in the central mountainous region of Shandong, China.

A new species of Pristimantis is described from the Cordillera del Cóndor, Zamora Chinchipe Province, southeastern Ecuador, based on morphological and molecular data, Pristimantisetsasp. nov. The new species is diagnosed from its congeners by the following combination of characters: female SVL 32.5 mm and male SVL 18.3 mm, dorsolateral folds formed by rows of subconical tubercles, strongly areolate ventral skin, two distinct rows of forearm tubercles, one along the ventrolateral margin and a second along the externolateral margin of the forearm, and a prominent yellow groin blotch in the female holotype. The species belongs to the Pristimantiscryptomelas group, part of the Huicundomantis subgenus, and is closely related to P.nangaritza, P.verrucosus, and P.plateado. Currently, the species is known only from its type locality, where it inhabits low montane evergreen forests at elevations of 1,655–1,830 m. Additionally, we discuss the use of the term “ulnar tubercles” in Pristimantis, noting that it may refer to tubercles occupying different positions on the forearm.

Although previous studies have suggested that lianas exhibit superior growth compared with trees during dry seasons, their strategies for acquiring water remain poorly understood. This study investigated the water uptake depth and above-ground functional traits of 10 liana species and 11 tree species coexisting in a seasonally dry tropical evergreen forest in Cambodia. Using stable oxygen isotopes, we estimated dry-season water uptake depths and compared five functional traits, including specific leaf area, leaf nitrogen and phosphorus content, stable carbon isotope ratio (δ13C) of leaves and wood density. Both lianas and trees absorbed water mainly from middle to deep soil layers, with no significant difference in water uptake depth. We found substantial variation in water uptake depth even within the same life-form, with some species relying on shallow soil water and others accessing much deeper sources, indicating diverse water acquisition strategies during the dry season. With slightly higher specific leaf area and lower wood density, lianas showed a relatively acquisitive carbon- and nutrient-use strategy compared with trees; however, there was no significant difference in water-use efficiency, as represented by leaf δ13C. Patterns of trait coordination among multiple organs differed between lianas and trees. In lianas, deeper water uptake was positively correlated with less negative leaf δ13C, whereas in trees this relationship was negative as well as weak. This divergence highlights different functional strategies even under similar environmental pressures. Our findings underscore the fact that lianas did not consistently use deeper water or show higher water-use efficiency than trees in this ecosystem. Instead, trait variations and the coordination between above- and below-ground traits may help explain the success of lianas in seasonally dry environments.

Fine-scale Mapping of Urban Evergreen and Deciduous Forests with High-Resolution JL-1 Multispectral Satellite Images Using a Weakly Supervised Deep Neural Network Model

The Annamite striped rabbit (Nesolagus timminsi) is a forest-dwelling lagomorph endemic to the Annamite Mountains of Vietnam and Laos. Herein, we report the first detailed observations of its burrowing and reproductive behavior from information gathered via camera traps. From May to October 2024, six camera traps were deployed at suspected burrow sites identified through semi-structured interviews and field surveys. The active burrows were recorded at multiple sites within broadleaf wet evergreen forests between 359 m and 775 m asl. The camera traps were active for 864 camera trap nights, recording 1293 videos of the species. The videos showed first observations of the Annamite striped rabbit performing a sequence of burrow opening, closing and concealment, including placing compacted soil and small rocks over the entrance. Furthermore, a single behavioral event lasting 190 min was recorded and interpreted as being suggestive of parturition. Forty-six days after this event, the female was recorded leaving the burrow accompanied by two juveniles. These findings represent the first documentation of such behavior in the species. Our results provide new behavioral information on this little known and endangered animal.

Human disturbances, such as habitat destruction and overharvesting, are greatly harming ecosystems and causing significant declines in biodiversity. Although protected areas play a crucial role in conserving terrestrial mammals, nearly non-protected areas (N-PAs) have similar functions, harbor high biodiversity and ecosystem integrity, and deserve to be protected. To identify the conservation value of mammalian species in critical ecosystems within N-PAs, we conducted a camera-trap survey in Luolong County, Tibet, from November 2019 to June 2023, monitoring 159 sites and documenting 25 mammalian species across 28 similar or dissimilar habitats. We found this area was an integrity ecosystem with higher species richness and diversity in scrub and evergreen forests with notable occurrence of herbivores comprising musk deer, chinese serow, woolly hares and carnivores such as the common leopard, snow leopards, red foxes and stone marten. Mammalian species occurrence increased away from human activities. Different habitats and seasons influenced diversity and species interactions. Key findings include species preferences for specific habitats, such as blue sheep on southern slopes during snow, musk deer in mixed forests, and red foxes avoiding alpine meadows. Habitat type, elevation, and human disturbance significantly impacted species distribution and behavior. The study also found that snow leopard activity time negatively correlates with woolly hare, while common leopards are influenced positively by hares and negatively by brown bears. Red foxes are slightly more active near the chinese serow occurrence areas. Other predators and prey, such as eurasian lynx, gray wolves, musk deer and stone martens show specific seasonal and interspecific interactions, with some relationships explaining small portions of variation. Overall, species temporal detection events are interconnected through complex ecological interactions. These findings improve our understanding of habitat hosting for rare species and the balance of endangered prey and predator communities in N-PAs in Tibet, emphasizing their significance for conservation efforts.

ABSTRACTBoreal forests are critical carbon sinks increasingly threatened by climate change. More than two‐thirds of this boreal carbon is stored in soil and litter, highlighting the crucial role of litterfall for carbon and nutrient cycling. Boreal forests have stands of different plant functional types (deciduous, evergreen, and mixed), and we lack information on their contributions to litterfall production. This hinders our understanding of spatiotemporal variations in boreal litterfall production, and thus predictions under future climate scenarios. Here, we synthesized boreal litterfall data from published studies and applied generalized additive models to (1) examine stand age‐ and temperature‐related litterfall dynamics across plant functional types and (2) project future trends under climate change, using two climate scenarios [CMIP6 climate scenarios (SSP2‐4.5 and SSP5‐8.5)]. Mean litterfall production was 1959 kg ha−1 year−1, with deciduous forests showing the greatest litterfall production. Litterfall production increased with stand age, then declined, peaking at 60 years for evergreen forests and 150 years for mixed forests. Deciduous forests showed no significant age‐related trends in litterfall. Critical temperatures may affect litterfall production; for evergreen forests, the threshold is 5°C, above which litterfall production stabilized, with no threshold for deciduous nor mixed forests. The two CMIP6 climate scenarios predicted widespread declines in boreal litterfall production by the end of the 21st century. The decline in litterfall production was pronounced under SSP5‐8.5, with 70% of boreal forests projected to experience litterfall declines exceeding −20%. Synthesis: Our study highlights the importance of incorporating specific plant functional types and stand age dynamics in predictive models of litterfall production. The findings provide a robust foundation for predicting future changes in boreal litterfall production, thereby advancing the understanding of vegetation‐climate interactions in these forest ecosystems.

ABSTRACT Michoacán possesses extensive forest cover yet has undergone rapid and sustained land use transformations driven by illegal logging and the expansion of the ‘avocado strip’. This study utilized Random Forest (RF) classification of Landsat imagery (1986–2025) to analyze landscape dynamics, identifying Near-Infrared (NIR) and Shortwave Infrared 2 (SWIR 2) bands as the most critical predictors. Change detection analysis revealed severe deforestation: dry forest declined by 4,344 km2 and evergreen forest by 1,698 km2, fueling a corresponding increase in exposed soils (3,270 km2) and croplands (2,158 km2). To assess ecological impacts, MaxEnt was employed to model the distribution of 35 vulnerable species (16 Near Threatened, 10 Vulnerable, and 9 Endangered) with Nighttime Land Surface Temperature in December emerging as the most influential variable. The biodiversity assessment (2000–2025) indicated that the Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens) suffered the greatest loss of potential distribution area (exceeding 50%), while the Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) and the Mexican Ground Pit Viper (Agkistrodon bilineatus) exhibited the greatest gains (approximately 50% increase). Given that these threatened ecosystems are poorly represented within current protected areas, these findings underscore an urgent need to integrate conservation strategies into regions undergoing intense agricultural conversion to mitigate further biodiversity loss.

The interplay between historical biogeography and environmental selection shapes the genetic architecture of species; however, their relative contributions in widespread and ecologically important tree species remain poorly understood. In the Sino-Japanese Floristic Region, the East China Sea has alternately acted as a barrier and a corridor during glacial-interglacial cycles, influencing species isolation and contact. However, the extent to which these historical dynamics, along with environmental gradients, have driven adaptive evolution in dominant forest trees remains unresolved. In the present study, we integrated phylogeographic reconstruction and landscape genomics based on whole-genome resequencing data from 171 individuals across 35 populations to investigate the evolutionary history and adaptive mechanisms of Quercus gilva, a keystone evergreen oak, in East Asian subtropical forests. Population genomic analyses revealed two deeply divergent genetic groups: the China group and the Japan–Korea group, and demographic modeling indicated that their divergence dates back to the Miocene epoch. The relatively high genomic diversity of Q. gilva may result from the absence of severe genetic bottlenecks throughout its evolutionary history, multiple microrefugia during the glacial periods, and postglacial secondary contact. Notably, Quaternary glacial cycles repeatedly facilitated gene flow and admixture between these groups via exposed land bridges. Landscape genomic analyses further demonstrated that adaptive divergence in Q. gilva is shaped by both geographic isolation and environmental gradients, with annual precipitation emerging as the primary climatic driver. This study provides a genome-wide perspective on how historical biogeography and environmental selection interact to shape the genetic architecture of a dominant subtropical evergreen forest species, offering novel insights into the evolutionary dynamics and adaptive evolution across East Asian biodiversity hotspots.

The tropical Andes represent not only one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet, but also a center of diversification and endemism for the hyperdiverse genus Pristimantis. Our study contributes to resolving and updating the taxonomy of one of the most diverse clades within the genus, the Pristimantis myersi clade. Here, we describe two new species of this clade and provide insights into their morphology, phylogenetic position, and biogeography. During field campaigns in 2022 and 2023, led by the Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad in Cotacachi, Imbabura Province, Ecuador, specimens were collected. These specimens were then analyzed using an integrative approach that combined external morphology and DNA sequencing to describe the two new species and update the phylogenetic framework of the P. myersi clade. Pristimantis cayapas sp. nov. is a small species distinguished by narrow spatulate toes, tympanum present, a short snout, and distinctive reddish inguinal coloration. Pristimantis dinardoi sp. nov. is a small species characterized by a visible tympanum, digital pads of fingers and toes wider than the digits, a heel with a conical tubercle surrounded by subconical tubercles, and groins with a range of vivid hues. Both species occur in high montane evergreen forests of the North western Ecuadorian Andes. Genetic distances also support their recognition as new species, with values exceeding 2.5% for P. dinardoi and 4% for P. cayapas when compared with their closest relatives. Our findings expand the known diversity of the P. myersi clade in the northern Andes of Ecuador and highlight the importance of integrative taxonomic approaches in disentangling cryptic lineages.

The Grey-necked Rockfowl Picathartes oreas Reichenow, 1899 is a flagship African bird associated with rocky areas in evergreen forests. This paper reports the first confirmed detection of the species in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and a new camera trap record in the Republic of Congo (RoC), suggesting a potential range extension of over 390 km south of its previously known distribution area. Between December 2020 and February 2021, five camera trap events confirmed the presence of at least one individual in the core zone of the Luki Biosphere Reserve (DRC). Further surveys in February 2023 and September 2024 documented at least three individuals in Conkouati- Douli National Park (RoC). Further research is needed to assess population viability in these two protected areas.

Compound heatwave-drought alters eco-hydrological processes in subtropical evergreen and deciduous forests

Forest plant diversity is threatened by global change, highlighting the importance of long-term monitoring to disentangle short-term fluctuations from directional changes of communities. We investigate changes in understory vascular plant communities over 25 years (1999-2023) in 31 Italian permanent ICP Forests plots across four forest biomes. We assessed temporal dynamics of alpha diversity with respect to climate, forest structure and soil parameters. Analysing the two components of beta diversity (turnover and nestedness) at two temporal scales, we distinguish between interannual variations and long-term trends. Richness loss occurred in alpine coniferous and temperate deciduous forests, driven by increased canopy closure and climatic extremes. In these forests, species decline corresponded to long-term trends in both turnover and nestedness. Conversely, Mediterranean (i.e., sclerophyllous evergreen forests) forests exhibited stable richness, characterized by interannual species turnover. Species filtering and replacement have increased in alpine coniferous and temperate deciduous forests, reflecting shifts from initial environmental conditions. Our results underscore changes in forest understory diversity over time, particularly in forests impacted by historic management practices and climatic extremes. Conversely, Mediterranean drought-prone forests with steady canopy cover appear more stable. Continued long-term monitoring is essential to assess how canopy stabilization and climate change interact in shaping future dynamics.

The conversion of broad-leaved evergreen forest to Chinese fir plantation simplified termite functional groups

Palaeobotanical investigations of plant megafossils, including fossil woods and leaf impressions, from the Middle Siwalik sediments of the Sarkaghat area in the Himalayan foothills of Himachal Pradesh, India, have revealed the presence of fossil wood and leaves belonging to the Southeast Asian genus Dipterocarpus C. F. Gaertn. (family Dipterocarpaceae). The fossil wood has been identified as Dipterocarpoxylon siwalicus Prakash, while the leaf impressions are assigned to Dipterocarpus miocenicus Prasad & Gautam. A comparison with the present-day distribution of closely related extant species of Dipterocarpus shows that these taxa no longer occur in the Himalayan foothills of Himachal Pradesh. Instead, they are currently confined to the evergreen forests of Southeast Asia. This distribution pattern suggests that increasing arid conditions after the Miocene likely led to the local extinction of these taxa in the region. Based on fossil evidence and the biogeographical distribution of comparable living species, the phytogeographical implications of this finding are discussed. It is further inferred that Dipterocarpus migrated into the area from Southeast Asia during the early Miocene and subsequently disappeared due to the development of unfavourable climatic conditions.

Tacca sanctijosephii, sp. nov. (Dioscoreaceae) is described from moist evergreen forests of Tripura, Northeast India. The species was identified based on detailed morphological study of flowering material obtained from plants cultivated in the Botanical Garden of St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Irinjalakuda, Kerala, originally collected from Rajnagar in Kumarghat of Unakoti district, Tripura, India. The new taxon is distinguished from its morphologically allied species Tacca integrifolia by a unique combination of vegetative and floral characters. For ease of comparison, diagnostic vegetative and floral characters of the closely allied species Tacca integrifolia are illustrated.

ABSTRACT Hymenochaetales comprises primarily wood-rotting fungi, recognized for their remarkable phylogenetic complexity and morphological diversity. These fungi are wood decomposers and pathogens that influence forest health and dynamics. A survey was conducted in sawmills, wood log depots, and tropical evergreen forest patches of the Western Ghats, during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons from January 2023 to May 2025. A combination of morphological characteristics and molecular evidence (ITS-rDNA) identified 18 Hymenochaetales members, including one new species: Fulvifomes ficicola sp. nov., associated with Ficus religiosa. One new host record to India is Fulvifomes fragilis on Delonix regia, and 16 new host records were reported from Karnataka

Abstract Indigenous food plants (IFPs) play a vital role in rural livelihoods, food security, and biodiversity conservation in Nigeria. Currently, their significance remains inadequately examined from an econometric perspective. Using a mixed-method approach, this study explored the production, consumption, and marketing of IFPs in the evergreen forest agroecological zone of Nigeria. The study involved 520 rural households across Ogun, Oyo, and Ondo states. We identified 32 IFPs that are culturally and nutritionally important in the study areas. The impacts of activities related to IFPs on a composite livelihood index were analysed using Propensity Score Matching (PSM) and Two-Stage Least Squares (2SLS) regression analyses. Results revealed that the consumption of IFPs consistently enhanced rural livelihoods across the three selected states. Additionally, the positive impacts of production and marketing were evident in Oyo and Ogun states. Key drivers of IFPs adoption included extension service quality, availability (source) of indigenous seeds, and proximity to markets. The economic and nutritional significance of IFPs underscore the need for policies that integrate indigenous food systems into sustainable rural development. Promoting the value chain of IFPs is crucial for ensuring food security and resilience, supporting local knowledge, and conserving plant diversity, thereby contributing to the achievement of relevant United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs 1, 2, 3, and 12).

A palaeofloristic study was carried out on Lower–Middle Miocene deposits of western Türkiye (Çan–Etili Basin). The sediments of the Çan–Etili Basin, which were obtained from measured sections, were deposited in a continental environment. The palaeovegetation of the Çan–Etili Basin (Kazım Oğlak and Keçiağılı successions) during the Early–Middle Miocene was mainly made up of evergreen and deciduous mixed forests (Castanea–Castanopsis, Cyrillaceae–Clethraceae, Engelhardia, Quercus evergreen-type, Quercus deciduous-type), riparian vegetation with high quantities of Alnus and conifers such as Pinus haploxylon-type, Pinus diploxylon-type, and undifferentiated Pinaceae. The reconstructed palaeoclimate data from the palaeoflora (pollen and leaves) imply a warm and temperate climate, with mean annual temperatures of 13.8–21.1 °C and coldest-month temperatures of 5.5–13.5 °C. The average annual precipitation is around 1236 mm, indicating overall humidity. When reviewing previous quantitative palaeoclimate assessments from Western Türkiye, no significant palaeoclimate variations along a north–south gradient were detected. Comparing data from the Çan Etili Basin with previous studies from Western Türkiye, it can be inferred that the Aegean region was covered by dense woody vegetation. Moreover, the distribution of Picea suggests a landscape with moderate relief.

The community structure and species composition of Testate amoebae inhabiting in two different microhabitats (soil and tree moss) with a tropical forest biome in Western Ghats viz., Mannavan shola and Pambadum shola was investigated in this article. A total of 63 species were recorded in the two locations and two substrate types. The ANOSIM and ANOVA of total species richness show generally similar patterns where there is a significant difference between tree bark samples from the two sites and there being no difference in the soil samples between two sites. This is the first study of Testate amoebae diversity in the tropical wet evergreen forests of southern India and from these observations it is possible that testate amoeba in tree moss can be used as a good indicator of anthropogenic stresses in these southern evergreen forests of India.