Fragmented Landscapes Research Articles

Insights into Landscape Structure Change in Urbanising Rainforest and Guinea Savanna Ecological Regions of Nigeria.

In the face of unabated urban expansion, understanding the intrinsic characteristics of landscape structure is pertinent to preserving ecological diversity and managing the supply of ecosystem services. This study integrates machine-learning-based geospatial and landscape ecological techniques to assess the dynamics of landscape structure in cities of the rainforest (Akure and Owerri) and Guinea savanna (Makurdi and Minna) ecological regions of Nigeria between 1986 and 2022. Supervised classification using the random forest (RF) machine-learning classifier was performed on Landsat images on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform, and landscape metrics were calculated with FRAGSTATS to assess landscape composition, configuration, and connectivity. The results reveal a consistent pattern of urban expansion in all four cities at varying intensities. The proportion of the built-up class exhibited positive correlations with the largest patch index (r = 0.86, p < 0.05) and aggregation (r = 0.39, p < 0.05), indicating a concurrent rise in landscape densification as urban expansion persists. For the agricultural and vegetation landscapes, landscape proportion correlates negatively with fragmentation (r = -0.88, p < 0.05) and connectivity (r = -0.77, p < 0.05), but positively with aggregation (r = 0.89, p < 0.05). The increased patch density indicates a rising magnitude of landscape fragmentation and heterogeneity over time with varying implications for ecosystem functioning. These findings demonstrate the complex interplay between urbanisation and ecological processes within and across different ecoregions, highlighting the need for targeted ecological management, sustainable urban planning, and regionally informed landscape conservation strategies.

Geomodeling soil quality using remote sensing and land use metrics in Abeokuta, Nigeria

Remote sensing techniques offer potent and accurate geospatial modeling of Soil quality (SQ) for sustainable food security and development. The study aims to model SQ and landscape changes in Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria using Landsat images of 2014 and 2024. We applied support vector machine and land use cover metrics like Number patches (NP), Largest-path (LP), and Effective—MESH combined with spectra Bare-soil (BSI), Normalized Difference Vegetation (NDVI), and Soil Adjusted Vegetation (SAVI) Indexes to assess land use and land cover, focusing on built-up, vegetation and wetlands of the area. A composite of 70 soil samples (0 to 30 cm) were analyzed for their physical, chemical, and biological soil properties. The additive, weighted-additive, and proposed models were used to estimate SQ of the studied area. Results showed that NP, LP, and MESH revealed substantial discontinuity and landscape fragmentation especially in the built-up areas. At the same time, BSI, NDVI, and SAVI signify shifts in wetland areas and significant decrease in vegetation cover of the area respectively. The models ranked SQ of the area as high (199 ha), moderate (1333 ha), and low (126 ha) hectares, respectively. The findings suggest valuable ways for SQ improvement and could contribute to efforts on achieving food security, well-being and meet sustainable development goal 2.

Effects of Predation-Induced Emigration on a Landscape Ecological Model

Predators impact prey populations directly through consumption and indirectly via trait-mediated effects like predator-induced emigration (PIE), where prey alter movement due to predation risk. While PIE can significantly influence prey dynamics, its combined effect with direct predation in fragmented habitats is underexplored. Habitat fragmentation reduces viable habitats and isolates populations, necessitating an understanding of these interactions for conservation. In this paper, we present a reaction–diffusion model to investigate prey persistence under both direct predation and PIE in fragmented landscapes. The model considers prey growing logistically within a bounded habitat patch surrounded by a hostile matrix. Prey move via unbiased random walks internally but exhibit biased movement at habitat boundaries influenced by predation risk. Predators are assumed constant, operating on a different timescale. We examine three predation functional responses—constant yield, Holling Type I, and Holling Type III—and three emigration patterns: density-independent, positive density-dependent, and negative density-dependent emigration. Using the method of sub- and supersolutions, we establish conditions for the existence and multiplicity of positive steady-state solutions. Numerical simulations in one-dimensional habitats further elucidate the structure of these solutions. Our findings demonstrate that the interplay between direct predation and PIE crucially affects prey persistence in fragmented habitats. Depending on the functional response and emigration pattern, PIE can either mitigate or amplify the impact of direct predation. This underscores the importance of incorporating both direct and indirect predation effects in ecological models to better predict species dynamics and inform conservation strategies in fragmented landscapes.

A call for standardization: Evaluating different methodologies to induce in vitro foreign body giant cell formation for biomaterials research and design.

Foreign body giant cells (FBGCs) are crucial in the foreign body reaction at the biomaterial-tissue interface, forming through the fusion of cells from the monocyte/macrophage lineage and performing functions such as material degradation and fibrous encapsulation. Yet, their presence and role in biomaterials research is only slowly unveiled. This review analyzed existing FBGC literature identified through a search string and sources from FBGC articles to evaluate the most commonly used methods and highlight the challenges in establishing a standardized protocol. Our findings revealed a fragmented research landscape marked by significant variability in in vitro culture conditions, i.e., cell origin and type, culture media and sera, fusion-inducing factors, seeding density, culture surface, and inconsistencies in the read-outs. This complicates efforts toward standardization and hampers cross-study comparisons. Based on these results, we highlight the need and propose guidelines for standardized culture protocols for FBGC research. Overall, this review aims to underscore the relevance of improving reproducibility and reliability in FBGC research, facilitating effective cross-study comparisons and advancing understanding of FBGC formation and function, ultimately contributing to designing more effective biomaterial-based therapies. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Foreign body giant cells (FBGCs) are crucial in the body's response to implanted biomaterials. Yet, current research addressing their role and impact is highly fragmented. This review comprehensively and systematically examines the diverse methodologies and definitions used in FBGC research and identifies critical gaps and inconsistencies hindering the reproducibility and comparison of findings. By advocating for standardized protocols, we aim to enhance the reliability and equivalence of research, thus providing a stronger foundation for understanding biomaterial-driven FBGC formation and function. Establishing such a framework will impact biomaterial-based therapies, supporting their effectiveness and safety in medical applications, and is thus of relevance for scientists, companies, and clinicians in the biomaterial and medical device communities.

How French alternative media channels on YouTube portray the government and mainstream media on YouTube

In an increasingly fragmented media landscape, YouTube has become a pivotal platform for alternative media channels that challenge mainstream media and governmental narratives. This study investigates how French alternative media channels on YouTube shape their identities and discourse regarding the government. The study analyzes content from these channels to understand their impact on the media ecosystem. Using word embedding and correspondence analysis, the study reveals a strong antagonistic stance toward mainstream media and government. Findings show that alternative media channels function as new gatekeepers, using decentralized mechanisms to disseminate information, thus redefining traditional gatekeeping roles. They simultaneously provide factual content and amplify skeptical narratives, contributing to public mistrust in journalism and governmental institutions. The implications are discussed along the evolving role of alternative media in shaping public perceptions and the need for ongoing research to capture these complex interactions in an ever-changing media landscape.

Multiscale Sensitivity Analysis of Landscape Fragmentation in Plantation Forests on the Loess Plateau

ABSTRACTEffectively quantifying plantation forest fragmentation is crucial for vegetation restoration and management on the Loess Plateau. Forest area density (FAD) effectively measures fragmentation, with multiscale sensitivity analysis essential for determining the appropriate window scale threshold. This study uses plantation forest data from different geomorphological types (hilly gully and plateau gully region) of the Loess Plateau. Various window sizes are applied to evaluate the FAD threshold curve and its derivative for determining a stable fragmentation threshold, while a structural equation model is employed to analyze the drivers of forest fragmentation. The results are as follows: (1) FAD variability decreases with increasing window size, leveling off after reaching the threshold. (2) Thresholds vary by forest type and county. (3) Two principal components explain 81.27% of the window stabilization threshold variation, with strong correlations between similar fragmentation types. (4) Fragmentation slowed between 2000 and 2022, with hilly gully region more fragmented than plateau gully region. (5) Stand structure mitigates fragmentation, with topographic and climate change influences showing heterogeneity. “Core” maintain stability, while “Islet” drive fragmentation. This study emphasizes the importance of scale‐specific analysis and adaptive management strategies in mitigating forest fragmentation. This study supports optimizing ecological restoration and targeted conservation strategies, promoting sustainable forest management on the Loess Plateau.

Spatiotemporal Response Relationships Between Changes in Water Conservation Service and Landscape Pattern in Zoige Plateau, China

ABSTRACTUnderstanding the link between landscape pattern and water conservation service (WCS) is crucial for effective water resource conservation and landscape planning. However, the impact of landscape configuration on WCS remains unclear. This study explored the spatiotemporal relationships between WCS and landscape pattern in the Zoige Plateau (ZP), a vital waterhead of the yellow river, from 1990 to 2020. The results showed that woodland and high‐coverage grassland exhibited the highest WCS capacity and contributed the greatest to total WCS, suggesting the importance of protecting coverage and area of woodland and grassland. From 1990 to 2020, the areas of high‐ and medium‐coverage grasslands significantly decreased, implying adverse effects of landscape composition changes on ZP's WCS during the past few decades. The effects of landscape configuration metrics on WCS exhibited significant variability across years, climate scenarios and regions, highlighting the significant role of climatic and underlying surface. Under realistic climatic scenarios, for greater WCS, in most parts of the western and northern ZP, which negatively correlated with aggregation index, patch density, and mean fractal dimension index but positively correlated with shannon's diversity index, it is better to increase the proportion of large patches, reduce landscape fragmentation, and maintain diverse patch types. Conversely, in southeastern part of the central ZP, where WCS showed an opposite correlation with the aforementioned metrics, maintaining simpler patch type diversity and higher landscape connectivity may be useful. These findings provided important insights for identifying sensitive areas where landscape pattern changes affect WCS and optimizing landscapes to sustain ZP's WCS.

A comparison of risk factors for canine leptospirosis and seropositivity in New South Wales, Australia.

This study aimed to identify and compare risk factors associated with canine leptospirosis and Leptospira seropositivity in New South Wales, Australia. Seventy-nine canine cases of confirmed leptospirosis (clinical cases) and 16 healthy dogs seropositive to Leptospira (seropositive cases) were included in the study; these were separately compared to 394 healthy dogs seronegative to Leptospira (controls) in at-risk areas. A questionnaire investigated rat contact, stagnant water, dog park access and household number of dogs and cats. Associations between these factors, signalment and risk of leptospirosis or Leptospira seropositivity were screened using Pearson Chi-Square test and logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios of association. Significantly associated with both leptospirosis risk and seropositivity risk was rat contact (P < 0.01) which increased the risk 4.3- and 4.5-fold, respectively. Other factors significantly associated with leptospirosis risk were breed (P < 0.01) and age (P < 0.01). Being a herding dog or Terrier increased leptospirosis risk 27.2-fold and 8-fold, respectively and being a young adult dog increased leptospirosis risk 3.9-fold. Frequenting dog parks decreased leptospirosis risk (OR 0.12). In contrast, no other significant risk factors were identified for seropositivity risk. Exposure to Leptospira through contact with reservoir hosts resulted in seropositivity as well as clinical leptospirosis. However, host factors like breed and age seem to be important factors in determining if exposure results in clinical disease. Increased urbanisation and landscape fragmentation could result in increased exposure to reservoir hosts. Environmental sampling is needed to identify sources of infection. Risk mitigation includes reducing contact with reservoir hosts and contaminated environments and increased pest control.

Breeding bird sensitivity to urban habitat quality is multi-scale and strongly dependent on migratory behavior.

Human-caused conversion of natural habitat areas to developed land cover represents a major driver of habitat loss and fragmentation, leading to reorganization of biological communities. Although protected areas and urban greenspaces can preserve natural systems in fragmented landscapes, their efficacy has been stymied by the complexity and scale-dependency underlying biological communities. While migratory bird communities are easy to-study and particularly responsive to anthropogenic habitat alterations, prior studies have documented substantial variation in habitat sensitivity across species and migratory groups. This may make approaches that explicitly consider the hierarchical nature of ecological organization useful for planning and decision-making, particularly in developed landscapes. Herein, we leverage regional vegetation and breeding bird monitoring efforts to investigate the influences of spatial scale, urbanization, and migratory habit on breeding bird occupancy across Cleveland Metroparks, a large urban park system in Ohio. Using multispecies occupancy models, we found that fine-scale vegetation covariates were more predictive of bird community dynamics than landscape-level covariates, suggesting positive benefits of vegetation management activities for breeding bird communities. We also found that short-distance migrants were positively associated with plants that have broad ecological tolerances and that tropical migrants were more negatively associated with human development than other migratory groups. While local vegetation management may be effective for protecting sensitive breeding bird communities, many tropical migrants required intact forests with low human development and may require targeted habitat management for continued breeding-season occupancy. More broadly, this study emphasizes how avian management strategies in developed landscapes should consider features at multiple spatial scales-as well as species-specific migratory behaviors.

Assessment of watershed health, integrating environmental, social, and climate change criteria into a fuzzy logic framework.

Spatio-temporal analyses of environmental and social criteria in the context of climate change, facilitate understanding of how historical and current conditions have influenced watershed health. Previous studies have analyzed watershed health, but very few have integrated fuzzy logic with the CRITIC method (Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation), which enables us to explore alternatives to improve watershed performance. The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in watershed health through historical and projected climate change scenario in the tropical Santa Cruz watershed in Aquismón, S.L.P., Mexico (1985-2027) considering environmental criteria (hydrological and sediment connectivity, runoff, flooding, drought, landscape fragmentation) and social criteria (indigenous population density, human impact on biodiversity, health index, income index, education index). The results indicate that spatio-temporal changes can alter the Watershed Health Score (WHS) from a value of 2.69 to 6.90, particularly in areas with precarious social conditions. Moreover, the study reveals how weighting evolves overt time, as seen in the case of landscape fragmentation, whose value increased 0.0113 to 0.254. This study shows how objective methods such as CRITIC can be integrated through fuzzy logic to analyze the spatio-temporal evolution of watershed problems without the need for a large number of experts to weight the variables (subjective methods). This method can subsequently be applied and reproduced in different zones or watersheds where there is no certainty as to which criteria have the greatest influence and thus enable decisions for watershed management or restoration.

Plant and gastropod species richness across fragmented urban landscapes: patterns and environmental drivers

Plant and gastropod species richness across fragmented urban landscapes: patterns and environmental drivers

Do you have enough space? Habitat selection of insectivorous cave-dwelling bats in fragmented landscapes of Eastern Amazon.

Individual movements of bats are triggered by their life requirements, limited by their recognition of the environment and risks of moving, and mediated by habitat selection. Mining adds fragmentation and heterogeneity to landscapes, with poorly understood consequences to the life activities of the bats. Cave dwelling bats spend most of their life cycles within caves, and as they constantly forage in external landscapes, their contribution in the input of organic matter to the caves is of paramount importance to the subterranean biodiversity. We investigated habitat selection by cave bats in a mosaic of Amazonian forests, iron-rich savannas and iron-caves, studying the movements of the aerial insect-catcher Furipterus horrens (Furipteridae) and of the foliage gleaning bat Lonchorhina aurita (Phyllostomidae), both cave-dependent in the area. We used radio telemetry to assess their use of habitats, under the prediction that these species prefer preserved habitats for their foraging bouts, avoiding human-modified habitats. We also anticipated larger areas and commuting distances for both species when foraging in disturbed landscapes. Thirty-one bats were monitored in conserved habitats, mining sites and pastures resulting in an average range of 415.1 ± 837.4 ha and average commuting distances of 2163 ± 2453 m (F. horrens) and 681.1 ± 1101 ha and 2781.5 ± 2333 m (L. aurita). Our results suggest that F. horrens are open space foragers, frequently recorded in cangas, and L. aurita are forest foragers that use all habitats proportionally to their availability in the landscape. We detected landscape-related effects mediated by seasonal variation in the maximum commuting distance performed by both species. These are the first radiotelemetry data available for F. horrens and L. aurita, delivering original baselines to understand their movement behaviors. This information sheds light into constraints related to the optimal and adjusted biological cycles of these two species and their range shifts under scenarios of disturbance and may subsidize programs for their conservation.

New modeling framework for describing the effects of landscape pattern changes on nutrient pollution transport.

Landscape pattern plays a crucial role in regulating hydrological and pollutant migration processes. However, there is a lack of quantitative tools to describe the nutrient pollution transport process under the influence of different landscape patterns. To fill this gap, this study presents a new modeling framework, namely the Landscape Pattern-Source Flow Sink model (LP-SFS). The model consists of three modules: nutrient pollution emission, land transport, and river transport. Each module is implemented using a separate calculation program. It characterizes the transport path of pollutants on landscape units conceptually and operationally and focuses on quantifying the blocking effect of grid-scale landscape units on nutrients. The framework takes the Luanhe River Basin in the North China Plain as an exemplary case. The simulation results of the new framework indicated that in regions predominantly occupied by forest and urban (FU), the intensity of terrestrial pollutant migration attained the highest level. In the slope zone ranging from 25 to 35°, owing to the relatively strong responsiveness of water flow and gravity to the slope, soil erosion is inclined to occur, thereby causing the intensity of terrestrial nutrient pollution transport in this slope zone to reach the maximum value of 4.55kg/km2. Furthermore, in the elevation zone <700m, urban and cultivated land was concentratedly distributed, which leads to more pollutants entering surface water bodies and increases the intensity of terrestrial migration of pollutants. The complex boundary shape of forestland and grassland in the watershed weakened the transport capacity of nutrients, resulting in pollutants remaining in the soil and being difficult to be transported to surface water bodies. This new method is applicable to large-scale watersheds with strong spatial heterogeneity and severe landscape fragmentation and can provide technical support for nutrient pollution control and optimization of land resource allocation in large-scale watersheds.

Data privacy in the era of AI: Navigating regulatory landscapes for global businesses

The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and data privacy has created a pivotal challenge for global businesses navigating complex regulatory landscapes. As AI systems increasingly depend on vast datasets to deliver insights and drive innovation, concerns about data protection, algorithmic transparency, and compliance with privacy laws have intensified. The global regulatory environment, encompassing frameworks such as the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), California’s Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and China’s Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL), presents a fragmented legal landscape that requires careful navigation. This paper examines the multifaceted challenges businesses face in aligning AI adoption with regulatory compliance while maintaining ethical standards. Key concerns include managing cross-border data transfers, ensuring data minimization, addressing algorithmic biases, and safeguarding consumer rights in automated decision-making processes. Furthermore, the need for global harmonization of privacy standards is emphasized, given the inconsistencies in regulations across jurisdictions. Actionable insights are provided for businesses to adapt and thrive in this regulatory environment. These include the implementation of privacy-by-design in AI systems, the adoption of advanced data protection technologies like federated learning and differential privacy, and leveraging AI to enhance compliance processes, such as automated data audits and real-time breach detection. The paper also advocates for collaborative efforts among governments, industry stakeholders, and regulators to establish a cohesive framework for AI and data privacy. By strategically addressing these challenges, businesses can build trust with consumers, mitigate legal risks, and unlock AI’s transformative potential in a privacy-centric era.

Priority areas and implementation of ecological corridor through forest restoration to safeguard biodiversity

Ecological Corridors (ECs) are proposed as cost-effective solutions to improve ecological connectivity in fragmented landscapes. Planning the implementation of ECs must take into account landscape features as they affect the viability of the endeavor and the ECs associated costs. A novel set of geoprocessing tools were used to assess (i) economic viability; (ii) socioeconomic cost-effectiveness; and (iii) to determine priority targets for ECs establishment in a highly fragmented region of Atlantic Forest. Landscape features (e.g. size, edge density, number of patches), land use and cover, and Enhanced Vegetation Index data were obtained from remote sensing. Composition and configuration landscape metrics were estimated by geostatistical methods. Study area was represented by 35,344 forest fragments, of which 94% were composed of fragments smaller than 10 hectares in size, leading to a landscape characterized by low connectivity. We identified 13 priority fragments for protection and propose five ecological corridors. These five ECs connect six priority fragments, with a total of 283.93 ha of area to restore, on an estimated cost of nearly US$550.000,00. Conserving the biodiversity of one of the most threatened and fragmented tropical rainforest regions could be promoted at modest costs, through the protection of key fragments and their reconnection in the landscape.

Continuous forests and non-IBA forest patches provide a safe haven for the tropical bird community in highly fragmented urban landscapes

Continuous forests and non-IBA forest patches provide a safe haven for the tropical bird community in highly fragmented urban landscapes

IBN TAYMIYYA’S VISION ON PUBLIC INTEREST AND SOCIETAL PROSPERITY WITHIN ISLAMIC LAW

This article examines Ibn Taymiyya's vision of governance, spotlighting the concepts of public interest (mas{lahah) and prosperity (falâh) within the Islamic law (sharî’a) framework. The increasing importance of Islamic governance in contemporary political discussions, particularly in Muslim-majority societies striving to harmonize tradition with modernity, underscores the relevance of this inquiry. The primary aim is to synthesize existing scholarship on Ibn Taymiyya's contributions to statecraft and its ethical dimensions, elucidating how his principles can guide contemporary governance. The literature reveals a diverse yet fragmented landscape, encompassing historical analysis, theological discourse, and socio-political critiques, reflecting a burgeoning interest in the intersection of Islamic jurisprudence and governance models. This study employs qualitative analysis of both primary texts and contemporary interpretations, creating a nuanced overview of Ibn Taymiyya's political thought. The results indicate that he champions a governance model that prioritizes community welfare, grounded in ethical accountability and justice. His vision emphasizes the alignment of state policies with principles of justice and public interest, asserting that adherence to Islamic values is essential for achieving prosperity. In conclusion, this study contends that Ibn Taymiyya’s insights are relevant and crucial for modern statecraft, providing a robust framework for embedding ethical considerations into governance.

Role of protected areas for a colonial-breeding waterbird in a fragmented landscape throughout its annual cycle

ContextThroughout their annual cycle and life stages, animals depend on a variety of habitats to meet their vital needs. However, habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation are making it increasingly difficult for mobile species such as birds to find suitable habitats. Wetlands are highly productive systems of great importance to many animals, but their continued degradation threatens their capacity to support different species, including waterbirds. In this context, waterbirds are likely to benefit not only from the creation and management of protected wetlands, but also from the existence of anthropogenic wetlands, managed for economic or recreational activities.ObjectivesWe investigated the habitat use of Eurasian spoonbills within an extensive and heterogeneous area in Southern France, and how it varies across the annual cycle and for different age classes.MethodsWe tracked 91 spoonbills of different ages throughout their annual cycle and tested for overall differences in the use of strongly protected areas in Camargue between periods and age classes. Additionally, we identified the main sites used and their management practices.ResultsOur study shows that privately managed wetland areas play a complementary role to strongly protected areas: they may provide spoonbills (and other waterbirds) with suitable foraging habitat at certain periods of the year when these are less available in strongly protected areas.ConclusionsThis study illustrates how the spoonbill, a moderately specialized species, is benefiting from current global changes due to its ability to use suitable habitats, natural and artificial, in fragmented landscapes. Nevertheless, reliance on privately managed wetland areas may have serious consequences for species that are highly dependent on them, and thus, habitat management promoting natural conditions may be crucial to maintain species resilience. It is therefore essential to understand how specific management actions may affect waterbird presence and habitat use, not only to enhance the effectiveness of conservation efforts, but also to promote wetland connectivity and species resilience, particularly in fragmented landscapes.

Global Warming and Landscape Fragmentation Drive the Adaptive Distribution of Phyllostachys edulis in China

Global warming and landscape fragmentation significantly affect the spatial distribution pattern of bamboo forests. This study used high-resolution data and an optimized MaxEnt model to predict the distribution of Phyllostachys edulis in China under current and future climatic conditions in three climate scenarios (SSP126, SSP370, SSP585), and analyzed its land use landscape fragmentation using landscape indices. The results indicate that Phyllostachys edulis currently has potentially suitable habitats majorly distributed in East China, Southwest China, and Central South China. The precipitation of the driest month (BIO14) and the precipitation seasonality (BIO15) are the key environmental factors affecting the distribution of Phyllostachys edulis. In the next three scenarios, the adaptive distribution area of Phyllostachys edulis is generally expanding. With an increase in CO2 concentration, the adaptive distribution of Phyllostachys edulis in the 2050s migrates towards the southeast direction, and in the 2070s, the suitable habitat of Phyllostachys edulis migrates northward. In the suitable habitat area of Phyllostachys edulis, cropland and forests are the main land use types. With the passage of time, the proportion of forest area in the landscape pattern of the high-suitability area for Phyllostachys edulis continues to increase. Under SSP370 and SSP585 scenarios, the cropland in the Phyllostachys edulis high-suitability area gradually becomes fragmented, leading to a decrease in the distribution of cropland. In addition, it is expected that the landscape of high-suitability areas will become more fragmented and the quality of the landscape will decline in the future. This research provides a scientific basis for understanding the response of Phyllostachys edulis to climate change, and also provides theoretical guidance and data support for the management and planning of bamboo forest ecosystems, which will help in managing bamboo forest resources rationally and balancing carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation.

Insect Pollinator Voucher Collection: Pollinator Visitation to Pacific Northwest Native Plants and Native Cultivars

Planting native flora continues to grow in popularity as a means of conserving pollinator fauna in fragmented landscapes. Due to the limited availability of native plants, consumers may encounter cultivars in their search for plants native to their region. Though consumers have a documented interest in planting native flora for their purported benefits to pollinators, it is unclear whether cultivars provide the same benefits as wild-type native plants. Over three years (2020-2022), we observed and collected pollinators from a common garden experiment in Corvallis, OR containing 8 species of Pacific Northwest native plants, 18 cultivars derived from native plant species, and one exotic perennial plant. Methods for collection are described in further detail in Hayes et al. (in prep.). Here, we report on and document the deposition of taxonomic voucher specimens which represent the primary species concepts used throughout Hayes et al. (in prep.) (Accession #). Specimens were identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level by L. R. Best (bees, Hymenoptera: Apoidea) and J. J-M. Hayes (syrphid flies, Diptera: Syrphidae). The vouchered material includes 139 individual specimens with at least one representative per caste and sex, as available, of 55 species and 14 morphospecies of bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) and 13 species and one morphospecies of syrphid flies (Diptera: Syrphidae). Additional vouchers are included for specimens identified only to the morphospecies level, and Megachile brevis Say, 1837 individuals that were captured while collecting sections of petal from Clarkia amoena (Lehm.) A.Nelson &amp; J.F.Macbr. plants. These 139 voucher specimens come from a much larger dataset, containing over 6,500 observational records of plant-pollinator interactions.