Future Biodiversity Research Articles

Identification of Invertebrate Species in the Coastal Area of Labuhan Lalar Village, West Sumbawa Regency

Coastal biodiversity plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability and productivity of marine ecosystems. Among the key contributors to these systems are marine invertebrates, particularly molluscs and crustaceans, which fulfil important ecological functions such as nutrient cycling, water filtration, and forming part of the marine food web. However, scientific data on the diversity of marine invertebrates in many Indonesian coastal regions remains limited, especially in remote areas like Labuhan Lalar Village, West Sumbawa Regency. This study aims to identify and classify marine invertebrate species found along the coast of Labuhan Lalar. An exploratory research approach was applied through direct field surveys along the shoreline, using a 3-meter transect from the high tide line toward the sea. Invertebrate specimens were collected manually and identified based on external morphological characteristics. A descriptive analysis was conducted with reference to scientific literature to determine species classification. The research identified a total of 15 marine invertebrate species belonging to two major phyla: Mollusca and Arthropoda. These species were further grouped into three classes: Gastropoda (10 species), Bivalvia (4 species), and Malacostraca (1 species). The presence of these diverse taxa indicates that the coastal ecosystem of Labuhan Lalar remains ecologically functional and supports a variety of marine invertebrate life. In conclusion, the coastal area of Labuhan Lalar demonstrates a relatively high level of marine invertebrate biodiversity. These findings may serve as baseline data for future biodiversity monitoring, conservation planning, and the development of sustainable coastal management strategies in the region.

How variation among field assessments can affect biodiversity offset outcomes

Abstract Biodiversity offsetting aims to balance biodiversity loss at development sites with gains at offset sites. Measurement of loss and gain relies on transparent and repeatable estimates of biodiversity values. However, these estimates are often derived from field assessments by people who differ in their interpretation and measurement of biodiversity, either randomly or systematically. Variation among people during field assessments may therefore impact offset outcomes and contribute to uncertainty around the effectiveness of biodiversity offset schemes. Here, we describe variation in loss, gain, and offset outcomes using concurrent assessments by five assessors on eight sites using a multi‐metric biodiversity valuation method from New South Wales, Australia. We found variation among assessors was high for field estimates but substantially decreased for current biodiversity valuations. However, variation increased for the prediction of future biodiversity gains, in the calculation of the required offset area, and contributed an average of 19% variation in development credits (biodiversity loss) and 34% variation in offset credits (biodiversity gain). Evidence of systematic bias among observers for some attributes added further uncertainty to offset outcomes. Our study reveals the need for improved assessor training and field methods to improve assessment consistency, transparency, and reduce offset outcome variability.

INaturalist projects represent a valuable resource for aggregating plant observations and engaging society: A case study of the Flora of Mongolia project

Societal Impact StatementCitizen science – collaboration between scientists and the public – has the potential to advance biodiversity monitoring. Using a case study from Mongolia, called the Flora of Mongolia project in iNaturalist, we illustrate how crowd‐sourced biodiversity data fills gaps of plant diversity in Mongolia. Over 52,200 observations covering 2,241 species of vascular plants (ca. 3,050 species) were observed by 665 participants between 2019 and 2023, showcasing the vast potential for rapid biodiversity inventories. This case study, from an under‐resourced region, illustrates the potential role of citizen science, and iNaturalist, in future biodiversity monitoring efforts.SummaryAt a time of alarming biodiversity loss, biodiversity monitoring is crucial. Yet, funding for such monitoring is difficult to attain, leading to data gaps of baseline biodiversity information in regions of the world that are often the most threatened. In Mongolia, there are limited resources for finding wild photos and distribution points of vascular plant species. Therefore, we established the Flora of Mongolia project in iNaturalist in January 2019 to fill the gap of quantifying the country's plant diversity. Over the course of five years, 665 participants have contributed 52,286 observations belonging to 2,241 species. To date, participants have already observed 69% of the estimated total vascular plant species (ca. 3,050 species) in Mongolia including numerous threatened and endemic species. The total number of observations in iNaturalist is now higher than both herbarium records from GBIF and FloraGREIF for Mongolia, showcasing the potential of crowd‐sourcing data. The majority of species and observation numbers were observed in the western and central parts of Mongolia. This iNaturalist project is significantly expanding the capacity for data collection and analysis of vascular plants, highlighting the important role that customized iNaturalist projects can have in biodiversity data generation. As citizen science data collections continue to grow, we can expect them to play a significant role in further improving our knowledge of plant diversity, monitoring invasive species, and quantifying the impacts of climate change on rare and threatened plants.

The collector practices that shape spatial, temporal, and taxonomic bias in herbaria.

Natural history collections (NHCs) are essential for studying biodiversity. Although spatial, temporal, and taxonomic biases in NHCs affect analyses, the influence of collector practices on biases remains largely unexplored. We utilized one million digitized specimens collected in the northeastern United States by c. 10 000 collectors to investigate how collector practices shape spatial, temporal, and taxonomic biases in NHCs; and similarities and differences between practices of more- and less-prolific collectors. We identified six common collector practices, or collection norms: collectors generally collected different species, from multiple locations, from sites sampled by others, during the principal growing season, species identifiable outside peak collecting months, and species from species-poor families and genera. Some norms changed over decades, with different taxa favored during different periods. Collection norms have increased taxonomic coverage in NHCs; however, collectors typically avoided large, taxonomically complex groups, causing their underrepresentation in NHCs. Less-prolific collectors greatly enhanced coverage by collecting during more months and from less-sampled locations. We assert that overall collection biases are shaped by shared predictable collection norms rather than random practices of individual collectors. Predictable biases offer an opportunity to more effectively address biases in future biodiversity models.

Impact of climate and land use change on the distribution of orchids in Estonia

Abstract Habitat loss and climate change are driving global declines in terrestrial orchid populations. In Europe, predicted northward range shifts suggest that northern regions may serve as future refugia. Estonia— one of northern Europe’s most orchid-rich countries—offers a valuable case study for assessing climate change impact on orchids. Using species distribution models (SDMs), we projected range changes for 31 orchid species under moderate (SSP245) and high-emission (SSP585) scenarios, integrating land use change projections through the 21st century. Currently, the western islands and coastal areas host the highest orchid diversity, forming a hotspot for calcicole tuberous species that grow preferentially in open and semi-open habitats. Under both scenarios, many of these species are expected to shift eastward. However, significant losses in orchid richness are predicted as early as 2040, severely impacting these western orchid hotspots and large parts of central and eastern Estonia, with non-calcicole rhizomatous species inhabiting forest and wet forest habitats emerging as the most vulnerable taxa. Projected changes intensify under SSP585, where 2040–2060 conditions resemble those expected under SSP245 by 2080–2100. The period up to 2040 emerges as a critical bottleneck, especially for rare and threatened species. While some recovery is projected after 2060 under high-emission scenarios, earlier population declines may lead to irreversible losses. Estonia holds promise as a northern refuge for orchids under climate change, but proactive conservation efforts are urgently needed before 2040 to avert future biodiversity loss.

Projected Impacts of Climate and Land Use Change on Endemic Plant Distributions in a Mediterranean Island Hotspot: The Case of Evvia (Aegean, Greece)

Anthropogenic climate and land use change pose major threats to island floras worldwide, yet few studies have integrated these drivers in a single vulnerability assessment. Here, we examine the endemic flora of Evvia, the second-largest Aegean island in Greece and an important biodiversity hotspot, as a model system to address how these disturbances may reshape species distributions, community composition, and phylogenetic diversity patterns. We used species distribution models under the Ensemble of Small Models and the ENphylo framework, specifically designed to overcome parameter uncertainty in rare species with inherently limited occurrence records. By integrating climate projections and dynamic land use data, we forecasted potential range shifts, habitat fragmentation, and biodiversity patterns for 114 endemic taxa through the year 2100. We addressed transferability uncertainty, a key challenge in projecting distributions under novel conditions, using the Shape framework extrapolation analysis, thus ensuring robust model projections. Our findings reveal pronounced projected range contractions and increased habitat fragmentation for all studied taxa, with more severe impacts on single-island endemics. Our models demonstrated high concordance with established IUCN Red List assessments, validating their ecological relevance despite the sample size limitations of single-island endemics. Current biodiversity hotspots, primarily located in mountainous regions, are expected to shift towards lowland areas, probably becoming extinction hotspots due to projected species losses, especially for Evvia’s single-island endemics. Emerging hotspot analysis identified new biodiversity centres in lowland zones, while high-altitude areas showed sporadic hotspot patterns. Temporal beta diversity analysis indicated higher species turnover of distantly related taxa at higher elevations, with closely related species clustering at lower altitudes. This pattern suggests a homogenisation of plant communities in lowland areas. The assessment of protected area effectiveness revealed that while 94.6% of current biodiversity hotspots are within protected zones, this coverage is projected to decline by 2100. Our analysis identified conservation gaps, highlighting areas requiring urgent protection to preserve future biodiversity. Our study reveals valuable information regarding the vulnerability of island endemic floras to global change, offering a framework applicable to other insular systems. Our findings demonstrate that adaptive conservation strategies should account for projected biodiversity shifts and serve as a warning for other insular biodiversity hotspots, urging immediate actions to maintain the unique evolutionary heritage of islands.

Genetic Diversity Resonates With Conservation Strategies: A Case Study of Labeo rohita Population.

Conservation strategies often overlook genetic diversity, which is essential for biodiversity preservation and species adaptability. Efforts are minimal for low-income countries like Bangladesh. The current study assessed the population variances of Labeo rohita, a commercially important freshwater fish of Bangladesh, to find the impact of historical policy efforts in conserving diversity. Partial sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (cytb) of 137 samples, originating from three major rivers (Padma, Jamuna, and Halda) and from randomly sampled cultured individuals, were analyzed. Significant differentiation was detected among the groups, with most genetic variation (90.35%) within groups. Eleven haplotypes were identified, including the most frequent haplotype (Hap1BD, 107/137). The geographically isolated Halda subpopulation, with earlier stronger conservation policy, displayed the highest haplotype (0.494) and nucleotide diversities (0.00133) compared to those of the Padma and Jamuna. The culture group also showed distinct diversity and haplotype patterns, which indicate an admixture of L. rohita fishes from different sources, including the Halda subpopulation. Pair-wise FST analysis indicated minimal genetic divergence between the Padma and Jamuna samples (FST = 0.00376), reflecting their geographical connections and moderate conservation strategies. Phylogenetic and haplotype network analyses revealed two distinct genetic clusters, with Jamuna and Padma clustering separately from the Halda subpopulation. Relatively lower effective population size estimation in both Padma and Jamuna could be a reflection of the loose conservation policy on these two rivers. This connection between conservation rules and genetic diversity in the Halda and other rivers indicates that conservation policy efforts, besides many other factors, might impact genetic variability, offering hope for future biodiversity conservation.

Snow Height Sensors Reveal Phenological Advance in Alpine Grasslands.

Long-term phenological data in alpine regions are often limited to a few locations and thus, little is known about climate-change-induced plant phenological shifts above the treeline. Because plant growth initiation in seasonally snow-covered regions is largely driven by snowmelt timing and local temperature, it is essential to simultaneously track phenological shifts, snowmelt, and near-ground temperatures. In this study, we make use of ultrasonic snow height sensors installed at climate stations in the Swiss Alps to reveal the phenological advance of grassland ecosystems and relate them to climatic changes over 25 years (1998-2023). When snow is absent, these snow height sensors additionally provide information on plant growth at a uniquely fine temporal scale. We applied a two-step machine learning algorithm to separate snow- from plant-height measurements, allowing us to determine melt-out for 122 stations between 1560 and 2950 m a.s.l., and to extract seasonal plant growth signals for a subset of 40 stations used for phenological analyses. We identified the start of growth and calculated temperature trends, focusing particularly on thermal conditions between melt-out and growth initiation. We observed an advance of green-up by -2.4 days/decade coinciding with strong warming of up to +0.8°C/decade. Although the timing of snowmelt has not changed significantly over the study period in this focal region, phenological responses to early melt-out years varied due to differing influences of photoperiodic and thermal constraints, which were not equally important across elevations and communities. Phenological shifts of alpine grasslands are thus likely to become even more pronounced if snowmelt timing advances in the future as predicted. As climate change continues to reshape mountain ecosystems, understanding the interplay between phenological changes and species turnover will be essential for predicting future biodiversity patterns and informing conservation strategies in alpine regions.

Plant diversity dynamics over space and time in a warming Arctic

The Arctic is warming four times faster than the global average1 and plant communities are responding through shifts in species abundance, composition and distribution2, 3–4. However, the direction and magnitude of local changes in plant diversity in the Arctic have not been quantified. Using a compilation of 42,234 records of 490 vascular plant species from 2,174 plots across the Arctic, here we quantified temporal changes in species richness and composition through repeat surveys between 1981 and 2022. We also identified the geographical, climatic and biotic drivers behind these changes. We found greater species richness at lower latitudes and warmer sites, but no indication that, on average, species richness had changed directionally over time. However, species turnover was widespread, with 59% of plots gaining and/or losing species. Proportions of species gains and losses were greater where temperatures had increased the most. Shrub expansion, particularly of erect shrubs, was associated with greater species losses and decreasing species richness. Despite changes in plant composition, Arctic plant communities did not become more similar to each other, suggesting no biotic homogenization so far. Overall, Arctic plant communities changed in richness and composition in different directions, with temperature and plant–plant interactions emerging as the main drivers of change. Our findings demonstrate how climate and biotic drivers can act in concert to alter plant composition, which could precede future biodiversity changes that are likely to affect ecosystem function, wildlife habitats and the livelihoods of Arctic peoples5,6.

The sensitivity and response of the threatened endemic shrub Arbutus pavarii to current and future climate change

Climate change is expected to significantly alter and modify the ecological conditions of plant distribution and growth, particularly in the Mediterranean Basin, which is considered one of the hot spots for global warming. Measuring and modeling the response (sensitivity) of wild plants to current and future climate is critical to predicting future biodiversity and ecological values. Arbutus pavarii Pamp. (family Ericaceae) is a narrow endemic Libyan medicinal plant and one of the Red List species according to the IUCN that faces the threats of extinction due to habitat deterioration, overuse, and low reproductive rates. In this study, the species distribution model (SDM) approach was used to model and forecast range shifts in Arbutus pavarii under current and future climate change scenarios at various Shared Socio-economic Pathways SSP1-2.6 (lowest emission scenario) and SSP5-8.5 (highest emission scenario) for the years 2050s and 2070s. The modeling results indicate that the current highly suitable areas of the plant will decrease in the future compared to the low and moderate ones. The distribution range of A. pavarii will increase under lower emission scenarios (SSP1-2.6, 2050s) by 1.12% but under higher emission scenarios (SSP5-8.5, 2070s), the suitability of the habitat will decrease by 1.39%. Given the low reproductive fitness and the anticipated rise in air temperature, A. pavarii is likely to encounter greater challenges in its natural existence and dispersal. Lands with high elevation and precipitation are suitable for its future distribution. We recommend further ecophysiological and tree-ring studies on this species to investigate its growth-climate relationship and performance under drought conditions. The in-situ conservation of A. pavarii as well as its cultivation in the projected high and moderate habitats are recommended. Local community engagement may be beneficial in any conservation program for this species.

Disentangling relationships in Euphorbia agraria s.l. (Euphorbiaceae) in south‐east Europe: One or two species?

Abstract We explored the diversification of the south‐eastern and eastern European Euphorbia agraria s.l. applying molecular (amplified fragment length polymorphism [AFLP] fingerprinting and sequencing of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer [ITS]), cytogenetic (relative genome size [RGS] estimations) and morphometric methods. The AFLP data, and to a lesser extent ITS sequences, inferred two main phylogenetic lineages corresponding to eastern Balkan‐Pontic E. agraria and central Balkan E. subhastata; their closest relatives are E. tommasiniana endemic to the north‐westernmost Balkan Peninsula and E. salicifolia, which is more widespread in the Balkan Peninsula. Genetic divergence is reflected in morphological and ecological differentiation, rendering recognition of E. subhastata – previously segregated as a variety – at the species level, resulting in a revised taxonomic treatment. Euphorbia agraria thrives in grasslands and ruderal places that are widespread in the lowlands of the eastern Balkan Peninsula and the adjacent Pontic region; the continuity of the habitat probably confers weak genetic differentiation within this species. On the other hand, E. subhastata grows in screes and open forests of river gorges separated by mountain ridges, leading to more pronounced inter‐population differentiation. The RGS data revealed di‐ and tetraploid populations within both species and in combination with phylogenetic results suggest recurrent autopolyploidisation. Our results support the Balkan Peninsula as a hotspot of genetic and species diversity and indicate that future biodiversity research in this part of Europe should focus on the central, eastern and southern Balkan Peninsula that were largely neglected in previous phylogenetic studies.

Preface

On behalf of the organizing committee, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your participation and contributions in the FAST Global Nexus Conference 2024: 5th International Conference on Biodiversity, held at The Everly Hotel, Putrajaya, Malaysia, October 3-4, 2024. I would also like to express special thanks to the keynote speaker Tan Sri Dato' Seri Dr. Salleh Mohd Nor, the former Pro-Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Malaysia; and the invited speakers: Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, the Deputy Dean (Academic) of Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Indonesia; and Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Muhammad Abdul Latiff Abu Bakar, the Deputy Dean (Research, Development & Publication) of Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), Malaysia for their attendance - in-person and virtually - to give their in-depth insights into the conference. The FAST Global Nexus Conference 2024: 5th International Conference on Biodiversity was organized by the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), Malaysia to promote discussion and knowledge exchange between experts in the fields of science, mathematics, and biodiversity for a sustainable future; with the theme of “Harmony in Science, Mathematics, and Nature, Bridging Disciplines for a Sustainable Future”. The primary focus of this international conference is to empower scientists and professionals to deliver science, mathematics, and nature in a way that promotes harmony and holistic understanding for future generations. The FAST Global Nexus Conference 2024: 5th International Conference on Biodiversity provides a suitable platform to showcase and celebrate successful examples of integrating science, mathematics, and biodiversity for global sustainability initiatives. At the conference, various researchers and experts from various countries, such as Brunei, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, and of course Malaysia, presented their most recent discoveries which divided into two topics: Agriculture and Food, and Biodiversity and Conservation. List of Committees are available in this pdf.

Use of the Alternative Stable States Concept in Tropical Terrestrial Ecosystem Research—A Systematic Literature Review

ABSTRACTGlobal changes can impact ecosystem resilience, leading to abrupt and irreversible shifts in structure and function. In the face of increasing anthropogenic disturbances, understanding mechanisms that destabilize ecosystems and push them into alternative stable states is crucial. We conducted a systematic review of the application of concepts from dynamic systems theory—alternative stable states, tipping points, hysteresis, and alternative pathways—in tropical terrestrial ecosystem research. We identified 135 articles (71 observational, 59 theoretical/modeling, four experimental, one meta‐analysis) using these concepts, addressing ecosystem changes due to anthropogenic and natural disturbances. Most articles focused on conservation biology (46%), followed by climate change (31%), successional ecology (28%), ecological restoration (16%), physiology (15%), novel ecosystems (3%), and biological invasion (3%). Fire was the primary disturbance driving shifts into alternative stable states (54%). Disturbance roles varied across biomes. Numerous articles on tropical and subtropical broadleaf forests highlighted biodiversity and ecosystem service losses due to disturbances. Conversely, studies on tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas, and shrublands emphasized fires and herbivory as key factors in the maintenance of the structure and composition of savannas. The high number of articles on these biomes underscores their importance. The review highlights that considering alternative stable states in the responses of ecosystems to global changes can enhance disturbance mitigation and ecological restoration, potentially averting future biodiversity and ecosystem service losses. Addressing ecosystem responses to global changes from this perspective can enable more effective disturbance mitigation and ecological restoration actions.

Quantifying Biodiversity's Present and Future: Current Potentials and SSP‐RCP‐Driven Land Use Impacts

Abstract Biodiversity, vital for ecosystem stability and human well‐being, faces threats from land use and climate change. Accurately predicting these effects is crucial for effective conservation. High emission development scenario is commonly viewed as the most detrimental to biodiversity. However, recent researches suggest a more complex relationship between development paths and biodiversity outcomes. Our study addresses this by using an emergy‐based approach to estimate current provincial‐level biodiversity potential and project future species richness losses (amphibians, mammals, and birds) across climate zones and provincial divisions under various SSP‐RCP scenarios for 2030, 2050, 2070, and 2090. The results revealed significant regional variations in China's biodiversity potential, with the highest in southwestern provinces. Future land use trends indicate increased construction land and barren alongside a decline in grasslands, leading to considerable habitat loss and fragmentation under various scenarios, stressing conservation needs. Future biodiversity loss follows the Hu line and climate zones, with significant decreases in the south and humid regions. Land‐use changes could reduce species richness by 1–6 per 10 km grid cell. High‐emission scenario SSP585 do not necessarily have the most detrimental effects on biodiversity and different scenarios require targeted focus on specific climatic zones and provinces. These findings underscore that different scenarios require targeted conservation efforts in specific regions sensitive to biodiversity loss. Our study provides a scientific foundation for these targeted efforts, ensuring that regions are prioritized under various future scenarios. This approach aids in developing effective conservation strategies amidst the complex interplay of land use dynamics and climate change.

Community structure of Crabs (Crustacea: Decapoda): Response to vegetation variation and environmental parameters in mangrove ecosystems

Background: Mangrove ecosystems are crucial for maintaining biodiversity, including crab communities, which are vital to the stability of these ecosystems. Crabs contribute to nutrient cycling and the food web, reinforcing the overall ecological health of coastal habitats. This study focuses on the crab communities in the mangrove area of Tabongo Village, Dulupi District, Boalemo Regency, examining how environmental conditions affect their distribution and diversity. Methods: The research involved surveys at three stations representing different mangrove vegetation conditions. Crab species were identified and their diversity and abundance recorded. Environmental parameters, such as temperature, salinity, and pH, were measured, and the diversity index (H') was calculated to assess species diversity and the relationship between crab communities and environmental factors. Findings: A total of 11 crab species from 4 families were identified, including Uca (Paraleptuca) annulipes and Ocypode ceratophthalmus. The diversity index ranged from 1.3 to 1.6, indicating moderate diversity. Environmental conditions, with temperatures between 32–34 °C, salinity from 13–19 ppt, and pH from 6.5 to 7, were conducive to crab survival. Station III, with healthier mangrove vegetation, supported greater crab diversity and abundance compared to degraded stations. Conclusion: The study highlights the crucial role of healthy mangrove ecosystems in sustaining crab biodiversity and ecosystem stability. It underscores the importance of mangrove conservation for maintaining biodiversity and protecting coastal ecosystems from degradation. Novelty/Originality of this article: By linking the health of mangrove ecosystems to crab diversity and abundance, it emphasizes the direct impact of environmental factors on crab populations. The findings highlight the importance of mangrove conservation not only for species richness but also for maintaining the ecological balance in coastal ecosystems, offering valuable data for future biodiversity management and conservation efforts.

The marine fishes from southern Mindanao, Philippines, including a DNA barcode reference Philippines, including a DNA barcode reference library of commercially important species

The Philippines has been long known for its multispecies fisheries, and while there is a growing effort to document fish diversity, collections-based species inventories remain insufficient in southern Mindanao. Market survey efforts conducted in Pujada Bay, Davao Gulf, and Sarangani Bay in the last ten years resulted in documenting 556 species of marine fishes from 82 families, while underwater fish visual census (FVC) surveys conducted in Davao Gulf from 2019 to 2022 revealed 365 species in 42 families. Combining the data from market surveys, FVC, and published literature, we present 771 species of marine fishes (770 teleosts, 1 elasmobranch) belonging to 93 families. Of the 771 species documented, 130 are deep reef and deepwater species, while 20 species await further taxonomic investigations to validate species-level identifications. Moreover, 498 cytochrome oxidase I (COI) genetic barcodes were produced representing 357 species from 58 families, which covers 46% of the total number of species reported and 64% of the market survey data. Genetic distances based on taxonomic ranks were concordant with other barcoding studies on marine fishes. Nineteen species with pairwise genetic distances that did not conform with the expected intra‐ and interspecific threshold also suggest cases that need to be investigated further (e.g., incomplete lineage sorting, introgressive hybridization, cryptic speciation). All market survey data used in genetic barcoding correspond to tissue samples, live-color photographs, and preserved specimens. This work complements the DNA barcode libraries reported recently in the country, and this serves as an additional reference for future biodiversity management and conservation efforts.

Uncharted territory: the arrival of Psychoda albipennis (Zetterstedt, 1850) (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Maritime Antarctica.

Despite increasing awareness of the threats they pose, exotic species continue to arrive in Antarctica with anthropogenic assistance, some of which inevitably have the potential to become aggressively invasive. Here, we provide the first report of the globally cosmopolitan species Psychoda albipennis (Diptera, Psychodidae; commonly known as moth flies) in Antarctica during the austral summer of 2021/2022, with the identification confirmed using traditional taxonomic and molecular approaches. The species was present in very large numbers and, although predominantly associated with the drainage and wastewater systems of Antarctic national operator stations in synanthropic situations, it was also present in surrounding natural habitats. While it is unclear if P. albipennis is capable of long-distance dispersal, adult psychodid flies are known to travel more than 90 m from their emergence sites, and up to 1.5 km with wind assistance. Thus, once established in the natural environment of King George Island there appears to be a high risk of the species rapidly becoming invasive. The introduction of non-native species such as P. albipennis can be a significant driver of future biodiversity change and loss, and seriously impact ecosystem health. In vulnerable low diversity ecosystems, such as in the terrestrial environments of Antarctica, non-native species can lead to step changes in ecological functions and interactions, displace native species and, potentially, lead to the extinction of native biota.

Multiple disturbances, multiple legacies: Fire, canopy gaps and deer jointly change the forest seed bank

Abstract Disturbance regimes, like low‐intensity fire, canopy gaps and ungulate browsing, play a critical role in determining ecological composition and structure in temperate forests around the world. Each disturbance (or lack thereof) can lead to unique plant communities, but we do not understand how combined disturbances change plant diversity and the resulting soil seed bank. Changes in the soil seed bank, which depend on the plants that survive post‐disturbance, can then influence future biodiversity and succession. We used a long‐term experiment in West Virginia, USA, that factorially manipulated low‐intensity fire, deer exclusion and canopy gaps. Thirteen years after disturbance initiation, we sampled the seed bank from each disturbance treatment. We found that low‐intensity fire led to increased seed bank density, with additional canopy gaps and deer exclusion each creating unique seed bank communities. Combined fire, canopy gaps and deer presence led to high seed bank diversity and the most unique seed communities, while canopy gaps and deer had no effect on seed banks unless the area was previously burned. In contrast, combined fire, canopy gaps and deer exclusion led to the lowest seed bank diversity of all treatments, reflecting the continued legacy of extant plants that grew immediately after disturbance. Seed communities were also distinct from extant understory species over 13 years, regardless of disturbance treatment. Each reintroduced disturbance combination left a unique legacy in the seed bank that will likely influence future forest reorganization following disturbances, adding to our understanding of how multiple disturbances influence forest succession and organization. Synthesis. Forest disturbance regimes have changed around the world and are being restored or manipulated to support biodiversity. Reintroduction of disturbance leads to unique plant communities, but we do not understand how combined disturbances change the soil seed bank. Using an experiment that manipulates low‐intensity fire, canopy gaps and deer exclusion, we find that combinations of these experimental treatments leads to substantially different seed communities. These disturbance‐altered seed banks will likely influence future biodiversity and successional patterns, highlighting how the restoration of disturbance can strongly and indirectly influence temperate forest community dynamics.

Arthropod Food Webs in the Foreland of a Retreating Greenland Glacier: Integrating Molecular Gut Content Analysis With Structural Equation Modelling.

The Arctic has warmed nearly four times faster than the global average since 1979, resulting in rapid glacier retreat and exposing new glacier forelands. These forelands offer unique experimental settings to explore how global warming impacts ecosystems, particularly for highly climate-sensitive arthropods. Understanding these impacts can help anticipate future biodiversity and ecosystem changes under ongoing warming scenarios. In this study, we integrate data on arthropod diversity from DNA gut content analysis-offering insight into predator diets-with quantitative measures of arthropod activity-density at a Greenland glacier foreland using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Our SEM analysis reveals both bottom-up and top-down controlled food chains. Bottom-up control, linked to sit-and-wait predator behavior, was prominent for spider and harvestman populations, while top-down control, associated with active search behavior, was key for ground beetle populations. Bottom-up controlled dynamics predominated during the early stages of vegetation succession, while top-down mechanisms dominated in later successional stages further from the glacier, driven largely by increasing temperatures. In advanced successional stages, top-down cascades intensify intraguild predation (IGP) among arthropod predators. This is especially evident in the linyphiid spider Collinsia holmgreni, whose diet included other linyphiid and lycosid spiders, reflecting high IGP. The IGP ratio in C. holmgreni negatively correlated with the activity-density of ground-dwelling prey, likely contributing to the local decline and possible extinction of this cold-adapted species in warmer, late-succession habitats where lycosid spiders dominate. These findings suggest that sustained warming and associated shifts in food web dynamics could lead to the loss of cold-adapted species, while brief warm events may temporarily impact populations without lasting extinction effects.

Revealing future effectiveness of protected areas for biodiversity conservation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area

Revealing future effectiveness of protected areas for biodiversity conservation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area