Habitat Preferences Research Articles

Phylogenetic climatic niche evolution and diversification of the Neurergus species (Salamandridae) in the Irano-Anatolian biodiversity hotspot.

This study explores how climate variables influenced the evolution and diversification of Neurergus newts within the Irano-Anatolian biodiversity hotspot. We use a dated phylogenetic tree and climatic niche models to analyze their evolutionary history and ecological preferences. Using genetic data from nuclear (KIAA) and mitochondrial (16s and 12s) genes, we estimate divergence times and identify four major Neurergus clades. The initial speciation event occurred approximately 11.3 million years ago, coinciding with the uplift of the Zagros and Anatolian mountains. This geological transformation isolated newt populations, likely triggering the first speciation event. By integrating potential geographic distribution with climate variables, we reconstruct ancestral niche occupancy profiles. This highlights the critical roles of temperature and precipitation in shaping Neurergus habitat preferences and distribution. We observe both phylogenetic niche conservatism and divergence, with niche divergence playing a dominant role in diversification. This research emphasizes the complex interplay of geography, climate, and ecology in speciation and the vulnerability of isolated mountain newt populations to environmental changes.

Comparative phylogeography and genetic diversity of two co-occurring anti-tropical krill species Hansarsia megalops and Thysanoessa gregaria in the Atlantic Ocean

Abstract Hansarsia megalops and Thysanoessa gregaria are two abundant krill species in the warm-temperate belts in the North and South Atlantic. This pattern of disjunct distribution, often referred to as anti-tropical (or bipolar), is a regular phenomenon among marine organisms that can appear at different taxonomic levels. Analysis of spatial genetic diversity based on variation of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene was carried out to understand whether these broadly sympatric krill species have similar patterns in population structure and demographic history. The results suggested that the anti-tropical distribution of both species was driven by trans-equatorial migrations during different historical periods. We observed contrasting differences in genetic diversity between species coupled with similar patterns of genetic diversity and structure in disjunct populations on both sides of the equator. We also found additional genetically distinctive populations of T. gregaria in the South Atlantic in Subantarctic waters and showed that the Southern Subtropical Frontal Zone acts as a strong boundary between two genetically distinctive populations of T. gregaria. The results suggest that both species-specific habitat preferences and interactions between closely related species (congeners) may shape differences in population genetic diversity and structure among species.

An integrated assessment of niche partitioning reveals mechanisms of coexistence between mesocarnivores

Species diversity depends on the capacity of species to coexist, and when these share similar ecological requirements some degree of partitioning of the ecological niche is expected. Within the order Carnivora, direct and indirect interspecific interactions shape community structure and composition. Although strong negative interactions (e.g., interspecific killing) are expected between large carnivores and subordinate species, mesocarnivores that dominate most human disturbed landscapes can still strongly compete for resources given their similar body size and energy requirements. To identify the mechanisms of coexistence between mesocarnivore species in a Mediterranean landscape we assessed the ecological niche overlap between five species (Vulpes vulpes, Meles meles, Martes foina, Herpestes ichneumon, Genetta genetta), by simultaneously measuring the space, time, and trophic resource use. The multi-species occupancy model fit to camera-trapping data revealed spatial co-occurrence between most species’ pairs and an avoidance pattern between only stone marten and Eurasian badger (78 % probability of a negative effect). Using genetically identified scats, we assessed trophic niche breadth and overlap. Niche breadth was narrow for red fox, Eurasian badger, and stone marten, given these species consumed almost exclusively fruits and arthropods, and so trophic niche overlap was high. For the genet and the mongoose, the consumption of different food resources (e.g., mammals, birds, and reptiles) increased niche breadth and decreased the niche overlap with the other sympatric species. Finally, niche segregation was more significant along the temporal axis, since the mongoose has a diurnal activity pattern and the remaining carnivore species, although mostly nocturnal, had small asynchronies in the activity peaks which could decrease the chance of direct encounters. Therefore, our results suggest that similar habitat preferences and ecological requirements rather than interspecific competition shape the mesocarnivores’ resource use in this landscape. Nonetheless, fine-scale temporal segregation seems the main mechanism to facilitate coexistence, together with small differences in trophic resource use, especially for species with high spatial and temporal overlap.

Comparative Analysis of Morphometric, Densitometric, and Mechanical Properties of Skeletal Locomotor Elements in Three Duck Species (Anatidae: Anatinae).

Ducks (Anatinae) play a crucial role in wetland ecosystems, contributing to seed dispersal and nutrient cycling. This study investigates the skeletal adaptations of three duck species: the Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula), and Green-Winged Teal (Anas crecca). The focus is on the tibiotarsus and humerus bones to understand how these adaptations support their different locomotion and habitat preferences. Bone samples n = 6 of deceased ducks (both male and female) from each species (for a total of 36 samples) were cleaned and measured for length, weight, and density. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to determine bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC), and mechanical properties like yield force and stiffness were tested using a 3-point bending test. The results show significant differences in body weight, bone weight, and bone length among the species, with Mallards being the largest and Teals the smallest. Male Teals displayed higher relative bone weight (RBW) in their tibia compared to male Mallards, and male Mallards had significantly lower RBW in the humerus compared to the other species. Female Teals had higher RBW than the other species. Teals also exhibited much lower BMD in the tibia, whereas female Mallards had lower BMD in the humerus. The Seedor index revealed that male Mallards had the highest values in the tibia, while female Teals had the lowest. Mechanical testing indicated that Teals had lower yield force and breaking force in the tibia, whereas Mallards showed the highest stiffness in both bones. Tufted Ducks had intermediate values, consistent with their diving behaviour. These findings suggest that the Mallard's robust bones support its adaptability to various environments and diverse locomotion and foraging strategies. The Teal's lighter and less dense bones facilitate rapid flight and agility in shallow wetlands. The Tufted Duck's intermediate bone characteristics reflect its specialization in diving, requiring a balance of strength and flexibility. Understanding these skeletal differences may provide valuable insights into the evolutionary biology and biomechanics of these species, aiding in their conservation and enhancing our knowledge of their roles in wetland ecosystems. By exploring the functional morphology of these ducks, this study aims to shed light on the biomechanical mechanisms that underpin their locomotion and foraging behaviours.

Looks like home: numerosity, but not spatial frequency guides preference in zebrafish larvae (Danio rerio)

Despite their young age, zebrafish larvae have a well-developed visual system and can distinguish between different visual stimuli. First, we investigated if the first visual surroundings the larvae experience during the first days after hatching shape their habitat preference. Indeed, these animals seem to “imprint” on the first surroundings they see and select visual stimuli accordingly at 7 days post fertilization (dpf). In particular, if zebrafish larvae experience a bar background just after hatching, they later on prefer bars over white stimuli, and vice versa. We then used this acquired preference for bars to investigate innate numerical abilities. We wanted to specifically test if the zebrafish larvae show real numerical abilities or if they rely on a lower-level mechanism—i.e. spatial frequency—to discriminate between two different numerosities. When we matched the spatial frequency in stimuli with different numbers of bars, the larvae reliably selected the higher numerosity. A previous study has ruled out that 7 dpf zebrafish larvae use convex hull, cumulative surface area and density to choose between two numerosities. Therefore, our results indicate that zebrafish larvae rely on real numerical abilities rather than other cues, including spatial frequency, when spontaneously comparing two sets with different numbers of bars.

Threshold responses and relationships between waterbird distribution and habitat factors at Shengjin Lake, China

The wintering period is an essential part of the annual life history of waterbirds. The environmental conditions of habitats in winter directly affect the abundance and physical condition of waterbirds. Therefore, it is important to study the relationship between waterbird abundance and habitat factors. In this study, we conducted significance and threshold analyses between habitat factors and the waterbird community at Shengjin Lake, a Ramsar Site in China, using Redundancy Analysis (RDA), Spearman Correlation Analysis, and Threshold Indicator Taxa Analysis (TITAN). The results indicate that seven environmental variables significantly affected the abundance of waterbird communities, that is, fractional vegetation cover, degree of receding water, grassland area, mudflat area, shallow water area, deep water area, and distance to reeds. Waterbird communities exhibited significant threshold responses to all seven factors. The number of species significantly responding to different habitat factors varied among waterbird communities, with the highest number of species (15) responding to distance to reeds. Except for the deep water area and distance to reeds, waterbirds showed higher positive than negative thresholds for the remaining five factors. Different groups of waterbirds influenced the threshold responses of waterbird communities to habitat factors, and there were variations in how each waterbird group responded to these factors. The results of this study highlight the importance of habitat type, water recession degree, and shelter conditions in waterbird habitat selection. Minor differences in habitat structure can influence waterbird habitat preferences. Therefore, wetland management at Shengjin Lake should consider the specific habitat needs of different waterbird species.

Competition between sympatric hare species in the Alps is boostered by climate change and hybridisation

Climatic variation along the elevation gradient promotes the natural parapatric occurrence of the European hare (Lepus europaeus) and Alpine mountain hare (Lepus timidus varronis) in the Alps. Recent data indicate a displacement of mountain hares caused by competition with the European hare. Competitive exclusion might take place at a fine spatial scale and hybrids may sharpen competition. Genetic non-invasive sampling (gNIS) demonstrates to be effective to retrieve information from wild animals. However, based on the accuracy of the differing genetic analysis methods, the selection of the method might decisively influence results. To examine habitat preferences of Alpine mountain hares, European hares and their hybrids with particular interest in the influence of the accuracy of the genetic analysis method on the results, we performed gNIS in Grisons (Switzerland) for four years and compared habitat associations of the genotyped samples. We recorded 137 individuals (i.e., 35 hybrids, 49 European hares, 53 Alpine mountain hares). Combined nuclear and mitochondrial DNA analysis including individual identification revealed to be the most accurate indirect method for the study of habitat preferences of hares. Alpine mountain hares had a narrow habitat breadth and used little habitat diversity. Hybrids showed great similarities in their habitat preferences to European hares. Hybrids might increase the competition in favour of European hares and the displacement of Alpine mountain hares, since they show similar patterns of habitat use to European hares. Ongoing climate change potentiate the niche overlap between species, increasing the risk of Alpine hare decline due to hybridisation and displacement.

Ecological niche modeling of Lactarius deliciosus using kuenm R package: Insights into habitat preferences

Understanding species habitat preferences is essential for conservation and management efforts, as it enables the identification of areas with a higher likelihood of species presence. Lactarius deliciosus (L.) Gray, an economically important edible mushroom, is influenced by various environmental variables, yet information regarding its ecological niche remains elusive. Therefore, in this study, we aim to address this gap by modeling the fundamental niche of L. deliciosus. Specifically, we explore its distribution patterns in response to large-scale environmental factors, including long-term temperature averages and topography. We employed 242 presence-only georeferenced points in Europe obtained from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). Utilizing the Kuenm R package, we constructed 210 models incorporating five sets of environmental variables, 14 regularization multiplier values, and three feature class combinations. Evaluation metrics included statistical significance, predictive power, and model complexity. The final model was transferred to Turkiye, with careful consideration of extrapolation risk using MESS (multivariate similarity surface) and MoD (most dissimilar variable) metrics. In alignment with all three evaluation criteria, the algorithm implemented in Kuenm identified the best model as the linear-quadratic combination with a regularization multiplier of 0.2, based on variables selected by the contribution importance method. Results underscore temperature-related variables as critical determinants of L. deliciosus habitat preferences within the calibration area, with solar radiation also playing a significant role in the final model. These results underscored the effectiveness of ecological niche modeling (ENM) in understanding how climatic patterns may alter the distribution of species like L. deliciosus. The findings contribute to the development of informed conservation strategies and decision-making in dynamic environments. Emphasizing a comprehensive approach to ecological modeling is crucial for promoting sustainable forest management.

Anthropogenic and environmental drivers of Acanthurus achilles presence in Hawai‘i

Despite the ecological and social importance of reef fishes, data on their populations, habitat use, and other drivers are often scarce, which creates challenges for effective management. These challenges are particularly acute for rare or at-risk species such as Acanthurus achilles, a reef fish with a documented population decline in recent years in Hawai‘i, USA. We used a data set of in situ fish surveys from across the main Hawaiian Islands combined from multiple survey programs to quantify A. achilles presence and absence and applied generalized linear mixed-effects models to examine the relationships between presence of (1) all individuals, (2) juveniles, and (3) adults with 27 spatially continuous environmental and anthropogenic drivers to understand the main drivers of presence. Using the modeled relationships between presence and all drivers, we predicted the probability of A. achilles presence at a 100 m scale within the 30 m depth contour of the main Hawaiian Islands. Environmental drivers, especially habitat drivers such as depth and rugosity, emerged as significant drivers of A. achilles presence, while anthropogenic drivers like land-based pollution and fishing had fewer significant relationships with A. achilles presence. The predicted probability of presence varied both between islands as well as within islands, with the highest probability of presence around Kaho‘olawe and Hawai‘i and the lowest around O‘ahu. Our modeling approach and high-resolution spatial predictions provide empirical evidence of the importance of environmental drivers in explaining A. achilles presence and identify preferred habitat at relevant scales for fisheries management.

Reduced palatability, fast flight, and tails: decoding the defence arsenal of Eudaminae skipper butterflies in a Neotropical locality.

Prey often rely on multiple defences against predators, such as flight speed, attack deflection from vital body parts, or unpleasant taste, but our understanding on how often and why they are co-exhibited remains limited. Eudaminae skipper butterflies use fast flight and mechanical defences (hindwing tails), but whether they use other defences like unpalatability (consumption deterrence) and how these defences interact have not been assessed. We tested the palatability of 12 abundant Eudaminae species in Peru, using training and feeding experiments with domestic chicks. Further, we approximated the difficulty of capture based on flight speed and quantified it by wing loading. We performed phylogenetic regressions to find any association between multiple defences, body size, and habitat preference. We found a broad range of palatability in Eudaminae, within and among species. Contrary to current understanding, palatability was negatively correlated with wing loading, suggesting that faster butterflies tend to have lower palatability. The relative length of hindwing tails did not explain the level of butterfly palatability, showing that attack deflection and consumption deterrence are not mutually exclusive. Habitat preference (open or forested environments) did not explain the level of palatability either, although butterflies with high wing loading tended to occupy semi-closed or closed habitats. Finally, the level of unpalatability in Eudaminae is size dependent. Larger butterflies are less palatable, perhaps because of higher detectability/preference by predators. Altogether, our findings shed light on the contexts favouring the prevalence of single versus multiple defensive strategies in prey.

Unraveling the habitat preferences, ecological drivers, potential hosts, and auxiliary metabolism of soil giant viruses across China

BackgroundSoil giant viruses are increasingly believed to have profound effects on ecological functioning by infecting diverse eukaryotes. However, their biogeography and ecology remain poorly understood.ResultsIn this study, we analyzed 333 soil metagenomes from 5 habitat types (farmland, forest, grassland, Gobi desert, and mine wasteland) across China and identified 533 distinct giant virus phylotypes affiliated with nine families, thereby greatly expanding the diversity of soil giant viruses. Among the nine families, Pithoviridae were the most diverse. The majority of phylotypes exhibited a heterogeneous distribution among habitat types, with a remarkably high proportion of unique phylotypes in mine wasteland. The abundances of phylotypes were negatively correlated with their environmental ranges. A total of 76 phylotypes recovered in this study were detectable in a published global topsoil metagenome dataset. Among climatic, geographical, edaphic, and biotic characteristics, soil eukaryotes were identified as the most important driver of beta-diversity of giant viral communities across habitat types. Moreover, co-occurrence network analysis revealed some pairings between giant viral phylotypes and eukaryotes (protozoa, fungi, and algae). Analysis of 44 medium- to high-quality giant virus genomes recovered from our metagenomes uncovered not only their highly shared functions but also their novel auxiliary metabolic genes related to carbon, sulfur, and phosphorus cycling.ConclusionsThese findings extend our knowledge of diversity, habitat preferences, ecological drivers, potential hosts, and auxiliary metabolism of soil giant viruses.-qm39L5KUcpZeXpdffa_GXVideo

Bivalves of superfamily Galeommatoidea (Mollusca, Bivalvia) from western South Africa, with observations on commensal relationships and habitats.

The Galeommatoidea are a diverse but little-studied group of small bivalves, well known for the symbiotic relationships many species have with a range of invertebrate taxa. Four species collected from the Western Cape region of South Africa were examined and illustrated, providing new details on their habitat preferences, and depicting the mantle structure of live specimens for the first time. Brachiomyaducentiunus sp. nov., is described herein, and an additional record of Montacutasubstriata (Montagu, 1808) is reported from South Africa. Brachiomyaducentiunus and Montacutasubstriata have obligate symbiotic relationships with different burrowing echinoids, while Kelliabecki (WH Turton, 1932) and Melliteryxmactroides (Hanley, 1857) are free-living. DNA data and phylogenetic analyses are provided for three of the species.

Range expansion and habitat preferences of an introduced bird in the northwestern Arabian Peninsula: The case of the common myna Acridotheres tristis

Introduced species can have harmful impacts on native species and ecosystems. Certain species can benefit from anthropogenic activities and habitat modification, even outside of their native ranges. Introduced species in Saudi Arabia have received little attention, which has resulted in limited knowledge on this topic, especially regarding the northwestern region of Saudi Arabia. One bird species introduced to Saudi Arabia is the common myna (Acridotheres tristis), which appears to be invading vast areas of the country. For the first time, the distribution and habitat preferences of the common myna have been investigated across different habitats in Tabuk Province, northwestern Saudi Arabia. Notably, common mynas were detected in habitats with different conditions, including urban, suburban, and agricultural habitats. Overall, the common myna appears to be a flexible species that has adapted to this arid environment and effectively uses available resources in foraging and nest site selection. Common mynas were observed in both urban and suburban environments of Tabuk City with their presence being noticeably higher in urban and suburban than in agricultural habitats. This suggests that the centers of human activity and urban/suburban development seem to be preferable sites for this species, as shown by analyzing the human influence index. Based on observations from fieldwork, the common myna population is expected to increase since breeding appears to be escalating with no major threats. The current ecological status of the common myna and its range expansion to different habitats in northwestern Saudi Arabia is worrying and thus warrants further monitoring and investigation.

On the wing: Morphological variation in the osteology of Mediterranean, Near Eastern, and EuropeanAnatidae (excluding Anserinae).

Accurate identification of waterfowl bones in archaeological and fossil assemblages has potential to unlock new methods of past environmental reconstruction, as species have differing habitat preferences and migration patterns. Therefore, identifying the presence of avian species with different ecological niches is key to determining past environments and ultimately how prehistoric people responded to climatic and environmental realignments. However, the identification of osteological remains of waterbirds such as ducks to species level is notoriously challenging. We address this by presenting a new two-dimensional geometric morphometric protocol on wing elements from over 20 duck species and test the utility of these shape data for correct species identification. This is an ideal starting point to expand utilization of these types of approaches in avifaunal research and test applicability to an extremely difficult taxonomic group.

Spatiotemporal analysis of landscape dynamics and their use as input for the design of a habitat suitability index: A case study of Oryctolagus cuniculus in a Mediterranean region

The connectivity of landscapes is increasingly threatened by urban sprawl, which leads to the fragmentation of habitats and thus endangers the species that live there. To address this situation, landscape dynamics in the literature have mostly been analyzed using predefined land cover classes, which were then not used to assess habitat suitability, but instead relied on physical variables. As a bridge between both aspects, this study aimed to model the spatiotemporal patterns of landscape fragmentation by analyzing the landscape metrics associated with four land cover groups classified according to their naturalness. Landscape metrics were then combined with a range of terrain, climate and proximity variables to develop a Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) for terrestrial animal species. The proposed methodology was tested using a case study in the Mediterranean region of the Valencian Community (Spain): landscape dynamics were assessed over the period 1992–2015, while the HSI was tested with the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) as the target species. The results obtained in terms of landscape dynamics showed a growing presence of artificial surfaces at the expense of fewer transformed areas, which became progressively fragmented over time. Moreover, the results of the developed HSI were highly concordant with observations of rabbit abundance in the region, based in particular on variables related to the temperature in the area and the patch shape in the preferred habitats of this species. These outputs can be used to support the implementation of habitat restoration strategies aimed at increasing ecological connectivity through measures such as wildlife crossings.

To stay or not to stay? Temporal shifts in dung beetle occupancy in a cloud forest landscape

Abstract Dynamic occupancy model estimates the probabilities of occupancy, detection, extinction and colonization of individuals throughout seasons and is, thus, a useful tool for identifying whether individuals select a site to improve population phenology and fitness. We used multi‐season dynamics occupancy models to assess how abiotic factors (monthly variation, percentage of forest and edge and temperature) and biotic factors (female abundance) affect the demographic dynamics of coprophagous beetles Deltochilum mexicanum and Dichotomius satanas that differ in their habitat preferences in a human‐modified landscape in a cloud forest in Mexico. For both species, we captured a total of 1069 individuals with a density of 48.2 individuals per trap in forest areas and 14.8 individuals per trap in non‐forest areas. The species differed in their spatiotemporal occupancy dynamics in the landscape. Specifically, we found that monthly variation, percentage of forest cover and percentage of edge affected the models for both species. Each species showed a specific set of explanatory covariates for the model parameters, indicating that phenological and demographic regulatory mechanisms act as drivers of the spatiotemporal occupancy in a year period. We highlight the importance of considering abiotic factors (landscape characteristics) as drivers of occupancy, especially in highly heterogeneous landscapes. Such understanding is relevant to establish the effects of the landscape on the distribution and occurrence of dung beetles by determining how forest and generalist species differ in colonization and extinction patterns with respect to their phenology.

Short Communication: Habitat preferences of epiphytic orchids and potential pollinators in Sumber Pawon Forest, Kediri District, East Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Putra SRT, Trisnawati I. 2024. Short Communication: Habitat preferences of epiphytic orchids and potential pollinators in Sumber Pawon Forest, Kediri District, East Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 2780-2787. Sumber Pawon Forest, a unique and biodiverse ecosystem in Kediri, Indonesia, is home to approximately 30,000 orchids (family Orchidaceae), which can grow terrestrial or as epiphytes. A diversity of different taxa has been recorded as orchid pollinators. The distribution of epiphytic orchids in this forest is determined by habitat preferences including vertical distribution zone and host tree's characteristics. This research, conducted in the captivating Sumber Pawon Forest, aims to determine habitat preferences influencing the abundance of epiphytic orchids and provide a review of potential epiphytic orchid pollinators. The data were collected by systematic sampling method. Analysis of epiphytic orchids' habitat preferences was done using the ordination method. The study found 3 epiphytic orchids and 5 species of host trees, revealing new insights into their distribution. Epiphytic orchids include Cymbidium sp., Dendrobium crumenatum, and Rhynchostylis retusa. The host trees include Alstonia scholaris, Artocarpus elasticus, Bischofia javanica, Ficus elastica, and Samanea saman. Epiphytic orchids were mainly found in zone 4 rather than in zone 5. The characteristics of host trees, which are preferentially selected by epiphytic orchids, include tree height (ranging from 28.65 to 33.65 m), large DBH (ranging from 165.61 to 175.80 m), and closed canopy cover (ranging from 51 to 75%). One of the pollinator taxa (named Hymenoptera) was found to pollinate epiphytic orchid species, adding to our understanding of their ecological interactions.

Spatio-Temporal Influence on the Distribution of Forensically Relevant Blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea.

The study of blowfly (Diptera: Calliphoridae) biodiversity and distribution is crucial for forensic investigations. Abiotic and biotic factors, such as season and habitat type, have a significant impact on blowfly populations. However, only a few forensic entomology studies have been conducted in South Korea, particularly in the Gyeongsangnam-do region. To address this, an extensive year-long survey was conducted to analyze the compositions, habitat preferences, distribution, and seasonal abundance of forensically relevant blowflies in urban and forested habitats of Gyeongsangnam-do, with sampling conducted twice a month using mouse carcass-baited traps set for 48 h each time. A total of 3470 adult blowflies were recorded, encompassing five genera and 13 species, with a noted absence of specimens during the winter months. The predominant species was Lucilia porphyrina, accounting for 37.2% of the total sample, followed by Chrysomya pinguis (27.6%), Lucilia sericata (7.6%), and Lucilia illustris (7.1%). The species composition was consistent across all surveyed regions; however, seasonal variation in species diversity was evident, with a peak in spring and a decline in summer. Notably, certain species exhibited clear preferences for either urban (Calliphora calliphoroides and L. sericata) or forested habitats (L. porphyrina and Ch. pinguis). This pioneering study elucidates the diverse blowfly communities in Gyeongsangnam-do, highlighting significant seasonal and habitat-dependent variations. These findings enrich our understanding of blowfly ecology in this region, offering valuable insights for forensic applications and underscoring the necessity for ongoing entomological surveillance and research.

New perspectives, additions, and amendments to plant endemism in a North African flora

BackgroundEndemism is essential in biodiversity, biogeography, and conservation tasks. Based on herbarium specimens kept in some local herbaria, many published literature, and available information, we compiled a comprehensive list and an updated assessment of the Egyptian endemic and near-endemic taxa. The application of quantitative approaches to the distribution patterns, conservation status, and habitat preference of endemic taxa in Egypt was provided. Comparisons of the near-endemic taxa with other neighbouring flora were explained. For each taxon, the distribution patterns, most preferable habitat, biological spectrum, and taxa among 14 phytogeographical regions (Operational Geographical Units; OGUs) of Egypt were determined.ResultsIn this study, 19 endemics (out of 70) and 76 near-endemics (out of 181) are newly added taxa. Differentiation indices represented the taxonomic degrees of differentiation among endemic taxa. Two different indices were used to assess endemism: single-region endemic taxa (SRET) and multiple-region endemic taxa (MRET). Most endemic and near-endemic taxa were recorded from the mountainous Sinai (S) and the Mareotis sector of the Mediterranean coastal land (Mm). Generally, the most represented families in endemic and near-endemic areas were Asteraceae, Caryophyllaceae, Lamiaceae, and Fabaceae. More than 60% of the endemic taxa occurred in the sandy plains, wadis (desert valleys), and rocky plains and mountains. Applying hierarchical cluster analysis to the occurrences of 70 endemic taxa in the 14 studied OGUs revealed five main floristic groups (I–V), each characterized by certain OGUs. We provided eight groups of near-endemic taxa that represented their extension in neighbouring countries.ConclusionsThe presented data will help to fill the gap in our knowledge of endemism, provide baseline information to understand biogeographical processes and facilitate further cooperation toward conservation purposes.

The habitat preference of commercial tuna species based on a daily environmental database approach in the tropical region of the Eastern Indian Ocean off Java-Bali waters

This paper explores the habitat characteristics of commercial tuna species based on daily oceanography parameters in the Eastern Indian Ocean Off Java-Bali Waters. Moreover, more research is needed combining the daily spatial distribution of oceanographic variables of surface and sub-surface data to analyse the habitat characteristics of large pelagic fish, including tuna species. In this study, we used five main daily oceanography parameters: sea surface temperature (SST), sea surface chlorophyll (CHLa), sea surface height (SSH), dissolved oxygen at 100m (DO100), the temperature at 100m (temp100) and the combination of the catch of yellowfin (YFT), albacore (ALT) and bigeye (BET) tuna that use long lines. To analyse the relationship between the environmental database and tuna catch, we utilized Generalized Additive Models (GAMs) from univariate variables until the combination of all variables. The result stated that all the variables influence the existence of all tuna species with P-values <0.001. Temperature is the most critical predictor variable, SST is the most vital predictor for BET and YFT tuna, and temp100 is the most critical for ALT. The second most essential variables were DO100 for BET, Temp 100 for YFT, and SSH for ALT. Moreover, BET and YFT prefer to stay at a lower temp100, and ALT tuna remains at a higher temp100. However, all of them avoid an SST higher than 29 °C. Further assessment of the long-term SST trend specific to tuna species is required to fully account for the effects of global warming on the oceans.