High Habitat Research Articles

The role of host plants, land cover and bioclimate in predicting the invasiveness of Aromia bungii on a global scale

Aromia bungii is an invasive Cerambycidae of major concern at the global scale because of the damage caused to Rosaceae. Given the major phytosanitary relevance of A. bungii, predicting its spread in invaded areas and identifying possible new suitable regions worldwide remains a key action to develop appropriate management practices and optimise monitoring and early detection campaigns. To improve the predictive power of the modelling framework, a habitat suitability model (HSM), which includes host plants, was combined with a bioclimatic suitability model (BSM), both of which were calibrated on native occurrences. The range of A. bungii was substantially limited by the bioclimate, while habitat conditions acted as limiting factors in the species’ distribution. Host plants were the most important variable that positively influenced habitat suitability. Bioclimatic suitability improved as rainfall in the warmest quarter and average temperatures in the wettest quarter increased and as isothermality decreased. According to the combination of HSM and BSM, Japan is the most suitable area outside the native range of the species. In Europe, despite its high habitat suitability, it is difficult to expect a species to expand its range except through a substantial change in its bioclimatic niche.

Assessing changing baleen whale distributions and reported incidents relative to vessel activity in the Northwest Atlantic.

Baleen whales are among the largest marine megafauna, and while mostly well-protected from direct exploitation, they are increasingly affected by vessel traffic, interactions with fisheries, and climate change. Adverse interactions, notably vessel strikes and fishing gear entanglement, often result in distress, injury, or death for these animals. In Atlantic Canadian waters, such negative interactions or 'incidents' are consistently reported to marine animal response organizations but have not yet been analyzed relative to the spatial distribution of whales and vessels. Using a database of 483,003 whale sightings, 1,110 incident reports, and 82 million hours of maritime vessel activity, we conducted a spatiotemporal vulnerability analysis for all six baleen whale species occurring in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean by developing an ensemble of habitat-suitability models. The relative spatial risk of vessel-induced incidents was assessed for present (1985-2015) and projected near-future (2035-2055) distributions of baleen whales. Areas of high habitat suitability for multiple baleen whale species were intrinsically linked to sea surface temperature and salinity, with multispecies hotspots identified in the Bay of Fundy, Scotian Shelf, Laurentian Channel, Flemish Cap, and Gulf of St. Lawrence. Present-day model projections were independently evaluated using a separate database of acoustic detections and found to align well. Regions of high relative incident risk were projected close to densely inhabited regions, principal maritime routes, and major fishing grounds, in general coinciding with reported incident hotspots. While some high-risk regions already benefit from mitigation strategies aimed at protecting North Atlantic Right Whales, our analysis highlights the importance of considering risks to multiple species, both in the present day and under continued environmental change.

Light-level geolocators and species distribution modeling reveal that the Vulnerable Sporophila cinnamomea (Chestnut Seedeater) migrates through the Paraná-Paraguay System to Central Brazil

Abstract The movement ecology of migratory Sporophila seedeaters in the Neotropics, particularly their migratory routes and nonbreeding areas, remains poorly understood. This study aimed to fill this gap by providing a detailed description of these migratory routes, stopovers, and nonbreeding areas using light-level geolocators on Sporophila cinnamomea (Chestnut Seedeater), a vulnerable species that breeds in southern South America. Species distribution modelling was employed to estimate the probability of occurrence at distribution extremes. Over 3 breeding seasons (October to March 2018–2021), geolocators were affixed to 14 adult males. The overall device recovery rate was 64% (n = 9), and these 8 devices operated, on average, for 301 days. Autumn migration commenced on 24 February, lasting 46 days and spanning 1,679 km, with an average of 2.38 ± 0.92 stopovers—twice the number observed during spring migration (1.40 ± 0.89). We identified 8 nonbreeding areas utilized by the birds for an average of 145 days, primarily located between the northern and northeastern regions of the Paraná and Paraguay Rivers and the southern Tocantins River. Spring migration began in early September, lasted ~58 days, and covered 2,940 km. In both migrations, birds followed routes along the Paraná-Paraguay River valleys, with no significant difference in the number of stopovers detected between seasons. The nonbreeding period model indicated high habitat suitability in 2 regions within the Cerrado biome, particularly a larger area predominantly in the southern and then in the central regions of the Tocantins River. In the southern limit, the breeding model highlighted the most representative area, which is located in the central-eastern region of the Uruguay River. Our study offers valuable insights into the migratory patterns of S. cinnamomea. These findings should be used to inform the planning and establishment of protected areas aimed at conserving grassland species.

Prediction of change in suitable habitats of Senna obtusifolia and Senna tora under climate change

Senna obtusifolia (L.) Irwin & Barneby and Senna tora (L.) Roxb represent important medicinal resources in traditional Chinese medicine for more than two millennia. Sustainable resource utilization and preservation strategies for Senna species necessitate a thorough understanding of the climatic factors governing their distribution patterns. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the key climate variables shaping the current and potential future global distribution of both Senna species. To achieve this, the MaxEnt ecological niche model was employed, integrating species occurrence data with relevant environmental variables. The results indicated that Bio13 and Bio14 were the most critical variables affecting distribution of S. tora, while Bio6 and Bio14 were crucial for S. obtusifolia. The moderate and high suitability habitats of S. obtusifolia and S. tora consist of ca. 189.69 × 104 km2 and 129.07 × 104 km2, respectively, under current situation. Moreover, the global distribution of both species under various climate scenarios revealed that the suitable habitats of both Senna species will reach the maximum during the 2081–2100 period under the SSP585 scenario. Projections across all four climate scenarios indicate a general northward migration in the core distribution of both Senna species. Intriguingly, the observed high degree of ecological niche overlap between the two species aligns with their close phylogenetic relationship. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential future distribution and ecological niche of Senna species, informing sustainable utilization and preservation strategies for Senna resources.

Spatial and temporal analysis of West Nile virus infection in mosquito and human populations based on arboviral detection testing data

West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic flavivirus which often causes asymptomatic infection in humans but may develop into a deadly neuroinvasive disease. In this study, we aimed to investigate variables potentially associated with human WNV infection using human and mosquito WNV surveillance and monitoring datasets, established over 20 years, from 2003 to 2022, across the province of Ontario, Canada. We combined climatic and geographic data, mosquito surveillance data (n = 3010 sites), blood donation arboviral detection testing data in the human population, and demographic and socio-economic data from Canadian population censuses. We hypothesized that spatio-temporal indices related to mosquito vector habitat and phenology, in addition to human demographic and socio-economic factors, were associated with WNV infection in the human population. Our results show that high habitat suitability of the main WNV vector in southerly locations of this region, Cx. pipiens/restuans (IRR = 2.0), and variables related to lower income (IRR = 2.8), and shelter infrastructure spending (IRR = 0.7), were key risk factors associated with WNV infection among blood donors from 2003 to 2022 across Ontario (R2 = 0.67). These results may inform points of entry for practical intervention aimed at reducing risk of mosquito-borne pathogens in Canada.

Geographic risk assessment of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans invasion in Costa Rica as a means of informing emergence management and mitigation.

Remotely-sensed risk assessments of emerging, invasive pathogens are key to targeted surveillance and outbreak responses. The recent emergence and spread of the fungal pathogen, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal), in Europe has negatively impacted multiple salamander species. Scholars and practitioners are increasingly concerned about the potential consequences of this lethal pathogen in the Americas, where salamander biodiversity is higher than anywhere else in the world. Although Bsal has not yet been detected in the Americas, certain countries have already proactively implemented monitoring and detection plans in order to identify areas of greatest concern and enable efficient contingency planning in the event of pathogen detection. To predict areas in Costa Rica with a high Bsal transmission risk, we employed ecological niche modeling combined with biodiversity and tourist visitation data to ascertain the specific risk to a country with world renowned biodiversity. Our findings indicate that approximately 23% of Costa Rica's landmass provides suitable conditions for Bsal, posing a threat to 37 salamander species. The Central and Talamanca mountain ranges, in particular, have habitats predicted to be highly suitable for the pathogen. To facilitate monitoring and mitigation efforts, we identified eight specific protected areas that we believe are at the greatest risk due to a combination of high biodiversity, tourist visitation, and suitable habitat for Bsal. We advise regular monitoring utilizing remotely-sensed data and ecological niche modeling to effectively target in-situ surveillance and as places begin implementing educational efforts.

Thriving in the heat: How high temperatures and habitat disturbance shape odonate taxonomic and functional diversity in the tropics

Abstract Because insects are unable to regulate their body temperatures, they are vulnerable to rising temperatures and habitat disturbances that limit access to optimal microhabitats. This study examines how these factors affect the taxonomic and functional diversity of Odonata insects (Anisoptera and Zygoptera) in a tropical dry landscape. We assessed taxonomic diversity using Hill numbers (0D, 1D, 2D) and functional diversity in preserved and disturbed sites within a tropical dry forest. Functional diversity was measured using the standardised effect size (SES) of functional richness, evenness, divergence and community‐weighted means (CWMs), focusing on traits related to heat tolerance and resource acquisition (body colouration and size). Taxonomic diversity was positively related to high temperatures and vegetation in Anisoptera, with no relation for Zygoptera. The SES of functional richness for Zygoptera was higher in preserved areas, while anisopterans showed no changes. Only Anisoptera showed a negative correlation between functional evenness and maximum temperatures. Functional divergence in both suborders was higher in disturbed areas. In Anisoptera, the CWM of body colour lightness was higher in disturbed sites, but neither environmental factor affected the CWM of body size in either suborder. While disturbance limited trait variability in zygopterans, it favoured species with extreme traits in both suborders. Reduced trait variability in preserved sites may have affected adaptability to future disturbances. Our study highlights that Odonata communities maintain stable taxonomic diversity despite disturbances, but shifts in functional diversity could compromise their resilience and ecological roles.

Spatial heterogeneity of soil factors enhances intraspecific variation in plant functional traits in a desert ecosystem.

Functional traits of desert plants exhibit remarkable responsiveness, adaptability and plasticity to environmental heterogeneity. In this study, we measured six crucial plant functional traits (leaf carbon, leaf nitrogen, leaf phosphorus, leaf thickness, chlorophyll concentration, and plant height) and employed exemplar analysis to elucidate the effects of soil environmental heterogeneity on intraspecific traits variation in the high-moisture-salinity and low-moisture-salinity habitats of the Ebinur LakeWetland National Nature Reserve. The results showed that (1) The soil moisture and electrical conductivity heterogeneity showed significant differences between the two moisture-salinity habitats. Moreover, soil nutrient in high moisture-salinity habitat exhibited higher heterogeneity than in low moisture-salinity habitat. The order of intraspecific trait variation among different life forms was herbs > shrubs > trees in both the soil moisture-salinity habitats. (2) At the community level, intraspecific variation of leaf carbon, nitrogen, plant height and chlorophyll content in high moisture-salinity habitat was higher than that in low moisture-salinity habitat, while the opposite was true for leaf thickness and leaf phosphorus content. (3) Our findings revealed a positive impact of soil heterogeneity on intraspecific traits variation. In high moisture-salinity habitat, the heterogeneity of soil organic carbon had the highest explanatory power for intraspecific traits variation, reaching up to 20.22%, followed by soil total nitrogen (9.55%) and soil total phosphorus (3.49%). By comparison, in low-moisture-salinity habitat, the heterogeneity of soil moisture alone contributes the highest explanatory power for intraspecific traits variation in community-level, reaching up to 13.89%, followed by the heterogeneity of soil total nitrogen (3.76%). This study emphasizes the differences in soil heterogeneity and intraspecific trait variation among plant life forms under various soil moisture-salinity habitats and confirms the significant promoting effect of soil heterogeneity on intraspecific trait variation of desert plant. Our findings provide valuable theoretical basis and reference for predicting plant adaptation strategies under environmental change scenarios.

Integrating Ecosystem Service Assessment, Human Activity Impacts, and Priority Conservation Area Delineation into Ecological Management Frameworks

The comprehensive protection and restoration of mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands, and deserts is critical for enhancing ecological environmental quality and fulfilling the aspirations of ecological civilization in the modern era. Centered on the key project area of the Mountain-River Project within the Luohe River Basin of the Eastern Qinling Mountains, this study employs the InVEST model to assess spatiotemporal variations in habitat quality (HQ), water yield (WY), carbon sequestration (CS), and soil retention (SR) for the years 2000, 2010, and 2020. This study further examines the trade-offs and synergies among these ecosystem services, integrates the Ordered Weighted Averaging (OWA) and GIS methodology with human activity patterns, determines the optimal management scenario, and offers targeted recommendations for optimization. The findings reveal that areas of high habitat quality, carbon sequestration, and soil retention are predominantly concentrated in the western and southwestern regions of the basin, whereas high-value zones of water yield are primarily situated in the southern and southwestern sectors. Habitat quality demonstrates significant synergies with other ecosystem services, whereas water yield presents a notable trade-off with soil retention. By conducting a comparative analysis of protection efficiency, we identified priority conservation areas predominantly located in the southern and southwestern regions of the basin. Moreover, through overlaying the priority conservation zones with the Human Footprint Index (HFI), the priority conservation area was precisely delineated to encompass 5.41 × 105 hectares. This methodology provides critical guidance for the implementation of the Mountain-River Project and offers substantial value in scientifically advancing ecological restoration initiatives.

Integrating habitat suitability, disturbance, and biotic interactions into the ecological restoration of the saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea) in drylands of the southwest of the United States and northern Mexico

This study proposes a combined approach encompassing habitat suitability, biotic interactions, and disturbance to identify high‐value restoration areas (HVRA) for the saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea, Cactaceae)—that is, areas with high habitat suitability for the saguaro and species that favor its establishment, growth, and dispersal (hereafter associated species), which were damaged by wildfires. We used species distribution modeling to produce habitat suitability maps for the saguaro and associated species (four nurse‐plants and 63 animals). We used Hot Spot Spatial Analysis to estimate hotspots of habitat suitability for the saguaro (HSS), nurse species (HNS), and associated animal species (HAS), and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer to identify burned (disturbed) areas. Finally, we estimated the overlay across habitat suitability hotspots and burned areas to identify HVRA. Overall, HSS, HNS, and HAS were mostly distributed across the northeast part of the Sonoran Desert. Results also indicated a strong overlay among HSS, HAS, and HNS. For the first time, this study provides distributional maps using biotic and bioclimatic variables for the giant saguaro cactus. Beyond saguaro conservation, our study can assist conservationists and managers in planning and implementing post‐fire regeneration strategies (e.g. monitoring the spread of exotic invasive grasses across burned areas). HVRA can also aid managers in preserving undisturbed priority areas, managing burned landscapes, prioritizing restoration activities, and evaluating post‐fire vegetation responses.

Modelling the rise of invasive lionfish in the Mediterranean

The spread of the Indo-Pacific lionfish Pterois miles into the Atlantic Ocean represents a well-known example of a successful invasion. Lionfish have successfully invaded the Atlantic, aided by biological traits such as high thermal tolerance, adaptability to various salinities, high fecundity, conspicuous defences and generalist feeding habits. The Mediterranean Sea is now experiencing an early-stage lionfish invasion, spreading westward from the eastern Mediterranean, likely through the Suez Canal. Using ecological niche modelling under various climate scenarios, we predict the potential spread of lionfish, identifying regions from low to high habitat suitability. Predictions indicate significant expansion, especially in the eastern and central Mediterranean, under greater warming scenarios. This expansion could lead to substantial declines in native species, decimation of commercially important fish stocks and trophic cascades, severely impacting local economies and marine biodiversity. Urgent understanding and management of lionfish impacts in the Mediterranean are essential, given their established presence in the western Atlantic and documented ecological consequences.

Vertebrate diversity and biomass along a recovery gradient in a lowland tropical forest

AbstractDeforestation of tropical forests have resulted in extensive areas of secondary forests with the potential to restore biodiversity to former old‐growth forest levels. The recovery of vertebrate communities is an essential component of biodiversity and ecosystem restoration, as vertebrates provide key ecosystem functions. However, little is known about the recovery trajectories and habitat preferences of vertebrates in tropical landscapes with differing land‐use legacies. We used camera traps covering 3 weeks to study the activity of ground‐based mammals and birds in the understory of 57 sites along a forest recovery gradient, ranging from active agriculture, such as pastures and cacao plantations, to naturally recovering forests and old‐growth forests in the Chocó rainforest in north‐western Ecuador. Our results show that diversity and biomass of wild vertebrates are highest in old‐growth forests and late recovery stages, while for domestic vertebrates, these indices are highest in agricultural land. Additionally, while species‐habitat networks showed low habitat specificity for vertebrate species, an indicator species analysis found no species to indicate old‐growth forests, Dasyprocta punctata and Tayassu pecari to indicate all forest types, and Aramides wolfi and Pecari tajacu to indicate late regeneration forests. We suggest that these patterns are caused by a high habitat connectivity and large amounts of remaining old‐growth forest in our study area. Our findings indicate that secondary forests have a high potential for the recovery of vertebrate species diversity and biomass to old‐growth level in lowland tropical forests with short regeneration times.Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.

Conservation Strategies for Endangered Species in the Forests Utilizing Landscape Connectivity Models

Urban expansion leads to changes in land use, and the resulting habitat fragmentation increases the risk of species extinction. Therefore, strategies to connect fragmented habitats for wildlife conservation are required, but past research has focused mainly on large mammals and specific species, and there has been a lack of research on habitat connectivity in Korea. In the present study, we sought to design an ecological network for the conservation of endangered forest wildlife (leopard cat, yellow-throated marten, and Siberian flying squirrel) in Pyeongchang, Gangwon State, Korea. The InVEST habitat quality and MaxEnt models were used to predict forest areas with excellent habitat quality and a high probability of the occurrence of endangered wildlife. We then used Linkage Mapper to identify corridors and bottlenecks that connect fragmented habitats within the study area. The quality of these corridors and the environmental features of the pinch points were also analyzed. The results showed that the area outside of Pyeongchang is the most likely area for endangered forest wildlife habitats and occurrence. A total of seven core areas were identified, and 12 corridors connecting the core areas were identified. The highest quality corridors were those connecting forest areas outside of Pyeongchang because they had a high habitat quality with alternative paths of least resistance. We also identified sections with high pinch points in all corridors, and these points tended to have high elevation, a southern aspect, a long distance from agricultural land and water bodies, low traffic density, and low building density. ANOVA revealed that the environmental variables associated with high pinch points, least-cost paths, and Pyeongchang in general exhibited statistically significant differences. These results demonstrate that the proposed conservation planning model can be applied to multiple species using a corridor-integrated mapping approach and produces quantitative figures for the targeted improvement of ecological connectivity in forests according to local characteristics, including biodiversity. As such, this approach can be utilized as the basis for the selection and management of protected forest areas and for environmental impact assessment. However, because this study had data limitations, field surveys and the monitoring of target species are needed. Once these limitations are addressed, a quantitative conservation plan can be established based on the ecological characteristics of endangered forest wildlife.

Assessing Habitat Suitability for the Invasive Species Lantana camara on Bali Island: A Model Using the Biodiversity and Climate Change Virtual Laboratory (BCCVL)

Indonesia, known for its high biodiversity, is threatened due to alien plants that invade local plant species in forest areas. West Bali National Park is overgrown with invasive exotic plants, such as Lantana camara L., known locally as the kembang telek. The research aims to predict the distribution of L. camara using species distribution models (SDMs) and analysis variable contribution in the model featured in the biodiversity climate change virtual laboratory (BCCVL) application. L. camara distribution prediction model in Bali used the Bioclim data input by identifying areas of low, medium, and high habitat suitability. Central mountainous regions, including parts of Buleleng, Jembrana, Bangli, Karangasem, and Tabanan, show the highest suitability. Response curves demonstrated the correlation between climate variables and occurrence probability, highlighting the specific condition of rainfall and temperature ranges favoring Lantana's growth. The model showed a reliable AUC value of 0.89, indicating realibility. Potential improvements through additional environmental parameters were suggested. While L. camara has some potential benefits as a medicinal plant in Balinese culture, its invasive nature poses significant threats to native ecosystems. The predictive map offers valuable insights for authorities to implement initiative-taking strategies for preventing and controlling Lantanas spread in vulnerable areas of Bali.

Riparian habitat quality and seasonality drives spatiotemporal habitat ecology of sympatric Asian otters in southern Western Ghats

IntroductionRiparian habitats in the Western Ghats are vital semi-terrestrial zones playing multi-functional roles in the conservation of freshwater species. In dynamic ecosystems, we have scant knowledge on the interactive role of season and local riparian habitat conditions in driving spatiotemporal habitat use of sympatric semi-aquatic mustelids.MethodologyWe conducted seasonal monitoring of 169-196 riverine segments (250 m) in 2020 and 2021 to measure the sign encounter rates of Asian small-clawed otter (SCL) and smooth-coated otter (SCO) and recorded 29 riparian habitat variables.ResultsOur self-organizing map algorithm characterized alarge multivariate habitat data into six habitat clusters representing a gradient of riparian habitat conditions. The random forest (RF) algorithm identified forest cover, water quality, and substratum as influential factors in high quality habitat. The low-quality habitat with low sign encounter rates or no evidence of otters had anthropized stream buffers, with high proportion of agriculture, weed cover and anthropogenic disturbance as influential factors predicted by the RF algorithm. SCO distribution was restricted to the higher-order streams in close proximity to hydro-power dams. SCL had a comparatively larger spatial distribution in the lower-order streams. Our study shows that rainfall plays a significant role in enhancing the hydrological flow in non-perennial streams and also improves the water quality parameters and the riparian habitat conditions. We found highly variable encounter rates of both species across seasons and habitat quality gradients, however, overall, their mean encounter rates increased with the habitat quality gradient.DiscussionOur findings showed that relating otter sign encounter rates with fine-scale riparian habitat quality was a useful and practical approach to monitor the sensitivity of sympatric semi-aquatic mustelids towards habitat conditions and simultaneously monitor the riparian ecosystem health, across seasons and years. The long-term persistence of sympatric Asian otters in the Bhavani-Noyyal river basin would depend on the availability of high-quality riparian habitat patches. Our findings emphasize the need to develop comprehensive riparian habitat management plans in the southern Western Ghats which involves restoration of fragmented riparian zones and maintenance of riparian habitat heterogeneity to facilitate freshwater connectivity and movements of sympatric otters.

In situ volcanically baked killarney fern fossils (Hymenophyllaceae) from the late Holocene of the Azores archipelago (Portugal)

Among the most delicate native vascular plants present in the Azores archipelago (central Atlantic Ocean, Portugal) are the Hymenophyllaceae, known as the filmy ferns, due to their characteristic translucent one-cell thick lamina lacking stomata. Importantly, these characters impose a restriction to shaded and high humidity habitats, promoting rapid decay, leading to a low fossilization potential, as revealed by a worldwide scant macrofossil record of this family. Here we describe the first macrofossils of Hymenophyllaceae from Macaronesia, found on Faial Island, Azores archipelago. The fossils were preserved in situ within a 1000–1200 yr. BP vesicular ash-fall tuff overlain by an ignimbrite deposit. The specimens are three-dimensionally incorporated within the matrix, presenting overlapping, and are preserved as impressions with exceptional cuticular preservation. Morphological and anatomical characters match the sterile fronds of Vandenboschia speciosa, a native fern of the Azores Islands. Taphonomically, these fossils reveal that ash-fall released by sub-Plinian eruptions in oceanic islands can promote the burial and preservation of delicate plants, even when overlaid by hot pyroclastic density currents. Given the medieval age of the fossils, the associated autochthonous palaeoflora (Laurisilva), and their finding in a currently highly anthropically disturbed area, are especially important to reconstruct the palaeoecosystem baseline and inform possible future ecosystem restoration.

NIMG-44. ELEVATED TRANSLOCATOR PROTEIN 18KDA BINDING IN LOW MEAN DIFFUSIVITY CLUSTERS IS A FEATURE OF THE TRANSFORMING GLIOMA AND IDH MUTANT GLIOMA MICROENVIRONMENT

Abstract Around 95% of low-grade gliomas undergo anaplastic de-differentiation into high-grade gliomas, a process only partially understood from in vivo clinical imaging. 11 patients with suspected transforming gliomas underwent a combined magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) protocol, incorporating post-contrast T1-weighted/FLAIR acquisition for tumour delineation and diffusion tensor imaging. The PET radiotracer [11C]-(R)-PK11195 assessed translocator protein 18kDa (TSPO) distribution, whose upregulation is associated with inflammation/glioma progression. [11C]-(R)-PK11195 binding potential (BPND) maps were generated using the simplified reference tissue model, with the grey-matter cerebellar time-activity curve serving as the reference tissue input function. KMeans clustering of mean diffusivity (MD) intensity values defined spatially distinct “habitats” of high/low MD voxels within the glioma microenvironment. BPND values within high/low MD clustering habitats were evaluated, across glioma grades and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutational status. Across all grade 2 and 3 gliomas (n= 6), mean TSPO BPND values in low MD habitats (0.0383 ±0.102) were significantly greater than high MD habitats (-0.045 ±0.142) (p= 0.003). In grade 4 gliomas (n= 5), no significant difference was observed in mean BPND values between low (0.514 ±0.176) and high (0.465 ±0.296) MD habitats (p= 0.543). IDH mutant gliomas (n= 7) exhibited significantly higher mean BPND in low MD habitats (0.116 ±0.225), relative to high habitats (0.052 ±0.287) (p= 0.021). IDH wildtype gliomas (n= 4) showed no significant differences between BPND values in low (0.498 ±0.199) and high MD habitats (0.424 ±0.325) (p= 0.467). Our novel findings demonstrate spatial heterogeneity in TSPO expression within 2/3/IDH mutant gliomas, a characteristic absent from grade 4/IDH wildtype varieties. Regions of restricted diffusion with high TSPO signal in grade 2/3/IDH mutant tumours indicate the heterogenous distribution of active TSPO-expressing immune/neoplastic cell populations, contrasting the homogenous distribution in grade 4/IDH wildtype gliomas, highlighting differences between their inflammatory profile and pathological features.

Landscape diversity, habitat connectivity, age and size determine the conservation value of limestone quarries for diverse wild bee communities

Abstract Abandoned and even active limestone quarries (excavation sites) can represent important secondary habitats for many species, including wild bees, associated with dry grasslands, which are threatened biodiversity hotspots in Europe. However, is not well understood how interactions between local habitat and landscape characteristics influence the value of limestone quarries for wild bees and how this could guide conservation schemes. We studied how wild bee communities in limestone quarries are affected by landscape variables (connectivity to neighbouring dry grasslands, landscape diversity), local quarry characteristics (area, age, woody vegetation cover, flowering plant species) and their interactions. We surveyed bee communities during 208 transects in 19 quarries in southern Lower Saxony, Germany. In total, we recorded 114 bee species (2360 individuals), including 35 endangered species. High flowering plant species richness positively affected bee abundance and richness. Large quarry area was important for determining the presence of endangered bee species. High levels of woody vegetation cover had a negative effect on bee abundance and richness. Bee abundance and richness can increase with quarry age, but only at sites with moderate woody vegetation cover. We found potentially positive interactions between quarry age and landscape diversity and/or habitat connectivity to neighbouring dry grasslands. In particular, high habitat connectivity ensured stable richness of endangered species in old quarries. Synthesis and applications. Observed negative effects of high woody vegetation cover on bee communities highlight the importance of local management to reduce shrub encroachment and reset successional processes in limestone quarries. Local management is particularly important in old quarries of great ecological value, where the adverse impact of high woody vegetation cover on wild bees appears to be most severe. Large and old quarries with high connectivity to neighbouring dry grasslands are especially valuable for endangered bee species. Therefore, landscape‐scale restoration and conservation of dry grasslands is the most promising approach to promote endangered bee species through enhanced habitat connectivity.

Fabulous but Forgotten Fucoid Forests.

Fucoid forests are areas dominated by marine brown seaweed in the taxonomic order Fucales that, like the better-known marine foundation species-corals, kelps, seagrasses, salt marshes, and mangroves-are threatened by anthropogenic stressors. Fucoid forests are fabulous and important because they, like the better-known marine foundation species (i) span large areas, bioregions, and ecosystems, (ii) provide ecological functions such as high productivity, biodiversity, and habitat for iconic and endemic species, and (iii) support a variety of ecosystem services, like commercial fisheries, regulation of nutrients and carbon, and cultural values. Fucoid forests are, based on a new citation analysis, forgotten worldwide, because they are described orders of magnitude less than the better-known marine foundation species, in ecology and marine biology textbooks, in Google Scholar and Scopus databases over scientific literature, and in recent reports and reviews about seaweed forests. Fucoid forests would be less forgotten if more people acknowledge their biological importance and societal value more often and equate their importance to that of the better-known marine foundation species. To decrease the knowledge gap between fucoids and the better-known foundation species, researchers and science communicators could join forces under a broad "fucoid umbrella," establish stronger online presences, coordinate and collaborate on publications, and produce free eye-catching non-technical materials for teachers, managers, politicians, grass-root organizations, philanthropists, and funding agencies.

Influence of Spawning and Nursery Ground Environmental Changes on Walleye Pollock Catches Along the Eastern Coasts of Korea and Japan After the Late-1980s Climate Regime Shift

The eastern coasts of Korea (ECK) and Japan (ECJ) are located at the southernmost limit of walleye pollock distribution in the Northwest Pacific. Following the climate regime shift (CRS) in the late 1980s, pollock catches in these regions have declined sharply, with different trends emerging. This study examined the relationship between environmental factors, such as sea surface temperature (SST) and habitat suitability, and changes in pollock catches from the late 1980s to 2022. From the late 1980s to the late 1990s, El Niño and positive Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) phases dominated, increasing SST in the ECK and ECJ habitats and rapidly decreasing catches. Although spawning grounds (SGs) have maintained high habitat suitability, nursery ground (NG) suitability has declined. From the late 1990s to 2022, La Niña and negative PDO phases prevailed, with SST continuing to rise along the ECK, further reducing catches. SG suitability remained high, but NG suitability declined. Along the ECJ, SST decreased after the late-1990s CRS, stabilizing catches. After the mid-2010s, the SST increased along the ECJ, reducing pollock catches, although SG suitability remained high. This study elucidates SST changes during early life stages and their effects on pollock catch, habitat, and resources in future marine environments.