Abstract Dolichopetalum is a monotypic liana genus of Apocynaceae and is restricted to subtropical montane forests in Asian subtropical karst areas. In this study, we used plastome data to examine the tribal position of Dolichopetalum within the family, and four plastid and three nuclear loci to further clarify its relationship and taxonomic status. We also estimated the time of origin of Dolichopetalum and modeled its range change by estimating the potential historic and current distributions. Our family‐wide phylogenetic analysis confirms that Dolichopetalum belongs to the tribe Marsdenieae. Our subsequent analyses of Marsdenieae further suggest that Dolichopetalum is a distinct genus and has a distant relationship with Marsdenia s.str., challenging the traditional viewpoint. Dolichopetalum is probably allied to Campestigma , Cionura , Harmandiella , and Gongronema ‐ Dischidanthus ‐ Sarcolobus , and originated at about 11 Ma and rapidly diverged with its four allies over a period of less than three million years, which might be associated with the intensified East Asian monsoon in the early Late Miocene. The distributional range of Dolichopetalum may have undergone a dramatic contraction since the Last Glacial Maximum and will likely further shrink and undergo fragmentation in the future, possibly driven by global warming and desertification in Asian subtropical karst areas. This study provides new insights into the evolutionary history of Dolichopetalum and will have important conservation implications for the unique biodiversity of Asian subtropical karst areas under climate change scenarios.

Abstract This study investigated the diffusion of leaked liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and analyzed the load distribution characteristics of a petrochemical control room under a vapor cloud explosion (VCE) flow field based on the ANSYS/Fluent software. The results showed that the leaked LPG tended to accumulate near the ground. High wind speed accelerated the propagation of the leaked LPG cloud along the leaked direction and accelerated the dilution of the leaked LPG in the side direction. Besides, the existence of obstacles can significantly increase the gas cloud concentration near the obstacles. The nonuniform concentration field generated by leakage accidents can initiate detonation with relatively low ignition energy. In sparsely obstructed environments, the explosive behavior followed the classic open‐space gas cloud explosion pattern, where peak overpressure decreased with distance. The peak overpressure during explosions increased markedly with more obstacles, demonstrating that complex obstructions substantially elevated the risk of explosion accidents. The load distribution across control room walls exhibits significant nonuniformity in both temporal and spatial dimensions. The statistical analysis on historical maximum load distributions at different wall positions was conducted, employing bivariate quadratic polynomial fitting to derive a simplified calculation formula, which can be applied to analyze load distribution patterns across control room walls.

Abstract The Mexican wolf ( Canis lupus baileyi ) is a keystone subspecies of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Its ecological role, long lost, is slowly being reinstated. Reintroduction programs are being implemented and high‐quality habitat capable of sustaining populations of this species has been identified in both the United States and Mexico. However, the availability of adequate prey biomass to support recovery of Mexican wolves has not been directly estimated. We estimated the potential ecological carrying capacity for the Mexican wolf based exclusively on ungulate prey biomass using density estimates derived from camera trap surveys conducted between 2017 and 2019 in high‐quality areas within the species’ historical distribution. Results indicate adequate prey for the recovery of Mexican wolves within high‐quality habitat. In the United States, the potential density estimate is high (21.4–52.7 wolves/1,000 km 2 ) because of the presence and relatively high densities of 3 ungulates: elk ( Cervus canadensis ), mule deer ( Odocoileus hemionus ), and white‐tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ). In Mexico, density estimation varies 5.2–14.3 wolves/1,000 km 2 , with only one ungulate species available as prey, white‐tailed deer. Our calculations are underestimates of wolf carrying capacity because they are based on only ungulate prey, and Mexican wolves are known to have a more diverse diet of smaller prey compared to wolves in northern climes. In both countries, recovery goals for this subspecies appear achievable, with the potential of approximately 1,230–3,100 wolves in high‐quality habitat. Currently, there are 2 reintroduction areas, one in the southwestern United States and one in northern Chihuahua, Mexico. We found that the southern Sierra Madre Occidental, specifically the high‐quality patch in the state of Durango, could be considered as a second reintroduction site in Mexico. Estimations of potential carrying capacity for carnivores, particularly those proposed for reintroduction, are a crucial step in the conservation planning process and in setting achievable objectives.

The Red-breasted Parakeet (Psittacula alexandri), a Near Threatened psittacid traditionally restricted to the sub-Himalayan and North-eastern tracts of India, is here documented for the first time in the urban landscape of Patna, Bihar. This extra-limital record and incipient establishment were confirmed through opportunistic field observations and fixed-point counts conducted at Patna University and the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Patna between November 2nd 2025 to 5th December 2025. A stable population of up to four individuals, including at least one confirmed male and one female, persists within these institutional green spaces. Ecological data confirms a dietary reliance on the fruits of Neolamarckia cadamba (Kadam) and documents active interspecific competition with the House Crow (Corvus splendens). These sightings represent a significant southward range expansion in Bihar, identifying urban university campuses as functional refugia and biological corridors for this species within the Gangetic plains. The study provides definitive evidence of the species’ ability to navigate and utilize fragmented urban matrices outside its historical distribution range.

Abstract This study employed the Weather Research and Forecasting Model to dynamically downscale outputs from the HadGEM2-ES global climate model for the Caribbean at resolutions of 40km and 8km. Simulations were conducted for a historical period (1980-1990) and two future periods corresponding to global warming limits of 1.5 °C (2024-2034) and 2 °C (2038-2048) derived from the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5 projection. The future projections were from the RCP4.5 scenario and the Solar Radiation Modification (SRM) G4 scenario from the Geoengineering Model Intercomparison Project (GeoMIP), focusing on variables relevant to wind and solar energy assessments. Three bias-correction methods were independently applied to the downscaled outputs to evaluate their effectiveness in reducing bias while preserving projected climate change signals. The Quantile Delta Mapping and Delta method produced the best outputs and were subsequently used to assess the potential influence of SRM on solar and wind energy resources at the island scale. Results indicate that wind speeds under the G4 scenario generally decrease across much of the Caribbean, with parts of southern Jamaica and Hispaniola seeing the most notable increases. Changes in solar irradiance appear minimal; however, this finding remains inconclusive due to limitations in validating the more variable historical distribution of the WRF-derived outputs. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of conducting sub-regional and local-scale wind energy assessments in the Caribbean while underscoring the need for improved observational datasets to enhance solar resource validation.

Unveiling layered legacies: A retrogressive method and GIS for mapping historical device distribution in the water-dependent landscape of the vistula delta

Anomaly detection and degradation trend prediction are two pivotal tasks in system health management. However, most existing approaches treat them as independent problems and fail to exploit their intrinsic interdependence. In addition, the scarcity of labeled data in real-world scenarios limits the applicability of supervised learning methods. To address these challenges, we propose an adaptive thresholding strategy framework for unsupervised joint anomaly detection and trend prediction. Our framework introduces a self-adaptive threshold strategy from historical data distributions and dynamically updates them in response to evolving system behavior. The anomaly detection results are integrated to enhance degradation trend forecasting, while the predicted degradation trends, in turn, refine the anomaly thresholds through a feedback mechanism. Experiments on both public and real-world industrial datasets demonstrate that the proposed framework achieves superior detection accuracy, robust trend prediction, and high computational efficiency under diverse operational conditions.

The crucian carp ( Carassius carassius ) is the only native representative of its genus inhabiting Croatian freshwater ecosystems. This limnophilic species has become increasingly rare and endangered across its entire range in recent decades. In response to reported declines of crucian carp populations across Europe, a comprehensive analysis of available data was carried out for both its native and introduced ranges in Croatia, aiming to assess the species’ spatial distribution and population trends. The geographic distribution of C. carassius in Croatia was investigated using data collected from multiple sources, including scientific literature, museum collections, citizen science platforms, and additional information provided by anglers. Literature data included scientific articles, books, and field survey reports conducted for monitoring purposes. Only records with precise locality information were included, and for scientific articles and field surveys, the date of collection was also required. Museum collection data were included when they provided detailed information on locality, collection date, and, when available, the name of the collector. Records from the citizen science platform iNaturalist were accepted only after verification of species identity from photographs and confirmation of locality and observation date. Additional records from anglers were considered only if accompanied by a photograph confirming species identification. For the assessment of present distribution, only confirmed records from the last five years were included, whereas past distribution was assessed using all relevant records available from literature, museum collections, and other sources. All validated occurrences were then aggregated into 10 × 10 km grid cells in QGIS to evaluate the spatial distribution of the species. A total of 182 confirmed localities were used to reconstruct the historical distribution, while 42 records represent the current distribution (Fig. 1). The historical distribution of C. carassius shows its presence in 91 10 × 10 km grid cells, of which 79 are located within the continental, 10 within the Alpine, and three within the Mediterranean biogeographical regions. Current distribution data indicate that the species has been recorded in 30 10 × 10 km grid cells, with 22 located in the continental and eight in the Alpine biogeographical regions. These results indicate a drastic decline in C. carassius populations in Croatia, with an estimated ~80% reduction across its natural distribution range. A higher number of records was observed in oxbow lakes in the Baranja region and in the Kopački Rit Nature Park. At almost all sites within the continental biogeographical region, C. carassius was found in association with C. gibelio , whereas at only a few sites in the continental and Alpine regions it occurred as the sole representative of the genus Carassius . Competition with C. gibelio , now widespread in Croatian freshwater habitats, appears to be the main factor driving C. carassius declines in the continental region (see Suppl. material 1). Relatively stable populations have been recorded in ponds and other watercourses of the Alpine biogeographical region, where the species was introduced. These sites represent important refugia for potential conservation and repopulation efforts within the species’ natural range. This study emphasizes the need to assess the genetic status of Croatian C. carassius populations to determine their true condition and to design effective long-term conservation strategies at both national and regional scales.

The family Pieridae (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) is known for its ecological and conservation significance; however, little is known about its spatial distribution pattern and climate vulnerability in mainland China, complicating the formulation of effective conservation strategies. Pierinae and Coliadinae are widely distributed across most parts of the research zone, especially in the southern regions. Conversely, Dismorphiinae is mainly distributed in the west-central and northeastern parts. Pierinae and Coliadinae flourished over a wider range of elevations in open environments with warmer and more humid habitats, whereas Dismorphiinae is restricted to a narrow elevation range in forested areas with cooler and drier habitats. Therefore, it was necessary to study their distribution patterns separately. The MaxEnt model was applied to analyze the influence of bioclimatic variables on their distribution throughout three historical eras: the Last Interglacial (LIG), the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), and the Current (1970-2000). Pierinae and Coliadinae showed a uniform increase in overall highly suitable habitats, while Dismorphiinae showed an initial increase and then a decrease. Due to global warming, all three subfamilies might experience contraction in highly suitable habitats. Most Pieridae species are projected to experience shrinkage in highly suitable habitats, leading to decreased species diversity. These findings highlight divergent historical distribution patterns and habitat preferences among Pieridae subfamilies, yet project a shared vulnerability to future habitat contraction under climate warming.

This study evaluates how well key elements of freshwater resilience (e.g., hydrographic, physical habitat, and condition variables) explain the persistence of native fish species over time. Using the Temporal Beta Index (TBI), we quantify the change in fish species presence-absence in functionally connected networks within California to determine which watersheds within the network experienced significant changes in fish community composition. Random forest (RF) models were used to explore how the suite of network attributes influenced TBI and how the relationships varied by ecoregion. By integrating historical and contemporary fish distribution records with comprehensive datasets on fish passage barriers, stream habitat typologies, and watershed conditions, the analysis provides evidence that fragmentation-primarily driven by a century of dam construction-has impacted the persistence of fish species throughout the state. These results underscore the importance of maintaining and restoring interconnected river networks to preserve habitat heterogeneity, ensure the continued functionality of freshwater processes, and promote long-term ecological stability amidst ongoing and future environmental challenges. This research provides a framework to evaluate what factors contributed to fish loss in the past, thereby offering insights into enhancing the resilience of freshwater ecosystems and persistence of freshwater species into the future.

This study evaluates how well key elements of freshwater resilience (e.g., hydrographic, physical habitat, and condition variables) explain the persistence of native fish species over time. Using the Temporal Beta Index (TBI), we quantify the change in fish species presence-absence in functionally connected networks within California to determine which watersheds within the network experienced significant changes in fish community composition. Random forest (RF) models were used to explore how the suite of network attributes influenced TBI and how the relationships varied by ecoregion. By integrating historical and contemporary fish distribution records with comprehensive datasets on fish passage barriers, stream habitat typologies, and watershed conditions, the analysis provides evidence that fragmentation—primarily driven by a century of dam construction—has impacted the persistence of fish species throughout the state. These results underscore the importance of maintaining and restoring interconnected river networks to preserve habitat heterogeneity, ensure the continued functionality of freshwater processes, and promote long-term ecological stability amidst ongoing and future environmental challenges. This research provides a framework to evaluate what factors contributed to fish loss in the past, thereby offering insights into enhancing the resilience of freshwater ecosystems and persistence of freshwater species into the future.

Abstract Urbanization and population growth are shrinking lowland rice areas, compelling exploration of Asia’s under‑studied highlands for future food security. Using earth observation data from 2000 to 2020 and machine learning method, we analyzed the distribution of paddy (irrigated) rice fields and their driving factors in Asian highlands (>1000 ma.s.l.). Highlands currently host 1.489 ± 0.176 millionha of rice, concentrated in the Tianshan–Tarim Basin, Hetao Plain along the Yellow River, and Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau. Altitude is the dominant constraint; additional precipitation is associated with reduced rice extent in the highlands, whereas population density and economic growth are associated with expansion. Our scenario modelling projects ~60% expansion and northward shift of high‑altitude paddies by 2035, yielding more nutrient‑rich, low‑contaminant grain and aiding saline–alkali reclamation. These findings highlight substantial, climate‑resilient capacity in Asian uplands to bolster sustainable rice supply and regional food security. This integrated assessment fills a critical knowledge gap regarding high‑elevation agroecosystems.

Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis (SDSE) has historically been recognized as a human pathogen, yet β-hemolytic streptococci consistent with SDSE have been documented in pigs for nearly a century. To investigate the population structure of porcine SDSE and the phylogenetic relationships between swine and human strains, we characterized 41 isolates recovered from diseased pigs in Quebec, Canada (2019–2022). Infected animals spanned all major production stages and frequently presented with invasive disease, including arthritis, endocarditis, and sudden death. Core-genome phylogenetics resolved two heterogeneous porcine clades separated by long internal branches and clearly distinct from dominant human SDSE lineages. Most porcine isolates were emm-negative or contained structurally altered emm regions compared with human strains. Analysis of Lancefield antigen loci identified a predominant group C lineage and a minority group L lineage, recapitulating historical serogroup distributions described since the early-20th century. Phenotypic testing showed susceptibility to β-lactams and florfenicol but high levels of resistance to tetracycline, macrolides and lincosamides. Detected antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes correlated well with phenotypes, and multidrug resistance was frequent. Hybrid genome assemblies revealed integrative and mobilizable elements carrying AMR determinants. Collectively, our data indicate that porcine SDSE represents a long-standing, genetically structured, host-adapted population with notable AMR potential, underscoring the need for continued swine SDSE genomic surveillance.

In Colombia, with over 100,000 cases reported in 2023, malaria is a significant vector-borne disease. The wide range of climates and highly variable topography and land cover of the country support a high species richness, favouring different scenarios of transmission. This study characterizes the ecoregional and altitudinal distribution of the principal malaria vectors in Colombia, Anopheles albimanus, Anopheles darlingi, Anopheles nuneztovari sensu stricto (s.s.), Anopheles neivai sensu lato (s.l.) and Anopheles calderoni, and represent their historic and current distribution. A database of the distribution of the principal malaria vectors in Colombia was constructed using information from diverse sources dating 1929 to 2023. Elevation and ecoregion were obtained using the U.S. Geological Service (USGS) and the Ecoregions2017©Resolve shapefile, respectively. Distribution maps of the principal malaria vectors regarding elevation and ecoregion were generated. A total of 2,371 records of the main malaria vectors were obtained. This study shows that the principal anopheline species are widely distributed. In the coastal regions of the country, An. albimanus (Atlantic and Pacific regions) and An. neivai s.l. (Pacific region) are highly represented. However, records of these species are also associated with inland areas. Anopheles darlingi, An. nuneztovari s.s. and An. calderoni are mainly inland species. Besides its wide distribution, An. darlingi presents a high association with forests. Anopheles nuneztovari s.s. is mainly associated with the Middle Magdalena Valley, Urabá-Bajo Cauca, Atrato River, and Catatumbo, and An. calderoni is found far inland, especially in the Cauca River Valley. Regarding altitude, these malaria vectors are predominantly distributed below 500m a.s.l. Nevertheless, An. albimanus and An. calderoni are also present at elevations over 1,000m a.s.l. Notably, An. albimanus and An. neivai s.l. are the two species that suggest elevation increase through time. The distribution of the principal malaria vectors in Colombia, encompasses both coastal and inland areas, and a variety of ecoregions, particularly the Chocó-Darién and Magdalena-Urabá moist forests. The comprehensive identification of ecoregions and elevations in which malaria vectors have historically been and are currently distributed will contribute to determining receptivity areas for designing malaria stratification plans and the prioritization of zones for its prevention and control.

The placement of Sladeniaceae s.l. (Sladenia and Ficalhoa) within Ericales has remained contentious, largely due to incongruent molecular signals between plastid and nuclear loci and lack of clear morphological synapomorphies supporting its circumscription. Resolving its phylogenetic position is essential for clarifying evolutionary relationships along the backbone of Ericales. We used genome-skimming and Angiosperms353 data to reconstruct plastid and nuclear phylogenies of Ericales, with comprehensive sampling of Sladeniaceae, Pentaphylacaceae, and allied families. Phytop and SNaQ analyses were applied to evaluate incomplete lineage sorting (ILS) and introgression. Divergence times were estimated using a relaxed-clock birth-death model in the IQ2MC pipeline, and paleo-niche modeling was used to infer the historical distribution of Sladenia. Plastid phylogenies support the inclusion of Ficalhoa within Sladeniaceae, whereas nuclear trees place Ficalhoa as sister to Pentaphylacaceae, indicating strong cytonuclear discordance. Our analyses revealed a high level of incomplete lineage sorting at the nodes subtending Sladenia, Ficalhoa, and Pentaphylacaceae (ILS-i = 84.8%), which may be explained by the rapid early diversification of core Ericales during the mid-Cretaceous (~110-105 million years ago). No evidence of introgression was detected between Ficalhoa and Sladenia. Our findings suggest that stochastic sorting of ancestral plastid polymorphisms during rapid diversification may be the primary cause of cytonuclear discordance in the placement of Ficalhoa, although ancient plastid capture cannot be ruled out. These results support the inclusion of Ficalhoa within Pentaphylacaceae and underscore the roles of rapid diversification and incomplete lineage sorting in shaping deep phylogenetic relationships in Ericales.

Ancient DNA is a valuable source of information about the distant past of our planet. Reconstructing the past ecosystems is essential for understanding many aspects of life in the steppes of southern Siberia and Central Asia, where numerous human societies representing different archaeological cultures have lived. The remains of their activities, revealed by archaeological excavations, provide a wide range of sources for the cultural and natural/biological history of the region. One of the most enigmatic Iron Age archaeological cultures in southern Siberia is the Tashtyk culture, which dates back to the 1st - 7th centuries AD. The people of this culture inhabited the Minusinsk Basin and practiced different burial rites, including cremation. Thanks to the exceptional preservation of organic remains in individual Tashtyk burials we know of quite an unusual phenomenon: the placement of cremains into the human-like mannequins made from animal skin and filled with herbaceous plants. This study analyses ancient DNA extracted from the grass stuffing of a mannequin found in 2023 at the Oglakhty cemetery, which dates back to 250-300 AD. Our aim is to identify the plant species that were used to stuff the mannequin approximately 1,700 years ago, and to compare their diversity with that of modern-day plant species. This is particularly significant given that the Oglakhty region is part of the Khakassky State Nature Reserve, which was added to the UNESCO Tentative List in 2016 due to its biodiversity and concentration of archaeological sites. We sequenced the ancient DNA of a dried historical grass mixture in order to reconstruct the nearly complete chloroplast genomes of several apparent Poaceae species. Our analysis showed that, 1,700 years ago, the diversity of plant species in the Oglakhty area was similar to the modern meadow flora of the Minusinsk Basin. These included typical steppe and forest-steppe zone plant genera of Siberia, such as Holcus, Phleum, Poa, and Stipa. Interestingly, alongside the species commonly found in modern southern Siberian steppes and meadows, we discovered the rare, ephemeral, and protected moss grass, Coleanthus subtilis (Tratt.) Seidel ex Roem. et Schult. whose current distribution range spans highly fragmented areas of northern Eurasia and North America but not the Minusinsk Basin. The herbaceous plant C. subtilis, whose DNA fragments were obtained through the metagenomic profiling of the human-like mannequin's stuffing at the Oglakhty cemetery, provides new insights into the cultural and natural history of Siberia. Firstly, we identified several grass taxa in the mannequin's stuffing. Most of them are characteristic for the steppe zone; the only exception is C. subtilis, which usually inhabits riverbanks. Therefore, we assume that, despite being primarily stuffed with the steppe plants, the Oglakhty mannequin was crafted on a riverbank, where C. subtilis might have got inside likely by chance. It is important to note that the stuffing process apparently took place after the vegetation season of C. subtilis in second half of summer and the beginning of autumn. Secondly, our research suggests that a population of C. subtilis, which is currently absent from the documented flora of southern Siberia, previously grew in the Minusinsk Basin wetlands. Our study highlights the need for field expeditions aimed to identify endemic populations of C. subtilis in the Yenisei River valley.

ABSTRACT The Hermann’s tortoise (Chersine hermanni), an endangered species, currently ranges from eastern Spain to the Balkans and some Mediterranean islands, though fossil evidence shows a wider past distribution. This study analyses the chelonian remains recovered from Buena Pinta Cave site (Middle to Late Pleistocene), the most complete with semi-articulated specimens from the Calvero de la Higuera Archaeological Complex (Pinilla del Valle, Madrid, central Spain). The morphology of these remains is consistent with C. hermanni. Taphonomic analysis suggests that carnivore activity and water transport were responsible for the accumulation of the assemblage. The nearly complete carapace from Unit 23 may represent an individual that died potentially naturally during brumation. The presence of Chersine hermanni at high altitudes in central Spain (~1,100 metres above sea level) during the middle and Late Pleistocene exceeds the current maximum elevation for the western subspecies (850 metres) and is more comparable to that recorded for the eastern subspecies (1,450 metres). These findings suggest the Iberian populations of C. hermanni had a broader ecological tolerance in the past, inhabiting higher-altitude areas and climatic conditions not currently found within its current range. These results highlight the importance of considering historical distributions when developing conservation strategies for endangered species.

ABSTRACTClimate change and environmental factors are reshaping natural habitats, threatening species diversity and genetic resources. Nepenthes mirabilis , a dioecious carnivorous plant and vulnerable species, is mainly distributed in Southeast Asia, one of the key biodiversity hotspots and conservation priority areas. In this study, we used the MaxEnt model to predict the potential distribution of N. mirabilis across past, present, and future climate scenarios, based on 513 occurrence records and five key environmental variables of Annual Mean Temperature, Temperature Seasonality, Annual Precipitation, April Precipitation, and December Precipitation. The model demonstrated excellent predictive performance with high AUC and TSS values. Annual Precipitation was identified to be the most important climate factor influencing the geographical distribution of N. mirabilis . Wallacea and New Guinea are suggested as likely centers of the geographical origin of N. mirabilis , from where it expanded to the Sundaic region through the land bridge during glacial periods and subsequently colonized the Philippines and Indochina. Under future scenarios, the most suitable climate scenario for the development of N. mirabilis is the Sustainable Development Pathway. As temperature rises, suitable habitats are projected to shift toward higher latitudes, with low‐latitude populations facing increasing risks. By integrating Ecological Niche Modeling with evolutionary inference, the study interprets how historical and future climate oscillations shape geographical distributions in Southeast Asia and provides in situ and ex situ conservation strategies for N. mirabilis. These findings also contribute to a broad understanding of species evolution and population dynamics across subtropical and tropical biodiversity hotspots.

Abstract Environmental observatory networks are fundamental in advancing scientific understanding of biogeochemical processes. FLUXNET is a global network of regional eddy covariance networks that measure ecosystem‐scale exchanges of greenhouse gases (e.g., CO 2 , CH 4 , H 2 O) and energy between the biosphere and the atmosphere. MexFlux is the eddy covariance network of Mexico, a megadiverse country with many underrepresented ecosystems within FLUXNET. This study evaluates the spatial representativeness of MexFlux by assessing its ability to capture the statistical and spatial heterogeneity of annual gross primary productivity (GPP) and evapotranspiration (ET) within Mexico. We tested four network configurations: the historical distribution of MexFlux sites (MexFlux‐H, n = 33), an expanded network with 20 additional sites (MexFlux + 20, 53 sites), MexFlux sites with publicly available data (MexFlux‐P, n = 20), and a hypothetical optimized design with only 25 sites (MexFlux25, n = 25). Results show that MexFlux‐H and MexFlux‐P overrepresent regions with GPP values between 250 and 600 gC m −2 yr −1 and ET of 200–1,200 mm yr −1 . MexFlux + 20 demonstrates that adding 20 strategically located sites improves the representativeness of MexFlux while preserving the historical distribution of the network. The configuration of MexFlux25 highlights that a few but strategically distributed sites are an alternative way to enhance the representativeness of the network. Mountain regions, tropical forests, and urban sites may remain underrepresented in any network configuration, highlighting the challenges of monitoring efforts in this country. Our framework integrates distributions, copulas, semivariograms, and upscaling to highlight the value of a multidimensional assessment of spatial representativeness, which applies to other regional FLUXNET networks.

Lifelong person re-identification (LReID) suffers from the catastrophic forgetting problem when learning from non-stationary data streams. Existing exemplar-based and knowledge distillation-based LReID methods encounter data privacy and limited acquisition capacity, respectively. In this paper, we introduce the prototype, which is under-investigated in LReID, to better balance knowledge retention and acquisition. Previous prototype-based works primarily focused on the classification task, where prototypes were modeled as discrete points or statistical distributions. However, they either discarded the distribution information or omitted instance-level diversity, which are crucial fine-grained clues for LReID. Furthermore, the domain shifts between data sources result in a feature gap between the new and old data, which restricts the utilization of the fine-grained information in prototypes. To address these challenges, we propose Distribution-aware Knowledge Aligning and Prototyping (DKP++), a novel framework for modeling and leveraging prototypes in LReID. First, an Instance-level Distribution Modeling network is introduced to capture the local diversity of each instance. Next, a Distribution-oriented Prototype Generation algorithm transforms the instance-level diversity into identity-level distributions which are stored as prototypes. Then, a Prototype-based Knowledge Transfer module distills the knowledge within the prototypes to the new model. To mitigate the impact of domain shifts during knowledge transfer, we introduce a privacy-friendly Distribution Aligning module that transforms new input data to fit the historical distribution, which is incorporated with feature-level alignment constraints to enhance the coherence between new and old knowledge, effectively improving historical prototype utilization. Extensive experiments demonstrate that our method achieves a superior balance between plasticity and stability, outperforming state-of-the-art LReID methods by a large margin.