Implications For Conservation Research Articles

Coccinellidae on native and introduced spruce in central Europe: conservation implications in urban areas

The abundance and species composition of adult ladybird communities (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) were investigated on two congeneric trees, native Norway spruce (Picea abies) and the introduced blue spruce (Picea pungens), at four locations in Slovakia (central Europe). For two years (2021–2022), coccinellid adults were sampled using a standard method involving beating branches at monthly intervals from April to November. Although the species composition of the communities on both spruce species was similar, the abundance of the entire coccinellid community as well as the abundance of individual species was significantly greater on Norway spruce than on blue spruce. With the current decline of Norway spruce as a result of several negative factors, blue spruce has emerged as a suitable substitute host plant for coccinellid communities in urban areas.

Telemetry without collars: performance of fur- and ear-mounted satellite tags for evaluating the movement and behaviour of polar bears

The study of animal movement provides insights into underlying ecological processes and informs analyses of behaviour and resource use, which have implications for species management and conservation. The tools used to study animal movement have evolved over the past decades, allowing for data collection from a variety of species, including those living in remote environments. Satellite-linked radio and GPS collars have been used to study polar bear (Ursus maritimus) ecology and movements throughout the circumpolar Arctic for over 50 years. However, due to morphology and growth constraints, only adult female polar bears can be reliably collared. Collars have proven to be safe, but there has been opposition to their use, resulting in a deficiency in data across much of the species’ range. To bolster knowledge of movement characteristics and behaviours for polar bears other than adult females, while also providing an alternative to collars, we tested the use of fur- and ear-mounted telemetry tags that can be affixed to polar bears of any sex and age. We tested three fur tag designs (SeaTrkr, tribrush and pentagon tags), which we affixed to 15 adult and 1 subadult male polar bears along the coast of Hudson Bay during August–September 2021–2022. Fur tags were compared with ear tags deployed on 42 subadult and adult male polar bears captured on the coast or the sea ice between 2016 and 2022. We used data from the tags to quantify the amount of time subadult and adult males spent resting versus traveling while on land. Our results show the three fur tag designs remained functional for shorter mean durations (SeaTrkr = 58 days; tribrush = 47 days; pentagon = 22 days) than ear tags (121 days), but positional error estimates were comparable among the Argos-equipped tags. The GPS/Iridium-equipped SeaTrkr fur tags provided higher resolution and more frequent location data. Combined, the tags provided sufficient data to model different behavioural states. Furthermore, as hypothesized, subadult and adult male polar bears spent the majority of their time resting while on land, increasing time spent traveling as temperatures cooled. Fur tags show promise as a short-term means of collecting movement data from free-ranging polar bears.

Geophysics elucidate long-term socio-ecological dynamics of foraging, pastoralism, and mixed subsistence strategies on SW Madagascar

The environmental impacts of human societies are generally assumed to correlate with factors such as population size, whether they are industrialized, and the intensity of their landscape modifications (e.g., agriculture, urban development). As a result, small-scale communities with subsistence economies are often not the focus of long-term studies of environmental impact. However, comparing human-environment dynamics and their lasting ecological legacies across societies of different scales and forms of organization and production is important for understanding landscape change at regional to global scales. On Madagascar, ecological and cultural diversity, coupled with climatic variability, provide an important case study to examine the role of smaller-scale socioeconomic practices (e.g., fishing, foraging, and herding) on long-term ecological stability. Here, we use multispectral satellite imagery to compare long-term ecological impacts of different human livelihood strategies in SW Madagascar. Our results indicate that the nature of human-environmental dynamics between different socioeconomic communities are similar. Although some activities leave more subtle traces than others, geophysics highlight similar signatures across a landscape inhabited by communities practicing a range of subsistence strategies. Our results further demonstrate how Indigenous land stewardship is integrated into the very fabric of ecological systems in SW Madagascar with implications for conservation and sustainability.

Optimizing CO2 Purification in a Negative CO2 Emission Power Plant

AbstractIn the pursuit of mitigating CO2 emissions, this study investigates the optimization of CO2 purification within a negative CO2 emission power plant using a spray ejector condenser (SEC) coupled with a separator. The approach involves direct‐contact condensation of vapor, primarily composed of an inert gas (CO2), facilitated by a subcooled liquid spray. A comprehensive analysis is presented, employing a numerical model to simulate a cyclone separator under various SEC outlet conditions. Methodologically, the simulation, conducted in Fluent, encompasses three‐dimensional, transient, and turbulent characteristics using the Reynolds stress model turbulent model and mixture model to replicate the turbulent two‐phase flow within a gas–liquid separator. Structural considerations are delved into, evaluating the efficacy of single‐ and dual‐inlet separators to enhance CO2 purification efficiency. The study reveals significant insights into the optimization process, highlighting a notable enhancement in separation efficiency within the dual‐inlet cyclone, compared to its single inlet counterpart. Specifically, a 90.7 % separation efficiency is observed in the former, characterized by symmetrical flow patterns devoid of wavering CO2 cores, whereas the latter exhibits less desirable velocity vectors. Furthermore, the investigation explores the influence of key parameters, such as liquid volume fraction (LVF) and water droplet diameter, on separation efficiency. It is ascertained that a 10 % LVF with a water droplet diameter of 10 µm yields the highest separation efficiency at 90.7 %, whereas a 20 % LVF with a water droplet diameter of 1 µm results in a reduced efficiency of 50.79 %. Moreover, the impact of structural modifications, such as the addition of vanes, on separation efficiency and pressure drop is explored. Remarkably, the incorporation of vanes leads to a 9.2 % improvement in separation efficiency and a 16.8 % reduction in pressure drop at a 10 % LVF. The findings underscore the significance of structural considerations and parameter optimization in advancing CO2 capture technologies, with implications for sustainable energy production and environmental conservation.

Bird-Ecosystem Relationship in an Urbanizing Habitat: Implications for Conservation and Ecosystem Stability

This study explores the association between birds and their urbanizing ecosystems. The study area was divided into 4 quadrats of area 2700 m2 each. Bird species as well as number of individuals of each species were counted using the Line Transect Method. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using Windows Microsoft Excel and SPSS v.28. The investigation revealed a significant correlation (P < 0.05) between bird species and the four distinct sites within the study area. These sites exhibit variations in vegetation composition and include notable features like water bodies. The findings underscore the heavy reliance of certain bird species in this region on specific types of vegetation for their survival and well-being. Removing even a single plant species could potentially disrupt the entire ecosystem. The study documented the presence of 42 bird species across 30 families, including one vulnerable species. Both local and seasonal migratory birds were observed during the research. Although the study identified a decline in bird diversity within the study area, it remains species-rich, displaying moderate to high diversity (Simpson’s Dominance Index: 0.0319; Margalef’s Richness Index: 4.0754). This research emphasizes the critical importance of conserving bird species and their associated vegetation to maintain ecosystem integrity. Strategic sustainable development practices along with habitat enrichment for birds is recommended to maintain the valuable avifaunal diversity of the study area. By highlighting the intricate relationship between birds and their habitat, the study highlights the significance of conservation efforts in safeguarding the overall health of the ecosystem.

Identifying personality traits and behavioural syndromes in a threatened freshwater fish (Nannoperca vittata) through comparative analysis with a model species (Poecilia reticulata): Implications for conservation

AbstractAnimal personalities are differences in behaviour among individuals of the same species that are consistent over time and contexts. The integration of animal personality into conservation actions is hampered by limited understanding of personality traits in non‐model organisms. We estimated repeatabilities and correlations between behaviours in Nannoperca vittata (western pygmy perch), a threatened freshwater fish species endemic to south‐western Australia, and, for comparative purposes, in Poecilia reticulata (guppy), a species frequently used in personality research. Each fish was measured four times for each of seven behavioural variables, presumed to reflect five underlying personality traits. Track length (TL) was used as a measure of activity; time spent in a risky zone (RZ) and time to emergence (ET) for boldness; latency to approach a novel object (LA) and time spent close to the object (TS) for exploration; time spent close to a mirror (CV) for sociability and number of attacks at the mirror (AT) for aggression. Four behavioural variables (TL, RZ, ET and CV) were significantly repeatable in N. vittata and also in P. reticulata. There was a lack of concordance in phenotypic and among‐individual correlations between variables in both species, emphasising the importance of partitioning trait covariances to infer behavioural syndromes. Significant among‐individual correlations were found between activity, boldness and sociability variables in N. vittata, consistent with a proactive‐reactive personality axis, but not in P. reticulata. Personality variation should be considered in conservation actions for N. vittata, particularly with respect to unintended consequences of domestication selection in captive breeding and release.

Phylogenetic assessment within a species complex of a subterranean rodent (Geomys bursarius) with conservation implications for isolated subspecies.

Range contraction and expansion from glaciation has led to genetic divergence that may be particularly pronounced in fossorial species with low dispersal. The plains pocket gopher (Geomys bursarius) is a fossorial species that ranges widely across North America but has a poorly understood phylogeny. We used mitogenomes (14,996 base pairs) from 56 individuals across seven subspecies, plus two outgroup species, to assess genetic divergence from minimum spanning trees, measure genetic distances, and infer phylogenetic trees using BEAST. We found G. b. wisconsinensis was monophyletic with recent divergence. Further assessment is needed for G. b. major because it was paraphyletic and exhibited inconsistent groupings with other clades. Importantly, we identified G. b. illinoensis as being genetically distinct and monophyletic likely due to a unique colonization event eastward across the Mississippi River. Because G. b. illinoensis faces continued pressures from niche reduction and habitat loss, we recommend that G. b. illinoensis be considered an evolutionary significant unit warranting conservation actions to promote connectivity and restore suitable habitat. Such conservation efforts should benefit other grassland species including those originating from clades west of the Mississippi River that may also be evolutionary significant units.

Unveiling soil animal community dynamics beneath dominant shrub species in natural desert environment: Implications for ecosystem management and conservation

The Taklimakan Desert, known for extreme aridity and unique ecological challenges, maintains a delicate life balance beneath its harsh surface. This study investigates intricate dynamics of soil animal communities within this desert ecosystem, with a particular focus on vertical profile variations beneath four dominant shrub species (AS-Alhagi sparsifolia, KC-Karelinia caspia, TR- Tamarix ramosissima, CC- Calligonum caput-medusae). Utilizing comprehensive soil sampling and metagenomics techniques, we reveal the diversity and distribution patterns of soil animal communities from the soil surface down to deeper layers (0–100 cm). Our research outcomes have unveiled that Nematoda and Arthropoda emerge as the most predominant classes of soil animals across all studied shrubs. Specifically, Nematoda exhibited notably high abundance in the KC area, while Arthropoda thrived predominantly in the TR region. We also observed a linear decrease in Nematoda populations as soil depth increased, consistent among all shrub species. Moreover, the highest Shannon diversity within soil animal communities was recorded in the KC area, underscoring a trend of declining alpha diversity in the AS region and an increase in other shrub areas as soil depth increased. Notably, the zones dominated by CC and TR displayed the highest levels of beta diversity. Our correlation analysis of soil animals and environmental factors has pinpointed soil water content, available phosphorus, and available potassium as the most influential drivers of variations in the top-classified soil animal communities. This study provides insights into soil animals in deserts, supporting future research to preserve these fragile deserts and enhance our understanding of life below the surface in challenging ecosystems.

Genetic and morphological evidence support the specific status of the endemic Ericaandevalensis (Ericales, Ericaceae).

Assessing the taxonomic status of closely related taxa is crucial in plant systematics and can have important implications for conservation and human plant use. Ericaandevalensis Cabezudo & Rivera is a metallophyte endemic species from highly metal-polluted soils of SW Iberian Peninsula, an area with a mining history going back more than 5,000 years. Ericaandevalensis is closely related to Ericamackayana Bab., a northern Iberian species also present in western Ireland. The status of E.andevalensis as a species or subspecies subordinated to E.mackayana is subject to debate. Here, we assessed the genetic and phenotypic relationship between both species, including the population structure of E.andevalensis. We used high throughput sequencing to determine genome-wide Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), and morphometric analyses from 35 reproductive and vegetative traits. The morphological analysis showed at least eight characters that can discriminate the two species, from which ovary hairiness and the size of leaf glandular hairs were the most informative. Genetic analyses showed that each species formed a monophyletic cluster with full support, separated by an interspecific genetic distance >4-fold higher than intra-specific distance. Population genetic analyses of E.andevalensis shows that populations are highly structured, with the Portuguese one as the most isolated and less variable. These results support the recognition of E.andevalensis as a distinct species with a highly constrained ecological requirements and a narrow geographic distribution, but with a limited gene flow between populations. We discuss the implications of these outcomes in conservation policies and potential uses of E.andevalensis such as decontamination of polluted soils.

Effects of habitat biotic features on hymenopteran diversity in East Africa

Abstract Purpose Originally, the coastal region of East Africa was largely covered with coastal forest. With the human settlement, the majority of these forests have been transformed into agricultural land for subsistence farming. Today, only small and geographically isolated forest remnants exist and form a mosaic of different habitat types, including natural, semi-natural and anthropogenic ones. The forest remnants may still represent valuable habitats for typical forest plant and animal species. Methods In this study, we surveyed hymenopteran diversity and community composition in different habitat types in southern Kenya. Hereby we considered a small remnant of East African coastal forest, adjoining orchards, shrublands, tree plantations, agricultural fields, and settlements. Hymenoptera represent a large variety of taxa and provide relevant ecosystem services such as pollination to the local people. Hymenoptera were collected with coloured pan traps, identified to family or genus level, and sorted to morphospecies. Habitat parameters such as dead wood, leaf litter, vegetation structure, and the availability of flowers has been assessed for each study site. Results In total, we found 419 Hymenoptera individuals of 153 morphospecies. The different habitat types showed distinct species communities of Hymenoptera. Increasing shrub layer and increasing herb cover had a negative effect on hymenopteran species richness and abundance. Flowers, trees, leave litter, and deadwood showed no significant effect on hymenopteran diversity. Conclusion Our results underline that small-scale habitat diversity lead to high overall diversity of Hymenoptera. Implications for insect conservation: The coastal forest remnant still holds a unique hymenopteran community with 20 Hymenoptera species exclusively found in this habitat type. It is thus of very high conservation value.

Low genetic differentiation despite high habitat fragmentation in an endemic and endangered species of Iridaceae from South America: implications for conservation

Abstract To conserve threatened species effectively, it is crucial to map the genetic variation of the remaining populations. Thus, using 15 microsatellites markers, from which 10 were specially developed for this study, we investigated genetic structure and gene flow patterns of Herbertia zebrina Deble, a critically endangered species endemic from grasslands of southern Brazil. We also investigated the degree of habitat fragmentation and the impacts on levels of genetic diversity, mating system and pollinators of the species. STRUCTURE and discriminant analysis of principal components identified the existence of three genetic clusters. Populations were not isolated by distance, and genetic differentiation among populations was low (7.0%). Migration rates were also low, but no evidence of genetic bottlenecks was found. However, effective population-scaled mutation rates (Θ) were < 1, suggesting that populations could be experiencing genetic drift, but the reason remains unknown. The results indicate that measurements of habitat fragmentation were not significantly correlated with genetic diversity estimates, which tend to increase with fragment size. H. zebrina was identified as an outcrossing species and specialized pollinators, such as Chalepogenus goeldianus and Lanthanomelissa betinae were rarely observed. Our findings suggest that genetic differentiation across multiple populations within the entire geographic distribution of H. zebrina is very low and populations may struggle to adapt to the current environmental and pollination changes. However, habitat fragmentation is still too recent to detect significant impacts on the levels of genetic variation. Thus, conservation plans are necessary to avoid further declines of this species.

Diets of white-headed langurs (Trachypithecus leucocephalus) inhabiting limestone forests: The effects of habitat fragmentation and implication for conservation.

Information about wildlife diets is crucial for comprehending how species adapt to varying environments in fragmented habitats and for developing effective conservation strategies. White-headed langurs (Trachypithecus leucocephalus) are exclusively found in fragmented limestone forests in southwestern China. To investigate the effects of habitat fragmentation on langurs' diets, we collected published dietary data and relevant environmental factors spanning from 1996 to 2021 at two regions with different degrees of fragmentation (Banli > Bapen), from 10 studies (three of Banli and seven of Bapen). The results demonstrated that the diets of white-headed langurs were significantly influenced by environmental factors, including habitat fragmentation, annual rainfall, and mean annual temperature. Food item diversity index was significantly and positively affected by the fragmentation index, the higher fragmentation the langurs suffered, the more diverse food items they consumed. Besides, fruit consumption was negatively influenced by annual rainfall and the consumption of other items was influenced by mean annual temperature. Notably, although there are no significant differences in the feeding proportions of food items or food item diversity indices were observed between the Banli and Bapen groups, the Banli groups extensively consumed ground-supported kudzu (Pueraria montana var. lobata), a plant rarely recorded in the dietary preferences of the Bapen groups, implying that the large plants likely lacking in the fragmented limestone forests. Our findings provide evidence of the major impact of habitat fragmentation on the dietary composition of white-headed langurs, highlighting the need of considering the possibility that the habitats of the white-headed langurs have all undergone extreme fragmentation, inferring the conservation efforts should prioritize protecting native vegetation and reducing human disturbance.

Diets of white-headed langurs (Trachypithecus leucocephalus) inhabiting limestone forests: The effects of habitat fragmentation and implication for conservation.

Information about wildlife diets is crucial for comprehending how species adapt to varying environments in fragmented habitats and for developing effective conservation strategies. White-headed langurs (Trachypithecus leucocephalus) are exclusively found in fragmented limestone forests in southwestern China. To investigate the effects of habitat fragmentation on langurs' diets, we collected published dietary data and relevant environmental factors spanning from 1996 to 2021 at two regions with different degrees of fragmentation (Banli > Bapen), from 10 studies (three of Banli and seven of Bapen). The results demonstrated that the diets of white-headed langurs were significantly influenced by environmental factors, including habitat fragmentation, annual rainfall, and mean annual temperature. Food item diversity index was significantly and positively affected by the fragmentation index, the higher fragmentation the langurs suffered, the more diverse food items they consumed. Besides, fruit consumption was negatively influenced by annual rainfall and the consumption of other items was influenced by mean annual temperature. Notably, although there are no significant differences in the feeding proportions of food items or food item diversity indices were observed between the Banli and Bapen groups, the Banli groups extensively consumed ground-supported kudzu (Pueraria montana var. lobata), a plant rarely recorded in the dietary preferences of the Bapen groups, implying that the large plants likely lacking in the fragmented limestone forests. Our findings provide evidence of the major impact of habitat fragmentation on the dietary composition of white-headed langurs, highlighting the need of considering the possibility that the habitats of the white-headed langurs have all undergone extreme fragmentation, inferring the conservation efforts should prioritize protecting native vegetation and reducing human disturbance.

Ecological dynamics of Al-Chibayish marshes in southern Iraq: Insights into water quality, fish genetic affinity, and conservation implications

The aim of this paper is to comprehensively investigate and analyze the ecological dynamics of the Al-Chibayish Marsh. The study focuses on key environmental factors, aims to gain insight into the diversity and abundance of fish populations within the marsh, identifies dominant fish families, and assesses monthly changes in species composition. Two locations were chosen from among the Al-Chibayish marshes for this study, and three water samples were collected every month at every site, starting from March 2020 to February 2021. The mean water temperature recorded was 23.66 °C, while the salinity content exhibited variation over the study period. In July, the salinity content measured 4.34 g/l. Moreover, the pH ranged from 7.4 to 8.5. Dissolved oxygen levels exhibited seasonal variation, with an average value of 7.65 mg/l. The mean alkalinity value was 155.25 mg/l. Planiliza abu is the predominant species in terms of relative abundance, constituting 25.99 % of the total catch. Its percentages varied from 12.13 % in May to 46.74 % in December, with Alburnus sellal accounting for 19.07 % of the catch, with variations between 5.10 % in May and 30.99 % in June. Oreochromis aureus comprised 15.98 % of the total and fluctuated from 11.17 % in March to 20.27 % in January. Other notable species include Carassius auratus (13.10 %), Coptodon zillii (10.49 %), and Carasobarbus luteus (3.80 %). The H index exhibited variation over time, with values ranging from 1.25 in March to a peak of 2.99 in October. On the other hand, the J index also displayed temporal variability, with values ranging from 0.65 in April to 0.86 in August, while the D index showed changes as well, with values differing from 1.66 in March to 3.79 in January. Finally, based on these data, the ecosystem in the study area can be considered a fragile system.

Comparison of soil eDNA to camera traps for assessing mammal and bird community composition and site use.

Species detections often vary depending on the survey methods employed. Some species may go undetected when using only one approach in community-level inventory and monitoring programs, which has management and conservation implications. We conducted a comparative study of terrestrial mammal and bird detections in the spring and summer of 2021 by placing camera traps at 30 locations across a large military installation in northern Michigan, USA and testing replicate soil samples from these sites for environmental DNA (eDNA) using an established vertebrate metabarcoding assay. We detected a total of 48 taxa from both survey methods: 26 mammalian taxa (excluding humans, 24 to species and two to genus) and 22 avian taxa (21 to species and one to genus). We detected a relatively even distribution of mammalian taxa on cameras (17) and via eDNA analysis (15), with seven taxa detected from both methods. Most medium-to-large carnivores were detected only on cameras, whereas semi-fossorial small mammals were detected only via eDNA analysis. We detected higher bird diversity with camera traps (18 taxa) compared to eDNA analysis (eight taxa; four taxa were detected with both methods), but cameras alone were most effective at detecting smaller birds that frequently occupy arboreal environments. We also used Bayesian spatial occupancy models for two widely distributed game species (white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus, and ruffed grouse, Bonasa umbellus) that were moderately detected with both survey methods and found species-specific site use (occupancy) estimates were similar between cameras and eDNA analysis. Concordant with similar studies, our findings suggest that a combination of camera trap and eDNA surveys could be most useful for assessing the composition of terrestrial mammal communities. Camera traps may be most efficient for assessing bird diversity but can be complemented with eDNA analysis, particularly for species that spend considerable time on the ground.

Distribution and accumulation of UV filters (UVFs) and conservation status of Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows in a prominent Mediterranean coastal tourist hub

This study investigates the presence and impact of UV filters in Posidonia oceanica meadows in Formentera, a Mediterranean tourist hotspot. It highlights the distribution of inorganic (TiO2 and ZnO) and organic UV filters (UVFs) in different environmental matrices, their accumulation in seagrass tissues and their impact on the seagrass health.In the overlying and canopy waters of P. oceanica, Zn concentrations surpassed Ti, with three organic UVFs (benzophenone-3 [BP-3], avobenzone and homosalate [HMS]) consistently detected. Ti concentrations were generally higher than Zn in rhizosphere sediments, along with recurrent presence of octocrylene, HMS, 2-ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (EHMC), and 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC). Maximum Zn concentrations were found in canopy waters (3052.9 ng L−1). Both Ti and Zn were found in all P. oceanica tissues and leaf epiphytes across all study sites. Additional UVFs like octocrylene, avobenzone, and BP-8 were also detected in P. oceanica tissues and epiphytes. Elevated levels of octocrylene in leaf epiphytes (2112.1 ng g−1 dw) and avobenzone in leaves (364.2 ng g−1 dw) and leaf epiphytes (199.6 ng g−1 dw) were observed in the Port of La Savina, the island's main entry port. Octocrylene concentrations (up to 2575 ng g−1 dw) in rhizosphere sediments near sewage discharge points exceeded reported maxima, highlighting wastewater treatment plants as significant sources of organic UVFs. Correlational analyses suggested that the accumulation of octocrylene, avobenzone, and BP-3 negatively impacted P. oceanica's conservation status, affecting global density, density at 100 % cover, and leaf morphometry. Positive correlations were observed between leaf polyphenols (antioxidants) and concentrations of avobenzone, benzophenone-8 (BP-8), and BP-3, indicating potential oxidative stress induced by UVFs in P. oceanica.Our study underscores the pervasive presence of UV filters in P. oceanica habitats, with implications for seagrass health and conservation, especially in areas of high tourism and sewage discharge.

Generalized nonlinearity in animal ecology: Research, review, and recommendations.

Generalized linear models (GLMs) are an integral tool in ecology. Like general linear models, GLMs assume linearity, which entails a linear relationship between independent and dependent variables. However, because this assumption acts on the link rather than the natural scale in GLMs, it is more easily overlooked. We reviewed recent ecological literature to quantify the use of linearity. We then used two case studies to confront the linearity assumption via two GLMs fit to empirical data. In the first case study we compared GLMs to generalized additive models (GAMs) fit to mammal relative abundance data. In the second case study we tested for linearity in occupancy models using passerine point-count data. We reviewed 162 studies published in the last 5 years in five leading ecology journals and found less than 15% reported testing for linearity. These studies used transformations and GAMs more often than they reported a linearity test. In the first case study, GAMs strongly out-performed GLMs as measured by AIC in modeling relative abundance, and GAMs helped uncover nonlinear responses of carnivore species to landscape development. In the second case study, 14% of species-specific models failed a formal statistical test for linearity. We also found that differences between linear and nonlinear (i.e., those with a transformed independent variable) model predictions were similar for some species but not for others, with implications for inference and conservation decision-making. Our review suggests that reporting tests for linearity are rare in recent studies employing GLMs. Our case studies show how formally comparing models that allow for nonlinear relationships between the dependent and independent variables has the potential to impact inference, generate new hypotheses, and alter conservation implications. We conclude by suggesting that ecological studies report tests for linearity and use formal methods to address linearity assumption violations in GLMs.

The Conservation Implications of the Gut Microbiome for Protecting the Critically Endangered Gray Snub-Nosed Monkey (Rhinopithecus brelichi).

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in regulating energy metabolism, facilitating nutrient absorption, and supporting immune function, thereby assisting the host in adapting to seasonal dietary changes. Here, we compare the gut microbiome composition of wild gray snub-nosed monkeys during winter (from October to December) and spring (from January to March) to understand differences in seasonal nutrient intake patterns. Snub-nosed monkeys are foregut fermenters and consume difficult-to-digest carbohydrates and lichen. To examine the digestive adaptations of gray snub-nosed monkeys, we collected 14 fresh fecal samples for DNA analysis during the winter and spring. Based on 16S rRNA sequencing, metagenomic sequencing, and functional metagenomic analyses, we identified that Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, and Bacteroidetes constitute a keystone bacterial group in the gut microbiota during winter and spring and are responsible for degrading cellulose. Moreover, the transition in dietary composition from winter to spring was accompanied by changes in gut microbiota composition, demonstrating adaptive responses to varying food sources and availability. In winter, the bacterial species of the genera Streptococcus were found in higher abundance. At the functional level, these bacteria are involved in fructose and mannose metabolism and galactose metabolism c-related pathways, which facilitate the breakdown of glycogen, starch, and fiber found in fruits, seeds, and mature leaves. During spring, there was an increased abundance of bacteria species from the Prevotella and Lactobacillus genera, which aid the digestion of protein-rich buds. Combined, these findings reveal how the gut microbiota adjusts to fluctuations in energy balance and nutrient intake across different seasons in this critically endangered species. Moreover, we also identified Pseudomonas in two samples; the presence of potential pathogens within the gut could pose a risk to other troop members. Our findings highlight the necessity of a conservation plan that focuses on protecting vegetation and implementing measures to prevent disease transmission for this critically endangered species.

Seasonal variations of leaf ecophysiological traits and strategies of co-occurring evergreen and deciduous trees in white oak forest in the central Himalaya.

The present study investigates the seasonal variations in leaf ecophysiological traits and strategies employed by co-occurring evergreen and deciduous tree species within a white oak forest (Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus) ecosystem in the central Himalaya. Seasonal variations in physiological, morphological, and chemical traits were observed from leaf initiation until senescence in co-occurring deciduous and evergreen tree species. We compared various parameters, including net photosynthetic capacity (Aarea and Amass), leaf stomatal conductance (gswarea and gswmass), transpiration rate (Earea and Emass), specific leaf area (SLA), mid-day water potential (Ψmd), leaf nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentration, leaf total chlorophyll concentration, photosynthetic nitrogen- and phosphorus-use efficiency (PNUE and PPUE), and water use efficiency (WUE) across four evergreen and four deciduous tree species. Our findings reveal that evergreen and deciduous trees exhibit divergent strategies in coping with seasonal changes, which are crucial for their survival and growth. Deciduous trees consistently exhibited significantly higher photosynthetic rates, transpiration rates, mass-based N and P concentrations (Nmass and Pmass), mass-based chlorophyll concentration (Chlmass), SLA, and leaf Ψmd, while maintaining lower leaf structural investments throughout the year compared to evergreen trees. These findings indicate that deciduous trees achieve greater assimilation rates per unit mass and higher nutrient-use efficiency. Physiological, morphological, and leaf N and P concentrations were higher in the summer (fully expanded leaf) than in the fall (senesced leaf). These insights provide valuable contributions to our understanding of tree species coexistence and their ecological roles in temperate forest ecosystems, with implications for forest management and conservation in the Himalayan region.

Ancient and Recent Hybridization in the Oreochromis Cichlid Fishes.

Cichlid fishes of the genus Oreochromis (tilapia) are among the most important fish for inland capture fisheries and global aquaculture. Deliberate introductions of non-native species for fisheries improvement and accidental escapees from farms have resulted in admixture with indigenous species. Such hybridization may be detrimental to native biodiversity, potentially leading to genomic homogenization of populations and the loss of important genetic material associated with local adaptation. By contrast, introgression may fuel diversification when combined with ecological opportunity, by supplying novel genetic combinations. To date, the role of introgression in the evolutionary history of tilapia has not been explored. Here we studied both ancient and recent hybridization in tilapia, using whole genome resequencing of 575 individuals from 23 species. We focused on Tanzania, a natural hotspot of tilapia diversity, and a country where hybridization between exotic and native species in the natural environment has been previously reported. We reconstruct the first genome-scale phylogeny of the genus and reveal prevalent ancient gene flow across the Oreochromis phylogeny. This has likely resulted in the hybrid speciation of one species, O. chungruruensis. We identify multiple cases of recent hybridization between native and introduced species in the wild, linked to the use of non-native species in both capture fisheries improvement and aquaculture. This has potential implications for both conservation of wild populations and the development of the global tilapia aquaculture industry.