Local Biodiversity Research Articles (Page 1)

Shellfish mariculture, particularly of oysters, poses a significant risk for the introduction of non-native species into marine ecosystems. This study investigates the diversity of invertebrate species colonizing live and discarded oyster shells originating from a farm and oyster bar in the Tylihul Estuary, a region with active oyster farming. Advanced molecular techniques identified several invasive species associated with the discarded shells, including Semibalanus balanoides , Austrominius modestus and Monocorophium insidiosum . These taxa have not been previously documented in the region. Our findings indicate that macrofaunal composition differs between live and discarded oyster shells, and that the richness of invasive invertebrates associated with oyster shells is higher than expected. The discarded shells not only act as a substrate for colonization but also serve as potential vectors for biological invasions. We performed a Species-related Risk Assessment to identify the potential ecological impacts on local biodiversity and ecosystems of the invasive species associated with oysters. Our study proposes management strategies aimed at mitigating the risks associated with shells discarded by oyster bars. Our recommendations include informing recreational travellers and retailers about the implications of discarding shells into the water and advocating for the control of risks related to the use of shells as a construction material.

The nickel mining activities in Indonesia, particularly on Obi Island, have significantly altered land-use patterns, marked by an expansion of bare land due to topsoil and vegetation removal. This has led to a drastic decline in dense and productive vegetation cover, which previously served as a carbon sink and habitat for local biodiversity. Utilizing Landsat 8 Surface Reflectance Collection 2 Tier 1 imagery (2015, 2020, 2025), this study employed the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) within the Google Earth Engine and ArcGIS Pro platforms to assess spatiotemporal changes in vegetation cover. Results indicate a substantial increase in non-vegetated areas and a significant reduction in moderate-to-high-density vegetation, particularly within the mining core zone, directly attributable to nickel extraction activities, which drive habitat fragmentation and ecosystem degradation. Although rehabilitation and revegetation efforts demonstrate localized success, ongoing mining pressures pose risks of further environmental damage without sustainable management. This study underscores the critical need for stringent environmental regulations and targets ecological restoration to mitigate mining impacts and ensure the long-term sustainability of Obi Island's ecosystems

Shallow hydrothermal vent meso-zooplankton: A systematic review of species composition and community structure.

The development of sustainable food systems requires natural solutions that reduce dependence on synthetic additives while ensuring instrumental quality, sensory acceptability, and consumer safety. This study evaluated Aristotelia chilensis leaf powder, a Chilean native plant rich in polyphenols, as a natural and sustainable alternative to synthetic antioxidants in the production of fresh sausages. The leaf powder was incorporated at 500, 1000, and 1500 mg/kg, and effects on proximal composition, pH, color, fatty acid profile, volatile organic compounds and sensory attributes were assessed. No changes were found in proximal composition or pH. Treatments with 500 and 1000 mg/kg increased oleic and eicosapentaenoic acids and reduced trans fatty acids and lower concentrations were observed of aldehydes linked to lipid oxidation. Overall, 500 mg/kg of maqui leaf powder (ML) was identified as the optimal treatment, as it reduced oxidation indicators, improved the lipid profile, and maintained sensory acceptability. In addition to its technological functionality and effect on sensory acceptability, the use of Aristotelia chilensis as a natural ingredient in sausages could reinforce food sustainability by reducing dependence on synthetic petroleum-derived additives, revaluing local biodiversity within a circular economy framework, and meeting consumer demand for healthier products with clean labels.

Abstract Wild edible mushrooms (WEM) are integral to the cultural practices of indigenous communities across the world. Their utilization is essential to effective forest management practices and sustainability within local communities. The intergenerational transmission of traditional knowledge plays a vital role in regulating resources, sustaining ecological balance, and ensuring cultural continuity. This paper seeks to document the ethnomycological knowledge of the Kurmi‐Mahato community, including an analysis of the local traditional practices and cultural significance of wild edible mushroom species. Ethnomycological hikes and participatory research involved fieldwork with 25 families, documenting fifteen species of wild edible mushrooms. A comprehensive index was developed to assess the cultural significance of WEM, identifying species with high cultural relevance and potential for community engagement in mycophilic activities. Drawing on the anthropology of care, the results suggest the traditional use of WEM is influenced by age, economic activities, and the household's distance from forests. This study contributes to the medicinal exploration of mushrooms, as well as bridges the gap between local ecological knowledge and biodiversity to preserve the intangible cultural heritage. Ultimately, this work leads to a deeper understanding of the factors influencing WEM on cultural significance, and traditional local knowledge of the communities and their environmental management.

Scientific collections are recognized as important instruments for research, conservation, and teaching of biodiversity; however, they remain underused as pedagogical resources for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). The Ichthyological Collection of the Federal University of Western Pará (UFOPA), in western Pará, gathers representative specimens of Amazonian ichthyofauna, constituting a regional scientific and cultural heritage. This article describes the methodology for using technical–scientific data from this collection to produce four educational products about the diversity of fishes in the Tapajós River: a memory game, a coloring book, an illustrated species guide, and a school activity workbook. The research combined document review, interviews, data systematization, and translation into accessible language, integrating principles of ESD and science teaching. The results demonstrate that using the collection to produce educational materials, when based on contextualized methodologies, enhances scientific literacy for conservation. By translating scientific data into accessible pedagogical materials, this study provides practical support for environmental education policies and for the inclusion of local biodiversity content in school curricula, expanding the social reach of scientific collections and promoting direct impacts on conservation and sustainable development, thereby strengthening SDGs 4, 14, and 15.

There is an increasing demand for consistent methods and tools to quantify biodiversity footprints: the magnitude of biodiversity loss associated with all direct and indirect impacts associated with a given human activity or economic actor. Here, we present the intactness-based biodiversity impact factors (IBIF) dataset: a consistent set of country-level impact factors that can be used to attribute losses in local terrestrial biodiversity intactness to emissions and resource use associated with production or consumption in a given country. We used the GLOBIO biodiversity model and its mean species abundance (MSA) metric to obtain these impact factors for 234 countries and five environmental pressures: CO2 emissions, NH3 emissions, NOx emissions, land use (urban land, cropland, pasture, forest plantations and mines) and roads. IBIF includes impact factors for vascular plants, warm-blooded vertebrates (birds & mammals) and both species groups combined. The dataset can be used to quantify the biodiversity footprints of current products, industrial sectors or consumers, in support of policy- and decision-making aimed at halting or reversing biodiversity loss.

This study examines the climatic niche dynamics of naturalized plants in China, emphasizing how incomplete species distribution data from digitized herbarium specimens and associated observation records accessible through global data portals (e.g. the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, GBIF) influence the estimation of niche sizes and shifts during species migration and naturalization. We compared the climatic niche sizes and shifts of naturalized plants using two datasets: one based solely on GBIF and the other integrating digitally available records retrieved from local Chinese sources. We also analyzed niche mismatches to predict ecological niche changes and assess their relationship with climatic adaptability. The integration of locally mobilized digital datasets significantly improved niche size estimates and revealed more pronounced niche shifts than inferred from GBIF data alone. These shifts were mainly driven by temperature and seasonality gradients. The use of GBIF-only data underestimated the climatic space occupied by naturalized plants, particularly in southern China. Our findings highlight the need for global data providers to integrate, whenever possible, local biodiversity records to better understand the climatic resilience and expansion potential of naturalized species. Such integration is crucial for accurately predicting their future distributions and ecological impacts in new environments.

Objective: This research aimed to analyze the role of forest nurseries in sustainability, synthesizing their socio-environmental impacts and their contribution to conservation and ecological restoration. Theoretical Framework: Forest nurseries are ecologically important and generate significant socioeconomic impacts. However, their operations also present challenges, such as the inappropriate use of inputs and the introduction of species that can affect local biodiversity. Method: This research conducted a literature review using the Google Scholar database. A total of 21 works were selected for this study, using the descriptors "Forest nurseries," "Community development," and "Environmental degradation." Results and Discussion: The analysis identified significant gaps in the literature, particularly regarding occupational risks, rational water use, and the relationship between nurseries and community strengthening. Research Implications: Although forest nurseries are of paramount importance in the forestry sector, few studies address their socio-environmental impacts in general. Originality and Value: Therefore, it is essential to understand the multiple impacts generated by these enterprises, evaluating both their benefits and limitations.

Simple SummaryThe Alpine salamander (Salamandra atra) is a mountain-dwelling species with limited dispersal and a preference for cool, moist habitats. A recently discovered population in the Koralpe mountain range (southeastern Austria) is geographically isolated from other known populations. Genetic analyses revealed that these salamanders are both distinct and highly structured, even across short distances, indicating limited gene flow. This isolation may increase their vulnerability to habitat disturbance and climate change. However, the population also carries rare genetic variants, making it important for the species’ overall genetic diversity. Peripheral and isolated populations like this can enhance a species’ evolutionary potential and adaptive capacity. Therefore, conserving the Koralpe population is essential—not only for local biodiversity, but also for maintaining the long-term resilience of the species.The Alpine salamander (Salamandra atra) is a cold-adapted amphibian with low dispersal capacity, endemic to the Alps and Dinarides. Isolated populations at the range’s margins are especially vulnerable to habitat fragmentation and genetic erosion. We investigated the population genetic structure of S. atra in the Koralpe, a biogeographically important mountain range in southeastern Austria. Using mitochondrial DNA, we found that the Koralpe population harbors unique genetic variants not shared with other known populations. Strong genetic differentiation and low connectivity among Koralpe subpopulations, inferred from microsatellites, indicate long-term isolation, likely caused by unsuitable intervening habitats and the species’ limited dispersal capacity. Although the estimated effective population size (Ne = 245) is moderate and no severe genetic bottlenecks were detected, subpopulation sizes are likely small. These findings highlight the conservation value of this peripheral population and support its recognition as a distinct management unit. In situ protection, improved landscape connectivity, and continued (genetic) monitoring are essential for the population’s long-term survival. Given its unique genetic signature and pronounced structuring, targeted conservation measures are critical—especially under increasing pressure from climate change and habitat degradation. Preserving this isolated lineage will contribute to local biodiversity and help safeguard the evolutionary potential of S. atra as a whole.

Claclo is a traditional Ivorian fritter made from fermented ripe plantain, whose quality often varies due to uncontrolled fermentation practices. This study aimed to select lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with potential as starter cultures for standardizing claclo production. A total of 22 LAB strains were isolated from raw cow’s milk, fermented cassava mash, and cashew apple juice using standard microbiological methods. Macroscopically, colonies were smooth, beige or white, and varied in size. Microscopically, all isolates were Gram-positive, catalase-negative, and mainly coccobacilli or cocci arranged in chains or clusters, consistent with typical morphological traits of Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, and Pediococcus, though genus confirmation would require molecular identification. The strains were mesophilic, growing optimally at 30–45 °C, tolerating up to 6.5% NaCl, and showing better growth at pH 9 than pH 4. Nine robust strains were selected for proteolytic activity, and three (LBL5, LBM2, LBC2) were tested in plantain mash fermentation. Strain LBL5 (from raw milk) showed rapid acidification (pH 4.0 in 8 h), high titratable acidity (145 meq/100 g), and growth up to 5×10⁸ CFU/g, with total soluble solids reduced from 19.8 to 6.5 °Brix. LBM2 and LBC2 exhibited slower acidification (final pH ≈ 4.4, titratable acidity 92–95 meq/100 g). These results highlight LBL5 as a promising starter culture for claclo, with potential to improve safety and shelf life while valorizing local microbial biodiversity.

As forest resources are continuously converted into agricultural land, the ecosystem balance faces significant challenges, disrupting local biodiversity. To understand the evolutionary process of agricultural ecosystems, a Dynamic-Multiple (DM) agricultural ecosystem model is proposed. The Lotka-Volterra model is referenced, integrating natural processes and human decision-making, to develop the DM model and examine the population biomass variations of four species in the eastern Hubei Yangtze Plain. Biomass variation trends of different species under the influence of five factors are identified. The DM agricultural ecosystem is modified by introducing two new species, snakes and mice. Re-analysis of biomass variations shows that the introduction of snakes and mice significantly impacts bat biomass, with no notable effect on other species. The model is further modified by incorporating Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria (PGPB) and pollination effects. PGPB is found to primarily influence crop biomass, while the pollination effect mainly affects crop growth rate. When herbicides are removed during sowing in the third year, a significant decline in crop biomass is observed, and the number of consumers tends to stabilize. The model is validated through the above three cases.

Tangier’s northern Atlantic coastal zone, particularly from Achakar to Sidi Kacem, is under increasing pressure from urbanization and tourism, which exacerbates its vulnerability to coastal erosion. This study aimed to assess spatio-temporal changes, quantify erosion and accretion rates, and identify factors influencing the coastline’s stability or retreat. Potential impacts of this erosion include the loss of coastal habitats and threats to local biodiversity. The methodology combined automatic shoreline extraction using multi-temporal Landsat images (1973–2024) and field-based DGPS surveys. The results show that the coastline is eroding at an average rate of –2.24 m year–1, with erosion rates increasing in severity towards the south. Two beaches, Sidi Kacem and Houara, were studied in detail. Between 1973 and 1990, significant erosion occurred: –6.63 m year–1 at Sidi Kacem and –8.01 m year–1 at Houara. Between 1990 and 2015, erosion (–2.12 m year–1 at Houara) and accretion (+2.24 m year–1 at Sidi Kacem) fluctuated. From 2015 to 2024, alternating dynamics with reduced intensity were observed. While this erosion poses limited immediate threats to critical infrastructure such as the airport and road networks, the study highlights limitations, including satellite image resolution and temporal data gaps. Future research should integrate higher-resolution data (e.g. LIDAR) and evaluate anthropogenic impacts on coastal dynamics, including urban runoff, sand extraction and tourism infrastructure development, to improve management strategies in the Achakar–Sidi Kacem area.

Biological invasions of alien aquatic plants are a major threat to conservation of freshwater habi­tats, as well as a socio-economic problem. Introduced primarily by human activities, these alien plants compete with native species, reduce local biodiversity and alter structure and function of the aquatic ecosystems. This review examines the most relevant scientific literature on the major invasive alien aquatic plants (IAAPs) found in Europe (Alternanthera philoxeroides, Azolla filiculoides, Cabomba caroliniana, Egeria densa, Elodea canadensis, E. nuttallii, Gymnocoronis spilanthoides, Hydrilla verticillata, Hydrocotyle ranunculoides, Lagarosiphon major, Lemna minuta, Ludwigia grandiflora, L. hexapetala, L. peploides subsp. montevidensis, Myriophyllum aquaticum, M. heterophyllum, Pistia stratiotes, Pontederia crassipes, Salvinia molesta), with a special focus on impacts exerted by these species on invaded freshwater ecosystems. It includes both qualitative and quantitative analyses and evaluates the temporal trends of the scientific contributions considering the impact and management of these species in Europe and worldwide. Despite a recent increase in contributions on these IAAPs, the knowledge on their impacts in Europe remains mainly concentrated on a few species and rather fragmented and deficient on others. In fact, evident inequalities emerge among these IAAPs in both the number of dedicated contributions and in the treatment of each species, as some of them are currently excluded from the list of IAS of Union Concern. Moreover, the European level research on these IAAPs turned out to be scarcely influenced by the “listing” effect (i.e. inclusion of IAAPs in the Union list), showing little or no increase in the number of studies on impact or management. The studies found on impacts document that the selected IAAPs largely exert environmental impacts on invaded ecosystems by altering both the abiotic (water chemical and physical factors) and biotic (plant and animal communities) components. The impact mechanisms of these species vary (chemical, physical, structural, competitive, toxicity) and were classified according to the EICAT (Environmental Impact Classification for Alien Taxa) protocol. Overall, the review reveals significant gaps in knowledge about the environmental impacts of most of these IAAPs in Europe, despite some being included in the list of IAS of Union concern. To address these gaps and protect European freshwater ecosystems from biological invasions, more field studies supported by laboratory investigations are needed, followed by effective management interventions. In addition, it is considered necessary that impactful alien species with a wide distribution in Europe, but which are currently excluded from the EU list, be included as soon as possible. This would allow for coordinated management practices at the European level, which are essential for their containment.

Research Highlight: Moser, V., Capitani, L., Zehnder, L., Hürbin, A., Obrist, M., Ecker, K., Boch, S., Minnig, S., Angst, C., Pomati, F., & Risch, A. (2025). Habitat heterogeneity and food availability in beaver-engineered streams foster bat richness, activity and feeding. Journal of Animal Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.70136. Ecosystem engineers increase habitat heterogeneity, altering abiotic and biotic resources and are key to effective nature recovery. Reintroductions of Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber) in Europe have indirectly benefitted multiple taxonomic groups, aquatic and terrestrial, as their activities result in wetland restoration and diversification of vegetation composition and structure. Bats have been found to be positively impacted by beaver activity, yet the causal drivers were unknown. In a recent study, Moser etal. (2025) monitored bat species richness, activity and foraging activity at beaver pools and control beaver-free sites in Switzerland, finding significant increases in all three measures. Importantly, this study is the first to show significant positive impacts on bat foraging at beaver-engineered sites, and increases in species richness included red-listed species of conservation concern. By testing causal links of the impact of direct (increased canopy heterogeneity and standing deadwood density) and indirect (increased arthropod prey abundance) impacts of beaver engineering on bats, the authors found mixed responses at the foraging guild level. Edge-hunting aerial hawkers benefitted most from beaver engineering, and increased standing deadwood density was shown to have the strongest impact on bats. This study provides key evidence for the positive outcomes of beaver reintroductions on local biodiversity, highlighting the value of ecosystem engineers for nature recovery strategies.

A systematic review on indigenous starter cultures that have been applied in traditional fermentation of dairy products in sub Saharan Africa.

Odonata is one of the orders of insects that has an important role as an indicator of the quality of aquatic ecosystems as well as a component in the food chain. The diversity of Odonata species in urban areas, including campus environments, is often not optimally documented, even though this information is crucial as a basis for environmental management and conservation of local species. Campus II of the State Islamic University of North Sumatra, which has a small aquatic ecosystem, such as ponds and riparian vegetation, is a potential habitat for the existence of the Odonata order. However, until now there has been no scientific study documenting the species in the area. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of identifying Odonata species found in the Campus II environment of the State Islamic University of North Sumatra. This research is an exploratory research with data collection techniques using direct sampling methods in the field. Specimen collection was carried out using insect nets, visually documented through digital cameras, and identified using taxonomic determination keys as the main reference. Stationery is used for recording data during field observation. The data from the research were analyzed qualitatively using the Miles and Huberman model analysis technique which involved four systematic steps, namely data collection, data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawn. The results of the study showed that in the Campus II area of the State Islamic University of North Sumatra, two species of Odonata were found, namely Diplacodes trivialis from the suborder Anisoptera and Agriocnemis pygmaea from the suborder Zygoptera. These two species show adaptation to artificial aquatic habitats in the campus environment. This study concluded that even though the area is semiurban, there is still a diversity of Odonata species that needs attention. The implications of this study are expected to be an initial reference for the development of local insect biodiversity studies as well as the basis for the formulation of insect-friendly habitat management policies in university areas.

ABSTRACTLand use and other anthropogenic activities are degrading freshwater ecosystems and their biodiversity worldwide. Although results from long‐term monitoring networks suggest that freshwater biodiversity may not be undergoing significant change, information about how freshwater biodiversity has changed and the effectiveness of current environmental goals remains limited. We used nationwide survey data of stream diatoms, macroinvertebrates, and lake diatoms, macroinvertebrates, and macrophytes to examine how land use has changed freshwater biodiversity in Finland and how effective good ecological status class, that is, the main environmental goal for freshwater ecosystems in the European Union, is for protecting biodiversity. We employed RIVPACS‐type multitaxon distribution models with independent validation sites to assess observed to expected ratios of local taxa (O/E) as well as differences in observed and expected regional frequencies of taxa. Land use negatively impacted local diversity of both examined stream communities (mean difference in O/E to near natural reference streams > 0.076), while lake communities were affected by only agriculture and multiple pressures (mean difference in O/E to near natural reference lakes > 0.093). Regional taxon prevalences were significantly reduced in all land use groups for diatoms (21%–61% of taxa), lake macrophytes (21%–39%), and macroinvertebrates (11%–65%), but also increased particularly for diatom (24%–26%) and macrophyte (29%) species in agricultural areas. Species with decreased frequency were generally sensitive species, while species that increased in their frequency were tolerant species typical for mesotrophic or eutrophic conditions. In the good ecological status class, frequencies were also changed, and for some groups such as stream macroinvertebrates, there were substantial changes (66% of taxa declined), indicating that the current management goal may be partially insufficient to protect freshwater biodiversity. Our study highlights that there is a need to incorporate freshwater biodiversity in the environmental objectives to ensure effective conservation and restoration efforts.

ABSTRACTEnvironmental DNA (eDNA) sampling to monitor wildlife presence has mostly focused on water but increasingly includes soil, air, and creative biotic substrates like flowers and spiderwebs. Biotic substrates are unique in that they also provide insight into ecological interactions. Here we explore the ability of eDNA from songbird nests to reveal avian trophic ecology, such as nestling diet and nest predator identity, in addition to local insect biodiversity. Twenty‐two nests comprising five New World sparrow species and two nonsparrow passerines were collected in a montane sagebrush steppe ecosystem shortly after confirmed nest predation events. A novel protocol was used to extract eDNA from whole nests, and each nest was sequenced twice—with and without a blocking oligonucleotide. The blocker was designed with alternating locked nucleic acids to specifically inhibit sparrow amplification and improve detection of rare species. A total of 126 species were detected, and the blocker proved highly effective, reducing sparrow reads ~100% with no discernable coblocking of nonsparrow passerines. Species richness in sparrow nests increased by 31% with the blocker when using a minimum read threshold of 10 copies. Most detected species were insects, including likely prey items and ectoparasites of nestling birds. Predators were detected in 36% of nests. We discuss the merits of this rich and unique data source and considerations for future implementation.

Fumigation is an essential tool for the protection of commodities in transit and storage from the threat posed by domestic and invasive pests. Globalisation of the world economy, coupled with a warming climate, means this is an ever-increasing risk for global supply chains, and one that the phytosanitary industry must address dynamically. It is a risk which is especially acute for the timber and forestry sector, with products such as sawn timber acting as a major pathway for these pests which have potential to devastate local biodiversity.