Mediterranean Climate Research Articles

Do Precipitation and Temperature Influence Perceptions of Urban Cleanliness?

Abstract This study explores the correlation between weather and the perception of urban cleanliness across the 47 largest cities in Spain. Utilizing survey data conducted by the national Consumers and Users Organization (OCU) in 2015, 2019, and 2023 to assess cleanliness perceptions, we analyze potential associations with precipitation and temperature recorded by weather stations of the Spanish Meteorological Agency. Additionally, we consider computed values of the De Martonne aridity index. The OCU data reveal regional disparities in perceived cleanliness quality. Higher cleanliness scores are obtained in cities located in the northern and north-central regions of Spain, characterized by humid and superhumid climates according to the De Martonne index. Conversely, lower cleanliness ratings are given to cities in the southern and eastern regions of Spain, where a Mediterranean climate and lower aridity index values prevail. In conducting a statistical analysis on the perception of cleanliness and variables related to precipitation and temperature, the results of the chi-square and linear correlation tests found no strong statistical correlation, although a tendency is observed. Cities with higher annual precipitation and lower values of average annual temperature tend to receive better cleanliness ratings, while drier and warmer cities exhibit the worst values of perceived urban cleanliness. Furthermore, our findings indicate that the Gompertz model effectively captures a strong statistical correlation in the relationship between cleanliness perception and the De Martonne index: As aridity increases, cleanliness perception decreases. These results are relevant for the development of future cleaning methods and systems, particularly in light of the climate change scenarios that are anticipated in the Mediterranean region due to warmer and drier conditions and, consequently, an increase in aridity.

Écouter le feu. The aftermath of wildfires and the question of rebuilding in high risk fire areas

Mega-fires have become frequent in areas around the world. They are no longer limited to areas in the Mediterranean climate. Extreme fires are now burning in Canada and Siberia due to more frequent fire weather conditions. Such conditions are strongly linked to the warming of the earth's atmosphere. In the US the term mega-fires came into use after the 1988 fire at Yellowstone Park. Such fires can permanently transform a landscape into a non-forested habitat. Wildfires are uncontrolled fires that burn in the wildland urban interface. No longer are wildfires a topic of interest only to foresters. Those in the practice of urban design and planning need to take notice. Land-use changes made by local governments have permitted urban development within forested areas and they have further exacerbated fire risks.

A dramatic northward range expansion of a Red Sea soft coral in the Mediterranean Sea

AbstractHistorically isolated from tropical influences, the Mediterranean Sea underwent drastic changes, including the Lessepsian migration facilitated by the opening of the Suez Canal, connecting the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea. Here, we report on the discovery of a thriving and lush population of an Indo‐Pacific soft coral in the transforming Mediterranean Sea. This species was identified as Dendronephthya hemprichi (Klunzinger, 1877) through morphological and genetic assessments. The unexpected appearance of a dense population of this tropical coral off the Israeli Mediterranean coast signifies a northward range expansion of approximately 350 km from the northern Red Sea. Considering the potential for this soft coral to alter benthic community structure and create new marine animal forests, the population's sudden and massive colonization of artificial structures raises intriguing questions about its possible long‐term ecological implications in the Mediterranean ecosystem. This study emphasizes the urgency of continuous monitoring and research to understand the ecological consequences of this unprecedented abrupt tropical incursion of hundreds of colonies and its potential implications for the region's biodiversity. Moreover, the findings contribute to the broader discourse on the tropicalization of temperate and subtropical regions, highlighting the need to adapt conservation strategies that embrace and understand novel configurations of ecosystems in the face of ongoing local and global changes.

A first revision of the Andrena of Iraq (Hymenoptera, Andrenidae), with the description of two new species from Iraqi Kurdistan and additional records from surrounding countries.

Iraq is a large country in the Middle East region that borders both Turkey and Iran, countries known to host two of the largest bee faunas globally, as expected for a group of insects that favour dry to Mediterranean climates. Despite this huge regional species richness, the bee fauna of Iraq is chronically understudied and poorly known, both in relative and absolute terms. This is true for the hyper-speciose bee genus Andrena, for which only 17 species have been previously published for Iraq. This work is the first modern contribution to the revision of the Andrena fauna of Iraq. Based on new specimen collections in Duhok Governorate (Iraqi Kurdistan) during 2023, a revised total of 59 Andrena species for Iraq (42 species recorded for the first time) is presented, including the description of two new species: Andrena (Aciandrena) duhokensis Wood, sp. nov. and Andrena (Notandrena) baiocchii Wood, sp. nov. The unknown males of A. (Micrandrena) elam Wood, 2022, A. (Micrandrena) obsidiana Wood, 2022, and A. (Notandrena) ayna Wood, 2023 are described. Andrenabakrajoensis Amin & Mawlood, 2019, syn. nov. is synonymised with A. (Holandrena) variabilis Smith, 1853. Additional records are presented from nearby Middle Eastern countries, particularly Lebanon. These results highlight the fundamentally understudied nature of the Iraqi Andrena fauna.

Dental remains of Plio–Pleistocene Cercopithecidae (Mammalia: Primates) from Romania

The superfamily Cercopithecoidea had a broad spatial distribution and occupied a wide variety of habitats across Europe from the Late Miocene until the Middle Pleistocene. Cercopithecines, such as macaques, showed more flexibility in habitat preferences, whereas colobines tended to be more sensitive to environmental differences. In Romania, only a few Pliocene and Pleistocene fossil sites have yielded primate remains. In this paper, we revise selected specimens previously listed in site reviews, and we describe several unpublished specimens from the Plio–Pleistocene fossil localities of Berești (Mammal Neogene [MN], MN14–MN15), Mălușteni (MN14), Ciuperceni-2 (MN15b), and Betfia (MN18). For each, we provide detailed descriptions, comparisons to other relevant material, and updated taxonomic assignments. We also present an updated biochronology and provide a paleoenvironmental reconstruction based on the taxonomic composition of the faunal assemblages described from these primate localities. The colobine monkey Dolichopithecus ruscinensis, from Berești, Mălușteni, and Ciuperceni-2, was present during the Early Pliocene in Romania. Mesopithecus monspessulanus is also known from Mălușteni, as is Paradolichopithecus sp. The Early Pleistocene site Betfia yielded a molar germ (in crypt; Betfia-XIII) and a deciduous premolar (Betfia-IX), both belonging to a Macaca sylvanus subspecies. Macaca sylvanus ssp. occurrences from Betfia-XIII and Betfia-IX offer an important perspective for understanding the chronostratigraphic range and geographic distribution of this species during the Early Pleistocene. The paleoenvironmental descriptions from Ciuperceni-2 show that primates were distributed in a mosaic habitat, with open and forested areas and a warm Mediterranean climate. This differs from Mălușteni, Berești, and Betfia, where a dry continental phase with an open landscape is inferred. Our review of paleoenvironmental conditions of Romanian primate localities provides a paleoecological framework for understanding the habitat preferences of extinct primates.

A new species of Pseudotsuga (Pinaceae) from the lower Miocene of Lesvos, Greece, and its palaeogeographical and palaeoclimatic implications

Pseudotsuga Carrière is commonly known as Douglas-fir, a minor genus attributed to Pinaceae. Four extant species are included in this genus, with dispersed distribution in East Asia and western North America. Pseudotsuga possesses a number of fossil records of needled leaves, seed cones, and seeds. Nevertheless, few reliable fossil wood of this genus has been specifically investigated. Here, we describe some anatomically well-preserved petrified fossil wood from the lower Miocene of Lesvos Island, Greece, as Pseudotsuga lesvosensis n. sp. The studied fossil wood remains are characterized by the presence of normal axial and radial resin canals, piceoid cross-field pitting, along with distinctive helical thickenings in cell walls consistent with Pseudotsuga. The present fossil conifer further enriches the species diversity of the Miocene Petrified Forest in Lesvos. The first report of Pseudotsuga lesvosensis from the southern Europe in this study extends the tempo-spatial distribution patterns of Pseudotsuga and contributes to further understanding of its origin and evolutionary history. The occurrence of P. lesvosensis fossil wood, as well as other palaeontological macrofloral composition evidence, indicates a humid warm temperate to subtropical climatic condition during the early Miocene within the Lesvos, which differs significantly from the current Mediterranean climate.

The Results of a Pre-study to Determine The Effects of Zinc and Iron Foliar Fertilizer on Canola (Brassica napus L.)

Increasing canola yield, a winter oil crop, is important for its cultivation in the product pattern of the Mediterranean climate zone. Therefore, a study was planned to determine the impact of foliar application zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and Zn + Fe combination on the yield and quality of canola. The experiment was arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications. Zinc (3.0% v/v), iron (7.5% w/w), and their combination were foliar sprayed at rosette and flowering stages. The highest number of siliques per plant, number of seeds per silique, seed index, and seed yield were recorded in the Fe application. Zn + Fe combination significantly increased the oil and protein content, whereas Zn application exhibited higher oil and protein yield performance. It was concluded that using iron and zinc separately regarding yield and quality is economically beneficial.

The Future Sustainability of the São Francisco River Basin in Brazil: A Case Study

The viewpoint and reaction of a country towards climate change are shaped by its political, cultural, and scientific backgrounds, in addition to the distinct characteristics of its evolving climate and the anticipated and actual consequences of the phenomenon in the times ahead. A region’s climate has a significant impact on how water is managed and used, mostly in the primary sector, and both the distribution of ecosystem types and the amount and spreading of species on Earth. As a result, the environment and agricultural practices are affected by climate, so evaluating both distribution and evolution is extremely pertinent. Towards this aim, the climate distribution and evolution in the São Francisco River basin (SFRB) is assessed in three periods (1970–2000, 1981–2022) in the past and 2041–2060 in the future from an ensemble of GCMs under two SSPs (Shared Socioeconomic Pathways), SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5. The Köppen-Geiger (KG) climate classification system is analyzed, and climate change impacts are inferred for this watershed located in central-eastern Brazil, covering an area equivalent to 8% of the country. Results predict the disappearance of the hot summer (Csa) and warm summer (Csb) Mediterranean climates, and a reduction/increase in the tropical savanna with dry winter (Aw)/dry summer (As). A striking increase in the semi-arid hot (BSh-steppe) climate is predicted with a higher percentage (10%) under SSP5-8.5. The source and the mouth of SFRB are projected to endure the major impacts of climate change that are followed by a predicted increase/decrease in temperature/precipitation. Future freshwater resource availability and quality for human use will all be impacted. Consequences on ecosystems, agricultural, and socioeconomic sectors within the SFRB might deepen the current contrasts between regions, urban and rural areas, and even between population groups, thus translating, to a greater extent, the inequality that still characterizes Brazilian society. Maps depicting land use and cover changes in SFRB from 1985 to 2022 highlight tendencies such as urbanization, agricultural expansion, deforestation, and changes in shrubland and water bodies. Urban areas fluctuated slightly, while cropland significantly increased from 33.57% to 45.45% and forest areas decreased from 3.88% to 3.50%. Socioeconomic data reveals disparities among municipalities: 74.46% with medium Human Development Index (HDI), 0.59% with very high HDI, and 9.11% with low HDI. Most municipalities have a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita below US$6000. Population distribution maps show a predominance of small to medium-sized urban and rural communities, reflecting the basin’s dispersed demographic and economic profile. To achieve sustainable adaptation and mitigation of climate change impacts in SFRB, it is imperative that integrated measures be conducted with the cooperation of stakeholders, the local population, and decision-makers.

Proximal canopy sensing of twenty-two bread wheat genotypes for nutritional quality, yield attributes and grain yield under Mediterranean climate

To ensure nutritional security of rapidly increasing population, research interest has revitalized in determining the nutritional quality traits of staple food crops, especially wheat. Besides higher yield potential, research gaps exist regarding nutritional quality assessment of promising wheat genotypes grown under the Mediterranean climate. A field study was conducted to determine the relationship between yield components and quality characteristics of 22 bread wheat genotypes using the SPAD meter, GreenSeeker (NDVI), and CM-1000 chlorophyll meter at different growing stages (Stem elongation, Heading, Anthesis and Milk stage). The recorded findings revealed that G-41 genotype surpassed the rest of bread wheat genotypes by recording the maximum grain yield, whereas G-60 genotype exhibited the highest protein and wet gluten content. Among response variables, SPAD and NDVI values at the heading stage and CM-1000 values at the milk stage were found to be statistically insignificant. According to the correlation and biplot analysis, a significant positive correlation was found between the SPAD values measured for the stem elongation, anthesis and milk stage and yield and quality characteristics. Significant positive correlations were found between the NDVI values at the stem elongation, anthesis, and milk stages and the yield components, and between the CM-1000 value at the heading stage and the grain yield.

The influence of hillslope topography on beech water use: a comparative study in two different climates

Abstract. Understanding the interrelation between topography and vegetation across different environments is important to assess how hydrological and climatic conditions affect tree physiological activity. This becomes especially important given the expected reduction in water availability and the increase in water demand driven by climate change. These extremes could enhance the thermal and hydrologic gradients along slopes. Here, we aimed to test if and how different climatic and hydrological conditions affect the physiological response of beech trees (Fagus sylvatica L.) to environmental variables along two different topographic sequences. For this purpose, we set up a comparative study on a gentle hillslope in the Weierbach catchment in Luxembourg (oceanic climate) and on a steep hillslope in the Lecciona catchment in Italy (Mediterranean climate). We combined sap velocity measurements with isotopic measurements of soil, precipitation, stream water, groundwater, and xylem over 2019 and 2020 for the Luxembourgish site and over 2021 for the Italian site. We found that, in the Weierbach catchment, trees' responses to environmental variables (i.e. vapour pressure deficit and relative extractable water in the soil) were similar among hillslope positions and between the two monitored years, resulting from homogeneous growing conditions along the topographic sequence. We also did not find any statistical difference in the isotopic composition of xylem water between positions, suggesting that beech trees relied on similar water sources across the landscape. In the Lecciona catchment, we observed lower sap velocities and shorter growing season in trees growing in the upper portions of the hillslope, likely related to water redistribution and different soil moisture along the hillslope catena. Xylem isotopic composition was significantly lighter at the footslope location throughout the growing season than in the upslope locations, suggesting location-specific water use. These results emphasize how differing hydrometeorological processes occurring at the hillslope scale can lead to contrasting tree responses.

Deer exclusion is necessary to promote post‐fire herbaceous regeneration in the understorey of a Mediterranean forest

The frequency of severe wildfires is on the rise in the Mediterranean Basin as a result of climate change and land abandonment. Recurrent wildfires may retard or impede ecosystem recovery, frequently requiring the implementation of restoration practices. In that context, a post‐fire deer exclusion experiment was conducted in a Mediterranean mixed forest ecosystem with high population densities of deer species (Fallow deer and Red deer). A deer exclusion area was established as a form of restoration intervention to promote post‐fire vegetation recovery. We surveyed plant species during the second and third springs after fire in both deer‐excluded and deer‐allowed areas in order to detect changes in the community. We analyzed the plant species composition, species diversity, and structure of herbaceous and woody plant communities. We also compared the frequency of annual and perennial herb species, functional groups, and post‐fire plant regeneration strategies. The main differences were due to differences between springs rather than of deer‐excluded and deer‐allowed plots. Deer consumed both woody and herbaceous species, favoring the assemblage of herbaceous over woody species. Deer favored the establishment of annual forbs, including unpalatable and/or exotic species, while limiting the abundance of graminoids. Observed deer impacts could have been magnified during the second spring by a drought. Our study demonstrates that deer exclusion can be an effective restoration practice for promoting post‐fire herbaceous regeneration in forests with significant densities of wild ungulates, although seasonal effects may override restoration practice effects.

Evaluating dynamic soil quality by the soil management assessment framework (SMAF) in the watershed scale in a semi-arid Mediterranean ecosystem in Turkey

Soil is an indispensable and important natural resource and it is necessary to manage and monitor soil quality with appropriate methods in order to ensure the sustainability of the soil. The aim of this study is to determine the current state of soil quality in different land uses where soil functions change. This study was carried out in the Karasu river watershed with an area of 19,178 ha where Entisols soil order is dominant, located Andırın, Kahramanmaraş. The Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF) method and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to assess the dynamic soil quality in watershed scale. In the evaluation of soil quality, random samples were taken from a total of 360 topsoil layers (0−30) according to land use and physiography. Soil indicators such as bulk density, aggregate stability, total organic carbon, pH, electrical conductivity, available phosphorus (P), potassium (K), available water amount and water-filled pore volume were selected to create the minimum data set (MDS). The results showed that the productivity, environmental protection, waste recycling quality scores and general soil quality index of forest lands are higher than agricultural lands. According to expert opinion, general soil quality scores were found to be 0.86 in forest land, 0.78 in crop land and 0.83 in grassland, while in PCA, general soil quality scores were calculated as 0.85 in forest land, 0.79 in crop land and 0.78 in grassland. Contribution level of soil functions to management targets was observed in water relations function the most. The contribution levels of the water relations function to the productivity, environmental protection and waste recycling management targets are 0.38, 0.32 and 0.34 in forest lands, 0.42, 0.33 and 0.35 in croplands, respectively; It was showed that 0.40, 0.33 and 0.36 in grasslands. Contribution rates of productivity, environmental protection and waste recycling management targets to soil quality were 30%, 37% and 33%, respectively, in forest lands; 29%, 37% and 34% in crop lands; It has been determined as 30%, 36% and 34% in the grasslands. Negative effects such as heavy rainfall in the watershed, wrong agricultural practices (excessive fertilization and irrigation, improper tillage, and crop selection, etc.) and excessive grazing have led to soil degradation and erosion, reducing the soil function capacity of agricultural lands and meadows. In order to increase the functional capacity of the soil, a soil management approach aimed at protection, improvement and sustainability must be adopted and implemented.

Length-Weight Relationship of Diamondback puffer Lagocephalus guentheri from the northeastern Mediterranean Sea

The length-weight relationship data is important basic information that helps to compare species between populations and habitats. In this study, we provide detailed information on the length-weight relationships and condition factors of Lagocephalus guentheri from the Iskenderun Bay, northeastern Mediterranean Sea. A total of 408 (262 Female, 146 Male) specimens were collected on commercial trawlers by local fishermen caught between December 2022 to December 2023 from Iskenderun Bay. The total length range was 11.0-36.9 cm and 11.2-36.7 cm for females and males, respectively. The total weight values of females and males ranged from 20.30-1080.50 g and 20.50-1012.36 g, respectively. The length-weight relationship of L. guentheri was calculated as W = 0.0098 × L3.2145 (R2 = 0.9960) for females, W = 0.009 × L3.2399 (R2 = 0.9963) for males, and W = 0.0095 × L3.2243 (R2 = 0.9962) both sexes. The Fulton’s condition factor was observed as 1.2384 for females, 1.2504 for males, and 1.2335 for both sexes. This study is the most recent reference on length-weight relationships and condition factors for L. guentheri after correction of species identification. It is very important to determine the population parameters of pufferfish species to shed light on the studies to be carried out to restore the ecological balance in the Mediterranean ecosystem. This study will provide basic information that will be useful for fisheries scientists and managers in the Mediterranean Sea.

Similar climate–growth relationships but divergent drought resilience strategies in coexisting Mediterranean shrubs

Abstract Anticipating future impacts of climate warming and aridification on drylands requires understanding how coexisting woody plant species respond to climate variability. However, we lack knowledge of the growth resilience capacity of Mediterranean shrubs. Do coexisting trees and shrubs differ in their response to climate? Do coexisting shrub species have comparable post‐drought growth resilience? This study was conducted in two Mediterranean shrublands with sparse trees in semi‐arid north‐eastern Spain. We selected sites situated in formerly agricultural or grassland areas in two regions subjected to semi‐arid Mediterranean climate conditions. We sampled six shrubs' species (Juniperus phoenicea, Juniperus oxycedrus, Pistacia lentiscus, Pistacia terebinthus, Rhamnus lycioides and Rhamnus alaternus) and one tree species (Pinus halepensis) to measure their radial growth and to reconstruct their past growth patterns using dendrochronology. We quantified climate–growth relationships of trees and shrubs, as well as the growth resilience capacity after drought events of the six shrubs. Growth patterns differed between species but a prevalent trade‐off between growth and longevity was found. Growth responses to climate were comparable between species but differed between sites. Most species responded positively to precipitation and negatively to temperature. The most negative correlations of growth with drought severity were found at the driest Valcuerna site. Shrubs differed in their resilience capacity. Across sites, species were more resistant and resilient in Alcubierre, the wettest site. The shrubs P. terebinthus and R. lycioides were more resistant and resilient than the rest of species, which required longer growth recovery times and accumulated stronger growth reductions, particularly J. phoenicea. Synthesis. These results highlight the importance of drought as a driver of growth in Mediterranean scrublands. Growth resilience strategies differed between species with junipers being less resilient to drought than other coexisting shrubs. Further research should investigate how this difference in post‐drought resilience is related to functional traits, particularly those related with plant water‐use strategies.

Testing the Miyawaki method in Mediterranean urban areas through a standardised experimental design

The Miyawaki method, developed by Akira Miyawaki, restores natural forests by planting diverse native species in compact spaces, rapidly creating compact, resilient ecosystems. Initially successful in Japan, its global application bloomed but remains rare in Mediterranean urban areas despite benefits like biodiversity enhancement and climate change mitigation. This method's effectiveness in Mediterranean climates, which face unique challenges like urban heat islands and biodiversity loss, is underexplored in literature and practice. We are leading a project in Italy to identify optimal plant assemblages, addressing the method's documentation gap in urban settings. It explores the potential of Tiny Forests to provide ecosystem services and improve urban liveability against climatic extremes. This note paper details the methodological steps undertaken in this experimental application, offering a tailored approach to test the method's adaptability and impact in Mediterranean urban environments, suggesting a significant opportunity for urban greening and resilience.

DETERMINATION OF YIELD AND FATTY ACID CONTENTS OF DIFFERENT CAMELINA (Camelina sativa L. Crantz) GENOTYPES

Grain yield and fatty acid components of camelina (Camelina sativa L. Crantz) are largely unknown in the Eastern Mediterranean. For this reason, two year field experiment was carried out with three replicates in randomized complete block design to determine the yield performances and fatty acid components of 33 camelina genotypes in Mediterranean climate conditions. In the study, in addition to grain yield and agronomic characteristics, oil quality parameters palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and erucic acid were analyzed. It was determined that genotype 28 (3120 kg ha-1) gave good results in terms of yield, followed by genotype 9 (2735 kg ha-1) and 1 (2651 kg ha-1). These genotypes are genetically drought resistant. Besides, 28 (3.09 %), 9 (2.66 %) and 1 (2.73 %) are the preferred genotypes for the Eastern Mediterranean due to their two-year mean erucic acid content based on the 5% EU residue limit for erucic acid in edible oils. It has been concluded that in regions where the Mediterranean climate prevails and drought stress begins to be seen, camelina cultivation can be done with natural rainfall. Promising genotypes with high oil quality can be evaluated in plant breeding in order to combine yield and quality.

Micro-habitat shifts by butterflies foster conservation strategies to preserve pollinator diversity in a warming Mediterranean climate

The Butterfly Monitoring Scheme based on linear transects conducted by citizen scientists has become a fundamental indicator for understanding the impact of climate change on butterfly populations. A key finding is the fast poleward expansion of butterfly distributions in Europe, coupled with slower population declines in southern regions. Given that the Mediterranean region is a climate change hotspot, understanding the largely unknown mechanisms employed by butterflies to cope with increasing aridity is crucial for developing data-driven conservation strategies. To address this issue, we developed a monitoring approach based on 90 transects fully covering areas of 50 m × 50 m squares instead of linear paths. This enabled us to explore the fine-scale dynamics of 80 butterfly species and their association with vegetational units in the Mediterranean hills (∼800 m a.s.l. as maximum altitude) of the MAB UNESCO Reserve of Monte Peglia (Central Italy). We sampled the transects from April to October 2022 (the locally hottest summer of the last decade) and documented three main patterns: 1) butterfly richness and abundance correlate with environmental features and these relationships vary across seasons. Richer sites consisted of some 30 % of woodland and were those closer to water, mostly during summer (area-based analysis). 2) Environmental preferences vary with species traits. Specialist species and those adapted to colder climates and narrower temperature ranges were more abundant in higher altitudes sites, closer to water and with wider woodland coverage (fourth-quadrant analysis). 3) Although most species preferred meadows, when temperature increases, they increased their abundance in sites with wider tree coverage, closer to streams, and at higher altitude (species-based analysis). These dynamics demonstrate that butterflies opportunistically move to cooler micro-habitats to buffer elevated temperatures. This phenomenon potentially involves most of the community since the species showing significant effects encompass >80 % of the observed individuals. Our analysis introduces new dimensions to the niche of Mediterranean butterflies, highlighting the significance of shady micro-habitats, altitudinal ranges, and water streams. These factors are likely to become increasingly critical with rising aridity levels. By combining our findings with existing literature data, we have provided a protocol aimed at preserving Mediterranean butterflies within the resist-accept-direct framework.

Assessment of Pinus halepensis Forests’ Vulnerability Using the Temporal Dynamics of Carbon Stocks and Fire Traits in Tunisia

Carbon stocks provide information that is essential for analyzing the role of forests in global climate mitigation, yet they are highly vulnerable to wildfires in Mediterranean ecosystems. These carbon stocks’ exposure to fire is usually estimated from specific allometric equations relating tree height and diameter to the overall amount of aboveground carbon storage. Assessments of vulnerability to fire additionally allow for specific fire resistance (bark thickness, crown basal height) and post-fire recovery traits (cone mass for regeneration, and fine branches or leaves mass for flammability) to be accounted for. These traits are usually considered as static, and their temporal dynamic is rarely assessed, thus preventing a full assessment of carbon stocks’ vulnerability and subsequent cascading effects. This study aimed to measure the pools of carbon stocks of individual trees varying between 30 and 96 years old in the Djbel Mansour Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis) forest in semi-arid central Tunisia in the southern range of its distribution to fit a sigmoid equation of the carbon pools and traits recovery according to age as a vulnerability framework. Allometric equations were then developed to establish the relationships between fire vulnerability traits and dendrometric independent variables (diameter at breast height, height, and live crown length) for further use in regional vulnerability assessments. The total carbon stocks in trees varied from 29.05 Mg C ha−1 to 92.47 Mg C ha−1. The soil organic carbon stock (SOC) at a maximum soil depth of 0–40 cm varied from 31.67 Mg C ha−1 to 115.67 Mg C ha−1 at a soil depth of 0–70 cm. We could identify an increasing resistance related to increasing bark thickness and basal crown height with age, and enhanced regeneration capacity after 25 years of age with increasing cone biomass, converging toward increasing vulnerability and potential cascading effects under shorter interval fires. These results should be considered for rigorous forest carbon sequestration assessment under increasing fire hazards due to climate and social changes in the region.

Biochemical analysis of three red grapevine varieties during three phenological periods grown under Mediterranean climate conditions.

In Mediterranean regions, severe summers are becoming more common, leading to restrictions to vine productivity and yield quality, requiring sustainable practices to support this sector. We assessed the behaviour of three red grapevine varieties from the Douro Region to examine their tolerance to summer climate stress from the perspective that the less common varieties may have potential for increased use in a climate change scenario. Leaf and fruit biochemical profile, antioxidant activity and fruit colorimetric parameters were assessed at different phenological stages in Aragonez (AR), Tinto Cão (TC) and Touriga Nacional (TN) grape varieties. All three varieties exhibit significant variability in phenological timing, influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Photosynthetic pigment strategies differed among varieties. Chlorophyll content in AR was high to cope with high radiation, while TN displaying a balanced approach, and TC had lower pigment levels, with higher levels of phenolics, antioxidants, and soluble sugars, particularly during stress. The variations in berry biochemical profile highlight the distinct characteristics of the varieties. TC and TN show potential for coping with climate change, having elevated total acidity, while AR has larger and heavier berries with distinct coloration. These findings reinforce the need to study the behaviour of different varieties in each Terroir, to understand their diverse strategies to deal with summer climate stress. This will help in selecting the most suitable variety for these conditions under vineyard management in the Douro Region.

Sustaining Soil Biological Activity: The Role of Extended Reduced and No-Tillage Techniques

Soil management techniques can have varying effects on various soil properties. This study investigated the impact of various tillage techniques on soil properties for 14 years. The experiment was conducted at the Çukurova University Research Station, located in a region with a dominant Mediterranean climate. The research aimed to assess the changes in soil organic matter (SOM) content, soil respiration (SR), dehydrogenase enzyme activity (DHA), and soil temperature (ST) under seven different long-term tillage practices. The results revealed significant increases (p ≤ 0.05) in SOM (17-115%), SR (19-37%), and DHA (63-142%), under conservation tillage compared to conventional tillage practices. Additionally, conventional tillage with stubble burned consistently had the lowest values across all measured properties. Seasons variations also significantly (p≤0.05) affected the observed values. These findings suggest that conventional tillage practices have a negative effect on the analyzed biological activities, with stubble burning further exacerbating this impact. Further research exploring the long-term effects of different tillage practices under varying crop rotations and soil conditions can contribute to the sustainable development of agricultural production in the region.