Assessment of macroplastic and microplastic pollution in the beach sediments along the Murud, central west coast of India.

"Silent circulation of Trichinella spp. in wild boars (Sus scrofa): Evidence from serology in the absence of detectable larvae".

Synchronization to the environmental day-night cycle is the key to survival in many animals. For a photoinduced physiological response to occur, Critical Daylength (CD) is required for that species. Some studies have shown changes in pectoral muscles and adipose tissue of migratory birds under the influence of 'Continuous light Pulse' (CP) photoperiodic schedules, but data under the influence of 'Skeleton Photoperiod' (SKP) is still lacking. Two groups of Redheaded Buntings were exposed to SKPs along with one group on shortday control, to test their effects on histological changes via histomorphometric analysis of pectoral muscle fibers and adipose tissue. The SKP groups were designed such that one tended to be photosensitive, while the other tended to be photostimulatory. The tissues of interest were cryosectioned and stained with either haematoxylin-eosin or oil red-O (ORO) stain. Thereafter, microscopy and imaging were done. We measured pectoral muscle fiber thickness, neutral lipid droplet size in muscle fibers, adipocyte area, adipocyte number density/ 1000 µm2, and adipocyte area frequency. Significant differences were observed in the morphometry of muscle fibers and adipocyte parameters of these groups. Depending on the perceived daylengths, positive correlations were observed between the characteristics of these tissues. Previous studies on buntings demonstrated physiological changes under such light regimes, but here we present evidence at the histological levels through histomorphometric analysis. It is suggested that adipocyte fat storage precedes muscle hypertrophy. The results raise a possibility for involvement of endocrine factors between pectoral muscles and adipose tissue in this migratory bird.

Migratory birds are the natural reservoir of influenza A virus (IAV), but their role as a carrier of SARS-CoV-2 remains unclear. Here, we report the identification of three almost full-length viral genome sequences of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) in Tundra swans. These sequences are named hCoV-19/Tundra swan/Jiangxi/IMCAS_M1/2021 (IMCAS_M1), hCoV-19/Tundra swan/Jiangxi /IMCAS_M2/2021 (IMCAS_M2), and hCoV-19/Tundra swan/Jiangxi/IMCAS_M3/2021 (IMCAS_M3). IMCAS_M1 and IMCAS_M3 have the same mutations as the Beta VOC (K417N, E484K, and N501Y) in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the viral spike (S) protein, whereas IMCAS_M2 shares the same mutations as the Gamma VOC (K417T, E484K, and N501Y) in the RBD with all three showing their distinct mutations in the genomes. Virus receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) proteins from both Tundra swan (tsACE2) and Black swan (bsACE2) can bind to the RBDs of all three viruses and the Alpha VOC, but not to RBD of the prototype (PT) virus. The polar contacts and hydrophobic interactions revealed by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of the RBD-ACE2 complex, play key roles in virus-receptor engagement. Furthermore, HeLa cells expressing bsACE2 and tsACE2 proteins could be transduced by pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2 variants (Alpha, Beta, and Gamma) but not PT SARS-CoV-2. In addition, we obtained one partial genome of MERS-CoV named Bar-headed goose/Tibet/IMCAS_M4/2022 (IMCAS_M4) with 20,180 bp (~70.0% coverage). Our findings highlight the importance of migratory birds as potential carrier of both SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV, thereby posing potential threat to public health.

Songbirds rely on an endogenous programme encoding spatio-temporal information necessary for naive individuals to perform their first migration. Timing programmes are generated by endogenous clocks and include responses to external cues, with photoperiod being the most important. Photoperiod can advance or delay the circannual cycle and, while it is well established as a trigger for initiating migration, it remains uncertain whether birds continue to integrate photoperiod into their programme during migration. This study investigated whether two passerine species incorporate photoperiod in their endogenous programmes during autumn migration. Photoperiod manipulation experiments were conducted on hatch-year individuals of European Robin (Erithacus rubecula; short-to-medium distance migrant), and Garden Warbler (Sylvia borin; long-distance migrant), monitoring their migratory activity and fuelling. The two species responded differently to the treatment, possibly due to different migratory distances, though effects of stage-appropriate responses cannot be excluded. European Robins were partially sensitive to photoperiodic cues regarding their migratory activity. Their fuelling was, however, unaffected by photic treatment. Garden Warblers showed little sensitivity to photoperiod, suggesting perhaps a stronger reliance on other external cues during migration. Garden Warblers, furthermore, exhibited an exceptionally high fuelling rate, compared to other species previously studied, likely an adaptation to their time-constrained, long trans-equatorial migration. The results suggest that different components of the migratory phenotype can be controlled by different cues, with species-specific differences in the response. Understanding how migratory timing programmes interact with environmental cues in various migration phases is crucial, especially as anthropogenic processes rapidly alter photic environments risking threatening migratory birds.

Environmental surveillance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in wildlife remains limited, despite increasing recognition that resistance determinants can circulate across human, livestock, and natural ecosystems. Migratory waterbirds move long distances and aggregate at shared stopover and wintering sites, potentially facilitating the acquisition and redistribution of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) across regions. However, nationwide evidence describing the breadth of ARGs carried by winter migratory birds in Japan is scarce. We assessed the diversity and distribution of ARGs in pooled fecal samples from winter migratory birds across Japan. We analyzed pooled fecal DNA collected at migratory bird habitats across 12 local governments during the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 winter seasons (24 pools). Avian host origin was inferred by DNA metabarcoding, and ARGs were profiled by probe-based target enrichment with read-based detection (ARG detected at ≥ 10 reads). Ducks (Anas spp. and Mareca spp.) were the predominant inferred hosts. ARGs were detected in all areas and included genes associated with resistance to multiple antibiotic classes used in livestock production. Across the two seasons, genes associated with resistance to gentamicin, cephalosporins, macrolides, tetracyclines, fosfomycin, clindamycin, penicillins, streptogramins, sulfonamides/trimethoprim, colistin, erythromycin, chloramphenicol, rifampicin, and isoniazid were detected in all 12 areas in at least one season. Genes associated with resistance to agents restricted for use in Japanese livestock production, including colistin, erythromycin, chloramphenicol, and rifampicin, were also detected in all 24 pools. Isoniazid-, gentamicin-, meropenem-, and tigecycline-associated genes were detected in 23/24, 20/24, 11/24, and 9/24 pools, respectively. These data indicate widespread environmental occurrence of diverse ARGs and support the possibility that migratory birds could contribute to long-distance dispersal of ARGs. Culture-based isolation, phenotypic testing, and quantitative analyses will be needed to identify host bacteria and assess clinical relevance.

ABSTRACT This study examines how China’s Green Finance Reform and Innovation Pilot Zones affect urban biodiversity using city-level bird observation data from 2012 to 2020. Adopting a quasi-natural experiment and difference-in-differences method, we assess the policy’s impacts. The results show that green finance policies notably raise overall bird species richness. Such ecological gains mainly stem from sustainable agriculture development, industrial green upgrading and rising public environmental awareness.Policy effects differ across bird species: common and migratory birds benefit greatly, whereas endangered species see no significant changes. This reveals general green finance policies have limited effects on protecting vulnerable wildlife, calling for targeted financial tools. Overall, the study proves financial policies incorporating biodiversity goals bring tangible ecological benefits, offering references for balancing economic growth and biodiversity conservation.

Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) continue to circulate and pose a persistent threat to animal and public health in Egypt, a country located along major migratory birds’ flyways that enable repeated viral incursions. In this study, a total of 1,087 wild birds representing 19 species were sampled to assess the role of migratory wild birds in virus introduction and spread. Six species were found positive for AIV, with Eurasian teal showing the highest prevalence (12.3%). The H5 subtype was found predominant, representing 70.3% of positive cases, whereas H9 was detected in 9.9% of positive cases. Moreover, coinfections with H5/H9 were observed in Eurasian teal, Common moorhen and Northern pintail, suggesting opportunities for cocirculation among migratory species. To predict areas at high risk of AIV detection, these findings were integrated with additional publicly available geolocated AIV sampling records and a spatial machine learning (ML) model was trained. The model demonstrated moderate predictive performance (Area Under Curve =0.608; F1=0.596) and highlighted relative humidity, temperature and proximity to wetlands as primary predictors of AIV detection. In addition, risk projections for early winter underscore several areas including the Nile Delta, Nile River corridor, southern wetlands near Lake Nasser, the south-eastern Red Sea coast and the north-western Siwa region as areas of high risk of AIV detection. The findings of this study demonstrate the role of migratory wild birds in the spread and introduction of AIV into Egypt, particularly H5, and provide an ML-based model to predict areas of high risk of virus detection in Egypt, which could in turn strengthen early detection and guide mitigation strategies.

Agriculture-conservation nexus in East Asian GIAHS: Paddy reclamation reshapes migratory avian communities.

We report the draft genome sequences of four Escherichia coli isolates obtained from migratory birds in Bangladesh. Genome sizes ranged from 4,772,145 to 4,873,191 bp, with 72-81× coverage and approximately 51% GC content, providing enhanced understanding of E. coli diversity in wildlife reservoirs.

ABSTRACT Inland wetlands offer numerous ecosystem services, including water filtration and storage, habitat for migratory birds, and support for diverse wildlife. In the semiarid landscapes of Mongolia, isolated patches of permafrost beneath these wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining these services. They also serve as essential water sources and forage pastures for livestock and agricultural activities. This study examines the effects of anthropogenic activities (mainly livestock grazing) on vegetation and soil properties in permafrost-affected wetlands and adjacent upland grasslands in the Khurkh River Valley. The composition and coverage of vegetation at 35 study sites were assessed through triplicate quadrat harvests, clipped at the soil surface. Pasture degradation was classified as non-degraded, slightly degraded, or moderately degraded based on the proportion of deterioration indicator species. To analyze spatial variability in soil properties, samples were collected from 43 cores (0–30 cm) and analyzed for physicochemical characteristics. The effects of pasture degradation on surface soils varied by reference soil groups, including Phaeozems, Kastanozems, Chernozems, Cryosols, and Histosols. In Phaeozems and Kastanozems, livestock trampling and compaction in moderately degraded pastures tended to decrease water infiltration and accelerate organic matter loss, although these effects were not statistically significant. As a result, soil carbon and nitrogen pools may decrease as degradation intensifies. By contrast, Cryosols underlain by permafrost experienced strong freeze–thaw processes, which promote organic matter accumulation even in pasture-degraded conditions. These differing responses among soil groups highlighted the importance of soil-specific management strategies, including pasture rotation regimes of different durations, to conserve the valuable wetland and grassland ecosystems.

Rapid climate warming, hydrological regulation, eutrophication, pollution, and habitat conversion are reshaping aquatic ecosystems in which bird trematodes complete complex life cycles. Because birds act as definitive hosts, dispersal agents, and trophic links among habitats, we provide a bird-focused review aimed at improving our understanding of how environmental change affects trematode transmission, community structure, and biogeography. We reviewed evidence on avian trematodes across freshwater, coastal, artificial wetland, agricultural, and high-latitude systems. The review integrates mechanistic studies of temperature-dependent intramolluscan development, cercarial emergence, survival, and infectivity with field studies documenting changes in hydrology, intermediate-host availability, bird phenology, habitat use, and trematode community composition. Environmental change affects bird trematodes through multiple interacting pathways. Warming can accelerate cercarial production and shift emergence phenology, but effects are nonlinear and stage-specific because higher temperatures may also reduce cercarial survival or disrupt synchrony with bird hosts. Hydrological alteration, eutrophication, and pollution alter snail and second intermediate host communities, creating spatially heterogeneous transmission mosaics. Changes in bird distribution, migration timing, diet, and use of artificial habitats can either maintain transmission, increase exposure to generalist trematodes, or interrupt complex life cycles. Long-term and molecular studies indicate that disturbed systems may lose specialist trematodes, become functionally homogenized, or conceal cryptic lineage turnover under apparently stable morphology-based species lists. Bird-trematode systems respond to environmental change in context-dependent ways rather than through uniform increases or decreases in transmission. Birds can amplify, disperse, buffer, or interrupt trematode life cycles depending on host competence, movement, habitat connectivity, and intermediate-host availability. Future surveillance should combine stage-specific parasite sampling, molecular identification, bird movement data, and remote sensing to improve forecasts of trematode redistribution and transmission risk under ongoing environmental change.

Molecular detection of avian hemoparasites (Plasmodium and Haemoproteus) in resident and migratory birds from an urban fragment of tropical dry forest in northern Colombia.

Coinvasion biology of endoparasites and highly clonal hosts.

Elucidating the spatial-temporal characteristics and influencing factors of migration activities is the basis for understanding the life cycle of migratory birds and for making conservation measures. Short-distance migratory birds experience less timing pressure during migration; they tend to migrate under suitable environmental conditions and thus the migration decision might be strongly influenced by external environmental conditions. To test this hypothesis, we deployed GPS tags on Far Eastern Oystercatchers ( Haematopus ostralegus osculans ) in the northern Yellow Sea and tracked their annual migration. The tagged oystercatchers, including five adults and seven immatures (second/third-year birds), mainly wintered along the west coast of the Yellow Sea and bred inland in northeastern China. The migration distance between breeding and wintering sites was 1640.7 ± 260.4 km in spring and 1668.7 ± 306.1 km in autumn. Compared with adults, immatures departed from the wintering sites and arrived at the breeding sites later, while there were no significant differences between adults and immatures in the dates of departure from breeding sites and arrival at wintering sites. Migration initiation generally occurred around sunset. Wind conditions consistently provided tailwinds on departure days from wintering, breeding, and stopover sites during both seasons, with wind assistance exceeding the 5- or 10-day pre-departure average. During autumn migration, the temperature on departure days at stopover sites was lower than the mean temperature over the preceding 5 or 10 days. The Yalu Jiang estuary was the main stopover site during both spring and autumn migrations. The stopover duration in autumn (adults: 118.3 ± 8.4 days; immatures: 130.4 ± 5.1 days) was the longest among the studied shorebirds, likely due to moulting of flight feathers at the stopover site. Our results indicate that the migratory decisions of oystercatchers are strongly influenced by wind conditions during the whole annual cycle, whereas they are also affected by temperature when departing from stopover sites in autumn. The extended stopover at the Yalu Jiang estuary in autumn highlights its importance for the species.

This study presents an integrated, multi-criteria spatial assessment for the sustainable siting of OWFs around the island of Crete, combining expert-derived weights, a GIS-based weighted overlay analysis, and an updated socio-environmental exclusion framework. Sixteen evaluation criteria were incorporated, reflecting environmental, technical, economic, and socio-political dimensions, each adapted to the unique geographic and ecological conditions of the Mediterranean island environment. Results confirm the robustness of the original multi-criteria model while refining local suitability by incorporating real environmental evidence. In particular, areas characterised by circalittoral rocky substrates and low biodiversity (e.g., Agios Nikolaos, Chersonissos) align with previously identified high-suitability zones. In contrast, sites under archaeological or ecological protection (e.g., Zakros, Elounda–Spinalonga) were validated as unsuitable. Several areas along the northern and eastern coasts emerged as comparatively favourable due to the combination of strong wind potential and relatively short distances to existing transmission infrastructure and coastal access points. Approximately 493 km 2 of marine areas were classified as moderately to highly suitable. Detailed engineering, geotechnical, financial, and grid-integration analyses would be required to assess practical feasibility and project-scale implementation. Nevertheless, the analysis also underscores the importance of integrating ecological sensitivity into planning processes, particularly for migratory birds and species that rely on soaring–gliding flight. Overall, the findings indicate that Crete has significant spatial potential for offshore wind development within a strategic planning framework, particularly given advances in floating wind technologies and ongoing grid interconnection projects. • Integrated AHP–GIS framework for offshore wind siting in island environments • Multi-stakeholder weighting captures technical, environmental and social constraints • Suitability mapping identifies priority offshore wind zones around Crete • Field-based ROV surveys validate seabed conditions and refine spatial decisions • Methodology supports adaptive offshore wind planning in the Mediterranean

Circulation of high pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) among cattle in the US as a result from spillover events from wild birds has been reported since 2024. The consequences have reduced animal welfare and milk production and increased human exposure to infections. With HPAIV detected in British sheep in March 2025 and bovine antibodies detected in Dutch dairy cow in January 2026, the threat of a wider spread in European ruminants has been underscored. To timely detect and react against the spread of HPAIV in cattle appearing in new regions, it is essential to assess the spatiotemporal risk from wild birds. We here utilised a previously developed spatiotemporal simulation model for avian influenza in birds in Denmark to assess the weekly risk of introduction to dairy herds in 10 by 10km squares. We estimated that the peak risk period for potential transmission to dairy herds is between January and March. Areas with the highest risk estimates include northern Jutland and southern Zealand, associated with a dense dairy population and the wild bird migration corridor, respectively. While these results likely represent a worst-case scenario, as many Danish herds are housed indoors during the peak risk months, the model provides a crucial benchmark for environmental infection pressure. The results can be used as a guideline for where and when to monitor for HPAIV introductions to dairy herds in Denmark.

Multi-tissue contamination (mercury, lead, and organochlorine pesticides) and health biomarkers in Northern Shoveler and Northern Pintail during wintering.

Background: Wetlands are highly valuable ecosystems that purify water, support rich biodiversity, regulate wildlife populations, and provide essential ecological services crucial for sustaining life and environmental balance. The study focuses on floristic composition and ecosystem characteristics of Amahar reservoir wetland located at Amahar and Khairi village of Patna tahsil of Korea district of Chhattisgarh state of India. This medium sized manmade reservoir covers approximately 68.6 hectare area. The survey carried out between December 2025 to January 2026. Objective: The study aim was documenting the floristic diversity of the wetland ecosystem and understanding the ecological interactions among flora, fauna, and abiotic environmental factors. Another objective was to recommend strategies for conservation of wetland for sustainable socio economic and ecological benefits. Methodology: The study was carried out as an exploratory and observational field based ecological study. The survey was adopted a qualitative research approach with assessing floristic composition, ecological interaction and ecological health. accessible areas of the wetland included marshy shallow water areas, shoreline vegetation zones, submerged aquatic habitats and swampy margins and mudflats. Results: This wetland have more marshy area which support more emergent, submerged and floating vegetation. We found a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. Many local and migratory bird species also observed which is indicating availability of rich vegetation. Most dominant producers of wetland are Hydrilla, Chara, Spirogyra, Nymphaea, Nelumbo nucifera and Marsilea species. Butomopsis latifolia also observed growing abundantly near shore area of wetland. Many plant species of cyperaceae and convonvulaceae family is forming bushes and hedges including spike rush, Ipomaeaa near shore area. Clean water, high plant and avifaunal diversity indicate healthy wetland ecosystem. Absence of industries and urban settlements in catchment area of wetland is good for wetland health. Some rural settlement with hunting activity are identified. The wetland also supports local livelihood through irrigation and fishing activity. Ecological importance of wetland is very high for this area. Some protection strategies including monitoring of human activity, community awareness is essential for sustaining biodiversity and ensuring long term ecological and socio economic benefits. Deepen shore may be important to reduce human activities. Conclusion: The observed rich plant diversity and ecosystem health indicate that Amahar Reservoir is relatively undisturbed and functioning efficiently as a natural system. The interaction between flora, fauna, and abiotic factors such as water availability and climate demonstrates a well-balanced ecosystem with human. The presence of dense avifaunal diversity in diverse ecological niches from submerged zones to marshy edges enhances species richness and ecological resilience.

We report the whole-genome sequences of three bacterial isolates from the cloaca of migratory songbirds. Among these, Kluyvera cryocrescens and Stenotrophomonas rhizophila are known as opportunistic human pathogens. In contrast, Pseudomonas mandelii is a psychrotrophic bacterium that is generally considered non-pathogenic.