Natural Distribution Range Research Articles

Analysis of the ecological state of urban green spaces in the Medeu district of Almaty

This article examines the environmental problems of the cities of Kazakhstan, using the example of the Almaty metropolis, where, with the development of the urbanization process, the natural environment in cities is changing very much, which is characterized by a specific ecological environment with a special type of circulation of substances and energy, not typical of natural communities. The importance of green spaces in urbanized areas is very difficult to overestimate. Green plants play a major role in protecting the population of large cities from dust, smoke and harmful gases. In the city of Almaty, more than 70 species of trees and shrubs were introduced into production recommended by the botanical garden. Of the trees, these are Phellodendron amurense, Faidherbia albida, Crataegus sanguinea, Crataegus maximowiczii, Crataegus submollis, Crataegus punctata, Crataegus chrysocarpa, Ulmus laevis, Ulmus glabra, Gleditsia triacanthos, Catalpa bignonioides, Aesculus hippocastanum, Acer ginnala, Acer platanoide s, Acer saccharum, Juniperus virginiana, Juglans mandshurica, Padus maackii, from shrubs - Amorpha fruticosa, Swida alba, Syringa josikaea, Spiraea vanhouttei, Spiraea thunbergii, Spiraea japonica and others. A detailed floristic analysis of the tree and shrub flora of the city of Almaty showed that green spaces are represented by 208 species belonging to 58 genera and 34 families. Among tree and shrub species, 54 species (20%) represent the natural flora of Kazakhstan (9 coniferous and 45 deciduous species) from 13 genera and 9 families, and 154 species (80%) are introduced species, i.e. plants grown in soil outside their natural distribution range.

First Record of Alien Species Craspedacusta sowerbii Lankester 1880 in a Stream of Sardinia (Italy)

In recent decades, the number of invasive alien species introduced outside of their natural distribution range has increased. These species can rapidly spread from the place of introduction, acting as agents of change, threatening ecosystems, habitats, and indigenous species. Craspedacusta sowerbii Lankester, 1880 has invaded freshwater systems all over the world. This article reports the first occurrence of this freshwater jellyfish in a stream on the island of Sardinia, Italy. There is no previous data useful to understand the development of this species in the river systems of the island where streams are usually seasonal, with a strong water reduction, and native animal species are concentrated in a few pools during critical seasons. In our study, we carried out an observation of the phenomenon in order to provide preliminary information about this new population, its characteristics, and environmental features. Endangered and extremely rare endemic species, such as Discoglossus sardus and Euproctus platycephalus, live in Sardinian streams, so this is one more reason to focus on the biological invasion processes of this organism in order to understand its role in this ecosystem’s ecological functioning.

First record of Sebastes schlegelii Hilgendorf, 1880 along the Turkish Black Sea coast – new addition to the alien species inventory

Sebastes schlegelii is a typical bottom dwelling boreal species, whose native distribution range includes Japan, Korean peninsula and China. This northwest Pacific originated species has recently been recorded from the Crimean and Caucasian coast (northern Black Sea), whose introduction was assumed to be either by balast waters or the acclimatization of Crassostrea gigas (Pacific oyster). On 16 August 2023, a single S. schlegelii specimen with 20.6 cm standard length and 282.1 g in weight was captured off Ünye, Ordu coast (southeastern Black Sea), which was previously an unreported fish from the Turkish marine waters. Detailed morphometric and meristic characteristics are presented in the paper, and species identification was further confirmed by genetic analysis. Available information reveals this alien species to be fished regularly, although in small quantities, indicating a presumably established population in the region. The species should be treated as a potentially invasive fish, since it may negatively influence to the local biodiversity through interspecific competition. Close monitoring of its existing population is strongly suggested.

Reconstructing the Biogeographic History of the Genus Aurelia Lamarck, 1816 (Cnidaria, Scyphozoa), and Reassessing the Nonindigenous Status of A. solida and A. coerulea in the Mediterranean Sea

The genus Aurelia is one of the most extensively studied within the class Scyphozoa. However, much of the research was historically attributed to the species Aurelia aurita (Linnaeus, 1758) before the recognition of its taxonomic complexity. Initially considered cosmopolitan and globally distributed, recent phylogenetic analysis has challenged this assumption. Consequently, the current distribution of species within the genus Aurelia and the processes that led to this distribution remain largely unexplored. After genetically confirming that the species traditionally present in the Mar Menor coastal lagoon in the southwestern Mediterranean corresponds to A. solida, we compiled data on the locations where moon jellyfish species have been genetically identified and mapped these coordinates to the geological period when the genus Aurelia diverged from other scyphozoan genera. We propose two hypotheses to explain the disjunct distribution of certain species. The first one assumes recent human-mediated introductions, while the second posits an absence of introductions. Both hypotheses, supported by fossil and historical records, suggest a Paleo-Tethys origin of the genus Aurelia. Migration from this area explains most of the genus’s current distribution without human intervention, being the Mediterranean Sea, where A. solida should be considered autochthonous, part of their natural distribution range.

Competitive Advantage of Broussonetia papyrifera Growing in a Native Area as Suggested by Structural Diversity.

Paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera) is currently an invasive species on several continents. However, little is known about whether paper mulberry has a competitive advantage over its surrounding trees in its native distribution range, subtropical regions of China. Here, we determined the relative intraspecific and interspecific competitive capacity of paper mulberry in three subtropical deciduous broad-leaved forests using the indices of structural diversity including the mixing index, the tree-tree interval index, and the diameter/height differentiation index. It was found that more than 80% of mingling index values were not greater than 0.25, suggesting a stronger competitiveness of paper mulberry relative to other tree species. The tree-tree interval index values ranged between 1 m and 2 m, suggesting a strong competition between paper mulberry and its neighbors. Moreover, more than 60% of the height differentiation index and diameter differentiation index values were positive, suggesting that the reference paper mulberry had a slight competitive advantage over neighboring trees in both the horizontal and vertical planes. These collectively suggest a competitive advantage over other tree species in the native distribution range, which may play a significant role in the ecological invasion of paper mulberry. Our findings not only help to reveal the invasion mechanism of paper mulberry, but also provide an important reference for the management and utilization of paper mulberry in invaded areas.

Regeneration dynamics in mixed mountain forests at their natural geographical distribution range in the Western Rhodopes

Mixed mountain forests consisting of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.), European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), and silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) are among the most productive and stable forest ecosystems in Europe. Their southeasternmost geographical distribution range is located in the Western Rhodopes, where they have high economic, recreational, and ecological value. In the past, shelterwood cuttings dominated forest management practices in these forests and were mainly aimed at maintaining and reproducing conifers. During the past two decades, single-tree and group-tree selection systems have been promoted as alternative management approaches to support the conversion of spruce-dominated stands to close-to-nature mixed forests of fir, beech, and spruce. However, the natural regeneration dynamics in these stands are barely known, and their dependence on microsite and management effects needs to be better understood.The objective of this study was to investigate ecological factors under management regimes of different intensity (“single-tree”-selection and “group-tree”-selection) that influence the regeneration processes in mixed mountain forests in the Bulgarian Rhodopes. Data on regeneration and microsite conditions were collected on 105 systematically distributed plots (25 m2/100 m2) in four 100–120 years old stands located in the regional forest district of Smoljan, Bulgaria (1580–1650 m a.s.l.). We relied on generalizeds linear mixed models to analyse for each species the (1) size-dependent regeneration density and (2) height increment in dependence on management practices, competing vegetation, as well as soil and light conditions.Our study revealed an overall high potential for recruitment in the Western Rhodopes. Regeneration density was highest in fir (median 12800 N ha-1), followed by spruce (median 1600 N ha-1) and beech (median 1200 N ha-1). Fir benefited most from “single-tree” selection cuttings, while “group-tree” selection cutting tended to promote beech and fir but also spruce. Competing ground vegetation was detrimental for seedling density of all species. Annual height increment increased with plant size, was lowest in spruce, and similar in fir and beech. Sapling increment was driven by light, whereas seedlings did not react to increased radiation. Browsing was species-specific and was highest in beech (15–30 %), followed by fir (5–10 %) and spruce (<1 %). It was not a crucial factor in impeding tree recruitment. We conclude that frequent harvest activities of low intensity which consider advanced regeneration are a promising approach to successfully convert the formerly spruce-fir-dominated forests to climate-adapted fir-beech-(spruce)-mixed stands.

Reconstruction of the native distribution range of a Japanese cryptic dojo loach species (Misgurnus sp. Type I sensu Okada et al. 2017): has the Type I loach dispersed beyond the Blakiston’s Line?

Reconstruction of the native distribution range of a Japanese cryptic dojo loach species (Misgurnus sp. Type I sensu Okada et al. 2017): has the Type I loach dispersed beyond the Blakiston’s Line?

An alien parasite in a changing world - Ashworthius sidemi has lost its traditional seasonal dynamics.

A non-native nematode Ashworthius sidemi has emerged in captive fallow deer in Central and Eastern Europe over the last decade. Although this parasite has been spreading in the wild outside it's native distributional range and colonising local European host species since the middle of the last century, limited information has been published on the seasonality of A. sidemi and its susceptibility to anthelmintics. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a study to investigate seasonal dynamics of the non-native parasite in the current Central European climate conditions. We collected freshly voided faecal pellets at four-week intervals from February 2018 to February 2020 at a fallow deer reserve with a known history of A. sidemi presence. The faecal pellets obtained were pooled after each site visit (n = 25) and coprocultured to obtain the third stage larvae of trichostrongylid nematodes at monthly intervals. Total genomic DNA was extracted from the recovered larvae. Using real-time multiplex PCR, A. sidemi DNA was detected in 17 out of 25 larval samples (68% prevalence). During the monitoring period, the annual administration of ivermectin based premix (Cermix) took place in January 2018, 2019, and 2020, and additionally a mixture of rafoxanide and mebendazole (Rafendazol) was administered once in spring 2019. The probability of parasite presence was significantly influenced by the time since the drug administration (p = 0.048) and the mean temperature at the location (p = 0.013). Larval samples negative for A. sidemi were always identified shortly after the drug administration. However, rapid pasture contamination by the parasite eggs from two to three months after Cermix administration and within one month after Rafendazol administration suggest only a short-lived efficacy of both administered drugs. The abundance of A. sidemi DNA was positively affected by mean temperature (p = 0.044) and remained relatively stable throughout the monitoring period, with the highest peak in August 2018 and 2019. Pasture contamination with A. sidemi eggs occurred almost all year round, with the exception of the beginning of 2018, 2019, and 2020. These findings indicate adaptation of a non-native parasite to the current climatic conditions of the Czech Republic resulted in negligible seasonal patterns of parasite egg shedding.

First insights into genetic structure and diversity of Corylus colurna L. for conservation of its genetic resources and possible assisted migration

Climate change is already affecting all forest ecosystems and threatening species therein. By establishing mixed forests incorporating other tree species (e. g. scattered broadleaves) adaptation of forest stands to changing environmental conditions can be improved and the risks minimized. Turkish hazel (Corylus colurna L.) has been currently discussed as a valuable so-called alternative tree species in some European regions because it is well adapted to difficult environmental conditions. However, in its natural distribution area Turkish hazel has been overexploited because of its valuable wood and can only be found in small and isolated populations. Therefore, we examined the genetic structure and variation of Turkish hazel covering most of its natural distribution range in Asia Minor, the Caucasus, and the Balkan Peninsula. Altogether, 689 Turkish hazel trees from 25 populations were analysed at 15 nuclear and five chloroplast microsatellite markers. Both data sets revealed distinct genetic clusters of Turkish hazel in its natural distribution range, suggesting separate refugia and migration pathways during the Holocene. Medium to high level genetic variation was found, with somewhat lower values in Georgia and Turkey compared to the Balkan populations. Overall, our results highlight the need to delineate provenance regions, identify gene conservation units (GCUs) and seed stands for Turkish hazel which are essential for species conservation, provenance research and possible assisted migration attempts. Based on our results each country is able now to start conservation programs and select GCUs for Turkish hazel.

Exploring the Chemical Content of Primula veris L. subsp. veris Wild-Growing Populations along a Climate Gradient: An HPLC-PDA-MS Quality Assessment of Flowers, Leaves and Roots for Sustainable Exploitation

Primula veris (cowslip) is an important medicinal–aromatic plant used traditionally for its expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as a valuable horticultural plant with ornamental value and agroalimentary interest (edible flowers and leaves). With extensive illegal harvesting across northern Greece to date, the long-term survival of Greek cowslip wild-growing populations seems compromised. With the aim to characterize the phytochemical content of locally adapted native genotypes of P. veris subsp. veris, we examined samples from 13 wild-growing populations sourced from 8 mountain areas along a longitudinal gradient of northern Greece. Flowers, leaves, and roots were separately evaluated with HPLC-PDA-MS for their chemical content to select the genotypes associated with the best phytochemical traits. The flowers were found to contain mainly flavonoids, isorhamnetin, quercetin, and kaempferol triglycosides, with varied population contents, generally higher in northwestern population samples with a colder and more humid climate; however, all in line with the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) reports. The leaves were characterized by the prevalence of kaempferol and quercetin triglycosides, being generally higher than that of the flowers. In the roots, saponins were detected in relatively low percentages, and the phenolic glycosides were found up to nearly 2%. The results of this study suggest a potential specificity of the marginal Greek genotypes being at the edge of the species’ native distribution range in Europe and Asia. The phytochemical characterization herein supports the domestication process of Greek native cowslip genotypes. In turn, this may alleviate the overharvesting pressure in wild populations, thus contributing to species conservation and offering an incentive for farmers to sustainably cultivate at local scales well-adapted indigenous genotypes of high value.

A review and analysis of the use of epithets in infrageneric, species, and infraspecific names in Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae): trends in the plant naming game

Given recent wide-ranging international debates in the scientific press and on social media platforms on, especially, aspects of the ethics of historically published and currently used biological nomenclature, an analysis is presented of trends in the use of epithets in the scientific names of Kalanchoe taxa (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae). Kalanchoe, in which about 200 taxa are recognised at various taxonomic ranks, has a wide natural geographical distribution range in Madagascar and on some Indian Ocean Islands, in southern, eastern, and northern Africa, and in the Near, Middle, and Far East. A comprehensive database of epithets published at infrageneric, species, and infraspecific ranks in Kalanchoe over a period of 270 years—1753 to the present—was compiled and analysed to establish tendencies in the selection of epithets. The 370 epithets published to date were classified under: (1) plant characteristics; (2) the celebration of people (eponyms); (3) place names (toponyms); and (4) ‘other’ (habitat features, an ethnic group, etc.). Names derived from plant characteristics are the most commonly used in the naming of kalanchoes. However, since the early 1900s and continuing to the present, naming taxa after people is the preferred option. Lists of gender-based eponymic, toponymic, and ‘other’ epithets, with their derivations, used in the validly published names of kalanchoes are provided. We point out that one epithet used in the genus is contentious. We briefly reflect on the derivation of the genus name Kalanchoe.

Reproductive strategy of an invasive buzz-pollinated plant (Solanum rostratum)

Some plants that invade environments outside their native range of distribution often face reproductive challenges such as limited pollinators and mates. Thus, the capacity to reproduce autonomously in the absence of pollinators or mates can facilitate establishment and spread of invasive plants. Here, we study the capacity of Solanum rostratum to reproduce through autonomous self-pollination. Although this plant is self-compatible, it strongly depends on visitation of buzzing bees to reproduce in its native range. We compared floral morphology, pollen: ovule ratios, reproductive phenology, and capacity for autonomous self-pollination of two populations of native distribution (Mexico) and another two populations of the invasive range (USA). We found a reduction in anther-stigma distance, pollen: ovule ratio, and plant height in invasive populations, as well as a shift to increased resource allocation to floral vs. vegetative structures and faster flowering compared to native populations. Importantly, invasive populations show a marked increase in the capacity to produce fruits autonomously (without pollen vectors). Our results suggest that the northern invasion of S. rostratum could have been facilitated by a shift in reproductive strategy from outcrossing to autonomous self-pollination.

Overwintering performance of bamboo leaves, and establishment of mathematical model for the distribution and introduction prediction of bamboos.

Bamboo has great economic values and is used extensively in many industries, and their natural distribution range was divided into 12 zones in China according to the temperature of their geographical distribution in previous works. Different bamboo species had significantly different abilities in low-temperature tolerance, which need to be considered carefully during ex-situ introduction. In this paper, we observed and evaluated the low-temperature damage of 19 bamboo species in winter, and measured the physiological changes of bamboo leaves. A total of 3060 leaf samples were obtained from 102 core collections in 34 bamboo species from the 5 regions of Chinese mainland for anatomical comparison, in order to screen out the key anatomical indicators related to their low-temperature tolerance and to establish a mathematical prediction model for bamboo introduction. The results showed that the low-temperature resistance of clustered bamboos was generally lower than that of the scattered bamboos. The decreased temperature led to the constant decrease of net photosynthetic rate and transpiration rate, but the increase of soluble sugar content in all bamboo species. There was no dormancy for all bamboo species in winter. The temperate bamboos showed lower photosynthesis as compared to tropical bamboos in winter. The leaf shape of bamboos was closely related to their distribution. A total of 13 leaf indicators were screened and more suitable to estimate the low-temperature tolerant abilities of bamboos and to predict their distribution. The MNLR (multiple nonlinear regression) mathematical model showed the highest fitting degree and the optimal prediction ability in the potential northernmost introduction range of bamboos. This study lay a foundation for bamboo introduction, and could also reduce the economic losses caused by the wrong introduction.

GENOTYPIC VARIABILITY OF ACER NEGUNDO L. ALONG THE TRANS-SIBERIAN RAILWAY

The study of intraspecific variability of alien plants is crucial for revealing the patterns of their microevolution in the secondary distribution range and predicting the possibility of further dispersal and the ability to invade natural plant communities. It is still unclear how a genetically impoverished initial invasive population forms a taxon with a range exceeding the natural range of the species and, therefore, adapted to more diverse ecological and climatic conditions. Boxelder, Acer negundo L., is a remarkable object of study in this respect. The secondary distribution range of this North American species covers all regions of our plane excluding Antarctica. In Russia it spread from Kaliningrad to Vladivostok, formed invasive populations in all eight Federal Districts and was included in the TOP 100 of the most aggressive invasive species of the country. The intraspecific variability of its biomorphological characters was studied by us earlier, and the results of the study of genotypic variability are presented in this article. Invasive populations of A. negundo located along the Trans-Siberian Railway from Moscow to Vladivostok (9288 km) were examined. We isolated DNA from 38 specimens collected along the Trans-Siberian railway in Vladimir and Kostroma Regions, Republic of Tatarstan, Perm Region, Novosibirsk Region, Krasnoyarsk Territory, Amur Region, and Primorskii Territory. By the ITS 1-2 nuclear DNA site, specimens of Acer negundo from the Russian part of the secondary distribution range showed very high similarity with each other, but with 100% bootstrap support separated from specimens from the natural distribution range. According to the chloroplast high-variable trnL-trnF site, the specimens were divided into two clades that weakly correlated with the geographical origin of the specimen. Separate subclades with high bootstrap support are formed by the plants: 1) from Tatarstan (Kazan and Nizhnekamsk), 2) from Perm and Novosibirsk, and 3) samples from Krasnoyarsk. The haplotype network constructed at the trnL-trnF site also demonstrated the genetic specificity of the samples from Tatarstan. We hypothesized that only a few genotypes of A. negundo with a high degree of invasive activity were dispersed along the Trans-Siberian Railway (and possibly throughout all Russia). Other genotypes, including those that entered the territory of the former Russian Empire earlier, have not shown the ability to invade natural plant communities and occur rather rarely.

Detection of native-alien populations of Anisandrus dispar (Fabricius, 1792) in Europe

The human-mediated introduction and movement of alien populations of species within their native range is still a little-explored topic. This phenomenon may cause genetic contamination of local populations and be the introduction pathway of new associated microorganisms and fungi, potentially able to modify the interspecific relationships between insects and host-plants with serious ecological and economic impacts. In the present contribution, we produced the first evidence of a native-alien population of the Palearctic ambrosia beetle Anisandrus dispar occurring in Europe, highlighting that individuals belonging to different populations of a species can disperse via commercial trade within its native biogeographic range resulting in cryptic invasions. Our findings support the idea that the movement of native species within their native distribution range can be more common than previously suspected.

A new record of Hedychium gardnerianum (Zingiberaceae) from southwest China reveals an update to its distribution range

Abstract Hedychium gardnerianum Sheppard ex Ker Gawl. (Zingiberacea) is newly recorded from southwest China, which stretching its eastern natural distribution range. A full description of the species and a color plate showing diagnostic features of the species, as well as taxonomic and distributional notes are provided here.

Spatial Distribution of Pinus koraiensis Trees and Community-Level Spatial Associations in Broad-Leaved Korean Pine Mixed Forests in Northeastern China.

Investigating the spatial distributions and associations of tree populations provides better insights into the dynamics and processes that shape the forest community. Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) is one of the most important tree species in broad-leaved Korean pine mixed forests (BKMFs), and little is known about the spatial point patterns of and associations between Korean pine and community-level woody species groups such as coniferous and deciduous trees in different developmental stages. This study investigated the spatial patterns of Korean pine (KP) trees and then analyzed how the spatial associations between KP trees and other tree species at the community level vary in different BKMFs. Extensive data collected from five relatively large sample plots, covering a substantial area within the natural distribution range of KP in northeastern China, were utilized. Uni- and bivariate pair correlation functions and mark correlation functions were applied to analyze spatial distribution patterns and spatial associations. The DBH (diameter at breast height) histogram of KP trees in northeastern China revealed that the regeneration process was very poor in the Changbai Mountain (CBS) plot, while the other four plots exhibited moderate or expanding population structures. KP trees were significantly aggregated at scales up to 10 m under the HPP null model, and the aggregation scales decreased with the increase in size classes. Positive or negative spatial associations were observed among different life stages of KP trees in different plots. The life history stages of the coniferous tree group showed positive spatial associations with KP saplings and juvenile trees at small scales, and spatial independence or negative correlations with larger KP trees at greater scales. All broad-leaved tree groups (canopy, middle, and understory layers) exhibited only slightly positive associations with KP trees at small scales, and dominant negative associations were observed at most scales. Our results demonstrate that mature KP trees have strong importance in the spatial patterns of KP populations, and site heterogeneity, limited seed dispersal, and interspecific competition characterize the spatial patterns of KP trees and community-level spatial associations with respect to KP trees, which can serve as a theoretical basis for the management and restoration of BKMFs in northeastern China.

Geckos in zoos: A global approach on distribution patterns of threatened geckos (Gekkota) in zoological institutions

According to the One Plan Approach to Conservation, proposed by the IUCN SSC Conservation Planning Specialist Group (CPSG), there is, besides in situ conservation measures, also increased need for ex situ conservation breeding of threatened taxa. To gain a better overview of the current situation, we have compiled information from the zoo databases ZIMS (Zoological Information Management System) and ZTL (Zootierliste) on the husbandry of gecko species (suborder Gekkota) worldwide. Only 9.3 % (n = 201) of the 2151 currently recognized gecko species from seven families were kept according to ZIMS, of which about 20.4 % (n = 41) were classified as threatened. Most species were kept in European, North American and Australian zoos. Many of the species were kept outside the natural distributional range hotspots of geckos. However, institutions in Oceania kept mainly native geckos. The species richness of the natural distributional ranges of zoo-kept geckos was highest in Australia, Southeast Asia, Madagascar and lowest in South America. About 38.0 % (n = 25) of zoo-kept species with a successful breeding record were threatened, and most reproductive successes of threatened species have been recorded from only one institution per species. Although Gekkota is the most species-rich group among lizards (Sauria), they are still relatively poorly represented in zoological institutions, and most of the kept species are not threatened. Zoos inside and outside the distributional range can play a key role in conservation (breeding) programs, when they continue to provide their expertise and resources for the buildup of insurance colonies for threatened taxa. Preferably this is carried out in cooperation with experts and conservation centers from the species’ range countries and also in cooperation with Citizen Conservation programs.

Genetic Variation and Evolutionary History of the Threatened Dipterocarpus turbinatus C.F.Gaertn. Detected Using Microsatellites

Dipterocarpus turbinatus C.F.Gaertn. is a valuable timber tree indigenous to the lowland tropical forests of southern and central Vietnam. It is in danger of extinction due to fragmented habitats and overexploitation. Therefore, assessing the genetic diversity and demographic history of this species is essential to providing a platform for conservation activities. Herein, we analyzed 281 D. turbinatus trees from 10 populations representing their natural distribution range in Vietnam using nine polymorphic microsatellites to provide valuable information for conservation activities. We detected genetic diversity within these populations (0.285 and 0.328 for observed and expected heterozygosity, respectively), as well as population genetic differentiation (a Wei and Cockerham value of 0.202 and a Hedrick value of 0.32). Clustering analysis based on different approaches revealed three genetic clusters which were significantly correlated to gene flow across the geographic distribution range of D. turbinatus in tropical evergreen forests. Approximate Bayesian computation suggested that the D. turbinatus populations had an evolutionary history consistent with divergence during the last glacial maximum. Based on our results, we recommend the in situ conservation of several populations with high genetic diversity, high allelic richness, or private alleles, and the gathering of the seeds of the remaining populations for ex situ conservation.

Evaluation of hybridization between Apis mellifera subspecies in Albania

In this study, we add further information about the genetic variation and admixture of Apis mellifera subspecies in Albania. The genetic diversity of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) remains undescribed in some parts of its natural distribution range but yet the distribution of subspecies is nowadays also much influenced by beekeeping activities, so the aim of this study was a genomic evaluation of the current state of Albanian bee population. In total, 10 samples (30 bees) of different subspecies which are claimed to be bred in Albania were analyzed. Morphometric identification of the samples was done through the specialized program Identyfly, which automatically performs a racial classification of bees based on the angles of the front wings of different subspecies. The analysis of the results obtained with the Identyfly program showed a high level of subspecies admixture in the breeding populations. The beekeepers claimed that they bred subspecies of the evolutionary lines M, A and O, except of our autochthonous subspecie (Apis mellifera carnica) which belongs to the evolutionary line C.Our results indicate also that in Albania breeds more than 12 subspecies of Apis mellifera which belong to 4 evolutionary lines. The subspecies that the beekeepers claimed they were breeding did not turn out to be such, but were hybrids between them. This high hybridization may lead to greater genetic diversity of our native bee populations. All these results showed that the increasing introgressive hybridization with managed non-native subspecies, may lead to the loss of valuable combinations of traits shaped by natural selection. We suggest the establishment of a racial improvement center in Albania, and also the future research should focus on genetic analyzes with a greater coverage of bee populations in Albania.