Plant Cover Research Articles

Investigation and Simulation Study on the Impact of Vegetation Cover Evolution on Watershed Soil Erosion

Soil erosion has always been a critical issue confronting watershed environments, impacting the progress of sustainable development. As an increasing number of countries turn their attention to this problem, numerous policies have been enacted to halt the progression of soil erosion. However, policy-driven interventions often lead to significant changes in watershed vegetation coverage, under which circumstances, the original sediment erosion models may fall short in terms of simulation accuracy. Taking the Kuye River watershed as the research subject, this study investigates soil erosion data spanning from 1981 to 2015 and utilizes the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model to simulate soil erosion. It is found that the extensive planting of vegetation after 2000 has led to a rapid reduction in soil erosion within the Kuye River watershed. The original vegetation cover and management factor (C) proves inadequate in predicting the abrupt changes in vegetation coverage. Consequently, this study adopts two improved plant cover and management factor equations. We propose two new methods for calculating the vegetation cover and management factor, one using machine learning techniques and the other employing a segmented calculation approach. The machine learning approach utilizes the Eureqa software(version11.0，Cornell University，New York，American) to search for the relationship between Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and C, ultimately establishing an equation that describes this relationship. On the other hand, the piecewise method determines critical values based on data trends and provides separate formulas for C above and below these critical values. Both methods have achieved superior calculation accuracy. Specifically, the overall data calculation using the machine learning method achieved an determined coefficient (R2) of 0.5959, while the segmented calculation method achieved an R2 of 0.6649. Compared to the R2 calculated by the traditional RULSE method, these two new methods can more accurately predict soil erosion. The findings of this study can provide valuable theoretical reference for water and soil prediction in watersheds.

Soil cover heterogeneity associated with biocrusts predicts patch-level plant diversity patterns

ContextSoil resource heterogeneity drives plant species diversity patterns at local and landscape scales. In drylands, biocrusts are patchily distributed and contribute to soil resource heterogeneity important for plant establishment and growth. Yet, we have a limited understanding of how such heterogeneity may relate to patterns of plant diversity and community structure.ObjectivesWe explored relationships between biocrust-associated soil cover heterogeneity and plant diversity patterns in a cool desert ecosystem. We asked: (1) does biocrust-associated soil cover heterogeneity predict plant diversity and community composition? and (2) can we use high-resolution remote sensing data to calculate soil cover heterogeneity metrics that could be used to extrapolate these patterns across landscapes?MethodsWe tested associations among field-based measures of plant diversity and soil cover heterogeneity. We then used a Support Vector Machine classification to map soil, plant and biocrust cover from sub-centimeter resolution Unoccupied Aerial System (UAS) imagery and compared the mapped results to field-based measures.ResultsField-based soil cover heterogeneity and biocrust cover were positively associated with plant diversity and predicted community composition. The accuracy of UAS-mapped soil cover classes varied across sites due to variation in timing and quality of image collections, but the overall results suggest that UAS are a promising data source for generating detailed, spatially explicit soil cover heterogeneity metrics.ConclusionsResults improve understanding of relationships between biocrust-associated soil cover heterogeneity and plant diversity and highlight the promise of high-resolution UAS data to extrapolate these patterns over larger landscapes which could improve conservation planning and predictions of dryland responses to soil degradation under global change.

Growth and Survival Outcomes for Immature Gopher Tortoises in Contrasting Habitats: A Test of Drone-Based Habitat Assessment.

Juvenile growth rate is a critical demographic parameter, as it shortens the time to maturity and often dictates how long individuals remain vulnerable to predation. However, developing a mechanistic understanding of the factors determining growth rates can be difficult for wild populations. The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is an ecosystem engineer threatened by habitat loss and deficient management of pinelands in the southeastern United States. We investigated the factors governing immature gopher tortoise growth and explored the use of drone-based imagery for habitat assessment by comparing predictive models based on ground-based plant surveys versus drone-derived data. From 2021 to 2022, we tracked and measured immature tortoises in native sandhill and human-modified, ruderal habitat in south-central Florida. Using quarterly, high-resolution drone imagery, we quantified plant cover types and vegetation indices at each occupied burrow and measured the frequency of occurrence of forage species by hand. Annual growth rates of immature tortoises in ruderal habitat were higher than those in sandhill and were the highest published for this species. Models based on drone-derived data were able to explain similar proportions of variation in growth as ground-collected measures of forage, especially during the late dry season when both types of models were most predictive. Habitat differences in forage nitrogen content were also more pronounced during this season, when dominant ground cover in ruderal habitat (bahiagrass) had much higher nitrogen content than dominant ground cover in sandhill (wiregrass). Despite concerns about potential growth-survival trade-offs, tortoises in ruderal habitat did not exhibit lower apparent survival. Our findings indicate that habitat dominated by nutritious non-native grass can provide a valuable supplement to native sandhill through the mechanism of increased growth rates due to higher forage quality. Finally, our study demonstrates that drone technology may facilitate management by providing less labor-intensive ways to assess habitat quality for this and other imperiled herbivores.

Soil erosion assessment for prioritizing soil and water conservation interventions in Gotu watershed, Northeastern Ethiopia.

Soil erosion by water is a serious problem in Ethiopia, contributing to diminishing crop yields and food shortages. Apart from understanding the magnitude, risk, and spatial distribution of the problem, identifying erosion hotspot areas is essential for effectively reversing the problem. This study aims to identify erosion hotspots in the Gotu watershed, in northeastern Ethiopia, using the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) and incorporating local farmers' perspectives to prioritize conservation efforts. The RUSLE model reveals that 29,744.3 metric tons of soil is lost annually from the Gotu watershed, with an average loss of 65.3 to t ha⁻1year⁻1. The main contributing factors to soil erosion in the watershed include undulating topography, loss of plant cover, and continuous cultivation. The highest soil loss rates (> 80 t ha⁻1year⁻1) were found in the western, northern, and southern parts of the watershed, where cultivation occurs on moderate to steep slopes with sparse vegetation cover. These areas should be prioritized for conservation interventions. Farmers identified poor crop yields and damaged conservation structures as key indicators of soil erosion prevalence in the watershed. Increasing farmer's understanding of soil erosion and the importance of soil and water conservation is essential for effectively controlling soil erosion and improving food security in the area.

EVALUATION OF PLANTS BASED ON ECOLOGICAL TOLERANCE CRITERIA: A CASE STUDY OF URBAN OPEN GREEN SPACES IN RIZE, TURKIYE

In addition to aggressive urbanization, climate change and ecological challenges also have serious negative effects on urban green areas. Moreover, the selection of inappropriate plants in urban green space landscape projects increases the severity of these negatives. Therefore, inappropriate plant selection is considered a significant threat to the sustainability of urban green spaces. This situation highlights the importance of selecting plants with high ecological tolerance in urban park landscape projects. In this study, all tree, shrub, and ground cover plants identified in 11 urban parks and open green areas in Rize province were evaluated in terms of ecological tolerance criteria (air pollution, drought, wind, temperature, cold, and salinity). A total of 223 plant taxa were examined (77 native, 3 semi-native, 143 exotic), and it was determined that 149 taxa (49 native, 100 exotic) were sensitive to at least one of these criteria, while the remaining 74 taxa (27 native, 47 exotic) had sufficient tolerance to all ecological variables examined. Prunus serrulata Lindl. ‘Kanzan’ was identified as the taxon with the weakest ecological tolerance, and the resilience statuses of the other taxa were presented in the assessment table created. As a result, it was found that there are taxa used in Rize urban open green areas that pose risks against ecological factors, and recommendations were made for future landscape planting projects.

Arthropod coprolites and wound reaction in the late Paleozoic climbing fern Hansopteris

Interactions between arthropods and plants have been documented extensively in late Paleozoic trees and ground cover plants, but they have rarely been recorded in late Paleozoic climbers. In this study, we present the second example of coprolites preserved within the plant tissue from the early Permian fossil Lagerstätte Wuda Tuff Flora. The host axis is identified as a phyllophore of the climbing fern Hansopteris uncinatus by the combined evidence of anatomy, morphology, and associated plants. Unlike the first coprolites, which were suggested to be produced by oribatid mites, the culprit of the studied coprolites was likely a myriapod or beetle, indicated by their slightly larger size and the boring behaviour. Furthermore, anomalous parenchymatous cells, sclerenchymatous cells, and metaxylem tracheids have been observed surrounding the tunnel, suggesting responses to traumatic stimulus caused by arthropod damage. This discovery provides an informative example of arthropod herbivory on late Paleozoic climbers and sheds light on how the host plant responded during the early stage of injury.

Effects of multiple mammalian herbivores and climate on grassland-shrubland transitions in the Chihuahuan Desert.

The replacement of grasses by shrubs or bare ground (xerification) is a primary form of landscape change in drylands globally with consequences for ecosystem services. The potential for wild herbivores to trigger or reinforce shrubland states may be underappreciated, however, and comparative analyses across herbivore taxa are sparse. We sought to clarify the relative effects of domestic cattle, native rodents, native lagomorphs, and exotic African oryx (Oryx gazella) on a Chihuahuan Desert grassland undergoing shrub encroachment. We then asked whether drought periods, wet season precipitation, or interspecific grass-shrub competition modified herbivore effects to alter plant cover, species diversity, or community composition. We established a long-term experiment with hierarchical herbivore exclosure treatments and surveyed plant foliar cover over 25 years. Cover of honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) proliferated, responding primarily to climate, and was unaffected by herbivore treatments. Surprisingly, cattle and African oryx exclusion had only marginal effects on perennial grass cover at their current densities. Native lagomorphs interacted with climate to limit perennial grass cover during wet periods. Native rodents strongly decreased plant diversity, decreased evenness, and altered community composition. Overall, we found no evidence of mammalian herbivores facilitating or inhibiting shrub encroachment, but native small mammals interacting with climate drove dynamics of herbaceous plant communities. Ongoing monitoring will determine whether increased perennial grass cover from exclusion of native lagomorphs and rodents slows the transition to a dense shrubland.

The role of pollen and NPP research in palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of the Neolithic archaeological site “Gorjani-Topole” (Slavonia region, eastern Croatia)

The palynological study of eight samples from the Gorjani-Topole archaeological site was conducted with the aim of palaeoenvironmental reconstruction. In total, 44 different palynomorphs were recorded: 12 pollen taxa, 23 fungal spores/remains, four algal cysts, one amoebae and four palynomorphs of unknown origin. Among the non-pollen palynomorphs, Chomotriletes (previously Pseudoschizaea) occurred with the greatest frequency and abundance. The low pollen richness accompanied by the presence of only a few sporopolleninrich pollen types indicates unfavourable preservation conditions in the analysed core samples. The dominance of erosion/desiccation indicators supports the scenario of significant oscillations of the hydrological level in the sediments, with periodic drying of the substrate. Although the interpretation of changes in plant cover, due to the reduced pollen spectrum, is not feasible, it is still possible to indicate paleoecological trends and partially interpret them, considering the indicator value of the few preserved palynomorphs. The findings of cultivated grass pollen (Cerealia) and other anthropogenic indicators including weed pollen (Convolvulus arvensis) are of great importance. Moreover, Riccia moss spores or fungal Epicoccum spores could also indicate the anthropogenic impact on the study area.

Litter Chemistry Is a Main Driver of Inorganic Nitrogen in Disturbed Soils in the Arid Patagonian Monte

ABSTRACTChanges in plant cover and soil characteristics induced by grazing may affect litter quality and nitrogen (N) release under varying abiotic conditions. Our study was focused on the importance of litter chemistry as a main driver of inorganic N (ammonium‐N: NH4+‐N and nitrate‐N: NO3−‐N) release to soil. Both inorganic N forms are important components for N availability to plants and soil processes, and the long‐term conservation of soil‐N fertility. We analyzed the effect of secondary compounds and the C/N ratio in litter under varying soil water, and UV exposure on soil inorganic N (NH4+‐N and NO3−‐N) in Patagonian Monte degraded soils. We hypothesized that secondary compounds and C/N ratio in litter are main drivers of soil inorganic N under varying abiotic conditions. We conducted a microcosm experiment (13 months) using intact upper soil blocks from denuded soil areas. Surface soils were added with shrub (SL), and mixed grass and shrub (GSL) litter with high versus low secondary metabolites concentration and low vs. high C/N ratio, respectively. Microcosms were maintained under ambient and reduced UV exposure, and high and low soil water. We used microcosms without litter as controls. Monthly, we assessed NH4+‐N and NO3−‐N concentrations in upper and sub‐superficial soils. Litter chemistry interacting with abiotic factors did not significantly influence soil NH4+‐N at any soil depth while litter chemistry was a main driver of NO3−‐N in upper soil. SL enhanced NO3−‐N in upper soil compared with GSL independently of abiotic factors. In upper soils without litter and in those with GSL, the highest NO3−‐N concentration occurred mostly under high soil water and exposition to UV. We concluded that litter chemistry was a main driver of soil N fertility in disturbed rangelands. Shrub litter may enhance N fertility (NO3−‐N) in degraded soils.

Distribution Patterns of Urban Spontaneous Vegetation Diversity and Their Response to Habitat Heterogeneity: A Case Study of Five Cities in Heilongjiang Province, China

Spontaneous vegetation is an important component of urban biodiversity and an excellent agent for exploring the mutual feedback mechanism between urbanization and urban ecosystems. Rapid urbanization has had a significant impact on the composition, structure, and distribution patterns of urban spontaneous vegetation diversity. Studying the diversity distribution patterns and causes of urban plant communities is beneficial for understanding the formation and maintenance mechanisms of plant diversity in specific urban habitats. This study selected five cities in different climate subregions of Heilongjiang Province as research targets and conducted field research using uniform sampling and typical sampling methods. The composition, distribution pattern, and driving factors of spontaneous vegetation were analyzed. The results showed the following: (1) A total of 633 examples of spontaneous vegetation were recorded, belonging to 93 families and 341 genera, mainly consisting of herbaceous plants and native plants. (2) The diversity index and similarity index of spontaneous vegetation in gravel-type abandoned land habitats are higher than those in other habitat types, while the diversity index of spontaneous vegetation in trees and shrubs is lower, and there is no significant difference in regards to different habitats. (3) Urban population density is a key factor affecting the diversity of native plants, while woody plant coverage, patch area, and landscape trait index are key factors affecting non-native plants. (4) The results of canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) showed that the total explanatory power of environmental characteristic factors in regards to the distribution pattern of spontaneous vegetation was 7.5%. The closest distance between adjacent patches, the coverage of woody plants in patches, the distance from the city edge, the patch area, and the surface impermeability of the buffer zones were key factors affecting the distribution of dominant species in spontaneous vegetation communities. The research results will provide an important reference for the conservation of urban biodiversity and the construction of low-maintenance urban green space plant landscapes in Heilongjiang Province.

Scale-Dependent Effects of Urban Canopy Cover, Canopy Volume, and Impervious Surfaces on Near-Surface Air Temperature in a Mid-Sized City

Cities are significantly warmer than their surrounding rural environments. Known as the ‘urban heat island effect’, it can affect the health of urban residents and lead to increased energy use, public health impacts, and damage to infrastructure. Although this effect is extensively researched, less is known about how landscape characteristics within cities affect local temperature variation. This study examined how tree canopy cover, canopy volume, and impervious surface cover affect daytime near-surface air temperature, and how these effects vary between different scales of analysis (10, 30, 60, 90 m radii), ranging from approximate street corridor to city block size. Temperature data were obtained from a car-mounted sensor, with traverse data points recorded during morning, afternoon, and evening times, plotted throughout the city of Portland, OR. The variability in near-surface air temperature was over 10° F during each traverse period. The results indicate that near-surface air temperature increased linearly with impervious surface cover and decreased linearly with tree canopy cover, with canopy volume reducing the temperature by 1° F for every 500 cubic feet of canopy volume for evening temperatures. The magnitude of the effect of tree canopy increased with spatial scale, with 60 and 90 m scales having the greatest measurable effect. Canopy volume had a positive relationship on presumed nighttime and early-morning temperatures at 60 and 90 m scales, potentially due to the impacts of wind fluctuation and air roughness. Canopy cover still contributed the largest overall decrease in street-scale temperatures. Increasing tree canopy cover and volume effectively explained the lower daytime and evening temperatures, while reducing impervious surface cover remains critical for reducing morning and presumed nighttime urban heat. The results may inform strategies for urban foresters and planners in managing urban land cover and tree planting patterns to build increased resiliency towards moderating urban temperature under warming climate conditions.

Interplay between native plant performance and environment shapes resistance to aquatic plant invasion

Abstract In the limited number of studies on biotic resistance in freshwater ecosystems, experimental studies have supported that native plants play a role in resisting exotic plant invasion, but field observations have often reported positive relationships between exotic and native plant richness. To determine the reasons for the lack of evidence supporting biotic resistance in field observations, we surveyed the richness, biomass and coverage of exotic and native aquatic plants in 2801 quadrats at 287 sites in various freshwater ecosystems of China and examined the impacts of scale and environmental factors on the relationships between native and exotic plant richness and performance. At both the site and quadrat scales, we observed a positive correlation between the richness of exotic and native plants. However, at the quadrat scale, high native plant richness was associated with a reduction in the biomass of exotic emergent and floating plants as well as the biomass of exotic submerged plants in low‐nutrient water bodies. An increase in native plant performance, a metric that integrates the biomass and coverage of native plants, was associated with a decrease in both the richness and biomass of exotic plants at both scales. Furthermore, with increasing native plant performance at the quadrat scale, the richness of exotic plants declined more strongly in low‐nutrient water bodies than in high‐nutrient water bodies, and the decline in the biomass of exotic emergent and floating plants was more severe in shallow water than in deep water. Synthesis. Our results indicate that native plant performance is more important than richness for resistance to invasion in freshwater ecosystems, and the strength of biotic resistance is related to environmental factors. This study highlights the importance of environmental variables and multiple native community features and invasibility metrics in field observational studies of invasion.

Plant communities of high-Andean bofedal wetlands across a trans-Andean transect in southern Peru

Aims: Ecosystems of the Tropical Andes include plant communities above 4,000 m in elevation, associated with wetlands known as bofedales. To enhance our understanding of them, we surveyed bofedal plant communities in the Peruvian Andes. Questions: Which are the most common bofedal plant communities, and what are their main characteristics? Study area: An east-to-west 68 km megatransect in Ayacucho and Huancavelica departments in Peru, the area of influence of a gas pipeline. Methods: We surveyed 127 (1 m × 1 m) permanent plots annually between 2017 and 2019 to assess plant communities, calculated diversity metrics, and applied non-parametric hypothesis testing analysis of similarities and multivariate analyses to the data. Results: We identified 13 plant communities with 3.5 to 11.7 mean species richness. Only seven were statistically different; the other six were rare and require additional surveys to define their status as independent communities. The Distichia muscoides-dominated community was found in most sites (90%), plots (55%), and along the entire elevational range we studied. D. muscoides, Plantago tubulosa, and Rockhausenia pygmaea were the most frequent species in the studied bofedales (in 30 of 31 sites). These species are usually cushion or carpet forming, so average plant cover was high in most plant communities where they occurred (89–98%). The seven plant communities (dominated by D. muscoides, R. pygmaea, Plantago tubulosa, P. rigida, Lachemilla diplophylla, Aciachne pulvinata and Juncus stipulatus) were consistent in their structural and compositional characteristics and maintained differences between them during our three-year study. Conclusions: We show that bofedal plant communities in the southern Peruvian Andes are more heterogeneous than the four broad types previously reported. This heterogeneity occurs at local site levels but also at landscape and regional scales. We highlight the importance of considering this heterogeneity when discussing and implementing management, restoration, and conservation actions in bofedales. Taxonomic reference: WFO (2024)

Factors Influencing the Faunal Recolonization of Restored Thornscrub Forest Habitats

Tamaulipan thornscrub forests (thornforests) have high ecological and economic values, yet over 90% of these forests have been lost, and they remain threatened, making them a conservation hotspot. For decades, federal, state, NGO, and corporate entities have been acquiring land and actively or passively restoring these forests, but results have been mixed and seldom monitored. This study characterized and quantified faunal communities of restored thornforest habitats in south Texas and examined the relationships between restored faunal communities and key site characteristics and environmental factors. We surveyed and analyzed mammal, bird, Lepidoptera, and herptile communities within 12 restored sites in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of southernmost Texas, USA. The site and environmental factors that influenced animal community composition, richness, diversity, and abundance varied widely among taxa. Time since restoration began and method of restoration influenced many community metrics, whereas patch size and extent of isolation influenced few. Several aspects of restored plant communities were influential, especially ground layer diversity, and high invasive plant cover negatively impacted many animal community metrics. If actively restoring a site, efforts to control invasive plants, foster native plant diversity, and provide a nearby water source are likely the most effective ways to promote faunal recolonization.

Иглоподобные листовые органы хвойных. Часть II. Моделирование площади поверхности иглы

In ecological and physiological studies of plant cover, the predominant participation of leaves in the processes of photosynthesis, transpiration and respiration determines the key role of such a morphometric parameter as leaf surface area. The estimation of the area of needle-like leaf organs of conifers often requires an individual approach. The diversity of needle shapes is determined by species affiliation, morphological structure, ecological conditions and age, and, in turn, determines the diversity of methods for estimating the needle surface area. Therefore, the search for simple standard methods for determining the surface area of leaf organs of conifers is an urgent task for plant physiologists. The aim of this work has been to create a universal model for estimating the needle surface area, independent of species. To achieve it, the needle cross-section model proposed by the authors has been used, based on the transformation of the perimeter of the cross-section into an equivalent circle, the perimeter of which is associated with the parameters of the needle cross-section before the transformation. To estimate the surface area of the needle, it is possible to approximate the needle with a geometric body, which is a combination of an ellipsoid of revolution, a cone and a cylinder, with the radius of the cylinder being estimated using the needle cross-section model. The model allows to estimate the surface area of the needle by its 4 morphometric parameters: thickness, width, length of the middle part and total length. Full verification of the model proposed in the article has turned out to be impossible due to the lack of methods for accurate estimation of the needle surface area. The developed method has been compared to other methods for estimating the surface area of needle-like samples by the examples of the needles of Siberian fir (Abies sibirica L.) and common juniper (Juniperus communis L.), as well as banana fruits (Musa paradisiaca L.), and the good predictive ability of the model has been demonstrated. It can be characterized as universal with a theoretical relative error of no more than 5 %.

Assessment of Plant Biodiversity and the Floristic Composition in the Black Irtysh River Valley (Kazakhstan)

The Black Irtysh River, a major tributary of the Ob River, traverses diverse ecological zones, influencing the distribution and composition of its floodplain vegetation. This study focused on the Black Irtysh River valley, a key segment of the Irtysh basin, to assess the current state of its plant communities. To compile expedition routes and a preliminary floristic list, a critical revision of more than 1000 herbarium sheets was carried out in the herbarium collections of Kazakhstan (Altai Botanical Garden and Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction). During the field season, a study of plant biodiversity was carried out along the entire coastline of the Black Irtysh. As a result, 217 species of higher vascular plants were identified (55% of those previously found in herbarium archives) from 139 genera and 43 families. The habitats of two Red Book species were discovered: Tulipa patens and Tulipa uniflora. It was found that the flora of the Black Irtysh is similar to the flora of the entire Zaisan depression, and families Poaceae, Asteraceae, Amaranthaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Rosaceae, and Fabaceae are predominant. Geobotanical surveys revealed that the species composition of plant communities is poor and similar among survey points. Only the western part of the river delta is characterized by high rates of projective cover and reserves of forage plants. The main factors of anthropogenic influence are fires, livestock grazing, and deforestation.

Poor Survival Rate of Eastern Gray Kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) Affected by Chronic Phalaris Toxicity.

Chronic phalaris toxicity (CPT) is a neurological disease caused by animals ingesting toxins produced by early growth stages of Phalaris aquatica, a pasture plant introduced to the southeastern regions of Australia post colonization. Little is known about the clinical progression of CPT in wildlife, as incidents are sporadic and predominantly reported when animals are in the end stages of disease and in a poor welfare state. We studied a cohort of 35 eastern gray kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) affected by CPT to clarify clinical prognosis and survival rates. Kangaroos were captured in May, June, and July of 2022 at Plenty Gorge Parklands, Victoria, Australia. Each animal was radiotracked for 180 d, clinical progression and disease outcomes monitored twice a week. By the conclusion of the study, 24 animals had died (19 by euthanasia due to deterioration, five found dead). Ten animals survived, with two demonstrating a reduction in clinical signs and eight showing full resolution of clinical signs. One animal was disqualified from the study. The overall survival rate was 29.4% (95% confidence interval 17.5-49.5%). The survival duration of animals that died ranged from 5 to 133 d. There was no difference in survival rate based on sex (P=0.2), age class (P=0.49) or the month of capture (P=0.49). These results suggest that CPT is an important health and welfare concern for at-risk macropod populations, with high case-fatality rates and prolonged clinical durations. Further research to manage the disease via methods such as reducing Phalaris aquatica plant coverage and preventative treatments for animals is warranted to reduce disease incidences and improve disease outcomes in wildlife populations.

Influence of habitat management and selected environmental parameters on the ground-living communities of harvestmen (Opiliones) in the historical park in Rusovce (Slovakia)

City parks serve as valuable refuges for invertebrates in the urban environment, which are constantly exposed to human influence caused by management practices in the parks. Many harvestman species are suitable bioindicators for monitoring ecological change; however, their effective use in environmental assessment necessitates to expand the insufficient knowledge of ecological environmental specificities of their communities. We studied the diversity and dynamics of harvestman (Opiliones) communities in the historical park in Rusovce, situated in the southwestern part of Bratislava (Slovakia). Seven study sites were investigated, representing areas subjected to different management practices. The research was conducted from March 2019 to April 2020, using pitfall traps. We evaluated the impact of microclimatic variables (soil and air temperature), environmental characteristics (plant diversity and cover of vegetation layers, age of forest stands, thickness of the litter layer), and management practices on the structure of harvestman communities. The study revealed the response of specific harvestman species to temperature variations, emphasizing the importance of microclimatic conditions. Environmental variables, such as the richness of plant species in the shrub layer, the cover of the herb and shrub vegetation layers, and the age of the forest stands, were identified as key factors that influence the dispersal of harvestman species. Furthermore, management practices, especially the presence of monoculture tree plantations, significantly affected the species composition of harvestmen. Examining the sensitivity of Opiliones, important bioindicators, to these factors is crucial for implementing effective conservation strategies in urban green spaces and anthropogenically influenced ecosystems.

Non‐native invasive plants in tropical dry forests: a global review of presence, impacts, and management

Tropical dry forests (TDF) are among the most‐threatened terrestrial ecosystems, experiencing ongoing conversion to agricultural fields, pasture, and human settlements. Human disturbances are often precursors to invasion of ecosystems by non‐native species, but research on invasion patterns in tropical ecosystems is sparse, and there is no comprehensive synthesis of invasive species in TDF. We conducted a review of published scientific literature to catalog and synthesize information about invasion by non‐native plants in TDF ecosystems across the globe, drawing out patterns in the invasion of these ecosystems. We found that 130 invasive plant species were documented as present in TDF, but only 25 of these species were mentioned in three or more articles. Almost all 25 of these more‐studied invasive species—mostly pasture grasses, woody legumes, and climbers—have been intentionally cultivated for agricultural or ornamental purposes. Many of these plants are native to open‐canopy savanna or forest edge habitats and benefit from human‐altered disturbance regimes (burning, grazing, and fuelwood and timber harvesting) of TDF fragments within agricultural landscapes. Field studies show that management approaches incorporating invasive removal, native plantings, and reduction in agricultural disturbance (e.g. ungulate fencing and fire control) simultaneously are often the most successful at reducing invasive plant cover. However, management studies in TDF have focused on a limited number of invasive species, and most were conducted in India and Hawaii. Global differences in TDF soils, natural fire regimes, and historic and current land use by humans influence modern biogeographic patterns of invasion and the feasibility of restoration options.

Consolidating building greening: Integrating mobile modular vertical greening systems into prefabricated building

Vertical greening systems increase green plant coverage within built environments, enhancing urban air quality while reducing building energy consumption. But they encounter challenges related to intensive maintenance and significant costs. As a mainstream future building form, the characteristics of modularization and factory customization inherent in prefabricated buildings can effectively address the demands of vertical greening system. This study employs structural equation model and cloud model to examine the feasibility of integrating mobile modular vertical greening system into prefabricated structures, based on a survey of 403 respondents in Shandong Province, China. The study highlights the supportive roles and mediating effects of two maintenance management measures. It confirms the strong correlations between cost control strategies and the successful integration of mobile modular vertical greening system into prefabricated building. The results indicate that integrating intelligent technology and plant-microalgae combined systems are essential exogenous and endogenous maintenance management strategies. They exert a positive influence on prefabricated modular vertical greening systems. A positive interconnection exists between integrating intelligent technology and the plant-microalgae combined system. Carbon credit trading incentive proves more advantageous in reducing mobile modular vertical greening system costs. Plant-microalgae combined system playing a partial mediating role. Although crowdfunding-community participation does not significantly reduce the costs of mobile modular vertical greening system, integrated intelligent technology mediates this relationship. This highlights the indirect role of crowdfunding-community participation in facilitating cost control for these systems.