Habitat Preferences Research Articles

Interpopulation and seasonal variations in habitat and microhabitat use of Vipera ammodytes (Linnaeus, 1758)

Despite the abundant data on habitat use of Vipera ammodytes, most studies are purely descriptive, merely listing the habitats in which the species is most often found. More complete studies evaluating the habitat preference of the species are lacking. The intraspecific variation (i.e., interpopulation or seasonal) in habitat and microhabitat utilization of the species also remains a poorly studied topic. In the current study, we assessed the general patterns of habitat and microhabitat use of V. ammodytes and their interpopulation and seasonal variations, based on habitat/microhabitat availability. To achieve that, we studied five different populations along a latitudinal gradient in western Bulgaria. In all of the studied areas, V. ammodytes showed a clear preference for various stony and rocky habitats and microhabitats, overgrown with herbaceous and shrub vegetation, while it avoided bare habitats, dark deciduous forests as well as cultivated agricultural lands. There were clear interpopulation and seasonal variations in habitat and microhabitat preference and spatial niche utilization. Our results suggest that habitat and microhabitat use of V. ammodytes depends on a combination of many factors such as season, locally specific characteristics like habitat structure and availability, population dynamics, food availability, physical and microclimatic conditions, and possibly on the extent of the interspecific competition

Bridging Knowledge and Data Gaps in Odonata Rarity: A South Korean Case Study Using Multispecies Occupancy Models and the Rabinowitz Framework

Accurate assessment of species rarity and conservation status requires an approach that integrates data-driven models with established ecological knowledge. In this study, we applied multispecies occupancy (MSO) and latent factor multispecies occupancy (LFMSO) models to estimate the occurrence of 133 Odonata species in South Korea. Using the model outputs, we implemented the Rabinowitz rarity framework to conduct data-based rarity assessments, which were then compared with known ecological information, including geographic ranges, habitat preferences, regional Red List statuses, and citizen science observations. Our findings reveal both alignments and discrepancies between these data-driven rarity assessments and traditional ecological knowledge. For example, species classified as near threatened (NT) or vulnerable (VU) on the regional Red List generally corresponded with high-rarity classifications based on the Rabinowitz framework. However, significant inconsistencies were identified, particularly for certain lentic Odonata species traditionally considered common. These results suggest that spatial biases in field surveys, combined with limited access to data on legally protected species, can impede accurate rarity assessments. These findings underscore the need for standardized survey protocols and improved data-sharing policies for sensitive species to reduce biases and enhance the reliability of rarity assessments. This is essential for effective conservation planning and biodiversity management in freshwater ecosystems.

Non‐breeding home range and habitat use by European Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca) in northwest Liberia: apparent resilience to forest degradation?

Identifying population drivers of migratory birds requires knowledge of species' ecology throughout their annual cycle. For most Afro‐Palaearctic migratory species, little is known about non‐breeding habitat use, despite extensive land use change in non‐breeding areas of sub‐Saharan Africa being a key factor implicated in population decline. We radio‐tracked 54 Pied Flycatchers Ficedula hypoleuca at two sites of differing levels of forest disturbance, in Liberia, western Africa, over three non‐breeding seasons to determine home range size and site fidelity, and describe habitat and tree species preference within home ranges. We found high territory fidelity both within and between years, and a preference for well‐wooded landscapes. We found that Pied Flycatcher presence was positively associated with large and mature trees, and areas with a higher density of trees. Pied Flycatchers preferred several tree species that were uncommon within home ranges, and several non‐native tree species likely to support a high invertebrate abundance. Pied Flycatchers preferentially selected areas burnt in the same or previous winter, possibly related to enhanced food resources associated with vegetation regrowth following burning. We also found no significant difference in home range size between sites and similar habitat associations despite differences in habitat disturbance. This suggests that human‐modified habitats may remain suitable for Pied Flycatchers, as long as they retain moderate tree cover, especially larger, taller and more mature trees, whether native or non‐native.

Increasing detections of the margay: occupancy, density, and activity patterns in Madre de Dios, Peru

This study provides novel insights into the ecology of the margay (Leopardus wiedii), focusing on its occupancy, density, and activity patterns in the Madre de Dios region, Peru, by utilizing both arboreal and terrestrial camera traps. Conducted across 10 km2, the research achieved 47 detections, utilizing semi-arboreal, lower canopy cameras for the first time to capture margay activities. Occupancy models revealed a mean occupancy probability of 53.82% and a detection probability of 6.57%. Among the environmental covariates, diameter at breast height (DBH) was identified as a significant predictor, negatively impacting occupancy, suggesting margays favor areas with smaller tree diameters. Contrary to expectations, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) did not significantly influence occupancy. Tree density exhibited a positive, though non-significant, association with margay presence. Spatial capture-recapture (SECR) models estimated a margay density of 71.46 individuals per 100 km², with significant sex-based differences in spatial behavior. Males demonstrated larger home ranges (approximately 13.50 km²) compared to females (approximately 3.79 km²). Activity pattern analyses indicated primary nocturnal behavior with peaks at midnight to 3 am, 5 am, and 6 pm. Temporal overlap analysis revealed a low overlap coefficient with jaguarundis (Dhat1 = 0.21) and a higher overlap with ocelots (Dhat4 = 0.79), reflecting intricate interspecies dynamics. Our findings highlight important ecological aspects of margay behavior, including habitat preferences, nocturnal activity patterns, and interspecies interactions, which were effectively captured through the combined use of terrestrial and arboreal camera traps. The study emphasizes the importance of habitat preservation and the development of conservation strategies tailored to the ecological needs of margays, potentially influencing global practices for the management and protection of lesser-studied semi-arboreal wild cats.

Habitat use by nomadic ibis and spoonbills post-dispersal from breeding sites

Abstract Context Nomadic waterbirds are highly mobile across a range of spatial and temporal scales, which makes it difficult to monitor, quantify, and predict their habitat use with traditional methods, especially between breeding events when individuals and flocks can move over vast areas. Objectives This study aimed to provide accurate information on habitat use to improve strategic conservation management of these species, particularly the provisioning of environmental water. Methods To overcome the challenges of distance and remoteness, we analysed a 7-year GPS satellite telemetry dataset from 141 individuals. We quantified habitat selection post-dispersal from breeding sites, and predicted habitat preference for two wading waterbird species of the Threskiornithidae family that frequently nest together at the same sites: straw-necked ibis (Threskiornis spinicollis) and royal spoonbill (Platalea regia). Results Both long-term and short-term landscape-scale habitat associations differed between species. Royal spoonbills used fewer and more restricted habitat types than straw-necked ibis. Spoonbills displayed strong preferences for reservoirs, marshes and permanent wetlands, while ibis used both aquatic and terrestrial habitat, including areas of intensive animal production, modified pasture, and woodlands. Analysis of nocturnal versus diurnal space use showed that roosting and foraging habitat requirements for both species are distinct. Conclusions Analysing over 1 million telemetry points revealed species-level variability in habitat use, informing resource allocation for environmental water management. Royal spoonbills are more vulnerable to habitat change due to water regime alterations, highlighting the need for focused conservation management. Differences in day and night habitat use indicate the necessity of considering roosting habitats alongside foraging habitats for effective conservation. This comprehensive understanding of waterbirds' spatiotemporal interactions with their environment is crucial for long-term management aimed at increasing waterbird numbers and maintaining diversity.

Imprinted habitat selection varies across dispersal phases in a raptor species

Natal Habitat Preference Induction (NHPI) plays a significant role in shaping settlement decisions in dispersive animals. Despite its importance, limited research has explored how NHPI varies during natal dispersal phases and across different types of natal habitats. In this study, we examined NHPI in 77 GPS-tagged juvenile red kites (Milvus milvus) originating from different natal habitats along an elevational gradient in Switzerland. We applied individual-based step selection analysis to investigate habitat selection from independence to settlement. We found that during the prospecting phase, individuals predominantly selected habitats similar to their natal environments. However, this pattern changed in the settlement phase: individuals fledged from habitats at higher elevations or closer to urban areas mostly avoided similar habitats (negative NHPI), while those from areas with more farmlands or pastures (combined with forests) showed a preference for similar habitats (positive NHPI). Moreover, the magnitude and individual variation in NHPI differed depending on the natal habitat types from which individuals originated. These findings highlight that strength, direction, and individual variation in NHPI differ between natal habitat types and dispersal phases. Natal habitats therefore can have pervasive legacy effects on subsequent habitat selection, likely affecting population and range dynamics.

Adapting generalized suitability curves from Brown trout to Minnow using 1D and 2D aquatic habitat models

The article focuses on adapting generalized depth preference and flow velocity characteristics from Brown trout (Salmo trutta morpha fario) to the Minnow (Phoxinus phoxinus). The results obtained were used to model habitat suitability with 1D and 2D models. Since 1995, research on assessing aquatic habitat quality has been ongoing on 77 mountain streams in Slovakia. This assessment employs a System of Environmental Flow Analysis (SEFA), which is based on the Instream Flow Incremental Methodology (IFIM). In most sections, Brown trout occurred in representative numbers. Brown trout habitat preferences were derived and generalized, and represented by suitability curves. Minnows were present in sufficient numbers for the derivation of suitability curves only on some streams, making direct generalization from the measured data unrepresentative. The measurement results showed that Minnow has similar depth and flow rate preferences to Brown trout. Therefore, it can be assumed that it is possible to adapt the generalised suitability curves from Brown trout to Minnow. This expansion enabled us to broaden the assessment of habitat quality using the SEFA model to mountain streams that are dominated by Minnows and where there is insufficient Brown trout presence. Verification of parameter adaptation from Brown trout to Minnow was conducted in 11 sections of mountain streams. We discuss the performance of habitat quality modeling, concerning the fundamental hydraulic characteristics of streams, using both 1D and 2D models. The results of the 2D modeling are presented for a sub-mountain stream.

Impact of Site Conditions on Quercus robur and Quercus petraea Growth and Distribution Under Global Climate Change

Climate change has significant natural and economic implications, but its extent is particularly challenging to assess in forest management, a field which combines both of the previous aspects and requires the evaluation of the impact of climate change on tree species over a 100-year timeframe. Oaks are among the tree species of significant natural and economic value in Europe. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze all oak stands in Poland and verify the hypothesis regarding differences between Quercus robur and Quercus petraea stands in terms of soil type, annual total precipitation, average annual air temperature, and the length of the growing season. Additionally, this study aimed to analyze the impact of these differences on the growth rates of both oak species and test whether climate change may affect oak stands. A database containing 195,241 tree stands, including different oak species with varying shares in the stand (from 10% to 100%), was analyzed. A particular emphasis was placed on Q. robur and Q. petraea. The results show that, although both oak species have a wide common range of occurrence, there are clear differences in their habitat preferences. Based on the ordinal regression analysis of selected oak stands, it was concluded that an increase in air temperature of 1 °C could impair the growth of Q. robur and slightly improve the growth of Q. petraea. This may indicate the possibility of expanding the geographic range of sessile oaks towards the east and northeast under warming climatic conditions, provided that appropriate moisture conditions are maintained.

Moths versus Bees: Contrasts in Habitat Preferences Across Barrens of the Northeastern USA

ABSTRACTBees and moths are globally important pollinators. Xeric barrens in the largely mesic northeastern USA support high levels of pollinator diversity, including rare bees and moths. We investigated the response of bee vs. moth communities to abiotic and vegetation drivers in barrens across the region. We sampled local environmental conditions, vegetation, bees, and moths for 2–4 years in 19 preserves. Employing random forest analysis, we tested the role of 29 abiotic and vegetation predictors of bee vs. moth abundance, species richness, Shannon‐Wiener Index, evenness, and species composition. Variables related to climate, canopy cover, and soils were the most important predictors of abundance, diversity, and species composition for both bees and moths. Vegetation variables, such as species richness of shrubs and hostplants, were also important for bees. The direction of these relationships contrasted sharply between bees and moths: bees were more abundant and species rich in more open, sandy sites and moths the opposite. Habitat preferences for a subset of moth xeric specialists were much more similar to bees than to other moths, with a preference for open, sandy conditions. Contrasts between bees and moths in habitat preferences likely stemmed from differences in their life histories: bees rely on flowers for feeding and porous substrates for nesting, whereas most moth adults feed on flowers, but many moth caterpillars use woody plants as hosts. In sharp contrast to the results for abundance and richness, bees and moths responded similarly for the Shannon‐Wiener Index, which raises important general questions about the conservation value of these two metrics. Our results suggest that, because of differences in habitat preferences among pollinators, barrens management for both open and more closed habitats is likely to promote the highest abundance and diversity of local bee and moth pollinator communities jointly.

Landscape use by prey: Bottom‐up regulation prevails under reduced predation risk

AbstractResource specialist herbivores may suppress antipredator strategies to access scarcely available key resources, while proactive antipredator behaviors should be favored by generalists or when resources are abundant. We quantified the relative effects of predation‐ (top‐down) and resource‐driven (bottom‐up) constraints on spatiotemporal patterns of landscape use by a prey community in a dynamic system under low predator abundance, and investigated how prey manage the risk posed by predators with different hunting strategies. We fitted Royle–Nichols co‐abundance models to camera‐trapping data collected between 2017 and 2019 in Bicuar National Park (Angola), to assess spatial association/segregation across predator–prey dyads, while accounting for the effects of water and food availability during dry and wet seasons. We further estimated pairwise seasonal differences in diel activity overlap between predator and prey. We failed to detect spatiotemporal proactive antipredator responses either toward the cursorial or ambush predator. The community‐wide predator–prey association patterns we found support that predation pressure is insufficient to displace prey from their preferred habitats or to adjust their endogenous clock, and support predominantly bottom‐up regulated behaviors. We suggest that, in landscapes where predator density is low, limited perception of risk may prevent the employment of proactive antipredator behavior.

Abundance and ecological risk of microplastics in commercial fish species from Northeastern Mediterranean Sea

Microplastic pollution in marine environment has attracted the attention of scientists and policy makers. A substantial number of studies have examined the microplastic content in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of fish to monitor microplastic (MP) pollution levels in the ambient environment. The aim of the study was to access the microplastic abundance in the commonly consumed fish species and associated ecological risk assessment for consumers. To that end, microplastic presence in the gills and GIT of Boops boops, Mullus barbatus Mullus surmuletus, Saurida undosquamis, Sardina pilchardus, Trachurus mediterraneus, Pagellus erythrinus, Oblada melanurus, Diplous annularis was investigated. The polymer analysis of extracted MPs were done using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Including all examined specimens, mean MP abundance in the GIT and gills were found as 0.8±1.2 MPs/ind and 0.3±0,7 MPs/ind, respectively. Consistent with the global picture, mainly detected MPs were fiber in shape (79%), black (39%) and blue (37%) in color, and less than 500 μm in size (63%). Polyethylene (21%), polyethylene derivatives (33%) and polypropylene (26%) were the most frequently detected polymers. Ecological risk assessment was calculated by employing polymer risk index, and varied between 4,6 to 27 indicating low to medium hazard risk for examined species. Hazard risk score showed that demersal and bentopelagic fish species were more prone to MP toxicity depending on the toxicity levels of identified polymers. Results indicated that polymer distribution in the marine environment is as significant as the habitat preferences of fish in determining the ecological risk posed by microplastic toxicity.

Jaguar at the Edge: movement patterns in human-altered landscapes

Human-caused habitat loss and fragmentation have significantly impacted the natural environments of large carnivores, altering their movement patterns and increasing risks such as hunting and road collisions. This study aims to understand the movement of jaguars (Panthera onca) through forests, agriculture of varying patch sizes, their distances to these structures, and roads and drainages. By analyzing movement speed, revisits, time spent inside these structures, and the timing of the last visit, data from 54 GPS-tagged jaguars in South America reveal a pronounced tendency to revisit the edges of these landscape variables. Additionally, jaguars showed a stronger affinity for natural areas, spending more time in large forest patches and reducing their speed in natural drainages. Areas with extensive agriculture had fewer revisits, and jaguars moved faster near roads. These results demonstrate the level of tolerance and the dangers this species faces in a landscape with anthropogenic aspects. This comprehensive assessment of movement patterns and landscape use provides valuable insights into how landscape structure influences habitat preference and mobility rates, which is crucial for future jaguar conservation and management strategies.

Eocene Shark Teeth From Peninsular Antarctica: Windows to Habitat Use and Paleoceanography

AbstractEocene climate cooling, driven by the falling pCO2 and tectonic changes in the Southern Ocean, impacted marine ecosystems. Sharks in high‐latitude oceans, sensitive to these changes, offer insights into both environmental shifts and biological responses, yet few paleoecological studies exist. The Middle‐to‐Late Eocene units on Seymour Island, Antarctica, provide a rich, diverse fossil record, including sharks. We analyzed the oxygen isotope composition of phosphate from shark tooth bioapatite (δ18Op) and compared our results to co‐occurring bivalves and predictions from an isotope‐enabled global climate model to investigate habitat use and environmental conditions. Bulk δ18Op values (mean 22.0 ± 1.3‰) show no significant changes through the Eocene. Furthermore, the variation in bulk δ18Op values often exceeds that in simulated seasonal and regional values. Pelagic and benthic sharks exhibit similar δ18Op values across units but are offset relative to bivalve and modeled values. Some taxa suggest movements into warmer or more brackish waters (e.g., Striatolamia, Carcharias) or deeper, colder waters (e.g., Pristiophorus). Taxa like Raja and Squalus display no shift, tracking local conditions in Seymour Island. The lack of difference in δ18Op values between pelagic and benthic sharks in the Late Eocene could suggest a poorly stratified water column, inconsistent with a fully opened Drake Passage. Our findings demonstrate that shark tooth bioapatite tracks the preferred habitat conditions for individual taxa rather than recording environmental conditions where they are found. A lack of secular variation in δ18Op values says more about species ecology than the absence of regional or global environmental changes.

Displaced by nature, driven by choice: Exploring the factors influencing environmental migrants' habitat preferences in coastal Bangladesh

This study examines the factors influencing environmental migrants’ habitat preferences in southwestern Bangladesh. Using a multi-stage sampling technique, we selected 408 households in rural and urban areas, who had moved to their current locations due to climatic extremes. We applied relevant regression models to analyze the complex interplay of socioeconomic, environmental, and institutional factors shaping migration decisions. Our empirical results suggest that, despite having greater access to services in cities, migrants reported lower levels of well-being than their rural counterparts, which could be attributed to reduced social cohesion and limited opportunities for participation in decision-making. Disaster preparedness, early warning access, and prolonged exposure to environmental hazards significantly influence migration decisions and well-being. Protracted post-disaster suffering increases the likelihood of migration to urban slums, emphasizing the vulnerability of rural populations. Men are more likely than women to migrate to urban areas, possibly due to perceived employment opportunities. Surprisingly, while slum dwellers have better service access, their well-being scores are lower than rural residents. Access to education, healthcare, safe drinking water, and early warning systems are all crucial determinants of well-being. Policy recommendations include improving disaster preparedness and early warning systems in rural areas, developing targeted interventions for urban slum migrants focused on social cohesion and income diversification, and implementing gender-specific support programs. This research contributes to understanding environmental migration dynamics in Bangladesh and informs policymakers about sustainable resettlement strategies. Future studies should explore non-linear relationships and expand to diverse geographical contexts.

Discovery of two new species of cobia (Pisces; Rachycentridae) inhabiting the makran coast of the northern Arabian Sea with notes on their biology and ecology

Cobia, Rachycentron canadum has long been regarded as the sole species in the family Rachycentridae, and has a wide distribution in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the Atlantic, Indian Ocean and western Pacific. This study describes two newly identified species, Rachycentron blochii sp. nov. and Rachycentron makranesis sp. nov. from Gwadar in the northern Arabian Sea. The newly discovered species differ significantly from their relatives in multiple morphological traits, such as head profile, mouth, pectoral fin, caudal fin, caudal peduncle, dorsal and anal fin bases, gill rakers, and body coloration. Additionally, species delimitation was further supported by examining body scales and otoliths (sagitta, lapillus, and asteriscus), with shapes also delimiting species. The recent finding increases the number of cobia species in the northern Arabian Sea, Pakistan. Moreover, details on the biological and ecological aspects such as feeding habits, age assessment, habitat preferences and fishery-related details are presented.

Fine-scale habitat selection in tree-dwelling spiders: an experimental approach.

Habitat selection by spiders is strongly influenced by biotic factors such as the availability and diversity of prey and abiotic factors such as temperature, humidity, and the structural complexity of the habitat. Structural complexity is an aspect that intensely affects species persistence, population stability, and the coexistence of interacting species. Trees comprise a complex set of microhabitats due to their large biomass and heterogeneity of the architectural components of their trunk surface and branches. Spider species that live on trunks have diversified physiological or morphological adaptations that confer advantages in this environment. In this study, we experimentally examined the habitat choice by the tree-dwelling spiders Selenops cocheleti (Selenopidae), Corinna rubripes (Corinnidae), and Loxosceles gaucho (Sicariidae). We found that microhabitat specialization was restricted to trunk architectural characteristics rather than plant taxonomy. Selenops cocheleti and C. rubripes significantly preferred loose barks and holes in the trunks, respectively, showing that both spider species can evaluate the physical structure of the microhabitat on a fine scale. On the other hand, L. gaucho selected crevices and holes near the base of the trunk without giving much importance to the physical characteristics of the microhabitat per se (e.g., depth, height, length). Our findings indicate that for generalist predators like spiders, coexistence relies heavily on spatial segregation driven by distinct habitat preferences, irrespective of their method for capturing prey.

×Gymnigritella suaveolens (Orchidaceae), a New Natural Hybrid to the Flora of Serbia

×Gymnigritella suaveolens (Orchidaceae), a natural hybrid between Gymnadenia conopsea and Nigritella rhellicani, was found at Mt Kopaonik for the first time in Serbia, representing its single known locality in the Central Balkans. Morphological characteristics, distribution data, habitat and ecological preferences are indicated. The hybrid was found at 1552 m a.s.l., on sericite schists, as a member of the Festuco-Deschampsietum flexuosae grassland community. Two hybrid specimens were recorded at the site where the two parental species grow in sympatry, and where the population size of G. conopsea was larger than the population size of N. rhellicani.

Additions to the genus Kirschsteiniothelia (Dothideomycetes); Three novel species and a new host record, based on morphology and phylogeny.

During a survey of microfungi associated with forest plants, four specimens related to Kirschsteiniothelia were collected from decaying wood in Guizhou, Hainan and Yunnan Provinces, China. Kirschsteiniothelia species have sexual and asexual forms. They are commonly found as saprophytes on decaying wood and have been reported as disease-causing pathogens in humans as well. In this study, we introduce three novel Kirschsteiniothelia species (K.bulbosapicalis, K.dendryphioides and K.longirostrata) and describe a new host record for K.atra, based on morphology and multi-gene phylogenetic analyses of a concatenated ITS, LSU and SSU rDNA sequence data. These taxa produced a dendryphiopsis- or sporidesmium-like asexual morph and detailed descriptions and micromorphological illustrations are provided. Furthermore, we provide a checklist for the accepted Kirschsteiniothelia species, including detailed host information, habitat preferences, molecular data, existing morphological type, country of origin and corresponding references.

Ecological but Not Biological Traits of European Riverine Invertebrates Respond Consistently to Anthropogenic Impacts

ABSTRACTAimTo determine which riverine invertebrate traits respond consistently to anthropogenic impacts across multiple biogeographic regions.LocationEurope.Time Period1981–2021.Major Taxa StudiedRiverine invertebrates.MethodsWe compiled a database of riverine invertebrate community time series for 673 sites across six European countries spanning six freshwater ecoregions. We compared trait responses to anthropogenic impacts (quantified as changes in ‘ecological quality’) among regions for seven ‘ecological’ traits, which reflect habitat preferences, and nine ‘biological’ traits (e.g., morphology or life history), which represent taxon‐specific attributes that can influence ecosystem processes.ResultsFour ecological traits (current, microhabitat, salinity and trophic preferences) and one biological trait (dispersal mode) responded consistently across regions. These responses were primarily driven by spatial differences among poorer to better quality sites. Responses to temporal changes in quality were comparable but less pronounced.Main ConclusionsConsistent responses to anthropogenic impacts across multiple ecological traits indicate these traits may improve broader scale measurements, comparisons and predictions of community responses. However, we could not use ecological traits to identify the actions of specific stressors because multiple traits always responded as a group. Inconsistent responses across almost all biological traits indicated that these traits may be less predictive of impacts across regions. Predictions of how biological traits, and associated ecosystem processes, respond to anthropogenic impacts may be most effective at regional scales where responses are more consistent.

Assessing the impacts of land use and climate change on the distribution patterns of Ulex europaeus L. (Fabaceae) in the Canary Islands

AbstractBiological invasions are one of the major threats to biodiversity, but their impact is particularly detrimental on oceanic islands like the Canary Archipelago. The common gorse (Ulex europaeus L. (Fabaceae)) is a highly invasive shrub with established populations in Tenerife, the sole island of the archipelago where it is present. Understanding the habitat preferences of U. europaeus is essential for predicting its current and potential future distribution across Tenerife and other Canary Islands, guiding effective local management practices. In 2019 and 2020, we surveyed different populations of U. europaeus in Tenerife, retrieving information on its abundance, presence of other invasive species and most frequent natural and anthropogenic characteristics of the landscape. We used this information to build explanatory and predictive models to identify the key natural and anthropogenic drivers of U. europaeus abundance in Tenerife and estimate the potential distribution of the species across the whole archipelago under current and future climatic conditions. Our findings showed that U. europaeus thrives in humid areas impacted by human activities where other invasive species persist. Both current and future climatic conditions do not support the presence of the species in the more arid islands of the archipelago (i.e., Fuerteventura and Lanzarote), rather highlight that the windwards, and thus more humid, areas of the other islands might support the species also under future warmer climatic scenarios. These findings deepen our understanding of U. europaeus local dynamics and are crucial to inform targeted management strategies to mitigate its impact across the Canary Archipelago and, ultimately, oceanic islands.