Protected Species Research Articles

Peroxiredoxin II exerts neuroprotective effects by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress and oxidative stress-induced neuronal pyroptosis.

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a critical neurological condition with few treatment options, where secondary immune responses and specific cell death forms, like pyroptosis, worsen brain damage. Pyroptosis involves gasdermin-mediated membrane pores, increasing inflammation and neural harm, with the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway being central to this process. Peroxiredoxin II (Prx II), recognized for its mitochondrial protection and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging abilities, appears as a promising neuronal pyroptosis modulator. However, its exact role and action mechanisms need clearer definition. This research aims to explore Prx II impact on neuronal pyroptosis and elucidate its mechanisms, especially regarding endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and oxidative stress-induced neuronal damage modulation. Utilizing MTT assays, Microscopy, Hoechst/PI staining, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence, we found Prx II effectively reduces LPS/ATP-induced pyroptosis and neuroinflammation in HT22 hippocampal neuronal cells. Our results indicate Prx II's neuroprotective actions are mediated through PI3K/AKT activation and ER stress pathway inhibition, diminishing mitochondrial dysfunction and decreasing neuronal pyroptosis through the ROS/MAPK/NF-κB pathway. These findings highlight Prx II potential therapeutic value in improving intracerebral hemorrhage outcomes by lessening secondary brain injury via critical signaling pathway modulation involved in neuronal pyroptosis. Our study not only underlines Prx II importance in neuroprotection but also opens new therapeutic intervention avenues in intracerebral hemorrhage, stressing the complex interplay between redox regulation, ER stress, and mitochondrial dynamics in neuroinflammation and cell death management.

Estimates of Western Atlantic Goliath Grouper (Epinephelus Itajara) Bycatch Mortality in Commercial Fisheries of the Southeastern United States From 2002 to 2022

The Atlantic Goliath Grouper (_Epinephelus itajara_) in the southeastern United States is in decline due to increasingly large and persistent red tides, loss of juvenile habitat, and severe cold-weather events. In this paper, we address another source of mortality -- bycatch, focusing on data from NOAA Fisheries logbooks for commercial fisheries operating between 2002 to 2022. We calculate capture related mortality based on known patterns of depth-related barotrauma drawn from the literature and assume that all fish captured at depths greater than 30 m died if unvented prior to release. The overall result suggests that 75% (14,124 of 18,770) of Goliath Grouper captures died from barotrauma, as they either hemorrhaged or were unable to return to the bottom because of increased buoyancy due to expanded gas trapped in the swim bladder. While fishers currently use self-reporting to document these mortalities, this approach often results in biases toward lower capture and a higher survival rate. Thus, we strongly urge the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to quit using logbook data and instead require that fishers use paid observers and remote electronic monitoring on all commercial and charter vessels to ensure more effective, timely and reliable bycatch data for this and other protected species.

An Eco-Dendrometric Study of Atlas Cedar (Cedrus Altantica Manetti) from Theniet-El-Had National Park (North West of Algeria)

Purpose: This work contributes to the study of the growth pattern of Atlas Cedar (characterized by dendrometric variables) relevant to the stands from Pepinière canton in relation to site factors (ecological and pedology descriptors).   Theoretical framework: A forest ecosystem is a complex set of external factors that have a positive or negative effect on tree growth. Species ecology is a key point in understanding their behavior in relation to environmental fluctuations.   Method: Forty-six temporary plots were set up to collect ecological, pedological, and dendrometric data, allowing for a characterization of the growth pattern of Atlas Cedar stands.   Results and conclusion: The study highlights the presence of an unmanaged irregular forest. Despite being located in an environment conducive to its growth, this forest is subject to degrading anthropogenic activity. Analysis of variance at a significance level of 95% shows that altitude and limestone content are the main site factors influencing Atlas Cedar growth.   Research implications: knowledge of the growth rate of this species allows better silvicultural operations, and application of more adequate management plans for this endemic protected species.   Originality/value: This study constitutes a reliable scientific tool for forest managers, particularly in national reforestation plans, which are doomed to failure due to a lack of knowledge of the behavior of the species used.

Tracing the origins of sea turtle eggs in the markets of Costa Rica

AbstractUnsustainable wildlife trade is a major contributor to biodiversity loss; however, trade regulations have failed to prevent the decline of high‐profile species. Where wildlife is traded legally, opportunities exist to launder protected species through legal channels. The legal commercialization of olive ridley sea turtle eggs from Ostional, Costa Rica, has been criticized with some suggesting that the legal trade stimulates illegal extraction and sale of eggs. We aimed to identify whether the traceability rules, under which the Ostional project operates, were suitably robust. We surveyed markets across Costa Rica, by purchasing openly available sea turtle eggs and recording qualitative and quantitative data at the point of sale. We found that 378 (80%) of turtle eggs openly sold in the market were from olive ridley sea turtles. Green (n = 5) and leatherback (n = 6) turtle eggs were only on offer on three occasions, but no vendor referred to Ostional. Vendors frequently breached trade regulations, which appeared to be due to these regulations misaligning with consumer demand. Although the Ostional traceability rules are regularly flouted, we found no evidence that Ostional is being used as a cover to sell eggs from other turtle species.

Conservation of the Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants in the Mining and Tourism Area: Khibiny Mountains, Murmansk Region, Russia

The Khibiny Mountains (hereafter called Khibiny Mts.) are one of the most urbanized and industrialized regions in the Russian Arctic. There are combined a developed mining complex, elaborate infrastructure, a well-known tourist resort, and a large population, all amidst an exceptionally rich biodiversity of plants. In this study, we analyzed the current knowledge of the spatial distribution of rare and endangered vascular plants and vegetation and the impacts of human activities on these ecosystems. Approximately 28% of the protected vascular plant species in the Murmansk Region were registered within the confines of the Khibiny Mts. In particular, although only a handful of protected species had a widespread presence, most rare species were confined to the southern reaches of the mountain range, with only a select few extending into other parts. Papaver lapponicum was the only species that thrived across the entire territory, including industrial areas. The studied territory contained nine specially protected areas spanning 123,220 hectares. Nature monuments adjacent to mining sites and urban centers play an important role in preserving regional biodiversity. However, the expansion of the mining industry, alongside deforestation and wildfires, poses considerable threats to the biodiversity of the Khibiny Mts. A comprehensive biodiversity conservation strategy implemented in this region balances the local and expansive territorial protection of rare species and habitats, ensuring environmental preservation while facilitating social and economic progress, a noteworthy example of environmental protection in the Arctic.

A machine learning approach for protected species bycatch estimation

IntroductionMonitoring bycatch of protected species is a fisheries management priority. In practice, protected species bycatch is difficult to precisely or accurately estimate with commonly used ratio estimators or parametric, linear model-based methods. Machine-learning algorithms have been proposed as means of overcoming some of the analytical hurdles in estimating protected species bycatch.MethodsUsing 17 years of set-specific bycatch data derived from 100% observer coverage of the Hawaii shallow-set longline fishery and 25 aligned environmental predictors, we evaluated a new approach for protected species bycatch estimation using Ensemble Random Forests (ERFs). We tested the ability of ERFs to predict interactions with five protected species with varying levels of bycatch in the fishery and methods for correcting these predictions using Type I and Type II error rates from the training data. We also assessed the amount of training data needed to inform a ERF approach by mimicking the sequential addition of new data in each subsequent fishing year.ResultsWe showed that ERF bycatch estimation was most effective for species with greater than 2% interaction rates and error correction improved bycatch estimates for all species but introduced a tendency to regress estimates towards mean rates in the training data. Training data needs differed among species but those above 2% interaction rates required 7-12 years of bycatch data.DiscussionOur machine learning approach can improve bycatch estimates for rare species but comparisons are needed to other approaches to assess which methods perform best for hyperrare species.

Taxonomic & biological annotations on six endangered shark species found in the landings at Karachi Fish Harbour with reference to some conservation strategy measures

Identification based on taxonomy of six (6) shark species that have been occasionally seen in the landings of Karachi Fish Harbour (KFH) was carried out in this study. Between 2014 and 2023, field and laboratory observations were made in five different surveys. These uncommon shark species were identified as Carcharhinus amblyrhynchus, C. amboinensis, C.hemiodon, C. longimanus, C. macloti and Stegostoma fasciatum. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) have described these species of sharks as endangered, data deficient, critically endangered and near threatened species respectively in their Red List 2022. These species are being captured and sold for markets connected to domestic and international commerce or export procedures, despite the fact that they are endangered and on the verge of extinction. Regrettably, the main reasons for this out-of-control situation and the extinction of these protected species are the local fishermen's misunderstanding of the laws and the inadequate monitoring provided by higher authorities

Wildlife fencing at German highways and federal roads – requirements and management implications

In Germany, the high risk of wildlife–vehicle collisions (WVC) is further increasing due to increasing traffic volumes and road densities as well as the growing population densities of common ungulate species. As a result, threats to human health and property as well as wildlife mortality of widely spread and rare species increase. Currently, three basic types of wildlife fences are used in Germany: type A, a conventional galvanized‐high tensile deer fence (made of knot braid); type B, a chain wire (mesh wire) fence; type C, a rigid welded wire mesh fence panels. Since fencing needs to restrict access of many different species with different behaviours (e.g. jumping, climbing, digging), fencing needs to be multifaceted to be effectively. Furthermore, the occurrence of wildlife species with habits such as jumping, climbing or digging determines the optimal (functional) fence design per location. We surveyed road managers in combination with a personal assessment of road sections in Germany and derived the following recommendations for optimal fencing to reduce WVC: 1) To deter digging, use plates made of recycled synthetic materials or a concrete foundation, instead of barbed wire. 2) Fencing should be made of chain wire (mesh wire, type B) fence or rigid welded wire mesh fence panels (type C) instead of knot braid mesh (type A). 3) To restrict climbing, use angled chain wire fence or rigid welded wire mesh fence panels at the top of the fences. 4) Maintain fences so that they are kept free from ingrown vegetation/woods. Maintenance conditions should be considered while planning and building the fence, especially to ensure sufficient space on both sides for accessibility. 5) Fencing should be established preferably near the roadside and moved away from property lines. In conclusion, wildlife fencing could be a very effective mitigation measure to prevent WVC with common as well as protected species, when proper designed and recommendations of the survey will be consequently considered. Currently many wildlife fences lack functionality due to an inappropriate design and maintenance issues in Germany.

Biomonitoring of benzophenones in guano samples of wild bats in Poland.

Benzophenones (BPs) are substances used in the production of sunscreens, cosmetics, and personal care products. However, there is a lack of knowledge of BPs in wild animals. Therefore, the study aimed to assess the concentration of selected BPs commonly used in the cosmetic industry in guano samples collected from 4 colonies of greater mouse-eared bats (Myotis myotis). Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to determine guano concentrations of benzophenone 1 (BP-1), benzophenone 2 (BP-2), benzophenone 3 (BP-3) and benzophenone 8 (BP-8). BP-1 levels above the method quantification limit (MQL) were noted in 97.5% of samples and fluctuated from <0.1 ng/g to 259 ng/g (mean 41.50 ng/g, median 34.8). The second most common was BP-3, which fluctuated from <0.1 ng/g to 19 ng/g (mean 6.67 ng/g, median 5.05), and its levels higher than MQL were observed in 40% of samples. BP-2 and BP-8 concentrations did not exceed the method detection limit (0.04 ng/g) in any analyzed sample. There were visible differences in the BP-1 and BP-3 levels among the studied bat colonies. Mean BP-1 concentration fluctuated from 11.23±13.13 ng/g to 76.71±65.51 ng/g and differed significantly between the colonies. Mean BP-3 concentration fluctuated from 5.03±6.03 ng/g to 9.18±7.65 mg/g, but it did not differ significantly between the colonies. The results show that guano is a suitable matrix for the assessment of wildlife exposure to BPs. This could be particularly advantageous in protected species, where not disturbing and stressing the animals are crucial.

Exploring Morphological Population Variability: Host Plant and Habitat Dependency in the Protected Moth Gortyna borelii (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae)

In this paper, we discuss the evolutionary implications of the correlation between different species of Peucedanum plants and the distribution of Gortyna borelii moth populations in Romania. We highlight geographic separation and isolation among these populations due to anthropogenic landscape fragmentation, which hinders genetic exchange. A geometric morphometric analysis was utilized to visualize and compare the morphometric variations in relation to the environmental variables, particularly the host plant. Additionally, the distribution of G. borelii populations across Europe and in Romania that are correlated with the host plant was analyzed. The significant morphological and morphometric differences between the analyzed populations support our working hypothesis, according to which the use of different Peucedanum species by the larvae of G. borelii leads to an intraspecific diversification correlated with the host plant species. The newly discovered population of G. borelii in Romania holds substantial conservation importance, necessitating protection measures, including demarcating habitat areas and raising awareness among stakeholders. G. borelii is a protected species at the European level (Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC, Appendices II and IV), considered endangered due to the isolation of its populations and anthropogenic pressures exerted through agricultural practices. Understanding the impact of agricultural practices on their habitat is crucial for effective management strategies. Overall, this study sheds light on the complex interplay between ecological adaptation, host plant specialization, and speciation dynamics in phytophagous insects, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts to preserve G. borelii populations and their habitats.

The greater the proportion of Robinia pseudoacacia in a stand the greater its effect on the population characteristics of Erythronium dens-canis

Management of invasive alien plants is an increasing problem throughout the world. In some cases native rare or protected species can appear or even prefer habitats dominated by invasive alien plants, which raises questions about the optimal treatment of such areas. Erythronium dens-canis in Hungary is a protected species which only have several occurrences in the country and a number of these populations situated in Robinia pseudoacacia stands developed after harvesting native forests. In this study a total of five populations of E. dens-canis were surveyed between 2020 and 2022 in southwestern Hungary examining and comparing the ongoing demographic changes under native and Robinia stands by monitoring individual plants. Two populations were situated in forests composed of native tree species, two in Robinia pseudoacacia-dominated stands and one in a Robinia-native tree species mixed stand. We categorized the plants into five age-state categories: dormant, seedling, juvenile, vegetative adult, and reproductive adult. We found some considerable differences (e.g. leaf size, reproduction rate) between the populations situated in native and in Robinia stands, whereas the population in mixed forest showed intermediate character in most examined factors. Based on our results, R. pseudoacacia have a significant effect on the phenology and life history of E. dens-canis, and this effect is greater with higher proportion of R. pseudoacacia in a forest stand where the E. dens-canis occurs.

Morphometric and DNA sexing accurately in male Javan hawk-eagle (Nisaetus bartelsi) determination at Kamojang Eagle Conservation Center, West Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Withaningsih S, Ilham MF, Rosdianto AM. 2024. Morphometric and DNA sexing accurately in male Javan hawk-eagle (Nisaetus bartelsi) determination at Kamojang Eagle Conservation Center, West Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 1167-1173. The Javan hawk-eagle (Nisaetus bartelsi) is a protected and endemic species of eagle in Indonesia whose existence is symbolized by the Garuda Pancasila. Raptors act at the top of the predatory chain and as indicators of environmental health. IUCN data states that N. bartelsi is red-listed as endangered. It is one of Indonesia's most frequently hunted and traded birds, and this trading practice has changed its natural behavior. Therefore, preservation through conservation –one of which is rehabilitation– programs are needed to maintain their sustainability. The ultimate goal of rehabilitation is to release the Javan hawk-eagle back into its natural habitat. In conservation and breeding programs, accurate determination of the sex of raptors is integral to informing conservation decision-making, population management, and research efforts aimed at protecting these iconic birds of prey and their habitats. Therefore, this study aims to determine the sex of male N. bartelsi through morphometric and DNA sexing techniques. The research subjects were seven N. bartelsi rehabilitated at Kamojang Eagle Conservation Center, Garut, Indonesia. Morphometric sexing measurements obtained the following results: two males were consistent upon comparing DNA sexing and Kamonjang Eagle Conservation Centre records observations. Analyses were obtained using primer 2550F/2718R that recognized CHD1-Z and CHD1-W as cleaved. Furthermore, the amplification was successfully read a sexing of N. bartelsi at Kamonjang Eagle Conservation Centre. The analysis primer sets mainly for raptors can assist conservation programs such as breeding programs and data collection for mapping this raptor. In addition, the PCR method can also assist in the accurate management of in-situ and ex-situ conservation.

A matter of connection: the importance of habitat networks for endangered butterflies in anthropogenic landscapes

AbstractCities are expanding at fast rates across the world, representing one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss due to habitat replacement. Nonetheless, urban and peri-urban areas often feature green spaces that may offer opportunities to wildlife and even represent safe havens for endangered species. Nonetheless, the key drivers that shape wildlife responses to urban landscapes, and in turn their ability to persist within cities, are far from being fully understood. Here we focus on an ecologically specialized butterfly, the endemic Italian festoon Zerynthia cassandra, as a model to assess how endangered species may survive in highly modified urban landscapes. The relatively low mobility and high host plant specialization make Z. cassandra an excellent target for studies in urban ecology, as they make the species able to exploit small suitable patches while at the same time potentially sensitive to habitat fragmentation and loss due to urbanization and land reclamation. We thus first document the relatively widespread occurrence of potentially suitable sites within two highly modified landscapes of central and southern Italy, with 25 and 35% of sites actually occupied by Z. cassandra. By modeling the probability of butterfly occurrence as a function of environmental characteristics, we found that Z. cassandra is strongly influenced by functional connectivity among suitable sites in urban landscapes, as well as by the abundance of Aristolochia host plants, and by the availability of profitable land cover classes in the immediate surroundings of potential oviposition sites. Our results indicate not only that networks of urban and peri-urban green spaces may host populations of protected and endangered species, but that management should also focus on the urban matrix in order to provide connecting corridors, as key assets to guarantee species persistence in cities.

Harbour porpoises respond to chronic acoustic deterrent device noise from aquaculture

Acoustic deterrent devices (ADDs) are used globally by the aquaculture industry to attempt to reduce pinniped depredation. However, noise from ADDs sited in areas used by cetaceans may lead to changes in cetacean behaviour and displacement from habitats impacting conservation status. Here, we investigate whether ADD noise from aquaculture within a habitat reduces acoustic detections of harbour porpoises, indicating either displacement or changes in echolocation activity. Nine years (2011–2019) of boat-based acoustic line-transect data for harbour porpoises were collected across the west coast of Scotland together with ADD presence and perceived loudness recorded by volunteers at regular listening stations along each transect. The most intense ADD noise coincided with significantly fewer harbour porpoise detections than in areas with no ADD noise. This corresponded with an estimated displacement of 34 % of the total undisturbed population, assuming that there was no change in echolocation behaviour. Furthermore, significant responses occurred at estimated received sound levels from ADDs >108 dB re 1 μPa RMS (frequency weighted for harbour porpoises). These findings suggest porpoises are either displaced from habitats degraded by intense ADD noise and/or echolocate less. In Scotland, ADD use in aquaculture has required a license since 2021. Limiting licensing, and monitoring ADD use by aquaculture should be considered by conservation managers globally, particularly in areas used by acoustically sensitive protected species. Non-acoustic (and non-lethal) measures to mitigate pinniped depredation on aquaculture sites are available and should be encouraged.

Aquatic protected area system in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau: establishment, challenges and prospects

Conservation of wetlands on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau is vital to the ecological security of China and even all of Asia. In this study, we investigated the aquatic protected area system established by the Chinese government in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. In general, 9 categories of aquatic protected areas have been established in this area, linked to the International Union for Conservation of Nature classification system of protected areas. The diverse main protection objectives of different protected areas have played a key role in wetland conservation. However, the protection of wetland environments and aquatic organisms has been insufficient in some atypical protected areas and local protected areas. We further constructed a list of important aquatic organisms in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and analyzed the protected status of those important species through gap analysis. A total of 156 important aquatic species were identified, with 8 gap species and 18 inadequately protected species. It is encouraging that none of the national key protected species are gap species, but there are 4 gap species that are threatened species on “China’s red list”. In addition, we found that 17 important species are designated as Data Deficient or Not Evaluated on “China’s red list”, including 8 national key protected species. Finally, we propose the prospects for solving the existing problems of aquatic protected area systems: integrating aquatic protected areas, enhancing the status of community-based conservation, and increasing investment in important aquatic organism research.

An improved habitat suitability index for the great crested newt Triturus cristatus

An improved habitat suitability index for the great crested newt Triturus cristatus

Hidden diversity of cestodes in wild African carnivores: I. Non-taeniid cyclophyllideans

Our knowledge of parasites in wildlife remains limited, primarily due to restricted access to samples, especially of parasites from protected species. This present study contributes to the comprehension of the enigmatic world of helminths of African wild mammals and cestode biodiversity by combining both molecular and morphological analysis. Cestode samples were opportunistically collected from 77 individual definitive hosts in South Africa, Namibia and Ethiopia, encompassing 15 different species of wild African carnivores and additionally domestic cats. The analysis revealed 32 different cyclophyllidean species of which 21 (65.6 %) represent previously unknown genetic entities. They belong to the families Mesocestoididae, Hymenolepididae, Dipylidiidae and Taeniidae. Here we cover the non-taeniid cestodes, while the taeniids will be addressed in a separate publication. Three of the non-taeniid species uncovered in this study could be assigned to the genus Mesocestoides and were isolated from servals and domestic cats. The white-tailed mongoose was found to be a suitable host for a species belonging to the Hymenolepididae, which was identified as Pseudandrya cf. mkuzii. Both feline and canine genotypes of Dipylidium caninum were detected in domestic cats, the canine genotype also in an African wolf. In addition to these, a novel species of Dipylidium was discovered in an aardwolf. Lastly, four distinct species of Joyeuxiella were found in this study, revealing a cryptic species complex and emphasizing the need for a taxonomic reassessment of this genus. Despite the limited scope of our study in terms of geography and sample size, the results highlight that biodiversity of cestodes in African wild mammals is grossly under-researched and follow-up studies are urgently required, in particular linking morphology to gene sequences.

Урожайність молоді риб прибережних ділянок р. Дністер у межах Івано-Франківської області

Purpose. Taking into account the unique ichthyological complex of the upper course of the Dniester River, the studies should be directed both at the structure of the ichthyofauna and at its quantitative parameters of the species structure, and fish with a special conservation status need special attention. Therefore, the purpose of our work was to determine the peculiarities of the current structural and functional organization of the ichthyocenosis of the Dniester River within the Ivano-Frankivsk region. Methodology. Quantitative assessment of fish juveniles was carried out using the area method. Fish juveniles were identified to the species level using A.F. Koblytska and Yu.V. Movchan identification keys. All fish, after some measurements, were released to the place where they were caught in an undamaged state and alive. After identification of fish species with a special conservation status, which were trapped into the fishing gear, they were immediately returned to their habitat without removing them from water. Findings. Fourteen fish species were observed in the community of fish juveniles on the nearshore areas of the Dniester River in the Ivano-Frankivsk region. According to the data of the analysis, following relative abundances of juvenile fish species were observed: vyrezub (40% of the total abundance), bleak (23% of the total abundance) and vimba (18% of the total abundance). The total relative abundance of fish juveniles with special conservation status in the total catch was 68%, which suggested the need to create additional zones in order to increase conservation measures. Given the high share of fish species with special conservation status, the assessment of species biodiversity in terms of biotope similarity is important. The area of Mariyampil village and floodplain coastal areas were characterized by the highest biodiversity in terms of species composition of ichthyofauna among the studied biotopes. The highest abundance of fish juveniles in absolute values was recorded in the mouth areas of the rivers, but its high values were achieved due to the juveniles of vyrezub. Also, this studied nearshore area was not characterized by a high biodiversity of ichthyofauna, which was confirmed by the Shannon-Weaver index at the level of 1.74. According to the results of our study, it can be stated that the nearshore areas of the mouth part of the rivers are important and unique for the formation of ichthyocenosis specifically for the vyrezub. Thus, it can be concluded that all analyzed stations were characterized by the presence of vyrezub, which allows classifying the studied area as important in terms of environmental protection. In view of the prevalence of juvenile vyrezub within the studied areas, protective measures are more important, which are aimed not only at ensuring control over the state of aquatic biological resources, but also at the organization of artificial replenishment of natural localities and the creation of new populations of this species with their purposeful acclimatization in specially selected ecological conditions of the water body. Originality. For the first time, the yield of fish juveniles in the nearshore areas of the Dniester River within the Ivano-Frankivsk Region was analyzed. The obtained data will be used to solve the problem of the preservation of species diversity and the abundance of fish species, which are valuable in terms of environmental protection. Practical value. As a result of the assessment of the current state of the ichthyofauna of the Dniester River within the limits of the Ivano-Frankivsk region, data were obtained regarding the natural localities of rare and endangered fish species in the specified area. Keywords: ichthyofauna, Dniester River, protected species, natural locality.

Дополнение к биоте макромицетов острова Завьялова (Северное Охотоморье)

Under the "Nature of Zavyalov Island and Ecotourism" program, mycobiota was additionally studied. The article presents the new data on the diversity of Zavyalov Island macroscopic fungi. 74 species, not previously listed for the island biota, have been identified. New locations of three protected species (Amanita regalis, Clavariadelphus truncatus and Leccinum arctoi), included in the Red Data Book of Magadan Oblast (2019), have been discovered. Currently, 173 species of macroscopic fungi are known for Zavyalov Island.

Habitat changes explain shifts in bird community composition in abandoned military training areas: Lessons for conservation

Military training areas are important biodiversity refuges and may serve as viable components of regional conservation networks, mainly due to the blocking of ecological succession by the disturbance regime creating a heterogeneous open habitat mosaic hosting many threatened species. However, European armies have undergone downsizing over the past decades and numerous military training areas have been abandoned. The assessment of the consequences of this abandonment for biodiversity would show us whether these abandoned areas still provide conservation benefits. For this purpose, we carried out bird surveys in 30 abandoned military training areas in Czechia. The surveys were performed in two periods (2009 and 2020–2021) to track small-scale changes in land cover and bird abundance after the areas were abandoned in the 1990s. We tested (i) whether changes in bird abundance were related to land cover changes and (ii) whether the observed bird species’ responses to the land cover changes can be explained by species-specific characteristics. Multivariate spatial analyses uncovered significant shifts in land cover composition towards a higher representation of dense shrub, forest and built-up areas at the expense of open areas represented by grassland and sparse shrub. These land cover changes explained a small but significant part of bird abundance variation across the areas. Correspondingly, species benefiting from these land cover changes were associated with dense scrub or forest, such as the Common Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, or Eurasian Blackcap, whereas species suffering from these changes were associated with grassland, such as the European Stonechat and Eurasian Skylark. Phylogenetically informed interspecific analysis aiming to explain changes in bird abundance between periods confirmed that population declines were linked to open habitat preference, while population increases were linked to the preference for dense shrub and forest. In addition, we found that protected species increased their abundance, most likely due to the existence of conservation management that kept their habitats available. These patterns indicate that military training areas transform toward later successional stages after their abandonment with corresponding changes in bird community composition. However, these changes may not necessarily be negative provided that species of conservation concern enjoy the support of conservation management.