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

Breast cancer remains a global health challenge, and early detection is crucial for improving survival rates. However, traditional biomarker detection methods in machine learning face challenges such as high false positives, large gene datasets, and limited sample sizes. These challenges are exacerbated by the limitations of traditional differential evolution techniques, which struggle with scalability and effectiveness in high-dimensional, complex problems. This study introduces Ensemble-Based Logical Binary QANA (LBQANA_En), an improved differential evolution variant tailored for large-scale global optimization in gene expression analysis. By integrating six gene expression datasets, LBQANA_En overcomes the constraints of small sample sizes and the complexities inherent in gene expression data. Inspired by the quantum navigation of migratory birds and leveraging logical operators like XOR and OR, LBQANA_En outperforms other binary QANA variants in biomarker detection. The algorithm successfully identifies key biomarkers, including LPL, LEP, CD36, CDC20, TOP2A, and EZH2, significantly improving breast cancer detection accuracy and reducing false positives, achieving an impressive F1 score of 98.958%. These biomarkers provide critical insights into important pathways, such as AMPK and PPAR signaling, setting a new benchmark in computational biology and bioinformatics research, and paving the way for advancements in diagnostic techniques and medical science.

This study aimed to phenotypically and genotypically detect beta-lactam-resistant Escherichia coli in the feces of wild and migratory birds residing in or passing through the Marmara Region during seasonal migration. A total of 272 fresh fecal samples were non-invasively collected and grouped as follows: (1) resident wild waterfowl, (2) resident urban birds (e.g., pigeons, crows, sparrows), (3) migratory birds overwintering in Turkey, and (4) migratory birds staying during spring and summer. Samples were cultured on MacConkey agar with and without cefotaxime (1mg/L). Carbapenem resistance was assessed using the Modified Hodge Test; none of the 212 isolates tested positive. Among the 272 birds sampled, 62 (22.8%) carried ESBL and/or AmpC producing isolates. Antimicrobial-resistant E. coli were identified in 59 of 272 birds (21.7%), including 47 ESBL-positive, 6 AmpC-positive, and 5 harboring both resistance types. Group 1 (mainly gulls) showed the highest resistance rates. PCR analysis revealed that among 84 isolates, 48 carried only beta-lactamase genes, 3 only AmpC genes, and 5 both. Detected genes included: blaCTX-M (n = 50), blaSHV (n = 2), and blaOXA10 (n = 10); for AmpC: blaMOX (n = 6) and blaCIT (n = 2). Species-specific results confirmed the highest frequency of resistance genes in gulls. The Frequency of resistant isolates was significantly higher in Groups 1 and 2 (P < 0.001). The resistance profiles identified in gulls especially those feeding at landfills or in direct contact with human, animal, and agricultural waste suggest a likely anthropogenic and/or zoonotic origin of the beta lactam resistance observed in this study conducted in Marmara Region.

Wind energy is vital for climate change mitigation, but poses risks to some bird species, particularly raptors. This study investigated raptor flight behaviour at the Kipeto Wind Farm in southern Kenya and exposure to potential collision risk related to time of day, season and weather. Observers monitored raptor flights from 09:00–18:00 daily for five years, beginning January 2020, and assigned flight time to height classes above, below or at collision risk height (CRH, 30–180 m). Raptors were categorised as falcons/kestrels, medium raptors, large raptors, vultures or Palaearctic migrants. Vultures accounted for 44% of all raptor sightings, with passage rates of 0.3–0.6 birds per hour, 86% of flights entirely above CRH and only 3% of flight time at CRH overall. Migrants also mainly flew above turbines (5.1% of time at CRH), with resident species spending more flight time at CRH (11.0%, 18.6% and 22.8% for large raptors, medium raptors, and falcons/kestrels respectively). Vulture time at CRH was least during the cool, dry mid-year months and peaked around the short rains in November–December. Other than migrants, other raptor categories did not show strong seasonal patterns in activity. Except for falcons/kestrels, time at CRH was highest before 11:00 for all categories. Controlling for confounding factors, vulture and migrant passage rates at CRH were elevated at lower barometric pressures, owing to greater overall activity. Resident raptors (falcons, medium and large raptors) made more flights at CRH in dry and sunny weather, or (for large raptors) when wind speed was low. For vultures, large raptors and migrants, activity patterns appear related to physical requirements for soaring flight. Species’ actual collision risk at a site will depend on many factors, not only on time spent at collision risk height. A better understanding of raptor flight activity in relation to environmental factors nevertheless helps inform risk assessment and mitigation for wind energy developments .

Wetlands function as dynamic habitats that sustain rich avian diversity, offering good resources for both resident and migratory bird species. A detailed survey was conducted at Jagatpur Wetland in district Bhagalpur, Bihar. The present study was carried out from January 2023 to May 2025 to assess the avian and fish diversity at Jagatpur Wetland. During the study a total of 143 bird species were recorded, including 99 resident, 8 local migratory, and 36 migratory species. Based on conservation status, 1 species was recorded as endangered, 3 species as Vulnerable, 5 species as Near Threatened, and 134 species under the Least Concern category. These birds belong to 19 orders and 48 families, showing high taxonomic avian diversity. Along with avifaunal diversity, 24 fish species belonging to 5 orders and 13 families were also documented from this wetland. Fish diversity is ecologically important for many bird species depend on fish as their primary food source. The availability of diverse fish fauna increases food resources and attracts several piscivorous and semi-piscivorous birds, thereby supporting high avian diversity in the wetland. Besides, this wetland is also facing several anthropogenic threats like road construction, habitat disturbance, noise pollution, and increased human activity associated with road development adversely affecting bird populations and their natural behavior. The excessive growth of Eichhornia species has also accelerated eutrophication processes, further reducing the overall depth of the wetland. Therefore, urgent conservation and effective management measures are necessary to reduce threats and ensure the long-term sustainability of this important wetland ecosystem. These findings underscore the ecological significance of Jagatpur Wetland as a vital habitat supporting diverse bird communities.

Water birds serve as particularly valuable indicators of wetland health since wetlands provide critical feeding, foraging, nesting, roosting and breeding habitats for these species. Monitoring waterbird populations over time is, therefore, essential for assessing wetland ecosystem health. To achieve this, certain wetlands are designated as Ramsar sites by identifying those with high conservation importance and implementing conservation measures. To address the critical need for integrated monitoring of wetland water quality and biodiversity, where bird populations serve as key bioindicators of environmental health and ecosystem integrity, the proposed dataset provides detailed, multi-year records of water quality parameters and bird populations across five Ramsar wetlands in India: Ashtamudi, Vembanad and Sasthamkotta in Kerala; Harike Wetland in Punjab; and Point Calimere in Tamil Nadu. The data span from 2016 to 2024 for the Kerala sites and from 2018 to 2024 for Harike Wetland and Point Calimere. Using Sentinel-2 satellite imagery combined with site-specific shapefiles, surface reflectance data for each wetland are processed and analysed. For the three Kerala wetlands, seven key water quality parameters: total suspended solids (TSS), turbidity, conductivity, pH, ammoniacal nitrogen (NH₃-N), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and dissolved oxygen (DO) were estimated by calibrating models with in-situ measurements. In Harike Wetland and Point Calimere, the focus was on chlorophyll-a (Chl_a), cyanobacteria cell concentration (Cya), turbidity, coloured dissolved organic matter (CDOM)and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Bird population data, centred on both migratory and resident water birds, are sourced from multiple resources and organisations, including eBird:, World Wide Fund for Nature - Kerala (WWF), Bird Count India, Kottayam Nature Society, Cochin Natural History Society (CNHS), Pathanamthitta Birders and Kollam Birding Battalion, to provide comprehensive insight into wetland biodiversity. By integrating geospatial, spectral, field and ecological information in correlation with bird population data, this dataset enables long-term tracking of wetland health and provides a foundation for bird occupancy prediction for researchers working in remote sensing, ecology and conservation. With the regression equation formulated from the collected dataset, the system could achieve a promising R² value, which indicates that this model can be further applied to these wetlands.

Agricultural and urban waste contains various contaminating substances that reach rivers and bodies of water daily. Anthropogenic activities threaten the integrity of aquatic ecosystems and the resident species. Hypostomus ancistroides is a neotropical fish part of the South American fauna. Due to their benthic habit and trophic niche, these organisms can be directly exposed to mutagenic pollutants. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the toxicity of urbanized and rural river waters (Toledo River, Toledo, Paraná, Brazil) by evaluating the genotoxic and biochemical effects in H. ancistroides. Fish were collected at two urbanized points on the Toledo River (P1-urban; P2-urban and rural-influenced) and at one point on the Santa Quitéria River (P3), located in the rural area of Toledo. The frequency of micronuclei (MNs), erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities (ENAs), and biochemical biomarkers (superoxide dismutase, SOD; catalase, CAT; glutathione S-transferase, GST; and lipid peroxidation, LPO) were analyzed across two seasons (summer and winter). Micronuclei and ENAs were observed in H. ancistroides specimens both in urban and rural areas, with the highest occurrence in P2 during the winter. Concerning biochemical biomarkers, H. ancistroides showed a significant increase in SOD during summer in P2 but no significant difference in CAT. Lipid peroxidation during winter in P2 and P3 was higher than in P1 during summer. Higher GST activity was observed in the specimens in P1 and P2 during winter. Both rivers suffer from the impact and contamination caused by human activities, especially during winter. Still, the greatest genotoxicity was observed in P2, indicating a high risk of contamination to the aquatic organisms inhabiting the local area.

The Mediterranean coast hosts a high diversity of birds, with resident, wintering, and migratory species that coexist according to seasonal patterns. This study highlights the strategic role of urban green spaces in the conservation of avifauna, focusing on Montjuïc hill (Barcelona), which integrates natural habitats with ornamental and themed gardens. Between December 2023 and November 2024, over the course of 144 fieldwork days, 8,974 individuals of 75 bird species were recorded. Resident species predominated (32.00 %), followed by trans-Saharan migrants (28.00 %) and wintering species (24.00 %). Curruca melanocephala, Phylloscopus collybita, and Ficedula hypoleuca were the most abundant species within their respective groups. Species richness reached maximum values in spring and autumn, coinciding with the temporal overlap of migratory and wintering species. Natural areas, dominated by open habitats, concentrated more wintering and trans-Saharan migratory species. The phenological spectrum of some species indicates a regular use of Montjuïc as a stopover area during seasonal movements.

Canal construction activities alter the visual characteristics of natural habitats, which in turn impairs the camouflage effectiveness of resident animals. To explore the impacts of habitat degradation induced by anthropogenic engineering on the camouflage strategies of sympatric crab species, this study investigated the camouflage performance of Chiromantes haematocheir and Orisarma dehaani in natural estuarine habitats and canal-modified estuarine habitats of the Pinglu Canal. The Chromatic Just Noticeable Difference (CJND) of C. haematocheir in canal-modified habitats was 16.272 ± 9.503, significantly higher than the value of 12.911 ± 7.982 in natural estuaries (Z = -6.514, p < 0.001). Within the same habitat type, the CJND value of O. dehaani was consistently and significantly lower than that of C. haematocheir, with significant differences observed in both natural estuaries (Z = -11.572, p < 0.001) and canal-modified habitats (Z = -13.413, p < 0.001). Meanwhile, the pattern energy difference (PED) of O. dehaani in canal-modified habitats (0.744 ± 0.119) was significantly higher than that in natural estuaries (0.726 ± 0.107; Z = -2.390, p = 0.017), and the PED of C. haematocheir in canal-modified habitats (0.750 ± 0.133) was significantly higher than that in natural estuaries (0.731 ± 0.122; Z = -2.742, p = 0.006). The Pinglu Canal's construction significantly exacerbated the reduction in background-matching camouflage effectiveness of both crab species. This study provides empirical evidence for evaluating the impacts of anthropogenic engineering activities on the camouflage adaptability of estuarine benthic animals, and offers a scientific reference for the conservation of benthic biological resources in canal-modified estuarine ecosystems.

Understanding the impact of plant invasion on multitrophic community dynamics and coexistence requires widespread and frequent monitoring. Deep learning can be used to automate the measurement of indicators of ecological interactions and ecosystem functioning. In this study, we used a consumer-grade drone paired with deep learning to assess floral density in meadows invaded by the dog-strangling vine Vincetoxicum rossicum (Kleopow) Barbar. (Gentianales: Apocynaceae) at the Rouge National Urban Park in the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada. Alongside these measurements, observations of pollination and herbivory was completed on Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (L.) G.L.Nesom (Asterales: Asteraceae), a self-incompatible, pollinator-dependent native plant that experiences herbivory by a widespread specialist weevil, Anthonomusrufipes LeConte (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Our results suggest that as invasion progresses, pollination services are reduced due to the decrease in floral density which suppresses pollinator abundance and activity. Conversely, while herbivory had a strong effect on plant reproduction, it was density independent and thus unaffected by direct effects of invasion, but rather indirect through reduced host abundance. By pairing deep learning with drone technology, we detected patterns consistent with a reduction of pollinator habitat quality along the invasion gradient. Furthermore, we find that invasion appears to suppress plant reproduction by means of separate processes that are either independent of or dependent on pollination. Overall, the results suggest that invasion reduces pollinator habitat quality while simultaneously resulting in ecological conditions consistent with the reproductive impairment of late-season flowering resident plant species.

The Daba Mountains is a critical ecological barrier in central China, with diverse landforms supporting rich avian communities. To clarify the species composition, seasonal dynamics, and vertical distribution of birds in its southern foothills — key for biodiversity conservation — we conducted systematic surveys via line-transect and direct observation methods in June (summer) and September (autumn) 2024, covering multiple habitats and altitude gradients. A total of 72 bird species (8 orders, 31 families) were recorded, including 51 residents (70.83%), 13 summer migrants (18.06%), six winter migrants (8.33%), and two passage migrants (2.78%). Zoogeographically, Oriental realm species dominated (37 species, 51.39%), followed by cosmopolitan species (23 species, 31.94%) and Palaearctic realm species (12 species, 16.67%). Summer avian diversity was significantly higher than autumn (P < 0.05), linked to breeding activities and summer migrants. Across the studied altitudinal range, aquatic habitats consistently showed the highest diversity index, whereas farmland and urban-rural habitats displayed the greatest similarity in community composition. Analysis along the altitudinal gradient revealed that the overall species richness showed a mid-peak pattern, peaking at 800–1100 m, Linear Mixed Model (LMM) analysis further confirmed that elevation had a significant effect on bird diversity, with the 800–1100 m band showing significantly higher Shannon-Wiener index values than lower elevations (P = 0.035), while no significant interaction was found between elevation and habitat type. Resident birds exhibited seasonal altitude range expansions. Our study provides baseline avian biodiversity data for the region, enhancing understanding of avian ecological adaptation in mountain ecosystems. This information is valuable for guiding targeted conservation and ecological management in the southern Daba Mountains.

Biodiversity is known to influence disease risk, yet the pathways of pathogen transmission within plant communities remain poorly understood, especially belowground. In particular, how soil-borne pathogens move from resident vegetation and soil to colonize new hosts is unresolved. We traced belowground pathogen transmission using phytometer seedlings of two plant species planted in a long-term grassland biodiversity experiment. After 3 months, we characterized the fungal communities of phytometer roots, resident plant roots, and soil using high-throughput sequencing and the FungalTraits database to identify associations between pathogen taxonomy and plant families. Next, we related pathogen abundance to phytometer growth. The phylogenetic similarity of phytometers with resident plant species strongly predicted the relative abundance of pathogens that were considered family-specific, but not of pathogens without a clear host preference. However, neither pathogen abundance in phytometers nor resident plant biomass affected phytometer growth, which was best explained by the resident communities' species richness. Combining sequencing of fungal communities with in situ field manipulations enabled us to track the associations between multiple soil-borne pathogens and plant hosts within the full complexity of plant-soil systems. While pathogen dynamics were readily detectable, their consequences for plant performance may only become apparent over longer ecological timescales.

Forecasting zoonotic mosquito-borne viruses remains a critical challenge because transmission depends on dynamic, multitrophic interactions among vectors, hosts, pathogens, and the environment. We integrate long-term sentinel chicken surveillance in Florida with environmental data to build a predictive framework for eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), a zoonotic mosquito borne disease of concern to human and equine health. Models captured environmental drivers and latent spatiotemporal structure, achieving strong predictive accuracy. Models also revealed nonlinear effects of moderate precipitation a year prior to sampling, higher minimum temperature a month prior to sampling, and moderate and high forest and wetland cover on increased EEEV seroconversion. Retrospective predictions showed distributions of virus activity across regions, consistent with Culiseta melanura vector ecology. We also calculated associations between predicted EEEV seroconversion and abundance estimates for suspected avian hosts using eBird data. Seasonal shifts among migratory and resident birds with predicted virus activity for key species suggests spring migrants play a role in amplification, residents in summer persistence, and overwintering groups as potential reservoirs. These results demonstrate ecological forecasting is feasible at management-relevant scales, with broad potential to extend to other arbovirus systems. By integrating traditional surveillance with community science eBird data, our framework advances predictive capacity and ecological understanding of zoonotic arboviruses.

Metabolomic profiles reveal physiological transitions required for long-distance avian migration.

ABSTRACT In this study, we estimated apparent survival rates of the Plain-crested Elaenia (Elaenia cristata) in a seasonal tract of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest to examine the demographic stability of the population in response to seasonal variation in rainfall and to the local influx of a closely related migratory species, the Chilean Elaenia (Elaenia chilensis). Capture–recapture analyses of 175 adult birds using Cormack–Jolly–Seber models yielded high annual apparent survival estimates (65–77%). Migrant abundance had a negative effect on the apparent survival of resident birds, whereas rainfall showed a positive but weak effect on survival and influenced recapture probabilities negatively. Survival rates of E. cristata in the study area were comparable to those reported for tropical bird species inhabiting more humid habitats. A marked decline in apparent survival was observed during a single interval characterized by a high influx of E. chilensis migrants, likely reflecting dispersal or permanent emigration of resident E. cristata individuals. While the demographic effects of migrant influx were transient, the influence of rainfall on resident survival cannot be completely dismissed, as precipitation regulates food availability in seasonal Neotropical environments where shifts in rainfall patterns are projected for the coming decades.

Avian haemosporidian diversity and transmission across birds and mosquitoes in Botswana.

Winter survival at high elevations imposes severe physiological and behavioural constraints on resident birds, necessitating specialised adaptations to cope with low temperatures, high energy demands, and limited food availability. We studied physiological and behavioural strategies of the White-winged Snowfinch (Montifringilla nivalis nivalis), a small passerine that inhabits high mountains year-round. Using GPS tracking and morphological measurements, we examined seasonal changes in body mass, fat reserves, muscle mass, and lean body mass, alongside movement behaviour. Our results showed that snowfinches maintain larger fat reserves than overwintering lowland passerines, with fat accumulation regulated mainly by a circannual programme, likely reflecting a physiological adaptation to the high-elevation environment. Seasonal changes in behaviour, including sex-specific strategies and flexible movement patterns, appear to play an additional key role in coping with winter challenges in high mountains. Analysis of how temperature affects body mass indicated that fat accumulation is determined mainly by long-term rather than short-term fluctuations. These findings suggest that ongoing climate change, characterised by rising mean temperatures and more frequent extreme events, could disrupt this preparatory strategy, leading to reduced fat reserves and more frequent exposure to adverse winter and spring conditions.

Abstract Sediment trap environmental DNA (ST-eDNA) metabarcoding provides long-term, fine-scale monitoring of marine biodiversity, ideal for open-ocean regions where repeated sampling is challenging. By continuously collecting sinking particulate matter, ST-eDNA detects both persistent and transient species over time. Here, we used ST-eDNA metabarcoding to investigate fine-scale temporal changes in marine metazoan diversity in the Ulleung Basin, a pelagic region of the East Sea off the Korean Peninsula. Weekly sediment trap samples were collected at depths of 300 and 500 m between March and September 2019, leading to the identification of 178 species across 10 phyla and 23 classes. Arthropoda, Chordata, Mollusca, and Cnidaria were the dominant phyla. The mean number of species detected per week ranged from 10 to 71, with arthropods, chordates, and cnidarians showing peak occurrences in May. Species were categorized into (i) resident species, detected in ≥13 weekly samples, indicating persistent presence, and (ii) seasonal species, detected in 4–9 weekly samples, suggesting periodic occurrence. Approximately 50% of the species detected using ST-eDNA overlapped with those detected in Bulk-DNA (net-collected) and eDNA (seawater-filtered) surveys, while others were unique to ST-eDNA. These findings underscore the complementary role of ST-eDNA in capturing hidden and dynamic patterns of marine biodiversity.

Haemosporidians, including Leucocytozoon spp., Plasmodium spp., and Haemoproteus spp., are vector-borne parasites that cause avian malaria and malaria-like diseases in birds. These infections can result in anaemia, reduced body condition, impaired reproductive success, and mortality, thereby acting as selective agents within host populations. Climate change is expected to influence dynamics of some haemosporidians, particularly in northern regions, by altering vector distributions and extending transmission seasons. In this study, tawny owls (Strix aluco; n=27) from central Norway, were screened for Leucocytozoon spp., Haemoproteus spp.,and Plasmodium spp., using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Samples were also screened for herpesvirus and Chlamydia spp., via PCR, to assess potential co-infections. Ten individuals (37%) tested positive for Leucocytozoon spp., with sequencing confirming the lineages STAL3 and STAL1, both previously detected in raptors. While seven individuals (26%) were positive in the Haemoproteus/Plasmodium PCR, sequencing was unsuccessful and infection could not be confirmed. Neither herpesvirus nor Chlamydia spp. were detected. This study provides the first molecular evidence of haemosporidian infections in raptors in Norway, underscoring the importance of continued surveillance of avian haemosporidians in resident northern species, to detect potential climate-driven changes in infection prevalence and associated health impacts.

In this paper, we investigate a two-species competition model in a landscape consisting of a finite number of adjacent patches. For the two-patch scenario, by treating edge behavior at the interface as a strategy, it has been shown that there exists an ideal free distribution (IFD) strategy, which is a globally evolutionarily stable strategy. Specifically, when the resident species follows the IFD strategy and the mutant species does not, the mutant species is unable to invade the resident population. Building on this foundation, our work focuses on exploring the dynamics of the system when neither species can adopt the IFD strategy. We demonstrate that if the strategies of both species either exceed or fall below the IFD strategy, the mutant species can outcompete and eliminate the resident species, provided that its strategy is closer to the IFD strategy and its diffusion rates are equal to or slower than those of the resident species. Furthermore, if the strategies of the two species lie on opposite sides of the IFD strategy, the two species can coexist. This result is further extended to the case of an arbitrary but finite number of patches.