Resilience Of Populations Research Articles

Intergenerational Relationships and Their Impact on Social Resilience Amongst Arab Society Elderly Populations: A Qualitative Exploration.

To explore the impact of intergenerational relationships on the social resilience of elderly populations in Arab societies. Additionally, the study aimed to identify the factors that influence the quality of these relationships and their role in enhancing or diminishing the resilience of older adults. A qualitative study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted between June and July 2024 with 12 elderly participants from urban and semi-urban communities in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Data were analysed using both deductive framework analysis, guided by social support theory, and inductive thematic analysis to identify key themes related to intergenerational relationships and social resilience. The study involved 12 participants aged 61-85 years (average age of 72 years), with a mix of educational backgrounds and living arrangements. Strong intergenerational ties were found to significantly enhance social resilience by providing emotional support and a sense of security. Participants in multi-generational households reported more positive outcomes compared to those with less frequent family contact. However, generational differences and modern-life pressures posed challenges to maintaining these relationships. The findings underscore the importance of fostering strong intergenerational relationships to support the social resilience of elderly populations in Arab societies. Future research should explore interventions that bridge generational gaps and strengthen family ties, particularly in the context of evolving social structures. Healthcare practitioners and policymakers should consider the role of intergenerational relationships when designing interventions aimed at improving the well-being and resilience of older adults in a culturally sensitive approaches. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ). The engagement and interview data from elderly participants provided valuable insights into the dynamics of intergenerational relationships and their impact on social resilience.

Pest and Disease of Honeybee and their Control Strategies: A Review

Apiculture is an intergral part of agricultural activity practiced to produces hive products such as honey and beeswax. The honeybees are the best pollinator which enhace crop productivity. Common pest and disease that affect honeybee with their controlling mechanism was the main objective of this review. The bees are susceptible to a number of insect pest’s types that will adversely affect the productivity of the bee colony to a significant level. Varroa destructor, Nosema ceranae, Nocema Apis, Acarapis woodi, small wax moths, Bee lice, Ants and Wax moth are the most economically important honeybee pest and disease types. To control pest and diseae different controlling mechanism are are used at different areas of the country. Nonchemical approaches in integrated pest management (IPM), traditional method and biological control are the prevention strategies. This overview forms the basis to realize the importance of pest management in bee husbandry practices, thus affecting the resilience and productivity of honeybee populations.

Poverty Reduction Through Adaptive Social Protection and Spatial Poverty Model in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia’s National Strategic Tourism Areas

Despite Indonesia’s significant economic progress, certain regions, such as West Manggarai Regency in East Nusa Tenggara, continue to face persistent poverty challenges. While strategic tourism initiatives in Labuan Bajo have spurred regional development, the benefits have not reached local communities equitably, highlighting a disconnect between economic growth and community well-being. Addressing this gap requires an integrated approach that links social protection, disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, and economic diversification. This paper proposes an adaptive social protection (ASP) framework that aims to increase the resilience of vulnerable populations by integrating social protection systems with disaster preparedness and sustainable economic strategies. The research critically examines the Regional Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMD) of Kabupaten Manggarai Barat (2021–2026), identifying existing policy gaps and opportunities for improvement. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study used cluster mapping and geographically weighted regression analysis to model and visualise poverty distribution alongside infrastructure conditions. These findings will inform the design of a targeted ASP programme to reduce poverty and build resilience to economic and environmental shocks. By aligning with sustainable development principles, the proposed framework addresses the dual goals of poverty reduction and disaster risk reduction. This study provides actionable recommendations for local governments to strengthen social protection mechanisms, promote inclusive economic growth, and ensure equitable distribution of tourism benefits. The findings provide a policy blueprint for promoting sustainable and inclusive development in West Manggarai Regency, with implications for similar contexts in other regions.

An ecological and stochastic perspective on persisters resuscitation.

Resistance, tolerance, and persistence to antibiotics have mainly been studied at the level of a single microbial isolate. However, in recent years it has become evident that microbial interactions play a role in determining the success of antibiotic treatments, in particular by influencing the occurrence of persistence and tolerance within a population. Additionally, the challenge of resuscitation (the capability of a population to revive after antibiotic exposure) and pathogen clearance are strongly linked to the small size of the surviving population and to the presence of fluctuations in cell counts. Indeed, while large population dynamics can be considered deterministic, small populations are influenced by stochastic processes, making their behaviour less predictable. Our study argues that microbe-microbe interactions within a community affect the mode, tempo, and success of persister resuscitation and that these are further influenced by noise. To this aim, we developed a theoretical model of a three-member microbial community and analysed the role of cell-to-cell interactions on pathogen clearance, using both deterministic and stochastic simulations. Our findings highlight the importance of ecological interactions and population size fluctuations (and hence the underlying cellular mechanisms) in determining the resilience of microbial populations following antibiotic treatment.

Phenotypic Sorting of Pink Salmon Hatchery Strays May Alleviate Adverse Impacts of Reduced Variation in Fitness-Associated Traits.

Maladapted immigrants may reduce wild population productivity and resilience, depending on the degree of fitness mismatch between dispersers and locals. Thus, domesticated individuals escaping into wild populations is a key conservation concern. In Prince William Sound, Alaska, over 700 million pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) are released annually from hatcheries, providing a natural experiment to characterize the mechanisms underlying impacts to wild populations. Using a dataset of > 200,000 pink salmon sampled from 30 populations over 8 years, we detected significant body size and phenological differences between hatchery- and wild-origin spawners, likely driven by competitive differences during maturation and broodstock selection practices. Variation in traits was reduced in hatchery fish, raising biodiversity concerns. However, phenotypic traits of immigrants and locals were positively correlated. We discuss possible mechanisms that may explain this pattern and how it may reduce adverse impacts associated with reduced trait variation. This study suggests that domestication impacts are likely widespread, but local adaptation may be maintained by phenotypic sorting.

Genetic Structural Changes While Maintaining Effective Population Size of Bighead Catfish in Nong Han Lake: Implications of Metapopulation Dynamics or Release Activities

ABSTRACTThe Bighead Catfish (Clarias macrocephalus) plays crucial roles in the ecosystem and as a protein source for humans in Nong Han Lake, Thailand, but their ecological and population dynamics, along with their genetic diversity and structure, are poorly understood. Therefore, the dynamics of genetic diversity and differentiation of bighead catfish populations in Nong Han Lake were investigated during 2018–2023 to provide essential insights into preserving biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance. Microsatellite genotyping was used to assess the genetic diversity of one bighead catfish population in 2018, two populations in 2023, and one hatchery population. Potentially stable, effective population sizes and distinct genetic clusters of these populations were identified, which represented the resilience of populations and the complexity of their genetic dynamics. Genetic differentiation between sample dates and among populations suggested that limited recent and historical genetic exchanges could potentially influence genetic structure. The impact of ecological factors, including flooding, metapopulation dynamics, and human interventions, was indicated by unique and shared gene pools among populations and subpopulations in different years. Ongoing assessment of genetic diversity and structure of bighead populations is essential for developing conservation strategies and ensuring sustainable management.

Multi-Objective Distributionally Robust Optimization for Earthquake Shelter Planning Under Demand Uncertainties

Deciding the locations of shelters and how to assign evacuees to these locations is crucial for effective disaster management. However, the inherent uncertainty in evacuation demand makes it challenging to make optimal decisions. Traditional stochastic or robust optimization models tend to be either too aggressive or overly conservative, failing to strike a balance between risk reduction and cost. In response to these challenges, this research proposes a multi-objective distributionally robust optimization (MODRO) model tailored for shelter location and evacuation allocation. First, an ambiguity set (moment-based or distance-based) is constructed to capture the uncertainty in evacuation demand, reflecting the possible range of outcomes based on demand data from a disaster simulation model. Then, the distributionally robust optimization model considers the “worst-case” distribution within this ambiguity set to minimize construction cost, travel distance, and unmet demand/unused capacity, balancing the trade-off between overly conservative and overly optimistic approaches. The model aims to ensure that shelters are optimally located and evacuees are efficiently allocated, even under the most challenging scenarios. Furthermore, Pareto optimal solutions are obtained using the augmented ε-constraint method. Finally, a case study of Ogu, a wooden density built-up area in Tokyo, Japan, compares the DRO model with stochastic and robust optimization models, demonstrating that the cost obtained by the DRO model is higher than a stochastic model while lower than the worst-case robust model, indicating a more balanced approach to managing uncertainty. This research provides a practical and effective framework for improving disaster preparedness and response, contributing to the resilience and safety of urban populations in earthquake-prone areas.

Lifetime carryover of early partial migration behaviors in an estuarine-dependent fish under climate change.

Spatial structure within populations promotes population stability and resilience through asynchronous responses among population sub-components (i.e., portfolio effect). In fishes, spatial structure frequently develops via early-life partial migration, leading to diversified nursery use. However, the portfolio effect depends on how adult recruitment from different nurseries exhibits asynchronous dynamics in response to climate variables, and whether nursery experiences carry over to adult demographics. For a three-decade span, we tested adult nursery recruitment and carryover effects associated with early-life partial migration in Hudson River striped bass. Early-life partial migration led to structured utilization of freshwater, brackish, and coastal nurseries, all of which recruited to the adult population. Adult recruitment from brackish nurseries increased with freshwater flow, while coastal nurseries produced more adults during severe winter years. First-year nursery experiences carried over to influence adult sex, but not growth. Most adult females utilized brackish nurseries in their first year, while adult males recruited from freshwater and brackish nurseries. Early-life partial migration led to diversified nursery use and influenced adult demographics, which buffered populations against perturbations.

"Handle With Care": Consequences of Different Removal Pressures on Population Growth of the Invasive Beaver in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.

The population regulation of animals depends on fertility and survivorship. Hunting can affect population growth through changes in reproduction and survivorship. Understanding these changes in vital rates is crucial for the control of invasive mammals. With the objective to assess the influence of different population removal pressures on the finite population growth rate (𝝀) of an invasive mammal, this research used demographic data estimated from 922 invasive beavers (Castor canadensis) eradicated from seven areas from Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. Areas were classified into four removal pressures: higher, high-intermediate, low-intermediate, and lower removal pressure. The hypothesis states that the higher removal pressure produces higher population growth and resilience. Leslie matrix models were used to estimate 𝝀, generation time, damping ratio, stable age distribution, reproductive value, and the sensitivity-elasticity of survivorship and fertility of the females for each removal pressure. The 𝝀 and damping ratio increased with the removal pressure, as expected; the inverse occurred with the generation time. The survivorship of the younger age classes was the most sensitive and elastic vital rate regardless of removal pressure, followed by the breeding onset. The fertility was less relevant on 𝝀. The beaver population would depend more on the survival of kits, 1-year-olds, and subadults, than the number of offspring produced. A management strategy is proposed focusing on affecting the survivorship of younger age classes, eliminating first the adult animals and then the younger beavers.

Genetic diversity and footprint of the Ethiopian cattle population, and the application of molecular information on sustainable cattle genetic improvement: Opportunities, challenges, and future directions in Ethiopia. A comprehensive review

AbstractEthiopia has over 70 million cattle, and about 97.4% of the total cattle in the country are local breeds. The remaining are hybrid and exotic breeds, which account for about 2.3% and 0.31%, respectively. The genetic diversity and genomic footprint of Ethiopian cattle populations represent a valuable reservoir of biodiversity with profound implications for sustainable agriculture and food security. The application of molecular information in sustainable cattle breeding improvement presents significant opportunities for Ethiopia's livestock sector. The review explores the genetic diversity, genomic footprint, potential benefits, challenges, and future directions associated with integrating molecular technologies into cattle breeding programs in the country. Molecular tools, such as genomics and marker‐assisted selection, enable the identification and utilization of genetic variation related to desirable traits, including productivity, disease resistance, and adaptation to changing climatic conditions. By utilizing these tools, Ethiopian breeders can accelerate genetic progress, enhance the resilience of cattle populations to climate change, and improve overall productivity. However, several challenges must be addressed to effectively harness the benefits of molecular technologies. These challenges include limited infrastructure and resources for genomic research, inadequate data on cattle genetics and performance, and the need for capacity building among stakeholders involved in breeding programs. By incorporating genetic markers associated with important traits, breeders can identify superior animals at an early age, accelerating genetic progress within the population. Integration of this technology with traditional breeding practices and the identification of selection signatures can lead to more sustainable and effective breeding strategies. In conclusion, the application of molecular information in sustainable cattle breeding improvement offers promising opportunities for Ethiopia's livestock sector. By investing in genomic research, building collaborations, and implementing comprehensive breeding programs, Ethiopia can harness the full potential of molecular technologies to enhance cattle productivity.

Connectivity of scamp Mycteroperca phenax populations in the United States Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean

Connectivity among marine fish populations not only arises through the movement of adults but also through larval dispersal facilitated by ocean currents. For species with long pelagic larval duration and high site fidelity as adults, larval dispersal can be the dominant mechanism of connectivity among otherwise spatially distinct populations. Therefore, when assessing the recruitment dynamics or population structure of such species, it is essential to evaluate how larval biology and reproductive ecology interact with oceanographic circulation. To investigate this interaction for scamp Mycteroperca phenax, a grouper found in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean, we simulated the dispersal of millions of virtual larvae throughout the scamp’s range near the southeastern USA. We found a pattern of local retention, with larvae tending to settle close to their spawning location. There was also, however, long-distance dispersal that consistently crossed the boundary between spatial management units. Due to directional patterns in oceanographic transport and spatial differences in abundance, almost one-third of the virtual larvae that settled in the Atlantic came from spawning locations in the Gulf of Mexico, although most of these settled near the boundary between the regions. These patterns were robust to a variety of sensitivity analyses, but the magnitude of connectivity between management units varied. This connectivity has significant implications for stock assessment and fishery management. It may increase the resilience of Atlantic populations, but it also means that the sustainability of Atlantic populations may rely, in part, on the health of spawning populations in the Gulf of Mexico.

Residential greenspace and COVID-19 morbidity and mortality: A nationwide cohort study in Denmark

BackgroundIdentifying modifiable environmental determinants of health is important for improving the resilience of populations to infectious disease. We examined the association between residential greenspace and COVID-19 morbidity and mortality using a Danish Nationwide Cohort, and estimate the potential health benefits of greening initiatives. MethodsWe followed all Danish adults aged 50 or older (N = 2,111,233) using the Danish National COVID-19 Surveillance System for COVID-19 incident infection, hospitalization and mortality, from 1 March 2020 to 26 April 2021. Greenspace was characterized using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) at 300x300m grid-cell level and linked to residential addresses. We used Cox regression to assess the association between greenspace and COVID-19 morbidity and mortality, and applied effect modification analyses to identify the most susceptible groups by sociodemographic status and comorbidity. Following a health impact assessment (HIA), we also estimated the preventable burden of disease attributable to greenspace under different counterfactual scenarios. ResultsDuring an average of 14 months follow-up, 62,880 participants were infected with SARS-CoV-2, of whom 8,759 were hospitalized, and 2,382 died, with COVID-19. We observed a negative association between residential greenspace and COVID-19 morbidity and mortality, with hazard ratios (95 % confidence interval) of 0.98 (0.97, 0.99) for SARS-CoV-2 infection, 0.97 (0.94, 0.99) for COVID-19 hospitalization, and 0.96 (0.91, 1.01) for COVID-19 mortality per interquartile range (0.08 unit) increase in NDVI. Stronger associations were observed in the elderly, those with lower SES, and major chronic diseases than their corresponding groups. Regarding the HIA, we estimated that increasing greenspace around residences up to WHO recommended levels would have prevented 8–14 % of COVID-19 events during the first 14 months, with the largest benefits among those with the lowest income, education, or without employment. ConclusionGreening initiatives in urban areas could help prevent COVID-19, and likely other infectious disease, with socially disadvantaged groups benefiting most.

Get it while it's hot: Benefits of a large herbivore exploiting stochastic resource pulses in a time of food scarcity

AbstractTo persist in seasonal environments, animals track, exploit, and store energy when food is plentiful. Seasonal changes in plant phenology that are predictable allow animals to track abundant food resources. However, little is known about how animals use and benefit from ephemeral and unpredictable food pulses during times when food is scarce. Climate change is altering the timing, abundance, and spatial distribution of food releases, emphasizing the ongoing need for understanding how unseasonal weather conditions influence access to food. Using 12 years of GPS‐location data and annual measures of body mass in 72 adult female Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus), we tested whether individuals with greater use of nutritionally beneficial resource pulses in autumn and early winter are heavier going into parturition in spring. Additionally, we evaluated how stochastic weather conditions influence the use of food resources. Reindeer that foraged most in marshes during autumn and early winter gained a positive carryover effect of up to 5 kg heavier body mass in late winter, with previously demonstrated benefits to both survival and reproduction. Marsh use was rare, brief, and intense, which is the expected response to a pulsed resource. The extent to which marshes were used varied greatly among years and was associated with stochastic mild spells that relaxed constraints of snow depth for a few days. Compared with other habitats used, marshes offered superior quantity and quality of belowground plant biomass that may be accessed more easily under milder autumn and winter conditions. Our findings demonstrate the individual benefits of exploiting stochastic food pulses and showcase how resource tracking during periods of food scarcity may be a behavioral trait that could enhance population resilience in a rapidly warming climate.

Abrupt demographic change affects projected population size: Implications for an endangered species in a protected area.

Understanding how demographic parameters change with density is essential for predicting the resilience of small populations. We use long-term, individual-based life history data from an isolated population of the Critically Endangered Northern Muriqui (Brachyteles hypoxanthus) inhabiting a 1000-ha protected forest to evaluate density-dependent demographic rates before and after an abrupt population decline. We found no effect of density on fertility or birth sex ratio, but mortality rates increased linearly with log density over the 33 years of population growth (1983-2015) and the subsequent 7 years of population decline (2016-2022). We used an age- and sex-structured logistic growth model to project population sizes to 2060. Under the 1983-2015 demographic profile, the projected size was 500 individuals, but this dropped to 200 when including the abrupt change. Although the abrupt decline coincided with the end of a 2-year drought and a yellow fever outbreak, we found no statistical effects of climate or disease on the continued population decline after 2016. However, the lower projected carrying capacity for muriquis is consistent with reduced forest productivity and increased predator pressures. These findings demonstrate the value of long-term monitoring for identifying demographic changes that affect the sustainability of wildlife populations in small protected areas.

Multi-habitat utilization and diverse life history of the endangered Sea Carp (Cyprinus acutidorsalis) in the Wanquan Estuary, Hainan island, China: Evidence from otolith microchemistry

The Sea Carp Cyprinus acutidorsalis (Wang) is an endemic species limited to a few estuaries in China, uniquely adapted to long-term residence in brackish water environments. This species is endangered due to anthropogenic disturbances, and its life history and habitat use remain poorly understood. This study is the first to investigate the life history and habitat utilization of Sea Carp in the Wanquan Estuary, Hainan Province, China, using otolith microchemistry. We analyzed the otolith samples from wild-captured Sea Carp and freshwater-reared juvenile fish. Significant differences in ratios of 7Li, 24Mg, and 88Sr between the two groups demonstrated that the otolith microchemistry can effectively reflect habitat conditions. We identified three distinct spawning areas, ranging from freshwater areas to nearshore habitats. Six life history contingents were identified, including four migratory and two resident types, with a preference for estuarine habitats. Our findings highlight the importance of multiple spawning grounds and diverse life histories in enhancing the adaptability and resilience of Sea Carp populations. We recommended that conservation efforts focus on maintaining habitat connectivity between estuarine and marine environments, protecting mangrove areas, and regulating fishing activities. This study provides valuable insights into the habitat utilization and life history of rare and endangered estuarine fish species, contributing to the development of effective management plans for their preservation worldwide.

Spatial genetic characterization of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in the area between the Alps and the Central Dinaric Mountains.

Red fox, Vulpes vulpes, is a globally distributed species characterized by its high adaptability to diverse habitats and a broad range of food resources. This remarkable adaptability has allowed the red fox to thrive in various environments, from urban areas to remote wilderness. In this study, we used a set of microsatellite markers for the comparative genetic analysis of red fox populations from two countries. We included populations from the Eastern Alps and the northern Dinaric Mountains in Slovenia, as well as the Central Dinaric Mountains in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We successfully isolated DNA and genotyped 118 red fox samples. Our analyses, which included Bayesian clustering techniques, revealed a weak genetic differentiation among the studied populations. However, it is noteworthy that statistically significant differences in estimates of genetic differentiation were only apparent when comparing the populations between the two countries. Further spatial genetic clustering analyses provided additional insights, unveiling a differentiation into four genetic clusters. These clusters comprised two distinct groups in Bosnia and Herzegovina and two in Slovenia. This pattern of differentiation suggests that isolation by distance is a key factor influencing the genetic structure of the red fox in this studied region. Additionally, our findings highlighted that populations from the Alps and northern Dinaric Mountains exhibit higher genetic diversity and observed heterozygosity compared to their counterparts in the Central Dinaric Mountains. The genetic diversity is also notable when compared to other European red fox populations. Studying genetic diversity is crucial for the resilience and adaptability of populations, ensuring their survival amid environmental changes and human-induced pressures.

Excess mortality related to high air temperature: Comparison of the periods including 1994 and 2018, the worst heat waves in the history of South Korea.

Climate change has caused extreme weather events, including frequent summer heat waves. We examined how the effects of high air temperatures on mortality have changed between the two study periods (1991-1995 and 2015-2019), including 1994 and 2018, the worst heat wave years in the meteorological history of South Korea. Temperature data from the Korea Meteorological Administration and mortality data from Statistics Korea were used in this study. We used distributed lag nonlinear models to estimate the cumulative relative risks (CRRs) to determine the association between daily maximum temperature in summer (June to September) and mortality. CRRs were estimated for each province and pooled using a random-effects meta-analysis for all provinces. Maximum temperature and annual average days in heat wave were 37.7°C and 11.8 in 1991-1995 and 38.3°C and 18.8 in 2015-2019. The slope of the CRR for mortality increases with increasing temperature and has been steeper in the past than in recent years and steeper in those over 65 than in those under 65. Excess mortality has recently declined compared with that in the past. The impact of high summer temperatures on mortality changed between the two periods, suggesting improved population resilience.

Dynamic and thermodynamic contribution to the October 2019 exceptional rainfall in western central Africa

Abstract. Exceptional rainfall hit western central Africa in October 2019. To understand its underlying mechanisms, we examined the regional moisture and moist static energy (MSE) budgets, intending to highlight the importance of the dynamic and thermodynamic effects associated with this historic event. Analysis of the moisture budget reveals that the precipitation anomalies in October were mainly controlled by dynamic effects. Horizontal moisture advection induced by horizontal wind anomalies controls extreme precipitation north of western central Africa, while vertical moisture advection induced by vertical velocity anomalies controls extreme precipitation south of western central Africa. Changes in the thermodynamic effect, although not the key factor responsible for the events of October 2019, contribute up to 35 % of the total effect on the northern part and 15 % on the southern part of the domain. The residual term on the northern part is important and provides a caveat when estimating dynamic and thermodynamic processes. Diagnosis of the MSE balance averaged over the northern part of western central Africa shows that the anomalous vertical motion is dominated by the dynamic effect, i.e., the wet enthalpy advection induced by the horizontal wind anomalies. This is confirmed by the high spatial correlation (r=0.6) between the two terms compared to the other terms, whereas to the west of the Congo Basin, the increase in the net energy balance dominated the changes in vertical motion (r=0.51). The horizontal advection of the MSE induced by the anomalies of the wet enthalpy and the vertical advection of the MSE induced by the anomalies of the MSE seem less important (r=0.29 and −0.19 to the north and −0.17 and 0.03 to the south). The strong anomalies in the MSE balance in the north are linked to its meridional component, in particular the meridional wind anomalies in the dynamic effect and the meridional anomalies in latent heat in the thermodynamic effect. Our results suggest that dynamic and thermodynamic effects should be jointly considered for adequately anticipating this kind of extreme event. Understanding the associated mechanisms could help us improve our forecasts and projections and increase the region's population resilience to these extreme weather events.

Exploring the potential of native sea urchins as ex situ coral propagation allies

Caribbean coral reefs face unprecedented decline due to anthropogenic and environmental stressors, necessitating active restoration efforts. Among the strategies to conserve and restore reef ecosystems, land‐based sexual propagation of corals is crucial for preserving genetic diversity and population resilience. This study explores the efficacy of utilizing native sea urchin herbivory to control benthic macroalgal proliferation and enhance coral growth in land‐based propagation systems. Three captive‐reared urchin species—Lytechinus variegatus, Tripneustes ventricosus, and Diadema antillarum—were evaluated for their influence on algal cover and growth of sexually propagated brain coral Pseudodiploria strigosa. Juveniles of each urchin species were co‐cultured with 6‐month‐old coral colonies over a 105‐day experiment. Results indicated that all urchin treatments effectively reduced algal cover compared to controls; however, only T. ventricosus significantly increased coral growth rate, while the other urchin species did not have a notable effect. Despite differences in growth, coral survival was consistently high across all treatments. Benthic community analysis revealed shifts in algal composition, with D. antillarum grazing associated with increased crustose coralline algae. However, overgrazing by D. antillarum may have resulted in mild peripheral tissue damage to some corals. Urchin survival remained high, suggesting potential for downstream utilization in restoration (e.g. urchin population enhancement). This study highlights the potential of native urchins as biocontrol agents in coral propagation, emphasizing the importance of species‐specific interactions in shaping benthic communities and promoting coral resilience.

Shared environmental similarity between relatives influences heritability of reproductive timing in wild great tits.

Intraspecific variation is necessary for evolutionary change and population resilience, but the extent to which it contributes to either depends on the causes of this variation. Understanding the causes of individual variation in traits involved with reproductive timing is important in the face of environmental change, especially in systems where reproduction must coincide with seasonal resource availability. However, separating the genetic and environmental causes of variation is not straightforward, and there has been limited consideration of how small-scale environmental effects might lead to similarity between individuals that occupy similar environments, potentially biasing estimates of genetic heritability. In ecological systems, environments are often complex in spatial structure, and it may therefore be important to account for similarities in the environments experienced by individuals within a population beyond considering spatial distances alone. Here, we construct multi-matrix quantitative genetic animal models using over 11,000 breeding records (spanning 35 generations) of individually-marked great tits (Parus major) and information about breeding proximity and habitat characteristics to quantify the drivers of variability in two key seasonal reproductive timing traits. We show that the environment experienced by related individuals explains around a fifth of the variation seen in reproductive timing, and accounting for this leads to decreased estimates of heritability. Our results thus demonstrate that environmental sharing between relatives can strongly affect estimates of heritability and therefore alter our expectations of the evolutionary response to selection.