Karst regions cover about 12% of Earth’s land surface and exhibit high uncertainty in soil organic carbon (SOC) pools due to strong spatial heterogeneity. This study quantifies the association between rock fissure network morphology and SOC pools across three karst rocky habitat types in the Maolan National Nature Reserve (Guizhou, China): Type I (predominantly sub-horizontal and weakly connected fissures), Type II (oblique and moderately connected fissures), and Type III (predominantly subvertical and highly connected fissures). Fissure network morphology was characterized using quantitative network morphology metrics, and SOC pools (content, density, and stock) were measured from field samples (with long-term sequestration estimated). Type I habitats showed the highest SOC content, density, stock, and sequestration estimates, whereas Type III habitats consistently showed the lowest values. Across habitats, SOC density and stock were negatively associated with metrics reflecting steeper fissure orientation, greater spatial heterogeneity, and higher network connectivity, while SOC content was positively associated with fissure network complexity. These findings highlight fissure network morphology as an important structural dimension for explaining SOC variability in karst rocky habitats and suggest incorporating fissure information into SOC assessment and habitat-specific soil and vegetation management in karst landscapes.

In the present study, two linyphiid species, Araeoncus altissimus Simon, 1884 and Trichoncus auritus (L. Koch, 1869), are recorded for the first time from Türkiye. Although both species are known from certain areas in Europe and the Caucasus, their presence in Türkiye had not been previously known. The detection of these species in Bayburt Province not only fills a biogeographical gap in their known distribution ranges, but also underscores the importance of regional faunistic surveys in revealing spider diversity. The specimens were collected from beneath stones and rocky habitats at three different locations in Bayburt province using forceps and a hand aspirator. The specimens were identified using a stereomicroscope and photographed using a digital camera. Descriptions and photographs of the morphological and genital characters of the new records are presented.

Iberolacerta martinezricai, the Batuecan lizard, is the reptile species with the most restricted distribution in continental Europe, confined to a few rocky scree habitats in the Sierra de Francia, Spain. During the study period of 2018 (22 days of fieldwork from May to October), a total of 67 localities (30% more than in 2007 censuses) were surveyed. Of these places, 30 (44.77%) were positive for the presence of the species. The mean density of specimens per hectare was 41.44 (53.68 ind./ha, considering only the most favorable places), which gives a total estimation of 4140 specimens for the species (undoubtedly an overestimated value). The screes with presence of the species tend to be larger in surface, located at an higher average altitude (1300 – 1700 m), with a lower slope, greater average stone size, higher moisture and presence of lichens and mosses, and with a greater weight in the connectivity of the network of all the screes in the study area. A modeling analysis of the potential distribution of the species (156 potential sites) was performed. This model indicates the probable presence in 89 (57.05%) and very probable presence in 64 (71.91%) of the 89 remaining places. Of the 64 very probable places, 39 have been sampled in the 2018 census. Of those 39, the species was really present in 27 (69.23%), which would indicate a good fit for the model. The model has allowed the identification of 35 new scree sites where the presence of the species is very probable (25) or probable (10) to be sampled in future.

Phenotypic plasticity in macroalgal distribution: A case study on Gelidium corneum (Florideophyceae, Rhodophyta).

Predator-prey interactions are key ecological processes that regulate communities in the intertidal zone. Here, we report a previously unrecorded predation event in which the Horn-eyed Ghost Crab Ocypode brevicornis, which usually occupies the sandy shores, was handling a Mottled Light-footed Crab Grapsus albolineatus, which usually occupies the rocky habitat. This observation suggests occasional nocturnal foraging of ghost crabs in rocky sections, likely limited to areas where sandy and rocky habitats co-occur. These findings highlight habitat-driven predator–prey dynamics and provide new insights into the ecological role of apex invertebrate predators in intertidal zones.

BackgroundPlant leaves, branches, and roots synergistically govern survival, growth, and reproduction. However, while interspecific and community-level studies have advanced our understanding of organ coordination, intraspecific trait covariation remains poorly understood due to limited evidence.MethodologyThis study investigated 28 functional traits across leaves, branches, and roots of Quercus rehderiana, a dominant species in rocky and non-rocky desertification forests, to evaluate intraspecific organ relationships. The traits, covering morphological, anatomical, and physiological aspects, reflect resource acquisition and utilization strategies. Standardized protocols were followed, with three replicates per individual for reliability.ResultsOur results revealed no significant correlations among leaf, branch, and root traits in either forest type. Principal component analysis (PCA) of leaf traits indicated that the first axis was positively associated with water storage and utilization strategies, showing positive correlations with leaf thickness (LT), palisade mesophyll thickness (PT), and spongy mesophyll thickness (ST). The second axis exhibited a positive relationship with leaf nitrogen concentration (LNC) and leaf phosphorus concentration (LPC). For branch traits, the first axis reflected water transport efficiency, demonstrating positive associations with theoretical hydraulic conductivity (Kt) and vessel density (VD). The second axis was positively correlated with branch N concentration (BNC) and branch phosphorus concentration (BPC). In root traits, the first axis aligned with root defense traits (positive correlation) but was inversely related to resource acquisition efficiency. The second axis showed a positive correlation with root N concentration (RNC) and root phosphorus concentration (RPC).ConclusionsOrgan-specific trait decoupling in Quercus rehderiana reveals independent above- and belowground adaptations to water and nutrient limitations, challenging whole-plant economic spectrum assumptions. While consistent in rocky desertification forests, they differ from other ecosystems, highlighting context-dependence. Future research should expand across environmental gradients to disentangle trait relationships. This work highlights multidimensional approaches in functional ecology for understanding plant adaptation.

Snow cover plays a critical role for many alpine animals, but our understanding of how snow effects vary with elevation is limited. The white‐winged snowfinch is restricted to high‐elevation habitats, relying on snowfields, edges of melting snow patches, and short‐sward alpine grasslands to collect invertebrates for nestlings. To explore potential elevation‐dependent snow effects on breeding occurrence, we monitored 37 nest‐boxes in central Italian Alps from 2017 to 2025 (210 nest‐box–year combinations in total). Nest‐boxes were deployed from 2300 to 3010 m a.s.l., thus encompassing continuous alpine grassland, mosaics of scattered alpine grassland and rocky habitats, and landscapes dominated by rocks and snowfields. Average percentage snow cover was estimated (using remote sensing data) within a 300 m radius around each nest‐box during June (peak of breeding activity), and was used to model nest‐box use at different elevations. June snow cover varied greatly between years (average 5–64%) and influenced nest‐box use in a complex manner. At low elevation (< 2487 m a.s.l.), usage increased with snow cover, whereas it decreased with snow cover at higher elevation (> 2753 m a.s.l.), and was apparently unrelated to snow cover at intermediate ones. At low elevation, increased snow cover means more suitable foraging habitats, including snow patches and the melting margins, as well as short‐sward grassland (the most exploited foraging habitat by breeding snowfinches). At higher elevations, nest‐boxes tended to be occupied more frequently with relatively limited snow cover. Reduced snow cover here implies more suitable short‐sward grassland available to foraging snowfinches, and therefore more profitable conditions. However, above 2900 m a.s.l., nest‐boxes were used only thrice and with high snow cover. There, snowfinches probably rely on wind‐blown arthropods deposited on snowfields, requiring substantial snow cover. The elevation‐dependent patterns we found provide examples of the possible reasons for complex distribution shifts in response to climate change and deserve more investigation.

ABSTRACTFine roots (diameter < 2 mm) play a crucial role in plants' acquisition of soil water and nutrients. Their morphological and chemical traits, which reflect resource utilization strategies, have garnered significant global research attention. However, the extent to which these traits are influenced by environmental conditions remains unclear. In this study, we measured 14 morphological and chemical traits from nine Quercus rehderiana individuals in both rocky and nonrocky desertification forest habitats. Our objectives were to identify the key factors shaping fine root traits and elucidate their adaptive strategies in the arid, nutrient‐poor conditions of rocky desertification forest ecosystems. The results revealed that Quercus rehderiana fine roots in rocky desertification forests exhibited higher root length (RL), root volume (RV), nitrogen (N), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) concentrations, along with an elevated nitrogen‐to‐phosphorus ratio (N:P ratio), compared to those in nonrocky desertification forests. Conversely, fine roots in nonrocky desertification forests showed greater phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) concentrations. Correlation analysis indicated that in rocky desertification forests, specific root length (SRL) and specific root area (SRA) were positively correlated with root P concentration, while root N concentration exhibited synergistic relationships with P and K. In contrast, nonrocky desertification forests displayed trade‐offs: SRL and SRA were negatively correlated with RV, root diameter (RD), and root tissue density (RTD), and root carbon (C) concentration was inversely related to Ca and Mg. Principal component analysis further demonstrated that rocky desertification forests favored a resource‐acquisition strategy, characterized by enhanced morphological traits and nutrient concentrations, whereas nonrocky desertification forests leaned toward a resource‐conserving strategy, prioritizing P and K accumulation. These findings highlight that Quercus rehderiana adapts to divergent environments through distinct resource allocation mechanisms, with its unique traits in rocky desertification forests underscoring its suitability for ecological restoration efforts.

ABSTRACTTo enable the early detection and eradication of invasive species, it is crucial to predict habitats with an elevated risk of invasion. Despite the fact that invaders may display initial habitat preferences and niche shifts during range expansion, studies identifying habitat associations at invasion fronts are lacking, especially those considering abundance distributions. We developed a targeted Habitat Suitability Modeling approach to predict invasion risk, focusing on the Pacific oyster (Magallana gigas) invasion front on the Swedish southwest coast. We show that marinas act as environmental “hotspots” for pioneering non‐native populations across broad spatial scales. The abundance observed in marinas (10.4 ind. m−2) was higher than that in both piers (3.3 ind. m−2) and natural rocky habitats (2.8 ind. m−2). In terms of invasion risk, marinas were predicted to promote seven times higher oyster abundance and 20 times higher oyster biomass per unit area than natural rocky habitats. While the availability of stable hard substrate influenced presence, shelter from waves influenced abundance, demonstrating the ecological distinction between species occurrence and abundance distributions with important management implications. Moreover, supporting recent genetic findings, our model reveals an unexpected low‐salinity tolerance at the invasion front, suggesting that range expansion may rather be limited by a lack of stable substrate. Our study provides novel insights into the dynamics of marine bioinvasions at leading range edges and offers a practical tool to inform early detection and proactive management of marine invasions, especially in commonly invaded anthropogenically structured habitats such as marinas.

Long‐distance dispersal (LDD) followed by successful colonization influences many life‐history traits and can lead to drastic changes in morphology. Although still controversial, a radical change in body size following colonization of islands (“island rule”) has been observed in many animals, but also in plants. Here, we test this rule in a group of Euphorbia species endemic to four Mediterranean islands and compare them to their mainland ancestors. We challenge the previously proposed hypothesis of a vicariant origin of these endemics from a widespread common ancestor and suggest more recent origins via LDDs from adjacent mainland areas.We applied amplified fragment length polymorphism [AFLP] fingerprinting and phylogenetic analyses of nuclear ITS and plastid trnT–trnF sequences to infer the origin and spatiotemporal diversification of four single‐island endemic Euphorbia species from the Mediterranean Basin, namely E. corsica, E. fontqueriana, E. rechingeri and E. veneris. Further, we applied multivariate morphometrics to explore the island rule.Phylogenetic analyses suggest a recent (Late Pliocene–Early Pleistocene) origin of the four island endemics via LDD, and an east–west phylogeographic divergence within the Mediterranean Basin. While Corsica and Mallorca were probably colonized from the Iberian Peninsula, the species from Crete and Cyprus originated from Asia Minor. The colonization of the islands was associated with a reduction in plant and leaf size; distribution ranges remained extremely narrow.This study highlights the importance of recent LDDs for the colonization of Mediterranean islands and their contribution to high insular endemism. Colonization of the islands was followed by a drastic reduction in plant and leaf size, consistent with the island rule. However, it remains unclear whether the tendency to dwarfism is related to island colonization per se, or simply a consequence of genetic drift and adaptation to extreme rocky habitats.

The mountain ranges of Southern California and Northern Baja California are unique upland ecosystems composed of a series of isolated sky-islands. The habitat composition among these montane isolates varies from more woodland with a closed canopy to more rocky habitats with large granite boulders with an open canopy. Sceloporus vandenburgianus is a montane habitat generalist that ranges across all the sky-islands of Southern California and Northern Baja California and has different refugia preferences at varying localities. In this study, we developed a morphometric dataset to test the hypothesis that there are ecomorphological differences among the sky-island populations of S. vandenburgianus that correspond to refugia preferences across these sky-islands. Our data support the hypothesis of local adaptation to different habitat and demonstrate that there are statistically significant differences in head shape between populations that live in rocky habitats versus mountain tops with more forested woodland canopies.

Alpine plants restricted to rocky habitats exhibit intraspecific diversification due to range fragmentation during Holocene warming, complicating predictions of their climate vulnerability. A lack of understanding of eco-evolutionary mechanisms driving their response to climate change results in ineffective conservation efforts. To uncover the genomic basis of their diversification and explain spatial patterns of their vulnerability, we combine landscape genomics and species distribution modelling. Our model, the Campanula lehmanniana complex, occurs in three distinct central Asian mountain ranges, considered both a biodiversity hotspot and a vascular plant diversity darkspot. Genome-environment association confirmed the adaptive basis of intraspecific diversification, driven by numerous loci of small effect. Genomic and ecological data indicate mountain range-specific climate sensitivity driven by altitude, temperature and precipitation. The cold-dry adapted group from Zeravshan-Hissar Mts will face niche decline but show a higher degree of preadaptation to future climate, while the temperate-humid group from Tian Shan shows an opposite response, with a higher risk of maladaptation despite predicted niche expansion. Maladapted populations at northern margins may require an influx of adaptive variation to cope with predicted changes. However, limited landscape connectivity between island-like habitats, combined with long migration distances required to minimise genotype-environment disruption, highlights the role of human-assisted migration in enabling evolutionary rescue. These results underscore the need to facilitate gene flow from pre- to maladapted populations and the importance of population-specific approaches to inform effective conservation strategies in heterogeneous mountain ecosystems. The results may be relevant to numerous Central Asian mountain species that show similar phylogeographic patterns.

Semi-arid environments impose significant thermal stress on ectotherms, requiring specialised water acquisition strategies. This study investigated the water status of three lizard species from the Caatinga, examining the interaction between environmental factors and physiological adaptations for water acquisition. To achieve this, we combined field data—including body mass, body condition and body temperature—with induced hydration experiments to quantify water uptake. Additionally, environmental factors such as soil and air temperature, as well as humidity, were measured. Ameivula ocellifera exhibited the highest water absorption, potentially reflecting greater dehydration due to its active foraging and sun exposure. Conversely, Tropidurus semitaeniatus absorbed less water, suggesting better hydration, possibly linked to its rocky habitat that may enhance water retention. Soil temperature and humidity significantly influenced the water status of all species, underscoring the role of ectothermy in water regulation. These findings highlight the importance of ecological context and environmental conditions in shaping water-related adaptations in semi-arid lizards. Keywords: reptiles, brazilian drylands, experimental hydration, body weight

Assessing the soundscapes of the critically endangered grey nurse shark (Carcharias taurus) in rocky reef habitats.

The inner ear of the Port Jackson shark, Heterodontus portusjacksoni: morphometric analysis using bioimaging and phalloidin staining.

Hindsight informs foresight: revisiting millennial forecasts of impacts and status of rocky shores in 2025.

The present study investigates the plant species composition, diversity, and community structure across six alpine habitats in a high-altitude meadow ecosystem. A total of 61 plant species, representing 22 families, were recorded from Moist Habitat (MH), Gentle Slope Habitat (GSH), Dry Rocky Habitat (DRH), Stream Bank Habitat (SBH), Open Grassy Habitat (OGH), and Upland Mountain Habitat (UMH). Asteraceae emerged as the most represented family with 10 species, followed by Polygonaceae (6 species), and Poaceae and Ranunculaceae (5 species each). Species richness varied significantly among habitats, ranging from 21 species in DRH to 36 in OGH. Diversity indices, including Margalef’s richness, Evenness, Shannon-Wiener diversity (H’), and Concentration of Dominance (CD), demonstrated significant variation (ANOVA, P&lt; 0.001) across habitats, indicating heterogeneous ecological conditions. Species such as Potentilla argyrophylla, Primula denticulata, Anaphalisroyleana, Rumex nepalensis, and Danthonia cachemyriana were common to all habitats, while certain species were unique to individual habitats, highlighting distinct microhabitat preferences.

Aquatic invasive species can alter ecosystem processes, detrimentally affect native species, and facilitate the invasion of other species. One infamous aquatic invader, the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha), is known to cause declines in phytoplankton through their filtering activity and facilitate the subsequent growth of macrophytes by increasing water clarity. In turn, submerged macrophytes may provide substrate for settlement of zebra mussels. The goal of this study was to examine variation in the distribution of zebra mussels and hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata subsp. verticillata) in relation to sediment composition, each other (including potential facilitation), and with season (summer vs. fall) in a subtropical reservoir. Surveys of zebra mussels and hydrilla showed that zebra mussel densities tended to be higher in rocky habitats where they were found on hydrilla and rocks (gravel and cobble), compared to muddy habitats where they were found only on hydrilla. Within the rocky habitat, zebra mussels attached to hydrilla had significantly higher densities and a smaller size than those attached to rocks. However, spring populations may be largely transient because only a small fraction of zebra mussels remained on hydrilla in early fall, almost exclusively representing a new settlement cohort based on their size distribution. Nevertheless, hydrilla may directly facilitate zebra mussel dispersal, especially in spring, as mussels attached to plant fragments can be transported downstream by currents or by human activities, such as entanglement in boat propellers and trailers. Laboratory experiments did not detect any significant impact of zebra mussels on the growth, biomass, or nutrient content of hydrilla. However, zebra mussel biomass was higher when hydrilla was present, suggesting that hydrilla may facilitate zebra mussel growth, although the difference was only statistically significant at low hydrilla densities. This study illustrates the complexities of interactions between multiple introduced species which can lead to facilitation of invasion of aquatic ecosystems.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi can have complicated interactions with plants and soils, which play a critical role in mediating the soil carbon cycle. However, the mechanism by which AM fungi regulate soil respiration is not well documented. This study conducted a completely randomized block-design mesocosm experiment using the inoculation of AM fungi (RI: Rhizophagus intraradices; FM: Funneliformis mosseae) with Fraxinus malacophylla to identify the pathways of AM fungi controlling soil respiration in a rocky desertification habitat. We observed that the average soil respiration rates (3.78 μmol·m−2·s−1) were significantly higher in two AM fungi inoculation treatments than in the control (2.87 μmol·m−2·s−1). Soil respiration rates were 1.59-fold higher in RI fungi inoculation and 1.05-fold higher in FM inoculation than in the control. Explanation rates of microbial biomass carbon, biomass nitrogen, and root biomass in RI (57.46–76.49%) and FM (44.81–62.62%) inoculation for soil respiration variation were higher than those in the control (24.51–34.32%). The direct positive pathway of soil respiration was mainly regulated by microbial biomass (59.5%) and root biomass (34.90%), while the indirect positive contributions of soil physicochemical properties (30.00%), colonization level (3.50%), soil microclimate (19.30%), and enzyme activity (3.38%) to respiration dynamics ranked second. Thus, we conclude that soil respiration dynamics can be mainly controlled by AM fungi-mediated changes in microbial and root biomass in rocky desertification areas.

AimsCarbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) stoichiometry serves as a crucial indicator of interconnected biogeochemical cycles in terrestrial ecosystems, influencing nutrient limitation patterns, elemental balance and coupling, as well as plant adaptation strategies to environmental constraints. However, the interaction mechanisms between plants and soils in karst rocky desertification forests remain poorly understood. This study comparatively analyzes the C, N, and P stoichiometric characteristics of Quercus rehderiana in both rocky and non-rocky desertification forests, aiming to elucidate the nutrient allocation strategies and element coupling mechanisms within rock desertification forest ecosystems.MethodsFive 20 m × 20 m plots were respectively established in rocky desertification and non-rocky desertification Quercus rehderiana forests, and each plot was further divided into four subplots of 10 m × 10 m. From three subplots closest to the center, we collected leaf, branch, fine root, litter, and soil samples and measured C, N, and P concentrations.ResultsThe results showed that non-rocky desertification forests exhibited significantly higher P concentrations compared to their rocky desertification counterparts. Conversely, rocky desertification forests showed notably higher C: N and C: P ratios in all plant organs (leaf, branch, root) and litter. The N and P concentrations in Quercus rehderiana were higher in leaves and litter than in branches, which in turn were higher than in roots. The C: N and C: P ratios exhibited the opposite trend, with values following the order: roots > branches > litter and leaves. In rocky desertification forests, P concentration was significantly negatively correlated with the C: N, C: P, and N: P ratios across plant organs, litter, and soil, suggesting a strong coupling mechanism among these biogeochemical indicators.ConclusionsThis research elucidates the C: N:P stoichiometric characteristics of the Quercus rehderiana plant-litter-soil system across varying rocky desertification habitats. Multivariate analysis indicated that forests in rocky desertification areas maintained strong soil nutrient coupling, whereas non-rocky desertification forests exhibited more pronounced litter decomposition-mediated nutrient coupling. These findings provide important insights for ecological restoration and vegetation management in rocky desertification regions.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12870-025-07089-2.