Understanding how biodiversity is structured along tropical elevational gradients requires disentangling the relative roles of regional evolutionary history and local processes shaping ecological assemblies. Here, Ithomiini butterfly communities were studied along repeated elevational gradients in two Neotropical regions with contrasting evolutionary histories: the Amazonian Andes and the Guiana Shield. The study tested whether similar elevational patterns of taxonomic, mimetic and phylogenetic structure emerge despite distinct regional species pools, and whether abiotic and biotic factors contribute to shaping these patterns. Despite marked regional differences in overall richness, consistent elevational patterns emerged across both regions. Taxonomic and mimetic richness increased with elevation and were accompanied by stronger phylogenetic clustering, indicating that similar habitat filtering processes operate along altitudinal gradients irrespective of regional context. Phylogenetic β-diversity was predominantly driven by lineage turnover, particularly in the Andes, highlighting the role of elevational gradients in promoting replacement of phylogenetically distinct lineages rather than simple species loss. These shared patterns suggest that altitude has a strong and repeatable effect on community structure, with habitat filtering acting locally on regionally distinct species pools. Abiotic factors such as temperature appeared to constrain species distributions at broad spatial scales, whereas biotic interactions acted more locally. In particular, butterfly diversity was positively associated with potential host plant richness and predation pressure, indicating that ecological interactions can further shape local community composition once broad-scale environmental constraints are accounted for. By integrating phylogenetic structure, biotic interactions and environmental gradients across regions with contrasting evolutionary histories, this study shows how regional species pools and local ecological filtering jointly shape tropical biodiversity and highlights that similar elevational assembly processes could arise independently across the Neotropics.

Abstract The tendency for conspecifics to live in groups is expected to reflect elements of both current ecology and evolutionary history. Evaluating the relative contributions of these factors to patterns of social behavior is facilitated by comparisons of closely related species that differ with regard to social organization. The Colonial Tuco-tuco (Ctenomys sociabilis) is 1 of 2 species of ctenomyids that has been shown to be group living. In contrast, initial reports suggest that the recently described and closely related C. plebiscitum may be solitary. To determine if comparative studies of these species can be used to explore factors contributing to divergence in social behavior, we employed radiotelemetry to characterize the social organization of a population of C. plebiscitum located near Esquel, Argentina. Our data indicate that contrary to expectation, C. plebiscitum is group living, with multiple adults sharing the same burrow system and putative nest site. Although this outcome is perhaps not surprising given the similar habitats in which C. plebiscitum and C. sociabilis occur, their close phylogenetic relationship makes it challenging to distinguish the effects of current versus historical factors in shaping the social organizations of these species. Our findings underscore the importance of using a phylogenetically informed approach to explore the ecological factors favoring group living in this and other lineages of mammals.

Abstract Context Urbanization acts as a selective filter for wildlife, favoring species pre-adapted to urban environments while creating hostile conditions for others. Previous studies have focused on which traits determine success in urban habitats, while little effort has been put into delineating how bird assemblages are spatially structured within the city. Objectives We investigated how spatial gradients in anthropogenic and environmental variables shape bird assemblage distributions across Rome, one of Europe’s largest and greenest metropolitan areas, and map their distribution to reveal how community structure shifts along the urbanization gradient. Methods In spring 2024 and 2025, we conducted acoustic monitoring in 102 sites across Rome’s metropolitan area. Detections of 48 species were modeled against landscape variables, synthesized in three principal components reflecting urbanization intensity, forest cover, and isolation. We then used Outlying Mean Index analysis to cluster species with similar habitat use, and identified three distinct assemblages (avoiders, adapters, and exploiters), and mapped their distribution. Results Our results highlight a spatial turnover of bird compositions along the urbanization gradient, with different degrees of urbanization supporting distinct bird assemblages. avoiders were concentrated in extensive green areas at the city periphery, while adapters were largely distributed in transitional areas at the interface with the urban matrix. exploiters dominated the urban core but were mostly absent from green areas. Conclusions Varying urban conditions shape distinct bird assemblages, composed of species with similar responses to urbanization and vegetation. Ensuring a permeable urban matrix and integrating greening initiatives within urban cores can contribute to maintaining high diversity, enhance ecosystem services, sustain species persistence, and limit disservices.

ABSTRACT This study provides the first comparative community‐ecological and demographic assessment of the two extant species of Tigridiopalma (Melastomataceae), both of which are classified as Plant Species with Extremely Small Populations (PSEP) and are endangered. Despite sharing similar morphological traits and habitat preferences, T. magnifica and T. exalata exhibit marked differences in floristic composition, community structure, and population dynamics, reflecting contrasting life‐history strategies and degrees of habitat specialization. By integrating analyses of floristic contribution, species associations, and demographic patterns, our findings highlight the importance of habitat context in shaping the persistence of narrowly endemic understory plants. Our results demonstrate that even closely related endangered species can adopt divergent ecological strategies. Tigridiopalma magnifica persists through broad biotic associations but appears constrained by seedling establishment, likely due to dense leaf litter or intense understory competition. In contrast, T. exalata relies on specific canopy tree associations but shows signs of reproductive limitation within resource‐poor niches. Effective in situ conservation therefore requires a shift from a species‐centric to an interaction‐centric framework, emphasizing the management of community processes rather than target species alone, specifically, facilitative interactions for T. magnifica and canopy filtering mechanisms for T. exalata .

Vocal mimicry in brood parasites may enhance fledgling survival by facilitating care or social acceptance by hosts. We quantified vocal similarity between fledgling Levaillant's cuckoos (Clamator levaillantii) and host fledglings using recordings from two host associations in West Africa and a small comparative set from South Africa. We distinguished two context-defined classes of begging calls: food-transfer calls produced during feeding events and non-transfer calls produced outside food transfer. Multivariate acoustic measurements combined with discriminant and classification analyses showed that non-transfer calls of cuckoos associated with the primary West African host, the Brown Babbler (Turdoides plebejus), closely matched non-transfer calls of host fledglings. In contrast, food-transfer calls were broadly similar across host species and showed little evidence of host-specific vocal similarity in any association. Cuckoos associated with a secondary West African host, the Blackcap Babbler (T. reinwardtii), showed weak or no host-specific vocal similarity overall, although one individual produced a distinctive non-transfer call type that resembled host non-transfer calls. South African material was sparse and revealed no clear host-specific vocal similarity. Because the hosts compared are closely related babblers occupying similar habitats, the restriction of vocal similarity to a single association is unlikely to reflect general ecological convergence or shared constraints on vocal production. Instead, our findings are most consistent with host-mediated selection acting after fledging, potentially favouring calls that promote tolerance or social acceptance within cooperatively breeding host groups. We also report new observations of host aggression towards fledgling cuckoos, highlighting the potential importance of vocal cues during the post-fledging period.

Understanding how geographic and climatic gradients shape genetic architecture is a central goal of evolutionary ecology. In Taiwan, mammals show varied divergence: low-mobility species such as mole-shrews and Formosan wood mice exhibit strong north-south splits, and surprisingly, similar patterns occur in mobile taxa like Formosan serow and sambar deer. In contrast, other mobile species, including flying squirrels and Reeves's muntjac, show weak or no population structure in prior studies. This recurring north-south divergence across ecologically diverse taxa suggests that shared environmental gradients, beyond historical isolation, drive parallel population structures. If so, species occupying similar habitats may exhibit comparable genetic breaks regardless of life-history traits. Prior mitochondrial studies likely missed fine-scale structure in muntjac; high-resolution SNP data now offer improved resolution. Here, we analyzed genome-wide SNPs from 71 Taiwanese Reeves's muntjac and comparative Chinese samples. We detected deep divergence from Chinese muntjac (~0.24 MYA), and further north-south subdivision within Taiwan (~0.06 MYA). Demographic modeling revealed a complex history involving glacial isolation and asymmetric gene flow, mainly from north to south. Within Taiwan, genetic differentiation was shaped by both geography and climate, especially temperature annual range (Bio7), with niche models showing environmental separation. Selection scans identified PLA2-associated genes, potentially linked to thermal adaptation. This is the first study to demonstrate that both geographic and environmental heterogeneity jointly contribute to mammalian divergence in Taiwan. The repeated north-south split across ecologically diverse species highlights shared climatic and topographic factors driving parallel population structure in Taiwan's montane ecosystems.

Introduction Bigheaded carp ( Hypophthalmichthys spp.) are invasive fish in the Mississippi River basin. Their rapid proliferation has raised concerns about exploitative competition with native fishes, with consequences that remain incompletely understood. We aimed to identify native species most susceptible to competition based on overlap with bigheaded carp in dietary and habitat traits. Methods We used an established fish traits database to quantify dietary and habitat overlap between bigheaded carp and 100 native fish species. We then integrated dietary and habitat overlap into a composite competition index. Results Dietary similarity with the native assemblage exceeded habitat similarity, suggesting that while competition with some native species may occur, it may often be limited by spatial separation. Dietary and habitat similarity coefficients were not correlated, indicating that strong dietary overlap did not necessarily coincide with similar habitat use (and vice versa). Approximately 20% of species were classified as high competition risk. The highest-risk species included bigmouth buffalo ( Ictiobus cyprinellus ), threadfin shad ( Dorosoma petenense ), black redhorse ( Moxostoma duquesnii ), bluntnose minnow ( Pimephales notatus ), highfin carpsucker ( Carpiodes velifer ), and gizzard shad ( Dorosoma cepedianum ). Discussion Although trait-based predictions have limitations, our results are consistent with empirically documented interactions and provide a rapid, first-pass assessment of potential competitive vulnerability. Dietary overlap, habitat overlap, and the derived competition index offer actionable decision-support for managing potential competition between bigheaded carp and native species. We included ten practical recommendations to translate predictions into conservation and management actions.

Abstract Records of tick parasitism in Brazilian birds result from specific community studies, in which similar parasitic rates are found among species phylogenetically close and with similar habitat use. However, to understand the tick–bird dynamics, it is necessary to consider the ecological aspects of the organisms and the environment. Over a year, during both dry and rainy periods, we captured three Thamnophilidae species with mist nets and examined the birds for ticks. Concurrently, we conducted field observations along linear transects to characterise the vertical distribution of vegetation of these species. We identified the collected ticks taxonomically and molecularly. We hypothesise that the lowest tick prevalence rates will be found in the forest that the highest rates will occur in the dry season, and that will be higher in birds occupying lower heights above the ground. Contrary to expectations, the restinga had a lower parasite prevalence. In the forest, there was a higher prevalence in the dry months. Unlike the pattern observed in other areas of the Atlantic Forest, the birds in the restinga were parasitised exclusively during rainy months. The use of vertical space of vegetation differed among the birds but did not determine the parasitism rates. Our results indicate that ecological factors regulate exposure to tick parasitism, even among phylogenetically close birds, as species in the Thamnophilidae family did not show the same pattern. The host–parasite interaction varied across areas and seasons, suggesting that these factors may determine the availability of ticks for parasitism.

Road mortality affects a wide range of animal species, including amphibians. Worldwide, many amphibian species, including the Asiatic toad Bufo gargarizans , are impacted by road mortality, but the ecological consequences remain poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate how road mortality influences population traits by comparing body sizes and age structures between two similar habitats, one with frequent road mortality and the other without it. A total of 274 B. gargarizans individuals (191 males and 83 females) were collected, and their ages were estimated using skeletochronology. The results showed that the population from the high‐road mortality site had significantly smaller body sizes and a younger mean age compared to the population from the site without road mortality. These findings suggest that road mortality imposes strong ecological pressure that leads to noticeable shifts in population characteristics. It also emphasizes the seriousness of road mortality and the need for mitigation measures, such as reduced vehicle speeds or the provision of bypass roads, to support the long‐term conservation of amphibians.

Monitoring vulnerable Houbara bustards, birds of both ecological and cultural significance, and detecting intruders that can pose a threat to their nests, is critical for effective conservation of these iconic species. Deep learning-based object detection offers an efficient solution for automating large-scale monitoring, yet its application to Houbara research has been hindered by the lack of comprehensive datasets. To address this gap, we present a new dataset of 24,318 camera-trap images, including 15,070 Houbara bustard images and 9,248 intruder images, all annotated with bounding boxes. Collected between 2011 and 2023 at various times of the day, and using 14 camera models, this dataset provides high diversity and complexity, enabling studies on Houbaras and other bustard species in similar habitats. We benchmarked 10 state-of-the-art object detection models, demonstrating that YOLOv10 outperforms others across evaluation metrics. This dataset represents a significant contribution to wildlife monitoring and conservation, supporting vulnerable Houbara bustard research while offering a foundation for broader applications by providing a valuable resource for wildlife researchers and practitioners.

In biogeography, related lineages often share similar range sizes and species richness due to inherited traits and shared geographic history. This expectation is based on phylogenetic niche conservatism and shared dispersal constraints. However, within the subfamily Laevilitorininae, this pattern is not observed: Laevilitorina shows broader distributions and higher species richness than Laevilacunaria despite similar developmental mode and habitat preferences. Combining multilocus genetic data, radular morphology and model-based historical biogeography, we aim to understand the origins of these disparities in range extent. The paraphyly detected in both Laevilitorina and Laevilacunaria genus indicates a more complex history than a simple older-younger genus contrast, with age and diversification distributed across four clades. Our dated analyses place the time to the most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) of Laevilitorininae at 52.2 Mya, with diversification within clades from the Miocene to Pleistocene. The sister genera show process-level contrasts: in Laevilitorina, broad ranges in some lineages are consistent with intermittent, macroalgal raft-mediated connectivity, whereas Laevilacunaria exhibits restricted ranges consistent with rare, storm-facilitated rafting that enables colonization without sustained gene flow. Overall, our findings support how stochastic long-distance dispersal and establishment can shape biogeographic patterns in the Southern Ocean and underscore the need to update systematic classifications.

Passiflora clypeophylla , an endemic species to the Guatemalan karstic forests last seen in 1889 and deemed extinct, was rediscovered in the Department of Alta Verapaz, east of Cobán. The species was known only from a single specimen hailed from the type locality, Rubel Cruz, where it has been found again. An additional location has been identified in a similar habitat near it. The current study further presents a revised morphological description of P. clypeophylla based on this new material, along with notes on its ecology and preservation. Though now known from two populations, the IUCN Red List Criteria classify P. clypeophylla as ‘Critically Endangered' (CR).

In this study, we investigated the bioaccumulation of 17 heavy metals-titanium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, arsenic, selenium, molybdenum, antimony, cadmium, tin, mercury, and lead-in the liver and kidney tissues of the least weasel, based on samples (n = 129) collected from adjacent intensive agricultural environments in Hungary and Austria. To explore the structure of the bioaccumulation data, principal component analysis (PCA) was performed. The PCA score plot based on national-level elemental profiles revealed no differentiation between Austria and Hungary. In contrast, a clear and unambiguous distinction was observed between the two examined tissues within individuals for Ti, Mn, Fe, Co, Zn, Se, Mo, Cd, and Hg (p < 0.001), as well as for Pb (p < 0.05). The biological relevance of the accumulation results was adjusted using the MCID approach. As heavy metal accumulation in the least weasel has not yet been investigated, our results could only be compared with concentrations reported for predatory mammals occurring in similar habitats. Based on the relevant literature, we highlight predominantly anthropogenic exposure pathways affecting agroecosystems-organic and mineral fertilizers, plant protection products, wastewater, and fossil fuels-which underscore the necessity of regular biomonitoring studies in agricultural landscapes.

The interceptor G2, a newly recommended dual-ingredient long-lasting insecticidal net (LLIN) by the World Health Organization (WHO), contains chlorfenapyr (pyrrole) and alpha-cypermethrin (pyrethroid), demonstrating efficacy against malaria vectors in Africa. Despite the extensive deployment of LLINs for malaria vector control across sub-Saharan Africa, there is limited understanding of their impact on non-target hematophagous pests sharing similar ecological habitats. Through contact bioassays, a total of 28 Cimex hemipterus (F.) strains from 7 regions in Ghana were tested against chlorfenapyr, alphacypermethrin, and a combined mixture at recommended label rate of Interceptor G2. We found that chlorfenapyr showed significantly lower survival times and higher mortality within 48 h post-exposure (24/28 strains ≥ 80% mortality) compared to alpha-cypermethrin (4/22 strains ≥ 80% mortality) when tested independently, indicating widespread resistance to pyrethroids. The chlorfenapyr/alpha-cypermethrin combination had comparable effectiveness (23/24 strains ≥ 80% mortality) to chlorfenapyr, and synergistic interactions between the active ingredients became more apparent at 48 h post-exposure. Late instar nymphs displayed a similar susceptibility trend to adults, but survival times were variable and often longer in the nymphs than adults. These results suggest that the deployment of Interceptor G2 nets may provide incidental but beneficial control of bed bug populations, including those resistant to pyrethroids. However, prolonged exposure to chlorfenapyr may result in resistance to chlorfenapyr in the future. This work sets a baseline for monitoring the risk and understanding the evolution of insecticide resistance in bed bugs especially to chlorfenapyr under selective pressure from future widespread use of Interceptor G2 in Africa.

Global warming is reshaping the composition and functioning of temperate reef communities and resulting in the emergence of habitats that resemble those often found on more equatorward reefs. In Tasmania, Australia, such 'tropicalization' has caused the loss of kelp bed habitats and the emergence of urchin barrens, which were historically found on more equatorward reefs in New South Wales (NSW). Despite these regions now sharing both kelp beds and urchin barrens, the extent of similarity in community composition and functioning across habitats and regions is unresolved. Here, we conducted underwater visual census and used experimental macroalgal assays to quantify and contrast community composition (taxonomic and functional) and herbivory, between kelp beds and barrens in two regions (Tasmania and NSW) separated by ∼1000km. Ultimately, these comparisons revealed that the greatest dissimilarity generally lay between habitat types, rather than regions. Moreover, the sea urchin, Centrostephanus rodgersii, emerged as the most important species driving between habitat dissimilarity, and when present, its biomass was strongly related to the extent of macroalgal assay removal. Overall, these results underscore the similarities in community composition and herbivory that can arise within similar habitats across biogeographical scales.

Roadside stormwater catch basins are frequently treated with larvicides in metropolitan areas because they are ideal larval growth sites for West Nile virus (WNV) vector species Culex pipiens Linnaeus and Cx. restuans (Theobald). Despite the wide-spread implementation of catch basin treatments in integrated vector management programs, there is little entomological evidence to suggest catch basin larvicide treatments reduce adult mosquito abundance and thereby impact WNV risk. We evaluated the impact of treating catch basins at three of four sites (700-1000 basins each) with a formulation of Lysinibacillus sphaericus using a stepped-wedge cluster trial approach in metropolitan areas in Wisconsin, U.S.A in 2019. Treatment effects were measured by evaluating immature stage mosquito abundance in catch basins and general additive models (GAM) to analyze changes of the integrated adult female Culex spp. abundance and population stability sampled from host-seeking and gravid mosquito traps. We observed catch basin treatments to effectively suppress immature stages in catch basins (94% reduction of pupae). The GAM found catch basin treatment duration to significantly reduce the integrated abundance of gravid Culex spp. mosquitoes, with a total mean percent reduction of 37% at treated sites. Treatment duration was also observed to impact the stability of the gravid Culex spp. integrated abundance, with differences between untreated and treated sites, and among sites that differed in treatment duration. These results support the treatment of catch basins with biorational larvicides as a mosquito management tool for WNV vector species in similar metropolitan habitats provided adequate suppression of immature stage mosquitoes.

“Sanghuang” is a rare, edible, medicinal macrofungus. However, various macrofungi that share similar appearances, habitats, and therapeutic effects with “Sanghuang” have been erroneously used in traditional folk medicine. As of date, metabolic differences among these “Sanghuang”‐like species have been unclear, impeding their commercial utilization. Moreover, despite the long history of its use, the bioactive ingredients of this macrofungus have not been designated. In this study, we performed metabolomics analysis of four representative species, namely, Inonotus hispidus , Phellinus igniarius , Sanghuangporus baumii , and Sanghuangporus vaninii , based on ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐QqQ‐MS). Using the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform, key active ingredients and active pharmaceutical ingredients for disease resistance were screened. Among the four species, 862 metabolites were identified, of which 74 were key active ingredients and 135 were active pharmaceutical ingredients against eight major diseases. Multivariate statistical analysis of metabolite differences among the four species revealed that the four selected species exhibited a distinct pattern of metabolite accumulation. These results highlight the importance of assessing the concentration of the respective metabolites when using different species of “Sanghuang”‐like species for medicinal purposes.

ABSTRACT Anthropogenic activities can alter the occurrence of many animal species, and marine mammals, in particular, may be impacted by coastal development. The marine otter, Lontra felina , inhabits the coasts of southern South America, where increasing urban encroachment and extractive activities are progressively altering its habitat. We estimated the abundance of L. felina at six study sites (with similar habitat structure) in northern Chile over three years, relating this to the presence of people, boats, and pets. We also calculated a human disturbance index using these human presence variables. Our findings indicated that marine otter abundance was negatively associated with the number of people, while boats and pets showed no significant associations with otter abundance. The human disturbance index, which integrates these variables, was also negatively related to otter abundance. Although marine otters are generally considered tolerant to human presence in coastal environments, our results show a consistent pattern of lower otter abundance at sites with greater human presence, particularly where people directly accessed shoreline habitats. This pattern is not explained by habitat structure, which was similar across sites, and suggests that local human activity may contribute to shaping spatial variation in abundance. This multi‐year assessment raises a warning about human influence on native species in coastal areas, which can inform evidence‐based conservation decisions.

The crucian carp ( Carassius carassius ) is a native freshwater species whose populations in the Czech Republic have been rapidly declining in recent decades. The main driver of this decline is the expansion of the invasive gibel carp ( Carassius gibelio ), which is morphologically similar and occupies similar habitat. The resemblance among Carassius species leads to frequent misidentification, not only among citizens but also among experts. Such confusion complicates species monitoring and hinders the effective implementation of conservation measures. Reliable identification of C. carassius , C. gibelio , and the domesticated goldfish ( C. auratus ) is essential, especially in light of repopulation measures citizens are conducting in recent years. To explore the public's ability to distinguish between these species, we conducted a species determination experiment during the largest angling trade fair, For Fishing 2023. A total of 327 participants were randomly assigned one of five image sets, each containing nine photographs: three of C. carassius , three of C. gibelio , and three of C. auratus . Results showed high recognition accuracy for ornamental goldfish and large C. gibelio individuals. However, participants often confused smaller C. gibelio with C. carassius , particularly when determination characteristics were subtle. These findings highlight that species recognition depends on individual fish size and prominent determination characteristics. Accurate identification is not only vital for public education but also for safeguarding the genetic integrity of C. carassius , a critically endangered species. As a flagship for pond biodiversity and wetland restoration, its protection represents a broader commitment to conserving native aquatic ecosystems. The presentation associated with this contribution (Suppl. material 1).

Effective control of invasive sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) populations relies heavily on lampricides, but few studies have investigated the impacts of granular Bayluscide® (gB) on benthic-dwelling organisms. Native freshwater mussels are present in many similar habitats that larval sea lamprey prefer, making them susceptible to nontarget effects. The active ingredient of gB, niclosamide, was derived specifically as a molluscicide; therefore, it is crucial to understand its impacts on a group of mollusks that have been imperiled due to many factors including the input of contaminants in the aquatic environment. Two early life stages of Lampsilis siliquoidea were tested in 7-day exposures to gB. Mortality was significant in both sub-adult and newly metamorphosed mussels, with the latter being significantly sensitive to gB applications that were less than 1% of the suggested application rate. A significant decrease in mussel growth was seen at 0.78% of the suggested application rate. A 24-hr test was supplemented due to gB potency, revealing a similar median lethal concentration of 0.67% (0.55-0.79) of the suggested gB application rate. Additionally, an 8-hr exposure of 0.78% of the application revealed significant effects after only 2 hr of exposure. Both early life stages of L. siliquoidea showed a marked sensitivity to gB. Although environmental conditions may have an influence on gB fate, the marked sensitivity of early life stages demonstrated in this study is crucial to understanding the effects of sustained gB application on the population dynamics of freshwater mussels.