Site Landscape Research Articles

The Pivotal Role of Evaporation in Lake Water Isotopic Variability Across Space and Time in a High Arctic Periglacial Landscape

AbstractRapidly changing climate is disrupting the High Arctic's water systems. As tracers of hydrological processes, stable water isotopes can be used for high quality monitoring of Arctic waters to better reconstruct past changes and assess future environmental threats. However, logistical challenges typically limit the length and scope of isotopic monitoring in High Arctic landscapes. Here, we present a comprehensive isotopic survey of 535 water samples taken in 2018 and 2019 of the lakes and other surface waters of the periglacial Pituffik Peninsula in far northwest Greenland. The δ18O, δ2H, and deuterium‐excess values of these samples, representing 196 unique sites, grant unprecedented insight into the environmental drivers of the regional hydrology and water isotopic variability. We find that the spatial variability of lake water isotopes can best be explained through evaporation and the hydrological ability of a lake to replace evaporative water losses with precipitation and snowmelt. Temporally, summer‐long evaporation can drive lake water isotopes beyond the isotopic range observed in precipitation, and wide interannual changes in lake water isotopes reflect annual weather differences that influenced evaporation. Following this, water isotope samples taken at individual times or sites in similar periglacial landscapes may have limited regional representativeness, and increasing the spatiotemporal extent of isotopic sampling is critical to producing accurate and informative High Arctic paleoclimate reconstructions. Overall, our survey highlights the diversity of isotopic compositions in Pituffik surface waters, and our complete isotopic and geospatial database provides a strong foundation for future researchers to study hydrological changes at Pituffik and across the Arctic.

Influence of Distance, Environmental Factors, and Native Vegetation on Honeybee (Apis mellifera) Foraging in Arid Shrublands and Grasslands.

This study determined the influence of foraging distance, environmental factors, and native vegetation on honeybee (Apis mellifera) foraging in arid shrublands and grasslands in Northern Mexico. Apiary distance from inflorescence sites did not have a significant influence on the intensity of foraging. Apiary location and landscape were decisive factors in the response of honeybees to environmental factors. Air temperature, minimum temperature, wind velocity, and relative humidity explained foraging by 87, 80, 68, and 41% (R2), respectively, in shrubland sites in open landscapes but had no significant influence on foraging in the grassland sites in a valley surrounded by hills (1820-2020 amsl). Nights with a minimum temperature of <20 °C increased foraging activity during the day. Minimum temperature, which has the least correlative influence among climate elements, can be used to determine climate change's impact on bees. The quantity of available inflorescence explained the foraging intensity by 78% in shrublands and 84% in grasslands. Moreover, when honeybees depended mainly on native vegetation in grasslands, the quantity of inflorescence explained the intensity of foraging by 95%. High intensity of honeybee foraging was observed in allthorn (Koeberlinia spinosa) and wait-a-minute bush (Mimosa aculeaticarpa) in shrublands and honey mesquite (Neltuma glandulosa) and wait-a-minute bush (Mimosa aculeaticarpa) in grasslands. The findings and baseline data contributed by this study may be used to identify suitable environments for increasing apiary productivity and other agricultural and ecological benefits.

Soil–Plant–Pollinator Relationships in Urban Grass and Meadow Habitats: Competing Benefits and Demands of Tall Flowering Plants on Soil and Pollinator Diversity

Urban green spaces can be important habitats for soil, plant, and pollinator diversity and the complementary ecosystem functions they confer. Most studies tend to investigate the relationships between plant diversity with either soil or pollinator diversity, but establishing their relationship across habitat types could be important for optimising ecosystem service provision via alternative management (for instance, urban meadows in place of short amenity grass). Here, we investigate soil–plant–pollinator relationships across urban grass and meadow habitats through a range of measured biodiversity (soil mesofauna and macrofauna, plants, aboveground invertebrates, and pollinators) and edaphic variables. We found significant effects of habitat type on available nutrients (plant and soil C:N ratios) but less clear relationships were observed between habitat type and diversity metrics. Soil–plant–pollinator interactions across habitat types and sites showed an interconnection, whereby flowering plant abundance increased alongside soil macrofauna abundance. Site characteristics that showed strong effects on plant and invertebrate diversity metrics were C:N ratios (plant and soil) and soil pH, suggesting a potential role of nutrient availability on soil–plant–pollinator associations. Our results suggest that a combination of short-mown grass, tall grass, and sown flowers can provide greater benefits for soil and pollination services as each habitat type benefits different taxa due to differing sensitivities to management practices. For example, pollinators benefit from sown flowers but soil fauna are sensitive to annual sowing. Our results also indicate that sown flowers may not optimise overall biodiversity as expected due to disturbance and the depleting role of tall, flowering plants on soil nutrient availability. Future research across a greater range of sites in urban landscapes would resolve the potential role of nutrient availability in modulating soil–plant–pollinator interactions in urban green spaces.

Hirundo rustica (Barn Swallows) and Tachycineta bicolor (Tree Swallows) select wetlands in agriculturally intensive landscapes, as revealed by GPS tracking

Abstract Aerial insectivorous birds breeding in North America have experienced decades of population declines for reasons hypothesized to be related to changes in their insect prey. In agricultural landscapes, land management practices can affect insect communities, leading to concerns that ongoing trends toward more intensive cultivation could affect the ability of farmland-breeding aerial insectivores to forage and provision their offspring with aerial insect prey. To understand how differences in agricultural intensity may affect the foraging behavior of different aerial insectivore species, we used GPS tags to compare the movements and habitat use of 2 species with different foraging ecologies, Hirundo rustica (Barn Swallow) and Tachycineta bicolor (Tree Swallow), breeding at 17 sites in agricultural landscapes in Saskatchewan, Canada. Although we identified differences in foraging behavior consistent with each species’ reported ecological traits, including T. bicolor foraging farther and over larger areas than H. rustica, overall foraging behavior was similar between species. Resource selection function analyses indicated that both species used wetlands disproportionately often relative to local wetland availability, especially when detected farther from their nests. Hirundo rustica and T. bicolor both also avoided cropped foraging habitat, using it proportionally less than it was locally available. In landscapes with greater wetland cover, both species selected for wetland habitat more strongly, and among T. bicolor, higher wetland density decreased maximum foraging distance and home range area. In contrast, we found no effect of crop cover on foraging habitat selection or foraging movements. These findings suggest that H. rustica and T. bicolor breeding in Saskatchewan agroecosystems share similar foraging strategies, with wetland habitats appearing to be highly important despite comprising only a small proportion of landscape area. Overall, these results indicate that protecting wetland habitats should be a priority for aerial insectivore conservation in the intensive agricultural landscapes such as the Canadian prairies.

Spaces of Architectural Overcoming

This paper reflects an interest in how interior and landscape sites are connectedin their capacity to exceed or ‘overcome’ architecture and practice conventions of designing, making and use. In professional architectural practice, these conventions are generally treated as distinct and hierarchical steps. This reflects a view of life that is ordered, controlled and deterministic. Referring to ideas that affirm the unpredictable and evolutionary nature of life, I argue for more experimental, improvised spatial practices. I have drawn from Elizabeth Grosz’s writings about space and time to show how we can use change and spontaneous making in everyday life as designing. This has helped me to question how spaces are produced, and the singular design ‘authority’ of the architect or building designer. I have found that working in interior and landscape sites provides more opportunities for unplanned construction connected to the lives of those who inhabit space: opening up architecture and architectural practice to unpredictable forces repressed in professional practice. This paper, part of my doctoral research, explores the conceptual and practical dimensions of experimental interior projects.

The World Heritage Convention, Protected Areas and Rivers: Challenges for Representation and Implications for International Water Cooperation

Given the dire state of health of rivers worldwide and their significant heritage values, there is a need to consider their current representation in protected areas inscribed under the World Heritage Convention and identify challenges and opportunities for increasing their coverage. This study identifies a total of 153 natural, mixed natural/cultural and cultural landscape World Heritage sites that recognise rivers as a source of Outstanding Universal Value. There are challenges associated with the recognition of river sites as World Heritage, but further nominations could be encouraged through amendments to the World Heritage Convention Operational Guidelines to allow greater discretion to be exercised in relation to integrity requirements at inscription and to explicitly acknowledge freshwater use as a basis for recognising mixed natural/cultural and cultural landscape sites. There is also an opportunity to encourage further nomination of river sites by recognising the important implications of World Heritage inscription for international water cooperation. Together, these recommendations provide a path forward for enhancing the place of rivers in World Heritage protected areas.

Looking Up for prehistoric hunter-gatherer archaeological sites in mountain landscapes in Europe

This paper introduces Looking Up, an intradisciplinary project combining archaeology and geological perspectives to contribute to the management of hunter-gatherer archaeological heritage in mountain landscapes, with a case study based in the Cairngorm Mountains, Scotland. Looking Up, which ran from 2021–2023, used a combination of original archaeological research – especially the development of predictive models of the location of areas of high archaeological potential – and new geological models which provided new information on the timing of deglaciation and numerical models of palaeo-glaciers. This was combined with extensive stakeholder and public engagement to develop best practice guidelines on the management of hunter-gatherer archaeological sites in mountain landscapes.

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

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

Effect of thermal environmental factors on female students during summer and spring season: promoting a sustainable campus initiative

PurposeThe present study was conducted at the female campus of the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), with a specific emphasis on the outside environment. This study aims to explore the influence of external conditions, including AC (AC), Time of Day (TD) variations, and Landscape Sites (LS) differences, on changes in physiological temperatures. Specifically, the focus is on understanding the dynamics of skin and abaya temperature (AT) when exposed to transient thermal environments, considering factors such as AC, LS, and different TD. By investigating these parameters, the research aims to gain insights into the thermal dynamics experienced by female students at the UAEU campus which can further lead to evaluate the thermal comfort (TC).Design/methodology/approachThe study involved three college-aged female participants simulating a daily walk to class on a arid tropical university campus. Real-time thermal measures were captured at 10-min intervals using the FLIR Thermal Camera. Statistical analyses, including the Kruskal–Wallis test and Don Bonferroni pairwise comparisons, were employed to assess significant differences in thermal conditions based on AC, TD, and LS. These tests rigorously analyzed the data to identify statistically significant variations in thermal conditions among the specified factors. Additionally, temperature data from the ECMWF ERA5 dataset, covering global climate from January 1940 to the present, was utilized. The GRADS application on a Linux-based system was used for data visualization and map chart creation.FindingsThe study reveals a slight influence of AC on both Abaya temperatures (AT) and Skin temperatures (ST) during the summer, with more pronounced diurnal changes in the afternoon significantly affecting both metrics. Site characteristics minimally impact AT, but they have a noteworthy effect on ST. In the spring season, AT and ST remain unaffected by AC, while temporal fluctuations, particularly in the afternoon, exert a significant influence. LS variations show statistically insignificant impacts on both AT and ST. Additionally, temperature maps for specific 2023 dates provide distinctive trends in the UAE, offering insights into dynamic climatic conditions varying by season and TD.Originality/valueThe study aims to address a knowledge gap by investigating the influence of AC, TD, and LS variations on physiological temperature change, specifically focusing on skin and AT. This investigation is conducted in the context of individuals exposed to thermal environmental factors within a arid tropical university campus setting.Practical implicationsThis research contributes to the existing knowledge by providing specific data on thermal conditions within the campus, enabling informed decision-making for creating a more comfortable and conducive environment for the students, thereby contributing to the goal of a sustainable campus.

Effect of protein and lipids in pollen on the developmental success of the native solitary bee Osmia lignaria Say

The health of solitary bees is dependent on the pollen they consume, driving their development from larvae to pupae. Nutrients such as proteins and lipids play an important role in bee development and could be an important key in conservation efforts to support declining populations. We examined the concentration of protein, total lipids, and 13 individual lipid classes in pollen provisions collected from the native solitary nesting bee, Osmia lignaria Say, at 22 sites in urban and rural landscapes in western Washington over three years and during two distinct foraging periods. The results indicate that protein concentrations in pollen did not significantly affect larval development. We detected higher lipid concentrations in the second foraging period, which was also associated with increased larval developmental success. Using Next-Generation sequencing on collected pollen, we also ascertained the plant genera in pollen and observed that plant richness did not differ significantly between the two foraging periods even though levels of lipid concentrations did. Individual lipid classes may play a role in the successful development of O. lignaria, as hexosylceramide and cholesterol ester were positively associated with O. lignaria larval developmental success, which emphasizes the need for additional studies on the role of individual lipid classes on bee development.

Cultural convergence in heritage landscape conservation: A comparative study of Chinese and English traditions

There are distinct Eastern and Western approaches that shape the conservation and interpretation of cultural heritage landscapes. While existing literature assesses each approach individually, there is limited research exploring potential for cross-cultural exchange and innovation to inform a more holistic conservation of heritage landscape sites. Using Chinese (representative of Eastern) and English (representative of Western) approaches as archetypal cases, and underpinned by a phenomenological ontological perspective, this theoretical contribution firstly establishes key distinctions between Chinese and English approaches toward heritage landscapes by conducting a review of relevant sources. Differences are subsequently synthesized into a comprehensive framework that supports a cultural convergence of approaches toward heritage landscapes. Informed by the literature, six key differences in approach are identified: (i) Philosophical underpinnings; (ii) spiritual and artistic emphasis; (iii) holistic and individual attitudes; (iv) concerns of continuity and evolution; (v) approaches toward community involvement; and (vi) relationship between nature, spirituality, and human-centricity. After reviewing these differences, a holistic framework is proposed that is underpinned by four key elements which have the capacity to overcome the differences identified: (i) harmonizing spirituality and esthetics; (ii) balancing continuity and evolution; (iii) fostering inclusive stewardship between communities and practitioners; and (iv) cultivating equilibrium between people and nature. The study concludes that this framework &amp;ndash; what is termed a &amp;ldquo;cultural convergence&amp;rdquo; &amp;ndash; can support more effective conservation of landscape sites, by capturing a broader cultural spectrum of heritage principles and concerns. The proposed framework opens avenues for cross-cultural exchange and advancement of more holistic heritage conservation strategies within an increasingly globalized heritage context. Future research should seek to apply this framework to the contemporary conservation of distinct heritage case study sites of interest to further advance research on this topic.

The varied restorative values of campus landscapes to students’ well-being: evidence from a Chinese University

BackgroundThe literature on therapeutic landscapes highlights that the university campus landscape has restorative effects on students. This deserves more scholarly attention since mental health has become an important issue among university students. However, existing empirical studies have revealed mixed evidence with little attention to the heterogeneity across the design and, therefore, the potential therapeutic effects across different landscapes.MethodThis research examined how 13 landscape sites on a university campus might be differentially related to student well-being. These sites were identified from a variety of sources (campus design documents, photos used in the university’s social media posts, and interviews with a small group of students) to represent a comprehensive list of places that students might visit. The data was collected in a large online survey of a Chinese university (n = 2,528). We asked about students’ use of individual landscape sites and the associated motivations for visits, and measured well-being using a perceived stress scale and overall evaluation of the happiness level. Bivariate analysis was used to explore the zero-order associations between landscape use and well-being. OLS (for stress) and logistic regressions (for happiness) were conducted to further evaluate the associations after controlling the student background variables and potential correlations of uses across different landscapes.ResultsAmong 13 landscape sites, four sites had significant positive associations with either or both measures of well-being after controlling for the student characteristics and use of the other landscape sites. There was also an additive benefit of visiting more landscapes. Compared to those who did not frequently visit any of the sites, well-being had a significant stepwise increase among those who frequently visited one or two and more sites. One site that was significantly related to both measures of well-being only offered distant views of landscapes, but it was right next to the study areas.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the heterogeneity of restorative effects across different landscapes on campus. The findings suggest that effective landscape design that aims to promote student well-being should be placed close to stressors (i.e., where they study), and between where they study and live to offer students opportunities to break from the common routines and to relax. The findings hold greater relevance for universities in China and institutions with similar student campus lifestyles, occupancies, and behavior patterns worldwide.

A Study on the Perceived Tourist Image of the Jingzhou Xiongjiazong National Archaeological Site Park Based on Network Text Analysis

With the advent of the big data era, establishing a database by collecting network reviews of destination-related websites from various tourism platforms allows for the acquisition of tourists' perceptions of destinations. This provides a novel approach for researching the perceived tourist image of national archaeological site parks. This study employs network text analysis to investigate the perceived tourist image of the Xiongjiazong National Archaeological Site Park. It collects network reviews from tourism websites such as Ctrip Travel, Dianping, and Mafengwo about the Xiongjiazong National Archaeological Site Park. The study utilizes rostcm software for frequency analysis, semantic network analysis, and sentiment analysis to explore tourists' preferences for the archaeological site park. Simultaneously, it analyzes tourists' perceptions of the Xiongjiazong National Archaeological Site Park from four aspects: archaeological culture, park environment, park facilities, and management services. Four conclusions are drawn: firstly, "Chema Zhen" is the most direct and profound cognition of the park by tourists, aligning with the park's theme; secondly, expressions like "worth seeing," "shocking," and "spectacular" signify high satisfaction among tourists regarding the site's landscapes; thirdly, overall, tourists tend to have a more positive attitude towards visiting; fourthly, the rich archaeological culture, serene and beautiful park environment, awe-inspiring Chema Zhen, comprehensive and interesting park facilities, patient and meticulous service attitude, digital design, and immersive experience have left a favorable impression on tourists. Finally, this paper proposes corresponding strategies to enrich the display of cultural relics, improve the park environment, enhance promotional efforts, refine park facilities, and optimize management services.

Long-term dynamics of erosion and channel processes on the territory of Udmurtia

This paper presents the data of long-term observations of gully erosion (1978-2023) and channel processes (2000-2023) on the territory of Udmurtia. Quantitative indices of gully top growth rates at 28 sites for different periods have been compared by types and composition of eroded. Average and maximum rates of their growth are given here. The study of river channel scour at 55 sites in different landscapes has been resulted. To analyze the results, the rivers have been divided into 4 groups according to the magnitude of their orders (according to A. Scheidegger's model). Linear, area and volume indices of scour in ravines and channels of small watercourses have been calculated on the basis of geodetic surveys using electronic total stations and unmanned aerial vehicles.

A Geospatial Approach to Identify and Evaluate Ecological Restoration Sites in Post-Fire Landscapes

Wildfires are a pervasive natural phenomenon in Mediterranean forest ecosystems, causing significant ecological imbalances that demand immediate restoration efforts. The intricacy of reinstating the ecological balance necessitates a proactive approach to identifying and assessing suitable restoration sites. The assessment and investigation of the most suitable restoration sites is of particular importance both for the relevant authorities and for planning and decision making by the state. This study proposes the development of a user-friendly model for evaluating and identifying the most suitable restoration sites immediately after a fire, using geoinformation technologies. For the purposes of demonstrating the method’s applicability, the 2016 fire of “Prinos”, Thasos, Greece, an area that has been repeatedly affected by forest fires, was chosen as a case study. The methodology evaluation was carried out by applying the weighted multicriteria decision analysis method (MCDAM) and was based on a number of variables. The analysis, processing and extraction of the results were performed using primarily remote sensing datasets in a geographical information system (GIS) environment. The methodology proposed herein includes the classification of the individual criteria and their synthesis based on different weighting factors. In the final results, the restoration suitability maps are presented in five suitability zones based on two different scenarios. Based on this study, the integration of geospatial and remote sensing data offers a valuable and cost-effective means for promptly assessing post-fire landscapes, with the aim of identifying suitable restoration sites.

How landscape traits affect boreal mammal responses to anthropogenic disturbance

Understanding mammalian responses to anthropogenic disturbance is challenging, as ecological processes and the patterns arising therefrom notoriously change across spatial and temporal scales, and among different landscape contexts. Responses to local scale disturbances are likely influenced by landscape context (e.g., overall landscape-level disturbance, landscape-level productivity). Hierarchical approaches considering small-scale sampling sites as nested holons within larger-scale landscapes, which constrain processes in lower-level holons, can potentially explain differences in ecological processes between multiple locations. We tested hypotheses about mammal responses to disturbance and interactions among holons using collected images from 957 camera sites across 9 landscapes in Alberta from 2007 to 2020 and examined occurrence for 11 mammal species using generalized linear mixed models. White-tailed deer occurred more in higher disturbed sites within lower disturbed landscapes (β = −0.30 [−0.4 to −0.15]), whereas occurrence was greater in highly disturbed sites within highly disturbed landscapes for moose (β = 0.20 [0.09–0.31]), coyote (β = 0.20 [0.08–0.26]), and lynx (β = 0.20 [0.07–0.26]). High disturbance sites in high productivity landscapes had higher occurrence of black bears (β = −0.20 [−0.46 to −0.01]), lynx (β = −0.70 [−0.97 to −0.34]), and wolves (β = −0.50 [−0.73 to −0.21]). Conversely, we found higher probability of occurrence in low productivity landscapes with increasing site disturbance for mule deer (β = 0.80 [0.39–1.14]), and white-tailed deer (β = 0.20 [0.01–0.47]). We found the ecological context created by aggregate sums (high overall landscape disturbance), and by subcontinental hydrogeological processes in which that landscape is embedded (high landscape productivity), alter mammalian responses to anthropogenic disturbance at local scales. These responses also vary by species, which has implications for large-scale conservation planning. Management interventions must consider large-scale geoclimatic processes and geographic location of a landscape when assessing wildlife responses to disturbance.

Populations across bird species distribution ranges respond differently to habitat loss and fragmentation: implications for conservation strategies

Conservation strategies often assume uniform response to habitat loss and fragmentation among species. We investigated whether bird species' responses to habitat changes vary based on their distribution range and local environmental suitability. Additionally, we explored associations between sensitivity responses and species traits, like dispersal ability, habitat specialization, and distribution range size. Our study focused on the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, encompassing 179 landscape sites and 81 bird species. Using additive and interactive relationships and used principal component analysis to correlate species traits with sensitivity patterns. We found four distinct patterns of population sensitivity patterns: no effect of geographical range or environmental suitability (21% of the species), higher sensitivity at the geographical edges or low suitability (14%), lower sensitivity in core or better areas (11%) or both extremes responding similarly (11%), with species showing no response to landscape changes (43%). Biogeographic and landscape factors interactively influenced population abundance, resulting in antagonistic or synergistic effects. Population responses to habitat loss and fragmentation varied based on range position or environmental suitability but weren’t consistently explained by species traits. Given these nuanced results, conservationists must refrain from generalizing species sensitivity without accounting for distribution range position and environmental suitability. To ensure the long-term survival of biodiversity, conservation efforts should be tailored to each species' specific needs, taking into account their spatial position and the synergistic or antagonistic effects of environmental stressors. Such targeted conservation efforts will be crucial in mitigating the impacts of habitat loss and fragmentation on bird populations within the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

Nest characteristics of African crowned eagles and black sparrowhawks in urban mosaic landscapes: Potential constraints in finding nesting sites and implications for exotic tree management

The increase in human population and continuous landscape transformations, especially in urban areas, will result in most of the natural habitats being degraded, significantly reduced in size and lost. Consequently, constraints in acquiring resources such as nesting sites and food may occur. In this study, we investigated the nesting site characteristics of two raptor species in the urban mosaic landscape of Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, to determine the potential constraints affecting acquiring nesting sites. Between October 2020 and July 2021, we visited a total of 52 nests occupied by the African crowned eagle (Stephanoaetus coronatus, hereafter crowned eagle) and the black sparrowhawk (Accipiter melanoleucus) in our study area and compared the nest characteristics of the two raptors. Our results showed that exotic tree plantations were the most commonly used as nest sites by both species, suggesting that exotic trees may be crucial in providing nesting sites for both species in this highly modified landscape. Furthermore, our results showed that there was no significant difference in nest height, tree cover, nest cover and distance to (i) road, (ii) building and (iii) water of nests occupied by the two species. However, there was a significant difference between tree height and nearest neighbour distance. Tall, mature trees, slightly isolated from other trees, influenced nest site use for our study species. Innovative conservation measures and strategies could be vital in protecting raptor nesting sites (i.e., exotic tree plantations) in urban mosaic landscapes with natural and managed green spaces.

First Report of Fusarium acuminatum Causing Dianthus chinensis root rot and foliage blight in China.

Dianthus chinensis is a popular ornamental plant that is widely cultivated in China. In May 2020, a disease was found at several landscape sites in Xuanwu District, Nanjing, China, causing symptoms of foliage blight and root discoloration onapproximately 52% of one-year old D. chinensis plants. To recover the causal pathogen, samples of infected roots and leaves were cut into 5×5 mm2 pieces, surface-disinfected in 75% ethanol for 30 sec, followed by 1% NaClO for 90 sec, rinsed with sterile water three times and placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA) with 0.1 mg/mL of ampicillin at 25 ⁰C. Hyphae growing on PDA were visible from both root and leaf tissues after three days. Individual hyphal tips were transferred to new PDA plates to obtain pure isolates. Three representative isolates were deposited in the China Forestry Culture Collection Center (CFCC 57545,57546, 57547). The hyphae grew radially, densely, and the aerial hyphae were velvety, white, yellow-white, or pink-white. Representative isolate Facu-DCY5 produced three types of conidia (microconidia, macroconidia, and chlamydospores). Macroconidia were sickle-shaped, measuring 25.7-55.4 µm × 3.2-4.6 µm (n=50). Microconidia were numerous, oval or kidney-shaped, measuring 6.8-11.9 µm × 3.5-4.8 µm (n=50). Conidia produced in the aerial mycelium were 16-34 × 2.2-5.3 µm (n=50). The ITS region, TEF1, calmodulin (CMDA), and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2) were amplified with primers ITS1/ITS4, EF1/EF2, CL1/CL2A and 5F2/7CR , respectively and sequenced at Sangon Biotech (Nanjing, China). The ITS sequence of isolate Facu-DCY5 (GenBank No. ON307073.1) was identical to HQ165938.1, ON306850.1, OM964482.1. TEF1 (ON331997.1) was identical to LC546967.1, HQ165866.1, MZ158155.1. CMDA (ON331996.1) was identical to HQ412345.1, MZ921595.1 and MZ921597.1. RPB2 (ON331995.1) was identical to MZ997370.1. Maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood phylogenies of the Facu-DCY5 multilocus sequence data and those of several species within the F. tricinctum species complex identified the isolate from D. chinensis as F. acuminatum . Pathogenicity tests were performed using a conidial suspension (104conidia/mL). Each plant (approx. 0.3 m in -height) was inoculated with 1 mL of the conidial suspension by mixing it into the potting soil (500 g). Control plants were treated with sterile distilled water. All inoculated plants (n=9) in three repeats of the assay exhibited foliage blight and root rot after 15 days, whereas all control plants (n=9) remained asymptomatic. Fusarium isolates with identical morphological features and molecular marker sequences to those of Facu-DCY5 were recovered from foliage blight and root tissues of all the inoculated plants. In China, F. acuminatum has been reported as a pathogen of Cucurbita maxima, Actinidia arguta, Polygonatum odoratumand Schisandra chinensis. This is the first report of F. acuminatum on D. chinensis in China. Considering the importance of D. chinensis to both ornamental nurseries and landscaping industries, we recommend that diseased plants be removed to prevent the spread of F. acuminatum, and that identification of the infecting isolates from D. chinensis at other sites and landscape locations be performed.

Integrative population genetics and metagenomics reveals urbanization increases pathogen loads and decreases connectivity in a wild bee.

As urbanization continues to increase, it is expected that two-thirds of the human population will reside in cities by 2050. Urbanization fragments and degrades natural landscapes, threatening wildlife including economically important species such as bees. In this study, we employ whole genome sequencing to characterize the population genetics, metagenome and microbiome, and environmental stressors of a common wild bee, Ceratina calcarata. Population genomic analyses revealed the presence of low genetic diversity and elevated levels of inbreeding. Through analyses of isolation by distance, resistance, and environment across urban landscapes, we found that green spaces including shrubs and scrub were the most optimal pathways for bee dispersal, and conservation efforts should focus on preserving these land traits to maintain high connectivity across sites for wild bees. Metagenomic analyses revealed landscape sites exhibiting urban heat island effects, such as high temperatures and development but low precipitation and green space, had the highest taxa alpha diversity across all domains even when isolating for potential pathogens. Notably, the integration of population and metagenomic data showed that reduced connectivity in urban areas is not only correlated with lower relatedness among individuals but is also associated with increased pathogen diversity, exposing vulnerable urban bees to more pathogens. Overall, our combined population and metagenomic approach found significant environmental variation in bee microbiomes and nutritional resources even in the absence of genetic differentiation, as well as enabled the potential early detection of stressors to bee health.