Special Areas Of Conservation Research Articles

Constraints on Mechanical Fuel Reduction Treatments in United States Forest Service Wildfire Crisis Strategy Priority Landscapes

Abstract The USDA Forest Service recently launched a Wildfire Crisis Strategy outlining objectives to safeguard communities and other values at risk by substantially increasing the pace and scale of fuel reduction treatment. This analysis quantified layered operational constraints to mechanical fuel reduction treatments, including existing vegetation, protected areas, steep slopes, and administrative boundaries in twenty-one prioritized landscapes. Results suggest that achieving the objective to treat 20%–40% of high-risk area is unlikely in most landscapes under a business-as-usual approach to mechanical fuel reduction treatments. Increased investment in steep-slope systems and expanded road access opens sufficient acreage to meet treatment objectives in eighteen of twenty-one priority landscapes. Achieving treatment objectives in the remaining three landscapes will require both increased investment to overcome physical constraints and navigating administrative complexities within reserved land allocations to implement fuels treatments at the pace and scale needed to moderate fire risk to communities. Study Implications: Legal, operational, and administrative factors have hindered the implementation of proposed wildland fire risk reduction management actions. Investing in steep-slope systems, expanding use of temporary roads, and revising administrative rules to allow for appropriately tailored mechanical thinning in special conservation areas are possible ways to meet fuel reduction treatment objectives of the USDA Forest Service Wildfire Crisis Strategy in twenty-one landscapes across the western United States. Broadening the land base available for mechanical treatment allows for flexibility to develop treatment plans that optimize across the multiple dimensions of effective landscape-scale fuel treatment design and restore fire as a key ecosystem process.

Biodiversity dataset and atlas of the special area of conservation Montesinho/Nogueira, Portugal.

The special area of conservation Montesinho/Nogueira (SAC-MN) is a key area for biodiversity conservation in the Iberian Peninsula. Covering an area of approximately 1081 km² in the northeast of Portugal mainland, the SAC-MN is home to a wide range of species, including several endemic and endangered species and priority habitats. Despite its ecological significance and importance for conservation, there is a lack of publicly available biodiversity data, which urges the need to create a comprehensive and up-to-date biodiversity dataset for the SAC-MN. To bridge the knowledge gap on biodiversity in SAC-MN, we undertook a thorough data collection process, including species occurrence records and conservation status information at regional (Portugal) and European levels, from multiple sources. We collected and compiled this information for five major taxonomic groups (amphibians, birds, flora - vascular plants, mammals and reptiles) in SAC-MN, resulting in a total of 31,871 records with 1,312 documented species. In addition, we developed an easy-to-navigate web-based geographic information system (Web GIS). In this article, we present an in-depth report on the process of compiling and preparing data, as well as the development and design of our Web GIS to increase awareness and enhance understanding of the importance of preserving biodiversity in SAC-MN.

Mitochondrial Variation of Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from the Canary Islands Suggests a Key Population for Conservation with High Connectivity within the North-East Atlantic Ocean.

In recent decades, worldwide cetacean species have been protected, but they are still threatened. The bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) is a vulnerable keystone species and a useful bioindicator of the health and balance of marine ecosystems in oceans all over the world. The genetic structure of the species is shaped by their niche specialization (along with other factors), leading to the classification of two ecotypes: coastal and pelagic. In this study, the genetic diversity, population structure, and ecotypes of bottlenose dolphins from the Canary Islands were assessed through the analysis of 49 new samples from biopsies and from stranded animals using the 636 bp portion of the mitochondrial control region and 343 individuals from databases (n = 392). The results reveal high genetic diversity in Canarian bottlenose dolphins (Hd = 0.969 and π = 0.0165) and the apparent lack of population genetic structure within this archipelago. High genetic structure (Fst, Φst) was found between the Canary Islands and coastal populations, while little to no structure was found with the pelagic populations. These results suggest that Canarian bottlenose dolphins are part of pelagic ecotype populations in the North Atlantic. The studied Special Areas of Conservation in the Canary Islands may correspond to a hotspot of genetic diversity of the species and could be a strategic area for the conservation of the oceanic ecotype of bottlenose dolphins.

Multi-level governance and policy contestation: Ambiguity and conflict in the implementation of peatland conservation in Ireland

Biodiversity represents one of the most controversial areas of environmental governance. Objectives: Compliance with the EU regulatory framework is contained in the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and in the designation of special areas of conservation which has prompted contestation in relationships between public authorities, farmers, and local landholders across all levels of governance. Methodology: Using Matland’s ambiguity-conflict model as a lens to view the implementation experience, the discussion uses official documentation and literature sources to explore Ireland’s compliance with EU biodiversity regulation with reference to peatlands. Results: This article uses the case of Ireland to explore inadequate implementation which led to prolonged legal proceedings culminating in an unfavourable judgement against the Irish state on 29th June 2023. In Case C-444/21 the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruled that Ireland failed to fulfil its obligations under the directive, namely the appropriate designation of a Natura 2000 network of sites for important habitat and a protection regime for them. Central to Irish debates on the habitats directive is the protection of raised bogs which has resulted in considerable conflict, politicisation, and prolonged negotiations between peat-cutters and public authorities at national and local levels. Conclusions: The discussion highlights the difficulties in changing ingrained attitudes and practices for managing nature conservation in privately owned land and in securing collaborative engagement with stakeholders.

Checklist of the marine malacofauna of Culuccia Peninsula (NW Sardinia, Italy), with notes on relevant species.

Culuccia is a small peninsula of about 3 km2 placed in north-western Sardinia (Italy) at the margin of the Maddalena Archipelago. The marine area surrounding this Peninsula is a Special Area of Conservation, included in the European Natura 2000 Ecological Network of protected areas, but until now, no information on biodiversity of this area is available. In 2021, a research project to study both terrestrial and marine biodiversity of Culuccia has started in order to fill this gap of knowledge. This work provides the first inventory of the marine malacofauna of the coast of Culuccia. Fifteen sites were sampled seasonally for one-year by using different sampling methods and the present study shows the results from approximately 50 scientific SCUBA and free dive surveys, carried out in all main marine habitats of the studied area. In total, 259 species of molluscs were recorded along the coasts of the Culuccia Peninsula (0-25 m depth), belonging to the classes Bivalvia, Gastropoda, Polyplacophora and Scaphopoda. Amongst the four classes recorded, gastropods were the most represented (66.90%; 173 species), followed by bivalves (28.10%; 73 species), polyplacophorans (4.60%; 12 species) and scapophods (0.40%; 1 species). Notes about distribution, conservation status and ecology for some valuable species are provided, together with images of representative species, consisting mainly of in situ photographs. Additionally, the present investigation recorded the presence of four alien species, whose Mediterranean distribution was extended to north-western Sardinia.

Using citizen science data to assess the vulnerability of bottlenose dolphins to human impacts along England's South Coast

AbstractCoastal bottlenose dolphin populations are highly vulnerable due to their small population sizes and proximity to human activities. Long‐term studies in the UK have monitored populations protected within Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) since the 1990s, but a small community of bottlenose dolphins inhabiting the coastal waters of southern England has received much less attention. The English Channel is one of the most heavily impacted marine ecosystems worldwide and increasing anthropogenic pressures pose a severe threat to the long‐term viability of this population. Conservation measures to protect these animals have been hindered by a lack of knowledge of population size, distribution and ranging behaviour. This study aimed to fill these knowledge gaps. A citizen science sighting network yielded 7458 sighting reports of bottlenose dolphins between 2000 and 2020. Resightings of identified individuals were used to estimate abundance, distribution, and ranging behaviour. Social structure analysis revealed a discrete interconnected group of animals in shallow coastal waters, which did not appear to mix with conspecifics identified further offshore. A Bayesian multi‐site mark–recapture analysis estimated that this population comprises around 48 animals (CV = 0.18, 95% HPDI = 38–66). These dolphins ranged between North Cornwall and Sussex, with an average individual range of 530 km (68–760 km). Areas of high‐modelled habitat suitability were found to overlap with high levels of anthropogenic pressure, with pollution and boat traffic identified as the most pervasive threats. Although adult survival rates indicated that the population was relatively stable from 2008 to 2019 (0.945 (0.017 ± SE)), the small population size implies a significant risk to their long‐term viability and resilience to environmental change. By highlighting the most deleterious anthropogenic activities and regions of conservation significance, our results will be useful for developing management policies for threat mitigation and population conservation, to protect this vulnerable group of dolphins.

Marine soundscape and its temporal acoustic characterisation in the Gulf of Oristano, Sardinia (Western Mediterranean Sea)

The soundscape of the marine environment is a combination of geophony, biophony and anthropophony. Here, the soundscape of the Gulf of Oristano, a shallow inlet on the western coast of Sardinia including a special conservation area (Habitat Directive) and a national marine protected area, was investigated. Data collection was performed during July 2019, November 2019 and May 2020 using underwater acoustic equipment. The goal of this study was to characterise the ambient sound levels (Sound Pressure Level dB re 1 μPa) and describe the main soundscape components. The soundscape exhibited significant circadian and seasonal variations: the lowest and highest median SPL values were observed in the Spring (120–140 dB re 1 μPa; post-COVID-19 pandemic lockdown) and the Summer (128–150 dB re 1 μPa) respectively. Biophony was identified and characterised as dolphins’ ‘clicks’ and crustaceans’ ‘snapping’. Shrimp activity was dominant in the summer, while dolphin passages were observed across all sampling periods, accounting for 46.4% of the total recordings. Anthropophony, namely vessel passages, was predominant in the summer during the day-time and represented up to 42% of the acoustic space in the low-frequency band. Geophony increased low-frequency noise, and represented a highly variable component of the local soundscape. The marine soundscape is a valuabletool for defining integrated management plans for marine ecosystems, allowing the assessment of habitat quality, characterisation of sound sources and evaluation of the impact of anthropogenic activities.  

Evolution of land cover in the special area of conservation of Monchique (Southern Portugal): Have the objectives of the Natura 2000 network been achieved (1995–2018)?

AbstractThe Natura 2000 Network, as the European Union's ecological network, aims to ensure the long‐term conservation of Europe's most threatened species and habitats, helping to stop the loss of biodiversity. Based on this assumption, the changes in land cover in the Special Area of Conservation (SAC) of Monchique between 1995 and 2018 are analysed and related to identify favourable and unfavourable policies concerning the habitats and respective species conservation. The most important land covers are compared with the habitats and species legally protected at the National and European level, as well as the Red List of Vascular Flora of Mainland Portugal. As main results can be highlighted the increase in the forest area occupied by species such as Eucalyptus globulus and Pinus pinaster, and a reduction in the areas of grazing and shrub species. Can also be noted an increase in the areas covered by invasive species, which may be associated with the abandonment of rural areas. We identified 21 taxa with high heritage interest in the Monchique SAC, occurring mainly in forest habitats, namely 91E0, 92A0, 9240, 9330 and 9340, which should be considered in the elaboration of future Territorial Management Plans. Thus, it can be concluded that the objectives initially stipulated by the Natura 2000 Network were not fully achieved within the Monchique SAC. Alternative management methods must be studied to allow conservation in a territory with a high land consolidation and low population density.

Advanced Technologies for Cetacean Monitoring: A One-Health and Multidisciplinary Approach for Ocean Effective Surveillance

Within the MARCET European project and community framework, a Waveglider®™ SV2 vehicle was deployed, equipped with a passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) device, in a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) of Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain). The soundscape was continuously recorded from 23 July 2018 until 30 July 2018 and was primarily used for marine mammal sound detection. This study aims to compare these automatically embedded detections from the Waveglider®™ with human expert detections. Furthermore, it provides an assessment of the performance of the automatic detector and discusses the use of this type of technology to monitor wildlife, particularly cetaceans. The MARCET project and this study are only possible due to the multidisciplinary integration of veterinary sciences, ecological, zoological, and biological knowledge and mechanical, communication, and electronics engineering. It represents an excellent example of new technologies, capacities, skills, and cutting-edge knowledge where veterinary science education and training should progressively be involved to contribute to the surveillance and control of ocean health.

The nocturnal distribution of deep-pelagic fish on the continental slope of the Bay of Biscay

The biomass of deep-sea pelagic fishes could represent more than 90% of the total fish biomass on earth, which represents an important potential for exploitation. However, this community plays multiple key ecological roles in biogeochemical cycles and food webs. Information on their ecology and function is needed to plan effective sustainable conservation measures. In particular, the distribution of deep-sea pelagic fish biomass and the environmental factors that control it remain poorly understood on slope areas at the interface of coastal and oceanic habitats. The combined use of biological data collected by pelagic trawling between 20 and 2000 m depth at night and 16 environmental variables allowed us to study the distribution of this community on the continental slope of the Bay of Biscay, NE Atlantic. Multivariate regression tree analysis suggested that immersion depth was the most important variable structuring this community by night, defining four depth assemblages with different indicator species (i.e. organisms whose presence, absence, or biomass reflects specific environmental conditions): the epipelagic (20–175 m), the upper mesopelagic (175–700 m), the lower mesopelagic (700–1000 m) and the bathypelagic assemblage (1000–2000 m). The use of generalized additive models indicated a positive relationship between bottom proximity and biomass for three of the four assemblages. This contrasts with the paradigm in open ocean areas where the biomass of meso- and bathypelagic fishes decreases with depth. The echograms also showed low acoustic detection at the surface at night, which differs from the open ocean models where nocturnal migration results in a high density of mesopelagic organisms in the epipelagic layer. Different mechanisms could explain this relationship, such as the concentration of food resources in the benthic boundary layer, an ontogenetic change of some species, active horizontal migration, or a demersal spawning behavior. This specific distribution on the continental slope may influence the transition of carbon and energy flows within this ecosystem located in a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

Long distance dispersal and oceanographic fronts shape the connectivity of the keystone sponge Phakellia ventilabrum in the deep northeast Atlantic

Little is known about dispersal in deep-sea ecosystems, especially for sponges, which are abundant ecosystem engineers. Understanding patterns of gene flow in deep-sea sponges is essential, especially in areas where rising pressure from anthropogenic activities makes difficult to combine management and conservation. Here, we combined population genomics and oceanographic modelling to understand how Northeast Atlantic populations (Cantabrian Sea to Norway) of the deep-sea sponge Phakellia ventilabrum are connected. The analysis comprised ddRADseq derived SNP datasets of 166 individuals collected from 57 sampling stations from 17 different areas, including two Marine Protected Areas, one Special Area of Conservation and other areas with different levels of protection. The 4,017 neutral SNPs used indicated high connectivity and panmixis amongst the majority of areas (Ireland to Norway), spanning ca. 2,500-km at depths of 99–900 m. This was likely due to the presence of strong ocean currents allowing long-distance larval transport, as supported by our migration analysis and by 3D particle tracking modelling. On the contrary, the Cantabrian Sea and Roscoff (France) samples, the southernmost areas in our study, appeared disconnected from the remaining areas, probably due to prevailing current circulation patterns and topographic features, which might be acting as barriers for gene flow. Despite this major genetic break, our results suggest that all protected areas studied are well-connected with each other. Interestingly, analysis of SNPs under selection replicated results obtained for neutral SNPs. The relatively low genetic diversity observed along the study area, though, highlights the potential fragility of this species to changing climates, which might compromise resilience to future threats.

Medium-term effects of wildfire severity on soil physical, chemical and biological properties in Pinus halepensis Mill. woodland (Southern Italy): an opportunity for invasive Acacia saligna colonization?

Wildfire frequency and severity have greatly increased in Mediterranean areas in recent decades affecting ecosystems functioning due to alteration in the above- and below-ground process. This study aimed to investigate how wildfire severity, in the medium-term (2–5 years), impacts soil properties within a Pinus halepensis woodland located in the Special Area of Conservation (SAC) of the Natura 2000 network (IT9130006 - Pinewoods of the Ionian Arch). In 2021, four years after a large wildfire in 2017, the woodland still exhibited fire effects with evidence of low, medium or high burn severity in different sites (named LBS, MBS, HBS, respectively). In addition, we observed an area burnt at medium severity that was invaded by Acacia saligna (MBSA site), a fast-growing, highly invasive, drought-tolerant nitrogen-fixing plant, thus we also examined the combined effect of wildfire and A. saligna on the soil. We compared soil properties across burnt sites with a nearby unburnt site (control). Thickness, weight and organic carbon of litter (L) and fermentation (F) layers were measured, alongside physical, chemical and biological properties in the underlying mineral soil (0–10 cm). Our results show that wildfire destroyed the organic layers and these had not recovered four years after the wildfire (except for L-layer within LBS) with a consequent loss (∼2 t C ha−1) of this carbon pool. In mineral soil we identified fourfold increases in N mineralization and nitrification rates across all burnt sites, regardless of the burn severity and A. saligna presence, suggesting an alteration of N-cycle processes. On the contrary, total microbial biomass and soil respiration as well as most of the physical and chemical properties of the soil were comparable between the burnt and control soils. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) highlighted that burn severity affected soil variables with lower changes in LBS than in other burnt soils. Also, the HBS soil did not show greater negative impacts compared to MBS sites. This is probably due to the increased post-fire colonization by herbaceous plants in HBS, favoured by the complete destruction of trees. In this case, waiting for natural vegetation recovery can be a valid management option, but periodic monitoring of fire-soil-vegetation interaction mainly to avoid invasive species widespread is advocated.

Long-term vegetation history of a relict birch forest (Betula pubescens subsp. celtiberica (Rothm. & Vasc.) Rivas Mart.) in the Toledo Mountains (central Iberia). Conservation implications

Understanding ecosystem resilience requires long data series provided by palaeoecological studies, the best tool for reconstructing vegetation dynamics. Here, we analyzed a continuous and well-dated record of pollen, non-pollen palynomorphs, macrocharcoal remains, loss-on-ignition and magnetic susceptibility from one of the most singular peatlands in the Toledo Mountains (central Spain), in order to delineate the anthropogenic and/or climate impact on the peatland and the ecosystem’s response. La Ventilla mire is an isolated site of birch woodland dominated by Betula pubescens subsp. celtiberica (Rothm. & Vasc.) Rivas Mart. This mire, acting as a refugium for this species, is located in Cabañeros National Park and is recognized as ‘Special Area of Conservation’ according to Habitats Directive of the Natura 2000 network. We describe major patterns and trends in the development of this palaeorefugium since the mid-Holocene (∼6145 cal BP) and provide historical context for some natural and/or human-induced dynamics. Around 1500 cal BP, the lotic depositional environment with slow moving backwaters developed into a minerotrophic mire. Until the Middle Ages, macroclimate and autogenic succession appear to have been the main drivers of both local and regional development of vegetation. Between 1500 and 500 cal BP, an abrupt decline in birch cover started, coincident with the Visigothic period. The pronounced peaks in the coprophilous fungi record ca. 1000 and 150 cal BP reflect extensive pastoral activities in the area. This study shows how palaeoecological knowledge helps to explain present patterns in the composition of a valuable protected site, which may be used in prioritizing conservation.

Comparing the Size at Onset of Sexual Maturity of Edible Crab (Cancer pagurus, Cancridae) in Berwickshire and Northumberland

The literature suggests regional variations in the size at which sexual maturity is reached for commercially important edible crab (Cancer pagurus), worth GBP 74.3 million annually, which could have implications for regional fisheries management. Berwickshire and Northumberland are geographically divided by the Scotland and England border and remain within the Berwickshire and North Northumberland Coast SAC (Special Area of Conservation). Each are managed by differing fisheries authorities and Minimum Conservation Reference Sizes (MCRS). Morphometric measurements were recorded for each C. pagurus individual to categorise morphometric maturity using segmented regression, with gonadal maturity categorised using visual gonad characteristics and general linear model regressions to compare onset in sexual maturity. Results showed regional variations for gonadal maturity with males reaching sexual onset at a carapace width size of 108.5 mm in Berwickshire and 109.9 mm in Northumberland; females at a size of 126.8 mm in Berwickshire and 120.8 mm in Northumberland. This was also true for morphometric maturity based on chelae height, that males (141.1 mm) and females (134.7 mm) from Berwickshire were morphometrically mature at greater sizes than males (130.1 mm) and females (120.8 mm) from Northumberland. This study shows that the respective MCRS in both regions are appropriate for the C. pagurus populations, but implications for fisheries management could be present.

Paleopopulations and ecological connectivity in the Natura 2000 Network: proposal for the serpentine-soil Spanish firs of Sierra Bermeja (Serranía de Ronda)

One of the conservation priorities of the Natura 2000 Network is the ecological connectivity of forests and species of community interest to facilitate compliance with the obligations of the EU Habitats Directive. The location of paleo-populations and past distribution areas is a first step towards creating an ecological corridor which, with the protection enjoyed by Special Areas of Conservation, could positively impact the resilience of forest species in the face of Climate Change. The endangered relict forests of Spanish fir (Abies pinsapo) are endemic in the Serranía de Ronda (Baetic Cordillera, Southern Spain) and form a highly fragmented habitat of community interest. Amongst these forests, the Spanish fir forests that grow on serpentine soils are particularly interesting. This ultramafic mountain range has suffered the highest recurrence of forest fires in all the Serranía de Ronda, and as a result, the Spanish fir forests have been subject to processes of local extinction throughout history. In this research, we used pedoanthracology to uncover ancient locations of Abies pinsapo; in this way, forest fires are the main cause of the disappearance of this emblematic species in Sierra Bermeja, and their charcoal remains allowed us to make a precise reconstruction of its past distribution area. On the basis of the data obtained, an ecological corridor linking these relict forests was proposed. This corridor has now begun to be implemented with the participation of public and private social agents.

Distribution of small cetaceans within a candidate Special Area of Conservation; implications for management

Information on cetacean distribution plays an important role in the identification of suitable boundaries for marine protected areas, but is also crucial for developing management and monitoring programmes. In response to the European ‘Habitats Directive’, a candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC) has been established in the Moray Firth, northeast Scotland to protect a small and isolated population of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Limited data on the distribution of bottlenose dolphins and on temporal changes in distribution have recently constrained attempts to mitigate against the impacts of new developments upon this population. In response to the need for current information on the distribution of dolphins throughout the cSAC, this study aims to provide data on the distribution of dolphins and other small cetaceans throughout the Moray Firth. Changes in the distribution patterns of dolphins in the inner Moray Firth were examined using data collected between 1990 and 2000. In addition, combined passive acoustic and visual survey techniques were used to determine the distribution of dolphins and harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) on a broader scale across the whole Moray Firth. Dolphin schools were distributed throughout the inner Moray Firth, but there were concentrations of sightings around three deep, narrow channels that were consistent over the ten year study period. Results from surveys across the whole of the Moray Firth showed that all sightings and acoustic detections of dolphins were made within the area of the cSAC. In contrast, porpoise sightings were widely distributed throughout the Moray Firth. The median encounter rate of porpoises across the whole Moray Firth was 1.69 per 100km. Encounter rates of porpoises were similar in the outer Moray Firth and the cSAC. This combination of distribution studies at differing spatial scales provides a valuable tool for monitoring the distribution of animals and identifying important habitats, and the results of this study have directly supported efforts to manage the cSAC.

Survived the Glaciations, Will They Survive the Fish? Allochthonous Ichthyofauna and Alpine Endemic Newts: A Road Map for a Conservation Strategy

The Calabrian Alpine newt (Ichthyosaura alpestris inexpectata) is a glacial relict with small and extremely localised populations in the Catena Costiera (Calabria, Southern Italy) and is considered to be "Endangered" by the Italian IUCN assessment. Climate-induced habitat loss and recent fish introductions in three lakes of the Special Area of Conservation (SAC) Laghi di Fagnano threaten the subspecies' survival in the core of its restricted range. Considering these challenges, understanding the distribution and abundance of this newt is crucial. We surveyed the spatially clustered wetlands in the SAC and neighbouring areas. First, we provide the updated distribution of this subspecies, highlighting fish-invaded and fishless sites historically known to host Calabrian Alpine newt populations and two new breeding sites that have been recently colonised. Then, we provide a rough estimate of the abundance, body size and body condition of breeding adults and habitat characteristics in fish-invaded and fishless ponds. We did not detect Calabrian Alpine newts at two historically known sites now invaded by fish. Our results indicate a reduction in occupied sites and small-size populations. These observations highlight the need for future strategies, such as fish removal, the creation of alternative breeding habitats and captive breeding, to preserve this endemic taxon.

From the environment into the biomass: microplastic uptake in a protected lamprey species

The relationship between the ubiquitous presence of microplastics in the environment and exposure of biota needs to be better understood, particularly for vulnerable species and their habitats. In this study, we address the presence of microplastics in the riverine habitat of a threatened lamprey species (Lampetra sp.), both in habitats with protective interventions in place (designated as Special Areas of Conservation), and those without these protective interventions. By sampling both riverbed sediments and larval lamprey, we provide a direct comparison of the microplastic loadings in both, and insights into how knowledge of sediment loadings might predict biological uptake. Microplastic particles, analysed using micro-Fourier transform infrared (μFTIR) spectroscopy, were detected in all samples of lamprey larvae and paired sediment, ranging in abundance from 1.00 to 27.47 particles g−1 in dry lamprey gastrointestinal tract (GIT) tissue, and 0.40 to 105.41 particles g−1 in dry sediment. The most urbanised catchment exhibited the highest average microplastic particle count in both lamprey and sediment. Across sites, the microplastic abundance in lamprey GIT tissue was not correlated with that of the surrounding sediment, suggesting that either specific polymer types are retained or other factors such as larvae residence time within sediment patches may influence biological uptake. The most encountered polymer types in lamprey from their immediate habitat were polyurethane, polyamide, and cellulose acetate. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to document microplastic contamination of larval lamprey in-situ, contributing another potential stressor to the population status of a vulnerable species. This highlights where further research on the impacts of plastic contamination of freshwater environments is needed to aid conservation management of this ecologically important species.

A note on long-distance matches of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) around the Irish coast using photo-identification

Images of 120 individual bottlenose dolphins from around the Irish coast were obtained from three photo-identification catalogues. Twenty three individuals were subsequently re-sighted, which is a re-sighting rate of 19%. The distance between re-sightings ranged from 130 to 650km and the duration from 26 to 760 days. Images were also compared to a catalogue of resident dolphins from the Shannon Estuary candidate Special Area of Conservation and from Wales but no matches were found. This short study provides strong evidence that bottlenose dolphins in Irish coastal waters are regularly undertaking large movements around the entire Irish coast and must be considered highly mobile and transient. These results have important implications for the conservation and management of this species.

On the Prospects of In Situ Conservation of Medicinal- and Aromatic-Plant Genetic Resources at Ancient-Hillfort Sites: A Case Study from Lithuania.

Twenty-three ancient-hillfort sites were investigated to evaluate the potential for the in situ conservation of medicinal- and aromatic-plant populations. An evaluation of the site's suitability was carried out by employing three major groups of criteria: species-specific, site-specific, and threat assessment. The species-specific criteria included the total species number, target species number, the cover-abundance of the target species estimated by mean Braun-Blanquet score, and, as an additional criterion, the number and cover-abundance of crop wild relatives. The site-specific criteria included site evaluation with respect to climatic region, the area size of a site, the habitat type, and the site's protection status. The threat assessment was focused on anthropogenic activities, such as recreational, agricultural, and others. The total number of vascular plant species inventoried was 264, including 82 species of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAP). There was a strong and highly significant correlation between the total and the MAP species numbers (rs = 0.77, p < 0.001), and the two most species-rich sites, Žuklijai and Pamiškė, contained the highest total and MAP species numbers. The investigated hillfort sites covered the populations of 49 species, or about 33% of the priority species list, with 5 or more populations. The most frequent species, Hypericum perforatum, occurred at 21 sites. The twenty-three hillfort sites represent three of the four climatic regions and six of the ten climatic subregions of Lithuania. Although these hillfort sites are quite small (1.24 ± 0.75 ha on average, without buffer zone), they are scattered across the country and are state-protected as archaeological objects, which makes them suitable for the in situ conservation of MAP genetic resources. In addition, seven hillfort sites (30.4% of the investigated ones) belong to the European network of special areas of conservation of habitats (Natura 2000), thus increasing their international importance. The threat assessment showed that anthropogenic activities (recreational, agricultural, etc.) are among the major factors affecting target-species populations.