Range Of Species Research Articles

Climate Change Threatens Barringtonia racemosa: Conservation Insights from a MaxEnt Model

Barringtonia racemosa (L.) Spreng. (Lecythidaceae), a crucial species in mangrove ecosystems, is facing endangerment primarily due to habitat loss. To address this issue, research is imperative to identify suitable conservation habitats for the endangered B. racemosa within mangrove ecosystems. The utilization of the optimized Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model has been instrumental in predicting potential suitable regions based on global distribution points and environmental variables under current and future climates conditions. The study revealed that the potential distribution area of B. racemosa closely aligns with its existing range with an Area Under the Curve (AUC) greater than 0.95. The Jackknife, AUC, percent contribution (PC), and permutation importance (PI) tests were employed alongside the optimized MaxEnt model to examine the influence of environmental variables on the distribution of B. racemosa. The primary factors identified as significant predictors of B. racemosa distribution included the average temperature of the ocean surface (Temperature), average salinity of the ocean surface (Salinity), precipitation of the warmest quarter (Bio18), precipitation of the driest month (Bio14), seasonal variation coefficient of temperature (Bio4), and isothermality (Bio3). Currently, the habitat range of B. racemosa is predominantly found in tropical and subtropical coastal regions near the equator. The total suitable habitat area measures 246.03 km2, with high, medium, low, and unsuitable areas covering 3.90 km2, 8.57 km2, 16.94 km2, and 216.63 km2, respectively. These areas represent 1.58%, 3.48%, 6.88%, and 88.05% of the total habitat area, respectively. The potential distribution area of B. racemosa demonstrated significant variations under three climate scenarios (SSP126, SSP245, and SSP585), particularly in Asia, Africa, and Oceania. Both low and high suitable areas experienced a slight increase in distribution. In summary, the research suggests that B. racemosa primarily flourishes in coastal regions of tropical and subtropical areas near the equator, with temperature and precipitation playing a significant role in determining its natural range. This study offers important implications for the preservation and control of B. racemosa amidst habitat degradation and climate change threats. Through a comprehensive understanding of the specific habitat needs of B. racemosa and the implementation of focused conservation measures, efforts can be made to stabilize and rejuvenate its populations in their natural environment.

Bioindicator aquatic insects at risk from climate change in a biodiversity hotspot

Climate change can affect biological assemblages by shifting their species' geographic range and changing species richness. Aquatic insects represent more than half of the freshwater animal species but have been neglected mainly in climate change assessments, particularly in tropical ecosystems. Among the aquatic insect taxa, Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera (EPT) are well-known bioindicators of environmental changes and encompass an essential metric for rivers and streams' biomonitoring. Here, we use ecological niche models to project the impact of climate change on the distribution range and richness of EPT in the Atlantic Forest biodiversity hotspot. We found EPT to be at high risk from future climate change, with Plecoptera as the order of greatest concern. We projected range contraction of ca. 90 % of the analyzed EPT genera, resulting in a reduction in the richness of EPT genera under future climatic conditions. We projected >50 % contraction in the distribution of 50 % of Plecoptera, ≈14 % of Trichoptera, and ≈7 % of Ephemeroptera genera. The remaining climatically suitable regions in the Atlantic Forest are concentrated in the high-altitude areas, which may act as climate refuges for EPT biodiversity in the future. The projected changes in EPT's distribution range and richness may impact biomonitoring programs conducted in tropical ecosystems. Restricting EPT's geographic distribution may undermine its potential as a bioindicator and influence the composition of EPT assemblages at reference sites, which may lead to shifting baseline conditions. We reinforce the importance of considering future climatic conditions when planning long-term biomonitoring and priority areas for conservation.

Tissue-specific effects of temperature and salinity on the cell cycle and apoptosis in the Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

The Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) evolved in warm, freshwater rivers, but possesses a broad physiological tolerance to a range of environmental conditions. Due to this hardiness and resilience, this species has been successfully introduced to regions widely outside of its native range. Here, we examine the impact of temperature and salinity variation on this species at the sub-lethal level. Specifically, Nile Tilapia were exposed to two temperatures (21 °C or 14 °C) and three salinities (0, 16, 34 ppt) for 1-h. Given their native habitat, the 21 °C / 0 ppt exposure was considered the control condition. Both cell cycle arrest and apoptosis represent sub-lethal but deleterious responses to environmental stress. Flow cytometry was used to assess the percentage of cells in a given stage of the cell cycle as a metric of cell cycle arrest in spleen and liver. Percentage of apoptotic cells were also quantified. Spleen was more sensitive to cold stress, demonstrating an increase in cells in the G2/M phase after experimental treatment. Liver, however, was more sensitive to salinity stress, with a significant increase in cells stalled in G2/M phase at higher salinities, which is in keeping with the freshwater evolutionary history of the species. A modest apoptotic signal was observed in liver but not in spleen. Together, these findings demonstrate that even short, acute exposures to cold temperatures and elevated salinity can cause sub-lethal damage in a species that is otherwise tolerant of environmental stress at the whole organism level.

Probabilistic prediction of post-earthquake rubble distribution range for masonry structures

In previous earthquakes, masonry structures have experienced large-scale localized or total collapse, and the rubble distribution formed after the collapse has had a significant impact on the post-earthquake transportation system. This paper analyses the rubble distribution characteristics of masonry structures on different floors (3, 5, and 7 floors) under 22 FEMA-recommended far-field ground motion records. A range model for debris distribution for masonry structures considering peak ground accelerations and building height is first proposed. Then, the risk range model for masonry structure rubble distribution was developed by considering the fragility of building collapse and the uncertainty of rubble distribution. Based on the model, it is able to predict the range of rubble distribution and the risk range of rubble distribution for buildings of different heights under different peak ground accelerations, and calculate the acceptable rubble distribution distance according to the exceeding probability of rubble appearing within a certain distance. It can provide data support for government decision makers to formulate emergency plans for post-earthquake transportation systems before the earthquake.

On Propositions Pertaining to the Riemann Hypothesis III

In this paper, we consider further propositions concerning the range of possible distributions over the unit circle, for the Riemann zeta function as in prior research. We also derive some new upper bounds on the sum of norms for the tail sequence corresponding to the Riemann zeta function. We discuss some hypotheses, conditional on which, properties of concentrated distributions may be obtained. Specific sub-classes are shown of distributions that occur infinitely often along the imaginary axis.

The marriage between stable isotope ecology and plant metabolomics - new perspectives for metabolic flux analysis and the interpretation of ecological archives.

Even though they share many thematical overlaps, plant metabolomics and stable isotope ecology have been rather separate fields mainly due to different mass spectrometry demands. New high-resolution bioanalytical mass spectrometers are now not only offering high-throughput metabolite identification but are also suitable for compound- and intramolecular position-specific isotope analysis in the natural isotope abundance range. In plant metabolomics, label-free metabolic pathway and metabolic flux analysis might become possible when applying this new technology. This is because changes in the commitment of substrates to particular metabolic pathways and the activation or deactivation of others alter enzyme-specific isotope effects. This leads to differences in intramolecular and compound-specific isotope compositions. In plant isotope ecology, position-specific isotope analysis in plant archives informed by metabolic pathway analysis could be used to reconstruct and separate environmental impacts on complex metabolic processes. A technology-driven linkage between the two disciplines could allow to extract information on environment-metabolism interaction from plant archives such as tree rings but also within ecosystems. This would contribute to a holistic understanding of how plants react to environmental drivers, thus also providing helpful information on the trajectories of the vegetation under the conditions to come.

Sycetta papillata sp. nov. (Porifera, Calcarea): the first record of Sycetta to the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean

Sycetta is a poorly known genus of calcareous sponges, primarily distinguished by the presence of tubes (the choanocyte chambers) radially organized around the atrial cavity and completely separated from each other. These tubes, referred to as conical diverticula or more aptly as papillae, impart a distinctive appearance to the external morphology of the sponges. Herein, we present the description of Sycetta papillata sp. nov., based on the examination of specimens collected several decades ago in the state of Bahia, located in Northeastern Brazil. The presence of a single category of diactines and atrial region formed exclusively by tetractines makes this species unique within the genus. While some species of Sycetta have been documented in deep regions, exceeding depths of 200 meters, the distribution range of S. papillata sp. nov. spans from 0.5 to 25 meters in depth. A comparative table of Sycetta species is being provided.

Gas Free Dissipation Characteristics Analysis and Safety Repair Time Determination of Buried Pipeline Leakage Based on CFD

Buried pipelines, as the most common method of natural gas transportation, are prone to pipeline leakage accidents and are difficult to detect due to their harsh and concealed environment. This paper focused on the problem regarding the free dissipation of residual gas in buried gas pipelines and soil after closing the gas supply end valve after a period of leakage by numerical simulation. A multiple non-linear regression model was established based on the least squares method and multiple regression theory, and MATLAB 2016b mathematical calculation software was used to solve the problem. The research results indicated that compared to the gas leakage diffusion stage, the pressure and velocity distribution during the free dissipation stage were significantly reduced. The increase in leakage time, pipeline pressure, leakage size, and pipeline burial depth led to a large accumulation of natural gas, which increased the concentration and distribution range of gas on the same free dissipation stage monitoring line. A prediction model for natural gas concentration in the free dissipation stage was established with an average error of 7.88%. A calculation model for the safety repair time of buried gas pipeline leakage accidents was further derived to determine the safety repair time of leakage accidents.

Adapting to climate change: responses of fine root traits and C exudation in five tree species with different light-use strategy

Trees that are categorised by their light requirements have similarities in their growth strategies and adaptation mechanisms. We aimed to understand the complex responses of elevated air humidity on whole tree fine root carbon (C) exudation (ExC) and respiration rate, morphology, and functional distribution in species with different light requirements. Three light-demanding (LD) species, Populus × wettsteinii, Betula pendula, and Pinus sylvestris, and two shade-tolerant species, Picea abies and Tilia cordata saplings were grown in growth chambers under moderate and elevated air relative humidity (eRH) at two different inorganic nitrogen sources with constant air temperature and light availability. The proportion of assimilated carbon released by ExC, and respiration decreased at eRH; up to about 3 and 27%, respectively. There was an indication of a trade-off between fine root released C and biomass allocation. The elevated air humidity changed the tree biomass allocation and fine root morphology, and the responses were species-specific. The specific fine root area and absorptive root proportion were positively related to canopy net photosynthesis and leaf nitrogen concentration across tree species. The variation in ExC was explained by the trees’ light-use strategy (p < 0.05), showing higher exudation rates in LD species. The LD species had a higher proportion of pioneer root tips, which related to the enhanced ExC. Our findings highlight the significant role of fine root functional distribution and morphological adaptation in determining rhizosphere C fluxes in changing environmental conditions such as the predicted increase of air humidity in higher latitudes.

Elevated human impact on islands increases the introduction and extinction status of native insular reptiles

In the Anthropocene, the ranges of introduced species are expanding, while extinction‐prone species are contracting. Introductions and extinctions are caused by how species respond to human impacts, but it is unknown why the ranges of some species expand and some contract. Here, we test whether this opposite response of human impact is due to introduced and extinction‐prone species falling at opposite ends of geographic, evolutionary, or ecological trait continua. We constructed a database of native range maps, traits, phylogenetic relationships, and the introduction and extinction‐prone status of squamate reptiles with ranges native to the Western Hemisphere. Across > 3000 snake and lizard species (88% of known native squamates), 142 had been introduced elsewhere and 483 were extinction‐prone (i.e. vulnerable, endangered, critically endangered, extinct in the wild, extinct). To explain variation in status, we first tested if the same human‐impacted regions in the Americas contained the native ranges of species of either status. Second, we tested for phylogenetic signal in species status. Finally, we tested the explanatory power of multiple trait continua. The native ranges of introduced and extinction‐prone reptiles were clustered in island regions with high human impact versus mainland regions with lower human impact. Phylogenetic signal was weak for status, but introduced and extinction‐prone species were clustered in different clades. All geographic and ecological traits that explained each status supported the opposite ends hypothesis. Introduced species had larger, edgier ranges, while extinction‐prone species had smaller, simpler ranges. Introduced species were mostly herbivorous/omnivorous, while extinction‐prone species were mostly carnivorous. Introduced species produced larger clutches, while extinction‐prone species had smaller body sizes. In the Anthropocene, the native ranges of introduced and extinction‐prone species are in the same human‐impacted regions where trait continua, having opposite effects, determine whether species ranges expand or contract in the continuing face of global change.

Molecular phylogenetic reconstruction improves the taxonomic understanding of Indian Dipcadi (Asparagaceae) and reveals a new species from the bank of Hiranyakeshi River, Maharashtra, India.

Dipcadi (Scilloideae: Asparagaceae) is a genus of bulbous monocots with approximately 40 species, of which 13 occur in India. Species delimitation within the genus has been troublesome hindering a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis. The most recent phylogeny of the subfamily Ornithogaloideae included six species of Dipcadi only from Africa. Here, we reconstructed the phylogeny of Ornithogaloideae including 23 accessions comprising 13 recognized taxa (11 species and two varieties) of Indian Dipcadi. The phylogenetic analyses were based on nucleotide sequences of three plastid regions (rbcL, matK and trnL-F spacer) and one nuclear region (ITS). Pseudogaltonia clavata exhibited sister relationship to Dipcadi. Our combined nuclear + plastid dataset analyses revealed a monophyletic Dipcadi with five clades, Clade I-V. Clade I, II and III included mainly Indian species whereas Clade V included mostly African species. Clade IV comprised D. serotinum. Clade I included nine taxa including our newly described species, D. mukaianum. The new species was phylogenetically placed with D. erythraeum, D. saxorum and D. ursulae. Morphologically, the species resembled D. montanum and D. ursulae but differed in characters such as tepal cohesion, number of ovules per locule and foul-smelling flowers. Clade II and III included 11 and six taxa, respectively. D. erythraeum which has a native range from Egypt to western India was found in Clades I and V. The widespread Dipcadi species, viz. D. erythraeum and D. serotinum showed polyphyly however, the monophyly of Dipcadi is established. Our studies suggest that additional molecular markers (plastid as well asnuclear) should be tested for their taxonomy utility. Further work on the historical biogeography of Dipcadi on the subfamily Ornithogaloideae with more genetic data will yield insights how aridification of the landscape would have shaped the evolution of the geographical clades.

Spatiotemporal Evolution in the Thermal Environment and Impact Analysis of Drivers in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Urban Agglomeration of China from 2000 to 2020

As urbanization advances, the issue of urban heat islands (UHIs) grows increasingly serious, with UHIs gradually transitioning into regional urban heat islands. There is still a lack of research on the evolution and drivers of the thermal environment in urban agglomerations; therefore, in this study, we used trend analysis methods and spatial statistical analysis tools to investigate these issues in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) urban agglomeration. The results demonstrated the following: (1) The land surface temperature (LST) exhibited low fluctuation, while the relative land surface temperature (RLST) fluctuated significantly. In Zhangjiakou and Chengde, the LST and RLST evolution trends were complex, and the results differed between daytime and nighttime, as well as between the annual and seasonal scales. In other regions, the trends of LST and RLST evolution were more obvious. (2) During the daytime, the high UHI clusters centered on “BJ–TJ–LF” and “SJZ–XT–HD” formed gradually; during the nighttime, the high UHI clusters were mainly observed in built-up areas. The distribution range and direction of UHIs showed greater degrees of evolution during the daytime in summer. (3) The total UHI area showed an increasing trend, and the intensity of heat stress suffered by the BTH agglomeration was increasing. (4) In BTH and Hebei, aerosol optical depth, surface solar radiation, population density, and gross domestic product were the dominant factors influencing UHIs; moreover, in Beijing and Tianjin, all factors showed an basically equal impact. The methodology and findings of this study hold significant implications for guiding urban construction, optimizing urban structure, and improving urban thermal comfort in the BTH urban agglomeration.

First Record of Snakehead Gudgeon (Ophiocara porocephala) in Sorong, West Papua, Indonesia

Aims: As reported this paper, the new record of O. porocephala has helped to improved the knowledge of the species as it extends the distribution range. Study Design: Short Communication. Place and Duration of Study: This research was conducted from September to November 2021. Sampling was carried out in the Tampa Garam mangrove forest swamp located in Tampa Garam Village, Maldum Mes Distric, Sorong City. Methodology: The morphology of fishes has been the primary source of information for taxonomic and evolutionary studies. There were numerous characters available for morphological study. Results: O. porocephala had a horizontally and terminally wide mouth with a large enough distance from the posterior area of ​​the eye. O. porocephala had ideal eye spacing with small eyelids and large corneas, two dorsal fins and an anal fin each with a distance of 1 and 22mm between the dorsal fins, the anterior dorsal consists of spines fins, while the posterior was weak fins. Fish habitat was found in mangrove areas or in estuarine areas with a salinity of 11 ppt, small fish lived in shallow areas while larger fish lived in deeper areas. The brightness of the air when the fish were isolated was 100%. Oxygen levels at 4 mg/l. O. Porocephala obtained during the study, consisting of gender is 1 female and unidenified. Meanwhile, the fish size in the class 10,9-225,39 cm and gonad weight is 2,62 of female fish with categorie gonad maturity is 3. Conclusion: Based on the results of research, fish that live in mangrove areas are carnivorous, with large fish species having a total length of 18,4 cm and small fish less than 10 cm, further research needs to be carryout base on the feed habit and maturity of this fish.

IGF-1 induces sex-specific oxidative damage and mortality in a songbird.

The insulin-like growth factor1 (IGF-1) is a pleiotropic hormone that regulates essential life-history traits and is known for its major contribution to determining individual ageing processes. High levels of IGF-1 have been linked to increased mortality and are hypothesised to cause oxidative stress. This effect has been observed in laboratory animals, but whether it pertains to wild vertebrates has not been tested. This is surprising because studying the mechanisms that shape individual differences in lifespan is important to understanding mortality patterns in populations of free-living animals. We tested this hypothesis under semi-natural conditions by simulating elevated IGF-1 levels in captive bearded reedlings, a songbird species with an exceptionally fast pace of life. We subcutaneously injected slow-release biodegradable microspheres loaded with IGF-1 and achieved a systemic 3.7-fold increase of the hormone within the natural range for at least 24h. Oxidative damage to lipids showed marked sexual differences: it significantly increased the day after the manipulation in treated males and returned to baseline levels four days post-treatment, while no treatment effect was apparent in females. Although there was no overall difference in survival between the treatment groups, high initial (pre-treatment) IGF-1 and low post-treatment plasma malondialdehyde levels were associated with enhanced survival prospects in males. These results suggest that males may be more susceptible to IGF-1-induced oxidative stress than females and quickly restoring oxidative balance may be related to fitness. IGF-1 levels evolve under opposing selection forces, and natural variation in this hormone's level may reflect the outcome of individual optimization.

The first record of the genus orbirhynchia (Brachiopoda: tetrarhynchidae) from the upper Campanian of Algeria

ABSTRACT The species Orbirhynchia mantilliana is newly documented in Algeria, identified within the Upper Campanian marly limestone of the Akhdar Member in the Abiod Formation at Djabel Gueroun, Batna Province, Aurès Basin. It is associated with Upper Campanian faunal markers such as the ammonite species Nostoceras (Bostrychoceras) polyplocum, found within the planktic foraminifera Globotruncana calcarata Zone. The O. mantilliana displays a restricted geographic distribution and biogeographic range, confined to Algeria, the United Kingdom, and Germany.

Cryptostroma corticale (Ellis & Everh.) P. H. Greg. & S. Waller causing sooty bark disease in British Columbia, Canada

Sooty bark disease is an invasive disease causing significant mortality of sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) in Europe, where it is emerging due to increasing drought and heat events. The causal agent, Cryptostroma corticale (Ellis & Everh.) P. H. Greg. & S. Waller, is a fungus endemic to the Great Lake region in eastern Canada, where it does not appear to cause disease within its natural host range (e.g. sugar maple, Acer saccharum Marshall). Sooty bark disease was reported causing mortality on sycamore maple and additional species within Washington State beginning in 2017. In summer 2022, sooty bark disease was found on a sycamore maple near Vancouver, representing the first report of the disease and causal agent within the province of British Columbia (BC). In this study, we identify the causal agent of sooty bark disease by morphological and molecular methods and confirm its pathogenicity in a controlled growth chamber experiment fulfilling Koch’s postulates on sycamore maple. Cryptostroma corticale has so far been found in BC on sycamore maple, Norway maple (A. platanoides L.) and bigleaf maple (A. macrophyllum Pursh). Sooty bark disease has been previously shown to increase in severity and occurrence under drought and warm conditions; we anticipate rising sooty bark disease cases as BC experiences increasingly frequent and extreme summer droughts and heat events.

Seasonal-Spatial Distribution Variations and Predictions of Loliolus beka and Loliolus uyii in the East China Sea Region: Implications from Climate Change Scenarios

Global climate change profoundly impacts the East China Sea ecosystem and poses a major challenge to fishery management in this region. In addition, closely related species with low catches are often not distinguished in fishery production and relevant data are commonly merged in statistics and fishing logbooks, making it challenging to accurately predict their habitat distribution range. Here, merged fisheries-independent data of the closely related squid Loliolus beka (Sasaki, 1929) and Loliolus uyii (Wakiya and Ishikawa, 1921) were used to explore the construction and prediction performance of species distribution models. Data in 2018 to 2019 from the southern Yellow and East China Seas were used to identify the seasonal–spatial distribution characteristics of both species, revealing a boundary line at 29.00° N for L. uyii during the autumn, with the highest average individual weight occurring during the summer, with both larvae and juveniles occurring during the autumn. Thus, the life history of L. uyii can be divided into winter–spring nursery and summer–autumn spawning periods. L. beka showed a preference for inshore areas (15–60 m) during the summer and offshore areas (32.00–78.00 m) during the winter. High-value areas of both species included inshore areas of the southern Yellow and mid-East China Seas during the autumn, enlarging during the spring to include central areas of the survey region, before significantly decreasing during the summer. Therefore, this study provides both a novel perspective for modeling biological habitat distribution with limited data and a scientific basis for the adjustment of fishery resource management and conservation measures in the context of climate change.

Seasonal and Daily Movement Patterns by Wels Catfish (Silurus glanis) at the Northern Fringe of Its Distribution Range

Fish behavior often varies across a species’ distribution range. Documenting how behaviors vary at fringes in comparison to core habitats is key to understanding the impact of environmental variation and the evolution of local adaptations. Here, we studied the behavior of Wels catfish (Silurus glanis) in Lake Möckeln, Sweden, which represent a European northern fringe population. Adult individuals (101–195 cm, N = 55) were caught and externally marked with data storage tags (DSTs). Fifteen DSTs were recovered a year after tagging, of which 11 tags contained long-term high-resolution behavioral data on the use of vertical (depth) and thermal habitats. This showed that the catfish already became active in late winter (<5 °C) and displayed nocturnal activity primarily during summer and late autumn. The latter included a transition from the bottom to the surface layer at dusk, continuous and high activity close to the surface during the night, and then descent back to deeper water at dawn. During the daytime, the catfish were mainly inactive in the bottom layer. These behaviors contrast with what is documented in conspecifics from the core distribution area, perhaps reflecting adaptive strategies to cope with lower temperatures and shorter summers.

Mimicking functional elements of the natural flow regime promotes native fish recovery in a regulated river.

Streamflow regimes that maintain vital functions and processes of aquatic ecosystems are critical to sustaining ecosystem health. In rivers with altered flow regimes, restoring components of the natural flow regime is predicted to conserve freshwater biodiversity by supporting ecological functions and geomorphological processes to which native communities are adapted. However, the effectiveness of environmental flow restoration is poorly understood because of inadequate monitoring and uncertainty in ecological responses to managed changes in specific, quantifiable aspects of the annual streamflow regime. Here, we used time series models to analyze 25 years of fish assemblage data collected before and after environmental flow implementation in a dammed river in California, USA. We examined the response of the fish community to changes in individual components of the flow regime known to support ecosystem functions. We found that as functional flow components shifted toward their predicted natural range, the quasi-extinction risk (likelihood of population declines of >80%) decreased for the native fish assemblage. Following environmental flow implementation, observed changes toward natural ranges of dry season duration, fall pulse flow magnitude, and wet season timing each reduced quasi-extinction risk by at least 40% for the native assemblage. However, functional flow components that shifted away from their predicted natural range, including lower spring recession flows and higher dry season baseflow, resulted in greater quasi-extinction risk for native species. In contrast, non-native species decreased in abundance when flow components shifted toward predicted natural ranges and increased when components shifted away from their natural range. Although most functional flow components remained outside of their natural range following environmental flow implementation, our results indicate that even moderate shifts toward a natural flow regime can benefit native and suppress non-native fish species. Overall, this study provides the most compelling evidence to date of the effectiveness of functional environmental flows in supporting native fish recovery in a highly regulated river.

Phylogeographic Relationships Reveal the Origin of an Introduced Population of the Dalmatian Algyroides (Reptilia: Lacertidae) into Southern Italy

The genetic structure and dispersal dynamics of reptile populations are profoundly influenced by natural processes and human activities. While natural dispersal is shaped by species’ characteristics and paleogeographical features, human-mediated translocations have become increasingly prevalent, posing ecological challenges. Mitochondrial genetic markers have been pivotal in untangling invasion pathways for various species. Our study focuses on the Dalmatian Algyroides, Algyroides nigropunctatus (Duméril & Bibron, 1839), a lizard species endemic to the Balkan Peninsula, where recent observations in the Apulian region of Italy suggest an introduced population. Genetic analyses employing two mtDNA markers (16S and ND4 genes) elucidate the phylogenetic relationships of the Dalmatian Algyroides and trace the geographic origin of the introduced population. Our findings reveal areas in western Greece and southwestern Albania as the most probable areas of the source population, while we identify two previously undetected geographical lineages in the native range, highlighting the complex evolutionary history of the species in the region. Additionally, indications of potential glacial refugia and post-glacial dispersal patterns shed more light on the species’ demographic dynamics.