Synanthropic Species Research Articles

Urban waste-water treatment plants as hotspots for birds : an environmental assessment highlights the role of a single dominant gull

Waste-water treatment plants (WWTPs) are still little explored in their ecological role. This work reports data obtained from standardized sampling for the two largest Italian WWTPs, to obtain seasonal patterns (late winter, spring, and autumn) of univariate diversity metrics in bird communities. The ecological conditions, linked above all to the high availability of water, with the presence of mud and trophic resources, and heterogeneous features (buildings, trees, and hedges), allow the presence of water-related and synanthropic bird species, using the site as a seasonal stopover and wintering sites. The large availability of biomass of invertebrates, linked to the sludge from the water-waste treatment plants, can provide an important trophic resource during spring migration. The richness, diversity and evenness did not differ significantly between the two plants analysed, both having comparable size and heterogeneity. The highest Simpson dominance values were recorded in autumn with species frequency concentrated in a few abundant species. Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) shows a close association between the autumn period and the dominant Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus), in both treatment plants, with possible implication on the spreading on zoonosis.

The last 20,000 years of climate change in the Iberian Peninsula characterized by the small-mammal assemblages

Climate and environments have undergone significant changes throughout the Earth's history, which are reflected in the faunal record. In that sense, small mammals provide valuable palaeoecological insights due to their close relationship with their associated environments. Our research investigates the dynamics of small mammal communities in the Iberian Peninsula from the Late Pleistocene to the Holocene, comparing regional environmental variations as well as anthropogenic impacts. Our review of the small mammal assemblages from 26 archaeological sites across the Iberian Peninsula revealed a differential response of the small mammal communities between the northern and southern areas. The colder climatic conditions which characterized the Late Pleistocene favoured the presence of mid-European species (e.g., Alexandromys (Oecomicrotus) oeconomus, Chionomys (Chionomys) nivalis) in northern regions until the Mid Holocene, while other taxa today restricted to northern Iberia (e.g., Arvicola amphibius, Microtus gr. (Euarvicola) arvalis, Sorex araneus-coronatus) reached southern regions during the Last Glacial Maximum but disappeared at the beginning of the Holocene period. Palaeoenvironmental reconstructions indicate predominantly open landscapes and colder climates in the Late Pleistocene, with increased forest cover during the Early-Mid Holocene in northern areas. In contrast, the southern regions exhibited more stable environments compared to the northern ones. Our results underscore how the great environmental diversity and interactions between natural and anthropogenic factors affected the composition of Iberian small mammal communities during the last 20,000 years. Most specifically, during the Late Holocene, biogeographical patterns of the small mammals are mostly affected by anthropic activities, with changes in the distribution of some species (Microtus (Iberomys) cabrerae), and the entrance of new ones (synanthropic species).

Occurrence of Fox Squirrels Influenced by Fine-Scale Landscape Characteristics on a College Campus.

Urbanization and urban sprawl generally degrade and diminish wildlife habitat, threatening to extirpate local populations. However, certain synanthropic species (e.g., coyotes, white-tailed deer, and squirrels) are able to persist in urban environments and may even occur at greater densities than they do in their natural habitats. Eastern fox squirrels (Sciurus niger) are large tree squirrels that are known to be present in greater densities within urban areas. To determine how landscape characteristics may affect fox squirrel presence, we conducted line-transect surveys along sidewalks on the Texas A&M University-College Station campus to record presence of fox squirrels and nearest tree species. We calculated Jacobs' index of selectivity (D) for use of trees by fox squirrels along the transects. Squirrel density was calculated for all transects and modeled using linear regression with environmental (e.g., tree density) and survey (e.g., transect distance) variables. Fox squirrels preferred only a small number of the available tree species, primarily Quercus and Ulmus species. Observed fox squirrel density significantly increased with time of day, temperature, density of oaks (Quercus spp.), and density of all trees, and decreased with distance and area of the transect. These results suggest that even when urban areas contain suitable habitat, use of urban environments by wildlife is still highly selective and dependent on specific habitat requirements.

Ski slopes as an unrecognized source of human impact on vegetation

AbstractVarious anthropogenic activities, e.g. construction, soil disturbance, and introducing artificial plant mixtures on newly-created ski slopes after forest clearing are significant interventions in ecosystems. These drastic acts influence the species composition of vegetation cover in the landscape. Although synanthropic species are typically infrequent in mountainous areas, they tend to flourish in disturbed environments; ski slopes are no exception to this pattern. Here we assessed the composition of vascular plants in three distinct ski slope habitats across 30 Slovak ski resorts: the ski lift entrance areas, the ski lift exit areas, and the central areas of the ski slopes. To gain insights into the dynamics of the spreading of synanthropic species on ski slopes, we used selected species traits, synanthropization indices for both flora and vegetation, and considered specific disturbance criteria. The outcomes of our study confirmed that the highest richness of synanthropic species was observed in plots located at the ski lift entrance areas, while the lowest in the central areas of the ski slopes. This difference could be attributed to the proximity of anthropogenically-disturbed zones, which act as propagule sources for synanthropic species into these mountainous habitats. At the same time, elevation also plays an important role in limiting spread of synanthropic plants on ski slopes. The study of synanthropic plant species distribution on ski slopes provides valuable insights into the complex interactions between human activities and the environment.

Human-derived food shrinks home ranges and alters resource selection of mammals at the urban-wild interface

Protected lands are an important source of food, shelter, and reproductive opportunities for wildlife, especially in urban landscapes. When urban development abuts the edges of undisturbed ecosystems, synanthropic species can alter their foraging behaviors and movement to utilize human-supplemented resources throughout the urban-wild interface. Therefore, urban development on the edges of protected lands can have pronounced effects on animal movement and ecosystem functions. Iconic urban adaptive mesopredators such as northern raccoons (Procyon lotor) and Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana) often benefit from human-supplemented food sources such as unsecured garbage, pet food, and fresh water when available. To investigate how urban edges affect the movements of urban-adapted omnivores within conservation lands, we estimated home ranges and third-order resource selection of 27 raccoons and 12 opossums with GPS collars throughout the protected areas of northern Key Largo, FL, USA between April 2022–October 2023. The proportion of urban development in an individual's home range was the most influential factor associated with home range size, followed by species and sex. Individuals with greater proportions of residential neighborhoods and commercial areas in their home ranges exhibited smaller home ranges. Third-order resource selection functions identified both mesopredator species using residential and commercial land use areas more than they were available on the landscape. These results indicate that urban areas attract urban-adapted mesopredators from protected areas and result in smaller home ranges in the face of abundant human-derived food. Reduced home ranges on edges can support higher densities of animals, which may increase rates of disease transmission, especially when the urban borders support populations of feral domestic species. Shifting foraging behaviors from the protected areas to urban edges could have cascading downward effects if seed-dispersing roles are diluted. As urbanization increases and the distance between wild lands and human disturbance decreases, it is increasingly important to study the mechanisms of how urban development on the edges of protected areas affect the movement of wildlife.

Trace Metal Bioaccumulation in Feral Pigeons (Columba livia f. domestica) and Rooks (Corvus frugilegus) Residing in the Urban Environment of Iasi City, Romania.

Nowadays, trace metal contamination within urban atmospheres is a significant and concerning global issue. In the present study, two synanthropic bird species, namely, the feral pigeon (Columba livia f. domestica) and the rook (Corvus frugilegus), were employed as bioindicators to assess the atmospheric trace metal pollution in Iasi City, Romania. The concentrations of Ni, Pb, Cd, Co, Cr, and Cu were determined through high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS GF-AAS) of various tissues, including the liver, kidney, lung, heart, muscle, and bone, of feral pigeons and rooks collected in Iasi City. The order of trace metal concentrations in the tissues of feral pigeons and rooks in Iasi City was similar: Cu > Pb > Ni > Cd > Cr > Co. However, trace element values in most tissues were higher in the rook samples than in feral pigeon ones, except for Co, which had elevated levels in feral pigeon renal and cardiac tissues, and Cu, which registered the highest concentrations in feral pigeon liver and kidney tissues. While not statistically significant, Pb concentration values in the PM10 fraction of atmospheric particles positively correlated with Pb concentrations in rook kidney samples (p = 0.05). The concentration levels of Cd, Pb, and Ni in the PM10 fraction of air particles showed a positive correlation with Cd levels in the samples of pigeon heart and rook liver, kidney, and heart, Pb levels in the samples of pigeon kidney, heart, and muscle and rook liver and bone, and Ni levels in the samples of pigeon liver, kidney, and bone and rook liver, muscle, and bone, respectively.

Shifts in the altitudinal distribution of alien and native synanthropic plants along roadsides over a 40-year period

Disturbed areas alongside roads shape unique vegetation communities dominated by synanthropic native and alien plant species, facilitated by roads serving as corridors for dispersal, penetration, and integration of synanthropic plants into new areas. We collected presence/absence data for individual species along roads in the Orlické Mountains, Czech Republic, in three time periods during 1970–2010. The distribution of species was mapped using a 1-square-kilometer grid. Analyzing 107 plant species (44 native, 63 alien), we found archaeophyte species favor lower elevations (foothills), while neophytes thrive at higher elevations. Over 40 years, neophyte frequency significantly rose at lower elevations, contrasting the decline at higher elevations, with no marked change in archaeophyte frequency. Native species decline notably at 400–500 m elevations. Some thermophilous native synanthropic species and alien archaeophytes spread from foothills to higher elevations, while some psychrophilic higher-elevation species shift upwards, diminishing at lower elevations. We emphasize human disturbance and global warming as pivotal factors influencing the altitudinal distribution shift in both native and alien plant species.

Impacts of coyote colonization on coastal mammalian predators

Extreme ecosystem modification by humans has caused drastic reductions in populations and ranges of top mammalian predators, while simultaneously allowing synanthropic mesopredator species to expand. These conditions often result in inflated local densities of highly adaptable mesopredators that disrupt trophic dynamics and place unsustainable predation pressure on native prey populations. Colonization of a dominant predator may lead to top-down control of mesopredators and restore trophic balance. Coyotes are a novel colonizer of some coastal barrier islands of eastern North America, offering an opportunity to test how the addition of an apex predator impacts an established guild of mesopredators. To assess their trophic impact, we conducted 75,576 camera trapping hours over an 18-month study period, capturing > 1.5 million images across 108 coastal camera sites. Using two-species occupancy and habitat use models, we found sizeable effects of coyote habitat use on that of red foxes and free-ranging domestic cats, suggesting that coyotes function as apex predators in barrier island ecosystems. In fact, the only factor that determined the spatial pattern of highly ubiquitous red foxes was the sympatric habitat use of the largest carnivore in the food web—coyotes. That ‘novel’ apex predators can become established in coastal food webs illustrates the highly dynamic nature of conservation challenges for habitats and species at the edge of the sea.

First record of the lobster cockroach Nauphoeta cinerea (Olivier, 1789) (Insecta: Blattodea) in Europe with remarks on synanthropic cockroaches of the Iberian Peninsula

AbstractGlobalization has facilitated the introduction and establishment of organisms beyond their natural ranges, leading to significant ecological and economic consequences. While many non‐native species are well documented, others remain understudied, either due to their unknown impact or morphological similarities with native species. This study addresses such a case, focusing on synanthropic cockroaches within the order Blattodea. Despite the order's diversity, less than 1% of known species are recorded in urban environments. While certain species like Periplaneta americana, Blatta orientalis and Blattella germanica are well distributed and studied, others remain largely unknown. This research unveils the first established population of Nauphoeta cinerea in Europe, specifically in Spain (Asturias, northern Iberian Peninsula), with specific genetic and morphological confirmation. This study also explores potential pathways of introduction for N. cinerea. Long‐distance transport by ships or escape/release from captivity are proposed as potential pathways for the newly established populations in Asturias. The species' high fecundity and parthenogenetic reproduction raise concerns about its potential invasiveness. Additionally, this study includes unpublished data on various synanthropic cockroaches in Asturias (with the first records of P. lateralis and Supella longipalpa for this area), drawn from specimens deposited in biological collections and some extra collections. An identification key for all Spanish non‐native synanthropic cockroach species is provided to assist in future detections. This research emphasizes the imperative need for robust monitoring systems, highlights the scarcity of scientific information regarding synanthropic cockroach distribution and underscores the pivotal role of biological collections in advancing our understanding of invasive species.

Spatial patterns of coastal dune plant diversity reveal conservation priority hotspots in and out a network of protected areas

Effective conservation planning requires identifying priority hotspots to allocate resources. To preserve biodiversity, it is crucial to consider α, β and γ-diversity and protect the irreplaceable sites with high ecological uniqueness, which can host uncommon species assemblages that would be lost if only species-rich sites were protected. Coastal dunes, hosting highly specialized plant communities, are among the most threatened ecosystems worldwide. In this study, we identified conservation priority hotspots to assess the effectiveness of the network of protected areas in coastal dunes of Tuscany (central Italy), using data on plant communities collected in 506 plots. We additively partitioned γ-diversity in its α and β components, observing a significant variation at all spatial levels only for dune species. In terms of α-diversity, we found that Northern protected sites were richer in dune species, while synanthropic and alien species were equally present inside and outside protected areas of the region. By partitioning the total β-diversity into its components (replacement and richness difference), we found a prevalence of replacement for dune species, indicating the most unique sites as the ones to favor for conservation. Unique sites were identified through Local Contributions to Beta Diversity and their conservation value was determined by their species composition and the relationship with landscape variables. Unique sites with high conservation value were only partly protected, while some protected sites were altered and required restoration. Our approach proved effective for identifying the most unique sites, indicating some issues in the existing protected network, while providing valuable information on sites to prioritize for future conservation actions.

Біорізноманіття гідрологічного заказника «Луга» у межах міста Володимир (Волинська область)

According to the results of the research, it was established that the flora of vascular plantsof the Luga River is 119 species, the faunal complex is represented by 80 species of animals ofthe mammal class – 3 species, birds – 23 species, amphibians – 2 species, fish rays – 6 species,earthworms –1 species, crustaceans – 2 species, arachnids – 2 species, insects – 28 species,molluscs – 12 species. The following families are the most numerous in terms of the number ofgenera and speciesAsteraceae, Poaceae, Lamiaceae, Apiaceae, Brassicaceae, Polygonaceae,Rosaceae. It is these families that have the greatest floristic diversity and occupy a leading placein the study area, and their spectrum is evidence of a strong anthropogenic influence on thevegetation cover.Various biotopes have formed in the floodplain of the Luga River and along its periphery,which differ in structure and varying degrees of transformation. The plant species composition ofthe floodplain of the Luga River is represented by typical aquatic, coastal-aquatic macrophytesand mesophytic forbs of floodplain meadows. The largest areas are occupied by monodominantgroups of Phragmites australis and Glyceria maxima, in smaller measures Typha latifolia. Theanimal world of the Luga River and its floodplain is represented by 16 species of hydrobiontsand 13 species of amphibiotic animals. Mammalia – 1 species, Aves – 6 species, Amphibia – 2species, Actinopterygii – 6 species, Crustacea – 1 species, Insecta – 6 species, Bivalvia – 2species, Gastropoda – 6 species.The marginal biotopes of the terraces are characterized by the dominance of ruderalcommunities with a significant participation of adventive plant species. The rarity component ofthe flora is represented by rare groups of yellow pitcher plants (Nuphareta luteae). Intensiveprocesses of natural overgrowth of the Luga River bed have been noted, which causes the flow toslow down, silt to accumulate, and the species composition of plants and animals to change. Thestudy area is characterized by high phytocenotic activity Аcer negиndo, Echinocуstis lobata,Solidago canadensis, Heracleum sosnowskyi, Heracleum mantegazzianumm etc. The animalworld of the edge terraces is represented by 64 species of animals. Mammalia – 3 species, Aves– 20 species, Amphibia – 2 species, Crustacea – 1 species, Arachnida – 2 species, Insecta – 28species, Gastropoda – 4 species.The main trends and threats caused by the anthropogenic factor have been identified:increased recreational load and accompanying degradation of vegetation due to direct impact onareas of mass gathering of vacationers, which leads to the disappearance of typical coastal-waterspecies of plants and animals associated with them, transformation as a result of anthropogeniceutrophication, which leads to a change in the structure of macrophyte and hydrobiontcommunities. The transformation of plant cover and animal complexes takes place in thedirection of replacing natural species with apophytes and adventitious plant species,synanthropic animal species and plant pests that are more resistant to anthropogenic influence.

Synanthropic Components of the Flora of the Absheron Peninsula

Information is given about 319 synanthropic species of the flora of the Absheron Peninsula. A brief description of synanthropic species, their classification, and adaptive features is given. The species richness of various ruderal biotopes of the Absheron is described. The distribution routes of synanthropic species on the territory of the peninsula are indicated. The results of original research on the introduction of these species are presented. The result of synanthropization of vegetation cover is analyzed.

Cyanobacteria in the Anthropocene: Synanthropism forged in an era of global change.

The Anthropocene has driven a transformative era where human activities exert unprecedented influence on Earth's biosphere. Consequently, synanthropic organisms, adept at thriving in human-modified environments, have emerged. While well studied in terrestrial ecosystems, the presence and ecological importance of synanthropic species in aquatic ecosystems, specifically among cyanobacteria, are less understood. Cyanobacteria blooms, notorious for their detrimental effects on ecosystems and human health, are increasing in frequency and intensity globally. In this perspective, we explore the evidence supporting this rise of cyanobacteria blooms, emphasizing the roles of human-induced eutrophication and climate change on select cyanobacteria genera. Cyanobacteria are not a monolith, with certain genera showing an observable increase within anthropogenically modified environments. We propose the establishment of a new sub-branch of phycology that explicitly investigates the ecology and physiology of synanthropic cyanobacteria. Understanding the intricate interactions between synanthropic species and human populations is imperative for managing human-altered ecosystems and conserving freshwater resources, particularly in the face of increasing global water insecurity. PRACTITIONER POINTS: The rise in cyanobacteria blooms is driven by a small subset of human-adapted genera-synanthropic cyanobacteria. Research is needed to characterize synanthropic cyanobacteria, which will aid in developing tailored management approaches. A paradigm shift from domesticating to "rewilding" landscapes and modifying behaviors to facilitate cohabitation are solutions to reducing risks.

Biodiversity centers of fauna in the urbanized landscape of Eastern Podillia: taxonomic richness and conservation prospects

Statement of the problem and goal. Vinnytsia region now demonstrates one of the lowest indicators of provision of natural protected areas and objects (2.27% of the region’s area). The regional figure for Vinnytsia is even lower, which is 1.65% of the city’s area. The need of the day is to study the localities of rare species of biota, rare biotopes, and migration routes of animals in an urbanized environment as potential objects for the development of protected areas. Materials and methods. Determination of the optimal methodology for identifying the taxonomic structure and ecological groups of the studied fauna based on the analysis of literary, cartographic, and stock materials. To assess the geocomponent representativeness of the fauna of the urban environment, expedition research methods were used. Systematization of terrestrial and terrestrial-aquatic taxonomic groups of fauna was carried out using empirical methods. Identification of characteristic traces and remains is used to record animals through visual observation. Audio Moth v.1.2.0 recording devices and an Echo Meter Touch 2 active bat detector were used to record owls (Strigiformes, Aves) and bats (Chiroptera, Mammalia). With the help of control catches, as well as through analysis of the catches of amateur fishermen, the species composition of fish was established. Results and discussion. Under conditions of significant technogenic transformation of the biotopes of the tract and nearby aquatic landscapes, a relatively rich zoocenosis has formed. This zoocenosis unites synanthropic and local species of birds, reptiles, mammals, amphibians and fish. This is facilitated by the combination of a wide range of facies that provide the trophic and topical needs of animals. The territory of the tract, thanks to the rich species composition of animals and stable interspecies connections, can effectively serve as a center for the conservation of biodiversity and an educational, ecological and aesthetic mission in an urban landscape. Scientific novelty. A specific faunal complex of the park, the mouth of the town of Tyazhilivka and the adjacent part of the Sabarovskoe reservoir has been identified. It includes 104 species of animals of the genus Chordata: class Mammals (Mammalia) - 14 species, class Birds (Aves) - 66 species, class Reptiles (Reptilia) - 4 species, class Amphibians (Amphibia) - 4 species, class Orthoptera (Actinopterygii) – 16 species. Research materials are the basis for the creation of a nature conservation area and the expansion and optimization of the existing natural reserve network of the urban environment.

Worldwide revision of synanthropic silverfish (Insecta: Zygentoma: Lepismatidae) combining morphological and molecular data.

Synanthropic silverfish are the best-known and most widely distributed insects of the order Zygentoma. However, there is a great gap in the knowledge and confusion about the geographic distribution and the diagnostic characteristics that allow their identification. In this work, we provide an exhaustive and deep analysis of the most common 9 synanthropic silverfish of the world, combining previously published and newly derived morphological and molecular data. Updated descriptions of Ctenolepisma calvum (Ritter, 1910) and Ctenolepisma (Sceletolepisma) villosum (Fabricius, 1775) are included, and morphological remarks, illustrations, and photographs of the remaining synanthropic species are provided to clarify their diagnosis and differentiation among them and from other free-living species. In addition, Ctenolepisma targionii (Grassi and Rovelli, 1889) is synonymized with C. villosum. A molecular phylogeny is presented based on the COI sequences of all the synanthropic species deposited in BOLD and GenBank, with 15 new sequences provided by this study. This has allowed us to detect and correct a series of identification errors based on the lack of morphological knowledge of several species. Moreover, 2 different lineages of Ctenolepisma longicaudatumEscherich, 1905 have also been detected. To help future studies, we also provide a taxonomic interpretation guide for the most important diagnostic characters of the order Zygentoma, as well as an identification key for all the Synanthropic studied species. Finally, an approximation of the global distribution of synanthropic silverfish is discussed. Several new records indicate that the expansion of these species, generally associated with the transport of goods and people, is still far from over.

First Insights on Resistance and Virulence Potential of Escherichia coli from Captive Birds of Prey in Portugal.

Captive birds of prey are often used for pest control in urban areas, while also participating in falconry exhibitions. Traveling across the country, these birds may represent a public health concern as they can host pathogenic and zoonotic agents and share the same environment as humans and synanthropic species. In this work, Escherichia coli from the cloacal samples of 27 captive birds of prey were characterized to determine their pathogenic potential. Isolates were clustered through ERIC-PCR fingerprinting, and the phylogenetic groups were assessed using a quadruplex PCR method. Their virulence and resistance profile against nine antibiotics were determined, as well as the isolates' ability to produce extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs). The 84 original isolates were grouped into 33 clonal types, and it was observed that more than half of the studied isolates belonged to groups D and B2. Most isolates presented gelatinase activity (88%), almost half were able to produce biofilm (45%), and some were able to produce α-hemolysin (18%). The isolates presented high resistance rates towards piperacillin (42%), tetracycline (33%), and doxycycline (30%), and 6% of the isolates were able to produce ESBLs. The results confirm the importance of these birds as reservoirs of virulence and resistance determinants that can be disseminated between wildlife and humans, stressing the need for more studies focusing on these animals.

Following urban predators – long‐term snow‐tracking data reveal changes in their abundance and habitat use

AbstractUrban habitats differ from natural environments, however some predatory species have become established in cities across the globe. The aim of our study was to compare the occurrence of the red fox and the stone marten in Warsaw during three time periods (1976–1978, 2005–2008, 2015–2021) and in different habitats. Generalized linear models were used to show factors affecting the density indices of these two species (i.e., frequency of occurrence of tracks of each species recorded during snow tracking on linear transects). The frequency of occurrence of tracks of these two species on transects increased over time and was explained by habitat type and distance from the city centre. The frequency of fox tracks was higher in more‐natural habitats located far from the city centre. In the first period (1976–1978), this species was recorded only in forests and riparian areas. In the last period (2015–2021), its tracks were recorded frequently in built‐up areas and cemeteries. From the beginning of the first period, the stone marten was recorded in a wider range of habitats than the fox and it colonized all habitat types in the subsequent periods, but a statistically significant increase was observed only for cemeteries. The frequency of occurrence of stone marten tracks was lower than that of red fox tracks in most natural and seminatural habitats (forests, parks, riparian areas). No relationship between the occurrence of the red fox and the stone marten was found. We speculate that the growth of the urban red fox numbers was driven by an increase in the national population as a result of anti‐rabies vaccinations. In turn, the stone marten, being a synanthropic species, was present in the city centre from the beginning of the study, but it now occurs in a wider range of habitats.

Connectivity at the human-wildlife interface: starling movements relate to carriage of E. coli

Synanthropic bird species in human, poultry or livestock environments can increase the spread of pathogens and antibiotic-resistant bacteria between wild and domestic animals. We present the first telemetry-based spatial networks for a small songbird. We quantified landscape connectivity exerted by spotless starling movements, and aimed to determine if connectivity patterns were related to carriage of potential pathogens. We captured 28 starlings on a partridge farm in 2020 and tested them for Avian influenza virus, West Nile virus WNV, Avian orthoavulavirus 1, Coronavirus, Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli. We did not detect any viruses or Salmonella, but one individual had antibodies against WNV or cross-reacting Flaviviruses. We found E. coli in 61 % (17 of 28) of starlings, 76 % (13 of 17) of which were resistant to gentamicin, 12 % (2 of 17) to cefotaxime/enrofloxacin and 6 % (1 of 17) were phenotypic extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) carriers. We GPS-tracked 17 starlings and constructed spatial networks showing how their movements (i.e. links) connect different farms with nearby urban and natural habitats (i.e. nodes with different attributes). Using E. coli carriage as a proxy for acquisition/dispersal of bacteria, we found differences across spatial networks constructed for E. coli positive (n = 7) and E. coli negative (n = 9) starlings. We used Exponential Random Graph Models to reveal significant differences between networks. In particular, an urban roost was more connected to other sites by movements of E. coli positive than by movements of E. coli negative starlings. Furthermore, an open pine forest used mainly for roosting was more connected to other sites by movements of E. coli negative than by movements of E. coli positive starlings. Using E. coli as a proxy for a potential pathogen carried by starlings, we reveal the pathways of spread that starlings could provide between farms, urban and natural habitats.

A native species contributes to biotic homogeneity of urban land snails in Thailand

ABSTRACT Biotic homogenization or the increasing similarity of biota has been documented in urban land snail assemblages in Europe and North America. The resulting biotic homogeneity is caused by a loss of native species and the establishment of non-native species. Climate affects land snail distributions, and because Thailand (exclusive of the southern peninsula) has an almost uniform climate, we hypothesized that urban land snail populations would show a high degree of taxonomic homogeneity. We sampled 76 sites (e.g. yards, temple grounds, restaurants and hotels) over a 38-day period during the rainy season in 2022. These sites included three regions: central (five provinces), north (two provinces) and northeast (five provinces). Both live snails and shells were counted, and the 10,470 counted individuals represented 25 taxa. Biotic homogeneity was indicated by three taxa comprising 69.9% of individuals. By far the most abundant species was the native species Sarika siamensis, which was found at all 76 sites and comprised 50.4% of all individuals. The other two abundant species were non-native species—the giant African snail Lissachatina fulica (60 sites) and Allopeas gracile (50 sites)—both widespread synanthropic species. Three other non-native species were also found. Among native species, slugs, including semislugs, were widespread but occurred in low numbers, and Pupina sp. occurred in high abundance (mean = 97 individuals/site) at 13 highly watered locations within its native range. Urban snail assemblages were not entirely homogeneous, as assemblages in the north region differed from those in the central and northeast regions. In conclusion, urban snail assemblages in Thailand showed a high degree of biotic homogeneity, in large part due to a native species, S. siamensis, indicating that native synanthropic species can contribute to biotic homogeneity.

Updated distribution of Zoropsis spinimana (Dufour, 1820; Araneae: Zoropsidae) in Germany and novel insights into its ecology based on a citizen science survey

In Germany, Zoropsis spinimana (Dufour, 1820) is an introduced, likely synanthropic spider species. Here, we report the results of a nationwide mapping appeal conducted by the citizen science platform NABU-naturgucker.de, used to assemble live distributional data for the species in Germany. With the help of media interest in this species, we gathered a valuable dataset and a large image gallery of the species. In just five weeks, we received more than 15,000 records, representing a 2.3-fold increase in occupied territory compared to previous knowledge. By analyzing the data in detail, we obtained novel insights into the ecology and eco-geography of Z. spinimana in Germany, including information on prey, coloration, potential predators, altitudinal distribution and temporal appearance, along with two cases of accidental human translocation.