Background: Biodiversity is facing global change at an unprecedented rate; understanding how species respond to this accelerated change is important to inform future environmental and wildlife-related policies. Serially collected specimens from natural history repositories can provide a unique window into how populations change over time and highlight further potential vulnerabilities in remaining populations. Changes in sampling abundance during field surveys suggest that salamanders from the genus Plethodon have experienced severe population declines over the past four decades. The causes of these declines remain unidentified, but factors such as habitat loss, climate change, acid rain, and pathogens are proposed as contributors. The population genetic consequences of these declines have not yet been assessed. Therefore, Plethodon serve as an ideal model to test the utility of historical DNA and serial sampling to identify shifts in genetic diversity at recent time scales in populations with documented declines. Here we estimate levels of genetic diversity in six Plethodon species through time using DNA from museum specimens and contemporary sampling. We quantify the impact of missing data, locus type, and sequencing depth on estimates of diversity. Results: Our estimates of genetic diversity are consistent with previously documented declines in P. cinereus at Indian Grave Gap, but genetic diversity increased for all other species and populations we characterized. Conclusions: Our study outlines important considerations for leveraging historical DNA in time series collections to quantify the genomic effects of localized population declines.

Tiger (Panthera tigris) and leopard (Panthera pardus) are two congener species and where ever, they live together are found to compete for space and habitat. The study on habitat suitability and overlap between tigers and leopards in the Banke-Bardia Complex, Nepal, aims to assess the ecological preferences and spatial distribution patterns of these big cat species within the given landscape. For the study Banke-Barida Complex was considered as it is one of the priority tiger conservation units. We have gathered the GPS location of tigers and leopards from the camera trap survey. Maximum Entropy (Maxent) is software used to model the suitable habitat of species by using geo-referenced occurrence data and environmental variables. We used area under the receiver-operator curve (AUC) as the threshold independent method. We found fair AUC for the model of leopard (0.674+/-0.043) and tiger (0.690+/- 0.012) habitat suitability model. We found 854.15 km2 and 867.21 km2 of suitable habitat for common leopard and tiger respectively throughout the study area. We identified 388.16 km2 of overlapping habitat between the species, which constituted 45.60% of the habitat of leopard and 44.75% of the habitat of tiger. Most of the overlapping habitat was located in the southern part of Banke National Park and western parts of Bardia National Park. The findings from this study highlights the need for inclusive conservation strategies extending beyond core protected areas. Engaging local communities in conservation efforts and promoting sustainable land-use practices can mitigate human-wildlife conflicts and support broader ecological integrity.

Restoring temperate grasslands often necessitates the introduction of large quantities of seeds, a process that is regulated by seed transfer zones in many countries. These zones are commonly delineated based on abiotic factors. Consequently, it remains uncertain to what extent existing seed zones represent, and thereby protect or erode the spatial distribution of genetic variation. Empirical data on the spatial genetic structure of grassland species are therefore essential to address this knowledge gap. Moreover, as seed zones are increasingly expected to provide genotypes pre-adapted to climate change, such data can also inform predictions of maladaptation and support the identification of suitable donor populations. Here, we focus on Galium album, a widespread perennial grassland species, which we sampled systematically across Germany, with an average of one population per 25 km-square area. Based on 8,348 SNP loci, we analysed the population genetic structure using Bayesian clustering. We identified four spatially coherent genetic clusters, which explained 2.43 % of genomic variation, but showed little congruence with current seed zones. Yet, seed zones still capture a significant component of spatial genetic structure (1.92 %), which is also reflected in a significant isolation by distance among zones. Seed transfer practices are increasingly challenged by climate change, shifting the adaptive requirements for populations. We performed a genotype–environment association analysis using redundancy analysis, and estimated the genomic offset, i.e. the genomic change required to maintain the current genotype-environment relationship under climate change. The genomic offset was generally moderate across Germany, even under a pessimistic climate scenario projected into the more distant future (SSP5-8.5, 2081-2100). For one of the few locations where the temporal genomic offset slightly exceeded a previously proposed threshold, we identified suitable donor regions harbouring potentially pre-adapted genotypes for targeted assisted migration, both within the same and in adjacent zones.

Nest survival is a key determinant of birds’ breeding success, particularly in ground-breeding birds, where nest predation is the major cause of reproductive failure leading to demographic decline. Birds can maximize their nesting success by optimising aspects of the socio-spatial environment of a nest, for example by reducing the risk of predation or flooding. Previous research showed that ruff (Calidris pugnax) females nest closer to leks and to nests of conspecifics, and in some years, further from the shoreline and from the meadow edge than expected by chance. However, it remained uncertain whether and how social and environmental factors affect nest survival. To fill this gap in knowledge, we analysed daily nest survival in a breeding population of ruffs, using nest locations from six breeding seasons. Following a Bayesian approach, we estimated daily nest survival rates to assess the impacts of social, spatial, and temporal factors on ruff nest survival in three models focusing on distinct sources of mortality: i) all sources of mortality (Overall model), ii) all sources of mortality except for predation (No-predation model), and iii) only predation (Predation model). We also studied the effect of human intervention in clutch incubation as a way to protect nests at increased risk of failure. Overall, younger nests and those at intermediate distances to other nests had the highest daily nest survival, while laying date and distance to paths had a negative effect on daily nest survival only in absence of predation. The use of dummy eggs and artificial incubation of clutches reduced nest mortality of protected nests at strong risk of failure from flooding and cattle trampling, and also reduced the impact of predation. We highlight the need for comprehensive studies about the sources of nest mortality to understand factors affecting population decline of endangered waders and to improve their population recovery through informed species and habitat management.

Tropical freshwater ecosystems are severely threatened, endangering evolutionarily distinct and globally endangered species the most. Understanding the habitat preferences of these vulnerable species is crucial for effective conservation. This study investigated the habitat associations of Micrixalus kottigeharensis, an evolutionarily distinct and globally endangered frog, within a mixed-use landscape in the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot. We surveyed 204 stream segments across 2500 hectares, recording species count and habitat variables, and analysed these relationships using a Generalised linear mixed modelling framework. Our findings show that M. kottigeharensis has a strong preference for specific microhabitats. They preferred streams with a greater percentage of emergent substrate, dense canopy cover and optimal water discharge---emphasising the importance of structurally complex habitats with healthy riparian vegetation. Conversely, ambient air temperature showed a negative relationship with species count, indicating potential sensitivity to thermal stress. The species preferred riffles over runs, pools, step-pools, and braided channels. Landscape-scale factors, such as land-use, also likely influence their distribution. Furthermore, their peak activity was observed during the post-monsoon season. These results highlight the critical role of specific microhabitats in determining the distribution of M. kottigeharensis. Additionally, they provide valuable insights, especially for landowners and managers of agroforests, for targeted habitat management and restoration strategies such as maintaining the natural stream flow, prevention of stream channelisation and mining, and nurturing riparian buffers, aimed at conserving this endangered species.

Coastal wetlands are ecosystems of ecological importance that face multiple threats from contamination. While their ecological value for local flora and fauna is well known, the microbial diversity of this habitat has not been characterized before. This study characterized, for the first time, the microbial diversity in four lagoons of the Pantanos de Villa Wildlife Refuge using the 16S rRNA marker gene metabarcoding and identified the physicochemical drivers that influence the microbial community structure of these lagoons. Nine sampling sites were established distributed across the Delicias, Génesis, Marvilla, and Mayor lagoons, conducting three seasonal samplings (May, August, and October). Physicochemical parameters were measured in each sampled lagoon (temperature, electrical conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, and salinity). The results revealed that the most identified phylum at the bacterial level was Pseudomonadota, followed by Bacteroidota. At the archaeal level, the abundance of Nanoarchaeota was observed in all sampled lagoons, followed by Lokiarchaeota. The Delicias lagoon, previously classified as the most contaminated lagoon in the wetland, showed parameters such as high electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, and salinity when compared to the other lagoons, which was reflected in a distinctive microbial community structure strongly associated with these parameters. On the other hand, the Marvilla lagoon, closer to the coast, showed a microbial community strongly influenced by its more alkalinic pH. This study constitutes the first determination of microbial diversity in Pantanos de Villa and demonstrates how local environmental conditions—natural or human-induced—shape microbial diversity. These findings provide baseline information for future monitoring of this protected coastal wetland and highlight the importance of environmental factors such as pH and electrical conductivity that determine the structure of microbial communities in these coastal wetlands.

Scleractinian corals are foundational to coral reefs, vital marine ecosystems under threat from climate change. Montipora, a widely distributed reef-building genus, contributes through continuous corallum mineralization, yet polyp budding and skeleton formation processes remain elusive. This study elucidates temporal and spatial dynamics of skeletal formation and polyp budding in Montipora capricornis using high-resolution micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). We demonstrate that skeleton-canal network formation precedes polyp budding at colony margins, identifying a ‘transit area’ (volumes ~1 mm³, skeleton-to-void ratio 20-35%) within tubular canals as a pathway for polyp migration to new calices. This feature serves as a morphological budding marker, enabling visualization of polyp trajectories and growth axes. The polyp-canal system undergoes dynamic changes, including concurrent skeleton formation and dissolution. These insights establish a structural framework for biomineralization regulation and colony expansion, contributing to the development of coral growth models, and informing environmental impacts on reef-building in M. capricornis.

Ash dieback disease, caused by the pathogenic fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, is now widespread in the UK. The pathogen is predicted to cause high rates of mortality in ash over the coming years, the consequences of which are complex to assess. While no higher plant species are exclusively associated with ash, widespread ash mortality is predicted to affect woodland floral biodiversity because of the functional traits uniquely associated with this species: namely the greater light penetration through the canopy, rapid foliar decomposition and nutrient cycling abilities. In woodlands where ash is frequent, vascular plant communities may undergo considerable compositional changes after loss of ash trees. At present little is known regarding how ash trees contribute to plant community and functional diversity at a fine scale across differerent woodland types. Using data from 1274 survey plots characterized in the Woodland Survey of Great Britain alongside plant functional trait data, we examined the local relationship between ash trees and plant community diversity and functional trait expression. We show that ash trees are significantly associated with key plant functional traits and diversity indices and that this functional association is not typical of other dominant canopy species in the UK. Specific leaf area, nutrient and pH requirements and community diversity show significant correlations with ash basal area across various woodland types. Additionally, effects of ash appear to interact with soil pH resulting in a greater structural effect of ash upon plant community composition in lower pH soils. These findings support previous suggestions that ash functions as a keystone species with respect to nutrient cycling and plant community composition with potentially stronger influence on lower pH soils. Consideration should be given to these ecological roles when monitoring and addressing the impacts of widespread ash mortality from dieback disease across Europe.

Alpine streams represent some of the most challenging yet ecologically valuable freshwater environments to study, due to their remoteness, fast flows, and extreme climatic conditions. Traditional fish survey methods are often impractical or invasive in these habitats. This study presents a lightweight, low-cost, T-shaped Remote Underwater Video (RUV) system optimised for fish monitoring in small, high-altitude streams of the European Alps. Field tests were conducted across three alpine streams in northwestern Italy in June 2025. The RUV system proved effective in recording salmonid presence, estimating fish length using an integrated reference scale, and capturing natural behaviours such as feeding. The compact steel frame (~1 kg) ensured stability in fast-flowing waters while remaining portable for deployment in remote areas. Despite challenges such as bubble interference and site accessibility, the RUV allowed reliable, permanently-recorded observations with minimal disturbance. This method offers a promising non-invasive approach for ecological research and conservation monitoring in alpine freshwater systems, with potential applications in species distribution studies and behavioural ecology.

1. Wildlife tourism can support conservation but also imposes stress on wildlife, particularly cognitively complex and social species like Asian elephants (Elephas maximus), highlighting the need for science-based management guidelines. 2. We assessed the behavioral responses of wild Asian elephants in Kuiburi National Park, Thailand, to varying levels of tourism pressure using standardized scan and focal sampling methods over multiple years, including during park closures. 3. Tourism pressure was measured at two scales: sighting tourism pressure (STP; people, vehicles, distance, and noise at each elephant sighting) and daily tourism pressure (DTP; total tourist activity in the park per day). 4. Elevated STP significantly increased rates of stress-related, vigilance, and passive aggressive behaviors, while reducing affiliative behavior and prompting retreat movements, particularly under High and Extreme STP conditions. 5. The most influential anthropogenic predictors of behavior were number of vehicles, number of people, proximity to humans, and noise level, with affiliative behavior emerging as the most sensitive indicator of disturbance. 6. Behavioral thresholds were identified for ‘ideal’ and ‘acceptable’ tourism conditions: >100 m/125 m viewing distance, <4/<8 vehicles, <10/<21 people, and noise <32/<42 dB, beyond which negative behavioral responses increased significantly. 7. Following park re-openings, elephant detections declined, especially for cow–calf groups, indicating spatial avoidance behavior and vulnerability of socially cohesive groups to tourism presence. 8. These results support the implementation of evidence-based regulations for wildlife tourism, including the use of buffer zones, quiet viewing areas, vehicle and visitor caps, guide training, and adaptive seasonal closures. Integrating empirically derived behavioral thresholds into protected area and national policies provides a scalable and transferable model to reduce disturbance, improve animal welfare, and promote ethical and sustainable elephant tourism in Thailand and beyond.

Diet selection, referring to the food that is ingested by an animal along with its nutritional composition, is essential for animal fitness, survival and behavior. The hirola (Beatragus hunteri), with ~ 500 individuals remaining, is classified as critically endangered by IUCN. For effective hirola conservation, there has to be a clear understanding of habitat-specific forage quality, more importantly as there are planned re-introduction efforts from managed into natural habitats. We used populations in natural and managed breeding habitat in eastern Kenya to assess the dietary selection of hirola. Hirola consumed a total of 17 species with Chloris virgata being the most preferred grass, while Commelina benghalensis and Commelina diffusa were the most preferred forbs. Cyperus kilimandscharicus was the only moderately preferred sedge. We then analyzed nutrient content for 14 variables, including crude protein (CP), fiber fractions, in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), and key minerals. Forage in natural habitats was more closely associated with higher levels of phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), and IVDMD, while managed habitats were characterized by elevated sodium (Na), potassium (K), and CP levels. Seasonal differences were also detected, particularly in calcium (Ca) and Mg concentrations. Our results suggests that hirola must cope with changing plant chemical composition, forage quality and diversity. Future habitat restoration programs should focus on monitoring and reseeding preferred forage species and the provisioning of supplementary diets with appropriate chemicals to newly released herds or in the breeding facility.

The Peste des Petits Ruminants virus (PPRV) is highly contagious and can be transmitted by a number of different hosts. Wildlife, especially endangered species, is seriously threatened by it. In extreme situations, it will cause flagship and endangered species to go extinct. This study integrated PPRV epidemiological data (a total of 902) and various environmental variables from 2014 to 2024 globally and from 2007 to 2024 in China to investigate the driving mechanism of various climatic and environmental factors on PPRV transmission and the risk of PPRV infection in wildlife-suitable habitats. A PPRV cross-species transmission risk assessment method based on Maxent has been developed. The study determined how important climatic and environmental parameters, including temperature seasonality, annual mean temperature, isothermality, mean diurnal range, mean monthly precipitation in March, and the maximum temperature of warmest month, influence the spread of PPRV. On a worldwide scale, the PPRV spread had distinct banded geographical distribution features, and the geographic location was most likely between 10°N and 50°N bands. The danger level progressively rises from west to east, with the distribution area mostly focused in a few Northern Hemisphere nations and areas. It was a serious potential hazard to species like Camelus species in Camelids, Capra, Eudorcas, and Gazella in wild Bovidae species, and Hydropotes in Cervidae. Based on the findings of the study, we suggest a cross-border cooperative defense approach that restores the connection of wild species’ habitats, offering a scientific foundation for safeguarding biodiversity and public health.

In contemporary higher education, teachers and administrators must make choices about how best to allocate resources for maximum benefit. In many STEM fields, this has led to closer scrutiny of many costly offerings, such as laboratory and field experiences. In response, several investigators have highlighted the many educational benefits these high-impact practices provide, while also shedding light on concerns related to diversity, equity and inclusion. However, field courses are especially notable for disproportionately engaging students from high socioeconomic backgrounds, racial and ethnic majorities, and--in some disciplines--men. To address inequities in STEM, field courses should therefore be investigated to better understand students who are underrepresented in the disciplines--whether based on their nationality, socioeconomic background, race or ethnicity, their gender identity or sexuality, etc. Here we report on findings from a series of interviews in which students in an international, graduate-level field course discussed which of their identities, either visible or hidden, were most salient in the field-course context. Respondents reflected on how these identities served as either promoters or barriers to engagement in the course, and shared course interactions that intersected with these identities in either positive or negative ways. Our analysis of these interviews allowed us to identify several key themes, among them the idea that the interviews themselves were a type of pedagogical intervention that instructors could adopt to promote inclusion. By identifying how student identities interact with course practices to impact engagement, we can begin to outline best pedagogical practices for field courses. Thus, we can ensure investments in these experiences benefit all students and help to make STEM diverse, equitable, and inclusive.

Seed dispersal is a dynamic process through which diaspores (seeds or seed-bearing fruits) are detached from the mother plant, transported to different sites in the landscape and recruited. A variety of biotic and abiotic factors contribute to seed dispersal processes, resulting in a high diversity of dispersal systems observed in nature. At present, the relationship and classification of seed dispersal processes remain unclear. It is therefore essential to delineate seed dispersal systems and understand their functional traits concerning ecosystem functioning and diversity to elucidate plant distribution patterns and forest regeneration mechanisms. In this review, we present an updated synthesis of the knowledge generated on diaspora dispersal systems (fruits with seeds) regarding their efficiency and legitimacy. In order to achieve this purpose, an exhaustive analysis of 184 bibliographical references was conducted, primarily from the last decade, while ensuring the inclusion of seminal works from preceding years. We specifically describe how endozoochory and diploendozoochory can be considered an efficient and legitimate dispersal system for plants, as well as the potential benefits of a triple endozoochory process. This prompted us to compile a comprehensive account of primary research on each dispersal system. This review demonstrates that diaspore dispersal is a multifactorial process associated with intrinsic attributes of the diaspores, their dispersers, and their interactions with the environment. and proposes a subtype of seed dispersal by endozoochory (triploendozoochory). Consequently, a comprehensive understanding of dispersal systems is imperative for the development of effective forest management and conservation strategies, particularly in the context of climate change and anthropogenic disturbances.

Conservation efforts for large raptors require robust estimates of fecundity, age at maturity and survivorship, and population trajectories are often particularly sensitive to change in adult survival rates. Our study estimated apparent survival rates in territorial range-holding Golden Eagles Aquila chrysaetos in Scotland, based on DNA extracted from moulted feathers to profile individuals genetically: the first study for this species using the method. Feathers were collected at or close to nest sites within 93 home ranges involving 136 territorial individuals, across four years (2006-2009), with repeat-sampling in 21 % of home ranges. Genetic profiles identifying individuals’ presence/absence were analysed to estimate annual apparent survival rates using Cormack-Jolly-Seber models. Our models included sex, as male survival was expected to be lower, and two regions, the Outer Hebrides and the Inner Hebrides/Highlands, that host largely separate sub-populations. Estimates of male annual apparent survival rates (0.774-0.808) were markedly lower than females in both regions (0.878-0.882), but encounter rates of males (0.441-0.454) were also lower than females (0.639-0.754), probably because males spend less time near nest sites. We recorded a few instances of breeding dispersal, mostly involving females moving to neighbouring territories. Our estimates of apparent survival were probably close to true natural survival but possibly reduced by some illegal killing in the Inner Hebrides/Highlands. Annual rates for females were similar to previous estimates derived for the same age/status class which utilised other methods but did not separate the sexes. The different field methods used to estimate large raptor survival have advantages and disadvantages. Genetic profiling allows survival estimation of territorial occupants, but its sampling focus around the nest site creates limits in applicability. In our study system, where eagles may be killed illegally before providing opportunities for feather collection, genetic profiling is poor for detection of persecution mortality, and GPS-tagging is better.

Following its introduction to China, Casuarina equisetifolia rapidly adapted to its new habitat and was extensively cultivated as a crucial tree species for coastal shelterbelts. However, the systematic classification of Chinese landraces remains controversial and the mechanism underlying the rapid adaptation of this species in China remains unknown. To understand more fully the phylogenetic history and adaptation mechanisms of C. equisetifolia, 66 samples were collected from Chinese landraces and five from other potentially related provenances. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms were detected through genotyping-by-sequencing and used for genetic structural analysis and genome comparison. The genetic structures of the Chinese landrace samples were found to be similar or equivalent to those of C. equisetifolia from Southeast Asia; however, admixed structures between C. equisetifolia and Casuarina glauca were also identified, suggesting that spontaneous and frequent interspecific introgression or hybridization had occurred among the Chinese landraces. Genomic variation associated with pathogen–plant interactions was detected between natural provenances and Chinese founder populations along migration pathways. Furthermore, integrated signals were detected in hybrids, including secondary metabolite synthesis from C. glauca, as well as growth regulation and metabolic processes from C. equisetifolia, providing preliminary insights into adaptive mechanisms during the introduction process. These findings improve our knowledge of the phylogenetic history of Casuarina landraces in China, and may enhance the efficiency of domestication and breeding programs.

Understanding and quantifying the feeding behavior of large carnivores is crucial for determining their functional roles within ecosystems. This involves evaluating both their top-down effects on prey populations and their interactions with sympatric carnivore species. In this study, we employed DNA metabarcoding to investigate the dietary composition of three sympatric large carnivores (snow leopard Panthera uncia, wolf Canis lupus, and brown bear Ursus arctos) in the Sanjiangyuan Region (SR) of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, with a focus on seasonal variations and interspecific competition. Analysis revealed 16, 11, and 17 prey species in the diets of snow leopards, wolves, and brown bears, respectively. Domestic yak (Bos grunniens) was the most frequently detected prey item in the diets of both snow leopards (Relative Read Abundance; RRA = 25.42%) and wolves (RRA = 52.29%), whereas brown bears primarily consumed plateau pikas (Ochotona curzoniae; RRA = 43.10%) and Himalayan marmots (Marmota himalayana; RRA = 19.88%). Although high dietary niche breadth overlap was observed between snow leopards and wolves (Ojk = 0.76) and between snow leopards and brown bears (Ojk = 0.79), potential interspecific competition may be mitigated through differential prey selection and varying consumption intensities. The relatively low dietary overlap between wolves and brown bears (Ojk = 0.32) implies that these two species likely coexist by partitioning tropic resources. Seasonal fluctuations in dietary niche breadth and overlap among snow leopards and wolves align with predictions from the classic optimal foraging theory (OFT). Moreover, the substantial proportion of livestock found in the diet of these large carnivores indicates the presence of significant human-carnivore conflict in the SR. Combined with previous findings, our results support the hypothesis that the abundance and size-class availability of ungulate prey are key factors enabling the sympatric existence of these three apex predators.

Indonesia is richness biodiversity country, including a wide variety of vertebrate and plants species. However, assessing biodiversity in tropical rainforest remains challenging itself. The use of conventional tools has commonly been employed for monitoring and research purposes. Invertebrate-derived DNA (iDNA), a subdiscipline of environmental DNA (eDNA), has emerged as a noninvasive tool that complements traditional methods for biodiversity assessment. It enables the detection of vertebrate species and the monitoring of their populations through molecular approaches. Leveraging abundant haematophagous leeches as a tool offers a promising approach to accessing a wider range of hosts inhabiting an area and retain high-quality host DNA in their guts for extended periods. Using Sanger sequencing with five primer sets (16Scp, 16Sed, 12S, ND2, and RepCOI) designed to target broad taxonomic groups, 272 Haemadipsa spp. samples were successfully amplified, resulting in the identification of 17 unique vertebrate hosts, including mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. Within our 16Sed results, we noted that the primer sets captured a broader range of taxa, encompassing both mammals and reptiles, thereby enhancing species richness detection. Notably, we present evidence the first iDNA-based detection of the rare blue-eyed litter frog, Leptobrachium waysepuntiense, from western Sumatra. Therefore, this study suggests that the use of haematophagous leeches represents a promising approach for biodiversity monitoring in Indonesia. This method offers a complementary strategy that can be integrated with existing practices to strengthen conservation efforts.