Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Clova A. Mabin, Tamara B. Robinson, John R. U. Wilson, Heidi Hirsch, Maria L. Castillo, Michelle Jooste, Johannes J. Le Roux
Summary: The study investigated the introduction and spread of European shore crab and Mediterranean shore crab in South Africa using genetic data and modeling approaches. The results suggest multiple introductions and movement of crabs between populations, as well as hybridization between different species. The study highlights the importance of targeting all known invasive populations for effective management and eradication.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Wenxuan Zhao, Zhifang Xue, Tong Liu, Hanyue Wang, Zhiquan Han
Summary: This study examined the establishment and population growth of Ambrosia artemisiifolia in six different habitats and found that propagule pressure, soil moisture, and presence of native species significantly influenced its success. The results provide important insights for identifying high invasion risk areas and improving monitoring and prevention efforts.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Joanna Kidawa, Damian Chmura, Tadeusz Molenda
Summary: Studies have shown that the colonization of excavations and sedimentation tanks in opencast mines is influenced by substratum, land relief, hydrological and hydrochemical relations. Invasive species such as black locust tend to colonize sandy habitats successfully due to a lack of trees and dense grasses, and their role increases along a gradient of dryness and vegetation development.
Article
Microbiology
Xin Gong, Ziyun Zhang, Hui Wang, Huixin Li, Feng Hu, Manqiang Liu, Lin Jiang, Xiaoyun Chen, Chao Ma
Summary: Inoculum size and heat perturbations have synergistic effects on predicting the invasion success of soil pathogens. Heating increases soil resource availability, but reduces resource differentiation between the pathogen and indigenous bacteria. The abundance of the pathogen increases with inoculum size in both heated and non-heated soils, with a greater effect in heated soils. Inoculum size and the increase in available carbon and nitrogen in the soil best predict invasion success.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jonah Levy, J. Michael Reed
Summary: The relationship between number of introduced individuals and introduction success is positively correlated, but successful establishment can still occur with smaller-than-expected founding populations, indicating the importance of chance in species introductions. A simulation model was used to evaluate the likelihood of success for the introduction of island canaries to Midway Atoll, with juvenile mortality rates found to have a significant impact on introduction success. Factors such as behavioral plasticity in mate selection, resistance to inbreeding depression, and reduction in juvenile mortality rates via human assistance were identified as potential contributors to increased likelihood of success in small introductions.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Marco R. Hernandez, Justin R. Barker, Hugh J. Macisaac
Summary: This study models the risk differences in cargo vessel discharges that meet the IMO D-2 standards and analyzes the impact on invasion risk. The results indicate that community composition strongly affects the risk, and colonization pressure has a significant influence at low community propagule pressure. The IMO D-2 standards require very low individual propagule pressures and community propagule pressures, and more empirical research is needed to determine if vessels can meet these requirements.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Donald A. Levin
Summary: The production of polyploid individuals within local populations is widespread, but their establishment is limited by insufficient seed production and propagule pressure. More research is needed to understand the impact of propagule pressure on the establishment of local polyploid populations.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Juan Ignacio Tunez, Maria Laura Guichon
Summary: This study provides an updated list of mammalian species with established wild populations in the Neotropics and compares genetic variability between native and introduced populations. Loss of genetic variability is common in introduced populations, suggesting they have successfully established in new environments, supporting the genetic paradox of invasions. However, the magnitude of loss is not related to the number of introduction events or individuals, indicating a need for alternative approaches to estimate genetic diversity.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Sara Vicente, Cristina Maguas, David M. Richardson, Helena Trindade, John R. U. Wilson, Johannes J. Le Roux
Summary: The study found that the genetic diversity of invasive populations of Australian acacias is similar to that of native populations, and there is little evidence of extensive inbreeding in invasive populations. This may be attributed to the extensive movement, introduction efforts, and human use of Australian acacias around the world.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Kowiyou Yessoufou, Annie Estelle Ambani
Summary: This study found that alien non-invasive woody plants tend to provide more services compared to invasive species. By investigating the 12 services provided by 210 alien woody plants in South Africa, a phylogenetic signal was found in most services. The results suggest that the services provided by alien plants for human benefits may influence their invasion ability.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Rebecca Epanchin-Niell, Jieyi Lu, Alexandra Thompson, Patrick C. Tobin, David R. Gray, Andrew M. Liebhold
Summary: Geographical variation in the likelihood of biological invasions is influenced by propagule pressure and habitat suitability driven by ecological and social processes. By using eradication programs as proxies for new establishment events, it was found that socio-environmental factors such as human population size, climate, and availability of host trees significantly affect the probability of L. dispar arrival and establishment.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Claudenice Dei Tos, Camila Antoniassi Cardim, Vanessa de Brito Pereira, Roger Paulo Mormul
Summary: The study evaluated the gonadal histology of Corbicula fluminea and sampled limnological variables to understand its reproductive cycle. The research found that reproduction of the species is synchronized with the flood period and its limnological characteristics, and it either does not reproduce or reduces the intensity of reproduction in cold months.
ZOOLOGICAL STUDIES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
David Abecasis, Eliza Fragkopoulou, Bruno Claro, Jorge Assis
Summary: Connectivity is crucial for the functioning of marine protected area (MPA) networks, but it is often overlooked in marine spatial planning. This study used biophysical modeling and graph theory to identify key Mediterranean marine reserves that support connectivity between different ecoregions and contribute to recruitment and rescue effects. The results identified 19 reserves with distinct patterns of connectivity, providing important information for the implementation and management of an efficient MPA network in the Mediterranean.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Qinfeng Guo, Brian S. Cade, Wayne Dawson, Franz Essl, Holger Kreft, Jan Pergl, Mark van Kleunen, Patrick Weigelt, Marten Winter, Petr Pysek
Summary: This study compared invasion levels of native and alien plant species across different latitudes, with results showing the highest alien richness occurring around 40 degrees in both hemispheres. It also found significantly higher invasion levels on islands compared to continental regions, with low-latitude islands showing greater variability in invasion levels. In continental regions, only mid-latitudes had high variability with both low and high invasion levels.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Sarah C. Donelan, A. Whitman Miller, Jim R. Muirhead, Gregory M. Ruiz
Summary: The introduction of nonindigenous species poses a threat to global ecosystems, and the variability in reproductive responses across species and transit routes is an important driver of species invasions. Integrating reproductive potential into management strategies is crucial for limiting the spread of nonindigenous species.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Andy J. Green, Christophe Baltzinger, Adam Lovas-Kiss
Summary: Plant dispersal syndromes are often used to predict dominant dispersal mechanisms, but the classical syndromes may not accurately reflect the actual dispersal events. Endozoochory and epizoochory syndromes may not be helpful in predicting which plants non-frugivores disperse, or by which mechanism, and more empirical research is needed to understand the relationship between plant traits and dispersal mechanisms.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Victor Martin-Velez, Marta I. Sanchez, Adam Lovas-Kiss, Francisco Hortas, Andy J. Green
Summary: Waterbirds play an important role in the dispersal of aquatic invertebrates between different habitats. This study focused on the dispersal of invertebrates by lesser black-backed gulls wintering in Andalusia, Spain. The researchers found a diverse range of invertebrates in the gull's excreta, with ricefields having the highest abundance. The study also recorded the first instance of snail dispersal in waterbird pellets. This research highlights the significance of waterbirds in promoting species dispersal and ecosystem functioning.
Article
Limnology
Francisco Correa-Araneda, Ximena Jaque-Jaramillo, Carlos Esse, Pablo Saavedra, Alfredo Ulloa-Yanez, Juan Martin, Patricio De los Rios-Escalante, Luz Boyero, Katalina Ovalle, Rodrigo Santander-Massa, Guillermo Figueroa-Munoz
Summary: The study aims to contribute to the knowledge of the ecology of the threatened freshwater decapod A. concepcionensis in Chile. The results reveal the presence of A. concepcionensis in new sites up to 270 km south of the previously known range, suggesting that its distribution is broader than previously thought. The study also highlights the importance of avoiding or minimizing anthropic intervention in the species' distribution area.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
M. Clavero, A. Garcia-Reyes, A. Fernandez-Gil, E. Revilla, N. Fernandez
Summary: This study used historical records from the mid-19th century to estimate the historical distribution range of the Iberian wolf in Spain. The results showed that the wolf's range has significantly reduced, with the species now restricted to the north-western quadrant of the country. The study demonstrates the importance of compiling historical species records for informing conservation efforts.
ANIMAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Francisco Blanco-Garrido, Virgilio Hermoso, Miguel Clavero
Summary: Historical records are important for understanding long-term changes in species distribution, but they are often scarce or found in non-scientific sources. Gazetteers could be a valuable source of historical species records, and the Madoz dictionary from the 19th century contains extensive information on geography and wildlife in Spain. The database created from this dictionary provides valuable data on freshwater fauna records, which can be used for conservation and management purposes.
REVIEWS IN FISH BIOLOGY AND FISHERIES
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Miguel Clavero, Jongmo Suh, Nati Franch, Enric Aparicio, Teresa Buchaca, Jenny Caner, Sergi Garcia-Rodriguez, Francesc Llimona, Quim Pou-Rovira, Rafel Rocaspana, Marc Ventura
Summary: This study describes the irruption and rapid expansion of non-native loaches in Catalonia, using data from fish sampling, genetic analyses, and trait descriptions. At least five non-native loach species have been established in Catalonia, most of which are currently spreading. Genetic analyses were fundamental to understand loach invasions and highlight the unresolved taxonomy of loaches. Loaches differ from previously established invasive fish species, indicating potential weaknesses of prevention strategies based on prohibited species lists. The study calls for more flexible management tools and prioritizing prevention and rapid responses to new introductions.
FRESHWATER BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ismael Soto, Danish A. Ahmed, Ayah Beidas, Francisco J. Oficialdegui, Elena Tricarico, David G. Angeler, Giuseppe Amatulli, Elizabeta Briski, Thibault Datry, Alain Dohet, Sami Domisch, Judy England, Maria J. Feio, Maxence Forcellini, Richard K. Johnson, J. Iwan Jones, Aitor Larranaga, Lionel L'Hoste, John F. Murphy, Ralf B. Schaefer, Longzhu Q. Shen, Antonin Kouba, Phillip J. Haubrock
Summary: Since the mid-20th century, Europe has seen a significant increase in non-indigenous crayfish species (NICS) due to their extensive use in fisheries, aquaculture, and pet trade. However, there is a lack of large-scale analysis on their occurrences and trends. In this study, using a freshwater macroinvertebrate database, we evaluated the information on NICS obtained from biomonitoring approaches and identified species-specific trends. We found no significant temporal trend for the abundance of any species at the European scale but identified predictors of abundances.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Francisco J. Oficialdegui, Jose M. Zamora-Marin, Simone Guareschi, Pedro M. Anastacio, Pablo Garcia-Murillo, Filipe Ribeiro, Rafael Miranda, Fernando Cobo, Belinda Gallardo, Emili Garcia-Berthou, Dani Boix, Andres Arias, Jose A. Cuesta, Leopoldo Medina, David Almeida, Filipe Banha, Sandra Barca, Idoia Biurrun, M. Pilar Cabezas, Sara Calero, Juan A. Campos, Laura Capdevila-Arguelles, Cesar Capinha, Frederic Casals, Miguel Clavero, Joao Encarnacao, Carlos Fernandez-Delgado, Javier Franco, Antonio Guillen, Virgilio Hermoso, Annie Machordom, Joana Martelo, Andres Mellado-Diaz, Felipe Morcilloy, Javier Oscoz, Anabel Perdices, Quim Pou-Rovira, Argantonio Rodriguez-Merino, Macarena Ros, Ana Ruiz-Navarro, Marta I. Sanchez, David Sanchez-Fernandez, Jorge R. Sanchez-Gonzalez, Enrique Sanchez-Gullon, M. Alexandra Teodosio, Mar Torralva, Rufino Vieira-Lanero, Francisco J. Oliva-Paterna
Summary: As the number of introduced species continues to rise, it is crucial to identify and prioritize current and potential invasive alien species (IAS) for effective management. Using a combination of scientific knowledge and expert opinion, this study identified the most relevant aquatic IAS in the Iberian Peninsula and classified them into a concern list and an alert list. This approach provides a robust assessment and cost-effective strategy for prioritizing resources in IAS prevention and management.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Nicole Boury-Esnault, Gerard Bellan, Denise Bellan-Santini, Charles-Francois Boudouresque, Pierre Chevaldonne, Alrick Dias, Daniel Faget, Jean-Georges Harmelin, Mireille Harmelin-Vivien, Christophe Lejeusne, Thierry Perez, Jean Vacelet, Marc Verlaque
Summary: In the mid-19th century, Marseille became a center of interest for European scientists in marine natural sciences. The first Zoology Laboratory was established in 1868, followed by the creation of the Station Marine d'Endoume in 1889. This institution has survived wars and continues to exist today. An inventory of taxa described by scientists from the Station Marine d'Endoume was compiled and arranged in a public database. The study shows how taxonomic descriptions contributed to scientific knowledge and discusses trends in taxonomic and naturalistic research based on the institution's experience.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Alfredo A. Ulloa-Yanez, Guillermo Figueroa-Munoz, Daniela Nunez, Luz Boyero, Patricio De Los Rios-Escalante, Juan Martin, Ximena Jaque, Carlos Esse, Francisco Correa-Araneda
Summary: The tiger crab is a threatened endemic freshwater decapod of Chile, distributed in the Mediterranean region of Central Chile. Human stressors and limited knowledge of its ecology have led to its categorization as Endangered. This study presents a preliminary description of the species' ecology and provides useful information for its conservation.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Javier Perez, Aydee Cornejo, Alberto Alonso, Alisson Guerra, Gabriela Garcia, Carlos Nieto, Francisco Correa-Araneda, Diana Rojo, Luz Boyero
Summary: Several human activities result in increased N and P inputs to running waters. Joint effects of moderate eutrophication and global warming can affect the functioning of headwater streams. Both warming and eutrophication can alter stream ecosystems, with warming consistently enhancing decomposition rates and associated variables, and eutrophication having weaker and more variable effects.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Juan Rubio-Rios, Maria J. Salinas-Bonillo, Javier Perez, Encarnacion Fenoy, Luz Boyero, J. Jesus Casas
Summary: The abandonment of traditional farming and pastures in the Mediterranean basin led to ambitious afforestation programs, resulting in a drastic transformation of the landscape. The potential ecological impacts of these programs on recipient ecosystems were not considered. In this study, the researchers assessed the effects of pine plantations on stream ecosystem functioning and found that the presence of black alder in the riparian zone and/or as leaf litter within the stream mitigated the impacts. Thinning of pine plantations combined with the planting of native deciduous species, such as alder, is recommended to alleviate the effects on Mediterranean streams.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Duarte S. Viana, Francisco J. Oficialdegui, Maria del Carmen Soriano, Virgilio Hermoso, Miguel Clavero
Summary: The study analysed the distribution and niche dynamics of the Italian crayfish in the Iberian Peninsula over the past 200 years. The distribution expanded from the mid-19th century to the mid-20th century, mostly towards coastal-influenced areas. After the introduction of North American crayfish, the niche shifted towards rough mountain areas. This research highlights the dynamic nature of the crayfish's distribution and niche in the presence of invaders and explores the conditions for coexistence.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Pal Toth, Andy J. Green, David M. Wilkinson, Kane Brides, Adam Lovas-Kiss
Summary: Ducks and geese serve as dispersal vectors for plants, with mallards dispersing more plant species compared to geese. Plant communities and traits dispersed also differ between urban and natural habitats.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Luiz C. Barboza, Giliandro G. Silva, Andy J. Green, Leonardo Maltchik, Cristina Stenert
Summary: Waterbird-mediated zoochory is an important mechanism for the dispersal of non-flying freshwater invertebrates between isolated wetlands. Our study found evidence of avian endozoochory for aquatic snails in neotropical wetlands, suggesting that migratory bird species may play a role in their dispersal.