Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alan M. Friedlander, Enric Ballesteros, Jennifer E. Caselle, Mathias Huene, Alyssa M. Adler, Enric Sala
Summary: This study investigated the distribution, diversity, and abundance of marine macroinvertebrate assemblages in the kelp forests of southern Patagonia. The study found rich assemblages of macroinvertebrates, with a total of 185 unique taxa from 10 phyla and 23 classes/infraorders. The environmental factors that influenced the assemblage structure were wave exposure, salinity, and the geographic region.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jip de Vries, Michiel H. S. Kraak, Piet F. M. Verdonschot
Summary: This study aimed to elucidate the context-specificity of aquatic macroinvertebrate community index scores in lotic and lentic water bodies. The results showed that there were differences in index scores between different water types, highlighting the importance of careful interpretation of their meaning within the appropriate context.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zlatko Petrin, Thomas Correll Jensen, Elina Lungrin, Knut Andreas Eikland
Summary: Roads form a global network of ecological barriers that have wide-ranging impacts on lotic ecosystems, including fragmentation, hydrological changes, sedimentation, and pollution. This study found that downstream of roads, there were lower densities of total macroinvertebrates and mayflies compared to upstream, while control streams did not show similar effects. Species density tended to be lower downstream, likely due to the lower macroinvertebrate densities at these sites. The species composition and abundances also differed between road impacted streams and control streams, suggesting a selection for different species in road impacted streams. Functional impacts included increased prevalence of predators in control streams and a higher proportion of grazers and shredders in road impacted streams.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Axel Eduardo Rico-Sanchez, Alexis Joseph Rodriguez-Romero, Jacinto Elias Sedeno-Diaz, Eugenia Lopez-Lopez, Andrea Sundermann
Summary: Mining is a major source of pollution worldwide, and Mexico has widespread industrial and artisanal mining activities. This study used aquatic macroinvertebrates to assess the ecological impacts of mining activities. The results showed complex relationships between environmental factors, habitat quality, heavy metals, and macroinvertebrates. Increased concentrations of heavy metals, nutrients, and salinity limited the presence of sensitive macroinvertebrate families. Mining activities, agriculture, and presence of villages in the basin had adverse effects on macroinvertebrate assemblages.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Maria Joao Feio, Robert M. Hughes, Sonia R. Q. Serra, Susan J. Nichols, Ben J. Kefford, Mark Lintermans, Wayne Robinson, Oghenekaro N. Odume, Marcos Callisto, Diego R. Macedo, Jon S. Harding, Adam G. Yates, Wendy Monk, Keigo Nakamura, Terutaka Mori, Masanao Sueyoshi, Norman Mercado-Silva, Kai Chen, Min Jeong Baek, Yeon Jae Bae, Ram Devi Tachamo-Shah, Deep Narayan Shah, Ian Campbell, Nabor Moya, Francis O. Arimoro, Unique N. Keke, Renato T. Martins, Carlos B. M. Alves, Paulo S. Pompeu, Subodh Sharma
Summary: This study evaluated the biological condition of rivers globally and provided recommendations for river ecosystem conservation. The results showed that good biological conditions were associated with good water quality and increased forested areas, while severely impaired conditions were associated with higher human development index scores, poorer water quality, and fewer protected freshwater areas. The study highlights the importance of implementing statutory bioassessment programs in Asian, African, and South American countries.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Alexis Joseph Rodriguez-Romero, Axel Eduardo Rico-Sanchez, Jacinto Elias Sedeno-Diaz, Eugenia Lopez-Lopez
Summary: The analysis of functional diversity in tropical environments of America has not been fully explored, and Protected Natural Areas can serve as a benchmark for global biodiversity conservation efforts. Functional diversity indices were found to be sensitive to disturbances such as salinization, nutrient concentration, and organic matter, making them suitable for evaluating ecological conditions within reserves.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maria Natalia Marrochi, Lisa Hunt, Marina Solis, Ana Maria Scalise, Silvia Laura Fanelli, Carlos Bonetto, Hernan Mugni
Summary: This study assessed the effects of land use on the benthic invertebrate assemblages of streams in the main Argentine agricultural region. The results showed that streams surrounded by croplands had higher nutrient concentrations, pesticide levels, and different macroinvertebrate assemblages compared to streams surrounded by pasture or reserve.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Camila Aida Campos, Mark J. Kennard, Jose Francisco Goncalves Junior
Summary: This study found that land use scale, treated sewage input, and water quality variables were the main drivers of biological assemblages in Brazilian savanna streams. Ecological thresholds along disturbance gradients varied among taxa and biotic groups, with relatively minor increases in land use or water quality parameters triggering significant changes in macroinvertebrate and diatom assemblages. The limits of tolerance for conductivity, nitrate, and phosphate were lower than those provided by Brazilian government guidelines, underscoring the need for more stringent measures to maintain the integrity of biological assemblages in these watersheds. Valuable knowledge about the sensitivities and tolerances of diatom and macroinvertebrate taxa can inform better freshwater and watershed management practices.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tatenda Dalu, Pretty Dlamini, Ryan J. Wasserman, Matjutla J. Mokgoebo, Thendo Mutshekwa, Farai Dondofema, Ross N. Cuthbert
Summary: This study found that different water levels have significant impacts on water quality and ecological communities in reservoir systems, while water level, site, and aquatic vegetation have little effect on macroinvertebrate community structures. The composition of macroinvertebrate communities varied significantly over time.
CHEMISTRY AND ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marius Dhamelincourt, Jacques Rives, Marie Pons, Aitor Larranaga, Cedric Tentelier, Arturo Elosegi
Summary: The study found that the nests of sea lamprey have an impact on the macroinvertebrate assemblages in rivers. The increased habitat heterogeneity caused by the nests results in a decrease in invertebrate density and number of taxa, but an increase in overall taxa diversity. In addition, the nests also lead to changes in the proportion of different functional traits of the invertebrates.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ruoyu Liang, Thomas M. Sinclair, Peter S. Craig, Lorraine Maltby
Summary: Assessing spatial variation in the chemical sensitivity of natural assemblages is important for ecological risk assessments and environmental quality standards. The sensitivity of freshwater macroinvertebrate assemblages to different chemicals varied spatially and exhibited clustering patterns. The variation was greater for specifically acting chemicals and was related to river typology.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Thomas J. Mooney, Andrew J. Harford, Julie Hanley, Samantha Walker, Mia Sandgren, Andrew Jansen, Chris Humphrey
Summary: The sensitivity of macroinvertebrates to elevated salinity and magnesium (Mg) concentrations in a stream in Kakadu National Park was investigated. Different hydrographic phases showed variation in the sensitivity of macroinvertebrate assemblages to Mg, with early flow periods having higher sensitivity.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Patrick Lavelle, Jerome Mathieu, Alister Spain, George Brown, Carlos Fragoso, Emmanuel Lapied, Adriana De Aquino, Isabelle Barois, Edmundo Barrios, Maria Eleusa Barros, Jose Camilo Bedano, Eric Blanchart, Mark Caulfield, Yamileth Chagueza, Jun Dai, Thibaud Decaens, Anahi Dominguez, Yamileth Dominguez, Alexander Feijoo, Patricia Folgarait, Steven J. Fonte, Norma Gorosito, Esperanza Huerta, Juan Jose Jimenez, Courtland Kelly, Gladys Loranger, Robelio Marchao, Raphael Marichal, Catarina Praxedes, Leonardo Rodriguez, Guillaume Rousseau, Laurent Rousseau, Nuria Ruiz, Catalina Sanabria, Juan Carlos Suarez, Jerome Ebagnerin Tondoh, Anne De Valenca, Steven J. Vanek, Joel Vasquez, Elena Velasquez, Emily Webster, Chi Zhang
Summary: Soil macroinvertebrate communities respond to climatic, soil, and land-cover conditions. Different taxa are distributed under a wide range of geographical and environmental conditions, and agricultural practices have an impact on their abundance.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
James R. Welch, Carlos E. A. Coimbra Jr
Summary: Indigenous and traditional peoples around the world use controlled burning to promote resource availability and cultural expression. In Brazil, Indigenous participation in fire management projects has shown promising results, but also raises criticism for not adequately incorporating local perspectives. Effective fire control efforts should begin with territorial sovereignty and involve Indigenous and traditional communities as equal conservation partners.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Marina Arias, Carlos Bonetto, Silvia Laura Fanelli, Lorena Scenna, Karina Silvia Beatriz Miglioranza, Hernan Mugni
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the impact of horticultural land use on the taxonomic composition and functional feeding groups of freshwater macroinvertebrates in lowland streams. The results showed that horticultural activities increased nutrient and pesticide concentrations, negatively affecting the richness, density, and diversity of macroinvertebrate assemblages and leading to a dominance of tolerant families. Additionally, horticulture altered the trophic structure of macroinvertebrate assemblages.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Michelle Blanckenberg, Musa C. Mlambo, Denham Parker, Samuel N. Motitsoe, Cecile Reed
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
D. Parker, J. C. Coetzee, H. Winker, C. D. van der Lingen
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ryan Daly, Denham Parker, Geremy Cliff, Gareth L. Jordaan, Nkabi Nomfundo, Rhett H. Bennett, Bruce Q. Mann
Summary: The white-spotted wedgefish is a critically endangered shark-like ray in the Western Indian Ocean region. Data from fishing activities on the east coast of South Africa show significant population declines, indicating a need for conservation efforts.
AQUATIC CONSERVATION-MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nonkazimulo D. Mdidimba, Musa C. Mlambo, Samuel N. Motitsoe
Summary: The study found that hydroperiod significantly affects aquatic biological diversity and ecosystem structure in temporary wetlands. Longer hydroperiods are associated with higher biodiversity and more complex food web structures, while shorter hydroperiods show the opposite trends.
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Ronaldo Sousa, Dariusz Halabowski, Anna M. Labecka, Karel Douda, Olga Aksenova, Yulia Bespalaya, Ivan Bolotov, Juergen Geist, Hugh A. Jones, Ekaterina Konopleva, Michael W. Klunzinger, Carlos A. Lasso, Iga Lewin, Xiongjun Liu, Manuel Lopes-Lima, Jon Mageroy, Musa Mlambo, Keiko Nakamura, Mitsunori Nakano, Martin osterling, John Pfeiffer, Vincent Prie, Lucas R. P. Paschoal, Nicoletta Riccardi, Rogerio Santos, Spase Shumka, Allan K. Smith, Mikhail O. Son, Amilcar Teixeira, Frankie Thielen, Santiago Torres, Simone Varandas, Ilya V. Vikhrev, Xiaoping Wu, Alexandra Zieritz, Joana G. Nogueira
Summary: Anthropogenic freshwater habitats offer potential for long-term conservation of freshwater mussels, but may also act as ecological traps. These habitats are not a cure-all for conservation problems, and more research is needed to understand the trade-offs between human use and conservation within them.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Zandra M. S. Sigvardt, Jorgen Olesen, D. Christopher Rogers, Brian Timms, Musa Mlambo, Nicolas Rabet, Ferran Palero
Summary: Laevicaudatan branchiopods, also known as 'smooth clam shrimps' or 'pea shrimps', are a rare group of crustaceans found in temporary, small freshwater bodies that are mostly dry. Genetic data indicates a complex of cryptic species within Lynceus brachyurus and distinct East Asian and Southern Hemisphere clades. The study suggests a Pangean origin of Laevicaudata and highlights the need for further DNA research on certain species.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Luis B. Epele, Marta G. Grech, Emilio A. Williams-Subiza, Cristina Stenert, Kyle McLean, Hamish S. Greig, Leonardo Maltchik, Mateus Marques Pires, Matthew S. Bird, Aurelie Boissezon, Dani Boix, Eliane Demierre, Patricia E. Garcia, Stephanie Gascon, Michael Jeffries, Jamie M. Kneitel, Olga Loskutova, Luz M. Manzo, Gabriela Mataloni, Musa C. Mlambo, Beat Oertli, Jordi Sala, Erica E. Scheibler, Haitao Wu, Scott A. Wissinger, Darold P. Batzer
Summary: Climate change has multiple effects on wetland macroinvertebrate diversity, mainly through increasing maximum temperature and changing precipitation patterns. Wetlands located in warm-dry regions are the most vulnerable, while montane and high-latitude wetlands are also susceptible but not expected to experience complete extirpation at the family level.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Richard Cornette, Samuel N. Motitsoe, Musa C. Mlambo
Summary: A newly described species of Chironomidae, Polypedilum (Pentapedilum) cranstoni sp. nov., was discovered in ephemeral rock pools from the Maloti-Drakensberg mountains in South Africa. The morphology and COI gene sequence analysis of the new species were described.
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
David C. Aldridge, Isobel S. Ollard, Yulia Bespalaya, Ivan N. Bolotov, Karel Douda, Juergen Geist, Wendell R. Haag, Michael W. Klunzinger, Manuel Lopes-Lima, Musa C. Mlambo, Nicoletta Riccardi, Ronaldo Sousa, David L. Strayer, Santiago H. Torres, Caryn C. Vaughn, Tadeusz Zajac, Alexandra Zieritz
Summary: The article identifies 14 emerging and poorly understood threats and opportunities for the global conservation of freshwater mussels over the next decade. These 14 priority topics fall into five broad themes and cover various aspects ranging from autecology to ecosystem services. The prioritization of these topics can help guide proactive approaches to the conservation of this important group.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Zoology
David t. Bilton, Musa c. Mlambo
Summary: The Southern African endemic torridincolid water beetle genus Delevea Reichardt, 1976 is revised, based on recently collected material from the Republic of South Africa. The study provides significant range extensions for two previously described species and describes two new species. One of the new species, D. namaqua sp. nov., is the largest known extant species of the suborder Myxophaga, with an adult body length of up to 2.85 mm.
Article
Ecology
Michelle Shields, Zoe Woodgate, M. Justin O' Riain
Summary: Small livestock production has had significant impacts on natural land in South Africa, but the effects on wildlife are still poorly understood. This study investigates the response of mammal communities to sustained farming impacts and the cessation of farming activities. Through camera trapping and a dynamic multi-species occurrence model, the study found that the diversity and structure of mammal communities did not differ significantly between land used for farming and that which was abandoned for a protected area. These findings suggest that prolonged livestock farming areas have the potential to recover and support wildlife abundance.
JOURNAL OF ARID ENVIRONMENTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Angus D'Arcy Lawrie, Jennifer Chaplin, Lisa Kirkendale, Corey Whisson, Adrian Pinder, Musa C. Mlambo
Summary: Genetic and morphological data suggest a Gondwanan connection between the non-marine aquatic gastropod genera Coxiella, Tomichia, and Idiopyrgus. More assessment of the validity of the family Tomichiidae is needed. Coxiella is found in Australian salt lakes, Tomichia in southern Africa, and Idiopyrgus in South America. The taxonomy and diversity of these genera need to be better understood for future studies and conservation planning.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Entomology
David T. Bilton, Musa C. Mlambo
Summary: A new diving beetle, Copelatus mkambati sp. nov., is described from South Africa, with comparisons made to other Afrotropical taxa. The characteristics and potential lifestyle of the new species are discussed.
ACTA ENTOMOLOGICA MUSEI NATIONALIS PRAGAE
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
R. Daly, G. L. Jordaan, D. Parker, G. Cliff, N. Nkabi, R. Kyle, S. T. Fennessy, B. Q. Mann
Summary: This study investigated the movements, reproduction, and population status of the diamond ray Gymnura natalensis in South Africa. The findings showed that the species mainly inhabits the east coast of South Africa and despite the low number of individuals tagged, the population trend is stable to increasing, suggesting a classification of Least Concern.
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Elizabeth Meyer-Milne, Musa C. Mlambo, D. Christopher Rogers
ZOOLOGICAL STUDIES
(2020)