Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
A. Luiza-Andrade, R. R. Silva, Y. Shimano, A. P. J. Faria, M. N. Cardoso, L. S. Brasil, R. Ligeiro, R. T. Martins, N. Hamada, L. Juen
Summary: Despite advances in recent years, there is still a lack of information on the habitat specificity of many aquatic insects, especially in diverse regions like the Amazon. This study evaluates the relationship between niche breadth and habitat specificity of aquatic insects in 219 streams. The results show that environmental changes can favor specialist insects and that some taxa occupy less frequently occupied habitats.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dan-Na Yu, Pan-Pan Yu, Le-Ping Zhang, Kenneth B. Storey, Xin-Yan Gao, Jia-Yong Zhang
Summary: The study sequenced mitochondrial genomes of mayflies, dragonflies, damselflies, and stoneflies, and supported the Chiastomyaria hypothesis through analyses with different outgroup combinations. Novel gene arrangements were also discovered, providing insight into the phylogeny of these insect orders.
Article
Biology
Marek Let, Jan Cerny, Petra Novakova, Filip Lozek, Martin Blaha
Summary: Mayflies, stoneflies, and caddisflies are aquatic insects commonly used as environmental quality indicators. This study focused on how these insects reacted to human-induced environmental gradients, particularly in a stream ecosystem impacted by mining, smelting activities, and high levels of pollutants. The results showed significant declines in stoneflies but higher abundances of caddisflies at affected sites, highlighting the complex responses of these insects to environmental stressors.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
David C. Houghton
Summary: The study found that watershed-scale habitat disturbance decreases nearly all EPT taxa, regardless of FFG. It also demonstrated the importance of biomass values rather than simple specimen counts when calculating metrics, and the utility of sampling EPT adults with ultraviolet lights relative to sampling benthic specimens.
Article
Fisheries
Gabrielle Soares Muniz Pacheco, Thais Giovannini Pellegrini, Rodrigo Lopes Ferreira
Summary: The study found significant differences in benthic macroinvertebrate fauna between caves of different lithologies, indicating potential regional influences. Cave lithology affects water chemical and physical characteristics, thus supporting different EPT assemblages.
MARINE AND FRESHWATER RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Juan Mateo Rivera-Perez, Yulie Shimano, Ana Luiza-Andrade, Nelson Silva Pinto, Lucimar G. Dias, Karine Santos Ferreira, Samir Rolim, Leandro Juen
Summary: This study evaluated the abundance and richness of generalist and specialist genera of EPT in response to mining activities in the Carajas National Forest, Brazil. It found that mining had a negative effect on the richness of specialists but a positive effect on their abundance. On the other hand, generalists negatively responded to mining in terms of richness and abundance.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Da-Yeong Lee, Dae-Seong Lee, Soon-Jin Hwang, Kyung-Lak Lee, Young-Seuk Park
Summary: The study assessed the distribution patterns and environmental characteristics of plecopteran assemblages in South Korean streams. The results showed that plecopteran species were diverse and abundant, preferring cold and undisturbed running water on rocky substrates near mountain forests. However, their habitat preferences varied depending on the species, with different sensitivities and responses to temperature and hydrological flow conditions. The majority of plecopteran species in South Korea are vulnerable and endangered.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Frank Chukwuzuoke Akamagwuna, Augustine Ovie Edegbene, Phindiwe Ntloko, Francis Ofurum Arimoro, Chika Felicitas Nnadozie, Dennis Junior Choruma, Oghenekaro Nelson Odume
Summary: This study examined the distribution patterns of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera functional feeding groups (EPT FFGs) in streams in the Tsitsa River catchment in South Africa. The results showed that physicochemical variables, such as phosphate-phosphorus and total inorganic nitrogen, significantly influenced the distribution patterns of EPT FFGs. Collectors were the most abundant FFGs in the study area and their response was associated with phosphate-phosphorus.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gencer Turkmen
Summary: The present study aimed to clarify the ecological and habitat preferences of Epeorus znojkoi in the Turkish part of the Caucasus Biodiversity Hotspot, and to discuss its usefulness in biomonitoring and water quality assessment. E. znojkoi was found to prefer oligosaprobic and β-mesosaprobic streams with stony substrate in the epirhithron. It can be considered a useful indicator species of high water quality for the streams within the investigated area.
KUWAIT JOURNAL OF SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Paulo Geovani Silva Gomes, Edgar Luis Lima, Samantha Ribeiro Silva, Leandro Juen, Leandro Schlemmer Brasil
Summary: We conducted a systematic review to analyze the characteristics of studies on the impacts of land use change on adult EPT communities. The results showed that most studies were conducted in Europe and North America, focusing on the group Trichoptera. Light traps were the most commonly used sampling method. The study also found significant differences in adult EPT communities between open areas and forests, suggesting negative impacts of forest conversion on these communities. This systematic review can provide important guidance for researchers in selecting appropriate collection methods and taxonomic groups for their studies.
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT
(2022)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Deborah Faria, Jose Carlos Morante-Filho, Julio Baumgarten, Ricardo S. Bovendorp, Eliana Cazetta, Fernanda A. Gaiotto, Eduardo Mariano-Neto, Marcelo S. Mielke, Michaele S. Pessoa, Larissa Rocha-Santos, Alesandro S. Santos, Leiza A. S. S. Soares, Daniela C. Talora, Emerson M. Vieira, Maira Benchimol
Summary: The pace of deforestation in tropical forests has reached unprecedented levels, requiring effective and easily understandable conservation measures. A large-scale project in the threatened Atlantic Forest has revealed the significant impacts of deforestation on habitat quality, biodiversity, and ecological processes. After a decade of research, evidence shows changes in forest characteristics, reduced biodiversity, and disruptions in ecological processes.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Ruric O. Bowman, Robert F. Smith
Summary: Stream insects play a crucial role in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. This study focused on the vertical migration of adult stream insects into riparian forest canopies. The findings suggest that adult stream insects utilize canopy habitats, highlighting the importance of riparian forest conservation for stream insect populations.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Xiongjun Liu, Noe Ferreira-Rodriguez, Ruiwen Wu, Shan Ouyang, Xiaoping Wu
Summary: The worldwide decline in freshwater biodiversity due to anthropogenic pressures is a growing concern, as it leads to loss of ecosystem functions. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in freshwater mussel diversity, density, and biomass in the Poyang Lake basin over the last 60 years and identify the factors driving these patterns. The results showed a decline in alpha diversity, species richness, density, and biomass of freshwater mussels, indicating a homogenization of their populations. The study also found a significant association between pH and biodiversity, suggesting that acidification due to intensive agriculture development may be a major factor behind the decline of freshwater mussels.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Muhamad Ishak, Ahmad R. Norhisham, Stephen M. Thomas, Siti Nurhidayu, Amal Ghazali, Badrul Azhar
Summary: The study found that small-scale oil palm agriculture affects river water quality and aquatic biodiversity, with dragonflies being sensitive indicators of ecosystem health. The presence of dissolved oxygen, water temperature, and vegetation cover positively influenced dragonfly species richness, while water level, pH, and total dissolved solids had a negative impact. Management practices should focus on reducing chemical pesticide and fertilizer use to improve conservation value of oil palm waterways for dragonflies and aquatic fauna in general.
FRONTIERS IN FORESTS AND GLOBAL CHANGE
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jorge Antonio Gomez . Diaz, Andres Lira-Noriega, Fabricio Villalobos
Summary: This study assessed the effectiveness of the current protected area system and identified priority conservation areas for expanding the network in central Veracruz, Mexico. Using distribution models and conservation planning tools, the study proposed declaring new protected areas that would double the existing protected surface. These priority areas have higher species richness, carbon stock values, natural vegetation cover, and lower human impact.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND WORLD ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Aileen van der Mescht, James S. Pryke, Rene Gaigher, Michael J. Samways
Summary: The study found that in a human-transformed landscape, bush cricket species optimize their distribution of ecological and acoustic space by maintaining effective communication and selecting different habitats in different biotopes to avoid acoustic interference. Acoustic and environmental factors play interactive roles in enabling sympatric species to co-exist across complex landscapes without acoustic interference.
BIOACOUSTICS-THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SOUND AND ITS RECORDING
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Nickson Erick Otieno, Shayne Martin Jacobs, James Stephen Pryke
Summary: The study found that traditional farming in Kenya retains higher herbivore species richness and abundance, as well as higher predator abundance compared to conventional farming. Percentage maize cover is positively correlated with ant species richness, predator and herbivore abundance, while hedgerows and the comparison of mono- vs inter-cropping are important predictors for predator evenness.
JOURNAL OF INSECT CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Ecology
K. Jurie Theron, James S. Pryke, Michael J. Samways
Summary: Biodiversity conservation requires effective management of key areas, including natural grassland conservation corridors, which improve landscape connectivity and mitigate fragmentation. Grasshoppers were used as indicators, showing positive responses to historic grassland activity and the important role of habitat heterogeneity for maintaining diversity. Satellite imagery is effective for monitoring grasshopper responses to vegetation changes within corridors.
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
James S. Pryke, Francois Roets, Michael J. Samways
Summary: Mammals are declining globally due to habitat loss. Human-wildlife conflicts have led to the fencing off of ranges for many large mammal species. However, the impact of this activity on the functional associations between insects and large mammals has not been well studied.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Lavhelesani D. Simba, James S. Pryke, Francois Roets, Colleen L. Seymour
Summary: This study assessed the impact of arid climate on dung beetle diversity and abundance in the Karoo region of South Africa. The results showed that species richness and abundance were influenced by rainfall and mammalian herbivore stocking rates, while functional diversity was less affected by environmental and management variables. The study also found that as vegetation cover increased and soil content decreased, there was a more even distribution of beetle sizes.
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Michelle Eckert, Rene Gaigher, James S. Pryke, Michael J. Samways
Summary: This study assessed the influence of different spatial scales and variables on soil fauna diversity in different regions and biotopes in South Africa. The results showed higher soil arthropod diversity in the Midlands compared to Zululand. Indigenous forest and grassland had complementary effects on arthropod assemblages. The responses of arthropod diversity varied among biotopes and regions, with more pronounced effects in the Midlands. These findings suggest that conservation strategies should be tailored to different locations to protect soil fauna diversity.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Ecology
J. van Schalkwyk, J. S. Pryke, M. J. Samways, R. Gaigher
Summary: Corridor orientation and width are important design variables for butterfly conservation. Wide corridors at a variety of orientations benefit different subsets of the butterfly assemblage, and edge orientation influences resident butterflies more strongly than transient butterflies and specialists more strongly than generalists.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
M. Eckert, R. Gaigher, J. S. Pryke, M. J. Samways
Summary: Understanding how biodiversity responds to fine-scale heterogeneity is important for predicting larger-scale diversity patterns and informing local-scale conservation practices. In South Africa's Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany biodiversity hotspot, knowledge of soil arthropod assemblages in different biotopes helps in the design of conservation set-asides in commercial forestry landscapes. Our study found high segregation among arthropod assemblages in all biotopes, with variations in both structure and transformation. Dry and hydromorphic grasslands, although similar in structure, showed high assemblage dissimilarity, highlighting the responsiveness of soil fauna to fine-scale habitat heterogeneity. Each biotope favored different feeding guilds and had species strongly associated with it, demonstrating the complementarity of the biotopes. Natural biotopes had high species richness, diversity, and turnover, while pine plantations showed comparable levels of diversity and turnover, suggesting that certain soil arthropods may be favored in plantation conditions.
JOURNAL OF INSECT CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Aileen C. van der Mescht, James S. Pryke, Rene Gaigher, Michael J. Samways
Summary: Species in transformed landscapes utilize resources from transformed patches, natural patches, or both. Species-specific responses to landscape transformation are varied and dynamic, depending on their level of specialization. Understanding these responses is essential for informed conservation decisions.
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Michelle Eckert, Rene Gaigher, James S. Pryke, Michael J. Samways
Summary: In order to sustainably manage soils, it is important to study the effects of management practices on soil biota. This study examined the impact of different residue management practices on soil biota in a forestry landscape in South Africa. The results showed that, in the short term, different residue management practices did not significantly affect soil biota diversity or soil biological activity. However, further assessments are recommended to fully understand the long-term impact of residue management on soil arthropods.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Charl Deacon, Michael J. Samways, James S. Pryke
Summary: Landscape fragmentation affects freshwater habitats and quality, impacting aquatic insect communities. Adjacent terrestrial areas serve as important secondary habitats for amphibiotic insects. Zygopterans are more sensitive to fragmentation, while anisopterans show more resilience and habitat selectivity based on water chemistry and vegetation characteristics.
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Rene Gaigher, James S. Pryke, Michael J. Samways
Summary: Heterogeneity at local and landscape scales plays an important role in promoting insect diversity and mitigating insect declines caused by global change. In this study, the researchers examined the use of indigenous forest-grassland edges by butterflies. They found that forest edges supported a diverse butterfly assemblage, with forest specialists being more diverse at forest edges than in grassland. The researchers also observed more interactions and patrolling behavior at forest edges, while feeding and transient behavior were more common in grassland. The occurrence and behavioral patterns were not influenced by season, indicating that the influence of forests remains consistent under varying environmental conditions. However, certain species showed a preference for forest edges in the hot and windy season, suggesting that the shelter provided by forest edges influences butterfly habitat use. The study highlights the importance of conserving forest patches in coastal grasslands for butterfly populations in the face of global change.
JOURNAL OF INSECT CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Michelle Eckert, Rene Gaigher, James S. Pryke, Charlene Janion-Scheepers, Michael J. Samways
Summary: This study compares the taxonomic and functional diversity of soil arthropods in natural and transformed habitats. The results show similar levels of diversity between the two habitats, but shifts in traits between them. These findings suggest that increasing landscape heterogeneity in production landscapes can enhance the diversity of soil arthropods.
SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Yongcui Lan, Jinliang Wang, Qianwei Liu, Fang Liu, Lanfang Liu, Jie Li, Mengjia Luo
Summary: This study focuses on the five major plateau lake basins in central Yunnan, China, and constructs an ecological security pattern using the source-resistance surface-corridor-pinch point framework. The study simulates land use/cover change in the region and identifies early warning regions where future urban expansion poses a threat to current ecological source areas and corridors.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2024)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Pingping Huang, Feng Zhao, Bailing Zhou, Kuidong Xu
Summary: This study investigates the distribution of benthic microeukaryotes in the China Seas and finds that they can stride over the ecological barrier of 32 degrees N. The study also highlights the significant influence of depth, temperature, and latitude on communities in the China Seas.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2024)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Federico Morelli, Yanina Benedetti, Jesse Stanford, Leszek Jerzak, Piotr Tryjanowski, Paolo Perna, Riccardo Santolini
Summary: Species distribution models (SDMs) are numerical tools used for predicting species' spatial distribution. This study found that ecological characteristics, such as habitat specialization, play a role in improving the accuracy of SDMs.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2024)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Xiaoxuan Wu, Hang Liu, Wei Liu
Summary: Global climate change, urbanization, and economic development have increased the need for sustainable human development, urban ecological governance, and low-carbon energy transformation. This study analyzes the green ecological transition in Chengdu based on panel data from 2010 to 2020, exploring its spatiotemporal evolution and key factors. The results show an overall upward trend in Chengdu's green ecological development and positive spatial autocorrelation in certain districts.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2024)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Castaldi Simona, Formicola Nicola, Mastrocicco Micol, Morales Rodriguez Carmen, Morelli Raffaella, Prodorutti Daniele, Vannini Andrea, Zanzotti Roberto
Summary: Sustainable agricultural practices are increasingly important for global and national environmental policies and economy. This study compared the sustainability of grape production under integrated and organic management using multiple indicators. The results showed that organic management was more beneficial for most environmental aspects of the agroecosystem compared to integrated management, without affecting grape yield.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2024)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Gaia Vaglio Laurin, Alexander Cotrina-Sanchez, Luca Belelli-Marchesini, Enrico Tomelleri, Giovanna Battipaglia, Claudia Cocozza, Francesco Niccoli, Jerzy Piotr Kabala, Damiano Gianelle, Loris Vescovo, Luca Da Ros, Riccardo Valentini
Summary: Phenology monitoring is important for understanding forest functioning and climate impacts. This research compares the phenological behavior of European beech forests using Tree-Talker (TT+) and Sentinel 2 satellite data. The study finds differences in the information derived by the two sensor types, particularly in terms of season length, phenology changepoints, and leaf period variability. TT+ with its higher temporal resolution demonstrates precision in capturing the phenological changepoints, especially when satellite image availability is limited.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2024)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Huanhuan Pan, Ziqiang Du, Zhitao Wu, Hong Zhang, Keming Ma
Summary: The land use and cover changes resulting from coal mining activities and ecological restoration have had a significant impact on ecosystem services in mining areas. This study investigates the relationship between ecosystem services and land use intensity in coal mining areas, emphasizing the importance of understanding this interdependence for balanced human-land system development. The research examines the evolving relationship across different reclamation stages in Shanxi, China, using a coupling coordination degree model. The findings suggest the need for timely and judicious reclamation of coalfields, considering the land's bearing capacity.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2024)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jingjuan He, Yijun Shi, Lihua Xu, Zhangwei Lu, Mao Feng
Summary: This study examines the spatial interplay between changes in the blue-green spatial distribution and modifications in land surface temperature grades in Shanghai. The findings reveal that the transformation of the blue-green spatial pattern differs between different sectors of the city, and the impact on the thermal environment varies spatially.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2024)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Yi Xu, Di Zhang, Junqiang Lin, Qidong Peng, Xiaohui Lei, Tiantian Jin, Jia Wang, Ruifang Yuan
Summary: This study analyzed the response relationship between phytoplankton growth and water environmental parameters in the Middle Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project in China using long-term monitoring data and machine learning models. The results revealed the differences between monitoring sites and identified the key parameters that affect phytoplankton growth.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2024)