Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eduardo Jimenez-Garcia, Carmelo Andujar, Heriberto Lopez, Brent C. Emerson
Summary: Since Darwin proposed two opposing hypotheses, preadaptation and competition-relatedness hypotheses, to explain the establishment of species in areas outside their native ranges, many studies have focused on understanding the relative importance of each hypothesis. In this study, we used beetle communities in laurel forests of the Canary Islands to evaluate the support for Darwin's hypotheses within arthropods for the first time. Our results suggest that species preadaptation plays a stronger role than resource competition, and highlight a lack of knowledge regarding whether arthropod species are native or introduced, which we refer to as the Humboldtean shortfall. We suggest that future studies using arthropods should incorporate DNA barcode sequencing to address this issue.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Hong Qian, Shenhua Qian
Summary: The introduction of exotic plant species has homogenized regional floras across China, and it is predicted that exotic species will continue to spread and strengthen biotic homogenization in China.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Aldona Dobrzycka-Krahel
Summary: The study reveals the increased movement of aquatic species in recent years due to globalization and anthropopressure. It provides evidence of both northward and southward movements of Southern European aquatic alien invertebrates, highlighting the importance of understanding the migration patterns for effective management of aquatic ecosystems.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Anna J. Turbelin, Christophe Diagne, Emma J. Hudgins, Desika Moodley, Melina Kourantidou, Ana Novoa, Philip J. Haubrock, Camille Bernery, Rodolphe E. Gozlan, Robert A. Francis, Franck Courchamp
Summary: Introduction pathways are crucial for the management and control of Invasive Alien Species (IAS). By studying the economic impacts and pathways of IAS globally, we found that species introduced through different pathways have different costs, with unintentional introductions having higher costs. Although our study is limited by available data, these findings are important for prioritizing pathway measures and filling data gaps in the management of IAS.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hongbin Lu, Liping Xiao, Tao Wang, Shaoyong Lu, Huanhua Wang, Xiaochun Guo, Jiaxin Li
Summary: The study investigated the use of steel slag as a filler in constructed wetlands for treating low-phosphorus contaminated water, observing its effects on phosphorus removal and potential risks of phosphorus release. Results showed increased phosphorus concentrations in effluents of certain wetland components due to the decay of plant tissues, highlighting the importance of cautious application of steel slag in CW systems.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Johan Dannewitz, Stefan Palm, Lennart Edsman
Summary: The noble crayfish is an endangered freshwater species in Europe primarily threatened by the crayfish plague spread by North American crayfish species. A large-scale genetic study revealed three main genetic clusters in the Fennoscandian peninsula, with higher genetic diversity in the southern cluster. The genetic structure reflects past colonizations and human translocations, providing important insights for conservation and management efforts.
AQUATIC CONSERVATION-MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Yu Liu, Mingtao Lei, Hector Victor, Zhangyi Wang, Cong Yu, Gaoli Zhang, Yan Wang
Summary: The study found that the optimal feeding frequency for largemouth bass reared in pond was 3 meals per day, and 2 meals per day for those reared in in-pond raceway. The in-pond raceway system was not suitable for commercial largemouth bass farming.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Aram Jo, Seunghun Son, Dongeon Kim
Summary: With the progress of globalization, human activities such as trade and travel are rapidly increasing beyond national boundaries, with trade being the main pathway for the introduction of alien species. By analyzing trade data and the possibility of introducing Alert Alien Species (AAS), it can be more effective in managing non-introduced alien species.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ling Qiao, Zhiqiang Chang, Jian Li, Tiejun Li
Summary: The study of selective feeding in bivalves is important for understanding their growth and development as well as their role in ecosystems. This study used high-throughput sequencing to explore the feeding preferences of Mercenaria mercenaria, Meretrix meretrix, and Ruditapes philippinarum during different stages of their culturing. The results showed specific selection and avoidance of certain types of algae by these bivalve species, and the importance of picophytoplankton in their diets should be reevaluated.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Eunyoung Kim, Jaeyong Choi, Wonkyong Song
Summary: The study analyzed the invasion processes of Ageratina altissima and found that the species easily invades forest edges, while its spread in the forest interior is influenced by elevation and slope. The results emphasize the importance of land characteristics in the settlement of invasive species.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xue Chen, Zeng Zhou, Qiang He, Heyue Zhang, Tjeerd Bouma, Zheng Gong, Ian Townend, Changkuan Zhang
Summary: Based on a two-year continuous observation at a tidal wetland in the northern Jiangsu Coast, China, this study explored the relationship between crab burrow density and environmental variables. The study provides comprehensive field data for understanding crab burrow distribution and a scientific basis for sustainable management of tidal wetlands.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Md Nuruzzaman, A. H. M. Faisal Anwar, Ranjan Sarukkalige
Summary: Floating Treatment Wetland (FTW) is a cost-effective and easy-to-retrofit device for stormwater treatment. The study found that the design configurations of FTW, such as geometry, position, and inlet-outlet, significantly affect the hydrodynamics and treatment efficiency. Circular FTW geometry near the inlet with a center inlet-side outlet configuration achieved the highest removal rate, while far side inlet-side outlet configuration performed the worst due to short-circuiting. The results provide valuable insights for practitioners to improve water quality and ecological improvement goals.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Leah M. Bayer, Robert J. Fournier, Daniel D. Magoulick
Summary: Models exploring a broad array of life histories and disturbance regimes can provide managers with tools to develop generalized, widely applicable conservation strategies in data-depauperate systems. Populations of crayfish respond differentially to disturbance based on life history, but both r- and K-selected species appear to be highly susceptible to decline when faced with the additive effects of reduced carrying capacity resulting from invasion and reduced survival rates caused by drought.
AQUATIC CONSERVATION-MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Kangle Lu, Haitao Wu, Qiang Guan, Xianguo Lu
Summary: This study found that aquatic invertebrate assemblages can serve as potential indicators of wetland restoration condition in the Sanjiang Plain in Northeastern China, providing important insight into the effectiveness of restoration efforts. After 4 years of recovery, a significant proportion of invertebrate taxa from natural wetlands were also present in restored wetlands, indicating successful restoration progress. Further exploration is needed to monitor restored wetlands over a longer time period and fully evaluate the restoration efficiency.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Kaushik Sharma, Kanchan Bisht, Ukpong B. Eyo
Summary: Microglia, unique brain-resident myeloid cells, have implications in various central nervous system disorders and have distinct characteristics compared to other cells. Studies on microglial ontogeny and identity across species reveal both conserved and divergent properties, which can be better understood through an evolutionary perspective for developing targeted therapies.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Francesco Cerini, Luca Stellati, Leonardo Vignoli
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Luca Stellati, Jennifer Mirabasso, Luca Luiselli, Marco A. Bologna, Leonardo Vignoli, Alessandra Maria Bissattini
Summary: This study focused on the trophic spectrum and interactions of three newt species in artificial wells in Central Italy, revealing that these artificial aquatic sites play an important role in newt ecology and conservation by providing suitable conditions for their diet and cohabitation.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alessandra Maria Bissattini, Phillip J. Haubrock, Vincenzo Buono, Paride Balzani, Nicolo Borgianni, Luca Stellati, Alberto Francesco Inghilesi, Lorenzo Tancioni, Marco Martinoli, Elena Tricarico, Leonardo Vignoli
Summary: The study found that invaders affect freshwater communities through interactions among upper level predators and lower level members of the food web. Both native and non-native predators seem not to exert a strong suppressive effect through predation and competition on native species by preying on invaders.
AQUATIC CONSERVATION-MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Yole Caruso, Daniele Macale, Luca Luiselli, Leonardo Vignoli
Summary: Behavioral differences were found between the two lizard species, with the invasive Siculus lizard exhibiting a lower T-final compared to the native Raffonei lizard. Despite similar heating rates and thermoregulation in the same thermal conditions, the Siculus lizard spent less time basking than the Raffonei lizard, which could provide a selective advantage in the harsh island environment.
HERPETOLOGICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Francesco Cerini, Pierluigi Bombi, Robert Cannings, Leonardo Vignoli
Summary: The meta-community concept, using occurrence data, differentiates patterns such as checkerboard, nestedness, and species turnover. Tropical Odonata meta-communities show species turnover along latitude and temperature gradients. In a study of British Columbia Odonata, temperature and latitude were found to drive the general pattern of species turnover, suggesting sensitivity to climatic and geographic variables at local sites.
INSECT CONSERVATION AND DIVERSITY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Giulia Simbula, Ginevra Moltedo, Barbara Catalano, Giacomo Martuccio, Claudia Sebbio, Fulvio Onorati, Luca Stellati, Alessandra Maria Bissattini, Leonardo Vignoli
Summary: The study investigated the impact of different field treatments (conventional and organic) on the health status of Italian wall lizards in central Italy. The findings showed significant oxidative stress effects in conventional areas and between sexes, but no difference in intestinal parasite infections among treatments. The Italian wall lizard Podarcis siculus appears to be a promising bioindicator in ecotoxicological studies and pesticide risk assessment, although further research is needed to fully understand specific pesticide effects for this species.
Article
Ecology
Pierluigi Bombi, Daniele Salvi, Titus Shuuya, Leonardo Vignoli, Theo Wassenaar
Summary: Recent studies have shown that climate change poses a serious threat to the endemic plant Welwitschia mirabilis in the Namib Desert, leading to a very high risk of extinction. The research highlights the importance of developing a management plan and implementing measures to mitigate the impact of climate change on isolated populations of this species.
JOURNAL OF ARID ENVIRONMENTS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gentile Francesco Ficetola, Iolanda Silva-Rocha, Miguel A. Carretero, Leonardo Vignoli, Roberto Sacchi, Andrea Melotto, Stefano Scali, Daniele Salvi
Summary: The Aeolian wall lizard Podarcis raffonei is an island endemic with a declining population on the Capo Grosso peninsula of Vulcano island, possibly due to competition and hybridization with non-native lizard species. Urgent monitoring and management plans are needed for this species.
Article
Zoology
Giulia Simbula, Daniele Macale, Veronica Gomes, Leonardo Vignoli, Miguel A. Carretero
Summary: Pesticides in oviparous species can affect embryo survival through maternal transfer or contaminant absorption, leading to population decline. Larger females from conventional treatments tend to lay more eggs, but the quality of eggs and hatchlings may be poorer. However, treatment did not affect hatchling locomotor performance.
ZOOLOGISCHER ANZEIGER
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Giulia Simbula, Leonardo Vignoli, Miguel A. Carretero, Antigoni Kaliontzopoulou
Summary: This study examined the fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in Italian wall lizards under different pesticide exposures (conventional, organic, and control), revealing that individuals under conventional management exhibited higher levels of FA, with females showing higher FA levels than males in the femoral pore trait. No significant difference was found in the dorsal head shape trait. The research suggests that FA may serve as a potential biomarker of population stress in wall lizards, emphasizing the importance of experimental design and trait selection for estimating developmental instability.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Pierluigi Bombi, Daniele Salvi, Titus Shuuya, Leonardo Vignoli, Theo Wassenaar
Summary: Deserts are predicted to be highly responsive to global climate change, and this study focuses on the spatial and demographic responses of the keystone endemic plant in the Namib Desert, the Welwitschia mirabilis. The research shows that the historically realized thermal niche of the plant will be almost completely unavailable in the next 30 years in northern Namibia, and reductions in climatic suitability are strongly associated with negative population conditions. This makes Welwitschia a suitable bioindicator for climate change effects in Namib Desert ecosystems.
Article
Zoology
L. Ancillotto, L. Vignoli, J. Martino, C. Paoletti, A. Romano, G. Bruni
Summary: Sexual dichromatism was found in the genus Salamandrina, where males exhibit more conspicuous ventral colorations in the throat region, specifically featuring rounder, larger, and brighter gular white patches than females. Additionally, a new mating ritual behavior, throat hyperextension, was described in male S. perspicillata, which enhances the visibility of the dimorphic coloration in the gular region, presumably as a visual cue to attract females. The potential role of sexual dichromatism in sexual selection and the evolutionary history of the genus Salamandrina was discussed.
JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Francesco Cerini, Claudio Pardo, Davide Taurozzi, Benedetta Gambioli, Leonardo Vignoli
Summary: This study investigates the potential predator-prey relationship between the spectacled salamander and the centipede, and explores the avoidance behavior exhibited by the salamander towards the centipede through field observations and manipulative experiments. The results show a negative co-occurrence pattern between the two species in natural shelters, but this pattern is not confirmed in manipulative experiments.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Priscilla Nesi, Luca Maria Luiselli, Leonardo Vignoli
Summary: Predicting the true status of Data Deficient (DD) species is a prominent theme in recent conservation biology, but there still is much debate regarding the conservation approach. We reviewed and analyzed the conservation status of amphibians in Vietnam, finding that DD species may silently go extinct without their actual risk ever being recognized. Fine-scale analyses are essential to highlight the potential drivers of extinction risk. Developing species-specific studies and science-based strategies for minimizing their extinction risk is a crucial next step for conservation policies in Vietnam.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ginevra Moltedo, Giacomo Martuccio, Barbara Catalano, Giulia Simbula, Leonardo Vignoli
Summary: Conventional methods to analyze biochemical processes related to contaminant toxicity usually require the sacrifice of animals to collect tissues and organs. However, for ethical reasons and especially for endangered species, non- or minimal-invasive methods should be preferred. In this study, the use of the tail of Italian wall lizard was tested as a minimal-invasive method to detect various biomarkers. The results showed that most biochemical responses could be analytically detectable in tail tissues, although the mean values obtained were significantly lower than those obtained with invasive methods.