Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Savel R. Daniels, Aaron Barnes, Nasreen Peer, Vincent T. Egan, Ricky Taylor, Robert W. Taylor, Dewidine van der Colff
Summary: This study used photographic observations and specimen data from the iNaturalist citizen science platform to explore the identification, habitat, and distribution of southern African freshwater crabs. The results revealed an overrepresentation of riverine/mountain stream crabs and an underrepresentation of swamp/forest species. The study also identified unsampled areas in South Africa and found that the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal had the highest number of crab records on iNaturalist. Range extensions were observed in four South African species, and a new undescribed crab was also observed on iNaturalist.
JOURNAL OF CRUSTACEAN BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Jun-Hong Dong, Xun-Chi Zhang, Jia-Jia Chen, Zhong-Long Zhu, Chang-Lin Zhao
Summary: The wood-inhabiting fungi contribute significantly to wood degradation and ecological matter cycling. Three new wood-inhabiting fungal species, Steccherinum fissurutum, S. punctatum, and S. subtropicum, were identified based on morphological characteristics and molecular evidence. These fungi produce various enzymes to break down woody lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the classification of the new species within the genus Steccherinum and revealed their relationships with other closely related species.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Tomas Dvorak, Vendula Slechtova, Jorg Bohlen
Summary: Large animal families with unresolved taxonomy are difficult to study, so it is better to focus on smaller units. In this study, a restricted group of species within a large and unsorted fish family (Nemacheilidae) was defined and studied using molecular genetic markers. The study revealed that the specific pigmentation pattern is not diagnostic, but the genetic lineages themselves can be used for further studies. The findings suggest that species groups can be a helpful tool to study large and unsorted animal units.
Article
Zoology
Savel R. Daniels, Theo Busschau, Graeme Gullacksen, Hannes Marais, Gavin Gouws, Aaron Barnes
Summary: The systematics of the Potamonautes sidneyi s.l. species complex in southern Africa were examined using DNA sequence analyses. Results revealed five distinct clades and showed that the species delimitation methods used in the study either over- or underestimated the number of species in the complex.
ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Meng-Han Qu, Dong-Qiong Wang, Chang-Lin Zhao
Summary: This study reports three new wood-inhabiting fungal species discovered in southern China, using a combination of morphological features and molecular evidence to classify them and conducting phylogenetic analysis.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Kai-Yue Luo, Meng-Han Qu, Chang-Lin Zhao
Summary: Three new wood-inhabiting fungal species, Xylodon gossypinus, X. macrosporus, and X. sinensis spp. nov., were identified in southern China, with distinct morphological features and basidiospore sizes. Phylogenetic analyses placed these species within the Schizoporaceae family in the genus Xylodon, showing relationships with other known Xylodon species.
Article
Zoology
Neil Cumberlidge, Katelyn M. Ahles, Savel R. Daniels
Summary: The taxonomy of three species of freshwater crabs from Angola has been revised in this study, with updated diagnoses, illustrations, and distribution maps provided. The conservation status of these three species is also discussed.
Review
Zoology
Marie L. Verheye, Cedric D'Udekem D'Acoz
Summary: The highly distinctive Glade of giant species among Antarctic amphipods of the genus Eusirus, named 'crested Eusirus', includes two potential species complexes, the Eusirus perdentatus and Eusirus giganteus complexes, as well as the more distinctive Eusirus propeperdentatus. Molecular phylogenies and statistical parsimony networks were reconstructed, revealing that species diversity of crested Eusirus is underestimated, with DNA-based methods suggesting multiple putative species within the two complexes. The morphological analysis also identified a new species within the E. perdentatus complex, Eusirus pontomedon sp. nov.
ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Sebastian A. Heilpern, Guido A. Herrera-R, Kathryn J. Fiorella, Luis Moya, Alexander S. Flecker, Peter B. Mcintyre
Summary: Species influence ecosystem functions, but it is unclear how trait diversity sustains the multiple contributions biodiversity makes to people. Overharvesting and river fragmentation affect freshwater fisheries, which are important for nourishing millions of people globally. Our study examines the loss of nutritional trait diversity in consumed fish portfolios and its impact on dietary nutrient provision. We find that fish portfolios with high trait diversity can provide a greater variety of nutrients with less fish biomass, highlighting the importance of maintaining biodiversity to sustain the dietary contributions fish make to people.
Article
Ecology
Bruno Almon, Jose A. Cuesta, J. Enrique Garcia-Raso
Summary: A new hermit crab species, Diogenes erythromanus sp. nov., and a morphologically similar species, Diogenes arguinensis sp. nov., are described and illustrated based on specimens from the Mediterranean coasts and Mauritanian waters. Molecular phylogenetic analysis supports their distinctness and suggests a closer relationship to tropical species.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Ting Huang, Wen-hao Zhang, Hong-yan Huang, Yan-ming Gu, Li-ping Tang
Summary: Two new species of the genus Zhuliangomyces were discovered in the tropical region of Hainan Province, China. These species are distinct from related species based on morphology and molecular systematics, and they form well-supported monophyletic lineages in the phylogenetic tree.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sudhir Kumar, Michael Suleski, Jack M. Craig, Adrienne E. Kasprowicz, Maxwell Sanderford, Michael Li, Glen Stecher, S. Blair Hedges
Summary: The fifth edition of the TimeTree of Life resource (TToL5) synthesizes published molecular timetrees to make evolutionary knowledge easily accessible. It contains divergence time information on 137,306 species, an increase of 41% from the previous edition. The web interface is now ADA-compliant and mobile-friendly.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kamran Rezaei Tavabe, Mina Tavana, Ali Reza Mirvaghefi, Arash Jouladeh-Roudbar, Paniz Rahimi, Ignacio Doadrio, Hamid Reza Ghanavi
Summary: This study evaluated the taxonomical status of Potamon species in Iran using genetic data and created the first barcoding reference for Iranian freshwater crabs.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Xing Chen, Sonja C. Jaehnig, Jonathan M. Jeschke, Thomas G. Evans, Fengzhi He
Summary: This study aimed to enhance our understanding of the impacts of alien species on native freshwater megafauna. The research found that 61 alien species caused negative impacts on 44 native freshwater megafauna species, with predation and competition being the most common mechanisms. It is worth noting that data limitations and the complexity of multiple threats make it difficult to fully assess the significance of alien species impacts.
FRESHWATER BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Omar Torres-Carvajal, Claudia Teran
Summary: This study presents the most complete phylogeny of Leptophis to date and evaluates morphology-based species limits within the broadly distributed green parrot snake Leptophis ahaetulla sensu lato. The research suggests the presence of multiple species within Leptophis ahaetulla sensu lato and highlights the role of color evolution and the uplift of the Andes in the diversification of parrot snakes.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Neil Cumberlidge, Katelyn M. Ahles, Savel R. Daniels
Summary: The taxonomy of three species of freshwater crabs from Angola has been revised in this study, with updated diagnoses, illustrations, and distribution maps provided. The conservation status of these three species is also discussed.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Evelyn M. Raphalo, Mary L. Cole, Savel R. Daniels
Summary: South Africa harbors a diverse terrestrial snail fauna, but the alpha taxonomic diversity is poorly understood. DNA barcoding analysis reveals potential cryptic diversity among several terrestrial gastropod genera, highlighting the need for further taxonomic revision studies.
INVERTEBRATE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Louisa E. Wood, James Guilder, Marnie L. Brennan, Nicola J. Birland, Virginia Taleti, Nicholas Stinton, Nick G. H. Taylor, Mark A. Thrush
Summary: The study found significant variations in biosecurity behaviors and hazard responses among ornamental fish retailers and hobbyists in England, indicating that individual reliance on prevention practices may not effectively reduce the risk of hazard incursion and establishment. It is recommended to strengthen pre- and at-border control measures, such as risk-based surveillance of ornamental fish imports, and implement targeted awareness-raising campaigns and training to improve biosecurity practices among individuals in the post-border stages of the ornamental supply chain.
JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Ligia R. Benavides, Savel R. Daniels, Gonzalo Giribet
Summary: The study used phylotranscriptomics and deep Sanger sequencing to better understand the relationships, divergence times, and species ranges of the arachnid order Ricinulei. Results support the monophyly of the three recognized genera and further division into two or three deep clades, shedding light on their evolutionary history and biogeography.
JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGICAL SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTIONARY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Savel R. Daniels, Aaron Barnes, Hannes Marais, Gavin Gouws
Summary: Sampling of remote inland aquatic habitats in South Africa has led to the discovery and description of two new endemic freshwater crab species. Phylogenetic evidence derived from DNA sequence data and morphological and ecological data confirm the evolutionary distinction of the two novel species, suggesting the presence of more undiscovered species in remote mountainous areas of South Africa.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TAXONOMY
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Aaron Barnes, Savel R. Daniels
Summary: In this study, two new species of Opisthopatus velvet worms from South Africa were described. The use of DNA sequence data revealed that the species diversity in Opisthopatus had been underestimated. The discovery of new species suggests the presence of unexplored biodiversity in South Africa.
INVERTEBRATE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Theo Busschau, Adriaan Jordaan, Werner Conradie, Savel R. Daniels
Summary: Comparative phylogeographic studies are lacking for southern African herpetofauna, despite their high diversity. This study statistically compared phylogeographic structure and divergence-time estimates among five co-distributed forest-living herpetofaunal taxa and identified congruent drivers of phylogeographic diversity.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2022)
Article
Oceanography
Antaya March, Louisa Wood, Jonathan Potts
Summary: In South Africa, recreational scuba diving is a popular coastal activity, carried out mostly within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). This study focuses on the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) MPA and aims to understand Cape divers' values and knowledge about the marine environment, TMNP MPA, and its management. The findings suggest that while divers value the MPA, they lack knowledge about its regulations and conditions. There is also a disconnect between management, operators, and users. Therefore, alternative management strategies are proposed, including collaboration with the dive community, improved stakeholder engagement, and better access to information.
OCEAN & COASTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Neil Cumberlidge Fls, Savel R. Daniels
Summary: This study revises the taxonomy of Afrotropical freshwater crabs and provides an updated understanding of their phylogenetic relationships. The large-scale sampling and molecular techniques used in this research help improve the classification system and provide valuable information for species identification and distribution.
ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Oceanography
A. Kennerley, L. E. Wood, T. Luisetti, S. Ferrini, I. Lorenzoni
Summary: This study investigated the potential impact of increasing jellyfish blooms on coastal recreation and the possible management implications. The findings showed that jellyfish blooms could significantly affect coastal recreation at St Ives, UK, but management measures such as anti-jellyfish nets have the potential to mitigate some of the impacts.
OCEAN & COASTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Holly S. Embke, Elizabeth A. Nyboer, Ashley M. Robertson, Robert Arlinghaus, Shehu L. Akintola, Tuncay Atessahin, Laamiri Mohamed Badr, Claudio Baigun, Zeenatul Basher, T. Douglas Beard, Gergely Boros, Shannon D. Bower, Steven J. Cooke, Ian G. Cowx, Adolfo Franco, Ma. Teresa Gaspar-Dillanes, Vladimir Puentes Granada, Robert John Hart, Carlos R. Heinsohn, Vincent Jalabert, Andrzej Kapusta, Tibor Krajc, John D. Koehn, Goncalo Lopes, Roman Lyach, Terence Magqina, Marco Milardi, Juliet Nattabi, Hilda Nyaboke, Sui Phang, Warren M. Potts, Filipe Ribeiro, Norman Mercado-Silva, Naren Sreenivasan, Andy Thorpe, Tomislav Treer, Didzis Ustups, Olaf L. F. Weyl, Louisa E. Wood, Mustafa Zengin, Abigail J. Lynch
Summary: Inland recreational fisheries are crucial for livelihood, nutrition, and leisure worldwide, but their contribution to food and nutrition has been insufficiently understood. Through a comprehensive study of 81 countries and 192 species, we quantified the harvest and consumption rates to provide a foundation for future assessments.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Lucy C. M. Omeyer, Emily M. Duncan, Kornrawee Aiemsomboon, Nicola Beaumont, Sujaree Bureekul, Bin Cao, Luis R. Carrasco, Suchana Chavanich, James R. Clark, Muhammad R. Cordova, Fay Couceiro, Simon M. Cragg, Neil Dickson, Pierre Failler, Gianluca Ferraro, Stephen Fletcher, Jenny Fong, Alex T. Ford, Tony Gutierrez, Fauziah Shahul Hamid, Jan G. Hiddink, Pham T. Hoa, Sophie I. Holland, Lowenna Jones, Nia H. Jones, Heather Koldewey, Federico M. Lauro, Charlotte Lee, Matt Lewis, Danny Marks, Sabine Matallana-Surget, Claudia G. Mayorga-Adame, John McGeehan, Lauren F. Messer, Laura Michie, Michelle A. Miller, Zeeda F. Mohamad, Nur Hazimah Mohamed Nor, Moritz Miller, Simon P. Neill, Sarah E. Nelms, Deo Florence L. Onda, Joyce J. L. Ong, Agamuthu Pariatamby, Sui C. Phang, Richard Quilliam, Peter E. Robins, Maria Salta, Aida Sartimbul, Shiori Shakuto, Martin W. Skov, Evelyn B. Taboada, Peter A. Todd, Tai Chong Toh, Suresh Valiyaveettil, Voranop Viyakarn, Passorn Wonnapinij, Louisa E. Wood, Clara L. X. Yong, Brendan J. Godley
Summary: Southeast Asia is considered to have high levels of marine plastic pollution, and it is important to understand its impacts and risks to marine ecosystems in order to develop mitigation measures. An international network of experts from various countries has set a research agenda for marine plastic pollution in the region, identifying key themes and research questions. Understanding the fate, degradation, and impacts of marine plastic pollution is crucial for tackling the issue effectively in Southeast Asia and providing insights for the rest of the world.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
P. J. Barry, C. Beraud, L. E. Wood, H. J. Tidbury
Summary: A novel modelling approach was used to recreate and determine the source and trajectory of marine debris contamination, addressing the issue of non-native invasive species transfer via marine debris.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Emily R. C. Smith, Richard Heal, Louisa E. Wood
Summary: Recreational fishing is important for the economy and society, but it also poses a biosecurity risk. This study explores the characteristics and barriers affecting anglers' implementation of biosecurity measures in Great Britain. The results show that cleaning behaviors vary among anglers, and the use of disinfectant is high. Barriers to proper cleaning include practicality, lack of information, and individual values. Fishery managers and policymakers should tailor prevention measures to maximize the practicality of biosecurity practices.
JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Hui Wei, Fei Liu, Lorenzo Vilizzi, Louisa E. Wood, Yinchang Hu, Gordon H. Copp
Summary: Plasticity in multiple biological traits of non-native sailfin catfishes was investigated in the main river basins of South China. The variations in these traits were influenced by factors such as competition with native fishes and phosphorus concentration. The study also revealed different strategies used by the catfishes in response to different environmental conditions.
