Review
Ecology
Andrea Clavijo McCormick, Evans Effah, Adriana Najar-Rodriguez
Summary: Exotic invasive plants are widespread and their spread is expected to increase due to human travel, global trade, and climate change. These plants can modify their environment through the release of secondary metabolites, altering surrounding species. While the allelopathic effect of their root exudates is well-studied, less is known about the effects of their volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A systematic review of the literature found that invasive species have greater chemical diversity and exhibit different chemical behavior compared to native species. The impact of invasive plant VOCs on native species and their interactions, particularly with insects, remains understudied.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Chiara Montagnani, Rodolfo Gentili, Giuseppe Brundu, Sarah Caronni, Sandra Citterio
Summary: Invasive alien species, particularly those introduced through horticulture and agriculture, have a significant impact on the environment. Accidental introductions of these species through human-mediated pathways can lead to large-scale invasions. It is crucial to address the risks associated with the accidental transport of invasive alien plants through agricultural practices.
Article
Entomology
Enrico Ruzzier, Andrea Galli, Luciano Bani
Summary: The study tested the use of bottle traps baited with apple cider vinegar and other food products to capture exotic and invasive beetles around Malpensa Airport, Italy, with successful results. The apple cider vinegar was particularly effective in attracting the invasive Popillia japonica. Controlling the exposure time of traps can significantly reduce the catch of native species.
Article
Ecology
Scott Bennett, Julia Santana-Garcon, Nuria Marba, Gabriel Jorda, Andrea Anton, Eugenia T. Apostolaki, Just Cebrian, Nathan R. Geraldi, Dorte Krause-Jensen, Catherine E. Lovelock, Paulina Martinetto, John M. Pandolfi, Carlos M. Duarte
Summary: The study found that the impacts of marine exotic species on local ecosystems mainly occurred within the thermal environments of their original range, with the most significant impacts often occurring in slightly cooler locations than their origin. The impact of exotic species on local abundance displayed a hump-shaped relationship with temperature.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
M. Pereyra, S. R. Zeballos, L. Galetto, P. S. Oliveira
Summary: Invasive alien plant species (IAPS) have significantly altered ecosystems on Earth. This study examined the interactions between ants and different types of plant species in the Chaco Mountain Forest in Argentina. Ants were found to be the main dispersers of diaspores on the forest floor, with native species showing the highest interaction rates, followed by neonative and IAPS. Certain ant species were found to remove diaspores from the fruits. The study also found variations in fruit mass and seed quantity among the different plant species. These findings emphasize the importance of ants and diaspore traits in mutualistic relationships and their role in plant invasions in subtropical ecosystems.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Johana Hrnkova, Marina Golovchenko, Abubakar Sadiq Musa, Tersia Needham, Jignesh Italiya, Francisco Ceacero, Radim Kotrba, Libor Grubhoffer, Natalie Rudenko, Jiri Cerny
Summary: Exotic farm animals can serve as hosts for hard ticks and be infected by Borrelia spirochetes, potentially maintaining the spirochetes in nature.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Guadalupe Williams-Linera, Z. Carter Berry, Milton H. Diaz-Toribio, Ximena Espejel-Ontiveros
Summary: The study found that Eriobotrya japonica has high drought resistance and the potential to become an invasive alien species, showing that germination, growth, and physiological maintenance are unaffected in drought conditions.
Article
Ecology
Jyoti Prajapati, Abhijit Singh, Kshitij Patil, Amiya Ranjan Bhowmick, Abhishek Mukherjee, Yelin Huang, Achyut Kumar Banerjee
Summary: This study creates a data set about invasive and naturalized alien plant species in India to supplement the existing global occurrence data databases. The data set collects occurrence data from literature records and herbarium sheets, along with spatial and temporal information for each record. The objective of this data set is to assist stakeholders involved in India's scientific research, policy formulation, and decision-making related to invasive alien plant species.
Article
Ecology
Catherine H. Bowler, Lauren G. Shoemaker, Christopher Weiss-Lehman, Isaac R. Towers, Margaret M. Mayfield
Summary: Species interactions between exotic and native species play a crucial role in determining the success of biological invasions and the influence of exotic species in invaded communities. This study highlights the positive interactions between exotic and native species, which are more common than originally thought. However, the study also reveals that within-neighborhood heterogeneity can limit the population growth of both native and exotic species, regulating the positive effects of invaders.
Article
Forestry
Alberto Maceda-Veiga, Sergio Albacete, Miguel Carles-Tolra, Juli Pujade-Villar, Jan Maca, Ralph Mac Nally
Summary: Studies show that both riparian and non-riparian chestnut forests may serve as habitats for the Spotted Wing Drosophila, and there is a positive correlation between the spatial proximity of forest patches to streams and SWD captures.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Francesco Boscutti, Francesco Lami, Elisa Pellegrini, Massimo Buccheri, Francesco Busato, Fabrizio Martini, Rossella Sibella, Maurizia Sigura, Lorenzo Marini
Summary: This study analyzed how the expansion of urban and agricultural areas can affect exotic species richness at different spatial scales. The results showed that increasing urbanization and high shape complexity of urban elements were major drivers of plant invasions. Agriculture land use also had a significant impact on the spread of ancient species. Therefore, reducing urban sprawl and shape complexity can improve the resistance of landscapes to biological invasions.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Pablo Rojas, Sergio A. Castro, Irma Vila, Fabian M. Jaksic
Summary: The introduction of exotic species significantly increased both richness and functional originality, while functional divergence and specialization remained unchanged. The possible extinction of threatened native species may lead to an increase in functional originality, a decrease in richness and divergence, as well as unchanged specialization. Some exotic species exhibit novel features, while others show redundant features with native ichthyofauna.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2021)
Article
Biology
James E. Byers, Julie A. Blaze, Alannah C. Dodd, Hannah L. Hall, Paul E. Gribben
Summary: Non-indigenous species (NIS) and hypoxia can disturb and restructure aquatic communities. Most studies show that NIS are tolerant of hypoxia and perform better than native species under hypoxia. However, NIS are more often considered passengers associated with hypoxia, rather than drivers of it.
BIOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Anatoliy A. Khapugin, Igor V. Kuzmin, Leonid A. Ivanov, Dina A. Ronzhina, Larissa A. Ivanova
Summary: This study empirically determined environmental factor values based on the analysis of the flora accompanying B. frondosa in 22 regions of European Russia. The results provide insights into the ecological preferences of this species and can be used to determine the conditions of habitats invaded by B. frondosa.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Enrico Ruzzier, Robert A. Haack, Gianfranco Curletti, Alain Roques, Mark G. Volkovitsh, Andrea Battisti
Summary: Buprestidae is a wood-borer beetle group that is of major phytosanitary interest worldwide. Information on exotic buprestids, including their identity, biogeographic areas of origin, introduction pathways, and larval host plants, has been scattered in the literature. This study aims to summarize existing knowledge on these topics. The analysis resulted in a list of 115 exotic buprestids worldwide, representing less than 1% of the known buprestid species. The findings suggest that invasiveness is not linked to larval host plant preferences, as introduced species utilize a wide range of plant genera and feeding guilds.
Review
Behavioral Sciences
Patricia L. M. Lee, Craig D. H. Sherman, Lee A. Rollins, Erik Wapstra, Karl P. Phillips
Summary: In general, males mate with multiple females to increase individual reproductive success. Whether or not, and under what circumstances, females benefit from multiple mating has been less clear. Our review of 154 studies covering 184 populations of amphibians and reptiles showed that polyandry was widespread and variable among and within taxonomic groups.
BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY AND SOCIOBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Freyja Watters, Oliver Stringham, Chris R. Shepherd, Phillip Cassey
Summary: The international wildlife trade poses significant conservation and environmental security risks, and there is a lack of international regulations to monitor the trade of non-CITES listed species. This study examined the composition and dynamics of regulated and unregulated trade, focusing on imports of wild-caught terrestrial vertebrates entering the United States. The findings revealed a higher number and trade quantity of unlisted species compared to CITES-listed species, highlighting the need for governments to adapt their policies to monitor and report on all wildlife trade.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Legal
Marie Antony Dass, Craig D. H. Sherman, Yi Heng Nai, Morgan R. Ellis, Roland A. H. van Oorschot, Annalisa Durdle
Summary: Environmental DNA (eDNA) is a highly sensitive and cost-effective tool used in biodiversity and species detection research. This method collects environmental samples containing genetic material from the target organism, allowing for reliable human DNA detection within relatively short time windows.
JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katarina C. Stuart, Richard J. Edwards, Yuanyuan Cheng, Wesley C. Warren, David W. Burt, William B. Sherwin, Natalie R. Hofmeister, Scott J. Werner, Gregory F. Ball, Melissa Bateson, Matthew C. Brandley, Katherine L. Buchanan, Phillip Cassey, David F. Clayton, Tim De Meyer, Simone L. Meddle, Lee A. Rollins
Summary: This study presents the genome assembly and transcriptome data of the European starling, providing valuable resources for population genetic and evolutionary research. The researchers used multiple techniques to generate high-quality genome assemblies and demonstrated the effectiveness of a new tool. This work expands our understanding of avian genomes and offers tools for evaluating and improving genome quality.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2022)
Editorial Material
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jake A. Penny, Rowan A. Lymbery, Jonathan P. Evans, Craig D. H. Sherman, Xavier A. Conlan
Summary: Differential sperm chemotaxis refers to variations in the chemotactic responses of sperm to egg (or female)-derived chemical attractants among male and female pairings. Microfluidic devices offer great potential for studying this complex gamete interaction, but there are challenges and potential solutions in its application.
TRENDS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Oliver Dalby, Nicolas Pucino, Yi Mei Tan, Emma L. Jackson, Peter Macreadie, Rhys A. Coleman, Mary A. Young, Daniel Ierodiaconou, Craig D. H. Sherman
Summary: This article discusses the information required for seagrass restoration and how to identify target areas for restoration efforts through analysis of spatio-temporal trends. Remote sensing techniques can accurately monitor seagrass ecosystems and guide the allocation of restoration resources.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Lorenzo Galletta, Meagan J. Craven, Alizee Meillere, Tamsyn M. Crowley, Katherine L. Buchanan, Mylene M. Mariette
Summary: As the world warms, understanding the mechanisms organisms use to protect themselves from thermal stress becomes increasingly important. This study found that zebra finch embryos can upregulate heat shock proteins in response to acute thermal stress, suggesting that these proteins may play a vital role in early developmental protection under climate change.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Peter Caley, Phillip Cassey
Summary: Invasive alien species cause biodiversity loss and environmental damage. Citizen reports are currently the main source of alien species detections. Mining social media data may improve citizen surveillance, but it needs to demonstrate its effectiveness and value compared to alternative approaches.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Andrew C. Katsis, Andrew T. D. Bennett, Katherine L. Buchanan, Sonia Kleindorfer, Mylene M. Mariette
Summary: Research shows that songbird embryos exposed to "heat calls" are more likely to prefer non-paternal tutors for vocal learning as adults. This suggests that prenatal sound experiences can indirectly influence songbird preferences. The study also found that prenatal sound experiences can have long-lasting effects on individual song preferences.
Article
Anthropology
Melissa Zeven, Adam P. A. Cardilini, Alexa Hayley, William T. Borrie
Summary: This study investigates the impact of 1080 poisoning on dogs and their humans. It is the first qualitative study to give voice to people and their dogs who have been unintentionally harmed by 1080. The study highlights the influence of 1080 on individual and broader human-animal relationships.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Scarlett R. Howard, Matthew R. E. Symonds
Summary: The introduction and spread of non-native flora pose threats to native pollinators and plants. Field observations and controlled experiments were conducted to examine the preferences of native bees for native or non-native flowers. The results showed that non-native plants significantly impacted native pollinators, and flower preferences varied between field and laboratory conditions.
Article
Ecology
Yi Mei Tan, Rhys A. Coleman, Peter A. Biro, Oliver Dalby, Emma L. Jackson, Laura L. Govers, Jannes H. T. Heusinkveld, Peter I. Macreadie, Mogens R. Flindt, Jack Dewhurst, Craig D. H. Sherman
Summary: The use of seed- and shoot-based restoration approaches for Z. muelleri in Victoria, Australia was explored through field trials. Seed collections and germination achieved good results, with seed collection rates improving from 489 to 1,939 seeds/hour over 2 years and in situ seedling germination rates increasing from a maximum of 10.80% to 25.25% over 2 years. In contrast, shoot-based restoration approaches were more variable, with plants transplanted with their sediment-intact outperforming all bare-rooted approaches. Seed-based approaches have the potential to be viable and scalable for Z. muelleri, but further studies are needed to improve seedling survival and in situ germination rates.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Arkadiusz Frohlich, Dorota Kotowska, Rafal Martyka, Matthew R. E. Symonds
Summary: Animals in warm climates tend to decrease in body size and elongate appendages. This study shows that the relative length of unfeathered appendages varies with temperature depending on body size. Body size, beak length, and tarsus length interact to predict the species' environmental temperature. These findings suggest that body size and shape are products of thermoregulatory adaptations.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Ornithology
Katherine L. Buchanan, Stephen Pruett-Jones
EMU-AUSTRAL ORNITHOLOGY
(2023)