Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kyle E. Jaynes, Edward A. Myers, Vaclav Gvozdik, David C. Blackburn, Daniel M. Portik, Eli Greenbaum, Gregory F. M. Jongsma, Mark-Oliver Rodel, Gabriel Badjedjea, Abraham Bamba-Kaya, Ninda L. Baptista, Jeannot B. Akuboy, Raffael Ernst, Marcel T. Kouete, Chifundera Kusamba, Franck M. Masudi, Patrick J. McLaughlin, Lotanna M. Nneji, Abiodun B. Onadeko, Johannes Penner, Pedro Vaz Pinto, Bryan L. Stuart, Elie Tobi, Ange-Ghislain Zassi-Boulou, Adam D. Leache, Matthew K. Fujita, Rayna C. Bell
Summary: Secondary sympatry amongst sister lineages is closely associated with genetic and ecological divergence, suggesting that closely related species require differences in ecological and/or reproductive isolation traits to coexist in secondary sympatry. In this study, three giant tree frog species showed species-level divergence coinciding with a period of large-scale forest fragmentation during the late Pliocene. Environmental niche models revealed that the three species occupy distinct environmental niches and display modest morphological differentiation, particularly in tympanum diameter and male advertisement call. Additionally, climatic refugia, precipitation gradients, marine incursions, and potentially riverine barriers have generated phylogeographic structure at the intraspecific level throughout the Pleistocene and Holocene.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Jesus Antonio Rocamontes-Morales, Carla Gutierrez-Rodriguez, Oscar Rios-Cardenas, Pablo C. Hernandez-Romero
Summary: Genetic and morphological variation within Xiphophorus hellerii populations are influenced by geographic and environmental factors, with body shape variations possibly linked to temperature. The study suggests that X. hellerii from different basins and hydrological regions have followed independent evolutionary routes.
Article
Environmental Sciences
O. Koch, W. A. Mengesha, S. Pironon, T. Pagella, I Ondo, I Rosa, P. Wilkin, J. S. Borrell
Summary: Despite global agricultural growth, food insecurity is increasing in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study explores the potential cultivation range of enset, an underutilized indigenous crop, in southern and eastern Africa using ecological niche modeling. The findings suggest a significant expansion potential for enset cultivation, with integration of crop wild relatives allowing for even greater expansion into dryer and warmer regions. Although climate change may reduce the potential range in the future, there are still suitable areas in Ethiopia, Lake Victoria region, and the Drakensberg Range. By combining bioclimatic assessment with socioeconomic data, priority areas with high population density and food deficits can be identified for enset integration, potentially benefitting millions of people and enhancing climate resilience.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Edson Ishengoma
Summary: Africa is the birthplace of humankind and home to the most diverse wildlife and flora. Understanding genetic variation and adaptation is crucial for the sustainable utilization of Africa's biodiversity. Despite a lag in genomics research, African scientists are increasingly interested in using omics technology to study native African species. This overview on vertebrate biodiversity in Africa aims to provide insights from prior genomics research and guide future studies.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Claudia Pittiglio, Sean Shadomy, Ahmed El Idrissi, Baba Soumare, Juan Lubroth, Yilma Makonnen
Summary: Anthrax is a globally distributed but neglected zoonotic disease, with hyper-endemicity in West Africa. By analyzing outbreak data from different sources and combining it with environmental variables, it was found that anthrax outbreaks in the region significantly increased with incremental changes in precipitation and vegetation growth during the transition from dry to wet season. Livestock density, precipitation seasonality, NDVI, and alkaline soils were identified as key predictors of anthrax suitability. The study optimized the use of limited datasets and ecological niche modeling to generate risk maps, informing public and animal health strategies.
Article
Plant Sciences
Jin Li, Changbing Zhang, Tserang Donko Mipam, Qingping Zhou, Shiyong Chen
Summary: Past climatic and topographic variations have shaped the distribution of genetic variation and population dynamics of alpine species on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. In this study, we investigated the phylogeography of the ecologically important grass species Elymus breviaristatus and found high genetic diversity and the influence of environmental isolation on its genetic structure.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luisa Sa, Mafalda Almeida, Simon Azonbakin, Erica Matos, Ricardo Franco-Duarte, Alberto Gomez-Carballa, Antonio Salas, Anatole Laleye, Alexandra Rosa, Antonio Brehm, Martin B. Richards, Pedro Soares, Teresa Rito
Summary: This study introduces a founder analysis method, validates its effectiveness by evaluating the age of sub-Saharan mitogenome lineages sampled outside Africa, confirms that lineages in the Americas date to the time of the Atlantic slave trade, and reveals that dispersal signals in North Africa, Southwestern Asia and Europe mainly date to the early Holocene.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Rui Xu, Tatjana N. Dujsebayeva, Dali Chen, Byambasuren Mijidsuren, Feng Xu, Xianguang Guo
Summary: The study utilized mitochondrial DNA genes and ecological niche modeling to explore the impact of geographical and historical climate changes on the genetic diversity and evolutionary history of the Alashan pit viper in Northwest China. The results revealed that the lineage diversification of the viper was related to desert expansions and early Pleistocene Yellow River integration. Contrary to expectations, there was no evidence of demographic and range contractions during the last glacial maximum, with predictions of a decrease in suitable habitat for the viper in the future.
Article
Ecology
Pattarapon Promnun, Nontivich Tandavanitj, Chalita Kongrit, Kritsayam Kongsatree, Phinit Kongpraphan, Wuttipong Dongkumfu, Detanan Kumsuan, Jenjit Khudamrongsawat
Summary: The evolutionary history of Leiolepis ocellata in northern Thailand was influenced by the Pleistocene period, with lineage divergences coinciding with the major rivers in the region, potentially due to vicariance in response to riverine barriers. Expansion of suitable habitats during the Last Glacial Maximum-like conditions facilitated dispersal among adjacent localities, leading to lineage diversification and genetic admixture.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Graham E. Wyatt, J. L. Hamrick, Dorset W. Trapnell
Summary: By combining ecological niche modeling and genetic analysis, this study investigates the historical and potential future habitat changes of Asimina triloba, a plant species in Eastern North America. Results show a significant shift in optimal habitat from 22,000 years ago being mostly submerged to a substantial expansion northward by 2070. Genetic data support the differentiation between eastern and western population clusters, with higher genetic diversity in the former.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Mark A. Deka, Antonio R. Vieira, William A. Bower
Summary: This study compiled occurrence data of confirmed human and animal cases of anthrax from 1954 to 2021 in 94 countries, and developed updated maps of the global predicted ecological suitability of anthrax. The study revealed the relative risk and transmission risk associated with anthrax globally.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Boniface K. Ngarega, John M. Nzei, Josphat K. Saina, Marwa Waseem A. Halmy, Jin-Ming Chen, Zhi-Zhong Li
Summary: Understanding the influence of environmental covariates on the distribution of aquatic plant species is crucial, particularly in the context of climate change. This study focuses on Ottelia, an important aquatic genus, and examines the effects of climate change on its distribution in Africa. The findings highlight the significance of topography and climate variables, such as temperature and precipitation, in shaping the distribution patterns of Ottelia species. The study also emphasizes the importance of water-temperature conditions and the potential impacts of climate change on fragmentation and habitat loss. Additionally, the assessment of niche overlap provides insights into the similarities among Ottelia species. Overall, the study emphasizes the need for conservation efforts to protect natural Ottelia populations and provides valuable information for understanding the distribution of Ottelia species in Africa.
Article
Geography
Peter Demjan, Dagmar Dreslerova, Jan Kolar, Tomas Chuman, Dusan Romportl, Miroslav Trnka, Tibor Lieskovsky
Summary: This study applies ecological niche modelling to analyze a long time-series of archaeological data, revealing the development of settlement behavior and its dependence on environmental conditions. The results show that settlement strategies were remarkably stable and previous settlement was beneficial for subsequent land-use. Comparison with contemporary landscape typology highlights the long-term legacy of prehistoric settlement, making it an important heritage monument.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Mariya A. Kusliy, Nadezhda V. Vorobieva, Alexey A. Tishkin, Alexey I. Makunin, Anna S. Druzhkova, Vladimir A. Trifonov, Tumur-O. Iderkhangai, Alexander S. Graphodatsky
Summary: The study of ancient Mongolian horse samples revealed genetic continuity and close phylogenetic relationships with horses from regions such as the Middle East, China, and Italy. Despite 3000 years of Mongolian peoples' migrations, the mitochondrial haplogroup composition of Mongolian horse populations remains almost unchanged.
Article
Ecology
Margaret M. Hanes, Susan Shell, Tahsina Shimu, Clarissa Crist, Salima Machkour-M'Rabet
Summary: This study investigates three species in the Megistostegium genus in southwestern Madagascar, evaluating their phylogeographic structure and the impacts of climate, soil, and paleoclimate oscillations on population divergence and speciation. The results show that population structure is in line with major rivers in the region and identify a potentially important biogeographic break. Paleodistribution modeling suggests that past climatic change may have shaped the current distribution and population structure of Megistostegium species.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Jan S. Boratynski, Karolina Iwinska, Paulina A. Szafranska, Piotr Chibowski, Wieslaw Bogdanowicz
Summary: Small mammals have different strategies for coping with harsh winters, with some reducing self-maintenance costs of normothermy and others entering torpor. Intraspecific variation in resting metabolic rate and body temperature within populations may be influenced by environmental factors and individual developmental stages. High metabolism in winter supports growth in smaller animals, while torpor serves as a compensatory mechanism.
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Seth J. Eiseb, Peter J. Taylor, Ulrich Zeller, Christiane Denys, Violaine Nicolas
Summary: The research identified three genetically, morphologically, and ecologically distinct species of Mastomys in the Okavango Basin and surrounding arid habitats, namely Mastomys coucha, Mastomys natalensis, and Mastomys shortridgei. These species differed significantly in 11 cranial measurements, and a discriminant function could accurately distinguish co-occurring Mastomys natalensis from Mastomys shortridgei with 95% accuracy. Additionally, a proposed model explains the recent peripatric speciation of Mastomys shortridgei from Mastomys coucha based on drainage evolution in south-central Africa since the Pleistocene.
JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGICAL SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTIONARY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Samual T. Williams, Kathryn S. Williams, Natasha Constant, Lourens Swanepoel, Peter J. Taylor, Steven R. Belmain, Steven W. Evans
Summary: Traditional cultural beliefs can influence perceptions of animals and lead to persecution of certain species. Environmental education can help improve perceptions of wildlife, but its impact on species strongly associated with witchcraft is still not clear.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Sina M. Weier, Valerie M. G. Linden, Antonia Hammer, Ingo Grass, Teja Tscharntke, Peter J. Taylor
Summary: Bats have been shown to effectively suppress pests in various land-use systems globally, including macadamia orchards. The presence of natural habitat patches at orchard edges enhances this pest suppression. However, the conversion of natural habitats to agricultural land, especially macadamia monocultures, can significantly impact bat diversity. Maintaining natural habitat patches at orchard boundaries is crucial for supporting bat populations and preserving biodiversity.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dawn Cory-Toussaint, Peter J. Taylor, Irene E. J. Barnhoorn
Summary: Bats have been proposed as reliable bioindicators for monitoring bioaccumulation of elements and chemicals in ecosystems, with non-invasive methods becoming more popular. This study found significantly higher concentrations of certain elements in bats from a mining footprint compared to a reference area, suggesting the potential of fur and blood as indicators of environmental toxicity. Further research is needed to explore toxic thresholds and unknown factors related to element concentrations in bat tissues and organs.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Zoology
M. Krofel, J. Hatlauf, W. Bogdanowicz, L. A. D. Campbell, R. Godinho, Y. V. Jhala, A. C. Kitchener, K. -P. Koepfli, P. Moehlman, H. Senn, C. Sillero-Zubiri, S. Viranta, G. Werhahn, F. Alvares
Summary: Successful conservation relies on accurate taxonomy, which is currently unstable for canids in Africa, Eurasia, and Australasia. Recent molecular and morphological studies challenge earlier classifications, particularly for African jackals, Asian wolves, and Australasian dogs. Major knowledge gaps exist, recommendations for future research are provided, and an updated taxonomic framework is proposed based on molecular data, morphology, biogeography, and behavioral ecology.
JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Edward Hurme, Jakob Fahr, Bakwo Fils Eric-Moise, C. Tom Hash, M. Teague O'Mara, Heidi Richter, Iroro Tanshi, Paul W. Webala, Natalie Weber, Martin Wikelski, Dina K. N. Dechmann
Summary: The fruit bat Eidolon helvum migrates in response to seasonal changes in plant growth or precipitation, matching peak colony size with phenological events. They move into landscapes with short growing seasons and high maximum greenness to take advantage of seasonal food explosions. The link between colony size and phenological match suggests collective sensing of the environment. However, decreasing bat numbers and threats may lead to the loss of this migratory property.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Charles J. Marsh, Yanina V. Sica, Connor J. Burgin, Wendy A. Dorman, Robert C. Anderson, Isabel del Toro Mijares, Jessica G. Vigneron, Vijay Barve, Victoria L. Dombrowik, Michelle Duong, Robert Guralnick, Julie A. Hart, J. Krish Maypole, Kira McCall, Ajay Ranipeta, Anna Schuerkmann, Michael A. Torselli, Thomas Lacher, Russell A. Mittermeier, Anthony B. Rylands, Wes Sechrest, Don E. Wilson, Agustin M. Abba, Luis F. Aguirre, Joaquin Arroyo-Cabrales, Diego Astua, Andrew M. Baker, Gill Braulik, Janet K. Braun, Jorge Brito, Peter E. Busher, Santiago F. Burneo, M. Alejandra Camacho, Paolo Cavallini, Elisandra de Almeida Chiquito, Joseph A. Cook, Tamas Cserkesz, Gabor Csorba, Erika Cuellar Soto, Valeria da Cunha Tavares, Tim R. B. Davenport, Thomas Demere, Christiane Denys, Christopher R. Dickman, Mark D. B. Eldridge, Eduardo Fernandez-Duque, Charles M. Francis, Greta Frankham, William L. Franklin, Thales Freitas, J. Anthony Friend, Elizabeth L. Gadsby, Guilherme S. T. Garbino, Philippe Gaubert, Norberto Giannini, Thomas Giarla, Jason S. Gilchrist, Jaime Gongora, Steven M. Goodman, Sharon Gursky-Doyen, Klaus Hacklander, Mark S. Hafner, Melissa Hawkins, Kristofer M. Helgen, Steven Heritage, Arlo Hinckley, Stefan Hintsche, Mary Holden, Kay E. Holekamp, Rodney L. Honeycutt, Brent A. Huffman, Tatyana Humle, Rainer Hutterer, Carlos Ibanez Ulargui, Stephen M. Jackson, Jan Janecka, Mary Janecka, Paula Jenkins, Rimvydas Juskaitis, Javier Juste, Roland Kays, C. William Kilpatrick, Tigga Kingston, John L. Koprowski, Boris Krystufek, Tyrone Lavery, Thomas E. Lee, Yuri L. R. Leite, Roberto Leonan M. Novaes, Burton K. Lim, Andrey Lissovsky, Raquel Lopez-Antonanzas, Adria Lopez-Baucells, Colin D. MacLeod, Fiona G. Maisels, Michael A. Mares, Helene Marsh, Stefano Mattioli, Erik Meijaard, Ara Monadjem, F. Blake Morton, Grace Musser, Tilo Nadler, Ryan W. Norris, Agustina Ojeda, Nicte Ordonez-Garza, Ulyses F. J. Pardinas, Bruce D. Patterson, Ana Pavan, Michael Pennay, Calebe Pereira, Joyce Prado, Helder L. Queiroz, Matthew Richardson, Erin P. Riley, Stephen J. Rossiter, Daniel I. Rubenstein, Dennisse Ruelas, Jorge Salazar-Bravo, Stephanie Schai-Braun, Cody J. Schank, Christoph Schwitzer, Lori K. Sheeran, Myron Shekelle, Georgy Shenbrot, Pipat Soisook, Sergio Solari, Richard Southgate, Mariella Superina, Andrew B. Taber, Mauricio Talebi, Peter Taylor, Thong Vu Dinh, Nelson Ting, Diego G. Tirira, Susan Tsang, Samuel T. Turvey, Raul Valdez, Victor Van Cakenberghe, Geraldine Veron, Janette Wallis, Rod Wells, Danielle Whittaker, Elizabeth A. Williamson, George Wittemyer, John Woinarski, Dietmar Zinner, Nathan S. Upham, Walter Jetz
Summary: This article introduces a database of global mammal species' native range maps, including various tools for integration with other data. These expert maps provide basic information for broad-scale research and conservation.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Birthe Linden, Desire L. Dalton, Anna Van Wyk, Deon de Jager, Yoshan Moodley, Peter J. Taylor
Summary: Forests affected by fragmentation are at risk of losing their primate populations over the long term. The impact of fragmentation on primate populations has been studied in several places in Africa, Asia, and South America, and there is a lack of discernible pattern in how primates react to forest disturbance and fragmentation. This study investigates the genetic diversity and structure of samango monkey populations in fragmented habitats in the Soutpansberg mountain range of South Africa, revealing a historical connectivity among local populations and a recent lack of gene flow, leading to increased genetic structure and potential population isolation.
Article
Ecology
Dawn Cory-Toussaint, Peter J. Taylor
Summary: The study investigated the impact of natural vegetation cover, artificial light intensity, and noise on bat communities in the Venetia diamond mine. The results showed that clutter-feeding bats were virtually absent in the mining area, indicating the negative effects of vegetation removal and/or light and/or noise pollution. Natural vegetation was found to be the most important factor influencing species richness and overall bat activity. Artificial light significantly affected feeding activity, while anthropogenic noise had no significant impact on bat activity and species richness.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Peter John Taylor, Erika Strydom, Leigh Richards, Wanda Markotter, Dawn Cory Toussaint, Teresa Kearney, F. P. D. (Woody) Cotterill, Alexandra Howard, Sina Monika Weier, Mark Keith, Gotz Neef, Mnqobi L. Mamba, Siphesihle Magagula, Ara Monadjem
Summary: The genus-level and species-level taxonomy of African pipistrelloid bats have been changing in the past decade. This study reports on new collections from Angola, Eswatini, and South Africa, revealing genetic and morphological differences from previously known species. The findings support the recent proposed classification of African pipistrelloid bats.
ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Vusani Mphethe, Sina Weier, Catrin Westphal, Birthe Linden, Lourens Swanepoel, Daniel Parker, Peter Taylor
Summary: In the Limpopo Province of South Africa, fruit bats primarily feed on wild fruit trees, with commercial fruit only contributing 2% to their diet, even during the litchi harvest season. This highlights the important ecosystem services provided by fruit bats in orchards and surrounding natural vegetation, and their ability to mitigate crop damage.
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Mina Anders, Ingo Grass, Valerie M. G. Linden, Peter J. J. Taylor, Catrin Westphal
Summary: More sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices, including ecological intensification, are needed to reduce biodiversity loss and environmental degradation. Our study examined the potential of ecological intensification to enhance pollination services in macadamia orchards. We found that insect pollination significantly increased nut set, and the presence of semi-natural habitats in the surrounding landscape positively influenced flower visitation rates. Orchard design, including the orientation of tree rows and the proximity to natural habitats, had a greater impact on nut set than agronomic practices like irrigation. The restoration and conservation of semi-natural habitats in and around orchards can play a crucial role in boosting insect pollination and improving macadamia nut development.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gabriella J. Spatola, Reuben M. Buckley, Megan Dillon, Emily V. Dutrow, Jennifer A. Betz, Malgorzata Pilot, Heidi G. Parker, Wieslaw Bogdanowicz, Rachel Thomas, Ihor Chyzhevskyi, Gennadi Milinevsky, Norman Kleiman, Matthew Breen, Elaine A. Ostrander, Timothy A. Mousseau
Summary: The 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster resulted in widespread environmental contamination. This study characterizes the genetic structure of dogs in the Chernobyl area and finds distinct genetic differences between the dogs at the power plant and Chernobyl City, as well as migration between the two locations. The study highlights the importance of studying the genetic effects of long-term, low-dose ionizing radiation.
Article
Zoology
Erin R. Brinkley, Sina Monika Weier, Dan M. Parker, Peter John Taylor
Summary: The study re-surveyed the bat community of the Kruger National Park over a two-year period, finding differences in species richness compared to historical data, likely due to factors such as sample effort, environmental effects, and study limitations. While the classifier tool showed a relatively high accuracy percentage, manual identification was still necessary to avoid misidentification and detect new species. Future research should focus more on live-capturing bats given the limitations of bat detectors in recording certain echolocation calls.
HYSTRIX-ITALIAN JOURNAL OF MAMMALOGY
(2021)