Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Irene Martin-Rodriguez, Adrian Escudero, Alfredo Garcia-Fernandez
Summary: The study found that the highway had a low impact on the genetic flow and diversity of the Lepidium subulatum species. The high genetic diversity in populations may be explained by some level of genetic flow along both sides of the highway.
Article
Ecology
Francisco M. Azcarate, Aitor Alameda-Martin, Adrian Escudero, Ana M. Sanchez
Summary: The study analyzed the effects of fragmentation on ant communities in gypsum outcrops and found that even small and isolated fragments have value for ant conservation. Ant communities in these habitats were found to be relatively resistant to fragmentation, with smaller and more isolated fragments even having higher total number of occurrences.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
M. C. Albassatneh, J. -Y. Dubuisson, M. Escudero, B. Fady, L. Ponger, S. Muller
Summary: The tree flora of the Mediterranean Basin has a rich taxonomic richness and many endemic species. However, there is a lack of comprehensive phylogenetic analysis on the relationship between phylogenetic diversity, trait diversity, and environmental factors in the Mediterranean biome. This study provides the first calibrated phylogeny of native tree species in the European Mediterranean Basin and examines the spatial influence of environmental factors on tree diversity. The results show varying relationships between traits and phylogeny, with strong correlations between phylogenetic diversity, functional diversity, and species richness.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
C. H. Frere, G. D. O'Reilly, K. Strickland, A. Schultz, K. Hohwieler, J. Hanger, D. de Villiers, R. Cristescu, D. Powell, W. Sherwin
Summary: The genetic consequences of population subdivision in human-impacted landscapes are significant for long-term evolution. This study analyzes the effects of population subdivision on genetic diversity using koala population data and proposes a method to evaluate mitigation measures.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Hong-Xiang Zhang, Qian Wang, Zhi-Bin Wen
Summary: Through population genomics and a species distribution model, the study revealed the spatial genetic diversity and structure changes of Prunus mongolica populations in response to habitat fragmentation. The research also proposed suggestions for the conservation of endangered plant species.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Daniel Prakash Kushwaha, Anil Kumar, Sumit Chaturvedi
Summary: The joint application of biochar and polyacrylamide can effectively reduce soil erosion and sediment yield, improve soil physico-chemical properties, promote biomass growth, and reduce nutrient loss. Support vector regression with linear function showed reliable results in predicting biochar and major nutrient losses.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Duc Minh Nguyen, Hong Lan Phan Nguyen, Tam Minh Nguyen
Summary: Anthropogenic disturbances in tropical forests have an impact on the genetic diversity of species. Dipterocarpus condorensis, an endangered species in south-eastern Vietnam, is affected by both over-exploitation and habitat loss. This study assessed the genetic diversity and population structure of D. condorensis in Vietnam using microsatellites, and found limited gene flow due to anthropogenic disturbance. The populations showed relatively low genetic differentiation and variability, indicating negative effects of habitat degradation and over-exploitation.
Article
Ecology
Chaim J. Lasmar, Antonio C. M. Queiroz, Clarissa Rosa, Nathalia S. Carvalho, Fernando A. Schmidt, Ricardo R. C. Solar, Lucas N. Paolucci, Rafael G. Cuissi, Carla R. Ribas
Summary: The study found that ecological drivers have different effects on ant diversity at different spatial scales, with local diversity increasing with closer proximity to the matrix and in fragments with high vegetation density, while fragment-scale total species richness increased with decreasing circularity. However, at the mesoscale, total species richness decreased with increasing pasture matrix in the landscape.
Article
Plant Sciences
Tam Minh Nguyen, Duy Dinh Vu, Hien Phan Dang, Xuan Thi Tuyet Bui, Hong Phan Lan Nguyen, Duc Minh Nguyen
Summary: Moderate levels of genetic diversity and differentiation were found in Anisoptera costata. Population divergence during the Younger Dryas was detected. The anthropogenic disturbance significantly impacted the genetic diversity of the species in low tropical forests.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shawna J. Zimmerman, Cameron L. Aldridge, Mevin B. Hooten, Sara J. Oyler-McCance
Summary: Habitat fragmentation and degradation have a significant impact on an organism's gene flow and extinction risk. Understanding the effects of landscape composition and scale on gene flow is crucial for conservation decision-making. Using a landscape genetics approach, we identified sagebrush habitat as the primary driver of connectivity for Gunnison sage-grouse.
Article
Zoology
Marta Farre, Cameron Johnstone, Jane Hopper, Andrew C. Kitchener, Christian Roos, Tony King
Summary: Assessing genetic diversity of captive populations is crucial for conservation-breeding programs. In this study, we sequenced a portion of the mitochondrial DNA of endangered Francois' langur individuals and found that the European captive population has good genetic diversity, which could contribute to increasing genetic diversity of wild populations. However, the small size of the captive population poses a risk of rapid genetic diversity loss. Further research and conservation efforts are recommended.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Blazej Wojkiewicz, Andrzewj Lewandowski, Weronika B. Zukowska, Monika Litkowiec, Witold Wachowiak
Summary: This study investigated the genetic resources of black poplar from the Oder valley in Poland, revealing high genetic variability and past bottlenecks in the populations. The findings suggest genetic substructuring and potential conservation units for this species in Europe. The Oder River valley still holds substantial genetic resources of black poplar, but there are signs of isolation by distance and genetic erosion.
ANNALS OF FOREST SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Andreia Malpica, Clementina Gonzalez
Summary: This study examines the influence of landscape features on the genetic connectivity of Thryophilus sinaloa, a common bird species associated with tropical dry forests. The results show that open-areas resistance surface and geographic distance reduce genetic connectivity, indicating that protected areas are partially isolated from other non-protected areas.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Rodrigo Barban Zucoloto, Gilberto Cafezeiro Bomfim, Flora Maria de Campos Fernandes, Alessandra Selbach Schnadelbach, Carlos Ignacio Pina, Luciano M. Verdade
Summary: The study estimated the effective population size of broad-snouted caiman populations in Brazil using a single-sample estimator, revealing significant genetic and genotypic differentiation among wild populations. The effective population size of captive colonies was slightly larger than that of wild populations, with only a few adults effectively contributing to genetic variation in most wild populations.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kirsten E. Dutcher, Kenneth E. Nussear, Jill S. Heaton, Todd C. Esque, Amy G. Vandergast
Summary: Roadways and railways can negatively impact wildlife movements and population connectivity. This study explores the effects of culverts and population density on connectivity using gene flow simulations. The results show that culverts do not completely eliminate the effects of linear barriers, but improve gene flow. Population density is also found to be important for connectivity. The study predicts decreased population connectivity over time due to current anthropogenic disturbance, with detectable genetic and demographic effects within a short period following disturbance.
Review
Biology
Juan Mota, Encarna Merlo, Fabian Martinez-Hernandez, Antonio J. Mendoza-Fernandez, Francisco Javier Perez-Garcia, Esteban Salmeron-Sanchez
Summary: The review highlights the unique flora phenomenon on dolomite soils globally, emphasizing their widespread distribution and distinctive adaptations to nutrient-poor environments.
Article
Plant Sciences
Daniela Alba-Patino, Fabian Martinez-Hernandez, Juan Francisco Mota Poveda
Summary: This research in Colombia identified Sites of Special Importance for the Conservation of Threatened Orchid Species, selected through an analysis of spatial and altitudinal distribution using Marxan software. It highlighted the importance of timely attention and intervention by environmental authorities for the conservation of orchids and Andes Forests.
MEDITERRANEAN BOTANY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Manuel Jesus Gil-Lopez, Jose Gabriel Segarra-Moragues, Ramon Casimiro-Soriguer, Fernando Ojeda
Summary: The European heather Calluna vulgaris is the most widespread woody species in European dry heathland. The study revealed the importance of the Strait of Gibraltar area as a major center of origin and glacial refugium for this species, with a secondary refugium in the north-western Iberian Peninsula.
BOTANICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jose Gabriel Segarra-Moragues, Felisa Puche, Marko S. Sabovljevic, Marta Infante, Patxi Heras
Summary: Riella (Riellaceae) is a genus of rare aquatic liverworts that includes some taxa specialized in growing in brackish, seasonal water ponds. One of these taxa, Riella helicophylla, is of conservation concern and has been used as a model organism for research. In this study, the taxonomy of R. helicophylla was revisited based on morphological and molecular DNA sequence data. Two distinct morphotypes were identified within R. helicophylla, supporting their recognition as separate species. A new combination, R. macrocarpa, was proposed, including previously neglected varieties of R. helicophylla. The study provides updated information on the conservation status of both species.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Javier Bobo-Pinilla, Esteban Salmeron-Sanchez, Antonio J. Mendoza-Fernandez, Juan F. Mota, Julio Penas
Summary: This paper presents a systematic literature review of the application of phylogeography to plants in Mediterranean-type ecosystems, focusing on rare, threatened, and endemic species. It discusses the contribution of phylogeography to plant conservation and explores new perspectives and concepts for future research.
Article
Plant Sciences
Sara Palacio, Andreu Cera, Adrian Escudero, Arantzazu L. Luzuriaga, Ana M. Sanchez, Juan Francisco Mota, Maria Perez-Serrano Serrano, M. Encarnacion Merlo, Fabian Martinez-Hernandez, Esteban Salmeron-Sanchez, Antonio Jesus Mendoza-Fernandez, Francisco J. Perez-Garcia, Gabriel Montserrat-Marti, Pablo Tejero
Summary: The variation of plant elemental composition is influenced by phylogeny, environment, and adaptation to gypsum soils. Despite the predominant effect of phylogeny, gypsum soils have a significant impact on the elemental composition of plants.
Article
Agronomy
M. Isabel Martinez-Nieto, Sara Gonzalez-Orenga, Pilar Soriano, Josefa Prieto-Mossi, Elena Larrea, Antonio Domenech-Carbo, Ana Maria Tofei, Oscar Vicente, Olga Mayoral
Summary: Agrobiodiversity and adaptability to environmental changes are challenges for the future of agriculture. This study compared the adaptability to drought of a commercial cultivar and two landraces of Phaseolus lunatus (Lima bean), and tested the effectiveness of the voltammetric method for evaluating stress levels in cultivated plants.
Article
Plant Sciences
Pilar Soriano, Elena Estrelles, M. Isabel Martinez-Nieto, Antonio Domenech-Carbo, Marco Galie, Edoardo Biondi
Summary: Reproductive strategies of specific populations are crucial for conservation plans and habitat management. This study compared germination strategies, voltammetric parameters, and molecular analysis of six populations of Halocnemum to establish their relation to environmental variables. Significant interpopulation differences were found in all parameters evaluated. The Mediterranean populations showed variable opportunistic germination strategies related to drought period length. Environmental factors such as bioclimate, soil texture, and temperature were identified as potential predictors of seed response. Voltammetric parameters were also indicators of plant stress levels and determinants of future seed responses. Phylogenetic analyses showed a split into two species unrelated to germination response. The study proved the connection between seed responses and ecological parameters for successful seedling emergence, regardless of phylogenetic relations.
SEED SCIENCE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Francisco Lopez-de-Haro, Maria Martinez-Chico, Fabian Martinez-Hernandez, Javier Lopez-Tomas, Juan Francisco Mota
Summary: The biodiversity crisis is a pressing issue and arid and semi-arid environments play a crucial role in global biodiversity. However, these habitats are often undervalued and rejected, requiring educational and awareness strategies to improve attitudes towards them.
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Encarna Merlo, Antonio J. Mendoza-Fernandez, Esteban Salmeron-Sanchez, Fabian Martinez-Hernandez, Andrea Ortiz-ubeda, Juan Mota
Summary: The study focused on understanding the ionome of a characteristic dolomite species and its applications in terms of nutritional behavior and factors favoring rich and rare flora on dolomitic soils. It found that the species could accumulate potentially phytotoxic elements and transport them from roots to aerial parts of the plant, indicating potential bioindicator or phytoremediation capacity in the plant community.
Article
Environmental Studies
Antonio J. Mendoza-Fernandez, Fabian Martinez-Hernandez, Esteban Salmeron-Sanchez, Francisco J. Perez-Garcia, Blas Teruel, Maria E. Merlo, Juan F. Mota
Summary: Maytenus senegalensis subsp. europaea is a shrub species distributed discontinuously along the southeastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula, forming plant communities with great ecological value. Future model projections show that the most favorable area for this species will be the Campo de Dalias in the southern portion of Almeria province.
