@article {pmid39696600,
year = {2024},
author = {Culda, CA and Rodriguez, NGT and Puleo, F and Sosa, RMP and Panait, LC and Cazan, CD and Deak, G and Leon, R and Vinueza, RL and Páez-Rosas, D and Mihalca, AD},
title = {Canine vector-borne parasites in the Galapagos.},
journal = {Parasites & vectors},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {515},
pmid = {39696600},
issn = {1756-3305},
mesh = {Animals ; Dogs ; *Dog Diseases/parasitology/epidemiology/transmission ; Ecuador/epidemiology ; *Vector Borne Diseases/epidemiology/parasitology/transmission ; Dirofilaria immitis/isolation & purification/genetics ; Dirofilariasis/epidemiology/parasitology/transmission ; Disease Vectors ; Babesia/isolation & purification/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The extraordinary Galapagos Islands, with an impressive number of endemic and native species, maintain the interest and curiosity for researchers from all over the world. The native species are known to be vulnerable to new pathogens, cointroduced with their invasive hosts. In the case of invasive parasitic arthropods, their evolutionary success is related to the association with other invasive hosts (such as domestic animals). These associations could become a significant driver of change, as occasionally they can seek another hosts and have the capacity to transmit pathogens between domestic and wild animals. The current study aims to identify the distribution and abundance of canine vector-borne parasites in the Galapagos Islands based on the possibility that some of them could spill over to endemic mammals.

METHODS: A total of 1221 blood samples were randomly collected from privately owned dogs on San Cristóbal, Isabela, Santa Cruz, and Floreana Islands during the years 2021 and 2022. All samples were examined for vector-borne pathogens using the modified Knott's test and conventional, nested, and multiplex polymerase chain reactions (PCRs), followed by sequencing.

RESULTS: The PCR and Knott tests confirmed the presence of Dirofilaria immitis (2%, 25/1221) in all islands. While molecular analyses showed heartworm DNA only in dogs from the San Cristóbal (3.3%) and Isabela (2.4%) Islands. Moreover, other pathogens Babesia vogeli (3%, 37/1221) and Hepatozoon canis (0.2%, 2/1221) were detected for the first time by molecular analyses.

CONCLUSIONS: Dogs from Galapagos are hosts to various pathogens, of which some are potentially zoonotic while some other could be spill-over to endemic endangered carnivores, such as sea lions. To understand and limit their impact, long-term surveillance, control, and awareness is needed.},
}

Animals
Dogs
*Dog Diseases/parasitology/epidemiology/transmission
Ecuador/epidemiology
*Vector Borne Diseases/epidemiology/parasitology/transmission
Dirofilaria immitis/isolation & purification/genetics
Dirofilariasis/epidemiology/parasitology/transmission
Disease Vectors
Babesia/isolation & purification/genetics

@article {pmid39695265,
year = {2024},
author = {Wang, Q and Yu, Q and Dong, X and Chen, H and Tian, X and Qi, P and Wu, H and Yuan, Y},
title = {Chromosome-scale genome assembly and gene annotation of the Alligator Gar (Atractosteus spatula).},
journal = {Scientific data},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {1337},
pmid = {39695265},
issn = {2052-4463},
support = {42101071//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Genome ; *Molecular Sequence Annotation ; *Chromosomes ; Fishes/genetics ; },
abstract = {Given the aggressive nature and robust survival capabilities of the alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula), if it was to exist in a new environment as an invasive species, it could cause significant disruption to the invaded ecosystem. Building on the continuity and completeness of the existing draft genome were not optimal, this study has updated a high-quality genome of the alligator gar at the chromosome level, which was assembled using Oxford Nanopore Technology and chromatin interaction mapping (Hi-C) sequencing techniques. In summary, the alligator gar genome in this study was 1.05 Gb in size with a contig N50 of 15.7 Mb and scaffold N50 of 56.8 Mb. We captured 98.26% of assembled bases in 28 pseudochromosomes. The completeness of the final chromosome-level genome reached 96.7%. Meanwhile, a total of 19,103 protein-coding genes were predicted, of which 99.83% could be predicted with functions. Taken together, the present high-quality alligator gar chromosome-level genome provides a valuable resource for exploring the underlying genomic basis to comprehend the functional genomics, chromosome evolution, and population management of this species.},
}

Animals
*Genome
*Molecular Sequence Annotation
*Chromosomes
Fishes/genetics

@article {pmid39693373,
year = {2024},
author = {McTavish, MJ and Jones, IM and Smith, SM and Bourchier, RS},
title = {Current status of biological control of introduced Phragmites in Canada: Insights from initial years of post-release monitoring and a larval density release experiment.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {19},
number = {12},
pages = {e0315071},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0315071},
pmid = {39693373},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Larva/physiology ; *Pest Control, Biological/methods ; *Poaceae ; *Moths/physiology ; Canada ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Introduced Phragmites (Phragmites australis australis (Cav.) Trin. Ex Steud.) is one of the most invasive plants in North America. To supplement existing management tools, a classical biological control program began in Canada in 2019 using two host-specific stem-boring moths, Archanara neurica (Hübner) and Lenisa geminipuncta (Haworth) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). In this article, we summarize the first three years of monitoring data for L. geminipuncta and A. neurica as biological control agents for introduced Phragmites. First, we assess agent presence and activity in the initial years post-release based on feeding damage from long-term monitoring data across 30 release sites initiated between 2019 and 2023. Second, we investigate the within-site distribution of agent feeding damage to improve future monitoring and agent collection from nurse sites. Third, we report the results of an experiment to determine optimal release densities of A. neurica larvae. We found agent feeding damage at 92% of initial release sites in the first year and agent activity persisted at all of these sites into years two and three post-release. Patterns of agent feeding damage suggest that the agents disperse quickly through the patch following release, favouring the interior area over the edges of introduced Phragmites stands. Finally, releasing intermediate densities of 40 A. neurica larvae per release point was more efficient than releasing either units of 20 or 80 larvae. The results of the first three years of monitoring are highly encouraging for the introduced Phragmites biological control program. Insights from these early monitoring results will be used to refine optimal release strategies, improve our ability to locate egg-bearing stems at nurse sites to facilitate the collection and redistribution of agents to new release locations, and inform protocols for longer-term monitoring of impacts on the target weed once agents are established.},
}

Animals
*Larva/physiology
*Pest Control, Biological/methods
*Poaceae
*Moths/physiology
Canada
Introduced Species

@article {pmid39691746,
year = {2024},
author = {Pruvost, O and Boyer, K and Labbé, F and Weishaar, M and Vynisale, A and Melot, C and Hoareau, C and Cellier, G and Ravigné, V},
title = {Genetic Signatures of Contrasted Outbreak Histories of "Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus", the Bacterium That Causes Citrus Huanglongbing, in Three Outermost Regions of the European Union.},
journal = {Evolutionary applications},
volume = {17},
number = {12},
pages = {e70053},
doi = {10.1111/eva.70053},
pmid = {39691746},
issn = {1752-4571},
abstract = {In an era of trade globalization and climate change, crop pathogens and pests are a genuine threat to food security. The detailed characterization of emerging pathogen populations is a prerequisite for managing invasive species pathways and designing sustainable disease control strategies. Huanglongbing is the disease that causes the most damage to citrus, a crop that ranks #1 worldwide in terms of fruit production. Huanglongbing can be caused by three species of the phloem-limited alpha-proteobacterium, "Candidatus Liberibacter," which are transmitted by psyllids. Two of these bacteria are of highest concern, "Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus" and "Ca. Liberibacter africanus," and have distinct thermal optima. These pathogens are unculturable, which complicates their high-throughput genetic characterization. In the present study, we used several genotyping techniques and an extensive sample collection to characterize Ca. Liberibacter populations associated with the emergence of huanglongbing in three French outermost regions of the European Union (Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion). The outbreaks were primarily caused by "Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus," as "Ca. Liberibacter africanus" was only found at a single location in Réunion. We emphasize the low diversity and high genetic relatedness between samples from Guadeloupe and Martinique, which suggests the putative movement of the pathogen between the two islands and/or the independent introduction of closely related strains. These samples were markedly different from the samples from Réunion, where the higher genetic diversity revealed by tandem-repeat markers suggests that the disease was probably overlooked for years before being officially identified in 2015. We show that "Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus" occurs from sea level to an altitude of 950 m above sea level and lacks spatial structure. This suggests the pathogen's medium- to long-distance movement. We also suggest that backyard trees acted as relays for disease spread. We discuss the implications of population biology data for surveillance and management of this threatful disease.},
}

@article {pmid39690487,
year = {2024},
author = {Abonyi, F and Doszpoly, A and Czeglédi, I and Eszterbauer, E},
title = {Molecular Detection of a Novel Poxvirus in Black Bullhead (Ameiurus melas): Emerging Pathogens in a Natural Freshwater in Hungary?.},
journal = {Journal of fish diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e14076},
doi = {10.1111/jfd.14076},
pmid = {39690487},
issn = {1365-2761},
support = {//Bolyai Foundation/ ; K142937//National Research, Development and Innovation Office/ ; },
abstract = {Unexpected mass mortality of black bullhead Ameiurus melas (Rafinesque, 1820) fingerlings occurred 1 week after their arrival at our animal facility. The specimens of the invasive fish species originated from Lake Balaton, the largest natural freshwater lake in Hungary. The mortality reached 100% within 3 days. Gross pathological examination detected inflammation in the inner organs, renomegaly, and a marble, pale pink liver. Two pathogenic bacteria strains, Vibrio cholerae Pacini, 1854, and Plesiomonas shigelloides (Bader 1954), were detected in the fish liver examined. The molecular virological examination showed the presence of the nucleic acid of two dsDNA viruses. One is the Ictalurid herpesvirus 2 (IcHV-2), which is a well-known pathogen of the black bullhead that has only been reported from Italian fish farms previously. This is the first report of IcHV-2 from a natural freshwater habitat. The other viral DNA detected in fish belongs to an unidentified virus species. Sequence analysis of the partial DNA polymerase gene confirmed that the novel virus is a member of the subfamily Chordopoxvirinae within the family Poxviridae. Although the causative agent of this mass mortality could not be identified with certainty, the clinical signs suggest that the detected viruses are the most suspicious. Furthermore, our results highlight that the health monitoring of invasive species is also important for the timely detection of pathogens that threaten the native fish fauna.},
}

@article {pmid39689660,
year = {2024},
author = {Ye, P and Cheng, J and Lo, LSH and Liu, J and Li, C and So, KJY and Xia, F and Yan, M and Wang, J and U, C and Qiu, JW and Cai, W and Leung, KMY},
title = {Environmental DNA/RNA metabarcoding for noninvasive and comprehensive monitoring and assessment of marine fishes.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {211},
number = {},
pages = {117422},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.117422},
pmid = {39689660},
issn = {1879-3363},
abstract = {Marine fisheries resources are under increasing threat, necessitating the development of new effective monitoring and management strategies. Environmental DNA (eDNA) and RNA (eRNA) metabarcoding has emerged as a non-invasive and sensitive alternative method for monitoring fish biodiversity and fisheries resources and assessing the fisheries impact of anthropogenic activities. Here, we summarize crucial technical details about eDNA metabarcoding for marine fish monitoring and provide meta-analytical trends in primer selection and sample size, assessment standards, fish and fisheries databases, reference fish genomic databases, and other relevant metrics. The pressing need for better reference databases and standardization methods is discussed. We further highlight the potency of emerging eDNA metabarcoding studies for monitoring global fish diversity and revealed regional study hotspots in South China, Atlantic and Mediterranean Seas. The innovative advances in using eDNA/eRNA metabarcoding for fish diversity monitoring and assessment from the detection of rare or invasive species to branching applications in biomass estimation, population genetics, food web analysis, fish migration and feeding studies were reviewed. We also explore the potential of eRNA metabarcoding as an upcoming extension of eDNA metabarcoding in marine fish monitoring and assessment with improved functional relevance. We envision the integration of eDNA/eRNA metabarcoding-based fish monitoring methods with traditional monitoring approaches to significantly improve marine fish surveillance, ecological research, and conservation efforts.},
}

@article {pmid39689655,
year = {2024},
author = {Craveiro, N and Bérgamo, DB and Rosa Filho, JS},
title = {Potential dispersal vector: Occurrence of sun coral on the sculptured mitten lobster.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {211},
number = {},
pages = {117392},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.117392},
pmid = {39689655},
issn = {1879-3363},
abstract = {The sun coral Tubastraea spp. is rapidly spreading worldwide. We report for the first time the occurrence of sun coral on the sculptured mitten lobster Parribacus antarcticus, a highly mobile species. In a dive into the monitoring program for sun coral in the mooring dolphins of Suape Harbor (Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil), we found several living polyps of Tubastraea spp. attached to the carapace of an adult lobster. This report points to a novel mode of dispersal of the sun coral by mobile organisms, given that these animals can carry epibionts, potentially enhancing the spread of invasive species. This newly recognized dispersal mechanism highlights the necessity of incorporating the inspection of living animals with hard-body structures in risk assessment and monitoring protocols for invasive non-native species like the sun coral.},
}

@article {pmid39687291,
year = {2024},
author = {Douglas, KO and Francis, D and Ramnanan, N},
title = {A landscape analysis and one health approach to an invasive species pathway: Pet and aquaria trade in the eastern Caribbean.},
journal = {One health (Amsterdam, Netherlands)},
volume = {19},
number = {},
pages = {100942},
doi = {10.1016/j.onehlt.2024.100942},
pmid = {39687291},
issn = {2352-7714},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The pet and aquaria trade is a pathway for the introduction of invasive alien species (IAS) into sensitive Caribbean ecosystems. This study aims to assess the impact of this trade on IAS management in the Caribbean.

METHODS: A multipronged approach was used, involving stakeholder engagement, trade flow analysis, questionnaires, a regional IAS workshop, and a One Health Invasive Alien Species Prioritization (OHIASP) method, to examine the pet and aquaria trade in Barbados and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). These methods allow for a comprehensive tool necessary to prioritise IAS challenges worldwide particularly in Barbados and the OECS.

RESULTS: The study assessed seven Caribbean countries: Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Antigua and Barbuda. Barbados reported the highest annual import values for pets (USD $371,604) and aquaria (USD $450,860) using data from 2016 to 2020. The species range was very narrow and likely a reflection of data collection systems. Trinidad and Tobago was the primary regional source for pet and aquaria imports. In total, 35 IAS were chosen for prioritization. Based on their weighted score, prioritized IAS were ranked in order of relative importance using a one-to-five selection scale. A priority list of 13 IAS was identified from the pet/aquaria imported into Barbados and the OECS.

CONCLUSIONS: This marks the first ever study using an OHIASP tool for examining, quantifying and ranking IAS risks in pet and aquaria trade pathways. This can assist zoonotic disease risk prioritization where necessary. Effective IAS management in the Caribbean requires multipronged approaches, data and information systems that integrate indigenous knowledge, leverage digital tools, and build community ownership, to overcome inherent regional vulnerabilities.},
}

@article {pmid39638758,
year = {2024},
author = {Wei, XL and He, YQ and Pang, QJ and Liu, ZX and Feng, YL},
title = {Effects and Related Mechanisms of Allelopathy of Ambrosia trifida's Pollens on Corn Pollens, Stigmas, and Yield.},
journal = {Journal of agricultural and food chemistry},
volume = {72},
number = {50},
pages = {27830-27840},
doi = {10.1021/acs.jafc.4c09147},
pmid = {39638758},
issn = {1520-5118},
mesh = {*Zea mays/growth & development/chemistry/metabolism ; *Allelopathy ; *Plant Extracts/chemistry/pharmacology ; Pheromones/metabolism/pharmacology ; Flowers/chemistry/growth & development/metabolism ; Plant Weeds/drug effects/growth & development/metabolism ; Germination/drug effects ; Seeds/chemistry/growth & development/metabolism ; Introduced Species ; Seedlings/growth & development/metabolism/chemistry/drug effects ; },
abstract = {Ambrosia trifida, a worldwide malignant invasive weed, can inhibit corn seed germination, seedling growth, and yield through allelopathy. However, it is unclear whether it can inhibit activities of corn pollens and stigmas and, thus, decrease corn yield through allelopathy. Here, we studied the allelopathic effects and related mechanisms of A. trifida's pollens on corn pollens, stigmas, and yield. The aqueous extract of A. trifida's pollens significantly inhibited activities of corn pollens and stigmas. Treating corn pollens and/or stigmas with A. trifida's pollens or their aqueous extract significantly decreased corn fruiting. Four allelochemicals were identified from A. trifida's pollens, which could significantly inhibit activities of corn pollens and stigmas, especially isoquercetin and quercetin. These compounds could interact with five key enzymes in the respiratory metabolism of corn, inhibiting the activities of these enzymes and, thus, respiratory metabolism. Our study provides a new pathway and mechanism by which invasive plants affect crop yield.},
}

*Zea mays/growth & development/chemistry/metabolism
*Allelopathy
*Plant Extracts/chemistry/pharmacology
Pheromones/metabolism/pharmacology
Flowers/chemistry/growth & development/metabolism
Plant Weeds/drug effects/growth & development/metabolism
Germination/drug effects
Seeds/chemistry/growth & development/metabolism
Introduced Species
Seedlings/growth & development/metabolism/chemistry/drug effects

@article {pmid39683758,
year = {2024},
author = {Gomes, J and Domingues, E and Frasson, D and Martins, RC and Matos, AM},
title = {Virus Removal from Real Wastewater as an Environmental Management Approach.},
journal = {Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {29},
number = {23},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/molecules29235601},
pmid = {39683758},
issn = {1420-3049},
support = {BIOFREE//Santander Universities/ ; },
mesh = {*Wastewater/virology/parasitology ; *Water Purification/methods ; Animals ; Norovirus ; Disinfection/methods ; Viruses/isolation & purification ; Water Microbiology ; },
abstract = {The increased presence of resistant microorganisms in water promotes the need for supplementary measures to mitigate the water source's contamination. Traditional treatments are inefficient in wastewater management at removing some emerging contaminants. Corbicula fluminea, an invasive species, can be used in the treatment due to their resistance and biofiltration capacity, working as a pest management strategy. In this study, this bivalve was used to promote the virus disinfection from the municipal wastewater treatment plant (MWTP) that enters (influent) and after the secondary treatment (effluent leaving the plant). JC virus, norovirus (GI, GII), and hepatitis A (HAV) were identified. C. fluminea promoted norovirus GI and GII removal after 72 h and a slight decrease in the JC virus concentration. These results prove the potential of this pest management approach to be used in virus removal. Furthermore, infectivity assays using mengovirus confirmed the correlation between the presence of the genome detected by PCR and the infectious virus particles. This highlights the potential of PCR as a reliable indicator of the infectious virus's presence. However, such an infectivity assay proved that even when PCR results are undetectable, a reduced number of viruses may remain viable and able to infect susceptible cells in culture.},
}

*Wastewater/virology/parasitology
*Water Purification/methods
Animals
Norovirus
Disinfection/methods
Viruses/isolation & purification
Water Microbiology

@article {pmid39683243,
year = {2024},
author = {Lee, Y and Mahajan, G and Beregszaszi, R and Chauhan, BS},
title = {Seed Germination Ecology of Sonchus asper and Sonchus oleraceus in Queensland Australia.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {13},
number = {23},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants13233451},
pmid = {39683243},
issn = {2223-7747},
abstract = {Sonchus asper and S. oleraceus are among the most problematic broadleaf weeds in eastern cropping systems of Australia. This study investigated the seed germination ecology of S. asper and S. oleraceus. The study hypothesized that S. asper may have greater ecological advantages under adverse environmental conditions compared to S. oleraceus. Results showed that S. asper consistently outperformed S. oleraceus across different light regimes and stress conditions. At a lower temperature regime of 15/5 °C, seed germination of S. oleraceus decreased by 19% compared to S. asper. Germination of S. oleraceus significantly declined under dark conditions, while over 90% of S. asper seeds germinated under both light/dark and dark conditions. Under water stress (osmotic potential of -0.4 MPa), S. oleraceus germination dropped by 74% compared to S. asper, indicating S. asper's superior drought tolerance. Both species exhibited moderate salinity tolerance (40 mM NaCl) to germinate, highlighting their potential to invade saline cropping environments. The burial study revealed that S. oleraceus had higher germination at the soil surface, but no germination occurred from 4 cm, while 23% of S. asper seeds still emerged from that depth. The burial depth required to inhibit 50% emergence of S. asper and S. oleraceus was 3.3 cm and 0.3 cm, respectively. These findings highlight S. asper's greater adaptability to low temperatures, burial depth, and stress conditions than S. oleraceus. The insights from this study can inform agronomic strategies, including tillage depth and mulching, to mitigate the impact of these invasive species on Australian cropping systems.},
}

@article {pmid39683168,
year = {2024},
author = {Galanidis, A and Bazos, I and Dimitrakopoulos, PG},
title = {Non-Native Flora of the Mediterranean Lesvos Island (East Aegean, Greece): Floristic Analysis, Traits, and Assessment.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {13},
number = {23},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants13233375},
pmid = {39683168},
issn = {2223-7747},
abstract = {A checklist of Lesvos Island's non-native vascular flora is presented. Through the literature and a roadside survey, we recorded 187 non-native plant taxa, representing 12% of the total regional flora. A total of 37 taxa were reported for the first time for Lesvos, including three taxa that are also new to the Greek non-native flora. The dominant families were Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Poaceae, Amaranthaceae, and Solanaceae. Amaranthus, Oxalis, Solanum, Opuntia, and Prunus were the most species rich genera. Most taxa were neophytes, naturalized and perennial, while phanerophytes and therophytes were the predominant life forms. Animal (insect) pollination was the principal pollination mode, whereas the main dispersal mechanism was zoochory, with most taxa forming a capsule. The majority of the taxa preferred agricultural and ruderal habitats and originated from the Americas and Asia. The primary introduction pathway was escape from confinement, concerning taxa introduced for ornamental and agricultural purposes.},
}

@article {pmid39683078,
year = {2024},
author = {Yu, H and Zhang, R and Huang, W and Liu, W and Zhan, J and Wang, R and Zhao, X and Feng, Q},
title = {Seed Traits and Germination of Invasive Plant Solanum rostratum (Solanaceae) in the Arid Zone of Northern China Indicate Invasion Patterns.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {13},
number = {23},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants13233287},
pmid = {39683078},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {2022YFF1303301//National Key R&D Program of China/ ; 2022YFF130260//National Key R&D Program of China/ ; 52179026//National Natural Science Fund of China/ ; },
abstract = {The ability of seeds to germinate under a wide range of environmental conditions is an important characteristic of invasive alien plant species. Solanum rostratum Dunal, has been widely distributed in the Northeast and Northwest of China and is causing huge damage to the local agricultural production. Studies on seed germination and response among populations to environmental stress may assist in revealing the adaptability of invasive plants and how they cope with climate change. In this study, we collected seeds from five invasive plant populations of S. rostratum, with intervals of over 3000 km between them, distributed in different habitats and climate zones. We measured the differences in seed traits between populations and studied the trends in germination responses of S. rostratum seeds under diverse abiotic stress conditions. The weight and size of S. rostratum seeds distributed in Northeast China were significantly greater than those distributed in Northwest China; for the response of S. rostratum seed germination to environmental factors, seeds from arid and extremely arid areas of Northwest China had greater tolerance to high temperatures and osmotic stress, while seeds from semi-arid areas of Northeast China were more sensitive to low temperatures and high salt stress. Overall, the germination of S. rostratum seeds responded differently to various environmental stress factors, reflecting the ability of S. rostratum to occupy germination sites under low resource competition. Given the rapid changes in the global climate, our findings provide new insights into the seed adaptation strategies of alien plants during the invasion process and the mechanisms involved.},
}

@article {pmid39682389,
year = {2024},
author = {Tarasiuk, G and Giménez-Lirola, LG and Rotolo, ML and Zimmerman, JJ},
title = {Use of Chemical Tracers in Sus scrofa Population Studies-A Scoping Review.},
journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI},
volume = {14},
number = {23},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ani14233424},
pmid = {39682389},
issn = {2076-2615},
abstract = {A highly invasive species, free-ranging Sus scrofa often negatively impact the ecosystem and are capable of spreading a number of impactful pathogens to domestic livestock. Measures taken to ameliorate these impacts and/or control population size are based on the delivery of oral baits containing bioactive chemicals or vaccines, e.g., classical swine fever vaccine. The efficacy of these methods depends on the rate at which inoculated baits are consumed by the pigs. Rhodamine B, tetracycline, and iophenoxic acid are commonly used to quantitate bait uptake in free-ranging pig population studies. All three are effective in this application but differ in fundamental characteristics. When used as a tracer, the effective dose of rhodamine B was established at 15 mg/kg to ensure a 12-week window of detection based on evaluation of hair samples using fluorescent microscopy. Tetracyclines are likewise effective tracers in free-ranging pigs, but the process of detection is highly invasive, i.e., requires euthanasia, and extraction of bone or teeth, followed by examination by fluorescence microscopy. Iophenoxic acid and its derivatives also highly suitable tracers and may be detected in serum for ≥9 months after exposure. Notably tracers used in free-ranging pigs are not suitable for behavioral studies in farm-raised pigs either because the detection method is highly invasive (tetracyclines) or because they are unapproved for use in meat destined for human consumption.},
}

@article {pmid39680905,
year = {2024},
author = {Gilbert, AL and Wayne, SM and Norris, MC and Rodgers, JM and Warner, DA},
title = {Stressful Body Temperatures as a Maternal Effect on Lizard Reproduction.},
journal = {Ecological and evolutionary physiology},
volume = {97},
number = {5},
pages = {292-301},
doi = {10.1086/733349},
pmid = {39680905},
issn = {2993-7973},
mesh = {Animals ; *Lizards/physiology/growth & development ; Female ; *Reproduction/physiology ; *Body Temperature ; Stress, Physiological/physiology ; Male ; Ovum ; },
abstract = {AbstractUnderstanding the relationship between the environment parents experience during reproduction and the environment embryos experience in the nest is essential for determining the intergenerational responses of populations to novel environmental conditions. Thermal stress has become commonplace for organisms inhabiting areas affected by rising temperatures. Exposure to body temperatures that approach, but do not exceed, upper thermal limits often induces adverse effects in organisms, but the propensity for these temperatures to have intergenerational consequences has not been explored in depth. Here, we quantified the effects of thermal stress on the reproductive physiology and development of brown anoles (Anolis sagrei) when thermal stress is experienced by mothers and by eggs during incubation. Mothers exposed to thermal stress produced smaller eggs and smaller offspring with reduced growth rates, while egg stress reduced developmental time and offspring mass. Hatchling survival and growth were negatively affected by thermal stress experienced by mothers but not by thermal stress experienced as eggs. We found mixed evidence for an additive effect of thermal stress on offspring; rather, thermal stress had specific (and most often negative) effects on different components of offspring phenotypes and fitness proxies when experienced either by mothers or by eggs. Stressful body temperatures therefore can function in a similar manner to other types of maternal effects in reptiles; however, this maternal effect has predominantly negative consequences on offspring.},
}

Animals
*Lizards/physiology/growth & development
Female
*Reproduction/physiology
*Body Temperature
Stress, Physiological/physiology
Male
Ovum

@article {pmid39680625,
year = {2024},
author = {Zhang, T and Gong, C and Pu, J and Peng, A and Yang, J and Wang, X},
title = {Enhancement of Tolerance against Flonicamid in Solenopsis invicta Queens through Overexpression of CYP6AQ83.},
journal = {Journal of agricultural and food chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.jafc.4c08903},
pmid = {39680625},
issn = {1520-5118},
abstract = {Solenopsis invicta, an extremely destructive invasive species, has rapidly spread in China, with queens exhibiting chemical tolerance. In this study, bioassays were conducted on S. invicta colonies collected in Nanchong, revealing that the LC50 value of flonicamid for queens (3.91 mg/L) was significantly higher than that for workers (1.07 mg/L). Comparative analysis of transcriptomes of workers and queens treated with flonicamid revealed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were significantly enriched in the metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450 and drug metabolism by cytochrome P450 pathways. Based on the screening of transcriptome data, CYP6AQ83 might be involved in the detoxification metabolism of flonicamid in queens. After RNA interference, the sensitivity of queens to flonicamid was significantly increased by 30% in the treatment of the dsCYP6AQ83 group. Furthermore, heterologous overexpression of CYP6AQ83 in Drosophila melanogaster also significantly enhanced the tolerance against flonicamid. These results indicated that the overexpression of CYP6AQ83 in the queen enhances the tolerance against flonicamid.},
}

@article {pmid39678703,
year = {2024},
author = {Pasparakis, C and Biefel, F and De Castro, F and Wampler, A and Cocherell, DE and Carson, EW and Hung, TC and Connon, RE and Fangue, NA and Todgham, AE},
title = {Physiological response of longfin smelt to changing temperatures and turbidities.},
journal = {Conservation physiology},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {coae081},
pmid = {39678703},
issn = {2051-1434},
abstract = {Coastal estuaries globally, including the San Francisco Estuary (SFE), are experiencing significant degradation, often resulting in fisheries collapses. The SFE has undergone profound modifications due to population growth, industrialization, urbanization and increasing water exports for human use. These changes have significantly altered the aquatic ecosystem, favouring invasive species and becoming less hospitable to native species such as the longfin smelt (Spirinchus thaleichthys). With longfin smelt abundance declining to <1% of historical numbers, there is a pressing need for laboratory-based experiments aimed at investigating the effects of varying environmental conditions on their stress response and physiology. This study explored the impact of temperature (11 and 14°C) and turbidity maintained with algae (1, 4 and 11 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU)) on the physiological condition of juvenile longfin smelt. Fish were sampled after 2 and 4 weeks in experimental conditions and analysed for whole-body cortisol, glucose, lactate and protein. Condition factor was calculated using length and weight measurements. Critical thermal maximum trials were conducted to assess how prior rearing conditions affected upper thermal tolerance. Cortisol levels were significantly higher in fish held in low-turbidity conditions, whilst glucose levels were significantly greater at lower temperatures and higher turbidities. Protein-to-mass ratios were significantly greater in higher turbidity conditions, with a significant interaction between temperature and turbidity further influencing these ratios. Moreover, 14°C led to diminished condition factors but increased upper thermal tolerances (26.3 ± 0.05 vs 24.6 ± 0.18) compared to longfin smelt at 11°C, highlighting a potential trade-off between the induction of defense mechanisms and subsequent reductions in energy and growth. Data suggest that cooler temperatures (11°C) and elevated turbidities (11 NTU) can benefit juvenile longfin smelt by reducing stress and enhancing growth and energy. These findings hold significant implications for informing and optimizing future endeavours in the culturing and conservation of this species.},
}

@article {pmid39447035,
year = {2024},
author = {Neupane, SB and Schmidt, JM and Snyder, WE and Hudson, WG and Wang, X and Buffington, M and Daane, KM and Sial, AA},
title = {Assessing native parasitoids of the invasive pest Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in the Southeastern USA.},
journal = {Environmental entomology},
volume = {53},
number = {6},
pages = {966-972},
doi = {10.1093/ee/nvae086},
pmid = {39447035},
issn = {1938-2936},
support = {# 2020-51181-32140//USDA/ ; GS22-269//Southern SARE/ ; # 2021-70006-35349//Extension Implementation Program/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Drosophila/physiology/parasitology ; *Pest Control, Biological ; *Wasps/physiology ; *Introduced Species ; *Blueberry Plants ; Georgia ; Larva/growth & development/physiology ; Host-Parasite Interactions ; },
abstract = {Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), commonly known as spotted-wing Drosophila (SWD), is an invasive insect pest threatening the economy of many small fruit farms in the Americas and Europe. Biological control using parasitoids is a promising strategy for improving the sustainable management of SWD. To use the parasitoids as biocontrol agents, recognizing and understanding the presence and preference of North American native parasitoids and their local adaptation is necessary. We conducted 2 season-long field explorations of North American native parasitoids of SWD during 2021 and 2022 at major blueberry-producing locations in southeast GA, USA. A total of 371 parasitoids of Drosophila were collected using fruit-baited sentinel traps and classified into 3 families: Figitidae, Pteromalidae, and Diapriidae. Leptopilina boulardi (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) and Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) were the most abundant species. The abundance of parasitoids was higher during the peak blueberry ripening period through the end of the harvest season compared to all other phenological stages. Out of the North American native parasitoids of SWD that we collected, Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae successfully parasitized SWD in its natural habitat, and L. boulardi only parasitized SWD larvae at a low rate of 7% in the laboratory, but it failed to emerge from all the parasitized SWD. Ultimately, we found that the existing North American native parasitoids were inadequate to suppress the SWD in these locations. Planned intervention with the classical release of Asian native specialist parasitoids in addition to the existing SWD management approaches was deemed necessary in these areas.},
}

Animals
*Drosophila/physiology/parasitology
*Pest Control, Biological
*Wasps/physiology
*Introduced Species
*Blueberry Plants
Georgia
Larva/growth & development/physiology
Host-Parasite Interactions

@article {pmid39428106,
year = {2024},
author = {Getz, MP and Best, LR and Melathopoulos, AP and Warren, TL},
title = {The establishment and potential spread of Osmia cornuta (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) in North America.},
journal = {Environmental entomology},
volume = {53},
number = {6},
pages = {1147-1156},
pmid = {39428106},
issn = {1938-2936},
support = {//Oregon State University College of Agricultural Sciences Strategic Advantage Award/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Bees ; *Introduced Species ; *Animal Distribution ; British Columbia ; Female ; },
abstract = {Mason bees, subgenus Osmia Panzer (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae), are economically and ecologically significant pollinators. In eastern North America, the rapid spread of 2 non-native species from Asia, Osmia cornifrons Radoszkowski and Osmia taurus Smith, has coincided with declines in native Osmia populations, raising concern about the effects of further exotic arrivals. Here we investigate the recent establishment in British Columbia, Canada of the European orchard bee, Osmia cornuta Latreille, previously thought to be limited to Europe and its periphery. We document O. cornuta records ranging more than 170 km, including sightings of live adults and the discovery of a multigenerational nest with hundreds of cocoons. We tested whether these cocoons could be discriminated from other Osmia species by training a machine learning classifier on features extracted from images. The best performing model could not reliably discriminate cocoons by species, raising the possibility O. cornuta could be inadvertently intermingled in future commercial shipments. Recent occurrence records of O. cornifrons and O. taurus were spatially isolated, suggesting ongoing anthropogenic dispersal of these species. We predicted the suitability of North American habitats for O. cornuta by estimating its native climate niche. This analysis indicated broad regions of the Pacific Northwest and eastern North America contain potentially suitable habitat. Our findings document the establishment of O. cornuta in North America and the potential for its expansion. Our study demonstrates the utility of accessible biodiversity data archives and public observation programs in tracking non-native species spread and highlights the need for future monitoring of exotic Osmia.},
}

Animals
Bees
*Introduced Species
*Animal Distribution
British Columbia
Female

@article {pmid39677946,
year = {2024},
author = {Hasnain, SS and Arnott, SE},
title = {Variation in behaviour of native prey mediates the impact of an invasive species on plankton communities.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {e18608},
pmid = {39677946},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; *Daphnia/physiology ; *Predatory Behavior/physiology ; *Plankton/physiology ; Food Chain ; Zooplankton/physiology ; Population Dynamics ; Biomass ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Trait variation in predator populations can influence the outcome of predator-prey dynamics, with consequences for trophic dynamics and ecosystem functioning. However, the influence of prey trait variation on the impacts of predators is not well understood, especially for introduced predators where variation in prey can shape invasion outcomes. In this study, we investigated if intra-specific differences in vertical position of Daphnia influenced the impacts of the invasive zooplankton predator, Bythotrephes cederströmii, on plankton communities. Our results show that vertical position of Daphnia influenced Bythotrephes predation on smaller cladoceran species and impacts on primary production. Larger reductions in small cladoceran density and greater algal biomass were observed in mesocosms with less spatial overlap between Daphnia and Bythotrephes. These results suggest that differences in vertical position of Daphnia can alter the type and magnitude of Bythotrephes impacts in invaded systems.},
}

Animals
*Introduced Species
*Daphnia/physiology
*Predatory Behavior/physiology
*Plankton/physiology
Food Chain
Zooplankton/physiology
Population Dynamics
Biomass
Ecosystem

@article {pmid39676232,
year = {2024},
author = {Flickinger, HD and Dukes, JS},
title = {A Review of Theory: Comparing Invasion Ecology and Climate Change-Induced Range Shifting.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {30},
number = {12},
pages = {e17612},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.17612},
pmid = {39676232},
issn = {1365-2486},
mesh = {*Climate Change ; *Introduced Species ; Ecosystem ; Animals ; Animal Distribution ; Ecology ; },
abstract = {Human actions have led to large-scale shifts in the distributions of species, which have accelerated over recent decades. Two contributing factors include the introduction of non-native species to new regions, and more recently, the shift of species into new ranges to track a human-altered climate. While the context of these species redistributions is different, we argue here that scientists studying the effects of either invasion or range shifting are interested in the same underlying mechanistic questions: (1) What traits make a species likely to survive in a new location? and (2) Which recipient ecosystems are likely to support a newly arrived species? A survey of the theoretical literature surrounding these topics demonstrates the usefulness of this comparison and highlights key differences between range shifting and invasion in factors including genetic diversity, climatic tolerance, local adaptation, and coevolutionary history. This review does not support the blanket application of an invasion framework to climate change-induced range shifts. However, we suggest the use of modified invasion theories, experimental designs, and risk assessments could aid in predicting outcomes and prioritizing management resources for climate-threatened species.},
}

*Climate Change
*Introduced Species
Ecosystem
Animals
Animal Distribution
Ecology

@article {pmid39676112,
year = {2024},
author = {Wiesel, PG and Schroeder, MH and Deprá, B and Salgueiro, BJ and Barreto, BM and de Santana, ERR and Köhler, A and Lobo, EA},
title = {Integrating remote sensing and UAV imagery for detection of invasive Hovenia dulcis Thumb. (Rhamnaceae) in urban Atlantic Forest remnants.},
journal = {Environmental monitoring and assessment},
volume = {197},
number = {1},
pages = {55},
pmid = {39676112},
issn = {1573-2959},
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Forests ; *Remote Sensing Technology ; *Environmental Monitoring/methods ; *Rhamnaceae ; Unmanned Aerial Devices ; Satellite Imagery ; Trees ; Brazil ; Biodiversity ; },
abstract = {The invasive species Hovenia dulcis is considered the main invasive species in the Atlantic Forest, capable of altering environmental conditions at a local scale and provoking profound changes in the composition of the plant community. Combining drone and satellite images can make forest monitoring more efficient, enabling a more targeted and effective response to contain the spread of invasive species. This research aimed to use high-resolution CBERS-4A satellite combined with drone images to detect invasive trees in forested areas of the Atlantic Forest. An object-oriented, supervised automatic classification was performed using the Dzetsaka Classification Tool and the Gaussian Mixture Model method. Additionally, georeferenced orthomosaics obtained by drones, totaling 150 ha, were used to confirm the identification of the invasive species. The entire forest area was surveyed to determine the tree community, where 72 random sample plots, each with a fixed area of 100 m[2], were established. The calculated indices, such as the Shannon index (H') = 3.65 and uniformity (J') = 78%, demonstrate that the plant community has a high diversity of species. However, the invasive H. dulcis had the highest number of sampled individuals (146), being the species with the highest relative density (9.14) within the community and the second highest in relative frequency (5.10%), coverage importance value (8.85%), and importance value index (7.60%). The methodology employed to identify the invasive species through satellite, and drone images allowed for rapid and precise data collection and quantification of the invasive species, covering an area of 86.44 ha of the forest fragment, which corroborates the field data.},
}

*Introduced Species
*Forests
*Remote Sensing Technology
*Environmental Monitoring/methods
*Rhamnaceae
Unmanned Aerial Devices
Satellite Imagery
Trees
Brazil
Biodiversity

@article {pmid39673532,
year = {2024},
author = {Herrero, JJ and Alexandre, A and Silva, J and Santos, R},
title = {Urea as a key nitrogen source for the invasion of the southern coast of Portugal by the brown seaweed Rugulopteryx okamurae (Dyctiotales, Phaeophyceae).},
journal = {Journal of phycology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/jpy.13534},
pmid = {39673532},
issn = {1529-8817},
support = {//Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia/ ; },
abstract = {The invasive seaweed Rugulopteryx okamurae, native to East Asia, is spreading rapidly along the western Mediterranean and southern Portugal, severely affecting coastal biodiversity, ecosystem structure, and economic sectors such as fisheries and tourism. This study examined the nutrient uptake kinetics of R. okamurae, including ammonium, nitrate, urea, amino acids, and phosphate, and their role in nitrogen and phosphorus budgets based on laboratory growth rates. R. okamurae demonstrated the highest uptake for ammonium (Vmax = 57.95 μmol · g[-1] DW · h[-1]), followed by urea (7.74 μmol · g[-1] DW · h[-1]), nitrate (5.37 μmol · g[-1] DW · h[-1]), and amino acids (3.71 μmol · g[-1] DW · h[-1]). The species showed higher uptake affinity for urea (α = 1.8), which accounted for 70% of nitrogen uptake. Phosphate uptake was low, and total nitrogen uptake exceeded growth requirements. These findings suggest that R. okamurae relies on organic nitrogen (urea) and may guide toward effective management strategies to mitigate its spread in coastal ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid39673090,
year = {2024},
author = {Torres-Martínez, A and Mancini, M and Grosman, F and Somoza, GM and Strüssmann, CA},
title = {Pejerrey (Odontesthes bonariensis) Under Siege: Main Infectious Diseases and Their Role in Aquaculture and Wild Populations Amidst Environmental Change.},
journal = {Journal of fish diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e14064},
doi = {10.1111/jfd.14064},
pmid = {39673090},
issn = {1365-2761},
abstract = {The pejerrey (Odontesthes bonariensis) is a key species for recreational and commercial fisheries in Argentina and holds significant aquaculture potential. It has been introduced to various countries worldwide, including Japan, where intensive aquaculture has developed. However, infectious diseases present major challenges to its cultivation, as pejerrey is susceptible to diverse pathogens, including bacteria, fungi and parasites. The primary bacterial pathogens affecting pejerrey include the genera Aeromonas, Pseudomonas and Mycobacterium (M. piscida). Fungal-like pathogens such as Saprolegnia spp., and fungal pathogens such as Achyla racemosa and Fusarium species (F. solani and F. semitectum) are also prevalent. Additionally, pejerrey hosts external and internal parasites, primarily Lernaea cyprinacea and members of the genera Cangatiella, Gyrodactylus, Contracaecum and Diplostomum. This review explores the primary infectious diseases affecting pejerrey, focusing on their symptoms, epidemiology and causative pathogens, based on literature from multiple countries and languages. Although no new diseases have emerged, we have identified persistent challenges that have remained unsolved for decades, highlighting the need for further research. Understanding the biology and epidemiology of these pathogens is crucial for expanding the aquaculture of pejerrey. Moreover, we examine how environmental changes, such as global warming, pollution and alien species, may influence disease dynamics in wild populations, stressing the need for management measures to preserve this valuable resource.},
}

@article {pmid39672651,
year = {2025},
author = {Hou, LL and Kong, WL and Wu, XQ},
title = {Biocontrol activity and action mechanism of Pseudomonas aurantiaca ST-TJ4 against Verticillium dahliae, the causal agent of Acer truncatum wilt.},
journal = {Pesticide biochemistry and physiology},
volume = {207},
number = {},
pages = {106224},
doi = {10.1016/j.pestbp.2024.106224},
pmid = {39672651},
issn = {1095-9939},
mesh = {*Plant Diseases/microbiology/prevention & control ; *Pseudomonas/physiology ; *Ascomycota/physiology ; *Acer/microbiology ; Biological Control Agents ; Verticillium ; },
abstract = {Acer truncatum wilt caused by Verticillium dahliae is a severe soilborne disease that poses a threat to the cultivation of this plant in China. The present study explored the biocontrol efficiency and underlying antagonistic mechanism of Pseudomonas aurantiaca ST-TJ4 against V. dahliae. In vitro, strain ST-TJ4 exhibited excellent inhibitory effects on V. dahliae, causing mycelial deformation. This strain significantly suppressed the production of V. dahliae conidia and microsclerotia. Moreover, the application of ST-TJ4 reduced the incidence of Verticillium wilt in A. truncatum saplings in both the prevention group and the cure group. Comparative transcriptomic analyses revealed that ST-TJ4 induced differential expression of numerous genes in V. dahliae, most of which were downregulated. These differentially expressed genes were associated with cell wall-degrading enzyme activity, sterol biosynthetic processes, glutathione S-transferase activity, iron ion and sugar metabolism, and oxidoreductase activity. Further transcriptomic analyses of physiological indices indicated that ST-TJ4 significantly inhibited the synthesis of pectin lyase, endo-β-1,4-glucanase, melanin and soluble sugars of V. dahliae and had a stronger inhibitory effect under iron deficiency. Taken together, these data highlight P. aurantiaca ST-TJ4 as a promising biocontrol agent against A. truncatum Verticillium wilt.},
}

*Plant Diseases/microbiology/prevention & control
*Pseudomonas/physiology
*Ascomycota/physiology
*Acer/microbiology
Biological Control Agents
Verticillium

@article {pmid39142239,
year = {2024},
author = {Ito, M and Minamikawa, M and Kovba, A and Numata, H and Itoh, T and Katada, Y and Niwa, S and Taya, Y and Shiraki, Y and Pandey, GS and Kelava, S and Nonaka, N and Nakao, R and Omori, R and Ohari, Y and Isoda, N and Shimozuru, M and Tsubota, T and Matsuno, K and Sashika, M},
title = {Environmental and host factors underlying tick infestation in invasive raccoons (Procyon lotor) in Hokkaido, Japan.},
journal = {Ticks and tick-borne diseases},
volume = {15},
number = {6},
pages = {102389},
doi = {10.1016/j.ttbdis.2024.102389},
pmid = {39142239},
issn = {1877-9603},
mesh = {Animals ; Japan ; *Raccoons ; *Tick Infestations/veterinary/epidemiology/parasitology ; *Introduced Species ; Male ; Female ; *Seasons ; Ixodidae/physiology/growth & development ; Nymph/growth & development/physiology ; },
abstract = {Revealing interactions between ticks and wild animals is vital for gaining insights into the dynamics of tick-borne pathogens in the natural environment. We aimed to elucidate the factors that determine tick infestation in wild animals by investigating ticks on invasive raccoons (Procyon lotor) in Hokkaido, Japan. We first examined the composition, intensity, and seasonal variation of ticks infesting raccoons in six study areas in Hokkaido from March 2022 to August 2023. In one study area, ticks infesting tanukis (raccoon dog, Nyctereutes procyonoides albus) were collected in May to July in both 2022 and 2023, and questing ticks were collected from the vegetation by flagging every other week in the same period. Next, we screened 17 environmental and host variables to determine factors that affect the number of ticks infesting raccoons using generalized linear (mixed) models. From 245 raccoons, we identified a total of 3,917 ticks belonging to eight species of two genera: the most prominent species were Ixodes ovatus (52.9 %), followed by Haemaphysalis megaspinosa (14.4 %), Ixodes tanuki (10.6 %), and Ixodes persulcatus (9.5 %). Ixodes ovatus was also predominant among questing ticks and ticks infesting tanukis. Although I. tanuki was frequently collected from raccoons and tanukis, it was rarely collected in the field. The variables that significantly affected the infestation on raccoons differed by genus, species and developmental stage of the tick. For instance, the infestation of adult I. ovatus was significantly affected by four variables: night-time temperature during nine days before capturing the raccoon, the size of forest area around the capture site, sex of the raccoon, and sampling season. The first two variables were also responsible for the infestation on raccoons of almost all species and stages of ticks. Our study revealed that the number and composition of ticks infesting raccoons can be affected not only by landscape of their habitats but also by weather conditions in several days before capturing.},
}

Animals
Japan
*Raccoons
*Tick Infestations/veterinary/epidemiology/parasitology
*Introduced Species
Male
Female
*Seasons
Ixodidae/physiology/growth & development
Nymph/growth & development/physiology

@article {pmid39671439,
year = {2024},
author = {Lisi, F and Biondi, A and Hogg, BN and Rossi Stacconi, MV and Wang, X and Daane, KM},
title = {Cold storage of Ganaspis kimorum (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) immature stages for optimized classical biological control of Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae).},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toae286},
pmid = {39671439},
issn = {1938-291X},
abstract = {Programs to mass rear and release Ganaspis kimorum Buffington (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) are ongoing in many countries to manage its host Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae). To optimize parasitoid production and synchronize field releases with pest outbreaks, we investigated a cold storage protocol by exposing different immature G. kimorum stages to 2 storage temperatures (10 or 15°C) for 2, 4, 6, or 8 wk. We further studied those temperature/exposure time combinations that allowed survival but prevented parasitoid emergence before the end of each cold exposure, or the cold storage suitability (CSS). The impact of cold storage on G. kimorum emergence time, total development time, and emergence rate was then evaluated for temperature/exposure time combinations with CSS > 60%. We also assessed fitness costs in terms of longevity and parasitism rates of emerging parasitoids. Results showed that only G. kimorum larvae and pupae were suitable for cold storage under this methodology. Cold exposure significantly delayed the emergence time and total development time of larvae and pupae, whereas the emergence rate was significantly reduced only for larvae at 10°C for 6 wk. The longevity of emerging male and female parasitoids was significantly reduced when stored cold as larvae, while no effects were reported for the parasitism rate by emerged females. These findings provide new insights into G. kimorum cold sensitivity and offer valuable options to better schedule mass rearing and wasp releases for biological control of D. suzukii.},
}

@article {pmid39671394,
year = {2024},
author = {Alharthi, IG and Cowx, IG and Harvey, JP},
title = {Geographical distribution of freshwater fishes in Saudi Arabia.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {19},
number = {12},
pages = {e0311743},
pmid = {39671394},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; Saudi Arabia ; *Fishes ; *Fresh Water ; Geography ; Introduced Species ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Species presence/absence data in different water bodies in different regions of Saudi Arabia were collated from the literature and collected from field surveys to determine the geographical distribution of fish species in the country. Freshwater fish are mainly located in drainages in the south-west of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, both in the lowlands (western drainage systems) and highlands (eastern drainage systems) of the Sarawat Mountain Range. The eastern drainage systems were dominated by three endemic species, while the western drainage systems had a variety of endemic and non-native species. Ten non-native fish species were reported, mainly in artificial water bodies in the north and east of the country, but also in dams located in Al Baha Region, Abha and Rabigh, meaning both western and eastern drainage systems are being colonised by non-native species such as Oreochromis and Carassius species.},
}

Animals
Saudi Arabia
*Fishes
*Fresh Water
Geography
Introduced Species
Ecosystem

@article {pmid39670972,
year = {2024},
author = {Atsawawaranunt, K and Stuart, KC and Whibley, A and Ewart, KM and Major, RE and Johnson, RN and Santure, AW},
title = {Parallel Signatures of Diet Adaptation in the Invasive Common Myna Genome.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e17607},
doi = {10.1111/mec.17607},
pmid = {39670972},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {UOA1911//Royal Society of New Zealand Te Apārangi Marsden Grant/ ; },
abstract = {Invasive species offer uniquely replicated model systems to study rapid adaptation. The common myna (Acridotheres tristis) has been introduced to over a dozen countries and is classified as one of the most invasive birds in the world. Their multiple invasions provide an opportunity to identify repeated adaptation, as invasive populations originated from multiple source populations. We compared whole-genome resequencing data from 80 individuals from four native and seven invasive populations, representing two independent introduction pathways. Results from two different selection scan methods were combined and identified a strongly selected region on chromosome 8 that spans two copies of AMY2A, part of the alpha-amylase gene family, a putative ncRNA and an insertion-deletion structural variant (SV) that contains an ERVK transposable element (TE). Outlier SNPs and the SV are polymorphic in native populations, but fixed or close-to-fixed in the two invasive pathways, with the fixation of the same alleles in two independent lineages providing evidence for parallel selection on standing variation. Intriguingly, the second copy of AMY2A has a non-conservative missense mutation at a phylogenetically conserved site. This mutation, alongside variation in the SV, TE and ncRNA, provide possible routes for changes to protein function or expression. AMY2A has been associated with human commensalism in house sparrows, and genes in this family have been linked to adaptation to high-starch diets in humans and dogs. This study illustrates the value of replicated analyses within and across species to understand rapid adaptation at the molecular level.},
}

@article {pmid39670556,
year = {2024},
author = {Mattiacci, A and Pietrantuono, AL and Corley, JC and Masciocchi, M},
title = {Chemotactile perception and associative learning of amino acids in yellowjacket workers.},
journal = {The Journal of experimental biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1242/jeb.247211},
pmid = {39670556},
issn = {1477-9145},
support = {PICT 2021-I-INVI-00211//Fondo para la Investigacion Cientifica y Tecnologica/ ; },
abstract = {Learning and memory are fundamental processes, influencing animal foraging behaviour and fitness success. Evaluating food nutritional quality, particularly of proteins and essential amino acids, involves complex sensory mechanisms. While olfactory cues have been extensively studied, less is known about proteinaceous chemoreception, especially in invertebrates. Vespula germanica, a globally invasive social wasp species, relies heavily on foraging efficiency and nutritional assessment for colony success. Previous studies have highlighted their associative learning abilities in natural settings, but their cognitive capabilities under laboratory conditions still need to be explored. We investigated the perceptual and learning abilities of V. germanica concerning amino acids using a maxilla-labium extension response (MaLER) conditioning protocol. We aimed to determine whether these wasps can (1) perceive specific amino acids through antennal chemoreception, (2) perform associative learning with amino acids, (3) discriminate between stimuli of varying molecular and nutritional profiles, and (4) generalize among similar stimuli. Our results suggest that V. germanica can detect free amino acids and exhibit associative learning toward them. They can discriminate between amino acids with different profiles and do not generalize among similar compounds. These findings indicate that V. germanica foragers can qualitatively evaluate amino acid solutions, translating into a natural ability to discern and learn from food sources with varying nutritional qualities. This knowledge could enhance management strategies for this invasive species, which relies on poisoned beef-based baits. Understanding the sensory and cognitive capabilities of V. germanica provides a foundation for developing more effective control methods.},
}

@article {pmid39670086,
year = {2024},
author = {Trejos Delgado, C and Dombrowski, A and Oehlmann, J},
title = {Assessing the impact of two conventional wastewater treatment plants on small streams with effect-based methods.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {e17326},
pmid = {39670086},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {*Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis ; Germany ; *Wastewater/chemistry ; *Environmental Monitoring/methods ; Animals ; *Rivers/chemistry ; Waste Disposal, Fluid/methods ; Daphnia/drug effects ; Water Purification/methods ; },
abstract = {Sixty percent of discrete surface water bodies in Europe do not meet the requirements for good ecological and chemical status and in Germany, the situation is even worse with over 90% of surface water bodies failing to meet the threshold. In addition to hydromorphological degradation, intensive land use and invasive species, chemical pollution is primarily considered to be responsible for the inadequate ecological status of the water bodies. As a quantitatively important source of micropollutants, wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) represent an important entry path for chemical stressors. It is therefore important to analyze the effectiveness of the WWTPs in eliminating micropollutants and other chemical stressors to mitigate the negative impacts of the treated wastewater (WW) in aquatic ecosystems. Accordingly, in this study, we evaluated the impacts of two conventional, medium-sized WWTPs on their small receiving water systems in the southwestern region of Hessen in Germany during two sampling campaigns (spring and fall) using effect-based methods (EBM). We hypothesized that due to the insufficient elimination of micropollutants, a broad spectrum of toxic effects would be detected in conventionally treated WW and also in the receiving surface waters downstream the WWTPs. As EBMs a battery of in vitro assays and active biomonitoring using two in vivo assays were applied. The results supported our hypothesis and showed that the untreated WW had a very high baseline toxicity and also high endocrine and mutagenic activities. Conventional WW treatment, consisting of mechanical and biological treatment with nitrification, denitrification and phosphate precipitation, reduced baseline toxicity by more than 90% and endocrine activities by more than 80% in both WWTPs. Despite these high elimination rates, the remaining baseline toxicity, the endocrine, dioxin-like and mutagenic activities of the conventionally treated WW were so high that negative effects on the two receiving waters were to be expected. This was confirmed in the active monitoring with the amphipod Gammarus fossarum and the mudsnail Potamopyrgus antipodarum, as mortality of both species increased downstream of the WWTPs and reproduction in P. antipodarum was also affected. These results indicate that advanced WW treatment is needed to more effectively eliminate chemical stressors to prevent negative impacts of treated WW particularly in small receiving waters.},
}

*Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis
Germany
*Wastewater/chemistry
*Environmental Monitoring/methods
Animals
*Rivers/chemistry
Waste Disposal, Fluid/methods
Daphnia/drug effects
Water Purification/methods

@article {pmid39669509,
year = {2024},
author = {Guri, G and Ray, JL and Shelton, AO and Kelly, RP and Præbel, K and Andruszkiewicz Allan, E and Yoccoz, N and Johansen, T and Wangensteen, OS and Hanebrekke, T and Westgaard, JI},
title = {Quantifying the Detection Sensitivity and Precision of qPCR and ddPCR Mechanisms for eDNA Samples.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {14},
number = {12},
pages = {e70678},
pmid = {39669509},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Environmental DNA (eDNA) detection employing quantitative PCR (qPCR) and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) offers a non-invasive and efficient approach for monitoring aquatic organisms. Accurate and sensitive quantification of eDNA is crucial for tracking rare and invasive species and understanding the biodiversity abundance and distribution of aquatic organisms. This study compares the sensitivity and quantification precision of qPCR and ddPCR for eDNA surveys through Bayesian inference using latent parameters from both known concentration (standards) and environmental samples across three teleost fish species assays. The results show that ddPCR offers higher sensitivity and quantification precision, particularly at low DNA concentrations (< 1 copy/μL reaction), than qPCR. These findings highlight the superior performance of ddPCR for eDNA detection at low concentrations, guiding researchers towards more reliable methods for effective species monitoring. Additionally, this study indicates that a two-step (detection and concentration) model increased the precision of qPCR results, useful for enhancing the robustness of eDNA quantification. Furthermore, we investigated the lower limit of quantification for ddPCR, providing insights on how such limit can be extended, which could also be applied to qPCR.},
}

@article {pmid39668294,
year = {2024},
author = {Effah, E and Clavijo McCormick, A},
title = {Invasive Plants' Root Extracts Display Stronger Allelopathic Activity on the Germination and Seedling Growth of a New Zealand Native Species than Extracts of Another Native Plant or Conspecifics.},
journal = {Journal of chemical ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39668294},
issn = {1573-1561},
support = {Marsden fast start to ACM//Royal Society Te Apārangi/ ; Marsden fast start to ACM//Royal Society Te Apārangi/ ; },
abstract = {The release of allelochemicals is one of the contributing factors to the success of invasive plants in their non-native ranges. It has been hypothesised that the impact of chemicals released by a plant on its neighbours is shaped by shared coevolutionary history, making natives more susceptible to "new" chemicals released by introduced plant species (novel weapons hypothesis). We explored this hypothesis in a New Zealand system where the two invasive plants of European origin, Cytisus scoparius (Scotch broom) and Calluna vulgaris (heather) cooccur with natives like Chionochloa rubra (red tussock) and Leptospermum scoparium (mānuka). We characterised the chemical composition of root extracts of broom, heather, red tussock and mānuka using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and then investigated the influence of aqueous root extracts at different concentrations (0.1%, 1%, 5%, 50% and 100% v/v) on mānuka seed germination and seedling growth (root and shoot length and biomass), using deionised water as control. The results show clear distinctions in the chemical composition of the four plants' root extracts, with 4-O-methylmannose dominating the broom extract and (E)-pinocarveol the heather extract, while 16-kaurene and methyl palmitate were abundant in both mānuka and tussock extracts. We found a significant effect of invasive plant (heather and broom) root extracts on mānuka germination at all concentrations tested, and adverse effects on seedling growth and biomass only at higher concentrations (≥ 5%). Broom displayed stronger allelopathic effects than heather at the highest concentration (100%). For extracts of conspecific and other native species (mānuka and red tussock) allelopathic effects were only observed at very high concentrations (50 and 100%) and were generally weaker than those observed for invasive plants. These results show that while both native and invasive plants produce chemicals with allelopathic potential, native species are likely to be more vulnerable to the allelopathic effects of species they did not co-evolve with, supporting the novel weapons hypothesis. However, this study also highlights differences in allelopathic potential between invasive species.},
}

@article {pmid39668283,
year = {2024},
author = {de Aguiar Coelho, F and Farnezi, PKB and de Sá, MC and Viotti, J and Moreira, VH and Batista, AC and Mendes, DS and de Araújo, TA and de Assis Júnior, SL and Soares, MA and Picanço, MC and da Silva, RS},
title = {Risk Analysis for Invasion of the Forest Pest Paropsisterna bimaculata Present in Tasmania to Areas of the World.},
journal = {Neotropical entomology},
volume = {54},
number = {1},
pages = {10},
pmid = {39668283},
issn = {1678-8052},
mesh = {Animals ; Tasmania ; *Eucalyptus ; *Forests ; *Introduced Species ; Risk Assessment ; Animal Distribution ; },
abstract = {Paropsisterna bimaculata is an essential pest of eucalyptus species. The insect is consistently associated with severe defoliation in large crop plantations in Tasmania. Its attack causes a reduction in the volume of wood produced and, in severe cases, the death of trees. Eucalyptus is the most important species in the global forestry sector and is economically significant in many countries. The extensive insect fauna associated with these species demonstrates the need for increasingly effective control and prevention methods, especially for those regulated as quarantine pests. This study aimed to develop an ecoclimatic index model for P. bimaculata using the CLIMEX software, highlighting the potential distribution of P. bimaculata in the world and the areas at risk of introducing the insect into planted forest crops. The potential distribution of P. bimaculata showed high suitability in regions of Asia, Africa, Europe, Oceania, and America, with greater probability in countries in Europe and South America. The results are mainly associated with regions with temperate climates. Furthermore, an area in Brazil's South and Southeast regions also showed an adequate distribution for the species. The model's results presented here can assist in developing strategies to prevent the introduction and establishment of P. bimaculata in eucalyptus crops worldwide.},
}

Animals
Tasmania
*Eucalyptus
*Forests
*Introduced Species
Risk Assessment
Animal Distribution

@article {pmid39668134,
year = {2024},
author = {Bitarafan, Z and Kaczmarek-Derda, W and Berge, TW and Øyri, CE and Fløistad, IS},
title = {Steaming soil is effective in eliminating invasive alien plants (IAPs) - part I: effect of exposure method.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.8603},
pmid = {39668134},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//Norwegian Public Roads Administration/ ; //National funding from Poland/ ; //EEA Financial Mechanism 2014-2021/ ; //The University of Agriculture in Kraków/ ; //The University of Silesia in Katowice/ ; //The Magura National Park/ ; //The Institute of Technology and Life Sciences - State Research Institute/ ; //the Institute of Nature Conservation Polish Academy of Sciences/ ; //The National Research Institute of Animal Production - State Research Institute/ ; //Norsk institutt for Bioøkonomi/ ; //Norges Forskningsråd/ ; //Lindum AS/ ; //Soil Steam International AS/ ; //Larvik Løk AS/ ; //Toten Løkpakkeri AS/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: As regulations on pesticides become more stringent, it is likely that there will be interest in steam as an alternative approach for soil disinfestation. This study investigates the feasibility of utilizing a soil steaming device for thermal control of invasive plants.

RESULTS: Seeds of Echinochloa crus-galli, Impatiens glandulifera, Solidago canadensis, and rhizome fragments of Reynoutria × bohemica were examined for thermal sensitivity through two exposure methods: (1) steam treatment of propagative material in soil; (2) exposure of propagative material to warm soil just after heated by steam. Soil temperatures in the range of 60-99 °C and dwelling period of 3 min were tested. Increased soil temperature decreased seed germination/rhizome sprouting. The exposure method had a significant effect where higher temperatures were needed to reduce the seed germination/rhizome sprouting in method 2 explained by the effect of extra heat given in method 1. Using method 1, for E. crus-galli and S. canadensis, the maximum mean temperature of approximately 80 °C was enough to achieve the effective weed control level (90%). This was lower for I. glandulifera and higher for R. × bohemica. Using method 2, 90% control was achieved at 95 °C for S. canadensis; more than 115 °C for I. glandulifera; and more than 130 °C for E. crus-galli and R. × bohemica.

CONCLUSION: Our findings showed a promising mortality rate for weeds propagative materials through soil steaming. However, the species showed varying responses to heat and therefore steam regulation should be based on the differences in weeds' susceptibility to heat. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid39669889,
year = {2023},
author = {Roegner, AF and Corman, JR and Sitoki, LM and Kwena, ZA and Ogari, Z and Miruka, JB and Xiong, A and Weirich, C and Aura, CM and Miller, TR},
title = {Impacts of algal blooms and microcystins in fish on small-scale fishers in Winam Gulf, Lake Victoria: implications for health and livelihood.},
journal = {Ecology and society : a journal of integrative science for resilience and sustainability},
volume = {28},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {39669889},
issn = {1708-3087},
abstract = {Lake Victoria, bordered by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, provides one of the largest freshwater fisheries in the world and supports millions in small-scale fishing communities. Historical environmental change, including population growth, nutrient loading, introduced invasive species, and rising temperatures, has resulted in eutrophication and persistent cyanobacterial harmful algae blooms (cyanoHABs) over recent decades, particularly in the shallower gulfs, bays, and inlets. CyanoHABs impact fisheries and food web dynamics and compromise food and water security for nearshore fisher populations. In this study, we examine the social-ecological impact of freshwater blooms on fisher health in one of these eutrophic regions, Winam Gulf in Lake Victoria. CyanoHABs persist for months and produce microcystins and hepatotoxins at levels unsafe for human health. We assessed potential risk and contribution of microcystin exposure through fish consumption, in addition to exposure through water source, and conducted 400 fisher and 400 household surveys. Average microcystin concentrations exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline for drinking water consistently during the long dry season, and cyanobacterial cell counts surpassed WHO standards for recreational risk in 84% of samples. Hazard quotients for fish consumed by young children were 5 to 10 times higher than permissible levels. In addition, fishers chronicled profound ecosystem changes with direct impact on livelihood, fisheries, and water quality with 77.4% reporting a decline in profit or catch, 83.1% reporting adverse impacts of cyanoHABs on fish in the lake, and 98.2% reporting indicators of declining water quality in the lake overall. Through the application of a social-ecological lens to a public health model, we identified spheres of influence that modify how fishers experience HABs related stressors and risks to provide a starting point at which to identify sustainable strategies to improve food and water security and livelihood for the millions in nearshore communities.},
}

@article {pmid39665151,
year = {2024},
author = {Evans, BJ and Gvoždík, V and Knytl, M and Cauret, CMS and Herrel, A and Greenbaum, E and Patel, J and Premachandra, T and Papenfuss, TJ and Parente, J and Horb, ME and Measey, J},
title = {Rapid Sex Chromosome Turnover in African Clawed Frogs (Xenopus) and the Origins of New Sex Chromosomes.},
journal = {Molecular biology and evolution},
volume = {41},
number = {12},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/molbev/msae234},
pmid = {39665151},
issn = {1537-1719},
support = {RGPIN-2017-05770//Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; 23-07331S//Czech Science Foundation/ ; DKRVO 2024-2028/6.I.a//Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic/ ; 00023272//National Museum of the Czech Republic/ ; CZ.02.01.01/00/22_010/0002902//MSCA Fellowships/ ; R24OD030008//National Institute of Health/ ; 87759//National Research Foundation of South Africa/ ; //Percy Sladen Memorial Fund/ ; 8556 to 8508//National Geographic Research and Exploration/ ; DEB-1145459//US National Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Xenopus/genetics ; *Sex Chromosomes/genetics ; Female ; Male ; Recombination, Genetic ; Sex Determination Processes ; },
abstract = {Sex chromosomes of some closely related species are not homologous, and sex chromosome turnover is often attributed to mechanisms that involve linkage to or recombination arrest around sex-determining loci. We examined sex chromosome turnover and recombination landscapes in African clawed frogs (genus Xenopus) with reduced representation genome sequences from 929 individuals from 19 species. We recovered extensive variation in sex chromosomes, including at least eight nonhomologous sex-associated regions-five newly reported here, with most maintaining female heterogamety, but two independent origins of Y chromosomes. Seven of these regions are found in allopolyploid species in the subgenus Xenopus, and all of these reside in one of their two subgenomes, which highlights functional asymmetry between subgenomes. In three species with chromosome-scale genome assemblies (Xenopus borealis, Xenopus laevis, and Xenopus tropicalis), sex-specific recombination landscapes have similar patterns of sex differences in rates and locations of recombination. Across these Xenopus species, sex-associated regions are significantly nearer chromosome ends than expected by chance, even though this is where the ancestral recombination rate is highest in both sexes before the regions became sex associated. As well, expansions of sex-associated recombination arrest occurred multiple times. New information on sex linkage along with among-species variation in female specificity of the sex-determining gene dm-w argues against a "jumping gene" model, where dm-w moves around the genome. The diversity of sex chromosomes in Xenopus raises questions about the roles of natural and sexual selection, polyploidy, the recombination landscape, and neutral processes in driving sex chromosome turnover in animal groups with mostly heterogametic females.},
}

Animals
*Xenopus/genetics
*Sex Chromosomes/genetics
Female
Male
Recombination, Genetic
Sex Determination Processes

@article {pmid39665131,
year = {2024},
author = {Szopieray, K and Templin, J and Osten-Sacken, N and Jaśkowski, JM and Żbikowska, E},
title = {Gut parasites of alpacas (Vicugna pacos) raised in Poland.},
journal = {Journal of helminthology},
volume = {98},
number = {},
pages = {e82},
doi = {10.1017/S0022149X24000713},
pmid = {39665131},
issn = {1475-2697},
mesh = {Animals ; Poland/epidemiology ; *Camelids, New World/parasitology ; *Feces/parasitology ; *Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/veterinary/epidemiology/parasitology ; Male ; Female ; Prevalence ; Farms ; },
abstract = {This study aimed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in alpacas on selected farms in Poland. In July and August 2019 and August 2021, 223 samples from six commercial farms were examined using coproscopic techniques. The total percentage of alpacas infected with intestinal parasites was 57.7%. Eggs of Nematodirus sp. were found in 28.9%, Trichostrongylus sp. in 15.5%, Strongyloides sp. in 13.4%, Camelostrongylus sp. in 11.3%, other strongyle-type in 12.4%, Trichuris sp. in 3.1%, Capillaria spp. in 2.1%, Oesophagostomum sp. in 1.0% and eggs of Moniezia sp. in 1.0% of individuals. Oocysts of Eimeria macusaniensis were found in 8.2%, Eimeria sp. in 4.1%, and Cryptosporidium sp. in 3.1% of animals. Redundancy analysis showed that parasites and their number in faeces were related to the individual's country of origin, sex and age. Females had significantly more eggs of parasites than males. More significant parasite infection was recorded in younger individuals. Moreover, the most infected were individuals from Germany. Some of the described parasites in tested alpacas have zoonotic potential. Due to the possibility of introducing parasites native to alpacas and acquiring species parasitising wild and farmed animals in Europe, permanent veterinary monitoring of animals imported from other regions is necessary.},
}

Animals
Poland/epidemiology
*Camelids, New World/parasitology
*Feces/parasitology
*Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/veterinary/epidemiology/parasitology
Male
Female
Prevalence
Farms

@article {pmid39663509,
year = {2024},
author = {Zuo, B and Chen, R and Tang, X and Shao, Y and Liu, X and Nneji, LM and Sun, Y},
title = {Genomic Insights Into Genetic Basis of Evolutionary Conservatism and Innovation in Frogs.},
journal = {Integrative zoology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1749-4877.12931},
pmid = {39663509},
issn = {1749-4877},
abstract = {Examining closely related species evolving in similar environments offers valuable insights into the mechanisms driving phylogenetic conservatism and evolutionary lability. This can elucidate the intricate relationship between inheritance and environmental factors. Nonetheless, the precise genomic dynamics and molecular underpinnings of this process remain enigmatic. This study explores the evolutionary conservatism and adaptation exhibited by two closely related high-altitude frog species: Nanorana parkeri and N. pleskei. We assembled a high-quality genome for Tibetan N. pleskei and compared it to the genomes of N. parkeri and their lowland relatives. Our findings reveal that these two Tibetan frog species diverged approximately 16.6 million years ago, pointing to a possible ancestral colonization of high-elevation habitats. Following this colonization, significant adaptive evolution occurred in both coding and non-coding regions of the ancestral lineage. This evolution led to notable phenotypic alterations, as evidenced by the reduced body size. Also, due to purifying selection, most ancestral adaptive features persisted in descendant species, indicating a strong element of evolutionary conservatism. However, descendant species evolved novel adaptations to exacerbated environmental challenges in the Tibet Plateau, mainly related to hypoxia response. Furthermore, our analysis underscores the critical role of regulatory variations in descendant adaptive evolution. Notably, hub genes in networks, such as EGLN3, accumulated more variations in regulatory regions as they were transmitted from ancestors to descendants. In sum, our study sheds light on the profound and lasting impact of genetic heritage on species' adaptive evolution.},
}

@article {pmid39663482,
year = {2024},
author = {Groover, E and Njuguna, E and Bansal, KC and Muia, A and Kwehangana, M and Simuntala, C and Mills, RL and Kwakye, E and Rocha, P and Amedu, J and Morillo, E and Anthonysamy, MA and Khaldun, ABM and Chimpepo, L and Akoudjin, M and Senanayake, DMJB and Wangmo, D and Atnafu, D and Eusebio, GP and Kongsawat, C and Kliegman, M},
title = {A technical approach to global plant genome editing regulation.},
journal = {Nature biotechnology},
volume = {42},
number = {12},
pages = {1773-1780},
pmid = {39663482},
issn = {1546-1696},
}

@article {pmid39662444,
year = {2024},
author = {von Essen, E and Gelink, HW and Figari, H and Krange, O},
title = {Hunting for volunteers: Toward understanding embedded motivations for citizen science contributions among Norwegian hunters in the case of wild boar.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {373},
number = {},
pages = {123659},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.123659},
pmid = {39662444},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Governments increasingly appeal to citizens contribute to common goals in natural resource management, nature conservation or invasive species eradication. The contributing citizen is sometimes understood as able to graduate from being extrinsically motivated - by rewards, financial incentives or penalties - toward becoming intrinsicallymotivated. In this paper, we problematize the relative willingness of citizen contributions to aid the state in invasive species management, using the wild boar in Norway as a case study. Through a qualitative study using interviews, document analysis and participant observation with hunters, officials, landowners, farmers and veterinarians, We show how the relationship between the state and its citizens can make or break collaboration Our research suggests that rewards and financial incentives by the government are not a given for contribution. Instead, citizens willingness rests on ongoing communication with the government, its perceived gratitude and feedback to their contributions, the legacy of past collaborations and various sociopolitical factors about the role of hunters in aiding the state. In this way, our study demonstrates that motivations are not static individual properties, able to be predicted with models, but complex products of hunter identities in relation to the state and wildlife, and continuous evaluations of how the state nudges its citizens. In brief, we argue that even intrinsic motivations are embedded motivations in a sociopolitical context.},
}

@article {pmid39662441,
year = {2024},
author = {Turco, T and Voirin, L and Attia, J and Beninati, V and Higgs, DM and Cagnant, M and Médoc, V},
title = {Acoustic playback is better than food to trap one of the worst invasive fishes.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {373},
number = {},
pages = {123555},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.123555},
pmid = {39662441},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {With the number of invasive alien species increasing globally, the management of invaded areas is constantly seeking innovative and effective solutions. Thanks to recent technological advances, acoustic signals are increasingly used in species management, either as an indicator of the presence of species or as a stimulus to repel species from risky areas or attract species for monitoring or eradication purposes. However, acoustic-based solutions are still rarely used by freshwater managers. In the present study, we explored the potential of acoustic playback to trap the round goby Neogobius melanostomus, a highly invasive aquatic species. We equipped traps with specifically-designed cost-effective, easy-to-deploy underwater speakers to broadcast resynthesized reproductive calls and tested four conditions by crossing the presence or absence of acoustic and food. The traps were deployed in Lake Sainte-Croix and Lake Brunet: two French lakes where round goby invasion is ongoing. Consistent with a previous test of acoustic trapping conducted on round gobies from the Great Lakes, broadcasting reproductive calls overall improved trapping success. Acoustic alone was the best trap configuration with a tendency to have more round gobies in the traps. By contrast, food increased the proportion of bycatch and was particularly attractive to crayfish, which reduced the probability of finding round gobies in the traps. Contrary to our expectation, the proportion of reproductive gobies in the traps was not increased by acoustic signals. Our results provide support for the inclusion of acoustic approaches in the toolbox of freshwater managers.},
}

@article {pmid39661963,
year = {2024},
author = {Clarke, S},
title = {Invasive Species, Health, and Global History Afterword: The Disavowal of Human Agency.},
journal = {Journal of the history of medicine and allied sciences},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jhmas/jrae047},
pmid = {39661963},
issn = {1468-4373},
abstract = {The papers in this special issue explore the metaphorical realms that inform discourses on disruptive plants and animals. They explore how species movements in the twentieth century were framed and interpreted, and the medical, scientific, legal, and bureaucratic processes that turned a non-native or mobile species into a formally designated "invasive" one. In doing so, they allow insight into the mechanisms of disavowal, how some species were constructed as the cause of disease and ecological change, while others escaped censure.},
}

@article {pmid39659496,
year = {2024},
author = {Shih, HT and Cai, Y and Niwa, N and Yoshigou, H and Nakahara, Y},
title = {Integrative Taxonomy Reveals Freshwater Shrimp Diversity (Decapoda: Atyidae: Neocaridina) from Kyushu and Southern Honshu of Japan, with a Discussion on Introduced Species.},
journal = {Zoological studies},
volume = {63},
number = {},
pages = {e18},
pmid = {39659496},
issn = {1810-522X},
abstract = {Correct identification of species is crucial for invasion ecology and management, particularly in aquatic systems. In this study, specimens of the freshwater shrimp genus Neocaridina from Kyushu and southern Honshuof Japan were identified by using an integrative approach that combined DNA barcoding of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and morphological examination. Among the eight species detected, two are native, viz. N. denticulata and N. ikiensis. Four are regarded as non-indigenous, viz. N. davidi, N. koreana, N. palmata, N. aff. palmata, which are believed to have been introduced from other East Asian countries either by the aquarium trade or as live fish bait. The remaining two species are likely cryptic native species, which have either been mistaken for known species, e.g., N. aff. denticulata, or species that have not been discovered before, e.g., N. aff. fukiensis. While the four alien species have spread widely in central Honshu, northern Kyushu and Tsushima Island, their impacts on the native species and the overall ecology remain mostly unexplored. Problems associated with using DNA barcoding for species identification are highlighted for further research.},
}

@article {pmid39658836,
year = {2024},
author = {Martin, H and Reeves, LE and Steele, G and Rosales, A and Heinig, R and Lucas, KJ},
title = {AEDEOMYIA SQUAMIPENNIS: A NEW GENUS AND SPECIES RECORD FOR COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA, USA.},
journal = {Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association},
volume = {40},
number = {4},
pages = {174-177},
doi = {10.2987/24-7188},
pmid = {39658836},
issn = {1943-6270},
mesh = {Animals ; Florida ; Female ; *Animal Distribution ; *Culicidae/classification ; Mosquito Vectors/classification ; },
abstract = {On November 7, 2023, 3 female specimens of Aedeomyia squamipennis were captured in Collier County, Florida, for the first time during routine adult mosquito surveillance in Collier Seminole State Park. This species was first found in the USA in Miami-Dade County in 2016 and has since expanded into multiple counties throughout South Florida. The presence of Ad. squamipennis has implications for arbovirus transmission as it is a vector for the Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus group. The detection of this mosquito species also highlights the importance of a robust and consistent mosquito surveillance program.},
}

Animals
Florida
Female
*Animal Distribution
*Culicidae/classification
Mosquito Vectors/classification

@article {pmid39658762,
year = {2024},
author = {Morales, MLP and Guimarães, PS and de Martinez Gaspar Martins, C and Míguez, D and Bentos, FR and Boccardi, L and Brugnoli, E and Shaik, A and Chenia, H and Cavalli, RO and They, NH and Pinho, GLL and Agostini, VO},
title = {Aquatic macrophytes as a source of antifouling non-toxic against bacterial biofilms and golden mussel attachment: a possible role of quorum-sensing interference.},
journal = {Environmental science and pollution research international},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39658762},
issn = {1614-7499},
abstract = {Biofouling in freshwater and marine environments developed on man-made aquatic surfaces causes significant economic losses. Still, this problem is magnified when it comes to invasive species, such as the golden mussel. One of the alternatives to combat it is the use of antifouling solutions; however, the vast majority focus on solutions for the marine environment. In this same context, natural antifouling solutions from macrophytes have been reported as promising to combat estuarine biofouling; however, trials with freshwater organisms are still incipient. Thus, this study evaluated the performance of 25 macrophyte extracts in inhibiting the formation and/or eradication of bacterial biofilms, settlement of the golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei), as well as its toxicity effect on three different non-target model organisms of three trophic levels. Among the 25 extracts, nine demonstrated ≥ 60% inhibition of biofilm formation, with only the extracts of Typha domingensis and Eichhornia crassipes having a biofilm inhibitory effect of ≥ 70% for bacterial isolates and ≥ 60% for multispecies biofilms. Planktonic growth had distinct responses, ranging from induction, inhibition, and no effect on growth. The T. domingensis extract showed quorum sensing inhibition (QSI) with a dose-dependent relationship, while the E. crassipes extract showed QSI only at a dilution of 1.2%. These same extracts prevented the golden mussel from attaching and showed safe concentrations of 35.35% for Pseudopediastrum boryanum and Daphnia magna and 70.71% for Pimephales promelas. This study highlights the biotechnological potential of macrophyte extracts as a sustainable and environmentally harmless alternative for the control of micro and macrofouling in freshwater environments.},
}

@article {pmid39658321,
year = {2024},
author = {Reilly, K},
title = {"Covering For Our City Blight": Kudzu and Public Health in Atlanta, 1979-1994.},
journal = {Journal of the history of medicine and allied sciences},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jhmas/jrae045},
pmid = {39658321},
issn = {1468-4373},
abstract = {Kudzu, a perennial climbing vine and invasive species to the American South, occupied a unique space in the city of Atlanta, Georgia as a danger to public health from the late 1970s to the early 1990s. This article examines why municipal authorities understood the vine as a threat to public health. Kudzu's ability to smother surfaces allowed it to conceal murdered people and serve as a habitat for rats, snakes, and mosquitos, making it a direct threat to public safety in the eyes of public health authorities. Kudzu also grew extensively in vacant lots where city officials were trying to promote the city as progressive and prosperous. The city council voted in support of an ordinance against extensive growths of the vine, but eradication produced its own challenges: kudzu removal was expensive, and permanent eradication required large investments in time. Unhoused people also relied on the vine for shelter, which meant that eradication directly affected their safety. Examining how municipal authorities framed kudzu as a threat to public health, this article demonstrates that the vine's status as a health risk lay in how it unintentionally clashed with the promoted image of Atlanta as a business-friendly city with harmonious relationships among its citizens.},
}

@article {pmid39605547,
year = {2024},
author = {Glendening, AM and Stephens, C and Vuruputoor, VS and Stern, DL and Hogenhout, SA and Mathers, TC and Chaganti, T and Pauloski, N and Cernak, TA and Wegrzyn, JL and Fetter, KC},
title = {Genomes of two invasive Adelges species (hemlock woolly adelgid and pineapple gall adelgid) enable characterization of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39605547},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {T32 GM132046/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Two invasive hemipteran adelgids cause widespread damage to North American conifers. Adelges tsugae (the hemlock woolly adelgid) has decimated Tsuga canadensis and Tsuga caroliniana (the Eastern and Carolina hemlocks, respectively). A. tsugae was introduced from East Asia and reproduces parthenogenetically in North America, where it can kill trees rapidly. A. abietis, introduced from Europe, makes "pineapple" galls on several North American spruce species, and weakens trees, increasing their susceptibility to other stresses. Broad-spectrum insecticides that are often used to control adelgid populations can have off-target impacts on beneficial insects and the development of more selective chemical treatments could improve control methods and minimize ecological damage. Whole genome sequencing was performed on both species to aid in development of targeted pest control solutions and improve species conservation. The assembled A. tsugae and A. abietis genomes are 220.75 Mbp and 253.16 Mbp, respectively, each consisting of nine chromosomes and both genomes are over 96% complete based on BUSCO assessment. Genome annotation identified 11,424 and 14,118 protein-coding genes in A. tsugae and A. abietis, respectively. Comparative analysis across 29 Hemipteran species and 14 arthropod outgroups identified 31,666 putative gene families. Gene family expansions in A. abietis included ABC transporters and carboxypeptidases involved in carbohydrate metabolism, while both species showed contractions in core histone families and oxidoreductase pathways. Gene family expansions in A. tsugae highlighted families associated with the regulation of cell differentiation and development (survival motor protein, SMN; juvenile hormone acid methyltransferase JHAMT) as well as those that may be involved in the suppression of plant immunity (clip domain serine protease-D, CLIPD; Endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1, ERAP1). Among the analyzed gene families, Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) maintained consistent copy numbers and structural features across species, a finding particularly relevant given their role as targets for current forestry management insecticides. Detailed phylogenetic analysis of nAChR subunits across adelgids and other ecologically important insects revealed remarkable conservation in both sequence composition and predicted structural features, providing crucial insights for the development of more selective pest control strategies.},
}

@article {pmid39360528,
year = {2025},
author = {Shwiff, SA and Auweloa, CL and Caires, K and Friel, G and Katayama, L and Munoz, Z and Price, MR and Risch, D and Shartaj, M and Steensma, K and Thorne, M and Zifko, R},
title = {Economic estimates of invasive wild ungulate damage to livestock producers in Hawai'i.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {81},
number = {1},
pages = {438-449},
doi = {10.1002/ps.8446},
pmid = {39360528},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//Western SARE/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Hawaii ; *Introduced Species ; *Deer ; Sheep ; Goats ; Animals, Wild ; Animal Husbandry/economics ; Swine ; Livestock ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Invasive ungulates (hoofed mammals), including deer, feral pigs, feral goats, and feral sheep, are known to cause damage to agriculture, property, natural resources, and many other commodities. Most of the information regarding the economic impacts of wild ungulates is from North America, where some of these species are native. To evaluate invasive ungulate damage to livestock producers in the Hawaiian Islands, which have no native ungulates, a survey was distributed to livestock producers across the state.

RESULTS: Survey results described how total annual costs are distributed among damage, control, and repairs for survey respondents, who represented a significant percentage of total ranchland acreage across the islands. The estimates, excluding fixed fence installation, revealed an annual cost to livestock producers who responded to the survey of US$1.42 million, which ranged from $3.6 million to $7.5 million when extrapolated to the entire state. The large cost contributors included damage to property, pastureland repair, control costs (excluding fencing), supplemental feed, and predation of calves by wild pigs. Additionally, producers reported spending more than $2 million in upfront fence installation costs. Most of these costs were reported by respondents on the islands of Hawai'i and Moloka'i.

CONCLUSION: Study results revealed substantial damage to state livestock producers due to wild ungulates and are useful in determining an invasive ungulate management strategy that can appropriately aid the most impacted sectors of Hawai'i. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

Animals
Hawaii
*Introduced Species
*Deer
Sheep
Goats
Animals, Wild
Animal Husbandry/economics
Swine
Livestock

@article {pmid39318237,
year = {2025},
author = {Amare, T and Tessema, T and Bekeko, Z and Mesfine, T},
title = {Common cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium L.) interference in grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]: the influence of weed and crop density.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {81},
number = {1},
pages = {415-426},
doi = {10.1002/ps.8444},
pmid = {39318237},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//Ministry of Education/ ; },
mesh = {*Sorghum/growth & development/physiology ; *Plant Weeds/growth & development/physiology ; *Xanthium/growth & development/physiology ; Ethiopia ; Weed Control ; Crops, Agricultural/growth & development ; Population Density ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The common cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium L.) is an invasive weed species in the Asteraceae family that probably originated in Central or South America but has now spread worldwide, where it infests numerous crop fields, including sorghum. It is also a significant invasive weed in various parts of Ethiopia, including the eastern region. In this study field experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of various densities of sorghum and X. strumarium on their growth and reproductive output at Haramaya and Babile Research Stations of Haramaya University in Eastern Ethiopia during the 2022/2023 growing seasons.

RESULTS: Sorghum yield loss was greatly affected by X. strumarium density, reaching maximum yield losses of 79.2% and 93.1% at the maximum weed density at Haramaya and Babile, respectively. The presence of X. strumarium in sorghum resulted in reduced aboveground dry matter and leaf area index (LAI). The extent of this reduction depended on the density of X. strumarium. As crop density increased, X. strumarium dry matter, LAI, and bur production m[-2] decreased. The highest bur production per unit area for X. strumarium was observed at its highest density (16 plants m[-2]) with 1097 and 869 burs per unit area at Haramaya and Babile, respectively.

CONCLUSION: These results indicated that higher densities of sorghum were effective in suppressing the bur production of this weed, leading to reduced yield loss. Therefore, sorghum competitiveness against X. strumarium can be improved using higher crop densities. This could play a key role in weed management by reducing the use of herbicides and mechanical controls, thereby forming an important part of integrated weed management. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

*Sorghum/growth & development/physiology
*Plant Weeds/growth & development/physiology
*Xanthium/growth & development/physiology
Ethiopia
Weed Control
Crops, Agricultural/growth & development
Population Density
Introduced Species

@article {pmid39657816,
year = {2024},
author = {Seehausen, ML and Jones, IM and Smith, SM and Bourchier, RS},
title = {Foliage age affects pupal weight and development time, but not diapause induction in the biological control agent Hypena opulenta (Lepidoptera: Erebidae).},
journal = {Environmental entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ee/nvae095},
pmid = {39657816},
issn = {1938-2936},
support = {//Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada/ ; //Invasive Species Centre Canada/ ; //Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry/ ; //Ducks Unlimited Canada, and Mitacs/ ; },
abstract = {Facultative diapause is a life history trait that allows insects to undergo continuous development when conditions are favorable or to enter diapause when they are not. Insect voltinism can have an impact on the success of a weed-biological control agent because additional generations can increase agent population growth and reduce late-season recovery in the target weed. The most common factors that cue diapause are photoperiod and temperature; however, the role of nutrition is increasingly being recognized. We conducted a laboratory experiment to examine the effects of photoperiod and foliage age on diapause induction, pupal weight, and pupal development time in Hypena opulenta (Christoph) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), a biological control agent for invasive swallow-worts in North America. A factorial experimental design was employed whereby H. opulenta was reared at long (16:8 h light:dark) and short (12:12 h) photoperiods on young and old swallow-wort foliage (Vincetoxicum rossicum Kleopow) Barbar. (Apocynaceae). Photoperiod was the only factor that affected diapause induction in H. opulenta. While foliage age did not affect diapause induction, it did affect pupal weight and pupal development time, with older foliage resulting in lower pupal weight and extended pupal phase. In field conditions, these impacts could affect pupal mortality through reduced winter preparedness and increased exposure to predators. These results support H. opulenta voltinism models based on photoperiods and indicate that the tendency of captive-reared H. opulenta to enter diapause after 2 or 3 generations, even in the absence of short photoperiods, is not a result of changing foliage age.},
}

@article {pmid39657746,
year = {2024},
author = {Skotnes-Brown, J and Lynteris, C},
title = {Introduction: Invasive Species, Global Health, and Colonial Legacies.},
journal = {Journal of the history of medicine and allied sciences},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jhmas/jrae042},
pmid = {39657746},
issn = {1468-4373},
support = {217988/Z/19/Z/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
abstract = {Bringing together seven papers spanning Southern and Eastern Africa, North America, England, and India, this special issue explores the historically neglected connections between invasive species and health in the long twentieth century. Drawing upon perspectives from medical history, the history of science, environmental history, and environmental as well as medical anthropology, the papers analyze the entanglements of invasive species and zoonotic disease, food security, pesticide, crime, and ecosystem health. This introduction provides an overview of the historiography of invasive species and argues the importance of studying the historical connections between invasives and health. It also historicizes the relations between animal invasions, technoscience, power, and colonialism.},
}

@article {pmid39657737,
year = {2024},
author = {Pearson, M},
title = {Furry, Feral, Foe: Temporalizing Heath and Invasion on an English Chalk Stream.},
journal = {Journal of the history of medicine and allied sciences},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jhmas/jrae043},
pmid = {39657737},
issn = {1468-4373},
abstract = {This article explores framings of life, death, health, and invasion on an English chalk stream. It focuses on the ways in which these notions have been put to work in recent history, in relation to each other, and in relation to particular species and spaces. By 2019, narratives of a chalk stream in South-East England as a dead river expanded beyond retort to intermittent waterlessness. The river's death came to be framed as part of a wider ecology of chalk stream (ill)health, influenced by twenty-first century biodiversity conservation narratives and hauntological effects, which rendered deathly chalk stream futures present and requiring of human-action now. These narratives and effects conditioned a powerful sense of which non-human life belonged and counted, and which non-human life did not. Absent flagship chalk stream species, water voles, and efforts to resurrect them, were made synonymous with restoring the river itself to life and health. Contrarily, the ongoing presence of "invasive" American mink served as a continued reminder of the river's demise and death as a chalk stream. The resurrection of chalk streams to health relied on their being dispatched. Once considered to belong as extracted "lively capital" dominating the fur industry and later tolerated as feral escapees in the wild of the UK, American mink had been resituated and their history progressively obscured. Humans became manager-come-saviors of chalk streams, whose lost health was agreed and rendered visible through the ghostly image of the water vole that must be saved from the invasive foe, American mink.},
}

@article {pmid39656414,
year = {2024},
author = {Kubiszewski, I and Adams, VM and Baird, R and Boothroyd, A and Costanza, R and MacDonald, DH and Finau, G and Fulton, EA and King, CK and King, MA and Lannuzel, D and Leane, E and Melbourne-Thomas, J and Ooi, CS and Raghavan, M and Senigaglia, V and Stoeckl, N and Tian, J and Yamazaki, S},
title = {Cascading tipping points of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.},
journal = {Ambio},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39656414},
issn = {1654-7209},
abstract = {Antarctica and the Southern Ocean are key elements in the physical and biological Earth system. Human-induced climate change, and other human activities in the region, are leading to several potential interacting tipping points with major and irreversible consequences. Here, we examine eight potential physical, biological, chemical, and social Antarctic tipping points. These include ice sheets, ocean acidification, ocean circulation, species redistribution, invasive species, permafrost melting, local pollution, and the Antarctic Treaty System. We discuss the nature of each potential tipping point, its control variables, thresholds, timescales, and impacts, and focus on the potential for cumulative and cascading effects as a result of their interactions. The analysis provides substantial evidence of the need for more concerted and rapid action to limit climate change and to minimise the impacts of local human activities to avoid these cascading tipping points.},
}

@article {pmid39655697,
year = {2024},
author = {Zhang, L and van Riemsdijk, I and Liu, M and Liao, Z and Cavé-Radet, A and Bi, J and Wang, S and Zhao, Y and Cao, P and Parepa, M and Bossdorf, O and Salmon, A and Aïnouche, M and Ju, RT and Wu, J and Richards, CL and Li, B},
title = {Biogeography of a Global Plant Invader: From the Evolutionary History to Future Distributions.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {30},
number = {12},
pages = {e17622},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.17622},
pmid = {39655697},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {BMBF; MOPGA Project 306055//German Federal Ministry of Education and Research/ ; 202405AS350011//the Department of Science and Technology of Yunnan Province/ ; 2022YFC2601100//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 31961133028//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; DFG; grant 431595342//German Research Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Climate Change ; *DNA, Chloroplast/genetics ; *Phylogeography ; *Phylogeny ; Plant Dispersal ; Biological Evolution ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Biological invasions pose a global challenge, affecting ecosystems worldwide and human societies. Knowledge of the evolutionary history of invasive species is critical to understanding their current invasion success and projecting their future spread. However, to date, few studies have addressed the evolutionary history and potential future spread of invaders simultaneously. In this study, we explored both evolutionary history and spatiotemporal dynamic patterns of the distribution of Reynoutria japonica, known as one of the world's worst plant invaders. We analysed 265 R. japonica samples from its current geographical ranges across three continents, using seven chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) markers to establish the phylogenetic relationships among extant populations. We combined these with ecological niche modelling to infer historical and more recent migration patterns and predict potential future distribution changes under climate change. Our results indicate that climate fluctuations and sea level changes likely facilitated the expansion of R. japonica from southern Japan to continental East Asia in the Pliocene, followed by a contraction in East Asian populations. In the recent Holocene, human activities have then enabled a linage of this species to spread from Japan to Europe and North America, resulting in three major global clades. Future climate scenarios suggest a northward expansion of R. japonica in Europe and North America, but shrinking habitat in China. Our study, thus, demonstrates the complex influences of historical climate-driven migrations, human activities and future climate changes on the global distribution of an invasive species.},
}

*Introduced Species
*Climate Change
*DNA, Chloroplast/genetics
*Phylogeography
*Phylogeny
Plant Dispersal
Biological Evolution
Ecosystem

@article {pmid39654961,
year = {2024},
author = {Chen, X and Wang, J and Liu, W and Zhang, Y},
title = {The relative effects of climatic drivers and phenotypic integration on phenotypic plasticity of a globally invasive plant.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1473456},
pmid = {39654961},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Understanding the constraints of phenotypic plasticity can provide insights into the factors that limit or influence the capacity of an organism to respond to changing environments. However, the relative effects of external and internal factors on phenotypic plasticity remain largely unexplored. Phenotypic integration, the pattern of correlations among traits, is recognized as an important internal constraint to plasticity. Phenotypic plasticity is critical in facilitating the acclimation of invasive species to the diverse environments within their introduced ranges. Consequently, these species serve as ideal models for investigating phenotypic plasticity and its underlying determinants.

METHODS: Here, we collected seeds of a global salt marsh invader Spartina alterniflora from seven invasive populations covering the entire latitudinal range in China. These populations were cultivated in two common gardens located at the southern and northern range margins, respectively. We quantified plasticity and variation therein for plant height, shoot density, first flowering day and inflorescence biomass (on a per capita basis). These traits have direct or indirect effects on invasiveness. We examined the relationships between traits plasticity with climatic conditions at site of origin (external factor) and phenotypic integration (internal factor).

RESULTS: We found that plasticity differed according to the trait being measured, and was higher for a trait affecting fitness. Phenotypic variance increased with latitude and temperature at the site of origin was the primary factor affecting phenotypic variation. These results indicated that external abiotic factors directly affected the selection on phenotypic plasticity of S. alterniflora.

DISCUSSION: Our study provides a unique viewpoint on assessing the importance of identifying influential factors and mechanisms underlying phenotypic plasticity. Understanding these factors and mechanisms is a critical indicator for invasive and other cosmopolitan species' responses, establishment, persistence, and distribution under climate change.},
}

@article {pmid39654608,
year = {2024},
author = {Zayed, A and Baheshm, Y and Al Amoudi, M and Shabiz, SB and Montgomery, MJ},
title = {The first record of the invasive mosquito species Aedes albopictus in Yemen.},
journal = {Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases},
volume = {6},
number = {},
pages = {100233},
pmid = {39654608},
issn = {2667-114X},
abstract = {The invasive mosquito Aedes albopictus is regarded as a public health threat due to its ability to transmit pathogens such as dengue and chikungunya viruses, its wide range of hosts, and its ecological plasticity. Aedes albopictus has already invaded parts of the Middle East region and further expansion is expected. Twenty-two sites in three districts of Yemen (Al Ghaydha, Hawf, and Sayhout) were screened for the presence of mosquitoes. We surveyed water bodies and containers, and deployed Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Biogents Sentinel (BG) traps, spray catches, and aspiration for adult collection. Aedes albopictus was recorded for the first time in Yemen in September 2023, during routine surveillance in Al Mahrah Governorate. Adults and immature stages of Ae. albopictus were identified in Hawf, a city 17 m above sea level in the easternmost part of the Governorate of Al Mahrah, which is located less than 8 km from the border with Oman. Our findings showed that Ae. albopictus adults were coexisting with both Ae des aegypti and Anopheles stephensi in the same location and occupying the same containers with Ae. aegypti with a ratio of 1:2. This is the first report on the presence of Ae. albopictus in Yemen. The proximity, ongoing human activity and transportation exchanges between Al Mahrah and Oman may have played a role in the introduction of this species. Intensive efforts should be undertaken to monitor and manage Ae. albopictus spread in the country, in addition to coordinating cross-border surveillance with Oman. The presence of both Aedes spp. vectors together highlights the need for surveillance for associated diseases and consideration of countermeasures.},
}

@article {pmid39652386,
year = {2024},
author = {Hess, SS and Burns, DA and Boudinot, FG and Brown-Lima, C and Corwin, J and Foppert, JD and Robinson, GR and Rose, KC and Schlesinger, MD and Shuford, RL and Bradshaw, D and Stevens, A},
title = {New York State Climate Impacts Assessment Chapter 05: Ecosystems.},
journal = {Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nyas.15203},
pmid = {39652386},
issn = {1749-6632},
abstract = {The people of New York have long benefited from the state's diversity of ecosystems, which range from coastal shorelines and wetlands to extensive forests and mountaintop alpine habitat, and from lakes and rivers to greenspaces in heavily populated urban areas. These ecosystems provide key services such as food, water, forest products, flood prevention, carbon storage, climate moderation, recreational opportunities, and other cultural services. This chapter examines how changes in climatic conditions across the state are affecting different types of ecosystems and the services they provide, and considers likely future impacts of projected climate change. The chapter emphasizes how climate change is increasing the vulnerability of ecosystems to existing stressors, such as habitat fragmentation and invasive species, and highlights opportunities for New Yorkers to adapt and build resilience.},
}

@article {pmid39648141,
year = {2024},
author = {Yang, L and Liao, C and Ji, X and Chen, X and Guo, M and Zhang, G and Neves, MP and Wang, Y and Zhang, H and Guo, C and Liu, J},
title = {Trophic niche variation driven by water level fluctuations facilitates the co-occurrence of invasive tilapia species in a subtropical reservoir in China.},
journal = {Journal of fish biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/jfb.16019},
pmid = {39648141},
issn = {1095-8649},
support = {CARS-45//Earmarked Fund for China Agriculture Research System/ ; 2023YFD2400900//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; I-2019-11-2//Reservoir Fishery Resources Survey and Water Purification Fishery Development Planning Project of Quanzhou Shanmei Reservoir Water Resources Deployment Center/ ; YS-2023-A104//Water Purification Fishery Development Planning Project of Xiamen Raw Water Investment and Operation Co., Ltd/ ; },
abstract = {Investigating how multiple invasive fish species with similar ecological traits respond to different environmental conditions is crucial to understanding their successful invasion and coexistence. Here, we used stomach content analysis and stable isotope analysis to analyse the effects of water level fluctuation on the trophic niche plasticity of three dominant co-occurring invasive tilapia species (Coptodon zillii, Sarotherodon galilaeus, and Oreochromis niloticus) in the Shanmei Reservoir, southern China. We found that the tilapia species exhibited an iliophagous habit with dietary variations between the high-water (HW) and low-water (LW) level periods. During the LW period, tilapia fishes primarily fed on periphytic algae, whereas during the HW period, they reduced their consumption of epiphytic algae and increased their intake of plant remains. Biofilms were the most assimilated resource by the species during the LW period, whereas riparian plants dominated during the HW period. The niche width and niche overlap of the three tilapia species were significantly greater in the HW period than in the LW period. However, their trophic positions were not significantly affected by water level fluctuations. Our findings indicate that temporal variation in diet composition and trophic niche, driven by water level fluctuations, may favor food resource partitioning and facilitate the coexistence of these invasive tilapia species.},
}

@article {pmid39647292,
year = {2024},
author = {Yitbarek, TW and Wilson, JRU and Dehnen-Schmutz, K},
title = {Investigating tree planting in Ethiopia and the extent to which scheme implementation aligns with good governance practices.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {373},
number = {},
pages = {123475},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.123475},
pmid = {39647292},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Tree planting schemes are implemented to achieve social, cultural, economic, and environmental goals. Various frameworks and guidelines outline good governance practices to aid the achievement of these goals. However, there is rarely sufficient monitoring and reporting of tree planting schemes for it to be possible to determine whether schemes adhere to good governance practices. Here, we assessed the performance of 16 tree planting schemes in Ethiopia using focus group discussions with local communities, interviews with scheme managers and beneficiaries, remote sensing, and reviewing official documentation. We used a qualitative comparative case study approach to analyse (1) implementation adherence to three standard tools and guidelines, (2) legitimacy of schemes through beneficiary satisfaction, and (3) delivery of socioeconomic and environmental outputs. We found that most tree planting schemes did not adhere to the implementation guidelines but that those that did perform better by securing legitimacy and delivering their targeted outputs. We contend that an integrated performance assessment is vital to check whether a tree planting scheme has good governance practice and ultimately is sustainable.},
}

@article {pmid39647117,
year = {2024},
author = {Gibson, GAP and Uriel, Y and Sherwood, J and Abram, PK and Gariepy, TD and Zhang, YM and Baur, H and Gates, M and Franklin, MT},
title = {The species of Pteromalus Swederus in America north of Mexico with a 4:4 mandibular formula, and description of a potential biocontrol agent of the introduced pest Anthonomus rubi (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).},
journal = {Zootaxa},
volume = {5501},
number = {2},
pages = {201-236},
doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.5501.2.1},
pmid = {39647117},
issn = {1175-5334},
mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Male ; *Weevils/anatomy & histology/classification ; *Animal Distribution ; Body Size ; Animal Structures/anatomy & histology/growth & development ; Wasps/anatomy & histology/classification ; Organ Size ; Introduced Species ; Mexico ; Pest Control, Biological ; },
abstract = {The strawberry blossom weevil, Anthonomus rubi (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is native to Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa, and has recently established in British Columbia, Canada and Washington State, USA. To determine whether any parasitoids in British Columbia parasitize this recently-established pest, A. rubi-infested buds of Rosaceous host plants were collected and reared for parasitoid emergence. Pteromalus quadridentatus Gibson n. sp. (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Pteromalidae) is described from both sexes reared as solitary ectoparasitoids of A. rubi. Males and females are partly characterized by both mandibles having four teeth (4:4 mandibular formula), which is known for only four of the other previously recorded 39 extant species of Pteromalus from the Nearctic region-P. apum (Retzius), P. cassotis Walker, P. hemileucae Gahan, and P. puparum (L.). The species of Pteromalus recorded from the Nearctic region are listed along with notes on their known mandibular dentition or other features that differentiate them from P. quadridentatus. The five species with a 4:4 mandibular formula are keyed, diagnosed and illustrated through macrophotography. Additionally, both sexes of P. quadridentatus are described more comprehensively, including variation in structure, colour and sculpture correlated with body size; the morphological species limits of P. cassotis are also discussed. Species of Pteromalus with a 4:4 mandibular formula from other regions where A. rubi is recorded are also listed and discussed, but only sufficiently to exclude them as potentially conspecific with P. quadridentatus. A phylogenetic tree constructed using Maximum Likelihood based on COI barcode sequences showed strong support for P. quadridentatus being monophyletic and sister to P. bedeguaris (Thomson). Pteromalus quadridentatus is the first parasitoid recorded from A. rubi in its invaded range, although it is still uncertain whether this parasitoid is native to North America or was introduced along with A. rubi or another host species.},
}

Animals
Female
Male
*Weevils/anatomy & histology/classification
*Animal Distribution
Body Size
Animal Structures/anatomy & histology/growth & development
Wasps/anatomy & histology/classification
Organ Size
Introduced Species
Mexico
Pest Control, Biological

@article {pmid39326487,
year = {2024},
author = {Aleuy, OA and Woods, LW and Padilla, BJ and Richardson, D and Schamel, JT and Baker, S and García-Varela, M and Hammond, C and Lawson, SP and Childress, JN and Rohr, J and Lafferty, KD},
title = {The invasive acanthocephalan parasite Pachysentis canicola is associated with a declining endemic island fox population on San Miguel Island.},
journal = {International journal for parasitology},
volume = {54},
number = {14},
pages = {723-732},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijpara.2024.09.003},
pmid = {39326487},
issn = {1879-0135},
mesh = {Animals ; *Foxes/parasitology ; *Acanthocephala/isolation & purification/physiology ; *Helminthiasis, Animal/epidemiology/parasitology ; *Islands ; Introduced Species ; Male ; Female ; },
abstract = {In the late 1990s, the San Miguel Island fox (Urocyon littoralis littoralis) faced near-extinction. Fourteen of the 15 remaining foxes were placed into an island-based captive breeding program used to repopulate the island. Although the fox population in San Miguel reached pre-decline numbers by 2010, a second decline started around 2014, coincidental with a newly observed acanthocephalan parasite. To identify this introduced acanthocephalan species and determine the pathologic consequences of its infection on the health of foxes, we used an extensive record of island fox necropsies and associated parasite collections. In addition, we used detailed fox capture-recapture data to investigate population health and demographic trends of foxes before and after parasite emergence. We identify the parasite as Pachysentis canicola, a common acanthocephalan in mainland foxes in North America. The parasite was detected in 69% of the necropsied foxes from San Miguel Island and was not found in any of the other five Channel Island fox subspecies. Health impacts attributed to the acanthocephalan parasite, including erosive and ulcerative enteritis, transmural necrosis, and inflammation, were described in 47% of the foxes infected with the acanthocephalan. Despite infection with various other helminth parasite species, body condition remained good and the mortality rate low in San Miguel Island foxes until the arrival of the acanthocephalan. Body condition improved after 2018, perhaps due to increases in rainfall following a drought, but remained 27% lower than the pre-acanthocephalan period, which suggests that environmental conditions and parasitism jointly drive fox population dynamics.},
}

Animals
*Foxes/parasitology
*Acanthocephala/isolation & purification/physiology
*Helminthiasis, Animal/epidemiology/parasitology
*Islands
Introduced Species
Male
Female

@article {pmid39647053,
year = {2024},
author = {Abdelali, N and Grimes, S},
title = {Diversity and distribution of Porifera on the Algerian coast (West Mediterranean).},
journal = {Zootaxa},
volume = {5512},
number = {3},
pages = {402-419},
doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.5512.3.5},
pmid = {39647053},
issn = {1175-5334},
mesh = {Animals ; *Biodiversity ; *Animal Distribution ; Algeria ; Mediterranean Sea ; *Porifera/classification/anatomy & histology ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {The phylum Porifera has received limited attention in research studies along the Algerian coast. This study aims to compile a comprehensive inventory of Porifera species along the Algerian coast, spanning from the earliest documented work by Schmidt (1868) to the present day. The investigation meticulously catalogues a total of 136 species along the Algerian coast, distributed across 47 families, 18 orders, and 4 classes. This compilation includes 7 species endemic of Algerian waters, one invasive species, and 11 species protected by the Bern and Barcelona Conventions. Notably, the addition of 43 new species records enhances the original lists established by Schmidt and Topsent. Furthermore, this study presents a detailed analysis of the geographic distribution of these species, providing valuable insights into the biodiversity of the marine ecosystem in this region.},
}

Animals
*Biodiversity
*Animal Distribution
Algeria
Mediterranean Sea
*Porifera/classification/anatomy & histology
Ecosystem

@article {pmid39646834,
year = {2024},
author = {Radashevsky, VI and Malyar, VV and Pankova, VV},
title = {Cryptic invasions of Pseudopolydora (Annelida: Spionidae), with description of a new species from Queensland, Australia.},
journal = {Zootaxa},
volume = {5486},
number = {2},
pages = {213-240},
doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.5486.2.3},
pmid = {39646834},
issn = {1175-5334},
mesh = {Animals ; *Animal Distribution ; *Polychaeta/classification/anatomy & histology ; Queensland ; Male ; Female ; Organ Size ; Phylogeny ; Body Size ; Animal Structures/anatomy & histology/growth & development ; Introduced Species ; Larva/anatomy & histology/classification/growth & development ; },
abstract = {During surveys worldwide, we collected adult and larval specimens of Pseudopolydora Czerniavsky, 1881 similar to P. achaeta Radashevsky & Hsieh, 2000 and P. rosebelae Radashevsky & Migotto, 2009 far from their type localities in Taiwan and Brazil, respectively. Analysis of sequence data of five gene fragments: mitochondrial COI and 16S rDNA, nuclear 18S rDNA and 28S rDNA, and Histone 3 (3114 bp in total) of individuals from Nha Trang Bay (Vietnam), São Paulo (Brazil), Florida (USA), and the Caribbean Sea (Martinique) confirmed their conspecificity with P. achaeta from Taiwan. Based on the morphology, we also report this species for the first time for the East Sea (South Korea) and provide new records for the north-western part of the Sea of Japan (Russia). The analysis also showed the conspecificity of worms from Vietnam with P. rosebelae from Brazil. Based on the morphology, we also report P. rosebelae for the first time for the Caribbean Sea (Belize), South China Sea (Thailand), and Hawaii. Developed pelagic larvae of P. achaeta and P. rosebelae from Nha Trang Bay are described and illustrated. A worm from the Great Barrier Reef (Queensland, Australia) earlier identified as P. cf. rosebelae, is referred to the new species Pseudopolydora nivea sp. nov. Following our earlier hypothesis about the origin of Pseudopolydora in the Indo-West Pacific Ocean, we explain the occurrence of these worms, including Pseudopolydora floridensis Delgado-Blas, 2008, on the Atlantic coasts of North and South America by unintentional transportation in ballast water, followed by successful invasions. We assume that the penetration of warm waters of the East China Sea through the Korea Strait and the warming of the waters of the Sea of Japan have led to the extension of the range of tropical-subtropical P. achaeta to the north-western part of the Sea of Japan.},
}

Animals
*Animal Distribution
*Polychaeta/classification/anatomy & histology
Queensland
Male
Female
Organ Size
Phylogeny
Body Size
Animal Structures/anatomy & histology/growth & development
Introduced Species
Larva/anatomy & histology/classification/growth & development

@article {pmid39646816,
year = {2024},
author = {Passos, FD and Batistão, AR and Lima, LLC},
title = {Checklist of marine Bivalvia (Mollusca) from Brazil, with descriptive analyses of their bathymetric and geographical distribution.},
journal = {Zootaxa},
volume = {5488},
number = {1},
pages = {1-94},
doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.5488.1.1},
pmid = {39646816},
issn = {1175-5334},
mesh = {Animals ; Brazil ; *Bivalvia/classification ; *Animal Distribution ; Checklist ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {After revising the literature and consulting the pertinent virtual databases, we here list all Brazilian marine bivalves currently considered as valid and include data on their geographical and bathymetrical distribution. The list contains 516 indigenous and nine introduced species. Among the former, 461 species are autobranchs and 64 are protobranchs. They belong to 42 superfamilies, nine of them containing at least 20 species each; there are 77 families, twelve of which contain at least 15 species; most of these more speciose groups are typical from shallow waters (e.g., Tellinoidea and Veneroidea) and/or have been reviewed taxonomically (Nuculanoidea and Cuspidarioidea). There are 368 species which live exclusively on the continental shelf, 86 are only known from deep water and 68 species have a wide bathymetric distribution. More than half of the 368 continental-shelf species have a wide geographic distribution; 40 species are exclusive to the Brazilian province, the others also occur in the Caribbean and/or Argentine shelf waters; those from the Caribbean need more investigation. Important knowledge gaps remain for Brazilian Galeommatoidea and Nuculoidea, deep-sea species of Mytilidae, Teredinidae, and Arcidae; the Poromyidae, Limopsidae, Propeamussiidae, and Thyasiridae appear to be underrepresented. Compared to 29 world regional faunas of marine bivalves, the Brazilian diversity ranks in the ninth position.},
}

Animals
Brazil
*Bivalvia/classification
*Animal Distribution
Checklist
Ecosystem

@article {pmid39646456,
year = {2024},
author = {Galil, BS and Innocenti, G},
title = {A host, a parasite, and a predator: the dynamics of successive invasions in the eastern Mediterranean.},
journal = {Zootaxa},
volume = {5476},
number = {1},
pages = {99-114},
doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.5476.1.12},
pmid = {39646456},
issn = {1175-5334},
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; Female ; Male ; *Host-Parasite Interactions ; Mediterranean Sea ; *Brachyura/parasitology ; Body Size ; Ecosystem ; Predatory Behavior ; Animal Distribution ; Organ Size ; },
abstract = {The eastern Mediterranean shelf ecosystem has been profoundly disrupted by the influx of invasive alien species introduced through the Suez Canal. Yet, the role of retaining or shedding co-evolved parasitofauna in the success of the invading biota has been scarcely monitored, with the exception of the lesser swimming crab Charybdis (Archias) longicollis Leene, 1938 parasitized by the rhizocephalan Heterosaccus dollfusi Boschma, 1960. Host size, sex ratio, prevalence of ovigerous females, parasitization, and multiple parasitization, were studied over 30 years to determine long-term host-parasite variation. Our results reveal that C. longicollis crabs have shifted their temporal activity pattern shortly following the domination of their preferred depth niche by the invasive diurnal predator, the silver-cheeked toadfish Lagocephalus sceleratus (Gmelin, 1789), which preferentially feeds on C. longicollis locally. A unique set of predator-host-parasite interactions among three successive Erythraean invasive aliens is considered herein.},
}

Animals
*Introduced Species
Female
Male
*Host-Parasite Interactions
Mediterranean Sea
*Brachyura/parasitology
Body Size
Ecosystem
Predatory Behavior
Animal Distribution
Organ Size

@article {pmid39646420,
year = {2024},
author = {Pandolfi, A and Kelly, S and Irmler, U and Bohlen, P},
title = {First record of Mimogonus fumator (Fauvel, 1889) (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Osoriinae) in the USA, with a synopsis of the Osoriinae of the Southeastern USA.},
journal = {Zootaxa},
volume = {5477},
number = {2},
pages = {136-146},
doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.5477.2.2},
pmid = {39646420},
issn = {1175-5334},
mesh = {Animals ; *Coleoptera/classification/anatomy & histology ; *Animal Distribution ; Male ; Female ; *Body Size ; Southeastern United States ; Animal Structures/anatomy & histology/growth & development ; Florida ; Organ Size ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {The discovery of Mimogonus fumator (Fauvel, 1889) in a suburban area in Central Florida marks the first record of this pantropical species in the United States of America. This finding emphasizes the critical significance of insect monitoring in urban environments, as it unveils the potential for detecting non-native and potentially invasive species accidentally transported through soil and ornamental plants. A taxonomic key and distributional checklist for the known species of the subfamily Osoriinae in the Southeastern United States are also provided. These resources aim to enhance our understanding of the regional insect fauna and provide useful tools for future detection.},
}

Animals
*Coleoptera/classification/anatomy & histology
*Animal Distribution
Male
Female
*Body Size
Southeastern United States
Animal Structures/anatomy & histology/growth & development
Florida
Organ Size
Ecosystem

@article {pmid39646177,
year = {2024},
author = {Muilwijk, J and Kataev, BM and Wrase, DW},
title = {Review of the subgenus Lyrothorax of the genus Pterostichus (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in the Western Palaearctic, with descriptions of two new species.},
journal = {Zootaxa},
volume = {5468},
number = {2},
pages = {255-274},
doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.5468.2.2},
pmid = {39646177},
issn = {1175-5334},
mesh = {Animals ; *Coleoptera/classification/anatomy & histology ; Male ; Female ; *Animal Distribution ; Iran ; Czech Republic ; Animal Structures/anatomy & histology/growth & development ; Body Size ; Organ Size ; Azerbaijan ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Until now, the subgenus Lyrothorax Chaudoir, 1838 (genus Pterostichus Bonelli, 1810) in the Western Palaearctic included only the type species, P. caspius (Ménétriés, 1832), distributed along the southern Caspian Sea in Azerbaijan and Iran and, as an introduced species, in the Czech Republic. Studying rich material, including the types, it was found that under the name P. caspius there is a species complex comprising three closely related species, two of these are described in this paper: P. fritzei sp. n. from Iran (type locality Naharkhoran, Gorgan) and P. vagus sp. n. from Iran, which was also introduced to the Czech Republic (type locality Shaskola, Gorgan). These new species differ clearly from each other, as well as from P. caspius, mainly in the features of the median lobe of the aedeagus and its endophallus. A lectotype of P. caspius is designated to ensure the stability of the nomenclature. An identification key, images of all three species and distribution maps are provided. The occurrence of species of Lyrothorax in the Iranian province of North Khorasan and Turkmenistan is not obvious and requires confirmation.},
}

Animals
*Coleoptera/classification/anatomy & histology
Male
Female
*Animal Distribution
Iran
Czech Republic
Animal Structures/anatomy & histology/growth & development
Body Size
Organ Size
Azerbaijan
Ecosystem

@article {pmid39645953,
year = {2024},
author = {Demetriou, J and Georgiadis, C and Ralli, V and Salata, S and Borowiec, L},
title = {Setting the record straight: a re-examination of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from Cyprus deposited at the Museum of Zoology of Athens.},
journal = {Zootaxa},
volume = {5523},
number = {1},
pages = {49-69},
doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.5523.1.3},
pmid = {39645953},
issn = {1175-5334},
mesh = {*Ants/classification ; Animals ; Cyprus ; *Museums ; *Animal Distribution ; Male ; Female ; Biodiversity ; Body Size ; Organ Size ; Animal Structures/anatomy & histology/growth & development ; Greece ; },
abstract = {Situated in the Eastern Mediterranean, the island of Cyprus is a biodiversity hotspot hosting an important number of endemic species. In recent years, its myrmecofauna has been increasingly enriched with the detection of both new alien and native species as well as the description of new endemic taxa. Nevertheless, earlier reports of dubious taxa remaining in scientific literature constitute an impediment towards the study of the island's biodiversity. This article summarizes the results of re-examination of a collection of ants deposited in the Museum of Zoology of the University of Athens, which was a source of some faunistic records recently published as a conference poster. Specimens have been re-identified, and their metadata have been digitalised, supplementing our knowledge of the species' distribution and correcting previous misidentifications. Tapinoma festae Emery, 1925, Tapinoma glabrella (Nylander, 1849) (Dolichoderinae), Plagiolepis perperamus Salata, Borowiec & Radchenko, 2018, Plagiolepis xene Stärcke, 1936 (Formicinae), Crematogaster lorteti Forel, 1910, and Tetramorium indocile Santschi, 1927 (Myrmicinae) are reported for the first time for the island. Adiitionally, a new distributional record is also provided for Camponotus cf. vitiosus, an enigmatic alien species on Cyprus. Lastly, a number of dubious records are removed from the checklist of Cypriot ants with notes on further taxa that could be removed in the future.},
}

*Ants/classification
Animals
Cyprus
*Museums
*Animal Distribution
Male
Female
Biodiversity
Body Size
Organ Size
Animal Structures/anatomy & histology/growth & development
Greece

@article {pmid39645883,
year = {2024},
author = {Kobayashi, S and Suzuki, M and Kuwahara, R and Park, J and Yamada, K and Jung, S},
title = {Reevaluation of taxonomic identity of the recently introduced invasive planthopper, Pochazia shantungensis (Chou & Lu, 1977) (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea: Ricaniidae) in Japan.},
journal = {Zootaxa},
volume = {5446},
number = {2},
pages = {151-178},
doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.5446.2.1},
pmid = {39645883},
issn = {1175-5334},
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/classification/anatomy & histology ; Male ; Japan ; *Introduced Species ; *Animal Distribution ; Female ; Organ Size ; Animal Structures/anatomy & histology/growth & development ; Body Size ; Nymph/anatomy & histology/classification/growth & development ; },
abstract = {The taxonomic identity of the invasive Asian Ricaniid planthopper, Pochazia shantungensis (Chou & Lu, 1977) in Japan is reevaluated. This originally Chinese planthopper is highly polyphagous and has recently become an important pest in Korea. In 2015, this species was first documented from Sakai, Osaka Prefecture and has been widespread since then. The genital structures, wings and fifth instar nymph are described and illustrated. The host plants in Japan are also documented with photographs. The male genitalia of a similar species, P. sublimata (Jacobi, 1916), are illustrated as well. As a recently introduced pest in Japan, P. shantungensis needs to be monitored for its potential spread and for the damage it may cause to agriculture.},
}

Animals
*Hemiptera/classification/anatomy & histology
Male
Japan
*Introduced Species
*Animal Distribution
Female
Organ Size
Animal Structures/anatomy & histology/growth & development
Body Size
Nymph/anatomy & histology/classification/growth & development

@article {pmid39645817,
year = {2024},
author = {Mori, E and Romiti, F and Magliano, A and Liberato, C and Ancillotto, L},
title = {New alien in town: first record of Parakontikia ventrolineata (Platyhelminthes: Geoplanidae) in Italy.},
journal = {Zootaxa},
volume = {5447},
number = {3},
pages = {444-448},
doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.5447.3.11},
pmid = {39645817},
issn = {1175-5334},
mesh = {Animals ; Italy ; *Animal Distribution ; Male ; Platyhelminths/classification/anatomy & histology ; Female ; Introduced Species ; Animal Structures/anatomy & histology/growth & development ; Body Size ; Organ Size ; },
abstract = {\.},
}

Animals
Italy
*Animal Distribution
Male
Platyhelminths/classification/anatomy & histology
Female
Introduced Species
Animal Structures/anatomy & histology/growth & development
Body Size
Organ Size

@article {pmid39644641,
year = {2024},
author = {Leidenberger, S and Wiese, V and Schaumann, F and Pleiss, F and Langen, K and Bourlat, SJ},
title = {Freshwater mollusc community screening - Classical and eDNA monitoring methods to detect rare, indicator and invasive species.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {958},
number = {},
pages = {177763},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.177763},
pmid = {39644641},
issn = {1879-1026},
abstract = {Freshwater habitats and their quality have always been of utmost importance for human subsistence. Water quality assessment is an important tool, covering biological, chemical and hydromorphological aspects. Bioindicators such as the bivalves can be used as evidence for good water quality, but widespread groups such as species of the family Sphaeriidae Deshayes,1855 (1822) and genus Pisidium/Euglesa/Odhneripidisium also known as 'pea clams' are poorly known and lack taxonomic expertise. The situation is similar for many other benthic macroinvertebrate species used in biomonitoring. In this study, we tested if pea clams can be detected using eDNA metabarcoding methods applied to sediment and plankton samples from 15 lakes and rivers in Sweden. Additionally, we detected benthic macroinvertebrates, so-called indicator species used in freshwater monitoring, as well as rare or red-listed and invasive species. We created a COI reference barcode library of 22 species of Swedish freshwater molluscs, of which one species is new, and five species have less than five records on NCBI and BOLD. From 272 sediment and plankton samples, we detected 497 benthic macroinvertebrate indicator species, 20 mollusc species and 3 invasive species in 15 freshwater environments in Sweden using eDNA metabarcoding. We show that one of the sediment sampling methods (M42) can detect slightly more species in autumn compared to the plankton or sediment kick-net methods, or to collecting samples in spring. A clear advantage is that biological water quality indices formerly calculated using taxa identified to the family level can now be calculated using the species level, giving higher precision. We suggest that future freshwater monitoring efforts can be greatly improved and sped up through large-scale and strategic habitat screening using barcoding and metabarcoding methods to support decision-making and help fulfill the goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.},
}

@article {pmid39641174,
year = {2024},
author = {Zhou, J and Du, J and Bonifácio, L and Yin, W and Huang, L and Ning, J and Han, D and Hu, J and Song, W and Zhao, L},
title = {Vulnerability of Global Pine Forestry's Carbon Sink to an Invasive Pathogen-Vector System.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {30},
number = {12},
pages = {e17614},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.17614},
pmid = {39641174},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {32230066//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 3240030502//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; U24A20432//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2023YFE0116200//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 202401-10//Best candidates project supported by National Forestry and Grassland Administration/ ; KJS2023110084//Best candidates project supported by National Forestry and Grassland Administration/ ; 2023IOZ0203//Iniatative Scientific Research Program, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences/ ; 2023IOZ0103//Iniatative Scientific Research Program, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences/ ; 2024150//Zhongke Technology Achievement Transfer and Transformation Center of Henan Province/ ; GZC20230652//Postdoctoral Fellowship Program of CPSF/ ; },
mesh = {*Pinus/parasitology/growth & development ; Animals ; *Coleoptera/physiology ; *Forestry ; *Carbon Sequestration ; *Introduced Species ; Forests ; Europe ; Tylenchida/physiology ; Plant Diseases/parasitology ; Asia ; Carbon/metabolism/analysis ; North America ; Insect Vectors/parasitology/physiology ; },
abstract = {The substantial contribution of northern forest growth to the global increase of biomass carbon stock is well documented. However, the ecological consequences of pest- and disease-related losses in these forests have not received comparable attention. This study highlights that pine species are major contributors to carbon stocks in Northern Hemisphere. The total carbon storage of Pinus in the Northern Hemisphere was estimated at 70,726 teragrams of carbon (TgC; 17.7% of the total forest carbon 478,012 TgC), accounting for 4.9%, 28.4%, and 12.5% of the total carbon storage in the forests of Asia, Europe, and North America, respectively. However, pine trees were under threat from an invasive complex involving the pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) and Japanese pine sawyer beetle (Monochamus spp.). Since 1977, this complex resulted in a carbon sink deficit of 1857 TgC (18% of the carbon currently stored in Europe's live tree biomass) in northern pine ecosystems. The carbon losses attributed to B. xylophilus exceeded those caused by wildfires, which are typically regarded as the primary factor of forest disturbances. Furthermore, the contributions of environmental variables indicate that the expected northward shift in precipitation patterns will exacerbate B. xylophilus threats, endangering 78% of the boreal forests across Eurasia by 2100. Among these high-risk areas, 62% contributed significantly to global carbon sink, and 42% was protected forests. Following the present trend, carbon losses caused by the B. xylophilus complex could exceed 39% of the total carbon storage in terrestrial ecosystems. This study provides comprehensive datasets that detail the global distribution and high-risk habitats of pine species and B. xylophilus vector beetles in affected countries. Our findings underscore the substantial risk of carbon losses posed by B. xylophilus to northern pine forests, with potential implications for global carbon dynamics and the achievement of international goals related to "carbon peak" and "carbon neutrality."},
}

*Pinus/parasitology/growth & development
Animals
*Coleoptera/physiology
*Forestry
*Carbon Sequestration
*Introduced Species
Forests
Europe
Tylenchida/physiology
Plant Diseases/parasitology
Asia
Carbon/metabolism/analysis
North America
Insect Vectors/parasitology/physiology

@article {pmid39640801,
year = {2024},
author = {Megersa, S and Tolessa, A},
title = {Enhancing yields of Pleurotus ostreatus and Lentinula edodes mushrooms using water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes [Mart.] Solms) supplemented with locally available feedstock as substrate.},
journal = {Heliyon},
volume = {10},
number = {20},
pages = {e39113},
pmid = {39640801},
issn = {2405-8440},
abstract = {This study assessed the performance of Pleurotus ostreatus and Lentinula edodes mushrooms on a variety of substrate combinations. Water hyacinth, rice husk, and cow dung were employed as substrates. Mushroom growth performance, yield, proximate composition, and mineral content were among the variables evaluated. The results indicate significant differences (p < 0.05) in spawn run duration, first harvest duration, total yield, and biological efficiency among the substrate combinations for the mushroom species. The substrate combination of 80% water hyacinth and 20% cow dung consistently exceeded the performances of others, demonstrating higher total yield (863.00 and 799.81 g/bag) and biological efficiency (88.51% and 82.03%) for P. ostreatus and L. edodes mushrooms, respectively. Proximate analysis results also demonstrated that this substrate combination produced mushrooms with higher protein (14.72 and 12.04%) and carbohydrate (55.11 and 58.05%) contents for P. ostreatus and L. edodes, respectively. P, K, Mg, Na, Ca, Fe, Zn, and Cd levels in P. ostreatus samples ranged from 1700 to 2700, 28100 to 39500, 1600 to 7800, 291.55 to 400.23, 310.37 to 372.70, 26.42 to 45.47, 61.87 to 70.40, and 1.13-1.25 mg/kg on average, respectively. The levels for P, K, Mg, Na, Ca, Fe, Zn, and Cd ranged from 19700 to 22700, 22500 to 25000, 2100 to 2500, 250.96 to 300.90, 284.66 to 296.19, 24.04 to 29.49, 74.03 to 83.98, and 1.31-1.45 mg/kg for L. edodes samples. The evaluated mushrooms grown on the various substrate combinations contain higher major and minor minerals needed in the human diet than toxic elements. This indicated that the evaluated edible mushrooms had high important mineral levels and could be considered a good source of vital elements. They are also very good at balancing nutrient supply scarcity, which is common in developing countries like Ethiopia. However, according to the World Health Organization's permissible limits for human intake, adequate attention and control of daily dietary intake is necessary for specific elements.},
}

@article {pmid39640742,
year = {2024},
author = {Li, L and Denich, M},
title = {Niche and interspecific relationship of alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides) after a hundred years' invasion in central China.},
journal = {Heliyon},
volume = {10},
number = {20},
pages = {e39064},
pmid = {39640742},
issn = {2405-8440},
abstract = {Alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb.) is considered one of the worst invasive weeds in China. It was introduced to east China in the late 18th century and gradually spread to central China by the 1930s. Over the course of about a century, it occupied a quite lot of wetlands, agricultural ditches, fishery ponds, and croplands in Central China along the Yangtze River. To reveal the ecological characteristics of alligator weed in the agricultural zone, a field survey was contacted in the mid-Yangtze River region of Hubei Province. A total of 72 species of vascular plants were found in 50 alligator weed plots among 6 field sites. Niche overlap analysis was performed for the 25 main species (frequency>5 %) within alligator weed plots. The analysis showed that only 1 % of species pairs had niche overlap values exceeding 0.5, while 57 % of pairs exhibited a value of 0. These findings suggest that, despite a century of presence, alligator weed has not yet fully naturalized in the region. Alligator weed exhibited the widest niche breadth in the field, with a Levins' Index of 40.778 and a Shannon index of 3.796, indicating its strong resource utilization and invasive potential. The niche similarity among the 25 main species within alligator weed plots was notably low, as none of the specie pairs had a niche similarity value exceeding 0.5, with only 3 % having a value above 0.3. These results suggest that there are no native species having the capability to compete in the ecological niche with alligator weed. Species association analysis revealed that all 24 pairs of species with negative correlation involved alligator weed and other species, indicating that the presence of alligator weed negatively affected other species in the communities. Consequently, continued vigilance is required to monitor and mitigate the further invasion of alligator weed and its impact on local vegetation.},
}

@article {pmid17687251,
year = {2007},
author = {Besnard, G and Henry, P and Wille, L and Cooke, D and Chapuis, E},
title = {On the origin of the invasive olives (Olea europaea L., Oleaceae).},
journal = {Heredity},
volume = {99},
number = {6},
pages = {608-619},
doi = {10.1038/sj.hdy.6801037},
pmid = {17687251},
issn = {0018-067X},
mesh = {*Biological Evolution ; Introduced Species ; *Oleaceae/genetics/growth & development ; *Phylogeny ; Plastids/genetics ; },
abstract = {The olive tree (Olea europaea) has successfully invaded several regions in Australia and Pacific islands. Two olive subspecies (subspp. europaea and cuspidata) were first introduced in these areas during the nineteenth century. In the present study, we determine the origin of invasive olives and investigate the importance of historical effects on the genetic diversity of populations. Four invasive populations from Australia and Hawaii were characterized using eight nuclear DNA microsatellites, plastid DNA markers as well as ITS-1 sequences. Based on these data, their genetic similarity with native populations was investigated, and it was determined that East Australian and Hawaiian populations (subsp. cuspidata) have originated from southern Africa while South Australian populations (subsp. europaea) have mostly derived from western or central Mediterranean cultivars. Invasive populations of subsp. cuspidata showed significant loss of genetic diversity in comparison to a putative source population, and a recent bottleneck was evidenced in Hawaii. Conversely, invasive populations of subsp. europaea did not display significant loss of genetic diversity in comparison to a native Mediterranean population. Different histories of invasion were inferred for these two taxa with multiple cultivars introduced restoring gene diversity for europaea and a single successful founder event and sequential introductions to East Australia and then Hawaii for cuspidata. Furthermore, one hybrid (cuspidata x europaea) was identified in East Australia. The importance of hybridizations in the future evolution of the olive invasiveness remains to be investigated.},
}

*Biological Evolution
Introduced Species
*Oleaceae/genetics/growth & development
*Phylogeny
Plastids/genetics

@article {pmid39639021,
year = {2024},
author = {Chang, YW and Wang, YC and Wang, YC and Du, YZ},
title = {Chromosome-level genome assembly of the invasive leafminer fly, Liriomyza trifolii (Diptera: Agromyzidae).},
journal = {Scientific data},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {1326},
pmid = {39639021},
issn = {2052-4463},
support = {32202275//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 32202275//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Diptera/genetics ; *Genome, Insect ; Introduced Species ; DNA Transposable Elements ; Genome Size ; Chromosomes, Insect ; },
abstract = {Liriomyza trifolii is an economically-significant polyphagous pest that infests plants grown in both field and greenhouse conditions. Unfortunately, the lack of genomic resources has hindered our understanding of its ecological adaptation and invasiveness. To address this, we assembled a chromosome-level genome sequence of L. trifolii using a combination of short Illumina reads, PacBio HiFi long sequencing, and Hi-C scaffolding technology. The genome size was calculated at 122.64 Mb, the scaffold N50 value was 23.84 Mb, and 96.25% of the assembled sequences mapped to five chromosomes. BUSCO analysis showed high completeness with 95.28% gene coverage. A total of 11,883 protein-coding genes were identified along with 20.60 Mb of transposable elements. In summary, the genome of L. trifolii provides a valuable genetic resource for understanding invasive pests and developing effective management strategies.},
}

Animals
*Diptera/genetics
*Genome, Insect
Introduced Species
DNA Transposable Elements
Genome Size
Chromosomes, Insect

@article {pmid39636530,
year = {2024},
author = {Rajak, P and Afreen, T and Raghubanshi, AS and Singh, H},
title = {Rainfall fluctuation causes the invasive plant Prosopis juliflora to adapt ecophysiologically and change phenotypically.},
journal = {Environmental monitoring and assessment},
volume = {197},
number = {1},
pages = {26},
pmid = {39636530},
issn = {1573-2959},
mesh = {*Prosopis/physiology ; *Rain ; *Introduced Species ; *Climate Change ; Plant Leaves ; Adaptation, Physiological ; Ecosystem ; Phenotype ; Biomass ; },
abstract = {Understanding the impact of rainfall variability on the ecophysiology of invasive plants in tropical grasslands is crucial for sustainable ecosystem management. Climate change alters rainfall patterns, which, in turn, may influence the functional traits and physiological responses of plants. Recent studies have explored how fluctuating precipitation affects plant growth and broader ecological dynamics. In this study, we examined these effects on Prosopis juliflora under three different rainfall treatments using rainout shelters: low rainfall (LR, 500 mm, 50% less than ambient), normal rainfall (NR, 1000 mm, representing average ambient rainfall), and high rainfall (HR, 1400 mm, 40% more than ambient). Each shelter was divided into three replicate plots (2 m x 2 m) in a randomized block design. P. juliflora seedlings (20 seedlings per subplot) were transplanted into each subplot within a 4m[2] area, with a 0.5 m distance between each plant, and data were collected one year after plot establishment (2020). The physiological parameters measured included leaf traits, growth metrics such as biomass, height, diameter, photosynthetic rate, leaf area (LA), specific leaf area (SLA), leaf carbon (LC), the leaf carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio, and the root-to-shoot ratio. These parameters showed significant positive responses to changes in precipitation i.e. increase with the increase in rainfall. However, water use efficiency (WUE), leaf nitrogen (LN), leaf dry matter content (LDMC), and root length (RL) showed negative responses i.e. decrease with the increase in rainfall and were highest in the LR plots. Our findings suggest that the ecophysiology and functional traits of P. juliflora are strongly influenced by rainfall variability. The species exhibits considerable phenotypic plasticity, thriving in both drought and elevated precipitation conditions. This adaptability has important implications for its invasive potential and the overall functioning of ecosystems under shifting climatic conditions.},
}

*Prosopis/physiology
*Rain
*Introduced Species
*Climate Change
Plant Leaves
Adaptation, Physiological
Ecosystem
Phenotype
Biomass

@article {pmid39635769,
year = {2024},
author = {Gil-Tapetado, D and Polidori, C and Gómez, JF and Nieves-Aldrey, JL},
title = {A snapshot in time: composition of native primary fauna of gall wasps in Spanish contact zones with chestnut trees infested by Dryocosmus kuriphilus.},
journal = {Bulletin of entomological research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-12},
doi = {10.1017/S0007485324000774},
pmid = {39635769},
issn = {1475-2670},
abstract = {One of the most prominent problems related to biological invasions is the variation of local species composition, which often leads to ex novo interspecific interactions. Here, we explored and analysed the native species composition of gall inducers and their associated parasitoids and inquilines in Spanish areas invaded by Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu 1951 (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae), an invasive pest of chestnut trees. After a quantitative description of these species' assemblages, we analysed through bipartite networks the level of the trophic specialisation of parasitoids and inquilines when considering either the host taxonomic identity, the host plant species or the host gall morphological type. We sampled galls of D. kuriphilus and native species of Cynipidae in different Spanish areas, including those where the exotic parasitoid Torymus sinensis Kamijo 1982 (Hymenoptera: Torymidae) had been released for D. kuriphilus biological control. The results indicate that the native parasitoids recruited by D. kuriphilus come almost exclusively from native communities on Quercus galls, except for one species from Rosa. Galls of D. kuriphilus had the second most diverse species composition; despite this species assemblage arose ex novo in less than a decade. The bipartite networks resulted more specialised when considering host plant taxa than when gall types and the host taxa were accounted. In such trophic webs, there were few parasitoid/inquiline specialist and many generalist species, which agrees with the rapid recruitment by D. kuriphilus. Higher parasitoid species richness in D. kuriphilus galls is likely due to their being a largely unexploited available resource for the native natural enemies of cynipid wasps.},
}

@article {pmid39633977,
year = {2024},
author = {Čerevková, A and Sarabeev, V and Renčo, M},
title = {Dataset on soil nematode abundance and composition from invaded and non-invaded grassland and forest ecosystems in Europe.},
journal = {Data in brief},
volume = {57},
number = {},
pages = {111098},
pmid = {39633977},
issn = {2352-3409},
abstract = {The dataset presents comprehensive information on soil nematode genera distribution in ecosystems across Slovakia, Poland, Lithuania, and Russia. Data were collected from invaded plots by invasive plants and non-invaded plots from grasslands, deciduous forests, and coniferous forest ecosystems in diverse geographical regions. Invasive plant species included in this dataset are Asclepias syriaca, Fallopia japonica, Heracleum mantegazzianum, H. sosnowskyi, Impatiens parviflora and Solidago gigantea. The soil properties such as pH, moisture content, carbon, and nitrogen levels were recorded, providing comprehensive information on soil conditions. The data collection process involved standardized soil sampling techniques across all sites, ensuring consistency and comparability. The dataset offers valuable insights into soil nematode biodiversity dynamics in response to plant species invasions in European ecosystems. Nematode genera were classified according to feeding types and colonizer-persister class. Researchers interested in soil ecology, biodiversity conservation, and invasive species management can use this dataset for various purposes. Potential reuses include comparative analyses of nematode community composition, ecological modelling to predict invasive species impacts and assessments of ecosystem health and resilience.},
}

@article {pmid39633644,
year = {2024},
author = {Li, X and Ma, L and Yang, W and Xu, K},
title = {Knockdown of CYP6SZ3 and CYP6AEL1 genes increases the susceptibility of Lasioderma serricorne to ethyl formate and benzothiazole.},
journal = {Frontiers in physiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1503953},
pmid = {39633644},
issn = {1664-042X},
abstract = {Insect cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs) play crucial roles in the metabolic detoxification of insecticides. Ethyl formate and benzothiazole have recently regained popularity as fumigants due to rising resistance to phosphine in the stored-product pests. However, the mechanisms underlying tolerance to these two fumigants in Lasioderma serricorne, a major global insect pest of stored products, remain poorly understood. In this study, two CYP genes, named CYP6SZ3 and CYP6AEL1, were identified from L. serricorne, belonging to the CYP6 family and containing five conserved domains characteristic of CYP proteins. Spatiotemporal expression analysis revealed that both genes were predominantly expressed in the larval stage and showed the highest expression in the foregut. Upon exposure to ethyl formate and benzothiazole, both genes were upregulated, with significantly increased transcription levels following treatment. RNA interference-mediated silencing of CYP6SZ3 and CYP6AEL1 led to increased susceptibility and significantly higher mortality of L. serricorne when exposed to these fumigants. Homology modeling and molecular docking analyses showed stable binding of these fumigants to CYP6SZ3 and CYP6AEL1 proteins, with binding free energies from -26.88 to -94.68 kcal mol[-1]. These findings suggest that the induction of CYP6SZ3 and CYP6AEL1 is likely involved in the detoxification of ethyl formate and benzothiazole in L. serricorne.},
}

@article {pmid39629616,
year = {2024},
author = {Marino, C and Leroy, B and Latombe, G and Bellard, C},
title = {Exposure and Sensitivity of Terrestrial Vertebrates to Biological Invasions Worldwide.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {30},
number = {12},
pages = {e17607},
pmid = {39629616},
issn = {1365-2486},
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; Animals ; *Vertebrates/physiology ; *Biodiversity ; Endangered Species ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Animal Distribution ; },
abstract = {While biological invasions continue to threaten biodiversity, most of current assessments focus on the sole exposure to invasive alien species (IAS), without considering native species' response to the threat. Here, we address this gap by assessing vertebrates' vulnerability to biological invasions, combining measures of both (i) exposure to 304 identified IAS and (ii) realized sensitivity of 1600 native vertebrates to this threat. We used the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species to identify species threatened by IAS, their distribution, and the species' range characteristics of their associated IAS. We found that 38% of worldwide terrestrial lands are exposed to biological invasions, but exposure alone was insufficient to assess vulnerability since we further found that most of the world hosted native species sensitive to biological invasions. We delineated areas highly vulnerable to biological invasions, that is, combining areas of high exposure and high sensitivity to IAS, located in Australia and coastal states of North America with a high confidence level, but also-depending on the group-in Pacific islands, Southern America, Western Europe, Southern Africa, Eastern Asia, and New-Zealand with a medium confidence level. Assessing the completeness in exposure data, we revealed strong biases in the global description of the well-known invasion hotspots, with limited areas being assessed with a medium to high confidence level. The completeness of sensitivity was overall very high, for the three studied taxonomic groups. We also demonstrated that coldspots of vulnerability to biological invasions were areas of low confidence in terms of data completeness, which coincided with biodiversity hotspots. There is thus a critical need to address these knowledge shortfalls which jeopardize efficient conservation initiatives, regarding the threats to well-known vertebrate taxa.},
}

*Introduced Species
Animals
*Vertebrates/physiology
*Biodiversity
Endangered Species
Conservation of Natural Resources
Animal Distribution

@article {pmid39628456,
year = {2024},
author = {Sinclair, JS and Buchner, D and Gessner, MO and Müller, J and Pauls, SU and Stoll, S and Welti, EAR and Bässler, C and Buse, J and Dziock, F and Enss, J and Hörren, T and Künast, R and Li, Y and Marten, A and Morkel, C and Richter, R and Seibold, S and Sorg, M and Twietmeyer, S and Weis, D and Weisser, W and Wiggering, B and Wilmking, M and Zotz, G and Frenzel, M and Leese, F and Haase, P},
title = {Effects of land cover and protected areas on flying insect diversity.},
journal = {Conservation biology : the journal of the Society for Conservation Biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e14425},
doi = {10.1111/cobi.14425},
pmid = {39628456},
issn = {1523-1739},
support = {//Hessisches Landesamt für Umwelt und Geologie/ ; //LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics/ ; 871128//EU Horizon project eLTER PLUS/ ; },
abstract = {Widespread insect losses are a critical global problem. Mitigating this problem requires identifying the principal drivers across different taxa and determining which insects are covered by protected areas. However, doing so is hindered by missing information on most species owing to extremely high insect diversity and difficulties in morphological identification. To address this knowledge gap, we used one of the most comprehensive insect DNA metabarcoding data sets assembled (encompassing 31,846 flying insect species) in which data were collected from a network of 75 Malaise traps distributed across Germany. Collection sites encompass gradients of land cover, weather, and climate, along with differences in site protection status, which allowed us to gain broader insights into how insects respond to these factors. We examined changes in total insect biomass, species richness, temporal turnover, and shifts in the composition of taxa, key functional groups (pollinators, threatened species, and invasive species), and feeding traits. Lower insect biomass generally equated to lower richness of all insects and higher temporal turnover, suggesting that biomass loss translates to biodiversity loss and less stable communities. Spatial variability in insect biomass and composition was primarily driven by land cover, rather than weather or climate change. As vegetation and land-cover heterogeneity increased, insect biomass increased by 50% in 2019 and 56% in 2020 and total species richness by 58% and 33%, respectively. Similarly, areas with low-vegetation habitats exhibited the highest richness of key taxa, including pollinators and threatened species, and the widest variety of feeding traits. However, these habitats tended to be less protected despite their higher diversity. Our results highlight the value of heterogeneous low vegetation for promoting overall insect biomass and diversity and that better protection of insects requires improved protection and management of unforested areas, where many biodiversity hotspots and key taxa occur.},
}

@article {pmid39627825,
year = {2024},
author = {Bellini, BC and Cipola, NG and Jantarit, S and da Cunha Santos, NM and Nilsai, A and Cheng, HJ and Godeiro, NN},
title = {Exploring mitogenomic data to enhance the understanding of Seirinae (Collembola: Entomobryidae) evolution, distribution and taxonomy.},
journal = {Frontiers in zoology},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {31},
pmid = {39627825},
issn = {1742-9994},
support = {309114/2021-7//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; 001//Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior/ ; 2024//Institute of Research and Development, Thaksin University/ ; 32350410418//Innovative Research Group Project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {The subfamily Seirinae (Collembola: Entomobryidae) is among the most diverse suprageneric taxa of epedaphic springtails and is particularly abundant and species-rich in tropical and subtropical regions. Numerous studies have investigated its internal and external phylogenetic relationships, enhancing our understanding on Seirinae systematics. Recent taxonomic efforts have also advanced our knowledge on the subfamily morphology and diversity. In this study, we reevaluate the phylogeny of Seirinae using the mitogenomes of 26 samples from different continents, aiming to discuss recent findings regarding the group systematics, to identify cases of alien species introduced in China and Thailand, and propose new synonyms for Seira spp. Additionally, we describe a new species from Thailand and provide a redescription of Seira brasiliana (Arlé) based on the study of Brazilian and Chinese specimens. Through these efforts, we provide further ground for understanding the evolution, systematics, distribution and taxonomy of the group, contributing to future studies on Seirinae and Entomobryidae.},
}

@article {pmid39439296,
year = {2025},
author = {Rosche, C and Broennimann, O and Novikov, A and Mrázová, V and Boiko, GV and Danihelka, J and Gastner, MT and Guisan, A and Kožić, K and Lehnert, M and Müller-Schärer, H and Nagy, DU and Remelgado, R and Ronikier, M and Selke, JA and Shiyan, NM and Suchan, T and Thoma, AE and Zdvořák, P and Mráz, P},
title = {Herbarium specimens reveal a cryptic invasion of polyploid Centaurea stoebe in Europe.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {245},
number = {1},
pages = {392-405},
doi = {10.1111/nph.20212},
pmid = {39439296},
issn = {1469-8137},
mesh = {*Centaurea/genetics/physiology ; Europe ; *Polyploidy ; *Introduced Species ; Phylogeography ; Ecosystem ; Diploidy ; },
abstract = {Numerous plant species are expanding their native ranges due to anthropogenic environmental change. Because cytotypes of polyploid complexes often show similar morphologies, there may be unnoticed range expansions (i.e. cryptic invasions) of one cytotype into regions where only the other cytotype is native. We critically revised herbarium specimens of diploid and tetraploid Centaurea stoebe, collected across Europe between 1790 and 2023. Based on their distribution in natural and relict habitats and phylogeographic data, we estimated the native ranges of both cytotypes. Diploids are native across their entire European range, whereas tetraploids are native only to South-Eastern Europe and have recently expanded their range toward Central Europe. The proportion of tetraploids has exponentially increased over time in their expanded but not in their native range. This cryptic invasion predominantly occurred in ruderal habitats and enlarged the climatic niche of tetraploids toward a more oceanic climate. We conclude that spatio-temporally explicit assessments of range shifts, habitat preferences and niche evolution can improve our understanding of cryptic invasions. We also emphasize the value of herbarium specimens for accurate estimation of species´ native ranges, with fundamental implications for the design of research studies and the assessment of biodiversity trends.},
}

*Centaurea/genetics/physiology
Europe
*Polyploidy
*Introduced Species
Phylogeography
Ecosystem
Diploidy

@article {pmid39437870,
year = {2025},
author = {Cazenave, J and Rossi, AS and Ale, A and Montalto, L and Gutierrez, MF and Rojas Molina, F},
title = {Does temperature influence on biomarker responses to copper exposure? The invasive bivalve Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker 1857) as a model.},
journal = {Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Toxicology & pharmacology : CBP},
volume = {287},
number = {},
pages = {110059},
doi = {10.1016/j.cbpc.2024.110059},
pmid = {39437870},
issn = {1532-0456},
mesh = {Animals ; *Copper/toxicity ; *Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicity ; *Biomarkers/metabolism ; *Oxidative Stress/drug effects ; *Temperature ; Lipid Peroxidation/drug effects ; Glutathione Transferase/metabolism ; Bivalvia/drug effects/metabolism ; Introduced Species ; Mytilidae/drug effects/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Biomarkers are useful tools for assessing the early warning effects of pollutants. However, their responses can be influenced by confounding factors. In this study, we investigated the influence of temperature on multiple biomarkers in the invasive freshwater bivalve Limnoperna fortunei exposed to copper (Cu). The mussels were exposed to low and high environmental Cu concentrations at two temperatures (15 °C and 25 °C). After 96 h, the oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, and metabolic parameters were assessed. Our results showed that temperature is a key factor influencing biomarker responses in mussels, with higher glutathione S-transferase activity and lower energy reserves at cold temperature. In addition, the effects of Cu were greater at the highest concentration at 15 °C (increased lipid peroxidation and cholinesterase activity). Overall, these findings suggest that cold stress increases the susceptibility of L. fortunei to metal effects and highlight the importance of including temperature in toxicity testing and biomonitoring. In addition, using the invasive bivalve L. fortunei as a model could prove valuable in its role as a sentinel species for other organisms.},
}

Animals
*Copper/toxicity
*Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicity
*Biomarkers/metabolism
*Oxidative Stress/drug effects
*Temperature
Lipid Peroxidation/drug effects
Glutathione Transferase/metabolism
Bivalvia/drug effects/metabolism
Introduced Species
Mytilidae/drug effects/metabolism

@article {pmid39627682,
year = {2024},
author = {Wang, N and Li, Q and Wu, P and Yi, S and Ji, H and Liu, X and He, T},
title = {Response strategies of five common warm temperate plant species to insect defoliation.},
journal = {BMC ecology and evolution},
volume = {24},
number = {1},
pages = {146},
pmid = {39627682},
issn = {2730-7182},
mesh = {Animals ; *Quercus ; *Insecta/physiology ; *Plant Leaves/chemistry ; *Herbivory ; China ; Robinia/physiology ; Climate Change ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Under the background of global climate change, climate warming has led to an increase in insect herbivory, which significantly affects the growth, survival, and regeneration of forest plants in the warm temperate zone of China. Plants can adopt defense responses to adapt to insect defoliation. Therefore, field experiments were conducted on five common warm temperate species, Quercus acutissima, Quercus serrata, Quercus aliena, Quercus dentata, and Robinia pseudoacacia. We measured the leaf traits of healthy trees and insect defoliated trees, to explore the response strategies of common species in warm temperate zones to insect defoliation. Our results showed that native species stored more carbon in extreme environments for survival rather than growth, while the alien species R. pseudoacacia tended to adopt active resource acquisition strategies and were more inclined towards growth. The content of tannins and flavonoids in the alien species R. pseudoacacia did not significantly increase after leaf damage, while the content of secondary metabolites such as tannins, flavonoids, and total phenols in the native species Q. acutissima, Q. serrata, Q. aliena, Q. dentata increased significantly after leaf damage. This indicated that compared to alien species, native species invested more resources in defense, which might reduce resource allocation for growth. Thus, the native Quercus species have stronger resistance than the alien species R. pseudoacacia after insect defoliation.},
}

Animals
*Quercus
*Insecta/physiology
*Plant Leaves/chemistry
*Herbivory
China
Robinia/physiology
Climate Change
Introduced Species

@article {pmid39623104,
year = {2024},
author = {Arias-Pacheco, C and Perin, PP and Oliveira, WJ and de Souza Pollo, A and Benatti, D and Mendonça, TO and de Oliveira Andrade, L and Gomes, JS and de Oliveira Zolla, N and de Moraes Ferreira, AF and Dos Santos, VMS and Lux Hoppe, EG},
title = {Helminth parasites of the invasive European brown hare (Lepus europaeus) in Brazil: the first report of Bunostomum trigonocephalum in a hare.},
journal = {Parasitology research},
volume = {123},
number = {12},
pages = {403},
pmid = {39623104},
issn = {1432-1955},
support = {407965/2021-1//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; 407965/2021-1//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; 001//Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Brazil ; *Hares/parasitology ; Male ; *Helminthiasis, Animal/parasitology/epidemiology ; Phylogeny ; Introduced Species ; DNA, Helminth/genetics ; Helminths/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; },
abstract = {Invasive alien species have the potential to introduce pathogens of economic and health importance in new environments. In Brazil, parasites from the non-native European brown hare can be a threat to humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. Therefore, we aimed to describe the helminth fauna of the invasive European brown hare in three Brazilian states (São Paulo, Paraná, and Rio Grande do Sul). For this, 90 brown hares were collected and examined for helminths. Helminth specimens recovered were morphologically identified and genetically characterized based on the DNA of male specimens using three genetic regions (28S rDNA, ITS-2, and cox-1 mtDNA). Descriptors of infection were calculated, and statistical analysis was performed. Parasites were found only in the small intestine of 14.4% (13/90) of brown hares and low parasite loads per animal were recorded (range = 1-530). The obtained specimens were morphologically identified as Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Bunostomum trigonocephalum. There was a high level of agreement between phylogenetic analysis and morphology for T. colubriformis. The geographical region was the only significant factor for infection; the State of Rio Grande do Sul had a higher general prevalence, higher T. colubriformis specific prevalence, and higher mean abundance than the other states evaluated. All hares were in a good body condition. To our knowledge, this is a new host record for B. trigonocephalum. This is the first study on the helminthological diversity of European brown hares in Brazil, and our results indicate that their helminth fauna is represented by parasites of domestic ruminants with zoonotic potential.},
}

Animals
Brazil
*Hares/parasitology
Male
*Helminthiasis, Animal/parasitology/epidemiology
Phylogeny
Introduced Species
DNA, Helminth/genetics
Helminths/classification/genetics/isolation & purification

@article {pmid39497497,
year = {2024},
author = {Duarte, RC and Ryan, B and Dias, GM and Stevens, M},
title = {Adaptation in the Anthropocene: How behavioural choice and colour change enables chameleon prawns to camouflage on non-native seaweeds.},
journal = {The Journal of animal ecology},
volume = {93},
number = {12},
pages = {2010-2023},
doi = {10.1111/1365-2656.14217},
pmid = {39497497},
issn = {1365-2656},
support = {301436/2018-5//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; 308268/2019-9//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; 2019/01934-3//Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo/ ; 2022/00946-0//Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo/ ; 10/2023//Fundação Cearense de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Seaweed/physiology ; Biological Mimicry ; Color ; Adaptation, Physiological ; Ecosystem ; Sargassum/physiology ; Pigmentation ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Animals combine colour change and behavioural choices to enhance concealment and adapt to changes in habitat in time and space. However, non-native and invasive habitat-forming plants and seaweeds can change the landscape, challenging animals to remain camouflaged, especially when the colour of the new habitat differs from the native backgrounds. The chameleon prawn (Hippolyte varians) exhibits remarkable colour variation and effective camouflage against different native seaweeds in shallow tidepools. Individuals optimize crypsis by choosing colour-matching seaweeds and changing colour over time. In some locations, the prawn's native habitats are now replaced by non-native seaweeds of different coloration and structure, making it important to understand whether substrate choice and colour change facilitates the occupation of these seaweeds and enables prawns to camouflage against new backgrounds. Using image analysis and visual modelling of a fish predator, we assessed the colour variation and camouflage of chameleon prawns occupying the non-native seaweeds brown wireweed (Sargassum muticum) and pink harpoon weed (Asparagopsis armata) in southwest UK. We performed laboratory trials to examine whether prawns maintain their preference for colour-matching native substrates when given a choice between them and non-native seaweeds, and if they can change their coloration to improve camouflage against non-native substrates. Prawns exhibit phenotypic diversity and camouflage that varied with the non-native seaweed species, with low colour variation and effective camouflage on pink harpoon weed, but high colour diversity and reduced concealment against brown wireweed. Prawns choose non-native seaweeds when the alternative native substrate provides mismatching coloration, but they did not exhibit any preference between colour-matching native and non-native seaweeds. Once in non-native habitats, prawns change their appearance over a few days to match the background, sometimes faster than when changing on native seaweeds of contrasting coloration. Although human activities considerably modify the coloration of marine landscapes by increasing the establishment of non-native seaweeds, the impacts of those changes appear less severe for colour-changing species, such as chameleon prawns, and will depend on the similarity between the colour of the new substrates and the original native backgrounds, and how animals use behaviour and physiology to match new habitats.},
}

Animals
*Seaweed/physiology
Biological Mimicry
Color
Adaptation, Physiological
Ecosystem
Sargassum/physiology
Pigmentation
Introduced Species

@article {pmid39621166,
year = {2024},
author = {Debnath, S and Das Ghosh, B and Lianthuamluaia, L and Kumari, S and Puthiyottil, M and Karnatak, G and Sarkar, UK and Das, BK},
title = {A hybrid ecological evaluation of the fisheries in changing climate: case study from a peri-urban tropical wetland of Kolkata, Eastern India.},
journal = {Environmental monitoring and assessment},
volume = {197},
number = {1},
pages = {5},
pmid = {39621166},
issn = {1573-2959},
mesh = {*Wetlands ; India ; *Climate Change ; Animals ; *Environmental Monitoring ; *Fisheries/statistics & numerical data ; Fishes ; Biodiversity ; Tropical Climate ; },
abstract = {The degradation of peri-urban wetlands has been a significant consequence of urban development and climate change. The present study discovered the decadal changes in land cover and climate impact on Raja Wetland, revealing significant alterations from 2011 to 2021. The analysis indicates substantial reductions in agricultural land (36.36%), fallow land (30.90%), water spread areas (10.14%) and surrounding wetlands (18.06%). Conversely, settlements, terrestrial vegetation and aquatic macrophytes increased by 19.77%, 3.39% and 1.16%, respectively. The primary driver of wetland shrinkage was urban expansion leading to a decrease in wetland area from 43.39 ha in 2011 to 38.99 ha in 2021. Climate data from 1991 to 2020 show a decreasing trend in annual rainfall (τ = - 0.274, p = 0.035) and an increasing trend in annual temperature (τ = 0.339, p = 0.009), with significant warming particularly during the monsoon months. The wetland's physicochemical attributes fluctuate seasonally, with eutrophic conditions prevailing (TSI range: 61.41-80.36). Notably, fish diversity is impacted by the dominance of the invasive species Oreochromis niloticus, which constitutes 89.31% of the catch. The established planktonic indicator genera of organic pollution were found to be abundant throughout the study period. These, combined with urban pollution and eutrophication, have led to a reduction in native fish species and overall aquatic health. The study highlights the urgent need for conservation measures to address the ecological imbalance and restore wetland resilience amidst ongoing climate and anthropogenic pressures. The communication also proposes various recommendations for the recovery and sustainable future use of wetland fisheries in the context of ongoing changes.},
}

*Wetlands
India
*Climate Change
Animals
*Environmental Monitoring
*Fisheries/statistics & numerical data
Fishes
Biodiversity
Tropical Climate

@article {pmid39620580,
year = {2024},
author = {Słowiński, K and Grygierzec, B and Tabor, S and Bucior, S and Synowiec, A},
title = {Control and Disposal of Invasive Japanese Knotweed Reynoutria japonica Houtt. Using Microwave Treatment.},
journal = {Journal of visualized experiments : JoVE},
volume = {},
number = {213},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3791/67660},
pmid = {39620580},
issn = {1940-087X},
mesh = {*Microwaves ; Introduced Species ; Rhizome ; Weed Control/methods ; },
abstract = {The study aims to assess the effectiveness of microwave treatment (MWT) at a frequency of 2.45 GHz and a power of 800 W to control Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica Houtt.) using a self-propelled device that was built in the in-house facility. The MWT was applied in the field population of knotweed in July 2022. First, plants were mechanically moved from the area of 1 m[2,] and next, the cut shoots around 4 cm high were microwave-treated for 25 min, 20 min, and 15 min. The control treatments were: 1) only cut plants and 2) rhizomes dug out to 30 cm deep. The effectiveness of the microwave treatments was observed for the next 11 months by counting the number of newly grown shoots. The results showed that a 25 min MWT was 100% effective in Japanese knotweed loss of vitality, while a 15 min MWT microwave treatment stimulated plant growth by around 50%, compared to controls. Rhizomes were dug out in a separate in vitro experiment for laboratory testing. The rhizomes were categorized by thickness and subjected to a 60 s MWT using a commercial microwave, after which their temperature and vitality were assessed. The temperature of rhizomes following MWT depended on their thickness. Those rhizomes that warmed to temperatures above 42 °C were effectively destroyed. Summing up, the time plants are exposed to microwaves plays a major role in the effectiveness of this method. The longer the exposure to MWT, the better control. The thinner the rhizomes, the more effective the in vitro MWT rhizomes disposal.},
}

*Microwaves
Introduced Species
Rhizome
Weed Control/methods

@article {pmid39619790,
year = {2024},
author = {Lian, M and Chen, L and Hui, C and Zhu, F and Shi, P},
title = {On the Relationship Between the Gini Coefficient and Skewness.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {14},
number = {12},
pages = {e70637},
pmid = {39619790},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Skewness, a measure of the asymmetry of a distribution, is frequently employed to reflect a biologically important property. Another statistic, the Gini coefficient (GC), originally used to measure economic inequality, has been validated in measuring the inequality of biological size distributions. Given that the GC and skewness control overlapping domains and interact with each other, researchers are perplexed by their relationship (varying with the biological [organ, tissue or cell] size distributions) and use both of them together to provide a more complete picture of the data. This study provides analytical forms of the GC for biological size distributions, including two-parameter Weibull, uniform, normal, two-parameter lognormal, gamma, three-parameter Weibull, three-parameter lognormal, and three-parameter gamma distributions. Two empirical data sets and simulation data sets were used to clarify the GC-skewness relationships under different distributions. For the aforementioned distributions, the GC-skewness relationships can be divided into three types: (i) for a symmetrical distribution, the skewness is 0, and the GC ranges from 0.56 to 0.58 multiplied by the standard deviation divided by the mean irrespective of its relationship with the skewness; (ii) for an asymmetric distribution with a zero threshold, the GC is a monotonously increasing function of the skewness, and the two measures are equivalent; (iii) for an asymmetric distribution with a non-zero threshold, the GC is determined by the skewness and an additional correction factor. We showed the differences in improving the accuracy of GC calculations based on small-sample adjustments among various calculation methods, including the polygon (trapezoidal set) area method and the rotated Lorenz curve method. The present study turns the GC into a property of the distribution and offers a clear understanding for the GC-skewness relationship. This work provides insights into selecting and using the GC to measure inequality in ecological data, facilitating more accurate and meaningful analyses.},
}

@article {pmid39619789,
year = {2024},
author = {Ward-Fear, G and Brown, GP and Pettit, L and Rollins, LA and Shine, R},
title = {Live Fast, Die Young: Life History Traits of an Apex Predator Exacerbate the Ecological Impact of a Toxic Invader.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {14},
number = {12},
pages = {e70625},
pmid = {39619789},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {We studied a population of large varanid lizards (yellow-spotted monitors Varanus panoptes) on a floodplain in tropical Australia. Growth records from radio-tracked lizards show that despite their large adult body sizes (to > 7 kg in males), these lizards attained sexual maturity at less than 1 year of age and rarely lived for more than 2 years (females) or 4 years (males), even before mortality increased due to the arrival of toxic cane toads (Rhinella marina). This is a "faster" life history than has been reported for other species of large monitors. Growth was especially rapid in males during the wet season. The low survivorship prior to toad invasion was due to predation by pythons; communal nesting by female varanids may render them especially vulnerable. The life history of yellow-spotted monitors requires high feeding rates, favouring the evolution of "risky" tactics such as consuming novel prey items (such as cane toads); and the combination of high abundance (> 20 adult lizards per square kilometre) and high feeding rates (> 9.9 kg of prey per lizard per annum) means that these giant lizards play a critical role in energy and nutrient flow within the floodplain ecosystem. As a result, foodwebs with the yellow-spotted monitor as an apex predator are more vulnerable to disruption by cane toads than is the case in other parts of the toad's invasive range, where the varanid species affected by toads have "slower" life histories.},
}

@article {pmid39619786,
year = {2024},
author = {Vattiato, G and Garvey, PM and Binny, RN and Plank, MJ and Gormley, AM and Hickling, GJ},
title = {Optimising Control Device Luring Strategies for Invasive Predator Control: A Modelling Approach.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {14},
number = {12},
pages = {e70604},
pmid = {39619786},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Invasive predators pose a serious threat to native biodiversity, with trapping being one of several methods developed to manage and monitor their populations. Many individuals in these predator populations have been found to display trap-shyness, which hinders eradication and results in inaccurate estimates of population size. Lures are used to help overcome trap-shyness by increasing the probability of interaction with the device, but the extent of trap-shyness in wild populations, and the best timing for the introduction of a new lure or combination of lures, are uncertain. A key challenge for wildlife managers is maximising the efficacy of invasive predator control, particularly in relation to baiting and trapping, so that pests are extirpated, or survivors are reduced to a minimum. We first use a Bayesian estimation method to quantify trap-shyness in a population of brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) in a New Zealand forest; the resulting estimated parameters are then used to calibrate a stochastic, individual-based model simulating the outcomes of different luring scenarios. We show that the brushtail possum population analysed was likely split into a smaller, very trappable group and a larger trap-shy group, with a low mean nightly probability of interaction with traps of 0.28 [0.14-0.56]. Furthermore, our results show that under the assumption of independent attraction levels towards different lures, using a combination of lures simultaneously can result in a greater and faster population knock-down than using a single lure, or than to switch from one lure to another. The model presented can be used to infer wildlife population trappability from capture data, and our simulation results highlight the potential of improved luring strategies to capture individuals in post-control residual populations.},
}

@article {pmid39617928,
year = {2024},
author = {Paxton, AB and Riley, TN and Steenrod, CL and Puckett, BJ and Alemu I, JB and Paliotti, ST and Adler, AM and Exar, L and McLean, JET and Kelley, J and Zhang, YS and Smith, CS and Gittman, RK and Silliman, BR},
title = {Evidence on the performance of nature-based solutions interventions for coastal protection in biogenic, shallow ecosystems: a systematic map.},
journal = {Environmental evidence},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {28},
pmid = {39617928},
issn = {2047-2382},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Combined impacts from anthropogenic pressures and climate change threaten coastal ecosystems and their capacity to protect communities from hazards. One approach towards improving coastal protection is to implement "nature-based solutions" (NBS), which are actions working with nature to benefit nature and humans. Despite recent increases in global implementation of NBS projects for coastal protection, substantial gaps exist in our understanding of NBS performance. To help fill this gap, we systematically mapped the global evidence base on the ecological, physical, economic, and social performance of NBS interventions related to coastal protection. We focused on active NBS interventions, such as restoring or creating habitat, adding structure, or modifying sediment in six shallow biogenic ecosystems: salt marsh, seagrass, kelp forest, mangrove, coral reef, and shellfish reef.

METHODS: We identified potentially relevant articles on the performance of NBS for coastal protection using predefined and tested search strategies across two indexing platforms, one bibliographic database, two open discovery citation indexes, one web-based search engine, and a novel literature discovery tool. We also searched 45 organizational websites for literature and solicited literature from 66 subject matter experts. Potentially relevant articles were deduplicated and then screened by title and abstract with assistance from a machine learning algorithm. Following title and abstract screening, we conducted full text screening, extracted relevant metadata into a predefined codebook, and analyzed the evidence base to determine the distribution and abundance of evidence and answer our research questions on NBS performance.

RESULTS: Our search captured > 37,000 articles, of which 252 met our eligibility criteria for relevance to NBS performance for coastal protection and were included in the systematic map. Evidence stemmed from 31 countries and increased from the 1980s through the 2020s. Active NBS interventions for coastal protection were most often implemented in salt marshes (45%), mangrove forests (26%), and shellfish reefs (20%), whereas there were fewer NBS studies in seagrass meadows (4%), coral reefs (4%), or kelp beds (< 1%). Performance evaluations of NBS were typically conducted using observational or experimental methods at local spatial scales and over short temporal scales (< 1 year to 5 years). Evidence clusters existed for several types of NBS interventions, including restoration and addition of structures (e.g., those consisting of artificial, hybrid, or natural materials), yet evidence gaps existed for NBS interventions like alteration of invasive species. Evaluations of NBS performance commonly focused on ecological (e.g., species and population, habitat, community) and physical (e.g., waves, sediment and morphology) outcomes, whereas pronounced evidence gaps existed for economic (e.g., living standards, capital) and social (e.g., basic infrastructure, health) outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS: This systematic map highlights evidence clusters and evidence gaps related to the performance of active NBS interventions for coastal protection in shallow, biogenic ecosystems. The synthesized evidence base will help guide future research and management of NBS for coastal protection so that active interventions can be designed, sited, constructed, monitored, and adaptively managed to maximize co-benefits. Promising avenues for future research and management initiatives include implementing broad-scale spatial and temporal monitoring of NBS in multidisciplinary teams to examine not only ecological and physical outcomes but also economic and social outcomes, as well as conducting further synthesis on evidence clusters that may reveal measures of effect for specific NBS interventions. Since NBS can deliver multiple benefits, measuring a diverse suite of response variables, especially those related to ecosystem function, as well as social and economic responses, may help justify and improve societal benefits of NBS. Such an approach can help ensure that NBS can be strategically harnessed and managed to meet coastal protection goals and provide co-benefits for nature and people.},
}

@article {pmid39617434,
year = {2024},
author = {Marhri, A and Rbah, Y and Allay, A and Boumediene, M and Tikent, A and Benmoumen, A and Melhaoui, R and Elamrani, A and Abid, M and Addi, M},
title = {HPLC-DAD Profiling of Phenolic Components and Comparative Assessment of Antioxidant Potency in Opuntia robusta, Opuntia dillenii, and Opuntia ficus-indica Cladodes at Diverse Stages of Ripening.},
journal = {Journal of oleo science},
volume = {73},
number = {12},
pages = {1529-1540},
doi = {10.5650/jos.ess24034},
pmid = {39617434},
issn = {1347-3352},
mesh = {*Opuntia/chemistry ; *Antioxidants/analysis ; *Phenols/analysis ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods ; Fruit/chemistry ; Polyphenols/analysis ; Plant Extracts/chemistry/analysis ; Flavonoids/analysis ; Biphenyl Compounds ; Picrates ; },
abstract = {Global distribution of prickly pear spans worldwide, with limited cladode exploitation, particularly in Mediterranean regions, excluding American continent nations. Our research reports on three species found in eastern Morocco, including Opuntia ficus indica and the two newly introduced species Opuntia robusta and Opuntia dillenii. The study aims to evaluate the total phenolic content, the amounts of various phenolic compounds classes, and the antioxidant activity across a spectrum of biochemical measurements including the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP), 2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) and total antioxidant capacity assay (TAC). The results showed that O. robusta exhibited the highest total phenolic content (5061.70 mg GAE/100 g) which enhances the significance of this species in terms of nutrition. Differences were also observed in different stage of cladodes maturity, demonstrating that the age factor affects the polyphenol contents. Moreover, O. robusta displays the highest amount of total phenolic compounds (11430.35 μg/g) either for flavonoids or phenolic acids. Furthermore, the oldest cladodes show more higher phenolic compounds (22998.62 μg/g) compared to the youngest one's (20438.54 μg/g). Ten phenolic compounds were identified, in which isorhamnetin represent the most abundant flavonoid (6747.85 μg/g), while the chlorogenic acid was determined as the major phenolic acid (2771.69 μg/g) followed by sinapic acid (2047.64 μg/g). The DPPH assay indicates that O. ficus-indica possessed the higher hydrophilic antioxidants able to reduction the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazylradical free radical. While O. robusta exhibited a greater quantity of antioxidants, which effectively reduced the Fe [3+] complex of ferric ions (TPTZ) [3+] . In contrast, old cladodes of O. robusta and O. dillenii demonstrate the higher ability to scavenge the 2,20-azinobis (3-ethylbenzthiazolin-6-sulfonic acid) or ABTS [+].},
}

*Opuntia/chemistry
*Antioxidants/analysis
*Phenols/analysis
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods
Fruit/chemistry
Polyphenols/analysis
Plant Extracts/chemistry/analysis
Flavonoids/analysis
Biphenyl Compounds
Picrates

@article {pmid39616616,
year = {2024},
author = {Minamikawa, M and Ito, M and Kovba, A and Kobayashi, Y and Abe, G and Kooriyama, T and Maeda, K and Shimozuru, M and Tsubota, T and Sashika, M},
title = {Epidemiological Survey of Canine Distemper Virus Infection: Exploring the Link Between Virus Spread and Invasive Raccoon (Procyon lotor) Population Growth in Hokkaido, Japan.},
journal = {Integrative zoology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1749-4877.12922},
pmid = {39616616},
issn = {1749-4877},
abstract = {Invasive raccoons (Procyon lotor) naturalized in Hokkaido, Japan, potentially spreading infectious diseases. Canine distemper virus infection is a serious epizootic disease, for which the raccoon is one of the hosts. We investigated the virus's prevalence in Hokkaido's wild raccoons, using 611 serum samples collected from captured raccoons in 2007-2012, 2021, and 2022. Higher seropositivity rates were confirmed in 2007 (32.7%), 2021 (46.4%), and 2022 (46.8%) than in 2008-2012 (0.00%-6.06%), suggesting the occurrence of an epidemic in 2007, 2021, and 2022 and its disappearance in 2008-2012. However, the infection status has recently changed, with high seropositivity rates consecutively confirmed in 2021 and 2022. Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the relationships among the catch per unit effort (an index of animal population density), host and environmental factors, and antibody status. The catch per unit effort correlated with seropositivity in 2007. As for environmental factors, the forest area ratio had a weak influence on seroprevalence in 2007; however, the residential area ratio had a clear influence on seroprevalence in 2021 and 2022. The epidemic occurred in forested areas in 2007; nonetheless, recent raccoon population growth and habitat expansion may have caused widespread infections even around residential areas in 2021 and 2022. Continuous monitoring of the infection and reinforcement of raccoon control programs are necessary to avoid serious damage through disease transmission to sympatric native raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) and fox (Vulpes vulpes) populations, as well as health consequences for domestic dogs (Canis familiaris).},
}

@article {pmid39614080,
year = {2024},
author = {Carvalho, F and Galantinho, A and Somers, MJ and Do Linh San, E},
title = {Influence of season, sex, and interspecific interactions on the diel activity patterns of two sympatric African small carnivores.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {29701},
pmid = {39614080},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {SFRH/BPD/115228/2016//Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia/ ; 105998//National Research Foundation (NRF), South Africa/ ; URD2004072900003//National Research Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Seasons ; Female ; Male ; *Sympatry ; Circadian Rhythm/physiology ; Africa ; Sex Factors ; Species Specificity ; Carnivora/physiology ; },
abstract = {Animal activity patterns vary seasonally and between species, facilitating species coexistence. In Africa, however, factors affecting the activity of many small carnivores remain poorly understood, especially for congeneric and sympatric species whose similar sizes may lead to interspecific competition. Here, we investigated differences and variations in the activity patterns of two sympatric Viverridae species in a seasonal African landscape. We continuously radio-tracked 15 small-spotted genets (Genetta genetta) and five Cape genets (G. tigrina) over 24-h cycles throughout the year. We analysed the effects of season, sex, and interspecific interactions on circadian rhythms using multi-cosinor regression models. Both species maintained a nocturnal activity pattern year-round, decreasing activity significantly during the cold-dry season. This pattern aligns with the thermoregulatory hypothesis-especially for species with an elongated body like genets-suggesting decreased activity under extreme cold weather conditions to conserve energy. Females in both species were less active than males, possibly due to their smaller home ranges, especially during the cold-dry season. These effects were particularly pronounced in Cape genets, which primarily inhabit riverine forests. Female Cape genets adjusted their activity onset, possibly to minimize encounters with males, mostly during the hot-wet season when caring for their offspring. Small-spotted genets shifted their activity onset and peak in riverine forests-areas of potential contact with Cape genets-compared to areas without Cape genets. Overall, our study underscores the critical role of seasonal environmental changes and interspecific interactions in shaping the activity patterns of two carnivore species within a semi-arid Albany Thicket landscape.},
}

Animals
*Seasons
Female
Male
*Sympatry
Circadian Rhythm/physiology
Africa
Sex Factors
Species Specificity
Carnivora/physiology

@article {pmid39612711,
year = {2024},
author = {Xu, W and Bai, Y and Xu, T and Chen, Y and Wang, J and Li, T and Liu, Z and Liu, H and Ruan, H},
title = {Revealing potential mechanisms of native and non-native snail coexistence through fecal microbiomes and dietary compositions.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {957},
number = {},
pages = {177774},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.177774},
pmid = {39612711},
issn = {1879-1026},
abstract = {Understanding how animals coexist within an ecosystem is essential for the conservation of biodiversity. In China, large populations of a non-native snail Rumina decollata (a highly invasive species reported by various other countries) coexist with two native snail species (Acusta ravida and Euphaedusa aculus). However, the potential mechanisms that facilitate this non-native and native snail coexistence remain uncertain. Here, we analyzed the fecal microbiomes and dietary compositions of R. decollata, A. ravida, and E. aculus to elucidate the mechanisms that drive the cohabitation of non-native and native species in Nanjing, China. It was found that the composition of the E. aculus fecal microbiome was similar to that of R. decollata, while it was significantly different from that of A. ravida. Furthermore, R. decollata preyed on E. aculus and had similar plant food compositions like A. ravida. These results indicated that the fecal microbiomes of snails may be adaptable to variable environmental conditions, while being minimally influenced by host genetics. R. decollata integrated a portion of the fecal microbes of E. aculus by preying on them. Our findings highlighted that the coexistence of R. decollata with native snails may have been due to abundant environmental resources, which negated the emergence of strong competition. However, the specific dietary changes of R. decollata and their propagation still need to be continuously monitored to better understand the long-term effects of R. decollata on ecosystems. This research provides a new understanding toward the prevention of invasive species and biodiversity conservation.},
}

@article {pmid39501459,
year = {2024},
author = {Rinella, MJ and Vermeire, LT and Angerer, JP},
title = {Integrating experiments and monitoring reveals extreme sensitivity of invasive winter annuals to precipitation.},
journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America},
volume = {34},
number = {8},
pages = {e3051},
doi = {10.1002/eap.3051},
pmid = {39501459},
issn = {1051-0761},
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Seasons ; *Rain ; *Bromus/physiology ; Environmental Monitoring ; Models, Biological ; Time Factors ; Climate Change ; },
abstract = {In arid and semiarid systems of western North America, the most damaging invasive plants are winter annuals. These plants are destroying wildlife habitat, reducing livestock production, and increasing wildfires. Monitoring these plants for lasting population changes is challenging because their abundances vary widely from year to year. Some of this variation is due to weather, and quantifying effects of weather is important for distinguishing transcient from lasting population changes and understanding effects of climate change. Fall and spring weather affect germination and seed production of the current generation of plants and, therefore, impact population sizes of subsequent generations of plants. Extensive data are required to estimate effects of fall and spring weather on multiple generations of plants. We used Bayesian statistics to integrate experimental and long-term (31 years) monitoring data and quantify invasive annual grass [downy brome (Bromus tectorum L.) and Japanese brome (Bromus japonicus Thunb.)] responses to weather. Bromes ranged from nearly absent to comprising half of total biomass depending on three previous years of weather. Brome biomass increased with precipitation one, two, and three falls prior to measurement. Fall precipitation is projected to increase, and a mere 6.5 mm increase, which is just 2% of mean annual precipitation, would increase brome biomass 40% (28%, 54%) (mean [95% CI]) according to our model. Increased fall precipitation could favor many invasive winter annual grasses and forbs. Dry spring conditions reduced brome biomass the current year but increased brome biomass one and likely two (p = 0.08) years later, perhaps because dry conditions weakened perennial competitors. This finding casts doubt on several one-year precipitation experiments that concluded drier spring weather would reduce brome abundances. Integrating short-term experiments and long-term monitoring is useful for estimating invasive plant responses to the weather and characterizing their responses to climate change. Our research provides predictions of brome abundances that could improve monitoring efforts by helping land managers interpret population dynamics in the context of seasonal precipitation patterns.},
}

*Introduced Species
*Seasons
*Rain
*Bromus/physiology
Environmental Monitoring
Models, Biological
Time Factors
Climate Change