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Ants play a crucial role in both natural settings, impacting ecosystem functions, and in human-altered environments, where they can potentially cause harm. The Argentine ant, Linepithema humile , is recognized globally as an important invasive species, known for its ability to colonize diverse habitats and causing significant ecological and economic damage. In contrast, species of the Camponotus genus, while sharing similar food habits, typically have more restricted ranges and are also highly adapted to human-modified environments. This study serves as a foundational investigation into the antennal morphology of L. humile and two Camponotus species—one native and one from the invasive range of L. humile. We employed a systematic sampling method to analyse the distribution and relative abundance of chaetic, basiconic, and trichoidea sensilla along the last antennomere. Our results indicate that Camponotus and. L. humile have similar proportions of the sensilla analysed, with chaetic and basiconic sensilla increasing towards the tip, while trichoidea sensilla tended to decrease. Notably, both native species of Argentina, L. humile and Camponotus mus , exhibited significantly higher abundances of chaetic and trichoidea curvata sensilla compared to Camponotus aethiops from France. This study establishes a framework for future research aimed at exploring the chemosensory responses associated with these sensilla, paving the way for deeper insights into how these ants interact with their environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article in the North-Western Journal of Zoology discusses the return of the two-spotted stink bug, Perillus bioculatus, to central European habitats, specifically Hungary. The species, originally from North America, is a natural enemy of the Colorado potato beetle and has been introduced to Europe in the past without success. Recent sightings in Hungary and other European countries indicate the bug's establishment and rapid spread, potentially aiding in biological control of the potato beetle. The study aims to document the bug's presence in Hungary and track its expansion in Europe through scientific records and online monitoring data. [Extracted from the article]

Understanding the factors that limit the abundance of threatened species is critical for the development of effective conservation strategies. However, gaining such knowledge from monitoring programs and using it to inform decision‐making for rare species can be difficult due to methodological issues posed by the problems of distinguishing true absences from false absences and the analysis of datasets dominated by zero counts. The plains‐wanderer (Pedionomus torquatus) is a critically endangered ground‐nesting bird that occurs in grasslands of southeastern Australia. Decline of the plains‐wanderer has been attributed to habitat modification but little emphasis has been placed on the role of introduced predators, such as the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), which have had a devastating effect on small ground‐dwelling vertebrates in dryland regions of Australia. Here, we use a 9‐year time series of spotlight counts to investigate the impact of vegetation structure and fox presence on plains‐wanderer occupancy and abundance. We used distance sampling to determine the effective strip width for sighting plains‐wanderers during spotlight surveys. We then used a hurdle model approach whereby binomial generalized additive models were fitted to presence/absence data within the effective strip‐width across all sites and negative‐binomial models were fitted to an index of abundance at sites where plains‐wanderers were observed. Plains‐wanderer occupancy and abundance fluctuated markedly through time. Where foxes were absent, occupancy (but not abundance) of plains‐wanderers showed a humped relationship with grass height with an optimal height between 50 and 150 mm. Where foxes were present however, this relationship broke down and plains‐wanderers were rarely recorded. Our results suggest that plains‐wanderers should benefit from management strategies that maintain grass height at optimal levels and exclude foxes or effectively suppress their populations. A key message from this study is that if statistical analyses of data generated by monitoring programs for rare species are intended to inform management decisions by identifying relationships between threatened species and drivers of their abundance, there should be consideration of analytic approaches that account for true and false zeroes, high prevalence of zeroes, and the possibility of nonlinear responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive non‐native species are one of the main causes of degradation of ecosystems worldwide. The control of invasive species is key to reducing threats to ecosystem viability in the long term. Observations of structural changes in ecological interaction networks following invasive species suppression can be useful to monitor the success of ecological restoration initiatives. We evaluated the structure of plant–bird frugivory interaction networks in a plant community invaded by the guava tree (Psidium guajava L.) by comparing network metrics before and after control actions. Psidium guajava was relevant in all metrics for the unmanaged network in this study, with high degree centrality and high nestedness contribution. Based on the asymmetry of species interactions, we found that birds were highly dependent on the invasive plant before suppression. Once P. guajava trees were eliminated, bird and plant species richness, total number of interactions, and modularity increased, whereas nestedness and interaction strength asymmetry decreased. The diet of the bird community became more diversified once P. guajava was no longer available and relevant species roles in community structure emerged. Our results corroborate the fact that ecological restoration interventions should include the control of non‐native plant species that attract frugivorous animals in order to diversify plant–frugivore interactions and thus maintain biodiversity in natural ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present report provides an updated checklist of land and freshwater molluscs from Sifnos Island and, for the first time, from the nearby uninhabited islet Kitriani (Greece, Cyclades) with a critical review of available literature. Taxonomy, distribution, biogeographic issues, and the potential effect of human activities on these molluscs' communities are discussed. New morphological data for some snail species are presented, particularly for the genera Limax Linnaeus, 1758; Xerocrassa Monterosato, 1892; Monacha Fitzinger, 1833; and Albinaria Vest, 1864. Finally, based on shell and genitalia morphology, a new subspecies - Albinaria turrita rosettae n. ssp. - is described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Recursos Rurais is the property of Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Servicio de Publicaciones and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: Understanding the dynamic rate functions of introduced fish populations is essential in guiding management strategies. Blue Catfish Ictalurus furcatus population dynamics have been well studied; however, there is a gap in knowledge from populations that have been introduced into novel systems. Methods: Blue Catfish were collected from the Altamaha, Ocmulgee, Oconee, and Satilla rivers in Georgia. Age estimates were obtained through otolith analysis. Multimodel growth analysis was used to describe growth patterns, and early life growth was modeled with linear regression. Instantaneous mortality of each population was estimated and compared by using a generalized linear model approach. Result: The four introduced Blue Catfish populations exhibited rapid growth and low mortality rates during establishment; however, we found that populations with earlier introduction histories generally had slower growth rates and lower mortality. The Satilla River population is comparatively the most recently introduced population (first discovered in 2011) that exhibited the fastest growth and highest mortality. Conclusion: Our results suggest that Blue Catfish in our study systems are in an intermediate stage of invasion and have not yet reached an equilibrium state. As density continues to increase in these river systems, we expect a decline in growth rates, delayed sexual maturation, and a greater observed maximum age. However, additional monitoring is needed to identify how population dynamics and reproductive characteristics vary over time. Impact StatementThis analysis of introduced Blue Catfish populations in multiple rivers in Georgia will help to understand how dynamic rate functions vary over spatiotemporal scales and across varying introduction timelines. These data are critical for future management and improving our understanding of invasive species ecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding causes of insect population declines is essential for the development of successful conservation plans, but data limitations restrict assessment across spatial and temporal scales. Museum records represent a source of historical data that can be leveraged to investigate temporal trends in insect communities. Native lady beetle decline has been attributed to competition with established alien species and landscape change, but the relative importance of these drivers is difficult to measure with short‐term field‐based studies. We assessed distribution patterns for native lady beetles over 12 decades using museum records, and evaluated the relative importance of alien species and landscape change as factors contributing to changes in communities. We compiled occurrence records for 28 lady beetle species collected in Ohio, USA, from 1900 to 2018. Taxonomic beta‐diversity was used to evaluate changes in lady beetle community composition over time. To evaluate the relative influence of temporal, spatial, landscape, and community factors on the captures of native species, we constructed negative binomial generalized additive models. We report evidence of declines in captures for several native species. Importantly, the timing, severity, and drivers of these documented declines were species‐specific. Land cover change was associated with declines in captures, particularly for Coccinella novemnotata which declined prior to the arrival of alien species. Following the establishment and spread of alien lady beetles, processes of species loss/gain and turnover shifted communities toward the dominance of a few alien species beginning in the 1980s. Because factors associated with declines in captures were highly species‐specific, this emphasizes that mechanisms driving population losses cannot be generalized even among closely related native species. These findings also indicate the importance of museum holdings and the analysis of species‐level data when studying temporal trends in insect populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tulip tree, Spathodea campanulata, is an invasive alien species introduced to the island of Tahiti in 1932 and officially declared a "threat to biodiversity in French Polynesia" in 1998. As part of the CADISPAT project (CApacité de DIspersion de SPAThodea, 2019-2020) devoted to the study of the dispersal of the tulip tree in the Society Islands in French Polynesia, a questionnaire survey was conducted in September 2019 among 291 people on the islands of Tahiti and Moorea in order to collect information on the level of knowledge and societal representations of the local population on this invasive species. The results of the survey revealed an overall low level of knowledge of the tulip tree, even if it varies somewhat according to a number of sociodemographic criteria and a social perception that seems rather positive. While the tulip tree of Gabon is described, in a pragmatic manner, as invasive and associated with a certain number of nuisances, it also appears to be highly appreciated for the aesthetic character of its glowing red flowers and is associated with various functions. This recalls the importance of trees in Ma'ohi culture, but also seems to suggest a certain cultural appropriation of the tulip tree introduced in French Polynesia almost 100 years ago. This could limit the population's adherence to the management of this invasive species. The African tulip tree, Spathodea campanulata, is an invasive species introduced on the island of Tahiti in 1932 and officially declared a "threat to biodiversity in French Polynesia" in 1998. As part of the CADISPAT project (Dispersal ability of Spathodea, 2019-2020) devoted to the study of the dispersion of the African tulip tree in the Society Archipelago in French Polynesia, a survey by questionnaire was conducted among 291 people on the islands of Tahiti and Moorea in September 2019. The aim of this survey was to collect information on the level of knowledge and the societal representations of the local population on this invasive species. The results of the survey revealed an overall low level of knowledge of the tulip tree, even if it varies somewhat according to a certain number of socio-demographic criteria and a social perception which seems rather positive. If the African tulip tree is described, in a pragmatic way, as invasive and assimilated to a certain number of nuisances, it also appears to be very appreciated for the aesthetic character of its red flowering and is associated with various functions. This recalls the importance of trees in Ma'ohi culture, but also seems to suggest a certain cultural appropriation of African tulip tree introduced into French Polynesia almost 100 years ago today. This could limit the population's support for the management of this invasive species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The Redeye Bass Micropterus coosae is a piscivore introduced into California, which has become a threat to the state's endemic freshwater fishes. It has eliminated native fishes from the middle reaches of the Cosumnes River, our study stream, which is the largest stream without a major dam on its main stem in the Sacramento–San Joaquin River drainage, central California, USA. We thoroughly documented its novel life history and ecology in California to shed light on why it has been such a successful invader despite its relatively small native range. Methods: Over 4000 stable carbon and nitrogen isotope samples were utilized to refine our understanding of fish trophic position within the river food web, along with a stable isotope mixing model that accounts for uncertainty in trophic enrichment data. Result: Growth was slow, with an adult size range of 9–25 cm standard length (SL), although few were larger than 15‐cm SL (5–6 years old). Stable isotope analyses showed that Redeye Bass dominate the river ecosystem to the exclusion of most native fishes, occupying multiple trophic levels and microhabitats. Adults largely consumed non‐native crayfish and large aquatic insects, while juveniles consumed aquatic insects, the size of prey increasing with Redeye Bass length. There was no evidence of cannibalism. Redeye Bass have effectively occupied the diverse trophic positions of at least four native fish species and have altered the trophic position of Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss in sites where they co‐occur with bass. Conclusion: The introduction of Redeye Bass poses a continuing threat to native stream fishes in California and elsewhere. Impact statementThe Redeye Bass is a predatory fish that is endemic to the Coosa River system, spanning Georgia and Alabama, in the southeastern United States, but introduced into California. It now dominates a California river ecosystem, eliminating native fishes and simplifying the food web. Its success demonstrates the unintended consequences of introducing even fish with a small native range into a region with an already stressed native fish fauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Horizon scans have emerged as a valuable tool to anticipate the incoming invasive alien species (IAS) by judging species on their potential impacts. However, little research has been conducted on quantifying actual impacts and assessing causes of species‐specific vulnerabilities to particular IAS due to persistent methodological challenges. The underlying interspecific mechanisms driving species‐specific vulnerabilities therefore remain poorly understood, even though they can substantially improve the accuracy of risk assessments. Given that interspecific interactions underlying ecological impacts of IAS are often shaped by phenological synchrony, we tested the hypothesis that temporal mismatches in breeding phenology between native species and IAS can mitigate their ecological impacts. Focusing on the invasive American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus), we combined an environmental DNA (eDNA) quantitative barcoding and metabarcoding survey in Belgium with a global meta‐analysis, and integrated citizen‐science data on breeding phenology. We examined whether the presence of native amphibian species was negatively related to the presence or abundance of invasive bullfrogs and whether this relationship was affected by their phenological mismatches. The field study revealed a significant negative effect of increasing bullfrog eDNA concentrations on native amphibian species richness and community structure. These observations were shaped by species‐specific vulnerabilities to invasive bullfrogs, with late spring‐ and summer‐breeding species being strongly affected, while winter‐breeding species remained unaffected. This trend was confirmed by the global meta‐analysis. A significant negative relationship was observed between phenological mismatch and the impact of bullfrogs. Specifically, native amphibian species with breeding phenology differing by 6 weeks or less from invasive bullfrogs were more likely to be absent in the presence of bullfrogs than species whose phenology differed by more than 6 weeks with that of bullfrogs. Taken together, we present a novel method based on the combination of aqueous eDNA quantitative barcoding and metabarcoding to quantify the ecological impacts of biological invaders at the community level. We show that phenological mismatches between native and invasive species can be a strong predictor of invasion impact regardless of ecological or methodological context. Therefore, we advocate for the integration of temporal alignment between native and IAS's phenologies into invasion impact frameworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban forests provide ecosystem services important for regulating climate, conserving biodiversity, and maintaining human well‐being. However, these forests vary in composition and physiological traits due to their unique biophysical and social contexts. This variation complicates assessing the functions and services of different urban forests. To compare the characteristics of the urban forest, we sampled the species composition and two externally sourced traits (drought tolerance and water‐use capacity) of tree and shrub species in residential yards, unmanaged areas, and natural reference ecosystems within six cities across the contiguous US. As compared to natural and unmanaged forests, residential yards had markedly higher tree and shrub species richness, were composed primarily of introduced species, and had more species with low drought tolerance. The divergence between natural and human‐managed areas was most dramatic in arid climates. Our findings suggest that the answer to the question of "what is an urban forest" strongly depends on where you look within and between cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We used environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling methods to determine the possibility of Bighead Carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis and Silver Carp H. molitrix (hereafter, bigheaded carp) range expansion above barriers to fish movement in two tributaries of the Missouri River in eastern South Dakota. Methods: We collected water samples above and below two perceived barriers to fish movement: a natural chain of waterfalls in the Big Sioux River and a spillway at the downstream end of a man‐made reservoir in the Vermillion River. We used filtration methods to collect bigheaded carp eDNA from water samples and implemented real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction techniques to quantify the amount of eDNA in each sample. A total of 198 water samples and 35 field blanks were collected over 2 years (2021 and 2022). Result: We detected bigheaded carp eDNA below both barriers in 2021 and 2022 and above the barrier in the Vermillion River during 2022. The median posterior prediction value for detecting eDNA below both barriers was 75.3% (95% credible interval [CrI] = 73.2–77.2%) for Bighead Carp eDNA and 54.2% (95% CrI = 51.5–56.4%) for Silver Carp eDNA. The probability of detecting eDNA above the barriers was significantly smaller: 1% (95% CrI = 0.01–1.10%) in the Big Sioux River and 1% (95% CrI = 0.01–1.30%) in the Vermillion River. Conclusion: The detection of positive samples above the spillway barrier in the Vermillion River provides the first evidence that bigheaded carp may have expanded their range to habitats upstream of their documented range in eastern South Dakota. Impact statementThis study demonstrates the utility of using environmental DNA sampling methods to detect bigheaded carp in areas of both known and unknown bigheaded carp presence in smaller tributary streams to the Missouri River. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ecoscience (Ecoscience) is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Ankara Barosu Dergileri is the property of Ankara Bar Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista de la Academia Colombiana de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales is the property of Academia Colombiana de Ciencias Exactas, Fisicas y Naturales and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista de la Academia Colombiana de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales is the property of Academia Colombiana de Ciencias Exactas, Fisicas y Naturales and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Spatially explicit prioritization of invasive species control is a complex issue, requiring consideration of trade‐offs between immediate and future benefits. This study aimed to prioritize management efforts to account for current and future threats from widespread invasions and examine the strength of the trade‐off between these different management goals. As a case study, we identified spatially explicit management priorities for the widespread invasion of introduced willow into riparian and wetland habitats across a 102,145‐km2 region in eastern Australia. In addition to targeting places where willow threatens biodiversity now, a second set of management goals was to limit reinfestation and further spread that could occur via two different mechanisms (downstream and by wind). A model of likely willow distribution across the region was combined with spatial data for biodiversity (native vegetation, threatened species and communities), ecological conditions, management costs, and two potential dispersal layers. We used systematic conservation planning software (Zonation) to prioritize where willow management should be focussed across more than 100,000 catchments for a range of different scenarios that reflected different weights between management goals. For willow invasion, we found that we could prioritize willow management to reduce the future threat of dispersal downstream with little reduction in the protection of biodiversity. However, accounting for future threats from wind dispersal resulted in a stronger trade‐off with protection of threatened biodiversity. The strongest trade‐off was observed when both dispersal mechanisms were considered together. This study shows that considering current and future goals together offers the potential to substantially improve conservation outcomes for invasive species management. Our approach also informs land managers about the relative trade‐offs among different management goals under different control scenarios, helping to make management decisions more transparent. This approach can be used for other widespread invasive species to help improve invasive species management decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we report for the first time the presence of Vitrina pellucida and Arion silvaticus as invasive species in Isla Grande of Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. Additionally, our research confirmed the presence in the same region of Deroceras reticulatum a previously reported invasive species from continental Patagonia. Taxonomic identification was achieved through morphological and molecular analyses (ribosomal 5.8S-ITS2-28S region and 16S rRNAgene). The finding of V. pellucida constitutes the first record of Vitrinidae for South America. This species is already naturalized in southern Tierra del Fuego and invaded natural areas of the National Park but still with small populations. In the case of Arion silvaticus , we observed a comparable situation, as this species has not only been collected from urban areas but also from within the forests of the protected area. These exotic species of land snails are exclusively cold-adapted Pulmonates. Their feeding types and diets range from herbivores on fresh plant material to omnivorous, occasionally on dead animals. The native micro snail species, coexisting in the same habitats, due to their minimal dispersal capacity and probable dependence on particular microhabitats, are particularly vulnerable not only to anthropogenic disturbances but also to the impacts and activities of these exotic species. Given the tourist impact in the region, the introduction of V. pellucida and Arion silvaticus in Tierra del Fuego has most likely occurred through accidental transport in soil by tourists arriving on the island. Another possible pathway of introduction is plant transportation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We conducted a meta-analysis on 127 experimental studies of alien plant performance. • Alien plant species generally tend to have higher performance than natives. • Direction and magnitude of alien superiority depends on the performance measure. • Alien superiority depends on experimental design and number of study species. • A lack of studies on population growth limits our assessment of true superiority. Biological invasions are a major threat to biodiversity because of invasive alien species' high population growth rates and spread in new ranges. The inherent superiority hypothesis states that particular characteristics of alien species cause them to perform better than native species. Using a meta-analysis of 127 studies and more than 900 experimental observations comparing alien and native plant performance, we investigated, whether: (1) studies comparing alien and native performance generally support the inherent superiority hypothesis; (2) the direction and magnitude of superiority depend on the choice of performance measure; and (3) it depends on other aspects of the study design or species. We found that the inherent superiority hypothesis was overall supported, although the strength of this result depended on the chosen measure of effect size (a significant effect for the standardized mean difference SMD (Hedge's g) but not for the log response ratio LRR). Alien plant species were more likely to be found superior compared to natives if performance was measured in terms of growth, reproduction or response to natural enemies. Measuring survival or abundance was less likely to result in alien superiority, while for measurements of physiology and response to mutualists results were mixed. Furthermore, aspects of experimental design, selection and number of study species played an important role. We thus quantitatively showed across a broad range of conditions how choice of performance measure and experimental design affect the direction and magnitude of alien superiority found in small-scale studies. Furthermore, our review pointed out a lack of studies that assessed population growth as a direct determinant of true superiority. Conducting studies using performance measures relevant for superiority, while also considering other potentially important factors such as residence time, will shed more light on how common true alien superiority is and in which contexts it is to be expected. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluating the impacts of farming systems on biodiversity is increasingly important given the need to stem biodiversity loss, decrease fossil fuel dependency, and maintain ecosystem services benefiting farmers. We recorded woody and herbaceous plant species diversity, composition, and abundance in 43 wetland‐adjacent prairie remnants beside crop fields managed using conventional, minimum tillage, organic, or perennial cover (wildlife‐friendly) land management in the Prairie Pothole Region. We used a hierarchical framework to estimate diversity at regional and local scales (gamma, alpha), and how these are related through species turnover (beta diversity). We tested the expectation that gamma richness/evenness and beta diversity of all plants would be higher in remnants adjacent to perennial cover and organic fields than in conventional and minimum tillage fields. We expected the same findings for plants providing ecosystem services (bee‐pollinated species) and disservices (introduced species). We predicted similar relative effects of land management on alpha diversity, but with the expectation that the benefits of organic farming would decrease with increasing grassland in surrounding landscapes. Gamma richness and evenness of all plants were highest for perennial cover, followed by minimum tillage, organic, and conventional sites. Bee‐pollinated species followed a similar pattern for richness, but for evenness organic farming came second, after perennial cover sites, followed by minimum tillage and conventional. For introduced species, organic sites had the highest gamma richness and evenness. Grassland amount moderated the effect of land management type on all plants and bee‐pollinated plant richness, but not as expected. The richness of organic sites increased with the amount of grassland in the surrounding landscape. Conversely, for conventional sites, richness increased as the amount of grassland in the landscape declined. Our results are consistent with the expectation that adopting wildlife‐friendly land management practices can benefit biodiversity at regional and local scales, in particular the use of perennial cover to benefit plant diversity at regional scales. At more local extents, organic farming increased plant richness, but only when sufficient grassland was available in the surrounding landscape; organic farms also had the highest beta diversity for all plants and bee‐pollinated plants. Maintaining native cover in agroecosystems, in addition to low‐intensity farming practices, could sustain plant biodiversity and facilitate important ecosystem services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Future dynamics of biological invasions are highly uncertain because they depend on multiple social–ecological drivers. We used a scenario‐based approach to explore potential management options for invasive species in Europe. During two workshops involving a multidisciplinary team of experts, we developed a management strategy arranged into 19 goals relating to policy, research, public awareness, and biosecurity. We conceived solutions for achieving these goals under different plausible future scenarios, and identified four interrelated recommendations around which any long‐term strategy for managing invasive species can be structured: (1) a European biosecurity regime, (2) a dedicated communication strategy, (3) data standardization and management tools, and (4) a monitoring and assessment system. Finally, we assessed the feasibility of the management strategy and found substantial differences among scenarios. Collectively, our results indicate that it is time for a new strategy for managing biological invasions in Europe, one that is based on a more integrative approach across socioeconomic sectors and countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review analyses how Neill Blomkamp's 2009 film District 9 uses an alien species forced into a refugee camp as an allegory for the institutionalized racial discrimination experienced in South Africa under apartheid. Three key aspects are explored in the following paragraphs: 1) District 9's resonance beyond typical sci-fi entertainment by engaging with pressing sociopolitical issues; 2) Its representation of dehumanization and oppression of marginalized groups through the alienation of the aliens; and 3) The film's innovative mockumentary style blending fiction with documentary realism to enhance emotional impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Revista de la Academia Colombiana de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales is the property of Academia Colombiana de Ciencias Exactas, Fisicas y Naturales and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: Live-bait species are widely used in recreational fishing throughout the United States. However, the use of invasive fish species as live bait has been identified as a common pathway for their introduction into aquatic ecosystems. We assessed the role that the live-bait industry has in facilitating the introduction of nonnative and invasive species into Texas rivers. We focused on two invasive cyprinodontid species, the Sheepshead Minnow Cyprinodon variegatus and Gulf Killifish Fundulus grandis, which are believed to have been introduced into inland Texas rivers via bait-bucket releases by anglers. Methods: We conducted telephone and in-person surveys of live-bait shops in Texas on a seasonal basis (summer, fall, winter, spring) for 1 year. Locally owned bait shops and regional aquaculture facilities and hatcheries were included in the surveys. Result: Surveys did not reveal the presence of these invasive cyprinodontids in inland bait shops but did reveal the sale of nonnative Goldfish Carassius auratus and their black color morph, the black salty goldfish. Surveys conducted among inland and coastal live bait shops confirmed the sale of only one nonnative bait fish and six bait items native only to certain regions of Texas. Telephone surveys with aquaculture industry experts revealed that the aquaculture industry was also facilitating the movement of nonnative game and nongame fish species throughout the state. Conclusion: Given the potential for nonnative and invasive species to negatively affect recipient aquatic ecosystems, the continued distribution of such species within the aquaculture industry represents a potential threat in Texas. Our findings highlight the need for close monitoring of the live-bait industry in the state to prevent further introductions into inland waters and reduce potential ecological risks to native fish populations and overall ecosystem functions and services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although most prey are attacked by multiple predators, much of the ecological theory on prey suppression focuses on the effects of a single predator. The presence of multiple predators can lead to complex interactions such as trait-mediated interactions (TMIIs) and intraguild predation which can influence the suppression of pest populations. Here we explore the effect of two predators, a native anole lizard species Anolis cristatellus (Squamata: Dactyloidae) and a non-native ant species Wasmannia auropunctata (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), on the coffee leaf miner, Leucoptera coffeella (Lepidoptera: Lyonetiidae) (CLM). In a laboratory experiment we examined the effects of these two predators in isolation and when co-occurring. Our results show that when each predator is alone, they are able to consume the CLM in a comparable way. However, when they are together, their effect is not greater than when alone. This indicates that there is a negative effect when both predators co-occur. The results from this experiment have practical implications since both predators are present in coffee agroecosystems in Puerto Rico, where the CLM is considered the main insect pest. Furthermore, these results demonstrate the potential dynamics among several predators in agroecosystems and the potential implications for herbivore regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Range‐expansion and speciation are not new to life on Earth, but they have been scarcely observed contemporarily and, likely, never over several continents simultaneously. Evidence of incipient reproductive isolation between native and non‐native regions of some invasive alien species indicates that invasive speciation is closer than we expected. Some neo‐allopatric populations are likely to qualify as distinguishable subspecies already. Given their trajectory, whether they will become new species is not an if, but a when. I present two decision tables to help to (1) assess the coining of new invasive species or subspecies with the current taxonomical approach or (2), introduce the term "neo" to name invasive neo‐species resulting from synchronous allopatric speciation from a single, known, living ancestor. This latter case can be exemplified with the hypothetical names: "Ginkgo biloba neo americana", "G. biloba neo europea", etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study meticulously examines the plant preferences of native and non-native bee species within a specific area, providing insights into the distinctive selection patterns of these insects. Through detailed surveys and analysis, the study reveals that native bees predominantly favor local flora, highlighting the critical role of preserving native vegetation. Conversely, non-native bees exhibit a broader range of plant preferences. A key feature of this study is the inclusion of a heatmap, which effectively illustrates the spatial relationship between various plant and bee species, thereby offering an in-depth view of their interactions. The research also identifies specific plants, such as Penstemon digitalis (Foxglove Beardtongue), Helianthus annuus (Common Sunflower), and Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender) that are particularly attractive to bees. These findings have direct applications in habitat restoration and urban gardening, promoting the support and sustainability of native bee populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article discusses the management of invasive alien species (IAS) in China. It highlights the negative impacts of biological invasions on ecosystems, the environment, and the economy. The article presents 24 papers that cover a wide range of topics related to IAS management, including risk analysis, mechanisms of invasion success, performance of successful IAS, and impact and control of invasive species. The studies use various methods such as field surveys, experiments, ecological modeling, and molecular techniques to assess invasion risks, investigate mechanisms, and develop control strategies. The article emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary research and effective management strategies to address the increasing threat of IAS in China. [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of Ecological Applications is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Ecological Applications is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Ecological Applications is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Ecological Applications is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Fluctuating resource availability plays a critical role in determining non‐native plant invasions through mediating the competitive balance between non‐native and native species. However, the impact of fluctuating resource availability on interactions among non‐native species remains largely unknown. This represents a barrier to understanding invasion mechanisms, particularly in habitats that harbor multiple non‐native species with different responses to fluctuating resource availability. To examine the responses of non‐native plant species to nutrient fluctuations, we compared the growth of each of 12 non‐native species found to be common in local natural areas to nutrients supplied at a constant rate or supplied as a single large pulse in a pot experiment. We found that seven species produced more biomass with pulsed nutrients compared to constant nutrients (hereafter "benefitting species"), while the other five species did not differ between nutrient enrichment treatments (hereafter "non‐benefitting species"). To investigate how nutrient fluctuations influence the interactions among non‐native plant species, we established experimental non‐native communities in the field with two benefitting and two non‐benefitting non‐native species. Compared with constant nutrient supply, the single large pulse of nutrient did not influence community biomass, but strongly increased the biomass and cover of the benefitting species and decreased those of the non‐benefitting species. Furthermore, the benefitting species had higher leaf N content and greater plant height when nutrients were supplied as a single large pulse than at a constant rate, whereas the non‐benefitting species showed no differences in leaf N content and were shorter when nutrients were supplied as a single large pulse than at a constant rate. Our results add to the growing evidence that the individual responses of non‐native species to nutrient fluctuation are species‐specific. More importantly, benefitting species were favored by nutrients coming in a pulse, while non‐benefitting ones were favored by nutrients coming constantly when they grew together. This suggests that nutrient fluctuations can mediate the competitive balance among non‐native plants and may thus determine their invasion success in a community harboring multiple non‐native plant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ecological Applications is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Ecological Applications is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Ecological Applications is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We announce complete mitogenomes of four smelts (Osmeridae) of the San Francisco Estuary (SFE): endemic Hypomesus transpacificus , native H. pretiosus and Spirinchus thaleichthys , and non-native H. nipponensis. The genomes each contained 13 protein coding, 2 ribosomal RNA and 22 transfer RNA genes, a control region (D-loop), and a putative origin of replication of the light strand (O L); gene order followed other osmerids. Total genomes were 16,767 base-pairs (bp) for H. transpacificus ; 16,672bp for H. pretiosus ; 16,811bp for S. thaleichthys ; and 16,779bp for H. nipponensis. GC content was from 47.8% (S. thaleichthys) to 49.4% (H. pretiosus). Phylogenetic analyses of mitogenomes placed H. transpacificus sequences within the H. pretiosus [Oregon + SFE] clade and most closely related to H. pretiosus [SFE], whereas affinities of derivative cytochrome b sequences supported a Lake Suwa origin for SFE H. nipponensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) are recognised worldwide not only as man's best friend, but also as a form of anthropogenic edge effect impacting wildlife through predation, competition and disease infection. In the Northern Andes, there is growing evidence of dogs inducing activity shifts or alterations in the habitat use of native mammalian species. However, little information exists on direct attacks of dogs on wildlife, even in the case of species of conservation concern such as the mountain tapir (Tapirus pinchaque). Here, we used camera traps to report two cases of dogs chasing and attacking mountain tapirs in a protected area of the Central Andes of Colombia. The first event showed a direct physical contact between a living adult mountain tapir and two dogs, but the picture's angle did not lead to observable signs of wounds or other injuries. The second event showed an adult mountain tapir running while being chased by the same two dogs of the first event, denoting a stressful moment for the tapir. This may have negative consequences on the populations of mountain tapirs through decreased reproductive performance and foraging efficiency, increased potential for disease outbreaks and more. Population management and control of domestic dogs inside and around protected areas must be considered a priority in future conservation actions to support a healthy population of mountain tapirs and other imperilled species in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]