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The presence of biota in the Black Sea is mostly determined by seawater temperature and salinity. The consensus of many scientists doing research on global warming is that in 2100, the average air temperature will be increase than today's values. With climate changing, precipitation rates will change due to the Black Sea water temperature and the changing atmospheric regime, causing an unbalanced entry of nutrients into the sea, and as a result, excessive plankton proliferation may occur. This may mean that the habitats of the species in the Black Sea are further limited. The increases in sea levels may not be serious, but there is no doubt that there will be some increases. These increases will affect the coastal ecosystem, especially the rich living life in the region where the waves hit the shore, which we call the wave zone, will be adversely affected. These predictions should be followed up with regular scientific monitoring studies and it should be investigated how biota from invertebrates to fish are affected by the changes. This review explored and discussed the long-term changes and causes of biota communities on the southern coast of the Black Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A great deal of ethnobotanical knowledge, passed down from generation to generation by oral tradition, is still preserved in the Mediterranean basin. Over the years, efforts have been made to collect this information to avoid losing this heritage. This work is a contribution towards the ethnobotanical knowledge of Calabria (southern Italy) through a survey on the Tyrrhenian side of the Aspromonte Massif in the metropolitan city of Reggio Calabria, an area that has been little studied from the ethnobotanical point of view. For this purpose, several semi-structured interviews were conducted with informants on the current and past use of spontaneous and cultivated plants in this study area; the data were collected in a Microsoft Excel® spreadsheet and then processed. Fifty-nine people were interviewed. Results show that the most frequently used plant family is Asteraceae, the most mentioned taxon is Anethum piperitum (22 interviews), and the most recurrent use is use is culinary, for the preparation of side-dishes. This work highlights the presence of cultures that have used plants in the past and represents a further contribution to the ethnobotanical knowledge of this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biology of the Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri has been widely studied in many of its naturalized habitats around the world. However, its potential status and impacts may have gone unnoticed in regions with limited monitoring. In this report, we bring attention to recent sightings of the species in Mozambique and the possibility of its establishment in stable populations, particularly in the capital city of Maputo. Detection is crucial in terms of potential consequences and preventive measures to mitigate the impact of an invasive species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence of the effects of alien plant colonisation on plant communities is often hindered by the fact that similar patterns in community composition can arise through a variety of processes. The objective of this study is to determine whether changes in species composition in coastal dune communities depend on the colonisation of a neophyte plant, Oenothera stucchii, or on concurrent processes that favour its colonisation. We hypothesised two scenarios: 1) a direct impact of O. stucchii on colonised communities, leading to displacement of native species; or 2) no direct impact of O. stucchii, i.e. the species colonises plant communities by exploiting disturbances that lead to the rearrangement of plant communities. We used the species-habitat network approach to identify potential drivers of changes in species composition, assuming that changes in the structure of the species-habitat network depend on the nature of the driving process. We demonstrated that changes in species composition in plant communities were due to species rearrangement, with colonised communities characterised by more homogeneous composition of species. We suggest that changes in plant communities may not depend on colonisation by O. stucchii per se, but on concomitant processes that affect coastal dune communities while promoting colonisation by O. stucchii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive plant species can modify ecosystem structure and function, potentially leading to the loss of native species, environmental and biotic homogenisation, changes in nutrient cycling, impairment of ecosystem services, and decrease in the rate of regeneration of plant recruits. We assessed the effects of the non-native and invasive vine Tradescantia zebrina on the germination and development of the native tree Hymenaea courbaril in north-eastern Brazil. We hypothesised that the invasive species would negatively impact the germination and development, and, via competition, the growth of the native species. We conducted a germination experiment for six months in seven forest patches. Seeds of H. courbaril were cultivated in four possible combinations of two treatments: under a cover with and without T. zebrina, and on soil that originated from places with and without T. zebrina present. Neither T. zebrina cover or soil affected the germination or biomass of H. courbaril during the experiment. H. courbaril seedlings were taller and had longer roots when cultivated in soil that originated from places with T. zebrina. T. zebrina presence alters soil properties in a way that triggers morphological responses in H. courbaril, which can be associated to a perceived competition context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This vegetation–environmental relation study is the first large-scale survey along 34 cross-shore transects in 650 km-coastal dune remnants of the south Caspian Sea, Iran. The five vegetation zones dedicated here seem to be driven by both zonal (climate, distance to the sea and pH) and azonal (salinity) factors. To assess conservation status, different attributes of Hdune diversity index, endemicity index (EI) and Naturalness (N) were estimated based on endemic, alien and total species contributions per plot. Contrary to Hdune index, EI followed a decreasing pattern across the coast–inland gradient, whereas N shows a unimodal pattern of distribution with the highest value at the mobile dune zone. Two main gradients of salinity and alkalinity shaping floristic composition are more prominent than climate, distance to the sea and the anthropogenic factors particularly when a full range of coastal habitats are considered. Human-related factors only partially explain the variability of the vegetation data and negatively affect naturalness and endemicity indices, even though their impact on community composition is aggravated in the western parts of the Caspian coasts. Both N and EI indices can be suggested as bioindicators for proper conservation strategies to preserve the last fragments of sand dunes of the Caspian Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We hereby provide the first documented data on the occurrence of a viable Procambarus virginalis population in a nature reserve in Poland and the steps that were taken to prevent further introductions of the species in the country. To date, Poland represents the most north-eastward distribution area in Europe, where the species occurs in ecosystems with natural water temperature regimes. The ecological plasticity of P. virginalis and its obligate parthenogenetic reproduction make this crayfish an exceptional invader. The crayfish may have detrimental effects on the native invertebrates, amphibians, and fish, and alter the state of the entire ecosystem. Therefore, we investigated the presence of the species in the nature reserve of Pojezierze Łęczyńskie Landscape Park after a suspected P. virginalis individual was found by a local citizen. The nature reserve also includes an area designated to protect native amphibians and turtles. Our study revealed the presence of a thriving population of P. virginalis in the protected area and clear indications of its impact on native and invasive species, both in aquatic and terrestrial environments. If no action is taken, the species will likely expand to other water bodies across the country. An extensive sensibilization campaign allowed us to find additional invaded areas and significantly contribute to the effective ban of this and other invasive crayfish species from private and commercial online trade. Raising public awareness and banning invasive crayfish species trade is essential for successfully detecting and preventing further introductions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Antarctic is an extreme environment for plants. Several invasive plant species, however, have invaded the sub-Antarctic Southern Ocean islands and increasingly threaten the vulnerability of maritime and continental Antarctica, particularly with changes in climate. We provide an overview of issues to consider with regard to the impact, ecology and management of non-native plants in the Antarctic, focusing on knowledge gained and recent research results from the sub-Antarctic with possible application to Antarctica. We provide a brief review of literature and bring together experience and previously unpublished research with Poa annua and Stellaria media on Macquarie Island. While no one set of biological characteristics predicts plant invasiveness in the sub-Antarctic, all are adapted to survive extreme cold conditions and persistence is enabled through large and long-lived soil seed banks. Ecological drivers for invasion include accidental human introductions and continuing movement, along with animal and other disturbance to soil. The invasive cold-tolerant plant species now prevalent on sub-Antarctic islands also pose a threat to Antarctica due to a warming climate and so efforts should continue to prevent further spread, while developing effective, low-impact control and eradication options to protect these high-value extreme ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a relatively long-term pollution monitoring study between 2015 and 2021 (annually between 2015 and 2019; triennially after 2019), a total of 257 polychaete species belonging to 40 families were identified at 17 soft bottom stations (depth range: 11–89 m) along the Levantine coast of Turkey. Among them, four species belonging to Hesionidae (Oxydromus digitifera sp. nov.), Orbiniidae (Leitoscoloplos mediterranea sp. nov.), Paraonidae (Paraonis lobulata sp. nov.) and Capitellidae (Barantolla cryptogenica sp. nov.) are new to science, two species belonging to Cirratulidae (Chaetozone elakata) and Ampharetidae (Anobothrus amoureuxi) are new additions to the Mediterranean fauna and 28 species are new additions to the marine fauna of Turkey. Among the families, Spionidae (29 species), Syllidae (22 species) and Paraonidae (22 species) accounted for 28% of the total number of species, and Capitellidae, Lumbrineridae and Spionidae comprised 45% of the total number of individuals. The most dominant species in the region were Lumbrineris geldiayi, Notomastus mossambicus and Prionospio saccifera. A total of 20 alien species belonging to 12 families were found in the region, with N. mossambicus and P. saccifera accounting for more than 85% of the total number of individuals of alien species. The new species are described and compared to the closely related species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present contribution is the first record of ornamental freshwater shrimp Caridina babaulti from European open waters and the first evidence of introduction outside its native range. Among 120 non-native freshwater shrimps collected in Miskolctapolca, Hungary, seven individuals (5.8%) were identified as C. babaulti and included one ovigerous female, while the others (94.2%) were Neocaridina davidi. Morphological analysis and the Standard DNA Barcoding Procedure confirmed the taxonomic identification of the two species. The presence of C. babaulti in Miskolctapolca is most likely due to intentional or unintentional releases by aquarium owners. The low number of captured individuals and this species' absence in a previous survey suggest that the shrimp is of recent introduction. C. babaulti and the well-established N. davidi have similar environmental tolerance; hence, this species might potentially form a viable population if not removed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological invasions by agricultural pests can have serious negative impacts, including decreases in crop yield and economic losses. The MT-1 and MT-8 genotypes of the wheat curl mite (Aceria tosichella) (hereafter 'WCM' refers to these two genotypes) are globally distributed pests of wheat and maize that have not been recorded in South Africa. This study examined whether WCM could be introduced to, and establish in, South Africa. Trade data were used to determine whether viable pathways of introduction are present. A species distribution model and data on wheat and maize production were used to determine whether WCM could establish where its hosts are grown. WCM is most likely to be introduced to South Africa as a contaminant of maize from Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and USA; on live plant imports from China and Germany; and on seed imports from Brazil and Australia. Some of these pathways are not currently prominent, but could increase in the future. Parts of South Africa were predicted by the species distribution model to be climatically suitable for WCM, and within some of these areas the host crops are grown. Therefore, if WCM is introduced, it is likely to establish and cause extensive damage to agriculture. We recommend that WCM be considered for inclusion in South Africa's import conditions as a quarantine pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Policies and legislation for the importation and use of non-native (NN) freshwater fishes have been rapidly evolving in several countries around the world in response to heightened evidence of their adverse ecological and economic impacts. In China, the already large and growing number of NN freshwater fishes being imported from foreign countries or translocated within China has necessitated the development of management strategies supported by policies at both national and regional levels. Despite increasing awareness of the damage caused by NN fishes, such initiatives in China continue to lag behind those already implemented in other countries. This study endeavors to narrow this policy gap by: (i) providing a synoptic overview of the vectors and pathways of NN freshwater fish introductions and dispersal both into and within China; (ii) evaluating existing policies and legislation relative to those currently implemented in Europe, the USA and Canada; (iii) examining the role of decision-support tools for identifying and assessing the risks posed by NN fishes; and (iv) proposing perspectives and possible options for NN fish policies, legislation and management in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Makhanda (Grahamstown), a non-industrial town with approximately 85 000 inhabitants, we have recorded 174 bird species within the urban area, of which 104 species are likely to breed regularly. The source habitats of these birds include all the surrounding habitat types, and the bird community is evidently determined by both local conditions within the town (e.g. tree density) and regional changes affecting the eastern coast of South Africa (range shifts). Topics meriting future research on urban bird communities in South Africa are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive alien species (IAS) are one of the most severe threats to Mediterranean Sea biodiversity. Currently, the effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in providing protection for marine biodiversity from IAS is still not fully understood. Here, we analysed eight Mediterranean MPAs located in a strategic geographic position within the Mediterranean basin. All the analysed MPAs were affected by the presence of IAS - evidence of the vulnerability of MPAs to biological invasion. Valuable habitats such as vermetid reef and coralligenous formations have become victim to numerous alien species. Alien species populations are likely to continue increasing in the Mediterranean Sea, so implementing appropriate and effective policies and management action is urgently required within MPAs for the effective control of biological invasions. A collaboration between researchers, policy makers and citizens is essential in order to ensure management strategies are effective and long-lasting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of exotic fish species into Italian river systems presents an additional threat to freshwater native fish species, a wildlife group already under conservation pressure from myriad other anthropogenic factors. Few large-scale and long-term monitoring programmes exist that adequately describe the impact of exotic fish species on native fish. To fill this gap, we analysed the bulk of available data (1985–2014) on fish collected at a national level within the BioFresh Project with the aim of investigating the effects of human-introduced exotic fish species on native species. The results showed that both the Continental and Mediterranean biogeographic regions are home to fish communities which, in conservation terms, are a cause for concern, while Alpine Regions are less so. Generally, the richness of exotic species is still growing in Italy, with about 50% of them having a positive trend while native species' trends are in the opposite direction – that is, the spread of many exotic species is positively correlated with the decline in many co-occurring native species. Worrying increase in the richness of exotic species between the 1985 and the 2014. A large segment of the current exotic fish contingent is self-sustaining. Common bream, Black bullhead, Goldfish, Largemouth bass, Rainbow trout, Roach, Pike perch and European catfish negatively affect the presence probability of at least 50% of co-occurring native species over time. The restoration of habitat characteristics and native fish assemblages as well as more rigorous controls during population reinforcement for recreational fishing are needed to prevent or counteract the further spread of exotic fishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accidental introduction of alien plants through contaminated seed is a source of new incursions and subsequent invasions that can impact natural habitats, agriculture and forestry. While seed lots for agricultural crops are often well regulated through a certification process, the trade of many other types of seeds is largely unregulated. Here, we evaluate the risk of seed lots trade as a pathway for invasive alien plant species in Sardinia (Italy), by identifying and quantifying the presence of contaminant species. The study included uncertified commercial seeds as well as the ones sold as pet feed. We randomly sampled 39 seed packets, from multiple sources, including novel forage crops under experimental testing (Fc), flower mixtures (Fm), recreational lawn mixtures (Lm) and pet feed (Pf). Germination and viability were analysed on the seed commodity of Pf. A total of 231 contaminant species was found, belonging to 88 genera and 34 families. Moreover, among the contaminants, the non-native invasive agricultural weeds Amaranthus sp. pl. and Echinochloa sp. pl. were found. Our results showed that unregulated seed contaminants are associated with a high risk of non-native plants entry and their potential establishment in Sardinia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial structures in coastal areas provide substrates which facilitate the spread of non-native species. Published records of introduced benthic species in the coastal waters of Angola are scarce, and so far these have numbered 29 non-native species and seven cryptogenic species. This study aimed to describe the spatial and temporal diversity of non-native biofouling species (Cnidaria, Annelida, Cirripedia, Bryozoa and Ascidiacea) in marinas in Luanda and Lobito bays. Settlement plates were employed for three months to enable development of the sessile community. We then identified all organisms retreived and compared the composition of introduced species between the sites and seasons (dry and wet). Species composition varied between seasons and sites, and 13 taxa (11 introduced) were recorded for the first time for Angolan waters, including nuisance species, such as the bryozoans Watersipora subtorquata and Amathia verticillata. Of the 35 taxa recorded, 21 were introduced species, 10 were not identified to species level, and only two species were native to the Angolan coast—corroborating the role of marinas and ports as main pathways for introductions, and the need for studies in Angola and on the tropical west coast of Africa in general. Our study expands, from 36 to 49, the number of introduced sessile animals recorded for the Angolan coast. Species known to cause harmful effects on coastal facilities elsewhere were among those most frequently recorded in the studied marinas. The findings indicate that monitoring initiatives and comparisons of biological communities between artificial and natural habitats are essential for the management of bioinvasions, to prevent both ecological and economic losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This findings abstract presents preliminary estimates of the economic impact of seven invasive alien species (IAS) in Chile on productive sectors of the economy and biodiversity. The study was required by decision-makers as part of the research of the project "Strengthening National Frameworks for Invasive Alien Species Governance" funded by GEF (Global Environmental Facility). The impacts of beaver (Castor canadensis), rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), wild boar (Sus scrofa), American mink (Neovison vison), yellow jacket (Vespula germanica), blackberry (Rubus spp.), and ulex (Ulex europaeus) were assessed. Few impacts could be estimated given the lack of information in Chile. Considering the impacts assessed, Chile may lose at least USD 90 million per year due to these seven IAS. Without implementing control measures, in 20 years, Chile will lose at least approximately USD 2 billion from the impacts of these species on biodiversity and productive sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Knysna Estuary is South Africa's most important estuary in terms of conservation, containing an estimated 42% of all estuarine biodiversity. Despite formal protection the estuary is open access and vulnerable to resource exploitation, development, pollution and freshwater inflow alterations. Through a review of current research and available data, the current study evaluated the ecological status of the Knysna Estuary, identified major pressures and proposed future management and conservation actions. Notable impacts included deteriorating water quality, development and resource use pressures. Nuisance macroalgal blooms in response to eutrophication have increased, displacing important seagrass habitats and affecting biota, including an increase in alien species. This review found that the ecological health of the Knysna Estuary is deteriorating, which suggests limited success from current conservation and management actions. Monitoring data to effectively assess system change over time were notably absent. Suggested remediation actions include halting non-compliant discharges from the Knysna Waste Water Treatment Works and the development of goal-orientated monitoring programmes to enable proactive conservation. Successful conservation depends on cross-sectorial management of the estuary and surrounds, and support is required from multiple institutions to achieve this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passive restoration, which relies exclusively on natural processes and technical reclamation, which intervenes strongly into the restoration process, represent the extremes of a restoration action continuum. Between the extremes, we consider various degrees of active restoration. We suggest a general scheme to determine which approach to use based on site conditions, landscape context and societal circumstances. We conclude that passive restoration should usually be preferred in smaller sites with low abiotic stress and moderate productivity that are recovering from moderate disturbances. A passive approach may also be preferred in those landscapes that are less altered by humans, where target species are common and both invasive aliens and strong competitive generalists are rare. In such landscapes, passive restoration may succeed even if initial disturbances are intense. Potential of passive restoration has not yet been fully utilised. Passive restoration is viable economically and can produce multiple social and ecological benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among mammals, interspecific interference is common in carnivores, primates and rodents, but it seems to be a rare occurrence in ungulate communities. We summarised the knowledge on interspecific displacements through behavioural interactions between ungulate species in temperate areas to evaluate the conditions under which ungulate behavioural competitive interactions may occur. We found 18 studies reporting interspecific behavioural dominance between wild ungulates, for a total of 37 reports of interspecific displacement, involving 15 species. Only eight reports showed over more than 10 displacements. Over 60% reports involved at least one alien species. The larger one displaced the smaller one in 69% reports involving only native species and in 58% reports involving at least one alien species. Among ungulates, resource exploitation rather than behavioural interference seems to be the main mechanism for interspecific competition. Behavioural interference may increase when non-coevolved species come into contact (e.g. alien taxa, or species expanding their distribution range following environmental changes), in turn generating the potential for interspecific competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A citizen science initiative was launched in the province of Trieste, aimed at mapping the distribution of Ailanthus altissima, Ambrosia artemisiifolia and Senecio inaequidens. The reliability of citizen data was tested against control data obtained by trained personnel with a stratified random sampling. In spite of the lack of a strict sampling strategy, citizen data were highly correlated with control data. This was mainly due to: 1) the easy identification of the species and 2) the instructions given to citizens for selecting their observation areas and for avoiding duplicate records. The three species tend to be most frequent in disturbed areas; Ailanthus is highly concentrated in the urban area, Senecio is widely distributed but avoids the city centre, with the highest frequency in the industrial area and along the railways, Ambrosia has a similar pattern, but is most frequent in areas with calcareous substrata. The interpretation of the distribution patterns in terms of land use and ecological factors proved to be quite easy when the three species are considered together (higher frequency in disturbed areas), less so when they are considered separately, most probably because of historical and sociological factors, such as incomplete migration into the survey area, and "gentrification effects". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Asian chestnut gall wasp was accidentally introduced in Italy in 2002 and spread across Europe in the following years, becoming a serious threat for chestnut cultivations and rural economies of many countries. Exploring the variation in susceptibility of the host genetic resources is crucial to face the spreading of this pest. We used an experimental approach for testing the differential susceptibility within and between populations of European chestnut. For doing this, we compared both the infestation level and the rate of immune individuals in trees from populations of Spain, Italy, and Greece. We found that the level of infestation is not significantly different in the different provenances but that a higher rate of immune trees occur in Greece. Our results suggest that two different contingents of trees compose Greek populations: one major group of trees with the same susceptibility as the other populations and a second minor group of trees resistant to gall wasp infestation. Our data lay the basis for improving the currently adopted measures to mitigate gall wasp impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Palmiet Estuary is a small, rural estuary in the Western Cape that only closes briefly during dry summers. The system was previously surveyed during 1979 to 1980 and we repeated the survey in April 2015 (mouth closed) and September 2015 (mouth open). Salinity, temperature, pH and oxygen saturation were measured, and invertebrate and fish faunas surveyed. Physico-chemical characteristics have undergone little directional change, apart from an apparent increase in pH, possibly as a result of changes in land use and application of fertilisers and pesticides in the catchment. Invertebrate species richness increased from 31 to 40 species, despite lower sampling effort in 2015. Most changes were among rare species, or were readily explained by changes in mouth condition and water chemistry. We also confirmed a substantial range extension of the tropical crab, Varuna litterata, rediscovered the locally endemic amphipod, Quadrivisio aviceps, and reported several new distribution records. Gastropods had virtually disappeared from the system, whereas the previously unreported bivalve, Brachidontes virgilae, had become abundant. Overall, fish diversity dropped from 19 to 11 species, but this can largely be ascribed to differ- ences in sampling frequency, season and mouth state. Comparisons of samples from like months showed the fish assemblage to have remained fairly stable, despite changes in inflowing water chemistry and infection of fish by the pathogenic water mould, Aphanomyces invadans. Bird abundance and diversity increased substantially. No alien invertebrate or fish species were recorded. Accordingly, in marked contrast to other smaller estuaries in the region, the Palmiet Estuary has remains in relatively good condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paraonid polychaete Aricidea fragilis Webster, 1879, a typically west-Atlantic species, is reported from the Mediterranean Sea on the basis of several individuals, from the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian Sea. Its differences with the other Mediterranean Paraonidae, and in particular with the morphologically close Aricidea suecica meridionalis Laubier & Ramos, 1974, are briefly discussed. The possible status of A. fragilis as an alien species in European waters is analysed. The scarcity of historical records, the relatively restricted distribution, and the population dynamics observed in European waters strongly support the hypothesis of an introduction, despite the wide temporal interval between the first record of the species in the 1930s and the currently ongoing range expansion and population explosion. Here we precautionarily suggest considering A. fragilis a cryptogenic species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes the discovery in rice fields of northern Italy of three species of Charophytes rarely reported in Italy, Chara fibrosa ssp. benthamii, a tropical taxon not native to the European Charophyte Flora, previously recorded in Italy only once, in the nineteenth century, Nitella translucens and N. mucronata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We discuss several aspects of the alien flora of Campania (southern Italy), on the basis of an updated and annotated checklist. The non-native flora includes at present 346 taxa in 231 genera, representing 82 families. However, other 55 taxa were not found later than 1950. Trends in alien plants invasion throughout the investigated area are discussed. Results are therefore compared with similar data from other Italian regions and other European countries. In the Appendix, taxa are listed with essential synonymy, local and general distribution, status, biological form, habitat, diffusion mechanisms, potential threats, literature data, voucher specimens, and miscellaneous ethnobotanical, chronological and taxonomical notes. In addition, 49 escaped taxa are known only for Botanical and private gardens, while 66 taxa are regarded as doubtful aliens. By including also these two categories, the non-native flora of Campania reaches 516 taxa. In addition, numerous doubtful and erroneous indications were discussed. Finally, a reference list for the exotic regional flora from 1500 C.E. to present is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The American duckweed Lemna minuta shows an invasive behaviour in Europe, causing weed problems in aquatic habitats there. Few studies addressed this species' ecological requirements for a suitable establishment in a site. In this paper, L. minuta populations were analysed through field surveys so as (1) to define the autoecology of this duckweed as regards the main environmental factors characterizing invaded habitats, and (2) to identify possible overlaps/differences in ecological requirements between the alien L. minuta and the common native L. minor, with which it is often associated and in direct competition. The occurrence/abundance of the two species and environmental data were collected from 41 wetlands in central Italy. Currently, L. minuta is more common and abundant than L. minor in the study-area, despite its recent arrival there (2007). The two species have a partially overlapped autoecology. However, L. minuta differs from L. minor since it occurs in waters which are less alkaline, slightly less warm, and richer in nitrates. It shows tolerance for environmental conditions which are limiting for most of macrophytes, including L. minor, such as high shading and low water oxygenation. This enables L. minuta to increase its invasion potentiality and thus to enlarge its distribution area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two invasive mussel species are known from South Africa, Mytilus galloprovincialis and Semimytilus algosus. Most of the existing research on these invaders has focused on the intertidal zone, with little attention paid to subtidal habitats. This study addresses this knowledge gap by quantifying the relative abundance and size of native and alien mussels from the high-shore down to the subtidal zone, while accounting for the effects of wave exposure. This was achieved through extensive surveys along the west coast of South Africa and the Cape Peninsula. At all shore zones, mussel abundance varied among species and wave exposures. In intertidal habitats, invasive species were recorded in greatest abundances at wave-exposed sites. Specifically, M. galloprovincialis was dominant in the high-shore, but this pattern changed down the shore. In the mid-shore, the invaders were equally dominant over native mussels, while in the low-shore S. algosus became the most abundant. Notably, the native Choromytilus meridionalis was absent intertidally. In the subtidal zone M. galloprovincialis was rarely present, whereas S. algosus maintained a strong presence. The maximum size of native Aulacomya atra and invasive S. algosus in the subtidal zone was roughly double that recorded in the intertidal zone. Importantly, these results highlight that observations made from intertidal studies of mussel invasions cannot be used to infer subtidal patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first record from Sicily of the introduced facelinid nudibranch Godiva quadricolor allowed the detection of trophic relationships with the polycerid Polycera hedgpethi, another non-native nudibranch, and with two bryozoan species, namely the naturalized Cheilostomatida Bugula neritina and the cryptogenic Ctenostomatida Amathia verticillata. The settlement of both nudibranchs was presumably promoted by a trophic shift of P. hedgpethi from the natural prey B. neritina towards the largely available and not exploited A. verticillata. This short food web, without evident links with native fauna and having G. quadricolor as the top predator, is described. A DNA barcoding approach was used to confirm the identity of this facelinid species and to explore the possible genetic divergence occurring among the samples analysed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis) is invasive in Guam and presents a continuous threat of accidental export to new islands in outbound cargo. Current attempts to avoid that scenario rely primarily on canine teams to inspect outbound cargo and vehicles. In prior work, we showed that thermal fumigation could effectively elicit snake exit of cargo under conditions when free flow of air streams is feasible, but this method cannot work with tightly packed cargo. Here we show radiative heating can effectively induce snake exit from cargo refuges at temperatures of 44–48 °C; however, we find passive solar heating of cargo to be unreliable in attaining sufficiently high temperatures for cargo sterilization. Although passive solar radiant heating proved unreliable, an active radiant-heating system has promise as a reliable means of treating tightly packed cargo. Times needed for treatment in a closed, controlled setting are sufficiently short that routine application of the method should provide no serious interruption of normal cargo-handling procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Freshwater crayfish invasions have been studied around the world, but less so in Africa, a continent devoid of native freshwater crayfish. The present study reviews historical and current information on alien freshwater crayfish species introduced into South Africa and aims to indicate which areas are at risk from invasion. As is the case elsewhere, South Africans have shown a keen interest in both farming and keeping freshwater crayfish as pets, which has resulted inCherax cainii,Cherax destructor,Cherax quadricarinatusandProcambarus clarkiibeing introduced to the country. There is evidence of successful establishment in the wild forC. quadricarinatusandP. clarkiiin different parts of the country. Species distribution models suggest that the eastern part of the country and parts of the Eastern and Western Cape are at higher risk of invasion. At present, illegal translocations represent the most likely pathway of crayfish spread in South Africa. A continued risk of invasion by freshwater crayfish species in South Africa is highlighted, which reinforces the need for more research, as well as for strong mitigation measures, such as stronger policing of existing regulations, management or eradication where feasible and public education. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 enabled the invasion of more than 100 alien fish species into the Mediterranean. The aim of the present study was to compare the diet of native and alien fish species and to identify possibly shared food resources. We examined the diet composition of 13 of the most abundant fish species (6 alien, 7 native) on shallow soft bottom off southern Israel. All 13 species are omnivorous/carnivorous. The native fish exhibited a wider diversity of food types than the aliens. Alien fish prey upon and are preyed by native species as well as by other alien fish. A high level of diet overlap was found among some species, the aliensSaurida lessepsianusandScomberomorus commersonoverlapped with the nativeSynodus saurus; and the alienNemipterus randalliwith the native speciesPagrus caeruleostictus, Lithognathus mormyrusandPagellus erythrinus. The identified diet overlap is discussed, and the possibility of competitive interactions between these species is considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The invasion of agro-ecosystems, as well as natural ecosystems byOpuntia fulgida,compromises the ability of these systems to provide goods and services to the society and this has a direct bearing on human livelihoods. Yet, not much is known about the current, as well as potential distribution of this invasive alien species in invaded landscapes, such as the southwestern districts of Zimbabwe. In this study, we apply maximum entropy species distribution modelling to georeferenced occurrence data and a set of predictor variables (that is, climatic, ecological and demographic variables) in order to generate the first distribution maps ofO. fulgidain Zimbabwe. Our results suggest that a total of 17 districts in Zimbabwe are vulnerable to invasion byO. fulgidaand communal lands are most susceptible to invasion relative to other land tenure systems. We discuss the possible mechanisms of spread and highlight threats to livestock production systems posed by this invasive alien species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Over 10,000 island endemic angiosperms are highly threatened by extinction. Yet, few of these species have the temporal change in their range documented and quantified, particularly within a potentially informative context of a long period of botanical study. Aim: Here, we usedRoussea simplexa mono-specific genus endemic to Mauritius, itself an island with long botanical history and advanced habitat destruction extent, to investigate how the distribution and population of this model oceanic island plant changed through time. Methods: All known localities and population size estimates were compiled from published literature, herbarium specimens, surveys and personal communications to estimate changes in population size, extent of occurrence and area of occupancy and investigate main distribution patterns. Results: Roussea simplexsurvives in nine high elevation sites. Since the 1930s, its range halved relative to its maximum known distribution and its population size decreased much faster than direct habitat loss would predict. It now qualifies as Endangered according to the IUCN Red List categories. Conclusions: Even in an extremely deforested island, endemic plant population decline may be driven more by diminishing habitat quality than diminishing habitat extent. This renders habitat protection alone insufficient, therefore addressing ecological interactions is vital to stem population decline. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Based on information obtained from publications, online material and experienced birdwatchers we describe changes in the breeding avifauna of Israel between 2003 and 2016. We provide details on nine species that were found breeding in Israel during this period for the first time (Common Shelduck, Great Cormorant, Black-winged Kite, Caspian Tern, White-cheeked Tern, Common Wood Pigeon, Black Bush Robin, Basra Reed Warbler, Chiffchaff); two species that were found breeding in Israel after they were not documented breeding for more than 50 years (Great Crested Grebe, Pallid Scops Owl), one species that significantly extended its breeding range in Israel (Striated Heron), and two exotic species that have recently established populations in Israel (Monk Parakeet, Vinous-breasted Starling). This brings the number of bird species breeding in Israel in 2016 to 220. We also report here that out of six new breeding species reported in 2003, three species established breeding populations in Israel, while the other species did not continue to breed in Israel regularly. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Dictyota cyanolomahas recently been described from the Mediterranean Sea and Macaronesia but doubt had arisen as to whether this species was truly native in Europe. The species is mainly found on non-natural substrata (harbour walls, marinas, boat hulls, etc.), strongly suggesting that it is an introduction. Molecular sequence information from historical herbarium samples proves the presence ofD. cyanolomain the Adriatic Sea as early as 1935. Since approximately the year 2000, however, the number of records as well as the geographic range of the species has expanded significantly. The present-day distribution ofD. cyanolomaoccupies most of the Mediterranean Sea, Macaronesia, NW Africa and southern Portugal, but recent records from Galicia and SW England (Falmouth, Cornwall) indicate that the species is rapidly expanding northward. Collections from Australia demonstrated that the species is also present from Perth in Western Australia, over much of the southern Australian coastline up to Minnie Water in New South Wales. Phylogenetic analyses resolveD. cyanolomain a sister clade to a previously unreported AustralianDictyotaspecies. Analysis of genetic diversity of the mitochondrial markers (nad6–nad11 andatp9–orf11) reveals that even though Australian populations contain a much higher haplotype richness, European populations are also fairly diverse. Furthermore, only two out of 25 haplotypes are shared between both regions. These somewhat counterintuitive results could be indicative of a more complicated introduction history. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

During spring 2017, starting from 12 May, exceptional strandings of the purple snail Janthina pallida were recorded in the Ligurian Sea and along the western coast of Sardinia Island, under the effect of southern winds. The strandings continued for 3 days, until 15 May, when the winds shifted to the northern quadrant and the specimens were drifted back offshore. Such extensive strandings have never been previously reported in the scientific literature, either along the Mediterranean shores or elsewhere. Thanks to citizens' help, it was possible to create a map of the strandings and obtain a gross estimate of the number of beached gastropods. The densities of the stranded animals reached an overall average of 801 ± 215 specimens m−2 (with peaks of over 2000 shells and rafts m−2 densely packed with hydrozoan Velella velella sails), corresponding to an average biomass of about 1.5 kg m−2. The size–frequency distribution of the shell heights showed a bi-modal trend, as is usual in the case of sequential hermaphroditism: almost all the specimens fitting the first mode (11 mm) showed a raft without eggs (males), while all the specimens belonging to the largest mode (23 mm) had rafts with settled egg cases (females). The general trend of the sea currents in the North-western Mediterranean Basin explains the spatial distribution of the strandings following 3 days of constant southern moderate breeze (up to 28 km h−1). The presence of such huge J. pallida banks in the Ligurian Sea is stochastic, probably linked to an Atlantic population entering through the Gibraltar Strait, as evidenced by the simultaneous presence of the buoy barnacle, Dosima fascicularis, a circumtropical species recorded here for the second time in the Mediterranean Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper focuses on the long-term taxonomic composition and distribution of the shallow-water sponge fauna from the meromictic–anchialine coastal basin Faro Lake (Southern Italy), comparing recent qualitative field data with literature data over a 50-year period. The Faro Lake shallow water currently hosts 24 conspicuous species of Porifera belonging to 21 genera, 18 families, eight orders, three subclasses and two classes, i.e. Demospongiae (23) and Calcarea (one). The comparison between the present and past status of the sponge fauna showed a high turnover, with 15 new colonizers and only nine persistent species. Thirteen species reported in the literature are missing, suggesting the occurrence of remarkable changes in the faunal composition during the last 50 years. The analysis of the geographic distribution of each species allowed us to outline the prevalent North Atlantic affinity of the sponge community. Worthy of note is the new record of the alien calcareous spongeParaleucilla magnaof cryptogenic origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Brassy Chub,Kyphosus vaigiensis, first recorded in the Mediterranean in 1998, is reported herein from the coast of Israel. The identity of the specimen was confirmed by morphological and molecular analysis. This is the first record ofK. vaigiensisfrom the Eastern Mediterranean. The possible origins of the Israeli record is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We provide the first detailed description of the tetrasporophyte of the red algal speciesMonosporus indicusBørgesen (Wrangeliaceae, Ceramiales) and its first record from the Mediterranean Sea. This prostrate, filamentous epiphytic species, which has been recorded from tropical and subtropical locations in the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, has invaded and established healthy populations in the warm Levant Mediterranean Sea of Israel. Plants invariably have propagules and are rarely observed with tetrasporangia. With the description of tetrasporangia inM. indicus, doubt is cast on the integrity of the genusDesikacharyellabecause their presence as well as sexual reproduction was used to separate that genus fromMonosporus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cumacea (Crustacea, Peracarida) are an important component of soft-bottom macrofauna. Their assemblages are influenced by environmental parameters, including the presence of alien species. Cumacean assemblages from 443 samples collected between 2005 and 2012, at 148 sites along the Israeli Mediterranean coast were analysed. In all, the 31,508 cumaceans were identified to 18 species. Three of the species,Eocuma rosae,E. sarsiiandScherocumella gurneyi, are considered alien for the Mediterranean Sea.Pseudocuma longicorne,S. gurneyiandCumopsis goodsirwere the most abundant species in our samples. Cumacean densities were significantly higher in spring than in autumn, except on the shelf, where the opposite was observed. At the deeper sites (55–63 m) species composition changed between seasons, suggesting a migration of some shallow-bottom dwellers (P. longicorne,Iphinoespp.) into deeper waters in wintertime. Comparison among years revealed great differences in density, especially inP. longicorne, which experienced an outbreak in 2009. Although seasonal changes may be explained by the natural dynamics of the species' life cycles, inter-annual variability is more difficult to explain. It may be related to environmental changes and especially to the infralittoral hypernutrification along the southern Israeli coast, causing an increase in food availability. Cumacean alien species occurred only in Haifa Bay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Craspedacusta sowerbii (phylum Cnidaria, class Hydrozoa, family Olindiiae) is an alien species with a polyp and medusa stage and originates from China. The optimal temperature range for polyp production is 19–25 °C, while medusa production and growth require warmer water (21–30 °C). Reasons for the sporadic occurrence of medusae in nature are still unclear. Culturing medusae has been problematic while culturing polyps in the laboratory is well documented. The successful culturing of C. sowerbii medusae to gonad development is only documented to our knowledge in articles in Japanese with a probable limited readership. We successfully cultured all life cycle stages of Craspedacusta, including medusae. Medusae budded from polyps from Gatun, Panama and were cultured at 23 and 26 °C using local water and Hydra Medium. Medusae bell morphology, tentacle number, gonad development, and the number and size of prey consumed were documented. Smaller medusae were hand-fed, while mature medusae captured prey. Medusae lived for 3–11 weeks and gonad development occurred. A more thorough understanding of temperature, water chemistry, and laboratory feeding protocols during all life cycle stages of C. sowerbii will aid in predicting future distribution patterns of this invasive hydroid in freshwater habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological invasions continue to increase around the world, with impacts on many coastal marine systems. Here we review the South African marine invasion literature which, despite the field being relatively new, has grown to have significant presence in both the local and international arenas. Of the 79 papers reviewed, 70% focused on the establishment and spread of alien species, with modes of transport and introduction largely overlooked. An emphasis was also apparent towards field studies, in particular survey work, with few experimental studies. The overwhelming majority of papers focused on a single species, the Mediterranean musselMytilus galloprovincialis, reflecting the scale of this invasion and the tractable nature of rocky shores as study systems. With the exception of this one species, the impacts of marine alien species have rarely been quantified. We suggest that future research extends the taxonomic coverage of present work and develops a better understanding of the mechanisms of introduction, establishment and spread of marine alien species. Through an experimental approach, the drivers of altered ecological patterns and processes resulting from invasions should be addressed, providing insight into associated impacts. This approach will maintain the local applicability and international relevance of South African marine invasion research. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The alien polychaetePolydoracornutawas found in Venice, Marinetta and Barbamarco lagoons (north-western Adriatic Sea). Reproductive specimens were collected from all the above-mentioned lagoons at different sampling times, showing the presence of established populations. The highest recorded population density of this species was 2880 ind. m–2. Data on adult morphology, reproductive traits and early stage larval morphology are provided. An examination of old samples revealed the presence of this species in Italian waters at least since 2009, and maybe even as far back as the early 1990s. The identity ofP.cornutamay have been concealed for a long time because of taxonomic confusion withP.ciliata. Previous records of this species were recently published for the western Mediterranean Sea, on the Turkish and Greek Aegean coasts. The present paper extends the geographical distribution ofP.cornutato the Adriatic Sea and adds a new record to the list of alien species in the Italian waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed the complete mitochondrial genome of the invasive Asian hornet Vespa velutina from Kyushu Island, Japan. The mitochondrial genome of V. velutina was identified as a circular molecule of 16,388 bp. We predicted that the genome contains 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNA genes, and 2 rRNA genes, along with one A + T-rich control region. The average AT content is 81.68%. Molecular phylogenetic analysis using the 13 mitochondrial PCGs from 11 closely related taxa of Vespidae indicated that the V. velutina invading the Japanese Islands of Kyushu and Tsushima have a common origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The American bullfrog is considered one of the 100 most invasive species, seriously threatening native species, especially amphibians, all over the world. Italy is the first European country where the species established, but the distribution of the species after the first records in North and Central Italy is unclear. In this paper, we collected the results of several recent surveys conducted in Tuscany (Central Italy), both independent ones and under the auspices of institutional projects (LIFE 07 NAT/IT/422 Water SCIs and Project Atlas of Alien Species of Tuscany). These data were joined with those from the scientific and grey literature at the regional level, depicting an updated distribution of the species in Tuscany. The results show an increasing number of sites where the species is present in the plain of Florence, Prato and Pistoia, occurring in both semi-natural and anthropic environments. Our findings suggest that the species could be present in a wider area than that already known. The presence of chelae and parts of the cephalothorax of the red swamp crayfish,Procambarus clarkii, from the stomachs of the dissected specimens suggests that bullfrog is able to prey on adult alien invasive crayfish, which are probably its first source of food also in Italian inland waters, at least where the crayfish is particularly abundant, as is the case in Northern Tuscany. Tuscany hosts small and fragmented bullfrog populations in a restricted area, a situation that seems to be promising for a successful eradication campaign, if performing coordinated actions from different municipalities among Florence, Prato and Pistoia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new introduced species,Otala punctata(Müller, 1774) and new records in Chile forCornu aspersum(Müller, 1774) andDeroceras laeve(Müller, 1774) are documented based on surveys carried out in northern and central areas of the country. The presence and distribution of these alien species are complemented with a comprehensive compilation of all 34 non-indigenous species of marine, freshwater and terrestrial Mollusca in Chile; until 1999, only 16 alien species were known in Chile. Most of these alien species are found exclusively in transformed habitats, few exist in natural environments. The mechanism of introduction for the majority of these non-indigenous species is unknown; however, horticultural development, urban and suburban transformation of original natural habitats, and the aquarium trade are the most likely pathways of introduction. The highest threat of alien species is direct competition and predation of native molluscs, especially the small native land gastropods. Education and continuous field surveys are vital to detect and prevent their propagation as well as to avoid introduction of additional alien taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Senecio icoglossusvar.araneosusby Grisebach (nowS. grisebachii) andS. pterophorushave been traditionally recognized as distinct species, although some authors highlighed their morphological affinities and argued a study of the original material to clarify their identities. In this paper, the two names are investigated, the first one (S. icoglossusvar.araneosus) is typified on a specimen preserved at GOET (neotype), while the holotype (preserved at P) was found forS. pterophorus. For the nomenclatural purposes, the namesS. balansae(holotype and isotype, respectively, at K and G),S. icoglossusvar.araneosusby Candolle (lectotype in P, designated in this paper),Senecio pterophorusvar.apterusand var.verus(nom. superfl. et nom illeg., Art. 52.2 of the ICN) andS. pulcher(lectotype and isolectotype at K, designated in this paper) are also discussed. Morphological observations on material from Australia, Europe, South America and South Africa were done. The results show thatS. icoglossusvar.araneosusby Grisebach and Candolle are to be applied to different taxa. The Candolle's name is an heterotypic synonym ofS. pulcher(an endemic South american species). The Grisebach's name is indeed an heterotypic synonym (syn. nov.) ofS. pterophorus, the nameS. pterophorushaving nomenclatural priority. The characters of five out of the seven varieties described forS. grisebachiihave a continuous variability, so their names are to be considered synonyms ofS. pterophorus. The origin of the species is discussed, and two hypotheses are proposed: a “natural origin” (disjuction distribution related to a long-distance dispersal event) and a “recent indtroduction” (alien populations and endemic taxon). Morphological and chorological notes are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]