Search

Following disturbances, ecosystems are more susceptible to invasion by non-native species. Furthermore, it is important to determine the impact of alien tree species on soil regeneration processes during secondary succession. In this study, we analyzed the effect of native and late successional common oak (Quercus robur) and non-native red oak (Q. rubra) on soil physicochemical (pH, carbon, and nutrient content) and microbial properties (microbial biomass [Cmic] and respiration [RESP]) nearly 30 years after severe fire disturbance. Post-fire soils under Q. rubra had organic horizons with a greater mass, lower pH values, and depleted nutrient (N, Ca, K, Mg, and P) contents than soils under Q. robur. The impact of Q. robur as a late successional species on soil properties 30 years after a disturbance was similar to that of pioneer species (Scots pine, European larch, common birch, and black alder), as is indicated in previous studies. Most of the studied physicochemical (bulk density, soil organic carbon, N, Ca, K, and P content) and microbial (RESP and Cmic) soil parameters under Q. robur were within the ranges found for post-fire soils under pioneer tree species. Only the pH and Mg and Na contents in organic horizons were higher under Q. robur than under pioneer species. Our results indicate that Q. robur could be a valuable addition to reforestation sites after fire disturbance, especially in more fertile microhabitats. Due to the depletion of soil nutrients, care should be taken when introducing Q. rubra during the reforestation of post-fire sites, especially in larger groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive "game-changer" species cause severe ecological impacts such as "phase shifts" in recipient ecosystems all over the world. Since the early 1990s, the ongoing global spread of the small but highly invasive Ponto-Caspian round goby Neogobius melanostomus into diverse freshwater and marine ecosystems has been observed. We postulate that this species is an ideal model to better understand and mitigate aquatic invasions. Its wide invaded range, as well as its diverse impacts on native species, have triggered a large body of research worldwide concerning its spread, ecology, and traits facilitating invasion. Several hypotheses related to invasiveness have been tested for the round goby, which are also applicable to other invasive species and for understanding general principles in invasion biology. However, a common theory explaining invasion success, especially in round goby, is still lacking. Many case studies do not consider time since invasion and use different sampling protocols and methodologies, hampering the comparability of results and conclusions. We thus propose strengthening the network of goby researchers and establishing long-term databases based on continuous and harmonized monitoring covering all stages of the invasion process as crucial requirements to better understand and manage aquatic invasions. In many cases, such monitoring can easily be integrated into existing survey schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys are increasingly used to inform management decisions for non-native species, for example, by detecting the presence and plotting distributions of species that may be in too low abundance for easy detection by conventional means. A recently-developed nested PCR protocol was used to assess the distributions of three non-native fish species in two river basins of southern England (River Test, Hampshire; River Ouse, Sussex). These river basins were known to contain three non-native fishes, either in the recent past or currently: two invasive small-bodied fish species (topmouth gudgeon Pseudorasbora parva, sunbleak Leucaspius delineatus), as well as a currently non-invasive species predicted to become invasive under future climate conditions, pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus. Water samples were collected at locations from headwater streams to estuary. Pumpkinseed and sunbleak were both detected downstream of an angling venue in the Sussex Ouse catchment known to contain those species, with an upstream expansion of sunbleak suggested by the detection of eDNA at a few upstream locations. Neither sunbleak nor topmouth gudgeon was detected in water samples from the River Test catchment, suggesting that neither species has persistent populations in that river catchment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first occurrence of Sporobolus indicus in Hungary is reported. The neotropical S. indicus is one of the oldest introduced neophytes to Europe. From the middle of the 19th century until the last decade of the 20th century, apart from a few occasional occurrences, it expanded only in the Mediterranean area. However, the number of observations has dramatically increased in the past two decades, even outside the Mediterranean region. Its recent rapid spread is evident along roads, on lawns and in tourist places subject to trampling (e.g., campsites). Tourism certainly contributes to the very successful recent diffusion of the species. Still, global warming, including the increasingly mild winters in continental Europe, can certainly enhance the establishment and further dispersal of this cold sensitive species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A central focus of invasive species research has been on human efforts to eradicate invaders or reduce their abundance to mitigate the worst of their impacts. In some cases, however, populations of invasive species decline without human intervention, which may inform management responses to these invaders. Such is the case of the invasive rusty crayfish (Faxonius rusticus) in northern Wisconsin, USA, where systematic population monitoring since 1975 has revealed population declines in approximately half of the lakes surveyed. Population declines of invasive species without human intervention remain understudied, but there is even less research on how communities respond following such declines. Using 10 lakes in Vilas County, Wisconsin, we investigated community recovery of habitat (macrophytes) and prey (freshwater snails) of F. rusticus following up to 33 years of declines of this invader in some lakes using a dataset with a rare, long‐term span over which consistent data were collected (1987, 2002, 2011, and 2020). We compared community responses in lakes where F. rusticus populations reached a peak and subsequently declined (boom‐bust lakes) and lakes where our dataset only captured the decline of F. rusticus (bust lakes) to reference lakes with consistently high or low crayfish abundance over time. We found partial recovery of macrophytes and snails in the bust and boom‐bust lakes where F. rusticus has declined, with recovery of macrophyte abundance and richness in the boom‐bust lakes achieving levels observed in the low‐crayfish reference lakes. Snail abundance and richness increased after declines of F. rusticus, though not to the level of the low‐crayfish reference lakes, suggesting that snail recovery may lag macrophyte recovery because snails are dependent on macrophytes and associated periphyton for habitat. The recovery we document potentially represents long‐term ecosystem resilience of lakes to biological invasions. Our results suggest that lake communities may recover without active restoration interventions after invasive crayfish population declines, although identifying which lakes experience these natural declines remains a priority for future research and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An assessment of the biotopic confinement of alien species is performed as a result of studies of macrozoobenthos in the reservoirs of the Volga and Kama cascades. A reliably significant dependence of the abundance of polychaetes Hypania invalida, mollusks Dreissena bugensis, and amphipods Dikerogammarus haemobaphes on the size fraction of the bottom sediments is revealed. The dependence of the distribution of invaders (representatives of different trophic groups) on the type of biotope is shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The species composition and distribution of crustaceans in the nearshore zone of Valaam Island (Ladoga Lake) have been investigated by a syringe sampler, a dredge, and video recording. Five species of crustaceans, Asellus aquaticus (Linnaeus, 1758), Monoporeia affinis (Lindström, 1855), Pallaseopsis quadrispinosa (G.O. Sars, 1867), Mysis relicta Lovén, 1862 and Gmelinoides fasciatus (Stebbing, 1899); have been recorded at a depth of 1–25 m. The vertical distribution of naturalized Baikal amphipods G. fasciatus is described and features of their coexistence with native species are characterized. The distribution of the alien species depends significantly on wave intensity, types of sediments, and depth range. The distribution of the most numerous native species, P. quadrispinosa, is influenced by the depth range. The types of sediments do not affect the quantity of all native crustaceans in the nearshore zone. The local species successfully compete with G. fasciatus in all conditions. All these species inhabiting the littoral zone are more resistant to wave action when compared with alien species. Therefore, the open littoral zones serve as natural refugees that preserve the diversity of indigenous species. The data on the spatial distribution of crustaceans make it possible to characterize the benthic communities in the poorly studied parts of the littoral and sublittoral zones and, as a result, the food base of bentophagous fishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our knowledge of how niche dynamic patterns respond to invasion trajectories and influence invasion risk prediction is elusive for the majority of notorious invaders, hindering scientific understanding, biosecurity planning and practice, and management implementation of biological invasions. We used Mikania micrantha, one of the world's worst invasive alien species (IAS), to test the hypothesis that multiple invasion trajectories could induce niche dynamics inconsistency and increase risk uncertainty of IAS. We compiled a robust database of M. micrantha occurrence across its native range in Central and South America and invaded range in China. This database was used to clarify different invaded ranges and invasion trajectories of M. micrantha in China. Principal components analysis of climatic variables associated with the database was used to explore the niche dynamic patterns associated with multiple invasion trajectories of M. micrantha. Maximum entropy algorithm was used to predict the high‐risk area of M. micrantha invasion using occurrence datasets for invaded ranges where niches remained conservative, and to detect area changes with the inclusion of occurrence datasets for invaded ranges where niche shifts occurred. M. micrantha invasion occurred in three geographically distinct regions, with conservative climate niches in southern and southeastern China and climatic niche shifts in southwestern China. A high‐risk area for M. micrantha invasion spanned multiple provinces and cities and expanded considerably with the inclusion of the occurrence dataset for southwestern China. Our findings contribute to the theoretical understanding of invasion mechanisms and the practical optimization of biosecurity planning and implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish introduction into fishless high-altitude lakes has detrimental effects on biodiversity. Removal of alien fish through intensive fishing is cost-intensive and difficult to achieve in productive lakes. Lake Sulzkarsee is the only lake in the National Park Gesäuse, Austria, and was an important breeding site for amphibians until the lake was stocked with fish in the late 1970s. Salmonids were eradicated in 2005, but the lake remained degraded by the introduced minnows (Phoxinus sp.). In 2018, the lake was drained through a siphon pipe and then by pumping out water with dirt water pumps. The deepest part was treated with slaked lime, but several hundred adult minnows survived in sediment crevices and reproduced in the following season. After drainage, the phytoplankton biomass increased. Indicator species, such as Daphnia longispina and amphibians, showed signs of recovery, but they went back to an impacted state when minnows recovered after the failed eradication attempt. Purse seines proved to be the most efficient gear to catch minnows. These results indicate that deep mountain lakes are difficult to drain efficiently. Sediment treatment is required to eliminate all fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on early invasion stages, whether successful or not, is often lacking because most invaders are only discovered once they have become abundant enough to be casually detected or have caused appreciable changes to the recipient environment. Moreover, when newcomers fail to establish self-sustaining populations, they are often not even documented; likewise the cause(s) of the failure remains unknown in most cases. Here we report for the first time a probable failed early invasion, caused by an unpredictable geological event, that was detected from two sediment records radiometrically dated through 210Pb chronology. The cores, collected from Marsamxett Harbour in Malta (Central Mediterranean), reveal a continuous record for at least the last 110 years. Both cores contain towards the bottom (dated to the beginning of the twentieth century) the highly invasive Lessepsian immigrant benthic foraminifer Amphistegina lobifera Larsen 1976, demonstrating that it was present in this region long before it was first recognized in the Mediterranean. It then abruptly disappeared from the cores. We document that the disappearance may have been triggered by the 1908 Messina earthquake, with a resulting tsunami wave that reached Marsamxett Harbour and deposited over 20 cm of sediment. This event suddenly buried the sea-bottom, destroying the existing benthic community and damaging the seagrass Posidonia oceanica meadow. Today, A. lobifera is abundant along the Maltese coast, likely as a result of re-invasion in the 1940s, yet followed by a long detection lag time until it was first found in 2006. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban green spaces are known to be subjected to additional anthropogenic stress. Using native plants in monoculture, i.e., planting trees of the same species, may favour disease outbreaks and plant death. Non-native plants to be used in large cities for creating sustainable plantations are being searched for worldwide. Meanwhile, it is necessary to control plant pathogens in the variable conditions of the region and natural habitat. In Siberian cities, non-native European trees are used, and non-native Siberian plants are introduced in Belarus. This article reports long-term observations of foliar fungal pathogens attacking 21 woody plants (19 European, 2 Siberian) in Siberian and Belarusian cities. In both regions, 48 leaf fungal pathogens were detected, with powdery mildew fungi predominating in Belarus and leaf spotting fungi prevailing in Siberia. In both research regions, the greatest number of fungal species was found on Syringa vulgaris L. In Siberia, many pathogens were found on the non-native European plant Berberis vulgaris (9 species) and native plant Caragana arborescens Lam. (8 species). We have not detected the pathogens on European plants: Acer campestre L., Acer platanoides L., Euonymus europaeus L., Lonicera caprifolium L. in urban green areas in Siberia, while we have identified one to four foliar fungal pathogens on these plants in Belarus. To sum up: more pathogens were found on native plants in Siberia and Belarus; some leaf pathogen species (Sawadaea tulasnei (Fuckel) Homma, Erysiphe alphitoides (Griffon & Maubl.) U. Braun & S. Takam., Cladosporium syringae (Oudem.) Montem., Erysiphe syringae Schwein., Erysiphe palczewskii (Jacz.) U. Braun & S. Takam.) followed their host plants (Acer tataricum L., Syringa vulgaris L., Caragana arborescens Lam.) when introduced into new areas; and some local pathogens were also observed to spread to the non-native plants of closely related species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nepal is a small South Asian country with a varied geographical and bioclimatic landscape. Invasive Plant Species have already been introduced in large numbers, causing the extinction of native species and disrupting crop production, as well as degrading endangered animal habitats, changing plant species composition, and interfering with tree seedling regeneration. However, it is critical in the health treatment of rural populations in developing countries. Our study will look at and compile knowledge on the therapeutic applications of invasive plants utilized by a range of Nepalese communities. We combed through numerous websites, including Research Gate and Google Scholar, for historical and contemporary studies on the therapeutic usage of Nepal's invasive plants.24 species from 12 families of invasive alien plant species were identified to be utilized for medicinal purposes by Nepalese rural people. The 39 diseases for which medicinal plants were reported were diabetes, rheumatism, fever, ulcers, bronchitis, kidney stone, asthma, urinary insufficiency, and others. Traditional knowledge of invasive plant species' uses is diminishing due to the negative effects of invasive plant species on the ecosystem; hence, rigorous documentation of ethnomedicinal knowledge on invasive plant species is needed. Thus, the medicinal potentialities of unwanted invasive species, which are sometimes neglected by others, will provide a gem for the study world.

The article is devoted to alien fish species that have appeared over the past 50 years off the coast of Ukraine in the Sea of Azov. The coastal waters of the Sea of Azov are analysed within the waters of Ukraine from Cape Tarkhan of the Kerch Peninsula to the Kryva Spit in Taganrog Bay with the selection of three areas: the southern part—from Cape Tarkhan to Cape Kazantip; the western part—from Arabatska Bay to the Tonka Strait, including Syvash Bay; the northern part—from the Utlyutsky Estuary to the Kryva Spit. According to generalised data from numerous literature sources, from the time of the publication of the work of K. F. Kessler in 1877 and A. Ostroumov in 1897 to the present time, 53 species of fish from 43 genera and 32 families of Atlantic–Mediterranean origin have been registered in the Sea of Azov. During the same period of time, 37 species from 32 genera and 25 families were recorded in the waters of Ukraine. From this list currently disappeared 4 species from 2 families. Since the 1970s, 6 alien species of Atlantic–Mediterranean origin (or complex) have been found in the waters of the Sea of Azov in Ukraine (11.3% of the total number of species registered in the sea since 1897), belonging to 6 genera of 6 families. At species level, aliens make up 16.2% of the number of representatives of the Atlantic–Mediterranean assemblage in Ukrainian waters, at the genus level—18.7%, and at family level—24.0%. According to ecological groups, 3 species belong to benthic species, 2 to bentho-pelagic species, and 1 to pelagic species. Brief information on these species is given (synonymy, presence of material in the fish collection of the National Museum of Natural History NAS of Ukraine, description, distribution, record localities). A table is provided with a complete list of species of this assemblage in Ukrainian waters and the entire Sea of Azov. Unlike other areas of the Azov–Black Sea Basin (Crimean waters, north-western part of the Black Sea), where a share of aliens has also occurred constantly and sporadically, all alien species of the Sea of Azov of Atlantic–Mediterranean origin over the past 50 years are random in the area that have entered the sea during intensive advection of saline Black Sea waters through the Kerch Strait.

The article presents new records for five alien species previously unknown from the flora of United Arab Emirates (UAE): Euphorbia cyathophora Murr. (Euphorbiaceae), Samolus valerandi L. (Myrsinaceae), Oldenlandia umbellata L. (Rubiaceae), Cardiospermum halicacabum L. (Sapindaceae), and Corchorus aestuans L. (Malvaceae s. l. / Tiliaceae). All of them have been recorded for the first time from the emirate of Fujairah in eastern part of the UAE. Euphorbia cyathophora, which is rare in the country, was found only in “Green Oasis Nursery” at Al Dibba town, Oldenlandia umbellata– found at the beginning of the seefront at Fujairah City, and they are new for the flora of the Arabian Peninsula. Samolus valerandi was found only in the “Desert Nurseries Group store 1 (palms)” at village Al Bidiya, Corchorus aestuans – in private nursery at Al Dibba town, and Cardiospermum halicacabum was found in the Masafi friday market, they are new for the flora of Fujairah and UAE. Accepted names, synonyms, spatial distribution, habitat preferences, and species taxonomy with remarks on identification and differentiation from the most similar taxa occurring in the study area, as well as the list of localities are presented. The herbarium materials were transferred to the Herbarium of the Komarov Botanical Institute (LE, Saint-Petersburg, Russia), the duplicates – to the Herbarium of Altai State University (ALTB, Barnaul, Russia) and the Scientific Herbarium of Fujairah (FSH, Wadi Wuraya national park, Fujairah, United Arab Emirates).

The Troja hills and slopes are located on the right bank of the Vltava River on the northern periphery of Prague. The mollusc fauna of certain parts of the territory has been regularly observed by Vojen Ložek since 1987. In 2021–2022 these parts were revised together with other sites in the Drahaň – Troja Natural Park. At 63 localities, 65 mollusc species (56 land gastropods, 9 aquatic species) were recorded. Due to overgrowing of abandoned fields and pastures, forest gastropods dominated (30.8%), followed by ubiquists (30.8%). The open-ground dwellers used to be more common but now declined to 16.9%. These are supplemented by hygrophilous, wetland (7.7%), and aquatic species (13.8%) on the bottoms of some valleys.

The paper presents a review of the history of investigations and formation of the adventive component of the mammal fauna in eastern Ukraine, mainly in the territory of the left bank of the Siversky Donets, within the area of the eastern part of Ukraine (Donetsk, Luhansk, and Kharkiv oblasts). Most of these territories are part of the steppe zone of Ukraine. They are characterised by such edge effects as depletion of the steppe fauna and emergence of azonal species. Throughout almost 170 years of mammal studies in the region, the research directions and the processes of fauna formation have changed. The goal of this paper is to review the history of research and the available data on the appearance and expansion of new for this region species. We distinguish several periods in the history of the formation of the adventitious component of the mammal fauna and in its research. First, in the 19th and early 20th centuries, there was a gradual accumulation of knowledge about the fauna of those regions. At that time, the territories underwent essential transformations. The active usage of lands for agriculture started, and, as a result, the steppe was split into local, isolated ecosystems with insignificant virgin areas. In the middle of the 20th century, the study of ecology and economic importance of mammals gained the attention of researchers. During this period, the intensity and character of distribution of the species increased: from a moderate spread of micromammals as a result of agricultural development to a more intensive distribution of game species as a result of intentional introduction of animals or their escape from culture. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the question of alien species become more prominent. This issue drew the attention of many researchers, and adventive traits were described for various mammals. As a result of our study, we could outline the chronology of the appearance of alien species in eastern Ukraine, as well as the main patterns of their distribution. Historical data allows for concluding that a notable part of the local fauna was formed as a result of invasions and expansion, and these processes are still relevant in the modern period of fauna development. It was established that the changes in the local fauna is closely related to land transformations and shifts in human economic activity.

Polyphaga plancyi Bolívar, 1883, also known as Chinese sand roach, it is a large Corydiidae species with a native distribution that includes several Chinese provinces and southern part of the Russian Far East. It is a well-known insect in traditional Chinese medicine, and the biological activity of the compounds isolated from it are actively studied. So far, there are no records of this species outside its natural range, at least outside China. In this article, we present the first record of P. cf. plancyi specimen collected in Europe, probably imported from Shanghai. The specimen was recognized as a non-native cockroach species to Europe via photo posted on social media, and it was subsequently taxonomically identified. Details of its possible origin, its morphology, importance of citizen science, as well as annotations on the other synanthropic cockroaches in Serbia are provided.

Abstract Managing non‐native species in cities is often controversial because these species can support both ecosystem services and disservices. Yet, how the acceptability of non‐native species management by the general public differs in relation to native species, to distance (i.e. close to residence and elsewhere) and among plants and animals is understudied. Furthermore, while values, beliefs and knowledge are often considered in this context, psychometric factors such as emotions and anthropomorphic views have received little attention. We surveyed 658 residents in Berlin, Germany, to assess (i) the acceptability of management actions differing in their severity for non‐native plants and animals compared to native species with similar traits, (ii) the influence of perceived distance of species (i.e. close to residence and elsewhere) and (iii) the predictive potential of psychometric (i.e. values, beliefs, self‐assessed knowledge, emotions and anthropomorphism) and socio‐demographic factors for this acceptability. Eradication (i.e. lethal control/removal) was generally the least accepted management action, but more accepted for non‐native than native species. Distance mattered for the acceptability of non‐native plant management with unspecified control action the most accepted management action close to residence. While values (self‐transcendence and conservation) mostly explained the acceptability of doing nothing and eradication, emotions related strongly to all management actions. Beliefs were more important than self‐assessed knowledge in relation to non‐native species management and beliefs about non‐native plants and animals were rated almost similar. Anthropomorphic views had predictive potential for plants and animals; that is, the stronger people held anthropomorphic views, the less they accepted eradication. Participants with a garden supported doing nothing with plants (native and non‐native) more than without. Results highlight the complexity of factors underlying the acceptability of management actions on species in cities. While values, beliefs and self‐assessed knowledge are important in the context of species management, other psychometric factors add to our understanding of acceptability. We conclude that awareness about different acceptability patterns related to species management can support environmental policies on biological invasions in cities. Tailoring and implementing adequate management actions can benefit from incorporating cognitive but also affective factors of the public. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

In Japan, the southern pink moth, Pyrausta inornatalis (Fernald, 1885) (Lepidoptera, Crambidae), which is a pest of Salvia plants, has been recorded as an invasive species from America. In order to make possible the correct identification of the immature stages of P. inornatalis, their morphology is described and illustrated.

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.

Spartina alterniflora is native to the Atlantic coast of the United States, which is recognized as an alien species along the Pacific coast. S. alterniflora has attracted much attention in related fields for many years. In order to deepen the understanding of S. alterniflora related research, and explore the future research priorities, the paper analyzed its research progress quantitatively and protracted visual knowledge graph by VOSviewer software with the key words of S. alterniflora during 1972-2020 from Web of Science database by bibliometric analysis method. The number of published papers and citations of S. alterniflora has been rising during 1972-2020, and shown a rapid development trend since 2004. The research areas covered ecology, environmental science, marine and freshwater biology. The publications were mainly contributed by countries in America, Asia, Europe and Oceania, and the United States ranked the 1st followed by China. The topics of S. alterniflora focus on its effects on salt marsh ecosystem, biogeochemical cycle, physiology and interspecific interaction. S. alterniflora′s contributions to blue carbon and responses to global climate change is the current hot topic in coastal salt marshes.

Cities are the drivers of economic growth but pollute the environment and deplete natural resources. Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) offer many answers to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Without understanding the threats associated with these solutions, bringing nature back to the city might cause undesired side effects such as introducing and proliferating invasive species. Contemporary literature on invasive species evolves from the urban ecology discipline. The paper explores contemporary literature to highlight the gap between ecologists and design professionals. We found that research published between 2017-2021 and indexed on Scopus that dealt with urban issues and invasive species yielded 4,556 publications, of which only 88 publications that design professionals prepared to indicate a gap between urban ecologists and design professionals explaining the persistence of the problem and concerns that ecologists raise. We conducted a bibliometric analysis. Results indicate three clusters: (1) Pressures such as climate change; (2) State urban ecosystems; and (3) Responses in the form of land use plans and urban designs. NbS and EbA are instrumental in responding to climate change. Planners must design and build cities to minimize the adverse effects of urbanization while maximizing the ecological processes by allowing nature conservation actions within urban environments. One of the criteria for evaluating design and planning alternatives is to check for the risk of introducing invasive species. Design experts must be aware of the risks of invasive species, which require research to update present guidelines and introduce the topic in the architectural and planning curricula.

Nowadays, one of the most important threats to the biodiversity is adventive invasive species. In recent years, numerous imported plants with high invasion behavior have been reported from the Caspian coasts, especially Guilan province. During a field mission related to collecting plant specimens from Hyrcanian forests in Guilan province, Oenothera indecora Cambess. from the Onagraceae family was collected and identified for the first time from the Siahkalrud area of Chaboksar and is reported as a new record for the flora of Iran. The species, which is native to South America grows outside its native range and it is now established as a neophyte in several tropical and subtropical areas. The most important morphological traits of this species have been compared with its closely related species, O. parodiana Munz. Also, the geographical distribution, photos of the plant, habitat, and distribution of the species in the world and Iran are provided. In the following, the alien species was investigated and compared in terms of some invasive aspects in the world and Iran.IntroductionIn the modern world, one of the most important threats to the biodiversity is adventive invasive species (Mikeladze et al., 2017). In recent years, numerous imported plants with high invasion behavior have been reported from the Caspian coasts, especially Guilan province (Moradi, 2021). Oenothera L. is the second largest genus in Onagraceae and consists of 145 species (Wagner et al., 2007). These plants grow in temperate to subtropical areas of America, many of them are widely naturalized in several areas of the earth (Dietrich, 1977). The genus comprises annual, biennial or perennial herbs, many of which occur in primarily or secondarily open habitats including old fields and roadsides, stream sides, or dunes (Dietrich, 1977). According to the flora of Iran, two species including O. biennis and O. laciniata grow in Iran (Azizian, 2005), and are the naturalized alien species in the country. In the present study, O. indecora Cambess. is reported for the first time from Iran. O. indecora is a species belonging to the sect. Oenothera, subsect. Munzia ser. Allochroa, which includes species with cylindrical capsules rarely enlarged in the upper third or somewhat petiolate, is not fused with the subtending bract (Dietrich, 1977). The species, which is native to South America (Dietrich, 1977), grows outside its native range and it is now established as a neophyte in several tropical and subtropical areas (Crisafulli et al., 2013). Materials and MethodsDuring a floristic study of Hyrcanian forests, the species was collected from the Siahkalrud area of Chaboksar from Guilan province and deposited in the Guilan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center. The specimen was examined and identified using the flora and relevant literature (Azizian, 2005; Dietrich, 1977; Crisafulli et al., 2013). Results and ConclusionsOenothera indecora Cambess.Annual or biennial plants are unbranched or with ascending branches arising from the rosette, 2o-6o cm tall. The entire plant is sparsely long-villous with erect hairs, densely to sparsely short-villous together glandular hairs. Rosette leaves are narrowly oblanceolate, acute, 4-8 cm long, and 0.2-1.3 cm wide. Cauline leaves are narrowly elliptic to lanceolate, acute, sessile, 2.5-7 cm long, and 0.2-1.2 cm wide. Bracts are narrowly elliptic to elliptic, sessile, and longer than or about the same length as the capsules they subtend, 1.5-5 cm long, 0.2-1 cm wide; leaves plane or undulate at the margins, irregularly serrate with blunt teeth. The inflorescence is branched. The floral tube is 0.5-1.5 cm long. Sepals are green or yellowish green, often densely flecked with reddish brown; apices of the sepals are 1-1.5 mm long, and erect. Petals elliptic to obovate, yellow, turning reddish with age, 4-10 mm long. Anthers are 1.5-4 mm long. Filaments are 1.5- 7 mm long. The style short is 1-2 cm long. Stigma lobes are 1-2 mm long. Capsules are 2-3 cm long, 1.5-2.5 mm thick; seeds elliptic to rotund in outline.Examined specimensIran, Guilan, Chaboksar, Siahkalrud forest road, near the river, 36° 58' 55.2" N-50° 26' 13.83" E, 180 m, 27/07/1401, 05/08/1401, Moradi & Mahdavi (GILAN-6956, 6966).HabitatsThe species was collected on the sandy soil, near a river with Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. subsp. barbata (C.A.Mey.) Yaltirik -Pterocarya fraxinifolia (Poir.) Spach vegetation, and is associated with other plants such as Geranium pyrenaicum Burm.f., Clinopodium nepeta (L.) Kuntze subsp. glandulosum (Req.) Govaerts, Sedum hispanicum L., Digitaria sanguinalis(L.) scop., Oxalis acetosella L., Artemisia annua L., Pimpinella affinis Ledeb., Erigeron canadensis L., Hypericum perforatum L., Eryngium caucasicum Fisch. ex Steud., Phytolaca Americana L., Setaria viridis (L.) P.Beauv. indecora, is closely related to O. parodiana, but it is distinguished from the mentioned species according to some morphological features such as the length of the bracts in the first one is almost the same length as the capsule or longer than it, in the second one, it is half of the length of the capsule or shorter than it. The first one has glandular hairs, the second one does not. indecora is native to several countries in South America. In Europe, it is known as an alien species in the Netherlands, Hungary, France, Germany, Portugal, Greece, Belgium, and Spain (Yuzbasioglu, 2014); and it was recently reported from Italy (Crisafulli et al., 2013).In a study related to the invasiveness of Oenothera species in South Africa, it was concluded that their propensity to invade undisturbed areas potentially makes them a more serious threat than species that occur exclusively in disturbed areas. According to this, 0. rosea, 0. Stricta, and 0. Tetraptera, as well as 0. parodiana and 0. Indecora, are the species that show the greatest potential to become more problematical in the future. O. indecora (native to South America), as a neophyte species that grows in low-altitude Hyrcanian forests, could be more invasive in the future than the two species O. biennis and O. laciniata that originate from North America. There are also previous reports from Iran (Azizian, 2014; Amini & Zare, 2014) that they grow on the sand dunes of the Caspian Sea. There is a possibility of the presence of this species in other lowland Caspian forest areas under similar vegetation conditions which needs further investigation in this field. AcknowledgmentThe authors of the study are very grateful to Dr. Filip Verloove, a specialist in alien flora of the Belgian Botanical Garden, for her sincere cooperation in identifying the species by confirming the photos sent.We are also grateful to Dr. Shahriar Sobh Zahedi, a researcher from the Guilan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, for his cooperation in preparing the distribution map of the studied species.

The article is devoted to alien fish species that have appeared over the last 50 years in coastal waters of the north-western part of the Black Sea (NWBS) within Ukraine. The coastal waters of NWBS are analysed from the northern shore of Karkinitsky Bay (including the Dzharylhach Estuary) to Zmiiny Island in three selected areas: Kinburn–Karkinitsky area (including the Tendra and Yahorlyk estuaries), Odesa area, and Zmiiny Island. A brief description of the Atlantic-Mediterranean fish assemblage of these areas is presented along with that of alien fishes and species that have expanded their geographic range. According to the generalised data from numerous literature sources, from the publication of K. F. Kessler’s work in 1877 until now, 80 species from 63 genera and 43 families belonging to the Atlantic–Mediterranean fish assemblage have been recorded in waters of the NWBS. A complete list of species of this assemblage is given in a table. According to the degree of their occurrence, recently introduced alien fish species of the NWBS are divided into three groups: regular, sporadic, and occasional. Since the 1970s, 7 alien species have been recorded in the NWBS, belonging to 7 genera and 5 families, of which 3 are sporadic (42.9 %) and 4 are occasional (57.1 %). At species level they make up 8.8 % of the representatives of the Atlantic–Mediterranean assemblage represented in waters of the NWBS, whereas 11.1 % at the level of genera and 11.6 % at the level of families. Brief information of these species is given (synonymy, presence of specimens in the fish collection of the National Museum of Natural History NASU and of the Black Sea Biosphere Reserve NASU, brief description, distribution and vector of introduction). Among the alien fish species in the NWBS, representatives of the benthopelagic (4 species, 57.1 %) and pelagic (2 species, 28.6 %) ecological groups prevail. Of the benthic group, only a single species (14.3 %) was noted. It was found that, at present, out of the 7 alien fish species found in waters of the NWBS over the past 50 years, the species whose appearance is associated with the natural process of mediterranisation dominate (4 species, 57.1 %). To date, the vector of introduction cannot be established for three species (42.9 %).

Corbicula fluminea is an Asian mussel that has aggressively invaded freshwater habitats worldwide, causing damage both economically and with the disappearance of native species. In Brazil, this species is present in almost all watersheds, including areas of Federal Conservation Units. In this context, the present work reported the first record of C. fluminea in the Carajás mosaic, Pará, Brazil, a Federal Conservation Area. Collections were made in September and February 2021 and May 2022. In total, 154 specimens of C. fluminea were collected. The size range of the specimens was 16 to 28 mm in shell length and 1.46 to 5.91 g in wet weight. This new record extends the distribution of this species in South America and in the tropical watersheds of Brazil and is the first record in federal protected areas, highlighting the need for large-scale knowledge of the environmental and economic changes that the species can cause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red imported fire ants mounds have been suggested as a potential reservoir for beneficial entomopathogenic fungal species that are vital for more complex roles in the ecosystem aside from infecting the insects. In the current study, the assemblage of fungal symbionts of the red imported fire ants (RIFA) were obtained across five cities in Guangdong Province, China. The sampling areas were selected because of high occurrence of fire ants mounds in the regions. Mound soils, plant debris within mounds, and ants were collected from three sampling locations in each city for potential isolation of entomopathogenic fungal associates of RIFA. All samples were collected during the spring of 2021. Following successful isolation from substrates, the patterns of fungal species composition, and richness were evaluated. In total, 843 isolates were recovered, and based on their phenotypic distinctiveness and molecular characterization based on DNA sequences of multiple loci including the ITS, SSU, and LSU regions, 46 fungal taxa were obtained, including 12 that were unidentified. Species richness and abundance was highest in the mound soils, while the lowest value was recorded from the ant body. As per the different locations, the highest abundance level was recorded in Zhuhai, where 15 fungal taxa were cultivated. The most common taxa across all substrates and locations was Talaromyces diversus. A baseline analysis of the fungal community composition of RIFA would better our understanding on the interactions between these social ants and their associated microbial organisms, and this knowledge in turn would be important for the successful management of the RIFA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lateralization consists of the differential use of bilateral organs or limbs and is well described in many taxa and in several contexts. Common ecological frameworks where it can be observed are foraging and predatory ones, with benefits related to both visual and auditory lateralization such as faster response or increasing neural processing ability. Anuran amphibians are considered relevant models for investigating lateralization, due to their great ecological variety and the possibility of easily being raised under laboratory conditions. By adopting the "rotational preference test", we used Balearic green toad tadpoles to test the effects of behavioural defensive responses triggered by different predator types (native vs alien, i.e. dragonfly larvae Aeshna cyanea and adult red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii) and diets (fasted vs. tadpole-fed predators) on their lateralization. We recorded tadpoles' responses to five different chemical cues: clean water (control treatment), fasted dragonfly larvae and crayfish, and tadpole-fed dragonfly larvae and crayfish. Green toad tadpoles did not show a bias in a predominant direction, although lateralization occurred at the individual level, as shown by the intensity index (LA). Perceived predation risk was the highest in tadpoles exposed to the combined chemical cues of conspecific prey and native predators, which elicited both changes in the intensity of lateralization and a marked reduction in tadpoles' activity level. Our results suggest that contextual predation threat may induce very rapid changes in the expression of asymmetries at the individual level, and might play a role as part of the complex defensive strategies adopted by prey in the attempt to escape predators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: A recent outbreak of the mosaic leafhopper (MLH), Orientus ishidae, in an apple orchard in Trentino made it urgent to assess the actual capability of this insect to cause damage to this crop. During the biennium from 2020–21, experiments were conducted both in field and semi-field conditions to ascertain whether MLH can (1) Complete the entire life cycle on cultivated apple trees; (2) Cause direct damage by feeding; and (3) Acquire the phytoplasma responsible of the Apple Proliferation (AP) disease. Our results proved that apple trees are suitable host plants for MLH, and that severe direct foliar damage is associated to its trophic activity. Such damage consists of diffuse chlorosis followed by necrosis that eventually take to leaf fall. The ability of MLH to acquire AP was confirmed in field trials. Our conclusions are that MLH is potentially a new pest of apple, although its role as a vector of AP must be confirmed with transmission bioassays. It will also be important to monitor this species in the apple orchards of other regions to prevent future outbreaks and consequent damage to production. The mosaic leafhopper, Orientus ishidae (Matsumura), is an Asian species widespread in Europe that can cause leaf damage in wild trees and transmit disease phytoplasmas to grapevines. Following an O. ishidae outbreak reported in 2019 in an apple orchard in northern Italy, the biology and damage caused by this species to apples were investigated during 2020 and 2021. Our studies included observations on the O. ishidae life cycle, leaf symptoms associated to its trophic activity, and its capability to acquire "Candidatus Phytoplasma mali," a causal agent of Apple Proliferation (AP). The results indicate that O. ishidae can complete the life cycle on apple trees. Nymphs emerged between May and June, and adults were present from early July to late October, with the peak of flight between July and early August. Semi-field observations allowed for an accurate description of leaf symptoms that appeared as a distinct yellowing after a one-day exposure. In field experiments, 23% of the leaves were found damaged. In addition, 16–18% of the collected leafhoppers were found carrying AP phytoplasma. We conclude that O. ishidae has the potential to be a new apple tree pest. However, further studies are required to better understand the economic impact of the infestations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertebrates rely on two special groups of photoreceptor cells (rods and cones) in the retina to receive visual information. Five opsin families in the outer segment of cone cells endow fishes with color vision. Fishes encounter diverse light environments in water (various light wavelengths and intensities), so they have evolved differing numbers and amino acid compositions of cone opsin genes and, in some, phenotypic plasticity in their expression profiles to quickly adjust to new light environments. However, clear evidence for a correlation between phenotypic plasticity in cone opsin expression and adaptation is lacking. The Western mosquitofish is a highly invasive species that colonizes diverse habitats. Here, by quantifying cone opsin expression levels of individuals experiencing distinct light conditions at different developmental stages, I show that the cone opsin expression profile of juvenile and adult Western mosquitofish can quickly react to altered photic properties. Moreover, a predation experiment also demonstrates that Western mosquitofish can maintain foraging efficiency under distinct light environments. Thus, phenotypic plasticity in cone opsin expression profiles may represent a crucial trait by which Western mosquitofish successfully colonize such a wide range of aquatic habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diversity of biota in different parts of the planet has demonstrated dramatic changes within the last several decades due to the extinction of native taxa and the appearance of invasive taxa. The correct taxonomic identification of non-native species is important for understanding their dispersal abilities, especially when potential invaders may be of closely related species. Information on the species identity of ricefish (Oryzias spp.), which have formed self-sustainable populations in some parts of Eurasia, is contradictory. In this paper, we studied samples from non-native populations of Oryzias from several Eurasian regions. The results of our mtDNA COI partial sequence study confirm that the individuals we studied belong to the species Chinese ricefish, O. sinensis. Analyses of the literature and our own data suggest that all known alien populations of Oryzias in continental Eurasia belong to the same species, O. sinensis. A recent finding of O. sinensis in the Don delta suggests that one of the species' secondary dispersal pathways could run from the Kuban region through the lower part of the Don basin to the Cis-Azov area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Biological invasions represent one of the main threats to biodiversity and a recognized economic burden worldwide; the issue has been included in the conservation agenda such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Brazil is a signatory country of the CBD; however, the number of alien species records in its territory is continuously rising. To evaluate the invasive alien species (IAS) policy in Brazil, we reviewed the legislation delineating historical trends to identify potential gaps and avenues for improvement. We consulted several websites using keywords related to invasions in order to track legal instruments such as laws, decrees and regulations. We classified the documents regarding their main aims with regard to IAS, taxon and environment of interest. We found 85 legal instruments in force related to IAS published in the federal sphere up to October 2021, with decrees being the most common type. Most documents were classified as 'control' and 'prevention' and were related to all taxa and environments. Two species (wild boar Sus scrofa and golden mussel Limnoperna fortunei) have more specific legislation, probably due to their conspicuous economic impacts. We discuss policy gaps and their implications for the efficient management and prevention of new IAS introductions to the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A butterfly survey was carried out as part of the Batu Caves Scientific Expedition 2019 that aimed to document the fauna, flora and geology of Batu Caves - a limestone outcrop near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for the purpose of conservation and protection. A butterfly survey was carried out by visual observation and photographing the butterflies in the field for subsequent identification. An annotated checklist is presented, with an indication of abundance obtained from the frequency a species was recorded on different days, or on the same day but discerned to be different individuals. Fifty one species from five families (only members of Riodinidae were absent) were identified to species level, with a further nine identified with uncertainty or to genus level. Considering that the habitat is an open, disturbed lowland forest adjacent to the limestone hill, several interesting species were found in Batu Caves, such as the Smaller Wood Nymph Ideopsis gaura perakana, Red Helen Papilio helenus helenus, Ceylon Blue Glassy Tiger Ideopsis similis persimilis, and Common Albatross Appias albina albina. Two alien species, Julia Dryas iulia, and Tawny Coster Acraea terpsicore, were common in Batu Caves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

About 366 species of vascular plants are recorded from Batu Caves, of which 7% (28 species) are threatened (six species are Critically Endangered, thirteen are Endangered and three are Vulnerable), five are probably Extinct, and one is Data Deficient. Major threats are encroachment, fire, loss of the buffer zone of trees, invasion by alien species, and change in climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Botanically, Batu Caves, Selangor, is unique in Peninsular Malaysia for three reasons. It was the first limestone karst to be surveyed botanically (from 1889), and it has been continually sampled by botanists for the last 130 years. Secondly, it is the most biodiverse among all the karst limestone hills in Peninsular Malaysia, with at least 366 species of vascular plants and representing more than 24% of the total limestone flora in Peninsular Malaysia. Thirdly, it is the type locality for 31 species. Of these species, 59 are endemic in Peninsular Malaysia, of which five are hyper-endemic and known only from Batu Caves. About a quarter (29%) of the flora is either restricted to growing on limestone (64 species) or usually occurs on limestone (43 species). Originally surrounded by lowland rain forest, Batu Caves has been progressively encroached by tin-mining, four quarries, cave temples and urbanisation, and was recently seriously impacted by a massive fire. Recent surveys show that much of the flora on the upper slopes and summit is largely intact, but sensitive species that grow around the base or around cave mouths are threatened and suffered from population decline. About half the 42 species of orchids have not been recollected in recent times and to date, the buffer zone is almost completely eliminated, exposing the flora to fire and invasion by aggressive alien or secondary species. According to the IUCN Red List, 27 species are endangered and five species - all formerly collected from the buffer zone, are probably extinct. Limestone vegetation has not recolonised the disused quarries, but instead invaded by aggressive alien species. Batu Caves urgently requires secure legal protection to halt the negative impacts of unremitting encroachment. Under the IUCN criteria, it qualifies as an Important Plant Area by being species-rich, harbouring endangered species and being a threatened habitat. Batu Caves is a site of special scientific interest - exploration of its flora continues to yield species, new species are discovered, and its flora provides materials for many field of scientific research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant species invasion represents one of the major drivers of biodiversity change globally, yet there is confusion about the nature of nonindigenous species (NIS) impact. This confusion stems from differing notions of what constitutes invasive species impact and the scales at which it should be assessed. At local scales, the mechanisms of the impact on local competitors can be classified into four scenarios: (1) minimal impact from NIS inhabiting unique niches; (2) neutral impact spread across the community and proportional to NIS abundance; (3) targeted impact on a small number of competitors with overlapping niches; and (4) pervasive impact that is disproportionate to NIS abundance and caused by modifications that filter out other species. I developed a statistical test to distinguish these four mechanism scenarios based on plant community rank‐abundance curves and then created a scale‐independent standardized impact score. Using an example long‐term dataset with high native plant diversity and an abundance gradient of the invasive vine, Vincetoxicum rossicum, I show that the impact resulted in either targeted or pervasive extirpations. Regardless of whether the NIS impact is neutral, targeted, or pervasive, the net outcome will be the homogenization of ecosystems and reduced biodiversity at larger scales, perhaps reducing ecosystem resilience. The framework and statistical evaluation of impact presented in this paper provide researchers and managers with an objective approach to quantifying NIS impact and prioritizing species for further management actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Republic of Korea, the uninhabited Sasudo island is well known as a breeding ground for seabirds; however, it is seriously threatened by the predation of invasive rats. Here, we analyzed the mtDNA CYTB gene sequence to identify the species of invasive rats captured on Sasudo island from August 2015 to May 2016. The CYTB sequence of the three invasive rats on Sasudo island was 1048 bp long. BLAST analysis showed 99.81–100% homology with the R. norvegicus and a monophyletic pattern in the phylogenetic tree. These results indicate that the rats found on Sasudo island belong to the species R. norvegicus. This study is the first to provide accurate species information and explain the invasion of R. norvegicus on Sasudo island through genetic identification. We conclude that genetic species identification provides reliable information regarding invasive species. This information can be used as basic data for managing invasive species to protect island biological resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The knowledge and control of invasive species are essential in the management of marine ecosystems. The Mediterranean Sea is one of the marine areas with the highest number of invasive species detected, most of them invertebrates. On a smaller scale, colonization by non-native species in coastal lagoons depends directly on their connectivity with the adjacent sea and on the changes in their environmental conditions induced mainly by human interventions. In this study, the cirratulid species Timarete caribous Grube, 1859, native from the Western and Central Atlantic Ocean, was detected for the first time in a Western Mediterranean coastal lagoon, the Mar Menor. It has been found in dense aggregates on both artificial and natural rocky substrates, mainly in the most important communication channel with the Mediterranean Sea. Following the evolution of this NIS will be important for understanding the dynamic and spread of the species and its possible effects on the indigenous biological communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Megabruchidius has been recorded recently in many European countries. This study reports the first records of M. tonkineus and M. dorsalis from Turkey. Both species were detected in the hard seeds of Gleditsia triacanthos. M. tonkineus emerged from pods collected at all locations, while M. dorsalis was found at two locations. Both species were collected in the same trees in Istanbul and Düzce Provinces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increasing number of thermophilic invasive species are spreading and becoming naturalized in Eastern Europe, at least partially due to recent climate change. This can be exemplified by current expansion of the red-eared slider, Trachemys scripta, in Latvia and Ukraine. We collected 44 records of the species in Latvia and 79 in Ukraine. Two of the three subspecies have been found - T. s. elegans and T. s. scripta. In both countries courtship behavior and egg-laying have been observed. Individuals successfully surviving the winter in the wild have been recorded. Due to climate change, it is likely that this species has the potential to establish itself in Latvia and Ukraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asian seed beetles of the genus Megabruchidius have been recorded recently in many European countries. Our contribution serves to formally report the first records of M. dorsalis in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Albania and the first record of M. tonkineus in Montenegro, all found in 2021. Both species develop inside the hard seeds of the ornamental tree Gleditsia triacanthos. Mature G. triacanthos pods were collected from the ground in urban parks of Nikšić and Podgorica (Montenegro) and Tirana (Albania) in July 2021, and Banja Luka (Bosnia and Herzegovina) in August 2021. Fully developed beetles were recorded after two weeks. Megabruchidius dorsalis emerged from the pods collected in all locations, while M. tonkineus was reared only from the pods collected in Podgorica. Because in Podgorica both species were found in the same pods, this also represents confirmation that in some locations these species do co-exist. Overall, M. dorsalis was more widespread and abundant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This contribution presents the first established population of the Chinese pond mussel Sinanodonta woodiana (Lea, 1834) (Bivalvia: Unionidae) in Greece. Previous single reports from rivers Axios and Evros need further investigation. Chinese pond mussels were collected in Lake Pamvotida (= Pamvotis or Ioannina) during a mussel field expedition in October 2020. This alien species was first detected in 2006 in a fishpond adjacent to the lake from where it possibly dispersed. The species is now widespread and abundant throughout the lake and is most possibly displacing a genetically unique population of Anodonta cygnea endemic to the lake. Species identification was confirmed with genetic cytochrome oxidase c subunit I (COI) gene barcoding sequences. A single COI haplotype was retrieved which is shared by the vast of majority of the specimens sequenced from the invaded range in Europe. Monitoring of S. woodiana presence and abundance should be widely conducted and special attention and collaboration with fish farms is urgently required to prevent its dispersal to other freshwater ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquatic plants are expanding their geographic distributions necessitating updated inventories that include evaluations of potential impacts on biodiversity, environmental services, and water management. This study describes the geographic distribution of native and non-native aquatic plants from 11 hydrological regions and basins of México, including 56 reservoirs, 14 lakes, two irrigation channels, two drainages, and one river. Forty-two aquatic plant species were recorded, of which eleven were non-native and invasive, and 31 were native. Of the native species, all but four are considered to have the potential to become invasive in novel habitats. The estimated percent surface coverage by different species of plants recorded in this survey ranged from 5% to 100% of the water bodies. Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth) was the most common, non-native species observed in the Mexican inland waters. This is the first report on the geographic distribution of invasive aquatic plants that affect biodiversity, water availability and uses in México. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Observation on the occurrence of the Black Sea alien species Pseudodiaptomus marinus were initiated since this species was reported in coastal waters of Crimea, in 2016. Current study is focused on the 170–500 µm microplankton fraction represented by nauplii and first copepodite stages. These data were complemented by the mesoplankton fraction abundance contributed by copepodite stages II–V and adults. Samples were collected by plastic bottles at the sea surface and by Juday and Apstein plankton nets in the upper 10 m layer. Nauplial stages of P. marinus were observed during the first three years after species invasion, in September, at the sea surface temperature range from 21.1 to 25.5°C. From 2019 to 2020, specimens appeared in July, at temperatures from 25.8 to 26.0°C. The presence of specimens in samples has been observed by the end of November or December, at sea surface temperature of 13.1 or 8.6°C, respectively. The maximal abundance was observed in the inner part of the Sevastopol Bay. The correlation value of 0.7–0.9 was estimated between the abundance and sea surface temperature throughout the year. Interannual variations of the abundance were associated with an integrative indicator of temperature (in particular, the sum of active temperatures). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first inventory of alien species in the Republic of Mordovia was conducted in 2000. The article provides information on changes in the species composition, as well as the taxonomic and typological structures of the region's alien flora that have occurred for 20 years. The enrichment of the flora in new species was revealed. Enrichment of flora with new species was recorded, mainly due to species escaped from the cultural plantings. The role of the transport routes in the dispersal of alien species has increased. Among natural habitats, fragments of meadow steppe, water bodies, and swamps were relatively stable in the colonization of new alien species. The analysis of the lists of species in 2000 and 2020 was carried out for changes in the degree of naturalization by species. The corresponding examples of views are given in the article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historical Floras are biodiversity-oriented textual sources, which refer to times when scientific methods were far different compared to the present. They are also geographical documents, as the entire work is referred to a focal region explored by certain collectors and following certain principles, since the taxa recorded are usually accompanied by a description of the locality of the observation. Retrospective georeferencing, as well as taxonomic revision, of the records in Historical Floras are, however, very challenging processes, which are usually not taken into account. As a result, very few global overviews of Historical Floras exist to date. In this article we present the analysis of the 7767 floristic records of the late XIX century Flora of the province of Bologna (N-Italy) compiled by Girolamo Cocconi. We processed these records by georeferencing them, whenever possible, to 659 pairs of coordinates and coupling them with the analysis of the collectors involved besides the author, as to provide the spatial and temporal dimension that permits us to further understand the taxonomic information given by the species listed. This allowed us to detect a bias in the exploration of the territory, which depended on accessibility and/or attractivity of the areas for fieldwork and shifted through time as function of the available collaborators who influenced the definition of the floristic pattern of the territory. Finally, we provided a diachronic analysis with the present flora to document the most significant land use changes based on selected floristic target groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arboreta serve as effective tools for identifying alien insect pests and novel trophic associations. In this study, we used an arboretum in Slovenia to survey woody plants and identify both alien and native leaf miners. The leaves and twigs of 50 woody plant species and their cultivars were examined for characteristic damage. We used an integrative approach that combined identification based on leaf mines and DNA barcoding of the larvae and pupae found in the mines. In total, 62 leaf-mining species were identified, including eight alien species, of which the heliozelid Coptodisca lucifluella (Clemens, 1860) and the agromyzid Cerodontha unisetiorbita Zlobin, 1992 were documented for Slovenia for the first time. Additionally, three presumably native Gracillariidae moths Phyllocnistis labyrinthella (Bjerkander, 1790), P. ramulicola Langmaid & Corley, 2007 and P. saligna (Zeller, 1839) represented the first record for Slovenia. Furthermore, we documented 23 novel-to-science trophic associations, 20 of which involved native insects and alien woody plants, primarily from Asia. This study highlights the importance of arboreta and botanical gardens for the interception of invasive alien insects and the early detection of trophic shifts of native insects to alien plants, which can aid in predicting their potential spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The western red cedar (Thuja plicata Donn ex D. Don), an important forest-forming species in the Western part of the North American continent, is an alien species naturalised in Europe. It is popular and highly valued in horticulture. While considering the progressing climate change, it may also be a potential alternative to native species in European forests. The community of soil fungi associated with the western red cedar in forested areas of Europe has not been fully determined. Thus, this study is aimed to identify the community of soil fungi associated with the western red cedar. The experimental plots are located in the Kościan Forest District (51°98'87″ N; 16°23'54″ E). All soil samples were taken from the topsoil layer at a depth of 25 cm with a trowel, three from the centre of natural regeneration (1G, 2G, 5G) and three from the centre stand under the canopy of old-growth western red cedar (3G, 4G, 6G). Fungi were identified directly from the soil based on the ITS1 rDNA region. The derived product was sequenced using Illumina's sequencing by synthesis (SBS) technology. Sequences were referred to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database applying the BLAST algorithm. The fungal counts were defined based on the number of operational taxonomic units (OTU) in the sample. The OTU number was 835 206, with fungal isolates accounting for 683 095 (81.79%). A total of 8 591 taxa belonging to the Kingdom Fungi were identified. The species with the greatest shares in the community included Mortierella spp. (10.5%), Russula spp. (5.6%), Hydnum spp. (3.44%), Solicoccozyma spp. (3.1%) and Penicillium spp. (2.2%). Results showed that saprotrophs and mycorrhizal fungi predominated in the community. The dominance of ectomycorrhizal fungi over arbuscular ones, quite impressive natural regeneration was shown in T. plicata stands in Kościan. Subsequent research should take into account tree stands in Poland in which natural regeneration does not occur or occurs sporadically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The polychaetes are the major benthos in the soft bottom of the eutrophic Eastern Harbour of Alexandria, Egypt. Aim: Investigate the quantitative and qualitative dynamics of polychaete community in the Harbour. Methods: Polychaetes were collected bimonthly from August 2018 to June 2019, by using a 29- × 16-cm grab. Key results: In total, 54 polychaete species were identified, belonging to 27 families and 51 genera. The family Syllidae was represented by eight species, Spionidae by five species, and Cirratulidae by five species, against one to three species from all other families. Eleven alien species were recorded, including four new to the Mediterranean Sea (Caulleriella cristata , Armandia casuarina , Spio blakei and Prionospio lighti). The polychaete community displayed pronounced temporal variations in both species diversity and numerical abundance at the two sampled sites. Conclusion: This study showed high diversity and abundance of polychaetes in such eutrophic basin. Implications: The eutrophication may play a role in the structure and count of polychaetes in the Eastern Harbour. The current study found a noticeably higher diversity of polychaetes in the soft bottom of the Eastern Harbour than have previous studies in this harbour. In total, 54 polychaete species were found; 11 of these were alien species, including 4 new to the Mediterranean Sea (Caulleriella cristata , Armandia casuarina , Spio blakei and Prionospio lighti). Long-term eutrophication has caused significant changes in the composition and abundance of the soft-bottom polychaete community in the Eastern Harbour of Alexandria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]