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Anthropogenic and climatic changes are continuously altering the freshwater plankton, necessitating an evaluation of the complex structure of plankton communities to understand and mitigate these impacts. In this context, the present study focuses on evaluating the structure of plankton communities, specifically Phytoplankton Functional Groups (FGs) for assessing the environmental sensitivity of wetlands under changing scenario. These FGs are defined by shared adaptive features rather than taxonomic traits. Over the period from 2016 to 2018, two ecologically distinct wetlands were examined, analysing their phytoplankton FGs and their relationship with water quality parameters. Ecohydrological data revealed significant seasonal variations (p ≤ 0.05) in key parameters such as water depth, temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, total alkalinity, total hardness, NO3-N, and PO4-P. Notably, there were no significant differences observed among the sampling stations within each wetland. A total of 125 phytoplankton genera/species were classified into 23 FGs in the open wetland and 22 FGs in the closed wetland. Spatial and seasonal analyses of dominant FGs suggested both wetlands were experiencing pollution pressures. This study highlights the powerful role of phytoplankton functional groups (FGs) as bioindicators of wetland health, uncovering pollution pressures. In open wetlands, 15 phytoplankton FGs with 36 key taxa (Indicator Value ≥ 40%) emerged as critical indicators, while in closed wetlands, only 10 FGs with 17 taxa were identified. To assess eutrophication, the occurrence of these indicator species was evaluated using BVSTEP function analysis. The study recommends pollution reduction in catchment areas and restoration of riverine connectivity to enhance FG diversity. Phytoplankton FG methodologies are deemed effective for assessing the environmental sensitivity of wetlands significantly impacted by human activities. This research offers a scientific foundation for the evaluation and restoration of wetland ecosystems. Highlights: Phytoplankton functional groups (FGs) serve as precise bioindicators of wetland environmental sensitivity and pollution pressures. Seasonal and spatial assessments of water quality reveal insights into wetland ecological health. The response of phytoplankton FGs to environmental factors effectively indicates water quality. Key plankton species were identified as indicators of wetland ecological sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Species should optimally modify behavior to local conditions, a concept we examined in bats. If landscapes differ, changes in roost use should manifest, influenced by habitat characteristics and conspecifics. We tested the relationship between bats and landscape, contrasting roosting behavior between contiguous forest and fragmented matrix. 2. Artibeus lituratus is a common bat in the Atlantic Forests of Paraguay. We collected day-roosting behavior data by following radio-telemetered bats, and compared observations between bat groups in the contiguous reserve and surrounding fragmented matrix. 3. Bats exhibited no difference between landscapes in the average number of roost trees used, frequency of roost switching, and area of roosting range. 4. Shared roosts were less available in the matrix landscape; on average matrix bats used shared roosts more often than contiguous landscape bats. However, the proportion of roost days shared were not different between landscapes. Roosting group sizes were found to differ, but not between landscapes. Instead, adult bats roosted in larger groups while pups were present. 5. Roost trees in the matrix landscape may provide less protection from predators. On average, we were less likely to visually confirm bats roosting in the contiguous landscape than those in the matrix. Bats in the contiguous landscape also roosted higher than those in the matrix, unless the roost tree was uncommonly short. Bats exhibited no difference in flushing frequency between landscapes. 6. Some of the behavioral differences observed could be heuristic and diagnostic when assessing the ecological condition of a landscape. Significance statement: Where species range across changing landscapes, evolutionary theory predicts their behaviors will adapt accordingly. When landscapes change by human activities, native biodiversity can be negatively affected. Wildlife that persists in human-modified landscapes are often subjected to increased environmental stressors, which emerge from those new environments. Stressors can manifest as altered behaviors, which are different from the behaviors of populations occurring in unmodified habitats. Researchers can then quantify behavioral differences to compare unmodified and modified habitats. We provide proof of concept, comparing roosting behaviors between two groups of the great fruit-eating bat (Artibeus lituratus). Behaviors differed between two landscapes in visual detection ease, roosting height, and proportion of roost trees shared. Such behaviors — when consistent — are potential indicators of declining ecological health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Long‐term population studies provide invaluable insights into natural variability, particularly in ecology and conservation. We reconstruct the 31‐year dynamics of the European hamster population in a vast area within Central Europe. We identify key meteorological factors influencing population dynamics and project the potential impact of climate change on their conservation. Location: Poland. Methods: As an indicator of hamster population changes, we utilized data on the prey of the Lesser Spotted Eagle (Clanga pomarina) collected over 31 years (1993–2023) in the geographical region where the European hamster coexists. The reliability of ornithological data was validated. Results: Meteorological factors play a critical role in driving hamster population changes. We found a strong correlation between population growth and warm weather patterns in October and November, as well as favourable conditions in March of the following year. These weather patterns allow hamsters to store larger food supplies and enter hibernation in better physiological condition, resulting in improved habitat and nutritional conditions upon emergence from hibernation in spring. Main Conclusions: Our findings underscore the importance of considering meteorological factors in conservation risk assessments, especially when planning and evaluating hamster reintroduction programmes. The significant influence of meteorological conditions raises concerns about the future prospects of this species in the context of ongoing climate change. Disturbances during critical hamster periods, including unseasonal and prolonged temperature drops in spring following relatively warm winters, pose substantial risks to conservation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composition, size distribution, structure, and function of deep‐sea marine communities must be understood before they are impacted by anthropogenic effects. The deep‐sea ecosystem of the Colombian Caribbean Sea is unexploited with no fishing activity ever registered. We quantified the current state of the marine community using body size distribution (size‐spectra), size‐based indicators, minimum length (LMIN), maximum length (LMAX), average length (Lmean), standard deviation of length (LSD), 10th and 90th percentiles of the length distribution, Shannon–Wiener diversity (H′), and Pielou's evenness (J′) to generate a baseline of potential ecological indicators that contribute to management and conservation of the Colombian bento‐demersal community of deep‐sea marine ecosystem. Sampling was in the Colombian Caribbean Sea at 58 stations during four samplings in August and December 2009, 21 stations in March and May 2010, and 45 stations from August to December 2020, using the swept area method, at depths of 200–550 m. Catches included >50% families and species of fish, followed by 27 families (30%) and 33 and species (37%) of crustaceans. Chondrichthyes included 14% families and 9–11% species. Cephalopods included 2–3% families and 1–4% species. Size‐spectra analysis confirmed expected values for unexploited communities in three sampling years for teleostei, crustacea, and whole community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Droughts have posed, and continue to pose, severe risks to terrestrial ecosystems. Particularly against the backdrop of global climate change, the intensity and frequency of extreme droughts are expected to further aggravate. However, a significant gap persists in early drought warning for vegetation monitoring. Therefore, this study examined the spatial and temporal dynamics of two summer drought events happened in Southwest China in 2011 and 2022, and analyzed the early responses of four ecological indicators including global Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) SIF dataset (GOSIF), the leaf-scale fluorescence yield (Φf), the near-infrared reflectance of vegetation (NIRv) and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) to drought extremes. All these indicators successfully captured the drought-induced vegetation stress, but as a proxy for vegetation photosynthesis, GOSIF was the most sensitive. Specifically, during the 2022 drought, GOSIF fell below the baseline year as early as day of year (DOY) 193, whereas NIRv and NDVI began at DOY 201, and Φf lagged severely. Similar behaviour was also found in the drought period of 2011. Overall, compared to the baseline year, GOSIF, Φf, NIRv and NDVI decreased by 96.93 %, 54.11 %, 43.92 % and 17.03 % in 2011, and reduced by 70.00 %, 42.01 %, 48.74 % and 19.53 % in 2022, respectively. During the past two decades, GOSIF exhibited the strongest correlation with drought intensity (r = 0.880, p 0.05). Spatially, the proportion of areas where the correlations exceeded 0.6 by GOSIF and NIRv were 42.39 % and 39.32 %, respectively. In summary, this study demonstrated that global re-constructed GOSIF possesses considerable potential as an early warning indicator for vegetation drought.

Conservation of flagship and umbrella species has popular support and benefits coexistent species. We investigated whether the Caribbean sharpnose shark Rhizoprionodon porosus gathers necessary attributes of a 'flagship umbrella' species in the region of the Artificial Reef Complex of Guaxindiba (ARCG), southeastern Brazil. To do so, we compared fish community in areas and periods with and without this species, including areas with artificial reefs (ARs) and control areas (CAs); we combined these data with interviews with fishers. Ichthyofauna richness and abundance were higher in co-occurrence with the Caribbean sharpnose shark mainly in ARs. Thus, from an ecological standpoint, this shark can be considered an umbrella species. Moreover, this species raised awareness among fishers for conservation, mainly because of its commercial value and risk of losing their income, characterizing it as a flagship species. Therefore, it is recommended that sharks become symbols in conservation actions aiming the sustainability of the ARCG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Large-scale natural disturbances are crucial drivers of ecosystem function and composition for many forested ecosystems. In the last century, the prevalence of anthropogenic disturbances has increased across Canada’s boreal forest. Habitat disturbance from timber harvest and wildfire is linked to declines of boreal species, including woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou). Objectives: We tested how disturbances influenced the recovery trajectory of ecological indicators of timber, biodiversity, and wildlife habitat through time following timber harvest and wildfire across the boreal forest of Alberta, Canada. Methods: During 2021 and 2022, we collected field data from 251 timber harvested and 264 burned stands (0–40 years since disturbance), as well as 256 older forest stands used by caribou (> 40 years since disturbance). Field data included metrics of stand attributes (e.g., basal area, stems per hectare), coarse woody debris (CWD), and abundance of forage for caribou, moose (Alces americanus), and bears (black bear: Ursus americanus, grizzly bear: Ursus arctos). Results: Basal area of trees and stems per hectare recovered more quickly in timber harvest sites when compared to wildfire sites, but as time since disturbance increased there were no differences in these attributes among timber harvest, wildfire, and caribou use sites. CWD was greatest in recently burned sites, but declined over time to be similar in quantity as in harvested stands and older forest stands. Terrestrial lichens, important forage for caribou, were most abundant in the older caribou use sites, whereas forage for moose and bears, including shrubs, was most abundant in younger timber harvest and wildfire sites. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that timber harvesting may result in a quicker development of timber volume when compared to wildfire. However, this anthropogenic disturbance is less advantageous for the development of caribou habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To test the serial discontinuity concept (SDC) predictions in a regulated river ecosystem, environmental parameters and phytoplankton community structure were determined in a subtropical river (China) which was regulated by 11 cascade dams. Our results showed that total phosphorus (TP) and silicate during the wet period in several dams supported the SDC predictions. Variations of phytoplankton species composition in several cascade dams, such as Datengxia (DTX) and Changzhou (CZ), also supported the SDC predictions. Moreover, the stations near the dams showed the maximum or minimum values of total species numbers in each cascade segment. Predictive model indicated that the types of phytoplankton decreased in the middle reaches, conforming to SDC predictions. In the whole system of cascading dams, an increase in silicate concentration and phytoplankton communities in the downstream was also consistent with SDC predictions. Therefore, these findings aligned with the SDC predictions in the aspects of both single dam and whole cascade dam system to some extent. In future research, our aim is to further investigate the effects of cascade damming on additional phytoplankton-related indices in this aquatic ecosystem. We hope to gather more comprehensive data to fully validate the SDC predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of optimising the location of crops/plots in protected areas, national parks, farmland or forests involves trying to reconcile their proper functioning with nature conservation, the preservation of unique ecosystems or sustainable development. Such areas are crucial for the preservation of biodiversity and wildlife. This paper examines and discusses the impact of land consolidation in rural areas using GIS (Geographic Information System) tools. It performs a series of network analyses to determine the real distances (following the road network) and linear distances (rectilinear distances) between habitats and farmland. A tool was also developed to automate this process. The results obtained were visualised using map compositions, tables and graphs. The implemented project had a significant beneficial effect on the change in the land structure in the analysed village. The number of registered plots decreased by 40% (from 1,189 to 711) due to the consolidation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The once plentiful population of the tufted ghost crab, Ocypode cursor, a legally protected species, suffered a steep decline along the densely populated Mediterranean coast of Israel.Here we assessed the effects of recreational disturbance on crab populations in three sandy shore nature reserves and adjacent bathing beaches with differing accessibility during the summers of 2020–2021, employing burrow counts and burrow opening diameter as proxies for population abundance and population size structure.A total 6270 burrows were identified, counted and their opening diameter measured during the study period. The number of burrows was greatest close by the waterline and diminished landwards; this landwards decline was notable in the smallest burrows (<20 mm), representing the youngest population fraction. Comparison of population abundance between the surveyed nature reserves and adjacent bathing beaches revealed greater numbers in the former. However, a pronounced postweekend reduction in the number of burrows was apparent in nature reserves during both survey years, across sites and months and clearly indicates elevated recreational activity. The number of burrows in the nature reserve nearest to main population centres and abutting a popular bathing beach was smaller compared with the peripheral nature reserves.We observed no postsunrise activity of adult crabs, though in strictly access‐restricted beaches, crabs were active diurnally. We thus suggest that the crabs shifted their diel activity patterns as avoidance response to chronic anthropogenic disturbance, enduring a forced curfew and a temporal habitat loss.If the sandy nature reserves are to function as true refugia for the tufted ghost crab, restorative management is to include significant conservation and mitigation intervention measurements/actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of Earth Observation (EO) for water quality monitoring has substantially raised in the recent decade; however, harmonisation of EO-based indicators across the seas to support environmental policies is in great demand. EO-based Cyanobacterial Bloom Index (CyaBI) originally developed for open waters, was tested for transitional and coastal waters of the Lithuanian Baltic Sea and the Ukrainian Black Sea during 2006–2019. Among three tested neural network-based processors (FUB-CSIRO, C2RCC, standard Level-2 data), the FUB-CSIRO applied to Sentinel-3 OLCI images was the most appropriate for the retrieval of chlorophyll-a in both seas (R2 = 0.81). Based on 147 combined MERIS and OLCI synoptic satellite images for the Baltic Sea and 234 for the Black Sea, it was shown that the CyaBI corresponds to the eutrophication patterns and trends over the open, coastal and transitional waters. In the Baltic Sea, the cyanobacteria blooms mostly originated from the central part and the outflow of the Curonian Lagoon. In the Black Sea, they occurred in the coastal region and shelf zone. The recent decrease in bloom presence and its severity were revealed in the areas with riverine influence and coastal waters. Intensive blooms significantly enhanced the short-term increase in sea surface temperature (mean ≤ 0.7 °C and max ≤ 7.0 °C) compared to surrounding waters, suggesting that EO data originating from thermal infrared sensors could also be integrated for the ecological status assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seagrasses, which are marine flowering plants, provide numerous ecological services and goods. Zostera marina is the most widely distributed seagrass in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere, tolerant of a wide range of environmental conditions. This study aimed to (i) examine seasonal trends and correlations between key seagrass traits such as biomass production and biochemical composition, and (ii) compare seasonal adaptation of two ecotypes of Z. marina exposed to similar environmental conditions on the west coast of Ireland. During summer, plants accumulated higher levels of energetic compounds and levels of unsaturated fatty acids (FAs) decreased. Conversely, the opposite trend was observed during colder months. These findings indicate a positive seasonal correlation between the production of non-structural carbohydrates and saturated fatty acids (SFAs), suggesting that seagrasses accumulate and utilize both energetic compounds simultaneously during favorable and unfavorable environmental conditions. The two ecotypes displayed differential seasonal responses by adjusting plant morphology and production, the utilization of energetic reserves, and modulating unsaturation levels of fatty acids in seagrass leaves. These results underscore the correlated seasonal responses of key compounds, capturing ecotype-specific environmental adaptations and ecological strategies, emphasizing the robust utility of these traits as a valuable eco-physiological tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water transparency is widely used in environmental monitoring programs and in assessing water quality in aquatic environments. The purpose of this study was to determine which of two water transparency-measuring tools, a Secchi disk or a water turbidity meter, is better to assess environments in shallow eutrophic waters. Measurements of the Secchi disk depth (Dsd) and water turbidity (Turb) were carried out simultaneously at eight stations of the hypereutrophic Sestroretsky Razliv reservoir in 2015–2018. In May, October, and December, Dsd varied around 0.6 m but was significantly lower in August during algal blooms. Turbidity ranged from 10 to 20 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) in different seasons but increased to almost 70 NTU in August. Principal component analysis revealed that Dsd was inversely proportional to Turb, total suspended solids, and chlorophyll concentrations. The data showed that at turbidities below 20 NTU, the Secchi disk clearly distinguishes differences in water transparency, but when Turb exceeds 40 NTU, measuring transparency using the Secchi disk no longer allows for water differentiation. In this case, it is preferable to use water turbidity measurements, which remain an effective indicator even in highly turbid waters. This should be taken into account when assessing the environment in eutrophic waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study focuses on the environmental conditions of the Mahanadi Estuary near Paradeep Harbor and the adjacent sea. Data collected from May 2013 to April 2020 from 32 GPS fixed stations was analyzed to assess the water quality in different zones (estuarine, mixed zone, mixed zone south, and mixed zone north) of study area. Parameters such as pH, SST, TSS, nitrite, phosphate, silicate, TOC, chlorophyll, fecal coliform, and heavy metals were used to estimate the Water Quality Index (WQI) for each zone. The study found a deterioration (> 30%) in the overall water quality of the Mahanadi Estuary from 2013 to 2020, potentially attributed to river inflows, port activities, and industrial outflows in to the coastal ecosystem. Seasonal variations in temperature, salinity, turbidity, nitrite, nitrate, and ammonia were observed. The water quality showed a deteriorating trend in estuarine, mixed zone, mixed zone south, and mixed zone north. Based on the water quality indices, the ecosystem shows moderate levels of stress. The degraded water quality highlights the need for a targeted mitigation plan to reduce external pressures and enhance the overall ecosystem quality. Graphical Abstract

Confined to a few favorable patches of habitat within a mosaic of physical drivers, many species disappear from human-disturbed beaches. However, mobile species may change their distribution and select more appropriate habitats as a response to disturbance. Ghost crabs are one of the few beach resident animals capable of moving over considerable distances, but usual habitat homogeneity of urban beaches theoretically prevents them from finding refuge. Here, I tested whether access walkways provide a habitat for ghost crabs on four beaches in southeastern Brazil. I counted and measured burrow opening diameter under walkways and in surrounding transects located at various distances from these structures between June 2020 and May 2021. Mean burrow density was three times higher in transects out of walkways than under the walkways. However, burrows were larger and positioned farther from the waterline under walkways. Walkways thus possibly provide protection for ghost crabs from trampling and vehicle traffic in urban beaches and could therefore be applied as an environmental enrichment tool in the management and conservation of sandy beach biodiversity.

This study focuses on the environmental conditions of the Mahanadi Estuary near Paradeep Harbor and the adjacent sea. Data collected from May 2013 to April 2020 from 32 GPS fixed stations was analyzed to assess the water quality in different zones (estuarine, mixed zone, mixed zone south, and mixed zone north) of study area. Parameters such as pH, SST, TSS, nitrite, phosphate, silicate, TOC, chlorophyll, fecal coliform, and heavy metals were used to estimate the Water Quality Index (WQI) for each zone. The study found a deterioration (> 30%) in the overall water quality of the Mahanadi Estuary from 2013 to 2020, potentially attributed to river inflows, port activities, and industrial outflows in to the coastal ecosystem. Seasonal variations in temperature, salinity, turbidity, nitrite, nitrate, and ammonia were observed. The water quality showed a deteriorating trend in estuarine, mixed zone, mixed zone south, and mixed zone north. Based on the water quality indices, the ecosystem shows moderate levels of stress. The degraded water quality highlights the need for a targeted mitigation plan to reduce external pressures and enhance the overall ecosystem quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purna Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area situated in the northern most tip of one of the hottest hotspots - Western Ghats. Knowledge of the biodiversity structure of such important areas is essential for conservation planning and management. Besides being an excellent indicator of species diversity and health of terrestrial ecosystems, spiders still remain almost a neglected group of animals in conservation point of view. Aim of this paper is to study the dominance structure and guild composition of spiders of Purna Wildlife Sanctuary, as these compositions indicate the quality of biodiversity of this protected area. Dominance structure was measured using Tischler's scale and guild structure analysis that was done based on ecological attributes of each spider family. Eudominant species in Purna Wildlife Sanctuary was found to be Argiope pulchella (Family Araneidae). Dominant guild was Orbweb weavers. This paper also attempts to update the spider diversity in Purna Wildlife Sanctuary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intensification of human activities is pushing our use of ecosystems beyond thresholds of resiliency. Given the accelerating global crisis of ecological sustainability, there has been enormous growth in research related to ecological security. However, differences in opinions on ecological security have hindered understanding and effective applications of this concept. To understand the development of research on ecological security, we reviewed its achievements and limitations over the past 30 years from three dimensions: definition, evaluation method, and approach to identify measures to improve the ecological security level. We used the Web of Science search engine to retrieve peer-reviewed journal articles published from 1990 to 2021 containing the keywords "ecological security" or "ecological safety". There are three main ethical perspectives among the definitions of ecological security: nature-centric, human-centric, and eclectic; the human-centric view, which focuses on human well-being, is predominant in the field. Most studies employed the following three evaluation methods: quantitative comparison, composite indicators, and spatial analysis. However, the results of ecological security analyses were difficult to compare. Three main approaches (causality, correlation, and landscape) were used to identify the drivers of ecological security and propose measures for ensuring or improving ecological security. Owing to the complexity and heterogeneity of ecosystems, universally effective measures to ensure ecological security rarely exist. For the definition and evaluation of ecological security, a broader, non-anthropocentric perspective that incorporates the intrinsic value of non-humans in the context of cost–benefit, security–efficiency evaluations is essential. When proposing evaluation methods, the comparability of evaluation results should be given priority. To improve ecological security level, identifying the key drivers and/or potential optimal patterns of ecological security may be a promising solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Territories are at the forefront of efforts to curtail the trajectory of their environmental impacts and enhance their economic and ecological resilience. To expedite the process of curving the ecological footprint, France has launched the Ecological Transition Plan (ETP). However, environmental programs in France are orchestrated at the national and regional levels, which tends to diminish the heterogeneity of territorial dynamics. This underscores a disparity in scale that might potentially hinder the translation of the ETP's objectives (Top-Down) into feasible local initiatives (Bottom-Up), and vice versa. To bridge this gap, we suggest employing the Ecological Footprint as a monitoring framework, in conjunction with a spatially-nested approach. This combination aims to guarantee the precise conversion of objectives into impactful local actions. Results reveal that only 27% of French territories are encountering an ecological deficit, while the remaining 73% are classified as ecological reserves. The primary sectors contributing to this ecological overshoot are “road transport” (28.8%), followed by “industry” (21.4%), and “agriculture” (19.5%). We posit that this spatially-nested analysis can unravel territorial heterogeneities and facilitate the design of more nuanced and appropriately tailored ecological actions across different scales.

Although its role in the functioning of aquatic systems is widely recognized, the contribution of freshwater metazooplankton (metazoan plankton) to ecosystem services (ES) is seldom considered. Here we aim at providing a first overview of how this group contributes to ecosystem services according to the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment framework. We show that although metazooplankton hardly generates any provisioning services, it provides crucial support to the generation of other services. Metazooplankton is important for fisheries because it forms an essential food item for the larval and juvenile stages of most freshwater fish and acts as a trophic link between phytoplankton and microbial communities and the fish community. Through its stoichiometric homeostasis and ability to feed on biochemically complementary food sources it may also act as a buffer against bottom-up effects of nutrient deficiencies in primary producers. Metazooplankton often has a crucial regulatory function by controlling phytoplankton growth and dissolved organic carbon, contributing to the quality of drinking and irrigation water supplies and of the underwater light climate. It provides attractive study material for didactic purposes and some taxa have served as model systems that have considerably aided progress in scientific disciplines, such as ecology, evolutionary biology, ecotoxicology, environmental, and biomedical sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to inventory the taxonomic diversity of lichens in the territory of the protected area of local importance "Novokodatskyi Park" located within the large industrial city of Dnipro (Dnipro region, Ukraine), taking into account the data of automated air monitoring. Along with the development of instrumental methods for studying the state of environmental components, biological monitoring is also relevant. After all, living organisms, namely their taxonomic diversity, number and its dynamics, etc., are integral indicators of the state of the environment. Numerous species of organisms are widely used as biomonitors of air pollution, the most famous of which are lichens, as it has been found that with an increase in the content of pollutants in the air, bushy, then leafy and finally scaling forms of lichens first disappear. Numerous studies have also shown a correlation between the number of lichen species and increased concentrations of pollutants in the air. The city of Dnipro is one of the largest industrial cities in Ukraine and has a high level of technogenic load. There are 10 industrial facilities of national and regional significance within the city of Dnipro, which are included in the List of the most environmentally hazardous facilities, and the largest metallurgical enterprises are concentrated in the Novokodatskyi district of Dnipro. During the survey of the territory of the Novokodatskyi Park, a nature reserve of local importance, 10 species of lichens from 6 families were registered. Let's believe that the study of the taxonomic diversity of the lichen biota of large industrial cities and other settlements is a promising area of research in terms of lichen indication. After all, in this case, lichen diversity is an integral indicator, and the results obtained are quite clear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity loss during the Anthropocene is a serious ecological challenge. Pollinators are important vectors that provide multiple essential ecosystem services but are declining rapidly in this changing world. However, several studies have argued that a high abundance of managed bee pollinators, such as honeybees (Apis mellifera), may be sufficient to provide pollination services for crop productivity, and sociological studies indicate that the majority of farmers worldwide do not recognize the contribution of wild pollinator diversity to agricultural yield. Here, we review the importance of pollinator diversity in natural and agricultural ecosystems that may be thwarted by the increase in abundance of managed pollinators such as honeybees. We also emphasize the additional roles diverse pollinator communities play in environmental safety, culture, and aesthetics. Research indicates that in natural ecosystems, pollinator diversity enhances pollination during environmental and climatic perturbations, thus alleviating pollen limitation. In agricultural ecosystems, pollinator diversity increases the quality and quantity of crop yield. Furthermore, studies indicate that many pollinator groups are useful in monitoring environmental pollution, aid in pest and disease control, and provide cultural and aesthetic value. During the uncertainties that may accompany rapid environmental changes in the Anthropocene, the conservation of pollinator diversity must expand beyond bee conservation. Similarly, the value of pollinator diversity maintenance extends beyond the provision of pollination services. Accordingly, conservation of pollinator diversity requires an interdisciplinary approach with contributions from environmentalists, taxonomists, and social scientists, including artists, who can shape opinions and behavior.

Heavy metals are major pollutants in tourist cities due to transportation and urbanization. This study aimed to assess heavy metal concentrations using transplanted lichen in tourist cities. The project was conducted in Malacca, Malaysia, using transplanted Usnea misaminensis lichen at ten sampling stations. After one month, these lichen samples were collected and heavy metal analysis was carried out in a lab using ICP-MS. Other factors, such as the number of vehicles, temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed, were also recorded. The results indicated that the heavy metal concentrations in Malacca were higher than at the control station. The ranking of heavy metal concentrations in the study areas was Fe > Zn > Mn > Pb > Cr > Cu. Furthermore, a positive correlation was also found between the number of vehicles and temperature with the heavy metal concentrations determined within the study areas, while relative humidity and wind speed showed a negative correlation with the heavy metal concentrations detected. The usage of lichens to observe and monitor the chemical compositions in the atmosphere is considered to be relevant these days because they allow for long-term data from the ecosystem to be obtained due to their long life span. This research also emphasizes the need for a better plan for Malacca. Local authorities need to re-plan and redesign Malacca to ensure that pollutants can be flushed out, the city looks greener and cooler, and more non-motor vehicles are used as public transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Legume intercropping by biological nitrogen (N) fixation is supposed as a more sustainable way than chemical N addition to enhance soil N availability in agronomy, however, the effects of the two types of N input on soil food web are scarcely determined. To fill the knowledge gap, we conducted a field experiment with randomized block design in an oil‐tea (Camellia oleifera) plantation, which included five N manipulation treatment: legume intercropping (Arachis hypogaea and Cassia tora), chemical N fertilizer application (84 and 168 kg N ha−1 yr−1), and the control (no N addition). The soil nematode communities and physicochemical properties were monitored in the seedling, heading, and mature stages of the legumes respectively. The results showed that the legume intercropping significantly increased the abundances of bacterivores and omnivore‐predators compared with the N fertilizations. Weighted nematode fauna analysis showed that N fertilization treatments were mainly located in the degraded plot (quadrat IV), and legume treatments were located in the structure plot (quadrat III). Structural equation model revealed that the legume intercropping positively correlated with the abundance of bacterivores and omnivore‐predators while N fertilization rate negatively correlated with the abundance of bacterivores and fungivores. Our results suggest that the legume biological N fixation was more conducive to providing N sources to soil organisms than the chemical N fertilizer, which resulted in an enhanced and a degraded soil food web respectively. Thus, legume intercropping is a more sustainable N management practice for the cultivation of C. oleifera plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of Earth Observation (EO) for water quality monitoring has substantially raised in the recent decade; however, harmonisation of EO-based indicators across the seas to support environmental policies is in great demand. EO-based Cyanobacterial Bloom Index (CyaBI) originally developed for open waters, was tested for transitional and coastal waters of the Lithuanian Baltic Sea and the Ukrainian Black Sea during 2006–2019. Among three tested neural network-based processors (FUB-CSIRO, C2RCC, standard Level-2 data), the FUB-CSIRO applied to Sentinel-3 OLCI images was the most appropriate for the retrieval of chlorophyll-a in both seas (R2 = 0.81). Based on 147 combined MERIS and OLCI synoptic satellite images for the Baltic Sea and 234 for the Black Sea, it was shown that the CyaBI corresponds to the eutrophication patterns and trends over the open, coastal and transitional waters. In the Baltic Sea, the cyanobacteria blooms mostly originated from the central part and the outflow of the Curonian Lagoon. In the Black Sea, they occurred in the coastal region and shelf zone. The recent decrease in bloom presence and its severity were revealed in the areas with riverine influence and coastal waters. Intensive blooms significantly enhanced the short-term increase in sea surface temperature (mean ≤ 0.7 °C and max ≤ 7.0 °C) compared to surrounding waters, suggesting that EO data originating from thermal infrared sensors could also be integrated for the ecological status assessment.

Water transparency is widely used in environmental monitoring programs and in assessing water quality in aquatic environments. The purpose of this study was to determine which of two water transparency-measuring tools, a Secchi disk or a water turbidity meter, is better to assess environments in shallow eutrophic waters. Measurements of the Secchi disk depth (Dsd) and water turbidity (Turb) were carried out simultaneously at eight stations of the hypereutrophic Sestroretsky Razliv reservoir in 2015–2018. In May, October, and December, Dsd varied around 0.6 m but was significantly lower in August during algal blooms. Turbidity ranged from 10 to 20 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) in different seasons but increased to almost 70 NTU in August. Principal component analysis revealed that Dsd was inversely proportional to Turb, total suspended solids, and chlorophyll concentrations. The data showed that at turbidities below 20 NTU, the Secchi disk clearly distinguishes differences in water transparency, but when Turb exceeds 40 NTU, measuring transparency using the Secchi disk no longer allows for water differentiation. In this case, it is preferable to use water turbidity measurements, which remain an effective indicator even in highly turbid waters. This should be taken into account when assessing the environment in eutrophic waters.

Understanding biodiversity patterns and its environmental drivers is crucial to meet conservation targets and develop effective monitoring tools. Inconspicuous species such as lichens require special attention since they are ecologically important but sensitive species that are often overlooked in conservation planning. Remote sensing (RS) can be particularly beneficial for these species as in combination with modelling techniques it allows planners to assess and better understand biodiversity patterns. This study aims to model the lichen α-diversity (species richness) and β-diversity (species turnover) biodiversity components using high resolution RS variables across a subarctic region in Northern Quebec (∼190.25 km2). Two sensors, one commercial (WorldView-3, WV3) and another freely accessible (Sentinel-2, S2), at different resolutions (1.2 m and 10 m, respectively) were tested separately to develop our variables and feed the models. Lichens were sampled in 45 plots across different habitat types, ranging from forested habitats (coniferous, deciduous) to wetlands (bogs, fens) and rocky outcrops. Two sets of uncorrelated variables (Red and NIR; EVI2) from each sensor were parallelly used to build the α- and β-diversity models (8 models in total) through Poisson regressions and generalized dissimilarity modelling (GDM), respectively. Red and NIR variables were useful for modeling the two biodiversity components at both resolutions, providing information on stand canopy closure and structure, respectively. EVI2, especially from WV3, was only informative for assessing β-diversity, providing similar information than Red. Poisson models explained up to 32 % of the variation in lichen α-diversity, with Red, NIR and EVI2, either from WV3 or S2, showing negative relationships with lichen richness. GDMs described well the relationship between β-diversity and spectral dissimilarity (R2 from 0.25 to 0.30), except for the S2 EVI2 model (R2 = 0.07), confirming that more spectrally and thus environmentally different areas tend to harbor different lichen communities. While WV3 often outperformed the S2 sensor, the latter still provides a powerful tool for the study of lichens and their conservation. This study contributes to improve our knowledge and to inform on the use of RS to understand biodiversity patterns of inconspicuous species, which we consider to be an essential step to enhance their representation in conservation planning.

This study evaluated the survival of seedlings of native species of Cerrado - Brazil and its potential as an indicator of ecological restoration of riparian forests. The factors affecting survival were also analyzed. The experiment consisted of three planting models with three replications (T1 = nucleation: Anderson model; T2 = nucleation: Anderson model + artificial perches; T3 = filling line and diversity line). The influence of factors such as leaf herbivory, stem herbivory, absence of leaves (predation, dehydration or malnutrition) and sprouting/regrowth survival were assessed by cluster analysis. The survival rates ranged from 58.6 to 100% (average 73.6%). Out of eighteen species, fifteen showed survival rate above 60%, and could be potentially used in the restoration of degraded areas. The hierarchical clustering using survival efficiency and biotic factors resulted in the distinction of two groups of species with high frequency of leaves and stem herbivory, differing statistically (test “t”, p < 0.05) in the sprouting and regrowth. The survival efficiency shows potential of being used as a restoration indicator.

Seagrass meadows form the foundation of many coastal ecosystems, but are rapidly declining on a global scale. To conserve and restore these key-ecosystems, improved understanding of drivers behind seagrass presence and recovery is needed. Many animals are known to both facilitate and inhibit seagrasses, but biotic factors are still rarely used as indicators of seagrass presence. Hence, we investigate if macrozoobenthos could be used as an indicator for intertidal seagrass (Zostera marina and Zostera noltii) habitat suitability in the international Wadden Sea. Additionally, we explore if macrozoobenthos can explain the differing seagrass recovery rates that have been observed between the Northern (Denmark and Schleswig Holstein) and Southern (Lower Saxony and Netherlands) regions of the Wadden Sea. To achieve this, we performed a Wadden Sea-wide survey at 36 intertidal locations, across three countries, and investigated the importance of 21 abiotic and biotic variables in explaining the presence and absence of intertidal seagrasses. Seagrass presence or absence could be reliably predicted (prediction error: 16.7%) with a multivariate logistic regression with only four variables; chlorophyll a, bivalve, ragworm and mudsnail biomass. We also found higher chlorophyll concentrations and ragworm biomass in the South compared to the Northern Wadden Sea, suggesting that eutrophication and associated community shifts might still inhibit seagrass recovery in the South. Our findings highlight the potential of using macrozoobenthos as indicators for seagrass habitat suitability. In areas, like the Dutch Wadden Sea, where macrozoobenthic surveys are common and where benthic data is readily available, our findings can be used to improve the understanding of seagrass recovery dynamics and the selection of suitable seagrass restoration sites.

Worldwide, riparian zones of many intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams (IRES) have been severely degraded. However, compared with perennially flowing waters, there have been few restoration efforts (e.g., revegetation, livestock removal) to halt or reverse this degradation. Even rarer are assessments of whether desired responses occurred and, if so, their underlying mechanisms, especially where flow extremes such as drying and flooding in IRES might alter or delay ecological responses to restoration.In order to assess how aquatic invertebrate communities responded to riparian replanting and livestock removal in three degraded lowland IRES in southeastern Australia, we conducted an eight‐year experiment (2004–2013), sampling paired control (unrestored) and treatment (restored, between 2005 and 2007 across creeks) sites twice yearly before and after restoration. To evaluate likely mechanisms underlying invertebrate responses to riparian restoration, we used a range of structural (e.g., richness) and functional (e.g., trait‐based) metrics. We also monitored environmental variables predicted to be likely drivers of aquatic invertebrate responses such as macrophyte and canopy cover, water quality, instream organic matter and instream wood. The study coincided with the last few years of a decade‐long drought that broke with severe floods (in 2010–2012), so we opportunistically examined how these hydrological extremes affected invertebrate responses to riparian restoration.At all three sites, macrophyte and canopy cover, water quality, organic matter and instream wood were comparable at treatment and control sites throughout the eight‐year experiment. There were also no significant differences in structural or functional metrics to indicate aquatic invertebrate responses to restoration after 6–8 years. This lack of predicted invertebrate responses apparently reflected how severely the drought impeded the riparian restoration, delaying even short‐term responses. Pervasive effects of catchment‐scale degradation may have further diminished the predicted benefits of the reach‐scale restoration efforts.By contrast, invertebrate metrics responded strongly to flow extremes, especially the brief floods that occurred as drought broke. These responses were evident for functional groups and individual families (especially rheophilic ones), but were not detected by a commonly used integrative measure of stream condition. This highlights the importance of selecting appropriate indicators in restoration monitoring programs and recognising their variability in responsiveness to restoration versus flow extremes.IRES are abundant and, in many parts of the world, increasingly common. Understanding how their inherent hydrological extremes may delay, modify and even overwhelm predicted responses to riparian restoration is crucial to setting realistic goals for IRES in the Anthropocene. Furthermore, assessing the success of riparian restoration in IRES requires a long‐term view given the extended time frames over which responses may occur, especially when expectations are often based on results of riparian restoration of perennial streams and rivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the survival of seedlings of native species of Cerrado - Brazil and its potential as an indicator of ecological restoration of riparian forests. The factors affecting survival were also analyzed. The experiment consisted of three planting models with three replications (T1 = nucleation: Anderson model; T2 = nucleation: Anderson model + artificial perches; T3 = filling line and diversity line). The influence of factors such as leaf herbivory, stem herbivory, absence of leaves (predation, dehydration or malnutrition) and sprouting/regrowth survival were assessed by cluster analysis. The survival rates ranged from 58.6 to 100% (average 73.6%). Out of eighteen species, fifteen showed survival rate above 60%, and could be potentially used in the restoration of degraded areas. The hierarchical clustering using survival efficiency and biotic factors resulted in the distinction of two groups of species with high frequency of leaves and stem herbivory, differing statistically (test "t", p < 0.05) in the sprouting and regrowth. The survival efficiency shows potential of being used as a restoration indicator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We propose extending monitoring time series for phytoplankton using sedimentary DNA. • A simple two-species ddPCR reaction for a diatom and a dinoflagellate can deliver an index ecosystem assessment. • We reveal the timing of recent anthropogenic changes and evaluate local ecosystem stability and good ecological status across millennia. Marginal sea ecosystems, such as the Baltic Sea, are severely affected by anthropogenic pressures, such as climate warming, pollution, and eutrophication, which increased in the course of the past century. Biodiversity monitoring data and assessment of environmental status in such systems have typically been carried out only for the past few decades, if at all, and knowledge on pre-impact stability and good ecological status is limited. An extension of monitoring time series can potentially be achieved through analyses of paleoecological records, e.g. for phytoplankton, which form the base of the food web and are highly susceptible to environmental changes. Within the phytoplankton community, dinoflagellates and diatoms play a significant role as primary producers, and their relative dominance in the spring bloom, calculated as Dia/Dino index, is used as an indicator for the environmental status of the Baltic Sea. To extend time series on the dominance patterns and include non-fossilized dinoflagellates, we here establish a simple droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) reaction on ancient DNA from sediment cores that decodes phytoplankton dynamics. We focus on two common spring bloom species, the diatom Skeletonema marinoi and the dinoflagellate Apocalathium malmogiense , for which we evaluate a DNA based dominance index. It performs very well in comparison to DNA metabarcoding and modern monitoring and can elucidate past species dominance across the past century and across millennia in different basins of the Baltic. For the past century, we see a dominance shift already starting before the mid-20th century in two of the Baltic Sea basins, thus substantially predating current monitoring programs. Shifts are only partly coeval among the cores and the index shows different degrees of stability. This pattern is confirmed across millennia, where a long-term stable relationship between the diatom and the dinoflagellate is observed in the Eastern Gotland Basin, while data from the Gulf of Finland bear testimony to a much more unstable relationship. This confirms that good ecological status based on the dominance pattern of diatoms and dinoflagellates must be established locally and exemplifies how sediment core DNA can be employed to extend monitoring data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The approach for monitoring forest health such as canopy layer, air quality, soil texture has evolved in tandem with the advancement of new technology such as lab analysis, remote sensing etc. The application of biomonitoring techniques for example species diversity and morphological observation, on the other hand, has been positive and has made its own contribution to forest management. Many studies have been conducted in the last decade (2011–2021), which use the biomonitoring techniques in assessing the forest health status. Therefore, this study aims to systematically review the forest health biomonitoring techniques in the last decade. This study used the PRISMA guidelines as the protocol to search and analyze all the papers. This study selected 72 out of 538 papers for a thematic analysis which eventually identified four main biomonitoring techniques, namely: 1) diversity distribution, 2) morphological observations, 3) trace elements, minerals and physiological measurements, and 4) behavioral observations. The biomonitoring techniques applied to monitor forest health has evolved with numerous ways that can support existing technologies, as well as help educate people on the necessity of protecting and safeguarding the natural forest environment. This also will give more options to the authority in monitoring the forest health and not only focusing on technology.

Ensuring the effectiveness of method in maintaining and recovering the productive capacity of degraded soils, e.g., no-till farming, is more important than opening new agricultural frontiers. Organic matter breakdown is a key ecosystem process with implications on aquatic food webs and biogeochemical cycles. Our objective was to quantify the standard cellulosic substrate (cotton strips and balsa wood) mass loss in no-till soybean and forest areas as control. We use bags of two mesh sizes (0.5 mm vs. 10 mm), on soil surface and buried-in-soil (10 cm) for 30, 70, and 90 days in all three sampling sites: no-till soybean vs. adjacent forest vs. forest native. The invertebrate community by pitfall collector and soil for chemical characterization was also sampled. The high microbial breakdown of balsa wood buried-in-soil was observed in no-till soybean systems (± 5% compared to forest), indicating a superficial fertilizing effect and negative effect to decomposers. The mass loss in balsa wood in soil surface ranges from 15% (fine mesh in the adjacent forest) to 25% smaller (fine mesh in no-till soybean systems) compared to forest native. Microbial breakdown in cotton buried was 45% greater in no-till soybean systems compared to forest native. The cotton breakdown by invertebrate activity on soil surface was higher in the forest areas compared to no-till soybean (30% smaller) due to the quality and edaphic conditions of the adjacent litter. Finally, adjacent forest close to crops may provide important ecosystem services for productive systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Phu Quoc marine protected area (MPA) is a multiple‐use MPA that was established in 2007 and is a component of Vietnam's National MPA System. The MPA is divided into two spatially separated zones based on habitat type: a seagrass zone and a coral reef zone.In this study, visual census data were collected in 2018–2019 and were used to derive fish biomass and community diversity metrics as proxies for ecosystem condition and function (trophic and mobility). The effectiveness of the MPA in protecting fish communities in the seagrass and coral reef zones was evaluated. An updated characterization of the Phu Quoc fish communities, and an assessment of fish community variation among regions and between habitat types, is provided.In total, 125 species representing 74 genera of 40 families were recorded. Omnivores were the most abundant (38%), followed by planktivores (24%), whereas piscivores (2%) were scarce. There was an especially low density of high‐value fishery target species such as Haemulidae (<0.01%), Carangidae (<0.2%), Lethrinidae (<0.3%), Lutjanidae (<0.4%), Serranidae (<2%), and Chaetodontidae (<3%). Alarmingly, fishes with a total length of >20 cm only accounted for 1% of the total individuals. Species and functional composition were similar between protected and unprotected areas but differed among regions and between habitats.These results suggest that the protection of fishes provided by Phu Quoc MPA at the time of this study was ineffective. The taxonomic composition of fish communities has remained relatively unchanged over the last approximately 25 years, with the density of large fishes and commercial species remaining low. There is capacity to improve MPA performance by providing adequate resources for threat management and using evidence‐based decision‐making in management. The 2020 rezoning and expansion of the Phu Quoc MPA is discussed with regards to prioritizing biodiversity and coverage targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluated the potential application of free-living marine nematode assemblages as indicators in assessing environmental condition of Jiaozhou Bay (JB), China. Shannon-Wiener diversity (H'), functional trait indices (Index of Trophic Diversity, ITD and Maturity Index, MI) were utilized to rank the benthic habitat quality of the sampled stations. Most of the nematode genera/species belonged to c-p (colonizer-persister) class 2, indicating dominance of opportunistic nematodes and suggesting organic enrichment in the bay. Based on nematode indices, the ecological condition varied from bad to good. Ranking variations were observed among different indices, suggesting different sensitivity of nematode indices to different types of disturbance. Based on the final ecological quality assessment (EcoQ), most sampled stations were ranked as moderate (station J1 was ranked as poor). Nematode indices are more indicative of the influence of land based discharges. For a comprehensive assessment of benthic ecosystem, combined meiofauna and macrofaunal indicators were suggested., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Abstract: Aim Monitoring the trophic state of reservoirs requires indices that provide a quick report of the ecosystem to decision makers. This study aimed to develop a system of trophic status indicators for tropical mountain reservoirs using phytoplankton genera. Methods Between 2004 and 2010, four reservoirs for water supply in Bogotá (Colombia), which have different trophic statuses and hydraulic management, were monitored. Samples were collected for the analysis of physical and chemical variables and phytoplankton community. Through multivariate analysis, the significance of the relationships between environmental variables and phytoplankton species and genera was established. Subsequently, trophic indices were proposed as relevant variables. The global trophic index was calculated as the sum of the partial indices. Results Analysis of the main components showed that reservoirs varied chemically depending on trophic status. Phytoplankton were composed of 63 genera, 59% of which were present in the four reservoirs. Although the physical characteristics of water, such as temperature and total solids content, explained a large part of the variation in the genera, a significant relationship between the genera and variables related to trophic state was observed in each reservoir. The multivariate analyses grouping the data by genera showed a behavior similar to the analysis using information at the species level. Plankton indices of trophic state were developed for phosphorus (TP), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), total organic carbon (TOC), and Secchi disk (SD) using data grouped by genera. The indices were significantly correlated with the values of each variable in each reservoir. Linear regression models showed a significant prediction of chlorophyll-a using TP, TKN, and SD indices in the three reservoirs with the highest trophic level. In addition, the global index showed a significant relationship with variables related to the trophic state. Conclusions Phytoplankton data at the genus level can be used to assess trophic status. The models for SD, TP, and TKN could be used as indicators of the trophic status of the studied reservoirs.

Terrestrial leeches can be useful tools for wildlife assessment. However, limited information is available on their fundamental ecology, such as temporal activity patterns and habitat preferences in tropical rainforests. Therefore, this study aimed to reveal the temporal (diel and seasonal) and spatial patterns of active leech abundance and identify abiotic and biotic factors (abundance of potential hosts) involved in shaping the abundance patterns at Endau Rompin National Park (ERNP) in southern peninsular Malaysia. We conducted surveys on the relative abundance of active brown leeches (Haemadipsa sp.) at 99 sampling points repeatedly over 18 months, and installed camera traps to quantify the relative abundance of wildlife and humans at 24 of the sampling points. Although no consistent diel and seasonal patterns were observed in leech relative abundance, the abundance showed a strong positive correlation with air humidity at the sampling time. Similarly, the spatial pattern of leech relative abundance was positively correlated with air humidity and proximity to the nearest river at the sampling sites. The mean relative abundance of active leeches was 2–3 times higher on trails than off trails. However, there was no significant correlation between relative abundance of leeches and that of wildlife and humans on trails. Therefore, leech abundance was largely determined by air humidity rather than host abundance, suggesting the difficulty of its use as an indicator of wildlife abundance at fine spatial scales. Instead, utilizing the sensitivity of leeches to drier environments, terrestrial leeches could be useful as an indicator of intact tropical rainforests. Abstract in Malay is available with online material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban air pollution has been a major concern due to its impact on global public health. Various techniques for monitoring urban air quality have been developed. However, there is currently a dearth of research on how effective bioaccumulators such as lichen are at monitoring urban air pollution. As a result, the purpose of this research is to investigate the use of U. misaminensis as a biological indicator for biomonitoring urban air quality in Malaysia. Three months were spent exposing lichen samples in three Malaysian cities (Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru). The trace element content and vitality of the lichens were assessed. The results of this study revealed that U. misaminensis is an effective biological indicator for measuring 25 elements of air pollutants in metropolitan areas. They also revealed that all 25 elements accumulated in the urban area sample were greater than in the control sample. The vitality rate of lichens dropped in the urban area sample when compared with the control sample, indicating that an increase in elements in the air will impact the vitality rate of any biological component. In this study, two arguments are made: (a) Lichen is an excellent biological indicator, particularly for urban air pollutants such as potentially toxic elements; and (b) traffic is the primary contributor to urban air pollution; hence, the local government requires a better plan and design for urban areas to decrease air pollutants build-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microalgae are unicellular microorganisms with unique features and can be used as indicators for air pollutants. Microalgae have been found to withstand the negative effects of air pollutants. This study examined the relationship between the levels of carbon monoxide (CO) and the density of microalgal cells in different areas in Peninsular Malaysia, which has a hot and humid climate throughout the year. The influence of CO on the composition of microalgal species was also investigated. Microalgae samples were collected from four selected areas, chosen based on average CO readings for 2015 in the pattern of increasing values (low, medium, high) – Jerantut (low), Banting (medium), Kuala Lumpur (medium) and Petaling Jaya (high). The study found that Desmococcus olivaceus was the most widespread species found in the study areas whereas Trebouxia arboricola was the most dominant species. Trentepohlia rigidula, Coccomyxa confluens, Keratococcus bicaudatus, and Klebsormidium flaccidum can be categorised as non-tolerant to high levels of CO as they were only found in the area with low levels of CO, Jerantut. The study also showed that there was a perfect positive correlation between the CO levels and the number of microalgal cells. Data from the Jaccard Similarity Index indicates a low similarity in species composition between Jerantut and Banting, Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya with Jaccard coefficients of 0.2857, 0.1250, and 0.1250, respectively. The outcomes from this study provide useful data in understanding the relationship of CO on microalgae cell density together with the composition of species and suggest the use of epiphytic microalgae as ecological indicators for air pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aulacoseira granulata (Ehrenberg) Simonsen 1979 are considered as the eco-variable species which varies in density and diversity along with their morphological traits with the interference of environmental changes, so it is considered as one of the major ecological indicators of the water quality of lotic as well as lentic aquatic ecosystems. To assess major environmental factors which contribute to A. granulata bloom in the riverine system, a study was carried out from 2018 to 2019 comprising four different seasons at 11 sampling sites of river Ganga in the middle and lower stretch of river Ganga comprising freshwater and estuarine zones. For the analysis, different univariate, as well as multivariate, analytical tools such as principal component analysis (PCA) and water pollution index (WPI) were used. In the finding, it was observed that the average abundance of A. granulata was found maximum during the winter season. Among all the studied sites, the maximum average abundance was at Balagarh (71,576 cell l−1) and minimum at Diamond Harbour (68 cell l−1). The environmental factors such as dissolved oxygen, depth, and altitude showed a significant influence on the growth of A. granulata, while the water temperature negatively influenced the growth rate of A. granulata. The WPI showed a significantly negative correlation with cell length. Finally, the study concludes that the blooming of A. granulata is highly influenced by varied environmental conditions along the river Ganga, suggesting possible eutrophication. Therefore, a certain minimum flow and depth especially during the lean season have to be maintained for the sustenance of planktonic biota in the river Ganga. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orchids are potentially useful as ecological indicators because of their sensitivity to habitat fragmentation and anthropogenic disturbance. While many studies explore the effect of single factors on orchid diversity, few investigate how the extent, configuration, and condition of surrounding habitat affect whole orchid communities. Here, we unravel the effect of biological invasions, anthropogenic disturbance (i.e., grazing pressure, ecological condition), and habitat fragmentation on an Australian orchid community. We sampled 39 plots across nine sites in the Mount Lofty Ranges, Australia. We recorded the number of orchid species and number of individuals per species in mid‐winter, early‐spring, and late‐spring to account for the effect of season on species visibility, with 115 surveys in total. We ranked grazing intensity and ecological condition, and estimated cover of exotic species. We analyzed the response of richness and diversity through generalized linear mixed models, and differences in species composition through non‐metric multidimensional scaling. Habitat configuration in the surrounding landscape had different effects at increasing radii, explaining 29%–87% of variance. Patch‐level orchid diversity was positively correlated with habitat edges in the immediate area, and with habitat cohesion at medium scales, whereas diversity was negatively correlated with increasing mean patch habitat area across larger surrounding areas. Orchids co‐existed with exotic species but were negatively affected once exotic cover exceeded 20%. Species composition was correlated with exotic cover. Our findings reveal a complex relationship between orchid communities and their surrounding environments suggesting orchids benefit from a somewhat disturbed environment at patch and landscape scales. These idiosyncratic responses suggest orchid diversity may be unreliable as early‐warning indicators of habitat disturbance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphological alterations in zooplankton are induced by exposure to hazardous materials in the environment. These alterations in the body are excellent indicators of adverse effects at the (sub) individual and population levels. These changes might be undetectable within a population in the first generation; however, it was recently documented that alterations are more frequent in the subsequent generations. Because of this, we revised scientific literature that reported malformations in cladocerans, copepods, oligochaetes, and rotifers caused by diverse toxicants when organisms were exposed either in the laboratory or in natural conditions. From an environmental perspective, we focused on the importance of morphological alterations in zooplankton, the most likely causes, and their consequences. Furthermore, the present article shows that alterations of the normal morphology could be used as consistent biomarkers, but further research requires discriminating the influence of natural behavior and the consequences of exposure to toxic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Ecological disturbances are recognized as a crucial factor influencing the attributes of ecological communities. Depending on the specific adaptation or life cycle, plant species show different responses to disturbances of different magnitudes. Herben et al. (Journal of Vegetation Science, 27, 628–636) proposed six disturbance indicator values (DIVs) that describe the niches of Central‐European plant species along gradients of disturbance frequency and severity. Here, we ask if the DIVs can be used in community ecology for bioindication of disturbance regime? We used a dataset of riparian forests sampled within mountain catchments (the Sudetes, SW Poland). As the regime of disturbance is driven by changes in floods from the spring toward the mouth, we calculated the position of every plot along longitudinal (upstream–downstream) gradient and used it as a proxy for the disturbance severity and frequency. We then calculated the community‐weighted means (CWMs) for each of the six indices for each plot and analyzed whether these indices reflected the position of the plots along the rivers. We expected an increase in the severity indices and a decrease in the frequency indices downstream along the rivers. Moreover, we analyzed relationships between disturbance indices and species optima along longitudinal gradient. Surprisingly, means for all analyzed indices increased along the rivers. Severity indices showed the strongest association with the longitudinal gradient. The disturbance severity index for herbs was the only index that differed significantly among species with different responses along longitudinal gradient. On these results, we identified a strong correlation between the severity and frequency indices as the main problem. We conclude that the DIVs have considerable applicative potential; however, the determination of ecological niches separately for disturbance severity and frequency is difficult because different components interact to shape the realized niche of each species. All analyzed indices encompass different attributes of the disturbance regime including both severity and frequency.

This paper assesses the stochastic convergence of relative per capita ecological footprints within BRICS countries over the period 1961–2017 in the field of Public Health. Our initiatives have targeted ecological Indicator and health behaviors. Using the local Whittle estimator and some of its variants we assess whether relative per capita ecological footprints are long memory processes which, although highly persistent, may revert to their mean/trend in the long run thereby indicating evidence of stochastic convergence, or divergent processes in nutshell. Furthermore, we test whether (possibly) slow convergence or the complete lack of it may be the result of structural changes to the deterministics of each of the relative per capita footprint series by means of the tests of Berkes et al. (1) and Mayoral (2). For the ease of comparison, this paper assesses the stochastic convergence of relative per capita ecological capacities for BRICS as well. Our results show relatively strong evidences against stochastic convergence of ecological footprints. Furthermore, with regard to China and Russia, our results also decisively indicate that a slow or lack of convergence is the results of a structural break in the relative per capita ecological footprint series. However, our empirical researches support stochastic convergence of relative per capita ecological capacities for BRICS. In addition, we can conclude whether the per capita ecological footprints converge or not is dependent on the level of economic development, and the stochastic convergence occurs in those rich countries more probably, indicating that public health is becoming a more serious concern in developing countries.

Abstract Orchids are potentially useful as ecological indicators because of their sensitivity to habitat fragmentation and anthropogenic disturbance. While many studies explore the effect of single factors on orchid diversity, few investigate how the extent, configuration, and condition of surrounding habitat affect whole orchid communities. Here, we unravel the effect of biological invasions, anthropogenic disturbance (i.e., grazing pressure, ecological condition), and habitat fragmentation on an Australian orchid community. We sampled 39 plots across nine sites in the Mount Lofty Ranges, Australia. We recorded the number of orchid species and number of individuals per species in mid‐winter, early‐spring, and late‐spring to account for the effect of season on species visibility, with 115 surveys in total. We ranked grazing intensity and ecological condition, and estimated cover of exotic species. We analyzed the response of richness and diversity through generalized linear mixed models, and differences in species composition through non‐metric multidimensional scaling. Habitat configuration in the surrounding landscape had different effects at increasing radii, explaining 29%–87% of variance. Patch‐level orchid diversity was positively correlated with habitat edges in the immediate area, and with habitat cohesion at medium scales, whereas diversity was negatively correlated with increasing mean patch habitat area across larger surrounding areas. Orchids co‐existed with exotic species but were negatively affected once exotic cover exceeded 20%. Species composition was correlated with exotic cover. Our findings reveal a complex relationship between orchid communities and their surrounding environments suggesting orchids benefit from a somewhat disturbed environment at patch and landscape scales. These idiosyncratic responses suggest orchid diversity may be unreliable as early‐warning indicators of habitat disturbance.