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To be effective, a biocontrol agent must survive and persist in the same habitat as the target species and reduce target population growth. When multiple biocontrol agents are used against a single invasive species, they may each perform better under a subset of the habitat in which the target lives. This complementarity allows for a more consistent level of control and a higher resilience to environmental variability. Two species that feed on the same plant tissues would compete, but niche partitioning in the native range may be replicated when both species are introduced to the invasive range. When biocontrol agents are released, they may self‐sort to perform best in their respective niches. We hypothesized that two biocontrol agents—Scotch broom seed beetle, Bruchidius villosus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and Scotch broom seed weevil, Exapion fuscirostre (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Brentidae)—that both feed on seeds of the invasive legume Scotch broom, Cytisus scoparius L. Link (Fabaceae), would be impacted differently by different weather conditions and plant traits, and would show different success rates at field sites with different conditions. We used a 5‐year study to reveal that the two biocontrol agents are not uniformly distributed in the field and that weather and plant factors influence their success. We confirmed that weather conditions of the previous year influenced biocontrol agent attack rate and found that weather patterns at a field site may predict the impact of each biocontrol agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ravni Kotari is registered as an area important for the conservation of endangered species and habitat types in Zadar County extends from Town of Nin and the Karin Sea in the northwest to the Krka River in the southeast, Bukovica region in the northeast and the City of Zadar in the southwest. It is an area characterized by agricultural production, especially in fruit and vegetable growing and more recently in viticulture, winemaking and olive growing. For the purposes of this work, scientific data and other sources were collected and analyzed, and the state and challenges in conservation and agricultural use were determined. The goal is to preserve a mosaic of agricultural areas with sustainable production as suitable habitats for the conservation of target species.

Bryophytes, particularly epiphytes, play a vital role in the nemoral forest ecosystems of the temperate climate zone, influencing microclimate, providing habitats, and contributing to biodiversity. Dicranum viride, a target moss species within the Natura 2000 network, is of significant conservation value. Its preservation is crucial for forest managers who strive to protect the naturalness and integrity of nemoral forest ecosystems. Understanding its habitat preferences, co-occurrence patterns, and interactions within co-created epiphytic communities is essential for effective conservation and a more comprehensive understanding of its biology. Our research examines the co-occurrence patterns of D. viride within epiphytic communities. Specifically, we focused on the influence of the phorophyte (host tree) species and interspecific interactions on the composition of co-occurring bryophytes. We conducted field surveys in eastern Poland to investigate the distribution of D. viride in several forest ecosystems located in five Natura 2000 sites. Each occurrence of the target moss was recorded along with forest type, phorophyte species, and co-occurring bryophyte taxa. The collected data were then used for network analyses, including pairwise co-occurrence interactions based on a probabilistic model of species co-occurrence. Dicranum viride occurred most frequently on the bark of Fagus sylvatica and Carpinus betulus, particuraly in Fagion sylvaticae and Carpinion betuli. Network analyses revealed that the composition of co-occurring taxa varied depending on phorophyte species, with interspecific interactions among bryophytes significantly influencing these differences. Our study highlights the significant role of D. viride as an umbrella species in European woodlands, emphasizing its prevalence in Fagion sylvaticae and Carpinion betuli forest types, and its affinity for Fagus sylvatica and Carpinus betulus as phorophyte species. Implementing zonal protection for D. viride should be considered a progressive step in sustainable forest management, ensuring the conservation of its habitats and contributing not only to the biodiversity of woodland ecosystems, but also to the preservation of the most valuable ones. By unravelling the complex relationships within epiphytic communities, especially those involving flagship species such as D. viride, our research emphasises the importance of considering both the presence of co-occurring taxa and the nature of their interactions in studies of co-created community dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Overexploitation in wild-capture fisheries is a principal driver of marine biodiversity loss. Currently, efforts are underway to improve the representation of marine damage indicators in Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) methods. The recently operationalised fisheries impact pathway has introduced fishing impacts on the marine system into the LCIA framework, and the current work seeks to further develop this complex pathway. In total, 5000+ Characterisation Factors for exploited marine organisms have been re-computed with updated fisheries production data (2018), exploring temporal effects on dynamic, biotic resource impacts. An estimation of discarded unwanted by-catch is incorporated into the characterisation. Regional to global scaling factors are tested for the representation of species-specific vulnerability. The temporal and spatial variations in impacts reflect the dynamic nature of real-world fisheries trends, global average impacts increased by 41% (2015–2018). Discarding as an additive, regional estimate increases impacts, most notably for lower impacted stocks. The retention of species-specific detail relating to species distributions is of particular relevance to fisheries when computing global-scale impacts. Updating CFs improves the relevance of the fisheries impact assessment, and continued periodic re-computation is recommended to maintain relevance with real-world trends. Data availability remains a challenge to large-scale marine impact assessment and the continued development of this emergent impact pathway is expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Areas used for livestock production and dominated by native grasses represent a unique opportunity to reconcile biodiversity conservation and livestock production. However, limited knowledge of individual species' responses to rangeland management restricts our capacity to design grazing practices that favor endangered species and other priority birds. In this work, we applied Hierarchical Modelling of Species Communities (HMSC) to study individual species responses, as well as the influence of traits on such responses, to variables related to rangeland management using birds of the Rio de la Plata Grasslands as a case study. Based on presence-absence data collected in 454 paddocks across 46 ranches we inferred the response of 69 species considering imperfect detection. This degree of detail fills a major gap in rangeland management, as species-level responses can be used to achieve targeted conservation goals other than maximizing richness or abundance. We found that artificial pastures had an overall negative impact on many bird species, whereas the presence of tussocks had a positive effect, including all threatened species. Grassland specialists were in general sensitive to grass height and tended to respond positively to tussocks but negatively to tree cover. Controlling grass height via adjustments in stocking rate can be a useful tool to favor grassland specialists. To favor a wide range of bird species in ranches, a mosaic of short and tall native grasslands with patches of tussocks and trees is desirable. We also found that species-specific responses were modulated by their traits: small-sized birds responded positively to tussocks and tree cover while large species responded negatively to increasing grass height. Ground foragers preferred short grass while birds that scarcely use this stratum were not affected by grass height. Results on the influence of traits on bird responses are an important novelty in relation to previous work in rangelands and potentially increase our predicting capacity and model transferability across grassland regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on the Ecosystem Conservation Charge Return Project (ECCRP), a restoration initiative guided by the polluter-pays principle, is limited. Moreover, certain projects lack location analyses and specific restoration goals. Here, we examined the ecological restoration trends in South Korea based on the ECCRP. We collected data from 277 projects completed between 2003 and 2022 and explored project characteristics, site types, locations, and restoration target species trends. Wetlands and urban areas were frequently targeted, with forestry as the primary land category. Such projects prioritize restoration in areas with a potential for increased biodiversity. Small-scale projects were the most common, likely because of budget constraints and site selection challenges. The establishment of guidelines in 2010 resulted in considerable changes in restoration projects. Forested areas and parks close to species supply sources became important, and specifying target species for restoration was emphasized. Target species primarily included birds, amphibians, and insects. From a sustainability perspective, it is crucial to consider post-monitoring. Species of high restoration value and animals with a small habitat must be selected as performance indicators of restoration outcomes. Our results can help the ECCRP to strengthen the ecological restoration approaches to better achieve sustainability goals—improving biodiversity and conserving and restoring ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, sampling of commercial vessels of Afsoon 1 was carried out in July 2020, at a distance of more than 10 miles in longitude24 50 to 24 60 and latitude 61 03 to 61 05. At the time of the study, trawl fishing was done 13 times at different times, 8 times during the day and 5 times at night. The total catch during the study period was 12306 kg and 8720 kg were caught during the day (about 71%) and 3586 kg at night (about 29%). The average catch per fishing effort (catch per hour) of the target species was 201 kg (67%) during the day and 63 kg (33%) at night, and the average catch per fishing effort (catch per hour) discard species were 71 kg (28%) during the day and 100 kg (59%) at night (P<0.05). The mean catch per fishing effort (catch per hour) of bycatch fishing species at 18 kg during the day and 9 kg at night were not significantly different from each other (P>0.05). The Trichiurus lepturus species (64%) had the highest catch of target species, Epinephelus coioides species (53%) had the highest catch of bycatch fishing species and Ray fish (88%) had the highest catch of discard species. The Siganidae and Megalaspis cordyla species, appear to be active during the day and pipe fish, Anguiliformes and Belonidae species of night active. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study provides valuable insight into the trawl fishery operating in southern Albanian waters via an integrated approach based on high-frequency onboard monitoring trawl vessels and on-site interviews with local fishers. Multivariate analyses of the composition of species landings or economic revenue revealed groups that, depending on the group, were distinguished by improved fisheries landings and economic efficiency. The majority of the catch consisted of a variety of demersal and small- and medium-sized pelagic species, confirming the Adriatic Sea's multispecies nature. Target species identified in terms of catches and revenue imply a systematic tactic over a long period of time, and incidental catches are equally important in terms of overall group similarity. The identification of target species groups may be useful in assessing the current sampling stratification schemes.

Grasslands are ubiquitous globally, and their conservation and restoration are critical to combat both the biodiversity and climate crises. There is increasing interest in implementing effective multifunctional grassland restoration to restore biodiversity concomitant with above- and belowground carbon sequestration, delivery of carbon credits and/or integration with land dedicated to solar panels. Other common multifunctional restoration considerations include improved forage value, erosion control, water management, pollinator services, and wildlife habitat provisioning. In addition, many grasslands are global biodiversity hotspots. Nonetheless, relative to their impact, and as compared to forests, the importance of preservation, conservation, and restoration of grasslands has been widely overlooked due to their subtle physiognomy and underappreciated contributions to human and planetary well-being. Ultimately, the global success of carbon sequestration will depend on more complete and effective grassland ecosystem restoration. In this review, supported by examples from across the Western world, we call for more strenuous and unified development of best practices for grassland restoration in three areas of concern: initial site conditions and site preparation; implementation of restoration measures and management; and social context and sustainability. For each area, we identify the primary challenges to grassland restoration and highlight case studies with proven results to derive successful and generalizable solutions.

This study examined some of the spatial patterns and temporal dynamics of species targeting and discarding, for the French bottom trawlers operating in the eastern English Channel, building on spatial overlaps (or mismatches) between fishing effort, survey-based biomass or abundance indices and discard rates. We first identified that cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis), squids (Loligo sp.) and, to a lesser degree, striped red mullet (Mullus surmuletus), and seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) were the main targets, while fishing for historically important species was less attractive. This result was broadly in accord with catch compositions, although mackerel (Scomber scombrus) targeting was possibly underestimated. We also showed that the distributions of fishing effort and of undersized herring, plaice, and whiting did not overlap. Although fishing effort covered fishing grounds populated with undersized horse mackerel, the proportion of undersized individuals in the discards was small. Plaice and whiting discard rates overlapped in space with undersized abundance indices. Fishing effort may have avoided spatial units with potentially high plaice discard rates, which may have been driven by large proportions of undersized fish, but also by restricted access to coastal area. Overall, the EU Landing Obligation had limited effects on fishing effort allocation relative to either undersized abundance or discard rates distributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study uses fisher knowledge to outline the basic socio-economic framework of Albanian lagoon fisheries based on on-the-spot interviews conducted with fishers operating in the most important Albanian lagoons. The results indicated that Albanian lagoon fisheries were family-based, with spatial differences observed in vessels from the northern lagoon that were older, larger in size, with more powerful engines, and involved more persons in comparison with corresponding vessels from the southern lagoon. The results also indicated that lagoon fisheries were in decline, ageing fishers, and encountering problems with illegal fishery and invasive species. Most of the fishers were aware that protected areas existed in Albanian waters, whereas severe contradictions among fishers existed about the need to establish new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). An aggravating factor that threatened the viability of the lagoon fisheries and coastal ecosystems was high incidental catches of the Blue crab, Callinectes sapidus. These issues revealed the increased marginalization of the Albanian lagoon fisheries that might be able to be generalized beyond this case study to other Mediterranean lagoons. The present work also highlighted the need to establish a decent stratified statistical survey to monitor the highly complex nature of lagoon fisheries.

Twenty-three ancient-hillfort sites were investigated to evaluate the potential for the in situ conservation of medicinal- and aromatic-plant populations. An evaluation of the site's suitability was carried out by employing three major groups of criteria: species-specific, site-specific, and threat assessment. The species-specific criteria included the total species number, target species number, the cover-abundance of the target species estimated by mean Braun–Blanquet score, and, as an additional criterion, the number and cover-abundance of crop wild relatives. The site-specific criteria included site evaluation with respect to climatic region, the area size of a site, the habitat type, and the site's protection status. The threat assessment was focused on anthropogenic activities, such as recreational, agricultural, and others. The total number of vascular plant species inventoried was 264, including 82 species of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAP). There was a strong and highly significant correlation between the total and the MAP species numbers (rs = 0.77, p < 0.001), and the two most species-rich sites, Žuklijai and Pamiškė, contained the highest total and MAP species numbers. The investigated hillfort sites covered the populations of 49 species, or about 33% of the priority species list, with 5 or more populations. The most frequent species, Hypericum perforatum, occurred at 21 sites. The twenty-three hillfort sites represent three of the four climatic regions and six of the ten climatic subregions of Lithuania. Although these hillfort sites are quite small (1.24 ± 0.75 ha on average, without buffer zone), they are scattered across the country and are state-protected as archaeological objects, which makes them suitable for the in situ conservation of MAP genetic resources. In addition, seven hillfort sites (30.4% of the investigated ones) belong to the European network of special areas of conservation of habitats (Natura 2000), thus increasing their international importance. The threat assessment showed that anthropogenic activities (recreational, agricultural, etc.) are among the major factors affecting target-species populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding and managing fishery selectivity to target species and desirable size are instrumental to fisheries management. China, as the world's largest producer of marine capture fisheries, has been widely perceived to possess unselective domestic fisheries. To date, this perception remains largely anecdotal and conjectural, hindering the development of evidence‐based and effective management solutions. Here, we conducted a literature review to examine the magnitude and scale of unselective fisheries in China. By collating and analysing 140 fishery‐level and 807 species‐level records from 66 peer‐reviewed publications from 2010 to 2021, we found that primary target species were absent in 59% of fisheries, while unidentifiable low‐value and juvenile mixed catch were universal. Key commercial taxa were subject to nationwide multi‐gear and multispecies fisheries, each involving an average of 3.33 types of gear and accounting for less than 25% of catch individually. The 'permissible gears' defined by the national gear regulatory catalogue were selective over target species and caught negligible by‐products, though they were used less frequently, representing only 24% of catch records. While unselective fishing can provide seafood supplies for China's large population and potentially facilitate balanced harvest, management actions are needed to control the fishing pressure on primary target species and by‐product species. Amid the ongoing fisheries management reform in China, we proposed management recommendations tailored to China's needs and social contexts, including accounting for the trade‐off between socio‐economic and ecological goals, contemplating impacts of unselective fishing when implementing TAC programmes, and strengthening fisheries monitoring to inform management at multiple scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens (HAOP) via the ballast water of ships can endanger human health, the environment, economic resource-related systems, as well as impair biological diversity. Early warning systems (EWS) are highly effective instruments for mitigating risks and enhancing readiness in the face of potential disasters, including those resulting from HAOP. The establishment of a regional EWS for the identification and notification of harmful organisms is a complex marine policy process involving communication with stakeholders, technical development, engagement of regional knowledge, and, ultimately, harmonization between key authorities and Participating States. The purpose of EWS is to promptly communicate the findings of HAOP to the appropriate stakeholders, such as government agencies and commercial companies. The paper elucidates in detail the criteria and procedure for developing a regionally standardized EWS, including its mechanism, the technical information platform that is required, and the obligations of EWS data providers. It also discusses the decision-making process for issuing alerts and identifies the intended recipients of the warning signals. The system has been operational in the Baltic Sea region for over two years, and the knowledge and insights gathered during its development may prove beneficial in other areas as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing number of offshore wind farms (OWFs) proposed off the Brazilian coast is a biodiversity management challenge that needs to be addressed with strategic and targeted environmental impact assessments. The effects of OWFs on birds are much better studied in the northern than southern hemisphere. Knowledge of species distributions is key to developing effective conservation strategies. Ecological niche modeling can support strategic siting decisions and identify the target species for which mitigation of the impacts of OWFs may be required. We used the maximum entropy algorithm (MaxEnt) for modeling species niche suitability, incorporating environmental variables and presence-only data from tracking and at-sea surveys for seven albatrosses and petrels, of which five are threatened by extinction. We used the predicted niche suitability index (NSI) to calculate niche overlaps, assess distribution patterns and generate spatial prioritizations across seasons based on a species richness index (RI). Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross Thalassarche chlororhynchos, Atlantic Petrel Pterodroma incerta, and Great Shearwater Ardenna gravis were selected as target species for monitoring in Brazilian shallow waters (0–200 m depth) in the warm season, and Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross and White-chinned Petrel Procellaria aequinoctialis in the cold season. The RI was higher in waters between 200 m and 1000 m depth, a preferred area for OWFs with floating foundations. We advocate for the incorporation of niche models in environmental impact studies, as a tool for improving conservation, environmental planning, and impact assessment.

Inherent differences between baited remote video versus diver-operated video survey methodologies may influence their ability to detect effects of fishing. Here, the ability of no-take zones (NTZs) to provide protection for legal-sized fish from targeted species within the Ningaloo Marine Park (NMP) was assessed using both baited remote underwater stereo-video (stereo-BRUV) and diver-operated stereo-video (stereo-DOV). The relative abundance of legal-sized individuals of three recreationally targeted fish species, spangled emperor Lethrinus nebulosus, chinaman cod Epinephelus rivulatus and goldspotted trevally Carangoides fulvoguttatus, were examined using both methodologies inside and outside six NTZs across the NMP. Stereo-BRUVs found positive effects of protection on the relative abundance of legal-size C. fulvoguttatus and L. nebulosus in NTZs. Stereo-DOVs, however, did not detect any differences in relative abundances and sizes of these species between areas opened and closed to fishing. These contrasting results suggest that choice of sampling methodology can influence interpretations of the ability of NTZs to provide adequate levels of protection for target species. Our results suggest that stereo-BRUVs are a superior technique to stereo-DOVs for assessing the effectiveness of no-take zones for protection of fishery target species, reflecting bait attraction and an absence of diver influence on fish behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the first attempt to assess marine recreational fisheries (MRF) along the coastal villages of the Basque Country (Eastern Cantabrian Sea), off-site surveys were carried out from 2015 to 2019 to estimate captures of the main targeted species by shore fishing, boat fishing and spearfishing. Phone calls got better response rates (>50%) than email questionnaires (

The detection of target species is of paramount importance in ecological studies, with implications for environmental management and natural resource conservation planning. This is usually done by sampling the area: the species is detected if the presence of at least one individual is detected in the samples. Green & Young (Green & Young 1993 Sampling to detectrare species. Ecol. Appl. 3, 351–356. (doi:10.2307/1941837) introduce two models to determine the minimum number of samples n to ensure that the probability of failing to detect the species from them, if the species is actually present in the area, does not exceed a fixed threshold: based on the Poisson and the Negative Binomial distributions. We generalize them to two scenarios, one considering the area size N to be finite, and the other allowing detectability errors, with probability δ. The results in Green & Young are recovered by taking N → ∞ and δ = 0. Not taking into consideration the finite size of the area, if known, leads to an overestimation of n, which is vital to avoid if sampling is expensive or difficult, while assuming that there are no detectability errors, if they really exist, produces an undesirable bias. Our approximation manages to skirt both problems, for the Poisson and the Negative Binomial.

The Leontodonto pyrenaicae-Nardetum strictae (Nardetalia) is a regional plant community in the oreal zone of the Black Forest, and it is a priority habitat within the Fauna-Flora-Habitat directive of the European Union (*6230). The association is restricted to the highest summits in the middle and southern part of this mountain range (about 1100-1470 m a.s.l.). There are concerns - as for all Mat-grass swards in Central Europe - about potential changes in plant composition due to eutrophication and climate change. Therefore, in 2021, we resurveyed 50 plots of the Leontodonto-Nardetum that had been sampled in 1977/78 (semi-permanent plots). We analysed the 2 × 50 relevés by means of ordinations (DCA) and compiled a presence table. The relevés are of four different types, which are characterised by management practices and altitude/sun exposure: type 1, ungrazed northern slopes in the Feldberg area; type 2, almost ungrazed southern slopes in the Feldberg area; type 3, cattle-grazed summit areas; and type 4, cattle-grazed areas at lower altitudes. We compared important parameters for both time windows, i.e. phytodiversity, target-species ratio (TSR), cover of layers and dominant species, and Ellenberg indicator values (EIV). The possible differences were checked by means of the paired Wilcoxon test. It was evident that the number of Red-listed species and target species was still high, but the TSR decreased in type 4. Compared to our previous investigations in the montane Festuco-Genistelletum sagittalis in the Black Forest, we obtained similar results for some types of the Leontodonto-Nardetum, regarding the number and cover of species, typical for stands of fertilized pastures, and detected a significant increase in types 3 and 4. The same was true for the EIVs for nutrients (grazed types 3, 4, but not in the ungrazed types 1, 2); the increases were lower than in the Festuco-Genistelletum. In other studies there is generally a trend towards an increase of Agrostis capillaris cover in Mat-grass swards, while this was only the case in type 4 of the Leontodonto-Nardetum. In the ungrazed types (1, 2) there were no increases of nutrient indicators, but of pleurocarpous mosses (e.g., Pleurozium schreberi), and Vaccinium myrtillus increased in type 1, as did oreal tall-growing grasses and forbs. Possible indications for floristic changes due to climate change and how to protect the Leontodonto-Nardetum stands through adapted management strategies are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

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

Ecological conservation and restoration projects in Three-river Headwater Region (TRHR) have been implemented to respond to the serious degradation of alpine meadow ecosystem. Compared with the substantial amount of studies on the recovery of plant communities, soil quality and ecosystem services, few studies have focused on the restoration performance of target species. Therefore, we conducted this study to analyze the dynamics and underlying mechanisms of species richness and aboveground biomass of plant communities and target species. The results showed that restoration actions (grassland cultivation and fencing) did not significantly improve the community aboveground biomass of the degraded alpine meadows, while the actions did significantly promote community species richness, target species richness and target species aboveground biomass. Community species richness (20%-45%) was significantly impacted by the restoration strategies, and community aboveground biomass (31%-53%) was impacted by the mean annual precipitation and mean annual temperature. The species richness (57%) and aboveground biomass (63%) of the target species were directly and indirectly impacted by restoration actions, climatic factors, biotic factors and soil factors. The implications of this study stress that target species should be highlighted in assessing the restoration success of degraded alpine meadows. Integrating climatic factors, target species and other biotic and abiotic indicators could help us better understand and evaluate restoration actions for degraded alpine meadows in the TRHR or other similar regions worldwide.

We report an exceptionally fast grassland recovery process from a karst plateau in SW Slovenia. Vegetation of old fields with different ages was sampled using a chronosequence of fields abandoned 1, 3, 6, 9, 13, 15 and 100 years ago. We prepared dendrogram dividing the data set into 9 clusters that were further analyzed: diagnostic species, ecological conditions and life forms were evaluated. The initial stage of succession was characterized by segetal weeds and indicated high levels of soil nutrients. The second stage was dominated by dense patches of perennial forbs (most of them ruderal species) preferring also high levels of soil nutrients. The third stage was dominated by caespitose hemicryptophyte grasses, many of them of sub-Mediterranean origin. The first two stages took 13 years and both could be considered as early successional stages developing on nutrient rich soils. These stages were switched to late successional stage characterized by seminatural grassland species. The quick succession can probably be attributed to the rich species pool of natural grassland flora, the small size and annual mowing of abandoned agricultural fields and the close proximity of seed sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gillnets are the primary fishing gear used in tropical multi‐species fisheries along the Iranian southern coastal waters. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the catch composition and performance of fishing gear for the possible negative effects on the stocks. Catch data and length frequency distribution (just for Kingfish, S. commerson) were examined for three kinds of drift gillnets: 1) small‐meshed nets, 2) medium‐meshed nets, and 3) nets with a single mesh size of 165 mm. This study was conducted in the northern part of the Persian Gulf from 2014 to 2015. Overall, 60 species of 32 families from four fish groups (i.e., Pelagic, Demersal, Benthopelagic, and Reef‐associated) were recorded. Each net‐type was used to target more than one species, with most species being considered as bycatch. Commercial fish species were caught the most, accounting for around 83% of the total catches. S. commerson is targeted by all kinds of nets, with medium‐meshed nets being most efficient. The majority of S. commerson caught by the nets were immature. Overall, the total ban of gillnets with small mesh sizes is recommended to protect young S. commerson and prevent the possible risk of growth overfishing. Studies on gillnet selectivity are needed to set minimum mesh regulations for S. commerson and other commercial species if the potential impacts of gillnet are known. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The ecological flow must balance the needs of the biosphere and anthroposphere. • Evaluated the hydrology of the Si river using the habitat simulation method. • Analyzed weighted usable habitat areas for three common fish according to flow. • This approach is shown to better sustain river connectivity and fish lifecycles. Maintaining the ecological flow of rivers is necessary to resolve the contradictions between water resource development/utilization and ecological protection. To investigate the ecological flow of the mainstream of the Si River in Shandong Province, China, the ecological flows in reaches from Sishui Sluice to Shuyuan Station and from Shuyuan Station to Longwandian Sluice were calculated using the habitat simulation method. First, the indexes of relative importance calculated using the results of a fish survey identified Carassius auratus, Pseudorasbora parva , and Misgurnus anguillicaudatus as the most prevalent and therefore the target fish species for this analysis. A model of the fish habitat was subsequently constructed using the River2D software and the relationship curves between different flow conditions and the weighted usable area of fish habitat were plotted for each of the three target fish species. Finally, the ecological flows for the non-flood to pre-flood period (October to June) at Sishui Sluice and Shuyuan Station were determined to be 1.4 m3/s and 1.8 m3/s, respectively, and those for the flood period (July to September) were 6 m3/s and 10 m3/s, respectively. The rationality of the habitat simulation method results was subsequently confirmed by comparison with the results obtained using four hydrological methods. Finally, the results indicated that water resource management and regulation of the Si River mainstream should be strengthened during the dry period (April to May) to improve the ecological flow guarantee rate and thereby ensure the connectivity of the fish habitat and sustain fish lifecycles. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Questions: Quantification of the role of particular factors driving restoration may improve our understanding of restoration processes and thus lead to a better design of restoration projects. We investigated how restoration methods, soil characteristics, time since sowing or abandonment, proximity effects, and climate influence vegetation changes and restoration success in the restored grasslands. We particularly asked: (a) which of the studied environmental factors influence the course of restoration of dry grasslands and how much; (b) what is their hierarchy; and (c) what are the implications for ecological restoration? Location: White Carpathians Protected Landscape Area, eastern Czech Republic. Methods: We studied 82 dry grasslands restored on former arable land, either sown with a regional or commercial clover-grass seed mixture or left to spontaneous succession, and compared them with ancient dry grasslands as reference sites. Data were processed using Detrended Correspondence Analysis and Canonical Correspondence Analysis. Generalized linear models (GLMs) were used to test the relationships between two measures of restoration success (number of colonizing target species and Bray-Curtis similarity between restored and reference vegetation) and the environmental factors. Results: The ordination results demonstrate some convergence of grasslands restored with different methods toward reference sites. Using regional seed mixtures led to a higher participation of dry grassland species, while using commercial seed mixtures and spontaneous succession favored mesic grassland species. All tested groups of environmental variables exhibited some significant effects on the course of restoration. Their hierarchy varied depending on the vegetation characteristic we used but generally, restoration method and soil factors appeared to be the most important, followed by time since sowing or abandonment, climatic factors, and proximity effects. Conclusions: When planning grassland restoration projects, we have to consider especially soil characteristics and landscape context, i.e., location of the restored site in the landscape matrix and climatic conditions, and select proper restoration methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Haizhu National Wetland Park (HNWP) is the only national wetland park in a central megalopolis area in China. It was established to restore and conserve a damaged composite wetland ecosystem comprising urban rivers, inner lakes, and semi‐natural forests with fruit trees in central Guangzhou. In 2013, our survey at HNWP revealed that the bird diversity was poor, which indirectly reflected the low habitat quality. Therefore, we proposed a restoration workflow based on species differential analysis (SDA) and implemented it in this area in 2013. The SDA method determined the bird species (i.e. target species) for which habitat could be restored by analyzing the existing, surrounding, and historical bird community in the area. We screened for target species using SDA and used these species as a basis for site zoning, habitat restoration projects, and recruitment measures. Both species richness and species diversity of the birds in the HNWP increased rapidly from 2014 to 2016 and remained stable in 2017 to 2018. In contrast, the species richness and species diversity in the control area where the SDA method was not used only reached the values of the area where this method was used in 2017. This shows that the SDA‐based method could improve bird diversity effectively and rapidly. In addition, the proportion of waterbirds and migratory birds in the park also increased, indicating that the habitats that were restored for the waterbirds showed an improvement in quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Questions: Due to the diverse abiotic conditions and the extensive, early‐autumn, manual mowing practiced once per few years, Molinia semi‐natural wet meadows are known for their high plant species diversity. However, recent socio‐economic transformations and land‐use changes (i.e. cessation of use) have been contributing to significant biodiversity loss in Molinia meadows. Thus, understanding the mechanisms of species co‐occurrence patterns operating on well‐developed Molinia meadows may be a precondition for the restoration or regeneration success of this type of vegetation. We aimed to identify community‐level co‐existence patterns of the whole set of plant species typical of Molinia meadows, and to assess the role of co‐occurring vegetation in shaping the performance of individual species. Location: Natura 2000 Special Area of Conservation "Łąki Dąbrowskie" (S Poland). Methods: Using generalised multiple regression techniques on a set of vegetation traits and components of functional diversity, we assessed the role of different ecological mechanisms in shaping co‐occurrence patterns of the entire group of species typical of Molinia meadows, as well as individual species belonging to this group. Results: When the entire group of Molinia meadow species was taken into account, niche differentiation emerged as the main mechanism influencing the co‐occurrence of plant species. When considering individual species, we revealed that their co‐existence patterns were mostly species‐specific, pointing out the predominant role of either niche differentiation, competition, habitat filtering, or a combination of these three drivers in shaping assembly processes. Conclusions: Our results showed that the variability of niches realised by target species typical of Molinia meadows was high. Therefore, conservation of well‐developed Molinia meadows should focus on both the community, and on a single species level, aiming to maintain a complex of specific microhabitat conditions. Considering small‐size patches of these meadows scattered in a transformed, agricultural landscape, conservation of individual target species should be of the highest priority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Questions: (1) How much do abiotic site factors and land‐cover categories influence the course of succession across successional series at a country scale? (2) Are there any differences in the abiotic site factors and land‐cover categories which are responsible for driving primary and secondary seres? (3) Which of the factors influence species richness and participation of target species? Location: Various disturbed sites in the Czech Republic, Central Europe. Methods: The Database of Successional Series (DaSS) was compiled of 21 different types of succession, comprising 2,846 phytosociological relevés. The stages ranged from 1 to >150 years in age. Abiotic site factors included macroclimate characteristics and substrate; landscape factors comprised various land‐cover categories in a radius of 1 km around each sampled site. Principal Coordinate Analysis of Neighbour Matrices (PCNM) was performed to quantify the effect of abiotic site factors and landscape factors on seral vegetation, also regarding the primary or secondary status of succession. The relationships between number of species, number and proportion of target species and abiotic site and landscape factors were further assessed using generalised linear model analysis. Results: All considered abiotic and landscape factors were found to have significant effects on the course of succession. The effects of abiotic site factors appeared to be more important than those of the surrounding landscape structure. Species richness was higher on basic substrates. The proportion of target species increased with increasing woodland area in the surrounding and with a wetter and colder climate, and decreased with urbanisation rate of the landscape. Conclusion: Not only local but landscape factors, such as climate and land cover, should be considered in any study of succession, as they substantially influence the general successional pattern. Quantification of the role of these environmental factors may help to decide where a spontaneous restoration is a viable option for the restoration of disturbed sites. The primary or secondary status of succession is less relevant than has usually been supposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dolphin interactions with coastal fisheries are of major concern, reportedly leading to gear damage, which increases the cost of coastal fishing globally and in the Mediterranean Sea. The aim of this study was to determine the effect that gear, target species, mesh size, depth, soaking duration, fishing area, and season have on net depredation frequency and to offer insights on possible mitigation solutions. From November 2013 to February 2016 we monitored 107 active coastal fishers in 22 ports of the northern Aegean Sea coastline, identified the main target species of the fishery and recorded the damages on gill nets and trammel nets caused by dolphins, mainly the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Quasi‐binomial generalized linear models were used to determine the relationship between the examined factors and depredation frequency. The analysis revealed that the gears mostly depredated were gill nets and trammel nets with small mesh sizes, mainly targeting surmullet (Mullus surmuletus), red mullet (Mullus barbatus), common sole (Solea solea), European hake (Merluccius merluccius), and caramote prawn (Melicertus kerathurus). The probability of depredation was also significantly dependent on the fishing area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A reduced susceptibility for local and global impacts has been assigned for deeper reefs compared to historically degraded shallow reefs. Yet, few studies have attempted to analyze the influence of depth on reef fish escape behavior across distinct size classes. By using behavioral response as a measure for prey wariness, the present study analyzed flight initiation distance (FID) for three fishery target and one non-target reef fish species on shallow and deeper reefs in South Atlantic Ocean (Multiple use MPA Costa dos Corais, Pernambuco State). We hypothesized that fish on shallow reefs would have higher FID and detect the human approach sooner and flee at a large distance than individuals in deeper reefs, which would have a late detection, allowing a closer approach. During our field experiment, flight initiation distances average was higher at shallow reefs for three analyzed species, yet each species had specific responses according to individual size classes. For two fishery target species E. adscensionis and C. fulva, two intermediate size classes presented higher flight distances at shallow than deeper reefs. However, S. axillare a target parrotfish, demonstrated an unexpected trend with higher FID on deeper reefs for smaller size classes. Interestingly, the non-target species, have also shown differences on wariness across the two analyzed size classes, with higher FID on shallow than deeper reefs. Our results suggest that fish on shallow reefs would detect the human approach sooner and flee at a large distance than individuals in deeper reefs; however, fish response to human presence according to depth is size classes and species dependent. We emphasis the important of no-take zones and the establishment of new marine protected areas on both shallow and deeper reefs in Brazilian waters and elsewhere in order to maintain the integrity of reef fish behavior and consequently ecosystems functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquatic organisms with different adaptations are used as indicators in physical habitat simulation system models. Those adaptations are critical for determining the shape of the weighted usable area/width curve and for recommending values of environmental flows. The main objective of this study is to compare the use of benthic native species (Astroblepus taczanowskii and Astroblepus vanceae) versus the introduced Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout) as target indicators for PHABSIM modelling in the Andean–Amazon piedmont rivers. We used adjusted probability distribution functions with L‐moments analyses for developing curves of use and preference to evaluate the efficiency of each indicator. Two hydraulic modelling sections were established in the Ulcumayo River with 21 and 27 cross sections, respectively. Native benthic species are usually dominant but scarcely used as focus organisms for environmental flows modelling. These species are associated with fast running and shallow waters, which makes them potentially more sensitive to the effects of flow reduction. Our results indicated that the native species were more restricted to velocity and depth than O. mykiss. Using selection curves in PHABSIM modelling, it is required between 10% to 94% of the mean monthly flow to preserve 90% of the available habitat for Astroblepus during the dry season (May to November). In contrast, rainbow trout requires 5% to 88% of the mean monthly flow. We conclude that a multispecies approach is useful for determining the required environmental instream flows contributing to a better sustainable condition for the Neotropical mountain rivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to analyze the effect of total allowable catches (TACs) on the target species. First to effects analyse of TACs, the 8 TAC target species and 75 non-target species were selected for which catch data were available before and after the introduction of the TACs. The 8 target species were simply compared to catch changes before and after TACs. Through the comparison, it was confirmed how the catches of target fishes have changed after the implementation of the TACs. Secondly, the Difference In Differences(DID) analysis was conducted to confirm the effects of the TACs on the catches of the target fishes using the catch data of 8 TAC target species and 75 non-TAC species. Finally, to overcome the limitations of the DID analysis, the random effects model was estimated to confirm the effects of the TACs on the catch of the TAC target species. Overall, this study confirmed that the TACs affects catches of target species, not only through simple comparisons of catches before and after the introduction of the TACs but also through econometric analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Grassland restoration has become a key tool in addressing the drastic losses of seminatural grassland since the mid‐twentieth century. This study examined the restoration by green hay transfer of upland hay meadows, a particularly scarce and vulnerable habitat, over an 11‐year chronosequence. The community composition of 18 restoration meadows was compared with that of donor reference sites in two study areas in the Pennine region of northern England. The study investigated: differences in community composition between donor and restoration meadows; transfer of upland hay meadow target species; and the effect of time and isolation from neighboring meadows on the community composition of the restoration meadows. Results showed that restoration meadows differed from donor meadows in that some target species were easily transferred whilst others were not found in the restoration meadows, or were at low levels of cover. Time had a significant effect on the community composition of the restoration meadows, but the similarity between restoration sites and donor sites did not increase with time, and the effect of isolation was not significant. The study showed that the green hay transfer method increases botanical diversity and is an important first step in meadow restoration. However, further restoration activity, such as seed addition, is likely to be required if restoration sites are to resemble closely the reference donor sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Providing nest-sites is an effective tool but may attract non-target species. • We wanted to prevent Jackdaws from dominating a Lesser Kestrel nest-box colony. • We blocked and opened the entrances to the nest-boxes in the colony. • This approach resulted in higher occupancy and breeding success in Lesser Kestrels. • We suggest that this is an effective, non-lethal tool for mitigating competition. Anthropogenic changes in the natural environment have led to the need to find alternative resources to ensure the persistence of biodiversity. In birds, nest sites can be a limiting resource in stenotopic populations. A method of active protection is the building of nest boxes. However, attractive nest sites attract target species and their competitors. From the species conservation point of view, our target species was the Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni), whose populations have recovered owing to the establishment of nest box colonies across Europe. However, they have been out-competed by Jackdaws (Corvus monedula) in recent years. Because corvids are intelligent and aggressive, we had to artificially control the competition from Jackdaws to allow Lesser Kestrels to nest. We aimed to discourage Jackdaws from taking over the studied colony and to ensure the continued breeding of Lesser Kestrels by manipulating access to the nest boxes. Data were collected during three breeding seasons in a Lesser Kestrel nest box colony using two manipulations in which we prevented Jackdaw occupation by closing some of the nest boxes and then gradually opening them. We found a significantly lower probability of Lesser Kestrels nesting and lower breeding performance in the control year than in the years in which access to the boxes was manipulated. The field experiment shows the high efficiency of manipulating the accessibility of nest boxes by closing and opening them at the right time in the context of their occupation by the target species and thus influencing their breeding performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfoxaflor is an insecticide used against sap-feeding insects (Aphididae, Aleyrodidae) belonging to the family of sulfoximine; sulfoximine is a chiral nitrogen-containing sulphur (VI) molecule; it is a sub-group of insecticides that act as nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) competitive modulators. Sulfoxaflor binds to nAChR in place of acetylcholine and acts as an allosteric activator of nAChR. Thanks to its mode of action resistance phenomena are uncommon, even few cases of resistance were reported. It binds to receptors determining uncontrolled nerve impulses followed by muscle tremors to which paralysis and death follows. Sulfoxaflor acts on the same receptors of neonicotinoids as nicotine and butenolides, but it binds differently. It binds to insects nAChRs more strongly than to mammals’ ones, so it is much less toxic for mammals and man. Sulfoxaflor is supposed to have a low environmental impact and is not much aggressive against non-target species. Unfortunately, it is toxic to impollinator insects, so it must be used only in compliance with a series of legislative norms. At present sulfoxaflor can be considered one of the most interesting products to be used in fighting against agriculture insect pests.

This article analyzes the history of the development and dynamics of the structure and species composition of the principal target species of the national commercial fisheries in the Black Sea from the time of the demise of the Crimean Khanate in 1783 to the present day, as well as the structure of the Black Sea exploitable bioresources that had evolved throughout the geological history of the development of the Ponto–Caspian basin (over 30 million years). This study involves the geography and composition of catches, as well as the scales and techniques of fish harvesting in the 20th–21st centuries. There have been stages identified of intensification and decline in fish harvesting success and reasons for these variations (natural dynamics of population size, predaceous species pressure, construction of hydraulic structures, sea pollution, overfishing, and poaching). The author demonstrates that at the end of the 20th century the fishing industry of Russia entered a depressive state, while the total average annual landing of other Black Sea states increased. At the same time, the ecological situation improved considerably and the population size of many previously exploited fish began to recover in the territorial waters of Russia due to reduced pressure from the predacious comb jelly Mnemiopsis and a decreased level of petroleum and chemical pollution in the coastal and shelf waters in the northern part of the Black Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ballast water management convention incorporates principles of risk assessment. A new ballast water management risk assessment model was developed to support the implementation of most efficient management measures, which we also present as a flowchart decision support system model. The risk assessment model was tested using data from port baseline surveys where available, and real shipping and ballast water discharges data. The here presented ballast water management risk assessment and possible management options are applicable elsewhere to support and improve complex decision making in the implementation of management requirements according to the ballast water management convention. If needed, the model may easy be adapted to address local specifics in any other region or area. • Ballast water management actions are most effective when considering risk intensity. • A risk assessment model to support ballast water management actions was prepared. • The risk assessment model was tested on different vessels sailing to Port of Koper. • Options for ballast water management and their consequences are proposed. • This approach is applicable elsewhere to support effective ballast water management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we used a historical collection of photographs taken by recreational fishers from 1940 to 2014, at the island of Gran Canaria, to show both a significant decrease in the mean total length of Epinephelus marginatus and a concurrent change in the composition of captures. Before 1980, the mean total length of fish caught and photographed was c. 100 cm, while after 2009 this was typically < 40 cm. Before 1980, the predominant captured species was E. marginatus (an apex predator), but currently the majority of catches are of omnivorous species, in particular the parrotfish, Sparisoma cretense and seabreams Diplodus spp. Overall, integration of these results indicates a qualitative and quantitative variation in captures of recreational fishers, probably as a sign of change in ecological balances and the overfished status of many target species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study is to discuss and establish tentative guidelines for the original selection and evaluation of genetic sites for in situ conservation of medicinal and aromatic plant genetic resources in Lithuania and provide baseline recommendations for their management and monitoring. The methodology applied is largely based on the one used in crop wild relative conservation in situ. Three groups of criteria, including species, site and threat assessment, are used on a 5-point evaluation scale to evaluate genetic sites, with '5' representing the highest quality or state and '1' representing the lowest quality or state. Top ten criteria are selected out of more than twenty those discussed for the application in genetic site evaluation. Four of these pertain to target species: species number and cover abundance (20% weight), number of red-listed species (10%), number of cultivated/CWR species (10%), distinctive properties of populations (10%); two to site: area size (5%), protected area status (15%); and four to threat assessment: open site overgrowth with woody plant species (5%), mechanical damage of soil surface (5%), abundance of invasive non-native species (10%) and abundance of problematic native species (10%). Then, a weighted summing up is made to get an overall evaluation of a genetic site. For long-term conservation only sites scored not less than three points on average are recommended. An interpretation of final evaluation scores is also provided. Baseline recommendations for genetic site management focus on intervention measures, while those for monitoring - on periodicity of evaluation and some organizational aspects of implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Questions: Our study examined the relationships between the seed bank and above‐ground vegetation in spontaneously revegetated and forestry‐reclaimed sand pits. We asked the following questions: (a) What is the composition of the seed bank and above‐ground vegetation? (b) How do they develop over the course of succession within the two different restoration approaches? (c) What is the representation of target and undesirable species in the seed bank and above‐ground vegetation? and (d) Could the seed bank serve as the source for target vegetation restoration? Location: Třeboň Basin, Czech Republic. Methods: Three successional stages and two types of restoration approaches were considered. Bray–Curtis similarity was used for describing the similarity between above‐ground vegetation and the seed bank. Representation of target (dry sandy grassland), desirable (woodland, wetland, mesic grassland) and undesirable (synanthropic) species was assessed. Results: The type of restoration approach exhibited stronger effects on the above‐ground vegetation than on the seed bank. The similarity between the seed bank and above‐ground vegetation decreased during succession. Undesirable species formed the dominant species group in the seed bank regardless of successional stage and the type of restoration approach. Target species were represented especially in the above‐ground vegetation of young successional stages. Only half of the number of target species appeared in the seed bank in comparison to above‐ground vegetation and their number further rapidly decreased in older stages of succession. Conclusions: The result showed that the seed bank of sand pits could be considered as a potential resource mainly for synanthropic species, but it cannot serve as the only source for the eventual restoration of the target vegetation of an open sandy dry grassland after potential clearing, once it becomes overgrown by forest. Consequently, maintaining young successional stages is desirable if we wish to support species typical of dry sandy grassland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We studied the effects of host trees on the niche of endangered epiphyte Dicranum viride. • Niche partitioning shapes assemblages of D. viride on Carpinus betulus. • Environmental filtering shapes D. viride occurrence patterns on Fagus sylvatica. • Contrasting mechanisms influenced by host tree shape the niche realised by D. viride. • Host trees with diverse microhabitats preserve rare and endangered epiphytic mosses. Functional diversity is widely recognised as the key to understanding the role of ecological mechanisms in shaping the patterns of species co-existence across different environmental gradients. Despite research in this area, there is a considerable knowledge gap on the ecological mechanisms that shape the composition of bryophyte communities, especially those at risk. One of the most endangered group of species are usually woodland specialist bryophytes, therefore, understanding the factors determining their occurrence should be a priority. One of the model species belonging to this group is Dicranum viride , a target species of international conservation importance, and of particular interest for forest managers responsible for forest ecosystems protection. We examined the effect of the tree phorophyte species on the realised niche of D. viride in the temperate forest ecosystems. The specific tree species that D. viride inhabits greatly influences its realised niche. Both phorophyte species we examined, i.e. Fagus sylvatica and Carpinus betulus , can sustain the presence of D. viride , but the key determinant is the availability of suitable microhabitats, such as specific combinations of bryophyte species within bark irregularities. Our findings indicate that even in regions where the effects of forest management are noticeable, the preservation of trees with diverse microhabitats facilitate the existence of rare moss species with D. viride as an example. As a moss with a narrow ecological amplitude, D. viride occurrence patterns can be used as a tool in monitoring studies and for improving forest management strategies aimed at harmonising wood production with the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. As a result, this information can be significant for conservation strategies, as it highlights the importance of identifying and preserving certain tree species to protect both particular epiphyte communities and individual target species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinosyns are a class of insecticides with a broad range of action against many insect pests belonging to different orders, noxious to a wide variety of agricultural crops; spinosyns were also used against insects of sanitary interest. Spinosyns are derivative of biological active substances produced by soil Actinomycete Saccharopolyspora spinosa; being of biological origin, they are considered to have a low environmental impact and they are not much aggressive against nontarget species. They act as allosteric activators of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors; thanks to their mode of action the resistance phenomena are uncommon, even few cases of resistance were recently reported. For all these reasons at present they are one of the most interesting product to be used in fighting against agriculture pests.