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We describe two new small-bodied species of South Asian Cnemaspis from Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu State, India. The two new species are sister taxa, forming a well-supported, previously unsampled clade of South Asian Cnemaspis that we name the kanyakumariensis clade. This new clade is recovered with weak support as the sister taxon to the goaensis clade. Both the new species together can be easily distinguished from all other peninsular Indian clades by a combination of non-overlapping morphological characters such as small size with snout to vent length < 40 mm, femoral pores only present in males, presence of spine-like tubercles on flanks, and condition of the subcaudals. They can also be distinguished from each other by several characters such as the number of dorsal tubercles around the body, short vs long spine-like tubercles on flank, and the arrangement of keeled subcaudal scales. They also differ by uncorrected pairwise sequence divergence of 10.2 and 2.9% for ND2 and 16S, respectively. This work reveals that even the low-elevation coastal hills of southern India have ancient, endemic lineages and require protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new distribution record of Sorbus tianschanica Rupr., a tree or shrub native to the temperate northern hemisphere, is reported for Ladakh. Thirty-one individuals of S. tianschanica were seen growing on exposed cliffs and also on shadowed cliff bases in a remote valley in the western Ladakh region of Kargil. A detailed taxonomic description, diagnostic features and notes on the habitat of the species along with its distribution and climatic range in the adjacent phytogeographic regions (Gilgit-Baltistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and some provinces of China) are provided. Further, information on the species palaeoecology and biogeography has been reviewed, and its conservation significance is discussed. Our findings emphasise the importance of keeping records of local biodiversity up to date. This is critical for implementing global biodiversity policies and meeting conservation goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Until the advent of phylogenomics, the atypical morphology of extant representatives of the insect orders Grylloblattodea (ice‐crawlers) and Mantophasmatodea (gladiators) had confounding effects on efforts to resolve their placement within Polyneoptera. This recent research has unequivocally shown that these species‐poor groups are closely related and form the clade Xenonomia. Nonetheless, divergence dates of these groups remain poorly constrained, and their evolutionary history debated, as the few well‐identified fossils, characterized by a suite of morphological features similar to that of extant forms, are comparatively young. Notably, the extant forms of both groups are wingless, whereas most of the pre‐Cretaceous insect fossil record is composed of winged insects, which represents a major shortcoming of the taxonomy. Here, we present new specimens embedded in mid‐Cretaceous amber from Myanmar and belonging to the recently described species Aristovia daniili. The abundant material and pristine preservation allowed a detailed documentation of the morphology of the species, including critical head features. Combined with a morphological data set encompassing all Polyneoptera, these new data unequivocally demonstrate that A. daniili is a winged stem Grylloblattodea. This discovery demonstrates that winglessness was acquired independently in Grylloblattodea and Mantophasmatodea. Concurrently, wing apomorphic traits shared by the new fossil and earlier fossils demonstrate that a large subset of the former "Protorthoptera" assemblage, representing a third of all known insect species in some Permian localities, are genuine representatives of Xenonomia. Data from the fossil record depict a distinctive evolutionary trajectory, with the group being both highly diverse and abundant during the Permian but experiencing a severe decline from the Triassic onwards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The little-known western Eurasian taxa of the Phaedusinae (land snail family Clausiliidae) are Tertiary relicts, which are widely separated geographically from the rest of the subfamily occurring in eastern Eurasia. In order to elucidate the phylogenetic relationships of this group, we carried out molecular analyses with 11 of the 16 genera using nuclear gene sequences. Our results revealed that within the subfamily, Nothoserrulina and Pamphylica , together with Caspiophaedusa , Dobatia , Pravispira , and Serrulina , belong to a clade that is sister to that of all east Eurasian Phaedusinae except Synprosphyma. In contrast, Graecophaedusa , Laeviphaedusa , Pontophaedusella , and Serrulinella , together with Pontophaedusa , belong to paraphyletic lineages diverging between the branching point of these clades and that of the most basal Synprosphyma lineage. Laeviphaedusa and Pontophaedusella represent the earliest western Eurasian lineages, estimated to date back to the Eocene–Oligocene boundary. Comparison of our phylogeny to morphological traits of the genera identified clade-specific character states of the shells and the reproductive organs. Based on fossil records and on palaeogeographical and palaeofloristic data, we also propose a model for the geographical origin and radiation of this subfamily in Eurasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rock glaciers are geomorphological features often used as a visible expression of mountain permafrost. These are creeping ice-debris with distinct ridge and furrow structures on the surface with a steep frontal slope. Rock glaciers, being the valuable past permafrost indicators, also have utmost hydrological significance in near future. Therefore, mapping of rock glaciers is an important step in order to understand permafrost regimes better. The Himalayas have large occurrences of these features and this study in Himachal Himalayas complied 789 rock glaciers, covering an area of about 336.2 km2. Different labels based on genesis, location, shape, form, surface relief and activity revealed rock glaciers were mainly derived from talus slopes (239) and exhibited tongue shape (377), primarily found in cirques (531). Most of them were classified as simple units (603) with well-developed surface relief (387), and they were found to be predominantly intact (760). The topographical parameters suggest majority of the rock glaciers are located between 4000 and 4800 m with mean elevation to be 4635 m. These rock glaciers are present at gentle to steep slope gradient (0 to 45°) with curvature ranging between −3.5 and 4.5, and majority showing convex curvature. The slope aspect conducive for formation of rock glaciers in Himachal is northerly (N, NW, NE). Principal geology for these rock glaciers belongs to slate, phyllite, quartzarenite, limestone and meta basics. The climatic parameters and indices also affect the rock glaciers occurrence significantly. The mean land surface temperature (LST) for majority rock glaciers lies between 0 and −15°C. While, the mean NDSI of all the rock glaciers varies from 0.04 to 0.68 and mean NDVI varies from −0.06 to 0.08. Overall, the inventory along with labels is a valuable database for understanding the distribution and characteristics of rock glaciers in the Himachal Himalayas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attention to habitat dynamics in subtropical mid-mountain forest plant communities containing endangered vegetation is critical for understanding the responses of ecosystems to global climate change and for their effective conservation. This study examines the species composition, structure, and interspecies competition within endemic and endangered Abies ziyuanensis (Abies ziyuanensis L.K.Fu and S.L.Mo) communities in China, comparing undisturbed and anthropogenically disturbed conditions. The survey recorded a total of 71 plant species across 39 families and 60 genera. PERMANOVA analysis highlighted significant disparities in species composition between the two forest community conditions. Communities impacted by anthropogenic disturbances showed a higher diversity of shrub and herbaceous species compared to those that were undisturbed, coupled with a significant increase in the number of Abies ziyuanensis seedlings, suggesting a greater potential for self-renewal. Nonetheless, the distribution of diameter class structures in these two community conditions indicates a declining trend in population numbers. In undisturbed Abies ziyuanensis communities, the Weighted Hegyi Competition Index (WCI) for Abies ziyuanensis was 6.04, below the average WCI of 12.24 for all trees within these communities. In contrast, within communities affected by anthropogenic disturbances, the WCI for Abies ziyuanensis reached 7.76, higher than the average WCI of 7.43 for all trees, indicating that Abies ziyuanensis in disturbed communities face heightened competitive pressure compared to undisturbed settings. These findings underscore that previous anthropogenic disturbances have altered the community composition, competition dynamics, growth environment, and succession trends of Abies ziyuanensis communities. While these disturbances promote the regeneration of Abies ziyuanensis, they also reduce its current dominance as a target species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, exuviae of Crocothemis sanguinolenta and Zygonyx torridus were collected from southern parts of Iran. Females of Z. torridus were also observed mating and ovipositing in two habitats. According to our data, these two species successfully breed in some suitable microhabitats and are neither immigrants nor vagrants. Our findings based on this research and recent information showed that habitat dispersal for these two species is not limited to the Hormuz Strait region, as previously thought. Suitable habitats for Z. torridus expanded from the Southwest to the East of the country. For C. sanguinolenta, the habitat range covers the far southeastern parts of the country near the Pakistan border area. Based on the geological history of the Persian Gulf region in the last glacial period and similar African coexisting species in these microhabitats, we suggest that these species are relict populations that survived in a few suitable habitats from a wider area in the past. This view seems more appropriate to explain the current distribution of these species than their recent migration from the UAE or Oman regions

Understanding how spatial patterns of mating and gene flow respond to habitat loss and geographical isolation is a crucial aspect of forest fragmentation genetics. Naturally fragmented riparian tree populations exhibit unique characteristics that significantly influence these patterns. In this study, we investigate mating patterns, pollen‐mediated gene flow, and genetic diversity in relict populations of Frangula alnus in southern Spain by testing specific hypotheses related to the riparian habitat. We employ a novel approach that combines paternity analysis, particularly suited for small and isolated populations, with complex network theory and Bayesian models to predict mating likelihood among tree pairs. Our findings reveal a prevalence of short‐distance pollination, resulting in spatially driven local mating clusters with a distinct subset of trees being highly connected in the mating network. Additionally, we observe numerous pollination events over distances of hundreds of metres and considerable pollen immigration. Local neighbourhood density is the primary factor influencing within‐population mating patterns and pollen dispersal; moreover, mating network properties reflect the population's size and spatial configuration. Conversely, among‐population pollen dispersal is mainly determined by tree size, which influences floral display. Our results do not support a major role of directional pollen dispersal in longitudinal trends of genetic diversity. We provide evidence that long‐term fragmented tree populations persist in unique environments that shape mating patterns and impose constraints to pollen‐mediated gene flow. Nevertheless, even seemingly strongly isolated populations can maintain functional connectivity over extended periods, especially when animal‐mediated mating networks promote genetic diversity, as in this riparian tree species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of endangered relict woody plants is one of the key components of the biodiversity conservation strategy. In this regard, the aim of the study is to assess the current state of populations of relict ash tree (Fraxinus sogdiana Bunge) growing in the river valleys of the State National Nature Park «Sharyn» in Almaty region. The paper presents the results of an expedition to this region in 2023. A 20x20 square meter transect was studied in each population. The first population was sampled from the southern bank of the Sharyn River, from the first floodplain terrace. Coordinates N 43.543551˚ E 079.286874˚, elevation 722 m above sea level. And the second population was taken from the southern bank of the Temirlik River, from the first floodplain terrace. GPS coordinates: N 43.359546˚ E 079.164989˚, altitude 951 m above sea level. The geographical position of Sogdian аsh Temirlik populations of F. sogdiana in the territory of the SNPP «Sharyn» was determined, as well as the floristic composition of plant communities at the level of these two populations. The current state of Sogdian аsh populations in the valleys of the Sharyn and Temirlik rivers was assessed. In the first Sharyn population 12 families, 12 genera and 13 species were found. And in the second Temirlik population 13 families, 14 genera and 15 species were found. Sogdian ash is resistant to drought and heat and can be recommended for biodiversity conservation, landscaping and ecosystem improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, exuviae of Crocothemis sanguinolenta and Zygonyx torridus were collected from southern parts of Iran. Females of Z. torridus were also observed mating and ovipositing in two habitats. According to our data, these two species successfully breed in some suitable microhabitats and are neither immigrants nor vagrants. Our findings based on this research and recent information showed that habitat dispersal for these two species is not limited to the Hormuz Strait region, as previously thought. Suitable habitats for Z. torridus expanded from the Southwest to the East of the country. For C. sanguinolenta, the habitat range covers the far southeastern parts of the country near the Pakistan border area. Based on the geological history of the Persian Gulf region in the last glacial period and similar African coexisting species in these microhabitats, we suggest that these species are relict populations that survived in a few suitable habitats from a wider area in the past. This view seems more appropriate to explain the current distribution of these species than their recent migration from the UAE or Oman regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attention to habitat dynamics in subtropical mid-mountain forest plant communities containing endangered vegetation is critical for understanding the responses of ecosystems to global climate change and for their effective conservation. This study examines the species composition, structure, and interspecies competition within endemic and endangered Abies ziyuanensis (Abies ziyuanensis L.K.Fu and S.L.Mo) communities in China, comparing undisturbed and anthropogenically disturbed conditions. The survey recorded a total of 71 plant species across 39 families and 60 genera. PERMANOVA analysis highlighted significant disparities in species composition between the two forest community conditions. Communities impacted by anthropogenic disturbances showed a higher diversity of shrub and herbaceous species compared to those that were undisturbed, coupled with a significant increase in the number of Abies ziyuanensis seedlings, suggesting a greater potential for self-renewal. Nonetheless, the distribution of diameter class structures in these two community conditions indicates a declining trend in population numbers. In undisturbed Abies ziyuanensis communities, the Weighted Hegyi Competition Index (WCI) for Abies ziyuanensis was 6.04, below the average WCI of 12.24 for all trees within these communities. In contrast, within communities affected by anthropogenic disturbances, the WCI for Abies ziyuanensis reached 7.76, higher than the average WCI of 7.43 for all trees, indicating that Abies ziyuanensis in disturbed communities face heightened competitive pressure compared to undisturbed settings. These findings underscore that previous anthropogenic disturbances have altered the community composition, competition dynamics, growth environment, and succession trends of Abies ziyuanensis communities. While these disturbances promote the regeneration of Abies ziyuanensis, they also reduce its current dominance as a target species.

The genus Spaeleoleptes was proposed by H. Soares in 1966 to accommodate the first Brazilian troglobitic species of harvestmen, Spaeleoleptes spaeleus H. Soares, 1966. In this work, we redescribe this species, including digital images of the type material and drawings of the male genitalia. Since its description, Spaeleoleptes has remained monotypic, and after 56 years, herein is described the second species of the genus, the troglobitic Spaeleoleptes gimli sp. nov. Both species share sexually dimorphic legs I and II with modified regions and swelling on the tibiae and patellae I and II; a penis with robust conductors covering all or part of the capsula interna and a capsula interna with two lateral projections. They are clearly separated by the shape of the modified region of the tibia; by the presence of an apical projection on the apical lamina of the pars distalis in S. spaeleus; and the lateral projections of the capsula interna, which is flattened in S. gimli. Spaeleoleptes gimli greatly increases the distributional range of the genus, as it is now recorded from caves located in two Brazilian phytophysiognomies from the Cerrado of Minas Gerais to the Caatinga of Bahia.

This paper provides a detailed technological characterization of the Roman opus sectile glasses (second century AD) coming from the renowned Gorga collection. Nine glass samples corresponding to imitations of the porfido verde antico, cipollino rosso, rosso antico, giallo antico, diaspro nero e giallo, semesanto and agate/alabaster stones were studied. The aim of this study was twofold: (i) archaeometric, i.e., to provide valuable data on the production, raw materials and techniques of these refined Roman glasses that mimic precious stones and (ii) methodological, i.e., to highlight the good performance of combining polished thin sections and local probe measurements for the study of glassy microstructures. Based on the nature of the flux used, the glasses from the samples were classified as either natron-type or mixed-type (natron/plant ash). The latter stem from remelted glasses and contain relict grains of wollastonite that were not found in the pure natron samples. Relict wollastonite crystals appear to be a proficient petrographic marker to spot recycled glasses along with the commonly used chemical fingerprints. Different production and colouring techniques were identified, even for a given type of imitated stone. Metallic Cu, Ca antimonates and Pb-Fe antimonates were the three opacifiers used for the opaque glasses. Based on the crystal morphologies, metallic Cu and Ca antimoniates were possibly synthesized in situ simultaneously with the glass, whilst the Pb-Fe antimonates were prepared ex situ. The working temperatures for these glasses were estimated within the 900–1100 °C range based on the presence and known thermal stability of some identified crystal phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fraxinus sogdiana Bunge (family Oleaceae) is a rare, relict species, with a disjunctive distribution range. The species is listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan. The aim of this study was to determine anatomical features and identify the phytochemical composition of F. sogdiana growing in different soils in Kazakhstan. The research objects were vegetative organs collected in the Temirlik River Valley of the Almaty region (the State National Nature Park "Sharyn") and the Boralday River Valley of the Turkestan region (the Syrdarya–Turkestan Regional Nature Park) in 2020–2022. A comparative anatomical analysis of the vegetative organs of F. sogdiana revealed similarities and differences between the specimens studied. The level of significance was taken at 5%. The main feature identified in the anatomical structure of the F. sogdiana leaves was the presence of large special motor cells in the upper and lower epidermis. A study of the phytochemical composition identified the ten most important biologically active substances with antimicrobial, antitumor, diuretic, and antioxidative properties. In the study areas, soils were different in terms of conditions and time of soil formation. The soil profile of the floodplain terrace of the Temirlik River was found to be stratified with alternating interlayers of light loamy and sandy loam granulometric composition with inclusions of pebbles; differentiation of the soil profile into genetic horizons was poorly pronounced. The soil profile of the floodplain terrace of the Boralday River had a clear differentiation into genetic horizons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contemporary distribution of crenobiontic endemics in central Texas is enigmatic because only some springs are occupied by crenobionts despite other unoccupied springs having seemingly suitable habitats. In the absence of complete paleo-records, a cohesive and widely accepted explanation for this biogeography has eluded researchers for many years. We suggest that data on contemporary species with obligate coevolution, such as parasites with multiple obligate hosts in their life cycles, can help to fill intervening gaps in the paleo-record because the contemporary distribution of such a parasite indicates that its hosts cohabitated without interruption since the arrival of the parasite. To test this conjecture, we studied one such parasite endemic to a select few central Texas springs, Huffmanela huffmani. By studying the distribution of the intermediate host, geologic and paleo-climatic records, performing lab experiments with live animals, and examining archived museum specimens of the definitive hosts from the 1950s, we were able to test multiple predictions about how the distribution of H. huffmani became what it is today. Our results corroborate a narrative suggesting that several severe droughts since the Wisconsin glaciations are responsible for having sculpted the present-day distribution of central Texas crenobionts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Daddy long-legs spiders are common inhabitants of tropical and subtropical caves around the globe. Numerous species have evolved troglomorphisms, including the loss of body pigments and eyes. Here we describe the first troglomorphic pholcids from Australia and Réunion. Belisana coblynau Huber & Clark, sp. nov. was extracted from mining boreholes in the arid West Australian Pilbara region. It represents a genus that is widespread in tropical forests of South and Southeast Asia, reaching the tropical north and east of Australia. Belisana coblynau is thus presumably a relict whose epigean ancestor lived in the area before the aridification of Australia starting in the early Cenozoic. Buitinga ifrit Huber & Cazanove, sp. nov. was collected in Grotte de La Tortue on Réunion, one of the oldest lava tubes on the island (~300,000 years). Congeneric species are known from East Africa, and the genus does not seem to have reached Madagascar. Since Pholcidae do not balloon, the now extinct epigean ancestor of Buitinga ifrit probably reached the island by highly accidental means (such as rafts or storms). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The relict tree Zelkova carpinifolia (Pall.) K. Koch, ordinarily growing in the Hyrcanian–Euxinian phytogeographic region, is reported for the first time from Iraq, namely the north-east of the country. The site lies on the margin of this species' distribution between the other extant isolated records in the south easternmost region of Turkey and western Iran. Given that this species is extremely rare in neighbouring countries, every single population makes a significant contribution to our understanding of the species' phytogeography and conservation. The oldest individuals reported in the study are 105, 102, 93, 90 and 84 years old, and the average age is 46. The palaeobotanical background, habitat characteristics and information on population characteristics are presented. Additionally, SEM micrographs of Zelkova carpinifolia leaves were taken and compared with published sources. The findings are discussed in the context of the worldwide distribution of the species and its conservation status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pleistocene history of the leopard (Panthera pardus) in Europe has been documented by the material obtained from 312 localities, with the last dated ∼1.1 Myr. The relatively small and gracile form of the leopard was very rare during the late Early and Middle Pleistocene. Only after the disappearance of the jaguar (Panthera gombaszoegensis) did P. pardus spread widely in Europe, increasing in size and ecologically substituting P. gombaszoegensis. The number of late Middle Pleistocene localities with leopard remains, younger than 300 kyr, increased considerably. The leopard reached the maximum extension of its geographical range in the Late Pleistocene. The Iberian Peninsula was the last European refuge for this cat. Six sites, the Naciekowa, Obok Wschodniej, Radochowska, and Wschodnia Caves from the Sudety Mountains and the Biśnik and Dziadowa Skała Caves from the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland, have documented the presence of the leopard in Poland between MIS 10/9 and MIS 3. These records are from rocky regions with rugged terrain and are located in the territory of Silesia (southern Poland). A newly obtained radiocarbon date (43–42 kyr) from the Radochowska Cave directly confirms the occurrence of P. pardus in the Sudety Mountains in the middle part of MIS 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plant community of Dagestan pine forests, comprising 590 vascular plants species, was examined based on materials from field studies performed from 2012 to 2019. Taxonomic, biomorphological, florocoenotic, and geographical characteristics of the plant community showed its boreal and Mediterranean nature. Mesotrophic and eutrophic plants predominated in terms of soil fertility and mesophytes and mesoxerophytes, in terms of soil water availability. Species of different altitudinal belts, including forest, meadow, and mountain-steppe belts, were observed in the plant community of pine forests. The plant community included 22 species listed in the Red Books of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Dagestan, 82 relict species, and 76 endemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pseudotyrannochthoniid genus CentrochthoniusBeier, 1931 is one of the rarest and most poorly understood pseudoscorpion genera in the world. Only a handful of specimens are presently known, all from high-altitude habitats in China, Kyrgyzstan and Nepal. The inaccessibility of specimens has resulted in major taxonomic difficulties such as a poor generic diagnosis, but also a lack of understanding of evolutionary patterns in this psychrophilic fauna. Herein we diagnose Centrochthonius for the first time since its original description and include four Holocene species: one from Kyrgyzstan, two from China, and C. anatonus sp. nov. from Nepal. A fifth fossil species from Bitterfeld amber (Oligocene-Miocene) in central Europe highlights significant range retraction and continental extinction in this genus since the Neogene, leading us to suggest a climatic relict hypothesis for this fauna. Biogeographically, the genus provides further evidence for significant range shifts and extinction events in the Holarctic invertebrate biota during the Cenozoic. Close relatives of Centrochthonius are found in subterranean habitats throughout eastern Asia and warm temperate forests in the western U.S.A. which highlights the magnitude of range retraction caused by climatic cycling in an ancient fauna since at least the Paleogene. The subgenus Allochthonius (Urochthonius) Morikawa, 1954 from caves in Japan has been largely defined by the presence of troglomorphic features such as eye loss, which are here regarded as insufficient to retain as a separate clade from other species of Allochthonius. Therefore, Allochthonius (Urochthonius) is treated as a junior synonym of Allochthonius (syn. nov.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first records of Calamagrostis purpurea, an apomictic wetland grass species with a Euro-Siberian, predominantly boreal distribution, are reported for the Carpathians. This significantly expands the species' range in Central Europe eastwards from the known localities in Austria and Czechia. Due to in situ finds and revision of the herbarium vouchers, C. purpurea was discovered in the Western Carpathians in Slovakia (the Nízke Tatry Mts) as well as in the Eastern Carpathians in Ukraine (the Chornohora Mts) and Romania (Dorna Depression, the Harghita, Bodoc Mts, Intorsura Buzaului Depression) at 6 sites in total. All these newly found localities are situated within 870–1570 m a.s.l. The locality in the Nízke Tatry Mts is at the highest elevation, while those in the Romanian Carpathians are the southeasternmost in Central Europe. In the Carpathians, C. purpurea is confined to undisturbed wetland habitats, which implies its relict origin in the region. A distribution map, habitat characteristics, morphological description, and images of the plants from the Carpatians are provided. Carpathian populations tested with flow cytometry are DNA-octoploid (the predominant ploidy level of the species in Europe). Because of the species' rarity and vulnerability, it is suggested to include C. purpurea in the next editions of the Red Data Books and/or Red Lists of the corresponding countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fraxinus sogdiana Bunge (family Oleaceae) is a rare, relict species, with a disjunctive distribution range. The species is listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan. The aim of this study was to determine anatomical features and identify the phytochemical composition of F. sogdiana growing in different soils in Kazakhstan. The research objects were vegetative organs collected in the Temirlik River Valley of the Almaty region (the State National Nature Park “Sharyn”) and the Boralday River Valley of the Turkestan region (the Syrdarya–Turkestan Regional Nature Park) in 2020–2022. A comparative anatomical analysis of the vegetative organs of F. sogdiana revealed similarities and differences between the specimens studied. The level of significance was taken at 5%. The main feature identified in the anatomical structure of the F. sogdiana leaves was the presence of large special motor cells in the upper and lower epidermis. A study of the phytochemical composition identified the ten most important biologically active substances with antimicrobial, antitumor, diuretic, and antioxidative properties. In the study areas, soils were different in terms of conditions and time of soil formation. The soil profile of the floodplain terrace of the Temirlik River was found to be stratified with alternating interlayers of light loamy and sandy loam granulometric composition with inclusions of pebbles; differentiation of the soil profile into genetic horizons was poorly pronounced. The soil profile of the floodplain terrace of the Boralday River had a clear differentiation into genetic horizons.

Based on molecular and morphological evidence, two species of Seseli sect. Eriocycla subsect. Cordata are described as a new genus, Shomalia. The new genus is related to the Iranian endemic genus Azilia; the taxa have the following common diagnostic features: similar plant architecture, imparipinnate leaves, leaf segments ovate or orbiculate, with obtuse or cuneate basis and dentate or dissected margin coming down over abaxial surface, up to five linear bracts present, and late blooming and fruiting. At the same time, Shomalia, gen. nov. differs from Azilia in carpological features: it has elongated or lanceolate mericarps, terete in cross-section, covered with non-branching simple hairs or glabrous (vs. elliptic glabrous mericarps strongly compressed from the dorsal side in Azilia), morphology of the underground part (multi-branched woody rootstock vs. thickened and non-branching rootstock), and number of stems (numerous vs. solitary). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loss of genetic diversity is expected to be a reason behind the decline of populations of many rare species. To what extent this is true for populations at the range periphery remains to be explored. Alpine species with peripheral lowland populations are an ideal but little-known model system to address this issue. We used 17 microsatellite markers to investigate the genetic diversity and structure of populations of Tofieldia calyculata, a common species in central European mountains, but highly endangered in lowlands. We showed that lowland populations have lower genetic diversity than mountain populations and that the two groups of populations are not clearly differentiated genetically. The species probably survived the last glaciation in refugia in the margins of the Alps and the western Carpathians and some lowland populations likely originated by postglacial colonisation. Some lowland populations may be relictual, but our data did not unequivocally confirm this. Low genetic diversity of lowland populations is likely the result of the reduction of population sizes, limited gene flow, and selfing. Based on data from herbarium specimens from extinct lowland populations, within-population genetic diversity has not changed over the last century suggesting that, under suitable habitat conditions, these populations are able to survive with low levels of genetic diversity. This idea is also supported by the presence of large viable extant populations with very low genetic diversity. Comparisons between modern and historic collection also showed that a large proportion of genetic diversity was lost, due mainly to the extinction of whole populations. Our results provided detailed insight into the recent past of the populations of Tofieldia calyculata, but the genetic diversity of the populations before the twentieth century remains unknown due to the poor quality of old DNA from herbaria samples. Overall, the study indicates that despite reduced genetic diversity, the lowland populations harbour some unique alleles and, with the current levels of genetic diversity, have a chance to survive in the long-term, and thus deserve conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new opilionid species from suborder Cyphophthalmi, family Sironidae, Siro franzi Karaman & Raspotnig sp. nov. and Siro ozimeci Karaman sp. nov., from Austria and Croatia respectively, are described and illustrated. Both species show a close relation to two other relict sironid species from the southern and eastern parts of the Alps, Siro valleorum and Siro crassus. All four species are treated here as a monophyletic, alpine group of genus Siro, opposed to the remaining two European sironids, S. rubens and S. carpaticus (palaeoeuropean Siro group). The history of the alpine Siro group parallels the history of a part of the dynamic European archipelago in the Mediterranean Tethys area, which became a part of the Alpine orogeny. Diversification of the alpine Siro group is the result of the orogenic evolution of the Alps, linked to the Austroalpine and South Alpine tectonic units.

Ensiferan orthopterans offer a key study system for acoustic communication and the process of insect hearing. Cyphoderris monstrosa (Hagloidea) belongs to a relict ensiferan family and is often used for evolutionary comparisons between bushcrickets (Tettigoniidae) and their ancestors. Understanding how this species processes sound is therefore vital to reconstructing the evolutionary history of ensiferan hearing. Previous investigations have found a mismatch in the ear of this species, whereby neurophysiological and tympanal tuning does not match the conspecific communication frequency. However, the role of the whole tympanum in signal reception remains unknown. Using laser Doppler vibrometry, we show that the tympana are tonotopic, with higher frequencies being received more distally. The tympana use two key modalities to mechanically separate sounds into two auditory receptor populations. Frequencies below approximately 8 kHz generate a basic resonant mode in the proximal end of the tympanum, whereas frequencies above approximately 8 kHz generate travelling waves in the distal region. Micro-CT imaging of the ear and the presented data suggest that this tonotopy of the tympana drive the tonotopic mechanotransduction of the crista acustica (CA). This mechanism represents a functional intermediate between simple tuned tympana and the complex tonotopy of the bushcricket CA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Forest-steppe complexes in the peri-Carpathian region harbour specific vegetation dominated by tall herbs. Our aim was to provide new phytosociological data on this vegetation type from the Ukraine and adjacent parts of Romania, compare it with previously published data, discuss its position in broad ecological and biogeographical context and suggest its syntaxonomic treatment respecting both its physiognomy and species composition. Study area: Western Ukraine and Romania. Methods: We assembled a dataset of 711 relevés of thermophilous herb-rich vegetation (Trifolio-Geranietea) from the study area and adjacent regions of Eastern Poland and Slovakia using own field research, literature survey and large databases. Using intersection of three different classification algorithms (beta-flexible, modified TWINSPAN and K-means clustering) we identified a consensus delimitation of the vegetation type. NMDS ordination, analysis of diagnostic, constant and dominant species, and Didukh indicator values were used to characterize its species composition and habitat conditions. Results: Altogether 58 relevés from Western Ukraine and Romania were classified to a tall herb-dominated vegetation type that we identified with the association Trollio-Clematidetum recti Täuber et Weber 1976 described from Romania. We assigned it to the alliance Geranion sanguinei. It differs from other communities of this alliance in its preference for shady slopes, greater stand height and considerable representation of mesophilous and montane species. It is confined to calcareous bedrock with high soil pH and high mineral richness. Conclusions: We suggest that the studied tall herb-dominated vegetation is a specific steppe type, confined to relatively moist and nutrient rich sites in the peri-Carpathian area. Analogous vegetation occurs in the Alps, Balkans, hemiboreal Europe, South Urals and Western Siberia. Its species composition and biogeographical relationships provide further support for the hypothesis that steppe meadows of Central Europe, including tall herb-dominated stands, are linked to the Pleistocene and early-Holocene forest-steppe of temperate Eurasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines High Campoese orophilous snowbed dwarf communities of finely-toothed willow Salix breviserrata Flod. The acidophilous, rupicolous and temporihygrophilous character of this species results in a singular floristic composition that is very different from the Salix breviserrata s.l. Picoeuropean communities. Based on the relevés sampled, the authors describe the endemic High Campoese dwarf scrub association Alchemillo alpinae-Salicetum breviserratae, which we ascribe to the Salicetea herbaceae class, where the mildest ecological conditions are represented, accounting for its relict character. These are Sites of Community Importance as stipulated by the European Commission Habitats Directive, which, together with their sensitivity to global climate change stemming from their limited synchorology, underlines their threatened status and the need for conservation policy.

Here we report the third extant site of Viola jooi in Ukraine. The species was found on an open calcareous scree in the valley of the Tlumach stream near Ostrynia village (Tlumach District, Ivano-Frankivsk Region). Vegetation of the scree may be classified to a broadly circumscribed alliance Stipion calamagrostis or to its east-central European counterpart Teucrion montani (class Thlaspietea rotundifolii). Moreover, our survey of Ukrainian and Polish herbaria revealed several specimens collected during the 1930s at two sites not yet mentioned in the literature, with one of the sites situated near our newly found site. We see a need for a thorough field survey of the historical, extant and other suitable sites of the species in the area of its present distribution in the Ukraine. Despite the new finds, Viola jooi remains one of the rarest relicts of the ancient heliophilous flora of the Volyn-Podolian Upland, pointing to its peri-Alpidic biogeographical affinities. Conservation priorities should be in line with this status.

The Japanese Archipelago hosts a rich butterfly fauna, and elucidating the genetic structures of multiple species is necessary to clarify their formation processes. This study aimed to reveal the genetic structure and distribution formation process of Parnassius citrinarius , which is widely distributed across the Japanese Archipelago from Hokkaido to Shikoku, through phylogeographic analysis based on the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I ( COI ) gene sequence. Thirty haplotypes were revealed from 311 individuals from 47 sites, indicating significant differences in the genetic structures between the eastern and western parts of the Japanese Archipelago. In Eastern Japan, multiple genetic clusters were found, with some sites harboring two clusters. The divergence times among populations in Eastern Japan were relatively recent, and no genetic differentiation was observed between regions, including between Hokkaido and Honshu, which are separated by a narrow strait. In contrast, in Western Japan, including Shikoku, unique genetic clusters were observed in each region. The phylogenetic relationships among populations were regionally clustered, and the divergence times were relatively ancient. The distribution and genetic structure of P. citrinarius in the Japanese Archipelago have been significantly influenced by temperature fluctuations and the presence of geographical barriers during the Pleistocene glacial-interglacial cycles, including the potential formation of refugia in Western Japan.

The genus Stygopholcus Kratochvíl, 1932 is endemic to the Balkan Peninsula and includes only four nominal species: the epigean S. photophilus Senglet, 1971 in the south (Greece to Albania) and the ‘northern clade’ consisting of three troglophile species ranging from Croatia to Albania: S. absoloni (Kulczyński, 1914); S. skotophilus Kratochvíl, 1940; and S. montenegrinus Kratochvíl, 1940 (original rank re-established). We present redescriptions of all species, including extensive data on ultrastructure, linear morphometrics of large samples, and numerous new localities. We georeference previously published localities as far as possible, correct several published misidentifications, and clarify nomenclatorial problems regarding the authority of Stygopholcus and the identity of the type species S. absoloni. We suggest that the ‘northern clade’ has a relict distribution, resulting from past and present geologic and climatic factors. Future work on Stygopholcus should focus on the southern Dinarides, combining dense sampling with massive use of molecular data.

Considers the current state of soil fertility of the most highly fertile soils in the world - mountain-forest black-brown soils of natural relict walnut-fruit forests (WFF) of the Kyrgyz Republic, which occupy the largest tracts of the same type of forests on the Earth and is included by the UN headquarters in the list of UNESCO world biosphere reserves, as an important World natural heritage of our planet, and they protect all components of the OPF biosphere from excessive anthropogenic load and natural degradation in the context of global climate change and represent a natural storehouse for the accumulation of clean water, is a region of widespread development of ecotourism, recreational networks of boarding houses and resorts, and make an invaluable contribution as a natural gene pool when introducing promising varieties of nut and fruit plants in the world into production, thereby providing an invaluable service in solving the problems of food security of the countries of Central Asia and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU ), which is greatly multiplied by the implementation of the interstate mega-ecological-biosphere program "Nut of Kyrgyzstan", aimed at supplying the international market with demanded, environmentally friendly and healing food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ulziit Mountain has a unique ecosystem which is one of northern branch mountains of Khangai mountain range in Mongolia. Several field survey were conducted in summer in all habitats in different altitudes. A total of 314 taxa were registered belonging to 161 genera from 52 families in Ulziit Mountain flora. The family Asteraceae was found to be the largest with 37 taxa, followed by Poaceae with 30 taxa, Ranunculaceae with 24 taxa, Cyperaceae, Caryophyllaceae and Rosaceae each with 17 taxa, Salicaceae with 16 taxa, and Fabaceae with 15 taxa; in total, these comprised 55.1% of all flora complements in this mountain. During the investigation, 5 species were newly recorded in the Khangai mountains forest-steppe region. The most represented life forms in the flora are hemicryptophytes (71.97%), which are common for mountain steppe vegetation. In a time of climate change, effective conservation of nature is needed at an ecosystem such as a single mountain particularly for endemic, relict and other salient species. Furthermore, such a detailed floristic survey is important for finding new records in the field of plant taxonomy and conservation of nature in these specific areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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European beech is a temperate species with peripheral populations in the Mediterranean mountains. These Mediterranean beech forests have often been interpreted as climatic relicts. However, the use of this term does not always seem appropriate because their recent post-glacial expansion in the Iberian Peninsula makes it difficult to disentangle the effects of climate from those associated with land use. Moreover, the observed recovery of Mediterranean beech forests after land-use abandonment is not what might be expected of a climatic relict. Our objective is to clarify this issue by studying one of these Mediterranean "relict" populations located at the south-western margin of this species (Iberian Central Range), discriminating between subpopulations with dissimilar land-use legacies. Differences between the climatic range of this population and the rest of the European beech forests were explored. Historic and recent shifts in the species distribution area were studied by reviewing paleorecords from the literature and contrasting historical and recent cartography. Field data on population structure and demography were also examined. The climatic analyses do not point to climatic marginality of the peripheral population studied. Furthermore, the results revealed no evidence of reduction in area or confinement over recent decades. Contrary to what is expected for climatic relict species under current climate, beech is expanding in the studied mountain following the abandonment of traditional land uses, particularly since the middle of the twentieth century CE. Our results do not support the concept of a climatic relict but rather, they point to the importance of anthropogenic legacies to explain the distribution area, population dynamics and current conservation status of Mediterranean beech forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of endangered relict woody plants is a key component of biodiversity conservation strategies. In this regard, the purpose of the study was to compare anatomical features of the vegetative organs of relict Sogdian ash (Fraxinus sogdiana Bunge) growing in river valleys of the Sharyn State National Park in the Almaty region. In 2020-2021 young individuals of Sogdian ash were sampled, in the valleys of the Sharyn and Temirlik rivers to study, their root, stem, and leaf anatomical features for the first time. The lower and upper epidermis of F. sogdiana leaves were thicker in individuals growing at the Sharyn site than at the Temirlik site. In contrast to that, the thickness of the mesophyll was thicker in leaves from the Temirlik site. The cross-sectional area of the conductive bundles of plants were larger in trees from the Sharyn site. The morphometric parameters of the stem also had different results. The diameter of the roots were twice as large in Sogdian ash trees growing at the Sharyn site, likely due to the growing conditions, since the soil of the Sharyn River valley is meadow, stony and pebbly, compared to the Temirlik River, which is a deposit of red clay mixed with crushed stone and rock remnants. Since Sogdian ash is drought tolerant dry air well, due to its resistance to heat and soil salinity, it can be recommended in order to preserve biodiversity, for landscaping, and for improving ecosystem conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The common wall lizard, Podarcis muralis , is a widely distributed European lizard which has been often introduced across the continent, including north of the continuous species range. Three such populations were recently discovered in the Strzelin Hills in Poland, but no information is available about their origin. We studied the morphological variation, demographic structure and ecology of these populations, as well as their possible origin based on cytochrome b mtDNA sequences. Between 2011 and 2019, the lizards were annually active from the first half of March to mid-October. Males attained significantly larger snout-vent length than females and had relatively larger heads. Almost half of all captured individuals exhibited at least one pileus scale anomaly. Analysis of colour polymorphism revealed the occurrence of three morphs: white, white-red and red. The oldest lizards reached the age of 8 years. These parameters of Polish populations do not deviate from those of other populations from similar latitudes. Molecular analysis revealed that they belong to the most common haplotype of Central European haplogroup I of the Central Balkan clade. This haplotype is widely distributed across the Czech Republic and Slovakia; however, genetic data do not allow determination of the exact origin of the Polish population. Human-mediated introduction from the closest localities, the Czech Republic or Slovakia, is probable but the relict status cannot at present be excluded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drosophyllaceae is the only plant family endemic to the Mediterranean Floristic Region. It includes a single species, the carnivorous Drosophyllum lusitanicum, which is hypothesised to be a relict plant. Our aim here is to reconstruct the evolutionary history of Drosophyllum to evaluate whether the African-European disjunction across the Strait of Gibraltar is the result of vicariance or long-distance dispersal, and to assess the role of the Strait of Gibraltar area in the long-term persistence of this species. A time-calibrated phylogeny based on nuclear ITS sequences estimated a mid-Eocene to mid-Miocene age (19–44 Mya) for the common ancestor of Drosophyllaceae and its sister clade (Ancistrocladaceae-Dioncophyllaceae). In contrast, differentiation of ITS lineages of Drosophyllum occurred in the Pleistocene, after the opening of the Strait of Gibraltar (ca. 5 Mya). A haplotype network built using two plastid DNA regions revealed six haplotypes in Drosophyllum, five of which occur in the Strait of Gibraltar area. Four of the six haplotypes were present in both European and African populations. Therefore, although Drosophyllaceae diverged from the closest relatives in ancient times, the current distribution of Drosophyllum is relatively recent (Pleistocene). Given that the Strait of Gibraltar was already open in the Pliocene, the disjunct distribution of this species between Europe and Africa appears to be the result of multiple events of long-distance dispersal. Species distribution modelling (SDM) was used to reconstruct the potential distribution of Drosophyllum throughout the late Quaternary (last interglacial, Last Glacial Maximum, mid-Holocene and present), which revealed long-term persistence around the Strait of Gibraltar and in the south-western Iberian Peninsula. The Strait of Gibraltar area and the south-western Iberian Peninsula may have shared similar climatic conditions, and thus acted as refugia for Drosophyllum throughout the late Quaternary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sphagnum cuspidatum, reported new for Montana, is disjunct from its main centers of distribution in the midwestern and eastern United States and Canada. The nearest known locations to Montana for this species are Minnesota, Kansas, and Alaska. Sphagnum cuspidatum is known from three sites in Montana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species diversity, edaphic and geological rock properties were investigated in the Tokatlı Canyon. Quercus infectoria-Platanus orientalis was identified as the plant community with the highest species diversity and richness. High concentrations of N and N were found in moderately sloping areas in the north-east in the Tokatlı Canyon. Available P contents tend to increase towards the Mediterranean communities. Arbutus andrachne-Cistus creticus plant communities, found in the study area (especially on central and higher slopes of the canyon) are an example of Mediterranean relict groupings formed by Mediterranean plants. In Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) available P, pH, K+, Mg++, EC and N in the soil and TiO2, Al2O3, MgO and K2O in the rock are the factors affecting species diversity and distribution in the Tokatlı Canyon area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disjunctions are reported for Needle-leaved Sedge (Carex duriuscula) and Thread-leaved Sedge (Carex filifolia) into the Arctic region of Northwest Territories at the Husky Lakes south of Tuktoyaktuk. These are significant additions to the Canadian Arctic flora and may be part of a group of relicts of the Arctic vegetation of the Pleistocene, specifically the Tundrasteppe. The occurrence of relict vegetation east of the Mackenzie Delta is east of its frequently cited eastern limit in North America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitogenomes are valuable data sources for phylogeographic and evolutionary studies of relatively closely related organisms. Here we describe eight complete sequences of moose mitogenomes belonging to the three clades of the European lineage and compare them with those of the Asian lineage. Mitochondrial genomes of moose and other cervids were used to infer highly resolved phylogenetic relationships and estimate divergence times. The analyses clearly distinguished two mtDNA lineages of moose and supported the division of the European lineage into three clades: East, West, and Central. The divergence of the European and Asian mtDNA lineages occurred in the Middle Pleistocene (ca. 443 kya), which significantly exceeds the fossil records of modern Alces alces dated to 100-200 kya. It indicates that the evolutionary history of the moose is more complex and could encompass inheritance of the ancestral variation. Our estimates also showed rapid diversification of present-day clades of the European lineage, which coincided with the transition from the Penultimate Glacial Period (MIS 6) and the Eemian interglacial (MIS 5) approximately 100 kya. Despite the strong division of the nucleotide sequences, we detected no evidence for the divergence ofamino acid sequences between Clade Central and Clade East. The recent diversification of A. alces clades, incombinationwiththeirevidentreciprocal monophyly, could be a result of low effective population size over its evolutionary history, augmented by severe bottlenecks during the Last Glacial Period. Our results are in agreement with the presence of different glacial refugia recently proposed for three identified clades of the European lineage and suggested the relict character of the Scandinavian (from Clade West) and the Biebrza moose population in northeastern Poland (belonging to Clade Central). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species rear range edges are predicted to retract as climate warms, yet evidence of population persistence is accumulating. Accounting for this disparity is essential to enable prediction and planning for species' range retractions. At the Mediterranean edge of European beech‐dominated temperate forest, we tested the hypothesis that individual performance should decline at the limit of the species' ecological tolerance in response to increased drought. We sampled 40 populations in a crossed factor design of geographical and ecological marginality and assessed tree growth resilience and decline in response to recent drought. Drought impacts occurred across the rear edge, but tree growth stability was unexpectedly high in geographically isolated marginal habitat and lower than anticipated in the species' continuous range and better‐quality habitat. Our findings demonstrate that, at the rear edge, range shifts will be highly uneven and characterised by reduction in population density with local population retention rather than abrupt range retractions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review addresses the phylogenetic immobilization phenomenon first described by I.I. Schmalhausen: decreased evolutionary plasticity as a result of stabilizing selection and deleterious mutations with habitat-specific fitness effects. Examples of immobilization are examined and their classification proposed. The role of environmental stability and morphological conservatism in the immobilization development is assessed. The applicability of the immobilization concept for the solution of evolutionary theory issues and the possibility of using immobilization for breeding purposes and the conservation of taxa with low evolutionary plasticity is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]