Ecologies, Volume 6, Issue 1 (March 2025) – 22 articles

The urbanization and the expansion of human settlements led to the adaptation of many animal species to living close to humans, often using buildings for roosting. Panel buildings are particularly attractive to rock-dwelling animals such as swifts, swallows, pigeons, and bats due to their numerous cracks and crevices. The abundance of these structures in Eastern Europe has led to the establishment of numerous bird and bat colonies in the cities. However, the recent renovation and insulation of these buildings, while beneficial to residents, threatens the roosts. Construction workers are sometimes unaware of animal presence and inadvertently destroy nests or colonies. Rapid assessments before renovation are essential to rescue individuals and ensure the planning of alternative roosts for bats and birds. We conducted a pilot survey of 61 residential buildings in five municipalities in Bulgaria: Razgrad, Popovo, Haskovo, Dimitrovgrad, and Bobov Dol, to assess bird and bat biodiversity. We performed field assessments using direct observation, thermal cameras, ultrasonic detection, sunset counts, and endoscopic cameras. The most commonly detected bird species were the house martin, barn swallow, common swifts, the Eurasian jackdaw, pigeons, and sparrows. The most commonly detected bat species were the common pipistrelle, noctule, and Kuhl’s pipistrelle. Additionally, we discuss the specifics of the “soviet-type” buildings as nesting facilities for pigeons and the impact of the pigeons on the “micro ecology” of the blocks. Our study aimed to guide conservation actions and awareness during the expanding renovation efforts of old buildings in Bulgaria. Full article

The relationships among species and the mechanics of those relationships are very complicated in mixed forests, and allelopathy is one of the most important mediators of these relationships. The types and quantities of allelopathic chemicals are different in coniferous and broadleaved trees; studying the responses of some sensitive plants, such as certain crops, to allelopathy mediated by the leaf extracts of coniferous and broadleaved trees would be an effective technique to evaluate the relationships among species in a mixed forest. In this paper, the effects of leaf extracts from Metasequoia glyptostroboides, Cedrus deodara, Liquidambar formosana, Platanus acerifolia and a mixture of of coniferous and broadleaved trees on seed germination and seedling growth of Sesamum indicum at a constant concentration (50 gDW/L) were investigated using an indoor filter paper culture dish method. The test results were evaluated using the response index (RI) and the synthesis allelopathic effect index (SE). The results showed that: (1) Four kinds of leaf extracts inhibited the germination and seedling growth of S. indicum. The order of the allelopathic inhibitory effects were as follows: L. formosana > M. glyptostroboides > C. deodara > P. acerifolia; (2) In this experiment, the single leaf extract of the coniferous species (M. glyptostroboides and C. deodara) and the single leaf extract of the broadleaved species (L. formosana and P. acerifolia) did not exhibit significant differences in the direction of the allelopathic effect on S. indicum; (3) Compared to their corresponding single leaf extracts, M. glyptostroboides + P. acerifolia and C. deodara + P. acerifolia mixed leaf extracts promoted the allelopathic effects of S. indicum, namely, the coniferous-broadleaved mixed leaf extract > one single leaf extract > another single leaf extract. The rest of the coniferous-broadleaved mixed leaf extract treatment groups neutralized the allelopathic effects of S. indicum, namely, one single leaf extract > coniferous leaf mixed extract > another single leaf extract. The conclusions could provide a scientific basis for managing forests, especially mixed forest ecosystems. Full article

Parancistrocerus fulvipes (Saussure) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), a predatory potter wasp, plays a crucial role in ecosystem services by preying on microlepidopteran larvae. This study investigated the effect of the temperature on the spring emergence and survivorship of P. fulvipes. We used seven different temperature regimes ranging from 5 to 38 °C to determine the developmental rate and thermal requirement for the emergence of P. fulvipes at each temperature. The development rates were determined using linear regression and a biophysical model (i.e., the Lactin model). Adult emergence occurred between 22 and 33 °C, and the lower developmental thresholds were 18.5, 17.1, and 17.8 °C for males, females, and both genders combined, respectively. The optimal temperature and upper-temperature threshold for spring emergence were 33 and 38 °C, respectively. The degree-day requirements for adult emergence were 201, 218, and 208 for males, females, and both genders combined. The lowest mortality was observed at 22 °C, while no P. fulvipes emerged at ≤13 °C and ≥38 °C. These findings provide a predictive model for the spring emergence of P. fulvipes, which can optimize ecosystem service programs in various agricultural systems, particularly in the context of climate change and pest management. Full article

Secondary metabolites (SM) in plants play crucial pharmacological, ecological, and nutritional roles for humans, wildlife, and livestock. Environmental Heterogeneity (EH) encompasses the variability of biotic and abiotic factors that influence biological responses of plant species. Advancements in remote sensing have enhanced the ability to assess plant functional traits more affordably and comprehensively by integrating spectral reflectance data with detailed plant metabolomics. However, studies investigating the relationship between EH—quantified using Rao’s Q heterogeneity index from remote sensing data—and SM diversity remain limited. Here, we present the first report demonstrating that the biotic component of EH, measured as Rao’s Q, is positively associated with SM diversity in mesquite pod extracts—higher Rao’s Q values correspond to greater SM diversity. Generalized additive models (GAMs) revealed that Rao’s Q contributed the most explanatory power, accounting for 21.2% of the deviance, compared to pod weight (13.7%) and pod length (2.03%). However, only the relationship between Rao’s Q and SM diversity was statistically significant (p = 0.029). The Rao’s Q index derived from remote sensing serves as a scalable proxy for identifying SM hotspots, facilitating the targeted discovery of regions with high pharmacological or nutritional value. Full article

Convolvulus persicus L. is an endangered narrow-range taxon, characteristic of the habitats along the coastal regions of the Caspian and the Black Seas. The aims of our research were to update the actual distribution area and the genetic evaluation of three representative populations from the western coastline of the Black Sea located in Sulina, Agigea, and Durankulak. ISSR amplifications were used to assess the genetic intrapopulation diversity and the genetic differentiation among populations. The average genetic polymorphism was 57.8 ± 16.03%. The intrapopulation genetic diversity parameters indicated that the Agigea population exhibits a higher genetic diversity, with this small population being part of the Agigea Marine Dunes Reserve. Although the interpopulation genetic distance was reduced (0.176–0.223) and the distribution of the total variation (AMOVA) was 57% within the population and 43% among the populations, the interpopulation genetic differentiation (PhiPT) was high (0.428, p < 0.001), probably due to the large geographical distances between the remaining populations. The populations’ genetic structures showed a lower genetic distance between the Agigea and Sulina samples. The clonability test supported the vegetative multiplication on the Durankulak and Sulina beaches. Our results showed that the genetic diversity and the distance among the populations in C. persicus were influenced by habitat conditions, destruction, and fragmentation, but also by conservation measures. Full article

The sustainability of reforestation initiatives depends on the involvement of local communities, whose lack of ownership compromises efforts to combat deforestation in the Lubumbashi Charcoal Production Basin. This study assesses reforestation activities in two village areas (Milando and Mwawa), based on individual interviews (50 individuals/village area) and floristic inventories carried out in two types of habitats (reforested and unexploited) for each village area. The hypotheses tested were the following: (i) Reforested habitats and tree species were selected collaboratively, ensuring an inclusive approach; (ii) ecological parameters—density per hectare, quadratic mean diameter, basal area, and floristic diversity—of reforested sites were comparable to those of unexploited miombo due to protection allowing natural recovery; and (iii) ethnobotanical and floristic patterns reflect varying levels of anthropogenic disturbance and the limited diversity of species used in reforestation. Thus, the interviews gathered data on habitat and woody species selection for reforestation and management practices, while the inventories assessed the condition of these reforested habitats in terms of density per hectare, basal area, quadratic mean diameter, and floristic diversity. The results show that in both village areas, the selection of habitats for reforestation was carried out concertedly (22.00–44.00% of citations). Woody species were chosen according to the needs of local communities (40–52%) and the availability of seeds (18.00–44.00%). Furthermore, management practices for these reforested habitats include planning/assessment meetings (26.00–38.00%) and maintenance activities, such as firebreaks (38.00–46.00%) and surveillance of reforested habitats (24.00%). Additionally, these practices are being increasingly neglected, jeopardizing reforestation efforts. However, density/ha, basal area, quadratic mean diameter, and floristic diversity did not show significant differences between reforested and unexploited habitats, particularly at Milando (p > 0.05). Furthermore, floristic similarity is 55.56% for reforested habitats and 93.75% for unexploited habitats but remains low between reforested and unexploited habitats (40.00–47.62%). This similarity between ethnobotanical and floristic lists is also low (43.75–31.58%). Finally, a total of 442 woody individuals were recorded in reforested habitats and 630 in unexploited ones, with Fabaceae dominating both habitat types. Despite some cited reforestation species like Acacia polyacantha being absent, Brachystegia spiciformis emerged as the most prevalent species in both reforested and unexploited areas. The results of the present study suggest a sustainable and continuous management of these reforested habitats for an effective reconstitution of the forest cover. To reinforce the sustainable management of these reforested habitats, it is recommended that decision-makers conduct awareness-raising campaigns and establish payment for environmental service mechanisms to motivate communities. Full article

The Central European fauna, in the last decades, has been undergoing a strong transformation due to four main factors: the retreat of living organisms that require cool and wet habitats, the proliferation of organisms that thrive in warm and dry conditions, the northward migration of Mediterranean organisms, and the gradual establishment of plants and animals with tropical origins. In this study, we detail the changes in the orders Diptera, Hymenoptera, and Lepidoptera and analyze the establishment of non native insects and the northward migration of Mediterranean insect species. The transformation towards a Mediterranean-type fauna is prominently indicated by the population in total abundance increase of xerothermic Aculeata, bee flies (Bombyliidae), and horse flies (Tabanidae). Additionally, groups that require cool and wet ecological conditions, particularly hoverflies (Syrphidae), but also sawflies (Tenthredinidae) and tachinid flies (Tachinidae), have shown a notable decline. In nocturnal moths, we observe a decrease in species richness in certain areas, as well as frequent outbreaks in populations of some less climate-sensitive species. Some species of butterflies are less sensitive to the current extent of climate change, exhibiting significant population in total abundance growth under protected conditions. However, most of the previously sporadic and rare butterfly species have proven to be climate-sensitive, unable to achieve significant population in abundance growth even under strict nature conservation. In recent decades, the influx from Mediterranean regions and the establishment of tropical non native insect species have turned at an exponential rate. We have reviewed the presence of alien insect species, recording 803 alien insect species in our region; 298 of them have arrived in the past quarter-century, with a significant proportion (54%) originating from tropical and Mediterranean regions. Full article

Benthic diatoms are being used as indicators to assess the biological quality of surface waters in Kosovo. The Klina River is the left tributary of the White Drin River Basin, with a length of 69 km. The study assessed the level of surface water quality in the Klina River using 12 diatomic indices calculated with the Omnidia program. For this purpose, three stations monitored the river Klina in the autumn of 2021 to conform to international standards. A total of 88 diatom taxa were identified, with the dominant species being Rhoicosphenia abbreviata (C. Agardh) Lange-Bertalot, Gyrosigma acuminatum (Kützing) Rabenhorst, Cocconeis placenula Ehrenberg, Gomphonema minutum (Ag.) Agardh f. minutum, Gomphonema clavatum Ehr, Meridion circulare (Greville) C.A. Agardh, Cocconeis pediculus Ehrenberg, Diatoma vulgaris Bory, and Nitzschia dissipata (Kützing) Grunow ssp. dissipata etc. This study assessed the surface water quality in the Klina River using diatom indices, indicating that the river is in good to moderate ecological condition. Environmental variables such as hydrogen ion concentration (pH) and dissolved oxygen (DO) had significant positive correlations (<0.01) with the biological diatom index (IBD), Descy’s pollution metric (Descy), Sladeček’s pollution metric (SLA), the European index (CEE), and Watanabe’s Index (WAT), while the total suspended solids (TSS) also showed a strong negative significant correlation (<0.01) with the generic diatom index (IDG), Indice Diatomique Artois Picardie (IDAP), the eutrophication pollution index (EPI-D), the trophic diatom index (TDI), the Pampean diatom index (IDP), and Steinberg and Schiefele’s index (SHE). Total phosphorus (TP), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and chemical oxygen demand (COD) presented a significant negative correlation (<0.05) with the IBD, Descy, SLA, CEE, and WAT indices. Our findings provide insights for organizations dealing with the state of the environment and water protection in Kosovo, and these results can be used as a starting point for assessing the ecological quality of water and monitoring environmental pollution in the Kosovo region. Full article

Riparian zones, acting as transitional areas between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, boast a rich diversity of plant species. However, alterations in river hydrological regimes can significantly impact plant growth and distribution. In this study, seven typical reaches of Yongding River Basin were selected, and xylem water, soil water at different depths, and river water were collected in May and August. By measuring δ²H and δ¹⁸O values and combining with MixSIAR model, the proportion of water utilization by plants from different sources was quantified. The findings revealed that δ²H and δ¹⁸O values of river water, soil water, and plant xylem water were higher in August compared to May. While there was no significant difference in δ²H and δ¹⁸O values between river and soil water during different periods (p > 0.05), significant differences were observed in δ¹⁸O in plant xylem water (p = 0.022). Regardless of whether it was May or August, herbaceous plants utilized river water more extensively than trees and shrubs, and hydrophytes exhibited a higher dependence on river water compared to mesophytes and xerophytes. Some hygrophytes (P. anserina, etc.) utilized river water for over 90% of their total water intake. There were significant differences between herbs and trees and shrubs in the proportion of river water usage in August (p = 0.001). Moreover, considerable variations existed in the proportion of river water usage among different water ecotypes in both May (p = 0.005) and August (p < 0.001). Our findings provide a scientific basis for the rational allocation of plants in the process of riparian vegetation restoration. Full article

Between 1995 and 2022, 19 measuring points in small and medium sized streams in the Harz National Park, Germany, were sampled. The samples were evaluated in terms of their macroinvertebrate (MI) biology and hydrochemistry. Nearly all streams showed a natural hydromorphology, and low values of biological oxygen demand (BOD) characteristic for rivers not contaminated by organic matter. Nevertheless, in the 1990s, most streams were still only settled by a small number of MI species. However, by 2022, the MI species number had doubled or tripled in most cases, with a maximum increase from 14 to 52. There is a clear correlation between species number and pH. At 15 of the 19 sampling sites, the acidity class has gotten better by at least one value. Thus, acid-sensitive species, mainly from the taxonomic orders Trichoptera, Plecoptera, and Ephemeroptera, have been able to settle higher altitudes, as well as formerly acidic reaches. In general, the streams contain a very specific macroinvertebrate fauna that emphasizes the conservation value of the Harz National Park. Attenuation of acidification has not only influenced the MI diversity. Along with the increase in pH, fish populations have recovered, and formerly fish-free stream sections have been recolonised. The biological recovery of the streams has also been fostered by the breakdown of spruce forest monocultures in the surroundings, the natural development of deciduous trees on the banks, and increasing levels of DOC (dissolved organic carbon). Full article

Powerlines pose a significant threat to many bird species, impacting their conservation. Current research focuses on developing methods to mitigate bird mortality due to electrocution and collisions with powerlines. In this study, we designed a sound prototype to be installed on infrastructure poles, including powerlines, aiming to reduce their use by birds. We conducted bird surveys over 47 days, from February to May 2020, in five light poles: the central pole where the device was installed (0 m), two poles at 25 m, and two poles at 50 m from the central pole. The first 10 days served as a control period with the deterrent device switched off, followed by 37 days with the device switched on. In total, we recorded 1945 bird observations, of which 1569 occurred with the device on. The device was triggered by bird movements, resulting in 588 reactions to sound. When activated, 10.6% of large- and medium-sized birds were flushed from the surveyed poles: 2.6% were already perched and flushed due to the sound, 3.9% were prevented from perching, and 4.1% were flushed after perching, thereby reducing the risk of electrocution. Among the birds perching or approaching the pole where the device was installed, 25% were deterred by the sound. The black kite, Milvus migrans, was the most reactive species to the device (54.3% flushed at 0 m, and 8.8% flushed at 25 and 50 m), while the white stork, Ciconia ciconia, showed the least sensitivity to the disturbances (14.4% flushed at 0 m, and 2.7% flushed at 25 and 50 m). The corvids exhibited a response rate between the other two species (33.3% flushed at 0 m, and 6.8% flushed at 25 and 50 m). We identified significant limitations to this prototype and proposed recommendations to improve its efficiency. Full article

This study explores the biogeographic processes shaping the distribution of benthic foraminifera along a salinity gradient in the Contaco Estuary, southeastern Pacific, Chile. The primary aim was to evaluate the applicability of key ecological paradigms—Rapoport’s rule, the mid-domain effect, ecotones, and source–sink dynamics—to unicellular eukaryotes in estuarine environments. A 1550 m longitudinal transect, sampled at 50 m intervals, revealed a pronounced salinity-driven pattern in species richness and diversity, with calcareous taxa dominating euhaline zones and agglutinated taxa thriving in brackish and freshwater areas. Source–sink dynamics were not supported, as beta diversity analyses identified turnover as the dominant driver, highlighting species replacement along the salinity gradient. Evidence of a longitudinal Rapoport effect was observed, with broader distribution ranges in low-salinity environments, reflecting adaptations to suboptimal conditions. Contrary to predictions, the mid-domain effect was not supported, as foraminiferal richness showed a monotonic decline. These findings extend macroecological principles to microbial communities, emphasizing deterministic processes in shaping estuarine diversity. This research provides a robust framework for understanding biodiversity patterns in dynamic ecosystems, offering valuable insights for conservation and ecological monitoring. Full article

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) require efficient monitoring tools to assess habitats and biodiversity, particularly in remote or understudied regions. This study demonstrates the utility of the towed video-diver technique combined with high-resolution video for rapidly surveying benthic habitats and associated taxa. Applied in Arredondo, a shallow bay within an MPA in Atlantic Patagonia, the method covered 14,000 m² through eight transects, utilizing just 180 min of dive time and ~300 min of video analysis. Substrate types and their associated taxa were classified using the CATAMI framework, yielding a list of 28 taxa and density estimates of mobile organisms. Additionally, the percentage cover of Gracilaria sp.—a commercially valuable macroalga historically overexploited in the region—was estimated for the bay. The invasive crab Carcinus maenas was found across all substrate types on the bay, underscoring its ecological tolerance and the need for ongoing monitoring. This cost-effective, rapid methodology is highly effective for detecting and describing areas of ecological or conservation interest, providing critical baseline data for targeted, detailed studies. Its simplicity and efficiency make it ideal for initial surveys in remote regions, supporting the conservation and management of MPAs. Full article

Numerous interactions between human activities and wildlife currently impact various species. In recent decades, these activities have contributed to declining sea turtle populations. The waters around Spain serve as important staging areas for sea turtles, particularly Caretta caretta, which spend part of their life cycle there. However, these same waters threaten turtles because of various causes of stranding. This study aims to comprehensively understand the rehabilitation process for these animals at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (WRC) La Tahonilla in Tenerife, Canary Islands. It also seeks to explore rehabilitation efforts at different centers focused on recovering sea turtles in both the mainland and the Canary Islands. Additionally, we have examined the procedures for addressing stranded sea turtles where a recovery center does not exist. Our findings reveal the existence of varying protocols among different centers in Spain’s mainland and islands. Improving and unifying these protocols is essential for enhancing the rehabilitation of sea turtles in Spain. Full article

The rapid proliferation of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) in newly formed reservoirs poses a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems and hydroelectric operations. The objective of this study was to map and monitor the spatio-temporal distribution of water hyacinth in the Hidroituango reservoir in Colombia from 2018 to 2023, using Sentinel-2 satellite imagery and machine learning algorithms. The Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithms were employed for image classification, and their performance was evaluated using various accuracy metrics. The results revealed that both algorithms effectively detected and mapped water hyacinth infestations, with RF demonstrating greater stability in capturing long-term trends and SVM exhibiting higher sensitivity to rapid changes in coverage. The study also highlighted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on control efforts, leading to a temporary increase in infestation. The findings underscore the importance of continuous monitoring and adaptive management strategies to mitigate the ecological and economic impacts of water hyacinth in the Hidroituango reservoir and similar environments. Full article

Myxomycetes are protists that predate microbial communities in soil and are heavily affected by changing climate conditions. As seen in a more distinct guild of myxomycete, their fructification diversity depends not only on the heterogeneity of vegetation but also on temperature and precipitation. To determine the reverse pattern of microbial diversity established in temperate ecozones, foliar and lignicolous litters were collected along a tropical montane site in the Philippines. Fifty-seven (57) morphospecies of myxomycetes from 15 genera were determined. Alpha-diversity analysis revealed a significant decline in species richness and diversity with increasing elevation. Beta-diversity analysis, integrating non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS), PERMANOVA, and hierarchical clustering, revealed the complex relationships between species turnover and community composition across elevational gradients. These results conform to the hypothesis that species richness decreases as elevation increases, supporting that tropical ecozones follow the general trend of myxomycete diversity that was first observed in the temperate ecozones. The strong role of elevation in shaping myxomycete community structure is further emphasized. This indicates that conservation management efforts should become more stringent in the areas found at the lower elevation of a tropical montane forest, which are more ecologically sensitive to human-induced stressors and climate-related pressures. Full article

Human–wildlife conflict (HWC) is a growing concern in the Nuwara Eliya Divisional Secretariat Division (DSD) in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. This study investigates the nature and distribution of HWC, with particular focus on agricultural damage, livestock losses, infrastructure destruction, and human injuries. Data were collected through field surveys, expert opinions, satellite imagery, and census data, including interviews with 720 farmers (conducted between 2021 and 2022) and 25 online questionnaires, which provided expert insights on HWC. Animals such as wild boars, bandicoots, barking deer, toque macaques, porcupines, buffaloes, sambar, and leopards were found to be key to HWC, contributing to crop raiding, livestock predation, and infrastructure damage, and through the analytical hierarchy process (AHP), the wild boar was determined to have the greatest impact. Spatial analysis revealed conflict hotspots near forest and tea plantation boundaries, emphasizing the influence of land use and proximity to wildlife habitats. Mitigation strategies were explored; most farmers utilize multiple conflict reduction strategies, with varying efficacy. These findings underline the importance of developing region-specific strategies for HWC management, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and fostering coexistence between wildlife and local communities. Full article

Greece is a European hotspot for Orthoptera (378 species), yet it has been scarcely explored. We investigated the distribution and habitat preferences of the species of two endemic Orthoptera genera, Parnassiana and Oropodisma, in the montane ecosystems of central Greece. We conducted field surveys from 2021 to 2024 in 174 sites across seven mountains. The species of both genera preferred habitats above 1500 m, with species-specific preferences for microhabitat parameters: Parnassiana species favored moderate slopes with dense shrub cover, while Oropodisma species favored substrates with intermediate stone cover and relatively high vegetation cover. Species distribution models estimated the area of suitable habitat for Parnassiana to be at 5 km² and Oropodisma at 3.28 km². The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and potential evapotranspiration were the key environmental drivers of the habitat suitability for both genera. Generalized regression models showed that altitude positively influenced Parnassiana population density, peaking at 2200 m, whereas rock and soil cover negatively impacted Oropodisma population densities. The results emphasize the critical role of montane habitats in sustaining these species and provide essential data for future research and conservation strategies. Full article

To explain the distribution and abundance of species, ecology searches for general models. A pattern often encountered in nature is the interspecific abundance–occupancy relationship (AOR), which describes how the mean local abundance of species relates to the proportion of local sites that each species occupies. Both are central variables in ecology and are often positively correlated, although exceptions have been found. As most AOR research has been conducted with terrestrial systems, recent studies are testing for its occurrence in marine systems. This contribution tests the AOR for invertebrate metacommunities associated with intertidal mussel patches. Using data from six coastal locations in Nova Scotia (Canada), this study shows that the negative binomial model properly describes the relationship between abundance and occupancy for these systems. The degree of wave exposure (wave-sheltered versus wave-exposed habitats) had some influence on the shape of the AOR. Overall, these findings extend the applicability of the AOR to intertidal invertebrate metacommunities. The raw data are included as part of this article to help future syntheses on the AOR, which will need data for a variety of terrestrial and aquatic environments. Full article

The suitability of different agroecosystems (native forest, soybean, artificial forest with Eucalyptus sp., mixed horticulture and fruticulture, and dairy prairies) for settling and managing hives for honey production were appraised via holistic surveys of the spatial and seasonal occurrence of floral resources. Metadata were obtained from a project developed by our group, which took place between 2014 and 2017. Species richness, abundance, growth habit (tree, shrub, stand, scrub or stem, accompanying species), and the flowering period for each melliferous plant across the different seasons in 120 samples were measured. Using the Shannon–Wiener diversity index and the floral characteristics of the different species in each environment, an Agroecosystem Apibotanical Index was developed. It revealed that the best agroecosystems for honey production were the most biodiverse native forest as well as mixed horticulture and fruit culture. Knowledge of the floral characteristics and species arrangement enabled the categorization of agroecosystems, aiming for rational management to enhance honey production. Full article

Lomami National Park, located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), is renowned for the integrity of its forest ecosystems, safeguarded by the absence of agricultural activities and limited road access. However, these ecosystems remain under-researched, particularly in terms of forest cover dynamics. This research gap poses a significant challenge to establishing rigorous monitoring systems, which are essential for ensuring the long-term preservation of these valuable ecosystems. This study utilized Google Earth Engine to preprocess Landsat images from 2008, 2016, and 2024, employing techniques such as atmospheric correction and cloud masking. Random Forest classification was applied to analyze land cover changes, using training datasets curated through ground-truthing and region-of-interest selection. The classification accuracy was evaluated using metrics such as overall accuracy, producer’s accuracy, and user’s accuracy. To assess landscape configuration, metrics such as class area, patch number, largest patch index, disturbance index, aggregation index, and edge density were calculated, distinguishing between the park’s core and peripheral zones. Spatial transformation processes were analyzed using a decision tree approach. The results revealed a striking contrast in forest cover stability between Lomami National Park and its surrounding periphery. Within the park, forest cover has been preserved and even showed a modest increase, rising from 92.60% in 2008 to 92.75% in 2024. In contrast, the peripheral zone experienced a significant decline in forest cover, decreasing from 79.32% to 70.48% during the same period. This stability within the park extends beyond maintaining forested areas; it includes preserving and enhancing the spatial structure of forest ecosystems. For example, edge density, a key indicator of forest edge compactness, remained stable in the park, fluctuating between 8 m/ha and 9 m/ha. Conversely, edge density in the peripheral zone exceeded 35 m/ha, indicating that forest edges within the park are considerably more cohesive and intact than those in the surrounding areas. The spatial transformation processes also underscored these contrasting dynamics. In the park, the primary process was the aggregation of primary forest patches, reflecting a trend toward continuous and connected forest landscapes. By contrast, the peripheral zone exhibited dissection, indicating fragmentation and the breakdown of forest patches. These findings highlight the park’s critical role in maintaining both the extent and structural integrity of forest ecosystems, setting it apart from the more degraded periphery. They underscore the resilience of forest ecosystems in the face of limited anthropogenic pressures and the crucial importance of effective land management and rigorous conservation strategies in addressing the challenges posed by urbanization and rural expansion. Additionally, the results emphasize that well-adapted conservation measures, combined with specific demographic and socio-economic conditions, can play a pivotal role in achieving long-term forest preservation and ecological stability. Full article

Limited information exists on the diet of snow leopards (SL), factors affecting livestock mortality, and local attitudes toward SL conservation in the Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA), Nepal. Therefore, we aim to investigate the dietary preferences of SL, the factors influencing livestock mortality, and local conservation attitudes. From November 2021 to January 2022, 23 SL scats were collected along 24 transects (total length: 21.6 km) in MCA. Camera traps, set within 4 km × 4 km grids at 28 stations for 661 trap nights, were used to assess prey availability. Jacobs’ index calculated prey preference, while a Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) assessed factors linked to livestock depredation. Additionally, 65 households from two villages were randomly selected in a survey on depredation and conservation attitudes. Scat analysis identified six wild prey species, including pika (Ochotona sp.), Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus), and blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur), as well as three domestic species: ox/cow, yak, and horse. Himalayan tahr had the highest presence in the SL diet (40%). Despite pika having the highest Relative Abundance Index (RAI), SL strongly preferred horses and avoided pika. Larger prey, such as horses, Himalayan tahr, and blue sheep, were highly preferred. Households with more livestock experienced higher depredation rates. Local attitudes toward SL conservation were generally positive, with an average score of 2.59. We recommend an integrated SL conservation plan in MCA, incorporating local participation, income diversification, and employment programs to mitigate conflicts and promote coexistence. Full article