@article {pmid40707541,
year = {2025},
author = {Chiuya, T and Fèvre, EM and Lutomiah, J and Mutisya, J and Mulwa, F and Chelangat, B and Muhoro, S and Olubowa, R and Junglen, S and Borgemeister, C},
title = {Invasive alien plant litter influences larval density, size and survival of Culex spp.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {26978},
pmid = {40707541},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; Larva/physiology/growth & development ; *Culex/physiology/growth & development ; *Introduced Species ; Kenya ; Prosopis ; },
abstract = {Invasive alien plant (IAP) litter can alter the organic and inorganic content of mosquito breeding sites, influencing their life history traits. In Baringo County, Kenya, there is massive encroachment of Prosopis juliflora and Parthenium hysterophorus into crop and grazing lands. To mimic natural shedding, we set up experimental water containers in the field containing dried plant litter of either Parthenium, Prosopis or Lantana camara, which are invasive and Acacia tortilis which is native to the area. We measured water physicochemical parameters and counted mosquito larvae periodically for 6 weeks. After rearing, we determined survival rates and size of the emergent adults. All the plant treatments had significantly more larvae than the water-only control. Prosopis had the highest number of larvae which was significantly different from Acacia. Water conductivity, total dissolved solids and salinity were highest in Prosopis and Parthenium litter. For both Culex pipiens and Culex vansomereni, adults emerging from Prosopis and Parthenium litter were significantly larger in size compared to those from the other plants. Generally, for the two species, adults from IAPs survived longer than those from Acacia. Our study demonstrates the impact of IAPs on the life history traits of mosquitoes and how they can enhance their vectorial capacity. Mitigating the spread of these plants may reduce mosquito populations and risk of mosquito-borne disease.},
}

Animals
Larva/physiology/growth & development
*Culex/physiology/growth & development
*Introduced Species
Kenya
Prosopis

@article {pmid40705720,
year = {2025},
author = {Spear, HV and Zhuang, Z and Selby, C and Nicoll, F and Bañuelas, DC and Arenas, A and Swanson, A and Crook, ED},
title = {Combined impacts of sea level rise and invasive species on Cordylanthus maritimus (Salt Marsh Bird's Beak) in Upper Newport Bay, California.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {7},
pages = {e0328652},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0328652},
pmid = {40705720},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; California ; Animals ; Wetlands ; *Sea Level Rise ; Biodiversity ; Bays ; Ecosystem ; *Birds/physiology ; },
abstract = {From Central California to Northern Baja California, Salt Marsh Bird's Beak (Cordylanthus maritimus subsp. Maritimus; C. maritimus) is an annual hemiparasitic halophyte that is endemic to coastal salt marshes and is both state and federally endangered in the US and Mexico. By the year 2100, sea level is projected to rise by nearly a meter, which will decrease the biodiversity of salt marshes and lead to changes in plant community assemblages, impacting the narrow ecological niche of C. maritimus. Here, we address how sea level rise will impact the preferred elevation range of C. maritimus, and we examine how these impacts will be compounded by the presence of an invasive perennial plant species, Algerian sea lavender (Limonium ramosissimum; L. ramossisimum). We used LiDAR data, plant distributions, and sea level rise projections for the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve to create simplified species distribution models and map current and future ranges for both species, serving as a case study for future management practices along the California Coast. In our small-scale model, the areas of these ranges and the area of overlap between both species were calculated for 2020, 2050, and 2100 under varying sea level rise scenarios. Although the overlap between the two species' ranges currently exists, C. maritimus inhabits a smaller area at relatively lower elevations than L. ramosissimum. By the year 2100, we project L. ramosissimum will occupy between 200-300% more habitable area than C. maritimus. More than 98% of the projected habitable area for C. maritimus may also be suitable for L. ramosissimum, increasing competition between the two species and highlighting a critical need to strategically control invasive L. ramosissimum in Upper Newport Bay.},
}

*Introduced Species
California
Animals
Wetlands
*Sea Level Rise
Biodiversity
Bays
Ecosystem
*Birds/physiology

@article {pmid40705718,
year = {2025},
author = {Hartshorn, JA},
title = {Secondary metabolites of the invasive tree, Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana), provide support for the empty niche theory of invasion.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {7},
pages = {e0327841},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0327841},
pmid = {40705718},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Pyrus/metabolism ; *Introduced Species ; Plant Leaves/metabolism/chemistry ; *Secondary Metabolism ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Invasive woody species like Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana Decne.) alter ecosystems directly and indirectly through effects on arthropod communities as well as chemical alterations of the soil. Evidence suggests that the aggressive spread and negative impacts are due to allelopathic chemicals present throughout plant tissues which reduce herbivory and add unique allochthonous inputs to the soil, thereby reducing germination of native species and furthering Callery pear's domination on the landscape. To assess the allelopathic potential of Callery pear, we collected leaf tissue from Callery pear, black cherry (Prunus serotina) as the native comparison, and wild peach (Prunus persica) to serve as a non-native but non-invasive representative. Callery pear leaves contained 32 unique compounds compared to our other two species tested, with 23 of these compounds belonging to the group of compounds called flavones, which are secondary metabolites known to build up in the roots of plants and cause autotoxicity, along with changes to the soil microbial community, including mycorrhizal fungi. While flavones are ubiquitous in nature, their presence in Callery pear suggests downstream effects on native plants and arthropod communities, and provides evidence for the empty niche theory of invasion. Further experiments are needed to confirm flavones in other Callery pear tissues and to assess the mediating chemical pathways that lead to their upregulation.},
}

*Pyrus/metabolism
*Introduced Species
Plant Leaves/metabolism/chemistry
*Secondary Metabolism
Ecosystem

@article {pmid40703974,
year = {2025},
author = {},
title = {Correction to "Prioritizing the Risk of Multiple Invasive Species in the Semiarid Rangelands of Iran: An Ecological Approach to Multicriteria Decision-Making".},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {7},
pages = {e71601},
doi = {10.1002/ece3.71601},
pmid = {40703974},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1002/ece3.71287.].},
}

@article {pmid40702041,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, E and Wang, X and Lei, B and Han, Y and Sun, J},
title = {The potential distribution area and dynamic niche variation analysis of an alien invasive plant Senecio vulgaris L.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {26742},
pmid = {40702041},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {cstc2022jxjl20003//Chongqing Municipal Research Institutions Performance Incentive Guidance Special Project/ ; cstc2022jxjl20003//Chongqing Municipal Research Institutions Performance Incentive Guidance Special Project/ ; cstc2022jxjl20003//Chongqing Municipal Research Institutions Performance Incentive Guidance Special Project/ ; cstc2022jxjl20003//Chongqing Municipal Research Institutions Performance Incentive Guidance Special Project/ ; cstc2022jxjl20003//Chongqing Municipal Research Institutions Performance Incentive Guidance Special Project/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Senecio/physiology/growth & development ; *Ecosystem ; China ; },
abstract = {Senecio vulgaris L. (Asteraceae), a European-origin invasive plant, has established widespread populations in China since the nineteenth century, posing both ecological and health-related threats due to its herbicide resistance, toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids, and broad habitat adaptability. Despite being classified as a Level 4 invasive species in China, its potential risk remains underestimated. In this study, we applied an optimized MaxEnt model using occurrence data from both native (Europe) and invasive (China) ranges to predict the species' potential distribution. Our results revealed high environmental suitability in central, eastern, southwestern, and northeastern China, with human activity, temperature, and precipitation as dominant predictors. Niche analysis indicated that S. vulgaris in China occupies environmental conditions largely overlapping with its native niche, demonstrating niche conservatism rather than expansion. These findings suggest that even moderately ranked invasive species can maintain ecological stability while gradually expanding, especially under increasing anthropogenic pressure. Our results underscore the need for targeted monitoring and preemptive management in agriculturally sensitive regions. This study provides a practical framework for assessing and managing adaptable invasive plants beyond those classified as high risk.},
}

*Introduced Species
*Senecio/physiology/growth & development
*Ecosystem
China

@article {pmid40700486,
year = {2025},
author = {Meier, ES and Indermaur, A and Knop, E},
title = {Biodiversity-friendly landscapes: A paradox for conservation?.},
journal = {Science advances},
volume = {11},
number = {30},
pages = {eadt9564},
doi = {10.1126/sciadv.adt9564},
pmid = {40700486},
issn = {2375-2548},
mesh = {*Biodiversity ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; Ecosystem ; Humans ; Introduced Species ; Switzerland ; },
abstract = {Human-induced global change may cause the sixth mass extinction of species. The moderate success of patch-scale biodiversity conservation measures has led to the concept of creating biodiversity-friendly landscapes. However, these landscapes potentially present a paradox: They may increase local biodiversity and thereby strengthen biotic resistance of native communities to global change winners, i.e., species that thrive under global change, such as invasive alien species or temperature- or nutrient-tolerant species. However, they may also improve landscape-scale habitat conditions, such as habitat connectivity, which facilitates the dispersal of global change winners, thereby accelerating biodiversity loss. Despite increasing investment in biodiversity-friendly landscapes, this paradox and underlying processes remain largely unquantified. We analyzed 2050 repeated, systematic vegetation surveys across the Swiss farmland and found the hypothesized facilitating and inhibitory effects on global change winners, but, overall, the inhibitory effects were stronger. This supports the call for a shift from patch-scale conservation to landscape-wide strategies to stop the ongoing decline of farmland biodiversity.},
}

*Biodiversity
*Conservation of Natural Resources
Ecosystem
Humans
Introduced Species
Switzerland

@article {pmid40696789,
year = {2025},
author = {Tercel, MPTG and Cuff, JP and Symondson, WOC and Moorhouse-Gann, RJ and Bishop, TR and Cole, NC and Jolin, E and Govier, B and Chambon, J and Mootoocurpen, R and Goder, M and Vaughan, IP},
title = {Threatened endemic arthropods and vertebrates partition their diets with non-native ants in an isolated island ecosystem.},
journal = {Ecology},
volume = {106},
number = {7},
pages = {e70158},
doi = {10.1002/ecy.70158},
pmid = {40696789},
issn = {1939-9170},
support = {MR/S502455/1//Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust/ ; NE/L002434/1//Natural Environment Research Council/ ; BB/M009122/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; NE/K00719X/1//NERC iCASE studentship/ ; //Mauritian Wildlife Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Ants/physiology ; *Diet ; *Food Chain ; Islands ; Introduced Species ; *Ecosystem ; *Arthropods/physiology ; *Feeding Behavior/physiology ; *Endangered Species ; Predatory Behavior ; },
abstract = {The success of non-native species depends on their ability to find food, which may ultimately lead to competition with native species and contribute to biodiversity loss in invaded ecosystems. Understanding which food resources are consumed is therefore crucial for evaluating how non-native species mechanistically fit into native biological communities. Non-native species may be predators or competitors of native species or may be consumed by native species as a novel source of nutrition, for example, and this can occur between both closely and distantly related species. Studies examining competitive interactions between non-native species and distantly related native taxa are relatively rare, largely because it is difficult to compare their diets using traditional methods. However, dietary DNA metabarcoding overcomes these limitations by enabling the construction of highly detailed food webs. Here, we use dietary DNA metabarcoding between two generalist native consumers-a reptile (Telfair's skink) and a Scolopendra centipede (Serpent Island centipede)-and the hyperabundant non-native ant community to test which consumer groups prey upon one another and partition food resources. To determine how non-native ants fit into a native community, we calculated dietary composition, niche overlap, and dietary diversity of ants, centipedes, and skinks on Round Island, a small 2.19-km[2] oceanic island located 22.5 km north-east of Mauritius. We observed distinct partitioning of food resources among the three consumer groups-skinks, centipedes, and ants-and found that the level of predation between these groups varied. Skinks and centipedes frequently consumed non-native ants, which may represent an important nutritional resource for both native consumers. Dietary differences persisted through seasons despite large shifts in the availability of food and concomitant diet composition for all three consumers. We conclude that non-native ants fit into the biological community of Round Island as both prey for native consumers and extreme omnivorous generalists, but not necessarily at the expense of the native consumers because it is unlikely the consumers are competing for food resources. Our results suggest that abundant non-native generalists, which are highly invasive in much of their introduced range, can infiltrate native food webs without exerting strong competitive forces on other common native generalist species.},
}

Animals
*Ants/physiology
*Diet
*Food Chain
Islands
Introduced Species
*Ecosystem
*Arthropods/physiology
*Feeding Behavior/physiology
*Endangered Species
Predatory Behavior

@article {pmid40694577,
year = {2025},
author = {Ibrahim Danzabarma, A and Hima, K and Garba, M and Issaka, S and Dobigny, G},
title = {Native-to-invasive rodent species turn-over within African cities: The example of Niamey, Niger.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {7},
pages = {e0325427},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0325427},
pmid = {40694577},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; Niger ; *Introduced Species ; Cities ; *Rodentia ; Rats ; Biodiversity ; Ecosystem ; Mice ; Population Dynamics ; Humans ; },
abstract = {Expanding transportation infrastructure has facilitated the introduction and proliferation of invasive small mammals, particularly now cosmopolitan rodents like Rattus spp. and Mus musculus, within urban socio-ecosystems where they may severely impact local biodiversity, economy and public health. However, fine-scale dynamics of such biological invasions are still poorly documented, especially in African cities where such biological invasions are still ongoing. We took advantage of a long-term monitoring program of terrestrial small mammal communities of Niamey, the capital city of Niger, to compare rodent and shrew faunas at the same sampling points ten years apart, namely in 2009-2013 and in 2020-2023. We show that Rattus rattus has been expanding significantly in almost all trapping areas across the city, while Mastomys natalensis relative abundance has decreased. This clear trend of native-to-invasive rodent species turnover was particularly marked within the core city, but some notable exceptions exist in peripheral as well as traditionally built zones where the native species still remains dominant. These patterns are discussed, with special attention given to possible human socio-economic and health implications.},
}

Animals
Niger
*Introduced Species
Cities
*Rodentia
Rats
Biodiversity
Ecosystem
Mice
Population Dynamics
Humans

@article {pmid40692962,
year = {2025},
author = {Lean, CH},
title = {Open border ecosystems: Against globalised laissez-faire conservation.},
journal = {Cambridge prisms. Extinction},
volume = {3},
number = {},
pages = {e10},
pmid = {40692962},
issn = {2755-0958},
abstract = {Ecosystems are increasingly being represented as marketplaces that produce goods for humanity, and because of this, economic metaphors for increasing efficiency have been introduced into conservation. A powerful model for economic growth is the globalised free market, and some are implicitly deploying it to suggest changes in conservation practice. Ecological globalisation is the position that we should not control the free movement of species and rewilding occurs most efficiently through non-intervention. When species can move and interact with new ecological systems, they create novel ecosystems. These novel arrangements create experimental markets in nature's economy, providing opportunities for the efficient production of goods for humans, also known as ecosystem services. When invasive species supersede local populations, it indicates previous biotic systems were inefficient, which is why they were replaced, and therefore, it is wrong to protect indigenous "losers" from extinction. Those who defend indigenous species are accused of being xenophobic against recent biotic migrants. This position is flawed both empirically and morally as there is a disconnect between these economic and political arguments when applied to human economies and nature's economy.},
}

@article {pmid40691721,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, Y and Qi, L and Ren, W and Chen, Z and Yuan, F and Liu, Y},
title = {Changes with time post-restoration in the relationships between soil seed bank and aboveground vegetation in a reclaimed open-pit coal mine.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {26373},
pmid = {40691721},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {2021ZD00804//Major Special Foundation of Science and Technology Plan of Inner Mongolia/ ; 2021ZD00804//Major Special Foundation of Science and Technology Plan of Inner Mongolia/ ; 2021ZD00804//Major Special Foundation of Science and Technology Plan of Inner Mongolia/ ; 2021ZD00804//Major Special Foundation of Science and Technology Plan of Inner Mongolia/ ; 2021ZD00804//Major Special Foundation of Science and Technology Plan of Inner Mongolia/ ; 2021ZD00804//Major Special Foundation of Science and Technology Plan of Inner Mongolia/ ; NMGIRT2316//The project for Young talent scientists of Inner Mongolia/ ; NMGIRT2316//The project for Young talent scientists of Inner Mongolia/ ; NMGIRT2316//The project for Young talent scientists of Inner Mongolia/ ; NMGIRT2316//The project for Young talent scientists of Inner Mongolia/ ; NMGIRT2316//The project for Young talent scientists of Inner Mongolia/ ; NMGIRT2316//The project for Young talent scientists of Inner Mongolia/ ; 2023-JBGS-S-1//Hohhot Key R&D Project/ ; 2023-JBGS-S-1//Hohhot Key R&D Project/ ; 2023-JBGS-S-1//Hohhot Key R&D Project/ ; 2023-JBGS-S-1//Hohhot Key R&D Project/ ; 2023-JBGS-S-1//Hohhot Key R&D Project/ ; 2023-JBGS-S-1//Hohhot Key R&D Project/ ; },
abstract = {The soil seed bank (SSB) is a potential resource for the aboveground vegetation community (AVC) and plays a crucial role in ecological restoration. Studying the succession of the SSB and AVC at different restoration stages provides valuable insights into their temporal dynamics, facilitates comprehensive investigations of the different restoration stages, and enables appropriate recommendations for the subsequent restoration to be provided. Therefore, the SSB and AVC of restored grassland ecosystems were investigated in open-pit coal mine dumping sites in a typical grassland area of Inner Mongolia. This study was therefore conducted in a typical grassland with the same restoration practices (mixed seeding of Gramineae and Leguminosae), and comparisons were made at different periods post-restoration to determine the pattern of changes in the SSB and AVC over time post-restoration. Through non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS), a correlation analysis, and structural equation model, the changes in the SSB and AVC in the years following restoration were determined. It was found that the SSB density was 475.00 - 705.00 (plant m[- 2]), and the AVC density was 94 - 192.8 (plant m[- 2]). Notably, a significant shift occurred 17 years post-restoration, indicating a pivotal stage was reached in the overall trajectory of the SSB and AVC. The vegetation in the restored area was found to be transitioning toward natural grassland, with an increase in the proportion of perennial species and a gradual decrease in annual and biannual species. The density of Gramineae and Leguminosae plants was similar to that of natural grasslands 17 years post-restoration. The presence of the invasive species Salsola collina gradually decreased over time. The relationship between soil physicochemical properties and SSB was relatively weak, while the relationship with AVC was relatively strong. With time post-restoration, the resemblance between the SSB and the plant community slowly diminished at the mining dump. The study provides for the prolonged rehabilitation of open-pit coal mine dumping sites.},
}

@article {pmid40690859,
year = {2025},
author = {Byun, C and Singh, K},
title = {Selective eradication and sowing with diverse native seed mixtures effectively controls invasion and enhances biodiversity.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {391},
number = {},
pages = {126632},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126632},
pmid = {40690859},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Invasive alien species are one of the major threats to biodiversity and ecosystem integrity, therefore, their management is imperative. This study assessed the effectiveness of various mechanical control methods in suppressing the invasive species Solidago altissima and tested the role of sowing native seed mixtures in enhancing native diversity recovery. It was predicted that selective uprooting would be the most effective control method. Additionally, sowing high-functionally diverse seed mixtures was predicted to better suppress reinvasion than less diverse mixtures. A field experiment, containing four main plots that were subjected to non-selective mowing of all vegetation, selective cutting, selective uprooting, and no-treatment control, was conducted to test the above predictions. Each plot was subdivided into four subplots that were left untreated (control) and sown with seed mixtures containing four, eight, and 12 species from one to three functional groups (annual, herbaceous perennial, and woody perennial). Selective uprooting proved the most effective in controlling invasion, preventing reinvasion, and improving native diversity, followed by selective cutting, and non-selective mowing. Mown plots showed no significant increase over control plots in native diversity, highlighting the importance of selective removal. The most effective strategy for restoring biodiversity was uprooting S. altissima in combination with sowing with seed from a high number of functionally-diverse species. Overall, this study showed that selective eradication of an invasive species without disturbing native vegetation, combined with enhancing existing biotic resistance by sowing mixtures of functionally diverse native seeds, prevented reinvasion and improved native biodiversity to the levels comparable with undisturbed reference ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid40688182,
year = {2025},
author = {Mbou-Boutambe, C and Boundenga, L and Degrugillier, F and Gauthier, P and Arnathau, C and Rivero, A and Granjon, L and Rougeron, V and Prugnolle, F},
title = {Rodent malaria parasites detected in the invasive Rattus rattus in Gabon.},
journal = {International journal for parasitology. Parasites and wildlife},
volume = {27},
number = {},
pages = {101112},
pmid = {40688182},
issn = {2213-2244},
abstract = {Invasive species are increasingly recognized for their role in reshaping host-parasite dynamics. This study reports the first molecular detection of Plasmodium yoelii in the invasive black rat (Rattus rattus) in Gabon, based on a systematic molecular screening of 527 rodents captured in rural villages between 2021 and 2022. Two R. rattus individuals tested positive for P. yoelii, with phylogenetic analysis confirming identity with strains previously isolated from native rodents in the region. These findings challenge the traditional view that rodent malaria parasites are restricted to native hosts and highlight R. rattus as a potential, albeit likely incidental, host within local Plasmodium transmission networks. Despite a low infection prevalence (0.38 %), this result raises important questions about the capacity of invasive rodents to integrate into local parasite cycles and influence disease dynamics.},
}

@article {pmid40687752,
year = {2025},
author = {Dickinson, S and Nita, M and Aviles-Rosa, EO and Hall, N and Feuerbacher, EN},
title = {Evaluating the effectiveness of participatory science dog teams to detect devitalized Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) egg masses.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e19656},
pmid = {40687752},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {Animals ; Dogs ; *Introduced Species ; *Ovum ; United States ; *Working Dogs ; Female ; Humans ; *Diptera ; Hemiptera ; },
abstract = {The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula, SLF) is an invasive planthopper first detected in the United States in 2014, with initial sightings in Pennsylvania. SLF poses a serious threat to agriculture, particularly targeting grapevines, hops, and ornamental plants, resulting in substantial annual economic losses. Due to its life cycle, the early detection and removal of egg masses are the most effective strategies for preventing long-distance dispersal. However, visual detection by humans is time-consuming and inefficient. Detection dogs have demonstrated high accuracy in locating SLF egg masses and differentiating them from environmental distractors. Despite their effectiveness, the number of dogs available through governmental channels is insufficient to meet demand. This study evaluated whether community scientist dog-handler teams could meet standardized detection criteria using SLF egg masses. Teams from across the U.S. were recruited and trained using devitalized egg masses, with oversight provided by local trainers. Following a 3- to 6-month independent training period, team performance was assessed through an odor recognition test and a field trial. Dogs demonstrated a sensitivity of 82% in controlled testing and 58% in field conditions. These results provide proof of concept; community scientist dog teams could play a significant role in protecting their local environments and agriculture from invasive species.},
}

Animals
Dogs
*Introduced Species
*Ovum
United States
*Working Dogs
Female
Humans
*Diptera
Hemiptera

@article {pmid40685837,
year = {2025},
author = {Moreyra, S and Gonzalez-Polo, M and Barrios-Garcia, MN},
title = {Afterlife effects of invasive wasp nests on ecosystem functioning.},
journal = {Ecology},
volume = {106},
number = {7},
pages = {e70140},
doi = {10.1002/ecy.70140},
pmid = {40685837},
issn = {1939-9170},
support = {//Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont/ ; PIP 2021-2023//CONICET/ ; R67602//CONICET/ ; },
mesh = {*Wasps/physiology ; Animals ; *Introduced Species ; *Ecosystem ; Soil/chemistry ; *Nesting Behavior ; Argentina ; Time Factors ; },
abstract = {Legacy effects, defined as persistent ecological impacts after a species extirpation or cessation of activity, can significantly influence ecosystem structure and function. While extensively studied in plant invasions, legacy effects of invasive animals may differ and remain largely unexplored. We assessed the afterlife effects of subterranean nests built by invasive Vespula social wasps on ecosystem properties in Patagonia, Argentina. We relocated wasp nests ~16 months after the colonies' death and collected soil samples from nest sites and adjacent control areas. In the laboratory, we analyzed soil nutrients, microbial biomass, and enzyme activity. Additionally, we conducted a greenhouse experiment to measure the nests' effect on plant growth. Our results show significant effects on soil properties, including a 1.5-fold increase in total C, 2-fold increase in total N, and 54-fold increase in P compared to control soils. Furthermore, we found a 1.5-fold increase in microbial biomass and a 1.75-fold increase in enzyme activity. These changes enhanced plant performance, with seedlings grown in nest soil showing a 13-fold increase in biomass. Overall, our results show that invasive wasps create lasting legacy effects persisting more than a year after the colony's death, influencing plant growth and potentially increasing spatial heterogeneity within the invaded ecosystem.},
}

*Wasps/physiology
Animals
*Introduced Species
*Ecosystem
Soil/chemistry
*Nesting Behavior
Argentina
Time Factors

@article {pmid40684308,
year = {2025},
author = {Sohrabi, S and Gherekhloo, J and Hassanpour-Bourkheili, S and Ghaderi-Far, F and Siahmarguee, A and Taheri, M and Atashii, S},
title = {Allelopathic potential impact of Senecio angulatus L.F. on native plants.},
journal = {Plant signaling & behavior},
volume = {20},
number = {1},
pages = {2526886},
doi = {10.1080/15592324.2025.2526886},
pmid = {40684308},
issn = {1559-2324},
mesh = {*Senecio/chemistry ; *Allelopathy ; *Plant Extracts/pharmacology ; Plant Leaves/chemistry ; Seedlings/drug effects/growth & development ; Germination/drug effects ; Lactuca/drug effects ; Plant Roots ; },
abstract = {Urban greening had a significant effect on enhancing the distribution of alien plants, which pose a threat to the native species in new areas. Senecio angulatus L.f. (cape ivy) is one of the naturalized species dominant in urban ecosystems in many regions. This study was conducted to evaluate the allelopathic interference of this alien species on the native plants in these habitats in Iran. The allelopathy impact of aqueous extract of stem, leaf and root of cape ivy was estimated on germination and seedling´s growth of five native plants (Agropyron elongatum, Medicago sativa, Portulaca oleracea, Silybum marianum, and Lactuca sativa as indicator plant). The tested species differed in their susceptibility to allelopathy of cape ivy, in which M. sativa, P. oleracea, and L. sativa were significantly sensitive than other species. The inhibitory effect of aqueous extracts from leaves and stems was stronger than those from belowground parts and it revealed that the presence of higher concentrations of natural substances (phenols, flavonoids and antioxidant activity) gave it its efficiency in inhibiting the early growth of native plant. Our results imply that reducing the allelopathic impact of this species during habitat restoration requires the removal of the aboveground parts, including fallen leaves. Furthermore, the information obtained helps score cape ivy risk and impact assessment in the introduced regions.},
}

*Senecio/chemistry
*Allelopathy
*Plant Extracts/pharmacology
Plant Leaves/chemistry
Seedlings/drug effects/growth & development
Germination/drug effects
Lactuca/drug effects
Plant Roots

@article {pmid40683642,
year = {2025},
author = {Romero-Weaver, AL and Nguyen, VT and Bae, J and Seok, S and Bauer, A and Magaletta, OR and Mullin, M and Byrd, BD and Clark, M and Ber, J and Harrison, RL and Evans, CL and Zohdy, S and Allen, B and Campbell, LP and Killingsworth, D and Giordano, BV and Gray, EW and Riegel, C and Riles, MT and Lee, Y},
title = {SURVEY IN THE SOUTHEASTERN USA REVEALS THE NEED FOR IMPROVED INVASIVE MOSQUITO SURVEILLANCE.},
journal = {Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association},
volume = {41},
number = {2},
pages = {77-85},
doi = {10.2987/25-7216},
pmid = {40683642},
issn = {1943-6270},
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; *Culicidae ; Southeastern United States ; *Mosquito Control/methods ; *Mosquito Vectors ; },
abstract = {Invasive mosquito species play an important role in transmitting pathogens that cause diseases in humans and animals around the world. In the last decade, arboviral pathogens transmitted by invasive mosquito species have increased substantially in the southeastern region of the USA ("the Southeast"). Early detection of invasive mosquitoes is an important component of an integrated mosquito management (IMM) plan. To determine the capacity of the southern region of the USA to conduct invasive mosquito surveillance, the Mosquito Biodiversity Enhancement and Control of Non-native Species (BEACONS) working group conducted a survey in 2021 in seven US southern states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina. A total of 348 mosquito control agencies were contacted, and of those, 90 agencies (26%) responded. Here we report the results about the status of an IMM program and the techniques used for mosquito and pathogen surveillance in the Southeast. Results reveal several gaps in surveillance for invasive mosquito species, compromising the ability for early detection and rapid response. Further, we identified a lack of arbovirus testing, which could result in inadequate arboviral risk assessment and may increase the risk of human and livestock to acquire arboviral infections. This survey data can assist decision makers at the county, regional, and state levels to ameliorate gaps in surveillance capacity in the Southeast.},
}

Animals
*Introduced Species
*Culicidae
Southeastern United States
*Mosquito Control/methods
*Mosquito Vectors

@article {pmid40681685,
year = {2025},
author = {Harman, RR and Morrison, WR and Altunç, YE and Athanassiou, CG and Gerken, AR},
title = {Increasing global risk of khapra beetle invasion forecasted under projected environmental conditions.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {26064},
pmid = {40681685},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Coleoptera/physiology ; *Introduced Species ; Climate Change ; Forecasting ; },
abstract = {The khapra beetle, Trogoderma granarium, is a stored product pest of global concern, readily transported with cargo and reported in over 60 countries, several of which have spent millions in USD to eradicate populations. Despite the profound risk to stored grain commodities, nothing is known about the potential future distribution of species. We utilize MaxEnt and two datasets representing (1) only the historical range and (2) all global locations where it currently is or was established, even if later eradicated, to model areas of suitability under current future climatic conditions under low and high climate change scenarios at close (2040) and distant (2080) time points. The potential distribution using historical data was much reduced compared to the combined model; consequently, all established localities, even if eradicated, change model outcomes and are vitally important when building models. An increase of high potential suitability (> 75% suitable) is projected with greater time and climatic scenarios, primarily in North America and Europe, which have previously eradicated T. granarium. These results call for greater surveillance to prevent T. granarium expansion to inland areas with high grain production and storage where devastating losses would occur.},
}

Animals
*Coleoptera/physiology
*Introduced Species
Climate Change
Forecasting

@article {pmid40680620,
year = {2025},
author = {González-Jaramillo, SI and Cano-Santana, Z},
title = {Threshold depth for girdling-induced mortality in Eucalyptus camaldulensis: a predictive approach for invasive species management.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {391},
number = {},
pages = {126560},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126560},
pmid = {40680620},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Invasive species, such as Eucalyptus camaldulensis, pose significant ecological challenges in protected areas worldwide due to their environmental impacts and complex management. This study aimed to determine the threshold depth of girdling necessary to induce mortality in E. camaldulensis and to develop a predictive model for its practical application in invasive species management. Two populations of E. camaldulensis girdled in 2010 and 2017, along with a control group, were monitored for survival, decline, and phenological responses over one year. Survival analysis using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards models revealed that girdling depth was the most significant factor affecting tree mortality, with a critical threshold of 6.55 cm. Trees girdled below this depth showed significantly higher survival rates. A positive linear relationship was identified between tree breast height circumference, and the minimum girdling depth required for mortality, enabling the development of a predictive model. Girdled trees exhibited a significant reduction in fruit and young leaf production, along with an increase in mature leaves and tree decline, compared to control trees. These findings provide a science-based and sustainable approach for managing E. camaldulensis populations in protected areas. The proposed model offers a practical tool for estimating the necessary girdling depth based on tree size, minimizing the use of chemical inputs and promoting adaptive management. This approach ensures targeted and efficient control of this invasive species, enhancing the conservation of native ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid40679165,
year = {2025},
author = {Bhan, M and Misher, C and Hiremath, A and Vanak, AT},
title = {Restoration maintains high soil carbon stocks in Asia's largest tropical grassland.},
journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America},
volume = {35},
number = {5},
pages = {e70073},
doi = {10.1002/eap.70073},
pmid = {40679165},
issn = {1051-0761},
support = {//WestBridge Capital to the Centre for Policy Design, ATREE/ ; },
mesh = {*Grassland ; *Soil/chemistry ; *Carbon/chemistry ; Tropical Climate ; India ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; Environmental Monitoring ; },
abstract = {Land management changes threaten the ecological functionality of grassland ecosystems worldwide, including the ability of these ecosystems to store carbon in their soils. The Banni grasslands in India, Asia's largest tropical grassland, are no different in this regard. Despite being a highly biodiverse ecosystem with an extensive land use history, information on soil carbon stocks in this ecosystem remains conspicuously absent. In this study, we map soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks within the upper 30 cm depth across land use-land cover classes by combining high-resolution satellite imagery with field-based soil carbon data from a network of long-term monitoring sites. We find that Banni currently stores 27.69 million tons of carbon in its soils, with an average SOC density of 119.61 ± 3.50 tons of carbon per hectare (tC/ha, mean ± SE). These estimates compare favorably with arid and semi-arid grasslands as well as seasonally flooded savannas across the tropics. The highest SOC densities are found in restored grasslands (142.72 ± 5.72 tC/ha), reaffirming the potential of carbon recovery from ecological restoration. Tracing 10 years of land change in the region indicates the further expansion of the invasive tree Prosopis juliflora across the landscape, but its impacts on changes in SOC concentration estimates remain varied. Our results indicate the large SOC storage associated with woody encroachment in Banni and point toward the need for the active management of Banni so that carbon benefits can accrue at meaningful timescales for reversing land degradation and contributing to land-based climate action.},
}

*Grassland
*Soil/chemistry
*Carbon/chemistry
Tropical Climate
India
*Conservation of Natural Resources
Environmental Monitoring

@article {pmid40675596,
year = {2025},
author = {Craig, M and Sither, C and Mullin, M and Foster, M and Turner, E and Kenney, J and Connelly, R and Doyle, M and Williams, C and Byrd, BD},
title = {IMPROVED SURVEILLANCE OF AEDES TRISERIATUS USING THE BG-PRO TRAP: IMPLICATIONS FOR SAMPLING HOST-SEEKING LA CROSSE VIRUS VECTORS.},
journal = {Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.2987/24-7204},
pmid = {40675596},
issn = {1943-6270},
abstract = {La Crosse virus (LACV) is responsible for the majority of pediatric arboviral encephalitis in the United States. At present there are limited options for host-seeking surveillance for the primary vector (Aedes triseriatus) and, to a lesser extent, two invasive species (Ae. albopictus and Ae. japonicus) capable of transmitting LACV. We evaluated four host-seeking trap configurations (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] Light trap, BG-Pro with BG lure, and BG-Sentinel 2 with and without BG lure) via two 4 × 4 Latin square field studies. Over the course of 128 trap-days, 436 mosquitoes were collected with the two most common species being Aedes triseriatus (n = 156, 35.8% of total) and Ae. albopictus (n = 182, 41.7% of total). The BG-Pro, on average, collected approximately 3 times more female Ae. triseriatus than the CDC light trap or the BG-Sentinel with BG lure. Similarly, the odds of collecting Ae. triseriatus with the BG-Pro trap were 3.02 times (95% CI: 1.96-4.67) than the CDC light trap; statistically greater than any other trap. There was no statistical difference in the odds of collecting Ae. triseriatus by the BG-Sentinel 2 (irrespective of lure presence) when compared to the CDC light trap as the reference. There was no difference in the odds of collecting Ae. albopictus using the BG-Sentinel 2 (OR: 4.62, 95% CI: 2.76-7.74) or the BG-Pro (3.06, 95% CI: 1.78-5.24) when compared to the CDC light trap as the reference. The limited collection of Ae. japonicus precluded any meaningful comparisons. Taken together, the BG-Pro trap should be considered for the surveillance or collection of the primary LACV vector, Ae. triseriatus.},
}

@article {pmid40675590,
year = {2025},
author = {Lysaker, DT and Tucker, BJ and Osmundson, T and Geske, D and Bartholomay, L and Klein, BA},
title = {PERSISTENCE OF AEDES TRISERIATUS DESPITE THE INVASION OF AEDES JAPONICUS IN WESTERN WISCONSIN.},
journal = {Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association},
volume = {41},
number = {2},
pages = {69-76},
doi = {10.2987/24-7211},
pmid = {40675590},
issn = {1943-6270},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aedes/physiology/growth & development ; Wisconsin ; *Introduced Species ; *Mosquito Vectors/physiology/growth & development ; Larva/growth & development/physiology ; *Animal Distribution ; La Crosse virus/physiology ; Female ; },
abstract = {For more than 40 yr, a multicounty vector control program that surrounded the epicenter of the outbreak of La Crosse virus (LACV) was in place to survey and control point sources for the virus transmission vector Aedes triseriatus. During that period, the number of cases of LACV disease declined to 1 and 2 cases in 2003 and 2004, respectively, and 0 reported cases within La Crosse County, WI, since 2005. We surveyed Ae. triseriatus populations in La Crosse and Trempealeau counties, WI, during the summers of 2020-2021 to determine whether the decline in LACV disease cases corresponded to a possible decline in Ae. triseriatus populations, and whether the invasive species, Ae. japonicus, is competing with and replacing Ae. triseriatus. We sampled containers for larvae and collected eggs using oviposition (OP) traps. We collected 606 and 20,020 mosquitoes in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Overall, we found a lower proportion of Ae. japonicas than Ae. triseriatus in natural oviposition sites in 2020 (n = 72 and 224 larvae, respectively; z = 8.78, P < 0.0001), in OP traps in 2020 (n = 5 and 199, respectively; z = 13.51, P < 0.0001), and in OP traps in 2021 (n = 358 and 19,099, respectively; z = 134.31, P < 0.001). Aedes japonicus, therefore, does not appear to be outcompeting native species in western Wisconsin forests. Although there were as few as 4 total cases of LACV disease reported in 2020 and 2021 in Wisconsin, we found ample evidence of Ae. triseriatus activity. These data point to the need for continued surveillance and control efforts in the interest of preventing vector-borne diseases.},
}

Animals
*Aedes/physiology/growth & development
Wisconsin
*Introduced Species
*Mosquito Vectors/physiology/growth & development
Larva/growth & development/physiology
*Animal Distribution
La Crosse virus/physiology
Female

@article {pmid40675277,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, S and Hussain, M and Wu, M and Luo, R and Li, C and Yin, D and Shi, C and Gao, X and Wu, G and Qin, D},
title = {Fungal CeRNase T2 from Cunninghamella echinulata disrupts detoxification pathways and cause behavioral inhibition in invasive ant Solenopsis invicta (Buren).},
journal = {International journal of biological macromolecules},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {145937},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.145937},
pmid = {40675277},
issn = {1879-0003},
abstract = {Solenopsis invicta known as one of the most dangerous invasive species due to its severe impacts on the human health, agricultural systems and biodiversity. This study investigates the insecticidal potential of Cunninghamella echinulata-derived crude proteins against S. invicta. Proteomic profiling identified RNase T2 as a cytotoxic effector with conserved roles in RNA metabolism and immune modulation, driving its selection for mechanistic evaluation. Crude protein extracts and purified CeRNase T2 were evaluated through bioassays, proteomics, and detoxification enzyme activity assays. CeRNase T2 exhibited superior toxicity, with 72 h LC50 values of 13.94 mg/L compared to 243 mg/L for crude extracts. At 250 mg/L, CeRNase T2 induced 100 % mortality within 72 h, accompanied by complete loss of aggregation, climbing, and locomotion behaviors. Proteomic profiling revealed CeRNase T2's structural stability (30.32 kDa, pI 7.57) and secretion via an N-terminal signal peptide. Mechanistically, CeRNase T2 disrupted redox homeostasis, elevating superoxide dismutase (21.3 U/mL, 1.4× control), peroxidase (22.6 U/mL, 4.3×), and catalase (61 U/mL, 5.8×) activities while suppressing glutathione S-transferase and cytochrome P450. Metabolomic analysis identified 672 differentially expressed metabolites in treated ants, including dysregulated purine/nucleotide metabolism and FoxO signaling intermediates linked to energy collapse and DNA damage [Data are available via ProteomeXchange (PXD064403) and MetaboLights (MTBLS12540)]. Behavioral assays confirmed dose-dependent impairment of aggression-related traits (e.g., 71.6 % vs. 98.3 % control aggregation at 12.5 mg/L). These findings suggest CeRNase T2 as a multi-target mycoinsecticide with potential for sustainable fire ant management.},
}

@article {pmid40675152,
year = {2025},
author = {Veerabahu, A and Banik, MT and Lindner, DL and Pringle, A and Jusino, MA},
title = {Invasive golden oyster mushrooms are disrupting native fungal communities as they spread throughout North America.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2025.06.049},
pmid = {40675152},
issn = {1879-0445},
abstract = {Earth's biodiversity is in decline, and invasive species are among the greatest threats to local ecosystems.[1] While the impacts of invasive plants, animals, and pathogens are increasingly well documented, the impacts of invasive nonpathogenic microbes are not.[2][,][3][,][4] The golden oyster mushroom (GOM; Pleurotus citrinopileatus) is a white-rot wood decay fungus and grows primarily on hardwoods.[5][,][6][,][7] GOM is a widely cultivated and prized edible fungus native to eastern Asia. GOM was imported into North America in the early 2000s and is now sold in popular mushroom-growing kits. GOM escaped into North American forests around 2010[7][,][8] and is now rapidly expanding its range. We predicted GOM is changing fungal community composition and lowering species richness in the wood it colonizes. We conducted a field survey of fungal communities from dead elm trees in south-central Wisconsin, USA, and generated metabarcoding data to determine whether fungal communities and species richness differ when GOM is present. To contextualize GOM's impacts, we used community science observations of GOM in North America to map GOM's range expansion and modeled its potential future distribution. When GOM is present, fungal community composition significantly changes, and fungal species richness significantly decreases. GOM has spread quickly and widely in just 8 years, and it is now found in 25 states and 1 Canadian province. While GOM currently grows in middle and northeastern North America, our model predicts climate change will make many other parts of the continent climatically suitable, and GOM will likely continue its range expansion.},
}

@article {pmid40674398,
year = {2025},
author = {Ortiz, R and Dabydeen, LC and Kosinski, C and Gera, P and Carvajal-Castro, JD and Akilov, V and Howell, HJ and Powell, E and Santos, JC},
title = {Skin transcriptomics of invasive Coqui frogs: stress responses, parasite signatures, and antimicrobial peptides.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {7},
pages = {e0328623},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0328623},
pmid = {40674398},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Transcriptome ; *Skin/metabolism/parasitology ; *Introduced Species ; *Anura/parasitology/genetics/metabolism ; *Stress, Physiological/genetics ; *Antimicrobial Peptides/genetics/metabolism ; Gene Expression Profiling ; },
abstract = {Resilience in amphibians lies in their ecological adaptability, driven by their genetic makeup. Eleutherodactylus coqui, native to Puerto Rico (PR) and a beloved symbol there, is among the most successful invasive amphibians. This species is extensively studied in terms of its biology and genetics, including being the first Eleutherodactylus with a draft genome. Its potential to spread to new habitats and rapid breeding are notable. Transcriptome analyses of E. coqui are limited but provide insights into their invasiveness and differential gene expression. We compared the skin transcriptomes of E. coqui from PR (native) to those from an area under citric acid treatment in Los Angeles, California (invasive) population. Our results show differences in stress response gene signatures between both populations. In the native population, we hypothesize these responses are due to immunity against diverse parasites, potentially helping control their native populations in PR. Additionally, these coquis expressed several antimicrobial peptides, which were previously reported to be absent in coquis. These peptides may play a role in the invasiveness of the common coqui and its tolerance to urban and degraded habitats. We also provide novel draft transcriptomes of close relatives of E. coqui: Eleutherodactylus planirostris, Eleutherodactylus johnstonei, Eleutherodactylus cochranae, and Pristimantis unistrigatus.},
}

Animals
*Transcriptome
*Skin/metabolism/parasitology
*Introduced Species
*Anura/parasitology/genetics/metabolism
*Stress, Physiological/genetics
*Antimicrobial Peptides/genetics/metabolism
Gene Expression Profiling

@article {pmid40671182,
year = {2025},
author = {Deepthi, S and Narsimha, K and Ashwini, K and Sandhya Rani, M and Suresh Babu, K},
title = {Healing power of Neltuma juliflora (Sw.) Raf.: a comprehensive review of its phytochemicals, pharmacology aspects, and potential health benefits.},
journal = {Natural product research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-9},
doi = {10.1080/14786419.2025.2529559},
pmid = {40671182},
issn = {1478-6427},
abstract = {Neltuma juliflora (Sw.) Raf. (Mesquite), formerly known as Prosopis juliflora (SW.)DC. an evergreen shrub or tree native to the Caribbean, South America and Mexico, is recognised as among the most destructive woody invasive species globally. Despite its invasive nature, it provides numerous beneficial products and services, such as fuelwood, charcoal, animal feed, building materials, soil preservation, and the restoration of saline soils. This review covers the most prominent findings on the phytochemical composition, pharmacological properties, and health benefits of N. juliflora (Sw.) Raf. The plant is rich in diverse phytochemicals, including alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins and phenolic compounds, extracted from various parts of the plant. These phytochemicals demonstrate a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, including anticancer, antidiabetic, insecticidal, antibacterial, antifungal, antimalarial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and allelopathic effects. The review underscores the potential of N. juliflora (Sw.) Raf. as a valuable source of natural compounds with therapeutic applications.},
}

@article {pmid40670703,
year = {2025},
author = {Sampath, DMR and Vina, M and Freitas, JG},
title = {An Analysis of Dune Management on the Kenfig, Culbin and Sefton Coasts in the UK Using the SWOT Framework.},
journal = {Environmental management},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s00267-025-02210-5},
pmid = {40670703},
issn = {1432-1009},
support = {802918/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; },
abstract = {The stabilization of coastal sand dunes in the 20th century led to an expansion of vegetation cover, which is considered detrimental in the United Kingdom due to the loss of habitat for native species that depend on mobile dunes. Coastal managers have recognized this as a growing concern. However, conservation priorities must be identified to manage the situation effectively. Therefore, this study aims to identify potential conservation priorities for dune habitats at Culbin (Scotland), Kenfig (Wales) and the Sefton coast (England) by undertaking a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis for each site. Variables for the analysis were identified in the context of the latest paradigm of dune management approach, which focuses on the reclamation of active dunes to enhance habitats for native biodiversity. Data was obtained from literature; analysis of environmental, demographic, land use and economic data; and satellite images. The main challenges that emerged include historical overstabilization, the spread of invasive species, the lack of bare sand areas to sustain native biodiversity, unsustainable land use (unplanned urbanization and agricultural activities), coastal erosion due to storm surges, and sea-level rise in this century. Accordingly, potential conservation priorities were determined by classifying variables of each site. These include increasing the area of bare sand, increasing the width of the beach using sand nourishments, removing invasive species, minimizing human activities to reduce dune fragmentation, minimizing coastal erosion due to storm surge and sea-level rise using nature-based solutions. Thus, an integrated sustainable dune management plan is required to implement these conservation priorities, particularly for Culbin dunes as the Cumulative SWOT Score shows that the weaknesses and threats to dunes outweigh strength and opportunities. The study approach demonstrates its robustness as a decision-making tool for sustainable dune management for restoring active dunes at each site. Thus, it can be extended to other dune sites in the UK and elsewhere to identify long-term dune management concerns and conservation priorities.},
}

@article {pmid40669185,
year = {2025},
author = {Byun, C and Singh, K and Hong, SH},
title = {High-pressure water spraying: A game changer for invasive plant control and biodiversity improvement.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {391},
number = {},
pages = {126561},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126561},
pmid = {40669185},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {The global proliferation of invasive plant species accelerates biodiversity loss, degrading ecosystems, and incurring economic costs exceeding hundreds of billions of dollars annually. Here, we conducted a three-year field trial to evaluate the effectiveness of high-pressure water spraying a unique, selective mechanical control method compared with conventional practices like mowing, selective uprooting, and cutting. The high-pressure water control method significantly reduced the plant cover (95 %) and soil seedbank (78 %) of target invasive species i.e., Sicyos angulatus, outperforming mowing (41 % and 21 %), cutting (23 % and 7.5 %) and uprooting (24 % and 37 %) treatments. The highest (74.5 %) suppression of the secondary invader, i.e., Humulus scandens was also found in the high-pressure water control method. Early sowing of native seed mixtures with high functional diversity did not show significant effects on invasion suppression and diversity recovery, however values little higher in early sowing plots. Biodiversity levels in water spray-treated plots were comparable to those in reference ecosystems. Our findings indicate that high-pressure water spraying is a scalable control method with minimal impact on native vegetation, reducing disturbance-induced invasion and offering a practical solution for invasion management and biodiversity restoration.},
}

@article {pmid40666814,
year = {2025},
author = {Park, JS and Park, MJ and Hwang, HR and Kim, C},
title = {Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of a woody invasive species, Leucaena leucocephala in Korea.},
journal = {Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources},
volume = {10},
number = {8},
pages = {725-730},
pmid = {40666814},
issn = {2380-2359},
abstract = {Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit 1961 (Caesalpinioideae; Fabaceae) is a shrub or small tree that has various ecological and economic usefulness. Here, we sequenced the complete chloroplast genome of L. leucocephala and analyzed its phylogenomic position in the mimosoid clade. The chloroplast genome of L. leucocephala was 167,423 bp with a pair of inverted repeats of 26,058 bp, a large single-copy region of 95,915 bp, and a small single-copy region of 19,392 bp. Genome annotation predicted 114 genes, including 80 protein-coding, 30 tRNA, and four rRNA genes. The phylogenomic analyses showed that Leucaena was closely related to Dichrostachys in the core mimosoid clade.},
}

@article {pmid40276957,
year = {2025},
author = {Mavridis, K and Evangelou, V and Grigoriadou, AM and Papachristos, DP and Vontas, J},
title = {Molecular surveillance of resistance mutations in invasive populations of Spodoptera frugiperda in Europe, for evidence-based pest control.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {81},
number = {8},
pages = {4821-4830},
pmid = {40276957},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {InnoPP-TAEDR-0535675//European Union - National Recovery and Resilience Plan Greece 2.0- NextGenerationEU/ ; 101212676//European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation program EUFAWREADY/ ; //Hellenic Ministry of Rural Development and Food/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Insecticide Resistance/genetics ; *Spodoptera/genetics/drug effects/growth & development ; Introduced Species ; *Mutation ; Greece ; *Insecticides/pharmacology ; Insect Control ; Insect Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Bacillus thuringiensis ; Larva/growth & development/genetics/drug effects ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The invasive fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda, FAW), a highly destructive pest affecting more than 350 plant species, has recently invaded Europe raising urgent management concerns. Insecticide resistance profiling is essential to support evidence-based pest control strategies. In this study, we analyzed target-site insecticide resistance mutations in FAW populations from Greece to inform pest control strategies. In addition, DNA barcoding through cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene sequencing was used to trace the pest's geographic origin and potential invasion pathways.

RESULTS: All Spodoptera frugiperda specimens in Greece were identified as the rice strain, exhibiting two almost balanced haplotypes (Haplotype 1: 58.6%; Haplotype 2: 41.4%), suggesting a likely origin from a single, genetically diverse source population. Resistance-associated mutations were identified in the ABCC2 gene (A > G single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP); up to 80.9%) and the Ace-1 gene (F290V: up to 37.5%; A201S: up to 3.85%), conferring resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and organophosphates/carbamates, respectively. By contrast, no resistance-associated mutations were detected for other key insecticides (diamides, pyrethroids, oxadiazines, spinosyns, and avermectins), suggesting their current efficacy in Greece.

CONCLUSION: This study provides a critical baseline for monitoring insecticide resistance in invasive FAW populations in Europe, supporting the development of sustainable integrated pest management strategies in line with the European Union Green Deal. Continuous monitoring with molecular diagnostics, alongside complementary bioassays, is recommended to mitigate the impact of FAW on European agriculture. © 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

Animals
*Insecticide Resistance/genetics
*Spodoptera/genetics/drug effects/growth & development
Introduced Species
*Mutation
Greece
*Insecticides/pharmacology
Insect Control
Insect Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Bacillus thuringiensis
Larva/growth & development/genetics/drug effects

@article {pmid40665871,
year = {2025},
author = {Bucking, C and Terblanche, JS and Regan, MD},
title = {The ins and outs of integrative digestive biology.},
journal = {The Journal of experimental biology},
volume = {228},
number = {14},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1242/jeb.250770},
pmid = {40665871},
issn = {1477-9145},
support = {RGPIN-2021-03606//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; RGPIN-2021-03109//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Digestive System Physiological Phenomena ; *Gastrointestinal Tract/physiology ; },
abstract = {The digestive system facilitates exchanges between animals and their environments. It not only converts resources into energy and growth but also shapes ecosystem processes through waste outputs, all while mediating an animal's relationship with complex microbial communities. The Special Issue: The Integrative Biology of the Gut delves into many aspects of this expansive relationship. Further, this Commentary collects the special issue papers under themes to highlight and explore the physiology of the digestive system and the plasticity that enables its acclimatization to dietary and environmental changes. The themes that have been identified portray the gastrointestinal (GI) tract as an integrative moderator of physiology, and show that when this system is explored using novel techniques or by asking innovative questions, one can reveal phenomena with applications well beyond digestive biology. Further, we discuss how embracing multidisciplinary approaches - including systems biology, evolutionary comparisons and environmental considerations - will allow us to use the unique physiology of the GI tract to form critical insights into evolved organismal biology, microbial symbioses and ecological stewardship. Ultimately, the pivotal role of the GI tract in connecting internal physiology with external ecological dynamics across taxa exemplifies its value as a model system.},
}

Animals
*Digestive System Physiological Phenomena
*Gastrointestinal Tract/physiology

@article {pmid40664742,
year = {2025},
author = {Bączek, P and Łyczko, J and Twardowska, K and Iwanowski, M and Gruss, I and Twardowski, J},
title = {Antifeedant activity of invasive Prunus serotina leaves methanolic extract against Sitophilus granarius, a pest of stored products.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {25469},
pmid = {40664742},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {N0N00000/0241/24/2024//Uniwersytet Przyrodniczy we Wrocławiu/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Plant Extracts/pharmacology/chemistry ; *Plant Leaves/chemistry ; *Weevils/drug effects/physiology ; Female ; Methanol/chemistry ; *Prunus/chemistry ; Male ; *Feeding Behavior/drug effects ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; Introduced Species ; *Insecticides/pharmacology/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Synthetic pesticides pose a risk to the environment and human health by contaminating soil, water, and food chains. Natural plant-based alternatives offer a safer and more sustainable solution by reducing pollution, supporting biodiversity, and minimising pesticide resistance. This study evaluated the antifeedant activity of methanolic leaves extracts from invasive black cherry (Prunus serotina Erhr.) against a storage pest, the granary weevil (Sitophilus granarius L.). Chromatographic analysis of P. serotina leaves methanolic extracts identified 10 main phenolic compounds, with ursolic acid, p-coumaric acid o-coumaric acid, and caffeic acid exceeding 10%. LC-MS/MS analysis detected 12 compounds above the limit of quantification (LOQ), with luteolin-7-O-glucoside, caffeic acid, and chlorogenic acid at the highest concentrations. The antifeedant activity of P. serotina leaves methanolic extract was tested using the wheat wafer method, showing medium antifeedant effects at all extract concentrations (3.5, 5.0, and 12.0 mg/mL). Both males and females fed significantly less extract-treated wafers, with the inhibition of female feeding being stronger at 12.0 mg/ml. The extracts of P. serotina effectively discourage feeding of S. granarius, and the potency increases with concentration. Their flavonoids, phenolic acids, and cyanogenic glycosides suggest a complex mode of action, making them a promising natural alternative to synthetic insecticides. Further research should isolate key active compounds and evaluate their efficacy as botanical pesticides.},
}

Animals
*Plant Extracts/pharmacology/chemistry
*Plant Leaves/chemistry
*Weevils/drug effects/physiology
Female
Methanol/chemistry
*Prunus/chemistry
Male
*Feeding Behavior/drug effects
Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Introduced Species
*Insecticides/pharmacology/chemistry

@article {pmid40662907,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhu, G and Ragozzino, M and Holthouse, MC and Mills, M and Celis, JL and Johnson, S and Crowder, DW},
title = {Ecological niche modeling and potential dispersal of emerald ash borer in the Pacific Northwest.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toaf175},
pmid = {40662907},
issn = {1938-291X},
support = {//Oregon Department of Agriculture/ ; //Oregon Department of Forestry/ ; //Oregon/Washington Bureau of Land Management/ ; },
abstract = {The emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), is a notorious invasive pest that can devastate ash trees, Fraxinus spp. L., and embedded communities. While emerald ash borer is established in eastern North America, it was recently detected in Forest Grove, Oregon and in Vancouver, British Columbia, raising concerns that it may spread across the Pacific Northwest riparian ecosystems dominated by ash. A quarantine zone has been established in Oregon, but future mitigation depends on assessing the spread to new regions. Here, we used habitat suitability models and dispersal simulations to predict the potential spread of emerald ash borer. Specifically, we compared climate spaces occupied by Oregon and British Columbia populations with other native and introduced populations, and then used habitat suitability models and dispersal simulations to predict future distributions. We show that the newly established Oregon and British Columbia populations currently occupy relatively narrow climate niche, and many suitable niche spaces are unoccupied in the Pacific Northwest, indicating potential for range expansion. We also show there are vast areas of suitable habitat that extend south of the present quarantine zone throughout inland western Oregon and north into Washington. In Vancouver, the most suitable habitat was found along the Fraser River, where emerald ash borer could disperse inland. Dispersal models suggest that, without intervention, emerald ash borer could disperse into Washington within 2 yr, throughout western Oregon in 15 yr, and reach California in 20 yr. Our work supports intensive quarantine efforts for emerald ash borer and identifies areas where monitoring and management efforts should focus.},
}

@article {pmid40661913,
year = {2025},
author = {Ren, QJ and Li, KH and Wang, HF and Liu, YY and Gong, YM},
title = {Opposing Effects of Plant Invasion on the Stability of Aboveground and Belowground Net Primary Productivity in an Alpine Grassland.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {7},
pages = {e71730},
pmid = {40661913},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Plant invasion significantly disrupts plant community structure and ecosystem functioning, especially the stability of net primary productivity (NPP). However, evidence remains scarce regarding how invasion affects NPP stability at both community and ecosystem levels, particularly whether these effects are consistent between aboveground and belowground systems. Here, we investigated the responses of the stability of both aboveground and belowground NPP (ANPP and BNPP) to the invasion of the parasitic plant Pedicularis kansuensis, based on a two-year manipulative experiment in an alpine grassland in northwest China. Invasion decreased ANPP resistance while increasing its recovery and conversely increased BNPP resistance but decreased its recovery. Notably, the asymmetric responses of ANPP and BNPP to invasion underscored the complexity of grassland ecosystems and highlighted the critical role of belowground processes in maintaining ecosystem recovery. Species asynchrony and richness were key factors for ANPP stability, whereas BNPP stability was more directly influenced by invasive species, contributing more significantly to overall NPP stability. Our findings provide crucial evidence that the stability of aboveground and belowground components responds asymmetrically to invasion, emphasizing the need for future comprehensive assessments of both dimensions in ecosystem studies. The insights gained underline the importance of belowground stability for sustaining ecosystem recovery and offer guidance for ecological management and conservation strategies.},
}

@article {pmid40661908,
year = {2025},
author = {Lardner, B and Cade, BS and Savidge, JA and Rodda, GH and Reed, RN and Yackel Adams, AA},
title = {Growth Rate Variation in Brown Treesnakes (Boiga irregularis): An Invasive Species of Conservation Concern.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {7},
pages = {e71695},
pmid = {40661908},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Somatic growth rate is a fundamental trait that influences metabolism, lifespan and reproductive maturity and is critical for understanding population dynamics and informing management actions. Brown Treesnakes (Boiga irregularis) introduced to Guam are highly invasive and can reproduce year-round without discrete cohorts. We compared snake size trajectories described by the conventionally used von Bertalanffy growth function versus the Gompertz model. Using quantile regression with a regularized effect for individual snakes we modeled growth rates of 270 marked, wild snakes as a function of size. The Gompertz model explained more of the variation in growth and rendered more realistic predictions of asymptotic sizes than did the von Bertalanffy model. With the Gompertz model, growth rates were 1.05-1.16× faster in males than in females. Females reached asymptotic sizes at shorter snout-vent lengths than males. Growth rate was positively correlated with amount of precipitation, and modeling wet-dry seasonality on Guam as a sinusoidal function identified a growth peak in September-October. Effects of seasonality and precipitation, however, were minor compared to individual and sex related differences in size-adjusted growth rates. We estimated that the 50th (and 5th, 95th) growth-rate percentile males in our study population become sexually mature at an age of 33 (∞, 15) months, while females mature at 41 (∞, 18) months, where ∞ indicates that the slowest growing snakes never reach maturity. However, 50% of the snakes mature at a size below the median, and age at maturity may be as low as 10.4 (males) and 13.7 (females) months for average-sized hatchlings that grow fast. Our results have implications for the timing of management options for this species and our approach can be broadly applied to animals where repeated growth data are obtained and age is unknown.},
}

@article {pmid40661765,
year = {2025},
author = {Xiao, H and Liao, D and Zhang, S and Zhang, Y and Rehab, OE and Zeng, J and Yan, X and Su, Q and Zhou, B},
title = {Differences in responses of invasive and native plants to climate change: a case study of Bidens (Asteracea) from China.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1583552},
pmid = {40661765},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Global warming has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental challenges. Concurrently, plant invasion has been exacerbated by ongoing climate change, posing a severe ecological threat. This study investigates the distribution patterns of both invasive and native species within the Bidens genus and their responses to projected climate change. The MaxEnt model, was used to predict the potential distribution ranges under both current and future climate conditions. The results showed a distinct difference in suitable area distributions between invasive and native species. Under future climate scenarios, most studied species (except B. pilosa, B. maximowicziana, and B. radiata) showed an expansion in their suitable habitats. Notably, we observed a latitudinal migration pattern in Bidens species distribution, with invasive species primarily influenced by precipitation during the warmest quarter, while native species were more affected by anthropogenic factors. These results underscore the need for enhanced public awareness of invasion risks and the establishment of dedicated protection zones for both invasive and native species. This study provides critical insights into the potential distribution patterns of Bidens species under climate change. It also, offers valuable scientific support for development of invasive species management strategies and native species conservation mechanisms.},
}

@article {pmid40660117,
year = {2025},
author = {Tobe, A and Sato, Y and Kondo, M and Onuma, M and Inoue-Murayama, M},
title = {Evolutionary insights into Na[+]/K[+]-ATPase-mediated toxin resistance in the Crested Serpent-eagle preying on introduced cane toads in Okinawa, Japan.},
journal = {BMC ecology and evolution},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {70},
pmid = {40660117},
issn = {2730-7182},
support = {JPMJSP2110//Japan Science and Technology Agency/ ; JPMEERF20244M01//Ministry of the Environment, Government of Japan/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase/genetics ; Japan ; *Eagles/genetics/physiology ; Introduced Species ; *Evolution, Molecular ; *Bufo marinus/physiology ; Predatory Behavior ; *Biological Evolution ; },
abstract = {Prey species often develop toxic chemical defenses against predators, prompting predators to evolve traits that counteract these toxins. A prime example of this evolutionary arms race involves resistance to lethal cardiotonic steroids, which is associated with specific amino acid mutations in the α-subunit of Na+/K+-ATPase (ATP1A) across diverse predator species. The Japanese Crested Serpent-eagle (Spilornis cheela perplexus), which is endemic to the adjacent islands of Ishigaki and Iriomote in Okinawa, provides an intriguing example of this convergent evolution. This eagle preys on cane toads (Rhinella marina), an invasive species anthropogenically introduced only to Ishigaki Island, which defends itself by secreting cardiotonic steroids. Notably, no native prey species of the Crested Serpent-eagle on Ishigaki or Iriomote Island secrete cardiotonic steroids as a defense mechanism. To investigate the genetic and evolutionary background of potential toxin resistance in this eagle, we analyzed the genetic population structure and ATP1A gene sequences from individuals on Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands, as well as from the subspecies population on Simeulue Island, Indonesia. Whole-genome analysis revealed significant genetic isolation among the three island populations. However, the amino acid sequences of ATP1A paralogs were identical across all populations. Notably, the Q111E amino acid mutation in ATP1A1, which is associated with toxin resistance in other species, was detected in this eagle. A comparative analysis of ATP1A amino acid sequences across nine raptor species revealed that the Crested Serpent-eagle and Black-chested Snake Eagle (Circaetus pectoralis), both of which belong to the subfamily Circaetinae, share similar sequences that are distinct from those of other raptors. These findings indicate that possible lineage-specific adaptations in ATP1A provide the Crested Serpent-eagle with resistance to cardiotonic steroids. The conservation of this adaptive gene within species might have origins unrelated to the recent distribution of cardiotonic steroid-secreting prey but has coincidentally enabled the Crested Serpent-eagle on Ishigaki Island to prey on invasive species introduced by humans.},
}

Animals
*Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase/genetics
Japan
*Eagles/genetics/physiology
Introduced Species
*Evolution, Molecular
*Bufo marinus/physiology
Predatory Behavior
*Biological Evolution

@article {pmid39838527,
year = {2025},
author = {Dawson-Glass, E and Schiafo, R and Miller, CN and Kuebbing, SE and Stuble, KL},
title = {Toward a comprehensive understanding of the phenological responses of non-native plants to climate warming: a review.},
journal = {Annals of botany},
volume = {135},
number = {6},
pages = {1029-1046},
pmid = {39838527},
issn = {1095-8290},
support = {//Holden Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Climate Change ; *Global Warming ; Ecosystem ; Seasons ; *Plants ; *Plant Development ; Temperature ; *Plant Physiological Phenomena ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Plants often shift their phenology in response to climate warming, with potentially important ecological consequences. Relative differences in the abilities of native and non-native plants to track warming temperatures by adjusting their phenologies could have cascading consequences for ecosystems. Our general understanding of non-native species leads us to believe these species may be more phenologically sensitive than native species, but evidence for this has been mixed, likely due, in part, to the myriad of diverse ecological contexts in which non-natives have been studied.

SCOPE: Here, we review the current state of knowledge on non-native plant phenological responses to climate warming. From observational and experimental studies, we synthesize: (1) the ways in which non-native plant phenology shifts with increased temperature, (2) the relative differences between natives and non-natives in phenological timing and sensitivity to warming, (3) the contingencies driving variable non-native phenological responses to warming, and (4) the ecological consequences of warming-induced phenological shifts in non-natives.

CONCLUSIONS: Early-season phenophases tend to advance with warming, sometimes (but not always) more so in non-native species relative to native species. Late-season phenophases, on the other hand, tend to be more variable: advancing, delaying, or remaining unchanged. Similarly, relative differences in phenological sensitivity between native and non-native plants were less consistent for late-season phenophases. However, our ability for inference is limited by the scope of studies done to date, which best represent temperate ecosystems in the Northern Hemisphere. We found phenological shifts in non-native species to be driven by various factors, including their evolutionary histories and the environmental context of the invaded system. Shifts in non-native phenologies result in varied ecological consequences, from shifting demographics of the non-native species themselves to changes in ecosystem level processes such as carbon cycling. Additional study addressing key gaps is vital to improving understanding of non-native phenological responses to warming.},
}

*Introduced Species
*Climate Change
*Global Warming
Ecosystem
Seasons
*Plants
*Plant Development
Temperature
*Plant Physiological Phenomena

@article {pmid40660041,
year = {2025},
author = {Sithole, H and Motitsoe, SN and Mutshekwa, T and Mlambo, MC},
title = {Unravelling the long-term river health status of Kruger National Park Rivers using macroinvertebrate-based monitoring.},
journal = {Environmental monitoring and assessment},
volume = {197},
number = {8},
pages = {914},
doi = {10.1007/s10661-025-14343-5},
pmid = {40660041},
issn = {1573-2959},
mesh = {*Rivers/chemistry ; *Environmental Monitoring/methods ; *Invertebrates ; Animals ; South Africa ; Parks, Recreational ; Ecosystem ; Water Quality ; Biodiversity ; Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis ; },
abstract = {The burgeoning population growth and landscape developments over the last decades have had a profound effect on natural resources including riverine water quality and quantity. This resulted in increased pollution events, loss of aquatic biodiversity and the introduction of alien invasive species, which cumulatively have transformed freshwater ecosystem structure, processes and functions. Macroinvertebrate-based biomonitoring, like the South African Scoring System version 5 (SASS5), is a fast and effective way to assess water and habitat quality. However, studies reporting long-term biomonitoring are rare in many Global South systems. Also, river health within protected areas is generally regarded better than those outside, with the park potentially offering refugium and ideal conditions for rivers to recover. However, Kruger National Park (KNP) rivers get impacted by mining and domestic sewage upstream, before entering the park, and it is not clear how much remediation happens as the rivers flows downstream within the park. The current study was initiated to investigate the long-term river health status of four major river systems flowing across the iconic KNP, using SASS5 biomonitoring and selected physico-chemical parameters. Our results showed that SASS5 indices showed difference in their sensitive to anthropogenic impacts, both in space and time. Long-term dataset revealed that the ability of the rivers to recover from poor to good quality (and vice versa) was quite rapid, and also some rivers were progressively declining (e.g. Olifants and Crocodile rivers) while others were improving (e.g. Luvuvhu and Sabie rivers). Consequently, SASS5 appeared to be a useful tool in assessing the long-term health of KNP rivers, providing valuable insights into the overall ecological conditions and water quality of these important aquatic ecosystems that will assist in the park water resource management strategies. Further, our results demonstrated high sensitivity and quick response of macroinvertebrates to disturbance, and an improvement potential as the rivers transversed the park.},
}

*Rivers/chemistry
*Environmental Monitoring/methods
*Invertebrates
Animals
South Africa
Parks, Recreational
Ecosystem
Water Quality
Biodiversity
Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis

@article {pmid40659997,
year = {2025},
author = {Chongloi, V and Gogoi, PP and Sangma, SR and Sinha, UB and Bora, P and Phukan, MM},
title = {Antioxidant, antimicrobial and in silico investigations on pyrolytic bio-oil from invasive Stachytarpheta jamaicensis.},
journal = {Environmental science and pollution research international},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40659997},
issn = {1614-7499},
abstract = {Bio-oils, obtained from thermochemical conversion of invasive species (IS) biomass, require in-depth research and analysis to access its bioactive compounds with therapeutic value. Therefore, sustainable biomass valorization, chemical characterization, bioactive assays and in silico drug discovery formed part of the present investigation on the bio-oil derived from the entire shrub of invasive Stachytarpheta jamaicensis. The thermochemical conversion of biomass was initiated by pyrolysis ranging from ambient to 700 °C, at a heating rate of 30 °C/min. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated a rapid degradation profile of the biomass. Spectroscopic analyses identified a diverse array of organic compounds including aliphatics, aromatics, aldehydes, ketones and phenols that endorsed its valuable chemical feedstock potential. The bio-oil displayed strong antioxidant potential by neutralizing free radicals with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration value of 232.42 ± 1.1 µg/ml, and potent antimicrobial activity with the highest zone of inhibition of 19.48 ± 0.8 mm against Candida albicans. This may be attributed to the complex spectrum of bioactive compounds in the bio-oil, highlighting its candidature for pharmaceutical applications. Molecular docking studies further identified key bioactive ligands including 3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxytoluene and phenol, 2-methoxy- that mirrored notable binding affinities to well-established breast cancer therapeutics such as anastrozole and letrozole. The integration of appropriate bioresource utilization, bioactive profiling and bio-oil application strongly affirmed the potential for therapeutic breakthroughs and futuristic drug discovery from repurposed invasive species biomass.},
}

@article {pmid40654182,
year = {2025},
author = {Zurápiti, Y and Kass, JM and Guénard, B and Economo, EP},
title = {Forecasting alien species establishment and source regions: Quantitative assessment of potential ant invasions in Japan.},
journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America},
volume = {35},
number = {5},
pages = {e70071},
doi = {10.1002/eap.70071},
pmid = {40654182},
issn = {1051-0761},
support = {//Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University/ ; JPMEERF20234G01//Environmental Restoration and Conservation Agency/ ; KAKENHI 20F20774//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 2021/17121922//University Grants Committee/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; Japan ; *Ants/physiology ; Animals ; *Animal Distribution ; Models, Biological ; Forecasting ; },
abstract = {Due to the costs and difficulties of mitigating past biological invasions, there is a critical need for improved predictions of establishment risk for alien species and their source regions to guide the deployment of preventive measures. Here, focusing on a global pool of ant species known to be spread by humans, we develop a computational workflow to predict threats for a country or region of interest. Specifically, the workflow (1) predicts which alien species are most likely to be established based on climatic suitability with species distribution models, (2) clusters areas threatened by similar assemblages of alien species, and (3) identifies global regions that can act as important sources for these species. We apply this workflow to estimate which ants with human-assisted invasion histories around the globe may establish in Japan, an island country with broad climatic and topographic diversity. To reduce forecast uncertainty, we exclude models that we assess to result in dubious transfers based on evaluations of species already established in Japan and avoid making model extrapolations. To better account for the full invasion process, we also estimate introduction risk and spread within Japan and integrate these with our establishment risk and potential sources estimates. Our results indicate that all prefectures of Japan have potential risks of new alien ant establishments, though lower latitudes and small archipelagoes have the highest predicted vulnerability. When combined with the likelihood of spread, we expect shifts in vulnerability toward highly populated areas and in proximity to international ports. Interestingly, the source regions with the most alien species presenting establishment threats are in southern Europe and the subtropical Americas rather than in Asia, in part because many Asian species have already been introduced to Japan. When considering introduction risk based on global trade patterns, the United States was most likely to be a source of future introductions. We discuss the implications of these results for global management policies and cargo surveillance. The workflow described here can be deployed worldwide for different taxa to predict the establishment potential of alien invasions and their sources, and also to design more practical and efficient preventive strategies.},
}

*Introduced Species
Japan
*Ants/physiology
Animals
*Animal Distribution
Models, Biological
Forecasting

@article {pmid40653227,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, Q and Li, MM and Li, BL and Wu, JX and Wu, YT and Xu, XL},
title = {RNAi mediated silencing of ecdysis-triggering hormone receptors (ETHRs) disrupts olfaction behaviours in Mythimna separata (Lepidotera: Noctuidae).},
journal = {International journal of biological macromolecules},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {145935},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.145935},
pmid = {40653227},
issn = {1879-0003},
abstract = {Ecdysis-triggering hormone receptors (ETHRs), a class of G protein-coupled receptors, play vital roles in insect ecdysis, reproduction, and courtship. Mythimna separata (armyworm) (Lepidotera: Noctuidae) is a devastating pest of major grain crops. In armyworm, MsepETHR-A and MsepETHR-B are consistently expressed in the adult antennae of both sexes. Fluorescence in situ hybridisation confirmed that both receptors were localised in cells underlying the sensilla trichodea on the antennae. RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated silencing of MsepETHR-A and MsepETHR-B downregulated their respective gene expressions. Functional studies revealed that females injected with dsETHR-B showed significantly reduced electroantennogram (EAG) responses to esters, aldehydes, and alcohols. Yet the reactions of females injected with dsETHR-A to 25 host-plant volatiles were not significantly different from the controls. Notably, males injected with dsETHR-A and dsETHR-B showed significantly reduced EAG responses to the sex pheromone component (Z)-11-hexadecenal (Z11-16: Ald) as well as to multiple host-plant volatiles. Behavioural assays in dual-choice arenas further demonstrated that males displayed significantly reduced olfactory attraction to Z11-16: Ald after silencing MsepETHR-A and MsepETHR-B, respectively. The results not only broaden the understanding of the olfactory mechanism of Lepidoptera but also provide a potential molecular target for developing pest management strategies against M. separata.},
}

@article {pmid40652457,
year = {2025},
author = {Dunham, K and Geller, K and Sanders, M and Partridge, C},
title = {Assessing the use of 3D-printed traps to evaluate Hemlock woolly adelgid (Hemiptera: Adelgidae) infestation levels.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toaf174},
pmid = {40652457},
issn = {1938-291X},
support = {PSB-IS21-0303-040//Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program/ ; },
abstract = {Hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae (Annaand), is an invasive insect that has devastated millions of eastern hemlocks, Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carrière, in eastern North America since the 1950s. In Michigan, Hemlock woolly adelgid was first detected in 2015 and has spread to several counties in west Michigan. Conservation practitioners are managing Hemlock woolly adelgid through a statewide, landscape-level pesticide management plan. The traditional method of using randomized branch sampling to estimate infestation levels is time-consuming but allows managers to monitor how Hemlock woolly adelgid responds to treatments. Our main objective was to determine if alternative sampling techniques produce data that is equivalent to field methods, such as randomized branch sampling, for estimating infestation levels. We selected 6 treated sites and 3 untreated sites in west Michigan. During the fall and winter of 2022, we estimated the densities of the sistens generation using a randomized branch sampling method, and during the summer of 2023, we deployed 5 traps at each site to capture adelgid crawlers and performed qPCR analysis to quantify Hemlock woolly adelgid DNA. To determine if trap data could be used as a method to assess Hemlock woolly adelgid infestation levels, we evaluated the relationships between (i) crawler counts and qPCR values (gene copies/reaction), (ii) sistens counts and qPCR values, and (iii) sistens counts and crawler counts. We found that trap data (ie qPCR values and adelgid crawler counts) had comparable correlations with traditional methods, particularly during the peak crawler period. However, the strength of these relationships is influenced by factors such as infestation level and temporal variation.},
}

@article {pmid40650889,
year = {2025},
author = {Payseur, BA and Jing, P and Howell, EK and Frayer, ME and Jones, EP and Magnussen, E and Jensen, JK and Chan, YF and Searle, JB},
title = {Population Genomics of Giant Mice from the Faroe Islands: Hybridization, Colonization, and a Novel Challenge to Identifying Genomic Targets of Selection.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/gbe/evaf141},
pmid = {40650889},
issn = {1759-6653},
abstract = {Populations that colonize islands provide unique insights into demography, adaptation, and the spread of invasive species. House mice on the Faroe Islands evolved exceptionally large bodies after colonization, generating longstanding interest from biologists. To reconstruct the evolutionary history of these mice, we sequenced genomes of population samples from three Faroe Islands (Sandoy, Nólsoy, and Mykines) and Norway as a mainland comparison. Mice from the Faroe Islands are hybrids between the subspecies Mus musculus domesticus and M. m. musculus, with ancestry alternating along the genome. Analyses based on the site frequency spectrum of single nucleotide polymorphisms and the ancestral recombination graph (ARG) indicate that mice arrived on the Faroe Islands on a timescale consistent with transport by Norwegian Vikings, with colonization of Sandoy likely preceding colonization of Nólsoy. Substantial reductions in nucleotide diversity and effective population size associated with colonization suggest that mice on the Faroe Islands evolved large body size during periods of heightened genetic drift. Genomic scans for positive selection uncover windows with unusual site frequency spectra, but this pattern is mostly generated by clusters of singletons in individual mice. Three genomic regions show evidence for selection on islands based on the ARG, including variants located in transcription factor binding sites. Our findings reveal a dynamic evolutionary history for the enigmatic mice from Faroe Island and emphasize the challenges that accompany population genomic inferences in island populations.},
}

@article {pmid40648061,
year = {2025},
author = {Kornienko, V and Reuckaya, V and Shkirenko, A and Meskhi, B and Olshevskaya, A and Odabashyan, M and Shevchenko, V and Teplyakova, S},
title = {Silvicultural and Ecological Characteristics of Populus bolleana Lauche as a Key Introduced Species in the Urban Dendroflora of Industrial Cities.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {13},
pages = {},
pmid = {40648061},
issn = {2223-7747},
abstract = {In this work, we evaluated the silvicultural and ecological parameters of Populus bolleana Lauche trees growing in conditions of anthropogenic pollution, using the example of one of the largest megacities of the Donetsk ridge, the city of Donetsk. The objectives of this study included determining the level of anthropogenic load of the territory; conducting dendrological studies to assess morphometric and allometric parameters, age structure, and condition of P. bolleana stands under the influence of environmental factors; as well as completing biomechanical studies to assess and predict the mechanical stability of stands. A total of 1109 plants growing in areas with increased anthropogenic load and in the control areas were studied. The model territories of the study were located in the city of Donetsk on Fallen Communards Avenue (length of field routes: 2.6 km) and Ilyicha Avenue (length of field routes: 9.7 km). Control plantings grew on the territory of the Donetsk botanical garden and residential (dormitory) districts of the city. The age structure of P. bolleana plantations remained uniform throughout the city for 50-55 years due to the fact that the landscaping was under a single state program. In the steppe zone in the south of the East European Plain, with a high level of anthropogenic load and severe natural climatic factors, the critical age of P. bolleana (55 years) was determined. The condition of plantations and their morphometric indices correlate with the level of anthropogenic load of the city (H, Dbase, DBH). Under control conditions, the plants are in good condition with signs of weakening (2 points). Under conditions of increased anthropogenic load, the plants are in a severely weakened condition (3 points). A total of 25% of the plants in the sample are in critical condition (4-5 points). The main damages to the crowns and trunks of plants include core rot, mechanical damage to bark and tissues, the development of core rot through the affected skeletal branch, crown thinning, and drying. P. bolleana trees are valued for their crown area and ability to retain dust particles from the air. The analysis of experimentally obtained data on the crown area showed that in the initial phases of ontogenesis, the average deviation in the crown area of plants does not depend on the place of growth. Due to artificial narrowing and sanitary pruning of the crown, as well as skeletal branches dying along the busiest highways, the values do not exceed 22-23 m[2] on average, with an allometric coefficient of 0.35-0.37. When comparing this coefficient in the control areas, the crown area in areas with a high level of anthropogenic load is 36 ± 11% lower. For trees growing under the conditions of the anthropogenic load of an industrial city and having reached the critical age, mechanical resistance varied depending on the study area and load level. At sites with a high level of pollution of the territory, a significant decrease in indicators was revealed in comparison with the control (mcr-71%, EI-75%, RRB-43%). Having analyzed all the obtained data, we can conclude that, until the age of 50-55 years, P. bolleana retains good viability, mechanical resistance, and general allometric ratios, upon which the stability of the whole plant depends. Even with modern approaches and tendencies toward landscaping with exotic introductions, it is necessary to keep P. bolleana as the main species in dendrobanocenoses.},
}

@article {pmid40647990,
year = {2025},
author = {Sun, S and Deng, Z},
title = {Analysis of a Potentially Suitable Habitat for Solanum aculeatissimum in Southwest China Under Climate Change Scenarios.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {13},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14131979},
pmid = {40647990},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {grant number:32360395//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 202202AD080010//Major scientific and technological projects of Yunnan Province：Research on Key Tech-nologies of ecological environment monitoring and intelligent management of natural re-sources in Yunnan/ ; },
abstract = {Solanum aculeatissimum is a herbaceous to semi-woody perennial plant native to the Brazilian ecosystem. It has naturalized extensively in southwestern China, posing significant threats to local biodiversity. This study systematically screened and integrated 100 distribution records from authoritative databases, including the Chinese Virtual Plant Specimen Database, the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, and Chinese Natural Museums. Additionally, 23 environmental variables were incorporated, comprising 19 bioclimatic factors from the World Climate Dataset, 3 topographic indicators, and the Human Footprint Index. The objectives of this research are as follows: (1) to simulate the plant's current and future distribution (2050s/2070s) under CMIP6 scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5); (2) to quantify changes in the distribution range; and (3) to determine the migration trajectory using MaxEnt 3.4.4 software. The findings reveal that human pressure (contributing 79.7%) and isothermality (bioclimatic factor 3: 10.1%) are the primary driving forces shaping its distribution. The core suitable habitats are predominantly concentrated in the provinces of Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan. By 2070, the distribution center shifts northeastward to Qujing City. Under the SSP5-8.5 scenario, the invasion front extends into southern Tibet, while retreat occurs in the lowlands of Honghe Prefecture. This study underscores the synergistic effects of socioeconomic development pathways and bioclimatic thresholds on invasive species' biogeographical patterns, providing a robust predictive framework for adaptive management strategies.},
}

@article {pmid40647980,
year = {2025},
author = {Anas, M and Khan, IU and Zhang, RK and Qi, SS and Dai, ZC and Du, DL},
title = {Interactive Effect of Microplastics and Fungal Pathogen Rhizoctonia solani on Antioxidative Mechanism and Fluorescence Activity of Invasive Species Solidago canadensis.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {13},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14131972},
pmid = {40647980},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {2023ZB861//Jiangsu Funding Program for Excellent Post Doctoral Talent/ ; },
abstract = {Microplastics and invasive species, driven by anthropogenic activities, significantly disrupt ecosystems and microbial communities. This study investigated the interactive effects of biodegradable microplastics (polylactic acid, or PLA, and polyhydroxyalkanoates, or PHAs) and the fungal pathogen Rhizoctonia solani on the invasive plant Solidago canadensis. One plant of Solidago canadensis/pot was cultivated in forest soil amended with 1% (w/w) microplastics and/or R. solani. PLA exhibited greater toxicity than PHAs, reducing the plant height, root length, and biomass by 68%, 44%, and 70%, respectively. Microplastics impaired the maximum quantum yield of photosystem II more severely than R. solani. However, S. canadensis demonstrated adaptive antioxidative and extracellular enzymatic mechanisms under combined stresses. A heatmap analysis revealed a positive correlation between PHAs and plant growth traits, while a redundancy analysis explained the 15.96% and 4.19% variability for the first two components (r[2] = 0.95). A structural equation model indicated the negative effects of morphology and physiology on biomass (β = -1.694 and β = -0.932; p < 0.001), countered by positive antioxidant contributions (β = 1.296; p < 0.001). These findings highlight complex interactions among microplastics, pathogens, and invasive species, offering insights into ecological management strategies under dual environmental pressures. Future studies should assess the long-term field effects and microbial mediation of these interactions.},
}

@article {pmid40647104,
year = {2025},
author = {Kotsiri, M and Kogiannou, D and Nikoloudaki, C and Kleidas, I and Dogrammatzi, A and Karachle, PK and Grigorakis, K},
title = {Seasonal Variation in Nutritional Value and Technical Quality of Lionfish (Pterois miles) from the Ionian and Aegean Seas.},
journal = {Foods (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {13},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/foods14132353},
pmid = {40647104},
issn = {2304-8158},
support = {MIS: 5049511//NRSF 2017-2020/ ; },
abstract = {Lionfish (Pterois miles), an invasive species in the Mediterranean, pose ecological and socioeconomic challenges. This study examines the seasonal variation in the nutritional composition and technical quality of lionfish from the Ionian and Aegean Seas, evaluating their potential as a food resource. Fillets were high in protein (19.4%) and low in fat (2.0%), with significant seasonal differences in the Ionian Sea, where winter samples had higher lipid content. The fillet yield (28.4%) was satisfactory given the fish's morphology. Fatty acid analysis confirmed lionfish as a valuable source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), with EPA + DHA levels exceeding the recommended daily intake (119.2%). Seasonal variations in fatty acid composition were observed, including higher EPA in autumn and lower lipid nutritional quality in summer. Arachidonic acid (ARA) was also present at nutritionally significant levels (79.4 mg/100 g). The n3/n6 ratio (2.2) and favourable atherogenic and thrombogenic indices highlight its nutritional benefits. This is the first study to assess seasonal variations in the nutritional value and technical yield of lionfish in the Mediterranean, offering novel insights into its commercial valorisation. These findings support its promotion as a sustainable protein source and as a means of managing its invasive population.},
}

@article {pmid40646685,
year = {2025},
author = {Yiu, SW and Etherington, TR and Russell, JC},
title = {Discriminating footprints to improve identification of congeneric invasive Rattus species.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.70052},
pmid = {40646685},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//Royal Society Te Apārangi/ ; //Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Accurate identification of cryptic species is critical for invasive species monitoring. Footprint surveys are often used as an indirect rodent monitoring method, but surveyors can misidentify closely related species. Machine learning techniques can reduce observer errors by enabling species identification through training of statistical algorithms on known footprints and then classifying the footprints of unknown species using the resulting models. Such a tool has important applications for the identification and biosecurity management of invasive rodents.

RESULTS: We conducted a study to test the accuracy of using linear discriminant analyses (LDA) and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) to distinguish between footprints of two congeneric invasive rat species in New Zealand, the Pacific rat (Rattus exulans) and ship rat (Rattus rattus). We collected footprints using inked tracking tunnels and extracted geometric profiles of the footprints. We built linear discriminant and XGBoost models on known-species footprints, undertook ten-fold cross-validation, and then applied models to classify footprints of unknown species. The predictive accuracies of the models were all ≥ 90%, with the front foot models (99%) slightly outperforming the hind foot models (94%).

CONCLUSION: Footprint models provide a reliable tool to distinguish rat species. We discuss potential shortcomings of the models in distinguishing between adult Pacific rats and juvenile ship rats particularly across different populations. We recommend the use of tracking tunnels and footprint models for assessing invasion and reinvasion of congeneric rat species and advocate the application of this technique for identifying and distinguishing among other rodent species. © 2025 Landcare Research New Zealand Limited and The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid40646163,
year = {2025},
author = {Höller, P and Lühken, R and Sauer, FG and Villacañas de Castro, C and Becker, N and Jöst, H and Pfitzner, WP and Schmidt-Chanasit, J and Heitmann, A and Jansen, S},
title = {Vector competence of mosquitoes from Europe for Tahyna virus.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {25092},
pmid = {40646163},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Mosquito Vectors/virology ; Europe ; *Aedes/virology ; *Encephalitis Virus, California ; },
abstract = {Tahyna virus (TAHV) was the first mosquito-borne virus isolated in Europe, and has since been found throughout Eurasia and Africa. Infections are mostly asymptomatic but can cause "Valtice fever", characterized by influenza-like symptoms, mainly in children, with severe cases occasionally causing neurological symptoms. The virus is maintained in an enzootic cycle between small mammals and mosquitoes. Recent and comprehensive studies of vector competence for TAHV are scarce. To fill this gap, and to better understand the transmission cycle of TAHV, we studied ten taxa (Ae. aegypti, Ae. albopictus, Ae. japonicus japonicus, Ae. koreicus, Ae. rusticus, Cx. pipiens biotype pipiens, Cx. torrentium, Cs. morsitans/fumipennis, An. daciae, and An. stephensi) by orally infecting them with TAHV. All taxa were susceptible to TAHV infection. Additionally, the invasive species Ae. albopictus, and Ae. rusticus, a species native to Europe, were able to transmit the virus at 27 ± 5 °C, with transmission efficiencies of 3.3% and 14.3%, respectively. Therefore, it is plausible for TAHV to be transmitted by Ae. albopictus and Ae. rusticus in natural settings in Europe. At a lower temperature of 24 ± 5 °C, infection and transmission decreased in Ae. albopictus. This data will allow future risk models and early warning systems to better predict TAHV transmission.},
}

Animals
*Mosquito Vectors/virology
Europe
*Aedes/virology
*Encephalitis Virus, California

@article {pmid40645886,
year = {2025},
author = {Wilde, ML and Farrell, SN and Goodman, CD and McFadden, GI},
title = {Novel techniques for disrupting malaria transmission.},
journal = {Trends in parasitology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.pt.2025.06.005},
pmid = {40645886},
issn = {1471-5007},
abstract = {Despite significant progress in malaria control over the past two decades, the disease remains a major challenge. This review explores novel mosquito-targeting and transmission-blocking solutions to combat the growing concerns of antimalarial and insecticide resistance. The emergence of drug-resistant Plasmodium spp. parasites and insecticide-resistant mosquitoes, coupled with changes in vector behaviour and the spread of invasive species, necessitates the development of new control strategies. We examine a range of approaches ranging from low-tech repurposing of existing technologies to high-tech genetic engineering solutions. These interventions aim to exploit the parasite population bottleneck in mosquitoes to potentially reduce selective pressure and the risk of resistance development. Although each approach has its advantages and limitations, an integrated strategy that combines current tools with novel technologies may be crucial for malaria eradication.},
}

@article {pmid40643629,
year = {2025},
author = {Whipple, SE and Carter, SK and Rutherford, TK and Jordan, SE and Lehrter, RJ and Domschke, CT and Gilbert, MA and Reyes, J and Samuel, EM and Schank, KM and Tull, JC and Wood, DJA},
title = {Climate Consideration in Environmental Effects Analyses on Federal Public Lands in the United States.},
journal = {Environmental management},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40643629},
issn = {1432-1009},
abstract = {Effects of a changing climate, including drought, wildfire, and invasive species encroachment, are evident on public lands across the United States. Decision making on Federal public lands requires analyses under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and there are guidelines for considering climate in NEPA analyses. To better understand how climate most recently has been considered, we analyzed a stratified random sample of 130 environmental assessments (EAs) completed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) from 2021 to 2023 across the contiguous United States. We assessed whether EAs considered (1) potential effects of the proposed action on climate (2) potential climate effects on the proposed action, and (3) potential climate effects on resources of concern. We also identified whether EAs included data and science about climate or greenhouse gas emissions, and which datasets and documents were cited. We used two approaches: automated keyword searches and document analysis. Thirty-seven percent of EAs considered the potential effects of the proposed action on climate, 8% considered the potential effects of climate on the proposed action, and 4% of individual resource analyses considered the potential effects of climate on the resource. EAs in the 'oil and gas development,' 'renewable energy,' and 'forestry and timber management' proposed action categories most frequently considered the potential effects of climate and used climate data and science. Our findings suggest an opportunity for scientists to work more closely with public land managers to identify available data and science for considering climate in environmental effects analyses and to provide science delivery mechanisms that can facilitate the consideration and use of climate science in decision making.},
}

@article {pmid40642435,
year = {2025},
author = {Oliver, PG and Garzia, M and Paulay, G and Salvi, D},
title = {On the species identity of a tropical oyster (Bivalvia, Ostreidae, Dendostrea) invading the eastern Mediterranean Sea.},
journal = {ZooKeys},
volume = {1243},
number = {},
pages = {207-224},
pmid = {40642435},
issn = {1313-2989},
abstract = {Molecular and morphological data suggest that the Mediterranean populations of the non-indigenous genus Dendostrea are part of a single clade. This clade includes oysters from Rodrigues but is distinct from oysters from Hawaii and Mauritius. Based on morphology and sequence data, the Hawaiian and Mauritian oysters can be referred to as Dendostreasandvichensis Sowerby, 1871. The Mediterranean/Rodrigues clade, although morphologically very similar to D.sandvichensis, is significantly genetically distant from it and from D.frons and D.folium. As a result, the Mediterranean/Rodrigues clade cannot be assigned to any currently accepted nominal species. However, the statuses of the junior synonyms of D.sandvichensis are based on morphology and are therefore reconsidered with the result that D.crenulifera Sowerby, 1871 is shown to be morphologically very similar to the Mediterranean/Rodrigues clade. Given that the type locality of D.crenulifera is the Red Sea, and that Mediterranean populations are considered tropical invaders, D.crenulifera is a likely candidate name. However, without supporting sequence data from the type locality in the Red Sea, we conservatively conclude that the most appropriate name for the Mediterranean/Rodrigues clade is Dendostreacf.crenulifera (Sowerby, 1871).},
}

@article {pmid38985650,
year = {2025},
author = {Hay, AE and Deborde, C and Dussarrat, T and Moing, A and Millery, A and Hoang, TPT and Touboul, D and Rey, M and Ledru, L and Ibanez, S and Pétriacq, P and Vanhaverbeke, C and Gallet, C},
title = {Comparative metabolomics reveals how the severity of predation by the invasive insect Cydalima perspectalis modulates the metabolism re-orchestration of native Buxus sempervirens.},
journal = {Plant biology (Stuttgart, Germany)},
volume = {27},
number = {5},
pages = {818-833},
doi = {10.1111/plb.13691},
pmid = {38985650},
issn = {1438-8677},
support = {//University Savoie Mont-Blanc/ ; //DIPEE Fed. Research Environment Ecology-Zone Atelier Alpes/ ; ANR-11-INBS-0010//MetaboHUB/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Metabolomics/methods ; *Moths/physiology ; Introduced Species ; Larva/physiology ; Plant Leaves/metabolism ; Metabolome ; Predatory Behavior ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; Chromatography, Liquid ; },
abstract = {The recent biological invasion of box tree moth Cydalima perspectalis on Buxus trees has a major impact on European boxwood stands through severe defoliation. This can hinder further regrowth and threaten survival of populations. In a mesocosm approach and controlled larval density over a 2-month period, responses of B. sempervirens essential and specialized metabolites were characterized using metabolomics, combining [1]H-NMR and LC-MS/MS approaches. This is the first metabolome depiction of major Buxus responses to boxwood moth invasion. Under severe predation, remaining green leaves accumulate free amino acids (with the noticeable exception of proline). The leaf trans-4-hydroxystachydrine and stachydrine reached 10-13% and 2-3% (DW), while root content was lower but also modulated by predation level. Larval predation promoted triterpenoid and (steroidal) alkaloid synthesis and diversification, while flavonoids did not seem to have a relevant role in Buxus resistance. Our results reveal the concomitant responses of central and specialized metabolism, in relation to severity of predation. They also confirm the potential of metabolic profiling using [1]H-NMR and LC-MS to detect re-orchestration of metabolism of native boxwood after severe herbivorous predation by the invasive box-tree moth, and thus their relevance for plant-insect relationships and ecometabolomics.},
}

Animals
*Metabolomics/methods
*Moths/physiology
Introduced Species
Larva/physiology
Plant Leaves/metabolism
Metabolome
Predatory Behavior
Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Chromatography, Liquid

@article {pmid40642327,
year = {2025},
author = {Zeng, Z and Liang, Z and Chen, Y and Shu, Q and Li, J and Tso, N and Chen, M and Zhang, S and Tan, X and Qiong, L and Wang, J},
title = {Adaptation analysis of two Asteraceae invasive plants in Lhasa, Tibet.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e19667},
pmid = {40642327},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {Tibet ; *Introduced Species ; Germination/physiology ; Altitude ; Seeds/growth & development/physiology ; *Asteraceae/growth & development/physiology ; *Adaptation, Physiological ; Seasons ; Climate ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Invasive plants pose a major threat to global ecosystems, especially in ecologically fragile high-altitude regions. Due to its unique geographical and climatic conditions, the Tibetan Plateau is considered highly susceptible to biological invasions. This study investigates the germination capacity and early growth performance of two invasive species, Bidens pilosa and Tagetes minuta, under the natural climatic conditions of Lhasa, Tibet. We assessed how seed burial depth, geographical provenance, and climatic variables affect their establishment potential. The results showed that B. pilosa exhibited the highest germination rate in shallow soil layers, especially for seeds originating from Kunming (KM). However, seeds from the same source that matured in Lhasa following one local growing season (LS), showed a significant reduction in germination capacity, indicating the negative effects of high-altitude stress on maternal seed quality. Seeds from different altitudes displayed varied adaptive performance, with high-altitude provenances showing greater plant height in Lhasa's cold, dry environment. Although T. minuta exhibited generally low germination rates across all burial depths, the individuals that successfully emerged demonstrated vigorous early growth, particularly under deeper burial conditions. This suggests that once established, the species may possess strong potential for rapid population expansion and severe invasion. Climate data over the past three years showed that the growing season from May to October in Lhasa-characterized by increased temperature and precipitation-provided a favorable climate window for both species. Our findings suggest that the ongoing warming and humidification trend on the Tibetan Plateau, driven by global climate change, may further facilitate the expansion and establishment of these invasive species. This study provides essential insights for risk assessment and management of invasive plants in Lhasa and other high-altitude regions, emphasizing the importance of long-term monitoring and targeted early-warning strategies in response to shifting environmental conditions.},
}

Tibet
*Introduced Species
Germination/physiology
Altitude
Seeds/growth & development/physiology
*Asteraceae/growth & development/physiology
*Adaptation, Physiological
Seasons
Climate
Ecosystem

@article {pmid40642030,
year = {2025},
author = {Xuan, JL and Scheffer, SJ and Soghigian, J and Cassel, B and Lewis, ML and Li, SP and Guo, JY and Liu, WX and Wiegmann, BM},
title = {Population Phylogenomics and Genetic Structure of the Polyphagous Leafminer, Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) (Diptera: Agromyzidae).},
journal = {Evolutionary applications},
volume = {18},
number = {7},
pages = {e70132},
pmid = {40642030},
issn = {1752-4571},
abstract = {The agromyzid leafminer Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) is an important polyphagous pest of vegetable crops and ornamental plants. It is native to the Americas but has spread throughout the world over the past 50 years. Previous molecular research has indicated that this species contains highly distinct mitochondrial lineages suggestive of cryptic species. To better interpret the mitochondrial divergence, we used anchored hybrid enrichment datasets in order to conduct genome-wide phylogenetic analyses. We found that individuals of L. trifolii from pepper and tomatillo populations form a monophyletic group ("PT group") distinct from the remaining L. trifolii ("non-PT group"). These results corroborate previous mitochondrial and nuclear datasets and indicate an absence of gene flow between the PT and non-PT groups. This is consistent with previous work on reproductive isolation and oviposition preferences, and provides substantial evidence that the PT group represents a distinct and previously unrecognized species. The presence of two species within a nominally single pest species has important implications for management. Although there was only weak genetic differentiation between geographically disparate groups of non-PT L. trifolii, a monophyletic group of Chinese specimens was found in a coalescent-based analysis that is concordant with the history of invasions in Asia. Our study provides important new insight into geographic and host-associated structure in L. trifolii.},
}

@article {pmid40639219,
year = {2025},
author = {Badger, J and Alirigia, R and Ameli, I and Bajer, P and Bartodziej, B and Dalgleish, V and Das, S and Dauphinais, J and Duhr, M and Fairman, K and Forester, J and Frankenberg, S and Gutierrez-Moreno, R and Jacob, NK and Johnson, C and Jonsrud, K and Maselko, M and Mendelsohn, M and Olmanson, O and Pierce, A and Feist, L and Taylor, K and Warden, T and White, R and Wolf, H and Barnhill, SK and Delborne, J and Smanski, MJ},
title = {Coproducing a Technology Readiness Level framework for non-persistent genetic biocontrol of aquatic invasive species.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {391},
number = {},
pages = {126189},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126189},
pmid = {40639219},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Developing and implementing novel pest control technologies requires coordination and communication between technology developers, funding agencies, federal and state regulators, and early technology adopters. Efficient communication is particularly important for first-in-class technologies. Misunderstandings or lack of communication may hinder social engagement, jeopardize regulatory approval, decrease utility of the technology, deter public adoption, or compromise risk mitigation approaches. We, a team of diverse stakeholders in aquatic invasive species (AIS) control, here propose a shared language for discussing the development of non-persistent genetic biocontrol methods. Specifically, we adapted the existing Technology Readiness Level framework to apply to the development of non-persistent genetic biocontrol for invasive Cyprinus carpio (common carp) as a model case. The result of this effort is a tool for designing responsible technology development of a promising new class of pest management tools.},
}

@article {pmid40637754,
year = {2025},
author = {Berner, RZ and Zahn, G and Spencer, AA and Chaudhary, VB and Cheeke, TE},
title = {Annual grass invasion is associated with differences in the community structure and abundance of biocrusts and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.},
journal = {FEMS microbiology letters},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/femsle/fnaf071},
pmid = {40637754},
issn = {1574-6968},
abstract = {Interactions between biocrusts and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi may increase plant resilience to environmental stress in native grasslands. When non-native plants invade, they may have cascading effects on soil biota and their interactions, destabilizing grassland ecosystems. In a field survey we assessed the % cover and composition of biocrusts in plots varying in % cover of the invasive annual grass, Ventenanta dubia (Native, Transition, Invaded plots). We used field-collected soil as inocula in a glasshouse experiment to test whether the abundance of viable AM fungal propagules differs under biocrusts compared to bare soil, or across invasion levels. We used 18S rRNA gene sequencing on field-collected soil to test whether the structure of the AM fungal community differs under biocrusts versus bare soil across invasion levels. Invasion by V. dubia was associated with lower biocrust cover, distinct biocrust community structure, lower abundance of viable AM fungal propagules below biocrusts, and distinct AM fungal community structure with invasion. Our results support broader United Nations Sustainable Development Goals focused on the protection and restoration of terrestrial ecosystems. A better understanding of the interactions among plants, biocrusts, and AM fungi is important for mitigating the impacts of invasive species and informing grassland restorations.},
}

@article {pmid40635791,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, P and Zhang, L and Li, J and Yang, C and Xie, G and Wang, W},
title = {Using Ecological Modeling to Study the Response of Distribution Dynamics of Paraglenea fortunei (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) to Human Activities and Climate Change to in Northeast Asia.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {7},
pages = {e71782},
pmid = {40635791},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Invasive species pose an increasing threat to biodiversity, agriculture, and ecosystem stability, especially under accelerated climate change. Paraglenea fortunei, a longhorn beetle native to East Asia, has emerged as a potential pest, warranting urgent attention to its possible range expansion. This study aims to predict the current and future potential distribution of P. fortunei using an optimized MaxEnt ecological niche model under various climate change scenarios across Northeast Asia. The results indicate that climatic factors, such as temperature stability, precipitation, and human activities are key drivers influencing its distribution. These findings suggest that P. fortunei prefers to live in ecosystems with cooler climates, more consistent changes, and abundant precipitation. Meanwhile, P. fortunei may expand to many countries and regions in the future, including central and western China, Sakhalin in Russia, the Hokkaido Islands in Japan, Vietnam, Myanmar, India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. In addition, P. fortunei may migrate to higher latitudes as climate conditions change. These findings contribute to a better understanding of climate-driven distribution dynamics and offer scientific guidance for pest risk management and regional ecological planning.},
}

@article {pmid40635435,
year = {2025},
author = {Holman, LE and Bohmann, K and Craig, OE and Orton, D and Pedersen, MW and Tange Olsen, M and Thurstan, RH and Scourse, J},
title = {Shifting seas: understanding deep-time human impacts on marine ecosystems.},
journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences},
volume = {380},
number = {1930},
pages = {20240026},
pmid = {40635435},
issn = {1471-2970},
support = {/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; },
mesh = {Oceans and Seas ; *Ecosystem ; *Climate Change ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; Humans ; *Biodiversity ; *Anthropogenic Effects ; },
abstract = {Humans have interacted with, and impacted, marine ecosystems for millennia. During this time, the oceans have experienced ecosystem degradation through harvesting, habitat change, pollution, the introduction of invasive species and climate change. Despite extensive documentation of substantial recent anthropogenic impacts, our understanding of ancient marine biodiversity remains limited for many ocean regions. This theme issue advances our knowledge of past oceans, revealing how diverse perspectives from across disciplines can provide new insights into marine anthropogenic exploitation over thousands of years. Through engaging a range of source materials, including material remains, historical records and palaeoenvironmental archives, the contributions reveal shifting seas responding to both natural climatic changes and human impacts. Collectively, these outputs demonstrate the value of interdisciplinarity and cross-cultural approaches in understanding ocean change. As marine restoration programmes expand globally, combining disciplinary approaches and novel methods across deep time can provide novel baseline data against which to measure recovery and raise ambition for marine conservation. Beyond biodiversity baselines, understanding past ocean changes can provide key insights into the mechanisms through which human impacts alter marine ecosystems, allowing us to learn from our ancestors' effective and ineffective ocean stewardship practices. Just as diverse ecosystems are buffered against change, diverse human-ocean interactions are important for flourishing future seas.This article is part of the theme issue 'Shifting seas: understanding deep-time human impacts on marine ecosystems'.},
}

Oceans and Seas
*Ecosystem
*Climate Change
*Conservation of Natural Resources
Humans
*Biodiversity
*Anthropogenic Effects

@article {pmid40634263,
year = {2025},
author = {Johnson, AJ and Bednar, D and Hulcr, J},
title = {Objective risk assessment of bark and ambrosia beetles non-indigenous to North America.},
journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America},
volume = {35},
number = {5},
pages = {e70072},
pmid = {40634263},
issn = {1939-5582},
support = {AP20PPQS&T00C083//Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service/ ; AP21PPQS&T00C112//Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Risk Assessment ; *Introduced Species ; Models, Biological ; *Coleoptera/physiology ; *Weevils/physiology ; North America ; United States ; },
abstract = {Pest risk assessment informs regulatory decisions to facilitate safe trade while also protecting a country's agricultural and environmental resources. The first step in pest risk assessment is pest categorization which can help determine whether an in-depth examination is needed. We created a model to predict the potential impact of non-indigenous bark and ambrosia beetles (Curculionidae: Scolytinae). This model uses biological variables derived from extensive assessment of alien species and produces a five-point scale of impact prediction. We accommodate uncertainty and missing data using random decision tree forests with Monte Carlo simulations. Non-indigenous bark beetles include both invasive species with significant ecological impacts, such as widespread tree death, and others that pose little risk. We assembled a comprehensive list of 60 introduced non-native bark beetle species in the continental United States as the training set. Forty-two potentially predictive variables were chosen from reports on behaviors, pestilence, recorded damage/interpretations in literature, biological traits, and interactions with fungi including plant pathogens. The model builds upon strategies used by USDA-APHIS in existing risk assessments, specifically the Objective Prioritization of Exotic Pests (OPEP) model, with changes in the following: (1) a transparent dataset for building and training the model enabling future updates and use in other systems, (2) uncertainty simulations using values derived from an extensive natural history matrix rather than an assumed equal distribution, and (3) predictions made on the probability of multiple impact levels, allowing users to decide based on acceptable risk. The model is designed for pest risk analysis for Scolytinae in the continental United States but can be adapted to other pests or regions. We tested the model's performance by iteratively removing each species from the training set and retraining the model. The retrained models accurately predicted the removed species. To demonstrate the model's application, we predicted the impact of scolytine beetles not yet present in the continental United States, Xylosandrus morigerus and Hypoborus ficus, plus an additional hypothetical species with no known data. Our model predicts that these species are likely to have moderate impacts and unlikely to have high impacts if they were introduced.},
}

Animals
Risk Assessment
*Introduced Species
Models, Biological
*Coleoptera/physiology
*Weevils/physiology
North America
United States

@article {pmid40633519,
year = {2025},
author = {Frizzera, D and Strobl, V and Yañez, O and Seffin, E and Zanni, V and Annoscia, D and Neumann, P and Nazzi, F},
title = {Interactions between agrochemicals and parasites endangering insect populations.},
journal = {Environment international},
volume = {202},
number = {},
pages = {109664},
doi = {10.1016/j.envint.2025.109664},
pmid = {40633519},
issn = {1873-6750},
abstract = {There is clear evidence for declines of wild insects and high losses of managed ones, thereby threatening their key ecosystem services. Interactions among stressors such as agricultural intensification and invasive species have been implicated in these declines. However, both the nature of these interactions as well as the actual outcomes are often poorly understood. This holds true for ubiquitous agrochemicals and ectoparasitic Varroa destructor mites, and losses of managed honey bee, Apis mellifera, colonies. Here, we show that two pesticides (sulfoxaflor and coumaphos) can enhance parasite reproduction, thereby contributing to host colony losses. A gene expression study revealed a consistent effect on key genes in the hormonal pathways regulating honey bee development, thereby suggesting a link with parasite reproduction. Because all animals have parasites and are exposed to such agrochemicals even in nature reserves, this mechanism could be relevant for a wide range of insect species and may represent a serious threat for their conservation.},
}

@article {pmid40632788,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, L and Wang, T and Zhang, XW and Lin, XF and Li, J and Liao, JB and Wang, RW},
title = {Evolution of foraging behaviour induces variable complexity-stability relationships in mutualist-exploiter-predator communities.},
journal = {PLoS computational biology},
volume = {21},
number = {7},
pages = {e1013245},
pmid = {40632788},
issn = {1553-7358},
mesh = {Animals ; *Predatory Behavior/physiology ; *Models, Biological ; *Biological Evolution ; Population Dynamics ; Ecosystem ; Computational Biology ; *Feeding Behavior/physiology ; *Symbiosis/physiology ; Computer Simulation ; Food Chain ; },
abstract = {Early ecological theory predicts that complex ecological networks are unstable and are unlikely to persist, despite many empirical studies of such complexity in nature. This inconsistency has fascinated ecologists for decades. To resolve the complexity-stability debate, coupling population dynamics and trait dynamics is considered to be an important way to understand the long-term stability of ecological community assemblages. However, we still do not know how eco-evolutionary feedbacks affect the relationship between complexity and stability in ecologically realistic networks with both antagonistic and mutualistic interactions. Here, we explored an adaptive network model to evaluate how the evolution of foraging preference to determine the relationship between network complexity (i.e., connectance) and stability (i.e., community persistence at steady state) in mutualist-exploiter-predator communities (MEST). Our theoretical results showed: (i) adaptive foraging of the top predator contributes to the stability of mutualism and intermediate intensity of foraging adaptations can lead to chaotic dynamics in a four-species MEST community; (ii) the complexity-stability relationship may show positive monotonic, negative monotonic, peaked and double-peaked patterns in general MEST communities, while the double-peaked pattern is only obtained when both the adaptation intensity and interspecific competition are high. Furthermore, model predictions may be consistent with both the negative monotonic pattern revealed in freshwater communities and the peaked pattern revealed in marine communities. Finally, we infer that foraging adaptations of the top predator may alter positive or/and negative feedback loops (trait-mediated indirect effects) to affect the stability of general MEST communities. Our adaptive network framework may provide an effective way to address the complexity-stability debate in real ecosystems.},
}

Animals
*Predatory Behavior/physiology
*Models, Biological
*Biological Evolution
Population Dynamics
Ecosystem
Computational Biology
*Feeding Behavior/physiology
*Symbiosis/physiology
Computer Simulation
Food Chain

@article {pmid39973118,
year = {2025},
author = {Shallow, EE and Glaspie, CN and Polito, MJ and Lovell, MS},
title = {Stomach content and stable isotope analysis of invasive lionfish (Pterois volitans) in the Florida Keys.},
journal = {Journal of fish biology},
volume = {106},
number = {6},
pages = {1863-1875},
doi = {10.1111/jfb.16067},
pmid = {39973118},
issn = {1095-8649},
support = {LEQSF(2019-22)-RD-A-06//Louisiana Board of Regents/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; Florida ; *Perciformes/physiology ; Nitrogen Isotopes/analysis ; Carbon Isotopes/analysis ; *Gastrointestinal Contents/chemistry ; *Diet ; *Food Chain ; Coral Reefs ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {The invasive red lionfish, Pterois volitans, plays a unique role in seagrass and reef ecosystems, where it functions as a top predator and competitor for both food and shelter. Given the ubiquitous distribution of lionfish in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean basins, their species provides an excellent opportunity to understand how an invasive predator's diet and primary energy pathways change as a function of size and habitat type. To investigate these patterns, we studied lionfish from a mosaic of deep reef, shallow patch reef, and seagrass bed habitats in the Florida Keys using stomach contents and stable isotope analysis (δ[13]C and δ[15]N). In August 2020, lionfish (n = 48) and other native species were collected from coastal habitats in the Florida Keys, including deep (20-30 m), intermediate (12-18 m), and shallow (<8 m) reefs, to obtain representation of the local food web. Lionfish on shallow reefs were found to feed from different basal carbon sources than lionfish on intermediate and deep reefs. Bayesian mixing models predicted reef particulate organic matter to be the greatest source contributor to the primary energy pathways of lionfish and reef fish at similar trophic levels, and a high degree of resource use overlap between lionfish and native reef fish was documented. Over time, niche overlap with native species could lead to a decline in their populations through resource competition and/or direct predation, thus creating the need to further study the impact of lionfish in the Florida Keys ecosystem. With the increasing scientific consensus that lionfish diets and niche overlap are highly location-specific, this study further contributes to our collective understanding of the role that lionfish play in the food web of patch reefs in the Florida Keys.},
}

Animals
*Introduced Species
Florida
*Perciformes/physiology
Nitrogen Isotopes/analysis
Carbon Isotopes/analysis
*Gastrointestinal Contents/chemistry
*Diet
*Food Chain
Coral Reefs
Ecosystem

@article {pmid40630840,
year = {2025},
author = {Ramula, S and Blande, JD and Kalske, A},
title = {Soil microbiota enhance the population growth rate of a nitrogen-fixing herbaceous legume.},
journal = {AoB PLANTS},
volume = {17},
number = {4},
pages = {plaf012},
pmid = {40630840},
issn = {2041-2851},
abstract = {Soil microbiota can modify a plant's growth and chemistry, with consequences for plant population persistence. Therefore, an approach that considers the entire life cycle of a given plant species may be necessary for quantifying the net effect of soil microbiota on longer-lived plants. Here, we investigated the effects of soil microbiota on the fitness-related traits and population growth rate of the nitrogen-fixing legume Lupinus polyphyllus. Using seeds collected from native (North American) and invasive (Finnish) populations of the species, we conducted a greenhouse experiment in which we manipulated the soil microbiota by adding to plants either intact or autoclaved soil inoculum obtained from invasive populations. We grew the plants for two growing seasons and recorded six fitness-related traits (height early and later in life, survival, flowering probability, number of flowering shoots, inflorescence length), characterized floral volatiles, and estimated the asymptotic population growth rate (λ) using a demographic model. With the intact soil inoculum, flowering probability tended to be higher regardless of plant origin, while for early height, the effect of the inoculum treatment depended on plant origin. The other traits and floral volatile composition were not affected by soil inoculum treatment. At the population level, demographic models confirmed the positive effect of the intact soil inoculum, which yielded 130% and 30% greater λ for plants of invasive and native origins, respectively, than the autoclaved soil inoculum treatment. These results demonstrate that, at least under greenhouse conditions, soil microbiota contribute to plant population persistence and may affect species abundance. Moreover, our findings indicate that a demographic approach that considers the entire life cycle is needed to assess the net effect of soil microbiota on plant populations.},
}

@article {pmid40629186,
year = {2025},
author = {Manyweathers, J and Hayes, L and Rampano, B and Higgins, N and Hernandez-Jover, M},
title = {Engagement by New South Wales Marine Estate Users with and Evaluation of Communication Approaches to Strengthen Biosecurity Practices.},
journal = {Environmental management},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40629186},
issn = {1432-1009},
abstract = {Marine environments are susceptible to the impact of human boating activities that facilitate incursions of marine pests and diseases, including invasive alien species (IAS). Movement and maintenance of recreational boats is largely unregulated, and if boats are improperly maintained, movement of IAS on these unmaintained boats can impact livelihoods and food security. This project evaluated the impact of communication and engagement interventions implemented within the New South Wales marine estate that aimed at strengthening biosecurity practices of small to medium permanently moored boat owners/managers. A mixed method approach using a cross-sectional survey and interviews was used to evaluate exposure to and impact of the communication and engagement strategies, including Facebook images and videos on biosecurity practices in the NSW marine estate. Participants expressed a desire for information about marine pests and diseases via electronic newsletters (43.3%, n = 58) and of the survey participants who used Facebook, the majority (90.2%, n = 119) had not seen the communication interventions. Interview participants identified some infrastructural barriers to keeping their boats clear of biofouling despite a desire to do so. Overall, most participants showed awareness of and wanted to help protect waterway health, which supports ongoing efforts by New South Wales Department of Primary Industries Agriculture and Biosecurity Aquatic unit to improve biosecurity practices of all marine estate stakeholders and informs future development of aquatic biosecurity communication and engagement strategies.},
}

@article {pmid40629151,
year = {2025},
author = {Mota, FMM and Lima-Santos, D and Kenedy-Siqueira, W and Oki, Y and Fernandes, GW},
title = {Climate-driven distribution shifts of invasive earthworm species in a river basin affected by mining tailings.},
journal = {Environmental monitoring and assessment},
volume = {197},
number = {8},
pages = {879},
pmid = {40629151},
issn = {1573-2959},
mesh = {Animals ; *Oligochaeta/physiology ; *Introduced Species ; *Climate Change ; Brazil ; Rivers ; *Environmental Monitoring ; *Mining ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns, along with extreme weather events, have altered natural habitats, contributing to species extinctions and ecosystem fragmentation worldwide. Climate change can exacerbate disturbances and trigger biological invasions that threaten native species. Here, we used ecological niche models to predict the future distribution of five invasive earthworm species (Amynthas corticis, Amynthas gracilis, Dichogaster bolaui, Polypheretima elongata, and Pontoscolex corethrurus) within the Doce River Basin (DRB), Brazil. We also assessed the potential contribution of the Fundão dam collapse to changes in species distributions by using a vegetation index as a proxy for forest cover. We found that, despite being invasive, most species are expected to experience contractions in climate suitable areas, with losses reaching up to 30.2% for P. elongata. Only D. bolaui is predicted to find climate suitable areas across the entire study area in all climate scenarios. The results also indicated that the Fundão collapse may contribute to greater reductions in the average climate suitable area within forested areas, with post-collapse areas approximately 44% smaller than pre-collapse conditions. Nevertheless, the southwestern portion of the DRB is projected to retain suitable climate conditions for all species, indicating a high invasive potential in this region. These findings highlight the need for targeted management strategies to prevent the dominance of invasive species and restore vegetation to buffer against the impacts of climate change and control invasive earthworms. Ecological restoration efforts, alongside the integration of environmental monitoring and ecological modeling, are crucial for mitigating biodiversity loss and enhancing ecosystem resilience to invasion by alien earthworms in the face of climate change.},
}

Animals
*Oligochaeta/physiology
*Introduced Species
*Climate Change
Brazil
Rivers
*Environmental Monitoring
*Mining
Ecosystem

@article {pmid40629086,
year = {2025},
author = {Battlay, P and Hendrickson, BT and Mendez-Reneau, JI and Santangelo, JS and Albano, LJ and Wilson, J and Caizergues, AE and King, N and Puentes, A and Tudoran, A and Violle, C and Vasseur, F and Patterson, CM and Foster, M and Stamps, C and Innes, SG and Allio, R and Angeoletto, F and Anstett, DN and Anstett, J and Bucharova, A and Comerford, MS and David, S and Falahati-Anbaran, M and Godsoe, W and González-Lagos, C and Gundel, PE and Hood, GR and Lampei, C and Lara, C and Lázaro-Lobo, A and Silva Leandro, D and Merritt, TJS and Mitchell, N and Mohammadi Bazargani, M and Moles, A and Murúa, M and Paule, J and Pfeiffer, V and Raeymaekers, JAM and Rennison, DJ and Rios, RS and Rowntree, JK and Schneider, AC and Stack Whitney, K and Tamburrino, Í and VanWallendael, A and Kim, PY and Ness, RW and Johnson, MTJ and Hodgins, KA and Kooyers, NJ},
title = {Haploblocks contribute to parallel climate adaptation following global invasion of a cosmopolitan plant.},
journal = {Nature ecology & evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40629086},
issn = {2397-334X},
support = {OIA-1920858//National Science Foundation (NSF)/ ; DBI-2244712//National Science Foundation (NSF)/ ; EQPEQ 423691//Gouvernement du Canada | Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (Conseil de Recherches en Sciences Naturelles et en Génie du Canada)/ ; RGPIN 2016 06063//Gouvernement du Canada | Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (Conseil de Recherches en Sciences Naturelles et en Génie du Canada)/ ; RGP0001//Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP)/ ; },
abstract = {The role of rapid adaptation during species invasions has historically been minimized with the assumption that introductions consist of few colonists and limited genetic diversity. While overwhelming evidence suggests that rapid adaptation is more prevalent than originally assumed, the demographic and adaptive processes underlying successful invasions remain unresolved. Here we leverage a large whole-genome sequence dataset to investigate the relative roles of colonization history and adaptation during the worldwide invasion of the forage crop, Trifolium repens (Fabaceae). We show that introduced populations encompass high levels of genetic variation with little evidence of bottlenecks. Independent colonization histories on different continents are evident from genome-wide population structure. Five haploblocks-large haplotypes with limited recombination-on three chromosomes exist as standing genetic variation within the native and introduced ranges and exhibit strong signatures of parallel climate-associated adaptation across continents. Field experiments in the native and introduced ranges demonstrate that three of the haploblocks strongly affect fitness and exhibit patterns of selection consistent with local adaptation across each range. Our results provide strong evidence that large-effect structural variants contribute substantially to rapid and parallel adaptation of an introduced species throughout the world.},
}

@article {pmid40628906,
year = {2025},
author = {Kirczuk, L and Dziewulska, K and Czerniejewski, P and Brysiewicz, A and Rechulicz, J and Ligięza, J},
title = {Annual gonadal cycle of the invasive catfish brown bullhead Ameiurus nebulosus from an oxbow lake of vistula river, Poland.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {24507},
pmid = {40628906},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {RID/SP/0045/2024/01//Co-financed by the Minister of Science under the "Regional Excellence Initiative" Program for 2024-2027/ ; RID/SP/0045/2024/01//Co-financed by the Minister of Science under the "Regional Excellence Initiative" Program for 2024-2027/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Poland ; Male ; Female ; Rivers ; *Introduced Species ; Lakes ; *Catfishes/physiology ; Reproduction/physiology ; *Gonads/physiology ; Fertility ; Seasons ; },
abstract = {The brown bullhead is a fish native to North America that became an invasive species after being introduced into the waters of Europe and other regions. Studies on its sexual cycle and fecundity were conducted on a population from an oxbow lake of the central Vistula River in Poland. The fish ranged in age from 1 + to 9+. The average body length (SL) was 14.4 ± 3.4 cm. Individuals as young as 1 + were already mature. Females lay eggs multiple times from mid-April to mid-June, with absolute fecundity averaging 3227 oocytes and relative fecundity at 46 oocytes g[-1]. The highest mean GSI of 1.9 during spawning was recorded in June. The reproductive tract of males takes the shape of lobes and consists of a paired cranial region formed by testes and a caudal region of undefined function. In males, semi-cystic spermatogenesis occurs, with secondary spermatocytes leaving cysts. Males overwinter with tubules filled with spermatids and initiate spermatozoa formation. The highest average GSI of 0.49 was recorded in early April. The brown bullhead observed in the new habitat was characterized by multiple egg laying, earlier maturation of individuals, and spawning in the earlier part of the calendar year, i.e. mid-April to mid-June, compared to its native habitat.},
}

Animals
Poland
Male
Female
Rivers
*Introduced Species
Lakes
*Catfishes/physiology
Reproduction/physiology
*Gonads/physiology
Fertility
Seasons

@article {pmid40628719,
year = {2025},
author = {Gencel, M and Cofino, GM and Hui, C and Sahaf, Z and Gauthier, L and Matta, C and Gagné-Leroux, D and Tsang, DKL and Philpott, DP and Ramathan, S and Menendez, A and Bershtein, S and Serohijos, AWR},
title = {Quantifying the intra- and inter-species community interactions in microbiomes by dynamic covariance mapping.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {6314},
pmid = {40628719},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {PG-408523//Gouvernement du Canada | Canadian Institutes of Health Research (Instituts de Recherche en Santé du Canada)/ ; RGPIN-2016-06566//Gouvernement du Canada | Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (Conseil de Recherches en Sciences Naturelles et en Génie du Canada)/ ; CRC-2022-00138//Canada Research Chairs (Chaires de recherche du Canada)/ ; 89967//National Research Foundation (NRF)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Escherichia coli/genetics/physiology/drug effects ; Mice ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects/genetics ; *Microbial Interactions ; *Microbiota ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; },
abstract = {A microbiome's composition, stability, and response to perturbations are governed by its community interaction matrix, typically quantified through pairwise competition. However, in natural environments, microbes encounter multispecies interactions, complex conditions, and unculturable members. Moreover, evolutionary and ecological processes occur on overlapping timescales, making intra-species clonal diversity a critical but poorly understood factor influencing community interactions. Here, we present Dynamic Covariance Mapping (DCM), a general approach to infer microbiome interaction matrices from abundance time-series data. By combining DCM with high-resolution chromosomal barcoding, we quantify inter- and intra-species interactions during E. coli colonization in the mouse gut under three contexts: germ-free, antibiotic-perturbed, and innate microbiota. We identify distinct temporal phases in susceptible communities: (1) destabilization upon E. coli invasion, (2) partial recolonization of native bacteria, and (3) a quasi-steady state where E. coli sub-lineages coexist with resident microbes. These phases are shaped by specific interactions between E. coli clones and community members, emphasizing the dynamic and lineage-specific nature of microbial networks. Our results reveal how ecological and evolutionary dynamics jointly shape microbiome structure over time. The DCM framework provides a scalable method to dissect complex community interactions and is broadly applicable to bacterial ecosystems both in vitro and in situ.},
}

Animals
*Escherichia coli/genetics/physiology/drug effects
Mice
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects/genetics
*Microbial Interactions
*Microbiota
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Mice, Inbred C57BL

@article {pmid40628483,
year = {2025},
author = {Moseby, KE and Read, J and Tuft, K and Hayes, G and Crisp, H and Lynch, C and Van der Weyde, L},
title = {Exclusion of invasive predators triggers succession, competition and habitat diversification in a small mammal community.},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {292},
number = {2050},
pages = {20250325},
doi = {10.1098/rspb.2025.0325},
pmid = {40628483},
issn = {1471-2954},
support = {//Australian Research Council/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; *Ecosystem ; Predatory Behavior ; Rabbits ; Foxes ; Population Dynamics ; Cats ; Australia ; *Biodiversity ; *Mammals/physiology ; Male ; *Rodentia/physiology ; Female ; },
abstract = {Invasive species can alter small mammal communities. We examined the abundance and demography of 10 Australian desert small mammals inside and outside a fenced reserve after the exclusion of invasive rabbits, cats and foxes. Over 26 years, we found evidence for a species succession response triggered by the removal of endogenous disturbance (predation), similar to exogenous disturbance caused by fire, mining and deglaciation. Smaller rodents responded within 2 years whereas larger rodents became more abundant within the reserve after 5 years, eventually outcompeting the smaller rodents. The dasyurid response was later and more muted. Captures of rodents inside the reserve reached up to 33 times higher than outside after high rainfall years, suggesting that invasive predators have a significant impact and suppress rainfall-induced population booms. Larger rodents expanded their realized niche into non-preferred habitats, and intraspecific competition and species diversity increased. Minimal differences in breeding, body mass or sex ratios between inside and outside the reserve suggested abundance increases were primarily due to release from predation pressure rather than increased resources. Succession was shaped by competition and differences in predator susceptibility influencing reinvasion timing. Results demonstrate that succession dynamics in small mammals can be triggered by the removal of endogenous disturbance as well as changes in vegetation structure.},
}

Animals
*Introduced Species
*Ecosystem
Predatory Behavior
Rabbits
Foxes
Population Dynamics
Cats
Australia
*Biodiversity
*Mammals/physiology
Male
*Rodentia/physiology
Female

@article {pmid40628201,
year = {2025},
author = {Saberi-Pirooz, R and Aghamir, F and Ahmadzadeh, F},
title = {Assessing the response of two soil engineering groups to reforestation in the Hyrcanian forests.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {391},
number = {},
pages = {126410},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126410},
pmid = {40628201},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Many forest ecosystems are becoming more vulnerable due to human activities and the considerable effects of forest exploitation. Furthermore, forest management practices often overlook the importance of biodiversity, focusing primarily on timber production and economic gain. The Hyrcanian forests, in particular, face significant challenges due to a combination of factors such as deforestation, climate change, and invasive species. This study aims to explore the impact of reforestation on the diversity, abundance, and community structure of two key groups of soil engineers: earthworms and ants. These groups were chosen due to findings from a previous study indicating their higher abundance in this region. Additionally, it aims to determine which of these groups is more significantly impacted. The study was conducted in both natural and planted forests across three locations in the central region of these forests. Samples were collected from 72 quadrats and 48 transects. A total of 251 samples were collected for earthworms and 410 samples for ants. Then, the samples were sorted into morphological operational taxonomic units (MorphOTUs) based on morphological characteristics. DNA barcoding studies were performed using the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene to determine the molecular OTUs. After that, the difference in OUT richness, abundance and composition between natural and planted forests was investigated using statistical analysis. In the current research, 16 and 19 OTUs were recognized for earthworms and ants, respectively. The results indicated that ant abundance was significantly higher in natural forests (n = 263) compared to planted forests (n = 147). However, the difference in earthworm numbers was negligible (n = 125 in natural and n = 126 in planted forests). The community compositions of both groups did not show significant differences between these forests. The difference between ants and earthworm abundance indicates that ants play a key role as pioneer species in the colonization process, followed by other groups (earthworms) that have settled in the planted forests. The study emphasizes the significance of a genetic approach to understanding the biodiversity of both groups. We believe that integrating both groups will improve the effectiveness of bioindicators in these areas. It is crucial to recognize the biodiversity of soil invertebrates for monitoring natural forests and developing effective reforestation policies, which are essential for fostering resilient ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid40625329,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, Y and Yao, F and Shi, Z and Zhang, C and Liu, J and Zhang, J and Qin, Z},
title = {Integrated Analysis of Survival, Physiological-Biochemical, and Transcriptomic Changes Reveals the Impact of Saline Stress on the Freshwater Snail Pomacea canaliculata.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {7},
pages = {e71581},
pmid = {40625329},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Salinity is an important abiotic stress that affects metabolic and physiological activities, breeding, development, and growth of mollusks. In this study, we investigated the effects of a range of water salinity on the apple snail Pomacea canaliculata, a highly invasive species and an important pest of rice. To examine the molecular response of P. canaliculata to salinity, we recorded young snails grown in a saline water environment for 4 months and compared their physiological and biochemical parameters with those of freshwater snails. We used RNA-seq analysis to identify genes and biological processes involved in response to salinity. The results showed that saline water stress reduced the survival rate of the snail population, increased their feeding rate and snail weight, and led to an increase in shell strength and thickness, as well as a significant widening of the overall shell morphology. In female snails, the activities of CAT, SOD, and T-AOC were significantly enhanced, while GSH activity, MDA content, and NOS activity showed significant decreases. In male snails, only MDA content exhibited a significant decrease, while ACHE activity showed a significant increase. Based on transcriptome analysis conducted for the liver and gills of the snails, a total of 1,569,678,584 raw reads were obtained from the nine libraries on the Illumina Novaseq 6000 platform. After preprocessing and the removal of low-quality sequences, 1,560,932,792 clean reads were generated. The number of upregulated and downregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in male snails after the saline stress was higher than that in female snails. The DEGs mainly involved oxidative stress, cellular regulation, and response. Saline concentration inhibited the hatching of eggs to a certain extent. Different levels of saline stress significantly affected the contents of free water, bound water, and enzyme activity of their eggs at different hatching stages. These findings provide theoretical support for understanding the saline tolerance of snails.},
}

@article {pmid40625320,
year = {2025},
author = {Haque, S and Gamage, HKAH and Kardum Hjort, C and Ponton, F and Encinas-Viso, F and Paulsen, IT and Dudaniec, RY},
title = {Landscape-Wide Metabarcoding Shows Interactions Among the Gut Microbiome and Pollen Diversity in the Invasive Bumblebee, Bombus terrestris.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {7},
pages = {e71717},
pmid = {40625320},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Gut microbial communities can facilitate traits that are essential for invasive species survival in novel environments. Despite the global plethora of invasive social insect species, the role of the gut microbiome in colonisation success under novel dietary and environmental conditions is little known. The introduction of the European buff-tailed bumblebee, Bombus terrestris, to the island of Tasmania (Australia) ~30 years ago is of ecological concern due to its negative impacts on native vegetation and endemic bees. Here, we investigate how the gut microbiota of B. terrestris workers is affected by corbicular pollen diversity and environmental variation across diverse landscapes in an invaded island system. B. terrestris female workers were sampled from 19 sites across Tasmania, for which environmental data for seven variables were extracted. Using 16S rRNA and ITS2 metabarcoding on gut samples and foraged pollen, respectively, we examine how the gut microbiota of B. terrestris is influenced by pollen diversity, environmental variables and their interactions. Gut bacterial community composition was significantly predicted by site annual precipitation and the percentage of pasture, which each explained 9% of the variation. Gut bacterial diversity was also explained by precipitation and pasture (40% and 30% of the variation, respectively). Furthermore, a positive interaction between annual precipitation and annual temperature significantly predicted site gut bacterial diversity. The interaction effect of pollen diversity and summer wind velocity was also positively related to gut bacterial diversity. Our findings contribute to understanding how interactions between the local environment and pollen diet affect the bee gut microbiome and thus the health and success of invasive pollinators.},
}

@article {pmid40624608,
year = {2025},
author = {Acs-Szabo, L and Pfliegler, WP and Kovács, S and Adácsi, C and Rácz, HV and Horváth, E and Papp, LA and Murvai, KP and Király, S and Miklós, I and Péter, G and Pusztahelyi, T and Pócsi, I},
title = {Striking mycotoxin tolerance and zearalenone elimination capacity of the decaying wood associated yeast Sugiyamaella novakii (Trichomonascaceae).},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {422},
pmid = {40624608},
issn = {1471-2180},
mesh = {*Zearalenone/metabolism ; Phylogeny ; *Mycotoxins/metabolism ; Fusarium/growth & development/drug effects ; *Saccharomycetales/metabolism/genetics/classification ; Trichothecenes/metabolism ; Fumonisins/metabolism ; T-2 Toxin/metabolism ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Mycotoxin-producing fungal species and their mycotoxins pose a global threat for crop production and for human and animal health. Given the increasing demand for healthier food and feed, alternative non-pesticide approaches for reducing fungal infections in crops and eliminating mycotoxin contamination in feedstock are becoming more prevalent. For such purposes, yeast species can be good candidates. Thus, the present study examined the mycotoxin tolerance and mycotoxin elimination ability of several yeast strains belonging to the Trichomonascaceae family.

RESULTS: While none of the tested yeasts inhibited the growth of different Fusarium species, several yeast strains exhibited tolerance to Fusarium mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, T-2 toxin, and fumonisin B1. Sugiyamaella novakii strains displayed exceptional tolerance for the tested mycotoxins. Besides, phylogenetic analyses suggested that tolerant species clustered more closely to each other than to the sensitive species. Although whole genome sequencing of S. novakii NCAIM Y.00986 revealed several enzyme-coding genes that may have a role in mycotoxin elimination, significant mycotoxin elimination was not achieved in the case of deoxynivalenol, T-2 toxin, and fumonisin B1. However, S. novakii successfully eliminated zearalenone, likely due to cell wall adsorption rather than enzymatic degradation.

CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the potential of S. novakii for zearalenone detoxification and emphasizes the role of yeast cell walls in mycotoxin mitigation strategies.},
}

*Zearalenone/metabolism
Phylogeny
*Mycotoxins/metabolism
Fusarium/growth & development/drug effects
*Saccharomycetales/metabolism/genetics/classification
Trichothecenes/metabolism
Fumonisins/metabolism
T-2 Toxin/metabolism

@article {pmid40624566,
year = {2025},
author = {Varga, Z and Csiba, R and Ábrahám, Á and Pásztor, D and Németh, C and Kemenesi, G and Bányai, K and Kurucz, K},
title = {Investigating the impact of endemic mosquitoes and invasive Aedes species on the circulation of Dirofilaria nematodes.},
journal = {Parasites & vectors},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {266},
pmid = {40624566},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {RRF-2.3.1-21-2022-00006 "National Laboratory for Health Security"//National Research, Development and Innovation Office/ ; RRF-2.3.1-21-2022-00006 "National Laboratory for Health Security"//National Research, Development and Innovation Office/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aedes/parasitology ; *Mosquito Vectors/parasitology ; Hungary/epidemiology ; *Introduced Species ; *Dirofilariasis/transmission/epidemiology/parasitology ; Humans ; *Dirofilaria/isolation & purification/genetics/classification ; Prevalence ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Mosquito-borne pathogens represent a growing challenge driven by environmental changes and the spread of invasive Aedes mosquitoes. Among pathogens endemic in Europe, Dirofilaria nematodes are of particular concern due to the increasing number of human infections. To understand their zoonotic potential, we aimed to assess the prevalence of filarioid nematodes in mosquitoes and reveal the potential vector species, considering their feeding behavior.

METHODS: Mosquitoes were collected from urban/suburban environments (Pécs, Hungary) in 2022-2023 and tested for the presence of filarioid nematodes using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing. Estimated infection rates with 95% CI were calculated, and descriptive statistics were applied.

RESULTS: Among 1015 tested mosquito pools (belonging to 21 species), 30 were positive for filarioid nematodes, including D. repens, D. immitis, Setaria tundra, and Setaria labiatopapillosa, with the highest prevalence and widest distribution of S. tundra. We revealed hotspots in the city where multiple filarioid species occurred. The presence of D. repens, relevant for humans, was confirmed in urban and suburban areas and near human infection cases. Among mosquitoes, Aedes vexans showed the highest positivity, harboring all identified parasites, while invasive Aedes albopictus and Aedes koreicus showed minimal/no infections. Moreover, we identified S. labiatopapillosa in urban areas in Hungary for the first time.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the potential role of Ae. vexans in transmission dynamics, while no evidence was found for the contribution of invasive mosquitoes, likely due to local environmental and behavioral factors. Our results emphasize the need for targeted vector monitoring and research to understand mosquito-borne parasites' epidemiology and public health implications, particularly in regions affected by invasive mosquitoes.},
}

Animals
*Aedes/parasitology
*Mosquito Vectors/parasitology
Hungary/epidemiology
*Introduced Species
*Dirofilariasis/transmission/epidemiology/parasitology
Humans
*Dirofilaria/isolation & purification/genetics/classification
Prevalence

@article {pmid40621983,
year = {2025},
author = {Xu, B and Meng, R and Zhao, P and Zhao, F and Wang, Y and Deng, W and Yang, X and Liu, J and Tian, H},
title = {Uncovering dominant drivers of Erigeron annuus distribution in Dajiuhu-Shennongjia wetland using multiscale remote sensing data.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.70033},
pmid = {40621983},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {42471362//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2022ZX01A25//Key Research and Development Program of Heilongjiang, China/ ; JD2023GJ01//Key Research and Development Program of Heilongjiang, China/ ; 2662021JC010//HZAU/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: As a pernicious invasive species, Erigeron annuus (L.) pers. (EAP) poses a significant threat to the biodiversity and ecosystem in Dajiuhu-Shennongjia, China. Predicting potential areas of EAP invasion is essential for improving management efficiency and minimizing resource waste. Thus, we developed a new flowering index called the Erigeron Annuus Index (EAI) and combined it with multisource data fusion to map the EAP distribution, then built a predictive model using EAP occurrence data along with geographic and environmental drivers.

RESULTS: The EAI index performed well with both unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and satellite platforms [UAV: overall accuracy (OA) = 91.8%, Marco-F1 = 0.917; WorldView-2: OA = 65.9%, Marco-F1 = 0.658; PlanetScope: OA = 78.6%, Marco-F1 = 0.781]. Incorporating texture (e.g., vegetation roughness and heterogeneity) and temporal features (e.g., seasonal changes in reflectance) further improved accuracy at the satellite platforms (WorldView-2: OA = 77.6%, Marco-F1 = 0.776; PlanetScope: OA = 82.1%, Marco-F1 = 0.817). The predictive model demonstrated the ability to predict EAP distribution based on mean precipitation in September, distance to roads, elevation and slope aspect (OA = 75.7%, Marco-F1 = 0.761).

CONCLUSION: The framework developed in this study can accurately monitor and predict the EAP distribution, providing crucial support for identifying potential invasion areas. The driver analysis results imply that resource availability and human activity are likely to be the drivers of the EAP dispersal. These findings will provide a scientific basis for the management of invasive species. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid40577982,
year = {2025},
author = {Oliveira, AGL and Alves, JA and Ramos-de-Souza, J and Saint'Pierre, TD and Mello-Silva, CC and Hauser-Davis, RA and Saggioro, EM},
title = {Metal and metalloid bioaccumulation and oxidative stress in the invasive bivalve Mytilopsis leucophaeata (Bivalvia, Dreissenidae) from a highly anthropogenically-impacted coastal lagoon in Southeastern Brazil.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {219},
number = {},
pages = {118336},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.118336},
pmid = {40577982},
issn = {1879-3363},
mesh = {Animals ; *Oxidative Stress ; Brazil ; *Water Pollutants, Chemical/metabolism ; *Environmental Monitoring ; *Metals/metabolism ; Bioaccumulation ; *Metalloids/metabolism ; *Bivalvia/metabolism ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Bivalves are adequate aquatic pollutant bioindicators due to their sessile and filter-feeding habits. However, not many studies have been carried out on elemental concentrations in the invasive Mytilopsis leucophaeata, despite its wide geographical distribution, and no assessments on biochemical metal and metalloid effects are available for this species. This study investigated elemental contamination associated to oxidative stress in M. leucophaeata for the first time in an anthropically impacted lagoon in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A total of 240 mussels were sampled between 2022 and 2023, 60 per sampling season. Metals and metalloids were quantified in soft tissues and lagoon surface water by ICP-MS and reduced glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation (LPO) and protein carbonylation (PTC) were measured. New COI and ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 sequences for this species are provided. Most elements were higher in spring and summer. Significant strong correlations were observed between several essential and toxic elements, such as Co vs. As, Cu vs. As, Cu vs. Cd and Zn vs. As, with all detected correlations presenting r values over 0.84. The highest PTC and GSH were observed in summer (472.5 μmol g[-1]) and autumn (0.65 μmol g[-1]), while LPO was higher in spring and summer (935.0 and 760.4 μmol g[-1], respectively) alongside higher elemental concentrations. These findings indicate that elemental contamination is significantly associated to oxidative stress profiles and that in M. leucophaeata is an adequate biomonitoring tool concerning metal and metalloid effects. Finally, M. leucophaeata were deemed unsafe for consumption due to high As, Cr, Se, and Zn levels, exceeding national and international safety limits.},
}

Animals
*Oxidative Stress
Brazil
*Water Pollutants, Chemical/metabolism
*Environmental Monitoring
*Metals/metabolism
Bioaccumulation
*Metalloids/metabolism
*Bivalvia/metabolism
Introduced Species

@article {pmid40621896,
year = {2025},
author = {Yue, K and Li, Y and Gao, Z and Liang, Y and Lu, Y and Wang, L},
title = {Advancing biocontrol strategies for red imported fire ants with emerging technologies.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.70038},
pmid = {40621896},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//Guangdong Special Support Program-Leading Talents in Science and Technology Innovation/ ; //Key-Area Research and Development Program of Guangdong Province/ ; //Science and Technology Talent and Platform Project of Yunnan/ ; },
abstract = {The red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta), ranked among the world's most invasive species, poses severe threats to biodiversity, agriculture, and public health, causing profound economic and ecological damage. Chemical insecticides remain the primary means of control once S. invicta becomes established, but their extensive use has led to environmental degradation and the evolution of resistance, highlighting the urgent need for innovative and sustainable alternatives. This review examines the current state of biological control resources for S. invicta, highlighting their effectiveness, limitations, and critical challenges, including environmental adaptability and non-target effects. To overcome these barriers, we explore advancements in genetic engineering, RNA interference, remote sensing, and artificial intelligence, which hold the potential to revolutionize biocontrol approaches by enhancing precision, efficiency, and sustainability. Building on these innovations, we propose a 'smart biocontrol system' that integrates real-time environmental monitoring with genetically optimized biocontrol agents, potentially supplemented by pest-resistant crops as one of several complementary strategies. This precision-driven framework minimizes ecological disruption while maximizing control efficacy, providing a scalable, long-term solution to S. invicta management. By uniting traditional biocontrol with state-of-the-art technologies, this approach envisions a transformative pathway for managing invasive species globally, aiming to establish a benchmark for future environmentally responsible pest control strategies. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid40621657,
year = {2025},
author = {Marcolin, F and Mammola, S and Alba, R and Segurado, P and Reino, L and Chamberlain, D},
title = {Socio-Economic Status and Non-Native Species Drive Bird Ecosystem Service Provision in Urban Areas.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {31},
number = {7},
pages = {e70311},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.70311},
pmid = {40621657},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {2020.06036.BD//Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia/ ; CEECIND/00445/2017//Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia/ ; PTDC/BIA-ECO/0207/2020//Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia/ ; CN_00000033//NextGenerationEU/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Birds/physiology ; Cities ; *Biodiversity ; Spain ; *Ecosystem ; Portugal ; *Introduced Species ; Socioeconomic Factors ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; },
abstract = {Areas of higher socio-economic status within cities often support greater biodiversity than poorer areas, representing a form of environmental injustice. This inequality may result in lower income areas experiencing both lower cultural (e.g., bird aesthetics) and regulating (e.g., pest control) ecosystem service provision. Urban areas are also hotspots for non-native species, which can alter community functional structure and, consequently, ecosystem service provision. However, the influence of socio-economic status on services provided by both native and non-native urban biodiversity remains underexplored. We assessed how functional diversity related to avian cultural and regulating ecosystem services varied along the socio-economic gradient of functional urban areas (FUAs) in the Iberian Peninsula. Using breeding bird atlases from Spain and Portugal, we characterised bird communities in all FUAs, calculating species richness and functional dispersion based on traits linked to ecosystem services. We used generalised linear mixed models to examine relationships between diversity metrics and median household income. Additionally, we evaluated whether the presence of non-native species moderated community responses along the gradient. Both cultural and regulating ecosystem services were negatively associated with socio-economic status, while species richness increased with income. However, invaded communities supported higher species richness and cultural service provision than non-invaded ones. Our findings reveal a counterintuitive pattern in which ecosystem service provision is higher in lower-income areas, partly due to non-native species. These results underscore the need for urban management strategies that simultaneously address socio-economic and ecological inequalities, while considering the complex roles of non-native species in shaping urban biodiversity and its benefits.},
}

Animals
*Birds/physiology
Cities
*Biodiversity
Spain
*Ecosystem
Portugal
*Introduced Species
Socioeconomic Factors
*Conservation of Natural Resources

@article {pmid40621612,
year = {2025},
author = {Macdonald, KJ and Driscoll, DA and Craig, MD and Davis, RA and Hromada, SJ and Gienger, CM and Fitzgerald, LA and Leavitt, DJ and Walkup, DK and Abom, R and Wayne, AF and Friend, GR and Johnson, B and Stokeld, D and Dickman, CR and Thompson, SA and Thompson, GG and Bohórquez Fandiño, DF and Woolley, CK and Smith, AL and Irvine, C and Jessop, TS and Keehn, JE and Feldman, CR and Santos, X and Belliure, J and Pausas, JG and Weiss, SL and Fleming, PA and Dundas, S and Westaway, DM and Duncan, SE and Doherty, TS},
title = {Cross-Continental Analysis Shows That Disturbance Effects on Reptile Body Condition Do Not Predict Abundance Responses.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {31},
number = {7},
pages = {e70295},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.70295},
pmid = {40621612},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {//Parks Victoria/ ; //Barrick Kanowna/ ; //Norilsk Nickel/ ; //Northern Australian Environmental Resources Hub/ ; //Northern Territory Department of Lands, Planning and Environment/ ; //Australian Government's National Environmental Science Program/ ; //Charles Darwin University/ ; //OMG Cawse Nickel Operations/ ; AD9031596//Australian Research Council/ ; LP170101134//Australian Research Council/ ; //Edith Cowan University/ ; //Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment/ ; //Placer Dome Asia Pacific Kalgoorlie West Operations/ ; //M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust/ ; A18615230//Australian Research Grant Scheme/ ; //Threatened Species Recovery Hub/ ; //Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Reptiles/physiology ; *Ecosystem ; New Zealand ; Population Dynamics ; Australia ; Spain ; Population Density ; United States ; },
abstract = {Ecological disturbances are discrete events that alter or transform the physical, chemical, or biological characteristics of ecosystems. Disturbance can cause animal populations to decline and, according to the risk-disturbance hypothesis and population collapse framework, these declines can be predicted by declines in animal body condition. However, no research has empirically examined the general relationship between body condition and abundance, nor their relationship in response to disturbance. We used a combined dataset representing 33 studies and > 42,000 observations of 75 species from Australia, New Zealand, Spain and the United States of America to test predictions relating to the relationship between reptile body condition and abundance. We first investigated the relationship at the site level and then used meta-analytical models to test whether populations showed linked changes in abundance and body condition in response to disturbance. We further tested whether key environmental and species traits influenced this relationship and whether there was a time-lagged effect of body condition responses on abundance. We found a positive relationship between mean reptile body condition and abundance at the site level. However, the relationship was largely lost when investigating population responses to disturbance. As such, our results provided no support for the risk-disturbance hypothesis and limited support for the population collapse framework. Therefore, the impacts of disturbance on reptile body condition cannot be assumed to reflect or predict abundance responses. We provide a new conceptual framework that shows how disturbances can modify or uncouple the relationship between abundance and body condition by influencing underlying drivers, such as predation, competition and resource availability. Monitoring programs that infer population impacts based on changes in body condition should first confirm the relationship between these two variables in the relevant study system.},
}

Animals
*Reptiles/physiology
*Ecosystem
New Zealand
Population Dynamics
Australia
Spain
Population Density
United States

@article {pmid40620582,
year = {2025},
author = {Soto, KM and Edmonds, D and Colton, AL and Britton, MR and Hardin, FO and Fischer, EK},
title = {Fortune may favor the flexible: environment-dependent behavioral shifts in invasive coquí frogs.},
journal = {Current zoology},
volume = {71},
number = {3},
pages = {362-372},
pmid = {40620582},
issn = {1674-5507},
abstract = {Biological invasions are a major driver of global biodiversity loss, impacting endemic species, ecosystems, and economies. Although the influence of life history traits on invasive success is well-established, the role of behavior in the invasive potential of animals is less studied. The common coquí frog, Eleutherodactylus coqui, is a highly successful invader in Hawai'i. We build on previous research characterizing changes in physiology and morphology to explore behavioral variation across the invasive range of coquí in Hawai'i. Coquí have expanded both outward and upward from their initial introduction site, and-by comparing frogs from different densities and elevations-we specifically asked how the physiological challenges of high-elevation living interact with the competitive challenge of high-densities at population centers. To investigate whether differences in the field represent local adaptation or behavioral plasticity, we additionally evaluated behavior following acclimation to a shared laboratory environment. Although we identified only subtle behavioral variation among populations in the field, we found that individuals from all populations became less bold, active, and exploratory in the laboratory, converging on a similar behavioral phenotype. Alongside previous work, our results suggest that coquí adjust their behavior to local environmental conditions across their invasive range and that behavioral flexibility may contribute to invasive success.},
}

@article {pmid40616113,
year = {2025},
author = {Ramdini, C and Calvez, E and Houy, O and Gréaux, C and Dollin, C and Pocquet, N and Almeras, L and Sonor, F and Déliscar-Jourdan, G and Vega-Rúa, A},
title = {First report of Aedes albopictus in Saint Barthélemy (French West Indies) confirmed by morphological, molecular and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry approaches.},
journal = {Parasites & vectors},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {258},
pmid = {40616113},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {"Une santé" 2021-2027//Programme Opérationnel FEDER-Guadeloupe-Conseil Regional/ ; "Une santé" 2021-2027//Programme Opérationnel FEDER-Guadeloupe-Conseil Regional/ ; "Une santé" 2021-2027//Programme Opérationnel FEDER-Guadeloupe-Conseil Regional/ ; ARS/DSS/N°2023-08//Collaboration convention Regional Health Agency and Institut Pasteur Guadeloupe/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aedes/genetics/anatomy & histology/classification ; Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization ; *Mosquito Vectors/anatomy & histology/genetics/classification ; Guadeloupe ; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics ; Introduced Species ; Female ; },
abstract = {Aedes albopictus is a mosquito vector of arboviruses that is native to southeast Asia. However, this invasive species has spread worldwide. It arrived in the Caribbean in 1993, but had never been recorded in the French Territories of the Americas. We report here the first detection of Aedes albopictus in Saint Barthélemy, Guadeloupe confirmed by morphological criteria, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), and cytochrome c oxidase 1 (cox1) gene barcoding. The presence of this invasive mosquito species in Saint Barthélemy, an island with daily aerial or maritime connections to the French Departments of the Americas, raises concerns about the risk of its introduction into these territories, as well as into other Caribbean countries. It also emphasizes the urgent need to locally reinforce vector surveillance and control measures to prevent the further spread of this mosquito vector.},
}

Animals
*Aedes/genetics/anatomy & histology/classification
Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization
*Mosquito Vectors/anatomy & histology/genetics/classification
Guadeloupe
Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics
Introduced Species
Female

@article {pmid40615450,
year = {2025},
author = {Qin, Y and Wang, Z and Li, J},
title = {Chromosome-level genome assembly of Ceroplastes pseudoceriferus Green, 1935 (Hemiptera: Coccidae).},
journal = {Scientific data},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {1147},
pmid = {40615450},
issn = {2052-4463},
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/genetics ; *Genome, Insect ; Molecular Sequence Annotation ; *Chromosomes, Insect ; },
abstract = {Soft scales (Hemiptera: Coccidae) are significant polyphagous pests and majority of which are invasive species. The 364.14 Mb chromosome-level genome of Ceroplastes pseudoceriferus was assembled in this work, with a contig N50 length of 6.16 Mb and scafold N50 length of 21.24 Mb. Approximately 99.89% of assembled sequences were anchored into 18 chromosomes with the assistance of Hi-C reads. Furthermore, approximately 53.98% of the genome was composed of repetitive elements. In total, 10,475 protein-coding genes were predicted, of which 9503 (90.72%) genes were functionally annotated. The BUSCO analysis demonstrated the completeness of the genome annotation is 92.54%. This genome represents first high-quality chromosome level assembly of Coccidae, thereby advancing our knowledge of Coccidae insects and developing effective management strategies that protect crops, forests, and natural ecosystems.},
}

Animals
*Hemiptera/genetics
*Genome, Insect
Molecular Sequence Annotation
*Chromosomes, Insect

@article {pmid40159998,
year = {2025},
author = {Iglesias-Carrasco, M and Torres, J and Cruz-Dubon, A and Candolin, U and Wong, BBM and Velo-Antón, G},
title = {Global impacts of exotic eucalypt plantations on wildlife.},
journal = {Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society},
volume = {100},
number = {4},
pages = {1734-1753},
doi = {10.1111/brv.70022},
pmid = {40159998},
issn = {1469-185X},
support = {PID2022-137901NB-I00//Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities/ ; DOC_00453//Junta de Andalucia/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Eucalyptus ; *Animals, Wild/physiology ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; *Ecosystem ; Forestry ; *Introduced Species ; Biodiversity ; },
abstract = {The establishment of exotic tree plantations poses a pervasive threat to wildlife across the globe. Among the most important tree species used for forestry purposes worldwide are members of the genus Eucalyptus, which have now been established in at least 107 countries outside of their native range. When introduced into non-native areas, eucalypt plantations are associated with myriad novel challenges for native fauna, and have often been associated with reductions in the biodiversity of local communities. However, similar to other anthropogenic habitats, eucalypt plantations can also create novel opportunities for species that can allow them to survive and thrive in these novel environments. In this review, we use eucalypt plantations as a case study for understanding the ecological and evolutionary responses of wildlife to anthropogenic habitat loss and change. We begin by summarising the main avenues of research addressing the study of wildlife responses at the individual, community, and ecosystem levels, and highlight critical research gaps. We also consider the characteristics of different types of eucalypt plantations and how such attributes are linked with the ability of animals to respond appropriately to the establishment of plantations, and summarise important considerations for the conservation of animal communities in these human-altered habitats.},
}

Animals
*Eucalyptus
*Animals, Wild/physiology
*Conservation of Natural Resources
*Ecosystem
Forestry
*Introduced Species
Biodiversity

@article {pmid40611690,
year = {2025},
author = {Liang, Y and Song, Y and Hong, J and Ou, Y and Chen, M and Wu, J and Chen, H and Liang, M and Lu, Y},
title = {Arthropod diversity dynamics in guava and cherimoya plantations affected by Solenopsis invicta invasion.},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1744-7917.70119},
pmid = {40611690},
issn = {1744-7917},
support = {2022B1111030002//Key-Area Research and Development Program of Guangdong Province/ ; 2021YFD1000500//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 2025B04J0001//Key Research and Development Program of Guangzhou/ ; 2023TX07A017//Guangdong Special Support Program-Leading Talents in Science and Technology Innovation/ ; 202405AF140082//Science and Technology Talent and Platform Project of Yunnan (Academician and Expert Workstation)/ ; 2023YFN0030//Key Research and Development Program of Science and Technology in Sichuan Province/ ; },
abstract = {The red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta, RIFA) is one of the most ecologically disruptive invasive species, yet its impacts on arthropod biodiversity within subtropical orchard agroecosystems-particularly guava (Psidium guajava) and cherimoya (Annona cherimola) plantations-remain insufficiently quantified. This study investigated how RIFA invasion influences arthropod community composition, diversity and trophic group dynamics across these 2 plantation systems in southern China. Results indicated that RIFA invasions significantly reduced both order- and family-level richness and evenness. Arthropod order richness declined markedly in invaded areas, with only 8 orders detected in invaded cherimoya plots compared to 11 in non-invaded plots. At the family level, diversity decreased by 75% in guava plantations (from 8 to 2 families) and by 60% in cherimoya plantations (from 10 to 4 families). In invaded plots, RIFAs constituted over 80% of the total arthropod population. Hedges' g effect sizes further revealed substantial increases in overall arthropod abundance (+277.62%) and RIFA-specific abundance (+357.42%), coupled with significant declines in family richness (-16.29%) and non-RIFA arthropod abundance (-22.78%). Piecewise structural equation modeling indicated that RIFA exerted strong, negative impacts on detritivores and omnivores, while herbivores were less affected, indirectly suppressing predators by reducing their prey base. Collectively, these findings suggested that RIFA invasion drove pronounced taxonomic homogenization, functional simplification and trophic imbalance within agricultural landscapes. Effective, long-term monitoring and biodiversity-focused management strategies are urgently needed to mitigate the ecological degradation driven by RIFA invasions in these critical agroecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid40610560,
year = {2025},
author = {El-Alfy, MA and Abd El-Hamid, HT and Kacem, HA and Keshta, AE},
title = {Assessment of invasive aquatic plant dynamics in the Lake Burullus wetland complex integrating remote sensing techniques.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {23701},
pmid = {40610560},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {*Wetlands ; *Remote Sensing Technology/methods ; *Introduced Species ; *Lakes ; Water Quality ; Egypt ; Environmental Monitoring/methods ; Nitrogen/analysis ; Biodiversity ; Seasons ; },
abstract = {The spread of invasive aquatic species in canals and wetlands poses significant challenges, including reduced water availability, disruption of native biodiversity, and obstruction of irrigation infrastructure. This study examines the distribution and environmental associations of two prominent invasive species Pontederia crassipes and Pistia stratiotes within the Lake Burullus wetland in Egypt. Field surveys were conducted to assess plant morphology and abundance, alongside measurements of water quality parameters including dissolved oxygen (DO), phosphate (PO4-P), ammonium (NH4-N), nitrite (NO2-N), nitrate (NO3-N), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), turbidity, and oxidizable organic matter (OOM). Remote sensing data, particularly the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), were used to monitor the spatial and seasonal dynamics of Pontederia in the Elshaklouba drain. The findings indicated that plant abundance was associated with specific water quality variables; however causality could not be determined due to the observational design of the study. NDVI analysis confirmed increased Pontederia densities during the summer months, consistent with field observations. The study also documented local management practices, primarily mechanical removal and the use of physical barriers, and briefly compared these with biological and integrated control strategies reported in recent literature. Additionally, the potential application of these species in phytoremediation and bioenergy applications is discussed, underscoring their dual role as both ecological threats and potential resources.},
}

*Wetlands
*Remote Sensing Technology/methods
*Introduced Species
*Lakes
Water Quality
Egypt
Environmental Monitoring/methods
Nitrogen/analysis
Biodiversity
Seasons

@article {pmid40609430,
year = {2025},
author = {Shi, X and Li, WT and van Kleunen, M and Li, L and Zheng, YL},
title = {Indirect competitive advantages of invasive over native plants under multiple stressors.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {391},
number = {},
pages = {126422},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126422},
pmid = {40609430},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {The success of invasive alien plants is often ascribed to competitive advantages they have over native plants. Based on differences in intra- and interspecific competition, we propose three mechanisms: invasive species may alleviate intraspecific competition (self-regulation hypothesis); invasive species exert stronger suppressive effects on native species than other invasive species (competitive suppression hypothesis); invasive species tend to exhibit greater tolerance to native neighbors than native species (competitive tolerance hypothesis). In addition, we consider that competitive advantages can also be dependent on environmental factors, although few studies have tested this. Here, we tested the different mechanisms and their context dependence in a large competition experiment using two aliens and five co-occurring native plants in the presence and absence of an herbivorous snail, under drought and well-watered conditions, and with low and high phosphorus availability. Although intraspecific competition did not significantly differ between the alien and native species, we found that natives had a more negative neighbor effect on other natives than on aliens under well-watered conditions, particularly when there was also phosphorus limitation or herbivory. Similarly, aliens were worse neighbors for natives than for other aliens under well-watered conditions. Overall, these results suggest that conditions of non-limiting water availability, particularly when combined with phosphorus limitation or the presence of herbivores, might result in successful invasion by alien species.},
}

@article {pmid40609146,
year = {2025},
author = {Motloung, RF and Chaisi, ME and Sibiya, MS and Nyangiwe, N and Shivambu, TC},
title = {Predicting tick distributions in a changing climate: An ensemble approach for South Africa.},
journal = {Veterinary parasitology},
volume = {338},
number = {},
pages = {110528},
doi = {10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110528},
pmid = {40609146},
issn = {1873-2550},
abstract = {Predicting the potential distribution of disease vectors is crucial for vector management and disease transmission surveillance. This study aims to assess changes in the geographic projection of the ecological niche of ticks of veterinary, public health, and economic importance in South Africa, and to predict areas suitable for their establishment under current and future climate scenarios. We used a suite of six algorithms within the ensemble modelling framework of the biomod2 package in R version 4.4.2 to produce species distribution models for current (2021-2040) and future (2041-2060) climate scenarios. Six bioclimatic variables, representing a range of biophysical and anthropogenic factors, were used in combination with tick presence-only occurrence data submitted to SANBI's Integrated Publishing Toolkit by tick species experts. The model outputs indicate that all 10 tick species will likely experience range shifts over time (2021-2060). All species are projected to gain significant portions of suitable ranges in the future. Notably, Rhipicephalus microplus is predicted to gain the most, with a 14 % increase in its suitable range in South Africa. This predicted range expansion could potentially disrupt ecological balances in the ecosystems it is likely to occupy. Native species such as Amblyomma hebraeum and Hyalomma rufipes are predicted to expand their ranges by 10 and 9 %, respectively, while others may gain less than 6 % of their potential ranges The overall predicted range expansion could also introduce new disease dynamics, potentially leading to increased pathogen transmission, host switching and higher incidences of diseases in humans and animals in currently unaffected areas. The study provides baseline information to support ongoing monitoring and adaptive management strategies to mitigate the negative impacts associated with ticks on ecosystems, public health, and agriculture. The results will help inform tick control programs in South Africa and other similar environments. South Africa must adopt a comprehensive One Health approach to tick management to address the challenges posed by invasive species like R. microplus, which threaten livestock health and have significant veterinary and economic impacts.},
}

@article {pmid40607628,
year = {2025},
author = {Jackson, D and McNew, S},
title = {The Invasion History of New Zealand Starlings Revealed by Whole Genome Sequencing and Historical Records.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e70016},
doi = {10.1111/mec.70016},
pmid = {40607628},
issn = {1365-294X},
}

@article {pmid40607565,
year = {2025},
author = {Zeng, ZY and Yu, HX and Zhou, QM and You, JJ and Li, WH},
title = {The role of ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms in the replacement of Mikania micrantha by Pueraria lobata.},
journal = {Ying yong sheng tai xue bao = The journal of applied ecology},
volume = {36},
number = {6},
pages = {1849-1858},
doi = {10.13287/j.1001-9332.202506.006},
pmid = {40607565},
issn = {1001-9332},
mesh = {*Pueraria/growth & development ; *Ammonia/metabolism ; Oxidation-Reduction ; *Mikania/growth & development ; *Soil Microbiology ; Nitrification ; Nitrogen/metabolism/analysis ; *Introduced Species ; Soil/chemistry ; *Bacteria/metabolism ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {We investigated the role of ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms in the process of Pueraria lobata replacement for controlling the invasive plant, Mikania micrantha. We examined the effects of P. lobata replacement on the regeneration of M. micrantha, plant nitrogen absorption, soil nitrogen transformation, and ammonia-oxidizing microbial communities. The results demonstrated that one year after P. lobata replacement, there were significant increases in soil total nitrogen (109.4%), ammonium (78.1%), and nitrate (20.3%), accompanied by a remarkable 213.0% elevation in the net nitrification rate. The ammonia-oxidizing bacteria AOB-amoA gene copy number was significantly increased, which was positively correlated with soil total nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen. Results of random forest model analysis showed that comammox clade A.2 and AOB jointly dominated the nitrification process. The soil net nitrification rate, AOB-amoA gene copy number, and plant tissue total nitrogen content were identified as the primary factors influencing the relative cover of P. lobata. The enhanced activity of ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms improved soil nitrogen conversion efficiency, giving P. lobata a competitive advantage over M. micrantha in nitrogen uptake and accumulation, thereby effectively inhibiting the regeneration of M. micrantha.},
}

*Pueraria/growth & development
*Ammonia/metabolism
Oxidation-Reduction
*Mikania/growth & development
*Soil Microbiology
Nitrification
Nitrogen/metabolism/analysis
*Introduced Species
Soil/chemistry
*Bacteria/metabolism
Ecosystem

@article {pmid40607555,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, MY and Liang, ZY and Shu, Q and Nao, ZC and Chen, Y and Zeng, ZF and LA, Q and Wang, JW},
title = {Predicting potential distribution and adaptability of the invasive plant Bidens pilosa in China based on the MaxEnt model.},
journal = {Ying yong sheng tai xue bao = The journal of applied ecology},
volume = {36},
number = {6},
pages = {1749-1758},
doi = {10.13287/j.1001-9332.202506.028},
pmid = {40607555},
issn = {1001-9332},
mesh = {China ; *Introduced Species ; *Ecosystem ; *Bidens/growth & development/physiology ; Climate Change ; *Models, Theoretical ; Forecasting ; *Adaptation, Physiological ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; },
abstract = {Bidens pilosa, a globally invasive plant species, poses a significant threat to ecosystems and agricultural production in China. To evaluate its potential expansion in China, particularly its habitat suitability under climate change, we predicted its distribution with natural distribution data and 31 environmental variables (climate, soil, topography, and human activity factors) under the MaxEnt model. Future changes in suitable habitats were simulated under the SSP245 and SSP585 climate scenarios. The results showed that the model exhibited high predictive accuracy, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.89. Temperature and precipitation were the primary influencing factors, accounting for 82.6% and 12.6% of the contribution, respectively. Currently, suitable habitats were predominantly located in southern and central-eastern China. The suitable habitats were projected to expand toward eastern and northern Tibet, particularly into ecologically fragile regions such as the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Therefore, climate change would exacerbate invasion risks.},
}

China
*Introduced Species
*Ecosystem
*Bidens/growth & development/physiology
Climate Change
*Models, Theoretical
Forecasting
*Adaptation, Physiological
Conservation of Natural Resources

@article {pmid40607497,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, Y and Li, Y and Shuai, F and Britton, JR and Li, J},
title = {Phylogenetic Relatedness Predicts Extinction Risk of Native Freshwater Fishes From Non-Native Fishes Across a Latitudinal Gradient.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {31},
number = {7},
pages = {e70320},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.70320},
pmid = {40607497},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {32002391//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; //Pearl River Fishery Resources and Habitat Investigation Project funded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/ ; 2023TD10//Pearl River Fisheries Resources Investigation & Evaluation Group Project/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Fishes/genetics/physiology/classification ; *Phylogeny ; *Extinction, Biological ; *Introduced Species ; Fresh Water ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {The strength of the interspecific interactions between non-native and native species influences the subsequent invasion impacts, with stronger interactions and thus more severe impacts predicted when the species are phylogenetically close and co-exist at lower latitudes. Although work demonstrates non-native fish are more likely to invade areas which have phylogenetically closely related species present, the impacts of these invaders on the native species remain poorly understood. Accordingly, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of global freshwater fish occurrence data to test the phylogenetic niche conservatism hypothesis in co-occurring native and non-native freshwater fishes, assess whether non-native fishes drive extinctions of phylogenetically closely related native species, and evaluate how this varies with latitude. Phylogenetic niche conservatism was evident in co-occurring non-native and native fishes, with their morphometric trait dissimilarity significantly correlated with their phylogenetic distance. Extinct freshwater fishes were found to be more closely related to co-occurred non-native species than were species of other conservation statuses. However, the relationship between the extinction probability of native freshwater fishes and their phylogenetic relatedness to non-native species was context-dependent, varying with latitude and across biogeographical realms. At higher latitudes, native fishes closely related to non-native species had a higher probability of extinction, whereas at lower latitudes, closely related native species were less likely to become extinct. Thus, the extinction risks posed by non-native fish vary spatially and depend on their phylogenetic relatedness to native species, both of which are recommended for consideration in invasion risk management programmes.},
}

Animals
*Fishes/genetics/physiology/classification
*Phylogeny
*Extinction, Biological
*Introduced Species
Fresh Water
Ecosystem

@article {pmid40605760,
year = {2025},
author = {Lueje, YR and Jácome, A and Fagúndez, J and Servia, MJ},
title = {Trapping is not effective for limiting damage by Vespa velutina in vineyards.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.70031},
pmid = {40605760},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//Program LEADER Galicia 2014-2020/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Vespa velutina is an invasive hornet that harms biodiversity, human health and agricultural products such as grapes. The use of baited traps is a popular method among producers to counteract its impact. However, their efficiency in agricultural settings has not been tested systematically. We investigated whether the use of traps is an effective method to reduce damage in vineyards, as well as the influence of trap and vineyard characteristics on the captures of V. velutina and nontarget insects in two areas of Galicia, NW Spain.

RESULTS: We observed significant differences in bunch damage by V. velutina among and within areas, but unrelated to grape sugar content. We found no evidence of any positive effect of trapping in reducing damage, even if the density of traps is doubled or tripled. Commercial traps capture higher numbers of V. velutina and by-catch than homemade traps. Captures of V. velutina peaked in summer, and no significant differences were observed between areas or plots, whereas captures of by-catch were highly variable.

CONCLUSION: The multifactorial nature of V. velutina damage in vineyards, and the high proportion and diversity of by-catch in traps make trap use unadvisable based on the present state of knowledge. Notwithstanding this, trapping before harvesting, when most damage happens, showed the highest selectivity and thus, was the least harmful trapping system to native entomofauna. More sustainable and effective methods of vineyard management and crop protection should be tested to guarantee the future of this productive sector in highly invaded areas. © 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid40603999,
year = {2025},
author = {Cui, L and Qiu, J and Berger, U and Cao, M and Li, W and Jiang, J},
title = {Comparing and quantifying the ecological niches of the saltmarsh grass Spartina alterniflora and major mangrove species in China.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {23604},
pmid = {40603999},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {Jiangxi Forestry [2022] No.40, [2022] No.382//Wetland Conservation and Restoration Project Subsidy by Central Finance/ ; 41701225//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2022SY06//Zhejiang Forestry Science and Technology Project/ ; },
mesh = {China ; *Poaceae/physiology ; *Wetlands ; Introduced Species ; *Ecosystem ; *Rhizophoraceae/physiology ; Species Specificity ; },
abstract = {The concept of niche similarity is crucial for understanding species invasions. An in-depth understanding of different niches can aid in developing effective control strategies, not only at the community level but also in population interactions. In this study, we investigated the invasion of Spartina alterniflora in China by selecting nine major mangrove species along the Chinese coast. Utilizing an ensemble species distribution model (ESDM), we compared the niche characteristics of these mangroves with S. alterniflora. We found that S. alterniflora has a broad latitudinal adaptability (39.22-21.67˚N), significantly greater than the mangroves. Excoecaria agallocha has the largest potential distribution area (74,729 km[2]), while Kandelia obovata shows the widest climatic adaptability (latitude: 30.85˚N to 18.19˚N). The ecological niches of the mangroves and S. alterniflora overlap (D.overlap: 0.015-0.254, Niche similarity index: 0.044-0.551), driven by different species-specific factors. K. obovata and S. alterniflora have the highest niche similarity due to the similarities in precipitation during the driest month and precipitation seasonality. Overall, mangroves in China are vulnerable to invasion by S. alterniflora. Strengthening mangrove protection is essential for their healthy development, especially under frequent extreme weather conditions, with a focus on protecting K. obovata.},
}

China
*Poaceae/physiology
*Wetlands
Introduced Species
*Ecosystem
*Rhizophoraceae/physiology
Species Specificity

@article {pmid40603756,
year = {2025},
author = {Pesarakloo, A and Mousavizadeh, F and Mirkamali, SJ and Najibzadeh, M and Esmaeilbeigi, M},
title = {Chemical composition of invasive water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) impacts developmental stages of Bufotes sitibundus: threat of an invasive plant to the amphibian species.},
journal = {Ecotoxicology (London, England)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40603756},
issn = {1573-3017},
abstract = {Invasive species threaten biodiversity by disrupting biological interactions. Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is recognized as one of the world's top 100 weed species and among the ten worst aquatic weeds. This study examines the impact of extracts from this non-native invasive plant on the survival, growth, and metamorphosis of Bufotes sitibundus larvae, a species of anuran amphibian. Due to the presence of phenolic compounds and heavy metals, invasive plants can significantly affect anuran development, yet these threats remain largely unstudied in amphibians. We observed increased mortality in larvae exposed to water hyacinth extracts, which we attribute to reduced oxygen availability linked to high concentrations of phenolic compounds, such as (E)-23-ethylcholesta-5,22-dien-3.beta.-ol and 3-Hydroxyspirost-8-en-11-one, as well as the terpenoid gibberellin A3. These phenolic compounds may impair gill function, contributing to decreased survival rates. Additionally, the presence of heavy metals in the extracts adversely impacts survival, growth, body length, and metamorphosis. The invasive water hyacinth can lead to significant alterations in pond ecosystems, producing both direct and indirect effects on amphibian survival. Our findings offer crucial insights into the effects of water hyacinth extracts on amphibians, encompassing egg development, growth, mortality, and metamorphosis, potentially impacting the biology and ecology of Bufotes sitibundus during the critical developmental stages.},
}

@article {pmid40541049,
year = {2025},
author = {Lazarus, BE and Mueller, RC and Germino, MJ},
title = {Soil-microbial communities respond less than plant communities to synthetic- or bio-herbicides applied to address the exotic grass-fire cycle in rangelands.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {991},
number = {},
pages = {179831},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179831},
pmid = {40541049},
issn = {1879-1026},
mesh = {*Soil Microbiology ; *Herbicides/toxicity ; *Microbiota/drug effects ; Poaceae ; Introduced Species ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S ; Bacteria ; Pseudomonas fluorescens ; *Soil Pollutants ; },
abstract = {The exotic grass-fire cycle is degrading semiarid rangelands, such as the vast areas of shrub-steppe in North America now invaded by fire-promoting cheatgrass. Chemical- or bio-herbicides are sprayed onto soils to inhibit the invaders, but information on chemical- or bio-herbicide impacts to soil microbial communities is limited. We asked how the soil-microbiome responded to the bioherbicide Pseudomonas fluorescens strain ACK55 in comparison to the separate and combined effects of a conventional pre-emergent chemical herbicide, imazapic, in two cheatgrass-invaded sagebrush-steppe sites. First-year microbial responses were evaluated using targeted sequencing of the 16S and LSU rRNA genes for bacteria+archaea and fungi, respectively, and were related to plant-community responses. A strong cheatgrass reduction with imazapic at one site was accompanied by a small shift in bacteria+archaea (16S) community composition with no effect on microbial alpha diversity, and this shift was small in comparison to natural microbiome variation between sites. ACK55 was not detected in soil a year after application, and it caused only transient and marginally significant reductions in annual grass cover accompanied by small reductions in soil fungi species richness. Full-length sequencing of the ACK55 16S rRNA gene and phylogenetic analyses revealed that ACK55 is more likely P. salmonii than P. fluorescens. Knowledge gaps remain on the duration and consequences of microbial-community shifts with imazapic and why molecular analyses showed ACK55 did not persist in soils. Confusion regarding microbial biopesticides can result where isolation, effectiveness testing, commercial release, and regulation are not guided by molecular taxonomic analyses.},
}

*Soil Microbiology
*Herbicides/toxicity
*Microbiota/drug effects
Poaceae
Introduced Species
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S
Bacteria
Pseudomonas fluorescens
*Soil Pollutants

@article {pmid40231438,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, B and Koski, TM and Wang, H and Chen, Z and Li, H and Mogouong, J and Bushley, KE and Xing, L and Sun, J},
title = {The Role of Phenylpropanoids and the Plant Microbiome in Defences of Ash Trees Against Invasive Emerald Ash Borer.},
journal = {Plant, cell & environment},
volume = {48},
number = {8},
pages = {5680-5698},
doi = {10.1111/pce.15534},
pmid = {40231438},
issn = {1365-3040},
support = {//This study was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant nos. 32061123002 and 32088102) and the U.S. National Science Foundation Dimensions of Biodiversity Grant (no. 2030036). We are also grateful to Collaborative Innovation Center for Baiyangdian Basin Ecological Protection and Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Sustainable Development project, Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province (C2022201042) and Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation (00240157)./ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Fraxinus/microbiology/metabolism/genetics ; *Microbiota ; Introduced Species ; *Coleoptera/physiology ; Metabolomics ; *Plant Defense Against Herbivory ; Transcriptome ; *Propanols/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Plants have coevolved with herbivorous insects for millions of years, resulting in variation in resistance both within and between species. Using a manipulative experiment combined with untargeted metabolomics, microbiome sequencing and transcriptomics approaches, we investigated the roles of plant metabolites and the microbiome in defence mechanisms in native resistant Manchurian ash (Fraxinus mandshurica) trees and non-native susceptible velvet ash (Fraxinus velutina) trees against the highly invasive emerald ash borer (EAB, Agrilus planipennis). Comparative transcriptomics and metabolomics analyses show that the phenylpropanoid pathway, which is enriched in differentially expressed genes and differentially abundant metabolites, may serve as a potential regulator of resistance. Additionally, the microbiome is distinctly shifted in two ash species. Indicator taxa analysis reveals that the distinct genera are dominant in the galleries of two ash species, for example, Pseudomonas in velvet, and Hafnia-Obesumbacterium in Manchurian. The strong correlation between indicator taxa and metabolites suggests that the chemical compounds might impact the microbial community in phloem directly or indirectly, or vice versa. This study significantly enhances our understanding of the variation in resistance between ash species and its contribution to the invasion success of EAB, providing valuable insights for the development of pest management strategies.},
}

Animals
*Fraxinus/microbiology/metabolism/genetics
*Microbiota
Introduced Species
*Coleoptera/physiology
Metabolomics
*Plant Defense Against Herbivory
Transcriptome
*Propanols/metabolism

@article {pmid40603367,
year = {2025},
author = {Gevaert, CM and Aguiar Pedro, A and Ku, O and Cheng, H and Chandramouli, P and Dadrass Javan, F and Nattino, F and Georgievska, S},
title = {Explainable few-shot learning workflow for detecting invasive and exotic tree species.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {23238},
pmid = {40603367},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {18091//Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research)/ ; },
mesh = {*Trees/classification ; *Introduced Species ; Workflow ; *Deep Learning ; Brazil ; Algorithms ; Forests ; Unmanned Aerial Devices ; Neural Networks, Computer ; },
abstract = {Deep Learning methods are notorious for relying on extensive labeled datasets to train and assess their performance. This can cause difficulties in practical situations where models should be trained for new applications for which very little data is available. While few-shot learning algorithms can address the first problem, they still lack sufficient explanations for the results. This research presents a workflow that tackles both challenges by proposing an explainable few-shot learning workflow for detecting invasive and exotic tree species in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) images. By integrating a Siamese network with explainable AI (XAI), the workflow enables the classification of tree species with minimal labeled data while providing visual, case-based explanations for the predictions. Results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed workflow in identifying new tree species, even in data-scarce conditions. With a lightweight backbone, e.g., MobileNet, it achieves an F1-score of 0.86 in 3-shot learning, outperforming a shallow CNN. A set of explanation metrics, i.e., correctness, continuity, and contrastivity, accompanied by visual cases, provide further insights about the prediction results. This approach opens new avenues for using AI and UAVs in forest management and biodiversity conservation, particularly concerning rare or understudied species.},
}

*Trees/classification
*Introduced Species
Workflow
*Deep Learning
Brazil
Algorithms
Forests
Unmanned Aerial Devices
Neural Networks, Computer

@article {pmid40601033,
year = {2025},
author = {Nariman, N and Entling, MH and Krehenwinkel, H and Kennedy, S},
title = {The Microbiome of an Invasive Spider: Reduced Bacterial Richness, but no Indication of Microbial-Mediated Dispersal Behaviour.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {88},
number = {1},
pages = {70},
pmid = {40601033},
issn = {1432-184X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Spiders/microbiology/physiology ; *Microbiota ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Introduced Species ; Symbiosis ; Europe ; Animal Distribution ; },
abstract = {Mermessus trilobatus, an invasive North American linyphiid spider, has expanded its invasion range up to 1400 km in Europe, accelerating its dispersal speed in less than 40 years. The high heritability of dispersal behaviour and the spatial sorting of high and low dispersers indicate a genetic basis of dispersal behaviour. However, microbial endosymbionts can moderate dispersal behaviour in related species (Rickettsia in Erigone atra). Hence, dispersal behaviour in M. trilobatus might also be dictated by the activity of dispersal-mediating endosymbionts. Here, we investigated the microbiome of invasive M. trilobatus spiders extracted from (1) high- and low-dispersive individuals and (2) spiders originating from locations close to the edge and core of the expansion. We examine the microbiomes for the presence of potential dispersal- and reproduction-mediating bacterial strains and compare the microbial assemblages of spiders based on their dispersal behaviour and locations of origin. The composition of microbial assemblages was similar among spiders of different geographic origins and dispersal behaviour. However, microbial richness was lower in high- than in low-dispersive individuals. Surprisingly, none of the known dispersal- or reproduction-altering endosymbionts of arthropods was identified in any tested spider. This contrasts with published results from North America, where M. trilobatus is a known host of Rickettsia and Wolbachia. Thus, the invasive European population appears to have lost its associated endosymbionts. As endosymbionts can reduce spider mobility, it is possible that their absence facilitates the spread of the invasive spider population. The absence of endosymbionts among the analysed individuals substantiates the role of genetic mechanisms behind the variable dispersal behaviour of invasive M. trilobatus in Europe.},
}

Animals
*Spiders/microbiology/physiology
*Microbiota
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Introduced Species
Symbiosis
Europe
Animal Distribution

@article {pmid40600780,
year = {2025},
author = {Stewart, PS and Hill, RA and Oduor, AMO and Stephens, PA and Whittingham, MJ and Dawson, W},
title = {Multi-Species Impacts of Invasive Opuntia Cacti on Mammal Habitat Use.},
journal = {Ecology letters},
volume = {28},
number = {7},
pages = {e70163},
doi = {10.1111/ele.70163},
pmid = {40600780},
issn = {1461-0248},
support = {//Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) Iapetus2 Doctoral Training Partnership/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; Kenya ; *Ecosystem ; *Mammals/physiology ; *Opuntia/physiology ; Biodiversity ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; },
abstract = {Biological invasions impact ecosystems worldwide, including through changing the behaviour of native species. Here, we used camera traps to investigate the effects of invasive Opuntia spp. on the habitat use of 12 mammal species in Laikipia County, Kenya, an internationally important region of mammalian biodiversity. We found that Opuntia impacted mammal occupancy and activity. These effects were evident when Opuntia was considered at both site level and landscape scales; however, some mammal species showed different responses to increasing Opuntia at these two scales. The effects of Opuntia were generally context dependent, with their strength and direction varying among mammal species and between seasons. As well as having important implications for mammal conservation, ecosystem functioning and the future spread of Opuntia, our findings highlight behavioural changes in large mammals as a potentially important pathway through which invasive species impact ecosystems.},
}

Animals
*Introduced Species
Kenya
*Ecosystem
*Mammals/physiology
*Opuntia/physiology
Biodiversity
Conservation of Natural Resources