@article {pmid40675593,
year = {2025},
author = {Birhanie, SK and Hans, J and Melgoza, A and Reisinger, B and Brown, MQ},
title = {PRE-SEASON DEPLOYMENT OF IN2CARE® MOSQUITO STATIONS TO CONTROL AEDES AEGYPTI POPULATION IN THE WEST VALLEY REGION OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.},
journal = {Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association},
volume = {41},
number = {3},
pages = {134-142},
doi = {10.2987/25-7226},
pmid = {40675593},
issn = {1943-6270},
mesh = {*Mosquito Control/instrumentation/methods ; *Aedes/microbiology ; California ; *Introduced Species/statistics & numerical data ; Mosquito Vectors/microbiology ; Seasons ; Animals ; Ecological Parameter Monitoring/statistics & numerical data ; },
abstract = {The recent geographic expansion of Aedes aegypti poses a significant global public health challenge. In California, these invasive mosquitoes are now present in over 300 cities across 25 central and southern counties. The In2Care® Mosquito Station, which uses biological control agents to target Aedes mosquitoes, has shown promise when integrated into existing integrated vector management strategies. This study evaluated the impact of pre-season deployment of In2Care stations on Ae. aegypti populations. Two cohorts were established: 1 with 17 sites deploying stations pre-season (April-November), and another with 15 sites deploying during peak season (July-November), maintained during 2022-2024. Monthly BG-2 Sentinel trap data showed a significant reduction in Ae. aegypti abundance at pre-season In2Care sites: from 31.2 mosquitoes/trap-night in 2022 to 20.1 in 2023 and 13.2 in 2024, with a year-to-year reduction of 34-36%. Peak-season In2Care sites showed a 24-36% reduction in mosquito abundance four weeks post-deployment. Pre-season In2Care sites maintained 22-34% lower mosquito abundance than peak-season sites. These results demonstrate that early deployment of In2Care stations prior to the mosquito season significantly reduces Ae. aegypti populations and reinforces the existing integrated vector management programs.},
}

*Mosquito Control/instrumentation/methods
*Aedes/microbiology
California
*Introduced Species/statistics & numerical data
Mosquito Vectors/microbiology
Seasons
Animals
Ecological Parameter Monitoring/statistics & numerical data

@article {pmid39892776,
year = {2025},
author = {Xu, Q and Jin, M and Xiao, H and Peng, Y and Zhang, F and Li, H and Wu, K and Xiao, Y},
title = {Genomic predictions of invasiveness and adaptability of the cotton bollworm in response to climate change.},
journal = {Journal of genetics and genomics = Yi chuan xue bao},
volume = {52},
number = {9},
pages = {1109-1120},
doi = {10.1016/j.jgg.2025.01.016},
pmid = {39892776},
issn = {1673-8527},
mesh = {*Climate Change ; Animals ; *Adaptation, Physiological/genetics ; *Genomics ; *Introduced Species ; *Gossypium/parasitology ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; *Moths/genetics/physiology ; *Genome, Insect ; },
abstract = {Agricultural pests cause enormous losses in annual agricultural production. Understanding the evolutionary responses and adaptive capacity of agricultural pests under climate change is crucial for establishing sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural pest management. In this study, we integrate climate modeling and landscape genomics to investigate the distributional dynamics of the cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) in the adaptation to local environments and resilience to future climate change. Notably, the predicted inhabitable areas with higher suitability for the cotton bollworm could be eight times larger in the coming decades. Climate change is one of the factors driving the dynamics of distribution and population differentiation of the cotton bollworm. Approximately 19,000 years ago, the cotton bollworm expanded from its ancestral African population, followed by gradual occupations of the European, Asian, Oceanian, and American continents. Furthermore, we identify seven subpopulations with high dispersal and adaptability which may have an increased risk of invasion potential. Additionally, a large number of candidate genes and SNPs linked to climatic adaptation were mapped. These findings could inform sustainable pest management strategies in the face of climate change, aiding future pest forecasting and management planning.},
}

*Climate Change
Animals
*Adaptation, Physiological/genetics
*Genomics
*Introduced Species
*Gossypium/parasitology
Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
*Moths/genetics/physiology
*Genome, Insect

@article {pmid40913027,
year = {2025},
author = {Paudel, R and Fristoe, TS and Kinlock, NL and Davis, AJS and Zhao, W and Van Calster, H and Chytrý, M and Danihelka, J and Decocq, G and Ehrendorfer-Schratt, L and Guo, K and Guo, WY and Kaplan, Z and Pierce, S and Wild, J and Dawson, W and Essl, F and Kreft, H and Pergl, J and Pyšek, P and Winter, M and van Kleunen, M},
title = {Many plants naturalized as aliens abroad have also become more common within their native regions.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {8227},
pmid = {40913027},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {264740629//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; 264740629//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; 264740629//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; FZT 118, 202548816//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; 432253815//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; 202106100035//China Scholarship Council (CSC)/ ; 32301386//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 32171588//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 32471676//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; I 5825-B//Austrian Science Fund (Fonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung)/ ; },
mesh = {Europe ; *Introduced Species ; *Plants ; Ecosystem ; Humans ; },
abstract = {Due to anthropogenic pressure some species have declined whereas others have increased within their native ranges. Simultaneously, many species introduced by humans have established self-sustaining populations elsewhere (i.e. have become naturalized aliens). Previous studies have shown that particularly plant species that are common within their native range have become naturalized elsewhere. However, how changes in native distributions correlate with naturalization elsewhere is unknown. We compare data on grid-cell occupancy of native vascular plant species over time for 10 European regions (countries or parts thereof). For nine regions, both early occupancy and occupancy change correlate positively with global naturalization success (quantified as naturalization in any administrative region and as the number of such regions). In other words, many plant species spreading globally as naturalized aliens are also expanding within their native regions. This implies that integrating data on native occupancy dynamics in invasion risk assessments might help prevent new invasions.},
}

Europe
*Introduced Species
*Plants
Ecosystem
Humans

@article {pmid40909902,
year = {2025},
author = {Lu, J and Qin, C and Huo, S and Wang, H and Norvienyeku, J and Miao, W and Liu, W},
title = {Characterization of Ganoderma pseudoferreum mitogenome revealed a remarkable evolution in genome size and composition of protein-coding genes.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1532782},
pmid = {40909902},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Red root disease in rubber trees, caused by Ganoderma pseudoferreum, is a prevalent and severe soil-borne disease in rubber tree cultivation areas. The pathogen exhibits complex infections, with multiple transmission pathways, making the disease highly concealed and difficult to diagnose in its early stages. As a result, prevention and control are challenging, posing a serious threat to rubber production. Currently, the relevant information, evolutionary trajectory, and sequence divergence of the mitochondrial genome of G. pseudoferreum remain unknown. Here, we assembled the complete mitochondrial genome of G. pseudoferreum,which is 40, 719 bp long and contains 14 protein-coding genes (PCGs), genes encoding small and large ribosomal subunits, 22 mitochondrial-encoded tRNAs, and four hypothetical proteins. The genomic content and characteristics, along with IPS mapping analysis and phylogenetic analysis, reveal a significant similarity between G. pseudoferreum and G. lingzhi. The results of RNA editing site analysis, codon usage bias and evolutionary pressure analysis reveal that during environmental adaptation, species of Ganoderma may alter certain key PCGs to adopt distinct evolutionary trajectories, differentiating themselves from other fungi in Basidiomycota, while leaving evolutionary traces. Our study provides new insights into the evolutionary direction and pattern of G. pseudoferreum and Ganoderma by exploring the evolutionary trajectory of mitochondrial genomes of G. pseudoferreum and Ganoderma.},
}

@article {pmid40909777,
year = {2025},
author = {Seok, S and McCollum, MT and Jacobsen, CM and Akbari, OS and Mathias, DK and Lee, Y},
title = {Pyrethroid Insecticide Resistance of Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) across the Hawaiian Islands.},
journal = {Research square},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.21203/rs.3.rs-7303372/v1},
pmid = {40909777},
issn = {2693-5015},
abstract = {Background Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894) and Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) (Diptera: Culicidae) are invasive species in the Hawaiian Islands as well as other islands of the Pacific and serve as the primary vectors of arboviruses like dengue virus. Despite its significance to public health, data on their insecticide resistance remains limited. Knowledge of the level of insecticide resistance is critical in developing effective mosquito control strategies, especially when an arboviral disease outbreak occurs. Methods This study investigated the phenotypic and genotypic resistance of Hawaiian Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti to permethrin, one of the commonly used pyrethroids. Genomic sequences of 93 Ae. albopictus samples from four Hawaiian Islands (Kaua'i, O'ahu, Maui, and the Island of Hawai'i) were screened for non-synonymous mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) gene (chromosome 3: 345,142,499 - 345,663,668). Phenotypic resistance to permethrin was assessed using a modified Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) bottle bioassay on Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti collected from two socio-environmentally distinct sites. Results Among 4,101 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified in the VGSC region of Ae. albopictus genomes from for Hawaiian Islands, 61 were classified as synonymous. No non-synonymous mutations were found, suggesting an absence of genotypic resistance to pyrethroids in these populations. In phenotypic assays, over 97% of Ae. albopictus and all Ae. aegypti individuals were knocked down within 10 minutes of permethrin exposure. These high knockdown rates indicate that both species remain phenotypically susceptible to permethrin. Conclusions This study is the first study reporting the phenotypic insecticide resistance profile of Hawaiian Aedes mosquitoes. Hawaiian populations of Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti remain susceptible to pyrethroids, as demonstrated by the absence of VGSC mutations and high knockdown rates in permethrin bioassays. While no genotypic and phenotypic resistance was detected in these two Aedes species, monitoring for resistance in other mosquito species and through alternative mechanisms is needed.},
}

@article {pmid40908753,
year = {2025},
author = {Hodgson, OC and Stark, S and Schall, MK and Smith, GD and Smalling, KL and Wagner, T},
title = {Invasive predatory fish occupies highest trophic position leading to expansion of isotopic niches in a riverine food web.},
journal = {Ecology},
volume = {106},
number = {9},
pages = {e70180},
doi = {10.1002/ecy.70180},
pmid = {40908753},
issn = {1939-9170},
support = {NA22OAR4170119//Pennsylvania Sea Grant, Pennsylvania State University/ ; //U.S. Geological Survey/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Food Chain ; *Introduced Species ; *Rivers ; *Predatory Behavior/physiology ; *Catfishes/physiology ; *Fishes/physiology ; Nitrogen Isotopes ; Carbon Isotopes ; },
abstract = {Invasive species are drivers of ecological change with the potential to reshape the structure and function of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The invasive flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) is an opportunistic predator that has established a rapidly growing population in the Susquehanna River, Pennsylvania, USA, since they were first detected in 2002. Although the predatory effects of invasive catfishes on native fish communities have been documented, the effects of invasion on riverine food webs are poorly understood. This study quantified the effects of invasive flathead catfish on the trophic position (TP) and isotopic niche of the river's food web by comparing invaded and non-invaded sites. In addition to flathead catfish, the food web components examined included crayfish, minnows, and two ecologically and socioeconomically important fish species: the smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) and channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). We found that flathead catfish occupied the highest TP, with a posterior mean TP of 3.08 (95% credible interval = [2.71, 3.42]), exceeding that of the two resident fish predators, the smallmouth bass and channel catfish. The TP of the resident channel catfish, which occupies a similar ecological niche, declined after flathead catfish invasion. In fact, there was a 0.92 posterior probability that channel catfish TP was lower in invaded sites than at non-invaded sites. Using a Bayesian bivariate ellipses analysis, we found overwhelming evidence of isotopic niche expansion and overlap for all components of the food web in the presence of flathead catfish. These findings support the "trophic disruption hypothesis," where an introduced species prompts resident species to change diets in an attempt to avoid competition and predation following invasion. Our results indicate that flathead catfish invasion is altering food web structure and energy flow in a large riverine ecosystem and contributes to the breadth of knowledge regarding how ecosystems may respond to the introduction of a large predatory fish species.},
}

Animals
*Food Chain
*Introduced Species
*Rivers
*Predatory Behavior/physiology
*Catfishes/physiology
*Fishes/physiology
Nitrogen Isotopes
Carbon Isotopes

@article {pmid40642958,
year = {2025},
author = {Chouvenc, T and Brown, A},
title = {Minimizing the impact of invasive Coptotermes sp. (Heterotermitidae) on urban tree canopies using a recurrent inspection-elimination program.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {118},
number = {4},
pages = {1868-1878},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toaf167},
pmid = {40642958},
issn = {1938-291X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Isoptera/physiology ; *Insect Control/methods ; *Trees ; Introduced Species ; *Insecticides ; },
abstract = {Invasive subterranean termite species within the genus Coptotermes (Heterotermitidae) are important structural pests. However, they also cause extensive damage in live trees and pose serious risks to tree health as a result. The urban tree canopy in areas with established populations of Coptotermes are therefore at risk of loss of trees over time, and many urban forests within municipality parks in their introduced range may experience tangible canopy alteration. This can have wide-reaching negative impacts on the ecology of these parks and to the public that utilize them. This 5-yr long study utilized eight parks (1,304 trees) to demonstrate how a simple visual monitoring/bait approach can identify and eliminate termite colonies infesting trees and maintain minimal termite activity within public green spaces. Here, we demonstrate that the systematic direct application of an experimental above-ground chitin synthesis inhibitor (CSI) bait formulation to trees can eliminate termite activity and protect trees. However, owing to high termite pressure, colony reinfestation is likely over time, and municipalities may have to establish perennial programs that would include regular monitoring and treatment as needed. Such a long-term strategy would minimize tree loss, while using a termite-specific formulated pesticide with a low amount of active ingredient. This pilot study demonstrates that it can be achieved, but ultimately, the success of this approach relies on technically competent staff that can readily identify the signs of active Coptotermes infestation in trees and access to above ground CSI bait formulations.},
}

Animals
*Isoptera/physiology
*Insect Control/methods
*Trees
Introduced Species
*Insecticides

@article {pmid40613750,
year = {2025},
author = {He, J and Sun, P and Wang, C and Jiang, F and Pan, X and Chen, K},
title = {Ecological niche comparisons of 3 polyphagous fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) species using ensemble models with soil variables.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {118},
number = {4},
pages = {1802-1812},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toaf143},
pmid = {40613750},
issn = {1938-291X},
support = {2023YFF0614400//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Tephritidae/physiology ; *Soil/chemistry ; Models, Biological ; *Ecosystem ; *Animal Distribution ; Introduced Species ; Climate ; },
abstract = {Invasive polyphagous fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) species, including Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett), Zeugodacus tau (Walker), and Bactrocera zonata (Saunders), pose significant threats to agricultural and food security, particularly in Southeast Asia. This study aims to develop and evaluate species distribution models to predict the potential distribution of the 3 tephritid species based on climatic, soil, and topographic factors. Individual models and ensemble models were employed and tested to identify suitable areas across the region. The study also assesses the ecological niches of the 3 species across key environmental gradients. Our findings highlight that soil factors, often overlooked in predictive modeling, play a critical role in shaping their distributions and improving model prediction accuracy. The outperformance of ensemble models is further demonstrated among different modeling algorithms. The results provide valuable insights into the ecological niches of these invasive fruit fly species, and underscore the necessary of incorporating soil factors in model predictions, to improve invasive risk assessments and inform biosecurity measures.},
}

Animals
*Tephritidae/physiology
*Soil/chemistry
Models, Biological
*Ecosystem
*Animal Distribution
Introduced Species
Climate

@article {pmid40578325,
year = {2025},
author = {Afzal, S and Nahrung, HF and Lawson, SA and Ramsden, M and Sullivan, BT and Shepherd, WP and Gandhi, KJK and Hayes, RA},
title = {Survey for attraction-inhibiting semiochemicals for Ips grandicollis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in its native and invasive ranges.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {118},
number = {4},
pages = {1793-1801},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toaf125},
pmid = {40578325},
issn = {1938-291X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Pheromones/pharmacology ; *Weevils/physiology/drug effects ; *Insect Control/methods ; Introduced Species ; Male ; Female ; Queensland ; },
abstract = {The eastern 5-spined ips, Ips grandicollis (Eichhoff), is native to the eastern USA and is an invasive pest of exotic pines (Pinus spp.) in Australia. It can kill stressed trees and transmit ophiostomoid fungi that cause blue staining of wood and reduce the commercial value of timber. Ips grandicollis uses semiochemicals produced by conspecifics to locate mates, while semiochemicals from competitors and nonhosts may reduce the reaction to attractants. To investigate methods to exploit these behaviors in a management strategy, we evaluated the impact of 12 potential semiochemical inhibitors of I. grandicollis attraction using traps baited with aggregation pheromone (ipsenol and cis-verbenol) in the beetle's native (northeast Georgia and central Louisiana, USA) and invasive (southeast Queensland, Australia) ranges over 2 yr. In the first trapping experiment (2022 to 2023), 2 semiochemicals (2-phenylethanol and methyl eugenol) significantly decreased attraction to the lure by 35% to 39% in the native range and 55% to 56% in the invasive range. Camphor reduced trap catches in Louisiana (26%) and Queensland (41%) but not in Georgia. In the second experiment (2023 to 2024), the inhibitory effects of methyl eugenol, 2-phenylethanol, and camphor were tested alone and in binary and ternary combinations. The binary combination of methyl eugenol and 2-phenylethanol reduced attraction by 66% in Georgia. However, such differences were not observed in Louisiana. The ternary combination of these compounds reduced attraction by 76% in the invasive range. Further research on these inhibitors could lead to a sustainable push-pull management strategy for protecting pine trees and log stacks from I. grandicollis attacks.},
}

Animals
*Pheromones/pharmacology
*Weevils/physiology/drug effects
*Insect Control/methods
Introduced Species
Male
Female
Queensland

@article {pmid40569276,
year = {2025},
author = {Mukarugwiro, JA and Newete, SW and Venturi, G and Parrini, F},
title = {The effect of temperate climate on potential biocontrol agents for water hyacinth, case study of Rwanda.},
journal = {Bulletin of entomological research},
volume = {115},
number = {5},
pages = {618-625},
doi = {10.1017/S0007485325100199},
pmid = {40569276},
issn = {1475-2670},
mesh = {Animals ; Rwanda ; *Pest Control, Biological ; *Eichhornia ; *Weevils/physiology ; *Climate ; Temperature ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Water hyacinth is an invasive aquatic plant that has been associated with major negative economic and ecological impacts in water systems worldwide, including Rwanda, since its establishment in the country in the 1960s. While biological control is considered the most sustainable management method, the success of biocontrol agents depends on various abiotic factors, with temperature being critical. This study assessed the suitability of potential water hyacinth biocontrol agents such as: Neochetina weevils, Megamelus scutellaris Berg (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), and Cornops aquaticum Bruner (Orthoptera: Acrididae) for regions with a temperate climate by testing their thermal boundaries. Using thermal physiology limits and CLIMEX modelling, we found that Neochetina eichhorniae Warner and N. bruchi Hustache (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) had lower thermal minimums (CTmin) of 2.4°C and 2.6°C, respectively, compared to Megamelus scutellaris (4.7°C) and Cornops aquaticum (6.2°C). CLIMEX modelling predicted the suitability of Neochetina weevils and C. aquaticum across Rwanda, while M. scutellaris appeared unsuitable for the colder northern regions of the country but appropriate for the central and eastern regions. These findings suggests that the historical failure of Neochetina weevils introduced to Rwandan water bodies in 2000 was not due to temperature extremes. Rather, other factors such as release numbers or water quality may have played a role. This study provides crucial information for future biocontrol efforts in Rwanda and similar temperate regions, highlighting the importance of pre-release thermal tolerance assessments and climate modelling to predict biocontrol agent establishment and efficacy.},
}

Animals
Rwanda
*Pest Control, Biological
*Eichhornia
*Weevils/physiology
*Climate
Temperature
Introduced Species

@article {pmid40908511,
year = {2025},
author = {Rudak, A and Galera, H and Wódkiewicz, M},
title = {Is Poa annua a skin-changer? Annual-perennial life history shift enables the species to conquer Antarctica.},
journal = {Ecology},
volume = {106},
number = {9},
pages = {e70162},
doi = {10.1002/ecy.70162},
pmid = {40908511},
issn = {1939-9170},
abstract = {An extended lifespan of Poa annua may be of adaptive value during the invasion of harsh environments. Our aim was to investigate whether this trait is population-specific or general for the species. Individuals representing eight populations were cultivated under experimental conditions for two Antarctic growing seasons separated by polar winter conditions. Our experiment indicated that the species is capable of extending its life history toward perenniality regardless of population origin. Adventitious roots at the lower nodes were observed in overwintering plants from all the studied populations. We observed a similar response regardless of the source population. Plants exposed to stress from both climatic and edaphic conditions did not survive the simulated Antarctic winter. Plants grown in optimal gardening soil expressed a life history with vegetative growth during the first vegetation season and flowered and produced seeds only during their second growing season. P. annua may exhibit at least a two-year life cycle under harsh Antarctic conditions. This trait is general for the species and determines high survival potential, which may initiate an invasion breakout under climate change. Shifts in species life history traits should be considered in the management of alien species invasions occurring under harsh environments.},
}

@article {pmid40907967,
year = {2025},
author = {Callahan, HL and Duan, JJ and Tallamy, DW},
title = {Larval development and parasitism of emerald ash borer in Chionanthus virginicus (Oleaceae): Implications for biological control.},
journal = {Environmental entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ee/nvaf077},
pmid = {40907967},
issn = {1938-2936},
support = {//US Department of Energy/ ; },
abstract = {Emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) is an invasive wood-boring beetle that has killed millions of ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) across North America. In 2014, emerald ash borer was discovered attacking white fringetrees (Chionanthus virginicus L.) in Ohio, indicating a host range expansion. Since then, emerald ash borer activity in white fringetree has been confirmed in additional states, posing a potential threat to this native tree in natural and managed ecosystems. Though emerald ash borer can complete a full life cycle in white fringetree, there has been little research into the comparative success with which emerald ash borer develops in this novel host versus ash, or how introduced biocontrol agents will respond. We conducted laboratory and field infestations of white fringetree and ash in Delaware to compare the timing of emerald ash borer larval development and the associated response of larval parasitoids. In lab-infested white fringetree bolts, emerald ash borer developed slowly, with no larvae reaching the mature J-shaped larval stage (JL) during the 14-wk lab study, compared with all surviving larvae developing to the J-shaped larval stage in ash. Field results showed delayed emerald ash borer development and reduced survival in white fringetree, with just 1 larva out of 158 reaching the JL stage over 2 growing seasons. There was no parasitism of emerald ash borer larvae in lab- or field-infested white fringetree, likely because few larvae in this host reached instars suitable for larval parasitism. Overall, this study suggests that emerald ash borer populations in white fringetree are not self-sustaining, though further studies should be conducted using larger fringetree material, as small sizes may negatively impact larval survival.},
}

@article {pmid40906102,
year = {2025},
author = {Feng, S and Wang, X and Huang, L and Wang, J and Lin, L and Li, J and Dai, G and Cai, Q and Xu, H and Hui, Y and Ji, F},
title = {Assessment of Fish Community Structure and Invasion Risk in Xinglin Bay, China.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {14},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology14080988},
pmid = {40906102},
issn = {2079-7737},
abstract = {A total of 32 fish species were detected in Xinglin Bay using a combination of environmental DNA metabarcoding (eDNA) and traditional morphological survey methods (TSM), covering eight orders, fifteen families, and twenty-six genera. The dominant order was Perciformes, accounting for 43.75% of the total species. Among the identified species, there were ten non-native fish species. Compared with the TSM, the eDNA detected 13 additional fish species, including two additional non-native fish species-Gambusia affinis (Baird and Girard, 1853) and Micropterus salmoides (Lacepède, 1802). In addition, the relative abundance of fish from both methods revealed that tilapia was overwhelmingly dominant, accounting for 80.75% and 75.68%, respectively. Furthermore, the AS-ISK assessment revealed that all non-native fish species were classified as medium or high-risk, with five identified as high-risk species, four of which belong to tilapia. These findings demonstrated that tilapia are the dominant and high-risk invasive species in Xinglin Bay and should be prioritized for management. Population reduction through targeted harvesting of tilapia is recommended as the primary control strategy. Additionally, the study highlights the effectiveness of eDNA in monitoring fish community structure in brackish ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid40904370,
year = {2025},
author = {Krabbenhoft, CA and Rogosch, JS and Rowland, FE},
title = {Long-Term Regime Shifts in Xeric Ecoregion Freshwater Fish Assemblages due to Anthropogenic and Climate Stressors.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {9},
pages = {e72067},
pmid = {40904370},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Shifting climate regimes are projected to increase the area of xeric regions and result in more pronounced intermittency across river networks. Given these projected changes, we aim to understand the factors contributing to species persistence under increasing aridity. To investigate how changing flow regimes are related to changes in fish richness and assemblage composition, we compiled data from 1473 xeric stream sites in the United States and Australia. The temporal coverage of this dataset is more than 40 years, from 1980 to 2021. Our focus was on fishes occurring in xeric streams and included 191 species. We compiled climate, hydrologic, and fish species trait data to identify relationships between environmental drivers of species persistence and corresponding characteristics common to species in these systems and traits eliciting the strongest responses to environmental change. Our data show declines in overall precipitation in concert with increasing temperatures over the last several decades. Climatic shifts were accompanied by declines in discharge, increased zero-flow days, and longer durations of no-flow periods. In these same systems, an overall linear decline in fish species richness was observed, but it was not directly correlated with any hydrologic predictors. However, xeric species of conservation concern were small-bodied and occupied lower trophic levels than those not of concern. Listed species were primarily affected by multiple stressors, including habitat degradation and invasive species, compounded by a small geographic range. We thus propose a multiple stressors argument for the declines in xeric fish assemblages, something that may be exacerbated by climate alterations in the future. This work highlights a critical conservation need for xeric fishes and identifies taxa that are especially vulnerable to a combination of anthropogenic stressors and changing climates.},
}

@article {pmid40767447,
year = {2025},
author = {Nashrah, NA and Mandrak, NE and Massey, MD},
title = {Invasive goldfish (Carassius auratus) maintain aerobic scope across acute warm water temperatures.},
journal = {Biology open},
volume = {14},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1242/bio.062160},
pmid = {40767447},
issn = {2046-6390},
support = {//University of Toronto Scarborough/ ; //Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; //Liber Ero Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Goldfish/physiology ; *Temperature ; *Introduced Species ; Ecosystem ; Oxygen Consumption ; Acclimatization ; },
abstract = {Goldfish (Carassius auratus) were first introduced to the Laurentian Great Lakes when it was first introduced into Lake Ontario in the 1800s. In the past 15 years, there have been dramatic increases in both goldfish abundance and geographic spread across North America, including the Great Lakes, raising concerns about its potential for negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Climate studies suggest that habitat ranges suitable for goldfish will continue to expand in the future as water temperatures rise towards its thermal optima. We explore whether warmer temperatures are physiologically suitable for a population of wild, invasive goldfish (Hamilton, ON, Canada) by testing aerobic scope (AS) at current (26°C) and predicted (30°C) peak summer water temperatures. Goldfish were first acclimated to a common-garden average summer pond temperature (22°C), then their AS was estimated by calculating the difference between routine and maximum metabolic rates (RMR and MMR) at the two test temperatures. Our results demonstrate that wild goldfish sustain their AS through increases in both RMR and MMR from 26°C to 30°C (mass-standardized means of 1.07 versus 1.17 mgO2h-1 at 26°C versus 30°C, respectively). This ability to sustain aerobic energy budget at high peak water temperatures could offer physiological benefits to this invasive population in a warming climate.},
}

Animals
*Goldfish/physiology
*Temperature
*Introduced Species
Ecosystem
Oxygen Consumption
Acclimatization

@article {pmid40755186,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, RF and Zhang, X and Dang, L and Guo, YJ and Xu, YH and Yisilamu, AD and Yan, ZG and Chen, L and Wang, YJ},
title = {Species diversity mediates negative impacts of plant invasion on native-community flowering synchrony.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {248},
number = {1},
pages = {389-400},
doi = {10.1111/nph.70401},
pmid = {40755186},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {32171510//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 31770449//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {*Flowers/physiology ; *Biodiversity ; *Introduced Species ; Species Specificity ; *Solidago/physiology ; Time Factors ; },
abstract = {Plant invasion is a major global driver to the structure of natural communities. Species diversity is a fundamental determinant of community regeneration through flowering phenology. However, the impacts of plant invasion on native plant flowering phenology and how species diversity regulates the process remain unclear. We conducted a field experiment to assess the effects of plant invasion (Solidago canadensis) and community species diversity on flowering phenology of native plants from different flowering functional groups at the community and species levels. At the community level, plant invasion shortened flowering duration and reduced flowering synchrony. Furthermore, high diversity reduced the negative impacts of plant invasion on flowering synchrony. Among flowering functional groups, the late- and mid-flowering species responded more negatively to plant invasion than the early-flowering species. Structural equation modeling indicated that plant invasion suppressed plant height and first or last flowering date by reducing light availability, which in turn affected flowering phenology. However, high diversity counteracted the negative effects. Our findings confirm the role of high diversity in resisting plant invasions on flowering phenology and reproduction of native plant communities, and suggest that high diversity with different flowering functional groups should be considered to efficiently restore native communities invaded by alien plants, such as S. canadensis.},
}

*Flowers/physiology
*Biodiversity
*Introduced Species
Species Specificity
*Solidago/physiology
Time Factors

@article {pmid40901937,
year = {2025},
author = {Goetz, EJ and Hull, PM and Varekamp, J and Thomas, E},
title = {Foraminifera as indicators of species invasion: Ammonia confertitesta in Long Island Sound.},
journal = {Science advances},
volume = {11},
number = {36},
pages = {eadv9447},
doi = {10.1126/sciadv.adv9447},
pmid = {40901937},
issn = {2375-2548},
mesh = {*Foraminifera/physiology ; *Introduced Species ; Ecosystem ; New York City ; },
abstract = {Resolving timing of the invasion of nonindigenous species is difficult in estuarine settings, due to their pervasive history of anthropogenic disturbance. Many non-native marine taxa are not documented until after they have become invasive, leaving questions about invasion timing (first introduction and lag period), geographic origin, vectors and pathways, and cause(s) of success. Foraminifera, unicellular, calcareous-shelled eukaryotes, offer a unique way of analyzing past ecosystem structure because their fossilized shells provide a window into the past, and small size and abundance enable us to document distribution over time in core samples. We use records of Foraminifera to document the timing and history of establishment of an invasive species (Ammonia confertitesta) in Long Island Sound, east of New York City (USA). A. confertitesta was rare from the mid-19th century but did not proliferate until the mid-1970s. We hypothesize that increasing propagule pressure from the rapid increase in global ship traffic and ballast water was the main factor for its success.},
}

*Foraminifera/physiology
*Introduced Species
Ecosystem
New York City

@article {pmid40900727,
year = {2025},
author = {Hu, J and Bogar, TA and Hamer, MT and Guénard, B},
title = {Impacts of Single and Multiple Co-Existing Invasive Species on Subtropical Native Ant Communities.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {9},
pages = {e72095},
pmid = {40900727},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Biological invasions pose a significant threat to ecosystem stability by altering the taxonomic and functional diversity of native communities. It is still uncertain, however, whether multiple invasive species have varying effects on native communities, or whether their interactions in a co-invasion scenario are antagonistic or facilitative. To address this gap, this study investigated 24 sampling sites in Hong Kong, encompassing single invasion, co-invasion, and non-invaded control scenarios across the dry and wet seasons. We systematically explored how the functional traits and invasion intensity of four invasive ant species (Anoplolepis gracilipes, Paratrechina longicornis, Pheidole megacephala, and Solenopsis invicta) shape the structure and function of native ant communities. In addition, we evaluated the ecological effects of co-invasion scenarios to determine how interactions between invaders affect communities. The results revealed that, for some invasive species, increased invasion intensity significantly reduced local species diversity and resulted in selective replacement and systematic loss of local species. The invasion intensity of three invasive species had significantly negative effects on functional diversity indices (e.g., RaoQ and FDiv), while in areas invaded by P. megacephala, the near absence of native species (present in ~4% of the pitfall traps) prevented analyses. Comparisons across non-invaded, single invasion, and co-invasion scenarios revealed distinct patterns: single invasions caused pronounced reductions in both functional and taxonomic diversity, whereas co-invasion scenarios exhibited more limited changes. Further analyses demonstrated that under specific circumstances, antagonistic interactions between co-invasive species could mitigate the negative effects on α-diversity and preserve ecosystem functions through functional substitution. Nevertheless, this dynamic equilibrium is fragile and unsustainable, underscoring the need to prioritize preventive and control strategies in invasive species management to safeguard ecosystem resilience.},
}

@article {pmid40642777,
year = {2025},
author = {Chaudhry, EA and Cheeseman, AE and Cohen, JB and Whipps, CM and Perrotti, L and Downs, CJ},
title = {Environmental Stress in New England Cottontails (Sylvilagus transitionalis) Is Mitigated by High-Quality Habitat.},
journal = {Journal of experimental zoology. Part A, Ecological and integrative physiology},
volume = {343},
number = {8},
pages = {940-956},
doi = {10.1002/jez.70010},
pmid = {40642777},
issn = {2471-5646},
support = {//This study was supported by a USDA McIntire-Stennis Program Grant (to C.J.D.) and an American Society of Mammalogists Grant-In-Aid of Research (to E.A.C.)./ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Ecosystem ; *Stress, Physiological/physiology ; Feces/chemistry ; Glucocorticoids/metabolism ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Organisms in changing environments are subjected to environmental perturbations that may exacerbate physiological stress. Under the Cort-Fitness Hypothesis framework, sustained elevations in physiological stress can negatively impact individual fitness. This hypothesis predicts a positive association between stressors and glucocorticoids. Using fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) concentrations from non-invasively collected fecal pellets, we assessed how physiological condition of an imperiled mammal, the New England cottontail (Sylvilagus transitionalis), correlates with potential stressors, namely a proxy of habitat quality (forest successional stage), the presence of a nonnative competitor (eastern cottontail, Sylvilagus floridanus), and the density of an invasive plant species (Japanese barberry, Barberis thunbergii). Invasive plant prevalence and eastern cottontail presence independently had small effect sizes. Additionally, there was an interaction effect of eastern cottontail prevalence and Japanese barberry stem density on FGM concentrations, wherein increasing barberry stem density was associated with reduced FGM concentrations in patches with high eastern cottontail prevalence. Consequently, use of high-density Japanese barberry by New England cottontails may ameliorate physiological stress where eastern cottontails are prevalent. It follows that preferred patches, such as those with abundant food resources and cover, may reduce the physiological stress associated with competition and habitat degradation.},
}

Animals
*Ecosystem
*Stress, Physiological/physiology
Feces/chemistry
Glucocorticoids/metabolism
Introduced Species

@article {pmid40898385,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhu, Z and Cui, M and Yu, H and Fan, X and Wu, X and Liu, S and Dai, Z and Ren, G and Du, D},
title = {Defense Responses of Native Plant Communities to Alien Plant Invasion.},
journal = {Physiologia plantarum},
volume = {177},
number = {5},
pages = {e70492},
doi = {10.1111/ppl.70492},
pmid = {40898385},
issn = {1399-3054},
support = {2024YFF1307500//the State Key Research Development Program of China/ ; BK20220030//Carbon peak and carbon neutrality technology innovation foundation of Jiangsu Province/ ; 32271587//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32401311//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 23KJB180003//the Natural Science Foundation of the Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions of China/ ; KYCX25_4258//Graduate Research and Practice Innovation Program of Jiangsu Province/ ; //Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions (PAPD)/ ; //Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment/ ; KY-A-07//Special Scientific Research Project of the School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu University/ ; },
abstract = {Understanding the mechanisms that facilitate the successful invasion of invasive plant species is essential for improving invasive species management and ensuring biosecurity. Traditional invasion ecology has primarily focused on the traits of invasive plants or the static characteristics of invaded communities, while comparatively overlooking the potential active responses of native plant communities during the invasion process. Drawing inspiration from the concept of "herd immunity" in medicine, this study proposes that native plant communities may develop a "community defense" response mechanism through a series of ecological defense processes. This article begins by reviewing the two principal pathways that trigger plant defense: pathogens and environmental changes, along with the mechanisms behind them. We then discuss the impact of plant defense responses on the invasiveness of alien species and the invasibility of native plant communities. Building on this, we explore four key mechanisms through which invasive plants may induce defense responses in native species: pathogens and herbivores, allelopathic substances, interspecific competition, and environmental conditions. Based on these insights, we propose "Plant community defense hypothesis," which posits that plant invasions can trigger defense responses in native plant communities that, in turn, influence community invasibility. Finally, the article provides an experimental design to test this hypothesis. This review highlights the understanding of dynamic responses in plant communities and introduces a novel theoretical pathway to explain invasion heterogeneity at the community level. It enriches invasion ecology and offers theoretical support for more targeted management of alien plants.},
}

@article {pmid40894495,
year = {2025},
author = {Yadav, S and Prajapati, HC and Sonkar, SP and Nigam, RS and Chandravanshi, R and Gupta, C},
title = {Innovations in natural dye production: bridging tradition and modern technology.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1568094},
doi = {10.3389/fpls.2025.1568094},
pmid = {40894495},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Natural dyes have a rich historical significance, rooted in traditional practices that utilize plant materials, minerals, and organic substances to produce vibrant pigments. However, their use declined with the advent of synthetic dyes in the 19th century due to challenges in scalability, cost, and color consistency. Recent advancements in sustainability and modern technology have reignited interest in natural dyes, offering innovative solutions to overcome historical limitations. This review highlights traditional and contemporary extraction techniques, including solid-phase micro extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, pressurized-liquid extraction, and microwave-assisted extraction. Additionally, cutting-edge approaches such as grinding-assisted microwave irradiation and enzymatic extraction methods are examined for their ability to enhance yield, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. These modern techniques enable the utilization of unconventional sources, including agricultural waste and invasive species, thereby promoting sustainable dye.},
}

@article {pmid40892735,
year = {2025},
author = {Rosa, RM and Cavallari, DC and Miranda, MS and Silva, FS and Salvador, RB},
title = {Citizen science reveals alarming update on the invasion of the Asian mantleslug Meghimatium pictum in Brazil.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {9},
pages = {e0330518},
pmid = {40892735},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Brazil ; Animals ; *Introduced Species ; Phylogeny ; *Citizen Science ; *Gastropoda/genetics/classification ; },
abstract = {The Asian mantleslug Meghimatium pictum is an exotic species introduced to Brazil in the late 1990s, but only formally reported in 2011. Since then, it has been deemed an agricultural pest and given the status of an invasive species; furthermore, it has been confirmed as an intermediate host for the nematode Angiostrongylus costaricensis in Brazil. Despite its potential for impacts, no additional studies on the status of its invasion have been conducted since the initial report. In this study, we used the citizen science platform iNaturalist to analyse the current distribution of M. pictum in Brazil, while also using genetic barcode data to understand the relationships between Brazilian and Asian populations and applying a species distribution model to investigate the suitable range for its distribution in Brazil. Our survey has recovered a total of 520 new records of this species in Brazil, confirming its spread to four additional states since its original report. Currently, M. pictum is recorded in the Distrito Federal and the states of Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul. Our phylogenetic analysis suggests a close relationship between M. pictum populations in South America and those from Okinawa, Taiwan, and Guangzhou (mainland China), the latter being the most likely point of origin for the South American populations. Our species distribution model supports the idea that, in Brazil, the species is largely restricted to subtropical areas belonging to the Atlantic Forest ecoregion, while also showing suitable areas where the species has not been recorded yet and might become established in the near future. The implications of these findings are discussed, highlighting the recent surge in records and the usefulness of iNaturalist as a tool to monitor invasive species in the country.},
}

Brazil
Animals
*Introduced Species
Phylogeny
*Citizen Science
*Gastropoda/genetics/classification

@article {pmid40890612,
year = {2025},
author = {Cucini, C and Funari, R and Marturano, G and Cardaioli, E and Marianelli, L and Paoli, F and Carapelli, A and Frati, F and Nardi, F},
title = {Behind the scenes of Popillia japonica integrated pest management: differentially expressed gene analysis following different control treatments.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {788},
pmid = {40890612},
issn = {1471-2164},
mesh = {Animals ; *Coleoptera ; Introduced Species ; *Bacillus thuringiensis ; Insecticides ; Nitriles ; Pyrethrins ; *Biological Control Agents ; *Metarhizium ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Molecular Sequence Annotation ; *Pest Control ; Italy ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The Japanese beetle Popillia japonica is an invasive pest that is creating a major concern due to its spread and damaging potential. Native to Japan, it was introduced in the U.S.A. and the Azores during the twentieth century, and in mainland Europe in 2014. P. japonica is able to attack more than 400 plant species, including some of high economic importance, and the possible losses related to uncontrolled expansion in Europe are substantial. Numerous control measures are being developed to control this pest, with a specific focus on Integrated Pest Management and environmentally safe strategies. Aiming for a genetically informed optimization of the design of these control methods, we studied the gene expression response of the pest following exposure to three different treatments: deltamethrin-coated long lasting insecticidal nets, Bacillus thuringiensis and Metarhizium robertsii spores.

RESULTS: The treatment with insecticidal nets resulted in the differential expression of genes related to Ca[2+] transport and CYP-based detoxification. Exposure to B. thuringiensis was associated with enrichment of gene ontology terms related to antimicrobial peptides and immune function, which suggested potential modulation of immune-related processes. Treatment with M. robertsii led to the production of antifungal peptides as well as an up-regulation of the Toll and MAPK pathways.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings can be variously interpreted as a response of the insect to minimize the effects of the treatment at the molecular level (e.g. Ca[2+] increase), as a direct attempt of the insect to combat the agent (e.g. antimicrobial peptides), or as part of a more complex interplay between the insect and the biological control agent (e.g. modulation of the immune system). In general terms, the response to the insecticidal nets and, partly, to B. thuringiensis, appears to arise from a direct interaction of the insecticide molecule, or toxin, with their targets at the molecular level. On the other hand, multiple gene pathways are modulated in the response to M. robertsii, suggesting a more diversified mode of action that impacts a broader spectrum of biological mechanisms, in line with the notion that the fungus actually grows and reproduces inside the insect host.},
}

Animals
*Coleoptera
Introduced Species
*Bacillus thuringiensis
Insecticides
Nitriles
Pyrethrins
*Biological Control Agents
*Metarhizium
Gene Expression Profiling
Molecular Sequence Annotation
*Pest Control
Italy

@article {pmid40792516,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, K and Li, C-R and Qin, P-H and Yuan, M-Y and Chu, D},
title = {Conditional effects of Cardinium on microbiota in an invasive whitefly under different ecological factors.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {13},
number = {9},
pages = {e0224024},
pmid = {40792516},
issn = {2165-0497},
support = {32372534//National Nature Science Foundation of China/ ; ZR2024QC128//Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation/ ; //Taishan Scholar Foundation of Shandong Province/ ; 663-1121025//Qingdao Agricultural University High-level Talent Fund/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/microbiology/genetics ; *Microbiota ; Symbiosis ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Bacteroidetes/physiology/genetics/classification ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Cardinium, a vital symbiont in Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean (MED), can influence the microbiota in B. tabaci MED under high temperatures. However, the effects of Cardinium infection on the microbiota in B. tabaci MED with different genetic backgrounds under different ecological factors still remain poorly understood. In this study, based on full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing and quantitative PCR (qPCR) experiments, the effects of Cardinium infection on the microbiota in two B. tabaci MED geographical populations with different genetic backgrounds were determined with particular attention to ecological factors such as high-temperature treatment and host-plant switching. Results indicated that high temperature treatment and host-plant switching affected the symbiont titer, microbiota diversity, and function differently in the two populations, highlighting the genetic background. The present study also revealed that the increase of Cardinium titer would significantly change the response of the microbiota function of the Cardinium-infected line compared to the uninfected line, while the decrease and immutability of Cardinium titer would not, which indicates that the Cardinium titer may be closely associated with the microbiota function in whitefly. Overall, the genetic background of whiteflies influences microbiota response under high temperatures and host-plant changes, and Cardinium titer significantly impacts microbiota function. These findings enhance understanding of the complex relationships among symbionts, microbiota, and host insects.IMPORTANCEThis study sheds light on how genetic differences in Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean (MED) populations influence their microbiota's response to environmental stressors like high temperatures and host-plant changes. By focusing on the role of Cardinium-a key symbiont-the research reveals its significant impact on microbiota diversity and function, particularly when its titer increases. The findings emphasize the interplay between genetic background, symbiont levels, and microbiota, advancing our understanding of the ecological adaptability of these insects. This knowledge is vital for developing better pest management strategies and predicting responses to environmental changes.},
}

Animals
*Hemiptera/microbiology/genetics
*Microbiota
Symbiosis
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
*Bacteroidetes/physiology/genetics/classification
Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Introduced Species

@article {pmid40273308,
year = {2025},
author = {Pascual-Díaz, JP and Besolí, N and López-Pujol, J and Nualart, N and Pérez-Lorenzo, I and Shtein, R and Valenzuela, L and Garcia, S and Vitales, D},
title = {The winner takes it all: a single genotype of Kalanchoe × houghtonii is a global invader.},
journal = {Annals of botany},
volume = {136},
number = {1},
pages = {179-198},
pmid = {40273308},
issn = {1095-8290},
support = {2021SGR00315//Catalan Government/ ; PID2020-119163GB-I00//Spanish Research Agency/ ; PRE2021-097873//Spanish Research Agency/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Kalanchoe/genetics/physiology ; Genotype ; *Genome, Plant/genetics ; Genetic Variation ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Invasive alien plant species pose a global challenge, and their impact is amplified by globalization and the accelerating pace of climate change. In regions with mild climates, drought-tolerant invasive plants showing broad environmental tolerance have a competitive advantage. One example is Kalanchoe × houghtonii (Crassulaceae), popularly known as 'mother of millions'. It is a hybrid resulting from the interploid cross between Kalanchoe daigremontiana and Kalanchoe delagoensis, both native to Madagascar. Kalanchoe × houghtonii, propagated as an ornamental plant, has emerged as a global invader in less than a century. Four morphotypes of this hybrid have been identified, with different ploidy levels and varying invasive capacities. Here, we aim to investigate the genomic variability behind the success of invasion of Kalanchoe × houghtonii.

METHODS: We sampled 57 accessions of Kalanchoe × houghtonii, K. daigremontiana, K. delagoensis and closely related taxa, including old herbarium materials, from all over the world. We analysed the genome size and chromosome numbers, sequenced the whole genome, analysed the complete plastome sequence of each accession and studied the diversity of the ribosomal RNA genes. We also performed a detailed phylogenomic study using nuclear BUSCO genes.

KEY RESULTS: Our study reveals genetic and cytogenetic variability between morphotypes and shows that a single tetraploid genotype (morphotype A) dominates all populations, emerging as the first reported clonal hybrid capable of colonizing mild-climate regions worldwide. Morphotype A shows a striking genetic uniformity, high phenotypic plasticity and extremely high rates of vegetative reproduction, representing an example of a 'general-purpose genotype'.

CONCLUSIONS: The astonishing reproductive capacity, broad adaptability and speed at which K. × houghtonii is colonizing new regions by clonal spread highlight the importance of understanding hybridization and polyploidy in the invasion of ecosystems. Our findings underscore the need to recognize and monitor the potential invasive risks of new hybrids developed through ornamental plant breeding.},
}

*Introduced Species
*Kalanchoe/genetics/physiology
Genotype
*Genome, Plant/genetics
Genetic Variation

@article {pmid40890415,
year = {2025},
author = {Laidoudi, Y and Davoust, B and Lepidi, H and Levasseur, A},
title = {Emergence of the zoonotic bacterium Necropsobacter rosorum in nutria Myocastor coypus with implications for wildlife and human health.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {32252},
pmid = {40890415},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; Phylogeny ; Genome, Bacterial ; France/epidemiology ; *Pasteurellaceae/genetics/isolation & purification/classification/pathogenicity ; Animals, Wild/microbiology ; *Zoonoses/microbiology ; Whole Genome Sequencing ; *Rodentia/microbiology ; *Bacterial Zoonoses/microbiology/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {The nutria (Myocastor coypus), a semi-aquatic rodent native to South America, poses significant ecological and agricultural threats as an invasive species in France, where it continues to proliferate despite sustained control efforts. A fatal case of pneumonia in a nutria from Marseille (France) prompted a microbiological investigation that led to the isolation, taxonomic classification, genomic characterization, and phylogenetic analysis of Necropsobacter rosorum. Whole-genome sequencing of the N. rosorum strain RG01 revealed a genome size of 2,505,657 base pairs and 2303 predicted open reading frames, showing high similarity to other publicly available N. rosorum genomes. Comparative pan-genomic analysis indicated a high level of genomic conservation among N. rosorum strains. The presence of putative virulence factors and a CRISPR-Cas system suggests both pathogenic potential and adaptive defense mechanisms against bacteriophage predation. This study also explored the genetic epidemiology of members of the Pasteurellaceae family, highlighting a considerable overlap between species infecting animals and humans. Among the 408,387 sequence records retrieved from GenBank, 62.1% were deemed suitable for genomic epidemiological analysis. Notably, N. rosorum was underrepresented, with only 13 entries spanning nine countries and three host types, revealing critical gaps in current surveillance and research. Collectively, these findings contribute to a better understanding of the microbiology and epidemiology of N. rosorum and Pasteurellaceae-associated infections, and underscore the importance of integrated, genomics-informed approaches for the monitoring, control, and prevention of zoonotic diseases.},
}

Animals
Humans
Phylogeny
Genome, Bacterial
France/epidemiology
*Pasteurellaceae/genetics/isolation & purification/classification/pathogenicity
Animals, Wild/microbiology
*Zoonoses/microbiology
Whole Genome Sequencing
*Rodentia/microbiology
*Bacterial Zoonoses/microbiology/epidemiology

@article {pmid40890300,
year = {2025},
author = {Manzo, E and Epifanio, CS and Pahl, JF and Tomasello, S},
title = {Interspecific competition with the American Xanthium orientale L. as a possible cause of the decline of the Old-World X. stumarium L.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {32224},
pmid = {40890300},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {*Xanthium/growth & development/physiology ; Biomass ; Germination ; Introduced Species ; Europe ; Seedlings/growth & development ; },
abstract = {Xanthium is represented in Europe by three species complexes: X. strumarium L., X. orientale L., and X. spinosum L. The former two complexes are similar, in both morphology and ecological requirements. Xanthium strumarium is native to the Old World, whereas X. orientale originates from America and was accidentally introduced into Europe about two centuries ago. Since then, it has colonized the whole continent, while the native congener has become increasingly rare.Over two years, we conducted competition experiments to assess the impact of the introduced X. orientale on the fitness of the native X. strumarium. Germination time, dry biomass, number of burs (pistillate flower heads) and bur biomass were measured as proxies of fitness. Xanthium strumarium was grown alone (control), together with conspecifics (intraspecific competition) or with X. orientale plants (interspecific competition). We also evaluated the allelopathic effect of X. orientale over X. strumarium, by watering Xanthium seedlings with exudate of X. orientale dry leaves.Growth and reproductive traits of X. strumarium were significantly lower in individuals growing in proximity of X. orientale compared to the control, whereas intraspecific competition has a lower but still significant effect. Xanthium orientale, although, germinates and grows faster than the Old-World congener, and under interspecific competition regime, X. strumarium produces significantly lower biomass, number of burs and bur biomass. Watering with exudates negatively influences the germination and the growth of the two species. We therefore believe that interspecific competition of the introduced congener may be one of the causes explaining the drastic decline of X. strumarium populations in Europe in the past century.},
}

*Xanthium/growth & development/physiology
Biomass
Germination
Introduced Species
Europe
Seedlings/growth & development

@article {pmid40890183,
year = {2025},
author = {Malinowski, R and Krupiński, M and Skórka, P and Mikołajczyk, Ł and Chuda, K and Lenda, M},
title = {Harnessing remote sensing and machine learning techniques for detecting and monitoring the invasion of goldenrod invasive species.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {32222},
pmid = {40890183},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {952111//Horizon 2020 Framework Programme/ ; 2021/43/D/NZ9/02990//National Science Center, Poland/ ; 2021/43/D/NZ9/02990//National Science Center, Poland/ ; 2021/43/D/NZ9/02990//National Science Center, Poland/ ; 2021/43/D/NZ9/02990//National Science Center, Poland/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Remote Sensing Technology/methods ; *Machine Learning ; Ecosystem ; Poland ; *Environmental Monitoring/methods ; Seasons ; Support Vector Machine ; Biodiversity ; },
abstract = {Invasive alien species, such as goldenrods (Solidago spp.), pose significant threats to biodiversity and ecosystem services across Europe. Effective monitoring of these species is essential for early intervention and informed management, yet traditional ground surveys are often labor-intensive and limited in scale. This study aims to evaluate the potential of remote sensing and machine learning for detecting and monitoring Solidago spp. in Kampinos National Park, Poland, using multitemporal imagery from Sentinel-2 and PlanetScope satellites. We compared the performance of Random Forest and One-Class Support Vector Machine classifiers across 17 classification scenarios incorporating spectral bands, vegetation indices, and temporal statistics. Our results showed that Random Forest consistently outperformed One-Class Support Vector Machine (OCSVM) by 1%-15%, achieving the highest F1-score of 0.98 using multitemporal Sentinel-2 data and 2%-29% using PlanetScope imagery. Sentinel-2 data, with its broader spectral range, provided better large-scale detection accuracy, while PlanetScope's higher spatial resolution enhanced local detail. Goldenrod patches are distinctive even in autumn and winter due to living or dry biomass that persists the whole year. In our study autumn imagery (October-November) yielded the most reliable detection due to distinct phenological characteristics of Solidago during this period. Importantly, our analysis demonstrates that the added complexity of vegetation indices does not necessarily improve classification accuracy for goldenrod detection. Our findings present high-accuracy invasive species monitoring approach and highlight the critical role of phenological timing in remote sensing-based ecological assessments.},
}

*Introduced Species
*Remote Sensing Technology/methods
*Machine Learning
Ecosystem
Poland
*Environmental Monitoring/methods
Seasons
Support Vector Machine
Biodiversity

@article {pmid40889914,
year = {2025},
author = {Wen, TT and Zhao, XL and Qu, YY and Xu, WB and Ma, ZC and Yan, P},
title = {Species composition and distribution pattern of invasive plants in the Ili River Valley region, China.},
journal = {Ying yong sheng tai xue bao = The journal of applied ecology},
volume = {36},
number = {7},
pages = {2039-2045},
doi = {10.13287/j.1001-9332.202507.005},
pmid = {40889914},
issn = {1001-9332},
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; China ; *Ecosystem ; Asteraceae/growth & development/classification ; Rivers ; *Biodiversity ; Fabaceae/growth & development/classification ; Amaranthaceae/growth & development/classification ; *Plants/classification ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; },
abstract = {To understand the species composition and distribution patterns of alien invasive plants within the Ili River Valley region, we conducted field investigations and specimen collections from 2022 to 2024 using route survey methods. Combined with digital herbarium data and literature review, we clarified the species composition of invasive alien plants in this region and analyzed their floristic geographic elements, life forms, origins, invasion pathways, invasion grades, and distribution patterns. There were 58 invasive plant species in the region, belonging to 38 genera and 18 families. The dominant families were Asteraceae (13 species), Fabaceae (9 species), and Amaranthaceae (6 species). The geographic floristic elements of the 38 genera could be classified into 7 types and 2 subtypes, with temperate geographic elements (64.3%) being predominant. Life forms were mainly annual herbs (34 species, 58.6%), followed by perennial herbs (14 species, 24.1%). Most invasive plants originated from America and Europe (61.1%), followed by Asia and Africa. Regarding invasion pathways, 39.7% were intentionally introduced, 56.9% unintentionally introduced, and only 3.4% spread naturally. Invasion grade analysis revealed 24 species (41.4%) showing significant invasiveness, with grade 1 (5 species) and grade 2 (14 species) being predominant, indicating a relatively severe overall invasion status. The geographical distribution of invasive alien plants in the Ili River Valley region was uneven, exhibiting significant spatial variations, with Xinyuan County being the most severely affected.},
}

*Introduced Species
China
*Ecosystem
Asteraceae/growth & development/classification
Rivers
*Biodiversity
Fabaceae/growth & development/classification
Amaranthaceae/growth & development/classification
*Plants/classification
Conservation of Natural Resources

@article {pmid40888481,
year = {2025},
author = {Ouyang, X and Lu, T and Pan, J and Sun, Q},
title = {The role of climate change in shaping the distribution patterns of Hylurgus ligniperda and its key natural enemies.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.70178},
pmid = {40888481},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//Start-up Funds Research for Northwest A&F University (Grant no. Z1090124092)/ ; //GuangDong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation (Grant no. 2023A1515110856)/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Accurate knowledge of the spatial distribution of invasive alien species is crucial for effective prevention, management, and ecological sustainability. Hylurgus ligniperda, a major forest pest native to Europe, has spread globally via wood packaging and logs, yet predictive studies investigating both this pest and its natural enemies remain scarce. This study aimed to predict the potential geographic distributions of H. ligniperda and its three key natural enemies-Platysoma lineare, Thanasimus formicarius and Platysoma oblongum-and to assess their ecological niche overlaps under current and future climate scenarios.

RESULTS: Using the Biomod2 ensemble model, we identified overlapping distributions mainly in Europe and North America. Niche shifts in invaded areas were shown to increase the global invasion risk. In the future, the suitable habitat for H. ligniperda will remain relatively stable, whereas the highly suitable habitat for this species will decline. The suitable habitat for P. lineare will gradually shrink, whereas that for P. oblongum will first expand and then shrink. The suitable habitat for T. formicarius will expand overall, whereas the highly suitable habitat for this species will shrink. Structural equation modeling revealed that precipitation significantly influences species distributions and their overlaps. Precipitation and temperature mediated both positive and negative interactions between H. ligniperda and its natural enemies, suggesting complex interspecific dynamics under climate change.

CONCLUSION: This study provides an integrated prediction of the distributions of H. ligniperda and its natural enemies under different climate change scenarios, revealing shifting interactions and distribution overlaps. These findings highlight the importance of strengthened quarantine and management strategies to mitigate the spread of H. ligniperda and support biological control under future climatic variation. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid40887676,
year = {2025},
author = {Hu, WQ and Zhu, JS and Nie, F and Li, X},
title = {Population structure and dynamics of Glyptostrobus pensilis plantation in Zhuzhou Island of Doumen, Zhuhai.},
journal = {Ying yong sheng tai xue bao = The journal of applied ecology},
volume = {36},
number = {8},
pages = {2279-2286},
doi = {10.13287/j.1001-9332.202508.001},
pmid = {40887676},
issn = {1001-9332},
mesh = {China ; Population Dynamics ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Islands ; *Ecosystem ; Forests ; *Trees/growth & development ; },
abstract = {Glyptostrobus pensilis, a monotypic relict tree species endemic to China, has extremely sparse populations in the wild. The world's largest natural G. pensilis forest is distributed in the Zhuzhou Island Glyptostrobus Forest Nature Reserve, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province. However, artificial plantations of G. pensilis currently exhibit significant decline. To clarify the survival status and dynamic characteristics of G. pensilis populations, we constructed age structure diagrams, compiled static life tables, and applied survival function analysis and time series prediction to analyze population dynamics and driving mechanisms, aiming to provide a scientific basis for conservation and management. The results showed that the artificial G. pensilis population exhibited a "bell-shaped" structure, with fewer juvenile and elderly individuals, and the highest number observed in age class V (20 cm≤DBH<25 cm). Understory natural regeneration was severely limited. The static life table indicated that mortality and disa-ppearance rates initially increased and then decreased, peaking at age class Ⅵ (25 cm≤DBH＜30 cm) and age class Ⅹ (DBH≥45 cm), respectively. Life expectancy declined with increasing age class, and the survival curve aligned with the Deevey-Ⅱ type. Spectral analysis demonstrated significant periodic fluctuations in population dynamics, dominated by the fundamental wave A1 and driven by the third harmonic, with age class V (20 cm≤DBH<25 cm) identified as the critical fluctuation phase. Time series prediction showed that population size increased during age classes Ⅱ-Ⅳ, reaching maximum size at class V, followed by a continuous decline from age classes Ⅵ-Ⅷ onward. Although the population temporarily maintained growth, long-term survival risks arose from insufficient juvenile recruitment, environmental stochasticity, and physiological senescence. To enhance population resilience, the following conservation strategies are recommended, inlcuding artificial propagation, habitat restoration, and invasive species control.},
}

China
Population Dynamics
Conservation of Natural Resources
Islands
*Ecosystem
Forests
*Trees/growth & development

@article {pmid40886744,
year = {2025},
author = {Salazar, AR and Rypstra, AL},
title = {Behavioural variation in the invasive cellar spider Pholcus manueli (Araneae: Pholcidae).},
journal = {Behavioural processes},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {105259},
doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2025.105259},
pmid = {40886744},
issn = {1872-8308},
abstract = {Behaviours such as boldness and exploration are highly plastic and as such, we expect differences between populations, especially for invasive species. In particular, populations at the leading edge of an invasion front may display differences in these behaviours relative to long established core populations as they are often key to their dispersal and invasion success. Likewise, in species with sexual dimorphism, the importance of these behaviours to invasion success may differ for males and females. Here we report on an invasive cellar spider, Pholcus manueli (Araneae: Pholcidae), that is expanding westward across the United States. We investigated whether boldness in response to simulated predator cues (physical and airborne disturbances) and exploration of a novel environment varied across P. manueli's invasive range and between males and females. We found significant differences in the reaction to the simulated predator cues, but not in exploration. Although there was variation between the leading edge and core, the greatest differences lay between males and females from core populations when exposed to a puff of air. We additionally investigated whether females would be less selective of a potential mate at the leading edge. We found marginal support for this and uncovered interesting details regarding P. manueli's mating system, wherein smaller females were more likely to mate than large ones. Overall, we found boldness and mating behaviour differences between the leading edge and core, but our data suggests greater differences lay between the sexes.},
}

@article {pmid40884707,
year = {2025},
author = {Abreu, GS and Dos Santos, GS and Nogueira, DB and Braz, GF and Soares, RR and Guimarães, NS and de Souza, GO and Brasileiro, CA and Neto, JSF and Heinemann, MB},
title = {Invasive whistling frogs (Eleutherodactylus johnstonei) act as a reservoir for antimicrobial-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in Latin America's most populous city.},
journal = {Veterinary research communications},
volume = {49},
number = {5},
pages = {295},
pmid = {40884707},
issn = {1573-7446},
support = {24/17243-8//Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo/ ; 2020/12//Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo/ ; 302899/2022//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; 310462/2021//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Enterobacteriaceae/drug effects/genetics/isolation & purification ; Brazil/epidemiology ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Disease Reservoirs/microbiology/veterinary ; Introduced Species ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; *Enterobacteriaceae Infections/veterinary/microbiology/epidemiology ; *Anura/microbiology ; *Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; *Ranidae/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Invasive species represent a significant threat to ecological balance and the maintenance of native populations. Besides, these have been associated with the emergence of pathogens of public health importance, including multidrug-resistant bacteria. This study aimed to screen and describe the antimicrobial resistance profile of clinically important Enterobacteriaceae species isolated from whistling frogs (Eleutherodactylus johnstonei), an invasive anuran species in São Paulo, Brazil. Clinically relevant Enterobacteriaceae strains (n = 35) were isolated from oral and skin swabs of 19 whistling frogs and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility and antimicrobial resistance encoding genes. Resistance to amoxicillin + clavulanate and cefoxitin were the most frequent (16.67%; 4/24), followed by cefotaxime (5.71%; 2/35), ceftriaxone (2.86%; 1/35), and tetracycline (2.86%; 1/35). Among the antimicrobial resistance genes screened, blaCTX-M group 8, blaTEM, and blaCMY were identified. The whole genome of the blaCTX-M group 8-positive E. coli strain was assessed and confirmed blaCTX-M-8 presence and phylogenetic analysis. Given the synanthropic behavior of whistling frogs, these amphibians may act as carriers of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria.},
}

Animals
*Enterobacteriaceae/drug effects/genetics/isolation & purification
Brazil/epidemiology
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
*Disease Reservoirs/microbiology/veterinary
Introduced Species
*Drug Resistance, Bacterial
*Enterobacteriaceae Infections/veterinary/microbiology/epidemiology
*Anura/microbiology
*Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
*Ranidae/microbiology

@article {pmid40518959,
year = {2025},
author = {Caton, BP and Fang, H and Hain, E and Kandel, N and Nelson, R and Pallipparambil, GR and Manoukis, NC},
title = {Evaluating a novel core-and-perimeter delimiting trapping survey design for insects. I. Field experiment.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {118},
number = {4},
pages = {1621-1633},
pmid = {40518959},
issn = {1938-291X},
support = {AP21PPQS&T00C054//USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Farm Bill 7721 project/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Insect Control/methods/instrumentation ; Hawaii ; *Ceratitis capitata ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {We propose a novel "core-and-perimeter" delimiting trapping design for invasive insects, improving upon the ubiquitous fully trapped square grids using regular spacing. The core-and-perimeter design has traps near the epicenter and in a perimeter set at a distance to result in zero captures, to directly set the population boundary. We compared the core-and-perimeter and fully trapped designs in a mark-release-recapture experiment with Ceratitis capitata (Weidemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Hawaii in 2022. Each design had 4 repetitions with 4 separate releases of flies and 6 collection days from 1 to 14 d after release. The square fully trapped grid had 20 core area traps plus 79 other traps in 0.92 km2, plus 24 "sentinel" traps beyond. The circular core-and-perimeter grid had 20 core traps, and 108 traps in a 220 m-wide perimeter, set 500 m from the release point (smaller than the recommended radius). Slightly more flies on average were captured in the fully trapped treatment but proportional captures in common locations were similar. Flies were caught in the sentinel traps in every replicate of the fully trapped treatment. Four percent of captures occurred in the perimeter of the core-and-perimeter treatment on average. Trap usage rate for the fully trapped design was 67%, while for the core area of the core-and-perimeter design was nearly 94%. Overall mean daily dispersal distance was 96.3 m, and the regression-based 99th percentile of total distance was 700 m. Results supported the potential of the core-and-perimeter design and demonstrated 2 fully trapped design disadvantages-trap inefficiency and egress potential.},
}

Animals
*Insect Control/methods/instrumentation
Hawaii
*Ceratitis capitata
Introduced Species

@article {pmid40881729,
year = {2025},
author = {Fousséni, F and Maza-Esso, BD and Wouyo, A and Bilouktime, B and Šinžar-Sekulić, J and Kperkouma, W and Komlan, B and Koffi, A},
title = {Floristic diversity and assessment of the conservation status of Togo's plant species.},
journal = {PhytoKeys},
volume = {261},
number = {},
pages = {211-232},
doi = {10.3897/phytokeys.261.151951},
pmid = {40881729},
issn = {1314-2011},
abstract = {Regular updates of floristic lists are essential for assessing the state of flora, identifying threatened species, and guiding conservation actions. This study aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the floristic diversity and conservation status of plant species across selected ecological zones in Togo. A total of 121 plots, with areas determined based on the types of vegetation formations, were randomly selected from a systematic grid of points spaced 5 km apart, generated using QGIS 3.24.1 and overlaid on Togo's map. A total of 498 plant species distributed across 337 genera and 92 families were recorded. The most represented families were Fabaceae (86 species) and Poaceae (48 species). Biological types were dominated by microphanerophytes (25.7%) and nanophanerophytes (18.67%), followed by therophytes (15.06%). Species from the Guineo-Congolian/Sudano-Zambesian transition zone (34.54%) were the most widespread, followed by Guineo-Congolian (23.09%) and Sudano-Zambesian (29.89%) regions. The distribution of species by ecological zones showed high diversity in Zone III. A total of 09 threatened species, 48 invasive and/or alien species, 31 agroforestry species, and 23 soil-fertility-enhancing species were identified. This study provides a rapid and updated understanding of the state of flora. The study emphasizes the urgency for ongoing floristic monitoring and the need for targeted conservation strategies to mitigate threats posed by anthropogenic pressures and invasive species. These findings provide a critical understanding of Togo's flora, guiding effective conservation actions.},
}

@article {pmid40881037,
year = {2025},
author = {Malik, IH and Ford, JD and Winters, I and Hunter, B and Flowers, N and Quincey, D and Flowers, K and Flowers, M and Coombs, D and Foltz-Vincent, C and Barrand, NE and Way, RG},
title = {Monitoring climate change impacts, Indigenous livelihoods and adaptation: Perspectives from Inuit community of Hopedale, Nunatsiavut, Canada.},
journal = {Cambridge prisms. Coastal futures},
volume = {3},
number = {},
pages = {e10},
doi = {10.1017/cft.2025.7},
pmid = {40881037},
issn = {2754-7205},
abstract = {The Arctic is at the forefront of climate change, undergoing some of the most rapid environmental transformations globally. Here, we examine the impacts of climate change on the livelihoods in the coastal Inuit community of Hopedale, Nunatsiavut, Canada. The study examines recently evolved adaptation strategies employed by Inuit and the challenges to these adaptations. We document changing sea ice patterns, changing weather patterns and the impact of invasive species on food resources and the environment. Utilising knowledge co-production and drawing upon Indigenous knowledge, we monitor the changes and multiple stresses through direct observations, engagement with rights holders and community experiences to characterise climate risks and associated changes affecting livelihoods. We use both decolonising research and participatory methodologies to develop collaboration and partnership, ensuring that monitoring reflects local priorities and realities while also fostering trust and collaboration. We showcase that monitoring environmental trends involves more than data collection; it includes observing and analysing how environmental changes affect community well-being, particularly in terms of food security, cultural practices, economic activities, mental health, sea ice changes and weather patterns. The paper contributes to a nuanced understanding of Inuit resilience and experiences in confronting climate risks and the broader implications for Indigenous communities confronting climate challenges.},
}

@article {pmid40877642,
year = {2025},
author = {Rodríguez-Cala, D and Fried, J and Wilson, JRU and Dehnen-Schmutz, K and Tshwenyane, SO and Legwaila, I},
title = {Ornamental horticulture in Southern Africa: strategic actions to address biological invasions.},
journal = {Environmental management},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40877642},
issn = {1432-1009},
support = {13771-14 and 12160-02//Coventry University/ ; 13771-14 and 12160-02//Coventry University/ ; 13771-14 and 12160-02//Coventry University/ ; },
abstract = {Southern Africa has a well-documented history of intentional plant introductions for ornamental purposes, but some of these plants have become widespread damaging invaders. Conflicts can arise when stakeholders' attitudes differ towards ornamental invasive plants and their management. We examined the views of stakeholders involved in the ornamental sector and environmental management across Southern Africa in light of the strategic actions proposed by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services' thematic assessment on 'Invasive Alien Species and their Control.' Our analysis is based on semi-structured interviews, informal conversations, and observations with 78 environmental specialists, 30 ornamental-related industry staff, and 24 plant enthusiasts from Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Eswatini. Our analysis shows that significant efforts are ongoing in Southern Africa to address biological invasions from the ornamental sector. However, they need more integration and consideration of the broader geopolitical and socio-historical context. We reflected on these needs and recommend: 1) improving cohesion and collaboration amongst stakeholders, 2) ensuring pluralism by recognising and valuing marginalised groups, 3) addressing power differences and superiority-inferiority complexes, and 4) seeking alliances with existing sub-regional groups working in the realm of nature-society interplay. We believe that our recommendations contribute toward the necessary transformative change for tackling the underlying political and economic causes of plant invasions derived from the ornamental sector in the sub-region.},
}

@article {pmid40877013,
year = {2025},
author = {Holmes, RB and Hamilton, NM and Criswell, KE and Smithson, KZ and Herbert-Read, JE and Chapuis, L},
title = {Structural and developmental insights into the muscles involved in lionfish (Pterois spp.) vocalisations.},
journal = {Journal of fish biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/jfb.70183},
pmid = {40877013},
issn = {1095-8649},
support = {//Whitten Programme in Aquatic Biology/ ; 897218//This work was supported by the Whitten Programme in Aquatic Biology, The Cambridge SBS Fieldwork Fund and the Darwin College Travel Fund awarded to R.B.H, J.H-R was supported by the Whitten Programme in Aquatic Biology and L.C was funded by the European Union Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie agreement/ ; },
abstract = {Vocal signalling is an important mode of communication in fishes. The two species of lionfish in the Pterois complex, the Indo-Pacific lionfish (Pterois volitans) and the red lionfish (Pterois miles), are both known to produce different types of sounds with sonic muscles attached to the swimbladder. However, the specific mechanism and the functions of these vocalisations in these invasive species are still unknown. We used three-dimensional bioimaging to describe the anatomy of the sonic muscles of both species. We further quantified the muscles of P. volitans to specifically explore how muscles developed across ontogeny and to test the hypothesis that sonic muscles would show sexual dimorphism if they were a sexually selected trait. Both P. volitans and P. miles showed a physoclistous swimbladder with a bilaterally symmetric pair of extrinsic sonic swimbladder muscles (ESSMs), which have been suggested to control buoyancy and generate vocalisations. Both species also displayed an additional pair of anterior extrinsic muscles, which projected dorsoventrally from the spinal column and inserted onto the anterior wall of the swimbladder, potentially also having a role in sound production. Both types of sonic muscles were present across ontogeny. Quantification of the posterior belly of the ESSMs in P. volitans showed that both the length and mass of these muscles in both mature and immature individuals increased linearly with body size. There were no ontogenetic or sex differences in sonic muscle investment between individuals. Given the primary function of these muscles is to control the swimbladder for buoyancy, this may constrain the modification of these muscles relative to body size, or they may have no differences in their acoustic function between sexes or across ontogeny.},
}

@article {pmid40875008,
year = {2025},
author = {Thivierge, C and Gagné, L and Renaud, LA and Houde-Tremblay, É and Dupras, J},
title = {eDNA Adoption: Weighing the Benefits and Challenges from Quebec Potential End-Users' Perspective.},
journal = {Environmental management},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40875008},
issn = {1432-1009},
support = {#312ITD//Genome British Columbia/ ; #312ITD//Genome British Columbia/ ; #312ITD//Genome British Columbia/ ; #312ITD//Genome British Columbia/ ; #312ITD//Genome Quebec/ ; #312ITD//Genome Quebec/ ; #312ITD//Genome Quebec/ ; #312ITD//Genome Quebec/ ; },
abstract = {The collection of environmental DNA (eDNA) is a relatively new, non-invasive and effective method for detecting the presence of rare or endangered species, invasive alien species, and monitoring fish and wildlife populations, thus contributing to better conservation of natural environments. Academic researchers are its main users. The reasons for its slow diffusion among other potential users remain poorly documented to date. This study aimed to characterize the barriers and levers to the adoption of eDNA by distinct types of end-users, depending on the contexts in which they operate. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 33 participants to document and analyze their perceptions of eDNA. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) inspired our analysis. Our findings revealed that potential end-users perceive the eDNA-based methods positively, although they are improvable. A lack of knowledge about its limitations and potential affects how useful eDNA is perceived to be and potential end-users' confidence in its results. We propose action levers to increase potential end-users' trust in the method and its compatibility with their current practices, and identify avenues to facilitate its diffusion.},
}

@article {pmid40873728,
year = {2025},
author = {Hale Walker, S and Lacy, KD and Ross, KG and Zeng, H},
title = {A Comprehensive Account of the Breeding Systems of the Fire Ant Solenopsis invicta.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {e71888},
pmid = {40873728},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {When animals reproduce in social groups, the potential for conflict and cooperation is shaped by the number of reproductive individuals (breeders), their relatedness to one another, and division of reproduction among them. These features comprise species' "breeding systems." Despite their importance, breeding systems are poorly characterized in most social animals, and detailed accounts for single species are rare. Here, we comprehensively characterize the breeding systems of the fire ant Solenopsis invicta, an invasive species in which a large genetic element (supergene) determines whether a colony has a single queen (monogyne social form) or multiple queens (polygyne form). Colonies of the monogyne form are simple families, and the breeding system is correspondingly straightforward. The breeding system of the polygyne form is complex, with many features still not well characterized. We conducted a large longitudinal experiment tracking parentage, relatedness, and supergene genotype in laboratory-reared polygyne colonies. Along with reanalyzed data from previous studies, we show that colony queen number is highly variable, queens generally mate once, nestmate breeders (queens and their mates) generally are unrelated, and reproductive skew is pervasive, especially for parentage of sexual daughters. Uncommon instances of polyandry occur when a queen remates after initially mating with a male bearing the Sb supergene haplotype (associated with small size and low sperm counts). Paternity skew is pronounced and stable, with Sb sperm contributing to a minority of offspring (particularly sexual daughters) of polyandrous queens. The supergene thus not only determines colony queen number, it broadly affects the breeding system, impacting colony kin structure and setting the stage for conflict and cooperation in the colony. This study can serve as a template for studies of the constellation of factors that affect group genetic structure in other social animals.},
}

@article {pmid40873724,
year = {2025},
author = {Santiago, GA and Baird-Lujano, JE and Guzy, JC and Biglin, DG and Rentof, JM and Bancroft, GF and Romagosa, CM and McCollister, M and Hart, KM},
title = {First Record of Twin and Triplet Embryos Found in the Clutch of a Wild Burmese Python in Southern Florida.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {e72040},
pmid = {40873724},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Triplet embryos observed from within an egg oviposited by a wild adult female Burmese python in southern Florida. All three embryos were attached to the yolk and found deceased and at differing stages of development.},
}

@article {pmid40873411,
year = {2025},
author = {Kültz, D and Gardell, AM and DeTomaso, A and Stoney, G and Rinkevich, B and Qarri, A and Hamar, J},
title = {Proteome-Wide 4-Hydroxy-2-Nonenal Signature of Oxidative Stress in the Marine Invasive Tunicate Botryllus schlosseri.},
journal = {Proteomics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e70032},
doi = {10.1002/pmic.70032},
pmid = {40873411},
issn = {1615-9861},
support = {2021650//BSF/ ; //BR/ ; },
abstract = {The ascidian Boytryllus schlosseri is a marine chordate that thrives under conditions of anthropogenic climate change. The B. schlosseri expressed proteome contains unusually high levels of proteins adducted with 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE). HNE represents a prominent posttranslational modification resulting from oxidative stress. Prior to this study, which identified 1052 HNE adducted proteins in B. schlosseri by LCMS, HNE protein modification has not been determined in any marine species. Adducted residues were ascertained for 1849 HNE modifications, 1195 of which had a maximum amino acid localization score. Most HNE modifications were at less reactive lysines (rather than more reactive cysteines). HNE prevalence on most sites was high, suggesting that B. schlosseri experiences and tolerates high intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, resulting in substantial lipid peroxidation. HNE adducted B. schlosseri proteins show enrichment in mitochondrial, proteostasis, and cytoskeletal functions. We propose that redox signaling contributes to regulating energy metabolism, the blastogenic cycle, oxidative burst defenses, and cytoskeleton dynamics in B. schlosseri. DIA-LCMS quantification of 72 HNE-adducted sites across 60 proteins revealed significant population-specific differences. We conclude that the vast amount of HNE protein adduction in this circumpolar tunicate is indicative of high oxidative stress tolerance contributing to its range expansion into diverse environments. SUMMARY: Oxidative stress results from environmental challenges that increase in frequency and severity during the Anthropocene. Oxygen radical attack causes lipid peroxidation, leading to HNE production. Proteome-wide HNE adduction is highly prevalent in Botryllus schlosseri, a widely distributed, highly invasive, and economically important biofouling ascidian, and the first marine species to be analyzed for proteome HNE modification. HNE adduction of specific proteins may physiologically sequester reactive oxygen species, which could enhance fitness and resilience during environmental change.},
}

@article {pmid40872786,
year = {2025},
author = {Girardi, DL and Miranda, TS and Cosentino, MAC and de Sá, CC and Francisco, TM and Afonso, BC and Soffiati, FL and Ferreira, SS and Moreira, SB and Pissinatti, A and Ruiz-Miranda, CR and Romano, V and Soares, MA and D'arc, M and Santos, AF},
title = {Simian Foamy Virus Prevalence and Evolutionary Relationships in Two Free-Living Lion Tamarin Populations from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.},
journal = {Viruses},
volume = {17},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/v17081072},
pmid = {40872786},
issn = {1999-4915},
support = {E-26/211.355/221//Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro/ ; E-26/201.193/2022//Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro/ ; 309850/2020-7//National Council for Scientific and Technological Development/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Brazil/epidemiology ; *Leontopithecus/virology ; Phylogeny ; *Simian foamy virus/genetics/classification/isolation & purification ; *Retroviridae Infections/epidemiology/veterinary/virology ; Prevalence ; *Monkey Diseases/virology/epidemiology ; Viral Load ; Evolution, Molecular ; Male ; Female ; },
abstract = {Simian foamy virus (SFV) is a retrovirus that infects primates. However, epidemiological studies of SFV are often limited to captive populations. The southeastern Brazilian Atlantic Forest is home to both an endemic, endangered species, Leontopithecus rosalia, and an introduced species, Leontopithecus chrysomelas, to which no data on SFV exist. In this study, we assessed the molecular prevalence of SFV, their viral load, and their phylogenetic relationship in these two species of primates. Genomic DNA was extracted from 48 oral swab samples of L. chrysomelas and 102 of L. rosalia. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was performed to diagnose SFV infection and quantify viral load. SFV prevalence was found to be 23% in L. chrysomelas and 33% in L. rosalia. No age-related differences in prevalence were observed; however, L. rosalia showed a higher mean viral load (3.27 log10/10[6] cells) compared to L. chrysomelas (3.03 log10/10[6] cells). The polymerase gene sequence (213 pb) of L. rosalia (SFVlro) was clustered within a distinct SFV lineage found in L. chrysomelas. The estimated origin of SFVlro dated back approximately 0.0836 million years ago. Our study provides the first molecular prevalence data for SFV in free-living Leontopithecus populations while offering insights into the complex evolutionary history of SFV in American primates.},
}

Animals
Brazil/epidemiology
*Leontopithecus/virology
Phylogeny
*Simian foamy virus/genetics/classification/isolation & purification
*Retroviridae Infections/epidemiology/veterinary/virology
Prevalence
*Monkey Diseases/virology/epidemiology
Viral Load
Evolution, Molecular
Male
Female

@article {pmid40872217,
year = {2025},
author = {Pereira, DT and Alarcón, FG and Alarcón, MG and Celis-Plá, PSM and Figueroa, FL},
title = {Effects of Seawater Polyphenols from Gongolaria usneoides on Photosynthesis and Biochemical Compounds of the Invasive Alien Species Rugulopteryx okamurae (Phaeophyceae, Heterokontophyta).},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {16},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14162594},
pmid = {40872217},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {PID2020-116136RB-I00//Spanish State Research Agency, Ministry of Science and Innovation, Spanish Government/ ; 'NUVAPY-BLUE' HORIZON-MSCA-2022-101106349//European Union/ ; },
abstract = {Gongolaria usneoides is a native brown alga in Europa, known for its high release of phenolics into the water. Rugulopteryx okamurae is a native brown macroalga from Asia but invasive in Europe, causing significant environmental and socioeconomic impacts. It has been observed that in some regions where Gongolaria is present, there is less biomass of Rugulopteryx, and they are often epiphytized by red filamentous algae. The present study aimed to analyze whether phenolics released in the seawater by G. usneoides affect the photosynthetic and biochemical responses in R. okamurae. To analyze the resilience of R. okamurae, algae were cultivated for 5 days in water with different percentages of phenolics released by G. usneoides (exposure phase) (0, 75, 150, 225 and 300 µg mL[-1]) in laboratory (20 °C, a 12:12 photoperiod, and PAR 190 µmol photons m[-2] s[-1] for a period of 115 h) and a period in the sun (4 h), followed 2 days cultured under phenolic-free water (recovery phase). Photosynthetic characteristics (Fv/Fm and ETR) and biochemical composition (phenolic, antioxidant activity, C, N and S) were measured (R. okamurae showed considerable photosynthetic declines without recovery when exposed to high concentrations of phenolics (225 and 300 µg mL[-1]). It can be inferred that the presence of G. usneoides in nature and the release of phenolic compounds by this alga may be affecting the invasive alga R. okamurae, potentially serving as a natural means to decrease or weaken the invasive species.},
}

@article {pmid40872138,
year = {2025},
author = {Wei, C and Tang, S and Li, X and Pan, Y and Zhou, L},
title = {Priority Effects Favor Invasive Bidens frondosa over Its Native Congener Bidens biternata, While Late Arrival Incurs Higher Costs.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {16},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14162515},
pmid = {40872138},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {32260336//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2025GXNSFAA069606//Natural Science Foundation of Guangxi Province/ ; 23010//Fundamental Research Funds for Guangxi Institute of Botany/ ; },
abstract = {Priority effects-the phenomenon where early-arriving species influence the establishment, growth, and reproduction of later-arriving species during community assembly-play a critical role in determining the invasion success of exotic species. However, how priority effects are influenced by nitrogen (N) availability remains understudied. The invasive species Bidens frondosa has rapidly expanded its range in China over the past few years. Yet it remains unclear how priority effects in B. frondosa versus native species may mediate invasion success, as well as how nutrient levels may alter these effects. Addressing these questions is essential for understanding the mechanisms driving B. frondosa invasion and for developing effective management strategies. In a greenhouse experiment, we manipulated the planting order of B. frondosa and its native congener B. biternata, then measured the growth and competitiveness of B. frondosa and B. biternata in both control and N addition treatments. Planting order greatly impacted the growth and competitiveness of both B. frondosa and B. biternata. Early arrival had more positive effects on B. frondosa than B. biternata, while late arrival more strongly inhibited B. frondosa than B. biternata. For B. frondosa, priority effects lessened with nitrogen addition, but the opposite occurred for B. biternata. Thus, priority effects may favor B. frondosa invasion, while late arrival, particularly under nitrogen addition, may curb its spread. As such, sowing early-germinating native species represents a useful management strategy for controlling B. frondosa invasions.},
}

@article {pmid40870630,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, W and Zhao, J and Zhu, D and Wang, Z and Song, M and Chen, T and Liang, T and Shi, J},
title = {YOLO-PTHD: A UAV-Based Deep Learning Model for Detecting Visible Phenotypic Signs of Pine Decline Induced by the Invasive Woodwasp Sirex noctilio (Hymenoptera, Siricidae).},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16080829},
pmid = {40870630},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {2023YFE0116200//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; QNTD202510//Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities/ ; },
abstract = {Sirex noctilio is an invasive pest that contributes to pine tree decline, leading to visual symptoms such as needle discoloration, crown thinning, and eventual tree death. Detecting these visible phenotypic signs from drone imagery is challenging due to elongated or irregular crown shapes, weak color differences, and occlusion within dense forests. This study introduces YOLO-PTHD, a lightweight deep learning model designed for detecting visible signs of pine decline in UAV images. The model integrates three customized components: Strip-based convolution to capture elongated tree structures, Channel-Aware Attention to enhance weak visual cues, and a scale-sensitive dynamic loss function to improve detection of minority classes and small targets. A UAV-based dataset, the Sirex Woodwasp dataset, was constructed with annotated images of weakened, and dead pine trees. YOLO-PTHD achieved an mAP of 0.923 and an F1-score of 0.866 on this dataset. To evaluate the model's generalization capability, it was further tested on the Real Pine Wilt Disease dataset from South Korea. Despite differences in tree symptoms and imaging conditions, the model maintained strong performance, demonstrating its robustness across different forest health scenarios. Field investigations targeting Sirex woodwasp in outbreak areas confirmed that the model could reliably detect damaged trees in real-world forest environments. This work demonstrates the potential of UAV-based visual analysis for large-scale phenotypic surveillance of pine health in forest management.},
}

@article {pmid40870619,
year = {2025},
author = {Kayattukandy Balan, R and George, S and Pines, G and Li, D and Gunawardana, D and Puthigae, S},
title = {Species-Specific Real-Time PCR Assay for Rapid Identification of Zeugodacus cucurbitae Coquillet (Diptera: Tephritidae) from Other Closely Related Fruit Fly Species.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16080818},
pmid = {40870619},
issn = {2075-4450},
abstract = {Fruit flies that belong to the genus Zeugodacus (Diptera: Tephritidae) pose significant threats as invasive pests of agricultural crops in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. The intensification of transboundary trade in fresh horticultural produce has increased the risk of introducing invasive species such as fruit flies, more so through the inadvertent transport of their immature developmental stages. Such immature stages of fruit flies belonging to the Tephritidae family are frequently intercepted at the international borders worldwide and are unable to be identified to the species level using morphological characteristics. Molecular identification using mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) gene has proven to be quite useful, as they are not constrained by developmental stages, sex, or colour morphs of the pest species in question. Also, real-time PCR-based species-specific assays offer quicker turnaround time since they do not require any post-PCR procedures. This study evaluated the utility of a real-time PCR assay based on the COI gene region to identify Zeugodacus cucurbitae from other Tephritid species. The developed real-time PCR assay provides a swift and precise way of discriminating between these highly invasive pest species during an interception event for rapid decision making. High specificity, having no cross-reactions with closely related Tephritids, and sensitivity of the developed assay will be extremely useful in discriminating Z. cucurbitae from other closely related fruit fly species. Z. cucurbitae-specific real-time PCR developed in this study is appropriate for organizations that carry out routine diagnostics to facilitate fresh produce imports and exports. Our assay is fully optimized for rapid deployment at international borders, offering reliable detection of the target species regardless of developmental stage, sex, or geographic origins.},
}

@article {pmid40870608,
year = {2025},
author = {Kanzaki, N and Kobayashi, K and Hamaguchi, K and Fujimori, Y},
title = {Nesting and Hibernation Host Preference of Bamboo Carpenter Bee, Xylocopa (Biluna) tranquebarorum tranquebarorum, and Arthropods Co-Habiting and Re-Using the Bee Nest.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16080807},
pmid = {40870608},
issn = {2075-4450},
abstract = {The bamboo carpenter bee, Xylocopa (Biluna) tranquebarorum tranquebarorum, is native to continental China and Taiwan, and the species invaded Japan around 2006. The bee utilizes bamboo culm for its nesting and hibernation, thereby causing structural damage to bamboo fencing and sting injuries to humans. Serious economic and ecological impacts were not expected in the early stage of its invasion. However, its distribution is rapidly expanding in Japan, and thus, its potential impacts need to be evaluated. Since the basic biology of the bee has not been examined in detail, even in its natural range, we examined the basic biology of X. t. tranquebarorum in its invasive range by evaluating its nesting preference and hibernation in several bamboo species collections in Kyoto, Japan. The field survey revealed that the bee prefers dead bamboo internodes with approximately16-28 mm of external diameter, which is well-congruent with previous studies, and does not have strict preference concerning the bamboo species, though the bee prefers Bambusa multiplex and Phyllostachys spp. in its native range. The hibernating bees in the culm sometimes share their nests with other invertebrates, including Anterhynchium gibbifrons, Dinoderus japonicus, Crematogaster matsumurai, unidentified spiders, shield bugs, and lepidopteran larvae. Within these co-habitants, the former two possibly negatively affect nesting and hibernation of the bees.},
}

@article {pmid40870590,
year = {2025},
author = {Shih, CH and Song, CE and Wang, SF and Lin, CC},
title = {Feature Selection Framework for Improved UAV-Based Detection of Solenopsis invicta Mounds in Agricultural Landscapes.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16080793},
pmid = {40870590},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {MOST111-2823-8-018-001//Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan/ ; },
abstract = {The red imported fire ant (RIFA; Solenopsis invicta) is an invasive species that severely threatens ecology, agriculture, and public health in Taiwan. In this study, the feasibility of applying multispectral imagery captured by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to detect red fire ant mounds was evaluated in Fenlin Township, Hualien, Taiwan. A DJI Phantom 4 multispectral drone collected reflectance in five bands (blue, green, red, red-edge, and near-infrared), derived indices (normalized difference vegetation index, NDVI, soil-adjusted vegetation index, SAVI, and photochemical pigment reflectance index, PPR), and textural features. According to analysis of variance F-scores and random forest recursive feature elimination, vegetation indices and spectral features (e.g., NDVI, NIR, SAVI, and PPR) were the most significant predictors of ecological characteristics such as vegetation density and soil visibility. Texture features exhibited moderate importance and the potential to capture intricate spatial patterns in nonlinear models. Despite limitations in the analytics, including trade-offs related to flight height and environmental variability, the study findings suggest that UAVs are an inexpensive, high-precision means of obtaining multispectral data for RIFA monitoring. These findings can be used to develop efficient mass-detection protocols for integrated pest control, with broader implications for invasive species monitoring.},
}

@article {pmid40870580,
year = {2025},
author = {Alzate, C and Calixto, ES and Paula-Moraes, SV},
title = {Flight Phenology of Spodoptera eridania (Stoll, 1781) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Its Native Range: A Baseline for Managing an Emerging Invasive Pest.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16080779},
pmid = {40870580},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {Checkoff//Florida Peanut/ ; National Institute of Food and Agriculture//U.S. Department of Agriculture/ ; AWD10734//Crop Plant Protection Program EIP/ ; 06420//Hatch MS FLA-WFC/ ; 06203//Hatch FLA-WFC/ ; },
abstract = {Spodoptera eridania (Stoll, 1781) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an important pest with a broad host range and growing relevance due to its high dispersal capacity, recent invasions into Africa and Asia, and documented resistance to biological insecticides. Here, we assessed S. eridania flight phenology and seasonal dynamics in the Florida Panhandle, using pheromone trapping data to evaluate population trends and environmental drivers. Moths were collected year-round, showing consistent patterns across six consecutive years, including two distinct annual flight peaks: an early crop season flight around March, and a more prominent flight peak during September-October. Moth abundance followed a negative quadratic relationship with temperature, with peak activity occurring between 15 °C and 26 °C. No significant relationship was found with precipitation or wind. These results underscore the strong influence of abiotic factors, particularly temperature, on seasonal abundance patterns of this species. Our findings offer key insights by identifying predictable periods of high pest pressure and the environmental conditions that drive population increases. Understanding the flight phenology and behavior of this species provides an ultimate contribution to the development of effective IPM and insect resistance management (IRM) programs, promoting the development of forecasting tools for more effective, timely pest management interventions.},
}

@article {pmid40867566,
year = {2025},
author = {Rodrigues, T and Barroso, RA and Campos, A and Almeida, D and Guardiola, FA and Turkina, MV and Antunes, A},
title = {Unveiling the Bioactive Potential of the Invasive Jellyfish Phyllorhiza punctata Through Integrative Transcriptomic and Proteomic Analyses.},
journal = {Biomolecules},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biom15081121},
pmid = {40867566},
issn = {2218-273X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Scyphozoa/genetics/metabolism ; *Proteomics/methods ; *Transcriptome ; Introduced Species ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; *Cnidarian Venoms/genetics/metabolism/chemistry ; Gene Expression Profiling ; *Proteome ; },
abstract = {The white-spotted jellyfish, Phyllorhiza punctata, is an invasive species with significant ecological and economic relevance spreading across various regions. While its ecological impact is well-documented, its molecular and biochemical characteristics remain poorly understood. In this study, we integrate proteomic data generated by LC-MS/MS with publicly available transcriptomic information to characterize P. punctata, analyzing differential protein expression across three distinct tissues: oral arms, mantle, and gonads. A total of 2764 proteins and 25,045 peptides were identified, including several venom components such as jellyfish toxins (JFTs) and phospholipase A2 (PLA2), which were further investigated and compared to toxins from other species. Enrichment analyses revealed clear tissue-specific functions. Additionally, deep learning and machine learning tools identified 274 promising AMP candidates, including the α-helical, β-sheet, and αβ-motif peptides. This dataset provides new insights into the protein composition of P. punctata and highlights strong AMP candidates for further characterization, underscoring the biotechnological potential of underexplored cnidarian species.},
}

Animals
*Scyphozoa/genetics/metabolism
*Proteomics/methods
*Transcriptome
Introduced Species
Tandem Mass Spectrometry
*Cnidarian Venoms/genetics/metabolism/chemistry
Gene Expression Profiling
*Proteome

@article {pmid40867071,
year = {2025},
author = {Achatz, TJ and Chun, CH and Young, MA and Page, J and Rowe, M and Cooper, C and Wenk, L and Tkach, VV},
title = {Detection of Rat Lungworms in Invasive Mollusks, Georgia, USA, 2024.},
journal = {Emerging infectious diseases},
volume = {31},
number = {9},
pages = {1852-1854},
doi = {10.3201/eid3109.250133},
pmid = {40867071},
issn = {1080-6059},
mesh = {Animals ; Georgia/epidemiology ; *Angiostrongylus cantonensis/isolation & purification/genetics/classification ; *Strongylida Infections/epidemiology/parasitology/transmission ; Introduced Species ; Humans ; *Snails/parasitology ; *Mollusca/parasitology ; },
abstract = {The rat lungworm, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, is an invasive, zoonotic parasite that can cause severe disease in humans. We collected A. cantonensis larvae from 2 host species, invasive apple and mystery snails, from bodies of water in Georgia, USA. Recreational water users should avoid ingesting potentially infected hosts, aquatic vegetation, and water.},
}

Animals
Georgia/epidemiology
*Angiostrongylus cantonensis/isolation & purification/genetics/classification
*Strongylida Infections/epidemiology/parasitology/transmission
Introduced Species
Humans
*Snails/parasitology
*Mollusca/parasitology

@article {pmid40865102,
year = {2025},
author = {Montoya-Giraldo, MA and Franco-González, S and Zuluaga, AF},
title = {Lionfish envenomation case treated in an emergency unit in Colombia.},
journal = {Biomedica : revista del Instituto Nacional de Salud},
volume = {45},
number = {3},
pages = {337-344},
doi = {10.7705/biomedica.7230},
pmid = {40865102},
issn = {2590-7379},
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; Colombia ; Middle Aged ; Animals ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Anticoagulants/therapeutic use ; *Bites and Stings/therapy ; },
abstract = {The lionfish (Pterois volitans) is an invasive species in the Caribbean Sea that can accidentally inject venom into humans through its spines. Here, we report a case of lionfish envenomation, highlighting a potential emerging threat to public health in Colombia. The case describes a healthy 59-year-old woman who suffered an accidental sting on the fourth finger of her left hand after contact with a lionfish spin while diving in Aruba. On-site treatment included hot compresses, antihistamines, and systemic corticosteroids. However, the patient experienced severe pain, coldness, and paleness in the affected finger. One day later, the patient traveled to Bogotá, Colombia, and developed swelling, loss of sensitivity, and changes in skin coloration. In the emergency unit, the patient received pharmacological treatment with 100 mg of aspirin administered orally and 60 mg of enoxaparin administered subcutaneously; also, a calcium antagonist was prescribed for vasospasm management (30 mg of nifedipine 30 administered orally), and complementary studies were ordered. Paraclinical results were normal, and the Doppler ultrasound of the left upper limb arterial vessels showed no abnormalities. The treatment was successful, and the patient fully recovered. Given the novelty of this affection for our country, the patient’s favorable evolution after latestage pharmacological management, and the limitations of the initial treatment, we present a broad discussion based on the review of related literature.},
}

Humans
Female
Colombia
Middle Aged
Animals
Emergency Service, Hospital
Anticoagulants/therapeutic use
*Bites and Stings/therapy

@article {pmid40866529,
year = {2025},
author = {Taglioni, E and Cavaliere, C and Cerrato, A and Laganà, A and Montone, CM and Capriotti, AL},
title = {Comprehensive profiling of sulfated phenolic compounds in edible and infesting seaweeds by a dedicated software-assisted platform.},
journal = {Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40866529},
issn = {1618-2650},
support = {AR124190642D88D7//Sapienza Università di Roma/ ; P2022PTYWP//Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca/ ; },
abstract = {Seaweeds, comprising green (Chlorophyta), brown (Phaeophyta), and red (Rhodophyta) algae, are recognized as valuable marine resources rich in bioactive phenolic compounds with nutraceutical potential. Despite growing interest in edible species, limited attention has been given to infesting seaweeds, which may represent an underexploited source of bioactives while addressing ecological challenges. In the present study, an innovative, structure-based data processing workflow was set up for the characterization of phenolic compounds in marine organisms and applied to eight edible and two infesting seaweed species from the major taxonomic groups by means of untargeted mass spectrometric data acquisition. The results reveal distinct phenolic profiles across seaweed taxa, with green algae exhibiting the highest abundances of phenol and phenolic acid sulfates, while brown algae were characterized by a predominance of phlorotannins. Sulfated phenolics outnumbered their non-sulfated counterparts, underscoring the importance of dedicated analytical workflows for marine-specific metabolites. Multivariate statistical analyses further distinguished seaweed classes based on phenolic content and compound classes, with infesting seaweeds demonstrating comparable phenolic profiles to their edible counterparts. This suggests the potential for valorizing infesting seaweeds as sustainable sources of bioactive compounds, aligning with Blue Economy principles. Our findings provide comprehensive insights into the chemical diversity of seaweed phenolics and highlight the unexplored potential of invasive species for nutraceutical applications, contributing to sustainable marine resource management and the development of functional foods.},
}

@article {pmid40862956,
year = {2025},
author = {Yoon, HJ and Seo, JH and Shin, SH and Abdelhamid, MAA and Pack, SP},
title = {Bioinformation and Monitoring Technology for Environmental DNA Analysis: A Review.},
journal = {Biosensors},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {40862956},
issn = {2079-6374},
support = {RS-2021NR060107//the National Research Foundation of Korea funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT/ ; RS-2022-NR074662//the National Research Foundation of Korea funded by the Ministry of Education/ ; },
mesh = {*Environmental Monitoring/methods ; *DNA, Environmental/analysis ; *Computational Biology ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis has emerged as a transformative tool in environmental monitoring, enabling non-invasive detection of species and microbial communities across diverse ecosystems. This study systematically reviews the role of bioinformation technology in eDNA analysis, focusing on methodologies and applications across air, soil, groundwater, sediment, and aquatic environments. Advances in molecular biology, high-throughput sequencing, bioinformatics tools, and field-deployable detection systems have significantly improved eDNA detection sensitivity, allowing for early identification of invasive species, monitoring ecosystem health, and tracking pollutant degradation processes. Airborne eDNA monitoring has demonstrated potential for assessing microbial shifts due to air pollution and tracking pathogen transmission. In terrestrial environments, eDNA facilitates soil and groundwater pollution assessments and enhances understanding of biodegradation processes. In aquatic ecosystems, eDNA serves as a powerful tool for biodiversity assessment, invasive species monitoring, and wastewater-based epidemiology. Despite its growing applicability, challenges remain, including DNA degradation, contamination risks, and standardization of sampling protocols. Future research should focus on integrating eDNA data with remote sensing, machine learning, and ecological modeling to enhance predictive environmental monitoring frameworks. As technological advancements continue, eDNA-based approaches are poised to revolutionize environmental assessment, conservation strategies, and public health surveillance.},
}

*Environmental Monitoring/methods
*DNA, Environmental/analysis
*Computational Biology
Ecosystem

@article {pmid40860729,
year = {2025},
author = {Schell, LT and Evers, E and Schönbrodt-Stitt, S and Müller, K and Merzdorf, M and Bantlin, DA and Otte, I},
title = {Synergistic use of satellite, legacy, and in situ data to predict spatio-temporal patterns of the invasive Lantana camara in a savannah ecosystem.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1593110},
pmid = {40860729},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Modeling species distributions is critical for managing invasive alien species, as reliable information on habitat suitability is essential for effective conservation and rehabilitation strategies. In this study, we modeled the suitable habitat and potential distribution of the notorious invader Lantana camara in the Akagera National Park (1,122 km[2]), a savannah ecosystem in Rwanda. Spatiotemporal patterns of Lantana camara from 2015 to 2023 were predicted at a 30-m spatial resolution using a presence-only species distribution model, implementing a Random Forest classification algorithm and set up in the Google Earth Engine. The model incorporated Sentinel-1 SAR, Sentinel-2 multispectral data, anthropogenic predictors, and in situ presence data of Lantana camara. A maximum of 33% of the study area was predicted as a suitable Lantana camara habitat in 2023, with higher vulnerability in the central, northern, and southern Akagera National Park. The change detection analysis revealed an increase in habitat suitability in the northeastern sector and a decrease in the southwestern part of the park over the study period. The model's predictive performance was robust, with AUCROC values ranging from 0.93 to 0.98 and AUCPR values ranging from 0.79 to 0.94. Key factors influencing Lantana camara habitat suitability in the study area are the road network, the elevation, and soil nitrogen levels. Additionally, the red edge, shortwave, and near-infrared spectral bands were identified as essential predictors, highlighting the efficacy of combining remote sensing and anthropogenic data with machine learning techniques to predict invasive species distributions. These findings provide valuable guidance for developing effective conservation strategies to protect savannah ecosystems and mitigate the spread of Lantana camara in the future.},
}

@article {pmid40860219,
year = {2025},
author = {Fuka, ME and Connolly, BM and Orrock, JL},
title = {Urbanization, Not Invasive Shrubs, Alters Tree Seed Fate by Modifying Rodent Activity.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {e72038},
pmid = {40860219},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Changes in the global environment are widespread and may have unappreciated effects on the activity of animals and the strength of animal-mediated interactions. For example, urbanization and the spread of invasive species are aspects of global change that may lead to shifts in the activity of granivorous rodents, potentially leading to changes in the survival and establishment of seeds rodents consume. Importantly, these two aspects of global change could interact to affect rodent activity. We used a large-scale manipulation of common invasive shrubs (Rhamnus cathartica, Lonicera macckii) across a rural-to-urban forest gradient spanning southern Wisconsin in summer and autumn to examine the effects that urbanization, invasion, and seasonality had on modifying rodent activity and granivory. Using two 14-day sampling sessions, we recorded the activity of three granivorous rodents (Peromyscus leucopus, Sciurus carolinensis, and Tamias striatus) with motion-activated cameras and quantified seed removal using six tree species (Quercus rubra, Quercus alba, Acer saccharum, Prunus serotina, Pinus strobus, and Pinus resinosa) with seed depots to link animal activity with seed removal. Our findings reveal that Quercus seed removal was highest in urban sites, potentially linking hotspots of S. carolinensis activity in urban forests to decreased seed survival. In capturing a large number of P. leucopus photos during the autumn in R. cathartica removed plots, our findings suggest that P. leucopus may be responding to the provision of short-term resources. Our results underscore the primacy of seed mass in determining rodent seed choice: although urbanization and invasive shrubs had different effects on the activity of rodent species, the removal of seeds was always strongly dependent upon seed mass. Our findings help to illuminate potential hotspots of granivorous rodent activity along an urbanization gradient, the shifts in species-specific seed loss associated with this gradient, and the dominance of seed mass in contributing to rodent seed preference.},
}

@article {pmid40855502,
year = {2025},
author = {Stoakley, TE and Zenas, SJ and Brown, VR and Smith, MD and Gulsby, WD and Collier, BA and Ditchkoff, SS},
title = {Wild pigs impact reproductive season movements and space use of wild turkeys.},
journal = {Movement ecology},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {59},
pmid = {40855502},
issn = {2051-3933},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Impacts of invasive species on the movements and space use of native fauna have potential implications during the reproductive period. Over the last three decades, native wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) have experienced a notable decline in productivity while invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa) have expanded populations throughout the southeastern United States. Camera studies have shown that the presence of wild pigs can negatively impact detection of wild turkeys in areas of overlapping use. We explored whether wild turkeys avoided areas with greater wild pig densities during spring breeding season for wild turkeys.

METHODS: We deployed 22 GPS units on wild turkeys prior to the spring reproductive season and conducted a 1-km[2] gridded camera survey in early summer to estimate densities of wild pigs across our 9,000-ha study area in east-central Alabama. We addressed reproductive season movement ecology of wild turkeys in relation to relative densities of wild pigs in terms of (1) step length, (2) daytime space use, (3) roost site selection, and (4) nest site selection. We hypothesized that wild turkeys would exhibit longer step lengths and avoid daytime use, nighttime roost selection, and nest placement in areas with greater densities of wild pigs.

RESULTS: We found that greater densities of wild pigs negatively impacted movement metrics of wild turkeys. Specifically, greater densities of wild pigs were associated with longer step lengths and lower probabilities of daytime use, roost site selection, and nest site selection in wild turkeys.

CONCLUSIONS: Rate of movement and probability of use are associated with preference for the ecological attributes of an area. Our results suggested that wild turkeys avoided or were excluded from areas with greater densities of wild pigs due to perceived disturbance risk or wild pigs making areas less usable. Our results have implications for interspecific spatial interactions as well as management activities to reduce the impacts of invasive wild pigs on native species.},
}

@article {pmid40817242,
year = {2025},
author = {Farooq, S},
title = {Climate-driven spread of giant hogweed [Heracleum mantegazzianum (Sommier & Levier) in Turkey: assessing future invasion risks under CMIP6 climate projections.},
journal = {BMC plant biology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {1079},
pmid = {40817242},
issn = {1471-2229},
mesh = {Turkey ; *Introduced Species ; *Climate Change ; Climate ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Biological invasions pose significant ecological and socio-economic threats globally. Heracleum mantegazzianum (giant hogweed) is an invasive plant, extensively invading Europe and North America. It exerts negative impacts on ecosystems, native vegetation, and public health in the invaded range. Although H. mantegazzianum has not been reported from Turkey yet, ecological conditions of the country similar to those prevailing in its native and invaded ranges suggest a high introduction and spread risk for Turkey. Therefore, the current study predicted the introduction and future invasion risk of H. mantegazzianum in Turkey under current and future Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) projections.

METHODS: Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model was used to predict introduction and future invasion risk using occurrence data from native and invaded ranges and global environmental data. Only climatic data were used for modeling as future data for soil and socioeconomic attributes are currently unavailable. Multicollinearity among environmental variables was tested and 10 least correlated variables, i.e., bio1 (annual mean temperature), bio2 (mean diurnal range), bio4 (temperature seasonality), bio5 (max temperature of warmest month), bio6 (min temperature of coldest month), bio7 (temperature annual range), bio10 (mean temperature of warmest quarter), bio11 (mean temperature of coldest quarter), bio14 (precipitation of driest month), and bio15 (precipitation seasonality) were used to train and test the model. Furthermore, the model was optimized before training and testing. The model was trained and tested with 18,607 occurrence records of which 75% and 25% were split for training and testing, respectively. Future invasion risk was predicted under two CMIP6 climate change scenarios (SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5). Predictive accuracy of the model was evaluated by area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC), true skill statistics (TSS), sensitivity and specificity.

RESULTS: MaxEnt model predicted introduction and future invasion risk of H. mantegazzianum with high accuracy (AUC = 0.97 ± 0.02; TSS = 0.94 ± 0.04, Kappa = 0.92 ± 0.03, sensitivity = 93.40 ± 2.20, and specificity = 94.80 ± 3.40). The bio14, bio6 and bio1 had the highest permutation importance indicating that temperature and precipitation changes will mediate the introduction and future invasion of H. mantegazzianum. A total 4.2% of Turkey's land area (31.2 thousand km[2]) was predicted highly suitable for the introduction of H. mantegazzianum in the Black Sea region under current climate. The CMIP6 climate projections suggest a ~ 50% decline in highly suitable habitats, and aggregation around the Black Sea coast.

CONCLUSION: Climate change is expected to reduce the overall range of H. mantegazzianum in Turkey but may intensify impacts in Black Sea region due to aggregation. Proactive monitoring and management strategies targeting high invasion risk areas guided by invasion risk maps from this study are urgently needed mitigate ecological and socio-economic consequences of H. mantegazzianum in Turkey.},
}

Turkey
*Introduced Species
*Climate Change
Climate
Ecosystem

@article {pmid40858689,
year = {2025},
author = {Rajak, P and Afreen, T and Raghubanshi, AS and Singh, H},
title = {The impact of rainfall variability on selected soil properties and ecophysiological traits in Prosopis juliflora invaded plots.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {31473},
pmid = {40858689},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {Prosopis juliflora is a major invasive species in tropical and subtropical regions. This study explores the link between precipitation, soil moisture, and plant growth, focusing on the invasive P. juliflora in a simulated altered rainfall regime. The study was conducted simultaneously by using three rainout shelters, Normal Rainfall (NR, 1000 mm) (ii) High Rainfall (HR, 1400 mm) (iii) Low Rainfall (LR, 500 mm). Each rainout shelter was divided into three subplots measuring 2 × 2 m to establish P. juliflora by transplanting 20 seedlings per 4 m[2]. After 1 years of establishments, plant growth, ecophysiological attributes and soil properties were recorded as per standard protocols. Increased rainfall led to higher soil moisture and promoted P. juliflora growth, biomass, and photosynthetic activity. Conversely, decreased rainfall triggered drought stress, impacting gas exchange and reducing growth. Statistical analysis showed significant (p < 0.05), SM, soil inorganic-N, N-mineralization, growth measurements, photosynthesis rate (Aarea), transpiration rate (E), height (H), diameter (D), root: shoot ratio, and biomass (AGB + BGB) exhibited the highest values in the HR plots during the rainy season and the lowest values in the LR plots during the summer season, following the trend HR > NR > LR. When different rainfall conditions were regressed against P. juliflora biomass, significantly positive linear relationships were observed. The findings suggest that P. juliflora adapts to changing rainfall regimes by allocating resources strategically. While it thrives under high precipitation, it exhibits surprising drought tolerance, potentially colonizing drier regions. Declining monsoon rainfall and increased precipitation intensity may boost P. juliflora's invasiveness.},
}

@article {pmid40854931,
year = {2025},
author = {Kumakamba, C and Granjon, L and Mangombi-Pambou, J and Atteynine, SA and Muyembe-Tamfum, JJ and Fenollar, F and Mediannikov, O},
title = {Zoonotic microorganisms in native and exotic invasive urban small mammals of bamako, Mali.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {31204},
pmid = {40854931},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; Mali/epidemiology ; *Zoonoses/microbiology/epidemiology ; Bartonella/genetics/isolation & purification ; Coxiella burnetii/genetics/isolation & purification ; Humans ; Trypanosoma/genetics/isolation & purification ; *Rodentia/microbiology ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {The increase in the incidence of zoonoses underlines the need for monitoring pathogens in wild animals. Recent studies have revealed the circulation of several microorganisms in rodents, in various geographic and environmental contexts, including African urban habitats. However, Mali, a landlocked country of West Africa, was not extensively studied for the circulation of the microorganisms in rodents. And this paucity of information puts the fight against rodent-borne zoonoses at a disadvantage. This is why we aimed through this study to improve knowledge of potentially zoonotic infectious agents carried by rodents in Mali (Bamako). Three hundred and seventy-one small mammal spleen samples taken from captures realized in 2021-2022 were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction. Eleven of them (i.e. 2.96%) were infected by microorganisms (Bartonella spp., Coxiella burnetii and Trypanosoma otospermophili). The most frequently detected microorganisms were Bartonella spp. (2.43%). We identified new genotypes of B. elizabethae (a species involved in some cases of infective endocarditis) and B. mastomydis. We also identified C. burnetii MS type 12, thus showing active circulation of a human-pathogenic genotype of Q fever agent in wild rodents. For the first time in Mali, Trypanosoma otospermophili was identified in a specimen of brown rat Rattus norvegicus.},
}

Animals
Mali/epidemiology
*Zoonoses/microbiology/epidemiology
Bartonella/genetics/isolation & purification
Coxiella burnetii/genetics/isolation & purification
Humans
Trypanosoma/genetics/isolation & purification
*Rodentia/microbiology
Introduced Species

@article {pmid40813409,
year = {2025},
author = {Akomolafe, GF and Ocheola, WO and Rosazlina, R and Ojija, F and Xue, S and Omomoh, BE},
title = {Intraspecific functional traits of an invasive alien plant, Hyptis suaveolens differ with respect to land use types.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {29877},
pmid = {40813409},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; Ecosystem ; Nigeria ; *Hyptis/physiology/growth & development ; Plant Leaves ; Plant Roots ; },
abstract = {Hyptis suaveolens is an invasive alien plant which possesses traits that drive its impacts and interruption of ecosystem processes. In this study, the intraspecific functional traits of H. suaveolens were assessed in some invaded parts of Nasarawa State in Nigeria to test whether the functional traits (FTs) of H. suaveolens would differ with respect to the land use types at the different study sites. Invaded sites of size 100 m × 100 m were chosen at farmland, abandoned land and roadside of Lafia, Doma and Akwanga, Nasarawa State. At each site, the functional traits were determined towards the end of the growing season using ten consecutive 1.5 × 1.5 m[2] quadrants positioned at 2 m intervals along a 100 m transect. Also, the diversity indices were quantified and compared across the sites at each location. Principal component analysis with the option of a varimax rotation was used to isolate axes of specialization of the plant at all the sites. The results showed that H. suaveolens utilize different functional traits as their drivers with respect to individual sites in the three locations. Leaf area, stem bark thickness, fine root diameter, specific root length, rooting depth, and plant height are drivers in Doma. Leaf area, root depth distribution, stem specific density, fine root diameter, leaf dry matter content, stem dry matter content, specific root length and plant height are the drivers in Akwanga. Fine root diameter, Leaf dry matter content, Root depth distribution, Leaf area, Specific root length and plant height are the drivers in Lafia. These traits are indicators of their highly competitive ability, low inflammability, efficient acquisition, usage of resources and resistance to physical hazard.},
}

*Introduced Species
Ecosystem
Nigeria
*Hyptis/physiology/growth & development
Plant Leaves
Plant Roots

@article {pmid40803794,
year = {2025},
author = {Grandi, G and Omazic, A and Guevara, C and de Jong, A and Chitimia-Dobler, L},
title = {Importation of the exotic tick Amblyomma geoemydae into Sweden via illegally introduced turtles (Geoemyda spengleri) from Thailand.},
journal = {Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports},
volume = {63},
number = {},
pages = {101304},
doi = {10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101304},
pmid = {40803794},
issn = {2405-9390},
mesh = {Animals ; *Turtles/parasitology ; Sweden ; Thailand ; *Tick Infestations/veterinary/parasitology/epidemiology ; *Introduced Species ; *Amblyomma/genetics/physiology ; *Animals, Exotic ; Nymph ; },
abstract = {Illegal importation of animals as pets might be followed by the introduction of exotic tick species, potential vectors of pathogens that can have an impact on wildlife and/or domestic animals and on humans. Therefore, permanent measures of surveillance and control on imported reptiles are emphasized. In February 2024, black-breasted leaf turtles (Geoemyda spengleri) (n = 31) were illegally imported into Sweden from Thailand. The turtles were sent by the Swedish Customs Criminal Department West in Gothenburg to a public aquarium and terrarium (Tropicarium, Kolmården, Östergötland county) to be kept in quarantine. At the Tropicarium the turtles were found to be infested by ticks. All ticks (n = 3) found were removed and stored in ethanol. The finding (including photos of the ticks) was reported to the Swedish Veterinary Agency (SVA, Uppsala) using the Report Tick Tool, a surveillance system developed by the SVA itself. The three collected ticks were identified based on morphology and genetics as Amblyomma geoemydae nymphs. This discovery demonstrates that SVA's surveillance tool can function as an early warning system for newly introduced tick species and to promptly identify exotic tick species which can carry viruses, bacteria, and/or parasites that are not currently present in the country.},
}

Animals
*Turtles/parasitology
Sweden
Thailand
*Tick Infestations/veterinary/parasitology/epidemiology
*Introduced Species
*Amblyomma/genetics/physiology
*Animals, Exotic
Nymph

@article {pmid40753926,
year = {2025},
author = {Miller, BJ and McKinstry, MC and Wilcock, PR and Macfarlane, WW and Bassett, S and Budy, P and Pennock, CA},
title = {Shrinking channels, growing threats: Habitat degradation from channel narrowing and invasive vegetation in three dryland rivers.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {392},
number = {},
pages = {126714},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126714},
pmid = {40753926},
issn = {1095-8630},
mesh = {*Rivers ; *Ecosystem ; *Introduced Species ; Animals ; Fishes ; Plants ; },
abstract = {Water development and the proliferation of invasive riparian vegetation have led to widespread habitat loss and simplification of rivers in the western United States, contributing to the imperilment of native fishes. Here, we quantify channel narrowing and vegetation encroachment, which are conspicuous indicators of riverine habitat alteration, along ∼400 km of three dryland tributaries of the upper Colorado River. We conducted a comparative analysis of aerial photographs between the 1930s and 2010s/2020s time periods using visual interpretation and used Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data along with Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA) to quantify canopy cover of woody riparian species. All three rivers underwent substantial channel narrowing, coinciding with a general decrease in spring floods over time. However, the extent of narrowing varied among the rivers (78 %, 73 %, and 29 %) with greater narrowing corresponding to larger reductions in spring flows. In contrast, contemporary woody cover was similarly high among all three rivers (39 %, 41 %, and 36 %), and a woody vegetation analysis we conducted for one river indicated a substantial increase in vegetation along the active channel (4 %-74 %). These findings underscore a common pattern observed in rivers throughout the basin, where river channels often undergo narrowing and encroachment by invasive vegetation following dam construction and/or decreases in flows, ultimately leading to habitat simplification, with negative implications for native fishes and other riparian biota. Our findings also emphasize that, even in the presence of nonnative vegetation establishment, preserving or restoring large magnitude and long duration floods can help conserve diverse habitat in dryland rivers.},
}

*Rivers
*Ecosystem
*Introduced Species
Animals
Fishes
Plants

@article {pmid40580636,
year = {2025},
author = {Martin, N and Blanchet, S and Hermet, S and Larcher, T and Gros, R and Hansson, SV and Gomez, E and Duporté, G and Sauvêtre, A and Goutte, A and Lalot, B and Jean, S and Jacquin, L and Farcy, E},
title = {Multiscale physiological responses to organic and inorganic pollution in the invasive mosquitofish Gambusia holbrooki.},
journal = {Ecotoxicology and environmental safety},
volume = {302},
number = {},
pages = {118565},
doi = {10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118565},
pmid = {40580636},
issn = {1090-2414},
mesh = {Animals ; *Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicity/analysis ; *Cyprinodontiformes/physiology ; Male ; Female ; France ; *Environmental Monitoring ; Introduced Species ; Liver/drug effects/pathology/metabolism ; Gills/drug effects/pathology ; Pesticides/toxicity ; Biomarkers/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Anthropic activities often lead to the contamination of freshwater ecosystems by organic and inorganic pollutants with potential deleterious effects on wildlife health. However, some species such as the invasive mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) can thrive in such polluted habitats, but the underpinning mechanisms are still unknown. The aim of this study was to characterize the physiological responses of mosquitofish living along different pollution gradients in the south of France. Eleven sites were selected according to various levels of pollutants in the water (pesticides, pharmaceuticals) and in mosquitofish tissue (PAHs, PBDEs, PCBs, organochlorines, metals). The level of the different pollutants varied among sites resulting in contrasted pollution gradients. The biological response of mosquitofish was measured using biomarkers of biotransformation, oxidative status, neurotoxicity and histopathological alteration in gills and liver. Muscle lipids, hepatosomatic condition, body condition and reproductive status were also measured. We used a Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) approach to characterize the direct and indirect effects of pollutants across biological levels. Results showed that high levels of POPs and metals affected biotransformation processes in both sexes, as well as non-enzymatic antioxidants level and resulted in gill histopathological alterations in females. In addition, pesticides increased the energetic demand reflected by reduced lipid storage in females and hepatosomatic condition in males. Interestingly, responses to pollution varied among sexes since females responded to a broader range of pollutant types than males. This study highlights some of the key traits underlying the tolerance to pollution of the mosquitofish, which could partly explain their invasive success in polluted ecosystems.},
}

Animals
*Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicity/analysis
*Cyprinodontiformes/physiology
Male
Female
France
*Environmental Monitoring
Introduced Species
Liver/drug effects/pathology/metabolism
Gills/drug effects/pathology
Pesticides/toxicity
Biomarkers/metabolism

@article {pmid40855738,
year = {2025},
author = {Haubrock, PJ and Novello, M and Abreo, NA and Błońska, D and Sampaio Franco, AC and Soto, I and Castaldelli, G and Katsanevakis, S and Kouba, A and Balzani, P and Kurtul, I and Tarkan, AS and Briski, E and Britton, R},
title = {A Global Account of Established Non-Native Fish Species.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {31},
number = {8},
pages = {e70451},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.70451},
pmid = {40855738},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {101105250//H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions/ ; 101203662//H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Fishes/physiology/classification ; *Introduced Species ; *Biodiversity ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; Fisheries ; Aquaculture ; },
abstract = {The introduction of non-native aquatic species has fundamentally transformed aquatic assemblages, primarily due to human activities, such as aquaculture, fisheries enhancement, aquarium trade, the creation of artificial corridors, and deliberate and accidental releases. Despite growing concern for biological invasions, there is no overall global appraisal of successful non-native fishes. This study compiled a comprehensive dataset from several global sources to examine the taxonomic diversity, geographical distribution, introduction pathways, and ecological impacts of non-native freshwater and marine fishes. Our dataset includes 1535 established non-native fish species in 193 countries (82% of the global coverage), with Leuciscidae, Cichlidae, Salmonidae, and Cyprinidae being the most represented families. Although the incline in first reportings appears almost linear, annual reporting has been declining for decades, suggesting fish introduction rates are decreasing. The main introduction pathways are aquarium trade, aquaculture, fishery augmentation, and the creation of artificial corridors. The importance of introduction pathways substantially differed between freshwater species (primarily the aquarium trade and aquaculture) and marine species (corridors). While extensive records exist for hundreds of non-native fish species, information on their impact types and impact mechanisms remains available only for a third of these species, highlighting broad knowledge deficiencies. Available impact information indicates that non-native fish species may threaten native biodiversity through primarily competition and predation as dominant mechanisms. The magnitude of highest-risk invasions suggests remediation is possible through urgent proactive policy and management interventions. This comprehensive global evaluation of established fish species and their ecological effects thus addresses critical data deficiencies, strengthens risk assessment frameworks, and supports the development of targeted biosecurity policies on priority pathways, approaches essential for helping mitigate the environmental and economic impacts of non-native fish introductions.},
}

Animals
*Fishes/physiology/classification
*Introduced Species
*Biodiversity
*Conservation of Natural Resources
Fisheries
Aquaculture

@article {pmid40852383,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, R and Wang, Z and Yang, F and Qiao, G and Tu, J and Sun, A and Wang, S},
title = {Functional characterization of antennae-enriched chemosensory protein 4 in emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e19812},
pmid = {40852383},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {Animals ; *Coleoptera/metabolism/genetics ; *Arthropod Antennae/metabolism ; Male ; Female ; *Insect Proteins/metabolism/genetics/chemistry ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Fraxinus/parasitology ; Molecular Dynamics Simulation ; *Receptors, Odorant/metabolism ; Terpenes/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Agrilus planipennis is an invasive species that inflicts substantial harm on ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) globally. Elucidating its olfactory mechanisms is essential for devising effective pest management approaches. In this research, we identified chemosensory protein 4 (AplaCSP4) in A. planipennis, which is highly expressed in the antennae of both male and female individuals. Notably, the mRNA expression level of AplaCSP4 in females is 1.9 times higher than that in males. Fluorescence competition binding assays revealed that recombinant AplaCSP4 has a broad binding spectrum, capable of interacting with 11 compounds from various chemical classes such as esters, alkanes, terpenes, terpenoids, and terpenols. The dissociation constants (K D) for these binding affinities range from 0.25 to 11.47 µM. AplaCSP4 shows binding affinity for volatiles from Fraxinus species, including dodecane, myrcene, ocimene, farnesene, (+)-limonene, and nerolidol, with the highest affinity observed for farnesene (K D = 0.25 µM). Molecular docking and dynamics simulation were employed to elucidate the binding mode of farnesene, which exhibited the strongest binding affinity with AplaCSP4. The results indicated that farnesene binds within the hydrophobic pocket of AplaCSP4, with a binding energy of -31.830 ± 2.015 kcal/mol and -32.585 ± 2.011 kcal/mol in dual-replicate molecular dynamics simulations, and primarily driven by van der Waals interactions. Importantly, during the two molecular dynamics simulations, the centroid distances between farnesene and the key residues in the binding pocket of AplaCSP4 were maintained relatively stable. The combined results from in vitro experiments and computational modeling suggest that AplaCSP4 is critically involved in plant volatile detection. This study offers insights into the molecular basis of olfactory perception in A. planipennis and may provide a foundation for developing novel olfactory-based pest control strategies targeting chemosensory proteins.},
}

Animals
*Coleoptera/metabolism/genetics
*Arthropod Antennae/metabolism
Male
Female
*Insect Proteins/metabolism/genetics/chemistry
Molecular Docking Simulation
Fraxinus/parasitology
Molecular Dynamics Simulation
*Receptors, Odorant/metabolism
Terpenes/metabolism

@article {pmid40851440,
year = {2025},
author = {Ioriatti, C and Mazzoni, V and Franceschi, P and Chiesa, SG and Angeli, G and De Concini, M and Panizza, C and Martini, F and Zapponi, L and Anfora, G},
title = {Classical biological control of the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) in apple orchard: a success story.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.70154},
pmid = {40851440},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//Provincia Autonoma di Trento/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys, is an invasive pest from eastern Asia that has caused significant damage to apple orchards in Europe and the United States. To reduce pesticide reliance, a classical biological control (CBC) program, using the Asian egg parasitoid Trissolcus japonicus, was initiated in Trentino, a key apple-producing area in Italy. The CBC program involved the release of T. japonicus at selected sites with minimal chemical input from 2020 to 2023. Monitoring was conducted to assess parasitoid establishment and egg parasitization rates. Preliminary data on fruit damage were also collected to assess trends at a large territorial scale. Parasitoid efficacy was evaluated based on discovery efficiency and parasitization impact.

RESULTS: Trissolcus japonicus was recaptured in 62.3% of the sites, with increasing recapture rates over the years (from 30% in the first year to 65.4% in the fourth year). The overall egg parasitization rate increased from 18.3% to 50.6%, with T. japonicus contributing significantly (from 7.9% in 2020 to 41.3% in 2023). The percentage of hatched eggs decreased from 61.6% to 29.0%. Discovery efficiency improved from 9.9% to 54.4%, and impact from 7.9% to 39.0%. Fruit damage monitoring indicated an overall decreasing trend in orchards within a 2.5 km radius of successful release sites.

CONCLUSION: The release of T. japonicus in Trentino demonstrated effective control of BMSB, reducing pesticide use and fruit damage, thereby highlighting the potential of CBC as a sustainable pest management strategy against invasive alien pests. Further long-term studies are recommended to optimize and expand this approach. © 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid40851312,
year = {2025},
author = {Stern, ER and Vesk, PA and Clements, CC and McCarthy, MA},
title = {Contribution of microcosm experiments to conservation science.},
journal = {Conservation biology : the journal of the Society for Conservation Biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e70129},
doi = {10.1111/cobi.70129},
pmid = {40851312},
issn = {1523-1739},
support = {DP230102663//Australian Research Council/ ; },
abstract = {Microcosms, or miniature experimental systems, have been used to develop models and theories in ecology. However, their contribution to conservation science is unclear. We explored the application, design, and impact of microcosms in conservation science from 469 systematically identified articles published from 1986 to 2023. We used generalized linear modeling to compare cumulative citations over time for each microcosm article with those of 71,738 nonmicrocosm articles in conservation science. We also surveyed the proportion of microcosm articles and nonmicrocosm articles focused on conservation science that were cited in policy documents. Two types of microcosms were used in conservation research: generalized microcosms (i.e., simplified analogies of systems used to test general theories and mathematical models) and specialized microcosms (i.e., recreations of specific ecosystems or species assemblages that test specific hypotheses). Microcosms were used to study biodiversity, invasive species, extinction, pollution, and climate change and were applied to a broad array of ecosystems and species. Microcosm experiments tended to be small (systems were liters in size or smaller) and conducted over short periods (weeks or months); could monitor study species for up to hundreds of generations; and had high sample replication. On average, microcosm studies were cited up to twice as often as nonmicrocosm studies 25 years after publication. Microcosm articles and nonmicrocosm articles focused on conservation science were cited in policy documents at similar rates to each other. We recommend that conservation science, which often focuses on urgent topics and rare or threatened ecosystems and species, may benefit from the manipulability and replicability that microcosms offer. Microcosm experiments may also be low risk for the study systems involved. Future uses of microcosms include providing experimental evidence and testing of conservation theories, models, and hypotheses.},
}

@article {pmid40816260,
year = {2025},
author = {Gómez-Llano, M and Yamamichi, M and Siepielski, AM},
title = {Sexual Conflict in Resident Species Can Facilitate Establishment of a Maladapted Invader.},
journal = {The American naturalist},
volume = {206},
number = {3},
pages = {272-284},
doi = {10.1086/736568},
pmid = {40816260},
issn = {1537-5323},
mesh = {Female ; Male ; *Introduced Species ; Animals ; Models, Biological ; Biological Evolution ; Competitive Behavior ; *Adaptation, Biological ; Reproduction ; },
abstract = {AbstractMost species distributions are dynamic, and as species distributions change they often encounter novel environments and resident species. To establish new populations, ecologically similar species compete with residents for resources while adapting to the environment. Yet local adaptation in residents can allow them to outcompete maladapted invaders and prevent their establishment. Indeed, local adaptation often improves male condition but also intensifies sexual conflict, a process where males increase their fitness while decreasing female fitness. Using an eco-evolutionary model, we show that sexual conflict can prevent adapted residents from monopolizing resources. This cost of adaptation in the residents opens a window of opportunity for the establishment of maladapted invaders. Female resistance to male harm can, however, prevent the invader from establishing. Sexual conflict can therefore reduce differences in competitive ability, facilitating establishment, but does not affect niche differences. However, when sexual conflict is density dependent, it can facilitate resident and invader coexistence, even when interspecific competition is stronger than intraspecific competition. Our results show that reproductive interactions may critically shape the dynamics of species invasions and species coexistence.},
}

Female
Male
*Introduced Species
Animals
Models, Biological
Biological Evolution
Competitive Behavior
*Adaptation, Biological
Reproduction

@article {pmid40650499,
year = {2025},
author = {Bekkevold, D and Glover, KA and Jimenez-Mena, B and Besnier, F and Nielsen, EE},
title = {Genetic Recovery of Two Wild Seatrout Populations Following Long-Term Stocking With Non-Native Conspecifics.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {34},
number = {17},
pages = {e70036},
pmid = {40650499},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {AQUATRACE n.311920//Seventh Framework Programme/ ; //Danish Rod and Net Fishing License Funds/ ; BlueBioClimate (20360831)//European Regional Development Fund Interreg Öresund-Kattegat- Skagerrak/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; *Genetics, Population ; *Trout/genetics ; Gene Frequency ; Denmark ; Fisheries ; Aquaculture ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Selection, Genetic ; Rivers ; Genotype ; *Genetic Introgression ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Predicting the long-term impact of releases and introgression from non-native strains into wild populations remains an important conservation issue, particularly in fishes where stocking and aquaculture escapes have led to widespread genetic admixture between wild and cultured conspecifics. Here, we investigated the genetic response of two wild sea trout, Salmo trutta L., populations following long-term stocking programmes with non-native conspecifics. This included temporal sampling spanning 23 years and genome-wide SNP data from two neighbouring Danish rivers that from the 1970's to 1990's were heavily stocked with partially domesticated, non-local hatchery strains. To estimate wild-hatchery admixture we analysed 3656 SNPs in 195 wild-caught fish, 74 hatchery strain fish, and expanded collections temporally by analysing a subset 288 SNPs in 489 additional fish. Admixture estimates decreased from 46% to 62% input from the stocked strains to 25% seven generations after the last stocking. Introgression varied across the genome, indicative of selection for and against specific hatchery gene variants under wild conditions. For the first time in trout, strong temporal allele frequency changes were observed in a gene region harbouring the maturation gene six6 likely associated with divergent selection on age-at-maturity under hatchery versus wild conditions. The two populations showed low overlap between SNPs identified as under negative (or purifying) selection. Results point to selection against hatchery fish and partial recovery of both populations but also emphasise the role of local dynamics in shaping genetic responses to anthropogenic pressure and support the notion that introgression is likely to incur long-lasting changes to the genetic make-up of wild populations.},
}

Animals
Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
*Genetics, Population
*Trout/genetics
Gene Frequency
Denmark
Fisheries
Aquaculture
Conservation of Natural Resources
Selection, Genetic
Rivers
Genotype
*Genetic Introgression
Introduced Species

@article {pmid40213943,
year = {2025},
author = {Mallett, MC and Thiem, JD and Butler, GL and Carpenter-Bundhoo, L and Kennard, MJ},
title = {Freshwater fish condition responses to hydrological disturbance are species- and scale dependent.},
journal = {Journal of fish biology},
volume = {107},
number = {2},
pages = {493-510},
pmid = {40213943},
issn = {1095-8649},
support = {//NSW Department of Primary Industries/ ; //Australian Society for Fish Biology/ ; //Australian Research Council Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Functional Grains/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Rivers ; *Fishes/physiology ; *Water Movements ; Australia ; Hydrology ; *Carps/physiology ; Ecosystem ; Introduced Species ; Fresh Water ; },
abstract = {Modification of river flows is a major cause of freshwater fish population declines in many parts of the world. Identifying the precise mechanisms of these declines represents a significant challenge, as a range of stressors can simultaneously impact various components of fish health, fitness and population dynamics. Here we investigate the role of river flows and other biophysical factors on spatio-temporal variation in freshwater fish body condition in Australia's highly modified Murray-Darling Basin using three widely distributed native (Murray cod Maccullochella peelii, golden perch Macquaria ambigua and bony herring Nematalosa erebi) and one introduced (common carp Cyprinus carpio) species. Our aim was to uncover drivers of spatio-temporal variation in fish condition at two spatial extents: at the basin scale, utilising a flow regime disturbance index, and at the river-valley scale, employing individual flow gauge data to assess responses in fish condition to multiple measures of antecedent (365 day) flow. Linear mixed effects modelling revealed that at the basin scale, M. peelii and M. ambigua were in better condition in rivers with lower flow regime disturbance, and temporal trends in the condition of N. erebi, C. carpio and M. peelii reflected boom and bust dynamics related to wet and dry climate periods. At the river-valley scale, mean antecedent daily flow magnitude was significantly positively related to the condition of M. peelii, M. ambigua and C. carpio, whereas the number of high-flow days was negatively related to condition of N. erebi. Our study demonstrates that a simple body condition index calculated from routinely collected length-weight data is sensitive to multiple measures of hydrological disturbance in river systems that experience substantial temporal and spatial variability. We emphasise that studies considering multiple spatial scales are important for understanding complex scale-dependent mechanisms influencing fish condition.},
}

Animals
*Rivers
*Fishes/physiology
*Water Movements
Australia
Hydrology
*Carps/physiology
Ecosystem
Introduced Species
Fresh Water

@article {pmid40848435,
year = {2025},
author = {Gauff, RPM and Taormina, B and Carlier, A and Bouchoucha, M and Droual, G and Dugény, E and Curd, A},
title = {Mixed messages: Eco-engineered tide pools can provide both positive and negative contributions, with the possibility of increasing introduced species diversity.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {998},
number = {},
pages = {180237},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.180237},
pmid = {40848435},
issn = {1879-1026},
abstract = {With marine urbanisation on the rise, decision makers and managers are aiming to mitigate and offset impacts arising from the destruction of natural habitats. Among the potential solutions features marine eco-engineering, which aims to increase the structural complexity of marine infrastructure to enhance bioreceptivity or to diversify ecological niches. However, despite previous scientific efforts showing an increase of biodiversity and functions on such eco-engineered structures, studies rarely consider potential adverse effects such as increased introduced species diversity. In the present study we investigated whether negative contributions (i.e. increased introduced species diversity) were associated with positive ones (i.e. increased total and native epibenthic biodiversity) in two eco-engineering projects involving artificial intertidal concrete pools in two biogeographic provinces. We showed that species diversity and beta diversity were both higher on the eco-engineered sites compared to the unengineered sites, and species diversity was comparable to that of natural intertidal rocky environments. However, introduced species diversity was sometimes higher than in unengineered habitats, with some introduced species being exclusively associated with the artificial pools in one province. Furthermore, community structures on the eco-engineered sites remained distinct from natural ones, with artificial pools containing typical urban fouling species. For these reasons, we make the case that artificial pools should not be considered as offsetting the destruction of natural habitats. Eco-engineering can however be viewed as a means of increasing the attractivity of marine urban habitats, akin to city parks and green rooftops.},
}

@article {pmid40846874,
year = {2025},
author = {Lan, Y and Wu, X and Xu, M and Li, K and Huan, Y and Zhou, G and Lun, F and Shang, W and Zhang, R and Xie, Y},
title = {High-resolution global distribution projections of 10 rodent genera under diverse SSP-RCP scenarios, 2021-2100.},
journal = {Scientific data},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {1467},
pmid = {40846874},
issn = {2052-4463},
mesh = {Animals ; *Climate Change ; *Biodiversity ; *Rodentia ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Ecosystem ; Climate Models ; *Animal Distribution ; },
abstract = {Understanding the potential impact of climate change on species distributions is crucial for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management. Rodents, as one of the most diverse and widespread mammalian groups, play a critical role in ecological systems but also pose significant risks to agriculture systems and public health. Here, we present GridScopeRodents, a high-resolution global dataset projecting the distribution of 10 rodent genera from 2021 to 2100 under four CMIP6-based Shared Socioeconomic Pathway-Representative Concentration Pathway (SSP-RCP) scenario combinations. Using occurrence data and environmental variable, we employ the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) algorithm within the species distribution modeling (SDM) framework to estimate occurrence probability at a spatial resolution of 1/12° (~10 km). The dataset encompasses four SSP-RCP scenarios (SSP126, SSP245, SSP370, SSP585) and 10 global climate models (GCMs), providing projections at 20-year intervals. GridScopeRodents serves as a valuable resource for research on biodiversity conservation, invasive species monitoring, agricultural sustainability, and disease ecology. The dataset is publicly available in GeoTIFF format and can be accessed via Figshare.},
}

Animals
*Climate Change
*Biodiversity
*Rodentia
Conservation of Natural Resources
Ecosystem
Climate Models
*Animal Distribution

@article {pmid40845730,
year = {2025},
author = {Lai, B and Guo, H and Zhang, K and Wang, H and Qiu, X and Lin, L and Shi, R and Sedibe, M and Zou, Y and Norvienyeku, J},
title = {Putative SET domain-containing proteins play significant roles in regulating sporulation and pathogenicity in Phytophthora capsici.},
journal = {Microbiological research},
volume = {301},
number = {},
pages = {128316},
doi = {10.1016/j.micres.2025.128316},
pmid = {40845730},
issn = {1618-0623},
abstract = {Phytophthora capsici is a filamentous oomycete responsible for root rot, fruit rot, leaf blight, and other economically destructive diseases in multiple plant species, including pepper (Capsicum annuum), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), squash (Cucurbita pepo), eggplant (Solanum melongena), faba bean (Vicia faba), and lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus), among others. The pathogen causes significant yield losses in fruit and vegetable crops globally. Multiple molecular parameters, including effector proteins and epigenetic modulators, play vital roles in modulating the physio pathological development of P. capsici. Here, we identified 56 SET domain-containing proteins in P. capsici, with 35 predicted as potential effectors. Transcriptomic analysis revealed the upregulation of 13 candidate effector genes during infection, suggesting their roles in pathogenicity. We successfully deleted one effector, PcSET-C (DVH05_022087), and two non-effector proteins, PcSET-B (DVH05_004260), and PcSET-A (DVH05_000194), using CRISPR-Cas9 and homologous recombination strategies. Phenotypic analysis showed that targeted deletion of the PcSET-A, and PcSET-B gene significantly impaired vegetative growth, while ΔPcset-C strains displayed growth like wild-type strains. Additionally, we showed that targeted disruption of all three genes resulted in reduced asexual sporulation and almost completely abolished the pathogenicity or virulence of ΔPcset-A, ΔPcset-B, and ΔPcset-C strains on different P. capsici-susceptible plants. However, targeted replacement of the three SET domain-containing genes investigated in this study has no significant adverse effects on zoospore release in P. capsici. These findings provide insights into the crucial role of SET domain-containing proteins in both morphological and pathological development of P. capsici and underscore PcSETs as potential targets for disease control.},
}

@article {pmid40842822,
year = {2025},
author = {Goel, N and Liebhold, AM and Bertelsmeier, C and Hooten, MB and Korolev, KS and Keitt, TH},
title = {A mechanistic statistical approach to infer invasion characteristics of human-dispersed species with complex life cycle.},
journal = {Ecological monographs},
volume = {95},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {40842822},
issn = {0012-9615},
abstract = {The rising introduction of invasive species through trade networks threatens biodiversity and ecosystem services. Yet, we have a limited understanding of how transportation networks determine spatiotemporal patterns of range expansion. This knowledge gap may stem from two reasons. First, current analytical models fail to integrate the invader's life-history dynamics with heterogeneity in human-mediated dispersal patterns. Second, classical statistical methods often fail to provide reliable estimates of model parameters, such as time and place of species introduction and life-history characteristics, due to spatial biases in the presence-only records and lack of informative demographic data. To address these gaps, we first formulate an age-structured metapopulation model that uses a probability matrix to emulate human-mediated dispersal patterns. The model reveals that an invader spreads radially along the shortest network path, such that the inter-patch network distances decrease with increasing traffic volume and reproductive value of hitchhikers. Next, we propose a hierarchical Bayesian statistical method to estimate model parameters using presence-only data and prior demographic knowledge. To show the utility of the statistical approach, we analyze zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) expansion in North America through the inland commercial shipping network. Our analysis suggests that zebra mussels might have been introduced before 1981, indicating a lag of five years between time of introduction and first detection in late 1986. Furthermore, using our statistical model we estimated a one in three chance that they were introduced near Kingsville (Ontario, Canada), where they were first reported. We also find survival, fecundity, and dispersal during early life (1-2 years) play a critical role in determining the expansion success of these mollusks. These results underscore the importance of fusing prior scientific knowledge with observation and demographic processes in a Bayesian framework for conceptual and practical understanding of how invasive species spread by human agency.},
}

@article {pmid40842096,
year = {2025},
author = {Ji, S and Li, Y and Ding, C and He, D and Tao, J and MacIsaac, HJ},
title = {Loss of distinct functionality during fish community disassembly.},
journal = {The Journal of animal ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1365-2656.70118},
pmid = {40842096},
issn = {1365-2656},
support = {42077447//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 42271066//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2023Y0209//Yunnan Provincial Department of Education Scientific Research Fund/ ; //Chinese Scholarship Council/ ; //Canada Research Chair in Aquatic Invasive Species/ ; //NSERC Discovery/ ; 202401AS070147//Yunnan Applied Basic Research Projects/ ; },
abstract = {Human-induced environmental changes increase species turnover, typically characterized by native species extirpation and non-native species (NNS) invasions, leading to multiple functional consequences owing to varying species roles and whether losses from extirpation are compensated by newly established NNS. We analysed community functional roles among fish species that persisted, were extirpated or were newly established over 75 years (1940-2015) in 15 lakes in southwest China, using functional diversity indices and trait-based network analyses. While species extirpation rate increased strongly through time, earlier extirpations caused the greatest losses to novel functional diversity. Functional losses from native species extirpation were not compensated by NNS. Functional patterns of extirpations were mainly random or overdispersed, whereas invasions were almost always random species replacements. Synthesis and applications. Our findings highlight that the loss of distinctive functional diversity persists even when extirpation rates are low, due to the incomplete functional replacement of native species by NNS, which are typically functionally random relative to extirpated species. This underscores the importance of prioritizing the protection of functionally distinct species to preserve community integrity. Additionally, our use of trait-based network analysis provides a novel perspective for understanding the functional implications of species turnover, and could be a valuable tool for researchers and conservation practitioners to evaluate community assembly processes and functional structure dynamics.},
}

@article {pmid40841038,
year = {2025},
author = {Tang, Z and Zhang, Y and Shangguan, H and Xie, A and Xu, X and Jiang, Y and Breed, MF and Sun, X},
title = {Urban organic manure application enhances antibiotic resistance gene diversity and potential human pathogen abundance in invasive giant African snails.},
journal = {Journal of environmental sciences (China)},
volume = {158},
number = {},
pages = {610-620},
doi = {10.1016/j.jes.2025.02.028},
pmid = {40841038},
issn = {1001-0742},
mesh = {Animals ; *Manure ; *Drug Resistance, Microbial/genetics ; *Snails/microbiology ; Humans ; Introduced Species ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Soil Microbiology ; Environmental Monitoring ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S ; Feces/microbiology ; },
abstract = {The giant African snail (Achatina fulica) is an invasive species served as potential vectors for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and potential human bacterial pathogens. Currently, urban green spaces receive extensive organic manure additions as part of their management, may intensify the biological contamination potential of these snail vectors, thereby increasing the risk of biological pollution in green spaces. However, the specific impacts of this practice on the microbial ecology of these invasive species remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the effects of organic manure application on the gut microbiome of giant African snails, focusing on ARGs, bacterial community structure, and potential human bacterial pathogens. Microcosm experiments compared snail gut microbiomes in different treatments (Soil: soil samples collected after manure amendment, before any snail exposure. Feces: fecal samples collected from snails that lived on manure-amended soil. Control: fecal samples collected from snails that lived on unamended soil) using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing and metagenomic analysis. Our results show that manure application significantly altered gut bacterial community structure and increased ARG diversity by enriching specific high-risk ARGs (such as sul1 and sul2 in the Feces group increased by 2.89 and 2.43 times, respectively, compared to the Control group), and the introduction of eight novel ARG subtypes, despite decreasing overall ARG abundance. Moreover, the relative abundance of potential human pathogens, particularly Pseudomonadaceae, was greatly increased by manure application. These findings reveal that organic manure application in urban green spaces can potentially enhances their role as reservoirs and vectors of ARGs and human pathogens.},
}

Animals
*Manure
*Drug Resistance, Microbial/genetics
*Snails/microbiology
Humans
Introduced Species
Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Soil Microbiology
Environmental Monitoring
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S
Feces/microbiology

@article {pmid40840321,
year = {2025},
author = {Piazza, A and Mikac, B and Colangelo, MA and Costantini, F},
title = {ARMS in ports: monitoring non-indigenous species through Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {222},
number = {Pt 1},
pages = {118545},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.118545},
pmid = {40840321},
issn = {1879-3363},
abstract = {Harbors and marinas are considered Non-Indigenous Species (NIS) hotspots, being departure and arrival points for numerous vessels and providing environments with less complex artificial substrates that promote NIS colonization. Monitoring changes in the structure of benthic communities allows to early detect the arrival of new NIS. In this study, we used Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures, ARMS, 3D standardized passive collectors of benthic organisms, to monitor NIS presence and abundance in ports with different uses, a commercial harbor, and a touristic marina, in the northern Adriatic Sea, over one year. The sessile organisms growing on each ARMS plate were identify by photo analysis while the motile ones were morphologically recognized and counted using stereomicroscope. Benthic communities grown on ARMS were characterized by many taxa typical of coastal urbanized areas and showed high seasonal variability, being richer in spring and summer than in winter. Distinct benthic and NIS communities were found in the harbor and marina, with the marina hosting higher numbers of both native and NIS. This is likely due to the different environmental conditions, port structural complexity, and performed economic activities. Of the 86 macrofaunal taxa detected, nearly 19 % were NIS, mostly belonging to crustaceans, polychaetes, bivalves, and ascidians. Our results indicate that ARMS represent an efficient tool for monitoring NIS and suggest that they should be deployed in the spring season and in environments with different levels of urbanization to capture higher NIS diversity and enable their early detection.},
}

@article {pmid40837557,
year = {2025},
author = {Aung, YL and Aung, MH and Tan, Y and Jin, X},
title = {An updated checklist of vascular plants of Myanmar.},
journal = {PhytoKeys},
volume = {261},
number = {},
pages = {135-164},
pmid = {40837557},
issn = {1314-2011},
abstract = {Myanmar is one of the Southeast Asian countries where biodiversity richness is very high as well as under various anthropogenic threats. Its broad latitudinal range, heterogeneous topography, and tropical monsoonal climate make the country exceptionally rich in plant biodiversity. However, botanical exploration in Myanmar still lags, hindering a full understanding of the floristic diversity of the country and leading to a large gap in taxonomic knowledge of its flora. The latest checklist of Myanmar plants (including 11,800 species) was published over 20 years ago and clearly needs significant and comprehensive revisions to be in line with modern taxonomic classification systems. In this regard, the present study investigated the species richness of Myanmar flora based on herbarium specimens, taxonomic literature, and online databases. Therefore, it resulted in an updated checklist consisting of 14,020 species in 2,701 genera and 292 families of vascular plants known from Myanmar. Among them, there are 13,314 native species and 706 introduced species in Myanmar. In Myanmar, there are 864 endemic species which need proper conservation actions. In comparison, the number of species in the updated checklist has increased by 2,220 species more than those of the previous checklist, mainly due to the discovery of new species and new records for the country. The updated checklist has been taxonomically verified with voucher specimen-based comparisons, which will be useful for subsequent analyses of biodiversity research and conservation action.},
}

@article {pmid40836636,
year = {2025},
author = {Gallagher, RV},
title = {Traits and biogeography are key to non-native plant abundance, but in surprising ways.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.70483},
pmid = {40836636},
issn = {1469-8137},
}

@article {pmid40834194,
year = {2025},
author = {Rodrigues, AJS and Gomes, GMD and Neves, RAF and Caetano, CHS and Miyahira, IC},
title = {Population dynamics of Brachidontes darwinianus (Mytilidae) occurring in sympatry with the invasive Mytilopsis leucophaeata (Dreissenidae) in a coastal lagoon (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil).},
journal = {Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias},
volume = {97},
number = {3},
pages = {e20241535},
doi = {10.1590/0001-3765202520241535},
pmid = {40834194},
issn = {1678-2690},
mesh = {Animals ; Brazil ; Population Dynamics ; *Introduced Species ; *Mytilidae/classification/growth & development/physiology ; *Sympatry/physiology ; Population Density ; Seasons ; *Bivalvia/classification/growth & development ; },
abstract = {The native bivalve Brachidontes darwinianus occurs in sympatry with the invasive bivalve Mytilopsis leucophaeata in Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, an urban coastal lagoon located in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Both species are found in hard substrates and form clusters around the lagoon. This study aimed to evaluate the population aspects, such as growth and mortality rates, of the native bivalve B. darwinianus and compare with data available for M. leucophaeata for this lagoon. Population data were analyzed and compared between bivalve species over two years: 2016-2017 and 2017-2018. In both years, the growth rate of B. darwinianus remained similar (K = 0.5), while the mortality rate showed a slight increase in the second year (Z2016-2017 = 2.25; Z2017-2018 = 2.9). The densities of M. leucophaeata were significantly higher than those of B. darwinianus regardless of the year analyzed. However, an increasing trend in the densities of the native bivalve was observed in the second year, suggesting a coexistence of native and invasive bivalves in the lagoon. Therefore, more studies are needed to understand the ecological interactions between these species, given that the invasive bivalve is established and can induce changes in the benthic community of this environment.},
}

Animals
Brazil
Population Dynamics
*Introduced Species
*Mytilidae/classification/growth & development/physiology
*Sympatry/physiology
Population Density
Seasons
*Bivalvia/classification/growth & development

@article {pmid40831447,
year = {2025},
author = {Brijs, J and Tran, LL and Moore, C and Souza, T and Schakmann, M and Grellman, K and Johansen, JL},
title = {Outlasting the Heat: Collapse of Herbivorous Fish Control of Invasive Algae During Marine Heatwaves.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {31},
number = {8},
pages = {e70438},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.70438},
pmid = {40831447},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {2210070 to Jacob L. Johansen//Division of Ocean Sciences/ ; 009454 to Jacob L. Johansen//University of Hawaii at Manoa startup grant/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; *Coral Reefs ; *Herbivory ; *Hot Temperature ; *Fishes/physiology ; *Caulerpa/physiology ; *Perciformes/physiology ; },
abstract = {Marine heatwaves (MHWs), coral bleaching, and chronic local stressors such as eutrophication are accelerating regime shifts from coral- to algae-dominated reefs, increasingly favoring the proliferation of invasive, fast-growing, and often more grazing-resistant turf and macroalgae. A central tenet of global reef management strategies is that herbivorous fishes can sustain critical top-down control of algal proliferation as oceans warm. Here, we challenge this tenet by experimentally evaluating, under controlled laboratory conditions, whether herbivorous coral reef fishes across three key functional groups-browser (Naso lituratus), grazer (Acanthurus triostegus), and scraper (Chlorurus spilurus)-can maintain effective algal control across present-day (24.0°C-27.5°C) temperatures and into projected MHWs (31°C). We assessed (1) whether individuals evacuated thermally stressed conditions, effectively abandoning algal control, and (2) for those that remained, whether they could meet elevated energetic demands by foraging ad libitum on a mixture of Caulerpa spp.-a rapidly spreading and archetypal group of invasive algae in the Indo-Pacific. All species gained body mass while foraging exclusively on these algae during winter and summer (~0.18%-0.62% per day). However, despite remaining in thermally stressed conditions and maintaining stable foraging rates, all species experienced consistent body mass declines (~0.41%-1.62% per day) under MHW exposure. This precipitous decline in body mass was driven by ~54%-60% increases in basal energetic demands without corresponding increases in food intake. Survival estimates based on body mass loss ranged from ~20-81 days, which is substantially shorter than the projected ~126-152-day average duration of future MHWs. Our findings reveal that while short-term algal control may persist during thermal stress, prolonged exposure appears to erode herbivore physiological condition, effectively undermining top-down control of some algal types. Consequently, as ocean warming intensifies, herbivore protection strategies may become increasingly less effective at staving off algae proliferation and dominance in threatened reef ecosystems.},
}

Animals
*Introduced Species
*Coral Reefs
*Herbivory
*Hot Temperature
*Fishes/physiology
*Caulerpa/physiology
*Perciformes/physiology

@article {pmid40831276,
year = {2025},
author = {Radici, A and Hammami, P and Cannet, A and L'Ambert, G and Lacour, G and Fournet, F and Garros, C and Guis, H and Fontenille, D and Caminade, C},
title = {Aedes albopictus Is Rapidly Invading Its Climatic Niche in France: Wider Implications for Biting Nuisance and Arbovirus Control in Western Europe.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {31},
number = {8},
pages = {e70414},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.70414},
pmid = {40831276},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {//Région Occitanie Pyrénées-Méditerranée RIVOC intiative/ ; },
mesh = {*Aedes/physiology/virology ; Animals ; France/epidemiology ; *Climate Change ; *Mosquito Vectors/physiology/virology ; *Introduced Species ; *Dengue/transmission/epidemiology ; *Animal Distribution ; Humans ; Europe ; Arboviruses/physiology ; },
abstract = {The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, is a competent vector of arboviruses, such as dengue. After its introduction into southern Europe, this invasive species has been rapidly spreading as well as causing autochthonous cases of arboviral diseases. Both Ae. albopictus presence and potential to transmit arboviruses are facilitated at warm temperatures; hence, global warming is expected to affect their presence in temperate regions. We use a climate- and environmental-driven mechanistic modeling framework to investigate the impact of recent climate change on Ae. albopictus range expansion and its potential to transmit dengue in Western Europe. We simulate climatic suitability, adult density, and dengue transmission risk, which we compare with a large ensemble of entomological and epidemiological observations over the past 20 years. Most importantly, we analyze a novel spatiotemporal dataset of colonized municipalities in metropolitan France to estimate the spread rate of Ae. albopictus and compare it with model predictions. Lastly, we analyze the sensitivity of entomological and epidemiological risk to changes in temperature, rainfall, and human density. Distribution of simulated mosquito populations and dengue transmission risk satisfactorily match entomological and dengue observations for Western Europe (AUC = 0.90 and 0.75 respectively). While lowlands in southern Europe were already climatically suitable for hosting Ae. albopictus around 2010, Western France, together with large populated cities, such as London, Zagreb, and Vienna, has become suitable recently. Importantly, the accelerating colonization of Ae. albopictus in France may be approaching the limit of its theoretical climatic niche; future expansion will depend on the climate-driven enlargement of suitable areas. The area at risk of dengue transmission has recently expanded from the Mediterranean coasts over northern Spain and Western France. The sensitivity analysis suggests that climate change may expose medium-sized cities to the highest epidemiological risk; this finding is consistent with recently reported dengue outbreaks in Europe.},
}

*Aedes/physiology/virology
Animals
France/epidemiology
*Climate Change
*Mosquito Vectors/physiology/virology
*Introduced Species
*Dengue/transmission/epidemiology
*Animal Distribution
Humans
Europe
Arboviruses/physiology

@article {pmid40654299,
year = {2025},
author = {Duval, BD and Carabotta, E and de Tomas-Marin, S and Lightfoot, DC},
title = {Coincident shifts in riparian ground-active arthropod diversity and soil nutrients under an introduced symbiotic N2-fixing tree.},
journal = {Environmental entomology},
volume = {54},
number = {4},
pages = {773-789},
doi = {10.1093/ee/nvaf025},
pmid = {40654299},
issn = {1938-2936},
support = {//New Mexico Game and Fish/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Arthropods/physiology ; *Soil/chemistry ; *Biodiversity ; Nitrogen/analysis ; Phosphorus/analysis ; Nitrogen Fixation ; *Olea/physiology ; Symbiosis ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic nitrogen-fixing plants such as Russian olive can significantly impact soil chemistry and invertebrate biodiversity in riparian ecosystems. Here, the effects of Russian olive on soil chemical properties and invertebrate communities in riparian zones of the southwestern United States were investigated. Russian olive stands were compared to native cottonwood stands and restoration sites by analyzing soil nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and moisture levels, and arthropod diversity and abundance. Sites where Russian olive is present led to a net increase in soil nitrogen, a decrease in soil phosphorus, and greater soil moisture compared to both native cottonwood stands and restoration sites. Native cottonwood stands showed lower soil N and higher P levels, as well as higher arthropod diversity. This increased diversity could be linked to the soil's nutrient stoichiometry, as there is a negative correlation between taxonomic diversity and the soil N:P ratio. Moreover, there was a greater abundance of detritivorous arthropods in Russian olive stands compared to native vegetation. Soil nitrate (NO3-) levels showed a strong positive correlation with detritivorous arthropod abundance (r2 = 0.98), but only a moderate correlation with herbivores (r2 = 0.38), and NO3- was unrelated to predator abundance (r2 = 0.01). These results suggest that Russian olive stands can alter soil chemistry in ways that disproportionately benefit detritivores, potentially disrupting the balance of arthropod communities and reducing overall biodiversity in riparian ecosystems. The study underscores the need for careful management of invasive, symbiotic N2-fixing plant species to preserve the ecological integrity of riparian habitats.},
}

Animals
*Arthropods/physiology
*Soil/chemistry
*Biodiversity
Nitrogen/analysis
Phosphorus/analysis
Nitrogen Fixation
*Olea/physiology
Symbiosis
Introduced Species

@article {pmid40577797,
year = {2025},
author = {Hajek, AE and Clifton, EH and Solter, LF},
title = {Entomopathogens for control of Asian longhorned beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae).},
journal = {Environmental entomology},
volume = {54},
number = {4},
pages = {669-678},
doi = {10.1093/ee/nvaf016},
pmid = {40577797},
issn = {1938-2936},
mesh = {Animals ; *Coleoptera/microbiology ; *Pest Control, Biological/methods ; *Metarhizium/physiology ; Female ; Introduced Species ; Male ; Beauveria/physiology ; },
abstract = {Asian longhorned beetles, Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) (ALB), are native to China and Korea but invasive populations now threaten hardwood forests in North America and Europe where eradication is the main tactic. In North America, invasive ALB were first found in the New York City area in 1996 and, since then, infestations were detected in 5 additional states. Beginning in 1998, studies of fungal entomopathogens for ALB control were begun, followed by studies with entomopathogenic nematodes, Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner, and microsporidia. Studies with entomopathogenic fungi initially focused on a commercialized method used for application of Beauveria asiatica against adult cerambycids in Japanese orchards: cerambycids walk across bands covered with infective spores of entomopathogenic fungi that are attached around trees. For use in the United States, Metarhizium brunneum Petch F52 was grown in fungal bands and tested against adult ALB in US quarantine labs as well as in the field in China. Fungal infection reduced female longevity, fitness, and flight. Long-lived M. brunneum microsclerotia formulated in hydromulch were investigated as an alternative application method. Several species of entomopathogenic nematodes applied to ALB emergence holes showed promise for infecting and killing ALB larvae. The pathogens that have been investigated and developed are considered part of the arsenal of methods for ALB control and not "stand-alone" tactics. While no pathogens have been used operationally in the United States, information gained about these pathogens is available and could be used as situations warrant more tools for managing ALB.},
}

Animals
*Coleoptera/microbiology
*Pest Control, Biological/methods
*Metarhizium/physiology
Female
Introduced Species
Male
Beauveria/physiology

@article {pmid40569795,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, K and Hu, H and Hao, Z and He, H},
title = {Differential susceptibility of local and introduced chestnuts to a chestnut weevil Curculio davidi (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in the Qinling Mountains.},
journal = {Environmental entomology},
volume = {54},
number = {4},
pages = {931-937},
doi = {10.1093/ee/nvaf056},
pmid = {40569795},
issn = {1938-2936},
support = {2023YFD1401301//National Key R & D Program of China/ ; 2022M712603//Postdoctoral Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Weevils/physiology ; Female ; *Introduced Species ; China ; *Herbivory ; *Aesculus/chemistry/physiology ; *Fraxinus ; },
abstract = {The chestnut weevil, Curculio davidi Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a major pest of chestnuts. Damage caused by C. davidi has increased as beetle populations have expanded. To promote effective C. davidi management practices based on its host plant, we compared the susceptibility of local chestnut cultivar 'Qinli 2'(QL2) and introduced chestnut cultivar 'Hongli' (HL) in Qinling Mountains to this weevil. Number of eggs laid by C. davidi females in HL was significantly higher than that of QL2. Chestnut weevil females laid 6.25-fold and 3-fold more eggs in HL than QL2 in the choice tests and no-choice tests, respectively. From 2021 to 2023, C. davidi infestation rates of HL were significantly higher than that of QL2 in the field. HL was smaller, softer, and have lower cellulose content as compared with QL2. HL contained 4.61%, 13.76%, 10.09%, 26.53%, 9.24%, 18.4%, 6.28%, and 23.26% higher amounts of N, K, Ca, Mg, S, Na, Mn, and Cu respectively, than QL2. In contrast, QL2 contained 25.28%, 19.80%, and 16.83% higher amounts of Al, B, and Fe, than HL. Our results revealed that the introduced chestnut cultivar is more susceptible to C. davidi compared to the local chestnut cultivar in Qinling Mountain, which was associated with several physico-chemical changes in chestnuts. These findings may contribute to the future efforts for breeding of C. davidi-resistant chestnut cultivars.},
}

Animals
*Weevils/physiology
Female
*Introduced Species
China
*Herbivory
*Aesculus/chemistry/physiology
*Fraxinus

@article {pmid40830392,
year = {2025},
author = {Pinochet, J and Rivera, R and Brante, A},
title = {Network-based risk assessment of ship-mediated dispersal of non-native species across Chilean and international ports.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {30482},
pmid = {40830392},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {AIM23-0003//Grant the Millennium Institute of Oceanography/ ; 11250355//Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico/ ; 1230158//Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico/ ; },
mesh = {Chile ; *Ships ; *Introduced Species ; Risk Assessment ; Biodiversity ; Animals ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Marine biological invasions threaten global biodiversity, making it essential to identify high-risk areas for effective management and prevention. This study assesses the risk of non-native species (NNS) dispersal through maritime transport using network analysis to examine connectivity patterns among Chilean and international ports, complemented by an environmental similarity approach for estimation. The results highlight San Antonio, San Vicente, and Concepción Bay as key nodes within the national network, facilitating maritime traffic redistribution and linking the Central Chile and Araucanian ecoregions, identified as critical corridors for NNS introduction and spread. In contrast, secondary ports such as Corral and Mejillones have limited connectivity and play minor roles in the network. Internationally, Chilean ports maintain frequent connections with global hubs such as Panama and Shanghai, emphasizing their role in global maritime traffic. Procrustes analysis reveals strong environmental similarity between connected regions, suggesting that shared conditions enhance NNS survival and establishment. Alluvial diagrams and network illustrate high-risk routes and port, aiding in the identification of critical areas for monitoring and management. This study underscores the importance of integrating network analysis with environmental data as a key tool for assessing invasion risk, prioritizing strategic areas, and strengthening preventive strategies.},
}

Chile
*Ships
*Introduced Species
Risk Assessment
Biodiversity
Animals
Ecosystem

@article {pmid40829225,
year = {2025},
author = {Sun, Z and Zhang, L and Yu, H and Lai, Y and Zhang, H and Liu, Y and Wang, J and Kuang, Y},
title = {Nighttime warming impedes invasion of Chromolaena odorata into tropical coral islands.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {393},
number = {},
pages = {126991},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126991},
pmid = {40829225},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Nighttime warming, resulted from asymmetric global warming, is recognized as narrow diurnal temperature range (DTR). However, consensus on the effects of reduced DTR on plant's invasion remains elusive. Tropical coral islands in China, characterized as narrow DTR, are more and more intensively affected by plant invasion. In this study, we simulated a tropical coral island habitat by applying nighttime warming experiment (3 °C) and detected the responses of 19 plant functional traits of an invasive species Chromolaena odorata and a native species Scaevola sericea to this warming. Under mono-culture, C. odorata mainly adjusted water-use efficiency (WUE) to reduce water loss, while S. sericea mainly adjusted gas exchange to maintain relative growth rate (RGR) by altering leaf structural traits, in responses to nighttime warming. Under mixing-culture, nighttime warming decreased and increased resource utilization capacity of C. odorata and S. sericea, respectively. These results highlight that nighttime warming may impede the invasion of C. odorata to tropical coral islands. The recovery and construction of plantation preferentially selecting S. sericea can benefit inhibiting the spread of C. odorata at tropical coral islands.},
}

@article {pmid40828273,
year = {2025},
author = {Lozada-Chávez, AN and Bonizzoni, M},
title = {Identification of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism from Insect Genomic Data.},
journal = {Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)},
volume = {2935},
number = {},
pages = {29-49},
pmid = {40828273},
issn = {1940-6029},
abstract = {Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most common type of genetic variation among individuals. SNPs are widely used to estimate genomic divergence, population structure, and natural selection, as well as to identify associations between genomic variants and phenotypic traits. However, the identification of SNPs in non-model species or from field-derived samples may still be challenging and would benefit from standardized protocols. The identification of SNPs from raw sequencing data, such as those obtained from a standard Illumina library, involves many processing steps and the use of diverse sets of tools, where the choice of different parameters significantly affects the results. Here, we present a pipeline for a genome-wide identification of SNPs from raw Illumina reads. This pipeline is composed of three major steps that encompass the GATK Best Practices and include quality control of the raw reads, mapping of short reads to a reference genome, recalibration of the alignment, variant calling, quality control for variant calling, and filtering of candidate SNPs. The steps of this pipeline are accompanied by publicly available scripts and datasets used for the identification of SNPs in the genome of the mosquito Aedes aegypti, an invasive species and a major arboviral vector worldwide.},
}

@article {pmid40827793,
year = {2025},
author = {Hanson-Regan, W and Leasi, F and Alda, F},
title = {Geographical, Ecological, and Genetic Drivers of Gut Microbial Diversity in Native and Invasive Minnows (Leuciscidae: Cyprinella).},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e70011},
doi = {10.1111/mec.70011},
pmid = {40827793},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {//Center of Excellence in Applied Computational Science and Engineering (CEACSE), University of Tennessee at Chattanooga/ ; },
abstract = {The gut microbiome is important for many physiological processes that are critical in the adaptation of an animal to its environment. Conversely, abrupt ecological changes, as in the colonisation of a new territory, may also influence the microbiome. Therefore, anthropogenic introductions of invasive species offer a natural model in which to study these relationships. We compared the gut microbiomes (16S rRNA gene) of four freshwater fish species of the genus Cyprinella, including both native and introduced populations of the prolific invader C. lutrensis, to investigate if differences in their diversity and structure are determined by their host or depend more on the ecology and geographical location where they occur. Our results suggest that at this taxonomic level, the external environment of the fish is the strongest corollary of microbial diversity and community composition of the gut, followed to a lesser extent by species identity and genetic factors. Our findings emphasise the dynamic nature of the minnow gut microbiome, with high individual variation and rapid changes over time. We also found that new invasions may reduce the invader's gut microbiome alpha diversity while not conferring any clear distinction compared with cohabiting native species. This research addresses the perennial question of whether nature or nurture plays a greater role in shaping the gut microbiome, revealing the intricate interplay of factors and scales involved.},
}

@article {pmid40827212,
year = {2025},
author = {Buchanan, AEV and Gillingham, PK and Andreou, D and Hodder, KH and Toups, MA and Butler, H and Hardouin, EA},
title = {Climate Change Does Not Directly Influence Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) Distribution in Western Europe.},
journal = {microPublication biology},
volume = {2025},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40827212},
issn = {2578-9430},
abstract = {Climate change presents ongoing risks to species like the red squirrel, which, despite its wide range, faces pressures from multiple threats (fragmentation, invasive species, among others). This study assesses the relationship of red squirrel distribution across Western Europe with bioclimatic variables to predict future climate impacts. However, our results suggest that bioclimatic factors have limited predictive power, with no direct impacts identified. Indirect effects, such as the expansion of grey squirrels, may still worsen challenges for red squirrel populations. Addressing these by maintaining habitat quality and connectivity through targeted conservation measures will be crucial for ensuring red squirrel persistence.},
}

@article {pmid40826961,
year = {2025},
author = {Mo, L and Jiang, X and Lin, M and Zhou, Z and Wu, Z and Huang, J},
title = {Integrating Metabolomics and Behavioral Assays to Identify 4-Hydroxyphenylacetic Acid as a Candidate Component of Sex Pheromone in Invasive Pomacea canaliculata.},
journal = {Journal of agricultural and food chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.jafc.5c06394},
pmid = {40826961},
issn = {1520-5118},
abstract = {Pomacea canaliculata, a destructive invasive species, threatens agriculture and ecosystems globally. Environmentally safe control methods like sex pheromones remain unexplored for this snail. Integrating behavioral tests, metabolomics, and field trials, we identified key chemical ecology traits. Male P. canaliculata were strongly attracted to virgin female-conditioned water, specifically its medium ultrafiltrate, but unresponsive to male or mated female samples. Nontargeted metabolomics of 135 up-regulated metabolites in virgin females pinpointed 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid as a critical attractant. Behavioral assays confirmed its unique efficacy in luring males, while structural analogs failed, indicating specificity. Field trials validated its practical trapping potential, with optimal performance at a concentration of 1 mol/L. This study identifies 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid as a candidate component of sex pheromone in P. canaliculata, offering a targeted strategy for eco-friendly population control. These findings advance invasive species management by enabling pheromone-based traps, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and mitigating ecological impacts.},
}

@article {pmid40820899,
year = {2025},
author = {Ullah, F and Güncan, A and Gul, H and Li, X and Guedes, RNC and Desneux, N and Lu, Y},
title = {Cyantraniliprole-mediated transgenerational hormesis in the invasive tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.70136},
pmid = {40820899},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {2023A02006//Major Science and Technology Projects in Xinjiang/ ; 2023R5249//Zhejiang High-level Talents Special Support Program/ ; 2024SSYS0105//Key R&D Program of Zhejiang/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Hormesis, a biphasic dose-response phenomenon, is gaining recognition for its bioregulatory and practical implications. Invasive species present a critical context for studying hormesis, because sublethal population-level responses may facilitate establishment and spread, particularly when transgenerational effects are involved. The invasive South American tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta Meyrick, a global agricultural pest, exemplifies this scenario. Despite its relevance, the role of hormesis, particularly in response to novel insecticides like cyantraniliprole, a second-generation anthranilic diamide widely used against lepidopteran pests, remains underexplored. Thus, using age-stage, two-sex life table analyses and nanocarrier-mediated RNA interference, we examined the sublethal effects of cyantraniliprole on T. absoluta.

RESULTS: Cyantraniliprole exhibited high toxicity to third-instar larvae, with a median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.72 mg L[-1] after 72 h of exposure. Sublethal and low lethal concentrations (LC10 and LC30) prolonged developmental times and reduced adult longevity and fecundity in exposed individuals. Intriguingly, exposure to LC10 in subsequent generations (F1 and F2) shortened developmental times and increased survival, reproduction and life table parameters, whereas exposure to LC30 significantly impaired these traits. Gene expression analyses revealed reduced levels of development and reproduction-related genes (Vg, VgR and JHBP) in parental insects but increased levels in F1 and F2 at LC10, whereas the levels of expression remained consistent at LC30. Overexpression of detoxification-related P450 genes (CYP4M116, CYP6AW1 and CYP9A307v2) persisted over generations, whereas nanomaterial-encapsulated dsRNA targeting these genes significantly increased susceptibility to cyantraniliprole.

CONCLUSION: Cyantraniliprole induces a transgenerational hormesis-like response in T. absoluta. These findings highlight the need to evaluate the hormetic-like effects when designing ecologically sound pest management strategies for this invasive pest species. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid40820352,
year = {2025},
author = {Le, H and Vilà, M and Zhao, C and Xiong, G and Xu, W and Xie, Z},
title = {Temporal and Spatial Changes of Native and Alien Plant Assemblages Ecological Strategies in Response to Chronic Disturbances.},
journal = {Annals of botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/aob/mcaf187},
pmid = {40820352},
issn = {1095-8290},
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Successional theory predicts directional shifts in plant community composition following disturbance. However, the long-term effects of chronic, recurring disturbances on plant ecological strategies at the community-level in human-altered landscapes, and how they differ between the assemblages of native and alien species, remain poorly understood.

METHODS: Using Grime's competitor, stress-tolerator, ruderal (CSR) framework, we examine temporal and spatial changes in plant strategies at the community-level in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area, China. Based on repeated plant community surveys in 2012 and 2018 at the same localities, we assess the differences in the assemblages of native and alien strategies in response to chronic disturbances by extreme hydrological fluctuations and intense human activities over time and along a shoreline-to-upland disturbance gradient.

KEY RESULTS: Our results reveal a temporal shift in native assemblages, with a decline in R-score and an increase in C- and S-scores, while alien assemblages maintained a strong R-strategy. Spatial patterns show that native assemblages adopted a mid-elevation peak in C-strategy, with S- and R-strategies dominating at higher and lower elevations, respectively. In contrast, there is no spatial variation in the CSR strategies of alien plant assemblages.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that chronic disturbances (e.g., water fluctuations and human activities) drive a spatiotemporal decoupling of the CSR strategies between native and alien plant assemblages. This divergence requires targeted management by prioritizing suppression of ruderal alien species and promoting competitive and stress-tolerant native species to guide succession dynamics.},
}

@article {pmid40817650,
year = {2025},
author = {Fenollosa, E and Munné-Bosch, S and Pintó-Marijuan, M},
title = {Invasion Amid the Shadows: Ecophysiological Dissimilarity and Microhabitat Constraints on an Exotic Succulent in a Mediterranean Ecosystem.},
journal = {Physiologia plantarum},
volume = {177},
number = {4},
pages = {e70455},
pmid = {40817650},
issn = {1399-3054},
support = {//Generalitat de Catalunya/ ; //Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades/ ; //Universitat de Barcelona/ ; },
abstract = {Prevention is the most cost-effective strategy for managing plant invasions, which includes defining the potential of exotic species to inhabit different environmental conditions. The limiting similarity hypothesis suggests that resemblance to native species facilitates the establishment and spread of exotics in a non-native range. However, this similarity has rarely been quantified in terms of the physiological strategies used to cope with seasonal environmental variability. Here, we explored for the first time the multivariate ecophysiological similarity between an exotic species and the native community to assess where the invader might succeed. Specifically, we contrasted the physiological annual response of the declared potential invader Aptenia cordifolia relative to six coexistent native species in two contrasting environmental conditions (under canopy and at high irradiance) in a Mediterranean-type ecosystem. The invasive species exhibited distinct physiological responses, demonstrating partial alignment with native traits under specific conditions. At the high irradiance site, the exotic species was the least efficient at counteracting both summer and winter stresses; whereas in the under-canopy habitat, it exhibited greater ecophysiological dissimilarity from the native community. Our results score the potential of multivariate physiological analysis for guiding habitat prioritization in invasion management and biodiversity conservation in Mediterranean-type ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid40814410,
year = {2025},
author = {Niederman, TE and Aronson, JN and Gainsbury, AM and Nunes, LA and Dreiss, LM},
title = {US Imperiled species and the five drivers of biodiversity loss.},
journal = {Bioscience},
volume = {75},
number = {7},
pages = {524-533},
pmid = {40814410},
issn = {0006-3568},
abstract = {We synthesized reported threats to US imperiled species to identify which of the five predominant drivers of biodiversity loss-climate change, invasive species, land and sea use change, pollution, and overexploitation-negatively influence species persistence across taxa. Using threats identified at listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) assessments, and novel climate sensitivity assessments, we document which drivers affect the 2766 imperiled species analyzed. Our results are the first in which climate change has been identified as the leading threat to species listed under the ESA. We found that updated climate sensitivity assessments are essential for understanding the breadth of this threat. We also show that the majority of US imperiled species experience multiple threats, with some groups such as cnidarians, bivalves, and amphibians facing a higher total number than average. As climate change rapidly accelerates, we emphasize the need for up-to-date assessments and highlight existing data gaps.},
}

@article {pmid40812282,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, X and Wang, Q and Fei, J and Zhang, S and Zhang, Q and Ma, B and Xu, S},
title = {Assessment of imazapyr's control effects and soil environmental safety in salt marsh wetlands invaded by Spartina alterniflora.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {221},
number = {},
pages = {118551},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.118551},
pmid = {40812282},
issn = {1879-3363},
abstract = {Spartina alterniflora is a prevalent invasive species in the estuarine coastal wetlands of China. Effective control and management of S. alterniflora are crucial for preserving and enhancing the biodiversity and ecosystem functions of these wetlands. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the ecological impacts of control measures for S. alterniflora. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effectiveness of imazapyr in removing S. alterniflora in salt marsh wetlands and to evaluate its ecological safety concerning the soil environment. The results showed that the herbicidal effect of imazapyr was significant one month after application, but imazapyr has a long soil residual activity, with trace residues still present one month after application at higher concentrations (dilution factor: 11.00). Thirty days after imazapyr application, most soil nutrients and bacterial diversity remained stable, but the fungal shannon index significantly increased. The relative abundance of Proteobacteria increased notably, while the abundance of Bacteroidota, Actinobacteriota, and other phylum-level bacteria was inhibited by imazapyr. The fungal community structure, however, was not significantly impacted. Additionally, the spraying of imazapyr reduced the robustness of the microbial ecological network, making it more vulnerable. Interestingly, imazapyr application improved the soil health index in one month. This study provides valuable insights into the dynamic changes in soil nutrients, microbial communities, and the overall soil health index following imazapyr application, thereby deepening our understanding of the soil environment after disturbance.},
}

@article {pmid40811509,
year = {2025},
author = {Pen, IAM and Benedict, C and Broe, MB and Delgado, A and Glon, H and Zhang, M and Daly, M},
title = {Resolving Acuticulata (Metridioidea: Enthemonae: Actiniaria), a clade containing many invasive species of sea anemones.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {8},
pages = {e0328544},
pmid = {40811509},
issn = {1932-6203},
abstract = {Acuticulata is a globally distributed group in the actiniarian superfamily Metridioidea comprised of taxa with ecological, economic, and scientific significance. Prominent members such as Exaiptasia diaphana and Diadumene lineata serve as model organisms for studying coral symbiosis, bleaching phenomena, and ecological invasions. Despite their importance, unresolved phylogenetic relationships and outdated taxonomic frameworks hinder a full understanding of the diversity and evolution of the taxa in this clade. In this study, we employ a targeted sequence-capture approach to construct a robust phylogeny for Acuticulata, addressing long-standing questions about familial monophyly and comparing the results to results from a more conventional five-gene dataset. Specimens from previously underrepresented families and global regions, including the Falkland Islands, were included to elucidate evolutionary interrelationships and improve resolution. Our results support the monophyly of Aliciidae, Boloceroididae, Diadumenidae, Gonactiniidae, and Metridiidae. Our results reiterate the need for taxonomic revision within the family Sagartiidae, as the specimens we included from this family were recovered in four distinct clades. Based on our results, we transfer Paraiptasia from Aiptasiidae to Sagartiidae. These findings emphasize the utility of genome-scale data for resolving phylogenetic ambiguities for morphologically problematic taxa and suggest a framework for future integrative taxonomic and ecological studies within Acuticulata.},
}

@article {pmid40810866,
year = {2025},
author = {Hamman, E},
title = {Cumulative effects assessment under the World Heritage and Ramsar regimes.},
journal = {Environmental management},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40810866},
issn = {1432-1009},
abstract = {Managing cumulative pressures on socio-ecological systems presents as one of the foremost policy challenges of our time. Climate change, invasive species, development and pollution all have the potential to individually, and collectively, degrade the earth's natural and cultural resources. International environmental law, a crucial element of global environmental governance, has a role to play in prompting and coordinating a response to cumulative effects. Hitherto, however, international approaches have been fragmented and unfocused, further complicating the already challenging application of Cumulative Effects Assessment (CEA) at the local level. This article examines how the two primary protected area treaties-the World Heritage Convention and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands-have evolved to address the concepts of CEA and cumulative effects. It uncovers instances of ambiguity and fragmentation in treaty guidance material and concludes with a suggestion for further empirical research into how CEA could (or should) apply in the context of internationally protected areas.},
}