The research of urban anthropogenic habitats has recently gained big emphasis. We started the systematic mapping of the urban flora and habitats of Budapest, Hungary in 2018. Our main goal was to create a comparable study on the anthropogenic urban habitats of the inhabited areas. The territorial units were street sections, where we recorded the presence of vascular plants separately in each ecologically habitat. Based on the experience gathered during the field survey, we distinguished 18 ecologically anthropogenic urban habitats. We recorded 647 spontaneously plant species in more than 27,000 survey units. Our survey evinced the spontaneous occurrence of 193 alien plant species in Budapest. Our knowledge about the distribution of 81 of them is insufficient, while 10 are new introductions in Hungary. 53.9% of the aliens are cultivated frequently in Hungary. Our research suggests that there is a need for systematic mapping of urban habitats because these areas are centers of introduction and spreading of aliens, while may serve as refuges for native species at the same time. The most species-rich habitats are attached to roads, they bear the most adventive species as well. The corridor role of roads is also supported by our research.

The consequences of various old-time and recent human interventions on the Danube river (‘the most international river of the world’) are enormous, and still, new developments are planned. Therefore, we targeted to explore the current vegetation of the islands on the Hungarian Danube stretch between Vének and Budapest (149 river-km long), and the reasons for their various appearance. The first pioneer habitats on riparian zones of islands and gravel bars where the surface becomes dry are willow scrubs. Purple willow scrubs (Rumici crispi–Salicetum purpureae association) evolves on gravel-covered surfaces characterized by extreme water regime. Such surfaces were typical on the riparian zone of the islands along the main flow, and upper zones of the side-arm bank on the islands. On the contrary, almond-leaved willow scrub association (Polygono hydropipero–Salicetum triandrae) develops on silty and sandy surfaces, which is typical along side-arms, mainly in their lower riparian zone. As a consequence of closing the side-arm (due to water regulation purposes), previously gravel-covered surfaces of its riparian zone have been recently covered by smaller sediments of sand or silt, and thus, the Rumici crispi–Salicetum purpureae association only appears on the bank of the islands along the main flow. However, many erosion protection structures were built along the riparian zone which blocks the development of continuous stands, and therefore, the next successional stage (black poplar stands) cannot evolve. Almond-leaved willow (Salix triandra), the dominant species of almond-leaved willow scrub stands (Polygono hydropipero–Salicetum triandrae) becomes rare as well; its consociation with white willow (Salix alba) are more typical, or the white willow stands (Leucojo aestivi–Salicetum albae) grow directly on the bank without any scrub association. A possible reason for this might be the deepening water-level and drying of bank zone along the side-arm.

Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) in Russia is presented by a number of wild and domestic populations. Both wild and domestic reindeer play an important role in lives of indigenous people. Investigation of biodiversity of this species is very important for developing conservation and breeding programs. Our research was aimed at determining haplotype variability and genetic diversity of the wild and domestic reindeer. MtDNA cytb gene (1,140 bp) of the wild reindeer from the Taimyr region (WLD, n=16) and domestic reindeer from the Nenets-Autonomous district (NEN, n=15) and Tuva Republic (TUVA, n=5) were sequenced. It was shown that the number of variable sites was higher in WLD – 35, than in NEN and TUVA – 17 and 5, respectively. Haplotype diversity was 0.958±0.036 in WLD, 0.762±0.096 in NEN and 0.900±0.161 in TUVA. Average number of nucleotide differences was 7.942 in WLD, 4.324 in NEN and 2.800 in TUVA. The median-joining network revealed that WLD and NEN had shared haplotypes with each other, while TUVA had private haplotypes. Thus, the obtained results of the current study demonstrated that the wild reindeer were characterized by higher genetic diversity than both domestic groups. Tuva reindeer clustered separately from the other populations and were characterized by higher haplotype diversity than the Nenets conspecifics that had a higher average number of nucleotide differences.

Kazakh White-headed is the local beef cattle breed, which is bred in Central Asia countries. It was created in the beginning of 20 century by improving native Kazakh cattle by Hereford breed. The aim of our work was to characterize the genetic structure and to trace the presence of ancestral genetic components in the modern population of Kazakh White-headed cattle. The samples of modern representatives of Kazakh White-headed (KZWH_M, n=29) and Hereford (HRFD_M, n=25) breeds as well as historical specimens of native Kazakh breed (KZKH_H, n=2), dated by the first quarter of 20^th century, were subjected to the study. All works with historical specimen were performed in dedicated facility of the L.K. Ernst research Centre for Animal Husbandry. DNA from modern samples was extracted using DNA Extran 2 kit (JSC Syntol, Russia) and from historical specimen – using COrDIS Extract Decalcine kit (GORDIZ LLC, Russia). We genotyped 11 microsatellite loci (BM1818, BM2113, BM1824, ETH10, ETH225, INRA023, SPS115, TGLA53, TGLA122, TGLA126, and TGLA227). For historical samples the PCR reaction were carried out in five replicates to determine the consensus genotypes for each locus.

In total, we identified 82 microsatellite alleles. Five alleles, which were found in the historical specimens, were lost in the modern population of Kazakh White-headed cattle. We observed the highest level of genetic diversity (unbiased heterozygosity, allelic richness) in historical samples. The modern population of Kazakh White-headed cattle was closer to Hereford breed as was revealed by calculation of pairwise Nei and F_ST genetic distances. The STRUCTURE clustering confirmed the more similarity of genetic structure of modern Kazakh White-headed cattle with Herefords, but showed the visible presence the historical genetic components. The research results will be useful for developing the programs of conservation and sustainable use of Kazakh White-headed cattle.

Climate drivers play a major role in influencing biodiversity and ecosystem change. Models can be used to address the effects of changes in environmental drivers in biodiversity change in nature. In this work we address the question of how certain climatic variables may be significant related to alterations of avian biodiversity in a semi-agricultural Natura wetland side in Northern Greece. In particular, we examine the interplay between temperature, rain and three different bird biodiversity indexes, including Shannon Entropy, Simpson’s dominance (evenness) index and the Berger-Parker index. By using different modeling approaches, parametric and non-parametric multivariate models, we get a consensus on the interrelationships between climate and avian biodiversity. In particular, we show that in most cases nonlinear models and surface-plot analysis methodology, are able to capture the relation of a considerable increase in the estimated biodiversity indexes with increased temperatures and rain levels. Thus, biodiversity is to a significant extent affected by the aforementioned climate factors at a proximate level involving synergies between the different climate factors. Revealing potential interrelationship between biodiversity and climate drivers although is a complex—even though challenging—task, contributing to our understanding of the mechanisms connecting climate change with ecosystem functioning. Moreover, a better understanding of biodiversity functioning in relation to climate is essential for biodiversity awareness and the design of effective biodiversity-related conservation management policies.

Staphylococci can be found on the skin and mucous membranes of people and several animal species. In addition, due to their ubiquity in surviving in adverse environmental conditions, staphylococci have also been found in dust, air, soil, water, plants and environmental surfaces. Nevertheless, studies describing the Staphylococcus aureus distribution, prevalence, antimicrobial resistance and genetic lineages in environmental niches are scarce. Due to the zoonotic potential of S. aureus and their ability to easily acquire antimicrobial resistance, it is important to study these bacteria in all environmental compartments, including free-living animals. Some studies have reported the presence S. aureus in several different species of wild animals, such as, among others, in hares, deer, foxes, mice, mountain goats, kangaroos, hedgehogs, bears, wild boars, beavers, squirrels, shrews, bats, minks, raccoons, seals, apes, as well as in different species of birds. S. aureus present a great diversity of genetic lineages, of which some have been previously associated with humans and livestock. The majority of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains isolated from wild animals harbor the mecC gene, which is a homologue of the more common mecA gene (responsible for the methicillin resistance). Unlike, mecC-positive MRSA strains, which are sensible to all antimicrobial agents, mecA-MRSA isolates present resistance to other classes of antibiotics and several virulence factors. Wild animals may be overlooked as a transmission vector of antibiotic resistant bacteria and monitoring the presence of antimicrobial resistance species, in this particular case, S. aureus, in wildlife could lead to a better understand of the epidemiology of staphylococci infections.

The introduction of new species in Algerian biodiversity is a crucial task in our environmental and economical politic, thus some spices of great interest as curcuma, saffron...are introduced by young start-ups as Algerian soil and climate are compatible with its culture; and in the framework of enhancement of such spices, the safe recovery of Curcumin in a keto-enol tautomeric form, a sensitive and versatile pro-oxidant and antioxidant propriety rarely reported, which improve its solubility and promote the effectiveness of Curcumin as natural anticancer agent, is reported. To attend our target, non-thermal and conventional solid-liquid extraction by cold maceration with several solvents’ systems and time depending is used, furthermore an optimization using Response Surface Method (RSM) is conducted, then obtained crud is separated using LC chromatography using ethyl acetate/hexane gradient, pure compounds were identified by TLC, MP, UV, IR, and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Experimental and optimized results reveled the best solvent and time: Acetone + shaking/6 h, for extracting maximum yield of 7.52% and 7.6% respectively. Besides, obtained Curcuminoids were selectively separated from crud using as supplementary treatment oleoresins solubility in Ether Petroleum propriety, pure Curcumin in tautomeric form was identified, and an improved total yield of purified Curcumin (2.53%) is obtained. This eco-friendly, economic and easy process improved Curcuminoids and Curcumin recovery, preservation and efficiency for further industrial applications: building bloc in drug design as anticarcinogen agent, derma-cosmetics, functional foods, nutraceutics, hemysynthesis, and natural dyes which make great profits of introduction of this spicy in Algerian soil and Biodiversity.

Zingiber officinal is a widely used plant in cooking as well as traditional remedy in prevention of digestive conditions and disorders, cancer, inflammatory disease, antiseptic. In recent years several studies are conducted on botanical, chemical and toxicological parts of this plant in order to prove a concordance between traditional and medicinal knowledge. In fact, plant based metabolites is an interdisciplinary field, as it requires knowledge of botanic, pharmacology, food, chemical, clinical, preclinical, herbal drug technology, microbiology etc. There is an urgent need to explore and investigate the innovations, current shortcomings, future challenges explore and convey the key concepts for understanding the assessment of plant based metabolites in therapeutically caring. Furthermore, Drug discovery from plants goes through different strategies: empirical approach like ethno botanical and pharmalogical studies, and chimiotaxonomical one like choosing certain secondary metabolites family phenols, flavones, terpens... In this case, the present work is a contribution in the evaluation of Zingiber officinal’s rhizome percolate potential in polyphenols, flavonoïdes, in vitro antioxidant test Ferric reducing antioxidant power FRAP, antibacterial activity against several gram + (S. aureus) and gram-(E. coli, P. aeruginonose, K. pneumoniae) referential strains and antifungal activity (Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger,) were tested using disk diffusion method, which reveled a very interesting dose-depending activity (from 16 to 26 mm) against S. aureus, P. aeruginonose and K. pneumoniae, similar to used standard Gentamicin GN, whereas fungi exhibit less sensitivity with 10 mm of inhibition and E. coli was resistant to crud ginger extract.

Increasing agricultural intensification can have a large impact on pollinating communities in terms of number and diversity, which often show a declining trend these days. Pollination is an important regulating ecosystem service, providing about 84% of fruit and vegetable production. The diversity of pollinators and the appropriate number of individuals are key to efficient pollination. In study, we examined the impact of three farming systems (organic, permaculture, and conventional) on the temporal, average farm-level number and diversity of pollinator species groups. We sampled all together fifteen small-scale (0.3-2 hectares, 5-5 in all three types) farms in North-Central Hungary with similar agroecological features. All of them have horticultural production with diverse crop rotation. We used visual sampling method to register individual number and taxa of pollinators in 14 categories in May, July and August, 2020. Our results show that the abundance of some pollinator taxonomic groups was highest in case of permaculture farms and in some cases even significant differences were found (e.g. Apidae and Total number of pollinators taxonomic groups). On the other hand regarding taxonomic group Shannon diversity of the pollinator communities, we could not detect any significant difference between the farming types. Our results show that permaculture farms could maintain a diverse and abundant pollinator community during the studied period but we have to consider the farm management factors like plant protection measures, flower resources and biodiversity management on the farm also natural habitats around the farms and the attitude of the farmers towards protection of pollinators.

The research of drivers leading to plant extinction is primary task in global biodiversity conservation. Despite Russia covers a large area, there is a lack of data on factors leading to plant extinction there, including orchids. We aimed to evaluate the anthropogenic drivers threaten orchids included in the Russian Red Data Books. For this purpose, we generalized and systematized data on orchids included in all relevant (i.e. published during recent 10–11 years) regional Red Data Books available online by 31 December 2020. For each Red Data Book orchid, we identified threats, i.e. drivers leading to species extinction, according to sections “Limiting factors” or “Limiting factors and threats” of regional Red Data Books. We found the total taxonomic list of Red Data Book orchids in the analyzed regions of Russia. The similarity of the lists of orchid taxa in analyzed regions has been established on the basis of Jaccard index. In regards of extinction drivers, we found what of them are most serious threats to orchids in the regions of Russian Federation. We believe that the conducting of the similar study for the whole amount of threatened plants of Russia will provide highly valuable results demanded all over the world.