Plant translocations are increasingly crucial in conservation efforts, establishing new populations, augmenting declining ones, and reintroducing species to their native habitats. Despite their effectiveness in reducing the risk of extinction for seriously threatened plants, translocations are often the last option due to high costs and failure risk. However, such actions are urgent in the Mediterranean Basin, a global hotspot for plant diversity, which faces significant anthropogenic pressures and climate change. In this context, Dianthus morisianus Vals. (Caryophyllaceae) stands out as a narrow endemic species in a coastal dune system in south-west Sardinia. Its habitat is in continuous decline; consequently, it is assessed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Global Red List (CR), yet it is not protected by any international, national, or local regulations. To reduce the extinction risk of D. morisianus, three conservation translocation actions have been undertaken since 2010. The first, in November 2010, involved the construction of protective fences and the reintroduction of 113 juvenile plants. The second, in February 2012, introduced 25 juvenile plants to an open, unprotected site. The third, in March 2018, aimed to strengthen the population by introducing 38 adult plants. Long-term monitoring over 14, 12, and 6 years, respectively, indicated high survival, flowering, and fruiting rates for fenced plants. The newly fenced populations had a survival rate exceeding 96% in the first year, reaching 100% in subsequent years. Flowering and fruiting rates ranged from around 40% in the first year to over 70% in the following years. Many new seedlings appeared after two years, increasing annually (quintupling over time). In contrast, the unprotected site exhibited low seedling numbers and no reproductive plants. Fenced populations demonstrated enhanced long-term survival and reproductive success, becoming self-sustaining through successive generations. This translocation project showcases an effective strategy for reintroducing endangered species and offers a model for similar conservation efforts in Sardinia and the broader Mediterranean region.

Amphibians are valuable bioindicators of environmental health due to their sensitivity to habitat changes. This study explores amphibian diversity across five seral stages in the Belipola Arboretum, the first analog forest in Sri Lanka's Central Highlands. The seral stages, identified based on stratification and cover, represent early, mid, and late stages of ecological succession. A Visual Encounter Survey method was employed to estimate amphibian presence, resulting in the recording of 120 individuals from 13 species across four families. Data analysis, using SAS statistical tools, revealed that 85% of recorded species were endemic, and 46% were threatened (categorized as Critically Endangered, Endangered, or Vulnerable). Statistical analysis showed no significant differences in amphibian biodiversity between the first and second (p=0.1478), second and third (p=0.0678), third and fourth (p=0.2055), and fourth and fifth (p=0.0609) seral stages. However, significant differences were observed among other stages. The highest Shannon Wiener index was recorded in the fifth seral stage (1.82), followed by the fourth (1.31), third (0.98), second (0.49), and first (0.11) stages. These results indicate that amphibian biodiversity exhibits exponential growth after the second seral stage, with habitat quality improving as ecological succession progresses. The findings suggest that analog forestry, a method of ecosystem restoration that mimics natural forest structures, can enhance habitat quality and support biodiversity conservation. As seral succession advances, the quality of habitats for threatened amphibians improves, underscoring the importance of maintaining and restoring diverse ecosystems. This study supports the use of analog forestry as a viable approach to promoting ecological health and biodiversity in forested landscapes.

Light pollution is a growing concern affecting biodiversity, especially moths, which are crucial pollinators. This study evaluates the similarity between artificial and natural light using the Daylight Similarity Index (DSI) and Moonlight Similarity Index (MSI). These indices are then weighted by the visual responses of three moth species: Cydia pomonella, Grapholita molesta, and Lobesia botrana; and Homo sapiens. The study analyzed 193 spectra from LED lamps and compared them to the D65 daylight spectrum and the full moon spectrum.

The results indicate that the maximum similarity occurs at correlated colour temperatures (CCTs) between 3000 and 4000 K, with and without weighting. Higher CCTs are perceived as more similar to natural light by insects. Interestingly, despite their different flight periods, the three moth species did not show significant differences in light perception, suggesting that visual perception mechanisms are more related to family than lifestyle. A slight shift towards diurnal vision was observed in crepuscular species, hinting at a trend towards diurnal vision. This research highlights the importance of considering insect vision in designing lighting systems to mitigate light pollution's impact on moths. Further research is recommended, particularly with UV-inclusive light and other light characteristics, to develop more effective strategies for managing pest populations and protecting biodiversity.

Regardless of their well-known role in providing ecosystem services and maintaining soil quality, data on earthworm diversity are sporadic. There have been multiple efforts to collect samples but it is obvious that Hungarian protected areas are not under thorough investigation. This research provided new information for earthworm research on a slope of the Gödöllő Hillside and at the border of a peaty meadow near the Galga Creek. The Gödöllő area is steep while the Galga Creek area is a wetland with a sandy area. We hypothesize that there will be more earthworms at the bottom of the slope, being a more favorable habitat due to the more abundant food sources, while in the Galga Creek area, a higher number are expected to be present around the sandy “hill”, as the peaty meadow provides a much more favorable area compared to the sandy hill, because sand is known to dry out easily and there is less organic matter, so it is not favored by earthworms (being the opposite of the peaty area). Earthworms were collected in five replicates of a 25×25×25cm hole dug using a shovel. The search normally takes 30 minutes (gross: including the digging, counting, and recultivating the area, as well as marking the bottles holding the earthworms and collecting samples for soil analyses). Aporrectodea rosea was found at both sites. Eisenia fetida and Lumbricus terrestris were only found in the peaty meadow site while Octolasion cyaneum was only found in the steep slope area. Both sampling sites (the hilly area and the peaty meadow) proved the hypothesis: the lower section of the steep slopes and the less sandy area of the peaty meadow provided better habitats, and this was associated with higher earthworm abundance and earthworm weight. The research provides a baseline for further investigations because there is a lack of related publications.

Studies on the diversity and distribution pattern of species must include not only an understanding of their specific ecological requirements, but also their geographical context, which in turn shapes their structure and dynamics. Studies on the influence of latitudinal and elevation gradients on species diversity, richness and evenness are significant. Interestingly, the physiographic and eco-climatic uniqueness of the Eastern Himalayan region of West Bengal, India, sustains a healthy butterfly population.

The present study attempts to document the altitudinal distribution of nymphalidae butterflies in surrounding regions outside the jurisdiction of the protected areas of Eastern Himalayas (Singalika National Park, Neora Valley National Park, Gorumara National Park and Buxa Tiger Reserve). Determination of diversity (Shannon Index “H´”, Simpson Index “D”), evenness (Pielou Index “E”, Buzas and Gibson Index “E_BG”, Equitability Index “Eq”), richness (Menhinick Index “R₁”, Margalef Index “R₂”), dominance (Berger–Parker Dominance “D_BP”) and Gini’s coefficient on the measure of inequality in species distribution was undertaken across six altitudinal belts (˂=1500 masl, 1501-2000 masl, 2001-2500 masl, 2501-3000 masl, 3001-3500 masl, ˃=3501 masl).

The highest values of diversity (H´=6.34) and species richness (R₁=2.497; R₂=12.01) were noted across 2501-3000 masl. However, evenness values (E=1.424; E_BG=0.951; Eq=0.987) were greatest at ˃=3501 masl. On the contrary, Gini’s coefficient (G=0.264) and dominance values (D_BP = 0.0469) were highest at ˂=1500 masl. The formation of a curve with a mid-elevation peak, depicting the high species richness and diversity seen across the study sites, is worth mentioning.

Topographical uniqueness, coupled with the formation of cloud cover at approximately 2000 masl, may provide a habitat sustaining montane forest specialist species. Significantly differences in altitude probably influence the diversity and distribution of nymphalid butterflies in such regions, with immense ecological significance. Therefore, the present study highlights the impact of floristic diversity on shaping habitat quality, in turn contributing to conservation biology.

Wild boar activities are well known and well described worldwide. They cause a lot of conflicts, but their measured parameters are rarely published, with the literature concentrating on the emotional perceptions of the matter. Furthermore, as we go into detail, e.g., the wild boar and pedology or the wild boar and erosion, we find even less research on these connections/topics. In a recent research study, we examined a Hungarian grassland with 50% bush cover on a steep slope that could result in considerable soil water erosion. The null hypothesis was that the wild boar causes differences in soil properties at different scales in the eroded and sedimented parts of slope sections. Soil samples from wild boar rootings (20-50 cm deep), from the ring around these rootings (15-25 cm high) and from nearby control areas (1-2 m distance from the ring) were collected from the upper and the lower third sections of the slope. Samples were analyzed with a near-infrared soil scanner (Agrocares Ltd). Our study explores how wild boar rooting relates to water erosion-related pedological parameters (phosphorus, Total Organic Carbon (TOC), pH and clay content). The amount of phosphorus was higher at the lower third of the slope than at the upper third of the slope, while pH was higher in samples collected from the upper third of the slope. Wild boar rooting caused notable differences in TOC levels between the rooting and the ring in both thirds of the slope. Phosphorus levels were lower in the rooting compared to the rings.

The family Orchidaceae is globally recognized as one of the richest and most diverse plant families. Orchids inhabit a variety of habitats, and many of them are endemic, rare and/or threatened taxa. Therefore, these plants are of high conservation interest. In Russia, the Orchidaceae is represented by 135 species and 13 subspecies, and their number varies among administrative regions. In the south of Western Siberia, 25 species of Orchidaceae are included in the Red Data Book of the Tyumen Region, including Cypripedium guttatum, which has category 3 (rare species). This species has been known in the Tyumen Region since the early 20th century. However, almost no special population studies have been published previously for this orchid, with an exclusion of 20-year-old-dated data from conference proceedings, which, unfortunately, are not available online for a wide audience. In this study, we conducted population studies of Cypripedium guttatum in three localities to gain an understanding of its status in Western Siberia. In each location studied, the morphometric parameters of individuals were measured, and the population age structure and the density of individuals were determined. The flora that accompanied Cypripedium guttatum was recorded in each location. The data obtained can be used as a basis for future assessment of the species according to the categories and criteria of the IUCN Red List, and, consequently, the creation of the Red List of Vascular Plants of the Tyumen Region (Western Siberia).

Phoenix species, with profound ecological, economic, and cultural significance, have garnered substantial attention in research across Asia. However, comprehensive study regarding research trends, status and distribution, ethnobotany and pharmacological activities of phoenix species especially in Asia is lacking. Therefore the objective of this study is to compile the relevant information on the research trends, status, distribution, ethnobotany and pharmacological activities of different Phoenix sps in Asia. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA) method for systematically reviewing the literature related to Phoenix species in Asia. This comprehensive review analyzes research trends on Phoenix species in Asia from 2000 to 2023. A total of 42 studies were identified, showcasing a growing interest, with a notable peak in publications in 2019. The temporal distribution suggests fluctuating attention over the years. Geographically, the concentration of studies is limited to 12 out of 48 Asian countries, emphasizing the need for more extensive exploration given the widespread availability of Phoenix species. The research primarily focuses on pharmacology, followed by ethnobotany, morphology, taxonomy, material science, environmental engineering, and ecology. Notably, studies disproportionately concentrate on Phoenix dactylifera, leaving other species underexplored. The analysis of research focus, species distribution, and geographical representation underscores the importance of diversifying research themes and exploring the ecological, economic, and cultural significance of lesser-studied Phoenix species across Asia. The findings highlight both the growing interest and existing gaps in our knowledge, urging for a more comprehensive exploration of the entire genus to unravel its full potential and significance across Asian landscapes.

Genomic resources for the conservation of California native plants have gained increased attention recently; however, prior to our study, there were no Arctostaphylos glauca transcript data published that documented leaf and fruit RNAseq. The purpose of this study was to study functions of biotic and abiotic stress tolerance, including secondary metabolite production, that may make these plants more resilient.

Following RNA sequencing of the fruit and leaf tissues, quality control, assembly, and quantification, the plant transcripts were annotated with candidate genes from the best SProt BLASTX results. According to the BUSCO assessment, the transcriptome was 92.18% complete.

Phenylalanine ammonia lyase was closely related to the Camellia homolog (88.94% ID, TPM=29.59, length=2534). Similarly, Chalcone synthase 1 was related to Camellia (TPM=312.72, 95.61% ID, length=1596). There was also the indication that at least one Chalcone synthase transcript was related to Vitis (94.19% ID, length=1103, TPM=17.93). Chalcone–flavanone isomerase was 81.28% similar to Camellia (TPM=179.18, length=1059).

Anthocyanidin reductase ((2S)-flavon-3-ol-forming) was elevated, with its TPM (transcripts per million)=94.13 and length=1715. This transcript was most similar to Vitis. Several elevated transcripts were related to genes in Populus, including Trans-cinnamate-4-monoxygenase (TPM=68.19, length= 1979, 92.48% ID). Other interesting hits annotated from Populus were Caffeic acid 3-O-methyltransferase (TPM=96.34, length=1615, 82.09% ID) and Caffeoyl-CoA O methyltransferase (91.90% ID, length=1081, TPM= 55.50). Meanwhile, Flavanone-3-dioxygenase was most closely related to parsley (85.71% ID, TPM=53.03, length=1533).

There was also elevated expression of transcripts related to Hydroxyphenylpyruvate reductase in Plectranthus (80.51% ID, TPM= 70.71, length= 1767). Benzaldehyde dehydrogenase transcripts were elevated; the isoforms were most closely related to Antirrhinum (TPM= 42.63, length=1962, 82.49% ID).

There was evidence from multiple isoforms related to Arabidopsis of moderate expression of Plant cadmium resistance. There were several heat tolerance-related transcripts, such as Heat shock cognate 70 kDa protein 2, which was related to Solanum lycopersicon (96.60% ID, TPM=592, length=1018). These results provide insights into the diversity of manzanita genes related to antioxidant production and stress resistance.

Wild mushrooms are a valuable source of natural non-timber forest products, as well as a promising source of bioactive biomolecules with ecological utility in the proper functioning of ecosystems. The aim of this work is to acquire a knowledge base on the diversity of higher fungi in their natural biotopes, and to understand their ecology and identification in order to make a contribution to their inventory in the study area. The Trara massif is a coastal mountain range in the western extension of the Tellian Atlas, located on the north-western coast of Algeria. The massif's vegetation consists mainly of pines and cypresses. The Mediterranean climate is characterized by seasonal rainfall and a dry period. Few data are available on macromycetes in Algeria, and in this context we thought it would be useful to carry out a preliminary inventory of fungi in this region. The mycological surveys were carried out from 2021 to 2023. Recognition of harvested macromycetes was based on a series of apparent macroscopic characteristics and microscopic observation in the fresh state or with Lugol's and Melzer's reagents, and measurement of spores and fungal structures. Macrochemical reactions of the various parts can also be useful. The nomenclature adopted in this research is that of the Index Fungorum. This survey revealed 36 species belonging to 17 families classified into 4 orders with 26 genera: Boletaceae, Suillaceae, Paxillaceae, Tricholomataceae, Pleurotaceae, Hygrophoraceae, Mycenaceae, Marasmiaceae, Psathyrellaceae, Agaricaceae, Amanitaceae, Lycoperdaceae, Strophariaceae, Hymenogastraceae, Pluteaceae, Gloeophyllaceae, and Pezizaceae. Three species of Lichens and one Myxomycete were also inventoried. Some species were good edibles, such as Agaricus campestris, Pleurotus eryngii var ferulae, and Lepista nuda. Access to trustworthy information on the state and location of ecological communities makes biodiversity conservation and sustainable management in forested landscapes much easier.