Gentiana ligustica is an endemic species of the south-western Alps, protected by European laws, with populations growing under both alpine and mediterranean climates. Their Conservation Status is assessed ad “Good”, with a stable trend for alpine populations; meanwhile, for the Mediterranean populations, their Conservation Status is assessed as “Inadequate”, with an unknown trend due to insufficient studies and a habitat degradation that is still in progress and that can bring about the disappearance of the population to the point of species extinction.

To evaluate the impact of climate change on the species, we projected the potential distributions of G. ligustica under two different RCP scenarios (SSP3-7.0 and SSP5-8.5) for the years 2070-2100 by using two different sets of variables downloaded from the CHELSA database. The first set had five bioclimatic variables, which are considered physiologically important for the species even if they are correlated with each other, and the second set had three uncorrelated variables. Models were run in the R package “biomod2” by using 12 algorithms.

Under both scenarios and by using both sets of bioclimatic variables, the models suggest that the southernmost populations growing under a Mediterranean climate will be strongly negatively affected by climate change, facing extinction due to the loss of habitat suitability. Moreover, the habitat suitability will strongly decrease in the alpine region, shifting in the northern direction toward high-elevation areas, resulting in a high extinction risk for a large part of the alpine populations as well.

This study underlines the need for proactive conservation plans and assisted colonization strategies in suitable areas to preserve Gentiana ligustica in the face of climate change.

During a study on the distribution and status of the protected steppe beetle Carabus hungaricus in the vicinity of the Sofia Basin (central-western Bulgaria), 42 sample plots were surveyed in the period between May 2021 and December 2023. Via 252 pitfall traps, 69903 effective trapdays were realized, resulting in 15333 ground beetle individuals (Coleoptera: Carabidae) from 184 species, of which about 30% were characteristic of the specific steppe biota. Local faunas were studied in terms of their taxonomic, zoogeographic, size, ecological and spatial structure. The main environmental gradients, investigated by using grouping, clustering and classification methods on carabid assemblages, showed the vital relevance of the anthropogenic influence on landscapes in the context of contemporary climatic conditions and changes. Additionally, we analysed the stenotopic steppe carabids for co-occurring species and microclimatic, phytocenotic and edaphic requirements. Four stenotopic steppe carabid species were recorded (Carabus bessarabicus, C. hungaricus, Amara pastica, A. taurica), of which one subspecies (C. b. tangra) is unique to the karst steppes of the Chepan Planina and Tri Ushi Mountains. The refugium found in these two mountains represents the southernmost part of the entire Eurasian steppe biome, and is unique both in terms of its location and the complex of specific steppe species forming distinctive communities, most of which have long since disappeared from the European Union. Along with the significant carabids found in this steppe complex, some other animals of conservation importance were established—Bradyporus macrogaster, from the Orthopterans, and Common spadefoot toad (Pelobates fuscus) and Ural field mouse (Apodemus uralensis) from the vertebrates. The conservation of this biota, unique to the Bulgaria and Europe steppe, requires an urgent declaration of the two mountains as protected areas and the identified steppe species and their habitats as priorities, along with their inclusion in national and European conservation documents with strictly protected statuses.

Antarctic benthic ecosystems are home to a unique and diverse fauna, with high levels of endemism. Despite their ecological importance, these communities are understudied, particularly in terms of their spatial variability. The remoteness and harsh environmental conditions of Antarctica complicate efforts to understand these ecosystems. The lack of time-series data limits our comprehension of temporal variations, highlighting the need for baseline data to detect natural or anthropogenic changes. To address these challenges, recent technological advancements have introduced non-destructive methods for studying benthic dynamics and spatial patterns. This study employs improved underwater optical recording systems, optimized image sampling, and 3D mapping techniques, along with advanced software for benthic imagery analysis. Photographic and video sampling techniques are utilized to create permanent records, facilitating detailed image analyses and reducing the underwater time and expertise required for species identification. The primary goal of this research is to create a comprehensive library of Antarctic benthic organisms using AI software. This approach streamlines the identification process and reduces the need for manual classification. By integrating photogrammetry with automated organism recognition, this study aims to develop a sustainable, long-term monitoring system for Antarctic benthic ecosystems. This innovative methodology promises to enhance our understanding of temporal and spatial changes in Antarctic benthic ecosystems. The implementation of this long-term monitoring system will provide critical data to support informed conservation and management strategies in response to environmental challenges. The study's findings underscore the potential for advanced technologies to facilitate ecological research in remote and extreme environments.

Planktonic species in the Southern Ocean are anticipated to undergo significant changes in the near future. To gain a comprehensive understanding of future community compositions, a deeper understanding of the current environmental factors influencing their distribution is essential. However, these dynamics are still not fully elucidated. Various modelling approaches have recently been employed to investigate this relationship. The response curves generated by these algorithms serve as valuable tools to pinpoint the environmental variables most influential in determining the presence, absence, and biogeographic distribution of Antarctic populations. This study specifically examines response curves for the larval stages of two Antarctic decapod species: Chorismus antarcticus (Pfeffer 1887) and Notocrangon antarcticus (Pfeffer 1887). These species were sampled in Terra Nova Bay and the Ross Sea during the third (1987--1988) and fifth (1988--1989) expeditions of the National Antarctic Research Program. The collected data were correlated with environmental descriptors gathered during these campaigns using the RandomForest algorithm. The Antarctic decapod community demonstrates low biodiversity, predominantly comprising species from the Natantia group. The distribution of Natantia, particularly in their larval stage, remains inadequately researched. Currently, the specific environmental variables influencing their distribution are not fully comprehended. This approach holds critical importance for the conservation and management of these organisms. The findings underscore which environmental factors contribute significantly to shaping the ecological niche of decapods, both in their adult and larval phases. Utilizing such algorithms proves invaluable, providing precise assessments of the presence and absence of Antarctic decapods. This, in turn, facilitates future endeavors in sampling, managing, and conserving these unique communities.

This paper presents an analysis of a clinical case of toxoplasmosis in cats with multiple organ failure. A domestic cat at the age of six was admitted to the veterinary center of St. Petersburg. Earlier, the animal was diagnosed with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). It should be noted that a loss of appetite, depression, hyperthermia, labored breathing, coughing, and diarrhea became apparent after the cat had caught and eaten a bird that had flown into the dwelling a month earlier. A biochemical analysis of the animal's blood revealed hyperbilirubinemia (13.2 µmmol/L) and thrombocytopenia (74.0). An ultrasound examination revealed decreased intestinal peristalsis, enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes, hepatomegaly, and hyperemia. Radiologically, multiple small nodules were detected in the lungs. Pathologic foci were distributed bilaterally and asymmetrically, mainly in the lower parts of the lungs. A cytologic examination of the cat's bronchoalveolar mucus and peritoneal fluid revealed trophozoites of Toxoplasma gondii. DNA fragments belonging to T. gondii were identified using real-time PCR. The etiotropic and symptomatic therapies delivered to the cat under in-patient conditions were unsuccessful, and the outcome of the disease was fatal. In analyzing this clinical case, the following conclusions were made: T. gondii infestation cannot be excluded in the case of apartment-dwelling animals. The pathogen probably entered the cat's body by the cat eating a bird with T. gondii trophozoites in its organs and tissues. If a cat with a reduced immune status shows clinical signs such as enlarged lymph nodes, lethargy, decreased appetite, weight loss, nasal discharge, cough, intestinal disorders, a diagnosis of toxoplasmosis should be confirmed or excluded by serologic, PCR, or ELISA tests. Toxoplasmosis in animals with a reduced immune status can lead to severe systemic disorders, including damage to the digestive and respiratory systems, the liver, and other organs. The cumulative failure of several functional systems, developing as a terminal stage of the acute course of toxoplasmosis, can be fatal.

The species Orcinus orca is spread across the globe. As top predators, killer whales constitute an important part of global biodiversity. Currently, they are not hunted. However, killer whales sometimes strand, experience trauma, become stuck in the ice, etc. Human aid is essential to save them. A case of a female Springer who was successfully returned to the wild provides an encouraging example. Therefore, every effort to improve marine mammal medicine is valuable.

Ten juvenile killer whales spent a year (summer 2018–summer 2019) in human care in Srednyaya Bay, Vostok Gulf, in the Sea of Japan (Russia). The animals were clinically healthy. Blood samples were taken regularly to monitor their health state as a part of the veterinary routine. In total, about 250 blood samples were taken and processed using clinical and biochemical blood test protocols. These data were also analyzed retrospectively to find out what kind of influencing factors could have been related to their blood analytes.

In our results, we found that the temperature of the sea water, period of time spent in captivity, and individual characteristics affected most of the blood analytes, such as the red blood cell count; total white blood cell count; absolute segmented neutrophil count; absolute lymphocyte count; absolute eosinophil count; neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio; and more than 20 biochemical analytes.

Thus, a unique data set on their blood analytes was accumulated. These data can be applied to achieve the most accurate veterinary aid possible for killer whales when needed.

Sublethal effects caused by exposure to contaminants can reduce fitness in seabirds and ultimately affect their populations. Red blood cells are particularly susceptible to oxidative damage caused by certain pollutants such as oil. This damage can result in injury to hemoglobin, which aggregates and can be observed as inclusion bodies within erythrocytes, called Heinz bodies. The aim of our study was to determine the hematological biomarkers of oxidative damage in seabirds to evaluate its possible effects on the birds' health. Blood samples were taken from nine specimens of seabirds admitted to Aquarium Mar del Plata in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. Eight Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) and one black-browed albatross (Thalassarche melanophrys) were sampled. Blood was collected in tubes with EDTA for the determination of reticulocytes and in capillary tubes for the determination of hematocrit. Blood was incubated with brilliant cresyl blue and smears were made for the quantification of reticulocytes and Heinz bodies. In both cases, the number of cells/1000 mature erythrocytes was calculated. Hematocrit and reticulocyte values ​​were within the normal range for birds. The presence of Heinz bodies was not observed in any of the birds. Additionally, no anomalies in these biomarkers were observed in two birds with signs of fuel on their feathers, but without signs of oil. This is in agreement with what was found for other bird species, where the values ​​of Heinz bodies in birds from places not impacted by oil were zero or close to this value. Our results constitute the first evaluation of these markers in these two species of seabirds. Although biomarkers related to oxidative damage to red blood cells were not found to be increased, the information presented in our study allows us to establish baselines for the evaluation of future impacts associated with human activity.

Introduction: Biodiversity conservation is critical for maintaining ecosystem services and ensuring the resilience of natural environments. Despite numerous conservation efforts, biodiversity loss continues at an alarming rate due to anthropogenic activities, climate change, habitat destruction, and pollution. This review aims to analyze the current strategies, challenges, and future directions in biodiversity conservation. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed journals, government reports, and NGO publications. Key conservation strategies were identified and evaluated based on their effectiveness, scalability, and sustainability. The analysis also included case studies of successful and unsuccessful conservation programs globally. Results: This review highlights several effective strategies, such as protected areas, community-based conservation, habitat restoration, and biodiversity offsets. The role of international agreements, like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and national policies in conservation efforts were also assessed. However, challenges such as inadequate funding, lack of local community engagement, and insufficient enforcement of conservation laws were identified as significant barriers to success. Conclusions: To enhance biodiversity conservation, it is crucial to adopt an integrative approach that combines scientific research, policy making, and community participation. Emphasizing adaptive management practices and leveraging technology for monitoring and enforcement can address some of the current challenges. Future conservation strategies should also focus on building resilience against climate change and promoting sustainable development.

The deployment of wildlife fences in Africa serves as a critical intervention to balance the needs of wildlife conservation with human safety and agricultural productivity. This review synthesizes current research and case studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of the implications, benefits, and drawbacks of wildlife fencing in Africa. The information used in this review has been drawn from 47 articles that were selected after a thorough search on Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus. The results indicate that the main reason for fencing is the mitigation of human--wildlife conflicts. The electric fence is the most common type and is prominently used to protect agricultural lands from crop-raiding species, thereby enhancing food security and reducing economic losses for rural communities. Elephants have been mentioned as being the most targeted for wildlife fencing. They also cause the most damage to the fences and pave ways for other species to escape from protected areas. Antelopes and large carnivores are also common targets for wildlife fences. Fences were found to be effective if well maintained through frequent inspections for damage and permeability. Several authors have documented the difficulty in fencing in primates, and burrowers or high-jumper species like the leopard. Fences are also costly to install and maintain, which has great economic implications on the local communities living near wildlife conservation areas. Despite their benefits, wildlife fences also pose ecological challenges, such as habitat fragmentation and restricted animal movement, which necessitate integrated management approaches that include the consideration of wildlife corridors and crossing structures. Our results offer insights for policymakers and conservationists to optimize the use of fences in diverse environmental contexts of the African continent.

Sustainable and renewable resources such as mushrooms and mushroom composites offer a wide range of application possibilities in different areas. In particular, the combination of mushroom mycelium and textiles shows promising approaches for the filtration of waste water in the textile industry, air purification, use in protective clothing, medical applications such as blood purification or use in packaging and even in building construction. Mycelium, the vegetative network of fungi, is an alternative and renewable material that is easy to cultivate. In addition, many organic wastes from the agricultural industry can be used as nutrients for mycorrhizal cultivation, further increasing sustainability. In addition, fungi have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antitumor, antioxidant, antidiabetic and lipid-lowering properties that can be exploited for specific applications. Despite several studies being conducted in the last few years, the use of mycelium as a textile alternative has not been extensively explored. In the present study, mycelium of the fungus Pleurotus ostreatus was used to produce mushroom–mycelium textile composites, and their mechanical properties were investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of mycelium in the textile industry and to identify possible applications. The results of this study should help promote the use of mushroom mycelium in textile production and at the same time develop innovative, environmentally friendly materials that meet the increasing demands for sustainability and resource conservation.