Travis A. Rainey, Kirsten E. Nicholson, Caitlin P. Wells, Bradley J. Swanson
Aim
Many amphibians are experiencing declines, which are exacerbated for populations near range edges. To inform conservation strategies, we sampled sites of Blanchard's Cricket Frog (Acris blanchardi) at the northern periphery of their range to determine if modern declines are associated with genetic factors, delineate management units, and understand how landscape features influence connectivity.
Location
The southern Lower Peninsula of Michigan, USA.
Methods
We genotyped 777 individuals from 41 sites using 14 microsatellite markers to assess genetic diversity, characterize population structure, and delineate management units. We modeled isolation by distance and the effect of landscape features on functional connectivity using maximum likelihood population effects (MLPE) models.
Results
Despite strong isolation among populations, genetic diversity appears high within Michigan sites. Twenty genetically distinct populations were identified, with evidence of local connectivity within multi-site populations. Landscape genetic analyses revealed that development and roadways between sites hinder gene flow, while forest cover, pasture, and streams facilitate it. A strong isolation by distance pattern exists up to ~20 km, beyond which dispersal is unlikely and genetic drift predominates.
Main Conclusions
The observed genetic diversity of peripheral Acris blanchardi populations in Michigan suggests that recent declines are driven more by demographic factors than by genetic erosion. Management should prioritize preserving connectivity between nearby sites by limiting development, particularly roadways, and maintaining pasture, forest, and stream integrity. Conservation of these genetically diverse peripheral populations is critical for promoting future range shifts and long-term species persistence under climate change.
{"title":"Landscape-Driven Isolation Among, but High Genetic Diversity Within, Peripheral Populations of a Threatened Frog","authors":"Travis A. Rainey, Kirsten E. Nicholson, Caitlin P. Wells, Bradley J. Swanson","doi":"10.1111/ddi.70136","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ddi.70136","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Aim</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Many amphibians are experiencing declines, which are exacerbated for populations near range edges. To inform conservation strategies, we sampled sites of Blanchard's Cricket Frog (<i>Acris blanchardi</i>) at the northern periphery of their range to determine if modern declines are associated with genetic factors, delineate management units, and understand how landscape features influence connectivity.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Location</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The southern Lower Peninsula of Michigan, USA.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We genotyped 777 individuals from 41 sites using 14 microsatellite markers to assess genetic diversity, characterize population structure, and delineate management units. We modeled isolation by distance and the effect of landscape features on functional connectivity using maximum likelihood population effects (MLPE) models.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Despite strong isolation among populations, genetic diversity appears high within Michigan sites. Twenty genetically distinct populations were identified, with evidence of local connectivity within multi-site populations. Landscape genetic analyses revealed that development and roadways between sites hinder gene flow, while forest cover, pasture, and streams facilitate it. A strong isolation by distance pattern exists up to ~20 km, beyond which dispersal is unlikely and genetic drift predominates.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Main Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The observed genetic diversity of peripheral <i>Acris blanchardi</i> populations in Michigan suggests that recent declines are driven more by demographic factors than by genetic erosion. Management should prioritize preserving connectivity between nearby sites by limiting development, particularly roadways, and maintaining pasture, forest, and stream integrity. Conservation of these genetically diverse peripheral populations is critical for promoting future range shifts and long-term species persistence under climate change.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":51018,"journal":{"name":"Diversity and Distributions","volume":"32 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/ddi.70136","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146135888","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Martine Maron, Karlina Indraswari, Jonathan Mills-Anderson, Courtney B. Melton, Hugh Possingham, James Radford, April E. Reside, Andrew Bennett, Allan Burbidge, Michael Clarke, Rohan H. Clarke, Robert Davis, Teresa Eyre, Amanda Freeman, Michelle Gibson, Birgita Hansen, Jacinta Humphrey, Nigel Jackett, Bryony Palmer, Alex Kutt, Nicholas P. Leseberg, Richard Loyn, Alex Maisey, Golo Maurer, Helen Mayfield, Paul McDonald, Helenna Mihailou, Richard Noske, Fred Rainsford, Julian Reid, Doug Robinson, Katherine Selwood, Jeremy S. Simmonds, Rebecca Spindler, Daniella Teixeira, Ayesha Tulloch, Eric Vanderduys, Simon Verdon, David Watson, James Watson, Hannah Fraser
<div> <section> <h3> Aim</h3> <p>Holistic measurement of the response of fauna communities to interventions requires suitable community condition metrics. However, the development of such metrics is hindered by the absence of broad-scale typologies at suitable spatial and ecological resolutions. We aimed to derive a preliminary typology of terrestrial bird communities for Australia, based on bird co-occurrence data, and describe and map the likely distribution of each community type across the continent.</p> </section> <section> <h3> Location</h3> <p>Mainland Australia, continental islands.</p> </section> <section> <h3> Time Period</h3> <p>1973–2022.</p> </section> <section> <h3> Major Taxa Studied</h3> <p>Aves.</p> </section> <section> <h3> Methods</h3> <p>We used fine-scale co-occurrence data from standard 2-ha surveys in BirdLife Australia's citizen-science database. After filtering to reduce bias, we used hierarchical clustering followed by iterative consultation with experts to identify reliably distinct and recognisable terrestrial bird communities across Australia. We used Maxent to model the likely distributions of each community and developed community descriptions based on each community's composition and distribution.</p> </section> <section> <h3> Results</h3> <p>The resultant typology included 29 reliably distinct and recognisable bird communities with major clusters corresponding with seven broad geographical regions. The distributions of bird communities did not correspond tightly to the boundaries of major vegetation groups, with most communities occurring across multiple vegetation types.</p> </section> <section> <h3> Main Conclusions</h3> <p>Our preliminary typology of bird communities provides a standard classification at a continental scale. It newly defines distinct bird communities as entities for which condition benchmarks can be established to allow assessment of their conservation status and monitoring of change over time. Refinement will enable cryptic communities in areas with sparse data to be identified. The method could be translated to other regions where adequate coverage of data in the form of standardised surveys of fauna is available. Vast biodiversity datasets delivered through citizen science programs provide the
{"title":"A Typology of Australian Terrestrial Bird Communities","authors":"Martine Maron, Karlina Indraswari, Jonathan Mills-Anderson, Courtney B. Melton, Hugh Possingham, James Radford, April E. Reside, Andrew Bennett, Allan Burbidge, Michael Clarke, Rohan H. Clarke, Robert Davis, Teresa Eyre, Amanda Freeman, Michelle Gibson, Birgita Hansen, Jacinta Humphrey, Nigel Jackett, Bryony Palmer, Alex Kutt, Nicholas P. Leseberg, Richard Loyn, Alex Maisey, Golo Maurer, Helen Mayfield, Paul McDonald, Helenna Mihailou, Richard Noske, Fred Rainsford, Julian Reid, Doug Robinson, Katherine Selwood, Jeremy S. Simmonds, Rebecca Spindler, Daniella Teixeira, Ayesha Tulloch, Eric Vanderduys, Simon Verdon, David Watson, James Watson, Hannah Fraser","doi":"10.1111/ddi.70143","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ddi.70143","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Aim</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Holistic measurement of the response of fauna communities to interventions requires suitable community condition metrics. However, the development of such metrics is hindered by the absence of broad-scale typologies at suitable spatial and ecological resolutions. We aimed to derive a preliminary typology of terrestrial bird communities for Australia, based on bird co-occurrence data, and describe and map the likely distribution of each community type across the continent.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Location</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Mainland Australia, continental islands.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Time Period</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>1973–2022.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Major Taxa Studied</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Aves.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We used fine-scale co-occurrence data from standard 2-ha surveys in BirdLife Australia's citizen-science database. After filtering to reduce bias, we used hierarchical clustering followed by iterative consultation with experts to identify reliably distinct and recognisable terrestrial bird communities across Australia. We used Maxent to model the likely distributions of each community and developed community descriptions based on each community's composition and distribution.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The resultant typology included 29 reliably distinct and recognisable bird communities with major clusters corresponding with seven broad geographical regions. The distributions of bird communities did not correspond tightly to the boundaries of major vegetation groups, with most communities occurring across multiple vegetation types.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Main Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Our preliminary typology of bird communities provides a standard classification at a continental scale. It newly defines distinct bird communities as entities for which condition benchmarks can be established to allow assessment of their conservation status and monitoring of change over time. Refinement will enable cryptic communities in areas with sparse data to be identified. The method could be translated to other regions where adequate coverage of data in the form of standardised surveys of fauna is available. Vast biodiversity datasets delivered through citizen science programs provide the","PeriodicalId":51018,"journal":{"name":"Diversity and Distributions","volume":"32 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/ddi.70143","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146129963","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
To assess whether newly described species are more likely to be threatened and have smaller ranges than known species.
Location
Global.
Methods
In this study, we focus on the timing of species acceptance. We compare two global taxonomic assessments of birds, mammals and amphibians conducted approximately 10 years apart. Our approach allows us to isolate the most recently accepted species, a methodological improvement from earlier studies that depended on the recency of authority year to address similar questions. Instead, we categorised all currently accepted species into four groups: (1) Discovered species; (2) Raised species; (3) Restricted species; and (4) Identical species, with category 1 representing de novo discovered species between the taxonomic assessments, category 4 representing unchanged species, and categories 2 and 3 representing changes in taxonomic treatment of known populations.
Results
We find that species accepted earlier tend to be widespread and less threatened, while more recently accepted species often have smaller ranges and face a higher risk of extinction. We also find that taxonomic splits typically leave the original name with a widespread species, while newly split species tend to be range-restricted and more likely to be assessed as threatened.
Main Conclusions
Our results suggest that many species not yet formally recognised may already be at risk of extinction. This highlights the urgent need for more fieldwork in understudied areas to help prevent extinctions before new species are formally described.
{"title":"Species Yet to Be Discovered Are More Threatened and Have Smaller Ranges","authors":"Harith Farooq, Jonas Geldmann, Søren Faurby","doi":"10.1111/ddi.70144","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.70144","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Aim</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>To assess whether newly described species are more likely to be threatened and have smaller ranges than known species.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Location</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Global.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In this study, we focus on the timing of species acceptance. We compare two global taxonomic assessments of birds, mammals and amphibians conducted approximately 10 years apart. Our approach allows us to isolate the most recently accepted species, a methodological improvement from earlier studies that depended on the recency of authority year to address similar questions. Instead, we categorised all currently accepted species into four groups: (1) Discovered species; (2) Raised species; (3) Restricted species; and (4) Identical species, with category 1 representing <i>de novo</i> discovered species between the taxonomic assessments, category 4 representing unchanged species, and categories 2 and 3 representing changes in taxonomic treatment of known populations.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We find that species accepted earlier tend to be widespread and less threatened, while more recently accepted species often have smaller ranges and face a higher risk of extinction. We also find that taxonomic splits typically leave the original name with a widespread species, while newly split species tend to be range-restricted and more likely to be assessed as threatened.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Main Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Our results suggest that many species not yet formally recognised may already be at risk of extinction. This highlights the urgent need for more fieldwork in understudied areas to help prevent extinctions before new species are formally described.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":51018,"journal":{"name":"Diversity and Distributions","volume":"32 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/ddi.70144","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146135963","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
To assess whether newly described species are more likely to be threatened and have smaller ranges than known species.
Location
Global.
Methods
In this study, we focus on the timing of species acceptance. We compare two global taxonomic assessments of birds, mammals and amphibians conducted approximately 10 years apart. Our approach allows us to isolate the most recently accepted species, a methodological improvement from earlier studies that depended on the recency of authority year to address similar questions. Instead, we categorised all currently accepted species into four groups: (1) Discovered species; (2) Raised species; (3) Restricted species; and (4) Identical species, with category 1 representing de novo discovered species between the taxonomic assessments, category 4 representing unchanged species, and categories 2 and 3 representing changes in taxonomic treatment of known populations.
Results
We find that species accepted earlier tend to be widespread and less threatened, while more recently accepted species often have smaller ranges and face a higher risk of extinction. We also find that taxonomic splits typically leave the original name with a widespread species, while newly split species tend to be range-restricted and more likely to be assessed as threatened.
Main Conclusions
Our results suggest that many species not yet formally recognised may already be at risk of extinction. This highlights the urgent need for more fieldwork in understudied areas to help prevent extinctions before new species are formally described.
{"title":"Species Yet to Be Discovered Are More Threatened and Have Smaller Ranges","authors":"Harith Farooq, Jonas Geldmann, Søren Faurby","doi":"10.1111/ddi.70144","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.70144","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Aim</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>To assess whether newly described species are more likely to be threatened and have smaller ranges than known species.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Location</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Global.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In this study, we focus on the timing of species acceptance. We compare two global taxonomic assessments of birds, mammals and amphibians conducted approximately 10 years apart. Our approach allows us to isolate the most recently accepted species, a methodological improvement from earlier studies that depended on the recency of authority year to address similar questions. Instead, we categorised all currently accepted species into four groups: (1) Discovered species; (2) Raised species; (3) Restricted species; and (4) Identical species, with category 1 representing <i>de novo</i> discovered species between the taxonomic assessments, category 4 representing unchanged species, and categories 2 and 3 representing changes in taxonomic treatment of known populations.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We find that species accepted earlier tend to be widespread and less threatened, while more recently accepted species often have smaller ranges and face a higher risk of extinction. We also find that taxonomic splits typically leave the original name with a widespread species, while newly split species tend to be range-restricted and more likely to be assessed as threatened.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Main Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Our results suggest that many species not yet formally recognised may already be at risk of extinction. This highlights the urgent need for more fieldwork in understudied areas to help prevent extinctions before new species are formally described.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":51018,"journal":{"name":"Diversity and Distributions","volume":"32 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/ddi.70144","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146135964","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xiongfeng Bai, Peng Zhang, Benjamin R. Shipley, Tao Ju, Yiran Zhang, Guohuan Su, Xianghong Dong
Aim
Cave fish, the largest aquatic vertebrates in karst ecosystems, rely heavily on bat guano as a nutrient source. However, ongoing environmental change is degrading cave habitats and altering bat distributions. This study aims to assess how climate-driven bat migration affects cave fish distributions in China, providing insights for biodiversity conservation.
Location
China.
Methods
We developed ensemble species distribution models (ensemble SDMs) for cave bats and cave fish, integrating current and projected climate data to simulate historical and future distributions. Cave bat richness was used as a proxy for food resource availability for cave fish. We then quantified changes in cave fish richness under different climate scenarios and evaluated the amplifying effect of bat migration.
Results
Both cave bats and cave fish exhibit overlapping richness hotspots in southern China, strongly associated with fragmented karst landscapes. Under future climate scenarios, the cave bat richness center is projected to shift northwestward, with greater displacement under high-emission conditions. Cave fish richness is predicted to decline due to climate stress alone, but when accounting for bat migration, losses are amplified by 12–40 times.
Main Conclusions
Climate-induced shifts in cave bat distributions may drastically intensify habitat and nutrient limitations for cave fish, exacerbating biodiversity loss. These findings highlight the importance of integrating biotic interactions and trophic dependencies in species distribution modelling and conservation planning. The study provides a framework for prioritising cave ecosystem protection under future environmental change.
{"title":"Bat Migration Intensifies Cave Fish Richness Loss Under Climate Change in China","authors":"Xiongfeng Bai, Peng Zhang, Benjamin R. Shipley, Tao Ju, Yiran Zhang, Guohuan Su, Xianghong Dong","doi":"10.1111/ddi.70148","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.70148","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Aim</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Cave fish, the largest aquatic vertebrates in karst ecosystems, rely heavily on bat guano as a nutrient source. However, ongoing environmental change is degrading cave habitats and altering bat distributions. This study aims to assess how climate-driven bat migration affects cave fish distributions in China, providing insights for biodiversity conservation.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Location</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>China.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We developed ensemble species distribution models (ensemble SDMs) for cave bats and cave fish, integrating current and projected climate data to simulate historical and future distributions. Cave bat richness was used as a proxy for food resource availability for cave fish. We then quantified changes in cave fish richness under different climate scenarios and evaluated the amplifying effect of bat migration.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Both cave bats and cave fish exhibit overlapping richness hotspots in southern China, strongly associated with fragmented karst landscapes. Under future climate scenarios, the cave bat richness center is projected to shift northwestward, with greater displacement under high-emission conditions. Cave fish richness is predicted to decline due to climate stress alone, but when accounting for bat migration, losses are amplified by 12–40 times.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Main Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Climate-induced shifts in cave bat distributions may drastically intensify habitat and nutrient limitations for cave fish, exacerbating biodiversity loss. These findings highlight the importance of integrating biotic interactions and trophic dependencies in species distribution modelling and conservation planning. The study provides a framework for prioritising cave ecosystem protection under future environmental change.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":51018,"journal":{"name":"Diversity and Distributions","volume":"32 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/ddi.70148","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146136864","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The cover image relates to the Research Article https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.70065 “Seascape genomics reveal contracting population structure in sympatric and congeneric corals across thermal clines” by Marzonie et al. In the clear tropical waters of the southern Coral Sea Marine Park off eastern Australia, Acropora (left) and Pocillopora (right) corals form part of a vibrant shallow reef community.
{"title":"Cover page","authors":"","doi":"10.1111/ddi.70150","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.70150","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The cover image relates to the Research Article https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.70065 “Seascape genomics reveal contracting population structure in sympatric and congeneric corals across thermal clines” by Marzonie et al. In the clear tropical waters of the southern Coral Sea Marine Park off eastern Australia, Acropora (left) and Pocillopora (right) corals form part of a vibrant shallow reef community.\u0000 <figure>\u0000 <div><picture>\u0000 <source></source></picture><p></p>\u0000 </div>\u0000 </figure>\u0000 </p>","PeriodicalId":51018,"journal":{"name":"Diversity and Distributions","volume":"32 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/ddi.70150","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146140132","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Global biodiversity is undergoing a rapid decline, underscoring the urgent need for effective conservation strategies. Though biodiversity conservation takes many forms, approaches that incorporate genomic data into decision-making are necessary for many taxa. Genetic data play a critical role in informing conservation planning and decision-making. However, the world's most biodiverse and vulnerable areas also have the fewest resources available for generating genetic data for biodiversity protection. Genomic tools remain insufficiently incorporated into conservation programs across the Global South. In contrast to the Global North, countries in the Global South face significant constraints in funding, technical expertise, and research collaborations, leading to a marked underrepresentation of their species in genomic databases. This disparity limits the effectiveness of conservation actions in these regions. Strengthening financial support, fostering equitable collaborations, and investing in capacity-building are essential to enhance the integration of genomics into conservation efforts in the Global South.
{"title":"Implementing Genomics in Conservation: Gaps, Disparities and Need for Interdisciplinary Collaborations and Capacity Building in the Global South","authors":"Jithu K. Jose","doi":"10.1111/ddi.70149","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ddi.70149","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Global biodiversity is undergoing a rapid decline, underscoring the urgent need for effective conservation strategies. Though biodiversity conservation takes many forms, approaches that incorporate genomic data into decision-making are necessary for many taxa. Genetic data play a critical role in informing conservation planning and decision-making. However, the world's most biodiverse and vulnerable areas also have the fewest resources available for generating genetic data for biodiversity protection. Genomic tools remain insufficiently incorporated into conservation programs across the Global South. In contrast to the Global North, countries in the Global South face significant constraints in funding, technical expertise, and research collaborations, leading to a marked underrepresentation of their species in genomic databases. This disparity limits the effectiveness of conservation actions in these regions. Strengthening financial support, fostering equitable collaborations, and investing in capacity-building are essential to enhance the integration of genomics into conservation efforts in the Global South.</p>","PeriodicalId":51018,"journal":{"name":"Diversity and Distributions","volume":"32 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/ddi.70149","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146140131","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jessie Colbert, Ben C. Stevenson, Melissa Bowen, Rochelle Constantine
Aim
A warming climate is predicted to drive shifts in marine species' distribution. Determining the environmental variables influencing the distribution and habitat use of large predators, such as cetaceans, is critical for conservation management, yet remains poorly understood. New Zealand is a global cetacean hotspot, with ecosystem productivity supporting multi-species cohorts throughout coastal waters. Cetaceans are early indicators of change as shifts in productivity influence prey availability, making them potential sentinel species.
Location
Hauraki Gulf, Aotearoa New Zealand.
Methods
We used cetacean sighting data collected by a whale-watch operator from 2000 to 2019, alongside monthly averaged sea surface temperature (SST) measurements. We modelled the locations and times of sightings to understand spatiotemporal patterns in the occurrence of frequently sighted cetaceans within the Gulf. Using latent Gaussian Markov random fields to model spatially varying effects of SST on cetacean occurrence and to account for spatiotemporal correlations, we investigated distributional shifts over time and how these were related to SST.
Results
Hotspots and spatial clustering varied depending on prey trophic level. For Bryde's whales and common dolphins, hotspots in density shifted gradually with a spatially varying effect of SST depending on location. These effects were not observed for bottlenose dolphins or killer whales, for which hotspots in density often shifted rapidly and could not be attributed to SST. Probability of occurrence of Bryde's whale and common dolphin peaked along the northern coastline in cooler months, with movement further out under warmer months. Similar seasonal shifts were not evident for the other species.
Main Conclusions
Finding relatively simple and low-cost approaches that inform adaptive management decisions is important, particularly for endangered species. We highlight the value of a long-term dataset, a simple environmental measure (SST), and robust model design to understand the dynamic distribution patterns of cetaceans and associated species in a rapidly changing ocean.
{"title":"Redistribution of Cetaceans Based on Ocean Temperature Using Spatiotemporal Regression Models","authors":"Jessie Colbert, Ben C. Stevenson, Melissa Bowen, Rochelle Constantine","doi":"10.1111/ddi.70145","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ddi.70145","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Aim</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A warming climate is predicted to drive shifts in marine species' distribution. Determining the environmental variables influencing the distribution and habitat use of large predators, such as cetaceans, is critical for conservation management, yet remains poorly understood. New Zealand is a global cetacean hotspot, with ecosystem productivity supporting multi-species cohorts throughout coastal waters. Cetaceans are early indicators of change as shifts in productivity influence prey availability, making them potential sentinel species.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Location</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Hauraki Gulf, Aotearoa New Zealand.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We used cetacean sighting data collected by a whale-watch operator from 2000 to 2019, alongside monthly averaged sea surface temperature (SST) measurements. We modelled the locations and times of sightings to understand spatiotemporal patterns in the occurrence of frequently sighted cetaceans within the Gulf. Using latent Gaussian Markov random fields to model spatially varying effects of SST on cetacean occurrence and to account for spatiotemporal correlations, we investigated distributional shifts over time and how these were related to SST.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Hotspots and spatial clustering varied depending on prey trophic level. For Bryde's whales and common dolphins, hotspots in density shifted gradually with a spatially varying effect of SST depending on location. These effects were not observed for bottlenose dolphins or killer whales, for which hotspots in density often shifted rapidly and could not be attributed to SST. Probability of occurrence of Bryde's whale and common dolphin peaked along the northern coastline in cooler months, with movement further out under warmer months. Similar seasonal shifts were not evident for the other species.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Main Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Finding relatively simple and low-cost approaches that inform adaptive management decisions is important, particularly for endangered species. We highlight the value of a long-term dataset, a simple environmental measure (SST), and robust model design to understand the dynamic distribution patterns of cetaceans and associated species in a rapidly changing ocean.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":51018,"journal":{"name":"Diversity and Distributions","volume":"32 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/ddi.70145","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146130117","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The cover image relates to the Research Article https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.70065 “Seascape genomics reveal contracting population structure in sympatric and congeneric corals across thermal clines” by Marzonie et al. In the clear tropical waters of the southern Coral Sea Marine Park off eastern Australia, Acropora (left) and Pocillopora (right) corals form part of a vibrant shallow reef community.
{"title":"Cover page","authors":"","doi":"10.1111/ddi.70150","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.70150","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The cover image relates to the Research Article https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.70065 “Seascape genomics reveal contracting population structure in sympatric and congeneric corals across thermal clines” by Marzonie et al. In the clear tropical waters of the southern Coral Sea Marine Park off eastern Australia, Acropora (left) and Pocillopora (right) corals form part of a vibrant shallow reef community.\u0000 <figure>\u0000 <div><picture>\u0000 <source></source></picture><p></p>\u0000 </div>\u0000 </figure>\u0000 </p>","PeriodicalId":51018,"journal":{"name":"Diversity and Distributions","volume":"32 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/ddi.70150","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146140133","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mitchell J. Rider, Larisa Avens, Heather L. Haas, Samir H. Patel, Christopher R. Sasso
Aim
With the development and operation of offshore wind farms along the United States East Coast, it is imperative that we understand the distributions of vulnerable species so we can track and predict potential interactions. We focused on leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) as they depend on this region for important stages of their life history. Our research aimed to determine leatherback distributions, the environmental predictors associated with them, and how they currently overlap with active areas dedicated to offshore wind energy.
Location
United States Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).
Methods
Satellite transmitters were affixed to 74 leatherbacks off the coasts of North Carolina and Massachusetts between 2017 and 2023. Location data from these transmitters were implemented in boosted regression tree models to predict leatherback distributions in relation to a suite of static and dynamic environmental covariates. We used the model predictions to categorise core habitat and determine its overlaps with active wind energy leases.
Results
The final model predicted a higher probability of leatherbacks in the Mid-Atlantic Bight (MAB) in May and June and Southern New England (SNE) and Nova Scotia in the late summer. We predicted an increased probability of leatherbacks south along the coastline and off the shelf along the Gulf Stream in the winter. We observed notable overlap between core habitat and offshore wind areas in the MAB and SNE peaking in the late summer.
Main Conclusions
Our results highlight the importance of coastal habitat for leatherback sea turtles along the OCS. Conservation efforts that focus on examining direct effects of wind farm construction and operation on leatherbacks in the MAB and SNE are warranted, especially given the proximity between lease areas and key foraging areas.
{"title":"Distribution Models Reveal Important Coastal Habitats for Endangered Leatherback Sea Turtles","authors":"Mitchell J. Rider, Larisa Avens, Heather L. Haas, Samir H. Patel, Christopher R. Sasso","doi":"10.1111/ddi.70131","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.70131","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Aim</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>With the development and operation of offshore wind farms along the United States East Coast, it is imperative that we understand the distributions of vulnerable species so we can track and predict potential interactions. We focused on leatherback sea turtles (<i>Dermochelys coriacea</i>) as they depend on this region for important stages of their life history. Our research aimed to determine leatherback distributions, the environmental predictors associated with them, and how they currently overlap with active areas dedicated to offshore wind energy.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Location</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>United States Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Satellite transmitters were affixed to 74 leatherbacks off the coasts of North Carolina and Massachusetts between 2017 and 2023. Location data from these transmitters were implemented in boosted regression tree models to predict leatherback distributions in relation to a suite of static and dynamic environmental covariates. We used the model predictions to categorise core habitat and determine its overlaps with active wind energy leases.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The final model predicted a higher probability of leatherbacks in the Mid-Atlantic Bight (MAB) in May and June and Southern New England (SNE) and Nova Scotia in the late summer. We predicted an increased probability of leatherbacks south along the coastline and off the shelf along the Gulf Stream in the winter. We observed notable overlap between core habitat and offshore wind areas in the MAB and SNE peaking in the late summer.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Main Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Our results highlight the importance of coastal habitat for leatherback sea turtles along the OCS. Conservation efforts that focus on examining direct effects of wind farm construction and operation on leatherbacks in the MAB and SNE are warranted, especially given the proximity between lease areas and key foraging areas.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":51018,"journal":{"name":"Diversity and Distributions","volume":"32 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/ddi.70131","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146099367","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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