The survival of seeds dispersed by primary dispersers is determined by seed predation and secondary movement from deposition sites. The aim of this study was to clarify the role of dung beetles (Scarabaeidae) as secondary dispersers in northern Japan, with a focus on the burying ability of seeds within the feces of the sympatric primate Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata) and its seasonal patterns. We conducted field and laboratory experiments to evaluate the seed-burial ability of dung beetles in parallel with investigations into the composition of seeds in dung and the capture of dung beetles. The experiments demonstrated that large tunnellers, mainly Phelotrupes spp. in summer and Copris spp. in fall, buried experimental seeds (plastic beads) at a depth of 0.5–5 cm regardless of size, implying that the buried seeds had a high probability of escaping predation and desiccation. Therefore, the large dung beetles at our study site seem to contribute more to secondary seed dispersal. We found that the percentage of seed-burying was greatest in summer when the abundance of Phelotrupes spp. was higher. This implied that secondary dispersal in the temperate region exhibited a clear seasonality originating from the life history of the dung beetles. The role of secondary dispersers in each season should be accurately evaluated to estimate seed dispersal effectiveness, especially in temperate regions where environmental seasonality is clear.
{"title":"Evaluation of secondary seed dispersal by dung beetles in a temperate region","authors":"Ayumu Narita , Tsubasa Yamaguchi , Maisa Sekizawa , Yamato Tsuji","doi":"10.1016/j.actao.2025.104129","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actao.2025.104129","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The survival of seeds dispersed by primary dispersers is determined by seed predation and secondary movement from deposition sites. The aim of this study was to clarify the role of dung beetles (Scarabaeidae) as secondary dispersers in northern Japan, with a focus on the burying ability of seeds within the feces of the sympatric primate Japanese macaque (<em>Macaca fuscata</em>) and its seasonal patterns. We conducted field and laboratory experiments to evaluate the seed-burial ability of dung beetles in parallel with investigations into the composition of seeds in dung and the capture of dung beetles. The experiments demonstrated that large tunnellers, mainly <em>Phelotrupes</em> spp. in summer and <em>Copris</em> spp. in fall, buried experimental seeds (plastic beads) at a depth of 0.5–5 cm regardless of size, implying that the buried seeds had a high probability of escaping predation and desiccation. Therefore, the large dung beetles at our study site seem to contribute more to secondary seed dispersal. We found that the percentage of seed-burying was greatest in summer when the abundance of <em>Phelotrupes</em> spp. was higher. This implied that secondary dispersal in the temperate region exhibited a clear seasonality originating from the life history of the dung beetles. The role of secondary dispersers in each season should be accurately evaluated to estimate seed dispersal effectiveness, especially in temperate regions where environmental seasonality is clear.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55564,"journal":{"name":"Acta Oecologica-International Journal of Ecology","volume":"129 ","pages":"Article 104129"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145221109","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Individual movement is a central process for the long-term viability of species, as it allows access to key resources for survival and reproduction. Movement is closely associated with the response of species to landscape changes, with more vagile species typically being less affected. In Odonata, movement capacity is strongly related to body morphology, such as wing and body size. In general, species in the suborder Anisoptera have larger wings and bodies than species in the suborder Zygoptera and are likely to move over greater distances. In this paper, we synthesize knowledge about the movement capacity of adult Odonata based on a literature review. We also assess whether travel distances differ between the suborders (Anisoptera and Zygoptera), and whether these movements are consistent with the spatial scales used in landscape studies (i.e., the spatial extent at which landscape metrics are measured). We found 34 articles published between 1978 and 2025, from which we obtained movement data for 32 species (17 Anisoptera and 15 Zygoptera). Most studies were developed in the northern hemisphere, with an increase since the early 2000s. Individual movement is usually assessed by mark-recapture, but telemetry has been applied for large-bodied species. Despite the literature suggesting a higher movement capacity in Anisoptera than in Zygoptera, we observed no significant difference between the two suborders. Our results showed a median distance of 731.5 m (range: 16 to 1790 m) for Zygoptera and 224 m (range: 89 to 1910 m) for Anisoptera. Landscape studies were rare, and some spatial scales used were small compared to the maximum travel capacity of Odonata. Based on these results, we emphasize the scarcity of data on dragonfly movements, especially in tropical regions. Understanding these factors is essential to identify needs and define conservation strategies, especially for species most sensitive to anthropogenic changes, threatened and low movement capacity.
{"title":"Movement capacity in zygoptera and anisoptera (Odonata): a scientometric review","authors":"Laís Rodrigues Santos Navarro , Marciel Elio Rodrigues , Camila Righetto Cassano","doi":"10.1016/j.actao.2025.104125","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actao.2025.104125","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Individual movement is a central process for the long-term viability of species, as it allows access to key resources for survival and reproduction. Movement is closely associated with the response of species to landscape changes, with more vagile species typically being less affected. In Odonata, movement capacity is strongly related to body morphology, such as wing and body size. In general, species in the suborder Anisoptera have larger wings and bodies than species in the suborder Zygoptera and are likely to move over greater distances. In this paper, we synthesize knowledge about the movement capacity of adult Odonata based on a literature review. We also assess whether travel distances differ between the suborders (Anisoptera and Zygoptera), and whether these movements are consistent with the spatial scales used in landscape studies (i.e., the spatial extent at which landscape metrics are measured). We found 34 articles published between 1978 and 2025, from which we obtained movement data for 32 species (17 Anisoptera and 15 Zygoptera). Most studies were developed in the northern hemisphere, with an increase since the early 2000s. Individual movement is usually assessed by mark-recapture, but telemetry has been applied for large-bodied species. Despite the literature suggesting a higher movement capacity in Anisoptera than in Zygoptera, we observed no significant difference between the two suborders. Our results showed a median distance of 731.5 m (range: 16 to 1790 m) for Zygoptera and 224 m (range: 89 to 1910 m) for Anisoptera. Landscape studies were rare, and some spatial scales used were small compared to the maximum travel capacity of Odonata. Based on these results, we emphasize the scarcity of data on dragonfly movements, especially in tropical regions. Understanding these factors is essential to identify needs and define conservation strategies, especially for species most sensitive to anthropogenic changes, threatened and low movement capacity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55564,"journal":{"name":"Acta Oecologica-International Journal of Ecology","volume":"129 ","pages":"Article 104125"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145221673","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-27DOI: 10.1016/j.actao.2025.104128
Brenda Guerrero-Bautista, Yasmin Vázquez-Santos, Silvia Castillo-Argüero, Yuriana Martínez-Orea, Marco A. Romero-Romero
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonize plant roots, facilitating water absorption and the acquisition of nutrients essential for plant growth and reproduction. This association is present in all terrestrial ecosystems and is also common in secondary vegetation species. Despite their importance in various ecological processes in temperate forests, AMF patterns in the Asteraceae family, have been scarcely studied. There are few studies that explicitly link plant biological traits and seasonal edaphic variability to colonization dynamics. The objective of this research was to evaluate the existence of patterns in the arbuscular mycorrhizal association of three Asteraceae family species of secondary vegetation, Ageratina glabrata, Roldana angulifolia and Roldana barba-johannis, explained by some biological traits of the plant species and some edaphic factors of the site. Significant differences in AMF colonization were detected. Hyphae and spore colonization increased during the rainy season, while arbuscule frequency increased during the dry season. Generalized linear model results showed that species identity and its interaction with the site significantly affected plant height and coverage. R. barba-johannis exhibited a significant and positive correlation between coverage and arbuscule colonization. Canonical correspondence analysis revealed that fungal colonization was primarily associated with higher soil moisture, organic matter, and nutrient availability during the rainy season. Conversely, arbuscule colonization and plant growth during the dry season were related to light availability and ammonium levels. It was shown that AMF colonization of Asteraceae shrubs is strongly influenced by a combination of biological, edaphic and seasonal factors.
{"title":"Seasonal variation in arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization in three Asteraceae species in a temperate secondary forest","authors":"Brenda Guerrero-Bautista, Yasmin Vázquez-Santos, Silvia Castillo-Argüero, Yuriana Martínez-Orea, Marco A. Romero-Romero","doi":"10.1016/j.actao.2025.104128","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actao.2025.104128","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonize plant roots, facilitating water absorption and the acquisition of nutrients essential for plant growth and reproduction. This association is present in all terrestrial ecosystems and is also common in secondary vegetation species. Despite their importance in various ecological processes in temperate forests, AMF patterns in the Asteraceae family, have been scarcely studied. There are few studies that explicitly link plant biological traits and seasonal edaphic variability to colonization dynamics. The objective of this research was to evaluate the existence of patterns in the arbuscular mycorrhizal association of three Asteraceae family species of secondary vegetation, <em>Ageratina glabrata</em>, <em>Roldana angulifolia</em> and <em>Roldana barba-johannis</em>, explained by some biological traits of the plant species and some edaphic factors of the site. Significant differences in AMF colonization were detected. Hyphae and spore colonization increased during the rainy season, while arbuscule frequency increased during the dry season. Generalized linear model results showed that species identity and its interaction with the site significantly affected plant height and coverage. <em>R. barba-johannis</em> exhibited a significant and positive correlation between coverage and arbuscule colonization. Canonical correspondence analysis revealed that fungal colonization was primarily associated with higher soil moisture, organic matter, and nutrient availability during the rainy season. Conversely, arbuscule colonization and plant growth during the dry season were related to light availability and ammonium levels. It was shown that AMF colonization of Asteraceae shrubs is strongly influenced by a combination of biological, edaphic and seasonal factors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55564,"journal":{"name":"Acta Oecologica-International Journal of Ecology","volume":"129 ","pages":"Article 104128"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145159434","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-23DOI: 10.1016/j.actao.2025.104127
Qingyun Liu , Haiou Wang , Xiaodong Ma
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are important soil microorganisms that form arbuscular mycelium networks (AMN) and promote plant growth. However, reports on AMN effects on growth and physiological characteristics of desert plants under salinity are scarce. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of salinity on AMN-mediated growth, photosynthesis, and metabolism of Saltcedar (Tamarix ramosissima) and Camelthorn (Alhagi sparsifolia) seedlings. Three salt treatments (0 %, 0.4 %, and 0.8 %, S1, S2, and S3, respectively), and two mycelial transfer distances (15 and 30 cm, L1 and L2, respectively), were tested on seeds planted in AMF-inoculated/uninoculated soil. At S1, mycorrhizal colonization promoted aboveground biomass of Saltcedar by 23.6 % (L1) and 21.8 % (L2) compared to non-inoculated plants, with chlorophyll a content elevated by 18.9 % (L1) and 17.5 % (L2), and SOD activity increased by 12.3 % (L1) and 11.8 % (L2) regardless of distance. For Camelthorn under S1, belowground biomass increased by 32.1 % (L1) and 30.5 % (L2), root length was enhanced by 27.5 % (L1) and 23.2 % (L2), and root/shoot ratio was 14.86 % higher under L1 than L2. Mycorrhizal colonization had no significant effect on F0 or Fm values of Saltcedar, nor Fm values of Camelthorn under S2 +L1. At S2+L1, AMF inoculation significantly reduced Fo values of Saltcedar by 4.5 % and increased Fm values of Camelthorn by 12.5 %. Neither growth nor physiological indexes differed between species in L2 under S2. Photosynthesis, antioxidant and osmotic regulation ability, and salt tolerance significantly improved in Saltcedar upon mycorrhizal colonization under low salinity and long distance, with chlorophyll fluorescence parameter Fv/Fm increased by 5.0 % (L1) and 4.8 % (L2). Meanwhile, root/shoot ratio and root morphological indexes improved in Camelthorn, which survived and continued to grow.
{"title":"Salinity effects on arbuscular mycelium network-mediated performance of Saltcedar and Camelhorn seedlings","authors":"Qingyun Liu , Haiou Wang , Xiaodong Ma","doi":"10.1016/j.actao.2025.104127","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actao.2025.104127","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are important soil microorganisms that form arbuscular mycelium networks (AMN) and promote plant growth. However, reports on AMN effects on growth and physiological characteristics of desert plants under salinity are scarce. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of salinity on AMN-mediated growth, photosynthesis, and metabolism of Saltcedar (Tamarix ramosissima) and Camelthorn (Alhagi sparsifolia) seedlings. Three salt treatments (0 %, 0.4 %, and 0.8 %, S1, S2, and S3, respectively), and two mycelial transfer distances (15 and 30 cm, L1 and L2, respectively), were tested on seeds planted in AMF-inoculated/uninoculated soil. At S1, mycorrhizal colonization promoted aboveground biomass of Saltcedar by 23.6 % (L1) and 21.8 % (L2) compared to non-inoculated plants, with chlorophyll <em>a</em> content elevated by 18.9 % (L1) and 17.5 % (L2), and SOD activity increased by 12.3 % (L1) and 11.8 % (L2) regardless of distance. For Camelthorn under S1, belowground biomass increased by 32.1 % (L1) and 30.5 % (L2), root length was enhanced by 27.5 % (L1) and 23.2 % (L2), and root/shoot ratio was 14.86 % higher under L1 than L2. Mycorrhizal colonization had no significant effect on F0 or Fm values of Saltcedar, nor Fm values of Camelthorn under S2 +L1. At S2+L1, AMF inoculation significantly reduced Fo values of Saltcedar by 4.5 % and increased Fm values of Camelthorn by 12.5 %. Neither growth nor physiological indexes differed between species in L2 under S2. Photosynthesis, antioxidant and osmotic regulation ability, and salt tolerance significantly improved in Saltcedar upon mycorrhizal colonization under low salinity and long distance, with chlorophyll fluorescence parameter Fv/Fm increased by 5.0 % (L1) and 4.8 % (L2). Meanwhile, root/shoot ratio and root morphological indexes improved in Camelthorn, which survived and continued to grow.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55564,"journal":{"name":"Acta Oecologica-International Journal of Ecology","volume":"129 ","pages":"Article 104127"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145121147","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-21DOI: 10.1016/j.actao.2025.104126
Wanda Karolina da Silva , Marcelo de Carvalho Alves , Rafael Dudeque Zenni
Urbanization impacts on biomass production and storage in the endangered Atlantic Forest require further investigation seeking effective methods for monitoring carbon flux. Our study compared gross primary production (GPP) and vegetation biomass increment across seasons between urban and non-urban forests of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We hypothesized higher GPP and biomass values in the urban forest and during the rainy seasons (spring and summer) compared to the non-urban forest and dry seasons (autumn and winter), respectively. We used two MODIS products which provides GPP and net primary production (NPP) to quantify the photosynthetic activity and biomass of an urban forest in Tijuca National Park (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and a non-urban forest of comparable size and climate region between the years 2004 and 2024. We observed higher values of GPP and biomass in the rainy seasons (GPP = 9.5 ± 1.6 g C m−2 day−1; biomass = 12.3 ± 2.2 g C m−2 day−1) compared to the dry seasons (GPP = 7.4 ± 1.2 g C m−2 day−1; biomass = 9.6 ± 1.6 g C m−2 day−1) in the 20 years. Urbanization and rainy seasons together positively influenced GPP and biomass increase, indicating a synergistic effect of urbanization and rainfall on the production dynamics. We concluded that the primary production of the Atlantic Forest fragments examined was positively influenced by rainfall and urbanization. These factors serve as significant agents in mitigating carbon emissions and enhancing ecosystem services, especially amidst rapid urbanization and climatic changes.
城市化对濒危大西洋森林生物量生产和储存的影响需要进一步调查，寻求监测碳通量的有效方法。本研究比较了巴西大西洋森林城市森林和非城市森林不同季节的总初级生产量（GPP）和植被生物量增量。我们假设城市森林和雨季（春季和夏季）的GPP和生物量值分别高于非城市森林和旱季（秋季和冬季）。本研究使用两种MODIS产品，分别提供GPP和净初级生产量（NPP），对2004年至2024年间巴西蒂茹卡国家公园（里约热内卢de Janeiro， Brazil）的城市森林和同等规模和气候区域的非城市森林的光合活性和生物量进行了量化。20年来，雨季GPP和生物量（GPP = 9.5±1.6 g C m−2 day−1，生物量= 12.3±2.2 g C m−2 day−1）均高于旱季（GPP = 7.4±1.2 g C m−2 day−1，生物量= 9.6±1.6 g C m−2 day−1）。城市化和雨季共同正向影响GPP和生物量的增加，表明城市化和降雨对生产动态具有协同效应。研究结果表明，降雨和城市化对大西洋森林破碎片的初级生产具有正向影响。这些因素在减少碳排放和加强生态系统服务方面发挥着重要作用，尤其是在快速城市化和气候变化的背景下。
{"title":"Urbanization increases gross primary production and biomass of Atlantic forest fragments","authors":"Wanda Karolina da Silva , Marcelo de Carvalho Alves , Rafael Dudeque Zenni","doi":"10.1016/j.actao.2025.104126","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actao.2025.104126","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Urbanization impacts on biomass production and storage in the endangered Atlantic Forest require further investigation seeking effective methods for monitoring carbon flux. Our study compared gross primary production (GPP) and vegetation biomass increment across seasons between urban and non-urban forests of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We hypothesized higher GPP and biomass values in the urban forest and during the rainy seasons (spring and summer) compared to the non-urban forest and dry seasons (autumn and winter), respectively. We used two MODIS products which provides GPP and net primary production (NPP) to quantify the photosynthetic activity and biomass of an urban forest in Tijuca National Park (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and a non-urban forest of comparable size and climate region between the years 2004 and 2024. We observed higher values of GPP and biomass in the rainy seasons (GPP = 9.5 ± 1.6 g C m<sup>−2</sup> day<sup>−1</sup>; biomass = 12.3 ± 2.2 g C m<sup>−2</sup> day<sup>−1</sup>) compared to the dry seasons (GPP = 7.4 ± 1.2 g C m<sup>−2</sup> day<sup>−1</sup>; biomass = 9.6 ± 1.6 g C m<sup>−2</sup> day<sup>−1</sup>) in the 20 years. Urbanization and rainy seasons together positively influenced GPP and biomass increase, indicating a synergistic effect of urbanization and rainfall on the production dynamics. We concluded that the primary production of the Atlantic Forest fragments examined was positively influenced by rainfall and urbanization. These factors serve as significant agents in mitigating carbon emissions and enhancing ecosystem services, especially amidst rapid urbanization and climatic changes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55564,"journal":{"name":"Acta Oecologica-International Journal of Ecology","volume":"129 ","pages":"Article 104126"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145107237","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-10DOI: 10.1016/j.actao.2025.104115
Asmae Amiri Ghanatsaman , Babak Pilehvar , Kambiz Abrari Vajari , Aliakbar Mohammad Ali Pourmalekshah
Non-native plant species have been introduced to provide various goods and services with a wide range of negative and positive effects on the ecosystem. Recently, Paulownia fortunei was introduced to the Hyrcanian forests of Iran, sparking debate over its impact. This study used pair correlation statistics and mark correlation functions to examine interactions between Paulownia fortunei and native trees in a same-aged mixed plantation. The pair correlation statistics graphs generally indicated the attraction or independent relationship between Paulownia and native trees, likely due to the low density of Paulownia in the stand. In contrast, mark correlation function graphs generally indicate the negative or independent type of relationship. To investigate soil properties, tree natural regeneration, and vegetation composition, we compared the two same-aged stands of a Paulownia mixed plantation with native trees (Case) and native trees (Control). After twenty years, soil nitrogen and carbon levels increased in the Case compared to the Control. The natural regeneration showed differences. At the small sapling (under 130 cm), the Control has a higher abundance of Acer velutinum Boiss and Quercus castaneifolia, while Crataegus elbursensis is more abundant in the Case. At the large sapling (above 130 cm), Prunus cerasifera was more in the Case. Indices of diversity, species richness, and evenness showed no significant differences. The absence of major antagonistic effects is likely due to the low density of Paulownia and the plantation's relatively short duration (after 20 years).
{"title":"Paulownia fortunei plantation in temperate broadleaves forest, does it act as an invader?","authors":"Asmae Amiri Ghanatsaman , Babak Pilehvar , Kambiz Abrari Vajari , Aliakbar Mohammad Ali Pourmalekshah","doi":"10.1016/j.actao.2025.104115","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actao.2025.104115","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Non-native plant species have been introduced to provide various goods and services with a wide range of negative and positive effects on the ecosystem. Recently, <em>Paulownia fortunei</em> was introduced to the Hyrcanian forests of Iran, sparking debate over its impact. This study used pair correlation statistics and mark correlation functions to examine interactions between <em>Paulownia fortunei</em> and native trees in a same-aged mixed plantation. The pair correlation statistics graphs generally indicated the attraction or independent relationship between Paulownia and native trees, likely due to the low density of Paulownia in the stand. In contrast, mark correlation function graphs generally indicate the negative or independent type of relationship. To investigate soil properties, tree natural regeneration, and vegetation composition, we compared the two same-aged stands of a Paulownia mixed plantation with native trees (Case) and native trees (Control). After twenty years, soil nitrogen and carbon levels increased in the Case compared to the Control. The natural regeneration showed differences. At the small sapling (under 130 cm), the Control has a higher abundance of <em>Acer velutinum Boiss</em> and <em>Quercus castaneifolia</em>, while <em>Crataegus elbursensis</em> is more abundant in the Case. At the large sapling (above 130 cm)<em>, Prunus cerasifera</em> was more in the Case. Indices of diversity, species richness, and evenness showed no significant differences. The absence of major antagonistic effects is likely due to the low density of Paulownia and the plantation's relatively short duration (after 20 years).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55564,"journal":{"name":"Acta Oecologica-International Journal of Ecology","volume":"129 ","pages":"Article 104115"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145027757","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-09DOI: 10.1016/j.actao.2025.104117
Rondro Harinisainana Baohanta , Martial Doret Andrianandrasana , Felana Niaina Rakoto Joseph , Vincent Porcher , Herizo Randriambanona , Voarisoa S. Randriantenaina , Irinah Ratsizafy , Robin Duponnois , Heriniaina Ramanankierana
This study aimed to assess the dynamics of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) associated with pioneer plant species across three one-year-old shrublands within Madagascar's natural rainforest ecosystem. Eight (8) pioneer shrub species were selected based on a floristic inventory, their symbiotic status, and their ecological behavior. The AMF communities associated with each species were described, and their symbiotic potential, expressed as mycorrhizal soil infectivity (MSI or MPN), was evaluated under controlled conditions. A total of 2862 spores were extracted, representing seven genera and 19 AMF species. Soils associated with Rubus moluccanus and Urena lobata exhibited significantly higher spore densities and diversity indices. The equitability index decreased in the following order: forest soil (0.68), Urena lobata, Solanum torvum, Lantana camara, Conyza sumatrensis, Rubus moluccanus, Psiadia altissima, Chromolaena odorata, Clidemia hirta, and grassland soil (0.25). Higher MSI values were recorded in C. sumatrensis than in P. altissima. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the relationships between MSI, spore density, and spore diversity were positive but not strong enough to predict functional effectiveness.
In conclusion, nurse plant selection should be guided by a combination of parameters, including their capacity to enhance AMF density, diversity, and infectivity, as well as the physico-chemical properties of soils that shape facilitation. Within this framework, Conyza sumatrensis appears as a promising candidate for forest restoration in Madagascar.
{"title":"Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi dynamics in secondary shrublands of Madagascar: ecological insights for nurse plant selection in forest restoration","authors":"Rondro Harinisainana Baohanta , Martial Doret Andrianandrasana , Felana Niaina Rakoto Joseph , Vincent Porcher , Herizo Randriambanona , Voarisoa S. Randriantenaina , Irinah Ratsizafy , Robin Duponnois , Heriniaina Ramanankierana","doi":"10.1016/j.actao.2025.104117","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actao.2025.104117","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to assess the dynamics of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) associated with pioneer plant species across three one-year-old shrublands within Madagascar's natural rainforest ecosystem. Eight (8) pioneer shrub species were selected based on a floristic inventory, their symbiotic status, and their ecological behavior. The AMF communities associated with each species were described, and their symbiotic potential, expressed as mycorrhizal soil infectivity (MSI or MPN), was evaluated under controlled conditions. A total of 2862 spores were extracted, representing seven genera and 19 AMF species. Soils associated with <em>Rubus moluccanus</em> and <em>Urena lobata</em> exhibited significantly higher spore densities and diversity indices. The equitability index decreased in the following order: forest soil (0.68), <em>Urena lobata</em>, <em>Solanum torvum</em>, <em>Lantana camara</em>, <em>Conyza sumatrensis</em>, <em>Rubus moluccanus</em>, <em>Psiadia altissima</em>, <em>Chromolaena odorata</em>, <em>Clidemia hirta</em>, and grassland soil (0.25). Higher MSI values were recorded in <em>C. sumatrensis</em> than in <em>P. altissima</em>. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the relationships between MSI, spore density, and spore diversity were positive but not strong enough to predict functional effectiveness.</div><div>In conclusion, nurse plant selection should be guided by a combination of parameters, including their capacity to enhance AMF density, diversity, and infectivity, as well as the physico-chemical properties of soils that shape facilitation. Within this framework, <em>Conyza sumatrensis</em> appears as a promising candidate for forest restoration in Madagascar.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55564,"journal":{"name":"Acta Oecologica-International Journal of Ecology","volume":"129 ","pages":"Article 104117"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145021048","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.actao.2025.104116
Jesús E. Sáenz-Ceja , Diego R. Pérez-Salicrup
Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) has become the main cultivated crop in the highlands of central Mexico. However, avocado monoculture has triggered the loss of conifer forests, even within protected areas, such as the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve that hosts the overwintering sites of the migratory monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus Linnaeus). This study modeled avocado monoculture expansion from 2006 to 2024 and suitable areas for avocado cropping under current climate and climate change (low and high emissions) scenarios in pine-oak, mixed-conifer, and sacred fir forests. As a result, 1345 ha of avocado orchards covered the protected area in 2024; most came from the conversion of former traditional croplands and 337 ha from pine-oak forests. Under the current climate, suitable areas were found in 5076 ha, of which avocado orchards already occupied 27 % and 50 % covered by forest. Under the low-emission scenario, 3576 ha were suitable by 2050 and 5133 ha by 2070; under the high-emission scenario, they amounted to 5038 ha by 2050 and 10,395 ha by 2070. In both climate change scenarios, suitable areas moved to higher elevations. Pine-oak forest was the most affected by the expansion of avocado monoculture. Although sacred fir and mixed-conifer forests, the overwintering habitats of monarch butterflies, were not directly affected, the projected expansion of avocado cropping represents a threat due to the reduction of nectar sources and the use of pesticides in new orchards. Therefore, the preservation of conifer forests and better avocado cultivation practices are crucial to ensure this migratory phenomenon.
{"title":"Expansion of avocado monoculture threatens the overwintering habitat of monarch butterflies in central Mexico","authors":"Jesús E. Sáenz-Ceja , Diego R. Pérez-Salicrup","doi":"10.1016/j.actao.2025.104116","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actao.2025.104116","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Avocado (<em>Persea americana</em> Mill.) has become the main cultivated crop in the highlands of central Mexico. However, avocado monoculture has triggered the loss of conifer forests, even within protected areas, such as the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve that hosts the overwintering sites of the migratory monarch butterflies (<em>Danaus plexippus</em> Linnaeus). This study modeled avocado monoculture expansion from 2006 to 2024 and suitable areas for avocado cropping under current climate and climate change (low and high emissions) scenarios in pine-oak, mixed-conifer, and sacred fir forests. As a result, 1345 ha of avocado orchards covered the protected area in 2024; most came from the conversion of former traditional croplands and 337 ha from pine-oak forests. Under the current climate, suitable areas were found in 5076 ha, of which avocado orchards already occupied 27 % and 50 % covered by forest. Under the low-emission scenario, 3576 ha were suitable by 2050 and 5133 ha by 2070; under the high-emission scenario, they amounted to 5038 ha by 2050 and 10,395 ha by 2070. In both climate change scenarios, suitable areas moved to higher elevations. Pine-oak forest was the most affected by the expansion of avocado monoculture. Although sacred fir and mixed-conifer forests, the overwintering habitats of monarch butterflies, were not directly affected, the projected expansion of avocado cropping represents a threat due to the reduction of nectar sources and the use of pesticides in new orchards. Therefore, the preservation of conifer forests and better avocado cultivation practices are crucial to ensure this migratory phenomenon.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55564,"journal":{"name":"Acta Oecologica-International Journal of Ecology","volume":"128 ","pages":"Article 104116"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145009953","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.actao.2025.104113
S.R. Carrizo , M.V.E. Díaz Villa , M.F. Cagnone , J.S. Paronetto , N. Madanes , G. Goldstein , P.M. Cristiano
Endangered coastal dry native forests in Argentina are currently threatened by glossy privet (Ligustrum lucidum) invasion. The main objective of this study was to estimate and compare litterfall productivity in these dry forests with different degrees of L. lucidum invasion; and to analyse the relationship between invasion and soil nutrients. Leaf litter productivity in invaded forests was three times higher and fruit litter productivity was seven times higher than in preserved and partially-preserved forests. Although total litterfall dynamics showed a similar seasonal pattern across all forests, leaf and fruit litter productivity were different among forests, and native species’ contribution to leaf litter decreased from 81,9 % in preserved forests to 1,9 % in invaded forests. Soil litter layer depth increased almost four times in glossy privet invaded forests. Despite these changes, no differences were detected in soil nutrient and carbon contents among forests, except for a lower organic phosphorus content in invaded forests. Although partially-preserved forests remain functionally similar to preserved forests in terms of litterfall dynamics, their ongoing invasion by L. lucidum indicates a potential risk of structural shifts, suggesting that very rapid management interventions are required.
{"title":"Increased litterfall productivity in coastal dry forests of Argentina invaded by Ligustrum lucidum","authors":"S.R. Carrizo , M.V.E. Díaz Villa , M.F. Cagnone , J.S. Paronetto , N. Madanes , G. Goldstein , P.M. Cristiano","doi":"10.1016/j.actao.2025.104113","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actao.2025.104113","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Endangered coastal dry native forests in Argentina are currently threatened by glossy privet (<em>Ligustrum lucidum</em>) invasion. The main objective of this study was to estimate and compare litterfall productivity in these dry forests with different degrees of <em>L. lucidum</em> invasion; and to analyse the relationship between invasion and soil nutrients. Leaf litter productivity in invaded forests was three times higher and fruit litter productivity was seven times higher than in preserved and partially-preserved forests. Although total litterfall dynamics showed a similar seasonal pattern across all forests, leaf and fruit litter productivity were different among forests, and native species’ contribution to leaf litter decreased from 81,9 % in preserved forests to 1,9 % in invaded forests. Soil litter layer depth increased almost four times in glossy privet invaded forests. Despite these changes, no differences were detected in soil nutrient and carbon contents among forests, except for a lower organic phosphorus content in invaded forests. Although partially-preserved forests remain functionally similar to preserved forests in terms of litterfall dynamics, their ongoing invasion by <em>L. lucidum</em> indicates a potential risk of structural shifts, suggesting that very rapid management interventions are required.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55564,"journal":{"name":"Acta Oecologica-International Journal of Ecology","volume":"128 ","pages":"Article 104113"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144931772","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
In endozoochorous seed dispersal via animal gut passage, seeds are often deposited together with multiple conspecific and/or heterospecific seeds, potentially increasing the intensity of seedling competition. Ecological characteristics of the seed disperser species, such as the foraging behavior, food habits, and body size may influence seed composition and seed density in feces. To evaluate how the ecological characteristics of seed dispersers influence the competitive environment for seedlings, we compared the seed composition and density in the feces of three mammalian seed disperser species, martens, raccoon dogs, and foxes, that differ in foraging behavior, food habits, and body size. We collected 105 fecal samples, recorded 9385 seeds, and identified eight plant species. Seed composition in feces differed significantly among the three disperser species. Marten feces were primarily composed of Malus toringo (Siebold). In contrast, those of raccoon dogs and foxes were composed of a more diverse array of plant species. The density of seeds in feces tended to be higher in martens and raccoon dogs than in foxes. These results suggest that the competitive environments of seedlings differ depending on the ecological characteristics of disperser species and may have differential effects on seedling establishment.
{"title":"Seed deposition patterns reflect the foraging behavior and food habits of mammalian seed dispersers","authors":"Teruki Inoue , Kei Okuda , Yoshino Sakamoto , Rui Miyamoto , Haruka Kobayashi , Misaki Yokoyama , Akira Yamawo","doi":"10.1016/j.actao.2025.104111","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actao.2025.104111","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In endozoochorous seed dispersal via animal gut passage, seeds are often deposited together with multiple conspecific and/or heterospecific seeds, potentially increasing the intensity of seedling competition. Ecological characteristics of the seed disperser species, such as the foraging behavior, food habits, and body size may influence seed composition and seed density in feces. To evaluate how the ecological characteristics of seed dispersers influence the competitive environment for seedlings, we compared the seed composition and density in the feces of three mammalian seed disperser species, martens, raccoon dogs, and foxes, that differ in foraging behavior, food habits, and body size. We collected 105 fecal samples, recorded 9385 seeds, and identified eight plant species. Seed composition in feces differed significantly among the three disperser species. Marten feces were primarily composed of <em>Malus toringo</em> (Siebold). In contrast, those of raccoon dogs and foxes were composed of a more diverse array of plant species. The density of seeds in feces tended to be higher in martens and raccoon dogs than in foxes. These results suggest that the competitive environments of seedlings differ depending on the ecological characteristics of disperser species and may have differential effects on seedling establishment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55564,"journal":{"name":"Acta Oecologica-International Journal of Ecology","volume":"128 ","pages":"Article 104111"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145047872","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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