npj biodiversityPub Date : 2025-05-12DOI: 10.1038/s44185-025-00086-6
G Morib, A Tilker, L-R Davranoglou, S D Anasari, A Balázs, P A Barnes, M J Foote, A Hamidy, C D Heatubun, K M Helgen, N Inayah, M K Ikhwan, H Jayanto, H J Keiluhu, I Kobak, M Kobak, L Koungoulos, P Norotouw, S O'Connor, S B Subakti, Taufiq, P J de Vries, M Webb, S Wiantoro, H Yando, A M Yohanita, J A Kempton
{"title":"Attenborough's echidna rediscovered by combining Indigenous knowledge with camera-trapping.","authors":"G Morib, A Tilker, L-R Davranoglou, S D Anasari, A Balázs, P A Barnes, M J Foote, A Hamidy, C D Heatubun, K M Helgen, N Inayah, M K Ikhwan, H Jayanto, H J Keiluhu, I Kobak, M Kobak, L Koungoulos, P Norotouw, S O'Connor, S B Subakti, Taufiq, P J de Vries, M Webb, S Wiantoro, H Yando, A M Yohanita, J A Kempton","doi":"10.1038/s44185-025-00086-6","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44185-025-00086-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We confirm the 'rediscovery' of Attenborough's long-beaked echidna (Zaglossus attenboroughi), one of only five modern egg-laying mammals and, until now, one of the planet's most enigmatic 'lost species'. Unrecorded for 62 years, we present the first scientific evidence of its survival to the present day. We highlight the importance of combining local Indigenous knowledge with camera-trapping to making the rediscovery, and we also discuss follow-up conservation actions to safeguard this Critically Endangered species.</p>","PeriodicalId":520249,"journal":{"name":"npj biodiversity","volume":"4 1","pages":"19"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12069574/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144004027","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
npj biodiversityPub Date : 2025-05-05DOI: 10.1038/s44185-025-00089-3
Krizler Cejuela Tanalgo, Bona Abigail Hilario-Husain, Sarrah Jane C Guerrero, Francisco Gil N Garcia, Tessie E Lerios, May Eva Z Garcia, Renee Jane Alvaro-Ele, Meriam Manampan-Rubio, Sedra A Murray, Lothy F Casim, Jamaica L Delos Reyes, Kier Celestial Dela Cruz, Sumaira S Abdullah, Shiela Mae P Balase, Jeaneth Magelen V Respicio, Asraf K Lidasan, Ma Teodora N Cabasan, Jonald L Pimentel, Florie Jane M Tamon, Angelo Rellama Agduma, Alice C Hughes
{"title":"Reply to Pitogo et al.: No single silver bullet to simply understand war-biodiversity conflict in the Philippines.","authors":"Krizler Cejuela Tanalgo, Bona Abigail Hilario-Husain, Sarrah Jane C Guerrero, Francisco Gil N Garcia, Tessie E Lerios, May Eva Z Garcia, Renee Jane Alvaro-Ele, Meriam Manampan-Rubio, Sedra A Murray, Lothy F Casim, Jamaica L Delos Reyes, Kier Celestial Dela Cruz, Sumaira S Abdullah, Shiela Mae P Balase, Jeaneth Magelen V Respicio, Asraf K Lidasan, Ma Teodora N Cabasan, Jonald L Pimentel, Florie Jane M Tamon, Angelo Rellama Agduma, Alice C Hughes","doi":"10.1038/s44185-025-00089-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s44185-025-00089-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sociopolitical conflicts have significant but often overlooked impacts on biodiversity. In our reply, we reaffirm key findings from our previous work and directly address the Matters Arising raised by Pitogo and colleagues. Additionally, we present fine-scale analyses that further support our original conclusions. We emphasise the need for continued research to fully unravel the complex relationship between conflict and environmental impacts.</p>","PeriodicalId":520249,"journal":{"name":"npj biodiversity","volume":"4 1","pages":"18"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12053582/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144060473","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
npj biodiversityPub Date : 2025-05-05DOI: 10.1038/s44185-025-00088-4
Kier Mitchel E Pitogo, Camila G Meneses, Andrie Bon A Flores, Aljohn Jay L Saavedra, Ace Kevin S Amarga, Marjorie Delos Angeles, Cristian C Lucañas, Syrus Cesar P Decena, Russell Evan L Venturina, Jay S Fidelino, Dexcem Pantinople, Al John C Cabañas, Mark William Herr, Justin M Bernstein, Kin Onn Chan, Marites B Sanguila, Neil Aldrin Mallari, Rafe M Brown, Christian E Supsup
{"title":"Caught in statistical noise: pitfalls of a unidimensional approach to understanding biodiversity-conflict relationships.","authors":"Kier Mitchel E Pitogo, Camila G Meneses, Andrie Bon A Flores, Aljohn Jay L Saavedra, Ace Kevin S Amarga, Marjorie Delos Angeles, Cristian C Lucañas, Syrus Cesar P Decena, Russell Evan L Venturina, Jay S Fidelino, Dexcem Pantinople, Al John C Cabañas, Mark William Herr, Justin M Bernstein, Kin Onn Chan, Marites B Sanguila, Neil Aldrin Mallari, Rafe M Brown, Christian E Supsup","doi":"10.1038/s44185-025-00088-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s44185-025-00088-4","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":520249,"journal":{"name":"npj biodiversity","volume":"4 1","pages":"17"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12052984/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144049259","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
npj biodiversityPub Date : 2025-04-29DOI: 10.1038/s44185-025-00085-7
Eslam O Osman, Neus Garcias-Bonet, Pedro M Cardoso, Phillipe M Rosado, Francisca C García, Christine Ferrier-Pagès, Raquel S Peixoto
{"title":"Phototrophic bacteria as potential probiotics for corals.","authors":"Eslam O Osman, Neus Garcias-Bonet, Pedro M Cardoso, Phillipe M Rosado, Francisca C García, Christine Ferrier-Pagès, Raquel S Peixoto","doi":"10.1038/s44185-025-00085-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s44185-025-00085-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Coral-associated microorganisms provide crucial nutritional, protective, and developmental benefits, yet many functional traits remain unexplored. Phototrophic bacteria may enhance coral nutrition and reduce oxidative stress during bleaching via photosynthesis and antioxidant production. Despite this potential, their role in the holobiont's energy budget and heat stress resilience is understudied. This review explores the functional traits and potential of phototrophic bacteria to enhance coral health and resilience under environmental stress.</p>","PeriodicalId":520249,"journal":{"name":"npj biodiversity","volume":"4 1","pages":"16"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12041382/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144039825","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
npj biodiversityPub Date : 2025-04-23DOI: 10.1038/s44185-025-00078-6
Krista N Oswald, Tamir Rozenberg, Oded Keynan, Gabriel Oliveira de Caetano, Sivan Toledo, Ran Nathan, Uri Roll, Oded Berger-Tal
{"title":"The value of human resources changes with season for a social desert passerine bird.","authors":"Krista N Oswald, Tamir Rozenberg, Oded Keynan, Gabriel Oliveira de Caetano, Sivan Toledo, Ran Nathan, Uri Roll, Oded Berger-Tal","doi":"10.1038/s44185-025-00078-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s44185-025-00078-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>For desert species, human development may buffer against resource scarcity by providing reliable resources in an otherwise stark environment. We used high-throughput tracking technology to explore the movement patterns of a social desert passerine bird (the Arabian babbler-Argya quadriceps, Leiothrichidae) in a mosaic of human-modified and semi-natural habitats. From late summer to early winter, as natural food and water resources increase, we tracked 21 individuals representing 10 groups. Toward winter, groups spent less time within villages, had smaller home ranges, and were less territorial. In general, birds showed a preference for spending time in the vegetated semi-natural habitat. We further found that even a small section of uncultivated agricultural land (~2 km stretch of mostly bare dirt) can act as a movement barrier for babblers. Altogether, we highlight how the complex interaction between resource availability and anthropogenic changes to habitats, can shape animals' responses to our changing planet.</p>","PeriodicalId":520249,"journal":{"name":"npj biodiversity","volume":"4 1","pages":"15"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12019365/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144050729","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
npj biodiversityPub Date : 2025-04-05DOI: 10.1038/s44185-025-00083-9
K C C Capel, I Ayalon, N Simon-Blecher, A Zweifler Zvifler, I C J Benichou, G Eyal, D Avisar, J Roth, P Bongaerts, O Levy
{"title":"Depth-structured lineages in the coral Stylophora pistillata of the Northern Red Sea.","authors":"K C C Capel, I Ayalon, N Simon-Blecher, A Zweifler Zvifler, I C J Benichou, G Eyal, D Avisar, J Roth, P Bongaerts, O Levy","doi":"10.1038/s44185-025-00083-9","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44185-025-00083-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Coral reefs are biodiversity hotspots, where new species continue to be discovered. Stylophora pistillata, a depth-generalist coral, is widely distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific and has long been considered the poster child for phenotypic plasticity. It occupies a wide range of reef habitats and exhibits a myriad of gross morphologies. Here, we used reduced representation genome sequencing (nextRAD) to assess the genetic structure of adults and recruits of S. pistillata across shallow and mesophotic populations in the northern Red Sea (Gulf of Aqaba). Across analytical approaches, we observed a complex genetic structure with at least four genetically divergent lineages occurring sympatrically with little to no admixture and structured by depth. Morphological and physiological differences previously documented suggest that the long-considered ecological opportunism of S. pistillata in the Red Sea may, in fact, have a genetic basis. Assessment of both adult colonies and recruits within each of the lineages also revealed the prevalence of local recruitment and genetic structuring across the eight-kilometer section of the Israeli Red Sea coastline. Overall, the observed patterns confirm the presence of undescribed diversity within this model organism for coral physiology and corroborate a broader pattern of extensive undescribed diversity within scleractinian corals.</p>","PeriodicalId":520249,"journal":{"name":"npj biodiversity","volume":"4 1","pages":"13"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11972390/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143789514","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
npj biodiversityPub Date : 2025-03-30DOI: 10.1038/s44185-025-00084-8
Ruben Van De Walle, Maxime Dahirel, Ward Langeraert, Dries Benoit, Pieter Vantieghem, Martijn L Vandegehuchte, François Massol, Dries Bonte
{"title":"Drivers of plant-associated invertebrate community structure in West-European coastal dunes.","authors":"Ruben Van De Walle, Maxime Dahirel, Ward Langeraert, Dries Benoit, Pieter Vantieghem, Martijn L Vandegehuchte, François Massol, Dries Bonte","doi":"10.1038/s44185-025-00084-8","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44185-025-00084-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The organisation of species assemblages is affected by environmental factors acting at different spatial scales. To understand the drivers behind the community structure of invertebrates associated with marram grass -a dune-building ecosystem engineer -, we set up a stratified sampling scheme in six biogeographic sectors along the North Sea. We tested to which degree invertebrate species composition is affected by the spatial organisation of marram grass tussocks. Using distance-based RDA and a joint species distribution modelling approach, we show biogeography to be the most important driver, followed by species-specific responses to marram grass cover and vitality. Traits and phylogeny had a minor influence on the species distribution patterns. The residual species covariation suggests negative interactions between groups of specialist and generalist species. Our research indicates that the biological value of nature-based solutions for coastal protection can be optimized by the design of a heterogeneous marram grass planting scheme and/or development.</p>","PeriodicalId":520249,"journal":{"name":"npj biodiversity","volume":"4 1","pages":"12"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11955533/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143757652","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
npj biodiversityPub Date : 2025-03-30DOI: 10.1038/s44185-025-00082-w
Christos Mammides, Ahimsa Campos-Arceiz
{"title":"Media coverage of biodiversity falls short compared to climate change and popular culture.","authors":"Christos Mammides, Ahimsa Campos-Arceiz","doi":"10.1038/s44185-025-00082-w","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44185-025-00082-w","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":520249,"journal":{"name":"npj biodiversity","volume":"4 1","pages":"11"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11955548/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143757655","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
npj biodiversityPub Date : 2025-03-30DOI: 10.1038/s44185-025-00081-x
Daan T P Kinsbergen, Annemieke M Kooijman, Elly Morriën, Katherine English, J Gerard B Oostermeijer
{"title":"Abiotic and biotic drivers of soil microbial diversity in an intensively grazed natural ecosystem.","authors":"Daan T P Kinsbergen, Annemieke M Kooijman, Elly Morriën, Katherine English, J Gerard B Oostermeijer","doi":"10.1038/s44185-025-00081-x","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44185-025-00081-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Many ecosystems worldwide are threatened by anthropogenic causes, with high-intensity grazing by large herbivores as a significant risk factor for biodiversity. Although the drivers of α-diversity are well-studied for animal and plant communities, they are often overlooked for soil microbes, particularly in natural systems. We therefore used a novel innovative information-theoretic approach to structural equation model selection and multimodel path coefficient averaging to identify these drivers. Our findings show that abiotic soil characteristics, primarily soil pH, significantly shape the α-diversity of both bacteria and fungi. Biotic factors like vegetation Shannon diversity and aboveground biomass also significantly drive microbial α-diversity, especially for fungi. Our statistical approach adds robustness to our results and conclusions, offering valuable insights into the complex interactions shaping soil microbial communities in intensively grazed natural systems. These insights are crucial for developing more effective and comprehensive future ecosystem management and restoration strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":520249,"journal":{"name":"npj biodiversity","volume":"4 1","pages":"10"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11955547/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143757649","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}