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Immediate and delayed impacts of Alizarin Red S dye on Salmo trutta fry: Physiological and fitness responses /
No full textThe application of alizarin dye for the marking of fish is a widely adopted practice in post-stocking monitoring programmes. Nevertheless, concerns regarding the welfare implications of alizarin staining persist. The present study conclusively demonstrated that ARS dye exerts instantaneous and protracted deleterious effects on the physiological parameters (gill ventilation frequency, homeostasis in the gut microbiota, total number of erythrocytes and leukocytes) and body fitness (total length, weight and Fulton’s condition factor) of S. trutta fry. The validity of the dye-marked fish stocking effectiveness studies is called into question by these findings
Climate-driven variability in the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of Allium ursinum L /
No full textAllium ursinum L. (wild garlic) is a valuable medicinal and culinary plant, rich in bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties. This study evaluated the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of A. ursinum populations growing across eleven distinct sites in Lithuania, representing their different habitats. Leaves and flowers were extracted using solvent systems optimized for different compound groups, 70% methanol for phenolics, purified water for sulfur compounds, and methanol for carotenoids, assisted by ultrasonic extraction. Using HPLC-PDA and spectrophotometric assays, major flavonol glycosides, sulfur compounds and carotenoids were quantified in leaves and flowers. Significant variability in compound concentrations was observed between populations and plant organs. Flowers accumulated allicin (622–1442 μg/g DM) and higher levels of flavonol derivatives (up to 5949 μg/g DM), whereas leaves contained more carotenoids (384–656 μg/g DM). Antioxidant activity ranged from 473 to 719 μmol TE/g DM and showed positive correlation with the total content of identified phenolics in flowers. However, no significant correlation was observed between total phenolics and total antioxidant capacity in leaves. Multivariate analysis revealed clear clustering of populations based on climatic parameters, with higher precipitation and moderate spring temperatures favoring higher phenolic content. These findings suggest that local environmental factors significantly influence phytochemical profiles and antioxidant potential in A. ursinum. The results emphasize the importance of habitat conditions for optimal yield of bioactive compounds and support the development of site-adapted cultivation strategies for high-quality production of A. ursinum raw material
First assessment of the prevalence of haemosporidian infections in Accipitriformes raptors in Greece /
No full textHaemosporidians, a group of vector-borne parasites that parasitize the blood cells and internal organs of various animal species, are reported to cause severe pathology in raptors. Species belonging to the genera Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon are the ones of greatest wildlife importance. The common buzzard (Buteo buteo) and the Eurasian sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) are the most numerous raptor species in Europe. Reliable data is lacking for many raptor species in Greece. The aim of this study was to assess, for the first time, the prevalence and geographical distribution of haemosporidian infection (mainly Leucocytozoon and Plasmodium) in these two avian species in Greece, in correlation with the risk factors of age and sex. In total, 62 common buzzards and 26 Eurasian sparrowhawks were included in this study, all being admitted for treatment at a Greek Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Blood samples were collected and microscopical analysis was performed after staining blood smears with Giemsa. DNA was extracted from each sample and a fraction of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene was amplified by a nested PCR protocol. All positive samples were subjected to sequencing. Total prevalence of haemosporidian infection by morphological and molecular examination was 59% and 73.9%, respectively. Binary logistic regression was carried out. The most prevalent infection was by Leucocytozoon spp. Most of the samples had mixed infections. The isolated genetic lineages of Leucocytozoon spp. were BUBT2, BUBT3, MILVUS01, ACNI1, BUBO01 and MILANS04. The detected genetic lineages of Plasmodium spp. were TURDUS1, BT7 and DONANA02. A new genetic lineage, BUTBUT17, was also identified
Joining application of unmanned aerial vehicle imagery with GIS for monitoring of soft cliff linear habitats /
No full textIn the coastal zone, two types of habitats—linear and areal—are distinguished. The main differences between both types are their shape and structure and the hydro- and litho-dynamic, salinity, and ecological gradients. Studying linear littoral habitats is essential for interpreting the ’coastal squeeze’ effect. The study’s main objective was to assess short-term behavior of soft cliffs as littoral linear habitats during calm season storm events in the example of the Olandų Kepurė cliff, located on a peri-urban protected seashore (Baltic Sea, Lithuania). The approach combined the surveillance of the cliff using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with the data analysis using an ArcGIS algorithm specially adjusted for linear habitats. The authors discerned two short-term behavior forms—cliff base cavities and scarp slumps. The scarp slumps are more widely spread. It is particularly noticeable at the beginning of the spring–summer period when the difference between the occurrence of both forms is 3.5 times. In contrast, cliff base cavities proliferate in spring. This phenomenon might be related to a seasonal Baltic Sea level rise. The main conclusion is that 55 m long cliff cells are optimal for analyzing short-term cliff behavior using UAV and GIS
Chirping across continents: variation in urban house sparrow (Passer domesticus) vocalizations across North America and Europe /
No full textThe house sparrow ( Passer domesticus ) is one of the most widespread invasive bird species, with numerous and dense populations established across urban-agricultural landscapes of North America. Although this species has been widely studied to identify the traits that explain its global ubiquity, descriptions of house sparrow acoustic features across its native and introduced range are limited in the literature. We recorded male house sparrow vocalizations from 13 cities across Europe and North America to quantify the structural features of its common “chirrup” vocalization. Although the basic structure and duration were consistent across the two geographic regions, the vocalizations differed in their minimum frequencies and bandwidth. In a post hoc analysis of 140 museum specimens, we found that European house sparrows had larger bills and bodies than those in North America. Thus, we propose that these frequency shifts could be a result of synergistic interactions between morphological differences, potential differences in ambient noise, acoustic overlap with other species within the soundscape, or other acoustic features of European and North American cities. House sparrows seem to be a good model for future bioacoustics studies, given their worldwide distribution and acoustic plasticity, to test hypotheses related to urbanization traits and invasion potential
Eoldist, a web application for estimating cautionary detection distance of birds by automatic detection systems to reduce collisions with wind turbines /
No full textThe installation of automatic detection systems (ADSs) on operating wind energy facilities is a mitigation measure to reduce bird collisions. The effectiveness of an ADS depends on a combination of parameters, including the detection distance of the bird, its flight speed, and the time to complete the chosen action (e.g., turbine shutdown). We created a web application, Eoldist, to calculate cautionary detection distances required by an ADS, using bird flight speed and turbine shutdown time as input parameters. We compiled a database of the flight speeds of 168 Western Palearctic birds from a review of scientific literature supplemented by an analysis of unpublished GPS-tracking datasets. To estimate turbine shutdown time, we conducted 137 field trials of experimental shutdown at seven wind farms and found that the duration to reach residual rotor speeds of 3 or 2 rotations per minute (rpm) was respectively 32.2 or 38.8 s on average. Based on this data, Eoldist allows the user to select a species from the database, wind turbine characteristics, and a residual rotor speed (3 or 2 rpm); it then calculates the time to reach the selected threshold and provides a distribution curve for the cautionary detection distance needed to prevent collision. This article includes examples of cautionary detection distances required for several species to demonstrate the sensitivity of key input parameters. Eoldist is freely available and should help the wind energy industry, ADS suppliers, and environmental agencies to define requirements for ADS bird detection that are compatible with the biology of the target species
Antimicrobial thiol-acrylate vitrimers synthesized from glycerol and vanillin derivatives /
No full textThis work presents innovations in polymer science through the development of antimicrobial and reprocessable shape-memory vitrimers from biobased vanillin and glycerol acrylates, incorporating pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-mercaptopropionate). The addition of this thiol increased the viscosity of the resin and reduced shrinkage and rigidity, without significantly affecting the polymerization rate. Samples containing 20 wt.% of thiol exhibited self-welding and 40% self-healing efficiency after just 10 min of heating at 180 °C and without additional pressure, significantly improving mechanical properties. The ability of vitrimers to maintain a temporary shape and return to a permanent shape under temperature changes showed shape-memory behavior, making them suitable for medicine, electronics, and robotics. The mechanical properties remained consistent after three reprocessing cycles, highlighting the sustainability of the vitrimers. The antimicrobial activity of these vitrimers showed efficacy up to 100%, suitable for antimicrobial films, coatings, and 3D printed parts. Microimprint lithography enabled micrometer-scale patterns, highlighting broad practical applications of the vitrimers
Mammal fauna changes in Baltic countries during last three decades /
No full textWe examined three decades of changes in the mammal fauna of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in the context of climate variability, land use transformation, and anthropogenic pressures. We compiled distributional, abundance, and status data from publications, atlases, official game statistics, and long-term monitoring programs, and we evaluated trends using compound annual growth rates or temporal indices. Our review identified losses such as regional extinctions of garden dormice and European mink, declines in small insectivores (e.g., pond bats and shrews) and herbivores (e.g., Microtus voles), and the contraction of boreal specialists (e.g., Siberian flying squirrels). However, we also identified gains, including increases in ungulate numbers (e.g., roe deer, red deer, fallow deer, moose, and wild boars before African swine fewer outbreak) and the recovery of large carnivores (e.g., wolves and lynxes). Invasions by non-native species (e.g., American mink, raccoon dog, and raccoon) and episodic disturbances, such as African swine fever and the “anthropause” caused by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, have further reshaped community composition. The drivers encompass climatic warming, post-socialist forest succession, intensified hunting management, and rewilding policies, with dispersal capacity mediating the responses of species. Our results underscore the dual legacy of historical land use and contemporary climate forcing in structuring the fauna dynamics of Baltic mammal communities in the face of declining specialists and invasive taxa
A brown bear’s days in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania /
No full textIn June 2025, a two-year-old female brown bear (Ursus arctos) appeared in the streets of Vilnius, the capital city of Lithuania. This sparked significant public, institutional, and media responses. This paper analyzes the event through ecological, social, and symbolic lenses to explore how large carnivores are perceived and managed at the wildland–urban interface. Through an examination of media reports, policy responses, and theoretical perspectives from environmental sociology and narrative studies, we explore how the bear’s presence became a public safety concern and a culturally significant symbol. Public discourse revealed tensions between institutional authority and local ethical values, as evidenced by hunters’ refusal to carry out a kill permit. This case also illustrates the growing use of technology, such as drones, in urban wildlife management. The bear’s peaceful departure reinforced the effectiveness of nonlethal conflict resolution. This case underscores the importance of integrating ecological realities with social perceptions, media framing, and symbolic interpretations in large carnivore conservation. It emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary approaches that address the emotional and cultural aspects of human–wildlife interactions in rapidly urbanizing areas
On the taxonomy of the subgenera Tatsipolia, Chalapolia, and Kitapolia of the genus Dasypolia Guenée with the description of six new species from southern Xizang, China (Insecta, Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) /
No full textSpecies of the subgenus Tatsipolia Benedek, Behounek, Floriani & Saldaitis, 2011 of the genus Dasypolia Guenée, 1852 are reviewed and the genus-group names Chalapo-lia Benedek, Behounek, Floriani & Saldaitis, 2011 and Kitapolia Benedek, Behounek, Floriani & Saldaitis, 2011 previously considered as distinct subgenera of Dasypolia are synonymised with Tatsipolia. Six new species are described from southern Xi-zang, China: Dasypolia (Tatsipolia) polymorpha sp. nov., Dasypolia (Tatsipolia) inter-media sp. nov., Dasypolia (Tatsipolia) amoena sp. nov., Dasypolia (Tatsipolia) diffusa sp. nov., Dasypolia (Tatsipolia) luxuriosa sp. nov., and Dasypolia (Tatsipolia) ultra-montana sp. nov. Adults and male and female genitalia of all species in Dasypolia (Tatsipolia) are illustrated