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To be, or not to be, a non-native species in non-English languages: gauging terminological consensus amongst invasion biologistsv /
No full textIn invasion biology, terminological frameworks contribute to the improvement of effective communication among scientists, stakeholders, and policy-makers. This is important not only for informing policy decisions but also for engaging the broader public in understanding the risks associated with biological invasions. Meanwhile, the role of non-English languages in advancing knowledge in invasion biology has gained momentum in recent years. Building on the seminal contributions in this scientific discipline by Professor Gordon H. Copp, this paper examines the provision of three key terms defining species invasiveness in 28 non-English languages. We first define the three non-redundant terms “non-native species”, “established species”, and “invasive species”. Through a comparative analysis of the equivalent of these terms in the 28 non-English languages, as contributed by our panel of invasion biologists and native speakers, with those in a reference review paper, and following the diffusion-of-English versus ecology-of-language paradigms, we identify discrepancies and nuances reflecting the dynamic nature of terminology in invasion biology. While some languages showed consensus in terminology, others differed due to either the avoidance of a culturally or politically laden term for “non-native” or the achievement of greater precision in meaning. Our findings highlight the requirement for clear and precise terminology in invasion biology and suggest the adoption of multidisciplinary approaches to reach consensus and facilitate communication amongst scientists, policy-makers, and the general public in a globally interconnected and rapidly changing world. This will enhance international collaboration and accelerate knowledge exchange, leading to more effective management of biological invasions.v
Unravelling the patterns of exo-erythrocytic development of Haemoproteus parasites (Haemoproteidae, Haemosporida), with a case of abortive tissue stages in a naturally infected bird /
No full textHaemoproteus species (Haemosporida, Haemoproteidae) are cosmopolitan blood parasites that affect bird fitness and health. Recent discoveries based on the application of molecular markers showed that exo-erythrocytic or tissue stages of haemoproteids damage various internal organs including the brain. However, the patterns of exo-erythrocytic development remain unclear for most of the described species. This study aimed to understand the exo-erythrocytic development of Haemoproteus parasites in naturally infected Thrush nightingales Luscinia luscinia (Muscicapidae). Infections were confirmed in eight bird individuals by microscopic examination and PCR-based methods. Organs were examined using histology and in situ hybridization, which applied genus-specific and lineage-specific oligonucleotide probes targeting the 18S rRNA of the parasites. Exo-erythrocytic meronts of Haemoproteus attenuatus (lineage hROBIN1) were found and described for the first known time in this avian host. Most meronts were seen in the lungs, with a few also present in the liver, heart, and pectoral muscle. The available data suggest that this parasite produces only meronts, and not megalomeronts. However, numerous megalomeronts at different stages of development were observed in the gizzard and the heart of one individual. Based on the morphology, location in organs, and diagnostics using the lineage-specific probes, the megalomeronts were attributed to Haemoproteus majoris (lineage hWW2). Two cases of empty capsular-like walls of megalomeronts were seen in the gizzard, indicating that the megalomeronts had already ruptured and degenerated. The extensive microscopic examination did not reveal gametocytes of H. majoris, obviously indicating an abortive development. Abortive haemosporidian infections were often speculated to occur in wildlife but have not been documented in naturally infected birds. This study recognised patterns in the exo-erythrocytic development of H. attenuatus, and is to our knowledge the first documentation of abortive Haemoproteus infection in a naturally infected bird during exo-erythrocytic development
Molecular confirmation of raptors from Spain as definitive hosts of numerous Sarcocystis species /
No full textMost raptors are flagship and umbrella species acting as ecosystem engineers. Research on avian parasites in raptors is therefore of interest. There is a lack of studies on Sarcocystis in naturally infected raptors. In the present work, we aimed to identify Sarcocystis spp. in intestinal scrapings of the raptors from Spain. Sarcocystis spp. were identified in 82.5% of the intestinal samples studied by nested PCR and sequencing of the partial ITS1 region and 28S rRNA. A total of nine known Sarcocystis species, S. arctica, S. columbae, S. cornixi, S. glareoli, S. halieti, S. kutkienae, S. cf strixi, S. turdusi, and Sarcocystis sp. ex Corvus corax, and three genetically new organisms, Sarcocystis sp. Rod6, Sarcocystis sp. Rod7, and Sarcocystis sp. 22AvEs1, were identified in the intestines of raptors. This study is the first report of Sarcocystis spp. in the intestines of eleven raptor species from Spain. Furthermore, the new potential definitive hosts have been determined for seven Sarcocystis species. Co-infection of Sarcocystis spp. has also been observed, with more than one species found in 72.5% of birds. Nine different Sarcocystis species were identified in the intestinal samples of the Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo). In conclusion, raptors play an important role in the transmission of Sarcocystis spp
Morphological and molecular characterisation of Sarcocystis capracanis, Sarcocystis cornagliai and Sarcocystis rossii n. sp. infecting the Alpine ibex (Capra ibex) /
No full textBackground: The cyst-forming coccidia of the genus Sarcocystis (Sarcocystidae) are widespread protists of mammals, particularly of domestic and wild ruminants. Research on genus Sarcocystis in wild members of the subfamily Caprinae is, however, rather limited. Sarcocystis in the Alpine ibex (Capra ibex) have only been investigated in depth once and then solely by morphological techniques. In the current investigation we aimed to morphologically and genetically characterise Sarcocystis species of Alpine ibex in Austria. Methods: Sarcocysts detected in the diaphragm and myocardium muscles were morphologically described using light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Isolated sarcocysts were molecularly identified and characterised at the level of the 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene and cytochrome c oxidase I gene (cox1). The obtained sequences were subjected to phylogenetic analysis. Results: Three Sarcocystis species, namely S. capracanis, S. cornagliai and S. rossii n. sp., were found in Alpine ibex. For the first time, we genetically characterised S. cornagliai, which is most closely related to Sarcocystis species that are transmitted by corvid birds. Sarcocysts of S. rossii n. sp. were found to be ribbon-shaped, with pointed tips. Hair-like protrusions about 5 μm in length were observed on sarcocyst walls. Observation of toluidine blue-stained semi-thin sections revealed that the sarcocyst of S. rossii n. sp. was thin-walled. Using TEM, cyst walls were observed to be similar to type 7a, with thin hair-like villar protrusions on the cyst wall, which were filled with many fine electron-dense granules. The ground substance layer was particularly thin, measuring 0.2–0.4 μm. The cox1 sequences of S. rossii n. sp. had the highest similarity to those of Sarcocystisarieticanis and Sarcocystishircicanis. Sarcocystis rossii n. sp. had a close phylogenetic relationship with species that use canids as definitive hosts. Conclusions: This study confirms the role of the Alpine ibex as an intermediate host of three Sarcocystis species and sets a new host record for S. capracanis. It also provides the first molecular data on Sarcocystis from Alpine ibex and on S. cornagliai. In addition, a new species, S. rossii, was identified and described. Phylogenetic analyses suggested corvid birds and canids as potential definitive hosts for S. cornagliai and S. rossii n. sp., respectively
Scent of death: Emission and behavioral role of 1-nonene in entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema kraussei /
No full textEntomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) provide a natural alternative to synthetic pesticides for pest control. Understanding how EPNs respond to volatile cues including those released by infected cadavers is crucial for determining the behavior control necessary for improving their effectiveness. In this study, we tested the response of Steinernema kraussei, a cruiser foraging species, to 1-nonene. Additionally, we analyzed the emission dynamics of this compound from Galleria mellonella larvae infected by three different EPN species: S. kraussei, S. carpocapsae, and S. feltiae. Concentrations of 1-nonene at 20 mM and above elicited a repellent behavior in S. kraussei. Ethanol, used as a solvent for 1-nonene, was attractive to this EPN at high concentrations only. The emission of 1-nonene was the lowest from larvae infected by S. feltiae compared to those infected by the other two species. Larvae infected with S. kraussei released 15 times more 1-nonene than those infected with S. feltiae, while larvae infected with S. carpocapsae released 76 times more than those infected with S. feltiae and 5 times more than those infected with S. kraussei. Comparing our findings to previous research behavioral responses to environmental compounds (ethanol and 1-nonene) suggest that EPNs with cruiser (S. kraussei) and intermediate (S. feltiae) foraging strategies show similar responses, distinct from those of ambusher’s (S. carpocapsae)
Environmental factors determining the distribution patterns of invasive Raphidiopsis raciborskii and R. mediterranea in central east Europe /
No full textObjective In recent decades, the invasive cyanobacteria Raphidiopsis raciborskii and Raphidiopsis mediterranea have expanded their distribution globally, particularly in temperate regions. Understanding the ecological drivers of Raphidiopsis distribution is imperative to addressing the challenges associated with these species. Here, we aimed to characterize the distribution and biomass of R. raciborskii and R. mediterranea across 112 lakes in Poland and Lithuania in relation to local and regional factors.Research design and methods Integrated water samples were collected from 102 Polish and 10 Lithuanian lakes from different regions for phytoplankton and chemical analyses. The lakes varied in surface area, and exhibited diverse mixing regimes, trophic states, and morphometries. Phytoplankton was identified and quantified using a Fuchs-Rosenthal or Nageotte chamber. Additionally, we characterized the degree of human pressures the climatic constraints experienced by each lake.Results R. raciborskii occurrence has increased in eastern regions of Poland but biomass is relatively low compared to western Poland, likely due to lower air temperatures and nutrient concentrations, especially phosphorus. In contrast, R. mediterranea only occurred in a small number of lakes in Poland, and in a single lake in Lithuania, with no relation to measured local and regional variables.Conclusions Our study shows contrasting patterns in the distribution of two invasive cyanobacteria species in Europe, highlighting the importance of climate and nutrients to the distribution of R. raciborskii, the most widespread species, and providing relevant information for decision making and conservation strategies
Variation in mortality and ageing rate in a fast-paced species: Insights from 24 years of Hazel Dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) data /
No full textRecent research has found that, among some mammal species, differences in environmental conditions among populations of the same species drive changes in infant and juvenile mortality, but not in the rate of senescence, also known as the rate of ageing. Although this pattern has been confirmed in primates and some carnivores, it remains untested on other taxonomic groups with faster life histories, such as rodents. Here, we analysed age-specific survival in Hazel Dormouse, using a 24-year capture-mark-recapture data set from Lithuania. We used Bayesian survival trajectory analysis (BaSTA) and tested different models of age-specific mortality. The population has experienced three distinct demographic phases—increasing (1999–2006), declining (2007–2014) and stable-low abundance (2015–2022). We divided the dataset into these three periods to assess changes in survival over time. During all three periods, the life expectancy of males was larger than that of females, contrary to the general mammalian trend of higher female survival. Differences in survival among the three periods were primarily due to changes in age-independent mortality and ageing rates, but not due to changes in juvenile mortality. Our findings support the notion that the low variance rate of ageing is limited to species with slow life histories. However, they also suggest that rodents, even those like the Hazel Dormouse which can reduce exposure to external threats, can substantially modulate their ageing rates in response to environmental variation
KELVEG – roadside vegetation of Lithuania /
No full textKELVEG – Roadside Vegetation of Lithuania (GIVD EU-LT-002) is a database that documents the diversity of roadside vegetation, tracks and monitors changes of non-native species’ impact on the roadsides, and adjacent habitats. The initiative was started in spring 2023. As of March 2025, 628 vegetation plots from randomly selected sites across the country have been included in the database. Vegetation plots were sampled along transects, starting at the edge of the roadside (road shoulder) and ending in an adjacent habitat. In each roadside part (road shoulder, first slope, second slope or flat part and adjacent habitat), 1 m2 square-shaped vegetation plots were taken. Additionally, 100 m2 square-shaped vegetation plots were sampled in adjacent habitats. In each vegetation plot, the cover of vascular plants and bryophytes was estimated using a percentage scale, and the cover and height of vegetation layers were measured. The aspect and inclination of slopes were measured using electronic compass and clinometer mobile applications, respectively. In each vegetation plot, soil samples were collected, and agrochemical analysis was performed to evaluate soil/substrate pH, the concentration of total nitrogen, humus, phosphate and potassium oxide, and microbiological activity. The data are available to potential users upon request from the corresponding author
Alien stramenopilous fungus-like organisms (Oomycota) diversity and distribution in Lithuania /
No full textThis paper provides data on non-native fungus-like organisms (Oomycota, kingdom Stramenopila), their diversity, and distribution in Lithuania and is an addition to a previously published checklist of alien true fungi (Chytridiomycota, Ascomycota, and Basidiomycota; kingdom Fungi). All available published data were summarized, and the analysis showed that approximately 25% of recorded Lithuania stramenopilous fungus-like organism species are alien. The compiled list represented herein includes 54 species of alien terrestrial and aquatic stramenopilous fungus-like organisms (Oomycota). Most alien Oomycota are obligate pathogens of terrestrial plants. Aquatic organisms are represented by one alien dangerous crayfish pathogen, Aphanomyces astaci, which is currently noted as extinct in Lithuania. The taxonomy of the listed alien species of Oomycota has been revised, and the species names have been adjusted to reflect current nomenclature changes. The taxonomical and ecological analysis demonstrated the prevalence of terrestrial parasitic Peronosporales reported in Lithuania Oomycota and the highest diversity of alien species belonging to the Peronospora genus. The chronology of appearance, distribution within the country, and current status of these non-native organisms were assessed, and some of the most economically or ecologically important harmful invasive species were discussed