Research Articles (Zoology and Entomology)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/1740

A collection containing some of the full text peer-reviewed/ refereed articles published by researchers from
the Department of Zoology and Entomology

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Virus-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against bovine viral diarrhea virus and classical swine fever virus target conformational and linear epitopes on E2 glycoprotein subdomains
Roman-Sosa, Gleyder; Meyer, Denise; Dellarole, Mariano; Wengen, Doris a; Lerch, Susanne; Postel, Alexander; Becher, Paul (American Society for Microbiology, 2025-04)
The envelope glycoprotein E2 of pestiviruses plays a crucial role in viral entry and elicits a virus-neutralizing humoral immune response. Consequently, the epitopes recognized by monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) on E2 are a significant focus in pestivirus research and diagnostics. In this study, we characterized a panel of murine mAbs against the E2 protein of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) and bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), two major pathogens for swine and cattle, respectively. The majority of mAbs neutralized the virus in vitro and recognized conformational epitopes, which were also detected by sera from infected animals. Notably, binding to these epitopes was retained after low-pH treatment, although conformational epitopes were disrupted upon disulfide bond reduction. The epitopes of the anti-CSFV mAbs were located in various domains of E2, including the interdomain linker sequences. Conversely, all but one of the anti-BVDV mAb epitopes were located in domain A. Moreover, the reactivity of one mAb suggests a conformational interdependence among the linker sequences of pestivirus E2. The panel of mAbs characterized in this study holds potential to support basic research on the mechanism of early pestivirus invasion and to assist in the design of E2-based diagnostic tools and vaccines. IMPORTANCE : Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) and bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), which belong to the family Flaviviridae, cause economically significant diseases in pigs and cattle. The pestivirus glycoprotein E2 is located on the viral surface and is targeted by antibodies that neutralize virus infection. Due to its variability, E2 is a useful antigen for the development of diagnostic tests to differentiate between infections caused by different pestiviruses. In the present study, two panels of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specifically reactive with either CSFV or BVDV E2 were characterized. Interestingly, the majority of mAbs neutralized the respective virus in vitro. Epitope mapping revealed that the mAbs recognized low-pH-resistant epitopes of conformational nature located in different domains of CSFV E2 (anti-CSFV mAbs) or in domain A of BVDV E2 (anti-BVDV mAbs). The recombinant proteins along with the characterized mAbs have the potential to develop improved pestivirus-specific diagnostic tests and vaccines.
The biocontrol potential of endophyte Bacillus velezensis to reduce post-harvest tomato infection caused by Rhizopus microsporus
Kock, Alicia; Napo, Mmanoko; Viviers, Dionné; Akinmoladun, Oluwakemi V.; Alayande, Kazeem A.; Yusuf, Abdullahi Ahmed; Uehling, Jessie; Pawlowska, Teresa E.; Adeleke, Rasheed A. (American Society for Microbiology, 2025-12)
Rhizopus microsporus is a necrotrophic post-harvest pathogen that causes significant economic losses in the agricultural sector. To explore alternatives to conventional management strategies for the mitigation of post-harvest infections, we investigated the potential of two previously identified endophytic Bacillus velezensis strains as biological control agents. Through in vitro and in vivo experiments, we examined the mechanisms of biocontrol displayed by two B. velezensis strains (KV10 and KV15) against three R. microsporus strains (W2-50, W2-51, and W2-58). In vitro assays assessed co-cultivability and the inhibitory effects of B. velezensis against R. microsporus. The results demonstrated strain-specific antifungal activity with a reduction in fungal growth across treatments. Further analysis revealed that volatile organic compounds produced by B. velezensis contributed to its antifungal properties. To evaluate the biocontrol efficacy in vivo, tomato fruits were inoculated with R. microsporus and subsequently treated with B. velezensis. The results support the strain-specific reduction in tomato spoilage, yielding various spoilage rates observed across treatments. Our findings highlight the potential of B. velezensis as a promising biocontrol agent for the management of R. microsporus post-harvest infections in tomatoes. Further research is warranted to optimize the application of B. velezensis as a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach for controlling post-harvest diseases in tomatoes.
Inside the belly of the beast : exploring the gut bacterial diversity of Gonipterus sp. n. 2
Knoppersen, Rosa Sophie; Bose, Tanay; Coutinho, Teresa A.; Hammerbacher, Almuth (Springer, 2025-04-12)
The Eucalyptus snout beetle (Gonipterus sp. n. 2) is a destructive invasive pest of Eucalyptus plantations, responsible for significant defoliation and wood yield losses globally. Native to Australia, this beetle has adapted to thrive on diverse Eucalyptus hosts, overcoming their chemical defences. However, the mechanisms by which Gonipterus tolerates or utilises these plant defence metabolites remain poorly understood. In South Africa, Gonipterus sp. n. 2 poses a significant threat to Eucalyptus plantations by causing extensive defoliation and leading to substantial reductions in growth and wood production. This study investigates the relationship between diet, host Eucalyptus species, and the gut microbiome of Gonipterus sp. n. 2. Using controlled feeding experiments, beetles were reared on artificial, semi-artificial, and natural diets, as well as two Eucalyptus genotypes with distinct secondary metabolite profiles. High-throughput 16S rDNA sequencing and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) revealed significant shifts in gut bacterial diversity and composition across diets. Natural diets supported the most diverse microbial communities, while artificial diets fostered a homogenised microbiome dominated by opportunistic taxa like Serratia. Host-specific effects were observed in frass microbiota, with substantial biotransformation of monoterpenes into less toxic derivatives. The results highlight the plasticity of Gonipterus gut microbiota, which enables metabolic adaptability and resilience in diverse environments. This microbial flexibility underpins the invasiveness of Gonipterus, emphasising the role of gut symbionts in overcoming host chemical defences. Understanding these interactions offers novel insights for microbiome-targeted pest management strategies, providing a sustainable approach to mitigate the impact of Gonipterus on global Eucalyptus forestry.
Soil invertebrate body size groups and effect magnitude jointly influence global soil CO2 emissions
Liu, Cheng; Parr, Catherine Lucy; Guenard, Benoit; Cen, Xiaoyu; Chai, Hua; Li, Mingxu; Zhong, Zhiwei; Zhao, Shenliang; Li, Jie; He, Nianpeng (Wiley, 2026-02)
Soil invertebrates represent vital components of belowground biodiversity and play pivotal roles in regulating key carbon (C) cycling processes, particularly soil respiration. Despite the recognised effects of invertebrates on soil respiration, previous studies suffer from a major blind spot: a lack of global-scale interpretations of inferred associations describing how these organisms mediate C release. In this study, we integrated 556 datasets spanning 90 publications to systematically assess the global patterns and inferred associations by which soil invertebrates influence soil respiration. The results revealed that soil invertebrates, on average, enhanced soil respiration by 52%. Across climatic zones, the magnitude of this positive effect tended to decline from tropical to temperate regions. When classified by body size, among the large-bodied soil invertebrates, ants and termites increased soil respiration by 60% and 62%, respectively, whereas earthworms stimulated it by 47%. In contrast, small-to-medium-bodied soil invertebrates exerted no significant effect. Across ecosystem types, soil invertebrates stimulated soil respiration more strongly in forest ecosystems, with an increase of 55%, compared to a 44% increase in grassland ecosystems. The pathways through which soil invertebrates influence respiration varied markedly among body-size groups and ecosystem types. Overall, soil invertebrates primarily influenced soil microbial biomass C, fungal biomass and bacterial biomass, as well as soil organic N, soil organic C and soil pH, which in turn were closely associated with soil respiration. These findings underscore the key role of soil invertebrates in influencing soil CO2 emissions and provide insights essential for improving Earth system models under ongoing climate change.
Temperature dependent immunological responses of Spoladea recurvalis exposed to entomopathogenic fungi
Byonanebye, Alex; Khamis, Fathiya Mbarak; Mwangi, Maina; Namikoye, Everlyne Samita; Ajene, Inusa J.; Akutse, Komivi Senyo (Nature Research, 2026-03)
Please read abstract in the article.
The ear in subterranean rodents revisited : cochlear hair‐cell populations in African molerats (Bathyergidae)
Svacinova, Lucie; Lange, Simone; Lövy, Matej; Konopova, Barbora; Bennett, Nigel Charles; Hart, Daniel William; Sumbera, Radim; Burda, Hynek (Wiley, 2025-12)
Based on von Békésy's premise that “The physical laws served as guidelines for the evolution of the structures and functions of the middle and inner ear,” we aimed to understand how the unique subterranean acoustic environment, which promotes the propagation of low‐frequency sounds and thereby selects for enhanced low‐frequency hearing, influences functional adaptations reflected in the morphological convergence of the cochlea in subterranean African mole‐rats (Bathyergidae). We conducted a morphometric analysis of the cochlea in 12 species representing all six genera of African mole‐rats, spanning a body mass range of 30–2000 g. Cochlear partitions were examined using light microscopy following the standard surface specimen technique. The mole‐rat cochleae has 3–4.3 coils. The length of the basilar membrane (BM) varies from 6.5 to 15.6 mm. Mean densities of inner hair cells (IHC) range from 104 to 122, whereas outer hair cells (OHC) range from 390 to 480 per 1 mm. Hair cell density increased slightly from the base towards the apex in all species studied. The radial width of the cuticular plates of the three rows (triad) of OHC, shown in previous studies to mirror BM width, increased continuously from, on average, 22 ± 3 µm at the base to 35 ± 6 μm at the apex. Length of BM, width of the OHC triad and total number of hair cells (and thus hearing resolution capabilities) are related to body size. When compared to other mammals, the cochleae of bathyergids exhibit quantitative characteristics that closely resemble the apical regions of the cochleae in other species—specifically, those segments tuned to low frequencies. Moreover, the width of OHC triads was strongly correlated with the tonotopic organization of frequencies along the organ of Corti, confirming its value as a structural predictor of auditory capability.
Out of Africa comes no support for global biodiversity catastrophes
Pimm, Stuart L.; Davies, T. Jonathan; Gittleman, John L. (American Association for the Advancement of Science, 2026-02)
The Living Planet Index and the ever-changing iterations of planetary boundaries for biodiversity integrity or health are inappropriate, misleading, and will harm on-the-ground conservation efforts.
Evaluating fungicides for the management of rust (Uromycladium acaciae) on black wattle nursery seedlings in Awi zone, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia
Regasa , Kumela; Beze, Weldesenbet; Anjulo, Agena; Wondafrash, Mesfin; Hurley, Brett Phillip; Lawson, Simon; Healey, Madaline; Germishuizen, Ilaria (Wiley, 2025-11)
Black wattle (Acacia mearnsii De Wild) provides numerous benefits for Ethiopian smallholder farmers due to its fast growth and wide adaptability. It is used for soil improvement and provides economic benefits through charcoal production and the use of wood as biomass fuel. However, in recent years, nursery stocks and young plantations have become susceptible to the wattle rust disease. No fungicides are currently registered in Ethiopia for control of wattle rust. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of fungicides at varying rates for control of black wattle rust at Endewuha and Surta nursery sites, in Awi Zone, northern Ethiopia. Two systemic fungicides, namely, Amistar Top and Amistar Xtra, were evaluated at rates of 1 L·ha−1 and 0.5 L·ha−1 along with an unsprayed control in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Both fungicides at all rates significantly reduced rust infection at both sites. The lowest disease severity, along with increased plant height and collar diameter, was observed in the fungicide-treated plots compared to the untreated control. There was no significant difference in diseases intensity reduction and seedling height and root collar diameter among fungicide rates. The shortest height and the smallest root collar diameter were recorded on the untreated plots at both sites. The percentage reductions in disease damage compared to the control ranged from 94.6% to 96.72% at the Surta site and 94.6%–96.25% at the Endewuha site. Amistar Top or Amistar Xtra fungicide can effectively control acacia rust damage during the seedling stage, ensuring healthy and vigorous planting stock. The choice of the fungicide and application rate will depend on availability and cost, rather than on fungicide group. Further investigation is needed to assess the performance of both treated and untreated seedlings, as well as the progression of the disease in plantation sites.
Organic acid supplementation in worker honeybees (Apis mellifera) : impacts on glandular physiology and colony resilience
Bezabih, Gebreamlak; Atsbha, Tesfay; Altaye, Solomon Zewdu; Zhou, Qingsong; Li, Jianke; Pirk, Christian Walter Werner; Zhu, Chaodong; Fang, Yu (MDPI, 2025-11-26)
Honeybees require diverse nutrients for larval growth, adult development, and colony health. Pollen quality significantly impacts reproduction, productivity, and growth. Bioactive substances from honeybee glands enhance colony health, with recent studies showing that optimal citric acid intake extends lifespan, boosts pollen consumption, accelerates mandibular gland development, and improves royal jelly quality. This review examines organic acid feeding's effects on gland development and overall health, offering insights for beekeeping and supplementary food development to support sustainable apiculture. Research gaps in organic acid supplementation, gland development, and health benefits are identified. The impact of varying organic acid concentrations on 10-HDA biosynthesis in mandibular glands and key regulatory proteins influencing 10-HDA expression is summarized. Findings highlight the benefits of organic acid supplements for worker bee gland development and health, guiding future research and practical applications in beekeeping.
Postmortem interval estimation based on the developmental patterns of Hemilucilia Segmentaria (Fabricius) (Diptera, Calliphoridae) and Peckia (Euboettcheria) Anguilla (Curran & Walley) (Diptera, Sarcophagidae) : a case in southeastern Brazil
Souza, Carina Mara; Da Costa-Silva, Vinicius; Prado, Aline Marrara; Savino, Andre Gardelino; Thyssen, Patricia Jacqueline (Springer, 2026-03)
Decaying corpses constitute a relevant source of food resources for a wide range of insects classified as necrophagous. Several blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and flesh flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) species are necrophagous and, for this reason, comprise two of the most relevant families of insects in forensics. Obtaining reliable postmortem interval (PMI) estimates based on entomological traces is of great importance in investigative processes. We present a case report of PMI estimation based on entomological evidence collected in a young woman's corpse found in a wild area from southeastern Brazil, using two Diptera species: Hemilucilia segmentaria (Fabricius) (Calliphoridae) and Peckia (Euboettcheria) anguilla (Curran & Walley) (Sarcophagidae). Additionally, we report for the first time P. (E.) anguilla rearing in a decaying corpse.
Cold storage of Gonipterus platensis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) eggs for Anaphes nitens (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) rearing
Ribeiro, Murilo Fonseca; Cavallini, Gabriela; Solce, Gabriel Negri; Favoreto, Ana Laura; Passos, Jose Raimundo De Souza; Barbosa, Leonardo Rodrigues; Hurley, Brett Phillip; Wilcken, Carlos Frederico (PeerJ, Inc., 2026-03-13)
BACKGROUND : Anaphes nitens (Girault, 1928) (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) is an egg parasitoid used for the biological control of Gonipterus spp. in regions where this pest is present. Cold storage of host eggs is a crucial strategy in biological control programs. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of cold storage on G. platensis eggs for laboratory rearing of both the host and its parasitoid, A. nitens. METHODS : Gonipterus platensis eggs, aged 1 and 3 days, were stored in a refrigerator at 7 ± 1 °C for 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 days in complete darkness. After each storage period, the eggs were transferred to a biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) chamber at 25 °C and hatching rates and larval survival were assessed. To evaluate parasitoid reproduction, fresh host eggs were stored at 7 ± 1 °C for 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 days under dark conditions and subsequently exposed to A. nitens. Parasitism rate, sex ratio, and offspring longevity were recorded. RESULTS : Results showed that 1- and 3-day-old G. platensis eggs maintained the highest viability within the first 10 days of storage, with hatching rates exceeding 50% up to 20 days post-storage. A 20-day storage period was the longest duration that did not differ significantly from the non-stored eggs (control) considering A. nitens parasitism and progeny longevity when stored host eggs were offered. CONCLUSION : Therefore, storing host eggs for this period effectively supports colony maintenance while simultaneously facilitating parasitoid propagation.
Climate change in South African rivers : a case study on the Olifants River in the Kruger National Park
Adlam, Amanda Laura; Chimimba, Christian Timothy; Retief, D.C. Hugo; Woodborne, Stephan M. (Academy of Science of South Africa, 2026-03)
Freshwater systems are among the most endangered ecosystems, with anthropogenic climate change causing detrimental ecological and economic impacts. Due to climate change, increased air temperatures will translate into the warming of rivers, and at the same time will alter flow regimes and increase evaporation and stochastic events. In this study, we used validated statistical water temperature models that predict average water temperatures (WTavg) from air temperature to project monthly and daily WTavg from 2025 to 2100 CE in the heavily polluted and over-abstracted Olifants River, Kruger National Park, Limpopo Province, South Africa, under the ‘business as usual’ Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5 scenario. The results from 16 General Circulation Models showed that monthly WTavg is likely to increase by 3.6 °C and showed summer months reaching up to 34–35 °C by 2100 CE. The daily results showed a similar increase of 3.7 °C by 2100 CE, with some extreme days reaching 42–44 °C. These results support similar research conducted within the Olifants catchment of the Limpopo Basin and add to the limited knowledge of freshwater climate change, especially in Africa. Climate change will ultimately alter the thermal and physical landscape of the Olifants River and this forecast highlights the need for further research on the potential detrimental consequences on freshwater biota, including possible local extinctions. SIGNIFICANCE • Increasing air temperature due to anthropogenic climate change will cause water temperatures to rise. • Statistical models can be used to predict future water temperatures from air temperature. • The projections show an increase in monthly average water temperature (WTavg) of 3.6 °C and an increase in daily WTavg of 3.7 °C by the end of the 21st century. • This drastic rise in water temperatures will ultimately have negative effects on freshwater biota.
Bodyguard interactions : a beneficial endophyte triggers emission of methyl salicylate in infested tomato plant mediating attraction of a parasitoid wasp
Akutse, Komivi S.; Agbessenou, Ayaovi; Yusuf, Abdullahi Ahmed; Khamis, Fathiya Mbarak (Springer, 2026-03-13)
The endoparasitoid Dolichogenidea gelechiidivoris is a potential candidate biocontrol agent of Phthorimaea absoluta. We previously reported that the endophyte Trichoderma asperellum M2RT4 triggers the systemic release of key phytohormones in tomato affecting the behavior and herbivory of P. absoluta. As D. gelechiidivoris uses odor cues to locate P. absoluta, we therefore investigated the chemical basis of interactions between D. gelechiidivoris, the tomato plant with and without endophyte and P. absoluta through bioassay-guided chemical analysis. Y-tube olfactometer bioassays showed that the parasitoid was significantly attracted to P. absoluta-infested tomato plants but did not show preference to colonized and colonized-infested plants. Coupled GC–MS analyses revealed both qualitative and quantitative differences in volatile emission between non-colonized, colonized, non-colonized infested and colonized-infested plants, where volatile emission rate increased with increasing infestation level. Methyl salicylate (MeSA) emission was significantly higher in colonized-infested than in colonized and non-colonized infested plants. Subsequent bioassays revealed attraction of the parasitoid to synthetic MeSA emitted at its natural release rate from endophytically-colonized infested plants. Our findings highlight the significant role played by MeSA, which mediates the attraction of D. gelechiidivoris thereby indirectly assisting tomato plants in combatting P. absoluta.
A framework for multidimensional management of invasive alien insect pests in sub-Saharan Africa
Birkhofer, Klaus; Watzold, Frank; Remelgado, Ruben; Addison, Pia; Aigbedion-Atalor, Pascal; Cord, Anna F.; Ekesi, Sunday; Mutamiswa, Reyard; Rwomushana, Ivan; Tabe-Ojong Jr, Martin Paul; Nyamukondiwa, Casper (Wiley, 2026)
Invasive alien insect pests pose a significant threat to achieving sustainable food systems in sub-Saharan Africa, where reliance on synthetic pesticides has led to unsustainable practices due to high costs and health and environmental risks. This article presents a multidimensional framework for managing invasive alien insect pests in sub-Saharan Africa, specifically directed at researchers, policymakers, non-governmental organisations and other institutions responsible for invasive pest management as well as extension services for farmers. Invasive pests, such as the Oriental fruit fly and the fall armyworm, and a highly damaging native species for comparison are central to the framework. The framework considers the environmental, socio-economic, and regulatory dimensions of pest management decisions. It reviews different control strategies used against invasive alien pests, highlighting their limitations and environmental impacts. By considering farmer characteristics, institutional support, market demands, and regulatory policies, the article emphasises the need for integrated pest management approaches. The aim is to contribute to the development of sustainable, effective pest management strategies that will ensure long-term agricultural productivity and food security in sub-Saharan Africa.
A 2026 horizon scan for biodiversity conservation in South Africa
Seymour, Colleen L.; Tolley, Krystal A.; Zengeya, Tsungai Alfred; Spear, Dian; Cloete, Jeran A.; Dayaram, Anisha; Da Silva, Jessica M.; Alexander, Graham J.; Handley, Kate; Joseph, Grant S.; Simba, Lavhelesani D.; Snaddon, Kate; Von Maltitz, Graham P.; Carrick, Peter J. (Springer, 2026)
Horizon scans identify potential changes, enabling proactive rather than reactive conservation strategies. Here, in a follow up to the 2020 horizon scan, 14 biodiversity professionals from different sectors identify ten emerging issues potentially relevant to biodiversity conservation in South Africa over the next 5–10 years. The issues identified highlight three critical needs: adaptive governance systems, cross-sectoral collaboration capacity, and vigilance around new technologies that may simultaneously offer solutions and create new environmental pressures. We plotted these issues along axes of social agreement and scientific certainty, to ascertain whether issues might be "simple" (amenable to solutions from science alone), "complicated" (socially agreed upon but technically complicated), "complex" (scientifically challenging and condisderable levels of social disagreement) or "chaotic" (high social disagreement and highly scientifically challenging). Only one issue was likely to be addressed with improved science alone, but the remainder were all “complex”, requiring social, economic and political engagement.
Vulnerability of marine megafauna to global at-sea anthropogenic threats
VanCompernolle, Michelle; Morris, Juliet; Calich, Hannah J.; Rodriguez, Jorge P.; Marley, Sarah A.; Pearce, Jessica R.; Abrahms, Briana L.; Abrantes, Kátya; Afonso, André Sucena; Aguilar, Álex Hidalgo; Agyekumhene, Andrews; Akamatsu, Tomonari; Äkesson, Súsanne; Alawa, Nyimale G.; Alfaro-Shigueto, Joanna; Anderson, R.C.; Anker-Nilssen, Tycho; Arata, Javier A.; Araujo, Gonzalo; Arostegui, Martin C.; Arrizabalaga, Haritz; Arrowsmith, Lucy M.; Auger-Méthé, Marie; Avila, Isabel C.; Bailleul, Frédéric; Barker, Joanna; Barlow, Dawn R.; Barnett, Adam; Barrios-Garrido, Héctor A.; Baylis, Alastair Martin Mitri; Bearzi, G.; Bejder, Lars; Belda, Eduardo J.; Benson, Scott R.; Berumen, Michael L.; Bestley, Sophie; Bezerra, Natalia Priscila Alves; Blaison, Antonin V.; Boehme, Lars; Bograd, Steven J.; Abimbola, Bolaji Dunsin; Bond, Mark E.; Borrell, Asunción; Bouchet, Phil J.; Boveng, Peter L.; Braulik, Gill T.; Braun, Camrin D.; Brodie, Stephanie J.; Bugoni, Leandro; Bustamante, Carlos; Campana, Steven E.; Cárdenas-Alayza, Susana; Carmichael, Ruth H.; Carroll, Gemma; Carter, Matt Ian Daniel; Ceia, Filipe Rafael; Cerchio, Salvatore; Ferreira, Luciana Cerqueirae; Chambault, Philippine; Chapple, Taylor K.; Charvet, Patricia; Chávez, Elpis J.; Chevallier, Damien; Chiaradia, André; Louise Chilvers, B.; Cimino, Megan A.; Clark, Bethany L.; Clarke, Christopher R.; Clay, Thomas A.; Cloyed, Carl S.; Cochran, Jesse E.M.; Collins, Tim J.Q.; Cortés, Enric; Cuevas, E. A.; Curnick, David J.; Danń, Peter; De Bruyn, P.J. Nico; De Vos, Asha; Derville, Solene; Dias, Maria Peixe; Díaz, Bruno; Dodge, Kara L.; Dove, Alistair D.M.; Doyle, Thomas K.; Drymon, James Marcus; Dudgeon, Christine L.; Dutton, Peter H.; Ellenberg, Ursula; Elwen, Simon Harvey; Emmerson, Louise M.; Eniang, Edem Archibong; Espinoza, Mario; Esteban, Nicole E.; Mul, Evert; Fadely, Brian S.; Fayet, Annette L.; Feare, Chris J.; Ferguson, Steven H.; Feyrer, Laura Joan; Finucci, Brittany; Florko, Katie R.N.; Fontes, Jorge Filipe Figueiredo; Fortuna, Caterina Maria; Fossette-Halot, Sabrina; Fouda, Leila; Frere, Esteban; Fuentes, Mariana Menezes Prata Bezerra; Gallagher, Austin J.; Borboroglu, J.P.G.; Garrigue, Claire; Gauffier, Pauline; Gennari, Enrico; Genov, Tilen; Germanov, Elitza S.; Giménez, Joan; Godfrey, Matthew H.; Godley, Brendan J.; Goldsworthy, Simon David; Gollock, Matthew J.; Carman, Victoria González; Gownaris, Natasha J.; Grecian, W. James; Guzmán, Héctor M.; Hamann, Mark; Hammerschlag, Neil; Hansen, Erpur Snær; Harris, Michael P.; Hastie, Gordon D.; Haulsee, Danielle E.; Hazen, Elliott L.; Heide-Jorgensen, Mads Peter; Hieb, Elizabeth E.; Higdon, Jeff Wayde; Hindell, M.A.; Hinke, Jefferson T.; Hoenner, Xavier; Hofmeyr, G.J. Greg; Holmes, Bonnie Jane; Hoyt, Erich; Hückstädt, Luis A.; Hussey, Nigel Edward; Huveneers, Charlie P.M.; Irvine, Lyn G.; Jabado, Rima W.; Jacoby, David M.P.; Jaeger, Audrey; Jagielski, Patrick M.; Jessopp, Mark John; Jewell, Oliver J.D.; Alvarado, David Jiménez; Jordan, Lance K.B.; Jorgensen, Salvador J.; Kahn, Benjamin; Karamanlidis, Alexandros A.; Kato, Akiko; Keith-Diagne, Lucy W.; Kiani, Muhammad Shoaib; Kiszka, Jeremy J.; Kock, Alison A.; Kopf, R. Keller; Kuhn, Carey E.; Kyne, Peter M.; Laidre, Kristin L.; De Oliveira Lana, Fernanda O.; Lander, Michelle E.; Le Corre, Matthieu L.; Lee, Olivia A.; Leeney, Ruth H.; Levengood, Alexis L.; Levenson, Judah Jacob; Libertelli, Marcela Mónica; Liu, Kwangming; Mendilaharsu, Milagros L.; Loveridge, Alexandra; Lowe, Christopher G.; Lynch, Heather J.; Macena, Bruno C.L.; Mackay, Alice I.; Madrigal-Mesén, Jeffry; Mallory, Mark L.; Mangel, Jeffrey C.; Mansfield, Katherine L.; March, David; Marcoux, Marianne; Marsh, Helene D.; Marshall, Andrea Denise; Mattern, Thomas; Maxwell, Sara M.; McGuire, Rebecca L.; McLeay, Lachlan James; McMahon, Clive Reginald; Methion, Séverine; Meyers, Eva K.M.; Michelot, Candice (57193891188);; Masere, Cara; Minton, Gianna; Morales-Vela, Benjamín; Mucientes, G.R.; Murua, Hilario; Nicoll, Malcolm A.C.; Niella, Yuri Vieira; Notarbartolo di Sciara, Giuseppe; Oppel, Steffen; Orgeret, Florian; Oswald, Julie N.; Owen, Ellie; Pacoureau, Nathan; Paiva, Vítor Hugo; Palacios, Daniel M.; Panigada, Simone; Papastamatiou, Yannis P.; Parra, Guido J.; Parsons, Sylvia K.; Patterson-Fraser, Donna L.; Peckham, S. Hoyt; Petersen, Stephen D.; Pichegru, Lorien; Pierce, Simon J.; Pipa, Tânia; Pirotta, Enrico; Pistorius, Pierre A.; Pollom, Riley A.; Prieto, Rui; Prosdocimi, Laura; Pütz, Klemens; Queiroz, Nuno C.; Quinn, John L.; Ramos, Jaime Albino; Raudino, Holly C.; Recalde-Salas, Angela; Rees, Alan F.; Reina, Richard David; Reisinger, Ryan R.; Reynolds, Samantha D.; Richardson, Anthony J.; Riddoch, Nicholas; Riet-Sapriza, Federico G.; Robbins, James R.; Robinson, David P.; Rodríguez, Airam; Rogers, Tracey L.; Rohner, Christoph Andreas; Rojas-Cañizales, Daniela; Ruhomaun, Kevin; Salgado Kent, Chandra; Sato, Katsufumi; Scales, Kylie L.; Scheidat, Dr Meike; Schofield, Gail; Serena, Fabrizio; Setyawan, Edy; Shaffer, S.A.; Shea, Brendan D.; Shearer, Laura; Sheaves, Marcus J.; Sherley, Richard B.; Shillinger, George L.; Shimada, Takahiro; Silva, Mónica A.; Skomal, Gregory B.; Smith, Reyd A.; Smoothey, Amy F.; Soldo, Alen; Southall, Emily J.; Steinfurth, Antje; Stewart, D. Bruce; Stewart, Joshua David; Takahashi, Akinori; Tatayah, Vikash R.V.; Thalmann, Sam J.; Thiebot, Jean Baptiste; Tomás, Jesús; Torres, Leigh G.; Trathan, Philip N.; Trillmich, Fritz; Ueda, Kazuoki; Vandeperre, Frédéric; Vanstreels, Ralph Eric Thijl; Vedor, Marisa; Villegas-Amtmann, Stella; Waller, Lauren J.; Waller, Matt J.; Wanless, Sarah; Waples, Kelly A.; Watt, Cortney A.; Wege, Mia; Weir, Caroline R.; Wells, Randall Spencer; Wensveen, P.J.; White, Timothy D.; Whiting, Scott D.; Wiig, Øystein; Wildermann, Natalie Elizabeth; Wiley, David N.; Williams, Jessica L.; Williams, Rosie S.; Wilson, Kenady; Witt, Matthew John; Womersley, Freya C.; Yurkowski, David James; Zhang, Jie; Costa, Daniel P.; Duarte, C.M.; Meekan, Mark Gregory; Harcourt, Robert Geoffrey; Sims, David W.; Hays, Graeme Clive; Pattiaratchi, Charitha B.; Eguíluz, Víctor M.; Sequeira, A.M.M. (Wiley, 2026-02)
Marine megafauna species are affected by a wide range of anthropogenic threats. To evaluate the risk of such threats, species’ vulnerability to each threat must first be determined. We build on the existing threats classification scheme and ranking system of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species by assessing the vulnerability of 256 marine megafauna species to 23 at-sea threats. The threats we considered included individual fishing gear types, climate-change-related subthreats not previously assessed, and threats associated with coastal impacts and maritime disturbances. Our ratings resulted in 70 species having high vulnerability (v > 0.778 out of 1) to at least 1 threat, primarily drifting longlines, temperature extremes, or fixed gear. These 3 threats were also considered to have the most severe effects (i.e., steepest population declines). Overall, temperature extremes and plastics and other solid waste were rated as affecting the largest proportion of populations. Penguins, pinnipeds, and polar bears had the highest vulnerability to temperature extremes. Bony fishes had the highest vulnerability to drifting longlines and plastics and other solid waste; pelagic cetaceans to 4 maritime disturbance threats; elasmobranchs to 5 fishing threats; and flying birds to drifting longlines and 2 maritime disturbance threats. Sirenians and turtles had the highest vulnerability to at least one threat from all 4 categories. Despite not necessarily having severe effects for most taxonomic groups, temperature extremes were rated among the top threats for all taxa except bony fishes. The vulnerability scores we provide are an important first step in estimating the risk of threats to marine megafauna. Importantly, they help differentiate scope from severity, which is key to identifying threats that should be prioritized for mitigation.
Wild ungulate foraging suppresses growth of invasive parthenium weed
Glennon, Kelsey L.; Theron, Annika; Pedroza Lopez, Emilio; Fletcher Jr, Robert J.; Botero-Canola, Sebastian; Kruger, Laurence; Lasky, Monica; Monadjem, Ara; Wisely, Samantha M.; McCleery, Robert (Royal Society, 2026-02)
The invasive weed Parthenium hysterophorus has severely disrupted ecosystems worldwide, driven by its persistent seed bank and phytotoxic compounds that suppress surrounding vegetation and negatively impact herbivorous mammals. It is widely assumed that wild ungulates avoid parthenium weed-dominated areas due to its presumed unpalatability and toxicity, but direct evidence is limited. We experimentally tested whether ungulates in an African savanna actively forage on parthenium weed by contrasting herbivore foraging in mechanically cleared and controlled areas using exclosures in parthenium-invaded areas. We also assessed whether reduction in body condition scores was associated with foraging on parthenium weed, and whether herbivory suppresses parthenium weed regrowth. Our experimental results show that ungulates foraged on parthenium rosettes without apparent negative impacts on body condition. Notably, herbivore activity significantly reduced parthenium cover in cleared areas. These findings reveal a previously undocumented potential for leveraging wild ungulate herbivory as a biocontrol mechanism for managing parthenium weed invasions.
Where water meets rock : ecological niches and diversity hotspots of hygropetric beetles in the Neotropics
Alencar, Janderson Batista Rodrigues; Baccaro, Fabricio Beggiato; Benetti, Cesar J.; Da Costa-Silva, Vinicius; Hamada, Neusa (Wiley, 2026)
1. Freshwater biodiversity is structured by climate and topography controls on moisture at fine scales. Hygropetric habitats (thin water films over rock) remain underrepresented in macroecology. We tested whether major Neotropical areas occupy distinct environmental space, whether hygropetric beetle genera show low niche overlap, and quantified richness in mountainous and topographically steep regions. 2. We assembled 144 species in 15 genera across seven families from taxonomic literature, GBIF and targeted field sampling at 97 waterfalls and streams in the Brazilian Shield, including 66 new occurrences. Species distribution models, using five algorithms and predictors that included bioclimatic variables, elevation, compound topographic index and profile curvature, were cross-validated. Multivariate analyses compared environmental space among provinces, and niche overlap metrics assessed intergeneric segregation. 3. Major Neotropical areas occupied significantly different environmental space, and genera formed ecologically distinct groups with low niche overlap, indicating environmental partitioning and some convergence onto similar moisture and energy regimes across disjunct regions. 4. Mountainous areas were richness hotspots, with Brazilian Shield representing 40% of species richness, Guiana Shield 33%, Andes 19% and Northern Neotropics 8%. 5. Significance: Integrating macroecology, niche modelling and new field data yields a scalable approach to forecasting hygropetric biodiversity. It closes key knowledge gaps for Neotropical beetles and improves planning for freshwater biodiversity conservation.
Preliminary evidence of extrarenal sodium storage in a large mammal : implications for comparative physiology and hypertension research : running : sodium storage in cattle
Abraham, Andrew J.; Duvall, Ethan S.; Leese, Callum; Abraham, Kirstin; Le Roux, Elizabeth; Riond, Barbara; Ortmann, Sylvia; Terranova, Melissa; Leese, Graham; Bailey, Matthew A.; Clauss, Marcus (Springer, 2026-02)
Under conditions of dietary sodium (Na+) excess, the kidneys may fail to adequately excrete Na+, potentially compromising blood pressure homeostasis. Body tissues, such as skin, can offer sites of short-term extrarenal Na+ storage and previous research has shown that this can help guard against hypertension in small mammals (e.g., rodents). Large mammals have relatively greater Na+ storage potential, but whether extrarenal Na+ storage occurs for this group is unknown. Here, we report preliminary evidence of extrarenal Na+ storage in cattle. We provided a large pulse-dose of NaCl to four cattle (body mass: ~720 kg) and measured excretion of Na+ and potassium (K+) in urine and faeces for a period of 7-days. Following NaCl administration, Na+ excretion spiked in both urine and faeces for ~ 48 h before returning to baseline measurements. After ~ 96 h, however, Na+ excretion increased again; a consistent physiological phenomenon across all individuals studied. We did not observe a pattern in urinary K+ excretion, indicating that the mechanism of Na+ storage does not appear to involve exchange for K+. However, faecal K+ excretion was reciprocal to that of Na+, presumably reflecting exchange of Na+/K+ across the walls of the large intestine. We infer that during the initial period of Na+ stress, short-term extrarenal Na+ storage occurred and the stored Na+ was later released only when the body had returned to Na+ homeostasis. Additional experiments are required to understand how patterns of Na+ regulation changes across body sizes and the specific body compartments involved. Cattle may be a useful model system for examining the impact of high Na+ intake in mammals larger than humans.
Hormonal lockdown : how mole-rat societies enforce infertility in helpers
Janse van Vuuren, Andries Koch; Suess, Tobias; Finn, Kyle T.; Hagenah, Nicole; Ganswindt, Andre; Hart, Daniel William; Bennett, Nigel Charles (Elsevier, 2025-11)
Reproductive suppression is a defining feature of cooperative breeding, yet the hormonal mechanisms regulating infertility in non-breeding individuals remain poorly understood. This study examines associations between circulating prolactin (PRL) and faecal metabolites of androgens (fAM), glucocorticoids (fGCM), and progesterone (fPM) in relation to socially induced infertility in two closely related cooperatively breeding mole-rat subspecies: the highveld (Cryptomys hottentotus pretoriae) and Natal mole-rat (C. hottentotus natalensis). Our results reveal a fundamental dichotomy in reproductive suppression strategies. Highveld mole-rats exhibited seasonally elevated circulating PRL in non-breeders during the dry season, coinciding with reduced pituitary responsiveness to exogenous gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and lower gonadal steroid metabolites. These associations are consistent with PRL involvement in physiological suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, but causality cannot currently be inferred. In stark contrast, Natal mole-rats showed relatively low and stable PRL levels across reproductive groups and seasons, with breeders exhibiting higher androgen and progesterone metabolites compared to non-breeders, a pattern consistent with behavioural suppression through incest avoidance, aggression or social dominance. These findings highlight the adaptive flexibility of cooperatively breeding systems and provide new insights into the hormonal architecture of reproductive suppression. Although the present findings do not establish causality, they delineate key hormonal and behavioural pathways that warrant future investigation.

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