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- New occurrence data of bryophytes and lichens from São Jorge Island (Azores, Macaronesia)Publication . Silveira, Gabriela; Gabriel, Rosalina; Elias, RuiABSTRACT: The Azorean Archipelago hosts an exceptionally rich cryptogamic flora, although several islands remain comparatively understudied. To address this gap, the present study presents records of bryophytes and lichens from São Jorge Island (SJO), based on opportunistic collections made during a MOVECLIM – Azores project expedition, from 29 July to 2 August 2014. Sampling was based on direct observation of noteworthy specimens and targeted areas with high substrate diversity and species richness. All collected material was subsequently examined and identified to species or subspecies level. Overall, the study aimed to: (i) document bryophyte and lichen species richness across major habitats; (ii) identify environmental drivers of species distribution; and (iii) increase the AZU Herbarium collection.
- Assessing Temperature-Induced Changes in Arthropod Communities over One Year: A Comparative AnalysisPublication . Wallon, Sophie; Pozsgai, Gabor; Borges, P.A.V.; Pires Bento da Silva Elias, Rui Miguel; Villa, MaríaABSTRACT: Understanding how rising temperatures driven by climate change affect biodiversity and ecosystem functioning is particularly relevant in fragile island environments. Terceira Island, part of the Azorean Archipelago (Portugal) in the mid-Atlantic Ocean, was selected for an in situ experiment to assess the effects of simulated warming on arthropod diversity and grass productivity in intensively managed pastures. Over one year, we examined the influence of a simulated increase in temperature via Open Top Chambers (OTCs) on ground-dwelling arthropod assemblages and plant biomass. We used several statistical methods to analyze both individual variables and overall community patterns to explore the relationships between treatments, grass biomass, and arthropod community structure. Although the OTC treatment did not result in any significant changes to the analyzed variables, an increase in diversity indices was observed over the course of the experiment. Distance-based redundancy analysis revealed significant effects of both OTC treatment and altitude on arthropod community composition. Models showed that the analyzed variables only partially explained the observed changes. Nevertheless, additional factors, such as vegetation structure and microclimatic variation, may also contribute to the observed patterns and warrant further investigation. These results underscore the importance of long-term, multifactorial approaches to understanding interactions between warming, plant productivity, and arthropod diversity.
- Does fishery management for groupers (Teleostei: Epinephelidae) protect them effectively? Context from the IUCN's Red list of threatened speciesPublication . Fennessy, Sean; Linardich, Christi; Rhodes, Kevin; Barreiros, João Pedro; Pollard, David; Sosa-Cordero, Eloy; Coleman, Felicia; Aguilar-Perera, Alfonso; Malinowski, Christopher; Brulé, Thierry; Afonso, Pedro; Ma, Kayan; Liu, Min; Menon, Muktha; Wen, Colin; Shea, Stanley; Porter, Sean; Craig, Matthew; Mitcheson, YvonneABSTRACT: Worldwide, groupers (Epinephelidae) are commercially valued fishes, which also play key ecological roles on tropical and subtropical reefs. In 2007 and 2016, the IUCN's Groupers and Wrasses Specialist Group assessed all 160+ grouper species, with 17 of these being identified as threatened in 2016 and the major threat factor being overexploitation. Our present study aimed to identify whether management measures (MMs) for previously assessed groupers were established, whether these measures aligned with IUCN's Red List categories, and whether they effectively protect grouper populations. Experts in grouper biology and management assigned scores per grouper species based on the extent to which MMs were in place and effective throughout these species' geographic ranges. Simple 4-level scores (0–3) were used to indicate the extent to which a MM was in place and how effective it was considered to be over the global distribution of each species. Of the 50 species scored, which included almost all threatened species, 97 % showed no/extremely limited/limited use of MMs, while only 3 % showed widespread/extensive use of MMs. Only 2 % of species showed highly/very effective scores for management, while 98 % showed limited/extremely limited/ineffective scores or no MMs in place. The MMs and their effectiveness were not commensurate with IUCN extinction risk levels. Overall, fishery management implemented for groupers by governments needs to be substantially improved, basic biological studies on many species are urgently required, fishing effort needs to be reduced, and regular biological and fishery monitoring conducted to evaluate the need for, and outcomes of, management. Although not all grouper species form spawning aggregations, recommendations are given to increase the protection of aggregating grouper species, in combination with well-placed Marine Protected Areas.
- The Role of Functional Traits in Structuring Fish Assemblages Across the Four Macaronesia ArchipelagosPublication . Barcelos, Luís; Anderson, Antônio; Freitas, Rui; Barreiros, João PedroABSTRACT: Aim: To investigate how functional traits shape the composition and functional structure of coastal fish assemblages across the four North-East Atlantic archipelagos, providing insights into the ecological drivers of species distributions and trait patterns in oceanic island systems. Location: Four North-East Atlantic oceanic archipelagos within Macaronesia: the Azores, Madeira, Canary Islands and Cabo Verde. Taxon: Coastal marine fishes occurring up to 200 m depth, comprising 682 species. Methods: We compiled a validated checklist of coastal fish species (≤ 200 m depth) for each archipelago and integrated these data with a functional trait matrix comprising size category, trophic category, habitat affinity, milieu and climatic affinity. Generalised Linear Models (GLMs) were used to assess the influence of traits on species occurrences. Functional community structure was quantified using six functional diversity indices: functional richness (FRic), evenness (FEve), divergence (FDiv), dispersion (FDis), Rao's quadratic entropy (RaoQ) and FRic intersection (FRic Inter). Model performance was evaluated using AIC, BIC, pseudo R² and post hoc comparisons. Trait-based GLMs were complemented with assemblage-level RLQ ordination and fourth-corner tests to evaluate trait–environment coupling while accounting for species co-occurrence. Results: Species richness followed a clear latitudinal gradient, peaking in the Canary Islands and declining towards higher latitudes. RLQ revealed strong global trait–environment co-structure (Axis 1 = 91.7% of projected inertia), whereas Fourth-Corner tests detected no individually significant trait–environment associations after Holm correction. RV tests indicated a significant link between trait structure and species composition (Q–L), but not between environmental context and species composition (R–L). Among traits, body size and habitat affinity were the strongest predictors of species occurrences, with larger-bodied and reef-associated species more frequent in the southern archipelagos. Functional richness was highest in the Azores, indicating functional distinctiveness despite comparatively low species richness. Incorporating functional diversity indices into GLMs did not improve explanatory power beyond species-level traits. Main Conclusions: Body size and habitat affinity are key determinants of coastal fish assemblages across the Macaronesia archipelagos. Functional diversity peaks in the Azores, while Madeira exhibits intermediate trait compositions between temperate and tropical systems. These patterns provide insight into community assembly mechanisms and may inform predictions of species turnover under future climate change scenarios.
- Global insular leaf size shifts follow the island rule, independently of insect herbivory and macroclimatePublication . Moreira, Xoaquín; Abdala-Roberts, Luis; Amorim do Rosário, Isabel; Baider, Claúdia; Burns, Kevin; Caujapé-Castells, Juli; Cubas, Jonay; Dean, Lydia; Domínguez-Lapido, Paula; Endara, María-José; Florens, F. B. Vincent; Galmán, Andrea; Guevara-Andino, Juan Ernesto; Hutton, Ian; Lago-Núñez, Beatriz; Mooney, Kailen; Larrinaga, Asier; Pereira, Fernando; Randimbiarison, Finaritra; Razafindratsima, Onja; Rivas-Torres, Gonzalo; Vázquez-González, Carla; de Lafontaine, GuillaumeABSTRACT: The island rule, originally formulated for animals, predicts that small-bodied mainland species evolve larger body sizes on islands (gigantism), but that this effect weakens with increasing mainland body size, ultimately reversing and leading to dwarfism for the largest species. This dynamic is expected to produce a positive, saturating relationship between island and mainland body size, with insular size increases at small sizes and reductions at large sizes. Despite extensive support in animals, this prediction has rarely been tested in plants. Consequently, it remains unclear whether the island rule applies to plants, whether it operates consistently across evolutionary scales, and how biotic and abiotic drivers jointly shape insular size shifts. We tested the island rule in plants by examining leaf size variation—an organ-level analogue of body size—across 48 island species from six oceanic systems and their mainland counterparts. We conducted both conspecific comparisons (same species on islands and the mainland; n = 19 pairs) and congeneric comparisons (island endemics paired with closely related mainland species; n = 29 pairs) to assess patterns across evolutionary scales. We also measured insect herbivory and recorded climatic variables to explore ecological correlates of island–mainland variation in leaf size. Although mean leaf size did not differ significantly between island and mainland populations for either conspecific or congeneric comparisons, we detected a non-linear, positive saturating relationship between mainland and island leaf sizes, consistent with an island rule-like pattern. Small-leaved mainland species tended to evolve larger leaves on islands, whereas this effect diminished for larger leaved species, a pattern observed in both conspecific and congeneric comparisons. Insect herbivory and climate did not explain these relationships. Synthesis: These findings demonstrate that plants follow the island rule for leaf size and suggest that mainland-to-island shifts at opposite ends of the mainland leaf size spectrum offset one another, possibly explaining no overall difference in leaf size between island and mainland populations.
- Subterranean environments contribute to three-quarters of classified ecosystem servicesPublication . Mammola, Stefano; Brankovits, David; Di Lorenzo, Tiziana; Amorim do Rosário, Isabel; Bancila, Racula; Bellvert, Adrià; Bernard, Enrico; Blomberg, Anna; Borges, P.A.V.; Cappelletti, Martina; Ferreira, Rodrigo; Gabriel, Rosalina; Galassi, Diana M.P.; Garzoli, Laura; Gerovasileiou, Vasilis; Hose, Grant; Korbel, Kathryn; Martino, Simone; Miller, Ana; Mori, Nataša; Nanni, Veronica; Nicolosi, Giuseppe; Saccò, Mattia; Sakihara, Troy; Silva, Marconi; Tamalavage, Anne; Zagmajster, Maja; Chávez, Efraín; Griebler, Christian; Cardoso, Pedro; Serrano Martínez, AlejandroABSTRACT: Beneath the Earth's surface lies a network of interconnected caves, voids, and systems of fissures forming in rocks of sedimentary, igneous, or metamorphic origin. Although largely inaccessible to humans, this hidden realm supports and regulates services critical to ecological health and human well-being. Subterranean ecosystems are integral to major biogeochemical cycles, sustain diverse surface habitats, and serve as the primary source of irrigation and drinking water. They also offer non-material benefits, including scientific discovery, education, and cultural practices. Yet, these contributions often go unrecognised, partly due to the lack of a unified synthesis of ecosystem services across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine subterranean compartments. This gap limits effective communication of their value to scientists, practitioners, and the public. Through a systematic expert-based review, we show that subterranean ecosystems contribute to up to 75% of classified ecosystem services. Notably, many of these contributions are described only qualitatively, lacking numerical or economic quantification. Next, we list examples of the main ecosystem services provided by subterranean systems to offer a global overview of their multifaceted value and vulnerability to environmental change. We believe this synthesis provides researchers and practitioners with concrete examples to communicate more effectively the importance of subterranean ecosystems to diverse audiences.
- Monitoring agroforest plots under the scope of the COMCHA project. 1. Baseline data for the vascular plants and arthropods of "Vale da Fonte Plot" in Pico Island (Azores Archipelago)Publication . Lago, Alexandra; Petrone, Andrea; Costa Miranda Soares, António Onofre; Canelas Boieiro, Mário Rui; Horta Lopes, David; Freitas, Tiago; Lhoumeau, Sébastien Georges André; Wallon, Sophie; Borges, Paulo; Mologni, FabioABSTRACT: Agroforestry is increasingly promoted as a nature-based solution (NbS) capable of reconciling production with biodiversity conservation, particularly in island landscapes, where endemism and fragmentation heighten conservation stakes. We established a permanent agroforest monitoring plot at Vale da Fonte (Pico Island, Azores) to generate baseline data on vascular plants and terrestrial arthropods and to evaluate whether a structurally complex orchard embedded in native coastal forest can support native and endemic biotas and key ecosystem functions. We used a modified COBRA framework integrating complementary active protocols (nocturnal aerial searching, day/night beating and day sweeping), together with pollinators time transects, pan traps and targeted pest traps. We collected 69 standardised samples (5 plant, 64 arthropod) and made the dataset publicly available in Darwin Core format via the GBIF IPT for long-term use.
- Ineffective marine protected areas in AzoresPublication . Barreiros, João Pedro; Aguilar-Perera, Alfonso; Barcelos, Luís; Anderson, Antônio; Beheregaray, Anderson; Díaz-Ferguson, EdgardoABSTRACT: On 13 November 2025, Science published the Research Article “Integrative phylogenomics positions sponges at the root of the animal tree” by Jacob L. Steenwyk and Nicole King (1). The authors alerted us that errors in the analysis pipeline had affected the results to an extent that they are no longer reliable. Two aspects of the data analysis introduced artifacts. First, an imbalance between the number of sponges and ctenophores in the dataset biased one of the scoring metrics, thereby influencing the outcomes. Second, part of the analysis involved collapsing internal nodes, which was not properly accommodated by the software used. The authors thank Casey W. Dunn and colleagues for bringing this to their attention, as detailed in an eLetter and in Steenwyk and King’s eLetter Response, both available at https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science. adw9456#elettersSection. Given these issues, both authors have requested a Retraction. Science is therefore retracting the Research Article.
- Histological Evidence of Thyroid Disruption in Wild Mice from Conventional and Organic Farming EnvironmentsPublication . Coelho, Nádia; Carminho, Ricardo; Garcia, Patrícia; Bernardo, Filipe; dos Santos Rodrigues, Armindo; Fortin, ClaudeABSTRACT: The main objective of this work is to assess the potential negative impact of organic farming on the thyroid gland and compare it with the negative impact of conventional farming on this organ. Previous studies have linked exposure to conventional farming with thyroid disruption; relatively less is known about effects of exposure to organic farming on the thyroid. Mus musculus were the bioindicators in this work, captured in a conventional farm (CF), an organic farm (OF), and two reference areas (RF’) without agriculture. Histomorphometric and histomorphological measurements of the thyroid were performed. Hypothyroidism signs were observed in mice exposed to either farming system, being less pronounced in organic farming-exposed mice: epithelium thickness and the epithelial cells’ area and volume were lower than in non-exposed mice [epithelium thickness (µm): 4.16 ± 0.51 (CF); 6.28 ± 0.19 (OF); 7.46 ± 0.25 (RF’)]. Histomorphologic alterations included decreased follicular sphericity, increased epithelium irregularity, increased exfoliation into the colloid, and increased inflammation of thyroid tissue. Results suggest that, while organic farming might be a better alternative to conventional farming, it is not completely free of health hazards. Exposure to an organic farming environment can cause thyroid disruption, although with less pronounced effects than conventional farming. Despite there being risks to be considered, results support the benefit of transitioning from conventional farming systems towards organic farming systems.
- Why are so few island bryophytes endemic?Publication . Mirolo, Sébastien; Ledent, Alice; González-Mancebo, Juana; Gabriel, Rosalina; Sim-Sim, Manuela; Collart, Flavien; Patiño, Jairo; Vanderpoorten, AlainABSTRACT: Endemism, a hallmark of island biodiversity, reaches its lowest levels among bryophytes compared with other land plants. Whether this pattern reflects low diversification rates, and why, or whether it is a result of loss of endemicity due to extinctions or subsequent continental (back-)colonization, is examined here through a review of available evidence in the Macaronesian flora. Significant genetic differentiation (GST, based on allele frequencies) was consistently found between Macaronesian and continental populations, ruling out the hypothesis that intense migrations necessarily hamper differentiation. A significant phylogeographical signal in the data (NST > GST; where NST is a GST analog incorporating phylogenetic relationships among alleles), involving higher mutation rates than dispersal rates and evidencing incipient speciation, was further found in more than 1/3 of the species investigated. The significantly higher average NST between extra-European regions and Macaronesia compared to Europe and Macaronesia suggests, however, that incipient speciation is more likely to occur between distant (Macaronesian versus extra-European) than closer (Macaronesian versus European) populations. In line with this, ancestral area estimations in Macaronesian endemic bryophyte species revealed that at least 50% of them have an extra-European origin, in contrast with the almost exclusively (>90%) European/Mediterranean origin of Macaronesian endemic spermatophytes. Allopatric speciation via long-distance dispersal and subsequent divergence of a single endemic species prevails in island bryophytes, wherein sympatric radiations virtually never occur. Such a speciation mode does not trigger high rates of endemism, in contrast to radiations in Macaronesian spermatophytes, which contribute to 56% of the total number of endemics. Several mechanisms may explain the failure of island bryophytes to diversify in situ, including the fact that oceanic islands are too small or insufficiently isolated from each other or from continents to promote sympatric speciation, the lack of key innovations, and phylogenetic niche conservatism for stable habitats not prone to trigger radiations. In comparison with spermatophytes, continental (back-)colonization further largely prevails in bryophytes and, unlike in many instances in angiosperms, is not followed by in situ speciation on the mainland. The consequent loss of the endemic status of species that did speciate on islands but subsequently enlarged their range further accounts for the low rates of endemism among island bryophyte floras and invalidates the use of endemism rates as a proxy of speciation rates in this group.