- KOREAN
- P-ISSN2287-8327
- E-ISSN2288-1220
- SCOPUS, KCI
ISSN : 2287-8327
Vol.49 No.3
Abstract
Background: Stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponini) are critical pollinators in the Peruvian Amazon, sustaining biodiversity, crop productivity, and indigenous livelihoods. Despite their ecological and economic importance, the effects of deforestation and illegal logging on their populations remain poorly understood. Nesting tree loss, habitat fragmentation, and changes in elevation influence stingless bee distribution, yet conservation efforts remain insufficient due to a lack of spatial data on their vulnerability. Results: This study examines the spatial distribution, elevation trends, and deforestation threats affecting Melipona eburnea and Tetragonisca angustula, with a focus on tree nesting preferences in the Biosphere Reserve Avireri-Vraem. Using literature reviews, field observations, and GPS surveys, we assessed species distribution patterns, deforestation risks, and nesting tree associations. Our findings reveal that over 50% of their habitats overlap with high deforestation risk zones, largely driven by illegal logging of key nesting trees. Elevation analysis indicates species-specific adaptations, with M. eburnea predominantly in lowland regions, while T. angustula is more frequent at higher altitudes. GPS fieldwork identified strong associations with specific host trees, notably Guarea guidonia and Ficus insipida, with larger trees (> 60 cm DBH) serving as critical nesting sites. Several of these, including Aniba gigantiflora and Cedrelinga cateniformis, are among the most ilegally harvested species, intensifying threats to bee populations. Conclusions: Deforestation-driven habitat loss and fragmentation pose an immediate threat to stingless bee populations by reducing nesting availability, limiting pollination networks, and disrupting genetic exchange. Our findings emphasize the urgent need for targeted conservation strategies, including the preservation of key nesting trees, the establishment of biological corridors, and the promotion of sustainable forestry practices. Given the role of stingless bees as keystone pollinators, their protection is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem stability. Recognizing stingless bee habitats under a Rights of Nature framework would provide a legal mechanism to safeguard their nesting sites from further exploitation. Furthermore, strengthening community-led conservation efforts in high-risk areas can enhance long-term resilience. This study provides a baseline for future conservation policies, bridging scientific data and indigenous knowledge to protect Amazonian stingless bees and their ecosystems.
Abstract
Background: The article presents the results of a comprehensive study of the impact of industrial pollution on narrow-headed vole (Stenocranius gregalis Pall., 1779) in steppe ecosystems of Pavlodar Pre-Irtysh. Studies were conducted in different zones of industrial pollution, including impact, buffer and background zones near the aluminum production of Pavlodar city, as well as in the control area. Various ecological parameters including population size, its age and sex structure, morphological and cranial characteristics of animals, as well as fluorine content in bone tissue were evaluated. Results: The results showed that aluminum production emissions have a significant effect on reducing the population size, morphological and cranial parameters of narrow-headed vole. It was found that fluorine accumulation near emission sources reaches the highest values and decreases with distance from the plants. Conclusions: The obtained data confirm that the narrow-headed vole is a reliable bioindicator of industrial pollution, which makes this species a model species for ecological monitoring of anthropogenic impact on steppe ecosystems.
Abstract
Background: The mutualistic interactions between plants-pollinator is one of the most significant fields of research in ecology, which gives information on the biotic network architecture, coexistence, diversification, and ecosystem function. In this study, our research intends to identify the literature production rate, global collaborations, research hotspots, and trends in research addressing the influence of climate change on the relationship between plants and pollinators. Results: Research and review papers on climate change and their impact on plant-pollinator interactions published in the Scopus database were retrieved. The contributions of nations, journals, institutions, current trends, and keyword analysis were shown using VOSviewer and R-Studio bibliometrix to produce a network map of author collaboration across nations. The Scopus database (2007 to 2023) generated a total of 256 entries, out of which 229 publications were examined after the screening procedure. As per our data analysis, The Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory and Journal of Ecology were the most productive organization, and journal, respectively. The author with the most publications was Laura A. Burkle of Montana State University. The United States is ranked first among all nations in terms of the global literature production on the effects of climate change on interactions between plants and pollinators. As per our analysis, we identified four primary research areas (1. climate change and temporal mismatch in plant-pollinator interactions, 2. climate change and impacts on pollination networks, 3. adaptations under abiotic stress, 4. climate change effect on pollinator behavior) through the analysis of keywords. Conclusions: This study highlights current research status on the effects of climate change on plant-pollinator relationships and is an early attempt to understand how these connections form and alter.
Abstract
Background: Epilachna quadricollis (Dieke) (Coccinellidae: Epilachnini) is the only known species in Korea that hibernates as a 4th instar larva, unlike most phytophagous coccinellids, which overwinter as adults. This study was conducted to understand its distribution, seasonal phenology, developmental patterns, and reproductive traits through field surveys across Korea and laboratory observations, providing baseline data for future studies on its ecological adaptations. Results: Epilachna quadricollis undergoes four larval instars and overwinters as a mature 4th instar larva. Except for slight variation observed in the 2nd instar, head capsule width was a reliable indicator for distinguishing larval developmental stages. The mean duration of the development from oviposition to the new 4th instar was 43.1 days. Females laid a mean of 51.5 ± 2.8 (SE) eggs per cluster on the underside of leaves from June to mid-August, with a mean fecundity of 338.4 ± 93.2 (SE) eggs. Pupation began in late April, with adult emergence from mid-May. Oviposition began approximately 39 days after adult emergence and lasted for 19 days. The phenology of E. quadricollis was estimated by reorganizing multi-year field collection and observation records, and its feeding and development were closely linked to the phenology of Fraxinus spp. Conclusions: This study provides detailed insight into the life history, seasonal development, and reproductive traits of E. quadricollis. Its univoltine cycle, closely synchronized with the phenology of Fraxinus spp., highlights the species’ dependence on host plant availability. Larval stages can be reliably distinguished based on morphological characteristics, especially head capsule dimensions. The extended preoviposition period suggests that reproduction is regulated by photoperiod. Its confirmed distribution across several offshore islands—including Deachungdo Island, Jejudo Island, and Ulleungdo Island—highlights the need to investigate potential dispersal mechanisms and population connectivity.
Abstract
Background: The Egyptian endemic taxa face significant anthropogenic and natural threats despite their ecological and economic importance. These threats have resulted in habitat degradation, population decline, and restricted geographical range. Neglecting these warning signs could lead to extinction, raising concerns due to uncertainties in their distribution and conservation status. This study presents a model for conserving endemic plant taxa in Egypt through three main steps: (1) Assessing the ecological and conservation status of endemic taxa using comprehensive reviews and detailed field verifications based on IUCN Red List criteria; (2) Developing maps for potential hotspots of endemic species using species distribution models (SDMs); and (3) Implementing rehabilitation projects for selected species at risk of extinction, informed by previous findings. Results: A total of 49 endemic taxa were identified across 20 governorates, representing 74% of Egypt’s total governorates. Most species are concentrated in South Sinai, the Red Sea, Matrouh, North Sinai, and the New Valley. Threat levels varied according to population size and geographic distribution. Among these, 38 species (77.5%) are globally threatened: 6 Critically Endangered, 27 Endangered, and 5 Vulnerable. One species was classified as Least Concern, while 10 were listed as Data Deficient, requiring further studies. SDMs revealed that suitable habitats for endemic species are concentrated in the Mediterranean, the Nile River, South Sinai, the Red Sea, and parts of the New Valley, covering 11.6% of Egypt’s area. Major threats include coastal, urban, and industrial expansion, overgrazing, over-collection, mining activities, and climate change. To counter habitat decline, conservation and rehabilitation projects were carried out for seven threatened endemic species in the St. Catherine Protected Area. Survival rates varied after one year of planting: Micromeria serbaliana and Silene oreosinaica showed no survival, while Primula boveana had 2.9%, Bufonia multiceps 31%, Anarrhinum forskaohlii subsp. pubescens 47%, Phlomis aurea 50%, and Rosa arabica 73.2%. Conclusions: Investing in fieldwork monitoring and rehabilitation for endemic plant taxa is crucial. This structured program ensures systematic data collection, effective implementation, ongoing monitoring, and identification of conservation gaps, ultimately safeguarding these unique species.
Abstract
Invasive rodents are significant issues for the conservation and management of habitats, particularly in island areas. Numerous studies have indicated that invasive rodents on islands directly or indirectly influence native plants and animals negatively. Consequently, many countries have made efforts to eradicate invasive rodents primarily using poison. However, these efforts have led to additional problems, such as the mortality of native animals due to intoxication. Understanding the habitat usage of species in local areas is essential for effective population management. So, we investigated the habitat usage of the invasive brown rat Rattus norvegicus on an uninhabited island. From October 2019 to November 2023, we surveyed field signs of brown rats on Yuksan Island, South Korea. To examine the interactions among habitat factors and brown rat abundance, we calculated 6 valuables including the density of black-tailed gulls during the breeding season, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) for spring, summer, and fall, elevation, and slope. The results of the stepwise regression model revealed a strong correlation between the density of brown rat field signs and NDVI in summer. Additionally, elevation, slope, and NDVI in fall were correlated with brown rat abundance. The habitat factors related to brown rat abundance were associated with the availability of food resources and the quality of shelter, which is influenced by vegetation coverage, prevention of drowning, and species-specific behavior.
Abstract
Background: Lichens are widely recognized as bioindicators of air pollution due to their sensitivity to atmospheric contaminants. However, species-level responses in Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia, remain underreported. This study investigates the relationship between lichen diversity and ambient air pollution across three land-use types in Peninsular Malaysia: urban (Shah Alam), suburban (Jerantut), and rural (Kuala Selangor). Results: Lichen samples were collected from 10 Mimusops elengi trees per site using 20 cm × 30 cm quadrats and identified morphologically and chemically. Air quality data (PM10, PM2∙5, NO2, SO2, O3, and CO) from 2023 were obtained from the Department of Environment Malaysia. Urban sites exhibited the highest pollution levels, while suburban areas had the lowest. Interestingly, the rural site showed moderately high pollution levels, possibly due to local sources such as open burning, nearby markets and coastal aerosol. Correspondingly, the suburban site recorded the highest lichen diversity and index of atmospheric purity (IAP = 37.83). A strong negative correlation between IAP and PM10 (r = –0.957) underscores the impact of fine particulates on lichen community structure. Environmental variables such as bark pH, temperature, and humidity also influenced species distribution but played a secondary role compared to air pollutants. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that epiphytic lichen communities respond clearly to varying levels of atmospheric pollution, supporting their use as low-cost, effective bioindicators in tropical regions. While lichen sampling was conducted as a one-time event, the results remain ecologically meaningful due to lichens’ long-term integration of environmental conditions. These findings offer a valuable baseline for future ecological assessments and contribute to the development of long-term lichen-based air quality monitoring frameworks in Malaysia.