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van Rees CB, Geist J, Arthington AH. Grasping at water: a gap-oriented approach to bridging shortfalls in freshwater biodiversity conservation. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2025. [PMID: 40328259 DOI: 10.1111/brv.70030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2025] [Accepted: 04/23/2025] [Indexed: 05/08/2025]
Abstract
Freshwater biodiversity is the fastest declining part of the global biota, threatened by multiple stressors including habitat loss and fragmentation, climate change, invasive species, water pollution, and abstraction by humans. A multitude of recent agenda-setting publications have pointed out key objectives and goals for addressing this freshwater biodiversity crisis, but important gaps must be overcome to reach ambitious conservation targets. In this perspective, we complement these high-level papers in freshwater conservation by highlighting important gaps in knowledge, governance, and implementation. This gap-oriented approach is designed to facilitate meaningful action by highlighting missing 'pieces' in the conservation process, and their connection to existing and emerging solutions in the literature. We derive 13 overarching gaps from a conference session and informal synthesis of recent literature in freshwater biodiversity conservation to catalyse research, advocacy, and action to meet freshwater goals for the post-2020 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). Key gaps include inventory data on global freshwater biodiversity, collating and mobilizing conservation evidence in practice, improving coordination of ecological governance at scale -including within and across catchments-and navigating trade-offs between economic development, resource consumption, and priorities for freshwater biodiversity. Finally, we apply this gap-oriented approach to key language describing GBF goals for freshwater biodiversity conservation, and point out existing and emerging solutions which may help address important gaps. Major themes that address multiple gaps include the use of Nature-based Solutions and Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs), navigation of water management trade-offs between human and environmental needs, co-production of knowledge with Indigenous and local people and other stakeholders, integration of conservation research and action between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, and funding and policy mechanisms to facilitate conservation action and support meaningful monitoring of conservation evidence across hydrological scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles B van Rees
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, 140 E Green St, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
- Institute of Resilient Infrastructure Systems, University of Georgia, 597 D.W. Brooks Drive, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
- River Basin Center, University of Georgia, 203 D.W. Brooks Drive, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Juergen Geist
- Aquatic Systems Biology Unit, Technical University of Munich, Mühlenweg 22, Freising, D-85354, Germany
| | - Angela H Arthington
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia
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2
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Moldovan OT, Levei E, Ferreira RL, Silva MS, Mirea IC. Exploring the Bacteriome Diversity and Use as a Proxy for Climate Change and Human Impacts on Groundwater in Temperate and Tropical Countries. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2025; 88:17. [PMID: 40113629 PMCID: PMC11926030 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-025-02512-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2025] [Indexed: 03/22/2025]
Abstract
This research investigates bacterial communities in various cave pool water and substrates from Brazil and Romania for their use as indicators of environmental impacts on groundwater. Regional and seasonal differences were observed even if, at the phylum level, common bacteria for both countries were found. Distinct patterns emerged at the genus level due to the different climates (tropical vs. temperate) and ecosystems. Chemoautotrophic conditions define an utterly different groundwater bacteriome than oligotrophic conditions independent of the temperature. Bacteria as a proxy for climate change were explored using seasonal changes in Romanian caves; specific genera become dominant in summer months, such as Acinetobacter, Paeniglutamicibacter, Polaromonas, and Saccharimonadales, indicating processes that occur during the low-water season. Climate change, particularly dryness, is expected to exacerbate these variations, threatening the stability of groundwater ecosystems. The research also identified anthropic pollution indicators (Vogesella, Cutibacterium) and potential decontaminants (Bacillus) in Brazilian cave waters. Anthropic pollution indicators, like Pseudoarthrobacter. were also found in Romanian caves. Other key bacteria genera, such as Flavobacterium, Pseudomonas, and Acinetobacter, are chemolithotrophs or involved in the nitrogen cycle, which is critical in supplying nutrients for the cave food web. Marked differences between water and substrate microbiomes within the same pools suggested that substrates may play a crucial, underexplored role in groundwater ecosystem processes. Our study found unassigned taxa, 3 phyla, 2 families, and 832 genera (> 40%) in the studied pools. The results underscore the need to further explore groundwater microbiomes as potentially crucial yet fragile ecosystems in the face of climate change and human impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oana Teodora Moldovan
- Cluj-Napoca Department, Emil Racovita Institute of Speleology, Romanian Academy, Clinicilor 5, 400006, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Erika Levei
- Research Institute for Analytical Instrumentation Subsidiary, National Institute of Research and Development for Optoelectronics INOE 2000, Donath 67, 400293, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania
| | | | - Marconi Souza Silva
- Universidade Federal de Lavras, Campus Universitário, Lavras, Caixa Postal 3037, Brazil
| | - Ionuț Cornel Mirea
- Emil Racovita Institute of Speleology, Romanian Academy, 13 Septembrie 13, 050711, București, Romania
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3
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Silveira FAO. Seven ways to prevent biomism. AMBIO 2025:10.1007/s13280-025-02155-3. [PMID: 39998738 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-025-02155-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2025] [Accepted: 02/11/2025] [Indexed: 02/27/2025]
Abstract
Biomism, the pervasive prejudice, discrimination or antagonism against a given biome, highlights critical and overlooked dimensions of human behavior biases that have consequences for real-world conservation. Here, I propose seven ways to end biomism in educational, scientific and conservation arenas, including (1) the recognition and value of all biomes, (2) use of inclusive language that acknowledges diverse perspectives, (3) preventing research prioritization based on colonial legacies, (4) tailoring biome-specific conservation, management and restoration, (5) adapting legislation to embrace all biomes, (6) developing inclusive regulatory measures and (7) equalizing funding opportunities. Recognizing and addressing biases against specific biomes is essential for fostering a more inclusive and equitable approach to conservation arenas and abandoning long-standing prejudices rooted in colonial legacies, aesthetic preferences and utilitarian views of nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando A O Silveira
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil.
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4
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Mammola S, Altermatt F, Alther R, Amorim IR, Băncilă RI, Borges PAV, Brad T, Brankovits D, Cardoso P, Cerasoli F, Chauveau CA, Delić T, Di Lorenzo T, Faille A, Fišer C, Flot JF, Gabriel R, Galassi DMP, Garzoli L, Griebler C, Konecny-Dupré L, Martínez A, Mori N, Nanni V, Ogorelec Ž, Pallarés S, Salussolia A, Saccò M, Stoch F, Vaccarelli I, Zagmajster M, Zittra C, Meierhofer MB, Sánchez-Fernández D, Malard F. Perspectives and pitfalls in preserving subterranean biodiversity through protected areas. NPJ BIODIVERSITY 2024; 3:2. [PMID: 39242876 PMCID: PMC11332058 DOI: 10.1038/s44185-023-00035-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
Subterranean ecosystems (comprising terrestrial, semi-aquatic, and aquatic components) are increasingly threatened by human activities; however, the current network of surface-protected areas is inadequate to safeguard subterranean biodiversity. Establishing protected areas for subterranean ecosystems is challenging. First, there are technical obstacles in mapping three-dimensional ecosystems with uncertain boundaries. Second, the rarity and endemism of subterranean organisms, combined with a scarcity of taxonomists, delays the accumulation of essential biodiversity knowledge. Third, establishing agreements to preserve subterranean ecosystems requires collaboration among multiple actors with often competing interests. This perspective addresses the challenges of preserving subterranean biodiversity through protected areas. Even in the face of uncertainties, we suggest it is both timely and critical to assess general criteria for subterranean biodiversity protection and implement them based on precautionary principles. To this end, we examine the current status of European protected areas and discuss solutions to improve their coverage of subterranean ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Mammola
- Molecular Ecology Group (MEG), Water Research Institute (IRSA), National Research Council (CNR), Corso Tonolli, 50, Pallanza, 28922, Italy.
- Laboratory for Integrative Biodiversity Research (LIBRe), Finnish Museum of Natural History (LUOMUS), University of Helsinki, Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 13, Helsinki, 00100, Finland.
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, 90133, Italy.
| | - Florian Altermatt
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 190, 8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Roman Alther
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 190, 8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Isabel R Amorim
- cE3c-Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes/Azorean Biodiversity Group, CHANGE-Global Change and Sustainability Institute, School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of the Azores, Rua Capitão João d´Ávila, Pico da Urze, 9700-042, Angra do Heroísmo, Azores, Portugal
| | - Raluca I Băncilă
- "Emil Racoviţă" Institute of Speleology, Department of Cluj-Napoca, Str. Clinicilor Nr. 5, 400006, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Paulo A V Borges
- cE3c-Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes/Azorean Biodiversity Group, CHANGE-Global Change and Sustainability Institute, School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of the Azores, Rua Capitão João d´Ávila, Pico da Urze, 9700-042, Angra do Heroísmo, Azores, Portugal
| | - Traian Brad
- "Emil Racoviţă" Institute of Speleology, Department of Cluj-Napoca, Str. Clinicilor Nr. 5, 400006, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - David Brankovits
- Molecular Ecology Group (MEG), Water Research Institute (IRSA), National Research Council (CNR), Corso Tonolli, 50, Pallanza, 28922, Italy
| | - Pedro Cardoso
- Laboratory for Integrative Biodiversity Research (LIBRe), Finnish Museum of Natural History (LUOMUS), University of Helsinki, Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 13, Helsinki, 00100, Finland
- cE3c-Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, CHANGE-Global Change and Sustainability Institute, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Francesco Cerasoli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Coppito, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Claire A Chauveau
- Department of Organismal Biology, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), C.P. 160/12, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt 50, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Teo Delić
- University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Biology, SubBioLab, Jamnikarjeva 101, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tiziana Di Lorenzo
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, 90133, Italy
- "Emil Racoviţă" Institute of Speleology, Department of Cluj-Napoca, Str. Clinicilor Nr. 5, 400006, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- cE3c-Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, CHANGE-Global Change and Sustainability Institute, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems of the National Research Council (IRET-CNR), Via Madonna del Piano 10, Florence, Italy
| | - Arnaud Faille
- Stuttgart State Museum of Natural History, Rosenstein 1, 70191, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Cene Fišer
- University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Biology, SubBioLab, Jamnikarjeva 101, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jean-François Flot
- Department of Organismal Biology, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), C.P. 160/12, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt 50, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
- Interuniversity Institute of Bioinformatics in Brussels-(IB)², Brussels, Belgium
| | - Rosalina Gabriel
- cE3c-Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes/Azorean Biodiversity Group, CHANGE-Global Change and Sustainability Institute, School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of the Azores, Rua Capitão João d´Ávila, Pico da Urze, 9700-042, Angra do Heroísmo, Azores, Portugal
| | - Diana M P Galassi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Coppito, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Laura Garzoli
- Molecular Ecology Group (MEG), Water Research Institute (IRSA), National Research Council (CNR), Corso Tonolli, 50, Pallanza, 28922, Italy
| | - Christian Griebler
- Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lara Konecny-Dupré
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR 5023 LEHNA, F-69622, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Alejandro Martínez
- Molecular Ecology Group (MEG), Water Research Institute (IRSA), National Research Council (CNR), Corso Tonolli, 50, Pallanza, 28922, Italy
| | - Nataša Mori
- Department of Organisms and Ecosystem Research, National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Veronica Nanni
- Molecular Ecology Group (MEG), Water Research Institute (IRSA), National Research Council (CNR), Corso Tonolli, 50, Pallanza, 28922, Italy
- School for Advanced Studies IUSS, Science, Technology and Society Department, 25100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Žiga Ogorelec
- Department of Organisms and Ecosystem Research, National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Susana Pallarés
- Department of Zoology, University of Sevilla, Sevilla, 41012, Spain
| | - Alice Salussolia
- Department of Organismal Biology, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), C.P. 160/12, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt 50, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mattia Saccò
- Subterranean Research and Groundwater Ecology (SuRGE) Group, Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley 6102, Perth, WA, Australia
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Fabio Stoch
- Department of Organismal Biology, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), C.P. 160/12, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt 50, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ilaria Vaccarelli
- Molecular Ecology Group (MEG), Water Research Institute (IRSA), National Research Council (CNR), Corso Tonolli, 50, Pallanza, 28922, Italy
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Coppito, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
- School for Advanced Studies IUSS, Science, Technology and Society Department, 25100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Maja Zagmajster
- University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Biology, SubBioLab, Jamnikarjeva 101, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Carina Zittra
- Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Melissa B Meierhofer
- BatLab Finland, Finnish Museum of Natural History Luomus (LUOMUS), University of Helsinki, Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 13, Helsinki, 00100, Finland
| | | | - Florian Malard
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR 5023 LEHNA, F-69622, Villeurbanne, France
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5
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Saccò M, Mammola S, Altermatt F, Alther R, Bolpagni R, Brancelj A, Brankovits D, Fišer C, Gerovasileiou V, Griebler C, Guareschi S, Hose GC, Korbel K, Lictevout E, Malard F, Martínez A, Niemiller ML, Robertson A, Tanalgo KC, Bichuette ME, Borko Š, Brad T, Campbell MA, Cardoso P, Celico F, Cooper SJB, Culver D, Di Lorenzo T, Galassi DMP, Guzik MT, Hartland A, Humphreys WF, Ferreira RL, Lunghi E, Nizzoli D, Perina G, Raghavan R, Richards Z, Reboleira ASPS, Rohde MM, Fernández DS, Schmidt SI, van der Heyde M, Weaver L, White NE, Zagmajster M, Hogg I, Ruhi A, Gagnon MM, Allentoft ME, Reinecke R. Groundwater is a hidden global keystone ecosystem. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2024; 30:e17066. [PMID: 38273563 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.17066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Groundwater is a vital ecosystem of the global water cycle, hosting unique biodiversity and providing essential services to societies. Despite being the largest unfrozen freshwater resource, in a period of depletion by extraction and pollution, groundwater environments have been repeatedly overlooked in global biodiversity conservation agendas. Disregarding the importance of groundwater as an ecosystem ignores its critical role in preserving surface biomes. To foster timely global conservation of groundwater, we propose elevating the concept of keystone species into the realm of ecosystems, claiming groundwater as a keystone ecosystem that influences the integrity of many dependent ecosystems. Our global analysis shows that over half of land surface areas (52.6%) has a medium-to-high interaction with groundwater, reaching up to 74.9% when deserts and high mountains are excluded. We postulate that the intrinsic transboundary features of groundwater are critical for shifting perspectives towards more holistic approaches in aquatic ecology and beyond. Furthermore, we propose eight key themes to develop a science-policy integrated groundwater conservation agenda. Given ecosystems above and below the ground intersect at many levels, considering groundwater as an essential component of planetary health is pivotal to reduce biodiversity loss and buffer against climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Saccò
- Subterranean Research and Groundwater Ecology (SuRGE) Group, Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Stefano Mammola
- Molecular Ecology Group (MEG), Water Research Institute (CNR-IRSA), National Research Council, Verbania Pallanza, Italy
- Laboratory for Integrative Biodiversity Research (LIBRe), Finnish Museum of Natural History (LUOMUS), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - Florian Altermatt
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Roman Alther
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Rossano Bolpagni
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Anton Brancelj
- Department of Organisms and Ecosystems Research, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department for Environmental Science, University of Nova Gorica, Nova Gorica, Slovenia
| | - David Brankovits
- Molecular Ecology Group (MEG), Water Research Institute (CNR-IRSA), National Research Council, Verbania Pallanza, Italy
| | - Cene Fišer
- SubBio Lab, Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Biology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vasilis Gerovasileiou
- Faculty of Environment, Department of Environment, Ionian University, Zakynthos, Greece
- Biotechnology and Aquaculture (IMBBC), Thalassocosmos, Institute of Marine Biology, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), Heraklion, Greece
| | - Christian Griebler
- Department of Functional & Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Simone Guareschi
- Estación Biologica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Grant C Hose
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kathryn Korbel
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elisabeth Lictevout
- International Groundwater Resources Assessment Center (IGRAC), Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Florian Malard
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR 5023 LEHNA, Univ Lyon, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Alejandro Martínez
- Molecular Ecology Group (MEG), Water Research Institute (CNR-IRSA), National Research Council, Verbania Pallanza, Italy
| | - Matthew L Niemiller
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, Alabama, USA
| | - Anne Robertson
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Roehampton University, London, UK
| | - Krizler C Tanalgo
- Ecology and Conservation Research Laboratory (Eco/Con Lab), Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, University of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan, Cotabato, Philippines
| | - Maria Elina Bichuette
- Laboratory of Subterranean Studies (LES), Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Špela Borko
- SubBio Lab, Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Biology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Traian Brad
- Emil Racovita Institute of Speleology, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Matthew A Campbell
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Pedro Cardoso
- Laboratory for Integrative Biodiversity Research (LIBRe), Finnish Museum of Natural History (LUOMUS), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, and Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes & CHANGE - Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Fulvio Celico
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Steven J B Cooper
- South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences and Environment Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - David Culver
- Department of Environmental Science, American University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Tiziana Di Lorenzo
- National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems of the National Research Council of Italy (IRET CNR), Florence, Italy
| | - Diana M P Galassi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences (MESVA), University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Michelle T Guzik
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Adam Hartland
- Lincoln Agritech Ltd, Ruakura, Kirikiriroa, Aotearoa, New Zealand
| | - William F Humphreys
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
- Western Australian Museum, Welshpool, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Rodrigo Lopes Ferreira
- Centro de Estudos em Biologia Subterrânea, Departamento de Ecologia e Conservação, Instituto de Ciências Naturais, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Enrico Lunghi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences (MESVA), University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Daniele Nizzoli
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Giulia Perina
- Subterranean Research and Groundwater Ecology (SuRGE) Group, Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Rajeev Raghavan
- Department of Fisheries Resource Management, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Kochi, India
| | - Zoe Richards
- Coral Conservation and Research Group, Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ana Sofia P S Reboleira
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, and Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes & CHANGE - Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Melissa M Rohde
- Rohde Environmental Consulting, LLC, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Graduate Program in Environmental Science, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | | | - Susanne I Schmidt
- Department of Lake Research, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Mieke van der Heyde
- Subterranean Research and Groundwater Ecology (SuRGE) Group, Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Louise Weaver
- Water & Environment Group, Institute of Environmental Science & Research Ltd., Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Nicole E White
- Subterranean Research and Groundwater Ecology (SuRGE) Group, Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Maja Zagmajster
- SubBio Lab, Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Biology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ian Hogg
- School of Science, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
- Canadian High Arctic Research Station, Polar Knowledge Canada, Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, Canada
| | - Albert Ruhi
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy & Management, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Marthe M Gagnon
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Morten E Allentoft
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Lundbeck Foundation GeoGenetics Centre, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Robert Reinecke
- Institute of Geography, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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6
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Hlebec D, Podnar M, Kučinić M, Harms D. Molecular analyses of pseudoscorpions in a subterranean biodiversity hotspot reveal cryptic diversity and microendemism. Sci Rep 2023; 13:430. [PMID: 36624298 PMCID: PMC9829860 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26298-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Nested within the Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot, the Dinaric Karst of the western Balkans is one of the world's most heterogeneous subterranean ecosystems and renowned for its highly diverse and mostly endemic fauna. The evolutionary processes leading to both endemism and diversity remain insufficiently understood, and large-scale analyses on taxa that are abundant in both subterranean and surface habitats remain infrequent. Here, we provide the first comprehensive molecular study on Croatian pseudoscorpions, a lineage of arachnids that is common and diverse in both habitats. Phylogenetic reconstructions using 499 COI sequences derived from 128 morphospecies collected across the Dinaric Karst show that: (i) occurrence in karstic microhabitats boosters speciation and endemism in the most diverse genera Chthonius C.L. Koch, 1843 (37 morphospecies) and Neobisium Chamberlin, 1930 (34 morphospecies), (ii) evidence for ongoing diversification is found in many species and species complexes through low optimal thresholds (OTs) and species delineation analyses, and (iii) landscape features, such as mountain ranges, correlate with patterns of genetic diversity in the diverse genus Neobisium. We present two synonymies: Protoneobisium Ćurčić, 1988 = Neobisium, syn. nov., and Archaeoroncus Ćurčić and Rađa, 2012 = Roncus L. Koch, 1873, syn. nov. Overall, our study suggests that karstic microhabitats promote diversification in soil- and cave-dwelling arthropods at all taxonomic levels, but also provide important refugia for invertebrates in past and present periods of environmental change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Hlebec
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia. .,Section of Arachnology, Department of Invertebrates, Museum of Nature Hamburg - Zoology, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Hamburg, Germany. .,Croatian Biospeleological Society, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Martina Podnar
- grid.452330.30000 0001 2230 9365Croatian Natural History Museum, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mladen Kučinić
- grid.4808.40000 0001 0657 4636Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Danilo Harms
- grid.517093.90000 0005 0294 9006Section of Arachnology, Department of Invertebrates, Museum of Nature Hamburg - Zoology, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Hamburg, Germany
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