Artículos (Zoología)

URI permanente para esta colecciónhttps://hdl.handle.net/11441/10929

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Mining discharges and environmental assessment and management in estuaries: insights from the Guadalquivir Estuary, Spain
(Oxford University Press, 2025-12-14) Castillo Segura, Jesús Manuel; Sirviente, Sara; Bruno, Miguel; Cabrera-Castro, Remedios; Sánchez-Rodríguez, Jairo; Granado, Carlos; Gallego Tevar, Blanca; Miró Recio-Mensaque, Juan Miguel; Díez-Minguito, Manuel; Biología Vegetal y Ecología; Zoología; Junta de Andalucía
The advancement of low-carbon energy hinges on access to energy transition minerals, driving the development of new mining projects. This review assesses the potential ecological risks of mining discharges in estuaries, with the Guadalquivir Estuary as the focal study system. We considered physical, chemical, hydrodynamic, and biological characteristics. A substantial portion of discharged metals would be absorbed by particulate matter and deposited in bottom sediments. The inner estuary, a low-salinity, hypoxic, and sediment-trapping environment, is particularly vulnerable. Its confinement by a dam, coupled with reduced freshwater flow due to climate change and water overuse, exacerbates the retention of pollutants. Furthermore, a recent mining discharge from the Las Cruces Mine carried out since 2009 has already compromised the estuary’s sediments with high loads of ecotoxic metals. Moreover, two new authorized mining discharges could further contaminate the inner estuary and the downstream fishing reserve, where increased salinity may mobilize metals. Riparian forests and Spartina grasslands remain particularly vulnerable to metal pollution. Our analysis highlights the limitations of current environmental assessments, which often oversimplify the complex dynamics of the Guadalquivir Estuary. To adhere to the precautionary principle, we recommend a moratorium on new mining discharges. This aligns with the nondeterioration principle of the Water Framework Directive, emphasizing the need to prevent further degradation of aquatic environments. We propose future research lines to investigate the dynamics of metal pollution and its environmental impacts. Our analysis shows the complexity of estuarine ecosystems and points to the importance of assessing metal metabolism in relation to sediments and biota in the current context of increasing mining activity.
Short-term responses of estuarine mesozooplankton to maintenance dredging activities
(Elsevier, 2026-07-07) Reyes-Martínez, M. J.; Vicente, L.; Megina Martínez, César; Miró Recio-Mensaque, Juan Miguel; Donazar Aramendia, Íñigo; García Gómez, José Carlos; González Gordillo, J. I.; Zoología; Autoridad Portuaria de Sevilla (APS); Universidad de Sevilla; Universidad Pablo de Olavide
Maintenance dredging is a common practice in estuaries to ensure navigability and support port operations, but it also represents a widespread anthropogenic disturbance. Its effects on planktonic communities, however, remain poorly understood, particularly for mesozooplankton, a key component linking primary producers and higher trophic levels. This study evaluated the short-term responses of mesozooplankton communities and environmental variables to a maintenance dredging operation in the Guadalquivir estuary (SW Spain). Sampling was conducted at two sites with contrasting salinity conditions (Salinas: polyhaline and Puntalete: mesohaline) across three distinct phases: pre-, during, and post-dredging. Among the environmental variables analysed, pH showed a significant but transient decrease during dredging, while chlorophyll-a varied significantly among sampling phases. Turbidity tended to increase during dredging, although differences were not significant, and most other physicochemical variables remained largely unchanged. Overall, the observed environmental patterns were compatible with a short-term dredging signal but could not be confidently distinguished from the high natural temporal variability characteristic of the estuary. Biologically, the mesozooplankton community exhibited contrasting site-specific responses. In the polyhaline zone, species richness declined significantly and community composition shifted, with only partial recovery after dredging. Conversely, the mesohaline zone maintained a stable community composition but showed a marked decline in total abundance, representing the clearest biological response observed during dredging. These contrasting responses observed between sites suggest that the local ecological context may influence how estuarine ecosystems respond to short-term dredging-related disturbances.
Time-constrained sampling: a little-explored alternative for marine hard bottom communities
(Sorbonne Université, 2020-06-01) González Duarte, Manuel María; Megina Martínez, César; Zoología
Marine hard bottoms support the highest proportion of marine biodiversity. In addition, there are a wide range of sizes and forms among the benthic species of a hard bottom community: solitary or modular, from small organisms to large erected colonies, epibionts, encrusting fauna, mobile predators, etc. These habitats and their biological communities have a high heterogeneity at different spatio-temporal scales. The high diversity and heterogeneity of the hard bottom habitats can present considerable difficulties to obtain accurate and statistically comparable data for community monitoring. Thus, marine hard bottoms are complex habitats where monitoring protocols vary considerably. We review the main approaches used in the study of this type of habitat, assessing some of their main advantages and disadvantages, and highlight a not sufficiently explored alternative where the sampling effort is controlled by a set period of sampling time. Time-constrained searches have been routinely used in terrestrial ecological studies but few explore in marine habitats. However, it is an acceptable alternative that would be worth further exploring for studding marine hard bottom communities. Time-constrained methodology presents a good cost-benefit balance: It provides a good representation of the diversity of hard bottom communities, the costs (both in time and economic resources) for sampling and sorting are lower, and the quantification of taxa allows their relative abundance to influence the results.
Derivatization-Enabled Detection of Formalin From Preserved Tissues Using Coated Blade Spray Mass Spectrometry
(Wiley, 2026-07-09) Deng, Jessie F.; Hinckley Boned, Arlo; Flores, Mary Faith C.; Viera, Megan; Oleschuk, Richard D.; Hawkins, Melissa T. R.; Newsome, G. Asher; Zoología; Mathematics of Information Technology And Complex Systems (MITACS). Canada
Formalin-fixed, fluid-preserved specimens in natural history collections offer invaluable scientific and cultural insight but pose genomic challenges due to molecular degradation and persistent chemical hazards. In particular, residual formaldehyde can impair downstream molecular workflows and present occupational safety risks for collection handlers. Formaldehyde modifies biological macromolecules by forming covalent crosslinks between nucleic acids and proteins and also by promoting DNA fragmentation, which lowers extraction efficiency and limits the recovery of amplifiable genetic material. To address the need for minimally invasive, rapid formaldehyde detection, we developed a coated blade spray mass spectrometry (CBS-MS) workflow using on-blade derivatization with 2,4 dinitrophenylhydrazine (2,4-DNPH). A custom 3D-printed multiblade holder enabled rapid sequential analysis of 12 blades held in identical positions. Qualitative confirmation on formalin-fixed mammals established detection, while application to archival specimens of the minute fruit bat (Cynopterus minutus) detected formaldehyde in samples recorded only as alcohol-preserved. Variation in signal intensity was observed across replicates, and paraformaldehyde was visually apparent. Overall, the CBS-MS approach offers a minimally invasive, efficient strategy for characterizing preservation chemistry in fluid-stored specimens.
Effective population size associated with sky-island distribution in the summit rat, Rattus baluensis, a mountain Bornean endemic
(Oxford University Press, 2026-01-26) Camacho Sánchez, Miguel; Hasan, Noor Haliza; Hinckley Boned, Arlo; yu, Fred Tuh Yit; Juste Ballesta, Javier; Leonard, Jennifer A.; Zoología; Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO). España; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España
Tropical mountains are hotspots of biodiversity, and they can harbor species with sky-island distributions on mountaintops. The summit rat, Rattus baluensis, is a Bornean endemic previously known from two populations in the Kinabalu range. Here, we report the discovery of a third, genetically distinct population on Mt. Trusmadi, Sabah, Borneo. Using 27 nuclear introns genotyped in 44 individuals, we show that this population is genetically isolated and more differentiated than those in the Kinabalu range. ABC analyses reveal the three populations likely became isolated in mountain tops during the Holocene. Genetic diversity and effective population size across the three populations correlate with the area of high-elevation habitat on each mountain. Despite relatively large population sizes and well-preserved habitats, the species’ strict association with montane forest and confinement to three mountaintops make it particularly vulnerable to climate change, stochastic events, and localized anthropogenic impacts.
Revalidation of Manis aurita based on integrative genomic and morphological evidence
(Nature Research, 2026-07-01) Koju, Narayan Prasad; Zeng, Zeling; Zhang, Guihua; Yao, Zhicheng; Huang, Xia; Wang, Xiaoyun; Hawkins, Melissa T. R.; Hinckley Boned, Arlo; Flores, Mary Faith C.; Hua, Yan; Zoología; National Natural Science Foundation of China; Ministry of Science and Technology. China
Pangolins face severe conservation threats globally, necessitating accurate taxonomy for effective conservation. Previous genomic research on the Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) identified two deeply divergent lineages (MPA and MPB), suggesting underestimated species diversity. The recent description ofM. indoburmanica (corresponding toMPB), however, did not assess its relationship with historical names, particularly the subspecies M. p. aurita, leaving the group’s taxonomic status uncertain. To resolve this issue, we employed an integrative framework, analyzing genomic and morphological data from museum specimens including the lectotype of M. p. aurita to clarify phylogenetic relationships and taxonomy within M. pentadactyla sensu lato. Our results demonstrate that MPB, which includes both M. indoburmanica and M. p. aurita, is geographically restricted to the southern Himalayas and thus distinct from other M. pentadactyla populations. Genomic analyses indicate the two clades diverged ~1.8Ma and have remained largely isolated, with only minimal gene flow with congeners. Furthermore, morphometric analyses of both cranial and external features reveal consistent and significant differentiation between the Himalayan lineage (MPB) and M. pentadactyla sensu stricto. Collectively, these congruent findings provide unequivocal support for the revalidation of Manis aurita Hodgson, 1836, thereby establishing it as a distinct extant species of Asian pangolin.
Spatio-Temporal Patterns and Limited Co-Occurrence Among Dolphin Species in the Bay of Algeciras-Gibraltar
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2026-06-02) Olaya-Ponzone, Liliana; Espada Ruiz, Rocío; Martín Moreno, Estefanía; García Gómez, José Carlos; Zoología
This study examines spatio-temporal patterns of dolphin species in a coastal ecosystem located in the Bay of Algeciras–Gibraltar (southern Spain), a highly anthropogenic coastal system influenced by a submarine canyon and exposed to intense anthropogenic pressure. Between 2017 and 2020, spatial and temporal relationships between short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba), and bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) were analysed. A solitary female bottlenose dolphin (Billie) was considered separately as an individual case due to its distinct behavioural patterns. Georeferenced data showed that distances between sightings of T. truncatus and subsequent observations of the other species ranged from 261 to 12,000 m, with temporal intervals spanning from 33 s to 5 h 38 min. Short temporal overlaps (≤300 s) were infrequent. These results indicate limited spatio-temporal overlap between D. delphis, S. coeruleoalba, and T. truncatus within the study area. While no statistically significant relationships were detected in the applied models, the observed patterns provide a descriptive quantitative characterisation of species distribution and co-occurrence in a highly anthropogenic coastal system. Given that D. delphis is classified as Endangered in the western Mediterranean and that both D. delphis and S. coeruleoalba are frequently observed with calves, these patterns may be relevant for understanding habitat use and potential implications for conservation. Overall, this study provides a detailed empirical characterisation of spatio-temporal patterns among sympatric dolphin species in this coastal system, highlighting the need for further research using targeted analytical approaches to assess interspecific dynamics.
Molecular phylogeny of rare arboreal rats from SE Asia, genera Pithecheir and Pithecheirops
(Springer, 2026-07-03) Hawkins, Melissa T. R.; Hinckley Boned, Arlo; Flores, Mary Faith C.; Achmadi, Anang S.; Esselstyn, Jacob A.; Zoología; National Science Foundation (NSF). United States
Rodents, particularly the family Muridae, are exceptionally species-rich, with a global distribution and significant ecological and economic roles. Despite their ubiquity, many murids remain poorly studied, especially members of the subfamily Murinae inhabiting Southeast Asia’s biodiverse island ecosystems. Borneo, a hotspot for arboreal rodent diversity, hosts several endemic murines, including the elusive Emmons’s tree rat (Pithecheirops otion), known from only one museum specimen and three sightings documented with photographs. We assess the phylogenetic placement of P. otion by sequencing DNA from the holotype and presumed relatives in the genus Pithecheir. We recovered high-quality mitochondrial genomes and two nuclear genes to estimate the first species-level phylogeny that includes these two genera. Both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA support a sister relationship between Pithecheirops and Pithecheir and provide sufficient evidence to support their placement in the tribe Pithecheirini. Our review of distributional records of Pithecheirini reveals a severe paucity of geographical information, which hinders conservation assessments.
Linking prey biomass and Neanderthal population in a challenging upland landscape in the Late Pleistocene: the upper valley of the Lozoya River (Spain)
(Springer, 2026-04-21) Trejo, Beatriz; Vidal-Cordasco, Marco; Marín-Arroyo, Ana B.; Baquedano, Enrique; Arsuaga, Juan Luis; Karampaglidis, Theodoros; Rodríguez Gómez, Guillermo; Zoología; European Union (UE); Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España; Junta de Castilla-La Mancha; Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid
Context The mountainous and seasonally variable landscapes of the Late Pleistocene period posed major challenges for hunter-gatherers, shaping their ecological strategies and demographic limits. In the central Iberian Peninsula, the landscape played a decisive role in shaping herbivore communities and human settlement patterns. While the Iberian Peninsula has a rich Paleolithic record, MIS 5 archaeological sites are scarce in its central region, which includes two plateaus and the Sistema Central mountain range. This area likely had unfavorable ecological conditions for human habitation during parts of the Pleistocene, so people were confined to valleys and localized ecological refuges. In this context, the upper valley of the Lozoya River in Madrid, Spain, is home to the Calvero de la Higuera sites, which provide evidence of Neanderthal ccupation in a sub-Mediterranean highland environment; Objetives This study assesses how such a challenging landscape could sustain local Neanderthal populations through large prey resources; Methods Using species distribution models (SDMs) based on fossil occurrences and paleoclimatic data, we estimated the habitat favorability, population density, and biomass of nine large herbivorous mammals recorded at Cueva del Camino (Layer 05, ~ 90 ka); Results The SDMs revealed significant differences in habitat favorability among species, with Cervus elaphus exhibiting the greatest favorability and Rupicapra pyrenaica the least. Incorporating habitat favorability into biomass estimates significantly reduced the potential presence of prey, highlighting the spatial limitations of upland ecosystems. Comparisons with modern ecosystems (e.g., Serengeti, Kruger and Hwange) suggest that the results are ecologically feasible; Conclusion Our estimates suggest that the upper valley of the Lozoya River had the potential ecological capacity to support between 14 and 33 Neanderthal individuals. This highlights the delicate ecological balance that may have enabled recurrent Neanderthal presence in the challenging upland environments of central Iberia.
The spread of Aoroides longimerus Ren & Zheng, 1996 across the Mediterranean and the Atlantic: genetic diversity, anthropogenic transport, and ecological implications
(Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, 2025-10-17) Guerra García, José Manuel; Desiderato, Andrea; Mucciolo, Serena; Navarro Barranco, Carlos; Ros Clemente, Macarena; Ruiz De Velasco Fernandez De Loaysa, Sofía; Martínez Laiz, Gemma; Revanales Del Pino, Andrea Triana; Sempere Valverde, Juan; Saenz Arias, Pablo; Zoología; European Union (UE); Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO). España
Accurate knowledge of the global distribution of non-indigenous species (NIS) is essential for understanding their invasion dy-namics and for implementing timely management measures. This study reports the first records of the marine amphipod Aoroides longimerus, putatively native to the East Asian coast, in Italy (2018), Spain (2019) and Tunisia (2022) and provides the earliest documented record of the species in its introduced European range (Portugal, 2011). Furthermore, it expands the species’ known distribution in mainland Portugal (including the northernmost record), Macaronesia (with first records in the Canary Islands and Madeira), and confirms its presence along the Atlantic coasts of France and the Netherlands. Aquaculture facilities, particularly those associated with oyster farming, are probably the primary vector of introduction, while recreational boating may have con-tributed significantly to secondary dispersal. In comparison to other exotic amphipods, A. longimerus remains absent from many marinas, ports and/or aquaculture facilities in the Mediterranean Sea and adjacent regions, such as the Red Sea. This suggests that the species may still be in the early stages of expansion, or that its dispersal ability across marinas and ports is more limited than that of other amphipods. The present study, however, highlights several key ecological traits of A. longimerus: (i) it can survive year-round despite seasonal fluctuations, and reach high local densities, (ii) it exhibits strong colonisation capacity, as shown by its rapid establishment on settlement plates, and (iii) it displays opportunistic feeding behaviour, primarily consuming detritus. These characteristics underscore the importance of continuous surveillance and effective communication with stakeholders to prevent further expansion of this species.
Gene pools in rockpools: coastal Ochthebius beetles across the western Mediterranean
(Oxford University Press, 2025-12-03) García-Meseguer, Antonio José; Muñoz, Irene; Abellán Ródenas, Pedro; Villastrigo, Adrián; Mirón-Gatón, Juana María; Millán, Andrés; Velasco, Josefa; Zoología; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España
Supratidal rockpools, ecotones between land and sea, are fragmented habitats with extreme environmental fluctuations, housing unique species like Ochthebius beetles. These beetles, which exhibit broad geographical ranges and cryptic lineages in the western Palaearctic, serve as a model for studying population genetics. This study investigates the population genetic diversity and structure of three co-occurring species in the western Mediterranean, and the impact of geographic and environmental distances, coastal features, and marine barriers on gene flow in two of them. The study reveals low genetic diversity in all three species, with similar observed heterozygosity values. Ochthebius quadricollis exhibited higher diversity and notable population variations, being the only species with marked genetic structure. For this species, AMOVA indicated significant genetic variation among the predefined groups, which was higher than within groups. We found an association between genetic differentiation and geographical distances but only for O. quadricollis. Our research highlights great connectivity and gene flow among supratidal rockpool populations of aquatic beetles, probably due to multiple passive dispersal pathways operating at different spatial scales. The three species exhibit varying degrees of genetic differentiation along the Iberian coast, confirming the genetic patterns observed in previous studies with less precise markers and larger scales. However, some discrepancies were noted, especially regarding the role of the Ibiza Channel as a barrier to genetic flow in O. quadricollis, where isolation by distance appears to be crucial. While marine currents were initially hypothesized to influence connectivity, our results suggest that their contemporary role in shaping recent gene flow is limited compared to that of geographic distance.
Thriving in the heat: How high temperatures and habitat disturbance shape odonate taxonomic and functional diversity in the tropics
(Wiley, 2024-12-26) Castillo-Pérez, Eduardo Ulises; Rivera-Duarte, José D.; Abellán Ródenas, Pedro; del-Val, Ek; González-Tokman, Daniel; Córdoba-Aguilar, Alex; Zoología; Fundación UNAM
Because insects are unable to regulate their body temperatures, they are vulnerable to rising temperatures and habitat disturbances that limit access to optimal microhabitats. This study examines how these factors affect the taxonomic and functional diversity of Odonata insects (Anisoptera and Zygoptera) in a tropical dry landscape. We assessed taxonomic diversity using Hill numbers (0D, 1D, 2D) and functional diversity in preserved and disturbed sites within a tropical dry forest. Functional diversity was measured using the standardised effect size (SES) of functional richness, evenness, divergence and community-weighted means (CWMs), focusing on traits related to heat tolerance and resource acquisition (body colouration and size). Taxonomic diversity was positively related to high temperatures and vegetation in Anisoptera, with no relation for Zygoptera. The SES of functional richness for Zygoptera was higher in preserved areas, while anisopterans showed no changes. Only Anisoptera showed a negative correlation between functional evenness and maximum temperatures. Functional divergence in both suborders was higher in disturbed areas. In Anisoptera, the CWM of body colour lightness was higher in disturbed sites, but neither environmental factor affected the CWM of body size in either suborder. While disturbance limited trait variability in zygopterans, it favoured species with extreme traits in both suborders. Reduced trait variability in preserved sites may have affected adaptability to future disturbances. Our study highlights that Odonata communities maintain stable taxonomic diversity despite disturbances, but shifts in functional diversity could compromise their resilience and ecological roles.
Effects of freshet events on early life stages of fish and macroinvertebrates in a highly turbid estuary of Iberian Peninsula
(Elsevier, 2023-12) Miró Recio-Mensaque, Juan Miguel; Megina Martínez, César; Donazar Aramendi, Iñigo; García Gómez, José Carlos
The present study investigates effects of three different types of freshet events (varying in intensity, duration, and period of discharge) on the early life stages of fish, macroinvertebrates inhabiting in the water column, and the environmental conditions within the hiperturbid estuary of the Guadalquivir River. Freshet events compressed the salinity gradient and increased turbidity; during the most intense freshet event, the oxygen concentration also decreased. These environmental changes had significant effects on the abundance and distribution of aquatic organisms, reducing the nursery area from 40 km upstream to 20 or 10 km, depending on the freshet. Recovery of physicochemical conditions was relatively rapid (within one or two weeks) for less intense freshets, while the most intense event showed only partial recovery even one month later. Biological responses varied among species and time periods. Pelagic species (e.g., anchovies) were flushed out of the estuary. The populations of these species can show a posterior reintroduction and a recovery to levels similar to before the freshet, or a nonrecovery, probably depending on larval supplied from the offshore stock. In contrast, benthic and estuarine species (e.g., gobies, mysids), were just displaced downstream during the freshets. In the most intense freshet event, which occurred before the high recruitment period of these species (early spring), their abundances increased significantly, exceeding the levels of normal years (without freshets). This suggests that, depending on the intensity and the period in which the freshet occur, they could act as attraction signals for certain species. In general, estuarine and benthic species, such as gobies and other macroinvertebrates, coped better with freshets than pelagic marine migrant species, such as anchovies. However, the estuary and its estuarine organisms showed high resilience to environmental fluctuations.
The uropygial gland of the European hoopoe as a symbiotic organ
(Springer, 2026) Martín-Vivaldi, Manuel; Martínez-García, Ángela; Peralta Sánchez, Juan Manuel; Schaub, Michael; Arlettaz, Raphaël; Martín-Platero, Antonio M.; Martínez-Renau, Ester; Barón, María Dolores; Ruiz-Rodríguez, Magdalena; Soler, Juan J.; Zoología; Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO). España; European Union (UE); Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España; Agencia Estatal de Investigación. España
Background Animals rely on symbiotic bacteria living within/on their tissues for multiple functions, while simultaneously needing to protect themselves via immune functions or other defenses from potentially pathogenic microorganisms that could invade those tissues. As a result, interactions with complex assemblages of bacteria have driven the evolution of host strategies to control established symbioses. One such strategy involves the development of organs specialized in maintaining associations with beneficial members of the microbial community — so-called symbiotic organs. These organs are characterized by compartmentalizing spaces where favorable conditions for the beneficial bacteria are promoted, while preventing colonization of other tissues. Although several model systems of symbiotic organs have been studied in animals, none have been recognized in non-aquatic vertebrates except for the intestinal crypts of mammals. Here, we propose that bird´s uropygial glands may be specialized symbiotic organs. Results We tested this hypothesis using the uropygial gland of the hoopoe (Upupa epops) as a model, which hosts a complex bacterial community that includes antimicrobial-producing symbionts. First, we examined whether the uropygial gland supports a specific symbiotic community, by comparing the microbiome composition of the uropygial secretions and eggshell surfaces in two European hoopoe populations. Additionally, using histological staining and fluorescence in situ hybridization, we looked for structural specializations for compartmentalization and bacterial targeting in the glands of nesting hoopoes in comparison to non-breeding individuals lacking the symbiosis. Results show that, in comparison with bacterial communities of the eggshells, those of the uropygial gland were more conserved between both populations. Moreover, uropygial glands of nesting hoopoes were strictly compartmentalized by a special tissue, properties that are absent in the non-breeding individuals lacking the symbiosis. Finally, bacteria were organized within the organ, suggesting the existence of special physical niches to promote specialized mutualistic symbionts. Conclusions All evidence supports that the hoopoe uropygial gland is a specialized symbiotic organ for bacterial cultivation, paving the way for new insights into vertebrates’ exocrine glands’ role in microbial symbiosis. Clinical trial number Not applicable.
Posidonia oceanica Ashore Waste Biomass: State-of-the-Art and Valorisation Perspectives Within the Circular Economy Framework
(MDPI, 2026) Hernández-Escaño, Manuel; Borja, Rafael; García Gómez, José Carlos; Raposo, Francisco; Zoología; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España
The accumulation of dead leaves from the Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica on beaches is a natural process that results in the formation of banquettes and, in some areas, spherical debris known as aegagropiles. These structures provide essential ecosystem functions, particularly coastal protection against erosion. Despite their ecological importance, accumulated Posidonia oceanica biomass is often perceived as undesirable waste by stakeholders such as beach managers, local authorities, and tourists, leading to its systematic removal. This review summarises the chemical characteristics of this marine biomass and assesses its environmental and socioeconomic impact. Additionally, some different valorisation pathways for this biomass waste are examined, including animal feeding, bioactive compound extraction, development of biochar, biofertilisers, and compost, production of biosorbents, biocomposites and building materials, and also energy generation. The findings highlight the significant potential of P. oceanica residues within circular economy strategies and underscore the need for improved management practices that recognise their ecological value.
Taxonomy and molecular systematic position of the freshwater genus Eunapius with the descriptions of new species: more evidence in favour of the polyphyly of Spongillida
(Taylor & Francis, 2025-05-16) Carballo Cenizo, Juan José Luis; Gómez, P.; Cruz-Barraza, J. A.; Yáñez, B.; Zoología; Programa de Apoyo a Proyectos de Investigación e Innovación Tecnológica (DGAPA)
Eunapius is one of the most diverse genera in Spongillida with 17 species currently accepted. So far, only two records of this genus are known from Mexico: Eunapius fragilis from Xochimilco cited as Spongilla fragilis (by Rioja) and Spongilla fragilis var. zempoalensis from Zempoala lagoon (by Rioja). We revised Rioja’s original material, and new material from Zempoala lakes and considered that these records must be proposed as new species: Spongilla fragilis from Xochimilco is described as Eunapius xochimilca new sp., and Spongilla fragilis var zempoalensis is described as E. zempoalensis new comb. In addition, we described two new species, E. gamundii and E. acanthostrongylae new spp. The main morphological characteristics that define these new species focus on the oxeas and gemmuloscleres morphology and size, as well as the shape and size of the gemmules. Their morphological differences are also supported by nuclear-ribosomal molecular markers, specifically the ITS region (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2), which were used to assess the phylogenetic relationships of the genus Eunapius. Tree topology showed genus Eunapius in a monophyletic clade composed of three main groups, which were clustered together with other genera of the family Spongillidae. Our results also support the previous molecular hypothesis, which suggests the polyphyly of Spongillidae and the need to reevaluate the taxonomy at the family level.
Global drivers of size variation in patellid limpets and their implications for marine protection and conservation outcomes
(Elsevier, 2026-08) Espada-Pastor, Alejandro; Vasconcelos, Joana; Espinosa Torre, Free; Carballo Cenizo, Juan José Luis; Morfin, Jesús Emilio Michel; Sousa, Ricardo; Pinto, Ana R.; Pfaff, Maya C.; Baliwe, Ndiviwe G.; Branch, George M.; Riera, Rodrigo; Zoología
Coastal ecosystems support high biodiversity and provide essential habitats for marine organisms. Limpets are key intertidal grazers that regulate algal dynamics, and their size structure is highly sensitive to harvesting pressure, habitat characteristics, and local environmental conditions, making them useful indicators of human impact and management effectiveness. We conducted a cross-regional, multi-ocean comparison of limpet shell length to evaluate how protection status (No-take vs. Harvested), substrate type, and spatial scale influence size distributions. The dataset comprised 95,809 individuals from 12 species in three genera (Cymbula, Patella, and Scutellastra), spanning Madeira (Portugal), the Canary Islands (Spain), the western Mediterranean and Strait of Gibraltar (Alborán Island, Ceuta, La Línea), the Pacific coast of Mexico (Jalisco and Nayarit), and South Africa (Southern Benguela and Agulhas bioregions). Generalized Linear Mixed Models with hierarchical spatial structure revealed an overall positive effect of protection, with individuals significantly larger in No-take areas across the global model, although responses varied among species and regions. Harvested species most consistently attained larger sizes under protection, whereas non-targeted taxa exhibited weak or context-dependent responses, reflecting differences in exploitation history and ecological interactions. Substrate effects were generally smaller but contributed to local variation in size structure. Variance partitioning indicated that most size variability occurred among sites rather than among regions, highlighting the dominant role of fine-scale environmental conditions, harvesting intensity, and enforcement effectiveness in shaping population size structure. These findings demonstrate that while No-take areas contribute to maintaining larger individuals, conservation outcomes depend strongly on site-level ecological and management contexts. Effective conservation of intertidal assemblages therefore requires site-specific strategies that integrate protection measures with local habitat conditions and enforcement capacity.
New insights into the diversity of Scopalinida (Porifera: Demospongiae) in the Eastern Tropical Pacific
(Springer Nature, 2026-05-07) Bautista-Guerrero, Eric; Marin-Ramirez, Maria Fernanda; Carballo Cenizo, Juan José Luis; Rodríguez-Troncoso, Alma Paola; Santiago-Valentín, Jeimy; Zoología
The genus Svenzea Alvarez, van Soest & Rützler, 2002 is a widely distributed marine sponge group in the Caribbean and South Atlantic coralline areas, and even in the Indo-Pacific regions, with no previous records in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP). Using a comprehensive taxonomic and molecular approach, a new species and the first record of a marine sponge from the genus Svenzea distributed in the ETP is described herein. Svenzea marialmae sp. nov. is an abundant species widely distributed over semi-shaded substrates in the coral communities of the Mexican Pacific area. Morphologically, it is a thickly encrusting sponge characterized by its bright orange color, a microscopically hispid surface, and a cavernous structure supported by spongin fibers cored with slightly curved styles. Molecular analyses of independent mitochondrial (COI) and ribosomal (18S) loci demonstrate that the new species is clustered with other members of the genus Svenzea and is recovered as a sister group with Scopalina Schmidt, 1862, and Stylissa Hallmann, 1914, all of which are included in the family Scopalinidae. Notably, this species constitutes a new Scopalinida, and the first documented record of the genus Svenzea within the extended geographical area of the ETP.
Recruitment and phoresy of the endangered limpet Patella ferruginea in Ceuta (Strait of Gibraltar)
(Oxford University Press, 2024-06-14) Pavón Paneque, Altai Carlos; Ostalé-Valriberas, Enrique; Espinosa Torre, Free; García Gómez, José Carlos; Zoología
Patella ferruginea, an endemic marine mollusc of the western Mediterranean, faces a severe threat due to historical overexploitation, habitat loss and habitat vulnerability. This specie forms reproductive populations on sheltered dikes within Alboran Sea ports, presenting a persistent management challenge. Investigating both recruitment rates and preferences in artificial habitats, as well as early life stages, is crucial for its conservation. Three experiments, focusing on recruits under 25 mm, were conducted, with two exclusively in Ceuta's port in the Strait of Gibraltar. The first study explored intra-annual recruitment variations across three sites with different elevations (up, down) and inclinations (horizontal, vertical), utilizing fixed quadrats. Quadrats (20 × 20 cm) were surveyed for recruitment in March, April, May, July, October and December 2017. The second experiment, with similar factors, spanned 2017–2019, studying recruitment variations in March, May and July. The third examined the phoresy phenomenon—recruitment over conspecific shells—by comparing Ceuta and Melilla populations. Results revealed higher recruitment rates and smaller recruits in the lower midlittoral zone, followed by postrecruitment migration upwards. No discernible differences emerged regarding the slope or location for phoresy. This study highlights the potential of P. ferruginea recruitment data as an indicator of harbour health, acknowledging the influence of external factors on recruitment success. Long-term monitoring of recruitment patterns, alongside other ecological indicators, is crucial for informing sustainable management of P. ferruginea in port environments.
Extirpation of the currently endangered mollusc Patella ferruginea through the Mediterranean during the Pleistocene: A matter of human harvesting or environmental factors?
(Elsevier, 2024-10) Espinosa Torre, Free; Navarro Barranco, Carlos; Vázquez-Luis, Maite; Fa, Darren; Zoología
Human harvesting has been considered as the main cause of depletion and even extinction for many littoral species in the Mediterranean through the Pleistocene to Holocene. One of the most endangered marine species nowadays in this area is the Mediterranean Ribbed Limpet (Patella ferruginea), whose reduction in its distributional area and population number has been traditionally associated with human pressure. However, according to the fossil records and the information available, it seems that the environmental factors could be responsible for its extirpation of some areas in the Mediterranean during the Quaternary such as the Balearic archipelago.

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