Artículos (Zoología)

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

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Photo-Identification Catalogue of Delphinus delphis in the Western Mediterranean: Conservation Implications
(MDPI, 2025-10-30) Olaya Ponzone, Liliana; Espada, Rocío; Martín, Estefanía; García Gómez, José Carlos; Zoología
Delphinus delphis uses the Algeciras–Gibraltar Bay (BA-G) as a feeding and breeding ground, but heavy maritime traffic and recreational fishing increase its exposure to injuries and anthropogenic threats. Over three years, more than 110,000 photographs were collected during 593 sampling days, resulting in a catalogue of 1356 adult individuals identified by dorsal fin markings and the species’ characteristic white patch. The posterior sectors and distal tip of the fin were the most affected by lesions, confirming the impact of local human activities. In addition, 104 putative mother–calf pairs were recorded, highlighting the importance of the BA-G as a breeding area. Individuals with greater dorsal fin damage showed significantly higher recapture frequencies, suggesting that exposure to anthropogenic pressures is associated with greater recurrent detectability. This catalogue, one of the most comprehensive catalogues available for D. delphis worldwide, represents a key tool for long-term monitoring of this population and provides a methodological framework that can be extrapolated to other regions where human pressure increases the marking of individuals. The results reinforce the need for specific management measures in the BA-G, including the establishment of protected areas, as a fundamental step towards conserving this endangered species.
Uncovering new lineages in the Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica) with museum mitogenomics
(Royal Society, 2025-09-10) Hinckley Boned, Arlo; Flores, Mary Faith C.; Inayah, Nurul; Hawkins, Melissa T. R.; Zoología
Accurately identifying evolutionarily significant units (ESUs) is crucial for conservation planning, especially for species like pangolins threatened by overhunting and habitat loss. ESUs help categorize different pangolin populations, aiding in understanding their genetic diversity and distribution, which is vital for targeted conservation efforts. This research generated mitochondrial genomes from historical museum specimens of Sunda pangolins (Manis javanica) from underrepresented locations, uncovering a new evolutionary lineage from the Mentawai Islands that diverged from Indochina and west Sundaland populations around 760 000 years ago. This population thereby represents a divergent ESU with a small distribution, important for conservation planning. The novel sequences provide resources for forensic labs tracing the origin of confiscated scales and shed light into the potential distribution of the ‘mysterious pangolin’. Additionally, this research confirmed the presence of the two major M. javanica lineages in Java and extended the known distribution of the eastern clade to Bali and East Kalimantan. Our findings potentially suggest a recent bottleneck and postglacial expansion of pangolins across Indochina and west Sundaland. Further investigation with genomic and morphological evidence, contact area sampling and type sequencing will be required to evaluate the taxonomic status of different M. javanica lineages and M. culionensis.
Mixed-species dolphin groups in a submarine canyon-associated coastal ecosystem under anthropogenic pressure
(Elsevier, 2025-12-20) Olaya Ponzone, Liliana; Espada, R.; Martín, E.; García Gómez, José Carlos; Zoología
Interspecific associations among dolphins provide key insights into social structure and ecological interactions within coastal marine ecosystems. This study presents the first systematic analysis of mixed-species groups (MSG) between the common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) and the striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) in the Bay of Algeciras-Gibraltar, a small-scale ecosystem influenced by a submarine canyon and subject to intense human activity. A total of 2410 sightings were recorded over 593 days between March 2017 and March 2020. MSG were observed in all seasons, with peak frequencies in summer and winter. Age-class composition showed a predominance of adults in D. delphis and juveniles in S. coeruleoalba, with increased presence of calves and neonates during summer. These associations may reflect coordinated foraging strategies or social cohesion in response to anthropogenic disturbance, particularly in an area lacking natural predators. Although no spatial or temporal overlap was observed with bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), a recurrent association was documented between a solitary female T. truncatus and groups of D. delphis, although this case does not represent a functional MSG. A synthesis of dietary studies from nearby areas allowed the identification of possible prey species potentially shared by both species. The results highlight the ecological and conservation relevance of MSG in this region and support the proposed establishment of a micro-sanctuary for D. delphis, given that the Mediterranean subpopulation has been listed as “Endangered” since 2003.
Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus) Migration in the Strait of Gibraltar: Evaluating Maritime Traffic Threats and Conservation Measures
(MDPI, 2025-11-14) Espada, Rocío; Olaya Ponzone, Liliana; Martín Moreno, Estefanía; Gil Vera, Paco; Anfruns Fernández, Iris; Patón Domínguez, Daniel; García Gómez, José Carlos; Zoología
The Strait of Gibraltar (SG) is a key biogeographic and ecological corridor connecting the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, enabling the seasonal migrations of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus). The objective of this study was to characterize, for the first time, the spatial and temporal exposure of the species to maritime traffic during its migration through the SG, quantifying movement patterns, individual composition, and collision risk to identify critical areas for conservation. Validated observations collected between April 2016 and October 2024, with additional records in January and March 2025, were integrated with EMODnet vessel density layers to assess monthly distributions of sightings, individuals, calves, migration patterns, and behavior. A total of 347 sightings comprising 692 individuals were recorded, revealing predominantly westward movements between June and August. Spatial overlap analyses indicated that the highest exposure occurred both near the Bay of Algeciras/Gibraltar and in the northern half of the Central SG, where cargo ship and tanker traffic coincides with dense migration routes and where injuries have been documented in the field. These findings delineate high-risk areas for fin whales throughout the SG and provide an empirical basis for spatial management measures, including speed reduction zones, adaptive route planning, and the possible designation of the area as a cetacean migration corridor. The proposed measures aim to mitigate collision risk and ensure long-term ecological connectivity between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.
Biomimetic superabsorbent hydrogel acts as a gut protective dynamic exoskeleton improving metabolic parameters and expanding A. muciniphila
(Cell Press, 2023-10-17) Silvestri, Alessandra; Gil Gómez, Antonio; Vitale, Milena; Braga, Daniele; Demitri, Christian; Brescia, Paola; Romero Gómez, Manuel; Rescigno, Maria; Fisiología; Medicina
The rising prevalence of obesity and metabolic disorders worldwide highlights the urgent need to find new long-term and clinically meaningful weight-loss therapies. Here, we evaluate the therapeutic potential and the mechanism of action of a biomimetic cellulose-based oral superabsorbent hydrogel (OSH). Treatment with OSH exerts effects on intestinal tissue and gut microbiota composition, functioning like a protective dynamic exoskeleton. It protects from gut barrier permeability disruption and induces rapid and consistent changes in the gut microbiota composition, specifically fostering Akkermansia muciniphila expansion. The mechanobiological, physical, and chemical structures of the gel are required for A. muciniphila growth. OSH treatment induces weight loss and reduces fat accumulation, in both preventative and therapeutic settings. OSH usage also prevents liver steatosis, immune infiltration, and fibrosis, limiting the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Our work shows the potential of using OSH as a non-systemic mechanobiological approach to treat metabolic syndrome and its comorbidities.
Pliocene Forest Fragmentation Shaped Speciation in Tropical Asia's Giant Squirrels (Ratufa)
(Wiley, 2025-11-25) Hinckley Boned, Arlo; Pinilla-Buitrago, Gonzalo E.; Maldonado, Jesús E.; Flores, Mary Faith C.; Esselstyn, Jacob A.; Inayah, Nurul; Hawkins, Melissa T. R.; Zoología; European Union (UE)
Tropical Asia's complex, dynamic geological and climatic history, coupled with its diverse topography, provides a fascinating setting to study evolutionary processes driving high biodiversity. This phylogenomic research reconstructs the evolutionary history of the strictly arboreal and forest-dependent Oriental Giant Squirrels (Ratufa) to gain insights into the interplay between paleo-forest distribution and regional diversification. By analysing genomic data (complete mitochondrial genomes and approximately 4000 nuclear ultraconserved elements) from historic museum specimens and conducting divergence time estimation and niche modelling, we uncover how global paleoclimate cooling, the uplift of the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau, and habitat fragmentation led to allopatric speciation in refugia during the mid-Miocene, Miocene–Pliocene boundary, and late Pliocene, in synchrony with other evergreen forest-dependent species. Our findings underscore the potential role of grassland expansion during climatic oscillations and the North Sunda and Mekong paleorivers in isolating populations and promoting vicariance and speciation in this region. This research suggests a species-level diversity underestimation within R. bicolor and R. affinis, supporting the recognition of R. gigantea as a distinct species, along with several candidate species that warrant integrative taxonomic revision. Additionally, this study highlights the rapid and independent evolution of dwarfism in three Ratufa lineages and discusses challenges in museum genomics. Ultimately, this study serves as a valuable reference on the historical biogeography of tropical Asia, providing important insights for the conservation of these threatened taxa and the evolutionary processes that generate and maintain biodiversity in this hyperdiverse region.
From sessile to vagile: Understanding the importance of epifauna to assess the environmental impacts of coastal defence structures
(Elsevier, 2020-04-05) Sedano Vera, Francisco; Navarro Barranco, Carlos; Guerra García, José Manuel; Espinosa Torre, Free; Zoología
Ocean sprawl is leading to the introduction of multiple artificial structures into the marine environment. However, the biota on these novel habitats differ from that on natural hard substrates. Amphipods, despite their ecological importance, are usually overlooked when comparing benthic assemblages on artificial and natural hard substrates. So as to assess the effects of artificial structures on amphipod assemblage and to identify the main factors involved, the amphipod assemblage structure was studied in five different substrates (seawalls, cubes, acropods, rip-raps and natural rock). Abiotic measurements of each substrate (complexity, rock composition, and age) were related to the ecological patterns. Complexity measurements seemed to affect the amphipod community structure, highlighting the need to consider physical complexity in eco-engineering actions. Amphipod assemblages were also affected by the secondary substrate (sessile biota), suggesting that artificial structures are indirectly shaping amphipod assemblages by firstly shaping the sessile biota. Future research should study the same secondary substrates across different artificial structures to separate the direct effects (caused by the artificial structures) from the indirect effects (caused by the sessile biota).
Dispersal Capacity Rather Than Shared Environmental Constraints Determines Taxon-Specific Demographic Dynamics in an Alpine Lake Network
(Wiley, 2025-11-13) Ortego, Joaquín; Franco Fuentes, Eduardo; Pallares Parraga, Susana; Carbonell Hernández, José Antonio; Caballero Fernández, Daniel; Abellán Ródenas, Pedro; Zoología; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España
Networks of alpine lakes and ponds support unique assemblages of aquatic organisms and provide an ideal biogeographical setting for studying the evolutionary, ecological and demographic outcomes of population fragmentation. In this study, we integrate genomic, morphological and community-level data within a comparative multi-taxon framework to investigate genetic connectivity, demographic trajectories and eco-evolutionary dynamics in four diving beetles (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae) representative of the macroinvertebrate assemblages inhabiting high altitude lakes in the Sierra Nevada massif, southeastern Iberia. Although the focal taxa share similar ecological requirements, primarily occupy lentic habitats and disperse by flight, our results reveal substantial heterogeneity in their demographic responses to the naturally fragmented distribution of alpine lakes. Taxa with higher wing loading exhibited stronger genetic differentiation among populations, probably due to their reduced capacity to disperse across the direct geographic distances separating lakes. Populations located at the range periphery tended to exhibit lower genetic diversity than central populations in all taxa. Demographic reconstructions showed a general decline in effective population size from the last glacial maximum (LGM) to the present. However, some populations of genetically more structured taxa went through brief bottlenecks that coincided with periods of warmer climate and lower lake levels, as inferred from local paleoclimatic reconstructions. Finally, the composition of macroinvertebrate assemblages (α-diversity and β-diversity) was not associated with intra-specific genetic diversity or differentiation, suggesting that species-level demographic trajectories and community-level dynamics are decoupled. Our findings indicate that interspecific differences in dispersal capacity outweigh shared environmental constraints in determining the contrasting demographic trajectories of the studied taxa. Collectively, these results emphasise the importance of multi-taxon approaches for understanding the dynamics of species assemblages in alpine ecosystems that are highly vulnerable to climate warming.
A new and an old name for the arctic sea pen Virgularia glacialis Kölliker, 1870 (Octocorallia, Scleralcyonacea, Pennatuloidea), with description of a new genus
(Springer Nature, 2025-08-04) López González, Pablo José; Ólafsdóttir, Steinunn H.; Zoología; Ministerio de Economia, Industria y Competitividad (MINECO). España
In general, the Arctic marine benthic fauna is still poorly understood. Old and incomplete descriptions, the loss of historical specimens, recognized authorities defending opposing ideas, and sometimes the lack of reliable taxonomic characters and information on their potential variability can cast serious doubt on the degree of knowledge of a species, its distribution, importance in the ecosystem as a habitat former, and its own phylogenetic relationships. The octocoral sea pen Virgularia glacialis Kölliker, 1870 is a good example of this. This species was described by several authors in different years using the same binomials, reported as a rare Arctic species with morphological characters attributable to the virgulariid genus Virgularia. The collection of hundreds of colonies by some recent benthic survey programmes around Iceland has allowed us to revisit the status of this species, its distribution, habitat, morphological characteristics, and phylogenetic relationships. The results of our phylogenetic study suggest that the species should be placed in a new genus of virgulariids, Glaciaptilum gen. nov. These analyses allow the segregation of part of the morphological characters previously included in Virgularia, such as the regular succession of, similar in size and nearly adnate distally, ridges of autozooids. After a detailed literature review, the species epithet, glacialis, should be abandoned in favour of steenstrupii. Our knowledge of the geographic and bathymetric distribution of this species around Iceland has improved considerably thanks to the acquisition of specimens or video images at nearly 40 sampling stations, as well as the accompanying fauna, and its nature as a habitat-forming species indicates that it should be seriously considered in future conservation plans.
Evaluating the effectiveness of biotic indices for long‑term ecological quality assessment in a heavily polluted estuary
(Springer Nature, 2025-09-10) Sánchez Moyano, Juan Emilio; López Cepeda, Mario; García Asencio, Isabel; Zoología
Marine ecosystems, particularly estuaries, are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic pressures. The Odiel Estuary has suffered severe contamination from acid mine drainage and industrial activities. Since 1986, mitigation efforts have been implemented, yet their long-term ecological effectiveness remains under-evaluated. This study assesses environmental recovery by analyzing six biotic indices over 18 years (1998–2016). Our objectives were to determine spatial gradients and temporal improvements in ecological status within the estuary using these indices, and to identify the most reliable monitoring tools for transitional ecosystems. Results revealed a clear spatial gradient, with inner estuary sites in poor condition and outer marine zones showing better status. A detectable improvement in benthic community structure and water quality was observed over time, particularly in 2016. M-AMBI and BENFES correlated strongly with species diversity and effectively captured environmental gradients, whereas AMBI, BENTIX, and BOPA/BO2A showed lower sensitivity. Despite observed improvements, persistent heavy metal contamination requires continued monitoring and management. The study underscores the challenge of distinguishing natural estuarine variability from anthropogenic impacts, advocating for multi-index approaches to enhance ecological assessments. These findings provide insights for future monitoring and standardized protocols in transitional waters globally.
Trace metal contamination along an estuarine gradient under increasing anthropogenic pressure: A case study from the Guadalquivir estuary (SW Iberian Peninsula)
(Elsevier, 2025-12) Donazar Aramendia, Iñigo; Megina Martínez, César; Miró Recio-Mensaque, Juan Miguel; Martín Gallardo, J; Castillo Segura, Jesús Manuel; García Gómez, José Carlos; Zoología; Biología Vegetal y Ecología
This study investigates trace metal contamination in the Guadalquivir Estuary (SW Spain), a historically impacted system influenced by both past and ongoing mining. Over two years (2022− 2023), sediment and water samples were collected at 15 stations along the estuarine gradient. The objective was to provide a comprehensive assessment of current contamination levels before the onset of discharges from newly approved mining projects. Results showed a clear spatial pattern, with concentrations of metals increasing upstream, particularly near the discharge point of the Cobre Las Cruces mine. Arsenic and zinc also exhibited secondary peaks at the estuary mouth, overlapping ecologically sensitive areas such as Donana ˜ National Park, nursery grounds, and shellfish harvesting zones. These spatial patterns likely reflect both anthropogenic sources and hydrodynamic conditions favoring metal accumulation. Although concentrations did not exceed effects range-medium thresholds, ecological risk indices indicated considerable risk at several sites. Physicochemical parameters, particularly pH, salinity, and dissolved oxygen, seems to modulate metal mobility. In the upper estuary, hypoxia and low pH may enhance metal remobilization from sediments, especially during high freshwater discharges. Overall, the study highlights the estuary's vulnerability to metal pollution and the need for integrated, long-term monitoring including sediments, water, and biota. The results offer essential data to guide future impact assessments and inform environmental management.
An integrative taxonomic revision of lesser gymnures (Eulipotyphla: Hylomys) reveals five new species and emerging patterns of local endemism in Tropical East Asia
(Oxford University Press, 2023-12-21) Hinckley Boned, Arlo; Camacho Sánchez, Miguel; Chua, Marcus A. H.; Ruedi, Manuel; Lunde, Darrin; Maldonado, Jesús E.; Hawkins, Melissa T. R.; Zoología; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España; Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO). España
We here present a comprehensive integrative taxonomic review of the genus Hylomys, using molecular (mitochondrial genomes and up to five nuclear loci) and morphological data from museum specimens across its distribution, resulting in the description of two new species and the elevation of three subspecies to specific status. This revision significantly increases the known diversity of Hylomys from two to seven extant species, challenging the traditional view of species-level diversity within gymnures. We discuss the implications of the taxonomic findings for conservation, particularly in relation to the restricted distribution ranges of several species that may be threatened by habitat loss and/or climate change. Our research emphasizes the importance of scientific collections and underscores the potential of museum genomics and additional field sampling to identify new species and improve our understanding of species diversity in poorly studied regions. Speciation events within Hylomys occurred during the Late Miocene and Early Pliocene, possibly driven by shifting climate conditions such as the strengthening of the Indian monsoon and the expansion of seasonally dry conditions. This study supports northern Sumatra and the southern Annamites as centres of localized endemicity and suggests the need for additional small mammal surveys across Sumatra’s Barisan Range.
Hidden in the crowd: re-evaluation of the generic status of the Antarctic sea pen Kophobelemnon pauciflorum(Anthozoa: Octocorallia: Pennatuloidea), a molecular and morphological approach
(Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 2025-02-24) López González, Pablo José; Kushida, Yuka; Zoología; Ministerio de Economia, Industria y Competitividad (MINECO). España
Our understanding of Antarctic octocoral diversity is still far from complete. Newly collected specimens of the Antarctic sea pen Kophobelemnon molanderi Pasternak, 1975 have allowed a detailed morphological and molecular description of the species. The results of this study, including the diversity and complete distribution of the sclerome, the distribution of autozooids and siphonozooids and the sequences of three mitochondrial markers (mtMutS, COI and ND2) and one nuclear marker (28S) contribute to knowledge of the complex relationships of the genera Kophobelemnon Asbjoørnsen, 1856 and Funiculina Lamarck, 1816, which were initially traced in some recent works on the taxonomy and phylogeny of this highly derived group of octocorals. The sequences attributed to the genus Kophobelemnon were divided into three different groups. Two of these groups are recognized here simply as Kophobelemnon I and Kophobelemnon II, pending further morphological and molecular review. The sister group of Kophobelemnon I was the genus Funiculina. The third group, corresponding to K. molanderi sequences, is here assigned to a new genus, Scotiabelemnon gen. nov. The family delimitation and the relationships of the families Kophobelemnidae Gray, 1860, Funiculinidae Gray 1860 and Gyrophyllidae López-González, Drewery and Williams, 2022 are discussed. Finally, it is proposed to merge Kophobelemnidae into Funiculinidae, leaving only two families within Clade III, Funiculinidae and Gyrophyllidae.
Lost in synonymy: Integrative species delimitation reveals two unrecognized species of Southern Asian tree squirrels (Rodentia: Sciuridae: Callosciurinae)
(Senckenberg, 2024-10-28) Hinckley Boned, Arlo; Maldonado, Jesús E.; Tamura, Noriko; Leonrd, Jennifer A.; Hawkins, Melissa T. R.; Zoología; Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO). España; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España
We present a comprehensive integrative taxonomic review of Callosciurus caniceps and Tamiops mcclellandii as they are currently defined. This review combines published molecular evidence, craniodental morphometrics, pelage and bacular variation, evaluations of potential hybrid zones using museum specimens and citizen science photographs, and, for C. caniceps, bioacoustic evidence. Our findings lead to the recognition of two species that had been lost in synonymy and highlight future perspectives on species delimitation in Sciuridae. By comparing phenotypic differentiation across climatic and vegetation transitions and contextualizing our results with the evolutionary history of our study systems, we provide insights into distribution, ecogeographical patterns, and speciation drivers in Southeast Asian vertebrates.
Unraveling food web structure in alpine lakes: insights from stable isotope analysis
(Taylor & Francis, LTD, 2025-07-10) Carbonell Hernández, José Antonio; Donázar Aramendía, Iñigo Javier; Pallarés Párraga, Susana; Franco Fuentes, Eduardo; Abellán Ródenas, Pedro; Zoología; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España
Understanding trophic relationships in alpine lakes is essential to explore ecosystem functioning in extreme habitats. This study analyzed aquatic food webs in 3 alpine lakes in the Sierra Nevada massif (southern Spain) using stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis (δ13C and δ15N). Our main objectives were to examine the isotopic composition of food web components and trophic links between food sources and macroinvertebrates. Results showed niche overlap among macroinvertebrate species, leading to simple and short trophic relationships. Aguas Verdes lake showed a more complex food web and wider δ13C range because of its greater habitat diversity and primary source inputs, creating variability within the isotopic niche space. However, this complexity could increase vulnerability to environmental changes, affecting community composition and primary production. Conversely, La Caldera Lake had higher δ15N values, indicating more complex trophic structure. Its simpler food web was primarily based on particulate organic matter, with limited variability in consumer niches. Overlapping isotopic niches across lakes suggested shared resources, likely adaptations to oligotrophic conditions. High levels of intraguild predation and resource competition emphasise the stabilizing role of macroinvertebrates. Our findings advance understanding of alpine lake food web and support future ecological studies in these environments.
Response of peracarid assemblage (Crustacea: Malacostraca) to artificial light across different urban shallow habitats
(Elsevier, 2025-08) Sáenz Arias, Pablo; Lanza Arroyo, Pablo; Arellano Sánchez, Alejandro; Navarro Barranco, Carlos; Guerra García, José Manuel; Zoología; Ministerio de universidades
Artificial light at night (ALAN) has been revealed as an emergent stressor in the last decades. Currently, most of the coastline is globally exposed to this stressor, causing ecological alterations in many marine species and processes. In coastal habitats, diel vertical migration is a widespread behaviour whereby organisms remain in the bottom during day, and they ascend at night. ALAN has been reported to disrupt this behaviour, even in shallow waters. Since peracarids are dominant in these coastal habitats, it is mandatory to understand if their vertical migration is compromised by ALAN. To address this issue, peracarids from the water column were collected in three urban shallow habitats with different levels of human pressure: recreational marinas, breakwaters and beaches. In each habitat, sampling was conducted during daytime, night and night adding artificial light with two portables spotlights. Our results indicated that abundance, species richness, diversity, evenness and peracarid community structure varied across habitats and light treatments, but there were not differences between night and ALAN. However, at least six species showed positive or negative phototaxis, including the dominant species Cumella (Cumella) limicola. Our results also highlighted the plasticity of this behaviour even within the same species, which could mask the response of those migrants to ALAN and thus, underestimate its impact in the assemblage. Given the important role of peracarids in shallow ecosystems, our study may help in light pollution management, especially given the increasing lighting in coastal areas.
The role of marine debris as a vector, dispersal agent, and substrate for non-indigenous species on Oceanic Islands (Northeast Atlantic)
(Elsevier, 2025-05) Ramalhosa, Patrício; Monteiro, João Gama; Rech, Sabine; Gestoso, Ignacio; Álvarez, Soledad; Ros Clemente, Macarena; Canning-Clode, João; Zoología; Oceanic Observatory of Madeira - OOM Project. Portugal; Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia. Portugal
Marine debris (MD) can be a transport vector for diverse marine communities, including non-indigenous species (NIS). This study assessed MD potential role as a substrate for colonization and dispersal vector for NIS in the Madeira Archipelago (NE Atlantic) by examining three MD categories: floating (FMD), seafloor (SMD), and beached (BMD). Opportunistic sampling, conducted in collaboration with local maritime stakeholders, documented MD sightings with photographs and GPS coordinates. A total of 92 MD items were inspected, revealing 108 fouling species across 11 phyla, with 13 % identified as NIS. SMD exhibited the highest proportion of NIS (9.6 %), followed by BMD (4.4 %) and FMD (3.9 %). Notably, the study provides evidence that FMD functions as both a substrate and a dispersal vector for NIS in Madeira waters. Combining biogeographic analyses, oceanographic modelling, and MD identification marks, this study highlighted the North Atlantic Subtropical Gyre's currents as key pathways, transporting MD items from the Wider Caribbean, the North American east coast, and the Iberian Peninsula to Madeira within 2–3 years. These findings emphasize Madeira's dual role as both a recipient and exporter of MD, with implications for NIS introductions and secondary spread. This study underscores the urgent need for standardized monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and proactive MD management strategies to mitigate NIS introductions and protect sensitive marine ecosystems like Macaronesia from the ecological risks of biological invasions.
Mapping the voices: Spanish boat owners and marina operators on non‑indigenous marine species—knowledge and key informants
(Springer Nature, 2025-04-27) Martínez Laiz, Gemma; Leonard, Kaeden; Le, Chi Thai‑Uyen; Le Hewitt, Chad Roy; Guerra García, José Manuel; Navarro Barranco, Carlos; Campbell, Marnie L.; Zoología; Universidad de Sevilla; Gobierno de España; European Union (UE); Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte (MECD). España; Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO). España
The public need to be aware of nonindigenous species (NIS) and how they spread to effectively manage this marine biosecurity risk. In most countries, the management of biosecurity risks associated with recreational boating relies exclusively on vessel owners and marina managers engaging in pro-environmental behaviours. To understand if this management approach is feasible, stakeholders’ perceptions first need to be identified. Surveys assessed people’s knowledge, awareness about NIS and channels involved in risk communication in three countries with different management scenarios and marine biosecurity histories: Spain, Australia and New Zealand. There was a mismatch between perceived and actual knowledge of NIS among respondents, with clear significant differences in perceptions between countries and socio-demographic profiles. Spanish stakeholders are significantly unaware of this biosecurity risk, and inaccurate knowledge was associated with specific media channels of the risk communication network. We provide recommendations to assist policymakers and science communicators when implementing an early risk communication strategy for Spanish influencing stakeholder groups.
Changes in microbiome composition during ontogeny and dispersal of the coral boring sponge Thoosa mismalolli
(Springer Nature Limited, 2025-01-18) Bautista Guerrero, Eric; Carballo Cenizo, Juan José Luis; Rodríguez Zaragoza, Fabián Alejandro; Goméz-Gil, Bruno; García-Gasca, Alejandra; Rodríguez-Troncoso, Alma P.; González-Castillo, Adrián; Zoología; National Autonomous University of México (UNAM). Mexico; Universidad de Guadalajara. Mexico
Dispersal is an important life history trait that plays a key role in the demography and evolution of species. We employed a combined approach of DNA sequencing and transmission electron microscopy to examine the changes in the microbiome during the ontogeny and dispersal of the coral-excavating sponge Thoosa mismalolli. The results show that sponge can acquired their associated bacteria via both vertical (VT) and horizontal transmission (HT). Adult sponges, brooding larvae, and early free-swimming sponge larvae harbor a similar high-diversity microbial assemblage, dominated by Proteobacteria and Chloroflexi, which change throughout the larval dispersal phase. Larvae collected offshore showed a reorganization of their microbiome with a significant reduction of the dominance of inherited bacteria (Proteobacteria and Chloroflexi), and an enrichment of environmentally derived bacteria taxa (Bacteroidetes, Tenericutes, and Firmicutes). TEM confirmed a substantial change in cell structure and microbial composition, attributed to symbionts’ massive phagocytosis. This research provides information on microbiome dynamics through the sponge ontogeny and sheds on their possible role in the dispersal capacity of their larvae.
Bacterial density rather than diversity correlates with hatching success across different avian species
(Oxford University Press, 2018-02-09) Peralta Sánchez, Juan Manuel; Martin-Platero, A. M.; Wegener-Parfrey, L.; Martinez-Bueno, M.; Rodriguez-Ruano, S.; Navas-Molina, J. A.; Soler, J. J.; Zoología; Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia (MEC). España; European Commission (EC). Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER)
Bacterial communities within avian nests are considered an important determinant of egg viability, potentially selecting for traits that confer embryos with protection against trans-shell infection. A high bacterial density on the eggshell increases hatching failure, whether this effect could be due to changes in bacterial community or just a general increase in bacterial density. We explored this idea using intra- and interspecific comparisons of the relationship between hatching success and eggshell bacteria characterized by culture and molecular techniques (fingerprinting and high-throughput sequencing). We collected information for 152 nests belonging to 17 bird species. Hatching failures occurred more frequently in nests with higher density of aerobic mesophilic bacteria on their eggshells. Bacterial community was also related to hatching success, but only when minority bacterial operational taxonomic units were considered. These findings support the hypothesis that bacterial density is a selective agent of embryo viability, and hence a proxy of hatching failure only within species. Although different avian species hold different bacterial densities or assemblages on their eggs, the association between bacteria and hatching success was similar for different species. This result suggests that interspecific differences in antibacterial defenses are responsible for keeping the hatching success at similar levels in different species.

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