https://we.copernicus.org/articles/ Recent articles of the journal Web Ecology en https://doi.org/10.5194/we-26-71-2026 Intraspecific neighbourhood effects on male and female fitness in Moricandia moricandioides Camilo Ferrón, Violeta Quiroga-Álvarez, Cristina Poyatos, Inés Álvarez, Luis G. Quintanilla, Luis Giménez-Benavides, A. Jesús Muñoz-Pajares, and Rubén Torices Web Ecol., 26, 71–82, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-26-71-2026, 2026 Nearby plants are often genetically related, which can influence their reproductive success. We studied how neighbourhood affects reproduction in Moricandia moricandioides by measuring floral traits, and male and female reproductive success. Neighbouring plants influenced both female and male fitness components, although the direction and magnitude of these effects varied depending on floral display traits. These results reveal that genetic neighbourhoods can shape plant reproduction. Tue, 26 May 2026 18:02:16 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/we-26-61-2026 Seedless fruits mask germination response to key environmental factors Patricio Garcia-Fayos Web Ecol., 26, 61–70, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-26-61-2026, 2026 In studies of the germination of species with indehiscent fruits containing a single seed, it is often assumed that all ripe fruits contain a seed capable of germinating. This is not always the case, and through experiments with Salvia rosmarinus, we demonstrate that using data from seeded fruits allows for more robust and reliable conclusions to be drawn about the factors affecting reproduction or germination than when data from all fruits are used. Tue, 05 May 2026 18:02:16 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/we-26-47-2026 Decoding fungal communities: ITS extraction matters more than ASVs vs. OTUs Gabriele Tosadori and Jason Bosch Web Ecol., 26, 47–59, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-26-47-2026, 2026 Fungal ecology is often studied using short fragments of Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). These DNA fragments can approximate fungal species using different computational methods but the best choice is not clear. We analysed large, simulated fungal communities to overcome the limitations of experimental work and compare different analysis workflows. Our results identify the analysis choices which give the closest match to reality. This should help guide study design in fungal ecology. Wed, 04 Mar 2026 18:02:16 +0100 https://doi.org/10.5194/we-26-35-2026 Heterogeneity of the urban soil microbiome and associations with physicochemical soil characteristics Wenke Smets, Taline Bosiers, Nona De Groof, Esther Diels, Jente Dubois, Fine Gilis, Agustina Santullo Latorre, and Karen Wuyts Web Ecol., 26, 35–45, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-26-35-2026, 2026 Urban soil bacteria are important for human health, plants, and the environment. We studied bacterial communities under city trees and found that, like in non-urban soils, bacterial diversity is affected by soil pH and water availability. However, bacterial communities in cities can show quite a lot of variation between locations, and we suspect that they are therefore far more affected by historic construction. Our findings highlight the importance of paying attention to soil bacteria for city planning. Tue, 03 Mar 2026 18:02:16 +0100 https://doi.org/10.5194/we-26-27-2026 The Rings of Power: managing nutrient cycles in aquatic food webs above and beyond primary producers Koushik Roy and Jan Mraz Web Ecol., 26, 27–33, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-26-27-2026, 2026 Not all nutrients (C, N, P) are processed in the same way: some nutrient forms hold power dynamics over others for efficient assimilation in biological systems. Rings of Power connect the ecology and metabolism of aquatic ecosystems, providing means to control nutrient cycles in waters through higher trophic levels (aquatic consumers). Wed, 11 Feb 2026 18:02:16 +0100 https://doi.org/10.5194/we-26-1-2026 The role of hedgerows in shaping ant (Formicidae) communities in agricultural ecosystems: for a better understanding of agroecosystems functioning, including presumed ecosystem services and disservices Cyril Marty, Tom Jamonneau, and Gabriel Johnson Web Ecol., 26, 1–25, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-26-1-2026, 2026 Hedgerows are a threatened component of agricultural landscapes that illustrate the relationships between biodiversity and farmland management. This study explores the effect of both the distance and management of hedgerows on ant communities, using taxonomic and functional diversities. We observed various links that allowed us to highlight the influence of hedgerows on ant communities and the agroecological services and disservices they could promote in farmlands. Thu, 08 Jan 2026 18:02:16 +0100 https://doi.org/10.5194/we-25-241-2025 Soil nematode communities in extreme environments: adaptations, biogeography, and climate change responses Han Chen, Tairan Zhang, and Wanyanhan Jiang Web Ecol., 25, 241–254, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-25-241-2025, 2025 How do soil nematodes survive in Earth's harshest places? We synthesized global research from polar, alpine, and arid regions. We found they share common survival strategies, like suspending their metabolism, and rely on simple microbe-based food webs. Our review concludes that climate change impacts them mostly indirectly, by altering permafrost or vegetation. Understanding these sensitive organisms is vital for predicting the stability of nutrient cycling in Earth's most vulnerable ecosystems. Fri, 12 Dec 2025 18:02:16 +0100 https://doi.org/10.5194/we-25-221-2025 Identifying refugia from the synergistic threats of climate change and invasive species Finnbar Lee, Ian A. K. Kusabs, George L. W. Perry, and Calum MacNeil Web Ecol., 25, 221–239, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-25-221-2025, 2025 Climate change may reduce available habitat for native species, while simultaneously increasing suitable habitat for invasive species.To identify climate refugia that are both suitable for native species and unsuitable for invasive species, we propose a refugia habitat identification metric based on ecological niche modelling. We demonstrate the utility of the metric via a case study of a freshwater crayfish which is threatened by both climate change and the invasive brown bullhead catfish. Thu, 04 Dec 2025 18:02:16 +0100 https://doi.org/10.5194/we-25-213-2025 First documentation of putative mating behavior in blue sharks (Prionace glauca) reveals a potential reproductive area in the Northeast Atlantic Lennart Vossgaetter, Lukas Müller, Isaias Cruz, Marika Schultz, Anna T. Renner, and Maite Erauskin-Extramiana Web Ecol., 25, 213–219, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-25-213-2025, 2025 We report the first visual observation of putative mating behavior in blue sharks off the Basque coast in northern Spain, where a mature male displayed courtship behavior toward a younger female. In addition, we found bite marks on multiple female sharks across 4 years, supporting ongoing mating activity in the region. These findings suggest that this area may be important for blue shark reproduction and highlight the need for more research on their life cycle and habitat use. Mon, 03 Nov 2025 18:02:16 +0100 https://doi.org/10.5194/we-25-201-2025 User interface design principles for peer-to-peer distributed databases for ecological citizen science projects Julien Jean Malard-Adam, Wietske Medema, Nallusamy Anandaraja, Joel Harms, Johanna Dipple, Sheeja, and Palanivelan Jaisridhar Web Ecol., 25, 201–212, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-25-201-2025, 2025 Citizen science involves people from outside of academia in data collection and research, for example, taking photographs of insects or birds that are then shared with other users and used for biodiversity and conservation purposes. However, these apps require large servers to function, which can be very costly. In this paper, we present serverless peer-to-peer alternatives and suggest best practices for user interface design so that these apps remain easy to adopt. Tue, 28 Oct 2025 18:02:16 +0100 https://doi.org/10.5194/we-25-189-2025 Unravelling potential plant health threats for the European Union: application of horizon scanning methodology María Ribaya, Júlia López-Mercadal, Caterina Campese, Evgenia Sarakatsani, and Sara Tramontini Web Ecol., 25, 189–200, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-25-189-2025, 2025 Horizon scanning (HS) applied to invasion processes plays a crucial role in the early identification of new pests and serves as a valuable complement to monitoring efforts. Here, an analysis of the HS activity during the last 7 years is conducted. The data obtained reflect patterns about the monitoring phases, their outcomes, and the way such outputs are communicated. These results show how effective the methodology has been in detecting not-listed pests as emerging pests over the period. Tue, 21 Oct 2025 18:02:16 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/we-25-177-2025 Urban wildlife monitoring using citizen science suggests that European hedgehogs and badgers select different habitats Daniel Issel, Gregor Laaha, Johannes Laimighofer, Johann G. Zaller, Richard Zink, Daniel Dörler, and Florian Heigl Web Ecol., 25, 177–188, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-25-177-2025, 2025 Our study analyzed the distribution of 356 hedgehog and 918 badger sightings from 2012 to 2023 in Vienna, Austria. Both species were reported in areas with a mix of built-up spaces and green areas but not arable land, which can have ecological and methodological reasons. Moreover, hedgehogs and badgers were mostly reported from different areas. Our findings suggest that citizen science can be a good data source to analyze urban human–wildlife interactions. Tue, 07 Oct 2025 18:02:16 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/we-25-169-2025 Geographically weighted models in palaeoecology: R package and application to testate amoebae in peatlands Sophie Erb, Matthieu Mulot, Alina Matei, and Edward A. D. Mitchell Web Ecol., 25, 169–176, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-25-169-2025, 2025 It is well known that the spatial distribution of micro-organisms is heterogeneous. Taking spatiality into account allows for better modelling of the environmental parameters that drive the distribution of living organisms. We show that geographically weighted models perform much better in reconstructing water table depth in peatlands based on testate amoeba communities. The method (R package) can be used for any application of a regression model in the case of heterogeneous spatial distribution. Thu, 18 Sep 2025 18:02:16 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/we-25-157-2025 Introducing a glacier forefield monitoring site network to understand succession in the Northern Limestone Alps Ingolf Kühn, Christian Hecht, Ulrike Herzschuh, and Dirk Scherler Web Ecol., 25, 157–168, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-25-157-2025, 2025 Since 1850, glaciers have retreated in the Alps, providing ground for vegetation succession. Such systems were studied intensively in other parts of the Alps, but excluding the Northern Limestone Alps. Hence, we initiated a long-term research programme, which we introduce here. Initial findings show an increase in plant species richness and cover with age since deglaciation. This is, however, by far slower than observed elsewhere in the Alps, likely due to the specific geology and geomorphology. Mon, 15 Sep 2025 18:02:16 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/we-25-137-2025 The effects of climate change on European distributions of four alien marine crab species Robbie Weterings, Zhixin Zhang, and Tomas O. Cornwell Web Ecol., 25, 137–156, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-25-137-2025, 2025 We studied the current and future distribution of four potentially invasive crab species in Europe using species distribution models. The models showed that potential distributions for all species are larger than currently known. Conditions for three species will improve in most of the Mediterranean Sea, particularly in the Adriatic and Aegean seas. These seas are highly suitable and will become more favourable, highlighting the need for monitoring these species. Fri, 29 Aug 2025 18:02:16 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/we-25-121-2025 Experimental warming and permafrost thaw decrease soil nematode abundance in northern palsa peatlands Ruben Van Daele, Hanna Lee, Inge Althuizen, and Martijn L. Vandegehuchte Web Ecol., 25, 121–135, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-25-121-2025, 2025 We studied the impact of climate change on nematodes in a palsa peatland in Norway. This ecosystem, crucial for carbon storage, is rapidly changing due to warming and permafrost thaw. We found that intact palsas host more nematode populations, but warming reduces their numbers, particularly bacterivores and omni-carnivores. Additionally, fungivores became more dominant over the summer. These changes may alter nutrient cycles, highlighting the need to study nematodes in fragile Arctic ecosystems. Wed, 28 May 2025 18:02:16 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/we-25-103-2025 The complexity of a “simple” predator–prey system: non-trophic positive interactions generate unsuspected dynamics and dependencies Daniel E. Valencia, Alexandre Génin, Sergio Rojas, and Sergio A. Navarrete Web Ecol., 25, 103–120, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-25-103-2025, 2025 We used simulations to analyze the dynamics of an intertidal predator and its prey, which also engage in non-trophic interactions. These interactions create strong dependencies between predator and prey, shifting dynamics from being driven mainly by new individuals arriving from external sources to an interplay between regional and local processes. Our findings highlight the importance of considering multiple interaction types to understand population and community structure. Mon, 26 May 2025 18:02:16 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/we-25-91-2025 Impact of gravel bar flooding on arthropods in the upper Isar: implications for river management Reena Wessels and Andrea Sundermann Web Ecol., 25, 91–101, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-25-91-2025, 2025 Braided rivers are very dynamic ecosystems. Arthropods inhabiting these areas use various strategies to survive floods. This study showed a different repertoire of survival strategies during floods and a significantly altered distribution of the studied species by floods and highlights the crucial role of elevated areas and riverbanks as refuges for arthropods during floods. Mon, 19 May 2025 18:02:16 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/we-25-59-2025 Forested Natura 2000 sites under climate change: effects of tree species distribution shifts Anne Reichmuth, Ingolf Kühn, Andreas Schmidt, and Daniel Doktor Web Ecol., 25, 59–89, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-25-59-2025, 2025 We quantify the extent to which forested Natura 2000 sites are affected by tree species distribution shifts in a changing climate. As ecosystems of any type are highly dynamic, climate change can lead to additional severe pressure on statically defined conservation goals and management activities associated with this. We utilised 26 bio-climatic variables and analysed the climate-induced change of tree species distribution at Natura 2000 sites, the largest conservation area network worldwide. Mon, 07 Apr 2025 18:02:16 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/we-25-47-2025 Different pollinator sampling methods measure distinct pollinator communities in a mass-flowering crop, which respond differently to the composition of the surrounding landscape Maxime Eeraerts and Ivan Meeus Web Ecol., 25, 47–57, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-25-47-2025, 2025 Pollinating insects are essential for crops and wild plants, but their populations are declining due to habitat loss. Here we compared two methods for sampling pollinators: insect nets and pan traps. Both methods were effective but captured different pollinators: nets collected more bumblebees, while pan traps caught more solitary bees. Data from each method also showed different responses to the landscape, suggesting that both methods are needed for better conservation strategies. Fri, 21 Mar 2025 18:02:16 +0100