WE - recent articles

An integrated study of bud development and phenology enhances our understanding of coexistence and reproduction in two Mediterranean Quercus species

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 21:55:54 +0200

An integrated study of bud development and phenology enhances our understanding of coexistence and reproduction in two Mediterranean Quercus species
Gabriel Montserrat-Martí, Andreu Cera, and John G. Hodgson
Web Ecol., 26, 203–221, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-26-203-2026, 2026
We studied the growth and bud formation of an evergreen and a deciduous oak species in a Mediterranean area. The phenology of 15 individuals per species was recorded over 4 years and organogenesis in apical buds in two individuals per species over 1 year. Both species showed similar seasonal patterns, although bud opening was later in the evergreen. Summer growth competed with bud formation, and heavy fruit crops reduced bud size and flower number the following year, influencing growth and reproduction.

Bats of a remote island: integrated genetic and bioacoustics monitoring confirms species occurrence in Flores (Azores, Portugal)

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 21:55:54 +0200

Bats of a remote island: integrated genetic and bioacoustics monitoring confirms species occurrence in Flores (Azores, Portugal)
Ana Rainho, Cátia S. Estácio, Carla G. Silva, and Sofia I. Gabriel
Web Ecol., 26, 193–202, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-26-193-2026, 2026
We studied bats on Flores Island to understand which species are present and how they use the landscape. Using sound recordings and genetic analysis, we confirmed two species, including the first record of the Azorean bat on the island. One species was widespread and abundant, while the other was rare. These findings improve knowledge of island biodiversity and support the need for continued monitoring and conservation of small, isolated bat populations.

Seasonal and long-term patterns of reproductive phenology in the Wet Tropics rainforests of Australia

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 21:55:54 +0200

Seasonal and long-term patterns of reproductive phenology in the Wet Tropics rainforests of Australia
Nara O. Vogado, Jayden E. Engert, and Michael J. Liddell
Web Ecol., 26, 175–192, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-26-175-2026, 2026
Reproductive phenology is an essential component of forest ecology and a valuable metric for assessing the impacts of climate change. We present 15 years of flowering and fruiting observations for Australian tropical rainforest tree species and analyse how reproductive phenology patterns change through time at both the species and community level. We find that reproductive phenology is influenced by plant functional traits, including seed dispersal syndrome.

Habitat characterization and climate-driven niche shifts of Vampyrodes bats reveal contrasting futures for V. major and V. caraccioli

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 21:55:54 +0200

Habitat characterization and climate-driven niche shifts of Vampyrodes bats reveal contrasting futures for V. major and V. caraccioli
Sergio Hernández-Rodríguez, Daily Martínez-Borrego, Miguel Jácome-Flores, and Daryl David Cruz
Web Ecol., 26, 157–173, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-26-157-2026, 2026
Frugivorous bats of the Vampyrodes genus are essential seed dispersers in tropical forests but face growing threats from deforestation and climate change. Using ecological niche modeling, this study demonstrates that V. major may maintain stable habitat conditions in the future, whereas V. caraccioli could lose up to half of its suitable areas. Our results underscore the need for targeted conservation measures, such as establishing forest corridors and protecting habitats, to ensure their survival.

Forb species benefit more than grasses from a diverse arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community in semi-arid grasslands

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 21:55:54 +0200

Forb species benefit more than grasses from a diverse arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community in semi-arid grasslands
Yelyzaveta Shpilkina, Martti Vasar, Sergio Asensio, Victoria Ochoa, Beatriz Gozalo, Kolja Enste, Martin Zobel, Francesco de Bello, Marcel van der Heijden, Fernando T. Maestre, and Lena Neuenkamp
Web Ecol., 26, 119–155, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-26-119-2026, 2026
Our greenhouse study shows arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi drive robust root growth, while grasses boost aboveground yield. Crucially, commercial treatments can reduce fungal diversity, whereas forbs thrive with more diverse fungal communities. This research is vital for sustainable agriculture, proving that simply adding fungi is not enough. We must understand these specific interactions to truly enhance soil biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Landscape context outweighs field-scale features in structuring bird communities in West African smallholder rice agroecosystems

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 21:55:54 +0200

Landscape context outweighs field-scale features in structuring bird communities in West African smallholder rice agroecosystems
Paula Lopes, Inês Lacerda, Patrícia Chaves, Ricardo F. de Lima, Mutaro Camará, Miguel Lecoq, Jorge M. Palmeirim, and Ana Rainho
Web Ecol., 26, 103–118, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-26-103-2026, 2026
Bird richness in rain-fed rice fields of Guinea-Bissau was influenced by field management and landscape structure. Tree cover and field width enhanced richness, but landscape composition and edge complexity had stronger effects. The findings highlight the importance of landscape-level planning alongside local habitat measures to support biodiversity and potentially ecosystem services in smallholder rice systems.

Invisible extinction in a sacred refuge: a dying micro-population of Glyptostrobus pensilis at Nanhua Temple, China

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 21:55:54 +0200

Invisible extinction in a sacred refuge: a dying micro-population of Glyptostrobus pensilis at Nanhua Temple, China
Chunping Xie and Dawei Liu
Web Ecol., 26, 93–102, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-26-93-2026, 2026
In Nanhua Temple’s sacred forest, we found a critically declining Glyptostrobus pensilis population. Surveys reveal only nine ancient trees, several dying, with zero natural regeneration. This highlights that cultural protection alone is insufficient. Without active intervention, these heritage trees will vanish. We urge immediate monitoring, habitat restoration, and emergency conservation to save this remnant cluster.

Blueberry floral morphology influences pollinator visitation and behavioural patterns

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 21:55:54 +0200

Blueberry floral morphology influences pollinator visitation and behavioural patterns
Helena Castro, Ana Margarida Branco, Bruna Chaves, Hugo Gaspar, João Loureiro, and Sílvia Castro
Web Ecol., 26, 83–92, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-26-83-2026, 2026
Flower morphology, playing a key role in determining which visitors are pollinators, is known to vary among species and cultivars within species. Blueberry flowers have morphology that limits access to rewards, constraining pollination to specific species. We identified the main pollinators of several blueberry cultivars, along with related visitors and visit rates to flower morphology. Our results indicate that cultivar flower morphology and pollinator proboscis size are important in blueberry pollination.

Intraspecific neighbourhood effects on male and female fitness in Moricandia moricandioides

Tue, 26 May 2026 21:55:54 +0200

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.

Seedless fruits mask germination response to key environmental factors

Tue, 05 May 2026 21:55:54 +0200

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.

Decoding fungal communities: ITS extraction matters more than ASVs vs. OTUs

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 21:55:54 +0100

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.

Heterogeneity of the urban soil microbiome and associations with physicochemical soil characteristics

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 21:55:54 +0100

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.

The Rings of Power: managing nutrient cycles in aquatic food webs above and beyond primary producers

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 21:55:54 +0100

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).

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

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 21:55:54 +0100

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.

Soil nematode communities in extreme environments: adaptations, biogeography, and climate change responses

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 21:55:54 +0100

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.

Identifying refugia from the synergistic threats of climate change and invasive species

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 21:55:54 +0100

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.

First documentation of putative mating behavior in blue sharks (Prionace glauca) reveals a potential reproductive area in the Northeast Atlantic

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 21:55:54 +0100

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.

User interface design principles for peer-to-peer distributed databases for ecological citizen science projects

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 21:55:54 +0100

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.

Unravelling potential plant health threats for the European Union: application of horizon scanning methodology

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 21:55:54 +0200

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.

Urban wildlife monitoring using citizen science suggests that European hedgehogs and badgers select different habitats

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 21:55:54 +0200

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.