Biodiversity Commons^™

Leveraging Mammal Mycophagy To Determine Environmental Drivers Of Truffle Diversity, Brittany Hartsock

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Many mycorrhizal fungi are hypogeous (truffle-forming), producing underground fruiting bodies. Studying truffles is inherently challenging due to their hidden nature. However, mycophagous mammals provide a unique opportunity to study hypogeous fungi because they rely on truffles as a food source. Although several truffle species have recently been described in the southern Appalachian region, their fruiting patterns remain poorly understood. To address this, we quantified truffle richness and spore loads from 670 Peromyscus scat samples collected across 42 sites spanning an environmental gradient during 2024 in the Blue Ridge Mountains of East Tennessee. We found that truffle richness and spore abundance …

Characterizing Fungal Diversity In The Cumberland River Across Four Urban Sites In Nashville, Tn Using Its Amplicon Sequencing, Leena M. Al-Bunni, Chris Barton, Matthew Heard

Science University Research Symposium (SURS)

Urban freshwater systems provide both recreational opportunities and drinking water resources, making water quality monitoring a critical public health concern. Since 1986, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has relied on Escherichia coli (E. coli) as an indicator of fecal and pathogenic contamination. However, the use of E. coli as an indicator does not capture fungi, which also inhabit freshwater systems and can act as pathogens or ecological disruptors. Advances in environmental DNA sequencing, such as Oxford Nanopore’s MinION, now make it possible to characterize these often overlooked fungal communities directly. This study characterizes fungal diversity in the Cumberland River, …

It Takes A Village -- An Homage To Florida's Ecosystems And Biodiversity, Noah R. Bastien

PANDION: The Osprey Journal of Research and Ideas

It Takes a Village is a drawing highlighting the biodiversity of Florida's native wildlife. The included species encompass plants, animals and fungi found in Floridian ecosystems. The swamp panel is an homage to the Florida Highwaymen, and several of the chosen species hold personal symbolism to my upbringing in central Florida and time spent with my grandparents on the Indian River in Brevard County. The species depicted in the drawing are as follows (from left to right, top to bottom): the grey triggerfish (Balistes capriscus), Florida mangroves (Rhizophora mangle), tropical water-clover (Marsilea ancylopoda), Florida …

Intraspecific And Intersexual Variations In Morphometrics And Shell Utilization Of Hermit Crab, Areopaguristes Perspicax (Anomura: Diogenidae), Along Karachi Coast, Pakistan, Altaf Hussain Narejo, Noor Us Saher

Journal of Bioresource Management

The present research aimed to evaluate the distribution, sexual dimorphism, and relative growth of Areopaguristes perspicax (Nobili, 1906) along with host shell relationship and selection along the coast of Karachi, Pakistan. Data of hermit crab and gastropod shells were gathered from the four (Manora, Buleji, Sandspit, and Mubarak) coastal sites of two (rocky and sandy) habitats along the Pakistan coast (2017-2019). For morphometric studies, the crabs were sorted, weighed, and measured for the metric variables: cephalothoracic shield length (CSL), hermit crab total length (HCTL), chela length (CL), chela width (CW), and hermit crab weight (HCW), while for host shell relationship, …

A New Species Of Liocheles Sundevall, 1833 (Scorpiones: Hormuridae) From Similipal Tiger Reserve, Odisha, India, Saurabh Kininge, Tejas Thackeray, Prakash C. Gogineni, Akshay Khandekar

Euscorpius

A new species of Liocheles Sundevall, 1833 is described based on male and female specimens collected from Similipal Tiger Reserve, Mayurbhanj district, Odisha, India. The new species can be easily distinguished from all six known congeners by combination of non-overlapping morphological characters such as carinae and granulation morphology of pedipalp and metasomal segments, median eye ratios. The discovery of Liocheles similipalensis sp. n., elevate the total number of species of the genus to seven and represent the fourth species to be described from India. The current study also highlights the need of systematic surveys along with detailed morphological and molecular …

Assessing Biodiversity Of Native Lichen In Parks Along Major Interstates Of Davidson County, Leslie De Leon, Ross Andrew

Science University Research Symposium (SURS)

Lichens are unique biological entities formed through a symbiotic partnership between a fungus and a photosynthetic partner, such as algae or cyanobacteria. This mutualistic relationship allows lichens to survive in diverse environments and colonize a variety of substrates. Previous studies have examined air pollution at broad spatial scales and its impact on human health; however, less is understood about how air pollution and its potential ecological effects vary in areas surrounding major interstate highways. As biological indicators, lichens can provide insight into environmental conditions and air quality due to their sensitivity to atmospheric pollutants. This study examined lichen diversity and …

Development And Validation Of An Ai-Assisted Eco-Batik Gringsing Student Worksheet, Intan Kurniawati, Arif Widiyatmoko, Bambang Subali 5, Novi Ratna Dewi

Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pembelajaran

Background: Science literacy among Indonesian students remains low, indicating a need for contextual learning resources that connect scientific concepts with students’ environments. Local cultural heritage such as Batik Gringsing, combined with artificial intelligence (AI) as a supporting tool, offers a promising context, yet their integration in a single student worksheet remains underexplored.

Objectives: This study aimed to develop and validate an AI-assisted Eco-Batik Gringsing student worksheet for science learning.

Methods: The study employed a research and development (R&D) approach adapted from the 4D model, covering the Define, Design, and Develop stages. The evaluation focused on the validity and practicality of …

Evaluation Of Soil Properties In Pollinator Gardens Vs. Agricultural Cropland, Shelby E. Barber

Scholars Week

Soil is important to pollinator gardens because the soil establishes a foundation for the plants, leading to more biodiversity and habitat for insects. The objective of this research was to review the effects of pollinator gardens on soil, including soil organic matter (SOM), water-holding capacity (WHC), total porosity, and soil pH. This study was conducted in Calloway County, Western Kentucky, with silt loam soil collected in September 2026. The study compares multiple pollinator gardens with conventional tillage corn fields and grasslands. This study used disturbed and undisturbed soil samples. The results from the disturbed soil samples show the pollinator plot …

Valuation Methods And Their Relevance In Achieving Marine Protected Areas Targets: A Systematic Review, Jacob Ankamah, Stephen Hynes, Daragh O'Leary

Journal of Ocean and Coastal Economics

The prolific human-induced pressures on marine ecosystems leading to negative externalities such as beach erosion, biodiversity loss, and climate change are matters of global concern. Marine protected areas (MPAs) have emerged as a tool to conserve marine biodiversity and support human livelihoods. This paper reviews the global research landscape, the evolution of concepts and the relevance of valuation techniques related to the assessment of the contribution of MPAs to societal welfare. The review indicates that less than 3% of the wider MPA literature explores the economic valuation of MPA designation. Of those, there is an obvious preference for non-market-based methods …

Bioactive Potential Of Microbial Isolates From Yoluja Cave And Jepirramüin Rock Shelter, Cabo De La Vela (Colombia), Juan Sebastián López Caro, Virginia Patricia Roa Angulo, Alex Alberto González Vargas

International Journal of Speleology

Subterranean environments harbor diverse microbial communities with significant potential for the production of bioactive compounds. This study evaluated the antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of microbial isolates obtained from Yoluja Cave and the Jepirramüin rock shelter, located in the coastal region of La Guajira, Colombia. Field sampling was conducted during three campaigns in July, September, and November 2025, including soil and surface samples collected along environmental gradients within each site. Microorganisms were isolated using selective culture media and identified through morphological and biochemical characterization. Selected strains were subjected to liquid fermentation and organic solvent extraction to obtain crude metabolites. Analysis of …

Updated Records And Confirmed Colonies Of The Asian Needle Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Brachyponera Chinensis) In Mississippi, Joseph A. Macgown, Kaitlin M. Baudier, Santos Portugal

Midsouth Entomologist

No abstract, this is a short communication.

Strategies To Transform Natural Resource Extension With Inaturalist And Engage The Public In Biodiversity Conservation, Corey T Callaghan, Brittany M Mason

Journal of Extension

Participatory citizen science is an increasingly popular tool that provides nonformal education and learning activities. iNaturalist, a free, open-access, participatory citizen science platform, provides a place to engage the public in natural resource programming. Here, we explore practical applications for integrating iNaturalist into Extension programming. We highlight two approaches: (a) self-guided programming, where participants independently engage in biodiversity documentation and professionals contribute identifications, and (b) facilitated programming, which involves structured events and projects led by Extension professionals. We discuss the unique advantages of using iNaturalist in these contexts and offer recommendations for quantitatively measuring and reporting its impact in Extension …

Under The Surface: Human Disturbance Reduces Species Richness In Glade Microhabitats, Maddie Smith, Becky Hansis-O'Neill, Aimee Dunlap Phd

Undergraduate Research Symposium

Human disturbance can alter microhabitats in ways that affect biodiversity, especially in sensitive ecosystems like glades where many animals rely on rocks for thermoregulation and refuge. This study examined how rock displacement by human activity influences species richness and community composition in glade habitats at Shaw Nature Reserve and Victoria Glades Conservation Area. We hypothesized that disturbed rocks would be less suitable for wildlife and would support fewer species. From September to November 2025, about 30 rocks per site were pseudo-randomly selected and monitored. Each rock was classified as displaced or nondisplaced, and all organisms found beneath them were recorded. …

Extension Of Range: First Report Of Oriental Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros Albirostris) In Pakistan, Ghulam Rasool Awan, Muhammad Altaf, Abdul Majid Khan, Muhammad Imran, Muhammad Junaid, Altaf Hussain Nerajo

Journal of Bioresource Management

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species last classified the Oriental Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris) as "Least Concern" (LC) in 2026. This study aims to establish a new provincial record of the Oriental Pied Hornbill in Pakistan, close a major distributional gap, update the species' national presence map, and improve our knowledge of its migratory relationships and habitat use within Pakistan's ecosystems. On 5^th July 2016, field surveys for bird photography were carried out along the Ravi River in Lahore, Pakistan. The Oriental Pied Hornbill belongs to the Bucerotidae family and is a large, canopy-dwelling bird. Among …

Multivariate Ecological Assessment Of Flora Of Village Karri Haider, District Tank, Kp, Numan Khan, Muhammad Azeem, Muhammad Adnan Hamza, Muhammad Aleem, Arshad Rasool, Ammara Wakeel, Sehrish Sadia

Journal of Bioresource Management

Spatial and temporal patterns of vegetation change are influenced by multiple factors, including the physical environment, land-use history, prior disturbance, and initial vegetation composition. The primary aim of this study was to understand floristic vegetation features, species diversity, and the classification of plant communities in Village Karri Haider, District Tank, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Samples were collected from each transect using quadrats of 1 m × 1 m for herbs. Soil from three quadrats was mixed to make composite samples, and soil elements were quantified through laboratory analyses. Two surveys were conducted from July to December, 2023. In the first survey, …

Ecological And Public Health Consequences Of Sand Mining In Aquatic Ecosystems: A Systematic Review, Uduak Sylvanus Jacob, Isangedighi Asuquo Isangedighi, Olusola Abayomi Akangbe, Emmanuel Dami Omogbemi

Journal of Bioresource Management

The persistent exploitation of the aquatic ecosystem, driven by increasing demand for aquatic resources, including construction-grade sand, is evidenced by hydrological and geomorphological degradation of the aquatic ecosystem, with severe negative consequences on the fauna and flora communities. The rising global demand for sand and inefficient mining regulations have resulted in indiscriminate and illegal sand mining globally. However, developing an effective policy framework for sustained river sand mining requires local, regional, and global data (both qualitative and quantitative) on the status, drivers and implications of sand mining. This paper uses a systematic literature review approach to compile the ecological and …

Distribution And Diversity Of Ponyfishes (Perciformes, Leiognathidae) In The Waters Of Sonmiani’S Bay, Balochistan, Pakistan, Noor Hawa, Noor Us Saher

Journal of Bioresource Management

The current research was conducted during October 2020 to September 2021 in bay waters of Sonmiani, Balochistan as aimed to fill the paucity of diversity and distribution of research for the bay waters. Monthly fish samples were collected using gill net and beach seine during high and low tide. In the present study, out of nine species, the six species were identified as a new report species belongs to Leiognathidae family. Secutor interruptus (N=132) was the most abundant species whereas the least abundant species collected during the study period was Karalla daura (N=1). Highest diversity (1.37) was estimated during the …

New Westernmost Record Of Jansen’S Goatfish, Parupeneus Jansenii (Mulli-Dae) From Indian Coastal Waters, Yosuva Mariasingarayan, Gopalan Mahadevan, Jeyapragash Danaraj, Mohanchander Ponnuvel

Makara Journal of Science

In July 2023, five individuals of Parupeneus jansenii were collected from the Parangipettai landing center, south-eastern India (Bay of Bengal). The standard length ranged from 140 to 150 mm, and two females and three males were recorded. This study confirms the first distributional record and the westernmost valid occurrence of this species in Indian coastal waters. P. jansenii significantly differs from P. heptacanthus in having fewer pectoral fin rays, more gill rakers on the upper limb, and 27 lateral line scales. Compared with P. angulatus, P. jansenii has a shallower body, a shallower caudal peduncle, a shorter snout, a …

Scorpio Basraensis Sp. N. From Southern Iraq (Scorpiones: Scorpionidae), Ersen A. Yağmur, Jafar A. Makki, Shurooq A. Najim

Euscorpius

A new scorpion species, Scorpio basraensis sp. n., is described and illustrated from Basra Province, southern Iraq. Scorpio basraensis sp. n. is compared with all known species of the genus Scorpio Linnaeus, 1758 occurring in countries surrounding Iraq. The new species can be distinguished by the circular genital operculum in males and the cordiform genital operculum in females (not posteriorly elongated), a densely hirsute body, appendages and metasoma, a distinctly elongated telson vesicle, discrete granules on the external surface of the chela manus that are not flattened, and pectinal tooth counts of 11–13 in males and 9–11 in females. …

Historical Chaos Among Tetrabothriideans (Eucestoda) Of Odontocetes (Artiodactyla)—Revising Generic Taxonomy And Species Diversity For Cestodes Among Oceanic Dolphins, Eric P. Hoberg, Kaylen Marie Soudachanh, Robert L. Rausch

MANTER: Journal of Parasite Biodiversity

Explorations over the past 150 years that have defined the diversity and structure of the tetrabothriidean cestode fauna among Odontocete cetaceans (Artiodactyla) are summarized and reviewed. Persistent errors in interpretation of comparative morphological characters, inconsistent taxonomic decisions, and an understanding of generic-level and species diversity are addressed. We outline a revision of the Tetrabothriidea, which now encompasses 8 genera. Prosthecocotyle is resurrected from synonymy with Tetrabothrius, and Cetaceobothridius n. gen is proposed. A clear basis is outlined for differentiation of generic and species diversity among Cetaceobothridius, Priapocephalus, Prosthecocotyle, Strobilocephalus, Tetrabothrius, and Trigonocotyle that constitute the tetrabothriidean fauna of odontocetes; species …

Building Wellbeing Through Nature And Adventure For Justice-Involved Youth, Lewis Kogan, Meagan Ricks, Janna Coulter, Miranda Margetts, Lori Butterfield, Ben Ukoh-Eke

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

Justice-involved youth often experience elevated levels of stress, mental health challenges, and reduced access to positive developmental opportunities. A nature- and adventure-based youth development program designed to strengthen resilience, self-efficacy, nature-connectedness, and well-being among justice-involved youth was piloted in 2025 to address these challenges. Pilot findings indicated improvements in resilience, self-efficacy, hopefulness, and connectedness to nature.

Long-Term Monitoring And Response Of Papaipema Sciata Bird (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) To Prescribed Fire In Michigan (Usa), Gregory J. Norwood, Logan M. Rowe, Brett A. Degregorio, David L. Cuthrell, Aaron D. Meredith, Steven M. Gray

The Great Lakes Entomologist

The Culver’s root borer moth (Papaipema sciata) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a rare Noctuid that requires Culver’s root (Veronicastrum virginicum) to complete its lifecycle within remnant native grasslands and open woodlands in the midwest and northeast United States. We report on 26 years of monitoring this species’ colonization of Culver’s root stems at Algonac State Park (ASP) in Michigan, where prairies have been maintained by prescribed fire since 1990. P. sciata is considered fire sensitive because eggs spend the dormant season in the combustible prairie litter and duff near host plants. The objectives were to determine the …

Volume 9 (2026) Climate And Responsibility

International Journal on Responsibility

This issue focuses on the various ways responsibility affects environmental justice. Specifically, this volume urges us to think about how societal and individual (in)action influences ecological crises and what informs this behavior, with a specific focus on religious and Indigenous beliefs and values.

Spider Biodiversity And Insecticide Sensitivity Across Active And Restored Cranberry Bogs On Nantucket, Tyler J. Kulak

Graduate Masters Theses

Spiders are one of the most diverse groups of organisms on the planet with over 53,000 species described as of 2026. They provide a suite of ecosystem services including their regulation of problematic pests in agricultural systems, appearing in high biomasses across a breadth of ecological niches. While beneficial as pest regulators, they are also susceptible to the same management techniques as pest organisms and are especially vulnerable to chemical control. Cranberry production in Massachusetts likely benefits from spider ecosystem services, but diversity research on spiders in these systems is limited. This study compares the diversity of spider populations from …

A New Species Of Liocheles Sundevall, 1833 (Scorpiones: Hormuridae) From The Western Himalayas, Virender К. Bhardwaj, Sunil Katal, H. T. Lalremsanga, Zeeshan A. Mirza

Euscorpius

Sampling in the Western Himalayas of India led to the discovery of a population of the genus Liocheles Sundevall, 1833, that differes from all Indian congeners. Molecular and morphological data confirmed the distinctiveness of the population, which is here described as a new species. The new species is morphologically similar to L. longimanus (Werner, 1939), from which it differs in the arrangement of trichobothria on external patella and structure of the hemispermatophore. A preliminary molecular phylogeny of the family Hormuridae based on the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene is presented.

New Locality Records And Future Habitat Suitability Of Sassanidotus Gracilis (Birula, 1900) (Scorpiones: Buthidae) In The Iran–Afghanistan–Pakistan Arid Belt, Ersen A. Yağmur, Kerim Çiçek, Homa Barati, Mohammad Moradi

Euscorpius

This study reports new locality records from Iran and a climate-based habitat suitability assessment for Sassanidotus gracilis (Birula, 1900) (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in the Iran–Afghanistan–Pakistan arid belt. We document new specimens from Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Iran, with an updated distribution map and illustrations, and we model the species' potential distribution across south-eastern Iran and adjacent parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Habitat suitability was associated mainly with precipitation seasonality, precipitation of the wettest month, precipitation of the driest month, and slope. In an arid setting these rainfall variables are unlikely to indicate a need for moist habitat; they more plausibly track …

Comparing Non-Invasive Survey Methods For Southern Flying Squirrels (Glaucomys Volans) At The Western Edge Of Their Range, Jay E. Winfield, Jeremy A. White

Transactions of the Nebraska Academy of Sciences and Affiliated Societies

The southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans) is a threatened species in Nebraska that occurs along the Missouri River in the southeastern corner of the state. Recently, a population was discovered in the city of Lincoln, but it is unknown whether this population represents a natural range expansion from the Missouri River population or whether it is isolated and results from a human-assisted movement. A survey of southern flying squirrels in Nebraska is needed, but surveys of this elusive species are challenging. This study investigated and compared two noninvasive survey techniques for rapid detection of flying squirrels: acoustic detectors …

First Insular Record And Dna Barcoding Of Euscorpius Vailatii Tropea & Fet, 2015 From Trizonia Island (Fokida, Greece), Konstantinos Kalaentzis, Francesco Frigioni, Alexios Panagiotopoulos, Elias Tzoras, Styliani Minoudi, Alexandros Triantafyllidis

Euscorpius

Euscorpius vailatii Tropea & Fet, 2015 (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae), originally described from Aitoloakarnania and Fokida (Greece), is herein reported from Trizonia Island in the Gulf of Corinth, representing the first insular record for the species. The examined specimens are consistent with the diagnostic morphology of E. vailatii. The first molecular data for the species are provided, based on both mainland and insular populations. Comparative analyses further highlight the distinctiveness of E. vailatii from geographically close congeners, while phylogenetic results indicate a sister-taxon relationship with E. erymanthius, supporting a Quaternary biogeographic history shaped by the evolution of the Gulf of …

Snails In The Diet Of The Cutlip Minnow, Exoglossum Maxillingua, Tess A. Taloumis, Steven L. Powers

Southeastern Fishes Council Proceedings

The Cutlip Minnow, Exoglossum maxillingua, is an important stream fish native to the eastern United States. It has an unusual lower jaw morphology. Early hypotheses suggested the jaw morphology is an adaptation for feeding on snails. Despite the publication of numerous diet studies on this species, there is no documentation of snails as prey items. During recent snorkel observations in the Roanoke River, E. maxillingua was spotted carrying snails within their mouths, prompting further investigation. An in-depth temporal examination of the diet from 145 specimens of E. maxillingua across multiple sites was conducted to further investigate the diet of …

Formalization Of Nomenclatural Acts Proposed In Tang (2026) (Scorpiones: Buthidae, Chaerilidae, Scorpiopidae), Victoria Tang

Euscorpius

Several nomenclatural, taxonomic, and faunistic decisions put forth in Tang (2026) are formalized herein: (1) four nomina dubia, Chaerilus tessellatus Qi et al., 2005, Scorpiops langxian Qi et al., 2005, S. pococki Qi et al., 2005, and Isometrus (Reddyanus) wenjieae Huang et al., 2025; (2) two junior subjective synonyms, Scorpiops langxian = S. pococki = S. tibetanus Hirst, 1911 syn. n.; (3) one new “aspidonym”, Scorpiops obluda Tang, 2026 sp. indet. nomen nudum; and (4) removal of Scorpiops hardwickii (Gervais, 1843) and S. petersii Pocock, 1893 from the Chinese scorpiofauna. Reddyanus tibetanus (Lourenço & Zhu, 2008) is maintained …