European Journal of Ecology, founded and funded by the University of Presov, Prešov, Slovakia, publishes original, peer-reviewed papers (Research Articles, Reviews, Forum Articles and Policy Directions) from all fields of ecology. Contributions are published continuously, appearing in the journal as they are accepted and prepared for publication. European Journal of Ecology welcomes manuscripts focusing on any levels, scope, and scale of biological organization, and any taxon of living organisms from microbes to humans. Observational and experimental studies, in silico model studies, hypotheses and policy papers are all considered for publication to the extent that they are scientifically sound.
Authors retain copyright in their articles. Articles in the European Journal of Ecology published 2020 and after are made available under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. Articles in the European Journal of Ecology published 2015-2019 are made available under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 license.
Camera Trapping as a Monitoring Method of the Red-Backed Shrike (Lanius collurio) in Italy
Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Temporal Changes in the Distribution and Density of the Iberian Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis in Southern France from a Spatial Analysis Covering 1994-2023
The Red-Backed Shrike (Lanius collurio) in the Central System of the Iberian Peninsula
Long-Term Research Reveals Effects of Peat Moor Regeneration on a Core Population of Red-Backed Shrike Lanius collurio
Spectacular Increase of Red-Backed Shrike (Lanius collurio) in Gaume, Southern Belgium
A Citizen Science Perspective of the Laniidae in Israel
Red-Backed Shrikes Lanius collurio Linnaeus, 1758 in Southern Africa
An Initial Description of the Fecal Microbiome of Wintering Northern Shrikes Lanius borealis
Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) in the Gulf Coast Joint Venture Region, USA: Status, Habitat Delivery, and Monitoring
Field Evidence Suggests That Some Migrant Loggerhead Shrikes Breed on Wintering Grounds
Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor at the North-Western Edge of Its Range: Comments to Population Decline and Migration Strategies
Current Status and Comments on the Biology of the Iberian Grey Shrike Lanius Meridionalis in the Coussoul (Or Dry Crau) In Southern France, Bouches-Du-Rhône
A brief look on the taxonomy changes in shrikes since 1960 with focus on the Excubitor/Meridionalis/Borealis group
Evgeniy Nikolaevich Panov (3 August 1936 - 5 August 2024)
Progress in Shrike Research: Global Trends, Challenges, and New Directions
The Mediterranean-Pontian Argiope bruennichi (Scopoli, 1772) in Poland – overview of traits favouring range expansion
Due to climate warming the distribution of Southern European species has extended to the north in recent years. Currently, Argiope bruennichi (Scopoli, 1772) is distributed over the whole territory of Poland. Data on the current distribution of A. bruennichi in Poland and on its occurrence over the years from the GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility) and from the zbioryprzyrodnicze.web.amu.edu.pl database were analysed. Records and habitat preferences by the wasp spider especially in the northernmost parts of Poland were discussed. Observing colonization by the the Mediterranean-Pontian species the areas located to the north of the native distributional region provides a unique opportunity to understand traits that facilitate its range expansion. The study is also a collection of traits that facilitate range expansion of the wasp spider.
Copyright (c) 2024 Aldona Dobrzycka-Krahel https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Long-term decline and homogenization of an avian community surpasses effects on bird diversity caused by a single extreme flood event
Protected areas are key elements in conservation. However, baseline data for these areas is often missing making estimation of biodiversity trends and effectiveness of management difficult to assess. Moreover, severe weather events that are intensified by climate change might heavily affect protected areas. Herein, we analyse breeding bird surveys from a small-scale protected area, the mouth of the river Ahr in western Germany. The area was stroked by a catastrophic flood event in the year 2021. We perform a before-after study spanning 38 years using breeding bird data from the yeas 1984, 2020 and 2022. Our results show only minor effects caused by the flood event. In contrast, long term data show an increase of species tight to woody vegetation while open habitat birds, among them more specialist species, often decreased. Hence, the protected area does only partially fulfil its purpose and important gaps are identified. Finally, we conclude that the results of our case study might well be exemplary for many insufficiently managed special protected areas and recommend more effective conservation efforts.
Copyright (c) 2025 Götz Ellwanger, Olaf van der Geest, Jonatan Grimm, Jonas Haubrich, Darius Stiels, Dr. Stefan Abrahamczyk https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Global climate change effect on Asian Mus musculus; Implication from last glacial maximum to the end of the 21st century
Global climate change poses unprecedented challenges to biodiversity, prompting urgent investigations into its effects on various species. This study focuses on Mus musculus, a small rodent species and a crucial indicator of ecosystem health. Spanning from the last glacial maximum to the end of the 21st century, employed Species Distribution Models (SDMs) to assess the impacts of climate change on Mus musculus and its four subspecies across Asia (M. m musculus, M. m domesticus, M. m castaneus, and M. m bactrianus). The SDMs reveal nuanced responses among subspecies, with M. m. domesticus, M. m. musculus, and M. m. castaneus facing potential habitat contractions, while M. m. bactrianus shows habitat expansion. Variable importance analysis highlights the significance of temperature-related variables, indicating the growing impact of rising temperatures on distribution patterns. Findings underscore the ecological implications of these shifts, emphasizing the need for tailored conservation strategies. The robustness of models, as indicated by high Area Under the Curve (AUC) values, enhances confidence in the reliability of predictions. Despite data limitations, this study contributes valuable insights into the complex dynamics between climate change and Mus musculus populations, guiding future conservation efforts in the face of ongoing global environmental transformations.
Copyright (c) 2025 Yaser Amir Afzali https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Population consequences of the competition of variable individuals under various of resource dynamics
Individual-based model of the dynamics of population with non-overlapping generation and explicitly introduced resources which are unequal partitioned between competing individuals is analysed. It is investigated how individual variability in assimilation of different kinds of resources influences population dynamics. Following kinds of resources are considered: unlimited resources with linear or exponential growth and limited resources growing logistically or with seasonal dynamics. When resources are unlimited population dynamics exhibits oscillations of number of individuals and resources which sooner or later end in extinction of the population. An increase of individual variability increases extinction time. Population dynamics is different when resources growth is limited. Number of individuals in the population initially increases until a certain level is reached, then fluctuates around that level. However, still greater individual variability guarantees greater persistence of the population, especially in rich environments.
individual-based model, individual variability, population dynamics, unlimited resource growth, limited resource growth
Copyright (c) 2024 Janusz Uchmański https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Monitoring roadkill in Amravati, India: A Citizen Science project
Roadkill is a global conservation problem, and India is no exception. Animal-vehicle accidents on roads are a leading cause of death for a variety of animal species both within and near protected areas. However, roadkills are rarely documented due to field limitations and the unavailability of dedicated IT platforms. The lack of documentation and unavailability of traffic fatality data pose major limitations for government agencies and conservationists. In 2018, as part of a citizen science program to collect opportunistic data, we launched a free "ArRM" mobile app and website, www.arrm.org.in. In 2022, we conducted a systematic random survey of 10,500 km covering the entire road network in Amravati district, Maharashtra, India. Through citizen science and our efforts, 364 roadkills (336 wild, 28 domestic) from 70 species were recorded. Our project aims to overcome the non-documentation of roadkills in the Amravati district and provide data on an interactive map that is freely accessible in the public domain. This will help wildlife authorities, conservationists, and policymakers plan or implement effective measures to reduce the number of wildlife killed on roads.
Copyright (c) 2024 Mandar Pawgi, Dr. Yogesh Joshi, Dr. Sawan Deshmukh, Anup Purohit, Kedar Pawgi, Prof Reuven Yosef https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The post-exploitation areas in Central Poland as a place of rare kleptoparasitic and parasitic species
In the course of research on species diversity of wild living Aculeata on post-exploitation areas such as unused quarries and sandstones in the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship in 2012-2014 rare (in terms of occurrence) kleptoparasitic Aculeata were found.
Copyright (c) 2025 Grzegorz Król, Grzegorz Wróbel, Marcin Frączek, Maciej Karasiński https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
SPECIES RICHNESS AND VARIATION IN THE COMMUNITY COMPOSITION OF AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES IN FOUR SITES OF THE DAHOMEY GAP IN BENIN, WEST AFRICA
In order to analyze the community composition of herpetofauna in the Dahomey Gap area in West Africa, we studied the amphibians and reptiles of distinct sites in Benin. Our aims were to highlight whether these communities are homogeneous (as can be predicted by the fact that the Dahomey Gap is a relatively homogeneous vegetation zone) or whether there are remarkable site-specific differences. In particular, we tested the hypothesis that there should be significant differences in community composition between savannah and the open forest remnants or gallery forests along the riverine sites, by applying a Visual Encounter Survey protocol. We found that the herpetological species were typically those of the West African savannahs, with no species belonging to another ecosystem different from the Guinean and Sudanian savannahs. Anthropophilic species were also frequently observed. Our study also documented that the community composition may vary considerably in terms of species richness by site within the Dahomey Gap main habitats, whereas the bulk of the communities of both taxa remain the same.
Amphibia; Reptilia; West Africa; savannah; community structure; biodiversity
Copyright (c) 2024 Luca Luiselli, Gabriel Segniagbeto, Jeanne Kafui Dekawole, Joelle Halamoussa Ayoro, Guillaume Koffivi Ketoh, Brice Sinsin, Daniele Dendi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Genetic diversity of European tree frogs (Hyla arborea group): A systematic review
Amphibian populations are increasingly threatened by global change and the study of their genetic diversity is a major conservation priority. Western palearctic tree frog species of the Hyla arborea group are commonly distributed across Europe and the Middle East and many have declining populations. We performed a PRISMA systematic review to gain insight into the genetic diversity of H. arborea group. Sixteen published studies were included in the final qualitative analysis. While the genetic diversity of H. arborea group species was widely variable, it could often be explained by phylogeographic history. Populations in Western and Northern Europe had lower genetic diversity, with some populations also affected by habitat fragmentation. However, important regions of high genetic diversity were found in the Balkan peninsula for H. arborea sensu stricto and around the Black Sea for H. orientalis. Genetic diversity of H. molleri, H. savignyi, H. meridionalis, H. felixarabica, H. intermedia, H. sarda has been investigated only across extensive phylogeographical studies, while data regarding their genetic diversity at the local level are missing. Through our review, we identify knowledge gaps about the genetic diversity of the H. arborea group that require further investigation, of and illustrate how filling these gaps might translate into future conservation efforts.
Copyright (c) 2024 Elza Birbele, Alessandro Di Marzio, Dace Grauda, Giovanni Vimercati, Gunita Deksne https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Characterization of Anopheles funestus Larval Habitats in Fiyoni, Kwale County, Kenya: Insights into Malaria Vector Ecology and Control
The breeding of malaria-spreading vectors such as Anopheles funestus is influenced by various environmental factors that contribute indirectly to the transmission of the Plasmodium parasite. However, there is limited knowledge of larval habitat ecology that hinder prevention and control of mosquito-borne diseases. This study aimed to characterize larval habitats based on physicochemical and habitat characteristics, considering the abundance of A. funestus. A cross-sectional survey method was used to collect data on the established transects. Physical parameters (water temperature, pH, conductivity, and total dissolved solids) were measured using a 5-in-1 meter probe. Levels of chemical parameters (sulphate, COD, and BOD) were determined in the laboratory using standard methods. Observations were also made on habitat characteristics (including watercolor, habitat size, and canopy). There was significant effect (P<0.05) of conductivity, pH, sulphate, COD, and BOD on the number of A. funestus larvae. Water samples with a high population of A. funestus larvae were found to have higher conductivity (Me of 470.5), TDS (Me = 235), and pH levels (Me of 6.71). Conversely, water samples with a high population of non-Anopheles funestus larvae were found to have higher COD (Me of 843.20), BOD (Me of 367.2), and SO4 levels (Me of 11.3). A significant correlation (p<0.5) existed between A. funestus larvae and physical water parameters. For instance, Anopheles funestus larvae was high (Me of 36.85) in stagnant water and in semi-permanent water (Me of 47.37). The study demonstrates that both physicochemical and habitat parameters significantly influence the abundance of Anopheles funestus larvae in larval habitats. Parameters such as conductivity, pH, total dissolved solids, sulphate, COD, BOD, watercolor, depth, distance from the homestead, and habitat size were found to be important in determining the presence of A. funestus larvae. Therefore, vector control strategies should include larval source management by targeting rivers and other water bodies to prevent the emergence of Anopheles funestus.
Copyright (c) 2023 Clifton Omondi, Dr. James Nonoh, Dr. Regina Ntabo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Data of bioaccumulation and biomagnification from soil in biota nettle-snail (Urtica dioica, L and Helix pomatia,L) of heavy metal (Pb, Zn, Ni) pollution of mining activity in Mitrovica
ABSTRACT In this research project, we measured the impact and distribution of the activity of minning Trepça Complex in Mitrovica on the concentrations of heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Ni) in soil, plant (Urtica dioica,L) and shell of snail (Helix pomatia). Introdiction: Large quantities of these metals come from natural and anthropogenic sources including mining activity, agriculture, pesticide use, industrialization, and inadequate disposal of mineral waste and artificial fertilizers. These inorganic pollutants are deposited in the soil, water, and atmosphere in various forms of complexes and are thus transmitted from plants, animals to humans. Climatic factors such as winds, rains, and temperatures are believed to be major contributors to the spread over time and space of heavy metals in the environment. Materials and methods: Soil samples, nettle plant (Urtica dioica, L), and snail (Helix pomatia, L), were collected from the selected pollution source of mine Trepça complex at distances of 1km, 2km, and 5km in the radius circles divided into four geographical areas. Also the control samples are collected in unpolluted site Opoja-Dragash municipalty. The samples were digested in microwave at 2000C for 45 min and have been read in flame absorber Analyticjena Contra AAA. Results: Higher concentrations of Pb, Zn, and Ni were recorded in the southern parts of the country compared to that control with significant differences (p<0.01). Bioaccumulation and biomagnification levels of these heavy metals have also been recorded in the roots, stalks, and leaves of the stinging nettle plant (Urtica dioica, L) as well as in snail shells (Helix pomatia, L.). Conclusions: The results show that the stinging nettle plant has translocated larger amounts of these heavy metals especially Pb along with the vegetative organs wherefrom these they are carried in the snail shell, which is fed on the stinging nettle plant. Also, results shown that the nettle plant Urtica dioica can be used in phytoremediation process whereas snail Helix pomatia can be used like bioindicator of heavy metal pollution.
Keywords: soil, bioaccumulation, mine complex, metals, stinging nettle, snail.
Copyright (c) 2023 Mentor Bici, Kemajl Bislimi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
The Breeding colonies, population growth and breeding success of the Dalmatian pelican Pelecanus crispus in Greece: a country-wide perspective, 1967-2021
Greece holds the third larger breeding population of Dalmatian Pelican in the world. We present data about the establishment and growth, breeding performance and conservation status for all six colonies of the species in Greece for 40 years. Main features of wetlands and colonies are described. We discuss the local, regional and global natural and anthropogenic factors that may have affected colony growth. After 1982 colony surveys were carried out with various methods, adapted to the particularities of each wetland and availability of resources, and targeted estimating number of nests and number of near-fledged young via direct counting either during on-site visits or from vantage points, and recently, counts on photos taken by drones flown one or more times during breeding. Number of nests in Lake Mikri Prespa rose from ca. 100 to 1200-1500 and levelled-off. DPs from Prespa started breeding successfully in Kerkini in 2004 after placement of artificial nesting rafts. The Karla Reservoir was colonised in 2011, just two years after it started filling with water. The DP colony on Lake Chimaditis, an important stop over and feeding site, probably initiated around 2016 and continues growing. The two colonies at the western coastline have limited exchanges with those in the eastern part of the country. Amvrakikos increased and levelled off recently as conservation and management measures restricted disturbance, whilst emigrants re-established the old colony at Messolonghi in 2011 which continues to grow. The overall breeding population in Greece grew from ca 100 to over 2000 br pairs showing an annual growth rate of 7.9%. Younger colonies show high annual growth rates clearly attributed to immigration, while older colonies have growth rates less than 10%. Interacting natural and anthropogenic factors are assumed to have contributed to pelican increase in Greece the last 40 years: better legal protection status, increasingly effective protection, patrolling and conservation measures; public awareness campaigns; provision of artificial nesting structures; increased winter survival due to higher temperatures owed to climate change; less disturbance and persecution due to decline of fisheries; increasing abundance and availability of fish due to eutrophication and climate change; increasing numbers of sympatric great cormorants rendering pelican fishing more efficient; appearance of new wetlands and change of wetlands due to human intervention works.
Copyright (c) 2024 Giorgos Catsadorakis, Olga Alexandrou, Dionyssia Hatzilacou, Ioannis Kasvikis, Maria Katsikatsou, Spyros Konstas, Myrsini Malakou, Dimitrios Michalakis, Theodoros Naziridis, Haris Nikolaou, Nikolaos Noulas, Danae Portolou, Yiannis Roussopoulos, Ioannis Vergos, A. J. Crivelli https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
DIVERSITY AND ABUNDANCE OF SOIL MACROARTHROPODS IN GREEN OPEN SPACES, INDONESIA
Information on soil macroarthropods in Kendari City has not been reported so far, even though soil macroarthropods play an important role in supporting the lives of other organisms and in recent years have decreased in number globally. This study aims to identify soil macroarthropod communities and calculate the diversity of soil macroarthropods located in green open spaces in Kendari City. The green open spaces include Baruga forest, Mayor’s park, and Nanga-nanga botanical garden. The data obtained were integrated to calculate the Shannon-Wiener index and Simpson index. Individuals of each taxa were evaluated with Menhinick index and Pielou index. The similarity of soil macroarthropod groups was measured using the similarity index and the ratio of diversity index values at each location will be tested using Duncan's test with a p value of 0.05. The soil macroarthropod community found in green open space was 3505 individuals consisting of 4 Classes, 12 Orders, 27 Families, and 72 Genus. The number of genus in three consecutive research locations, namely Nanga-nanga botanical garden with 26 genus, Baruga forest with 25 genus, and Mayor’s park with 21 genus. Baruga forest had the highest species diversity of soil macroarthropods compared to other locations. The highest abundance of soil macroarthropods was shown by Family Formicidae (Ants), followed by Isoptera (Termites), Aranae (Spiders), and the lowest were Dermaptera (Cocopet), Scolopendromorpha (Centipedes), and Isopoda (Dead woodlice).
Copyright (c) 2025 Armadi Chairunnas, Hilda Ayu Melvi Amalia https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
New record of Rangia cuneata (Mollusca: Bivalvia: Mactridae) on southern coast of Baltic Sea (N Poland)
In February 2021 a valve of Rangia cuneata – a clam native to North America, was found in a new location on the Polish coast in Ustka Bay. After first records of this clam in Europe in 2005 in Belgium and then in 2010 in the Baltic Sea (Russian part of the Vistula Lagoon), an increasing number of new observations have been reported since. This indicates an effective dispersal of this alien species in the Baltic waters.
Copyright (c) 2023 Przemysław Kurek, Blanka Wiatrowska https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Hiding behaviour of bats in sandstone mines of North-Eastern Ukraine
Winter counting of bats in hibernacula is one of the main methods of estimating their population trends in Europe. However, it is not always possible for humans to identify and count all bats in the maze of big karstic caves or abandoned mines. Previously we notice a significant fluctuation in the numbers of bat species and individuals in sandstone mines located in the Kharkiv region (NE Ukraine), and hypothesized that a significant undercount happened due to the hiding of bats in deep crevices of sandstone. Here using a camera trap placed inside a mine (September 17-19, 2017) we tested this hypothesis. Firstly we identified significant levels of bat flight activity where no roosting bats had been observed through conventional visual survey methods. The proportion of identified bats (Myotis group and Plecotus auritus) on footage was similar to that obtained by usual winter counts. Finally, we filmed and documented cases of crawling bats inside the deep crevices in the wall depths. We ventured to make an extrapolation of bat numbers in a mine on the basis of autumn-spring mist-netting data, and our evidence that they do hide in crevices. Our observations clearly demonstrate that hiding bat behaviour in mines might result in an underestimation of the real number of hibernating bats in sand-stone mines.
Copyright (c) 2023 Anton Vlaschenko https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0