Convergence in the Canopy: Why the Gracixalus weii treefrog sounds like a songbird

A newly-described treefrog has exhibited a repertoire which mirrors the bird sounds of China’s Leigongshan Nature Reserve.

The genus Gracixalus belongs to the family of Old World Tree Frogs, and is geographically dispersed from Myanmar and western Thailand to Laos, Vietnam, and further to southern China. Despite the considerable number of research on the species richness of Gracixalus, little is known about their vocalisations.

To remedy this problem, the recently described Gracixalus weii in southwest China has been investigated from a bioacoustic standpoint by researchers led by Caichun Peng of the Guizhou Leigongshan Forest Ecosystem Observation and Research Station. 

Published in the open-access scholarly journal Herpetozoa, the study reveals an acoustic convergence between frog advertisement calls and avian communication systems – specifically, the call of Gracixalus weii is remarkably similar to a bird-like chirp commonly performed by the Black-Breasted Thrush (Turdus dissimilis) of the same region.

Similarities like these have frequently led researchers to underestimate frog populations during field surveys because their chirps are easily mistaken for local bird songs.

Adult male of Gracixalus weii from Leishan County, Guizhou Province. (Image credit: Peng et al.).

To the human ear, vocalisations in the Leigongshan Nature Reserve often sound like a melodious bird song because both the Gracixalus weii and Black-Breasted Thrush use a similar pattern: a longer introductory note, followed by two shorter notes, and almost identical pitches. This phenomenon provides evidence to suggest that the evolution of acoustic symbols in amphibians could be influenced by broad ecological interactions, including with that of birds. 

The history of observed similarities between frog and bird vocalisations can be traced further back; the acoustic convergence recorded in the Himalayan rapids in 1984 between frogs in the genus Nanorana and the bird Phylloscopius maginostrostris, for instance, underpins these recent findings.

Cases like these demonstrate that bioacoustic data adds value to species identification, particularly because advertisement calls serve as species-specific courtship signals that play an important role in evolutionary diversification.

Advertisement calls of the Gracixalus weii. A. 60 s oscillograms showing five calls of Gracixalus weii; B. 1 s oscillograms and corresponding spectrograms showing one type A call of G. weii; C. 1 s oscillograms and corresponding spectrograms showing one type B call of G. weii. (Image credit: Peng et al.).

For cryptic species that may appear identical, acoustic features also provide a reliable alternative to morphological or molecular diagnosis, offering clear evidence for taxonomic validity. Additionally, since many species are difficult to observe visually in dense habitats, such as frogs hiding within bamboo, relying on vocal signatures ensures that biodiversity is not misidentified during field surveys.

The authors argue that future research should focus on combining morphological, genetic, and bioacoustic evidence to better understand the species richness and cryptic diversity within the genus Gracixalus. A key priority is conducting experimental work, specifically playback or “replay experiments,” to observe how Gracixalus weii and the Black-breasted Thrush (Turdus dissimilis) respond to one another’s calls.

As such, the song of Gracixalus weii is a reminder that a familiar tune can be the perfect disguise for a species we are only just beginning to understand.

Original source:
Peng C, Shen T, Li S, Liu J, Ye R, Li D, Chen J, Tang X, Su H (2026) A bird-like vocalization in a treefrog (Anura, Rhacophoridae): Analysis of advertisement call characteristics in Gracixalus weii. Herpetozoa 39: 7-15. https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.39.e175324

For more articles on herpetology, visit the Herpetozoa website and follow the journal on BlueSky and Facebook.

First national assessment identifies 271 established non-native species in Türkiye, with climate change to accelerate invasiveness risks

271 established non-native species in Turkey with an increased risk of invasiveness under future climate warming scenarios.

A team of researchers, led by Dr. Ali Serhan Tarkan, has published the first nationwide assessment of established non-native species in Türkiye in the journal NeoBiota.

The study identifies 271 species that may pose significant threats to the country’s biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and socio-economic systems, providing a crucial baseline for future conservation and biosecurity efforts.

Using a recent global database of non-native established species, the researchers initially identified 1,092 non-native species within Turkish borders. Through a rigorous review by taxonomic experts, the team filtered out native, cryptogenic, and non-established species, narrowing the focus to 271 confirmed established species.

Invasive freshwater fish (Carassius gibelio). Photo credit to: Esra Baycelebi.

Of these, marine species are by far the most prevalent, with 198 classified as strictly marine, followed by 42 terrestrial and 27 freshwater species. This trend reflects Türkiye’s extensive coastlines along the Black, Aegean, and Mediterranean seas, which offer vast ecological niches.

Furthermore, the coastal regions, characterized by dense populations, robust economies, and intensive trade networks, create multiple human-mediated pathways that can facilitate the introduction and establishment of non-native species.

Number of established species in each administrative area of Türkiye based on GBIF records. Gray areas represent administrative areas without non-native species based on GBIF. The marine area represents the Exclusive Economic Zone (extracted from Marine Regions marineregions.org, Flanders Marine Institute 2023). Credit to Tarkan et al., 2026.

The assessment also revealed a clear west-to-east gradient, with non-native species concentrated in the western part of the country and decreasing toward the east. The highest concentrations were found in Kayseri and Muğla, each hosting 37 established species, followed closely by Antalya with 34.

In terms of biogeographic distribution, nearly half of the established species originated from the Indo-Malayan realm, followed by the Australasian realm.

A significant concern raised by the researchers is the substantial impact gap in national reporting. Specifically, the majority of established non-native species in Türkiye had no reported impacts (n = 224; 83%), although this number decreased to 157 (59%) at the global scale.

Doughnut plot indicating the species by (a) impacts and (b) impact mechanisms. Credit to Tarkan et al., 2026.

While only 17% of established species currently have documented impacts within Türkiye, 41% of these same species are known to cause impact elsewhere.

These findings suggest that many species in Türkiye have not yet undergone formal impact assessments. Among those with known effects, ecological and environmental damages were the most frequently cited, primarily driven by biological mechanisms such as competition, predation, and rapid growth.

The outlook for species already established in Türkiye is particularly concerning. Currently, 50% of the 62 species screened using the Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit pose a high to very high risk of invasiveness. These proportions are projected to exceed 60% under future climate warming scenarios.

Coordinated national efforts will be essential to mitigate the long-term impacts on Türkiye’s biodiversity and ecosystems.

the researchers conclude

The study therefore underscores the urgent need for systematic monitoring, improved impact assessments, and climate-informed risk management strategies.

Original source:

Tarkan AS, Yapıcı S, Kurtul I, Błońska D, Vilizzi L, Baş Sermenli H, Farooq S, Aldemir C, Uçma Uysal T, Giannetto D, Bilge G, Çiftçioğlu M, Najafi-Majd E, Aktay-Sözüer L, Kaya C, Bayçelebi E, Aydın İ, Haubrock PJ, Briski E, Soto I (2026) The first national assessment of established non-native species in Türkiye. NeoBiota 105: 297-317. https://doi.org/10.3897/neobiota.105.176362

A pact across continents or how ethical volunteering and 40 years of otter science are rewriting conservation

Bridging 40 years of otter science and global eco-volunteering, Projeto Lontra and Estuarine Management and Technologies invite research for a topical collection.

Guest blog post by Dr. Oldemar de Oliveira Carvalho Junior

After 40 years of protecting the Neotropical otter, Projeto Lontra is opening a new chapter. We are calling on researchers to contribute to the “Otters as Bioindicators of Estuarine Health” Topical Collection in the journal Estuarine Management and Technologies, bridging the gap between long-term field observations to innovations in the field.

This call is a natural evolution of a story that began in January 1986. On the wild shores of Peri Lagoon in southern Brazil, my father and I stood beneath the canopy of the Atlantic Forest and dreamed aloud: What if we could protect this place by protecting its most elusive guardian, the Neotropical otter?

  • Neotropical otter (Lontra longicaudis). Photo credit to Projeto Lontra and Instituto Ekko Brasil
  • Swimming neotropical otter (Lontra longicaudis). Photo credit to Projeto Lontra and Instituto Ekko Brasil

That dream became Projeto Lontra. For forty years, we have walked these shores not as distant scientists, but as neighbors, listening to the water, reading the spraints, and learning from fishers who’ve known these lagoons longer than any journal has existed.

But conservation cannot be a solitary act. And so, in the early 2000s, a quiet revolution began. People of all ages from France, Germany, and beyond started arriving, not as tourists, but as eco-volunteers through different international organizations, such as Cybelle Planète. They came not to “save” us, but to stand with us.

Eco-volunteers installing a trap camera inside an otter cave. Credit to Projeto Lontra and Instituto Ekko Brasil

This is the heart of our partnership: reciprocity, not rescue.

More Than Volunteering. A Model of Shared Stewardship

Cybelle Planète does not sell travel; rather, it cultivates responsibility. Their volunteers spend weeks living alongside our team, collecting spraints at dawn, mapping latrines, teaching in local schools, and planting native trees. They return home not just with photos, but with data that feeds into global assessments, and with a transformed understanding of what it means to care for a shared planet.

As one Cybelle Planète coordinator once told me:

We don’t promote travel. We promote responsibility.

This ethos mirrors our own. In Brazil, conservation has too often been framed as a deficit, something we lack, something others must fix. But Projeto Lontra has always believed that local knowledge is expertise and long-term presence is data. Our 40-year dataset, born from patience, not satellites, is proof.

  • Eco-volunteers from Australia and New Zealand. Credit to Projeto Lontra and Instituto Ekko Brasil
  • Playing with the otters. Credit to Projeto Lontra and Instituto Ekko Brasil
  • eco-volunteer near a lagoon
    Eco-volunteer at an expedition. Credit to Projeto Lontra and Instituto Ekko Brasil

Now, this partnership takes on new scientific weight as a cornerstone of the Scientific Journal Estuarine Management and Technologies and its Topical Collection “Otters as Bioindicators of Estuarine Health.” But rather than spotlight methods or metrics, we want to spotlight people and the relationships that make science meaningful.

Voices of the Collaboration

To truly reflect the spirit of this alliance, we invited key voices to share their vision:

Nosso papel não é promover viagens, mas cultivar a responsabilidade – de longo prazo, recíproca e fundamentada na confiança entre os atores locais da conservação e os cidadãos internacionais.

(Our role is not to promote travel, but to foster responsibility – long-term, reciprocal, and grounded in trust between local conservation actors and international citizens.)

Celine – Cybelle Planète Leadership – Vision Statement Placeholder

We are reminded that research and materials produced outside traditional commercial or academic sectors can be just as important.

For over 30 years, the Bulletin has amplified voices from the Global South that commercial journals overlook. Projeto Lontra’s legacy reminds us that grey literature is often golden and that true bioindicator science grows from the ground up.

Dr. Arno Gutleb, IUCN Otter Specialist Group Bulletin

A Call to Join the Movement

Neotropical otter (Lontra longicaudis). Photo credit to: Projeto Lontra and Instituto Ekko Brasil

This isn’t just a story about otters. It’s about a new way of doing conservation:

  • Municipalities can use tools like the Otter Health Index (OHI) to monitor their estuaries without million-dollar labs.
  • Researchers can contribute to a truly global bioindicator framework that centers tropical species.
  • Eco-volunteers can join hands-on programs that generate real data while fostering cross-cultural understanding.

And everyone – scientist, student, and citizen – can engage with the “Otters as Bioindicators” Topical Collection to help shift the narrative from extraction to exchange, from hierarchy to humility.

Because in the end, the otter teaches us this: ecosystems are woven from connection. So too must be our efforts to protect them.

Explore the Topical Collection: Otters as Bioindicators – EMT
Learn about volunteering with Cybelle Planète: www.cybelle-planete.org
Read the foundational synthesis paper: Otters as Bioindicators of Estuarine Health

Pensoft joined the 9th European Conference of Tropical Ecology (ECTE 2026)

Pensoft participated in this year’s 9th European Conference on Tropical Ecology (ECTE 2026) and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Society for Tropical Ecology (gtö).

From February 23 to 27, the picturesque city of Passau hosted the 9th European Conference on Tropical Ecology (ECTE 2026). Organized by the Society for Tropical Ecology (gtö) and held at the University of Passau, the event brought together around 250 participants from 31 countries to share the latest breakthroughs in tropical research.

Under the theme ‘Species-Ecosystems-People,’ the conference offered a multidisciplinary perspective through 175 oral presentations and 42 posters across 17 thematic sessions, bridging the gap between fundamental ecological research and the sustainable restoration of vital ecosystems.

A buzzing stand

  • Attendees in front of Pensoft’s booth.
  • Pensoft’s team tending to the visitors at the booth. Credit to: © Ina Voshage
  • Pensoft’s team tending to the visitors at the booth. Credit to: © Ina Voshage

From the very first day and throughout the week, the Pensoft booth was buzzing with people and activities. Attendees had the chance to explore our diverse portfolio of journals, many of which align seamlessly with the ‘Species-Ecosystems-People’ theme, including:

Editors of existing or yet-to-be-launched Diamond and Gold Open Access journals were also invited to visit the Pensoft stand to learn more about the process and benefits of migrating to or launching a journal on the ARPHA Platform.

Developed by Pensoft to power its own well-renowned scientific journals, ARPHA is now a globally recognised end-to-end solution for innovative, technologically advanced scientific publishing that comes with multiple in-house human-provided services.

Beyond browsing journals and discussing publishing opportunities, visitors engaged with our interactive “Pin Your Favourite Species” board and took promotional materials and stickers featuring the stunning artwork of Pensoft’s in-house scientific illustrator Denitsa Peneva, which proved to be a major visual draw.

A milestone partnership

Dr. Katarina Sam, president of the Society for Tropical Ecology (gtö) at Pensoft's booth.
Dr. Katarina Sam, president of the Society for Tropical Ecology (gtö) at Pensoft’s booth.

On 24th of February, Dr. Katerina Sam (gtö) signed the partnership. This MoU aims to promote research activities and optimise the dissemination of scientific knowledge within the tropical ecology community to ensure that important research findings reach a global audience through robust publication support.

One major highlight of this year’s conference was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Society for Tropical Ecology (gtö) and Pensoft during the general assembly.

Keynote speakers

Our team on-site was delighted to meet several Pensoft authors who took the stage as keynote speakers to share their expertise.

On February 24th, Prof. Alexandre Antonelli of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew delivered a compelling lecture on “Illuminating Biodiversity Darkspots,” reminding us that over 90% of fungi remain unknown and 45% of plants are at risk of extinction.

Prof. Antonelli frequently contributes to our journals, including IMA Fungus, Frontiers of Biogeography, and Check List.

  • Prof. Antonelli during his keynote talk at ECTE 2026.
  • Prof. Antonelli during his keynote talk at ECTE 2026.

That same day, Dr. Maria Fungomeli of the National Museums of Kenya presented her keynote on “Biodiversity Patterns in the Kenyan Coastal Forests,” highlighting the vital links between coastal ecosystems, culture, and community.

During her talk, she featured her paper, ‘A new Vegetation-Plot Database for the Coastal Forests of Kenya,’ which was published in Vegetation Classification and Survey (VCS).

A valued author and reviewer for VCS, Dr. Fungomeli has also contributed to several journals powered by ARPHA Platform, including Pensoft’s Biodiversity Data Journal and ZooKeys, as well as Senckenberg’s Contributions to Entomology.

  • Dr. Fungomeli during her keynote talk.
  • Dr. Fungomeli at Pensoft’s booth.

On February 25th, Prof. Rob Marchant of the University of York, an author in our open-access journal African Invertebrates, delivered his talk, “Embedding the Past for Balanced Future Tropical Mountain Social Ecological Systems.”

He explored how shifts in human-nature interactions over the last 6,000 years can help researchers understand the complex transitions from original forest extents to our modern landscapes. See Prof. Marchant’s paper in African Invertebrates here.

  • Prof. Marchant delivering his keynote talk.
  • Prof. Marchant аt our booth at ECTE 2026.

Recognizing scientific excellence

As one of the sponsors at ECTE 2026, Pensoft was delighted to present the Best Talk Award to Dr. Evangelia Linda Chronopoulou from the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv).

  • The winners of the Best Talk presentation
  • Dr. Evangelia Chronopoulou at Pensoft’s booth.

Her presentation, “Aromatic delight: Revealing diversity and function of fruit microbiome in seed dispersal,” proposed a fascinating shift in ecological understanding.

During her talk, she suggested the potential that microbes co-evolved with animals and plants to support scent-driven seed dispersal effectively transforming a traditional bipartite interaction (plant-animal seed dispersal) into a tripartite one.

Dr. Chronopoulou received a waiver for a free publication in any open-access journal within the Pensoft portfolio.

After a fantastic week in Passau at ECTE 2026, Pensoft is now looking forward to the 10th European Conference on Tropical Ecology, which will take place in Aarhus, Denmark. There, Pensoft plans to establish further partnerships and continue its support for open science in insect research. See you there!

Group photo of attendees at the 9th European Conference of Tropical Ecology (ECTE 2026). Credit to: © Ina Voshage

Keep up with us by following Pensoft on Linkedin, Bluesky, Facebook, X,  Instagram & TikTok.

Two new bird species from the Amazon Basin described based on bioacoustics and morphological data

Two new antbird species discovered in the Amazon Basin and described in the open-access journal Vertebrate Zoology.

Scientists have discovered that a widely recognized Amazonian antbird is not one, but five distinct species – including two completely new to science. This revelation of hidden biodiversity was achieved by integrating artificial intelligence, vocal analysis, and traditional museum work, demonstrating how cutting-edge technology can transform our understanding of life in Earth’s richest ecosystems.

The study was conducted by Vagner Cavarzere and his master’s student Enrico L. Breviglieri from São Paulo State University (UNESP), Brazil, together with curator Luis F. Silveira of the University of São Paulo Museum of Zoology, and was published in the open-access journal Vertebrate Zoology.

The research focused on the Cercomacra cinerascens antbird species complex, a group of small, insect-eating birds widespread across the Amazon Basin. While these birds appear nearly identical in plumage, they produce strikingly different songs.

Birds rely heavily on vocal communication, which are important for species recognition. Their songs act as acoustic signatures, providing a powerful key to unlocking hidden diversity.

the researchers explain

The team named one of the new species (Cercomacra mura) in honor of the Mura people, Indigenous inhabitants of the western Amazon where this bird occurs.

One of the new antbird species, Cercomacra mura perched on a branch.
One of the new antbird species, Cercomacra mura, perched on a branch. Credit to Tomaz Melo.

The second new species takes its name from its most diagnostic trait: a song composed solely of two‑note, raspy phrases. From the Latin raucus (hoarse, raspy) and sonus (sound), the scientific name Cercomacra raucisona directly reflects its unique vocal signature.

One of the new antbird species, Cercomacra raucisona perched on a tree branch
One of the new antbird species, Cercomacra raucisona. Photo credit to: Fernando Zurdo

To decode these signatures, the team employed BirdNET, an artificial intelligence tool developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. This machine-learning algorithm converts sound into numerical data, allowing for the automated comparison of bird recordings collected across the Amazon. The vocal patterns it revealed were then cross-referenced with meticulous analyses of vocalizations, plumage patterns and morphology.

This multidisciplinary approach confirmed that populations separated by major Amazonian rivers, such as the Amazonas, Ucayali, Madeira, and Tapajós, have evolved into distinct species. “These rivers function as long-term natural barriers”, says lead author Cavarzere.

Populations diverged independently over millennia into the unique species we describe today, which are kept isolated by these major rivers.

the researchers explain

The discovery underscores the vast amount of cryptic biodiversity still awaiting discovery in the Amazon, even among seemingly well-known birds. It also highlights a new paradigm for taxonomy, where AI-powered tools work in concert with traditional bioacoustics and specimen-based research.

By merging artificial intelligence with the foundational science of bioacoustics and museum collections, we can uncover diversity that would otherwise remain invisible. Recognizing these species is the first and most critical step toward ensuring their protection in a rapidly changing world.

the researchers conclude

Original study:

Cavarzere V, Breviglieri EL, Silveira LF (2026) Integrative taxonomy of the Cercomacra cinerascens species complex with description of two new species (Aves: Thamnophilidae). Vertebrate Zoology 76: 73-91. https://doi.org/10.3897/vz.76.e171834

Pensoft Celebrates World Wildlife Day 2026 with Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPS) are essential for human health and ecological balance.

This World Wildlife Day, we are celebrating the role of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs), which are essential for both human health and ecological balance. To highlight this year’s theme – “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods” – we have spotlighted six fascinating species from the open-access journal PhytoKeys.

Medicinal Marvels

The Coleus genus, a member of the Lamiaceae (mint) family, comprises approximately 294 species of perennial herbs and subshrubs native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Old World, including Africa, Asia, and Australia. These plants are well-regarded for their diverse medicinal applications, and are traditionally employed to address respiratory issues such as coughs and bronchitis. The pictured Coleus harmandii species, native to Indo-China, shares the genus’ characteristic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Coleus Harmandii. (Photo credit: Thamarat Phutthai).

Read more: Paton AJ, Mwanyambo M, Govaerts RHA, Smitha K, Suddee S, Phillipson PB, Wilson TC, Forster PI, Culham A (2019) Nomenclatural changes in Coleus and Plectranthus (Lamiaceae): a tale of more than two genera. PhytoKeys 129: 1-158. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.129.34988

Meanwhile, an interesting-looking parasitic plant named Balanophora xinfeniae, and found in the shaded forests of Motuo County in Tibet, exhibits similar properties. A study on its taxonomic identification notes the broader medicinal significance of the Balanophora genus. Indeed, species within this genus are historically used to treat ailments, including liver disorders, stomach aches and hemorrhoids. 

Balanophora xinfeniae. (Photo credit: Meng Li and Chen-Long Fu).

Read more: Fu C-L, Zhou J-N, Liao W-H, Zhang T, Xu B, Li M (2025) Balanophora xinfeniae (Balanophoraceae), a new species from Xizang, China. PhytoKeys 266: 241-252. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.266.147400

Perhaps the most interesting of the bunch are species within the genus Huperzia, commonly known as firmosses, which are highly valued for their ability to treat Alzheimer’s disease. While the newly-discovered species, Huperzia crassifolia, was identified during medicinal plant inventories in China, it belongs to a group of plants that have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine for cognitive health. Because this new species is a close relative of these established medicinal plants, it holds significant potential for future pharmaceutical research.

Huperzia crassifolia. (Photo credit: Zhi-You Guo).

Read more: Guo Z-Y, Liu H-M, Wang K-K, Fujiwara T, Liu Z-Y, Zhang X-C, Schneider H (2024) Huperzia crassifolia (Lycopodiaceae), a new species from China based on morphological characters and molecular evidence. PhytoKeys 246: 27-42. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.246.131046

Fragrant Frontiers

We now shift our focus to aromatic plants, beginning with Capsicum fruits. These are driven by a diverse range of organic compounds, responsible for their characteristic “bell pepper” scent. Pictured below, Capsicum cornutum is a unique pepper known locally in Rio de Janeiro as Pimentinha-do-mato (wild pepper). Its specific aroma is the product of rust-coloured outer hairs, which densely cover its stems and leaves. Unlike many common garden peppers, this species features a continuous ring of glandular hairs, which give it a distinct herbal scent.

Capsicum cornutum. (Photo credit: G.E. Barboza).

Read more: Barboza GE, García CC, Bianchetti LB, Romero MV, Scaldaferro M (2022) Monograph of wild and cultivated chili peppers (Capsicum L., Solanaceae). PhytoKeys 200: 1-423. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.200.71667

Plants within the genus Uvariodendron are also frequently characterised by the presence of aromatic compounds. Their scents are concentrated in the leaves, bark and flowers, ranging from spicy and peppery notes to distinct citrus or anise-like fragrances. These aromatic profiles have served as key diagnostic markers for botanists; for instance, species like Uvariodendron anisatum are named specifically for their scent. Interestingly, the fragrance emitted by the pictured Uvariodendron molundense aids in attracting many pollinators!

Uvariodendron molundense. (Photo credit: Ehoarn Bidault).

Read more: Dagallier L-PMJ, Mbago FM, Couderc M, Gaudeul M, Grall A, Loup C, Wieringa JJ, Sonké B, Couvreur TLP (2023) Phylogenomic inference of the African tribe Monodoreae (Annonaceae) and taxonomic revision of Dennettia, Uvariodendron and Uvariopsis. PhytoKeys 233: 1-200. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.233.103096

We end our series with the species Neocinnamomum citratum, a recently described evergreen tree from southwestern China. Unlike other Neocinnamomum species, which typically possess only a faint fragrance, N. citratum is characterised by a strong lemon fragrance present throughout its branches, leaves and bark. This potent aroma is reflected in its specific epithet, “citratum”. Due to these aromatic properties, the species has practical local utility; in Malipo County, for instance, residents collect the branches and leaves to use as spices for cooking. 

Neocinnamomum citratum. (Photo credit: Lin et al.).

Read more: Lin W-L, Zhang Z-Y, Deng C-Y, Xu W-B, Liu B (2026) Taxonomic notes on Neocinnamomum (Lauraceae): a new combination and a new species from southwestern China. PhytoKeys 269: 209-220. .https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.269.177163

From the life-saving potential of Huperzia crassifolia to the cultural heritage of Neocinnamomum citratum, these selected species demonstrate that the conservation of wildlife is deeply intertwined with our own survival. Through the protection of these medicinal and aromatic plants, we can safeguard the health and heritage of our planet for generations to come.

Cover image: Passiflora juliana – Porter-Utley K (2014) A revision of Passiflora L. subgenus Decaloba (DC.) Rchb. supersection Cieca (Medik.) J. M. MacDougal & Feuillet (Passifloraceae). PhytoKeys 43: 1-224. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.43.7804

Don’t forget to also keep yourself up-to-date with the latest discoveries described in PhytoKeys by signing up for the journal newsletter from the PhytoKeys homepage. You can also follow the journal on BlueSky and Facebook.

New Special Issue in Nature Conservation offers an interdisciplinary resource for wetland ecosystem restoration

New Special Issue in Nature Conservation offers an interdisciplinary resource from over 100 European experts for the better restoration of wetlands, coasts and floodplains

Wetlands are key environmental sentinels. These systems offer a plethora of ecosystem services, acting as biodiversity hotspots and carbon sinks while providing natural buffers against the impacts of climate change.

They also benefit our society by ensuring food security, providing clean water, and protecting coastal communities. In fact, they support more than one billion livelihoods worldwide, as well as 40% of all known plant and animal species.

However, in our rapidly changing world, we face a series of complex, overlapping challenges. To address the ongoing loss of wetlands, new, interdisciplinary solutions are needed that match the scale of the problem.

A Special interdisciplinary resource

In response to these challenges, a new special issue in Nature Conservation titled ‘Wetlands in a Changing Climate: Restoring Coasts and Floodplains,’ aims to bridge critical knowledge gaps, highlight the vital importance of wetland ecosystems, and identify ways to upscale restoration action under the EU Nature Restoration Regulation.

Wetlands in a Changing Climate: Restoring Coasts and Floodplains special issue in the open-access journal Nature Conservation published by pensoft

Edited by Ute Susanne Kaden, Sophia Schmid, Simone Wulf, Katrina Marsden, Carla Klusmann, Aletta Bonn, Klement Tockner and Mathias Scholz, the Special Issue includes 15 peer-reviewed articles with contributions from over 100 European experts across 18 countries. You can read the full editorial here.

Adopting a ‘source-to-sea’ approach, the collection bridges the gap between riverine and coastal research to foster integrated responses to environmental pressures. Its findings are organized into four key thematic sections:

  • Section I: Wetland biodiversity in a changing climate: Understanding their vulnerability
  • Section II: Wetland ecosystem services and nature-based solutions for climate change mitigation and adaptation
  • Section III: Wetland restoration in practice: Opportunities, overcoming barriers and scaling up implementation
  • Section IV: Wetland policy: Enabling a transition towards a resilient future

By synthesizing perspectives from science, policy, and practice across Europe, this collection serves as a transdisciplinary “guide for anyone seeking an integrated understanding of the unique role of European riverine and coastal wetlands in the context of climate change and biodiversity,”. 

While the primary scope is from Europe, these findings offer vital insights applicable to restoration efforts worldwide.

For me, riverine and coastal wetlands are vivid examples of how biodiversity, climate, and human well-being depend on one another, yet they often remain out of the spotlight – making their protection and restoration all the more important. This Special Issue brings together accessible science, practical experience, and policy perspectives, and we hope it will help spark real – and urgently needed – progress in restoring Europe’s coasts and floodplains.

comments Dr. Ute Kaden, one of the lead authors of this Special Issue.

This Special Issue builds on the 5th European Conference on Biodiversity and Climate Change (Bonn, 2023), a collaborative effort organized by the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN), the European Network of Heads of Nature Conservation Agencies (ENCA), the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), and adel-phi.

Connecting the research and people

Beyond the Special Issue itself, the lead editors organised a free online launch event to present the valuable collection of research publications. On Thursday, 26 February, over 300 participants gained insights into the vulnerability and resilience of riverine and coastal wetlands.

The discussion centered on evaluating the multifunctional benefits of nature-based solutions, sharing restoration lessons from across Europe, and identifying key opportunities аnd challenges in scaling up wetland restoration actions.

Addressing biodiversity climate nexus is important – biodiversity loss and climate change are interconnected and we must strengthen their relationship to develop effective responses to both challenges.

Dr. Kim Grutzmacher, Head of Division International Nature Conservation, BfN

During the launch event, Dr. Flore Lafaye de Micheaux, European Senior Advisor at the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, reflected on how the importance of wetlands extends beyond their ecosystem value.

Wetlands have been part of human existence since the dawn of time, not only because they have provided for our basic needs, but also because they are places of meaning, culture and spirituality. Our message is that it’s time to invest in wetlands as this means investing in future.

Dr. Flore Lafaye de Micheaux, Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

Research from four major projects, BioAgora, Respin, SpongeBoost, and Rest-Coast, was showcased during the launch event. As an active consortium member in these projects, Pensoft contributes essential expertise in science communication, dissemination, stakeholder engagement, and technological development.

Notably, the lead authors Dr. Kaden (UFZ) and Dr. Scholz (who also serves as the coordinator of SpongeBoost) presented insights from Sections I and II of the new Special Issue. Comprising eight papers from the SpongeBoost consortium, the research tackles pressing ecological challenges, ranging from nutrient retention and floodplain services to the socio-economic valuation of nature-based solutions and the intricacies of EU policy.

Wetland restoration involves human-nature relationships, and wetlands should be treated treated as a social ecological system.

Dr. Mathias Scholz, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research

In this Special Issue, you will find in-depth analyses such as the work of Ibáñez et al., 2026, which asks ‘To what extent is coastal wetland biodiversity endangered by climate change? How can we boost the resilience of coastal ecosystems?’ Their research highlights the dual threat of “coastal squeeze” and climate change on Mediterranean wetlands. 

Shifting the focus to inland waters, the issue also features ‘Building blocks for upscaling freshwater ecosystem restoration: Place-based strategies for a transdisciplinary challenge’ by Birk et al. (2026). Drawing on 18 European case studies from the MERLIN project, this research identifies five essential ‘building blocks’ necessary to successfully upscale freshwater restoration efforts.”

Full list of the articles in the Special Issue:

To follow the latest publications, news and highlights from Nature Conservation, we invite you to subscribe for the journal’s newsletter by using the Email alert field on this website’s homepage, and follow the journal on Bluesky and Facebook.

The development of the issue was supported by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) with funds from the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety(BMUKN) (Project No. 3521830200).

New Michelin Star Jellyfish Discovered in Japanese Aquaria

Malagazzia michelin is only the second species of its genus to be found in Japanese waters.

Researchers have reported the discovery of a new species of jellyfish, Malagazzia michelin, marking only the second species of its genus ever found in Japanese waters. Led by Takato Izumi of Fukuyama University, the discovery was a collaborative effort between marine biologists and staff from several prominent institutions, including the Tsuruoka City Kamo Aquarium and the Saikai National Park Kuju-kushima Aquarium. The full study is published in the open-access journal ZooKeys.

First spotted in the shallow waters of Nagasaki and Yamaguchi Prefectures, the Malagazzia michelin jellyfish has subsequently been cultured and studied in captivity, providing scientists with a complete look at its entire life cycle from polyp to adult.

Sampling localities of Malagazzia michelin. A. Tabira and Sasebo, Nagasaki Pref. (indicated by black stars); B. Katasoe-ga-hama, Yamaguchi Pref. (by grey star). (Image credit: Izumi et al.).

A Unique Marine Resident

Malagazzia michelin is a small aquatic invertebrate characterised by a hemispherical, transparent umbrella that typically grows to between 12 and 20 millimeters in diameter. While it shares the four-lipped mouth and linear gonads typical of its genus, it is easily distinguished by a peculiar feature: enigmatic brown spots that resemble tiny oil droplets scattered across its reproductive organs and central stomach. DNA analysis has confirmed its status as a unique species, which is distinct from other known members of the Malagazzia family.

Enlarged view of the structures of living Malagazzia michelin. A, B. Closed lips; C. Open lips; D. Tentacles and tentacular bulbs; E–G. Gonads; F. Mature female; G. Mature male. Scale bar: 0.1 mm. (Image credit: Izumi et al.).

The species has been aptly named Malagazzia michelin as a playful nod to the famous Michelin Guide. As the jellyfish matures, the number of its distinctive brown spots increases, a process that researchers likened to a restaurant earning more “stars” for its quality. This celestial theme is also reflected in its new Japanese common name, ama-no-gawa-kurage (Milky Way jellyfish), which compares the white gonads and twinkling brown spots to a starry galaxy.

External view of the living medusae of Malagazzia michelin. A. Lateral view; B. Oral view; C. Lateral view of Kuju-kushima 3 with lighting; D–F. Kuju-kushima 1; D. Aboral view; E. Sketch from aboral side; F. Lateral view. Scale bar: 5 mm. (Image credit: Izumi et al.).
Polyps and juvenile–young medusae of Malagazzia michelin. A. Development of juvenile medusae; B–E. Polyps. Scale bar: 1 mm (thick); 200 µm (slender). (Photo credit: Izumi et al.).

Navigating the Confusion of Common Names

The formal scientific description of M. michelin addresses an interesting challenge in Japanese marine biology: the risk of common names. In Japan, ornamental jellyfish are often given descriptive common names, such as “salmon-roe laodicean jellyfish” (tsubuiri-sujiko-yawara-kurage), long before they are scientifically identified. This can lead to confusion – M. michelin, for instance, was previously misidentified in field guides as a member of the Laodicea genus, which is not closely related. Researchers emphasise that formal taxonomic work is essential to ensure that the biodiversity displayed in aquaria is accurately documented.

The discovery of Malagazzia michelin demonstrates the significant role that aquariums play as centres for scientific research and biodiversity discovery. By strengthening ties between public exhibitions and taxonomic research, scientists continue to bring the ocean’s most stellar species to light.

Original source:

Izumi T, Ikeda S, Nozoe Y, Goto S, Imamura N, Kinoshita T, Uchida H, Hamatsu Y, Akiyama H, Okuizumi K (2026) Discoveries from ornamental jellyfish in aquaria—description of Malagazzia michelin sp. nov. (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa, Leptothecata), second species of the genus from Japan. ZooKeys 1268: 13-32. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1268.173354

For more articles on zoology, visit the ZooKeys website and follow the journal on BlueSky and Facebook.

5000 Students run ‘bee hotels’ across Canada – DNA reveals who’s checking in

Students at the forefront of conservation or how community science helps gather data on cavity-nesting bees and wasps, enhancing our understanding of ecosystem interactions.

Can students be the front lines of conservation? A new Canada-wide study, published in Metabarcoding and Metagenomics, suggests they can. The efforts of some 5000 students produced data detailed enough to reveal complex ecological networks hidden inside a small PVC and cardboard tube home.

A trap nest installed at a Bees@Schools community science location. Multiple tubes nested in are visible.
A trap nest installed at a Bees@Schools community science location. Multiple tubes nested in are visible. Photo credit to Sage Handler.

They invited schools to volunteer across Canada to install standardised ‘trap nests’ – simple PVC pipe and cardboard tube homes that mimic natural cavities where bees and wasps build nests.

Cavity-nesting bees and wasps play key roles in pollination and pest control, yet their distributions and feeding relationships are often poorly known because they can be small, secretive and difficult to observe directly.

As part of the Bees@Schools community science program, researchers Sage Handler (University of Guelph), Nigel Raine (University of Guelph), and Dirk Steinke (University of Guelph) aimed to address this.

Nesting tubes gathered from one trap nest, ready to be cut open and processed.
Nesting tubes gathered from one trap nest, ready to be cut open and processed.
Photo credit to Sage Handler.

Instead of relying only on traditional identification under a microscope, the researchers used DNA metabarcoding – a method that reads DNA from mixed samples and can detect many species at once.

This allowed the team to identify not only which bee or wasp species built each nest, but also which plant pollen or insect prey were brought back as food. The result was a rich, detailed view of both where cavity-nesting bee and wasp species live and how they interact with plants and other insects.

Rainbow pollen prepared for DNA metabarcoding
A rainbow of pollen prepared for DNA metabarcoding.
Credit: Sage Handler
cavity-nesting bee nest
An intact cavity-nesting bee nest extracted from a nesting tube.
Credit: Sage Handler (Hill)
 

A key outcome of the study was the creation of tripartite networks: maps linking (1) the nesting bee or wasp, (2) its food (pollen or insect prey) and (3) parasites. This kind of network is extremely difficult to build through observation alone, but trap nests can act like tiny ecological time capsules.

Every brood cell contains biological traces and metabarcoding can recover them. Students weren’t just collecting insects, they were collecting entire ecological interaction datasets: the raw material needed to build food-web maps across a whole country!

A lot of people want to contribute to conservation or learn more about biodiversity, but don’t know how. This shows that a small, practical action, like hosting a trap nest, can contribute real data that researchers can use. Community and citizen science is becoming more common, so keep an eye out for research happening in your neighbourhood.

says Handler, the lead author of the study

Original resource:

Handler S, Coveny K, Braukmann TWA, Raine NE, Steinke D (2026) Welcome to Hotel Hymenoptera: monitoring cavity-nesting bee and wasp distribution and their trophic interactions using community science and metabarcoding. Metabarcoding and Metagenomics 10: e139674. https://doi.org/10.3897/mbmg.10.139674

Pensoft launches a new journal: Advances in Pollinator Research

Pensoft launches Advances in Pollinator Research, a diamond open-access journal unifying diverse pollinator science efforts.

In collaboration with the European Union pollinator projects community, scholarly publisher and technology provider Pensoft launched Advances in Pollinator Research, a new multidisciplinary, community-driven peer-reviewed journal set to transform how pollinator science is shared and translated into real-world action.

Advances in Pollinator Research (APR) is designed as an innovative platform for the full spectrum of pollinator science, from pollination ecology and pollinator-plant interactions to molecular ecology, conservation and more. A core mission of the journal is to champion research from underrepresented regions, taxa, and ecological contexts.

APR will be led by two Editors-in-Chief: Dr. Alexis Beaurepaire (University of Bern and Agroscope) and PD Dr. Lars Straub (University of Bern).

Mock-up cover of the APR journal.
Advances in Pollinator Research

As a diamond open-access journal, APR is currently free to publish and free to read, ensuring that all published research is openly accessible to the global community. The first editorial of the journal is available here.

In response to the global crisis of pollinator decline, APR moves beyond traditional data silos. It is the first comprehensive platform to unify the biological, environmental, socio-economic, and governance dimensions of pollinator health.

It embraces transdisciplinary collaboration and research between scientists, industry, and society with the aim of finding and amplifying solutions to real-world problems.

Cover mock-up of the Advances in Pollinator Research journal with key information.
APR journal with key information.

Furthermore, the journal welcomes research on conventional approaches while highly encouraging publications that apply innovative methods, such as automated monitoring systems, AI-assisted analytics, molecular and genomic tools, as well as large-scale network initiatives and open databases that advance FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) data dissemination across regions and taxa.

Figure illustrating the scope and publishing process of the APR journal, showing the diversity of pollinators, the multitude of stressors affecting them, and the various stakeholders interacting with them. Credit to Beaurepaire et al., 2026

The journal will utilise Pensoft’s innovative ARPHA platform, known for its robust support of academic publishing and efficient dissemination of research. Thanks to this one-stop publishing solution, the new journal offers a seamless, end-to-end publishing experience, encompassing all stages between manuscript submission and article publication, indexation, dissemination and permanent archiving.

The publishing services provided by ARPHA also include a variety of human-provided services and support and integrations with third-party providers, intended to maximise the reach and usability of scholarly knowledge published in Advances in Pollinator Research.

“We are excited to launch Advances in Pollinator Research. This ambitious journal is set to drive more innovative and interdisciplinary approaches within the field of pollinator science,”

says Prof. Lyubomir Penev, founder and CEO of ARPHA and Pensoft 

“With Advances in Pollinator Research, we aim to build an integrative and inclusive home for pollinator science that dissolves disciplinary and geographic silos and connects knowledge from genes to landscapes. Beyond a journal, APR is envisioned as a participatory forum where researchers, practitioners, and communities worldwide co-produce knowledge and accelerate solutions for pollinator health,”

comments Dr. Straub

“We are truly delighted to launch this new transdisciplinary journal focusing on pollinators. Through this effort, we aim to bring our diverse research community together and provide a dynamic platform for scientists and stakeholders to exchange knowledge, ultimately deepening our understanding of and commitment to protecting these precious and fascinating species.,”

adds Dr. Beaurepaire

Advances in Pollinator Research joins a number of open-access entomology journals published by Pensoft. 

For more information on the journal’s focus and scope and guidelines to authors, visit APR’s website, subscribe to the journal’s newsletter and follow it on BlueSky, Facebook and Linkedin.