Tag: citizen science

How Citizen Science and Fieldwork Rediscovered Papilio alexanor in Southern Italy

The rediscovery of Papilio alexanor in southern Italy marks a historic moment for Italian lepidopterology.

Guest blog post by Paolo Mazzei

For decades, butterfly enthusiasts and lepidopterists across Italy have wondered: could the lost southern populations of the Southern Swallowtail still be out there?

Historical records of Papilio alexanor in Southern Italy were sparse and dated, often dismissed as stray individuals blown in by strong winds from Greece or the Balkans. But for many lepidopterists, alexanor represents a true holy grail – a majestic, bright-yellow species that is strictly protected.

Our research didn’t start in a lab, but with a smartphone screen. 

Table of Contents

When Citizen Science Meets Expert Curiosity

male Papilio alexanor
Male Papilio alexanor on C. ruber. Picture by Stefano Meraglia.

In May 2023, a marine biologist kayaking along the rugged cliffs of Basilicata uploaded a brief video to iNaturalist. It captured an unmistakable female Papilio alexanor fluttering around a giant fennel (Ferula) stalk.

A year later, a second record appeared on iNaturalist: a pristine, freshly emerged female photographed by a German tourist in Campania. Together, these two sightings hinted that the species might be more than a mere vagrant here.

Papilio alexanor
Papilio alexanor. Picture by Paolo Mazzei.

This is where the power of modern biodiversity platforms like iNaturalist, Observation.org, and the eBMS (European Butterfly Monitoring Scheme) shines: they act as distributed networks of eyes on the ground, catching subtle shifts in nature that a single research team could easily miss. Inspired by these community sightings, our team from the Italian Lepidopterological Association (ALI), in collaboration with the University of Turin, decided it was time to step in.

A 1,400 km Journey into the Wild

Obtaining research permits for a strictly protected species under EU law takes time, ethics, and rigor. With support from the University of Turin, we secured formal authorization from the Italian Ministry of Environment in early 2026.

Driven by passion, our team funded the expedition ourselves, driving over 1,400 km round trip to systematically survey the steep coastal cliffs and dry habitats along the Campania–Basilicata border.

  • Pupa of Papilio alexanor.
    Pupa of Papilio alexanor. Photo by Paolo Mazzei.
  • Papilio alexanor caterpillar
    5th instar Papilio alexanor caterpillar. Picture by Stefano Meraglia,
  • Papilio alexanor caterpillars feeding on a plant
    Papilio alexanor caterpillars feeding F. glauca. Picture by Paolo Mazzei.
  • Papilio alexanor caterpillars of different instars, feeding on seeds of a plant
    Papilio alexanor caterpillars of different instars, feeding on seeds of F. glauca. Picture by Stefano Meraglia.
  • Papilio alexanor on a plant
    Papilio alexanor on C. ruber. Picture by Andrea Baruzzi,

The thrill of discovery was immediate. Standing at a cliffside turnout, we watched the first bright-yellow male soar up from the ravine. Soon we spotted courting pairs feeding on red valerian (Centranthus ruber) and females in the act of ovipositing.

Encouraged, we started scouting similar spots nearby, and the hunch paid off. About 15 to 20 km away, we found a second active breeding colony. 

Surprising Ecology: A New Host Plant for Italy

Female Papilio alexanor laying eggs on the flowers of F. glauca. Picture by Luciano Valeri.

Our fieldwork revealed two ecological twists, since published in our paper in Nota Lepidopterologica.

First, the Northern Italian populations rely on host plants such as Ptychotis saxifraga or Opopanax chironium, but the southern caterpillars feed exclusively on Ferula glauca. This host-plant association was previously documented in Greece and the Balkans, but never before in Italy.

Second, the flight begins significantly earlier here than in northern populations, reflecting local adaptation to the semi-arid, thermo-Mediterranean climate.

Protecting the Future: Simple Actions for Big Impact

Finding a “lost” population is cause for celebration, but it also brings responsibility. These isolated coastal colonies remain vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, fire, climate extremes, and road infrastructure development.

Female Papilio  alexanor
Female Papilio alexanor on C. ruber. Picture by Andrea Baruzzi, 2026,

To help Papilio alexanor keep thriving here, effective conservation management should prioritise targeted monitoring, integrating structured transects through schemes like eBMS to track population trends over time; habitat protection, preserving coastal slope vegetation and preventing over-mowing or destruction of Ferula glauca stands during roadside maintenance; and responsible citizen engagement, encouraging nature lovers, hikers, and photographers to submit observations with precise geolocation, while ensuring that delicate breeding sites remain respected and undisturbed. 

This story is a reminder that remarkable biological discoveries are still waiting to be made right under our noses. All it takes is a curious eye, a smartphone upload, and a community of passionate researchers ready to follow the trail.

Original source:

Meraglia S, Baruzzi A, Mazzei P, Valeri L, Zerunian Z (2026) First documented record of a reproducing population of Papilio alexanor Esper, 1800 (Lepidoptera, Papilionidae) in Southern Italy, with ecological notes. Nota Lepidopterologica 49: 157-170. https://doi.org/10.3897/nl.49.206084 

Pensoft at the European Congress of Conservation Biology 2026 in Leiden

Highlights from Pensoft’s booth from the 8th European Congress of Conservation Biology (ECCB 2026) in Leiden.

Between 6-10 July, more than 850 participants from 25 countries gathered in Leiden, the Netherlands, for the 8th European Congress of Conservation Biology (ECCB) 2026.

Table of Contents
  1. Effective Biodiversity Conservation
  2. Pensoft’s booth
  3. Our journal portfolio on display
  4. Familiar faces at the stand
  5. Looking ahead

The congress was organised by the Society for Conservation Biology (SCB) and hosted at Leiden University (FWN/CML), in partnership with Hortus botanicus, Wageningen University & Research (WUR), and NIOO-KNAW, with support from the Leiden Biodiversity Network.

  • Opening ceremony of ECCB 2026
    Opening ceremony of ECCB 2026
  • Pensoft's booth at ECCB 2026
    Head of PR and Journal Development representing Pensoft at ECCB 2026.
  • Exhibitor and poster hall at ECCB 2026.
    Exhibitor and poster hall at ECCB 2026.

Effective Biodiversity Conservation

Under the theme “Effective Biodiversity Conservation,” the congress brought together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to explore how biodiversity can be safeguarded over the long term. Its core message was that effective conservation cannot rest on the efforts of conservationists alone. It requires coordinated, multidisciplinary, science-based action across society.

  • Opening ceremony of ECCB 2026
    Opening ceremony of ECCB 2026.
  • Prof. Dr. Geert de Snoo and his "1% of GDP for safeguarding nature!" presentation
    Prof. Dr. Geert de Snoo and his “1% of GDP for safeguarding nature!” presentation

Dr. Laura Bosco, President of SCB Europe, opened the congress and set the scene for the week ahead. Prof. Dr. Geert de Snoo, one of the congress’s co-organisers, followed with the presentation: “1% of GDP for safeguarding nature!” – a call to set aside 1% of global GDP to help close the biodiversity funding gap, given that half of the world’s GDP depends on natural ecosystem services, and to protect 30% of the Earth’s land and oceans by 2030.

From there, the programme ran packed with symposia, roundtables, and workshops covering policymaking and effectiveness, conservation planning, new methods for measuring and quantifying biodiversity, eDNA for conservation, citizen science, and remote sensing, alongside a poster session held each day.

Pensoft’s booth

Pensoft at he 8th European Congress of Conservation Biology (ECCB) 2026.

Our stand stood out with professionally designed booth walls and enjoyed a strong flow of visitors throughout the congress. Delegates met Pensoft’s Head of Journal Development and PR, Iva Boyadzhieva, who answered questions about publishing opportunities and scholarly resources, including Advanced Books, Pensoft’s platform for publishing open-access monographs, edited volumes, and other book-length scholarly works.

She also shared updates from the Horizon Europe-funded projects Biodiversity Meets Data and SpongeBoost. 

  • Pensoft's Fortune Wheel at ECCB 2026.
    Pensoft’s Fortune Wheel at ECCB 2026.
  • Pensoft's Fortune Wheel at ECCB 2026.
    People spinning Pensoft’s Fortune Wheel to win prizes.
  • People signing up to Pensoft's newsletter and spinning the wheel.
    People signing up to Pensoft’s newsletter and spinning the wheel.

For the first time, our booth also ran an interactive game, where visitors could spin a wheel to win some prizes. The game rules were simple: visitors filled out a subscription form for one or more journals, spun a wheel featuring the names of journals relevant to the congress, and won a sticker matching the journal they landed on. 

Visitor at Pensoft’s booth at the 8th European Congress of Conservation Biology, interacting with the wheel.

Curiously, the illustrations on the vivid stickers are not coincidental: each features a scientific illustration by Denitsa Peneva of a species discussed in a publication from across Pensoft’s scholarly portfolio – a nod to the authors who chose one of our journals to share their research.

Our journal portfolio on display

Visitors had the chance to explore Pensoft’s diverse open-access portfolio, from conservation-focused titles like Nature Conservation and Neotropical Biology and Conservation, to ecosystem-focused journals such as One Ecosystem, Frontiers of Biogeography, and NeoBiota.

  • Several journal materials at Pensoft's booth at ECCB 2026.
    Several journal materials at Pensoft’s booth at ECCB 2026.
  • Several journal materials at Pensoft's booth at ECCB 2026.
    Several journal materials at Pensoft’s booth at ECCB 2026.

The stand also showcased more specialised outlets, including Biodiversity Data Journal and Metabarcoding and Metagenomics, alongside our fungi-focused IMA Fungus and MycoKeys, and our vegetation titles Vegetation Classification and Survey and Vegetation Ecology and Diversity. Attendees also had the chance to learn more about our newly launched diamond open-access Journal of Regeneration.

Close up of Individual-Based Ecology and Agricultural and Environmental Modelling journals.
Individual-Based Ecology and Agricultural and Environmental Modelling on focus at ECCB 2026.

A particular highlight was our trio of diamond open-access journals, free to publish in and free to read, that drew considerable interest from attendees: 

  • Individual-Based Ecology promotes a distinctive individual-based perspective on ecology, aiming to bridge individual behaviour and broader ecological patterns. 
  • Advances in Pollinator Research covers the full spectrum of pollinator science, from pollination ecology to conservation, 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. 
  • Agricultural and Environmental Modelling, meanwhile, offers an innovative approach to publishing, dedicated to advancing both the science and practice of modelling across Agriculture, Food Systems, Natural Resources, and Environmental Sciences. 

Familiar faces at the stand

  • Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Annegret Grimm-Seyfarth, at Pensoft's booth at ECCB 2026.
    Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Nature Conservation, Dr. Annegret Grimm-Seyfarth, at Pensoft’s booth at ECCB 2026.
  • Prof. Davy McCracken, Subject Editor at Nature Conservation.
    Prof. Davy McCracken, Subject Editor at Nature Conservation.
  • Dr. Niels Raes, project coordinator of Biodiversity Meets Data.
    Dr. Niels Raes, project coordinator of Biodiversity Meets Data at ECCB 2026.
  • Martina Viti and Annika Zuleger, authors that have published across Pensoft's journal at ECCB 2026.
    Martina Viti and Annika Zuleger, authors that have published across Pensoft’s journal at ECCB 2026.

Our booth was visited by Nature Conservation’s Deputy Editor-in-Chief Annegret Grimm-Seyfarth. Earlier that week, she also co-organised a symposium, “How can Wildlife Detection Dogs contribute to effective biodiversity conservation in Europe?” As well as one of Nature Conservation’s Subject Editor, Prof. Davy McCracken and Dr. Niels Raes, the project coordinator of Biodiversity Meets Data.

We also met one of our authors, Andra Neagu, in person. We recently ran a PR campaign on her and her team’s research analysing more than 1,100 media reports from 2007 to 2024 to uncover patterns in wildlife poaching across Romania, which you can read here.

  • Andra Neagu, an author at Nature Conservation at Pensoft's booth at ECCB 2026.
    Andra Neagu, an author at Nature Conservation at Pensoft’s booth at ECCB 2026.
  • Andra Neagu next to her scientific poster at ECCB 2026.
    Andra Neagu next to her scientific poster at ECCB 2026.

Looking ahead

  • Closing ceremony of ECCB 2026.
    Closing ceremony of ECCB 2026.
  • Closing ceremony of ECCB 2026.
    Closing ceremony of ECCB 2026.

It was a pleasure to be part of ECCB 2026 and to connect with so many researchers, policymakers, and practitioners working toward effective biodiversity conservation.

Save the date: SCB’s 33rd International Congress for Conservation Biology (ICCB 2027) will be held in Puebla, Mexico, at the end of June or beginning of July 2027.

Follow us on Bluesky, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn for more future updates.

Scrolling for Science: How a Twitter Post Discovered a New Wasp in Fukuoka, Japan

Indeed, the next time you post a nature photo online, you might be contributing to a major scientific breakthrough.

The next time you post a nature photo online, you might be contributing to a major scientific breakthrough – just as several citizen scientists did when they helped discover the wasp Eupelmus curvator in Japan.

When a series of photos appeared on Twitter (now X) showing an iridescent wasp laying eggs on a praying mantis egg case, researchers from the Kyushu University Museum realised they weren’t looking at a common garden insect. Instead, they were witnessing a species never before seen in Japan: Eupelmus curvator.

“The discovery was made possible through social media,” said Taisuke Kawano, the lead researcher and a specialist in eupelmid wasps at the Kyushu University Museum.

“It all started with a post by a general user who shared a photo capturing a wasp emerging from a mantis egg case. A colleague of mine noticed the post and forwarded it to me via direct message.”

The wasp is the first record of Eupelmus curvator in Japan, a species previously known only to inhabit China. Perhaps more significantly, the recent study provided the first formal scientific description of the male of the species, which had remained a mystery until now.

Eupelmus (Eupelmus) curvator: female habitus. Photo credit: Taisuke Kawano et al., 2026.

A Rare Egg Hunter

“Eupelmus curvator is particularly interesting because it parasitises the egg cases of praying mantises.

While some other genera in Eupelmidae are specialised egg parasitoids, most species of Eupelmus attack larvae or pupae of other insects, and only very few are known to develop inside mantis oothecae. This makes Eupelmus curvator a rather unusual and biologically intriguing species.”

Taisuke Kawano

The researchers confirmed that the wasp targets the Narrow-winged Mantis (Tenodera angustipennis), turning the mantis’ future offspring into a nursery for its own young. In one case, a single mantis egg case collected in Fukuoka yielded 77 wasps and only a few surviving mantis nymphs.

Digital Collecting: The Future of Citizen Science

The research, published in the open-access journal Travaux du Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle “Grigore Antipa”, highlights a growing trend in biodiversity research: utilising digital collecting to find rare species.

In the spring of 2018 and again in 2021, citizen scientists and nature enthusiasts posted images and videos of the wasps’ behaviour on Twitter. Through direct communication on the platform, these users sent specimens to Kawano for identification.

“Social media is becoming an increasingly important tool in citizen science. One of its greatest strengths is that it effectively increases the number of ‘eyes in the field.’ These observations often come from places and times that researchers would not normally be able to cover.

When particularly interesting records appear, we can contact observers directly via social media, and in some cases obtain specimens for further study.”

Taisuke Kawano

To document the tiny find – females measure only about 2.2 to 3.2 mm excluding the ovipositor – the team used advanced macro photography and focus stacking technology to create hyper-detailed images of the wasp’s anatomy.

Eupelmus (Eupelmus) curvator ovipositing on mantis ootheca at Kyushu University Ito campus, Fukuoka. Photo credit: Taisuke Kawano et al., 2026.

Science in Your Backyard

The discovery suggests that even in well-studied regions like Japan, there is a wealth of biodiversity to be uncovered. The key, according to Kawano, is that scientists are now finding it in new ways:

“One of the most exciting aspects is how social media is changing the way we conduct research. The social media platforms allow researchers to encounter observations that would otherwise remain unnoticed, effectively transforming everyday posts into valuable scientific data.”

As for his own social media habits? Kawano admits the line between work and leisure has blurred:

“Personally, I sometimes joke that even when I am browsing social media, I am actually working. And it is sometimes true… though not always.”

The research was supported by grants from the Robert T. Huang Entrepreneurship Center of Kyushu University and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.

Cover image illustration by Kanji Toyosaki.

Original source:

Kawano T, Imada S, Noguchi S, Toyosaki K (2026) When your posts yield biodiversity findings: social media-facilitated discovery of Eupelmus (Eupelmus) curvator Yang (Hymenoptera, Eupelmidae) in Japan with notes on its bionomics. Travaux du Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle “Grigore Antipa” 69(1): 1–12. https://doi.org/10.3897/travaux.69.e171809

South African Mantids Caught Snacking on Snails

Researchers documenting the Polyspilota genus in South Africa have recorded these predators hunting and consuming snails and slugs in the wild for the first time.

While most of us imagine praying mantises as hunters of flying insects, a new study published in the open-access Journal of Orthoptera Research reveals a much slimier side to their diet.

Researchers documenting the Polyspilota genus in South Africa have recorded these predators hunting and consuming snails and slugs in the wild for the first time. This discovery shifts our understanding of mantis ecology from strict insectivores to opportunistic generalists capable of tackling unconventional prey.

Polyspilota aeruginosa female nymph feeding on common garden snail, Cornu aspersum in captivity. Photographed by Paul Janse van Rensburg.

Lead researcher Bianca Greyvenstein of North-West University in South Africa explains that this find was a major milestone for her team after a decade of studying these insects:

“We have been doing research on South African Mantodea species for about 10 years, and this was the first instance we noted of a mantis eating snails”.

She notes that the team was very suprised that this behaviour also occurs in the wild and not just in captivity. While they attempted to see if other South African species would follow suit, none of the others showed any interest in snails as a food source.

Polyspilota aeruginosa nymph feeding on silky tailwagger snail (Kerkophorus inunctus) in the wild (iGwalagwala Trail, St Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal). Photographed by Terence Bellingan.

The appearance of snail-eating behavior might seem like a new evolutionary trend, but the researchers suspect it is simply something we have missed until now. As Greyvenstein points out:

“Very little information is available on mantis species in general, and especially on those in South Africa”.

She believes the documentation of gastropod predation is more likely a reflection of gaps in research and knowledge rather than a sudden change in behaviour. As scientists dig deeper into these genera, they expect to find even more novel behaviours.

Mantodea Mantid Polyspilota, Newlands forest Mantids, Feb 2024. Photographed by Paul Janse van Rensburg.

The study also highlights that Polyspilota aeruginosa (common name: the Flag Mantis) is a remarkably flexible hunter. Beyond mollusks, these mantids have been observed eating geckos, proving they are not picky when a high-protein meal presents itself. Greyvenstein notes:

“Praying mantises in general may have a far more varied diet and behavioural repertoire than many people realise”.

Female Polyspilota aeruginosa eating a tropical house gecko (Leisure Bay, KwaZulu-Natal). Photographed by Gwenikè Lawrance.

She also emphasises that while people often view them solely as insect predators, observations such as gastropod predation show that there is still much to learn about even familiar animals.

A critical component of this research was the data provided by everyday people using platforms like iNaturalist. These citizen science contributions helped the team map the distribution of mantids and identify their varied prey.

“Exciting discoveries are not limited to remote rainforests or deep oceans. There are fascinating behaviours waiting to be documented in local gardens and natural areas. We have really only begun to scratch the surface of these fascinating creatures”.

Bianca Greyvenstein
Mantodea Mantid Polyspilota, Tugela, June 2024. Photographed by Paul Janse van Rensburg.

Original source:

Greyvenstein B, Janse van Rensburg P, Bellingan T, van den Berg J, Jordaens K, Stals R, Midgley J (2026) Snacking on snails: Novel prey and the distributions of Polyspilota praying mantids (Mantodea, Mantidae) in South Africa. Journal of Orthoptera Research 35(2): 251-258. https://doi.org/10.3897/jor.35.187916

For more interesting articles on orthoptera, visit the Journal of Orthoptera Research website and follow us on Bluesky and Facebook.

Bridging Worlds Through Knowledge: Celebrating International Museum Day 2026

Pensoft Publishers is proud to celebrate International Museum Day and its 2026 theme: Museums Uniting a Divided World.

Pensoft Publishers is proud to celebrate International Museum Day and its 2026 theme: Museums Uniting a Divided World. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the International Council of Museums, which stresses the enduring necessity of institutions that serve as custodians of our collective memory. In alignment with this year’s focus on fostering dialogue and peace, we have curated a special “Best of the Archive” collection. 

Here, we highlight recent research from a selection of open-access, museum-led journals that exemplify cultural diplomacy, repatriation, and the evolution of inclusive curation. These include Pensoft’s Natural History Collections and Museomics, Travaux du Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle “Grigore Antipa” and Annals of the Natural History Museum Vienna, alongside the ARPHA-supported Papahou: Records of the Auckland Museum and Tuhinga.

Empowering Communities in Mexico

In our journal Natural History Collections and Museomics, researchers from the Institute of Ecology in Mexico demonstrate how entomological outreach can transform scientific surveys into community connections. Focusing on dung beetle research in Oaxaca, Mexico, the authors moved beyond data extraction to prioritise ethical engagement with Indigenous communities. Specifically, they utilised a knowledge exchange approach known as intercambio de saberes, which integrated “Traditional Ecological Knowledge” into the scientific process. By donating outreach collections to local libraries and documenting names in Indigenous languages like Ayuujk and Tu’un Savi, the project created a shared space for cultural and scientific dialogue.

Examples of interactions with elementary school students using entomological outreach collections after workshop sessions in the communities of Tlaxiaco and Huajuapan de León. Image credit: Cruz-García et al.

Read more: Cruz-García BJ, Sandoval O, Cruz-García EJ, Escobar-Hernández F, Arriaga-Jiménez A (2025) From collections to connections: empowering communities through entomological outreach. Natural History Collections and Museomics 2: 1-12. https://doi.org/10.3897/nhcm.2.147417 

Cultural Interaction in the Coral Sea

A review published in Tuhinga explores the “Connections across the Coral Sea” exhibition, which traces the movement of First Nations communities across Northern Queensland, the Torres Strait, and Papua New Guinea. This work, led by Safua Akeli Amaama of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, highlights a Cultural Interaction Sphere where about 100 cultural groups have traded resources and shared knowledge for centuries. The exhibition bridges geopolitical divides by showcasing shared cosmological stories, such as the star constellations known as Matariki in Aotearoa New Zealand and Usiam in the Torres Strait. This inclusive approach to curation honours the maritime technologies and spiritual connections that have long linked these diverse coastal regions.

Map of Northern Queensland coastline. Image credit: Safua Akeli Amaama.

Read more: Akeli Amaama S (2024) Connections across the Coral Sea: a story of movement (Queensland Museum, Australia). Tuhinga 35: 11-13. https://doi.org/10.3897/tuhinga.35.132206 

Citizen Science and Social Inclusion in Cyprus

The journal Travaux du Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle “Grigore Antipa” highlights the power of public participation in its report on the first records of the Giant water bug in Cyprus. This research relied almost entirely on data provided by biodiversity enthusiasts through social media networks. Validating findings from non-scientists allows for the museum to foster a sense of inclusion and empowers local citizens to contribute to national biodiversity monitoring. This collaboration represents an important bridge between professional researchers and the broader community, ensuring that scientific knowledge is a collective achievement rather than an isolated one.

Photographs of Lethocerus sp. in situ. Records from Facebook Groups (FBG) and
Personal Communication (PC).

Read more: Hadjiconstantis M, Tziortzis I, Kunt KB (2023) On the importance of citizen-science: first records of the Giant water bug Lethocerus patruelis (Hemiptera, Belostomatidae) in Cyprus. Travaux du Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle “Grigore Antipa” 66(2): 291-299. https://doi.org/10.3897/travaux.66.e94457 

Digital Repatriation from Aotearoa to West Africa

In Papahou: Records of the Auckland Museum, an article examines how open cultural heritage practices connect Aotearoa New Zealand with West Africa. Through partnerships with Wikimedia, the Auckland Museum is facilitating digital access to Nigerian and Ghanaian artifacts for their source communities. This initiative addresses questions of authority and authorship by allowing local advocates in Ghana and Nigeria to shape how their heritage is represented online. Indeed, by adopting a policy of “open by default, closed by exception”, the museum balances the democratisation of knowledge with the need for cultural safety and Indigenous sovereignty.

“Ikorodu Lagos State Town Hall Nigeria 1972 Designed by Michael Olutusen Onafowokan Part Plan Of Gallery 024” (circa 1961–1983). Wikimedia Commons.

Read more: Selvadurai A, Bayel H, Petercan AL (2026) Open access from Aotearoa to West Africa. Papahou: Records of the Auckland Museum 60: 11-15. https://doi.org/10.32912/papahou.60.187681 

Confronting Colonial History in Vienna

The Annals of the Natural History Museum Vienna contributes to cultural diplomacy by critically examining the provenance of osteological collections acquired during 19th-century naval expeditions. This interdisciplinary study investigates the ethical challenges of human remains collected from East Africa and Madagascar. It is becoming increasingly clear that the documentation of the circumstances of acquisition and the presence of colonial violence in the historical record is necessary to the adoption of better guidelines for future engagement and repatriation. This transparent approach to difficult histories is essential for building trust and understanding between European institutions and the communities whose heritage they hold.

Different assessments of trauma in the Tanzania and Madagascar Collection. Image credit: Schattke et al.

Read more: Schattke C, Wolf D, Berner M, Eggers S (2026) Ships and Bones: Violence contributing to and consisting in osteological museum collections. Annals of the Natural History Museum Vienna 127: 85-94. https://doi.org/10.3897/anhmw.182645 

Conclusion

As we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the International Council of Museums, we reaffirm our understanding that museums act as bridges across cultural, social, and geopolitical divides. Through the articles highlighted here, we see museums actively fostering dialogue, understanding, inclusion, and peace within and between communities worldwide.

For more museum-led research, make sure to follow Pensoft’s journals on social media:

The Giants of the Reef: New Citizen Science Project Races to Document Centennial Corals

Ancient, massive coral reef colonies hold scientific treasures but remain largely unknown – now they are being mapped with the help of citizen science.

Guest blog post by Federica Siena

Coral reefs hide “scientific treasures” that have survived for centuries, yet many of these giant, ancient organisms remain largely unknown to science. A new study published in the journal Nature Conservation introduces “Map the Giants,” a pioneering citizen-science initiative launched by researchers from the University of Milano-Bicocca to find these giant coral colonies before they are lost to escalating global pressures.

Map the Giants® was born from a sobering yet stimulating realization by the research team: despite their centennial age and their remarkable sizes – defined by the project as colonies measuring at least 5 meters in length – these colonies lack formal recognition. This leaves them vulnerable to disappearance simply because we do not know they exist.

A Mission of Discovery

Coral giant, video credit to Map the Giants®

While these coral giants have withstood the elements for hundreds of years, the last century has brought unprecedented local and global threats. “We are in a race to recognize these organisms. They have survived for centuries, but modern pressures are increasing so rapidly that some colonies may disappear before they are even documented,” the authors emphasized the urgency.

The research highlights that identifying these giants is not just a scientific necessity, but a vital tool for fostering ocean literacy and raising awareness among local stakeholders and the broader community – a goal made possible through a standardized reporting protocol and multi-expert validation that ensures robust data collection regardless of the contributor’s background.

Secrets of Survival

  • Pavona cf. clavus from Vietnam, 195 metres in perimeter. Credits to Anuar Abdulla
  • Turbinaria sp. measuring 11m in diameter. Credits to Map the Giants
  • Pavona sp. from Indonesia measuring 78 m in perimeter. Credits to Easy Divers Bali

The team searched for more than just size; they also looked for vital clues to “coral resilience“. Long-lived giant corals act as high-resolution time capsules, archiving centuries of past climate and environmental conditions within their skeletons.

By locating and studying these ancient survivors, we hope to unlock the genetic secrets and traits that have enabled these specific individuals to resist and acclimatize to environmental changes.

researchers explained

Furthermore, the project aims to provide a validated sampling frame to support peer-reviewed studies on resilient “super-corals,” which could help future-proof and restore the reefs of tomorrow. Ultimately, by identifying these culturally and ecologically valuable colonies, the researchers plan to collaborate with stakeholders to explore protection measures and establish them as marine monuments.

The Power of the Community

@pensoft.publishers

Some #corals have been alive for CENTURIES – and scientists are just now racing to find them before they disappear. 🪸 “Map the Giants” is a new citizen science project tracking coral colonies 5+ metres long. In just 18 months, contributors from 22 countries have already added 133 verified entries to the global database. 👐Pretty incredible what a community can do. Photo and video credit to: Map the Giants, Luca Fallati, Federica Siena, Anuar Abdulla and Easy Divers Bali #coralreefs #science #marine #climatechange

♬ mirage – théos & Antent

The project has already seen remarkable success. In its first 18 months, the initiative received 195 submissions from 22 countries, resulting in 133 validated entries added to the public database. Most surprisingly, the project reports of an incredibly large Porites sp. coral measuring over 60 metres in linear length or a Pavona cf. clavus over 195 metres in perimeter, offering new inspirations for future scientific research.

Citizen science is pivotal. The sheer scale of coral reefs requires a concerted effort. Anyone with a camera and a snorkel can join us. A simple report of a giant’s existence is the first step in recognizing and studying them.

said the project lead Prof. Simone Montano

How to Join the Search

The project is designed for total accessibility. Through a dedicated website (www.mapthegiants.com) and social media presence, the public can contribute data and learn about the beauty and fragility of reef ecosystems. The adaptable protocol ensures that whilst data are robust, the background of the contributor will only affect the level of complexity of the data, not the report on its own. By turning divers and reef users into “coral seekers,” the project aims to bridge the gap between professional science and community-led conservation.

Original source:

Siena FM, Gabbiadini A, Fallati L, Galli P, Montano S (2026) Map the Giants: a new citizen-science portal to map, study and protect the largest coral colonies. Nature Conservation 63: 127-151. https://doi.org/10.3897/natureconservation.63.182923

A New Spiny Frog Discovered in the Ecuadorian Andes

This visually striking species emphasises the need for habitat protection in the Ecuadorian cloud forests.

A gruelling two-day trek into the remote upper Pastaza basin has revealed a new inhabitant of the Ecuadorian Andes: Pristimantis fergusoni. In a new study published in the open-access journal ZooKeys, a research team led by Juan Pablo Reyes-Puig of Fundación EcoMinga and the Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad (INABIO) has recently described this fascinating species of spiny frog.

Taxonomy and Fieldwork

Reyes-Puig discusses the primary motivations behind the team’s study:

“Due to its great diversity, Pristimantis is a genus that requires constant taxonomic work, especially in remote and little-studied areas. One such area is the upper Pastaza basin in the central Andes of Ecuador.

Although we have studied this region for almost two decades, each new exploration brings surprises, such as the case of the new Pristimantis fergusoni.”

This constant taxonomic revision stems from the sheer scale of the genus; frogs of the Pristimantis group currently comprise 626 species. Historically, limited scientific funding meant that many of these were described primarily on the basis of morphological evidence.

Fortunately, this has been increasingly remedied over the last decade as a growing community of taxonomists in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru combine molecular and morphological data to identify and classify new species.

However, carrying out fieldwork in these remote regions remains a formidable challenge. Reyes-Puig highlights the physical demands of conducting herpetological research in the upper montane forests of the eastern Ecuadorian Andes:

“First, it is quite challenging to reach the location after nearly two days of hiking. Then, the cold and almost constant humidity are physical limitations after fatigue, but observing a habitat untouched by humans and species never seen before, such as Pristimantis fergusoni, are a real reward.”

That reward is visually striking. While many frogs in the Pristimantis genus rely on camouflage to blend into the forest floor, P. fergusoni carries a distinct flash of color. The species exhibits notable sexual dimorphism: males are more muted, whereas females possess a bright scarlet belly.

Pristimantis fergusoni. (Photo credit: Juan Pablo Reyes Puig).

The exact reason for this vivid coloring remains a mystery, though Reyes-Puig notes a few plausible theories:

“Knowledge about the behavior and natural history of the new species is very limited, but we believe that the bright colors could serve for communication during courtship or as part of their reproductive strategies.”

Notably, this new species is named after Robert T. Ferguson II, an amateur naturalist who dedicated his life to protecting reptiles and amphibians. As a citizen scientist, Ferguson mapped wildlife in the US and helped fund the protection of rainforests in Latin America. Through his photography and work with groups like Rainforest Trust, he inspired others to care for the wild.

Pristimantis fergusoni. (Video credit: Juan Pablo Reyes Puig).

A Biodiversity Hotspot Under Pressure

The discovery of P. fergusoni is likely just the beginning, with the upper Pastaza basin serving as a taxonomic frontier where many more species await identification. Reyes-Puig estimates that at least eight more new species of amphibians are currently waiting to be described in this region alone.

For now, Pristimantis fergusoni is listed as “Data Deficient” by the IUCN because it has only been found in two locations close to one another – the Cerro Candelaria and Chamana Reserves – leaving scientists without the population data needed to determine its level of risk. However, the team is already working to ensure the frog’s future isn’t left to chance.

“Taxonomic work is usually limited to describing new species,” says Reyes-Puig. “We have gone a step further by ensuring the protection of the new species’ habitat through the declaration of protected areas.”

While this work happens on the ground in the Llanganates-Sangay Ecological Corridor, Reyes-Puig stresses that protecting these species requires global awareness. Climate change and habitat loss are universal threats to amphibians, and local conservation efforts rely on broader environmental responsibility: 

“Small actions such as recycling, waste management, and sustainable activities are important. We know that climate change is a problem that affects amphibians worldwide, but small actions [from the public] are also crucial.”

Pristimantis fergusoni. (Photo credit: Juan Pablo Reyes Puig).

The presence of P. fergusoni is a testament to the region’s immense biodiversity, and a reminder that in the underexplored Andes, discovery and conservation must move at the same urgent pace.

Original source:

Reyes-Puig JP, Yánez-Muñoz MH, Ron SR, Venegas PJ, Ortega J, Carrión-Olmedo JC, Reyes-Puig C (2026) A new spiny frog of the genus Pristimantis (Anura, Strabomantidae) from the eastern slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes. ZooKeys 1269: 83-105. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1269.162260

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

Year of the Horse 2026: A selection of equine-related species to celebrate the Lunar New Year

Pensoft celebrates the Year of the Horse by showcasing scientific discoveries of equine-adjacent species.

Lunar New Year is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunar calendar. As the most important holiday in China, it is also widely celebrated across Korea, Vietnam, and other countries with a substantial Chinese diaspora.

In celebration of 2026 as the Year of the Horse, we reviewed our journals for horse-related studies. While our recent publications do not focus on horses themselves, we have highlighted several fascinating species that share an equine connection in their names.

2026 may be the Year of the Fire Horse, but we start our series with a creature of the opposite element: the seahorse!

Hippocampus japapigu in situ, Hejie, Kenting, Taiwan. (Photo credit: Chao-Tsung Chen).

Monitoring tiny, cryptic pygmy seahorses can be costly and logistically challenging. To overcome this, researchers from Taiwan turned to citizen science, gathering photographs from divers and underwater photographers via social media. Five species were identified, including two never before recorded in the region.

Among them is the charismatic “Japan pig” seahorse, Hippocampus japapigu, originally described from Japan in the open-access journal ZooKeys.

At the time, only seven pygmy seahorses had been identified globally. Documenting five of them in Taiwan established the region among the world’s biodiversity hotspots for these miniature fish.

Read more: ZooKeys 883: 83–90. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.883.39662

But seven did not remain the final count for long. In Chinese tradition, eight is considered an auspicious number, associated with prosperity and good fortune.

Enter Hippocampus nalu – the eighth recognized pygmy seahorse species!

Hippocampus nalu in situ, Sodwana Bay, South Africa at 14 m depth. (Photo credit: Richard Smith, oceanrealmimages.com).

It is also the first confirmed true pygmy seahorse recorded from Africa. Measuring just 20 mm, this tiny species was discovered at depths of 17 m on a sandy coral reef in Sodwana Bay, South Africa.

Read more: ZooKeys 934: 141–156. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.934.50924

Seahorses also feature in a remarkable Mediterranean story…

A study published in Acta Ichthyologica et Piscatoria documented a stable and conspicuous population of the long-snouted seahorse, Hippocampus guttulatus, in a highly polluted coastal lagoon in the Ionian Sea.

Hippocampus guttulatus observed during the diving visual census carried out in the Mar
Piccolo of Taranto (Ionian Sea), 2011-2013. (Photo credit: Francesco Tiralongo and Rossella Baldacconi).

Through three years of diving surveys, amounting to 69 hours underwater, researchers recorded 196 sightings. The seahorses showed a clear preference for artificial hard substrates, while only a few individuals were found in algal meadows. 

Despite environmental fluctuations and pollution, the population persists. In the Year of the Horse, we wish you the same resilience and strength!

Read more: Acta Ichthyologica et Piscatoria 44(2): 99–104. https://doi.org/10.3750/AIP2014.44.2.02

Fish is a traditional Lunar New Year dish, symbolising abundance and good fortune. While you won’t find a horsefish at the markets of Hainan, China, you can certainly spot a ponyfish.

Researchers have reported the first confirmed record of Aurigequula striata in Chinese waters, based on specimens collected at a fish market in Sanya, Hainan Island.

Aurigequula striata, left lateral view. (Photo credit: Jia-Jie Chen).

Live seafood markets have long proven to be unexpected hotspots for scientific discovery – just like the remarkable giant isopod Bathynomus vaderi described from market-purchased material in Vietnam.

As fresh as the seafood on display, this discovery was published in late January 2026 in ZooKeys. Newly collected specimens of Aurigequula fasciata enabled detailed morphological and genomic analyses, including the first complete mitochondrial genomes for both species and new phylogenetic insights into the family Leiognathidae.

Aurigequula fasciata, left lateral view. (Photo credit: Jia-Jie Chen).

Read more: ZooKeys 1267: 31–49. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1267.174380

Fittingly, we close with a horseshoe bat once feared lost. Its name bridges our equine theme with a traditional Chinese symbol: the word for bat (fú, 蝠) is a homophone for blessing (fú, 福), representing happiness and prosperity.

Hill’s horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hilli), listed as Critically Endangered and unseen since 1981, was rediscovered in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda, after 40 years.

Rhinolophus hilli, first observation of this species since 1981 in Nyungwe National Park. (Photo credit: Flanders, et al.).

Through cave surveys, forest capture efforts, and long-term acoustic monitoring, researchers confirmed the survival of this elusive species, bringing renewed hope for its conservation. 

Read more: Biodiversity Data Journal 10: e83546 https://doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.10.e83546

As we gallop into 2026, may the Year of the Horse bring you strength, endurance, and a stable path toward success. On behalf of Pensoft, we wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

Original sources:

Chen J-J, Zhong J-S, Zeng S, Yang D-Y, Liu P, Wang X-D, Zhang H-Y, Ye J-Q (2026) A new leiognathid record from China with complete mitogenomes and phylogenetic insights of two Aurigequula (Teleostei, Leiognathidae) species. ZooKeys 1267: 31-49. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1267.174380

Flanders J, Frick WF, Nziza J, Nsengimana O, Kaleme P, Dusabe MC, Ndikubwimana I, Twizeyimana I, Kibiwot S, Ntihemuka P, Cheng TL, Muvunyi R, Webala P (2022) Rediscovery of the critically endangered Hill`s horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hilli) and other new records of bat species in Rwanda. Biodiversity Data Journal 10: e83546. https://doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.10.e83546

Heard J, Chen J-P, Wen CKC (2019) Citizen science yields first records of Hippocampus japapigu and Hippocampus denise (Syngnathidae) from Taiwan: A hotspot for pygmy seahorse diversity. ZooKeys 883: 83-90. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.883.39662

Short G, Claassens L, Smith R, De Brauwer M, Hamilton H, Stat M, Harasti D (2020) Hippocampus nalu, a new species of pygmy seahorse from South Africa, and the first record of a pygmy seahorse from the Indian Ocean (Teleostei, Syngnathidae). ZooKeys 934: 141-156. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.934.50924

Tiralongo F, Baldacconi R (2014) A conspicuous population of the long-snouted seahorse, Hippocampus guttulatus (Actinopterygii: Syngnathiformes: Syngnathidae), in a highly polluted Mediterranean coastal lagoon. Acta Ichthyologica et Piscatoria 44(2): 99-104. https://doi.org/10.3750/AIP2014.44.2.02

Bridging citizen science and expert surveys in urban biodiversity monitoring: Insights from insect diversity in Macao

Using insects as a model group, researchers examined the potential of citizen science to uncover undocumented biodiversity.

Guest blog post by Kaiyun Zheng, Mark K. L. Wong, Toby P. N. Tsang, Chi Man Leong

A photo of a cicada emerging from its shell, clinging to a branch among green leaves at night.
Eclosion of Cryptotympana sp. during a nighttime bioblitz activity in Macao. Photo courtesy Dr. Danny Chi Man Leong

During a field trip for an ecology course in a city park, lead author Ms Kaiyun Zheng was fascinated by the incredible insect biodiversity surrounding her. Insects serve as important bioindicators—their diversity and assemblage can reveal ecological processes and environmental health. However, sampling insect diversity is often challenging, requiring extensive equipment and field effort. Despite being one of the most species-rich animal groups, insects are undergoing a global decline due to habitat loss, pollution, and urbanization. Traditional insect surveys typically demand significant time and resources and are limited in scope.

Curious to find a more accessible approach, Kaiyun began exploring insect records from both expert-led field surveys and citizen science platforms such as iNaturalist. Together with her supervisor, Dr. Danny Chi Man Leong from Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University, and co-authors Dr. Mark Wong from The University of Western Australia and Dr. Toby Tsang from University of Toronto Scarborough, they posed a key question: Can citizen science reveal hidden biodiversity beyond what expert surveys have recorded?

A photo of a woman standing outdoors, wearing a white shirt and brown skirt, holding a phone and a hat, with a backpack slung over one shoulder.
Ms. Kaiyun Zheng
A photo of a man with arms crossed, wearing a dark green sweater over a collared shirt, and a watch, standing against a wooden background.
Dr. Mark KL Wong
A photo of a man with short, tousled hair holding a camera, against a backdrop of bright sky.
Dr. Toby PN Tsang
A photo of a man standing on stage holding a microphone, wearing a dark blazer over a white T-shirt, with a watch on his wrist.
Dr. Danny Chi Man Leong

Citizen science involves participation by people without formal scientific training, who contribute to scientific research by collecting and sharing data. In biodiversity documentation, citizen scientists can use smartphones and digital platforms to record species, helping expand scientific knowledge at scale.

Using insects as a model group, the authors examined the potential of citizen science to uncover undocumented biodiversity and discussed how large-scale citizen-contributed data could enhance ecosystem monitoring. To evaluate the strengths and complementarities of different data sources, they compared an expert dataset with a citizen science dataset.

Four panels depicting insect observation data: a map, trend graphs for observations, observers, and species over time.
Spatial distribution of insect observations in Macao from the citizen science dataset (iNaturalist.org) (A), along with cumulative increases in verified identifiers (B), insect observations (C), and recorded insect species (D).

In total, 1,889 insect species were recorded across both datasets, but only 462 species (24%) overlapped. The expert dataset included 1,339 species, of which 877 (65%) were not found in the citizen science records. Conversely, the citizen science dataset documented 1,012 species, with 550 (54%) unique to it. This substantial non-overlap indicates that the two approaches capture different facets of insect diversity. For example, there was relatively high overlap for insect groups such as butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera), likely due to their conspicuous appearance and popularity among observers. In contrast, groups such as wasps, bees and ants (Hymenoptera) and flies (Diptera) were underrepresented in the citizen science dataset, suggesting challenges in detecting smaller or more cryptic species.

Venn diagram showing species counts: 877 expert recorded, 550 citizen science recorded, and 462 shared species.
Venn diagram of insect diversity between expert and citizen science datasets.

These findings highlight the importance of integrating expert surveys with citizen science efforts to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of insect biodiversity, especially in urban areas which benefit from a high participation from citizen scientists.

Their study also highlights the unique strengths of citizen science for urban biodiversity monitoring. Residents living near parks and green spaces are ideally placed to document insect occurrences in real time across a wide range of locations. Notably, the study includes a citizen-contributed record of Mortonagrion hirosei, a Near Threatened damselfly rarely observed in Macao. This example illustrates how citizen science can detect rare or cryptic species, uncovering important biodiversity records and filling gaps left by traditional surveys, making it an indispensable tool for future biodiversity monitoring.

A screenshot from a biodiversity monitoring tool displaying an occurrence of a four-spot midget damselfly.
Observation of Mortonagrion hirosei in Macao on iNaturalist (April 2020). Photo courtesy Mr. Kit Chang, used with permission.

Research article:

Zheng K, Wong MKL, Tsang TPN, Leong CM (2025) Bridging Citizen Science and Expert Surveys in urban biodiversity monitoring: Insights from insect diversity in Macao. Biodiversity Data Journal 13: e153402. https://doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.13.e153402