http://hdl.handle.net/10174/14297 2026-09-03T14:18:43Z 2026-09-03T14:18:43Z Matthys, Shaquille Rato, João Brandao, Pedro Banha, Filipe Canessa, Stefano http://hdl.handle.net/10174/42540 2026-09-03T14:15:08Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: A cost-effective basking trap design for invasive turtle management Authors: Matthys, Shaquille; Rato, João; Brandao, Pedro; Banha, Filipe; Canessa, Stefano Abstract: .

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Silva, Maria Rato, João Brandão, Pedro Rocha, Rita Anastácio, Pedro Banha, Filipe http://hdl.handle.net/10174/42539 2026-09-03T14:14:43Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Global patterns of parasite sharing among freshwater turtles Authors: Silva, Maria; Rato, João; Brandão, Pedro; Rocha, Rita; Anastácio, Pedro; Banha, Filipe Abstract: Freshwater turtles represent a highly diverse and ecologically important group, yet they are among the most threatened vertebrates worldwide due to habitat loss, overexploitation, and the introduction of non-native species. In this study, we conducted a systematic literature review, following PRISMA guidelines, to assess parasite sharing among native and nonnative freshwater turtles globally, compiling data from 294 publications spanning 1939 to 2025. Our analyses, including multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) and clustering analysis, revealed that parasite communities are strongly structured by host phylogeny, biogeography, and the presence of non-native species. In North America, Asia, and South America, both native and introduced turtles share extensive parasite networks, whereas Oceania and Africa show mostly endemic, intra-native associations. Non-native species such as Trachemys scripta may act as epidemiological bridges in Europe, facilitating parasite spillover to native hosts. These findings underscore the influence of evolutionary history, species introductions, and geographic isolation on host–parasite dynamics and highlight the need for targeted monitoring and management strategies to mitigate ecological and health risks.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Luiz, Marta Banha, Filipe Brito, Gonçalo e Silva, Bianca Cambiaghi Anastácio, Pedro M. Gesto, Manuel Soares, Marta C. http://hdl.handle.net/10174/42538 2026-09-03T14:14:11Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Behavioral and physiological dynamics of a native minnow exposed to invasive fish species Authors: Luiz, Marta; Banha, Filipe; Brito, Gonçalo; e Silva, Bianca Cambiaghi; Anastácio, Pedro M.; Gesto, Manuel; Soares, Marta C. Abstract: The introduction of invasive alien species is a major threat to freshwater biodiversity, particularly in Mediterranean ecosystems where seasonal droughts increase population density and social stress. This study investigated the effects of the presence and of variables densities of two widespread invasive fish species Gambusia holbrooki (Girard, 1859) and Lepomis gibbosus (Linnaeus, 1758), on the behaviour and physiology of the Iberian endemic Squalius alburnoides (Steindachner, 1866). Under baseline density, exposure to G. holbrooki significantly altered the behaviour of S. alburnoides, leading to increased aggression towards conspecifics, enhanced evasion, and a rise in the number of attacks suffered. These behavioral changes were accompanied by a reduction in forebrain dopamine levels, suggesting that dopaminergic influence stress-related responses. In contrast, interactions with L. gibbosus under the same conditions did not produce significant behavioral or physiological effects, although conspecific aggression showed temporal fluctuations. Under high-density conditions, both invaders intensified antagonistic interactions with S. alburnoides. Significant neurochemical alterations occurred solely in fish exposed to G. holbrooki, which showed elevated 5-HIAA concentrations and increased DOPAC/DA and 5-HIAA/5- HT ratios, indicating activation of serotonergic and dopaminergic pathways. Unexpectedly, plasma cortisol levels in S. alburnoides decreased in the presence of both invader species, suggesting a possible downregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–interrenal axis under putative social stress. Overall, our results demonstrate that invasive species differentially modulate behavioral and physiological stress responses in S. alburnoides, with G. holbrooki exerting stronger effects than L. gibbosus, and that higher densities amplify these species-specific interactions.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Fariñas-Bermejo, A Petitguyot, M Jacinto, D Neves, F et al. http://hdl.handle.net/10174/42495 2026-08-20T12:31:05Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: European stranding networks as a tool for monitoring marine mammal populations (Part II): assessing their utility to monitor bycatch mortality Authors: Fariñas-Bermejo, A; Petitguyot, M; Jacinto, D; Neves, F; et al. Abstract: Fisheries bycatch is an important source of direct human-induced mortality for marine mammals worldwide. Despite its significance, monitoring and quantifying bycatch mortality remains challenging. The examination of stranded animals can provide key information to assess the importance of bycatch mortality, contributing to understanding its impact on populations, and identifying the fisheries responsible. However, the utility of data from strandings remains underexplored. Based on an expert consultation using a questionnaire carried out under the auspices of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea Working Group on Marine Mammal Ecology, this study assessed the potential of stranding networks in Western Europe to support the assessment of marine mammal population status and impacts of stressors. The present paper (the second of two) focuses on information on bycatch collected from strandings, and its utility for monitoring and assessing bycatch mortality. Responses from 45 organizations in 19 countries indicated that extensive information on marine mammal bycatch mortality is collected and can sometimes be used to identify the species or populations most affected by bycatch, reveal spatio-temporal trends in bycatch mortality, and determine the fisheries and/or fishing gear involved. However, the survey identified several limitations that hinder the contribution of stranding data to bycatch impact monitoring and assessment. There is a need to strengthen data collection and reporting, especially for certain taxa and regions, and for wider adoption and harmonization of best practise protocols for diagnosing causes of mortality and understanding its context, e.g. by determining health status, estimating demographic parameters, helping to identify the fishing gears responsible for bycatch mortality, and appropriately communicating the degree of uncertainty associated with interpretations. Carcass drift models could enable stranding data to be used to estimate total bycatch mortality and contribute to assessing the impact on populations. The need for adequate baseline funding for stranding networks to carry out their activities and for streamlined data reporting was widely recognized. Achieving coordinated, harmonized, large-scale and long-term data and samples collection following best practices will be essential to ensure that data from strandings on bycatch mortality can be integrated into bycatch impact assessments to inform management.

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