http://hdl.handle.net/10174/987 2026-07-14T12:47:35Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/42352 Title: Charting taxa in Amanita section Amidella (Basidiomycota: Amanitaceae) Authors: Oliveira, Paulo; Arraiano-Castilho, Ricardo Editors: Yang, Zhu-Liang Abstract: Species determination in the Amidella clade is notoriously difficult, because of the relative dearth of diagnostic characters and the rather common occurrence of homoplasies. This results in a substantial number of misnamed and unnamed collections, a misapprehension of the geographic range of known species and a gross underestimation of the number of species it contains. To assess the diversity that should be considered as part of Amidella, DNA sequences available for this group were retrieved in public nucleotide databases, using a combination of approaches to achieve a comprehensive representation. Phylogenetic analysis based on the aligned ITS sequences, consistently with the results from other molecular markers (ncLSU, RPB2, TEF1, BTUB), suggests five major clades: one containing the type species Amanita volvata; another for Amanita ponderosa and allies; a third one (roughly half of all species) with Amanita lepiotoides; and two others without valid species yet. At species level, around 81 clades were delimited, of which only 16–17 can be assigned a valid name, with a few more corresponding to provisional taxa listed in the amanitaceae.org website. Up to three further species without assigned sequences might correspond to the proposed clades. The current evidence suggests a rather narrow geographic range for most of these clades. This study provides a phylogeny-arranged outlook of the worldwide distribution of Amidella species and an infrasectional framework for optimising taxonomic sampling and designing clade-specific molecular markers to assist in identification. 2025-09-05T23:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/42112 Title: Do offspring characteristics reflect parental migration variation? Authors: Berry, Madeleine; Davidsen, Jan; Nevoux, Marie; Aarestrup, Kim; Alexandre, Carlos M.; Silva, Sara; Thorén, Alexander; Engstöm, Anders; Ahvenainen, Matilda; Höjesjö, Johan Abstract: Sea trout, Salmo trutta, display a wide range of migratory behaviours, and one aspect of variation comes from freshwater migration distance. The overall aim of this study was to determine if offspring of long- and short-distance migrants exhibited phenotypic differences relating to parental migration distance. For that purpose, we conducted several behavioural tests (dyadic contest, boldness scoring and open field test) and morphological analysis (relative pectoral-fin length) in multiple freshwater systems across the distribution range of the target species in Europe. It was expected that offspring of long-distance migrants would be more active, bold and dominant than those of short-distance migrants and would have longer pectoral fins relative to body length. Additionally, we investigated if boldness varied in relation to latitude. We showed that offspring of long-distance migrants were more dominant in two cases and more active in one case than those of short-distance migrants; however, there was no difference in swimming distance or velocity. Boldness and relative pectoral-fin length were significantly related to site of origin; however, the direction of this relationship differed between systems. Generally, we detected a decrease in boldness with declining latitude. In summary, we have detected variation among juveniles related to location within a stream; however, the drivers and processes behind these are likely more complex than purely parental migratory strategy. Our results can inform suitable management and conservation efforts directed to anadromous Salmo trutta. For example, habitat restoration and removal of migration barriers can increase the possible range of migration distances helping maintain the phenotypic diversity of offspring. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/42096 Title: Spatial variability in juvenile sea trout data collection and assessment methods across Europe: Limitations and opportunities for standardizing analyses Authors: Alexandre, Carlos; Berry, Madeleine; Magnusson, Katarina; Silva, Sara; Louhi, Pauliina; Walker, Alan; Höjesjö, Johan; Malcolm, Iain Abstract: Brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) is a widely distributed fish species native to Europe, with high phenotypic plasticity, including resident and anadromous (sea trout) forms. Many populations are in decline, especially the anadromous ecotype towards the southern edge of their range. Evidence-based management is dependent on reliable assessment methods to characterise underperforming populations and identify mitigation actions. Assessment methods based on juvenile data are useful for trout given the species' plasticity. These typically involve comparisons between observed and expected juvenile densities, which vary geographically and with habitat quality. These estimates are mostly obtained through wading electrofishing and field-based habitat surveys. Although some national and regional trout assessment methods have been developed, efforts to develop range-wide evaluations have been constrained by a lack of common protocols. This paper summarises the national methods used to characterise juvenile trout and associated habitat based on information compiled by national representatives of the ICES WGTRUTTA. It then considers opportunities for harmonising data with the aim of developing a range-wide assessment. Survey methods varied substantially within and between countries but showed no clear spatial patterns of coherence. Development of a single set of survey and data collection methods appears highly unlikely. A more pragmatic approach could involve harmonising existing data to make them broadly comparable. This could involve selective use of fish survey data, integration of range-wide macro-scale spatial and habitat data obtained from spatial datasets and use of appropriate modelling frameworks. We also emphasise the critical importance of population data from index rivers to validate and scale juvenile assessments and to compare sampling methods. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/41957 Title: Maximising biodiversity potential in Europe’s mines and quarries: A key role for EU Nature Restoration Regulation targets Authors: Ballesteros, Miguel; Řehounková, Klara; Decleer, Kris; Martínez-Ruiz, Carolina; Alday, Josu G; Gentili, Rodolfo; Nunes, Alice; Salgueiro, Pedro A; Mahy, Gregory; Bouchoms, Samuel; Kirmer, Anita; Tischew, Sabine; Carabassa, Vicenç; Nikolic, Nina; Marrs, Rob; Prach, Karel Abstract: Amid the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and the EU’s Nature Restoration Regulation (NRR), which aims to restore degraded areas in the coming decades, post-mining sites must be integrated into biodiversity and ecosystem recovery strategies as key contributors. While mining, quarrying, and other extractive activities have considerable environmental impacts, they also present massive opportunities to create valuable habitats, support biodiversity, guide restoration efforts, and contribute to conservation. A strong foundation of scientific and practical knowledge is already in place, yet implementation gaps persist, and regulatory frameworks remain under-utilised for restoring these degraded areas. Under-exploited pathways exist to reconcile development needs with NRR restoration goals. To maximise the biodiversity potential of post-mining sites, we emphasise the need for: (1) Site-specific scientific assessments and long-term monitoring; (2) Practical restoration guidelines for European habitats; (3) The strategic use of restored site networks as demonstration areas; (4) Active stakeholder engagement; and (5) Supportive policies. 2025-09-02T23:00:00Z