Browsing by Subject "Freshwater ecosystems"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
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    Ecological values of intermittent rivers for terrestrial vertebrate fauna
    (Elsevier, 2022-02) Sánchez Montoya, María del Mar; Gómez Cerezo, Rosa María; Calvo, Jose Francisco; Bartonička, Tomáš; Thibault, Datry; Paril, Petr; Ecología e Hidrología
    Rivers are generally considered critical habitats for biodiversity; however, this often ignores the fact that many rivers may run dry and support terrestrial as well as aquatic fauna. Here, we investigated the ecological value of intermittent rivers for terrestrial vertebrates by installing camera traps along rivers subject to varying dry periods in two contrasting European climatic zones. We then analysed i) species presence and behaviours (as a proxy of ecological functions) on perennial and intermittent streams; ii) environmental (hydrological and geomorphological) and anthropogenic factors affecting the frequency of occurrence and number of species recorded; and iii) the importance of hydrological factors as regards ecological functioning. In both study areas,we recorded a higher number of species and individuals along intermittent streams than perennial streams, with highest values in intermittent reaches exhibiting shorter dry periods. Both abundance and species richnesswere strongly affected by hydrological factors in both study areas, including not only the occurrence but also the duration of the dry period. Dry channels played a key role as migration corridors and as a source of food, being used more frequently than riparian habitatswhen the river ran dry. Our findings indicate that terrestrial vertebrate fauna benefit fromdry phases in rivers. Intermittent rivers, supporting a high abundance and diversity of fauna, should be considered as target ecosystems for wildlife conservation. Not doing so will jeopardise urgently needed conservation strategies in the face of accelerating global climate change.
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    Open Access
    Patterns and correlates of non‑native inland fishes in the circum‑Mediterranean region
    (Springer, 2026-04-22) Cano‑Barbacil, Carlos; García‑Berthou, Emili; Ribeiro, Filipe; Pedreño, Jesús; Ćaleta, Marko; Oliva Paterna, Francisco José; Zoología y Antropología Física; Facultad de Biología
    The circum-Mediterranean region is a global biodiversity hotspot, home to a highly distinctive freshwater fauna with a large proportion of endemic species, many of which are threatened. These ecosystems are increasingly impacted by biological invasions, particularly by non-native fishes. Here, we provide a comprehensive, updated inventory and analysis of non-native fishes recorded in inland waters across all countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, based on an extensive review of scientific literature, databases and technical reports. A total of 151 non-native fish species were recorded in circum-Mediterranean inland waters, with Italy, Spain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, France and Croatia exhibiting the highest numbers of established species. Certain orders, such as Salmoniformes and Esociformes, were significantly overrepresented among established non-native species, whereas others, including Siluriformes and Characiformes, were underrepresented. Most introductions came from other European countries, Asia and North America, primarily through escapes or intentional releases. Non-native fish species richness showed a strong positive correlation with gross domestic product, precipitation and the number of dams, underscoring the influence of economic development and habitat availability as key drivers of species establishment. We also discuss the implications for regional biodiversity conservation and highlight the need for coordinated transnational strategies.