Nature and biodiversity - Publications

The mosquito-borne West Nile Virus has become endemic in some southern European countries. This study investigated what happens to the virus during winter, finding that mosquito hosts exhibit reduced activity during colder and wetter periods, but are still active and spreading the virus.

Swales are a type of green infrastructure used to manage stormwater. This study, in Basic and Applied Ecology, proposes that native plants, rather than species-poor grass mixes, could be used in swales, since they can tolerate urban stressors – like heat and pollution – while enhancing biodiversity.

Understanding how invasive species, such as the Atlantic blue crab (Callinectes sapidus), perform in European salt marshes is important for protecting these ecosystems. Researchers conducted an 18-month survey of a Spanish salt marsh to provide useful data for conservation as the climate warms.

Spatial plans are decision-making tools for the physical or socioeconomic arrangement of space within a territory. This study explores how spatial plans from seven European countries could improve in order to benefit biodiversity and ecosystem services and bring about truly ‘transformative change’.

Guidance document on the general system of protection of bird species - Article 5 and Article 9 of the Birds Directive

Much of Central Europe’s calcareous (limestone/chalk) grassland has been lost to agriculture. This study found that restoring grassland via shrub removal and grazing increased habitat diversity. This positively impacted wild bee species diversity, although total bee abundance was unaffected.

As seen for many amphibians globally, the Natterjack Toad is in decline in Europe due to reduction in habitat and breeding failure. The species requires monitoring for conservation. This study introduces audio recording at breeding ponds as an effective form of long-term, non-invasive monitoring.

Diversity of macroinvertebrates (e.g. snails, worms, and larval insects) is an indicator of river health. This study sampled locations along a Chinese watershed and found that downstream locations, where interconnectivity of river habitats was greater, saw higher macroinvertebrate diversity.

The document clarifies how the provisions of the Birds and Habitats Directives apply when designating and managing Natura 2000 sites in the context of climate change impacts.