ALT Graphical abstract: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of fertilization regime (organic vs. inorganic) on the growth performance, nickel accumulation, and total nickel yield of the nickel hyperaccumulator Bornmuellera emarginata, cultivated under realistic field conditions in its native ultramafic environment in Northern Greece over a 3-year period.

ALT Graphical abstract: We used camera traps in Ranthambhore National Park to study the ecology and behavior of chital and sambar with respect to seasonal variations. We found that body condition and foraging increased in winter, whereas summer conditions were associated with increased movement and reduced foraging. Our results demonstrate that camera traps can generate integrated demographic and behavioral indicators of ungulate performance, with direct relevance for monitoring prey populations in predator-dominated systems.

ALT Graphical abstract: This study indicates that exogenous glutathione (GSH) applied to the roots inhibits nickel (Ni) uptake and its translocation to the shoots in hydroponically grown Brassica napus. Micro-PIXE imaging further revealed that GSH reduces Ni accumulation near the stele, indicating inhibition of Ni radial transport toward the vascular tissues. Transcriptome analysis demonstrated that Ni-induced lignin biosynthesis genes are downregulated by GSH, suggesting that GSH modulates root cell wall structure to regulate Ni mobility at the molecular level.

ALT Graphical abstract: Community scientists (citizen scientists) have monitored populations of early-spring-breeding frog species by counting egg masses at conservation sites across Japan. Using these long-term data, we examined shifts in breeding phenology in three frog species. All species showed trends toward earlier breeding, with population size influencing timing, while survey frequency had little effect. Our results indicate that warming advances amphibian breeding phenology in Japan and demonstrate the value of community science data. Photo by The Nature Conservation Society of Japan.

ALT Graphical abstract: We developed a Random Forest model to assess vegetation conservation classes (VCCs) using 5779 national survey datasets in South Korea. The model not only achieved high classification accuracy (80.4%) but also demonstrated ecological validity by correctly identifying the successional trajectories and phytosociological species composition of Pinus and Quercus communities.

ALT Graphical abstract: We investigated nest predation in the endangered Canarian houbara bustard using 229 artificial nests and camera traps. Ravens were identified as the main predators, and predation rates were influenced by raven density, vegetation cover, stone cover, and road density. These results provide practical recommendations for habitat management and strategies to reduce nest predation in houbara breeding areas.

ALT Graphical abstract: The evergreen shrub Buxus microphylla, growing on ultramafic soils of Sugashima Island, Japan, develops crimson leaves each winter. Field and laboratory results indicate that nutrient limitation and light stress lead to chlorophyll degradation and carotenoid enrichment, rather than anthocyanin formation. This pigment imbalance highlights the roles of photoprotection and nutrient status in shaping the distinctive “crimson boxwood” phenotype.

ALT Graphical abstract: Solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) and gross primary productivity decline at midday during a short heatwave in a tower site of a larch forest. High atmospheric vapor pressure deficit significantly reduced the photochemical reflectance index (PRI), light-use efficiency (LUE), and canopy fluorescence emission efficiency (εF). The study demonstrated that remote sensing of SIF and PRI effectively indicates heat- and drought-induced responses in photosynthetic activity in a forest ecosystem.

ALT Graphical abstract: Two obligate ultramaficophytes, Balkana spergulifolia and Polygonum albanicum, were analyzed for elemental profiles and differences in response to ultramafic soils. Slight differences were observed between the soil samples, corresponding to some extent to the degree of serpentinization. The analyzed plants exhibited different strategies in response to excessive element concentrations in the soil.