In the arboviral vector Aedes aegypti, adaptation to anthropogenic environments has led to a major evolutionary shift separating the domestic Aedes aegypti aegypti (Aaa) ecotype from the wild Aedes aegypti formosus (Aaf) ecotype. Aaa mosquitoes are distributed globally and have higher vectorial capacity than Aaf, which remained in Africa. Despite the evolutionary and epidemiological relevance of this separation, inconsistent morphological data and a complex population structure have hindered the identification of genomic signals distinguishing the two ecotypes. Here we assessed the correspondence between the geographic distribution, population structure and genome-wide selection of 511 Aaf and 123 Aaa specimens and report adaptive signals in 186 genes that we call Aaa molecular signatures. Our results indicate that Aaa molecular signatures arose from standing variation associated with extensive ancestral polymorphisms in Aaf populations and have been co-opted for self-domestication through genomic and functional redundancy and local adaptation. Overall, we show that the behavioural shift of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes to live in association with humans relied on the fine regulation of chemosensory, neuronal and metabolic functions, as seen in the domestication processes of rabbits and silkworms. Our results also provide a foundation for the investigation of new genic targets for the control of Ae. aegypti populations.

Urbanisation significantly reshapes ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and profoundly altering wildlife behaviour. Nonetheless, our understanding of the environmental drivers of behavioural changes, as well as the concurrent effects upon interspecific interactions, remains limited. Here, we investigated the spatiotemporal adaptations of wildlife to urban environments, with a focus on predator–prey dynamics in response to urban‐specific environmental characteristics, adopting a year‐round camera‐trapping campaign within the metropolitan area of Florence, Italy. Temporal and spatial activity patterns of predators, prey, humans and domestic animals, as well as their relative overlaps, were quantified, revealing a marked increase in nocturnal behaviour amongst most wildlife species compared to their conspecifics in rural areas. A wide temporal overlap was recorded between predators and most of their prey (70%–93%), yet limited to night hours. Contrary to more natural settings, the effects of moon phases were negligible upon urban mammals, and the occurrence of humans was a strong driver of wildlife spatiotemporal behaviour. Species richness was also shaped by environmental factors, with artificial light negatively impacting diversity, whereas the presence of herbaceous edges enhanced the diversity of local mammal assemblages. Suburban regions emerged as biodiversity hotspots, highlighting the critical role of green corridors and thoughtful urban planning in mitigating biodiversity loss. Practical implication: Our findings analysed the complex interface between human activity and wildlife in urban landscapes, showing how urbanisation reshapes predator–prey dynamics and ecological interspecific interactions. Camera trapping proved to be a fundamental tool, addressing observational challenges and providing an unbiased, detailed perspective on urban wildlife adaptations.

Where introduced, the European rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus is considered among the most destructive and invasive species. To date, research focused mostly on populations of wild rabbit, whereas little is known on feral domestic rabbit populations. In this work, we reported the establishment of two self-sustaining populations of feral rabbits in Italy. Direct observations were conducted to assess rabbit range expansion and population increase over time. We also evaluated prey-predator interactions between rabbits and native red foxes Vulpes vulpes, by means of camera trapping and the analysis of fox scats. Moreover, we also assessed the social perception towards feral rabbits and the acceptability of various management options through the administration of a structured questionnaire to park visitors. Rabbit populations increased between 2018 and 2019, as well as the size of the invaded range. Rabbits are predated by foxes, but they seem to have adapted their activity rhythms to minimize the risk of predation, becoming diurnal. Park visitors loved rabbits and deemed them to be a positive presence in the park, which deserve to live there. Surgical sterilization of rabbits was the only management option which was partially supported. Feral domestic rabbits, albeit a neglected species in invasion biology, can become extremely successful invaders of urban green areas: in < 5 years, rabbits were able to colonize our study area and become a food resource for native predators and also an iconic species. These three points raise concerns about the potential impacts of invasive feral rabbits in European urban green areas and call for further research in this direction.

The Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus is contributing to the (re)-emergence of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV). To gain insights into the molecular underpinning of viral persistence, which renders a mosquito a life-long vector, we coupled small RNA and whole genome sequencing approaches on carcasses and ovaries of mosquitoes sampled 14 days post CHIKV infection and investigated the profile of small RNAs and the presence of vDNA fragments. Since Aedes genomes harbor nonretroviral Endogenous Viral Elements (nrEVEs) which confers tolerance to cognate viral infections in ovaries, we also tested whether nrEVEs are formed after CHIKV infection. We show that while small interfering (si)RNAs are evenly distributed along the full viral genome, PIWI-interacting (pi)RNAs mostly arise from a ~1000 bp window, from which a unique vDNA fragment is identified. CHIKV infection does not result in the formation of new nrEVEs, but piRNAs derived from existing nrEVEs correlate with differential expression of an endogenous transcript. These results demonstrate that all three RNAi pathways contribute to the homeostasis during the late stage of CHIKV infection, but in different ways, ranging from directly targeting the viral sequence to regulating the expression of mosquito transcripts and expand the role of nrEVEs beyond immunity against cognate viruses.

Desertification processes in Central Asia are largely dependent on soil degradation induced by excessive livestock grazing, besides climate changes. Desertification represents a threat to wildlife species living in arid environments, since reduced accessibility to water strongly affects their distribution and behavior. Moreover, livestock presence exacerbates competition with wildlife for scarce water resources. Given their crucial importance to wildlife persistence, water sources in arid environments are critical to the study of wildlife behavior and interspecific competition. The Small Gobi A is one such environment of Mongolia, characterized by high grazing pressure despite low human presence. Between September and October 2017, we conducted camera trapping surveys at two waterholes identified as potential drinking sources for wildlife. We aimed to explore the spatio-temporal interactions among large domestic ungulates (e.g., Bactrian camel Camelus bactrianus), and wild ungulates (e.g., Asian wild ass Equus hemionus, and goitered gazelle Gazella subgutturosa), which are among the most iconic and threatened ungulates of Mongolia. The results showed a complete spatial segregation between domestic and wild ungulates, and a high temporal segregation among wild ungulates. This study confirms spatial and temporal niche partitioning as a strategy adopted by wild species to reduce competition and allow species coexistence. We recommend enhanced management measures of free-roaming livestock to reduce the pressure on wild species at drinking sites.