Zoantharia is an order among the Hexacorallia (Anthozoa: Cnidaria), and includes at least 300 species. Previously reported genomes from scleractinian corals and actiniarian sea anemones have illuminated part of the hexacorallian diversification. However, little is known about zoantharian genomes and the early evolution of hexacorals. To explore genome evolution in this group of hexacorals, here, we report de novo genome assemblies of the zoantharians Palythoa mizigama (Pmiz) and Palythoa umbrosa (Pumb), both of which are members of the family Sphenopidae, and uniquely live in comparatively dark coral reef caves without symbiotic Symbiodiniaceae dinoflagellates. Draft genomes generated from ultra-low input PacBio sequencing totaled 373 Mbp and 319 Mbp for Pmiz and Pumb, respectively. Protein-coding genes were predicted in each genome, totaling 30,394 in Pmiz and 24,800 in Pumb, with each set having ∼93% BUSCO completeness. Comparative genomic analyses identified 3,036 conserved gene families, which were found in all analyzed hexacoral genomes. Some of the genes related to toxins, chitin degradation, and prostaglandin biosynthesis were expanded in these two Palythoa genomes and many of which aligned tandemly. Extensive gene family loss was not detected in the Palythoa lineage and five of ten putatively lost gene families likely had neuronal function, suggesting biased gene loss in Palythoa. In conclusion, our comparative analyses demonstrate evolutionary conservation of gene families in the Palythoa lineage from the common ancestor of hexacorals. Restricted loss of gene families may imply that lost neuronal functions were effective for environmental adaptation in these two Palythoa species.

Our aim was to investigate the among-populations diversity of prey composition in Eurasian Reed Warblers’ diets via their droppings, both to assess the ecological validity of this sampling method and to test whether the prey species most abundant in fecal samples were also the most present in the Italian study site. We collected fecal samples at four sites throughout Italy, for a total of 144 samples. Within reedbeds, the breeding habitat of the Eurasian Reed Warbler, we also collected arthropods by carrying out entomological sweepings at one of the study sites. Within the fecal samples, we identified dozens of prey species, belonging mainly to Araneae, Coleoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera and Aphidoidea taxa, whose compositions were not statistically different among sites. The commonest prey species were Coleoptera in the droppings (68.5%) and Diptera in the reedbeds (31.3%), although the latter was less numerous in the fecal samples. The diets of different Italian populations of Eurasian Reed Warbler emerging from our study underline a strong Coleopteran presence, without differences across Italy. Fecal samples appear to be an exhaustive method to study variation in Eurasian Reed Warbler diet and its ecological importance; however, although potential caveats do exist, such as the possible under-representation of Diptera.

The taxonomy of soft corals with a stoloniferous growth form is challenging. The family Clavulariidae and, more specifically, the genus Clavularia have acted as a repository for most stoloniferous corals that could not systematically be differentiated with morphology. In addition, the lack of morphological and genetic data for the type species of Clavularia, Clavularia viridis, has made a revision of the genus impossible. In this study, we use an integrative taxonomic approach combining morphological examinations and novel molecular methods to revise the taxonomy and systematics of Clavulariidae within Octocorallia. We re-describe key species of Clavularia, including C. viridis, C. inflata and C. koellikeri, resolve the position of Clavulariidae within Octocorallia, and present a revised taxonomy of the tropical, zooxanthellate species of Clavularia that includes morphological characters of each species. We further confirm the polyphyly of Clavulariidae, and resurrect the genus Hicksonia and family Hicksoniidae (Malacalcyonacea) to accommodate a new species with connecting tubes on multiple levels (H. tohrui sp. nov.). We also describe a new genus and species of Clavulariidae from Japan Bairdium iriomotejimaensis gen. nov., sp. nov. and a new Clavularia species from the Great Barrier Reef (C. brunafolia sp. nov.). This study resolves the fundamental taxonomy of Clavularia, and provides the necessary baseline for future works. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:61754CF6-A3C9-4D1C-AC6F-4435C12BD4AD

Halimedabioherms on the Northern Great Barrier Reef (GBR) extend for over 6000 km². To explore the ecological and biogeographical importance of these bioherms was one of the aims of a recent voyage on the Research Vessel (RV)Investigator. Through the use of underwater images and habitat sampling, we found populations ofHeteropsammia cochlea(Spengler, 1781) living in the bioherms. The scleractinian coral genusHeteropsammia(Dendrophylliidae) is a group of solitary, apozooxanthellate, single-polyp corals with a widespread distribution in tropical and sub-tropical regions. Populations ofH. cochleawere observed with individuals dispersed on open-sand habitat and among patches ofHalimedaat 30–40 m water depth in mean densities of 89 and 29 corals per m², respectively. Fluorescence microscopy was used to assess the presence of zooxanthellae, indicating that they are actively photosynthesising at these depths. These are the first observations ofH. cochleain association with theHalimedabioherms on the Northern GBR.

Artificial wetlands have become a common conservation approach to contrast the decline of biodiversity globally, as a result of the ongoing loss and fragmentation of natural habitats. Assessments on the trend of the avian biodiversity in artificial wetlands are essential to understand their conservation value. This study aims to analyse temporal changes in the abundance of bird guilds and species in small artificial wetlands in Northern Italy. We surveyed bird populations over the 2005-2019 period from three adjacent wetlands, and examined temporal trends of species as both single species and grouped in guilds. We found the water systems analysed supported a high diversity of species. Overall, we found Swans and Geese, Cormorants, Raptors and Large wading birds had an increasing trend between 2005 and 2019, while Gulls and Terns were stable, Ducks, Rails and Cranes, and Grebes and Divers were uncertain, and Shorebirds decreased. Species-specific trends were revealed: Circus cyaneus (+13.40%) and Falco vespertinus (+21.32%) increased, while Calidris pugnax decreased (-7.91%) and Aythya nyroca was uncertain (+6.30%). Furthermore, dominant species had mainly a stable abundance (e.g. Larus ridibundus and Anas platyrhynchos), while Anas crecca increased (+2.97%), Vanellus vanellus decreased (-3.65%), and Fulica atra had an uncertain trend. We described these local systems as of vital importance to sustain the local and regional avian biodiversity, also urging to ensure national and international functional connectivity between natural and artificial systems.

Background: Queensland, Australia, is a popular tourist destination particularly for families and is renowned for its beaches, natural attractions, and exotic flora and fauna. While travelling with children can be an exciting and rewarding experience, it also exposes families to a range of injury risks associated with unfamiliar settings, recreational activities and environmental hazards. Methods: Data were extracted from Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) records for injury-related cases involving non-Queensland residents aged ≤15 years attended between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2018. Ambulance pick-up location coordinates were used as a proxy for injury location. Geospatial analysis was conducted, and chi-square tests examined differences between visitor groups by age, sex, and injury characteristics. Results: There were 3802 ambulance attendances for injuries in child visitors aged ≤15 years, with interstate visitors accounting for 85.8% of cases. Coastal locations were identified as common locations for injuries in children travelling in Queensland. Falls and transport incidents were the leading injury mechanisms among both visitor groups. Burns were the third leading mechanism of injury for the 0–4-year age group in interstate child visitors. Conclusion: The findings highlight opportunities for targeted injury prevention among child visitors in tourism settings, with particular attention to children aged 0–4 years. Strategies that promote parental supervision and awareness of environmental and activity-related hazards may help reduce injuries during travel.