Genetic analysis of L 1758 (Mollusca, Bivalvia, Pinnidae) in the Northwest Cabo Verde Islands (Central-East Atlantic).

The rough pen shell Linnaeus, 1758 (family Pinnidae) is a mollusc with an Atlantic-Mediterranean distribution, typically inhabiting coarse sandy substrates. Habitat degradation is considered the primary cause of population decline, leading to the designation 'Vulnerable' in certain regions. In this study, we conducted a genetic analysis of populations of from Cabo Verde and compared them with populations from the Mediterranean and Macaronesia.

Trust your guts? The effect of gut section on diet composition and impact of on islands using metabarcoding.

DNA metabarcoding is widely used to characterize the diet of species, and it becomes very relevant for biodiversity conservation, allowing the understanding of trophic chains and the impact of invasive species. The need for cost-effective biodiversity monitoring methods fostered advances in this technique. One question that arises is which sample type provides a better diet representation.

Insular geckos provide experimental evidence on refuge selection priorities by ectotherms.

In small sedentary ectotherms, patterns of spatial use result from the interplay between multiple, often conflicting factors, including abiotic and biotic interactions. Evaluating the costs and benefits of these pressures is crucial to make correct behavioural decisions in terms of fitness. The insular São Vicente's wall gecko Tarentola substituta provides a relatively simple model system to study these questions as it inhabits arid rocky habitats where refuges are limited, density of conspecifics is high, and terrestrial predators are almost absent.

Drivers of Cape Verde archipelagic endemism in keyhole limpets.

Oceanic archipelagos are the ideal setting for investigating processes that shape species assemblages. Focusing on keyhole limpets, genera Fissurella and Diodora from Cape Verde Islands, we used an integrative approach combining molecular phylogenetics with ocean transport simulations to infer species distribution patterns and analyse connectivity. Dispersal simulations, using pelagic larval duration and ocean currents as proxies, showed a reduced level of connectivity despite short distances between some of the islands.

An ecophysiological background for biogeographic patterns of two island lizards?

Distributions of sedentary ectotherms are dependent on temperature and humidity due to their low homeostatic and dispersal abilities. Lizards are strongly conditioned by temperature, but hydric environment may be also important, at least in arid environments. Biotic interactions may also play a role in range patterns, but they are of minor importance in islands where native species monopolize well-delimited niche spaces.