A diatom-based approach to refine nutrient concentrations compatible with the "good" status of Northern Italy rivers.

The identification of ecologically sound thresholds represents an important step toward improving the ecological status of rivers through appropriate measures to contain nutrient loads. The aim of the present study was to estimate phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations compatible with the achievement of the "good" ecological status of rivers from data collected in the Po River District, the largest hydrographic system in Italy. For this purpose, relationships between the diatom index used in Italy for the national assessment of the stream ecological status, the ICMi (Intercalibration Common Metric index), and total phosphorus and nitrate concentrations were analyzed using monitoring data collected between 2009 and 2019.

A multidisciplinary approach to estimating wolf population size for long-term conservation.

The wolf (Canis lupus) is among the most controversial of wildlife species. Abundance estimates are required to inform public debate and policy decisions, but obtaining them at biologically relevant scales is challenging. We developed a system for comprehensive population estimation across the Italian alpine region (100,000 km ), involving 1513 trained operators representing 160 institutions.

The Pattern of Social Parasitism in Butterfly Is Driven by the Size and Spatial Distribution of the Host Ant Nests.

The parasitic relationship between butterflies and ants has been extensively studied but little information is available on the spatial occurrence of larvae. We searched for the presence of in 211 ant nests at two sites in two crucial phases of its life cycle, i.e.

Gastrointestinal Parasite Community and Phenotypic Plasticity in Native and Introduced Alien Lagomorpha.

The Convention on Biological Diversity classifies "Invasive Alien Species" as those whose introduction and spread represents a threat for biodiversity. Introduction of alien pathogens, including parasites, is one of the main consequences of the introduction of invasive alien species. The objective of this work was to assess the parasite community composition in native lagomorphs and ) in sympatric and non-sympatric conditions with an alien lagomorph (), and to evaluate the phenotypic traits of exotic parasites in such conditions.

Eradicating the grey squirrel Sciurus carolinensis from urban areas: an innovative decision-making approach based on lessons learnt in Italy.

Background: Eradication of invasive alien species supports the recovery of native biodiversity. A new European Union Regulation introduces obligations to eradicate the most harmful invasive species. However, eradications of charismatic mammals may encounter strong opposition.