Publications
Diversity of the Genus Xylaria in European Atlantic Lauroid Forest: New Records and Description of Eight New Species
A recent study reveals that European Atlantic laurel forests, including both insular and continental regions, harbor significantly higher diversity of the fungal genus Xylaria (Xylariaceae) than previously recognized. By analyzing over 80 collections from Madeira, the Azores, the Canary Islands, and mainland Iberia, researchers identified at least 13 species, eight of which are newly described. The study employed an integrative approach combining morphological observations with multilocus phylogenetic analyses using ITS, LSU, RPB2, and TUB2 loci to resolve species boundaries, particularly in morphologically cryptic lineages. This research underscores the importance of these ecosystems as reservoirs of fungal diversity and evolutionary novelty, contributing to our understanding of Xylaria's global distribution and biodiversity.
Perceções sobre Biodiversidade e Conservação da Floresta Laurissilva da Ilha da Madeira: Culturas Locais e Implicações para a Educação Ambiental
Local communities in Madeira Island exhibit a strong positive relationship with the Laurisilva Forest, rooted in traditional knowledge and intergenerational practices. This study reveals that while there is widespread appreciation for biodiversity conservation, conflicts arise between preservation efforts and socioeconomic development needs. Through semi-structured interviews and content analysis, researchers identified key cultural perceptions and concerns, underscoring the importance of community involvement in crafting contextually relevant conservation strategies. The findings highlight the need to balance ecological protection with local economic interests, offering insights that could enhance environmental education and management practices.
Vulnerabilidad de las laurisilvas macaronésicas ante el cambio global: un análisis anatómico, dendrocronológico y de la dinámica forestal.
Macaronesian cloud forests, unique to the Azores, Madeira, and Canary Islands, face heightened vulnerability due to their limited distribution and dependence on trade wind-driven cloud belts. This study reveals that these ecosystems exhibit distinct anatomical traits linked to xylem hydraulic function and regeneration strategies, with tree-ring analysis showing sensitivity to climate variability, particularly drought. Forest dynamics in preserved areas are also influenced by land-use changes and windstorms. The research combines anatomical, dendrochronological, and forest dynamics studies across 19 tree species to assess their resilience to global change drivers, providing critical insights for conservation strategies.
Mycena laurivora sp. nov., a new white species in M. sect. Polyadelphia
A new fungal species, Mycena laurivora, has been identified in the Laurisilva of Madeira and São Miguel Islands, distinguished by its white coloration and exclusive habitat on fallen leaves of Laurus spp. near watercourses or under cultivated laurels. This discovery was made through a combination of morphological (macro- and microscopic) and molecular analyses, setting it apart from other species in the Mycena sect. Polyadelphia. The study highlights the ecological specificity of M. laurivora, which thrives in the Mesomediterranean and Coline belts, contributing to the understanding of fungal biodiversity in these unique UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Species-specific responses to land-use change in island insectivorous bats
Island insectivorous bats exhibit species-specific and scale-dependent responses to human-induced land-use changes, with activity patterns varying significantly across different habitats. A large-scale bioacoustic survey on Madeira revealed that Pipistrellus maderensis thrives in shrublands, croplands, and Laurisilva (primary forest), while Nyctalus leisleri verrucosus and Plecotus austriacus show negative associations with these land-use types. Additionally, altitude negatively influenced the activity of N. leisleri verrucosus and P. austriacus. This study highlights the potential of low-cost autonomous sensors for island-wide bat surveys and underscores the importance of habitat-specific conservation strategies to mitigate threats posed by anthropogenic pressures.
Island tourism carrying capacity in the UNESCO Site Laurisilva of Madeira
Tourism carrying capacity (TCC) in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Laurisilva of Madeira is significantly below theoretical limits, yet trail access remains unrestricted despite concerns for natural resource management. This finding stems from a study that assessed TCC on two popular Rabaçal trails using a formulation integrating physical aspects and environmental correction factors. Despite UNESCO's recommendations for managing tourism impacts, the local population's perception of overuse suggests a critical gap between theoretical capacity and actual management practices.
Social Carrying Capacity in Island Destinations: Interpreting Visitors’ Opinions in Madeira Island
Visitors to the UNESCO-listed Laurisilva of Madeira exhibit only slight satisfaction with social carrying capacity, despite registering an average satisfaction level of 71%. The study identifies five key dimensions—cleanliness and natural conditions, trail amenities, trail conditions, environmental conditions, and pollution levels—as critical factors influencing visitor enjoyment. Nonparametric tests revealed statistically significant differences in satisfaction based on respondents' education levels, underscoring the importance of these social values for effective site management. This approach complements traditional physical thresholds by providing actionable insights for planning and managing island destinations.
First Sphaeroceridae (Diptera) endemic to Madeira – three new terricolous species of Spelobia and Pullimosina
Researchers have identified three new species of Sphaeroceridae (Diptera) endemic to Madeira, namely Spelobia polymorpha sp. nov., Pullimosina (Pullimosina) kesoni sp. nov., and P. (P.) dorae sp. nov. These terricolous species are inhabitants of the leaf-litter stratum in the original Madeiran laurel forests (Laurisilva), distinguished by their poor flying ability, which confines them to the island. Notably, these species exhibit no close relatives among endemic Sphaeroceridae in other Macaronesian archipelagos, such as the Canary Islands and Azores, where endemic genera differ significantly. The study describes both sexes of these new species, provides illustrations, and discusses their relationships, biology, and distribution. This discovery highlights the unique biodiversity of Madeira's laurisilva ecosystems.
A new endemic Synagapetus species (Trichoptera: Glossosomatidae) from Madeira Island (Portugal)
A new species of caddisfly, Synagapetus laurisilvanicus, has been discovered in the laurel forests (Laurisilva) of Madeira Island. This endemic species, identified from specimens collected during the 1997–1999 Laurisilva project, is closely related to Synagapetus punctatus but distinguished by unique wing venation and genital morphology, particularly the inferior appendages and aedeagus. The discovery highlights the biodiversity of Madeira's Trichoptera fauna, which has been systematically studied through intensive sampling in springs and streams across the archipelago.
Species conservation profiles of endemic spiders (Araneae) from Madeira and Selvagens archipelagos, Portugal
Seven endemic spider species from the Madeira and Selvagens archipelagos face ongoing declines, primarily due to habitat destruction, invasive plants, forest fires, and competition with invasive congeners. One species, M. barreti, is suspected of being possibly extinct. While most endemic spiders benefit from the protection of laurisilva forests, cave-dwelling, mountain-restricted species, and those threatened by invasives require urgent conservation attention. The study assesses all 56 endemic spider species using IUCN Red List criteria, highlighting the need for expanded protected areas, habitat restoration, and invasive species control to ensure their survival.
The blowflies of the Madeira Archipelago: species diversity, distribution and identification (Diptera, Calliphoridae s. l.)
A recent study updates the knowledge on blowfly diversity and distribution within the Madeira Archipelago, revealing seven species, including five new records for Porto Santo and three for the Desertas Islands. Notably, the presence of Calliphora loewi in the Laurisilva forest was confirmed, with its first instar larva redescribed, highlighting significant differences from earlier descriptions. The research also provides the first identification key for adult Madeiran blowflies, contributing to a broader understanding of Macaronesian Calliphoridae diversity.
Spatial distribution of Madeira Island Laurisilva endemic spiders (Arachnida: Araneae)
A recent biodiversity survey on Madeira Island's native Laurisilva forest revealed a significant spider diversity, with approximately 33.3% of the recorded species being Madeiran endemics. This study identified two new spider species to science—Ceratinopsis n. sp. and Theridion n. sp.—and documented the first records for Poeciloneta variegata and Tetragnatha intermedia on the island, which had not been previously reported. The research utilized standardized samples from various Laurisilva patches across Madeira, providing insights into species richness and abundance patterns. Distribution maps for endemic species were also generated, contributing to a better understanding of spider diversity in this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The drosophilids (Diptera: Drosophilidae) from a Laurisilva patch in Madeira with two new records for this island.
A recent study on the drosophilids (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in a Laurisilva patch of Madeira reveals two new species records for the island, expanding the known biodiversity of this unique ecosystem. The research employed field sampling and taxonomic identification techniques to document the diversity of fruit flies in this specific habitat. The Laurisilva is characterized by its ancient laurel forest, providing a critical environment for studying endemic and rare species. This discovery underscores the importance of such studies in understanding the ecological dynamics and conservation needs of these fragile ecosystems.
Spatial Factors Play a Major Role as Determinants of Endemic Ground Beetle Beta Diversity of Madeira Island Laurisilva
Spatial factors significantly influence the beta diversity of endemic ground beetles in Madeira Island's Laurisilva, a relict forest. The study found that 31.9% of species turnover and 40.7% of species richness variation could be explained by environmental and spatial variables. Climate, disturbance, soil organic matter content, altitude, and slope were key determinants, with spatial variables indicating the importance of dispersal ability and the island's complex orography. The research used a spatially explicit analysis to evaluate the contribution of pure environmental, pure spatial, and environmentally structured effects on beetle species richness and composition.
Multilocus analysis of nucleotide variation inDrosophila madeirensis, an endemic species of the Laurisilva forest in Madeira
A multilocus analysis reveals that Drosophila madeirensis, an endemic species of Madeira's Laurisilva forest, exhibits nucleotide variation levels similar to those of its closely related Palearctic counterpart, Drosophila subobscura. Despite coexisting in Madeira, no significant introgression was detected between the two species. The study analyzed six genomic regions distributed along the O(3) inversion, which is monomorphic in D. madeirensis but extinct in D. subobscura due to the emergence of derived arrangements (O(ST) and O(3+4)). Notably, purifying selection against deleterious nonsynonymous mutations appears less effective in D. madeirensis, with a frequency spectrum skewed towards rare variants.
A new Discidae subgenus and two new species (Gastropoda: Pulmonata) from the Canary Islands
Researchers have identified two new species of land snails (Gastropoda: Pulmonata) from the Canary Islands, belonging to the family Discidae. These discoveries are part of a broader study that raises the subgenus Atlantica to genus rank and describes shell and anatomical characteristics for these new species, which are largely restricted to the laurisilva, a laurel-rich forest found in humid subtropical and warm-temperate regions between 600 and 1,200 meters above sea level. This study provides the first detailed anatomical data for Canary Islands and Madeiran Discidae species, previously known only by shell characters. The findings contribute to our understanding of the biodiversity and speciation within this unique Macaronesian region.
Asianidia Zachvatkin (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae) associated with the laurisilva forest of Madeira island: species phenology and hostplant preferences
A study on the laurisilva forest of Madeira island identified five Asianidia Zachvatkin species, with notable differences in abundance, phenology, and host plant preferences. Asianidia decolor was the most abundant (47%), followed by A. albula (36%) and A. insulana (16%). A. chrysanthemi and A. melliferae were rare, showing monophagy, while others exhibited oligo- to polyphagy. Activity peaked in spring and summer, with secondary abundance maxima for A. albula and A. decolor in November. New host plant associations were discovered, suggesting potential roles in speciation processes due to divergent dietary preferences.
Epiphytic bryophyte diversity on Madeira Island: Effects of tree species on bryophyte species richness and composition
Madeira's laurel forest (Laurisilva) is a biodiversity hotspot, particularly for epiphytic bryophytes. A study revealed that tree species significantly influence bryophyte diversity, with typical laurel forest trees like Clethra arborea, Laurus novocanariensis, Ocotea foetens, and Persea indica hosting richer and more diverse bryophyte communities compared to non-native or less specialized species such as Erica spp. and Myrica faya. The research, conducted across 40 sites with 137 trees from seven species, identified 110 bryophyte taxa, including notable endemics absent on Erica and nearly absent on M. faya. Species density and composition varied distinctly along a gradient, underscoring the laurel forest's role as a refuge for specialized bryophytes shaped by host tree identity.
Four new European Achnanthidium species (Bacillariophyceae)
Researchers have identified four new species of the diatom genus Achnanthidium from European environments, including one discovered within the unique Laurisilva forest ecosystem on Madeira. These species—Achnanthidium hoffmannii, Achnanthidium acerosum, Achnanthidium ertzii, and A. tepidaricola—were distinguished based on morphological traits such as valve shape, areolae structure, and apical characteristics. Notably, A. ertzii was found in moss vegetation within the Laurisilva's dense, laurel forest, highlighting the region's biodiversity. The study employed light microscopy (LM) to analyze samples from oligotrophic rivers in Sweden, a greenhouse in Belgium, and the Madeira forest, providing detailed descriptions that differentiate these species from existing ones. This discovery expands the known diversity of European diatoms and contributes to our understanding of microalgal ecology in distinct habitats.
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