Gianluca Polgar

K-Pg events facilitated lineage transitions between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

We use dated phylogenetic trees for tetrapod vertebrates to identify lineages that shifted between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in terms of feeding or development, and to assess the timing of such events. Both stem and crown lineage ages indicate a peak in transition events in correspondence with the K-Pg mass extinction. This meets the prediction that changes in competitive pressure and resource availability following mass extinction events should facilitate such transitions.

Sabellaria jeramae, a new species (Annelida:Polychaeta: Sabellariidae) from the shallow waters of Malaysia, with a note on the ecological traits of reefs

A new species of the genus Sabellaria Lamarck, 1818 (Annelida: Polychaeta: Sabellariidae) is described from the intertidal zone of Jeram, Selangor, Malaysia. Sabellaria jeramae n. sp. is a gregarious species that constructs large reefs several hundreds of meters long and 50-200 m wide. The new species is distinguished from other congeners by the character combination of the presence of a single kind of middle paleae with conspicuous morphology, and outer paleae with long frayed teeth. Morphological features of the species are described and compared to those of all congeneric species. We also compare the reef structure and geographical distribution of the new species to those of the members of the family Sabellariidae around the world, demonstrating the ecological traits of the reefs.

Ecotourism and the Future of the Forested Wetlands of Sundaland

Sustainable ecotourism can be viable and profitable. The last chapter proposes suggestions to manage non-urban wetland areas of Sundaland. Future development of these areas must consider access to these imperiled systems by the general public, while protecting them.

Ecotonal Networks (ENTs)

A sustainable and holistic management approach—Ecotonal Networks (ENTs)—is proposed to preserve the internal hydrologic connectivity of the entire catchment. Its application to wetland habitats is discussed within the theoretical framework of Resilience Theory.

Status: Past and Present

A broad overview of the conservation status of mangrove, and peat, forests, as well as other associated wetland habitats is provided. The consequences of deforestation and habitat fragmentation to native organisms are discussed in the context of historical habitat management attempts.