Forschen und Sammeln.

Gastrosporium simplex (‘steppe truffle’) is a rare, hypogeous to epigeous, endangered
gastroid fungus belonging to the Gastrosporiaceae (Phallales, Agaricomycetes, Basidio
mycota) family. Previously found in the Pannonian region of Austria, it has now been
discovered in the Fragenstein nature reserve near Zirl on the south-western edge of the
Karwendel mountains, marking its first recorded occurrence in North Tyrol. The fun
gus’s occurrence is limited to a small area of dry, south-facing limestone grassland,
which is part of a xerothermic habitat in succession from former sheep and goat grazing
land. The most important characteristics of the fungus (fruit body, rhizomorphs, basi
dia and spores), as determined by macro- and microscopic examination, correspond to
species descriptions of G. simplex from other regions in Eurasia, as well as from the
American continent. Molecular rDNA data confirm its affiliation with this species, and
a phylogenetic tree calculation including related species shows that G. simplex, together with G. gossypinum, forms a monophyletic family within the order Phallales (Agaricomycetes). Although G. simplex is found worldwide, it is globally considered a near threatened species which is endangered with extinction in some European countries
(https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/63579691/63579694#population). This is due to
the fact that the fungus usually forms only small populations within fragmented,
xerothermic dry grassland habitats, which are declining and particularly susceptible to
human impact.

In this study we present the results of monitoring several important populations of
three protected saproxylic beetles: Cerambyx cerdo, Osmoderma eremita, and Rosalia
alpina. These three species are of special interest since their occurrence denotes the
presence of old trees and near natural forests.

Cerambyx cerdo and Osmoderma eremita were monitored at one site with species-specific
standardised sampling techniques (visual survey transects, pheromone, and bait traps).
Capture-mark-recapture techniques were employed. However, the low number of
recaptures did not allow for a reliable estimate of population size for these species.
Furthermore, additional new occurrences were confirmed, expanding the local known
distribution.

Finally, a target monitoring on a newly discovered population of Rosalia alpina involved surveys of newly placed beech logs and the surrounding natural habitats. This monitoring resulted in 79 individuals counted with 21 recaptures. Using the individual
patterns on the elytra, an open population model for capture–mark–recapture (POPAN
analysis) was used to estimate a local population of 171 adult individuals.
This study sums up the methods, results and conclusions of coordinated surveys and
monitoring of saproxylic beetles from 2023 to 2025 and underlines the need and poten
tial for long-term monitoring to inform targeted habitat management and conservation.

Cisticola juncidis was considered extinct in Trentino-South Tyrol since 1980, but recent
records indicate that the species is recolonizing the region. Initial detections were
made during standardized monitoring programs conducted by local research institutes,
followed by additional observations reported through citizen science platforms. Con
firmed reproduction over two consecutive years suggests a potential expansion of the
species within the region. Most observations occurred inside protected areas where
open habitats are maintained through extensive management practices. These findings
underline the importance of protected areas providing crucial habitats in an intensively
managed agricultural landscape and highlight the effectiveness of combining citizen
science data with standardized monitoring for tracking species distribution shifts and
detecting new occurrences or for tracking restricted populations

Abstract

1. Biological invasions are a major driver of biodiversity loss, yet inconspicuous or “cryptic” species often escape detection and public awareness, limiting management responses.
2. We investigated the freshwater jellyfish Craspedacusta sowerbii, likely native to China and now present on six continents, through a 22-month multilingual online survey across 17 European countries (n = 1388), to assess public knowledge, perceptions and views on its management.
3. Results revealed low public awareness: over 80% of respondents did not know the scientific name, 49% misidentified its freshwater habitat as marine and only 33% recognized it as non-native.
4. Aesthetic perceptions were largely positive, but mass occurrences triggered caution and direct contact was rare and usually harmless.
5. Bayesian Network analysis showed that direct observation—rather than demographic factors or scientific knowledge—was the strongest predictor of concern and support for public discussion.
6. While C. sowerbii was not widely perceived as a local threat, many respondents acknowledged its potential ecological implications and supported greater public awareness and management actions.
7. Our findings highlight how visual subtlety and limited media coverage reduce detection and prioritization of cryptic invasive alien species (IAS), hindering early warning systems and policy development.
8. Leveraging citizen science and experiential engagement can improve recognition and reporting, complement formal monitoring and support more inclusive management strategies.
9. We recommend integrating cryptic invasions like that of C. sowerbii into IAS frameworks and policies, emphasizing public participation and awareness to address overlooked, but potentially impactful species.

Abstract
Contributions to the knowledge of the genus Hieracium L. s. l. (Compositae) in the province of Belluno (Italy)
Intensive field studies in the Province of Belluno (Veneto, Italy) yielded over 2000 herbarium specimens. Furthermore, 889 specimens of the historical Hieracium collection of the herbarium of the University of Padua (PAD) were examined. As a result, two new species (Hieracium falcadense, H. padonense) and three new subspecies (H. glabratum subsp. valparolae, H. polatschekii subsp. elocatigenum and H. racemosum subsp. leiopsiforme) are newly described for science.
The names of Hieracium pallescens subsp. poperae, H. pallescens subsp. pseudoreites and H. pallescens subsp. sentinellae, published after 1 January 1935 only with a German description and thus invalid, are validated.
Hieracium armerioides var. phaeocephalum is raised to subspecies rank and the name is lectotypyfied.
Hieracium aurantiacum subsp. flavicolor and H. sphaerocephalum subsp. vittatiflorum are transferred to the genus Pilosella.
Hieracium antholzense, H. murorum subsp. nemorense, H. oligodon, H. pallescens subsp. anthyllidifolium, H. pseudobupleuroides, H. valdepilosum subsp. subalpinum and H. valdepilosum subsp. subsinuatum are new records for the province of Belluno.