Estimating the Abundance of Widely Distributed Primates

The Mesoamerican gene pool of wild Lima bean ( Phaseolus lunatus L., Fabaceae) is an important source of genes for genetic improvement of the species. Is widely distributed from northern Mexico to northern Argentina. Reports in Mexico indicate that this gene pool is distributed from Sinaloa to Chiapas on the Pacific Coast and southern Tamaulipas to the Yucatan Peninsula on the Coast of Gulf of Mexico, as well as, in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. However, despite the knowledge we have about the distribution of this gene pool, in Mexico there are still collecting gaps and unexplored regions. The objective of this study was to collect wild populations of Lima bean in Mexico to know its current distribution and establish management and conservation strategies. To do this, we collected within the natural distribution range of the Mesoamerican gene pool of Lima bean in Mexico, with the passport data was designed a geographical distribution map and assessed the conservation status of populations. Results indicated that wild populations of Lima bean have a wide geographical distribution localized mainly in tropical deciduous forest and semideciduous and elevations from zero to 2, 292 meters. In most wild population collected a low conservation status was observed, in consequence was proposed the development of strategies for in situ and ex situ conservation for wild populations with higher degree of erosion.

The Rufescent Burrowing Frog, Fejervarya rufescens, is thought to have a wide distribution across the Western Ghats in Peninsular India. This locally abundant but secretive species has a short breeding period, making it a challenging subject for field studies. We sampled 16 populations of frogs morphologically similar to F. rufescens in order to understand the variation among populations found across the Western Ghats. Our study shows significant morphological and genetic differences among the sampled populations, suggesting that F. 'rufescens' is a complex of several undescribed species. Using evidence from morphology and genetics, we confirm the presence of five distinct species in this group and formally describe four as new. The new species were delineated using a phylogeny based on three mitochondrial genes (16S, COI and Cytb) and a haplotype network of a nuclear gene (Rag1). Hereafter, the distribution of F. rufescens is restricted to the state of Karnataka and adjoining regions of northern Kerala. Three new species (Fejervarya kadar sp. nov., Fejervarya manoharani sp. nov. and Fejervarya neilcoxi sp. nov.) are from regions south of Palghat gap in the state of Kerala, and one (Fejervarya cepfi sp. nov.) from the northern Western Ghats state of Maharashtra. These findings indicate that Fejervarya frogs of the Western Ghats are more diverse than currently known. Our results will also have implications on the conservation status of F. rufescens, which was previously categorized as Least Concern based on its presumed wide geographical distribution. Furthermore, in order to facilitate a better taxonomic understanding of this region's fejervaryan frogs, we divide all the known Fejarvarya species of the Western Ghats into four major groups-Fejervarya nilagirica group, Fejervarya rufescens group, Fejervarya sahyadris group and Fejervarya syhadrensis group, based on their morphological affinities.

Rodentia is the most widely distributed, diverse, and numerous order of the class Mammalia. Nevertheless, rodents are poorly studied in terms of their conservation compared to other mammalian orders. Chile has one of the highest rates of extinction risk in the world for mammals (20%), where rodents have the highest risk (32%). The data of threatened rodent species is not comprehensive, as many species are still classified as data deficient. This lack of information could mean that the actual number of threatened species is higher than currently recognized. Using different databases, the biogeography, conservation status, ecological roles of rodent species in Chile are updated and described, and their potential zoonotic implication discussed. Results revealed that rodent species richness is highest in the northern and central-southern regions of Chile, where fewer protected areas exist, suggesting an inefficient role of public protected areas for the conservation of rodents and potentially other taxa. The conservation classification by the Chilean government did not match the conservation status from international classifications, revealing poor information for several species at national level. Functional traits of the species studied suggest that rodents are good predictors of ecosystem health due to their rapid life cycles and wide distribution, although distribution was predictive for only some species. Our results indicated that better information on the distribution and rodent species richness provide opportunities to understand complex rodent-borne diseases such as hantavirus. This study validates the use of rodents as indicators to assess ecosystem health and design effective biodiversity conservation plans.

SummaryMovement is influenced by landscape structure, configuration and geometry, but measuring distance as perceived by animals poses technical and logistical challenges. Instead, movement is typically measured using Euclidean distance, irrespective of location or landscape structure, or is based on arbitrary cost surfaces. A recently proposed extension of spatial capture‐recapture (SCR) models resolves this issue using spatial encounter histories of individuals to calculate least‐cost paths (ecological distance:Ecology,94, 2013, 287) thereby relaxing the Euclidean assumption. We evaluate the consequences of not accounting for movement heterogeneity when estimating abundance in highly structured landscapes, and demonstrate the value of this approach for estimating biologically realistic space‐use patterns and landscape connectivity.We simulated SCR data in a riparian habitat network, using the ecological distance model under a range of scenarios where space‐use in and around the landscape was increasingly associated with water (i.e. increasingly less Euclidean). To assess the influence of miscalculating distance on estimates of population size, we compared the results from the ecological and Euclidean distance based models. We then demonstrate that the ecological distance model can be used to estimate home range geometry when space use is not symmetrical. Finally, we provide a method for calculating landscape connectivity based on modelled species‐landscape interactions generated from capture‐recapture data.Using ecological distance always produced unbiased estimates of abundance. Explicitly modelling the strength of the species‐landscape interaction provided a direct measure of landscape connectivity and better characterised true home range geometry. Abundance under the Euclidean distance model was increasingly (negatively) biased as space use was more strongly associated with water and, because home ranges are assumed to be symmetrical, produced poor characterisations of home range geometry and no information about landscape connectivity.The ecological distanceSCRmodel uses spatially indexed capture‐recapture data to estimate how activity patterns are influenced by landscape structure. As well as reducing bias in estimates of abundance, this approach provides biologically realistic representations of home range geometry, and direct information about species‐landscape interactions. The incorporation of both structural (landscape) and functional (movement) components of connectivity provides a direct measure of species‐specific landscape connectivity.

Knowledge about species abundance across broad spatial areas is crucial for unraveling ecological processes. Yet, abundance estimation often demands extensive sampling effort associated with logistical challenges. Using suitability values obtained from species distribution models (based on species' presence data) as a proxy for abundance has garnered interest during the last decades. Previous studies suggest a triangular relationship between species abundance and suitability. Specifically, higher suitability can display both low and high abundances, while low suitability only low abundances. This triangular pattern arises because suitability models often fail to consider limiting factors that drive abundance. In this study, we investigate the effect of spatial scale and pattern shaping this relationship. We use a simulation study and a case study to explore how these factors affect the abundance–suitability relationship. The effects of spatial scale are represented by three model levels: 1) only broad‐scale covariates, 2) broad and intermediate covariates, and 3) broad, intermediate and local covariates. The effects of spatial patterns are characterized by two different species distribution shapes: aggregated and uniform. Our findings reveal that models integrating local‐scale covariates and species exhibiting more aggregated spatial patterns show a stronger relationship. Additionally, we observe an interaction between a species' spatial pattern and model scale. For aggregated species, the abundance–suitability relationship benefits most notably from the addition of intermediate‐scale covariates. In contrast, for uniform species, the benefit remains consistent regardless of whether intermediate‐ or local‐scale covariates are added. Our results underscore the importance of considering both methodological and ecological factors to improve proxies for abundance derived from suitability models. We highlight the need for considering information operating at a local scale to make reliable inferences about species abundance from suitability models and suggest potential strategies for doing it.

SummaryEchinops wakhanicus Rech.f. (Compositae: Cardueae: Echinopsinae) is described and illustrated, and its taxonomic position discussed. Field observations and seed collection of the species are mentioned. The genus Echinops is discussed, and comments made on its infrageneric classification, and the placement of E. wakhanicus in sect. Oligolepis. The terminology used in describing the flowering structure in the genus is discussed; the term synflorescence is preferred. Tribal and subtribal relationships are mentioned. Cultivation requirements are also outlined and, whilst certainly unavailable commercially, it is also unlikely to be found in botanical gardens, except in Tajikistan. Spanning the borders of Afghanistan and Tajikistan, the Conservation Status (of Endangered) in Tajikistan is not reflected in the species' wider distribution on the other side of the Panj River in Afghanistan, where it is considered of Least Concern. The variable spination at the apex of some of the synflorescences is commented on.

INTRODUCTION TO THE COMPOSITAE – 3

1. Conservation priorities are set on the basis of existing knowledge of the species concerned. Identification of cryptic species within former single taxa may significantly change the perspective on distribution and abundance which, in turn, might impact the species? conservation status. 2. In the 1990?s it was discovered that one of the most abundant bat species in Europe actually consists of two cryptic species, P. pipistrellus and P. pygmaeus. We systematically recorded echolocation calls from both species along road transects driven across Switzerland. Subsequently, we have used presence data obtained to analyse the species? habitat selection and respective ecological niches by GIS-modelling and by discriminant analysis. 3. Habitats mostly associated with P. pygmaeus presence are wide rivers and lakes, human settlements and open woodland habitats. P. pygmaeus is patchily distributed and only occurs in its optimum habitats, i.e. in areas characterized by the simultaneous presence of all habitats mentioned above. 4. P. pipistrellus has similar habitat preferences, but unlike P. pygmaeus, it is very tolerant with regard to deviations from its optimal habitat. The overall niche of P. pipistrellus encompasses nearly the entire global habitat availability. In contrast, the niche of P. pygmaeus is narrow and mostly included in one end of the niche of P. pipistrellus. 5. Due to its wide distribution and abundance P. pipistrellus sensu lato was ranked «not endangered» in Switzerland. In this study we found P. pipistrellus to occur in a 30-fold higher abundance than P. pygmaeus. However the rarity of P. pygmaeus and its restricted distribution significantly change the conservation status of this cryptic species. Extrapolated habitat suitability maps help to focus conservation efforts to protect important hunting areas (i.e. riparian woodlands) in regions with highest probability of occurrence. 6. Synthesis and applications. The present example points out that conservation status attributed to taxa encompassing sibling species may be misleading and needs to be changed constantly according to scientific advances. Progress in systematics will spawn more cryptic species in the near future. Ecological studies are required to assess their environmental requirements and provide the necessary baseline information for appropriate conservation.

Camera-trapping forest–woodland wildlife of western Uganda reveals how gregariousness biases estimates of relative abundance and distribution

The Pacific Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography (TINRO) in Vladivostok, Russia, conducted 12 major biological surveys in the western Bering Sea in 1986–1995. During these surveys, sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka were sampled with a new pelagic trawl. We used salmon catch, age and growth, and diet data from the TINRO surveys to evaluate the role of sockeye salmon in the structure and function of pelagic communities in the western Bering Sea. Estimates of abundance (numbers and biomass) showed large annual and seasonal fluctuations in the western Bering Sea. Immature and maturing sockeye salmon migrated to the western Bering Sea in late spring from their winter (December–May) feeding grounds in the North Pacific Ocean. Maturing sockeye salmon were distributed in the western Bering Sea from June to early August before returning to their natal spawning rivers. In late August, smolts (age n.0, where the n indicates an ocean‐age cohort and zero indicates the number of ocean annuli) began to move from coastal to offshore waters, where the largest numbers occurred in September–November. We inferred from catch data that most of the other age‐groups of sockeye salmon left the western Bering Sea by the end of November and moved southward to the North Pacific Ocean. The analyses indicated that sockeye salmon fed in the seasonal thermocline layers, where they were important consumers of interzonal zooplankton and micronektonic organisms. The dietary ration of sockeye salmon was high. The high growth rates of sockeye salmon in the western Bering Sea were comparable to those in the North Pacific Ocean. The wide distribution, numerous trophic linkages, high rations, and high growth rate of sockeye salmon establish their important role in pelagic communities of the western Bering Sea.

Estimates of abundance and diversity of Shewanella genus in natural and engineered aqueous environments with newly designed primers

Echinocereus adustus, E. pamanesii and E. schereri are three morphological related, little known species from northwestern Mexico. In order to assess their conservation status, data on their distribution and ecological conditions were gathered from herbarium specimens, field work and databases. A data matrix of about 140 records was obtained. After curating those, eighty-eight records were kept of E. adustus subsp. adustus, E. adustus subsp. schwarzii, E. pamanesii and E. shereri. Distribution maps were generated on biogeographic provinces and ecoregions, and maps of the Area of Occupancy (AOO) and Extent of Occurrence (EOO) were prepared for each taxon. We propose to update the conservation status to Endangered for E. adustus (which has a wide distribution but very restricted occupation area) and E. schereri (restricted distribution and locally very rare), and to Near Threathened for E. pamanesii, which has a small Area of Occupancy and Extent of Occurrence but is locally common in an area not exposed to agricultural activities.

Species with highly restricted distributions are intriguing especially when they co-occur with similar and related species that are more widely distributed. They are also of conservation concern because of their restricted distributions and low population size. The Forest Owlet (<em>Athene blewitti</em>) is an endangered species endemic to the central Indian landscape that occurs in apparently unconnected pockets. Two other species of owlets, with wide distributions in India, Jungle Owlet (<em>Glaucidium radiatum</em>) and Spotted Owlet (<em>Athene brama</em>) co-occur with Forest Owlet. Understanding how species use the habitat matrix is central to prioritizing conservation action. We studied the three species across an extensive part of the predicted range of Forest Owlets through 350 surveys. Our results indicate that Jungle Owlet occupancy (ψ = 0.5896, SE = 0.08) was highest, followed by Forest Owlet (ψ = 0.2517, SE = 0.10), and Spotted Owlet (ψ = 0.1781, SE = 0.07). The Forest Owlet showed a preference for stands of forests with large trees but not necessarily with closed canopies, as well as open habitats (agricultural land cover). The Spotted Owlet showed a preference for agricultural land cover with lower litter and bare ground cover. In contrast, the Jungle Owlet showed a preference for dense forest and canopy cover. The preference for agricultural cover by the Forest Owlet provides important insights into our understanding of the ecology of this owlet. Most significantly, it brings up several conservation challenges for managing this endangered species across a human-use landscape.

Conservation assessments using herbarium data reveal a genus at risk: The case of Cordia L. (Cordiaceae) in South America

Knowledge of the habitat use of wildlife in highly impacted areas is essential to identify areas of biological importance and to implement appropriate conservation measures. The Arabian Gulf represents one of the most extreme marine environments and is considered one of the regions in the world with the greatest anthropogenic impact. Information on the habitat use and abundance of marine top predator species is, however, lacking, despite being a prerequisite for effective planning of conservation measures. Here, we provide novel information for the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) in the Arabian Gulf (Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates). Data from 80 daily surveys conducted between June 2014 and November 2019 were used both to assess correlates of bottlenose dolphin habitat use and relative density and to calculate mark-recapture abundance estimates. This study confirms the strong adaptability and tolerance of this top marine predator to extreme environmental conditions within a highly heterogeneous and impacted marine habitat. The observed preferences for areas with less human pressure were likely a result of the interactions of environmental factors with prey availability and human disturbance. This study also provides the first abundance estimates for a bottlenose dolphin population in the Arabian Gulf. Our findings support the call for increased marine-protected areas and the creation of transboundary conservation areas in the region. Regional connectivity should be of value to marine predators whose wide distribution and vulnerability to human activities means that alteration of their habitats can result in population declines and eventual local or regional extinctions.